Work Text:
It was no secret that the Radio Demon had no intentions of getting redeemed. Not that he had tried to be subtle about it and from the very beginning, in fact, he made it rather clear that he had found the whole notion utterly ridiculous! But not until, perhaps out of sheer luck, Charlie Morningstar’s “Hazbin Hotel” had done the unthinkable and redeemed a sinner in the final Exorcism! It took quite a toll on the entirety of the Hotel and Hell but that’s a different story. Now the question remains, does the Radio Demon want to be redeemed?
“Hay Smiles? Ever felt like goin’ ta Heaven?” asked the effeminate spider fellow, who was, perhaps, the one with the most substantial amount of improvement, as dear Charlie liked to call it. Perhaps some certain alcoholic grumpy cat-bird had a big hand in the process. Perhaps he was what had made Angel Dust more himself. Or perhaps it was vice versa because one could argue that Husker has also managed to get a hold of his addiction and moody down-face by finding someone he truly loves. What? It’s not a secret. Everyone, except the “main characters of the love story” know that. The Classic. Who knows how little time is left until the both of them get selected to be redeemed and some holy light from above embraces the lovers as they share their first kiss. How very romantic. Almost could make one sentimental.
Oh, but the question remains again, doesn’t it?
“Oh, no no, my good man! As you can see, I’m rather comfortable living down here! It has all the facilities a man like me could ever ask for. After all, you don’t get to enjoy the beautiful cries of the damned soul, the magnificent sight of massacre, and the charming acid rain in heaven, do you?”
The answer earns him the desired eyeroll from the asker and a not so quiet “Yeah, sure.
Him and Angel Dust has been… how do we put it, co-existing rather peacefully for the past few months. Who knew the former adult actor could be such delightful company after he had embraced the fact that in his family — that’s what it was. — he doesn’t need to put on a mask over himself to feel cared about. The man truly has gotten better at feeling like himself.
Not to mention the absolute delight he had when he “helped” Angel Dust to find loopholes and break the chain that was holding him down and forcing him away. Oh the irony of the entire situation would have made for wonderful entertainment had a certain cat sinner not completely lost his focus tending the bar. Look now, Alastor had to do something because even if he had never said it out loud, Husker was good at his job and he knew exactly how The Radio Demon liked his drink. Afterall, his preference wasn’t simply “dark and bitter like my soul”. It was only fair to rescue Husker’s totally-not-obvious-and-completely-platonic would-be partner, because tormenting someone gets less appealing when the other person is too busy mourning to even process your thoughts, yes?
“Yeah, I don’t know why I was hoping for a bit less sadistic answer," answered a different voice. When had this little monarch joined them? Has the fearsome Radio Demon gotten sloppy? Or maybe it’s one of the perks one gets by being a celestial being older than the universe. Who could tell?
Ah, the sweet sweet insufferable little sovereign. The only one to be thanked for turning the peaceful life of the Deer demon into some rollercoaster ride for ducks. Yes, perhaps their…relationship had changed for a less violent one but that did not mean one could not indulge themselves in some playful banter every now and then. Afterall, a bit of spice makes the dish more delicious, no? But, alas…! peace was yet to be achieved.
“Ah, how kind of you to grace us lowly sinners with your presence, Sire! Whatever could we possibly owe your grace?"
“Yeah yeah, cut the crap Al. Anyway, I need to talk about something.” the King held back a scoff and answered dismissively. It was a gradual process of understanding they both had to go through when it came to their insults. It had, at first, started as a competition to just one up each other in every other thing. Dear Charlie had so much trouble keeping them from turning everything into an excuse to argue. What did that arguing provide them with? Who knows. They were too busy arguing to think of a reason, don’t blame them for not getting enough time after all that quarreling. Charlie had to set up multiple “Bonding Exercises” so that they could establish some mutual understanding between them. And oh, what a cruel joke it had been that it was not the “Bonding Exercises” that had gotten them to that standing, no. It was that one wrong incident months ago. It was the slow tired nights at the bar with some soothing jazz and a devoted yet nonchalant bartender in the background. It was the horrible dad-jokes which drove everyone away and held close only those two, together, laughing. It was the offensively good cooking skill of The Radio Demon. It was the hand-made craft skill of The Devil. It was those competitions of piano and fiddle which, somewhere along the line had first become a duet for an audience but then…for the late-night private music sessions, without an audience, just for themselves, for each other. Without the prying eye. Without the need to impress. Without the need to be what they oh-so perfectly displayed themselves to be. Without the need.
Perhaps it was all along because of who they were. But oh, I do dare you to convince them so. At the end of the day, Charlie (and every other person and inanimate object in the hotel) was grateful to have some peace because her dad and her dad-but-not-dad-how-did-that-happen-without-any-kind-of-relationship were… “getting along” in their own personal terminology.
Maybe some had gotten a bit creative with their imagination and assumed that they have come past the rivalry and skipped over the friendship and jumped head-first to the dumpster fire of a courtship. And the word “some,” of course is indicated to one person specifically. The spider demon who was sitting right there on the couch, petting a very well-mannered and sleeping Fat Nugget. Yes, the same spider demon who was definitely a bit too amused by the sudden interruption caused by a certain King, if his expression was anything to go by.
Even if the King had noticed the obvious interest in his eyes, he didn’t mention it and instead added “It’d be great if you stop by my room after you’re done with whatever Radio-Demon thing you’re doing”.
Not appreciating the tone, just when Alastor was about to say something witty, a very suggestive tone was heard right from the side.
“Oooohh, a “private discussion” huh?” said Angel Dust with that classic eyebrow wiggle.
Being too tired to commit bloodshed, Alastor let that remark slide and focused on the King instead.
“Well, since your royal highness asked so nicely, how can I help but follow you right away? Lead the way Sire!”
The King rolled his eyes but opened a portal to his room anyway and let the demon head first and followed him.
As soon as they arrived, Alastor made himself comfortable on his usual seat while Lucifer changed into a more casual outfit and conjured a bottle of fine wine. Lucifer set it on the table in front of them along with two crystal goblets. Yes, the usual ones. And poured them both a very generous amount of wine.
“I assume the day has been quite difficult for you as well. However, I am quite intrigued to know if you truly have something important to discuss with dear old me” said Alastor and took a sip of the wine. His expression shifted to a more delighted and satisfied one as the wine caressed his tastebuds.
“I have a thing to take care of tomorrow in heaven. I was asking if you’d join me.”
Alastor stiffened and almost spit out his wine but managed to hold back at the very last moment. He was ready to bark back a laugh but after observing Lucifer’s face for two seconds, he held that back as well.
“The timing is rather comical, wouldn’t you agree? Almost makes one question if it has something to do with the conversation from a few minutes ago.”
“Will you believe me if I say no?”
“No.”
“Well, that doesn’t leave any room for questions, then.”
