Chapter SevenSummary:Lucifer tries to do something nice for Alastor.
Notes:I am so sorry this chapter is late as fuck! First I had an impromptu visit to the beach with my friends. (pros of living 15 minutes from the beach) Then this week at work has just been a lot, but this chapter is almost 4,500 words sooo hopefully that makes up for the wait.
TW: Self-Harm,
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
"So, let me make sure I understand everything." Charlie starts, both her and Vaggie looking at Lucifer like they don't believe a word he's said. "Alastor is working on a super secret special project for the hotel that I'm not allowed to know about because it's supposed to be a surprise. You were helping him with said special project but accidentally fucked it up, so that's why you and Al had a fight yesterday morning?"
"Exactly!" Lucifer says through uncomfortable laughter as he pointedly avoids looking either of the girls in their eyes.
"Alastor, the radio demon who hates you, asked you to help him with a special project?" Vaggie crosses her arms over her chest when she speaks.
"Well, uh, he didn't really ask. I just kinda saw what was happening when I went to call a truce with him for Charlie, and uh, I inserted myself in the project." Lucifer's voice is shaky, and he can feel embarrassment flushing his face because he knows he's not fooling either of them.
"Dad, I'm not going to be mad." Charlie walks over to Lucifer, taking his hand in hers. "Whatever happened, I know expecting you guys to get along is a big ask that's not going to happen overnight, so if there's something else going on, you can tell me." The empathy in Charlie's voice is fully reflected in her eyes, and Lucifer wants to tell her the truth. He hates lying to her, but it's not his business to share.
"There's nothing else to tell, Charlie. I fucked up, and Alastor got pissed." Lucifer shrugs in an attempt to be nonchalant. "I'll fix it though. We will get along. I promise." Lucifer smiles assuredly at his daughter, and she returns it, though the corner of her mouth twitches like she doesn't fully mean it.
Lucifer and Charlie exchange a quick hug before she and Vaggie leave to start verifying details of the hotel are complete. Guest will start arriving in two days, and there's not much for Lucifer to do except wait. Which means there isn't anything to really take his mind off yesterday's shit show. He had managed to avoid Charlie and the others for most of the day yesterday as he washed everything that had gotten soaked in wine, but today, he has nothing to do. He considers going to check if Niffty has cleaned the stain in the hallway, but he's sure she has; he doesn't want to risk running into Alastor by offering to clean the stain himself anyway.
A heavy sigh pushes out of Lucifer's lungs. He can't tell if he's being a coward or being smart by giving Alastor space. The radio demon had made it clear he has zero interest in seeing Lucifer anytime soon, but Lucifer feels obligated to keep pushing himself in Alastor's direction because Charlie really does want to see them being, at the very least, tolerant of one another. Part of Lucifer, a very small basically non-existent itty-bitty part, also wants to make sure the bastard is okay. He had severely overexerted himself yesterday by throwing Lucifer around, and healed or not, Alastor needs to be resting his body to ensure it intakes all of the healing powers properly. Angelic powers may be ruled first and foremost by their intent, but that doesn't mean they are easy for a sinner's body to process. Lucifer runs is hands through is hair, and realizing that sitting here moping in his room is definitely not the way to keep his mind off Alastor, he decides to head to the hotel's lobby.
Lucifer makes it all of two steps out of his room before Alastor materializes in front of him, startling Lucifer in the process. He's holding the duck plush Lucifer had realized was missing when he washed everything yesterday; it must have been overlooked somehow as Alastor chucked every other belonging Lucifer had in his room at Lucifer's head. Alastor stares down at Lucifer with disdain twisting every feature on his face, and Lucifer looks back up at him expectantly, hands twitching as he resists the urge to snatch the plush out of Alastor's hands. He notices that Alastor is standing taller, more confidently than he has since coming back to the hotel, and a gleam of pride fills in Lucifer's chest as he realizes that, yes, Alastor's body is reacting well to the healing.
"Hello, King. You left this thing in my room, and I'm here to return it." The airiness of Alastor's voice conflicts with the tension Lucifer can see pulling at the corners of his fake-ass smile.
"Uh, thanks." Lucifer reaches out to take the duck from Alastor, but he keeps his guard up, waiting for a trick or any sign of deception. Lucifer's fingers accidentally brush against Alastor's hand as he grabs for the duck, and the radio demon pulls back harshly. Lucifer reacts by jerking his own hand back to defend himself against an attack.
Alastor's gaze follows the plush down as it falls to the floor. Lucifer can't fully make out the expression on his face, but he can see the radio demon's eyes and the corners of his smile twitching in agitation. Alastor's entire body has tensed up, recoiled into itself slightly, and Lucifer, stupidly overcome with a need to comfort him, takes a step towards Alastor with his hand outstretched. Alastor quickly sidesteps him, pulling on his perfect mask once again as he puts space between himself and Lucifer.
"I'm not touching it again." Alastor quips arrogantly before snapping out of sight.
Lucifer stares at the place Alastor was standing for a moment as he tries to understand what just happened. Concern starts filling Lucifer's belly as he picks up the plushie from the ground, checking it for any damage but happily finding that it's perfectly fine. He wonders if maybe Alastor's body isn't reacting as well to the healing as it looks. There really isn't much knowledge on the effects of angelic powers healing demons, so he supposes it would be possible for Alastor to look physically okay but still be experiencing psychological effects.
I've never seen him react so, well, openly. Every move he makes is usually a calculated response meant to manipulate, intimidate, or humiliate. That though, that was a knee-jerk reaction, and he looked pissed about it.
Lucifer looks down at the duck plush in his hands, and a small smile spreads across his lips. Alastor could have easily thrown the plush away or ripped it up, but he had chosen to return it. Whether it's meant to be some sort of apology or not, Lucifer doesn't know nor care, but he knows it must mean that he's still got a shot at this whole "toleration" thing. Returning the plush is as close to a token of good faith Lucifer will get probably from Alastor, so he's going to take a page from his daughter's book and run in head-first hoping for the best outcome.
First, though, I need to talk to Husker.
~*~
Lucifer's body is buzzing with excitement as he walks up to bar, waving at Husker when the bartender looks up at him.
"Glass of red wine, Your Highness?" Husker asks, his hands already reaching for a glass.
"Uh, no, actually. I'm not here for a drink. Also, Husker, you don't have to address me so formally." Lucifer tries to sound relaxed, but between the excitement of hope and the nervousness at the favor he's about to ask, he just ends up sounding like he's hiding something.
"What should I call you then?" Husker raises a brow, voice reflecting the suspicion written on his face.
"Just Lucifer is fine."
"Aren't sinners supposed to call you some sort of title?"
"Well, usually, but you guys are different." Lucifer pauses, hoping Husker won't expect him to elaborate. He does though, of course. "We fought together, and we're going to be running the hotel as a team of equals. There's no reason for formal titles, yeah?" Lucifer truly hopes he comes across as genuine in his explanation despite how awkward he feels. He's never told a sinner not to address him as their "ruler", but it just feels so wrong every time Angel or Husk call him by his formal title because he considers them his friends. Niffty has fallen into the habit of calling him "sir" alongside Vaggie, and since that feels more comfortable, he's let them continue on even though he would prefer them to simply call him by his name as well.
"And the boss?" Husk asks, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "You two are equals, too, then? What's he supposed to call you?"
"He'll just call me whatever he wants regardless." Lucifer feigns aggravation, but the mention of Alastor pulls him back to his original purpose of coming to see Husker. "I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about him actually." Lucifer can't meet Husker's eyes as he speaks.
"What about him?" The suspicion is back full-force in Husker's voice.
"Whatdoeshelike?" Lucifer mumbles the words, feeling heat start rising in his cheeks as all the confidence he was feeling earlier seeps out of his body.
"Come again?"
"What, uh, what kinda stuff does he like?" Lucifer runs his hands through his hair before, a habit he's begun to do so often that he's all but ditched his hat because of it.
"What kinda stuff? Are you getting, hold up, are you trying to give Alastor a gift after he just quite literally threw you out of his room?" Husker's voice comes out so embarrassingly loud that Lucifer starts aggressively shushing him before looking around the lobby to make sure Charlie isn't anywhere near.
"Keep your voice down. I don't want Charlie to know what actually happened. How the fuck do you even-wait, Angel told you, didn't he? You're his exception or whatever. That's not the point." Lucifer takes a deep breath to try to calm himself. "The point is I fucked up, and I want to apologize to Al for it. And from experience, apologies go better when accompanied by a gift, so, yes, I am, fuck, I want to give him a gift."
"Al?" Husker asks as he levels a knowing look paired with a shit-eating smirk at Lucifer, and it makes Lucifer's face feel like it's been engulfed in flames.
"Just shut up, and help me, please?" Lucifer whines out, burying his burning face in his hands as Husker fails to hide his chuckles.
"He likes to eat. Jambalaya is something I've seen him eat a lot, and he also likes tea." Lucifer peaks around his hands as Husker finally takes pity and answers him.
