Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Alastor stood in his room, frantically rubbing his antlers along the wallpaper, tearing it to shreds in his wake as he watched velvet fall off in fleshy chunks, spreading thick black blood all over his hair and the wall.

His shadow, Beauregard, was following him, eating the chunks and lapping up the blood like an animal.

In some regards, Alastor hated his animalistic side, especially during the rut, itchy antlers, hormones through the roof, an ever-constant throbbing in his lower regions that made him need to breed and a fever that would not leave.

The demon sighed and looked at his somewhat ratty antlers, the big rack having large chunks of velvet still adhered to the bone. He cringed visibly, knowing just how much more it irritated him to touch them; how touching just the velvet made him want to crawl out of his own skin and screech with feedback.

Alastor grunted at the feel of clothing against his skin. He began to strip down, tossing his clothes into a heap. Beauregard neatly hung them up on a hanger, used to his master's rut.

The radio demon stood at the edge of the bayou, his hooves in the soft mud of the bank. He waded in slowly before he dipped his head under, popping up again, he flicked the water out of his ears.

He floated, happy at the temporary relief from the heat on his skin, his eyes closed as he floated comfortably, listening to the sounds of his little piece of home, frogs croaking, alligators bellowing in the distance, the delicate sounds of deer grunting as they rifled through the grass for fruit.

He floated within the water, his eyes closed, the water against the velvet of his antlers felt like heaven, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, relaxing further.

Alastor floated for hours till he eventually flipped himself down upon the muddy bayou bank, feeling the warmth of the supposed sun on his back. He wagged his tail as he placed his head upon his folded arms.

Slowly, the tension eased from his body before a sudden knocking at the door brought it back. He knew it was Charlie, judging by the strength, Vaggie would have just knocked the door down.

Alastor peeked an eye open, far too deep in the bayou for Charlie to see him lazing naked. He summoned Beau to open the door, using the shadow as a speaker of sorts,
"Come in, dear princess!"

Charlie looked a little startled at the shadow, walking in,
"Where are you, Al?"
"I am currently busy and cannot come to the door; Beauregard will have to do for now in a pinch."

Alastor simply didn't feel like putting on clothes or seeing others at the moment. He wagged his tail in contentment as Charlie spoke,
"Oh... Ok, I just wanted to check on you, you seemed irritated with Husk today... I know you don't like him that much, but you don't usually get that angry...unless it's with dad."

Beauregard flicked his ears and smiled crookedly as he normally did,
"Oh, fiddle faddle, Husker and I are just fine! He simply forgot to do something for me, and I had to remind him," he said with a grin. What Husk forgot to do deserved more than just yelling.

Husk had forgotten to clear his schedule, meaning he had to sit with Charlie and Vaggie and have a meeting about inviting new guests, which was irritating on its own had it not been for Angel making sexual comments the whole time and interrupting every five minutes, drawing it out for an hour longer than it was needed.

Charlie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear,
"Ok, as long as both of you are alright with each other and talked it out,"
"Oh yes, we've talked it out just fine! We are on equal terms," if by talked it out she meant nearly hung the bar cat by the chain he was bound with; then yes, they surely talked.

Charlie smiled,
"I'm glad you two did. I was worried I'd have to sit with you two and get you to talk it out." She said as she fidgeted, Alastor noticed.

He slowly got off the bank and began to rub his ever-growing antlers against a Cyprus tree, stomping his foot as he did in contentment. Charlie heard the scraping,
"Are you alright otherwise, Alastor? You know I really don't like to bother you,"
"I am grand, darling! Why do you ask?" Beauregard tilted his head.

Charlie looked at the ground,
"You seem different lately, I just, I don't want you to suffer in silence if you're upset about anything, I know you don't really have anyone on this wing of the hotel other than Dad, and I know you two don't get along..." She rambled. Alastor looked in the direction of the door now,
"Nonsense! I am just fine!"

The deer sinner knew prying Charlie out of his space was going to be harder than he thought. He smacked his head briefly against the tree, his ears pinned, and he nearly let out a screech of feedback when one of the branches tangled in his antlers.

Charlie sighed,
"Alright, but my office is always open if you need to vent to me," she said softly. Beau twirled her and opened the door for her,
"Yes, yes, I know Charlotte, I will be just fine, ta ta for now!"

Just like that, Charlie found herself in the hallway, confused as to how she got there, but she shrugged and walked off to check on her father.

Alastor growled at his shadow,
"It would have been much easier if you had just not let her inside the door, you dirty rat!" He hissed. Beauregard looked back at him, mocking him for being angry. The sinner waved his hand and cast him out of the room. "You'd better mind your P's and Q's out there or I will put you in with the others."

Beauregard shivered at the thought of being thrown in the pocket dimension that kept the rest of his puppets; he drifted from wall to wall, finding himself in the kitchen, where Angel was making coffee and had a plate with some cut fruit.

The shadow wasn't usually hungry, he sniffed at the counter as Angel didn't pay attention, texting on his phone, well stirring skim milk into his coffee.

Beau moved a little closer and snatched an apple. Angel startled a bit and looked over,
"Fuck sake, you scared the shit outta me," he said, nearly dropping his phone.

Angel blinked and watched the shadow let out a little mock laugh. He rolled his eyes,
"Why are ya in here anyways, you don't usually eat, do you?" He asked, thinking about it. Beau shook his head and looked at the apple.

The spider demon stopped stirring his coffee and looked at him,
"Want me to cut it for ya? Where's Smiles anyway? I haven't seen him since he was yelling at Husky."

Beau nodded feverishly and gave the apple to Angel, who took a knife and cut it with his upper arms. Beau watched "in his room, I got put out," he said in a withdrawn whispering type voice,
"Ya pissed him off, didn't ya?" Angel smirked, and the shadow nodded.

Angel set down the apple slices on the counter for Beauregard,
"He's really testy lately, too. I don't know who pissed in his Cheerios the past few mornings, but fuck."

Beau ate the slices slowly, being polite when he did. Angel looked at a calendar in the kitchen and hummed before he glanced over at Beau's antlers,
"So that's why he's so pissy," he said softly as he reached out to touch one of the shadow's antlers.

Husk walked in,
"Fuck angel, don't do that!" He said loudly, when the spider demon's hand met the hardened yet still-wet bone of Beau's antlers, a harsh screech of feedback sounded out so loud it made the lights flicker.

Angel stumbled back into Husk's waiting arms, Beau's form went sharp as if he'd been shocked, violently he hissed out,
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" and melted into the floor, disappearing out of sight.

"What the FUCK was that!" Angel said, looking at Husk,
"He gets real nasty this time of year. I made that mistake once, and he fucking gored me with his antlers."

The cat pinned his ears and helped Angel back to his feet,
"I thought it would help... fuck, I know he's been rubbing on shit all week, the door frame looks like a bloodbath in his wing. How the hell does he even deal with rut? Isn't he ace or some shit?"

Husk nodded and poured himself a coffee,
"He locks himself away as near as I know, always has," he spoke softly. Angel had an idea and took his coffee and his slices of apple and breezed by Husk. "Mhm, ok, got it, thanks, whiskers."

Beauregard was at the end of the hall, licking his wounds so to speak, in a shadowy ball, hidden in the darkest corner. Alastor peeked out of his room,
"I told you to stay out of trouble!"

Alastor rubbed his temples and waved his hand, tugging his shadow into the room with an annoyed groan; he shut the door, only clad in his union suit with a housecoat over it, tied tightly.

Alastor sat down in his chair and began to read a book, after various rubbing spots he'd managed to get nearly all of his velvet scraped away.

He relaxed and slipped to his book till he heard footsteps outside his floor, his ears flicked toward the noise before he flicked them, annoyed by the disturbance.

Till a knock came, the footsteps left soon after. Alastor felt somewhat confused, so he got up and went to the door, cracking it open before he looked down at a medium-sized box. He tilted his head before he tugged it in.

A note was laid on top. Judging by how it smelled, he knew it was Angel who left the box. He read the paper. 'I know what's up with you lately, smiles, I have clients who get rut and heat every year, hope these few things can help you through it, I'd offer to "help" you more but you ain't interested. -Angel'
It read, a heart carefully drawn beside his name.

Alastor pinned his ears a bit. It did make sense for the porn star to know about ruts, but how could he help? The sinner peered into the box and went red.

Contained within four cardboard walls was an array of sex toys like no other, along with a few snacks and scent blockers to use when he started to get musky.
"These are absolutely aberrant," he said as he stared at the silicone cast behind of god knows who.

He recognized a personal massager; they had them when he was still alive after all, he rubbed his face in somewhat annoyance, there was more in the box, specifically dildos that he didn't want to even look at. He sighed and pushed the box aside, moving to flop down on his bed face-first.

A little later, Alastor looked at himself in the mirror nude. He had showered with the scent blocker Angel had sent in the box of illicit items. He stared in his reflection, annoyed, he noticed the fawn spots along his back, the fur along his chest and shoulders was fluffier, fuller even.

The normal bit of fur at the base of his tail had spanned up to the base of a ruff of hair on his shoulders, like hackles. He rolled his eyes in annoyance.

He brushed the rutting fur and his hair, carefully blowing his hair and fur dry, shaking it out to fix it, huffing in irritation when his bangs wouldn't fall just so, he stomped his hoof on the floor, blowing in annoyance.

This was his first rut in years in the company of others.

He was already irritated.

Lucifer stared at the plate of food he had made himself in his room, his eyes narrowed as he ate a small piece of apple before he gagged with an audible groan.

He hated mating season; it always crept up at the absolute worst time. Normally, it wouldn't be so bad had he still been living at the palace away from everyone and everything.

Instead, he had moved into the hotel after the battle with Adam destroyed it, on the farthest point across from Alastor's radio tower.

Lucifer ran his hands over his face and sighed. His wings were starting to ache, and his moult was stuck; of course, his moult was stuck. He needed someone to groom his wings, but Lilith had left him, and it hadn't been done for the last eight years.

He rubbed his face and snapped himself dressed, texting Charlie that he'd be out for the day before he dialled a number and listened to it ring.

A tired-sounding warble came from the other end as the phone was picked up,
"Ausmodus speaking,"
It's Lucifer. Is it possible to come see you for an appointment?"
"Of course, Lu, it's been ages since you've come to see me."

Lucifer opened a portal, albeit a bit jittery as his wings twitched; they were growing itchy, he flapped them, irritated and sighed as he walked through the portal to lust, directly into Ozzie's office.

The sin smiled,
"It's been years, Lucifer, how have you been?" They asked as he gestured to a chair for Lu to sit in. "I've been alright, Lilith and I separated some years ago, Charlie opened a hotel to rehabilitate sinners...Uhm, what else?" he said, trailing off.
"That's a lot of change, Lucifer. How are you holding up?"

Lucifer sat with a soft sigh as Ozzie poured them tea into ornate cups,
"Not well, to be fully honest, I've just been a wreck since Lily left me..."
"I understand, a first love is always the hardest," he said sympathetically, gently nudging a plate of cookies over to him.

The angel noticed they were all shaped like cocks, he smiled a little and took one, eating a piece,
"It will get better when the heartache stops... what brings you to see me today?" Ozzy asked as he sipped his tea, the heads floating in his mane raised an eyebrow,
"Well, since Lily left, I haven't groomed my wings properly, and I'm moulting into my mating plumage."

Ozzie hummed,
"I can imagine just how painful that is for you. Do you want me to help groom you?"
"If it isn't too much to ask," Lucifer looked into his tea and stretched his wings slightly behind him
"Not at all, I'd love to help."

After idly chatting for a few more minutes, Ozzie laid out a mat on the floor and got Lucifer to lie down, letting him shrug off his coat and fully open his wings. The sin looked at them, noticing just how tangled and matted the feathers were.

The dirt and blood that stained them from the fight with Adam, Lucifer couldn't wash them when they were this bad, even before they were that bad, he'd run them underwater.

He couldn't touch his wings, not after Lily. It felt wrong not to have a mate clean them. Ozzy started slow on the outside wing, and Lucifer lay his head down on his hands, closing his eyes.

"You know I don't like to be nosy, but why don't you groom them yourself?" Ozzie asked as he dipped a cloth into a basin of water, slowly wiping the feathers to get them somewhat clean before he started to preen,
"It's not the same... Not without her, I got so broken up when we parted that I could barely get out of bed, I didn't eat much, I just buried myself in hobbies."

Ozzie nodded,
"Lust is not lust without some kind of love to start. I know you may hate the thought, but what about taking someone temporarily for mating season? It might help you relax a little more," he suggested. Lucifer shivered when the sin began to take out broken feathers, tugging loose ones,
"I don't know if I could do that, Ozzie,"
"How long has it been since you've had sex, Lucifer? With someone else, not with yourself."

Lucifer let out a sigh,
"Not since Charlie was maybe 9 or so. We started to grow apart when she was young, my depression got bad, and eventually, everything just fizzled out. We kept to our own rooms and our own sides of the palace...I cheated on her with Eve a year later, and I think it broke it beyond repair. I fucked a lot of humans that year,"
"And how long has it been since you've touched yourself in season?" He asked softly. The sin got one wing done, and Lucifer had his horns out. He flicked his tail gently as Ozzie moved to the second wing,
"Not since we stopped sleeping together, depression killed my sex drive."

Ozzie nodded,
"How about I send you home with a few sex toys? Maybe they will help improve your mood this mating season," he said softly as he worked through primary feathers,
"I'll try it."

A few hours passed, and Ozzie finally finished preening. He carefully washed Lucifer's wings with a soft sponge, getting the dust out; he slowly rolled feather shafts in his claws to crack them open.

He touched Lucifer's back, gathering some oil from the glands at the bases of his wings as he ran his hands down his wings. Lucifer ruffed and shook his feathers into place,
"They feel so much lighter, thank you, Oz," He purred.

Ozzie sat back on the mat and watched Lucifer. He sat up and cracked his back, shaking and shifting his wings; the normally white and red exterior shifted slowly.

The normally white outsides shifted into a shimmering red, like a cluster of glimmering rubies; the tops of his wings were lighter than the deep crimson primaries.

Ozzie smiled more,
"How gorgeous," he said softly, and Fizzy knocked on the door before he came in, holding a larger tote bag of newer sex toys they had designed,
"Ozzie, I have the stuff you asked for. Whoa," he got a bright smile on his face as he came closer.

Lucifer cracked a smile and stood up to his feet,
"Ozzie, you never told me you had a boyfriend?" He asked the sin blushed heavily,
"It's not official yet, but I do, this is Fizzairoli, we've been together for a long time," he said, smiling, fizzy grinning at the thought.

The Angel bowed and kept his wings up,
"Very happy to meet you, Fizz, I'm glad Ozzie found someone special," he said softly. He wondered just how many of the sins had lovers now.

"Nice to meet you, too," he said with a large smile. He handed the bag to Ozzy, who handed it to Lucifer, the angel peered into it and blushed red,
"Things have really evolved since I owned any of these," he said quietly.

Ozzie let out a loud chuckle,
"Oh, they definitely have! Try some things out, text me if you like something specific, and I can send you a few more things like it," he said. He was always proud of his work, especially the work he and Fizz did.

Lucifer opened a portal and hugged Ozzie goodbye, giving one to Fizz as well.
"Thank you."

After a quiet supper, Lucifer was back in his room, staring at the items he'd laid out on his bed to inspect.

Lucifer looked at the sex toys, swallowing as he stared at the array of toys for penetration, others fuckable, and some just made to grind on.
"He wasn't kidding when he said they had come far, " he said softly as he stared at the brightly coloured things.

He idly squeezed and played with one of the dildos as he decided what he wanted to test. He hummed, shifting his wings a little so they folded comfortably.

Lucifer decided he wasn't in the mood to fuck anything, so he put those toys back, hummed and decided on the dildo he was currently playing with in his hands.

It wasn't too large nor too small; it looked like a normal cock spare for the swell of a knot at the base. The toy had a dark tip and a red base with a suction cup.

He stretched and got down on the floor, setting down a towel, the lube and the toy. He manifested himself as a vulva and hummed.

It had been a while since he had manifested this. He hummed softly and got on his knees, he put lube on his hands and stroked the toy slowly, squeezing the knot with a soft purr.

Lucifer moaned and slowly bucked his hips as he rubbed his clit in slow circles, nearly whimpering at the feeling of pleasure that zipped up his body.

His eyes slid shut as he focused on the pleasure. He waved his hand and grabbed a vibrator that floated over from the bag. He flicked it on and settled it against his clit. He squeaked loudly and turned it down a bit.

Lucifer rolled his hips against it before he grabbed the silicone cock, moving to adjust himself a bit as he began to sink on the toy. He moaned loudly, throwing his head back at the welcome stretch.

His wings flared out, dropping with mating oil as he fluttered them, riding the cock with vigour, he sank on the knot with a growl, flicking the vibrator on high.

He came with a scream, thankful for the fact that his room was soundproof.

He squirmed in overstimulation and flicked off the toy, rocking on the cock slowly to ride out his orgasm. He panted and leaned forward, moaning when the toy slipped out. He could feel his pussy drip. He turned to look at the puddle he had left.

Maybe Ozzie did have a point.

On the other side of Lucifer's door, Beau had his nose at the threshold, sniffing frantically at the scent of angelic arousal, drooling and panting heavily.

A growl left his throat when he was pulled back to his master, who was standing stiff-cocked with his arms crossed, irritated by the sudden erection. He snorted as he tried to get the scent out of his nose.

It was going to be a long rut.

Chapter Text

Alastor paced in his room, back and forth, his hackles ruffled as his hooves clicked on the floor. He was irritated today, more than normal, but he had to sit through a meeting with Charlie and Lucifer about something he didn't entirely care about.

He growled as he dressed, buttoning up his union suit. Beau helped him put on his normal suit and dusted him off in the mirror.

Alastor's fur twitched under the clothes as he clinked his antlers with Beauregard. They were nearly too large to fit through the door; he was going to need Husker to clip them with bolt cutters before they got too out of hand.

He ran his hands over his face before he sighed,
"Come on, old chap, let's get this over with," he opened the door and left his room.

Charlie had been more than insistent about this meeting for some reason, not even Husker or Alastor himself could persuade him.

He hummed to himself as he walked, seeing Husker in his sights,
"I request you in my room later, my tines need trimming, Husker,"
"Can't,"
"Excuse me?"
"I said I can't, Charlie wants to go over the bar menu, she's really whipping this place into shape lately. Can't Nifty do it?"

Alastor snapped his head right around to look at Husk,
"No, she can't. I'd like to have some of my antlers left, Husker. Besides, she isn't strong enough. I'd rather not subject her to any part of me in this season."

"I'll do it for ya, big buck," Angel said as he leaned on his doorframe. He nearly cringed when Alastor's head turned sharply,
"Pardon?" He pinned his ears at the spider sinner,
"I said, I'd trim your antlers for ya, I'm tall enough for it and I'm strong."

Alastor weighed his options. He could feel the antlers growing a little more. It was either bang them off of things and potentially get stuck on everything and risk Charlie noticing his discomfort, or bear Angel Dust getting close enough to touch him and help.

He noticed how the spider didn't smell like anything. He wasn't the one who had set Beau off the other day; it must have been another hotel resident, he hummed.
"I suppose. You know my boundaries, Angel Dust. I cannot promise my actions if you violate them in any way. Ta ta, for now, Beauregard will summon you when needed."

Alastor continued on his way, right into the meeting room, not bothering to turn back as he shut the door.

Charlie was waiting at their somewhat small conference table, a pile of fresh-baked goods in the center. She smiled warmly,
"We're just waiting on Dad, he's usually only a few minutes late," she said softly, nudging Razzle to go knock on his door to make sure he didn't forget.

The little dragon zipped through the halls and knocked on Lucifer's door. The fallen angel was fixing his hair, and he left his hat and coat off, instead just going somewhat casual.

He had his wings out, and he shuffled his feathers gently before he pulled them to his back. He finished up and opened the door, smiling at Razzle,
"Alright, I'm coming, I'm not late yet!"

Lucifer opened a portal and stepped into the conference room. He smiled at his daughter,
"Good morning, Char-Char, let's get this meeting on," he said, trying to sound happy; Inside, he wasn't. He was itchy, his skin felt somewhat feverish, the thought of food made him want to throw up the entire contents of his body, and his wings were somewhat greasy from the oncoming season.

He didn't mention the sharp pain coming from his lower stomach that ached for some kind of relief. Thankfully, the toys Ozzie had sent were helping, but they paled to the real thing at times.

Lucifer went to sit in a chair. He looked at the high back and felt his wings shift; they weren't going to fit behind him without getting pressed unfortunately to his body. He hummed and changed the chair to something backless and sat down.

Alastor was already sitting, his legs crossed neatly, his foot swinging idly as he grew antsy, and he was radiating darkness that even Charlie seemed to notice a bit.
"Alright, let's get this meeting on!" she smiled.

She rolled out a whiteboard that was full of scribbles and photos; both men could tell from her slightly sleep-deprived state that she had been working on it most of the night; neither man could protest it, or the pile of glitter that came with it.

Charlie droned on for about an hour till she noticed Lucifer beginning to doze off a bit,
"Dad?"
"Yeah?" He looked up at her,
"Have you eaten anything? You kinda look sick,"
"I'm alright, I promise."

That didn't sway the princess from persisting; she put a muffin in front of him,
"Dad, I know you forget to eat sometimes, maybe this will help-" she was cut off when the fallen angel dry heaved into a nearby trash can.

"Dad, are you alright!?" She called out, putting a hand on his shoulder,
"I'm ok, I promise..."
"We can reschedule the meeting. Come on, let me help you to your room. I'll have someone bring you some tea to settle your stomach."

Charlie wasn't going to give up. She took her father's arm and helped him to his room. Lucifer didn't need the health but would rather have his daughter think he was sick than have her know the truth that his body was going to reject food till he had an orgasm.

Lucifer sighed and accepted the help to his room. She opened the door and helped him out of his boots and into bed,
"Do you want me to sit with you for a while?"
"No, it's ok, Char-Char, I'm going to lie down for a bit with the curtains closed."

His daughter put a blanket over him,
"Alright, Dad, don't worry about anything either, no more meetings till you feel better, ok?"
"Thank you, Charlie... I love you,"
"I love you to Dad. Feel better soon."

Lucifer watched her leave. She shut the door firmly behind her, and he let out a groan and rubbed his face with his hands. It was only the second week in, and he was miserable.

Alastor waited in the conference room, knowing Charlie would either come back and finish the meeting or tell him to wait till Lucifer was feeling better.

It's when Alastor caught a whiff, subtle like the scent of petrichor after a good storm, with a hard nudge of apple cider and just the most subtle hint of cinnamon.

It smelled divine. Beau seemed to notice it too, wildly sniffing every inch of the room till he found the scent, Lucifer's chair, specifically two small drops of oil that had managed to flick off his wings when he opened them.

Beau was frantically rubbing the scent on himself, even licking the chair. Alastor growled at him and snorted,
"Beauregard, stop it this instant, you insufferable pig, that's utterly vile," he hissed out, watching his shadow lap at the delicate leather.

Charlie came in, and Beau scrambled back into the shadows,
"We can hold off meetings till Dad is feeling better... He seems pretty sick."
"Oh dear Charlotte, I'm sure he will be fine, he has all that angelic power after all."

"You're right, Alastor, thank you," she smiled and slipped off to go do something else for the day, leaving her board up; Alastor looked at his shadow,
"When you are done being terrible, summon an angel to my quarters."

Alastor left the room, tilting his head to fit his antlers through the door. He went through the shadows and popped up in his room, shedding his jacket and loosening his bowtie. He undid a few of his buttons and let out a soft sigh.

He growled softly at himself, hating the fact that Lucifer smelled so good. He heard a knock and he opened the door, and Angel stood there in a loose t-shirt and his normal short shorts,
"Alright, smiles let me trim ya tines," he said with a smile.

Alastor let him in, and Beau rummaged for the bolt cutters,
"You know the rules, correct? Don't touch me otherwise and certainly don't touch my antlers with your hands,"
"Yeah, I got it, I accidentally touched Beau's the other week and he got all weird, I won't touch yours..." It was then the spider sinner looked him up and down,
"You really get fluffy this season, don't ya? You're like fuckin' jacked."

Angel watched his ears pin,
"Yes, you know certainly why I'm like this already, you said you've dealt with this before?"
"Yeah, at the porn studio, Val brings in a lot of deer sinners during this season, since all their hormones are wild, it makes for a good show."

Beauregard handed Angel the cutters, and the spider opened and closed them a few times,
"Show me what you want cut," he said softly. Every time Alastor pointed to a tine, it was lopped off with a loud crunch. There was no blood in the upper rack, but the lower ones bled at times. The sinner hummed a tune as he cut them. He saw Beau skitter around the floor and eat the clippings,

"So, how have ya been lately with all of this?" He asked softly; he knew prying at Alastor might get him nowhere, but it was worth a try.

The dead air buzz sounded, and Alastor's ears twitched as he chose his words carefully,
"Annoyed to put it simply,"
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Not particularly, but I suppose I should, you seem to be the only one wise about this sort of thing."

Alastor sighed gently,
"This kind of thing is annoying, the extra fur, my moods fluctuate, everyone smells wrong in a sense... Though Lucifer doesn't,"
"Yeah, your nose gets sensitive... wait, did you just say Lucifer smells good?" Angel asked as he set the bolt cutters down,
"Yes, it's somewhat off-putting; it's enough to rile Beauregard up something fierce."

The shadow in question was sniffing at Angel,
"I don't smell like anything other than perfume, you ain't gonna try and hump my leg," He said, looking down at him before going back to Al,
"Usually, the only thing that smells good when you're in rut is someone compatible in season, I gotta spray myself in pheromones for rut shoots otherwise they ain't interest, " he spoke as he set down the bolt cutters.

Alastor let out a low bark,
"You must be kidding me? He's a fallen angel, do angels even?"
"Well, if he smells like that, yeah, Vaggie would probably know about angel stuff. She's fine, though. Maybe it's an archangel thing or something."

Angel and he shared a look,
"Things probably just got a whole lot more difficult for ya, you know, if you need anything and you don't want to come out, you can just get your shadow to come get me, right? I don't mind, I've seen how bad this shit gets firsthand."

Alastor nodded and looked away with a soft sigh,
"Could you attempt to explain to Charlotte that I am in no shape to deal with anyone? Husker has tried, and she's insisting things still get done, at the minimum, I could do paperwork," he was frustrated with himself. Angel nodded,
"Yeah, I can try."

There was a pause between the two,
"Have you ever thought about taking someone to ride out the season with?" Angel asked softly,
"If you're asking if I want to fornicate with you, the answer is no-"
"Fuck no, I know you're not into me. Someone else, it'd probably lessen the symptoms a lil, and your hand probably isn't doing it for ya," he spoke with a smirk. Alastor covered his face and rubbed it with his hands,
"Must you be so crass?"

"Listen, it's gonna make you uncomfortable no matter how I say it, right? May as well rip it off quick like a band-aid," Angel smiled crookedly,
"I dislike that you have a point."

It took some coaxing to get Alastor to sit down in his normal chair at the side of the fire, Angel across from him,
"Is there anyone you think of that you'd wanna be with at a time like this, Al?"
"None comes to mind. I've tried to lie with someone before, though I find it hard to find the feeling of wanting sexual contact."
"Ya don't have to want it at all. Not everyone has sexual attraction; you can like the physical stuff but not be sexually attracted to people. Romantic attraction is a thing too if you'd rather something like that."

Alastor glanced over at him before flicking his ears,
"I suppose so, though I'd rather not lie with anyone in hell with my status, I certainly don't need rumours starting..."
"Sex workers in hell are bound by contract, confidentiality and all that, it's why ya never hear me chatting about the ones that buy me out."

Angel watched Alastor mill about it more,
"Prostitution is so impersonal,"
"I don't think virgins exist here, Al, Val scoops them up for porn shoots."

The buck simply rolled his eyes and crossed his legs, bouncing his foot, looking into the fire,
"Perhaps there isn't one for me alive or dead,"
"Ya know, I thought that too at one point after Val broke me," Angel said softly, looking into the fire, a warm smile on his face,
"Turns out I just wasn't looking in the right place."

The spider stood,
"I should go make lunch. Do you want me to bring you something too?" He asked,
"If you'd please," he said softly.

Angel began to walk out. He opened the door,
"Angel,"
"Yeah, Al?"
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome."

Lucifer lay in bed, the sheet pulled up to his chin as he stared at the ceiling. He wanted this to be over; depression was creeping in as he shut his eyes.

The tea didn't help his stomach, so he sighed and got up, wrapping himself in his duck blanket. As he sighed, he opened his door and peeked out. Thankfully, the kitchen was just downstairs; he knew everyone but Alastor, Husk, and Angel were out today..

Lucifer walked slowly, knowing Alastor was in a pissy mood and stayed in his room anyway. Husk was always in the main foyer, and Angel was usually out or in his room.

Or so he thought, he padded into the kitchen, directly into the back of Angel, he squeaked,
"Fuck sorry!" He said as his wings fluffed up and flared out,
"It's alright, don't worry about it."

Angel waved his hand and moved back in front of the stove, cooking with soft music playing from the radio,
"I'm making bolognese for lunch if you want some. Charlie told me to try and get you to eat something. I'm playing Mommy today, well, she's out with Nif and Vaggie."

Lucifer nodded,
"I will try, my stomach isn't feeling the best lately," he said softly as he sat at the table in the kitchen, tugging his blanket and wings around him as he closed his eyes. A click made them open as Angel settled a teacup in front of him,
"Heat does that to you. Try this."

The angel sipped it and enjoyed the soft lemon taste before he fluffed,
"Wait... how did you know?"
"I'm a porn star, rut films are really popular down here," he glanced back at him,
"They are?" Lucifer tilted his head,
"Have you never watched a porn film?" He questioned.

Angel looked at him as he shook his head,
"You're just as bad as Al, I don't think he's ever seen any sorta porn either," Angel hummed, Lucifer shrugged and looked a the wall,
"It didn't interest me much... What's in this tea?" He questioned.

Lucifer sipped it; it was helping the nausea, and the bolognese angel was stirring; it smelled good,
"Chamomile and lemon, my Nona used to make it when we were sick," he said as he got a fond smile on his face.

Beauregard was creeping around the kitchen, sniffing at things, till he started sniffing at Lucifer, the angel's wings fluffed a little when he felt the movement of air,
"What the fuck are you doing?" he said with a squeak, looking at the shadow.

The spider sinner looked back,
"He's scenting you, and he's probably hungry. Come here, Beau, eat this and leave Lucifer alone," he said, waving a piece of bread at him. The shadow glanced back at Angel. He looked back at Lucifer drooling before he took the bread and went off to cause havoc somewhere else.

"He doesn't usually get that close,"
"Rut is happening, he's scenting everyone, since you're in season, he's gonna get closer to you," he said as he glanced back,
"I'm surprised ya don't have someone in your bed, honestly, you're the king of hell, you could have whoever ya want."

Lucifer pulled his knees up to his chest and lay his head on them,
"Not whoever I want, it's been so long since I've had sex with someone else, I question if I'm worth it anymore."

Angel turned back to look right at him,
"Not with that fucking attitude. Come on, you're the king of hell, you're like the ultimate bad boy, I'm pretty sure most people wanna fuck you," he said, putting one set of hands on his hips,
"Have some confidence, you're the big dick in charge of this place, be the ultimate fuck toy if ya wanna."

The king of hell got out of the chair and dropped his blanket, flaring his wings out,
"Yeah!" He said with a smile, he was starting to feel better.

A woody scent drifted into the kitchen slowly, mixed with campfire and the subtle scent of magnolia, Lucifer's wings fluffed up,
"Why are you so? Oh, that's why," Angel said as he turned to the door where Alastor stood.

The silence was deafening. Alastor snorted, and Lucifer froze. Angel looked between both of them,
"Lunch is ready."

Angel set two plates of pasta down, as Alastor sat at the other end of the table, both seemed to thank Angel as he took another plate to go eat with Husk, leaving them alone.

The spider took the elevator down to the bar and hummed as he sat down on a stool, setting both plates down,
"Glad I'm down here,"
"Why?"
"Alastor and Lucifer are eating together in the kitchen, and I don't know if it's gonna result in fighting or fuckin."

Upstairs, it was just silence, eating in silence, Lucifer's wings, however, wouldn't stay down, ruffling and fluffing, occasionally twitching to further his scent.

Alastor kept his eyes away from Lucifer, thinking he could smell him; his tail was wagging underneath his housecoat, and he swallowed the food in his mouth before he took a deep inhale.

Lucifer looked at him, remembering what Angel said,
"I have a proposition."
"For what?"
"For something that will help us both?"
"Oh, do tell."

Alastor focused on Lucifer as he ate his food. He was nearly done; he typically didn't eat anything other than red meat, but he had to pack on the fat for rut.

"I am in season, as I'm sure you can smell, and you are in rut. I propose a fuck buddy situation, post-season, both of us will go back to our normal lives and never speak of it again; mutual pleasure and no one will ever know," Lucifer said, looking at him.

Alastor's ears flicked as he thought about it. Lucifer wouldn't risk his reputation to chat about his sex life; he smelled divine, and surely it was better than destroying everything in his room out of frustration and fucking his shadow.

Lucifer was antsy; the worst he could do was rent out one of hell's various hookers,
"Let's make it a contract, spending our respective seasons with one another, not another word will be spoken to any soul about it. No strings attached, we will go back to our regular bickering as normal when this is over, yes?" He asked as he extended his hand.

The sinner looked at the extended hand cautiously; perhaps it was the sweet scent wafting off the fallen angel, 

“Deal,” the angel shook the buck's hand and a green and gold light washed over both of them, the sounds of chains clinking as the deal was forged out of need for hate fucking and comfort.

Alastor set his plate in the sink. Lucifer had eaten most of his lunch, so he scraped the rest out and snapped all of the dishes clean, leaving a simple note of thanks for Angel.

The kitchen door was held open for the angel,
"After you," Alastor said with a smirk. Lucifer walked out, one of his wings lifting to run just under the buck's nose.

Alastor let out a positively feral noise, drool ran down his chin as his teeth chattered,
"I do hope you know what you're in for, little king."

"Hopefully the best sex of my life."

Chapter Text

Lucifer stared at the ceiling as Alastor licked along his body, rubbing himself in the fallen angel's scent.

He thought he was going to be fucked within an inch of his life, but he guessed licking would suffice.

Beauregard was rubbing himself against Lucifer's wings with a crackling purr of static. The shadow on his own kind of creeped him out, but he didn't care; the pain had gone away when he could smell Alastor, and his room was full of nothing but the scent of magnolia and campfire.

Lucifer squirmed when he grew lower, licking down his stomach with a low bleat, his tongue dipping into the concave of his hip bone, his pants were tugged away along with any other article of clothing.

Alastor grabbed him and moved him as if he weighed nothing, pulling the smaller man to his body, rubbing his nose in his hair, snorting with his tail wagging.

Lucifer noticed the tail. It made him smile, the big scary radio demon has a cute fluffy tail that wags when he's happy; the blonde snapped his fingers and both the shadow and the sinner looked at them, ears twitching.

"Why are you snapping? Am I doing something to upset you?" Alastor asked, glaring at him with his ears pinned, clearly annoyed that he had to stop his snuffling of Lucifer's hair.

Lucifer blinked a few times,
"No, if you upset me, I'd just tell you to stop... We should probably make a safe word."
"What is a safe word?" Alastor asked as he stared back at him,
"A word that you say when you want to stop having sex with me."
"A simple stop could suffice, don't you think?"
"No, it doesn't work like that; it has to be something we both don't regularly say."

Alastor hummed and his ears flicked as he thought. Beau picked that moment to lick between the angel’s wings, earning him a swat from the smaller man,
"I wouldn't hit him, he enjoys it," he said before he smirked,
"What about the word beignet?"
"Oh, like the little fried things with the jam in the middle?"
"Precisely!"

The angel gave a nod and gave in to the sudden craving for delicious fried dough. He snapped again, making Alastor furrow his brow,
"Why do you keep snapping?"
"Magic," he said as he reached onto the nightstand and grabbed a beignet with delicate fingers; the buck drooled.

Lucifer made a mental note that drool was a sex thing and a food thing, he guessed.

Alastor took one of the little pastries, taking a bite out of it, he nearly moaned at the taste. Beau was licking the powdered sugar off of Lucifer's chest,
"What is Beauregard anyway? I know he's your shadow."
"He's an extension of my inner being, manifesting feelings and emotions that I don't show. Though when rut happens, he turns into a personification of every hormone-induced thought that comes with rut season."

The angel finished his pastry, but before he could lick his fingers, the shadow did, his tongue twining around the digits and sucking them clean,
"Explains why he's so freaky, can you feel what he does?"
"To a certain extent, yes, why do you ask?" He questioned.

Lucifer carefully moved his hand up to touch one of the shadow’s ears, rubbing the base of it in slow, tender circles. The shadow melted into his touch with a low growling purr. Al's ears went down as his eyes fluttered shut, and he let out a soft squeak and relaxed.

Alastor licked his fingers clean of sugar, and Lucifer watched him settle down more, allowing the angel to actually touch him and rub his antlers in slow circles.

"Why did you snap the first time?" The buck questioned as he signed softly,
"To manifest a vulva, it's more comfortable than a constant erection."
"...you can do that?" He asked as he looked over to him,
"I'm the king of hell, angels aren't bound by gender binary either; it was a human construct. I do whatever is most comfortable at the current time."

Alastor glanced downward, curious. The soft touches were forgotten as he carefully handled the angel, putting him on his back and opening his legs with a pleasant little growl; the scent was dripping from him.

Lucifer squeaked softly. He noticed the drool,
"I didn't take you for someone who enjoyed this type of thing."
"You’d be surprised when it comes to rutting season, things that normally disgust me only entice me," he said as he licked his inner thigh, the angel's wings flared out, and Beauregard grew closer, licking up the pale skin of the blonde’s taut stomach.

The angel arched his back as the shadow licked his inner wing. Alastor lapped along his inner thighs, his tongue drawing closer to Lucifer's dripping wet cunt.

The first lick of Lucifer nearly made Alastor see stars. He coated the buck's tongue, and he tasted of the finest rye whiskey with a hint of sweetness.

Alastor was gone after that, licking and lapping at every inch of the angel's pussy, Lucifer was moaning and rolling his hips, his hands settled on the buck's antlers, gripping them.

Lucifer let out moans as he squirmed to chase the pleasure of grinding his clit against the sinner's tongue; his wings shivered and shook.

Beau lapped at one of his nipples, sucking and gently biting. Lucifer shivered. Alastor smirked and slid his tongue into Lucifer, curling it forward to lap at the spot inside him that made him squirm as he used his nose to rub the angel's clit.

The angel screeched in pleasure, his legs shivering as he closed them around the sinner's head, his back arched, and his wings flared out, hitting the shadow who was at his side.

Lucifer came with a noise Alastor had never heard before; the angel's body went tight as he rolled his hips to ride out his orgasm.

Alastor noticed the horns and tail Lucifer had sprouted, along with the many eyes that decorated his body that were now looking at him; the sinner didn't care as he slid his tongue out.

The buck greedily lapped up the slick from Lucifer’s release, and Alastor slurped up every drop of it. That angle blushed and squirmed gently in overstimulation, panting as the extra eyes went away.

Lucifer let go of his antlers and gently opened his legs to let the buck free. Alastor dragged his tongue over his pussy one more time before he sat back on his knees, panting, licking his lips and face,
"You taste like the sweetest Ambrosia. I don't think I've ever tasted anything better."

The angel blushed bright gold, covering himself with his wings. He was still shy about everything, and his mind still wondered if he was worth the effort Alastor was making. Maybe it was the hormones talking.

The buck slid himself under the cocoon of wings, his tail wagging as he nuzzled Lucifer's pale throat, furiously rubbing his scent into his skin.

The wings opened as Lucifer felt Alastor’s cock poking his thigh. He glanced down and his eyes widened,
"Where have you been hiding all of that..."

Alastor's ears flicked as he sat back on his knees,
"Is it truly that oversized?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow. Lucifer sat up and got a closer look,
"It's nearly longer than my arm and you have a knot too..."

There was a moment of shame that crossed Alastor's face, but it was quickly pushed aside as Lucifer put a hand on his chest,
"I enjoy it... I've always been somewhat of a size queen anyway,”

Lucifer coaxed Alastor to lie down, settling between his legs. He saw the buck's tail go between his legs,
"If you get uncomfortable, use our safe word."
"Yes, I know."

Alastor heard a snap and looked at the angel, confused.
"I'm removing my gag reflex and a few other things that I don't need in this form," he said softly as he rubbed the buck's hips, noticing Lucifer had gotten rid of the vulva and was now sporting a cock.

The angel waved his hand, and a bottle of lube appeared. He slicked his hand and gently stroked what parts of the sinner's cock he couldn't fit in his mouth, yet, pumping it to full hardness before Lucifer took the tip and put it to his lips, flicking his forked tongue out before he slid it into his mouth slowly.

Alastor squirmed a little and tried to buck his hips. Lucifer held them down and continued to swallow down his cock achingly slow; the angel's nose was nuzzled into the soft, red-tipped fluff at the base of his cock.

Lucifer began to bob his head slowly, his wings shivering gently as he did. Alastor moaned lowly and shivered, his tail wagging wildly.

The angel bobbed his head a few times before he pulled away, slowly, running his forked tongue on the underside as he did, looking up at Alastor, who was positively red as he watched.

Lucifer slicked his fingers again and stretched his ass. He could have snapped himself prepped, but the look on Alastor's face as he fucked himself with his fingers was priceless; Lucifer's soft gasps and moans filled the space as he rolled his hips gently.

Alastor watched with interest, licking his lips. He'd never felt like this before; it had been a long time since he'd been this physically aroused. He inhaled deeply, taking in the cocktail of scents. It was positively delicious.

It made him drool.

Lucifer slid his fingers out and added a bit more lube to the sinner's waiting cock,
"Ready?"
"Yes, Lucifer, are you?"
"You don't need to ask me twice."

Slowly Lucifer slid down on Alastor's length, happy he had made room inside himself to take the monster of a cock that the radio demon sported, he threw his head back and moaned low,
"Fuck I love the feeling of you stretching me."

Lucifer panted softly and looked down at Alastor, the sinner was struggling to keep still, growling softly. The angel took his hand and settled it on his taught stomach. Alastor could feel the bulge move as his cock twitched; it made him snarl.

Alastor started to gently buck his hips, Lucifer moaned and settled his hands over the scar on Alastor's chest, looking into his eyes as he flared his wings,
"Fuck me like you hate me, Alastor."

The sinner didn't need to be told anything more; he let out an angered blow and snarled, grabbing Lucifer roughly by the hips as he fucked him mercilessly, making the angel scream out in pleasure, a cacophony of chirps and bird songs peppered in.

Lucifer's wings gave flutters and flaps when Alastor struck his prostate, and wing oil splattered onto the walls of the buck's room. Beauregard happily lapped it up, doing anything he could to get a taste.

Alastor rolled his hips and tugged the angel down so he was lying against him, the buck lapped and suckled at his throat, and Lucifer bared the pale column of flesh for him.

With a low bugle, Alastor but down on his throat, slamming the knot of his cock into Lucifer, locking them together, the angel screamed and his wings shook as he came, painting his and the sinner's stomach with a gold-tinted release.

Alastor held him, lapping up the delicious angelic nectar that was Lucifer's blood. He rocked his hips in quick jolts, burying his knot as deep as he could in the angel.

Lucifer panted and whined, gently rolling his hips, savouring the warmth that was painting his insides, the knot that stretched him so deliciously, he couldn't help it as he came again.

The angel let the sinner lap at his blood till the wounds healed before he sat back on Alastor's hips. Lucifer threw his head back with a soft moan as he sat down a little further, jostling the cock deeper.

Beauregard purred and slid between them, lapping up Lucifer's release with a content little bleat; Alastor helped as he took some on his fingers, licking it off slowly, smirking; there was truly no part of the angel that tasted foul; perhaps that was the rut talking, though.

The Angel blushed as he watched the two of them. He let his wings lie limp as he waited.

Alastor growled a little as he shifted, holding the angel's hips as his knot deflated enough to slip out of Lucifer, causing a slight gush of cum to follow it.

Lucifer shivered as he felt it. He was moved onto his stomach as the cleaning began, his ass up in the air as Beau lapped at what had leaked out of him, Alastor was licking between his wings, lazily lapping up the oil as he lay next to him.

Beauregard deemed him clean enough and nipped his outer wing. Alastor hummed, and his tail wagged contentedly as he helped Lucifer lie down, licking every inch of his body. The sinner licked away the sweat and the scent of sex, lapping till Lucifer smelled right. He lay next to him and yawned softly.

Lucifer looked up at the ceiling, blissed out in a post-orgasmic haze, soaking up the gentle aftercare of Alastor cleaning him.

"To clarify, I don't hate you. You are rather annoying at times," Alastor spoke as he had a moment of clarity, rut satisfied for now,
"If that's you disliking me, I'm alright if you hate me... I think that was the best sex I've ever had..."

They both seemingly stared at the ceiling. There was no kissing or cuddling afterward, just thinking,
"Was your wife not any good?" Alastor asked softly,
"She didn't fuck me like she wanted me, Alastor. Maybe this is just what I needed."

Ozzie was right; Lucifer knew he couldn't break the contract. If he could, the sin would have gotten an incredibly long-winded text going over every detail about this new love affair for the season.

Alastor, on the other hand, was satisfied. He pulled a cigarette out of his bedside drawer and lit it with a match, taking a few puffs to make sure it was lit before he lay back in bed, taking a long drag.

"I will give it to you, you are quite receptive in bed, the noises you make are Beautiful enough to drive the finest of musicians into madness," he said as he blew rings. Lucifer glanced over and stole a drag off the cigarette.
"I already have Alastor, you just never noticed."

Angel smiled in the kitchen at the sweet little note Lucifer left, a vase of roses beside it,
"What a charmer that short king is," he smiled as he picked up the vase and walked back to his room. Husk was waiting outside the door.

"Did it work?"
"Mhm, it did, baby," Angel smiled more and smelled the roses. He opened the door and walked in with Husk, petting Nugget. He set down the roses and lay down in his bed, opening his arms,
"Come cuddle me, whiskers."

Husk smirked,
"Don't need to tell me twice, Legs," he said as he closed the door. He crawled into his arms.

Angel wrapped himself around Husk, feeling his boyfriend's wings lay over him gently.

Alastor slumbered peacefully in bed, Lucifer crawled out, and padded out of the bayou, carefully walking to the front of the room. He tugged a thick robe over his shoulders and tied it, waving his hand as he gave himself some underwear.

He padded out of the room in nothing but his duck slippers, tugging the fluffy collar of his robe up over the mark on his neck as he headed to the kitchen.

With a yawn, he walked into the kitchen,
"Dad! I got you some tea, well, we were out, are you feeling better?" Charlie asked as she fussed over the fallen angel.

Lucifer smiled,
"I'm feeling better, Char-Char... Can we talk about something?" He asked softly, as he fidgeted slightly, and Charlie tilted her head,
"Yeah, Dad, what's wrong?"

There was a soft sigh that made Charlie a little unsettled,
"I don't really like talking to you about this kind of thing, but, Uhm," he swallowed,
"I'm in... Season, I guess is the proper word, it makes me pretty sick feeling, and I can't function most days... I can still do paperwork if needed, but I can't attend any meetings till it's over,"
"Oh, Dad, I know what heat is, Angel explained a lot to me earlier. You and Alastor are off the hook, no more meetings till everyone is feeling their best."

Lucifer cracked a well-worn smile and held his arms open for a hug,
"Thank you, Charlie," he said softly as his daughter bent down and gave him a gentle hug,
"Oh, I got you something else too to help," she said softly.

She pulled away and handed him a bag of things that she had gotten nifty to pick up after Angel had sent her a text.
"Hot water bottle, some painkillers, a pile of sweets,"
"And a weighted stuffed duck...I'm gonna cry, aw, Charlie!" Lucifer whimpered, sniffling. He didn't usually cry, but this made him nearly sob.

Charlie hugged him and let him cry into her shoulder. She held him tight,
"I know you don't always want help with stuff, but I'll be here for you if you need me. Nifty will drop you and Alastor off food for every meal, so you don't have to leave your rooms."

Lucifer stood on the tips of his hooves as he kissed the top of his daughter's head,
"I love you, Charlie."
"I love you too, Dad."

The blonde took his bag of things and wandered back to Alastor's room. Beauregard was waiting for him. He nuzzled the little angel happily as he did with a feral purr.

Lucifer reached up and slowly stroked the bases of his ears, humming a slow song as he did, watching the shadow’s tail wag quickly. He moved his fingers between the antlers and his ears, scratching the area.

A heavy tapping made him look down; the shadow was shaking his leg, his hoof striking the floor, which made Lucifer giggle.

Alastor was up, his hair fluffy, fully nude as he walked toward Lucifer, his hackles raised. He waved his hand and took the place of his shadow, his face resting against the fluffy lapels of Lucifer's robe; he was resting on his knees.

Lucifer stopped scratching, he rubbed his inner ears and watched the radio demon's eyes close as he settled down more. The angel's dainty, clawed hands began to card through Alastor's hair, gently scratching his scalp and undercut.

Alastor let out soft fawn squeaks. He melted into Lucifer, his arms wrapping around the angel's hips.

It was a quiet yet tender moment.

Lucifer moved his hands, holding Alastor's cheeks as he tilted the sinner's head up. Slowly, slowly, he pressed their lips together, sliding his eyes shut.

Alastor flicked his eyes open in surprise before he shut them again, slowly returning the kiss.

It was tender.

Achingly tender.

Slow kisses turned to touches as the deer sinner gently opened the angel's robe, his clawed hands ran down his lithe body, feeling the muscles that strained under his skin like the fine strings of a fiddle.

The kiss was broken as Lucifer shed the robe, dropping it to the floor in a fluffy heap as he stood nude before Alastor.

There was no haste, but the feverish need was still there, not yet satisfied like an unyielding beast.

Alastor stood, picking up the angel as if he weighed nothing, carrying him to bed, trying to place him on it, only for Lucifer to wiggle out of his arms and onto his knees.

The angel looked up at him as he licked his cock slowly, his forked tongue splitting as he got to the tip, flicking over the head. Alastor blushed as his hips bucked involuntarily.

Lucifer smirked and slowly ran his tongue up the underside of the sinner's cock before he took it into his mouth, watching the look on Alastor's face shift with a moan as the angel sank to the base, his nose buried in the soft fluff at the base of his member.

Alastor's hand was grabbed and placed on the back of the angel's head as he began to bob feverishly. Lewd, sloppy noises filled the air as Lucifer worked the sinner's cock with ease. The buck shifted his hips a bit before he grabbed the angel's hair and began to thrust slowly, fucking his mouth.

The moans that filled the air were more like feral growls. Alastor's tail wagged as he pulled Lucifer's hair, watching as the angel blushed gold. The eye contact was wrong, but oh so right.

Alastor was growling close to climax. He audibly snarled when Lucifer pulled away, a thin string of saliva still connecting them,
"Not yet," he said breathlessly as he licked his lips, flicking his tongue quickly over the head of the sinner's cock just to watch his hips buck.

Lucifer smirked and got on the bed, placing his chest on the mattress, his hips up, ass in the air as he wiggled it slightly. Alastor wasted no time with a low growl, a hand on the angel's back between his wings as his other worked the cock into the blonde's already prepped ass.

The angel moaned, his wings shaking as he was stretched. Alastor was growling as he began to thrust wildly, drops of drool dripping onto Lucifer's wings before he started to nip at the back of his neck.

Lucifer moaned loudly, panting as he pushed his hips back to meet the sinner's thrusts. He slicked one of his hands as he played with his cock, stroking it quickly,
"Al-a-stor," he chirped as the air was knocked out of him by the demon above.

Alastor pinned his ears as his knot started to swell. His hooves slid slightly on the floor as he snapped his hips harder, narrowly moving the bed frame as he did. Snarling, he grabbed a handful of Lucifer's hair and tugged before he bit down on one of his wings.

The angel's back arched, and his wings fluttered. The pain was mixed with the pleasure. Lucifer loved it. Alastor pulled out and flipped him onto his back, his mouth dripping with golden blood and blackened drool.

Lucifer panted softly and screamed out in pleasure when the radio demon slid into him harshly, fucking him deeper than he had before. The blonde's legs wrapped around Alastor's waist; the friction between their bodies was making the angel's cock ache with need.

Alastor only got closer, leaving harsh bites along the angel's ivory skin, savouring the taste of his blood. With one final thrust, he knotted Lucifer. He let out a bellow of pleasure as he kept snapping his hips forward, trying to get as deep as possible.

Lucifer flapped his wings, his back arching like a bow as he screamed out, his climax hitting him hard enough that he swore he'd died and gone back to heaven, his eyes flicked shut, and he knew he lost his form momentarily, no longer able to hide his horns, his tail or the many eyes that littered his body.

The sinner didn't seem to care; he was catching his breath, panting harshly as he flicked his ears, sweat coating his body as he gazed at his work.

Jagged-looking bites littered the angel's body, bruises blooming upon the milky white skin where he had touched, blackened spots of drool, the pearlescent splatter of cum up the blonde’s concave stomach, the dishevelled hair cast like a golden halo above Lucifer's head.

He was Beautiful, like a painting of a being that not even an artist could properly capture.

Lucifer lay back, and his legs twitched as he groaned softly and shifted gently, the post-orgasmic haze making him feel like he was stuck to the bed. He cracked his eyes open with a blissed-out smile on his face.

"I need a shower after this," Lucifer said before his eyes closed again. Alastor was licking up the mess on the angel's body carefully as he waited,
"I suppose that is warranted," he said softly.

Lucifer was tugged into Alastor's arms, letting out a moan of protest. His body felt like it was made of jelly,
"Bastard, you could have waited till we were separated."
"Why wait? There will surely be less mess."
"I don't even think I can stand, let alone move."

Alastor hummed,
"Oh, have I broken the mighty king of hell?"
"The mighty king of hell is old and fucked out," Lucifer grumbled, his eyes barely opened as he yawned. He glanced around the bayou as he was carried.

The shower was nothing more than a tile floor with a shower head that came out of an overgrown Cyprus tree, the pipes swallowed by nature, only the taps visible as Alastor turned them on, his hand under the spray of water.

Lucifer lay his head against Alastor's chest, far too tired to care about anything more than the peaceful lull of rest. Alastor stepped under the warm spray.

Alastor flicked his ears back and sighed under the warm water. Comfortable as he held Lucifer in his arms, he shifted slightly and slid his softening cock out of the angel. The blonde moaned softly, shivering slightly.

The angel was placed on his feet, his legs wobbled as he held onto the sinner for support, he could feel Alastor's release dripping down his thighs,
"Fuck," Lucifer said softly as he closed his wings, trying to wash himself, hating the sticky feeling of cum on his skin.

Alastor washed himself before he helped Lucifer, fingers running over every inch of his body with a scentless soap, feeling every scar, dimple and muscle on the angel's body as if he was mapping it out by memory.

Lucifer normally didn't like the attention like this; he was typically the one to give care rather than receive it, but this felt right.

In a cleaned bed with somewhat stained sheets, Alastor lay snoring softly, his body curled around Lucifer protectively. The little angel slept on his stomach, his wings draped over the sinner like a blanket made of the finest fabrics.

It was peaceful as they rested, the soft peeps of frogs in the bayou, fireflies buzzing around the banks of the swamp, alligators bellowing deep in the distance, the sticky humidity had settled to a comforting warmth.

It was the best sleep Lucifer had had since Lillith had left him.

Chapter Text

Alastor was feverish, pacing back and forth, drooling; his form was extended and grotesque. Lucifer wasn't scared, but he certainly wasn't as comfortable with him.

Lucifer stood in front of the sinner's head, his hands gently rubbing his ears; there was now a whole five feet of height difference.

The angel knew just how much of a mess Alastor was currently in; Beauregard hadn't stopped shaking all morning; the sounds he made were mostly static and roving radio stations with screaming in between.

Lucifer was trying to keep him calm, gently rubbing and scratching at his fur,

"I got you, I know how much pain you are in," he said quietly. There was a low whine in Alastor's throat.

Alastor lay down and let Lucifer rub his ears tenderly. The large sinner stood up and lifted the little angel in his hands, carrying him to the bed and setting him down carefully.

The sinner crawled up on the bed, resting his upper body on the mattress as Lucifer kept fussing with him, rubbing his antlers and ears to keep him content. Nifty knocked on the door and dropped food off. Beau took it and dragged it in, bringing it to Lucifer and setting the trays on the bed. The angel thanked him.

Lucifer hummed as he took the cloche off the food. He could tell it was Angel's day to cook; he always made some kind of Italian dish, and today was lasagna. The angel looked at Alastor, he cut a piece off with the fork and put it up to the sinner's mouth, the buck turned away with a disinterested grunt,

"You have to eat something, otherwise you're going to starve."

Alastor didn't budge, pinning his ears. Lucifer sighed,

"Alright, at least drink something," he said as he held up a glass of water. The sinner flicked his ears and turned his head back, letting the angel help him drink.

It was completely different from the last few days. Alastor's physical body was still in rut, ready to mate at a moment's notice, but his mind seemed to be elsewhere; Lucifer knew that. He picked at his food, only eating half of it before Beau took the trays and set them outside the door.

Lucifer curled up on the bed, still petting Alastor's ears, for being a horrific monster that struck fear into everyone's heart, his fur was soft.

Alastor closed his eyes and let him rub, upset with himself that his body was doing this, but that was rut, and every deer sinner either rotted away in pain or took someone to fuck it out with.

The radio demon usually didn't do the latter; he didn't want to, not like this, he'd hurt Lucifer,

"I can hear you overthinking Alastor."

His eyes snapped open to concerned red eyes,

"I know what it's like to overthink everything when you're like this, and to not want sex even though your body is telling you otherwise," he said softly as he moved to hug his neck. Lucifer let out a little grunt and hugged him back.

The angel kissed his nose gently and snapped, making the bed big enough for Al in his larger form. The sinner crawled the rest of the way onto the bed, holding Lucifer close as he lay down and settled a little more.

Lucifer kept his rubbing and scratching up, kisses every so often on his face for reassurance.

They stayed like that for hours till Alastor ignored his body enough to sleep.

Lucifer stayed awake, watching him sleep and eventually trying to drift off himself, but his body wouldn't let him. He sighed and laid a wing over Alastor's monstrous form; it was a moment of peace in the radio demon's life.

Alastor shivered and curled in tighter to himself, his hands clawing at his head suddenly,

"Alastor?" Lucifer questioned, the actions grew more violent, and the angel shoved his hands under the sinners, pulling them away from his hair.

Beauregard wailed, and Alastor sat up, snarling, snapping his jaws at Lucifer,

"I got you," he said softly. He wasn't scared of him; he scratched the base of his ears and watched him grunt before he settled again.

"This type of thing brings up bad memories for you, too, doesn't it?" He asked softly.

Alastor closed his eyes before his ears were pinned flat to his head. Beau whispered out,

"Yes." The angel kept rubbing,

"It doesn't bring good ones for me either," he said quietly,

"Reminds me of heaven before I was cast out and Lily before she left..." Lucifer stroked his ears slowly.

Lucifer sighed and wrapped a wing around himself. It was a sudden feeling of being abandoned all over again. He closed his eyes.

Alastor looked up at him before closing his own eyes; they were more alike than he cared to admit at any point.

Hours later, more food was dropped off, and Lucifer heard the door and rolled off the bed, wandering tiredly toward the door. Being in season always made it hard to rest, not that his body wanted it.

He opened the door, and Husk opened his wings, startling slightly,

"Mhm, sorry I didn't mean to scare you," Lucifer said quietly. The cat handed him the tray,

"It's fine, I don't usually expect the door to be open, usually by now Al is either rampaging or in his starvation stage, like clockwork... How are you holdin' up anyway? You look rough."

Lucifer blinked a few times and looked down at the tray before looking back up to the bar cat,

"It happens... The height of the season is rough all around. I can't really sleep and I'm restless but tired,"

"I understand that, I'll leave ya to it."

Husk left without another word, and Lucifer took the tray in, setting it on the counter as he stared at the food under the neat little dome. He lifted it and looked puzzled.

Nifty had made something; he could only assume it was a chunk of jello salad and some kind of cocktail shrimp garnishing it. He shook the plate and watched it jiggle obscenely.

Human food was never something he quite got the hang of in terms of different eras; he stared in distaste before he sighed. He wasn't hungry anyway. He left the tray on the counter and moved to lie down on the couch. He stared at the fireplace, letting himself drift in his mind.

Lucifer wrapped his wings around his body and closed his eyes, burrowing into himself. This feeling was normal. A feeling of loneliness and isolation laced with pain till he felt his wing lift and Beauregard crawl into his arms, he cracked an eye open to look at the shadow who was nuzzling his chest before he peaked out.

Alastor lay at the side of the couch in a tight ball, his head resting on his arms as he flicked his ear tiredly. Lucifer smiled a bit. Maybe he wasn't as alone as he thought. He held Beau and finally drifted to sleep.

When Lucifer awoke, it was to Alastor pacing again, the sinner panting, drool dripping down his chin and onto the hardwood. The angel pulled his wings to his back and sat up with a soft yawn before he focused on Alastor.

It was easy to spot why he was restless as a cock the size of Lucifer was painfully throbbing against his stomach,

"Alastor," the angel asked. The sinner looked over at him, listening.

"Do you want help with that?" Lucifer questioned, looking back, Alastor's ears flicked, and Beauregard growled a tortured,

"Yes," into the angel's ear.

Slowly, Lucifer climbed off the couch and snapped his clothes away, adjusting his form so he wouldn't snap in half and prepping himself before he opened his wings and shook them, letting the scent of his season roll off him, hoping it would cause Alastor to be a little less restless.

It didn't.

Alastor growled deep in his throat, the drool spilling onto the floor from between his lips.

Lucifer didn't realize he had hit the floor with his ass up till the air was knocked out of him and his wings were pinned down with one of the sinner's hands as Alastor licked between his wings.

The angel moaned loudly, not realizing just how sensitive he was; his wings shivered as he opened his legs and presented his ass.

Alastor snarled and rubbed his cock against the angel's ass, smearing precome against his porcelain skin. The sinner rutted against him for a moment before Lucifer guided him to his waiting hole.

Lucifer groaned as the air was punched out of him when Alastor thrust hard enough to bottom out in one fell swoop. The angel wings quivered as he took it, enjoying the burn as he was stretched to his limits. With a loud moan, he settled his chest on the floor.

The sinner snarled and held Lucifer down by his wings as he snapped his hips roughly, letting out low bellows and calls in pleasure as he fucked the angel below.

Lucifer arched his back and screamed, bird calls laced within his blissful noises like he was calling out to the heavens to show them just what they lost when they cast him down. The angel's noises filled the space and only egged Alastor on more, his body snapping roughly against the blondes, the slapping of their bodies echoed, and it was music to the sinner's ears.

Alastor let out a deep rumbling bellow as he felt his knot begin to swell. He picked up the angel by the waist and slammed him down on his cock, moving him with ease as if he were nothing more than a toy.

Lucifer stopped screaming and was reduced to little whimpers of want. He could feel the knot swelling, and he tried to slam himself back further into the thick cock.

The buck came with a loud bugle as he shoved Lucifer down to take his knot. With a pant, he tiredly rocked his hips. The angel came not long after, coating his stomach and the floor with gold-tinted release.

Alastor panted softly as he filled the angel below. He loosened his grip on Lucifer and started to lick him clean, lapping at every inch of exposed skin he could reach.

Lucifer squirmed a little at the feeling of the long, slick tongue gliding up the front of his body and over his cock. He moaned softly and reached up to grab at Alastor's hair, gently tugging him down to kiss him on the lips before he let go.

They were still connected when Alastor moved them to the bed. The sinner lay down and curled around the angel. Lucifer pulled his wings into his body and waited, and Beau came over with water. The shadow put a straw up to Lucifer's lips, getting him to drink. The angel sipped it before he settled down,

"Thank you," he said softly. Alastor let out a soft bleat and shifted a bit.

Lucifer moaned when he felt the cock slip out. The gush that followed made him shiver. Alastor moved the angel effortlessly, pulling his legs apart to clean him.

Alastor normally would have been disgusted at the thought, but the rut made him want to clean his "mate" for the time being. Lucifer, on the other hand, was squirming and moaning, letting out an angelic chirp when he came again.

The sinner licked him clean, and Lucifer snapped the bed sheets clean, not wanting to lie in a wet spot. Alastor wagged his tail in contentment as he settled beside the angel.

Lucifer lay on his stomach and gently ran his hand down his hackles, slowly, petting the coarse hair on his spine, working his way up to scratch the shaved undercut. He smiled lazily when Alastor's leg twitched, and he leaned into the touch.

Alastor closed his eyes and allowed himself to enjoy the simple pleasures of being petted. Lucifer stopped his fussing when he fell asleep, his wings blanketing over him and the sinner with ease.

Angel hummed as he picked up the tray from outside the room, peeking under the cloche, noticing the food was barely picked at. He hummed as he carried it to the kitchen, throwing the uneaten food out and cleaning the dishes.

Charlie saw him and peeked in,

"Is Dad eating ok? He hasn't been out of his room in a few days..."

"He's not eating much, but that's normal around this time," he said, trying to comfort her a bit. The princess looked away.

"I feel bad that I can't help him out."

"Oh, trust me, doll face, you're helping him more than enough; he just needs time," he said softly,

"Do you wanna make him a snack? I'll take it up to drop it off before I leave for work?" He asked.

Charlie nodded with a big smile. She wasn't the best at cooking, but she certainly made an effort.

Angel watched her cook and set up the tray, brewing some tea for Lucifer and grabbing a bottle of red wine, pouring a glass. The princess made something simple; she sort of knew what her dad liked and that he wasn't eating very much. She sliced up a few apples and some other fruit, putting slices of cheese with them and some slices of bread she and Vaggie had baked in the morning. Charlie wrote a note and folded it, putting it under the cloche with the food and setting it on the tray Angel had ready. She gently hugged him, "Thank you, Angel."

Angel hugged her back with his lower set of arms,

"No problem, I got ya toots," he said with a smile as they parted ways.

He took the elevator up, and it opened to their floor with a soft ding. He walked in his normal boots and set the tray on the floor in front of their room, knocking on the door a few times before Beau answered it and took the tray from the porn star, his tail wagging.

Angel smirked,

"Tell them I said Hi for me, alright, tall, dark and creepy?" He said, putting his hands on his hips. Beau nodded and gave him a well-worn smirk before the door was closed.

Beau set the tray on the table in the kitchen, and Lucifer padded over, clad in nothing but his wings that wrapped around him like a robe. Alastor was awake but simply resting in bed, not hungry but watching the angel intently, growling restlessly if he got too far away.

Lucifer opened the dome slowly and smiled at the assortment of foods. He picked at crackers and cheese, popping little bits of fruit into his mouth and sipping the wine. He saw the note and opened it. 'Dad, I know you've been dealing with a lot these past couple of weeks. I hope this makes it better. Everyone is rooting for you out here, and I have so much more to show you when you're feeling better. Love, Charlie.’ Lucifer sniffled and smiled at the note, holding it over his heart for a few moments before he snapped it to the safety of his room. He carried the plate and wine over to the bed, sitting on the edge as he looked at Alastor, offering him a piece of apple.

Alastor grunted and flicked his ears,

"Fine, I will eat it. Do you want some wine?" He questioned, holding the glass under the sinner's nose. Lucifer watched him sniff it before he got Lucifer to tip a little bit into his mouth. He didn't take very much before he pushed it away and yawned softly.

The angel sipped the rest and kept offering Alastor food till he was lightly kicked with his back leg and got a growl of annoyance.

"Fine, starve," he said as he stuck his tongue out, sharing his food with Beau, who happily accepted his little treats.

When he finished the food, he put the plate back on the tray, and Alastor tugged him into bed, underneath his large form, rubbing his scent into every inch of Lucifer before he settled down.

Lucifer wrapped his arms around his neck and started to pet him again, gentle touches lingering on his skin; his claws lightly scratching the fawn-spotted skin that quivered underneath his fingers.

"Sleep, you need it."

Chapter Text

Lucifer noticed the change at the tail end of the third week of rut.

The way he arched away from Lucifer's touch as they shared a bed was the first indication, there was no scenting or rubbing, no drool or subtle snarls when he moved too far away.

Lucifer stopped touching him altogether; his heat was over anyway, and the depression was slowly creeping back in its place.

The angel crawled out of bed, his robe tightly wrapped around him as he made tea in his duck mug; his hair was messy.

Though his wings were worse, a mess of broken feathers, bald spots from some overzealous tugging from Alastor and dried drool that no matter how much he tried to wash away, stained his wings a dark grey.

He sighed and sipped the chamomile tea, wrapped up in his mind as he stared into the amber-coloured liquid.

Lilith came to mind.

Her soft hair was like silk as he carded it through his clawed fingers, her lips pressed against his skin feverishly as she peppered his face with kisses.

It felt like love, like a blinding warmth that made him smile. He didn't realize he'd wrapped himself in his wings till he came back to reality.

The sticky humidity of the Bayou clung to his skin. He ran a hand over his face and forced his wings back open, shuffling the feathers a bit before he folded them, not noticing the deer sinner in front of him.

Lucifer startled and nearly dropped his mug, his now flared wings fluffed,
"Fuck Bambi, you need a bell!" He said as he tried to steady the tea in his cup from sloshing over the side.

Alastor flicked his ears, clad in his union suit and a long smoking jacket that covered nearly every inch of him, and he narrowed his eyes,
"Don't call me whatever that is. Your heat is done, and my rut is over. I believe our deal is finished," he said, looking down at the little king with a sneer.

The angel looked back at him and waved his hand,
"Fine I will get out, thought you'd at least make me breakfast after you fucked me six ways to Sunday in the last three weeks, but no, we can't have nice things," he said as he turned to leave, sticking out his tongue at Alastor before he opened the door and left, shutting it loudly to make his point.

Lucifer went back to his room, tea in hand, the hot water bottle under his arm as he opened the door,
"Dad, are you feeling better?"

Charlie had come up with breakfast for them both, a stack of pancakes on a tray for him,
"I'm much better, Char-Char,"
"I'm happy you're feeling better, Dad. I was getting worried. I hope you're hungry. Nifty and I made pancakes."

Lucifer cracked a smile before he hugged her gently. "Thank you,"
"It's no problem, Dad... Are you crying?" She asked as she set the tray down on the table in his room, kneeling to properly hug him tightly,
"....yeah," he sniffled,
"My hormones are all over the place, and my sweet daughter brought me pancakes and checked on me... it means so much," he said as he sobbed.

Charlie hugged him, a smile on her face, gently holding him as he completely wet the shoulder of her blazer,
"I'm here for you, Dad. I know it's been hard without Mom... For both of us, but with you living here, we can lean on each other more."

The angel sniffled and looked up at her, nodding as he summoned a gold handkerchief to dab his eyes,
"I love you, Charlie,"
"Love you too, Dad."

"Charlie, we have a meeting with the new resident in a few hours. Are you re-" Vaggie was cut off when she saw her girlfriend kneeling in front of Lucifer. She smiled,
"Looks like you're feeling better,"
"I am, now run along, Charlie, don't keep your girlfriend waiting," the king spoke softly as he wiped his face. Charlie nodded and gave him a final squeeze before she left.

Lucifer closed his door and sat at the table with breakfast, picking at his pancakes as he ate slowly. His appetite was wavering, but he kept going, nearly crying again when he realized Charlie put effort into making these.

When he finished, he waved his hand, sending the dishes to the kitchen in a neat pile, making sure they were clean and put away before he rested his head onto his folded arms. With every close of his eyes, he saw a flash of Lilith.

Her body, her voice, her everything, flashes of them spending his season together, the sounds of their pleasure mingling, loud enough to wake the dead and even heaven if they were any louder.

Lucifer dug his claws into his scalp as he dragged them forward, sobs wracking his body as he thought of her.

Gold ran into his hair, and drops of it peppered the table as he sliced his skin open; no pain was worse than losing her.

Marks marred his skin as he dragged his claws along the tender flesh of his arms and Milky coloured thighs,
"I feel so stupid! Why did I even think fucking anyone would want me! I'm fucking nothing!"

Lucifer threw off his robe, sniffling as he walked toward the bathroom, drops and wet hoof prints of gold stained the carpet.

He gazed back at his reflection in the silver of the mirror,
"You're nothing, you've always been nothing, everything you love leaves, you waste of space!" He punched the mirror, the glass rained down onto the vanity, and he watched his knuckles bleed.

He grabbed the biggest piece of glass he could find amongst the carnage, putting it to his throat,
"I miss you, Lily. I'm sorry."

Lucifer slid the glass across his throat, choking and gurgling as gold sprayed from the wound. The world slowly grew black as the fallen angel crumpled, dropping to the floor in a heap.

Angel stood outside Lucifer's door with a plate of baked goods. He knocked a few times,
"Short king, Charlie sent me with some stuff she made with vag's," he said softly. With no answer, he opened the door, humming as he set the cookies on the table before he noticed the golden blood.

"What the fuck?" He said as he noticed more of it, droplets, the footprints, he followed them before he put his hand over his mouth,
"Fuck, fuck, FUCK!" he yelled as he dropped to his knees at the side of Lucifer.

He moved away the wings quickly as he pulled the angel into his arms, not caring if his bubblegum pink cropped tracksuit got blood on it,
"What the fuck do I tell Charlie?" He said, frantic as he looked for wounds.

A sudden loud gasp made Angel nearly drop the body coddled in his arms. Lucifer's eyes opened, and he turned out of the sinner's arms, coughing heavily to the side, spitting up blood in the process.

Angel swallowed,
"I thought ya were fucking dead! What the fuck!" He yelled,
"I can't die, I've tried so many times,"
"....did you try to?"
"Yeah, and every time I wake up, I won't stay dead, it doesn't matter what I use, I CAN'T FUCKING DIE!"

Lucifer looked away, tugging his wings over his thinner form; his season always made him lose weight. Angel leaned against the bathroom wall, looking at the ball of wings,
"I know the feeling."

The fallen angel peeked out of his wings,
"You do?"
"I do, not long after I signed that contract to Val, and he started treating me like garbage... Tried to overdose, can't die down here unless it's an angelic weapon," the sinner said quietly,
"I just woke up and puked everywhere, didn't do shit."

The wings slowly retracted and lay over his lap as Lucifer waved his hand, cleaning up the glass as he sat back on his ass, getting off the sinner.
"Did he treat you better?"
"No, never will, he held my hair and watched me puke for a few hours before he sent me to the floor for the night... He doesn't care about me, I found someone who does, though, he makes me wanna live,"
"I... I lost that person that I lived for, I fucked it up,"
"Well, ya got Charlie, she'd do anything for ya," he smiled crookedly.

Lucifer wiped some of the blood from his face and pulled his knees to his chest, resting his chin upon them,
"I love her... But I was gone so long that I knew she could live without me; she has for over 8 years."

Angel looked over at him,
"How many messages did she leave ya in those 8 years?"
"What?"
"You heard me,"
"I don't know, a lot, I still have them on my hellphone... I kept them just to know that she cared at one point,"
"She does care! I've seen it with my own two eyes."

The angel sighed as he closed his eyes,
"I just can't wrap my head around being wanted anymore... I've been absent for so long that everything feels wrong, like I don't have a place anywhere, I didn't in heaven, I don't down here, I don't think I do with the humans either... They made a song about me getting my ass whooped in a fiddle contest, a man can't come back from that."

Angel sighed,
"Ya fit in here, we're all misfits, buncha weirdos who make one big fucked up family... Maybe you need to sit in with us during one of Charlie's therapy sessions, it helps. Or if you want something different, I could give you one of my clients, who listens to people here in pride," he said softly,
"I'll try that, I don't want Charlie to know how bad I'm struggling... I just don't want to see the look in her eyes the day that she finds me like you did."

Lucifer watched Angel stand and grab his robe, holding it by the shoulders as he held it open,
"I'll get ya his number... He's a real sweetheart, just rents me out to talk to me about things," he said softly as he smiled. Lucifer gently got into the robe, tying it tightly before he waved his hand, cleaning the mess up.

Angel saw the golden blood evaporate into nothing but sparkles,
"You better eat some of these cookies Charlie made me bring up for you, you need to gain your weight back,"
"I keep forgetting you know how all of this works."
"Yeah, and more, my ass has seen the last three weeks of work, trust me," he said as he cracked his lower back.

The king had a quizzical look on his face as he gently held his hand out,
"May I?"
"Sure," Angel said softly, the only black-clawed hand was tenderly pressed to the sinner's bare furred midsection.

Lucifer let out a soft, steady breath, his eyes shut as he focused his power, using it to heal someone other than himself as he took the pain away from Angel's muscles and joints, healing any wounds on his body. Angel nearly moaned,
"Oh, you really are fucking magic. I haven't felt this good since I was still doing blow."

Angel watched Lucifer step away when he finished,
"Thanks for everything... Really," the blonde said softly, the sinner gently hugged him with his lower set of arms before he tugged a business card from his phone case, setting it beside the cookies.
"If ya need anything, bother me."

Vaughn Breaux was a short little sinner compared to most of hell, standing at an even six feet, which would have been considered tall had he not known everyone in Pride to be absolutely gigantic.

He sipped his morning coffee and read through a newspaper, flipping it idly before he heard his phone buzz. His ear twitched before he picked up,
"Vee speaking,"
"I- uh, Angel Dust gave me your number, he said you could provide some therapy,"
"Oh yes, of course, my chair is always open for a friend of Mon Angè, I can text you the address of my office if you'd be willing to meet in, let's say... Hm, five minutes?" He asked,
"Yes, of course, I won't be late,"
"Perfect, see you then,"
"Yes, see you then."

Vee hummed softly and hung up the phone as he got dressed, making himself a piece of toast and eating it as he padded his way to the door that separated his office from the rest of his apartment.

He texted the address to the number and set his coffee at the small table beside his chair. He finished his toast before he dusted himself off, fluffing out his chest fur a bit and fixing his hair in the mirror. The flash of gold made him look back as a portal opened.

Lucifer stepped in and looked before him. A white rabbit sinner looked back, with accents of pink over his chest and arms, and an array of piercings decorated his large ears.
"Angel didn't tell me I'd be providing therapy to the king of hell,"
"I understand if you want me to leave-"
"Allons, I have no problem, I listen to everyone's problems, royalty or common folk."

The rabbit gestured to a couch for Lucifer to sit on,
"Would you like any tea or coffee before we start?"
"No, thank you," the angel said politely as he took a seat, crossing his legs to get comfortable.

Vee grabbed a pad of paper and sat down, sipping his coffee,
"Nothing said in this room will ever leave this room. Your secrets are safe here, and it's a judgment-free zone. Now, where would you like to start?" He asked, the rabbit had a light Louisiana accent, and a smile on his face.

Lucifer let out a soft sigh as he pulled his legs up to his chest,
"It's hard to know where to start... I'm sure you already know the story. I fell into hell with the only woman I ever loved,"
"I do, the first-ever love story to be told."

The angel sighed,
"It really didn't have a happy ever after... Our love dried up after my daughter was born, I cheated with Eve in a moment of lust, and Lilly never forgave me for it... It's been 8 years since we've seen each other."

Vee wrote a few things down,
"Ok, that is a lot to unpack. In the last 8 years, what have you been doing? Let's focus on you,"
"Wallowing in depression and suicidal thoughts that I can never complete, I keep trying, but I can't die," he said quietly as he shut his eyes.

Vaughn clicked his pen. "And why do you think ending your life is the right thing to do?"
"Because I fuck up everything I touch, I'm worth nothing, the only woman I met something to left me," Lucifer said with a soft sigh, knowing it was true to some extent.

"I don't believe you are worth nothing, you gave humans free will and forged all of hell,"
"For you all to sit down here and rot till someone executes you..." He said, peaking at the rabbit who swallowed the lump in his throat,
"My point is, your existence shouldn't matter just to one person; you have a daughter, you must matter to her, clearly you matter enough to Angel for him to send you here."

Lucifer perked up a little more,
"I watched the fight on television between y'all and heaven, everyone would have died if you had not stepped in, now tell me, isn't that worth something?"
"I guess so," the angel said quietly as he looked at him,
"You live in the hotel, oui?"
"Yeah, I do,"
"You wouldn't live there if you didn't believe sinners couldn't be redeemed, you yourself could be redeemed in your own eyes, now is your chance to turn over a new leaf," he smiled as he stood up and grabbed a plate of snickerdoodles, setting them on the table in front of the king.

The angel's wings shifted under the back of his jacket,
"I don't know if I can do that, I think I'm still hung up on Lilly, she was my everything, she used to wait on me hand and foot during my season, I never asked her to, but she knew how much pain I was in," he slipped off his hat and fidgeted with it in his hands,
"I was unaware angels went into heat, fascinating. Have you ever spent your season with someone else?" He questioned, writing a few more notes, Lucifer nodded, shy about it,
"And how was that?"

Vaughn saw the angel shift more to get comfortable. He wouldn't sit still,
"It was different... I've never spent my season with someone who is male; I've spent it with Lilly, with Eve that one time,"
"Did you like spending it with another person instead of alone?" He questioned, the angel sighed,
"It felt good at the time, but as soon as it was over, I just felt empty again, like I'd cheated on her again."

Lucifer put his face in his hands and ran his claws through his hair, resisting the urge to slice his skin open again,
"Let's work on that. What is your marital status to Lillith?"
"We're separated, we've been separated for the last 8 years since we parted ways," he said as he let out a soft, shuddering breath. He hated to say that; he hated every second of being separated, which made him feel like a failure again.

"I still see a wedding ring on your finger. Tell me about why you are wearing that if you two have been separated for the last 8 years," Vaughn said. He watched Lucifer fiddle with his wedding band,
"A reminder, I guess. To remember the good times before it went bad, I still remember the day she left her ring on the nightstand and packed her things," he said quietly,
"How about you try to take it off as a first step, take it off and put it somewhere safe."

Lucifer took off the ring and waved his hand, sealing it in a box, hidden away in his nightstand.

"Good. That's a start for your first step."

Alastor stood in his room as he dressed himself carefully, humming in distaste when he had to tighten his belt one hole tighter.

After he had shoved Lucifer out of his space in the morning, he went to work cleaning every inch of his room to get the now familiar sweet scent of angelic oil out of his bedsheets.

He carried out his bed sheets in a laundry basket, tapping his foot to the elevator music as he descended to the laundry room, which lay in the basement.

When the door dinged, he walked out, normally nifty did the laundry, but he'd rather she wasn't subjected to the sight of his bedsheets, slices from claws, gold stains from Lucifer's blood, black puddles of drool, among other things, the angel's magic wouldn't fully cleanse.

Alastor hummed as he carried the old wicker basket into the laundry room, opening the washer, and dumping his sheets in.

Typically, he'd just used his magic, but since his staff had been broken in half, it wavered much more than he'd liked; he dumped some soap in and closed the lid before adjusting his monocle as he tried to make sense of the complex little machine.

Staring at it wasn't doing him any good; he hummed and snorted,
"Why do they have to make these things so complex? What happened to the days of a washboard and a wringer?" he sighed fondly.

"They went outta style, ya know, new shit, don't always work better than the old stuff, but it's something," a familiar New York accent sounded as Angel walked in with his pink plastic laundry basket, full of things one could barely classify as clothing if Alastor was honest.

"I'd prefer the old stuff,"
"I know you would sugar, let me help ya, if ya break it Nifty will have our asses on a silver platter," Angel said as he moved Al over, spinning the dial till it dinged, he pressed the button and it started,
"Hm, what an annoying noise," he said, tilting his head.

Angel smirked,
"Yeah, just wait till it's finished, it sings a little song when it's done, nice to see ya out of your room, feeling better?"
"I'm feeling alright at best, my staff is still not mended, this is the first time I've had to do my own washing since I arrived here, I can't say I enjoy it."
"More fun when you sit on the washer during the spin cycle..." The spider sinner spoke, Alastor tilted his head with a puzzled look, before Angel dropped it.

