Chapter Text
Outside the local theater, a small gathering of women stared at a poster featuring an upcoming event. The tallest woman took a selfie next to the silhouette of the headliner. "Oooh, I can't wait to see this show. I hear this show will mark his 25th anniversary!"
A shorter woman tilted her head in disbelief as she took in the photo. "Really, 25 years?! He doesn't look a day over 30!"
"I can't believe it either. Since it's been a long time, I wonder what he's gonna do to celebrate," the first woman replied. "I know I'm not gonna miss this show."
The next building over, the headlining violinist and singer, Lucifer Morningstar, paced in his hotel room. All morning he had been a bundle of nerves waiting to receive word from his manager, Mason. Every few seconds, he glanced at his screen hoping for a call or at least a text.
Nothing.
Still nothing.
A ping! Something from his manager, possibly? Disappointment settled in his stomach seeing only a notification for his daily stretches. Lucifer huffed as he tossed the phone on the bed. "Mason, I'm going to kill you, you stupid, fat-"
"You wanna finish that statement, Lulu?" The door to his room opened as a large mountain of a man crossed his arms, tapping his foot. Though Lucifer couldn't see the green eyes, he knew that sour look all too well. "By all means, your Royal Highness, tell me how your best manager has failed you," he laid it on extra thick, the Australian accent dripping with sarcasm.
"Finally! You were gone all day without a word. Mason, please tell me you got someone for the show this weekend?" Lucifer stepped closer to him, trying to contain his annoyance.
"Of course I did, mate. When I say I'm the best in the biz, I am! After all, remember when you were down and ready to quit, I saw your potential and-"
"Mason, I swear to God... I know! How long are you gonna use that excuse? Don't forget who saved your ass for being sued for copyright infringement."
Mason grumbled and strode to the sitting area. "Right. So, I found a local bloke that is really good. Apparently, he's been playing at these underground places for years! He’s really popular! He plays everything! From jazz, rock, covers of pop songs. And best of all, he works for cheap! He took the first deal I offered! Probably twice what he makes in a year, the fucking idiot!" That thought alone seemed to send the man into a laughing fit.
Lucifer sat in the chair across from him. He put his chin in his hand. "Well, at least he's popular. If people come to hear him play, this would be great exposure. Well, that's that problem solved. Now the next one; when do I meet him?"
After a few dying laughs, Mason wiped a tear behind his sunglasses. "Right. I have him coming to the theater tonight. You get to see him, go over the set list, and have some rehearsal. Kid says he's a fast learner so I doubt we'll have much of an issue."
"He sounds almost too good to be real. Let's see if he can keep up with me." He slouched down in his chair a bit, everything starting to settle more into place. He couldn't handle it if he had to cancel this show. This location held a special place in Lucifer's heart so much that the idea of letting down the people coming to see him was out of the question. "Please tell me there's good news, Mason. This whole situation has gotten out of hand. I don't wanna disappoint my fans if I have to cancel these shows." He's only had to cancel once before, and that was when his daughter was born. .
The large man sat back in the chair, looking through his phone. "Luci Baby, I have everything covered. The show will go on as normal, then the next town Stolas will be back at the keys and you'll have forgotten everything. For one, just let me handle this like a manager. Who has never let you down before?"
Wiping his face, the musician looked at him through his fingers. He was a completely short-tempered greedy fat ass that gave Lucifer more of a headache than he cared to admit but he was right. He did everything right by Lucifer's standards and didn't fail him. "Fine. Only because I can't handle all that paperwork myself and I pay you to tell everyone off," he joked.
The man stood and patted Lucifer's shoulder. "Thatta boy. Okay, Pipsqueak, don't be late for rehearsal. I'll come get you at seven. Sharp."
“Whatever, Fatass. Get out of here so I can nap in peace then." He chuckled, kicking at the man's leg, but missing by a few inches. For a large man, he was agile on his feet.
After waving him away, the blond lay in his bed still in his clothes. He chose to ignore the workout notification and plugged in his phone. All the stress from today wore him out mentally and he needed to get himself together. "Okay Luci, just gotta rest. Worst part is over. Now we can get through this concert. It'll be like every other one. Yeah, just like all the others..." He repeated the phrase over and over in his mind, relaxing at the thought.
