Chapter Text
“Now, Presenting,” He growled under his breath, pausing for dramatic effect before spinning on his heel and proclaiming loudly; “The fantastical ‘Back Flipping Rubber Duck’!” He showcased his newest creation proudly above his head with a victorious chuckle. “That breathes fire!” He roared as loudly as he could while it released a large cloud of flames from its mouth.
He laughed boisterously all the while trying to ignore the deep panging in his stomach as he tried desperately to distract himself. But the longer he stared down at the rubber ducky in his hands, the worse that feeling became. Until finally, he let out a long sigh. “Oh, what am I thinking?” He asked to no one in particular.
“This is stupid!” he roared as he threw the stupid duck over his shoulder. It landed with a squeak against one of the photos on the wall, bringing with it Lucifer’s gaze as he watched it soar across the room.
He paused. That panging in his stomach tightened and he flinched under the pressure. His gaze refused to leave the picture that was bolted to the wall. In it was himself, a rather large smile on his face as he laughed joyously. In his hands he held the two people who could rule his heart.
Except, his chest clenched as he gazed at his wife. Ex-wife. Her smile was so soft and endearing as she chuckled, bending slightly so she could lean into him. Her radiance was even more intense in this photo, it’s no wonder he hadn’t the heart to throw it out yet.
It felt as if the room was growing bigger the longer he stared at her. Distant memories fading and mixing together. Of happier times before all the loneliness. The laughter had turned sour and cruel, condescending in a way that he’s only felt once from someone that was supposed to protect him. He was supposed to be a divine creature, he had a purpose . His dreams were celebrated far and wide across the Heavens and he was considered one of the best.
But now, things are different. He wasn’t celebrated anymore. His name was now cursed. His fall from the graces was broadcasted throughout Hell and he was scorned by his own family. He became a flea under the guise of being ‘royalty’ by Hell’s standards. Lucifer became a ‘second thought’ to those he loved. Forced to the shadows by his own doing.
He wanted to rear back, to run away and hide from that smile so eloquently depicted on his wall. Away from all the responsibilities he now had to face. He wanted to run because that was easier to do rather than face the consequences of his actions. And he was still running. Hiding and locked away from prying eyes, hidden within the four walls he was once trapped in. It was easier to stay here. Away from the fires. Away from the bloodshed. Away from his mistakes.
But how much longer can he stand here? Ignorant to the pain and suffering around him before he succumbs to his deepest sorrows?
As far as he was aware, his position in Heaven was taken from him by acts of trickery. He was just as fooled as those he wished to exploit. All of this, everything he is now was the result of a much deeper, darker plan. And he wasn’t sure how much longer he could stay in his bubble of ignorance.
Lucifer flinched and stumbled backwards slightly as he tripped over one of the thousands of rubber ducks that littered the ground. His hands frantically searched for the cause of that obnoxious circus tune that blasted through the speakers.
On the second ring, he finally managed to find his cell phone in his pocket and pulled it out with a grumble. “Who could be-” He didn’t get to finish his thought before he read the name plastered across the devices screen.
‘ Charlie.’
“Daughter’s calling… Daughter’s calling?!” He mumbled to no one in particular, his heart pounding in his ears as he swallowed thickly. “She hasn’t called in months. This…” It was already on its third ring.
Lucifer looked at himself in the mirror. He barely recognized the person that stood in front of him. This man was frail. Scared. All elegance he once held himself with gone along with the shreds of his dignity. His status had been stripped away and he was now a shell of the dreamer he used to be.
But he digresses. This isn’t about him. This is about Charlie, his beloved daughter. Whom he will always try to be better for, even if he fails almost every time.
He swiped along the screen and sucked in a deep breath, keeping his voice steady as he held the device to his ear as the line connected. Now it was time to act like nothing was wrong. Like she hadn’t just caught him at a bad time and he was happy-go-lucky as ever. “Heyy, bitch.”
Nailed it.
He could hear a slight inhale from the other side before Charlie’s voice came out from the other side. “Hey, Dad.”
Maybe not.
