Chapter Text
“What helps you fall asleep?” Charlie asked as sat on the edge of the bed. “Water? Tea?” She paused. “Milk and cookies?”
“No sugar,” Vaggie cut in. “It’ll give her a sugar high, and then we will never get any sleep.”
Charlie turned to look at her, eyes gleaming in the lowlight. The lamp flickered on from the bedside table, emitting a warm, orange glow.
Vesper stayed silent, tucked under the covers, only her head peeking out. She was frowning slightly as the adults tried to figure out what to do. It was getting too late for this.
Vaggie looked down at her helpless expression and sighed. “What does your mom do for you? When you can’t sleep?”
She was always reluctant to use the mom card. Sometimes it helped, sometimes it just made Vesper sad, a reminder that she was lost, currently separated from her mother.
Vesper looked up at her with a somber expression, shifting back and forth under the covers. “She reads me a story. When I can’t sleep, she reads me a story.”
Charlie jumped from her corner of the bed, eyes lighting up the way they did when she had an idea. She got up and hurried to the doorway. “I have just the thing!”
She disappeared out into the dark hallway and Vesper sent Vaggie a questioning look. She just shrugged in reply. Charlie returned a moment later, shutting the door softly. She had a certain item in tow, tucked under her arm. A familiar brown and leatherbound book with red lettering. The Story of Hell.
Charlie immediately settled into the bed next to Vesper, allowing her closer to look at the picture. She flipped open to the first page, the title page, and then looked up at Vaggie. “Come on,” she said, insistent. “I may need your help reading.”
Vaggie only raised her eyebrows. “Really?”
Charlie nodded. “Really.” She waved her over, Vesper waiting patiently, still wrapped up under the covers. “Stay awhile.”
With another sigh, Vaggie scooted over until she was by her girlfriend’s waiting side. They all settled in, comfortable, leaning onto one another — Vesper onto Charlie, Vaggie onto Charlie.
Charlie turned the page. Before she began to read, Vaggie sent one last glance in Vesper’s direction. “After this,” Vaggie said. “You go to sleep and we go back to our own bed.”
I’m not falling asleep here.
Vesper nodded. Charlie began to read, switching between high-pitched and deep funny voices to make Vesper laugh. Vaggie even joined in a few times, cheeks warm in embarrassment.
She was just happy to make the kid laugh. And it seemed to be working. She seemed to quiet down, struggling to keep her eyes open. She was still leaning against Charlie.
Huh. Maybe it was working a little too well.
Halfway through, Vaggie felt her own eyelid grow heavy.
——
She did, in fact, fall asleep in that bed.
She awoke early morning to Charlie’s snores. She sat up and looked around, blinking back sleep. At first, she was confused. This wasn’t her room or her bed.
Then she remembered where she was, the events of last night coming back to her. She sighed and looked to her right, where two slumbering shapes laid. Her arm was still draped over Charlie protectively, wrapped around her waist. On the other side, Vesper was against Charlie, curled up in the soft curve of her stomach.
It was an oddly, sweet domestic sight.
Vaggie ignored the warm feeling deep down in her chest and leaned over, pressing a kiss to the side of Charlie’s face. “Charlie. We should get up.”
Her girlfriend let out a sleepy moan, only curling closer to Vesper in response. The said child’s expression shifted at all the movement, eyebrows furrowing. Then, a moment later, her girlfriend’s eyes opened and blearily met Vaggie. “Hey,” she said hoarsely.
“Hey,” Vaggie replied.
Charlie slowly got up, careful of the child beside her. She looked down at Vesper sleeping peacefully and smiled, using light movements to brush the bangs out of Vesper’s face. Small strings of her hair flew up each time she exhaled.
“Charlie,” Vaggie whispered.
Charlie threw up her arms and stretched, yawning. She looked around the room, then back to Vaggie. “What time is it?”
As the room was usually unused, the curtains were drawn, but they could still see the light red morning light streaming through. But with a red sky above them at all times, it was hard to tell the time just by looking at it.
Vaggie had to turn to the unset alarm clock on to her left, sitting on the bedside table. 9:27.
