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Lucifer smiles as he watches his daughter float from person to person throughout the room. She had been holding these smaller ‘events’ for the hotel guests based on the era that they lived in.
Today’s event was the ‘roaring 20s.’ Sponsored by none other than the radio demon.
Lucifer rolls his eyes a bit with a small shake of his head. He picks up his drink to take a sip of it as his eyes roam around the room, looking from one guest to another.
For the decorations, Charlie hasn't done a bad job at keeping to the 1920s vibe of it. The lobby definitely felt like it could be from that time. It even reminded him of…
Lucifer lifts his hand to rub his forehead as pressure builds the more he tries to think of it. It's been like this since he had walked down to see how the lobby had been transformed into a speakeasy.
Instead of the usual couches that had been in the room, it had been replaced with round tables with white table sheets sat over them. There was a large area in the middle of them where many were dancing. He was even sure he had seen Angel Dust and Husk dancing together early. Well more like swaying together but still. The lights were low leaving a golden amber look over the room. Many wore 1920s styled clothes, including himself.
It wasn't anything fancy. Just some white slacks and a white jacket thrown over a pink button down shirt.
Which all lead him to thinking of that night with the stranger that he had danced with and most possibly had fallen helplessly in love with. But it didn't really mean anything anyways, he couldn't even remember the stranger's name.
Why couldn't he remember the male name from that night? He could remember everything else in the memory pretty well except his name.
Lucifer lets out a sigh. Just another side effect of his fall. It was more like a curse that he forgets humans he's met in any way once they die. Well, he remembers them, very detailed actually. It was more like the place where their name should be was an empty blank spot.
He could only guess it was so Lucifer wouldn't go looking for them once they ended up dead. It made sense if they were going to heaven, but most of the time humans he interacted with were already too far gone. Since most of the time it was them summoning him.
Lucifer picks up his Old Fashioned with rosewater and brings it to his lips. It was his own spin on the usual old-fashioned drink. Instead of the simple sugar cube you added in, he instead added a rosewater sample syrup, which was very similar to the coral tea someone could make with roses. By doing so, he takes the bittersweet taste of an old-fashioned and makes it even sweeter. On top of the glass, instead of the usual lemon, he placed a pink petal.
Even with the small upgrades, the drink still fit into that 1920s-era theme Charlie had them all following for the day.
It had also been the drink he had been drinking that night too, hadn't it?
Lucifer eyes slide over to a red haired male in the room as he takes a sip of his drink. He was an entirely different problem that he shouldn't be thinking of right now. But his eyes lingered, taking in how good Alastor looked in his black suit. It wasn't anything fancy but the pop of the red tie and matching pocket squares in his suit jacket pocket.
Lucifer sets the drink back on the table. He let his hand trace over the side till he touched the top of it, running a finger off the rim, looking at the small pink petals that lay on its surface.
He takes note of how his face was being reflected back at him and how the glass vibrated, sending small ripples through the liquid.
“And just what might the king of hell be thinking today?” Alastor's voice says, appearing on the other side of the table with a wide smirk. He leans his side against it, eyes trained onto Lucifer.
Lucifer rolled his eyes as he glanced up at Alastor.
“About how annoying a certain radio demon can be.” Lucifer says with a small growl, not in the mood to have to deal with the other male.
“So you've been thinking of me.” Alastor snickers. Lucifer groans and sits back in the seat, rubbing his head and crossing an arm over his stomach.
“No.” Lucifer says, pulling his hand away from his temple and placing it back onto the table, ready to reach out for his drink at a moment's notice.
Lucifer watches Alastor carefully, not sure what he might be planning, but as he does that, familiarity creeps back in. Why did this feel so familiar?
Lucifer looks up at the decorations that Charlie had set up for the day. He crosses his arms over his stomach as if blaming the lobby decorations for why he was having deja vu.
“Ah,” Alastor says. Lucifer glances back down to see that smug smile grow on his face. His back was slightly turned away from Lucifer so Alastor could look out into the lobby.
“Look at it all. This is my era. My music. My flair. Quite the spectacle that your daughter set up. Wouldn't you agree? It's almost like she wants to showcase me.” Alastor asked, turning his head to glance at Lucifer. He watches as Alastor pauses to turn fully around to him. His smile grew sharper as he did. His fingers curled around his broken cane, eyes narrowing at Lucifer.
“Maybe one day she could even throw you such an event. Oh wait—” Alastor says, moving to cover his mouth with a fake gasp. “You’ve never had an era you’ve belonged to.”
