Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

one thing about hell, is it is no place to raise a child, especially not an angelic one who's holy power is basically a beacon to the demons until she is able to control it, so Lucifer surfaced to Earth. The year is 1920, the War to End All Wars was complete. Lucifer had to pretend to be a human, so that meant he had to find a job.

As a creative he knew he worked best in a place where he could create without bounds. Based off past experience, Lucifer did very poorly with authority and figured his best bet would be to find a small company that he would work with and be in a position of power. Or just the safety net of fexibility to raise it daughter, he mentally amended while reading the morning paper.

“Thank you for calling New Orleans Radio Station, if you have a story you would like to share, we do request that you mail it-” A, subtly bored, man answered the phone

“Good morning! I am Lucifer Mmm… Magne!” Lucifer stumbled over his own name as he realized people had been telling his story in a very negative light and he probably should’ve changed his first name too. But he plowed through hoping the stumble wasn’t too obvious, “I'm calling about the job posting,” Lucifer was holding Charlie on his hip as she played the long cord connecting the phone to the rotary. She had cute little nubbed horns and her tail was wrapped around his leg. While he had not put a glamour on her, he had placed on himself to get used to appearing as a human. His previously white skin he had toned to appear like a pale human, his blond hair continued uninterrupted by any horns and his wings were carefully stored away beneath the skin. Thankfully little Charlie hadn't gone her wings yet since they would be incredibly uncomfortable to hide, especially with her little fangs growing in.

“Pleased to meet you, Lucifer! I am Alastor Freedman, host of Moonlit Radiance! You want to work the booth! Do you have prior experience?” The man asked. All boredom leaving his voice as the pitch raised and the speed increased.

“Yes, of course!” Not. Lucifer had no idea. He was lying out of his ass, but he was desperate, and he hasn't human-ed since… Whenever he and Jesus took a break in the desert.

“Well, why don't you come on down to the studio and we'll do a trial show. When are you free? Any time after 7pm?”

“I can come down at 7, but I haven't found my daughter a babysitter yet since we're new in town. Would it be alright if she comes?” The line went silent, and Lucifer was sure he had blown his chance before they had one conversation, but the voice came back through the line. The man was probably a great radio host he had a lot of life and personality in his voice. When he wasn’t speaking it was like the listener was just waiting for him to resume. He could read a phone book and make it sound interesting.

“That'll be great! The more the merrier, although this is expensive equipment so, please do mind her.” He was unbearably polite compared to everyone in Hell and Lucifer wasn't sure how he felt about it, but in his gut, he felt like the other shoe could fall any minute now. Yet, he really wanted to believe that this was all there was.

-


At 6, Lucifer and Charlie began their trek towards the New Orleans Radiance Studio, otherwise known as NORS. The street was dark and wet, but this was a night show, so it made sense that he would be working when its dark. Lucifer figure that would be easier since he wasn't sure how human his disguised actually looked, so if it was hard to see, it may be easier to fool the human, although he may have forgotten about their recent mastery of electricity. Little Charlie was in her stroller a big round thing that Lucifer found himself using his full body weight (and maybe some angelic power) to prevent it from racing down the hill towards the center of town as they make their ways to the outskirts where the studio address was.

‘knock… knock knock’ Lucifer tapped on the front door. At this hour it had already been locked, as one would expect from a business during the trying time. There's been a couple unexplained disappearances lately. Lucifer hadn't worried to much; he was sure even his daughter could take on a human. (He will go full archangel before he let any being intending harm near his daughter.)

“Who’s there?” A silhouette could be seen through the ribbed glass of the front door.

“Uh, we spoke on the phone earlier. I’m Mr. Magne, you are Mr. Freedman with NORS, right?” ”Ha! with a name like that I beg you struggled to get a job, but don't worry, we are more than accepting here!” The man’s bright smile ushered him int the dim home, “I'll be frank with you dear, I thought you were some teen pranksters!”

Alastor had a lot of enthusiasm that Lucifer normally would've been able to keep up with but this time he felt more like he was caught up in Alastor's current. He led a tour through the partially renovated house, ending with a large backroom on the upstairs where it had been turned into a radio studio booth with inside having a spot for musicians to perform and another area that was where the host and a possible guest could relax during the show, and then on the other side was all the technology that Lucifer lied about knowing how to use.

“I know it's a bit outdated compared to the newer models hope they aren't too different than what your used to,”

“Quite, actually. I'll have to ask for some time while I get used to it.” Little Charlie's stroller was left in the foyer, and Lucifer held his little girl in his arms wrapped up in her favorite blanket. She looked to be about an average human four year old.

“Very well!” Alastor chirped as if he wasn't in need of a booth technician, but Lucifer appreciated the partial lie nonetheless, “Would you like to begin our trial run? The checklist for our show is on that notepad to your left. It has the cues and keyword in the script, and just a general checklist for getting set up.” Alastor’s air of being was so different than everyone. In heaven the angels were so uptight there was no room for playing around or changing what was expected. Heaven certainly wouldn’t have let his daughter into a place of business. And then Hell… Well, he wasn't surprised Alastor was nothing like his hellspawn. He was polite with a kind smile, and it made Lucifer feel special even if he knew Alastor probably treated everyone like this, and maybe more humans were like this compared the ones back home.

-

The trial run did not go smoothly. Lucifer couldn't figure out how to strengthen the audio at first, but soon Lucifer was able to recognize the patterns associated with each nob turn and quirk of Alastor's voice. The worst part was that Lucifer had kept Alastor in the studio all night.

“I apologize our trial run went so long and kept you even later,” Lucifer had a fussy Charlie beginning to wake up his arms, “But I think I have the hang of this old version now.” Lucifer made sure her human glamour was in place, but that did not help the pain when she rammed her little dull horns into his ribs, nearly knocking the breath out of him.

“I would've stayed that late anyways, we were on air after all.”

Lucifer’s face fell at the fact that when he had asked if Alastor needed to turn off the “on air” sign, the strange smile he had given him meant that they truly were on the air and it wasn't a trial run at all. The man was nearly frozen with embarrassment. He had done horrible at first and worried he may have actually driven away some of Alastor’s listeners.

“Fret not, little man-”

“Hey!”

“I had been doing it all on my own before you called, my listeners are very understanding. And since you’ve been hired you can only improve withe experience!” Alastor reassured Lucifer; annoyingly he had bent at the waist to talk to Lucifer who was still sitting in the chair where he had operated the sound quality, but Lucifer was too relieved at hearing he had been hired to care much anymore about whatever Alastor had done, “And if your little one always sleeps so well she can continue to stay.”

Chapter Text

Slowly Lucifer was getting a hang of his new life. He spent the days with his daughter, playing in the park and trying to reach her some basic academics. Then in the evenings a teenager from two houses down would come over to watch her from 6:30pm until Lucifer got home latter in the night at 3am. She always got paid well and Lucifer made sure to feed her as well with their dinner.

Tonight was a night just like the one before it and Lucifer was anxious to be going home for the night. He could feel the glamour he put on Charlie fading, and while he's been trying to strengthen it, having his magic so physically far from the target is making it incredibly difficult and Lucifer just wanted to get home. He doubted there was any chance of Charlie loosing the glamour in the next 30 minutes while he packed up and went home, but he didn't want to delay.

“Good work today, Lucifer,” Alastor patted him on the shoulder. While the height difference had irritated Lucifer, more specifically how Alastor treated the height difference, he has since realized that it is heavily driven by his reactions, so he works on remaining neutral. The more irritated he was the more enjoyment Alastor would find in pushing his buttons.

“You did all the work, I just turned the knobs,” Lucifer dismissed Alastor's compliment, hating that he felt like he was losing to a human creation every night, but it's true this night he had done better than before. Even if the stupid wire box still struggled to stay within a good range and randomly choosing to misbehave.

