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Lucifer walked the streets. Most of the children under the age of thirteen had gone home with their parents, while others were out partying or drinking with friends.
The form in which All Hallow's Eve had evolved over the years had been quite a change, in Lucifer's opinion, from an autumnal harvest festival to a celebration of costumes and candy, and now the addition of adult parties. Even now, the majority of the demons and imps back in Hell chose to gather and celebrate among the humans, a good change in attitude if he thought so himself.
And he also enjoyed walking between them each year, the veil separating the realms becoming thin enough for even him to cross without his punishment pulling him back. He had dressed up from occasion to occasion, even opting for his usual full royal look, but today he was wearing a casual human disguise: a dark brown ribbed knitted sweater and tanned high-waisted slacks.
Lucifer walked around the street and made his way to the graveyard, it was almost midnight so he was sure that his companion for the evening would arrive at any moment, he entered and walked past many tombstones and mausoleums, some people were already gathered to celebrate their dead and welcome them back home.
He walked on, almost to the end, and as he did, a patch of earth beside him began to sink, a hand furiously rising from the ground and a creature emerging, arms reaching for the earth to climb on with crimson claws. Every bone in its body cracked and reassembled, two antlers growing menacingly as it stood and turned to face Lucifer with another crack of its neck, smiling sinisterly with yellow sharp teeth and crimson eyes.
Lucifer crossed his arms and raised his brow as he watched the creature finish with all the theatrics.
He was always so dramatic.
"Is that why you chose the graveyard, you idiot?" he remarked.
The creature smiled, the fluffy ears adjusting and shaking dirt as he dusted off his dark emerald robe, a spider crawling up his shoulder which he simply flicked away.
"And here I thought you had a sense of fun, darling!" the other man replied, approaching and leaning over to give him a hand as a red carnation appeared on his palm, "Surprise! My love! Ha ha!".
Lucifer rolled his eyes, Death was always so ridiculously charming, even before his fall.
---
"Oh darling, hasn't God taught you about the cycle of life?"
"It's barely breathing, please, we have to help it. I'm trying with my powers, but I can't..." Lucifer cried as the duckling struggled on his hands.
"I'm afraid we can't, but here," the duckling stopped breathing, but its little spirit left the body and quacked around him.
"It's alive! Or not, I don't understand"
"Well, let me explain, but first I'm Alastor, otherwise known as Death, created by God themselves, a pleasure to be meeting you, quite the pleasure," Alastor said, holding out his hand.
"Oh hi! I'm Lucifer, the Angel of Joy!"
---
And since that day, their paths had crossed, they had met on several other occasions, and All Saints' Day had become one of those times when they never missed each other.
Lucifer took the flower from Alastor's palm, "Ha. Ha. So funny," he said, " But seriously, was that necessary in a graveyard of all places?" he pointed at the now disheveled ground.
"Oh, please! It's all in the spirit of the season! I thought it was hilarious," Alastor said, waving his hand nonchalantly as the mess he had left rearranged itself.
And Lucifer couldn't help but laugh, for someone who dealt with so many dead, the man never lacked for humour, in fact he delighted in it, being all tall, dark and creepy. So unlike him that in all the thousands of years he had been appointed The Devil, he had never been able to fully embrace his role, his own kingdom reflecting his lack of interest.
Lucifer tucked the flower into his pocket.
"So where are we going today?" he asked, Alastor being the one to suggest the location.
"There's a restaurant I'm particularly interested in, but it doesn't open until the morning, so why don't we take a little stroll around town? What do you say?" Alastor said.
"Well, lead the way then," Lucifer said, showing the exit and the path back into the city, and then looked at Alastor's clothes, "Not going to change?" he asked, as Death was what he could only describe as a hybrid between deer and man.
"But why would I do that? The spirit of Hallow's Eve is still among us! No one will care," Alastor replied, looking down at his sharp crimson nails.
Lucifer rolled his eyes in amusement, and they walked towards the entrance.
────── · · ୨୧ · · ──────
The city was still fully lit, balconies illuminated by neon lights, music playing in every corner, adults mostly enjoying the night and moving between parties, bars and houses.