"The drink or the gossip kind?" Husker quirks an eyebrow in confusion. "Charlie said 'tea' can mean gossip sometimes. Does Alastor like the drink or gossip kind?"
"Both."
"Both? Cool. Thank you! Thank you!" Excitement fills Lucifer again as he pops out of the bar stool, turning on his heel to beeline for the kitchen.
"Your Hi-Lucifer." Husker's face is pinched in concern when Lucifer turns back around to face him. "Look, I respect why you're doing this. You love your daughter. I get it. I know she wants to see you and the boss getting along, but more than anything, the princess needs you, her dad, standing by her." Husker pauses, taking a breath as if to collect himself and find the right words to express what he wants to say. "You're a good guy, Lucifer. Alastor is not, and he's got a knack for irreparably worming his way into people's lives. So, just, be careful."
"I'll be fine, Husk." Lucifer shoots him a reassuring smile. "Thank you for your help!" Husker simply responds with a disapproving shake of his head while a small smile quirks up the corner of his lips.
After turning back around, Lucifer pulls out his phone to search for a recipe for jambalaya as he walks towards the kitchen.
~*~
Lucifer has been impatiently sitting outside of Alastor's room for forty-eight minutes waiting for the "on-air" sign to cut off. Even though it's definitely gone cold, the smell from the jambalaya is still permeating the air in the hall, and Lucifer hopes it tastes as good as it smells. He's not a bad cook by any means, but creole food is something completely new to him. He can only hope it lives up to Alastor's expectations.
A small clicking sound catches Lucifer's attention, and he looks up to see that the light has finally switched off. He quickly stands up to knock on Alastor's door, but before his fist can make contact, the door flings open to reveal a highly unamused looking Alastor, smiling viciously.
"Do you need something, King?" Alastor sounds annoyed, and despite how much he had been preparing for this, Lucifer feels nerves clogging up his throat.
"Well, I, uh-"
"Oh, come now, you've been waiting out here for nearly an hour. Surely you've prepared what you want to say better than that." The mocking bravado in Alastor's voice only embarrasses Lucifer further.
"You knew I was out here the whole time?" Lucifer manages to squeak out.
"Of course. I had just gotten rid of the last of your stench in my room when I disposed of that wretched stuffed animal, so imagine the confusion when, much to my dismay, I started smelling the scent of you wafting in from underneath my door. I nearly ended my broadcast early just to get rid of you." Alastor's nose scrunches in disgust when he speaks.
"Uh, thank you for bringing my plush back to me." Lucifer tries to force his voice to sound steady despite the fact that he feels like he's drowning in a sea of awkwardness. He is trying to be kind, to not match Alastor's attitude, but his body is longing for the familiarity of throwing insults back in the bastard's face.
"Yes, well, it would have defeated the purpose of getting the smell of you out of my room if I had ripped up the plush into a million tiny pieces like I wanted to; there would have been more to clean." Alastor talks down his nose, but Lucifer can hear the little hitch in the radio demon's voice, the one that happens when he's been caught off guard. He most likely hadn't been expecting Lucifer to thank him. When Lucifer finally looks back up at him, Alastor's smile has that particular type of tension to it that means he's genuinely uncomfortable, so Lucifer decides not to poke holes in Alastor's excuse for once. "What is it you need? I'm quite busy, y'know? I'm fixing a project that you so rudely ruined apparently."
"What?" Lucifer feels confusion contorting his face before the realization kicks in. "You, uh, you talked to Charlie then?"
"Yes. She came to me this morning in quite the tizzy about a secret special project you and I had been working on all week long in hopes that she could help fix it since she was the one who told you to talk to me in the first place."
"What did you tell her?"Lucifer hates the way his fear bleeds into his voice, especially when the smile on Alastor's face twist sadistically to let him know the fear is obvious.
"I simply reiterated that it is meant to be a surprise, so I couldn't in good conscience let her help." There's an air of flippancy to Alastor's voice that sends tingles of trepidation up Lucifer's spine.
"So, you didn't tell her the truth?"
"Neither did you." It's said as a statement, but Lucifer can hear the underlying question.
"I didn't tell anyone the truth. I swear." Conviction pours into Lucifer's voice because he needs Alastor to understand he means it.
"No one knows then?"
"Husker does, but-" Lucifer flinches when Alastor's smile widens in anger. "I didn't tell him, I promise. He figured out you were injured on his own, and then when Angel told him I was staying in your room, he just put two and two together. He didn't tell Angel though, and I didn't tell Husker how, um, how bad it was." Lucifer forces himself to keep his eyes on Alastor's face the entire time he speaks despite the amount of nerves bubbling in his chest.
"And Angel Dust? What does he know?" It's a challenge. Lucifer can hear it; it's like Alastor is trying to catch him in a lie. He doesn't believe that Lucifer hasn't told anyone what happened.
"Angel knows I was staying in your room because he saw me going back and forth everyday, but he, uh, he thinks there was something, uh, sexual happening." Lucifer swallows the lump forming in his throat as he notices Alastor's smile tightening further.
"You didn't see fit to correct him?"
"I told him it wasn't anything like that. So did Husker, but neither of us told him the actual truth."
"Why?"
"I don't know about Husker, but I didn't tell anyone because it wasn't my business to tell." Lucifer meets Alastor's eyes, courage building as he rises to the challenge presented to him. It's when Lucifer finally looks directly into those deep red eyes that he sees the fear hiding behind the anger. Lucifer has the upper-hand in their dynamic, and after this past week, Alastor has become unavoidably aware of it. Lucifer feels the hackles that had previously started rising in him start falling back down, and he's pleased when his body doesn't tense up even as Alastor starts blatantly sizing him up.
"What's this then?" Alastor asks when his eyes finally register that Lucifer is holding a bag.
"It's for, uh, it's for you." Lucifer feels heat rising in his cheeks as he holds the gift bag out for Alastor to grab. He doesn't want to accidentally touch Alastor again, so he patiently waits for the radio demon to reach out for the bag. "It's an apology." Lucifer explains in an effort to get Alastor to just grab the damn thing already, and the moment Alastor finally takes the bag, Lucifer's hands find purchase at the hem of his white coat.
"Before I open this, I want to remind you that we're supposed to be pretending to get along for Charlie's sake, so there better not be any nefarious intentions lurking in this bag." Alastor's voice is filled with a unique mixture of condescension and suspension that only he could pull off while still smiling. He makes a show of accessing the bag for any threats, and Lucifer can't stop himself from rolling his eyes.
"It's just a present, Alastor." Lucifer's voice is blessedly steady as his confidence rises now that Alastor at least took the bag from him without immediately throwing it back in his face. "I'm not looking to pretend to get along with you. Charlie is in this hotel gig for the long run, which means you and I are, too. So, I think it's in all of our best interests if you and I actually become, uh, get acquainted." Lucifer can only hope his sincerity comes across in the conviction in his tone.
Alastor merely hums in agreement, although he still manages to sound thoroughly disapproving of the idea. He gives Lucifer one last once-over before reaching down to grab the note at the top of the bag.
Heat builds heavily in Lucifer's cheeks as he watches Alastor read the note, and unwelcome butterflies start flittering in his stomach when Alastor's smile softens just a touch, reaching the demon's eyes. Lucifer realizes this expression is similar to the one he saw the night before Alastor woke up, to the first real smile he saw on the demon's face, and he can feel his own lips pulling into an eager smile. Alastor's eyes suddenly shoot down to Lucifer, smile faltering as his ears fall back against his head slightly, and Lucifer's body fills with a mix of confusion and anxiety.
"Don't look at me like that." Alastor snaps, voice nearly void of the radio filter. Before Lucifer can respond, Alastor lifts the jar of tea leaves out of the bag. "What's this?" Curiosity peaks through his voice as the radio filter returns.
"Oh, that's tea. I-I made the combination myself from the dried spices and fruits we had in the kitchen. It's, uh, apples and cinnamon, so I think it would be more considered a cider than a tea which I hope is o-"
"You made me a tea that smells like you?" Alastor's smile takes on an emotion Lucifer can't quite decipher, but it looks almost amused, especially paired with the one brow Alastor has raised.
"Well, not intentionally." Lucifer runs one hand through his hair as he begs the flush to leave his face. "I didn't know what flavors you like, so I tried to put together something I thought smelled nice."
Alastor forgoes words in favor of just humming again, and Lucifer can't tell if that's a good or bad thing. He watches as the radio demon reaches back into the bag to for the last gift, and Lucifer waits with bated breath because the jambalaya is the part he's most worried about. He sees the moment Alastor realizes what it is, sees the way the radio demon's body tenses and his smile goes hostile with discomfort. Alastor looks down, and all Lucifer can focus on is the radio dials in the demon's eyes.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Lucifer's heart starts racing, but just as he's about to start explaining himself, Alastor's eyes correct themselves. The radio demon's smile changes from hostile to collected, and his entire body appears to go through a reset. Lucifer stands frozen in place; he's not sure what to do or say, and he feels stuck waiting for Alastor to make his next move so that Lucifer knows where this is going to go.
