Chapter Text
“Now, now Charlie. There is hardly any need to be so worked up over this.” Alastor said, that condescending tone of his bleeding into his words.
Charlie huffed at him, “Thats easy for you to say Alastor! You don’t know our relationship…” Self-consciously, she hugged her arms around herself, Vaggie coming over to soothe her, rubbing her back in slow circles. “It’s just been so long since we, I don’t know, met like this. Really talked about anything actually important. I don’t know…”
Over on the couch, Angel sat with his legs sprawled across the whole damn thing, Husk leaning his back against it, head pitched back in a long sip from a green bottle of booze. Angel tilted his head in an anxious Charlie's direction, “HA! Char’s daddy issues might actually be worse than mine!”
Husk lowered the bottle momentarily to land an elbow on the back of Angel's head. “Shut up Legs, she’s right there.” He gestured in Charlie's direction where she was way too lost in her worries to notice either of the boys. Husk lowered his hand, a quiet mumble of, “nevermind” sneaking out before he took another sip.
Angel lazily let his head loll back to look up at Husk, “Got it, don’t talk about other peoples daddy issues. Instead we can talk about the daddy himself!” He announced like he’d just figured out something big, winking seductively up at his drunk friend. “What do you think he’s like Huskie? Tall? Dark? Sexy ?”
With a gruff voice that sounded even more annoyed than usual, he responded, “I don’t like to make a habit of imagining bigshot Kings as sexy. And neither should you, really.”
“Oh c’mon! If I’m not imagining Kings as sexy, who am I spose’d to imagine?”
Husk didn’t respond, instead opting to walk back over to the bar and wipe it down. If the King of Hell was going to be making an appearance, he should really present his station as at least a little bit tidy… right? Clean splintered wood would make a better first impression than dirty splintered wood.
Meanwhile, Charlie had begun pacing, Vaggie trying her best to keep step with her so she could continue those circles she’d been rubbing into her back, but Charlie was quite the speedpacer. It didn't take long for Vaggie to come to a halt and settle for watching Charlie wear a path into the carpet. Still, she tried to offer some gentle coaxing, “Just take a deep breath, Honey.”
“Oh, and around when should we be expecting his regal presence?” Alastor abruptly querried. It was slight, but there appeared to be a shift in his demeanor. He disguised it well, and perhaps no one but the roaches raised high in the air on the end of the chef's knife Nifty held could see it. Nonetheless, something along the lines of apprehension lingered in the too tight pull of his smile.
Charlie began to pull her phone out of her pocket to check the time. “He said an hour, I think, so…” Clicking her phone on, her eyes sprung wide, “Shit! Okay, so, like any minute now he'll be here. Everyone just-” she cut herself off, frantically looking around at the bunch of sinners in front of her, “uh… look redeemable or something. The decor we put up,” she glanced over to the crappy banner hanging above the red table Sir Pentious was arranging, “that should maybe impress him.”
Vaggie gave her one last encouraging pat on the back. “You got this babe!”
Walking over to the door, Charlie gave a small pump of her fist in a silent, ‘I got this,’ back at her girlfriend. One more deep breath, and she swung it open.
“Charlie!” exclaimed a rather short, alabaster-skinned man, arms extended out nearly as wide as the grin he wore as he burst into the lobby.
For a moment, everything seemed to still. The sound of paper from the “it's a boy” banner crinkled under a very hardworking ac fan, and from over by the bar, you could hear the gentle thump of Husk finally setting down his bottle of booze. And then the moment came to an end with the man leaping forward at Charlie and enveloping her in the tightest of hugs. Curious, Alastor melted into shadow and reappeared next to her, inspecting this new peculiarity before him. He peered at the two, Charlie clearly being deprived of oxygen, the last of her reserves having left her body in an audible squeak ; meanwhile Lucifer, on the other hand, seemed overly excited for what should be considered a normal day for a father. Seeing one's daughter certainly can't be that crazy a turn. Alastor glared down at the man putting on such an over the top performance.
