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Chapter Text

Lucifer sat nursing another bottle of scotch. He’d lost count of how many he’d had at this point, but he was running out of liquor bottles on the wall. Yet it still wasn’t numbing the pain from what his Mother had told him.

His Father had wanted to destroy him. That hurt. More than Lucifer thought he was capable of feeling toward his Father anymore. Anger and hatred sure, but hurt? Betrayal? He had thought he’d run out of those emotions for the Being eons ago. Had squashed them after He’d failed to come when Lucifer, then Samael, had begged for forgiveness from Hell. Begged to be allowed to come home.

That had been the day Samael had died. As he stayed there kneeling for hours, waiting for his beloved Father to come. He never did. And with Samael, so too did the bond that had existed between them.

Or so he’d thought, he shuddered. Apparently, there was enough left to still feel betrayal. He slammed the empty bottle down a little too hard and it shattered. He let out a curse at that.

Then he choked back another sob as a fresh wave of betrayal rolled over him. What had he done to deserve that? Sure they’d fought, but he had never had any intention of bringing harm to his parents or siblings. He had just wanted his Father to listen.

He couldn’t even bring himself to care that his Mother was sitting on his couch right now.

Of course, right then, a flap of wings shortly followed by an overwhelmingly bright light came over the room. Lucifer felt dread settle in his chest as he turned.

“Samael.”

He flinched and let out a low growl of warning as his Father approached him. Was that hurt that crossed the Being’s face? He backed away, not really sure what he’d do if his Father had something planned. God could overpower him with little more than a thought.

“You… don’t trust me.” God let out a distressed noise at that before shaking himself. “Right, no, I suppose you wouldn’t, would you?”

Trust Him? What the… Why would He even think that Lucifer would trust Him?

“We’re not here to hurt you, Samael.”

Bloody… He brought Michael with Him?

“Take Samael home, Michael. I don’t wish for either of you to have to witness this.” God growled as He approached their Mother.

Home? Did He mean Hell? He growled, prepared as he was going to be for a fight. “I won’t go willingly.” He let hellfire show in his eyes. That made Michael and God do a double take in horror and Lucifer took the opportunity.

“Stop! I’m not here to fight you.” Michael quickly got his twin in a position where he wouldn’t be able to keep fighting.

Just then Amenadiel arrived. “What…? Lucifer? What’s going on?”

God let out a growl. “Go, Michael, now.”

Before Lucifer could even blink, they disappeared and were now… in Lucifer’s old quarters? “Dad is going to kill you when He finds out you brought me here.” Lucifer stared at his twin, eyes filled with distrust and confusion.

“No, He won’t.” Michael said simply, sitting down. “These were my orders.”

Lucifer scoffed. “You really expect me to believe that Dad ordered you to bring me back to the Silver City? What kind of idiot do you take me for?”

“You heard His orders for yourself, Samael.” Michael stared at his twin.

Lucifer blinked, thinking back to the comment. “My name is Lucifer.” He hissed, still trying to understand. “What are you playing at, Michael. What’s Father’s game here?”

A flicker of something crossed Michael’s face. “It’s really not my place to say. This mess is between you and Dad.”

“You sent me to Hell!” Lucifer growled.

“I was following orders, Sa… fine, Lucifer. I’m not you. And I certainly wasn’t going to disobey an order when my twin was about to be banished to Hell for much the same. Besides, at least then I could ensure you made it to Hell safely. I’m not sure the others wouldn’t have just tossed you in a lava pit, as angry as they were.”

Lucifer was surprised. But Michael made a good point. No one was going to be crazy enough to disobey after that. And Michael had made sure he arrived on the throne of Hell safely, rather than somewhere less pleasant. “What’s He going to do to Mom?” He wasn’t even sure he cared at this point if his parents destroyed each other. His Dad had wanted him destroyed and his Mother had him sent to Hell.

Michael’s face darkened. “Nothing pleasant, I’m sure. She crossed an even worse line than when He banished Her. He was trying to give you an opportunity to punish Her yourself, but…” Then a wariness came over him and he stopped.

“You’re holding something back.” Lucifer accused, annoyed.

“Of course I am!” Michael said frustrated. “But this is not my business. Dad wants to talk to you Himself about this. And frankly for what it’s worth, I agree with Him. What I can tell you is that you aren’t in trouble with Him. He gave me permission to tell you that.”

What the Hell? If he wasn’t in trouble for not sending Mom back to Hell yet he couldn’t imagine what the Almighty would want with him. Clearly it wasn’t to send him to Hell. He growled in frustration at the lack of information from Michael. He knew his twin wouldn’t disobey Dad’s orders though. Trying to get further information from him would be an effort in futility. “Bloody Sword of God.” He muttered. “Always the obedient and loyal son.”

Michael smirked at him. “And you’re the Lightbringer, rebel and Dad’s favorite, what’s your point?”

“I stopped being Dad’s favorite some many eons ago.” Lucifer said darkly. He noticed Michael’s sudden silence. “Bloody Hell, tell me something will you?”

Michael looked over warily. “I can’t. You’ve waited eons for this conversation. Would it kill you to have some patience until Dad gets back?”

Lucifer glared at his twin.

“Fine, a deal then. You still like making deals, don’t you?” Michael asked in frustration. Lucifer tilted his head in interest. “One relevant detail you’ll be extremely interested in, in exchange you stop asking me for information I can’t give you.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed but he supposed that was the best he’d get. “Fine, deal.”

“Dad never had any intentions or thoughts of destroying you. Dad wouldn’t want you to believe that any longer, so I believe he’ll forgive me for telling you.” Michael said simply. His twin deserved to know that was a lie.

“She... She lied to me?” Pain ran through his soul again.

“She did. It’s part of why Dad is so furious right now.” Michael told him. That would hopefully keep his mind busy enough until Dad got back.

“Part of?” Lucifer asked.

“Our deal, Lucifer.” Michael reminded him, amused. “Don’t you pride yourself on keeping your deals? Do you deny that I kept my end?”

Lucifer grumbled, annoyed. But it had been a relevant detail and of extreme interest to him. “Right. Fair enough I suppose.” A deal was a deal after all. “When did the Sword of God become interested in deals with the Devil, anyway? A bit below you, isn’t it?”

Michael waved it off. “Come now, I’ve been making deals with you since before you were sent to Hell. We both know what the humans believe of them is crap. Besides, what would humanity think if they found out “Saint Michael” and “the Devil” are identical twins?”

Lucifer snorted at that. “I think it might give religious leaders a stroke if they found out.”

Oh it probably would. Michael snorted at the thought.

“Fine if I can’t poke you about Dad, I can still ask about you. You don’t seem to hate me anywhere near as much as the humans imply.”

“Oh I was pissed off at you, Lucifer.” Michael scowled. “I’ve learned things that made me have a different opinion of late though. Besides, moron who got himself banished or not, you’re still my idiot twin first.” Then he winced. He’d disclosed more than he meant to.

Lucifer raised an eyebrow at that. “Banished or not, Michael?”

Michael pretended to find the ceiling interesting. “Well, you’re here aren’t you? I expected you to hate me more than you seem to as well.”

“I suppose the sentiment is mutual. Dad would’ve sent me to Hell, even if you had refused. I wouldn’t wish Hell on you. Or any of our siblings.” Lucifer admitted. “it’s not like it was your choice for me to be sent there.”

“No, it wasn’t.” Michael agreed in return. Even if his twin was missing important information.

“You are being evasive.” Lucifer narrowed his eyes.

“I am answering your questions as they pertain to me.” Michael shrugged.

Just then God returned, eyes still blazing with fury. Lucifer flinched.

Chapter Text

“Father.” Michael was relieved.

“Thank you for watching over your brother while I was away. I wish to speak to Samael alone.”

Michael bowed his head before leaving.

Lucifer eyed his Father warily. The fact that the Being supposedly hadn’t wanted to destroy him helped a little but…

“I see Michael has told you very little.” God said with some amusement.

“Don’t worry, I haven’t corrupted your precious Sword.” Lucifer said bitterly.

“You wouldn’t corrupt anyone, Samael.” God said sadly, realizing just how deeply their misunderstandings ran.

“My name is Lucifer.” Lucifer grumbled.

God hesitated before conceding. “I suppose I owe you that much. I don’t like what people associate  with the name but if that is what you wish.”

They stood staring at each other for a bit. “Right, are we playing 20 questions or what…?”

God shook Himself out of His stupor. “I’m not certain where to start, S… Lucifer. Everything has managed to go so very wrong. I guess the end of your rebellion is as good of place as any.”

Lucifer stiffened.

God sighed. “I want to be clear with you, no matter how furious I was with you, I never, even for a moment, considered destroying you or doing you any permanent damage.”

Lucifer closed his eyes. There was a relief to hearing that confirmed from Him. “How much of the rest of what She said was true, then? Did She… was She the one who…” sent him to Hell.

“I was unaware of your banishment. That was entirely of Her doing. She turned your siblings against you, telling the world it was My doing. In truth, She told Me you had decided to go to Hell while I was locked away. Considering that you had told Me you no longer considered the Silver City home and you wanted to rule, I didn’t question it further when I discovered you had become the Lord of Hell.” God admitted.  “I should have known something was wrong. I should have checked. But I didn’t. And that is My fault.”

Lucifer made a strangled noise. “Why now? It’s been literal eons for me.”

God hung His head in shame. “It was brought to my attention today. Michael confronted me about what your Mother said. It was during that discussion that I was informed of the true circumstances behind you “leaving” Heaven.”

Lucifer ground his teeth. “Are you seriously attempting to claim that You, the Almighty, the one long since accused of banishing me from Heaven even in Your own bloody book, are the only Being in existence who didn’t know of my banishment?”

“Yes.” God sighed, still furious at His ex-wife. But this was His fault, too. “I was angry, Lucifer, furious even, after our fight. So much so that I didn’t give it a second thought that you had chosen to leave. By the time my temper had cooled off completely I had long since simply accepted it as fact. In my effort to keep from acting rashly, it would seem I managed to hurt you far worse than even if I had acted in my moment of anger. Banishment and destruction were never thoughts that crossed my mind even in those moments.”

“What… what would you have done to me?” Lucifer asked hesitantly.

God raised an eyebrow at that. “At the time it was a thought to lock you in your room indefinitely until we could both think more clearly. Probably with your powers and wings locked. I imagine I would’ve taken you over my knee for acting so impetuously and demanded a public apology to the Host. You could’ve gotten your siblings killed! Hell wasn’t even a thought that crossed my mind. Nor do I believe it would have. In any case it certainly wasn’t my intention for us to not speak for so long. I also discovered your prayers to me were cut off.”

So he’d been screaming at the sky for eons and his Father hadn’t heard him? “Amenadiel said You sent him to return me to Hell.” He accused. “If you truly didn’t know that I wasn’t King of Hell of my own free will, then why?”

The look of fury was back. “Amenadiel and Uriel were both working with your Mother. Amenadiel was the one who ordered Michael to take you to Hell, claiming it was at my direct orders. In my absence, Michael had no reason to believe he would lie so blatantly.”

Lucifer’s eyes blazed red. He felt some amusement at seeing his Father recoil a bit. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of the Lord of Hell.” He said, amused.

“I do believe some caution when you are properly furious is not out of place.” God eyed him warily. “And it’s also rather guilt inducing.”

Oh, right. “Guilt?”

God looked sad. “Exactly how apathetic to your situation have you thought I was, Lucifer? Of course I feel guilty. I may not have sent you to Hell, but you are my son. I knew you better than that, and it was My responsibility to check in on you.”

That wasn’t something Lucifer was ready to think about. “Is there anything left of them for me to punish?” Lucifer almost purred.

“You will get to punish your Mother as you see fit, She will be unable to harm you or speak to you unless you wish for Her to. Amenadiel and Uriel have permanently lost their powers and wings and are disgraced from the Host. I haven’t yet decided whether to banish them, seeing as they saw fit for you to be. I leave that call up to you.”

Lucifer thought about it for a moment. “Not permanently.” He said quietly. “And not to Hell. Maybe just until they actually feel remorse, free to roam Earth until then.” He couldn’t bring himself to inflict his punishment on his brothers.

God smiled. “It will be done after I’m convinced I’ve gotten the full story from them. There were a few other matters I wanted to discuss with you.”

 Lucifer winced, then noticing the pain on his Father’s face.

“Are we ever going to be able to talk without you being afraid of me?” The question was sad and quiet.

“I don’t know.” Lucifer admitted. “I haven’t had time to process any of this.”

God closed His eyes against the pain of that. “First of all, your banishment has been lifted and will never be reinstated. Consider any and all punishment for your rebellion over. You have suffered a far worse punishment than I ever would’ve inflicted upon you. The gates of the Silver City will remain open to you from now through eternity. It will never be used as a punishment against you again. You are free to come and go as you please.”

Lucifer felt a tightness in his chest and throat and his eyes burned a little. Was he… going to cry? He hadn’t in so very long.

God watched him try to collect himself and waited a moment before continuing. “I also wanted to know if you wish to remain the ruler of Hell. If you wish to relinquish it, you may. It is your choice, however.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer choked on a chuckle. “I retired several years ago. I have no desire to return.” He felt a weight he’d forgotten lift from him as his duties were officially relinquished.

“You should return your Mazikeen to Hell. Otherwise you will never be asked to go back, though the ability to visit Hell will remain an option for you.” Lucifer nodded. God hesitated. “I want to return your wings to you, your position as an Archangel as well. That is your choice. Know that aside from your duties your time will be yours and that I will not take away the freedoms you have now. You have been your own being for a very long time and I would not ask you to change that. I simply wish to return that which was taken from you.”