"Tell me, King, if you are feeling so giving today why not part ways with that little ring of yours you still wear?" Alastor's voice is patronizing, and Lucifer feels his body run cold as his ears process what Alastor just said. "It would look so much better on my complexion than yours, and after all, how long has it been since your wife left you? A bit pathetic to still be wearing it really."
"Shut the fuck up, Alastor." Blinding rage starts filling every pore in Lucifer's body, and his chest begins heaving as he tries to hold back from punching the demon.
"I wonder how Charlie feels seeing it every day. The ring no doubt acts as a reminder that in her mother's desperation to get away her poor, dreamless husband she left her own daught-"
Lucifer lunges at Alastor before he can finish his sentence. He summons up his strength to pin the bastard to the floor beneath him. He uses one hand to hold Alastor's wrists above his head, and he punches Alastor with the other, his fist making a cracking sound when it makes impact with Alastor's face. He can't see well through the hot, salty tears clouding his vision, but Lucifer can make out the red blood that starts trickling from Alastor's nose. Shame pools in Lucifer's belly as he realizes exactly what he's just done, but he's too infuriated to back down.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Lucifer shouts, voice breaking with emotion. "Can't you see I'm trying to make this work?"
"I don't make friends for charity." Alastor's voice is an animalistic snarl. Lucifer can feel his body squirming beneath him, likely trying to get his shadow arms out, and Lucifer tightens his grip on the demon's wrist and digs his knees deeper into Alastor's side.
"Who the fuck wants to be your friend? I'm just trying to get along for the sake of my daughter's dreams." Lucifer uses his free hand to wipe the tears away so that he can look in Alastor's eyes.
"Oh, really? For Charlie? You aren't just pathetically using her as an excuse to pursue a companionship in hopes of filling that desperate void lurking inside of you? The one that leaves your eyes tired, your laugh hollow, and your smile weary?" Alastor stares back with malicious amusement as his words slice directly into Lucifer.
Lucifer drops his head onto Alastor's shoulder, not caring when the demon's body tenses. He hides his face in the fabric of Alastor's coat as tears start spewing from his eyes. His body starts shaking as harsh sobs begin ripping through him, and he has to put conscious effort into keeping hold of Alastor because he doesn't think his reflexes could kick in fast enough to defend himself if Alastor were to attack right now. Lucifer brings a hand to his head and painfully grabs a fistful of hair, feeling a few strands clump around his fingers as they pop out of his scalp.
Get yourself together. Fucking Hell.
Fuck, I shouldn't- he doesn't like to be touched.
I need to get off of him.
Through his panic attack, Lucifer tries to find his senses well enough to get up, but his body feels locked in place. His lungs are burning from how heavy he's breathing, and the tight grip his hand has on his hair is pulling his scalp painfully taut. The tears just won't stop, and his throat is beginning to feel raw. Lucifer suddenly feels something wrapping around his waist, and fear rockets through him when he realizes he'd lost focus on keeping Alastor's shadows at bay. His body braces for impact, assuming Alastor will throw him, and confusion replaces tension when, instead of throwing him, the shadows simply lift him to allow Alastor to stand.
The radio demon stares at Lucifer with an unreadable expression. Tears are still steadily flowing from Lucifer's eyes as he looks back at Alastor in hopes of trying to catch any sudden movements. The shadows are keeping Lucifer cradled mid-air, and the pressure of being wrapped in them is oddly calming. Lucifer watches Alastor take a deep breath, fear prickling his skin when the demon reaches for his microphone, but before Lucifer can react, Alastor had snapped them into the apple tower.
Without a word, Alastor lets himself into Lucifer's room where he drops Lucifer onto his bed. Lucifer opens his mouth to speak, but Alastor cuts him off.
"Consider us even, King." Alastor's voice is devoid of emotion and the radio filter.
Alastor snaps out of the room before Lucifer has a chance to respond, so he is left sitting there in his bed with his body slowing easing out of the panic as he tries to figure out what the Hell just happened.
Notes:So, don't hate me?? Alastor is not completely an asshole, yeah??
Chapter 8: Chapter EightSummary:Alastor has a lot going on at the moment.
Notes:Alastor's POV for the first half of the chapter!!! I actually really enjoyed writing from his POV, so we may get more of him than initially expected!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
In the nearly two weeks since their last altercation, Alastor has done a splendid job of avoiding the king of Hell. It's been almost too easy, as if Lucifer might be avoiding him as well, and that is a rather infuriating thought because how could Lucifer think he has any right to avoid the radio demon when Lucifer himself was the one walking around with his gloveless hands exposed offering up gifts and apologies and niceties as if he suddenly has plenty of kindness to throw around. That's not even mentioning the king's incessant need to touch Alastor with those very same ungloved hands whether it be to heal him or, most recently, to punch him.
Lucifer, seeming to have pushed Alastor's presence from his brain, has been touting himself around playing the role of devout father in front of the hotel's newcomers as he assists with guest check-ins and room preparations while Alastor has been dutifully performing tours with Charlie, tours that Lucifer suspiciously never seems to need to be present for even though the guest consistently ask after him to Charlie. The guests will outright interrupt Alastor in the midst of his polite smalltalk in order to ask Charlie if she enjoys working with her dad because "he seems so much nicer than I had anticipated " , and the question always feeling like a direct jab at Alastor since not a single guest has questioned the presence of the radio demon himself acting has Charlie's right-hand man.
Part of Alastor wants to hunt the king down and demand to know what the Hell he thinks gives him the right to avoid Alastor so suddenly, but the part of him still latching onto some semblance of sanity understands that that would go directly against what Alastor actually wants which is for Lucifer and his offensive hands to stay far, far away from him. Alastor sighs deeply, noticing Charlie shoot him a concerned look when he does so.
"Sorry, Dear, I'm afraid it's been quite a long day." Alastor answers before she can ask the question lingering in her eyes; his smile never falters. "We had so many new guests this week! More than last week, even." Alastor keeps his tone chipper in hopes that it will redirect Charlie from wanting to ask about him further.
"We did! Yes, the hotel has fourteen new guests now. Ah, it's so exciting! I can't wait to start-" Alastor's plan works perfectly, and he tunes out Charlie as she begins rambling on about all the plans she has for the hotel's newest residents, making sure to nod and look at her occasionally to feign paying attention.
Alastor is ready to retire to his room; however, he knows their little routine well by now: walk Charlie to the lobby after the last tour, drop her off with Vagatha at the front desk, and scan for Lucifer before then heading back to his radio tower. Lucifer is not in the lobby today. He never is, but that doesn't stop the aggravation from building up inside Alastor's chest every single time. In almost two weeks of operation, the two of them haven't crossed paths even once. It's purposeful, and the obvious avoidance grates on Alastor's nerves.
Coward. Can't even face me after the little stunt he pulled.
Alastor's nose had healed from Lucifer's punch near instantly; a feat only accomplished due to the fact that Lucifer's own angelic powers had still been coursing through Alastor's veins. He hadn't even realized the powers were lingering until the moment they weren't. His body suddenly felt hollow, colder somehow, without the essence flowing through him. Of course, Alastor is certain this is likely how his body has always felt since arriving in Hell, but the sensation now feels foreign and uncomfortable because he knows different. He now knows how it feels to have a sense of fullness and warmth, and he despises Lucifer for showing him there is something better than this emptiness that envelops him.
"Hey, Al, you sure you're doing okay?" Charlie's concerned voice cuts through Alastor's thoughts, making him jump slightly as he didn't realize how deep in thought he had gone.
"I'm perfectly fine, Dear. Don't you worry a hair on that precious little head of yours." Alastor pats Charlie's head as he speaks, knowing that displays of physical affection are the best method of reassuring Charlie, and he's satisfied to see a large smile spread across the princess's lips.
"Make sure you rest, okay? Vaggie and I will be fine running things over the weekend, so I want you and Dad to just take it easy." Charlie's voice is full of self-assurance.
"Do tell me if you need anything." Alastor nods once at Charlie before bidding both her and Vagatha bye.
Alastor snaps to his room before either of the girls can reply, slumping against the back of his door unflatteringly as the weight that's been plaguing him the past two weeks feels suddenly heavier atop his chest. He sets down his microphone before unbuttoning his coat and shirt. He moves to stand in front of his mirror, expecting to see the culprit of the weight, but just like every time he's checked before, the only thing unfamiliar about his chest is how bare it is of his scars. He suspects that Lucifer's powers had healed not just the wound from Adam but also every scar littering his body as they moved about his veins. Alastor's body is clean of every mark he had earned in his climb up to the overlord status he proudly claims, as if his efforts have been stripped from existence, and the need to recreate them has nearly convinced Alastor to seek out Lucifer with the sole purpose of fighting him many times. He won't though. The idea of Lucifer's bare hands moving against Alastor's skin with the intention of causing harm is one Alastor has fruitlessly tried to force out of his head, but no, he doesn't need Lucifer's help with anything, least of all with marking his body.
