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Lucifer's footsteps hardly made a sound in the quiet halls of the hotel. Even at this hour, no sinner would be foolish enough to be awake. Luckily for Lucifer, he was the King of Hell and found it impossible to sleep for whatever reason on this night. What he would give to be one of the unconscious.
He hoped the impromptu, late-night walk would clear his head or do anything to make him feel any less bad within any of the vast categories of woes he faced. He found himself traveling toward the sitting area where Charlie loved to do her hotel activities, but when he arrived closer, he started to hear music. Now he was really wondering if his sleep-deprived mind was playing tricks on him.
The music kept getting louder and clearer with every step he took. The song was catchy, and the beat was perfect to dance to. However, who would possibly want to be dancing this late at–?
The tall, crimson demon Bambi caught his eye. Honestly, he didn't know who exactly he was expecting at this hour, but he should have known the creepy bellhop would be the biggest contender. And of course, Alastor immediately noticed him upon entering the room.
Lucifer placed a hand on his hip and asked, “Dancing this late at night? What are you? So bad you need to practice when no one is watching to save you from embarrassment?”
Alastor barked out a laugh. “Oh, please, if anyone here requires lessons, it's our dear King of Hell.”
“Oh, I'll show you dancing!” He marched forward only to be met with Alastor's stretched-out hand.
Though he always wore a permanent grin, Lucifer couldn't shake the feeling that Alastor was itching to see him fail miserably. His smile was too out of the ordinary to be his usual mask. He will just have to show him!
Alastor simply said, “Enlighten me, Your Majesty.”
It was on. Alastor pulled him in close, and they both started covering every inch of the floor. Upbeat music mixed with energetic movement from both of them. The height made it feel like he was dancing with Lilith again. There were only a handful of times he tripped over himself, while Alastor was irritatingly graceful, moving along as if nothing happened.
It was almost unexpected. Even Lilith would have commented on how rusty he was or made a joke about him falling for her, literally. Not like we would in a million years think Alastor would ever say the latter.
Despite the one with the hand on his hip, Alastor was the one that lead the way. Lucifer found a genuine smile forming on his face as each song went by. He felt the rare occurrence of excitement course through him. Not faked or staged to make others feel better. But Alastor didn't need to know that.
The music ended, and the voices behind the station began rambling on about whatever radio hosts do, though Lucifer was not interested; the radio host in front of him was much more interesting. Lucifer already felt somewhat winded by all the dancing they’ve done. Even Alastor, despite standing upright and smug, was breathing heavily.
Alastor went over to mess with the station. The sounds emitting from the thing were a mess of jumbled voices, fragments of songs, and split-second screams. While Alastor was indecisive, or perhaps finding something in particular, he said, “You're not bad, for someone who can't dance.”
Ah, so there it was. He was just waiting til the end to make any comments! Lucifer scoffed, “I did great! It was you who was messing me up.” He waved him off. “Now what are you doing up so late anyway? Not even the roaches are up.”
Alastor tilted his head, not bothering to look his way, too focused on the radio to care. “I could ask you the same.”
“You first, Bambi,” he prodded. Father, he was so annoying.
Alastor acted all nonchalant, finally stopping at a station he was satisfied with, as he said, “Ah, well, the witching hour is the perfect time to enact our deepest desires. Now what is your excuse?”
Lucifer rolled his eyes. Of course, Alastor wouldn't admit why he was up. Why would he even think there was a chance that he would be honest? “Whatever, keep your secrets. I’m up because…” He saw Alastor look his way and raise an eyebrow. Why did he have the urge to tell him the truth? It would certainly make him look better than the lying excuse for a cervid. He admitted, “I couldn't sleep.”
Alastor hummed in contemplation. “If that is still the case, then that just means I get a dance partner for longer.”
Lucifer then realized the song that was playing was much slower than before, much more elegant. Alastor held out his hand, waiting for Lucifer to take it.
The breath caught in his throat. Alastor really wanted to dance again, despite knowing his skills. What was his game? As if it moved on its own, Lucifer’s hand quickly found Alastor's. Gentle fingers wrapped around his own. He was pulled close to Alastor in such a quick, smooth motion that he hardly had time to react to just how close he was.
They slowly danced across the empty floor once more. It strangely felt natural to have Alastor this close. He didn't know exactly when it happened, but he found himself resting his head against Alastor's chest. The soft humming, singing along to the song, filled his ears and resonated through him. It was the first time in a long time he felt the inklings of a flutter in his chest. This night was full of firsts in a long time.
They stayed like this for a song or a few, countless more. Lucifer didn't keep track, nor did he want to. The gentle sway of their movements was all he could focus on. He smelled Alastor’s faint, musky smell underneath the cologne he wore. Lucifer took a deep breath and– suddenly, he was jerked upright.
He snapped back into awareness of his surroundings: the music, the empty room, and the way Alastor supported him in his arms. Lucifer hissed, “Hey, what the hell was that for?!”
Alastor barked out a laugh. “I should have known the Fallen Angel would be a fall risk. Never had a dance partner fall asleep on me before.”
“I wasn't –” He pushed Alastor away to find a darkened spot of drool on his vest– “Going to fall asleep.”
“No matter.” He picked off Lucifer's lingering hand from his chest. “I'd rather not be used as your personal cane anyway.”
“Whatever, it's not like I needed your help. I was just testing your skills.” He crossed his arms tightly and turned to the side. A newfound heaviness weighed on his chest. Did he just ruin everything like always? Of course he did. Why would Alastor want to be around him? He should have known. It was too good to be true to be this close to another again. So what if he dozed off a little? That wouldn't be cause to hate him, right?
He was already inching toward the door. He already spent too much time here. He gave a laugh that he hoped sounded convincing enough. “I've had enough. Have a good night, Bambi.”
“Have a splendid night, Your Majesty,” Alastor responded, turning away.
Lucifer began walking away, heart sinking further with every step away from that dumb deer he took. He rubbed his heavy eyes, which were slightly damp for whatever reason. He barely passed the threshold of the room when we glanced back, finding Alastor still with his back to him. His fluffy tail and ears drooped while he messed with the radio.
“Alastor–” Lucifer couldn't stop the words spilling from his mouth. He could not take them back now.
Alastor's ears and tail shot upright at the sound of his voice. He stiffly turned to face in his direction, ear flicking. “What is it this time, Your Majesty?"
Now he's done it. He had to open his big mouth without thinking. “This was fun, I would not mind doing it again sometime. I'll choose the music next time and wipe the floor with you.”
Alastor laughed. “We’ll see about that.” He turned the radio off. Though he strained to hold it still, Alastor's tail couldn't help but flick from side to side.
Lucifer ducked away, so he couldn't admit to catching that adorable display of his true feelings. So he looks forward to it. I'll see how that smug face looks when I'm the one leading the show. Thoughts of Alastor and how he felt dancing alongside him plagued his mind. However, it wasn't unpleasant by any means. He will just have to show who's greater than great next time. The fluttering sensation returned in his chest, replacing the dread that was there a few moments ago. This certainly was something he would want to get used to.