Lucifer took a sip of the wine and they both drank in silence for a while. Then Lucifer finally opened his mouth and said, “I actually do have a not-meeting meeting up there. I was just having a chat with that Charlie-like seraphim. She’s a bit difficult to keep up with but in short, she and they kinda wanna know about how exactly the hotel's management works because most sinners aren’t very civil, obviously. And even if they do decide to stay for their betterment, it can be very… wrecking. At first, I wondered if I could get them on some hologram call with you but then I thought a bit of a brief, one-time trip to heaven wouldn’t be a bad idea either. And then I found you while having that specific kind of conversation with that Angel Dusk guy.”
Yes. Very comical indeed.
Alastor sat eerily still during that whole paragraph of-a response. Took another sip of the wine. Sat still a bit more. And then said,
“And your first thought was to mention me?”
“Eh I didn’t say your name out loud but she kinda understood.”
“And what, pray tell, might you even mean by saying she understood?”
“Trust me Al, I’m just as lost as you are.”
Seeing no fruitful outcome, Alastor dropped that question and picked another one which crossed his head.
“My, Sire, I must say it’s rather bold of you to pick me to represent the hotel’s image.”
“Why? As the Hotel Facility Manager, shouldn’t it be your job to show up in these kinda events?”
“Ah, pulling on that card, are we now, Sire? Well, I believe your memory has improved even if slightly.”
Alastor gracefully ignored the playful “asshole” from the blonde and continued
“If it helps you understand — I, personally, am not the kind of sinner those heavenly high-ranking angels will be delighted to meet. Why I’m rather certain the moment I set my foot on heaven, I’ll spontaneously get set on fire, be it metaphorically or literally. And, you know, despite how charming hearing me talk may be, they might not appreciate my sense of humor.”
“Yeahhh, you love yourself so much you can’t even try to hide it can you, you red fucker.”
“Why bother hiding it if it’s all true!”
“Sure. Absolutely. Mmhm.”
They sat in comfortable silence a bit more, savoring the delicious embrace of the wine in their mouth. As soon as Alastor had finished his wine and put the beautifully crafted goblet, Lucifer picked up the wine bottle and refilled the wineglass. Well, far it be from The Radio Demon to refuse good vintage!
Lucifer was taking his sweet time drinking his part. By the time he was done with his second glass, Lucifer had finally finished his first. As Lucifer reached for the bottle, Alastor took it with a “Allow me, My King.” and refilled his goblet. Hey, he might be ever so slightly tipsy but he had manners.
The wine glided into the goblet like a heavy garnet colored silk, pooling at the bottom and gradually reaching to the top as the liquid kissed the crystal of the goblet and turned into a blood red satin.
“Why are you avoiding visiting heaven, Al?”
The cozy, embracing air shifted around them and turned into a choking heaviness as Lucifer uttered those words with an offensive amount of casualty.
A wave of icy dread constricted his throat, the rich aftertaste of the wine suddenly replaced by a sheen of cold mercury that started coating the inside of his mouth. Black pooling at the edge of his vision made it difficult to see. The constant buzz on his head dared to get stronger and louder. The high-pitched static left his mind an empty echoing chamber.
Through the haze of his rapidly darkening vision, he felt a small, dark, yet firm hand was placed on top of his own hand, firm and grounding, to steady his grip. It was only then he realized how much he had been trembling. The crystal goblet he was trying to refill was overflowing. The garnet liquid weeping over the crystal edge and pooling on the finely polished surface of the table like an open vein. He gave it no mind, instead subconsciously focused on the warm touch on his hand which helped him to slowly connect with reality.
Focusing to clear his vision, Alastor slowly followed the black hand and looked at the face of the man it belonged to.
Lucifer was looking at him with some complex emotion on his face, which hammered at the back of his mind, trying to coax the words out of him. The familiar need to open his heart out to Lucifer was back, an invisible pull stronger than ever before. How nice the mere thought of embracing it felt at that very moment, Alastor couldn’t express even if he tried.
But, no.
He was going to bury that thought six feet under like he always did. Just being somewhat close acquaintances with the person on the same floor has nothing to do with being vulnerable with them. Alastor could not just simply let a floor-mate – that’s what they are – see through the bulwarks he had spent nearly a century building.
“Alastor?”
The comforting voice managed to jolt him. Alastor immediately slid his ever-present signature mask on and brought back a fake cheer on his voice which, fortunately, he could command to not shake.
“Apologies, My Liege, but I must say you caught me rather unprepared with that question. Why I remember you clearly hearing the explanation twice in less than an hour ago. I’m afraid I must take back my positive remark on your memory I made earlier.”
Lucifer made no sound for quite a while, then – as if measuring his words – he said,
“ Do you know you completely spaced out for at the very least a whole minute. My ears are still ringing from your loud static Al.”
“A negligible hiccup, clearly.”
“You cracked my fucking window panes, you freak.”
Oh, did he? Alastor looked around and noticed that yes, spiderweb-like cracks indeed had formed on the window panes, which certainly weren’t there when he had entered. Had he really been that loud? Perhaps he cannot lie to Lucifer – and to himself – about how the sudden question had not affected him at all. No worries! He had always been marvelous at improv since his life as a Radio host.
“Now that’s no way to react to a simple inconsequential mistake, My King. Here, I’ll fix it for you at once.”
“Do you really think it’s about the damned windows?”
“Isn’t it?”
Lucifer pinched the potential bridge of his nose and said, “Alastor, look, I don’t- I didn’t mean to upset you”
The hand Alastor had lifted to snap the window panes fixed, halted midair. The static in his head tried to rise up yet again but he couldn’t afford to make the same mistake twice in a row. He forced out a laugh.
“Upset? My, Your Majesty, you almost make it sound like you care about little ol’ me!”
“So what if I do?”
Alastor’s smile did a complicated twist before freezing in its place. He could feel the shiver returning under his skin. Under his hand, which oh, Lucifer still had his own hand on. How come Alastor did not notice it? The sinner quietly slid his hand away, despite his subconscious demanding of him otherwise. He could feel his heart hammering inside his chest as his brain felt like it had been stuffed with cotton.
Alright, it seemed like that was enough wine and socializing for the day.
The sinner was so very tempted to just vanish into his shadows and travel to his own suite – a strategical retreat, obviously – but alongside the infuriating thin voice in his head, begging him to stay, there was another voice telling him that leaving now would be foolish.
The Radio Demon was not a coward. But if he left now, he would for sure be no less than one; and that was completely unacceptable.
“Very well, my little King. When do we leave tomorrow?”
Lucifer dared to look confused by this sudden question.
“What do you mean ‘when do we leave’? I thought you- I thought you didn’t wanna go? You don’t have to go if- You know I can manage!”
“Oh but I’m the Hotel Facility Manager, aren’t I? It’s only fair if I go.”
