By the time they're done, there's barely anyone left. Lucifer feels bad about not saying hello to Ozzie, but he has no idea if he's still around, nor does he want to spoil the mood by fielding his pointed questions.
That and…he's scared of what Ozzie will see when he looks at Lucifer. Can the God of Love sense that emotion inside others? Probably.
Lucifer would rather bury that realization deep. Where it can hopefully rot and be forgotten.
Especially since it comes at the cost of another question: what about Lilith?
...So, yes, let him focus on anything but that.
Leaving is simple: Lucifer puts on the Helm and follows Alastor waltzing out of the garden with an air of calmness, as if this is all part of his plan.
The few stragglers make way and whisper as they see the chariot that arrives to greet him; even if they don't recognize whose it is, Lucifer's horses and ride speak volumes—no doubt only someone of great standing could claim such an imposing sight.
"Alright," Lucifer says, when they're far away enough no one can hear him. "Let's go home."
He realizes his mistake almost immediately, but thankfully Alastor doesn't quip him about it.
The ride home is spent in silence, which Lucifer is, for once, grateful for, as he has much to think about.
But not regarding his feelings. Nope, that's getting locked and buried.
No, this is about his performance against Sera. Alastor may have been fine with it, but Lucifer can't easily shrug aside that he'd all but put Alastor in an even more suspicious light than he already is just by standing there.
But how does he fix it? Even if he was a stellar actor enough that he can convince Sera now that this is totally a misunderstanding and Alastor is some meek, altruist fawn doing this for peanuts…Alastor will skin him alive.
So, how does he assuage Sera without pissing Alastor off?
Maybe there's no answer; but if there is even one solution, Lucifer will find it.
*
"You certainly don't look too jolly today."
"Good morning to you too," Lucifer grumbles, but can't exactly refute. "I was up all night, thinking."
"Ah, I didn't realize thinking took so much effort from you."
"Uh, first of all: fuck you. Second of all: fuck you, again. And third: I was, in fact, thinking of ways to resolve the issue of Sera."
"What issue? I was under the impression we'd cleared that yesterday."
"Yeah, well, I wasn't satisfied with it, so I had an idea…"
"...Go on."
"First, promise to let me finish. No interrupting, no getting antsy, no leaving in a huff until after I'm done."
"My, you paint quite the absurd image of me."
"You left in a huff just yesterday . So, promise you'll hear the whole thing before reacting?"
"Funny, because yesterday morning the one interrupting in anger was you ."
"Alastor."
"But very well. I will be as still as a statue, as silent as the grave, until you declare you're done."
"Alright. So, you said yesterday that if I go up to Sera now and try to claim you aren't getting well rewarded, she won't take my word for it. And that got me thinking: what if it's not just my word? What if I showed her a legitimate contract as proof? But, obviously, I can't show her our actual deal. Not unless I hope she has a heart attack. Pity she isn't mortal, haha. So, I thought about it and…why not show her an amended contract?"
Alastor's eyes narrow dangerously, but he keeps his promise.
Lucifer doesn't keep him in suspense, and hastily continues with his spiel. "Obviously, I don't mean to change the terms to now put you at a disadvantage! What I thought was: why not separate it into two contracts? One I can show her, with less dangerous boons, and another with the juicy stuff. Here, I drafted them."
"You really didn't sleep the whole night over this," Alastor murmurs as two scrolls appear between them.
Lucifer ignores that and moves a scroll closer to Alastor. "This one is the more modest one, to be shown to her."
Alastor glances at it. "Permission to choose some offerings to take, plants native to the Underworld, as well as precious metals and cloth in your treasury, Phlegethon waters and…a jug of the Styx."
"If I wrote one where all you get are some of my offerings, you wouldn't like it either, since you don't want to pretend you aren't profiting. Even a lot of the Phlegethon waters won't raise eyebrows. And as it is, a jug of the Styx is prestigious enough but not too alarming. No one will look at this and think you came out of this at a loss, and it should take suspicion off you."
Wordlessly, Alastor grabs the other scroll to read.
"And that one has all the things missing from the other; the ichor and the Lethe. Obviously, this one stays between us. No one will think we have separate documents for the same deal."
Lucifer beams, and waits.
Alastor simply stares at him.
Prick, you just spoke. "I'm done."
"Hm, in that case…" Alastor takes the benign deal in hand again. "This is still a reduction, as far as others will know."
"No, it isn't," Lucifer says brusquely. "No one has ever gotten anything like this from me. And no one knows what the reality is. As far as anyone is concerned, you are the only one whom Hades has given Styx and Phlegethon waters to."
Alastor glances between the scrolls continuously. Lucifer, aware he'd balk, has a speech ready. "Look, I get it. You're ninety percent pride, ten percent God, and you want to rub their noses in the fact you even got the Lethe. But let's be realistic here—if you go around announcing that, how many deities would even allow you to approach them? Who will make deals with you? And Sera won't be the only one up on your ass at any move you make. So you have two options; either underscore what you're receiving, or show it off but never use it."
He silently apologizes to Alastor's future victims, but Lucifer has never been impartial. He'll rig the game if he must, without an ounce of shame, for those he cares about. And that also means helping Alastor get away with shit.
That, and Lucifer wants to hold on to the belief that Alastor's base rules for whom to go after will remain intact, and they won't be fully innocent.
"Well, that still leaves another debacle," Alastor says, tapping a finger on the table.
"Yeah?"
"Now the deal is patently unfair towards you , as I am receiving what I had before and extras from your treasury."
"Oh. That. I don't care."
He sees Alastor's mood sour and rolls his eyes.
"Can't you be less of an ingrate? I'm literally doing this so you can fuck off and do whatever nefarious shit you normally do, scot-free."
"I didn't ask for your handouts."
"Would you be fucking satisfied if I added a 'blow me' clause?" Lucifer snaps.
…Ah. Fuck.
Alastor's shadow…thing…materializes, and moves its arm as if to raise it—
Alastor snaps towards it and outright snarls. And as quickly as it had come, it's gone.
"Alright, alright, I was kidding," says Lucifer. Who is more than willing to not be kidding. "I did consider you'd throw a hissy fit over this, so how about this: You add some flowers to the interior of my palace as well."
"...Fine."
"Fucking finally. Alright, with that—"
"Don't I need to drink to that?"
"Nah, I trust you won't be running off in the night to avoid putting a flower in a vase. Now, sign here so this one looks legitimate."
Alastor does, then sighs. "While I can't say there's wisdom in spending too long over a situation I had no issue to begin with, the results are… impressive."
Wow, he even pulled an 'impressive' out of Alastor! And Alastor doesn't look like he's about to die over it. Lucifer beams.
"You shouldn't underestimate me. I haven't kept this place safe all this time out of luck."
"So it would seem."
"Right, oh and speaking of which, I—"
"Delivery!"
"Oh no," Lucifer groans. "It's Ozzie, isn't it? Throwing a fit because we didn't go see him yesterday?"
"Nope!" Niffty says cheerily. "Charlie says she wants to tell you two something!"
