Chapter Text
“You smug prick,” Lucifer pointed a finger at Alastor, reaching the lower part of his chest. Anger boiled in his blood just from having to look up at the bastard. “Who do you think you are ?!”
“Why, the Radio Demon of course !” Alastor remained with that plastered smile. However, there was a twinge of rage behind his eyes, as if trying to spontaneously combust the man in front of him. He plucked the finger on his chest off of himself, “Must I repeat myself again ?”
Lucifer grumbled in frustration, fists clenched, “You're lucky my daughter likes you.”
An audible record scratch emanated from Alastor's being, a slight green glow bubbling around him. “And you're lucky you're her father.”
A flash of rage overwhelmed Lucifer, but before he could act, a certain, sweet voice rang through the hotel. “Dad !”
“Yes darling ?” The king quickly turned to her, demeanor flashing back to his usual smile, though a hint of anger showing through.
“Oh, hey Alastor !” Charlie waved to the radio demon, who kept up his typical smile. “Dad, can you come with me for a moment ?”
“Oh— uh— of course, Charlie !” Lucifer moved to follow her, turning back to glare at Alastor one last time before entering Charlie's room.
He observed the princess-like bed, softly smiling That's my daughter alright.
“So, Dad,” She pulled him further into the room, as if to prevent Alastor from eavesdropping. “I was thinking, we haven't gotten to spend much time together the last few years,” Charlie stumbled a bit on her words, nervousness evident. “I was wondering if you'd want to .. spend some more time with me at the hotel ?” She gave a hopeful smile.
My daughter … wants me to stay ? The angel could barely contain his excitement, “Of course !” He rushed up to hug her, “I'd be absolutely delighted to stay with you, Charlie !” He squeezed her tight.
Maybe a bit too tight, “Dad, you're crushing me !” She choked out, to which he quickly let go.
“Sorry, sorry,” He could barely hold back his grin, “Just– got excited.”
“I'm so glad you'll be staying !” She shook her hands excitedly, “I have the perfect room for you !” She grabbed his hand again, dragging him back out quickly and up the stairs of the hotel. “C'mon c'mon c'mon !”
“Woah !” The angel was whisked up flights of stairs faster than he could count.
Finally, they stopped, Charlie opening her arms dramatically as emphasis, “Welcome to your room !” She opened the door excitedly to reveal a somewhat large, yet slightly rundown bedroom.
“Eugh… it's uh.” He hesitated, observing the cobwebs and barely-still-together bed. “It's definitely … something !” He walked in a little further, observing the rest of the room. “Let me just…” With a flick of his finger, the room sparkled with new decor and furnishing. The bed was a royal purple, with red drapes to go with it. The carpet shimmered, now replaced with a black finish.
Charlie sighed, as though expecting that reaction. “Why don't you get settled in, I need to work on tomorrow's activities !” She smiled, gave a quick wave, then ran back down the stairs.
“Ha, she hasn't changed …” Lucifer smiled to himself. He sighed, falling back on the new bed, eyes trained on the ceiling. He raised a hand up, observing the ring still on his finger. A twinge of pain coursed through him, memories of his wife flashing in his mind. He soaked in this anguish … that is, until he heard the tune of a radio playing from the room over. His eyes narrowed as he came to the realization. “Oh you have got to be kidding me.”
He stood up and banged on the wall the noise came from, and shouted “Mind turning it down, ya’ overgrown radio ?”
The tune only got louder.
“You mother- ugh !” He stomped his foot, banging his fist on the wall. He turned back to the bed, falling face first into it, pulling his hat over his ears, trying to drown out the sound.
As if the demon knew, the radio got louder.
“Ugh !” Lucifer threw his fists down, hat folding back up. He mumbled, “Mother fucking- fuck,” he opened the door, slamming it shut behind him. He turned to the source of the sound, loudly banging on the door.
Alastor gently opened the door, “Something bothering you ?” He had that same, annoying grin plastered on his face.
“What is your deal ?!” Lucifer pushed Alastor further into his room, following him inside.
“My deal,” Alastor backed away from the angel, “Is Charlie. Simple as that !”