But since they were creatures of other realms, they could also see the many souls appearing in the city, most of them wandering around looking for their families and friends, those who had already found them hovering around them, embracing them or simply talking even though there were only so many humans capable of actually communicating with them.
"Quite a crowd in this town, isn't it, where are we again, Louisiana?" Lucifer asked.
"It is! New Orleans, quite a town with quite a crowd and quite a bit of music, I find it very charming," Alastor cheered as many souls passed by, thanking him for the opportunity to visit.
Well, it was Death's idea to suggest this day.
Or something like that.
---
"Believe it or not, your majesty, some winners do not like to be up there, especially if their life ended before they expected it to," Alastor confessed.
"Alastor, what did I say about titles? I'm still... I'm still Lucifer... somehow... so just drop it, will you?" he said, his fall still fresh in his mind.
"Ah, my apologies yo- Lucifer, the title is quite common up there, but still! It's not all sunshine and flowers as you might think, and frankly, it's starting to become a headache, some find a way out and I have to chase their souls around, ugh," he commented frustratedly, taking a sip of wine.
"Maybe if they had a day to visit their loved ones they would calm down? I know I would like to see my siblings again, even if they could not hear or see me," Lucifer said yearningly, memories playing in his mind.
"You know. That doesn't sound like a bad idea, I'll take it into consideration. I suppose your little brain can work from time to time," Alastor said nonchalantly.
“Asshole”
---
It was all right if no one knew, and only them, and Alastor tried to claim credit for him, but he refused, he had enough of Heaven by then, and they would probably drop the idea if he showed up. And yet, somehow, they did, only granting such a privilege to winners.
"Excuse me for a moment," Alastor said, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Lucifer quickly realised what he meant, "Oh, wait, really? Here? It's so lively," Lucifer said gloomily.
"Death doesn't go on holidays my dear," Alastor said calmly, "Now if you'll excuse me," he said and started to walk away, but Lucifer stopped him.
"I can join you, I don't mind," he said, he had seen it many times before.
"Very well then, my dear, let's go," Alastor said, grabbing his hand and leading them through the crowds and up the stairs of a building that was vividly decorated with pumpkins and colourful paper cutouts of all shapes and sizes.
They went up to the top floor and before they entered the apartment, Lucifer felt Alastor's shadow enveloping them both, a veil of magic that made their presence unknown to the people inside.
And so they passed through the door.
The family inside was celebrating, the children resting on couches with pumpkins filled to the brim with sweets, the adults gathered around the table talking about childhood memories and stories of those who had passed on, around them were various spirits that bowed when they saw Alastor walk in.
Lucifer looked away, fearing that his presence would be recognised despite his disguise, and having the Devil come to choose someone was probably a terrifying thought.
They crossed the living room and went straight into a small bedroom where an elderly woman slept peacefully.
Lucifer didn't say a word when Alastor let go of his hand, as there was nothing to say in these moments, Death had his work to do and was not to be disturbed. Alastor stepped closer, his form changing to resemble a human, light brown hair pulled tightly into a small ponytail wrapped in a black velvet ribbon, caramel skin and amber eyes.
The woman slowly opened her eyes to look at him.
"Is it time?" she said and Alastor nodded and offered his hand.
The woman hesitated.
"May I stay as a spirit? Just to hear their stories, please, I haven't sat at that table for three years," she begged.
Alastor leaned back and looked at the door, considering her request, then turned to face her.
" Due to the current date, I can allow it until the bridges close," he accepted, " However, you will have to accept the emotional consequences of someone finding your physical body before the day is over," he explained.
The woman looked at the door, a loud laugh echoing from the lively conversation outside, then looked at Alastor, "That's okay, I'd rather be here when it happens anyway," she accepted.
Alastor offered his hand again and she took it, her soul rising. As she stood, she thanked him with a small bow and then rushed through the door, the sound of the spirits welcoming her could be heard as the mortals continued their conversation.
"You are kind," Lucifer said without much thought.
"And you are quite short to always have such a short tempter darling, oh wait, that actually makes sense," Alastor teased with a mischievous smile as he returned to his usual form.
Lucifer crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, Alastor could never take a compliment.
"Never mind, I take that back, you idiot," he snapped, proving the other one right with his comment, but he didn't care.