Alastor watched the tall man chuck his laundry into the washer and dump soap in.
"I mean, about your rut, how did that go? Ya got any regrets about it?" He asked softly, the buck hummed and looked down at the machine, keeping his eyes away from Angel,
"It was..." He struggled for words,
"Sufficient, I suppose."

"Ok, that's a good start, ya got any feelings about it all?" Angel asked as he poured soap in,
"I don't regret spending the time with another person; it's a strange feeling to share your bed with someone," Alastor spoke quietly,
"I mean, it's a first step, right? ya may never want to do it again till the next rut, maybe ya only want sex once a year, did you feel uncomfortable at all?" The spider sinner leaned on the washer,
"I was more afraid that I'd hurt him; I can't begin to think of what dear Charlotte would have thought if I'd accidentally killed the only parent that somewhat cared for her."

Angel sat up on the top of the washer, leaning back,
"Maybe you're a sex-positive ace,"
"A what?"
"You don't find sex repulsive, other than ya know, my unwanted advances?" He said, adjusting his tits, Alastor looked at him and shook his head,
"The act itself isn't vile, I don't dislike it, I don't like it either,"
"Ok then, ya neutral about sex, you ever thought of dating someone?"
"Who could I possibly court here in hell? It seems most of the folk down here just want to lie with each other willy-nilly and leave afterwards."

Alastor stopped after what he said and put a hand over his mouth, knowing he'd done just that to Lucifer, a few weeks of pleasure and fucking the hormones out, only to push the little king out the door upon the first chance he got.

"Al?" Angel's voice fell upon deaf ears as the buck was holed up in his own mind, had his mother taught him no better, was he no better than his father and all of the women he assaulted, forced himself upon; Alastor growled low in his throat, running his hands through his hair before he tugged on it.

Angel gently touched Alastor's hands,
"Hey," he said softly before his other set of hands clapped,
"Hey!" He said loudly, the buck focused on him,
"I can tell you're getting sucked into whatever bad memory you're having, but pulling out your hair ain't the answer," the spider spoke as he looked him in the eyes,
"Deep breath."

Alastor took a deep breath, getting his breathing under control before he slowly lowered his hands,
"Speak to me, alright? You got words, use 'em."
"I- Ugh, how could I be so foolish!" He growled, trying to tug at his hair again, before Angel grabbed his wrists,
"None of that shit."

Fear, Adrenaline, he needed to run, he needed to GET OUT.

Angel watched as Alastor melted into the shadows,
"Shit. I'll give ya space, alright, if ya need me just get ya shadow to find me."

Alastor retreated to his room, dropping onto the hardwood in a heap as he panted, grabbing at his ears as he cried,
"Just like him, I'M JUST LIKE HIM!" he snarled.

Grabbing and yanking, pulling and tugging as Alastor wailed into the bayou, chunks of hair hit the floor in bloody clumps.

He could hear his mother wailing in his cries,
"I'm sorry, Manman, I'm so so sorry," he yanked at his ears as he slid his eyes shut.

Was he no better than the abuser who impregnated his sweet Manman, a man who assaulted many women of the town, a man he had put down in the bayou with nothing but a knife and his own two hands?

Blood spilled over his hands as he tugged his ears again, the crackle of cartilage echoed, and he had pulled so hard that he had split the skin.

There was no way he could sew it himself, not a chance, and there was certainly no trusting Beauregard with a needle after the last incident.

Alastor growled low in his throat,
"Beauregard, get Husker."

The shadow bristled a bit at his master and melted through the floor, popping up beside the bar cat who was in the kitchen, startling him so badly that he nearly dropped his mug of whisky-laden coffee,
"FUCK!"

Husk hissed as he was dragged upstairs by the shadow, shoved into Alastor's room,
"Fucking hell, what's so important that you had to-
Aw for fucks sake Alastor, what did you do to yourself now?"
"I don't need passing judgment, just sew."

A needle with neon green thread was thrust into Husker's hands along with the rest of the medical kit, Husk got him to sit with his head on his folded arms as the bar cat pulled a pair of reading glasses out of his pocket.

"Both ears, fuck this is bad," he said as he started to clean the wounds, using cotton balls to stop up enough blood that he could see the split. Slowly, he began to sew them shut,
"Your gonna need a haircut after this,"
"I doubt it is bad enough to warrant a new do,"
"Yeah it's bad, it's real bad."

Husk was quick to stitch the wounds closed, it wasn't as professional as a doctor in the operating theatre but it worked, he put ointment over his work, knowing well that Alastor wouldn't wear bandages that were visible ever.

Blood was carefully wiped away from his face and ears as Husk cleaned him up, there were no questions between the two, it wasn't the first time he had sewn Alastor up after he'd harmed himself, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

"Go get the shaver in my room," Husk asked the shadow,
"You are not cutting it, I'm sure it's fine," Alastor tried to shoo him away, till the cat sinner got a mirror and showed him just how bad it was.

Alastor gazed at himself in the mirror, half of his current bob was missing, jagged spaces left from him ripping his hair away, he noticed them on the floor before he sighed,
"Fine but if you make me look horrible they won't find your body,"
"Hollow threats for someone who has had the same hair for the last 80 years. I cut your hair anyways, you think I'd make you look like a dumbass? No."

Husk got Al to sit up straight and got Beauregard to wrap a towel around his master, he flicked on the shaver and adjusted the guard as he slowly shaved away the bob, tapering the sides slightly but leaving a decent amount on top to style if he wanted to.

"Next time you wanna gore yourself find something else to rip up instead of your hair, I did the best I could," he said as he got Beau to hold the mirror in front of him, Alastor's smile stayed as he looked at himself, it was nearly identical to the haircut he had when he was living.

Alastor hummed in approval,
"I take back my earlier words, you've done a fabulous job Husker," he said softly as he dusted the hair off himself carefully,
"Good as it gets. I'm going back downstairs to finish my coffee," Husk grumbled and left with his shaver, shutting the door without another word.

He took the elevator down and made it to the kitchen, washing his hands clean of blood as Angel walked in,
"That's Al's blood isn't it?"
"How'd you guess?"
"He had a panic attack in the laundry room with me, it's been a real fuckin day Husky."

Angel came over and Husk got on the counter, sitting there as the spider gently embraced him with all four of his arms, wings gently enveloped them as their foreheads were pressed together.

"Think, I need a harder daddy and a big strong bartender in my bed to hold me," Angel said softly, Husk smiled,
"I can do that, want to talk about your day too?"
"You read my mind."

Lucifer stood in front of the roaring fire in the sitting room, he let out a deep shaking breath before he slowly crumpled up a letter and tossed it into the inferno.

He watched it burn slowly as he tossed another,
"Maybe it wasn't meant to be my love," he said quietly as he looked at the pile of letters in the box next to him, letters he'd written to Lillith over the years, love letters, notes of admiration, apologies.

Lucifer sat in one of the high back chairs in front of the fire, tossing letter after letter before the whole box was thrown in, he dried the silent tears from his face as he covered himself with his wings.

It was a step, small but large for the fallen angel; a step toward letting go and finally moving on.

Chapter Text

There was something to be said about a man who drank an entire bottle of rye in one sitting, yet Alastor couldn't find the word for it as he sat on the muddy bank of the Bayou.

Holding it by the neck as he tipped the amber-coloured liquid back into his mouth, gulping it down, hissing at the familiar burn in his throat and chest.

Alastor closed his eyes and groaned as his head began to throb, not like he could wrap his head around the fact that he had fucked Lucifer for the last three weeks and just pushed him out the door.

He needed insight, advice that wasn't Angel. He got up and stumbled for a moment, grumbling as he looked at his crushed staff. Hissing when the magic fizzled to life, a dim glow in the eye made him purr.

He used what little magic he could and summoned a portal, walking directly into Rosie's sitting room. She was sipping her tea,
"Oh my, look what the cat dragged in, and reeking of Rye no less!" She said with a smirk.

Alastor stumbled slightly and sat down across from her,
"Forgive me for the sudden intrusion, but I need your advice; you know more about me than most."
"Correction, dear, I know it all, every detail," she smiled,
"Now fess up, what's wrong? You don't just drink like this normally."

"I spent my rut with someone, I feel as though I've done something wrong,"
"Did you court them beforehand?"
"No, it was a sudden entanglement, I suppose is the word,"
"Alright, now, what is wrong with that? Did they force you?"
"It feels wrong, I suppose, not to provide the common decency of a date. Nothing was forced; it was a mutual decision," he said, running his hands over his face,
"I know how you are set in your ways, sleeping around these days is considered normal if that is what turns your crank, so to speak, dear."
"I don't sleep around Rosie, I never have... the last person I slept with was when I was alive was someone I thought I loved, till she humiliated me for being incompatible in bed."

Alastor sighed,
"I'm afraid I'm going to turn into some kind of deviant if I don't count this person properly and have a bond with them; perhaps I'm fighting a losing battle."
"Alastor, look at me," Rosie said, becoming serious as she clasped her hands together in her lap.

Rosie looked into the red eyes that met hers. She moved to hold his hands,
"You won't be a sexual deviant for acting on your whims, now, listen to me, I was a young woman once, I snuck around and had experience by the time I married Fredrick, it's perfectly normal. If it isn't your cup of tea, that's alright too, don't drink yourself into a new century because you feel as though hurting yourself will make you feel better."

Alastor sighed softly,
"Now do you like this person that you lie with?" She asked softly,
"I don't enjoy their actions; their personality is sweet in some regards."
"If you didn't sleep with them, if you had the chance, would you court them and perhaps form a bond with them? " Rosie said, squeezing his hands,
"Eventually, if we found common ground and all of hell wouldn't broadcast my business, perhaps, yes."

The dame smiled more, and Alastor's ears flickered,
"Then you've found your answer, dear," she said softly,
"Thank you, Rosie," the buck sinner squeezed his hands before he stood. Rosie stood with him and went to the back, grabbing a flower for his lapel, a fake one. She primped and preened him, fixing his bow tie,
"And Alastor,"
"Mhm?"
"You'll never be your father, ever, I don't want you to even think you could be as horrible as he was, have you got that?"

Rosie was the one who found Alastor's father in hell, not long after the great radio demon was taken under her and Fredrick's wing; they slaughtered him together and ate every piece of him, his antlers still lay on a mantle above the deer sinner's fireplace.

"Thank you, Rosie," Alastor smiled and kissed both of her cheeks,
"You're welcome, now go sober up, you smell like a bar," she chuckled softly.

Lucifer stood in the mirror, staring back at himself as he slowly took his middle right wing, getting used to the feeling of touching them by himself. It was another step toward moving on from Lilith.

Lucifer let out a soft breath he didn't know he was holding as he began to slowly preen his wing, tugging out loose and broken feathers, straightening others; his mating colours were gone, and he was back to his plain white and red.

The preening wasn't hard till he got to the very back, where his wings met his spine. No matter what way the angel stretched, he couldn't reach it. He groaned in distaste when he heard a knock at his door.

"Angel, I promise you I'm alr-" Lucifer was cut off as he stared up at Alastor, the angel puffed his wings slightly, a pregnant pause between them as they stared at one another,
"Can we have a chat?" The radio demon asked, tilting his head slightly,
"Why do we need to talk, as you said, our deal is finished."

Lucifer didn't feel like even looking at Alastor after getting put out of his room the other morning, before he could so much as have his tea,
"It is. That is explicitly clear. There are other matters I wish to talk to you about privately," Alastor said, looking down at him.

"Whatever you have to say, say it at the door. I'm busy here," Lucifer had feathers all over his room, they were hard to clean up after all,
"Preening?"
"None of your business, Alastor,"
"I'm trying to be civil!"

They started to bicker till Angel came upstairs with Al's clean, folded bedsheets,
"Fuck sake, you two argue like an old married couple," he put the basket in front of the radio demon's door.

The bickering stopped as Alastor and Lucifer turned to look at Angel, no doubt with the same looks on their faces,
"What the fuck are you two arguing about anyway?"
"Absolutely none of your business," Al snapped.

Angel crossed his arms,
"I guess I'll leave, but try not to kill each other, or Charlie will get real pissy," he said as he left. Alastor snorted and went back to the task at hand,
"Fine, get in here," Lucifer said, letting him in and shutting the door tightly.

Alastor looked at all of the feathers on the floor before he turned back to Lucifer, who was standing by the door with his wings out,
"I'm giving you two minutes to explain; after that, you can get the hell out of my room."
"How nice of you."

Lucifer glared at him with his arms crossed. Alastor could clearly see the patches of unkept feathers at the base of his wings. He cleared his throat,
"Though our deal is finished... I have found myself dwelling on our entanglement. The act of casual relations has never settled well with me."

The angel dropped his crossed arms and swallowed,
"Alastor, what are you saying?"
"That I shouldn't have pushed you out of my room this morning with such haste."

Lucifer ran his hands over his face,
"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
"No, it would take less time to explain if you'd quit interrupting," Al hissed,
"I have trouble wrapping my head around doing as we did without some kind of relationship; it isn't in my upbringing from my sweet Manman to have relations with someone and leave them."

Alastor ran his hands over his ears as he poured his emotions out in front of the angel, who was slowly closing in on himself,
"What are you saying, Alastor?"
"I'm trying to say I wish to get to know you and court you properly. If you don't want that, I understand," he was bracing himself for rejection.

The angel ran his hands over his face and through his hair with a soft sigh,
"I accept your courtship,"
"I understa- you what?"
"You heard me, I accept," he said quietly,
"Might I ask why?"
"Because I need to move on from Lillith, this might just get me out of that slump."

They both shared a look. Perhaps they both needed this, or maybe it was just Lucifer imagining it; the blonde ran his hands through his wings,
"I suppose it would be a start. What is your idea of a date?" Alastor questioned, only to get a shrug in response.

Lucifer looked away. "I've never really been on a formal date before, Lillith and I really didn't date, we just spent time together, fell to hell together, had a kid, and that was that," he said honestly,
"Well, I suppose it would be a start to spend more time with you, in your tacky room, of course."
"It isn't tacky! And if you're gonna be in here, you're not allowed to insult me or the decor," he crossed his arms.

Alastor hummed,
"If that is your request, fine," he said softly,
"Alright, what does courtship look like to you? Because I haven't been to Earth in decades and I'm sure customs change," Lucifer said, letting his wings relax and stretch out,
"Well, I can assure you the twenties were much freer than previous decades, dinner, speakeasies, petting parties, dancing,"
"What the fuck is a petting party, Alastor? Because I'm imagining something way worse than it probably is."

The sinner raised an eyebrow,
"Petting parties were just as it is, touching one another tenderly or perhaps in a more sexual manner with one another, in the company of other couples,"
"Ok, so it's like foreplay kinda, minus the whole sex thing,"
"I suppose if you'd like to explain it like that, yes," Alastor said as he looked away for a moment,
"I'm alright with the stuff you've listed, I do like dancing and food, of course."

Alastor gave a nod and looked back at him,
"Would it be right to have you accompany me to dinner?"
"Providing it isn't a public place where both of us will be pestered by paparazzi, yes, I'd like that," Lucifer said softly,
"Of course not, I enjoy privacy in my relationships. I will come to grab you at five o'clock sharp."
"Sounds good."

Lucifer watched Al turn and put his hand on the doorknob,
"Lucifer?"
"Hm? Yeah?"
"Thank you." With that, he left to go back to his room.

The angel smiled a little more as the door shut. He waited till it was fully closed to continue his preening, happy with himself and Alastor that he could move forward more in his life.

He just didn't know how to tell Charlie that it was the host of her hotel.

Maybe she would understand, of course, if enough love was involved, after all, she did forgive Vaggie for not telling her she was a fallen angel for literal years.

Lucifer hummed as he struggled with the base of his wings, still unable to reach the very back, but he preened what he could, biting at the most stubborn pin feathers that would not break open before he shifted them, giving them a few test flaps.

He stood in the warm spray of the shower, letting the water wash away the dirt in his wings as he shook them, ruffling and shifting his feathers quickly to work any dust out. He carded his fingers through with soap to scrub at the skin beneath.

Lucifer finished washing up and turned on a fan in the bathroom, flapping his wings in the warm air, ruffling and shifting the feathers to get them and himself fully dry. He softly whistled a song as he turned around, letting the air hit his back.

Primping and preening for the prospect of being courted was a different feeling, one that he was entirely unused to, but he enjoyed the process nonetheless as he walked naked, rifling through a wardrobe in a pocket dimension.

Alastor, on the other hand, was prepping things for supper; he'd already gone to the market and picked up several cuts of non-sinner meat, vegetables, and various stolen goods from the human world.

He dropped the needle on a record and let it play as he chopped vegetables, tossing them in a pot with butter. Beauregard was stirring them as he wiggled to the music.

Dinner was prepped with slow and loving intent; fond memories of Alastor's dear Manman making this recipe floated in his head, her soft singing floating through the house with the scent of gumbo simmering in a pot on the stove.

When Alastor finished up his prep, he flicked on the stove and left Beauregard to tend to the pot. He took a shower, washing his hair, mindful of the stitches that were still holding his skin together.

He scrubbed the scent of rye from himself and replaced it with his normal bar soap, which was somewhat musky with a hint of vanilla. He washed his body, soaping up his tail and ears carefully with a washcloth.

Alastor rinsed off under the warm spray of water, wagging his tail as he scrubbed his face carefully.

He turned off the water and grabbed a towel, patting himself dry as he walked to his wardrobe. His hooves tapping on the worn stone path, he flicked the water from his ears and tail before he carefully towel-dried his hair.

He stood naked as the day he was born, standing in front of a long mirror as he snorted through his wardrobe, humming softly as he flicked outfits from one side to the other. He didn't want to wear his normal attire; perhaps it was time for a change, at least to look presentable.

He settled on a simple pair of slacks, a pressed crimson shirt, his regular bowtie and a set of suspenders, forgoing his jacket; he slipped on a dark waistcoat instead, fiddling with the small adjuster on the back, tightening it to fit his post-rut body.

Alastor smoothed down the waistcoat in the mirror and looked at himself, turning and wiggling his tail,
"I suppose that will have to do," he said softly to himself.

He slipped on his normal shoes and adjusted his monocle, glancing at the time from an old pocket watch he kept,
"Hm, it's nearly time," he said softly as he grabbed his somewhat mended staff, holding it by the slender, dented pole as he waved it slowly.

The bayou shifted slowly, the typography changing slightly as it did. A perfectly set dining table was in the center, where the moonlight could be seen, nestled amongst the Cyprus trees, fireflies lazily flying through the air to provide a beautiful scene.

Alastor couldn't touch flowers otherwise; they would die, so this gesture would have to do as a replacement. He gave himself one more once over before he walked out into the hall. He knocked on Lucifer's door.

"You really are always on time-oh shit," Lucifer said with a swallow as he looked over his date for the night. There was no denying the angel was attracted to the sinner.

Broad-shouldered, lithe-bodied, tall, handsome, spare for the somewhat creepy smile and the whole cannibalism thing,
"Cat got your tongue?"

"No, no, I'm alright, you put a lot of effort into looking nice tonight," Lucifer said softly,
"It makes the most sense, one is to look presentable for such an occasion, especially for that of a date," he said softly as he looked over the angel.

He was somewhat of a mirror image to Alastor, fitted slacks, his normal high boots, a pressed shirt with red accents and a tight waistcoat that fitted the angel's body like a glove. The sinner wanted to hold that waist and see just how small it was between his hands.
"That's why I picked something different from my usual clothes," Lucifer smiled; he had his wings tucked into his back.

Alastor offered his arm to the angel, who took it gently,
"I enjoy your attire, you look rather dashing," he watched the angel's face flash gold as he took Alastor's arm,
"Flattery will probably get you everywhere," Lucifer chuckled softly as they walked to the radio demon's room.

Lucifer raised his eyebrow as the door was opened, wondering for a moment just what Alastor had planned. He could smell the gumbo simmering on the stove,
"Whatever you're cooking smells delicious."
"I do hope you like Louisiana Creole food,"
"If it smells that good, I'll eat anything."

The sinner walked him carefully along the path to the dining table. He pulled out his chair and waited for the man to sit down before he gently pushed him in.

Lucifer looked around, awestruck at just how the environment had changed. The fireflies, all of it was beautiful, including the large alligator-type creature that lay on the bank with its mouth open, another bellowed deeply in the distance,
"Is this what it was actually like when you were alive?"
"Mhm in the nights, yes, I'd sit in the Bayou after I'd snuck out as a preteen, listen to the gators bellow, Manman used to give me trouble because I'd get mud all over my pyjamas."

Alastor had a fond smile on his features, and Lucifer noticed it,
"It's like a fairy tale, the one about the princess who was kissing frogs to find her prince,"
"I suppose, though, instead of kissing frogs I brought home and an alligator just once, I was allowed to keep it surprisingly."

The angel giggled softly as Alastor sat down,
"You were? I let Charlie bring home a hell horse one time, once, and it was pretty terrible to have in the house,"
"You had it in the house? Manman made me keep Roux outside in the back, though he grew quite large. I can't imagine a horse inside."

Lucifer had a stupid look on his face. "Yeah, I mean it was only a few weeks, then it lived out in the back garden... Lily was uh, less than impressed, I can't imagine your mother being too impressed either," he said with a chuckle,
"Oh, she was not. Roux must have been almost 17 feet by the time I hit 30; he had plenty to eat."

Beau brought over bowls of gumbo and slices of buttered bread, pouring both of them a wine to go with dinner.
"I thought you were a cannibal when you were alive."
"Oh heavens no, that was an acquired taste from Rosie, I was a butcher of the bayou, and most of the meat was fed to Roux and a few of my other pets," he smiled a little more,
"This meat isn't sinner, is it?"

Alastor let out a soft chuckle,
"No, I assure you, it is nothing more than wrath-raised hell pig and chicken. I do not trick those into eating sinner, though they have a specific taste," he said softly as he laid a napkin on his lap. Lucifer sipped his wine before he did the same,
"I can imagine, I don't think Charlie would be too thrilled to know we were eating potential hotel guests for a date night."

They chuckled about it together before they began to eat,
"I do hope it isn't too spicy for your taste, my heat tolerance is fairly high," Alastor said as he ate slowly. Lucifer smiled,
"No, I like it, it has flavour, most of the stuff down here doesn't have a lot of spices, this is divine," he said softly.

It was peaceful as they ate, and Lucifer listened to the sounds of the swamp as he and Alastor shared sorties. When the food was finished and the wine was drunk, dessert came, a plate piled high with a slice of bread pudding with cinnamon, coated in a cream sauce of whisky.

Lucifer took a bite and moaned softly,
"You can cook for me anytime," he said, happy, not realizing his wings were out and slowly shivering and opening. Alastor watched them for a moment before he smiled,
"I'm glad you enjoy my cooking, I'm sure I can do it again for you, if it's wanted, of course."

Alastor watched Lucifer smile more,
"Of course, I'd love that," he said softly. They ate slowly to savour their dessert, before Beauregard cleared the dishes, washing them as his master stood.

A red-clawed hand was outstretched as a record clicked to life on the far side of the bayou,
"May I?"
"You may."

Lucifer took Alastor's outstretched hand as he was led down the path to a small dance floor. Their heels clicked on the floor as the sinner gently placed his hand on the angel's hip, the other still knitted together with the blondes.

The Angel slid his arm around Alastor's waist as they began to sway, a slow dance to the sound of a trumpet that played from the record. As ‘West End Blues’ by Louis Armstrong played, it was comforting to the sinner, a song that reminded him so much of his Manman, his life as a radio host.

Alastor swayed with Lucifer, their bodies pressed together, the angel's wings relaxed as he did, slowly laying his head on the radio demon's chest, his eyes shut as he focused on the music, the feeling of proper happiness for the first time in ages.

"Alastor?"
"Yes, Lucifer?"
"Thank you… For all of this," he said quietly, he didn't feel the tears sliding down his cheeks. Alastor didn't notice them as he gently placed his chin on the top of Lucifer's head.

Songs warbled into the bayou as they danced slowly, embracing one another.

Alastor normally didn't like being touched, but this time it felt right.

It felt like home.

They stood outside of Lucifer's door, and Alastor insisted on walking him back to his room, as one would on a typical date night.

Lucifer fidgeted as he stood in front of his gold-gilded door,
"Thank you for the nice night," he said softly. He didn't know why he felt this way, butterflies in his stomach, a shy smile on his face.

Alastor smiled,
"I do hope you will allow me to continue to court you,"
"Of course, I don't think I could say no after all you've shown me tonight," the angel said softly. He stood on the tips of his toes, a gentle hand on the radio demon's cheek.

Lucifer slowly pressed his lips to Alastor's cheek before he pulled away,
"Goodnight, Alastor,"
"Goodnight, Lucifer," the radio demon grinned as he watched his date go into his room. He padded back to his bayou.

Alastor slipped into the room and put his back up to the door as he closed it, a sigh of relief as he couldn't stop the happy little bleat that bubbled up in his throat.

He felt alive for the first time in years, so happy that he grabbed his shadow and twirled him,
"The little king of hell likes us, Beauregard!"

The shadow gave a grin and purred as he was twirled out into the bayou.

Happiness felt like home.

Chapter Text

A week had passed since their first date, and Lucifer was sitting on the couch in Vaughn's office. The rabbit sinner had a smile on his face,

"You seem to be in a good mood today, Lucifer. I'm glad to see that. Tell me how the last week has been for you."

Lucifer fidgeted with his hands,

"It's been good, I've worked on moving forward,"

"And how has that gone? I see you still have your wedding band off, which is a great leap for you."

"Well, I found someone... I didn't think they wanted to be with me after spending time together. I was surprised about it, to say the least."

"And how does that make you feel? Are you happy with that step forward?"

Vee watched as Lucifer looked away, his eyes closing softly,

"Feeling wanted for the first time in almost a decade, like they want me is... Well, it's different." He said with a soft sigh as he tried to get some of the tension out of his body,

"I'm just afraid I'm going to fuck everything up,"

"And why do you feel that way?"

"Because I have fucked everything up since the dawn of humanity, I am the reason why everyone is here anyway, even the one that makes me feel like I am worth something."

"I understand why you think that, but you have given humanity the gift of free will."

"But you ended up here, where you risk getting exterminated,"

"But I lived as free as I wanted, I may have ended up down here, yes, but that was my own doing, I don't want you to blame yourself for actions you didn't commit," Vaughn said softly.

Lucifer felt himself slipping a little more, like inky black tentacles that slithered up his body and grabbed at him and tugged him further toward depression. He ran his hands over his face,

"I can't help it... I could have stopped extermination, I could have stopped all of this,  yet I didn't, I just ignored it for centuries."

"Look at you now, you and your daughter have stopped extermination with the help of a handful of others, no one has ever stood up to Adam and the exterminators as you all did," Vee tried to reason, Lucifer was already in his head, though, putting on a fake smile,

"You're right."

Alastor hummed as he carried a tray of tea and assorted desserts toward Lucifer's room. It was one of his smaller gestures. He knew the angel liked sweets and had an all-too-specific favourite brand of tea that had to be smuggled from the living world.

He knocked on the door slowly, raising an eyebrow when he heard nothing from the other side. He knew Lucifer was in his room; Beauregard had seen him shut the door previously.

"Lucifer?" 

Still nothing.

At that point, the radio demon feared he had upset the little king in some way; he had been properly courting him, bringing him small gifts, being civil, and not pointing out the fact that his room was tacky. All good things.

Alastor sighed softly and flicked his ears before he opened the door, figuring at least he had tried knocking before entering. He set the tray down on the table in his room before he looked around for him. He heard something in the kitchen and walked toward it.

Lucifer had a knife to his throat, an angelic blade glistened in the light as he went to drag it across his flesh, he'd already had marks along his wings and arms that were steadily dripping. Alastor moved forward to grab the angel.

 Lucifer startled and sliced into Alastor’s arm instead.

The buck hissed before the knife clattered to the floor,

"Lucifer, why?" He said as he gripped him, not caring about the wound on his arm, the angel seemed to break down further, sobbing heavily into his chest, shaking like a leaf.

Alastor lifted him into his arms and carried him to the sitting room. Beau helped him shed his jacket, and the sinner wrapped it around the angel, holding him as he sat, rocking him gently as he cried, ignoring the pain of the cut on his arm.

Lucifer clung to him like it was the last thing he had left in this life, eventually, he ran out of pearlescent tears and just shook, taking sharp inhales as he tried to wrap his wings around himself, Alastor hummed a soft song his mother used to sing to him as he slowly rubbed the angel's lower back, not wanting to touch his wings.

"Why do you care?" Came a sad warble from below the line of Alastor's vision, 

"Because, sire, I have to, if I didn't care then I wouldn't have asked to court you, and I would have turned you away when it came to my rut... Rest assured, I wouldn't be holding or trying to comfort you either if I didn't care about you."

"But I'm the reason you're down here..." He sniffled before he shook with another sob.

Alastor kept holding him, settling his chin on top of the angel's head,

"I am the reason I'm down here, Lucifer. I have done so many things in my life that were what some would call 'inhumane' and 'horrible,' but it was my own choice," he said softly,

"Tell me, would I have tried to wrestle the knife from your hands if I didn't care?" 

Lucifer sniffled and looked up at him,

"You wouldn't have... you've only put yourself on the line for the hotel before. For Charlie."

"And now you," Alastor said softly, keeping his light touches constant, pulling a distant memory of how his mother used to treat him when he was upset.

"I brought you some tea and snacks if you feel the need to eat at this moment, and I even used that awful little circus elephant teapot you enjoy,"  the sinner spoke as he glared at the offending item, its glossy black eye dots seemed to stare back at Alastor, daring back to taunt the grand radio demon with its tackiness.

"What did Mister Peanut ever do to you? He's adorable."

"I can't say, I fear he'd kill me in my sleep."

Lucifer laughed softly, wiping his eyes. Alastor smiled wider,

"Oh alas, I am doomed to forever be outdone by a teapot! How am I to go on with my life!" The sinner said as he put a hand over his eyes, acting wounded as if his shirt wasn't currently soaking in blood from the deep cut he had gotten from the angelic blade.

Alastor heard Lucifer laugh more, against his chest, shaking with his eyes closed,

"Do you feel better? Good enough for tea, perhaps?"

"Yeah," the angel sniffled with a smile,

"A little bit."

The angel healed the wound on Alastor's arm, snapping everything clean. He tugged the radio demon's jacket a little closer as he was carried to the table, set down in a comfortable chair,

"Do you want your coat back?"

"Not right now, you look comfortable under it, have I ever told you that you look lovely in that colour?"

"No, but thank you."

Mister Peanut was tipped forward as Al poured the tea out into cups, sliding a gold-decorated saucer under the teacup. He hummed softly as he gently put it down in front of the king. Lucifer looked into it,

"Thank you,"

"You're welcome. I tried my hand at baking desserts as well." 

Alastor wasn't very good at dessert, but he certainly tried his best. Little cookies and cakes decorated the tray,

"What was it that you were humming to me earlier?" The angel asked as he nibbled at a cookie,

"Au Clair de la Lune, my mother used to sing it to me when I was just a boy, when I was upset."

Lucifer reached a hand across the table, and he put it over Alastor's. The sinner moved to hold it gently,

"It's Beautiful... Thank you for comforting me, Alastor. I know it's really not your forte to do things like that."

"It's not in my nature, but to see an angel weep makes me more uneasy than unsolicited physical contact," he said as he sipped his tea, glaring once again at the teapot.

The angel tried to pull his wings into himself,

"I-I've been trying to end my life for so long that everything just feels numb, no one's ever wrestled the knife out of my hand before," he said as he looked at the floor,

"I'd do it a hundred more times if I didn't have to see you spill your blood," Alastor said honestly,

"I too share a self-destructive streak, though not to that extent, I have several stitches after trying to tear my ears off after you left... Husker is typically the one who stitches me back together; a fair amount of my scars were my own doing, others were from my living life."

Lucifer looked up at him,

"You did that to yourself after I left?" He asked quietly, only to receive a curt nod,

"After I pushed you out the door, yes, I did, it brought up memories that I'd rather not think about," Alastor said as his ears flicked. The angel squeezed his hand,

"We're more alike than we care to admit... Angel found me lying in a pool of my own after I had slit my throat, after I left you. I just- fuck, I fear the day Charlie comes in and finds me like that, I don't want her to see me like this..."

Alastor stood and crossed the table, kneeling in front of Lucifer, his hands open,

"I propose a deal,"

"What kind of deal?" The angel questioned,

"When one of us feels like harming ourselves, we call the other and provide comfort till the feeling passes. If neither of us is available, we send something in our place." 

The angel opened his wings a little more and nodded, taking Alastor's hands and squeezing them before he snapped, a silver bracelet appeared, and he slid it over the sinner's wrist.

It was engraved with old symbols, ones that Alastor couldn't read. Lucifer slid one on his wrist and touched it; the symbols lit up, and the bracelet grew cold on the sinner's wrist.

"This should keep us connected without drawing attention," he said softly. Alastor nodded and went back to sip his tea, picking at a cookie.

Lucifer nibbled at his dessert quietly, and when Alastor finished his tea,

"I can take the dishes with me after..." He said as he stood, the angel finished his nibbling and his tea, and there was a bit of silence.

Alastor watched as the look on the angel's face shifted, like fear, perhaps it was the fear of the sinner abandoning him in his time of need.

"Voice what you need."

"Lay with me,"

"Alright, lead the way," he put his hand out, Lucifer took it, walking with him over to a bed much bigger than the buck had ever seen.

The angel got in under the covers, moving under them till he popped up in the center. He was on his stomach, his wings lifted the blankets, and Alastor crawled in beside him.

"Would you like to be held?"

"Yes, please," Lucifer whispered.

Alastor gently moved Lucifer on top of him, wrapping his arms around the little king, slowly rubbing along his spine, the backs of his claws gliding over the porcelain skin underneath the angel's robe, humming 'Au Clair de la Lune' once again.

Lucifer closed his eyes and focused on the feeling of tender touches. He started to relax more, the tension bleeding from his body as he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Claws drifted through the base of his wings, and Alastor froze, fearing he had touched somewhere forbidden. When Lucifer didn't budge, he kept touching, running feathers through his fingers as he straightened them out. Lucifer could feel him preening the feathers; he shook his wings a little before he opened them more, gently pressing his face into Alastor's neck. They embraced one another till Lucifer gently shifted, burying himself further into Alastor's arms. A knock at the door made them both startle slightly; the only ones who knew of their current entanglement were Angel and Husker.

"Dad?" Came a voice from the other side, Lucifer sat up quickly, straddling the sinner's hips, "Be there in a minute, Char-Char!" He said as he rolled off of Alastor, snapping himself fully dressed and presentable, 

"Make yourself less noticeable, alright?" He whispered to Alastor, who melted into the shadows.

The door was cracked open as Lucifer smiled at his daughter. Charlie had a smile on her face,

"Are you feeling better this week?" 

"Mhm, I am!" 

"That's good, there's a lot to catch up on. I also wanted you and Alastor to meet our newest guest in the morning," she said, giddy.

"That would be wonderful, Charlie!"

"Mhm, I think so... Alastor must be out, he didn't answer his door when I knocked, I'll tell him later."

Charlie moved to hug her father,

"I'm so glad you're feeling better. I was really worried about you," she said, squeezing him, picking him up in a hug. Lucifer giggled softly and hugged her back. "I missed you, too, Char."

Alastor listened to them chat away, hidden out of view, his ears twitching, wondering just who the new guest was, among other things.

Lucifer shut the door when Charlie left. He turned directly into Alastor, grunting,

"Alastor, do we need to talk about personal space?" He asked softly with a smile,

"Mm, I don't believe so, you say that as if you weren't calmly lying on me mere moments before your daughter interrupted us."

"I'd happily go back to lying with you,"

"Shall we then?"

"Mhm, let's".

The new guest was a little different, to say the least. Normal was a word that came to mind if Alastor was honest; he was tall and slightly awkward. Lanky, that was the correct word, unlike Angel, who was lean-bodied; the canine sinner in front of him was nothing more than a bag of bones with fur.

Alastor didn't like dogs; he had scars from where the hounds had chased him down and grabbed at his flesh before the hunter had put the final shot between his eyes.

"Ok, this is our new resident, his name is Topher, feel free to introduce yourself to the rest of the gang," Charlie said happily, tossing some confetti. The large wolfhound smiled. If it weren't for his height and several scars, he definitely would have been mistaken for a hellhound.

"I'm Topher, I don't really know how to introduce myself that well, I'm fairly dull, I suppose, I died in 1976, Uhm..." He trailed off at a loss for words,

"That's ok, this is Nifty, Husker, Angel Dust, Alastor, Vaggie and my dad Lucifer," 

"Very nice to meet you all."

Lucifer couldn't fathom why Topher was in hell; the hound sinner didn't seem like the type to commit atrocities bad enough to land him in a place like this.

"I'll show you to your room. Alastor, would you mind giving him the hotel tour? Dad, do you want to help me with lunch?" 

"Of course, it would be my pleasure," Alastor spoke as he led Topher to the elevator. Lucifer flashed a well-worn smile,

"Of course, Char-Char!" 

When the elevator dinged on the second floor of Husker's wing, he walked off, the hound sinner following him, pushing up his glasses gently. Alastor opened the door with the key in his pocket and handed Topher a key as well.

"Your only current hallmate is Angel Dust; his room is at the very end."

"Alright, thank you,"

"Charlie encourages residents to decorate their rooms and doors as they see fit; however, do not permanently change the layout.”

Topher went in and looked around for a few moments, setting down his suitcase before he shut the door,

"I'll do it later," he said softly. Alastor gave a nod,

"There are all the amenities you need in your room if you decide to never come out for things other than therapy with Princess Charlotte; now, come, I will show you the rest of the amenities outside your living quarters."

Alastor led him through each hall, explaining things here and there, marking important points such as the kitchen, the bar, the pool (installed by Lucifer when the new hotel went up), each of the manager's respective offices and of course Nifty's cleaning closet. It all went fine till Topher flashed his teeth in a smile that made Alastor uneasy, the radio demon cleared his throat to not think of the glinting white teeth of hounds as they barked and howled, Charlie smiled at Al and took the new resident off his hands for therapy.

Alastor walked his way to the bar and looked at Husker,

"Can you kindly pass me that bottle of rye?"

"...depends on what you're gonna do with it. I ain't sewing you up again,"

"Just give me the liquor, Husker. I won't ask again." 

"Fine. But don't come crying to me." He put it on the bar top.

Husker watched the sinner grin at him before melting into the shadows, knowing he only took the bottle when his mind was muddy and past thoughts were creeping in. The cat sinner sighed softly.

The radio demon materialized in his own space, plopping down in his chair and putting his hands over his face, rubbing as Beauregard poured the first glass of whisky. Alastor downed it without a second thought, grimacing at the fact that it was slightly warmed.

Alastor knocked back at least two or three more glasses before his eyes settled on the band Lucifer had given him. 

He snarled and threw the bottle, watching it smash into pieces on the hardwood, the leftover whisky painting the floor like a portrait of his grief.

"Call on him," Beau growled,

"No! Beauregard, I'm the strong one, I can deal with it myself!" he snarled back at his shadow, his antlers creaking as they grew.

Alastor tugged at his hair as he battled with himself, Beauregard being his inner voice, before the shadow brushed the bracelet.

Lucifer was there before Alastor could even yell at his Shadow. The angel saw the carnage, claw marks on furniture, numerous glasses smashed,

"Alastor," he said softly.

The radio demon snarled at his shadow, his ears flicked as he turned to face the little angel, his look dropped as Lucifer's face grew worried.

Lucifer gently put his hand out, not daring to grab at Alastor, knowing it would likely make him act aggressively.

The buck stared down at the hand for a few moments. He looked away as he took it, his ears pinning flat. There were no words shared between them as Lucifer led him to his bed, the angel sat down on the edge, his legs open as he shuffled back.

Lucifer gently squeezed Alastor's hand, and the buck moved between the angel's open legs, wiggling and shuffling up the bed. He comfortably lay his head on the angel's stomach, still not looking him in the eyes.

Alastor felt their hands part as Lucifer gently petted the back of his neck, scratching at his undercut as he worked his way up to the top of the sinner's head, slowly stroking his ears.

"I know you won't talk about your feelings, but what upset you? You were fine in the lobby," he said quietly as he moved to rub his ears, massaging them slowly. 

Lucifer listened, but Alastor just shifted, a small growl in his throat as he closed his eyes,

"Will Beauregard tell me?" He asked softly, the shadow popped up, instead, wrapping itself around Lucifer to hug him from behind,

"Okay, do you want your ears scratched, Beau?" He asked softly, the shadow nuzzled his neck, flicking his ears with a low purr.

The angel rubbed the top of the shadow's ears slowly,

"I got you, both of you," he said softly as he showered both of them with sweet touches of tender affection,

"I want to take you out with me tonight... I hope you don't mind heights."

"Heights?" A grunt came as Alastor's ears twitched gently,

"Where are we going?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out later, till then I'm going to hold you till you feel better."

That hold lasted about an hour and a half before Alastor wiggled out of his arms,

"I feel better, thank you, Lucifer," he said softly as he looked away. Lucifer gently touched his arm,

"I know you don't really like verbalizing your feelings... I don't either, but I'm getting there. I'm happy you let me help."

Lucifer stood up on the bed, moving to gently press his lips to Alastor's cheek, 

"See you tonight?"

"Yes, of course, where am I meeting you?"

"My room,"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said as he gently kissed the angel's cheek before the little king slipped through a portal and left.

The angel made his way to the kitchen. Husk was making himself a snack, and Lucifer could have used his magic to make something, but he knew he had picked up some nice cheese from the wrath ring; after all, wrath made the best food items other than gluttony.

"You know Charlie's been looking for you for the last hour, I know what you've been doin', you better take her something or she's gonna start getting suspicious," Husk said as he cut onions; he wasn't looking at Lucifer.

"How did you know?"

"Because usually right about now I'm getting summoned to go stitch him back up because he's bitten off a new part of himself. He doesn't like dogs either. I was expecting it."

Lucifer started to cut up his cheese, deciding to make a plate to share with Charlie. Husk had a point; if he was going to get grilled, he might as well bring a peace offering.

"Well, rest assured, bar cat, I'll see to it that he feels alright,"

"It's Husk, and you better. I'm tired of picking up after him when he has his little shit fit, someone else's turn." 

The angel finished up his little snack plate,

"Don't worry about it, I'll keep him in check. Angelic power and all," he said softly as he flared out his wings for a moment. Husker grumbled softly,

"Charlie's up in her office."

Lucifer gave a nod and headed up to Charlie's office, carrying a plate of cheese, crackers and dried meats, along with fruit and a few other things. He knocked on her door gently,

"Come in!"

He opened the door,

"Dad! I've been looking everywhere for you, where have you been!?" She said, Lucifer set down the plate on her desk and sat in the chair across from her,

"I was out shopping for groceries," he lied with a smile, waving his hand out of view to stock the fridge full, 

"Can you tell me next time, please? I was looking for you for over an hour."

"I will, I promise," he said softly as he picked at the food, offering some to his daughter, who took a piece of cheese,

"Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about the new resident, he seems to be settling in alright, but I don't know how to make him more comfortable."

Lucifer crossed his legs,

"Maybe some of your team-building activities could get him more comfortable... He doesn't really seem like he belongs here."

"What do you mean?"

"He seems like he should have gone to heaven instead of down here; he isn't actively sinning." 

Charlie blinked a few times,

"He wrote on the form that he cheated on his wife once."

"But one instance of cheating, if he hasn't had sex with anyone since he arrived here, if he's executed with an angelic weapon like Sir Pen, he should pop up in heaven."

"Dad, we can't just execute our guests..."

"But if it lets them reach heaven, we might have to, if that's the only way,"

"We'd have to ask him first; we can't just kill him at random," Charlie said, trying to think logically. Lucifer nodded.

Topher stood before them with a confused look on his face,

"You have to kill me?"

"To redeem you, yes, you haven't sinned at all since you've been down here, right?" Charlie asked the hound shook his head,

"I haven't slept with anyone at all. After I cheated on Missy, I couldn't bring myself to." 

Lucifer watched with interest, standing behind Charlie as Topher agreed,

"Even if I don't get redeemed, I don't care, I've lived in hell since the 70's, I've watched so much change... I think I've seen enough down here, Princess Morningstar. I'm ready to go."

Charlie nodded and stood back as Alastor cleared his throat as he walked forward. Topher was on his knees, his eyes shut as he breathed slowly. The radio demon grabbed his head and quickly jerked it to the side, and a loud crunch followed, making Lucifer shiver, watching as his body went limp, his breathing shallow.

Alastor held him by the muzzle as he took the angelic weapon, sliding the blade through the tender arteries of the sinner's neck, blood spayed for a few moments before it began to flood out of the wound down the front of the radio demon.

The princess looked away, hugging her father, who simply watched Alastor,

"I'm afraid this is the easiest and least painful way to end his life, though cleaning up afterwards will be a pain," he said softly. He put a hand over his heart, feeling for any sign of a beat. 

"He's dead, let's see if your theory worked." 

They waited around a silver bell that Emily had given them; it was one of the few ways heaven communicated since Sir Pententious ascended, other than the exterminator meetings, but those were called off till further notice, with Adam dead.

"I hope this works... I hope we didn't just kill him for nothing," Charlie said as she crossed her arms, holding them with her hands as she leaned on her dad. Lucifer wrapped an arm around her.

Alastor was resisting the urge to lick the blood off the back of his arm. Beauregard, on the other hand, was lapping it off the floor in the other room, helping Nifty clean it up.

Charlie sniffled, wiping her face as she cried,

"Oh, Dad, we just killed someone for nothing!" She said as she sobbed into his hat,

"It's ok, Charlie, I got you," he said, holding her, rubbing her back in slow circles as she wailed.

It was minutes before the bell would ring, ringing incessantly in short bursts. Charlie sniffled,

"It worked! It worked!" She said, jumping, holding Lucifer in her arms, effectively shaking the hell out of him; his hat was on the floor as he smiled and wiggled happily with his daughter.

Alastor was jumped on too by Charlie, picked up in a hug, squished between her in Lucifer, 

"Oh! Sorry, Al, I forgot you don't like being touched," she said as she set him down,

"It's quite right, dear, it's time to celebrate, to redemption, I believe a party is for our second sinner's redemption, and killed by the hotel staff no less." 

Primping and prepping were done by the staff. Alastor had disposed of the body in a way to fill his basement freezer with meat. He helped with the decorations, using his shadowy tendrils to lift Nifty so she could put up garlands, among other things.

Angel walked in, tired out from his shift at the studio, cracking his back gently,

"What the fuck is all this for?" He asked, looking around,

"We redeemed a second sinner!" Charlie said excitedly,

"What? Already? What the hell did ya do to him?"

"We killed him!"

Charlie watched as Angel’s face went from confused to more confused,

"Wait, wait, you're tellin' me that you have to die to be redeemed?"

"Mhm, yes, with an angelic blade, though you have to make sure you check all the boxes before your death, otherwise you will just be dead," Alastor said in a sing-song voice.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's live it up," Angel said, putting his arms up and smiling, getting cheers in response from the rest of the staff as they poured up liquor, and Charlie went to celebrate with them.

Alastor stood beside Lucifer, nursing a very small glass of rye; well, the angel sipped wine, 

"I'm glad that worked, I'm sure she would have had a breakdown if it didn't," the angel said softly,

"Me too, more meat for the freezer in the meantime," the sinner hummed.

Lucifer pulled a look on his face in disgust,

"You're really going to eat him?"

"When you've grown up with nearly nothing, you eat what is available; it's something I cannot change about myself," he said softly. The angel softened,

"Alright, but don't kiss me on the mouth after you've eaten that... Do you want to ditch this party and head out?" He questioned.

"My, I thought you'd never ask," Alastor smiled and tossed back the rest of his rye. Lucifer did the same with his sip of wine and set the glasses at the bar, winking at Husker, who gave them a nod.

They went up the elevator together, their hands knitted together; it was the little touches in private that made them smile.

Lucifer led them into his room to the balcony,

"You're going to have to trust me on this one, alright?" The little angel said as he climbed up on the railing, standing on it proudly, now eye level with the man that was currently winning over his heart,

"I can certainly try, though you standing on the railing is beginning to make me nervous."

Alastor felt the angel wrap his arms around his waist, "arms around my neck and hold on tightly," he said softly. The sinner did as told, looking Lucifer in the eyes with his ears flicking.

Wings flared wide before they shivered and flapped a few times. Lucifer pulled them both off the balcony, and Alastor held on tight, 

"Lucifer, what are you doing!?"

"Trust me!"

They were careening towards the ground at top speed, just moments before they hit it. All 6 of Lucifer's wings flared out, causing them to soar before they struck the earth.

With fast, heavy flaps of his wings, they climbed into the air quickly. Before Alastor knew it, he had his legs wrapped around the angel's hips, glancing downward as they soared over the pentagram,

"This is positively amazing," the sinner said softly.

Lucifer stretched his wings wide as they began to glide carefully, above the eyes of any prying sinners. The blonde rolled in the air, the middle set of wings caressing them as the other two folded to allow him to twirl,

"Are you trying to woo me with all of your fancy tricks?"

"Depends, is it working?" He said with another pose, shaking his feathers to reflect the light of the setting sun.

Alastor gazed at the feathers, his ears pinned to keep the wind from getting in them, 

"I do believe it is," he said softly,  as he looked into Lucifer's eyes.

They began to dive, wings folding around them tightly, as they dropped like a mentor towards the ground. Alastor could feel it; he dug his heels into the angel's back, his hands gripping tighter,

"I won't let you go."

Wings snapped open at the last moment before they hit the ground, soaring for a few moments, a sudden flutter as Lucifer landed upright, Alastor opened his eyes and looked around.

They were standing in a lush tropical area, a small pool in the center where hell horses flocked, nickering and screaming as they drank and socialized.

Alastor slowly let his legs down, impressed by the cushy grass,

"Where are we?" He asked softly,

"A little slice of my personal heaven that no one can find but me," he said softly,

"Are we still in Pride? This is gorgeous, like Eden, I'd assume?" he said as he carefully broke away from Lucifer's arms.

"Mhm, I can't take out of pride without my seal, but this is where I, uh, took that hell horse I said I bought Charlie, you know, turns out I didn't exactly check when getting a second one if they were the same sex..." Lucifer said with a dumb smile on his features,

"Ah, yes, so you had a herd by the end of the year, I'd assume? Hell creatures breed quickly, from what I've heard," Alastor chuckled.

"Yeah, you got that right, 2 quickly became 10, so I made them, me and Charlie a little paradise," he said softly as he sat down in the grass, lying on his stomach with his wings out,

"It is gorgeous, Lucifer. It feels almost like I've become alive again."

Alastor walked around carefully, taking a deep breath to savour the fresh air, touching trees and grass, he was about to touch a rose before he yanked his hand back, not wanting to kill it,

"You won't kill it, trust me, I made things here out of angelic power," Lucifer said softly, carefully. The sinner reached out and cupped the rose, smelling it, 

"They even smell as they did when I was alive."

Lucifer stood up,

"Have you ever ridden a horse, Al?" 

"I did as a boy, we had a mule in Catahoula perish, he wasn't as big as a full-sized horse."

"Well, would you like to ride one of these Beauties?" He said as he wiggled his eyebrows, he had an idea.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt to try," he said softly, watching as Lucifer snapped tack onto two of the largest hell horses, one a blazing red with a white face, multiple eyes stared at him, and it snapped its teeth at Alastor as he looked at it, the other was thinner, clearly a racing type breed, it had no eyes but rather a rough bony mask, it was ornately decorated in white that was accented with gold fire.

Alastor hummed and walked over to the feisty one, holding the reins tight as he got himself into the saddle, the beast below him bellowing low in protest as it snorted,

"Oh, I see you've given me the ornery one. I like your style," the sinner smirked as he watched Lucifer mount his steed,

"Mhm, you better, you're courting me, you gotta put up with my shenanigans." 

Lucifer gently squeezed his heels, and the horse below him walked on, 

"Get comfy, I have something planned for us," he said as he began to trot around Alastor, the red steed snorted smoke and tried to grab a mouthful of the fallen angel, only to get yanked back by the sinner.

The smoking steed walked forward, and Alastor trotted around the pond a few times before he galloped, skidding to a stop in front of Lucifer. The horse reared, and the sinner held on.

"I think I'm ready to sufficiently win whatever you have planned,"

"Oh, someone's sure of himself," the angel smirked.

They stood side by side. Lucifer moved his hands, and a rifle appeared, loaded already. It looked as though it was right from Alastor's era; he handed it to the sinner.

"Ah, yes, the savage model 1920, I've held a few of these in my day," he said as he pulled back the bolt handle, loading a bullet into the chamber.

Lucifer was next to him, holding a bow, ornate just like himself; even the arrows looked delicate,

"I suspect you would have. Now I know how competitive you are. I've seen it firsthand. I've made a game with us in my pristine little acre, I've released one of hell's nastiest game animals on the property, and I've created a magical null zone." 

Alastor's smile grew wider as he talked,

"The first to find and kill the beast will win the game." 

"And the prize?"

"A kiss," Lucifer said with a smirk.

"I like that thought. The last one there is a rotten egg!" Alastor called out as he took off, his horse stallion pinning its ears as it took off into the woods,

"Hey, no fair!" Lucifer called out as he kicked his mare to life; she screeched and ripped into the forest in a different direction.

Alastor kept his rifle close and a good grip on the reins, as his horse jumped over a downed tree and into soft mud, he noticed the knocked-over trees and the disturbed earth. Truth be told, the sinner had no idea what kind of animal he was looking for; perhaps some kind of tasty eldritch horror.

Lucifer kept his eyes out, his wings pulled into his back as his horse carefully weaved through the trees, her footing careful as she sniffed at the earth, trying to catch a scent; if the angel was honest, this wasn't his thing, but the way Alastor lit up when he mentioned hunting was well worth it.

A rustle made Alastor's ears flick; he focused in on it, and his horse stopped and bellowed for a moment before he took off toward the source.

The Wrathian Beao, a species native to Wrath, were much nastier than any other beast the ring had to offer; not even wild hell boars could match the raw rage of these large deer-like creatures. This large beast was the size of a giraffe with a rack of antlers that curved inward and up, like a Crown; they grew from the empty eye sockets. What made these beasts so dangerous was not the large quills down their back nor the razor-sharp tusks that littered their maws; it was the blindness. With no eyes, they are incredibly violent, attacking anything that moves within their field of echolocation.

A loud wailing scream blew through the forest as the beast picked up its pace, bounding through the woods with startling Accuracy, directly toward Lucifer. Alastor was hot on its tail; he could see the mighty, sooty-looking beast in his view. Lucifer, on the other hand, stood up in the saddle, drawing back how bow string as he let out a deep breath, letting go.

Lucifer watched as the arrow hit an armoured patch on the beast's throat, bouncing off into the dirt,

"Oh FUCK!" He yelled as he turned tail, kicking his horse into a gallop as he loaded another from the quill on his saddle, turning as he lined up another shot. The beast screeched loudly.

The sinner followed, dropping the reins over the horn on the saddle as he used one hand to brace the rifle and put the other on the trigger. He noticed the armour plating all over the beast's body,

"Just like an alligator," he muttered as he saw one small spot at the base of the monster's skull.

Lucifer let another arrow go, growling when he couldn't find a soft spot, no wonder Satan hunted these for sport, this was a real challenge, the hell steed below him tripped, nearly tumbling down the hill they were on, shaking the angel as she tried to not fall, the quill holding his arrows spilled and the blonde tried to keep himself in the saddle.

Alastor lined up his shot, taking a deep breath before he let it out slowly.

He pulled the trigger.

Lucifer and his horse skidded into the dirt, her legs folding as she rolled down the muddy hill. He held onto her neck and braced for the impact from the beast that was chasing them, his eyes closing.

They stopped, the hell horse in a lying position, she shook out her body and stood back up, Lucifer holding onto the saddle and cracking an eye open.

Lucifer stared at the heap of beast that was crumpled in a pile, watching as Alastor hopped off his horse, running and grabbing it by the antlers. The beast still fought in it as it wildly thrashed, firing quills in all directions and wailing loudly, standing on its hind legs, and it violently tried to shake the sinner off.

Alastor snarled and held on tightly, a knife in his hand as he gripped it tightly, plunging it into the kill spot as deep as it would go. Blood sprayed out of the beast as if a geyser had erupted, coating the sinner as the monster fell to the ground with a mighty thump, Alastor standing on top of the body, a bloody smirk on his face,

"I do believe I've won."

Lucifer patted his horse before he hopped off, touching her to fix any damage she had sustained,

"You know, I don't know if that was bravery or stupidity... But that was probably the most amazing thing I've seen in a while."

Alastor wiped his brow as he stepped down from the carcass,

"I do believe I deserve a reward," 

"Oh hell no! Don't you touch me with those bloody hands," the angel said as he backed up. Lucifer screamed as bloody hands were placed on his cheeks.

"You prick!" 

They laughed and wrestled a bit, eventually ending up in the mud,

"You do know I have to dress that creature and cook it for our supper, I'd better hop to," he said softly. Lucifer looked over at him, covered in mud and blood from the beast Alastor had killed, and he gazed over at him, 

"For being covered in blood and dirt, you're strangely handsome." 

Alastor looked over at him, locking their eyes together,

"You think so?" He said softly, 

"I know so," Lucifer said softly as he closed the space between them.

Their lips pressed together, and Lucifer's eyes slid shut as he focused on the feeling, his lips moving against the sinners slowly.

Alastor shut his eyes and kissed back, the feeling of butterflies in his stomach as he settled his hand on the angel's hip.

When they parted, Lucifer pressed their foreheads together, rubbing his face against Alastor's nose, making the sinner chuckle softly, a genuine smile on his face.

“Perhaps Beauregard could do it,” he said softly as his shadow popped out, taking the knife and wandering off to process the carcass. Lucifer snapped up a small outdoor kitchen for the shadow before he moved forward to peck Alastor on the lips.

“I think we're a little bit dirty, huh? Have you ever skinny dipped before?” Lucifer asked as he ran his hands down the lapels of Alastor’s jacket. The radio demon chuckled softly, smirking,

“Many, many times, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?”

“Skinny dipping in the lake to get clean, well, Beau Cook’s supper?” the angel spoke with a smile on his face.

Alastor hummed softly,

“That is exactly what I was thinking,” he said as he sat up, slowly he undid the buttons on his jacket, letting it drop, off came the bow tie, and his shirt before he looked over at Lucifer, 

“Enjoying the show? Shouldn't you also be undressing?” 

“Oh! Uh, yeah,” the angel said, flustered, as he started to shed articles of clothing with haste, till he was standing with nothing but his lower left wing covering his crotch. 

Lucifer glanced at Alastor as he got naked, not wanting to make him uncomfortable, but he spotted something,

“You have a tail?” the angel asked as he promptly stared at the wiggling appendage. It was quite fluffy and red on the outside, but the underside looked black, 

“Hm? Yes, I'm surprised you didn't notice prior, you know, when we were having relations. I typically keep it hidden; it tends to show emotion.”

 The angel raised an eyebrow,

“I'm usually too focused on the mating part of my season to really remember anything important. Can I touch it?” Lucifer noticed just how soft it looked,

“I’d prefer you didn't, it’s sensitive and too much touching causes me to short a fuse, so to speak, maybe one day I will allow you to,” Alastor said softly as he wiggled it, 

“One day,” the angel repeated, happy it wasn't an outright no. 

Alastor purred and looked down at his little lover, Lucifer gazing back with a warm smile, the sinner put his hand on the angel's chest before he gave him a hard push,

“You ass!” he said as he hit the water, his tail shot out and grabbed the radio demon’s ankle, cutting his mighty laugh short as it was replaced by a bleat.

They crashed into the water together, both popping back up, Alastor flicking water from his ears as he looked at Lucifer. His hair was flat to his head, and he moved it out of his eyes,

“Oh, you're going to pay for that one!”

With the beao cooked and eaten, both men lay beside each other in the grass, clad in nothing but silk robes, gazing up at the stars Lucifer had put there himself. Alastor had his arm around the angel.

Lucifer thought about the night they had had. There were so many moments Alastor could have turned away or let him get hurt, but he didn't. The sinner stood by him; he trusted him, even saving him from potential harm.

Alastor did trust him, more than he could even measure; he didn't know how, at one point, he hated Lucifer so much that he would have willingly let that beao gore him; not now, he was far too fond of the little angel now to let him come to any harm.

"Lucifer?" 

"Yeah,  Alastor?" 

"Do you think Charlotte would get mad if we didn't return to the hotel tonight?" 

"I don't think so, why?"

"Because I'd like to sleep under the stars with you tonight."

Chapter Text

Lucifer stood in his full-length mirror, getting ready for the day, he looked at his body with a soft sigh, he was eating more but he was still fairly skinny, his rib bones more visible than he liked, his hip bones jutting out, his ass suffered the most; why did he have to lose weight where he enjoyed it, he simply grumbled and fit his clothes a little smaller with his magic before he shrugged on his jacket and put his hat on. 

He opened his door and headed to the elevator, sparing a glance at Alastor’s room as he did. 

According to Charlie, the radio demon was out in some kind of meeting. Not even Beauregard was lurking, which was odd, to say the least. Lucifer hummed as he headed down to the front foyer of the hotel to stand with his daughter. 

Both of them waited. 

Angel walked in, looking at them puzzled,

“Another new guest? That’s real quick,”

“I know it's wonderful!” Charlie said excitedly, giddy that the hotel was working,

“Yeah, I guess if that's whatcha want, just watch your back, there's some really shitty people down here," the spider sinner said as he cracked his back and headed to the bar.

“Don’t worry, Angel. We are making sure everyone who is staying is ready to be a good person, to themselves and others,” she said softly. Lucifer, to be somewhat honest, still didn't trust anyone new. Topher was a fine addition, but he hadn’t sinned since he was alive. He wondered what would happen if they had someone truly bad. 

In walked the new guest; a short little rabbit, she was wearing clothes that were barely there, a shirt so short the bottom of her tits were visible, and the skirt was so short Lucifer barely considered it as such, it was clear that she worked in one of the sex clubs in hell, judging by the ‘consent’ club logo on her shirt, Charlie jumped up excitedly,

“Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!” she said excitedly. Lucifer sat there smiling, keeping his eyes on her face. He liked his partners to be tall and strong enough to fold him like a lawn chair. She didn't fit the bill, but she certainly smirked at the king, batting her lashes.

“Thank you,” the rabbit sinner smiled. 

“Tell us a little about yourself. Razzle will take your suitcase up to your room for you,” Charlie said as the little dragon took the suitcase for her. 

“I’m Siren. I died in the 80s. I got shot in a drive-by on my break by a crappy ex-boyfriend. I work at consent in the lust district here as a dancer, and I'm seeking redemption,” she smiled, Lucifer glanced at her body briefly, she was white spare for deep crimson splatters and speckles that littered her body like blood on freshly fallen snow, she was fairly curvy, a bit of pudge lining her stomach and hips; she was pretty by hell standards. 

Charlie looked at her,

“Oh, we've been to Consent! Angel took us, it was… interesting!” she said excitedly, just happy to have another hotel guest. 

“It's a good place to go, did you say Angel Dust? The porn star?”

“Yeah, what’s it to ya?” Angel perked up from the bar, sipping a pink martini that Husker had whipped up,

“Oh, you are like my IDOL! I love your work, it is all so raw and provocative,” she said happily, her tail wagging,

“Thank’s doll face,” he smiled at her. It was well-worn, and he wouldn't wish what he’d gone through on anyone; after all, he paid the price for being under Val’s contract. 

“Dad, do you wanna show her around and take her to her room? I’d ask Al to do it, but he's off at a meeting and won't be back till later.”

“Of course, Char-Char,” Lucifer donned a happy smile as he led her to the elevator, 

“After you,”

“Ooh, a gentleman, thank you, sweetheart.”

Siren stood in the elevator with Lucifer, her eyes raking over him, thinking he was the best thing she’d laid eyes on since she saw some of the succubus that frequented the club. She licked her lips in thought, wondering just how she could get him into her bed.

Lucifer hummed softly when the elevator dinged. There was a small part of him that wanted to stare at the sinner beside him, but not for the reasons of lust. The prospect of looking at breasts was nice, but it was the tender touches and gentle kisses that really hooked him, and the prospect of being pinned down and overpowered occasionally.

The angel hummed as he showed her around the hotel, pointing out the communal kitchen if she ever wanted to use it, the bar, Nifty’s cleaning closet, the laundry room, everyone's respective offices, the sitting room, and, of course, the pool Lucifer had put in when they rebuilt the whole hotel. Finally, they got to the sinner's room, which was located just under the neon Xs.

“Oh wow, this is big,” Siren commented as she looked around her new room,

“We strongly encourage creativity. Decorate as you like, but don’t make your room larger with magic or otherwise. We also permit decorating your door to your standards to showcase your personality,” he said softly, waving his staff to gesture to things.

“Mhm, sounds good to me.”

“Settle in a bit, and when you are ready to do some paperwork, come find me or Charlie.”

Alright, thanks for showing me around, handsome,” she said softly as she kissed his cheek and shut the door in his face.

Lucifer stood there for a moment, a gold blush on his face.

Oh, that, that was flirting if he'd ever seen it; especially when your secret lover was the radio demon, who likely wouldn't enjoy the prospect of sharing.

Alastor sat at Rosie's, sipping tea out of dainty china cups adorned with skulls. She offered him a finger,

"No, dear, I've had one too many already,"

"Oh, I know you have, but since your season is over, you are nothing but skin and bone, positively fading away as you sit here, and you know I can't have that in my parlour," she said, waving her hand.

"If you insist," he spoke as he took a finger, eating the tip off in one small bite.

Rosie smiled, "I always insist, now tell me, how are you and your entanglement fairing out?" She asked as she crossed her legs and sipped her tea, the radio demon's ears shifted a bit as stations flicked to mimic his emotions,

"It's going well... Too well if you ask me, it's almost worrying in a way,"

"Why would you think like that? Hm? You two seem in sync. If something were to happen, I'm sure you two would figure it out."

"One can hope, but life and death have always proven to be calm before the storm. Perhaps I'm just scorned by the last person I attempted to share myself with," he thought, his claws tapping against the fine china cup as he stared into the amber-coloured liquid.

"One day, you will forget that contempt for yourself that came from that person who wronged you, Alastor. You just have to be willing to open your heart for this new Person? You've never given me any more information than that."

"Perhaps one day... You know I keep my affairs private, Rosie. I know how you like to gossip,"

"Mhm, I do, but I don't gossip about you, dear, I never would now cough up the details," she had a grin that could rival the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

Alastor sighed and sipped his tea, his ears flicking to soft, almost dainty music,

"He is quite wonderful, fair-skinned, more beautiful than anything I've laid eyes on. Even when he cries, he is beautiful, which is saying something because most of those who weep look awful when they do it. He is kind, gentle and willing to put up with Beauregard's antics when he is seemingly out of control, he is like a lighthouse in the middle of a storm that sees you to shore safely," he said softly, closing his eyes,

Rosie listened intently, her smile becoming softer,

"Alastor?"

"Hm? Yes, Rosie?" 

"Are you in love with this man you're courting?" She asked softly. 

Love? What was love? Alastor had never been in love to really know; he felt love from his mother once upon a time, but romantic love had betrayed him.

It was romantic love that took his hand and led him to the woman who betrayed him when he was unable to perform during their first time. She spread rumours so nasty that he and his mother moved from Catahoula Parish to New Orleans in an effort to start fresh.

"I don't know Rosie, I wish I could give a firm answer," he said softly as he looked away,

"Maybe you will find that answer one day," she smiled and patted his knee, 

"Perhaps I will."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, enjoying their tea,

"So how is the princess doing with her hotel?"

"She is doing well, two sinners redeemed; we are due for another guest today."

"How exciting! You must be thrilled about all of this working?"

"I am, to an extent, excited for her, but a day she tries to rehabilitate me will be the day that the hotel gets burnt to the ground." 

Rosie waved her hand,

"Come now, don't be like that, I'm sure she thinks we are all capable of redemption, dear. It just so happens neither of us wants to be redeemed," she hummed softly, and Alastor gave a nod,

"I doubt I'd enjoy the rigid rules of heaven; it certainly isn't for me, now mass murder, perhaps cannibalism, that is more my style," he said with a smirk on his features.

They prattle on for a few hours before Alastor was shown the door by Rosie, he kissed both of her cheeks as a goodbye, and the radio demon was off.

Alastor walked back to the hotel, enjoying the way everyone scattered like cockroaches at the sight of him. Anyone brave enough to take on Adam in a fight was more than enough to make him more infamous than he already was in the pride ring.

He whistled as he walked up the long driveway toward the hotel, staring at it from a distance. Beau went ahead, slipping through the shadows into Alastor's room unnoticed, allowing the sinner to teleport in discreetly.

If there was one thing Alastor didn't enjoy, it was just striding through the front door like he owned the place. Well, he did to some extent, but that was another story.

Alastor hummed and fixed his bowtie, preening at his hair in the mirror for a few moments before he left his room.

He headed downstairs in the elevator, and it dinged as it opened on the ground floor, where Charlie stood with Lucifer,

"Oh, Al, you're back! Just in time to meet our new resident," she smiled.

Alastor smiled back at her as he was introduced to Siren, 

"Pleased to meet you,"

"Oh, aren't you a tall drink of water? Nice to meet you, too, sweetheart," she said with a purr; Lucifer didn't typically get jealous, it was rare, and he felt his wings fluff in annoyance.

whore.

Charlie kept that smile on her face,

"Are you ready to fill out some paperwork? We have a few pages to get done, then you're free to do whatever you like with the rest of your day," she said softly. The rabbit nodded.

"Of course," she said as she was whisked away by the princess; Alastor watched them leave,

"Quite the flirt, I must say. My heart belongs to someone else, however," he said as he glanced at Lucifer.

"Mine too, she kissed my cheek earlier, I'd much rather have you kissing my lips," Lucifer smiled at him crookedly,

"Mhm, you better wipe your face before our date tonight, dear. I will admit I'm quite jealous," he said softly as he took a glance around to make sure no one was looking. He pressed his lips to the fallen angel's opposite cheek,

"You know I could deal with a few more of those sweet-lipped kisses," he purred.

Angel walked in on them talking,

"Ya know the more I see you two together, the cuter the couple ya make," he said as he held Nugget in his arms, the little hell pig snorted as it wiggled, wanting down.

Lucifer watched Angel set the little creature down,

"Don't say that too loud, we are still in courtship, I don't plan to make anything public to the outside world," Alastor said with his ears pinned. The spider put his hands up,

"Pump the brakes, smiles, I ain't tellin' nobody about you two, that ain't my business anyway. Just saying you two look good together," he said as he left to get nuggets and a few snacks from the kitchen.

Alastor saw Lucifer fidget for a moment,

"...We're gonna have to tell Charlie eventually about us, right? I can't hide things from her forever, Alastor..." The fallen angel said softly as his anxiety began to heighten, 

"Of course, I'd think it rude of us not to tell dear Charlotte, when the time comes, we will; till then, I want to get to know you as well as I can." 

Later, Alastor prepped for their shared date. He hummed as he put together a dinner, crawfish ètouffèe; He could remember his mother making it every time he had spent his day in the bayou catching crawfish.

Though he could only let Beauregard spend his hours catching crawfish in his bayou as he prepared everything else, he hummed as he turned off the stove and put a lid on the pan. He heard a knock at his door, 

"Early? Hm, how odd," he said as he wiped his hands on a kitchen towel.

He made his way to the door, opening it, he looked down at his sudden guest,

"Hello, Siren, what brings you here?" He said with an eyebrow raised, slightly irritated that she was bothering him at dinner hour.

"Can we Uhm... can we talk?" She asked, looking down,

"Charlie is out, so is the king. I don't really have anyone to talk to," Siren spoke quietly,

"Surely Husker or Angel are available?" Alastor suggested he didn't like talking about feelings; it wasn't his area of expertise.

"No, it looks like everyone went out on an errand or something." 

"I suppose we could talk then."

Alastor led her to the sitting room at the end of the hall, leaving Beauregard to tend to the food and make sure nothing was burned in the process. He got Siren and himself situated in chairs across from each other.

"So what happens to be on your mind?" He asked, knowing that was how Charlie and Lucifer typically started their conversations about mental health, 

"I don't know if I'm in the right place, you know? I keep questioning it," she said as she looked at him,

"And why is that?" Alastor asked.

Siren sniffled softly and ran her hands over her face,

"I don't know if I'm good enough to redeem. I think I have to be ready for it, right? I don't know if I'll ever be ready." 

"Perhaps it takes time to feel ready, as Charlotte would say, to feel yourself and be prepared to be redeemed," he said with a head tilt.

Alastor watched her sniffle and smile,

"Thanks, I think that's just what I needed to hear. Can I have a hug?" She asked, wiping her eyes of nonexistent tears, the radio demon shifted his ears back,

"I suppose."

They moved from their seats. Siren embraced him in a somewhat awkward hug.

Alastor felt a sharp pain, like ice right between his ribs; it began to burn.

The only other time he'd felt pain like this was after Adam wounded him, and that wound still ached. 

He choked, blood sputtering out in rivulets down his chin and onto the white rabbit below. She looked up at him,

"I'm sorry, Alastor...Vox wanted it this way." 

A violent reverb of feedback came out of every audio source of the hotel, the power flickering as his form shifted; she took the blade out and thrust it into his back again, hitting his spine and twisting it violently before he threw her back into the wall. He was growing weak as his lungs steadily filled with blood, and he touched his bracelet.

She was thrown, hitting the wall so hard that he had broken her neck with a Sharp snap of bone. She wailed out in pain as she looked at him.

"Alastor?" Came a voice from behind, the deer sinner looked back with fading sight as he collapsed onto the hardwood, sputtering and gurgling as he tried to breathe, a whisper on his lips,

"Lucifer."

Chapter Text

Muddy boots trod through the bayou as barking was heard from behind; his breathing was laboured as he struggled, trying not to lose his footing in the swamp as he ran. 

He had been here before, running in the same bayou outside the city, covered in the same blood, the same sweat that clung to his skin, the same bellowing from the catahoula leopard cur behind him.

They were gaining on him. This was it, he knew it was. This was when he heard the barking, the bellowing that got him caught with a body in the first place. 

He tried to laugh as one dog latched onto his throat, another on his arm. They left his face alone; he was still smiling as the hunter drew back the hammer of his rifle, 

“A good hunter knows his prey’s habits better than his own, Alastor; you slipped up this time,”

“I allowed you to find me. But that won't bring back your cur of a son, that wife-beating son of a bitch, I’ll see him in hell, sheriff, and you too!” he cackled.

The trigger was pulled, and everything went black. 

It started to repeat, the memory still fresh as the blood that clung to him, but it was different this time. 

His back was wet, soaking, actually. His chest felt tight, and his breath was short as he tried to run. He could hear barking but not the footsteps that should have been following him, not the familiar clock of a hunting rifle. 

Alastor stood still, looking around the bayou as he searched for the sheriff and his hounds, but there was nothing. The sounds of bellowing barks echoed through the lush swamp. He coughed heavily into his hands and looked at the red, clotted viscera that clung to his fingers. He watched it drip into the wet mud below. 

He could hear beeping, rhythmic and steady, before it spiked, screeching so loud he dropped and covered his ears, his coughing became more insistent, so hard it took his breath away. 

Bile rose in his throat as he threw up, his body going rigid as he hunched over, choking and coughing nothing but blackened blood. He collapsed on his side with a tortured, crackling breath.

Everything went black again, the beeping one constant tone.

He awoke again, lying in the bayou, the sun warm on his skin as he looked around. He coughed heavily as he sat up he had a splitting headache. He touched his forehead and felt the hole, the warm blood running down his face and body, chunks of flesh missing from where the dogs had mauled him.

His glasses were broken, but his eyes scanned the bayou around him, the blood stuck to his skin along with the sticky heat of the humidity. He took a deep, sputtering breath as he tried to stand; his legs wobbled like a newborn fawn.

“My sweet baby, look at you,” crooned a voice he knew well,

“Manman?” his voice could go no higher than a whisper,

“I’m here, mon chou, come to me,” she said softly; she was nothing more than a voice that echoed throughout the Cyprus trees. 

“Where are you?” he questioned.

“In your heart, dear, remember?”

“No, I don’t remember, Manman,” he said softly, 

“You don't remember when I died, Alastor?”

“I don’t… I try not to think of myself. There is too much pain for me to bear with memories like that; the wounds still feel fresh,” he spoke quietly as he closed his eyes,

“You don’t remember caring for me? Around the clock, as I slowly died from the Spanish flu, you wore a mask through the worst of it, putting yourself, and everything at risk just to aid your dying mother, spoon-feeding me when I could barely swallow, dressing and brushing my hair just to make sure I looked my best even though I could barely hold my head up,” she said growing louder, 

“Don’t make me remember that! I can’t see you like that again!”

Alastor covered his ears, cowering inward as he collapsed into the fetal position, squeezing his eyes shut, even though he couldn’t hear anything else, he could hear his sweet Manman.

“11 days, Alastor. 11 days you cared for me. 11 days that you risked killing yourself just to care for me,”

“Stop!” he yelled, as images of her deteriorating form graced his mind, her body small and emancipated in his arms as he held her, her breathing light as he held her hands, crying over her frail form, he tugged her a little closer to his chest and began to sing ‘Au claire de la lune’ to her.

Her tired eyes gazed up at her son as she listened to him sing; the last sound he ever heard from her was nothing more than a gurgle before she stopped breathing.

He buried her that night, under an old willow tree on the property, a bouquet of roses over her grave. 

“Don't let yourself go, Alastor… Don't do that to him, wake up,”

“Pardon?” he said as he sniffled, opening his eyes, 

“WAKE UP!” she screamed. 

Alastor‘s eyes opened, and every radio in Lucifer’s wing of St An’s hospital in the sloth ring went haywire, flipping channels so fast a few of them burst, shorting out with a bang, including the one in his room. 

Lucifer shot up, and the hold on Alastor’s hand grew tighter, 

“You're awake, I was so fucking worried about you,” he said frantically, his wings twitching and flapping. The radio demon noticed, his head tiredly turning, 

“How long have I been asleep?”

“7 days.”

Alastor blinked a few times, 

“What now?”

“7 days, you were really bad, I thought you were going to die,” Lucifer said, closing his eyes and squeezing his hand, 

“So that's why she kept telling me to wake up…” he said barely above a whisper. He didn't realize he was crying; inky black tears dripped down his cheeks. 

Lucifer grabbed a tissue and wiped them away. Alastor was fairly weak, his body still healing from the trauma, 

“Tell me what happened. All I can recall is you saying my name before everything went black,” he said softly, looking at the angel who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

“I found you after Siren stabbed you, picked you up and immediately brought you here to Sloth… I watched what I could when they took you into the operating room. They couldn't get an IV into any of your veins, but they managed to put one into your neck… There were so many tubes sticking out of you for meds and to keep you breathing,” he said softly, squeezing his hand as he sniffled,

“Just when I thought you were alright, you started having seizures, they were violent, and the sounds you made scared me, it's like you were wailing in pain…”

The radio demon gently squeezed Lucifer's hand as best as he physically could, 

“I'm not going out that easily, I promise,” he said softly as he tried to shift a little closer to the angel, wanting to hug him, but his body didn't want to cooperate.

“Do you want a hug?” 

“Yes, please.” 

They embraced in a very gentle hug, Lucifer crying into his shoulder,

“I hate to think of what came of our dinner date, my poor etouffee, hopefully, Beauregard put it in the fridge,” he said softly. He couldn't feel the connection with Beau.

“Strange, I can't feel him.”

“You won't be able to in anywhere other than pride, legally you aren't supposed to be in this ring, but it was an emergency and I am the king of hell,” he said softly,

“I've never seen any other ring besides Pride. Could you open the curtains, please?” Alastor asked, the angel parted and drew open deep purple panels of fabric to reveal the sights of the sloth ring,

“It's very… it looks like the same colours Angel wears on that one ugly sweater,”

“Mhm, it's very pastel down here, I don't mind it sometimes. It's calming.”

A knock at the door turned his attention away from the open window, 

“Breakfast,” a tired-looking purple Baphomet-like nurse said as she opened the door,

“Oh, look who's awake! I’ll inform Doctor Aris,” she said. She put down Lucifer's food and went back out. 

“Have you been eating anything? That isn't much food.”

“I haven't had much of an appetite," he said softly,

"Lucifer, how long have you been with me here?"

"I brought you here and I haven't gone home; I've just been sleeping on that pull-out couch when I can or not at all."

Alastor was about to say something, but a large Geotian stepped in, a tired-looking white dove with a pair of circular glasses,

"It's nice to see you are alert. We've been waiting to see when you'd wake," he said as he smiled at Lucifer, 

"I thought I was already awake, but I was asleep the whole time," the radio demon said. Lucifer held his hand,

"Well, your vitals seem to be evening out. I'll have a nurse come in and take the feeding tube out. You're going to stay on oxygen until we can properly assess you. You aren't permitted to leave until you're near 85% better, and then you will be released with supervision. I'm assuming Lucifer will play Nurse."

"Yeah, I will, I don't think he'd let anyone else, otherwise." 

Aris cleared his throat,

"You however will need some physical therapy and a mobility aid till your steady on your feet, the blade did strike your spine, thankfully it didn't hit your spinal cord, it did cause some seizures however so you are under observation for the time being," he said softly, Alastor gave a weak nod as Lucifer listened to everything that was said, his hand squeezing the sinners slowly. 

When the doctor left, Alastor sighed, 

"I suppose I should be thankful that I am alive, but I feel daft that I let this happen to me. I shouldn't have opened my door for her," he closed his eyes, 

"It wasn't your fault, none of us knew she was like that, Alastor... Charlie has her on room arrest till we figure out what to do with her," Lucifer said softly. He moved the sinner's hand to his lips, kissing the back of it.

"I don't know what I'd do if you died, Alastor,"

"You'd do as I did with Maman, bury me six feet deep and lay roses on my grave..." He said quietly.

Lucifer let his hand go and got on the bed, hugging him as tight as he could without hurting him,

"Don't make me think about that, I've cried enough over you in the past 7 days that I think I'm out of tears," he said quietly. Alastor wrapped his arms around Lucifer and put his face in his hair,

"I don't want to see you weep, something as ethereal as you shouldn't cry," he said softly,

"At least not over me."

Alastor kept him in his embrace for a few moments before the nurse knocked at the door. Lucifer got off him in the blink of an eye before the blue Baphomet came in with a smile,

"I'm Lou. I will be your nurse. Still shift change at 3, Doctor Aris has already explained what I have to do during this visit, correct?"

"Yes, he mentioned a few things," the sinner said, looking at the goat demon. The nurse came to the bedside and slipped on a set of gloves.

"If you get uncomfortable, please say so. I try to make all of this as quick as possible," he said softly.

The tape was removed from Alastor's face as the nurse put a trash can in his lap,

"Alright, quick and easy," he said softly as he held onto the feeding tube, pulling it out quickly. The sinner gagged a bit at the feeling.

Lucifer watched in horror as the tube was tugged free,

"How much of that is in him!? It just keeps coming, oh my merciful-" he gagged as the end of it popped out,

"A few feet, all done," the nurse smiled. Alastor put the trash can in front of the angel, shaking it,

"Sounds like you need this more than I do," he smirked.

Alastor watched the king push away the trash can,

"You ass, no, I don't," Lucifer said, sticking out his tongue at him, crossing his arms. The nurse chuckled softly at them. He wiped the spots where the tape was with an alcohol wipe to get any sticky residue off before he disposed of the tube and everything else, including his glove.,

"Alright, that must feel better; let's check your legs." 

The nurse carefully pulled back the blanket, and Alastor was suddenly aware he was only clad in a hospital gown. He looked down at his hooves; Lucifer seemed to as well, noticing how overgrown they were. The blue goat disinfected his hands and grabbed a long wooden cotton swab,

"I want you to look at your partner and away from me, tell me what you're feeling, if it's the pokey end of this swab or the soft one," he said. The sinner nodded.

Lucifer blushed a little when Alastor looked over at him. The little angel smirked,

"Come here often?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows, the sinner chuckled,

"You goof," he said softly as the nurse began to poke and prod at his legs, letting Al announce the feeling of what end of the cotton swab was touching him.