If Lucifer could, he would have punched the smile right off the bastard's face. “Then why are you such an asshole ?!” He moved his arms in frustration, “If you care so much about MY daughter, why fight with me ?!”
“Why, entertainment, of course !” Alastor's grin grew a little wider, “It's why I'm here, after all !”
The angel couldn't help the anger bubbling in his chest, “Is everything a game to you ?!”
Alastor observed his hand, as if it were more interesting than the king of Hell. “Game, show, whatever word you prefer.” He carried a smugness to his voice that Lucifer couldn't stand. He knew the angel couldn't do anything, but then again, neither could Alastor.
“Now, pardon my language,” Lucifer spoke sarcastically, “But fuck you.” Is what the angel said instead. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him as the radio turned up louder.
He entered his room again, and with a snap the room was coated in a soundproof material. The radio tune quickly became nothing more than a muffled hum of the walls. He let out a deep sigh, “Much better.”
He fell back onto his bed, frowning. Why does he bother me so much ? was the first thought to come to mind. He's just trying to get on my nerves. I can't let him win.
All that anger spent his energy, causing him to fall asleep as he ruminated.
He woke to a knock on his door, Charlie peeking her head in already. “Dad ?”
Lucifer shot up at the sound of his daughter's voice, “Huh ? Yeah ?” His hat had fallen off, and his hair was a mess.
“It's dinner time ! If you want to come eat with me ?” She spoke a bit more confidently than the first time, door opening a little further.
“Oh !” The Angel grabbed his hat, standing up in a flash. He adjusted the hat onto his head, “Of course, dear !”
“Really ?!” Charlie began to get excited before relaxing herself, “I mean, thank you, Dad !” She waved, closing the door behind her.
Lucifer smiled softly as she left. I don't deserve her.
The angel moved to leave, but just as he opened his door he noticed Alastor leave his own room as well.
Both glared at each other before leaving for their respective outings.
They both followed each other down the stairs, Alastor moving a bit faster than Lucifer, almost as if to spite him. After what felt like too long of them racing each other down the stairs, they reached the bottom floor, both moving to enter the dining hall of the hotel.
“Dad ! Alastor !” Charlie waved to them both, “Come sit !” Vaggie stood close behind, watching them like a hawk.
Both looked surprised, expecting the dinner to be between solely them and Charlie alone. They then looked at each other, staring daggers into the other.
They both took their respective seats, sitting on opposite sides of the round table from each other, Charlie in between them. “Thank you both for coming…” She trailed off, pulling up a poster board, “To today's lesson !”
“What ?” Lucifer asked, Alastor simply staring in anticipation.
“Ehem,” Charlie continued, “We are here to discuss the topic of: getting along !” She had a grin across her face, a sort of certainty Lucifer had never seen.
“Woah woah woah,” Lucifer stopped her, “Nuhuh, no way, I am NOT attending a redemption lesson with the overgrown radio.”
“I unfortunately have to agree,” Alastor spoke more properly.
Charlie giggled, “See ! You two already agree on something !”
The two looked at her, slightly dumbfounded. Does she really think this will work ?
“To start the real lesson,” Charlie turned back to her prim and proper persona, “We must begin with sharing feelings. Who wants to go first !”
After a long silence, Lucifer raised his hand, sighing, “I'll go and get it over with.” He didn't want to disappoint his daughter, but he sure as hell didn't want to talk about his feelings towards the radio demon either.
“Alastor, can I call you Al ?” A record scratch played from him, signaling a ‘no’. “You are a massive thorn in my side. You purposefully tick me off for no apparent reason, and I would rather fly back to heaven myself than sit here with you.”
Another long silence lingered, tension thick.
“.. Good .. job Dad !” Her frown quickly twisted back to a smile, “Thank you for being honest. Alastor ?”
The radio demon simply stared at him, then back at her.
“Alastor.” Charlie spoke more seriously, trying to nudge him.
The radio demon let out a deep breath, grumbling, “Fine.” He replied, annoyed. “... Lucifer,” Alastor gritted his teeth, “You are … a pain.”