He didn't know when he fell asleep but he jumped at the sound of his phone ringing, not bothering to look who was calling. ABBA's Money, Money, Money was the ringtone for one person. Yawning, Lucifer answered by placing Mason on speaker. "Yeah...?"
"Good, you're awake. I'm getting the car in front of the hotel. You have fifteen min to get your ass downstairs. You want your coffee?"
Lucifer stretched as he sat up. "Yeah,” he groaned. “Get extra sugar syrup. And tea with-"
"Lemon slices and honey on the side. I got it, LuLu. Hurry up now." The call ended with Lucifer looking at his reflection on the screen. He saw bits of dried drool and red indents from the bedding. He thought about being presentable for this fill-in but why when they wouldn't know each other long? Still might as well. Lucifer went to the bathroom, washed his face, and ran his wet fingers in his hair. It wasn't his normal style but it'll do. He changed his clothes to his favorite workout gear. The more comfortable he was in practice, the better he could perform. Finally, he grabbed his treasured viola case. His thumb ran over the lock as he smiled softly to himself. "Well old friend, we made it back to where it all started. Let's get ready to give them a show."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Lucifer drank his coffee as he pretended to listen to Mason. He was yammering about the next stop on the tour or some shit. If his pianist wasn't well enough to continue, then what was the point? He hadn't played with Stolas very long but they were becoming good friends. Lucifer at least made sure to help pay for the expenses in the meantime.
His mind started to wonder about the upcoming performance until a chubby hand with green and gold rings waved in his face. "Oy, Earth to Lucifer! Whenever his Royal Highness is ready, we're here!" Mason moved out of the way for Lucifer to enter the stage door.
Once in the doorway, he took a large inhale and coughed a bit. Dust from the foot traffic... but it still has that same theater smell. Once he cleared his throat, he gave his manager a thumbs up. Mason moved him to the green room. "Look, you may not be singing much this show, but ya still can't be getting sick on me."
"I'm fine, Fat Ass. Just a bit of dust is all. If this goes well with the pianist, then we can move to the vocal setlist." He sat his coffee down on the table and looked at his phone, a photo of his daughter with her girlfriend along with her message. He replied simply with how excited he was to see them at the show.
Another message came in with a thumbs-up from Stolas. He smiled down at the screen and sent a duck icon. He's better to joke. He'll be fine. Lucifer switched his phone to silent as he picked up his violin case. "So when is this kid supposed to be here?"
"He called while I was waiting for you. He said he was already here." The manager walked to the door, leaning on the frame. "Might just be in the can. Well, you get on with it and be out in five. Im’ma go and meet this kid, Albert, I think his name is."
Lucifer rolled his eyes as the door closed. "At least learn the man's name. He’s keeping your ass from losing money." He chuckled to himself as he thought of Mason in a cartoony barrel having lost all his money. With a stretch of his fingers, the violinist took out his case and held his treasure. One of the few gifts he got from his family when he started his independent touring. At least someone saw his passion for music. He set the piece on his shoulder, taking the bow in his left hand. Still felt like the first concert. He held the instrument in one hand and took his tea in the other.
Now to go meet this guy.
The sounds of Mason's deep chortle met Lucifer before he even hit the steps on the stage. Must have been in a good mood and joking with the man. Rounding the corner, he could see the rotund back of Mason, still in a fit over what was said. "You are a riot! Careful now, my talent would cry hearing you."
"Hah! I can assure you I won't upstage the main talent. I can share the stage with anyone that is worth my time and those that aren't... Well, I am not a man without enemies."
A knot formed in the pits of Lucifer's stomach.
That voice.
He knew that voice. "No way..."
His voice caught the attention of both men. "Ah, there's the star! Here he is." Mason extended an arm and moved his body for Lucifer to get a clear view. The cup of hot tea dropped from his left hand onto the floor as the violin threatened to slip out of his right hand. Short dark brown hair...
Dark eyes that could look through you. With a smile that could spit honey or poison with a change of the wind.