“Past nine,” she replied. “We have a lot to do today. We should get up.”
Charlie nodded. She leaned over to rouse Vesper, shaking her by the shoulders. The girl only scrunched up her face and groaned each time she was touched, even lifting a hand to swat at Charlie a few times. Charlie gave up, gathering her in her arms and carrying her out of the hotel room, leaving Vaggie to make the bed. She did a half hearted job of tucking in the covers and fluffing the pillows.
Who cared? Nifty would fix it later.
She finished up the bed, turned off the lamp on the nightstand, and made sure the curtains were drawn as tight as possible. By the time she got back to her own bedroom, she saw Charlie had dressed Vesper back in yesterday’s dress. She went into the bathroom and went through her morning routine to make herself presentable.
She splashed some cold water on her face, dressed in her usual blouse and skirt, and brushed back her hair. She left the bathroom and Charlie took her turn. When she came out, her hair was braided up and she was adjusting her jacket. Vaggie sat on the edge of the bed, Vesper in front of her, wordlessly rebranding her dark hair. She wasn’t as good at it or as fast at it as Charlie, but Vesper was satisfied with it enough.
Charlie came out of the bathroom, finishing buttoning up her undershirt, and smiled at the both of them. “Who’s ready for breakfast?”
At that thought, Vaggie realized how hungry she actually was. In front of her, Vesper shot up. She had heard the girl’s stomach rumbling all morning. “Me!”
“Of course,” Charlie replied. “It’s such a long way down to the kitchen. Do you want a ride?”
Vesper nodded eagerly, as always. She allowed herself to be picked up and thrown onto Charlie’s shoulders, Charlie holding her up and supporting her. Vesper giggled as Charlie purposely wobbled back and forth.
Vaggie shook her head (affectionately) and got up to trail after them into the hallway. By the time they got downstairs, it was still quiet. Most of the residents seemed to still be up in their rooms. It was a lazy Sunday morning, which was fine by Vaggie. She would rather not deal with them right now.
“Huh. Looks like everyone’s still sleeping,” Charlie said. Or drunk or strung out, Vaggie added silently. She started towards the kitchen. “Well, let’s get started on breakfast—”
An explosion of gold and yellow erupted just as she began to step forward. She let out a yelp in surprise, tipping backwards. Vaggie immediately moved and put a hand out to steady her girlfriend. They didn’t need to be dropping the child and cracking her head open.
The two women stood there, watching in surprise, as Lucifer literally materialized a few feet in front of them.
Charlie blinked harshly. “Dad!”
“Huh,” Vaggie deadpanned. “I’m never getting used to that.”
Lucifer smiled, surprisingly crisp and chipper for nine in the morning. “Good morning, girls! Ah, there you are.”
“Good morning?” Vaggie replied, raising her eyebrows. It was too early for this. She just wanted to eat.
“Dad,” Charlie repeated. “What are you doing here?”
Lucifer blinked up at his daughter, completely relaxed. “Just thought I’d stop by for a visit, making sure everything’s running smoothly. One week to the opening, huh?”
“Yeah,” Charlie chuckled. “Wow. Was just getting over that stress.”
“Everything going okay around here?”
“Yes, Dad. We have it covered.”
“Thank you for your help,” Vaggie cut in. “We appreciate it, but we’re fine.”
“That leak get fixed?”
“Alastor took care of it.”
A sour expression crossed the king’s face, but he quickly fixed it. “Well, good for him! Are Husk and Angel getting along?”
Charlie squinted. “Um, most of the time? This really isn’t—”
“Really? I can talk to them if I need to—” Lucifer’s eyes slide from his daughter’s face to the child sitting on her shoulders, who was staring down at him, wide eyed as ever. “Charlie!” He exclaimed.
“Dad!” She exclaimed back.
“Why didn’t you two tell me?!” He burst out. “This is a big deal!”
Charlie was just confused, using her arms and lowering Vesper to the ground. “What’s a big deal?”