“... That's it ?” Lucifer accused, “At least my confessional was more than 4 words.” He crossed his arms bitterly.
“Thank you … Alastor …” Charlie sighed, mumbling, “This is not going how I hoped …” She leaned her head into her palms for a moment before an idea sparked in her mind, “Oh ! I know ! Why don't you two name one positive thing about each other !” She gleamed, and Lucifer couldn't help the way his heart swelled at the sight of her. Even if it meant spending time with his enemy, he was happy to be with her. “Dad, why don't you go first !”
“.. Do I have to ?” He questioned, only to be hit with a death glare from Vaggie. “... Fine.” The angel took a deep breath, finally saying, “Al,” Alastor tilted his neck at the nickname, “You have earned my daughters trust and respect, despite your overlord status.” He felt like his mouth was on fire just speaking positively of him, “If nothing else .. I commend you for that.” He mumbled.
Charlie gave an overjoyed look, fists trembling in excitement. She then turned to Alastor, who remained silent except for the occasional radio static garble.
“Alastor come on,” She whispered through her teeth, “He said something nice. It's your turn.” Her smile had turned to a frown, and Lucifer couldn't help the annoyance he felt at the radio demon.
“If I must,” Alastor finally said, as if preparing himself, only to say, “You are … average sized.”
Silence fell over the trio once again.
“.. Are you fuckin’ serious ?” Lucifer started, “Pardon my language, but I actually put effort into mine, and you fuckin’ insult me ?!” Lucifer pushed his chair away from the table, standing up to leave, “I'm done with this.”
“Dad, wait !” Charlie tried to grab him, “I'm sure we can try again ! Or–”
Lucifer gave a sorrowful look, “I'm sorry Charlie, I just .. I can't deal with him right now.”
“Running away are we ?” Alastor commented, “Just as I'd expect.” His smile changed to a more smug look.
“What was that ?” Lucifer threatened, moving closer to him.
“After all,” Alastor started, standing to tower over the angel, “It's why you and the head lady are separated now, isn't it ?” he laughed, glaring at him.
Something in Lucifer broke at that comment. “You …” Instead of annoyance, anger, or even rage, all he felt was sorrow. A longing for his family opened like a well in his chest, and he couldn’t help the tears that edged his eyes. “You don't …”
Beside him, his daughter's anger boiled. Her horns were now visible, “Alastor !” she yelled in exasperation. “You have no right to say that to him !”
Vaggie put a hand on her shoulder, calming her just a little. “Alastor, that was too far.” She spoke in an aggressive tone.
“What ?” Alastor kept his smile, “It's the simple truth, darlings.” Alastor moved closer to Charlie, “You must know what I mean, right Charlie ?” He bent down to be at her eye level.
“Fuck off, Alastor !” Charlie proclaimed, “You don't get to speak about my parents that way !” Her hair flowed behind her, rage evident.
Alastor's eye twitched, plan clearly backfiring on him. He sighed, “Fair enough !” There was a twinge of annoyance behind it that Lucifer reveled in.
“You ok, Dad ?” Charlie moved to comfort him, hair falling back to its usual style, horns disappearing.
He wiped the few tears left on his face, sorrow morphing to bitterness. “I'm fine.” He stated bluntly, trying to spite the radio demon. “Don't bother with him, Charlie.” Lucifer grabbed his cane that was leaning on the table with one hand and tilted his hat back into position with the other, “There's no getting through to him.”
“Clearly …” Charlie grumbled. “I mean– thank you, dad. For trying.” She smiled sweetly to him, Lucifer's heart melting a little at the sight. I love her.
“Anything for you, dear.” He smiled back, giving her a quick squeeze of a hug. “Now, I appreciate you trying to help, but maybe give your old man a heads up next time ?” He nudged her with his elbow.
Charlie giggled at his playfulness, “Will do, dad.”
And with that, the angel whisked himself away, landing back in his room in the hotel. “Ughhhh,” was the only sound to leave his mouth. What is that overgrown radio's deal ?! He slid his back down the side of his bed, sitting on the floor. Part of him couldn't help but wonder, Was he right ?