“What the fuck??? Look, Al, listen. You can’t just literally short-circuit over something without realizing and then act like nothing happened. I understand you don’t want to talk about it but you really don’t have to go if it’s something you’d rather not.”
“Are you implying that I’m too weak to face any complications?”
“Wha- no?? Why would I-”
“Then, pray tell, why are you now going back on your own words and demanding that I not go?”
“Alastor what the fuck is wrong with you?! I’m literally trying to be considerate towards you and you-!”
“Well, you needn’t be. I am more than capable of handling myself.”
Lucifer opened his mouth – probably to comment on how he was, in fact, not capable of handling himself mere minutes ago – but apparently decided otherwise at the very next moment and closed his mouth shut.
Good.
“9 A.M sharp, at the hotel lobby. This might take a while so make sure you have your day off.”
“Wonderful! I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, then, Sire. Good night, and thank you for the wine. It was exceptional.”
***
The morning had come rather quickly. A lot quicker than The Radio Demon would have liked; which hasn’t happened to him in decades. Not that he was feeling any less energetic than any other day. But there was an emotion under his possible anxiety, which he couldn’t quite name.
He had spent… time thinking about last night and had cursed himself for losing his composure that easily.
Speaking of, Lucifer’s reaction, too, had been rather – ah – interesting, so to say. The sinner had expected some jab aimed at him; or the classic “You’re overreacting”–he had heard that specific phrase several times from a different someone – from The Fallen One. Afterall, they weren’t quite known for their friendly interactions. But it had been entirely unexpected to the sinner. Notwithstanding the fact that The King had barely pushed him to talk about it – which was equally unexpected. But last night, he had felt terribly seen, and The Radio Demon could not- must not, let that accident repeat. Afterall, The King probably had already seen and assumed a lot more than Alastor would have ever let him, because obviously Lucifer was refusing the Sinner for the very reason, but he already had made a mistake; so now he must make sure to not let Lucifer have any chance to think or assume anything unreasonable about The Radio Demon. But again, that was exactly why the Sinner had insisted on going to heaven despite truly not wanting to do so. Perhaps he was regretting his impulse decision already but there was no backing off now.
He wasn’t someone who would back off after giving someone his word.
Not quite feeling like being fashionably late, he did show up at 9 A.M and would you look at that, the portal was already there! Dear Charlie was also apparently informed about this little trip of theirs because she was engrossed in a very rushed and frantic one-sided conversation with her father, presumably on the very topic. Bless her paramour, she was trying her best to remind the other one to breathe.
Alastor tried to understand what The Princess was saying so deliberately but he couldn’t quite grasp it. Partially because Charlie’s words were borderline incorrigible, and also because he was caught up looking at the figure and turned away from where he was standing.
Lucifer was not looking very different from how he usually looked. The tacky suit, big hat, ridiculous looking cane – his own cane looked way better, in his own humble opinion, plus had better and more than one function as well – weirdly unfitting personality for being The King of Hell, overall. The King of Hell, who was currently looking at his daughter like she is everything he knew and will ever know, which – Alastor was sure – was definitely true. Anyone spending any amount of time near The King, will know how little everything and everyone meant to him, aside his daughter. And his ridiculous rubber ducks, probably. Which further complicates the little incident that took place last night, in Lucifer’s suite. The Fallen One had hardly shown any interest in any happening that had not involved anything with at least one of the two previously mentioned subjects.
Oh, but there was another one, wasn’t there?
“Morning, Al” Alastor must have been too deep in his own mind to miss when Lucifer had turned facing him.
Alastor cursed himself mentally for making a near mistake before their trip had even begun. Fucking great.
“By the way, your Permit will be functional for only 10 hours, so if you even happen to stay there after that time limit, you might die or evaporate and will regenerate in Hell, but I’m sure we would be done way before that. You ready?”
Now, wasn’t that interesting. Yesterday night had been a tad too distracting for The Radio Demon that he had completely forgotten to ask this very crucial detail. Alastor was well aware of the fact that Sinners couldn’t leave their ring but apparently, they very much could, but only with a permit and The Royalty seemingly had the said power to do so – aside the Seraphims, probably. Most of the Hell dwellers did not know that. Though the surprise had been when he realized that neither did The Princess of Hell. Oh, her reaction had been of utmost entertainment to The Radio Demon. He would have never believed that the little Princess’s face could get any paler than her natural porcelain white – had anyone told him. But this wasn’t the time for nostalgia, for The Radio Demon had a greater task to take care of.
“Always, Your Majesty.”
***
Heaven was… everything a 5 years old child and Charlie Morningstar would imagine it to be. But perhaps it was meant to be that way because most of the pure souls – or winners – were quite young. Huh, fancy that. But altogether, not a terrible place. The Heaven Dwellers seemed to enjoy the place. Obviously. Not Alastor, though. The Radio Demon had entirely different opinions on the pastel-colored abomination. His “reason to avoid Heaven” would ultimately turn out to be more than partially accurate if the view from the central hall window was anything to go by.
“To think this is what it was supposed to be like...” The Fallen Angel said, more to himself than the Sinner.
The Radio Demon scolded himself mentally yet again for getting lost in his own head. Seriously. This was getting rather irritating at this point. He does not remember the last time he had zoned out this much and this frequently, and – mind you – his memory is far better than most.
“My, Sire, is that lament I hear in your words? A bit late for that, don’t you think?" Even if it was meant to be a jab, Alastor’s voice lacked the standard amount of venom it generally took to be one.
Lucifer, seemingly, got the memo as well, as he laughed under his breath and replied, “Should I?”
No. Even Heaven wasn’t as deranged as Humanity was meant to be. Humans, just another species of animal, submerged in a synthetic euphoria. Existing in some mere illusion of happiness. A lie. Even little children were taught that there were good days because the contrary, too, existed. Nothing in the universe was real if it had no negative coexisting with the positive. It was that simple. Just how death played the most important part to ensure the mortals willed and worked to live. Pity that the divine beings never had this basic fact cross their head, till even now; perhaps. Humanity would have turned out just fine had the diving beings not been so cowardly and oh-so eager to put all the blame over only one being’s (tiny) head. Alastor still wondered if they had even thought of mentioning this to their “Heavenly Father” even if to only ensure if it was just another plot point of the entire play He had had His creations play for Himself.
But far be it from The Radio Demon to tell The Morningstar that much. So, he simply tried to mock again but all that came out was a simple
“No.”
Lucifer replied with a small – and apparently genuine – smile, “Yeah,”
There was a little pain in Alastor’s stomach. Perhaps the sinner he ate yesterday was trying to fight in his stomach. Odd. That had never happened before.
“Sir! Alastor! We’re sooo glad you’ve arrived!!! Sorry I’m late. I had to take care of some- Oh wait, I shouldn’t be keeping you standing here along with being late, I’m so sorry! Please come this way. Sera wanted to send some guar- err, other people but I insisted on coming instead. It’s been sooo long since I met you in person Al. I’m so glad Sir Morningstar got a permit to invite you too. I can’t wait to show you around after the meeting is done. It’s going to be a-ma-zingg~!”
