Chapter Text
Lucifer nudged his teenage daughter as he pulled off the freeway. She pulled out one earbud.
“We’re almost to our new home,” he announced with a huge grin and a wave of his hand.
She looked at him with a worried expression. “When is mom supposed to join us?”
Lucifer’s hands clutched the steering wheel tighter but his smile didn't falter. “We haven't hung out for a long time. She just wants us to have some bonding time. She also has a lot of things to deal with before she can come.”
Charlie gave him a small smile.
“Wow! Look at all those trees!” She exclaimed and took her phone out to take pictures.
Lucifer allowed his smile to falter as she turned away. He felt guilty for lying but he just found out the truth himself.
Lilith wasn't going to join them. She got back together with Adam instead. She had been the only person he trusted and she betrayed him. No, that wasn't true. He trusted Charlie. His sweet patient baby.
She hadn't protested moving and had even tried to be excited about it. Charlie knew Lucifer had been run out of town for a horrible decision he made. He really shouldn't have run for Mayor in a big city. He couldn't regret his decision though, he wouldn't have met Lilith otherwise.
What Charlie didn't know was that they had already gotten divorced. It was only supposed to be temporary. Lilith suggested it so she could stay in the political game until she tied up some loose ends.
Lucifer had left shortly after to let things calm down and to set up their new home in Louisiana. He returned to pick up Charlie and check on how things were progressing.
As soon as he reunited with Lilith, she told him that she was leaving him and getting back with Adam. She explained that she tricked him for an easy divorce but that he shouldn't be too upset as she allowed him to have most of their shared assets. She offered him more to simply take Charlie and leave without making a scene.
He didn't take the money but he did leave without saying a word.
He wasn't sure how to break the news to Charlie yet. He wanted her to settle in first so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. He knew there would never be a good time but he was going to try for the least damaging.
He pulled up to a two story building.
“We’re here!” he announced loudly and splayed both arms as upward as he could in the car.
“We're going to live in a toy store?” Charlie jumped out and ran up to the window to peer in. “It's like a dream.”
“Close,” Lucifer laughed as he opened the door and let her in. “We’ll live upstairs but this is our toy store. I made everything here.”
“You can make toys?” She hugged a bunch of plushies. “They're so cute.”
“It has always been my dream to run a toy store,” he locked the door behind them. “Take whatever you want, I can always make another. Try not to take all the plushies.”
“I'll pick my favorites,” she put them back down and stared at them in concentration.
“You can always come back for them,” he chuckled and picked three up.
“I'll make you the rest later,” he promised as he passed them to her. He didn't really expect to get much business so he could make them during work. “Let's go upstairs.”
He led her up the staircase in the back and opened the door to their new home. The second floor consisted of the living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen. The living room was the biggest of the three. Lucifer planned to spend a lot of time with Charlie there. He wanted to make up for the time he already missed.
He led her up to the third floor.
“This is your room,” he grinned, excitedly.
“Oh my Gosh,” her eyes and smile widened. “There's so many shelves and it's a loft! There's even shelves on the staircase!”
“It also comes with its own bathroom and walk-in closet,” he opened the walk-in closet and on the other side was the bathroom.
Charlie squealed as she ran through the closet. “This room is perfect.”
“Anything for my baby,” he followed her into the closet and pushed up on his tiptoes to kiss her cheek.
“What does your room look like?” She asked full of eagerness as she raced out the door to the other side.
He laughed as he followed her to his room.
“Yours has a loft too!” She said with elation.
“Where do you think you got your good taste?” He smiled at her. “It's bigger but it's basically the same as your room.”
“This house is straight out of my dreams,” she hugged him and was practically vibrating with excitement. “I can't wait to decorate my room.”
“We’ll have time for that tomorrow,” he rustled her hair. He practically had to fully extend his arm to reach the top of her head. “Let's find a place to eat and maybe a grocery store after.”
“Can I pick the place?” She opened her phone and started searching.
“Anything for you,” he responded happily.
///
“That diner was good,” Charlie rubbed her belly. “I shouldn’t have gone for dessert.”
Lucifer chuckled as he fiddled with the radio. “Did you see that radio advertisement in the grocery store? What was the station?”