Alastor didn't respond just sipped his coffee and held the door open for Lucifer as he rushed out locking it behind him, but not before calling out a quick cordial goodnight between employer and employee.

Lucifer whistled one of the songs that played that night. A jazz song by Duke Ellington. His bag was haphazardly thrown over his shoulder. He picked at the lapels of his suit wonder if maybe I was too flashy for Earth. He noticed that most of the men he's seen had been in grey suits but his was a crisp white with accents of reds. He's noticed Alastor uses accents of red, but he wears dark suits that blend in better with the grey suits that Lucifer sees other streets.

He continued the standard walk home, mind wandering, aimlessly, towards Alastor, and his hair, and his-.

“Look at that suit! And is that bag real leather?” A slimey voice came from Lucifer's left. He didn't look. He didn't stop. He kept walking. He can't defend himself like a human could, he would have to rely on his angelic powers and if he revealed that power he may as well kill the men. He had hardly even walked a few minutes from the radio station before their harassment begins, but the man followed him, and Lucifer heard more than one set of footsteps and a another slimy voice joined the cajooling.

“Why don't you make it simple and just hand us your wallet. We can lighten your load for ya,” A new man stepped in front of Lucifer forcing him to stop while the other covered his exit. The new man even had the shiny addition of a knife, the moonlight glinting off of it menacingly.

Lucifer had decided he would try to talk his way out of the situation and if they actually followed through on trying to hurt him, he will kill them.

“Now, boys, I gotta little girl to get home to, let's just go our separate ways, yeah?” Lucifer proposed but they had no interest in that, blatantly laughing in his face. For a brief moment he felt his sharp teeth wanting a chance to show them that nothing will stop him from getting to his daughter, but if he did that they would probably need to relocate, because what if they had a secret friend who saw them, and it wasn’t like he kept his route home a secret.

“What makes you think we care? Give us your money and then we'll leave ya be.” the one who had smugly asked from behind circling to make his way next to his friend, knowing Lucifer couldn't outrun both of them. Lucifer was only 5’3 as a human and these men were easily 5’6 or taller. he also had no interesting in running. They would walk away on their own or Lucifer will kill them.

“Young men, don't you think you'd better be off to bed?” Alastor's smooth voice came from behind Lucifer, but he didn't turn to look at them, keeping his glare on the two men in front of him.

They didn't even get a chance to respond before Alastor knocked the knife out of the assailant's hand, letting it clatter by Lucifer's foot. It was a quick movement that if Alastor had waited for them to attack first wouldn’t have worked. His tall form toward over the men, letting his use the full force of his body to land a hard right hook. It had left the man dazed as his friend started trying to grapple Alastor away from his friend Alastor elbowed him in the gut. When the man doubled over in pain Alastor slammed his knee into the man's face. Lucifer could hear the crunch of cartilage under the force. Having decided that Alastor wouldn't need his help, he squatted down on the curb, tired of standing in the middle of an ally.

The man laid on the ground clenching his nose. Lucifer didn't bat an eye at the violence it was standard stuff he would see in Hell. But the way the blood spilt on the asphalt left Lucifer watering at the mouth. He didn’t want to get involved, his higher reasoning reminded him, but that didn’t stop the tingle of his wings begging to be released. He wanted to get involved; he wanted to tear their throats out with his bare hands.

Lucifer felt sick to his stomach when his thought went places, he didn’t want to go to. The thoughts had been getting stronger since surfacing, perhaps because he hasn’t been able to send them to the Seven Sins

Alastor focused his attention back to the first man who had tried to punch him on his side, his punch didn't affect him much. Alastor face came into view for the first time for Lucifer, and he was smiling. Not in the way that sound people smile when they're nervous, Alastor was enjoying this. The other man was on the ground with his friend, but Alastor didn't stop, he gave a shifting kick to the second man's face and curb stomped the first man.

He turned around, smile not quite faded, but more at a normal size, and offered to help Lucifer up from where he had squatted waiting for the fight to end, having not thought for a moment that he was in danger. Lucifer didn't react at first just staring at Alastor's open hand. It started to flinch close right when Lucifer took it, using Alastor's grip to help pull him to standing, sliding his bag back onto his shoulder in a fluid motion. When Lucifer’s hand pulled away it had smears of human blood on. He didn’t mind.

“You throw a good punch. But you shouldn’t have had to come in and save me” Lucifer said, carefully neutral in his voice. Alastor had clearly gotten too far lost in the bloodlust, something Lucifer had seen plenty of times, but the way he swooped in to protect him, to prevent him needing to shed blood, more that made up for his lapse in judgement. It was easy when fearing for your life that you may go farther than when clear minded, Lucifer reasoned, easily justifying Alastor’s behavior.

“I'm happy I was able to assist you,” Alastor's smile grew and Lucifer believed him, Alastor was glad he was able to take part, but no because of any goodness in his heart, just because of the blood he got to shed tonight, but at least he left them alive, unlike Lucifer would've, “Although when I heard your whistling stop I figured you are such as easy target being all cute like that, that you may have run into some trouble. Do you need me to walk you home?” Lucifer had already declined Alastor's offer when the full statement clicked. Cute. Not short, or goofy, or weak, but cute. Lucifer hadn't been called cute before.

“Very well, I'll see you next week, little Beau,” Alastor called over his shoulder, waving as he walked away from Lucifer and back towards the radio station. And Lucifer stood there in the street watching Alastor walk back to the studio with a smooth unworried gait, leaving the crumpled groaning bodies in the street without a care. This time Lucifer was more acceptable to it, especially when Alastor’s transatlantic accent slipped on the last two words and his true Cajun voice appeared for the first time.

Little Beau.

-

Lucifer got home late that night and had given the babysitter and extra .25 cents on her usual fee. Charlie was still sleeping peacefully and after the babysitter fully left, he pulled off her glamour and started at his little girl. H could see the similarities between her and her parents. She had his coloring, but when she didn't get her way, she had the same angry glare her mother made. The baby girl was laid out on her back; her little tail loosely curled around her toy. In order to ensure that she would've ever be at risk without him again her touches the blanket she always had with her pushing his power into the fabric to store it there. Any item can be holy if it is given holy power.

The door creaked as he shut it behind himself letting Charlie sleep for a couple more hours before the sun rose.

Getting settled into bed, with a set of matching pajamas and a sleep hat. Angels didn't technically need to sleep but serves as an effective and easy way to regain energy after a very long and confusing day. Usually after settling into bed, turning on the lights was all he needed to fall asleep in second, but tonight was not like that. Tonight, Lucifer’s mind was stuck on Alastor Freedman.

Lucifer felt like he saw a new version of Alastor tonight and he didn't want to look away, he wanted to see more, actually.

Tonight, Alastor had bloody knuckles, but he hardly even glanced at them or cared. He was focused on Lucifer, and it made butterflies erupt in his stomach as he thought back on the sight. Of Alastor standing over their broken bodies offering to lean down and giving Lucifer a hand up. If he had never given freedom to the humans, would there be people like Alastor? People who could harness the evil Lucifer brought in to protect others, using that violence in the beautiful way that left those who intended useless harm to be punished by the human instead of waiting for a man who barely answers his phone to maybe notice the wrongdoing. This was what creation was meant for, to support one another. To protect each other. Lucifer thought absent mildly, maybe Alastor is the perfect creation. Not God’s creation. His. He was the one who brough violence into the world, but despite that Alastor had used the violence to make the choice to protect. Maybe it wasn’t all bad, Lucifer though, maybe he made the right choice.