Alastor throws his fist against the door behind him as images of clawed ivory hands dragging across his skin, leaving behind trails of blood in their wake, start flooding every crevice of his mind. Lucifer's strength is appealing to Alastor in a way no other demon's abilities have ever been, and he craves to experience it, to see how much his body can handle before it starts to break. Lucifer also has the unique ability to heal any damage done to Alastor's body which means Alastor could potentially work towards building up a tolerance to it; he could train his body to resist angelic powers, and the amount of leverage that would give Alastor against other overlords would certainly be something he could flaunt.
Radio dial pupils staring back at Alastor from the mirror pull him from his fantasies, and he shakes is head in disapproval before buttoning his shirt and coat back up.
Come now, Alastor, let's hold ourselves higher than a common quiff.
Once his clothes are properly adorned again, Alastor falls into his own routine he's developed recently and begins to grab the items necessary to brew a cup of tea; however, when he tries to turn on his single-burner oven he keeps in is room to heat his kettle, it refuses to work. Alastor groans in frustration, ears falling against his head, as he realizes he's going to have to travel down to the kitchen if he plans to have tea tonight. Succumbing to his fate, Alastor scoops out enough tea mix to fill his steeper before snapping down to the kitchen.
~*~
The issue with having to make his tea in the kitchen is that Alastor now has to walk back to his room since he spills the tea every time he tries to snap away while holding a cup. Rather than focusing on the walk, Alastor keeps his attention on sipping the lovely tea he's made. He tries not to consider where the tea came from as the scent of green apples and cinnamon seeps into his nose, blessedly calming his senses. The nagging emptiness that's been invading Alastor's mind ebbs away just enough to ignore, and the tension in his body slowly begins to give way to ease. Alastor finally makes it to the hallway that leads to his radio tower, and his smile morphs into something more comfortable as he realizes he has successfully avoided any guests or other staff members.
"Hey, Smiles!" Alastor's body freezes when Angel Dust calls out to him, but he quickly corrects his body language before turning to look at the spider demon, cursing himself for not getting to his room faster.
"Ah, Angel Dust. What can I do for you, my effeminate fellow?" Alastor pushes curiosity into his voice to keep his aggravation at bay.
"I just wanted to see if you'd talked to our resident short king lately? Haven't seen him in our hall in a while, and he seems, I don't know, off?" Angel's voice is nonchalant, but Alastor can tell it's an act. His interest is peaked at the possibility of something ailing Lucifer.
"If you believe something is wrong, why not just ask the king yourself?" Alastor takes a step towards Angel Dust as the curiosity in his voice becomes more genuine.
"I have, but he just keeps saying he's fine even though he's clearly not." The spider demons flings his right hands up as if to accentuate his point that Lucifer is lying.
"I'm still not understanding why you have decided to ask meabout his wellbeing. Our shared tolerance of one another is still new and is merely that, a tolerance not a friendship." Alastor feels an edge start building in his voice as suspicion starts rising in his chest. It's normal for Charlie to overestimate his relationship with her father, but this feels like a trap.
"Oh, I just thought you guys were closer than that since you've got that tea that smells like him." Angel Dust quirks a brow as he speaks, and Alastor feels a crack start forming in his composure. The insinuations between Angel's words are not missed by Alastor, and he feels his grip tighten around the handle of the cup he's holding as he tries to remain in control of himself.
"Excuse me?" The snarl in Alastor's voice is barely hidden, but instead of looking worried or afraid, Angel Dust meets Alastor's face with a mischievous grin spreading across his lips.
"That tea you're drinking. I've smelled it from your room everyday the past two weeks. Thought between that and the fact that he spent a week sleeping in your room meant you guys were close. You don't seem the type to let just anyone in your -"
Alastor flings the mug of tea at the spider demon before he can finish the sentence, but instead of the satisfaction of seeing the mug shatter in the wretched demon's face, Alastor is caught off guard by the presence of Lucifer suddenly standing between them, mug safely secured in his disgustingly bare hand. Lucifer glares up at the radio demon, and Alastor tries to ignore the feeling of tea soaking into to clothes. He hadn't considered the consequences of spilling the tea on himself when he threw the cup; he has just saw red and acted violently.
"Fuck off, Alastor." The sheer malice filling Lucifer's voice and expression sends thrills down Alastor's spine. He's itching for a fight, and Lucifer will certainly give it.
"Oh, our righteous king of Hell finally graces us with his presence." Alastor proclaims with all the bravado he can muster. "Get out of my way." Alastor fully snarls out, feeling his body start contorting in rage.
"Don't fucking touch him, Alastor."
STOP SAYING MY NAME!
"Why should I listen to you? You certainly didn't listen when I requested the same of you weeks ago." Alastor's throat burns with bile as he chokes back vomit, his body feeling overwhelmed by excitement as thoughts of his last fight with the king flood his mind.
This one won't end so suddenly. No, I will draw it out. His pathetic panic attacks be damned.
"Angel has nothing to do with that. Leave him out of it." The protective conviction lacing Lucifer's voice pulls out a confusing sensation of envy from deep within Alastor, and the radio demon feels the sadistic need to have those hands on his skin raise to a painful degree.
"You realize I could so easily reach over your head and choke his scrawny neck until-"
"I said leave him out of this!"
Alastor's breath is swept from his chest by the sight of Hellfire and wings suddenly in front of him. Lucifer has levitated himself to be just a head taller than Alastor, and he has the gaze of his deep red eyes trained down into Alastor's radio dials. It is a show of status, a challenge that Alastor desperately needs to rise to, but his body wants to back down in the face of the king's true form. His skin starts tingling from the close proximity to the power Alastor so craves to experience flowing inside his body again. His mouth begins watering as the need to taste that power, that blood, wells up in his throat in a near insatiable thirst. Unwillingly, Alastor feels his horns shrinking and his pupils returning to rings as his body bends to the will of the Hellfire, a dominant demand no demon could deny.
"So quick to temper." Alastor summons all his strength to sound mocking, like he's scolding a child. "Tell me, are you always like this, or is your anger reserved strictly for me, King?"
"Oh, I'm not angry. Haha, no." Lucifer smiles down at Alastor with a mixture of malice and playfulness, and Alastor feels his smile tighten uncomfortably. "Just needed to remind you who's really in charge here." Lucifer reaches down to tuck one hand under Alastor's chin, leaning down as he pulls Alastor's face towards him to bring their faces within just inches of each other. "Got the message?"
Alastor feels his treacherous body respond to the contact with Lucfier's hand by relaxing ever-so-slightly, as if this touch is still meant to mean safety even when the king is breathing threats down Alastor's neck, and Alastor aggressively rips his face away from Lucifer's grip before he can notice the change in Alastor's body.
"Now, is that anyway to speak to someone who's supposed to be your friend?" Alastor hates the way his voice shakes slightly through the condescension he's pushing into his tone, but considering his body wants to tremble in the aftermath of having those hands on his skin, Alastor feels lucky that it's only his voice that shakes.
"You're too good for my friendship, remember?"
"Yes, well, one must maintain their standards." Alastor smiles up at the king, hoping to see a falter in Lucifer's expression at the jab and trying not to show his anger when he doesn't get one.
"Then stop lowering yours by standing in my presence." Lucifer's voice comes out with a growl edging into it, and Alastor is glad to take that as his win.
"Certainly." Alastor smiles before snapping back into his room.
Once hidden in the confines of his room, Alastor starts stripping off his coat in an attempt to get the smell of Lucifer off of him. The tea soaked in his clothes alongside the smell of Lucifer's raw power is overwhelming Alastor's senses, making him dizzy. He feels like such an idiot. He had the opportunity to get the fight he's been hoping for, but instead of rising to the occasion, Alastor had gotten disgustingly weak in the knees at the first sight of that glorious power. It was too much, and Alastor had been practically slapped in the face with the fact that his body still associates that power, and Lucifer himself, with safety rather than danger. Alastor's body is betraying him in ways it never has before, and he desperately wants to correct it. Alastor leans his head down into his hands, getting a large whiff of cinnamon from his tea soaked gloves. Before he can stop himself, Alastor breathes in a deep inhale, trying to fill his lungs with the scent, but he rips his gloves off with a growl once he realizes what he's just done.
Get yourself the fuck together, Alastor.
Alastor groans in frustration with himself, and again when he realizes he never got to finish his tea since he had stupidly thrown it. Resolving himself to the reality that this will likely be another sleepless night filled with glaring emptiness, he grabs his microphone before throwing himself on his bed. Alastor buries his face in the pillows, hoping to block out any lingering scent of Lucifer. Soft jazz music starts playing around Alastor, and he allows his mind to wander into place of blissful nothingness.
~*~
Lucifer quickly shuts the door to Angel Dust's room before he runs over to start rapidly assessing Angel's body for any wounds.