Lucifer played with his sleeve. “May I think about returning as an Archangel? What would my duties be, anyway? The stars were lit long ago. And… I guess you can for the wings. I just… don’t expect anything in return.” Why was he not refusing, anyway?

God chuckled waving his hand to return Lucifer’s wings. “I never did, Lucifer. They are yours. And take all the time you need. I find Myself in need of a second in command. That was always going to be yours before… the rebellion. It’s my fault really, I left you believing you wouldn’t have a purpose after you lit the stars. No matter what, Amenadiel will never be trusted with that position again. Not after what he did.”

Lucifer nodded, not quite ready to think much on any of this.

“I will be dealing with humanity once I can come up with a fix for their opinions of you.” God was still furious at the fact that His wife had done this to Lucifer.

Lucifer let out a derisive snort. “At least this time around they seem less inclined to try to exorcise me. I’m not a bloody demon!”

God’s eyes darkened. “They did what?”

“Your bloody followers seem to think it’s necessary to banish me back to Hell. Honestly, you’d think they’d remember that I was originally an Angel. Angels can’t be exorcised.” Mainly because he had his own body.

God growled at that. He would deal with those priests later. He could sense that Lucifer was nearing his limit for now and He stood up and walked over to Lucifer. “I love you. And I am so very proud of you, Lucifer. I’m so very sorry for not seeing what has happened sooner. I won’t make that mistake again, please, give me a chance to make it up to you.” He opened His arms inviting His son in for a hug.

Lucifer was a little wary but at the same time, he felt the weight of exhaustion pressing in on him and just… he missed his Dad. Quickly, he found himself wrapped in his Father’s arms as he finally let go. For the first time since he’d first been sent to Hell, Lucifer cried. Cried for the eons of lost time. Of the misunderstandings. Of the fact he didn’t even know if their relationship could be fixed. Apparently, his Father caught the last comment.

“It can be, if you are willing to try. I want to fix things between us.” God reassured Lucifer. “It will take time and effort and it will never be the same as it was, but we can have a Father/son relationship again. We can build something entirely new. Perhaps some family counseling with your Linda would be helpful.”

Lucifer let out a choked laugh at the idea of God going to therapy. “Poor Linda, having to fix the relationship between God and the Devil?”

“You are not the Devil, My son.” God held Lucifer closer. “You never were. You ruled Hell, yes, and enjoy deals and desires, you have your pride, but that’s where the similarities between you and the ‘Devil’ begin and end. You have never lost My love, not for a moment. Now you need to remember how to love yourself. You see yourself as the evil Devil, even though you protest otherwise. Humanity has convinced you that you are a monster.”

And wasn’t that the truth, Lucifer supposed. “I am a monster.” He said quietly.

“Why?” God pulled back enough to look him in the eyes. “Because you made the best of a situation that you were given no choice in the matter of? Because rather than cower in a corner in Hell, you pulled yourself together and took over the realm and gave it structure? Because you had to torture a few souls who were some of the worst in Hell to get the demons to trust and respect you? Because you enjoyed giving evil humans what they deserved? You did what you had to do to survive. That doesn’t make you evil.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer remembered Hitler for a moment, how he had so thoroughly enjoyed making him suffer to the core of his being. There was a reason he never answered questions about how he’d dealt with that monster. “I… did more than was necessary at times. Even enjoyed it at times. That they were at my mercy, and I could make them pay. And no one could stop me.”

“Mm, with true monsters? Yes, Lucifer, I know about those few… creatures.” God scowled. “I would not have shown any more leniency than you did.” With that God pulled him back in close. “You are My son above all else, and I love you.”

His Father really… Lucifer fully let go of his control at this point. His Father stood here, holding him, knowing of everything he felt ashamed of. And He still loved him. Still was proud of him. Still wanted a relationship with him again, even though he’d been a monster and had hated Him unjustly. Lucifer sobbed as his Dad held him.

God held His son close as he sobbed into His shoulder. God gently guided them onto a couch he conjured behind Himself. He ran his fingers through Lucifer’s hair. “It’s ok, Little Star, let it all out..” He hugged Lucifer tightly as he let out eons of sadness and grief. Eons of believing God had turned His back on him. No more, God swore to Himself. He would help Lucifer remember what it felt like to be loved. He was surprised as little pieces of His son’s light started rebuilding their heavily damaged bond. He reached as well, helping.

After they were done the edges of the bond were still sharp and frayed but that was going to take time and understanding to heal. He smiled a little as He realized Lucifer had dozed off. He summoned His son’s favorite blanket and pillow and covered him and repositioned Lucifer, so he’d be comfortable. Lucifer…

God mourned for the innocent boy who had trusted Him so much. Who had loved and trusted him unconditionally. The little boy who had died in the fiery pits of Hell when he believed himself abandoned, only to be reborn as the hardened Lucifer who only ever acknowledged himself as the Devil, no longer acknowledging being the Lightbringer and Archangel he once had been. Casting aside even his old name, Samael, refusing to acknowledge it. No longer believing he was loved or deserved to be loved.

How badly He had failed His beloved son. Trusting His wife’s word when She told Him that Samael had chosen to leave. Trusting that She wouldn’t hurt Samael. He could still see that little boy in Lucifer, no matter how hard of a shell he’d put over his heart.

Truly, how had it never occurred to Him that His Lightbringer of all angels would never willingly visit, much less rule, Hell? Hell fed on a being’s light and love and joy. Something Samael had had in abundance. How horrifying those early days must have been for Samael until he built up his walls and took on the identity Lucifer.

No, Samael never would have gone to Hell willingly. It seemed even as Lucifer he had no desire to do so. He hadn’t missed the lack of any hesitation when his son took his offer to relinquish Hell.

Even now, He knew it would take more than one conversation to convince Lucifer that the Silver City would remain open to him and that he was no longer alone.

That God wouldn’t abandon him.

He hung His head at that knowledge. He traced the edge of that wound in the bond. It ran almost to the core of the bond. Could feel every memory attached to it. The banishment order, told to him by Amenadiel. Michael, his own twin, then taking him to Hell. The repeated prayers begging for forgiveness from Hell, repeated exorcism attempts by priests, repeated attempts by Amenadiel to return him to Hell, the slowly healing memory of his mother telling him that He had wanted to destroy him.

He bit back a growl as He remembered that Lucifer saw himself as the Devil. Even openly introduced himself as such. Joked about it on a frequent basis. To where now the name Lucifer and “The Devil” were almost synonymous.

He had looked back and caught His son’s talk with his therapist. ‘Yes, but before you fell, you were known as Samael, the Lightbringer.’ ‘I don’t go by that name anymore… Right, was casting His son into Hell also an expression of His love?... How can you… presume to know God’s intentions?… Gift?! He shunned me. He vilified me. He made me a torturer… Unfair? This is unjust. For all eternity, my name will be invoked to represent all their depravity. That is the gift… that my Father gave me… Do not call me that, please.’ Lucifer had told her. Spat at her in anger, in hurt. Wounds that were still as fresh as if eons hadn’t passed since they had been inflicted. All invoked by his old name. ‘Can you even begin to fathom what it was like? Eons spent providing a place for dead mortals to torture themselves. I mean why do they blame me for all their little failings? As if I’d spent my days sitting on their shoulder forcing them to commit acts they’d otherwise find repulsive. Oh the DEVIL made me do it! I have never made any one of them do anything. NEVER!’ The righteous fury on His son’s face at being blamed for acts that weren’t his doing.

How he wished that Linda Martin had been right, that Hell had been a gift He had given His son. He couldn’t even use that as an excuse. No, He had simply turned His back and assumed everything was fine.

Chapter Text

It was no wonder His son saw himself as a monster. Humanity blamed him for all their sins, torturing his son, betraying him, his second in Hell had turned on him, and most of all, for all he could tell, his own Father had turned his back on him permanently, having cast him out of his home. His siblings never visiting him. Eons of screaming at the sky, never hearing anything from his Father, further proof in his mind that God had turned His back on him.

No, Lucifer’s anger was well placed. And His son hadn’t even believed He felt regret, or especially remorse, over what had happened to him. What He had allowed by His neglect.

He almost wondered if what Lucifer had believed him guilty of, of sending him to Hell in His anger, wouldn’t have been less egregious of an error. His son had given Him far too much credit. Lucifer had assumed He’d even paid any attention at all. For all that it was negative attention, it was still far more than was given.

“You’re brooding.” A soft voice came from His lap.

He looked down to find sleepy concerned eyes looking up at Him. “Just thinking about how badly I have failed you, Lucifer. How justified your anger at Me is.”

His son looked pained. “Care too much for my own bloody good. The Devil is a freaking Daddy’s boy. No matter how hard and how violently I have tried to destroy that part of myself. Samael still exists… somewhere. I hate it.”

“You are not the Devil, Lucifer.” God reminded him. “I will keep telling you until you finally realize it’s true. Even if it takes eons.”

Lucifer snorted. “Someday you’ll remember why you were so furious at me, and it’ll all come crashing back down. Have no… desire… to live through that again. Samael would not survive the grandest fall in the history of time 2.0. Yet, I find myself not wanting to leave this comfort.”

“That will never happen.” God promised. “Actually…” He wove his fingers in between Lucifer’s and chanted in Enochian, placing a blessing on Lucifer that not even He could lift. The blessing took and bound itself to Lucifer’s soul.

“W… what did you…?” Lucifer stiffened as he felt the magic wrap around his soul.

“Not even I can banish you from Heaven ever again, now.” God ran a hand through his hair. “Neither can your Mother, not that She’ll ever have the chance again. Nothing short of the universe itself can force you to leave again.” At Lucifer’s blank look God took another approach. “You share my gift of Omniscience, Lucifer. Even if you haven’t used it since you were sent to Hell, you still can.”

Lucifer blinked at that. That’s right, as Samael, he had access to Omniscience. When he’d become Lucifer, he’d shunned almost all of his Archangel gifts, no matter how useful they were. He was out of practice but easily found the thread that let him see what would happen, scanning for any time where he would be forced to leave again. He found none, although it seemed his future-self took up Father’s offer to return to the Host as second. He grimaced at that although it didn’t entirely surprise him. Having his Father’s love back was everything Samael had ever wanted but never expected to receive. “We’ll have another massive argument in a couple of eons, you know.” Lucifer said quietly. “And I’m never going to be particularly the blind obedience type.”

“I know.” He had seen it, too. His son was still too rusty to follow the lines from there. “We’ll get past it, though, and things will be for the better. We’re not always going to agree. We didn’t even before. It’s part of why we were so close, even. I was never upset that you learned to have your own mind. Just don’t drag your siblings into our fights in the future and we’ll work it out.”

“That’s really what pissed you off?” Lucifer was finding more and more assumptions that were untrue. “Not that I wanted free will? Not the rebellion?”

“What was my reaction when you told Me you were going to start a rebellion, Lucifer?” God reminded him.

Lucifer thought back. “You laughed. Seemed highly amused at the concept.”

“Less amused at the concept, more was pleased that you were growing more independent. I just wasn’t quite ready to allow such a new thing as free will to be tested by My children yet.” God sighed. “That is why I kept telling you no, Lucifer.” And even now His son was so good at sidetracking beings… “You should be asleep.” He scolded Himself for getting off track and forgetting that.

“Don’t think I…” Lucifer yawned, “can. Too many thoughts chasing each other around my mind. Was watching you for a bit before I said something. Penny for your thoughts?”

Chapter Text

God gave in. “Mainly a conversation you had with Linda bothering me. I didn’t mean to intrude, it just pulled me in when I went back looking for what has happened.”

Lucifer’s eyebrows pulled together. “Which conversation?”

“When she pushed you about being Samael.”

Lucifer scowled. “Not my fondest therapy session.” He eyed his Father warily. “It’s safe to say she missed the mark on it, too. So I’m not sure I understand what you find insightful about it.”

“She had a far kinder take on it than I can take credit for, yes.” God said sadly. “But it was a deep, rare insight into your pain that you associate with Me. Into why you view yourself as a monster.”

Lucifer growled. “You mean aside from the fact that Your own book from Your religion paints me as one? Always wanted to ask how my pride played into our fight at all.”

“I don’t like most of ‘My religion’s’ religious leaders any more than you do. Maybe even less.” God said quietly. “They have vilified My child and used My name to do so. Making you believe it was at My behest that they did. Taking our fight and blowing it way out of proportion. That was Uriel’s doing by the way. Not mine.”

“Not all of them are bad.” Lucifer’s chest tightened at the memory of Father Frank. He could go visit him now. He realized.

God’s eyes held sadness as Lucifer remembered his friend. “I am so sorry you lost your friend. I hadn’t anticipated you growing so fond of him when I put him in your path.”

“He… he knew.” Lucifer closed his eyes in pain. “He knew who I was and still hung out with me and wanted to get to know me.”

“And for that alone, he would have been brought here, regardless of his soul’s state. As it was, he made it here on his own merits.” God hummed. “Those who know, truly know, your identity and treat you well regardless earn a special place in my heart. Just as your Ella Lopez has.”

Lucifer flinched. “She doesn’t know. She thinks I am a method actor.”

God laughed. “Lucifer, she’s been providing cover for you. She put the pieces together after she realized you were speaking in the first person. I find it heartening that one of my devout followers believes that you deserve love and forgiveness just as I do.”