Trust was something Lucifer didn't think he would give away so easily again, but he knew at his heart he was an optimistic dreamer who wanted to trust any and everyone. but here he was planning on going back to work after his day off. They hosted different segments each night, and Lucifer was embarrassingly excited to go back to work, to see Alastor again. It's not that he liked him anymore than as a good boss. Alastor did call him cute, and Lucifer really wanted to hold on that. He almost wanted to dwell on what it would mean, if he did pursue a relationship with Alastor. obviously as a human he would want nothing to do with Lucifer, he was a fallen angel, and the living embodiment of evil. While he was able to at least remove most of the concentrated evil into the Seven Sins it didn’t mean that the evil didn’t try to cling onto him. Sometime leaking through when he closes control of himself. But since coming to Earth away from all the constant negativity in Hell, lucifer felt himself improving. he hasn’t lost control since surfacing.

Chapter Text

“CharChar, please let Daddy help you with your hair today, Sweetie.” Lucifer gently asked watching his daughter pulling it into two very uneven pigtails and wanting to stick two bows that are the size of her little face on the end of each. They were a bright and colorful gift the baby sitter brought one day. In all honesty, Lucifer though they were too big to put in Charlie’s hair, who cares about a bow when his adorable daughter’s face is right there. It’s just a waste of fabric, so instead he has it carefully safety pinned onto her clothes.

“No! Daddy I wanna do my hair, I look pretty like a rainbow!”

“Princess, what if I did your hair and you got to dress up as a rainbow today?” Charlie was wearing the outfit they had picked out together the night before. She carefully considered her options. Her little mind working to see if changing outs and having Daddy do her hair is worth doing her own hair in an outfit that did not match.

Even she huffed, “Okay Daddy, but if I am not rainbow nuff then I want to do my own hair!” She demanded letting lucifer remove the huge bows and let down her hair. While Charlie was advanced compared to human babies, her stumble over the word ‘enough’ reminded Lucifer of how awful of a situation she was in. her mother can’t be around because she is busy doing her deadbeat husband’s job for him while he plays human. But they both agreed this would be best

“You looked very pretty Sweetie, but I think we can style your hair even better!” He didn’t want her to feel like she wasn’t doing good, but he also didn’t want her to end up embarrassed in public. Although Lucifer will have her dressed as a rainbow, but instead he will change and they can be rainbows together.

By the time the two were ready to go to the park Charlie’s hair had been pulled back into a loose braid and she was wearing red leggings, with a green long sleeve undershirt and a blue jacket. She looked a little silly, but Lucifer kind of liked his outfit in all honesty. He’s had a pink undershirt paired with a light blue that almost looked white jacket and pants combo with a deep blood red tie and handkerchief. Lucifer had used his power oof his deal to create the rainbow clothes needing for the two.

Their first stop was the park. They may go get ice cream for her later, but she may not feel up to it and may pass out in Lucifer arms. Even at such a young age Charlie is prone to getting excited and going too hard too fast and getting tuckered out.

Today there were a lot of kids, so Lucifer took a spot on a bench with a woman sitting on the other edge, since there were not empty benches near where Charlie wanted to play, and he wasn’t going to force her to move just so he can sit somewhere else. He could pretend to be human well. His boss believes him, and his baby sitter believes him, but rarely will they ever be this close to his disguise this long.

He watched his little girl run up and make friends, a smile forming before it was utterly crushed as those kids ran away while Charlie closed her eyes, laughing at her. Lucifer was so shocked he wasn’t even sure what to do. Charlie didn’t notice yet, so maybe she wouldn’t care, Lucifer hoped as his hopeful little daughter looked around for her friends. Except when Lucifer expect her to come running over crying in his arms she instead went into a little hidey hole and came out with one of the little kids who ran away. They were both smiling. That’s when Lucifer realized this was just a part of those child games he’s heard of. As a being create at maturation he never had a childhood. He had never been exposed to games that involved hiding from the other party, never even thought to expose his daughter to it either. He thought the only way to play was roleplaying. (Mostly because Charlie loved to play pretend, or so he thought, now he wonders if he just hasn’t been exposing her to enough play styles and he is actually a horrible dad!) But no was the time for this. Lucifer did not want to sit on the bench any more, but he was her dad and he shouldn’t get involved and ask if she is happy with him, so he dug in his bag for anything. To his surprise there was a rubber dusk that usually was in Charlie’s bath. She must’ve added it when he asked if she needed any emergency toys. Little did he know he would need emergency toys. He slipped the duck in his pocket. It was wet and didn’t fit well. But he gently the duck as tight as he could and then released, time his breaths with it.

Breath in and squeeze, 1, 2, 3, 4, release, 1, 2, 3, 4. Squeeze, breath in, 1, 2, 3, 4, release, 1, 2, 3, 4. And he repeated that until the cloud of bad thought passed and he was able to focus exclusively on how happy his daughter was, and he slipped the duck back into his work bag.

He couldn’t stop his own smile being able to watch his daughter play with the human children. There are so many humans in hell, but none of them will be like this. These will likely be the only good humans Charlie will meet in her life.

-

That night at the radio studio a thick letter was laying on the floor when he walked in. Alastor usually unlocks the door a bit before Lucifer arrives, so it’s unlocked when he gets there, and Lucifer locks it behind himself. ‘New Orleans Police Department, to NORS’ was written on the front in a large font, and Lucifer was sure that it would be in regard to last night with the men Alastor had beaten.

“Mr. Theriot!” Lucifer did not cry, nor did he shriek, he just simply and casually called for his boss to open the letter.

Alastor was annoyingly slow about making his way to Lucifer who was also on the way towards the recording room where he was likely to be.

“Yes?” He asked, slight annoyance in his voice about being interrupted

“The Police, a letter.” Lucifer handed over the letter wishing he had brought Charlie’s duck to work. He was really settling into New Orleans and was beginning to cherish his life here and didn’t want to move or go back just yet.

Alastor reads over its contents face hardly changing, staying slightly irritated but mostly neutral. When he finished he rubbed his eyes sighing, “We can add that in right around the half way mark, usually our listener pop in around then” Alastor went back into his studio, and then as if an afterthought, “But, very sad about those people,” He didn't sound horribly broken up about it but Lucifer understood humans don't always show 100% of their emotions just like how angels don't. (Although Lucifer face sure did say more than his mouth ever could.)

Lucifer read over the contents of the letter.

Good evening NORS,

We reach out to you this night to request that you read the following message on air.

‘Four citizens of New Orleans have gone missing. We request, listeners, that you aid the police in this investigation. If you have any leads on where they may be or who might know, contact the police station as soon as possible.’

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

New Orleans Police Department

Lucifer set the paper back in the envelope. He folded it backwards so if would be easy to tell it was read and taken care of, and went to the office to set it on Alastor's desk. That when Lucifer notices that there was a small lunch pail on his desk and Lucifer thought, for only a moment, how nice it would be to eat lunch together. Usually they would eat alone. Lucifer didn't even realise Alastor took a lunch he always thought he took working lunches instead of eating insolation. Before Lucifer could stop himself he had decided. He would have lunch with Lastor tonight and then, he would ask him why he's such a good fighter. Although Lucifer didn't think he would tell the whole truth he figured it would be enough of an answer to satiate his curiosity.

-

“While we have those rolling we should be able to take a brief lunch,” Alastor had just finished ensuring that Lucifier didn't break anything while he set up the records to play automatically through the full records. Then they would need to switch them to the new ones. During the times where it was prolonged music segments, which honestly was most of the night, all the had to was get it for the record player and just keep and ear out for any adjustments that need to be made periodically.