"Are you okay, Angel? Nothing got to you, right? Husk will fucking kill me if you got hurt talking to Alastor for me." Lucifer's voice comes out panicked.
"I'm fine, Your-Lucifer." Angel's voice sounds unsure as he gently pushes Lucifer's hand's away from himself.
"You promise you didn't get hurt?"
"I'm fine. Stop worrying so damn much." Angel pauses, obviously staring at Lucifer's still present horns and wings. "Uh, what about you? That was a little, uh, you got kinda intense there." Concern fills Angel's voice. Lucifer realizes that he's definitely making Angel nervous, so he calls back his power to let his body return to his usual form.
"I'm okay. I didn't mean to get to so worked up, but fuck, I was scared he would hurt you." Lucifer forces back the tears prickling his eyes. "I'm sorry for being such a coward. I should've talked to him myself." Guilt builds in Lucifer's belly, not just for involving Angel but also for the way he reacted to Alastor.
"Don't be sorry. You know I love the drama." Angel Dust smiles down at Lucifer cheekily, and Lucifer rolls his eyes playfully.
"I'm glad my failure at befriending the radio demon is entertaining for you." Lucifer says through a self-depreciative smile.
"Entertaining? No, finding out you asked Husk, of all people, how to impress Freaky Face was entertaining. That little show out there outta be nominated for an Oscar for best depiction of sexual tension disguised as anger." Angel starts laughing when he sees Lucifer's cheeks turning a deep red as he processes what Angel had said.
"It's not like that." Lucifer groans as he hides his face in his hands in a feeble attempt to shield himself from embarrassment.
"Uh huh, sure." Angel giggles when Lucifer jokingly glares up at him. "Seriously though, are you really into him? No judgement. Just curious." Angel waves his arms in surrender to show Lucifer he genuinely doesn't mean to be rude.
"I don't fucking know what I am, Angie. Can I call you that?" Nerves seem to start easing out of Lucifer's body as he finally admits out loud that he really has no idea what's going on.
"Call me whatever you like, Luci." Angel Dust looks at Lucifer with a soft smile, and Lucifer feels warmth fill his chest because he's done something he thought he could never do: he's made a real friend, real connection, for the first time since Lilith left. "You know he's into you, right?"
"What?!" All of Lucifer's nerves coil back into his body at Angel's declaration, and his world feels like it's spinning.
"I saw it written all over his face. I don't know if it's sexual; I was joking about that earlier, but he's definitely into you. Guy practically preened when you put your hand under his chin." Angel has this way of saying the most absurd things in this matter-of-fact tone that you can't argue with, and the scary thing is, Lucifer has realized that he's usually right. After all, he knew from the get-go that Lucifer was developing feelings for Alastor before Lucifer himself knew.
"If anyone knows it would be you." Lucifer whispers in disbelief, too shocked to fully speak as he continues trying to process the revelation.
"And if anyone is able to break through his walls, it'd be you. He already loses his shit in a way he doesn't with anyone else when you piss him off, and it's a fine line between love and hate, Luci." Angel smiles at Lucifer as if he hasn't just dropped the biggest ball ever created into Lucifer's proverbial court because if Alastor is, in fact, into Lucifer then it's going to fall on Lucifer's shoulders to fix the mess they're in.
Fuck knows Alastor would be satisfied to deny anything out of existence. If I'm ever going to get anywhere with the bastard, I'm going to have to put my neck on the chopping block. The question now is, do I want to get anywhere? After all the shit we've put each other through, do I want to pursue something more intimate with him? Am I, fuck, am I ready to? Am I brave enough?
Lucifer feels a hand fall on is shoulder, and he looks up to see Angel looking at him with a questioning look.
"You kinda went away for a second there. You a'right?" Angel asks, concern coating his tone once again.
"Yeah, I just, shit, I don't know what to do. I probably just screwed any chance at civility with him." Lucifer runs his hands through his hair as tension bleeds into his voice.
"That out there? Nah, he was into it." Angel laughs when Lucifer blushes again. "We'll figure it out, yeah?"
"We?"
"Hell fucking yeah! Consider me your wingman, Luce." Angel winks at Lucifer, and they share wide smiles with each other. "Give me a couple days. I'll let you know when I have a plan."
Lucifer pulls Angel into a hug as he thanks him, and he's pleased when Angel returns the embrace. Hope burns brightly in Lucifer's chest once again. He trusts Angel Dust, and so long as he thinks Lucifer has a fighting chance, Lucifer is determined to pursue this thing, whatever it is, with Alastor. For the first time in a while, Lucifer feels honestly eager for the possibilities in front of him.
~*~
As it turns out, Angel Dust did not need a couple days to figure something out if the text Lucifer wakes up to the next morning means anything.
Angie: I'm at the bar with Husk. Come down when you wake up. No rush!
Lucifer doesn't even change out of his pajamas. He just brushes his teeth before sprinting towards the lobby, energy rushing too much to focus well enough to snap there. He knocks over the barstool the first time he tries to sit in it, falling alongside it. His cheeks burn in embarrassment as Angel extends a hand out to help him stand back up. Lucifer chuckles nervously as he picks the stool back up, eyes flickering between the amused look on Angel's face and the disapproving one on Husk's face.
"Uh, good morning, guys." Lucifer says after finally sitting down on the stool successfully.
"Morning, Luci! You, uh, doing good there?" Concern peaks through Angel's voice even though his face shows he's clearly still amused by how disheveled Lucifer is.
"Don't break my stool, Lucifer. Your panic attacks should not produce victims." Husker says through a sly smirk that lets Lucifer know he's joking.
"Sorry, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just nervous? Good nervous though. I think? I hope. Fuck, I didn't think you were going to come up with anything this quickly, so I wasn't, like, mentally preparing myself yet. But, I'm still happy you're helping me! Don't think I'm not excited because-"
"Luce, stop. Breathe." Angel puts two of his hands on Lucifer's shoulders as he tries to steady him. "I have a plan, but it's gonna take a couple days to implement-"
"If it even works." Husker cuts in, and Angel shoots him a quick glare.
"It will work." Angel says to Husker with finality before turning back to Lucifer. "Like I said, it's just gonna take a couple days because I gotta make sure Charlie can do-"
"Charlie? Why are you involving Charlie?" Lucifer cuts in, and Angel's face falls into annoyance.
"If I can stop being interrupted, I could tell you the damn plan." Angel speaks with a deadpan tone, and Lucifer apologizes quickly before encouraging him to continue. "I'm not telling Charlie about the plan with Freaky Face. I just have an idea that will only work with her, but I promise, she won't know about the actual plan."
"What is it?" Lucifer's voice is full of skepticism, and judging by the look on Husker's face, it's warranted.
"If I can get Charlie to agree to take all the sinners and the crew on a trip to Heaven for a week, you and Al can be alone in the hotel together!" Angel sounds so excited. Lucifer wants to be excited with him, but the possibility of getting Heaven to agree to let fifteen sinners, two overlords, a fallen angel, and the princess of Hell to take a trip to up there is close to none. "I know what you're thinking: Heaven won't let it happen, but listen, Charlie has connections with that Seraphim chick, Emily, right? They've been working together some since Pentious got redeemed, so I think she would be onboard with it. Plus, getting to see Heaven could be, like, an incentive for us to focus on our programs with Charlie, y'know." Angel sounds so sure of himself, of his plan, and Lucifer can feel himself wanting to believe it will work even if it feels impossible. Angel's heterochromatic eyes bore into Lucifer expectantly as he awaits Lucifer's feedback.
"What do you think about his plan, Husk?" Lucifer looks away from Angel, unable to bear the hopeful expression any longer.
"I think he's fucking nuts." Husk jeers, and Angel visibly pouts before Husk smiles at him. "But if anyone can make it happen, it's him and the princess, and unfortunately for me, I'm invested in Angel's safety. Which means so long as he's trying to help you , I'm along for the ride to make sure he doesn't end up on the wrong end of the boss's mic." Husk levels Lucifer with a look that tells him Angel absolutely let him know what happened yesterday, and Lucifer feels himself swallow nervously.
"See, even Husker thinks it's a great idea!" Angel exclaims, pointedly ignoring the look from Husk that clearly says he disagrees. "So, if I can make it happen, are you up for it?"
"A week alone with, with Al?" Lucifer's eyes go wide in fear as images of all the ways being alone with the radio demon could go wrong, and then his stomach fills with butterflies at the thoughts of all the ways it could go right.
I'm supposed to be brave. Angel's plan could work. Even if nothing anywhere near romantic happens, Alastor and I could become friends at the very least which would make Charlie so happy.
Lucifer's face breaks into a wide, hopeful smile as he tells Angel that, yes, he's up for this. Angel squeals with glee before pulling Lucifer and Husk both into a hug.
Notes:20k words together???? I haven't written this much on a single project in years, and I just want to tell you guys that I appreciate each and everyone one of you! 🧡
Next chapter will start the times of just Luci and Al being in the hotel, so the romance part of the fic starts to pick up!!
