Chapter Text
“Lucifer, it’s rather childish of you to hide from everyone like this,” Alastor scolded as he looked around the bedroom. “Charlotte worked very hard on this little soiree for you. You don’t want to disappoint her, do you?” He was met with silence, which made him sigh. “Lu, come out here this instant.” He perked up when he saw movement under the blankets on the bed. He pulled the blankets back and raised an eyebrow when he saw a white snake slithering against the sheets. “Honestly, Lu. Is this any way for the King of Hell to behave?” Lucifer hissed at him before trying to slither under the pillows. Alastor grabbed the pillow and threw them to the floor.
“I’m not going,” Lucifer’s voice echoed in his head as he slithered over the sheets to try and escape. Alastor picked him up, making him coil around his wrist.
“Yes, you are,” the Radio Demon said firmly. “If I have to drag you down there like this, I will.” Lucifer hissed again and tried to bite his hand. Alastor held his head firmly between his thumb and index finger. “Do not test me, Lucifer.”
“You’re such a meanie,” Lucifer complained. Alastor patted his head softly to reassure him. “She didn’t have to invite everyone, did she?” He was unbearably nervous. He hadn’t seen anybody outside of the hotel in ages. Naturally, he didn’t want to have to explain why he’d vanished at one point. And he didn’t want to talk about Lilith, but he was sure that there would be questions about her as well.
“Lu, she wanted to celebrate you,” Alastor reminded. “It’s Father’s Day, after all.” Lucifer hung his head slightly as his tongue darted out. “Come, my darling. You can stay like this if you truly wish it, but you’re not missing this. I won’t have it.” Lucifer uncoiled himself and slithered up Alastor’s arm to rest on his shoulder, curling around his neck slightly as he nuzzled his head against his jaw. Alastor chuckled and left the room, smoothing his jacket against his body before he headed downstairs. The hotel parlor was decorated beautifully for Father’s Day in white and gold. Several hotel guests were attending, as well as very notable members of Hell, including all of the overlords.
“Alastor!” Charlie waved excitedly before she ran over to the Radio Demon. She perked up a little and looked around him. “Where’s Dad?” Alastor gestured to the snake on his shoulder. “Aw, Dad, are you being shy?” Lucifer hid his head under Alastor’s collar. Charlie giggled at that.
“He’ll be in good hands,” Alastor reassured. “Has anybody been asking for him?”
“Plenty of people,” Charlie admitted. “I think most of them just want to give him some well wishes. Oh!” She perked up and looked around before pointing towards where Rosie was standing and chatting with some of the guests. “But Rosie was asking for you, Alastor.” He nodded and made his way over to Rosie.
“Rosie, it’s an absolute delight to see you here,” Alastor greeted cheerfully.
“Alastor, there you are!” Rosie hummed as she took a sip of her drink. “I was worried you’d try to avoid the party, but here you are!” She noticed the snake on his shoulder. “Well, I see you’ve picked up a little friend.”
“The guest of honor,” Alastor clarified. “He’s just a bit shy this evening. But I’m sure he’ll perk up shortly. Lucifer, say hello to Rosie, would you?” Lucifer’s tongue darted out a couple of times before he simply rested on Alastor’s shoulder.
“I see that you’re still taking care of him like always,” Rosie mused. “I suppose those were wedding bells I heard on my way over?” Alastor chuckled pleasantly, choosing not to respond as he narrowed his eyes a little. “You know, I could pull a few strings to dissolve that little thing he had before if you were to propose. After all, I’m pretty versed in the affairs of the heart.” Rosie took another drink as she laughed.
“A lovely offer, Rosie,” Alastor admitted. “But we’ll have to pass.” He gave her a small nod before moving through the other guests to look around a little.
“I didn’t know she could dissolve a marriage,” Lucifer pointed out. “Do you think we could?”
“Lu, you told me that you never saw yourself marrying another creature no matter what happened or how you felt,” Alastor let out a breath as he nodded to people that he passed by. “If you’ve changed your mind, we should have a proper discussion about it in private. Which won’t be until much later.” He stopped when Vox stepped in front of him with a smirk. “Of course, you’d accept the invitation, wouldn’t you?”
“I wouldn’t dream of missing this little shindig,” Vox said happily. “I’ve missed you too, Al.” Alastor rolled his eyes. “And where is the man of the hour? I was hoping to have a word with him about something.”