"Alright, you have feeling in your legs,  which is a lovely sign of healing. The physical therapist will come later for you, till then I will order a tray of breakfast for you and leave you two be," the nurse checked his fluids and painkillers, adjusting the drip rate before he left.

Alastor watched as Lucifer tugged the sheets back over his thinning form, smoothing them down and adjusting his pillows,

"You're babying me, I could have done that myself, for dear," he said softly, 

"I'm going to baby you till you are better. I did it with Charlie when I could, and Lily, and now you, I care about you, Alastor," he said as he helped him sit up carefully. The purple Baphomet woman came in and wheeled a small bedside table to the sinner, setting a tray on it..

"Thank you,"

"You're welcome," she said softly, pouring coffee into his cup and some into the angel's before she left.

Lucifer took the dome off the top of both trays of food, setting it to the side. Alastor seemed to notice more of his hospital room as he watched the angel set the dishes down; it was bigger than the hotel sitting room. Pale pink walls with large closed-eye markings decorating the top in a border-like pattern. It was medical, but didn't feel like hospitals in his day. It was warm and comfortable rather than cold and sterile.

The food was gorgeous,

"Are all hospitals like this?" Alastor asked, knowing the Pride ring didn't have any, sinners were just supposed to die rather than receive care.

"The ones in Sloth, yes, Belphagor runs all the hospitals in hell and makes sure they are up to code. I'm also royal, so we have the wing to ourselves and the utmost confidentiality in the hospital; the staff is under contract to give out no information about us, nor Charlie if she needs care," he explained. The sinner nodded and picked up his fork.

"I am not hungry, but I insist you eat with me," he said softly. Lucifer nodded,

"For you and you only."

They ate together quietly till Alastor dropped his cup on the floor by accident, 

"Oh, horse feathers!" He said, looking at the puddle on the floor, the mug was plastic, thankfully, so it didn't shatter.

"Are you alright? Did you burn yourself or anything?" Lucifer asked, startled from whatever thoughts he was having,

"I'm alright, my hand just let go... I'm unsure as to why,"

"Probably because you've been through a lot in the last 7 days, you're still in recovery, don't beat yourself up about it," the angel said softly as he snapped the mess clean and the cup refilled with a lid on the top.

"Really? A lid? I am not a child, Lucifer,"

"They aren't for kids, I just don't want you spilling hot coffee on yourself," he said, sticking his tongue out at him.

Alastor rolled his eyes and ate what he could of his breakfast, he wasn't that hungry and he didn't want to make himself sick, he sighed and pushed the tray away from him before he wiggled a bit to get more comfortable, letting out a frustrated little bleat when he couldn't, no matter what way he shifted everything still felt wrong, everything also hurt which was another problem to contend with, his legs were incredibly stiff and so was his back, Lucifer watched him,

"Do you want another pillow?" 

"No, thank you," he said as he tossed and turned, his ears pinned,

"No matter what I do, I can't get comfortable." 

Lucifer cleared the trays and put them out in the hall before he got into the hospital bed, scooting Alastor over for a moment as he flicked his tail. He wiggled into the radio demon's arms,

"Better?" He asked quietly, and the sinner held onto him gently,

"Much better." 

Later, Charlie stood in front of the hospital room that held Alastor. She tried to calm her nerves as she knocked. There was something about seeing someone lying in a hospital bed with as many tubes as possible sticking out of them that made her scared in some way. She pushed her feelings down as her father opened the door for her,

"He's awake, Char-Char."

There was something else gnawing at the back of her mind as well; it was the fact that her father had stayed with Alastor. She noticed they had been getting along well, but it was the first time she'd ever seen Lucifer openly weep in front of her.

She walked in slowly, and Alastor turned his head to look at her with a tired smile, 

"Oh, Al, I'm so glad you're ok, we've been so worried," Charlie moved to hug him gently, she was almost crying, a weak little sniffle coming out,

"No tears, I'm more than fine, Princess," he said softly as he stroked her back gently.

Lucifer watched them with a sad little smile, happy that Charlie was there, but he knew she hated the sight of the hospital, especially when someone she had a connection with was lying in a bed,

"I'm going to go get us some hot chocolate from the cafeteria downstairs, Charlie. I'll be back in a few minutes, alright?" Lucifer said, needing a break from the room, he knew the princess would be fine.

"Alright, Dad, thank you," she flashed a smile at him as he left.

Charlie pulled a chair to the bedside,

"...I have a question for you, I didn't wanna bring it up in front of Dad, but I really don't know when the proper time is and I just can't have it dwelling in my mind anymore..." She said, looking away, rambling,

"That's alright, what would you like to ask? I can try my best to find an answer,"  Alastor said with a raised eyebrow. His eyes were half lidded, tired from the fight to survive.

"It might be out of place... But are you and dad, uhm, are you and dad... seeing each other?"

"He's been seeing me all day. I have yet to see him leave." 

"No, no, no, I meant like, are you two- are you two dating Alastor?" 

Alastor cleared his throat, flicking his ears,

"... Well, I suppose I knew this question would come eventually. To put it simply, I suppose we are. I have been courting him since our respective seasons ended."

"Really?" She asked,

"Of course, I have no reason to lie to you."

The little king walked in holding a tray of hot cocoa, causing both of them to look over, 

"Uh, why are you two both looking at me like I have more than a single head?"

"I've just told her of our union, Lucifer," Al said softly. Lucifer set the tray down and swallowed,

"Ok...," he said softly as he sat down in his chair.

"Is it really real? You two hated one another. How is it that you like each other this much?" 

"Because your father had his head up his ass when we met and I've managed to dislodge it," Alastor spoke, causing Lucifer to whack him with a pillow gently,

"Turns out we had more in common than we thought. I didn't think I could move on after your mother and I separated... I realized it wasn't healthy to dwell that much on someone who has already moved on," Lucifer said quietly as he gently held the sinner's hand,

"It took a lot for both of us to even admit we needed someone... Since then, he's been the most caring person I could ask for, Charlie. I wanted to wait to tell you because I didn't want you to think I was just abandoning your mother."

"Dad, no, I'd never think that... It's been 8 years since Mom left, and I just want you to be happy, you to, oh, Al. Come here," she said as she moved to wrap both men up in a hug. Lucifer sniffled, 

"I shouldn't be crying, but it's just that kind of day, happy tears, Char-Char," he said as he smiled. Alastor gently wiped the tears away with his thumb. Charlie saw and smiled brightly,

"I'm glad you're both happy."

Angel stood in front of a holding cell in the basement with Vaggie, 

"Charlie's visiting Alastor and Lucifer, so we're watching her.”

“If by uh watchin’ you mean interrogation to find out why the fuck she did this then yeah, we're keeping her company,” the spider spoke as he held up a bag of several items, it brought back some memories of his living life when he had to interrogate snitches; that was before it all went to shit and he turned into an addict. 

Vaggie nodded,

“Charlie needs to know why, she hasn't slept properly in days and she doesn't have it in here to come down here and  interrogate her,” she said as she unlocked the cell, she and Angel stepped in, Siren was bound in gold chains, it was Lucifers doing after he had gone on a war path, the hotel before this point didn't have a prison on it but it certainly did now; the rabbit sinner was quiet, not bothering to look up at them till Angel dumped a bucket of ice water over her head, making her squeak,

“Rise and shine bitch! No one here to save your ass, so you better give up who sent ya.”

The rabbit sinner wouldn't look either of them in the eyes,

“I'll be killed if I confess to anything,” she said softly,

“Yeah right, you realize the king of hell will end your ass a lot worse than we ever could, getting stabbed with a spear is honestly more humane than whatever the fuck Alastor and Lucifer will do to you,” Angel put his second set of hands on his hips, Vaggie rolled her eyes and struck the bottom of her spear on the ground, 

“Just tell us why you did this. I don't have all day,” she crossed her arms impatiently when Siren said nothing, 

“Alright, Vag, pass me that drill, we're takin’ shit from 0 to 100 real quick.”

Angel saw the fear cross Siren’s face as he plugged it in and pulled the trigger, humming as he looked into her eyes, he pressed the bit to her hip bone, 

“Gonna sing or am I gonna have to give you some new holes babe?” he said with a smirk, the rabbit stayed silent as her fate was sealed; with the trigger pressed the bit was pushed into her skin, it yanked fur away and began to bore into her skin and soon bone, she screeched trying to squirm in her binds, Vaggie watched,

“Talk, otherwise it's going to get worse.” 

Vaggie shook her head as the rabbit didn't say a word, just glared at her. Angel drilled several holes, one in each hip, another set in her elbows and knees, 

“This ain't workin', hand me that blowtorch,” he said setting the drill onto the metal table beside him, the fallen angel swallowed and handed him the item, he grabbed a screwdriver out of his bag and flicked on the torch; he heated the tool slowly, waiting till it was glowing red before he took her chin in his hands, forcing one of her eyelids open before he stabbed her in the eye, she screamed and wailed, shaking, 

“VOX! IT WAS VOX!” she screeched.

Siren sobbed as she slumped forward,

“I loved him so much, I said do anything for him… he wanted me to kill Alastor for him, he said it would be easy! I just wanted to make him happy!” she said between frantic sobs and choked inhales, 

“How did you get that close? Alastor doesn't just hug people,” Vaggie said, staring at her,

“Valentino and Vox coated me in pheromones before I left, something about doe scent would get him comfortable… I just wanted him to love me,”

“Play stupid games and win stupid prizes,” Angel said as he switched off the torch. The fallen angel texted Charlie with their findings.

The spider sinner packed up his things and left the cell with Vaggie in tow,

“Wait, I confessed, you can't just leave me here like this!” Siren wailed in pain, 

“Yeah, we can. We aren't the ones who can make that call. You have to face the king of hell whenever he gets back toots!” Angel called back as they headed to the elevator, laughing to himself.

Lucifer held Alastor's hand, gently squeezing it when the sinner snarled,

“That no good dirty rotten prick. I'm going to kill him when I am well enough to do so. It is one thing to attack me within our turf, but on hotel grounds, where it is seen as neutral, it is absolutely ludicrous to do such a thing.”

“Alastor, going after Vox would be a bad idea… it would start an entirely new kind of turf war and destroy half of hell,” Charlie said, trying to reason with him.

“He can't start anything, but I can. He was attacked on Morningstar soil, which means he or anyone touching any of our guests results in treason against the royal family as well as pride. The sentence for that type of thing is usually death in the form of beheading before the council of sins,” the angel spoke solemnly. It was one of the reasons he stopped going to meetings with the sins; between Mammon annoying him and watching hell-born get executed, he had better things to do.

“Dad, we can't just, we can't just execute someone like that,”

“No, but I can slap him on the wrist and contract him into never touching another one of our hotel members again. If he doesn't agree to my terms, then I scare him so badly pride’s power grid will fry,” Lucifer said as he squeezed Alastor’s hand gently. Charlie sighed,

“I guess we have to fight fire with fire, just as long as you don't kill him, Dad,” she said, somewhat unsure.

"I cant kill him anyway, Charlie." 

A knock at the door shook them from their plan as a chubby ram-like nurse stood in the doorway. She was a lot sweeter than the others, a soft pink colour, and her horns were curled and striped with thin white bands. She didn't look like the rest of the Baphomet; she was different.

“Sorry for interrupting, I'm here to do some physical therapy with Alastor,” she said with a smile, southern drawl tipping her voice as she spoke; Lucifer looked at her and blinked a few times before he looked to Charlie,

“No interruption at all. How long will this take?”

“About two hours for today,” she said as she walked in, 

“Alastor, are you ok if I take Dad back to the hotel for a bit, well, you do your therapy?”

“Not at all, get a wiggle on,” he said, shooing them away as best as he could. 

Lucifer put his hat in front of his and Alastor’s face, kissing the sinner tenderly on the cheek, 

“I'll be back after, don't miss me too much,”

“I won't, don’t you worry,” he said softly. Charlie giggled happily and left with her father. The nurse smiled a little more,

“Aw, you have such sweet friends. I should introduce myself. I’m Claira, and I’ll be your physical therapist for the next few days, just to assess your condition and see about possible mobility aids. If you have any questions during our sessions, feel free to ask away, I'm an open book.”

Alastor gave a nod,

“I'm going to touch you to get you up and out of bed if at any point you feel uncomfortable with that or you feel pain please tell me, the goal is to get you walking but it isn't to hurt you," she said softly, the sinner was helped to sit on the edge of the bed, she helped slip a robe on him, gently tugging it forward before she tied the belt, making sure he was covered up.

She helped him stand, holding his hands,

"Ok, you're doing well so far, you definitely have some atrophy in your legs, take a few steps for me," she said sweetly. He did, his legs wobbly and buckling,

"You're doing great, alright, let's take a seat," she helped him sit in one of the chairs at the bedside,

"How do you feel?"

"Somewhat sore, though it feels good to move," he said as he flicked his ears, not really looking her in the eyes. He felt somewhat embarrassed that his legs were as weak as a newborn fawn's, but he knew he needed the help.

Claira smiled,

 "Let's do a few more steps, then I can stretch out your legs a bit," she said softly. He nodded and was helped up again, walking a few more steps before he almost collapsed. The nurse caught him,

"Forgive me for grabbing you, I didn't mean to."

"No, no, it's alright, I'd rather you fall on me rather than just hit the floor," she said as she carefully lifted him, setting him back down in his bed, getting him comfortable on his back, and being extremely gentle with him.

Alastor looked up at the ceiling and let out a breath as she began to stretch his legs slowly,

"So tell me about yourself, I've only visited the human world a handful of times," she said softly,

"I grew up in Louisiana, I passed in the lovely year of 1933," he said softly. He wasn't one to nominate too much information,

"Louisiana? I go there every Halloween, the only time we're allowed to cross over to the living world. It's a fabulous state, I absolutely adore the French quarter," she said happily as she stretched his legs and massaged the muscles under his skin,

"What about you? Tell me of your life, this is the first time I've been to a ring other than Pride," he said softly,

"Well, I was born in wrath, my mama is an imp, and my daddy is a Baphomet; he actually works in one of the labs downstairs. I was raised in wrath, but I moved to Sloth for college to become a physical therapy nurse. It's tough proving yourself when you're a hybrid, but it comes and goes,"

"I understand that feeling as someone who is also mixed race."

The nurse continued her touching,

"It's hard to find people to identify with, ain't it? I don't fit in with the imps, I'm not goaty enough for the rest of the sloth staff, kinda just don't fit in anywhere these days,"

"I'm sure you'll find your place; I found mine in radio; no one can judge you by your voice alone," he said softly as he smiled at her,

"I am really good at sewing, maybe I'll make a name for myself with that," she said with a smile,

"Now that's the ticket, become one of those famous fashion designers! You'll have to show me some of your creations, I need a new tailor, due to the last one getting, unfortunately... Eaten." 

Claira giggled softly,

"I'll come in tomorrow with my sketchbook if you don't mind?"

"Oh no, I don't mind at all, I enjoy hearing about things people are passionate about, I'm sure Charlotte would love to see as well, she is a stickler for pretty things." 

Claira finished up before she fluffed his pillows and sat him up, covering him with the blanket again,

"All done, just in time for lunch," she marked off a few things on her clipboard and put it on the chart at the foot of the bed., 

“Thank you, Claira,”

“You're welcome, Alastor. 

When the sun went down and dinner was finished, Lucifer flicked out the lights after the final rounds were done by the nursing staff., Alastor gazed out at the dim lights of the sloth rin. The little angel had made the bed slightly bigger as he crawled in next to the sinner, 

“Pretty, isn't it?”

“It's a far cry from Pride, Pride never sleeps, but Sloth seems to dim when the sun goes away,” 

“It has always been like that, Belphagore values rest over everything else, works hard during the day and sleeps hard at night.”

Alastor glanced down at Lucifer,

“Mhm, yes, that would make sense… You know I’m glad Charlie knows about our…”

“Relationship, I guess that’s what we can call it now, I am too, I was so worried she just wouldn’t accept it. I know she’s the kindest, best daughter I could ever ask for, but I don’t know what I was expecting.”

“She knows more than we give her credit for, I believe, you raised a wonderful daughter, Lucifer,” he said softly, 

“Don’t you make me cry again!” the king’s lip wobbled,

“You are just full of water today. Come here.”

Lucifer was gently tugged over, or as much as Alastor could physically manage without overexertion, the angel wiggled to get comfortable against the sinner’s chest. He looked up at him for a moment as he leaned down, 

“Would a kiss make it better?”

“Hm, I don’t know, Al, just one? Probably not, I think I need several,”

“Cash or check?”

“Cash.”

They shared a gentle kiss before it turned into a few more, Alastor pressing his lips all over the angel’s face. Lucifer giggled happily, truly happy with his life for once in decades.

Chapter Text

Shaking hands rubbed tired eyes as the sinner sat at the bedside, he looked ragged as he waited for his lover to get clothing from the hotel, it was time to go home, Alastor was happy to leave the hospital but in a way he wasn't, he hated to show his weakness; He’d be confined to the hotel for the most part, unless he moved within the shadows but even that would be hard with his current condition, though his legs did function he needed a cane, the pain was a dull constant ache among other things, sudden loss of feeling, dropping things suddenly. 

Vox would pay for an injury such as this; he’d pay dearly. Alastor thought as he struggled to take his robe off, growling at himself in frustration, his motor skills were off, and there was no worse feeling for him than being stuck in a body that didn't want to work properly. 

“Al?” came a small voice, Lucifer's voice,

“Hm? Yes?”

“Are you getting frustrated again?” 

“Perhaps,”

“Remember what Claira said, right? If you get frustrated with yourself, breathe through it; if you overdo it, you'll hurt yourself.”

“I suppose that is correct,” he said softly as he breathed. 

Lucifer helped him take the robe off carefully, 

“I found a few things. I asked Husk earlier, but apparently, Beauregard tried to bite him when he walked into your room. I picked what I could grab quickly because your shadow kept rubbing up against me like a cat and tripping me every two minutes,”

“He's a nuisance when he likes someone; trust me, it will get worse when he decides to start licking you or wrapping himself around you like a boa constrictor,” Alastor said as he rolled his eyes. His shadow was always a fool. He had some control over him, but not enough to shift his behaviour enough to mould him into anything proper and upstanding.

Alastor sat contently as he was stripped bare, with nothing but a union suit on that Lucifer had so graciously snapped him into, he definitely wasn't comfortable being fully nude in front of the angel like this, the fact he had lost more weight since his inexplicable hospital stay, he was nothing more than a skeleton with skin over it at this point, he felt somewhat grotesque; he didn't usually think himself to be anything less than handsome but he felt less than, especially with someone who now seemed to enjoy him romantically.

The angel watched as Alastor slowly did up the buttons on his shirt, his hands shaking; he seemed to be growing frustrated.

“Alasto-”
“Yes, I know, breathing will not help in this situation,” he snapped, 

“I wasn’t going to say that, I was going to suggest this,” Lucifer said, holding up a little plastic-handled device with a metal loop,

“What on earth is that?”

“A button hook helps when you don't have the dexterity to close shirt buttons, among other things,” the angel spoke as he showed the sinner how it worked; he simply slipped the metal loop through the hole and over the button, tugging it gently to slide it back through and pop it into place.

“How interesting,” Alastor said as he took the item, slowly making his way up the shirt,

“After I fell for a long time, I didn't have a lot of mobility, that crater that all of pride is built in? I made that when I hit the ground, between that and the angelic arrows, I was struck down with left my body in shambles…”

“Is that why you use your staff as a cane most times?”

“Even hundreds of years later, I still have a limp and pain flare-ups that leave me bedridden.”

Alastor pinned his ears back,

“Forgive me for cutting you off earlier, I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you when it is myself that in the first place that I am irritated with.” his voice was soft, Lucifer gently smoothed the shoulders of the sinner's shirt down,

“It’s fine, I know the feeling of being trapped in a body that doesn't want to cooperate, just cut yourself some slack for now, alright? For me?”

“For you and you only,” the sinner said as he finished his buttons, handing the device back to the angel; pants were a different battle, tugging them up over your hooves and up your legs was one thing, but standing and shimmying them up was another entirely.

Lucifer watched him wiggle into his slacks, tucking his shirt in before he sat down on the bed again. A pissy huff was let out.

“I forgot to tuck in my tail.”

“Want me to?”

“I’d rather you didn’t touch my tail,” Alastor said without hesitation. He carefully tucked it in and buttoned his pants with the hook. He ran his hands over his face,

“How am I tired already? I have done nearly nothing.”

“Your body is still in recovery; it's going to be months before you feel like you did before,” the angel spoke softly, treading lightly because he knew that feeling all too well.

“I have a surprise for you, Alastor.”

“Oh? I do enjoy surprises, provided it isn’t another knife in my spine.”

“No, of course it isn't that you fool, it's something much better,” he said as he waved his hand. Within his clawed grasp was a beautiful ebony cane with crimson accents, gilded with gold deer antlers; the handle was carved from a tine of a Beao antler.

“This, Lucifer, this is beautiful,” Alastor said softly as the cane was handed to him. He ran his fingers over the bone of the handle, tracing ornate carvings,

“There's an alligator carved into the handle.”

“I hoped you'd like it. I had to leave a copy of myself when you slept, so I had time to work on it.”

“You made this?”

“Mhm, it took a few days.”

Alastor looked at the little angel,

“Lucifer, could you come closer?”
“Uh, yeah?” he said softly as he got closer to the sinner, only to be grabbed by the front of the waistcoat and tugged into a sudden kiss on the lips. Lucifer squeaked and kissed back, melting into his lover's touch.

Lucifer put a hand on the sinner's cheek, smiling before Alastor tugged him away,

“I’d happily show my adoration more, but I do believe it’s time to leave. Perhaps later, some light petting is in order tonight.”

“Light petting? At least buy me dinner first,” the angel giggled softly and helped the sinner to his feet,

“Better yet, I will cook you dinner tonight.”

The sinner put his weight on the cane as he stood, enjoying the way the carved bone felt in his palm. He smiled a little more and took the angel's hand, watching as Lucifer opened a portal. They walked through it, and Alastor was immediately showered in confetti. His ears flicked as he blinked a few times. Charlie smiled,

“Welcome home, Alastor!” she said, giddy, 

“Oh dear, you didn't have to throw a party on my account, Princess,” he noticed the banner, among other things,

“Well… We have to celebrate you being alive, everyone missed you,” she said with a smile, nifty hugged his leg,

“I'm so glad you're back, sir!”

“Me too, Nifty… Me too.”

Alastor flashed a genuine smile as he looked at the various banners. Everyone was seemingly dressed up as well, donning the boxy below-the-knee dresses of his era, along with hats or feathers, and long pearl necklaces tied in a knot; even Angell had donned a flapper gown.

“Glad to see ya back, Smiles,”

“Pleased to be back, Angel. I was beginning to miss this place,”

“Yeah, it ain't the Hazbin Hotel without ya big buck.”

Glasses of rye, among other drinks, were poured, and little finger foods littered a large table at the back. It was decorated in the colours of Mardi Gras, and the center had a beautifully made king cake. Alastor smiled,

“My, even a king cake, did you add the baby?”

“Baby?” Lucifer asked, his eyebrow raised,

“Yes, a small baby is usually hidden in the cake; it represents luck,” the deer sinner explained. Angel nodded,

“Nah, I didn't forget the bambino,” Angel said with a smile.

Alastor glanced over to the tall spider sinner,

“You made this? It looks wonderful,”

“Well, Charlie decorated it, but yeah, I made it, it ain't too hard thankfully.” The amount of effort put into making the sitting room feel like home could have brought a tear to the buck’s eye.

Lucifer brought him over a plate of food, holding it with his own, as Alastor carefully sat in one of the wingback chairs. Alastor's ears flicked and shifted as ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ filled the space. It was a lively little tune that put a smile on everyone’s face.

Angel ate slowly, sitting at the table with Husker,

“My Ma used to play this one a lot; she’d dance with me and Molly in the kitchen when we were kids,” he said softly, a fond look on his face. The feline smiled,

“My Momma used to play ‘I’ve got a feeling I'm falling’ every morning when she made breakfast,”

“Really? Ma used to play that around dinner every night, huh, small world,” he said with a chuckle. Husk let out a soft chuckle,

“Must be.”

With everyone finished their dinner, they moved on to the cake. Lucifer cut thick slices for everyone, and it was distributed to everyone in the room. Alastor took the first bite and hummed in approval,

“It tastes wonderful, Angel, just the same as it did when I was still living,”

“Glad it does, I was worried it didn't have enough cinnamon,” he said as he ate. Charlie smiled as she tried it.

“This is really good! Maybe we should have little get-togethers and cook for each other, I'd love to try more food from other places,” she suggested. 

Lucifer gave a nod of approval, as did all of the other guests. Angel smirked,

“I’ll cook ya pasta like my ma used to make, from scratch.”

“That sounds delicious, Angel,” Charlie said, giddy at the thought of knowing more about her staff and guests.

Alastor listened to the conversation, idly munching on his cake. He wasn't one for sweets, but the occasional one wouldn’t hurt. He wondered whose slice contained the small plastic baby; it wasn't his; he’d stabbed his enough to know there was nothing of interest in it. A surprised little squeak came out of the fallen angel beside him,

“What does the baby mean again?” he asked as he held it in his claws. Charlie giggled,

“Aw, it's so cute, it means good luck, right, Al?” she asked.

The radio demon gave a nod,

“Good luck, Prosperity and you are given the responsibility to make another on mardi gras,” he said with a smirk. Lucifer chuckled,

“I can try my best; my baking skills aren’t great.”

“Nonsense, I’ll help you make one,”

Alastor felt strange, chatting with Lucifer idly with others present, instead of hiding every shred of liking Lucifer from everyone; it felt comfortable and warm, like his home with his mother before she passed. 

A black-clawed hand extended as Angel put on a record, bringing a stack of oldies he had gotten from various thrift shops in Pride. It was swing music, something to get you up and dancing with your date. Alastor swallowed as he looked at the hand.

The hand that belonged to the great angelic being that he happened to enjoy being close to, 

“Want to dance?” came a voice laced with mischief and sincerity,

“Lucifer… I don't believe I can, not with my legs as weak as they are…” Alastor said quietly, he hated admitting when he was weak,

“Try, just this once,”

“No, what if I fall?”

“Then I’ll catch you,”

“And if I humiliate myself with two left feet?”

“I’ll smite anyone who so much as snickers at you… Just trust me, alright?”

Alastor didn’t trust easily, ever since Vox betrayed him, his father and many others whom he couldn’t name since it had been so long; Lucifer, however, had seen parts of the radio demon no other sinner had ever survived to tell another about. He had stayed with him, no matter how mentally taxing, after his injury.

He took the king's hand, leaving his cane in the chair as he was helped up, 

“Put all your weight on me if you have to, I won’t let you get hurt,” Lucifer said softly. Alastor held the angel’s arm as they moved to the center of the room, where others danced.

Husker and Angel danced, their height difference making it a little strange, but it didn't seem to matter. Charlie and Vaggie swayed with soft giggles and embraces. Nifty seemed to be dancing alone till Alastor opened his void and one of his puppets walked out, sweeping her off her feet as the little entity twirled her with a grin.

Lucifer and Alastor held onto each other, the radio demon's arms comfortably resting around the angel’s neck as he used the smaller man as a temporary mobility aid; his movements were slightly uncoordinated as his hands shook, 

“We will have to tell Claira how much you improved when she comes to do your therapy this week.”

“I doubt it’s much improvement.”

“It’s a leap, Al, all that matters is that you tried. Our dancing doesn't have to be spectacular, but I’m… I’m really happy you trust me.”

“As am I Lucifer,”

Vaughn sat across from Lucifer, pouring tea out for the king before him into an ornate mug, 

“So tell me, how have you been since our last session, Lucifer?” he asked as he moved a saucer of scones a little closer to the angel; the rabbit crossed his legs and set down the teapot before he grabbed his notepad, 

“It's been… well, it’s been rough, the last two weeks have just been hell for me, I guess.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Tell me a little bit more. What happened?” he asked as he sipped his tea.

Lucifer took a deep breath, rubbing his eyes,

“The person I've been seeing, they got injured, badly injured, I didn’t know if they were going to make it… There was so much blood that I thought they were dead, just- fuck,” he said softly as he sniffled, all of the emotions he shoved down were coming back up, and he felt tears leak from his eyes,

“H-he terrified me, every time I thought things were alright, he’d have a seizure, it was horrific, just helplessly watching him, the noises he made, his just sounded like he was in so much pain, and I was useless… I couldn't do a thing but watch him,”

“Oh my, that’s a lot to deal with. I'm so sorry to hear about your partner. Seeing someone in a state like that is hard on anyone. Tell me what you felt in those moments.”

“Thank you… I felt like I had to sit there and watch him die; he lived, but I felt like I was useless. I hated myself for letting him get injured in the first place, like I was some kind of failure. I couldn’t help him and I couldn't protect him,” he said as he looked into his teacup.

The rabbit sinner nodded, 

“You shouldn’t feel like a failure. Sometimes, you just aren’t in the right place at the right time; we can’t always be there for the people we love. Things happen, and we shouldn't feel like we are not enough. Tell me, did you stay with him after he got hurt?”

“I did, I didn't leave his side the whole stay, I basically lived in the chair at his bedside, my back still hasn't really recovered from that,” Lucifer said softly before he sipped his tea.

“You were there for him when it counted the most, which is a wonderful support system. Now tell me about your partner, what is he like after all of this happened?” he asked softly, 

“He’s frustrated; he survived, but since it was a spinal injury, he’s regaining the full use of his legs, among other side effects. I've been trying to teach him that you can still do things when your body refuses to work as it should; he's coming around to it. I just want him to know that I can identify the exact feeling that he's dealing with.”

“I suggest you sit down and talk about that feeling when you go home after this session. Maybe you can help him clear his head and emotionally bring you closer together. Communication is the most important part of a healthy relationship. If you two have a disagreement or fight, talk it through.”

Lucifer nodded,

“I just worry because he doesn't like talking about his feelings. I think he came from a time when men were supposed to bottle their emotions and just hold it all in till it burst,”

“That was still a stigma when I was alive; my father taught me to be like that; instead, I became a therapist to help people work through their feelings instead of bottling them up. Now, if your partner doesn’t feel like talking, maybe try physical affection, not sex, but simple touching, hold him or cuddle him to show you are physically there when he's ready to talk about his feelings. Sometimes, all people need is a hug and someone to be there and tell them everything is going to be ok. Be your partner’s lighthouse when the sea gets rough,” Vaugh said with a smile. Lucifer nodded,

“He is there when I feel like harming myself, he sits with me no matter how long, holding me and saying nice things till I feel alright again,”

“He sounds like a wonderful and attentive partner.”

There was a soft smile that graced the angel’s face,

“He is, he’s the best thing that has happened to me since Lillith in Eden,” he said quietly, 

“I’m glad to see you've found your Lighthouse Lucifer, perhaps he will calm the stormy seas of your mind.”

“I hope so, I just want to have someone to lean on, who loves me and wants to be around me even on my worst days.”

A small timer dinged from somewhere in the room. Von smiled,

“That's the bell for the end of our time slot. If you’d like, I can give us more time?”

The angel shook his head,

“I think I’m good. I will see you next month.”

“Oui, remember you have my number if you are ever in a time of crisis and need an emergency session.”

“I will be sure to call if I need you, thank you, Vaughn.”

Lucifer left through a portal, popping into his room he looked at the time, humming, He had to get ready, Alastor insisted he make dinner to replace the ill-fated crawfish etouffee that was wasted during the Siren incident a few weeks ago; the king wondered what they were going to do with her, she was after all suffering in the basement of the hotel.

The angel hummed as he looked through his wardrobe for anything that struck his fancy. He always wore the same thing day in and day out; maybe it was time for a change.

“I wonder if he would care if I wore a dress tonight? Easy access… If he wanted it, he did mention light petting, whatever the hell that means,” he mumbled as he looked at his more feminine clothing, pushing hangers back and forth before he found it.

Lucifer looked at the dress in his hands, it was fitted at the hips and waist, the bust was hidden with a high halter neck, and the back dipped down into a deep V-cut; it was a pearlescent shade of white with a deep crimson waist, the angel added his touch in the form of small gold buttons trailing down he back, it reminded him of the Vionnet designs in the 20’s, It was sure to stun especially when he shifted his form a little bit. 

Alastor hummed as he sat on one of his dining room chairs, pulled up to the counter, and butchered the meat for the night. He cubed it, tossing it into a hot pan. Beauregard was lapping blood off the floor and cleaning in preparation for Lucifer’s arrival; it was blissfully domestic.

Beau let out an indignant huff,

“For dinner, old chap, you are not eating more. I won't have enough for stew, you bottomless pit,” Alastor spoke as a cleaver slammed against the wooden chopping block. He cut vegetables, celery, peppers, and onions before taking the meat out of the pot and dumping in the veggies to deglaze it. Tomatoes and stock were dumped in along with roux; seasonings were added, and the sinner tasted it, licking his lips at the pleasant burn. 

It simmered for an hour until the meat was added back into the pot. He covered it before he walked with his cane to his wardrobe, using his magic to dress himself instead of struggling with his buttons. He hummed and adjusted his tie in the mirror. He was dressed in his normal black slacks, a black dress shirt, and a crimson-red pinstriped waistcoat.

Upon the tie was a golden stag skull, its antlers large and branched out along the width of the tie. Alastor grinned in the mirror at himself, fixing his hair. It was growing out nicely back into his normal bobbed style. He hummed softly and carefully tied it back, leaving his bangs out as he normally did. 

A knock at the door shook him from his thoughts. Beauregard put the meat back in the pot as his master headed to the door. He opened it and nearly choked at the sight before him.

Lucifer stood in the doorway in a female form, hair a little longer in a slightly curled bob, face adorned with the barest amount of makeup, the evening gown that hung from his figure, a full bust, soft curves, the bare skin made the sinner clear his throat, 

“... is it too much? I can change,” the angel said, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Alastor shook his head and took the angel's hand, twirling him, 

“No, you look absolutely dazzling, dear. I was at a loss for words, and you know I am not often like that,” 

“Oh, I know,” he giggled softly as the buck pressed his lips to the back of the blonde's hand, 

“Enchante.“

Alastor held his hand as he walked him inside his room, Beauregard had finished the Piquate in the pot and put a lid on it, one of the various puppets in the sinner’s void popped out, and the little doll-like creature picked up the angel’s skirt as he walked, not wanting it to drag on the floor, it was far too beautiful for such a thing, Lucifer himself was far too beautiful to even grace the ground, if the buck had his strength he would have picked the smaller man up and carried him to the table nestled deep in the bayou.

They walked on a stone path carefully till a small table appeared in the center of the swamp, sitting on its little island amongst the weeping willows and the large cypress trees. Hell-gators bellowed in the distance, and crickets chirped as moonlight lit the table along with several candlesticks that were held by an antler.

“This looks beautiful,”

“I’m glad you like it. I tried to make it special to make up for our missed date.”

“You didn't have to go to this much trouble, Al; it wasn’t like you cancelled out of the blue; you were badly injured. I didn’t expect anything till you were better.”

“I am plenty better, humour me, Lucifer,” he said softly as he held out the chair for the angel, who sat down and promptly crossed his legs as he was pushed in.

Alastor sat across from him with a smile, doing nothing more than simply raking his eyes over every inch of this new form,

“I don’t think you've stared this long at me since you were in rut,” Lucifer spoke, tracing a black claw over the delicate stem of his wine glass, 

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I can stop. This new form has piqued my interest; that being said, all of you, no matter what wrapping you choose, are fascinating.”

“You're going to make me blush if you keep up the sweet talk,”

“Perhaps that’s my goal for tonight.”

Beauregard brought over two steaming dishes of rabbit piquante, and another tentacle poured them both a glass of wine to go with the meal.

“That smells delicious. What did you make us for dinner tonight?”

“Rabbit Piquante, it was quite a common occurrence on my table when I lived deep in the bayou,”

“Rabbit? Alastor, did you?”

“Did I what?”

“You didn't kill Siren… did you?”

“Heavens no, I may have taken a piece of her for my meal; however, I sent Beauregard to the market earlier for farmed hell-lope for yours. I am aware of your stance on eating sinners, dear, don’t fret,” he said with a smile.

Lucifer chuckled,

“You had me worried there for a second.”

“I’d never feed you anything like that unless you wanted it. I am not one to trick others into my diet; it certainly isn't for everyone,” Alastor spoke softly. The fallen angel gave a nod and got out his spoon, trying some of the stew; it had a spiced yet pleasant burn. 

“This is wonderful, your food always has a kick, not enough to make my eyes water and my stomach upset,” he said with a smile,

“Mother’s recipes were never overly spicy. There were a few that I can recall having habaneros, but those were when I was a little older.”

They chatted ideally before Lucifer finished his piquante. He stretched, wiggling slightly in his seat for a moment, and Alastor seemed to notice,

“Are you uncomfortable? I can get you another chair if that one isn't to your liking.”

“Oh, no, the chair is fine, Alastor, my wings are just a bit itchy,” the angel said as he let Beauregard clear the dishes on the table, 

“Is it something I can help with?” he asked softly. There was a pregnant pause between the two.

“I trust you enough to let you try to groom me…” came a voice all too quiet.

Even Alastor noticed the hesitation, he moved his hand across the table and knitted their fingers together,

“You’ll have to teach me how to do it properly; the last thing I want to do is hurt you,” he said softly. Lucifer gave a gentle nod, 

“It’s a bit tricky, but you're a fast learner.”

“Indeed, I am,” he said with a smile. 

After ice cream was eaten and the dishes were cleared, Alastor settled on his bed cross-legged, Lucifer settled down with his stomach on the bed, with a soft ruffle, large wings stretched out, looking nothing less than stunning to the radio demon’s eyes, 

“I can’t reach the bases, I've tried everything, but no matter what, I just can’t groom that area,” the angel sighed as he set his head on the sinner’s lap.

Alastor nodded as he noticed the bases, ruffled and raised in irritation, he summoned another one of his puppets, calling on them to grab a basin of water and a washcloth from the bathroom. 

“Start with the secondary coverts then move onto the scapulars that are along my spine, if you see a broken feather pull it out, for ones that aren't out yet just break the shaft… just be careful and go slowly,” Lucifer explained as he moved his wings a bit so alastor had better access to the parts that needed the most attention.

Lucifer closed his eyes, feeling the first hand laid upon his back. Alastor took off his monocle and slipped on a pair of reading glasses, focusing on the lowest feathers, tugging a few broken ones, cracking feather shafts to unveil fresh feathers, and wiping them down with a warm cloth to clean out any dust. Below, the fallen angel held back a moan, trying to keep himself quiet, unwilling to let his noises out.

The sinner smiled as he worked his way through the feathers. He got to the ones along the angel’s spine,

“Am I doing alright?”

“You are doing wonderful,” Lucifer said with a soft smile on his face. His eyes still closed, he began to preen slowly, noticing how Lucifer seemed to squirm slightly when he got close to the bare skin between his wings. When Alastor finished, he watched as the king sat up.

Lucifer had a thick gold blush on his face. He looked away from the sinner before him. Alastor put a hand on his cheek, guiding his face so they could lock eyes before the radio demon pressed his lips to the fallen angel’s. Their eyes slid shut as they kissed slowly.

A soft grunt sounded as Alastor tugged Lucifer into his body, making the angel straddle his lap with a soft purr. The king rolled his hips gently with a soft moan as the kiss was deepened, his clawed hands ran through the sinner's hair, massaging the bases of his ears.

Alastor let out a bleat as he tugged away from the kiss, 

“Now that's just playing dirty,” he chuckled, Lucifer stuck his forked tongue out back at him,

“It’s playing fair,” he said with a smirk, taking the sinner's hands and moving them up his delicate female form, resting them on his tits,

“Now that my love, that's just plain old cheating,” the radio demon smirked before he captured the angel's lips in another kiss.

The king giggled against his lips before he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding into the sinner's mouth. Alastor squeezed his breasts slowly, sensually kneading them in his large hands, eliciting a moan from Lucifer, 

“Alastor, we should probably stop; otherwise, I'm going to ride you like a rented mule,” he said as he pulled away,

“I have no idea what that means, though I suppose we should; however, I’d hate to send you back to your room unsatisfied,” the sinner said with a dangerous purr, the angel raising an eyebrow.

“You really don’t have to do anything, I'll live Alastor, I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable,”

“Listen, my dear, I will voice my discomfort if it is at all present; I am by no means a quiet man. Now that being said, I don't physically feel like going through the motions of sex, although I have little to no problem pleasuring you before I walk you to your room,” Alastor said as he ran one of his hands down Lucifer's waist, 

“If you're sure about it,”

“I am absolutely positive.”

Alastor slid his other hand up behind the angel’s neck, carefully unhooking the halter top. The piece of fabric carefully flopped forward, unveiling modest yet perky breasts, two porcelain white mounds accented with golden nipples.

“You’re so beautiful, every inch of you,” Alastor spoke as he kissed Lucifer's collarbones. The angel shivered,

“You mean it?”

“I'd never lie to you, I don't have a reason,” the sinner said softly, his lips travelling down to pepper the angel's tits with soft kisses, making the creature below him blush.

Lucifer felt clawed hands slide up his skirt, running over his ass and settling on his hips, his thumbs settling on the waistband of his panties,

“You can rip them if you want, I have a few pairs,” he muttered, his eyes had fluttered shut, focusing on the feeling of Alastor touching him; with a quick flick of his claw, the fabric was tugged away carefully,

“Is this what passes for underwear these days? This is nothing more than a few strings.”

Alastor heard a laugh as he examined the panties. Lucifer opened his eyes,

“It's a g-string, it's not really meant to cover anything.”

“You may as well wear nothing at all then, dear, it would cover the same amount,” he said as he tossed them to the side of the bed,

“Maybe next date I won't wear anything at all then,” the angel smirked,

“It would certainly make this task easier.” 

With a zipper tugged down and a second pair of shadowy hands, Lucifer was clad in nothing but the garter belt holding his stockings up Alastor let out a soft growl,

“When they made beauty, they used you as the inspiration.

Alastor carefully lay on his back and, with Beauregard's help, moved Lucifer forward till he was straddling the sinner's chest,

“Alastor… did you want me to sit on your face? I don't wanna hurt you, we literally just left the hospital in the morning,” 

“Fiddle faddle, you won't hurt me, and if you do, I'd gladly enjoy it.”

“Alright, alright, just move me if you need to. Or tap my thigh, I am not going to suffocate you, right?”

“I doubt it, I'd enjoy suffocating between your plush milky thighs, my love.”

Lucifer blushed and lightly smacked his shoulder as he wiggled forward, using the headboard to guide himself onto Alastor’s face.

The sinner held the angel's hips to keep him steady as he began to slide his tongue through his folds, searching for something. Lucifer let out a soft gasp, sliding his eyes shut.

Alastor slid his tongue slowly over the angel's clit, tracing the little nub with the tip of his tongue, his ears flickered forward, listening to the soft moans littered with bits of bird song along with the shivering and shifting of wings.

Beauregard let out a soft, satisfied growl as he watched Lucifer cant his hips forward against the sinner’s face, his pleasured sounds filling the room. The shadow smirked and came up behind the angel, cupping his breasts, playing with them in his hands for a few moments before he began to rub his nipples with his thumbs in a circular motion.

Lucifer arched his back into Beauregard, his hands moving from the headboard to Alastor's antlers,

“Take your pleasure, my love,” the shadow whispered into the angel's ear.

The angel moaned louder as he began to move his hips a little faster, setting the pace as the sinner licked and sucked at his clit. The shadow growled softly, maneuvering himself to lick and nip at the pebbled nipples.

Lucifer's moans grew to a higher pitch, his head thrown back as his body grew tight, his back arching like a bowstring before he screamed out and came, his climax coming over him like a wave, his body going stiff as he rode out his orgasm on Alastor's face.

Alastor lapped up the slick that dropped from the angel’s pussy, his tongue sliding over the delicate gold folds without any direction till he got a tap on the shoulder and heard a squeak of overstimulation.

Gently, both the shadow and his master moved the angel back to sit on Alastor's chest. Lucifer panted softly and braced himself against Beauregard's gentle hold, 

“Was that to your liking?” 

“I'm fairly sure my soul left my body for a few moments… are you sure you don't want me to reciprocate?”

“I'm positive, dear, tasting you and hearing your sweetened moans is more than enough for me,” he said, licking his lips, which alone nearly made the angel aroused again; he instead blushed.

“You really are something, Al.” 

There was something Lucifer wasn't used to: aftercare. Beauregard had gently laid the king on his back and brought a warm cloth. Alastor cleaned him up, carefully wiping his inner thighs and pussy gently, the shadow worked away on wiping the blackened spit of his breasts and stomach,

“Alastor?”

“Hm? Yes?”

“I don't know if I want to go back to my room…”

Alastor smiled, and both clothes were tossed into a laundry basket. Beauregard hung the angel dress up carefully, smoothing down any rumpled satin,

“Well, you are more than welcome to stay the night, in whatever form you like, though I don't have any pyjamas for you, I suppose you could wear one of my shirts to bed,” Alastor hummed, he unclipped the silk stockings and slipped the garter belt off the angel's hips, handing it to Beau to hang with his dress.

The angel enjoyed the gentle touching,

“If you want to, or I could snap myself into something, I don't mind,” he said softly. He sat up, and Beauregard carefully brushed his hair as another puppet brought a nightgown. It was long and silky, a soft baby pink with a ruffle of white lace at the collar and around the arm holes.

“Nonsense, dear. Rosie sent me home with one upon my last visit; she wanted me to be prepared, I suppose.”

Lucifer looked at it with a relaxed smile,

“Oh, that's beautiful, it looks comfortable too,” he said softly as Beau braided and put a band in his hair so it wouldn't knot. The garment was carefully slipped onto the angel’s petite frame, his wings tucked away.

“Even in something as drab as a nightgown, you still look stunning.” 

“Oh, shush, full of compliments for me all the time.”

Alastor used his magic to snap himself into a loose t-shirt and a pair of long sleep pants. He wiggled under the blankets with Lucifer, listening to the sounds of the swamp, Alastor against the angel's back, spooning him as he slowly drifted off.

Vox sat in his master control chair as he watched cameras for any sign of Alastor, maybe he did actually kill him, or at least put him down long enough for him to sink his claws into that little hotel of the princess of hell. The TV grumbled as he saw one of the puppets heading toward the tailors in the cannibal district. 

“Fuck, Fuck, FUCK! Can’t that stupid little whore do anything right?” he hissed as Val strode in, clad in nothing but a thin baby doll nightgown, the fabric so sheer it practically wasn't there at all, his wings behind him as he yawned.

Amorcito, are you coming to bed? It's late and you need sleep.”

“It’s not that late, Val,”

“It is 1 am, Vox, come to bed.”

“No, let me finish up this work, then I will come to bed,” they argued with one another.

Val, displeased with his on-again-and-off-again husband, moved in front of him, planting a very fluffy foot between the TV sinner’s legs, his claws an inch away from anything important. The moth squeaked and crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes; they had a staring contest for a few moments.

“Come. To. Bed.”

“10 more minutes,” 

“Fine. But you're not getting any of this ass tonight, Papi.” 

“Fine with me,”

“Prick,”

“Yeah, yeah, I know I am,” he said with a roll of his eyes, using his cords to tug the pimp into his lap for a moment, stealing a sloppy kiss from his husband before they dropped him at the doorway, 

“10 minutes, Vox! If you're late, you can sleep on the fucking couch!”

Just as fast as Val had walked in, he was gone again, leaving Vox to brood in his little master control room for the next 10 minutes; he felt something was off, something didn't feel right when the lower left screen flickered off, the camera feed cutting entirely,

“What the fuck,” he whispered before he watched as two more flickered to black, there was no connection, it was as if the camera was completely dead; it was sudden that his cameras all over the pentagram were losing connections, the servers were fine but every screen went black, the only light in his room was the soft blue that was emitting from his face,

“This can't be happening,” he growled.

There was no point in yelling for Ethan, he had told him to go home hours ago, and none of the other assistants were competent enough to fix anything, his mind whirred away before the screens all flickered on, a large eye on each one, all blinking at different rates, looking around before they stared at him, the TV sinner swallowed and stood, intent on heading for the door but he was stopped in his tired, shark pyjama laden tracks by the black liquid that began to drip from the monitors.

Vox ran a finger through it, stretching it between his claws. He could smell sulphur,

“Vox,” came a low hiss as the screens flickered between eyeballs and dead static. The sinner turned and nearly screamed as an enormous serpent slithered toward him, 

“Wanted for treason against the crown,” came a lisp-laden voice. It cut out and repeated before it went in a different pitch,

“Treason, TREASON!” it screeched.

If there was one thing that made him uneasy, it was rattlesnakes. After getting bitten as a child, he hated them, and what proceeded to sit up in front of him was nothing more than his worst nightmare and more.

The snake's tail rattled impatiently as it shifted its fangs out of its mouth, a few drops of venom hitting the floor. Vox swallowed,

“Treason? I didn't commit any kind of treason. You must have the wrong guy. I haven't done anything wrong.” He put his arms up as he backed up slowly until his back hit the monitors. The serpent before him shifted as it slithered faster, eyes all over its body glaring at the TV as its long body changed, turning into a lithe python, quickly looping itself around the sinner. 

Vox let out a tortured little sound, like wires sparking as he was constricted tightly, his breath quickening, the snake faced him, rattling impatiently, tongue flicking out as he stared back at the sinner, watching as his eyes flickered, swirling,

“Your tricks won't work here, Vox. I know what you did. Attacking another overlord on Morningstar soil is strictly forbidden. Treason such as this typically would result in beheading,” the serpent said, its S’s drawn out and long with a loud hiss.

“No! You can't do that to me. There has to be another way, just don't kill me,” he whined, another tight coil wrapped around him.

“You are in luck. The princess wants to spare your life for now, but if you attack any of the hotel staff or members again, I will not be so kind,” the serpent flicked his tongue out before he squeezed sharply, and everything went black.

“Voxxy, I said ten, oh, did you fall asleep in your chair?” Val said as he looked at his husband, who was simply slumped over in his chair,

“Val?” came a voice so quiet it was barely above a whisper,

“Come here, Amorcito,” the moth said as he gently picked up Vox, holding him, allowing the TV sinner to rest his head on his shoulder, head cradled in the white fluff, long legs slowly walking toward the door.

Vox barely had his eyes open. He looked back into the darkness of his control room before he saw it, the serpent coiled around his monitors, grinning at him, 

“Sweet dreams, little television,” it said in a voice that was demonic and unsettling. The TV sinner screamed and thrashed, but Val kept a hold on him.

“What the fuck, Vox!” hissed, feeling claws in his skin, a discharge of static making his hair stand on end, tearing his husband off him, holding him under the armpits away from his body, not wanting his skin marred. 

Val watched him struggle before he stopped, lay limp in his husband's hands,

“I just need sleep, Val,” Vox said quietly. The moth sinner carried him to their shared bed, and his second set of arms opened the sheets.

“Big or little spoon, Papi?”

“Little,” he said as he lay in bed, his lover stretched before he got in, carefully cuddling up behind the TV sinner, wrapping his lower set of arms around his waist as the upper set tugged the blankets over them,

“Goodnight, Amorcito,”

“Goodnight, Val.”

That night was filled with rolling blackouts for anything powered by Voxtech. Each blackout left the TV sinner fighting nightmarish visions of his past and what he saw in his control room. It left him clinging to Val as his life depended on it.

Chapter Text

It had been a month since the incident at the hotel that had left everyone uneasy and in shock; something could happen on hotel grounds. It had also been a month since Charlie had found out Alastor was courting her father, among other things. Since then, it had been a new feeling for the sinner. 

Alastor had continued their dates, but most times Lucifer stayed the night, not always to ride the radio demon's face; most times it was just to sleep next to someone; loneliness that never bothered a sinner seemed to send the fallen angel into nightmares so bad he’d wake up screeching in the middle of the night. 

Lucifer slept soundly, like an octopus, he was twined around his lover. If the angel could crawl into Alastor’s skin with him, he certainly would have, at least asleep anyway, during the day they kept their displays of affection behind closed doors; both of them were private people after all, especially Alastor, he never liked PDA.

The sinner grunted softly as he unwrapped himself from the angel's hold, trading his place with Beauregard. The shadow let out a happy purr as he cuddled closer to Lucifer. Alastor slipped on a robe over his pyjamas, hauling his trembling form off the bed as he ambled to the kitchenette to make coffee. 

Alastor was still slow on his feet. He was getting better but still required his cane. Trembling, spasms, and pain were constant in his life, and some days were better than others. Today was physical therapy day with Claira, which usually meant he’d be exhausted later. He let out a small huff as he flicked on the stove, set the kettle over the fire, and watched it. Though Lucifer hadn’t officially moved in, his things slowly crept into his quarters. 

Mister Peanut specifically, the porcelain circus elephant teapot stared at him from the kitchen counter, glossy black eyes looking at the radio demon, who on several occasions threatened to break the damned thing, but he knew that Lucifer would know just exactly how the tacky little thing was broke and by who, so he existed out of spite like most of the fallen angel's items that had wormed their way into his room.

Lucifer’s ornate teacup was set on top of the matching gilded saucer, Alastor looked through the cupboard at labelled bags of loose leaves, that was another thing, the radio demon didn’t like tea, he much preferred the bitterness of coffee but along came tea with the accompaniment of tacky circus themed items, the radio demon hummed as he grabbed a bag of chai, scenting it before he decided the warmth of cinnamon was perfect for the day, he put the leaves into a duck tea infuser, putting it into the cup before the kettle whistled for his attention. 

Hot water was poured into the angel's mug, and the rubber duck infuser floated to the top, bobbing momentarily before it began to work. Poured the water into the coffee pot for himself, leaving the rest on the stove in case Lucifer wanted a second cup; he always did after all. Their life had become strangely domestic in the last month. 

Alastor carefully carried the french press to the table along with Lucifer’s tea, both had to steep before they would taste palatable in the slightest, he stood in front of the stove and used his tentacles to grab things around the kitchen, settling on bacon, poached eggs, toast and couche couche, it never took him long to whip up breakfast, he sat on a tall stool when his legs began to ache.

Lucifer stirred when he smelled bacon, emerging from under the top sheet on their shared bed, his face poking out as he scented the air before he grunted, shifting and wiggling, trying to get out from under the blanket before he fell out of bed with a ‘thud’ right onto the rug Alastor has strategically placed there to cushion his lover every morning. They had become creatures of habit.

Duck slippers were slipped onto the angel's bare hooves as Beauregard wrapped him in his pink robe that had feather trim around the neck and cuffs, he waddled over without even opening his eyes, finding his way to the table, sitting down with a soft groan, Lucifer was not an early riser, he’d rather sleep till noon, but Alastor on the other hand was up with the sunrise and alive enough to make them both breakfast. 

Beauregard put milk and sugar on the table, both items in their respective tacky containers, the small milk pitcher was another elephant similar to Mister Peanut, the sugar bowl, however, looked like a circus tent, striped with white and red, and the lid was lifted carefully by the tired angel, he scooped the sugar with a long-necked giraffe spoon and poured out a bit of milk into the cup, he put the duck infuser on the saucer carefully before he took a sip, 

“Mm, thank you, Bambi,” came a tired grumble.

Alastor slowly made his way over with breakfast, both plates in his hands, as the shadow brought his cane over. He enjoyed going at his own pace, not that the angel was ever impatient with him. He was just grateful someone loved him enough to make him breakfast and share a bed with him. 

Lucifer watched as Alastor set down both plates before he carefully tugged his sleeve, 

“Good morning, thank you for breakfast.”

“Good morning to you too, dear, and you welcome,” the sinner said as he bent down, sharing a gentle kiss before he went to his seat, watching as the angel sprinkled sugar and a few drops of milk into his couche-couche before he dug in, humming in appreciation,

“What would I do without you in the morning? I'd be eating dry toast and crying in bed.”

The sinner let out a soft chuckle as he began to eat his breakfast,

“Then it's a good thing I am an early riser, perhaps tomorrow I will dig out my recipe for cornbread,” he said to himself. The angel smiled happily,

“Alastor?”

“Hm? Yes, Lucifer?”

“You don’t need to talk dirty to me this early in the morning. I can't guarantee your safety,” he said softly. Alastor let out a heavy chuckle,

“You and your breakfast items, no matter what I make, you enjoy it.”

“Yeah, because you made it with love and hate for Mister Peanut. I can taste the rage and the adoration, and it tastes spectacular,” he said as he cut into a poached egg,

“You truly are a goof.”

“You're a goof.”

They ate in a comfortable silence before a knock at the door made them freeze. Judging by the sound, it was likely Charlie. Beauregard answered it and smiled,

“Oh, hi, Beau. Can you tell Dad and Alastor that we have some outdoor activities today when they are up? It's the first snow of the winter, and I'm doing lots of things outside with everyone," she said happily. The shadow gave a quick nod and watched the princess skip off.

Alastor heard it all,

"Hm, Charlotte said we are doing outdoor activities, it has apparently snowed," he said softly. Lucifer smiled,

"Oh, I love snow," he said, getting his wings out excited, only for a wave of feathers to fall out of them  right as Alastor's antlers clattered to the floor,

"Ah, yes, the first snow, which means my antlers have fallen off, and I'm going to shed fur everywhere. It seems we're on the same page. You're moulting, my dear," he said as he looked at the pile of feathers everywhere.

Lucifer looked back at his wings,

"Shit. I forgot about moulting season, my poor wings are going to look so ratty," he spoke before he looked at the sinner's antlers that clattered to the floor,

"Did that hurt?"

"No, they simply just detach when they feel the need to, no harm, no foul, do I need to preen you before we go outside?" 

"If you're ok just getting some of the loose feathers out, yes please," the angel smiled.

When breakfast was finished and the dishes were done, Lucifer sat on their shared bed, and Alastor gently carded his fingers through the angel's feathers, tugging loose ones out with a soft pull.

Lucifer closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh, leaning into the touch,

"I can brush you if you want me to, well, we get dressed," he said, snapping a brush, specifically a stripping comb,

"You can try," Alastor said as he summoned Beauregard to clean up the feathers, stuffing them into a bag, his claws scratched at the skin beneath, the angel squirmed,

"Don't get me all riled up if you're not ready to deal with it," he growled softly.

Alastor let out a chuckle and stopped his scratching. He finished taking out most of the loose feathers. 

"Does that feel better?"

"Much better," Lucifer said softly, stretching his wings and giving them a gentle flap before he put them away. The sinner pressed a gentle kiss to his lover's cheek, and they switched positions.

The sinner loosened the belt on his housecoat and let it drop away from his shoulders before the angel carefully undid his buttons down to his navel. Lucifer moved himself into Alastor's lap, gently straddling his legs as he grabbed the stripping comb. In one fluid movement, he started at the buck's shoulders, carefully tugging out the dead hair.

In quick movement, Lucifer started to strip the fur. Alastor seemed to just watch him, moving his head when needed, his ears twitched, but seemed to focus on the little angel in his lap who was trying his damnedest to fight the shedding hair, though, despite his best efforts, the king was losing.

"How is there this much hair on you!? I'm not even done one shoulder and it's EVERYWHERE," he whined as he suddenly sneezed, blowing the pile into the air,

"I warned you," the sinner said with narrowed eyes, his ears flicking as he looked at the tumbleweeds of fur rolling across the floor, which had also seemingly picked up a few feathers,

"Beauregard, get the vacuum," he said with a soft huff,

"I know, but I didn't think it was this bad. How are you not bald?"

"Just wait till spring when the winter fur comes out, it's much worse."

Lucifer pulled a few hairs from his mouth and grimaced as he got out of his partner's lap, starting to throw off his fur-covered clothes into a pile,

"I'm going to shower," he said with a stretch,

"Yes, I believe I will bathe too," Alastor stood and stretched.

They parted ways as his shadow dragged out a vacuum cleaner and began to try and clean up the hair. Alastor stood in front of the bayou, stretching as he began to carefully take off his clothes. Lucifer slipped by to head to the shower at the back of the swamp,

"Why don't you shower with me, Bambi?"

"I see no reason to, I rather like bathing in the Bayou,"

"Mhm, so that's why you always smell like swamp water when I kiss you,"

"I most certainly do not, I smell like soap and musk," he said, crossing his arms.

Lucifer trotted over and buried his nose in his partner's back, taking an audible inhale,

"Swamp water," 

"Oh, you insufferable little," the sinner grumbled, grabbing his lover and tossing him into the swamp. The angel let out a squeak,

"You ass,"

"What is it you always say? Your ass," Alastor grinned before something grabbed his ankle and dragged him in with a sharp tug.

Alastor popped up, a lilypad on his head, he shook the water from his ears and peeled the plant off his head.

"Now we're both gonna smell like swamp water," Lucifer said as he floated on his back,

"That's why I have soap, you'll just smell like I do," the buck said as he held up a bar of soap with a rope threaded through it, 

"Please tell me you don't use that single bar of soap on your hair."

"Well, why wouldn't I?"

"Alastor, Bambi, sweetie, it isn't 1920, use shampoo for the love of me, myself and I, I want soft, silky hair to run my hands through when I'm riding your face, thanks." 

"Shampoo was expensive when I was alive, I suppose in death I never humoured the thought of it."

"Mhm, well, we're humouring it and every other product you'll let me wash you with, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, stuff to make your fur soft," Lucifer went on as he went by, a few rubber ducks trailing behind him.

"You are most certainly not washing me. I will try what you're suggesting, but I will make no promises that my bar of soap isn't better than all of your products," Alastor said with a hum. The angel snapped, and a small dinghy of assorted shampoos and body washes floated to him.

"Glad you're trying for me, I'm trimming your hooves when you get out of the bath too, maybe it will help you get a bit more balance," 

"I suppose that could be arranged," the sinner said as he glanced at Lucifer, who was scrubbing his hair with some shampoo.

Alastor hummed, his ears twitching as he flickered through music, settling on the song 'Splish Splash' which made Lucifer giggle, he grabbed the anti-shedding fur wash and began to soap up his ears, mantle and every bit of fur that was seemingly falling out, he rinsed it carefully before he looked through the products, grabbing body wash, he smelled it,

"Is this why you always smell so sweet?"

"Nah, I normally smell like apples; the soap I use just brings out your natural scent. I don't like perfumey stuff," the angel said as he dunked his hair under the water to rinse it.

Lucifer stretched before he started to wash his body, Alastor hummed and started to wash his hair, or tried before his arms got tired, the angel seemed to notice,

"I know you like doing things on your own... But do you want some help?" He asked,

"I suppose you could."

The angel dipped under the water and popped up beside the sinner. He carefully squirted some shampoo into his hands before he started to carefully run his fingers through the sinner's hair, using his claws to carefully scratch at his scalp. He watched as Alastor's ears went down, twitching in relaxation.

"I hate that I am unable to do these things myself,"

"It will come in time, till then you've got me to help you," Lucifer said as he kept washing, massaging the base of his ears.

Alastor relaxed under his touch. The shampoo was rinsed out carefully with a cup of water before he began to detangle his hair and massage in conditioner. 

"You are good with your hands. I don't mind you washing my hair," the sinner said as Lucifer finished up and rinsed it out. He moved and kissed his lover on the nose before the radio demon washed his face, going under the water before popping up again, shaking the water from his hair. The angel laughed,

"All clean?" 

"Mhm, yes, my lovely swamp water bath is finished." 

The sinner climbed out, careful not to soil himself on the muddy bank of the swamp, but Lucifer was not so lucky; he lost his footing and flopped into the mud. The radio demon looked down at him and let out a wheeze of laughter.

"Now look who's clean,"

"Oh, you're gonna pay for that," the angel said as he reached for the sinner's ankle, only to have Beauregard grab his ankles and tug him into the water and scrub him viscously,

"No, but you certainly will, go easy on him,m Beau and make sure he doesn't fall again."

Lucifer was scrubbed by Beau, and not an inch was left filthy. The shadow carried him out of the swamp and plopped him onto his hooves beside Alastor, who wrapped him in a large, fluffy towel,

"Your skin is practically glowing, dear; that mud has good properties."

"Mhm, yeah, it is soft, that could also be from your shadow scrubbing me into oblivion," the angel stuck his tongue out at his partner.

Alastor hummed and started to carefully dry himself. Beau brought a chair over so the sinner could sit down.

"He just likes to touch every inch of you. At least you are clean," he said with a smirk. Lucifer started to dry himself off,

"I am pretty hot, don't you think, Beau?" The angel giggled, the shadow kissed up his arm,

"Enchantè," he purred.

The sinner watched his shadow and rolled his eyes,

"Oh, what a flirt, if you keep that kissing up, I may never make it out," the angel said with a soft purr, kissing Beau's cheek gently,

"I believe Charlotte would knock down my door if that were to happen. Now get your duds on, dear."

"You just want me to forget about clipping your hooves, but that's not going to happen," Lucifer smirked as he snapped himself dressed in his winterwear, which consisted of a large fluffy pink sweater with snake patterns on it, his normal slacks, a pair of boots and a dress shirt underneath.

Lucifer snapped a pair of small hoof nippers and straddled Alastor's leg between his knees. He carefully lined up the cutters and snipped the excess growth off them.

"Have you ever cut these?"

"I didn't know I needed to; they typically just break off." 

"That must have hurt." The angel got them cleaned up before he waved his hand, and a rasp appeared. He started to file them into shape, making the radio demon laugh and nearly kick him.

"That tickles."

Alastor had his other foot held by Lucifer's tail,

"Stop squirming,"

"I can't help it, you are tickling me," the radio demon laughed. The angel finished up one hoof, putting oil on it before he started the other, getting everything finished quickly before the sinner could actually kick him by accident.

"Much better look at those pretty hooves," Lucifer said, moving.

The sinner wiggled his freshly manicured hooves,

"They are quite pretty, I do agree, shame it's too cold to wear sandals," he said with a hum as he carefully stood, the towel around his waist, his hand on the chair to steady himself,

"You want some help getting dressed?" 

"Yes, please, I drained most of my power with breakfast," he said quietly.

Alastor had had trouble since his staff had been broken by Adam, and the attack from Siren left him with very little magic day to day, not that he'd ever admit it to anyone other than Lucifer. 

Lucifer gave a nod and snapped him into his normal clothes, gently offering the sinner his cane. Alastor gladly took it with a smile.

They made their way down to the front foyer of the hotel, where Charlie waited with everyone, including Cherri, who had seemingly become their guest after the battle. 

"I thought we could all do some winter activities today for some team building, pick someone you don't usually pair up with, and your task is to make a snowman with your partner," the princess explained as she held a bowl in her hands.

"Grab a name and that will be your partner."

Alastor drew first. He looked at the paper with a hum,

"Princess Charlotte," he said with a smile. Charlie smiled more. "Oh, exciting!"

Husker drew Nifty, Vaggie was paired with Cherri, and  Angel got Lucifer.

"Oh hell yeah, I get the short king!" He said as he put on a pair of earmuffs and zipped up his coat.

They walked out into the snow, which was already up to Alastor's mid-calf. Each pair split off into a marked-out area to build their snowmen.

Charlie hummed as she started a small ball in her hands, putting it on the ground to roll it. Alastor started another, carefully doing the same,

"I'm really glad we got paired up together, Al. I haven't got to talk to you lately," the princess said as she focused on her snowball.

Alastor nodded,

"I have been rather withdrawn with paperwork and physical therapy lately," he focused on his snowball, being careful with himself,

"I just wanted to ask how you and Dad were doing lately. You both seem happy together," Charlie said softly. She didn't like to prod, but Lucifer wouldn't say anything more than 'good' whenever she asked.

"We are happy together, though we are complete opposites; he is the tea to my coffee princess," the sinner confessed. The princess seemed to squeal in happiness,

"Aw, that's so sweet! I'm really happy Dad has managed to move on from him and Mom separating, I was worried he never would," she said quietly,

"He's trying his best, and I am as well. I will admit I haven't courted since I was alive; it's a change for both of us." 

Across the yard, we’re Angel and Lucifer, both pushing snow into a pile to make a faster base,

“Sooooo, how are you and smiles doin'? I’ve been wonderin’ since ya came back with him, you make a pretty cute couple, ya know, short and cute with tall and scary,” he said with a smile as he packed the snow more into a ball shape, 

“We’re doing well… he’s surprisingly one of the most kind, gentlemanly and well-spoken individuals I've ever had the honour of being with,” the king said as he started a snowball for the midsection, 

“That's good to hear, I was kinda worried you two wouldn't figure it out… how are you doin’ lately? Ya know, with Vee,”

“He’s helping me a lot, especially when everything happened with Alastor getting hurt. I really couldn't forgive myself after he got hurt, but Vaughn talked me through it. I think after all these years of just isolating myself, all I needed was to sit down and talk with someone other than myself.”

“I know that feelin’ all too well, sometimes you just need someone to love ya and someone to talk ya through when life gets shitty.”

Lucifer looked over at Angel for a moment, 

“You know, you’ve helped me a lot since I started living at the hotel, I want to give you a favour, anything you want, within reason, I’ll grant, just so long as it isn't me harming a sinner or giving you drugs… because Charlie would give me shit for it,” he muttered the last part, not wanting to disappoint his daughter, he’d done that enough already; the spider sinner stopped and blinked at him a few times,

“Anything? You serious?”

“Of course, I wouldn't offer otherwise.”

“Can I think on it? Ya know, for the night?”

“Of course! Take as much time as you need; it won't expire. We need to win this snowman-making contest anyway because it’s not fun till you’re beating your boyfriend at something he might be good at,” the king grinned.

Angel let out a laugh, 

“Yeah, let’s mop the floor with ‘em, short king,” he said with a determined look on his face. Husker heard him and turned with a raised eyebrow; the spider sinner threw a snowball at him, 

“Hey!” he shouted when it hit him in the arm, tossing one back at him.

That started an all-out snow war; no one knew where the snow ended, and the hotel staff began. By the end of it, the best snowman was awarded to Cherri and Vaggie; the fallen angel had used her wing to shield their creation from getting knocked over, and Charlie awarded them the first mugs of hot cocoa from the kitchen when they arrived back inside. 

Alastor had gotten drenched in the snowball fight; he was shivering violently in a way that terrified his partner. The last time Lucifer had seen him shake like that was when the sinner was having convulsions due to the seizures from his injury after the angel snapped him into dry clothes. He sat him down under a heating

blanket in the sitting room, the sinner was trying to sip a mug of cocoa, only to drop it on the floor and have the mug smash.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,”

“It’s alright; it happens… are you feeling alright, Al?” 

Lucifer snapped the mug back together with the hot cocoa inside,

“I’m fine, I am just cold and achy,” the shiner said as he tugged the warm blanket further up his body,

“Hospital visit, cold and sore? Or a warm bath?” the angel asked, unsure if his worrying was warranted or if he was just anxious over nothing.

“Perhaps a bath and lying down for a few hours, the doctor sent me home with painkillers that should keep the aches down,” Alastor said, without another word, he was pulled up into his little lover's arms, and a snap was heard before they appeared in a bathroom, ornate with white and gold tiles before them was a deep clawfoot bathtub.

The sinner was gently placed onto the bathroom counter as the angel turned the golden taps, putting the plug into the bath as the water ran.

“Lucifer, you didn't have to; I could have just walked myself upstairs and floated in the bayou…” Alastor said as he looked around the bathroom, till his eyes focused on Lucifer dipping his hand in the water to test the temperature, before another violent set of shivers made his muscles contract so sharply that he hissed in pain,

“Nonsense, just let me take care of you for once, alright?”

“I am plenty fine to bathe on my own,”

“I can see and hear that you're in pain. Don't lie to me, Alastor, I know you hate help, you'd rather curl up and die before you let anyone do anything, look at me,” he said. They locked eyes.

“We’re both learning how to love and care for each other, so suck it up because I like you so much that I'm willing to do this for you because I know you'd do the same for me.”

Alastor stared back at him, letting out an annoyed snort,

“Nothing to say because it’s true, can I take your clothes off, or do you want to take them off yourself?”

“Myself,” came a soft hiss. The radio demon got his jacket off, but his trembling hands fumbled with the buttons. He growled as he grew frustrated with his body not cooperating, his ears pinned,

“Just snap them off before I rip them,” he muttered. Lucifer snapped his fingers before he picked up the sinner and carefully lowered him into the tub. The warm water reached the buck's throat, and his head lay back against the rim of the bath. 

Lucifer slipped off his sweater and rolled up his cuffs,

“I don't like getting pissy with you, but why are you so irritated with all of this? Please just communicate to me, I need that at the bare minimum from you…” He said softly, sending his double to go find the sinner's pain meds and get his bed ready. Alastor didn’t look at him; he simply closed his eyes.

“I am in a body that refuses to cooperate, and every time I can’t do something simple, it reminds me of my mother… She contracted the Spanish Flu; I took care of her when she could no longer do it herself. I had to watch a beautiful, vibrant woman be reduced to a husk of her former self; I had to watch her slowly die, and when she did, I was the one who had to bury her… I hated that; I hated being the only one in her life who cared for her in the end. Every time I get frustrated, you have the same look on my face as I had with her: the worry, the fear that you're watching me die,” he didn't realize tears were rolling down his face, the angel wiped them away,

“I didn’t know you had to deal with that, Alastor; I'm so sorry.”

The king sniffled softly,

“I love you; I haven’t said that before, but I do, and I want to be the one that will take care of you no matter what happens, I have my fears that one day it will come when I can't save you and that is absolutely fucking terrifying because your the best thing that ever happened to me since Charlie was born, I thought when Siren stabbed you that it was it, I can’t heal wounds inflicted by angelic weapons, I thought that I’d have to watch you die… fuck,” he let out a sob, as he buried his face in his hands, 

“I love you too, Lucifer,” Alastor spoke quietly, his trembling hand resting on the angel's shoulder,

“Please don’t cry over me, not like this. I promise I will try to do better and allow you to help me, just no more weeping. " He moved to put their foreheads together, ignoring his body’s plea to stay put.

They shared a soft kiss before Lucifer handed him a tissue,

“Is everything you own circus-themed?” Alastor said, glaring at a new tacky decor item that would surely end up in his room at one point or another, it was a sea lion with a red and white ruffle adorning its neck that dispensed tissues from a ball on its nose.

“...Ok, we both know the answer is yes, what's wrong with this one?”

“Tack-” he was shushed by a hand over his mouth,

“Don’t you even start that word,”

“But you love it,”

“No, I love riding your face, I don’t like my cute nick-nacks being called tacky by someone who thinks dusty bones are an appropriate decoration,”

“They are more than appropriate decor; they make a statement to get out with your life.”

“Mhm, right, well, my cute decor should even it out for you,” the angel said, putting the seal back on the bathroom counter, sticking his tongue out at his lover, who rolled his eyes before he focused on a single rubber duck with antlers that floated in the tub with him.

Lucifer sat at the side of the tub, his chin on the edge,

"Do you feel like you're warming up?" he asked, noticing Alastor wasn't shivering violently anymore, just trembling, which had been normal for him since the incident. The sinner nodded as his copy brought in the pain meds. He summoned a glass of water with a straw. He dumped a tablet into the sinner's hand and watched him take it, offering water, which was accepted.

Alastor relaxed a bit more and closed his eyes again, his ears flicking lazily. Lucifer eventually stood and kissed the top of his head gently.

"I'm going to get the bed set up. You're not moving till you feel better." 

"Mhm, I suppose that could be arranged." 

When the bed was arranged and Alastor was tucked into it, the sinner fell asleep quickly, far too comfortable in the downy-filled mattress and duvet that smelled like the fallen angel. Lucifer watched over him for a few moments before he eventually left the room.

Alastor awoke in the evening, clearly having needed more than just a nap. He let out a content little huff as he sat up against the headboard, cracking his eyes open and yawning. He didn't see Lucifer, but he could smell dinner. He wiggled his tail gently and stretched his legs, cracking the slightly less aching joints.

Lucifer peeked out of the kitchen,

"Oh, good, you're awake, I almost have dinner ready, you were sleeping too well for me to wake you up for lunch," he smiled crookedly, 

"I'm glad you didn't, I don't think I've slept that well in ages," he muttered before he noticed the look on his face,

"Why do you look so sheepish?"

"Well, I, uh, I tried to cook you dinner, I'm not really seasoned on anything other than breakfast foods, I asked Charlie to help me, but she isn't good at cooking either and well... We're having spaghetti sort of." 

Alastor raised an eyebrow and crooked his finger at the angel. Lucifer walked over and received a gentle kiss on the forehead,

"So long as you try, that's what matters; it doesn't smell like it's currently on fire either, which is good," the radio demon spoke, a smile on his features, wondering just how bad this may taste.

The plate of spaghetti set on the tray before him didn't look bad, and it didn't smell bad either, he carefully cut a meatball and peered into the center, it was slightly raw but nothing the radio demon couldn't handle, Lucifer watched him, sitting beside him in bed, the other end of the tray in front of him with his dinner, Alastor ate the piece of meat, 

"It isn't bad, perhaps a bit of salt, but otherwise it's good, dear, don't be so hard on yourself."

"That's good, I thought it would be worse, I don't know, spices anymore or at all."

Alastor carefully ate, his hands still trembling as he did,

"Maybe you'll have to let Angel teach you one day, he is good at making pasta, really, all of us sinners have a specialty."

"You do?"

"Mhm, Nifty makes excellent meatloaf, Husker is fairly good at anything with seafood, Angel, of course, is anything Italian, I have yet to experience Cherri's or Vaggie's," he explained,

"Wait, didn't Nifty make that meat Jello salad thing when we were together?"

"Oh yes, aspic, she likes making that, really anything in a fancy gelatin mould is her style. But I'm sure I am the only one who will eat it; everyone seems rather picky." 

Lucifer ate his spaghetti; it needed seasoning.

"Perhaps I'll let you cook with me for a night, and I'll show you the basics of Creole dishes." 

"I'd like that," the angel smiled.

They ate together in silence. Lucifer cleared the dishes with a snap when they were done, along with the tray, and he moved a little closer to Alastor. The sinner looked over at his partner with a content smile, and the angel moved to straddle his lap, holding his cheeks within his clawed hands,

“I know you don't usually let me reciprocate any of what you do to me… but will you let me have one night to be in charge and pleasure you?”

Alastor looked into his eyes, swallowing, he knew there was no pressure from the angel, if anything, it was curiosity, how could he dominate him? 

“You’re going to dominate me?” he asked. That was the only sentence he could think to say,

“Yeah, I’m not going to make you bottom or anything, but I will dominate you without having to do that,” Lucifer explained, 

“With my voice and maybe a few silk ties if you fancy that,” he snapped, and two silk ribbons appeared beside him, a lovely shade of blood red, 

“And if I want everything to stop because I’m uncomfortable,”

“Use your safeword, and I’ll stop everything, no hesitation.”

Lucifer watched Alastor’s eyes as he thought about it,

“It would be entertaining to see you try to dominate me.”

“Oh, someone sounds cocky. Is that a yes?”

“Yes, it’s a yes,”

“Any parts of your body you don't want to be touched?” the angel asked, wanting to know his boundaries before he did anything,

“Not that comes to mind, I trust you won't harm me in a way I don't like, just be mindful of my injuries,”

“I will, no funky positions, I guess I can't fold you like a lawn chair, huh?”

There was a sudden laugh from Alastor, 

“Not till I can walk without a cane, my dear,” he smiled warmly at his lover before his cheeks were let go of,

“What’s your safeword, Bambi?”

“Beignet.”

Chapter Text

Black-clawed hands ran over the taut skin of the radio demon's chest, carding gently through the fluff of hair and down his somewhat concave stomach. The skin below his hand twitched and shivered. Not used to tenderness, it was soft until the claws raked over it, not drawing blood but threatening to.

Alastor moaned, squirming, his bound hands making the metal ring that held them rattle; they weren't even that far along. The sinner's shirt was open, and his pants were still on. At this point, the angel was just teasing him with sensations; it was painfully slow. He growled, and Lucifer smirked,

“Impatient Bambi?”

“Get on with it, Lucifer.”

“Mhm, don’t you know that will get you nowhere, sweetheart? Remember I’m in charge,” he said with a smirk,

“Maybe I’ll gag you if you keep it up,” he taunted, the radio demon's ears flicked as he raised an eyebrow,

“I’d like to see you try.”

A bleat from his shadow made both of them startle and look over,

“Door,” Beauregard hissed from his place on the wall,

“Who’d be at the door at this hour- oh, it’s Claria, I suppose your conquest of my body will have to wait till after physical therapy,” Alastor hummed. Lucifer let out a bit of a whine, crossing his arms with a pout,

“I guess so, just for physical therapy and Claria,” he said as he untied him, snapping him into a clean pair of comfortable leisure wear for the time being, Lucifer changed his clothes back into his comfortable sweater and fixed both of their looks as he transported them to the radio demons room, sitting the buck in a chair by the fireplace with a blanket over his lap.

Claira stood in front of the door, two yoga mats under her arm, a smile plastered on her face as Lucifer opened the door,

“Hello, Mr. Morningstar, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Not at all, come in, Alastor is waiting by the fire for you,” 

“Thank you,” she said, coming in. The angel waited till she was in and firmly shut the door, irritated with himself that he’d forgotten about the weekly physical therapy visit. 

“Do you want any tea or coffee?”

“I’m alright, but thanks for asking. How are you today, Alastor?” she asked the buck who smiled warmly at her.

“I’m well, a bit sore. Princess Charlotte arranged a bit of a snow day for everyone. I was part of an impromptu snowball fight.” 

“That sounds fun, I’d expect you to be sore, cold weather in hell seems to irritate everyone’s injuries, it’s been a hectic day when you make house calls,” she said as she found a clear spot on the floor to roll out the yoga mats. 

“I could imagine so, am I your last client of the day?”

“Mhm, but one of my favourites, you two are always the least grumpy clients and I always have fun at the hotel,” she said as she started to stretch the radio demon’s legs carefully, her touch was gentle as she massaged tight muscles; Lucifer thought for a few moments, 

“I’m going to leave you both to it, have fun,” the angel said with a little wave. The sinner raised an eyebrow at him,

“Alright, dear, we will.”

Alastor shifted his ears as the normal soundtrack for his physical therapy came on. Claira hummed along as he stretched the sinner's legs before she helped the sinner to his feet,

“Have you been walking on your own more lately, like I suggested?”

“Of course, in my room, I often walk at my own pace without my cane,”

“And how is that going for you? Do you find things are getting easier?”

“Slightly, it is rather nice to move at my own pace. Lucifer has been patient with this as well, which is surprising for a hyper creature such as him.”

“It’s nice to have a partner who will go at your pace and understand that you aren't helpless. I find some demons’ spouses are very overbearing and won't allow them to have any autonomy, struggling is the first step into maybe getting a little better,” the sloth demon said as she rolled out yoga mats.

“I wanted to try something different today: some simple yoga to help you regain some of that flexibility you lost. It will also release some tension in your muscles.”

Claira offered her hand, which alastor took. She carefully got him to the floor and onto his stomach.

“What is yoga?”

“Yoga is postures and meditation with breathing control. I’ve always liked it to clear my head, and it helps with my arthritis. I usually try to host a little class in the hospital in the morning before work to get everyone’s daily jitters out,” she said as she lay down with him. 

“We’ll start easy with the cobra pose. Keep your hips on the floor and slowly lift your upper body. Take a deep breath in and hold it before you exhale slowly. Relax into the pose,” she said softly as she demonstrated. Alastor followed along, letting out a slow breath as he cleared his mind of thoughts. The only thing that seemed to linger was Lucifer, whom Beauregard was petting under the table as he and his daughter chatted idly over coffee. 

The buck smiled a little more as his ears slowly relaxed at the side of his head. Claria glanced over,

“You're doing great so far. Okay, the next pose will be a little harder. It is called the cow pose. We’re going to be on our hands and knees with our backs arched and our heads up,” she said as she maneuvered herself up to her hands and knees, which was easier for her than Alastor. Claira watched him slowly move his body up to his hands and knees, struggling slightly to get his knees under himself. 