“Charlie! How are you? What’re you doing these days? How’s everything?” The words were like vomit and he couldn’t stop them from coming out. Lucifer had to resist the urge to throw his phone away, pleading to the graces for those voices to stop.
She doesn’t love you. She’s just using you. Like everyone always does.
“I’m fine, dad. And you already know, the hotel is running smoothly. I really think we have a chance to turn things around.” Charlie’s voice cut through the static in Lucifer’s head like a knife.
Splitting the fog that settled over him abruptly and shedding some light through the darkness he often found himself in. Why couldn’t he ever stay like that for long? His words always seemed to fail him. “Ahh, yes. The hotel. Your hotel. That’s good to hear, turning things and all that fun stuff.”
Silence met his words. How did he mess up this time?
“You do remember what I’m trying to do, right?” Charlie sounded exasperated as she let out a soft sigh.
Lucifer bit the inside of his cheek and let out a choked cough as he spun on his heel and faced the mirror again. What was he supposed to remember? It had been weeks since his last conversation with the outside world. Or was it months? He had no clue and he probably never would. “I, uh…”
Oh boy. This isn’t going to go well.
“Right, that was five months ago. Of course you forgot.” Charlie’s remark stung. He could feel his throat tightening as the disappointment in her voice welded itself into his brain. Rooting itself along with all the other voices that whispered at the edges of his senses.
“No, no. I remember now! Sorry, my mind’s not exactly what it used to be.” It was not exactly a lie. He could do this. What was her purpose for remodeling one of his old hotels? He didn’t realize he had trailed off until Charlie’s voice broke through his thoughts.
“I’m trying to rehabilitate sinners? Stop Heaven’s exterminations and save our people? Maybe you saw our commercial?”
And just like that, his previous chat with her came rushing to the forefront of his mind with a vengeance. Remembering how excited she was to be starting her dream but seeking some form of reassurance that she was, in fact, making the right decision.
That conversation hadn’t exactly gone as planned either. He was given an olive branch and he failed to meet its requirements; dismantling any ounce of trust between them completely. Or so he thought.
Maybe, just maybe this is his second chance. But he had to be careful, and honest. “No, sadly. I missed it. Haven’t exactly been watching much t.v lately. Not really my thing, you know, scrambles the brain and everything.” He chuckled awkwardly and ran his hand through his hair nervously.
He could vaguely make out the sounds of Charlie pacing back and forth, the sounds of her footsteps echoing slightly. “It’s okay! That’s perfectly okay. We can talk about it later. Right, dad?”
Did he… did he actually do something right this time? He’d never know as Charlie never let him get a word in before she continued, sounding more determined than before. “Anyways, let me get to the point.”
Lucifer had listened intently to her words, his gaze locked on the same painting as before. But this time his gaze sought out a different smile. One so full of innocence and beauty that he was proud to say that Charlie was one of the best, if not the only thing that matters, thing he’s ever created. He took a sip of his tea to keep away the word vomit that wanted to escape.
“I have something I need to ask you.”
Lucifer choked. Literally and figuratively. He coughed and nearly dropped his tea cup all the while struggling to hold his phone steady and absolutely not to lose against his fight against the impending coughing fit that was sure to follow.
He lost.
He let out a muffled cough and dropped his tea cip on the table, using his now free arm to pound against his chest.
But all the while he struggled to breathe, his mind froze.
Lucifer was very often proven correct in his assumptions. But when he was, it would always be a shock. Yet, he couldn't refuse her. He cleared his throat a final time, Charlie having waited for him to collect himself before continuing. “Are you okay?” She asked.
“Yup, yeah. Of course. Ask me anything. Whatever’s in my power is yours for the asking, my dear.” He tried to add a bit of excitement in his voice as he feigned ignorance to his previous struggles.
Charlie sucked in a deep breath. “I need a meeting with Heaven. Someone, anyone higher than Adam. Please dad, I know I can prove to them that sinners can be redeemed if I can just get them to understand.”
Lucifer barely had time to stop the word vomit from exploding as his heart began to pound harshly against his chest. “No, nonnononono.” He began pacing between his table and desk, his hand ruffling through his hair as he tried to calm his rapidly rising panic. “Charlie, I can’t. Anything but that.”