Vaggie kept on hand on the kid’s shoulder as the King of Hell began to pace back and forth, rambling. Charlie and Vaggie exchanged a glance, then let their gaze trail Lucifer.
“You know I’m supportive of everything you do, right, Charlie?” Lucifer said, coming up to Charlie and taking ahold of both of her hands. “The hotel, your relationships.”
“Dad?” Charlie tried again.
“I don’t get it,” Vaggie said.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were adopting?” Lucifer said, almost hurt. “Oh, was it meant to be a surprise? This is sure a surprise!”
“Oh, we’re not—“ Vaggie began.
“Dad, no—”
But Lucifer had already moved onto little Vesper, crouching on the floor. “And who is this adorable little lady?”
He patted her on the head, then he was squishing her cheeks. “You’re adorable! What is your name?”
“Vesper,” she said, muffled. She looked mortified, and a little annoyed. “W-who are you?”
“Well, your new grandfather, I suppose,” Lucifer said, drawing away and patting her on the head one last time. Vaggie swore he was was getting misty-eyed. “Oh, look at me. Ten thousand years old and now I feel old—”
“Lucifer!” Vaggie snapped.
His head shriveled towards her. “Huh?”
Charlie’s head was in her hands, voice muffled. “We didn’t spontaneously adopt a child. She’s not ours. This is Vesper. She got lost and we’re trying to help her find her mom. Didn’t you hear the radio broadcast?”
Lucifer stood up, squinting. He adjusted his collar. “Oh,” he said. “And, no. Bold of you to assume I listen to the radio. I mean, why would I? His voice is just annoying and degrading—“
“Lucifer,” Vaggie said again.
“Wait,” Vesper spoke up. “You’re Lucifer?” She looked him up and down, almost unimpressed. “Huh.”
“Yes, yes, I know, shorter than you imagined,” he said, holding out his hand. She took it and shook it slowly, cautious. “It’s nice to meet you, even if you’re not my new granddaughter.” He cringed. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” she said, dropping his hand. “My real grandparents are like that.”
Lucifer chuckled and pulled away, then looked back at the two grown ups. “Lost her mother, you say? I could help with that.” He turned and adjusted his collar again, then snapped his fingers. “But first, let’s eat!”
Several plates appeared on the table. Vaggie caught sight of scrambled eggs, bacon, various fruits that looked way too fresh for Hell, and many other things. The aroma was mouth watering.
“Wow, there goes the pains of baking,” she said. She bumped her hip with Charlie, who smiled at her. “We should invite your dad over more often.”
“You’re only dating me to get to my dad and his magic food, aren’t you?” She retorted.
“You know me too well,” Vaggie replied as they sat down. Vesper had already scampered off to the table and was shoving portions of almost every food item onto her plate.
Charlie sent a look to Vaggie, who shrugged. “She’s growing?”
They served themselves and sat down across from Vesper, who was shoveling food into her mouth at slightly concerning levels of speed. Charlie cringed, handing her a napkin. “Small bites please, Vesper.”
“But it’s so good!” Vesper beamed, her mouth full. They watched as a whole grape fell out of her mouth and rolled onto the floor. She only giggled. “Oops.”
They all looked at each other, silent, then went back to eating. They’d get it later.
“Fine morning, ain’t it ladies?” A new voice boomed across the parlor. Vaggie turned and saw Alastor coming down the last few steps.
She swallowed and tried to hide her frown. Charlie was as polite as always. “Hey, Alastor! What made you come down here?”
“Oh, I smelled the food. You’ve prepared quite a feast,” he said, widening his eyes. His gaze fell to Lucifer, who was standing in the corner.
“Come to eat?” Lucifer asked. “Sorry. We’re not serving the souls of the innocent today. Maybe try again tomorrow.”
One corner of Alastor’s grin twitched ever so slightly. “Oh, no need. I have my own fridge upstairs.”
“We were tired of the deer carcasses bleeding out onto our food,” Vaggie said.
“Deer?” Lucifer echoed. He raised an eyebrow. “But isn’t—”
“Yeah, he’s basically a cannibal,” Vaggie interrupted. “What else is new?”