Lucifer is beaming again. Wow, he found a way to fix his mistake from last night, Alastor praised him, and now his daughter wants to talk to him! Is he dreaming?
"Great! Hand it over."
"She asked that you two scry with her!"
Fuck. "Is she okay? What happened to her? What does she need? Where do I—"
"Lucifer," Alastor says, grabbing his shoulder and lightly shaking it. "If she was in danger, she'd have sent Niffty with a cry for help, not a request to scry."
"Really?"
Alastor rolls his eyes and turns to Niffty. "Dear, how did she look when she sent you on this errand?"
"She was really excited! Like she'd found a whole nest of cockroaches to kill!"
Lucifer lets out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
"Thanks," he remembers to shoot at Alastor, before focusing on Char-Char again. "What could it be? What if she's getting married? Do you think she'll invite me to the wedding?"
"Only one way to find out," Alastor says, gently ushering him towards his own workshop.
"Right. Right."
Nervously he sets it up, and when Charlie's face appears on the basin, he's relieved to see she is indeed all smiles.
"Dad! Alastor! I'm so glad you could talk!"
"Hello, sir," Maggie waves at him from the side.
"I can talk anytime!" Shit, did that make him look clingy? "Unless I'm busy. But usually I'm not too busy, so you can call. Always. I don't even need sleep!"
Alastor coughs. "Did you have something to tell us?"
Us? It finally dawns on Lucifer that the message was addressed to both of them.
"Yes!" Charlie is jumping up and down with glee. "We did it! Finally!"
"That's great Char-Char!" Lucifer says back. Far be it for his complete lack of knowledge on what 'it' is to stop him from being a good father. He has to start somewhere, after all.
Besides, Alastor will likely be the downer who asks for the finer details.
But he's immediately proven wrong when Alastor beams instead, and pushes Lucifer half aside to speak with Charlie. "Ah! Is that so! Well done my dear, I knew you could do it."
...Well shit, no matter what his feelings may be, Lucifer is not at all happy to witness Alastor and Charlie sharing knowledge he's not privy to.
"Uh, so what's this about?"
Charlie blinks at him, and for one panicked moment, Lucifer thinks he's already fucked up and forgotten something.
Then Charlie slaps her own forehead. "Oh right! Alastor did say it was a surprise. Oh my Phanes, dad, you won't believe this! SoAlastorsentmealetterthreeweeksorwasitfouragoand—"
Lucifer can only paste on a smile as he tries—and fails—to keep up while Charlie spews out an onslaught of words too fast and jumbled for him to make out.
But he'd rather throw himself into Tartarus than to dare interrupt his precious daughter when she's so gleefully telling him anything.
"And then…" Charlie says, thankfully winding down to catch her breath. "He said he can't give us his scale, but he's willing to sit down with you and think of an alternative! He really believes that's possible! So! Isn't it great?!"
…
Desperate, Lucifer opens his mouth to lie through his teeth, but he's saved in the nick of time.
"Charlie, I think he's not processing it yet…" Maggie says gently. Lucifer loves his future daughter-in-law. "Maybe we should leave it to Alastor to give him the rundown?"
"My, that is quite agreeable of you, dear. Surprisingly so." Alastor sounds honestly nonplussed.
Maggie turns to him, pursing her lips. "Yeah, well, I'm giving you some credit for this. But don't think I don't have my eyes on you! You tip your toe out of line and I'll—"
" Vaggie !"
Alastor simply raises an eyebrow. "Ah yes, now that sounds more like you. Well, Charlie dear, per her suggestion, why don't you allow me to give your father an overview of what is going on? And then… I do believe you two were set for a meeting? Why don't you do it in the afternoon, where you can tell him all the details?"
"Oh, you're not coming, Alastor?"
"I believe not."
"But—"
"C'mon Charlie," Veggie interjects hastily, clearly not wanting Charlie to insist on the invitation. "Let's leave them to it, your dad is still looking lost."
Is he? Lucifer supposes he must, since he is utterly out of the loop. He has, however, grasped that he's going to see his Char-Char later today, so that's a positive.
"Oh! Right, so sorry dad! We'll talk soon!"
"Right! I'll see you soon, Char-Char!" Shit, how many hours until lunch? Should he bring a gift? Fuck, he doesn't have time for a—
His spiraling thoughts are interrupted by a cough from Alastor.
"Do you want to panic over the prospect of seeing your beloved daughter, or do you want to know what's going on?"
Both. "Who's panicking? Okay, so, what exactly is going on, what did you make her do?"
"...You know, you're surprisingly not as worried about that as I expected you to be."
Lucifer shrugs. "Yeah, well, we have a deal, don't we?"
"But this was something I asked for before we made it."
"Even so, you are clearly not panicking, and you would be, if you had put her up to something dangerous, since I'd skin you alive. And even Maggie, who doesn't seem to like you, isn't pissed off about it so… I'm willing to listen. Calmly. Now tell me what the fuck is going on ."
"Very well. Do you recall the very first day I arrived here as your guest?"
Distinctively. "Hm, yeah, I'm not going senile. That was only what, a month ago?" And it's a little worrisome, how much his feelings had changed in such a short amount of time.
"Good. Now, at one point, you mentioned you had tried asking for help from the God of Justice."
Lucifer blinks, confused as to how this could possibly tie in with Charlie, but he doesn't interrupt.
"At that time, the name you used for the God of Justice caught my attention. You mentioned it was Themis, Paimon."
"What of it?"
"Well, unlike you, I am in the know when it comes to the current political configuration of the Pantheon—"
Lucifer opens his mouth, realizes Alastor isn't wrong, and shuts it again.
"—and that name did not quite fit. You see, since your time, that God had an heir, and that heir happened to follow in his footsteps and take the mantle of God of Justice as well. Dike, or Stolas, for the intimate."
Lucifer feels a thrill go through him. Surely, surely Alastor isn't going to say—
"Now, just because both share the domain and are of the same blood, it doesn't mean they necessarily possess the same personality and outlook. Whereas Themis is a miserly existence and with little to blackmail with, it doesn't mean his son would be the same.
"As such, I pulled some strings and sought information on Dike. Blackmail, preferably. And soon I was shockingly swamped with too much salacious information, as it were.
"While initially it seems Dike had been an exemplary God of Justice… he has recently derailed into depravity and began a sexual relationship with a satyr—"
Lucifer blinks. "What's the big deal with that?"
"Notwithstanding the power difference—"
"Love doesn't care about that."
"Let me finish . Regardless of that, Dike is married , with a daughter."
"...Ah."
"Indeed. His marriage was approved by both families, and he demanded a separation to be with his paramour. He's also begun to neglect his duties and place himself in danger to go on activities with him. And ridiculously… all of that is hardly kept a secret. To think a God in such a high position is so sloppy with his private life that not only is it a mess, it is not that private."
Alastor stops, and makes a motion as if to wave it away.
"Well, it ultimately was better that way. Initially I was slightly frustrated that it was so easily known that I could hardly use it as blackmail. However, based on the intel I received of his personality… I saw another possibility.