His grip seemed to loosen and Charlie, after taking a quick breath and revitalizing her poor lungs, squeezed out with a nervous grin, “it's good to see you too, dad.” So yes, everyone’s suspicions were right, but hearing it confirmed made it all the more fascinating. This was Lucifer, the King of Hell, once known as God's favorite. This short, pale, circus themed- and wait a second, did God forget to give his favorite child a nose - man was Lucifer. Realization dawned on Alastor that he'd been glaring like a petulant child at the duo and quickly reapplied his standard facade.
He watched as Charlie took a step back, extending her arms toward the red table ahead of them. “Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!” Everyone standing by the table smiled wide in the three’s direction. Nifty laid lounged across the table, with Husk, Angel, and Sir Pentious standing behind it. And then in front were the scattered egg boys. It was an odd sight, to say the least. What, with the chandelier above them hanging in a lopsided fashion and that uncomfortable smile stretching across Husk’s face. Simply put, it wasn't a scene one should dwell upon, and it appeared Keekee sensed that as she waltzed over.
Lucifer, ever the distractible man, bent down, eyes shining with excitement. “Oh hewwo Keekee!” He stood again, his two favorite dragons flying over to him. He extended an arm to meet each one independently. “Uh Razzle! Uh Dazzle!” He gleefully hummed, performing a small spin with the two dragons, who gazed upon him with endearingly blank faces. “Look how much you haven’t grown! Still fun-sized! Are you taking care of my little gworl?” His face suddenly darkened, voice lowering noticeably several octaves, “ You better be. ” And then just as quickly Lucifer brightened once again as he began walking towards the table of sinners. “Wow, this place sure looks, uh,” he paused to gaze around, clearly bumbling about for any compliment he could derive from the surroundings, before finally settling on, “it's got a lot of character!”
Charlie jumped in tandem with Lucifer when he turned to face the… oddly … decorated bar area of the lobby, startling himself with the sight and in turn startling her. Decorating something that’s supposed to be as welcoming as a concierge in such an eerie way was certain to ruffle someone’s feathers eventually after all. “Oh what in the unholy Hell is that?” Lucifer would quite possibly be the only expert in holy vs unholy Hells.
Alastor’s figure manifested beside Lucifer, shit-eating grin plastered across his face. “Why, just some of the renovations we had done. Adds a bit of color, don’t you think?” He turned to Lucifer, a challenge clear in his voice.
And though Lucifer did not agree whatsoever with the notion of those ghostly shades of blue and gray and bone adding color per say, he found himself much more concerned with whomever this sorry sap was to be challenging him. The one and only King of Hell, if it hasn’t quite been made clear. His face soured completely, non-existent nose scrunching with his distaste.
“And you are?”
Oh, if it wasn’t the Radio Demon’s favorite question. One he always found such immense joy in answering. Melting into shadow, he emerged behind Lucifer, grabbing the end of his cane the moment the shorter man turned to face him. “Alastor! Pleasure to be meeting you, quite a pleasure.” Upon letting go, he made a show of wiping his hand free of whatever could have been on the apple of that cane. “It's nice to finally put a face to the name. You are,” Alastor pinched his fingers together in front of the king, “much shorter in real life.”
“Who is this? Are you the bellhop?” His voice was dry, void of any of his previous energy, as he was still trying to figure out who this sinner was to be challenging him like this.
Alastor didn’t allow the comment to phase him. “Ha ha! Why, no, I am the host of the hotel! You might have heard of me from my radio broadcast.”
Lucifer inwardly chuckled. He knew he’d recognized that voice. The host of the hotel, huh? Did this man think that simply because he was a team member of his daughters hotel he could talk to him in such a disrespectful manner. And yet, despite that notion, the King didn’t assert himself as some authority that Alastor should not dare cross. Nope, not this King of Hell. Reducing himself to Alastor’s level of petty insults and underhanded barbs seemed to be the name of his game. “Nope! I guess that's why Charlie called it the Hazbin Hotel.” He said, elbowing Charlie playfully while laughing at his own joke.
