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Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 Alastor stood in front of his childhood home in the midday summer sun, with a heavy bag on his shoulders and a suitcase in his hand. The property was overgrown with weeds, the paint on the once white fence had peeled off, and one of the windows was broken. But even beneath all the dirt, it was unmistakably his old home, the house he had the fondest memories of. With a heavy heart, he pushed open the garden gate, causing it to creak. »I'm home, Maman« he whispered to himself, knowing full well that she was long gone.

 As he stepped past a pile of old newspapers and the tall weeds, he stood in front of the blue, wooden door and searched his pockets for his keys. When his fingertips brushed the metal, which had been warmed by his body temperature, he took the keys out and unlocked the door.

 It was dark and dusty inside. All the curtains were closed, dimming the light, and the furniture was covered by ghostly white sheets. Some of the tiles in the entranceway were broken, and the old wooden staircase leading upstairs was missing some parts of its railings. The air inside was cold and smelt similar to that of an old cellar or crawl space. Yet Alastor smiled as he stepped inside and put his bag and suitcase down. He looked at the doorframe leading to the living room and brushed his fingertips over the marks of his height that his mother had engraved in it when he had been a child. A gentle smile formed on his lips as he remembered the laughter that had once filled the house. His eyes trailed over to the second markings on the frame, always a little below his own, a small 'L' had been engraved next to them.

 Lucifer. He remembered his best friend. He had often come to their house, and his mother had dearly called him her second son. They had been inseparable, yet all Alastor could remember about his appearance now, was his blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

 I wonder if he still lives here.

 He would check out the neighbourhood later. First, he had to clean this house until it felt liveable. He pushed his sleeves up, walked over the dusty tiles and entered the living room, where he opened all the curtains. Dust clouds escaped from the old fabric as he opened the windows wide. He watched how the dust particles danced in the sunlight that now illuminated the room.

 Alastor sighed as the sound of birds singing and crickets chirping from outside filled the house.

 He walked into each room, opening all the windows to let in some fresh air.

 Stepping into the yellow-tiled kitchen with its old appliances and rustic wooden cabinets, he was reminded of the many times he had cooked with his mother. He looked over to the tap and turned it on, but no water came out. Right... I have to turn the water and electricity back on.

 He opened one of the drawers, wondering if the torch was still inside. To his delight, it was. However, when he tried to turn it on, it seemed to be empty or broken. He tossed it back into the drawer and grabbed his phone instead, useing the flashlight option. 

 With the phone in hand, he returned to the entrance and opened the wooden door beneath the staircase, which led down to the cellar. He opened the fuse box and flicked the main switch to turn on the electricity. The cellar light flickered on; the old light bulb was dim, but at least it seemed to be working. Alastor turned off the phone's flashlight and returned it to his pocket, then turned to look at the water and heating system. It was an outdated, huge metal engine tied to many old, rusty pipes.

 He hesitated. The whole thing looked like it could break at any moment, but how would he clean the whole house with no running water? So he took a deep breath, stepped in front of the engine and searched for the red lever to turn the water on. He found it on the backside of the main pipe and tugged at it, grunting as the lever didn't budge at first. With one rough tug it finally moved up and the rush of water made the rusty pipes move and wiggle under the pressure.

 Alastor decided to first check for leaks before even thinking about turning the heat on. He first checked the pipes downstairs then he went up to checked the bathroom and kitchen appliances. Thank God, no leaks could be seen so he turned the kitchen faucet on. A loud rumbling sound came from the tubes pipes and faucet. Then dark brown, stinky, muddy water splattered out of it into the sink. It took a few minutes until the water cleared up, emptying the old pipes from the rust and dirt that had accumulated over time. Once the water got clean he repeated the process with the other appliances in the bathroom. As he turned the tap of the bathtub on, his eyes caught the sight of a single rubber duck on the bathtub rim. He chuckled remembering how Lucifer had gifted it to him as a kid.

 Now that this was done Alastor turned the heater on and opened one of his bags to get his cleaning products out.

 He grabbed a bucket, a broom and a swiffer out of the walkable cardboard close to the entrance where they had always been stored and got on task of cleaning all floors, surfaces and getting rid of all sheets that covered the old furniture. He even took all curtains down and threw them into the water with some detergent. The water turned dark brown so quickly he had to change it several times before he deemed them clean enough to hang them up in the garden on the laundry line. Even if the weeds had grown high, he was able to find his way over to the lines and hung them up to dry in the sun. The scent of freshly washed sheets tickled his nose as the fabric fluttered in the summer breeze.

 With a deep sight Alastor looked at his done work.

 Could be worse I suppose. 

 Suddenly a woman's voice called for him from the garden next door »Alastor?! Alastor! Oh my stars ~ Is that you?«

 Alastor turned and it took him a moment to recognize the old lady with the giant lavender coloured hat. »Rosie?« he asked astonished by how she had changed over time. No longer was her hair blond, it was now short and white. The lady he remembered being so tall was now roughly his high. But she still wore the same clothes as back than and her smile hadn't faded as well.

 »It really is you!« She gasped and leaned over the old fence that separated her garden from his »How much you've grown! Look at you~« she cooed.

 Alastor snorted and stepped closer toward the fence »It's been a while.«

 »A while? I've the feeling I missed out on your whole life!« Rosie said, eyeing him from head to toe.

 Alastor offered her a gentle smile »Well it's been around 15 years since I had to leave.«

 Rosie seemed to think about this for a while, humming as she did so »Well if I remember correctly you were what... ten years old?«

 »eleven« Alastor corrected her, feeling melancholic at the thought of how much time had passed »It's nice to see you. Tell me, what has changed since I left?«

 Rosie chuckled »Well what hasn't? It would be shorter to tell you what stayed the same~« she waved her hand, always ready to spill some tea »How about you take a break and come over here for a cup of tea, darling?«

 Alastor looked over to his house, there was still a lot left to do, but he had to admit a small break would do him good »Fine, but just for a while.« Not wanting to make the round he jumped over the fence. To Rosie's greatest pleasure aparrently, as she peeked at him in delight.

 »My, my ~ You're rather fit young man~« she purred »Come, come, I made some apple pie today ~« She walked him through her well tended garden full of multicoloured roses and with a little birdbath in the middle, toward the seating area close to her house. In no time she put up some fancy porcelain plates with floral designs, some tiny cups, a teapot and a serving plate with freshly baked apple pie. It looked and even tasted just as Alastor remembered it. He hummed pleased by the taste.

 »Just like in old times~« Rosie cooed »You and Lucifer, you often climbed over that fence to get some sweets from me« she chuckled at the memory.

 Alastor peeked up as his old best friends name dropped »Right. Lucifer. Is he... still in town?« he asked, not wanting to rise his hopes to high yet unable to hide how eager he was to know.

 Rosie nodded and took a sip of her tea »Indeed, he took over his father's mansion...«

 »That's good news. I can't wait to see him again.« Alastor said, delighted to hear that.

 Rosie avoided his gaze though as if there was more she didn't say.

 Alastor narrowed down his eyes »What's with that look? Are you hiding something?«

 Rosie sighed »Well...« she put down her tea cup searching for the right words »You might... struggle to get in touch with him.« she said hesitantly »The young Morningstar has become... very distant over time.«

 »Distant?« Alastor cocked his head. Whenever he thought of Lucifer he could still see his bright eyes, hear his laughter echo in his mind »What do you mean?«

 »We barely see him leave the mansion, darling.« Rosie explained »He locks in there all alone. I could not even tell ya what he looks like these days.«

 That didn't sound like Lucifer at all. The small one had always been outgoing and the centre of attention when socializing »What happened?«

 Rosie shrugged »Honestly? I have no idea. He got a lot quieter when you left, came over less and less. Only went to school and straight back home. Once he graduated I barely saw him any more...« Seeing Alastor's concerned expression, she added »You know people change over time. He might not be like that kid you had once known. I tried to get back in touch with him, rang at his door, but he never opened.«

 Alastor shifted uncomfortably in his seat, worrying about his old friend »I'll try to speak to him. I can't imagine he would turn me down.«

 Rosie bit down on her lip but nodded »Just don't take it personally if he does, darling.« She said then moved to a new topic as she served him a piece of her pie, sharing some tea about the neighbourhood. Adam apparently grew from a small dick-bag to an even bigger asshole. Husk, who had went to the same school as Alastor, now owned a bar down town. Little Niffty owned a cleaning service and in Rosie's words 'lost her marbles' after her child died in a car accident. A gay couple had moved to the neighbourhood, some guy called Valentino and his lover Angel, though Rosie had lowered her voice to say that Valentino was behaving very toxic and she had heard he mistreated his partner. How she had gotten those informations, she didn't tell though.

 But the news that peaked Alastor's interest the most Rosie only dropped after adding some liqueur to her drink »Some say the forest is haunted. Strange noises can be heard at night, some news station even made an episode of 'Ghosts or Hoaxes?' there. They didn't find a thing though...«

 Alastor took a sip of his tea, eyes trailing over the garden toward the forest nearby. The old pine trees reached high to the sky. As a kid he once got lost in those woods and spend a few hours at night in there. To this day he swore he had seen an odd creature creeping through the shadows there. Non of the adults believed him to the point that even he wasn't sure any more if what he had seen was real or imagination. The memories had faded over time, but for those red and golden glowing eyes that had sterred right into his soul. It still sent shivers down his spine to this day to think about it.

 »Oh darling, you don't still believe in ghosts do you?« Rosie asked.

 Alastor just smiled and shook his head »No, I lost my belief in ghosts and monsters when I first met a real one.« now that he heard himself say it out loud, he regretted that he had spoken so freely about it.

 »A real one? What do you mean?« Rosie peeked over the rim of her cup at him.

 Alastor leaned back in his chair »Let's not talk about this today. All I am going to say for now, is that my best years of childhood were spent here... not overseas...«

 »Hm« Rosie hummed »I have all the time in the world, darling. I'll get you to spill the tea sooner or later.« she grinned at him and ate her last piece of apple pie.

 Alastor thanked her for the pie and tea and returned to his home to continue with his clean up session. It went on until deep into the night. He only stopped to eat pizza in between, yet he was far from done. He inspected the broken window he had rudimentary fixed with a duck-taped piece of cardboard one last time before heading upstairs to his bedroom, or rather what had been his mother's bedroom before she passed away. He planned on using his way smaller childhood bedroom as a working room. 

 It felt a bit odd to sleep in this room, even if he moved the bed to the other side to make it feel at least not exactly as it had been before. The bedding sank in as Alastor sat down on it. The bedside table lamp was the only light left on and the bedsheets smelled fresh and of the detergent he had used. 

 It is so quiet here at night. Alastor thought. He wasn't used to it any more, after 15 years spent oversea in Paris where night and day cars and loud voices could be heard.

 A deep sigh left Alastor as he searched his bag for his phone then flopped back into his bed. He unlocked the safe screen and looked at the messages. Zestiel had left a few messages asking if he had arrived well. No texts from Mimzy though. She's probably still pissed I left France.

 Alastor replied to Zestiel with a quick text. Then put the phone down on his bedside table, not really in the mood of having a longer conversation after a day like this. He turned the lights off and turned in his bed, snuggling into his pillow. His eyes heaved after this tiring day. His body relaxed and he was on the verge of falling asleep when he suddenly felt the hairs on his neck rise up. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt watched.

 Alarmed by this feeling, Alastor's eyes snapped wide open, immediately searching the dark room for what he might had sensed. His eyes stopped at the window he had left open. The curtain fluttered in the nightly breeze and for a brief moment Alastor believed he had seen a shadow move right behind it.

 He grabbed for the bedside table lamp and quickly turned it on »Who's there?!« He asked, as he grabbed for his bag next to his bed and searched for his jackknife. The moment he felt the wooden handle he pulled it out and snapped it open, holding it protectively in front of himself.

 As nobody responded to his call, he quietly slipped out of his bed, keeping his eyes on the open window. 

 The wooden planks of the floor creaked beneath his bare feet as he stepped closer. 

 His eyes narrowed down, trying to catch on any movment behind the curtains. 

 Maybe it had been just a trick of light? After all he was at the top floor of the house.

 Hesitantly he grabbed for the rough fabric of the curtain and in one quick movement pulled it open, takeing a fighting stance right after. 

 But all he saw were the dark tree branches of the oaktree in his garden, swaing in the nightly breeze. The rustling of the leafs was the only sound he could hear. 

 Alastor let out a deep breath as the tension left his body. He gave up his fighting stance, shakeing his head at his own jumpiness. 

 »Clearly, I've spent to many years on the run...« he muttered to himself, his eyes looking past the tree and toward his garden, just to make sure. But there was no sign of any intruders. 

 Decideing that all he must have seen must had been a combination of the shadows of the tree branches and the fluttering curtain, he grabbed for the handle to close the window. 

 Suddenly he notices something on the wooden frame of the window. Some kind of scratches or marks. 

 Alastor narrowed down his eyes as he looked down on them. They were huge. Too big for some cats marks but similar to how they would claw at something. Two sets of 4 long streaks. Is the zoo missing a tiger or something? 

 Intrigued he brushed over the marks, inspecting them. The wood beneath was fresh and lighter than on the top, so they must be recent. Though he couldn't remember if they had been there earlier when he had opened the window... Did I overlook it earlier... or? 

 Suddenly, there was a loud rustling noise. 

 Alastor looked up and caught a glimps of something moveing behind his fence that blocks the way to the nearby forest. Though it was way to quick for him to tell what it was, it had fled into the forest and away from the property. 

 Alastor shiverd, a bit unsure what to think about this. He closded and locked the window, pulling the curtains shut. Whatever it had been, probably can't open windows. 

 With that settled, he went back to bed, turned off the lights and went to sleep.  

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 When Alastor stood on the porch leading to the backyard, he kept staring at the spot where he’d seen the shadow move the night before, right behind the old fence that marked the boundary between his parcel and the forest.

 He took a sip of his black coffee and listened to the chirping of the birds. It was still early. The sun had barely risen, and the morning dew clung to the grass and weeds in the garden.

 It felt peaceful. This calm. So unlike in the city.

 I could get used to this.

 Suddenly, someone slammed a door and shouted, »Where-a da fuck you been?!«

 Alastor noticed the man's voice had a thick Italian accent. He turned, trying to catch a glimpse of who was disturbing his peace, but he didn’t have a clear view of the neighbor’s front porch from his spot in the garden.

 Another, smaller voice responded, »At the store. Ya just told me to get ya coffee.«

 »Eh! That was half an hour ago!« the first man shouted »Do I look like a fool to you, eh?!«

 The smaller voice replied, »No, Valentino, I swear I was just at the store. It just took a while because there was a line and-«

 »¡Puta desgraciada!« Valentino cursed »Don’t lie to me! I know you been wit’ that bartender. You met him, sì or no?«

 Now the other man’s voice grew louder, »No! Where the fuck do ya think I got the coffee from if I went to the bar, huh?? It’s not even open yet!«

 Alastor raised his eyebrows and took a sip of coffee. No wonder Rosie knew they had a toxic relationship. She could probably hear them from her yard.

 Valentino took a moment to reply, »Tsk... whatever. Get your damn ass back inside. Now.«

(x)

 The door slammed behind them, and Alastor could hear muffled voices continuing to argue. Then came the unmistakable sound of someone getting slapped before the voices quieted.

(x)

 Alastor's eyes narrowed. He could feel that familiar itch in the back of his mind, making his fingertips twitch and his thoughts spiral into ways to shut that Valentino guy up for good.

 Don’t be a fool, he warned himself. This wasn’t a throwaway identity, nor a home he was ready to leave behind. You came here to start a new life. You can’t go around murdering your neighbors.

 His hands clenched around his coffee mug. The last time he’d killed, he’d nearly been caught. The French police had been hot on his trail before he fled to the States to vanish off their radar.

 No, I have to lay low and be a perfect citizen. He took a sip, closed his eyes, and drew a deep breath. When he opened them again, the urge had dulled, faded, though it never was completely gone.

 His gaze trailed over the weeds growing tall in his backyard. The front yard didn’t look much better. Maybe that’s a good task to start with today, he decided. He felt the need to cut something down, to burn off his energy. Nodding decisively, he emptied his mug and set it down on the windowsill next to the door.

 Alastor stretched once, then made his way through the weeds to the old wooden shed. The roof was crooked, the wooden planks weathered, and he had to tug hard at the door to force it open.

(*)

 It didn’t look much better on the inside. Spiderwebs and dirt covered every surface. Out of the corner of his eye, Alastor saw something move. A white spider with long, hairy legs and way to many eyes, slipped back into the darkness of the shed. And it wasn’t alone, judging by the rustling and movement in the corners.

 Alastor didn't mind them as long as they stayed off him, so he just grabbed the nearest tool, a rake, and used it to tear down the webs so he could reach the gardening equipment he needed.

(*)

 He grabbed an old, rusty reaping hook, a scythe, and some gardening gloves which he slapped a few times against the doorframe to knock off the dust. Stepping outside, he smiled up at the slowly rising sun and got to work, slicing through the tallest weeds with the scythe. Some almost reaching his chest. It felt rewarding. Each swing cut more of the plants down.

 A part of his mind noted how satisfying it would be to use this as a murder weapon. Guess the Grim Reaper has some taste. Alastor chuckled to himself.

 He quickly cleared a good portion of the yard, making it easier to move around. As the hours passed, the sun climbed higher and brought the heat with it.