“ Dad,” Charlie sounded exasperated now as she let out a soft growl before lowering her voice once again at a more calm tone. “I don’t ask for much, I never have. Please do this one thing for me and I’ll never bother you again, I promise.” She pleaded, sounding so small.
Lucifer bit his knuckle unconsciously as his gaze settled on that stupid photo once again. Lilith’s smile turned mockingly the longer he stared. He sat in his chair and turned his back on it, holding his head in his free hand. All the while keeping his phone close to his ear. “I… I don’t know, Charlie.”
“Don’t make up your mind right now. At least come see what I’m trying to do. Maybe then you’ll understand how important this is to me. Please, dad. I’m begging you, please come.”
The storm that threatened over Lucifer’s head receded and finally allowed him to see a light in all this darkness. “Are you… inviting me over?” he asked, almost quietly before his excitement got the better of him and he sat up with a wide smile. “Absolutely! I’ll be there in an hour.” He exclaimed with glee before hanging up, not giving her much time to answer. He had to take this chance. Whatever he’s done before doesn’t matter as long as he has the opportunity to begin to repair his relationship with his daughter.
He began humming as he jumped to his feet and spun on his heel. “My daughter wants to see me!” He hummed in tune with his dancing as he neared the door. “Take that depression.”
“This can’t be happening.” He chuckled dryly, covering his mouth with his hands. After all this time, he’s finally got a chance to see her. Sure, they’ve spoken on the phone multiple times over the years. But that was merely a speck of what could be.
This time however, he’s got a chance to actually be with her. Get out of this room and away from his ever growing delusions and be in the ‘fresh air’. He was so excited, he was practically shaking in excitement.
With this incredible opportunity, Lucifer might actually get something he wants.
~~~
“How come he can have faith in me, but my own father can’t?”
Those words were like a blow straight to the gut. The smile he forced onto his face fell and he looked towards the ground. A distant memory springing forth deep in his mind. A voice.
‘Father, please!’
He’d pleaded with his father. But his words fell on deaf ears as he watched the only person to understand and appreciate him turn his back on Lucifer.
Then pain. Lucifer screamed as he was met with the force of Heaven’s spears. Familiar faces turned to stone as they pelted him with their spears. No matter what he tried, they wouldn’t stop. The spears sped past him, scratching and slicing through his clothes. Some pierced through his wings and pinned him to the ground while others ripped past him. He began to shake. But he wasn’t sure if it was him or the building threatening to give way under the weight of the attacks.
“Please, don’t do this!” His throat burned as he cried. His whole body ached.. Buzzing and throbbing. Static blood seemed to spread from his fingertips, slowly engulfing his arms. He was cold. Shaky and pale. He tried to suck in a deep breath but all he could make out were screams. They sounded distant. Like he was in a cave and the screams were mere echoes.
He wanted the screaming to stop. He couldn’t bear those gut-wrenching shouts of pain any longer. His senses were blown open. and wailed. And it took Lucifer a few embarrassingly long seconds to realize those screams were his own. A fire had been set and he was paying the price.
Lucifer’s throat tightened. He took a glance over his shoulder, eyes blinking. His vision cleared and he returned to the present just as quickly as he left. Freezing at the sight of all the bloodshed and bodies that littered the ground. Black smoke radiated off of the ‘radio demon’ as he finished off the last of the shark demons.
The static throbbing in his back pulsates with each passing second. Beads of sweat build and drip down the nape of Lucifer’s neck all the while he finds himself seeking help to steady himself from a nearby wall.
He never should have come here. It’s that simple. Because if he never came here then he’d never have messed up this badly. He wouldn’t be forced to confront his own failures that seemed to take the form of his daughter.
But Sinner’s cannot be redeemed. Heaven will not listen to reason. It’s a lesson Lucifer learned thousands of years ago. He knew the wrath of Heaven and he could not let Charlie face the same fate.
But was it worth shutting down her dreams because he was scared? Lucifer didn’t know. He couldn’t know.
