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Lucifer knew that Azazel would, sooner or later, come back to him. That was obvious since he left Cocytus in a hurry, fighting everyone and going to Anatae by himself. For any reason. Because he realized that he couldn’t do it alone, because he got himself in the verge of death and needs care, because he felt guilty for betraying him. But Lucifer sure didn’t expect Azazel to come back healthy, and with a child. The boy was on the floor playing with some toys that Azazel got him on the way. Azazel, in the platform with Lucifer, so they could speak properly. Lucifer stared at him, frowning.
— So you got someone pregnant soon after you arrived. Great.
— Of course I didn’t! — Azazel shouted, touching his own arm. — It’s… a long story. I found him being sold as a demon slave. I killed the dealers and took him home. He lived with me for two years before his mother found him. Turns out the mother is Jeanne d’Arc and the boy is a half-human half-angel.
— That… sure is a story. — Lucifer said, a little surprised, he’d admit.
— Yeah. — Azazel looked away. — His name is El. She wanted to take him with her, but he doesn’t want to leave me. — His face was sour. Azazel knows how El is struggling.
He missed his mom. These years without her were hard. Being finally reunited with Jeanne was a dream come true for him. But he got attached to Azazel. Way too attached to leave him. For him, it was like having to choose between this mother and his father. Azazel loved him. And he loved Azazel the same amount. He couldn’t be separated from him forever. Couldn’t . If he could choose, he would spend some days with Jeanne and some with Azazel.
— We decided that he’s staying with me for some time before everything is sorted out. — Azazel said. — But he’s sad. I tried my best to take care of him, but he’s stressed out.
— And what do you want from me? — Lucifer asked, in a gentle tone.
Lucifer was angry with Azazel, that was true, but he can’t just be rude with him. He’s fragile. Sad. Miserable. Struggling. Carrying a child with him. And, he kind of missed him. He chose to be gentle, then.
— I… — Azazel pursed his lips. Almost shaking. Asking for help was hurtful to his pride. But he had to. For El’s sake. — …need help. To comfort him.
He clenched his fists, like he was in a fight, and not just asking for a favor.
— Please.
Lucifer let a tiny smile form on his lips.
— Why are you smiling?
— It's nothing.
It was amusing. The demon found himself quite proud, actually. That when Azazel thought of love and comfort, he was the one on his mind. He shook his head positively, turning his gaze over to the child.
— Hello, El. — He greeted, his voice a little bit louder than before.
El looked at him.
— Hello. — He smiled.
— My name is Lucifer.
— I know. Azazel told me about you. — El said, shy.
— Did he? That is good. So we know each other now. — Lucifer smiled. — Would you like to fly up here?
El agreed, opening his little white wings and flying towards Lucifer’s platform, standing beside Azazel.
— Come here so I can greet you properly. — Lucifer asked, gesturing for him to come closer.
Reluctantly, he did. He climbed the throne, holding Lucifer’s hand for support and sitting by his side. Lucifer hugged him softly, snuggling him on his chest and stroking his hair. El hugged his waist, laying his head on his shoulder.
— You are going through a hard time, aren’t you? — He asked, whispering.
— Yes. — El shook his head, listening to Lucifer’s heartbeat.
— I understand you. I know how it must be painful. You can trust me to help you, okay? Enjoy your stay here in the palace.
— Thank you. — The boy smiled, genuinely feeling better because of Lucifer’s words. He thought to himself that he understood why Azazel had so many feelings for this man.
Unlike what happens to most people when they meet Lucifer, El was not even a bit surprised by his appearance. Azazel always described him as a beautiful man with a soft, pleasant voice, and serene blue eyes that he seemed to emphasize way too much. But he was kind and sweet, while Azazel said that the two of them were always disagreeing and he was frequently beaten. El quickly felt calm, like he was being sunbathed. His body seemed to be heavier and heavier, until he barely could keep his eyes open.
— Your baby is sleeping. — Lucifer whispered, turning his gaze back to Azazel.
— Amazing… He was having trouble sleeping… — Azazel said, eyes fixated on him.
He barely could contain a smile. So happy to see his beloved friend comfortable. El was always bringing him this endless joy. He looked at Lucifer after that, almost unconsciously. Just staring at his face. The agitated days he had, non-stop, for the last five years, made him forget how much he missed Lucifer. And he missed him deeply. Missed this energy. This comfort.
— You need me too, don’t you? — Lucifer asked. — Come. I have two arms.
Azazel hesitated mentally, but his body didn’t wait a second. He climbed he throne in the side opposite from El, laying down with his head on Lucifer’s free shoulder, a hand on his chest and legs over his. Lucifer held the side of his body with one arm, bringing him close. Azazel felt his warm breath next to his neck and melted, letting out a heavy sigh.
— Thank you… — Azazel whispered this phrase, not natural to him.
— You do not have to thank me. If this is your child, it’s mine too. — Lucifer said, and Azazel looked at him, surprised. — What’s wrong?
— Nothing. I just. Didn’t expect this from you.
— Hmm. And what did you expect?
— I don’t know. — He shrugged. — You’re a surprise box. Except by some things that stay the same.
— For example? — Lucifer asked, sliding a hand to his fluffy hair and caressing it.
— These books you’re always reading. — Azazel said in quite an angry tone, but quickly switched his voice to a whisper. — And your vanilla scent.
Lucifer went silent. Azazel looked up, finding his gaze, when Lucifer gently grabbed his chin, brushing his lips against his. Azazel closed his eyes, surrendering to the kiss and sliding his hand through his bare chest to touch one of his peachy cheeks. He moved his lips through Lucifer’s smile gently, as if worshipping his soft skin. Azazel didn’t realize he was touch-starved. Not for any touch, but for Lucifer. It would be more correct to say that he was love-starved. They finally detached, looking into each other’s eyes for a few seconds.
— I missed you. — Azazel broke the silence.
— I know. — Lucifer stated. — I missed you too. This place was too quiet, you know? I was almost liking it. My palace without any troublemaker.
— Hmpf. — Azazel grunted, frowning.
— I am just messing with you, Azazel. — He chuckled. — I like silence. But I love you. If these things can not coexist, I choose the one I can’t live without.
Azazel was surprised enough to part his lips, with a shine on his eyes.
— You said you love me.
— I told the truth, for once in my life? — Lucifer joked.
— … — Azazel tightened the hug, burying his face on the fallen angel’s neck. — I’m sorry. I won’t leave you again. Even if I was right.
— Oh you were right? — He arched an eyebrow.
— That’s not the point, shut up, I’m opening my heart to you.
— Hehe. — Lucifer kissed his head, touching their foreheads together. — I hope so.
— I love you too. Despite all the trouble I cause, you’re the only one I respect. Well… One of the only two I respect, now. — He looked at El, who even sleeping, had a smile on his face.
Lucifer smiled.
— Sleep a bit now, huh? You have dark circles under your eyes.
Azazel shook his head, making himself comfortable.
— Good night. — He said.
— Good night, darling.
Lucifer stroked Azazel and El’s heads, kissing their foreheads and leaning back on the throne. He closed his eyes, trying to find some rest too, so he could accompany them. El, who was too invested in the conversation to really sleep, thought to himself that he made the right choice. Until the situation with his mother wasn’t resolved… He found his comfort elsewhere.