No wonder she and Charlie get along so well, wondered Alastor like the last time he had met the sweet Seraphim. Alastor was still determined to find some way to repay her for – quite frankly – saving his life. The fact that she had lost one of her six wings permanently due to it, just fueled his sense of debt further.
If most or any of the powerful angels also shared the mentality as this particular Seraphim, things might have been moderately better, no matter how little. Perhaps Humanity would have even had better parents instead of absent ones, but oh well. There’s only so much one could do or think.
Emily drained a lot of his social energy regardless. And he was certain The Fallen One shared a somewhat similar mentality about her as well.
“Now now, my dear. No need to get so worked up about us. We are merely here for an official meeting, yes? Perhaps some other time.” The “If I get a permit” was left unsaid. He did not want to tour heaven to begin with. He just wanted to get this over with. He had only agreed to this business trip because couldn’t exist with the knowledge that Lucifer might have gotten the upper hand by potentially thinking that The Radio Demon was afraid of visiting heaven. That just simply wouldn’t do.
***
The meeting had been somewhat passable. The Head Seraphim had been very skeptical and cautious about The Radio Demon. Good. That is exactly how he had expected and wanted The Seraphim to act. But it seemed like she was struggling to decide how to act towards Lucifer. Was it guilt? Shame? Surprise? Or something different all together. Her and Lucifer did somewhat make eye contact by the end of the meeting when they bade their much-awaited goodbyes – which was a shame, because The Radio Demon was enjoying her discomfort in the atmosphere a bit too much. Why? He didn’t know, but he certainly was having fun by increasing her level of discomfort by acting a lot more buddy-buddy with Emily than he was. The said Seraphim was loving that but oh, every time he was talking to her with his sweet performer persona, The Head Seraphim looked a bit more and more uncomfortable and – if he were to indulge himself in sweet reverie – jealous. He was far more than willing to spend more time with Emily if this were the result. The energetic little Seraphim wasn’t the worst company to begin with, so it was a win/win game for Alastor.
Not to mention the subtle knowing smirk he had gotten each time from Lucifer. Something about that smile had encouraged him to keep playing his petty little game – so he had granted The King the honor of being allowed to witness his performance.
But that was about it. The Sinner should have known his afterlife was to be based on torture and punishments. So, with all his bad luck gathered, the meeting had ended a lot earlier than it was meant to. Turns out The Radio Demon was a bit too good at his job and was able to lay out all the points, reasonings, and potential flaws in the Hazbin Hotel’s and Heaven’s cooperation and everything, a lot more efficiently than The Seraphim had expected. Yes, so what if he had only mentioned the flaws and not how to possibly correct the said flaws? Heaven wasn’t his responsibility, and he wasn’t there to be helpful to them anyway, yet he had helped regardless. He should be thanked for his generosity.
But all he got was a request to attend a meeting again.
A Request, not an order. Because it was Emily and, God bless, Abel – The son of Adam. Perhaps the apple did sometimes fall far from the tree. Or, The First Man was just a defective prototype. Alastor's thought on Able was “pathetic” but it was clearly the good kind of “pathetic”. The one that one could easily overcome and still do good with what they have. Yes. Abel might not be The First Man, but he was clearly The Better Man. Though it seemed “Daddy Issues” was a common occurrence among the higher beings as well.
As the meeting had ended a lot earlier, The Radio Demon was dragged to meet The First Redeemed Sinner. He had expected this as well. He did, however, pity the poor former-sinner because despite having new minions and better environment in heaven, he could not get rid of the exercises Charlie would have put him through if he had stayed in the Hotel. Because how else would you explain this? The First Redeemed, trembling while handing over a new coat to The Radio Demon, for once ruining his old coat ages ago. The act could have touched him, had he not been busy laughing internally at the entire scenario which included Emily and Abel very sneakily encouraging Pentious to “go for it!”
The coat was atrocious, obviously. This is exactly what you would expect to get in heaven, so he couldn’t entirely blame Sir Pentious. Emily had mentioned that it was not like just-another coat and would fit him regardless of his body proportions – which remains to be seen because The Radio Demon refused to wear anything that looked so bright and screamed adorable from any distance one would like to see.
“What’s all that about?” Lucifer said, hinting amusement in his tone.
“An old story you’ll get to hear only if you manage to get a good wine for tonight” Alastor had said teasingly.
Gold had gradually flushed on Lucifer’s face due to this remark. Huh. What an odd response to a simple suggestion of good wine for their hanging out later tonight.
Oh, but the worst part had saved itself for the last.
“The sky looks most wonderful at night” Emily had said, “it’s late afternoon, so why don’t you two stay till the evening anyway. You still have around an hour, right? We can give you a tour of the Winner City! Afterall, if you see and talk to a few of them, you’ll be able to help sinners better to achieve it!”
No.
No.
No.
The Radio Demon could not.
Will not.
Not a chance.
The Radio Demon could not accept visiting the Winners.
Visiting her.
How could he?
How could The Radio Demon.
Loud static threatened to rise over Alastor’s senses. He felt the need to be consumed by his own shadows and disappear. He wanted to flee. To run. To get consumed deep into the dark shadow abyss to be never found again. This was not fear. This was something much darker and formidable, for The Radio Demon did not fear.
But Alastor did..
A viscous cold sweat broke across his nape, the air turning into needles across his damp skin. The edges of Alastor’s vision began to fray, a dark, static blur slowly reduced his ability to notice his surroundings. His entire body felt like hanging on a thin string, his muscles stiffening – as if he were experiencing Rigor Mortis in his subconscious self.
He felt a warm sense of pressure on his back. Alastor did not lean into the grounding comfort, but stayed in his place to keep feeling the safety it was providing, as it helped him gather himself.
“Sounds great. But I think it’s better if me and Al go alone and see it ourselves. If they see you both along with us, that could catch more attention, so it’d be better if we go without making them feel like they’re being observed and all that, you know?”
Alastor barely heard any of that and what took place after except for a firm yet gentle grip on his wrist which guided him through the unknown place.
By the time Alastor’s treacherous brain decided to cooperate, they had reached the Winner City. Nothing too out of the ordinary, in Heaven standard.
The hand still held his wrist, but not to keep him from running away, to just simply remind him that Lucifer was there.
“Not gonna lie, I really expected this place to be a lot emptier but I guess it’s a good thing that I was wrong, huh?” Lucifer said aloud. No, we don’t have to talk about that - was left unsaid, but it was there.
That provoked a certain kind of rage in The Radio Demon. He was no damsel in distress. To think The King felt the need to be all kind towards him? He would have handled this just fine.
And that should have been the end of the “rage”, right?