“Is it an apology for putting me in a stupid box, glass thing?” Lucifer hissed to show his distaste. Alastor couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
“Ah, you’ve gotten a little…pet,” Vox noticed. “I suppose it’s a little cute. I’ve never been one for snakes myself, but to each his own.” He moved to pat Lucifer on the head. Lucifer hissed again and tried to strike him, baring his fangs. “Fiesty little guy.”
“Good boy,” Alastor patted Lucifer on the head softly. “Vox, I would suggest you avoid crossing my path again. I’m afraid that both I and my dear pet are quite sore about our recent tiff.” He moved past Vox and hummed to himself. “Lu, shall we get a drink? I let Charlie use some of my cider for some special cocktails just for you.” Lucifer perked up, tongue darting against Alastor’s cheek as if he were trying to kiss him. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He made his way to the bar and waved to Husk, ordering one of the special drinks that was just for this party. Husk sighed as he mixed up the drink quietly.
“What’s with him?” Lucifer questioned.
“Is someone feeling a bit lonely?” Alastor tilted his head.
“Fuck off,” Husk snapped. “I’m in no mood for your shit, Alastor.”
“Now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings,” Alastor patted his chest a little as he sighed. “I try to engage in conversation, and you hurl harsh words at me like I’m a dog. It’s so unbecoming.” Husk looked at him with clear annoyance as he slid his drink over to him. Alastor took a small sip of the drink, humming at the blend of spiced cider mixing with the burn of the alcohol and a hint of vanilla. Lucifer leaned over, darting his tongue before he dunked part of his head into the glass and sucked up some of the liquid. He pulled back as his jaw dripped slightly.
“Wow, that’s for me?” Lucifer let out a gentle, curious huff of air.
“Okay, what is this?” Husk asked as he looked at the snake curiously. “You ain’t the type to have a pet.”
“I’m full of surprises,” Alastor shrugged innocently. “And this little darling is a lovely companion.” He used his claw to lovingly stroke Lucifer’s jaw. He swore that Lucifer smiled at him. He chuckled gently. “Husker, my dear friend, I would suggest you make one of those vulgar little cocktails for the next person to come over here. Believe me, it will be just what they want.” He took the glass with him as he walked away from the bar. He spotted Angel Dust standing by Valentino, keeping to himself. He caught the spider’s attention and gave a slight nod towards the bar before he went to sit down on one of the couches.
“You’re a sweetheart,” Lucifer teased.
“I won’t have it be said that I don’t wish them well,” Alastor admitted as he took a drink. “Finding someone you truly connect with in this place is rare. And if it ends poorly, I will get some mild entertainment out of it.” He held the glass up for Lucifer to dip his head in for another small drink. Lucifer pulled back and slithered into Alastor’s hair without warning, settling around his ears.
“You’re comfy,” the snake admitted.
“You’re pushing it,” Alastor pointed out. “But I suppose it’s your special day. I’ll allow it for now.” He sighed heavily when Vox came over and sat beside him. Vox tilted his head when he saw the snake was now in Alastor’s hair.
“Wow, you must love that thing,” Vox noticed.
“What do you want?” Alastor asked as he looked at the guests that were around.
“I know you’ve gotten close with Lucifer, or at least that’s what the rumors say,” Vox admitted. “Could you just put in a good word for me?”
“Mm, no,” Alastor reached up to gently pet Lucifer’s body. “Anything else?”
“Al, come on,” Vox insisted. “So, I tried to kill you and take over Heaven. It’s all in the past, you know. I think we should bury the hatchet. And I’d like to extend the same courtesy to Lucifer.” He reached over to put his hand on Alastor’s shoulder. Lucifer perked up and hissed at him harshly before shaking his tail threateningly.
“Now, now,” Alastor cooed. “Be nice. He’s a guest this evening.”
“Ha, well, can’t say it’s not protective,” Vox said, chuckling nervously. “You know, I think that Lucifer would love to hear what I have to say. I think we could really be good friends.”
“He traps me in a giant cannon,” Lucifer began. “Insults me, my wife, and my daughter. Damn near kills my daughter and everyone else with that stupid cannon. And he thinks we can be friends? Alastor, you said he wasn’t bright, but I think broken lightbulbs have a better chance than him.”
“Lu,” Alastor scolded as he stifled a laugh. Vox perked up at that and eyed the snake again. “He was a gift, so naturally, I chose to name him after dear Lucifer.”
“I see,” Vox nodded.
“He bought that? Alastor, they have a saying on Earth about how TV rots the mind,” Lucifer explained. “I think his is rotted away.” Alastor opted to take a drink as he laughed softly.