Lucifer's hand reaches out to grab his drink but thinks better of it. He didn't need to break a glass and spill bourbon all over him. He tries to control his anger and let it slide off his back like water off a duck's back, but Alastor made it very hard to do so. Lucifer didn't want to ruin the hard work that Charlie had put into today, but it didn't seem like Alastor cared all that much with how he was provoking him.
"You know that's not the reason why she's throwing these events. Especially for you.” Lucifer says, letting his hand rest against the table, fingers sliding across the surface as he spreads his hand open.
Alastor crosses his arms over his chest and leans onto the table. Another wave of familiarity washes over the blonde. It was like he had seen someone else do something similar to that.
Why did this feel so familiar? He could taste the smoke of a memory on his tongue, but it almost still felt out of reach.
“Each sinner gets their moment, their ‘good old days’ brought back to life. Tonight belongs to me.” Alastor teases. Lucifer knew that Alastor was looking to get a raise out of him. Another reason to show Charlie that he didn't belong here.
“No.” Lucifer hissed, gritting his teeth. “She’s not celebrating your sins, Alastor. She’s reminding you of the things that you had besides those very sins.”
“Even dressed up at redemption, it's still a stage. People don't gather for virtue. Not like they do for sins hidden in the night. And I for one know how to give them it.” Lucifer narrows his eyes at Alastor. He shouldn't be surprised that a cannibal serial killer like him would have run with the darker side of things in the 1920s. It made too much sense.
“You overestimate your importance, Alastor.” Lucifer says with the shake of his head. He tries to shake off the feeling that this moment seems way too familiar.
It had been a couple of minutes, but he could still taste the bourbon on his tongue as if he had just swallowed some of it. But he hadn't. No, wait, it tasted more like rye, and he wasn't a fan of that particular brand.
His eyes flicker down to the drink in front of him. The dim lighting, the light jazz music. People dancing. It all felt way too familiar, like he had seen and heard it all before.
Lucifer's head spun. He leans into the table for some sort of grounding and blinks up at Alastor. For a second it looks like a brown-haired male stood there with the same wide smile and honey-brown eyes.
And oh.
Oh.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
I thought of angels choking on their halos
Get them drunk on rose water
Alastor runs a hand through his brown hair as he licks his lips. He has his back leaning against the bar with both his elbows propped up beside him. A cigarette was literally in his left hand as he looked at the crowd of dancers on the dance floor. The speakeasy was alive with jazz music as many couples tried to dance with each other without getting in the way of others.
Men were dancing with other men. Females had their hands sliding against each other as they slid across the floor. The taste of sin lingered on the tips of all of their tongues. In a place like this, they all were dripped in sin and depravity. It was a delight to watch
But even then his brown eyes kept sliding over to a blonde figure who sat at a table, almost tucked in the corner near the entrance of the speakeasy. In the low amber light, his white suit looked perfectly polished. From afar, Alastor couldn't spot a single wrinkle in it.
Alastor almost wanted to bet that he would be able to see his reflection in his shoes.
He watched as the blonde brought what looked to be old-fashioned to his lips. His lips curled up into a smile as he lifted his hand and brought his cigarette up to his lips to inhale the smoke. He lets it sit on his tongue before exhaling.
Lifting his hand, he smashes the end of it down onto an ashtray on the bar. Pulling his arm back, Alastor dangles his head backwards, eyes looking up at the brown and gold ceiling of the place before turning it to look at the older bartender.
“Two old fashions.” Alastor says with a smirk, moving his head to look across the room once again.
Alastor didn't have to wait long till the bartender was sliding two glasses across the bar to him. He smiles, giving a small polite nod in his direction. He lays some cash onto the bar and picks up the two drinks.
Alastor practically struts over to the table that holds the singular man. His eyes flickered to him as he drew closer, and he got the pleasant view of watching the blonde try and straighten himself up to try and hide how he had been slumped on top of the table looking out at the crowd of dancers with a dreamy expression.
Alastor sets his own glass on one side and slides the other to his new company for the evening.
“I couldn't help but notice you from across the room.” Alastor says, setting the other glass in front of the blonde. “I thought maybe you would like some company.”
A blush spreads on that pale white skin. What Alastor would give to dig his teeth into his skin. Alastor notices how he taps his finger against the glass, looking at it for a while till finally bringing it up to his lips.
Drinking something so easily from a stranger. What would have happened if Alastor had some alternative motives for coming over here other than to share a drink with this mystery stranger?
Possibly a question best left to think about when he was alone and not in such a crowded place.
“Thats very kind of you…” His words trail off as his blue eyes range over Alastor. It was almost like Alastor could feel how his eyes moved over his face and down his neck till they stopped at his chest and jerked upwards to meet his eyes once more.