The stone felt cold even through his gloved fingers. He relished in it as Charlie continues. “I know I can make Heaven understand. I can change their minds and save our people. I just need a meeting with someone and to prove that my idea works.”
Lucifer flinched under Charlie’s pleas. Some part of him wanted to believe it was possible. The part of him that had long since been snuffed out and buried in the darkest corners of his mind. It wanted out. Having found something to believe in, hope for.
But there was the more rational part of Lucifer that told him this wasn’t going to work. Heaven will never listen. And if they even allowed her to present her ideas to the court, there was no telling to how they would react. It wasn’t like he could possibly go with her. He was banned from setting foot within the pearly gates, no matter the circumstances.
He couldn’t protect her from their anger. She would face the same hatred he had eons ago and that was what terrifies Lucifer more than anything. “I can’t. Heaven didn’t listen to me. They will not listen to you.” Lucifer tried to reason with her. But his mind was scrambled.
The difference between the present and the past mingled together in his mind. And he was suddenly back in those chains. Pinned to the floor of Heaven’s council room.
His wails filled the void as the flames dissipated. Leaving his skin burning and flaky. His sight danced between blurred shapes and distorted shadows. His limbs felt like rocks, each movement sending a new wave of pins and needles through the singed nerves.
Lucifer whimpered. His tears stung the burns on his cheeks and he could barely make out the shapes in front of him before he’s picked off the ground by his arm. He let out a choked sob as the pressure itched and throbbed but he was too weak to pull away.
His charred knees scraped against the floor, sending shockwaves of vibrations throughout his body. His nerves sing in anguish as he’s dragged unceremoniously across the floor.
It felt like forever before he’s dropped ungracefully in a pile of limbs. Too weak to brace against the slight fall, Lucifer’s head connected with the stone floor and stars danced around his sight. All the air was forced out of his lungs and he’s left gasping for air. He’s left feeling weak and helpless. This time, however, no one would come to save him.
He barely gets the chance to breathe before he’s being forced upwards once again. A hand tightened around his chin and forced him to look up, keeping the pressure so tight he’s already bit his cheek to the point it started bleeding.
“Look how the mighty have fallen.” Lucifer’s eyes widened at that voice. His vision finally focused enough for him to make out those familiar blue eyes glaring down at him.
His throat convulsed and threatened to close around the words that wanted out. But he was in too much pain to let out anything more than whimpers as he tried to cling onto his brother.
Until finally, he was able to pull himself together enough to whisper; “Michael, please.”
The hand tightens around Lucifer’s chin and he’s lifted off of his feet. Any airflow Lucifer hoped to gain had officially been closed off and he was left scrambling against the forearm of his attacker. His nails dug into the soft skin and drawing out that once elegant golden liquid from his brother’s arm. But Michael’s glare persisted.
Just when Lucifer thought he was going to lose his fight against unconsciousness, Michael’s grip loosened just enough to allow him to suck in a huge gulp of air. But his sweet relief was only short lived as his brother leaned in closer to whisper; “You brought this upon yourself, brother.”
Lucifer didn’t have time to question what he meant before gravity took hold of him. And he let out a scream as he fell, his hand reaching out for someone who would never come.
“You don’t know that!” Charlie’s voice cut through the ringing in Lucifer’s ears. And suddenly everything was too much. Lucifer’s hands had found their way into his hair. Pulling against his scalp and adding to the pressure that was beginning to build in his skull.
He needed it to stop. But how? It was too much and Lucifer felt the moment his self control snapped. “I do!” He roared back. Tears sprang to the forefront of Lucifer’s eyes as he realized what he said. That’s when the word vomit began. “I’ve already tried this.” He chuckled weakly, stepping away from the light that streamed through the holes in the walls. “But there came a time when I couldn’t…” Lucifer’s throat closed against his wishes.
“Dad, I-” Charlie tried to interrupt but Lucifer stopped her with a single tap of his cane. He hadn’t meant to. And he hated the look of shock on her face at his sudden movements. But he wouldn’t let her continue to doubt his reasonings for denying her dream.
“Charlie!” He wanted to leave. To run. But he couldn’t. Not this time. His throat started tightening and his chest constricted within itself. His vision wobbled slightly and he took a step backwards, hand on his chest. “You don’t understand.”