"You see, he seems quite taken with his paramour. Which I suppose, I am forced to acknowledge that, if he's going to ruin his life for someone, at the very least he is serious about it. But I digress, he is very keen on this satyr, but they were experiencing… relationship troubles. And that is where I involved Charlie."
Alastor pauses, but Lucifer isn't following. "Why involve her?"
Sighing, Alastor continues. "To help them mend the rift, of course. Charlie likes helping others. She has, in fact made it too much of her personality—"
"Hey!"
"It's the truth. So, while Charlie usually chooses to look for aid for the mortals, since they are by far the weakest and most needing of it, she would hardly look askance at helping a pair of star crossed lovers get back on track. More so since I was clear as to why I required that she do it. Ha, even her paramour couldn't find fault in it!"
"That being…" Lucifer swallows, suddenly nervous, "the scales?"
"Indeed! Given what I read of Dike's personality, I believed he could be swayed into lending a hand, especially if he felt like he owed us after fixing his love life. Besides, since his beloved is not a God, he can be killed and sent to the Underworld; and if this love is sincere, Dike would surelywant to guarantee this satyr has a more comfortable time down here."
Lucifer can hear his heartbeat, loud and fast as it is going now. "Charlie said it worked. That means..."
"Not so fast, let's not skip the middle, shall we? So, given that Charlie enjoys helping others, and has had little success thus far with the mortals, I felt this was the perfect thing to involve her in. She would actively be of some help to a God, which would in turn bring future help to her precious mortals, and she'd finally have an achievement under her belt, to improve her self esteem. And to ensure it was a success, I also had Aphrodite help Charlie—"
"What? How come he didn't tell me…"
"I asked him not to, just how I asked Charlie not to say anything before now, either."
"Why? Okay, I know I would be mostly useless, but I could have asked Ozzie myself…"
"Because if this failed, how would you have felt?"
Oh. Alastor had kept him in the dark to spare him. He—
"Now, stop interrupting, we are almost at the end. Aphrodite is not only the God of Love, but he also likes Charlie, and even has a sliver of a relationship with Dike. He ultimately agreed, and between the both of them… it seems it was a resounding success! As you heard, it seems we won't be getting the scales themselves, but Dike is amenable to working on an alternate solution. Well!" Alastor claps his hands, chin stuck up in pride. "What do you think?"
Think? Lucifer can't think. His brain has turned to fuzzy fog and his heartbeat is ringing in his ears and he's feeling so much at once he can barely untangle it…
Still, he manages to pry his dry mouth open and string together some words. "I think…"
"Yes, go on."
I love you. "I'm going to hug you."
"What's tha— hmph !" Alastor makes a half choking, half bleating sound when Lucifer doesn't wait and does it, wrapping his arms tightly around Alastor's narrow waist and burying his face below Alastor's neck, closing his eyes and just melting into the sensation.
The feeling and warmth are too nice, but Lucifer knows better than to go overboard.
He loosens his hold to let go…and stops when hands gingerly settle on him; one on the small of his back, another between his shoulders.
Oh.
Maybe Alastor is feeling overly indulgent since this display is due to his own plan; but Lucifer sure as fuck isn't going to complain on the why, only enjoy what it is. Basking in the rare warmth he finds in the closeness. Listening to Alastor's fast heartbeat and finding it better than any melody.
Still, no matter how nice it feels, guilt soon gnaws at him. Alastor might have allowed it under the assumption that the feelings behind it are only innocent happiness and gratefulness, and not anything deeper.
"So, what do you want?" Lucifer asks into the fabric, hoping talk of rewards will keep Alastor distracted—or happy—enough to allow Lucifer to stay in his personal space for a bit longer.
Fingers poke at his shoulder. "You think I did all this to demand rewards, yet you don't seem bothered by it."
"Alastor," Lucifer shifts so that he's looking up at him, "I fucking offered rewards and no one would help me. You actually went and did what I couldn't. I don't give a fuck about ulterior motives right now. In fact, even if you tell me you don't want anything, I still need to thank you, so I will. So tell me what you want."
"Can we discuss this later? Dike has agreed to help, but we still don't know how much that will be, since the scales are not an option. Depending on the results, I will ask for a fair boon for my share in it."
It's touching, realizing that Alastor trusts him enough to not demand something immediately. But even so… "That…are you sure? I can, I mean, I want to thank you for what you've done already. Even if this goes nowhere—"
"Don't say that," Alastor snaps, and the hands around Lucifer tighten their hold. "I didn't do all this for naught. Something will be pried out of him, you just need to—"
"We," Lucifer rasps out, somehow still clear headed despite the closer embrace.
"I beg your pardon?"
As much as he wishes to stay like this, Lucifer finally lets go, pushing back. Alastor's arms momentarily refuse to budge before quickly releasing him, and Lucifer moves one step back. Not just because he'd rather not risk overstaying his welcome, but also because the conversation has taken a more serious turn.
" We need to. That is, if you want to. This is all thanks to you, if you want to see it to the end, and even input your suggestions, that's your right and you're welcome to it. But if you don't want to deal with it more than you've already done, you're free to stop. Just… do what you want."
Alastor looks hesitant. "Do you understand what you're offering? From this point onwards, this will be a crucial discussion to determine the future of the Underworld. What you, as ruler, want for your domain, and what the God of Justice can and is willing to provide. You're allowing an interloper into the decisions."
"You're not an interloper." You're the best thing that's happened to me since Charlie . "If anyone deserves to be present and making decisions here, it's you. As both the one that succeeded in making this talk happen, as well as," he swallows, "as my trusted friend."
"Your what now."
"Trusted friend."
It was all essentially true, in a way; he doesn't trust Alastor's taste, from food to decor, and when Phanes was handing out goodwill, Alastor was hiding behind a door…but he knows how to navigate a deal and, even if not for the right reasons, seems sincere in seeing this through. As for friendship…well, friendships vary, right? He's sure 'guy whose presence I adore and hope he never leaves and would like to fuck' fall under 'friendship' for some.
"I don't recall us becoming friends. Much less a trusted one."
Lucifer would be hurt…if Alastor hadn't just let him hug him. That, and Lucifer can hear the playfulness in his tone.
And more importantly, even if Alastor's ultimate goal in getting the God of Justice to agree was for the sake of his own pride and potential rewards, he'd still shown care for Lucifer along the way by not getting his hopes up until it was a done deal… and clearly Alastor isn't the sort to do that for just anyone. Nor is he the sort to move for pity. No, it'd have been easier to get this whole operation done without trying to keep it a secret, and then delight in Lucifer's disappointment if they failed. Instead he chose to spare him, even if it meant jumping through hoops to do it.
This might mean that maybe, just maybe, Lucifer has carved a space in Alastor's heart, even if it's temporary and nowhere near what Lucifer would like it to be.
"I guess I forgot to inform you," Lucifer says, forcing his voice to remain steady and light hearted. "Granted, the trust part is only for specific topics. As for the friend part, I think it was right around the time I started looking forward to your presence."