Lucifer blanched at the realization that Ms. Lopez… no, Ella, had actually known the truth. ‘And besides, I think the Devil gets a bad rap.’ Apparently, she had meant it, too.

God remembered something. “That reminds me. I meant to give this to you.” He gave His son a sheathed knife and Amenadiel’s necklace.

Lucifer took a look at them. “Azrael’s blade and Amenadiel’s necklace?” He asked in confusion. “Um… thanks, I guess? Why are you giving them to me?”

“I lied.” God admitted. “When I said I destroyed the flaming sword. Or I suppose more accurately I sidestepped the truth. I broke it into 3 pieces. Azrael’s blade, the medallion of life, and the key, which you know as Amenadiel’s necklace. Only your Mother knew the truth. I am giving you them back for a few reasons, for one, to show you that I trust you completely. Also, this was always your preferred celestial weapon. I have made it so only you will be able to handle the sword which I can since it’s yours and it will only harm another with your direct will. Only you will be able to handle the key or touch the sheath or sword. Lastly, I can’t risk it getting out into the world. Especially in your Mother’s hands.”

Lucifer was surprised at the show of trust. This had been his weapon until his Father had taken it the before rebellion had become more serious involving his siblings. It could cut through anything, even the universe itself, in theory. The blade hummed as he unsheathed it, responding to his power, recognizing its original wielder. “I’m not even sure I’m going to return as an Archangel, though.” Actually, he supposed that wasn’t true. His current self wasn’t sure, but the future had shown him he would.

“You will, I don’t know exactly when, but you will, very soon. And even if you didn’t, it’s yours.” God could feel the connection between His son and the blade, as there had always been. When His son had forged it, he had put a piece of himself and his will into it. Thus why it would only respond properly to Lucifer. “Do not, for any reason, let anyone use it or even touch it. It will end badly. When I split the sword, it felt my anger at you. It carries that and I haven’t found a way to remove it. I believe only you can as its creator.”

Lucifer looked horrified, realizing the implications of that. Yep, definitely was not going to let anyone else handle it. Not that he would have, anyway. Celestial weapons were not meant to be handled by anyone other than their creator. “Azrael…” He realized in horror. Is that why his sister had never come to visit? He put on the necklace, tucking it out of sight and attached the sword sheathed on his belt.

“It might be.” God hadn’t thought about that before. “You would have to ask her.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer sighed, not wanting to think about it.

God was amused at the subject change. “I have something of a theory.” Lucifer looked at him, interested. “When you… when Samael realized help wasn’t coming, that he wasn’t being rescued from Hell, he built a shell around himself. From the moment that shell was finished, you never referred to yourself as anything other than Lucifer. I think once you truly realize that shell isn’t needed, the persona you’ve built around your identity as the ‘Devil’ will disappear with it. Samael still exists deep within you, Lucifer, I have seen sparks of him. You’re just too afraid to let that side of yourself out right now, and that’s ok. It’s my fault that you feel like you can’t. If the shell of Lucifer breaks, Samael still is protected underneath and can rebuild a new shell. Letting Samael out without the shell would allow direct exposure again. I get the feeling it took a lot for him to recover the first time.”

Lucifer supposed that was true. He’d have to talk to Linda about this. Maybe she would have more insight. “I’m not sure he has succeeded yet. And I suppose that is when I also accept my old role back?” Samael had always considered himself an Archangel, while Lucifer considered himself the Devil.

“As far as I can tell, yes.” God thought on it. “Getting details from omniscience can be tricky. It’s more of a big picture gift.”

What in the world could possibly convince him to let his guard down completely around his Father, he wondered. Was it just time? That didn’t seem like it would be enough. He sighed, torn with indecision. “I really don’t want to leave.” Lucifer admitted quietly.

God held him tightly. “Strictly speaking, all I need you to do is return Mazikeen to Hell and set her up as Queen of Hell. You can return here permanently any time. But you also have a life on Earth. There are many who would miss you if you just left without a word. Besides, I believe we both could benefit from Linda.”

Which reminded him. Why was he still laying here willingly?

God chuckled. “Would it help if I give you the logistical reason instead of the emotional one?” Lucifer glared at his Father half-heartedly. “Aside from the emotions you’re attempting to ignore, you’re taking the opportunity to replenish your light. Hell drained it severely, and Earth only slowly replenishes you.”

Ah, he could accept that answer for now. Yep, totally just ignore the myriad of emotions. He squeezed his eyes shut. Things had been so much simpler when his Father had been the guilty party. And there was a very persistently annoying part of him that very much wanted to rebuild their relationship. The part he knew would eventually win out. Even now, the part of him that was Samael was wanting to reach out to their Father. He could feel his light from under the cracks that had started to form in the shell he’d built.

“I am not completely void of all responsibility, Lucifer.” God reminded him softly.

“But you didn’t send me to Hell.” Lucifer let out a shaky breath. “You never had any intention of sending me to Hell, or even causing me pain. Negligence is a far cry from what I’ve always believed you to be guilty of.” He’d always found it silly honestly, the level of guilt some souls in Hell had over actions that were not their own to feel guilt for. This felt uncomfortably close to those cases. The irony really… It hurt some that his Father hadn’t even bothered to check the story, but why would he have? Samael had made it clear that he was unhappy in heaven and wanted to rule. Had even thrown Hell in his Father’s face as a better alternative.

No, God couldn’t be entirely blamed for not doubting His wife’s story. He was not wholeheartedly innocent, no. But not worthy of blame that would exclude Lucifer from His existence. But that left the question of how they could proceed. It would take almost nothing for Lucifer to return to who he had been, but there was far too much pain hidden under that shell. As he was, he could distance himself from the original betrayal from his Mother and the then perceived betrayal of his Father. Samael could not.

“I want to be clear with you, it is entirely your choice how much trust you ever regain in me.” God brushed a hand through his hair. “The only difference is we know you will. It is not a choice I will interfere in. As is your choice of how and when you do.”

Omniscience was such a pain in the… sometimes. Most of the time, actually. Thus why he generally refused to use it. It had always irritated him that his Father could know anything at any time He desired without being able to be accused of interfering in the slightest. And it wasn’t any less irritating to find out an outcome would occur when he wasn’t quite ready to accept that outcome fully. He made an irritated noise. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I’m not ready to.” They stayed there in silence for a few moments. “I… I have to go back.” A part of him was terrified that he would never see the Silver City again if he left.

Chapter Text

“Shh, it’s ok, Lucifer. The gates will remain open to you. I would very much like it if you visited often. And even more so if you do eventually find it in your heart to make the Silver City home again.” God reassured him, allowing Lucifer to sit up. Insecurity was written all over Lucifer’s face and it broke His heart. “I promise you can come back whenever you wish. I would also like to come to visit you, with your permission. Maybe even set up family therapy sessions with your Linda every week? I believe Wednesdays at Noon will work. I warn you, I’ll probably book a few private sessions with her, too.” A small smile crossed His face.

Lucifer swallowed the lump in his throat as he stood, straightening out his suit. He was surprised how deeply he actually wanted to visit his Dad. “I’ll ask her. And you may. You know where I live?” His Father raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Right, of course You do.” He unfurled his wings but hesitated.

“We’ll see each other again very soon, Lucifer.” God smiled, hugging His son briefly. “I love you, son.”

“I love you, too, Dad.” And he was surprised at how much he meant it. “Would you tell Michael he’s welcome to visit as well?”

God nodded, watching as His son took off.

Lucifer went to Linda’s office. He desperately needed to talk through this mess. Linda would be able to talk him through the mess of emotions running rampant through him. He arrived at her door and for a change decided to knock, still hesitant.

“Come in.” Came a surprised voice.

Lucifer opened the door. She sat at her desk as usual. She looked up, seeming surprised.

“Lucifer? What’s wrong?” She could see the exhaustion and upset on his face.

“My Father came to talk to me today.” He said, slumping on the couch. “And my twin who I hadn’t spoken to since the fall.”

Linda froze, Lucifer had spoken of his Father often. Of the very dysfunctional relationship they had. She still wasn’t sure of the full truth of what had happened but Lucifer had been quite clear that it was his Father that kicked him out of their home. “How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t bloody know!” Lucifer wanted to scream. “All this time I’ve hated Him, and when He finally shows up eons later, He has such good reasons. He claims He didn’t even know about my banishment. And bloody Hell, but I believe Him. He apologized; he welcomed me home.” All the raw pain was in his voice. “Even offered me a place back in the host as his second.”

Linda had no idea what half of those metaphors were supposed to mean but it didn’t matter. “And how do you feel about that? You’ve always wanted Him to apologize to you. Do you want to return?”

Lucifer put his head in his hands. Did he want to return? “I don’t know. The part of me that was Samael once does, but as I am now I… how can I trust and forgive him so easily? In Hell, I would’ve been dead the instant I showed such weak emotions.”

“But you do want to forgive him.” Linda could see it in his eyes. “Forgiveness is not the same thing as forgetting, Lucifer. You can forgive without being ready to trust. Forgiveness just means letting go of the raw pain behind the actions and moving forward.”

Could it really be that simple? “It was his… negligence… that allowed me to be tormented in Hell for eons, doctor. To be vilified by all of humanity and accused of their sins. To be ex-communicated by my entire family. How do I put that behind me?”

“You have always longed for His acceptance.” Linda hummed. “Perhaps you are just afraid what opening yourself up to Him again may mean?”

“I’m afraid of the fact that some part of me wants to take everything He’s offering me and forget about the last dozen or so eons. I’m afraid of how close to the surface Samael is every time I think about it.”

“You speak of the names Samael and Lucifer as if they are two separate parts of yourself.” Linda said thoughtfully. They had discussed Lucifer’s old name before but hadn’t gotten very far. Perhaps now that Lucifer was bringing it up, they’d get further. “Why did you choose to stop using the name Samael? And what do Samael and Lucifer represent to you now?”

Lucifer played with his cuff. “I suppose I… when I got sent to Hell, it was overwhelming. It was traumatic. Samael was gentle and kind and loving, filled with light. Things that cannot survive long in Hell. When he realized that Father wasn’t going to change His mind, he had to come up with an alternative long-term plan. He built a shell around his being that would protect those aspects from the tortures and darkness of Hell. I was the result and decided that a name change was in order to help separate the emotions. I became Lucifer, the hardened Devil. I have never looked back since, until Dad showed up.”

“It sounds to me as if your Father is stirring up old emotions that Samael buried under those shields. Emotions you have kept buried away from yourself for your own sense of safety.” Lucifer nodded. “Samael created those shields as a survival mechanism. Are you perhaps feeling your sense of self-preservation being tested? Not to mention your sense of identity.”

“I… yes.” Lucifer realized that that was very accurate. To lose those shields would’ve meant death not long ago. And no matter his Father’s assurances, he still didn’t fully trust He wouldn’t send him away again. “What if I need them again? It almost killed Samael the first time. Scars that still exist deep under those shields. He… I can’t survive that again. It terrifies me. Even now, more and more of me is accepting myself as Samael again, as more and more cracks in the shields are created.”

“Do you believe your Father would be open to family counseling?” Linda asked. “I feel like you both would benefit from being able to talk in a safe space.”

Lucifer let out a snort at that. “He actually suggested the idea Himself. I am… not opposed to the idea. I am simply reluctant as to whether therapy could even hope to fix things between God and the former Devil.” Because really, the idea was almost ridiculous.

Linda sighed at the metaphor. “No matter how fractured your relationship may be, therapy can be very beneficial, especially if both parties are open to the process.”

“I am.” Lucifer meant it, too. It may be the only chance he and his Father had to properly mend their relationship.

“You mentioned a twin.” Linda said. “You have never told me you had a twin.”

Lucifer winced. “Ah well, we didn’t… part on the best of terms. He’s my identical twin, Michael. He’s the one who dropped me off in Hell.”

“Your parents named you Samael and your twin Michael.” Seriously, how screwed up was his family?

Lucifer groaned. “They aren’t metaphors, doctor!” Actually, that would likely cause problems if they did family therapy, too. “You need to believe me. I ruled Hell for the last dozen eons or so, my Father is God who until tonight I believed banished me to Hell for eternity after my failed rebellion. Yes, Michael is my identical twin. Considering he’s the only one other than Dad who had the power to end my rebellion, it’s not terribly surprising that Mum had him sent after me. He didn’t know either.”

“Lucifer… I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep track of all these metaphors.”

“They aren’t metaphors, doctor!” He said, frustrated. “You need to take me seriously. You need to believe what I’m saying, otherwise you’ll never understand. I’m not making it up.”

“I believe you believe that.” Lucifer sighed, rolling his eyes. “And I want to understand, I truly do. But Lucifer, you have to help me. I need you to be honest with me. Completely honest… about who you are.”

“Completely honest?” Lucifer asked hesitantly. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!” Linda said in exasperation. “Yes, I’m sure. That’s what all of these sessions, our entire relationship, is all about. Getting to know the real Lucifer. No more lies, no more metaphors.”

“Very well.” Lucifer considered showing her his other face, but perhaps his wings would be a gentler introduction. He stood, evaluating the space. There should be just enough room. After a moment of hesitating, he rolled his shoulders, letting his wings unfurl. He watched her expression closely. “Doctor?” A distressed noise left her. He cringed. Of course she couldn’t handle it. He was such an idiot! He should’ve left it well enough alone. He looked back at her one last time before furling his wings and heading to the door. Now what?

Chapter Text

“W… wait.”