Something in Alastor began to loosen, “Ha ha Ha, it was actually my idea.”
“Ha ha Ha ha, well it's not very clever.”
A bit looser, “HA HA!” He leaned in as close as he could without making contact, “Fuck you.”
Charlie didn’t miss a beat and immediately stepped between the two, separating them. “Okay! Anyway,” And she continued on. Something about showing off the roach filled parlor and explaining the plan for the hotel. Alastor, though, tuned it out. He was a bit too focused on mentally tightening whatever screw this king was knocking loose in his mind. It was rare for Alastor to snap at someone, especially so quickly and with such flareless vulgarity. But, the moment couldn’t be taken back, so he’d simply need to recover and move on. Find the upper hand again.
His attention tuned back as he sensed the conversation leading in his direction again. As as if on cue, “Without Alastor, we wouldn’t have been able to pretty it up this much.”
And Alastor, ever the asshole he was, stepped forward to fill his role, all elaborate hand gestures and showmanship turned up to a ten, “Charlie has a very unique vision! I am happy to fulfill her bizarre requests.” He placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.
Clearly moved, she thanked him, and Lucifer was no longer able to hide the rage this red radio dick made him feel. He looked at her so endearingly, so fatherly . And, to be crystal clear, Lucifer is her father. Yes, yes, he was there to change diapers and take the first day at The Demon Academy of Hell’s kindergarten photo (a photo, it should be noted, that has been kept in his wallet since the day he had it printed). He saw her emo phase, was there for her first breakup, and… well… he wasn’t there when her mom disappeared. But Lucifer certainly doesn’t want to dwell on that. It's a regret, of course, but he was still there before and he’s sure that counts for more than however long Alastor has been in the picture.
Lucifer growled akin to an angry chihuahua, but Alastor continued as if nothing were amiss, much to Lucifer’s dismay, “Quite the impressive young lady! We’re all very proud of her.” Lucifer felt ready to explode, to show this man the rage of the ruler of Hell. And yet, no matter how much he desired that, the way his daughter looked at Alastor held him back. There were already so many regrets he held, and if he got rid of this man she seemed to appreciate so much, it would surely become another.
Instead, he opted to redirect the conversation, “Ahem, Charlie! Why don’t you introduce me to some of your other friends.” And that she did. He got to meet everyone and did his damndest to ignore the staticky presence standing only a few feet away. He could see her dream, her vision as she spoke of the sinners and the hotel. And though Lucifer couldn’t say he quite understood, he wanted to help nonetheless. No one could offer his darling girl more than the big boss of hell himself, after all.
Using some of the magic at his disposal, he put on a very elaborate show of the world he could provide at her request. Money, renowned delicacies, pure angelic power, you name it! And all at the family rate of free. However, in the midst of his spiel, he was cut off by a rather consistently annoying presence. Taking his spotlight, dressing as a nun (okay not even Lucifer was mad at that little unholy number), calling Charlie the child that he wished he had! Okay, nope, this was simply too far for Lucifer. And perhaps some would call it a strange way to cope with his rage, but surely there are at least a few people, perhaps some in Georgia even, who would approve of his angry fiddle playing in response. The two battled on for a bit longer, before being cut off by a woman dressed prime for a speakeasy, though it's doubtful there are any of those in hell.
Greeting her warmly, Alastor and this woman, Mimzy as she calls herself, had their little reunion. Lucifer found himself growing excited at the notion this annoying man would finally find someone else to occupy him while he spent some very precious time with his daughter.
He was not so lucky. No, instead, Alastor kindly excused himself, “As much as I’d love to catch up, Charlie and I have a tour to continue.”
Lucifer started directing Charlie away with him, “I’m sure Charlie can handle showing me arou-”
“Nonsense!” Alastor announced, popping up in front of Lucifer's path, taking his own turn to guide Charlie in the opposite direction. “We started the hotel together, and we’ll show it off together. Right Charlie?”