“Hmm, the radio demon one?” Charlie hummed then gave him her guess.
Her guess wasn’t right but it was close. He found the right station after a few more tries then pulled out of the parking space.
“We are coming to the end of our broadcast, listeners,” the host announced in a smooth voice that had a crackle of radio static. Lucifer’s ears perked up in delight. “As always, I will send you off with something interesting to consider. I have stated this a few times but for those of you just tuning in. There is a new toy store opening up on main street.”
Charlie leaned forward excitedly and patted Lucifer’s arm a few times. “That’s us! Did you pay for this?”
“No, I didn’t,” he turned up the volume with a huge grin. “That’s so awesome.”
“I’ve been waiting little more than a year to see what was being constructed and I was delighted to find out it was a toy store. Last week I peeked inside and it was a wonderment. I don’t want to spoil it for you listeners,” the host chuckled. “I walked by each day, waiting to see when it would open and I am happy to announce that it will be opening on Monday. I will definitely be in attendance. I hope to see all you there as well. And with that, my dear listeners, I will bid you goodnight and remember, you’re never fully dressed without a smile.”
“Darn, I wish I didn’t have to go to school tomorrow,” Charlie grumbled with a pout. “I want to meet everyone. Do you really think the radio demon will come? I want his autograph!”
“Well if he shows up before you get home, I’ll ask for it,” he offered.
“No, it’s not the same,” she sighed. “Make a good impression so he’ll come back.”
He laughed. “I’ll try, sweetie.”
///
“Dad, that’s enough pictures,” Charlie complained but still posed in front of the bus sign.
“Sorry,” He smiled. “It’s been so long since I was here for the first day of school.”
“You’re just as bad as mom,” she rolled her eyes.
“Lilith hates taking pictures,” Lucifer laughed. “She only did that because I begged her to. I always wished I could take them myself.”
“Ok, one more,” Charlie leaned her back against the bus sign pole and lifted her foot to place the sole against the pole as well. She crossed her arms and adorned a suave expression.
Lucifer giggled and copied her pose so they were back to back. His arm wasn’t long enough so Charlie took the phone and took a few pictures.
“Send me the best one,” Charlie demanded. “Oh the bus! I’ll see you after school.”
“Have a good day. Make lots of friends,” Lucifer hugged her and a few tears escaped his eyes. “Ah, sorry. Be safe.”
“Dad, stop,” she blinked rapidly, tears forming in her eyes. “You're going to make me cry.”
She waved at him before getting on the bus. He waved until the bus was out of sight. He took a deep breath and then headed back home. He had to prepare for opening day.
He checked all the shelves to make sure everything was in place. Once he was done, he opened the door. He was surprised by how many people were waiting for him to open. He had always been a socialite so he felt at ease chatting with everyone as he showed off his hard work. It was relaxing to talk with such nice people. He was used to people trying to use his own words against him. These people wanted to get to know him and have a real conversation. It was refreshing.
Once the store died down a bit, he sat behind the counter and started sewing some new plushies. He was going to need to make a lot to start replacing what he already sold.
He greeted the next two people who entered. A mother with her daughter. They looked around the shop and the little girl picked up various toys. Her mother kept taking them away and putting them back on the shelves. He heard the mother whispering that the toys were too expensive.
He got off the chair and motioned for the child to come over. He kneeled down to talk to her.
“What's your favorite toy here?” he asked her.
“I like the penguin,” she pointed to the small stuffed penguin. “The green one.”
He stood then walked over to the penguin shelf. The child followed. He picked up the green penguin and knelt down to the child’s level. The mother hovered nearby but simply watched.
“This little fellow says he wants to go home with you,” he held the toy out to her. “I can’t deny such an earnest request. Can you please take care of her for me?”
“I’ll make sure she smiles everyday,” the little girl hugged the penguin tightly. “I’ll take care of her forever.”
“Then she’s all yours,” Lucifer stood with a wide grin. “Free of charge.”
“Why don’t you thank the nice man?” her mother smiled at him.
“Thank you,” she grinned, showing off all her teeth.
