Chapter Text
The mortified expression on Sandalphon’s face as he hid his wounds from him is seared into Lucifer’s memory, left burning hot and raw like the charred flesh on his dear companion’s cheek. Out of everyone in the labs, Sandalphon is the only one who had no need to be ashamed about what happened to him that day. The researchers for harming him, Lucifer himself for being unable to do more...they are the only ones who should wear such shame on their faces. Healing a wound is easy, but he sees how skittish Sandalphon has been since then. How his gait has been carefully practiced so as to give nothing away, how he has begun to speak a bit softer so Lucifer won’t hear how rough his voice is from screaming in pain. Yes, healing a wound is a trivial matter, but scars on the heart are much more difficult to fix.
Lucilius told him he could keep him, and Lucifer decides to take him at his word.
“Leave the labs?!” Sandalphon exclaims, nearly dropping his cup of coffee, and Lucifer gives him a severe look, putting a finger to his lips. Sandalphon nods apologetically, carefully putting the cup down with trembling hands. “I don’t...what are you saying, Lucifer…?” There’s a wild sort of panic from the tightness of his voice to the stiffness of his back, something Lucifer pauses to evaluate.
“It’s as I said. When I take my leave, I would like you to come with me. We can see the world together. As long as we don’t interfere with the evolution of the world...wouldn’t you like to see the skies I tell you of, Sandalphon?”
“You’re serious,” he responds, voice barely more than a whisper, and Lucifer tilts his head in concern. “Why...would you…”
Without waiting for Sandalphon to finish his question, Lucifer answers, placing his own empty cup on the table. “I believe I’ve told you before, but I enjoy your company. To be perfectly honest, my time with you is more joyous than any other...so it seems natural to ask this of you.” A thought occurs to him, and he continues, “If there is someone you would rather spend your time with, I can - ”
“No!” Sandalphon pounds a fist on the table, standing suddenly, apparently startling himself just as much as he startles Lucifer if the way he jumps at the sound of his own voice is any indication. “I mean...of course, the time I spend with you is precious to me as well, Lucifer. I just…” He stammers, trying to finish his sentence, but seems dissatisfied with everything he says, cutting himself off before he can make himself understood.
“I’ve caused you pain,” Lucifer says, feeling just as upset as Sandalphon looks. “Please forgive - ”
“You,” Sandalphon interrupts again, in more of a gasp than a word, “are the only one in these damnable labs who has never caused me any pain.”
That isn’t really an answer, but saying it seems to take all the energy out of him, because he slumps over the table, exhausted, after making that admission. Lucifer stands as well, leans down, puts a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Then let me do what I should have done a long time ago, and make sure no one ever hurts you again.”
Sandalphon slowly raises his head and straightens his back, nervousness written all over his face. “Won’t they try to stop you from taking me with you?”
Lucifer blinks in surprise. “I don’t see why they would. After all…”
He carefully begins to clear the table, giving Sandalphon a warm smile.
“I’ve already received permission.”