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Lucifer knew he was short. He was very aware of that, (a certain someone would make sure to always remind him of it) It made others wonder, actually. How the big boss, the King of Hell himself, decided to take on a form of someone less than intimidating. Others cowered in fear whenever his name was mentioned, and even the worse sinners and hellborns shuddered at even a single word of him. He was feared. The Almighty, The Evil One. Satan himself, the sin of Pride…, was so, so small. Still, don’t ever let his size fool you. The man can really be menacing if he wanted to, he could always be hiding. Watching. Fucking hell, was he ominous.
Just like now, everyone had been gathered at a meeting discussing the future plans for the Hotel, and as always, Lucifer got there right on time. Only a minute earlier than the crimson headed Radio Demon. ... About that crimson head, Lucifer lurked behind him, eyeing that red mess of a nest that he'd ruffled together and stuck to his head. It wasn't in the tidiest shape as it usually was, he'd had noticed Alastor had also been rather twitchy since this morning. Pure static would arise from his throat with every word he drawled, only to beam back up into it's usual tone. Not to mention he almost dropped his microphone at least a dozen times by now, fingers fumbling into the staff, then clutching it with a grip.
Now, Lucifer may not have been the nicest to the Radio Demon, but he had enough compassion to try to lend him a hand.
Even though Alastor hadn't said a single word to him since starting this meeting, he was sure the deer felt his red, flaring eyes boring into the back of his head. Just by entering a room, anyone could feel the overpowering presence of Lucifer. He just wondered why he still hadn't acknowledged him. Seeming disrespected of this, Lucifer stood from his seat, only gaining an inch taller than when he was sat on the couch. Charlie had just finished talking about certain features to add to the hotel she and Vaggie had discussed and now everyone was starting to scatter back into their usual places.
"What's up with that hair, Al? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" Lucifer sneered, strutting towards him. Alastor's grin widened, but he knew he was less than amused.
"Quite the contrary, actually. I woke up just fine. I slept like a new-born baby. Wouldn’t say the same for you, My Lord.” He dauntedly replied, holding a hand to grip his staff.
"Really? You don't look fine. You look like shit."
Alastor chuckled, "Haha! And why do you care so much? Looking for inspiration, sire?" There was a soft growl evident in his voice, soft but it was there.
"Well, I don't think I'll find any here with you around. Your shit is pretty tacky, you know that?" Lucifer barked out a laugh, "You'd think the prosperous Radio Demon would at least have a sense of style." His eyes dragged back up to Alastor's hair, snickering. The said Radio Demon's eye twitched at that, ears completely raised.
"You're not one to speak, with your... circus ornamentation and tasteless obsession with this ringmaster appearance of yours."
"It's fashion!"
"It's looks like a throwback to when lead was still used as makeup."
“Why you fucking—“
”DAD! Alastor!” Charlie finally interfered, “Can you guys please, stop it? We have things to do! Work to finish!” She clasped her hands together, pulling her lips into halfhearted smile. “I would really, really appreciate it if you guys could… get along?”
“Fine!” Lucifer huffs out, straightening his white lapel, “But only for your sake, sweetie.” He pinched her cheek, Charlie desperately trying to pull away.
“Thank you, dad!” Charlie paused, and her dad could tell she had an idea, which unfortunately would include him and Alastor in some kind of situation together. “Hey… how about you both try some bonding exercises! It worked with Husk and Angel! Now look at the two of them!”
Alastor’s eye twitched again. “Sorry, my dear. But you are aware that they’re in a romantic monogamous relationship with each other, yes?” His smile morphed into a snarl.
”Uhh… well… what matters is that they’re getting along! If they can do it, you guys can too!” Lucifer had long gone turned red the moment Charlie compared Husker and Angel to him and the Radio Demon. The thought just disgusted him! Why would he, great Lucifer, want to be with a measly overlord like him?! I mean, sure, he had a pretty alluring voice. And his assertion and leadership was really admirable. Not to mention his tall figure, looming only a good foot above Lucifer if you don’t count his antlers… Okay, clearly, he had a type here.
“Alright, well, I got something to do! Promise me you guys will get along!” Charlie waved towards the two before dashing away with her girlfriend.
Lucifer turned towards Alastor to look for any kind of reaction, pink cheeks finally fading out. The Radio Demons neck tilted with a snap, “Well if you’ll excuse me, I too have work to get over with.”
Just as he was about to take a step away from Lucifer, a hand halted him, latching onto his wrist. Alastor faced the Morningstar, eyeing his hand stuck on his wrist with distaste. “Wait.” Lucifer sighed, “Charlie wanted us to get along. We’re going to get along.” He huffed out firmly. While he spoke, a hairbrush had materialized into his palm.
“Excuse me?”
“What I said about your hair? I meant it. It’s a mess, Alastor.” Lucifer let go of Alastor’s wrist, placing it onto his shoulder instead to turn him around. “I’m only doing this because I love my daughter. Capeesh?”
“And… what exactly are you doing?!”
“I’m giving it a brush, it looks like it’s never felt the touch of a comb before.”
The Radio Demon stayed silent, feeling the angular bristles of Lucifer’s brush wisp into his hair. Truth be told, he knew his hair hadn’t looked the best today, even without Satan chirping in his ear all morning. So… I guess he was a little grateful he had offered the help (Even if he had to have been told to do so, but hey, it benefits both of them.)
Lucifer picked up the back layer of Alastor’s hair, resting it on his hand while neatly stroking it using the other. He continued to do this action all over his hair, until it had all been as smooth as the fabric of his newly tailored suit. Then Lucifer slightly grazed the brush over his bangs, sweeping it to the side.
Static would rise yet again as Lucifer did one final run-through with his fingers into Alastor’s mane. He hummed softly while patting it down, tucking stray strands into Alastor’s ear, who felt the slender fingers of Satan himself brush against his cheek. No one has really touched him this much before, really. Much less fix up his hair and prod on his face while doing so. You can’t exactly blame him when he started slowly leaning his head towards the feel of the others soft hands. He hated this vulnerability he’d shown Lucifer.
Who actually immediately pulled away the moment Alastor leaned in. “W-Well, ALL DONE!” He beamed, poofing the hairbrush out of sight, a mirror now taking its place. Lucifer nervously gave the mirror to the Radio Demon who squirmed noises of delight and decisiveness at his reflection. A spark of hope lit in Lucifer’s eyes, cheeks tinted a light pink.
“My, my. This is… well,” He paused to puff up his side parts, “Less than ideal.” He finished, and Lucifer’s face dropped in a fury. “But it’ll have to suffice for now!”
“Yeah, whatever.” Lucifer waved a hand, snatching the mirror back. “You’re welcome.” He snarled at Alastor, who smirked menacingly.
”Mhm, I suppose I should thank you for this. Er… I… I appreciate this… from you, sire.” Alastor spoke slowly, as if saying something as kind as this towards Lucifer was a venom in his mouth. Lucifer took out a hand, urging for him to shake. But the other didn’t accept, simply turning away.
“I must get going now. I am a very, very busy man.”
“Bye? I guess.” Lucifer rolled his eyes as the Radio Demon disappeared in a fog of red smoke.
Even if he hadn’t been as happy with what he’d been able to give him, it was nice to know he at least appreciated it. Good to finally get the respect he deserved, feels good. Good to be respected by Alastor. Meanwhile, in some wretched old alleyway, a quiet hum to a tune played in a layer of white noise. The deer gripped his cane, listening intently to the melodies eliciting from his microphone.