Alastor let out a small huff as he finally got his body to cooperate enough to move. He got his head up,

“Good, let's arch our backs outward,” Claira said, allowing her back to arch gracefully like the curve of a bow. With a soft exhale, she relaxed, and the sinner followed suit, holding the pose as he focused on his breathing. 

“Inhale… exhale slowly,” she spoke calmly, letting the sounds of the swamp wash over them, 

“Drop your back and let's arch inward, it's called cat pose.”

Claira gently touched Alastor’s back, putting a slight pressure on the middle of his spine, 

“Exhale slowly and relax that tension in your spine. That's it. You're doing great, Alastor,” she said softly. If there was one thing about the physical therapist, it was that she was more than willing to praise and credit the smallest victories. Not that the sinner minded it, but it would be condescending if it were anyone else. 

“Let’s move ourselves into an extended puppy pose, we're going to keep our butts up in the air and put our chests to the floor and put our arms straight in front of us,” she said softly, showing the radio demon exactly what she wanted to do, to the radio demon it looked inappropriate, but he did it anyways, Claira placed a guiding hand between his shoulder blades, gently rubbing his spine to loosen his rigid posture slightly,

“Ok, put your forehead down on the mat and let me reposition your hips a little,” she carefully put her hands on his hips, moving them so they were parallel with his knees, 

“Perfect,” the sloth demon did it with him, 

“Let's inhale slowly… then exhale slowly. Let your body relax and settle into the pose. We're going to hold this for a minute.”

Alastor heard the door and knew it was his partner. Lucifer walked in and blushed at the pose before him, nearly tripping over his own two hooves and striding confidently into an antler coat rack, making it clatter to the floor and startle Claira.

“Oh, Mister Morningstar, you're back, perfect timing. I wanted to have a chat with you,” she said as she sat back on her knees, settling a hand on the sinner's shoulder, 

“You can lie down fully if you like to rest. I think that’s a good first step in yoga until we build up our strength more.”

Lucifer oversaw his lover lying on his stomach on the mat, his head resting on his crossed arms, 

“Oh yeah, of course, what did you want to talk with me about?” he asked as he came over, after snapping the coat rack fixed and flipping off Beauregard behind his back, who was silently cackling like a hyena, 

“I wanted to ask you if you’d like to learn some of the physical therapy stretches I do on Alastor. He’s scheduled once a week for therapy, but I feel it would be beneficial to do some of them daily to prevent some of his pain.”

“I’d love to learn how to alleviate some of his pain,” the fallen angel smiled as he glanced down at his lover, who looked back with curiosity. 

 Claira gave a happy little nod, 

“Alright, Alastor, let's turn you on your back,” she said. The sinner nodded and turned over, letting the physical therapist poke and prod at him, making sure to show Lucifer exactly how she did it,

“The main aim is to stretch out his muscles and open up his hip joints to make walking a little less painful, Alastor has his own set of stretches to do in the mornings when he gets up as well, maybe the next time I come you'll be able to be folded in half like a chair, that’s how flexible you’ll be,” she giggled, Alastor let out a hum,

“Lucifer would know all about that,” he said as he got to his feet.

The fallen angel blushed and gently hit him with the back of his hand, a light tap. Claira thankfully didn’t notice as she packed up her yoga mats,

“I’ll leave you two to the rest of your evening.”

“Thank you, Claria. I will see you next week.”

“Of course, call if you need anything. Nice seeing you again, Mr. Morningstar. Maybe next time you can do yoga with us.”

“You can call me Lucifer, and I’d love to,” he smiled, snapping her a portal home. She gave a wave and left before it closed,

“Outing me that I like being folded like a chair, maybe I will fold you like a chair one of these days, Al.”

Alastor turned to him with a smirk,

“Shall we finish what we started before we were interrupted?” he suggested,

“Thought you’d never ask. Now get on your knees,” the king said with a snap. An ornate pillow appeared on the floor, and he noticed how the sinner enjoyed pain; even still, he didn't want his partner's legs to hurt; the radio demon hummed and carefully kneeled on the pillow. His chin was grabbed by the king's clawed hands,

“You remember your safeword?”

“Yes, dear,”

“How about we make this a little easier? I like the colour system since sometimes you don’t want to fully stop, but you want someone to slow down.”

“Hm, I suppose that would be acceptable. You got that?”

“Green means keep going, yellow means slow down, red means stop or use your safeword,” Lucifer explained, running his thumb over the smooth skin of the sinner's cheek.

Lucifer watched Alastor’s ears relax more,

“Yes, that is easy enough to remember, though what if I want you to be rougher with me?” he questioned,

“Ask me to be rougher, I’m going to listen to you through this entire thing. I know you trust me a lot to even want to be sexual with me. I won’t ignore your wants if something piques your interest or you want to try something; we’ll get more into fetishes later if that’s something you want to discuss. The point of kink is a safe space to find your pleasure, regardless of how strange it is,” the angel smiled as he leaned down, pressing their lips together in a chaste kiss.

“I do enjoy your explanation of things, Lucifer,”

“Good, now do you have a strong gag reflex?”

“As I have last checked, no, I don’t.”

“Good, what's your colour?”

“Green.”

His chin was freed as Lucifer unzipped his pants, and his cock sprang out before the sinner. Alastor had never blown anyone before, not that he’d ever wanted to in his life, living or dead.

“I can hear you thinking, clear your head,” he spoke softly, running his clawed hands through the sinner's hair before he gently grabbed his ears, rubbing them,

“Just don't bite me, I've seen how sharp your teeth are.”

“And you're still willing to put your cock near my mouth, how fun,” the sinner teased.

Lucifer rolled his eyes and rubbed his ears, 

“Open your mouth,” he said softly. Alastor did as told, obedient when he wanted to be. The angel let him move at his own pace, watching as the sinner moved forward to lick the tip of his cock slowly before taking him into his mouth; only to quickly pull away and gag so violently that his whole body shivered, 

“Oh fuck, ok I’m calling a yellow,”

“I don’t know why I gagged, I can eat rotting meat, nothing phases me… I still want you regardless of what just happened-”

“Hey, look at me, don’t get in your head about it, alright? We’re adults, I’m not going to insult you just because you can't suck cock, I know it's not your thing. Besides, I know you're good with your tongue and more than capable of using it.”

Alastor heard a snap, and he found himself at the foot of the bed, his knees on a comfortable pillow, his hands bound behind his back. Lucifer sat in front of him, his legs splayed open, revealing his gold-tinted pussy. Long black clawed fingers idly played with it, sliding between folds and over his clit, making him purr with anticipation, 

“Colour?”

“Green,” the sinner purred, drool ran down his chin, dripping onto the hardwood,

“Good boy. No, using your hands, I’ll tell you when I’ve had enough.” 

The thing about the fallen angel was that he could never get enough of the man currently between his legs, eating his pussy. After all, the sinner below knew just what he liked after doing it a handful of times; it was an acquired skill which he valued more than anything at this very moment.

Alastor heard the angel snap, wondering what he was doing till he felt hands on his body, another set of Lucifer's hands to be exact, he knew the king had doubles of himself when he summoned them, he’d never seen or felt them before, at least till now; slightly colder hands ran up his back before one pushed his head further between the angel’s legs, another ran his claws down his stomach and towards his cock, with a wave of the angel’s hand he was bare, his clothing neatly folded on a chair at the bedside.

Lucifer’s double held a gold rubber ring; his slicked hand stroked the sinner's cock slowly, making Alastor moan softly as he lapped at the angel's pussy. He wondered what the double was doing, but instead, he focused on the task at hand, 

“Right there,” he moaned out, rolling his hips against his lover's face.

The radio demon bucked his hips with the strokes for a few ts moments before the ring was fastened around the base of his cock, the buck let out a soft growl, and Lucifer stroked his head, 

“I told you I was in charge, Bambi. You're going to play by my rules tonight, and that means I'm going to have full control of you right down to when you cum, got that, sweetie?” he smirked. Alastor looked away for a moment, only to have the king's double force him to look back,

“I asked a question, I want an answer.”

“Yes,”

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, my king,”

“Good boy.”

Alastor couldn't help but let his tail wag, there was a thrill in letting Lucifer control him, especially when he was going to manhandle him, he let out a happy growl as his face was forced back between the angel's supple thighs, and the double ran his claws along the sinner's lithe form, leaving welts in his wake, the radio demon couldn’t suppress happy moans and gasps as his body was scratched and nipped, his ears were grabbed and tugged by the king himself as he ground his pussy against the sinners face, his back arching as he made noises so ethereal it put even the most beautiful vocalists to shame.

Just as Alastor slurped and sucked his way to the king’s climax, he was tugged away. Lucifer was flustered, his face golden with a thick blush, his breath came out in short, soft pants, his hair was mussed, 

“Bring him on the bed, lay him down and tie his wrists up,” he said to his double, the lookalike nodded and roughly got the radio demon up to his feet, making sure he didn’t hurt any of his actual injuries from the incident. The last thing he wanted to do was harm him seriously.

Lucifer looked over at Beauregard, tugging the shadow a little closer, pulling him into a deep kiss, his tongue sliding into his mouth as his hands wandered downward, grabbing a handful of his ass, Beau melted into his touch, purring loudly into the king's mouth, his tail wagging before it was grabbed and given a stroke, Alastor moaned low and looked away, knowing well that his secret was out, 

“Aw, does my little Bambi like having his tail touched?” he questioned as he ran his claws along the underside, making the shadow shiver and the sinner let out a pleasured growl,

“Yes, my king.”

Alastor’s wrists were tied above his head, ornately adorned in crisscrossing silk ropes that spanned the length of his forearms, and they were hooked to a clip on the headboard. Lucifer straddled his hips as he snapped. He firmly rubbed his ass against the sinner’s stiff cock, 

“So hard for me, Bambi, Mhm I hope you know I own your pretty cock, it's all mine for the taking. Now you haven't felt the warmth of my pussy around before, I’ll let you try it just for one night,” he licked his lips slowly, keeping eye contact as he lined the radio demon’s cock up and slid down on it with an aching moan of pleasure.

The sinner could have come right there if it hadn’t been for the cock ring, he moaned as he watched Lucifer roll his hips, slowly grinding his dripping wet cunt on the buck's cock, 

“Fuck, I think you were made for me, Bambi, you’re hitting all the right spots, just look at this,” he purred, putting his hand over a bump on his lower stomach, pressing on it as he slid down slowly, 

“Look at what you’re doing to me,” he said with a mewl as he started to finally bounce slowly, savouring the feeling of Alastor’s cock filling him just right.

Alastor was a moaning mess, watching Lucifer take his pleasure was more erotic than anything he’d seen before, he wanted to buck his hips, break his binds and fuck his lover into the mattress, he didn't care about heaven, he was already in it.

Lucifer listened as his boyfriend’s moans turned to whimpers of pleasure. The angel was close to his climax, his wings shaking, his body drawn tight like a drawn bow string just before its archer released it; his noises of pleasure were nothing but chirps and gasps.

With a snap the cock ring was gone, Lucifer slammed himself down on Alastors cock one last time before the sinner came with a bellowing bugle, the angel wasn't far behind, his hips rolling as he rode out the aftershocks, he placed his hands on his boyfriend's chest as they both caught their breath; after a few moments the angel leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips,

“You did so well, Al.”

Alastor smiled weakly as the clone untied his arms, when it was said and done Lucifer held them, pressing kisses and massaging the sore muscles, moving to press kisses to his ears and face, the sinner was dazed and happy, enjoying the attention, the angel pulled off of his cock and snapped himself clean, using a warm cloth to tenderly wipe his partner off, 

“You were such a good boy for me. I’m so proud of you,” he said, showering him with praise. After all, aftercare was just as important as sex.

Lucifer finished up and lay beside Alastor, his clone disappeared with a snap,

“Was that just as fun as I said it would be?”

“More fun, spare for my gag reflex being sensitive,” the sinner said as he cuddled the angel,

“Maybe we can work on that in the future if you want to try again, if you don’t, that’s perfectly alright too,” he said softly as he massaged his ears,

“I do want to pleasure you regardless of your physical form. I’d like to try again in the future if you'd let me,”

“Of course,” the angel said as he gently kissed him on the lips, holding his cheeks as he did.

The sinner kissed back, practically melting into Lucifer's gentle touches. Alastor soaked up the affection from the fallen angel before he fell asleep. The angel smiled, moving pillows to get the buck comfortable, before he lay his wing over his lover and succumbed to sleep himself.

Morning came quickly for some, but not for Alastor this time. He was snoring away well, Lucifer cooked them both breakfast, and Beauregard was watching him just in case he set anything on fire.

“I'm ok, BoBo, you don't need to worry, I'm fine at making breakfast, just not any other meal,” he said softly. The shadow looked at him quizzically, 

“Ok,” he said, whispering, 

“I have a meeting with Angel today. If I give you a note and a kiss, will you deliver it for me?” 

Beauregard nodded enthusiastically, his tail wagging. He liked kisses, and no matter how many he got, he was never tired of them.

Lucifer summoned a pen and a note, writing what he needed to on the paper before he handed it to Beau, gently kissing him on the lips, holding him by the cheeks and squishing his face well. He was at it, the shadow purred loudly and dissolved to find Angel.

Lucifer tied his robe a little tighter as he reached up and grabbed the coffee maker, putting water and coffee into it and let it sit. He looked at the time before back at his lover, watching as his eyes flicked open like clockwork before he seemingly looked confused, 

“I thought I'd make breakfast since you do it every morning. It's nothing special, but I tried my best.”

“How sweet of you,” Alastor said, slipping on his robe and tying it before he got out of bed. He was sore, so he took careful steps as he ambled over to the table,

“Are you sore today?” 

“Yes, I may have overdone it yesterday, but no matter, I had fun,” he smiled,

The angel kissed his cheek as he brought over breakfast and coffee,

“Glad you did, maybe I'll have to boss you around more often,”

“Mhm, I do enjoy that idea.”

Angel sat in his room on his phone, smoking, naked and slightly damp from his post-work shower. He crossed his legs and one of his other hands petted Nugget; he heard a knock and got up, shrugging on his robe,

“Gimme a minute!” He called out as he tied it tightly and opened the door, looking at Alastor's shadow,

“You don't usually come to visit me in the mornings, you need something big buck?” he asked, leaning on the door frame, noticing the shadow’s antlers were gone,

“Lucifer sent this for you,” the shadow said, his voice flickering into different tones and sounds from the radio as his ears twitched. He held out the note, and the spider sinner took it,

“Thank you, oh, I got somethin’ for Al.”

Beauregard watched Angel rifle through a box at his bedside, one of the various ones from the studio val had sent home. He grabbed a bottle and handed it to Beau,

“For Al’s antler spots, makes 'em less itchy when they grow back,” 

“Thank you, angel,” the shadow took it and purred at the sinner before he dissolved. He left the door unlocked for Husker and lay back down in bed with Fat Nuggets, taking a drag off his cigarette. He opened the note, 

‘Angel, have you thought of what you want? Remember, I said anything other than death, I’m the king of hell, just say the words and it will be done. Please come to my room later with your answer. -Lucifer ’ he read as Husk came in,

“Whatcha got there, legs?”

“Love letter from Lucifer,”

“Ha ha very funny,”

“Nah, pretty sure he's so into Al that you’d have to peel him off with a spatula; anyways, since I did short king some favours, he offered me a favour, anything I wanted other than killing someone.”

Husk lay beside Angel on his bed, kissing his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around the sinner’s tight midsection,

“What are you thinking?”

“I wanna be free from Val, I don’t want to be stuck with him anymore, but at the same time, I don't want you to be stuck with A,l ya know? If I end up getting rehabbed and ascending, I can’t be there without you…” He said as he looked up at the ceiling, stubbing out the cigarette,

“Ange, I can deal with Alastor. I don’t want to see you keep getting abused by Val just because you're willing to sacrifice a favour from the king of hell for my ass,” he said, his wings fluffing as he squeezed his partner a little tighter,

“Yeah, but I don’t want to see you get abused by Al. I’ll lose my shit on him, Husky, I’ll die for you because I know you’d do the same for me,”

“Just think about it, ok? And I mean really think about it.”

Angel nodded and put the note on his nightstand, he shifted and curled into Husk, all of his arms wrapped around the cat sinner, petting whatever fur was in reach, a loud purr filled the silence of the room as the spider sinner closed his eyes and weighed his options, free himself and gamble with Alastor for Huskers or suffer at the hands of Valentino and free the man he was falling for. 

The bar cat heard his partner sigh gently as the tension in his body started to release. He wrapped a wing around Angel and rubbed his back slowly, feeling him slowly fall asleep in his arms. Nugget wiggled between them, and Husk tugged a blanket over everyone, settling in enough to fall asleep. 

Husk had waited up for Angel ever since he found out just how aggressive Val was towards him. Every day he waited for him to get home, and every day he held the spider in his arms till he fell asleep, keeping him comfortable and content until his shift at the bar started downstairs.

Lucifer sat in his room sipping coffee from an ornate cup on a saucer, his legs crossed as he waited for Angel to arrive, He knew Alastor was up in his radio tower doing a weekly show about the hotel, playing whatever he felt like, thankfully it was music and not the screams of the, somewhat, Innocent potential hotel guests that he was hunting.

A soft knock on the door made him blink away his thoughts of last night. He waved his hand, and the door opened,

“Come in, Anthony,” he said softly,

“Using my real name, huh? Don’t go saying that around here, last thing I need is Nifty carving it into my door or some shit,”

“Don’t worry, I won't, I only use your living names if I mean business, unless someone wants me to normally,” Lucifer smiled. The door shut behind Angel as he sat down in a chair across from the short king. He was poured a coffee, and the fallen angel pushed a small plate of butter cookies toward him.

Angel eyed the desserts and sipped his coffee, 

“I can’t eat those, much as I want to; I’m on a diet.” 

“You don’t possibly need a diet; you are nothing but muscle.”

“Not my choice, Val lifted me one day and called me fat, and I've been on one ever since. No one wants a heavy pole dancer, apparently, which is bullshit because we have plenty of curvy girls at the club who work the pole, Tiffany Titfucker ain’t even thin,”

“Well, frankly, Valentino sounds like a prick. I still haven’t forgiven him for licking Charlie’s arm.”
“He is- wait, you've seen that?” the sinner asked, 

“I see everything that goes on. Why do you think the city has eyes in every building? I don’t use them unless Char-Char needs me, I’m protective of her even though depression swallowed me up for a few decades,” Lucifer said as he ate a cookie.

Lucifer lapsed into a small silence before he looked back at Angel, 

“But that's not what we're here for, I want to know what you want done as a favour,” he asked softly, looking into his eyes. Angel looked away for a moment, his arms crossing in front of him, the lower set squeezed his thighs,

“I want to be free, I don’t want to be chained to Valentino… I want to be free for rehab and for Husky… I wanted Husk to be free too, but I-I just can’t fucking do this shit anymore, I don’t want to feel like I have to damage myself just so he will leave me the fuck alone once and for all… I’d ask you to fucking kill him, but Charlie wouldn’t be happy about it,” the sinner said as he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. The king's face went to concern as he milled about the answer,

“I’ll break both your contracts.”

“...What?” Angel said, looking back,
“I’ll break both; you don't deserve the abuse you put up with by that idiotic moth. Trust me, I’d happily put an angelic blade through his heart if I could. The point is, you’re willing to sacrifice yourself just to get Husker out from under Alastor,” the king said,

“But… won’t Al be pissed?”

“Listen, if he’s going to get pissy with me, he can. The whole point of this hotel is redemption. Redeem Husk, and take him upstairs when you both feel like it's time. Alright?” Lucifer said,

“You're really sure?”

“I’m positive, you’ve done more for me than anyone has in a very long time. You two enjoy each other.”

Angel swallowed before he moved forward and hugged Lucifer tightly, sniffling,

“Grazie, grazie Lucifer,” he said as he cried. The king hugged him, rubbing his back gently. When they broke apart, the sinner thanked him more before the angel shooed him out to go tell Husk the news.

Lucifer summoned a filing cabinet, flinging it open,

“Anthony Luca Rossi,” he hummed as he rifled through a never-ending file of papers in Val’s ever-growing section before he pulled out one, drafted in pink ink, and he read over it,

“This is the worst-drafted contract I’ve ever seen, it’s not even signed right for hell’s sake. Valentino is dumber than a box of rocks,” he grumbled as he grabbed both sides of the paper, using his angelic power to nullify the contract. He ripped it; the sound of chains breaking filled the room.

“Good fucking Riddance. Prick.”

One contract down and one to go, Lucifer waved his hand and shifted further down to Alastor's section,

“Husker William Jones,” he hummed and pulled the contract, looking at it, much more solid than Valentino's poor excuse of a binding agreement. He looked it over before grabbing it firmly with both hands,

“For love and redemption, as Char-Char would say,” the paper was torn, the chain broken with the wailing of screams, and the paper melted to black ash in his hands. 

With the snap of his fingers, everything was cleaned up, and the butter cookies found their way onto Angel's nightstand. The radio in his room flicked on, and a low growl sounded from the other side,

“What have you done, Lucifer?”

“Something that had to be done to make someone else’s life better, and if you're going to be an ass about it, be one in person, we're not playing passive-aggressive telephone tag,” Lucifer said as he crossed his arms, Beauregard appeared in the room after the ward was lifted, Alastor appeared in the shadows place not long after,

“Why? Humour me with an answer as to why you've broken my contract with Husker, you had no right to do so,” the sinner said, a white-knuckled grip on his cane as he stood,

“It was a favour for Angel.”

“It gives you no right to do something as serious as this!” he snarled,

“You should know by now I'm going to do whatever I want to, I’m the king of hell.”

Alastor's lip curled up in a snarl,

“I don’t rightly give a fuck what your king of! Don’t lay your claws on any of my contracts, no matter the reason.”

Lucifer looked at him with narrowed eyes,

“It’s one contract, one, keep it up, and I’ll just keep going,”

“Sleep by yourself tonight, then. Till you can, as you say, communicate effectively, consider my affection withdrawn… You had time to talk to me before you broke those chains, Lucifer, and don't say you didn’t,”

“It’s one contract! One! Why are you acting like this?” the angel said, talking with his hands and wings seemingly.

Lucifer watched Alastor stare back at him, eyes shifting to dials,

“Because I draw my power from every contract, I have been gone for 8 years, 8 exterminations have taken out many of my contract holders, with my staff broken and my body going with it, I am at my wits’ end, I have enough simply to keep the hotel running and stupid little menial tasks to keep myself running, Lucifer. I don't expect you to fucking know anything of it since you sealed yourself away like the exotic prince in the tower to run from your duties that you neglected including your child and wife,” he said, his voice changing tone before his neck cracked to the side, and he shifted his form back, the fallen angel looked away, his arms and wings wrapped around himself as he cried,

“I tried my fucking best for hell, I tried so hard… Get the fuck out, Alastor and stay out till you're ready to apologize because that was a low blow even for you.”

The radio demon softened,

“I didn’t-”

“I don’t care what you didn’t mean to say or do, that fucking hurt, and you know it did, I’m not going to sit here and listen to everything I’ve fucked up on, I make mistakes! I felt that humanity could make mistakes, too! Maybe this whole relationship was a fucking mistake…” Lucifer said, sniffling as he looked back at him,

“Just get out,”

“Lucifer,”

“GET OUT!” the angel yelled. Alastor was back in his room before he could get another word in.

Alastor sat on his bed and put his face in his hands, sighing as he rubbed his face, knowing they both needed time and space.

Beau lurked in front of the king's door. The magic was even more powerful than normal, keeping the shadow out as Lucifer sat on his bed, sobbing into his hands,

“No matter what I do, everything goes to shit…,” he wailed, wrapping his wings around himself tightly, cocooning himself in the only safe space he had left. For the first time in months, he felt just like he did when Lilith had left him.

Alone.

Chapter Text

Beauregard paced like a nervous dog back and forth in front of Lucifer's door. He knew they had fucked up to put it simply. Alastor, in fact, also knew he had fucked up worse than he had when he got caught by the hunter who embedded a bullet in his brain.

It had been three days since he’d seen Lucifer or rather been teleported out of his room after the termination of Husker’s contract led them into a verbal spat so bad he said things he regretted as soon as they left his mouth, the look of pain in the king’s eyes was more than enough indication that he’d shoved a knife right through the sweet little angel's heart; this wasn’t an ‘I accidentally burned your favourite shirt with an iron so here's some flowers for you,’ it was a fuck up so bad even Alastor didn’t know quite how to apologize, words weren’t enough, nor were a dozen roses.

The radio demon sipped rye-laden coffee in his wingback chair, puffing on a cigarette, thinking, milling over just how he was going to remedy the situation, he was never good at apologies, at least not in hell, he never apologized to anyone, other than maybe Rosie when he accidentally tracked mud into her sitting room that one time; there was no one to blame other than himself for the fight they’d gotten into, he was the one who antagonized the fallen angel initially, but with the loss of an overlord contract, there were means to be mad after all his power had been dwindling ever since Adam broke his staff and injured him, along with the attack from Vox’s little spy that left him nearly dead. 

Rosie would have some words of wisdom, she always did, or at least he hoped, he got up and slowly made his way to a rotary phone in the corner, he didn't like using it, he’d rather just go over to her parlour but he was in no shape to walk there, with one contract missing his power was quickly dwindling, he couldn't even control Beauregard properly, the shadow was a complete mess; with a few pulls and some waiting Rosie picked up,

“Oh dear, what's happened? You never call me.” 

Rosie always knew it was a sign of the ending days when Alastor picked up a phone, even if it was a 1920s-appropriate phone, 

“Lucifer and I got into a bit of a spat,”

“Hm? What happened?”

“He broke Husker’s contract without even talking to me. I will admit I lost it on him…”

“Oh, oh my, I'll be right over, sit tight.” 

The line went dead, and Alastor looked at it with his ears twitching in annoyance,

“I suppose that's fine,” he muttered as he hung up the receiver and went to sit back down in his chair. Everything was beginning to ache worse than it had been, right down to the tips of his ears, shooting pain that made him nearly cry out, but the gentle knock at the door distracted him,

“Come in,” he called out.

Rosie walked in and immediately shut the door behind her. She came over and sat across from him,

“Tell me exactly what happened, what you said, every little detail, alright?” 

“Alright. Lucifer broke Husker's contract as a favour for Angel Dust, without saying anything, I felt it and used what was left of my power to get into his room. We argued before it turned into a yelling match. I said something nasty to him and he put me out of his room and back into mine… I thought it was wise to give him some space, but I feel as though I’ve fucked up to a point that it's unfixable,”

“Oh dear, have you gotten him anything to try and pave the way toward a good talk?”

“I can barely move, let alone function enough to feed myself,”

“Alastor, you're capable even when you're weakened. You and I both know you are not great at chatting about your feelings, and you are being a stubborn old coot.”

Alastor pinned his ears, knowing well that she was right; she always was when it came to advice on relationships. He sighed,

“Dear, don’t keep the fight going, I know you're not doing it intentionally, but absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder, at least not when you two are fighting each other in a cold war,” Rosie explained, her hand touching his arm,

“I understand, I just don’t know what to say to him,”

“Apologize first, and just because you get defensive doesn’t mean you have to attack your partner like you would with Vox. I understand what he did was wrong, Al, but don’t say things you’ll regret. Next time I want you to walk away and calm down before you speak, ok?” she said, watching the buck nod,

“I don't want there to be a next time, Rosie. I don’t want to feel like this again, and I don’t want to make Lucifer feel like how he did after I said those words; he just looked so hurt…”

Lucifer hadn't left his room since their fight, he hadn't even eaten, not that he needed or wanted to when he was this upset, he laid in his bed under the covers, rubbing his face gently, he had cried so much that his skin was starting to sting, he sniffled and closed his eyes for a few moments, he knew he was in the wrong just as much Alastor was, he broke his trust.

He'd never seen Alastor so angry before. He knew the sinner could get snippy when he was overstimulated and frustrated, but he’d never seen him snap as he did. It was like a cornered animal; the mix of fear and anger in his eyes made him realize he had hit a nerve with the termination of the contract. 

Lucifer sighed gently, he loved him through and through even though what Al said made him question if he was even worth it; the fallen angel sat up and summoned himself a pen and pad, taking a deep breath just as Vaughn had taught him when he was feeling upset and depressed, he started to write his feelings down on the paper, it was better than taking a knife to his skin, at least in Vee's humble opinion.

The angel scrawled on the paper, writing a long-winded letter before he waved his hand and lit his fireplace, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and crumpled up the ornate gold parchment and tossed it into the fire, watching it burn in a ball of flames; he didn't want to hurt himself, he just wanted to forget everything, curl up and sleep till the feeling of loneliness passed and the tears dried up. 

He ran his hands over his face as he tugged the blanket over his head. Thankfully, Charlie only bothered him once when he didn’t show up for one of their meetings. He just explained he didn’t feel well, and he was thankful she didn’t ask questions or bother him with anything other than a text to see if he needed anything. 

Rosie waited outside the door, gently patting Beauregard's shoulder and shooing him away for the time being. She knew full well Alastor wouldn't willingly talk about his feelings, but she was going to make him, after all, she was the top relationship therapist in Cannibal Town. 

She knocked lightly at the door,

"King dear, could you please open up?" She asked as the door cracked open, as Lucifer peered up at her,

"Yes? What do you need?" He asked quietly, trying to hide what he could of his unkempt form,

"I need to come sit with me in Alastor's room for a bit," she smiled,

"Oh, uh, I'd rather not,"

"I know, dear, I know what happened, don't worry your head, he called me to help remedy the situation because he's a stubborn old ass, now come let's have a chat," she said, holding out her arm for him.

Lucifer sighed and came out of his room, clad in nothing but his pyjamas. He hadn't changed out of them, not that he had sweated, but depression was actively eating at him again. He just didn't care to keep up appearances, other than for Charlie when he was needed. He didn't take Rosie's arm but walked with her. She held the door for him before shutting it tightly behind her. 

The layout of the sinner's room had changed slightly, two wingback chairs with a smaller more ornate seat in the middle for Rosie, Alastor was sitting in one of the chairs already, he looked at Lucifer before looking away, his ears pinned back; the king sat down in the chair and the Dame poured everyone coffee and tea before she settled in, she took a deep breath,

"Alright, I'm going to start by letting each of you speak your piece and what the other person did and how it made you feel. We will not talk over each other because that is counterproductive. After each of you has spoken, we can discuss how you two are going to mend the situation," she said softly as she looked at them both.

Lucifer gave a nod and looked into his cup,

"Lucifer, would you like to go first?" she asked. The angel let out a sigh, trying to shake the unease from his body as he spoke,

"Not really, but I guess. I broke Husker's contract after I did so, and Alastor came into my room and yelled at me over it. I yelled back because I don't enjoy being screamed at, and he said some very nasty things that brought up the fact that I locked myself away for so many decades and shut everyone out because I was depressed. It felt like he drove a knife through my heart after he said those words, I don't want to remember those times when I abandoned everyone in my life and fucked up my entire marriage," he said softly, sniffling as he felt tears sliding down his face. Rosie handed him a tissue and gently rubbed his shoulder, 

"Alastor?"

"Lucifer broke Husker’s contract, which may seem insignificant, but I draw my power from those contracts. With one gone, I've been barely able to move and lost control of things. It made me feel out of control, and it broke my trust to go behind my back without saying a thing." 

Rosie nodded,

"Ok, it's a good start for both of you. I want you both to apologize to each other; neither of you acted appropriately. Communication is important, and yelling gets nothing done," she said, sipping her tea. Alastor looked at Lucifer, his ears still pinned back, not in anger but in discomfort,

"I apologize for saying what I said. It was a moment of anger, I've regretted saying it as soon as it left my mouth, I shouldn't have acted on my emotions as I did and yelled at you... I'm not used to having someone who loves me as you do," the sinner said with a weakened voice; the filter over his voice was mostly gone, and what was left of it was quiet.

The angel gazed back at him, swallowing the lump in his throat,

"I accept your apology, Alastor. I'm sorry I broke Husker's contract without talking to you first. I didn't know how connected you were with his contract; it wasn't right of me not to communicate with you, especially since I've given you trouble for it in the past..." Lucifer said softly, Rosie stood,

"I'll let you two talk it out for a bit alone. I'll be down the hall if you need anything," she left, and both men were now alone with one another.

Alastor put his face in his hands,

"I just want to know why you did what you did," he said softly, 

"Because Angel had done so much and he was willing to live with abuse from Valentino just to free Husker, I knew it may have caused you to get irritated, but not as much as you did." 

"You bite at me for communication when I can't formulate words for my feelings, then you do that, do you understand why I got so irritated? I'm slowly losing control of everything I have a grip on because my contracts in the 8 years I was gone, most were exterminated, I don't have many, just look at the bayou Lucifer, do you see things missing?" He said, gesturing out at it.

Lucifer looked over, noticing there was no sound, no gators bellowing or deer drinking; it was devoid of all life, nothing but barren trees and still water.

"...it's so quiet," 

"Because I don't have the power to make it home. I barely have the power to move and speak... I'm trying my best with you, Lucifer, but you can't just do these things and expect me to be ok," he explained. The angel swallowed,

"I didn't mean any of this. I didn't know Alastor. I've been away from all of this for so long that I didn't think it would be this bad."

"Then ask. Ask me, or Husker, or Charlie, or even Nifty, I don't want to feel that I can't trust you when I'm not directly looking at you."

The angel closed his eyes for a few moments as he rubbed his face,

"What can I do to remedy it?" 

"I don't think there is anything to remedy the situation... I need a contract to replace Husker's. I am in no shape to go out to the pentagram; I'd surely be a target for Vox off hotel grounds. I suppose it's good Rosie makes house calls, or at least for me that is," he said quietly as he looked out into the bayou. Lucifer moved and put a hand on Alastor's knee, frowning when he moved away, 

"I don't feel like being touched right now... I'm sorry, Lucifer, I'm not in the mood for it."

"It's ok, I wouldn't want to touch me either." 

Alastor closed his eyes and let out a soft growl at himself, frustrated with the feelings of disappointment toward himself. Lucifer ran his hands through his hair,

"I just want to know why you brought up what you did when we were fighting... You could have used anything else."

"Because Lucifer, when I get defensive, I get nasty. If you hurt me, I'm going to hurt you just as much. In life and well into death, I shouldn't have, not with you, but you backed me into a corner and I snapped," 

"I shouldn't have done that, but do you know how hard I've worked with a therapist to get past the fact that I abandoned everyone and actively destroyed my marriage and relationship with Charlie? Since the last time I tried to end my life," he said softly,

"How long has it been since you've tried?" 

"Not since Angel found me and gave me the card for therapy..."

"You didn't try when we were apart?"

"No... I wrote my feelings on paper and burnt them instead of taking a knife to my skin. I'm trying to be better, but I don't want to lose all of that because we got in a fight." 

Lucifer watched as Alastor looked at him with concern,

"It wasn't my intention to undo that or bring something up so painful... It terrifies me to lose control of a situation."

"Why?" 

"Because I grew up in a home where I had no control, I had to watch my father abuse my mother and myself till I was old enough to fight back. I lost control the night I was shot as well."

The radio demon looked at the antlers on the mantle,

"Being in control allowed me to defend my mother and kill him, not once but twice; it's something I value... Do you see why letting you have control of me was such a big deal?" 

"I do now," Lucifer said softly. He noticed just how thin Alastor had gotten,

"Have you eaten anything since we fought?" 

"Enough to keep me alive and nothing more, I haven't been hungry." 

Lucifer looked at him with concern,

"Can I make you something to eat at least? I know you don't feel like letting me touch you, and saying sorry isn't going to make any of this less awkward," he said softly,

"If you feel like it, fine; otherwise, don't worry about it," Alastor said. Rosie popped her head back in. "Well, you haven't eaten each other, so that's a good sign." 

"Not yet, dear, give it time," the sinner said as he eyed his partner.

Rosie hummed,

"Alright, I'm headed of. If either of you needs anything, call me, I'm just a ring away," she said with a wave.

"Of course, Ta for now," Alastor said, looking over at him. Lucifer gave a wave and wandered over to the kitchenette. He noticed Beauregard on the wall,

"Try not to burn down my kitchen if you can help it."

Alastor watched Lucifer flash an uneasy smile,

"No promises," he said softly, the angel couldn't cook on a good day, nothing but breakfast, he tried his best to cook the man something that was at the bare minimum edible and not burnt to a crisp, he was trying to fry some shrimp in some seasoning that he found in the cupboard; till a large pair of arms wrapped around his waist and startled him slightly, the sinner had his face in the angel's shoulder.

The angel froze, swallowing,

"Shake the pan," he said softly. Lucifer raised an eyebrow and shook it, not to Alastor's standard. The sinner moved and put his hand over his lover's, helping him do it properly, even tipping the pan and flipping it..

"I missed you, Lu,"

"I missed you, too. My bed is so lonely without you in it," he said, turning his head, only to have his lips captured in a gentle kiss. 

Lucifer turned right as Alastor deepened the kiss,  switching the stove off before he moved the little angel, boxing him in with his body and holding his face tenderly, 

"Sweet affections. I never craved someone before you," he said, kissing down his neck. The king blushed,

"If I weren't in my current state, I'd carry you to bed and make sweet love to you,” he said softly, nuzzling the angel’s throat, his ears twitching in contentment.

Alastor felt the king’s hand card through his hair and down to scratch gently at the undercut,

“I still feel bad that you're in so much pain…” he said softly as he kissed the top of his head, thinking as he kept his gentle touches going,

“It will pass eventually. I'm more upset that my bayou is quiet—it has been ever since our spat,” he said quietly. One of Lucifer's hands stilled and pulled away, and a sharp snap broke the silence.

The sound of rushing water and peeping frogs filled the space, bellowing gators and the soft munching of deer. A tricoloured heron stepped through the waters carefully, and ducks paddled around the waterway, peeping and quacking before the strange call of a white bellbird came through, followed by the screams of a hawk and the deep croaking of a crow.

“Better?” Lucifer asked quietly, smiling as he watched two rubber ducks float up the waterway,

“Much better,” Alastor said as he looked over at his bayou, now filled with life, more than even he had prior; it was positively bursting now.

“You’ve made it feel more like home than I could ever imagine,”

“It’s made from your memories of home. It’s been a long time since I went up to the living world. The last time was when Charlie was still little, and well, she is taller than me now, so I suppose it has been a while,” the angel spoke as he kept his gentle touches going.

“Perhaps you’re overdue for a trip then,” 

“I don’t have much of a reason to go up there,” Lucifer rubbed the back of the sinner's neck slowly,

“Haven't you ever wanted to see what humanity has done with their free will? I feel it would be fun,” Alastor gave a purr,

“Wait, do you just want to go upstairs to the human realm to see what has changed since you've died?” He raised an eyebrow,

“Perhaps, I do think it would be an interesting trip one of these days, Halloween is usually the only day available that I'm allowed to go and see what the world is like… Since adults like to trample over my death site and disturb me like some urban legend,” he smirked.

Lucifer moved up to grab Alastor's cheeks, looking him in the eyes,

“Urban legend? Like they summon you on All Hallows Eve?”

“Mhm, with a bottle of rye and a package of cigarettes, doesn't matter,” 

“Wait, were you ever actually put in a marked grave? Why would they summon you even if that doesn't make sense? You were a serial killer…” 

“From what I've found, no, my body still lay in the swamp just where I was shot. I was idolized, my dear. I killed for the greater good most of the time, rapists, abusers and all that jazz. I was a protector of sorts. Till I slipped up, the sheriff's son treated his wife like garbage, poor dear always showed up to church with two black eyes, I fixed him, and hung him for the world to see after my mother had passed, I don't know how they figured out it was me but the Sheriff shot me in cold blood, rather undeserved if you ask me.” 

Alastor smiled, and Lucifer pinched his cheeks,

"You're a weird one,"

"As are you, need I remind you that you fell in love with me?" 

"Mhm, yeah, you have a point," the angel kissed his nose gently,

"You should probably eat the shrimp I cooked before it starts to taste weird." 

"Depends on whether you are going to eat them with me, you haven't eaten at all since you left." 

"And how would you know that?"

"You thin quickly, I can feel your ribs," he said, running a hand down his side,

"And your stomach is more concave. I had a nice bit of fat on you." 

"Sounds like you're fattening me up for slaughter?" 

"Perhaps I am, I could just eat you up," his tongue snaked out and licked the entirety of the king's hand, making him let go and recoil in disgust,

"Ew, Alastor, come on! No licking!"

"Funny how you don't say that with my head between your legs," the sinner smirked as the angel blushed bright gold,

"Fucking tease." 

Later in the night, Lucifer lay in their shared bed, his hands slowly moving over Alastor's head as he stroked his hair well he slept. The angel wasn't tired; he was wide awake with thoughts as he tried to figure out a way to fix everything. He was using most of his energy to keep the hotel together.

He closed his eyes and his hand stilled, the radio demon stirred a bit and buried his face into Lucifer's shoulder, tugging the blanket over himself, only the tips of his ears visible. If a contract could get them into this mess, one could surely get them out.

With a wave of his clawed hand, a book appeared, one older than most of life itself. He flipped through it before settling on the contract person, 

"A contract forged between overlords or higher status demons can be stronger than an average sinner's soul, it's often contracted in a marriage-like ceremony containing two pieces of jewelry that equalize power... That's it!"

"Lucifer it is approximately 3 am, I adore you but if you keep talking to yourself I'm going to float you off down the swamp in a small boat without a paddle, now go to sleep," Alastor said with a glare from under the blankets, his ears pinned, the angel startled and dropped the book right on his partner's shoulder, the sinner grabbed it and tossed it across the room.

Lucifer rolled his eyes, 

"Fine, fine, I'm going to bed,"

"Good," Alastor said as he tugged the angel under the covers with him, wrapping himself around his smaller form with a grunt, 

"You're so cuddly tonight," he cooed. The sinner snorted,

"Lucifer?"

"Yes, Bambi?"

"Close your eyes and sleep before I kick you out of this bed." 

"Fine, but only if I get a kiss. Goodnight." 

"Do you think you deserve one after dropping a book on me when I was asleep?"

"Of course I do!”

Alastor pinned his ears, and he raised his eyebrow,

“Depends, are you going to apologize?”

“I'm sorry for dropping a book on you, my sweet little buck,” Lucifer said with a crooked smile, happy when his lover pressed a kiss to his lips. He looked into his eyes as he pulled away,

“Goodnight Lucifer,” 

“Mhm, Goodnight Bambi.”

Chapter Text

Alastor lay in the bathtub, the tips of his ears and the upper half of his face visible, he had to breathe of course, he’d much rather be bathing in the bayou but the water wasn't near as scalding as what came from the tap, he needed it, afterall the aching in his body hadn’t ceased since his contract with Husker was broke; he twitched his ears and switched between radio channels, settling on smooth jazz as he relaxed more, releasing tension he didn’t know he was holding.

He felt a pair of clawed hands run through his hair, lightly scratching at his scalp, before he caressed the butts of his ears, his thumb massaging the delicate velvety skin inside the fuzzy appendages, Lucifer had been a lot more attentive lately, noticing when the sinner was struggling, he had already cooked them breakfast, did the dishes, and helped Alastor into the tub, now he was washing his hair, the angel knew the sinner wouldn’t willingly ask for help,

“You know how I was reading last night?” 

“You mean keeping me awake by dropping a book on me? Yes, very much so.”

“I said sorry six times already. Anyway, I think I found an answer to our problem.”

“Which problem?” 

Lucifer raised an eyebrow,

“... how many problems do we have?”

“The broken contract and the fact that your t-a-c-k-y things keep appearing in my room.”

“Oh, you're not even allowed to spell that word, Alastor, that also isn't a problem, your weird shit keeps appearing in mine, somehow there is a set of antlers above my bed,”

“You kept those sheds? Sentimental little creature, how flattering,” Alastor said, a purr laden with static coming from the radio along with his disembodied voice, 

“Yeah, maybe just a little- ok, anyway, what I was getting at before you used our forbidden word, I’ve found a way to fix the whole lack of power thing.”

“Oh? Do go on,”

“Well, before I dropped my book and you got pissy, I was reading about binding rituals. It may just be the key to returning your power-”

“Lucifer, that is as serious as marriage.”

“Ok, no, we are not getting married, at least not now, unless we both mutually are ready for that… and I’m not, not right now. I want to fix what you're missing. I don’t want you to be in pain, and I don’t want to see you suffer because of something I did.”

Alastor went silent for a moment,

“I understand, but a contract that powerful will draw attention to us. It will be everywhere, tabloids and cameras, that dumb picture box spewing meaningless fodder about us being together, a sinner shackled up with the king of hell? All of the rings will eat that up.”

“Lillith was the first sinner, Alastor… Are you scared that people will see us? Am I something to be ashamed of?” Lucifer said quietly in a whisper,

“Absolutely not. I’d parade you around like the finest canine at the Westminster Dog Show. But I know you are a private person, you stay out of the public eye Lucifer, you have for decades, I don’t want you to do this and then regret it, because in your eyes nothing will ever be good enough for you to be comfortable in your skin in front of them, it's why you pluck your feathers when you show Charlie any of your projects.”

The angel sighed, 

“You notice a lot, don’t you?”

“It’s what I notice when I love someone. Why do you think I keep handing you things to keep your hands busy during your projects? I’d rather clean up a shredded serviette than pick up bloody feathers and feel bald patches caused by your anxieties. Self-harm comes in many disguises, Lucifer. Both of us are more than guilty,” Alastor said quietly. His hand came up from below the water and gently took Lucifer's from his ear, intertwining their fingers,

“I hate how right you are about everything right now,” he said quietly. With a gentle tug, the angel went to the side of the tub,

“I'll make a decision tonight, alright? I want you to think about this, too, because I don't care about the attention; I just don't want you to have regrets about this.” 

Alastor reached up and gently tugged the angel down by the front of his shirt, carefully pressing a kiss to his lips,

“You're right,” Lucifer said softly as he kissed him again, holding his cheeks with a gentle touch, 

“You need to stop being right and cute. I don't think I can handle it.” 

“I am not cute,”

“I can hear your tail thumping against the tub whenever I kiss you, Al. That's pretty cute if you ask me,” he smirked,

“Mhm, yes, I suppose I should rip it off if it's going to keep telling my secrets.” 

” Not a chance, it's one of my favourite parts of you, along with your ears, tongue and your cock,” 

“Really? Have I no other use but being soft-furred and good at pleasuring my partner?”

“You've got plenty of other uses, my absolute favourite part of you? That would be your face, but mostly your snippy personality, sharp-tongued and witty, you give me a run for my money when you feel like it, but you can be just as sweet as you can spicy,” he gently held his cheeks, noticing the flustered look on his face, a heavy blush peppering his skin.

Lucifer pressed their lips together again before he went back to help the sinner, snapping his clothes clean, helping him out of the bath and getting him dressed and his hair dried, he handed him his cane, 

“Don’t forget, you have a meeting with Charlotte in half an hour.”

“I won’t forget, don’t worry. I asked BoBo to remind me. Before I head to her office, is it a stay-in day or a sitting-room day?” he asked, 

“Perhaps a sitting room day. I've been cooped up here since our spat, and I believe it's time to sit downstairs for a bit; that way, Nifty doesn't come up here and try to clean me and the room.” 

The buck took the angel's arm, and they exited the room. Alastor used his cane with his other hand to keep himself steady. He was in pain, but he didn't show it. They took the elevator downstairs, and Lucifer sat the sinner down and handed him a book he had grabbed from his room before he pecked his cheek.

“I'm hoping this will only take an hour or so.” 

“Don't rush on my account; enjoy spending time with your daughter. I will be here when you return, dear,” he said quietly. The king had a smile on his face,

“Thank you,” he said before he scooted off so he wouldn't be late.

Alastor carefully crossed his legs and got comfortable in front of the fireplace. He opened his book and hummed as he turned a page before he heard the click of heels, knowing exactly who it was,

“Hey, smiles, can we, uh, can we talk?” 

“Providing it's not about our feelings, of course,” he looked up, the pornstar looked a little worse for wear, he could tell he hadn't been sleeping at all, judging by the way his eyes were heavy,

“Nah, not about feelings. I just wanted to make sure you and Lucifer were good, ya know? After the whole contract thing,” he muttered as he sat,

“Yes, it was a few days, but we've talked it out, and everything is back to being as lovely as it was before. Though I haven't seen you in a few days, you look tired, my effeminate fellow.” 

“I am. Val has been calling and texting me nonstop since the contract was broken. I can't go out without his goons trying to grab me, I'm really worried he's going to come here and start shit at the hotel,”

“He'd be an utter idiot to do so.” 

Val slammed the doors open to the front of the hotel with a snarl. He was, of course, an idiot. 

“Angel? You've answered none of my calls or texts. You're missing work!” He hissed, his wings were flared, and he breathed out a heavy cloud of smoke in nothing but anger,

“You ain't got no fucking right to be here, Valentino, get the fuck out!” Husker yelled, intent on getting nasty right back. Alastor put an arm across Angel’s body,

“Stay out of sight,” he said softly,

“I can't, I can't let Husky get hurt because of me,” he said, wiggling out of the chair. The radio demon hissed as he tried to get up.

“Don't you talk to me like that, you washed-up old raggedy fucking alley cat!” Val screamed back, it quickly grew physical, fists flying as they rolled on the floor, Angel trying to pry them off of one another, Alastor carefully got to his feet, too weak to use his magic let alone break them apart, he brushed his fingers over the ornate bracelet on his wrist, hoping Lucifer could fix this, the last thing he wanted was Val or Vox figuring out just how weak he was; that would be a death sentence.

With the ringing of bells, Lucifer stepped through the portal into the current mess. Husker was being strangled by one set of Val's lower arms, and the other set was viciously clawing at Angel as he tried to pry them off of his lover.

“Guys, please stop fighting!” Charlie yelled, 

“ENOUGH!” came the king's voice, loud enough to wake the dead. It made everyone pause for a moment before Valentino resumed strangling Husker. With a wave of a clawed hand, they were all separated, the two sinners holding one another. Alastor could hear the spiders' cries,

“I told ya legs I'm fine,” the cat wheezed.

Valentino snarled,

“How dare you fucking break your contract with me, Anthony? I will make fucking sure once I catch you that you won't leave-”

“Hold on a second, Val, was it? You won't touch him or any of our hotel patrons; they are off limits.” Lucifer walked toward him, his heels clicking on the floor. As he did, Charlie noticed the look in his eyes,

“Dad, I know he's bad, but don't kill him.”

“Oh, I won't, Char-Char, leave it to daddy,” he smiled at her before it soured when he looked back at the moth,

“You don't own the sinners,” he hissed,

“But I do, Valentino, I do, and you're not going to touch any of them, or you'll be sorry.”

“Why would I be afraid of you? Short, depressed, your wife left you, papi, you haven't come out of hiding till now.”

That struck a nerve. The gasp from Charlie was enough. Wings flared out wide as the view was blocked,

“You forget that I am the only thing down here that can make your life a living hell. Do you remember when you got down here? Don't you remember who owned you in life and death?”

“Don't you fucking dare,” he growled, 

“Alabaster,” Lucifer’s form shifted and melted, the room went dark for Valentino as his old pimp stood before him, an incredibly tall white dog-like sinner,

“Little moth, who let you off your chains?” He snarled, the overlord swallowed,

“You're dead, you've been dead for ages, stay fucking dead!” He yelled. A dark chuckle sounded from elsewhere in the room,

“Dead? I'm not dead. Maybe the drugs I gave you fucked up your brain. Are you sure you're not hallucinating? Hm? The last client sure did a number on my pretty boy.” A clawed hand came up and held him by the face. Val looked around before looking down at himself, wearing one of his old uniforms from when he worked the streets in his life. He swallowed,

“No, no, NO!” he backed up only to have claws sink into his cheeks, and a cloud of smog erupted from the lips of Alabaster.

Val was wailing and thrashing, trying to pull away. He couldn't see very well without his glasses, but what he could see were all the sinners he was sold to nightly by the pimp, faces and creatures that terrified him, ones he saw in his nightmares even to this day, 

“Can't you see, Val? They only want you; everybody wants you for the night, sweetheart.” Alabaster licked his lips as he watched the overlord break into frantic sobs, completely crumbling into a heap when the dog let go,

“Touch any of our guests, and I won't just make your life hell, I'll see to it that Alabaster makes a comeback.” he waved his hand, and a portal opened. On the other side, Vox turned his chair around,

“Val? What the fuc- I told you not to go there!” he hissed before he grabbed his partner, tugging him through the portal. The TV sinner's face was horrified as he looked at Alabaster, watching him shrink back into the king of hell, smirking as the portal closed.

Charlie watched her father turn,

“You didn’t hurt him, did you, Dad?”

“No, not physically. He deserves to be beaten up, but you wished for otherwise, and I'm not gonna disobey my darling daughter,” he said softly, a smile on his features,

“Is everyone ok?” he asked as he turned. Angel wiped some blood from his lips,

“Yeah, I'm good, a little sore, but Husky is ok,” he said with a crooked smile. Alastor stood, leaning against the wall, his head aching as he watched Lucifer heal the wounds on both sinners. The princess seemed to notice him, standing there, trembling as he leaned against the wall,

“Al? Are you ok? You seem dazed.”

“Oh yes, darling, I’m just ducky, never better-” were the last words before he blacked out, caught by her before he could hit the floor.

Alastor awoke to a light in his eyes. He startled a bit,

“Easy now,” came a familiar voice. The large dove-like geotian stood at the bedside, and Doctor Aris was checking him out. Lucifer was at the other side of the bed, holding his hat in his hands, clawing at the item out of anxiety,

“Can you tell me your name and where you are?”

“Alastor, last I remember, I am in the Hazbin Hotel,” he said with a grunt, 

“Good. Do you remember what happened?”

“I was chatting with Princess Charlotte when everything went black. I don't remember anything up until you shone a light into my eyes,” he sighed as he tried to adjust his position to get more comfortable, hissing when there was no comfort to be found. 

“Due to the nature of where your injury was, you are at a higher risk for problems in the nerves that control automatic functions, which can cause spikes in blood pressure, hence why you lost consciousness.”

“But this hasn't happened before. Why now?”  

Aris hummed,

“It could be any pressure on your injury to something as simple as your clothing rubbing against your skin wrong; I will send medication to take if you feel symptoms coming on, but I want you to sit up and sit down as soon as you feel strange. Simply, if you feel off in any way, sit down and take a pill. I will let Claria know of the development, and she will adjust her care plan accordingly. If anything changes, let me know, alright?”

“Alright, thank you,” Alastor said softly, 

“Lucifer, I will send for his medications and have them delivered. Until then, if you have any concerns, I am a call away.”

“Of course, thank you, doctor,” he said softly. he opened a portal and watched the doctor leave.

Lucifer dropped his hat and sniffled. Alastor heard and tiredly turned his head, moving to open his arms, watching as the angel got onto their bed and carefully hugged him, sobbing,

“You scared us so bad, Alastor. One minute you’re fine, and the next thing I know, Charlie is holding your limp body,” he cried, 

“I promise I’m fine.”

“You're not fucking fine! And I can't pretend that you are, and neither should you, Alastor. None of this is fine; I love you, but I can't stand to see you like this. What if you had died?”

“I wouldn’t have. I can’t die, remember?”

“Wrong, you would, and all those problems were from an angelic blade. If you die from this, there's no coming back, there is no more radio demon.”

“I suppose that would pose a problem.”

“Can you stop acting so casual about this? My heart can’t handle that thought.”

“No matter what, death will come eventually.”

“Alastor.”

The sinner focused on the angel,

“You give me shit for plucking my feathers. I'm going to give you shit for not caring about yourself at all, you have no care for your well-being, self-harm isn't just sliding a knife across your skin or pulling your hair out, you are harming yourself in other ways without realizing, and you're trying to push me away… I’m not fucking leaving, and I'm not taking no for an answer about our deal, my heart, fuck, everyone’s heart in this hotel couldn’t take it if you died, especially not Charlie’s.”

Alastor sighed softly. There was a part of him that hated how much he was loved; he hated how he couldn't just fade into obscurity for a decade and come back when he felt like it, no matter what. Lucifer and everyone else needed him, except maybe Husker.

He looked up at Lucifer, 

“Fine, I'll take the deal,” he said quietly,

“Just please stop crying,” he wiped his thumb carefully across one of the angel's cheeks, watching him sniffle,

“There are tissues on the nightstand if you need one, but before you do that, come here. Can I have a kiss?” 

“Of course you can,” he said, smiling, wiping his face before he kissed the sinner on the lips and climbed out of bed.

“Lucifer?”

“Yeah, Al?” 

“mwen renmen ou,” he said in thick Creole, something his mother used to say; it was one of the few phrases she taught him that her parents passed to her.

“I love you too,” he said softly as he waved his hand, drafting a proper binding contract that would benefit them both. He hummed and slipped on a pair of reading glasses as he used one of his moulted feathers as a quill to draft his words carefully, 

“This contract will legally bind me. Lucifer Magne to you, Alastor Fontenot, in a contract that will fill the void of a single overlord contract lost due to being broken. In the event of a medical emergency, Alastor may draw more power to stabilize his health, which will go toward the healing of any non-angelic blade-inflicted wounds. Does that sound alright to you?” 

“Yes, sounds sufficient; can it be broken if need be?”

“Yes, of course, just like any other contract, if you have a new contract, come, and if you'd like to sever our ties, we can break it.”

“I don't plan on it. If you get overwhelmed, break our binds, Lucifer.”

Alastor saw the angel swallow, 

“Mutual agreement to break the binds, we need to both agree, for better or worse,” he said softly, the sinner gave a weak nod and was handed the quill, both men signed the contract and they kissed, the snap of chains was herd as a flash of green and gold enveloped them, chains wrapping around their bodies, the radio demon let out a soft breath as he slowly felt his control tighten, Beauregard was tugged to his master as he appeared into the room, a set of tentacles yanked Lucifer into their bed, on top of him, 

“Don’t hurt yourself, Al.”

“Hush,” he said softly as he put their foreheads together, looking into his eyes,

“Promise me something?”

“Depends on what I’m promising?”

“Promise me that if this whole thing overwhelms you, you’ll tell me.”

“I’ll try.”

“Do, don't try, cross your heart.”

Lucifer drew an ‘X’ over his heart, a soft smile on his features,

“Now, can I get off you? I don't want to hurt you.”

“Darling, you won't hurt me. I simply want you to fuss over me… what is the word you call it? Cuddle?” he hummed, the angel chuckled,

“Yeah, Al, you want me to wrap my wings around you and rub your ears? Maybe your little antler spots, too?” he asked. The sinner nodded; he was still slightly awkward when it came to his needs. This was a step, at least, admitting that he liked the king tenderly touching him just as much as he enjoyed it when he was rough.

The angel wiggled off his lover and beside him, letting his still moulting wings out, he gently shook them, making a mental note to sweep up all the fallen feathers later; he laid them over Alastor before his hands found their way into Alastor’s hair, settling on the bumps where his antlers used to be, tenderly rubbing the spots, happy when he heard the wiggle of the sinners tail against the bedspread, he watched his eyes shut, his smile never leaving.

Angel stood in the kitchen, fluttering between pots and pans of various dishes for supper. It was Italian night, and even though Charlie had given him the night off since the altercation in the mid-morning, he still wanted to cook for everyone. 

“Smells good,” Husk said softly as a pan of onions was sauteed. The feline was chopping up vegetables at the kitchen table,

“Just like home, ya know, any time you want food just ask me, I really like cooking, and I can eat whatever the fuck I want since Val ain't comin’ back,” 

“That's right, baby. Anything you want.”

“Maybe I'll buy some gelato at the store later, solo content makes more money anyways… You sure you're ok with me doin’ that?” 

“Yeah, Ange, I'm perfectly fine with it. Long as Val stays away and you're happy, I'm alright with anything,” he said with a purr.

The spider sinner smiled,

“You're the sweetest whiskers,” he leaned over and gently kissed his forehead as he chucked the chopped vegetables Husk had cut into the pot,

“Only for you,” he said with a chuckle. Cherri walked in to get a can of pop and smiled,

“Oh, smells good in here bitch, what are ya makin’ for dinner?”

“Chicken parm, I got the good cheese, ya know the shit that smells like feet,” he said with a snicker. The cyclops let out a laugh, with a crooked smile,

“Ya know, I’m glad to see ya happy. Been too long since I seen ya smile like that,” she said softly. Angel hugged her with his second set of arms, 

“ya getting sappy on me?”

“Yeah, maybe I am. Husky, you want a hug, too?”

“Nah, maybe later.” 

Husk watched him and Cherri chatter for a few minutes before she left. Angel stood at the counter and started to roll out pasta. The bar cat stood and came up behind his lover, gently wrapping his arms around his waist,

“I love you, Husker,” 

“I love you too, Anthony.” 

In an hour, dinner was ready. Beau set out large dishes on the table, along with a salad and an array of other things, happy to serve everything family style. Angel hummed as he placed large dishes on the table, one in each of his six hands. He carefully hummed as he put utensils in each dish and whistled; the shadow popped up, his ears flicking,

“Can ya tell everyone dinner is ready?” he asked with a smile as he glanced at Husk, who was bringing in a few bottles of wine to go with dinner, The shadow gave a nod and grabbed a bell from the counter, specifically the dinner bell that Charlie had bought for this occasion, Ringing could be heard on each floor to summon everyone downstairs to the diningroom. 

Vaggie and Charlie were first, walking in and holding hands. The princess let out a happy squeal,

“You two made all of this? It looks delicious!”

“Yeah, we did, toots. It tastes better than it looks,” Angel said with a smile, pulling their chairs out and pushing them in when they were comfy. Nifty was next, holding Nugget in her arms,

“You found Nuggy. Where was he hiding?”

“In the laundry room with KeeKee, he was helping me with the towels,” she said happily, putting him on the ground by a dish of food. The spider had left him and Kee some scraps of cooked chicken.

Cherri came in with a smile,

“This looks fuckin’ delicious, Ange.” Husk pulled out her chair, and Nifty’s, Angel chuckled; the last to arrive were Alastor and Lucifer, both walking through a glimmering portal, the radio demon holding onto the king's arm, the other firmly on his cane, as he carefully walked,

“Happy to see ya came down, smiles.”

“I don't think I could miss something like this. I am not one for starchy foods, but you've made every inch of this hotel smell like heaven.”

“Aw, now you're just bein’ a sweetheart,” he said as he sat.

“On rare occasions, yes,” Alastor chuckled softly, carefully sitting down. The angel sat beside him, and Beauregard pushed everyone's chairs in, pouring drinks to help out so the spider sinner could relax.

“I hope everyone likes dinner. It’s family style, so take some food and pass the dish to the person next to you.”

Food was served, and everyone idly chatted, showering Angel with compliments. The spider soaked them up, finally happy and finally free from his chains. Under the table, one of his hands rested on Husk's thigh as he ate; this was all he wanted.

Chapter Text

"I'm ready," came a voice full of emotion, excitement and fear welling up in the form of anxiety as Cherri stood in Charlie's office. Angel was there holding her hand in support.

Lucifer looked over,

"Are you positive?"

"Yeah, I'm positive. I miss Pen. I've done what I had to do, and I'm rehabilitated," Cherri said, squeezing his hand gently. The king gave a nod,

"I'll get Alastor," he whistled, and Beauregard appeared on the wall, a grin on his features, wiggling his ears as a sign he was listening.

"Can you tell Al that he's needed in the office?" He said, giving him a wink, the shadow nodded and went to find his master. 

Alastor was doing some mid winter cleaning of the bayou, trimming down some of the trees and clearing out overgrown patches with his tentacles; it had been a month since he and Lucifer forged their binding contract, though he still had his days of pain he was walking a bit better, he still needed his cane but he was focusing more on being independent or trying his best to be, he noticed Beauregard,

"And what do you need?"

"Lucifer wants you in the office," he whispered. The shadow couldn't speak any louder; he forbade it. He'd never shut up if given the chance,

"Hm, I suppose that means I'm playing executioner today, how fun," he smirked.

Lucifer and Charlie led her into a different room. Angel pulled her into a tight hug,

"If ya see Molly up there, tell her I said Hi, and Sir Pen too. I'm gonna miss you so much," he said, sniffling,

"Aw, you're gonna make me cry too, ya bitch, I'm gonna miss your ass too," she said, closing her eye, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Alastor came in through the shadows, settling a hand on his lover's shoulder, his smile didn't waver, it couldn't;

"Be gentle with her smiles, I'm burying her after this."

"Of course, I'd always treat a lady with the utmost respect." 

Cherri stood before Alastor, and Angel tied her hair up in a scrunchie before the buck put his hands on either side of her face. Before he harshly snapped her head to bed one side, quickly slitting the side of her throat to bleed her out, Angel looked away, 

"Fuck," he whispered. Charlie held one of his hands, and Lucifer held the other. One of his large wings enveloped them all as they all waited for the bell.

Alastor held her body up when the blood stopped, he dabbed it from her neck and carried her carefully in his arms, he took the tie out of her hair and gently ran his fingers to take the tangles out as he laid her on a white sheet; the bell rang quickly, feverish and loud, Angel cried happily, wiping his face, hissing when his eye liner ran, he looked at her body, sniffling,

"I hope you're happy up there," he said softly as he tugged the sheets over her body, picking her up in his arms, 

"Beauregard has prepared a hole for her body in the back courtyard under one of the trees," he said softly; the spider gave a nod,

"Thank you, Al." 

The body was taken and buried, and flowers were laid on top. Lucifer waved his hand, and a pink plaque appeared in the hotel's foyer, under a sign on the wall that said, 'Souls ascended.' Angel smiled as he passed it.

Charlie hugged her father and Alastor gently. Lucifer wrapped his arms and wings around both of them,

"I love you both." 

"Love you too, Dad," she said softly.

"I love you as well, darling." 

They broke away, and Nifty came to clean up the blood with Beauregard's help. Charlie smiled,

"We're welcoming a new guest this afternoon. I've already given them a background check. I'm hoping it will be a positive experience for everyone," she said softly. Alastor hummed,

"I'm sure it will be Charlotte. Don't worry too much. Would you like help putting up a banner for their arrival?" he asked, 

"Yeah, that would be good. Can you and Dad paint a welcome banner?" 

"I can't promise my artistic skills will be up to snuff, but surely your father can teach me some of his artistic skills." 

"I'm sure your art skills are great, Al!"

"You flatter me, princess." 

Both men sat side by side in the sitting room, a large paper banner unrolled on the table in front of them, pencils, pens and paint scattered around them. Alastor wiggled in his seat to get comfortable as he pulled his chair in a little more, adjusting his glasses as he tried to paint flowers,

"Those look good," Lucifer said, his hand on the sinner's thigh as he absentmindedly doodled different things,

"Are you saying that to me because you have to sleep in the same bed as me, or because you like my poorly drawn flowers?" He hummed,

"Because I love you and your flowers. Besides, would you be alright with a date tonight? If you're feeling up to it."

Alastor raised an eyebrow as he looked over,

"Why did you ask that so strangely?" 

"Because I planned something so special that I'm bursting with excitement and want to be all over you but you like personal space and don't enjoy PDA so I have to act weird to get the energy out," he said with a shiver, his tail out and flicking, the radio demon took the tail, curling it around his finger and gently tugging it, watching the angel blush bright gold,

"Oh? Is that so? Does someone need an outlet for their excitement?" He asked with a smirk.

Lucifer bit his lip,

"Don't you get me more riled up. I don't think you could handle it," he said, looking away,

"Finish this banner, and I will show you what I can handle," Alastor said,

"I've been brushing up on my skills." 

"What skills?" He asked softly, his doodling fully stopped as the sinner leaned in closer.

Lips gently brushed the shell of the king's ear, 

"My oral abilities," he whispered. Lucifer's wings materialized, fluffy, his back shiny with oil. He snapped the banner drawn on and up in the foyer,

"If your not up in the bedroom in two minutes to show me I'm going to go feral," he said as he turned to his lover, a glint of anarchy in his eyes before he snapped himself up to their shared bedroom, Alastor chuckled darkly and stood up, leaning on his cane, he tapped it twice as he sunk into the floor, into the shadows.

He weaved through the hotel until he popped inside their shared room. Materializing by the door, he slipped his coat off and hung it,

"Pick a surface you'd like to be pleasured on, I intend to be on my knees, so don't make it too high," he hummed, hearing the flutter of wings, he turned to see Lucifer sat on the dining room table, a pillow on the floor for Alastor's knees, naked, sitting with his legs open,

"I'd suggest you use your magic to make a cock, unless you'd rather I eat you out." 

Lucifer gasped softly and snapped his fingers. The angel's hard cock curved against his stomach; it was fairly modest-sized considering Alastor was hung like a horse, 

"Is this alright? Do you want it smaller?" 

"It's fine as is, whatever you prefer, dearest," he said as he came over, unbuttoning part of his waistcoat as he kneeled on the pillow, setting his cane down where he could reach it.

Alastor kissed along Lucifer's hooves, up the inside of his knee and inner thigh,

"I feel as though I've neglected your sexual needs for a while. You seem pent up in the last few days, darling." 

"You're not neglecting my-" he was cut off by a soft gasp as the sinner licked the underside of his cock. Slowly, his tongue wrapped around the tip as he locked eyes with the angel.

The angel moaned and rolled his hips, the sinner lavished his cock with attention, slowly taking the tip into his mouth, sucking and tracing his tongue along the slit, Alastor smirked as he heard the angels feathers, he knew his wings were shaking, his tail was beating against the table, the sinner took more into his mouth, settling on halfway, not wanting to gag himself.

Alastor bobbed his head slowly, wrapping his tongue around what he couldn't fit in his mouth. Lucifer leaned back, using his hands to brace himself, moaning louder as he grew closer, his hips rolling gently. The sinner snaked a hand up the angel's back, gently raking his claws through the sensitive skin at the base of his wings.

Lucifer cried out, bird noises laced within his moans, like a sweet song only Alastor could hear when he played his lover like a fine instrument; he slowly sunk till he took the angel's cock at the root, his nose nestled in the soft blond fluff at the base, he slowly pulled away before he started to bob his head, toying with the feathers on his back, gently tugging and rubbing at them.

"I'm so close, Al," he said with a whimper, trembling, his back arching slowly as he chirped. Alastor kept going, sucking and bobbing. He moved his hand and tugged on his tail.

Lucifer screamed, his voice filled with birdsong, as his body shook. Alastor swallowed what he could, pulling away only to get spattered with a stray rope of release across his chin.

The angel panted and blushed,

"Where- fuck" he huffed out for a moment, trying to catch his breath, 

"Where did you learn that?" He asked, blissed out, barely able to hold himself up, 

"Angel, when I was in rut, he gave me some interesting literature along with a few toys to help," Alastor said as his tongue flicked out to lick the cum from his face, not wanting to waste the sweet-tasting fluids that the king produced.

"You read about blowjobs and just did that? Fuck me, you're deadly," 

"I practiced to get rid of my gag reflex as well, not something I'm specifically proud of, but the result is lovely," he said with a soft hum as he used his cane to get to his feet.

Lucifer collapsed onto his back,

"If I had a soul, you would have sucked it out of my body just now," he said, looking up at him, basking in the afterglow,

"I'll happily do it again. You taste like the sweetest ambrosia in all of Hell." 

"Don't you dare get me horny again. How can you say that and not even be mildly hard? You're going to be the death of me," he said softly. Alastor let out a soft chuckle, using his tentacles to move Lucifer, cleaning him up with washcloths before depositing him on their shared bed.

"Would you like some fussing? Perhaps some water?" 

"Both are good," he said, opening his arms.

A tentacle brought a glass of water over with a straw, giving the angel a drink before it was deposited on the night stand, Alastor slipped his shoes off and got in bed, wrapping his arms around Lucifer as he kneaded his fingers into the flesh of his back, working stiff muscles as lips pressed gentle kisses along his face and head, the angel purred happy,

"You know, even if we haven't had sex in a while, I'll be ok, right? I don't want you to feel like you have to pleasure me."

"Hush, I enjoy doing it. Now enjoy your fussing and stop overthinking," he said as he nuzzled his head.

Lucifer let out a long sigh as he melted into the touching. Nothing else mattered but the man who was currently grounding him. he slid his eyes shut and relaxed, happily making a soft warbling sound. He only did it in his lover's company when he felt safe and happy. 

They stayed like that for a few hours. Eventually, the fallen angel fell asleep. Alastor didn't stop his gentle touches, keeping them up till hours later. He looked at a clock in his room and gently kissed the angel's shoulder,

"Wake up, my love, it's nearly time for the new guest to arrive. Charlie wants us in her attendance," he said as he kissed his ear, getting a grunt in response, 

"Five more minutes, Bambi," he muttered.

Alastor chuckled softly. Beauregard brought over a mug of tea, placing it on the nightstand, 

“Up, your tea is waiting. Beauregard made it, so it's laced with love and other strange emotions,” he said with a soft chuckle, 

“Mhm, tempting, but I’m tired,” the angel said, huffing when the radio demon kissed all over his face,

“Fine, fine, I’m up,” he muttered, cracking open his eyes to look at his much-too-affectionate boyfriend. He gently kissed him on the lips before he took the mug of tea that was offered by the shadow, sipping it slowly.

Lucifer sat up and yawned softly,

“How long was I out?”

“A few hours, but you needed it. You were tossing and turning so badly the night before. I'm not sure how you managed to sleep; you nearly steamrolled over top of me.” 

"I didn't sleep well. I was having nightmares," he said quietly,

"Would you like to talk about it?" Alastor tilted his head; he was trying to listen better to the angel's issues.

"It's just a lot. It was Lilith leaving me, and there were things she said before she left... Just not something I want to remember when I'm happy, but my mind likes to bring up bad things sometimes," he said quietly, setting his tea on the nightstand, and Alastor kissed his chest,

"I understand that feeling. Every so often, I get nightmares from when I took care of my mother. It was only for a few days before I lost her," he gently hugged his lover. Lucifer wrapped his wings around him tightly, putting their foreheads together,

"I don't want to ever lose you." 

"Nor do I," he spoke quietly.

Alastor gently kissed him before his ears flicked to something more lively, 

"Now come, let's get you up and ready to meet whatever derelict hell has to offer for your darling daughter to rehabilitate," he said with a chuckle as he slid out of bed, tugging Lucifer with him by the waist, the little angel struck a pose like one of the finest ballerina's in hell as his lover lifted him gently, not that Lucifer weighed anything, angels usually didn't. He was carried slowly to the wardrobe that now had half of his clothes, 

"You're doing really good walking without your cane; you're getting faster by the day," he said with a smile,

"Perhaps slightly. Now, what does my darling king want to wear? Is our date something I'd have to change for?" 

"Hmm, my normal attire, and yes, we'll have to change before we go, but I have our clothes already picked out," he said with a smile, watching as the sinner used his magic to put the clothes on his body with a simple wave of his hand.

Lucifer giggled happily and held his hat so he wouldn't squish it as he pecked his partner on the lips gently, 

"So sweet with me." 

"Always, unless you'd like me to be rough with you," he said with a smirk,

"We both know you like it more rough than I do, claws in your skin and having your ears tugged." he kissed his nose gently before he wiggled out of his arms and onto his feet, chuckling when he saw Alastor blushing. he cleared his throat,

"Let's go, Charlotte doesn't appreciate it when we're tardy."

The new resident could only be described as somewhat neurotic, an older-looking rat, a small pair of glasses perched on his nose, and he seemed almost startled by all the racket that was made upon his arrival.

"Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel. I'm Charlie. I'd like you to meet Alastor, Angel Dust Husker, Nifty and of course, my father Lucifer." 

"Pleased to meet you all, I'm Lev." his voice was quiet and hoarse, as if he'd smoked all his life, that is, till Alastor noticed most of the rat's covered throat was nothing but bare flesh and skin, a jagged scar ran right under his jaw,

"I'll show you around, Dad. Al, do you both want to get the paperwork ready for him in my office?" She asked as she got Razzle to grab the suitcase and a doctor's bag.

Alastor nodded, 

"Of course, princess, you needn't worry," he said before he sank into the shadows. Lucifer rolled his eyes for a moment and opened a portal to follow. They both appeared in Charlie's office, grabbing the paperwork from the filing cabinet, 

"First impression?" Lucifer asked as he sat in one of the office chairs.

"He seems fairly mild, but he has a smell?" 

"Huh? Like what?" 

"Opium and morphine," 

"That would explain the doctor's bag, I suppose. We will see what he says. Drugs aren't allowed on the premises."

Lev was followed in by Charlie. he sat down in an empty chair, his hands in his lap, curiously looking at the other men in the room. 

"Alright, let's fill out your paperwork. Full name and cause of death?" 

"Lev Pavel Dmitriev, I died due to radiation poisoning in 1987," he said. Lucifer and Alastor looked at each other for a moment,

"Radiation poisoning? That isn't something you see every day," the buck spoke up. 

Charlie wrote on the paper with an ornate pen, 

"I was a doctor in Ukraine, aiding those who were affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Irony turned me into a lab rat when I woke here," he rolled his eyes at the last part.

"And what do you think landed you in hell?" The princess asked. The rat rubbed the patch on his throat for a moment,

"I know what landed me here. I killed over a thousand people."

There was a pause as Charlie looked up,

"That's, um, a lot." 

"I didn't do it out of malicious intent; I did it out of necessity. Suffer radiation poisoning for days or find a quick end at the end of the needle. I was an angel of death, so to speak. It continued here in hell. I worked under Alabaster before his disappearance, euthanizing his workers that clients did irreversible damage to," he said quietly, "because Alabaster killed the ones he believed were no longer profitable."

Alastor crossed his legs,

"It seems idiotic of him to kill his contract souls, but I didn't expect much from Alabaster," he said with a hum. Lev looked over at him, his eyes narrowed,

"He was not a smart mutt, but I digress." 

"Alright, do you have any drugs or drug-related things?"

"Yes, my doctor's bag is full of an assortment of opioids."

"Are you actively using any sort of drugs?" 

"Opium, when the pain is too much to bear, occasionally, weed as well as cigarettes if they count."

Charlie nodded and scrawled it down,

"Because it's rehab, we will have to confiscate any paraphernalia and weapons. Legal painkillers will be given in place; your cigarettes are allowed, however," Alastor explained, the rat nodded.

"Of course, everything is in my carpet bag. Am I allowed to smoke in the room?"

"Yes, just please open a window and not in common areas," Charlie smiled. 

Lucifer sent a mental note to Razzle, getting the little dragon to grab the bag and take everything but the cigarettes. He brought in a box filled with all of the items. The angel waved his hand, and it was locked away,

"Last question. Then you're free to settle in. Why are you seeking redemption?" 

"In hell, there is no end to suffering. I can't stand hearing the cries any longer," he said softly. Charlie nodded,

"It's a very valid reason, sign here please," she turned the paper, a contract to protect the new guest unless they broke the rules and were ineligible to be redeemed.

Lev nodded and signed his name. The sound of chains filled the room as a gold light washed over them. He stood and dusted himself off,

"Thank you, princess," he said softly. Lucifer stamped the paper, and Alastor filed it, 

"Do you remember how to get back to your room?" He asked,

"Yes, I remember, I am old enough to forget but not that old."

The radio demon hummed and stood,

"He seems somewhat mild. I think he will be an alright addition when he settles in; rather impressive numbers." 

"I hope he gets more comfortable here. Maybe group therapy and activities will get him used to everyone," Charlie said with a smile.

“He may be gun-shy after working under Alabaster for so long.” 

"I don't remember him, I don't think I've heard of him."

Lucifer sighed softly,

"I kept you far away from the lust district when he was ruling it, far, far away. He was one of the worst overlords I've seen in a long time. A Violent tyrant that kept a hold on the lust district till he was overthrown,”

“By Valentino?” Charlie asked as she looked at her father.

“By Alastor,” he said softly,

“Huh? You did, Al?” She looked over at the sinner, the ever-permanent smile on his features,

“Yes, I did. I can still hear him screaming from my own personal void from which I draw power. Toppling him was some of the most fun I’ve had, though. It allowed Valentino to rise in his place, which just won't do. I don't take kindly to those who force themselves upon others. He will find an end someday when he steps on the wrong toes,” he said with a soft snarl. 

“Remember, redeeming others, no killing.”
“I am aware, Princess, but I intend to make his life a living hell in the meantime!”

There was something to be said about dressing together. Alastor had never had the chance before, other than when he was a child, of course; Lucifer hummed as he fiddled with the radio demon's tie.

“This is delightfully modern,” he said as he glanced at himself in the mirror. He gently smoothed down any creases in Lucifer's shirt.

The little king never wore black, other than his boots, but tonight he was wearing black slacks and a black waistcoat with a white shirt and a pink tie; of course, a black jacket completed the outfit; Alastor seemed to be similar the only difference was that the bulk of his suit was a dark wine red, his tie and shirt were black,

“It fits good. I was worried about it not fitting; you have such a narrow little waist.” Lucifer adjusted the waistcoat in the back, tightening it before his hands settled on the sinner's midsection, gazing at them both in the mirror,

“Ready?”

“I suppose so, yes, I'm more curious than anything.” 

Alastor truly had no idea what this date would entail; every guess he made fell on a pleased little ‘no’ from the king. He raised his eyebrow and hummed as a portal opened,

“After you, my sweet buck,” he smiled,

“Hmm, alright,” he said as Lucifer stepped aside. The sinner went through the portal, closing his eyes for a moment before popping them open. He heard the sounds of the bayou before he saw it, bullfrogs growling, alligators hissing at the sudden disturbance from their appearing, the sticky humidity that came with it all. 

He was home, standing in a cemetery, on top of his own grave.

Chapter Text

Alastor looked at his own grave, a mix of emotions on his face,

“I have a grave?”

“You do,” Lucifer said, his hand on his lover's arm. The sinner looked to the side, noticing his mother's grave right next to his own. He saw the moss and overgrown growth on the headstones and carefully pulled one away from hers, tugging a kerchief from his pocket as he wiped the dirt away.

“This isn't where I died.”

“Well, no, you took your last breath in the bayou; you died in that spot, but you were given a tombstone next to your mother after you were presumed dead,” Lucifer said as the buck sat back on his ass for a moment, noticing the headstones were engraved, 

‘Here lies Sarephine Opal Fontenot, beloved mother, homemaker, and pillar of the community,’ he read,

“Lucifer, why do you know all of that… Did you do this?” he looked at him,

“Making sure you both were laid to proper rest after a hurricane disturbed your mother's place of rest? Yes, I did that. I wanted to show you something else, though,” the angel smiled awkwardly.

Lucifer watched as Alastor narrowed his eyes for a moment,

“Mhm, that little half smile says it’s something I won't possibly like, but you've done something nice thus far, so I doubt it will ruin my mood,” he hummed. The angel waved his hand, and a bouquet of hibiscus flowers was handed to the sinner.

“Here, put these on her grave for me. Though I never met her when she was alive, the least I can do is acknowledge where she's laid to rest and that she left a wonderful son whom I love in her wake.”

“You sentimental bastard, you're going to make me cry.” 

“I want you to know that whatever you want to say, she’ll hear in heaven.”

“...Really?’

Lucifer nodded and watched as Alastor placed the flowers down,

"It gave those who passed away peace of mind to hear their loved ones in heaven. I can wait out on the street if you want to talk privately." 

"No, come here," the sinner took his hand and tugged him down, so they were both sitting in the grass,

"Maman, I do hope you're listening; it's been ages since you heard from me since my untimely passing. I still think about you quite often. I miss everything that you were and all the light you brought to everyone's lives, regardless of how much they didn't deserve either of our support, because they still treated us like fodder. I hope you're well up there and don't worry your head over me. I want you to know that even though we ended up in different places in our lives, I'm happy where I am. Though it may seem dreary some days, I'm still content. I continued with my radio show, and that hasn't stopped. But a new revelation in my life has brought more joy than I thought it would. I'm happy to say I am in love, with an angel no less, the only one in hell, terribly smitten with everything about him." He smiled, and the king squeezed his hand,

"I'm sorry I never got to meet you, Mrs. Fontenot. I hope you enjoy the flowers we put down at your resting place. I'm happy to say I'm in love with your son; he has been nothing but a perfect gentleman, and you raised him well."