He curled up his knees to his chin, arms rested on them. He buried his face into his arms, feeling that well open back up like a floodgate. A pit sank in his stomach like a rock, dragging down his emotions with it. As much as he loved his daughter, he couldn’t help but wonder if she even wanted him there.
No, I can't leave. He told himself, That would prove him right. He clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming concoction of rage and sorrow all at once. Instead of crying, though, he simply sat in his feelings. He couldn’t release them, no matter how desperately he wanted to.
“Uh, sir ?” Vaggie opened the door, “Mr. Morningstar ?” He almost didn't notice her come in from the loudness of his own mind.
“Oh — Maggie ! Hi !” He shot up from his seat on the ground, fake smile plastered over his face.
“... It's Vaggie” She corrected, to which the angel blushed in embarrassment.
“Vaggie ! I knew that !” He lied, “Haha, what uh, what do you need ?” His eyes strained a little from the heaviness of his chest.
“Sorry for barging in, I tried calling for you…” She spoke nervously.
“Wow ! I didn't … didn't hear you !” He had a nervous demeanor, hands shaking ever so slightly.
“I need to talk to you about something.” She slid past him into the room, sitting on his bed. “You're an angel, so … I figured you might know.”
Lucifer choked at the comment, “OH– What uh, what do you need to know ?” He stammered, moving to be closer to her.
“Here it goes…” She took a deep, shaky breath, preparing herself, “I'm a past exterminator angel.”
Lucifer coughed, double the shock hitting him, “WOAHO, OK !” He stumbled from the shock as he moved, “I was not expecting that !” He swung his cane around, walking around the bed. “Why exactly are you telling me this ?”
“... I haven't told Charlie.” Vaggie confessed. “How can I ? She'll be so angry …” Her arms moved with her as she spoke.
“Eugh ….” The fallen angel pondered for a moment, “Charlie's an accepting person,” He started, “I mean, hell, she's running a rehabilitation hotel to REDEEM sinners.” He pointed out, pausing to look directly at the other angel. “What makes you think you're different ?”
“... I may have been telling her I was a sinner.” Vaggie added. “For 3 years.”
Lucifer's eyes widened, “OH- shit !” He had to admit, that was something he hadn't expected. “You really fucked up didn't you ?”
Vaggie's heart visibly sank.
“Fuck- sorry. I just … I ‘dunno. I think you should tell her, obviously,” His face morphed to be a bit more menacing, “You better.” He reverted back to his normal demeanor, pacing the room, “But I don't know how. Just… the sooner, the better.” He sighed, “I can't imagine how she'd feel if she found out from someone else.”
“I will,” Vaggie spoke more confidently, though he couldn't tell if there was a feature of fear to her words. “Thank you, sir.”
“Any time, Maggie- er, Vaggie !” He offered a hand to help her stand.
She took it, snickering at the slip up. “I'll try to tell her tonight.”
He pulled her up, “Good.”
“Oh come on,” Lucifer rolled his eyes, “You really think that looks good ?” Lucifer motioned to the bar, green and blue clashing heavily with the otherwise red hotel.
A glitch effect came from Alastor's body. “I think it fits,” He waved his fingers, “After all, what's a hotel without a place to relax ?” His grin pulled open a little wider.
“You really think a bar fits in a rehab hotel ?” Lucifer pointed out, arms opening to point towards the bar. “No heavenly angel would be happy about this.” He crossed his arms, “Hell knows I'm not.”
“Well,” The radio demon began, “It's a good thing we aren't in heaven !” He patted the top of the angel's hat like one would pat a dog, leaving Lucifer to grumble before straightening his hat.
“I'll say ..” The angel remarked.
“What was that ?” The demon bent down to Lucifer's height, grin plastered across his face.
“I said I'm glad you're not in heaven, radio brain.” He took a step back, “You need your ears fixed ?” Lucifer glared.
“Haha !” The radio demon chuckled sarcastically, glaring back. “At least one of us chose to be here.”
The angel's face turned red, and he had to resist the urge to lunge at the demon in front of him. “What was that ?” He growled.
“Oh, nothing.” The demon spoke casually, leaning against his cane.