“Do you mind if I take a picture?” he asked. “I wanted to start a picture board of happy customers and your smile is so bright, it’ll be the perfect first picture.”
“Yeah!” the little girl shouted.
Lucifer went back behind the counter and pulled out a polaroid camera. He took her picture and showed it to her after it developed.
“It's a great picture,” he said. “Are you ok with it?”
She nodded eagerly and the mother began to usher her out of the shop.
“Thank you again,” the mother said before they left.
“Always happy to cause a smile,” he waved them out.
“I concur.”
Lucifer jumped at the voice. He hadn’t noticed anyone else enter. He turned and saw red.
Red hair. Red suit. Even red shoes. The man was impeccably dressed if it were the 1920s. The look really suited him. His huge grin was a bit off putting though.
“Good afternoon,” the stranger held out his hand. “My name is Alastor Hartfelt.”
“Nice to meet you,” he shook his hand. “I’m Lucifer Magne. Welcome to Toyhaven.”
“It certainly looks that way,” Alastor started browsing the shelves, moving swiftly and silently. “Did you make all these yourself?”
“I did,” he replied proudly. “Those doll houses took me a few years. I don’t think anyone would buy them but they make great decorations.”
Alastor’s deer ears twitched with excitement as he beelined for the doll houses that line one shelf.
“Such fine craftsmanship,” he ran one clawed finger along the wooden frame. “Your attention to detail is astounding.”
“I took a lot of woodworking classes,” Lucifer chuckled. “And I have the scars to prove it.”
“Then prove it,” Alastor spun around and got uncomfortably close to him. Their noses almost touched.
“Um sure,” Lucifer took a step back out of reflex. He slid off one white glove and presented his gray hand.
Alastor gently held his wrist between his index finger and thumb as he examined his scarred hand.
“Simply impressive,” he released Lucifer with a pleased hum.
Lucifer replaced his white glove but remained silent. He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. He decided to change the subject as Alastor while Alastor examined the small rubber ducks.
“Uh if, ah, I repair damaged toys too,” Lucifer finally spat out. “If you split a seam or your child learns how to use scissors, I can repair that if you bring me all the pieces.”
“What if I purchase a toy and rip it apart in front of you,” Alastor chuckled and stood in Lucifer’s personal space again to stare down at him.
“Well, I um,” Lucifer wasn’t usually so flustered but this man was making him more uncomfortable by the minute. “It would likely look like a zombie by the end of it. I’ve made zombie animal plushies before so if that’s what you want, I can take a request. I think I have a picture on my phone.”
He walked to the back counter to retrieve his phone and put some distance between them. When he turned around he almost collided with Alastor. Since Alastor was taller, Lucifer was staring straight at his chest. He looked up at a huge grin. Though he was smiling, Lucifer couldn’t tell if he was actually happy or not. He couldn’t tell what this man was thinking at all.
Lucifer opened his phone and quickly located the picture.
“Here,” he held the phone up. “I made a whole set.”
“What happened to them?” Alastor asked as he peered at the picture.
“I made them for a friend,” Lucifer lowered the phone. “She likes stuff like that.”
“Lovely,” Alastor placed a toy on the counter behind Lucifer, giving him only one escape. “Just this for today. I'll have to come back with my son later. His boyfriend loves dolls.”
Lucifer slid along the counter away from him. He felt relieved when the counter was between them.
“Oh, you have a son?” Lucifer asked as he rang up the deer doll. “How old is he?”
“He’ll turn 18 this year,” Alastor paid. “Keep the change.”
“Alright, thank you,” Lucifer gave him a charming smile. “You know, my daughter is the same age. Maybe they can be friends.”
Lucifer leaned his arms on top of the counter. He should really kick himself. Why would he suggest that to such an off-putting guy? He could only imagine what his son would be like. Lucifer just got too excited to talk about his princess.
“Oh that would be lovely,” Alastor picked up the toy and held it against his chest. “I'll definitely come by after school with him sometime.”
“Great,” Lucifer’s genuine smile morphed into a strained one. “I hope you have a great day.”
“I will,” Alastor chuckled as he turned and walked away. He looked back one final time with his huge off-putting grin. “Oh, just some friendly advice. People have been going missing lately, so be careful going about at night.”