────── · · ୨୧ · · ──────
They walked on, discussing their latest anecdotes, Alastor telling him about how some places have had more deaths lately, disease, crime and such, and how wandering souls keep accumulating, though he was always a fan of the haunting aspects some souls managed to achieve. He let those slide until someone in Heaven complained.
Lucifer, for his part, told him about what he had been doing as well; his ducks, all the politics in Hell, and how things had started to get a little tense lately, with Overlords trying to get too much power, and even a court that he found more than ridiculous, with an Imp and a Goetia dating, but the elite insisted.
"And how's dear Charlie? How's her little project going? I was quite surprised by the serpent sinner, I felt the call, but apparently it manifested right in front of Sera and Emily, the sneaky one," Alastor commented.
Ah Charlie, his light, that was a subject they avoided for years after Charlie was born.
---
"No, please no, Alastor don't," he said hesitantly, holding his newborn daughter in his arms, Lilith had experienced a difficult birth, but after so many attempts they had finally managed to bring a living baby into their realm.
And he knew something wasn't right with his little one's breathing, but it would get better, he was sure of it.
"Lucifer, I'm sorry," Alastor said as he approached, grief on his face.
"No! Haven't you taken enough? Please this one made it, it's just a cough, please," he pleaded.
"You know that's not how this works."
" You do this and I will hate you forever!"
Alastor stopped in his tracks.
"Please let her live, she's here, she made it, Lilith has suffered so much, please," he cried, cradling his baby to his chest.
There was only silence.
"You are an angel Lucifer, life lies within you, you can help her," he heard Alastor say, his voice frail.
"What I..." he said, looking at his daughter who was still struggling to breathe, and then he remembered what he had tried with the duckling so many years ago.
But it didn't work then, why should it work now?
Still, Lucifer took a deep breath and closed his eyes, concentrating on gathering his angelic energy.
He cradled Charlie closer, pressing his forehead gently against hers.
And then he exhaled, golden magic surrounding them both as his wings unfurled and enveloped them.
Lucifer opened his eyes and cried loudly, his little girl staring back at him, smiling.
"She's..." Lucifer says, opening his wings and looking up.
But Death was long gone
---
After that, Alastor didn't show up until Charlie was about six, which caused him to react to his sudden presence, thinking he was going to take her away. He could not bear to see the man for a while, always hesitant that he would be there to take his and Lilith's miracle.
But one day a letter arrived in which he stated that he wouldn't take her, that even though it would be a violation for him to let him use his angelic powers and let them work, he would allow his daughter to grow and live.
And Lucifer quickly let him back into his life, asking forgiveness for his past actions and even introducing him to Charlie. And she adored him, enthralled by all the stories Alastor had of Earth, and she was even one of the lucky few who could pet his fluffy ears and play tricks on him without him getting enraged.
"Ah, she is alright! I was just about to ask the same thing, because she said if anyone should know more about the what's and who's, it should be you," he commented.
Alastor hummed and put a finger to his mouth, pondering, "Well, as I said, I sensed the passing, I couldn't locate it, but then I was called and I was as impressed as they were, unfortunately there is no explanation for the occurrence," he explained, "But I wouldn't mind discussing theories and such over a cup of tea with dear Charlotte," he continued.
"Well, I'm sure she'd be delighted! I'll let her know then," Lucifer cheered. "You know, I wasn't quite sure at first, but now that it's been proven, I'm just so eager! If we can achieve redemption, then more can come and visit their loved ones and even reunite in heaven, how wonderful that would be!"
And then Alastor stopped in his tracks, "Ah, I see," he said, looking to the other side.
Lucifer couldn't help but approach and take his hand, "Hey".
He knew why Alastor was reacting like this, because he wasn't the only one with moments of despair.
---
"Lucifer, is there really no way?"
"Alastor, this man murdered his father and a few other people, and you know Heaven, their judgement won't budge, I'm sorry," he said.
"Yes, but it was so that his mother wouldn't be killed, both times".
"I know Al, but if you perceive him to be a sinner, then he is one, there is no other way."
Alastor turned and picked up a vase and threw it at a wall in anger, shattering glass everywhere.
Lucifer had never seen him like this.