“No, say that again.” The angel got up to the demon's face, “I dare you, bitch.”
The radio demon stared at the man in front of him, smirking wide.
That's when Charlie entered the lobby. “Dad !– Alastor ?” She glanced at the two, faces close but expressions deep with anger.
Lucifer froze for a moment, suddenly very aware how close the two were. He leaned away from the demon, “... Charlie !” He stepped towards her, “How are ya’, sweetie ?”
“I'm good …” Charlie trailed off before whispering, “Mind explaining what that was ?” She gestured to the two of them.
“They were about to kiss,” Angel Dust teased from the bar, to which the angel and demon immediately flushed with loathing.
“IGNORING that …” Lucifer started, “Just Alastor being Alastor…” The angel grumbled.
Charlie giggled, “Of course. Thank you,” She whispered, “For not killing him.”
The angel began to speak, “Oh, I wish–”
That is, before the radio demon manifested next to them, “And what might the two of you be talking about ?” His same smile remained stuck on his face.
“Nothing of your concern, overgrown radio.” Lucifer grumbled in annoyance.
“Oh, angel,” The demon started, an idea coming to mind as he spoke. He grabbed the tip of the angel's hat, shaking it a little to mess up Lucifer's hair, “You're so cute when you're mad.”
The whole room went silent for a minute, Lucifer choking on his own breath. Charlie coughed in surprise, and Angel Dust spit out his drink. The angel spoke, shocked, “Excuse me ?!?”
The radio demon smiled wider, “You heard me, angel.”
“Wha … ?” Before Lucifer could get anything else out, the radio demon walked away, a satisfied sort of grin on his face.
As soon as the demon was gone, Angel Dust busted out laughing. Husk could be seen holding in his own chuckle, and Charlie remained with her jaw gaping at what she'd witnessed.
“The fuck ?!” Lucifer practically yelled, face red from a mix of confusion, anger, and another emotion he dare not name. “Did he just — ?”
“He did !” Angel Dust continued to laugh.
“Nothing in hell could have prepared me for that,” Charlie finally spoke.
“Me either,” Lucifer spoke almost in awe at the audacity. “He has to be fucking with me.”
Angel raised an eyebrow suggestively, to which Lucifer added, “Not like that.”
“Well, I can't imagine he meant that,” Charlie added, “So most likely, yeah.” She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. “ANYway, dad, can you come with me ?” Charlie grabbed her father's hand.
“Oh ! Of course sw-AH—” Before he knew it, he was being dragged up the stairs and whisked away up to Charlie's room.
“So !” Charlie started, one hand placed on a corkboard on her wall. “I was thinking we could have an educational day !” She pointed at the different, colorful images covering the wall.
“What are those ?” Lucifer raised an eyebrow, confused.
“Well,” Charlie pulled out her notecards, “They're the flags for sexualities ! Angel and his friend Cherri Bomb helped me figure out which went to what,” She remarked, “They were a HUGE help. I want you to present it with me !”
Lucifer held a hand up to his chin, “Why exactly do we need to teach this ?”
“Because, dad !” She proclaimed, “I'm pretty sure half the people in this hotel don't even know what the words mean, I know I didn't. It'll help them discover themselves !”
“And what exactly do you .. identify with ?” Lucifer pointed to his daughter, “You like girls, right ?”
“And boys !” Charlie corrected, “I like them both ! That has a label known as bisexual !” She pointed to the pink, purple, and blue flag on the wall.
“Bisexual, huh ?” Lucifer pondered for a moment, “Seems fitting for me, too.” He observed the different flags, reading the little descriptions attached under them. “And this one,” He pointed at a green, white, and grey flag. He began to read allowed, “Aromantic: little to no romantic attraction.” His finger guided his eyes as he read. “.. Can I be both aromantic and bisexual ?”
“Yep !” Charlie smiled, “Cherri explained that to me, too !”
“Interesting,” Lucifer backed away from the corkboard, hand remaining on his chin. “Alright, I'll help.”
“Thank you !” She rushed up to hug him, squeezing him tightly.
Lucifer struggled a little to speak from how tight he was being held, “Any time, sweetie.”