Might it be someone that usually doesn't dabble in this kind of sin? It would be tasteful for him to be the first to ruin the blonde.
“You can call me Alastor. What might I call you, stranger?” Alastor crosses his arms and leans onto the table, eyes trained on the blonde. The blonde brushes some of his hair behind his ear with a soft blush.
Pride grows in Alastor's chest as he glances away shyly before responding to his question.
“Lucifer.” The blonde says breathlessly. “Lucifer Morningstar.”
Alastor raises an eyebrow. He picks up his glass of alcohol and brings it to his lip to take a sip.
‘Morningstar’ wasn't a common name here in New Orleans. He wondered just where the blonde was from that would give him such a name. He could have come here from New York State. That would be very on brand for his namesake.
But there was also the possibility of Pennsylvania or Illinois. Those states also had a majority of whites.
Either way, it still left Alastor wondering what someone like this man could be doing here. It was interesting, to say the least. Maybe he could find out some more information. And if all goes nicely, well, there was always the possibility for him to have some fun and more food in the refrigerator by tonight.
“I must say, Morningstar. You don’t exactly look like you belong here.” Alastor says, setting his glass down onto the table.
Lucifer leans back in his seat. He covers his mouth and lets out a hearty laugh at the statement. A wedding ring reflects the light of the establishment, drawing Alastor's eyes towards it.
So he was married. Married and hiding his 'true self,' then? Delightful.
“I fit wherever I please.” Lucifer says. His laughter tapered off at the end of his statement. He picks up his drink to take another sip of his drink. “Does that bother you?”
Alastor's smile widened. “Not at all.” He leans onto the table, crossing his arms as he does so. He keeps his eyes on the other male, hoping to rope him in with his charisma.
“I find it intriguing actually. I would love to know more about the places that you've been.” Alastor says. His fingers tapped against the side of the table, out of sight from the blonde.
Lucifer picks up his drink and takes another look at it. This time even tilting it a little. His expression shifts from one of laughter and happiness into something more somber. As if reflecting on past memories.
“Most of the places I've been haven't exactly been fun.” Lucifer spoke, his words smooth as he brought his old-fashioned up to his pale pink lips to take another sip.
“Well,” Alastor says, faking a pause. “Do you at least know how to do a slow tango? Right now, it's all the rage here in New Orleans.”
Lucifer leans forward, a teasing smile on his lip as if Alastor had just said the right thing to him.
“Of course I do, mister. Who do you take me as? Even the devil would know how to do such a simple dance.” Lucifer says, and Alastor could see the excitement that seemed to burst at the seams at the possibility of dancing with someone.
It seems like Lucifer loved a good dance as much as he did.
Has that been what's been keeping the blonde seated this whole time? Waiting and hoping that someone would ask him for a dance?
Well, he shouldn't keep the other waiting then.
Alastor slides out of his chair and moves himself around the table. He could feel Lucifer's eyes following him as he moved. He folds a hand behind his back and holds his other hand out in the direction of the other male.
“Could I have this dance?”
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
Letting people down is my thing, baby; find yourself a new gig
This town isn’t big enough for the two of us
Lucifer's eyes flicker back up at Alastor. It didn't seem like the radio demon knew or even realized who he was. Which was good. Lucifer didn't have to think about it and explain what he had been doing on Earth that particular night. But that also left Lucifer open in a way he hadn't expected. Since that night Lucifer had drawn Alastor more than once. Usually as a reminder of what his face looked like. He liked Alastor then and, strangely, even now.
It was something that Lucifer had been denying himself for a while now. That he was just lonely and latched onto the first person who gave him an ounce of attention that wasn't his daughter.
Being able to tie that memory to the male who stood in front of him now… He wasn't sure what to think. The two of them were always at each other's throats, and he liked that in a way, and it probably would have stayed that way if Lucifer hadn't wanted to help with Alastor's little Vox problem before it seriously got his daughter hurt.
Which in turn had them spending some time together to make a plan. And through that, Lucifer got to see a much calmer side of Alastor. A side where he just wanted to sit down and drink tea while reading a good book.
Something that Lucifer could respect.
Since then, this banner. Arguing? Teasing? Flirting? Whatever it was had become like a sort of game to the two of them. One where some days, like today, he wasn't entirely willing to play.
“You always do have a way to make yourself insufferable.” Lucifer growls, glancing away from the radio demon and down at his drink. He could slightly see his face in the reflection of the glass.
“And yet you are still here listening to me.” Alastor says, pointing out how Lucifer hadn't in fact gotten up and moved away from Alastor. It made him narrow his eyes.
“You’re the one who walked up to where I’m sitting.” Lucifer growled. Alastor raises an eyebrow at him. Lucifer had to bite his tongue from saying anything else because it had been the same in the past, hadn't it?