"So, a minute ago?"
Lucifer snorts fondly.
"Does that mean you don't want to be my friend?" he retorts, invading Alastor's personal space again to poke him in the arm.
"...I don't think we need to go that far."
"Great! It's settled then. Now, back to Char-Char. Oh Phanes, Char-Char , how do I dress??"
"As usual."
"What about gifts??"
"Hm, let's see that mirror you showed me last time…"
Notes:I hope the reveal did not disappoint expectations of Alastor's plan with Charlie.
And no, the rollercoaster arc isn't over. At all.
There's art for this chapter! https://bsky.app/profile/nightcigale.bsky.social/post/3lbaeokzwzs2f
And here's this art for ch19! https://bsky.app/profile/474lysely.bsky.social/post/3latxwmersk25
—And this chapter, ladies and gentlemen, is why you've been suffering through two idiots and will continue to be for some time. You see, the original idea was to build up their feelings and have them only realize them much, much later. However, I quickly realized that if they only fell after this reveal, there'd be a certain lingering wonder if they are in love or if, especially Lucifer, is mistaking extreme gratefulness with love. So…to mitigate that, you all suffer through quite a few chapters of mutual pining. Oops. :3c As for why Alastor needed to also already have feelings too, that will come up in the near future.
—Themis and Dike: Goddesses that both embodied justice, custom and order in Greek mythology, and mother and daughter to boot.
Dike's father is, as usual, Zeus. However, seeing as Themis is now male, we might have to ignore that little fact…
It was a lucky thing. I always wanted Stolas as the God of Justice, and was glad that there was more than one, fitting that Paimon was also one, and why Lucifer might have failed where Alastor did not.
For those not watching Helluva Boss: Stolas is the love interest of the protagonist of the series (Blitz) and the love drama between them is the main plot point of the current season. Sure they haven't resolved it, as of writing this, but they didn't have Charlie trying to help.
Getting ready is a blur. Lucifer's head is too filled with thoughts of Char-Char and what to say to Char-Char and how to act with Char-Char and—
The smell of food partially brings him into focus again, and as he stares down at the table set with dishes, he vaguely recalls a tendril dragging him into the chair while Alastor had taken command over his underlings.
"Eat," Alastor says.
"Not hungry."
Alastor does a theatrical roll of the eyes and looks at Catalastor. Wordlessly, the cat thing jumps on the dining table and…pushes a dish to the ground.
"Hey!"
"Eat," Alastor threatens.
"You can't tell me what to do! I can just kick the cats out!"
"Are you really going to waste time with that, with Charlie right around the corner?"
Fuck. " Fine ."
Annoyed, Lucifer puts food in his mouth; and then has to strain himself to keep the pissed off expression despite the delicious taste.
Alastor gives him that smile that says he's gotten the canary; and as much as Lucifer would like to stay mad, he really can't when, between the general giddiness and his feelings , it's hard enough restraining himself from hugging him some more.
"I wish I had time to pick better clothes."
"That might be a blessing, your definition of better likely includes duck designs."
"Hey! I'll have you know only some of my sleeping clothes have duck motifs."
"Even one is more than you should have."
"I've said this before, but it bears repeating; I'm not taking advice from someone who thinks red is the only color available."
"If you are so against focusing on one color, why do you only wear black?"
"I told you, vibes and shit. Unlike you ," Lucifer points at Alastor with his fork, "black is the color of this place. How ridiculous would I look if I chose to wear white?"
" Do you want to wear white?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact. If you feel as if you must justify personal choices, your sacred flower is white, is it not? Color of bones and such."
…
Well shit.
He must be making quite the face, because instead of being proud, Alastor goes rigid.
"...Are you going to hug me again?"
"I don't know. Can I get away with another one?"
"You're out of sorts today, let's see how you feel when you try it out and like it."
Lucifer doesn't think he'll be 'back to normal' tomorrow or any time soon for that matter. If anything his reactions to Alastor might become worse as more time passes. But who knows, maybe there's hope yet.
"Well, I think you'd look good in pink, which is close enough to red as it is."
"..."
"Anyway, I think we should leave after we're done eating."
"We? Ah, yes, I suppose my staying here alone would trouble you."
"Uh, what are you on about?"
"What are you on about?"
"Aren't you coming with me to see Char-Char?"
Oh, now that he thinks about it, Lucifer did recall Alastor saying he wouldn't, but at that time Lucifer had been too out of the loop from the conversation and too focused on his daughter to pay attention to that.
It seems Alastor really didn't expect this, because he blinks in confusion. "I'm not allowed, remember? You were very clear on that point."
"This is different, c'mon. I made that deal under very different circumstances. It's fine if you join us."
"Is it, really? Are you certain you're not simply still trying to thank me somehow, and won't later come to resent my presence in what ought to have been father-daughter time?"
…Okay, Alastor is on a roll today. No matter what Lucifer might feel, Char-Char takes precedence, and he really can't guarantee that when he calms down and settles, he won't feel disappointed he didn't have that one-on-one.
Still, it feels weird to not insist, when this meeting wouldn't be happening so happily if not for Alastor.
"And I can simply leave until you're back."
Oh good, conversation Lucifer can navigate.
"Don't be silly," Lucifer says quickly. "You can stay, if you want. That wasn't the issue. But…I know your taste is creepy, but is it really fine to stay in this place alone?"
"Why not, you do it just fine."
Oh, he definitely does not do it fine.
"Besides," Alastor goes on, "I can find quite a few ways to entertain myself."
"Alright, alright suit your—oh! I almost forgot!"
He can always do it later, but who knows where his head will be after a chat with Char-Char.
"Here," he says, and summons a large vase with—
"Your flower," Alastor states, staring at the white asphodel.
"Uh, yeah, I got it last night. Taking back native Underworld flora is part of your rewards now, remember? I reasoned you might enjoy flaunting that you have a flower that's only started existing a few days ago. I was going to give it to you earlier, but then Niffty came."
"It's too large for a temporary room."
"Oh. I guess. That's fine, I'll—"
"I'll plant it in the orchard for now, and take it with me when I leave."
Don't leave. "Alright then! Anyway, I have to go. What do I even say to—"
"You'll be fine , Lucifer."
*
The chariot journey to Charlie's is likewise a blur—and he only knows it must have happened because he can't open portals from his palace to other realms—and all too suddenly he's right there in front of Charlie's doorway, his two horses stamping their hooves to signal their task is done.
He knocks, hoping he managed to pull off a strong and trustworthy knock on her door. Well, it's his door technically, since he owns the inn and lent it so Char-Char can have fun with her hobbies. But there's no time to reflect on that, not when the doors open and Char-Char is greeting him with a smile.
"Chaaaarlie!"
"Hey, Da—"
Charlie doesn't get to finish because Lucifer rushes to hug her tightly.
"Oh, it's so good to see you in person. Haha!"
"It's uh, good to see you, too, Dad!"
Charlie gently pries him off her and clears her throat. "Welcome! To the Hazbin Hotel! Err, I know it's more of an inn, but Hotel rolled off the tongue better."