She agreed.
If it was possible for a fallen angel to acquire frown lines, this experience alone would be providing Lucifer with plenty.
Disgruntledly, Lucifer followed his daughter and the host of the hotel up the stairs as they began showing the place off. As they walked down the hall on the first floor, Charlie explained, “So this is currently the floor most of our residents stay on. Well, besides Alastor, Vaggie, and myself. We stay on the top floors. Though, once we have the proof that redemption is possible, this whole hotel will be full of demons wanting to check out and into heaven! We just need a little more time to prove it.”
“Hey boss,” Husk called after Alastor. He slowed his pace and allowed himself to fall behind the group as he turned to talk to his favorite gambler.
“What is it?”
“You and I both know Mimzy only shows up when she needs something,” he said gesturing back to the lobby, “that bitch is trouble and who knows what kinda of demons she fucked with to come running to you this time.”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry Husker!” He shook him off, turning on his heel to catch back up with the Morningstar family. “Who in their right mind would cross me?”
“I mean,” Husk started, hesitating slightly, “you’ve been gone a while. And its not like anybody knows why-”
Alastor stopped him, “They don’t need to know. And don’t you worry your fuzzy head about it.” he spoke with that normal air of faux kindness he has while tousling the fur atop Husks head, but there was a warning there. It was a command disguised as a suggestion.
But Husk did not heed the warning, too annoyed by the condescension coming from his keeper. He growled out, “You may own my soul, but I aint your fucking pet.”
Alastor practically giggled, bending himself backwards in limbo award winning fashion, “But you are~” he sang, walking away again.
“Big talk for someone who’s also on a leash.”
Alastor froze as thoughts ran rampant through his mind. Things he didn’t want to think about. Not now, not ever if he could really help it. And though he very well knew he could not help it, that one forcing him to deal with those matters would not be his lowly subordinate. And not in a way where that same subordinate dared to compare them, as if they were the same. They were not, and Alastor refused to let Husk forget that for a second. Seeing as his old pal had, indeed, seemed to forget that, he would have to remedy it.
Alastor turned his head around only ever so slightly, “Haha, what did you say?”
Husk knew he’d stepped in it, backpedaling as fast as he could as he was dragged forward by a bright green chain. “N-Nothing! I, um-”
“If you ever say that again, I will tear your soul apart and broadcast your screams,” His body began to shift as limbs and antlers alike grew longer in unnatural ways, radio dial eyes glowing red, “for every other disrespectful wretch who dares to question me.”
Shaking, “Understood”
“Lovely.”
And just like that, Alastor quickly left Husk to quiver in fear as he caught up with the group.
He met up with the trio again on one of the balconies, right as Charlie was asking her father what he thought of the hotel. Lucifer gave her a less than ideal grin, clearly some feigned joy in it, “Oh yes, well it does look much better now. You know, but I’m thinking this railing could use a little work. One good push and,” He all but threw himself over, “you’d just go right over the edge! Whoopee! Bye-bye!” The part of Alastor hoping the King of Hell would make a total fool of himself and indeed tumble over the golden rail was quite let down when he, in fact, did not take that tumble.
Though, he was pleasantly surprised by the frustration in Charlie’s voice as she clarified, “No, no! The plan dad! What do you think about using the hotel to rehabilitate sinners?”
Alastor could see it, Lucifer knew what she meant from the get go, but he was avoiding the answer. And as he responded, Alastor understood why. He took a deep breath, “Alright, I mean, look, I love that you wanna see the best in people. But these sinners , you know, they’re just the worst. I don’t know how much you can realistically expect from them. And heaven,” something in his demeanor changed, and Alastor tuned into it as he watched Lucifer slump slightly over that ‘fragile rail’ as the King put it, “oh boy, heaven… is not exactly as carefree as you might think. Yeah, they have rules. Lots of rules! And they aren’t very open minded as you might hope.”