Alastor had been the one to seek out Lucifer. It was almost like an unknown habit Alastor had. Seeking out the devil wherever he was.
“Only because you put on such a pathetic display. Look at you. Even at an event hosted by your wonderful daughter, you somehow find a place to hide away from everyone else.” Alastor says, moving one of the arms he had been leaning onto the table to make a ‘show off’ gesture that had Lucifer tapping onto the table harder to try and hold himself together.
“Well, it's a good thing that I'm known for letting people down, isn't it?” Lucifer asked, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.
Alastor smiles and reaches out for Lucifer's drink.
“I'll certainly drink to that.” He says with a laugh. Lucifer rolled his eyes as he bit his bottom lip, not wanting to show the other male the smile that tried to tug at his lips.
He watches Alastor bring his drink up to his lips and drowns the thing in one go. Lucifer sat and stared at him with a slightly open mouth.
The balls on this man to do something like that never ceased to amaze him.
“What a peculiar drink.” Alastor says, glancing at the petal inside of the glass and giving it a strange look before setting it back down onto the table. His tongue licking the remains off of his lips. Lucifer's eyes zero in on the area. “It wouldn't have taken you to add something like rose water syrup to your bourbon. But you do like your cocktails terribly sweet, don't you?”
“I can't fucking stand you.” Lucifer groans. If anything, it should amaze him more than anything that the radio demon even knew about it. He always made it seem like he didn't care about anyone else in the hotel.
“Good thing you're sitting then.” Alastor says, and if Lucifer could, he would have lunged across the table to wrap his hands around Alastor's neck and strangle him. Forget the fuzzy feeling he ever had for this man in the past. It was one night anyways.
Alastor's eyes flicker up and down, Lucifer. There was always this sharpness to their banter. Something just underneath wanted to bubble to the surface, but neither of them allowed it to.
“Perfect!” Charlie says, moving closer to the table that Alastor and her father sat at. Lucifer's eyes snapped up to look at his daughter. He tries to relax and simply raises an eyebrow at Charlie and tilts his head to the side, trying to shake off the memory that tugged at his mind.
“Just the two I wanted to talk to.” Charlie says happily, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her wife's eyes glance between Lucifer and Alastor.
Lucifer sets his drink onto the table, turning his full attention to his daughter.
“What is it that you need?” He questioned, his fingers tapping against his glass. His leg lightly bounces as he bites his bottom lip.
“Well, I…” Charlie hesitates. Her eyes look between the two of them, setting Lucifer even more on edge.
“Whatever it is, Charlie, I'm sure I can figure it out for you.” Alastor says, taking a step away from the table and closer to Charlie.
“Oh well,” Charlie says, shifting on her feelings. She holds her hands behind her back and looks at them both again. “It's more so a request from both of you.”
“Is that so?” Alastor asked, turning his head to look at Lucifer. Lucifer doesn't turn his head but looks at the other male from the corner of his eyes.
His hand starts to feel more clammy. He tries to run the palm of his hands against his pants, but it doesn't help much.
“I was… Well Alastor… I know…” Charlie tries to start before finally pausing and shaking her head. “I know the two of you have your differences, but I was hoping that someone could perform an authentic 1920s-style dance.” She asked. She lifts her hand to rub at the back of her neck. “I would have asked you and Rosie to do it, Alastor, but Rosie isn't here, and the only other person I know who could match your level and knows dance styles like the back of their hand is my dad.”
Lucifer wasn't breathing. Of all things.
He loved his daughter; really, he does. But he was just coming to terms with the fact that the human he met and possibly fell in love with on Earth was Alastor. This Alastor. The radio demon Alastor. And now she was asking for him to dance with Alastor?
He wasn't sure if he could.
“Charlie…” He tries to say.
She turns towards him with her wide eyes and takes a step forward. He wasn't even standing, and he could feel his knees go weak.
“I know, Dad, but please. If I knew anyone else that was half as decent as you were, I would ask them, but I simply don't.” Charlie moves in closer to him and places a hand over the one sitting on the table. “Please, Dad.”
Lucifer took a deep breath. He raised a hand to her face and lightly brushed his thumb against her cheek.
“At least let me dance with you afterwards then. You still remember the waltz I taught you?” He asked, watching as Charlie lights up with excitement. She nods her head. It had been a while since they had a daddy-daughter dance. He honestly thought the next time they would be at hers and Veggie's wedding.
Charlie pulls away to go get things ready. Lucifer sits there watching as she rushes off.
“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Alastor asked, still standing across the table, his eyes narrowed at Lucifer.