 »Well, look who’s working hard on this lovely morning~« Rosie’s voice chimed from behind him.

 Alastor turned to see her standing in her garden, watching him from behind the fence. »Morning, Rosie.« he greeted her »Indeed, it’s the perfect day to get this garden back in shape.«

 »How about some fresh lemonade, darling?« she offered »You must’ve been up early to get this much done.« She gestured to the three-quarters of the garden he’d already cleared.

 Some refreshment sounded tempting, »That sounds delightful, dear. Let me just finish this last quarter before I take a break.«

 Rosie nodded. »Sure, you do that, and I’ll get you a glass in the meantime~« she said, then walked back to her house.

 Alastor smiled as he watched her leave. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed connections like these. When he had been on the run, he had avoided contact wherever he could. This here... this felt like home. Like somewhere he was welcomed in with open arms.

 As he resumed his work, his eyes caught claw marks on the fence near where he’d seen the shadow move last night. Alastor narrowed his eyes and examined them more closely, then followed the strange-looking footprints through his yard. They led to the tree near his bedroom window...

 So something really had been out there.

 A shiver ran down his spine. Whatever it was, it had been big... and close.

 I must’ve scared it off when I turned on the lights, he thought. Maybe I should trim some of those tree branches to prevent it from getting up there again...

 Nodding at the thought, he returned to work. In no time, he’d cleared the last patch of weeds and joined Rosie at the fence, where she held out a glass of fresh lemonade for him. The crisp clink of ice cubes met his ears as he took it with a pleased hum »Thanks, dear.« The glass was cold to the touch, condensation sliding down its sides in beads of water. He brought it to his lips and took a few sips. 

 »Say, darling, are you looking for a job?« Rosie suddenly asked.

 »Well, yes. Do you happen to know someone who’s hiring?« Alastor replied. He had enough savings to last a few months, but he’d need income in the long run.

 Rosie’s face lit up »Oh yes, I do~ The convenience store down the street is hiring. If that would interest you.«

 Customer service? Alastor took another sip. Sure, he wasn’t thrilled about working in a store long-term, but as a transitional job...

 Why not? I’ve already mastered the fake smile, he thought. »Sounds like an option. I’ll check it out later.« Alastor said. »I need to do some grocery shopping anyway.«

 Rosie beamed, »Perfect! Tell Cherri I sent you~ She’s been looking for help for a while now.«

 Alastor finished his lemonade and handed the empty glass back »Will do. Thank you, Rosie. For the job lead and the lemonade.«

 »Oh, it was a pleasure, darling~« she waved it off »Good luck!« With that, she left him to his work.

 Though Alastor only continued for about an hour, before the midday sun grew too hot. He’d gathered all the cut weeds and mowed the lawn, but the flower beds and vegetable patch still needed work. That would have to wait.

 He returned the garden tools to the shed, put his empty coffee mug in the sink, and headed upstairs to shower. No way he’d apply for a job looking like this. What would the papers say?

 As Alastor stepped into the bathtub and turned on the shower. His eyes landed on a rubber duck sitting on the rim. He smiled at the silly thing, his thoughts drifting to Lucifer and what Rosie had told him. Maybe I could check if he’s home later...

 With that in mind, he stepped under the stream of water. It was the perfect temperature. Cool enough to refresh, warm enough to relax. The drops trailed down his tanned skin and over the many scars he bore. The most prominent ran all the way don from his chest to his hip. But the ones he hated most were on his back, out of sight, yet they were ever-present reminders of darker times.

 He closed his eyes, trying not to dwell on them and concentrated on the feel of the water on his skin. It ran down his face, over the tip of his nose, and along his jawline. Trailed down paths over his shoulders and chest all the way down to his toes.

 Once he had cooled down, he turned off the tap and grabbed his body wash. He scrubbed away the dirt from his time in the yard, then shampooed his hair.

 As he turned the water back on to rinse all off, the shower curtain decided to pester him by sticking to his naked ass. Grumbling a curse beneath his breath Alastor pushed it off and made a mental note to get rid of it and replace it with one of those modern shower screens. 

 Once he was done and his hair neatly styled, he picked some clean clothes from his suitcase. He hadn’t unpacked yet, so everything was still neatly folded inside. Alastor looked at himself through the tall mirror's reflection. The red button up shirt he had picked looked fancy enough for a job interview, without being to overdressed for a store. He pushed his glasses up, brushed some none existing dust off his pants then left for the store. 

 On his way, he glanced up the hill where a single grand mansion stood. It loomed behind a high fence, and was far larger than the other houses.

 The Morningstar residence.

 Alastor looked down the street toward the store, then decided to take the detour. He took a hidden path between two houses, one he knew from his childhood, passed a few gardens, and walked up the steep hill. To his right the tall pine trees of the forest reached for the sky while the gardens and town houses were on his left. In the summer heat, it was quiet the endeavour to walk up the steep hill but the shade of the tree's made it bearable.

 Alastor stopped in front of the great gates and looked past it toward the mansion. A few crows cawed down at him from a dead tree’s branches. The grass of the front yard was patchy and dry.  The mansion itself had grey walls. The shutters were all closed, making it look almost abandoned.

 As a child, he’d thought this place was haunted, now that he thought about it. But it hadn’t changed much, as if it had been frozen in time. 

 Alastor searched for a bell to ring and found a rather modern doorbell, camera and speaker included. It looked almost out of place here. Without any hesitation, Alastor hit the button then waited impatiently for a response. 

 But... nothing happened.

 After waiting for a while, Alastor rang the bell a second time.

 Nothing.

 »Lucifer? Are you there?« Alastor asked, speaking to the camera, just in case. »It's me, Alastor.« he went on »Do you... remember me?«

 Silence.

 Alastor sighed defeatedly. Well, maybe he is not at home? He looked back at the gate, then past it to the entrance door then back to the path he had taken up the hill. Guess that was a long walk for nothing. He had hoped to see him so much. 

 Rosie's words replayed in his mind 'Don't take it personally if he doesn't open for you.'

 Alastor felt a pinch of sadness at the thought that Lucifer might have ignored him. No, he might not be at home, don't make quick assumptions. He told himself. Maybe he'll open next time.

 And with that he left the hill and headed toward the store. 

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

The convenience store was almost exactly as Alastor remembered it from his last visit, 15 years ago. Same yellow washed-out tiles, same creaky wooden shelves sagging under familiar brands. If he wasn't mistaken, even the outdated refridgerators buzzed in the same tonality as back when he had been a child. There was one change he did notice, though: they had finally installed an AC.

 Thank God, it's way too hot to work in here all day without one.

 The store was empty except for the cashier. Her pink-dyed hair was tied up into a ponytail. She chewed gum, blowing pink bubbles in between, and looked rather bored with her work as she kept glancing at her phone.

 Alastor picked up one of the store's baskets and walked past the shelves to grab some ingredients for dinner and a few necessities before heading toward the register.

 Putting on his best customer smile, he greeted the cashier, who lifted her brows and eyed him from head to toe.

 »Hm... ya new here?« she asked as she scanned the items.

 Alastor replied, »More like I'm back. I grew up here but spent some time overseas.« He held out his hand to her. »My name is Alastor, pleasure to be meeting you. Quite the pleasure.«

 The cashier gave him a skeptical look, popped a bubble, then shook his hand. »Cherri. Nice to meet ya.« The cash register snapped open. »That'll be $26.89.«

 Alastor paid in cash, »Actually, my neighbor, Rosie, told me this store is hiring? Is your boss here? I'd like to apply.«

 Cherri handed him his change and crossed her arms over her chest. »I'm da boss here.« she said.

 That kind of surprised Alastor. She hadn’t struck him as an entrepreneur... more like a bored employee, »Pardon my faux pas. I didn’t know.«

 Cherri shrugged. »It's fine. Not da first time this happens,« she said. »This was my grandpa’s shop. He passed it to me, and since I had nothing betta to do, I thought why not.«

 »I see...« Alastor said, a bit taken aback by her work ethic... but who was he to judge? »So, are you still looking to hire? I’ve got some experience in customer service from back in my college days.«

 Cherri thought for a moment, then smiled. »Well, yeah, I suppose we could give this a try. It’s not like people are runnin' through my door to get a job. Small town, ya know.«

 Well, that was easier than he thought. »Don’t you want to see my resume or anything?«

 Cherri waved it off. »Nah, who cares. As long as you got no criminal record, we’re fine.«

 Alastor kept up his perfect smile, »No criminal records whatsoever.« The part about it only being clean because he’d never been caught, he kept to himself.

 Cherri nodded, satisfied. »Good. Ya can start tomorrow. That fine with ya?«

 »Sure,« Alastor replied.

 Cherri handed him her contact info and the shift timetable, ending their conversation with, »All right, everythin’ else I’ll show ya tomorrow. Come half an hour early so I can show ya stuff before we open. Mornings are busy ‘cause people pass by before headin’ to work. We sell coffee and breakfast stuff, ya know?« She pointed toward a small display in which a lone croissant rested on a plate. The coffee-maker on the other side of the counter looked almost too modern for the old shop.

 »Makes sense.« Alastor said. »Thank you for this opportunity.«

 »Ya, nah, you can drop that polite nonsense with me... Even if I’m da boss, mkay?« Cherri said. »Just be yaself.«

 Alastor looked at her in confusion for a moment. He was polite by default. This wasn’t even him trying. »Understood.« he said nonetheless, making a mental note to be a bit more easygoing with her.

 As everything was settled, Alastor took his bag of groceries and said his goodbyes before leaving the store and heading straight home.

 Things were going so smoothly since he had arrived, it almost felt surreal. He hadn’t thought he’d find a job this quick.

 Well, I suppose when one’s not constantly on the run, things get easier naturally.

 The next morning, Alastor woke up early and arrived at the convenience store right on time. Cherri opened the door for him and greeted him with a half-yawned, »Mornin’«

 Alastor offered her his brightest smile. »Well yes, it is a good morning, my dear.«

 Cherri blinked twice slowly, then shook her head. »How can ya be this upbeat this early in the morning?« She didn’t wait for an answer and headed straight to the coffee-maker. »I’ll make us some coffee. That’s rule number one, by the way: we get the first coffee so we don’t rip any customer’s heads off during da day.« She showed him how to use the machine and walked him through the morning routine. Stocking shelves, setting up the breakfast display, checking the refrigerators, and then opening the store.

 She had been right about mornings being the busiest time of the day. Not only did the town’s residents stop by for breakfast, even commuters passing through came in for coffee and pastries. Cherri explained there were no bakeries around, which was why she’d added this service. Even if she was young, she seemed to be quite capable of finding ways to make money.

 »All right, Alastor,« Cherri sighed. »I’m goin’ to the backroom to grab some stuff. Think you can handle the store while I’m back there?«

 The busiest rush had already passed, and the store was empty for now, so Alastor confidently said, »Sure, my dear.« He put on his best customer smile, ready to serve whoever might walk through that door.

 And it might have worked... if his first customer hadn’t been this particular person.

 »Oh my fucking God!« the Caucasian man gasped as he walked in, brown eyes wide with surprise. »Is that you, Alastor? HA!«

 The corner of Alastor’s mouth twitched as he forced his smile to stay put »Good morning… Adam.«

 Adam walked up to the register, needing a closer look. He was a good head shorter than Alastor, with a barely visible goatee beard and a police uniform that looked one size too small, judging by the buttons threatening to pop »Didn’t know ya were back in town,« Adam said, leaning on the counter. »Didn’t ya always dream of being a radio star? After that whole school broadcast stunt? HA! Knew that wouldn’t work… Like nobody even listens to the radio any more«

 Alastor’s eyes narrowed. »Funny. I seem to recall you wanted to be and I quote ‘a billionaire.’ How’s that going?« He crossed his arms and looked down at him.

 Adam waved it off. »We were kids. Didn’t know shit about life… But you know what? I’m livin’ the best fuckin’ life right now. Police officer by day, rock-star by night.« He mimed an air guitar solo, complete with sound effects that didn’t resemble guitar sounds in the slightest.

 Alastor bit back a sharp remark about the police clearly lowering their standards and instead said, »I see… and what brings you here this morning? Coffee and donuts?«

 Adam looked surprised. »You already memorized my daily breakfast?«

 Alastor tilted his head and theatrically eyed his belly »Hm... No, just a lucky guess…« Before Adam could respond, he asked, »How do you want your coffee? Milk or sugar?«

 »Bit of milk, no sugar.« Adam said, arms crossed.

 Alastor walked to the coffee-maker, poured a cup, and packed some rainbow-sprinkle donuts into a bag.

 I guess I don’t have to worry about the police uncovering my crimes if he’s the one in charge, he thought, amused »That’ll be $6.69.«

 »HA! Sixty-nine! What a coincidence.« Adam pulled out his wallet. »But ya know, Cherri always gives me a discount.«

 »I am not Cherri. So, you will pay the full price.«

 »What a jokester you are.« He handed over a $5 bill and reached for the bag, but Alastor held it out of reach.

 »I wasn’t joking. You’ll hand me the remaining $1.69 immediately.« He held out his other hand, expectant.

 Adam’s jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. »I will not. I told you, I get a discount.«

 »Well, I haven’t been informed. So, you’ll pay your bill. If you do have a discount, you can enjoy double the discount next time once I’ve checked with Cherri.«

 Muttering curses under his breath, Adam threw the remaining money onto the counter. Some coins toppled off the edge. »Whatever. Just hand me my damn donuts.«

 »Of course,« Alastor said smoothly, which clearly irritated him more, as he handed over the bag.

 Adam snatched it and stormed off without even a goodbye. That didn’t stop Alastor from waving after him and chirping an overly friendly, »Have a nice day, Officer~« before picking up the fallen coins and putting them in the register.

 »Oh my gawd!« Cherri laughed from behind him. »That was hilarious!«

 Alastor turned and saw her set a package near the door, then walk over. »You watched?«

 Cherri pointed up at the security camera above the register, »Sure did. And ya did a good job.«

 »So… he doesn’t have a discount?« Alastor assumed.

 Cherri chuckled. »Oh no, he does. But only a dollar off. He tried to play ya.«

 »Well, I’m no fool,« Alastor said, arms crossed. »He should’ve known that from our school days.«

 Cherri shrugged. »Guess he thought he could do anything in uniform. Didn’t know you two went to school together. Isn’t he older than ya?«

 »Well, yes. But he repeated two grades, so we ended up in the same class.«

 »I can imagine.« Cherri scoffed.

 Alastor peeked at the box she’d carried out. »What’s that?« he asked.

 Cherri turned to look. »Oh, that’s the Morningstar’s grocery order,« she explained. »I’ll deliver it after work.«

 That piqued Alastor’s interest »I didn’t know this store delivered groceries.«

 Cherri shrugged, »Normally we don’t. But he pays me double if I deliver and I need da money. Texts me every few days to order supplies. Guess he’s antisocial or something. Don’t care. Long as he pays.«

 Alastor raised a brow. Lucifer? Antisocial? That couldn’t be further from the truth. The small guy had always been surrounded by people, his shining personality drawing them in. »I could deliver it, if you’d like. I know Lucifer.«

 Now Cherri looked surprised. »Ya know him??« she asked. »I’ve never even caught a glimpse of him.«

 Alastor raised his brows. »You’ve never seen him? Even when delivering his groceries?«

 Cherri nodded. »Yeah, I leave the package at the gate, ring the bell, and leave. That’s how he wants it. Hence why I think he’s got a problem. What’s he like? I’m real curious.«

 Hearing this made Alastor worry about his childhood friend. What the hell happened after I left?
»Back in school, he was cheerful and outgoing. Always smiling, always up for mischief. He never had trouble connecting with people, so I really can’t explain why he’s acting like this now.«

 »Hm,« Cherri hummed. »Dunno either. I only moved here two years ago. First time I’ve heard anyone even talk about him.«

 It broke Alastor’s heart. Had he really withdrawn that much? He must be so lonely. All alone in that great mansion with no one for company... If he sees me and realizes I’m back, maybe we could be friends again. With that in mind, he said, »I’ll take care of the delivery from now on, if that’s fine with you. Maybe he’ll come out if it’s a friend bringing his groceries.«

 Cherri didn’t look convinced, but nodded nonetheless. »Yeah, sure. Do whatever ya want. At least I won’t have to climb up that hill in this heat.«

 So it was settled. Hope bloomed in Alastor’s chest as he looked over at the package. I can do this. 

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 »All right... Let's try this again.« Alastor muttered to himself, then rang the bell next to the old metal gateway to Lucifer's property. The package containing the groceries stood on the ground next to him. Even though the items themselves weren't heavy, the uphill climb with them had been tiresome.

 The evening sun casted long shadows from the forest onto the Morningstar property, giving the mansion's façade a sinister air. A fresh breeze brought the scent of pine trees and resin from the forest to Alastor.

 Suddenly, some crows took off, cackling loudly, causing him to flinch and curse under his breath.

 His hope that Lucifer might come out to accept his delivery slowly faded, as nobody opened the door nor responded through the speaker, even after the second and third ringing. Maybe the bell isn't working? Or maybe the bell works, but the camera doesn't? Alastor thought, part of him still refusing to consider Lucifer was ignoring his attempts on purpose.

 An idea struck him as he looked down at the package. He quickly searched his pockets for the ballpoint pen he had used at work. When his fingertips brushed against the plastic of the pen, he pulled it out, knelt down next to the package, and wrote on the cardboard:

 "Hello Lucifer, this is my phone number.
Call or text me if you want to get back in touch.'
Sincerely,
Alastor"

 He wrote his phone number next to the message, then hesitated before adding the sigil which they had designed together all those years ago. An apple with a snake and deer antlers. 