Somewhere along his mind, it knew the complex emotion had nothing to do with Lucifer. He was not enraged at Lucifer.
“Hell to Alastor, somebody up in there?”
Alastor’s ears twitched towards Lucifer, following his voice and made a static-y hum in lieu of a response.
“Good cause I thought the purity in the air suffocated you. Let’s end this before Amelia catches us again.”
Alastor laughed under his breath at Lucifer’s obvious mistake in the Seraphim’s name. Never gets old, how silly.
“For the record, Your Majesty, I shall repay you when we get back to the Hotel, so I expect you to think of what you would be likely to have.”
“Um, sorry but what the fuck are you talking about?” Lucifer said, with genuine confusion in his tone.
“For earlier, obviously. However, I would like you to know I am a perfectly responsible demon and capable of handling myself and my debts. So, just think about it and don’t make me wait too long”
Lucifer took a deep, audible breath and exhaled equally aloud.
“Do you hear yourself, Al? I’ll say this again, what the fuck are you talking about? What is the meaning of this?”
“Why, I’m merely offering a payback for your generous aid. Like I did last time when you had healed my pesky little wound.”
“Pesky- ugh nevermind. Look, I was also getting exhausted by them so I wanted a way out and that happened to kill two birds- no pun intended, in one stone then why the fuck not?”
That all sounded fair, except…
“Are you just denying that you did all that out of pity?”
“…what? Not to be offensive or anything but you’re quite frankly the last guy I’d ever pity. I don’t understand what gave you the idea that I pitied you.”
“If not pity then what was that little display, hm? And yesterday night as well? What, pray tell, is this behavior of yours if not simply pity? Is it sympathy?”
“What is your problem, Alastor?? What’s up with trying to make everything a kind of transaction? Can you just- can’t you just be? You’re overcomplicating things on purpose.”
“Overcomplicating??? Mind your words, Sire, I am doing nothing that could-”
Words died in his throat as he, from the corner of his eyes, spotted a certain Winner, strolling while talking to her companions – presumably. She was smiling as if she were the vessel of comfort filled with inexhaustible patience and resilience. He knew this woman. He knew her a bit too well. He had grown up watching her. Admiring her. Knowing she could bend storms for him; just to keep him safe. He had seen this woman be his shield, guarding him from every attack, until that last fateful night when the final blow was too strong for the worn-out shield and it was fractured beyond repair.
“Don’t worry about me, my fawn. Run. I’ll be okay” she had said while she let out her final breath, cupping Alastor’s face with one hand. Her eyes had spoken concern for her child. Always for her child. Never for herself.
To think Alastor would get to see that face again.
Their eyes meet and the distance between them was but a concept.
Alastor couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. But thankfully, the deer Winner didn’t have the same problem.
“…Alastor?”
Thus, the world outside them two was no more. The pull he could feel from the winner’s eyes had him at hold. His brain had gotten empty. The only word The Radio Demon could form was
“Maman,”
»»——⍟——««
Lucifer simply just wanted to have a little hangout with Alastor, alone. And by alone, he had meant – without the constant chaos of Hell – you know, like the over-the-top screaming, murder, sex ads et cetera et cetera. Just everything Hell is, in short. When Sera and Emma had brought up the topic of meeting with a person from the hotel present real time, he could hardly contain himself from jumping because it was perfect.
Now, Lucifer wasn’t as dumb as to believe Alastor would like to visit a place like Heaven, so the excuse of the meeting was, again, perfect. Contrary to what Alastor might think, Heaven had several good theaters that played the absolute classics by The-Radio-Demon-Standards as well. He had intended to set more time than needed very discreetly but Sera had beat him to it by suggesting a way longer time than even he had thought of asking. Look, he might still taunt the deer for “sucking at his job” and “being lazy” and all that, but that was all for the funsies! Even he knew Alastor’s bigass pride would never let him do any task in a way that could potentially leave any room for taunts.
Lucifer had been correct to think Alastor would have little to no interest in visiting Heaven, because – bless his timing – the deer was being asked the same kind of question by that four handed white spider guy they had rescued several months prior. That little expedition had helped Lucifer greatly to see under The Radio Demon’s infuriating outer shell. It had helped Lucifer to see that The Radio Demon wasn’t just some prideful asshole – he was a prideful asshole with multiple layers! Lucifer had been working day and night since then, to see the man hidden behind the layers. Which would have been easy if only the deer didn’t have that much of an inflated ego but, perhaps he wasn’t the one to comment on that particular trait. But somewhere along the line, he had started to actually enjoy the process. Enjoy the company that Alastor had provided.
Huh, crazy that he hadn’t noticed their compatibility before but you couldn’t just deny it when a man has a good and sophisticated sense of humor. How come nobody else laughed at his bicycle joke?! Maybe they were also like the bicycle in question – two-tired, haha! He would have assumed that was why Lilith had divorced him unless they had talked it out the first time Lilith had visited the Hotel. He was caught up the rest of the time thinking he was a dumbass, because years of misery would have not happened if he had heard Lilith before she broke their relationship – aka marriage – and went to chill in heaven. Hell, he couldn’t even get mad at Alastor for laughing about it because it was fucking hilarious, minus the extreme depression and all that.
But that’s all in the past now because last time Lilith had visited, he was glaring at how close Alastor seemed to be with Lilith. Almost jealous.
Jealous at whom, though?
Lucifer wasn’t ready to face that question, yet.
Moving on to last night, however – damn him but the deer guy somehow managed to show more layers than ever before. Lucifer’s sin might be Pride, but he wanted to be greedy and think he was the only person who might have ever had the chance to see that expression on The Radio Demon.
Lucifer had wanted to reach out to that depth The Radio Demon had accidentally revealed. He had wished to talk to him about whatever was bothering the Sinner. He had wanted to comfort him.
But no.
He couldn’t. He couldn’t intervene somewhere he wasn’t welcomed. Notwithstanding the fact that The Radio Demon would not just let anyone know him. He would not appreciate it if anyone were to assume things about him.
You couldn’t just comfort anyone if they aren’t comfortable enough to bear it.
And now, when he was facing yet another depth of layer in The Radio Demon’s nature, he was confused. He was oh-so confused because how was he supposed to react to this?
The Radio Demon was wearing an expression he had never imagined he could.
“Maman” the sinner had said after a long pause. Was it him, really? Lucifer, for the love of everything, couldn’t tell. Never in a million years had he imagined The Radio Demon could sound like this. He hadn’t sounded weak. Far from it. His voice had sounded unguarded, uncertain, shaken yet with the hint of hope in it. He had sounded vulnerable. And oh, wasn't that an interesting thing to put together? The Radio Demon - as far as The Morningstar could think of - never went together with vulnerability unless it was to murder the said thing.
Maman?