Lucifer rolled his eyes. “Shut up.” But he couldn't help but wonder, was this a good idea? Given everything that he had realized?
Everything felt so complicated.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
I don’t have the right name or the right looks
But I have twice the heart
Alastor glances down at Lucifer's drink, noticing a petal in the glass that hadn't been there before. Strange, but he didn't think much of it, assuming that the blonde had slipped it into his glass when Alastor wasn't looking. Interesting but nothing to note.
The two of them made their way onto the dance floor, pausing and turning to the blonde once they had reached the middle of the dance space. He turns to the other and places a hand over his chest to bow at the other. He could hear the smaller male shift a subtle laugh, and he bowed for the other.
Lucifer looks up at Alastor as he holds out his hand. A smile washes over Lucifer's face as he takes his hand.
Alastor pulls the other in, pressing his chest against the other, using their clasped hand to extend their arms. He reaches around the small blonde and places his hand between Lucifer's shoulder as he places his hand on Alastor's shoulder.
Unlike a usual tango, this one was a lot slower and smoother. He made sure to hold Lucifer close to him, only leaving enough space so they could move across the floor.
“Since we have the time, why don’t you tell me some more about yourself?” Lucifer softly spoke. His head raised. Even though Lucifer was letting himself be led, he still looked like a king doing so.
Alastor's mouth felt dry. Even in such a low light, Lucifer's eyes looked like they were sparkling. The way he looked up at him felt as if Alastor was the center of everything for him.
“I’m no one special.” Alastor says with a soft smile, and he takes a deep breath. “I don't have the right face to be beloved by the masses, but I make up for it with my voice.”
“Yeah?” Lucifer says. The brown-haired male looks down at the shorter blonde. “You could be special to me.”
Was this man sent from heaven just to torture him? To say something so casual and as if he meant it in such a setting. He could almost roll his eyes. As if. Not even the devil would want someone like him in Hell.
“What a scandal that would be.” Alastor replies, pulling the blonde closer as he spins the two of them around once again.
“Well, I would say I have a reputation for scandals.” Lucifer says.
“Then I should make sure I am worthy of such a scandal.” Alastor says, eyes glancing away from Lucifer to look at the people sitting at their table. He could see as many of them were watching the two of them.
“Do you have a habit of getting into scandals, Mr. Alastor?” Lucifer teased, and with the next step, Lucifer pressed more into him. Not enough to throw him off, but enough to make Alastor pause to make sure he didn't stumble at all.
Alastor lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. If they wouldn't have been dancing, Alastor would have run a hand through his hair to keep up his act.
“Not usually, but being a radio host has its habits of scandals revolving around oneself.” Alastor says, looking down at his dance partner and
“Radio host. That's an interesting job.” Lucifer says. Alastor watches as his tongue pokes out to wet his lips. “What is it like?”
A light feeling drifted over him. He loved his work and was always willing to talk about it, but most people didn't really ask since they already seemed like they knew fully what went into it.
Which they were wrong about, but that wasn't either here or there.
But the blonde seemed to not know much about what he did, marking out his earlier guess of him being from New York State. Surely if he had been from there, then Lucifer would know about his job. Which only made Pennsylvania or Illinois a more likely choice.
“The air is a stage unlike any other.” Alastor mused. “One might not be able to see their audience but you know they are hanging onto your every word, being charmed with what you say. The city outside could be burning down but when I'm in there, it's just me, the music, and the static.”
Alastor tilts his head back as he thinks of his enjoyment of his job. It might not bring in a ton of money but it was his only true love.
Lucifer goes silent for a moment after Alastor's explanation. He seemed thoughtful as they smoothly moved across the floor. Even so, Lucifer kept an elegant stance. He never broke his hold.
“What is it that you do when you aren’t charming people over the airwaves then?” Lucifer finally asked, glancing back up at Alastor.
If Alastor were to stop, he could stare at his eyes for a long time. Maybe he should tear them out and keep them so he could lovingly stare at them.
Alastor tilts his head back and lets out a soft laugh.
“One would say I have very unique hobbies with an even more unique taste.” He pauses, moving to change the topic of conversation, not wanting to give too much out. “But what about you, mysterious stranger? What brings you to the sweet state of Louisiana?” Alastor asked.
Lucifer looks thoughtful for a moment, pondering the question for a while.
“Let’s just say I needed a change of scenery.” Lucifer’s voice sounded a lot smaller. His eyes glance away from his view, and Alstor could see him biting his bottom lip.
This gave Alastor a good chance to look over the blonde while he was so close to him. It amused him how together the two of them looked like an angel and devil with their contrasting colors. The blonde looked so pure; he wanted to sink his fingers into the other and destroy that perfectly polished look.