“Huh. I guess that fits.”
Alastor’s voice broke the silence. “Well, I came down to say you have a visitor. I saw someone coming up from my room.”
Vaggie sighed and grabbed her spear, which she had brought down with her and leaned against the leg of the table. She had made a habit of bringing it with her pretty much wherever she went. Who knew when you would need it in a place like Hell. (She didn’t mention the tiny dagger hidden in her bra.)
“I’ll take care of it.”
“No need, dear,” Alastor voiced his opinion, causing her to scowl. “I’d advise you not to stab this visitor.”
“And why shouldn’t I? We’re not expecting anyone until next week. Why—”
She was interrupted as the front door creaked open. Every head currently turned, safe for Alastor, who seemed to slip back into the shadows, still smiling.
“Hello?”
The voice made Vesper perk up immediately. She stopped chewing, abandoning her plate on the tabletop and turning around so fast she nearly fell out of her chair. “Mama?”
The figure stepped out into the light, the door snapping shut behind them. Vaggie now saw it was a woman, probably around her height. Red skin, dark hair, mismatched eyes, small horns, and a dusting of pitch black freckles. Huh. Vesper was right. She was practically identical to her mother.
Before they knew it, Vesper was shooting out of her chair in a flash of red and black. “Mama!”
The woman got down on the floor, holding out her arms. The child barreled into her chest and she scooped her up, holding her and spinning around. Vesper giggled and her mom smiled, fangs peeking out.
Lucifer cleared his throat and excused himself, wandering back to the kitchen, but not before grabbing a plate of food on his way out. Both women looked at each other and stood up. Mother and child embraced for several moments, and then the woman looked up and made eye contact with them.
She cleared her throat and straightened up, still clutching Vesper’s hand. She was probably never going to let her go again after this.
Charlie spoke first. “Hi, Valerie, was it? Vesper told us a bit about you. I’m Charlie.”
Vesper looked between the both of them. Vaggie realized she was still holding her spear and hid it before her back awkwardly, smiling nervously. “I’m Vaggie.”
Valerie regarded them coolly. “You’re the two who kept my baby safe?”
This was the part where she either killed them or thanked them.
“Er, yes,” Charlie said. “But it’s no big deal. She was a pleasure to have. And we’re just glad you found her.”
Charlie bumped Vaggie’s shoulder with her own. “Right, babe?”
“Right,” Vaggie replied. “So glad.”
Valerie looked over them for a moment longer, then her face suddenly split into a sincere smile. “Oh, thank you!” She said, coming forward and crushing the two of them into a brief hug. “I was out looking all night, interrogating people. But a knife to the throat only goes so far these days. And then I heard your broadcast. Thank you, again. You two are like angels!”
Vaggie visibly stiffened at that remark. Charlie chuckled. “Ah, yeah, well, just happy to help.”
The couple stiffened again when they were aware of a smaller pair of arms wrapping around their waist, bringing them in. “Thank you!” Came Vesper’s little voice.
“You’re welcome, Vesper,” Charlie said, leaning over and giving Vesper a squeeze. “You’re always welcome to visit. And, hey, maybe when you’re old enough, you can have a job and—“
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, babe,” Vaggie reminded her. She patted Vesper on the head. “You didn’t get on my nerves too much. Good job.”
Vesper squinted. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“From her?” Charlie answered. “Yes.”
“Oh. Okay.” Vesper looked up at the both of them, almost looking sad. “I’ll miss your weird sayings.”
They exchanged glances, Charlie bringing Vesper in for another side hug. “We’ll miss you too.
——
When they got into bed that evening, they were quiet, processing everything. It had been a long day. Now, it just seemed too quiet. Vaggie still half expected to hear Vesper call for one of them, needing something. She shook her head and tried to go to sleep, adjusting her position.
She rolled over. Charlie’s back was to her. She had been quiet all evening. Her breathing was heavy, but Vaggie couldn’t tell if she was asleep or not.
A moment later, her question was answered. Charlie spoke up from the darkness, calling her name. “Vaggie?”
Her voice was muffled and groggy, like she was half asleep.