 This should do. There's no way he could have forgotten about this. Alastor nodded, satisfied with this plan. He looked past the gates towards the mansion one last time, before turning his back on it and making his way downhill and back home.

 His heart was beating faster as he got excited about getting back in touch with his friend. All evening, he kept checking his phone. Each time a message popped up, his hopes rose, only to be shattered again when it turned out not to be from Lucifer. The more time went by without any news, the more Alastor's mood sank. He even stayed up later than he should have. Waiting. Hoping.

 Why does it take him so long? Alastor's heart clenched in his chest. He was lying in bed, his head resting on his soft pillow. The sheets still smelled of the detergent he had used two days ago, and despite his body being exhausted from working all day, his mind refused to let him sleep.

 I have to work tomorrow. He warned himself. His eyes grew heavy as he stared at the phone screen. It was the only light in the bedroom, a glance at the time in the top corner telling him it was past two in the morning.

 Rosie's words kept repeating in his mind.'Don't take it personally if he doesn't open up for you.' But how was he supposed not to take this personally? With each passing moment, he could feel the sadness crawling up his throat, making it harder to breathe.

 Why, Lucifer?

 I kept my promise. I returned.

 Why do you ignore me? Don't you remember our promise?

 Have you stopped caring about me?

 ...

 Have you forgotten me?

 Alastor let out a deep sigh of defeat. He turned off his phone, put it on his bedside table and removed his glasses, placing them next to it. This late at night, there was nothing he could do to change things. Might as well get some sleep. He decided.

 As he turned in bed, searching for a comfortable position, his blurred vision strayed to the open window. He had cut back the tree branches growing too close to it earlier  so that he could sleep with the window open again. He needed fresh air to sleep well.

 The way the curtains fluttered in the night breeze was mesmerising to look at. Alastor's eyes fluttered shut as sleep crept up on him.

 Suddenly, a loud cracking noise tore through the quiet of the night, followed by a thud.

 Immediately, Alastor's eyes snapped back open and he sat up in bed.

 The sound had been close. Way too close.

 His heart pounded higher up his chest as he searched for the light switch on his bedside table in the dark. His hands were shaking as he found it and quickly turned it on. His eyes never left the window, even though he could barely see without his glasses.

 The second the light was on, he grabbed his glasses and put them on.

 He stayed in his bed, frozen in place for a few long seconds, his eyes fixed on the open window. Uncertain what he was waiting for, he remained motionless. The only sound he could hear was his own ragged breathing.

 After a minute had passed without any new sounds, he hesitantly slipped his feet out from under the covers and took a few cautious steps towards the open window.

 The wooden planks creaked beneath his bare feet as he reached for the curtain and pushed it aside to peer into his garden. The first thing his eyes fell on was the tree. The branch he had cut shorter earlier had snapped and fallen to the ground, as if something very heavy had been sitting on it.

 Alastor felt his heart beat quicker. Nervously, he looked around the yard for whatever animal could be lurking outside his home, but there was no movement, no shadow, nothing.

 Part of him wanted to go outside and take a closer look, but the thought alone made his stomach turn. Whatever was out there must have been heavy enough to break the thick branch of the tree. It must be at least the size of a mountain lion, or maybe even a bear. Bears can climb, right? Alastor thought. Whatever it was, he wasn't foolish enough to go outside and check if it was still there. Animals can't open doors nor windows. He decided to be clever and close his window, just to be sure it wouldn't get in. All the windows downstairs were closed and all the doors were locked.

 Alastor closed the curtains as an extra precaution and decided to ask Rosie the next time he would see her if she had noticed any bears living nearby. It couldn't be just him dealing with this.

 With that settled, he returned to bed. However, he struggled to find sleep, as adrenaline was still coursing through his veins.

 The next morning came far too quickly. Alastor had barely slept. Too much had been on his mind. He dragged himself to work, where Cherri handed him a cup of coffee noticeing the dark circles around his eyes. At least work distracted him from thinking too much about why Lucifer wasn't reaching out to him.

 When he wasn't at work, he tidied up his house and garden. This kept him busy and stopped him from overthinking things. At least until he lay in bed. His body ached from the exhausting work, yet every night he lay wide awake for hours. It didn't help that the air in his bedroom felt stuffy. He didn't dare open his window at night anymore, not while that wild animal kept returning to his property.

 Three days passed before Cherri placed the next package on the counter and asked, »Can ya deliver this after work?«

 Alastor's heart clenched in his chest, but he nodded and put it aside for later. 

 The store was empty. It was a quiet day with not much to do. Cherri was in the back room checking the stock and making a note of what she needed to order.

 Alastor's eyes kept drifting back to the package next to him on the floor.

 If only I knew what I did wrong. He thought. His mind kept circling around the question until he could't bear it any longer.

 I won't give up this easily. With new determination, he grabbed a piece of paper and started to write a letter for Lucifer. It took a few trials. Alastor found himself never satisfied with the wording. So he took a deep breath and decided to just be real honest. 

' Dear Lucifer,

 I left a message on the last package in the hope to get back in touch. Since you haven't messaged me, I have to assume that you're upset with me for some reason. Please tell me what I did wrong. All these years overseas, I never forgot our promise or you. I can't imagine you forgot me either. '

 Alastor hesitated, unsure of how much he should say. He noticed his hand trembling, so he shook some of the tension out of it before putting his pen back on the paper.

 'I want to see you. Give me a chance to right my wrongs and explain myself. I-'

 Alastor's heart clenched in his chest as he wrote, 'I miss you.'

 He signed the paper with his name and added their symbol next to it.

 Breathing out shakily, he folded the paper in half, then slid it in the package. This could work.

 It had to.

 He delivered the package with his message after work.

 When he didn't receive a message after, Alastor thought it had been in vain. That this new trial had reignited his hopes, only to crush them yet again. 
 
 Or at least that's what he had thought...

 It was with great surprise that he found a note stuck to the gate when he delivered the third package a few days later. He had seen it from afar, quickening his steps to reach it. He put the package down and took a closer look at the small piece of paper. 

 On it was just a single word in Lucifer's perfect handwriting:

 'Stop'

 Alastor stared at the note for a long moment. He turned it in each direction, scanning it for anything else. The anguish and worry that had plagued him the whole week instantly turned to anger and frustration. Rage pulsed in his veins as he turned to the camera and said »That's it??? Just 'Stop'?«

 He crushed the piece of paper in his hand. »I poured my heart into the letter I left for you! And THIS-« he shook the fist holding the crumpled note in front of the camera »is all you give me in return? Not even an explanation for your odd behaviour? NOTHING?!«

 He stared at the damn camera, fire burning in his eyes. His grip on the piece of paper was so tight that his nails dug into the skin and his knuckles turned white.

 Silence.

 It hurt. Not only the message, but this silence. Being ignored like this by someone he’d been thrilled to see again after all those years apart... It made him feel like he didn't care. 

 Do I mean nothing to him?

 Alastor's breath hitched as he felt his frustration slowly shift to desperation.

 All this time, I thought he'd been missing me as much as I miss him. 

 I'm such a fool. 

 His throat tightened and his vision started to blur. Quickly, he turned his back to the camera, not wanting Lucifer to see the tears forming in his eyes. »Fuck you- Lucifer.« he cursed, his voice cracking pathetically.

 Not turning back once, he left the hill as warm tears streamed down his cheeks.

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 »Ya look like absolute shit.« Cherri pointed out nonchalantly as she joined Alastor at the cash register.

 Alastor huffed »Thanks. How lovely of you to point this out.«

 »Wow« Cherri said, holding her hands up in a surrendering motion. »Must be bad if you're biting back like that. Come on, tell me what's wrong. We've got nothin' betta to do anyway.« she said, gesturing at the empty, perfectly maintained store. All shelves were stocked, all prices were up to date... There was literally nothing to do unless a customer were to walk in to buy something.

 Alastor glanced at the package Cherri had handed him this morning for delivery. Ever since he had discovered the foolish note Lucifer had left for him, the mere thought of walking back up that hill put him in a bad mood. »It's nothing.« he muttered, taking his eyes off the package.

 Cherri crossed her arms over her chest and blew a pink chewing gum bubble. When it popped, she shook her head and said »Yeah, nah, clearly it's not 'nothin'. Is it because of da delivery?«

 Before Alastor could decide on what to respond, the store door opened and a tall young man stepped inside. He had freckles on his light skin and eyes so dark they almost looked black in the dull shop light. Strangely he was wearing a long sleeved button up, in the heat of this midday summer.

 »Angel!« Cherri greeted the young man cheerfully. She quickly found her way around the counter and exchanged a fist bump with him »It's been over a week. Where've ya been? Ya didn't even reply to my texts.«

 Angel's eyes darted hesitantly between her and Alastor before he put up a smile and replied, »Nowhere. Just had a lot to do, and my phone broke.« He nervously brushed his fingers through his fluffed up, light blonde hair.

 Clearly a lie. Alastor thought, but he didn't judge. He probably just feels uncomfortable talking about it in front of a stranger.

 Cherri must have noticed, too, because she shifted the topic »Oh yeah, ya two haven't met yet, I believe? Angel, this is Alastor; Alastor, this is my bestie, Angel.«

 Alastor held out his hand politely and smiled at him »Pleasure to be meeting you.«

 Angel shook his hand »Well, hello, Mister tall, dark and sexy.«

 Alastor huffed as he retracted his hand »You can spare yourself the time and frustration, dear. I'm not interested.«

 The blonde man cocked his head and eyed Alastor from head to toe »Huh...«

 Alastor tried to figure out why his voice sounded familiar. Though he rarely forgot a face, he found it hard to pinpoint where he had heard it before.

 How would I even know his voice? Maybe it just remembers me of someone else's?

 Angel crossed his skinny arms over his chest and muttered »My gaydar is usually rather reliable« 

 »Your what now?« Alastor asked, dragged out of his thoughts by his comment.

 Cherrie gave Angel a light slap on the back of his head.

 »Hey!« Angel complained, rubbing the spot.

 »Shush, Angel« Cherrie warned him, pointing a finger at his nose »Ya know betta than to out someone out of the blue.«

 Angel lifted his arms in a surrendering motion »Chill. I uhm... Ya know what? Ya're right... That wasn't very gentlemanly of me. Sorry, Smiles.«

 »Smiles?« Alastor asked, even more confused. What is going on here?

 Angel chuckled »Yeah, you've really mastered that customer smile. Look at you, keeping it up throughout this whole conversation.«

 Alastor glanced at his reflection in the shop window and realised that he was indeed smiling. He hadn't even noticed, for it had become second nature to him by now. Meanwhile, the two friends started a conversation without him as Angel walked through the store, picking out items to buy. Although Alastor didn't pay any attention to what was said, part of his mind was still searching for why Angel's voice sounded familiar. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, even after the blond had left.

 The rest of the day passed like a blur, and as the store closed, Alastor found himself walking up the steep hill towards the Morningstar residence with Lucifer's delivery in hand.

 He had thought he could do this. Just put the package down and leave. However, as he neared the gate, he could feel the tension rising inside him, his hand clenching around the cardboard box. A pulsing sound rang in his ears as his eyes fixed on the spot where he had found the note last time. A tiny piece of duct tape still stuck to the metal bar.

 Alastor stared at it. His rage and frustration were mixing all too well in his mind. He glanced over at the camera and made a decision. If Lucifer decided to be difficult, he would give him some of his own medicine. Instead of lowering the package to the ground as he was supposed to, he heaved it higher and placed it on top of the gate's pillar. Even Alastor had to stretch to reach it, and based on how Lucifer had always been a head shorter than him, he assumed he'd not be able to get to it.

 With a smug grin, he turned to the camera and said »Good luck getting that down« with a sense of satisfaction at the thought of Lucifer struggling to reach the package, and then having to get a stool or even a ladder to retrieve it he turned his back on the gate and left. 

 From that day on, Alastor decided this would be his new personal mission: to find ways to get on Lucifer's nerves with his deliveries.

 The next time, he cut open the bottom of the package before setting it down so everything would fall out once Lucifer would pick it up. On another occasion, he delivered not one, but five oversized packages to the property, each box containing only some of the items. At one point, he even took the time to glue everything inside the box together just to piss him off. One of his best ideas was to remove all labels from the food cans.

 After two weeks of these shenanigans Alastor had a particularly creative idea. He unpacked all items of Lucifer's command and spelled out 'Fuck you' with them on the ground in front of Lucifer's gate. 

 Suddenly, a voice shouted through the speaker »Will you fucking stop this nonsense?!«

 Alastor's mind went blank. His heart skipped a beat. Even through the static buzz of the speaker, the voice was unmistakably Lucifer's. He dropped the can of peas he was holding and turned to look at the camera. »Lucifer?«

 The speaker hissed quietly, then fell silent.

 Alastor stood up and moved closer to the camera. After weeks of rage and frustration, one might have expected the first thing he would say to be an insult. Yet the first words to leave his lips were »I kept my promise. I came back to you.«

 Silence.

 Alastor's heart ached in his chest. »I know it took me a while... But I'm back now. Please, can we talk?«

 At first, the only thing that could be heard was the faint buzz of the speaker before Lucifer said »Go away. Go back to France, for all I care. I don't want to see you.«

 Alastor had experienced many forms of pain in his life, yet those few words hurt more than all of them combined. »Lucifer« he gasped.

 »Are you deaf? I said fuck off!« the voice screamed into the speaker.

 Alastor flinched back. Lucifer had never spoken to him like this before. For a short moment, he considered leaving, his gaze trailing over the path downhill. But then, his pain turned to anger. For all those years, he had kept his promise. He had held his friend dearly in his heart. Only to be turned away at the gate like this?

 »No« Alastor growled, glaring at the camera »You will get your ass out here, look me in the eyes, and at least tell me why the hell you're so angry with me. You owe me this much!«

 The voice crackled through the transponder »I owe you nothing.«

 »All right.« Alastor said. On the outside, he looked as calm as deep water, while inside, a storm was raging. He touched the cold metal bars of the gate and glanced up. It was at least twice his height. »If you won't come out, then I'll come in.«  With that, he jumped as high as he could, grabbed the metal bars and climbed up that gate as if his life depended on it.

 »What the fuck?!« Lucifer cursed »What do you think you're doing?! Stop this right now!« But as Alastor got higher and higher up, Lucifer's voice became more hysterical »Get the fuck down there, or I'll call the police!«

 There was nothing he could have said to make Alastor turn around. He was either to determined or to stubborn, depending on whom you'd asked. He reached the top of the gate, pulled himself up, and jumped down onto the other side.

 The curses he could hear coming through the speaker behind him faded until all he could hear was the crunch of gravel beneath his shoes as he walked towards the mansion. The crows perched on the dead tree he passed cawed at him, then took off, fluttering away.

 Alastor's heartbeat quickened, but there was no way he was turning back now. He reached the few steps in front of the entrance, and just as he reached for the doorknob, the door flung open to reveal a small man. He had blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and pale, almost paper-white skin.
 
 »Lucifer«  Alastor gasped, his rage leaving him for a brief moment at the sight of him.

 Instead of the warm welcome he had imagined all those years overseas, he was shoved back and off the porch »Don't you "Lucifer" me!« he said, tears in his eyes and a hurt expression on his face »Why are you back, Alastor?« His voice broke »Why didn't you stay away? Fuck off! I don't want to see you. I hate you!«

 Alastor looked at him in shock. The small one shivered. His white button-up shirt was crinkled and his blonde hair was dishevelled. The bright smile he had always worn as a child was gone. 

 The laughter Alastor had always heard in his mind whenever he thought about him got replaced by those three hurtful words 'I hate you'. They echoed in his mind, twisting his stomach and shattering his heart into a million pieces. A breathless »Why?« left Alastor's lips as he stepped closer. 

 But Lucifer didn't even look him in the eye as he said »Just forget about me.« With that, he closed the door to his nose and locked it three times.

 Alastor stared at the door, stunned and hollowed by what had just happened

 And as if this wasn't enough chaos for his emotions, he suddenly heard a soft sobbing come from the other side of the door. 

 Alastor brushed his fingertips over the old wooden door »But... I came back for you...«

 The sobbing on the other side intensified before a broken voice replied »But you are too late.«

 And... he was right. He had promised to be back by the time he turned 18. What was supposed to be a seven-year absence had turned into fifteen. He withdrew his hand from the door, searching for the right words. »I'm sorry, Lucifer.« was all he managed to say.

 The small one's only response was more sobbing. 
 
 The pain-filled sounds held Alastor hostage. He felt unbearable guilty for being so late. »I... I wanted to be back earlier... But life is messy. My time in Paris was not as expected, to say the least.«
 
  He thought back to that old, shady apartment, filled with empty glass bottles and an ever present thick layer of smoke that clouded the view. The ashtrays overflowed with cigarette butts on the coffetable... He could still remember that smell. At the mere thought of the man he didn't even want to call father, a chill ran down his spine. 

 »It took me a while to free myself from what I had gotten myself into« was all Alastor could bear to say. So much had gone wrong, and there was so little he could tell another soul without risking to be arrested.

 »It doesn't matter.« the shaking voice on the other side said. »It won't change anything... Just... go away...«

 Alastor didn't move. I did that to him. He realized, even if it had't been his intention, »I... I don't know why it was so important to you that I return precisely after seven years, but I want to right my wrongs. What can I do to make up for it?« he asked.