"Nonsense! My place is so large, why can't it be called a hotel?"
Before he can say anything else, KeeKee, Razzle and Dazzle all come to greet him.
"Oh, hewwo, KeeKee! And Razzle, Dazzle! Oh, look how much you haven't grown! Still fun sized. You taking care of my wittle girl?" He lowers his voice and switches to a threatening tone. "You better be…"
And finally, he has a chance to look inside. "Wow, this place sure looks, uh... Uh-huh. Yeah. Uh-huh. It's got a lot of character."
He…doesn't quite hate it. Questions the taste, certainly, but it'll do. It's lucky that green has grown on him recently, or else he might be more repulsed.
Especially at the dining room he can see; filled with liquor and green accents that hardly fit the surrounding tasteful palette of red and white.
"Err, what is that?" he asks carefully, because he's sure he recognizes the particular shade of green...
"Oh," Charlie says nervously. "Just some of the renovations Alastor did. Adds a bit of color, he said. He…has a point, don't you think?"
Ah yes, it had been Alastor. Honestly, if he wanted to add green, why couldn't he add it by way of plants instead? Or to his own clothes?
There are also some decorations that were clearly meant for Lucifer, like a 'wellcum daddy' sign. Charlie likely had children make that one.
"Okay! Okay, anyway." Charlie hastily says, redirecting him. "Dad, look at this lovely place where people can get to know each other and share secrets and stories and intimate feelings! Without Alastor, we wouldn't have been able to pretty it up this much."
While Lucifer is more than willing right now to give Alastor a pass and even praise him, he's going to need to be in some altered state of intoxication or post-coital bliss before he can actually like his decorating style.
So instead he clears his throat and tries to redirect his daughter. "Charlie, dear, why don't you introduce me to your other friends?"
"Oh, yes, of course. You've met Vaggie—"
"Uh, lovely to see you again, uh, sir!"
"And this is Angel Dust, Pothos, an Erote, and this is Sir Pentious—"
Both seem to be putting up a comedic stick to welcome him, involving fighting over cookies. Lucifer tries not to frown in disapproval; how dare they interrupt while Charlie is talking, and pulling his attention away from what she's saying?
After noticing Lucifer's attention on him, the snake-like one forgoes the cookie and promptly salutes him. "Sire!"
"Heya, short king~" the other one winks seductively. Yup, he sure acts like an Erote.
Actually, isn't this the guy Gox's associate had his hands in?
But Char-Char is still talking, so Lucifer ignores them and tries to go back to paying attention to her.
"She's not here right now, but you've met Niffty. And this is Husk, Dionisius, God of Wine, who is running our tavern and dining room when it comes to drinks."
"Nice to meet you," he says briskly.
Already fed up with the interlopers, Lucifer turns to Charlie.
"I brought you a gift."
"What? Oh, dad, you shouldn't have!"
"It's nothing! For me, anyway." He brings out the glass mirror and presents it with a flair. "Tada! So you can see more clearly how beautiful you are! Err, Alastor recommended it."
He definitely didn't add the last line to push the blame on Alastor if this fails. Definitely not.
"Oh dad, this is great!" Charlie squeals in delight, and Lucifer makes a note to have raw venison more often for meals.
As the others congregate to check their reflection in his invention, Lucifer glances at the God of Wine, who remained behind near the liquor.
And sudden inspiration comes to Lucifer.
"Hold on, honey," he says quickly, before walking up to the God. "Helloooo there, err—"
"Husk," the God replies, a slight slur to his speech.
"Riiiight. So, say, I hear you're the God of Wine?"
"Yup, that's me, for all the good it does me."
"Uh, okay then. Anyway, do you have something good you could recommend? Or make? I want to celebrate an achievement. Err, no apples though."
"I'm not making anything with apples ever fucking again, don't worry."
This guy is weird. "Great! So, can you…?"
"What kind of celebration?"
"Err, what do you mean, what kind?"
"Oho, allow me to help out, my delicious short king," That God—Angle?—suddenly pipes up as he sidles up to Lucifer, purring out the words. "What Husker here is askin' is the nature of what you're plannin'. For example, who's it with?"
"Oh. Uh, Alastor and I."
From the corner of his eye he sees Charlie and Maggie exchange glances that Lucifer can't decipher. Meanwhile, Angle whistles and continues prodding.
"It's not a celebration just between friends, right?"
Well, yeah, it's not, they're now partners in a venture. "Yeah, pretty much."
"Ha!" Engine says, oddly triumphant. "So! If you don't mind me askin'…who's on—"
"Angel! Enough!" Maggie hollers before he can complete the sentence, while Charlie looks beet red. Is she okay? "Alright everyone, let's leave Charlie and her dad to talk, alone."
And with that, she drags all the interlopers away.
Grateful to be finally having the precious alone time with his daughter, he happily follows as Charlie directs them to some seats.
"So!" Lucifer claps. "Alastor only told me the general gist of it, so tell me everything dear!"
*
"Girl, welcome back!"
"Hey, Alastor, how have you been?"
"Alastor! Ooh, who is that?"
"Cheating on us, are you?"
Alastor fields the questions easily, not surprised at the interest towards the vase in his arms. The familiarity with which they address him is also a quirk of personal creations he's long since gotten used to.
"This is a temporary guest to your orchard," he explains, finally finding a location he deems worthy to set it in. "It'll stay here until I leave."
"What, you're leaving? Still haven't wooed Lucifer yet?"
"Step it up, dude!"
The asphodel in his arms pipes up excitedly. "Hi everyone! I'm his love child!"
Alastor, halfway through setting the vase down on his chosen spot, nearly lets it go.
"My what now?"
"Your love child! With Lucifer!"
"Ooh, so are we!"
"Ooh, you guys sure got busy, huh."
Alastor splutters. "None of you are my children, much less…of that sort."
"Wah, daddy doesn't acknowledge us."
"Isn't he our mommy though?"
"Alright, alright, we're your love creations , then."
"Lo—there's no such thing!"
There is a rare pause, where all the flowers are silent, before they start up again, an uproar worse than before.
"You still aren't admitting it??"
"C'mon, we know everything that's been going on!"<
Alastor's eyes narrow. "Oh, what is that, and from whom ?"
(Far away, Luci and Catalastor suddenly sense danger).
"D-Don't change the subject!"
"Yeah, he's not around so you can be real with us. You're in love right?"
"I'm not!"
"..."
The silence is somehow more damning.
Alastor makes a show of rolling his shoulders and laughing mirthlessly. "You think I would have fallen for someone whose heart is already taken? Ha! That sort of rotten judgment would certainly be worthy of a prize. No, no God is worth the aggravation. So, stop blathering about—"
"Who'd you think you're kidding?"
"Honey, we can see right through you."
"Yeah, Alastor, you can't conceal it."
"…You're wrong."
"You swoon—"
"I don't—"
"You sigh."
"Well—"
"Why deny it?"