As the door closed Lucifer let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That was the creepiest person he had ever met. What was with the smile and the lack of personal space? That “advice” at the end sent shivers down his spine. He wouldn't have been surprised if Alastor was the kidnapper.
Though what he said was concerning. It wouldn't hurt to have someone look into it. He sent off a quick text to start an investigation. He held his phone for a few more minutes before deciding to hire a bodyguard for Charlie. He sent a second text with his request and payment amount. That should take care of that.
The rest of his shift was uneventful. Charlie came home and went straight upstairs to do homework. After a few more hours, he closed for the evening and locked up before heading upstairs.
Charlie was in the living room, watching TV.
“I'm going to get started on dinner,” he called to her as he went to the kitchen.
He pulled out a quick dinner box and read the instructions. It should only take 30 minutes and the ingredients were simple. Milk in his dinner was a little odd but he wasn't going to argue with instructions.
He chopped up some broccoli just so that it would have some sort of nutrients. He threw everything in the pan as instructed and waited. It didn't look too bad when it was done.
“Dad, I appreciate dinner but we’re not going to eat this every night, right?” Charlie asked as she ate.
“Of course not,” he chuckled. “As you know, your mother was more of a cook and I just wanted to make something quick and edible today. I plan to hire someone to cook and clean. I just need to find someone trustworthy.
“We don't need to hire someone for that,” Charlie said with surprise. “I can cook and clean.”
“Charlie, your job is to be a good student and have fun,” he tickled her side lightly.
“Dad stop,” she laughed and gently swatted him.
“You have the rest of your life to do mundane chores,” he smiled. “Maybe they can teach you how to cook. I know, I can't.”
“I do know how to cook,” she responded with a head shake. “I just don't think you need to waste money on that. You just bought a new house and started a business. I heard that new businesses don't even make money for at least the first five years.”
“That depends on a lot of things but it is a good estimate,” he shrugged. “Honey, we’re not hurting for money. Just let me worry about our finances. You can trust me.”
“Alright dad,” she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.
“And don't hold back if you need or want anything,” he pointed his fork at her. “I'll tell you when it's too much.”
She giggled. “I'll keep that in mind.”
They ate in silence for a bit.
“Did that radio host ever show up?” She asked. “The Radio Demon?”
“Hm, you know, I’m not sure,” Lucifer responded. “He didn't make himself known at least.”
“Oh darn,” she sighed. “Maybe that’s why he does radio. So no one will see him.”
Lucifer asked her about school after that. If she made any friends. How good the food was or if she should take lunch instead. Charlie was positive about the whole experience and she was even able to make some friends. Lucifer was excited about their new life together.
///
The next few days were uneventful. They were just settling into their new environment. They finished unpacking completely. Lucifer’s room was half empty and so was the closet. Seeing it made him feel hollow inside.
The kidnapper investigation wasn’t turning up any answers but there was definitely something going on. He asked Charlie not to go out too much or if she stayed after school to make sure she stuck by groups. Once the bodyguard was here, he would let up on her.
Charlie brought company when she came home on Friday.
“Dad, these are my friends,” she excitedly announced. “Husker and Angel Dust.”
“Hey,” Husker greeted with a half-hearted raise of his hand. He was looking around the store but he seemed disinterested. He was a gray cat with mostly red wings.
“Charlie, your dad is hot,” Angel Dust looked him up and down. His fur was a light pink color and he had two sets of arms.
“Angel,” Charlie hissed through gritted teeth.
“Hah,” Lucifer laughed and scratched his head awkwardly. “That's not your real name, right?”
“Nope,” Angel leaned his crossed arms on the counter. Exposing his cleavage.
“Do you do drugs?” He asked bluntly.
Angel laughed so hard he had to stand back up, all four arms clutched his stomach. He was easily the tallest in the room.
“No sir,” he snorted. “Just a funny nickname.”
“It's a really funny story,” Charlie began ushering her friends to the stairs. “We're gonna go upstairs now.”
“Just the three of you?” Lucifer questioned. “Maybe you should just stay down here.”
“We have a lot of studying to do,” she gave him a strained smile. “Like a study group. You told me to stay in groups. I'm just trying to listen.”