 There was a moment of silence between them before Lucifer's muffled voice replied, almost too quietly for him to hear »You can't make up for it...« Then he added, a bit louder »Go away Alastor... Leave me alone.«

 Alastor hesitated. His heart clenched in his chest. He didn't want to leave. He still had so many questions, but he felt he wouldn't achieve anything by staying. Lucifer was clearly exhausted and needed space. Maybe pushing harder wouldn't be the right approach. So he said »All right... If you change your mind and want to see me... I've moved back into my old home... My door is always open for you, Lucifer...«

 It was with a heavy heart that he left the small one behind, all alone in his great mansion.

 Only time would show if Alastor could regain his trust. 

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

Alastor pushed open the vibrant blue door to his family home. Immediately, the smell of spices and home-cooked food hit his nose. »Maman?« he called into the empty entrance hall, noticing that his voice had a higher, more childlike pitch. He glanced at the mirror in the entrance hall, and saw his younger self looking back at him. Thick-rimmed glasses, ruffled curly hair, and a bright smile. Intrigued, he looked down at himself. It must be summer because he was wearing shorts and a white shirt.

 Quickly, he kicked his shoes off and into the corner, just as he always used to do it. If this was his younger self... Then his mother must still be alive! Excited, he ran through the cosy living room, past the chimney and the well-mended piano, and through the open kitchen door.

 There was a pot on the stove, bubbling and steaming, but his mother was nowhere to be seen. Confused, Alastor stepped inside and looked around the yellow-tiled, rustic kitchen. »Maman?« he called, looking for his mother. She never left the house with food cooking on the stove. Intrigued, he tried to peek at what she had been cooking. The ever-present smell of spices gave him a clue. He had to stand on tiptoes to peer over the rim and find out what it was. Jambalaya, his favourite!

 But it'll burn if it stays like this...

 Quickly, he picked up a wooden spoon from the kitchen counter, stirred the jambalaya a few times, then turned the stove's heat down until the bubbles lessened.

 Better. He nodded in satisfaction at his work. But where is Maman? He wondered. Is she in the garden, perhaps? Or-

 Suddenly, the faint sound of sirens interrupted his thoughts. At first, he tried to ignore them. But then they got louder and louder.

 »Maman?« he called through the open living room door. His heartbeat quickened. »Where are you?«

 The sound of the sirens grew louder and louder as they approached the house.

 Blue lights flashed through the living room windows, reflecting off the piano’s polished surface and bathing the room in an unnatural glow.

 A loud noise from behind startled Alastor. He quickly turned around and saw the Jambalaya boiling over and dripping down the stove onto the yellow-tiled kitchen floor.

 But it didn't look like jambalaya anymore.

 It was blood.

 Alastor took a step back as he realised this, watching the red, thick liquid slowly spread over the tiles towards his bare feet.

 His back hit something hard. The door. But he hadn't closed the door. And why were the sirens so loud? He couldn't hear anything else. He tried to call for his mother again, but his voice was too weak and quiet to be heard over the noise of the sirens.

 Alastor's heart raced as he searched for the door handle, his eyes fixed on the blood. When he felt his fingertips brush against cold metal, he grabbed the handle and opened the door. He almost tripped and fell as he pushed through.

 The sirens were gone and he was an adult again.

 However, the living room was no longer on the other side of the door. Instead, it was a dark street in the middle of a forest. The full moon shone down on a burning car which had crashed into a tree.  The air was cold, but the asphalt beneath his bare feet was still warm from the day.

 Alastor's breath caught. His eyes widened as he remembered that night. Panicking, he ran over the hard street towards the car. »Maman!« he called, ready to jump right into the burning car and save her. »Help!« He screamed. Where were the sirens? Where are the police? The firefighters?!

 He opened the passenger door as the other one was blocked. The smoke stung his lungs and the heat of the flames heated up the right side of his face and arm. However, what was on the other side of the door startled him.

 It was his eleven-year-old self. With tears in his eyes and a huge bleeding wound on his head, he frantically grabbed his older self's arm. »Help her!« he pleaded. »She won't wake up! Help Maman!«

 Alastor froze, hearing his own words. Blue lights started to flash all around him, but no other sound could be heard besides the sobbs of his younger self.

 The shake in his younger self's voice pierced Alastor's heart as he said »It was a deer- it jumped in front of the car- Maman tried to avoid it.« He looked past his older self as if it was still out there.

 »...I know.« Alastor muttered, kneeling down in front of his younger self. He looked past him to his mother's lifeless body. It was too late for her. He knew it; she had died right after the impact the police had told him later on. There was blood everywhere, and the strange smell of burning human flesh filled the air.

 Alastor's heart clenched in his chest. He took his younger self's hands in his. They were so small in comparison. »Listen, you can't stay here... We have to leave.«

 The blue lights reflected in his younger self's teary eyes »But- but we can't leave her here! She needs help- she'll-«

 Alastor shook his head. »We can't do anything for her. Come on. You can't stay in there.« He nudged him gently and felt some resistance before he complied and let him lead him out of the burning car.

 As Alastor turned, still holding his younger self's hand, he saw the numerous police and fire engine cars. People rushed past them in a blur as if they were invisible. Their faces, however, were unidentifiable. They had no eyes or noses. They had wide-open mouths as if shouting, but no sound came from their bodies.

 His younger self squeezed his hand, grabbing his attention.

 As Alastor looked down, he met his worried gaze.

 »What will happen now?« he asked in a tiny, quiet voice.

 Alastor's heart clenched in his chest; he knew that what was to come was nothing he could reassure his younger self about. All his happiest moments had been before this night, before the accident. He bit down on his lip. What could he say to his younger self? Words of encouragement? Lies? The truth? After thinking for a while, he replied »Darkness... You're going to face a real monster that won't know when to stop, but you'll kill it and find your way back home. I promise.«

 His younger self blinked twice, clearly confused by his words. »But... Maman said monsters don't exist.«

 Alastor offered him a sad smile. »Not a monster like you imagine it right now... He's a man. One you don't know yet. Humans can be so much worse than monsters.«

 »That's true.« A soft voice broke the silence around them.

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat. His younger self vanished into the shadows and his hand dissolved like dust in his hold. When Alastor turned to see who had spoken, he was met with a pair of blue, piercing eyes looking up at him. »Lucifer« he gasped, looking down at the smaller figure. Like the other day when he had seen him at the mansion, he was an adult just like him and lacking his usual smile.

 The small one's gaze was as cold as ice when he accused him »You're a monster too.«

 It hurt to hear it from him, but deep down, he knew it was true. He nodded in agreement, his voice a little too weak for his liking, as he said »I am.«

 Lucifer crossed his arms over his chest, »Not even trying to deny it, huh?«

 »Why should I? It is the truth.«

 For some reason, Lucifer looked upset about his response. He avoided his gaze, grumbling something under his breath.

 Alastor looked around. He was still surrounded by woods plunged in the blue lights of police cars, but everything was blurry and the movements of the firefighters were slow, as if time had slowed around them. »What are you doing here?« Alastor asked.

 Lucifer walked past him without a word, and when Alastor turned to follow him, a bright light made him blinded him and he quickly shut his eyes.

 When he opened them again, he had to blink a few times. The forest was gone, replaced by a meadow full of bright red poppies. The warm summer breeze blew through the long grass. In the middle of the flowers, sitting in the shade of a single willow tree on top of a hill, Alastor spotted his younger self sitting next to a young Lucifer.

 Lucifer looked sad. He had tears in his eyes, but he bit down on his lip, trying to suppress them. Alastor watched his younger self reach up and wipe away his tears. In a soft, low voice, he said »I'll come back. I promise.«

 Lucifer sniffled »But I don't want you to leave at all.«

 Alastor's heart ached as he realised that this was the day he had left home to live with his father in Paris.

 »I know... neither do I...« his younger self sniffled, but then he caught himself and forced a smile »You'll see, it'll go quickly. Once I turn 18, I'll leave France and come back to you.«

 »That's in seven years.« Lucifer pouted. »That's so long.«

 »We can write each other letters in the meantime.« He suggested, »And we could call each other, though not too often since it's expensive.«

 Lucifer wrapped his arms around his knees and muttered »You... you promise you'll be back? That you'll come back once you're 18?«

 »Yes,« Alastor said, determined, »I promise.«

 Lucifer nodded slowly. »Good,« he said, »Because when you're 18, I'll be 17, and...« He stopped mid-sentence, avoiding his gaze. »Just be back before my 18th birthday, all right?«

 A soft chuckle escaped Alastor. »Sure, whatever you want. I'll even bring you a present.«

 Lucifer huffed »Don't joke now. It's really important. You have to take this seriously.«

 »I am« Alastor said in a more serious tone »I will-«

 Suddenly, Lucifer leaned closer and placed a soft kissed on his cheek. His lips barely brushed his skin, a touch light as a feather.

 Alastor's cheeks flushed deep red as Lucifer retreated. He brushed his fingertips over the spot on his cheek. Startled and speechless, he watched as Lucifer stood up and ran down the hill through the flower field, fleeing from him. He had almost reached the end of the meadow before Alastor found his voice again and called for him. »Lucifer! Wait!« he shouted, standing up and sprinting through the high weeds, trying to reach him in time. He almost tripped as he gained speed from running downhill. »Lucifer, I promise I-«

 »You broke your promise.« A sharp voice tore through the memory. The temperature dropped as the sky turned ink black, void of it's sun. The flowers around him dried out and crumbled to ash. The icy wind blowing every last bit away.

 Alastor took a step back »Lucifer... I—«

 »You said you'd be back in seven years.« Lucifer's voice came from everywhere and nowhere at the same time and was followed by thunder. 

 »I—I wanted to be back by then, but things didn't go as planned. My father-«

 »You took too long.« Lucifer's sharp voice cut him off. It sounded like it was coming from behind him, but when he turned, Lucifer wasn't there. His voice rose again. »I waited for you. I trusted you. Even when you responded to none of my letters. Even if you never answered a call. I trusted you'd keep your promise and be back in time.«

(x)

 »I'm sorry« Alastor's voice cracked »I'm so sorry Lucifer. My father. He took the letters away, I wasn't allowed to pick up the phone. If I did- If I even dared to try- I'd get beaten and-«

(x)

 Before Alastor could find the right words, Lucifer said »You have no idea what concequences I have to suffer through because you were not there.« 

 »But I am back now.« Alastor tried to defend himself.

 »It's too late now.« The voice was right behind him. Alastor's hackles rose as he turned quickly, freezing in shock when he looked into a pair of red, glowing eyes instead of blue ones. Lucifer looked furious, his fists clenched, his breath uneven, and a deep growl escaped him as he said »I needed you.«

 Speechless, Alastor looked up at him, as he was taller than him now. He felt an uneasy tug in his gut as he stared right back into those red, glowing eyes. It was as if he was looking into the depths of Hell itself.

 In contrast, Lucifer's voice turned cold as ice as he said »I hate you, Alastor.« his voice sounded pained and echoed in his mind. 

 That was the moment Alastor woke up. His sheets were damp with sweat, and his room was dark. Gasping for air, his half-asleep brain struggled to grasp that it had just been a dream.

 It had felt so real.

 And parts of it had been drawn from his memories, even if twisted a bit. Alastor grabbed for his chest where his heart was beating like crazy. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. 

 It was just a dream. Just a nightmare.

 Once he felt the panic slowly ebb away, he glanced at his alarm clock. It was past 3 a.m.

 Displeased, he sat up in bed, took a few deep breaths and rubbed his face, trying to ground himself.  He then reached for the glass of water on his bedside table. But just as he was about to pick it up... He saw a red, glowing reflection in the glass.

 His heart skipped a beat.

Instead of the water, he grabbed his glasses and looked around his room, searching for the source of the red light, but there was none to be seen. Confused, he looked back at the glass, but the red light had disappeared.

 Maybe it was just a trick of the mind? Alastor wondered. Hesitantly, he turned on the bedside table light. His room looked as usual, yet he couldn't shake off this feeling... like something was watching him.

 I guess that conversation ealier really got to me...

 Shaking his head, he picked up the glass and took a sip of the cold water. Water always tasted so much better in the middle of the night than during the day. He emptied the glass and put it back on his bedside table. Deciding that a stupid nightmare would not stop him from getting some more rest, he pulled the blanket back up around him and nuzzled into his pillow.

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 The summer breeze bent the tall weeds around Alastor as he knelt in the meadow, plucking another vibrant red poppy for his growing bouquet of wildflowers. Dandelions like drops of sunlight, sky-blue cornflowers, and pale daisies joined the poppies he had picked for Lucifer.

 Alastor straightened his back. The evening sun was low enough to give the tall grass around him a golden gleam. He looked over to the lone willow tree in the field of flowers. It's long vines swayed in the evening breeze. A smile curled his lips at the memory of Lucifer kissing his cheek in its shade.

 After waking up this morning, he had decided to try to apologise to Lucifer. He had thought about how to do it best all day long. Many people offered flowers when apologising, but when he walked past the florist, he found that none of the bouquets spoke to him. Nothing really conveyed what he wanted to say. That's when he recalled his nightmare from the previous night, or rather the memory embedded within it.

 A bouquet picked from their favourite spot, surrounded by the flowers that had been there when they made their promise... what could be more fitting? Alastor nodded to himself. This probably wouldn't undo eight years of damage, but it was a start. He wanted to show Lucifer that he meant it and really wanted to make things right between them.

 Alastor pulled a white band out of his pocket that he had picked up at home to bind the bouquet. He twisted it around the stems and tied a perfect little bow. Satisfied with his work, he looked around the tall weeds for the package he was supposed to deliver today. It was resting in the half-shade amongst the tall weeds.

 With the bouquet in one hand and the package in the other, Alastor left the meadow to make his way toward the Morningstar residence. The meadow was just outside of the town, in front of the forest. So Alastor followed the path in the shade of the high pine trees, to walk up the hill. This side was slightly steeper than the path he ususally took.

 He recalled how they used to come here in winter as children, sledging and playing in the snow. He could still hear the echo of their laughter in his mind.

 When he reached the top of the hill and stepped in front of the tall gate, Alastor simply placed the package in front of it. He had decided to stop the teasing and replace it with niceties in the hope that Lucifer might forgive him. With a sigh, Alastor placed the bouquet of wildflowers on top of his delivery and turned towards the camera.

 »Lucifer, I don't know if you're watching or not, but if you are... I'm really sorry...« he said.

 A part of him hoped to hear Lucifer's voice through the speaker. But it stayed silent.

 Well, he couldn't expect much after their last conversation. Alastor figured the small one needed some time. Maybe he should write him a letter next time. Try to explain what had happened in France. But he was not sure how to do it without admitting his crimes... The truth was too bad to tell but he didn't want to lie to him either...

 Feeling a little low, he left the hill and walked back to town. It was Friday evening and the sun was almost setting. After this eventful week, Alastor felt like he needed some time to unwind. 

 His home always felt so empty, and now that he had finished most of the work to restore it, he felt as though he had nothing to do.

 Maybe I could check out Husk's bar. Alastor thought, remembering how Rosie had mentioned it before.

 An idea struck him. Husk might know what had happened to Lucifer after I left for Paris. They had been classmates, after all.

 So it was decided. He would go to the bar. It wouldn't be hard to find. The town was small, after all, and Alastor remembered that there had been a tavern on the outskirts of the town.

 The moment he walked up to it, he knew he had found the right place. The bar was busy, music spilled outside and... the letters 'Husk's Bar' were written in red neon lights above the door. So that was quiet giving it away. 

 Alastor pushed open the bar's door and stepped into the noisy room. Music played from the jukebox in the corner and laughter echoed through the packed room, joined by the occasional curses from the table where a few men were playing cards for money.

 Alastor stepped past them and headed straight for the bar. He settled on one of the stools, rested his arms on the old wooden counter, and said »A whisky, please.«

 The grumpy bartender with the thick eyebrows and red bow tie turned and looked at him. Then did a double take, his eyes widening in recognition »Alastor?« he gasped in surprise. 

 A wide grin spread across Alastor's face. »Correct« he purred, pleased to see he remembered him. »It's been a while, Husker.« he used his nickname.

 Husk huffed and muttered below his breath »Not long enough.«

 »What was that?« Alastor asked, raising his eyebrows.

 »Nothing- nothing. A whisky, ya said?« Husk grumbled, loosening his bow tie before grabbing a bottle of amber liquid from behind the bar and pouring him a drink.

 Alastor watched with amusement as Husk kept glancing at him cautiously. Clever man. It had been years since he'd put Husk in his place, but he must still remember it. Husk had been quite the bully back then. Of all the kids he could have picked on, he had decided to be mean to Lucifer. Big mistake. Alastor hadn't been a violent kid, but his sense of justice had gotten the better of him that day. He had seen Lucifer in tears because Husk had picked on him for his name. Husk was sent home with a broken nose and a black eye, while Alastor had barely gotten a scratch.

 Husk quickly handed him his drink, then took a step back.

 »Nice bar you've got here.« Alastor said, taking a sip of his whisky. The warm burn of the alcohol tickled his throat, and the smoky aroma lingered on his tongue. He took a deep breath and hummed, pleased by the taste. Quite a good pick. Husker must have developed a taste while he had been away.

 »Mhm,« Husk grumbled, »'bought it a few years ago.«

 »I heard about that.« Alastor said.