"...I'm above such foolish things. It might seem fascinating as a tale, but reality is much less fun, and I have no intention of crying my heart out."
"You keep on denying it, but..."
"Baby we're not buying."
"Honey, we see how you're reacting, face it like a grown-up."
"When are you gonna own up that you got it bad?"
Alastor's ears droop as he feels defeat. He doesn't suppose Lucifer will let him eradicate the garden. He looks to his shadow, but the traitor only waggles its eyebrows at him, its position clear. "There's no chance—"
"Give up."
"Give in."
"Check your grin, you're in love!"
Sitting down, Alastor cards a hand through his hair, still trying to refute, but his words sound feeble even to his own ears. "This scene won't play, I am not—"
"You're doing flips."
"Read our lips, you're in love."
"…You're utterly wrong, so cease this!"
For one moment, it seems like it works. Until the Asphodel pipes up, irritatingly gentle.
"Alastor, don't be proud. It's okay, you're in love."
He stretches his arm and touches one of its flowers gingerly and exhales.
"...At least out loud, I won't admit to such a thing," he murmurs, before getting up and hastily leaving.
The flowers all sigh.
*
Charlie talks and talks and Lucifer…Lucifer's mind focuses on what matters.
Like the way Charlie's eyes sparkle brightly. How the way she gesticulates is so animated and excited. How her voice has such great cadence.
Oh, sure, she's saying something, but that's not the most important thing, right? Lucifer finds himself having a hard time keeping up with that.
Far be it to suggest that his Char-Char may not be a good storyteller—perish the thought!—so clearly he's the issue.
Him, or the tale itself. Let's face it, just how interesting is this melodrama, really? Star crossed lovers needing to face misunderstandings and their own trauma and inherent problematic actions to finally be together in a healthy, happy relationship? Please, surely that's boring as fuck and not even Charlie's beautiful voice can make the tale of any note. Clearly, the problem isn't him!
But the important stuff, that has all his attention.
Charlie stops talking, and Lucifer basks in how lovely she is, how proud he is of—
"Err, dad, so, what do you think?"
Oh, shit, she wants his opinion? "That was…great! And it's all thanks to you! I hope they thanked you for that, they wouldn't have done it without you!"
"I'm sure they would have sorted themselves out eventually, and all I did was speed it up—"
"Nonsense! Pissed would have—"
"Uhm, do you mean Blitz?"
"What I said. Blimp would still be whoring himself out in misery if not for you!"
"He wasn't…oh nevermind," Char-Char looks down for a second, but before Lucifer can become distraught, she claps her hands, perking up again. "So! We did it, and now Stolas will help. I'm sure between you two, you'll figure something out. Oh, I'm so glad we can make a difference for the dead!"
There's a note at the end there, that even Lucifer catches.
What had Alastor said?
So, given that Charlie enjoys helping others, and has had little success thus far with the mortals, I felt this was the perfect thing to involve her in.
"I'm sure you've already done enough for the mortals, sweetie."
Charlie shakes her head. "Oh, I haven't, dad, sorry to disappoint you—"
"Disappoint me? I'm so proud of you for caring. And trust me, no one knows how hard it is to try to help them more than me."
Charlie's eyes well up, and she hastily brushes at them. "I…that means a lot, dad. Thank you. But…I don't want to just try, you know? I want to make it work! And…and it's been so hard, and no one listens, or they don't do it seriously, or they don't want it and…at least Stolas listened, and Blitz was a fucking asshole but he mellowed out, and it worked in the end. And now, finally, we have a chance to do something! If they can be judged, then you can set some order in the Underworld, right? That's what Alastor explained. So…so if this works the deceased might have a better afterlife and it…means a lot to me that I helped a bit."
…Alastor had been right.
And oh, for having given Charlie that, Lucifer is willing to fucking hunt down and hand over prey for him.
"It will work, Char-Char. Alastor and I even managed to make flowers bloom in the Underworld, did you know that?"
"Wow, really?! No, Alastor hadn't said!"
"You'll be the first one we invite over once it's done! And since we managed that, we'll surely find a way to use the God of Justice's power to help." Even if that meant knocking down this Stole-us guy and drinking his ichor himself.
Charlie's eyes are wide with wonder, and Lucifer basks in it.
Then she blinks, as if she's thought of something, and her smile turns nervous.
"So, dad, speaking of which…you and, uh, Alastor?"
The fuck? "W-What about us two?"
"Uh, what you told Angel. And your letter…"
Oh right, he did give her a nudge that she needed to prepare to not have him back, due to the deal. Whew.
"Right, that, yeah, I just…felt like I needed to give you a heads up, you know? So you didn't…so it didn't come as a shock…"
"Oh, yes, and I appreciate the thought! I was just…surprised, you know? It seems pretty fast…"
"I understand. I mean, when you're used to something going on for a while and then it changes so quickly, I can see it being surprising. But time works in strange ways, and it's all about what's best, even if it feels sudden!"
"Right, yes, I get that, dad."
"I'm glad, I want what's best for you."
"Oh, no dad! I'm touched that you thought of me, but I'm a big girl, you should make a decision based on your feelings!"
Lucifer blinks, slightly confused, and then it dawns on him: Charlie is saying he should follow his instincts, even if she's upset initially! Wow he doesn't deserve such a wonderful, trusting, daughter!
"That means a lot, Char-Char."
"Aw, don't mention it dad. So! How do you feel?"
Well, really, now that she mentions it…
"Err, actually", Lucifer says, sheepish. "I'm starting to think I was too hasty, sometimes, you know? I mean, I still do think we should do it but…maybe not so drastically?" After all, Alastor had just helped out, maybe completely cutting contact with Charlie isn't needed. Just some monitoring…
"Yes, moving too fast can be unhealthy."
Weird word choice but okay. "Yes, maybe take it slow, see how it goes."
"I agree! You have my full support! And, dad," Charlie reaches out, putting her hand over his and squeezing. "I'm glad you're happy now."
The change of subject pulls him off guard, but Lucifer recovers quickly, heart melting. "Thank you, Char-Char."
They stay like that for a bit, enjoying the moment, before Charlie blinks and coughs.
"Ah, sorry, I guess I spoke too much. Anyway, dad, I guess you won't be staying over, right? Since Alastor didn't come."
Lucifer blinks. So what if Alastor didn't come, does he need to, for Lucifer to be allowed to stay over? He can go coach or drag the deer, if needs be.
Or maybe this is Charlie's polite way of finding a way to kick him out. And yeah, maybe it is for the best; small doses and all. He's managed to not fuck this up, so why extend the stay and risk ruining it all?
"Right, yeah, I have to go back to…" His miserable home? Well, not that miserable while Alastor is there.
"I understand," Charlie says quickly, before he can find a nice way of ending that sentence.
Now an awkward silence falls, so it's Lucifer's turn to cough. "Right, then! I guess it's time to go. Anyway, I'm really proud of you, kiddo. And you'll see, it'll all work out. I'll contact Ass Stealer—"
"Err, Stolas…"
"Oh, stopped did he? Anyway, as soon as possible and keep you up to date."