“Yes?” She replied.
“Have you ever thought about it?”
Vaggie squinted.“Thought about what?”
Charlie rolled over to face her, the ghost of a smile on her face. “The pitter patter of little feet.”
Vaggie frowned. “Nifty?”
“No. A kid, just like Vesper. But..”
Vaggie raised her eyebrows. “But?”
“But a child of our own. Our child.”
Vaggie blinked, taken back. “Oh.”
“I know it’s late, and it’s sudden. You don’t have to answer right now—”
Vaggie blinked again. “It’s just, last time I checked, babe, we are both women. We have—”
“I know!” Charlie blurted, turning red. “ I know!”
“I mean, if I had dick, I’d totally—”
“Vaggie,” Charlie groaned.
“Too far?”
Charlie nodded. Vaggie was silent for a moment. “..are you imagining me with a dick right now?”
Charlie let out a huff, sitting up. She leaned against her pillows, propped up on her elbows. “Vaggie, I’m being serious.”
“I’m sorry. What were you proposing?”
“I know biological children aren't really.. an option for us. But family is much more than blood. I mean, I know that better than anybody. Nobody here is related to me by blood, yet they’re my family,” Charlie explained. She tilted her head. “Do you get what I’m saying?”
“Yes. I do.”
Charlie went on, biting her lip. “And every year, after the Extermination, children are left orphaned or on the streets.”
Vaggie paused. “But those children are Hellborn, meaning their parents are too. Hellborns are off limits. I thought..”
She trailed off as Charlie fixed her with a sad look. “Do you think they care? They make sure to stay clear of Hellborns whose death would cost them. The Sins, royalty.” She blinked, sadness contorting her features. “Morningstars.”
Vaggie found Charlie’s hand under the covers and squeezed it, urging her on. It’s not your fault.
“There’s orphanages here, you know. Parents die all the time, not just from Exterminations. I mean, it’s Hell. It’s dangerous, and it’s deadly, but it’s home..” she went on. “And I want to help someone else feel like that. Feel like they’re home.”
Vaggie brought Charlie’s hand to her lips, gently kissing her knuckles. As if to say me. You make me feel like I’m home.
Charlie smiled back at her. “What do you think?”
Vaggie shook her head. “I think you’re too good of a person for this place.”
Charlie snickered, burying her head into Vaggie’s chest, muffled. Vaggie got a whiff of her strawberry shampoo and sniffled. Her other hand came up to run through Charlie’s hair, splayed around them.
“And I think you would a good mother,” Vaggie whispered, playing with a wavy strand of her light blonde hair.
“You would be too,” Charlie murmured, sounding sleepy. “If anyone messed with them, you’d give them Hell. You’d keep our family safe.” A beat. “You already do.”
Vaggie. A mother.
It sounded ridiculous at first. But, then again, so did a fallen angel falling in love with a demon. An Exorcist laying next to the Princess of Hell, a small box hidden under layers of clothing, planning their future together.
It was scary at first. The terror of parenthood seemed as old as time itself. What if they didn’t like her? What if they cried? What if they were a picky eater? What if she was too short tempered? What if she was too bad at feelings for this?
And the child of the Princess, a Morningstar, a potential heir to the throne, immediately put a price on their head. Any child of theirs, blood related or not, would always be in danger, wanted dead or held hostage by their many enemies.
Vaggie didn’t say this out loud. That was something to worry about another day. She just pulled herself closer to her lover and tried to welcome that warm, fuzzy feeling she got whenever she thought about her future, their future.
Five years ago, she thought her future would forever be stained with the blood of those she had slain. Four years ago, she thought her future was bleak and hopeless. Now, she thought her future looked pretty damn bright.
“You’d be a good mother,” Charlie repeated softly. “Someday.”
Someday.
“I’m glad you’re my family,” Charlie whispered, curling into the crook of her neck.
“And I’m glad I’m yours,” Vaggie said, closing her eye and letting out a long sigh of contentment.
They fell asleep that night, in each other’s arms, full of love for each other, and possibly someone else. Someday.