“Would you like to eat lunch together today?” Lucifer was forcefully nonchalant, in a very chalant way. He was very cooly pick at his nails, which now that he was comparing them to Alastor’s look like maybe the human nail isn't normally sharp. It had been so long since Lucifer saw a living human that he hadn't realize they didn't have claws like the sinners. Wide eyed he glanced up from his nails hiding them behind his back. Thankful to realise Alastor didn't notice because he was instead rereading the letter the Police had left. Lucifers hand carefully shifted to be rounded nails like Alastor's.

He did have very nice hands, Lucifer thought. Long slime fingers that stood out against the stark creme paper, only highlight those long thin fingers.

“Hm? Lunch?” Alastor finally attempted to respond to him, “Oh yes, that sounds nice.” He absentmindedly agreed, and sure Lucifer could repeat the question, but instead he'll take the answer her wanted and hold Alastor to it.

“Great! Would you like to eat lunch with me in the front?” Lucifer grabbed the lunch he packed after Charlie went to sleep that was just their dinner from the night. Tuna noodle casserole that his babysitter's mom had given them. She was a sweet lady who wanted to help the single dad who moved into the neighborhood. She was skeptical at first, but when he attempted one of her dinner parties with Charlie it was impossible not to fall in love with her on the spot, and she just accepted him since they were a packaged deal.

Alastor did a double take at the question as Lucifer, began to pull out his lunch from his bag. As the King of Hell, he may be playing human, eating and sleeping like them, but he was not about to eat gross food, so the food he had in his bag, which up until this point was being kept cold inside, he used his magic to bring it up to a tasty temperature.

“We should eat in my office there’s no good seating up front.” Alastor suggested bringing the letter with him as he went to his office. He took a seat behind his desk while Lucifer set his lunch down on Alastor’s desk making himself perfectly comfortable, ignoring how Alastor glared at him for moving the things he had arranged. Not that Lucifer noticed, too excited to finally grill Alastor on what happened last night.

Alastor began unpacking his lunch, which was a bowl of some sort of… chili?… that he had paired with sliced bread that smell great with the spices he had in the main dish. He must have seen how Lucifer was eyeing his food.

“Jamabayala with sausage and pork.” Was all he said as he began digging into his food. Lucifer would like to trade food, and unfortunately since he is not in hell he can’t just proof into existence better food. Glumly he ate his tuna noodle casserole as the silence gently blankets the two men.

It was nice and comfortable that let them eat in peace. And Lucifer was going to shatter it.

“How did you learn to fight like that?” He asked and Alastor nearly choked on his bread he had just taken the last bite off. While Alastor had almost finished his entire bowl, Lucifer still had over half his food left.

“I don’t know, the school yard I guess,” Was all he said, clearly not want to talk about it. Lucifer had come on too strong he realised, he needs to pull back add some context. Lie!

“Would you ever want to teach me how to throw a punch like that?” Lucifer shrugged, “You know, so you don’t have to come save me again.” Not that Lucifer actually needed to be saved, and he certainly did like the experience of being able to rely on someone, but it was the only reason he can think of. He wasn’t sure if Alastor believed him or not, but he couldn’t fake the level of embarrassment he had having to ask that question. An archangel letting a human teach him to fight, despite literally being apart in the creation of existence, it would have the other angels laughing in his face, but Alastor didn’t laugh. Just considered the man.

“As a father, you should know how to fight,” Alastor didn’t necessarily agree to teach him, but he didn’t say no either. Yet.

“So, you can teach me?” The hope in his voice was embarrassing because it’s not like Lucifer wanted to spend time with Alastor, alone, outside of work. It was just a necessary sacrifice for his daughter. Obviously.

Alastor heaved a dramatic sigh, “Very well, I may as well show you how to now.” Lucifer was actually really happy that Alastor was just going to teach him at work. That's actually exactly what he wanted. He did not want to actually have to- oh who was he kidding he wanted to be invited to Alastor home so he could snoop.

Alastor walked around his desk and stood next to Lucifer's chair.

“Switch the record to the long one.” Alastor paitently watched him switch it over before just turning his back on Lucifer. “Come along.” was all he said leading his way up the stairs where Lucifer hasn't actually been yet. Up the stairs there was a large balcony Lucifer had seen from the outside and has been looking forward to seeing in person. Human architecture was really neat, although Lucifer didn't care past how neat the little human were building without magical assistance.

“So what's up here?” Lucifer asked looking with his hands as he touched any and everything that caught his eye. Like the seashell that Alastor hand hanging on the wall. Lucifer was careful to be quiet and gentle when he touched things, not wanting Alastor to notice.

“Just my living quarters,” Lucifers hand shot into his pockets. It was one thing if he was touching things unnecessarily at work, another if he was just touching someone's personal belongings. Lucifers face felt funny and warm. It was like his eyes had begun melting down his face. He raised a hand to touch at his cheek. Alastor turned and gesture for him to enter the room first that had some musical instrument and large windows that hand the shutters closed blocking anyone from viewing inside.

What Lucifer didn't notice was that when Alastor turned around after explaining that the upper story was where he lived, that Lucifer had a deep red blush. A deeper shade than Alastor had ever seen on another person before. It was as red as an apple, right on the apple of his cheeks.

For a quick moment Alastor wondered if maybe he is gay. He never truly felt any sort of attraction to someone and see the small blonde man blush made Alastor want to bite him. Maybe that’s what people mean when they say they ‘want a little neck.’ Alastor would defintely like to sink his teeth in Lucifer’s-

Anyways. He needed to get the show on the road so they can get back to the radio before the records end.

Chapter Text

Alastor let Lucifer take in the room. The blush was slowly fading. Alastor wanted to make it return even if that meant carving a smile on him. Despite the thought occurring, Alastor didn't find himself feeling how he would normally feel. This time he almost was irritated at the idea of doing that. Because he liked Lucifer's happy smile more. He's never liked anyone's smile (except his own, of course).

As Alastor let Lucifer get comfortable, he removed his out-suit jacket and carefully rolled up his sleeve, not wanting them to fall down after the first demonstrational jab. Alastor's arms were crossed over his chest., “Let’s begin. Show me your fighting stance.” Lucifer awkwardly and hesitantly shuffled into a boxing position. It wasn't a good one, both feet perfectly facing the opponent, hands too high, with his thumbs tucked into his fist. Alastor did a full circle around his stance before beginning to critique it.

He began by lightly tapping Lucifer's left foot with his own, “The Orthodox stance seems to inspire this mess.” Lucifer shifted his foot backwards while maintaining the stance, "Good."

Then he places hand on each of his elbows adjusting then to be around waist height. Although Alastor did not personally use a formal style of boxing, he understood that Lucifer as a white man would stand out if he fought like Alastor.

Lucifer took to Alastor instruction well. His body was soft and pliable when Alastor moved it but maintained a still and stiff position when not being adjusted.

Reluctantly, Alastor grasped Lucifer's shoulders, not needing to look at his hips. Alastor hands had almost drift to his small waist tow twist his upper body fir follow the stagger if his feet. But sharply corrected himself before making a irreversibly mistake, “Twist your body, let your dominant shoulder lead,” Alastor had very lightly pushed his right shoulder to mimic the way his feet were positioned.

Alastor approved the base of his stance and then began to move of the specifics. It would be of no use if Lucifer knew how to throw a punch only to get knocked on his ass at the slightest push.

“Remember this position” Alastor demanded as he grabbed Lucifer's attempted fist, letting his stand in a more relaxed position. He unfurled Lucifer's fingers. But instead of doing the same with his thumb he pushed it deeper into Lucifer's palm, just enough to cause a bit of discomfort but not any pain, “You'll need to fix this, with your thumb under your fingers it can get broken when you punch,” Alastor then removed the pressure he was applying and guided Lucifer's fingers to curl then placed the thumb over them, “This way you can punch as hard as you'd like and your thumb is in a safer position.”