As Charlie walks him back towards the entrance, the God of Wine walks towards them.
"Look," he says, holding out a bottle as if he can't decide between treating it preciously or throwing it away. "Take this. It's extremely special, and I think it suits your…err…needs."
Lucifer beams. "Thanks, Dusk!"
"It's H—"
Wow, today is such a good day!
And to end it in style, there's one last stop before going home where, hopefully, Alastor is patiently waiting and not munching on a deceased mortal.
Time to lie through his teeth. Thankfully, he's good at that when he's angry. And oh, is his protectiveness making him so.
*
"Uh, ma'am? You have a guest."
"I'm busy."
"He insists."
"So do I."
"But—"
Sera sighs. "Tell whoever it is to go through the proper channels and—"
"Sorry, sister, I've been gone too long and don't know what the proper channels are right now," Hades says, forcing his way in.
Sera's handmaiden looks desperately at her, so Sera sends her away with a wave of her hand. Grateful, the nymph nearly runs out, but remembers to close the door behind her.
"Hades!" Sera stands up. "Had I known it was you, I'd have made an exception. I assume this is about yesterday?"
Lucifer's gaze is glacial, which leaves her more discomfited.
"Obviously," he says, then raises a hand before Sera can speak, stopping her. "I realize that my intervention last night has only likely made more trouble for my guest, so I came here to fix it."
"...Have you come tell me what the deal is between the two of you?" Sera tries to hide the skepticism she feels at anything Hades might offer now.
He snorts derisively. "And would you believe anything I said now? Don't worry, I come bearing something you'll find more trustworthy than my word. Here you go, the deal we made, in writing."
He takes a scroll from inside his vest and plops it on the desk between them.
Surprised, Sera takes the scroll and reads it.
It…is indeed a contract between Persephone and Hades, stating that Persephone is to aid in the landscaping in exchange for a list of rewards.
Sera carefully reads the list and…it all seems fair and innocuous, except for…
"Waters of the Styx?" she says out loud.
Lucifer scoffs. "And? You know how hard it is to get anyone to even come to the Underworld, much less do something to it. Do you really think some gems would be enough compensation?"
"I understand, but—"
"Let me guess, you heard Alastor isn't exactly competing for gentle soul of the year, so you're worried. Look, the Styx can't force anyone into a contract, only brutally enforce its terms. Alastor doesn't need it to make deals. And he doesn't have an infinite supply of it, only what we agreed to."
Sera feels the tension ease from her shoulders. Lucifer is right; the Styx can't force compliance, only severely punish immediately if terms are broken. It's not ideal to give it to someone like Persephone but…his boons could have been much worse.
"I apologize," she says evenly, offering the scroll back to him. "I overstepped in this matter. I was only worried; you've hardly left your domain for a while now so—"
"You feared Alastor had tricked me into thinking he's some innocent lamb and I should trust him implicitly and end up giving him dangerous shit because I didn't know any better?"
Yes. "I wouldn't put it that way."
"Well, whichever way you put it, you should have come to me with any worries. Bothering my guest because you think I'm naive isn't something I'll allow."
"So you're aware of his past?" Sera changes the subject.
"He was working for my daughter, which is how we met. What do you think? I'm curious though, what did you hear?"
"Despite how young he is, he has been making waves. His rapid ascent, however, has been met with disapproval—"
"Because some things never change."
Sera coughs. "Accounts of him suppressing those that oppose him, then binding them with deals, are known."
"And here I thought you had something new to add. That's it? Since when is that a big deal?"
"...Indeed, I simply feared you might be unaware and as such could use some aid."
"Yeah, listen Sera, just because he one upped some other God that isn't outright trash, it doesn't mean I'm gullible or weak. As you can see, I'm aware of the situation and made an appropriate deal. So, do you have any other issue…?"
It so happens that she does want to ask him what his relationship with Persephone is.
However, now that she's transgressed by going over his head to speak to Persephone directly about her fears, and with Hades coming here to show her proof… she has no standing to ask anything else.
Contracts are only as binding as both parties will it to be. Hades can waive the determinations at any moment if he so wishes. So more than the contract, the next necessary question is if he's fallen for Persephone.
But Hades has dealt with scheming deities trying to gain his power through his interest before; and he'd shunned them all. If he's aware of Persephone's less than savory actions, then would he still be led by the heart?
Likely not. Besides, while his protectiveness and last night's words had raised alarm, he continues to call Persephone his guest. Unless, of course, he is invoking the Laws of Xenia as a political move to wrap his newest lover in tighter protection…
However, all they are doing together is make flowers spring in the Underworld. Hardly a political move she needs to be wary of, even if Persephone has managed to climb onto his bed.
"There's nothing," she says, then adds with sincerity: "and I apologize for my transgressions. I can also apologize to Persephone."
"If you meet him, sure, but I don't think you need to seek him out," says Hades, shoulders relaxing. "Alright, I'm glad we settled this, I have to go."
After he leaves, Sera settles on her chair and sighs; a weight off her shoulders.
There's nothing to worry about.
*
Lucifer thought seeing his daughter would make him relax, but if anything, between focusing on Char-Char and then on Sera, Lucifer hadn't quite felt the impact of what went down.
It dawns on him just how monumental this is as he makes his way back to the Underworld.
If they do figure something out—and they will —this changes everything. The ability to separate the scum from the more upright mortals would mean the chance to create some order and stability, and improve the overall situation.
That had been the thorn at his side since the start and finally there's tangible hope that something might be done.
And all the more reason for him to keep quiet about his feelings.
Fucking up now is not an option. This isn't about him, anymore, but about the future of his realm and even about Charlie. He can't be selfish and likely risk pushing away the one God who made a difference.
So, he'll leave it as it is. Lucifer can reevaluate after it all goes down.
*
He arrives back at his palace to the delicious smell of food filling the air. Making a beeline for the kitchen, he finds his minions running to and fro, busy with cooking, and Alastor at the helm.
"More salt—ah! You're back already?" Alastor says in surprise, seeing Lucifer stop at the doorway. "I expected you to take longer."
"I didn't want to overstay my welcome. Oh, and I showed Sera the deal. What are you cooking?"
Alastor beckons him with a hand, and Lucifer easily follows.
"Honey glazed prawns and roasted lamb! To celebrate our future endeavors," Alastor says with pride, showcasing the kitchen table laden with ingredients. "Though I expected you to arrive until later, so you'll have to wait."
Lucifer stares at the dead eyes of the lamb in front of him, and finds a lump stuck in his throat.
When had he ever arrived home to find someone else cooking for him? Never.
But you can't get used to it.
"Charlie was really happy to have helped; and at the possibility of success," Lucifer rasps out.
"I'm sure she was."
"...This could, will , change everything."
Alastor only hums in agreement, then turns to test a sauce a goat brings up to him.
"Do you need help?" Lucifer ventures.
"Not at all! It's easy to handle when you have so many subservient creatures to do your bidding. And now these," he points to a corner where tendrils were chopping something. "Incidentally, I don't suppose you'd agree to tearing the orchard down and redo it?"