“Oh, alright,” he sighed. “But stay in the living room.”
“Got it, dad,” she said quickly and they disappeared up the stairs.
Lucifer didn't want to leave his daughter alone with two boys. Especially one named after a drug. But he trusted Charlie so he let it go.
He picked up a box from the counter and started restocking. He wasn't making enough toys to replace what he sold but the weekend should allow him to catch up. He hadn’t expected his business to go so well. It was starting to feel a bit overwhelming.
He carefully climbed up a step ladder to reach the higher shelves.
“Good evening,” a voice said directly behind him.
Lucifer jumped and lost his grip on the box. He was able to steady it with his other hand but he slipped off the ladder in the process.
He clutched the box to his chest and tensed his body as he fell. He slowly opened his lids and was met with big red eyes and an even bigger smile.
“Apologies, I didn't mean to startle you,” Alastor chuckled. He held Lucifer bridal style. “Are you hurt?”
“N-no, I'm fine,” Lucifer blushed. He couldn't remember the last time anyone held him.
“Excellent,” Alastor carried him over to the counter. “I'd be so distraught if I hurt my new friend.”
Lucifer shivered at his words. That smile seemed more menacing than friendly.
“You know, I can walk,” Lucifer hinted.
“I'm well aware,” Alastor responded as one of his ears lowered slightly. Did his smile soften?
Lucifer was at a loss for words again. Alastor was the only person he had met that was able to render him speechless.
He wondered if this is how Alastor kidnapped people. Acted polite, made things awkward and then just carted people away.
Alastor gently set him on the counter and lifted his leg. One hand was under his knee while the other held his ankle.
“Oh um,” Lucifer braced his free hand on the counter behind him to steady himself.
Alastor pulled up his pant leg to examine his ankle. Moving it this way and that to check his mobility. Then moved to the other leg.
Lucifer blushed as he enjoyed the sensation on his skin. He must have really been touch starved if he liked a creepy stranger touching him.
“Thank you,” Lucifer stared at the box on his lap.
Alastor didn't move away, staying in front of Lucifer.
“I should finish stocking these,” Lucifer stated. He couldn't hop down with Alastor in the way.
“Don't you want to rest a bit more?” Alastor leaned in closer until their noses were almost touching again.
“I think I'm fine,” Lucifer leaned back. “Once I'm done, I was going to close for the day anyway."
“Very well,” Alastor grabbed the box and set it to the side.
Lucifer jolted and gasped when Alastor grabbed him around his hips. He pulled Lucifer forward and slowly lowered him until his feet touched the ground. Alastor tilted his head slightly and squinted his eyes down at him.
“Thank you,” Lucifer was quick to grab his box so he could walk away. His stomach doing somersaults from the contact.
Alastor followed closely behind him.
“Do you recall our previous conversation regarding our children?” Alastor questioned.
“About them being friends?” Lucifer asked as he climbed the step ladder again. “Did you bring him today?”
Lucifer glanced around the store but it was just the two of them.
“He's already upstairs with your daughter,” Alastor reached up and grabbed his waist. His hands were large enough to encircle his entire waist. “Wouldn't want you to fall again.”
Lucifer felt his face heat up and began stocking the shelves faster than before. Alastor used his thumbs to rub circles on his lower back. The pleasant tingles running up his spine were making it difficult to think.
Alastor’s kid was already upstairs. Did that mean he sent his child upstairs already? Neither Husk nor Angel Dust looked anything like Alastor but it could be one of them. Just because Charlie was practically his spitting image didn’t mean all kids resemble their parents.
“Ah~,” Lucifer let out a small surprised moan. Alastor had pressed his thumbs up Lucifer’s spine on the small of his back.
“Apologies,” Alastor sounded amused. “I just noticed that you carry all your tension in your lower back.”
Lucifer turned his head just enough to look at Alastor’s expression. Wide eyes and grin. His ears stood straight up. That could mean anything.
He turned back to what he was doing. What kind of creep just started massaging someone? And what kind of weirdo would just let him without saying anything? But he was a customer and he had to be nice to him. But this was going to get out of hand, he should set boundaries. How does one set boundaries politely? Lucifer had never set boundaries before. Well he did, once upon a time, when he was large and in charge and did whatever he wanted. But he was a dick then. He didn't want to be like that now. He wanted to be a nice person this time.