Is that why Alastor was so desperately trying to avoid Heaven? That would make sense, actually. More sense than his classic performer persona lie he had made up. Lucifer, thanks to their late night hang outs, knew that any jokes or insults related to Alastor’s mother were STRONGLY off limits. Father forbid, The First Fallen still remembered that one night around six months ago. Lucifer wasn’t able to exist in a place with Alastor in a few hundred meters radius for at least two weeks. Not that they were that close back at that time but ooh boy the guilt was real and scary. Never again, Lucifer had oathed to himself since then.
To think The Radio Demon would be this avoidant to the said person
Lucifer’s thoughts were brought to a halt as the Winner walked towards them. Towards the Sinner.
Lucifer was holding his breath, and apparently Alastor, too, if his stiffness was anything to go by.
The Deer Winner kept walking, till she stood right in front of the Deer Sinner. She raised her hand and cupped his left cheek, with a look in her eyes - which was somehow softer than her voice - as she spoke,
“Oh my, you’ve grown quite a bit since I last saw you. How are you, my sweet fawn?”
Oh what a cruel joke this entire evening is, because how else was one supposed to explain the tremble of Alastor’s lips as he swiftly embraced the Deer Winner. His maman.
“Oh, Alastor…” said she, with soft affection embracing her tone.
Lucifer could hear a low sniffing sound.
Was Alastor crying???
He decided to not dwell much on that as he could clearly sense himself at the verge bawling his eyes out.
There was a faint sound of feathers ruffling that immediately alerted him and oh shit it was Emmy- Alastor will not like it if he finds out Lucifer didn’t do anything to prevent her from seeing this. So The Fallen One took out his wings and flew towards the Seraphim while waving his hand frantically to stop her before she could get too close to see Alastor properly.
“Heyyy Em!” say something natural, something non-suspecting “Fancy seeing you here!”
Phew, that was close.
“Oh, Sir! I was actually coming to- wait is Al talking to a winner? I knew we could count on him! He’s very dedicated to his work, that’s so nice to see.”
“Yeeeahhh exactly haha I know that, don’t I? That’s exactly and only why I wanted him to join the meeting y’know? Haha” Good thing she couldn’t see Al’s expression from this angle.
“Ofcourse! Wait, is she petting Al’s head?!”
Shit.
“We gotta go stop that lady, Al doesn’t like being touched! Oh Lord-”
“Don’t worry, it’s fine” he mainly despises that when it’s other men. Lucifer, The Sin of Pride wanted to think he had come a long way where he isn’t considered as other men.
“It is??? Cause Al told me once he doesn’t like when- wait, is it someone he knows?! Oh my God that’s amazing!! I should greet them.”
“NO!” ah shit, that was a bit too loud, oops- “Ahem, I mean- he might not appreciate the intervention, y’know how he is haha.” Lucifer said with the most natural smile he could muster at the moment.
“Oh, you’re right. It must be personal. I’m glad he could meet someone he loves here.” And then after a moment, she added, “I could ask Sera to let Al meet this person aside from the meetings. What do you think, Sir?”
That’s a great question, actually. What did he think? What would Alastor think if Lucifer were to make a decision this big without letting him know, even if that’s what The Deer ultimately wanted?
Lucifer would rather not find out.
“I think I’ll ask Al if he’ll like that”
“That sounds great! Let me know what he thinks.” she said with a cheerful yet soft tone.
Huh, A Higher Angel who knows about perspective. No wonderAl likes her.
“I will.”
“Alright then I don't think I should stick aroun- OH LORD I almost forgot!!” The sudden outburst was a bit startling but that’s fine as long as Alastor doesn’t sense her presence.
“I came here to let you guys know that it’s almost 20 minutes till 7! Or it was when I realised it’s 20 minutes till 7. It’s probably a lot less time now, so uhh-”
“Oh shit- thanks for letting me know Em- err… Amanda!”
“Just Em is fine!”
“Right! Em, yes. I’ll talk to Al about it and let you know, okay?”
“Sounds great. And uhh- I don’t think I should go bid him goodbye right now so please let him know that I look forward to his - and yours too, obviously - next visit.”
The First Fallen smiled softly, and said, “Yes I will.”
HOW. Fucking HOW will he tell Al??!! How was he going to just stop their mother-son bonding moment, now that he’s on the ground, a few feet next to Alastor??? HOW DOES ONE JUST SAY “Hay i know meeting your mother after almost a century - fucking was it??? - is cool and all, but she’s in heaven and you’re not, so stop and get your ass back in hell before you get fucking TERMINATED by the universe system and then get your ass back in Hell.” HE COULDN”T JUST SAY THAT!!! How would that impact them, especially his mother, because no matter how dumb The Radio Demon claimed The King to be - he was correct to an extent but not like The Sin of Pride was going to admit that, excuse you - he could clearly tell that this was sensitive. He’s on thin fucking ice and one wrong move and-
“Who is this young man, Alastor? Introduce us, why don’t ya?”
Well, Lucifer was technically older than the concept of time itself but that was kinda flattering, to be honest. Cause getting praised by Alastor’s mother no less- …wait-
Oh shit.
Oh fucking shit-
This is bad.
How was this sweet lady going to process that her son - whom she loves very dearly, it seems - is hanging out with the fucking KING OF HELL?????
The Devil. FROM THE FUCKING BIBLE!!
Oh this was a desaster-
“This is Lucifer Morningstar. The King of Hell. His daughter, Charlie Morningstar has a passion for redeeming sinners and has a hotel for said purpose, and His Majesty is trying to help her in every possible way. I happen to be the Host of the said hotel, so His Majesty thought it would be a good idea to have me have a meeting with them, therefore our visit.”
Oh.
Yeah ok that didn't sound the worst.
It almost sounded… nice.
Of course it did. Alastor wouldn't want her mother to think he's hanging out with arguably the worst guy possible in the entire universe, which obviously wasn't true but most people didn't know that and Alastor definitely made no effort to make it seem he believed otherwise.
Until now, that is.
Wait, that reminds-
“Al- uhh, it- it's getting late and the time we have- err-”
He regretted his words as soon as they came out of his mouth because, oh the face Alastor had made for a fraction of a second.
But he had no choice.
“Ah, that's true, dear. Let me know when ya get to visit next. We'll meet then, ‘right?”
“Yeah! I think he'll be able to visit pretty soon, actually! But-” Lucifer turned towards Alastor, “we reeeally gotta hurry now. It's almost 7”
“Yes. I'll see you again later, Maman. Good night.”
“Good night, my Fawn.”
***
The way back to the hotel and the rest of the night was oddly quiet. Lucifer was probably the only one who thought that because everyone at the hotel was — unsurprisingly — very eager to know how the meeting had gone.
Niffty had asked if the bad boys there were being naughty and got disappointed with the lack of bad boys to begin with.
Vaggi was almost about to straight up interrogate Alastor to make sure if he had made any fuck ups, if she didn't had a borderline hyperventilating Charlie to take care of — who was probably trying her best to ask if the meeting went well.