Lucifer startled, turning back around to see an ashen faced Linda standing shakily. “Doctor?”

“You’re… Lucifer.” Linda struggled out. “The Lucifer. The Devil.”

“Yes. Well, former Devil, really.” Lucifer hesitated. “Doctor are you… ok?”

No, she wasn’t entirely sure she was. She was feeling quite claustrophobic. She was in a tiny room, feet away from the actual literal Devil. Who she had offered family counseling to with God. Nope, definitely not having a panic attack. And why was the room spinning? But this was her patient, literal Devil or not. A patient who had never been shy about acknowledging it, either. “I… just…” She struggled. “I’m not going to be damned for helping you, am I? Oh… I… offered family counseling to God and the Devil. That… Oh my God, I had sex with the Devil.” Not helping. Definitely not helping.

Lucifer sighed, sitting back down. “Doctor, I assure you even if my Father controlled who went to Hell, He does not care about my sexual activities. And no, of course not.” Why did people think they would be damned just for being in proximity to him. “A human’s sense of guilt is what determines which direction they go, not anything my Father or I determine.”

That helped, a little. She sat back down and put her head on the desk.

“Doctor, I’m still me.” Lucifer hesitated, wanting to help her but knowing it could make it worse. “I’m still the same old Lucifer who has narcissistic tendencies rooted in a complex paternal relationship and a disrupted adolescence. I just… happen to be the inventor of daddy issues who ruled Hell. I haven’t changed at all since the start of this conversation, just your perception of reality has.”

Linda let out a choked laugh. “How… how old were you when…” Fuck, she couldn’t even hardly say it. How does one ask about the worst moment of someone’s existence? “How old were you when you were kicked out of Heaven?”

Lucifer tilted his head, thinking. “Age isn’t really a concept for immortals, but I suppose in maturity standards, I would’ve been about 15. I had existed for almost 2 eons at the time. Immortals mature slowly. An eon is about 8 human years of maturity until we are fully independent, which is around 4 eons.”

Linda laid there a little longer, contemplating everything until she braved a hesitant look up. It felt so… weird. Here stood Satan, Beelzebub, Old Scratch, the Lucifer, feet from her. Yet… he was just… Lucifer. A tortured young man who had apparently been kicked out of his home as a young teenager. “So… so Satan is just an tortured soul who is forever trapped as a teenager because your shields were built when you were kicked out.” She struggled.

“In essence.” Lucifer relaxed a little. “I do rather prefer Old Scratch if we’re going by my infernal titles though.” He joked.

Fuck, she realized, how much of… everything, could be explained because he had stopped developing in maturity at 15? Oh God. ‘Old Scratch’ was just an abandoned child. How did the world never realize that? “Lucifer… where to even start with how sorry I am? You… you don’t deserve any of what has happened to you.” His bitter comments of teenage rebellion came back to her in full.

Lucifer smiled sadly at her. “The world isn’t fair, doctor. Not even in Heaven.”

Heaven? Right, hadn’t they just been discussing… “Wait…” She let out a shocked noise. “Your Father, God, welcomed you back into Heaven? As an Archangel?” The Devil being welcomed back into heaven, what the actual fuck? “And He didn’t know you were banished…? He’s the one who…” She hadn’t read a bible in a long time but wasn’t that how the stories went? The Devil, then an Archangel, started a rebellion against God, lost, and was banished to rule Hell for all eternity as punishment for the sin of pride by God.

“I see you’re starting to appreciate exactly how absurd the circumstances are.” Lucifer chuckled. “And yes, so He claims. Though my Mother did admit She was the one who had me sent to Hell… And for all Dad’s faults, being a liar isn’t one of them.”

“Where the Hell did they come up with ‘Prince of Lies’?” Linda shook her head. “That’s so far off the mark I can’t even…”

“I wish I knew.” Lucifer shrugged. “I am incapable of telling a direct lie. Lightbringer and all that. Although come to think of it, Michael is quite adept at lying and they might have thought he was me. Being an identical twin can be… interesting.”

Another thought hit Linda. “Wait… wait just a… the Lucifer and the Archangel Michael are identical twins? What is wrong with your family?!”

“Yep.” Lucifer let out a full laugh at that. “My Mother indirectly manipulated my identical twin into sending me to Hell, supposedly on my Father’s orders.” He sobered for a moment. “Amenadiel and another brother of mine, Uriel, were fully in on it. They, with my Mother, conspired to banish me to Hell for eternity without ever arousing my Father’s suspicions. Quite successfully, too, I might add. It only fell apart when my Mother told me Father had wanted to destroy me after the rebellion, and Michael confronted Him about it.”

Linda stared. There was a lot to unpack there, but perhaps that was better left for family therapy. She put her head back on the desk. No wonder Lucifer had so many deeply rooted issues. “I’m sorry, this is just a lot to take in.” She murmured. Honestly, she was his therapist. ‘Oh, Hell, I’m the Devil’s therapist, what even. Med school so did not prepare me for this.’ She shook her head.

“You’re… taking this remarkably well, actually.” Lucifer said quietly. “All things considered.”

She let out a strangled noise. “This is me taking it well?”

“Most people run when they find out. I… have a rather terrible reputation.” Lucifer clarified.

Well, she couldn’t deny that. “How much of it is even true?” She squeaked. “The rebellion happened, you and God clearly have a… tense relationship. You make deals, I presume not with souls. Desire… yea that’s totally a thing. You did rule Hell. The rest of it…”

Lucifer looked at her. “Most of it is just nonsense. Come now, you’ve heard my rants about libel against my person.”

Which she had mostly written off. They apparently were quite valid complaints, as she considered what humanity thought of him. “Why?” She shook her head at the knowledge. “Ok, so you started a rebellion against God. There are worse things to be guilty of.”

“My siblings. The ones who sided with Mother.” Lucifer shrugged, it still hurt though. “They have had since the start of humanity to drag my name through the mud. Have managed to do quite a number, too.”

She wanted to slap Amenadiel for his role in all of this. She really did. And here she’d grown fond of the bastard. “I’m sorry, you came here for a reason, and I’ve completely derailed that.”

Lucifer waved it off. “As I said your reaction is… on the better side of things as far as reactions to my identity go. If you’re still willing, I’d like to try the family therapy idea. Dad said Wednesdays at Noon?”

She stared at him briefly. How did God know her… oh right. “Right, God… omniscience. Yes, that works.” And gave her a few days to wrap her mind around all of this. “Oh my, I’m going to be counseling God.”

Lucifer chuckled. “If it helps, he blends in fairly well. Far worse at social skills than even me, though. I don’t… think He’s ever actually been to Earth before today.”

“You might consider the same with… Michael.” She winced. What was she signing up for? “And any other siblings you have complicated relationships with.”

Lucifer stared at her, amused. “Michael… er, he’s not really a people person. He finds humanity a plaything on a good day. I remind you, he’s the sword of God for a reason. He’s not above smiting someone with Daddy’s permission if they really piss him off. As it is, he usually does Dad’s dirty work. In any case, the idea of working with a human therapist would be one he would not likely take kindly.”

Oh, she supposed that made sense. “Somehow you seem the least scary being in your family.” She muttered.

“Azrael is gentle, too. Gabriel is for the most part, although she has a fierce side, and Amael and Raziel, but they never leave the Silver City. And I can be every bit as dangerous as legends make me out to be. I just reserve that treatment for the guilty.” Lucifer smirked, remembering some of the assholes who had crossed him. “Trust me, doctor. My nastier side is… well. Do remember I ruled over the souls of the damned and hordes of demons for eons. You do not survive in Hell long if you’re soft. They certainly never would’ve respected me as their King if I had stayed that way.”

Linda blanched but shook her head. “There’s a rather significant difference between punishing the guilty and doing it just because you can. Even humans punish other guilty humans.”

“I do rather prefer to believe that what I’ve been forced to become isn’t evil.” Lucifer said softly. Not that he was always convinced of the truth of that.

“Doing evil deeds is a choice, Lucifer.” Linda murmured. “A title does not make you evil. Actions do. And inflicting justice is not evil. Have you ever harmed an innocent willingly by choice?”

“Never.” Lucifer growled.

“Then you aren’t evil.” Linda reassured him.

Lucifer sighed, standing. “I… thank you doctor. And… if you have any more questions, feel free to call, or come over to the penthouse. No need to feel bad for it if you do.” After all the few humans who learned his identity and managed to recover themselves and come back always had questions.

“Wednesday at noon then?” She still couldn’t believe she was doing this. She was going to be counseling God and the Devil on their extremely dysfunctional father/son relationship. The father/son relationship that started Daddy issues.

What was her life?

Lucifer nodded and hesitated. “Doctor, I’m going to be returning Maze home. To Hell. Dad asked me to, and she’s been rather adamant that I do so. If you wish to say goodbye… I don’t know that she’ll ever be returning to Earth in your lifetime, and she’ll never visit the Silver City. It may well be the only chance you’ll ever get to say goodbye. I’m going to give her a week to get her affairs in order.”

Tears clouded her vision. She’d grown fond of Mazikeen. And… wait… “To Hell?” She asked, a bit indignantly. “Why…”

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. “Doctor… she’s a demon. A lilim.”

Oh, oh shit. She probably should’ve made that connection. Of course the Lord of Hell’s second would be a demon. “I am still having a time wrapping my brain around you being…”

“Satan? Beelzebub? Old Scratch?” Lucifer teased. “I was. I’m just not what most imagine when they picture the Lord of Hell.”

“You’re so…” Linda shrugged. “Gentle souled for being him.”

“Ah, that would be Samael poking through that you’re seeing.” Lucifer grimaced. “I will see you Wednesday, if not sooner.”

Linda stared after him as he left her office before she laid her head back down. What had she signed herself up for the day Lucifer had come to her? It’s not like you’ve never considered Satan’s daddy issues interesting. Came the voice in the back of her head. You get a chance to explore and perhaps even fix the most dysfunctional familial relationship that has ever existed. When she had done her thesis for med school, she had done a theoretical psychoanalyzing of the relationship between God and the Devil.

Now she was getting to do a for real practical of it. Yep, this was her life now.

Chapter Text

Lucifer went back to LUX after the session. He found Maze behind the bar. “We need to talk.”

Maze looked up, surprised. “Lucifer?”

He pulled her aside to a deserted area. “Do you still wish to return to Hell?” He asked her quietly.

“Yes.” Maze said without hesitation, narrowing her eyes. “Why?”

“Very well.” Lucifer let out a breath. He’d miss her, but he also knew she never really felt at home on Earth. He could always visit her. “Be prepared to leave in a week. I will not be staying in Hell, but I will bring you back. It’ll give you time to get your affairs in order and say your goodbyes.”

What? “Why now? You’ve been fighting me on this for months. And you don’t have wings anymore.”

“I do now. Had a bit of a family reunion. Turns out Mum is even more of a hateful bitch than we realized.” Lucifer felt the stab of pain from that wound again. “Dad had nothing to do with my banishment. Didn’t even know about it.”

Maze was taken aback. “Wait. What? And you just… believe him? Your Dad’s a dick. Who’s to say he’s not lying?”

“She admitted it.” Lucifer said quietly. “At least the part where she was the one who had me sent to Hell. And for all Dad’s faults, he’s never been a liar. He prides Himself on the truth just as much as I do. She lied to me. She told me he wanted to destroy me.” And that still hurt somewhere he couldn’t even get near. “She orchestrated everything. Turned Amenadiel and Uriel against me, and convinced Father I went to rule Hell on my own, while vilifying me to the world.”

Maze growled at that. She and her King had their issues, but that was vile coming from his own Mother. “Oh, let me get my hands on Her.” She purred. She would make the bitch pay.

“I’m going to take her to Hell as well after things are taken care of. She can be yours and the other demons’ plaything for all I care at this point. Do your worst.” Lucifer smirked. He knew the demons would greatly enjoy making the Goddess of all Creation their plaything and he wouldn’t have to get his hands dirty.

“And Amenadiel?” Maze hissed. “What about him? And Uriel was it?”

Lucifer grimaced. “They’re off limits. I rather get the impression Dad wants to take care of them personally. Trust me, they will beg for the punishment I supposedly received before it’s all over if His temper is anything like I remember it.”

“And your Father?” She asked warily. “You’re ready to just… forgive Him? Just like that? How does one even manage to hide something so massive from God? He left you in Hell for eons alone. You don’t even like the Silver City.”

“No, no of course I’m not ready to forgive Him.” Lucifer sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “It’s… complicated Maze. But I guess at the end of the day I miss the life I had before. Even if it does mean being back under His thumb. We got along well once upon a time. I don’t know if we can return to that, but I’d like to try.”

“You were His favorite.” Maze murmurs, remembering the many pained conversations she had had with Lucifer before he accepted his new life. “So shall I call you Samael the Archangel, then?”

let out a strained growl. “Why does everyone see Samael in me?” And why was it becoming harder every time to deny it?

“I knew you before you chose the name Lucifer.” Maze reminded him. “You… are acting very much like you did in your early days as the Lord of Hell. You have been more and more since you met Decker. But especially now. Besides, you reek of Angel Warrior for the first time since you stopped using your old name. If you want a relationship with God and miss your old life, as much as I disagree with the sentiment, why aren’t you accepting your old name and role back?”

“Because I’m still not sure I…” What? Trust Him? God was true to His words. Even at his worst, Lucifer had to grudgingly acknowledge that. “I created this persona for a reason. And what? Now the one who caused it to be necessary comes around, apologizes and says He didn’t know, and I’m supposed to just… drop everything? Besides, I have a life now on Earth.”