"I…what? Why?"
"Hmm, just a thought, never mind."
"...Right. Anyway, I guess I'll go shower before dinner. Oh! And I have some special wine I thought we could drink in celebration. No apples."
"Wonderful."
*
"You can all leave for the night," Lucifer instructs his minions. "Come back tomorrow morning."
Seeing Alastors questioning gaze, he explains. "Not in the mood to see soulless husks today, you know."
"Ah."
The food is delicious, but for once not Lucifer's focus.
"Here you go," he says, filling Alastor's cup with the wine he got from Tusk. "You know, we need to pause with the flowers. I mean, depending on what we get from Stowaway—"
"Stolas."
"Him. Depending on whatever we take, we have the chance to completely change how things work down here."
"And that might mean changing what you'd originally planned for the landscape."
Lucifer winks at him. "I'm sure we can discuss an additional fee for any rework you might have to do."
Alastor smiles widely. "Why, I do believe we're of one mind on the subject of waiting!"
"Great! So, a toast for our future partnership. And you."
"I certainly like that last part, but why?"
"Well, none of this would have happened without you."
A more humble person would object here, pointing out it was a joint effort. But this is Alastor.
"Haha, indeed!" He says, stuffing his chest with pride. "To both of those."
Their cups meet, and then Lucifer is downing it and...
…Oh.
Oh, this is really good stuff. The rich taste goes down easily and he already feels warm.
"My, you've outdone yourself with this choice," Alastor says, looking down at his cup in appreciation. "I'll have more."
"Sure, here. But, ah, even if this isn't made with apples you should be careful anyway."
Alastor scoffs. "Apples are a specific conundrum. I'm not normally a lightweight. And you should heed the advice you give to others, first. I see you're filling your own cup to the brim again."
Lucifer shrugs. "Well yeah, I don't really get drunk." He sure as fuck wouldn't be drinking more than a sliver of alcohol if he thought it'd impact his reasoning. At least not in front of Alastor.
He drinks some more.
*
On the ground, the two cats and the shadow look on at the two and start placing bets.
*
Wow.
Alastor looks so pretty.
He always looks so fucking pretty.
"S'more," Alastor slurs, lifting his cup with an unsteady hand.
Alastor is drunk, Lucifer thinks. Because Lucifer is so observative.
"Hmm, you shoo…shouldn't drink too much," he says. Totally sober.
"Am not!" Alastor grabs the bottle and fills the cup himself.
He really liked the drink. Good to know. Now if only Lucifer could figure out what Alastor likes in Gods…starting from that pesky guy from the other day.
"Do you…do you like Cox?" he asks, proud of his subtlety.
Alastor scrunches his face cutely at him.
"Hmmmmmm, never liked any genitalia, male 'n female. Can't see…hmmm…appeal," he drawls out.
Lucifer tries frowning, but the room spins, so he stops. Why is Alastor talking about sex stuff when Lucifer asked about Tox?
"ButIdon'tmindyours."
Lucifer frowns; Alastor's mumble is too slurred and quick for him to make out. "Whatzzat?"
But Alastor doesn't repeat himself, looking into the distance with glassy eyes.
Glum that Alastor refuses to answer about his…reila—relayt—his thing with Hox, Lucifer turns to his cup.
It's empty.
That's like, rude to Tusk, right? Gotta drink up the special wine he gave them.
So, he fills another…
*
*
Lucifer wakes up feeling the pangs of a headache. Eyelids heavy and tired.
Wow, had he drunk that much last night? All he remembers is—
Actually, he can't remember anything past the first four or so cups.
His memory is dangerously blank.
Shit, of all times to find the one drink that could get him drunk.
…Okay, better start his usual check-in routine.
His eyes feel like they're glued to his skin, but he forces them open and turns to where the flower wall is.
Alastor's room. Again.
Ah well, at this point this development doesn't panic him anymore.
Besides, he's fully clot—
Wait.
He pats himself.
He's… not fully clothed. In fact, he's barely fucking so, with only his underwear still on.
Breathing is hard now. The brain fog he'd awakened with is all but gone.
But hold on now! This doesn't have to mean anything! There are plenty of reasons one can find himself almost naked in his love interest's bed after a night of drunk revelry that don't involve sex!
He certainly can't think of any of those reasons right now , but he's sure they'll come to him soon.
Please, be soon.
...Anyway, there is a conspicuous absence of the actual owner of the bed, so hooray for small mercies.
Lucifer sits up, and his head pounds as punishment, which he ignores.
Okay, he's sure Alastor can explain what the fuck is going on. He just has to keep himself from panicking until then…
As he moves, he notices one of his rubber ducks on the bedside table, and beneath it is a note.
Too mself , it reads, in messy writing, but clearly his own.
Lucifer perks up. Turns out his brilliant mind had prepared himself and written a note in advance so that he wouldn't wake up and worry.
Wow, he's so good.
Patting himself on the back, he opens the note.
To mself,
I, Luicifer, herebyy swear I will take respansibilitty for Alastor.
…
…
…
Well shit! Looks like he can start fucking panicking right about fucking now .
"FFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUU—"
Notes::3c I called this the rollercoaster arc for a reason…
This song might be a good companion for the scene of Alastor with the flowers… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPMjsfJwUow
-Pothos: I know expectations were to have Angel be Arachne, but outside of the spider motif, it didn't feel too suited. Nor did I want anyone too high level like Eros, as Angel is clearly not strong. Ultimately I went with Pothos.
Pothos was one of the Erotes (a collective of winged gods associated with love and sexual intercourse), and represents longing or yearning. In some versions of myth, Pothos is the son of Eros, or is portrayed as an independent aspect of him. Yet others called him son of Zephyrus and Iris.He was part of Aphrodite's retinue, and carried a vine, indicating a connection to wine or the god Dionysus.
I did consider Himeros (sexual desire) as well, but between Potho's connection to Dionysus (who is Husk here) and this little info on wikipedia, the choice felt clear: "Himeros is closely associated with Pothos, the personification of passionate longing. In his dialogue Cratylus,[6] Plato points out the difference between the two concepts explaining that, in the case of Himeros, the object of desire is present and thus the desire is ready to be satisfied; whereas, in the case of Pothos, the individual longs for something that is absent or out of reach.[7][8] Subsequently, Pothos is unfulfilled and potentially a suffering".
Angel is at a crossroad; often selling himself to clients, you could argue the object of desire is present, but as a porn actor, he becomes more longing. Still, he suffers from Val twisting his own desires into something he has no control over, and his pornstar career seems to also be his main focus…so Pothos ultimately won out.
—Underwear: a subligaculum was a kind of underwear worn by ancient Romans. It could come either in the form of a pair of shorts, or in the form of a simple loincloth wrapped around the lower body.
—Inns versus Hotels: Ancient greek had both, with hotels being seen as much larger inss with more floors.
—I had to wrap each individual line in "small" for the effect to work, since for some reason batch wrap went wrong. Pain.