Cherri had asked about the redeemed Snake guy, despite knowing about his everyday life.
And Angel had asked whether he and Alastor had a celebratory sex yet, whatever that had meant.
And pretty much everyone else at the hotel had something to ask, save for Husk who just gave a greeting nod.
The thing that had bugged Lucifer was how Alastor showed an excuse of being tired and left for his room.
That was not ok.
Not because Lucifer was left alone to deal with the crowd. But because he could tell the stiffness in Alastor’s shoulders. He could practically feel the static in the air Alastor was doing an honestly great job at keeping low. He could see how the Deer's ears were struggling to not fall back.
He wanted to help.
But he couldn't.
Not yet.
So there Lucifer was, at The Radio Demon's door, 4 hours later, with both of their favorite vintage in hand with the same two crystal goblets that reek of their late night hangouts.
Let's do this. He's probably gonna ignore me or be too deep into his pre-death thoughts and wouldn't hear it anyway, Lucifer said to himself and knocked on the door three times and waited.
The more he waited, the more suffocating the atmosphere was starting to get, which was funny because he didn't technically need to breathe anyway.
Just as he was about to leave, he heard steps on the floor on the other side, steady and unhurried.
Maybe he was just sleeping. It has been a long day after all — Lucifer thought to himself — Shit, did I wake him up??
The door opened with practiced precision, and on the other side stood The Radio Demon, firm, perfectly postured, signature smile, infuriating as ever.
Or so a regular person would think.
“Your Majesty. What brings you here at this late hour?”
Lucifer could see the subtle stiffness in his posture, how his hair was slightly less than each hair strand in its given place, how his ears were twitching, how he was gripping the handle a bit too hard, how he was sweating despite of the night being one of the colder ones by hell standards.
Lucifer didn't point out any of that, and instead held up his hands, showing the wine bottle and goblets.
“You said you'd tell me the story behind that coat if I bring a good wine tonight.”
Lucifer could practically see the gears spinning inside the Sinner's head, trying to comprehend what the fuck he was talking about.
Finally, as if the Sinner found the missing piece Lucifer was talking about, he spoke, “Ah, why yes! It's quite the story. But I'm afraid I won't be able to entertain His Majesty tonight. You see, I'm far too tired after being exposed to the heavenly weather the entire day, therefore I must request to have our little private meeting rescheduled.” And was closing the door without even waiting for an answer.
No-
Lucifer held the door in its semi opened position while managing to startle the poor deer.
“Please, Al?”
»»——⍟——««
Everything was hazy for Alastor. It was as if his body wasn't solely his anymore.
How could it?
How could he keep his senses working when he was facing the person — he had lost the hope of ever seeing again — since that one fateful night of nearly a century ago when his consciousness had tasted human blood for the first time?
It took him an embarrassingly long time to process what was happening until his mother had uttered his name.
Thanks to whoever plotted this, his Maman didn't have the similar problem as she had walked up to him and asked about his well being.
How?
Could she not see the monster her once precious child has turned into?
The hand cupping his cheeks was nothing short of blissful nostalgia. It reminded Alastor of those times when he had felt like shattering; but his maman was there to hold him close. The childhood — that didn't get the environment to last long enough was held together by those hands. The hands that soothed him when he was but a fraction away from snapping.
But this time, the caress from the same hand, broke his last piece of restraint — as Alastor lurched forward to embrace his maman.
He didn't remember how long he had been in that tight embrace, or what and how many things they had talked about — he had gained his consciousness over his surroundings only when his maman had looked behind him and asked
“Who is this young man, Alastor? Introduce us, why don’t ya?”
Alastor had chuckled internally. Young man, was it?
Alastor still didn't know why he hadn't felt the slightest bit of uneasiness or shame when he had to introduce Lucifer.
Why?
Well, why not.
His maman was a safe place for him. Where it was true that she might have been religious, but it was also true that she wasn't the one to listen to everything those “Churches” said. Why, they had never seen folks like him and his maman as humans so that they wouldn't have to “Love thy neighbor” to every person who didn't lack melanin like them and didn't turn into a lobster when exposed to sun for too long.
There was a limit to which religion could be trusted.
Also, with all honesty, Lucifer wasn't someone one could be ashamed of. Yes there were a million flaws Alastor would publicly announce just because he could.
But now? Where the only title he had widely known was “The Devil” — and other equivalent baseless names — could he not simply want to emphasize on Lucifer being “The Morning Star”?
So that's what he did.
He told his maman what the majority of existence didn't know.
“This is Lucifer Morningstar. The King of Hell. His daughter, Charlie Morningstar has a passion for redeeming sinners and has a hotel for said purpose, and His Majesty is trying to help her in every possible way. I happen to be the Host of the said hotel, so His Majesty thought it would be a good idea to have me have a meeting with them, therefore our visit.”
He definitely could have worded that better, had his brain been more cooperative at that moment — but that wasn't much of a problem considering how he had run out of time.
That should have pained Alastor.
Meeting his maman after so many decades — despite his sheer reluctance at first — had filled him with the kind of joy and relief he hadn't experienced in ages.
He should have felt repulsed at the mere thought of partition.
But he hadn't.
Because he knew he'd be able to visit her again, soon.
Lucifer had said so.
Moreover, he was glad because that would give him more time to think this through. Alone.
He had expected Lucifer to show up to check on him — obviously — therefore he had planned the rest accordingly as well.
The knock at his door at around 11 at night had been expected.
But the wine hadn't.
The fact that the deer had completely forgotten about that pink coat was… embarrassing.
But, using that to start the conversation which was to inevitably lead to telling The Radio Demon to speak his heart out?
Preposterous.
So he had simply reasoned his tiredness to avoid that — which, all honestly, wasn't much of a lie — because the day truly had been rather eventful.
But apparently The Radio Demon truly was getting rather sloppy.
“Please, Al?”
And now, here he was. On his favorite chair enjoying the delicious vintage next to his fireplace, with Lucifer sitting right on the chair in front of him. The wine was taking a greater toll on him than usual because of the exhaustion under his skin.
But that wasn't an issue. He'd just have to watch the amount he was drinking — which was already starting to be difficult, unfortunately.
After a few quiet minutes of them enjoying the wine together, Alastor said,
“Excellent choice yet again, Your Majesty! I believe this earns you the pass key to the tea.”
Lucifer nodded eagerly.
“So! For decades Sir Pentious was rather desperate for my attention-”
and he kept going.
And going.
And going.
The tale wasn't even that long, but for some unknown reason, Alastor didn't want to stop. He even started saying things that didn't even concern the topic.
It wasn't even a conversation, no.
A proper conversation between two people would require both people talking. But this wasn't that. It was just Alastor talking — for who cared how long. Alastor certainly didn't care enough.
But it felt good.
He had never thought talking about the evolution of paper making would feel this good. Why did Alastor even know about that anyway?