Lucifer’s mind was anxious but his body was excited for more. The two emotions battled against each other but there was no clear winner in the end. Lucifer decided to remain silent. He hated that the real reason he didn't set boundaries was because he enjoyed the sensation. Even if Alastor did it again, he wouldn't protest.
Lilith had never liked casual touch, especially in public. He never did anything she didn't like. Once she voiced her displeasure he got rid of it. Whether it was food, outfits, or even furniture. It could have been anything. He just wanted to make her happy. Like his father did for his mother.
He paused that line of thought as he ran out of toys. He stepped down the ladder with Alastor’s help. Lucifer moved away and separated them.
“So um, which one is yours?” He tossed the box behind the counter and grabbed his keys. “Husker or Angel Dust?”
“Husker,” he waited at the counter as Lucifer went to lock the door. “Though I might as well have adopted Angel too.”
Lucifer locked the door then headed back to the counter.
“He looks like a good kid,” Lucifer said when he was closer. “You're welcome to stay for dinner.”
He could kick himself for his automatic responses.
“Hmm, that sounds lovely,” Alastor responded with an even wider smile. “What’s on the menu for tonight?”
Shit, he hadn't planned for so many people. There definitely wasn't enough food in his fridge for that.
“I was thinking of ordering pizza,” he answered. That should be easy for teenagers.
“I know just the place,” Alastor pulled out a flip phone.
Where the hell do you even get a flip phone nowadays?
While Lucifer was staring at him in disbelief, Alastor was already talking to someone and ordering on his behalf.
“Charlie likes vegetarian pizza,” he stated quickly.
Alastor winked and ordered it.
“Just put it on my tab,” Alastor stated as he hung up.
“Oh, I can get you back,” Lucifer opened the door to the stairs and gestured for Alastor to go first.
Alastor squeezed his shoulder before passing him. “Nonsense, let me treat my new friend.”
He ascended the stairs while Lucifer stood there for a moment. That was the second time Alastor had called him a friend. He didn't understand why Alastor was being so kind to him one moment then really off putting the next. He felt like the other man was messing with him or maybe trying to gain his favor in a really weird way.
Lucifer sighed as he locked the door behind him. He followed Alastor up the stairs and into the living room. There were papers and books spread all over the living room floor. He was a little surprised they were still doing homework.
“Oh dad,” Charlie looked up with relief. “Can you please help me with this problem?”
“Sure sweetie,” he carefully walked over and knelt down.
Oh math, he thought.
“Pass me your book?” He reached out.
She handed him the book. “It's on the right page.”
He read through the page and looked at the examples. He looked at the other problems on the homework then read through a few more pages.
“Hm, so you want to start with this method,” he pointed it out in the book. “Then when you have it simplified you want to use the other method.” He flipped the pages to show her the right spot.
“Oooooh,” Charlie’s eyes were wide with realization. “I think I have to redo some of these problems.”
“Only a few of them,” he grabbed her pencil and circled the problems she got wrong. “Anything else you need help with.”
“No, we were just struggling with math,” Charlie shook her head.
“Wait,” Angel crawled up to Lucifer and sat down. “I need you to explain that again. And maybe reteach me the whole chapter.”
Lucifer adjusted himself in a sitting position and took the pencil and paper from Angel. He grabbed a nearby binder to write on. He explained each problem to Angel and showed him in the book how to solve it. Then slowly demonstrated how to solve the first problem and handed the work back.
“Now you,” Lucifer said.
Angel looked at the second problem.
“I'm just not getting any of this,” his shoulder slumped. He sounded frustrated and tired.
“Word problems are tricky,” Lucifer stated. “Just read the question at the end then read the problem. Circle all the numbers in the problem. Then see what numbers you can plug into the formula. Write everything out.”
“Oh,” Angel did as he was told. “That… makes it easier. Husk, look at this, I solved it!”
“Good job,” Husk smiled and ran his hand through Angel’s hair. “Now show me that again.”