Alastor sniffled and gently pulled his lover into a soft kiss. He let Lucifer wipe his cheeks free from tears,

"I'll come again, with flowers, I promise you," 

"I'll make sure of it," the angel said softly, watching as the radio demon got up with the aid of his cane.

Lucifer hugged his partner, and the angel let out a contented purr. If he weren't in his human disguise, his wings would be fluffed and happy. Alastor smiled and wrapped an arm around his body, kissing the top of his head.

"Now what else did our night out entail?" He asked, 

"Oh, you're going to love it," he said, holding out his hand. There was apprehension in the sinner's eyes.

"Is it alright to hold hands in public?" 

The thought never crossed Lucifer's mind that his lover had watched humanity grow and hate, segregate and slaughter those who were perceived as different, the angel stood there for a moment, his mouth opening and closing; Alastor raised an eyebrow at him, he had not ventured from his dying spot in the bayou ever, every Halloween he stayed put, not out of fear but the living world was too noisy after the development of those horrible cell phones and things,

“Yeah… it is, Al,” 

“You sound so unsure. I do not feel like being harassed today if it isn't.”

“Al, segregation ended in 1970 here, and gay marriage has been legal since 2015… Did you ever venture out of the swamp when you came up here?” he asked. 

Alastor shook his head,

“No, I only began to visit in 1993, as I wasn’t allowed to do so prior, it seems sinners must serve a term of 60 years before they can enter the human world on Halloween, by then it was so different, cell phones, televisions, cameras, horribly ripped clothing and immodest dress, I looked around briefly and it made me sick, I never looked again, instead I'd spend the night in the bayou, relaxing where I felt most comfortable,”

“The world has changed so much. Take my hand, I promise you we won't get harassed.”

“And if we do?”

“I am the king of hell, the literal devil, the one who played a fiddle contest and kinda sorta lost… BUT! I can guarantee they won’t walk away without something horrific happening to them.”

“Hm, I can live with that,” he put his hand into his lover's, squeezing it before Lucifer led him to their next destination.

Lucifer stood in front of a newer-looking building, 

“You may not recognize this place.”

“Hm, no, but I do see a radio tower,”

“Correct, you participated in one of the first radio stations in New Orleans, WWL. Well, it's still around today. It’s not the original building since that was destroyed by a devastating hurricane, but I thought you'd like to see this and something inside,” he said as he led him inside the station. Alastor hummed in approval; he could feel the frequencies, and he tapped his cane as he walked, causing the music in the air to change to something more suitable. Something more period-appropriate as ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, played over the station, the angel noticed and squeezed his hand,

“Someone's being mischievous already. This is what I wanted to show you,” he gestured to a small cluster of photos with an array of radio hosts through the years.

“That’s me.”

The radio demon stared at a photo of himself, a large smile plastered on his face, a set of headphones half off his ears, his long fingers on the keys of a piano, an ashtray in front of him with a half-smoked cigarette and a glass of rye. 

“Yep, looking as cute as ever, you never told me you had a moustache.”

“Mhm, when I was alive, it was the fad of the time, dear. I shaved it off after a few months. A pencil moustache could never grow a beard, but that alone made me attractive; the funny thing was, though, I didn't fit into a box as everyone else seemed to, because I was of mixed race, it didn't matter that I was different, not when I was a fabulous radio host with a voice of spun gold,” he smiled fondly, before he looked to his partner,

“But was I not perceived as a murderer? I must have left some legacy behind with my death,”

“We’ll get there, hold your horses,” he said as he tugged him a little further into the exhibit, where many photos of the sinner were clustered.

“You made history, you were one of the first interracial radio hosts to grace the airwaves in Louisiana, and you left a legacy behind.”

“But why was I idolized? I was a serial killer,”

“Alastor, no one ever found out you were a serial killer. I’ll show you something else later, but just look at you, it has your entire radio career from when you started to when it ended.”

“Hm, I always wondered where that microphone went,” he said as he looked at it. 

“It’s somewhat strange to see myself in this light, being celebrated for being different,” he said as he looked at the array of facts surrounding his photos, his favourite food and drink, where he was born, his height, right down to a small blurb about his mother, along with her picture. 

“Push that button,” Lucifer said with a smile, letting go of his hand.

 Alastor pushed a small blue button on a display, a video came on, the sound crackling as a black and white film played, the radio demon watched himself, a grin plastered on his face.

‘This is your reminder, dear listeners, to get a wiggle on to the Fern Dance Hall, tonight the original Dixieland jazz band will be playing there at 8 sharp, so don't miss a chance to take your darling dame to see a jazz performance that will be the cat’s pyjamas!’ he said, ashing a cigarette, giving a chuckle when he was off the air before the video stopped, 

“You looked adorable when you were doing that. Look at those curls, where did they go?”

“Ah, yes, full of absolute piss and vinegar, as well as excitement, nicotine and rye. I can assure you,u my hair being straight was a hell thing, I'm unsure why,” he said, chuckling as he took his lover's hand once again, he took a glance around before he leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips.

“Thank you for this, really lucifer you didn’t have to go through all this trouble for me,”

“Oh, I did, I wanted to know more about you and well, I fell down a rabbit hole, there is so much documented about your career, a bit about your life and well, I know about your afterlife, but come with me there’s more where this came from, do you want to take a break and get off your feet for a bit?”

Lucifer watched as the sinner weighed his options, humming,

“What does our break entail?” 

“Getting dinner at a local restaurant,” 

“Hmm, I suppose that sounds nice, lead the way, my dear,” he said with a purr.

“My, this place hasn't aged a day since I last ate here,” Alastor said as he looked fondly at Antoine’s, one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans.

“That's why I picked it.”

“Is it? How intriguing”

“You’ve done your research, what a good student,” Alastor smiled. They were seated quickly, their orders taken for drinks, 

“I get up to a lot when you're asleep, especially when it comes to making you feel at home,” he said softly,

“That's one stop I hope to make, my family home if it's still standing,” he said softly.

 Lucifer moved and gently squeezed the sinner's knee,

“I’m afraid it isn't standing. We can go see the area it was. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina swept through, and your home, along with many others, was destroyed,” he said quietly, 

‘Is that why Mother's Grave was moved?” he asked softly. Lucifer gave a nod,

“It devastated Louisiana; her grave was washed away, as was your home. I used my magic to make sure both of you had a proper resting place.”

Alastor sighed softly, 

“I can only imagine my home didn’t stand a chance, in a strong wind the house would creak and rattle both mother and I to our cores some nights when the rain was heavy and the thunderstorms were humid, but it was what we could afford, it was not the top of the line but it was sheltering nonetheless,” he spoke as he remembered his childhood home, they by no means were wealthy, they struggled but as long as they had a roof over their heads it was fine, food could be hunted instead of bought, they didn't need electricity, the sinner hadn’t had it till he was old enough to work to pay for it himself; Lucifer moved to twine their fingers together, holding his hand,

“Were you happy at least then?”

“After my father was killed, yes, instead of a violent, egotistical drunk screaming at us, it was quiet and peaceful without him. We didn’t have many of the amenities that other families had, but we made do,” he said with a smile. 

Food was served, and drinks were poured, notably a glass of absinthe. Water was carefully poured from a small fountain over a leaf-shaped spoon, holding a sugar cube, into the strong alcohol below.  

“Such ornate glasses, I don’t think I’ve had this since… the 19th century, I fondly remember getting plastered, flying home and waking up naked on the living room carpet. It was a good thing Charlie was at a sleepover that day,” Lucifer giggled,

“You flew home? I’m surprised you made it, though I wasn't aware you could get drunk,”

“I was ten bottles in, I didn’t have a clue that it was supposed to be diluted,” he said with a smirk. 

He sipped his liquor,

“Tastes like waking up stuck to the carpet. When was the first time you got drunk?”

“Young and dumb, I was given a bottle of rum in exchange for butchering a cow. My mother was away, and I drank the entire bottle. I woke up covered in mud, lying in the backyard, my mother standing over me with her arms crossed. I must have been perhaps 14,” he laughed,

“To this day, I still haven’t touched rum,” he said, watching as the angel laughed with him, 

“I’m sure you got a talking to for that one.”

“Oh, I got my ass whooped! Well deserved, I’d tracked mud through the house, ruined my clothes and made a fool of myself,” he chuckled.

Lucifer watched as Alastor took a fork and plucked the meat from an oyster shell, savouring the taste of his Rockefeller,

“Would you like to try one, dear?” 

“I don't know, they look interesting,”

“Have you never eaten an oyster?”

“No, I’ve eaten what you've given me, and that’s as far as I've gotten. Oh, and lobster? Because I was served it by accident,” he said softly,

“Do you just not like seafood?” he asked with a raised eyebrow,

“It’s good, not something I had before you. It was a step for me to even eat meat after falling because everything is God's creatures and we shouldn't be eating them,” he muttered.

The sinner held up a forkful of oyster, offering it to Lucifer, his hand under it just in case a crumb of food threatened to drop on the fine linen. 

“Try,” he said softly. Lucifer looked at him as he carefully ate the food. He smiled as he chewed, 

“This is lovely,” he said softly, his eyes lighting up. Alastor had a sincere smile as he continued to share his food with his lover, sipping his absinthe along the way,

“I enjoy it when we can share things,”

“Me too, I am excited to see the dessert menu.”

With the appetizer done, the main course came. Lucifer slowly cut into his lamb chop, offering Alastor a piece from his fork. He took it,

“That is delicious, would you like some of my Filet mignon Oscar?” he questioned as he carefully cut through it with his knife. He had ordered it blue, just seared on the outside and raw in the middle, and the top was topped with a lump of crab meat, asparagus and hollandaise sauce. 

“I’ll try it,” he said softly, eyeing the dish. The angel wasn't too keen on how the sinner ate his meat, but he’d try it nonetheless. Alastor carefully put a bit of each component on the fork and fed it to his lover, watching the angel's face light up,

“That’s delicious. I’ve never had a hollandaise like that. The last time I had it, Charlie made me eggs Benedict when she was learning how to cook. We burnt the English muffins, the sauce separated, and I put too much vinegar in the egg water,” he chuckled softly.

Alastor stifled a laugh,

“And, how did it taste?”

“Probably one of the worst things I’ve tasted, but it was made with love, and very little cooking ability,” he chuckled, 

“Ah, yes, love overpowers the taste of char if you try hard enough,” he said while eating his meal.

They savoured their food and chatted idly. Lucifer had his legs crossed, contentedly wiggling his foot as they talked about anything and everything, finding out facts of his boyfriend's life that he was willing to share. He knew Alastor could play the piano, but he had no idea he could sing as well,

“Perhaps one day I will serenade you in the bayou,” he smirked,

“You know I’d love that,” the angel said. When he finished his supper, he traced the rim of his glass with his fingertip, the sinner dabbed his lips with a napkin,

“Even more reason to do it.”

Dessert was the final course, Alastor never had much of a sweet tooth but he knew Lucifer did, he let the angel order something for them to share, without chocolate of course, the sinner didn’t want his stomach upset for the next leg of their date, their waiter came and cleared the dishes, he came back with two flutes of prosecco, setting them in front of each man before he slipped off to tend to his other tables, 

“Wining and dining me, how romantic,” he purred. The king gave a soft chuckle,

“I think we both deserve it, it's been a tough few months, Injuries, fights, stress… we needed a change of scenery even if it's just one day,” 

“Agreed, I suggest a toast,” he held his glass up, tipping it towards his lover.

Lucifer held his glass up as well, listening to the sinner as he spoke,

“A toast to us through fights, sickness and mental health, we will be together till our days grow numbered… or till we combine rooms fully and I have to look at your decor consistently,”

“Well, at least you didn’t say tacky, I love you, Al,”

“And I you, Lucifer.” Their glasses clinked carefully as they took a sip. Alastor glanced around for a moment, using the wine menu to cover their faces as they leaned over the table and shared a soft kiss, 

“Mhm, I love it when you hide us like we are doing something forbidden, it's adorable,”

“Old habits die hard.”

Alastor hummed in appreciation when a plate of Crème brûlée and two spoons were placed in front of them, the sugar perfectly burnt on the top. Lucifer cracked it with the back of his spoon,

“I will admit I'm surprised you didn't pick something more sugary.”

“As tempting as that is, I know you don't like overly sweet things, and I’m a sucker for custard,” he smiled, taking a spoonful, offering it to Alastor, who took the bite and purred,

“How thoughtful. Why is that?”

“When we still all lived in the palace, Lilith hired a personal chef just to make things easier when Charlie came along. Maurice was his name, and he was a very sweet, flamboyant poodle-looking creature. I guess he killed several royals in France, then he was hanged, but he always made lovely food and good desserts, especially Crème brûlée. I was upset when the exterminators slaughtered him. After he was gone by that time, Charlie was more independent, and Lillth took over doing dinner. I made breakfast every morning and sometimes lunch,” he said, reminiscing,

“I sound like an interesting character, I thought most of the royal staff was hellborn?” the sinner asked as he gave his lover a bite of dessert,

“It depended on the job, Lilith and I had a taste for living world cuisine, so we hired a sinner for a chef, groundskeepers, cleaners and general servants were hellborn.”

The sinner nodded, taking in all of the information, 

“What other jobs were filled by sinners?”

“Handmaidens, I had issues lacing up gowns and putting Lilith or Charlie when she was young into the clothing of the decade. An older sinner named Opal used to do it; she was like the lady's caretaker, and her husband Peter often helped me dress,” he said, smiling, remembering the two fondly,

“I always wondered about that,” he said softly,

“What else are you wondering that I can answer?” Lucifer asked as they shared the dessert,

“If, when we go home tonight, you'd like to be the big spoon or the little spoon when we cuddle?” he said softly,

“It depends on the mood when we go home, I’m leaning toward you lying on top of me like a weighted blanket and kissing me till we fall asleep,”

“Hm, that does sound lovely.”

They finished dessert not long after, Lucifer tapped his card on a debit machine, and they were off again,

“I’m assuming hell money works up here?”

“No, but I'm the devil, I can pull it out of thin air; these days most people pay with plastic cards anyway,” he said as he took Alastor's arm,

“How fascinating,” he said softly as he looked at his partner,

“Now lead the way, my dear, I am chomping at the bit to know what you have to show me.” 

Lucifer chuckled softly and led him a few streets over, humming a little tune before they stopped at a building, 

“This is Louisiana's museum of death,” he said as he tugged Alastor in,

“What messy work, no pride taken in any of that,” he muttered as he saw a few of the photos posted of crime scenes. He was pulled a little deeper into the building, settling in front of an exhibit for the,

“The bayou butcher?” Alastor raised an eyebrow.

“Sound familiar?”

“I wasn't aware my crimes were photographed, look at all these wastes of human life,” he said, leaning in to look a little closer, 

“The butcher of the bayou was never found, but it was suspected that Alastor Fontenot was the murderer, due to the slaughter stopping after he disappeared. Though he is remembered for his radio career, he should also be remembered for being an active vigilante in the community of New Orleans, often killing those who were known to be abusive toward women and children. Though no DNA evidence remains to prove he was the serial killer, many groups believe he was.” Lucifer read,

“Hm, they figured out my moral code somewhat, I suppose,” Alastor grinned. He leaned into his lover,

“You got your recognition on the radio and murdered Al, aren't you proud?” 

“You know what I'm proud of, Lucifer?”

“What?”

“Romancing the king of hell,” he said as he took the angel's hand, twirling him into his body.

Alastor watched as Lucifer looked up at him, a smile on his features, 

“I'd be proud of that, too. I heard he's a tough nut to crack.” 

Lev looked around the hall as he peeked his head out of his room. He had just put away his things, and it had been an hour or so since he had settled in; it was family dinner night according to Charlie, and he didn't want to be late, but he was wary of everyone still.

He carefully padded down the hall and took the elevator to the large dining room. He looked around, 

“You're early, but that's ok,” Angel said as he peeked out from the kitchen. Lev nodded,

“Do you need help?”

“Depends, can ya make bread?” The spider asked, the rat gave a nod,

“Of course, my mother taught me how to bake when I was young.” 

Angel smiled, “That's good, come in then. I usually have help, but Husky is busy with Charlie,” he said as he pulled out a handwritten recipe. The rat looked at it, pushing his glasses up The spider put a bowl in front of him and all the ingredients as he went back to kneading pasta dough.

“Spasibo,”

“So you're the new resident here, huh? What made ya wanna get redeemed?” he asked; if there was one thing about Angel, it was that he didn't beat around the bush when it came to the hotel,

“For a long time. I wanted to help people, but instead, I was wrapped up in chains by Alabaster and forced to euthanize people he exploited,” he said as he dumped ingredients into the bowl, using a wooden spoon to stir it.

“I remember Alabaster, I was working solo because I didn't wanna get wrapped up with him.”

Lev swallowed,

“He was a nasty creature, I'm glad he's gone,” 

“Me too,” Angel said softly as he watched the rat wash his hands before he started to knead dough, putting his weight into it as he did,

“What kinda things do you like when you're not workin'?” the spider asked,

“I like to play the violin, paint and read when I'm not busy,” 

“That's pretty neat, I'm sure Al will warm up to you, he plays piano and shit sometimes.”

He gave a nod,

“I hope that I fit in with the rest of you,”

“I think ya will, we're all misfits anyway,” Angel smiled as Nifty came into the kitchen,

“Oh, heya, Nif,” he said. The little cyclops just stared at the large rat standing in the kitchen. Lev was unnerved by it, looking back at her,

“He's the new hotel guest, Nif, not a giant hell rat in the kitchen, this is Lev,” the spider said, gesturing to him.

“Hm, no stabbing?”

“No stabbing, he's pretty nice. Right?” 

“Yes, very nice, especially to women such as yourself. I was raised to respect women, or you got hit with a rolled-up paper,” he chuckled.

Angel laughed,

“You had a tough Ma, too? She put the fear of God into ya?” 

“Yes, more than that, I feared her more than god, tough as nails and didn't take any lip,” he chuckled,

“And did ya sneak out and do stupid shit you weren't supposed to be doing?”

“Of course, sneaking out to go to my girlfriend's house, who later became my wife, my mother hit me with a paper, not because I was sneaking out to have sex, but because she didn't get to meet her before we did so,” he laughed as he shaped the dough and put it on a tray,

“Oh yeah, gotta meet the parents before ya fuck ‘em, lucky my ma didn't squeal on me when she found me making out with one of the other mob bosses' sons, she just asked me what his name was and where he was from,”

“Oh, lucky! My mother questioned my girlfriend so much that I thought she was going to cry. I still don't know why she married me when that was my mother,” he smiled crookedly; Charlie listened outside the kitchen, smiling happily.

She knew at that moment the hotel was headed in the right direction; she'd made the right choice; redemption loomed in the distance.

Chapter Text

Lucifer grunted softly when his eyes cracked open, adjusting to the light that filtered into the artificial bayou. He yawned softly, stretching carefully so he didn't bump into his lover, who snored beside him, his back turned to the angel. The blonde extended himself a little too far, hitting the designated rug next to the bed with a soft,

“Oof” As he lay in a twisted heap he noticed something, looking under the bed for the first time since he’d slept in here; typically he’d be too distracted by the allure of whatever Alastor was making for breakfast rather than snoop, he set his sights however on an ornate pink box, tall as it was wide stood out from the abyss of the space under his bed.

The angel hummed as he unknotted his body and slid under the bed, snatching the box and taking a look around for Beau, Alastor was only truly in a deep sleep when his shadow wasn't out causing havoc, Lucifer moved his attention back to the box and carefully lifted the lid, only to blush bright gold as he spotted the array of sex toys, he glanced at the box lid to see a note,

‘I know you don’t like the thought but it's to help with your rut, I don’t know what you like so here’s a buncha’ stuff, keep it, I don't expect it back, -Angel’ he read before he set the lid carefully on the floor beside him, it wasn’t like he didn't have a similar box of things, actually an entire locked closet in the palace that was nothing but sex toys.

He was lost in thought; he didn't notice his partner peering over the bed at him, 

“Hm, someone’s being nosey before I’m awake,” he said with a raised eyebrow. Lucifer chirped, startling so much that his wings fluffed,

“Fuck Al! You scared the shit out of me!” he hissed,

“The punishment for going through my private affairs, that aside, why are you going through things?” he asked,

“I got curious, you don't really scream someone who likes the colour pink or someone who hides things under his bed, I know now why you did that and where the stuff came from,”

“That’s understandable. I simply couldn’t bring myself to use those things.”

“Even if you were in a full-blown rut? Why?”

Lucifer watched as Alastor kicked his hooves, his head resting on his folded arms as his ears flicked lazily,

“They are impersonal to a degree I suppose, I don't want to have relations with a toy that is a cast of a porn star’s… bits, does that make sense?” he said softly, the angel took a few of the toys out, looking at them, all of them were replicas of stars owned by Val, probably what Angel could get his hands onto short notice,

“That’s fair, they do sell toys that aren’t related to living sinners, you know, Asmodeus and his partner design them and sell them in the Lust ring, I could get you some.”

“I wouldn't have much of a use for them, dear. I only get aroused for you and when I'm in rut,”

“Really? You don’t just get horny sometimes? I know I get pent up sometimes and need a release… I’m not always horny, sometimes it's just to feel a bit less depressed,” he said before he looked up at his lover,

“What if I’m away?”

“Lucifer, if you left, I wouldn’t be aroused again till rut.”

“Even if I was on the phone telling you how much I miss you and your horse-sized cock?”

Alastor blushed and his ears pinned,

“We don't call one another on the phone.”

“We could, you know, if I were busy doing my paperwork in my room, with one hand under my desk listening to your sweet voice,” Lucifer said, licking his lips with his forked tongue, in a display of hunger for something other than breakfast,

“You need a cold shower,” the sinner huffed as he hid his face in a pillow,

“What about I take you shopping? We pick out some things together, in case we ever feel the need to do things without one another,” he asked as he put the box back under the bed, gently scratching at his lover's scalp with his claws to comfort him, smiling when the tail began to wag happily, 

“I suppose that could be sufficient. I don’t want to think what you'd do without me,”

“I was stuck to you like glue in that hospital, but if you went away for a week for overlord things, I can’t promise I wouldn't fuck myself silly well listening to your old broadcasts,” 

“You are my horny toad.”

The little angel was tugged under his lover, quickly smothered in kisses and a few gentle bites before Alastor got to his feet and grabbed his cane to start breakfast, leaving Lucifer looking debauched, his legs hanging open, his robe half off his shoulders, his skin blushing gold around the bite marks, a kiss-drunk look on his features,

“Could you come back here and fuck me senseless?” he smirked,

“I would but breakfast dear someone has to start the day, I’d eat you but I can’t take my pills on an empty stomach,” he hummed; Lucifer snapped and breakfast was on the table, a pile of pancakes in the center with steam rolling off them, coffee in their decorative mugs just as they liked it along with eggs and bacon, Alastor looked at the table,

“Did you have to make the pancakes so phallic?”

“Yeah, I did. Now get over here,”

“No.”

Lucifer sat up and looked at him, tugging his robe to cover himself, raising an eyebrow at Alastor, worrying on the inside that he had pushed too far,

“Take it as an opportunity to use one of your toys, dear. I'll happily watch you and talk you through it, perhaps have a taste late.”

“I love it when you get kinky with me,” the angel smirked as he waved his hand, and a door appeared, 

“What is this?”

“The toy room, pick something for me.”
“Room? You have an entire room of these silicone things?”

“Yeah, not all of it's silicone,” he said softly as he got up and opened the door, flicking the lights on as he took his lover's hand,

“Do you want a whole explanation on this stuff?”

“It would be lovely.”

Alastor held his lover's hand as he was guided through the large walk-in closet,

 “Things to fuck yourself with are over here, external toys like things to grind on and vibrate, things that suck, things to fuck, lube, there's lots of more kinky things over here, ropes, chains, candles, paddles, gags, the list goes on,” he explained simply,

“I wasn't aware these things came in so many types.”

“Different toys for different folks, in my case, I like to sample a bit of everything,” he said with a smile. The sinner hummed as he looked at the array of toys, 

“And I can pick anything?”

“Anything you like,” Oh, the buck would make him regret those words; Alastor looked to the bottom shelf, noticing some of the largest toys there, an array of colours and shapes,

“How interesting, what does this one do?” 

“It squirts.”

“I choose that one,”

“Of course, you’d choose the massive cock with a knot that squirts.”

“I’d say you were enjoying mine during rut says more about your fetishes than it does mine, dear, now come, I want to see you use it.”

The toy, along with a bottle of lube, was carried out, and the door disappeared. 

“Should we go over what we are doing before starting?”

“Yes, Al, you remember the safe word?”

“Beignet, of course, am I alright to touch you roughly? Perhaps grab and squeeze your throat?”

“Yes and yes, providing you kiss the marks better after you're done,”

“I will see to it that I kiss them better, have Beau run you a bath and wash you with the utmost tenderness,” he cooed with a gentle purr before a knock at the door interrupted their moment of tenderness.

Too soft to be Husker, too hard to be Angel, not loud enough to be Vaggie, not insistent enough to be Nifty, that left Lev or Charlie, Alastor hummed as he tied his housecoat closed over his pyjamas, not wanting to look indecent. Lucifer watched as he opened the door to a smiling princess, 

“Morning, Al, is Dad awake yet?” she asked softly,

“Yes, he is, I’m unsure of how alive he is since he hasn't had his morning tea yet,” he hummed. The king snapped away the sex toy and lube, making them appear on a new shelf in their shared bathroom, out of view.

The sinner took a glance at him, making sure everything was put away before he stepped aside,

“Come in, you're free to have breakfast with us if you wish,” he smiled before remembering the shape of the pancakes. 

Lucifer was good at remembering to clean up his messes, snapping before his daughter could notice that he had made cock shaped pancakes, 

“Good morning, Char-Char!” he said happily as he bounded over to his daughter, wrapping her up in a hug. She giggled and wrapped her arms around him, lifting him off the ground. 

“Morning, Dad!” 

“I stand corrected, your father is positively bursting with energy,” Alastor chuckled, watching them, noting how they were truly carbon copies of one another.

“Are you sure it's okay to stay for breakfast? I don’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense, princess, feel free to intrude, now come, take a seat,” Alastor said as he pulled a chair out for he. Charlie nodded,

“Thank you, Al,” she smiled as she sat. Lucifer sat beside his daughter, flashing a sweet smile at his lover when he was given the same treatment,

“So what brings my darling daughter to our table?” the king asked,

“Oh, right! One of those messenger birds knocked on my window this morning and brought a letter with your name on it; it’s got a wax seal I don't really recognize. I think it's Goetia,” she said as she took it out of the pocket of her pyjamas.

Gilded in gold with pristine white paper with an inky black wax sigil, Lucifer ran his clawed fingers over the seal,

“Duke Vaul sends me a letter every year as a reminder about something, I’ll open it later… so how’s Vaggie? We could invite her to breakfast, too.”

“Oh, she's ok dad, she is going to a meeting with Carmilla Carbine this morning otherwise we are great as usual, she's been helping me figure out some new group activities to run by you two at our meeting today,” Charlie spoke, a smile on her face as she talked about ways to help others as she picked at her pancakes, 

“Well, Charlotte, now is a good a time as any if you'd like to run things by us, permitting you don't need your idea board,” Alastor said softly as he slowly ate his breakfast. Beauregard brought a mug for the princess and filled it up with coffee, a smile on his face as she thanked him,

“Oh yeah, that would be great!” she smiled.

Quiet breakfast was out the window as Charlie chattered about her thoughts on new ways of therapy, including yoga with the accompaniment of dance, beach days when the summer comes, or pool time in the winter, animal therapy permitting, there was at least one creature in hell that was soft and cute.

“Hm, these all seem like lovely options. Might I suggest music therapy or perhaps a book club? From what I’ve seen, Lev is an avid reader, as is Angel recently, and Nifty too if it’s a smut book. Perhaps Claira would come in and teach a yoga class,” Alastor said as he sipped his coffee.

“Oh, that's a great idea, Al! Maybe we should get all our residents together and vote on the next therapy session. We could make a schedule based on it. Would three times a week be too much?” Charlie asked, buzzing with excitement and caffeine, 

“Maybe we start once a week, then increase it? Just to give everyone time to adjust to having it more often,” Lucifer suggested. Charlie nodded, and Beauregard made notes on a piece of paper next to the table. 

Lucifer smiled as he listened to his lover and his daughter, happy that he could share these little moments with both of them, though in the back of his mind, the letter gnawed at him, he knew what it contained, a summons for a meeting, it happened every few twenty years on the dot; he moved his hand down to rest it on Alastor’s knee, the sinner noticed his lovers mind wandering, he gently held his hand below the table; his thumb tenderly gliding across the smooth charcoal skin on the back of his lovers hand.

“Vaggie just texted me that she’s headed home. Thank you for breakfast.”
“Not a problem, dear, feel free to take a plate for Vaggie. I suspect she will be hungry after her meeting. Carmilla tends to drive a hard bargain,” Alastor spoke as Lucifer snapped, cleaning up the breakfast dishes, and a neat stack of Tupperware appeared with a bow on the top.

“What a great idea, thank you both!” Charlie smiled and hugged her dad tightly, smiling at Al before she left, knowing he really didn’t like hugs.

Alastor hummed,

“Well, I'm glad you were awake enough to change our penis cakes to something more daughter-appropriate.” he took a sip of his coffee right as Lucifer choked on his tea, he laughed as he coughed.

“Now, my little songbird, what has you upset? You don't usually hold my hand under the table unless something is bothering you.”

“It’s this letter, every ten years I’m summoned to a meeting with Duke Vaul, just doesn't bring back good memories,” the angel admitted as he stared at the letter, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Is it something we should talk about, or would you rather I comfort you?” Alastor asked, reaching out and taking his lover's hand, 

“I suppose it's something we should talk about. For as long as hell has been hell with different species and rings and sins, when I fell, I was building up what I  could in pride and others were building their rings, but we hit a problem. Hell was devoid of life, other than sinner; my powers weren't easy to control, and I struggled to help the few hellborn we had reproduce. Lilith was upset because we couldn't conceive, so I did the only thing I could: I found the one angel that would help everything because all of the angels that fell with me became what you know as the Goetia court. Vaul was a different one, he fell because he was a well… uh, what's the proper word…” Lucifer trailed off for a few moments.

Lucifer smiled as he got it, “Promiscuous!” he said, proud of himself. Alastor raised an eyebrow,

“he slept with nearly every one of my siblings, including me, a few times before Lilith. When he fell here, he found his powers to be for fertility and sex. I went to him and we forged a pact when the birth rate dropped below a certain point, then we’d do a ritual and cause it to skyrocket again. Lilith and I would do it together, then when she shut me out it was just me and the duke, he never forced or pressured me into sleeping with him, but I just remember the last time it was just her and I doing it, I felt so much shame after cheating with her that I’m fairly sure we finished and I just locked myself away for a few months,” the king sighed, the sinner squeezed his hand in comfort. 

Alastor looked at him, leaning closer to kiss his cheek, “It’s an interesting situation, no doubt, but I wouldn't worry, I’m sure everything will be alright, dear, and if it isn’t, just call me and I will come to hold you till you want me to let go.”

“And what if I never want you to let go?” he asked softly,

“Then I fear we will grow dusty and withered together, fused like two peas in a pod; they may need a crowbar to part us when that happens,” he smiled, the angel giggled, a smile finally gracing his features, 

“I love you, Al,”

“I love you, too, Lucifer.”

After the summoning letter was opened, it burst into flames in the angel's hands,

“I will be back in an hour or so, hopefully, if anything happens, touch your bracelet, alright?”

“Yes my love, I will be out at an overlord meeting, we should arrive home at the same time if Rosie doesn’t keep me for afternoon tea, send your double to snatch me if I’m urgently needed,” he said softly, Lucifer opened a portal and snapped himself into his usual dress, he adjusted his hat before holding onto it as he kissed his lover on the lips before he slipped through, Alastor smiled.

“What a goof.”

Vaul’s palace was large, just as any of the Goetia’s was. It often reminded him of the Kremlin in Russia, brightly coloured and onion-domed. Though the climate was different in his chunk of the realm—hot, dry heat—ferns and palms surrounded the castle, just like an oasis among the desert. It was beautiful. He made his way up the white marble steps, and he used the deer-headed door knocker, rapping on the wood door.

A short and stout Baphomet answered the door, her spade pointed tail flicked,

“Come in, Lucifer, Gre is expecting you,” she smiled, she reminded him of Claira, almost, a similar fur colour, but she was about his height, 

“Thank you, Rose,” he said softly as he took off his hat, holding it in his hands as he stepped inside. 

There was something to be said about Vaul, he was one of the more eccentric members of the royal court, he had seven different partners, one from each ring, varying genders and species, one of the few polyamorous Goetias, how could he keep every lover happy was a mystery to Lucifer but every one of his partners was pampered by the staff in whatever way they wanted, as he walked with Rose he sighted a new face he wasn't familiar with, a small imp curled up in the corner with a large number of coloured cushions, reading with a pair of thick glasses, her tail idly swishing as she concentrated,

‘She must be new,’ he thought as he kept pace; a tall female envy demon dressed in a thin white robe smiled at the king, 

“It has been a while, le Lucifer,” she said softly. She was eel-like, with long fins, and a bit of an underbite, the robe she wore left little to the imagination.,

“Every ten years, Yew, like clockwork, right down to the same minute, you know how Vaul is with scheduling,” 

“Mhm, yes, he is always organized, I have always envied him for it,” she said as she put on a bit of eyeliner in a large mirror.

Lucifer gave a smile and a nod before he continued. Not far from Yew was a tall Red and white patched succubus helping a dragon-like demon paint her horns.

“Ok, but red looks SO good on your horns, Queenie,” he said as he continued to paint, 

“Oh, Falen, look, it's King Lucifer, hello, King!” Queenie waved excitedly. She was always bubbly and full of energy. Falen smiled and continued his painting of her horns, 

“Aw, is it that time again? Damn, it doesn't feel like it's been ten years yet,” he gave a crooked smile, the last time the angel was here, the greed demon hadn't transitioned yet; he was happy to see her finally comfortable in her ski., 

“It really has, I'm glad to see you’re happy, Falen. He’s right, Queenie red is your colour, it looks lovely.”

Was the meeting with Vaul boring most of the time? Yes, but he did love spending time with the Goetia's partners after they were done; Queenie loved to paint his nails and talk about the gossip among the rings, typically Rose would make him some tea and chat about her plants, Yew would yap about makeup and give him some suggestions for new pallets that Charlie would like, Falen, on the other hand, would usually play music and they’d talk about new music and records on the market.

A tall male hellhound sat up ahead, smoking on a pipe, tired and grizzled with grey; his muzzle was full of old scars, and he looked up from his book and smiled.

“And how are you doing, majesty?” he asked softly. Rose had left him to his own devices; he knew his way around anyway. 

“I told you, Izzy, you can call me Lucifer,” he said softly. The borzoi-like demon chuckled,

“An old dog doesn't learn new tricks, and I am getting old. I can’t dye my grey hair anymore; I've finally accepted it. Hm, looks like you are getting a few patches yourself,” he said softly. The king let out a laugh,

“Nah, it's just a streak, one of these days you’ll have to let me dye your tail again,’

“Maybe one day soon, I am nearing my end, but I’m at peace with it,” he said softly, with a sullen smile. Lucifer almost forgot that even hellborn had a life expectancy; some were shorter than others, it was a stark reminder that even in hell, death would come for those you held closest.

Lucifer moved and gently hugged him,

“It will be a sad day when you go, I’m sure.”

“I’m sure there won't be a dry eye in the house,” he said, gently patting the angel's back, 

“Now hop to it, I'm sure my dear partner is waiting on pins and needles for your arrival,” he said, letting him go, the king gave a nod,

“When I'm done, I expect you all to be in the parlour. I want to catch up with all of you after, it’s been ten years after all,” he said as he left, the hellhound puffed on his pipe,

“I’m sure Queenie will round all of us up for you so we can kee-kee about our feelings and such things.”

When Lucifer reached the large wooden door of Vaul’s office, he knocked gently, knowing it was best not to just barge in on the Duke of Fertility. 

“Come in!” called a voice that was deep and raspy. The king opened the door, and a sinner gently kissed the top of a camelid creature's muzzle. 

“I will start lunch, Lucifer. Are you staying?”

“I can’t see why not if Vaul is alright with it,” 

“Nonsense, Lucifer, you are more than welcome to stay for lunch or come over any time for that matter, you've done more than enough for me over the ages, I’m sure Maurice doesn't mind, he's a fantastic cook, right dear?”

Maurice nodded with a smile; he was a plant-like sinner as if a man had been spliced with a Venus fly trap, easy on the eyes as all the Geotia’s lovers were. A set of vines turned the duke's head, and his partner kissed him softly on the lips before he left, closing the door behind him.

Lucifer sat in the chair across from the duke, who took a humanoid shape, forgoing his camelid form for something more familiar. He was dressed in fine, tailored clothes, and he stood up, 

“No hug, come here,” he said with a chuckle. The angel got up and hugged him, and the goetia kissed both of his cheeks out of respect. 

“Now tell me how you've been, Lucifer. It’s been so long,” he said as he let him go, using his powers to manifest some tea and cookies between them. The angel settled back into his chair,

“So much has happened, Lilith left me almost nine years ago, Charlie has opened a hotel to redeem sinners, and I've rekindled my relationship with my daughter, and along the way, found a very lovely partner. How has the last decade treated you?”

“My, that is a lot. I'm proud of you for supporting Charlie and finding someone new. I’m afraid they have not treated me well. Hattie passed away several years ago, and I've only just opened my heart to Lyria this year. Izzy is sick with no cure, and I’m fearing his time will come soon, but I will be there with him till it happens,” Vaul sighed softly.

“I hate that not every being is immortal, just sinners; everyone ages at such different rates as well,” he said softly as he poured them both tea.

Lucifer gave a nod, 

“I understand the pain. I had a scare a few weeks back; I truly thought my partner wouldn't make it. It was terrifying to think the person I fell so hard for after my first love could just die, right in front of me, no less,” he said softly as he looked into the cup at the amber-coloured liquid, 

“I’ve been trying to manage the pain of them passing, painting their portraits for my office walls, to mourn the lovers long lost, my heart continues to ache for them, even after decades I still place flowers on their graves and light candles for them, because what is just darkness when there is no light to lead you,” Vaul spoke as he gazed back at a portrait of Hattie, a medium-sized imp with long black hair and white spots along her chest, an ever-present smile painted onto her face, a small instant photo and a few small trinkets were hung off the frame.

Vaul turned back and hummed, 

“Now fess up about this new love, I want to hear everything about them.”

“Oh, you're just as bad as Queenie with the gossip.”

“Of course, she tells me every night in the sitting room before we retire to bed about the goings on of the courts,” he said with a chuckle. Lucifer stifled a giggle, imagining him sitting in her rather plush lap, listening to her yap, now that was love,

“Well, he's wonderful, attentive, sweet, rough when I want it so, He cooks me great meals and tells me how much he adores me when I’m upset,” 

“Handsome? Provides good sex?”

“Yes to both,” he smirked,

“Look at you, how did you acquire such a partner?”

“He works with Charlie. His rut and my season happened at the same time. We spent it together after Angel Dust convinced us. After that, we parted ways, and a few days later, he asked if I'd court him. It's been history ever since.” Lucifer smiled.

The Goetia smiled and sipped his tea,

“My, that is truly one for the books, fucking someone full of animalistic urges and unbridled rage only to have the sinner turn sweet and offer courtship. It plays like a romance novel. I trust you will be doing the ritual with this new partner?”

“I will unless he has any objections to it,”

“As our deal states, as long as both of you reach a climax and you’re the one penetrating your bedmate, it will take, it always has.”

“That's the thing, it's not something we've explored yet, I’m not sure how he will react to me asking for that,” Lucifer rubbed the back of his neck, 

“Communication is key, dear. If he isn't comfortable with it, come back, and we can do it between the two of us,” Vaul spoke. The angel knew Alastor wouldn’t be comfortable with him fucking someone else; that wasn't in the cards. They had a lot to talk about tonight.

Vaul used his magic and summoned his tablet, pulling up the screen on a nearby projector,

“The birth rate these past ten years has been on a decline worse than I’ve seen in ages. The worst ring seems to be Wrath, followed by Envy and Gluttony. Sloth is the highest, as well as Greed; it seems those two seem to instill strong family values within communities, and Lust is the midpoint. This is terrible for several reasons. Lower classes are the backbone of hell, especially imps and hellhounds, which makes this year's ritual extra important, as Gluttony and Wrath are pulling such low numbers that we could verge on a societal collapse,” he spoke as he pointed at the percentage of births and deaths over the last ten years.

“I fully understand,”

“This ritual, Lucifer, make it count, because if it fails, all of hell could plunge into chaos.” 

Alastor had been thoroughly stuffed, afternoon tea turned into a three-course meal with the accompaniment of Rosies delightful little desserts, made from nothing but the finest of sinner cuts, he sat in his wingback chair with a good book, unbuttoning his slacks, settling a hand on his stomach for a few moments, it was rare that he felt full or showed it, the slight bulge of his stomach was more than enough indication he had gorged beyond his fill. 

The sinner let out a soft yawn as he adjusted his monocle, he hummed softly as he started to read ‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Hemingway, he settled into his book, lapsing into a comfortable silence, and his head started to dip forward as he nodded off, succumbing to the gentle lull of sleep and a full stomach; that was till his over opened a portal, causing him to startle and drop the book on the floor, looking around, trying to blink the sleep from his eyes as Lucifer stepped through the portal, a plastic container with two portions of food in it, 

“Oh, I didn’t know you were napping, Al. I'm sorry,” he apologized, setting the food down and another bag on the table, 

“It’s all right, dear, I was intent on settling down in bed, but I've figured out I am unable to sleep there without my darling little king to have and hold,” he said as Beau picked up the book, he marked it and put it away as Alastor stretched. 

Lucifer snapped the food in the fridge for dinner and closed the portal. Alastor was on his feet, coming behind his lover as he held him, his arms wrapped around his waist, his face in the angel’s silky hair as the hat was tossed onto the table,

“What's in the bag?”

“We need to talk about that, actually,” he said softly. Alastor hummed against his head gently,

“What do we need to talk about?”

“The ritual Al. It has to be done in a certain way, and I’m unsure if you’re gonna like it, but the alternative is sleeping with Vaul.”
“I beg your fucking pardon, what?” came a low hiss from the now fully awake sinner as he glared down at his partner. 

Alastor couldn’t stop the little growl that bubbled up from his throat, 

“Listen before you get pissy. I’d never cheat on you nor sleep with anyone unless it was mutually agreed upon; it won’t be by either of us anyway. The ritual is to up the birth rate in hell and has to be done a certain way, meaning I need to fuck you,” Lucifer explained. The sinner flicked his ears,

“You've already done that,”

“... not like I haven’t topped before, this has to be with a cock, both of us need to climax, I need to come in you, well, we are covered in paint and have candles lit,” the angel explained. The sinner looked puzzled, 

“No.”

“Alastor, this isn't something I want to push you into, but this is important, this is why I mentioned sleeping with the duke, this isn’t something I want to do, it's something I HAVE to do regardless of my emotions towards it. I can do it with the man I love, or I can emotionlessly fuck someone I talk to once a decade,” Lucifer ran his hands over his face,

“I have a week to sort this out before it's too late. Just please think about it, that’s all I ask, Alastor,” he said as he closed his eyes, 

“And what happens if the time lapses and it's too late?” Alastor asked,
“Gluttony and Wrath’s birth rates will drop lower and cause a butterfly effect; both rings have working-class sinners; Wrath produces most of the food in hell, and Gluttony provides hellhounds that fill the working class. It’s not something we can go without.”

Alastor let out a grunt,

“I’ll think about it,” was all he said. Lucifer nodded and broke away from his touch, moving the items to the bedroom before he slipped off his jacket and hung it up he noticed Beau on the wall, his tail flagging, the shadow pacing the wall, back and forth like a nervous animal.

“... Alastor, are you scared of being that vulnerable with me?” he asked as he heard a bleat, 

“Get off the topic, Lucifer. I don’t feel like talking about it right at this moment.”

“Ok, do you want me to lie down with you for a bit?” the angel suggested. The sinner nodded and shed his coat, shrugging the suspenders off his shoulders and slipping off his bowtie. He undid the first few buttons on his shirt before he lay down in bed, waiting with his arms open.

Lucifer crawled into his arms, his wings unfurling from his back as he lay them over their tired bodies. Alastor closed his eyes and got comfortable as the angel sank into his thoughts, worried he ruined everything.

Had he fucked it up? Pushed too far? He always fucked it up, with everything and everyone. He sniffled softly before he knew it; he was crying silently. Alastor felt the angel shudder, and he tugged him a little closer, kissing the top of his head, snapping his eyes open,

“I’m not mad at you, I just need time to process everything, dear,” he said softly as he moved to grab a handkerchief from the bedside table, dabbing his partner's tears. 

“Don’t get into your head about it. I still love you.”

“I love you too, Al.”

Bare paws ran through the streets of hell, running as fast as they could carry the creature that owned them. Heavy rain wetted his fur as he skidded to the side, evading capture from one of Valentino's goons. He was wet, starved, and in so much pain he didn't know how he was carrying himself, but the fear was laden with adrenaline as the Hazbin hotel illuminated at the top of the hill, the sign glowing like a beacon in the darkness.

He pushed his body to the extreme, running up the long driveway of the hotel before he got to the doors, violently banging and using what energy he had left to scream as Valentino’s dogs beckoned closer, bellowing before the sinner was violently tugged inside onto the carpet by the scruff of the neck into the front foyer by none other then Alastor who was grabbing a new bottle of rye from the bar, 

“Grazi!” the smaller sinner said feverishly, kissing the back of the hand that was quickly retracted,

“Beauregard, summon Princess Charlotte!” 

Chapter Text

Charlie looked at the soaked sinner on the rug, bloodied and bruised, shaking violently. She sent Razzle to go get a towel and a cup of hot cocoa from the kitchen. Alastor stood with her,

"Ok... So what happened, Al?"

"I heard knocking on the door, I opened it and grabbed them, intent on threatening them, but I suppose he needs help. He isn't speaking English nor any other language I can understand," he said. The little dragon came back, draping the blanket around the collie's shoulders, 

"Grazi Bella," the sinner said as he tugged it around himself, shivering with chattering teeth as he was handed the cocoa,

"I think that might be Spanish, maybe Italian? Angel would probably know or Dad,"

"I will summon one of my puppets to get both of them," he said with a wave of his hand.

The sinner sipped the cocoa, looking between both as they talked, bright blue eyes shifting between the princess and the radio demon. He was fearful, but he knew he was safe when he saw Angel come out of the elevator with Husker.

"Angelo!" He called out, his voice high-pitched as his matted tail wagged,

"Shit, Luca?" The spider trotted over and carefully got on his knees. Husk followed and stood by Al. 

"You know him, Angel?" Charlie asked,

"Yeah, I do, he was one of Val's playthings, he doesn't speak English other than a few words. I didn't think he was still alive," he said as he carefully wrapped his arms around Luca,

"Holy shit, Char, that's the best opera singer in hell," Lucifer said as he appeared beside his daughter in his fluffy pink robe.

Alastor looked over at his lover,

"What? Are you positive?" He asked with a raised eyebrow,

"I recognize the eyes, Lillith, and I used to go to the opera a lot before you were born, Charlie. He's the only Castrato in hell and had an award-winning voice back in the day. I believe he was traded between a few different overlords till Alabaster got ahold of him and then Valentino," Lucifer said, Charlie hummed,

"Well, I'm sure we can get him cleaned up and redeemed, but... Um, Angel, do you think he's any kind of threat?"

"Nah, I'm gonna be honest with you, princess, I don't know how he got here or got away, he can barely stand up some days. I'm just happy he's alive; he's been missing for years."

Luca shivered before he sneezed,

"You definitely need a bath and a blow dry, your fur is so matted, LuLu," Angel said as he gently touched one of the various mats hanging off his body. 

"Angel, would you and Husker be alright with getting him cleaned? I'll make him some food, and Razzle can get a room for him."

"Yeah, sounds good, toots," Angel said as he looked down at the collie, communicating with him in Italian before he was carefully lifted into the spider's arms; Alastor hummed,

"I will help you make him something princess, I know you or ya father are not too good in the kitchen," 

“Sounds like a great idea, Dad. Do you want to come too? We can all have a chat about this.”

Lucifer nodded and snapped all three of them to the kitchen, watching as Alastor got out all the ingredients to make something simple and bland for the sinner, knowing full well he probably hadn’t eaten properly in god knows how long, he shooed Charlie to sit with her father at the kitchen table. 

“I will cook, princess, don't worry your head over it,” he said softly as he grabbed a cup and poured rice into a pot, washing it under running water,

“Ok, Al, if you're sure… I didn’t expect us to get a new guest so soon. I hope he will settle in alright, and I hope he isn't like Siren was,” she said, worried. The king put a hand on her shoulder,

“I don’t think he will, Charlie. From what I remember, he was a kind soul. I don't even know why he ended up in hell. I guess I could check,” he hummed as he waved his hand, and a file appeared in it. He opened it on the kitchen table,

“Luca Marino died in 1900 in Naples, Italy. The Cause of death was suicide. It says he murdered his parents. Well, that's simple, I guess.” 

Charlie looked over the file,

“I wonder if it's the same situation with Topher? Cheated once and did nothing else for his stint in hell,” 

“It’s a possibility, but I don't know about behind the scenes, I’ve only ever seen him perform, I guess we could ask him,” Lucifer said as he put the file back when his daughter was done reading, Alastor listened to them chatter as he flicked his ears, the radio in the kitchen lighting to life as he turned on one of Luca’s performances, 

“Whoa,” the princess said with a sparkle in her eyes as she listened intently. 

Alastor watched as Lucifer shut his eyes and listened to the music,

“The closest thing we will get to angelic singing down here, and when I was alive, who knew mutilating young men would produce such a striking voice,” the sinner said. Charlie raised an eyebrow.

“Huh? What do you mean by mutilating?” she questioned,

“Oh, my sweet child, castrati were castrated to keep their voices high, a barbaric practice that yielded such beautiful voices; it was outlawed in the 1900s; it made the paper in my area.”

“That sounds horrible for someone to go through,” she said softly, 

“It was no wonder Alabaster scooped him up,” the angel said,

“Why do you say that, Dad?”
“Because Alabaster always found a way to find the most beautiful things in hell and contract them, I assure you, in his heyday, he was a powder puff of fur and beauty, kinda reminded me of Angel, feminine, thin, perfectly fluffed. Luca was an easy target for someone like him, but he couldn’t figure out that an abused songbird doesn’t sing as beautifully as one that's freed.“

The radio demon was silent for the most part as he worked on cooking a piece of plain pounded chicken and white rice, He would have made soup had it not been for the fact that it was the early hours of the morning; he hadn’t slept yet, Lucifer had but he had traded places with Beauregard, It was a night to sip rye and brood over the fact that his partner had given him an ultimatum in the light of the fire, He knew he’d have to make his decision by the weeks end, let someone else lay with his lover, which the mere thought of that made his blood boil, or be made to bottom by the king of hell himself and feel powerless.

It wasn't a decision to be made without letting it ruminate for a few days. He sighed to himself as he stirred the small pot of rice, 

“Is something wrong, Al?” Charlie asked, concerned, 

“I’m just ducky, I’m just not a fan of bland things,”

“Oh, that's fair. Why are we making it bland again?”

“Because spices will irritate your stomach if you haven't eaten enough or often, I'm not making much, enough that he’s fed. The last thing we need is him throwing up. Nifty is going to have a fit about the blood and dirt on the front carpet. I doubt adding vomit to that will thrill her.”

Alastor put the food on a plate, summoning Beauregard, and he put a cloche on the top.

“Take this to our new guest, and make sure it is in a place that is accessible to him after Angel is done cleaning him. Do not leave till he has eaten, return the dishes to this kitchen, if he gets sick, notify me,” he explained. The shadow nodded quickly, taking the tray that his master had summoned. He went off to do his bidding, Charlie yawned,

“I’m going back to bed. Can one of you ask Angel to check on him before he goes to bed?” she asked, her eyes heavy,

“Of course, we can Char-Char,” Lucifer said with a smile, 

“Thank you guys, goodnight,”
“Goodnight, Charlotte,” the sinner spoke, 

“Nighty Night, Charlie!” her father followed. The princess left, leaving the two lovers in the kitchen. Alastor scrubbed his pots and pans.

Lucifer looked into a cup of hot chocolate he had summoned, “You know I can feel when you leave Beauregard in your place, right? He’s cold, Alastor, and he smells weird.” 

“Your point?” the sinner asked, 

“Why weren’t you in bed sleeping with me?” 

“I needed a new bottle of rye, you and I have drunk the other dry,”  Alastor spoke softly, putting it into scrubbing the stuck-on rice from the edges of the pot. 

“Ok… Can you just talk to me?”

“What do we have to talk about Lucifer?”

“What’s irritating you? Because there’s something if you're getting into the rye in the middle of the night, you don’t drink in the middle of the night unless something is upsetting you,” the angel traced the mug of his hot cocoa,

“Perhaps I am upset by my partner giving me an ultimatum that could potentially have him sleep with someone else,” Al’s ears pinned.

The angel sighed,

“If it didn’t matter, I wouldn’t have said anything. I never wanted to put you in that situation, ever. I never wanted you to feel like you have to do anything because I'm pressuring you to,” Lucifer put his head on the table, banging it a few times. Alastor dropped the sponge and leaned over the edge of the sink, 

“I don’t believe there’s any remedy for this. I either submit to you and carry whatever shame that will elicit or let you sleep with someone else,”

“I'm sorry, what? Shame? Why would it be shameful?” Lucifer stared at him suddenly,

“We're not having this conversation tonight.”
“Oh yes, we fucking are, Alastor. I'm sending my double to talk to Angel. We’re lying in bed and we're talking about this tonight, I don't care if we have to scream at each other to get the point across. I can’t deal with you beating around the bush and not communicating because you can,” the king snapped his fingers and cast his double to check on Angel as his other hand opened a portal,

“Go,” 

“You don’t need to be a prick about it,” the sinner huffed as he walked through, sending one of his puppets to smuggle a bottle of rye upstairs,

“Too late. You won't communicate or listen unless I'm a prick tonight.”

Alastor sat on the edge of their shared bed, Lucifer in front of him, his wings fluffed and flared,

“Explain,”

“What do you want me to explain?” He stared back,

“Why do you think being on the bottom is shameful?” the angel hissed softly, his tail flicking and his horns coming out in irritation,

“Why would it not elicit shame? Having someone pin you down and use you at their whim,” he said, crossing his legs, the radio demon said,

“Why would I let you do that if I felt shame afterwards? I am the sin of pride, Alastor. If I felt shame after fucking you, then maybe I wouldn't fuck you more than once. How many times have we had sex?” 

“I don't know, it's not something I count,” he said softly,

“Just be glad I'm not an egotistical asshole who forces you to do things you don’t want to do,”

“I don’t know how you’d do that, Lucifer. You're far too weak for it.”

Lucifer hissed audibly, waving his hand as chains came out from the ground, snapping closed around the radio demon's wrists and ankles, 

“Don't you EVER fucking say that again,” he snarled, his wings flared in anger, and he stared at the permanent smile on his partner's

 features, 

“I hate you so fucking much sometimes, Alastor, you're a fucking prick,”

“I could say the same of you, the sin of Pride, yet full of Wrath,” he said as the slip around his neck tightened ever so slightly, 

“You always say the nastiest things when you don’t want to discuss your feelings. We're going to fucking talk about it in the morning, and if you can’t be civil, I’m going to remove your voice and give it to Beauregard.”

“You wouldn’t dare, Lucifer.”

“I can and I will, Alastor,” Lucifer hissed, snapping the chains away, Alastor didn’t waver his smile, unwilling to show weakness, but he knew what would happen if Beau was given a proper voice, the pesky thing would puke up every secret and private thought he ever had, including things he’d long since repressed; the fallen angel grabbed his pillow and snapped his fingers, making his bed appear somewhere else in the bayou, he glared at his partner before he padded off down the path, hooved feet clicking on the stone as he left.

The radio demon watched him leave. He poured himself a glass of rye, lit a cigarette and sipped it as he sat on the edge of their shared bed. He stared at the amber liquid before he shifted his eyes to his shadow, who was bothering Lucifer, his tail wagging as he put his head under the king's hand. 

“Come up, you can stay with me,” he said softly,  the creature crawled up under the sheets, allowing the fallen angel to kiss the top of his head; if there was one odd thing about his lover that Alastor truly never understood, it was that regardless of how upset Lucifer was with him, permitting it was not cold war angry, it was that the angel still kept his affections up with Beauregard, was it strange? Yes, considering that your partner didn’t want to sleep with you when you were fighting, but your shadow was just ducky. It wasn’t something that the radio demon was going to question, tonight at least. 

Meanwhile, Angel cracked his back gently as he worked on de-matting the collie who was sitting on a towel naked in front of him, Husk worked on the long fur of his neck while Luca was carefully tugging at the fur on his legs and stomach, it had taken three rounds of shampoo, a bottle of olive oil and conditioner to loosen the tight mats in his fur, 

“Guess it's a good thing I’m used to staying up late, fuck this is takin’ forever,” he said as he continued, he would have shaved the sinner if the knots weren't so close to his skin, 

“Yeah, my fuckin ass is killin' me, I think I've been sittin' too long,” Husker grumbled,

“Si, too long,” he agreed. He had eaten the food Alastor had made for him; it was the first time in ages that he had a full stomach. 

“I think we got the bulk of the knots out, you want me to shave ya?” 

Luca listened, staring at Angel, who was holding the shaver. The spider repeated his question in Italian, stumbling a bit,

“Si, Shave!” the collie repeated back, tripping through his English, Val often yelled at him in Spanish, he never spoke English around him, wanting to keep him from communicating with anyone other than him and Angel, Vox could understand him, he just simply didn’t care for any of his husbands ‘Whores’ as he often put it, Husk helped the sinner up to his feet as angel plugged in the clippers, 

“Let's hope it grows back pretty, Pronto?”

“Si, sono pronto,” he replied with a nod. 

Husk held the canine sinner under the arms as Angel carefully began to clip away the matted fur, shearing it off in heavy chunks, he was careful along his body, working with the contours of his thinning frame, right down to the fur between his toes, the spider was especially careful around his face and ears, his tail was last, shaving it down to nothing but a small puff of unmatted fur on the tip and a fluff on the top of his head, Luca saw it and giggled,

“Barboncino,” he said, wagging it, 

“Yeah, you do look like a shaved poodle, I think it works, let me get you some hotel pj’s and some clothes for tomorrow,” he said as he went to the linen closet, grabbing him a set of sleep clothes before he raided his closet, digging through for a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt that would work until he could take him shopping, he brought the clothes back and helped him dress.

“Grazie Angelo,” he said with a smile,

“You’re welcome, Lu,” he said as he carefully led him to his room and helped him to bed,

“buona notte,” 

“Bouna Notte Angelo.”

Angel made his way back to his room, where Husk sat on the bed, the feline sinner's tail flicking idly as he yawned,

“I'm fuckin beat,” he said softly.

“Mhm, me too, whiskers,” the dancer stretched before he sat beside his lover, leaning on him,

“Did Alastor seem weird to ya?” 

“He’s fucking weird anyway, Ange,”

“Weirder than normal, I think he and Lucifer are fighting again…” The spider lay back, 

“Yeah, he usually raids the bar for a new bottle of rye when he's in a mood, depends on how bad, sometimes it's moonshine or absinthe when he's losing his shit,” he said as he lay on his side next to his lover,

“Why are ya worrying about it, Ange, it ain't your relationship.”

“No, it isn't, but the amount Lucifer has helped us, and he got Al out of his shell more; neither of them knows what the fuck they are doing, and could you imagine the breakup? They're both dramatic as fuck, Husky, could you imagine?” He laughed.

Husk laughed, 

“100-foot-tall middle finger aimed directly at the radio tower from Lucifer's apple tower? A big flashing sign that says ‘fuck the radio demon,' maybe, Alastor blasting ‘devil went down to Georgia’ 24/7 till he got the hint that he got his ass handed to him by some poor ass fiddle player? Oh, it'd be a fuckin mess, Ange,”

“Yeah, it would be, I'll check on ‘em in the morning. I wanna cuddle my big, strong bartender till then,” he purred. The feline tugged the spider into his arms, gently kissing him on the lips, 

“Mhm, I can give ya that, don’t even need to ask me,” he said as he gently tugged a blanket over them, letting Angel turn off the light with one of his hands, as the other set wrapped around his lover,

“Night, baby,”

“Night, Legs.”

By the first light of morning there was no Lucifer in the room, in his place was a note left for Alastor, saying that the king was making group breakfast this morning instead of eating together as they normally did, the radio demon rolled his eyes and sighed as he slipped on his house coat, padding over to make a pot of coffee for himself to sip, he heard a knock at the door and hummed as he tied his robe closed, Beau was busy helping his little lover not set the kitchen on fire; shame, he didn’t much feel like answering the door but he did anyways, staring face to tit with Angel Dust’s perfectly fluffed rack, clad in a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top, the radio demon grumbled internally, he didn’t feel like dealing with anyone right now,

“Morning to you too, smiles,” the spider raised an eyebrow,

“Good morning, my effeminate fellow, what brings you to my humble abode?  You usually wake up late,” 

“Nah, I had to get Luca up and to the dining room this morning, so I’m up early, you, uh, you alone in here?” he asked, looking over the buck’s head.

“Hm, yes, Lucifer has made the effort to try and make everyone breakfast. Why do you ask?” he questioned, his neck cracking as his head tilted. 

Angel looked at him, the scare tactics not working,

“Can we talk? Ya know, privately,”

“Why? What is this about?”

“You and Short King going through a rough patch? I noticed last night you were acting kinda cold with one another, I thought I’d check in” the spider said as he clasped one set of hands together, the other set had a plate of seemingly fresh baked muffins, blackberry muffins, Alastor would be lying if those muffins didn’t smell like the ones his mother used to make; his eyes flicked between the muffins and the sinner holding them, 

“Husker told you about the muffins, didn’t he?” the radio demon hissed,

“Yeah, he did, you gonna let me in and tell me what’s goin’ on or am I gonna have to share these with Nuggie and ask your boyfriend what's wrong?” 

“Fine, but one word outside of this room and I will get Beauregard to spit roast you over an open fire,”

“Kinky, don't threaten me with a good time. Love a good spit roast.”

Alasor let him in, flicking his ears, 

“I don't even want to know what that is,” the radio demon rolled his eyes and let Angel in, allowing him to sit at the kitchen table. He poured the spider a coffee and set out a small dish of butter with a knife to accompany it, along with two small plates.

“Ok, so tell me what’s happening,” the sinner said as he took a muffin, cut it in half, and spread some butter onto his muffin, happy he could enjoy carbs again and butter without val screaming at him about a diet. 

“Lucifer gave me an ultimatum and I’m rather irritated about the entire ordeal,” the radio demon said as he sipped his coffee, buttering a hunk of the blackberry delicacy,

“What kinda ultimatum?”

“Sleep with him for a ritual or he sleeps with a geotian duke to save hell's birthrate,” 

“I do not see how this one is bad… You guys have sex normally, right?”

“Yes, though I am not on the receiving end, the deal stipulates that I have to be under him, on the receiving end,” the buck said as he looked away,

“Oh, so you gotta bottom?”

“If you must say it so crassly. Yes.”

The spider sinner sipped his coffee,

“And I take it you don't want to try that?”

“No, not a chance in hell. Both options are terrible. Shamefully lie on my back for the king of hell like an obedient little lift skirt or let my lover fuck someone else, both options are rotten. I am no match for a geotian duke, but I’d happily rip his throat out if Lucifer returned with the scent on him,” he said with a soft snarl,

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm your tits smiles, it ain’t shameful to be a bottom, trust me on that one, it’s real fun. But yeah, sharing isn’t fun, especially if it's not something you're into,” Angel said softly, eating a piece of muffin, 

“I assure you I’m not into it as you say. Do you see my conundrum? Both options are just, Shitty,” Alastor swore, running his hands over his face for a moment,

“I see it. Have you ever tried anything like that with Lucifer?”

“No, I don’t want to be a weak little bimbo,”

“First off, stop calling yourself a whore every time you talk about bottoming, it ain’t nice, Al. Remember I did that job for fuckin’ decades,”

“Apologies, Angel, I’m simply stressed out about the entire ordeal,” the buck ate a bit of his muffin. 

Angel sighed softly,

“Listen, being on the bottom doesn't make you weak or shameful, the only time I felt shame was when the poor fucker I slept with didn’t get me off, Lots a piss poor johns down here. I want ya to put all that sexual stigma outta your brain because you're gonna keep pissing yourself off and probably Lucifer too, now take a deep fuckin breath and breathe out slow, let all that shit leave your brain,” the spider said softly, doing the breathing exercise with the radio demon, 

“Alright, done.”

“Good start, alright, being a bottom doesn't make you anything less. Just because Lucifer bottoms for ya doesn't make him any less than the king of hell, right? And he trusts you enough to let you do that to him because he knows you're not gonna hurt him in a way he doesn't like,” the spider said with a smirk,

“I suppose you’re right… How did you get comfortable doing that kind of thing?” Alastor picked at his muffin, feeling the lump in his throat. He didn’t enjoy talking about sex most of the time.

“Patience, lube and playing with myself, ya learn what ya like when you figure out how to pleasure yourself, easier to direct your partner to because you know exactly what your tastes are.”

Alastor looked into his coffee, staring at the inky darkness as he let thoughts move around his mind, 

“Self-exploration has never been much to my tastes,”

“That's ok to admit, I'm pretty sure your partner would help if you needed it, he seems pretty ass over tea kettle to do anything for ya, I still have lots of toys and stuff I got send home as samples if you want a few more things to add to what I gave ya, more beginner-friendly stuff,” Angel said, the radio demon finished his muffin, moving the plate before he put his head down on the table, sighing heavy, 

“It would be worth a try,” he said so quietly that the other sinner almost didn’t hear him,

“Ya know I'm proud of you,”

“For what?” he looked up at the spider, his ears pinned, looking as unimpressed as you could be with a permanent smile,

“For talking about this with me, you’re not just holing yourself up and shutting me out. It’s hard to forget the time when we were alive ya know, the stigma around sex and everything else, I was real fucking repressed when I came down here, never slept with a man, had to keep up appearances when I was alive, lived a lie the whole fucking time, overdosed and then I was free to be whoever I wanted to be. Sometimes you gotta remember no one here matters that can judge your ass, but you and me were the worst fucking critics of ourselves,” the spider gave a crooked smile.

“You have a point, Angel. I suppose I owe Lucifer an apology when he gets back. I was a prick last night,” Alastor spoke softly. He finished his coffee,
“Ya got uncomfortable last night and showed your ass? You've got a habit with that,” Angel said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, I do, I’ll have to break it if I intend to sleep next to the king of hell, we sleep separately when we've had enough of one another, he strangely still insists on sleeping with Beauregard though, I don't understand how my shadow is without scorn in the argument,” the radio demon hummed, 

“He probably can’t sleep when the space next to him is empty. I get like that when Nuggie is gone and Husk is working, can’t nap till one of them comes to bed to cuddle with me. I’ll go get those things for ya, you wanna keep that last muffin as a peace offering?”

“What a splendid idea. Angel.”

The blackberry muffin sat on a small duck-themed saucer, another thing that had made its way into Alastor’s bedroom, he swore most of the king's kitchenware had grown legs and walked its way over when he wasn't looking, to be fully honest it probably had, next to it sat his favourite duck mug, an infuser already filled with loose leaf tea, waiting for hot water; it would surely be a surprise when he came back; Till then Alastor was left with nothing but his thoughts and the box of things Angel handed off to him, he sat on their shared bed, laying the toys out among the sheets, staring at the array of items, plugs, beads, dildos, all beginner-friendly of course, coloured in a pearlescent white with stripes of shimmering pink, for something people fucked themselves with, it was sure enjoyable to look at, though the large bottle of lube was a bit more interesting, viscous and thick, barely movie when the bottle was turned upside down. 

Alastor hummed as he saw a small book at the bottom of the box. He took it out and looked at the cover, 

“Understanding sexual stigma,” he said as he ran his claes over the cover, he noticed a sticky note on the back ‘this might help ya let loose a bit -Angel’ he read with a raised eyebrow, now was a good a time as any it seemed, he heard a soft ding as a new golden note appeared on his nightstand, it was handwritten just as the last one was, simply explaining that Lucifer was going out to shop with Charlie, something about getting Luca a few sets of clothes among other things, when the paper was read it turned into a plume of smoke,

“Always with the theatrics, I suppose I can’t be too irritated, at least he told me where he was going,” The sinner stretched before he lay back, slipping on a set of reading glasses as he popped open the book, getting one of his puppets to grab him another cup of coffee to enjoy as he did.

It was a few hours before Lucifer came back to their shared room, a few bags hanging off his arms as he opened the door, humming as he hung his hat up on the hook near the door, along with his jacket, he came in and set the bags down on the table, looking around for his lover, spotting him in the kitchen pouring hot water from the kettle into his favourite mug, 

“Alastor,” he said softly,

“Yes, Lucifer?” he questioned, turning around, holding the plate in one hand and his mug in the other, 

“Are we going to talk about what happened?” the angel asked, crossing his arms as he watched his partner set down the two items on the kitchen table, 

“We are. I’m sorry,”

“Wait, you’re apologizing?” the king asked, his eyebrow raised,

“Yes, it's warranted, I acted like a prick yesterday, I felt backed into a corner and said things that weren't savoury,  it’s a habit I need to break,” Alastor said softly as he looked to his partner,

“I’m sorry too for pushing so hard… But what brought this on?” 

Lucifer watched his lover sigh, 

“Angel and I had a lengthy chat this morning after he bribed me with blackberry muffins. It made me realize I’m repressed and still living in my time even though the world is a far cry from that now, I want to let that gnawing voice in the back of my mind go, but it's going to take time for me to get comfortable with everything,” Alastor admitted, not looking his partner in the eyes, the angel went over to him and simply wrapped him in a hug, 

“I’m glad you two talked. I forgive you,” he said quietly, holding him. The radio demon kissed the top of his head gently and kept his face in his hair.

“I want to try this ritual with you, but I need time to prepare myself for it, mentally and well, physically. I have to get comfortable first.”

“Of course, Al, I’ll give you all the time you need as long as it is before Sunday, since that's our deadline,” he said, checking the calendar. 

“Angel explained that I need to… play with myself more to figure out what I enjoy.”

Alastor could hear his partner's wings ruffle, not in anger nor irritation, in interest, 

“Self-discovery is important; don't let me hold you back. Is it something you want me out of the room for?” Lucifer asked as he looked up to meet his lover's eyes, 

“Perhaps, I haven't decided yet, I'm still reading through the book Angel lent me,” he said softly, 

“...did he lend you a book on how to masturbate?”

“No, dear, a book on letting go of sexual stigma, I am fully aware of how to masturbate, I know the logistics.” 

The angel let out a soft giggle,

“Yeah, I mean, I'd expect you to know how, you were almost forty when you died, and you've been down here for…” he trailed off before his partner put a hand over his mouth,

“Don’t remind me how old I am, thank you. Need I remind you how old you are, Lucifer?” Alastor said with a raised eyebrow, 

“Older than time itself and humanity, my back is feeling it, trust me, I can't say I don't like my lovers young and vibrant,”

“Dear, I can't even get on the floor without a pillow under my knees to pleasure you with my mouth, young and vibrant are not words to describe me these days,” he hummed,

“It was a compliment, you goof,” Lucifer said, a dopey smile gracing his features, 

“Ah, I've graduated back to boyfriend status, can my aching heart have a kiss?” 

“Yeah, I think you deserve one, talking about your feelings and saving me a muffin, maybe you deserve a bit more than that.” 

Lucifer gently pressed his lips to Alastor’s, holding his cheeks as he did, sliding his eyes shut. The radio demon held his lover's waist, kissing back slowly, shutting his eyes, holding onto him as if he were the last being on earth. 

For as much as they fought over things, they still loved one another, regardless of what bed they slept in or who they ate breakfast with; Lucifer was the only person that Alastor would ever share his heart with and his trust.

Chapter Text

Self-exploration truth be told was not something Alastor was ever used to, he did masturbate every so often, mostly when he was in rut and he felt physically compelled to do so, it wasn't something he did much living either, every so usually when he got physically pent up enough, but there were better things, in his humble opinion, to do other than play with yourself, like plan radio broadcasts and tinker with various objects that weren't supposed to be disassembled in the first place; it's not that the radio demon didn’t self-pleasure, he just didn’t have a tremendously high sex drive.

But talking with Angel and his lover gave him a bit of hope and the desire to find himself to forget about what was scrutinized when he was alive, the spider was right, he needed to move on from his past way of thinking, at least in the sexual area of it, the fashion, the music and the technology were perfect, of course. 

Alastor sat on the bed in a silk robe, fully nude underneath for once, typically he was clad in a full night shirt that ended at his ankles, but he’d kissed Lucifer goodbye and was left a beautiful silk dressing gown, blood red with black accents, it smelled of his lover as if it had been bathed in the scent of pure angelic petrichor; The buck knew the king would be gone for a few hours at minimum, he was having a long overdue father-daughter day with Princess Charlotte, he was happy for the time alone, not that the sinner cared, regardless of if his partner was in the room or not he still would have read his book and looked at the various items Angel had given him with fascination.

The tie on the robe was undone as the radio demon hummed, he opened the robe fully, lounging fully nude, wagging his tail gently as he ran a hand carefully over his body, tracing old scars and the one on his chest that still ached, running his claws through the various patches of fur, nudity was never something he was fully comfortable with, he kept himself covered up due to his extensive collection of marks on his skin unless they were bathing or fucking he often kept himself hidden away from even his lovers tender gaze; he let out a soft sigh as he continued to gently touch his body, using his tentacles to grab the things Angel had given him, he had banished Beauregard earlier to help Lucifer and this was much to intimate to use his puppets for help. 

Alastor mapped every part of his body with the tips of his fingers, ignoring the slight disgust from the way his ribs jutted out, and his hip bones, but it wasn’t something that he could change, he bulked up during rutting season but his normal form was grotesque and skinny, a stark reminder that he was a demon cursed never to gain an ounce no matter who or what he ate, it was one of his various punishments but at the very least he was still attractive to his lover so he didn’t care as much anymore about his imperfections. 

The sinner let out a soft breath he didn't know he was holding. As he slowly grew more comfortable, he slipped the rest of the robe off and looked at the bottle of lube next to him, tipping the bottle upside down, watching the viscous liquid drop slowly to the bottom.

He looked at the silicone caps and carefully put them on his claws. He didn't feel like filleting himself, at least not in that area. He slicked his fingers with a bit of lube, warming them slightly before he reached between his legs and slowly rubbed his hole, his tail gently waggling as he did. It wasn't a horrible feeling; it was different.

He kept rubbing till he relaxed enough to slide a finger in slowly. He hummed at the feeling, the gentle burn of the stretch. He enjoyed the little bit of pain it caused, but he had always been a bit of a masochist. He let out a soft grunt as he began to move his finger. 

“Hm, I fail to see why Lucifer enjoys this as much as he does. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong,” he hummed, flicking his ears before they pinned flat back to his head. He added another finger and carefully moved it. He was growing a bit frustrated; there had to be pleasure in this somewhere. 

He tried for a few more minutes before letting out a huff and cleaning himself up, giving up for the time being. 

Lucifer arrived home a few hours later to a sexually frustrated radio demo who was pacing around the swamp stark naked,

“Honey, I’m, oh, Al, are you alright?” he questioned, closing the portal behind himself, 

“No, I’m frustrated,”

“Ok, do you want to talk about it?” he said softly as he sat on the kitchen table, watching as his partner got closer, leaning against the kitchen counter, looking away,

“I’m not good at self-pleasure. I fail to see how you enjoy that form of playing with yourself so much. I just can't grasp it, I’ve tried multiple times since you’ve been out,” he put his face in his hands for a moment. The angel hummed softly and thought for a few moments,

“Did you find your prostate?”

“My what?” came a confused look from the radio demon, 

“Did you crook your fingers when you were playing with yourself?”

“...No, Angel didn’t exactly send me an instruction manual; it would be more convenient if he did.”

Alastor watched as Lucifer kicked his feet, his tail swishing, 

“Do you want me to physically show you or sit on the bed and give you instructions?” he questioned as he moved to slip off his jacket and hat, wash his hands, and look at his lover, watching his tail wag. 

“Can you give me instructions while I lie in bed?” he asked quietly, 

“Of course, Bambi,” he smiled, and hopped down, holding out his hand to his lover, who gladly took it and walked with him to bed. The angel snapped, and a canopy appeared over it, thin silk in an opaque curtain. The sinner raised an eyebrow before his lover parted the sheet,

“For privacy, I know you get shy, I know it's already a big step for you to walk around naked with me in here,” he said softly as the radio demon got into bed. 

“I’m trying; it is somewhat uncomfortable, but you haven't commented on my form thus far.”

“I’m not going to make any comments, other than that you're incredibly handsome and beautiful.”

The sinner wagged his tail and blushed for a moment, looking away, 

“Flattery will get you everywhere, my love,” he said with a smirk as he got on the bed, his legs open, and he got the things Angel had given him. Lucifer sat on the edge of the bed, his wings idly stretching as he gazed over his lover, Alastor, who slowly got himself ready, accepting a few kisses from the angel at his side. It felt somewhat strange to be like this, pleasuring himself, or trying; he focused on trying to relax till he felt comfortable enough to venture lower.

Lucifer didn’t watch, wanting to give Alastor his distance to find himself and not suffocate the poor sinner with attention; he only kissed him when he felt Al get frustrated or tense. 

“Alright, tell me your secrets.” 

“Crook your fingers like you're telling me to come here and bend your knees, it's a bit easier to reach,” he said softly as he gently rubbed one of his lover’s ears.

Alastor hummed and adjusted before he did as the angel told, shifting a bit before he crooked his fingers, 

“That little nub, rub it gently,” the angel said softly. The sinner let out a low moan, his body shivering as his tail fluttered, his other hand covered his mouth,

“There you go,” Lucifer smiled. He tucked his wings away and kissed his lover's head gently before he stood,

“I’ll leave you be,”

“Thank you, dear.”

“You're welcome. Al.”

The angel closed the canopy as he left his lover to enjoy himself; he knew it was important for the sinner to enjoy himself alone, Lucifer settled into the sitting room, a pair of reading glasses on his face as he waved his hand, stacks of unsigned paperwork before him, he sat down in Alastor’s wing back chair, a small table in front of him as he started his work that he’d been neglecting for ages, he listened as the radio in the room flickered between channels, the king could hear the sounds of pleasure that echoed through the swamp; he was happy that his lover was enjoying himself, without shame. 

Lucifer flicked his tail as he signed a small stack, handing them to his double. The copy filed them in his room before the king yawned. Already bored with this job, he worked his way through the stack for the hotel, scribbling his name on a few admission slips that would keep residents safe contractually and away from any outside contract holder from harming them.

Alastor lasted less than 10 minutes, a moaning, sweaty mess, one hand playing with his spot and the other stroking his cock. He rolled his hips against his fingers, panting softly before he came with a screech. He blushed, suddenly embarrassed at his volume. He tugged his fingers free and lay on the bed, trying to catch his breath. 

“Lucifer, dear, could you come here a moment?” he called out, wiping his hands on a washcloth his shadow obediently brought over; the soft clack of hooves let him know that his lover was coming.

The king gently peeked between the parted curtains of the canopy, a soft smile on his features, his tail behind him flicking softly,

“What does my favourite buck need?” he asked, 

“It depends. Have you finished your urgent paperwork for the day?” Alastor asked, 

“Yes, spare for one, but it's 12 pages and I don't feel like reading all of it at this moment,” he said softly, 

“That's good enough for now. I’d like to cuddle,” the buck said softly as he opened his arms. he had thoroughly cleaned himself up, and his shadow had put away all of the other things after washing them.

“Clothes on or off?” the angel asked. Alastor hummed as he thought,

“I am still getting used to the concept of nudity outside of post sex or bathing, keep your clothes on,” the sinner said softly. Lucifer nodded and got into his arms, wiggling a bit to get comfortable. he kissed the top of his lover's head gently, 

“I’m proud of you,”

“Thank you, my love.”

Soft, warm lips pressed against the sinner's collarbones, slowly peppering kisses along his cool flesh. The skin below twitched gently as his breath hitched, and the king's fingers slowly prodded lower, rubbing the base of his tail.

“Colour?”

“Green,” the radio demon responded, his eyes shut as he focused on Lucifer touching his body, claws lightly running along his chest and down his taught concave stomach. Another careful set of hands clicked open the bottle of lube next to him, the angel double-working to keep everything smooth and to keep Beau occupied when he got too handsy. 

Lucifer waved his hand, making sure his claws were shortened so he wouldn’t hurt his partner, he lubed his fingers and carefully rubbed his hole, gently nipping his chest, his double dragging his claws down the sinner's stomach, Alastor moaned softly and parted his legs a bit more, giving his lover room, his tail giving a hesitant wiggle, the king noticed and his double carefully ran his fingers through the sinner's hair, rubbing his ears as the king slowly slid a finger into him, 

“Good boy,” came a warm coo from the shorter man. 

Alastor didn’t mind the feeling, it wasn't something he was used to even after touching himself when the king had left him to his own devices to do paperwork, his tail wagged gently, the feeling of small-clawed hands running over his face and through his hair, rubbing his ears kept him relaxed as Lucifer carefully fingered him open, the angel listening to his every move and his body language to detect any discomfort, 

“Colour?”

“Green dear,” he said through soft breaths, his ear twitching gently when the base was rubbed. The king hummed as he carefully crooked his finger, searching for something till the radio demon let out a low moan, his tail thumping against the bedspread as his body shivered, 

“That's it, Bambi, I want to hear you chase your pleasure.”

The angel slowly introduced another finger, working on rubbing his partner's prostate, listening to the gasps and moans. He could see the sinner's hips slowly rocking, his cock hardened against his stomach, dripping with precum. The copy of Lucifer ran his claws down Alastor's chest, kissing his ear, nipping at the fluffy shell of it,

“You sound so beautiful when you sing for me,” he felt the buck shiver.

Lucifer kissed Beauregard, the king's tail out and stroking the shadow's back as he did, he listened to the creature purr into his mouth; the copy nipped Alastor's ear, sharp teeth nearly drawing blood, watching as the sinner's body slowly began to arch more, his breath coming out in light pants laden with loud moans as the angel scissored him open, a third finger joined, rubbing his spot before he slowly started to pump them.

Alastor's breath hitched as he felt the slight burn of being stretched; his leg twitched, nearly kicking his lover as he whimpered in pleasure,

“Colour?”

“Green,” Beau whispered as he licked at Lucifer's throat. The sinner was making noises even he didn't fully recognize; then again, he had never felt pleasure like this; he’d never trusted anyone like this to give it to him, only his lover. 

Only the one to whom he showed his vulnerability, Lucifer. 

After what felt like an hour the buck came with a loud bellowing bugle, his hackles raised, ears pinned, his hips rocking to chase the feeling of his climax, Lucifer kept going, rubbing his spot till he was gently kicked with the sinners perfectly manicured hoof, the angel slid his fingers free and looked at his lover, Alastor’s eyes were half-lidded, he was a sweaty mess, his hair stuck up in odd angels, a mess of thick cum on his stomach, sticking in the fur of his treasure trail, he looked thoroughly debauched, 

“I’d take a picture if you'd let me,”

“Why would you want a picture of me looking like a mess?”

Lucifer leaned forward, dragging his finger through the mess on his lover's stomach, his forked tongue slid over the digit slowly, and Alastor blushed,

“Because my normally prim and proper boyfriend being completely debauched is something I want to keep forever, I’d paint you, but I want this for my eyes only Alastor,” the king purred low in his throat before he sent Beau to find a washcloth to clean his partner up enough to at least get him into the shower, the sinner raised an eyebrow and waved his hand, holding an old instant camera, the angel looked at him confused, 

“I’ll allow you to take one photo, your eyes only, if it’s so much as touched by anyone who isn't you or me, it will immediately incinerate, break my trust, and it will do the same,” he said, handing it to his lover. 