Chapter 9: Chapter NineSummary:Lucifer and Alastor are alone!
Notes:First, I am SO FUCKING SORRY for how long this took. It's been, well, it's been a two weeks that's for sure. I apparently almost gave myself water poisoning, so that's great.
But anyway! I have something exciting! RadioDucky on Tumblr drew a fanart for Chapter Eight, and I cried because it's absolutely amazing! Definitely go check out their art!
https://www.tumblr.com/radioducky/744244993027407872/yezoki-after-reading-the-current-chapter-8-of?source=share
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
It's Tuesday morning, and Lucifer is mildly freaking out. Not only did Emily and Sera agree to the visit, but they had organized it quickly. Too quickly. It's only been three days since the plan was initially posed to them, and now Lucifer is standing in the lobby with the rest of the hotel crew, minus Alastor, and all fifteen residents waiting for the portal to Heaven to open. Lucifer desperately wants to be anywhere but here because he wants to avoid seeing Sera, but every time he has tried to sneak off, Charlie has called him to help with something. Thankfully, he's managed to scoot his way to the wall furthest to the back, away from the crowd and as far from where the portal will form as possible. Lucifer runs his hands through his hair as he tries to ward off the nerves eating him.
I hope Sera can't see me back here. Fuck, what if she speaks to me? Please, don't let her see me. Don't let her speak to me.
"Hey, Luce, you ready?" Lucifer startles at the sound of Angel Dust's excited voice. "You a'right? You look jumpy. You're not getting cold feet are you?" Angel gives Lucifer a sly smile like he's joking, but the concern is obvious enough in Angel's tone that Lucifer knows the panic he's feeling is written all over his face.
Lucifer opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. His cheeks start burning in embarrassment because he feels so stupid to be this afraid to even look at the Seraphims. He runs a hand through his hair again, forcing himself not to tug at the strands.
"Oh, shit, it's one of those attacks isn't it?" All humor has faded from Angel's voice. He brings a hand to hover next to Lucifer's face and coaxes Lucifer to look at him. "Breathe with me, yeah?" Angel takes a few deep breaths that Lucifer does his best to mimic. "Is it Al or the angels?" He asks after Lucifer starts to be more visibly calm, and he offers his hand for Lucifer to take, which he gladly does.
"Both? But, uh, the Seraphims right now." Lucifer's voice is quiet, and he can't quite look Angel in the eyes right now, opting to focus instead on the small smile playing on the spider's lips.
"You don't gotta interact with the angels, y'know? Except me, of course." The familiar lightness has returned to Angel's voice, and Lucifer feels his body start relaxing at Angel's reassurance. "And Al ain't nothing to worry over either. I told you he already has it bad for you, so all you need to do is be yourself."
"I'm a fucking mess, Angie."
"Yeah, you are." Angel laughs when Lucifer shoots him a look of feigned offense. "You're endearing as fuck though, and I'm telling you: he's into it." Angel squeezes Lucifer's hand tighter as he speaks, and the sensation makes Lucifer smile as the tension finally ebbs from his body.
"What should I do? We still haven't spoken since the incident in the hall a few days ago, and the one time he's seen me since then, he snapped out of sight the moment he noticed me." Lucifer whines out as he recalls yesterday's failed attempt at speaking to the radio demon. He had seen Alastor walking up the stairs, tea in hand, but the moment Alastor looked up to see Lucifer standing at the top, he had snapped away. Lucifer had pouted about it to Angel for nearly an hour.
"Do what you do best and just annoy the shit out of him. Freaky Face thrives off attention, so give him so much of it that he has no choice but to accept your company." Angel shrugs nonchalantly as if the idea of Lucifer forcing his presence on Alastor isn't a terrible idea that will lead to terrible outcomes.
"What if he attacks me again?"
"Luci, you're the king of fucking Hell." Angel levels Lucifer with a deadpan look. "I'd be more afraid of him eating me in my sleep than the possibility of him getting the upper-hand in a fight if I were you."
"Oh my God, he is a fucking cannibal, isn't he? What the fuck is wrong with me?" Lucifer groans out as he runs his hands down his face. "It couldn't have been you? No, of course it had to be the sadistic, cannibal deer demon overlord that my stupid little heart attached to. I'm so fucked in the head."
"Hey, he's hot as fuck though. Don't beat yourself up too hard, Short King." Lucifer tries to glare up at Angel, but they both burst into giggles instead.
The entire moment feels so surreal to Lucifer. He's still getting used to having a friend like Angel, one that he just clicks with so seamlessly, and he wonders how he made it this long without knowing a friendship like this. Angel Dust has this innate ability to walk Lucifer through his panic attacks and to make him smile when it feels like the weight of Hell may just crush his shoulders. Lucifer knows this thing, whatever the fuck is, he has for Alastor is probably insane to pursue, but Angel is always ready to encourage him to explore it without an ounce of judgement. Angel is showing Lucifer how to want something for himself while also teaching him to not feel guilty for it.
"I'm gonna miss you this week, Angie." Lucifer says as their giggles start to die down, and Lucifer works hard to keep tears from falling.
"I'ma miss you, too, Luce." Angel smiles solemnly at Lucifer before stretching out his four arms to ask for a hug, an offer Lucifer takes him up on immediately.
"Aw, you guys are so cute!" Charlie exclaims from behind Lucifer. When Lucifer and Angel turn to face her, she's beaming a huge smile at them. Charlie has been nothing short of ecstatic to see their friendship blooming, and she has done nothing to hide her enthusiasm. "It's time, so Emily should be greeting us any second now. I wanted to come make sure you hadn't, uh, changed your mind?" Charlie looks at her dad when she speaks. Lucifer notes the change in her tone when she asks him for the umpteenth time to join them in Heaven, and he feels guilt bubble in his belly as her disappointment peaks through. Emily had apparently extended the offer for a visit to Lucifer as well, but even if it wouldn't completely fuck up the very reason Angel had initiated this idea, Lucifer just isn't ready.
"No, Sweetheart. Besides, who would keep an eye on Al to make sure he didn't accidentally burn the hotel down if left alone?" Lucifer chuckles, and the fact that Charlie actually laughs with him says more about Alastor's ability to bullshit than his own. He doesn't know what exactly the radio demon has been telling his daughter, but she seems to genuinely believe the two of them are at least acquainted to some extent, getting on well enough for his joking jabs to not set on Charlie's nerves the wrong way at least.
"Make sure you both don't accidentally ruin the hotel while we're gone, okay?"
"Yeah, Luci, no battles with Hellfire in the hallways." Angel tacks onto Charlie's statement, and the three of them start laughing, each for a completely different reason.
"Promise you're gonna be okay, Dad?" Charlie takes Lucifer's hand as she speaks, and Lucifer shoots her what he hopes is a believable reassuring smile.
"I'll be great; I promise." Lucifer pulls his daughter into a quick hug before taking hold of her shoulders to make sure she is paying close attention to him. "Be safe up there, okay? Remember that everyone needs to stay together in groups of at least three and preferably have you or Vaggie with them at all times, and you need to stay with Emily the entire time you are outside of your hotel room, please? She's the only one that I kinda trust, so please, Charlie, make sure-"
"Dad, I'll be fine. I've been there before, remember?" Charlie pulls Lucifer back into a hug. "Everything is going to go smoothly, and we will all return safely."
"I love you, Charlie." Lucifer tries not to tear up from how simultaneously worried he is for his daughter while also being so proud of how strong she is.
"I love you, too." Charlie squeezes him tightly, her voice shaking like she's trying not to cry as well.
The sound of the portal opening prompts them to pull apart. Charlie shoots him one last smile before walking to the front of the crowd to speak to Emily. Lucifer turns his attention back to Angel Dust, who already has a hand extended towards him, and Lucifer takes it, squeezing it tightly.
"See ya in a week, yeah?" Angel offers Lucifer a lopsided smile that Lucifer gladly returns.
"Don't forget this week isn't just about me. I expect to see you coming back as a taken man, Angie." Lucifer grins widely when Angel blushes, jerking his hand back to mock being taken aback.
"Same to you, Lucinda." Angel whispers into Lucifer's face before he walks away, giggling over the raging blush forming over Lucifer's cheeks.
Lucifer dutifully waves back to all the residents as they wave goodbye to him before walking through the portal; he even manages to give a small wave to Emily as she smiles at him just before shutting the portal. Once the portal closes, the hotel feels eerily quiet, and Lucifer feels his entire body starting to stiffen as the reality sets in that he is alone in the hotel with Alastor, who is quite obviously still pissed at him.
Fuck, what am I gonna do? How do I fix this?
Lucifer makes his way over to the couch in the hotel's lobby so that he can mull over ideas of how to get close to Alastor without risking yet another fight. He understands what Angel was getting at when he said to just annoy the radio demon with attention, but as it stands, Lucifer can't get within seeing distance of him without Alastor snapping away.