“Ok,” Angel grinned and started explaining it.
Charlie squeezed Lucifer’s forearm with a smile. He stood from the group and headed for the kitchen.
“Anyone want anything to drink?” He called.
He heard a chorus of nos.
“I'd appreciate some tea,” Alastor followed him.
“All I have is chamomile,” he pulled out a teapot and filled it with water.
“Do you use tea bags?” Alastor asked.
“Yep,” he turned on the electric stove to boil the water. Lucifer opened a cupboard and pulled out two mugs. He opened a drawer to grab the box of tea bags.
“Do you want honey?” He turned around to look at Alastor.
Alastor was glaring at the box of tea bags, though he was still smiling, he looked irritated.
“Is something wrong?” Lucifer asked him and looked at the tea box. It wasn't expired.
“No,” Alaster’s smile twitched.
Clearly something was wrong but Lucifer wasn't sure what. Or maybe nothing was wrong and he was imagining it.
He pulled out the plastic honey bottle and Lucifer thought he heard something snap. He turned but Alastor looked the same.
“Do you want sugar?” Lucifer asked.
“I'll make do with the honey,” Alastor responded, his smile seemed strained.
The doorbell rang and Alastor left to get it.
Lucifer finished making their tea as Alastor returned with the pizza. The kids ran into the kitchen to grab their slices.
“I didn't put any honey in it,” Lucifer handed him the mug and honey.
Husk looked at the mug and honey with a chuckle.
The mug had a rubber duck on it and it did look funny in Alastor’s hands.
Lucifer chuckled too. Mostly just copying Husk.
“Thank you,” Alastor squirted some honey in his tea and stirred it. He took a tentative sip. “Delicious.”
Lucifer practically downed the whole cup. “That's good. I'm not much of a tea person but it's supposed to help me sleep.”
He dumped the mug in the sink and got some water.
“We're gonna eat in the living room,” Charlie stated and they all practically fled out.
Lucifer got two plates and sat at the table. He allowed Alastor to grab his slices first. He removed his gloves and shoved them into his pocket. Alastor glanced at his gray hands before turning back to his task.
Lucifer had never been particular about his food so he just grabbed two pieces from the closest one. It looked like it was the vegetarian pizza.He took a bite but it just tasted like pizza. He could tell the quality was better than a chain. He basically scarfed down his food just to get it over with. He found eating bothersome.
Alastor folded his pizza in half to eat it. He was also still wearing his gloves. Lucifer inwardly grimaced as he thought about wearing greasy gloves.
“I'm going to see if the kids need drinks,” Lucifer picked up his plate and deposited it in the sink. He could do dishes later.
Lucifer paused before entering the living room when he heard laughter. It was nice that they were getting along. Though he felt uncomfortable around Alastor, he could suffer for his daughter.
“Did you see his face when Lucifer handed him the honey?” Angel wheezed. “I can't believe Alastor drank it.”
Lucifer’s smile faded. What was wrong with the tea?
“Was something wrong with it?” Charlie asked. “Alastor smiled and said it was delicious.”
He was glad he wasn't the only one at a loss. Alastor seemed to like it.
“That was fucking surreal,” Husk laughed. “The boss smiles no matter what but I'm surprised he didn't “change his mind” about wanting tea.”
“Or just tell him it was garbage,” Angel supplied. “He's not shy about insulting someone.”
“How would he know it was bad before drinking it?” Charlie defended him. “Maybe you're overreacting.”
He smiled, he was overwhelmingly happy that Charlie was on his side. It almost brought a tear to his eye.
“The boss is picky about his tea,” Husk responded. “For one, he doesn't use tea bags.”
“He also measures the temperature of the water,” Angel stated. “He swears that different teas need different temperatures.”
“He does like honey but he's never used a squeeze bottle,” Husk was laughing again. “I bet he hated it.”
So Alastor pretended to like his tea. He wondered what else he was pretending. HE seemed like a good liar.
Lucifer wondered if Lilith had been pretending too. Their marriage had been perfect, why did she leave him? The only thing she said about it was that he wasn't the man she fell in love with. He hadn't changed. He was the same person. What happened in the year he was gone? No, she said that tricked him into a divorce. It was something that happened while they were still together.