"Fuck! All she wants is to be with her son, she's devoted her whole life to him, she thinks he's going to Heaven and she's willing to accept death just for that. I just urgh" Alastor then picked up a book and threw it against the bookshelf, almost knocking it over, causing Lucifer to magically hold it in place.
"Well, she's going to have to face reality Al, there's no other way here," he said, even though he knew how much it would hurt Alastor, sinners were sinners, the verdict a divine one.
He knew this woman meant a lot to him, Alastor had found warmth in her like a mother figure he never had, even if he had only spent a brief twenty years with her.
"There would be if you had never offered Eve the apple."
--
That led to what he would consider the biggest argument of his life, half his palace destroyed, and Lilith ultimately separating the two of them. Eventually Alastor calmed down and explained his frustration; he had never seen Alastor so afraid of disappointing someone, so attached.
And there was nothing he could do to help him.
On the day Alastor had to take the woman, he joined him, hidden in the shadows. He watched as Alastor confessed to her who he was and that her son would never join her in Heaven. The woman was so kind to him, embracing him, she was suspicious of her son's actions, so it wasn't the biggest revelation, which allowed Alastor to breathe a sigh of relief.
Still, the awful feeling of not being able to help never left him, and when Charlie came to him with an idea for redemption, he did everything he could to help her, hoping that by doing so he might be able to grant Alastor's wish as he had granted his own. And he had the sinner's soul under his radar, the man never sought power, he just opened a small business and longed for his mother.
He was sure that if they found a guaranteed way to salvation, he would be the first sinner he would suggest it to.
Alastor squeezed his hand in return, snapping him out of his thoughts, "It would be wonderful, a lot of paperwork, but wonderful," he expressed, avoiding his gaze.
Lucifer stroked his hand with his thumb in reassurance, and then he saw a jazz club still open and accepting customers, the music audibles even from where they were standing.
Now that might lift the mood.
"Hey Al, wanna go dancing?" he asked, pointing at the place.
Alastor chuckled softly and then turned to him, "Of course, darling, lead the way”
────── · · ୨୧ · · ──────
They dance for hours, Alastor taking on his human disguise and changing into a simple pair of brown slacks, white shirt and brown waistcoat.
However, the music came to an end as the bar closed due to the late hour, so they left and continued their walk through the town, many shops now closing around them as the All Hallow's Eve celebrations came to an end.
And Lucifer felt his heart clench, he knew they had only agreed on the evening and breakfast, as All Saint's Day was quite a busy day for Alastor, he could roam the Earth whenever he liked, so taking advantage of the day wasn't a priority, unlike for him. He also promised Charlie that he would take some souvenirs home with him, as she had to prepare for a meeting and couldn't come to Earth this time.
But he wanted Alastor to spend more time with him, to keep talking and laughing, because, believe it or not, those moments were few and far between. Alastor lived in a limbo, a place no one but he and his minions could reach, an Eden of his own that few, including himself, had seen. A decision he made when Heaven became too restricting, a way of expressing that he believed in neither realm and was only here to fulfil his task.
He would not belong to either.
This meant that he didn't stay in any realm for too long, avoiding conflicts and rumours of favouritism, so he spent most of his time on his work and his task, which was quite demanding with the current billions of people on Earth, even with his shadows to help.
So his time was limited, scheduled, and Lucifer was grateful for every opportunity.
Because he had fallen endlessly in love with him.
And he did not know how to confess it.
It wasn't a quick fall, the charm of the man and the terms of endearment were always present with everyone he met, and he had always considered him a close friend, and of course he had fallen head over heels for Lilith in the garden.
That love was strong, everlasting, he loved her with all his heart and soul.
But time and trauma had worn it down, their ideas, expectations and dreams clashed, and even before Charlie they had begun to drift apart. It hurt to see the woman who had once been his everything slowly pull away, and one night, just after Charlie turned ten, they had the inevitable discussion and both decided that if they stayed together any longer, they would end up hurting each other more.
So they divorced shortly after.
And then he was single, not looking for anything or anyone, just devoted to Charlie and her dream.
However, almost five years ago, something began to change in the way he perceived Alastor, and he sensed that something else had changed in the other as well.
---
"What's this?"
" Chamomile tea, are your eyes failing you?"
"Idiot, of course I know what it is, but why? I thought we were drinking?"