 Husker looked at him thoughtfully before asking hesitantly »What brings ya back in town?«

 »Old promises, one might say.« Alastor replied, not wanting to delve too deeply into the topic.

 Husk poured himself a drink and downed it in one go »I can't believe I'm goin' to ask this, but... Did 'cha reach out to Lucifer yet?«

 Alastor paused, his drink halfway to his lips. 'You are too late.' Lucifer's voice echoed in his mind. 'I hate you.' He brought the glass to his lips and took a sip, hoping it might ease his sore heart. »I tried.« he replied truthfully, »He doesn't want to see me right now.«

 Husker grumbled something under his breath, poured himself a second drink, and said a bit louder, »It's a pity.«

 »Rosie couldn't tell me much about why he hides away in his mansion. Do you know anything about it?«

 Husk downed his drink and let out a deep sigh »Listen, I ain't the one who can give ya the answers. I wasn't exactly close to the lil' Morningstar. But I noticed he started to withdraw once ya were gone, and then he disappeared completely after he turned 18.«

 Alastor looked down at the amber liquid in his glass and twirled it thoughtfully »With 18, you say?« His birthday was a few month's before Lucifer's, so that would have been a little over seven years after he left. »Did something happen on his birthday?«

 Husk shrugged »Dunno. There was no birthday party or anythin'. Ya know he never celebrated it.«

 Alastor took a sip of his whisky. He recalled that Lucifer's family had never celebrated his birthday. He had made it a tradition to give him small gifts anyway the day after his birthday. Once, his mother had even baked a cake for Lucifer. Now that he thought about it, Lucifer never came to school on his birthday either. 

 »I don't wanna overstep, but...« Husk started »Back then, I thought he was depressed and heartbroken because ya left.«

 »Careful with assumptions, Husker.« Alastor said in a warning tone, his anger boiling up inside him. If he was honest with himself, he knew his anger was directed at himself, not the bartender. But he had been a kid, he hadn't been given a choice to stay, »Any idea who could know more?«

 Husk didn't need to think for long »Ozzi« he said. »But ya might struggle to get hold of the "beau". He moved to the city and owns a club there. Since puberty, he'd changed a lot. Always surrounded by chicks these days.«

 Alastor cocked his head. Ozzie had always been such a quiet, shy kid that he struggled to imagine him as a womaniser. »I'll find a way to talk to him.« he said determined »What's the club called?«

 »Lust-Rings« Husker answered, »It's... you know... a strip club.«

 Alastor laughed, thinking he was joking, but then his laughter died down when he saw that Husk wasn't joining in »Fuck! You're serious?«

 »Sure am.« Husk confirmed »Good luck. You'll need it.« With that, he turned to serve the other guests, who were waiting for their drinks.

 Swirling the remaining liquid in his glass, Alastor took a good look at the people in the room. Most of the faces were ones he didn't recognise. For some reason, a pair sitting in the far corner, close to the window, caught his attention. One was a tall man in a pompous pelt coat with pink-tinted glasses, and the other was a slightly shorter, yet still rather tall, young man with light blonde hair and freckles.

 Oh wait, that's Angel. He realised. Cherri's friend looked uncomfortable as the taller man draped an arm possessively around him while smoking a cigarette.

 Alastor narrowed his eyes, but kept his carefree grin in place nonetheless. »Who's the man next to Angel over there?« he asked Husk as he came back.

 The bartender leaned in to whisper his response »That's Valentino... His boyfriend.«

 »Valentino... « Alastor hummed, recalling the verbal dispute he had overheard in his backyard a few weeks earlier. Intrigued, he let his gaze return to the couple while taking a sip of his drink.

 Valentino blew some smoke into Angel's face and laughed as the young man coughed and tried to disperse the fumes by waving his hand in front of him.

 The to sharp grin on Valentino's face was one Alastor knew all too well. The smile of a monster.

 Just like my father's smile.

  ...

 And just like mine...

 He downed his drink, then pushed the empty glass towards Husk. »It was quite the pleasure to talk to you, Husker. Maybe we should catch up sometime.« he said, leaving the money on the counter »Keep the change.« he said, before heading straight towards the couple in the corner.

 Valentino spotted him first. His eyes narrowed behind his pink coloured glasses, »Well, look who's come to join us... the creepy cabrón who kept staring at my precioso Angel from afar.« he said, taking a deep drag from his cigarette then blowing it in his direction.

 Alastor stopped in front of the table littered with empty glasses and an overflowing ashtray. In the cigarette smoke, a moth fluttered against the window next to their seat. 

 Alastor's eyes trailed to Angel, who looked at him with wide eyes. He knew what he was pleading for. 'Just leave,' Angel wanted to convey. 'Don't make him angry.'  It was sad how victims of men like Valentino so rarely pleaded to be freed, even though that was what they needed most.

 Alastor put on his best smile as he spoke. »Well, I just had to come and introduce myself. After all, we're neighbours now.« he said, holding out his right hand to Valentino. This meant Valentino had to let go of Angel to take it. »Alastor Altruist. I've just moved back into my old family home.«

 Valentino shook his hand, releasing Angel from his grip in the process »Your family home, you say? The abandoned ruin?«

 »That one,« Alastor chimed in, playing nice »It's a pleasure to have stumbled across you here. I had wanted to introduce myself to you two for a while now.« He kept it secret that he already knew Angel from the store, seeing as Valentino seemed to be of the envious type. 

 »Sure, bueno... We're quite ocupados here.« Valentino waved him off »Eh, was nice to meet you.«

 The audacity!

 Alastor kept his smile under perfect control, hiding what he was feeling inside. »Of course, I won't impose for longer than necessary,« he said, glancing at the moth fluttering against the window. 

 He hinted at leaving, but then turned back around to face Valentino again. »Ah, right, one last thing... Now that we know each other. Just a small warning...«

  In one swift movement, Alastor grabbed his jackknife, snapped it open, and pierced the moth with the sharp tip right in front of Valentino's face »I'll get rid of the pests, so maybe keep your doors and windows shut... for your own safety...«

  The wings of the moth twitched a few times before the insect died. Alastor grinned satisfied by his little show »I just can't stand those insects getting in my way.« He picked the moth off his knife and crushed it in his hands. »Understood?« he asked.

 Valentino's eyes spoke defiance and his grin twitched at the edge of his mouth, while Angel looked more than a little terrified at the sight of the two of them.

 Valentino hissed »Thanks for the warning, neighbour, but I don't think it was necessary.«

 Alastor shrugged »If you say so.« he said, snapping his jackknife close. »Well, I've got to leave now. So many things to do in so little time.« He waved at them as he turned on his heels and left the bar with a playful »Tata~« feeling the piercing eyes of Valentino on his back.

 He would quickly learn to take his warnings seriously. Even if he had to keep his record clean of new kills, he would not let this asshole mistreat Cherri's friend right under his nose. After all, one could achieve results without going through with the kill...

 The fresh summer night air filled Alastor's lungs as he stepped outside and took a deep breath. The music and voices from inside the bar faded as the door closed behind him, and the melody of crickets could be heard instead. Alastor walked in the light of the street lamps and admired the deserted town. At this time of night, it was normal not to see anyone on the streets. Unlike in the big cities, there was not much to do here beside the bar.

 He liked how quiet it was here. He had never realised how much he had missed it.

 As he left the path to take a shortcut between two fences, he looked up at the full moon in the cloudless sky.

 What a lovely night!

 Alastor recalled watching the stars with Lucifer as a child. They would lie on the grass in his backyard for hours, inventing stories about the constellations they had created. This happy memory now left a melancholic feeling inside him. '

 I hate you' Lucifer's words echoed in his mind. His heart ached, and he shook his head as if that would dismiss the thought.

 Suddenly, Alastor heard something rustling behind him. He quickly turned around, immediately taking a fighting stance with his knife out, just in case. But there was nobody there. He was alone.

 »Who's there?« Alastor asked, knowing he could feel someone watching him. »Show yourself.« 

 But as he saw nothing, no movement or silhouette in the dark, Alastor questioned his senses.

 Did I imagine it?

 He turned, looked around, but found nothing out of the ordinary, so he cautiously kept walking, but kept his knife out just in case. 

 Better safe than sorry. He thought. 

 The feeling lingered with him for his whole walk home. This uneasy tugging feeling at his guts.

 Only as he closed and locked his door did he let out a deep breath of relief. 

 Whatever had been following him, won't get inside. He was safe.  

 For now. 

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

Alastor was stocking shelves with sugar and flour when the shop door opened, letting in a breeze of hot summer air that clashed with the chill of the AC. Peeking past the shelf, he saw who had entered and smiled as he recognised Angel. »Good morning, dear~« he greeted his neighbour.

 However, Angel's dark eyes narrowed and his expression soured when he met his gaze. »Yo, what da fuck was that last night, Alastor?« he asked, immediately jumping to the topic of their encounter at Husk's bar.

 Alastor put the last pack of flour on the shelf and answered, »Well, I think it was rather obvious. I introduced myself to my neighbours.«

 Angel crossed his arms over his chest »Nah, that wasn't just an introduction.«

 Cherri, probably having heard them, pushed open the storage room door and joined in. »Hey, Angel! Oh wow-« She paused and looked between both of them »What's up? Are ya two fightin' already?«

 »Your dear employee threatened Valentino yesterday at da bar.« Angel accused him. He emphasised his statement by waving in Alastor's general direction. »It took me hours to convince Val that we didn't know each other, and that I hadn't been flirting with him behind his back.«

 Alastor huffed, »I saw how uncomfortable he made you, that's why I stepped in. Why do you even put up with that idiot?« He didn't try to hide his pointed remark behind any niceties.

 Angel growled, »That's none of your fuckin' business!« He balled his hands into fists, ready to pick a fight.

 »Wow, wow, now,« Cherri stepped between them »Chill, guys.« she said.

 Angel took a step back, muttering a curse beneath his breath, »Just don't get involved in my shit, Alastor. I can fight my own battles perfectly fine.«

 Alastor thought back to the morning he had overheard Valentino and Angel's fight from his backyard. Seeing the warning look on Cherri's face, he bit back a remark and said instead, »All right. If that's what you want.« If he really wanted to deal with it alone, he'd let him be. After all, this was his new life and his new self. He had to be the nice citizen who would never kill a human soul.

 Yet the itch at the back of his mind had been increasing ever since he arrived. He knew he couldn't give in to it. It would be a very bad idea, especially in a village where everyone knew his real name. That's only a promblem if I'd get caught...

 Stop this. He warned himself. You can't kill Valentino, and Angel doesn't want your help. There's no reason to take action when everyone is bound to their own decisions.

 The voice of reason in his mind had never been the strongest once he had put a target on someone's head, but right now it had the backing of logic and the support of his heart, which really wanted him to be good and stay in his newly regained home.

 Cherri asked Angel, »I didn't know ya and Val still go to the bar. Didn't he say he disliked how the bartender looked at ya?«

 Angel huffed and waved it off. »He's made it his mission to show everyone that I belong to him. Ya know, that kind of nonsense. He'll calm down once he realises that nobody is interested in me anyway.« He glanced over at Alastor. »There aren't many gays in those kinda smol town anyway.«

 Alastor cocked his head, wondering why Angel was looking at him as he said this.

 Whatever. He had a few more shelves to restock. He excused himself and went back to his task, not paying any more attention to the small talk Cherri had started with the tall blonde.

 The day dragged on and once work was done Alastor headed straight home. Today he had no packages to deliver to Lucifer's mansion.

 Even if he had, he still had not finished the letter he was working on. Every draft he had written so far had ended up in the trash bin next to his desk, because it was either too blunt or too full of lies. He just couldn't seem to find the right balance.

 It was 11pm already. Alastor sat at his desk, the room only dimly lit by his desk lamp. He had set up a small workspace in his childhood bedroom. The wallpaper still showed a cartoonish forest with little foxes, rabbits and deers. He hadn't had the motivation yet to change it. 

 Alastor tossed the pen with a muttered curse. Useless. The words refused to cooperate, dancing around the edges of his thoughts but never settling. He took off his glasses, rubbed his face and sighed, taking a moment to ground himself.

 This is way harder than I thought.

 He peeked down at the sheet in front of him through his fingers. Without his glasses, he couldn't read a thing, yet he knew the first few lines by heart after so many trials.

 'Dear Lucifer,

 You have every right to hate me for being eight years late. I know it is my fault and I don't expect you to forgive me. But in this letter, I want to tell you what happened while I was overseas, to explain at least what lead to this. If, after reading this, you decide that you don't want to see me, I will respect that and leave you be.'

 Alastor grabbed his glasses and put them back on. He picked up his pen and lowered it to the sheet of paper. Instead of writing, he moved the pen up and down, hesitating over how to start the next sentence. 

 Should I just leave the killing part out and stick to the truth with the other things? It would be a leap of faith, though. Even without mentioning his murders, there was enough evidence to send him straight to prison. It would be like handing him the weapon to destroy his life.

 Alastor hesitated. Is Lucifer worth this much? Is he worth the risk of telling him?

 Determined, he answered the question to himself with a 'yes' and started to write.

 'Paris hadn't been what I had expected. The big city was noisy and crowded, a child could so easily go unnoticed. I lived in a small apartment in Saint-Denis. Those who know the area know that it is a dark corner where crime rates are high and burning cars on the streets are a daily occurrence. My father was high on drugs most of the time, drunk the rest of the time. He lived on social aid and financed his own drug habit by dealing on the streets. This environment alone could have pushed me into the wrong circles and connected me with the wrong people, but I tried my best to stay out of trouble and avoid my father's attention. For a while it worked... being quiet enough for him to forget that I lived there was the only thing I could do. But whenever he remembered that I was there...'

 Alastor paused.

(x)

 A memory flashed before his eyes. One where he had quietly opened the apartment door and been greeted by a wall of cigarette smoke. It had become his habit to walk as quietly as possible whenever he entered, but this time he had been unlucky enough to arrive just as his father was about to leave to buy more alcohol. His father's face soured at the sight of him, and he grabbed Alastor hard by the wrist, scolding him for being late home from school. Alastor just let him, trying not to anger him further, but when his father said, "You're just like your whore of a mother!", Alastor lost his temper. "Don't you dare call my mother a whore!" he shouted at his father. He hadn't seen the slap coming, but he could still feel the burn on his cheek at the thought. When he had dared to look at his father defiantly instead of fearfully, he had gotten a beating he could barely recall today, for the memory was blurred and filled with pain.

 It took Alastor some courage to write the next few lines. But he pushed himself through.

 'He'd beat me or throw glass bottles at me. I didn't even have to do anything. My face alone was enough to set him off. Honestly, I quickly understood why Maman had cut all ties the moment she found out she was pregnant and fled the country.'

 Alastor breathed out a shaky breath. Then he went on.

(x)

 'He sent me out to sell drugs at school. I didn't want to, but I had no real choice. One thing led to another, and I ended up befriending other delinquents. I wasn't stupid, though. I never got caught by the police and only befriended the children of people higher up in the hierarchy than me. My best friend was the daughter of one of Paris's drug bosses. Her name was Mimzy, and she is both the reason I am still alive and the reason I am late.'

 Alastor considered whether to mention her name, but then shrugged. After all, it was just a nickname.

 'I can't tell you the details, but when I turned 16 I got myself into a very bad situation where prison would have been at the end of the road. So, I called Mimzy, who then called her father. His men cleaned up the mess I had made, and in return, I had to serve him. At first, it was easy. I only had one job: Keep Mimzy safe. But the more time went by, the more trouble Mimzy got herself into. She became reckless, knowing that I would get her out of trouble no matter what she did. I couldn't leave, because I owed my life to Mimzy's father, and only he could decide when I had paid off my debt. At one point, I believed he would never let me go, but then he surprised me one day by calling me to him and telling me that I had served my time and was now free of my debt. By this time, I was 23 and could have left France for the States. But... I was a changed man. I didn't believe myself to be worthy of a happy, carefree life. Instead of going back home, I made decisions that led me further down a dark path. Further away from you.'

 Alastor looked down at what he had written, unsure how to finish what he had started. Then he nodded and added:

 'I probably would have kept going down this path if I hadn't messed up big. When I fled France, I had to rethink my life and what I had done with it so far. I realised that the only time I had ever truly been happy was in my childhood, at home, with you. I decided to turn my life around and become worthy of this life and the happiness that I could find there. I hope that even after all of my mistakes and after all this time... you'd be willing to be part of it.

 Sincerely,

Alastor'

 Alastor lowered his pen and looked at the written letter. This might be his best take so far. He had left out the details about killing his father and, after his served time, his serial-killer days... Nodding to himself, he added their sigil, the snake around the apple with deer antlers in the back, next to his signature and folded the letter neatly, before pushing it carefully in an envelope. The thought of adding it to his next delivery made his heart beat faster.

 I hope Lucifer will understand it...

With this set, he took a shower to cool down, then lay down in bed with his hair still wet. As the tips curled, he knew he would regret not straightening them now, but he was too exhausted to do it.

 The bedside table lamp was on, and he was researching bears on his phone. Rosie hadn't noticed any bears around her property. He had asked her about it a few days earlier. Therefore, he assumed something on his property was luring the animal here. If he could identify and remove the cause, perhaps he could open his bedroom window again at night.

 Alastor shifted uncomfortably in his bed. The stuffy air bothered him more than anything. He had put a fan close to his bed to mimic a gentle breeze, but it didn't feel the same. It was far too hot tonight as well. Even though he had just showered, Alastor could feel sweat forming beneath his shirt.