But what if he comes to me? The bastard really does thrive off attention, so if I just stay away, he will have no choice but to seek me out when he gets bored since it's just the two of us here. It's perfect!
Feeling like a genius, Lucifer burrows into the couch to get comfortable. He props up his phone so that he can watch "Unashamed" to pass the time for however long it takes for Alastor to get bored. When his eyes start drooping about four episodes in, Lucifer considers getting up for coffee, but he's too comfortable to move. Sleep finally overtakes him in the middle of the sixth episode.
~*~
The light outside has almost completely faded by the time Lucifer wakes up. He tries to stretch, but his feet get caught in something. Confused, Lucifer looks down to see his body is covered in a deep red blanket that definitely was not there when he laid on the couch. It smells of cayenne pepper and thyme, and heat rises in Lucifer's face as a he realizes the blanket had to have come from Alastor's room.
Shit, that means I missed him then.
He did come down though, and he even did something nice.
This is it. This is my opening, and on Angel Dust's name, I will not let this opportunity be wasted.
Willing the blush to just go away, Lucifer stands and gathers the blanket into a messy bundle. He commits himself to the task of returning the blanket to Alastor and actively silences every single warning bell ringing in his head as he practically runs up the stairs, falling twice, and down the hall to the radio demon's room. He pauses to catch his breath and calm down when he finally reaches the red door to Alastor's room. Lucifer takes in a deep breath, hugs the blanket tighter in one arm, and mentally preps himself for a fight before using one shaking hand to knock on the door. His knock is met with nothing but silence, so Lucifer looks up to see if the "On Air" sign is lit; it's not. A dreadful feeling starts building up inside Lucifer. It's unprompted, really, as there are so many possibilities for why Alastor wouldn't open the door for him, but Lucifer has a sudden, inexplicable feeling that there is something bad happening behind this door. Lucifer takes another breath before slowly opening the door himself.
When the smell of rot isn't the first thing to hit him, Lucifer allows his body to relax just a bit. Instead, he is met with the smell of, well, himself. The scent of apples and cinnamon wafts through the air, mixing surprisingly well with the scent of cayenne and thyme still flowing through his nostrils from the blanket, and Lucifer finds that he takes more comfort in that than he should. Whatever comfort he had found quickly slips away the moment he sees Alastor curled up in a ball in the middle of his bed. The shadows that follow him are pulsating around his body like a shield, and if Lucifer listens closely, he can hear the faint sound of jazz music emitting from inside the little shadow ball surrounding Alastor. The radio demon's face looks pinched as if he's in pain, and Lucifer feels a pit start forming in his gut.
Lucifer drops the blanket and begins slowly walking towards Alastor. The fact that he apparently hasn't noticed Lucifer so far is alarming on its own, but that combined with the familiar expression painted on his face has Lucifer terrified that Alastor may have somehow been hurt again, that maybe he had accidentally hurt Alastor in the hall. Guilt rips through Lucifer, and tears start forming in his eyes.
How could I be so stupid?
Lucifer stops once he's only a few inches away from Alastor's bed, his presence still seemingly unknown. He can hear the music a bit better now; it's a woman's voice. Lucifer can't make out all the lyrics, but he can hear something about dreams. Carefully, Lucifer extends a hand out to touch the shadows, to see if he can press through them without hurting Alastor, but the moment his hand touches the shadowy barrier, an animalistic roar echoes in Lucifer's ears. He's suddenly on the floor with Alastor in his full beastly overlord form towering over him. Elongated horns, a snarling smile full of slobbery stitches, large radio-dial eyes, and a body postured with only murderous intent outright terrifies Lucifer at first sight. His body goes stock-still as he stares into Alastor's face with horror, stricken by the whirl of emotions twisting behind Alastor's eyes. Hidden behind a mask of hatred and rage, Lucifer can see an emotion he knows agonizingly well: desperation. Filled with the same need to help and comfort Alastor that Lucifer is starting to accept is instinctual at this point, he takes a deep breath to steady himself before standing to meet Alastor head on. He watches closely as radio-dial eyes widen in apparent shock for a split second before narrowing wickedly, and Lucifer feels conviction start bubbling in his chest, fueling the courage building in his veins.
I'm the king of fucking Hell. I can handle this without a fight.
"Alastor, hey, it's me. I'm not looking-"
"Go away!" Alastor growls out through a heavy radio filter as he closes his large frame in around Lucifer.
"I can't do that, Al. I need to make sure you're o-"
Alastor suddenly wraps a hand around Lucifer's body, but Lucifer quickly transforms into a snake and slips out. Lucifer groans when he feels his wings rip through his t-shirt as he changes into his demonic form because of course he's wearing a t-shirt and not his tailcoat that's tailor-made to adapt for his wings. Readily ignoring his shirt as it falls to the floor, Lucifer sets his sight back on Alastor as he goads him into forest attached to the bedroom to keep from damaging anything in Alastor's room.
If he needs a fight then I'll let him tire himself out.
Lucifer stays hovered just beyond Alastor's reach, and Alastor follows his lead much easier than Lucifer had anticipated; the radio demon's movements resembling more those of a moth to a flame as opposed to a predator stalking its prey. Those radio dials follow his every move with an unwavering intensity that causes tingles to run up Lucifer's spine, and having Alastor's gaze trained directly on him makes a flush start heating down Lucifer's neck and face.
Shadow arms shoot out towards Lucifer, but he dodges them with ease. Frustration fills Alastor's face, making the stitches glow brighter as they tighten around his sadistic smile. Alastor aims hit after hit at Lucifer, but he evades them all. Once Lucifer starts to notice Alastor's movements looking fatigued, he enlarges the Hellfire on his head and utilizes its control over demons to force Alastor's body back to a normal size. Alastor slumps to the ground, unmoving, and before thinking it through, Lucifer flies down to see if the radio demon is okay. The second his feet his the ground, Alastor's shadows jut out to wrap around Lucifer's body, and when Lucifer suppresses them, Alastor quickly turns on him with fists. Growing sick of the charade with it now having served its purpose, Lucifer decides it's time to end this "fight". He grabs Alastor's fist just before it lands a hit on his face, and he uses that grasp to flip Alastor to the ground. He straddles Alastor's waist with his legs, and pins the rest of Alastor's limbs down with his wings so that he can grab Alastor's face with his hands to force the radio demon to look him in the eyes.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! This was a mistake.
Those radio-dial eyes pierce into Lucifer's own with an expression filled with rage, that same desperation, and a third thing Lucifer refuses to acknowledge, but the blush rapidly darkening on his cheeks is proof enough that it's there. The two of them stare at each other with the only sound between them being the heavy panting as they both try to catch their breath.
"You've grown rather fond of this position haven't you, King? Three times now you've forcibly pinned me against my will." The radio filter on Alastor's voice is harsh, crackling as he practically spits out his words.
"If you'd stop fucking attacking me, I wouldn't have to keep doing this." Lucifer keeps his tone light, almost joking, as he purposefully makes his tone conflict with Alastor's anger.
"If I remember correctly, you are the one who attacked me the last time we ended up like this." He's still pissed; there's no denying that, but Alastor's tone is steadying. The radio filter is no longer distorted or crackling.
"Yeah, because you pulled a dick move by bringing my wife and daughter into shit."
"Ex wife." The bastard has the audacity to switch from that stitched smile to a mocking smirk.
"Would you stop doing that?" Lucifer feels his wings push tighter against Alastor's body as his composure starts to break, and it's taking an immense amount of willpower to not dig his claws into the demon's face.
"Doing what?" The feigned innocence in Alastor's voice makes Lucifer want to rip his hair out, but the sight of those pupils slowly shifting back to normal encourages him to keep holding back his frustration.
"Trying to provoke me, to get a rise out of me. Can't you fucking see that I want us to be friends? I'm, fuck, I am so sick of fighting with you, Al." Lucifer can't stop his voice from breaking a bit when he speaks, nor can he stop the tears that prickle near the corners of his eyes. The sensation of having his hands pressed possessively against the demon's smooth cheeks forcing their eyes to stay locked on each other as he openly declares he wants to be friends with Alastor proves to be too intense for him to fully keep himself together.
Lucifer watches as Alastor's eyes go wide with shock, only this time the look doesn't flee instantly. No, those stunned red eyes stare up unblinkingly into Lucifer's eyes with an expression caught somewhere between being unreadable and laying bare a million unsaid things. Lucifer feels exposed knowing that, even on his best day, he is shit at hiding his emotions, practically wearing his heart on his sleeve. Which means that whatever emotions he has been kindling for the radio demon are likely displayed in full 4k Ultra HD to Alastor right now, and that is a terrifying possibility when the man under him is know for exploiting other's emotions for personal gain.