Alastor watched the angel's face light up a little more, his smile widening as he kissed him on the lips softly,

“I wouldn't dream of it, I love you, Al,”

“I love you too,” he replied as Lucifer looked through the viewfinder at his lover, who was still lying with his legs open, tail wiggling in contentment, 

“Stay as you are, you're perfect just like that,” he hummed, wiggling on the bed to get the perfect angle before he snapped a photo, he grabbed the photo out of the front, setting the camera down as he waited for the picture to develop, with a wave of the sinners clawed hand the camera was gone; the kings tail swished as he watched the picture develop in his hands, his tongue sticking out slightly as he waited, the buck let out a soft chuckle watching his lover.

Beauregard came back with the wash cloth and a towel, afterall the sinner was growing sticky, Lucifer purred, holding the photo with his tail as he carefully wiped down his lover, making sure he was cleaned up enough to get to the shower without dripping everywhere, he looked back at the now developed picture, letting out a sound Alastor had never heard before,

“You rattle like a kingfisher when you're overjoyed,” he said with a hum. The angel looked at him. 

“Sometimes, you know, you squeak like a fawn when I pick you up,”

“Oh fiddle faddle, I do not,” the sinner said with his arms crossed. The king waved the photo, stashing it in a secret place before he hopped out of bed and tugged his lover up into his arms, making the taller man let out a rather undignified squeak.

“Cheater,”

“Nah, I'm not cheating, you just sound fucking adorable, you make the same noise when I grab your ass too and play with your tail, I love it.”

The sinner rolled his eyes and allowed the king to carry him into the already-filling tub,

“I can walk, you know, “

“After that climax? Your legs were shaking like newborn fawns, Al, let me pamper you,” Lucifer reminded him. Alastor hummed, 

“I suppose for tonight, you can tell me how this fertility ritual for hell works as you wash me,” he hummed, as he leaned back, lifting a leg to strike a pose like a ballerina being lifted, his hoof pointed out perfectly, making the angel giggle and spin carefully, his wings flaring out, 

“Now aren’t we the prettiest belles at the ball?” he said with a goofy smile. 

Alastor pressed his lips gently to his lover’s in a chaste kiss, thinking, as he held onto Lucifer's cheeks, his eyes slid shut before he gently pulled away, 

“Hm, you never let me reciprocate earlier,” the buck said softly as the angel shut off the water with a wave of his hand, 

“I didn’t need you to, I enjoy just pleasuring you sometimes, you’ve done the same for me before and asked for nothing in return. Our love isn’t conditional, Al,” the angel carefully lowered him into the tub,

“I suppose you do have a point, dear,” the sinner said as he relaxed in the tub, sinking till he was up to his chin, his ears comfortably flicking as the angel snapped himself a pillow for his knees,  looking forward away from his lover as he shut his eyes,

“It's strange sometimes.”

Lucifer grabbed a loofah, wetted it and put on the sinner's favourite soap,

“Huh?” he asked as he gently scrubbed up the buck’s arm, 

“Loving you,” Al said simply. The scrubbing stopped as the angel stared.

“...What?” 

“I never saw myself loving someone as I do you, trusting you, allowing you to see and feel parts of me no one else can, being vulnerable enough to allow you to take care of me when I was injured, the list goes on, my dear, you are my everything.”

The sinner's ears flicked as he heard a sniffle. He opened his eyes and looked over. Lucifer had tears running down his face, Alastor carefully wiped one away with his thumb, till the angel got in the tub,

“You’re my Universe, Alastor.”

“Lucifer, dear, you're fully clothed.”

“And crying well sitting in your lap because you said the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” he spoke as he snapped his fingers, ridding himself of the now wet clothes, almost kissing his lover, his face getting closer, running his hands down his chest,

“I love you,” 

“I love you, too, my darling songbird.”

They lounged in the tub together for a few minutes before Lucifer snapped his fingers, lighting a few candles around the tub,

“Oh, I'd better explain the ritual before I forget about it,” the angel said. Alastor hummed,

“Yes, help me understand it better,”  he said softly, wrapping an arm around his lover's waist. He saw the angel’s hand wave as two small, drawn versions of them stood in the darkness, no more than the size of the sinner's palm,

“Alright, we have to light a circle of candles and draw a sigil on the floor in wax. Vaul has also sent some body paint, we are to mark ourselves in it,” he explained, the small figures animating the actions as he spoke.

“The symbols we put on our bodies aren’t binding, they are more of a spell to increase the feeling of pleasure and keep us relaxed, then we fuck on the floor in the circle, both of us have to climax, and I have to climax inside of you,” the king explained, the buck watched their figures fuck before his eyes before he looked away,

“I’m sure that will be interesting, though. Does it have to be that position? Do you remember neither of us is good at getting off the floor?” 

Lucifer smiled crookedly,

“Nah, it can be whatever position you want that keeps you comfortable. I’ve always considered myself more of a pleasure top.”

“What is that?” the sinner questioned, 

“A top who focuses on their partner's needs, pleasuring them till they climax first and multiple times if possible,” the angel explained, kissing his lover's collarbones, 

“Fascinating, there are so many terms I've never heard before,” Alastor said softly as he slowly nuzzled his lover's damp hair,

“There are lots of terms that humans have come up with to define what role someone takes in the bedroom; they like to label things, I guess. I wasn’t sure what it was till I slept with someone outside of hell.”

Alastor raised an eyebrow,

“I thought you didn't sleep with anyone but me, your ex, the duke, and Eve?” he asked,

“In hell, yes. I slept around a lot in my human form after my marriage died. I buried myself with work and fucked the night away. I’d sneak away before they woke up, but it didn’t make me feel less dead inside, so I stopped doing it after a few years. I hope you don’t think any less of me for it,” Lucifer said as he sighed, 

“I don’t care what you did before we got together, dear. It seems normal for people to have casual relations with one another. Rosie and I talked about it at one point, it was just before I offered courtship,” the sinner spoke softly,

“Huh? Really?” 

“It was the catalyst. I realized I pushed you out the door after using you, and I was upset. Rosie and I chatted about it, afterall, the old gal gets around, and she brought me to my senses. If it weren’t for her and Angel, I’d say we’d have never gotten together,” he smiled, 

“And that would have been a damn shame, hating you like I used to, I would have never known what a big sweetheart the feral radio demon is and an excellent lover.”

Chapter Text

Days later, the first raindrops that hit the scorched earth of hell meant that it was Spring, scream rain was common, shaking the ring as lightning met buildings and sinners who were unfortunate enough to be in its path, though the sound of the weather eating away at structures it didn’t distract the fallen angel who was currently focused on his book, carefully painting Vaul’s sigil onto the cut grass in the middle of the bayou, it would be softer than the hardwood, he wanted to make sure his lover was comfortable during this entire ritual; not that Lucifer wanted to do this whole thing, every part of it reminded him of Lilith, not that he tried to remind himself of the relationship he ruined. 

He finished drawing the sigil and set up candles, marking and adding things to the circle before it was prepared. He checked his phone for the time. He had a therapy session this morning with Vee; that might clear his mind from the amount of despair he was feeling. He padded his way back to the sitting room where his lover was reading a book, a gramophone lazily spinning a record as music played, his ear flicked, and his shadow gave it a few more cranks.

“I’m slipping out for a bit. If you need anything, call me.” 

“Yes, dear, enjoy your therapy,” Alastor said softly, holding his page before kissing his lover on the lips in a chaste kiss, and then he was gone in a flurry of feathers. 

Vaughn checked his watch for a moment before a gold portal opened and the king of hell stepped through,

“On time as always, Lucifer,” he said, sipping his tea, a cup already poured for the king. 

“I try not to be late for things I like, meetings with anyone other than you, my partner and my daughter, I will happily be a few hours late,” he said with a soft chuckle, 

“Well, I’m glad I’ve become a fixture in your life that’s important enough to be on time for. Now let's get down to business, what's been bothering you lately, if anything at all.”

Lucifer took his seat and crossed his legs as he often did,

“I’m bothered recently about a lot, today was a critical day in Lilith and I’s union, everything I'm doing is slowly reminding me of her, that and I feel guilty about something else,”

“Alright, let's unpack the topic of Lillith first. Tell me about why this day was so special.”

“It’s the day of the fertility ritual of hell. It was also the day we conceived Charlie. Regardless of our ever-growing wedge between us at the time, we still both participated in it together, though the last time it felt like just meaningless sex.”

“So this ritual was something you both had to participate in, or could it have been done with someone else?”

“With my wife at the time or one of the geotian princes, it was always special before I cheated on her; we’d have a night of romance and intimacy during and after, so this reminds me that I’m still struggling with even the thought of her,” he said quietly, sipping his tea.

The therapist hummed for a moment,

“I understand, it may be an idea to make new memories with your partner this time around. You're coming to terms with what the past with her was, but to forge ahead in the future, we need to make new memories to replace the ones we’d like to heal,” Vee said as he took his notes.

“I intend to… I'm just worried about all of this. We fought a few weeks ago over this entire situation,” Lucifer admitted, sighing to himself.

“Ok, let's talk about that, what started the fight, and how you mended it?” Vaughn said as he glanced up at the king,

“Well, as normal, every ten years I’m supposed to do a ritual to make sure hell's birthrate doesn't drop below a certain baseline. It’s a sex ritual where I have to be the one penetrating my partner, to I guess, put it plainly, the alternative is to sleep with Vaul, the geotian duke who forged the deal. I told my partner of this and was stupid enough to give him an ultimatum: sleep with me or I'll sleep with the duke. Well, it resulted in a blow-up between us.”

“That sounds like quite the mess. Ultimatums typically end out poorly, because they put a degree of pressure on a relationship that may already have cracks existing.”

“That's what I feel horrible about, I promised him I’d never pressure him into doing something he was uncomfortable with, I feel like I backed him into a corner and forced him into this…” the angel stared into his tea, taking a sip before he shivered.

Vaughn flicked one of his large ears, writing something down on his pad,

“Is your lover good at communication normally, or is he more reserved?” he asked,

“I think he tries, but both of us get quiet, then we yell at each other when we're upset, and it turns into a mess.”

“ok, would he tell you if he had a problem of any kind? Or would he let you walk all over him?” 

“He'd tell me, after he's through about it, or come in yelling,” 

“He would tell you if he was uncomfortable or pushing back if you were forcing him, correct?” The therapist said as he tapped his pen against the paper a few times.

Lucifer nodded,

“He would, I hope he would at least… I've been such a dick lately,” he said softly, tapping his cup with his claw gently,

“I suggest that you go home and sit down and have a long talk about everything. Communication is the key to a good lasting relationship, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable the conversation may be, just have it, it's best not to leave things unanswered,” he said with a smile. 

“I'll pick him up some flowers too,” Lucifer said as he drank the rest of his tea before snapping his dish clean and putting it away. He stood and dusted himself off,

“Thank you, Vaughn. I'll see you in two weeks.”

The rabbit nodded, and the angel left in a flutter of wings, stopping first at the finest florist in Pride, only to scoff and leave when they didn’t have exactly what he wanted. Hell didn’t have an equivalent for Magnolias, it had several hundred other types of plants, carnivorous and otherwise, but it couldn’t replace the sweet scent of what he wanted for the man who’d put up with him though all of the truly selfish things he’d done; the fallen angel hummed as he made his way up to earth, waving his hand to craft his disguise, he hummed softly as he made his way to a local florist, 

“Good afternoon, how can I help you?”

“I’m looking to have a bouquet made, preferably with sweet bay magnolias, wild roses and red carnations,” Lucifer said with a smile. The older man behind the counter nodded, 

“I should have that in stock, you must love them a lot, with all that,” he said as he ran it up, getting the king to tap his card. 

“I’ve always been keen on flower language. He likes magnolias, reminds him of home,” he said softly,

“Got yourself a good bayou boy, I take it?” the older man said as he grabbed various flowers from refrigerated buckets, laying them out on a steel table next to the cash,

“I’d say so,” Lucifer smiled fondly, 

“I’m the same, I moved here decades ago, I was only going to stay a week, then fell absolutely ass over tea kettle for a pretty boy on the bayou,” he chuckled fondly as he nudged his glasses up his nose, 

“Where were you from originally?” the king asked, leaning on the counter as he watched the man work delicately, trimming stems and putting them together. 

“Alaska, I always wanted to visit for Mardi Gras, pinched my pennies and packed my bag, it was the 70’s by that time, came down and never left,” he spoke fondly,

“How did you two meet?” 

The florist delicately filled bare spots and plucked leaves carefully,

“Wasn’t a whirlwind romance, he backed into my rental car trying to parallel park and ended up buying me a drink after as an apology, it was history after that, I miss him every day since he passed. What about you and your partner?” he asked. Lucifer couldn't say he met his partner amid the animal sinners' rutting season, 

“I'm so sorry to hear that. We hated each other when we first met, we ended up spending a few nights together because we were both in need of some companionship, thought it was casual till we both decided we wanted more, he courted me and we've been together since then,” he said as he noticed the photo on the wall, taken sometime in the 80’s the florist holding a dozen red roses as his shorter partner hanging off of him, he noticed something, 

“I've always enjoyed hearing the whole enemies-to-lovers thing. Well, I hope he likes your bouquet,” he spoke as he tied the ribbon around the flowers, carefully wrapping it in cellophane.

“I don’t doubt he will, thank you- I didn’t catch your name,” 

“Gunnar Breaux.”

Lucifer took the bouquet that was handed to him, 

“Related to Vaughn Breaux?” he asked quietly,

“Yes, he was my husband, we got married before he got sick, did you know him?” he asked with a hum,

“I was one of his patients, the best therapist I could have gone to,” he smiled. 

“That he was, one of these days I’m sure I’ll be with him soon, my health isn't what it used to be,” Gunnar looked at their photo; even though he was fallen the angel could still feel pain and suffering from humans, he could hear a heart that would soon be too weak to keep up with its host, 

“Well, I hope one day you'll be sitting together, watching the bayou off the dock, holding hands like you used to with him,” 

“-Wait, how did you?” he turned, and the king was gone, leaving nothing but a large tip on the counter and a stray magnolia petal in the place where he once stood.

The king had found himself standing in front of his lover, his face still in his book, exactly how he’d left him before his session, not even looking up from the page.

“How was your session?” he asked, uncrossing his legs.

“It was good… could you please put a mark in your book?”

“I suppose, but- oh my,” came a soft gasp from the radio demon, the bookmark was slipped between the pages as he set the book down, taking the bouquet in his hands and burying his face in them, taking in the scents of sweet magnolias, carnations and wild roses, he couldn't help but let his tail wag in happiness,

“What’s all this for?” he asked.

Lucifer sat across from him,

“I’ve been kind of a selfish asshole the past few months, I felt like I pressured you and backed you into a corner multiple times and I wanted to apologize for all of that, I’m not used to having someone who cares about me and puts themselves on the line even when I sometimes don’t deserve that amount of kindness,” he let out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding, Alastor looked up at him,

“I forgive you, even when you act like a horse's ass We both have our flaws; I’m not going to hold any of what's happened against you.” 

“I just worry that I pressure you sometimes and that you're only saying yes because you have to.” 

“Hush up, if I were truly feeling pressured, do you think I’d ever have humoured the idea of having sex with you? Absolutely not, I lived in a time of shame and oppression, I was vocal back then, and I’ll continue to be vocal long into my afterlife too. Now don’t you worry a feather on your wings about me.”

Alastor watched the angel breathe a sigh of relief,

“You're good at communication, whether you want to be or not. You're one of the most attentive and caring people I know, other than Charlotte, but she's half of you, so I'm not sure that counts. You're even putting the effort into communicating with your flowers, dear.”

“I didn’t think you'd notice,”

“I’m no simpleton, Magnolias are my favourite scent, Wild roses for pleasure and pain, red carnations for your aching heart; you are the most romantic being in all of hell,” the buck said with an ever-present smile, 

“For your eyes only. I’ve got a night planned for us.”

“I thought we were just doing the ritual and staying in tonight?”

“I thought about it, I want to appreciate you before the ritual, let me take you on a date you’ll never forget,” Lucifer said as he gently kissed his lover on the top of the head.

“I will get ready then. What is our attire for today?” 

“Formal attire, I have a few favours to cash in.” 

Angel smoothed down the shoulders of Alastor's suit with one set of hands as the other worked on his hair, clipping the back of his head as a third set trimmed the hair down on the top of his head before curling it, styling it just as Husker had when he was sewing him up months prior. 

“You excited for your date, lover boy?”

“Of course, Angel, it's wonderful that we are getting ready separately; it allows me to let you fix my hair,” he said with a hum. The spider finished cutting and dusted himself off before he grabbed a large comb.

“Yeah, you know I'll cut it if ya want me to, husky is good at using the clippers, just not the styling part, I let him do my hair once and it was flatter than Vox's ass,” the sinner said as he styled his hair, putting a bit of hairspray in it to hold the curls.

“That is nothing but flat!” The radio demon laughed, Angel finished up and cleaned him up, Nugget rooted around at his feet in a snuffle mat, happily oinking when Alastor tossed him a treat.

“...So is today the day?”

Alastor paused for a moment, looking at Angel in the vanity mirror before his eyes flicked down to the hell-pig who was at his feet,

“It is,” 

“Are you comfortable with it all?”

“I believe I am, if I'm not ready I don't think he'd push me, we had a conversation about that this morning, he felt guilty about everything boiling over the last few months, brought me flowers and apologized,” he said softly as he looked up at angel, the sinner smiling, two sets of his hands on Al’s shoulders, 

“Well, I'm glad you're both on the same page. Proud of you two communicating.” 

Alastor stood as Angel finished; he turned and gently hugged him, much to the spider's surprise, of course. He carefully wrapped all his arms around the smaller man and squeezed.

“Have a good time, and if either of ya need anything, call me, I ain’t got nothing better to do today, other than post some thirst traps.”

“Of course, enjoy whatever that may be,” the radio demon said as he parted, leaving the sinner to his own devices, not questioning what a ‘thirst trap’ was because frankly, he didn't want to know; the radio demon waved his cane, his shadow grabbing him as they sunk into his pocket dimension, with a wave of his hands wardrobes and racks of clothing appeared, with a low hum the man rifled through his clothes. 

Though he wore the same outfit nearly every day, he owned many more clothes than anyone could have guessed, an outfit for every occasion, of course, one had to be prepared for anything; he walked to the formal wear section, humming as he flicked outfits from left to right,

“He didn’t give me an occasion, I suppose I'm supposed to take a blind shot in the dark, Beauregard,” he said to his shadow, picking a pair of black slacks, a black dress shirt and a red waistcoat that had embroidered tentacles on the bottom hem, it had a corset back and steel boning, a gift from rosie a year prior, he snapped his fingers and put it on, looking at himself in a full length mirror, snapping on a pair of socks, 

“Tie or bowtie,” he said as his shadow held up two options, one of his puppets carefully tugged the corset back tight. 

He tied a bowtie around his collar, preening at it for a few moments, and last came the jacket, which he carefully did up the buttons, thinking back to the time where lucifer did them for him after he had gotten injured, how they’d grown in the weeks after the incident, he picked out a pair of black oxford’s before he looked at himself in the mirror, smoothing down the singular wrinkle at the waist of his ensemble, 

“I look exquisite, prime for the unwrapping later, I do hope Lucifer thinks the same, and I’m not overdressed.”

Lucifer preened himself in the mirror in their shared room, fixing his hair and straightening his suit. he put on his shoes and tied the laces, happy that every set he owned had a bit of a heel, so he wasn't incredibly short. He fastened a bowtie around his neck and adjusted his apple cufflinks. he tugged down his salmon coloured waistcoat and turned to look at his ass in the mirror, smirking, 

“I look like a four-course meal,” he purred softly before he waited for his lover to come back, his legs crossed as he sat in one of the wing-back chairs in the sitting room.

When Alastor walked in, the angel was at a loss for words, his mouth suddenly dry as he stared at his beautiful lover,

“Close your mouth, dear, you’ll catch flies,” the overlord let out a chuckle as Lucifer got up, 

“I can't help it, you're so unbelievably beautiful I don’t even know what to do with myself,” the king said as he took his lover's hand, twirling him with a smile, dipping him down to kiss him slowly on the lips. The buck wagged his tail and wrapped his arms around his lover's back, 

“I fear we might not make it to this date with how lovely your behind looks in those pants,” Al said as he pulled away from the kiss.

“Oh, I know, right? I think I've gained a bit of weight; they have gotten tighter since their last wear.”

“I suppose my cooking is to blame, but I can't help but enjoy the fruits of my labour.”

Lucifer chuckled when his ass was given a squeeze, 

“Come on, we've got a date to go on,” the angel said as he waved his hand, a gold portal opening. The radio demon smiled a little more as he took the angel's outstretched hand, 

“I’d like nothing more,” he said softly as they slowly walked through. 

On the other side of the portal lay the hustle and bustle of a crowd, it was the human world, but not the bayou he was used to, it was something much more than that, an opera house that lay in Rome, one gilded in gold and white marble, chandeliers so large they would have flattened at least 20 people if they haad fallen, Alastor looked around, in awe, still holding onto his lovers hand, 

“Come, we have a private box to sit in,” Lucifer said softly as he weaved through the crowd with his lover, tugging him between random humans. The king spoke Italian to a tall member of security, showing his ticket, hell knows where he had manifested it from.

The man led them up to their private box, allowing them in before the door was shut behind them. Two comfortable velvet chairs sat near the front, a small table with wine and a charcuterie board between them. 

“This is gorgeous,” Alastor said softly as he sat down, his lover beside him, and two pairs of opera glasses were also snapped onto the table. Lucifer had thought of everything,

“I hope you like it. I figured since you know who Luca was, you’d been to the opera in hell at least once, I figured you may enjoy going to a current-day one.” The angel smiled, 

“Even if these singers sound like a pair of squeaky door hinges, my dear, I’d still enjoy every second of being in your company in such a fancy place.”

 Truth be told, the overlord’s heart was singing, filled to the brim with love and adoration for a man he used to hate; it was strange. Happiness he hadn’t felt since his mother was alive and free from his horrid excuse of a father. Had it been this long since he felt truly happy? 

“Al? Do you want some fancy cheese?” Lucifer asked as he made a small plate for his lover, 

“Hm? Yes, dear, that would be good.” Alastor spoke,

“Is something on your mind?” 

“I’m… happy, it's strange,” he said softly. The king handed him a plate,

“I know the feeling, weird isn’t it? We’ve been deprived of it for so long that it feels almost wrong.” 

“Are you happy, Lucifer?”

That was a question that had no answer, at least for a being that had been around since before the universe. Moments like these made him happy, especially with the man he’d grown to love; he looked out in the crowd for a moment as he tried to formulate an answer,

“In the moments like these, I am… but deep down I don't know,”

“That’s ok,”
“...Is it?” Lucifer asked as he looked over at Alastor,

“It is, it's important to enjoy the moment when it comes, I don’t expect either of us ever to be happy all day, every day. It sounds exhausting, but I will suffice for moments like these, where we can share one another's company and live as best as we can, even though I am long dead,” the sinner poured them both a bit of wine, and he held the glass up,

“To being happy, at this moment,” he said with a smile, the fallen angel clinked his glass gently with his lover's.

“Salute.”

Lights dimmed, and crowds were seated as the stage lit up, spotlights focusing as La Bohème started. Both men picked at their light dinner and sipped their wine as the opera played before them, evoking love, loss, and sacrifice. There were moments when the king dabbed his eyes as tears fell. Alastor provided his handkerchief for this occasion, and he wanted to hold his angel and wrap his arms around his narrow frame, dabbing away his pain, but a table separated them. By the end of the show, they stood, clapping,

“This was beautiful, my dear, positively breathtaking,” the sinner said softly. Lucifer moved in a bit closer, a smile on his features as he wrapped an arm around his lover, 

“Not as breathtaking as you tonight,” 

“Flattery will get you everywhere tonight, I’m afraid. Shall we head out? “ 

“We shall,” the king smiled warmly. 

With a glance and a wave of his hand, Lucifer snapped them to their next spot. A masquerade mask was handed to Alastor, a deep maroon red, gilded in gold with a sizable set of antlers to replicate the ones he had growing in. 

“Slip this on,” the angel said, watching as the sinner carefully tied it on, adjusting it, it fit perfectly, as if it was crafted just for him. The king slipped his own on, a flourish of wings at either side of his face, red feathers adorning them, gold filigree decorating the rest.

Lucifer bowed, his hand outstretched, 

“May I have this dance?” he asked as he peered up at his partner, who let out a gleeful giggle, 

“Who am I to turn down such a ravishing man as yourself?” Alastor said softly as he gently placed his hand on the angel's. The king smiled and carefully tugged him onto the ornately decorated floor, and other couples carefully swayed and waltzed, but no one was as light on their feet as the fallen angel was; he glided across the dance floor as if he were floating. Alastor followed his lead, suppressing his giggles when he was dipped and twirled carefully. 

Alastor stole a kiss when he was tugged closer, his hands on Lucifer’s pale cheeks; it was chaste, the taste of want on his lips.

“Is there anything else planned after this, my love?”

“No, this was the end of our night.”

“Good, because I’d like to go home and let you strip me bare,” the sinner whispered in the king’s ear. It made him blush so hard he nearly lost his human disguise, 

“I love that idea.”

With a snap they were standing in the middle of the bayou, the center of the sigil Lucifer had drawn earlier was gently glowing as candles lit around them, with a careful roll of his wrist, a pot of ink and a brush floated lazily across the swamp, stopping with just enough distance that they couldn’t spill it, Alastor snapped his jacket onto a nearby coat rack along with his lovers, not wanting to wrinkle them horribly.

Inky black claws carefully travelled down the radio demon's back, slowly tracing the blood red laces that held the corset waistcoat taught, with a flick of his wrist, the bow was untied and the garment was carefully loosened, the front fasteners were unclipped and the vest was dropped, but not to the floor, onto a hanger in the sitting room, it was much to pretty to grace the ground; next came the bow tie and the buttons that followed, Lucifer kissed down the supple flesh of the sinners throat as his hands worked away. The radio demon slid his eyes shut and enjoyed the feeling of lips and fingertips drifting over his skin, the points of claws that could maim him instead provided gentle pressure; soft kisses worked their way down the treasure trail on the sinner's stomach, the shirt was discarded, and the king carefully worked the closure open on his partners pants before his wrist was gently grabbed. 

Lucifer looked up at his lover before he was pulled into a soft kiss, the sinner’s hands making quick work of his shirt and waistcoat. Alastor savoured the taste of his lover, his tongue slithering into the fallen angel’s mouth, exploring it just as he had done many times before. When he pulled away, the blonde was blushing bright gold, panting softly, a bit of inky black drool dripping down his chin, and the buck swiped it away with his thumb.

A snap was heard, and they were bare. Lucifer was impatient sometimes; he grabbed the brush and began to draw sigils and symbols on his lover, careful not to smudge the ink as he went over the curves and dips of his body. Kisses were peppered along the areas without ink; Alastor watched with interest, his ears flicking as the ink began to glow,

“It should keep us both relaxed,” the angel said, as his double ran the brush along his lover's back.

Lucifer drew on himself, front and back, before he let his wings out, giving them a flap, making the ink dry with one small gust. A wave of his hand made a bottle of lube appear beside them, before the angel caressed his lover's waist.

“I love you, Alastor.”

“I love you, too, Lucifer.” 

"I need a safe word for tonight, Bambi, for use only tonight if you get overwhelmed or want me to full stop," Lucifer said softly as he sat between Alastor's long legs, kneeling as he gently ran his hands over his inner thighs, his claws just grazing the supple flesh.

"I picked out our normal word, dear. How about you pick this one?" The sinner said he was on his back in the soft grass, looking at his partner, 

"Ducky," 

"My dear, you are incredibly predictable when it comes to those horrid little toys." 

"They aren't 'horrid little toys', they are condensed joy and fun, so there," he stuck his tongue out at the sinner.

"No matter. Can we begin now?"

"Impatient for some love and affection? It's a good look for you, Al." 

Alastor rolled his eyes and lightly nudged the king with his hoof. Lucifer carefully kissed up his leg, working his way to his inner thighs, leaving soft bites that made the sinner gasp. The king's claws carefully ran down his lower back, raking down his lover's ass. The fallen angel slid his tongue up the underside of his cock slowly, making his partner moan softly.

Lucifer was talented when it came to pleasuring his partners, listening to their noises and watching their bodies to make sure he could play them like a violinist during a symphony. He flicked his hand. He made sure his claws were shortened and filed smooth before he lubed his fingers. His mouth worked on the sinner's cock as his hand carefully rubbed his hole in slow circles. The fallen angel could hear the wagging of his lover's tail in the thick, soft grass.

The sinner carefully opened his legs wider, wiggling a bit to move his hips up in want,

“If you need me to slow down, just kick me, alright?” 

“I will, dear. Could you summon me a pillow?” Alastor said as he lay his head back, wanting to sit up enough to see what his lover was doing. Lucifer nodded and flicked one of his wings, summoning a fine, ornate silk pillow that perfectly wedged itself under the sinner's upper back. The buck chuckled,

“How fancy,” 

“Nothing but the best for my Bambi.”

Lucifer went back to playing with his lover, licking and lapping at his cock with his long forked tongue, making the buck squirm and wrathe below, he was slow to introduce a finger, letting him adjust before he moved it, rubbing his prostate in slow circles, the noises that filled the room from Alastor were nothing sort of pleasured, moans and bleats, his hips gently rolling; evry radio in the pride ring was flickering, somewhere between static and the screams of those he had tortured, the radio demon didnt care, he was too focused on the feeling that the king of hell was providing, it was borderline overstimulation. It was overstimulating; his body was hot, his muscles tight as he squirmed.

Too much, it was all overwhelming.

A gentle kick made Lucifer stop and pause. He looked up at the sinner, pulling his mouth away from his lover's cock, 

“Too much?” He asked, the sinner nodded, catching his breath,

“Do you want me to just stretch you instead of using my mouth?” The angel asked, and he smiled when his lover nodded.

Lucifer peppered kisses along his legs as he worked his lover open, his other hand gently stroked the soft fur of his tail. The angel introduced another finger and stroked his prostate slowly, pumping his fingers in all the right spots. It was enough to make his partner mewl, his hips rocking and his back arching.

Alastor came with the third finger, with a low scream that startled a flock of birds from a nearby tree in the bayou; Lucifer gently rubbed the sinner's side, tugging his fingers free and waving them clean with a flick of his wrist. He moved to stroke the sinner’s hips, letting him come down from his high,

“It is outrageous how good you are at these things. I feel as if I’ve been taken to heaven and crashed back to hell again,” the sinner said with his ears pinned, 

“First time I’ve heard a complaint about how good I am in bed, we’re not done yet, Al,” the angel smirked.

There was a moment of silence before Alastor sat up,

“How would you like me?” the angel asked,

“I don't care about the position, I just want to see your face,” the sinner said softly, he said softly, feeling suddenly self-conscious at that request. Lucifer kissed his forehead, feeling the doubt,

“I can make that happen, I want to see yours too,” he said softly. he shifted their positions, keeping Alastor on his back, carefully putting his legs on his shoulders, he snapped another pillow under his lower back,

“Is that comfortable?” he asked as he ran a hand up the sinner's side,

“Yes, is this what you call ‘folding like a lawn chair’, dear?”

“Yep, it hits all the good spots!”

Alastor looked at his lover before looking away. It was one thing to enjoy being fingered and fucked within an inch of his life, but he still had that little voice that whispered in the back of his brain that said he should feel shame for every action he committed; kisses on his chest made him focus once again.

“I can hear you overthinking. I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you, and how beautiful you are,” he said as he kissed up his throat, 

“I trust you, Lucifer… just please get on with it,” the radio demon said softly, holding one of his lovers' hands. It was a leap of faith for the sinner.

Lucifer kissed the back of Alastor's hand, looking at their intertwined fingers for a moment before his other hand slicked his cock. He slowly slid into the sinner below, watching his body language and listening closely in case he used his safeword; the sinner let out a soft breath. He liked the burn of the stretch from the fallen angel’s cock. It wasn't uncomfortable. It was arousing.

The sadomasochist in Alastor wanted more; that little voice of doubt was drowned out by a much hungrier beast, one that wanted nothing more to be pinned down and fucked within an inch of his life; something snapped. Lucifer could see it in his eyes when they snapped open, and the light flickered in them as he slowly began to rock his hips. The sinner moaned softly and wrapped an arm around his lover's neck.

Lucifer was slow at first before he sped up, snapping his hips, pressing against his lover's cock with every well-placed thrust. Alastor was bleating and letting out howls of pleasure, his bellowing calls of affection echoing through the bayou; had his room not been soundproof, surely the entire ring of pride would have known that the king was as good a lover as 666 news portrayed him as. 

Alastor shut his eyes and pinned his ears. he was close already; he could feel that Lucifer was, judging by the way his wings were quivering and how feverish his moans were bleeding into bird calls, red eyes visible on his wings. They were focused on the sinner.

The sinner's body was tight, his back arching like a drawn bow string; Lucifer could feel it with every thrust, how close his lover was to climax. Loud bellowing moans turned into hushed mewls of anticipation; when the climax came, it was anything but quiet for Alastor.

Every radio in Pride blew its speakers when Alastor came with a screech, his body shaking with release as he squeezed Lucifer's hand tightly. His body froze as he tried to catch his breath, gasping as he fought to take a breath. It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice on his body, and then the power to the hotel went out.

Lucifer came with the call of a beast unknown, in a long-dead angelic language that hadn't been used in centuries. He panted and put his forehead against his lover's, his wings quivering as he carefully rocked his hips through the orgasm before he collapsed onto the sticky mess that was spattered from his lover's release. They both huffed as they came down from their respective highs. The fallen angel looked up at his lover, the sinner's face illuminated softly by the soft light of the floating candles that suddenly went out. The ritual was finally complete.

Alastor gently pressed a chaste kiss to Lucifer's lips before he heard a heavy knock at the door, his ears erect, flickering to the feverish sound before the striking realization of the gravity of the situation, every radio in Pride was dead, and the current power source for the hotel was seemingly dead as well, death via the king of hell giving you an earth shattering orgasm wasn’t something he wanted to admit to whoever was at the door, 

“I'm not answering that, I don’t think I can move,” the sinner said softly, looking down at his exhausted lover, who had yet to pull out or do anything other than catch his breath.

“I’ll answer it.”

The king waved his hand, and his robe floated over. he sat up and grimaced at the mess on his midsection, snapping it away before he tugged himself free. Alastor blushed and flicked his tail over his ass after feeling the slight gush that followed. Lucifer got to his feet and wrapped the robe around himself, tying it tightly. 

“I’m taking a photo of that when I get back,” he said, flashing a smirk that made the sinner go red; the fallen angel padded to the door, his hooves clicking against the path. He was unwilling to teleport himself directly to where he needed to be, afterall, that ritual drained some of his magic.

Lucifer cracked open the door to his worried daughter and her spear-wielding girlfriend, 

“Dad is Alastor, ok? Some of the radios blew up in the hotel, and the power is out,” she said as Vaggie stared at the king, looking him up and down.

“Yes, Char-Char, he’s fine, he's just doing some upgrades on the power grid. I’m not sure why his radios exploded, though,” the king smiled,

“Oh, ok, if he's alright. I just wanted to make sure, last time the power went out, he got badly injured.” 

“Don’t worry, Charlie, he's safe and sound.”

Charlie nodded and smiled at her dad, gently hugging him before she left, dragging Vaggie with her down the hall. Lucifer watched them go, closing the door before he flared his wings out, restoring the power for the hotel. He turned and went back to his lover, kneeling to press soft kisses all over his face and ears,

“As much as I'd enjoy your fussing right about now. You're currently dripping out of me, and it's rather uncomfortable as it grows sticky,” he said, flicking his ears as he stared at the being responsible for this. The angel got a dopey smile,

“Oh yeah, come here, we can take a shower and I'll hold you up,” he said as he carefully lifted the sinner in a bridal carry, cradling him gently in his arms.

The sinner was carried across the bayou to a lone showerhead sticking out of a willow tree. Lucifer turned on the two separated taps and let the water heat, pressing kisses along Alastor's head and ears,

“Are you tired?”

“Yes, I'm exhausted, I don't know how you have energy to move after that, I need a nap and a nightcap,” he said with a chuckle, followed by a yawn.

“You get used to it, I've been doing this ritual for a long time; my power is a bit drained, but it will come fully back by the evening for dinner,” he said as he stepped under the warm spray of water, slowly placing his lover onto his feet.

Alastor's legs shook as he stood, like a newborn fawn, as he carefully began to wash the sticky release off his ass and tail. Lucifer handed him a bottle of soap and held his waist to support him, washing his stomach and chest. Thankful, the angel has enough mind to toss his robe off before getting in.

Lucifer carefully washed what he could reach, letting the sinner rinse off before he flapped his wings and hovered, washing his hair and ears tenderly,

"I heard Charlotte say some of my radio's combusted, I suppose all of Pride is in a dead zone now." 

"Wait... Do you have radios outside of Pride?"

"Yes, I've seen hellborn wait outside of my store in the shopping district just to take one home. Some people are just old-fashioned," he said with a smile. With two taps of his hoof, a portal opened, and several soft puppets walked out, little ones and one that was about the radio demon's size,

"I need you, all of you, to go fix the radios that have exploded, you know exactly how to and where to get the spare parts," came a hum.

Lucifer watched the puppets nod and leave the room,

"They all know how to fix the radios."

"Yes. Beauregard is an extension of my emotions, but they are just puppets. I control exactly what they do; they are brainless little minions," the sinner leaned into having his ears scrubbed,

"Interesting, are they just going to walk into everyone's homes?"

"No, dear. The larger brute will throw them through windows," 

"You can't be serious,"

"Oh, I am, small price to pay for having such a fabulous machine in your home that requires no maintenance at all, usually."

The king chuckled and rinsed his hair, kissing his forehead gently. Alastor went to work scrubbing every inch of Lucifer, every feather and crevice he could get his clawed hands on, leading to a few squeaks and one gentle hit from his wings because he accidentally pulled a broken feather out when the king wasn't paying attention.

By the time they were dried, brushed and preened Alastor collapsed face down into their bed, his now fluffy tail up against his back giving the occasional wiggle, Lucifer smiled watching it as he got into bed, laid on his side, gently fussing with the sinners ear, stroking it and massaging the bases, satisfied when his lover let out a gentle bleat,

"Thank you,"

"For what?" 

"For doing this, I know it's a lot for you, and you trust me enough to feel safe with me."

"You know, I did enjoy that much more than I thought I would. I'm still learning to allow myself to enjoy things like that."

"I know Bambi, and I'm happy I get to enjoy them with you."

They shared a chaste kiss before the king was yanked under his lover and cuddled into, before even the angel knew it, Alastor was asleep on top of him. Lucifer tenderly kissed his forehead and wrapped his wings around them both before he succumbed to the call of slumber as well. 

A few days later, the passing of Gunnar Breaux was announced in the local paper. He was found at his shop on the floor after a heart attack had taken his life, in his hands a clutched handful of roses.

At the gates of hell, Lucifer stood waiting, sifting through the numerous other sinners before he yanked one to the side by the shirt collar, a tall plant plant-looking sinner, grizzled and grey, still holding a single rose,

"Hey!" Came a hiss as the sinner blinked a few times. He looked at the king of hell, blinking behind a thick pair of glasses,

"... I knew something was weird when I turned and you were gone," 

"I had a time limit, come with me, Gunnar," he said softly.

The bear was dragged through a portal, into a plush office,

"Lucifer, we don't have an appointment-" Vaughan said as he looked back, staring at the sinner who stepped through the portal,

"Chaoui, is that you?" He said softly as he stood,

"Vee? When did you turn into a bunny?"

Lucifer chuckled,

"This place is full of irony. I made it a little enjoyable, trust me," he said as he nudged Gunnar forward. The man seemed to take a few more steps than necessary and embraced his lover, scooping him up into his arms and crushing him with a hug.

"Too much! Too much! Loosen up, sweetheart, or my head is gonna pop off!" Vaughn said with a squeak, hugging back when his husband loosened his grip.

They shared a kiss before Gunnar pulled away, giggling,

"Your whiskers are tickling my face," he said. Vee chuckled before he looked over at the king,

"Now, how did you know my husband?"

"I bought flowers from him for my dear lover. He told me the story about how you two met. You know I have a sixth sense when humans are going to die," 

"What story did he tell you? Because he's awfully good at lying about how we met," Vaughn smiled as he was put down.

Gunnar chuckled,

"The one about you hitting my car, lapin."

"I always liked that one," Vee said with a smile, watching as Lucifer chuckled,

"So, how did you two actually meet?" He asked, watching the rabbit take a seat, his husband standing next to him with a hand on his shoulder.

"I was a prostitute, working in the French Quarter, actively addicted. In a dark place after my parents disowned me, I got caught up with a pimp in the area after I stole drugs. He beat me to a pulp and left me to die in one of the swamps. Gunnar was a bounty hunter, working with one of his hounds and found me, put a bullet in that bastard's head and took me back to his house,  dried me out and got me clean." Vaughn said as he lit a cigarette, taking a drag,

"He became my little house bunny, didn't really know I was anything but straight till he came into my life and loved me. I guess it helped that I had a sharp shot and cleaned up the area," he said with a crooked smile.

"Well, I'm glad you found one another, you're a match made in hell. I'll leave you two to catch up. Is our appointment still valid in a few weeks?"

"Of course," the bunny said softly.

The king opened a portal, turning,

"Lucifer?"

"Hm?" 

"Thank you, you have no idea what this means to me." 

"You're welcome, Vaughn. You've supported me more than I could have asked for, sometimes even in hell, we need little rewards." 

Chapter Text

Alastor gave a shuddering huff as he bounced on his lover's cock, his hands on the fallen angel's chest as he moaned, his eyes shut as he rolled his hips, 

"Right there." The sinner threw his head back, his eyes shut tightly as he focused on his pleasure.

Lucifer was below him, bucking his hips and running his hands down the sinner's thighs, clawing along the scarred skin as he panted, moans peppered with chirps and clicks; Alastor listened, canting his hips faster, growling, he was close. The fallen angel lubed his hand, stroking the sinner's cock quickly.

Alastor came with a snarl, cum splattering along his lover's chest and his face. Lucifer squawked as he climaxed, panting softly as he slowly rolled his hips. The radio demon huffed, waving his hand to summon his shadow. Beauregard appeared, drooling as he looked at the king,

"Go get a towel and stop drooling, it's getting on the carpet now, shoo," he hissed, 

"He can't help it, I look good painted in your cum."

The fallen angel licked some from his lips and hummed in approval,

"Perhaps next time, I suggest a morning of sexual fun; we should have breakfast before."

"Maybe, because I don't want to move to cook, and your legs are still shaking," Lucifer gently ran a claw over the shivering flesh of the sinner's thighs,

"I can't help it, you make my legs weak," he chuckled softly.

Beau came back with a warm washcloth. He gently wiped Lucifer's face and chest clean before handing him a mug of tea, and he tossed the rag in the hamper. He handed Alastor his coffee, commanding him to make breakfast, but not before the shadow stole several kisses and bit the king's lip just enough to lap up his blood and slip away before the sinner could hiss at him.

Lucifer giggled and shifted a bit. Alastor wagged his tail and slowly pulled off his lover's cock. He let out a soft moan as he flopped over on the bed beside him.

"Want me to carry you to the shower?" 

"No, dear, I can walk," he said as he slowly got up, stretching for a moment before he huffed,

"I can feel you running down my legs." 

The king let out as he got to his hooves, putting his hands on his lover's waist,

"But you look beautiful with my cum running down your thighs,"  he said, looking up at him with love in his eyes. Alastor kissed him,

"You tell me that every time," he gently ran his hands down Lucifer's back, between his wings, rubbing his spine,

"Because you're beautiful, and I love you?" He said with a soft purr,

"Ass over tea kettle for me and nothing less," the sinner said as he kissed him softly.

They walked to the shower  carefully, Alastor didn't want to drip everywhere, especially not any of the carpets, Lucifer turned on the water and let it run for a few moments, humming when it was hot enough, the sinner got under the warm spray first, scrubbing the remains of their morning quickie off his body, the angel watched with a smirk,

"Are you enjoying the show, or are you going to help?" He asked with a glare back, 

"You know if I help, that I'm just going to get us in the same situation, I would have licked you clean."

Alastor pinned his ears and went red, 

"I doubt I'd find that pleasurable."

"You'd be surprised, maybe we'll try it sometime if you let me," the king smiled,

"I'll try anything once, at least with you. Now come here, you need your wings washed and preened," he said, wagging his tail. Lucifer nodded and came over, letting the sinner wash his wings and his body. It was a weekly ritual to preen and clean his lover's wings; the king usually hand-stripped his lover's fur and trimmed his hooves.

It had been a few weeks since the ritual, and they had been closer than ever, at least physically and romantically.

Post shower, they sat at the table, eating their respective breakfasts, 

"Do you have therapy this afternoon, dear?" 

"Yes, and a load of paperwork to finish, I'm at least into the things marked this month now," Lucifer sipped his tea and bounced his foot under the table. Alastor hummed,

"Yes, I have an overload meeting this afternoon. Well, you are away then, a meeting with Charlotte about the possibility of more new guests and ascending several of our newer ones," Alastor picked at a raw piece of tenderloin, eating a hunk and taking a sip of his coffee.

"We both have busy days, it seems, I'm sure we will both be in attendance for dinner? Charlotte has requested a 'family' dinner with everyone tonight." 

"Oh yeah, she left me a note. I won't forget, save me a seat next to you, I want to make sure I can share my dessert with you." 

Alastor smiled. It was domestic bliss as usual; it seemed they didn't need to be attached at the hip. He was happy he didn't have a clingy partner; he enjoyed his alone time. After breakfast was done and plates were cleared, kisses were shared as they picked out their clothing for the day and dressed themselves.

"Ok, I'm headed out to Vaughn's, good luck at your meeting, Alastor," he said softly as he slipped his hat on his head. Lucifer watched as his lover bent down and gently kissed him on the lips,

 "Thank you. If you need anything, send a clone, and I will be home at the soonest convenience," he said softly. he knew that at times when the angel came home from therapy, he was tender and upset; the sinner would hold him and tell him everything he loved about his little angel.

"I will," he said softly as he opened a portal, walking through to Vaughn's office. The rabbit sinner was just kissing his lover before shooing him back into the upstairs apartment,

"Go on, I have an appointment," he said with a chuckle. Gunnar smirked and blew him a kiss before the door was shut in his face.

The king laughed,

"Are you two attached at the hip?" 

"He's been clingy since we first met. I bet he wishes we were," Vee gave a half smile. 

"So, how are you today, Lucifer?" He asked as he brought over their normal tea set and a plate of cookies that Gunnar had baked earlier; a golden vase full of an assortment of hellish flowers sat on the end table beside the angel, and he could smell their sweet aroma from where he sat.

"I've been good lately, my partner and I had a wonderful evening a few weeks ago, everything went without a hitch," he said softly,

"That's good, I take it you and your partner talked about what your feelings were?" 

"Yes, we talked about that and about what he was feeling about everything. It went well, we're trying to do our best to communicate effectively and consider each other's feelings more." 

Vee nodded and smiled. He poured them both a cup of tea from a blue speckled pot,

"I'm happy both of you are working things out emotionally and communicating. I'd like to dig into your past a bit today and talk about your life pre-hell, so to speak. It will give me more of an idea about the way you think," he said softly as he crossed his legs, getting his notepad ready. Lucifer gave a nod,

"And if at any point you get uncomfortable or upset, I want you to tell me, and we can stop our session." 

Lucifer sipped his tea and nodded again. he let his wings out behind him, getting a bit more comfortable,

"Alright, let's start with your family dynamic. Do you have any siblings?" 

"14 of them, technically raised as siblings, the only one I'm blood related to is Michael, he's my twin." 

"Ok, and what is your current relationship with your siblings? Are you on speaking terms with any of them?" Vaughn asked as he took his notes, idly picking at a cookie,

"Gabriel, Raphael, Azrael, Sandalphon and Michael very rarely sent me a letter sometimes. After I fell, they were the only ones to even associate with me." The king set down his teacup, putting his hands in his lap as he looked down,

"Let's look at that relationship with Michael. What was it like growing up with him?" 

Vaughn noticed the angel's wings shiver,

"It was good, we were close when we were younger, he'd come over every day and we'd have dinner together or tea or gossip about the others in the garrison," 

"What caused your relationship with your brother to strain initially?"

"I fell. I was tried before the high courts and found guilty. I wanted so much more for humanity, for Lilith, and heaven didn't like that. I was shot with arrows and cast out. Michael tried to help, he tried to make them change their minds, but eventually turned his back on me when they ripped my wings off my body and threw me down here with others who believed in free will... He kept very little contact since then; it was like I was an embarrassment to him, we were cut from the same cloth!" Lucifer huffed as he ran his hands over his face,

"And has he ever made any kind of attempt other than letters to visit you or keep a consistent communication?" Vee asked softly,

"No. It's always me, it always has been. I invited him when I married Lilith, when Charlie was born and other important events, only to get brushed off. I just want some sort of family relationship, one like we used to have."

The therapist hummed softly,

"I want you to write each of them a letter, everyone with whom you still have a line of communication that you consider family and invite them to a place of your choosing and sit down and talk with them. If you don't want to physically see or speak to them, just write a letter about your feelings. I know you may not be comfortable sending it, so we will do just as we did with that letter to Lillith. Burn it, just let those feelings out, no matter in what form." He suggested as he sipped his tea, Lucifer nodded,

"I will try, he's stubborn," 

"That's all we can do is try. If things go well, I want you to keep that communication open with them." 

Lucifer picked at a cookie, 

"I just want Charlie to know she was uncles and a family outside of just me and her mother," he spoke softly before he took a bite,

"That's understandable. Support from family is important."  

Vee bounced his leg slightly and took a sip of his tea,

"Let's pivot a bit. Post fall, what was that like?" 

"Painful, I had broken every bone in my body and had my wings ripped off, filled with angelic arrows. But it was freeing; I no longer had to worry about stepping on toes and breaking rules. I had the one I loved too, so many angels never took a partner because they were scared too," he said as he looked into his teacup for a few moments,\

"That sounds awful but rewarding, and how was feeling free for the first time?" 

"It was great, I could do whatever I wanted, it didn't matter. I am the king of hell, and I don't exactly have to have any rules. I think that's what tripped me up with Lilith," 

"How so?" The therapist made his notes,

"I was out of control, I did whatever I wanted to, I lied, cheated, I was a selfish asshole to her... I really can't blame her for leaving." 

Lucifer swallowed a lump in his throat,

"I-I was doing my paperwork a few days ago, and I signed the divorce papers yesterday. I knew it was coming, but it still hurt to look at," he said quietly, tapping his claws against the porcelain.

"Being free for the first time can cause us to go wild, new experiences and feelings all bubble up to the surface. Being fully separated does hurt when you put your love into that person, but I want you to put those feelings of inadequacy out of your mind. You are allowed to do wrong, but you're learning from your mistakes and actively trying to fix them. Don't dwell on what you've messed up on in the past; dwell on maintaining your relationships now."

The angel knew he was right; he had to focus on Alastor and how to treat him properly. Instead of being an ass, he gave a well-worn sigh.

"You're right," He said quietly as he stretched his wings before tugging them into his back again. 

"Do you want some cookies to take home to your partner?" 

"That would be lovely. Who made them?" 

"Gunnar, for being a bounty hunter, when he left that life, he happily took up being a baker and a florist, quite entertaining when you remember he's tall and imposing looking," Vee chuckled, Lucifer smiled,

"That's similar to my relationship, I seem like a fluffy little duckling compared to my eldritch horror I'm in love with."

Vee packed up the cookies in a Tupperware.

"We have a type, I suppose, tall and scary? With a soft spot for short little blondes," he chuckled softly. He snapped the lid onto the container and handed it to the king,

"Enjoy,"

"Thank you, Vaughn."

"You're welcome."

The king smiled and left, headed back to the hotel to work on his letters to his brothers. In his wake, he left a small plate of beignets. The therapist noticed them and squealed excitedly.

Lucifer sat in his office, paper in front of him, a pen in his hand as he struggled to put his thoughts into a letter for Michael. he sighed heavily and put his head down on his desk, banging it a few times before he felt a hand on his shoulder. Beauregard let out a chitter.

"Comfort?" He hissed. When Alastor wasn't speaking through the shadow, he spoke in a hushed tone, as if his voice was carried like a gust of wind,

"Yes, Beau, comfort," he said quietly. The shadow got in his lap and wrapped itself around the fallen angel in a frigid hug.

The king sighed softly as he hugged back, kissing the shadow's head gently. Beau purred softly and stayed in Lucifer's arms, keeping him company as he stared at the blank page, 

"I don't know how I'm supposed to write Michael a letter, what the fuck do I Say? oh, I forgive you for letting them break me and stab me and throw me down here and by the way, you didn't stop any of that' Yeah no that's not gonna work, UGH!" he grunted as he slammed his head again, beau hissed and grabbed his head, holding his cheeks as he looked into his eyes,

"Stop hurting yourself." 

Lucifer sighed,

"Fine, fine, when Alastor is done with his meeting and send him up, I need moral support and someone to suck my cock if all else fails," he said, Beau nodded and kissed the top of his head, melting away for a few moments to tell his host, the king rubbed his face and snapped himself a cup of tea, sipping it as he dipped his pen in ink for the third time, 

"Dear Michael. I know we don't talk... Nah, that doesn't sound right, fuck this, I'm sending everyone else a text first." He grumbled.

The king grabbed his hell-phone, opening Gabriel's contact. he was the least angelic of all the siblings he still had contact with; Gabe was always a wild child, though he didn't follow Lucifer down, he kept contact and was often bumming around the human world. 

'Hey Gabriel, I was wondering if you had time to talk. We haven't been able to in a while,' he texted, his foot bouncing gently as the three dots appeared. Instead, they stopped, and a call came up. The fallen angel put it on speaker,

"Gabe?" 

"Yeah, of course, who else would it be? Lu, I haven't heard from you in years. How have you been?"

“I’m gonna admit I've been struggling badly the last few years, and I just am trying to mend relationships I let go in the first place.” 

“I guess it's my fault, Lu. I never really checked in on you. I thought you were busy with king stuff, you know. I missed you. Sometimes I'd look up at the stars and wonder how you were doing down there.” 

Lucifer almost cried. He looked down at the blank paper,

“I knew I could always feel someone looking at me,” 

“Yeah, that was me, Raphie too, we have coffee sometimes and shoot the shit. How's little Charlie doing, by the way?” Gabriel said, gazing out into the stars from a hotel balcony, the wind blowing, he softly flapped his wings in the breeze,

“Oh, she's not little anymore, she’s taller than me, she's got so many ideas and a lovely girlfriend,”

“She sounds just like you, Lu, bright-eyed and full of so many ideas that you were practically bursting at the seams. One day I’ll come see her, the last time I did she was just a toddler, I think I remember her biting me,” he said with a giggle. The king laughed,

“Yeah, she was a bitey kid. Would you and Raphie like to come and have tea, maybe sometime soon, see your niece and just enjoy each other's company like we used to?”

There were a few moments of silence, one that worried the fallen angel,

“I'm in, hold on, I’ll add Rapheale to the call too,” he said. A beep was heard as a grunt followed,

“Gabriel, why are you bothering me at 2 am?” he hissed,

“Ok, we are bothering you at 2 am, you don't need sleep anyway, you're an angel, LuLu is asking about a hangout, and we get to see the little princess too.”

“Wait, wait, Little Lu is on the other line, aw, I missed you, brother, I hadn’t heard from you in a while, and I was wondering how you were doing. Anything I’m invited to, I’ll certainly come to, just for you. Gabe is being an ass.”

“That's great, I’ll text you both the details. I was thinking in the next few days, hopefully, I still have to talk to Azreal and Sandalphon… and Michael.”

Gabriel hummed on the other end, 

“Give it an hour for Azreal, he's usually working his last hour at the hospice, Sandalphon should be up working on his music. Fuck only knows what Michael is doing, he's been really quiet the last couple of years with everyone, you can try though, if not I’m sure the rest of us will be more than enough to tear up your palace,” Lucifer laughed, smiling, happy to gain some of his brothers back, some of his family he thought was lost,

“I think you will, till then, goodnight for now,” he said softly,

“Night, little Lu,”

“Night, LuLu, send me the details when you figure them out.”

The phone was hung up after they said their goodbyes. Lucifer put a check mark next to their names. He hummed as he searched for Sandalphon's name. If there was one person he always enjoyed hanging out with, it was him; they'd spend the nights playing music together and chatting about good reads and new types of tea; he called, didn't bother to text, the angel after all hated texting, he detested most technology.

"Dale speaking," a worn voice said,

"Is that what you're going by now?"

"Ah, Lucifer, it's been a while! And yes, it's a lot easier for the humans to say, they question it less as well. Now, how is the darling little fiddle player these days?" 

"I'm ok, I was wondering if you wanted to come to tea in a few days, I've already got Gabriel and Raphael coming, still have to call Azrael and send a letter to Michael." 

"Oh dear, I think I have Michael's number if you want it? I'd love to attend, I haven't seen Raphael in ages, but Gabriel, however,  doesn't leave me alone."

"It's ok, I don't even know if I have words for him at this point, but I'll get there. Out of all our siblings, I wouldn't expect Gabe to bother you that much," Lucifer played with a rubber duck in his hands, squeezing it and playing with the stress toy.

"I think he just likes to listen to me play piano at times, but it is what it is; he bothers everyone. Anyways, dear, text me the date and time, I will be there, mark my words." 

Lucifer smiled, 

"Of course, thank you, Sandalphon, have a good night."

"You as well, Lucifer." They hung up, and the fallen angel made another check mark on the paper. He still had an hour till Azrael was off shift. He yet again stared at the blank page. He felt a set of hands on his shoulders,

"How was therapy?" What followed was several kisses to his face.

"It was good. My homework is to contact my brothers and try to work on my relationship with them. I'm trying to write to Michael, but I'm stuck on what I'd like to say." 

Alastor pulled up a chair and sat beside his lover, his hand on the angel's lap, gently rubbing his outer thigh.

"Well, what do you think you'd like to say, dear?"

"You fucking suck for turning your back on me when I needed you, but also, would you like to have tea with the rest of us, and I miss you?" He sighed, the sinner chuckled,

"Maybe, but let's work that better, dear. Perhaps time has passed since we've talked; plenty has changed in both of our lives, and I want to work on our relationship. Does that sound good?" 

"It sounds better than calling him an asshole to his face." 

The king wrote in long, cursive letters, humming as he put exactly how he felt in his letter. Alastor kept close, playing music from somewhere in the room as Lucifer worked away, 

"Can you hand me an envelope out of that drawer? The top one, please," he said with an outstretched hand. With a push, the buck glided across the floor and opened the top drawer.

He paused for a moment, staring at the gold wedding band and the divorce papers under it. He grabbed the envelope, 

“I signed them a few days ago. I don't want to talk about it if you're thinking of bringing it up, alright?" Lucifer said quietly as he looked away. Alastor came over and gently hugged him,

"I wasn't going to prod. I know how tender a subject it is for you. Regardless of how you move on and however long it takes you to do so, I'll be waiting for you," he said softly. The fallen angel sniffled, his eyes watery as tears rolled down his cheeks. he hugged back, his face in the sinner's shoulder as he cried.

Alastor rubbed his back in slow circles, holding him tightly, kissing the top of his head gently, 

"I love you so much, Alastor," he spoke quietly,

"I love you, too, Lucifer. Now let's send your letter to Michael. I'll make us lunch afterward." 

Lucifer nodded and put the paper in the envelope, he gave a long low whistle and flicked the window open, a large bird of prey landed, two heads and multiple eyes scattered over its body, it was snow white and gave a rumbling song as it sauntered onto the windowsill, the king licked the glue with his forked tongue before it was sealed, stamped with wax and slipped into a leather pocket on the birds back,

"Give that to Archangel Michael, his eyes only, alright?"

The bird nodded before it waddled out and took off,

"That just leaves Azrael." Lucifer looked at his phone, checking the time,

"Do you want me to leave? Well, you call them."

"No, it's ok, it should be quick," the king dialled the number, hitting the call button, and he waited. 

One Ring, two, three, he lost count after five, and he instead got the waiting beep of a voicemail.

"Hey, Azrael, it's Lucifer. I was wondering if we could talk when you got a minute, just uh, call me back." He hung up and sighed gently, 

"I tried," 

"You did, and that's what's important. Now, what shall we do with our afternoon?"  Alastor asked as he eyed the Tupperware on the desk,

"Vee sent that home with me. How about we lie in bed and eat cookies till we pass out? I don't feel like eating lunch or functioning." 

Alastor stood and scooped him up, along with the cookies,

"I can happily oblige your wish to do absolutely nothing!" He said with a pleased little bleat, Lucifer giggled and held on,

"Lead the way, my loyal boyfriend." 

It was several hours before Michael would reply. The messenger bird tapped on Alastor's balcony door impatiently. Lucifer opened it in his robe, taking the letter from the bird and giving him a treat in return. He broke the gold seal and opened the letter, taking a deep breath before he read it. he grabbed his hell-phone and called the number at the bottom. He plopped himself down on a balcony chair and waited.

"Lucifer?" Came a tired voice, 

"I'm here, Michael. Can we talk for a bit?" The fallen angel asked, he was bouncing his leg as he heard silence, 

"I suppose. Would this be better in person?"

"It would, but would you be willing to meet in person?" 

"Yes. Do you remember our spot?" 

"I do, I'll see you in five minutes."

"Alright, Michael, thank you." He was hung up on.

The fallen angel slipped off his robe and headed back inside, snapping his clothes on, keeping it casual without his jacket or his hat. Alastor sat up in bed, handing him the remaining cookies in the Tupperware.

"For a peace offering," he said softly, Lucifer went over and gently kissed him.

"Thank you, sweetheart. I'll be back before night falls, I hope,"

"Of course, dear, take all the time you need."

With a flap of wings, Lucifer was gone. Alastor sat against the headboard, sighing to his shadow, 

"I hope it goes well." He said quietly.

Michael stood deep in the forest, sitting on a rock close to a small river, his hand gliding along a mossy tree trunk as he took a deep breath, and he waited. His crisp blue eyes looked out into the river, watching the water rush by, full of salmon and other fish, he dipped his hand in the stream carefully, feeling the water rush through his fingers, he heard the flapping of wings, but didn't look back, without a word Lucifer came and sat beside him on a different stump, looking out into the forest on silence.

"I missed you, Michael," Lucifer said quietly. The response was silence,

"Can you say anything at all to me?" The king said softly,

"...I'm sorry"

"For what?" 

"For fucking everything, for turning my back on you and ignoring you for god knows how many years, Lu," Michael confessed before he put his face in his hands, 

"Then why did you?" Came a whisper.

Michael swallowed,

"Because I was fucking scared of what they'd do to me, after seeing what happened to you, I was terrified. Then I got roped into helping the Seraphims, it's taken me decades to break that collar that they put on me, please just understand that I never wanted to see you fall Lucifer," he said honestly, Lucifer sniffled, he moved quickly to hug his twin tightly as he cried,  the angel wrapped his wings around the king, holding him tightly.

Lucifer heard his brother whispering his apologies, his light blue inner feathers gleaming with soft light as he did, 

"There are so many things I've missed, I want you to tell me about them," Michael said softly. he held his brother's shoulders.

"I want to hear everything that you're willing to tell me about," he said, looking into his eyes,

"Yeah, of course, Michael, oh, I brought cookies," he said, holding up the container, shaking it gently.

They sat on a fallen log, picking at cookies and chatting about Lucifer's life,

"Lilith divorced me, and I've been with Charlie at her hotel ever since; it's where I met my current partner," he said softly,

"Current partner? Tell me about them, Lu." 

"Tall, pretty, mixed creole man, he means the world to me now, nothing but unwavering support and love even though we do fight sometimes." The fallen angel said, his tail out and flicking gently as he talked, Michael chuckled,

"I mean, he sounds pretty amazing." 

"Have you found anyone yet, Mikey?" 

Michael sighed softly,

"I thought I had someone, but I don't know if they are interested," he said, running his hands through his long hair, before he tied it back with a ribbon.

"All you can do is try. What are they like?" 

"Tall, lean, Irish... He's a sinner technically, which makes it worse, I guess, when I'm an angel still," he scratched the back of his neck. 

"I've been seeing him since he was alive..."  He trailed off,

"I know you can't stay in hell for more than a few days, but why not go see him? Charlie, I'm sure, would welcome another body into the hotel if we could rehabilitate him and he ascend, so you two could be happily ever after." 

"But if it goes wrong and he dies again, I don't know if I could handle it." 

Lucifer smiled and squeezed his shoulder,

"All we can do is try," he said softly, looking into his brother's eyes,

"Yeah, you're right," he said quietly,

"What's his name?" 

"Cillian Hicky,"

"Wait, is he related to Topher Hickey?"

"Yes, that's his brother, he ascended with the help of the hotel, right? I've met Topher."

There was a pause,

"I've never met Cillian before. Is he like Topher?" 

"No, he's a lot more wild, less reserved. He was wild when he was alive, too; they never got along from what I remember. Topher played a part in his death, and before I knew it, I was holding his limp body in an alleyway." He said softly, 

"...he what?" Lucifer asked,

"He outed Cillian, he was hunted down and killed a few days later, they chased him with a pack of hound dogs and beat him senseless before they shot him. I still don't know why Topher did it; he must have regretted it because he took his own life a few years later.” 

Lucifer hadn’t read that in his file, nor had the sinner told him, he was rehabilitated regardless. 

“I’ll look into Cillian for you, I’m planning tea with a few of our other brothers if you want to come, you're more than welcome to pop by any time, by the way, I don’t think Charlie would mind seeing her uncle once in a while,” he said softly, Micheal smiled for the first time since they had seen one another, 

“I’d love nothing more than to see my niece Lu.” 

Perhaps all the fallen angel needed was to hold out hope more often, and of course, a lot more time with the siblings he liked.

Chapter Text

Lucifer paced in the gardens of his little slice of paradise. He hadn’t seen any of his brothers in ages, well, Other than Michael, whom he had seen last week; it was beginning to make him anxious to see Raphael, Gabriel, and Sandalphon were nothing but a fever dream at one point or another, let alone getting them to come to hell. He stared at a gold portal that he had left open, waiting for his brother's arrival. Lucifer had set up a sizable table with tea and coffee, as well as several different types of baked goods made by Alastor and Angel, with Lev and Nifty lining the center. The radio demon had given his partner several kisses before he had left for his get-together, wishing him luck and his shadow in case things got out of hand. 

Several hell horses in the herd nickered and trotted by the king, and one stopped,

“Hi, dutchess, did you miss daddy?” he asked as he rubbed her bony face, humming a gentle tune as he stroked where her eyes would have been, 

“...Whatcha petting there, LuLu?” Gabriel asked. He was the tallest of the siblings, hair such a deep, dirty blonde it would have been considered brown if it hadn't been for the roots,

“Hell horse, I bought her for Charlie when she was little,” Lucifer said as he looked at his brother with a crooked smile before the taller angel came over and scooped him up into a bone-crushing hug.

“You're so tiny, I keep forgetting you're just itty bitty LuLu,” he said with a chuckle,

“I'm not little, you're all just freakishly tall. Other than Michael.” 

Gabe put him down,

“Freakishly tall? You mean above 5’5, that's not even tall by human standards! I'm like 5’10 or something, I think, Raphie is shorter than me, and Sandalphon is like 6 feet something. I don't know how he, as Az, got the tall end of the stick… oh yeah, did Az ever call you back?” he asked. Lucifer shook his head, sighing gently,

“No, but I didn’t expect him to; he doesn't owe me the time of day after 8 ish years of no contact, Gabe, I tried, and that's what matters,” he said softly as he stroked Duchess's face gently, 

“Yeah, we can't have it all, I suppose. I also don’t know what's taking everyone so long. I’m actually on time for the first point in my life, and no one else is,” he laughed. The fallen angel giggled as Raphael stumbled through the portal, landing face-first into the grass, 

“I swear, Gabriel, the next time one of your copies bothers me, I’m going to cook you in the largest stock pot money can buy!” he hissed as he slowly got to his feet and dusted the grass off his clothes, wiping his glasses with a rag.

Raphael was the third tallest of the siblings, hair black as night, and the thickest pair of glasses ever given to a human decorated his face, which Gabriel appropriately called him ‘blind as shit’, which wasn't true, he often didn’t like reading medical texts without a magnifying glass, in such a case glasses were the answer; he was always healing or helping someone in the form of a small doctors practice he ran on earth, 

“What the hell did you do, Gabe?” Lucifer asked

“Miiiiight have hurried him up a bit,”

“By nearly setting my books on fire and tossing me through that portal before I had even done my shirt buttons, you little prick!” 

“Just like old times, bickering like an old married couple.” 

The king helped dust his shorter brother off, fixing the suspender that was hanging off his shoulder and picking the grass from his hair before smoothing it down,

“Better?” he asked softly,

“Yes, better, now where is my hug, little Lu?” he asked with outstretched arms. The king happily hugged him tight, 

“I missed you, Raph,” 

“I missed you, too, Lu.” He smiled and let him go before he went over and promptly punched Gabriel in the shoulder, resulting in a rather brotherly slap fight. Dutchess nickered and clicked her teeth at them.

“I’d be on your best behaviour, she bites to discipline if you start fighting,” Lucifer smirked before he turned to Sandalphon, tall and copper-haired, a pair of reading glasses folded into his jacket pocket, a silk scarf decorated in music notes around his neck,

“Ah, fashionably late as usual, Lucifer! There is my old serpent,” he tugged him up into a hug.

Lucifer giggled happily as he was swung around, 

“You smell like old books and chocolate,”

“Yes, I was studying Mozart’s works and eating Swiss chocolate before I realized the time. What a keen nose you've grown over the years,” Sandalphon put him down and dusted him off carefully, 

“Yeah, it comes with evolving to live down here. Anyways, I’m glad you came.” 

“I am, too. How could I possibly miss a day to enjoy the company of my oldest brother, my favourite sibling actually,” he gazed over at Raphael and Gabriel who were fighting, rolling in the grass as Dutchess followed, trying to bite them, the king looked over,

“Hm, I wonder why I’m your favourite,” he chuckled.

There was a pause when Michael walked through the portal. He was the only sibling who talked to Lucifer, still residing in heaven, one who had not taken on any humanity, or at least that's what the others thought; the king knew better, as he went and tugged Michael into a hug, lifting him off the ground as he did. His twin chuckled,

“Ok, ok, I saw you last week, put me down, Lu.”  

“Well, I missed you, plus everyone else gave me the same treatment,” he giggled as he spun, letting his brother wiggle out of his hold back onto the ground, only to get swarmed by their other siblings.

Lucifer showed everyone to the table, waving his hand to pour respective tea and coffee, handing plates around the table for each of his brothers to take a pastry. 

“Who made this? It tastes so good,”  Gabriel asked, powdered sugar on his face, 

“My partner,” 

“Like business partner or partner you fuck?”

“Gabriel! Come on,” Raph lightly hit him in the shoulder, 

“No, it's fine, Raphie. My lover, so I guess the latter option,” 

“Wait, is Lilith not around anymore?” Sandalphon questioned, sipping his coffee,

“No, I'm afraid she left 8 years ago, we’re divorced now. I've been working on myself to move on from her, and I have a wonderful man in my life who treats me like I matter, and I’m happy for once in a long time.” he waited to be shamed, to be raked over the coals for letting the women who he fell with leave, but it never came, instead Raphael put a hand on his shoulder and and squeezed,

“Love is such a complex feeling. I’m glad you've found it again. I know the one I loved for ages has passed, and someday I may need to find someone new once I finish my mourning, but till that day, I can only cherish. Are they living or a sinner?”

“A sinner… I almost lost him once; I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Raphael smiled,

“I love that for you, little Lu,” he said softly,

“I have someone in hell, too,” Michael said quietly, causing everyone to look at him,

“Wait a minute, Mikey, you have someone in hell? You're like the most holy angel out of us all, and you're humping a sinner?” Gabriel received a slap for that one from 2 of his siblings,

“Is it so hard to believe that I have a love for someone who made questionable moral decisions? ” The archangel spoke, sipping his tea,

“Ok, ok, give me the details, both of you, I wanna see if you have similar types, I want ALL the details, not just the good ones either, I wanna know what they did and why they ended up down here,” Gabe smirked, proud of himself.

Michael looked between them all and chuckled,

“I’ll go first. I was assigned to New York in the early 70s and found myself in the red light district. They had sent me down to try to clean up the area, I guess. They didn’t give me many instructions.”

“They never do for any of us,” Sandalphon mumbled,

“Well, in my haze, I ended up at a peep show with a handful of quarters, and on the other side of the partition was the most beautiful strawberry blonde I’ve ever laid eyes on. I admit I followed him out of the peep show and into another club where he was stripping and dancing around in drag… it wasn't my favourite place to be, but I think he knew that, he knew I’d been following him; probably thought I was a police officer. He pinned me against an alley wall and yelled at me in the thickest Irish accent I've ever heard.” The angel blushed, Raphael giggled,

“Oh, look at that blush, did you have words for that poor Irishman?” 

The twin chuckled to himself for a moment,

“I said to him that I wasn't an officer and that he was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen since the creation of man. He, of course, took me home with him. And I'm not going into those details,” he smirked, sipping his tea,

“So you fell in love with a dancer slash prostitute?” 

“Yes, I did, I didn’t know he was a prostitute till he asked me to leave him money on the nightstand. He was murdered not long after that, unfortunately,” Michael sighed.

“Is he still alive down here?” Raphael asked, causing silence among the rest of the siblings,

“Yes, I've sent Alastor and Anthony to go capture him and bring him back to the hotel. My paperwork says he's still alive in the Lust district,” Lucifer smiled and crossed his legs.

“Thank you again for doing that, Lu.”

Gabriel smirked,

“Oh, don't think you're getting out of gushing about your sweetheart just because you helped out Mikey LuLu, now come on, give us the details.”

Alastor walked with Angel deep into the lust district of Pride. No matter where the radio demon looked, it was nothing but porn clubs, sex shops and other places the overlord would rather rip his own eyes out than ever go inside.

“He ain't one of Val's girls, so he should be down this way somewhere,”

“Is there another lust overlord other than Valentino?” 

“Nah, there are independent clubs that popped up after, they are smaller, cater more to individual needs, shit even val won't touch, ya know,” Angel said as he tugged the buck into one of the larger buildings.

Inside was a panel of names and buttons similar to an apartment complex. Angel hovered over the buttons and pressed one, and a familiar buzz let them in. Alastor followed Angel onto an elevator to the second floor, his ears pinned to block out the array of moans and elicit noises coming from each of the rooms they passed, 

“Yeah, I know, he's up at the end,” Angel said as he lit a cigarette in the hall, perched it between his lips, and knocked on a large orange door, 

“Climaxing anywhere other than my face is an extra charge; it's also an extra charge if you cause permanent damage- Oh shit, Angel Dust?” A tall borzoi stood in the door, his ears perking up; he was mostly white, furred with patches of coppery red hair that were curled, or in the process of being curled before they had been interrupted. 

“Come in, come in, I've got a few hours till my next client, you brought the radio demon with you too, didn’t take you for someone who'd enjoy this type of thing,” Ciallian said as he opened the door, the thick Irish accent bleeding out when he didn’t have to speak to a client. 

“It isn't my forte, so to speak, but I’m not here for sexual depravity,”

“Alright, then, fess up, what are ya here for? You don't just visit me, Angel, not unless ya need something for that prick of a boss. Last time was that snuff porn shoot,” he said as he opened a box of tea, setting the kettle on the stove.

“Yeah, don't remind me about that, I still get fuckin nightmares. Nah, got a letter for you from the king of hell, wanted it hand delivered,” Angel said, crossing his legs, pulling a letter from the great fluff of his tits and holding it out. Cillian lit a cigarette off the stove burner and strode over,

“Where the fuck are my glasses?” he said. Alastor handed them to him from a nearby table.

Cillian slipped them on and broke the wax seal, popping the cigarette between his lips and puffing on it for a moment as he unfolded the paper and read it carefully,

“That's a name I haven't thought about in a long time,” he muttered as he ashed the smoke as he read further, 

“I don't see why Michael would even still want me,” he huffed as he set the letter down when he heard the kettle whistle. 

“Why do ya say that?” Angel asked as he watched,

“I haven't seen him since I got down here. Don't know if he’d be too keen on the whole dog thing. I’ve also been whoring myself out to make ends meet for decades, I ain't what he deserves; he can do better, Ange.” 

Alastor knew that doubt in his voice, one that often came with loving Lucifer, though his deep slumps of depression,

“Maybe he has no means to do better? Perhaps he's fallen for you and only you.”

“Now, why would he do a silly thing like that? I ain’t special,” the borzoi grumbled. The radio demon still hated dogs, but put his hand out. The dancer eyed it for a moment before taking it, only to get twirled,

“Have you ever thought that you might just be special? So special in fact that a creature not of this hell or even earth has set aside their heart for you?” he spoke as he dipped him for a moment, Angel lit up,

“I mean, come on, whatcha got to lose, Nicky?” he was spun into the spider's arms. 

“Aye, you got a point, I guess. Worst comes to worst, he doesn't like what he sees,” Cillian giggled as he was dipped,

“Al, you wanna twirl him into some new clothes, well, I call short king?” 

“Of course, my effimante fellow!”

Beau turned off the stove and took the kettle off the burner as Alastor twirled Cillian, 

“A suit or a dress?”

“First thing he saw me in was nothing, second thing was a pretty silk slip,” the borzoi said, stubbing out his cigarette, the radio demon hummed, and pulled the dancer into his body before flicking him out in a beautiful satin gown, long strings of pearls arranged in a choker complimented his long neck as well as a set of earrings, 

“Now is that to your liking?” he asked as he let go of the sinner’s hand, watching as he trotted over to a full-length mirror and looked at himself.

“I look like I’m one of those rich snooty escorts, I love it, thank you, radio demon,” he smiled. Angel hung up and waited for a moment before two portals appeared,

“You and Al are headed to the picnic, and I'm headed back to see Husky. Everyone in, they are waitin’ on you two.” 

Alastor patted himself down for a moment, making sure he was ready,

“See ya back at the hotel, boys,” Angel said with a wave as he left them. 

“Are you ready, Cillian?”

“Yeah, I think so, and you can call me Nicky. I haven't heard my actual name in ages,” he spoke softly as he stepped through, to a chorus of chattering angels who almost all went silent. The radio demon followed, looking between the array of archangels at the table, 

“My, you weren't kidding when you said all of you look alike,” he said softly with a smirk,

“Yeah, the only difference is height and hair colour, Mikey and I look pretty close, though, his hair is a little longer,” Lucifer smiled as he went up behind his twin and proceeded to dump him out of his chair onto his feet and drag him in front of Nicky.

The archangel swallowed, looking up at the man he had surely fallen for decades prior,

“I don't know if I'm what you want anymore,” Nicky said quietly,

“No, don't say that you're still the same inside, just look,” he spoke and ran his hand down his back, watching the hellish form fall off of him back to his human one,

“It’s a weird feeling, I haven't felt the breeze on my skin in a time,” he said, looking at himself before he grabbed Michael’s face and kissed him; his siblings chirped and whistled in celebration, and Lucifer giggled as he leaned on Al.

“How did you even get him here? I sent so many letters and he never answered them.” 

“Depression and self-doubt are a fickle thing, my love. Perhaps he just needed a push from Angel and me in the right direction,” he said, looking around before he gently kissed his lover on the cheek, 

“I think we all need that push sometimes,” the king smiled and gently kissed him on the lips when no one was looking.

An hour later, they all sat in the grass, Michael being squeezed close to his lover, who had reverted to his normal form.

“Your hair is so soft.” 

“Yeah, I wash and condition it regularly, otherwise I'd have to cut it off,” 

“Are you still doing the job you were when you were alive?” He questioned as Nicky stroked his back,

“It pays the bills. I still use the same stage name, too, Nicky. The whole immortality thing made it worse since some people are into some pretty bad shit down here,” he said quietly. The angel gently touched one of the scars on the borzoi’s chest,

“Are you willing to stop that and move to the hotel? I don't want you getting hurt anymore, Cillian,” 

“Only if you visit me at least once a week, I want to be reminded who I'm doing this for, Michael.” 

Lucifer listened slightly as he sat with Alastor and his other brothers, 

“What about the rest of you? Have you found anyone to your liking?” The king asked as he glanced back at Michael, a smile on his face,

“Kind of,” Raphael said softly, 

“I like them, but I don't want to see someone die, I can't bear to watch it again,” he said quietly. Lucifer put a hand on his shoulder,

“I know that feeling, I haven't taken another lover since my dear Marie, the plague took her from me.” Sandalphon looked away for a moment.

The king held Alastor's hand,

“I know the feeling, I didn't think I'd love someone again after what happened with Lily and me. Then Alastor came into my life and was the most wonderful partner I could ever ask for,” he smiled, the overlord smiled with a purr.

Raphael smiled sadly,

“I don’t know if I can take that leap anymore, I get so attached,” he said as he tugged his knees closer, laying his head on them, 

“There's plenty of Sinners and Winners, Raph, neither die of old age,”

“But what if I want them in the living world with me?” 

“Then I’ll give you my seal so they can be bound to your home permanently. I just want you to be happy,” Lucifer said softly, letting his wings out and slowly putting one around him, the other protectively curled around Alastor. 

“I’ll get there, I’m sure. I’ll try to find someone down here,”

“All I ask is that you disguise yourself; most of the population of Pride is scared of the angels after centuries of exterminations. It doesn't have to be a sinner, there’s plenty of lonely geotia if you're good with your tongue,” he giggled, making a ‘V’ with his fingers,

“I’ve never gotten any complaints in that department,” Raph giggled.

Gabriel lounged on his back, his wings wrapped around him comfortably,

“What about you? Since you have oh so many opinions,” Raphael said as he poked his brother's wings,

“Unlike you all and your monogamous thing, I prefer fuck buddies and friends, I don’t see myself with any kind of commitment,” he spoke softly, stretching from his position, 

“Does that not make you feel dead inside?”

“Nah. I’m gone before they wake up, it's off on the next adventure,” Gabe smirked.

“Passed around more than a used book, be glad angels can't catch diseases,” Sandaphon mumbled. Alastor heard and muffled a chuckle in his lover's wing, 

“But you don't want someone to wake up next to? To love you and only you?” Lucifer questioned,

“Yeah, but it’s not going to happen, LuLu,”

“Not with that fucking attitude.”

Sandalphon chuckled at Lucifer's response, listening to the bicker with nothing to add; he was happy to stay alone after Marie had passed. He smiled as he watched his siblings bicker before it turned into a wrestling match between the three. Alastor scooted over a bit closer and hummed,

“I take it you're the most rational sibling?” 

“In a way, yes, I don't bicker or act like a child even though I'm the youngest,” he smiled as he sipped his coffee,

“I wouldn't have expected you to be the youngest, considering you seem to be the tallest as well.” 

“Heaven and Hell do adore irony, Alastor. Imagine the looks on their faces when I was a juvenile and immediately taller than all four of them, they kept telling me to stop growing,” he laughed.

“Well, I don't think it worked very well!” The overlord laughed.

A three-sibling fight became four when they rolled into Michael. Nicky got up and moved away from the feathered brawl and sat with the other two.

“Here I thought he was a shy little put-together thing, I might have been wrong,” he laughed as he watched Lucifer and his twin try to pin one another, hitting each other with wings and squawking, till Raphael tossed Gabriel into the water and all of them burst out into fits of giggles,

“They all laugh the same, too. What have I gotten myself into?” Nicky said, raising an eyebrow,

“Well, for as strange as they seem, they are wonderful, speaking for Lucifer, of course. I'm not sure how the rest of them are behind closed doors,” Alastor smiled.

“Similar to Lucifer, we're all similar; a lot of the early angels were cut from the same star. I came later, but I've been living amongst humans since the creation of music, so I suppose I blend with them as well, in some regard, minus the roughhousing and the height,” Sandalphon said as he stretched for a moment, offering Nicky a pastry.