“No, you don’t understand.” Charlie cut him off. She took a step towards him, a fire blazing in her eyes as she practically towered over him. Lucifer tries to swallow but his throat is dry. “I can’t stand by and watch as our people are murdered. I need to do something. It’s my duty as the Princess of Hell.”
All the turmoil within Lucifer’s chest came to an abrupt stop. And for the first time it was like a reminder of who Charlie really was. Although she may appear in his image, there was definitely Lilith’s presence radiating off of the princess.
At the mere thought of his wife, ex-wife, anger burned and radiated from somewhere deep inside. And it took a great deal of strength to contain it. But where his strength failed him was keeping the shakiness out of his voice. “You think I wanted this?!” He hissed, almost too quietly for even him to hear.
Charlie’s anger faded just as quickly as it appeared. “What?” she asked.
“Sinner’s can’t be redeemed. I’ve learnt that the hard way.” Lucifer decided against finishing that thought. Although his brain was scrambling. Voices and thoughts thrown about that he would never be able to catch. Heaven. Anger. Spears. Falling. Lucifer’s thoughts were far and in between but he was able to put together the common topics. But he couldn’t, no he wouldn’t allow Charlie to feel the same pain he did. “Heaven will not listen to reason, no matter what case is presented. Or whom. If they disagree, there’s no telling what they could do.”
“But they’re already doing something. Can’t you see? They are killing innocent souls! Human souls!” Charlie protested.
Lucifer sighed deeply. “I hardly think they’re innocent! Why do you think they end up here?” He gestured around, talking about hell as a whole. “I never wanted this. But Heaven knows exactly what to do when they don’t get their way.”
Charlie froze at his implications, however she only took a step closer. Hand on her chest as she reached out for his hand. “I know the stakes, dad. And I know that we can handle whatever Heaven throws at us. But we can only do it together.”
“You don’t know anything.” Lucifer hadn’t meant to say it. He had thought it but it wasn’t supposed to come out. But it did. And the horror he felt upon hearing those words fall from him was enough to shatter whatever walls he’s built around himself.
He sounded just like his own father.
No. No. He took a step back and held his head in his hands. Except that didn’t help this. Lucifer knew this feeling and he hated it. He hated it because he could never control it.
However, his words seemed to do little to change Chalrie’s mind. “I know that Heaven won’t stop until they’ve killed all of us. Adam won’t listen so I need to go to the top. Why can’t you just let me do this?”
“Because I’ve been through this. I’ve done it all. And look what it’s gotten me!” Tears sprung to life in his eyes and he quickly turned on his heel. He wiped at his eyes and cursed under his breath when they refused to stop. “I’ve lost everything.” The words sounded hollow coming from him. Lucifer, The King of Hell, considers this place a prison. One of his own doing.
Yet, if there was one good thing that came with his banishment it would be Charlie. He blinked once and his hands tightened into fists. He will not allow Heaven to harm the only thing he has left, keeping him alive and kicking.
“Dad, I don’t need you to protect me anymore. I’m not a child.” Charlie started to protest. But Lucifer wouldn’t listen. He didn’t want to. He jumped forwards and grasped her hands as gently as he possibly could while also trying to show her exactly why he couldn’t agree.
“Charlie, please.” He tried, desperately. “You’re the only thing I have left and if they take you away.” Lucifer’s voice cracked and he stopped. He couldn’t think like that. Nothing was going to happen. Not on his watch. He cleared his throat and lowered his eyes. “Our people are the least of my concerns. Hellborn or not, I will not condone this.”
“But-” Charlie started, not letting go of his hands even as he tried to pull away. He was stopped in his tracks and lowered his gaze, expecting to be sent reeling backwards by an object he could deflect, but wouldn’t. Lucifer was used to disappointment these days. And frankly, he felt as though he deserved to be seen as the weak man he truly was. If Hell would allow it, that is.
“You told me that I could do anything I put my mind to.” Charlie started, keeping his wrists close to her chest. But Lucifer stopped struggling. She remembers? “No matter who told me it wasn’t possible.”