Lucifer moved with such elegance, as if he had been plucked from a castle and placed in this little speakeasy for the night. And even though He was the one leading, he could tell that if he was the slip-up, Lucifer would easily overtake the dance and become the one leading. Even when Alastor tries to surprise him with a spin, Lucifer always seems precise. His steps fell perfectly in line with Alastor’s steps.
“I'm surprised at how well you dance.” Alastor nods, letting his hand slide down his back a few inches to hold the blonde in a more intimate hold. “But I can tell that it's not your usual dance. So strangers from afar, what kind of dance do you prefer?” Alastor asks, his eyes roaming over the other male's face.
Even as they glide across the dance floor, he could feel how Lucifer seems to be pulling himself back. Most likely trying to keep the dance casual.
“A waltz.” The blonde says, and Alastor had the pleasure to watch as a blush lights up his face.
“To be expected from someone as elegant as you.” The words roll off of his tongue. He watches as the blush darkens on the other male's face. He gasps and opens his mouth, but no words fall from his lips.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
Anything you say can and will be used against you
So only say my name; it will be used against you
Lucifer and Alastor stared at each other. Alastor's eyes follow the blonde as he slides out of the chair that he was in.
“Well then.” Alastor says. He picks up his cane and lightly taps it against the palm of his hand, thinking over his options. “I'll pick the music.”
“Then I'll pick the style of dance.” Lucifer says. He uses his magic to lightly transform the outfit. Golden magic wraps around Lucifer, and once it dissolves. His outfit was more elegant. His white coat was longer than the previous, similar to the usual white coat that he wore but was more ruffled.
Alastor raises an eyebrow at the other as the back of his mind itches. He swipes the thought away, focusing on what was going on now.
They walked over to the dance floor with Lucifer following behind them. Alastor turns to look at the blonde.
“The dance style, your majesty?” Alastor asked. He watches as Lucifer's eyes look at him out of the audience that had gathered around them already.
Husk looked more hesitant as his eyes glanced between the two of them. Charlie looks like she was ready to explode with excitement, and Vaggie was having to keep her in place.
Angel Dust looked between them with a wide smile. He winks at Alastor as he takes a sip of his drink, making him roll his eyes and turn back to Lucifer.
“A foxtrot.” Lucifer finally says. “That was during your time, wasn’t it, sinner?”
“Don't act as if you don't know, Majesty.” He laughs. A smooth jazz piece begins to play in the background as Alastor holds out his hand to Lucifer. “I've heard that the devil is a fan of the dances that us sinners have invented over the years.”
Alastor sees Lucifer let out a soft sigh right before his hand slips into his own. Alastor smirks and pulls him into his hold, watching as Lucifer spins till they are chest to chest.
They slip into an easy stance, and Alastor takes the first step forward with his left foot, watching as Lucifer easily follows his step. His lead was unyielding, not wanting Lucifer to be able to take over.
“I thought you would have picked something more… showy. Like a tango.” Lucifer rolled his eyes as he stepped backwards and into the next step.
They danced so easily together that it was like sticks were attached to their shoes, pushing and pulling the other's foot as they danced. But even though they did, Alastor tried to throw the other off, wanting to see the other stumble or make a fool out of him. It was a familiar feeling, but something about the moment felt different.
Lucifer raised his nose in disguise, about to speak, but whatever he was going to say got replaced with the blonde glancing away with a light blush. “Tangos aren't my favorite. I prefer a waltz.”
“Of course you do.” Alastor says, rolling his eyes. To expect any other answer from the blonde would have been more surprising than such a basic answer. “The waltz…” Alastor mussels. “Stately, elegant, romantic even. One could even say that it’s heavenly."
“And what of it?” Lucifer hissed.
“It’s amusing. You would pine for a dance meant for angels when you are much better suited for a fall.” Alastor says, letting his eyes slide across Lucifer's face.
His eyebrows tighten, feeling confused at the sudden spinning feeling of familiarity that wraps around his mind. He narrows his eyes to focus more on Lucifer.
Alastor notices how Lucifer's body seems to be tensed. His movements had an element of fake smoothness. To an untrained eye his movements looked lovely, well practiced, and smooth, but for someone such as himself, Alastor could see the tension that formed between his eyebrows and his shoulder blades.
“And what about it, Alastor? You are a butcher who stitched himself into a gentleman’s suit, hoping no one noticed the blood.” Lucifer says, his voice dropping lower, eyes lowering to look at his chest before looking back up at him. “But I do.”
“At least I wear my scars openly.” Alastor says. “You’re a relic of the past with broken wings pretending they’re whole.”