He was angry and tired, he had been crying the last few days, sharing custody with Charlie had left him completely alone with his thoughts for weeks and it was quickly becoming a chaos for him to cope with, he needed a drink.
"Ah, well, I'd rather have a simple evening, is that all right my dear?" Alastor said and then put a hand to his face, making his skin flush as he passed a thumb to his cheek under his eye, making his mind go blank.
"Oh s-sure I mean yeah whatever," he replied, pushing the hand away.
Alastor let go and sat on his seat, "I brought a treat too," he said, letting a container appear wrapped in a colorful cloth.
He recognized the scent immediately.
"Is that is that!" he repeated.
Alastor chuckled and pulled on the knot that held the dessert hidden, revealing an apple pie "Made by yours truly".
Lucifer felt his mouth water, the pastry looked fresh, the smell of sweet apples and cinnamon permeated the air, he just wanted a bite.
However.
"Did you poison it or something?" he said, furrowing his brow.
"Don't be ridiculous."
---
It was a simple brush, but the implications of the evening, that he had somehow sensed from his letter that he needed to talk rather than forget, made his heart flutter. And in the end it was the better option, they chatted and laughed the whole evening, and he could even sleep soundly at night.
And then, about a year after that moment, Alastor held his hand for the first time as they walked through the streets of a small town on All Saints' Day. It all began with a visit, and then Alastor wouldn't let go.
---
"Al?"
"Yes, darling?"
Lucifer blushed, "You're, uhm, still holding my hand," he remarked hesitantly.
"Oh?" Alastor said still not letting go "And tell me, do you mind?" he said in a soft tone.
Lucifer thought for a moment, running his fingers over the soft skin.
"No," he said, looking back into Alastor's eyes, but he quickly turned away.
"Then I see no reason to let go."
And they continued on their way.
---
After that, it happened more often, it became a comfort mechanism for him, and he knew it worked both ways, because when Alastor was stressed, he would also caress his hand.
The affectionate terms were also endless now, he started to check when and to whom he used them, he thought they were for everyone at first, but the only one that kept repeating was 'dear'. He was the only one he called 'darling', 'sweetheart' and even 'love', though the last one was spoken in a mocking tone when it was used, but it was there and wasn't aimed at anyone else.
Still Alastor said nothing and neither had he, but he was sure now, it had taken him a few years to fully process it, they had been friends for millennia, to take it one step further just to have it not work would mean he would lose his most important friend.
But he could no longer ignore his feelings.
And if something went wrong, he could easily hide for the next hundred years or so and then go back and pretend that nothing had happened or that he was over it.
"If you keep thinking any louder, I'm afraid the steam will cloud the whole town, darling," Alastor remarked, making him jump.
"Ah, sorry, yeah, lost in thought, sorry," he replied quickly, his fingers intertwining with Alastor's.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Alastor asked.
Lucifer took a deep breath and looked at a nearby park.
"Sure, why don't we go there?"
────── · · ୨୧ · · ──────
The sun was almost down, and their surroundings filled with souls slowly returning from Heaven, moving on in search of their loved ones.
Lucifer found an empty spot with a small bench and sat down, Alastor following.
He crossed his legs and put both hands over them, fidgeting, he quickly realized he was still in his human disguise and the sensation suddenly made him feel strange, especially when he was about to confess, so he sighed and changed, leaving the clothes the same but all his other features returned, his golden eyes, pink dots and charred hands.
"What's wrong?" Alastor said, laying a hand on Lucifer's and he immediately noticed the long red claws were back.
He turned to see crimson eyes filled with worry, they quickly focused on his, searching, and Lucifer watched as the worry faded and turned into something else.
Something warm and caring.
"Al I -" Lucifer said, moving his free hand to Alastor's face, but he pulled away.
"I'm afraid we can't," Alastor said and Lucifer felt his heart ache, but he also read doubt in Alastor's expression.
"You haven't even heard what I have to tell you," he said, grabbing Alastor's hands and turning him around.
"Your eyes don't lie Lucifer, you want something more from us and I can't just give it to you," Alastor said, pulling away, crossing his arms and avoiding his gaze.
Lucifer felt anger rising inside him.