The kids began talking about something else so he entered the living room with a shaky smile.
“Do you guys need drinks or anything?” He asked.
They all shook their heads.
“Thanks anyway, dad,” Charlie called after him.
He didn't head back to the kitchen. Instead he went upstairs and into his bathroom. He grabbed his sleeping pills from the medicine cabinet. He took two. He was determined to sleep after everyone was gone.
He didn't want to stay up another night wondering why Lilith left him. He certainly didn't want to call and text her like the previous nights. She didn't respond to them anyway.
He looked at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were baggy but he didn't look terrible.
How was he supposed to explain everything to Charlie? When Lilith had originally told him, he’d felt too hollow to even think about it. The more he thought, the more certain he was that he wanted Lilith next to him while they told her.
He didn't want Charlie to blame Lilith but since he didn't know why she left him, he wouldn't be able to explain it properly to her. It would just seem like he was blaming her and he wasn't. He knew that he messed up, he just wasn't sure how. He had a hard time forming real connections.
Lucifer went back downstairs. Everyone was in the living room. It looked like Alastor was about to take his kids home.
“There you are, dad,” Charlie said. “I was just about to look for you.”
“Sorry, I just had to do something upstairs really fast,” he plastered a smile on his face. “Thank you for your company and dinner.”
“You're very welcome,” Alastor responded. “I hope you don't mind but we're taking some of it with us."
“That's fine,” he waved his hand in dismissal. “We probably couldn't eat it all.”
Alastor walked right into Lucifer’s personal space. He had to crane his neck to look up at his big grin. Lucifer felt a hand gently run through his hair. He blushed and resisted the urge to lean into the touch.
“There was a bit of dust in your hair,” Alastor looked down at him. “Until next time.”
He stepped away and followed his kid out the door.
“Yeah, see you later!” Lucifer said, slightly too loud.
“Goodnight dad,” Charlie kissed him on the cheek and went upstairs.
Lucifer realized he still had to lock the outside door and followed after them. When the staircase split in two, instead of going straight down to the toy store, he went left, to the side entrance.
A shadow caused him to back pedal and trip on a step. He landed on the corner of the staircase. Alastor stood above him menacingly with a terrifying grin.
This was how I'm going to die, Lucifer thought, frozen with fear.
“Apologies for startling you again,” Alastor held out a hand. “I was hoping to catch you alone though.”
Lucifer grabbed it with his own shaky hand and he was pulled up in a standing position.
“N-no,” he said too quickly and breathy. His heart felt like it wanted to jump out of his chest.
He took a moment to steady his breath.
“I mean, it's ok,” Lucifer tried for a smile. “I guess, I'm a bit jumpy.”
Lucifer was finally the same height as Alastor with the two step difference.
“What did you need?” He asked to change the subject. “I just came down here to lock up.”
“I wanted to apologize about what Husk said about your tea,” Alastor had the smallest grin he could possibly make and still be grinning. His ears stood straight up but his eyes shone with sincerity. Or it could be a trick.
“Tea? What did he say?” Lucifer said nervously. He lifted his hands up like he was holding a box. He wasn't even sure what he was doing with them so he crossed them awkwardly.
“Lucifer, we both heard what they said through the kitchen door,” Alastor lifted one brow and tilted his head.
Lucifer grimaced.
“You could hear that?” He said so quietly, he wasn't sure Alastor heard.
“Not at first,” he admitted. “But after I saw you freeze at the door. I moved closer to listen in.”
Lucifer moved his hand up to cover his own mouth. He wasn’t sure what expression he was making but he didn't want it to be seen.
“It wasn't terrible,” Alastor ascended a step and was looking down at him. “But there is a proper way to brew tea. I want to invite you over to see. How about Sunday? You can even bring Charlie.”
“Ah uh um,” Lucifer couldn't form words so he just nodded.
“Excellent,” Alastor beamed at him. “I'll have Husk straighten out the details with Charlie. Goodnight.”
Alastor turned and descended the steps. He gave one last backwards glance before he closed the door behind him.
As soon as the door closed, Lucifer took a deep breath. Sunday was going to be hell.