 Frustrated by this, he sat up, dragged off the damned piece of clothing and threw it aside. Deciding he could sleep without a shirt, he flopped back onto the bedding. 

 With a deep sigh, he picked up his phone again and looked at the article about bears, when suddenly a loud noise tore through the night. It came from outside...

 Alastor’s spine stiffened. The air seemed to hold its breath with him, the soft hum of the fan suddenly loud in his ears. What the hell was that noise? 

 He put his phone aside and looked towards the window. The curtains were open, and he wondered if he could catch a glimpse of the creature. Maybe if he knew exactly what kind of bear he was dealing with, he could research it better. Intrigued, he slipped out of bed and cautiously stepped closer to the window.

 He peeked out of it into the depths of the night. There was no movement in his backyard. Alastor scanned the ground around the tree, then looked up into the branches. But there was nothing there.

 Maybe it hadn't been the bear after all?

 Suddenly, he heard the strange noise again.

 What is this? It sounded like some kind of scratching. On wood, maybe?

 It's rather close... somewhere beneath me?

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat as he slowly processed his thoughts.

 Oh fuck. The back door.

 Alastor ran out of his bedroom and dashed downstairs. He stopped in the hallway leading towards the back door.

 The scratching sound was much louder down here, and he swore he could see the door bending and moving slightly under the pressure coming from outside. A deep growling and snarling came from the other side.

 »Fucking Hell« Alastor cursed beneath his breath as he searched his pockets for his phone. He was unsure who he should call if a fucking bear was trying to open his back door. 911? Would people call them in a case like this? Or animal control? A shelter? No, certainly not a shelter.

 Then he realized he had left it upstairs. On his bed.

 Fuck, what now? Should I make noises? Try to scare it off?

 He tried to recall what he had read in one of the articles. If it was a brown bear, he should make no sounds and play dead, right? But with a black bear, he would need to make a lot of noise to scare it off... or was it the other way around?

 How would I know what it is?

 Alastor decided to give scaring it off a try. After all, it was already attacking the door. If he pissed it off, things wouldn't be any worse than before. With that in mind, he ran through the living room towards the kitchen in search of a pan and a wooden spoon. That should make some noise.  But as he closed the kitchen cabinet, he realised the scratching noise... had stopped.

 Is it gone? 

 Alastor hesitated. He stood there, frozen, with a pan and wooden spoon at hand, listening. The house was so quiet.

 Too quiet. Almost unnaturally. 

 A shiver ran down his spine. 

 Slowly, Alastor lowered the pan onto the counter, then leaned over to peer through the kitchen window facing towards the yard. He couldn't see the door from this angle without opening it. However, he didn't dare to, as the wild animal could still be out there.

 Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the yard for any movement. But it was rather dark, and the view from the window was limited.

 Should I check if it's still out there? If it is, it might tear me apart. Alastor thought. After all, he was unarmed, unless one counted the wooden spoon he was holding tightly.

 »Hm« Alastor hummed. I see nothing, and it's so quiet. Maybe it really is g-

 Suddenly, four red, glowing eyes stared right at Alastor. The frame of the beast huge enough for it's shadow to darken the whole window. 

 A scream of pure terror got stuck in Alastor's throat as he jumped back, lost his balance, and fell backwards. He grabbed for the pan in his fall, landing with an undignified yelp on his ass. The pan toppled to the ground next to him with a loud metallic sound, wobbling over the tiles for way too long before it stilled.

 Alastor scrambled backwards until his back hit the wall. His eyes were wide with shock as he realised that the shadow had disappeared from his field of view.

 Somehow, this was even worse. It could be anywhere.

 Panic surged through him, cold and sharp. 

 Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck! Alastor panicked. What the hell was that?! That's not a bear!

 He wanted to run, his brain screamed for it, but his legs were shaking, useless. Like his body had betrayed him, weightened by his fear of the monster outside.

 It looked at me. It looked straight into my eyes.

 He sat frozen, the bare skin of his back against the cold tiles of the wall. His heartbeat pounded in his throat. That... thing... had been massive. He had't been able to make out any details other than the eyes but the thought alone of it sent a chill down his spine. 

 Alastor didn’t move from the kitchen floor until the first light of dawn seeped in through the windows. 

 His knees protested as he rose, sore from hours on the cold floor. He crept forward, one hand trailing along the wall, as if it might keep him from crumbling. Every step felt like it echoed too loudly as he made his way from the kitchen, through the livingroom toward the hallway. 

 For a moment he just stared at the back door, unsure if he should take a look at the damage made by the beast. 

 With a shakey hand he reached for the key, turned it and opened the door. The claw marks scattered all over the thick wooden door from the top all the way down to the floor made his guts twist and his breath hitch. 

 What the... fuck...

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 Alastor brushed his fingertips over the deep claw marks on his back door, as if to convince himself that they were real. It was chilly in the shade of his house and the humid air felt damp on his skin.

 »Oh my stars!« Rosie gasped, making him flinch. »You weren't kidding about that bear, darling.«

 Alastor turned and saw her standing at the fence, holding a cup of steaming tea. Her hair was neatly done and she wore a purple hat with a wide brim.

 At first, Alastor was at a loss for words. He couldn't tell her what he had seen the previous night. She'd think he'd gone crazy. And in a small town like this, gossip spread like wildfire. So he nodded in agreement »Quite a huge one.«

 »You look pale, darling.« Rosie noted. »Come over here. I'll make you a cup of coffee.« she said, luring him onto her property. Her tone was soft and kind, and, as he hadn't slept at all that night, coffee sounded like a really good idea.

 With a sigh, Alastor joined her on the other side of the fence and let her lead him to her patio. »Thanks, Rosie.« he said, settling himself in the chair she indicated for him.

 »Oh, that's nothing.« Rosie replied, »Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back.« With that, she walked past the open veranda door and left him alone.

 Alastor's eyes trailed over the many colourful roses in her garden and the perfectly trimmed lawn towards a small birdbath, where some sparrows had settled to drink and bathe. It looked so peaceful. Seeing all this, one wouldn't even suspect that a monster was roaming around the neighbourhood at night.

 Does it only roam at night? Why is it always coming to my house? 

 A shiver ran down Alastor's spine as he pictured the red, glowing eyes. They had fixated on him as though he were prey. Alastor didn't like this feeling.

 I'll definitely have to buy a gun. Something to protect myself with. He decided.

 »Here you go...« Rosie said, putting a cup of hot, steaming coffee in front of him then offering him some cookies. 

 »Thank you, Rosie.« Alastor said, taking the cup. Realising that his hands were still shaking, he put the cup down on the table, not wanting her to notice. Instead he took a cookie. It was almost too sweet but he needed something to distract himself with right now. 

 »Penny for your thoughts?« Rosie asked, taking a sip of her tea.

 Alastor huffed. »Nothing, dear. I was just thinking that I might need to arm myself if this... bear returns.«

 »Oh, well, your mother had that old Winchester rifle in the safe. Do you think it's still in there?« Rosie asked.

 »A what now?« Alastor blinked at her, thrown off by the revelation.

 »Yes, you heard me right, dear.« Rosie continued, »Your mother had it for your safety. A woman living all alone with her child near the forest... she wanted to be prepared for any dangers that might arise.«

 Alastor hadn't even known that his mother had kept a weapon in their house. However, he knew where the safe was, and the combination had been included in her testament. Alastor remembered it because it was his birthday date. »I'll take a look at it.«

After exchanging some news and chatting for a while, Rosie and Alastor said their goodbyes. The talk had grounded him. He felt much lighter as he returned to his property.

 Alastor walked past the damaged door back into his house and made his way upstairs. As he entered the bedroom and opened the wardrobe containing the safe, he thought about how else he could keep the monster away. Maybe some traps would be a good idea? Though they would have to be huge. 

 He shivered at the thought of the beast going wild after being hurt by a trap. Maybe that wasn't a good idea after all.

 He entered the four-digit code on the safe's keypad and it opened with a loud 'clack'.

 Inside were a folder, a stack of photos and a large case.

Alastor took all three items out and left the safe open. He placed the case on the bedding and sat down next to it, his eyes fixed on the photos.

The photo on top was of Alastor as a baby sitting on his mother's lap. She looked so young in the photo, smiling sweetly at the camera. Alastor smiled back at her and felt his heart ache in his chest. 
 
 I miss you so much, Maman... 

 He carefully sat it aside to look at the next one. Alastor froze for a second. Lucifer was on it with him. They must have been around six years old and were playing in the backyard under the tree. Alastor looked at the photo for a long moment, then decided to keep it. He placed it on his bedside table, propping it against the lamp, and put the other photos aside to look at them later.

 The file contained paperwork relating to the house and its insurance. This would come in handy. He decided to put it back into the safe though.

 Then Alastor turned to the case. Based on the size of it, the rifle must be inside. He snapped open the locks and lifted the lid to reveal an old Winchester rifle with an elegant rosewood handle and delicate metal decorations depicting a deer surrounded by tall trees. It was indeed a fancy weapon.

 Next to it, was a small packet of bullets. It was half empty though.

 I'll need to buy more... He knew he wouldn't be able to get any here in his small hometown so he would have to drive to the city. 

 He recalled Husk's suggestion to talk to Ozzie and looked up the location of his club in the nearby city. If he was going there anyway, he could see if he could talk to Ozzie as well.

 Having chosen a gun shop close to the 'Lust Rings' - the name Ozzie had given to his club - Alastor took his rental car and made his way to the city centre. It took him a good hour until he arrived. 

 The summer heat slapped him in the face as he left the air-conditioned car on the store's parking lot. Alastor looked around the store for a while, unsure if he should get more weapons. Not knowing what would be effective, he decided to stick to his mother's old weapon for now and just restocked the ammunition. 

 Now that this was done, he got back into his car and let his phone guide him to  Ozzie's club. It was barely past 4 p.m. and the streets were still crowded.

 "You have reached your destination" Alastor's phone chimed and he quickly picked a parking spot close by. As he left his car, he looked up at the façade of the tall building where the glowing pink neon letters spelled 'Lust-Rings'. It was a much bigger establishment than he had imagined when Husk had told him that Ozzie owned a club. Well, a strip club, to be precise. A fancy one, apparently. Even though he found this rather vulgar, he had to admit that he was impressed by Ozzie's entrepreneurship. The boy he remembered had been very shy, but clever. 

 He must have used his brains to set this up... Alastor assumed.

Alastor wasn't keen on having to step into a strip club to talk to Ozzie, but he was out of options. He needed someone to hand him information, and Lucifer had been closest to Ozzie after he had left.

 Taking a deep breath, Alastor stepped through the door and into the fancy but rather empty lobby. Two buff bouncers were guarding the elevator door, arms crossed above their chests and wearing sunglasses.

  Alastor walked towards the reception desk where a young woman with long brown hair and red glasses was seated with her eyes glued to her computer screen, typing on her keyboard. He waited patiently for her to notice him standing in front of the desk.

 When she finally looked up, she greeted him with, »Oh, hello! Sorry, I was in the middle of something. Welcome to the Lust Rings. How many rings do you want to climb today?«

 »How many what now?« Alastor asked, cocking his head.

 »Oh, first time, huh?« the lady said, waving her hand. »No problem, sweetheart. I'll explain.« She turned towards a huge wall painting depicting the building behind her. »See? Every floor of the Lust Rings tower is a ring. Before you enter, you get to choose how many rings you want to climb today. Of course, the higher you go, the more entertainment you can access, but it also costs more. Don't worry though. If you're not sure how many rings you want to go up to, there's a reception area next to each elevator where you can increase your rings. But if you have something specific in mind, I can give you the relevant ring pass and you'll be able to access it right away tonight.«

 Alastor hummed as he eyed the drawing. Each floor had a colour, making the building look like a rainbow, and there were inscriptions next to them indicating the type of entertainment offered. None of it appealed to him, as he wasn't here for the entertainment. He said »Actually, I want to talk to Ozzie. We're old acquaintances.«

 The receptionist gave him a suspicious look. »A friend of Ozzie, you say? I've never seen you here before.«

 »I've just moved back to the States. Could you contact him for me? Tell him Alastor is here.«

 The receptionist looked him over from head to toe. »You have no idea how many people walk through this door trying to get a free ride with this trick. It's not worth it.«

 Alastor could not hold back a laugh »Oh dear!« he chuckled »God, no. If I can, I'll wait for him here in the lobby. I don't want to go in.«

 The receptionist looked at him in surprise »Uh... okay? Well, take a seat in the waiting area over there, then. I'll try to reach him, but he's very busy.«

 Alastor followed her indication and saw two white leather armchairs sat around a coffee table, small and lost in the oversized lobby.

 »Fine« he muttered »Thanks, dear.« Alastor watched as she put her headset on and dialled a number, then turned back to her computer.

Resolutely, Alastor walked over to the armchairs and sat down in one of them. They were surprisingly comfortable. After sitting in absolute quiet for a moment, he took his phone out of his pocket and opened his messenger app. Mimzy's last text had been left unread, so he opened the chat and looked at her last message.

Mimzy: Alastor, when will you come back to Paris?

Alastor rolled his eyes. After ignoring him for days, the first thing she wanted to know was when he was coming back. He typed his response.

Alastor: I can't come back to France. Not in the near future. I plan to stay here, Mimzy.

Mimzy: You wouldn't even visit lil old me?

Alastor: Maybe someday, when things have cooled down.

Mimzy: Did you at least reconnect with that Lucifer guy? You never shut up about him as a kid.

This made Alastor hesitate. He couldn't really call it 'reconnecting' yet.

Alastor: Not yet.

Mimzy: Come on, Al don't be a pussy. You gotta try at least. 

Alastor: I'm trying.

 The receptionist coughed to get his attention. »Ozzi said you are cleared to enter« 

 »To enter?« Alastor asked, taken aback by this news »Can't he come down here?«

 »No, he is very busy. He told me to send you up to the Golden Ring. Only VIPs have access to it.« The receptionist said, waving him closer.

 Alastor hesitated, but then pushed himself up and walked over to the reception desk, where the woman handed him a golden wristband »This is the VIP band« she said »You can use it to access the VIP area, the rooftop and all the rings below. Feel free to roam around!«

 »I certainly won't« Alastor muttered as he put the band around his wrist and tightened it. Some kind of device locked, and the band started to glow.

 »The band can only be removed by staff members. You have to hold it against the scanner in the lift to select the ring you want to access« the receptionist explained »Have fun!«

 Alastor sighed. I won't, but whatever... he thought. »Thanks« he said politely anyway, then made his way towards the lift. The two bouncers hadn't moved an inch since he entered, and they didn't move as he walked past them and pressed the lift button either.

 The moment the doors opened with a 'ding' sound, Alastor stepped inside and saw his reflection in the mirror on the back wall. He brushed a strand of hair back into place, then turned to the buttons to select a floor. Once he held his wristband in front of the scanner, all the buttons lit up like a rainbow. ''VIP access granted — choose your ring'' a robotic voice came from the speaker. 

 Alastor didn't waste his time checking the other floors a second and just pressed the button for the VIP floor at the very top. The lift started to move. Some music played as it went further and further up. Alastor waited patiently with his hands behind his back.

 It took a while. He watched the colours of the LED stripes change colours as the elevator passed the rings, before finally reaching the top floor. ''VIP Ring'' said the robotic voice as the door opened.

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 The bass-heavy music shook through Alastor's bones as he stepped out of the elevator into the vast room. His eyes widened as he caught sight of the large indoor pool, complete with a lounging area, small round tables submerged in the water, and even a pool bar.

 Even more eye-catching was the central fountain, where nearly naked dancers performed. Further back, there was a stage with pole dancers and aerial dancers performing high above the crowd, the silks almost touching the water below.

 Although Alastor had been in strip clubs before, back when he had been in Mimzy's father's service, he had never seen anything like this. They had always seemed gross to him. Even with all the fancy neon lights, the champagne and the trays of appetisers, the filth couldn't be fully concealed. Alastor didn't even need to take more than two steps inside the room to spot a few men snorting cocaine from a silver tray in a dark corner. Not to mention that a good portion of the people here were in swimwear. The tight fabric left little to the imagination as to how turned on the men were by the show.

 Despite the heat, Alastor shuddered. The temperature was probably set to make it more comfortable for those wearing only swimsuits. There was no way, though, that Alastor would take any of his clothes off in a place like this.

 Better find Ozzie quickly. He thought, not wanting to stay up here for too long. He took the two steps down and made his way around the pool, scanning the area for Ozzie. Would I even recognise him? Alastor wondered. After all, Husk had said that he had changed a lot during puberty.

 »Hm,« Alastor hummed, pushing his glasses further up his nose. A staff member held out a tray of appetisers for him. So Alastor took the opportunity to ask, »Can you tell me where Ozzie is? I'm supposed to meet him up here?«

 The lightly dressed lady looked around, then pointed towards the stage. »He should be in one of the lounges in front of the stage.«

 »Thank you, my dear.« Alastor said, noticing how confused she looked. He picked one of the appetisers and ate it on his way. It was some kind of caviar on a tiny piece of bread. He could tell by the salty taste it left on the tip of his tongue.

 As he made his way around the pool towards the lounge and seating area closer to the stage, he caught sight of a few women performing in nothing but G-strings and nipple pasties on.

 By the time Alastor passed the hot tub area, the heat had become unbearable, so he loosened the two top buttons of his shirt. For a moment, he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

 »Well, hot damn~« A man's voice startled him.