“These are our people, Dad, I have to try.” She said softly.
Lucifer deadpanned, “ Our people Charlie,” He tried to find the right way to put it before finally just spitting out, “are the worst! They were gifted free will and look at what they did with it! Everything’s terrible!”
Charlie opened her mouth to say something, but before she could carry on with her thought, the sound of glass breaking and shouting broke out. Something important was clearly going on towards the lobby. “Shit! Not now.” Charlie groaned.
Alastor, always one to take advantage of a good opportunity, stepped forward, placing that oh so supportive hand on her shoulder. “Allow me, my dear. You continue on with your conversation. “
“No, no, thank you Alastor, but I’d like to see if I can handle this first.” She said, before turning back to her father, “Dad, can you just… we’ll talk more after I settle this, okay?”
“Of course, Charlie. I… if there’s anything I can…” He stopped, too unsure of himself. He decided on a quick, “I look forward to it,” before she and Vaggie escorted themselves to whatever was causing the commotion.
Alastor watched with more interest than he’d care to admit as Lucifer let down whatever facade he had put up. His face fell slack, and he rested his head in his arms on that clearly not-so-fragile railing. He heaved a sigh as his mind raced to understand what the right thing for him to do right now was. He wanted so badly to help his darling daughter. She was such a precious girl, much too precious for the grim realities of hell and its people. These were sinners, and these sinners were here because of the choices Lucifer had made. Their deplorable actions caused inadvertently by his own.
But, as much as that guilt ate at him, millenia old decisions could not be undone. Hell was here, and Hell would continue to persist for however many millennia remained. And these sinners, well, they would stay residents for the rest of that time, or until they meet their untimely demise with an exorcist. He was confident that nothing Charlie could do would change that. And yet, at the same time, would it perhaps be worth it to humor her? At least then, even if just a little, she might forgive him for some of the things he’s done.
“Why, you seem to be awfully deep in thought, Sire.” Alastor commented, and the sound felt distant to Lucifer, though it registered all the same.
He jumped slightly, quickly trying to regain some level of regal composure. What was it Lilith would always tell him? ‘ No matter how much power you wield Lucifer, it will mean nothing if you present yourself as a bumbling idiot. ’ He corrected his posture and jutted his chin, “What is it you want mister radio demon , was it.”
“It was! I’m quite flattered to see you’ve remembered.”
“I wouldn’t think too much of it.” Lucifer said idly before asking again. “Now answer me this time, what is it you want?”
Alastor’s smile grew wide, “To see whatever it is that has you so distraught of course. I am the host of this hotel after all, and you are a valued guest in my care.”
“Not what you want right now! What do you want with Charlie? With this project of hers?” He asked, his voice growing a touch deeper with his annoyance as he gestured fanatically at the hotel and everything else around them, “I know damn well someone like you doesn’t believe in its purpose.”
“Heavens no! Rehabilitate a sinner? Why it’s simply a preposterous notion, is it not?” Alastor chuckled lightly, hand waving about.
Lucifer sighed, “That may be the only thing we can agree on. But that still doesn’t answer my question.” His eyes narrowed, “I’m not as patient a man as I may seem.”
“Aren’t you though?”
That’s it, he hated him. Really, Lucifer already knew that. But if he needed any more clarity, he very well had it now. He cleared his throat, eyes going red with the anger flooding him as he began losing his composure. Meanwhile Alastor only appeared pleased with it, and Lucifer would have no more of this mockery. “Look Alastor, if you don’t want your,” Lucifer poked an aggressive finger into the center of Alastor’s sternum, “screams to be the next ones featured on one of your broadcasts, I’d recommend answering your King.”
Alastor’s eyes flashed momentarily, whether from the touch or the comment is unknown, his smile dropping to more a grimace than a grin. But it did not take him long for it to turn smug. “Ah, so you have heard of my radio broadcast.” If it weren’t for the amount of anger controlling Lucifer, he might have faltered his control at that perceptive comment. If he did show any of the effect it had on him, Alastor didn’t notice. No, he only noticed the rush of joy he got as his banter was equally met, even if only for a moment. “I’m here for the entertainment of it all.”