Alastor took a step back and began again, “Show me your stance,” Lucifer went back to the stance Alastor had just put him in, taking a moment to readjust slightly. His blonde hair was starting to fall from where it was usually pulled back, but normally during these parts of the broadcast Lucifer would just read a bookshelf Alastor worked in his office. The excessive movement was messing up his hair and Alastor, for some reason, wanted to fix it. He wondered if Lucifers hair was soft, or if carried the crunch of styling tools. Not that Alastor actually cared. He was just curious.

Lucifer was a good student silently taking to Alastor’s instruction, “Good, now try to punch me.” Alastor stood in front of Lucifer, hands clasped behind his back.

“Wait, what!” Lucifer immediately got out of the stance and took a step back waving his hands against the idea.

“Are you so confident in your abilities now?” Alastor asked, somewhat smug, “I thought you were the one who need me to swoop in and save you just light night. Little. Beau.” Alastor paused after little, knowing that Lucifer was always a little irritated at Alastor’s height, even if he has gotten better at hiding it.

“Now, that’s not what I’m saying, but I can’t just punch you!” Lucifer defended his stance, but unfortunately, Alastor was really good at being annoying.

“Are you wanting me to save you each time? What if someone were to try what they did with you on Charlie and only you are around, what then?” Alastor asked, knowing that the jab about Charlie would get a rise, and he was a good poking.

“Listen, you son of a bitch, I can protect Charlie, you don’t have to worry about that.” The darkness that seeped into his voice was tempting. Alastor wanted to know if he was thinking of a particular instance or if he was just imagining it. He was a single dad, Alastor wondered, what happened to his wife.

“You’re starting to look angry, want to try that punch n-” Before Alastor got to finish the sentiment, Lucifer threw a punch. It was a pathetic thing that was filled with emotion, and since Alastor knew it would be coming soon he easily moved to catch Lucifer's arm, letting his momentum spin him so that he ended with his back to Alastor's chest and his arms firmly in Alastor's controlling grasp. Lucifer’s body wriggle, but the weak body was soon limp in Alastor’s grasp, unwilling to fight back with 100%, confirming Alastor’s theory that Lucifer is a dreamer, not a fighter.

“Little Beau, what you learned from this fight is you play to your strength, not your weakness.” Alastor whispered and his mama given accent slipped through, but he didn't mind when it was Lucifer hearing him. He is the first-person Alastor has met who hasn't brought up his skin tone and that made him feel a lot more comfortable revealing his true voice as well. Using the dance moved he’s learned at the club he spun Lucifer out of his arms and let him spin away as Alastor walked over to his piano bench and lifted it.

Back in his transatlantic accent, speaking at his usual volume, “If you can’t escape, only then do you fight and you can use this,” Alastor revealed a folded pocketknife. He demonstrated flipping it over and closing it, “Play with this, and don’t try to punch anyone again,”

Lucifer took the knife, slowly looking it over. It had a thick wood handled that the sharp metal blade easily slid into. Alastor wasn't quite able to guess what the look on Lucifer's face meant, but he ignored any sort of feeling he had about. It was nothing, this is just a knife he had on hand, and might as well give to his best, and only employee for protection. Otherwise, he would need to find a whole new technician.

Distantly, Alastor heard the ending of the last song that they had playing, and he took his leave to go continue the broadcast.

-

As Alastor let Lucifer get comfortable, he removed his out-suit jacket and carefully rolled up his sleeve, not wanting them to fall down after the first demonstrational jab.

His attention focused back on Alastor, “Show me your fighting stance.” Alastor's arms were crossed over his chest. Lucifer had to force his eyes away from the way his skin shone in the moon light giving him a soft halo as the moon stood behind him. Lucifer awkwardly and hesitantly shuffled into a boxing position. It wasn't a good one, both feet perfectly facing the opponent, hands too high, with his thumbs tucked into his fist. Alastor did a full circle around his stance before beginning to critique it.

He began by lightly tapping Lucifer's left foot with his own, “The Orthodox stance seems to inspire this mess.” Lucifer shifted his foot backwards while maintaining the stance, "Good."

Then he places hand on each of his elbows adjusting then to be around waist height. Although Alastor did not personally use a formal style of boxing, he understood that Lucifer as a white man would stand out if he fought like Alastor.

Lucifer took to Alastor instruction well. His body was soft and pliable when Alastor moved it but maintained a still and stiff position when not being adjusted.

Reluctantly, Alastor grasped Lucifer's shoulders, not needing to look at his hips. Alastor hands had almost drift to his small waist tow twist his upper body fir follow the stagger if his feet. But sharply corrected himself before making a irreversibly mistake, “Twist your body, let your dominant shoulder lead,” Alastor had very lightly pushed his right shoulder to mimic the way his feet were positioned.

Alastor approved the base of his stance and then began to move of the specifics. It would be of no use if Lucifer knew how to throw a punch only to get knocked on his ass at the slightest push.

“Remember this position” Alastor demanded as he grabbed Lucifer's attempted fist, letting his stand in a more relaxed position. He unfurled Lucifer's fingers. But instead of doing the same with his thumb he pushed it deeper into Lucifer's palm, just enough to cause a bit of discomfort but not any pain, “You'll need to fix this, with your thumb under your fingers it can get broken when you punch,” Alastor then removed the pressure he was applying and guided Lucifer's fingers to curl then placed the thumb over them, “This way you can punch as hard as you'd like and your thumb is in a safer position.”

Alastor took a step back and began again, “Show me your stance,” Lucifer went back to the stance Alastor had just put him in, taking a moment to readjust slightly. His blonde hair was starting to fall from where it was usually pulled back, but normally during these parts of the broadcast Lucifer would just read a bookshelf Alastor worked in his office. The excessive movement was messing up his hair and Alastor, for some reason, wanted to fix it. He wondered if Lucifers hair was soft, or if carried the crunch of styling tools. Not that Alastor actually cared. He was just curious.

Lucifer was a good student silently taking to Alastor’s instruction, “Good, now try to punch me.” Alastor stood in front of Lucifer, hands clasped behind his back.

“Wait, what!” Lucifer immediately got out of the stance and took a step back waving his hands against the idea.

“Are you so confident in your abilities now?” Alastor asked, somewhat smug, “I thought you were the one who need me to swoop in and save you just light night. Little. Beau.” Alastor paused after little, knowing that Lucifer was always a little irritated at Alastor’s height, even if he has gotten better at hiding it.

“Now, that’s not what I’m saying, but I can’t just punch you!” Lucifer defended his stance, but unfortunately, Alastor was really good at being annoying.

“Are you wanting me to save you each time? What if someone were to try what they did with you on Charlie and only you are around, what then?” Alastor asked, knowing that the jab about Charlie would get a rise, and he was a good poking.

“Listen, you son of a bitch, I can protect Charlie, you don’t have to worry about that.” The darkness that seeped into his voice was tempting. Alastor wanted to know if he was thinking of a particular instance or if he was just imagining it. He was a single dad, Alastor wondered, what happened to his wife.

“You’re starting to look angry, want to try that punch n-” Before Alastor got to finish the sentiment, Lucifer threw a punch. It was a pathetic thing that was filled with emotion, and since Alastor knew it would be coming soon he easily moved to catch Lucifer's arm, letting his momentum spin him so that he ended with his back to Alastor's chest and his arms firmly in Alastor's controlling grasp. Lucifer’s body wriggle, but the weak body was soon limp in Alastor’s grasp, unwilling to fight back with 100%, confirming Alastor’s theory that Lucifer is a dreamer, not a fighter.