"Luci, this here is your replacement pianist for the show. Name's-"
"Alastor?" Lucifer interrupted without thought.
Mason looked back and forth as the two musicians stared at each other. His eyes darted between the two, clearly confused. "Uh... yeah, I think?" He let go of Lucifer's shoulder and pointed his thumb at the other man. "You heard of him?"
Lucifer clenched his jaw and let out a huff as he pointed at the other man. " 'Heard of him' ?! This guy-"
"-was his former music partner," Alastor proclaimed as he walked closer to duo. "My apologies for omitting that part. You see, Lucifer and I are old friends,” he added, patting the Musician on the back. ”Yes, back in the day, he and I would play for crowds of all sizes. We were absolutely up and coming back in the day! I am glad to have this opportunity to see my former partner," he said, pushing up his glasses.
Lucifer's jaw dropped while Mason stroked the slight stubble on his chin. "Right, makes sense then. That saves me time in you two getting to know each other. How about you lot catch up, I have an important phone call to make. Will someone clean this mess up?! I can't have my talent falling and slipping on his arse! I don't care if it was his fuckin' fault!!" He tiptoed around the tea and walked off, leaving Lucifer staring at Alastor, face becoming heated in anger.
"I know, my presence here must be quite a shock. You must have sooo many questions," he grinned as he extravagantly waved his arms.
Lucifer shook his head, stomping away from Alastor like an angry child. "Just one; what the fuck do you think you're doing here?! What part of ' I never wanna see you again .' didn't you get? Or did you expect after all this time I'll just forgive you and welcome you with open arms?!"
"That's three questions. Which one should I answer?" Alastor said, rolling his shoulders back.
Lucifer stood fuming. The pink in his face was turning a light red. "You- I can't believe that- and here-!" He ran his hands through his hair, taking a few strands in his grip.
"Still that short temper. I would have thought you would have grown out of it." Alastor walked over to the grand piano on the stage. "But since you're curious, I was merely offered the job. Your manager contacted the owner of the club I work at. Apparently, he saw the live talent poster and rang him right up! He mentioned me by name and well, the rest is history. I didn't know it was you until the deal was already struck." He sat on the bench, wriggling his fingers preparing to warm up.
Lucifer sat his case down as he stomped to his old partner. All these years and he didn't miss that attitude even a bit! “ You're the one helping me?! Oh, FUCK no! I'm not gonna have you accompany me again!"
Alastor closed the lid as he turned around. His eyes shot at Lucifer, saying nothing as he plainly looked.
Lucifer crossed his arms and glared back. There was no way Alastor actually expected him to back down this time! He was not going to bend over backward and-
"Fine." The pianist stood.
Lucifer squinted in surprise. "What?"
"I said, ' fine .' I'm not an unreasonable man, Lucifer. I know when I'm not wanted," he stood, walking to the stairs. "Though, from the way I see it, you need a backup and someone that knows their craft really well in a short amount of time. But you can cancel the show until you find such a man in this town."
Lucifer turned away and looked at the arena. All the empty seats, so many people waiting to see him... maybe coming from all over.
Only to be disappointed by his pride.
He hated it when Alastor was right. "Gah, FINE! You can play! But only until my regular company is better! But don't think this changes anything! I still haven't forgiven you!"
Alastor turned in his place, arms behind his back. The shit-eating grin of knowing he still had the other wrapped around his finger. "Of course. Professionalism is always a must on stage. Can't keep an audience waiting."
Lucifer grumbled under his breath as he walked to the piano bench. "Shut up and let's go over the set list for the show. If you're gonna play with me, I expect you to be at the top of your game."
Alastor chuckled as he walked back to Lucifer. He never stopped eyeing the blond as he got closer.
"What? What are you thinking, Al?" Lucifer asked, raising an eyebrow.
He sat next to Lucifer, reopening the lid. "Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about. Shall we get started looking over the set, Mon Ange?"
Lucifer felt a small shiver run down his neck as Alastor whispered the name. He snapped his head in Alastor’s direction as he began to play scales on the keys. Lucifer didn't know if that was intentionally done to unnerve him completely or just to get a reaction out of him. Whatever the reason, he had to keep his composure.