Alastor could see how the anger built in Lucifer. His shoulders tensed. His hand held onto Alastor's own tighter.
Alastor wanted to push the other further. See how angry he could make Lucifer. What would he do?
He wanted to give Lucifer so much so he could watch as he pulled it all away from him.
Lucifer held his head high, not bending to Alastor's tight hold or
“It’s kind of funny, isn’t it?” Alastor asks, catching Lucifer's attention. He watched those red eyes focus on him as he spoke. “You don’t quite fit in here.” Alastor leans in closer to Lucifer's ear. “Even your own daughter’s projects make you look out of place. I bet it’s the same way those angels looked at you in heaven. You never belonged there either.”
Even as Alastor pulls back from Lucifer, due to how close they were physically, he could hear the way he sucked in his breath. He looks up at him and narrows his eyes.
“I fit wherever I damn well please.” Lucifer says. “Whether you like it or not.”
Alastor feels the same sense of déjà vu wash over him as he looks at the blonde in front of him. The image of a face he thought he had long forgotten washes over his mind once more. His hand tightens around Lucifer's as he freezes mid-step, realization hitting him like a note held too long.
“Lucifer,” Alastor growls, his eyes narrowing at the other male. Lucifer doesn't say anything. He glances away from Alastor and leans back in his hold, as if the blonde didn't want to touch him anymore.
Alastor's eyes narrowed. “It was you.” He growled. He didn't have to question it. The way Lucifer dodged looking at him was confirmation enough for him.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
If I spilled my guts
The world would never look at you the same way
“Well, I see why so many people enjoy your broadcasts if you speak like that.” Lucifer says. He could feel the butterflies building in his stomach as he did so.
He wanted to break away, run away from the feelings that were already starting to develop. But something kept him here, wrapped around Alastor's words as they danced across the floor.
“I've never been one to turn down danger.” Alastor says, a smile growing on his face. He looked down at those bright blue eyes that glistened in the low light. “Even if it might be something silly like a scandal.”
Alastor's voice drops, sounding darker and
Alastor led with confidence. Every move that he made was with purpose, but there was a bit of smugness that lay behind it. Like he knew he was an amazing dancer and could keep up with anything that was thrown his way.
“You sound as if you are daring me to be dangerous.” Lucifer says with a soft laugh. He feels the fleeing feeling of happiness flutter in his stomach. Which filled him with dread.
Why was he so prone to getting so attached to someone who he found interesting? First it had been the garden of Eden and its animals. Then it was Adam and Lilith, with Eve coming soon after. And now Alastor?
Throughout his life, Lucifer had always been attached to his dreams and ideas. Maybe it was similar to that.
“Maybe I am.” Alastor says smugly, bringing his eyes to glance back up at him.
Lucifer knew without having to confirm it that the male standing in front of him would fall to hell, most people would most likely since Hell always reflects the times and ideas that were popular on Earth and during this time era, anything like this was a big sin.
The music trembled as if to reflect how fast Lucifer's heart was beating as he looked at those bright golden eyes. That wild smile and smugness that he wouldn't forget for a long time.
“Then let this be our risk.” Lucifer whispers. He stands on the tips of his toes, his hand gripping onto the other male's collar as the last note in the song rings throughout the speakeasy. His eyes flicker up to look at the other male as their lips barely brush each other.
Lucifer could get the faintest taste of smoke and alcohol that played on the brown-haired male's lips. He wanted to lean in more, but it felt so much better to feel the small gasp of air that escaped Alastor's lips.
“Tonight has been fun.” Lucifer whispers, slurred, as he sets himself back onto his feet.
Alastor's hand grips onto his suit jacket, making him smirk. Lucifer lets his hand fall from his collar and trails down his chest till he stops at his stomach to lay his hand fully against the area.
“But I must be going.” Lucifer says breathlessly, taking a step back. He could feel the sad smile that spread on his face as he took in every detail of the other for the last time tonight.
Alastor tries to reach out and it tugged at Lucifer heart strings. He couldn't let this go on any longer. Hopefully the other male only thought of this as a made up memory and wouldn't ever try to seek him out.
Lucifer turns and drifts into the crowd of dancers.
He was so stupid.
Lucifer wraps his arms around himself and lets out a deep sigh as he moves closer to the speakeasy door. He places a hand on the cold, blurry glass.
He couldn't help himself but he glances back to see Alastor still standing on the dance floor, moving closer to him trying to get to him.
Lucifer pushes the door open and disappears back into hell.
It would be a long time till he goes back to the surface.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
If heaven’s grief brings hell’s rain
Then I’d trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday
Static breaks through the music that had been filling the room. It started as a dull background sound till it bubbled up and overtook the music.