“Hm.” Maze leaned against the table. “Your Father sounds like at worst He is guilty of what you accused your Mother of. Less even. He didn’t look the other way when you were banished, He just neglected to pay any attention to what was happening. Your Dad utterly neglected you for eons. Ok. And? That’s not news to you. I can’t believe I’m standing here sticking up for God but this is more or less what you have always wanted. Why hesitate now?”

In that moment he understood far more than he wanted. “Because I’m being bloody stubborn.” He grumbled. As much as that was his normal, he really didn’t want to let that get in the way now. “Thank you, Maze.” He said quietly. “For everything.” For being by his side when he’d just been banished to Hell. For being his friend. For being there to talk when he needed an ear.

“Hey, it’s not like this is goodbye. You’ll come visit me, right?” Maze froze suddenly. “Um…”

Lucifer turned around to see what she was staring at. “Dad?” The Being looked beyond pissed off and exhausted. Lucifer took a step back, a little alarmed.

Chapter Text

God looked up haggardly at His son, sadness washing over Him at the flash of fear in Lucifer’s eyes. “I’m not angry with you, Lucifer.” He murmured. “I had to get away for a bit and I could really use a drink.”

Maze was all too happy to have an excuse to leave that conversation.

Lucifer hesitated before sitting across from his Father. They had moved to a table where they’d have privacy. “What… happened?” Lucifer probed hesitantly.

God sighed. “I found out details about the rebellion.” He looked on sadly as Lucifer flinched violently at the reminder of the past. “Uriel confessed to orchestrating it. He manipulated your patterns until it forced your hand.”

“What?” Lucifer asked, horrified. “No, the rebellion was mine.” He couldn’t have been punished for something that wasn’t even his own doing. “Mother…?”

“She pulled the strings, yes.” God felt every bit as old as He was. Which was… quite, for an eternal, immortal being. He took a gulp of the drink that had arrived. “I had to get out of there before I did something truly regrettable. They have managed, quite successfully, to take everything from you.”

Lucifer felt a heavy weariness on him. “You truly had no idea, did You.” Everything that had happened, everything he had blamed his Father for, the Being had been entirely ignorant to. “How does one even hide something from You?”

“Only your Mother could.” God grimaced. “And no, I didn’t. I knew nothing of any of this before today, S… Lucifer.”

Lucifer knew he would never be ready to admit it to his Father but he wanted his old life back. “Even Maze sees the old me. I want to return, I’m just… I’ll never be ready, I might as well. I want my old life back. I want to return to the Host. I just… am worried how angry they’re going to be at my return.”

“Oh they’re angry, but not at you, Lucifer.” The smile on God’s face made Lucifer’s skin crawl. “They have been informed of the situation. Uriel and Amenadiel and your Mother are now the outcasts. I think you’ll find the Host is eager to welcome you home.”

Fuck, he’d forgotten he learned his brutality in part from his Father. The Almighty might be known as a merciful and forgiving God but he had a history of brutal punishment when the crime warranted it. He was quite good at personalizing punishments. And he knew exactly how Uriel and Amenadiel were probably being treated until Father was done with them. They were probably wishing that they could be kicked out. Especially if his more protective siblings got a hold of them.

“Taking a page out of my book are we?” He half joked. “You can be bloody terrifying you can be when motivated.”

God raised an amused eyebrow. “Hm, well where do you think you learned it from?”

A shudder of pain and fear went through Lucifer. “I’m terrified that someday you’ll regret letting me return.” He admitted. “Even if you have made it where you can’t banish me, I… I don’t want our relationship to return to how I thought it was.”

God squeezed his hand comfortingly. “Parents and children can be angry at each other, Lucifer. But they move past it. We can move past it. I have no doubt we won’t always see eye to eye, we can both be very stubborn. But that doesn’t mean I will stop loving you. That we can’t make up over it. It was never my intention to let our fight over the rebellion linger over you as long as it did. I have learned my lesson about assuming you know my intentions and how I feel.”

“When did you actually forgive me, anyway?” Lucifer wondered.

“I’m not certain how long it would’ve taken me.” God thought out loud. “When I was told you had left, it shocked me out of the worst of my anger. I had half a mind to go down to Hell and talk to you, but I believed you needed time. That was only a couple of weeks after our fight. I decided to let you come to me on your own when you were ready and then that day just never came.”

“I couldn’t.” Lucifer felt anger at his Mother. “I tried to pray to you in Hell. I… I thought You were ignoring me. I was told if I ever returned to Heaven I would die. And you never really leave the Silver City, so…”

“I would have come to you.” God said mournfully. “For all that I failed at it, neglecting you was not my intention.”

“I’m starting to think letting Mom be the demons’ play thing might be too kind of a sentence.” Lucifer admitted darkly. “Never thought a small part of me would miss being the Devil.”

God startled a bit before raising an eyebrow. “No one says you can’t go down there and revel a bit in making sure she gets what she deserves. I would not be welcome in Hell or I might just join you. You, however, are still respected in Hell, even abdicated.”

Lucifer looked at him warily. “I’m surprised You even approve of my… methods. They are rather unbecoming of an Archangel.”

Chapter Text

God snorted at that. “I’m the one who sentenced Her to Hell, Lucifer. And besides, I disagree. Michael can be every bit as punishing. I think you may have grown to forget that you are all warriors. In any case, no one is going to judge you for dishing out punishments. You know my basic rules and have been following them… mostly. As long as you follow those and do your duties, you are otherwise free to do as you wish.”

Lucifer drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. It almost seemed too good to be true to be able to just return to Heaven as an Archangel, no problems, no questions asked, and still be able to maintain how he preferred to live. He’d been the bloody Devil just earlier in the day after all. “Have I mentioned how bloody absurd this all is?” He muttered.

“Only because you were under the impression you had done and were doing anything wrong.” God pointed out. “I can’t say I have any complaints about how you ruled Hell. The only major thing I’d say is please do not cut off your wings again.”

“I was trying to get your attention.” Lucifer muttered. Then he smirked a little. “Well, and to flip you the bird, because I still thought you…” He trailed off, a bit lost in thought.

God grimaced. So many misunderstandings, so much unintentional negligence. “Right, well, no more need for that then. You can talk to me whenever and… I’m surprised to find I hope eventually you’ll feel comfortable enough to actually ‘flip me the bird’ face to face.”

Lucifer smirked at that. “Why Dad, tempting people is my job. Not really feeling it though. I’m actually pretty content right now.”

God realized something. “There is… something you should know. You’ve been wondering about your detective friend, why she is immune to your gifts.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, I have.”

God sighed. “About 40 years ago, I decided to take a more active role in trying to show you the way home. I missed you and you didn’t seem inclined to listen to my previous attempts. I thought to give you someone who you could truly bond with, although what shape that took was always going to be between the two of you. I sent Amenadiel to bless an infertile couple with a child. One who would be able to see through your façade and be immune to your gifts so you both could have a relationship of whatever form it took without interference. Aside from that, all I did was ensure you would cross paths. 9 months later, Chloe Jane Decker was born.”

Lucifer’s face went white. The detective was… what? A manipulation?

“She was not meant as one. More of a way to show you that I still cared. That I wanted you to be happy.” God admitted. “Her choices are still her own. Her free will was not infringed upon. She is immune to your gifts and I ensured you two would find each other. Nothing more. And the reason you are mortal around her is because you wish to be vulnerable around her. It’s called self-actualization. It’s the same reason Amenadiel fell initially.” God scowled at the thought of his eldest son.

Lucifer looked away. “Why are You telling me this?” His Father didn’t typically offer information freely.

“Because you deserved to know. And you deserved to hear it from Me.” God grimaced. “I tried to keep any manipulations as minimal as possible. I know you hate them.”

Lucifer looked at Him, annoyed. “You could’ve just come and talked to me. Would’ve saved us both a lot of trouble.”

“Hindsight.” God winced. “Even I am not immune. I thought you had been avoiding me, so I didn’t wish to force a confrontation. Besides, Lucifer, mistakes were made, yes, but would you really wish for her to never have existed?”

Lucifer grumbled at that. “No. No more manipulations, though. If you want something, try talking to me.” He could live with Chloe being a miracle if she still had her free will.

God looked at Lucifer. “Agreed. I would like to think I’ve learned my lessons from this… disaster.” He could see all the pain and grief reflected back at Him on Lucifer’s face. He put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. “You’ve been through a lot. Including Hell.” God grimaced. “But we’re past the worst of it. You never have to go back and we can work on our relationship. You can have the life back you believed you’d lost.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the son you remember.” Lucifer muttered. “Too much has happened. Hell changes a being. And not in anything that resembles good ways.”

“Mm. While I would never have wished Hell upon you, I daresay it has taught you a lot of responsibility and leadership. You are not the same young Archangel who led a rebellion against Me, no. You have grown, Lucifer. That is not a bad thing.” God smiled softly. “Which reminds me, now that you’ve taken your position back I could use some help… dealing… with Amenadiel and Uriel. I also thought you might like to bring your Mother along for some good old celestial punishment on top of whatever you do to her.”

Lucifer smirked at the thought of getting to be involved. “I won’t go easy on them, you know.”

God laughed. “Lucifer, I would be sorely disappointed if you did.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer nervously played with his cufflink. Dad had said the host was eager to welcome him back but… A strangled noise left him. It was bad enough when humans turned their backs on him. Having his siblings do so… Suddenly a black wing gently smacked him on the arm. He turned and gave Michael a look.

“Quit brooding.” Michael said. “Also, welcome home. Wasn’t sure if you would end up taking up Dad’s offer. I’m glad to see that you did.”

“Yes, well…” Lucifer bit his lip. What would the rest of the Host think about having the abdicated Devil back among them. Apparently he’d thought that out loud.

“You realize Dad hasn’t been afraid to bend anyone over his knee that has dared to call you that right?” Michael said with amusement. “Said if they’re going to act like a child they’ll be punished like a child. Besides, once the Host found out what Uriel and Amenadiel did, most of them are eager to welcome you back and apologize.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed. “Most…?”

Michael shrugged. “Well, I mean, not everyone liked you before. Remiel for example. Zadkiel seems on the fence. Saraqael is still angry at you for the trouble you caused her.”

Oh, that made sense. “Wait, what trouble for Saraqael?”

“She was your second in the rebellion.” Michael thought for a moment. “Though now that we know Dad’s not the one who banished you, I’m not sure why she believes He was punishing her.”

Lucifer grimaced. “Well, He was furious, just not enough to banish me. Either way, I owe her an apology.” Now that he thought on it, Dad not having banished him explained why he was the only one sent to Hell. His cohorts in the rebellion were probably only seen as collateral to his Mother and Amenadiel and Uriel. They wanted him out of the way. He had wondered about that in the early days.

“Uriel and Mom are the ones behind the rebellion, not you.” Michael pointed out.

“Regardless of their manipulations, I still made the conscious choice to rebel and bring our siblings into it.” Lucifer winced.

“Yea, maybe. But with Uriel manipulating your patterns you realize you really didn’t have a freely given choice in it.” Michael pulled Lucifer in with wing. “It’ll be ok, Lucifer. You’re overthinking it, relax. This is supposed to be a happy time for you. You’re home again!”

Home. Lucifer thought, warmth spreading through him. He hesitated as he reached out to the meeting room door. He so was not ready for this. Will you ever be though? Came the annoying voice. He shook it off and finally pushed the door open.

Inside were the rest of the host and Dad. Michael nudged Lucifer inside. Everyone went silent and stared as Lucifer entered. Michael sat down next to Father.

“Ah, Lucifer, come sit.” God motioned for His son to sit next to Him.

“Can I… say something?” The words stuck in Lucifer’s throat. What was he doing? God nodded encouragingly at him. “I… I’m sorry for the rebellion. I shouldn’t have dragged anyone into it, any of you.” His eyes caught on Saraqael’s whose eyes widened in surprise. “I’m truly sorry for the hurt it caused anyone. I take responsibility for it. I’ve been told Uriel and Mom orchestrated it, but it was still my choice. I didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt, I was just… immature and not thinking things through. I hope I can have the chance to prove I’ve changed.”

Shocked silence met his words. Even his Father seemed surprised. Lucifer shifted uncomfortably under their gazes. He was sorry for dragging his siblings into the rebellion, and for taking it as far as he did.

Zadkiel stood and walked up to him, searching for any dishonesty and finding none. “I’ll be the first to admit, I was reluctant to believe that you were worthy of rejoining the host after your rebellion. I didn’t believe you would ever feel regret for it. It is heartening to hear such an honest apology. Welcome home and back to the Host, Lucifer.” He held out his hand and shook Lucifer’s. Then he took his seat back at the table.

Saraqael watched quietly from her spot for a moment. Then she spoke. “I was your second in the rebellion. I felt abandoned by you for a long time. You didn’t show any remorse before your banishment. I was never banished, but I have felt the ramifications for my participation. I thought you didn’t care about the rest of us that helped you. I can see now that I was wrong. I accept your apology. I am happy that you are allowed to return home.” She smiled softly at him.

Lucifer glanced over at Remiel. She shrugged. “Look I think you enjoy carnal desires with humans entirely too much to be appropriate for an Archangel. That opinion isn’t changing. But I will accept that you are home again. That is Dad’s call and I won’t be that one asshole who refuses to welcome you home, so… Welcome home, Lucifer.” She said cooly.