“You…” Lucifer trailed off. He turned his attention back to her and ignored the salty liquid that threatened to pour out of the corners of his eyes. “You remember.” He finished, swallowing quickly before speaking.
Charlie smiled down at him, her expression soft as she pulled him forwards. She led his hand to her cheek and leaned into his palm with sad eyes. “I’ve always loved your stories, Dad. I always thought that if I could make one of them come true, then this,” She gestured towards the broken wall where her friends stood. They all smiled encouragingly towards them before Charlie turned her gaze back to him. “This is how we do it.”
Lucifer blinked. He hadn’t realized she stepped away from him until now. But seeing how confident she was. The trust and faith her friends have put into her to put their lives on the line.
“Are you sure about this?” Lucifer couldn’t help himself but ask. It was simple really. He wasn’t sure her dream was possible to begin with. But if Charlie believed that the redemption of Sinners is exactly what Hell needs, then he’d be foolish to stand against her. She’s too stubborn to stop, apparently. But that meant she was determined.
“I’m sure. I know this will work.” Charlie stated, a fire igniting in her eyes. Her resolve seemed to grow with each passing second. But for a moment, Lucifer swore he saw a flash of hesitancy in her eyes. She stepped away from him then, and sought out a different gaze this time.
Lucifer scanned around the room, noticing for the first time that her friends were watching this entire time. But he didn’t care. This conversation was definitely needed. However, what Lucifer wasn’t expecting was to see how each one of them seemed to be backing her up. Not with words, no. But with their presence. Like just being there gave Charlie the strength she needed to accomplish her dreams.
And for the first time that day, Lucifer saw Charlie for who she was. No longer was she a child that needed protection. But rather she was a young adult with ideals about a word she was naive too. Coming into her own without the guidance she so desperately needed. The same thing he had pleaded for time and time again. Although, she had managed to put together a group of people who share her ideals. Becoming a support system that she’s able to call on and build around it.
And it reminded him of the importance of being able to rely on others and how much that trust goes a long way. Except Lucifer hoped she chose her friends closely, knowing how easily it would be for someone to use her for their advantage. “I know you’re scared. But I need to do this. It’s my destiny.”
Her eyes finally landed on a pair of red eyes that Lucifer had hoped wouldn’t be here. But alas, that dickhead still sent a mocking smile in Lucifer’s direction. He matched the smile with a glare of his own. However, it was short lived as he noticed the way Maggie, was that her name? Anyway, Lucifer’s gaze softened at the silent threat that was sent his way.
He couldn’t let his emotions get the better of him. Not this time. Not when everything he’s ever hoped for was riding on his next words. Lucifer let out a shaky breath. His hands shook. He clutched onto his cane like a lifeline, hoping to keep his emotions at bay.
This place wasn’t a means to an end like Lucifer originally thought.
“Dad, can’t you see that I need to do this? “ Charlie asked, gesturing around herself. “This hotel could be so much more if just given a chance. Please, dad. I need to save my people. That’s my dream. Are you really going to let me do this alone?”
All this time, he’s never realized how much she resembled him until now. With the red sun shining through the cracks in the roof and coating her in light. It was almost angelic in a way that was unquestionably Charlie’s. Yet, he couldn’t help but ask himself if this is how people felt when he came to them with his crazy ideas.
However, for once, for all his worrying of the future. It would seem he’s not the only one thinking of such things. But these decisions required a lot more patience and backbone that he’d like to admit. Plus, it didn’t hurt to see the upside in Charlie’s plans succeeding. With Sinner’s able to be redeemed and sent to Heaven, it’ll put a stop to the exterminations. With the exterminations over, Hell would be in a slightly better state than it would be with all this useless killing.
For once, Lucifer sees that there is a chance to change things. And it all starts with Charlie. It always has. He was just too blind to see it before. But no more. He sucked in a deep breath and wiped at his eyes once again before adjusting his hat and looking towards his daughter.
She held his gaze with a determined smile, her hands clenched into fists by her sides as she held her ground. Lucifer slowly closed the space between them and opened his arms for a hug, his mouth moving faster than his brain. “I’ve missed that smile so much.”