Needing to put space between them, Lucifer accepts the blow to his pride and looks away first. His face and neck burn in embarrassment as he carefully crawls off of Alastor and calls back his wings and demonic form. Lucifer curls his arms around his knees before burying his face between his chest and knees, trying to make himself small. He focuses on keeping his breathing steady in a miserable attempt to ward off a panic attack. His fingers start curling in his hair, no longer slicked back after his accidental nap, but the tugging does little to deter the quickening of his heartbeat. Lucifer's body tenses as a heavy fabric is laid over his bare shoulders, and he looks up as the smell of cayenne and thyme starts filling his nostrils. The same red blanket from the couch has been draped over him. Lucifer pulls it tighter around him until his body is fully wrapped inside the blanket aside from his head, and he buries his face into the soft fabric, taking deep breaths to allow Alastor's scent to engulf all his senses. The silence from the radio demon sitting on the floor beside him suddenly becomes overly noticeable, and Lucifer feels his cheeks heat in embarrassment once again as he realizes what he's just done; the heat rapidly turns painfully hot when he looks up to see Alastor staring at him with something akin to hunger in his eyes. Lucifer quickly averts his gaze in favor of burying his face into the blanket again, and after a few minutes, he feels the weight of Alastor's attention fade, signaling that he's finally looked away.
The two of them sit there in a disturbingly comfortable silence while Lucifer continues to repeat steady inhales and exhales, trying not to be too obvious in the fact that Alastor's scent is calming his building anxiety. Through is peripheral vision, Lucifer can see Alastor is just sitting with his legs crossed, hands folded perfectly in his lap, just staring at the floor in front of him with wide eyes; his expression is completely unreadable from the angle Lucifer is looking through. An immeasurable amount of time passes as they simply sit on the floor of Alastor's room before the radio demon himself surprisingly breaks the silence.
"Why are you so keen on being friendly with me?" Alastor's voice makes Lucifer jolt in shock, both because of the suddenness of it and the lack of a radio filter coating his words. He looks at Lucifer as he speaks, so Lucifer does his best to meet that gaze again.
"Because Charlie needs us-"
"Oh, don't start lying now." Alastor says, ears falling back in annoyance as the filter returns. "I thought we were having an honest moment. What with your triumphant display earlier." Alastor wags his wrist as he speaks, a gesture he usually uses when he's mocking someone, but instead of looking smug, Alastor looks purposefully flippant as if he's forcing himself to be casual. Lucifer flushes, realizing he definitely made Alastor uncomfortable with his openness before.
"I, well, we're both a little broken, yeah?" Lucifer starts carefully, but when Alastor's smile tightens in discomfort, Lucifer tries for something more familiar to them. "Don't go all creepy-sadist-glare on me. I'm not insulting you. I'm relating to you. People don't end up in Hell by being whole."
"Well, if that's the case, then why me, hm? If we're all sobroken then why seek out me in the place of someone who is, at the very least, reciprocative of your attempted kindness?" Alastor's eyes pierce into Lucifer, the challenge in them matching the obvious baiting in his tone.
"Oh ho, but you are reciprocative, aren't you?" Lucifer smirks when Alastor's facade cracks for just a second.
"Baseless allegations."
"Just today you've lent me this lovely blanket not once but twice. At least the second time you can easily twist it into a I-didn't-want-to-deal-with-you-panicking-again bullshit story, but what about the first time, huh? I was napping, and you just covered me up for no reason. That sounds like kindness to me." Lucifer grins victoriously.
"Oh, that? Yes, I was planning to suffocate you but then I realized I wouldn't have an alibi since we are the only two in the hotel." Alastor chuckles when Lucifer visibly deflates at the excuse. It's a real laugh coupled with that real smile Lucifer has grown so fond of, and he feels his heart clench a bit at the realization that this had just been innocent banter, not an argument or pissing contest. Lucifer has just made Alastor genuinely laugh, and he feels elated. "Don't look at me like that." Alastor snaps, ears pressing against his head as he turns away from Lucifer's open smile.
"Whatever you say, Alley Cat." Lucifer says in a sing-song voice, grinning ear to ear .
Alastor turns on him, griping a handful of the blanket in his fist as he's suddenly right in Lucifer's face. His eyes have shifted into radio dials, and the green stitches around his smile are glowing. The rapid change in his demeanor gives Lucifer whiplash.
"What did you call me?" Alastor's voice comes out heavily distorted, all the lightheartedness of before has vanished.
"Al-Alley Cat. Cause you're, uh, you act like one." Lucifer's voice is trembling as he tries to explain, hoping Alastor realizes he wasn't trying to offend him, and he sighs in relief when Alastor's pupils return to normal. "I don't have- I can- is that okay?" Alastor lets the blanket go, opting to run his hands through his hair. "Alastor? Are you okay?" Lucifer reaches a hand out to touch Alastor's arm, but the radio demon jerks away as if he's been burned.
"I'm fu- I'm fine." Alastor's voice sounds closer to normal, but there's still an obvious discomfort breaking through his attempts at calming himself.
"I can call you something else? It just kinda came out, but I can-"
The sound of circus music cuts Lucifer off as his phone starts ringing. He quickly pulls out his phone to see who the fuck has such shit timing. The caller ID shows Charlie's name, and Lucifer exhales, trying to calm his nerves and frustration at the same time. He stands up to put a bit more distance between Alastor and himself.
"Hey, Honey!" Lucifer forces excitement into his voice, but he keeps his eyes trained on Alastor, watching him work through the panic Lucifer has accidentally caused.
"Hey, Dad! I just wanted to make sure everything was going okay?" Charlie has that tone she gets when she wants to say something but is afraid it might come across wrong, and Lucifer knows exactly what his daughter is trying to ask.
"Me and Alastor are doing fine. I'm, uh, actually with him right now." Lucifer throws that last bit in hoping it will help cut the call short.
"Oh, really? I don't wanna hold you up then." She chuckles nervously. "Today went great, by the way! The guests love it here!"
"That's great, Charlie." Lucifer says, honestly meaning it. His cheeks flush when he realizes Alastor is staring at him. "Uh, are you guys staying safe like I said? Everyone is sticking together and-"
"We're being safe, Dad. I promise."
"I just worry." Lucifer's eyes flicker between Alastor and the suddenly fascinating wall to his left, trying to avoid the penetrating stare while also doing his best to keep his voice steady.
"I know; I get it. Okay, I'll let you get back to hanging out with Al. I'm so happy you guys are getting along!" Charlie says excitedly. "I love you, Dad! Oh, also, Angel said to tell you 'he's winning'. I'm assuming you understand?" A large smile spread across Lucifer's lips at the news, and he can't wait to hear all about Angel and Husk when they get back.
"Tell him I said he doesn't know who he's playing against." Lucifer says through a laugh. "I love you, too, Charlie. I miss you already." Lucifer's smile morphs into something more subdued.
"I miss you, too. I'll be back soon. I'm gonna go now, okay? I've gotta make sure everyone is settled in their rooms. I love you."
"I love you more." Lucifer answers back right before the call ends.
Lucifer's eyes fall back onto Alastor who is looking at him with a dangerous expression. Lucifer realizes the blanket had fallen off of him when he stood up, so he's been standing in the middle of Alastor's room half naked. Feeling exposed, Lucifer wraps his arms around himself, and this seems to trigger something in Alastor because he shakes his head before donning his signature too-wide smile, masking up once again. Lucifer can't help the disappointment that washes over him upon seeing that expression again, but he does his best to ignore it.
"You may leave now." Alastor's voice doesn't sound harsh, but Lucifer can't help but to feel like he's somehow fucked something up, ruined the moment they were having.
"Alastor, I'm-"
"Don't apologize. I don't need to hear it. The nickname will suffice for now until you come up with something more clever." Alastor is obviously taunting him, but it feels more lighthearted than their usual back-and-forth. Lucifer smiles at him, realizing that maybe he hadn't fucked this up.
"Like you could do any better?" Lucifer taunts back as he walks towards Alastor's door.
"Most definitely."
"By tomorrow then? We can, uh, we can have lunch together, and you can tell me what you've picked out?" Lucifer wants to kick himself for how nervous he sounds.
Fuck, I sound like a teenager asking my crush on a date.
"Sure, meet me after my broadcast." Alastor opens the door for Lucifer. "That means I don't want to start smelling you outside my door an hour before twelve." Alastor narrows his eyes accusingly, and Lucifer feels his face heating up again.
"I'll be here twelve on the dot, and not a minute before." Lucifer proclaims dramatically as he walks backwards out of Alastor's room.
"Good. Now, get out of my sight."
Lucifer snaps back to his room and immediately falls back onto his bed before letting out an embarrassing squeal of excitement.
Angel doesn't know who he's up against indeed.
Notes:Next chapter will likely start from Alastor POV unless Lucifer speaks to me more!
Also! If any of you guys have followed me on Tumblr but I didn't follow you back, let me know so that I can! I want to make sure I don't miss anyone! I'm putting my Tumblr here since the pinned post has the link to the fic's playlist on Spotify, and I had someone let me know that the link I posted here wasn't working!