God smiled at him. “We have spoken at length about the circumstances, but I am surprised and happy to hear your apology, Samael. I accept it.”

After that everyone else at the table agreed with the sentiments.

Lucifer sat where his Father had indicated which was also next to Azrael who leaned closer. “Welcome home, Sam. I’ve missed you.”

God cleared his throat. “So, as you all know, I have welcomed Lucifer back home and he has accepted My offer to return to the Host as my second in command. He was manipulated and later banished against my knowledge or wishes by your Mother, Amenadiel and Uriel. Uriel manipulated patterns to cause the rebellion and keep myself and you all in the dark, while Amenadiel kept pushing Lucifer to believe that it was my doing. Your Mother masterminded the entire plot and implemented Lucifer’s banishment and as a final offense, tried to convince him that I had wanted him dead. As of now all 3 of them are disgraced from Heaven and the Host. I expect you to treat Lucifer with respect and as my second, his orders are to be followed. He has lived a long time on his own, he will be allowed to continue his normal life on Earth while fulfilling his duties with the Host. I have given My Word on that and that he will never be banished from the Silver City again. You are to respect that.”

There were murmurs of agreement from around the table.

Chapter Text

“Why did they do this?” Zadkiel asked. He may not have always agreed with Lucifer’s actions but this went beyond… She was their Mother.

“Your Mother never appreciated Me showing much attention to anyone or anything other than Her. When I was getting ready to start preparing Lucifer for his new duties as second in command after he finished lighting the stars, I believe She wanted him out of the picture. Lucifer was never someone who was able to be controlled, something she wished to have over my second. So She orchestrated events to give Amenadiel the role. She wished for someone she could control to be directly under Me, and She also resented the trust I have in Lucifer.”

Lucifer preened a bit at that. He had not missed the present tense of the statement.

“So She had him banished?” Zadkiel was disgusted. “Under falsified circumstances?”

“She did.” God said sadly.

“How did You not notice that Lucifer was banished?” Azrael asked, trying to keep the harshness out of her voice. Lucifer had been her favorite big brother.

Lucifer stopped and considered that for a moment. His Father was hands-off, it was true, but they had always been close before his banishment. Angry or not, the Father he remembered wasn’t neglectful enough of him to miss that for eons. Was it possible… “Uriel…”

Everyone turned to look at him. “Lucifer?” God asked.

“Uriel can manipulate patterns.” Lucifer contemplated. “Is it even possible for him to manipulate your patterns so that you wouldn’t notice? Something seems… wrong with the idea that you ignored me for millennia after you stopped being angry over the rebellion.” Even accounting for the time time dilation in Hell, it had been many millennia in the Silver City.

God froze. Normally it wouldn’t be possible for His children to use their powers against Him but… “With your Mother helping him, it might be.”

An angry hiss went around the room but all Lucifer could do was stare at his Father in growing horror growing in the pit of his stomach. If this theory was true, God had been no more responsible for His negligence than Lucifer was of the rebellion. Which didn’t completely absolve Him, of course, but…

“Lucifer.” Michael reached across and squeezed his hand.

Lucifer shook himself out of the thoughts to find everyone watching him in concern. He cleared his throat. “Right… so what do we do, now? They are a danger to the Host.”

“Are you ok, Lucifer?” Michael asked.

How bad did he look that the rest of the Host was staring at him concerned? “Divine.” He tried his standard response but winced as he realized that was not going to fly with his siblings or Dad. His Father was staring at him, increasingly alarmed. “I’ve dealt with worse. Nothing I can’t handle later.” He hoped anyway.

“No one is going to judge you for being upset.”

Michael. Of course.

“Let’s take a recess.” Father was saying, waving the others away. “Lucifer…”

Lucifer let out a choked noise as he felt his Father’s hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be ok. Really. I’ve dealt with worse while fighting off demons.” Why was he breaking down like this anyway? He was the former Devil for crying out loud!

Haunted eyes watched His son sadly. “You never dealt with your feelings about your banishment.” It was a statement.

“When?” Lucifer hissed, pressing his hands into his face. “When could I have, Dad? While I was fighting off demons, struggling just to survive? While I was ruling a kingdom and learning on the fly? While I was trying to learn to adjust to life as a ‘human’ while trying to not lie but also not let them realize they were dealing with the Devil himself? Trying not to allow myself to break a little more with every betrayal when someone did find out my identity? And how could I even explain this to my human therapist who has no concept of what 12 eons worth of pent up emotions amounts to. Can’t have any concept of that amount of time even. Much less the fact that I spent most of that time in Hell.”

God wasn’t really sure how to respond to that.

“And moreover, now I’m finding out You were as much a… mostly… innocent victim in this as I was. Not entirely. We still made our own choices, but…” Lucifer let out a hiss of frustration. “We both have always held to the concept that the one who forces someone else’s hand is the guilty party. I would be a hypocrite to continue considering you at fault. And yet I’ve hated You for eons. For something you didn’t even do. I want to forgive You. I really do. But I can’t.”

God sat next to Lucifer, taking his hands and squeezing them. “It’s ok, Lucifer.” He could see the cracks ready to give way. Could see His son desperately clinging onto the last fragments of his shield. “Look at me, Lucifer.” Lucifer did. “We will get through this, together. I do not expect forgiveness overnight. Please let go of your guilt, of the fears you’re holding onto. I’m right here. You are safe and you are loved. I will never allow such harm to come to you again.”

Lucifer let out a choked noise. “Help me, please. I don’t… I don’t know if I…”

God pulled Lucifer into a hug, helping release his son’s grip on the shards and easing the pain as deepest and oldest wounds were brought back to the surface as His son finally cried. He eased His son’s pain as the full brightness of the Lightbringer was blinding and burning, like a supernova. The Will weaved through it, as was His son’s long forgotten domain, trying to bring the light back under some control. Eventually sobs turned into hiccupping crying and sniffles and God felt Lucifer start to relax against Him.

Lucifer felt it when the last of the shield shattered, revealing the worst wounds that he had so carefully hidden under layers and layers of shield eons before. Especially the sounds from the day of his banishment. A wound as deep as the day it was inflicted. And when had he internally stopped calling himself Lucifer? He felt the Will weave its way through his Light, trying to tame it. He struggled for a bit under the sheer power of it. “I… I need… Michael.” He murmured against his Father who he didn’t even remember pulling him into a hug. When had that happened? Michael was his other half. The Darkness and Power to his Light and Will.

God nodded, understanding, calling for Michael.

Chapter Text

It took mere moments before Michael stood there, trying to evaluate what was going on. His eyes widened as he realized the problem and touched his twin gently on the shoulder, before Michael could really think, Lucifer turned and buried his face against Michael. Michael startled but started sending his darkness and power over the twin bond they shared and Lucifer started sending some of his light back. “I’ve got you, Lucifer.” Michael reassured. “I’m here now. Take as much as you need.” They hadn’t fed into each other like this in so long, but it felt so right. Something that had been missing from them both since the rebellion was back.

“I… I’m so sorry.” Lucifer started to get his bearings back. “I’m sorry.”

Michael held him tighter. “I know, Lucifer.” He knew his twin meant for the rebellion, too. “It wasn’t your fault. Didn’t you always claim the one who instigates an event is the guilty party? You are Punishment, but I am Judgement, and I deem you innocent.”

Lucifer let out a choked laugh. “You can’t just do that without Dad’s approval, you know.”

Michael let out a snort. “Didn’t it occur to you that Dad had that done before he brought you home? There’s a reason it took us as long as it did to get to you. Turns out lifting a banishment without the one who originally placed it present and in agreement isn’t a simple task. After we found out what had happened He dug through the banishment ward and then we had to find you innocent of the rebellion, then he had to undo the wards, which took far too long. Then we had to plan how to get you away from Mother safely when we realized She was staying with you. And inform the rest of the Host of the lifting of your banishment and taking care of Uriel and Amenadiel. Only then were we able to come get you.”

Lucifer hadn’t actually considered what had happened immediately prior to Dad and Michael showing up in the penthouse. Suddenly the delay between Mother lying to him and their arrival made a lot more sense. Of course they couldn’t come get him until the banishment was lifted. He would’ve died as soon as he passed through the gates. He shuddered.

“It’s ok, now, Luci.” Michael soothed. “You’re not alone anymore. You never will be again.”

“Nor will you face punishment again, short of becoming a threat to the Host, Myself or humanity.” God decided to speak up. He’d been considering this for a while. “You have faced far too much punishment for something you weren’t the mastermind of. Unless I am left no other choice, I can’t in good conscience punish you after eons in Hell and I know you will not abuse this. I don’t wish for you to be in constant fear waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

A shudder of relief ran through Lucifer. It helped to know that unless he really screwed up again, he didn’t need to fear what punishment he would face. “Is that fair to the rest of the Host?” He asked quietly.

“The rest of the Host has never faced eons in Hell for something that wasn’t their fault, Lucifer. None of them have faced vilification or believing they were abandoned.” God reminded him. “And I don’t expect anything will happen to force me to act, but if it does, we will talk first. You will have a chance to explain and you will hear any punishment from Me. I will not make the same mistake of allowing another to falsify dishing out punishments on My behalf.” He didn’t wish to think that any of His children would do that again, but He hadn’t the first time, either.

“Sara being punished isn’t fair either, you know.” Lucifer pointed out quietly, finally looking back at his Father.

God looked at him, contemplating. “I haven’t meant to be punishing her. At least not since she was locked in her room after the rebellion originally. I probably have taken out the fact that I missed you and you weren’t coming home on her unintentionally, though. And her own guilt has also added to her belief that I was being passive aggressive toward her. I will speak to her later and clear this up.”

Lucifer nodded before sitting back down in his seat and sighing. Why were things so damned complicated? A small bubble of laughter emerged from him as he thought about that question. “I was never actually God-damned.” He couldn’t help the somewhat hysterical laughter at that. All the jokes he’d made about that, too.

“Dad I think we broke him.” Michael said somewhat alarmed.

“Not… broken.” Lucifer calmed himself enough to get out. “Just… overwhelmed. This is… a lot.”

“I’ll delay the meeting for a few days.” God hugged Lucifer. He knew he was about to protest. “Lucifer, you are at your limit for one day. I had been afraid it was too soon as it was. Dealing with them isn’t immediately urgent, though it needs to be done soon. And your input is invaluable. Something you only reinforced earlier. It hadn’t occurred to anyone that Uriel could’ve manipulated my patterns as well. That is something that needs to be addressed on a larger scale. Having loopholes such as that are dangerous. I… honestly had forgotten exactly how indispensable you were when it came to dealing with matters.”

“I don’t know about that.” Lucifer shrugged. “I’m just… used to dealing with matters in Hell, now. You would not believe how many times I had to deal with demons trying to overthrow me. At least you don’t need to worry about attempted murder.” He got stares from both of them of horror. “What? It’s Hell. It’s hardly a picnic in the park.” Lucifer scoffed. “Attempted murder for overthrowing the throne at least every few centuries was pretty par for the course.”

Now it was God’s turn to be distressed. “Lucifer...” God didn’t curse, but if He ever would, it would be now. He sat down heavily in His chair.

Lucifer felt a bit uncomfortable. “It’s not like I truly would’ve died. Just until my body healed.”

“That’s not the point!” God hissed. What had they done to His son. What had He caused in His negligence. Lucifer had stood before the Host and taken accountability for the rebellion. Lucifer deserved that in return and so much more. “This was My fault, Lucifer. I never should’ve neglected you. I never should’ve taken anyone else’s word for what was going on with you. And I never should have let you stay in Hell. How I didn’t realize a being of such Light would never thrive in Hell, I don’t know. It’s no wonder you created another persona and blocked off your gifts. You could not keep Light where it could be accessed and without Light, your domain over Will was also compromised with how they tie together.”

Lucifer had never considered it that way. He’d always convinced himself that the blocking off of his gifts was more of a conscious choice to spite his father. But he’d never really actively decided to block them. It just… happened and he never tried to unblock them.

Chapter Text

God looked at him as softly as He could. “Your sense of self-preservation kicked in the moment you realized help wasn’t coming.” He explained. “Lucifer and the block against your Light were the result.”

Which also explained the almost supernova reaction when the last of the shield was gone. Light was never meant to be contained like that. And especially not Will. Will by its nature required freedom. Trying to contain it… tended to cause very explosive reactions. “And your refusal to allow the Host free will is what started the cascade effect that started the rebellion. Will cannot be controlled by anyone that isn’t holding it. It requires freedom.” Lucifer let out in exhaustion. “As soon as I knew free will was a thing, the Will demanded it.”

God held His head in His hands. He had never gotten a chance to question Lucifer on why he had felt the need to start a rebellion involving his siblings as well over a simple disagreement. As much as Lucifer was well known for being His favorite, they also were notorious in the Silver City for their bickering and at times explosive disagreements. The argument over free will hadn’t seemed any more massive at the time than any other explosive disagreement. Until the war broke out. “You were suffering because you couldn’t make your own choices.” God said quietly. “You were unhappy here because you were forced to do my bidding and couldn’t say no.” Why had he never questioned this? Lucifer was the Will. Of course being forced would make him miserable.

Lucifer couldn’t really do anything other than nod in agreement.

God sighed, rubbing His hand over His face. “Michael, I need to speak with Lucifer alone.” Michael looked surprised but left.

Lucifer watched nervously as his twin left. God didn’t ask for private conversation often. He looked back at his Father, nervously playing with his cufflinks.