“I don't think I heard your name, Cillian, is it ?” 

“For Michael, it's Cillian, Nicky for anyone else. I let him call me by my actual name the first night we had together since he treated me like a human, not like an object like everyone else at the time,” he said as he thanked him, taking a pastry to eat. 

“Apologies, Nicky. Hopefully, Michael treats you well.”

“I don't doubt he will; if he doesn't, I can pick him up and lock him out of my room.”

With another splash, Michael and Lucifer were in the water; the only dry one was Raphael, who was rolling in the grass, laughing, only to be tugged in by Gabriel.

“Something tells me I'm going to be carrying Lucifer home at this rate; he's going to sleep well tonight,” Alastor chuckled, right as his lover turned into a seal and tossed one of his brothers into the deeper part of the pond via his nose with a satisfied noise.

“Aye, I'm sure Michael will be the same. I forgot how small he was, then again I'm 7 foot tall down here, so he's even tinier,” Nicky said as he watched Michael with a smile,

“I've noticed a lot of sinners are very tall. That, or both of my brothers just have a type?” 

“They have a type,” the overlord said with a smirk.

After a half hour or so, the brothers finally stopped scrapping enough to say their goodbyes. Lucifer, who was sopping wet, pulled his lover into a tight hug,

“Let go of me this instant, you are absolutely sopping wet!” He hissed,

“You act like you haven't gotten me wet before, Alastor,” the angel whispered with a grin, only to be gently shoved away,

“You truly are insufferable sometimes.” 

“It's a family trait, trust me!” Gabe said as he shook the water from his wings, a smirk on his face. Michael was doing the same thing to Nicky, who was holding him a few feet from his body.

“No, do you know how long it takes to get my fur this pretty? How many hours of styling?” He said with his ears pinned,

“Yes, I see it now,” Alastor said, rolling his eyes.

Cheeks were kissed and hugs were shared, ruffled wings and chirps of goodbyes as portals were opened to their respective homes, leaving Michael, Nicky, Alastor and Lucifer to their own devices as they were snapped to the hotel. Charlie was waiting in her office to fill out the newest members' intake forms. 

“I’ll take you to his room. Beauregard has already brought his things; you can unpack well, Charlie, and I'll help with his forms. Al, would you show him to the room? He’s in Angel’s hall,”

“Yes, dear. Follow me, Michael,” he spoke softly as he walked to the elevator with his lover's twin, 

“I hope he won't mind, I’ve never really done much decorating,”

“Really?” the overlord questioned, 

“My room doesn’t have anything of significance. I only use it to rest when needed; most of my day is work, I don’t need to eat or sleep or do anything.”

“That sounds woefully boring,” the sinner said as he pushed the button, selecting the ‘XXX floor’, watching the doors close, 

“Is it any wonder that I fell in love with the person I did? He goes against everything I was ever taught,”

“What is it that Angel says, opposites attract?”

The elevator dinged as the doors opened to Angel’s wing of the hotel, they walked past the sinners room, Alastor glanced at the photos on the door, tangled in a neon spider web that seemed to light up the hall, with a wave of his hand Alastor summoned a master key and opened one of the vacant rooms, a few boxes of odds and ends were scattered around the room,

“Here you go, you have an hour or so before all the forms are filled.”

“Thank you,”

“You're welcome, now get a wiggle on!”

Alastor lay in bed with Lucifer, after having a large dinner with everyone to let them get to know Nicky and Michael; he gently slid his fingers through his lover's feathers and preened his wings, thinking as he did,

“What's on your mind? You're oddly quiet?” the king asked, his eyes shut and his head on his lover's chest, a soft purr emanating from his throat,

“Thinking I suppose, what do you look like in your other form?” He questioned,

“What one? I think you've seen them all.”

“I know archangels aren't humanoid, you must have some other towering beast-like form?”

“I do, and it’s grotesque, Alastor.”

Lucifer raised an eyebrow and looked up at him,

“Why are you asking about this all of a sudden?”

“I suppose I was thinking about it after meeting your siblings, since they all arrived in humanoid forms as you present normally, till Sandalphon mentioned height, it did get my brain whirring. You’ve seen every form of mine, from rut to shedding season to my beast-like, grotesque, uncontrolled one,” the sinner spoke as he continued his fussing, 

“And I’ve let you taste, poke and fuck every other form but that one, Al. There's a risk to seeing me in my angelic battle vessel. I don’t want your eyes to burn out of your head or to vaporize you into dust.”

“That's a chance I’m willing to take,”

“Al, you have one good eye as it is, and you use a monocle to read in bed.”

“Once,”

“No,”

“Please?”

“Fine, but if you go fully blind, I'm not guiding you around,” the angel grumbled, sliding off his lover and onto his feet, 

“Close your eyes and cover them with your hands, you're going to peek slowly. I’m not going to kill what's left of your eyesight,” Lucifer said with an eye roll. Alastor did as told, his ears twitching as he listened to the sound of creaking that followed, metal scraping and the soft shake of ruffled feathers.

“Ok..” came a soft voice.

Slowly Alastor peeked through his hands, feeling no pain before he dropped them to look at the towering beast before him; a golden face plate similar to a knights helmet shined, several slits on each side revealed clusters of eyes, all staring at him, below was a lengthy neck with patches of red scaled skin showing under soft downy fur, with eyeballs littering the smooth areas, one set of bird like clawed hands flexed gently as Lucifer stretched the wings attached to his arms, his lower feet were bird like as well, covered in heavy feathering similar to that of an owl, he had an incredibly long tail, a spade at the end, impatiently flicking, 

“I told you it was grotesque.” 

“I think it's rather stunning,”

“Why would you think that? I’m ugly like this… I used to be so pretty too, like a swan, now I’m just a monster,” he said softly, his eyes half lidded as they stared at the floor, 

“Because every form you take is stunning to me, you're still the same person I’ve come to love. Now lower your head, I’d like to look at you closer.”

It was a moment that made Lucifer pause, not even Lilith enjoyed this part of him, after he showed her she had nightmares for a week, he kept that part of himself hidden for so long, Alastor just called it stunning, the fallen angel would have weeped had it not been for the 20 or so eyes that would do the same; slowly he lowered his head, watching as the sinner looked at him closer, his hands outstreched as he leaned forward to touch the metal mask, it made the king flinch, 

“Have I hurt you?” 

“...No, I’m just sensitive in my most raw form, be careful, please.”
“Of course,” he spoke as he slipped off his gloves, putting them in his pocket.

Alastor gently held Lucifer's face in his hands, 

“You're owl-like, it’s oddly charming,” he said softly as he saw the king's tail flick, a set of ears that the sinner hadn’t seen before sprang up, 3 on each side, they were mostly feathered with patches of leathery red hide showing,

“Do you have a mouth, dear?” he questioned, 

“Under my face plate,” the king slid out his long, black tongue and licked his lover’s bare arm, making the overlord pin his ears,

“I’ve licked you before, why is it- Oh… is this doing something for you?”

“...I wasn’t aware I had a physical reaction of this kind to this form,” he muttered,

“Judging by how tight those pants are, someone has a kink.”

Lucifer watched as Alastor blushed deeper,

“There’s nothing wrong with that, Al. I enjoy your other form too.”

“I’ve discovered far too many fetishes with you.” 

“I’m not hearing a complaint. Now resume your touching, I will help you with your little problem if you’d like, after you're done,” the fallen angel spoke, letting out a melodious hum, his tail curling for a moment in thought, 

“I dislike it when you make that noise, it means you're up to something,” the sinner spoke as he continued to touch along his face, gently stroking his feathered ears and down a large set of broken horns behind his face plate, 

“Says the overlord who plays ambient music when he thinks too hard, let me have my humming.”

Alastor petted further, down his neck and throat, examining him as if he were the most prized specimen in a lab. The sinner was enjoying it, seeing a form that was for his eyes only, 

“You are fascinating,” he said as he wiggled his tail. Lucifer smiled, not that the sinner could see, putting one of his large, clawed hands on his chest before he gently pushed him into the bed, 

“Lucifer, I wasn't done looking at you!” 

“Too bad,” came a soft hiss; there was no malice behind it. He stripped the radio demon bare, thankful he was only wearing a night shirt and a pair of boxers. 

“Lucifer, do you even have sex organs in this form?”

“Yes, they gave me both sets to humiliate me because angels are typically devoid of sex organs, unless we want to make an effort.” He said with a soft hum as he licked up his lover's stomach,

“We're using the colour system tonight, what's your colour, my love?”

“Green.” 

The fallen angel’s raw form let out a deep rasping purr; it vibrated along the sinner's body like an electric shock, his fur stood on end,

“Oh,” he said breathlessly. It was a new feeling, one that made his skin twitch in anticipation; it caught him off guard.

“You like that?” he questioned, his feathers standing on edge between his horns, like a crown,

“Yes, it was like electricity, keep doing it,” 

“I love it when you voice your wants. It makes me happy,” he said as he wagged his tail and made the bed bigger, one that wouldn't break under his size, before a large clawed hand flipped the sinner onto his stomach. Alastor's tail flicked against his back, flagging as it often did out of interest in what was to come next, and what came was a lengthy, warm tongue sliding up his outer thigh; his skin prickled as he let out a soft bleat.

Alastor shivered when the warm appendage grazed over his ass cheek, the gentle prod of teeth following as he was nipped, clawed hands grabbed his thighs and spread his legs, holding them in place as the beast's tongue slid over his hole, the sinner moaned, shutting hsi eyes, his tail against has back wagging furiously as the lapping continued, the ever raspy purr growing louder as he greedily attack his lover’s ass. 

Lucifer listened to the grunts and moans, the squirming as he held his thighs in place, making sure the sinner wouldn't collapse from the pleasure. His legs were already quivering, shaking with anticipation of new feelings. Alastor huffed breathless, bordering on overstimulation, even though his climax hadn’t happened yet; he was a boneless mess under his lover's ever-persistent lapping. He whimpered, his hands grabbing at the sheets as if he were going to drift away without something to ground him. The fallen angel was in ecstasy, feeding off the pleasured energy from the sinner below, his grip tightening as his claws sank into his flesh, edging him beautifully toward his climax.

The sinner was close, mere moments from his climax, his body drawn tight and his legs shaking before the feeling was gone, Lucifer sitting back on his haunches, his tongue sliding over his face. Alastor let out a snarl of frustration before he was grabbed by the waist, lifted by his large lover, his legs spread with two heavily clawed fingers before the licking resumed, the sinner gripped onto the metal plate, rolling his hips greedily, 

“Take your pleasure, my love, it's all yours, “ came a disembodied booming voice.

Alastor rode his face for a few more moments, feeling the electric vibration of the rasping purr against his ass; every one of Lucifer’s eyes was focused on him. Only him, he came with a scream so loud the power in the hotel flickered, outside a spring stormed seem to rage, the rain hitting the windows of the hotel violently, pinging off the glass, the sinner could hear it, his body lax in his lovers hand, barely able to keep his body from shaking, his breath came out in long laboured pants as the fallen angel lapped up the spend from his lovers stomach.

Lucifer licked his lips, not that alastor had seen him do it, the radio demon was too blissed out to care for a few moments. He slid his eyes open as he slowly came back to the afterlife. What he caught sight of between the fallen angels’ legs was something bigger than even his entire body. He swallowed as he was laid on the edge of the bed, his legs open, 

“Red!” the sinner bleated. The king stopped, moving his hands away,

“Talk to me, let me know what’s making you uneasy.”

“That certainly isn't going to fit,” he said, vaguely gesturing to the cock, growing pale as he noticed the second one beside it, 

“Oh, no, no. I wasn't going to fuck you, not like this, I already worry about getting too rough with you, Al.” 

“Can you tell me exactly what you're going to do then?”

“I was going to give you the choice of fucking me, well, I'm like this, using your tongue, letting me use your thighs,  or we can stop for the night. I know we're trying new things, and I don't want you to be uncomfortable or feel pressured. “

It was that which made the radio demon smile a bit more. Lucifer knew exactly how to treat him,

“I want to continue, I want to taste you, but could you make yourself a bit smaller?”

“Of course, I don't want you getting lost,” he chuckled as he got on the bed, shrinking slightly so he was still oversized but not large enough to make Al feel miniature in his presence. He crawled onto the bed, cooing for a moment,

“Is there anything else before we continue?” he asked softly, 

“No, dear,”

“Colour?”

“Green,” the sinner said softly. The fallen angel pressed his face to his lover's hair, making a kissing sound. He lay down, wiggling onto his back, allowing his legs to fall open as he moved his tail enough for Alastor to crawl over and plop himself between them, looking at the white and gold feathers of his lower body, blinking for a few moments as his eyes darted around the endless sea of downey, not finding a hint of where the king's magnificent cunt might be.

The gentle titter and the long neck craning over to aid his lover were more than needed,

“Would you like a hint?”

“Yes, please, dear,” 

“Do you see those feathers that run in a different direction? There's a small set of wings there; rub them gently, and you’ll get access. You have to be worthy.”

“I'd say I'm worthy enough if you're willing to show me this part of you,” he said softly, as he looked for the patch of feathers, carefully running his hands over a small set of wings, listening as Lucifer let out small gasps, laying his head back down against the pillows, Alastor peppered them with soft kisses, stroking them to coax them open slowly, when they did he ran his thumbs in slow circles over the small inside joints, making the angel's feathers stand in edge as a low hum turned into a vibrating moan that shook the room gently.

Alastor kept moving his thumbs, looking at the beautiful gold folds before him, glistening with need. The sinner moved closer, letting his tongue slide out of his mouth and gently gliding between the fallen angel's wings, searching for something as he licked slowly. The keen that came from the fallen angel was enough to know the sinner had found just what he was looking for; his tongue glided over two bundles of nerves, Lucifer’s feathers shook, the wings around his vulva quivering as they threatened to close. 

Lucifer had never so much as touched himself in this form, let alone allow anyone to see him like this, every lick of Alastor's warm tongue sent sparks through his body, and physical ones off his feathers, it made his lover's fur stand on end; but the sinner didn't stop, burying his face deep in his lover's quivering pussy, his eyes shut as he focused on the fallen angel's pleasure. 

The wings threatened to close, wrapping around the sinner’s head, shaking. Alastor's thumbs massaged the delicate inner feathers, feeling them shake. Lucifer was a mess above, his feathers rustling as they cracked and fizzed with electricity. The sound that emanated from his body was louder, chanting in a long, dead, forgotten language.

When the angel came he screamed, a sound that had not been herd in centuries leaving his lips, one so shrill it made the sinners ears pin flat to his head; outside a large crack of lighting struck the highest point in the center of the pentagram, which happened to be V tower, sending the entire city of pride into a blackout during one of the worst storms in it's history, but leaving the hotel illuminated. Alastor carefully peeled the wings away from his head, pulling away to pant, his face wet. He wiped the cum from his eyes with a towel from the bedside before he licked his lips. Lucifer was panting, lying boneless on the bed, watching his lover clean his face,

“Are you enjoying the view?” the sinner asked, his tail wagging as he rang the cloth out in a basin,

“I always do,” the fallen angel said with a purr before a flurry of heavy knocks disturbed the post-high peace.

Lucifer tittered in annoyance as Alastor tugged on his robe, tying it tightly before he padded to the door, opening it to a very frantic Michael, dishevelled as if he’d been yanked from bed,

“Where is Lucifer?”

“In bed, what's the problem, Michael?”

“I heard an angelic distress call. I want to make sure he’s ok.”

“He’s fine, rest assured,” the radio demon said as he tried to shut the door, only to have the angel slip through before he could, wings flared,

“He doesn't just make that noise!” he hissed,

“I can't even have someone's face between my legs in peace. Get out, Michael!” 

Alastor crossed his arms and pinned his ears, watching as Lucifer peeked into view, all of his eyes staring at his brother. Michael looked between them for a moment, a look of disgust on his face,

“In your war form? Really?”

“I didn’t come into your room and judge you for whatever kinks you have, you have a body of your own to judge now get out,” he flared his feathers, letting out a nasty hiss before Beauregard manhandled him out and locked the door, the king grumbled and waved his hand, stamping an angelic ward on the door for no further interruptions,

“So, I suppose we shouldn't be fooling around in this form, hm?”

“We should, more often, way more often,” he smirked.

“That can be arranged, my love.”

That was how the king and his overlord lover caused a three-day power outage in the pentagram without even knowing. 

Chapter Text

It had been a week since Lucifer had moved Nicky in, and his brother in some regard, considering Michael visited twice a week to check in with his lover. On one hand, the king was happy to have his sibling so close; on the other hand, Michael acted as if a stick had been lodged up his ass since the dawn of time, which it was, but that was besides the point. He had done it so Charlie could meet one of her many aunts and uncles; it gave him joy to know that she was happy. Along with Nicky’s arrival came more sinners from the uncontracted part of the lust district. After being vetted thoroughly, rooms were being filled as the days went on, and it seemed Nicky had spread the word.

Alastor was happy to see Lucifer genuinely happy, having a family support system other than just Charlie and himself was doing wonders for the angel’s mental health. Of course, the pleased mood led to other things. Dates, candlelit dinners, romantic nights by the fire, not everything led to sex; some nights it was simply listening to a record, well, cuddled up together in bed.

Alastor sat in Rosie's parlour, eating fingers from a silver platter that she so graciously offered to him, 

“Now give this old gal the tea, it’s been far too long since you’ve visited me, mister.”

“Apologies, my darling belle, life has been busy, the hotel is welcoming new guests, and Lucifer has been working on himself more these days, as have I, to be a suitable partner,” he said with an ever-present smile.

“I like to hear that, both of you changing for the better, puts a smile on my face,” she said softly as she sipped her tea, her pinky out as it always was, 

“I’ve been thinking about something, however,”
“Oh? Do tell?” she leaned in closer, 

“I want to marry him, I feel it’s the logical next step, I love him, Rosie, like no one I’ve ever loved before.”

Rosie hummed,

“That sounds just dandy, but hasn’t he been married already?”

“Yes, he has, does that matter?” he asked,

“In some regard, yes, maybe speak to him about it, perhaps he isn't ready to be wed just yet, maybe he perhaps wouldn’t want to remarry, you won’t know till you ask him, dear.”
“You have a point, Rosie. The last thing I’d want to do is pressure him into marrying me, especially with his royal status. It would make our relationship more public than he or I would like to admit.” Alastor spoke softly; he wasn’t sure if he wanted to make their relationship public knowledge. After all, they both had a reputation to uphold when it boiled down to it. 

There was a moment post-tea that the radio demon had some time to himself to think, he carefully rifled through his study in his radio tower, tugging the small drawer out, moving paperwork and telegraphs of old broadcasts before he found what he was looking for, wrapped in an old silk kerchief, one of his mother’s rings, passed down from her mother before her, Miss Sarephine Opal Fontenot was never married in her lifetime but her mother had passed the ring down to her only daughter who in turn gifted it to her only son on her death bed; Alastor made sure it was taken from the human world after his death and brought down to hell with him, as with a few photos of himself and his mother. Still, the ring was the only thing he was truly sentimental about. 

He ran his claws fingers over the smooth gold surface, it was a simple ring, they could never afford diamonds or anything expensive, but this was all his mother held dear; he tucked the ring away, having a moment of crisis when he realized that may not be enough, he sat on his desk and milled about his mind, there would be nothing in hell that would be pretty enough for the king, no matter how much money was spent. 

A knock at the door shook him from his thoughts. He gathered some of the papers off his desk, making it look like he was going through them, 

“Come in,” he said in a sing-song voice, his normal smile shining as Lucifer walked in,

“I was looking for you. How was Rosie?” 

“I was in here organizing some of my broadcasts for later. The old dame is doing fine, if not a little bit irritated. I haven't been there in a while,” he chuckled as he organized the papers and set them on his desk. The fallen angel sauntered over and wedged himself between Alastor's open legs, kissing him gently,

“I have no issue making time for you to have tea with Rosie. I'm sure Charlie wouldn't mind either; she did help save the hotel.” 

“Yes, that's an excellent point, my love.”

Alastor gently kissed his lips back, holding his cheeks in his hand, his thumbs gently rubbing the red circles,

“...Can we talk about something?” he asked quietly. Lucifer smiled,

“Of course,” 

“Hypothetically, if I wanted to ask for your hand in marriage at one point or another, would you be comfortable with it?” 

The king swallowed and sighed gently, 

“Right at this moment, no… my divorce is still fresh and I don't think I'm ready for that.” He said quietly before he looked into Alastor's eyes,

“Ask me again in a few months, perhaps I will be ready then,” the king didn't want to hurt his feelings.

“I understand my love, I will, if nothing more, the promise to marry you is enough to quell my worries.” The sinner tenderly kissed him on the lips before he wrapped his legs around his hips, causing the fallen angel to let out a soft growl, 

“Don't start, I have a meeting with Charlie in 20 minutes.” 

“I only need a meagre 10 minutes with you on my desk, nose deep in your delicate pussy,” 

“I fucking love it when you talk dirty to me.

Alastor used his shadows to move, sitting in his office chair, shifting forward as Beauregard picked up the little king by the hips, sitting him on the desk edge, grabbing his hand when he tried to snap. 

“It’s more fun when I get to unwrap you myself,” he said with a soft growl as the fallen angel's jacket was torn from his shoulders by the sinner's shadow, and the radio demon's hands carefully opened up the closure on his pants, unzipping it slowly, smirking,

“Of course, you pick the one time we're in a hurry to undress me with your hands, and no, I didn’t wear any underwear, I was hoping you’d fuck me after the meeting.”

Lucifer watched as Alastor’s ears flicked for a moment,

“We can wait till after,” he said softly before his hand slid down the front of the king's open pants, his fingers finding his clit with practiced ease, gently rubbing it in a few slow circles, making the king mewl and roll his hips, his eyes locked with the sinner’s.

The buck gathered some wetness on his fingers before bringing them up to his mouth and sucking on them with a pur, his tongue snaking between them slowly, watching as Lucifer seemingly fluffed in interest, 

“But don’t be late,” alastor whispered, his lips ghosting the shell of the king's ear. He flicked his tongue out and licked along his jaw before he faded into the shadows and left.

Lucifer huffed for a moment, horny, alone and dishevelled, he vaguely debated on pleasuring himself on Alastor's desk to quell the aching need between his legs, 

“What a bastard,” he hissed as he got to his feet, zipping up his pants and tugging on his jacket and hat, grumbling softly to himself that he needed to get this meeting over as fast as possible. 

Angel sat in the den at the end of the hall, idly scrolling his phone with nugget in his lap as he waited, knowing Charlie was doing some group therapy in an hour, he was relaxing till it was time, till Nicky sat down across from him, his leg bouncing, a E-cigarette in his lips, he was puffing on it like it was the last bit of oxygen in hell, 

“You ok?” the spider questioned, looking up from his hell-phone,

“I don’t fuckin know anymore, Ange,” he muttered, 

“You, uh, wanna talk about it?”

“Yeah, I guess… I don't think Michael loves me.”

“Whoa, whoa, what?” 

“Every time he visits, he’s just so cold with me, I don’t know if I’ve pissed him off or what, he won’t fucking touch me, he barely looks at me, he won’t even eat around me, I try to talk to him but it's like talking to a wall… I’m at my wits fuckin’ end, I can’t do this shit if I don’t have his support.”

Nicky stared at the floor, blowing a cloud of inky black smoke from his nose as he ran his hands over his face,

“Maybe get Short King to talk to him. In the meantime, you can come to group therapy with me. Charlie is good at listening, and so is everyone else who comes from the lust district. Have you eaten anything today? You're shakin,” the angel said gently, reaching out his hand and placing it on the dog's arm. The canine was always skinny, but he was bordering on skin and bone since he had come to the hotel, stress and withdrawal, Angel knew it well.

“No, I don't eat a lot, I’m not hungry,” 

“Yeah, you are. Come with me, I’ll make you something.”

The spider always had a streak of his mother in him, though he didn’t look much like her; he knew if someone was hungry, he’d feed them; he dragged Nicky down to the kitchen and sat him down at the small table as he cooked. The scent eventually brought in several other hotel guests, Lev, Luca, Nifty, Husk, Vaggie and the princess of hell herself,

“Oh, so this is where everyone is. Do you want to do group therapy over lunch?”

“I think that would be a good idea,” came an accented voice from the door, the newest addition to their group of misfits; Pascal, a medium-sized sinner, had a relatively thick New Zealand accent and was a komodo dragon of some sort; he was fairly friendly considering his crimes. 

“Si!” Luca agreed. Nicky simply nodded, not having the energy to speak. Suddenly, he put his head down on the kitchen table with a soft yawn. He had been up most of the night, overthinking everything, pacing circles in his room, and he swore the carpet was worn down from it.

Pascal and Lev helped Angel cook, happy to assist the sinner with making extra portions of spaghetti.

“I fuckin’ love garlic bread, can’t get enough of it,” the komodo spoke, his tongue flicking out every few seconds. The rat nodded,

“The best part, especially with cheese, I love cheese.” 

“Me Too!” came a yip from Luca, who was slowly learning English words; the spider sinner was teaching him a few words every night. 

Angel saw a glimpse of Lucifer and let Pascal take charge of stirring the sauce as he headed out to the hall to grab him.

“Hey, short king, I need to talk to ya,” he said. The king turned around with a smile,

“Of course, what do you need, Angel?”

“Nicky said some shit to me earlier about Michael. He’s feeling pretty upset about your brother not really opening up to him. Can you just talk to him? I would do it, but Michael is pretty reserved with me.” 

“I’ll try my best,”

“Thanks,” he said right as Pascal popped his head out of the kitchen,

“I think the sauce is done, Ange, if it tastes as good as it smells, we will already be in heaven,” he said with a smile.

“Do you wanna have therapy lunch with us?”

“No, thank you, but I may send Beauregard for a few plates afterwards, Al does like spaghetti occasionally,” Lucifer said with a smile,

“I’ll put it on a tray for you two lovebirds and leave it on the counter for Beau,” Angel smiled as he headed back to the kitchen. Lucifer thanked him as he made his way up to their shared room, noticing Beau outside, flattened against the wall, watching the fallen angel with a toothy smile, 

“Angel is setting out a tray of spaghetti for us. Go fetch it when he does,” he said with a purr, watching as the shadow came off the wall, allowing the king to gently scratch his chin. 

Alastor opened the door, 

“Hm, you're so insistent on touching him,”

“He listens to me better if he gets touched and kissed, you do too.”

“I most certainly do not!” the radio demon said as his shadow took that moment to fly off somewhere,

“I seem to recall my darling doe on his knees with his hands tied behind his back, listening to my every whim and instruction just for a few moments of petting,” Lucifer said with a smirk, watching as his lover went beet red, his ears flicking back and pinning.

“Must you admit such things in the hallway? Someone could hear you,”

“Good point, I’ll utter even filthier things in the comfort of our room.” 

Lucifer tugged him into their room, closing the door and grabbing his lover by the hips, 

“I believe you started something you didn't finish.”

“I could finish that task, but Beauregard is on his way with lunch, and I do love Angel’s spaghetti,” 

“I suppose we could have a lunch break before I let you defile me,” the king smirked. Alastor chuckled,

“How considerate!” the blonde gently kissed him on the lips, his hands wandering down to squeeze his ass, giggling when the radio demon's tail wagged and brushed against his hand.

Beau brought in the two plates of spaghetti and garlic bread. Angel never skipped out on portion sizes; both plates were sizable, the shadow set them at the table, Lucifer snapped his fingers, and two glasses of wine appeared. Alastor noticed and took his lover's hand, slowly kissing up the back of it with a soft purr,

“You always make everything so romantic,” he whispered, before another snap made the room darken and candles appear. The radio demon giggled happily and sat across from his lover at a small table with a white cloth covering it. In the distance, the king's double played the violin, dragging the bow carefully along the strings as the copy serenaded them,

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you're trying to get in my pants,”

“Isn’t that the goal after lunch? You'd better save room for dessert.”

“I always have room for you, you're the sweetest ambrosia that lingers on my tongue, I think I’d go mad if you didn’t allow me a taste of the sweet nectar between your legs every once and a while.”

The king blushed bright gold, crossing his legs under the table, 

“I’d like you to tell me how much you want me without the filter on your voice, no transatlantic accent, just you,” he said softly,

“Without the filter? Dear, are you aware of how I sound without my accent?” he said with a raised eyebrow. He could vividly remember getting mocked as a child when he sounded too Creole and French, so he decided to don his accent as soon as he hit the airwaves. He hadn’t heard his true voice in decades, 

“I can imagine, is that something you would be comfortable with?” he asked, starting to eat, watching as Alastor did the same, 

“I am willing to try, for your ears only,” he spoke softly. Lucifer could see his apprehension, 

“Is this one of those human things, like holding hands when we were exploring?”

“I’m afraid so. I spoke some Creole and French often, though back then it was seen as uneducated; there was a push to force everyone to speak English, and I hid from my culture for a long time. Manman said it was safer couldn’t let them know I was mixed, nor let them know I spoke French, to even get a chance at the radio, I had to hide myself and everything that I was made of.” 

Lucifer moved and grasped the sinner’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as he looked into the radio demon's eyes, 

“I don’t want you to hide all that you are with me; I want you to be everything you weren’t allowed to be with me. I will love every part of you,” the king said with a smile.

“It’s hard to let go of those fears sometimes, when they were beaten and instilled into you so young,” he said quietly, letting his ears pin for a moment as he looked into his pasta,

“I know the feeling all too well. Sometimes it takes a long time to feel safe in your own skin, but you're safe with me,” he spoke softly. Alastor leaned across the table slowly and kissed him gently on the lips before Beauregard brought him his cane, the sinner carefully flicked a small switch on the side and turned the dial till it clicked. 

Alastor swallowed before he spoke quietly, accented in heavy French,

“It’s been a long, long time since anyone had heard this voice. To be honest, it's hard to even recognize myself sounding like this.” he watched Lucifer's face, as it went from curiosity to wonder,

“You sound… I love it,” he said, giddy. 

“Really?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t lie to you. I want to hear you speak French when you fuck me, Al, say the most filthy things, even in English, I don’t care, just talk dirty to me.” The fallen angel spoke as he licked his lips.

Lunch was finished in record time, and Alastor gazed hungrily at the king before him, letting out a soft growl. The king’s wings appeared, flapping gently with a shiver; his wings were glistening, 

“I don't even have to speak, and you're already wet for me, mon bijou,” he spoke as he stood, his hand outstretched. Lucifer bit his lip for a moment, slowly raising his hand to put it in the sinners, before a heavy knock came to their door, one that made the fallen angel absolutely snarl, his horns flaring as his tail appeared and cracked like a whip. Whoever dared to be a cockblock at a time like this was going to have hell to pay. 

The clack of well-polished boots on the hardwood charged forward. Alastor watched with interest, flicking his accent back on just in case he needed a voice to cheer his loving boyfriend on in whatever may arise. The door was opened with a force that nearly snapped the hinges. On the other side, Michael stood, wings flared,

“What the FUCK did you do to him, Lucifer!?” the angel said with a low growl,

“To whom? Don’t you fucking take that tone with me, you're in my realm,” he hissed, 

“TO CILLIAN!” he yelled, directly in the king's face,

“Yell at me again, and I will send you packing. You do not disrespect me in my daughter's hotel in my realm,”

“He fuckng hates me, Lucifer, what the fuck did you tell him? Are you trying to sabotage me or something? You always were jealous.” What came next was the king's backhanding his brother, so loud it echoed,

“Don’t you fucking dare!” 

Michael was first to tackle his brother, causing the king to slide back into the sitting room on his wings. The angel punched him across the face. Lucifer looked at him with a bloodied snarl and fought back, wings violently slapping at his sibling as they rolled on the floor, beating one another senseless, screeching in a long-dead language that the radio demon couldn't understand. He picked up the rotary phone, using his claw to drag the dial, watching his lover and his brother, knowing well he couldn’t say anything or try to break the fight up,

“Uh, Al? You don't usually call me. What's wrong?”

“Mhm, it seems your uncle and your father are currently in a spat and in need of some therapy,”

“Oh uh, what kind of spat?”

“They are beating the absolute shit out of each other on my sitting room floor, Charlotte. Collect them before I roll them both in the hallway and lock the door behind them.” 

Alastor watched them for a mere ten minutes before vaggie appeared, driving her angelic spear between them into the hardwood, making them both freeze as Charlie yelled,

“STOP!” she snarled at them, her tail flicking like a whip crack just as her father’s had earlier, hair-raising and horns appearing, both men parted from one another, gold blood and blooming bruises decorating their visible skin, one of Lucifer’s teeth was chipped, its fragment in one of Michael's wings, the angel had a rather picturesque set of claw marks across his face that narrowly missed his eye, 

“We’re talking about this, we don’t fix our problems by fighting,” the princess hissed, 

“Both of you, in my office now, and you too, Alastor, since you're a witness.”

“Of course, princess,” the radio demon smirked. 

Lucifer snapped his fingers, and everyone plopped into Charlie's cushy office in one of the alcoves she used for therapy, lined with comfortable chairs, soft plushies and candles, 

“I’m leaving my spear for you.”

“Thank you, Vaggie,” she smiled at her girlfriend as she left. Alastor sat on the corner of her desk, watching both men as the princess plopped into her chair, holding the weapon just in case she needed to break up another fight.

“Can you just tell me how this started?” she asked

“He turned Cillian against me because he can’t stand to see me happy!” Michael hissed, Lucifer growled,

“Don’t fucking lie to my daughter, you came over to start shit, you’ve been up my ass since we allowed you visitation, you don’t leave me alone. What did you come here to spy for the seraphim like an obedient little cur?” the fallen angel bared his teeth, and his sibling slapped him before it turned into another fight, with claws instead of fists, intent on doing real damage.

Charlie growled, beyond done with everything, unwilling to put the spear between them, fearing she’d hit them, she handed it to Alastor, who promptly sauntered over and slammed the handle down between their faces, 

“I will both hog tie you. Now stop your fighting and listen,” he growled as he tugged Lucifer back by the scruff of his shirt, using the spear to push Michael a few feet away, putting distance between them. He held the weapon and stood between them, glaring at both of the wounded creatures, disappointed in Lucifer for starting the fight with that slap and angered with Michael that he caused such horrid damage to his lover. Alastor pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to his lover, allowing him to dab away some of the blood. 

“Thank you,” came the king's hushed voice.

The princess crossed her arms,

“Thank you, Al. I want you both to explain your sides of the story, and we're going to be respectful if one of you interrupts or resorts to violence, I’m banning you from the hotel, no question about it. Got that?” 

“Yes, Char-Char,”

“Yes,”

“Uncle Michael, I want you to go first,” Charlie said softly, as she looked to him, 

“Cillian hates me now. I don’t know how he got that in his head or from whom, but he's been cold and won't even look at me; he wasn’t like this last time, he won't even open the door to me, and the only ones he talks to that I've seen is Lucifer,” Micheal spoke with his arms crossed, hissing when he accidentally brushed against the claw marks on his face,

“Ok. Dad, do you want to tell your side of the story?” 

Lucifer held the handkerchief to a sizable wound on his wing,

“He banged down my door and yelled in my face. I was in the middle of a very important conversation with Alastor. I opened the door, and he proceeded to disrespect and accuse me of being jealous. I will happily admit I hit him first, but he's the one who tackled me to the floor in my own room,” he hissed,

“So Uncle Michael, why do you think Dad did something? To Nicky, I've only seen them interact once; he usually chats with Angel and Husker,” Charlie said softly,

“Every time I've visited, Lucifer is around Nicky in the far sitting room,” 

“Yes, because I tend to check in to see if he needs anything, Alastor does the same. Angel told me today to speak to you, and I was intending to do it after dinner, but you instead decided to act like an asshole and interrupt my personal time with my loving boyfriend,” the king crossed his arms.

Michael looked over at him with a glare,

“What the fuck was so important that neither of them would speak to me directly?”

“Because you act like this, Michael! Every time someone tries to speak with you about doing something wrong, you throw a tantrum. You always have, even when we were young, you'd break something and I'd get blamed, no wonder I acted out and chose my own path to get away from everyone's perfect little golden child,” Lucifer glared back, tail flicking violently,

“Liar!”

“Go fuck yourself. I am not the one who ruins everything for you. I didn't let my lover die or neglect them in the afterlife.”

“Both of you stop it!” Charlie yelled, making Alastor slam the butt of the spear on the ground yet again,

“Michael, you need to learn that all of your actions have consequences, and Dad, I know you're hurt, but please stop bringing up the past right now. Now what did Angel tell you about Nicky?”  

The king looked to his daughter,

“He wanted me to talk to Michael about opening up with Nicky. Nothing more and nothing less,”

“I am open with him,” the archangel said with a raised eyebrow. Charlie put her finger up to silence him before she looked over,

“How open?”

“I greet him when I come in, I sit close to him, I ask him how his day goes,” he said softly. Lucifer and his daughter both looked at each other with the same look before glancing back at their family member,

“Is that all? You must be joking? That's about as open as a closed window,” Alastor grumbled before the angel hissed at him,

“I'd like to hear what you do better,” 

“Well, I come in, I shower my lovely little fallen angel with kisses, cook for him, ask him how his day is going and how Charlotte is if I haven't seen her yet, if his day is off I will hold him and tell him how much he is worth to me well wrapping my arms around him, I occasionally shower him with little gifts and sweet desserts. I know him inside and out and how to deal with whatever may be upsetting him. He is the same as me, right back. We do have our rocky times, but a relationship isn't a relationship without a bit of yelling now and then,” he smiled, flicking his ears when the other being huffed and looked away,

“Aww, Al, that's so romantic!” The princess squealed.

Charlie looked to her uncle,

“Maybe you need some help being romantic.” 

“I can't be that bad,” 

“You're treating him like a roommate, Michael, you have no idea how agonizing that must be for someone who loves you.” Lucifer looked over at him as he sighed, 

“Uncle Michael, I want you to go see Angel Dust and talk to him about being a bit more romantic with your partner, and no more physical violence. If I see it again, I will ban you from the hotel. You're not getting a third chance, got it?”

“Yes, Charlie, I understand.” he got up and glanced at his brother and Alastor before he left, before looking away and going to lick his wounds before he headed to find Angel. 

Lucifer wetted the handkerchief with magic as he stood, going to a mirror in Charlie's office, carefully wiping his wounds,

“Do they not heal automatically, my dear?” Alastor asked as he handed the spear back to Vaggie, 

“From him? No, we are cut from the same cloth; we can’t kill one another, but we can cause pain and scars,” the king said softly, 

“I'm putting my foot down, Dad… you get the same rule in place,”

“I understand, Charlie. He caught me at a bad time and struck a nerve with what he said,”

“What did he say that stung so bad that you hit him?”

“I don’t want to get into it.”

“Dad-”

“Charlie, I said no. Drop it, it isn’t a conversation I'm ready to have with you or anyone about what happened in heaven,” the king cut her off, closing his eyes for a moment,

“...Ok, Dad. If you ever want to talk about it, my office is always open,” she said quietly, sensing his discomfort; even the radio demon felt his lover's mask slip a little with that snap.

The king walked over to his daughter, gently holding her face,

“I love you, I hope you know that.”

“I love you too, Dad,” she smiled as she felt him tug her down into a hug. He kissed the top of her head before he left, whistling softly for Alastor, who followed him promptly, his arm gently wrapped around his lover's shoulders,

“Come, I will clean your wounds.”

“It’s fine, Alastor, I’m used to doing it myself when it comes to wounds from him.” Lucifer brushed him off, snapping them into their shared room, parting from his lover to strip down to nothing, inspecting himself in a large mirror,

“I know you won’t talk to Charlotte about this, but will you at least be open with me?” the sinner asked as he watched his lover with worry in his eyes, as he summoned a basin of water and began to clean his wounds.

“I suppose I owe it to you, since I’ve given you enough shit for not being open with me…” the fallen angel sighed. 

Lucifer focused on his wounds, washing away the golden blood that wasn’t his,

“I’m sure Sandalphon told you about us all being made from the same star. We were never really born, created, however, as kids. From the day we were old enough to speak, Michael was favoured; he was always the golden child, the one who was the best at everything, and I was cast aside early on. I was at one point envious of him, but it eventually faded when I let that feeling go and walked my own path more. I was the first to find a partner, one that loved me, but Michael stole them away, yet I got beaten for it as if I had stolen away his lover. It was many a time I was scored and beaten down for anything I tried to do… the final straw was Lilith, the only one he couldn’t take from me because she was just as flawed as I was; he didn’t want her, but as word got out, he told the seraphim. I was tried at the high courts, and he turned his back on me when I protected the one person he couldn’t have.” With a soft shake of his wings, Alastor saw the scars littering his back, crude slices from spears and dimples from arrows, 

“The last thing I saw as I was thrown to hell was him, turning around to watch as I was bleeding out with her in my arms. I will never forget that look of fear in his eyes, knowing he couldn’t blame me anymore, and he was on his own,” the fallen angel put his face in his hands for a moment, sniffling before he looked at himself in the mirror. Alastor came up and embraced him from behind,

“He will never have what we have. You have a loving daughter and me, of course, romance and a man who would go to the ends of hell and beyond just for you, my dear. He can barely manage to keep his roommate pleased,” the radio demon pressed soft kisses up his lover's neck and right to one of his goat-like ears. Beau was in the other room fiddling with the sinner's cane, flicking the switch,

“Mon Chou, I’ll tell you just how much better you are,”

“I love that you know just how to stroke my ego when I need it,” he turned and kissed him gently on the lips.

Alastor kissed him back before pulling away,

“Let me allow Beauregard to bandage you, and I will make sweet love to you after,” he said as he gently licked some of the blood from his cheek, just enough to make his tongue tingle.

“Mhm, fine, I guess I could allow you to fix me up just once, only because you spoke to me in that absolutely delicious accent,” the fallen angel bit his lip, with a blush as the shadow came with the first aid kit, bandaging and wrapping the wounds, intent on preening.

“My wings can wait till later, your face in my pussy can't.” 

“Someone's awfully impatient,” the sinner smirked, and Beauregard lifted the king, carrying him over to their shared bed, laying him gently among the satin sheets.

The angel opened his legs and bit his lip as Alastor crawled onto the bed, loosening his bowtie till it hung loosely. He tossed it to the side and undid the buttons on his shirt, licking his lips. Lucifer watched him,

“Everything?”

“Non, mon pitite bijou, I don't want to fuck you, I want to worship you tonight,” the sinner spoke softly as he gently kissed up one of the king's legs,

“But Alastor-”

“Arrêt, I won't change my mind, I want to watch your pleasure, I don't have any desire to satisfy mine tonight.” He moved the angel’s hand to the front of his pants,

“See? Not even the sight of your dripping wet cunt could get my cock hard when I'm intent on pleasuring you and just you, mon Chou. Even Beauregard is on board with it, that's how you know my mind is only on you tonight.” 

Lucifer moaned when he felt the shadow slide his cool tongue over his lower stomach, above the fluff on his mons,

“Who would you like between your legs tonight?” 

“Can I have Beauregard? I want to try the temperature difference.” 

“Of course, Mon Bijou, cool tongue against your pussy and warm breath in your ear. Would you allow me to lavish your female form? It's been ages since I’ve seen it,” he spoke softly as he climbed up the bed. Beau purred and crawled between his legs. The fallen angel shifted slowly, his body shifting and changing form, his hair grew a little longer, and small, perky breasts appeared on his chest., 

“I haven’t felt beautiful in a while in this form… It’s why you haven't seen it.”

“Mon Lapin, I will make you feel like you're the most beautiful being in this entire existence tonight. Allow me to lavish this body in all of the love you deserve in every form.”

Soft kisses lavished along the king's body, soft pokes of sharpened teeth never punctured the smooth porcelain flesh. Alastor was careful, methodical and calculated, accenting every kiss and lick with soft pet names in French against his quivering skin. Beau lapped away at the gold-fleshed pussy in front of him, his tongue tracing along the soft folds, kissing and sucking on his clit, Lucifer moaned and writhed along the sheets, unable to keep still. 

It was all Lucifer needed, his back arched when Alastor lightly rolled his nipples in his clawed fingers, his mouth hot against his ear as he whispered sweet nothings. The fallen angel moved and grabbed the shadow's ears with a feverish moan, his hips rolling, shivering when the shadow began to slurp loudly, 

“Tu es ma déesse, ma belle chérie, tout ce que j'ai toujours voulu. Tu as le goût d'un doux nectar sur ma langue et tes gémissements sont comme une grande symphonie à mes oreilles. Je suis à toi et tu es à moi, pour toujours mon amour.” the radio demon repeated in his ear, it made the king whimper,

“Je suis à toi,” he growled, nipping his ear.

Lucifer came with a scream, but Beauregard didn't stop, lapping up the wetness greedily as he continued. Alastor continued to play with the king’s tits; they were just enough to fill his hands.

They toyed with him till after the fifth orgasm, when Lucifer used his safeword, making Beauregard back off. Alastor gently kissed the top of his lover's head,

“Ducky…” came a soft pant from the king,

“Beauregard, please go get me some water and a basin of water,” Alastor asked. The shadow nodded, splitting into pieces as he got the required items. The radio demon took the water, gently putting a straw to his lover's lips, watching him drink slowly as he rubbed one of his wings, 

“Better?”

“Yes, Al,” the king smiled, 

“Beauregard is going to clean between your legs and then I will preen your wings after,” he explained, watching his lover nod, and the shadow went to work wiping away the darkened spit.

Lucifer was tired when he felt Alastor and Beau begin to preen his wings. He wasn’t usually tired, but his body was healing the wounds from his earlier spat, and he could have fallen asleep as smooth hands carefully pulled out broken feathers and cleaned away dried blood. Every touch was careful and tender, the kisses up his spine made him shiver,

“Rest, mon chou, you need it.”

“Not till you're done, I want to cuddle,” he grumbled softly, his eyelids heavy, his wings limp; he was fighting sleep. 

Alastor finished as quickly as he could before a set of tentacles put Lucifer in his pyjamas. The fallen angel watched as the radio demon slipped on his nightshirt, before he crawled under the freshly changed sheets, he tugged his lover to his body, kissing along his face, 

“Goodnight, my love,”

“Goodnight, Al… thank you for being you, and being the best.”

With that, the fallen angel was out, snoring softly in the radio demon's arms. Alastor flicked out the lights and kissed the top of Lucifer’s head,

“Only for you.”

Alastor would get revenge one way or another for how Michael treated his brother, but till he had an opening, he would just have to bide his time by making sure Lucifer had all the support he needed.

Vox sat in his master control chair, clicking his claws against the metal as Valentino wiggled into his lap, straddling it in nothing but a silk nightgown and shorts,

“It's bedtime, Voxxy, come on, papi.” 

“I'm not going to bed, Val, not till I can figure this out,” he growled,

“Figure it out, well, I'm fucking you in bed now, come on,” the moth hissed. He got off his lover's lap, using all of his arms to peel the TV out of his chair and over his shoulder,

“Why are you always fucking like this? Put me down,”

“Remember what fucking happened last time you stayed up? The snake thing? And oh yes, the pride ring outage and that time the other day when the lightning fried our grid and fucked up my fur!” he hissed, breathing out a cloud of smog.

“Ok, ok fine, but you can't tell me that Alastor didn't have something to do with that lightning last week. We haven't gotten lighting in years, Val, and it's never been that bad,” Vox grumbled as he carried us to their shared bed. Val looked down at him through his glasses,

“Probably, but remember we can't touch him, or anyone under the protection of the hotel.”

“Right… but they never said we can't spy on them. I know Alastor is up to something; he's going to slip up one day, and I'm going to catch it, and we will be back on top.”

Chapter Text

Just as quickly as Lucifer could forgive, he could easily hold a grudge, but with him, his revenge was petty, swapping the sugar with salt every time his brother made coffee, purposely making the key the wrong shape for the lock, snapping his sheets to the most skin-irritating hell-sheep wool he could find. Was he an asshole? In some regard, yes, but Michael should have known better than to dredge up their turbulent past in front of his darling daughter.

Lucifer sat in the communal kitchen, sipping coffee from a duck mug as he focused on reading a Harlequin romance novel. He did enjoy indulging in a good book now and then when he was avoiding the monstrous stack of paperwork on his desk. Alastor was running errands with Angel, so he was left to his own devices till Michael strode into the kitchen to make himself a coffee. With a flick of the fallen angel's eyes, the sugar turned to salt, as his brother took a rather large sip, only to spit it in the sink and wash his mouth out with a growl.

“I know you're fucking doing this, Lucifer.” 

“That was always labelled salt, it always has been. Perhaps you're just tasting your personality,”

“Fuck you,”

“No, I have a boyfriend for that, and I am getting more than enough action from him,” the king smirked. 

Michael huffed and left to stomp away, only for Beauregard to trip him and let out a silent cackle, making the angel lose his shit further when he saw that he had tripped over nothing. When he was out of sight, Lucifer held an apple slice out, grinning when the shadow ate it from his hand,

“You're such a little shit, but you're my little shit,” he chuckled, scratching behind his ear before he kissed the top of his head. Beau purred happily, his tail wiggling.

Beau disappeared when Charlie made an appearance,

“Dad, have you seen Al and Angel?”

“They are out running errands, Char-Char something about getting items all our guests want off a list, a lot of them are afraid to go out off the grounds,” he said as he put a marker in his book and snapped it to his room. 

“That's good, I want everyone to feel at home, I guess… Is Uncle Michael settling in better?”

“I don't know, you can ask him, we haven't been on speaking terms.” 

“I thought you two made up.”

“No. Not till he can realize his actions have consequences,” Lucifer sipped his coffee, 

“Ok, well as long as you both aren't actively fighting, I guess that's better than nothing,” she said softly,

“I just want everyone to get along, Dad.”

“I know. But sometimes that's easier said than done, especially when the past comes to play.”

Charlie sighed softly, 

“Can you just promise me you won’t bother him or add gasoline to the fire?”

“Cross my heart, Charlie,” Lucifer smiled. He wasn't directly bothering his brother if Beauregard was doing it, 

“Thank you, Dad.”

Alastor let out a soft chuckle as he walked with Angel through the market,

“Whatcha laughing about, smiles?”

“Mhm, Lucifer is egging on Beauregard to be worse than he normally is; it's rather entertaining,” he smirked, 

“He and Michael really got a rift goin’, he acts like every other heaven-bound dickhead, fuckin’ ‘do no wrong’ type of asshole,” the spider mumbled, 

“Exactly, I’d rather he be gone and be done with it, but Charlotte has such infectious positivity for rehabilitating Nicky just for him, as if that will fix their problems.”

“... they got a lotta fucking problems, Al, both of ‘em need therapy, and Michael needs to learn how to be understanding that Nicky is imperfect and basically human. Michael is gonna keep being a douche till Nicky packs up and fucking leaves, then it’s gonna get worse.”

Angel ran a set of hands over his face, the set that wasn't holding shopping bags full of items,

“Charlie is gonna ask me how it’s going, I don't know how to tell her that Michael is fucking asshole and Nicky is ready to leave,”

“Simply tell her the truth, you know how she is a stickler about trying our best, I’m sure she can try to wrap her head around the fact that both of them are seemingly hopeless,”

“Ya know she won’t, but I guess, yeah.” The spider put the bags in the back of the car before crawling in, Alastor following him, sitting comfortably across from him, 

“You have a car when you were alive, smiles?”

“Why yes, I did, after I moved to New York when my career began to catch, I bought myself a fine jalopy in 1930, a Phaeton.”

“Oo ritzy,”

“Did you have one Angel?”

“My own nah, I had to share it with Niss, but we usually had some kinda sedan, or model 18, depending on the task, groceries with Ma was usually the sedan because groceries, she always bought too much,” he smiled fondly.

The radio demon smiled as he looked out the window, 

“I took manman out for one ride before she passed away. She yelled at me and grabbed me by the ear for speeding, I wasn't speeding... That fast at least," he cackled,

"Yeh Ma hit me with a rolled up paper once, because I slid around a corner a little too fast and whatever the hell she was holding nearly went out the window," Angel laughed, wiping his eyes,

"I ain't never seen her so pissed at me, I don't even remember what she was holdin', probably something important." 

They laughed together before Alastor sighed warmly,

"I bet you miss your mother just as much as I miss my dear Manman,"

"I do, yeah, wish I could send her a letter someday, ya know,"

"I wonder if that's possible, I know Lucifer cannot enter, but surely Michael could, I shall ask when we get home, perhaps I could goad him into a deal, he is afterall desperate," 

"Yeah, maybe, I have a few things to drop off to Nicky anyway when we get in, I have been keeping an eye on him more... Speaking of, how are you and Short King doin'?"

"Wonderful, I have plans to cook a nice dinner for him tonight. Charlotte wants to host a dance tonight in the sitting room. I figured I'd ask him to accompany me," the sinner smiled, 

"Husky wanted to take me too. Ya know, I love seeing you two happy,"

"Why so?" 

"Because I know both of you just needed someone, just turned out to be each other," Angel said softly as he looked out the window at the hotel that was slowly coming into view,

"It's strange to have someone root for our happiness when it isn't something I ever considered I'd be involved in. It never occurred to me that I'd find someone to share my life with as I do with Lucifer." 

Outside, a small black moth rested on the back window of the car, listening intently. His eyes flashed blue before it took off; in his master command chair, Vox cackled darkly, 

"I got you now, you old prick." 

Maque Choux was a dish Alastor learned to cook from his mother when he was a boy, barely up to her thigh, standing on a footstool at her side as he stirred the pan of food with a smile on his face. It was the day the harvest was plentiful from their garden and the day his mother took his hands in hers and showed him how to use a knife.

He could still remember her smile and the sticky humidity that clung to his skin in the heat of the Louisiana summer, the way her voice quelled his shaking hands, and her soft lips pressed to the top of his head.

With a flash the memory changed, a knife buried deep in his father's chest, Alastor looked at him, panting as he tugged the blade out and plunged it down again and again till the tears stopped streaming down his face, he remembered quartering him and feeding him to the alligators before he stumbled home, bloody and bruised, sweet Manman wiped his face and burned his clothes that night as he watched from the creaky wood porch in his nightshirt.

A gentle set of arms wrapped around his thin waist from behind, gently squeezing. Alastor placed a clawed hand over the set that rested at his stomach,

"Lost in your thoughts?" Lucifer asked softly,

"Yes, my love," came a hushed voice,

"What are they about?"

"Sweet Manman, teaching me how to cook Maque Choux, showing me how to use a knife..." The sinner was quiet, his eyes shut for a moment as he stirred the pan,

"Then, plunging that same blade into my father's chest, I can still feel her wiping the blood from my face and cleaning my glasses. The arms around his waist squeezed tighter, a gentle kiss pressed to his spine, the king turned him around and looked into his eyes, 

"Are you alright?" 

"I will be," he said softly. He leaned down and kissed his lover softly on the lips,

"I have a candlelit dinner planned for us tonight before we attend Charlotte's ball." 

"I love you," 

"I love you, too, my dear." 

Alastor went back to his cooking as Lucifer picked out their clothes for the night, humming as he looked through the sinners wardrobe, frowning when nothing matched his vision, he snapped his fingers and a door appeared, he flicked his wrist and it opened, he padded in and looked around at the piles of assorted suits, in varying colours and styles, he popped his head out,

"Would you consider not wearing a jacket tonight?" 

"Of course, provided I'm covered, however, you know I don't like to show off my throat or my arms!" Alastor called back as he sent Beauregard to set the table and light the candles.

The fallen angel picked out a black shirt and a deep red waistcoat, black slacks and an antler-patterned tie. He picked out clothes for himself and walked out, the door disappearing behind him with a snap of his fingers; he looked to his lover, who was standing in their shared bedroom, 

"Dinner is finished. I suppose it would be best for us to get dressed first,” he said with an ever-present smile. Lucifer hummed and snapped them dressed. He ran his hands over the waistcoat, smoothing down the wrinkles,

“I got something for you,” Alastor spoke, and one of his puppets wandered out of the shadows, holding a box, 

“Al, you don't have to spend money on me, you know,”

“Hush, I saw them well, Angel and. I were out, I simply couldn't resist,” the sinner opened the box, revealing two golden snake pins with a chain in between them, they seemingly had ruby eyes.

Lucifer smiled,

“Oh, Al, they are gorgeous… where did you get them?”

“A jewelry maker not far from my tailor, would you allow me to put them on you?”

“Of course,” the fallen angel moved his head out of the way and allowed Alastor to carefully puncture the collar of his shirt, fastening the pins on before he straightened the starched shirt, bending down to kiss him gently on the lips, grinning when his lover stood on the tips of his hooves and wrapped his arms around his neck, the kings tongue slipped into his mouth, the radio demon moaned softly before he tugged himself away,

“Later, Charlotte will have our heads if we're late,” 

“Mhm, I guess so, but tonight I had something different in mind,” 

“Oh? Now you've got me curious,” the sinner spoke as they walked toward the dinner table.

Alastor tugged the fallen angel's chair out, allowing him to sit before he was pushed in,

“Remember when we tried to have a nice submissive afternoon play and got interrupted?”

“Hm, yes, I remember,” 

“Would you be willing to try again, without any interruptions, tonight? I may have gone on a little shopping spree in the Lust ring with Ozzie when you were out,” Lucifer said, starting to eat when Al did. He waved his hand, and a martingale collar hung loosely from one of his fingers, Dark crimson leather embossed with gold antlers at the throat, a loop of gold chain on the back,

“How pretty, now what else did you buy?” he asked with a raised eyebrow,

“Blindfold, a few moderately sized toys, whips, chains, gags, and a brand new kinky wardrobe just for us. A lot of my stuff was outdated anyway,” Lucifer said as he moaned happily at the taste of the maque choux.

“We’ll see what new kinks you can find,” the sinner chuckled and watched as the king snapped the collar away,

“I'm sure I'll find some new ones, I always do,” he purred as he put his hand down to gently scratch at Beau's ears. The shadow was across his lap with his tail wagging.

The sinner smirked and ate his food, crossing his legs under the table and purring as he ate slowly, happy to watch Lucifer eat. He was slowly putting weight on the king; of course, it wasn't much since he was naturally lean, but it was enough that he was filling out his pants nicely. 

With supper finished and the dishes cleared, the radio demon offered his arm, his lover happily took it, and they walked toward the elevator,

“Is your lower back bothering you again?”

“...it's sore, is it really that obvious?” 

“No, I can simply feel when you're in pain, you grip me a little tighter and your body language changes. I have no qualms about heating your water bottle and lying with you tonight if you're sore,” Alastor said softly, knowing just how achy the king got,

“If I feel worse after the ball, I will let you put on a record and relax for the night; if not, I'm trying those new toys,” he said softly, listening to the elevator ding as the doors slid open to the sitting room that had been ornately decorated. 

Fine dresses and suits decorated the room, Charlie squeaked happily, jumping as she held Vaggie’s hands at the turnout, almost everyone was out of their room, except a few stragglers who were working outside of the hotel; Nicky stood against the wall, a drink in his hand looking unhappy as Angel Dust spoke with him, the canine sinner was wearing a long silk slip dress and several strings of pearls, his fur blown out and curled, pretty for someone being stood up by an archangel who was outside on the balcony.

They meandered over to Charlie, who excitedly hugged her dad, both of them chatting idly about the ball, 

“Excuse me for a moment, dear,” Alastor parted from his lover. Lucifer gave a nod and summoned his cane in place of the sinner; the radio demon made his way through the crowd and out to the balcony. Michael looked over at him with a sour look before he turned away,

“You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” 

“What do you want, Alastor?” the angel asked,

“A deal,”

“Why would I make a deal with you?” 

“Because we both have things we want that are simply out of reach,” he glanced at Nicky, who was chatting with Pascal, the archangel glanced back as well, sighing,

“Fine. What do you want?”

Alastor looked back at him,

“I and others would like to communicate with relatives in heaven,”

“It's prohibited to do that.” 

“I'm aware. Desperate times call for desperate measures,” he grinned,

“One letter each, one time only,” 

“Two letters each. Twice per year,” he reasoned, the archangel looked at Cillian then back to Alastor,

“Only if you can help me fix this… I want him to love me, without any tricks,” he said quietly. The sinner held out his hand, 

“Deal. I will tutor you in my spare time, when I am not available, I will send Beauregard in my place.” 

“Deal.” 

They shook hands, Michael spread his wings to block the flash from being seen in the sitting room window, 

“Don't make me regret this,” 

“If I wanted to make you regret this, I wouldn't have even made a deal with you,” the sinner said with a snarl, turning on his heel, 

“Now see to it that you march in and ask your lover to dance,”

“I don't know how to dance…”

“Don't worry, Beauregard does.”

The sinner held the door and let the angel in. Beauregard shifted along the floor, following the archangel as he awkwardly walked to Nicky, 

“Would you like to dance, Cillian?” Beau gently pushed his hand forward. Alastor kept an eye on him as he whisked his lover onto the dance floor, flicking his ears to summon a band of his puppets to play something live. Lucifer looked at him,

“What do you have planned?” 

“Why do you say that?”

“Because Beau is grabbing at Michael,”

“I'll tell you later,” he said softly as he smirked, dipping his love. Nicky was tugged onto the dance floor, the shadow moved Michael's hands carefully into place, tugging one a little further down onto the sinner's ass,

“You'll tell me now, Al.”

Lucifer didn't often have a jealous streak; he had it all basically in the end, but the flash of concern that crossed his face was enough to make Alastor know this would likely turn into a fight if he didn't watch his words.

“I made a deal with Michael,” 

“Have you lost your fucking mind?” the king whispered sharply, 

“Not more than it's already gone, my love, it's a simple deal. I aid him in winning that hound's heart, in exchange for our hotel residents to write letters to heaven twice a year. I figured Charlotte would appreciate it; perhaps it would encourage them to want redemption more,” the sinner said as he dipped his lover, watching as Beauregard encouraged Michael to do something similar.

“I don't know how you're going to do that… I'm old-fashioned, Al, I don't know if Nicky will like the same thing as me.”

“One can try their best,” he said with a smirk before he nearly dropped the king.

The TV in the sitting room was older than most of the hotel's residents truth be told, the old picture box was ornery and had a habit of just turning on sometimes; tonight however instead of just static it was filled with the constant yacking of the 666 news, flashing on the screen were pictures of Lucifer Morningstar and glitched photographs of Alastor Fontenot side by side, a phrase flashing on the screen ‘King morning star cheating with the radio demon?’ in big letters, the sinners ears pinned as he snarled audibly, the fallen angel noticed as he glanced at the screen, immediately wiping it to static before he hoped anyone could have seen it; however it was a gasp from Charlotte that caused everyone to glance beyond the hotel's windows and out to the main square, littered with screens plastered with pictures of them, there was no saving face now; just damage control. 

“I am going to rip that TV limb from fucking limb,” the radio demon hissed, as he watched drones surround the hotel. Lucifer drew the curtains shut,

“Dad, are you ok?”

“...No…I’m not ok,” he said, running his hands over his face. Vaggie and Angel moved the dance to the other room as a distraction, sensing they all needed a moment of privacy. Charlie put a hand on her father's shoulder as Alastor paced, his ears pinned as he grumbled,

“I didn't want this coming out, not like this. I don't want unrest like this across the rings. I didn't want the entirety of hell to know your mother, and I have divorced or even had problems…” 

Alastor was beyond mortified at the entire ordeal, broadcast as nothing more than a Mistress of the king himself,

“We're making a statement,”

“...what?” croaked the king,

“A statement, to say you are separated and romantically inclined with me,”

“How is that going to help the situation?” Vaggie said as she stepped into the room,

“Because the only way out of this is through. Vox is merely trying to bruise our ego and blackmail us into giving him some form of control.”

“But what does he want control of?” Charlie asked softly, trying to comfort her father as best as she could, 

“The hotel, dear princess, the very idea that he can sell and preach alleged redemption without redeeming anyone. He has no proof we've ever successfully rehabilitated anyone.”

Lucifer ran his hands over his face, rubbing his temples,

“It would be easier if we killed him,” Vaggie said, annoyed, her arms crossed,

“We can't kill someone for speaking out against the crown. It's one thing to traumatize them for attacking our guests on royal territory. Killing those who speak out against royalty would cause all of hell to go into unrest in every ring,” Lucifer said softly,

“Alastor is right. As much as I don't want to admit my marital problems… I have to,” Charlie hugged her father tightly, the king hugged her back, shutting his eyes as he did,

“You have us as a support system, Dad, don't forget that.” 

That night was not filled with pleasured moans nor the rattle of a collar buckle tightening against the radio demon's skin; instead, it was the soft sound of feathers rustling as Alastor stroked them gently, wrapped in a cocoon of wings as he attempted to comfort his lover through the soft sobs that shook his body.

Lucifer sniffled against the radio demon's chest before he wailed again. Alastor held him a little tighter, carding his fingers through his hair,

“I thought I was over all of it… I can't fucking do this anymore,” the king said softly, 

“We will get through it, I promise,” the sinner spoke softly, gazing at the wailing pile of feathers he considered his lover. He could feel the sense of dread; he knew the king's pride was hurt,

“I need some air,” he said as he wiped his face, sitting up with gold streaking his cheeks,

“Would you like company?”

“No… I just need some time alone,” he said quietly as he crawled out of bed. The radio demon nodded and gently kissed him on the lips, touching the silver bracelet,

“If you need me, I'm a touch away.”

The king nodded, returning the kiss before he made his way out to the balcony, closing the door behind him tightly before he stood on the edge of the railing, letting himself tip forward before he fell, his wings spreading with a mighty flap as he took off; the rain has started hours ago, a heavy downpour wetting the pride ring and the king himself as he flew above the cloud cover, hovering in place for a few moments before he screeched, letting out cries that hadn't been heard since he fell, wailing with emotions he long buried, letting himself drop with a flash of lighting.

Lucifer let any shred of his body fall away to reveal one that only Lillith and Alastor had saw, the grotesque remnants of what was left of his angelic war form; lightning struck the main broadcast tower of 666 news first, with a bright flash and a crack of screaming thunder so loud it shook the entire ring, the fallen angel's wings opened as he glided toward Vee tower.

With another mighty flash lightning hit the tower, blowing several generators in its wake of the strike, he watched with multiple eyes as the power flickered off slowly, building by building the entire pride ring plunged into darkness for the second time in two weeks; Lucifer landed on the top of the building, snarling as he ripped the sign apart, tearing the metal apart like paper with his sharpened claws, grabbing ahold of it with his teeth crunching the neon tubing with ease as he tossed the pieces as into the ground below, the king wailed again into the downpour, the sound echoing through all of hell like a haunted melody.

It was cathartic for the fallen angel when he sunk his claws into the side of the tower putting his full weight into it as he slid down the side, tearing a gaping gash along the sides, not causing enough damage to topple the grand building, but enough that he could see Valentino staring at him, face to face with the pimp who stepped backwards and started screaming at the top of his lungs; Lucifer took flight again. Disappearing into the clouds, rain grew worse by the minute, a downpour quickly turning into something worse, heavy winds and flooding among Pride were widespread,

“LUCIFER!” came a booming voice. The king snarled and looked back at his brother in his war form. He bristled before he saw Alastor standing on his back, holding on tightly, 

“You need to come back!” he yelled. Michael rolled to the side quickly as he evaded a crash of lightning,

“No,” came a low snarl,

“He's going to throw a temper regardless of what happens, Alastor,” 

“I certainly didn't ask you, Michael! You don't know him as I do; you've been absent for decades,” the sinner hissed. The angel glared at him before he evaded another bolt of lightning,

“This isn't the time; if he continues, he's going to flood all of pride.”

A pained cry cut through the air as Lucifer hid in the cloud cover, flashes of red light covering his body, emanating from the featherless patches of skin. Michael looked around, unable to see through the thick clouds, 

“I don't see him, Alastor,”

“Drop me,” 

“What? Are you fucking crazy?”

“I can't die anyway, he needs to be lured out, and he's not going to come out easily of a breakdown this bad, not unless I get hurt,” Alastor said as he remembered Lucifer snapping out of his self-harming haze when he was hit with the angelic blade near the beginning of their relationship.

Micheal tugged Alastor from his back, looking at the sinner for a moment, the radio demon nodded as he was dropped, he never did like Heights, or falling, or anything of this caliber, he let out a loud screech of feedback looking up at the angel as he careened towards the pavement of the city; it would hurt when he splattered upon impactt, he knew it would. 

Falling was fear-inducing, feeling the wind rush by you as you plummeted toward the ground, he knew now what Lucifer felt when he fell from heaven, the pain of reaching out with no hand to grab and your family in view, watching as you braced for impact.

Alastor never felt the impact. 

Before he could hit the ground, his lover grabbed him, wrapping his body tightly around his lover. Lucifer hit the ground and skidded, his white feathers splashed in the muddy flood waters, the rain lightened, and the thunder calmed slowly. Michael landed a few feet away.

The fallen angel shrank to his normal form, clasping Alastor with his whole body shaking,

“Don't ever do that again,” Lucifer said softly, looking at him with tear-stained eyes, shaking like a leaf, 

“I won't. I promise that to you, I just needed you to snap out of it,” the fallen angel moved his wing and looked out at the destruction he had caused, though Vee tower has sustained the most several of the high rises were damaged by the wind and the rain, thankfully, the flood had only been to Michael's knees. The king could remember waking up the week Lillith left, the ring was in shambles from the weather. 

Alastor must have remembered that, Michael shifted to his humanoid form and helped them both up,

“We're going to need a bath when we get back to the hotel,” Lu said as he cracked his back. He had hit the ground hard.

“Yes, though one thing first,” Al hummed and waved his staff, listening to the utter calamity coming from Vee tower as several of his alligator-type beasts charged through a portal, hungry for flesh,

“That's what he gets for causing this problem in the first place,” the sinner said in a sing-song voice as his lover opened the portal,

“Hopefully, Charlie doesn't find out you did that.”

“Nonsense, once they fill their stomachs, they will slide back into my bayou. I released them during the last large flood of pride.”

They walked through the portal and stood in the hall. Alastor held the door open for his lover, 

“Go ahead, Al, I want to talk with Michael before I come in,” 

“Alright, dearest, I will run a bath in the meantime,” he said softly before he went in and shut the door tightly behind him. As much as he wanted to listen, he knew it was better off not to. 

Lucifer ran his hands over his face for a moment, hating the feel of dirt clinging to his skin, 

“I didn't know you were dealing with so much down here…” Michael said softly as he looked at his brother, his hand rubbing the back of his neck,

“A lot more than anyone will ever know but myself and my therapist,”

“Well, I'm sorry for coming to you about Nicky,” 

“Good. Because I didn't deserve it.” 

The king looked back at his brother,

“If you're going to be down here and going to try and show love to Nicky, I expect you to try and fit in around here; you can't act as you do in heaven, it just doesn't work.” 

“How do you want me to act, Lucifer? The most experience I've had with humans is one week; they don't send me to the living world anymore.” 

“Alastor and I will figure something out, just try not to act like everyone is beneath you, ok?” 

“Ok…”

“Goodnight, Michael,”

“Goodnight, Lucifer.”

The king walked into the room, padding his way down the trail deep into the bayou, shedding his clothes along the way, stopping in his tracks at the sight of Alastor, the bath filling, the sinner hat a foot on a stool, rolling his knee-high socks down his leg slowly, he turned his head toward his lover,

“Hm? Is this doing something for you?” He said with a smirk, mimicking his lover from the week prior,

“Maybe? Can I watch you take your clothes off? Slowly?” The fallen angel asked softly, 

“Depends, will it improve your mood?”

“Maybe a little,”

“Of course, then.” 

Lucifer snapped himself a chair as he watched, the socks came off first, rolled down the sinners legs with practiced ease, the garters that held them in place came next, he allowed them to clatter to the floor before he slid his leg off the stool, slowly he undid the buttons on the waist coat, allowing it to drop before he turned his back to his lover, side eyeing him as he tugged the suspenders off his shoulders, he lifted his arms above his head stretching his body, wagging his tail.

Alastor turned back around and hummed, unbuttoning his shirt and letting it fall to the floor, running his hands down his chest and stomach fluffing the fur of his treasure trail, his zipper came down slowly followed by the button of his pants; Lucifer watched intently, seeing the gentle sway of the sinner’s hips as he dropped his pants, kicking them to the side with the rest of his clothes, stretching out his body, letting his tail arch up against his back and wag; the radio demon had always been nothing but skin and bone out of his rut season, he could never put weight on, nothing more than a pinch anyway.

“Are you ready for a bath?” He asked as he sauntered over toward his lover, walking like a model on a catwalk, bending down so their faces were level, his tail wagging against his back,

“I may be ready for more than just a bath,” the fallen angel said softly, and the sinner gently grabbed his cheeks,

“And are we mentally and physically feeling up to that?” He questioned, Lucifer looked into his eyes,

“I want a distraction from everything…”

“I will be sure to take your mind off it then.”

Chapter Text

To be human was to have free will, in Lucifer's opinion; in Alastor's, it was the ability to hate and grow spiteful, but everyone's definition varied if you asked them at the Hazbin Hotel.

Alastor walked through the hall with Michael at his side,

"What are we doing?"

"Well, Lucifer and I have arranged for you to sit and listen to the hotel guests; Charlotte actually had the idea."

"How is that supposed to help?" 

"Because to learn how to be more human and less... Heaven is to listen to what your fellow guests have been through. Human life is not easy; it is full of trials and tribulations. Different people carry different things with them through their lives. You are going to sit down and listen to some of our sinners; you are barred from passing judgment."

Michael would have protested, but he knew better. He sat down in a wingback chair, a similar one across from it. Alastor let Angel in,

"Thanks, smiles," he said as he sat down across from the angel. The radio demon stood outside the door, allowing them their privacy. The spider crossed his legs, tugging down his mini skirt and lighting a cigarette with one set of arms, fluffing his tits with the other, 

"Alright, you want my human life?"

"Yes,"

"I was born in a mob family. I had my twin sister and a younger brother, both of my parents. My dad was a prick to us; he was a pretty abusive tyrant toward us, but he was fine with Ma. I was born into organized crime. I wasn't coddled or loved by anyone other than Ma and Molly. I was too feminine for Dad and Niss, got my ass beat. Molly and Ma knew I was gay. I fled from my family one night after I killed my abusive ass father. I dyed my hair and got into drugs to feel less, slept with any man who wanted it and eventually overdosed when shit got to be too much. Got down here, sold myself till Val took over, thought he loved me. Got addicted to the drugs he gave, he made me a fucking star, at the cost of my soul and sanity. Shit was consensual at first, then it got rough, I got assaulted and abused for ages till Lucifer broke the contract." 

Michael swallowed, not knowing what to say,

"Why did you sign the contract with Val in the first place?"

"He love-bombed me," Angel took a deep drag,

"Made me feel like no one else could, said he loved me, gave me everything I ever wanted, sex, drugs, money. Tried to kill myself not long after he started treating me like shit," he spoke solemnly, 

"I want you to realize you don't always get to be free; sometimes you're just trapped, sometimes it's physically, sometimes it's mental. Addiction got me for a long time. I only got clean because of Charlie." 

Angel stubbed out his cigarette in a nearby ashtray, standing up from his seat,

" I don't expect ya to say anything, I just expect you to listen to everyone. Al, do you wanna let Luca in?" he called out. The radio demon opened the door for the collie.

"There you are, Lulu," he smiled and hugged him,

"Si Angelo," he said with a happy little yip as he sat down in the chair. His fur was beginning to grow back; it stuck up oddly as it did, making him look as if he had been electrocuted,

"Do you want to tell him what happened? Your English is getting a lot better. I will translate if you need it, ok?" 

"Yes, yes."

Luca looked at Michael intently, 

"I lived with mi familia, wealthy, they had me, a very pretty voice when I was young, an angelic opera singer. To keep my voice, they made me a castrato," he said softly, speaking for a moment in Italian, trying to explain it,

"They castrated him. His father did with a knife," the grim look on Michael's face told Angel all he needed to know,

"I stabbed them when I turned 18, then myself," he took his claw and went across his neck, making a grim wet noise. 

"I was famous in hell for a while, then Alabaster took my contract," Luca said before he took a sip of water, chattering to Angel,

"He doesn't feel comfortable enough in English to explain the rest, so he's letting me translate; Alabaster abused him, making him sing till his voice died in his throat, then he would hit him and sexually abuse him," the spider sinner held the collie's hand as the smaller man looked away,

"Valentino killed Alabaster and took hold of his contract. Though he snuffed out Luca, hiding him away when he got bored with whoever he was abusing at the time. We still don't know why Val let him go free, but I'm glad he did." 

Michael watched,

"Is that why you don't talk very often?" He asked, Luca nodded,

"He got beaten by Alabaster for not speaking English, but he never taught him. He's selectively mute and has other health issues from everything," the spider said softly. The angel noticed Luca often had a cane or even a walker on some days. 

"I want to live happily, no more suffering," the collie said softly.

"I agree."

Angel and Luca left the room. Lev was the next to walk in as he wiped his glasses on a rag, sitting in the chair.

"I was one of the doctors who monitored the Chernobyl disaster. I had always liked helping people, and I always wanted to help. I am here because I acted as an angel of death, overdosing my suffering patients to show them mercy. I succumbed to radiation poisoning and woke up here addicted to opium. I was snatched by Alabaster and was made to euthanize anyone he deemed out of line. I did not have a choice; he owned my soul." He slipped his glasses back on his face,

"I do not regret showing the suffering mercy. I regret killing those who did not deserve it. I seek to leave hell because this place is nothing but suffering." 

Michael nodded,

"I agree," he said quietly, just from what he had heard so far, even the innocent ones weren't spared from suffering. 

"I do hope you gain something from listening to us. Perhaps more compassion toward sinners." He left without another word. Thankfully, Lev was to be redeemed with Luca at sunset; he had proven himself during the time he had spent at the hotel.

Nicky sauntered in, sitting in the chair, crossing his legs and moving his tail so he didn't flash Michael,

"I'm not telling you this story ever again after this. I don't like talking about it," he said quietly, crossing his arms,

"Born in Ireland, moved to New York as a kid, Topher came along after me. I worked in an office and hid my accent because people treated me like garbage,  before I figured out I wasn't straight; I didn't come out to my parents, I got blackmailed by Topher, and they kicked me out on the street." He took another puff of his cigarette,

"I had to be a prostitute to make ends meet. I moved to exotic dancing when I got into a better place and moved to drag. I got drugged and assaulted more times than I could count. But sex sells, and I had to pay bills, and I know I could take it. That night I met you, I was worried you were going to treat me like everyone else. I thought you were going to hurt me. But you never did, you seemed scared, unsure of absolutely everything,"

"I was, I didn't want to hurt you,"

"I took a chance on you that night, before I was murdered. I just felt empty again after you left. I drank my sorrows away before they chased me down an alley and killed me. I didn't think I could ever love someone." 

Michael put his face in his hands,

"I'm sorry... I didn't have a choice; I was called back to heaven. I didn't stop thinking about you, but when I came back to the places you were, you were gone."

"I was dead, Michael. I don't even care that I had to wait this long for you... But I want more than what you're giving me, I want to feel like you love me, fuck I just want to feel something other than pain and nothing for once," he snarled,

"I'm trying my best to understand how to be someone right for you," the angel said softly as he looked at him,

"I don't even care if you're bad at it, I just want you to be physical with me, I want to be hugged and kissed and fucked and cuddled; I want you to eat with me and talk with me, it doesn't even have to be anything meaningful, I just need to know that you care." 

"I do care."

“Then fucking show me that!” came a loud bark.

The shadow looming on the floor tugged on Michael's pant leg, urging him to stand before he pushed him into Nicky, the sinner hugged him tight,

"All I wanted was this," he said softly, his eyes closed. Beau tugged the angel's hands around his lover and nodded before disappearing under the door.

Alastor waited outside with Lucifer, his shadow materialized on the door with a grin,

"Did you get him to touch Nicky?" Lucifer asked,

"Yes," came a whispering hiss,

"Good, maybe that will help. I suppose we will leave them for now; I have to get ready for that statement. I've already had all of the sins texting me," he sighed softly, uneasy.

Alastor gently kissed the top of his head and offered his arm,

"I will sit beside you and provide whatever support you may need," he said with a smile. Lucifer hummed and took the arm offered, 

"I'd like that, Al," he said softly as they walked.

They sat down in Lucifer's office, sitting at his desk,

"I have to figure out a way to word this without sounding like I'm covering up everything," 

"As I said last week, the only way out is through."

"I know, Al, I'm trying to think, maybe it's best just to wing it?"

"Wing it? Dear-"

"Have you ever written down a broadcast since you came down here?"

"Well, no,"

"My point exactly." 

Lucifer looked at him,

"What's the worst that happens? They smear my name more?" 

"I mean, yes, Vox will capitalize regardless. I know you can't kill him, but I certainly can. I have no means for redemption. I can't leave, my lover is down here," he said with a smirk,

"He needs something done to him," the fallen angel said, crossing his legs,

"Perhaps a pretty biblically accurate angel needs to visit him? Hm? Scare him, and I will rip him limb from limb."

Alastor leaned on his lover, his hand out in front of him,

"Just imagine it, dear, you scaring the absolute hell out of him, me tearing him to shreds, and perhaps leaving a few rattlesnakes in his bed,"

"I could make myself scarier, good idea. How much time do we have till that meeting?" 

"About an hour,” the sinner spoke with a hum as he organized paperwork,

“We could fuck before that,”

“As much as I'd like to, Lucifer, I can't say I'm in the mood. Besides, we have to take your brother to your therapist, remember?” The sinner seemed unimpressed with the lack of time.

The king groaned,

“Yeah, I just remembered that,” he ran his hands over his face and stood,

“Is there anything else on the agenda?”

“Lev is due for redemption, and Charlotte has droves of new sinners coming through the doors who need to be vetted. I will order something in since there is no time to cook tonight. I'm sure Rosie would be happy to deliver.”

“Al, I'll pick something up. I really don't wanna eat any sinner meat,”

“Well, suit yourself, then, my dear; there is plenty to do other than fuck, now let's get a wiggle on. 

Lucifer and Michael sat in Vaughan's office, and Alastor was waiting outside for them, chatting idly with Gunnar about the bayou. The rabbit smiled at them as he gazed out the window for a moment. He turned to the two angels on the couch before him,

“Ok, let's start with what brought you here today. Enlighten me,” 

“I thought it would be a good idea for both of us to attend therapy and bury the hatchet with everything that's happened. I’m tired of fighting and reopening old wounds,” the king said, crossing his legs comfortably, eyeing his brother,

“That's a good start. Michael, do you want the same?”

“I want to try,” 

“Perfect. I want you to know that this is a safe space, nothing said will leave this room, and I am bound by contract, just like a living therapist. Michael, I’d like to start with you today, as Lucifer has already told me about your relationship in some capacity. I want you to tell me about your upbringing before and after Lucifer was exiled.” 

Michael swallowed and looked at the floor, already uncomfortable, freezing like a deer in the headlights. Vaughn seemed to notice and hummed, pouring them each a cup of tea and offering the angel a cookie. When that failed, he simply stood and wandered out of the room and came back with a plush dog, offering it.

“I find sometimes an emotional support animal is needed when conversations get tough. Tell me what's tough about that question.”

“The after,” the archangel spoke quietly, staring at the plush animal in his hands, noticing how it looked a bit like Nicky, a long-haired, fluffy, lanky dog,

“Let's focus on before then. What were you like with your brother before everything?”

“We were… close, very close, we did everything together, getting into things, play-fighting and dreaming among the stars. We caused havoc at times, making messes. We got older with time and slowly grew apart. I was focused on heaven. I wanted to be the best archangel and a leader, and Lucifer was assigned to Eden. We grew further apart after he told me about Lillith; It drove a wedge between us. He was disobeying everything I stood for.”

Vaughn nodded and watched him squeeze the plushie, 

“It was the final straw; we fought that evening, and then the next day, I watched as he was cast out… I felt like I lost a part of myself when he was gone. I watched it happen and said nothing,” he said quietly. Lucifer held his tongue, allowing himself to fidget, 

“You left out a lot of the bad things, Michael.”