But that didn't matter.
What mattered was that they finished the whole bottle without even realising. Luckily, he wasn't drunk enough to lose his grasp over his surroundings. Tipsy? Sure. But not drunk drunk.
After sitting for a few moments in a comfortable silence, Lucifer opened his mouth
“So…”
There it comes. Alastor mentally prepared himself yet again for the much anticipated question.
“I'll see you tomorrow, then?”
…
“What?”
“What??”
“You're leaving?” Alastor asked, baffled.
“Well, yeah??? This hangout lasted longer than usual. Not that I'm complaining though. It was pretty pleasant. But it's quite late and both of us are tired, so…”
What in the name of fuck was happening.
“Err, is there something you want from me?” Lucifer looked genuinely confused.
“What? Me??”
“Yeah, it seems like something is bugging you. You okay??”
Alastor was getting more and more confused every passing second. He didn't answer for a few seconds, and then said,
“I thought you were-” the words didn't come out of his throat.
Lucifer didn't say anything. He, too, was probably busy trying to comprehend the situation — if his face was anything to go by.
Alastor sighed, “Really?”
“Al, I can't read your mind. If there's something you want from me, you gotta say it. It's not like I'd laugh at your face for it. Well, I would have. But not anymore.”
This was tiring. Alastor was already exhausted and probably more than tipsy. He couldn't bear it any longer.
“Well to be honest I was expecting you to enquire about my wellbeing and tell me how it was okay if I was scared to face my mother in heaven.”
“Well uhh… it was tempting, but I thought you wouldn't like it if I tried to get in your personal matters so uhh… yeah, it felt kinda sensitive so I just thought I shouldn't.”
…what
“You…?” out of every possible outcome he had anticipated, this was most definitely not one of them. This was… well, this was oddly considerate. It was surprising.
Or maybe not. Alastor should have noticed the barrier between them gradually fading.
That provoked several emotions to arise within Alastor, which he was too tired to chain down at the moment.
“Yeah…” Lucifer said, looking distantly at the green crackling flames in the fireplace. Suddenly, as if he recalled something important, Lucifer turned his head towards Alastor and said,
“By the way, uhh, I'm sorry about earlier…”
Alastor wanted to jokingly bite and ask which one because there were oh-so many things Lucifer should apologize to Alastor about. But something in Lucifer's tone and expression told Alastor that it was not something to be taken that lightly. It was something that was, to quote Lucifer, sensitive.
“What about?” Alastor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“That… that your mother had to see you with… me.” Lucifer answered slowly, lowering his head.
“Why are you apologizing about something like that?”
“Alastor, I'm sorry for assuming things. I know you don't like it but… you were clearly avoiding heaven because you thought your mother would be heart broken by seeing that her son had turned into a sinner who is in Hell. At the end, she did see it, which still gotta be a prank by fate ‘cause that's way too low of a chance. But that wasn't the only thing that happened. She saw her son with me. With The Devil. Probably the worst fucking guy ever, even if you don't know shit about the origin. People just assume that I'm fucking awful and damned humanity. I… I really don't know how it- how she- fuck, I'm sorry. I know it's nothing compared to-”
“Are you quite finished?” Alastor interrupted to stop Lucifer from whatever spiral he was drowning into.
Alastor leaned forward and lifted Lucifer’s head by holding his chin.
When had he gotten up from his seat and stood this close to Lucifer? Alastor didn't know.
“You've been spouting nonsense for far too long, it's annoying.”
“B- but I-” Lucifer stuttered in his words, which didn't help the situation at all.
“But what? Are you implying you are the one to blame if someone decides to misuse the gift you sacrificed your everything for?”
Alastor cupped both of Lucifer's cheeks,
“Or are you implying that my Maman is incapable of seeing someone's face to understand if they're being genuine or not? Honestly, Lucifer, with how much you were fumbling with your words, anyone who might have had any hopes of witnessing the silver tongued Devil, would have had their hopes crushed and buried six feet under. Mine sure was. You are nothing like “They” make you out to be.”
Alastor wanted to list all the things to Lucifer about how different he was than anyone would assume The Devil to be. But the look at Lucifer's eyes had stopped him dead in his tracks.
So he kept staring at him. And so did Lucifer.
“...I thought I had crushed your will to face your mother again.”
Alastor pressed Lucifer's cheeks hard, smooshing him like a stuffed toy, “Oh please, as if you are clever enough to predict what I shall or I wish to do.”
“Oh you cheeky fuck.” Lucifer said with lighthearted annoyance and then added, “I was correct to predict you wouldn't like to talk about your past.”
Alastor's hold faltered for a fraction of a second, but he didn't let go.
“That, you were.” he said, exhaustion finally showing in his voice. “Not now. Not yet.”
Lucifer gently placed his hands over Alastor's where they were still holding his face, “Thanks.”
They stared at each other in silence for who knew how long. Time was but a relative concept, was it not?
When Lucifer finally spoke, it was, “The next meeting in Heaven will take place two months from now, but Em said she can get you a permit before that if you like. Err, don't worry, she doesn't know it's your mother you met. I actually, uhh, I tried my best to keep her away but, you know you can see a lot of area when you're flying. But I'm sure she was high enough to not be able to make out the details.”
Did Lucifer do all that for him? Alastor wanted to be angry at Lucifer for, again, assuming things about him. But Lucifer wasn't quite so wrong again, was he? Alastor did appreciate this action. It felt… close. Which would have repulsed Alastor had he not been affected by the wine both of them had decided to finish.
“Thank you, Lucifer.”
»»——⍟——««
“Was that really The Devil with your son?!”
“He feels nothing like The Devil, though”
“I thought he'd be taller”
“Stop it, you ladies!” Delphine said, trying to get her companions to slow it down.
“My fawn said it's The Devil, then it must be.” Her tone left no place for further questions.
“Didn't you see that face? Of course it's suitable for the most beautiful angel and God's favorite. I always knew my fawn would go for nothing except the best.”
To be honest, Delphine's first initial shock hadn't even lasted long enough to leave an impact. She was far intrigued by how her fawn and The Angel were looking at each other or how gentle The Angel had sounded, as if Alastor was a fragile thing that could shattered into pieces if handled without much care.
“Oh, don't they look perfect together.” Delphine spoke, more to herself than to her companions. “I knew my fawn was saving himself for a special one. So what if it's the prettiest and most generous being in the universe, of course it was. Who else could treat him like the special little thing he is with everything they have.”
“Oh I can't wait for my Allie to visit again. I need all the details.”
Delphine hadn't felt this happiness and joy since she had to leave her fawn alone in that harsh world. But now that they have reunited, she could hardly contain herself in her skin. This was what my life had been missing.
Delphine stopped and, as if realising something, asked her companions, “If Allie is with a Divine Being, do you think I can be lucky enough to play with my GrandBabies?”