"Really? Then what is all the endearing words and hand holding and caressing for? And don't even try to say it's for entertainment," he snarls and a deep part of him begs Alastor not to make another pathetic excuse, he doesn't believe any of it.
Alastor sighs, the tension in his shoulders dropping and the grip of his arms softening, hugging his frame, "It's the only thing I'm allowed to give you," he confessed.
"What why?" Lucifer says startled.
Yes, Heaven could forbid it, but no harm would come if they did not find out, and everyone would continue with their tasks, nothing would have to change dramatically, he could continue with his job as well as he.
"Lucifer, are you completely blind to my nature? I am Death, even if I agreed to be with you, we wouldn't be able to kiss," Alastor spat, snapping him out of his thoughts.
And the realization hit him, because of course a kiss from Alastor would be a kiss of Death, not even his immortality would be able to withstand it, death was final if such thing happened to anyone.
However, he quickly remembered how Alastor had kissed his hand before, in a melodramatic way in one of the first Hellballs, and then again on his forehead not so long ago when he fell asleep on his shoulder. That action drove him mad for weeks.
So he would only be affected if they kissed on the mouth, which was a little unfortunate but not a deal breaker for him.
He could adapt, it was not his lips he was looking for.
"You've kissed me before," he remarked.
And Alastor placed his hand to his own face in frustration.
"Please, Lucifer, don't be a fool, those kisses were never on your lips, and what about everything else?" he said frustrated, "I don't know if that's going to make any difference, but you know I'm not entirely fond of the action, and we've been friends for millennia, so don't fool me by saying otherwise."
Well, that was true, but still.
"Do you really think that matters to me?" he replied quickly, "Hey, I can't deny you're right, mine and Lilith's relationship was very sexual, but that doesn't mean that that's all I want".
He wanted his love, his care, to fall into his arms and sleep soundly, to stop playing around and just promise themselves to each other, the other things hardly mattered to him.
"It still wouldn't work," Alastor crossed his arms again and turned around, there was sorrow in his voice, but Lucifer's tempter acted.
"Huh, if you're a stubborn idiot, then of course not!" he snapped.
"Look who's talking," Alastor said under his breath.
Lucifer sighed, Alastor was not being honest and he was not going to play the usual game of banter, especially since if he continued it could lead to a real fight, which was not the outcome he was looking for.
He closed the distance between them, "Al, look at me," he said as he used his hand to turn Alastor's face, his crimson eyes slowly moving to meet his own.
There was a sorrow in the expression, a longing, and Lucifer couldn't help but reach out with his other hand, cupping his face completely.
He took a deep breath.
"Alastor, I like you and I'm also scared, we've been friends for so long I'm afraid I'm going to fuck things up and I don't want that to happen, but still, if you want the same then why not try?"
Alastor's eyes darted to the other side for a moment before returning to his, "And if it doesn't work?" he asked, his voice frail.
"Then well, we give each other time and then start from there. How does that sound? Ah shit!"
Lucifer almost fell, having put his body too close to the edge, but Alastor grabbed him and pulled him up, their faces now inches apart, and Alastor placed a hand on his cheek, and he immediately melted to the touch, closing his eyes.
And then he felt a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth.
He opened his eyes in surprise.
"Fine, let's try it then," Alastor said, planting another kiss between his eyes.
────── · · ୨୧ · · ──────
The morning had come and Lucifer was walking down the street beside Alastor, both in human disguise, their hands intertwined.
"Ah, here we are!" Alastor said, pointing out the restaurant, the smell of spices and sweets emanating from the windows.
"Oh, it looks wonderful! What are they serving? You never told me," Lucifer said.
"Well, my love, why don't we go in and you can find out for yourself?" Alastor said and Lucifer rolled his eyes in amusement.
"You just can't tell me anything, can you?" he snarled.
Alastor chuckled and planted a kiss on his cheek, making him flush in response.
"Messing with you is always delightful, darling! Now hurry up! The apple beignets may be running ouuuut," Alastor expressed, almost singing the last word as he entered the restaurant without him.
Lucifer smiled to himself for a moment, because the night had ended better than he could have ever expected, his heart filled with warmth and happiness.
And then he remembered Alastor's last words before he went inside.
"Wait what?" Lucifer said as he hurried through the doors.