It was just an old pet name. There shouldn't be any meaning behind it. Taking a deep breath, the musician stood to retrieve his instrument and rest it on his shoulders. "Okay, let's start some warm-ups."
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Mason groaned from his seat. This was already the eighth time the two men argued about the music.
"I'm telling you, you're too early!"
" I’m early?! This from the man that can't so much as tune his instrument let alone count!"
The overlapping statements rang in his ears that ending the rehearsal grew more tempting. And they weren't even halfway through with the setlist. "Lulu, what is the problem now? The song was fine as it was."
Lucifer squinted as he looked towards Mason's voice. "This section is supposed to have a rise, a half rest before continuing! And Alastor just keeps going!"
The taller man held up the music sheets and waved them at Lucifer. "I'm paying attention to the notes as written, maybe you should get your eyes checked, old man!"
"Okay, enough squabbling! Look, we've been at this for half an hour and we ain't nowhere closer to being done. Take ten and when we come back, we're doing a different piece, alright?" Mason ordered. “These two bicker like an old married couple. Glad I stay single,” he muttered to himself. The man took a drink of his coffee and returned to his phone. "At this rate, we'll be lucky to get through just the musical portion of the show, let alone the vocals...."
On stage, Lucifer set his instrument down to grab his water bottle. He took a seat on the edge of the stage, trying to get his thoughts together. His fingers were clenched in his hand, doing everything to keep from letting his fists fly at a wall.
Or a certain man.
From the stage behind him, Alastor was still rehearsing the music. After a few bars, Lucifer looked back toward his direction. "Still stubborn as ever."
"You're one to talk. But yes, playing just helps me relax nowadays. Oswald lets me play the piano on my off days. It's good at keeping the mind sharp and my skills honed," Alastor replied. The speed at which he read the new works without stumbling over the keys was a testament to his commitment.
Lucifer sighed as he stood on the stage. He took a couple of steps towards the piano, absorbing the music. He looked at his former partner playing, never once glancing off the sheet music. It was like watching and listening to a music box. The way the melody flowed.
It was only when the piece ended did the dark-haired man addressed him. "If you keep staring, you're going to burn a hole in the piano."
Lucifer shrugged as he looked at him. "Just thinking that you've gotten better at that. Sight reading, I mean. With your piss poor eyesight, I'm a little surprised."
"Like yours have gotten much better, old man. But yes. Having to play audience requests in an instant is quite a trial. But I welcome a challenge all the same." He glanced over to his companion, a spark behind his eyes as he began to improvise the piece.
Lucifer caught the look in Alastor's eyes. One he remembered all too well when there was excitement in the show he was playing. Knowing it was now focused on himself, the heat in his face rose again. "Al..."
"Alright, you lot! You ready to get back to rehearsals now that you two have finished measuring your dicks?" Mason's boisterous tone rang in the auditorium making Lucifer jump away from Alastor and the piano. "Glad to see you two gettin' along. Now take it from the next set."
Lucifer shook his head to get back into the correct frame of mind. "Right, Fatass. Okay, so from the top..." He took his violin in his right arm, counting in time as the piano accompaniment began.
The harmony of the two instruments began. Lucifer played this part so many times he knew it by heart. It always was the same image that came to his mind. Of being young and in love with his then-wife.
The tempo began slowly as he closed his eyes and let the music flow.
His thoughts of being at a low point, being stuck in a repetitive motion. Then the piano came in, starting to play at a jolly tempo. Suddenly he felt the warmth of the sun, being out and enjoying his time walking in a flower field with her, his Lilith.
The tempo quickened...
They were running, laughing, and racing each other back to the house. A jump...
Then his playing grew romantic. They hugged and kissed softly.
A few notes that were to signify the fluttering sensation played but...
This time, he wasn't kissing Lilith as he normally envisioned.
The once long blond hair was now a short reddish brown. A compelling set of green eyes replaced by a captivating set of deep brown.
A smile that could charm the devil himself.
He shot his eyes open letting his hand slip.
SNAP