“Little Beau, what you learned from this fight is you play to your strength, not your weakness.” Alastor whispered and his mama given accent slipped through, but he didn't mind when it was Lucifer hearing him. He is the first-person Alastor has met who hasn't brought up his skin tone and that made him feel a lot more comfortable revealing his true voice as well. Using the dance moved he’s learned at the club he spun Lucifer out of his arms and let him spin away as Alastor walked over to his piano bench and lifted it.

Back in his transatlantic accent, speaking at his usual volume, “If you can’t escape, only then do you fight and you can use this,” Alastor revealed a folded pocketknife. He demonstrated flipping it over and closing it, “Play with this, and don’t try to punch anyone again,”

Lucifer took the knife, slowly looking it over. It had a thick wood handled that the sharp metal blade easily slid into. Alastor wasn't quite able to guess what the look on Lucifer's face meant, but he ignored any sort of feeling he had about. It was nothing, this is just a knife he had on hand, and might as well give to his best, and only employee for protection. Otherwise, he would need to find a whole new technician.

Distantly, Alastor heard the ending of the last song that they had playing, and he took his leave to go continue the broadcast.

-

When Mimzy and Alastor first met it was in a dark ally. Alastor had emerged cover in blood from his third kill, still trying to figure out his taste for it. Tonight was the night he tried Mimzy was being harassed by a an older man. Alastor, still high on the trill of a kill had jumped into action and defended the poor woman. His mother raised a gentleman. Turns out that was the club owner. Mimzy promised to owe him a favor beginning with cleaning up the bodies. She was the new owner of the club afterall. Alastor wondered just what he interrupted, but didn’t look any deeper and accepted the gift horse.

They wouldn’t see each for many months until they happen to cross paths once more and Mimzy has a proposal for him. He can be pretty white passing and she recognized his voice on the radio. She can get him into her club to rub shoulders with the upper class. And maybe she can point some problem customers his way if he ever needed.

Tonight he would to see what was on her menu.

“How has things been going, dear?” Alastor asked bending to kiss Mimzy’s hand. She of course open the door wider for the to of them.

“As things always go, Kitten, what ya drinkin’ tonight?” She asked leading him to the bar, following the usual ritual they had created.

“I won’t be drinking tonight.”

“Oh one of those kinds of night.” Mimzy elbowed him, somewhat harshly, in the ribs and winked.

“Would you happen to have anyone you need to introduce me to?” Alastor asked.

“Well, there’s Tommy. He’s some thug who’s been giving the girls some issues, grabby and cheap, ya know.” Mimzy began strong and Alastor didn’t need to hear much more, and Mimzy could tell, the way his casual smile he always wore morphed and stretched before her eyes as Alastor appeared to day dream.

“Well, he sounds like a peach, why don’t we go meet him.” Alastor offered his arm to Mimzy as she happily took him over to the rowdy customer. She dropped him off at a dark table in the corner of the room, easily hidden by others, and went to speak with Tommy.

Alastor settled in knowing the typical path this night would take and already itching for his next bite. Tommy took a seat across from him as Mimzy cheerily introduced the two men since she, “just knew you two would hit it off like a house on fire!”

“Your suit has a nice fit, who’s your tailor?” Tommy asked wanting to brag about his, clearly new, suit compared to Alastor well worn suit. It was still in good condition, and it was only purchased a year ago.

“I’m afraid she’s not open to the public, you wouldn’t know her.” He smiled brightly, teeth clenched. This one would make good gumbo, he thought, and before he had a chance to stop the thought from continuing, he thought, maybe Lucifer would like some? Not that he would ever bring an extra lunch for his new secretary just because his lunch looked so gross!

Tommy scoff, and shrunk a little realizing that him going to some random tailor that his friend recommended is quite pathetic compared to someone who had a private tailor, most people just did any necessary mending themselves or had one of the women in their lives do it.

“But that’s boring, tell me about your hobbies.” Alastor pretended to listen, but he had always been better at tonal inflection that facial expression and found himself struggling to keep an expression that pretended to care.

“Although, I have heard good things about taking up boating-”

“Ah! Boating,” Alastor interjected, “Does that mean you’ll also fish?”

“I have been wanting to.”

“Well, might I suggest you come to my fishing cabin!” Alastor invited with a bright smile, and after a bit of conversation the drunk men are always too excited to become common leeches, but he knows how to improve them. Usually it does require quite a bit of seasoning, maybe he should pick up some more on their way there.

“You have a boat and a fishing cabin!” The man said shocked.

“Why of course, it would be unreasonable not to at this point,” Alastor joked as if they were both in on it, knowing it would only shame the man and make him more likely to agree, “I’ll offer you a deal,” Alastor leaned in towards the middle of the table they were sharing. “Why don’t you come over for a meal, but we have to catch our food first, what do you say?” Alastor held out his hand to shake the deal, ensuring that at this moment his face was perfect. The smile wasn’t too big, his eyes were soft and genuine. and above all else that his focused to relax the muscles of his face other wise people pick up on the tenseness, the eager excitement that raced in his blood. That was the best part of it. These people agree to it. That want to be made useful. And Alastor simply helps them step into their place on the food chain, the bottom.

Tommy, with little hesitation, shook Alastor’s hand their deal was made. The night went smooth. They quickly rushed out of town, Alastor no longer interested in playing nice with Tommy, but still aiming to keep friendly as they went out to Alastor’s fishing cabin.

He brough him to his cabin and that was also where he made Lucifer’s food that morning. He always kept a little upper on him for late nights like these. It was easy to carve away the useless part of Johnny, or Tommy, or whatever his name was. Alastor had made easy work on grinding down the good bits and using that to make the andouille sausage for his gumbo. Andouille sausage was major ingredient for Alastor. It stores well and his Mama used to cook with it often. Although he has tweaked the recipe, so to say.

Killing had lost the spark it first had. Alastor hadn't felt the same thrill since then, but he loves the power he feel when consuming another weaker being. But this time, his mind wasn't even on the task. The man had almost escaped even, which never usually happens. He only just grazed the door when Alastor shoe crushed his knee and the knife slid across his throat. Unfortunately Alastor now had to haul his lifeless body up onto the table to begin the process of preparing the meat.

-

With the sausage prepared Alastor went back to his home in the city, that doubled as the radio station. Humming as he made the gumbo, neatly packing two serving into his usual lunch. He was just going to have it on hand in case Lucifer forgot his lunch. Which could happen. The part that made Alastor stop humming and begin to question himself, was when he wanted Lucifer to know who he was eating. Alastor, in his gut, wanted Lucifer to know he could provide almost like a sinister form of courting, and he wondered if the Lucifer who he worked with was like the one Alastor realized he was falling in love with. He had only know that man for a couple months and yet their long shared nights have left him wanting. HE kept thinking back on the face Lucifer made when He saw Alastor turn around, with the blood of other ion his knuckles. It was not too different from the look he would give the performers who agreed to come in for a live broadcast in the night for their late viewers. It was like, Lucifer had seen him and admired what he had done. Alastor loved the high he experienced in that moment. His heart had felt like when their skin grazed, and Alastor enjoyed performing for Lucifer in his defense, and distantly, in the back of his mind he wondered just what that could mean.

Alastor, early in the first month, had made his last kill, a woman who would not stop touching his as a form of flirting and when he clearly indicated he wasn't interested continued. The next day he still felt like his skin was burning where she had touched. He hated the feeling of being touched.

“Are you okay, Mr. Theriot?” Lucifer bright smile immediately vanished replaced by a concern frown. Alastor hadn't realized he even looked or behaved differently and just stared confused at Lucifer.

“Yes, I'm fine, just a late-night intermingling. I ran into my old friend, Bobby, you know how it is” Alastor finally responded. Hoping his exhaustion wasn't still oozing off him as he lied.