God smiled gently, trying to reassure Lucifer. Once Michael was gone, he spoke up. “You’ll never be happy under my thumb will you?” God asked sadly.

Lucifer bit his lip. He couldn’t say he would, that would be a lie. But he also didn’t want to no longer be part of the Host either.

God raised a hand, hearing the thoughts. “I had Michael leave because I do not wish for there to be further accusations of favoritism causing you issues. You have ruled your own kingdom for eons, Lucifer, and you were a fair and just ruler. I am willing to trust you in making decisions. This will be unofficial, at least until the Host is more settled.”

Lucifer was a bit anxious. “What are you proposing exactly?”

“That you be my equal. Rather than just my second. Only my partner can hold the throne with Me, but you don’t need to be on the throne to be able to be my equal in decisions. Neither of us will have more say than the other, and we both have the right to make executive decisions when absolutely necessary or minor things, but otherwise we work together.” God clarified.

Lucifer blinked in surprise. An equal?

“I don’t want to be the cause of your unhappiness.” God watched him. “And I don’t want to see you leave the Host, or especially the Silver City, permanently, if there is another way. You have earned the right to be my equal, Lucifer. You were forced into being the ruler of Hell, and yet, you never once abused it. You had carte blanche to do with it as you pleased and you didn’t want to be there in the first place, but you gave it structure anyway.”

“It was my responsibility.” Lucifer said, a little embarrassed. “And part of that was out of spite. To show you that I could take whatever you threw at me and make the best of it. Even Hell.”

“A massive responsibility you were forced to take on.” God pointed out. “And spiteful or not, that is no small feat, Lucifer. If you can make the best of being banished to Hell for what you believed was eternity, with no family around, I can’t imagine many worse situations, or any really. That is why I need your insight. You always had an insight I seem to lack. I also want you to feel like you can address any issues with me.”

Lucifer considered for a moment. There was one topic that immediately came to mind… “Well…” God encouraged him to continue with a wave of His hand. “For starters, I think You need to be more actively involved with the humans. Just giving them commandments and watching from afar isn’t working. Some of the utterly depraved things many of them do…” He shook his head. And another thought occurred to him. “And with Hell… there are many who do not deserve to be there but are dragged down by guilt. I suspect the opposite is also true. We need a system to catch those cases and adjust.”

God smiled a bit at that. “See? And you still care about Hell. As far as that goes, we can certainly start working out a system to fix that and also to help send those souls to the Silver City. Maybe therapy for the souls in Hell who shouldn’t be there. There are plenty of former therapists here who I am sure would enjoy getting to practice again. As for the opposite, fortunately no. Michael always checked to make sure before any souls were sent to their loops here.”

Lucifer was relieved to hear that. “Therapy could work.” He mused. “Maze and I created a system where there are levels in Hell. The higher the level, the less deserving of guilt someone is.”

Chapter Text

God was amused. “Then I will see to it we start on that. As for the other… I had already been contemplating that to an extent. I have a proposal. I wish to work on our relationship and we can’t do that at a distance, and I need to get to see humanity as it is. As I understand, you work to help put away the guilty on Earth? I would be interested to join you in that.”

Lucifer let out a chuckle at the thought of God consulting for the LAPD. “Dad… do you even know enough about humanity to fit in?”

God waved it off. “I’m sure you can teach Me. How hard can it be?”

Lucifer looked at him skeptically. “You are stubborn and you would have people you have to answer to. Something You’ve never had to do.”

“Well, it’d be a good learning experience.” God smiled. “One can’t be a good leader if they can’t be a good follower.”

“I have never agreed with that sentiment.” Lucifer scoffed. “But I… want to try to make things work and it would be a good opportunity just… try not to embarrass me too much, please.” His Dad used to be very bad about oversharing and embarrassing him.

God winced remembering something else. “One last thing, Lucifer. I will not force your hand however I want to make something very clear. You are not nor were you ever the being humans refer to as ‘the Devil’. I know you have thought of yourself as such, but the truth is, that being is little more than a fictional character like bigfoot. A character made up by your rogue siblings and Mother. The fact that you held the same position in Hell as that character does not make you that being. And, because I know you always wondered, your ‘Devil face’ is nothing more than your perception of yourself as a monster. It does not represent that you have a monstrous side within you as you have feared in the past. Quite the opposite in a way. Monsters do not fear that they are monsters, Lucifer. They would never care that they are.”

Lucifer blinked back tears of pain. “I ruled over Hell for eons indirectly because I started a rebellion against you.”

“And?” God asked. “Most teenagers rebel against their parents, Lucifer. Does that make them mythical monsters? Just because we are celestials and our fight became infamous doesn’t make it any different.”

No, Lucifer had to admit, and he had always resented that. That he was seen as a monster because of what amounted to an act of teenage rebellion that got out of hand. “I… concede your point.”

God squeezed Lucifer’s hand. “I will be working on fixing humanity’s views of you, but it will be meaningless to you if you still regard yourself as a monster. You have my forgiveness for your past actions. You have for almost the entire time. You are an Archangel once more, one of the Host, and my equal. Let your fears of being a monster go. You are not a monster. Nor will you ever be. You aren’t evil, you punish evil.”

Lucifer felt a small sad smile tug at his lips at the reminder of his often repeated phrase. Hearing it from his Father made it feel more true. Until now it was just a phrase he’d used to try to reassure himself he wasn’t the monster humanity viewed him as.

“You’re not, Lucifer.” God hugged him. “I give you my word, there is no part of you that is evil. Or that is even capable of evil.”

And there was the reassurance he had waited eons to hear. That he wasn’t evil. From his Dad. A sob escaped him as his Dad pulled him closer. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear those words from you.” He said between sobs.

God let out a choked noise of his own. “I know. I know, Lucifer. I know how terrified you were. You are my Lightbringer, you could never be evil, my beloved child. You’ve been through so much pain, so alone. Let me be here for you. Let the rest of your siblings be here for you.”

“You want me to lie to humanity, then?” Lucifer asked, reluctantly.

“Not lie, Lucifer.” God corrected. “To stop giving them a falsified view of your past. I understand that you were the Lord of Hell, but what that means to humanity is a complete fabrication. In a way, is it not a lie to allow them to have a false perception?”

He… might have a point about that. “Telling them what I was makes it easier to swallow when they eventually figure it out and turn on me. At least then I can console myself with the fact that I never actually lied to them about my identity.”

God felt fury at those who had turned against Lucifer. “They are not worth your care, those that would turn on you.”

“They can’t help it.” Lucifer shrugged. “The Bible even implies I’m a monster. They believe that they are acting on Your will. After all, who would believe that God’s favorite Angel was kicked out of Heaven by Him personally if he wasn’t evil.” He couldn’t help the resentment that slid into his voice.

“Except you weren’t.” God growled in frustration. “Nor would you ever have been. And I will be correcting those beliefs. Just as soon as I can figure out how.”

Lucifer snorted. “I don’t think anything short of a direct Word from you would convince humanity I’m not a monster at this point.”

God looked thoughtful. “That could work. I’m not terribly a fan of the direct approach but in this case I believe you may be right. The Vatican might do nicely.” He watched Lucifer scowl. “Believe it or not, the Pope is rather neutral toward you. He has defended you before in that yes, you may be the ruler of Hell, but you were also a former Angel. He’s always been of the belief that he would make his own decision if he ever met you and that until then, he couldn’t say either way. Has actually prevented one of his priests from coming after you. William Kinley.”

Well, that was certainly interesting news. Lucifer had always assumed the Pope would hold the same opinions of him as most Christian leaders did.

Chapter Text

“The more honest and good believers tend to not believe you are inherently evil, actually.” God mused. “The ones who remember that you were an Angel long before you ruled Hell, that I believe in second chances. That forgiveness is offered to those who repent. It’s the non-believers and extremists that cause you the most problems. Those like Ella Lopez and Father Frank, even the Pope, wait to judge you until they’ve met you. And the innocent, like one Beatrice Espinoza.”

Lucifer scoffed. “The urchin doesn’t know.”

God raised an eyebrow, amused. “Doesn’t she, Lucifer? Have you forgotten the very first time you met her when you introduced yourself and she asked if you were Lucifer ‘like the Devil’ and you told her exactly, she never questioned it. Never doubted for a moment that you had told her the truth.”

Lucifer blanched at that. “But she throws herself at me all the time! She’s never shown any indication that she’s afraid of me.”

“She isn’t afraid of you, Lucifer. She sees you for who you truly are. She doesn’t care about your former position. She cares about her friend.” God smiled.

Lucifer snorted. “Come now, people usually wet themselves when they see my nastier side. Even You were alarmed by it. Quite the feat, don’t you think?”

“I’d say I was more grossly underprepared for you to weaponize that to gain the upper hand.” God hummed. “Quite the effective tactic though, I will admit. To use the element of surprise and alarm to gain the upper hand against a stronger opponent.”

“I’d never win against Michael in a fair fight.” Lucifer said, amused. “I know that. And especially not with You there to back him up. There was no way I was going to have a chance without fighting dirty. Even then my odds seemed vanishingly thin. The only 2 beings that have ever bested me in a fair fight? The Almighty, and the Sword of God? No, my odds of winning that, even all out would have been almost nothing.”

“To be fair I would hardly count your fight with Michael at the end of the rebellion a ‘fair fight’ he was sent to stop you because your Mother knew you would never be able to bring yourself to fight him all out, no punches pulled. He’s your twin, you could not bring yourself to risk causing him irreparable harm. That is why he won that fight. In a true fight, you would be very evenly matched. Even against Me, your powers are a close second. But because I hold the throne of Heaven, I have the edge of unlimited Omni powers where yours are limited, as well as a few other abilities it offers me. Including the ability to make myself non-corporeal. When I wish it, I can make myself untouchable by anything other than the Flaming Sword.”

“Thus why you broke it.” Lucifer realized. “With the Flaming Sword out of the way, there was no risk of you losing against me. I never would have used that against you though. Not even then. I was angry at you beyond words but I never wanted to wipe you out of existence.”

“It was a precaution, as unnecessary as I believed it to be.” God grimaced. “Both of our tempers were running boiling hot at the time, I did not want any permanent damage done to anyone. I did not believe you would but why take the risk when it could be excluded entirely?”

Lucifer nodded. He could understand his Father’s logic on that. He’d started a war after all. God could not be blamed for using caution. Especially with a weapon with near unlimited power. “I really am sorry.” He whispered hoarsely. “Not for asking for free will, but for starting a war over it. For hurting everyone.”

“I know you are, Lucifer.” God hugged him tight. “I forgave you long ago. You are My son. Stubborn, hardheaded, and yes, sometimes prideful, though you may be. We have always been so alike, which means when we fight they tend to be explosive.”

Lucifer huffed a bit indignantly, although he could deny that that was true. “I don’t want to fight anymore.”

God chuckled. “Oh that is probably inevitable. We disagreed quite frequently in the past and I don’t see that changing. We are both quite stubborn after all and as My equal we will be discussing many matters. Disagreements are going to happen. Especially…” God tried soothing Lucifer’s slight upset, “as you start to become more comfortable around me. I am not unaware of the fact that there are many justified grievances you hold against me that you are keeping buried for now.”

“That’s why we’re doing therapy with Linda.” Lucifer tried to shrug off the concern building within him. It was inevitable though. Their tempers were rather infamous in the Silver City before his fall. Which… actually now that he considered it, that should have alerted him that his Father hadn’t been behind it. When an Angel fell truly, they lost all of their powers and their wings. For all intents and purposes they became human until they returned to grace. He had never encountered that. Even when he cut off his wings and blocked out his Light and Will, his divinity and other powers had remained intact.

“Fortunately, your Mother is incapable of making one of you fall without my agreement as I am the primary holder of the throne.” God added in, knowing Lucifer was going to be working through a lot of past details with hindsight now that he had context as to what really happened. “I think you’ve had enough for one day though.” He said gently. “I’m sorry this is getting pushed on you so soon.”

Lucifer sighed. “I understand, you know. It’s… a time sensitive matter. And I want to be involved in it. I just need to get over this. It’s ridiculous, I really shouldn’t be getting this upset over events I’ve already tortured myself over for eons.”

“I suspect you were never able to find closure either because deep down you questioned how events played out. You’ve had everything you believed turned upside down in a day.” God theorized. “You should take some time to yourself, though. You need it. Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of time before something needs to be done, those three are dangerous, even without their powers.”

Lucifer nodded in agreement. They did not need Mother having the chance to put together a fully formed plot, Amenadiel was still one hell of a fighter, even without powers, Uriel had practiced honing his manipulations to a terrifying degree. No, time was of the essence. But he really wouldn’t be able to hold himself together enough to try and handle that again right now. He let out a snarl of frustration at his own limitations.

“No one expects you to be ready to move on fully from what happened to you yet, Lucifer.” God said softly.

Lucifer snorted. “I at least need to compartmentalize enough to function through dealing with them.” He saw a sad look cross his Father’s face. “What? I will deal with those feelings, but right now I have to be able to function and focus.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer was back on Earth. Heaven was just a bit too… heavenly. He didn’t do well brooding and not having anything to keep him occupied. He really was going to have to find a way to convince Dad to liven up the Silver City somehow. Then again, he supposed that’s what Father saw Earth as being for. Father had never been particularly comfortable staying for prolonged periods without complete peace and Heaven reflected that.

Either way, he owed Ella… answers. And perhaps more. He was still mortified that his Dad had had to step in and point out how utterly inappropriate Chloe had been acting. In hindsight she really could be… nitpicky about his habits. Habits that were none of her business.

