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“It is not much farther now.” Lucifer looks back over his shoulder at the human trudging along the path behind him.
Vladimir heaves himself over another rock with a small grunt of effort. His face has not changed expression since they set out. Determined, focused. He will not fall behind, he will keep pace with the demon on this mysterious errand.
Lucifer had roused him early, saying that he had set aside his tasks to show Vlad something “of utmost importance.”
Vlad had nodded acceptance, and had begun getting ready, dressing for the “outdoors” as Lucifer had instructed. He would not say it aloud, but if something was important to Lucifer, then it was important to him.
He would not disappoint him by refusing.
Although he knew it was not strictly necessary, he found himself reciting the incantation to access his hidden stores of treasured items. Slipping on the ring that Lucifer had gifted him as a final touch, kindling a small hope that Lucifer would see it, acknowledge it.
He meets the Avatar of Pride at the front door, and they set off down the familiar road towards the Castle. Noting that he is not bare-handed, shouldering a pack.
“Where are we going?”
“It is a surprise, Vladimir. Have patience, and you will see.”
Vladimir says nothing further, only raising an eyebrow in surprise as Lucifer suddenly veers off of the road to a footpath that he can barely see in the dim moonlight.
“This way.”
Lucifer’s expression is also hard to discern in the darkness, but Vladimir swears that he can detect a hint of excitement in the demon’s tone and deportment. Even more curious, he follows behind the tall demon, matching him stride for stride.
When they arrive at the foot of a hill, Lucifer does not slow. He begins to climb quickly, using the boulders strewn along the path as leverage to help him to climb still higher.
Although he is beginning to feel fatigued, Vladimir begins the climb without complaint. If this is so special to his host, then he will keep up, no matter what. He will not become a burden on this excursion.
And now, at Lucifer’s promise that their destination is not far, he glances up to see that they are nearing the crest of the hill. Lucifer turns back a final time, extending a hand to help the human to climb the final few steps.
Vlad takes the offered help, gripping the demon’s long fingers, feeling the seething warmth beneath the gloves, a pleasant wave of heat spreading through his own person. A few paces more, and he reaches the summit, green eyes widening at the view.
Behind him, the city shines, casting its light into the sky. In front of him, a lake only lit by the moon and stars, the forest stretching down to its banks.
Lucifer busies himself with his pack, producing a blanket and bringing out several containers and bottles. As he stoops to extract another item, the moonlight catches on something around his neck. Vladimir’s breath quickens when he sees that it is the necklace that he gifted Lucifer, the crystal dangling over the items that Lucifer begins to arrange on the ground. His own fingers stray to the ring, running them over the smooth stone before he clears his throat.
“Do you need any help?”
“Not at all. Rest and enjoy the view. I am almost finished.”
After a few more moments, Lucifer gestures at the blanket. “Please, sit.”
As Vladimir sinks onto the soft fabric, Lucifer opens a bottle and pours a glass of a sparkling liquid.
“Apple juice, with just a hint of Princess Poison apple, for additional flavor.”
“Thank you, Lucifer.”
Vlad takes the offered glass and sips carefully. “Delicious. The Princess Poison Apple really does add an interesting new facet to it.”
Lucifer nods, acknowledging the compliment before unwrapping other items. Soon, the blanket is covered in an array of foods, both human and from the Devildom.
“Lucifer…you did not need to go through so much trouble for this, for me.” His tone was neutral, but Lucifer knew better.
“It was trouble worth taking, I assure you. This…the idea of spending time with you here…it means a great deal to me.”
At this, Vladimir relaxes and begins to prepare a plate of the provided food. It is delicious, filled with his favorite flavors. He feels a little bit like Beel with how hungry he is after their long trek and for a few minutes, the only sounds are his chewing. He looks up apologetically at his companion, but Lucifer only smiles back, quietly working on his own food. The moments flow by in tranquility, both enjoying the silence and freedom from the chaos back at the House.
Vladimir swallows his last bite and reaches across to lay a hand on the demon’s arm.
“Thank you for the delicious food. But really, it still seems like too much. Why did we have to-”
Lucifer closes a hand over the one at his arm. “Because of what is coming. It should begin any moment now.”
“What-”
Before he can finish his sentence, Lucifer leans over and points to the sky above the lake.
“Look there.”
Vladimir peers at the void above the shimmering water, and sees a star fall from the sky. There is no other way to describe it. A pinpoint of light falls, blazing a trail behind it, careening toward the calm mirror of the water. Then another. And another.
Soon, the sky is full of streaks of light against the dark. Vladimir can only watch in awe at the spectacle. He is unaware that Lucifer has placed an arm around him until he feels a squeeze at his shoulder.
“I have been wanting to share this with someone who I know can fully appreciate it. What is your impression?”
Vlad continues to watch the spectacle in silence, the starlight reflecting in his eyes. That Lucifer would set aside so much time just for him…to show him something that is clearly dear to his heart.
“I have never seen anything like it in the human world. It is beautiful, amazing…”
Feeling bold in their solitude, he reaches over to take the crystal hanging from Lucifer’s neck in his palm.
“Something else shared between just us.”
“Yes…”
Lucifer takes Vladimir’s hand with the ring, bringing it up before his ruby eyes.
“You have trusted me with so much, shown me so much of yourself. I wished to repay that trust with this experience. Something I have never shown anyone before. I knew that you would appreciate it.”
Vladimir merely nods, green eyes never leaving his companion. Acknowledging the sacrifice of time, the deep significance of this moment. Moving closer, putting a tentative arm around the demon, his other hand still holding the crystal, fingers gliding over the smooth surface.
Lucifer’s hand clenches around the ring, pressing it deeper into Vladimir’s flesh. He sees the avatar of Pride leaning in closer, the ember eyes searching his own carefully before his features relax into a small smile.
“Then we understand each other.” Lucifer sighs as he brushes his lips against his companion’s, the falling stars illuminating the pair on the hill. Vladimir can scarcely believe this moment. The enduring stillness, the only sounds their breathing and the soft kiss. At last, he finds it within himself to part his lips from the demon to say,
“And you are very special to me as well. To see you like this…at ease, at peace with yourself…and wishing to share that moment with me…it is a wonderful gift.”