“What is so funny?” Vox asked curiously.
“Nothing that concerns you,” Alastor reassured. “Why don’t you go and mingle with your lovely friends, hm? I’m sure they aren’t still mad at you for your behavior towards me.” Vox rubbed the back of his neck. Truth be told, he was a bit stiff because it was a new body. And he was a bit nervous to be around Valentino alone still.
“I’ll just go get a fresh drink,” Vox decided. “But then you have to hear me out. I have many ideas for how to move forward in the future.” Alastor watched him leave and swirled the drink in his glass.
“Lu, have you had your fill of the party?” the Radio Demon asked. “I can go tell Charlie that you need to rest.”
“No, I’ll stay for a little bit with you,” Lucifer decided. “We could at least finish this drink before we run off.”
Lucifer slowly slithered off Alastor’s arm and onto the bed before he shifted into his normal appearance. He hiccupped softly, blushing a little as he looked at Alastor.
“You hardly had anything,” the Radio Demon hummed as he laid on the bed next to him. “At least I had two drinks. You barely drank half of one.”
“Do you have any idea how hard it is to drink when you’re a snake?” Lucifer pointed out. “And for you to be drunk off two glasses is surprising.” Alastor waved his hand a little. The drinks had been quite strong, and neither of them could figure out exactly what type of alcohol had been used. Perhaps it was a blend of several. Either way, they were both rather tipsy.
“You did a very good job tonight,” Alastor praised.
“And you took such good care of me,” Lucifer said as he petted Alastor’s ears. Alastor would normally push him away, but he didn’t this time. It felt good to be petted. He let out a static purr and pushed into Lucifer’s fingers.
“Come here,” the fallen angel encouraged. He pulled Alastor up and climbed onto his lap before he petted his ears more. Alastor buried his face against Lucifer’s chest with a blissful breath.
“Mm, that feels so nice, Lu,” Alastor admitted. He rested his hands on Lucifer’s lower back and closed his eyes as he relaxed. Lucifer kissed the top of Alastor’s head as he caressed his ears, the fur tickling his fingers. “I suppose you want your gift.”
“You got me a present?” Lucifer tilted his head. “What is it? Where’d you hide it?” Alastor snapped his fingers, making a gift box appear on the bed that was wrapped in gold paper with a little black bow on it. Lucifer gave him another kiss on the top of the head before he reached over and picked up the box, staying on Alastor’s lap. He undid the bow and tore into the wrapping before pulling the lid off the box. He perked up and pulled out what looked like a yellow blanket. He set the box aside and unfolded the blanket to find that it had a duck hood on it. He let out a noise and wrapped the blanket around himself, putting the hood on his head. He moved off Alastor’s lap to look at himself in the mirror, hugged himself in the warmth of the blanket.
“Don’t ever accuse me of not listening when you talk about things you want,” Alastor teased as he admired Lucifer.
“Oh, I love it!” Lucifer said happily. “It’s just what I asked for! I can’t believe you remembered! I only talked about this once before, and that was months ago!” Alastor chuckled at how excited the fallen angel was. Lucifer did a small spin before he fell on the bed with a laugh. “Thank you, Alastor. You really are a sweetheart.”
“Happy Father’s Day, Luci,” Alastor leaned over and pecked his cheek before pulling him close and hugged him. He never got to truly enjoy the holiday until now. He was able to spoil Lucifer, and he could admit that he thought he was quite a wonderful parent to Charlie. Lucifer adjusted a bit to hug Alastor back, wrapping him in the blanket a little. It was so cozy.
“Love you,” Lucifer cooed.
“I love you, Lu,” Alastor replied. He gently kissed Lucifer’s lips, letting out a curious noise when he was pushed back. “You don’t want the other gift?”
“You’re too drunk,” Lucifer teased. “I can’t take advantage of such a vulnerable demon.”
“Oh, what nonsense,” Alastor scoffed. “I’m hardly drunk compared to some of the other people around here.” He pecked Lucifer’s lips. “I’m downright sober if you think about it.” Lucifer laughed at that. “I suppose you’re a bit tipsy, though.”
“I am not,” Lucifer insisted before he hiccupped suddenly. He let out a shy chuckle. “Can it wait until morning?”
“Your gift can wait as long as you’d like,” Alastor reassured. He hummed as Lucifer curled up against his chest, nuzzling into him with a happy noise. Alastor buried his face in Lucifer’s hair, taking in the comforting scent that put his entire body at ease.