The memory made Alastor's stomach hurt, like his organs were twisting and untwisting within him. A warmth filled his chest wondering if maybe Lucifer would notice again. Maybe he would see it next time he goes hunting.

Chapter Text

Despite Lucifer secret attempt at making jambalaya, he has yet to try jambalaya. Ever since Alastor had it last week, Lucifer finds himself sniffing around his office with thin excuses to ask what he’s eating that night. They just stopped for lunch, Alastor finishing off their segment and beginning the record player to play the arrangement of song he had prepared. He specifically planned out each record that would play and made sure it was order, and it made their long break much more relaxing.

As had become usual, Lucifer popped by Alastor's office on his way to the kitchen to pick up his own lunch.

“Have a nice lunch break, Mr. Theriot”

“Thank you, Lucifer, have a nice lunch yourself.” Alastor had begun using his first name since their fighting lesson and he wasn't quite sure why he loved how much Alastor said his name. Maybe because most people call him “Your Majesty” or nasty names when they think he can't hear them, all too afraid to know if he was called the lightbringer due to the fire he reigned down in Hell early on. It was never anything positive when people said his name. But Alastor said it in a way that lingered, and it make Lucifer want to be near him more.

“Thank you,” Lucifer smiled back, somewhat awkward as he tried to find a reason to linger, “So, what will be eating today?”

“I used the last of my sausage and some shrimp to make etouffee. Have you ever tried it?” Alastor asked, scooping up a bite with his own fork and twist his wrist so it almost seemed like he was offering to feed him. Lucifer immediately wanted to slam his head into the door jamb because he told himself this morning (and for many mornings in a row now) that it would be the first day he won't jump to conclusion just because he developed a little human crush on Alastor. He was just a charming man, who is quickly being noticed among the papers and also happens to seem to be a really good cook. And yet, Lucifer constantly found himself trying to force his lovey dovey dreams onto the other only to be disappointed. While Alastor hasn't quite yet come out and said that he doesn't like Lucifer, because why would he think to say that when Lucifer has tried very hard to hide his interest in the man. He knew the disappointment was inevitable, but he tried to at least prepare himself for it. (Lillith taught him well. Humans and Angels are all alike in some ways.)

“No, I haven't, but I have my own lunch today,”

“Very well, but I did happen to pack extra today if you change your mind,” Alastor nonchalantly called as he took the bite that he had previously offered Lucifer. He had to quickly run away from the man who was making his human disguise have very human reactions. He faces felt tingly and hot thinking of the transfer kiss of eating off Alastor’s fork, he wondered if he would be able to taste his saliva since Lucifer was an angel after all, he doubted their taste were the exact same, and Lucifer didn’t mind eating weird things if Alastor fed it to him. He had his mind screech to a halt on his daydreaming. His mouth was water and his chest was starting to itch. He wanted to wonder what would happen. Would Alastor keep offering him more bites if he liked it? But what if that wasn’t what he meant! Would he look at Lucifer weird because he misunderstood the casual gesture? Just the idea of that happening made Lucifer gut twist.

Going into the kitchen where he kept his lunch Lucifer found out that in the trip there his lunch had spilt all over the interior of his lunch bag. It's not like Lucifer actually needed to eat, but it was an enjoyable activity. He could just dump the food outside and pretend like he ate that way he at least passes as a human.

Or…

Lucifer considered, smiling deviously to himself, he could pretend like his lunch got messed up and that he's really hungry and then he can finally have some of Alastor's cooking. He’s been smelling it so much lately and everyday it left him craving.

He replaced the sly smirk, or tried to, with an innocent sheepish smile when he knocked on Alastor's open door to his office.

“I apologize, sir,” He said politely, trying to emulate how the other angels used to address him, not remembering how he usually acts with Alastor, “But it appears that my lunch has spilt and is no longer good to eat, do you really have enough to share?” Lucifer tried to mimic Charlie's puppy eyes that she gives him when she wants a piggyback ride. He gets told she has his eyes so often, surely it would work on Alastor.

Thankfully, it did.

“Of course, take a seat.” Alastor gave Lucifer this awful smile that was so soft and different from the the smiles he’s been seeing. It’s like he’s only seen glint of it through a fake smile, and now his mask is off and Lucifer earned a real smile. Alastor gestured at the seat across the desk from him, and then moved to mess with something behind his desk to reappear with an additional fork that he seemed to have pulled from one of his drawers. He offered the spoon to Lucifer, with the limited space on the handle, Lucifer could feel Alastor’s cool skin beneath his touch. Carefully, he subtly slid his finger over the length on Alastor’s thumb, disguising it as taking the fork with no additional motives. The food was in the middle of the desk. Lucifer leaned forward, having to stretch over the width to take a bite of the etouffee, and. He moaned. Out loud. And with fever. It was delicious! There was warm fluffy rice topped with a deep savory sauce with thick sausage with the softer shrimp. His first bite had a bell pepper in that seemed to have been sautés and season with spices that tingled on his tongue. There was an additional flavor that Lucifer was not quite able to place. Lucifer knew most vegetables, so it must be something in the sausage or shrimp that he hasn’t tasted. It must’ve evolved from earlier creations. HE chewed and swallowed and when he glanced up he realized Alastor was staring at him. It was a creepy look. His eye were wide, head cocked to the side, and no smile. For a moment Lucifer thought he had done it wrong before Alastor finally blinked. Lucifer finally looked away at the desk, embarrassed from having human-ed wrong. He had been “batting a 1000” as Helen, his baby sitter, would say. It made since everything would be falling now.

He could hear Alastor take a deep breath, “You are quite the reactive taster,” Alastor said, and Lucifer looked up, “I’ll be honest, maybe I should be surprised.” Alastor pushed the food towards him, “Please enjoy.”

Lucifer didn’t reject the food but did pout in Alastor’s direction, “What do you mean you're not surprised?”

“I mean that when we were able to get King Oliver, you looked as if you would faint on the spot.” Alastor said, and he wasn’t wrong. While Lucifer had met plenty of big names it was neat to meet this people who could sing so well. Lucifer loved music and singing, so why wouldn’t he admire someone who is doing groundbreaking work.

Lucifer couldn’t argue with Alastor’s observation. So, he focused back in on the food, intentionally searching out the sausage trying to figure out what exactly that smokey taste was.

The lunch was delicious. Lucifer did try to remember to include Alastor back into the meal, but he rejected the attempts insisting that he had already eaten and that it was why he had offered his extra to Lucifer in the first place.

“Thank you for sharing,” Lucifer smiled after having gone into the kitchen to handwash Alastor’s dish seeing as it would’ve been rude, in his opinion, to have made Alastor wash it after Lucifer ate, what seemed to him, all of his etouffee.

“I’m just happy you enjoyed it. Perhaps tomorrow you would like to share lunch again?” Alastor had a strange look. Something Lucifer wasn’t quite able to place, it was like there was a sense of eagerness or urgency. Maybe, Lucifer wondered, Alastor has been as lonely as he has been. Not too long ago Alastor said he ran into an old friend and that was why he came into work so exhausted, but now Lucifer wondered if maybe that “old friend” was like Lucifer’s. Aka, someone he never wanted to see again and just the slightest glance makes him feel sick with anxiety and dread. Lucifer knows that feeling. He gets it any time he has to speak with anyone from heaven, but especially his pseudo-siblings like Sara or Michael.

“I would like that.” Lucifer agreed, “I’ll bring in some fluff cake.” Lucifer offered hoping that it would encourage this to be a continued thing. While Lucifer was happy to cook dinners for Charlie, as a growing girl she did need to eat, but technically speaking, her body survived on the energy in the universe and while right now since her mind is young Lucifer isn’t quite sure if she knows how to absorb energy mentally, so insists on feeding her so her body is able to ensure it gets the right amount. He would go insane if he were to accidentally starve his daughter, so she gets 3 meals a day, along with snacks after particularly tiring play sessions.