That time Lucifer did falter. The red drained from his vision as he looked up quizzically at Alastor, “Entertainment?”
“Yes, yes, I do enjoy a good show, and nothing makes for a better show than watching irredeemable fools claw desperately for redemption. Something like watching a dog chase a bone fastened to its collar and kept just out of reach, but truly much more thrilling.” Alastor went on, walking up next to Lucifer, leaning himself against the railing. Two people now and no damage. Crazy, huh. “Besides, I do rather enjoy my radio tower as well. I would be quite disheartened to have to relocate.”
“Are you asking me not to relocate you?” Lucifer asked, now much more confused by this sudden honesty than anything.
“Dear me! No! I have no need to request that of you.” He laughed somewhat darkly. “We both know you would never do that to our precious Charlie.”
“ My. ”
Alastor raised a brow, “Come again?”
Lucifer glared up at him, that rageful confidence guiding him once more. “She is my precious Charlie. My daughter. Charlie may have a soft spot for pathetic sinners like you, but don’t for a second think that makes you special.” He leered up at him, getting very close. Closer than Alastor like at all. “You are the same as the rest of them. A project in need of fixing . A pitiful sinner who needs help from the crown to be redeemed. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Alastor’s breathing picked up. The words being thrown at him bothered him, yes. But something else began to bother him too. The way that pesky screw loosened even more. The way those words sent jolts of something down to regions he generally prefers to neglect. The way that bright white skin suddenly seemed to reflect Hell's glow in such a tempting way, and how even his hat started to look just a little less stupid (but only a little).
He cleared his throat, smile strained and clearly showing he was put out of sorts, “Yes, well, at least being one of Charlie’s ‘projects,’ as you so kindly put it, places me as a higher priority than her absentee father.”
“I am not-” Lucifer was cut off as the screams from earlier grew louder, suddenly much more urgent.
“That’ll have to wait, your majesty.” Alastor said, putting up a hand to interrupt him, “It seems I need to remind everyone why I am here.” With that, he melted into shadow, while Lucifer portaled himself down to the lobby, walking out into utter chaos. He heard Alastor scream at some goons out front about not messing with the Radio Demon, and he ignored that momentarily, walking over to a nervous Charlie instead. She was in the doorway watching as Alastor was nearly half the size of the hotel, tentacles long and outstretched as they pierced through a bunch of loan sharks out front. It was rather grotesque, and yet Alastor seemed to be enjoying it even more because of it.
He leaned on his cane, the point he was making earlier playing out right in front of them, “You see? What’d I tell you? Charlie, sinners are violent psychopaths hell bent on causing as much pain and destruction as they can. There’s really no point in trying-”
“Dad, stop! He’s defending this hotel. It may be a bit more sadistic than I’d hoped, but he’s doing it for me.” Her broken expression was breaking something in Lucifer as well. “How come he can have faith in me but my own father can’t.”
His heart sank. He wanted to scream that he truly did have faith in her. That it wasn’t her he doubted whatsoever. But, would it really matter if it was her or the sinners he didn’t have faith in? To Charlie, weren't they basically the same thing?
As he lost himself in his thoughts, Charlie continued to watch Alastor finish taking care of the situation. Lucifer had to give him some credit. For a sinner, Alastor was both very mentally and physically competent. His gaze caught on him when he heard him, with all propriety, tell Mimzy to fuck off. And it was clear he meant it. Whether what he said on the balcony was true or not, the man didn’t hesitate to protect the hotel, and by association, Lucifer’s daughter. And for a moment, a rush of something ran through Lucifer because of it. Though, that moment was fleeting and immediately forgotten as Charlie spoke up again just as he had started pacing away in thought.
“Dad, just help me.” She pleaded.