 Alastor's eyes snapped open and found himself face to face with a stranger. Immediately, he took a step back and glared at the man in front of him. He had blue eyes and was wearing a fancy suit and a red bow tie. His black hair was neatly combed back. However, what Alastor noticed most of all was how uncomfortably close the man had gotten.

 »They didn't lie when they said they'd sent me a real beauty.« The man purred, reaching for the buttons of Alastor's shirt.

 Quickly, Alastor pushed him out of his comfort zone, »I have no idea what you think you're doing, but stop it immediately.«

 »Fuck yeah, I like my men with some temperament,« the man chuckled, then fucking winked at him »I get it. Gonna have to wait till we're in the private section.«

 Alastor looked at him in confusion.

 Private section?

 Then it clicked.

 »I am not a prostitute.« he said, holding up his golden, glowing band to emphasise his statement »You've got the wrong guy.«

 The man's shit-eating grin vanished for a moment as disappointment replaced it »Oh... too bad.« he muttered. Then apperently decided to introduce himself. »I'm Vox,« he said, his grin returning as he held out his hand »And if you'd let me... I'd still like you to accompany me to the private rooms. I promise you a night you'd never forget.«

 Even Alastor's customer smile could not conceal his utter disgust at the thought. Fuck no. Instead he prayed for someone to erase the past few minutes from his mind. As politely as possible, he replied »Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not interested.« With that, he stepped past the man, who was still holding out his hand waiting for him to shake it.

 What he hadn't expected was for this Vox guy to keep following him as he resumed his search for Ozzie.

 »Come on, don't you know who I am?« Vox asked

 »No, and I don't care.« Alastor huffed, abandoning his politeness as the man didn't know when to stop.

 However, Vox didn't get the hint »I'm Vox, from Voxtec. You know? The multimillionaire?«

 »You could be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and I still wouldn't let you fuck me.« Alastor retorted sharply. Hearing the man's footsteps right behind him, Alastor turned around, grabbed Vox by his bow tie, and pushed him against the edge of one of the hot tubs. »Fuck off! Stop harassing me and find someone else to accompany you to those private rooms, or I might break your stupid multimillionaire nose. Got it?«

For some reason, Vox was blushing a deep red as he stared up at him with wide eyes. Alastor decided to 'refresh' his overheated brain. A simple push at the right angle was enough for Vox to lose his balance and fall ungracefully backwards into the hot tub. Water splashed everywhere as his fancy suit got soaked.

 Those sitting in the tub looked rather confused as Vox emerged from the water and called after the now-leaving Alastor, »That suit was fucking expensive!«

 »Good thing you're a multimillionaire then. You can just buy yourself a new one!« Alastor called back, holding up his middle finger as he left.

 What a fucker.

 There was a round of applause as the strippers left the stage, and a voice announced, »And for today's programme, please welcome our great showman and magician, "The Great Undressini"!«

 The applause was accompanied by loud whistles as a rather short man in a glittering suit stepped onto the stage. One half of his face was covered by a white mask and his left arm moved a bit unnaturally.

 For a moment, Alastor wondered why there would be a magic show in a strip club. Until the 'assistants' stepped onto the stage and 'The Great Undressini' started to perform his magic tricks. At first it looked like classic card tricks, pigeon tricks and so on, but with the added twist that each trick also made a piece of clothing magically disappear from one of his assistants, earning applause and whistles from the crowd. 

 »Fizz is amazing, isn't he, Al?« A deep voice asked Alastor.

 As Alastor was rather tall himself, he was surprised to find that he had to look up to meet the man's gaze.

 There was almost nothing about Ozzie that resembled his former childhood friend. His tight shirt showed off his biceps and six-pack. His dark-blue dyed hair flared upward like flames. However, his moss-green eyes remained the same, even if they were no longer hidden by glasses, and his smile was the cocky as all those years ago.

 »Ozzie!« Alastor gasped, unable to hide how stunned he was by his 'transformation'. »Holy shit! What did your mother feed you? You're even taller than me!«

 Ozzie burst out laughing. His deep, smooth voice mixed rather well with the bass of the music. »I've no idea what happened. The last time we met, I was smaller than you!« He chuckled. »It's good to see you. I had no idea you were back in the States.« He motioned Alastor to follow him to one of the lounges near the stage, where they could speak more comfortably.

 Alastor told him that he had only been back for a few weeks, and how Husk had told him about his club. »And so I decided I had to see this with my own eyes.« he concluded his little story.

 A waiter brought them cocktails and left again quietly before Ozzie said »Well, that's quite the surprise... Did you see Lucifer since your return?«

 Alastor felt his throat tighten, but forced himself to speak nonetheless »Only for a brief moment, before he slammed the door in front of my nose.« It was the shortened version, but Alastor didn't feel like telling him about the delivery disaster. »He's very angry with me for not keeping my promise.«

 Ozzie gave him a sad, almost pitying look. After taking a sip of his colourful cocktail, he said »I suspected that.« After a moment's thought, he added, »He was on the verge of insanity when you didn't show up. Not gonna lie.«

Hope rose inside Alastor »So you were there? Do you know what happened?«

 Ozzie shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes fixed on his drink as he stirred the ice cubes with his straw »I was with him the day before his birthday. He had called me rather frantically. I went over to calm him down and stayed for a while, but he sent me away before it got dark. I offered to come back in the morning, but he insisted that I not come back on his birthday and said that there would be guests... some kind of relatives. I respected that.«

 Alastor took in every bit of information, eager to find out what had happened.
»I remember he never celebrated his birthday with us when we were kids.« he said, intrigued. »What happened then?«

 Ozzie bit down on his lip. »Al, I'm not sure how much I should tell you... A lot of what I know is rather private. I don't think Lucifer would want me to tell you about it.« He brushed his fingers through his blue hair, then rubbed his neck.

 Alastor didn't want to let go, though. I didn't come all this way for this little. »Ozzie, please,« he pleaded, »I know I'm eight years late, but I really want to make things right. However, I can't do that if I don't even know why it was so important to Lucifer that I be here. He won't talk to me. I tried... I really tried, for weeks, but I couldn't get much more out of him than that he resents me for not keeping my promise.« His heart ached as he talked about it. »Please, Ozzie. I know you're a good friend for Lucifer and you only want what's best for him... But sometimes that also means to do the right thing, even if it means risking him dislikeing your decision...«

 Ozzie took a moment to think, his eyes taking all of Alastor in as if searching for signs of his sincerity. When he let out a deep sigh, Alastor knew he had won. »Fine,« said Ozzie, »but you better make things right between you two in return. You have to promise me that you'll stay this time. Don't run away after hearing me out, okay?«

 For some reason, the monster from last night flashed through Alastor's mind. It sent a chill down his spine. Most people would probably run away after seeing it. Hell, I must be insane to stay regardless. »I promise. I'll stay for good.«

 Ozzie nodded, satisfied with this answer. »Good. I can't tell you everything... it wouldn't be fair towards Lucifer. Some secrets have to be revealed by him. That's just how it is. But I'll try to give you what you need to get him to talk to you.« he said »Lucifer told me the day before his birthday, that you two were connected by a "Starseal". Do you remember this?«

 Alastor blinked at him. »A Starseal?« He thought back to the many nights they had lain in his backyard, stargazing and telling each other stories. There was one night that stood out, though. The night when Lucifer had asked him if they could stay together forever. He could remember the moonless night as if it were yesterday. It had been late summer and they had stayed out for hours watching the shooting stars. The Milky Way had been so clear that night, and Lucifer's eyes had reflected the twinkling stars in a way that had made Alastor's heart beat faster. "If you mean it, that we will always stay together," Lucifer had said, "let me mark you as mine."
 
 Alastor blushed as he recalled how Lucifer had bitten his neck, remembering it rather vividly. He rubbed the spot where he had bitten him even though there was nothing to be seen there anymore. »Yes... I remember... why?« he answered Ozzie's question after staying quiet for far too long.

 Ozzie sighed »Well... There was this girl… Lilith? His parents had arranged some kinda thing and she was supposed to attend his birthday.«

 Alastor blinked »For what?«

 »I think they wanted him to get together with her. But he said he couldn’t. Said he was already bound...« Ozzie hesitated »To you...«

 Alastor cocked his head, the gears grinding in his mind. None of this made any sense. It had just been some child's play. A silly game or whatever. Why would Lucifer still care about something like this in his late teens?
 
 That's when the realisation hit him.

 What if Lucifer had seen him as more than a best friend that night? Alastor's heart skipped a beat. He had wanted him to be there on his eighteenth birthday, the year he'd be independent of his parents and things had escalated because his parents invided some girl...

 »Fuck...« Alastor muttered »Do you think he had planned to come out to his parents that day? He wanted me by his side for it because...« He was unable to finish his sentence. His heart ached at the thought of Lucifer needing him all those years ago... and he wasn't there for him.

 Ozzie took a long sip of his drink, not meeting his gaze.

 Fucking hell... How have I been this blind? Alastor thought, going through his memories and now seeing clear signs that his best friend had wanted to be more than friends with him. His cheeks burned. »God, how could I have been so dense as to not even see it?«

 Ozzie snorted, »I've no idea how you could have missed it. Literally everyone else could see you two had the hots for each other.«

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat. »Wait, what?« His blush deepened as his mind came to a screeching halt »I—I never said—«

 Ozzie raised his eyebrows »You might be even denser than you think.« he said, sipping his cocktail »It was cute how oblivious you were as a kid, but as a grown up it's just frustrating to watch.«

 Alastor's mouth dropped open as his world fell apart around him, crumbling into pieces like shattered glass. His constant obsession to reconnect with Lucifer, him offering Lucifer flowers, his heart aching every time he stood in front of the locked gates...

 How did I not see this?

 Alastor held his head, feeling as if it were about to explode. »Bloody hell...« he muttered, »You're right!«

 Ozzie chuckled. »Of course I am,« he said, waving it off as if it was nothing, »So, what do you want to do with this new information?«

 Alastor sank back into his seat, his mind racing. »I... I guess I should tell him... and apologise for not being there on his birthday...«

 Ozzie nodded slowly. »Good idea.« he said, searching his pockets for something. He handed Alastor a small card with his contact details on it. »Here's my number. Call me if you want to talk.«

 Alastor accepted it thankfully, »I owe you something, Ozzie.«

 Ozzie looked rather pleased, »Just be good to him. Don't break his heart.«

 »If he still wants me after all this and gives me a chance... I'll never hurt him like this again.« Alastor promised.

 A loud round of applause turned Alastor's attention back to the stage, where 'The Great Undressini' announced, »Now for my final trick! Keep your eyes wide open — you won't want to miss it!« He made a quick movement and called »Abracada-Bra!« With a puff of smoke and fire, all bras of all six assistants on stage vanished mid-dance.

 The crowd went wild, whistling and throwing money towards the stage. Then, 'The Great Undressini' disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the stage for the dancers to resume their performance.

 Ozzie applauded, stood up and whistled. »That's my Fizzy!« He cooed and only settled back down once the applause died down.

 Alastor cocked his head and was about to ask who Fizz and Ozzie were to each other when he witnessed the man who had been on stage just a moment ago walk up behind Ozzie. He surprised him by holding his hands over his eyes and asking in a purr, »Who is iiiit?«

 »Fizzy!« Ozzie exclaimed happily.

 »Corrrrrect~« the Great Undressini said. He hopped over the back of the lounge sofa and settled next to Ozzie. »Who's your friend?« he asked in a raspy voice, looking over at Alastor.

 Ozzie introduced him »That's Alastor. We went to school together. Al, this is Fizz, my partner.«

 Fizz held out his hand for Alastor to take.

 »It's a pleasure to be meeting- « Alastor started, then got startled as he suddenly found himself holding Fizz's loose arm.

 For a second, his brain struggled to process what was happening, but then Ozzie and Fizz burst out laughing.

 »Did you see his face?« the now one-armed Fizz asked.

 Alastor took a closer look at the arm and realized... it was actually a prostetic. A rather fancy looking one. Must be expensive. 

 Fizz took his arm back jokeing »Mind handing me back my hand?« as he reattached it to his body. 

 Alastor realized now why his movement on stage had looked a bit unnatural. He was not only missing an arm but also a leg, and his mask might be more than decoration as well, as he could see a slight indication of a burn mark beneath the rim. 

 What an interesting fellow. Alastor thought. 

 He stayed a little longer, sipping his cocktail and listening to Ozzie's story on how he had come up with the club's concept. After a while he decided to call it a night and head back home. With new hope to make things right between him and Lucifer and a loaded gun for the monster. 

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 Of course, the moment he had restocked his ammunition and placed the Winchester rifle next to his bed for easy access, the monster decided not to come and check on him. Admittedly, Alastor felt a sense of relief. He slept through the night for once and woke up early with a plan on how to make Lucifer react to him.

 During all the time he had tampered with his deliveries, he had noticed that all he had ordered was pasta and tinned food. No fresh ingredients. He must be living off pre-cooked meals. So Alastor decided to cook some pancakes for Lucifer.

 He even found his mother's old recipe book in one of the kitchen cabinets and made the pancake batter using its instructions.

 A smile formed on his lips as he flipped a perfectly round pancake, revealing its neatly browned underside.

 Lucifer will love them. He thought. They were always his favourite. Recalling the many days he had spent with them, he saw himself sitting at the table with Lucifer, eating his fill of pancakes. He chuckled, remembering how Lucifer had always eaten them with his bare hands, munching at them like a little hamster.

 'Literally everyone else could see you two had the hots for each other' Alastor blushed slightly as Ozzie's words echoed through his mind. 

 He almost burned the pancake, but caught himself just in time. As he placed it on a plate and poured new batter into the pan, he thought about what he should do after delivering the pancakes and the letter. There was no package scheduled for today. In fact, Alastor had the day off, so he wasn't sure if Lucifer would accept his offering at all, but he had no more time to waste. He just had to make his intentions clear.

 My intentions... Alastor thought. But what exactly are my intentions? He felt his cheeks burn. Love, relationships and romance had never meant anything to him. As a teenager, he had tried to date some girls, but more out of peer pressure than anything else. They had been kind and good people, but he hadn't been able to reciprocate their feelings, and somehow they had known at some point and broken things off. He never cried after a breakup, but he spent some sleepless nights wondering why none of this affected him. Wondering if something was wrong with him. His mind kept asking him why he didn't seek closeness with others, whether they were men or women.

 'Let me mark you as mine...' Lucifer's voice echoed through his mind. His breath caught and his heart skipped a beat at the thought alone. Lifting his hand, he lightly brushed his fingertips over the spot where Lucifer had bitten him. All flustered, he recalled how close Lucifer had been that night. How Lucifer had been on top of him, surrounded by stars, yet none of them could match the spark in his icy blue eyes.

 Alastor tried to recollect how old they had been. It must have been only a few months before his mother and he had the car accident. Back then, he hadn't been able to imagine his life being so different. He had thought he would stay with Lucifer forever. In his hometown. With his maman.

 A pinch of sadness made itself known.

 But I am back now. Alastor thought, flipping the pancake. And I will stay this time. Nobody can force me to leave.

 He finished preparing his pancakes, packed most of them into a small container for Lucifer, and ate two for breakfast while sipping some hot coffee. His gaze trailed over to the envelope on the table. The letter he had written two days ago was inside it.

 After his encounter with Ozzie, he added another line to it. 'PS: Please let us talk in person about the night we got starbound.' now stood at the end of the letter. 

 He didn't want to declare his feelings for Lucifer through a letter. Alastor wasn't quite sure why he didn't want to do it in writing. It just didn't feel like the right way to do it.

 His heart clenched in his chest. That means I'll have to tell him in person. The thought made him nervous. He had never been one to admit his feelings before. What if he rejects me? After all, he doesn't even speak to me right now. Maybe things can't be repaired between us, and maybe he doesn't even want to see me again after learning about my past.

 Alastor took a sip of his coffee, closed his eyes for a moment, and tried to calm down, focusing on how the hot liquid trailed down his throat and the way the bitterness of the coffee mixed with the sweetness of the pancakes he had eaten.

 It'll be all right. And even if not, I have to try at least. 

 With that in mind, he finished his coffee, grabbed the container and letter, and left in the early hours of the morning for his walk to the top of the hill.  The Morningstar residence was high enough for the first sunrays to grace the otherwise grey façade, tinting it a soft shade of orange and red. Alastor didn't linger for too long. He just put the container and letter in front of the gate, then left.

 He had thought for sure that he would get no response anytime soon if at all. So he was surprised when his phone buzzed and he saw that an unknown number had texted him on the messenger application.

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat. He screeched to a halt and opened the message.

 Unknown number: Thank you for the pancakes.

 Alastor stood there in the middle of the street for a moment, utterly shocked. Lucifer had written to him. He had accepted his gift and reached out to him. It took all his self-control not to immediately turn around and run back up the hill to see him. Instead, he found himself staring at his screen. The blinking bar was waiting for him to type a reply to Lucifer's message.

 Alastor: You're welcome.

 Was what he ended up typing. The second he had sent the message, he started overthinking. Was that too short? Maybe I should have said something else? Do I sound desperate because I replied so fast?

 His phone buzzed again.

 Unknown number: I read your letter.

 Alastor waited for a moment, thinking there would be more the small one wanted to say. However, as a few minutes passed with no response, he decided to send him a message.

 Alastor: Does this mean you want to talk?

 He watched in horror as Lucifer typed a response, stopped, then started typing again, but sent nothing.