Charlie let out a small noise before collapsing into his arms and pulling him close to her. Lucifer let out a strange noise as she did so, not expecting her to quite literally fall into his arms, but he couldn’t be happier. He pulled her closer and relished in her warmth. His chest buzzed with new energy. Pulsating and shaking in tune with his heart as he’s finally able to bridge the gap between himself and his daughter. Even if by a small margin, that was enough for him.
Lucifer pulled away from the hug first but kept her within arms reach, a whisper leaving him. “I’ve been dying to find out who you are. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
Charlie’s eyes welled with tears and she placed her hand over his, taking his cane between them. “That’s all I wanted.” She mumbled softly. Lucifer cupped her cheek once again, this time without her prompting and wiped at the stray tear that fell from her eyes.
“Is this really what you want?” Lucifer couldn’t help himself but ask. It was simple really. He wasn’t sure her dream was possible to begin with. But if Charlie believed that the redemption of Sinners is exactly what Hell needs, then he’d be foolish to stand against her.
“It is. I know this will work.” Charlie stated, a fire igniting in her eyes. Her resolve seemed to grow with each passing second. But for a moment, Lucifer swore he saw a flash of hesitancy in her eyes. She stepped away from him then, and sought out a different gaze this time.
Lucifer let out a long sigh and lowered his gaze. “I… I’m not sure about this.” He started warily, wiping at the sweat on his forehead. He looked down at his gloved hands. And just like a fist, his resolve grew.
“But I do know that I’ll support you and your dreams, wherever they take you.” Lucifer stated, facing her with as much confidence as he could muster. It wasn’t much, considering he couldn’t let himself have hope. Not yet. Not when it was too early to tell how things will turn out.
But Charlie’s smile widened and she practically pulled him off of his feet, sending them spinning in circles as she cheered. “Thanks, Dad!” She cried, keeping Lucifer close to her chest. And it was all he could do but hold on, enjoying the way her laughter bounced off the walls once again. His heart surged with joy and a sense of bittersweet relief.
That there’s still one thing Lucifer doesn’t know if he can allow, at least not without some form of reassurance. Albeit, nothing would ever prepare him for the idea of Charlie going to Heaven. “If you do this, I… I can’t go with you. You do know that, right?”
Charlie seemed to nod sadly before taking his hands in hers and pulling him forwards, away from the darkness and into the light. “I know. But it’ll be fine, okay? I’ll be okay.” Her hands completely covered his own. But her words warmed his heart and he smiled softly.
“I know you will.” Lucifer’s voice was soft. “I know that you can do this. But…” He wasn’t sure why was still hesitant.
“Dad, I won’t let them seperate us. Not again.” Charlie’s grip hardened around his fingers. Keeping his gaze on her face, Lucifer tried and failed to fight against his tears.
He sucked in a shuddering breath and pulled his hand away in order to cup her cheek once again. “No one will ever keep us apart again. I promise.” Lucifer whispered.
At his words, Charlie let out a squeaky chuckle as she wiped at her eyes. Lucifer hadn’t noticed her crying until now, and he hated being the cause of her tears. “Thank you, dad.”
She rested her forehead against his at that. And Lucifer couldn’t help but relish in the fact that he’s finally got his daughter back. He couldn’t lose her, not again. If this hotel is what she believes in, then he’ll do his best to make sure it succeeds. Or he’ll die trying.
With that final thought, Lucifer hugged her one final time. Ignoring the soft cooes and ‘awes’ of their audience even as he pulled away. He gave her one final smile, hoping to reassure himself as well as her that things will turn out okay. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and called upon his powers. His veins roared to life as energy surged from his chest, consuming him in a reddish golden swirl of light.
“Goodluck, kiddo.” He managed to whisper before the hotel faded from view. And he was back in his office surrounded by his piles of rubber ducks once again.
Without thinking things through and letting his resolve disappear, Lucifer grabbed his phone and pulled up a contact he thought he’d never have to dial. He stared down at the number, his hands shaking.
Without a second thought, he pushed the call button and held the device to his ear.