“What bad things?” the angel looked to his sibling, 

“Haziel,” he said sharply, the rabbit sinner stopped writing for a moment and looked to them both, knowing the king had never spoken of that name before,

“She was mine before you even looked at her, Lucifer.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. How about the times when you blamed me for things you broke? When you set part of Eden on fire? I was always the one who got beaten for it. Even when you stole Haziel from me, I was condemned for it. I never got even an equal chance in heaven because no matter where I turned, I was always getting in shit for your problems. I’m glad I fell.”

“You don't mean that. You're saying if you got the chance to live above, out of this hellhole, you wouldn’t take the chance immediately?”

“Abandon everything I've made down here to deal with you and the pompous assholes in heaven every day? Abandon my daughter and my partner, what do you think I have up there, what do you think I'm missing that is so important?”

“Lilith.”

The king exhaled a plume of smoke before he simply stood and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Vaughn rubbed his temples, 

“The point of therapy is not to hurt the person you're participating with. I cannot help without you allowing me to do so, Michael.”

“I fail to see why Lucifer would bring me here to begin with. I'm not going to confess anything to a sinner.”

“I was once a human before I was a sinner. I say this with all the kindness they have shown to us every year from heaven with extermination. Get the fuck out,” he stood with his arms crossed, glaring, watching as the angel put the plushie down and left. 

Alastor was in the hall waiting for him, staring at the archangel. Lucifer was nowhere to be seen,

“Go back to heaven, Michael. Come back in a better state of mind, because till you can understand and unlearn what heaven has brainwashed you with, there's no point for you to be here. The last thing we need is another prick who will treat sinners as if we are nothing but cannon fodder for the exterminators,” he said with a soft hiss before the shadows consumed him and he sank into the floor. Michael simply disappeared in a cloud of light and left. 

Lucifer stood in one of the large rooms in the castle, a copy of himself throwing plates as the king hit them with a baseball bat, 

“LYING FUCKING PRICK!” he screamed as another piece of prociline was reduced to a cloud of dust; therapy was nice, but sometimes he just needed to break things, and this was easier than explaining to Charlie why part of pride was flooded and V-tower was reduced to rubble; if he had more time and a partner who was in the mood he would have fucked it out with his lover, but that wasnt going to happen with the broadcast that was in ten or so minuets.

Reducing his 100-year-old wedding china to bits and pieces was making him feel better; it upset him to know Lilith was in heaven. It would have felt better to know she was living amongst the humans she admired so much; it stung to know she went back to the place that disowned him, that threw them into hell like they were worth nothing. She could have called Charlie, she could have reached out to their daughter at the bare minimum,

“You harped at me when you pulled our daughter from my arms, yet you’ve abandoned her, YOU COULD HAVE CALLED!” he screamed as a rather large vintage casserole dish was reduced to a flurry of pieces, his cellphone quacked at him for a few moments, he dropped the bat, snapped his copy away before he put on his hat and jacket, opening his wings. 

Alastor sat with Charlie in the back of her limo,

“I really hope Dad is ok, and he doesn't forget about this.”

“He wouldn’t miss something so important, I know he hasn't always been the most present in recent years, but I can assure you he's making an effort to improve,” the overlord said, barely finishing his sentence before Lucifer appeared right beside him, a smile on his features, not a hair out of place, but the radio demon could smell the ozone, the subtle scent of raw energy that was always present after the king had a fit of rage,

“I promised that I wouldn’t be late, Char-Char, now let's get this out of the way,” he said happily, hiding the face he would rather be playing baseball with every dish in the palace. 

Charlie nodded, and Razzle opened the door of the limo. Reporters and paparazzi swarmed the vehicle only to get pushed away by an array of shadow tentacles and puppets who offered a hand to the princess and Lucifer, being courteous towards them as he always did, Beauregard brought up the front and Alastor was at the rear, letting out a wicked snarl and breaking several camera lenses with his face just to make a point, causing the reporters to back off and give them space as they climbed the stairs to a small podium, Lucifer stood before the microphone, cameras in his face rolling live, being broadcasted to every ring; no one would miss a kings announcement. 

Alastor stood behind his lover with Charlie next to him as the king cleared his throat,

“It's been broadcast all over the pentagram that I have been cheating on my wife, Lilith. It's been more than a decade since I came back into public view to help my daughter save hell from extermination. It is a tough thing to say, but Lilith and I have been separated for eight years, and we are officially divorced.” The king held up his hand, a bare spot where his wedding ring used to be, a chorus of gasps followed by a frenzied flicker and flash of shutters. Reporters fought like animals to get closer to the stage, only to be pushed back by tentacles, 

“The rumour of the radio demon and me being involved is…” he paused, the words dying in his throat before the overlord stepped forward and took his hand, interlocking their fingers, 

“Correct,” the buck said with a smile, one that was grim and twisted with stitches, 

“And if any of you care to criticize such a thing, I will see to it to hunt every last one of you down and skin you alive-”

“What Alastor is trying to say is to respect our privacy.”

One of the tallest reporters shoved a microphone past the tentacles,

“King! over here, who bottoms?” he yelled, Lucifer pulled a look of disgust before the black tendril snatched the man up by his waist, Alastor covered the princesses eyes as it ripped the demon in half above the rest of the paparazzi, drenching them in blood before he tossed the lifless corpse through the window of V tower, breaking at least three windows,

“Any other stupid questions? No? Good,” the overlord hissed; Charlie moved his hand,

“Now, my darling daughter has an announcement about her hotel, and I expect every single one of you to listen to her,” the fallen angel said in a sing-song voice as he tugged his daughter to the podium,

“Thanks, Dad. As you all know, the hotel got obliterated during the battle to save hell from extermination. It's been rebuilt, of course, and I’m happy to announce we’ve redeemed three sinners so far, with others working their way onto the path of redemption. Sir Pentious, Cherri bomb, and Topher Hickey have been successfully rehabilitated. And I have hope that more of you will come to the hotel and seek redemption for yourselves just as they did. So please, come stay with us at the Hazbin Hotel!” she said, tossing confetti with Razzles' help.

Alastor and Lucifer clapped; the king flared his wings and cracked his tail. Well, the radio demon smirked at the reporters. Soon, the sinners and hellborn were clapping and whistling with her, onlookers alike cheering as the princess smiled, the three headed back into the limo, the King and his lover still holding hands,

“I'd say that went well,” Lucifer smiled. Charlie felt her phone buzz,

“Really well! My email is getting flooded with applications. This is SO exciting, we're going to have a full hotel in no time,” she said happily. It made her father happy to know her dreams were coming true, 

“Don't you have an overlord meeting, dear?”

“I’m sure I could skip it; I didn’t attend them for eight years before this, and I doubt I will be missed for one more.”

Lucifer looked to him,

“Where were you for eight years? Did you just disappear or something?”

“That's a story for another day, I’m afraid. Besides, I’d much rather help Charlotte sort through our various guests and have a nice dinner with my lover,” he said, brushing him off, squeezing his hand gently when he saw the concern well up in the king's eyes; did Alastor know about Lilith? About where she was, was he connected somehow? He wanted to throw up; all of this was too much. He grabbed the trash can an arm's length away and vomited. Alastor snatched his hat off and put a hand on his back,

“Oh, Dad, are you ok?”

“I’m just not feeling well,”

“When we get back, I don't need help, Al, just keep an eye on Dad,” Charlie put a hand on his shoulder,

“Are you positive?”

“Yes, of course.”

Charlie helped Lucifer out of the car, watching as the fallen angel snapped away the trash can. Alastor summoned Beauregard, and the shadow grabbed them both, yanking them through a portal to their upstairs bedroom. The sinner's hand was around his waist gently, 

“Get into bed. I will bring you some tea and crackers.”

“I’m fine, I just got overwhelmed.”

“By what? The announcement was over, everything went well, was that not enough to quell your anxieties?”

“It wasn't that. Michael said something earlier, and what you said in the car added to that, and I’m having trouble processing it,” he said, rubbing his face, snapping himself into a comfortable set of pyjamas.

“And what did that pint-sized little prick say to you, my dear?”

“Lilith has been hiding in heaven for eight years… I’m so mad, not for me but for Charlie. Please tell me you're not connected to that, to her…” 

A moment of silence from the radio demon made Lucifer pause, the fallen angel looking at him with tears in his eyes, 

“You don’t remember anything, do you?”

“Remember what?”

“Eight years ago, you contracted me,”

“...Huh?”

“You got drunk and yelled at the one remaining staff member you kept in the palace to grab the strongest overlord in all of pride, one that would strike fear into the hearts of every sinner when looked at. Alabaster at that point didn’t have a reach as I did. You requested me, still drunk, and I signed a contract binding me to Charlotte, stating that any harm to come to her would be reflected onto me. She, at that point, was just going out on her own, making her way in life and was starting to not need her father. She didn’t want help from her parents, so you chose me for her safety. I disappeared into the shadows for eight years, watching her, protecting her from anyone who dared to attempt to take her life. Do you know why I hated you when we first met? Because in those eight years, you called her three times. Her mother didn’t even contact her. I watched a child full of hope who never wavered become depressed because her parents were simply too busy with their own personal battles. I have almost died for this hotel, for that girl out there who knows nothing of the deal to keep her safe.” 

Lucifer froze before he broke down, 

“I don't remember any of that…”

“I didn’t expect you to, it's a horror to say, but you were in Charlotte's life much more than Lilith has been in years,”

“You knew all of that, and you still fell in love with me?”

“I did. Because you cared enough about your daughter to want to protect her, just as my sweet Manman did for me. I would never hold that against you; you were the parent who tried,” Alastor spoke softly, tugging the smaller man into a hug. The fallen angel sobbed against his chest, and the sinner rubbed his back in slow circles, kissing the top of his head before he tugged him up into his arms, carrying his little lover to their shared bed, allowing Beau to bring him over a cup of tea in his favourite mug, the radio demons ears flicked, switching the radio on in ther room to play something calm as Lucifer's phone began a flurry of quacking, Beaureguard worked on dinner.

Alastor handed his phone to his lover, who wiped his tears and looked at the screen, 

“I guess I should have told the sins before we announced anything official, I've got a hundred texts already… how would you feel about having dinner with them all?”

“I mean, I've had lunch with your heaven-born family, and Charlotte, I suppose your hellborn family would be acceptable. I would love to see the rest of hell’s rings.”

“I can arrange a tour. I’m not sure how chaotic dinner would be, but I will try my best to keep them all on their best behaviour,” Lucifer said with a sniffle. He texted the group chat back with a confirmation of the dinner invite, only to be met with a flood of virtual hearts and party horns, along with actual needed information. 

“Dinner will be hosted tomorrow evening in Wrath, a dinner consisting of roasted hell-hog, spring vegetables and dessert,” he read out.

 The sinner hummed, 

“Sounds delectable, but I may just be hungry,” he said softly as he reached over, taking Lucifer's mug of tea. He handed it to the angel who sipped it,

“Do you feel better?”

“I do, thank you, Al… I really don’t deserve such a good lover sometimes,”

“I hope one day you will understand that you deserve the world and the stars above.”

At the final light of sunset, Lev and Luca were sent on their way, redemption that sounded throughout the hotel with the feverish ringing of bells.

Chapter Text

Alastor awoke to Lucifer sitting at his vanity, the king carefully plucking hot rollers from a warmed case and putting them in his flattened hair, rolling them tightly and fastening them with a large metal pin, he hummed after putting in several and slipped a headband that had been hanging around his neck up past his face, Alastor noticed it was covered in ducks, as was everything,

"Do you do this every morning?" The overlord asked, 

"I wake up before you and do it just so you don't have to look at me ugly," Lucifer said as he shook a pen full of liquid liner,

"Ugly? My love, I doubt anything as beautiful as you could look ugly. Come back to bed," 

"But I look tired and washed out."

"And that is how one is meant to look in the morning. I will do your makeup before we go out of our room for the day."

Before Lucifer protested, Beauregard took a kerchief and wrapped the rollers, unclipping the headband before he tossed the eyeliner and tugged the king into bed, dropping him on top of Alastor, who immediately grabbed his cheeks and looked at him, noticing the faded purple of his eyelids and the bags under them.

"Beautiful," the sinner spoke as he pressed his lips along his face, making the fallen angel giggle,

"So how long have you been doing this?"

“Since the invention of makeup, it has given me more confidence to face everyone. I didn't want you to see me without it, without looking like I always do," he said, closing his eyes, 

"I don't have a problem seeing you as you are, because even without makeup, you are still the most beautiful being ever created."

Alastor had always appreciated the effort put forth by anyone who wore makeup and did their hair; he could remember doing his mother's hair and makeup when she was dying, and he could still remember using the hot comb to flatten her hair before he styled it in neat curls. There was a waver in his smile, one that Lucifer noticed immediately,

"Do the stitches in your face ever ache?" 

"Sometimes. Stop asking questions and laze with me, it's too early for such things."

Lucifer shut his eyes and sighed so deeply he could feel it in his bones,

"I talked to Charlotte last night after you went to bed, since I left to help her sort through applications. I told her we're both overdue for a small vacation from duties, especially you," Alastor said, rubbing the fallen angel's back in slow circles. 

"She agreed,"

"I don't want to let my little girl down. If she needs me, I will be there-"

"Let me finish. She agreed and has given us both a week off together. Angel and Husker will be stepping up to help with the sorting of applications and everything else. In her words, 'Dad needs a break. I know he would go to the ends of hell for me, but I know he's tired and he needs some time to himself’ She can see you are overdue for some rest," he spoke softly, pressing a kiss to the king's forehead.

The fallen angel sniffled,

"She's right... Everything has just been so hard with Michael, hotel stuff, statements and everything else," he whimpered,

"I know my morning star, I intend to make this the most relaxing week possible for us both. Really the only thing we have to focus on is dinner tonight with the sins," he pressed kisses to his face, peppering his delicate ivory skin with his warm lips, he didn't stop, traveling down his throat and collar bones as his hands made their way to the snake tie on his robe, loosening it and gently tugging it off his shoulders,

"Alastor... I'm not in the mood...I'm sorry," he apologized,

"You don't have to apologize, dear. I'm content just lazing in bed," he tugged the blankets over them, deciding to leave the ugly pink monstrosity on the floor.

Angel cracked his back as he stood in Charlie's office with Vaggie and Husk,

"Ok, so Dad and Alastor are on vacation, Al and I got a large chunk of applications done last night, but there's still a big pile. Vaggie and Husk, I need you two to welcome guests in and give them the rundown on rules. Angel, you and I will keep going through these applications. Sound good, team?" 

"Yeah, fine with me," husk said. Vaggie gave a nod and kissed her lover's cheek before they left. 

"Alright, toot,s let's get this going," the spider took a seat right as Razzle opened the door with more applications, flopping them on the desk,

"I'm beginnin’ to see why you and short king are so stressed, this shits gonna take hours." 

Charlie smiled,

"But that's the fun of it, Angel! We really never deny anyone anyway, except the hellborn who want to stay somewhere for free since they can't be rehabilitated, and hellborn who want the same," she smiled as she grabbed a stack and a stamp, pushing one over to Angel. 

"Alright, I got ya," he said, reading the application, stamping it approved,

"So, Uhm, how are things with Uncle Michael going? Dad won't talk about it with me,"

"It's interesting. He ain't seeing eye to eye with any sinner, it's like he's given up on seein’ us as people. He's treating ya, dad, like shit too... I don't know what to do about him, Charlie."

"Everyone can change, right?" 

"We can try, but some people are just stuck in their ways, like Adam, ya know, I worry for Nicky more than I give a shit about your uncle, no offence... If Mikey doesn't care about any other sinner's life, does he even care about the sinner he fell in love with?" 

"You have a point, Angel. Maybe I should talk to him? I know he won't listen to dad or to Alastor, maybe it's my time to try?" She said with a smile.

"Yeah, toots, I'll help ya if you wanna do it this week, maybe it's better if your dad ain't there or Al," the spider said. Pascal knocked on the threshold of the door, holding a tray of tea and coffee,

"I thought you'd like some help," he said with a smile, Nifty holding onto his back with a tray of cookies. She had been clinging to him a lot lately since Lev had been redeemed the evening prior.

"Cookies, I baked them myself! Roach shaped with little sprinkle eyes," she giggled.

"Aw, that's so sweet, guys, yeah, come have a seat!" The princess said happily, getting Razzle to drag in a few more chairs. 

Nifty kept the papers in order, Pascal sorted through them and discarded the hellborn applications into the shredder, well, Angel and Charlie stamped them approved. It was a well-oiled machine till the shredder jammed and promptly set itself on fire due to overuse. The spider put it out with a fire extinguisher.

"Ah fuck, alright, how much did we get done?" 

"Three-quarters of it? That's not too bad, we can pick it up tonight, I'll send Razzle out to get me another shredder," the princess said before she ate the rest of the cookie in her hand. She looked at the time,

"It's time for yoga therapy with Claira anyway."

Husk grumbled as he began to unroll yoga mats with Vaggie,

"And why the fuck do I have to do this shit?"

"Because it's part of everyone's therapy, if I have to do it, so do you," she grumbled. Claira came in, pushing up her glasses,

"Perfect, I'm on time, I almost got stuck in traffic," she giggled, carrying in her mat and a coffee along with several other things that the bartender helped her with, she gave a bleat as she almost tumbled over the edge of the rug. Thankfully, the fallen angel caught her and the coffee.

"Thank you! I didn't even see that rug."

Angel came down with Charlie on the elevator, Nifty and Pascal in tow, as he headed to one of the microphones. Usually, Alastor made all the announcements, but this week was gonna be different.

"Group yoga is starting in five minutes with Claira, make ya way down before ya miss it," he said. It went through the speakers in the whole hotel.

Before he knew it, new guests filtered down along with Nicky, who was wearing his yoga pants and a crop top, an e-cigarette hanging loosely from his lips, fur still mussed from rolling out of bed, 

"This ain't my usual cup of tea, but I'll try," he said softly as he stretched,

"That's what I like to hear," Charlie said, happy as everyone settled onto their respective mats, Husk and the borzoi on either side of Angel. 

"Good morning, everyone. I am Claria, and I will be your yoga instructor and physical therapist this morning. I spent an extensive amount of time in the human world learning yoga, and Princess Morning Star thought it would be a lovely form of therapy to teach everyone," she smiled as she plopped herself down on the mat on her knees, 

"I want to start easy, on your knees, and I want you to put your arms out and your chest to the floor, like you're praying, almost. This is called a child's pose. Let's get some tension out of our backs and give it a good stretch. Now take a deep breath in and hold it… Good, now exhale slowly."

Angel did as told, keeping an eye on Husk, who looked less than pleased to be participating. It made the spider chuckle to himself before the bar cat rolled his eyes at him,

“Alright, let’s get on our hands and knees, like a table top, and again, deep breath in… exhale slowly,” she said softly. The spider looked at Husk and wiggled his ass, only to get a smirk from his lover, 

“Everyone is doing so well, now let's get that butt up in the air, palms on the mat, legs straight into downward dog. You're all doing so wonderfully!” Claira complimented as she walked between the mats, glancing at Nicky, who had his chest on the mat and his ass in the air, 

“Can I touch?

“Yeah,”

“Ok, let's get your chest up, like a push-up  with your butt in the air,” she said, as she carefully tugged him up under the chest into proper form, 

“Now relax into it and really stretch your spines, get all of that tension you didn't know you were holding out.”

Husk felt his back crack when they slid into cobra pose, 

“I’m too old for this shit,” he muttered with a soft groan. One of Angel's hands gently ran down the bartender's spine, making him purr softly, 

“Feelin' better, whiskers?”

“Get your hand off my ass, Legs,” he pinned his ears and smirked. The spider giggled quietly and moved his hand away. They usually didn’t play grab ass in public spaces, but no one was paying attention. Claria was too busy with Nifty, helping the little housekeeper into the proper position. Nicky had his eyes closed, letting out a deep exhale as he tried to release some of the tension from his body, but it was growing harder. Michael had been silent since they talked yesterday morning; he’d left the borzoi sinner on read several times. It was frustrating when the angel wouldn’t even give him the time of day, nor anything. He was tired of nothing - no love, no hate, just nothing. 

Nicky felt his phone buzz and excused himself from the class quietly, standing in the sitting room to check his texts. The next emotion he felt was nothing but rage. Michael finally responded, a half assed excuse, not even that, a ‘not this week’ with no rhyme or reason, or apology, he threw his phone, watching as it shattered against the hardwood, he sat on one of the wingback chairs, putting his face in his hands as he cried into them quietly; Angel heard the sound of a phone hitting the floor, he knew it well since Val often threw them when he was pissed enough at Vox; everyone in the class had heard the bang but the spider put his hand up and left, shooting Charlie a look that said ‘I’ll deal with it’ and nothing more. 

The spider sinner looked around and headed for the sitting room, planting himself in front of Nicky before he leaned up and carefully hugged him, 

“I got ya,” he said quietly. The canine sobbed into Angel’s shoulder, his body shaking, as he did; why did he fall for someone who treated him like he didn't exist? Love was a fickle bitch. When the class finished, Charlie made her way into the room after ensuring Husk and Vaggie kept everyone else out of the room for privacy.

“Do you want to talk about it?” the princess asked, sitting beside him in another wingback chair, 

“I’m so tired… he treats me like I don't exist, like I don't matter. I don’t know if I can do this anymore. I can't stay clean when I have so much stress from all of this. I’m struggling, I’m smoking over a pack a day just because I’m at my fucking limit,” he whimpered.

Charlie shared a pleading look with Angel,

“I’ll talk to him, Nicky, I promise,” the princess said, gently squeezing his shoulder,

“Angel, do you want to keep him company? Well, I attempt to contact Michael.”

“Yeah, we’ll hang out with Fat Nuggets, have a little spa day and get Husky to bring us a few harder daddies, sound good, Nick?”

“Sounds better than crying at the bar and smoking my problems away.”

Alastor hummed as he went through his wardrobe, sorting through hangers as he attempted to pick out clothes. He had managed to put off getting dressed till well past noon, and he gave a curious glance to Lucifer, who was carefully tugging the rollers from his hair, bundled up yet again in his tacky robe, the duck headband keeping his hair out of his face, and he was running his hands over his skin, sighing softly, one the sinner knew too well, a sigh of disappointment, 

“How about we trade?”

“Hm? Trade what?”

“You pick my clothing for our dinner, and I do your makeup.”

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, 

“Al, do you know how to do makeup?”

“Fiddle faddle, of course I do,”

“... you're being serious?”

“Why would I lie about such a thing?”

“You don't seem like the type. It took a lot for you to even hold my hand outside of our room. Humanity treated makeup as a feminine thing by the time you were living.”

“Yes, though I didn’t learn it for myself, I learned it for Manman, when she was so sick she could barely lift her arms. I would put on her face and do her hair, upon her request, because even well dying, she wanted to look beautiful, one of her last wishes,” Alastor said solemnly, his ears pinning as he touched a silk scarf, his mother's brooch wrapped within the fabric,

“I’m sorry. Come here.”

The sinner padded toward the vanity. He was wrapped in the king's arms, tugged into a tight hug, a soft, clawed hand carding through his hair, stroking his ears. Alastor got onto his knees, allowing the comforting touch from his lover,

“I shouldn't assume things,” Lucifer said quietly, 

“It’s ok, I know you don't have any malice behind your assumptions, just curiosity,” he spoke before he kissed his lover's cheek, standing once again, taking the fallen angel’s chin, 

“Are you going to make me pretty?”

“You're already pretty mon chou.”

Lucifer giggled, smiling, 

“Calling me pretty and speaking French? I love you,”

“I love you too, darling. Now let's put your face on, with a bit of roaring 20’s flair,” Alastor smiled warmly, looking at the makeup laid out, humming, it wasn't too far off from what his Manman had ages ago, other than the liquid line, but the fallen angel had a typical eyeliner pencil. 

“Close your eyes and allow us to pamper you.”

Of course, Bambi.” With the king's eyes shut, the overlord went to work, hearing a familiar snap to make all the products more 20s appropriate.

It started with a light tapping of a feather down powder puff. The Fallen angel already had perfect skin, so there was really nothing to conceal. He flicked his ears and let a familiar old song play as he worked away on his lover's face, carefully applying rouge on the circular marks on his cheeks. Beauregard began to style his hair, gently combing it and spraying it. Two small puppets waddled out from a portal, each with a bottle of nail polish in its clawed hands. They carefully began to paint the king's talons with careful precision. 

Alastor grabbed a purple eyeshadow, tapping it along his lid to accent the natural tone, smudging it carefully with the brush. He took the eyeliner next,

“Look at me, please,” he spoke, watching as Lucifer did as told. The sinner carefully lined his eyes, smearing them gently to add a bit of messiness before applying mascara and a bit of pencil in his eyebrows. The sinner was delicate, treating him as if he were made of glass; the puppets sauntered back through the portal, and Beauregard finished his hair, placing a gentle kiss on the king's bared shoulder, making him giggle at the cool lips that pressed against his skin. The sinner didn't add lipstick; instead, he used a gloss before he covered his eyes with his hands and turned him around.

Lucifer chirped in excitement when the sinner took away his hands, looking at himself in the vanity, his hair, his freshly painted claws, the king was used to how he did his makeup, full coverage concealer, careful, neat eyeliner, dark purple all over his lids and a heavy patting of blush to accentuate the red on his cheeks. Instead, he was sultry and natural all at the same time, 

“You made me look so pretty,” He said softly, 

“You were pretty when I began, dear. I just accentuated what was already there.” Alastor said, gently kissing his lover's goat-like ear, 

“I’m unsure as to why you hide your ears; they are rather adorable.” They were not furry, just downturned and pointed, often hidden by his lover's hair,

“I don't like them, I never have, like my hooves, it's just another reminder that I fell.”

The sinner hummed,

“And I could kiss every part of you that you hate, as I do every time you're nude,” he said  as he turned the chair Lucifer was sitting in, getting on his knees, parting his robe and kissing up one of his dainty hooves, pressing his lips to the soft, sooty skin of his lower leg,

“Sometimes, I hate the way you treat me like I’m worth more than I am… but you make me feel the love that's been absent from my life for a long, long time,” the fallen angel admitted. He wanted to cry; depression had been rearing its ugly head for a long time, and he just didn’t have time to rot in his room and lock himself away, not with Charlie, nor Alastor supporting him.

Alastor held his waist, 

“I intend to make you feel something, because I know how hard it is for you to do so at times,” he gently kissed him on the lips, 

“Now come, I will let you pick my outfit for the day,” he spoke softly. Lucifer smiled, kissing him back, allowing the sinner to lift him carefully into his arms. Al was right, most of the time, he did feel numb to everything; the only times he felt alive were when he was with Charlie, and when his lover made his heart flutter.

Lucifer was gently held in front of the old wooden wardrobe. He rifled through the clothes, shifting hangers back and forth, 

“Why don't I take you to my tailor?”

“Is what I have not sufficient?”
“It is, but I’d like to put you in something brand new for this dinner, you know, show you off. Especially since you're the first sinner since Lilith to traverse rings, theirs going to be a lot of focus on you, whether we like it or not,” he said softly as he carefully got out of his lover's arms, 

“I understand,” Alastor wrapped his arms around his lover's neck, standing in nothing but his dressing gown, hiding the fact that he was in a union suit underneath.

“Let me call him, he should be awake,” the fallen angel mumbled as he scrolled through his hellphone, clicking a contact assigned ‘Raum’. The phone rang for a few moments before he held it up to his ear,

“Hey bitch, it's been a while, I have a few favours to cash in,”
“Of course! I saw the announcement, how thrilling, bring both yourselves over this instant, and you know what I take as payment, my golden feather duster,” came a grim chuckle,

“Of course,” Lu spoke and grabbed Alastor's arm, snapping them into a large Palace, every inch of the place was shining with golden trinkets.

A tall black crow walked out holding a tray of tea and coffee, 

“It has been far, far, far too long! You haven't seen me since your little princess's prom!” he squawked, turning his head to the side, the nictitating lens sliding over his deep red eye,

“I know, I know, depression and divorce and everything got to be too much, I just needed a few decades alone,” Lucifer rubbed the back of his neck, 

“Well, there is no time to like the present, come, come, into my sewing room with you both,” he repeated. Alastor watched the bird twitch and shiver, feathers raising and falling; he didn't know what to make of the Goetian.

Raum put down the tray of drinks on a small table beside a wall of mirrors, skittering to the side to grab a small gold bowl, holding it in front of Lucifer, who bared a carefully manicured talon and slashed his wrist, his golden blood spilled into the bowl below. Alastor watched curiously as he bled out, the bowl filled a few inches from the top, and the fallen angel pinched the wound together, licking any mess as his skin healed immediately. Lucifer tugged his robe back down, and the Goetia purred happily, clicking his beak before he dipped his beak into the blood, tipping his head back to sample it, his lengthy tongue flicked out as he let out a croak. 

“More than sufficient. Settle in, who is first?” the bird questioned, his head tilting to the side.

The king tugged Alastor forward,

“You go first, Bambi.”

“I suppose yes. Alastor, pleased to meet you,” the sinner extended his hand as he stepped up in front of the mirrors, 

“Al-as-stor,” he clicked his beak,

“Nice to meet you too, I don't shake appendages, too much to be seen. Now, please lower your robe,” he said without shaking his hands, watching as the thick smoking jacket dropped,

“My, I haven't seen a union suit since 1920, how fun,” he chittered.

Lucifer, to be frank, never liked Alastor’s union suits; he found them a pain to take off during certain activities, but he wanted to wear them. He wouldn't be caught dead in just a pair of boxers; it was simply nude or his undersuit; Raum hummed and used his magic. 

“Arms out, let me take some measurements,” the crow said with a gurgling croak. A sketchbook floated over, he grabbed it and began to sketch quickly; the sinner put his arms out and a fabric tape zoomed by his face, stretching along his body, yelling measurements out from a disembodied voice, 

“So tell me, what do we need a new pair of suits for? Are you remarrying so soon?” the goetia questioned, flicking his head to look at Lu.

Alastor watched them in the mirror, his ears folding down at the question that was sure to strike a nerve, and it did. Lucifer kept his normal smile, but the radio demon could feel the dread, 

“No… nothing like that, I don't know when I will be ready to remarry, it's been a large enough step just to try and find love again and open up to Al, I won't count the possibility out, but just not right now… We need some new suits since it will be Al’s first time meeting the sins. They are the closest thing I have to family, other than my actual brothers, but I have seen them less than I’ve lived down here,” the fallen angel said softly, if Beau was beside Lu he would have wrapped him up in his arms and held him till the feeling passed but Al had left him at the hotel in the shadows to keep an eye on Charlie, it was his duty afterall to see to it that she remained physically safe. 

Raum nodded,

“I fell in love once, ONCE, you don't forget them,” his feathers ruffled before smoothing. Every time he repeated a word, it was in a different voice, as if he were mimicking a human, 

“The sins will treat you nicely and your lover, they like you, Lucifer, LU,” that was Lilith's voice, clear as day. The crow grabbed his beak, the king went rigid, swallowing the lump in his throat,

“It’s fine, Raum,” he said quietly as he took a seat in a small chair to the side of his lover. 

The sinner could see why Lucifer was hesitant to come here; he was holding it together to save face, but Alastor could tell he was reliving his own personal abandonment,

“Lucifer, could you come here a moment?” 

“Yeah,” the fallen angel said softly. He stood and came over to his lover, looking up at him, 

“I left my monocle in our room. Could you be a dear and go get it for me?”

“I guess so,” the fallen angel said as he opened a portal, stepping through and letting it close before he got two steps into the room and was wrapped in a tight hug from Beau, the shadow peppering kisses all over every inch of exposed skin.

Alastor looked at the crow,

“I would simply avoid mentioning anything related to Lilith if you'd please, the nerve is still raw. It’s been months in the making just getting him to work past what she left,” he hissed. He didn’t care if the Goetia was among hell’s royalty; he would protect his lover regardless of who upset him,

“I don’t control what my voice mimics; it happens, depending on who I’m around. I see the past, present and the future,” his head tilted as he eyed the sinner,

“The second voice says phrases from them,” he explained, the nictitating lens covering his eyeball for a moment before the fallen angel appeared again, putting the monocle on his lover, 

“You left it on my vanity, goof.”

“Thank you, dear,” he said with a smile. Lucifer patted his chest, a smile of his own as he sat back down, crossing his legs.

Raum came over with the sketch,
“What do you think?”

“Could we leave this spot on the collar bare? I have a rather pretty piece to accent his throat. And make sure it's well fitted, I love the antler embroidery,” 

“Yes, yes,” the Goetia nodded quickly, his hands moving with a dull gold light as fabric began to come off of shelves, a deep crimson red and a black, gold thread unspooling and needles working as pieces were cut and began to stitch together before the sinner's eyes, mockups flew on and off of Alastors body before final pieces came to rest on his form, the crow carefully came behind him, 

“I'm going to tighten this,” he said softly, accidentally grazing bare skin, letting out a pained wail as his neck cracked to the side, his eyes white and milky, 

“I’m sorry, Manman, I’m sorry I couldn't save you,” it was the sinner's human voice, clear as day, followed by a pained gurgle. 

Lucifer watched as the crow stumbled back, holding his head, coughing violently, catching his breath as he looked to Alastor, terrified. The sinner looked on with an ever-permanent smile; it had been the first time he heard his mother's voice since her passing, and he would be lying if it didn’t make his body tense up. 

“Please lace his corset, I can't touch him again, LUCIFER.” Instead of Lilith's voice, it was the radio demons, the tone full of anger; it must have been a mimic of their last fight. The king stood and walked over, tightening the back of the corset vest carefully well Raum rubbed his temples; it was the first time he had ever touched a sinner.

It would be his last. 

Charlie stood across from Michael in the hallway, taking a deep breath,

“Ok… I don't know how to talk to you about this, but you need to work on some things.”

“If this is about Cillian, stay out of it, Charlie.”

“I can't stay out of it; it’s my problem because I can’t properly redeem him if he's struggling mentally. He’s putting his faith in you to step up and be a supportive, loving partner, but you're not doing that; you're causing him more harm than good. You need to change your way of thinking.”

“To what? Believe that he’s redeemable? How are you going to redeem someone who's spent decades sinning?” the archangel snarled. The princess sighed,

“Everyone is redeemable,”

“No, they aren't, and I know he's not going to make it up there.”

Nicky came out of Angel's room in a robe, catching the tail end of the conversation, 

“...you really don’t believe that I can fix myself?”

“And why would I believe that?” he said, looking back at him, true colours finally showing. Angel came out from behind him, closing the door,

“Nicky-”
“No. Was I a fucking game to you? Was it a game to you when I had sex with you? Was it a game when you learned my actual name? Huh? Was I nothing but a toy for your fucking enjoyment?” Nicky snarled, 

“At the time, yes, I intended to love you, then you died and came here. It's a bad look when heaven's angels fraternize with the enemy.”

Angel watched as Charlie stood between them, 

“Whoa! Hey, let’s actually talk this out calmly,” she said, putting her hands up,

“Toots, this ain't a good idea,” the spider called out. Nicky let out a low growl, 

“To think you told me you loved me and missed me,” his body elongated as smoke spewed from his lips, silky fur falling away in clumps as he transformed into something more ugly; it was a fact even Angel didn’t know, Nicky was an overlord, he had been one for decades since Alabaster died, sinners signing their souls away to him in the apartment complex, he never forced anyone into sex work but he would protect them from rough clients.

“Fuck,” Angel said. Beauregard yanked Charlie out of the way when Nicky charged Michael, tackling the archangel to the ground. The spider sinner stood beside the princess, 

“You ok toots?”

“Yeah, I'm fine, Beauregard. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be with Al?”

“Protect the princess,” he hissed as he sank back into the ground with a smirk.

Large claws flashed in the light of the hallway as Nicky slashed Michael across the face, the angel countered by smacking him with a few of his wings, trying to wiggle out from under him, 

“What are we gonna do, Angel?”

“We gotta let them duke it out, I ain’t letting you get hurt,” 

“But-”

“Nah, stay back.”

The fight grew bloody quickly, gold splattering up the walls as sharpened steel-tipped claws sliced his flesh with every swipe,

“Why would you do this to me? WHY WOULD YOU SAY YOU LOVED ME?” he screeched, 

“Because I did in the moment,” the angel said as he kicked the overlord away, his wings fluttering for a moment as he turned, trying to fly off before he was grabbed by his wings and yanked to the ground. Michael let out a pained chirp,

“At the moment? Because you got your fucking dick wet?” Nicky barked as he threw him into the wall, leaving a sizable dent. Charlie watched in horror,

“Stop fighting!” she shouted.

Michael smiled, coughing up blood. It hurt, but none of this would kill him,

“Because I loved a human, I didn’t fall in love with some nicotine addicted mutt; I fell in love with a prostitute who threatened to beat me if I didn’t pay before leaving. He wasn’t a mild-mannered doormat. Who cried about his boyfriend not texting him back? He was a hot-tempered prick who left me wanting more,” he said through a wheeze. Nicky paused for a moment, staring at him,

“Is this all you fucking wanted? You wanted me to beat your ass?” he said, moving to hold the angel against the wall by his throat, 

“Yeah,” came a whisper, a smirk on his face, the overlord shrank back down to his normal form, kissing the angel passionately. 

Charlie pulled a look of confusion and disgust,

“What’s even happening?”

“Uh… I ain’t even gonna tell you, let's give 'em some privacy, shits about to get weirder,” Angel said, covering her eyes when the angel rolled his hips and moaned, 

“Get a room, you two, fuckin’ hell!” The spider knew Charlie was grown and probably knew what kink was, but he was sure no one wanted to see their uncle getting dry humped against a wall covered in blood; that was weird, even for him. 

“Ew, what the everloving fuck is going on?” Lucifer said, in his new, freshly sewn suit, Alastor was behind him, giving a disgusted smile at the scene before them. Charlie and Angel turned around,

“Uh, well, therapy didn’t work, talking didn’t work, fighting and fucking it out? Yeah, that's workin',” the spider said with a shrug, 

“I guess it is?” The princess also shrugged. Alastor's tentacles tugged Nicky's door open, another set threw the couple into the room and shut the door.

“Problem solved.” 

Lucifer snapped the blood away,

“I just wanted to let you know, Al and I are going out to have dinner with the Sins. I won’t be back till later. Text me if you need anything,” he said as he slipped his phone into his breast pocket,

“Dad, I'm not going to bother you; you and Al are on vacation this week. Unless it's an emergency, I won't text you,” she said softly, before she pulled him into a tight hug, 

“Have fun, relax and put your feet up, ok?” 

“I will try my best. Thank you, Charlie.” he hugged her back tightly, kissing the top of his head. 

Angel looked at Alastor,

“Oh shit smiles, looking like a fucking three-course meal, careful the sins don’t eat you up,” he teased. The overlord laughed,

“I wouldn't dare let them; my heart is already spoken for, I’m afraid, they’d have to go through the mighty king of hell for it.” 

Wrath was cool this time of year, but the sun was still sweltering during the day, the ring never really froze like any of the others; it was perfect for growing food and farming, valued by hunters too because of the varying predators, to Alastor it felt like the first time he’d set foot in Arizona, nothing but dry heat, even with the setting sun it was warm; he was welcomed by the site of the palace in fron tof them, the doors held open by imps as they exited the limo and made their way up a large set of stairs, the sinner held his lovers hand, the most PDA he would give around strangers.

The grand hall of the palace was bustling, imps and other hellborn skipping underfoot as they walked through, till a warm voice broke the sinner from his staring,

“Lucifer, it's been quite a while.” The slight southern accent that fell from his words made him feel a bit more comfortable, 

“It has Satan,” Lucifer broke their hand, holding to tenderly hug the much larger demon, Alastor looked at him, an incredibly large dragon exhaled a plume of smoke and looked at him,

“Is this your partner?”

“Yes, Satan, this is Alastor,” the dragon stepped over, extending his hand,

“Nice to meet ya, welcome to my humble abode here in Wrath,” the overlord shook it gracefully,

“The pleasure is all mine, you have such a lovely home,” he said with a smile.

Lucifer smiled, watching them interact, his eyes not on Satan but Alastor, specifically the fine-tailored crimson suit and black corseted waistcoat embroidered with gold antlers. On his throat sat the vintage cameo brooch that belonged to the sinner's mother. Though the king would never meet her, he would try to involve her items as much as he could, especially in important meetings,

“Aw, look who brought the party with him! Been a long ass time, LuLu,” Bee spoke as she walked through the threshold of the dining room, picking the little king up with four arms in a hug. He laughed happily. 

Alastor turned to see the rest of the sins slowly exiting the dining room, each hugging the king or patting his back. 

“They don’t bite if that's what you're worried about,” Satan said,

“If they did, I wouldn't be afraid to bite back,” he grinned as they walked closer to the group. Belphagor spotted the sinner and yawned,

“Nice to meet you,” she said quietly, her eyes half lidded,

“I’m Belphagor, ruler of Sloth,” she shook his hand calmly,

“Nice to meet you.”

Bee came next, giving the sinner a half-hug, against his wishes, but he allowed it, 

“Belzabub, I rule Gluttony, it's a real party, you should come down sometime with LuLu,” she said with a smile, 

“Perhaps once we will come for a visit, I’m sure it would be lovely to attend,” Al said warmly. Bee gave a nod and moved aside for Levi. 

“Leviathan, ruler of Envy, pleased to make your acquaintance, very pleased indeed.” Both heads took turns speaking as the sinner shook her hands separately; the girls seemed nice enough, thus far at least. Lucifer’s smile changed to something of concern when he spotted Mammon, the pinnacle of classlessness; he knew for a fact Alastor probably wouldn't enjoy his company, not that anyone really did enjoy it.

Mammon stepped forward, staring down at the sinner, 

“Oi, Mammon, suppose this is why everyone got invited here?” he said, not even extending a hand. Alastor raised an eyebrow,

“I’m sure we were invited here out of the generosity of the host, and due to our recent announcement.” 

“To announce little Lulu is fucking another sinner, wup de do,” he rolled his eyes, every other sin stared at him before Ausmodeous shoved him to the side, out of the way,

“We don't claim him, or that opinion. I’m Ozzie, ruler of the Lust ring, and it's fabulous to meet you finally,” he said, shaking his hand with a welcoming smile as Lucifer snapped the sin of Greed’s voice away, 

“You lost your privilege after that fucking comment,” he hissed at him. 

A small imp rang a loud bell, standing in front of the dining room, 

“Dinner is being served, please come take your seats for the occasion,” he announced, his accent was thick, the sinner was realizing slowly that it seemed most of the wrath imps sounded southern, it was interesting to him, not that he interacted much with the hellborn, they existed in pride but he never had a reason to chat with them well out hunting.

Lucifer walked beside him, taking his arm as they entered the dining room. Alastor pulled the king's chair out and let him sit before he pushed him in, taking the seat beside him. The fallen angel gently put a hand on his thigh,

“Sooo like gimme the deets, how did you meet?” Bee said softly, leaning on one set of arms as the other placed a napkin in her lap, the imps came out with food and began to serve, placing plates filled with an array of spring vegetables, roast hog, and an ornate dish of what looked to be scalloped potatoes. The pork was drizzled with a whisky sauce as well, and the sinner’s mouth was already watering at the smell,

“Charlotte hired me to be her facility manager. I will admit that when we met, we never saw eye to eye on most things; we were two very different individuals, and it was an unfortunate circumstance that led us to spend time together for a few weeks. When we parted, I felt horrible. I offered him courtship not long after that.” he gave a charming little smile to the king next to him, the smaller man blushed and chuckled softly.

Alastor squeezed the hand on his lap,

“It has been a lot of firsts for me. Before this, I’d never met anyone worth courting; now I’ve met my match made in hell,” 

“Oh my god, that's such a sweet story, like something straight out of a movie,” Bee said with a happy flutter of her wings. Ozzie nodded,

“You two make an adorable couple,” he said. Lucifer winked at him, knowing full well Ozzie and Angel were to blame for this relationship happening in the first place. 

Lucifer began to eat his dinner, allowing his hand to leave the sinner's lap. As he ate slowly, he hadn’t been very hungry lately with all the stress, but the food tasted good, and he had no complaints; Alastor ate politely, cutting his meat a piece at a time and eating quietly as did everyone else, but Mammon, who was shoveling food in his mouth like some kind of animal, at least lucifer muting him meant that the sinner didnt have to listen to the disgusting smacking of lips. 

“So, how have you guys been, since I haven't really seen any of you since… well, it's been a while,” Lucifer said sheepishly, 

“I’m dating a really nice hellhound, his name is Vortex, he's an absolute hunk,” Bee said, tugging a picture out of her top.

“Does he treat you well?”

“Yes, so much better than the last guy,”

“Good, that's all I wanted for you.”

“You're such a dad, LuLu, I love it,” she said with a chuckle; Alastor noticed Bel, slowly nodding off, finished the bulk of her dinner before Levi moved the plate out of the way as she flopped forward with a snore.

“There she goes. Does someone want to get her a pillow?” Satan spoke as he ate. One of the smallest imps came back with a throw pillow, carefully letting Ozzie lift her head as the servant slid it under.

“There, at least she will be comfortable.”

Alastor listened to them chatter as he ate. They all seemed strange, but what family didn’t have its odd members? He was enjoying everyone's company, though he seemed to like Ozzie the most; he seemed the most level-headed among the group after seeing Satan lose his temper slightly with one of the servants. 

“So what were you like when you were alive?” Satan questioned the sinner nearly choked on his mouthful of pork, covering it with a covert cough into his napkin. Lucifer put a hand on his arm in concern.
“I’m alright,” he said softly before taking a sip of wine and clearing his throat, 

“I was a radio show host when I was living and well into my death. I was born in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans as a pre-teen with my sweet manman. After she passed away due to illness, I left and went to New York for a bit, eventually returning home to become a radio host till my untimely death in 1936.”

Bee took a sip of her drink,
“I fucking love Louisiana, Mardi Gras is such a party!” she said happily, half waking Bel, who let out a tired bleat before she went back to sleep, 

“What did you do to get your ass down here?” Satan questioned, Lucifer interjected,

“You don't have to answer that if it makes you uncomfortable,” he said, looking at him,

“I’m fine, dear, I know they are curious,” Alastor said with a squeeze of the fallen angel's hand,

“I was a serial killer, though I wasn't someone who did it out of the joy of killing; I did it out of protection for my community, rapists, wife beaters, abusers of all kinds went under my blade and were fed to the alligators. I never laid a hand on anyone who didn’t deserve it; In the end, I got too cocky. The son of the sheriff's son violently beat his wife one night. I killed him and hung his body for the world to see, only to have his father hunt me down and put an end to me,” he said through a smile.

 The entire table was silent for a few moments, 

“I do respect a sense of justice, especially toward assholes like that,” the sin of wrath said, 

“I got respect for you, Alastor, as long as you don't lay a hand on our angel,”

“At least non-consentually,” Ozzie said with a smile. Lucifer smiled a little more, 

“Oh, I wouldn't dream of such things. The only time I lay hands on him is as a means of comfort,” Alastor said softly, turning to his lover and taking his cheeks in his hands before he gently kissed him on the lips. It took the fallen angel by surprise; his wings popped out into existence, fluffing. The sinner had never kissed him in front of others, without at least covering their faces first.

With dinner finished, the imps cleared the plates, and satan stood,

“Lu, Ozzie, would you help me with dessert?” he asked,

“Sure,” the sin of lust stood, Lucifer gave a nod and walked to the kitchen with him, the door closing behind them,

“You really love him, don't ya?” the dragon said as the imps brought over a large cake, 

“I do, he makes me feel like I’m worth something, like I matter,” the fallen angel said softly, 

“He checks all your boxes? And I mean all of them in the bedroom?” Ozzie asked, only to be met with a sheepish smile and a nod.

“We have our fights about some things, but doesn't every couple? I just didn’t think I’d ever love someone again after Lilith. I thought I was going to be alone for the rest of eternity, but then he came along… he changed everything, he is so supportive, and he loves me for all of my mistakes and problems,” Lucifer said as he looked out the small window in the kitchen door. Alastor was teaching Bee how to do the Charleston step by step,

“That's all we ever wanted for you, Lu.”

Nicky sat outside, scrolling through his phone and smoking an e-cigarette on the balcony, bundled up tight in a thin silk robe,

“Ya got your shit sorted?” Angel asked as he came out, shutting the door behind him,

“Yeah, it's sorted. He could have just asked me to be more dominant, clearly words aren’t his strong suit,” the overlord rolled his eyes,

“I guess not, just don't pull that shit again, lest not in the hotel,”

“I won’t, I think Mikey got the point earlier anyway, he's staying down here for a bit,” he blew a plume of smoke out of his nostrils.

Angel leaned on the railing,

“You think he's gonna change? Ya know, with Lucifer,”

“I don’t know, I don’t think any amount of BDSM is going to fix that relationship; he's kind of a lost cause with his family, it seems. I’ll work on him,”

“Thanks, Nick,” the spider leaned over and gave him a side hug before the door slid open, Michael looking beyond debauched, claw marks half healed, bruises and bite marks along what skin wasn't covered by the wings he had covered himself with, 

“You coming back to bed anytime soon, Puppy?” 

“Told you to give me 10 minutes,” he said, looking back at him.

The angel came over and plopped down in his lap, letting the overlord hand him by the hair and blow smoke in his face.  Angel chose that moment to leave, not wanting to see what was going to happen next.  

Even though it was a strange step, it was still a step forward in Nicky's rehabilitation and Michael's, hopefully.

Chapter Text

Soft lips travelled along milky skin as Lucifer slept, the sinner kissed along his neck and chest, running his hands up the king's soft, plush thighs, claws lightly scraping as they dragged downward. 

His tongue travelled up Lucifer's stomach, the blonde's breath hitched as he shivered, spreading his legs, laying his head back as his hands over the sinner's ears, brushing against the velvet-covered antlers,

"Oh," came a soft moan, as Alastor licked his cock slowly from root to tip.

Lucifer rolled his hips slowly, his breath hitching as Alastor took him into his mouth, bobbing his head slowly. The sinner wrapped his tongue around the fallen angel's cock as he sucked, swallowing around the length, knowing just how to pleasure his lover. With every flick and lick and suck, he grew closer to making the angel climax. 

Alastor didn't often wake Lucifer up like this, but he was particularly restless after waking up with a hard-on. He had already made the angel climax at least twice just with his mouth, not that the king was complaining; he was too busy writhing among the sheets, his wings shivering and shaking in pleasure, his moans laden with forgotten angelic calls and piercing chirps, but to his lover's ears, they were the sound of success. 

Till a knock came at the door, one that made Alastor audibly growl and pull away from the angel's cock, his shedding fur bristling as hackles raised, 

"I'll get it, don't move a muscle," Lucifer said with a grumble, snapping his robe on, making sure you couldn't visibly see his hard-on before he padded to the door and opened it, knowing well the sinner would have ripped the door off the hinges and yelled at someone for interrupting them during their week of vacation, and in such a tender intimate moment. 

Nicky stood, an e-cigarette in his mouth as he held Michael by the wings,

"Michael has something to say to you," the borzoi said, tightening his hold in the delicate feathers,

"I'm sorry," the angel spoke quietly, a rough yank came, followed by a sharp chirp,

"What are you sorry for?" Came a hiss from the borzoi. 

The canine overlord had been rough with him ever since Lucifer found out about their kink arrangement; he would have questioned abuse if the archangel hadn’t used a safeword one night, well, they were in the sitting room. The king watched Nicky stop his mistreatments and hold him, tending to whatever part of Michael was hurting, whispering sweet things as he held him; none of it would ever be anything less than weird to Lu, but he wasn’t about to yuck their yum if it meant getting an apology out of his sibling.  

Lucifer swallowed as he watched, knowing the familiar pain of having feathers torn suddenly, 

"Hazel, I knew she was yours from the start. For ignoring you for years, for watching you fall and never offering help, for being a dick. For telling the seraphims what you did. " Michael said with a shake in his voice as Nicky grabbed another handful of feathers, 

"I forgive you. Now get out of my sight," he said softly. The angel was tugged by the throat into a kiss, and given a ‘good boy’ as the king shut the door, 

"That was slightly uncomfortable, and I guess sweet he made him-" he was cut off as he was tugged back by the waist, dragged effortlessly to the dining room table, where he was carefully tossed onto his back by his lover. Patience was never Alastor's virtue when it came to sex. 

Alastor snorted as he looked down at the fallen angel, inches away from his face,

"I don't know what's gotten into you this morning, but I like it," Lucifer said, opening his legs, snapping the sinner's cock, lubed. 

"Good," the sinner growled as he lined his cock up with the blonde's hole, fucking into him roughly, tugging his legs up onto his shoulders as he thrusted wildly, 

The king moaned as he was fucked, the table rocked against the floor, Alastor snarled, snapping his hips roughly as he bit down on the angel's throat, Lucifer squawked, his body tightening up, his wings shivering. 

Lucifer arched his back, his hands tugging the sinner's hair,

“I’m so close, Al,” he huffed into his lover's flicking ear. The king's tail and horns appeared as he closed his eyes, the thin appendage cracking like a whip as the eyes hidden on his body began to open, staring at Alastor as he fucked his lover roughly, till he heard the sound of cracking wood, he quickly lifted the king off of the table before the leg fell off and the rest of it clattered to the floor, their was a pause, where both partners looked to eachother with a laugh.

“Bed or counter?” Alastor asked, 

“Over the counter,” the fallen angel said feverishly, they may have broken the table, but the angel knew at least the counter was more sturdy. Lucifer was moved quickly, the sinner pulled down and bent him over the counter before he thrusted into him wildly yet again, one hand tugging the fallen angel's messy blonde hair, the other digging its claws into the supple skin of his hip; the moans the king let out were growing louder, his body tight and his voice so urgent he was keening for the sweet release of a climax. 

Alastor bit down on his lover's shoulder, drawing blood, and he lapped it up as the fallen angel let out a loud wail, coming for the third time this morning. The sinner followed soon after, giving a few more harsh thrusts before he climaxed with a low hiss, panting in the king's ear before he placed lazy kisses along his nibbled shoulder right up to his goat-like ear. Lucifer hummed and turned, pressing their lips together for a few moments, 

“I love you, Al.”

“I love you too, Lucifer.” 

Beauregard moved around and placed two plates in front of them with breakfast. Lucifer looked at the food, 

“I suppose I should conjure up a new table,”

“I truly didn’t think we were that rough, but I suppose I’ll allow it, nothing too fancy, dear, it has to fit in with my bayou,” Al noted as he pulled out, using his tentacles to clean his lover up and wrap him in a warm robe when they were done.

Lucifer hummed, tying his robe, 

“Thank you, Bambi, yeah, I’ll make sure it fits in with the creepy swamp thing you got going on in here,” he said with a snap of his fingers, a new dining table stood in the place of the old one, a fine dark stained cyprus wood, a large deer skull in the center, it was delicately carved, the table had small hooves at the bottom of the legs and comfortable chairs to match, replacing the old ones that tended to hurt the fallen angels ass if he sat too long, 

“How does this look?”

“Lovely, you know just what I like,” Alastor said as Beau brought their plates over. The sinner lifted his lover into his arms, kissing him on the lips,

“I have a proposition for you, my dear,” he said with a smile, as he placed Lucifer in his seat and carefully pushed him in before he took his place at the table.

Lucifer hummed softly,

“Let me hear it, Al,” he said as he started to eat his breakfast, crossing his legs comfortably to take the weight off his aching ass, only to have Beau lift him and place a pillow under him and set him back down,

“It's the first day of summer, perhaps we can go swimming somewhere? Other than the hotel pool,” he suggested, taking a sip of his coffee, 

“I’d love that!” 

Alastor looked to him, ears perking up,

“You would?”

“Of course, I have a private section of beach,” Lucifer said, every feather on his wings was shivering in excitement,

“Hm, we could spend the day and truly relax without any interruption,” The sinner said as he took the fallen angel's hand, carefully kissing the back of it, smitten with him as usual.

 There were times, admittedly, when the overlord didn’t like to deal with the king, when he was acting bullheaded, selfish and arrogant; they had their fights, but just as those traits angered him, they also filled him with joy, Lucifer was the sin of pride afterall, and Alastor enjoyed every trait of it just as he hated them sometimes. Still, he knew he would always be enamoured with the short little fallen angel. 

Lucifer hummed,

“Do you actually own a swimsuit? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in your wardrobe.”

“I do, although it is made of wool,”

“I forbid you from wearing itchy ass wool on a romantic beach day, can I conjure something up for you?” the king asked softly, as he ate a piece of toast with blackberry jam,

“As long as it has plenty of coverage, I will allow it.” Alastor stole a bite of his lover's toast, making the king giggle.

Alastor watched the fallen angel’s tail appear, flicking in thought,

“How much coverage? Like your union suit or just more than a thong,” 

“What on earth is a thong? Wait, don't tell me, I don't want to know. Pick whatever you think I’d like,” the sinner said softly with a raised eyebrow as he finished his plate. Beauregard put it in the dishwasher.

The dishwasher Lucifer insisted on having instead of hand washing all of the dishes,

“I can do that,” the angel said softly as he finished his breakfast and snapped the plate right beside Alastor's, 

“I wanted to talk to you about maybe moving in fully… combining our rooms finally?” 

“I think that idea would be lovely, dear. Are you getting homesick away from your various piles of ducks?” The sinner said with a smirk, 

“No, I'm not away from them, you just haven't noticed where I've hidden them all yet. I just don't want it to be your room and my room anymore, we are a couple, and I want to have a shared space,” he reached across the table and gently held the sinner’s hand, knitting their fingers together,

“I understand. Snap your fingers and do it; we can change things out as needed. All I ask is that you don't touch the bayou, and no duck bed. I will not fuck you in a duck bed, Lucifer.” 

Lucifer giggled,

“I wouldn't dream of touching your swamp, and yeah, I know, I've never gotten laid in a duck bed, I think it's so unsexy that no one would dare try,” he smiled and snapped his fingers, the room flickered for a moment as things started to change. 

Red wallpaper changed to a more crisp golden colour, fading to crimson at the baseboards. Pictures dotted the walls of the sitting room: Alastor's mother and him living, along with all the fallen angel's photos with the sins and family photos of Charlie when she was younger, and the pictures of Lilith were forgone. The mantle went from rustic brick to something more modern, the large antlers over it disappeared, old dusty furniture was new again, a deep red velvet with gold accents. The bed was similar, replacing Alastor's old ratty bedframe with an ornate, gold-accented one. The headboard had a set of antlers in the center, with a snake twined around them and an apple in the center, along with a large canopy for privacy; he knew both of them enjoyed their alone time with the canopy drawn closed when they wanted to pleasure themselves separately.

Alastor had no qualms till he saw the large antlers missing,

“Lucifer, where are the antlers from the mantle?” 

“I put it in storage,” the king raised an eyebrow. 

“We'll bring it back, it's one thing that cannot leave this room,” the sinner said softly, watching with a snap as it appeared again,

“...do you want to tell me why it's such a big deal?”

“It's a reminder that my father is dead. It gives me peace of mind.” 

Lucifer nodded, squeezing his hand gently,

“I didn't know. I thought they were your sheds.”

“Unfortunately, we had the same antlers; It's why I cut mine off and have shaped them over the years. I refuse to be any part of him or his legacy, my dear,” Alastor pinned his ears, looking away. It had always been a painful memory, one marked with abuse and shame that part of him was from that horrible man. He killed him not once but twice, and he would do it a hundred times over.

The fallen angel got up, making his way to the other side of the table, wordlessly embracing his lover before he tugged him into his arms, making the sinner squeak.

He lay down with Alastor in his arms, carefully stroking his ears and his back,

“I know it takes a lot for you to talk about your feelings, Al.”

“I just don't want to be him, never. He was a cheating, abusive rapist who deserved every knife that I plunged into his flesh. I worried when I chased you out of my room that I had become him, treating you like you weren't worth anything more than sex.”

Lucifer kissed the top of his head,

“You'll never be like him. Sure, we have our arguments and fights over things. But you are the most caring, loving man I've ever had the pleasure of gracing my bed; you are my one and only. I didn't think I could love again, not after Lily. Then you showed me that my heart isn't dead,” the fallen angel sniffled before he took the sinner’s face in his hands, kissing him softly on the lips.

Alastor let his ears spring up, closing his eyes as he leaned into the kiss; he truly never thought he'd fall in love or want to marry someone or even settle down with anyone other than be alone till the day he was exterminated. They parted,

“Everything I've felt with you, every emotion, every physical touch, every shred of love, is so much more amplified with you. You are my heart, Lucifer, my one and only, forever and beyond.” 

Tears rolled down Lucifer's face, pearlescent drops of mercury falling as he cried,

“You always know just what to say… I love you so much, Alastor.” 

“I love you too, my morning star.” 

Charlie sat in her office with Angel,

“Ok, I want something to bring us all together, maybe some new therapy? I thought about art therapy, but I can't really draw; Dad can, but I don’t want to bother him and Al on their vacation. I remember him saying Uncle Raphie used to be a really good painter… wait a minute, I could get my uncles to come down and do therapy with everyone for this week,” she said with a squeal, 

“Yeah… but aren’t they angels, toots? Everyone's still pretty fucked up from extermination and stuff.”

“I mean, they aren't really scared of Uncle Michael, I don't think they would be afraid of the others, they are a lot nicer, more like dad. Maybe I can get them to disguise themselves,”

Angel nodded,

“I mean, the worst we can do is try,” he said with a smile as she picked up her hell phone. She rifled through her desk and found their numbers, texting her uncle Raphael, Sandalphon and Gabriel. It would be different to have them all in the hotel, but maybe that's what everyone needed.

Raphael called her, sitting in the breakroom of one of the various hospitals he was a nurse at, he was sipping a long gone cold coffee as he rifled through medical books, he needed a distraction and his niece texting him seemed to be just what he wanted; The angel frequented every hospital in the area, taking a diffrent human disguise with each, healing the sick and dying before he dissapeared to help others, he had his own practice, a copy of himself controlled it; in times of need he would be there. 

“Uncle Raphie? I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” Charlie said sheepishly,

“No, not at all, I’m reading medical textbooks as I usually do in my off time, what would you like?” Raphael asked as he hummed, flipping a page and pushing up his glasses, 

“I remembered dad saying you were a good artist when I was a kid… I’m wondering if you'd come to the hotel and maybe do some art therapy with the residents? I thought about trying, but I’m not good at drawing, and I’d rather not bug dad on his week off,” she looked at Angle, who gave her a thumbs up with all four arms. 

Raphael looked up from his book at his phone for a moment, a pause as he thought about it. It’s not like Charlie had ever asked him for anything since she was born, and Lucifer hadn’t pestered him as Gabriel did; he, however, did remember the offer of an undying lover. He was lonely since his last one passed away from old age. 

“Of course, Charlie, I’d be honoured to,” 

“That would be great, Uncle Raphie! The only thing is, you’d probably have to disguise yourself; everyone down here is still wary of angels.”

“That's fine, I will figure it out. Please text me the time, and I will be there. It’s been a while since I’ve taken time away from the hospital to visit my dear niece.” 

Charlie gasped and smiled,

“Thank you so much, Uncle Raphie,”

“You're welcome, Charlie. I have to go back on the floor, bye for now,” he hummed as she said her goodbyes before he hung up, going back to work. The princess squealed happily as she texted him the time to come. 

“That went great, toots,” Angel spoke as he crossed his legs, 

“This might be easier than I thought. Uncle Dal texted me that he's willing to help with some music therapy this week, too. I’m sure Nifty will enjoy that; she really loves trying to teach the roaches to play jazz lately.”

Angel smiled,

“Yeah, she's been trying hard, that new guy was helpin’ her, Baxter? Yeah, that's his name, kinda dickish but whatever, he treats her nice… what’s your uncle Gabriel good at?” he asked. Charlie looked up from her phone, 

“He’s really good at listening, I don’t know what else… When I was little, I remember my dad in his workshop, listening to him and Uncle Gabe talking. I don’t know what dad was even talking about, but he was so upset, my uncle was comforting him and giving him words of encouragement, like he hadn’t lost contact when dad fell. It's the most upset I've ever seen him. He really likes to sew; he made me a quilt when I was a kid. Maybe he’d do that?”

The princess's phone dinged, and she looked at it, 

“Ok, Uncle Gabe said he'd be willing to make a quilt with everyone and talk about feelings, which is great. I'll get him to come tomorrow. That should make up our next three days of different sessions since I don't want to have all three of Dad's siblings together because they always fight,” she said with a giggle.

“Yeah, I can imagine three of your dads beating the crap out of each other, sibling stuff, me and Niss used to beat the shit out of each other for fun,” Angel laughed.

Charlie stood up,

“Do you want to help me get the sitting room set up for some art therapy? I told uncle Raphie to come this afternoon,” she stretched, angel got up,

“Yeah, you know I will, want me to announce before we leave your office?” He asked, she gave a nod and handed him the microphone, angel clicked the button,

“Today, around noon, there's art therapy in the sitting room, be there or be square!” he announced. 

He and Charlie made their way downstairs as Razzle tugged boxes of paint, canvases and other things from storage to put out.

A few hours later, the bell above the runt door rang, a medium-sized Goetia walked in, a great horned owl, black as night with patches of rusty feathers on his face and a thick pair of glasses,

“Uncle Raphie!” Charlie called as she ran up and hugged him, the disguised angel hooted happily and tugged her off her feet,

“My darling little niece, oh, you've grown so much, you still look just like your dad,” he said with a smile, setting her back onto her feet,

“Yeah. Oh! This is Vaggie, my girlfriend and Angel Dust, who's one of our residents,” she introduced them. Vaggie shook his hand with a bow,

“Nice to meet you,” 

“Likewise, I'm glad Charlie has found someone suitable, and pleased to meet you, Angel Dust,” he tittered, his beak clicking as he let the princess show him around the hotel.

Charlie circled back to the front foyer, just to see Alastor and her father with their beach things, the sinner in a rather large sunhat, his ears oddly placed out the top with a set of sunglasses on, a button up shirt and a pair of shorts, he even had sandals decorating his hooves, Lucifer was dressed similar, chatting with his lover till he spotted his daughter and brother,

“We were just about to head out for a beach day char-char! Oh, look who you managed to pull Rahpie away from his work,” the fallen angel said before he hugged his brother, allowing him to kiss him on both cheeks as he normally greeted him.

“You look good covered in feathers, you may just get some lonely bird pussy afterall,” the king said with a chuckle, luckily out of both his lover's and the princesses' earshot.

Raphael let out a deep hooting laugh, his feathers fluffing, 

“I will hold you to that, Lu. Now run along and have fun. I am hosting paint therapy.”

“Aw, Charlie, that's so sweet to include your uncles in the hotel stuff!” the king said with a smile as he stepped back. Charlie smiled,

“I’m glad they agreed, this week is going to be a lot of new things,” she said with a fist in the air, excited for the prospect of new things to help the residents and seeing her extended family, of course. Lucifer nodded and took Alastor's offered arm,

“Ta ta for now, Charlotte, call your father if anything is needed.”

She gave a nod, Raphael gave a wave to Alastor with a smile on his face, before they entered the sitting room, where a few large tables with paints and canvases sprawled out as residents came down.

“Now that is a sight to behold. I didn't think this many would show,” he mumbled as he snapped himself an array of pencils to sketch with as he stood in front of everyone.

When seats were taken and everyone was situated, the angel cleared his throat,

“Welcome to paint therapy, my name is Raphael, and Charlie requested I come today to help you all paint some of your feelings. I find it hard at times to communicate what I’m feeling effectively. Sometimes, we don’t want to verbalize what is weighing heavily on us; other times, it's difficult to find words that match. The goal of this is not to have the most beautiful art piece, but to produce something that reflects something in your life that may have influenced you or just to paint something that brings you joy,” he said as he walked and opened his arms. 

“We will share later, and don’t fret if you're not finished, I intend to come back again and host this.”

Charlie smiled brightly and gave a little squeal of excitement, clearly excited to start. The angel carefully squirted paint onto a palette, listening as other residents did the same. Razzle flew by, helping residents into aprons and forearm protectors for those with long fur; Raphael took a pencil and started to sketch what was on his mind, or rather, who.

The angel had loved a human in his lifetime, a beautiful woman who he'd fallen for just after the second world war, she had been scarred badly after London had been bombed, but to him, she was still the light of his life and he stayed till hers dimmed, till she was long past old, he stayed with her when she could not move, when her mind went and she had forgot him; her memory was nothing more than something to look back on, he had grieved for decades and his tears were long since dry; it was unfortunate when he looked for her in heaven only to find she had been exterminated in hell. He never returned to heaven after he found that out, and he never would.

Charlie watched him pause as he put down the pencil, her uncle swallowing, his feathers raising and smoothing before he picked up his brush and began to blot paint on the canvas in quick motions, angry motions, before he stopped for a moment, taking a breather,

“Charlie, dear, I'm going out for a quick smoke break. I will be back in a moment,” he said, setting the brush down. The princess nodded, sensing his sudden discomfort.

Raphael went outside, tapping a cigarette on the outside of a hard metal case, before he put it in his beak and lit it with a match, for being a healer, he had little concern for himself, he took a deep inhale and blew out rings, making his smoke break quick, using a little miracle to wipe the scent of unfiltered tobacco from himself.

Perhaps he needed just as much therapy as everyone else did; he came back and continued the work on his painting before he finished up, wiping his hands on a damp rag as he walked amongst the tables to take looks at what everyone was painting, smiling when he saw charlie painting herself with everyone in the hotel, Vaggie was painting th princess with a smile.

Nicky was idly painting part of a peep Show box, a lanky body on the other side of the window shown in red light, he knew exactly what the sinner was putting on the canvas, he gently squeezed the canines shoulder before he continued; to no one's surprise Nifty was painting a bunch of roaches, Baxter was working on a monster of some kind,

“Good use of colours, you two,” he said with a titter as he moved to Husk and Angel.

The feline sinner was working on a painting of a fruity drink. Angel was painting Nugget, who was sitting beside him, nosing in the paint and rubbing it on the table protector, snorting happily,

“Aren't you just adorable?” the angel cooed, patting Nugget on the head.

Pascal sat by himself near the back, painting a warm sunset on a hillside, his tongue flicking out as he focused on his work before he sipped a cup of coffee in front of him, almost grabbing the paint water before the owl moved it away.

“Oh, thank ya,” he said softly, winking at the angel who chuckled,

“I've done it many a time; it doesn't taste very good.” 

It would be an hour later that Raphael let out a hoot,

“Alright, everyone, let's turn our canvases and show what we've worked on. We'll go around and share a bit about what we've painted. I will lead by example and go first,” he said as he showed his canvas,

“This is Margret. She and I were wed in 1946, though much of her body was horrifically scarred when London was bombed. She was my princess, and I treated her as such when society turned its back on her because of her looks. I was heartbroken when I found out she went to hell; she was exterminated here. I painted her because she is important to me, even though I have grieved and moved beyond her; she still holds a place next to my heart,” he said with a sullen little smile.

The group gave a little clap, and Raphael sat, allowing Charlie to stand next,

“I tried to paint the hotel with all of you in front of it; it's important to me because this is proving we’re all trying to be redeemed together,” she said with a smile, listening to everyone clap before she sat; Vaggie went up next,

“I painted Charlie… kinda badly, because she's the light of my life and all that cheesy stuff,” she said,

“My dear, it's not bad, remember art is subjective!” The angel hooted, giving a happy little clap.

Nifty stood on the table, canvas over her head,

“I painted roaches and filth! I like cleaning up dirt and killing roaches!” She said with a feral little growl,

“Very good, dear, lots of chaos,” Raphael watched as she put down the canvas and tore off after a roach. Husk held up a picture of a pink drink, a harder daddy, as the spider sinner called it. 

“I ain't got much to say about this, but the person who knows, knows,” he grumbled, sitting. Angel smiled and blew him a kiss before he held up his painting, which was Nugget and Husker beside him.

“Most important people in my world,” he smiled. 

Nicky clapped before he held his canvas up, unwilling to stand,

“And what is your painting of Nicky?” he asked, 

“The view of a man watching me when I was alive, when I was doing the peep show. I miss the freedom of it sometimes, but it is what it is,” he said softly with a sigh. Raphael gave a solemn nod and moved to Pascal, 

“Painted the last sunset I ever saw before I was killed, miss the warmth watching it with my wife, hope she's livin’ her best life up there, found someone to keep her company, well I’m long dead,” he said, his voice quiet on the lost part.

Raphael clapped, 

“I’m proud of you all for working with me today. I would like it if you all took time to draw or paint to your heart's content as you work on yourself. I’d love to see what you all produce when the mood strikes you,” he said softly,  as he allowed everyone to take their art with them. He helped Charlie clean up, eyeing the photo of Margaret,

“That was wonderful, Uncle Raphie! I think everyone had a lot of fun painting their feelings,” she said with a smile that faded when she looked at the portrait, 

“...But are you doing ok?”

Charlie watched as her uncle shut his eyes for a moment,
“I don’t know…”

Alastor looked out the window, watching as the main city in Sloth passed by, with hospitals and medical facilities dotted along the main drag. For being as tired as she was, Belphagor was a busy bee.

“So, my favourite beach is in Sloth or my little pocket of Eden, but that's more of a pond,” Lucifer said softly, crossing his legs as he looked out the window with his lover,

“I would have been content swimming in the bayou and lazing on the muddy banks with you, dear.”

“Yes, but I want more than mud, I wanna feel the sand in my hooves, Bambi,” the king wiggled his hooved feet clad in duck sandals,

“Yes, you and your sand,” the sinner stuck his tongue out at his lover.

Lucifer chuckled and the car rolled up in front of a long stretch of beach, the water a soft pink and the sands pastel purple, the sun was hot as they stepped out into it, toting their things into the private area, Alastor went to work setting out chairs and an umbrella as well as a blanket that he set a cooler on, he stretched and looked out as Lucifer was losing articles of clothing, his shirt, his sunglasses, his sandals, his hat, only to be left in duck swim trunks before he jumped into the water with a splash.

The radio demon collected his lover's things, setting them on the blanket before he slotted himself into a chair to read,

“Al, come in the water with me,” 

“I don't feel like getting wet right now,” the sinner said, looking at him, the fallen angel was doing a backstroke,

“But Bambi, come on, please?” He said with a whine, Alastor rolled his eyes and put the bookmark on his page before he stood and took off his hat and sunglasses, sliding off his shirt and sandals before he padded to the water's Edge, allowing the soft pink water to lap at his hooves,

“Wait… are you scared of the water?” 

Alastor’s ears stood high and his body stayed stiff, his tail was down, he wasn't scared of the bayou water, not that he ever swam in the large lakes, just the small rivers peppered with thick trees, it was the vast openness that terrified him, he could thank his father for that, Lucifer slowly came to the shore and put his hands on his lover's hips,

“If you pull me in, I will leave you here.” 

“I'm not going to do that if you're scared,”

“I'm not scared,” 

“Alastor, you froze as soon as you looked at me. The last time you did that was when Topher was at the hotel.” 

Lucifer sat with his feet in the water, tugging Alastor with him to sit,

“Do you want to talk about it?” he said softly, holding the sinner’s hand. The buck lay his head on the fallen angel's shoulder, shutting his eyes, 

“When I was young, my father, if you could call him such, decided to take me fishing; at the time, I didn't know why. Manman was gone, and I was too little to question it as we went out in the boat. He threw me into the water when we arrived at the center. He grabbed me and threw me in… I struggled, I remember trying to swim, trying to breathe, anything to save myself. He was watching me drown. To this day, I don't know why I was pulled out. I vaguely remember someone yelling at him when I was grabbed by the back of the neck and thrown in the boat like a fish,” he let his ears pin,

“He was trying to kill me before I even had a chance. I was still innocent, not yet knowing I'd be a serial killer, ” he said quietly.

The king gently kissed the top of the sinner's head,

“I'm sorry, Al, if I could rewrite your history, I would,” he spoke as he wrapped his arms around the overlord; Lucifer held him for a few moments before he snapped. Alastor cracked open his eyes, welcoming the sight of a calm pink stream with sandy beaches, water so clear it was easy to see the bottom, beside it, a rushing waterfall fed into it.

“Is this better?” the fallen angel questioned, watching as his lover looked around, his ears flicking and shifting,

“Much better.”

Alastor pressed a careful kiss to his lover's lips, holding the fallen angel's cheeks as he did; for as much as he wanted to fear talking about the bad parts of his life, the trauma and the things he held in, he knew he was safe with Lucifer, he was safe with the being who had fallen for him.

Lucifer smiled against his lips before he pulled away, pressing their foreheads together as he looked into his lover's eyes, 

“Wanna go for a swim?”

“I’d love nothing less.”

It would be a few hours at the beach before the couple headed back to the hotel, arriving smelling of the lavender-scented sloth ring, their hair mussed from getting it wet, happy and content having had an array of fine meat, cheese and wine for dinner, along with a sweet dessert of blackberry pie and shared kisses.

“Welcome back, Oh, Dad, the sins dropped off a bunch of stuff for you as a welcome back gift, I think. I got Razzle to set it in your room,” Charlie said as she walked by with her notepad in hand, stickers of rainbows and hearts littering the cover; It was her therapy notes.

“Thank you, Char-Char, hopefully everything was ok, well, we were gone?” the king asked softly. He was a worrywart when it came to his daughter. Beau had been keeping an eye on her in their absence,

“Yeah, Uncle Raphael hosted art therapy, and it went really well. He and I are doing a therapy session upstairs; he seems a little off,” Charlie said softly. She always held one-on-one sessions and group therapy in the evenings in her office, which had been filled with all kinds of soft, padded chairs, emotional support plush animals, among other things, to fidget with well talking about feelings.

Lucifer gave a nod,

“I’m glad he's sitting down with you; he bottles up things like Gabe does. If you need anything, knock on our door, and I will help,” he said as he hugged his daughter. The princess hugged him back with a squeeze,

“Of course, Dad! Aw, you two are sharing a room now, that's so sweet!” she said with a smile. Alastor hummed,

“Yes, your father's things have invaded my lovely little bayou; it's now filled with ducks and weird circus-themed everything, the things I do for love.”

They all shared a laugh before they snapped to their shared room. Lucifer looked at the dining table that was now filled with gifts,

“Holy shit,” the fallen angel exclaimed, looking at the array of different things: perfume and a luxurious bag from Envy, a stack of money from greed, a bag of sweets from Gluttony, a plush Belphagor from sloth, a new hat from wrath and an apple gag from lust. There were more standing in tall gift boxes,

“I think it's sufficient to say you were missed in those 7 years, my star,” Alastor said with a smile. 

Lucifer smiled sadly. Those were years of deep depression, ones where he felt worthless, littered with suicide attempts and isolation; he thought everyone hated him, he wanted to be dead and forgotten, and he was glad everything changed. Now here he stood, with his lover, looking at a pile of gifts selected with care, Alastor’s arms wrapped around his waist as he kissed the top of his head, 

“I love you, they all love you,” he said softly against his hair,

“Yeah, they do,” the king sniffled. 

Alastor pressed a kiss to the red circle on his lover's cheek,

“What are you waiting for? Open the rest,” he said, letting him free and giving him a nudge toward a blue box with Levi’s symbol on the front. The fallen angel carefully tugged the ribbon free, taking off the lid before he laid eyes on the most beautiful dress he had ever seen, low cut, spaghetti straps, silk so fine it looked like spun gold, the low cut back showed off gemstone details that looked like a set of wings, they cascaded down the rear to the floor; the dress went perfectly with the purse,

“This is beautiful… Levi always knows my tastes,” Lucifer said as he showed the overlord,

“Gorgeous, this is going to look absolutely breathtaking on your form.”

The next box that was opened was from Ozzie. Lucifer held up the apple gag,

“I’m looking forward to using this on you, Bambi,” he smirked as the sides of the gift fell open, sitting there was a large selection of toys, candles, rope, lube and a few sets of lingerie that would fit both men.

“These must be out of the catalogue for next year,” the angel hummed as Alastor eyed the silky lingerie, 

“I look forward to trying it for you, dear. This all looks very intriguing,”

Lucifer saw a note and picked it up,

“Be safe and have fun, try new things and let me know how you like them- Ozzie, that's so sweet,” the angel chirped happily as he put the note back with the box. He grabbed a gold bag, which was filled with bottles of beelzejuice along with an array of sweets, and he tugged a bottle out,

“Oh, oh, this is the strong shit, this is the only thing that can get me ‘wake up on the carpet’ drunk, other than undiluted absinthe, but this, my love, we can get shitfaced on,”  the king giggled. 

Alastor chuckled,

“I suppose we will have to crack a bottle open to sample later and see if we both wake up on the bedroom carpet naked with no recollection of who we are,” he said with a smirk. The angel giggled with a glint of mischief in his eyes, 

“I like that Idea, Al, but if we are drinking the whole bottle, we’re doing it in the palace, last thing I need is the radio demon hanging off the chandelier in the foyer naked, screaming,”

“Mhm, that seems more like something you’d do, dear or have already done.”

The king smirked and stuck his tongue out before he opened the last tall box, which was from Belpahagor. Inside was a new set of duck slippers, some soft, feeling pyjamas coated in ducks and another set covered in deer. 

“These feel so soft, the best pyjamas are in sloth, I don’t know what they make them from, but they are the best,” he said, making his lover touch them with a purr.

Alastor touched them and agreed before he took his lover's hand and twirled him,

“I want you to ravish me tonight,” he said, dipping him,

“Perhaps with those new toys, I want to forget who I am for the night,” the overlord said as he dipped his lover, 

“That can be arranged,” the fallen angel smirked.

Chapter Text

Raphael crossed his legs, sitting in Charlie's office, allowing his Goetian form to melt away. He let his wings stretch for a few moments before they folded against his back. The princess sat on her desk,

"Ok, Uncle Raphie, do you want to talk about why you're not feeling your best?" She asked, watching as KeeKee crawled into his lap and laid down, the angel smiled at her sadly,

"I had so much hope I'd see Margaret when she passed. That I could live with her in heaven and be happy for the first time in ages, I looked for her for a week, only to be told by the seraphim that she had gone to hell; they wouldn't tell me the reason. By the time I got here, she had been exterminated. I found her body among the carnage as pride was picking up from the massacre... I lost all of my hope not long after that, for heaven, for life, I suppose. Buried myself at work," he said quietly as he looked out the window, 

"I want closure, Charlie. I can't move on without it." 

Charlie nodded,

"I understand, I'm sure I can dig up cause out of Dad's file cabinet," she said softly as she went to the corner of the room, using a key to unlock an ornate gold cabinet, tugging out a long drawer,

"Ok, what's her last name, Uncle Raphie?"

"Ewes, like a sheep," he spoke, stroking the two wedding rings he wore around his neck on a chain; the princess nodded and rifled through folders,

"...that's odd, it isn't here,"

"Is it because she's deceased?" 

"I'm looking in the deceased drawer, Uhm, ok, what year did she die?"

"1972."

The princess rifled through all of the files of that year, pawing through them,

"I may have to go bug dad... There's nothing here for Margaret Ewes' uncle Raphie, which is really weird because she should be in the deceased cabinet under her year of death. I'll text him, I don't think he'll mind me bugging him if it's for you." She said shooting off a text, only to get one back immediately, 'if it's not in that cabinet, please call Vassago, he will likely be able to locate it.' he wrote back, listing the goetias number,

"Ok, Dad said to call Vassago, since it isn't in the filing cabinet," Charlie said as she dialled the number.

"I don't understand how she isn't in the cabinet." 

"Maybe she was misfiled, I'm not sure."

Vassago picked up the phone with a soft whistle,

"Vassago speaking,"

"Prince Vassago, it's Charlie Morningstar. Dad told me to contact you. I'm in a bind and need you to help me locate someone," she said on speaker phone, watching as her uncle ducked out to the balcony to smoke in his Goetian form, 

"Oh, of course, princess, I will be right over to help you," he hung up before she got another word in. Raphael looked out into the pentagram, closing his eyes,

"What happened to you, Maggie?" He asked with a soft sigh. 

He came back in, washing the scent of smoke off him with a simple snap as a portal appeared and a tall Goetian stepped through, a dazzling red macaw,

"Princess Morningstar, pleased to be of service," he chittered with a smile as he looked over at the owl stepping in, his crest went up in interest,

"Guapo," he whispered with a click of his beak, crest standing slightly.