Chapter Text
Lucifer was restless. They had come to the sea to relax, to take a long break after chaotic event after event. Yet, here he was, wandering the shoreline long after his brothers had gone to bed.
Sleep had always been hard to come by, even during his Celestial days, but despite the day having been the most peaceful one in centuries, Lucifer was wide awake.
The night was silent and the air was cool. It sparked a pleasant chill within Lucifer, satisfying his Pride in the oddest of manners. The waves crashed in rhythmic harmony as Lucifer sat just beyond the water’s reach. The sparkling sea reminded him of days long past.
Memories of days that would never return. Lucifer bit his lip, forcing his mind into silence. He wouldn’t allow himself to fall to such weakness. Regret swirled in his chest, taunting him over past mistakes. Each time the brothers had fondly reminisced throughout the day, Lucifer found himself asking questions he didn’t want the answers of.
He looked out again into the ocean, seeking, searching, for something to focus his mind on.
That was when he saw it. The flicker of a thick tail snapping out from the waves. Instinctively, Lucifer jumped to his feet. This part of the sea wasn’t supposed to have any sea monsters. There was a reason he had picked it for their retreat.
The tail poked out from the water every few moments, seemingly approaching the shoreline. Allowing his demonic form to take control, Lucifer readied himself.
Until a blob of purple poked out of the water.
“Leviathan?”
His second brother seemed startled by his appearance, glancing around, most likely hunting for the rest of their family before dipping beneath the waves again.
It only took a few moments before Leviathan was at the shore, his aquatic features freshly and unabashedly on display. He shook his head, sending water flying everywhere. Even masked by the tank top and shorts he wore, his seafoam scales shone against the moonlight. Leviathan’s tail curled around his body, as he waved to Lucifer.
“So… what are you doing out this late?”
Lucifer crossed his arms before smiling. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”
“Oh! Um, I wasn’t really tired,” Leviathan shrugged. “You can’t bring me near the ocean and not expect me to be in it most of the time.”
Lucifer chuckled and then slipped off his coat, stepping forward to wrap it around the younger demon. “I couldn’t sleep as well. Though, admittedly, I did not anticipate anyone else being awake.”
Leviathan flushed, “Sorry….” He tugged the coat tighter around himself.
“No need to apologize, Leviathan,” Lucifer assured, “I’d never keep you away from the water.”
At that, Leviathan brightened, grinning at the other for a moment. “Why did you come out? Like, I mean, all the way down to the beach?”
Lucifer glanced out to the waves. “I thought it was a proper place for a moment of reflection.
“Did something happen?” Leviathan said, inching closer. “Something that would require reflection. I thought we all managed to be pretty well-behaved today!”
“You all certainly did,” Lucifer nodded his agreement, “Which is exactly what led me to reflect. There hasn’t been much time for peace in recent times.”
Leviathan grimaced. “It’s been, uh, busy.” When Lucifer failed to respond, Leviathan continued, “Is everything okay?” He played with the edges of the coat, watching the ground as he spoke. “I know you probably don’t need me prying into your business, and I’m not that great at it anyways, but you…”
“I?” Lucifer prompted expectantly. A moment later, it clicked. “I won’t be mad.” The wince that followed confirmed it.
“Just,” Leviathan sighed, “Lucifer, you’re crying.” Leviathan tapped his cheek, drawing Lucifer to mimic it.
“I didn’t realize,” he admitted softly, wiping away the tears.
“We all avoid our problems,” Leviathan said. “Don’t worry about it.” Behind him, his tail twitched and flicked, orange eyes focusing entirely on Lucifer.
“It’s a pity then, that I’m not quite sure what caused this,” Lucifer let out a low laugh. This time, crudely aware of the tears that followed.
“Are you tired?” Leviathan asked softly, “Beyond physically, I mean.”
Lucifer merely shot the other a curious look.
“Everyone needs a break sometimes.” Leviathan continued, “You work hard, Lucifer. Everyone appreciates you for that, but you don’t have to do everything alone.”
“Mammon handles the budgeting for the House.”
Leviathan squinted at him, frowning. “You know that’s not what I mean. You can ask for help. Help that isn’t physical.”
No , Lucifer thought, I can’t place that burden upon any of you.
“You hid the truth about Lilith from us. I get why but…” Leviathan trailed off with a sigh. “You didn’t have to hurt alone.” His voice cracked as his own tears began to fall. Instinctively, Lucifer wanted to pull his baby brother close and whisper reassurances but then Leviathan spoke again. He wiped the tears and stared at Lucifer again. “You aren’t alone.” Leviathan threw up his arms with the declaration.
“I know, Levi.”
“Then accept our help,” Leviathan shot back, “Cry, when you want to cry. Pride be damned, we love you, Lucifer.”
“Are you really asking me of all people to put aside my Pride?” Lucifer asked, a sly grin on his face.
Leviathan stuck his tongue out. “It’s within my rights as your brother. Now, come on! Tell me what’s up before I decide to go for another lap.”
“You’ve already resolved it.” Lucifer could still feel the wetness of fresh tears, but he couldn’t help but laugh. “Thank you, Leviathan.”
“I didn’t do anything…” Leviathan turned meek and tugged the jacket around him closer, trying to disappear.
“Come along.” Lucifer motioned as he began the walk back to the inn. “We ought to get some rest, tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
Leviathan nodded, rushing forward to meet Lucifer’s pace. He bumped shoulders with Lucifer, the touch warm even despite the water.
Lucifer smiled to himself again, leaning in to maintain the connection. As long as he had his brothers, nothing could be truly terrible again. They were here and that was all he needed to be whole.