He’d have to ask Linda about that. Why he had been so attracted to someone so controlling? It was the very antithesis of what he stood for.

And there she stood. Lucifer’s breath caught. He had been so wrapped up in Chloe he had never truly appreciated how Ella so easily accepted him. How beautiful she was, too.

“Lucifer!” She noticed him, throwing her arms around him. “It’s so good to see you, buddy, where have you been?”

His eyes flicked to the ceiling. “Heaven, actually.”

Her eyes widened briefly. “Aw buddy, come on, this is unlike you to go out of character. Lucifer is banished from Heaven.”

How had he never noticed the way she picked up little details. “Ms. Lopez, we are alone. You don’t… you don’t have to pretend.” Then his face grew pained. “Unless you’d… rather...”

She looked surprised briefly. “You know, then. I… I’m sorry, Lu. I assumed you weren’t comfortable with people knowing. It’s pretty obvious that you only tell people because you know they won’t believe you.”

“I don’t mind people knowing.” He muttered. “I just don’t make a habit of proving it, either. People don’t tend to take it well. I’m still trying to figure out how you are standing here, hugging me, fully aware of who I am and not running for the hills.”

She smacked him on the arm. “The Devil gets a bad rap. I said that even long before I met you. Now I know I was right. Go on, tell me you’re a threat to my safety or any other innocent’s.” She stared up at him, a challenge in her eyes. “I know you can’t, you don’t lie.”

“I punish the guilty.” He said quietly.

“Ok, and…?” Ella tilted her head. “What do you think that the LAPD does?”

Ok that’s a fair point. “I very much doubt you could handle seeing my other face. The face of the Devil.”

“Then show me.” She challenged. “I can take it, buddy. It’s still you.”

Lucifer looked at her carefully. She really was a little spitfire, wasn’t she? “Very well. You asked for it.” He let the other appearance take over.

She gasped. “Oh, Lucifer, that looks so painful.” Her hand touched his face. “Is that… from…”

“Hm?” He looked at her in confusion. She was touching him. Touching his Devil face. She was concerned for him. “Oh, no, it’s not what looks like. This is just the face I used in Hell.” He was startled as she leaned in and kissed him. She pulled back a little breathless as he touched his lips, still shocked. “You just kissed me.” He whispered.

She bit her lip suddenly unsure of herself. “I’m sorry… I…” Then her face became determined. “You know what? No, I’m not. I… care about you, Lucifer.”

“Even knowing who and what I am?” He asked her seriously. “I am the formerly fallen Archangel who became the one you humans refer to as Satan.”

“I know. I don’t care.” She got close to him. “I’ve been working with you for weeks. I know you. I know your heart.”

He leaned into the kiss, gently. “Very well… Ella. You know who and what I am.” He stared into her dark eyes, but saw only honesty.

Ella smiled at him. She still had so many questions, but that was okay.

Chapter Text

Lucifer watched Ella with amusement. She was clearly fighting to hold back the floodgate of questions. “I’m not offended by questions, you know. Perhaps if humans made a habit of asking me questions instead of assuming, my reputation wouldn’t be as bad as it is.”

She considered him for a moment. “Soooooooooooo… you were in Heaven? Sorry, I just… aren’t you banished? Then again, they seem to have gotten a lot else wrong. I guess it shouldn’t really be that surprising.”

Well that was certainly a place to start. “Yes, I was in Heaven. Or really, the Silver City. The home of Angels. Heaven usually refers to the human parts. The Silver City is at the center of Heaven, though. And on that particular topic, I was banished. Dad wasn’t the one who banished me, though, as it turns out.”

“He… didn’t?” Ella stared. “I assume you mean God, at least?”

“Mm, one in the same.” Lucifer grinned a little. “Mum is the one who banished me, Amenadiel and another brother of mine, Uriel, were in on it. They convinced me and the rest of the world that Dad banished me. All while maintaining to my Dad that I left of my own free will. I did rebel, and Dad was upset, but He hadn’t planned to send me away. I would’ve been in a lot of trouble, had circumstances been different, but He wouldn’t have sent me to Hell”

“Why did you rebel, anyway?” Ella tilted her head. “I mean, I get it, you’re the original rebel and all that, but people don’t rebel just for the fun of it. There had to be a reason and I can’t see you having wanted to rule Heaven like the stories say. It’s… out of character for you.”

“Mostly I just wanted free will.” He looked into his drink. “I was young, and stupid, and very full of myself. To be fair, I was quite powerful, even among the Host, but starting a war against Dad wasn’t one of my finer moments. He had announced the concept of humans and what He was calling free will. I was the Will of God. As soon as I knew of such a thing… I needed it. But He wanted to test it with the humans first. Ergo, the argument that lead to me starting a rebellion.”

“The war in Heaven was over free will.” She stared openly.

“Mm.” Lucifer nodded. He looked at her seriously. “I do not regret my request. The Host deserves free will. But I certainly could have gone about it better. Fortunately, none of my family died, but they could have, if my twin hadn’t stopped me.”

“You have a twin?” Ella asked.

“Michael.” Lucifer said simply. “We’re identical twins.”

Ella nearly spit out her drink at that. “What?! Holy crap, Satan’s identical twin is the Archangel Michael? Of course he is. Because why would anything in your family not have ridiculous amounts of irony.”

Lucifer smirked at her. “Well, I mean really. I’m the most powerful Archangel in the Host. That’s something even humans know. You really think anyone other my parents or my twin could stop me?” She smacked him lightly. “What? I’m just stating facts.”

She shook her head in amusement. “Okay, maybe the prideful and arrogant thing isn’t entirely inaccurate.”

“I never said they got everything wrong.” Lucifer shrugged. “Just most of it.”

A thought occurred to Ella. Surely if anyone wouldn’t think she was crazy it was someone who knew for a fact the celestial was real… She opened her mouth but all that came out was a fearful noise.

“Ella?” Lucifer was worried. “Did I say something wrong?”

“N… no.” She closed in on herself. “I just don’t want you to think that I’m crazy.”

“Ella, darling.” He leaned close to her ear. “I’m Satan. It is very hard to come up with something that I haven’t seen or heard before.”

“I see ghosts!” She finally forced out. “Or… a ghost, anyway.” She looked away, abashed.

Lucifer frowned. “Ghosts aren’t impossible in theory, but my sister does a good job of picking up souls. Are you sure they’re a ghost?”

“She.” Ella mumbled. “And I mean, no one else can see Rae-Rae so what else could she be?”

“Rae-Rae?” Lucifer looked at her more intently. “5 feet, short, dark, bowl cut hair? Likes the phrase ‘smell ya later’? Asian in appearance?”

Ella looked at him, startled. “That’s her! How do you…”

Chapter Text

Lucifer looked at Ella in amusement. “She’s my little sister. Azrael.”

“Sister?!” Ella asked, taken aback. “She’s an Angel? Wait… Azrael… isn’t Azrael the Angel of Death?”

“She is.” Lucifer hummed. “Oh my naughty, naughty sister.”

“Oh she owes me so many answers.” Ella looked ticked off.

Lucifer snorted, before praying to Azrael. ‘Oh Rae-Rae, we need to have a little chat.’

“Did you just pray to her?” Ella stared.

“She’s an Angel.” Lucifer shrugged. “We can pray to each other rather easily.”

“Lu? You called for me?” Azrael asked, accompanied by the flap of wings and rush of wind. “Eep! Lu!” She squawked at him indignantly as she was grabbed.

Lucifer watched with amusement as Ella cussed Azrael out in Spanish, smacking her repeated with her shoe. “You lied to me! You let me think I was crazy! I was sent to an institution because of you! And all along you’ve been a freaking Angel?!”

Azrael glared at her brother in betrayal.

“Don’t look at me that way.” Lucifer raised an eyebrow. “I told you that lying was naughty, sister. I lie for no one. Not even you. It’s not my fault that you got caught. I’m certainly not going to lie to my partner. Kind of shitty of you to let her think she was insane though. She was even worried I would think she was crazy, Rae-Rae! Me, perhaps the most exposed being in the universe to every kind of thing imaginable!”

“You know Dad’s rules, Lu!” Azrael said indignantly. “No exposing humans to the divine.”

“Right, well, I don’t think you’re supposed to befriend them on the job, either.” Lucifer said coldly. “I don’t give a damn about Dad’s rules, but treating Ella like that is unacceptable!”

“On the job?” Ella said in a small voice.

“You were a false alarm.” Azrael explained, pained. “You were supposed to die in that car crash. I was coming to bring your soul to Heaven. But you survived. It happens sometimes.”

Lucifer wrapped an arm around Ella, easing her onto the sofa as she collapsed in on herself. “Hey, it’ll be okay. I’m here.” He told her softly.

She let out a stifled snort. “My boyfriend is Satan, who is sitting here comforting me after I find out my oldest friend is the freaking Angel of Death who I only met because I was supposed to die.” She buried her head in her hands. “What the fuck is my life?”

“Wish I could say this was unusual for being part of the celestial insiders club.” Lucifer grimaced. “But this is pretty… mild, unfortunately. If you walk away because this is too much, I will understand.”

She shook her head burying herself into his chest and taking deep breaths. “’s not your fault. You just told me the truth. That doesn’t make you the cause of everything. Just means I’m walking around with my eyes opened. I just don’t know how to explain this all to my family…” She took in a deep breath at the memory of how crazy her family thought she was.

Lucifer looked up and made his decision. “Go explain this to her family. All of it. I am ordering you as Dad’s second. It will no longer fall on you for punishment.” He looked down at Ella who nodded gratefully.

As Azrael disappeared to follow those order, Ella looked up at him. “You didn’t have to do that for me, Lu.”

He ran a hand through her hair. “It’s nothing. I might be back in Dad’s good graces, but I am still very much a rebel. This was the least I could do for you. And this way, Azrael won’t risk being in trouble with Dad for exposing herself to your family.”

Ella smacked him lightly. “And you think I want you in trouble with God?”

Lucifer laughed. “Dearest, remember who I am. I take great pleasure in breaking all of the rules. I don’t need an excuse to do so.”

Chapter Text

Azrael wrapped herself a little tighter in her Heavenly robes as she landed outside the Lopez household. This was going to be so awkward. But then again, she did deserve it. Her brother was a master at doling out punishments that fit the crime. She furled her wings, at least for now. It wouldn’t do to fry their brains before she could explain. Really it was quite a brilliant punishment by Lucifer. While also ensuring that she would be safe from Father’s wrath.

No, that wrath would be reserved for Lucifer. She grimaced. She really didn’t want her favorite brother in trouble with Dad. Even if He hadn’t banished Lucifer, punishments by Dad still weren’t fun. Oh well, it couldn’t be any worse than the rebellion, right? She hoped, anyway.

Shit, wouldn’t she also be inadvertently revealing Lucifer’s identity? Not that he didn’t already do that on a regular basis. If her brother wanted her to do this, then she would. Now determined to finish her task, she knocked on the front door. Her Angelic nature should at least get her through the door. It usually did with those that were believers.

An older woman showed up at the door. Ella’s abuelita. Her brain helpfully supplied.

Her eyes widened. “You’re an Angel.” She said simply, looking Azrael over in surprise. “Please, come in.”

Wow, she must be really strong in her faith to be able to sense that. Only the most firmly faithful could sense an Angel on sight. Like she supposed that Ella had Lucifer. She frowned. It was odd that Ella hadn’t sensed her if that was the case. Maybe desensitized to her presence by then? She shook herself out of her thoughts as she followed the woman into the living space where there were 7 others. Convenient that they were a family that was so close.

The woman sat and they all watched her intently.

She felt rather awkward as she stood before them. “Um… right, hi. I’m… I’m the Angel Azrael. You can call me Rae-Rae. I’m… er… I’ve been masquerading as Ella’s ghost friend for the past many years. Dad has a rule about proving to humans about divinity, see.”

“You’re Rae-Rae?” Ella’s mother stared at her in shock. “We thought… that she…” She bit her lip.

She cleared her throat. “Yes… well, that. No, she’s not crazy. Not at all. I’m the Angel of Death. I met her in the car crash she was in. She was a false alarm but had already spotted me so I made up the story of being a ghost. I can choose who I am visible to among humans. That’s why you couldn’t see me. I hadn’t realized that it would sound weird to humans if she talked to a ghost.”

Ella’s abuelita’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. Ella has been talking about a friend named Lucifer. Is he…?”

“My big brother, yea.” Azrael quickly continued. “He’s not how humanity has made him out to be. Big, big misunderstanding and manipulations by our Mother and a couple of our siblings. Dad formally welcomed him back to the host as His second recently.”

“She seemed to have more than a passing interest as a friend in him.” Her brother Jay said, still looking scared.

“Lucifer will take good care of her, I promise.” A smile quirked on her lips. “He is very protective of those he cares about.”

Lucifer jumped and snarled a bit protectively as His Father suddenly appeared in the room with them. He instinctively placed himself between Ella and his Father.

God looked at Lucifer with some amusement. “I’m not here to hurt her, son. I was merely curious to meet her personally. And I noticed your fears of what I'd do about your actions. I gave you carte blanche, Lucifer. If you believe telling her family the truth is best, I will trust your judgement.” He watched some of the tension release from Lucifer. “Truly, son, at this point, there is no such thing as you breaking the rules.”

Oh, yes, Lucifer supposed that was true, if they were unofficially equals. Wow, that was a weird thought. Ella smiled at him as she hugged him, looking up at his Father curiously.