“You knew.” Alastor's voice came out rough and dark. Static laced every word that he spoke. Lucifer's eyes glance around, and he could feel the hand that was on Alastor’s shoulder grip onto his coat. “You knew this whole time.”
“That’s not—” Lucifer tries to say, but Alastor’s grip on Lucifer’s back tightens as he digs his nails into the other’s back. He watches as the devil winces at the feeling but isn’t able to escape his hold.
“Shut up.” Alastor says. “You played me like a fool.”
He didn’t want to, but Alastor lets his hold on Lucifer light up as he spins. To think a memory from his past would come to haunt him in such a way. It made his stomach tighten and turn. With each moment that passed, the more his body and mind screamed at him to leave. But he grinds his teeth and persists, at least to show the devil that he wasn’t someone who would run away with his tail between his legs.
“That wasn’t my intention.” Lucifer says. Alastor watched as Lucifer’s face morphed from one of hurt to sorrow to something he couldn’t even name. Tears built behind Lucifer's eyes, making them look glassy.
The music started to slow, and their steps began to follow suit.
“Oh? They care to explain what these so-called ‘intentions’ were?” Alastor growls.
Lucifer's eyes turned down to look at his shoes. He feels the way that he takes a deep breath. It took a long moment for the blonde to look back up at him, and Alastor wonders what was going through his head in that moment.
“I only ever wanted to share a dance.” Lucifer says softly, his voice floating above the notes of the music playing as it meets Alastor’s ears.
Many emotions swirl within Alastor. He couldn’t sort all of them in that moment. He was angry. Hurt. Upset. But something soft and more vulnerable wanted to make itself known and present. But Alastor shoved that feeling down.
“That was all I ever wanted, Alastor.” Lucifer pleads as everything around him feels to fade. His body felt numb as he looked at the other. “I never meant for it to haunt us this way.”
Lucifer's hand trembles against his shoulder, not letting up on the grip that he had made earlier. It was as if he was trying to keep Alastor there, but it wouldn’t work.
It was almost laughable. No wonder the Queen of Hell had sought him out to force this collar around his throat.
As the song came to an end, the two of them stood there. Alastor drops his arms away from Lucifer to take a step back, putting some distance between the two of them. He places a hand on his chest to bow at the other. As he did, his eyes glanced over at Lucifer.
“You are a pathetic excuse for a devil.” Alastor says right before he raises himself to fully stand. Lucifer's eyes glance up at him. He could see the way that Lucifer gripped onto his shirt as he stood, finally turning and breaking eye contact when fully standing up.
“That was amazing!” Charlie says with a wide smile as she makes her way over to the two of them. Alastor tries to form a larger smile on his face as she draws closer. He hides his hands behind his back to not show her how his nails were digging into the palm of his hand.
“Old habits die hard.” Lucifer says, brushing Charlie's comment off. Alastor looks over at him, really looks at him. He could see how the blonde eyes were glancing around, not being able to focus on one thing.
“If only they did.” Alastor growls under his breath, watching as Lucifer sharply turns to him and narrows his eyes. Neither says anything but lets the heaviness of memories pass and sit between them.
Alastor was the first to walk away from Lucifer and Charlie, moving to find a way away from the dance space that Charlie had made. His eye scans the area. Everything around him felt mute. Like nothing could reach his ears, even as they flickered on him and turned in the direction where voices were coming from.
Glancing back, he could see Lucifer leading Charlie on the dance floor as a softer-sounding jazz song started to play. Alastor grinds his teeth at the scene, his fist growing tight. He forces himself to look away from the scene and make his way over to the bar.
Alastor wasn’t sure what he had ordered till Husk handed him a drink. A familiar golden brown drink with a rose petal on top meets his eyes.
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
For just one yesterday
Alastor watches as the blonde slips away from him before he can stop him. it. He sucks in a breath, feeling dizzy, already not being able to recall what the other's name was. He glances down at the dance floor below his feet and then back to the crowd. Many were giving him a confused look, as if it was wrong for him to be on the dance floor right now.
They weren’t wrong, but did they not see who he had been dancing with?
He places a hand on his forehead, turning around to glance at where he was and what was going on. He stumbles off the dance floor and makes his way over to the table that he and the blonde had been sitting at before their dance.
Alastor slumps over the table, his eyes drift to the half-empty glass of bourbon. He stares at the drink, watching as drops of the alcohol drip down the inside of the glass.
The brunette reaches out and picks up the glass. He pauses, looking inside of it, looking at the pink petal inside that covered half his face in the reflection. He brings the rim to his bottom lip. He tilts his head back and lets the rose water mixture slide down his throat.