“Well, that sounds interesting!” Lucifer was getting better at reading Alastor’s different smiles and this one was forced. He very much did not want to eat it, and despite Lucifer’s embarrassment at offering a bad food, apparently he hoped Helen’s standards were not so low that she would say just anyone’s fluff cake is “the best!”.

“So how is Bobby doing?” Lucifer asked, referencing the friend Alastor had ran into

“Who?” Alastor bluntly ask, as if he had never heard the name before and was confused as to why Lucifer would assume he had.

“Your friend?” Lucifer clarified wondering if maybe he had gotten the name wrong and began adding context, “That you ran into the other day?” There was a moment of mental searching before Alastor’s voice jarred Lucifer from his wonderings on what the name could’ve been if it wasn’t Bobby.

“Oh! Yes, him.” Alastor exclaimed finally remembering who Lucifer was referencing, “He, uh, last I heard, was going out on one of those fishing boats, won’t be back for quite sometime, I suspect.”

Lucifer knew that Alastor didn’t actually say anything weird, but somethin in his bones was saying that there was something wrong. It was like Alastor was sinning, lying. But there was no reason for him to be lying, so he dismissed the strange notion. Sure very rarely did he get this feeling, and even rarer was it wrong, but usually the small sin of lying would not set it off unless it was associated with a bigger sin, but Lucifer doubted Alastor could sin in such a drastic way.

His mind did remember that time Alastor had seem to relished the violence of standing above the broken men. Of the ravenous look in his eyes for one a second. That was not the look of someone who was unused to violence. It was possible there was a part of Alastor that he didn’t show Lucifer except for that night when he was able to get a glimpse behind the curtains.

Except that was absurd and Lucifer removed the very idea of that from his mind. Alastor may have been tainted by the sin Lucifer had released, but he was not soaked in it like Lucifer. Lillith always had to remind him that he had more sin than anyone could, he didn’t know that would happen, but it was what happened. Now he has to learn how to live as the Father of Sins.

-

The more lunches the two have together the harder Lucifer has to work to play dumb. He almost wonders how no one has caught Alastor at this point. Although, if he was to be honest, if they were in Hell Alastor would be bullied for how mundane he was. Lucifer’s Cannibal Town had quite a few sinners in the street, he wondered if maybe one day Lucifer would want to visit it with him.

At first it was just the stories not lining up. Alastor forgetting the lies he had told prior. Which friends he ran into. why he was so tired.

Then it got sloppier. More details revealed about the victims, that matched the news reports. Then asking for clothes to be mended that got ripped or stained during “food” prep.

Lucifer actually felt better with Alastor now that he knew he wasn’t the only one who has killed. As an angel, being are more than the phsyical, to put it simply the physical is also occupied wit the energy and lifeforce of the being, the energy and lifeforce create the soul. Each soul produce energy, and Lucifer began to get used to Alastor’s. It usually manifested as the smell of leather and thyme. A deep scent that lingered even when Alastor left. That was when Lucifer noticed that every so often Alastor would follow him home. He never got more than 2 houses from Lucifer’s home, but he was still able to sense the human being near. Once Lucifer got in and locked the door, Alastor’s lingering energy would begin to dissipate.

-

When Lucifer landed in Hell it was not what it is today. It was not a society with a ruler. It was a mess of wars. Everyone was fighting, everyone was starving, everyone was dying.

So when the archangel crash down he became the target of each and every tribe. He was seen as the tribes ways of showcasing their strength over Heaven who had left them there, no one could have known the true extent of his power. His wings burned bright in a constant fire. Even getting to close to him meant being blind.

They attacked with weapons, all sorts and yet it didn't matter, Lucifer was more than a physical form, he was a being of creation connected to the threads. Their attempts were nothing to him, but that didn’t mean the slight was taken lightly. At first when he killed, he would bring the victim to his chest as a form of a demented hug burning them to death with their own hellfire as the they screamed and burnt at Lucifer’s touch. But he didn’t let go. He yearned for any resemblance to his late wife and hated everyone for just not being her.

He knew he was to be to separated from her. Heaven had demanded that she be left on Earth to walk alone, while Lucifer suffered alone in the depths of Hell. For creation to exist it need balance, so the negative of the angels’ perfect world were cast deep below, hidden. This is where Lucifer would belong now. Forever apart from his beloved.

Eventually the holy essence was entirely burned away, leaving his body in a strange since of limbo where is not quite the same as the hellborns or humans, but he wasn’t a holy angel anymore. He was something different. He was Fallen. His wings were left stain with blood. The beautiful pure white he used to have permanently destroyed. Then Lucifer wreaked real destruction, each community was level. No one stood, and with each kill Lucifer would call out to heaven through the dead Link, begging for Lillith, begging for death, promising destruction. No one stood a chance against the fallen angel.

That was until one day, the rage began to give way to despair. Lucifer looked around and all his saw was the ground stained with blood and the few who remained were hesitantly offering gifts hoping to please Lucifer enough to earn their life. Lucifer never spoke a word, and that didn’t change, but for once he didn’t take any gifts, or any lives. He turned and walked away. Not wanting to be seen, ashamed that he didn’t regret any of it. He knew he should, but it wasn’t his fault, Heaven did this to him, to them. He wanted his wife back, he wanted everything to be different.

‘Are you calm now, brother?’ Michael stupid fucking voice sound in Lucifer’s mind and immediately hellfire relit under his skin, and burning him with rage and murderous intent.

‘Michael, you decide to answer now.’ Lucifer snarled. Made sense now why Lucifer knew it wasn’t his fault, ‘you planned it all didn’t you? Why else would you have told me about Lillith in the first place.’ Lucifer laughed madly, seeing how all the pieces fell together keeping Michael's hands clean and culling hell’s population in one careful move.

-

Lucifer was just wanting to be alone with God. He prayed on his balcony watch the skys of heaven. Michael joined Lucifer on the balcony of their home. , “I know you aren’t satisfied with where we have taken creation, but I promise you Lucifer, we can not allow the good and bad to intermingle, It will only make it all evil, evil corrupts the good.”

Lucifer stayed silent.

“That being said there’s something I thought you might like to know.” Michael left the taunt hanging and Lucifer, always needing to know, did respond this time.

“And what would that be?”

“Lillith, she has not chosen Adam, she decided to go against his wishes.” Michael smiled, “I told you you didn’t need to worry about free will, the humans will be able to be happy.”

Lucifer did smiled a little, but he was turned towards the sky so he didn’t think Michael would see it. That night Lucifer met Lillith for the first time.

-

Lucifer has been surfaced for six months when he received his first correspondence from Lillith. It was simple and on his own stationary but signed with her name. Lillith was ruling in his place as queen of Hell, although their relationship has been in a rough patch since they had a disagreement on Charlie’s way of being raised. And many more things before that. The two had gotten to excited on a night they had finally gotten along and decided to try for a child. Their happiness only last a month that time, but Lucifer was pregnant for six.

When Charlie was born Lillith wanted her to be raised in hell with the other hellborn and the Ars Goetia and other children, but Lucifer didn’t want her to. He never said it out loud, but he wanted Charlie to have a chance to be accepted back to heaven. She was part angel, so he though they may allow her to pass through their gates if she grows up to be Good.

He, at least, got to get away from their constant fights this way.

Dearest husband,

Things are going well, but they would go better if you were at my side. The Pride Ring is running rampant, but the other rings are settled nicely.

Come home soon,

Your wife Lillith