He turned over his shoulder, not quite meeting her gaze. “I can’t.”
“Why can’t you?”
He jumped over to her, holding onto her shoulders for both support and to try to somehow make her understand. As if he could push all these feelings and quandaries into her so she might get it. The pain of regret, the torture of wanting to help but knowing its futility, the longing for the relationship he once had with his precious girl, as well as with heaven. Finally, he looked up into her eyes, “Charlie! You don’t understand!” He said almost desperately. “Heaven never listens! They didn’t listen to me,” he turned away. Lucifer couldn’t bear to see the look on her face right now, “They won’t listen to you.”
“You don’t know that!”
But he did. He did, and he had to live with those consequences of trying to reason with the unreasonable everyday. He spun on his heel. “I do. ”
How could he make her understand? How could he make her see? He’d never truly told her his story, and Lucifer was hardly sure he could handle the pain of rehashing it now. It was never a conversation he could hold lightly. But, maybe, that's what she needed. To know the truth of his mistakes, the ones he feared he’d have to watch her make as well.
Lucifer opened his mouth and the words just started to spill. His failed attempts and the pain he endured from them. And as he did, he could see it so clearly: Charlie surrounded by those same angels from his past. The family he once was ready to sacrifice everything for. But now, it was only her. Only his perfect precious girl who he would give his all to protect and pull away from their scrutiny.
“Dad, I don’t need you to protect me from this.”
“I just don’t want you to be crushed by them…” He hugged in on himself, a bad habit he had when everything started to become too much. “Like I was…”
He didn’t look up until he felt her hand on his shoulder, a beautifully brilliant energy coming from that simple supportive gesture. His gaze aimed up, trying to free himself from the down-spiral he could feel clawing for him. And as she showed him her dream, Lucifer was able to let go of the pain. To immerse himself as the father she loved and admired. A lovely vision of a girl inspired by the lofty dreams her father once held so dear to his heart. He couldn’t say he was still that man anymore, but knowing Charlie saw him in that light dragged him just a little further from that deep dark pit ever calling him. It was him. Or at least Lucifer was a part of what created this wondrously optimistic girl, chock full of so much love for a people that didn’t always prove they were worthy of it. And if this -they- were her life's purpose, he owed it to her to give it his all in supporting it.
He hugged her tight, enjoying having his daughter in his arms again after so much turmoil in their family, “I’ve been dying to know who you are.”
Charlie hugged him back, finally feeling the love and support she’d desperately longed for for too many years now. “Me too dad.”
“I promise, whatever lies in store here on out, I’m here. I’ll support you.”
“Who could ask for more?”
He chuckled lightly, finally pulling away from her, his more serious expression temporarily returning. “Okay, I can get you the meeting, but once you’re in heaven,” he looked down, “I won’t be able to go with you.” Hesitantly, Lucifer tilted his gaze back towards his daughter, “Will you be okay?”
Clasping his hands with her own, Charlie confidently asserted, “I’ll be fine.”
“That's my girl.” Lucifer took a step back, smiling, before shimmering away in a swirl of gold and red. “Good luck kiddo.”
Alastor watched from a distance as the shorter man left. Needless to say, his interest was undoubtedly piqued. The King of Hell turned out to be much more interesting than he expected. He stepped towards Charlie, “Well, well, would you look at that. It appears I was right earlier when I said there was nothing to worry about! It seems the two of you get along famously, as one would expect from such a powerful father-daughter duo!”
She nodded at him, “Yes, Alastor, you were right. Thank you. Though, I’d appreciate it if you could try not to butt heads with him so much in the future.”
“Nonsense dear! What fun I had today!” Staticky applause filtered through his ever constant radio frequency, “I simply can’t wait for another round of wits with his majesty!”
And though he said it with his usual cool confidence, inside there was an underlying notion of greater concern. Deep down he understood what he felt earlier, and he feared what the repercussions of those feelings may turn into. And what that could mean for his already precarious situation.