 »Fuck« he muttered to himself. Was I too greedy? Should I have waited? He bit down on his lip and continued to stare at his phone as he resumed his walk home. The moment he stepped through the blue front door, he let out a deep sigh. 

 This will drive me insane. He thought, taking his shoes off as he walked into the living room and flopped onto the sofa.

 As no new messages had come through, Alastor decided to use the time to save Lucifer's number in his contacts. 

 He was about to put his phone down when it suddenly buzzed.

 Lucifer: Meet me at 2 pm beneath the willow tree — you know which one.

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat. He wants to see me! The joy that filled him made him squeal with delight. Once he had regained his composure, he replied.

Alastor: I'll be there.

 He waited for Lucifer to say anything more, but it seemed that the small one had left the chatroom. Saddened that it was over already, he looked up at the clock. There were almost four hours until he had to leave.

 Should I shower? What should I wear? Alastor felt a sudden sense of nervousness. He wanted to make a good impression.

 Deciding to make the most of his time, he headed towards the bathroom, took off his clothes and turned on the shower. The tiles felt cold beneath his bare feet and the sound of the water hitting the bathtub echoed through the small room. Alastor stepped carefully into the bathtub, mindful of the lack of anti-slip stickers. Hot water poured over him, soaking his hair and running down his shoulders, chest, hips down to his feet. It felt good. Relaxing, even. 

 As he was in no hurry, Alastor took his time to wash, even using conditioner on his hair.

 When he stepped out of the tub and grabbed his towel, he noticed that the room was filled with steam from the extensive use of hot water. The mirror was covered in vapour, and the air was hot and humid. 

 He walked over to the tiny window above the toilet and opened it to let in some fresh air. Although it was warm outside, the air that came in felt almost chilly to him.

 After drying his upper body with his towel, he wrapped it around his hips and stepped in front of the mirror.

 Swiping his hand across the mirror, he uncovered part of it from the condensation and squinted at his blurry reflection.
 
 Deciding it wasn't worth the struggle, he picked his glasses up from where he had left them on the sink edge. They were covered in mist as well, so he wiped them on his towel before putting them on. The metal rim felt cold against his skin, but quickly warmed to his body temperature. Alastor blinked at his reflection, confused by something red on his neck.

 Leaning over the sink, he tried to get a better look at it and ran his fingertips over the reddened skin. Some kind of spot had formed. 

 An allergic reaction?

 Alastor recalled touching his neck at Ozzie's club when he had been thinking about his Starbound with Lucifer. Had he touched anything right before that? Maybe that creep's suit or bow tie? As far as he knew, he didn't have any allergies apart from an allergy to idiots.

 Adds up huh? He joked to himself. 

 Alastor rubbed the spot, checking if he could scrub it off, and noticed that it felt hot to the touch. Whatever it is, it might be infected.

 He opened the drawer beneath his sink, in which he had stored some medical supplies, and picked out a cream to treat inflamed skin. It's better to treat it now before it gets worse. He applied some to the reddened skin. A chill ran down his back as the cream felt cold on his neck.

 Maybe I should wear a bow tie later to cover it up. He thought, putting the cap back on the tube and returning it to the drawer.

 It took him half an hour to style his hair exactly how he wanted it. For some reason, it hadn't wanted to cooperate. Damned curls!

 With straightened hair and a smile on his face, he stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a towel. He walked down the hallway to his bedroom, where he spent far too long choosing an outfit until he finally settled on white trousers and a pink button up shirt. Standing in front of his mirror, he tied a black bow tie around his neck and felt his heart flutter in excitement.

 Time passed too quickly, and he found himself heading towards the lone willow tree in the field of wildflowers almost half an hour to early.

 The sun shone high above him, and crickets played their melody in the tall grass. A light breeze bent the tall weeds around him, stretching all the way across the field, making it look like the gentle waves of a green and golden sea. Some butterflies fluttered from one vibrant red poppy flower to another. Alastor followed their movements as he passed them.

 Once he reached the shade of the willow tree, he brushed his hands through its long vines. The leaves rustled as he stepped inside, his gaze trailing up to where the long vines joined the thick branches of the old tree. Sunlight sparkled through some of the small gaps in the leaf canopy, giving the light green leaves an almost silver shine.

  Alastor waited in the shade of the tree for Lucifer, listening to the chirping of crickets. His gaze was fixed on the path leading to the Morningstar residence, which was obscured by the long willow tree vines.

 Flashbacks of Lucifer running down this exact path as a child, eager to meet him at their favourite spot, came to Alastor's mind. It warmed his heart, yet he also felt somewhat melancholy at the thought.

 Time passed, and Alastor glanced at his phone. It was almost fifteen minutes past the agreed time, and he was starting to get nervous. He recalled that Lucifer had always struggled to be on time, so he didn't lose hope that he would appear any moment now.

 Shoveing his phone away, he glanced back up. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Lucifer running down the hill, just as he had done in the old days. Every part of him longed for Lucifer, and without knowing why, Alastor stepped out of the willow tree's shade and ran towards him through the wildflower field, the wind pushing him to run faster.

 Lucifer looked rather surprised, his eyes widening as Alastor got closer and didn't slow down.
 
 »Wow—Al!« Lucifer tried to slow down, but he had been running downhill and failed miserably. 

 They crashed into each other with a thud. The world spun around Alastor and he fell back into the tall weeds, sending dandelion seeds flying.

 Alastor blinked a few times. At first, all he could see was the blue sky above the tall weeds, and he noticed something warm and heavy on his chest. Just then, Lucifer sat up and looked down at him. His blonde hair looked almost golden in the sunlight. It shone almost like a halo.

 The sight took Alastor's breath away. He looks like an angel fallen from the sky.

Until he spoke »What the fuck, Alastor?«

 Alastor blinked, shaking off the daze. His words threw him out of his dreamlike world. A small »Hm?« was all he could manage.

 Lucifer's ice-blue eyes narrowed as he complained, »Why the hell did you run and crash into me?« he sounded a bit out of breath.

 Alastor needed a moment. He wasn't even sure what had made him run and felt his cheeks blush »I- well, you were running, so-«

 »I was running because I'm late.« Lucifer huffed, blushing a little himself.

 »Then I was running because you were late.« Alastor retorted.
  
 Lucifer slow-blinked, one eye at a time, as he used to do as a child.

 This made Alastor chuckle. He's so cute.

 Lucifer muttered, »That makes no sense at all.« Realising that he was still sitting on top of him, Lucifer got off and stood up. »Whatever« he said, holding out his hand to help Alastor up. His cheeks had a deep red taint. 
 
 Alastor took in this sight and wondered for a moment how he could have missed Lucifer's feelings for him for so long. With a soft smile on his lips, Alastor took his hand and let him help him to his feet.

 For his size, he was astonishingly strong.

Looking down at his tousled blonde hair, all he could think about was how much he wanted to hug him.

 What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way? It was almost as if some kind of barrier had been lifted now that Ozzie had made him acknowledge his feelings.

 Instead of hugging him, Alastor took a step back and asked, »So... you read the letter?«

 Lucifer didn't meet his gaze, but nodded. »Yes, I did.«

 There was a moment of silence between them. The wind brushed through the tall weeds and flowers.

 Alastor was the first to break it. »I... I wanted to tell you something in person.« he began, but he lost his courage when Lucifer looked up at him with his piercing blue eyes.

 Oh God. How am I supposed to tell him this?

 »Yes?« Lucifer asked, his eyes full of hope.

 Alastor felt as if all the air had left his lungs. As if all words had left his mind.

 Fucking hell...

 A burning sensation stung his neck. Without thinking too deeply about it, he loosened the bow tie around his neck, trying to get some more air to speak. As if that was really what had stopped him.  »Lucifer,« he started again, »The night when you asked me if we could be together forever... There was more behind this question, wasn't there?«

 Lucifer's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. He reached for a blade of grass and started to fidget with it. »Well... you could say that, I suppose...« he muttered, his voice fading into a whisper.

 Alastor's heart pounded faster in his chest. Stop beating around the bush and just tell him! This might be your only chance. »I'm sorry. I didn't realise it back then,« he said, letting out a shaky breath. »But I do now... and if you'd give me a second chance, I'd like to show you... that I really want to stay with you forever.«

 Lucifer let go of the blade of grass and took a step back, holding his hands over his chest. Still not meeting his gaze, he said, »You don't know what you're saying... I've changed, Alastor. I'm not the same as I was before... You don't want to promise me this. You wouldn't if you knew...«

 Alastor's heart ached. He took a step forward. »I am sincere, Lucifer. Even after all these years, after all this time...  you are the only one who makes my heart beat faster.«

 That's when Lucifer finally met his gaze.

 Alastor was surprised to see tears glistening in his eyes. Tears of happiness? Tears of sadness? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that he wanted to take him in his arms and wipe his tears away. 

 »Alastor,« Lucifer sniffled, »You don't understand- I'm... I'm a monster-«

 Alastor cocked his head. He took in his whole body language, his hurt expression and the fear shaking through his small body. Nothing. Literally nothing about him made him believe he was a monster. Nothing about him made him think of people like Valentino or his father... Whatever he thought he had done in the past to make him a monster, it couldn't have made him one for real. He was still the same innocent sweetheart as before.

 But if he truly believed he was a monster, telling him it wasn't true wouldn't change his mind. So, in that moment, he said the only right thing »So am I... I'm a monster. Even though I couldn't tell you everything in my letter, I won't hide this side of me from you, and you won't have to hide yours from me either.« He promised, »My feelings for you stay the same.«

 Something he said made Lucifer crumble. His crying worsened and tears streamed down his cheeks. His sobs felt like daggers piercing Alastor's heart.

 »Come here« he murmured, holding his arms wide open.

 Lucifer hesitated »No- you don't understand-«

 »I understand that you are in pain right now, and I want to be there for you.«  Alastor said, »Let me comfort you.«

 Lucifer didn't move. »I... don't deserve your kindness...« he said.

 »I think I am the only one who can decide who I give my kindness to.« Alastor countered, »And I think you deserve every bit of it... So come, let me help you.« His voice was warm and inviting.

 Lucifer's lip quivered and his eyes darted away, as if searching for a reason not to believe him. At first, it looked as if he would refuse, but then he took a step forward and slumped against Alastor.

 The moment Alastor felt the contact, his heart skipped a beat. A burning sensation coursed through his body as he took Lucifer in his arms and rubbed his back soothingly, feeling him nuzzle against his chest.

 Lucifer sniffled, his voice muffled by the fabric of Alastor's clothes. »I missed you- I missed you so much- I'm so sorry I sent you away-« his voice breaking as he wrapped his arms around Alastor and hugged him back.

Alastor patted his back and hummed, »There, there... It's all right...« he reassured him »I missed you too... I know you were hurt, and probably still are. I'm so sorry...«

 Lucifer looked up at him, his eyes still watery from tears, »You don't hate me?«

 Alastor shook his head. »I couldn't hate you.« he said.

 Lucifer stared at him, deep in thought. He bit down on his lip, then said, »I... I couldn't hate you either... When I said that I hated you... I lied. I... I was just so hurt and I wanted you to leave because-« he shook his head »It's not important... I shouldn't have.«

 Alastor cupped his face in his hands, brushing his thumb over his cheek and wiping away his tears. »It's okay.« he said gently »I forgive you...«

 Lucifer nuzzled against his hand and closed his eyes. A shaky breath left his lips before he opened his eyes again and met his gaze. »I'll need time to forgive you, but... I understand better now that I've read your letter...«

 Alastor nodded. »I understand that.« he said. Even though it hurt a little, he knew he couldn't speed up this process.

 Lucifer took a hesitant step back, his gaze trailing over the wildflower field. Brushing his fingertips over a vibrant red poppy, he said »I kept your flowers, you know?« A soft smile curled his lips. »This is a good place for a new start.« Glancing up at Alastor.

 Something about this sight took his breath away. Before Alastor could find the right words to reply, Lucifer turned and said, »I'll wait at the gate next time you come for your delivery.« and with that, he left.

 Alastor felt the urge to follow him, but he couldn't bring himself to move. He just stared after him, as if under a spell.

 It was only when he felt the strange stinging sensation on his neck again that he got out of his trance. He untied his bow tie and touched the spot, feeling a surging heat beneath his fingertips.

 What the hell is going on with that thing?

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~

 Well... that's a surprise... Alastor thought, stepping out into his backyard in the early morning, a cup of coffee in hand. The sun had barely risen, and the fresh humidity of the night was still lingering in the shade of his house.

 But what had really caught his attention was the deer corpse lying on his porch. Some flies had already gathered around it, especially close to its wide-open eyes.

 Alastor took a sip of his black coffee, he wasn't ready to deal with this yet.

 Others might have been sickened by the sight of the clearly viciously mauled deer, its neck bearing deep wounds and its fur stained with dried blood. But Alastor had seen worse. He had done worse. Seeing a dead animal was nothing compared to taking a human apart piece by piece to dispose of the body.

 »Hm...« Alastor hummed, taking another sip of his coffee. I wonder how intelligent the monster is. Is it capable of sending me this as a threat?

 He knelt down next to the deer, a kind of morbid fascination leading him to inspect the wound on its neck and the claw marks on its hind leg. It hunts like a wolf. It must have some intelligence, since it wounded the leg to slow the deer down before going for the neck. Not to mention, it must be fast if it was able to catch it in the first place.

 »Oh my stars!« Rosie yelped in surprise from her garden.

 Alastor looked over to the fence, where she was holding her hand over her mouth. She was clearly taken aback by the sight of the dead deer.

 »Indeed, my dear.« Alastor joked, finding his pun rather funny. »I just woke up to this. I've no idea how it ended up here.«

 Rosie leaned over the fence, holding her straw hat with the pink bow tie so that it wouldn't fall off. »Do you think that bear left it here? It must have been startled by something otherwise it wouldn't have left it's meal.«

 Alastor nodded in agreement, even though he had other theories »Sure, it could be. But what am I supposed to do with it now? I've got to leave for work in five minutes.«

 After a moment's thought, Rosie suggested, »Tell you what. If you hand me your keys, I'll call the rangers to collect it and open the door for them.«

 »You'd do that for me?« Alastor asked, surprised by her offer. Though maybe not that surprised... After all, Rosie had gone out of her way to help him ever since he returned.

 »Sure, darling.« she waved it off as if it were nothing. »Go to work and don't worry about it. I'm retired and have nothing better to do today.«

 Alastor thanked her and handed her his spare house keys, making himself a mental note to buy her a small gift in return for her kindness. She had been a real lifesaver these past few weeks.

 After the morning rush had passed and Alastor had restocked the shelves of the small store, things quietened down. He found himself standing behind the cash register, one arm resting on the counter and his eyes fixed on the selection of sweets, trying to remember which ones Lucifer liked best. He had already picked something for Rosie and stored it in his bag, but ever since Cherri had handed him the delivery box for the Morningstar residence, he hadn't been able to think about anything except seeing Lucifer at the gate later.

 I think he liked cookies... Those with the big chocolate chips? Alastor thought.

 The cool air from the air conditioning brushed over his bare arms. He sighed and listened to the buzz of the fridges at the front of the store.

 Would it be too much to bring him some chocolate? He wondered.

 »... Alastor?« Cherri's voice dragged him out of his thoughts. She came closer and crossed her arms over her chest. »What's up with ya today? I've been calling ya.«

 Alastor blinked in surprise, »You were? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.«

 Cherri cocked her head and popped a pink bubble of bubble gum »Somethin' happened. Ya've been awfully dreamy all day long. Somethin' good?«

 »Sorry, I guess I've been a bit lost in thought today.« Alastor felt his cheeks blush. 

 »Oh, what do we have here?« She leaned closer and inspected his cheeks. »Are ya havin' a crush, dear?« she teased.

Alastor averted his gaze »I've no idea what you're talking about.«

 »Nonsense,« Cherri called out his bullshit, »Who is it? Come on, spill da tea!«

 Alastor huffed, his eyes trailing over to the delivery subconsciously.

 »Aha!« Cherri exclaimed, following his gaze »Da lil Morningstar, eh?«

 Alastor felt his blush deepen. There was no way he could hide it now that she had seen his reaction. »Well... yes.« he admitted. 

 Cherri chuckled, »Ow, look at ya, all flustered,« she said, leaning against the counter and resting her arms on it. »So, what's da plan, Romeo? Will ya ask him out?«

 »On a date?« Alastor asked for clarification.

 »Of course. What do ya think? That ya can just walk into his life with your smily face and not have to put in any effort?« Cherri pointed at his face, »If ya really have feelings for him, show him ya wanna make it work, hm?«

 Alastor was a bit surprised by the way the conversation had turned. Do I look like I need relationship advices? He opened his mouth to protest, then closed it again. Fair point. After a moment of thought he asked »But he rarely leaves his mansion right now, I don't think he'd like to go to a public place.«

 »True...« Cherrie agreed. »Well, ya could still ask if you two want to do somethin' together. Ya could watch a movie or do somethin' else ya can do at home. Then he can pick where ya wanna meet, at his or your place.«

That was actually good advice. Alastor was almost surprised. »Well... Maybe we could cook something together.« he muttered, half to himself.

 Cherri peeked up »Well, that's a good idea. How about ya pick some stuff from the shelves, and when you bring him his delivery, you can tell him what you've got in mind and see when he has time?«

 Alastor nodded in agreement. »Sounds like a plan.« he said, thinking about what he could cook. He served some customers, bouncing ideas off with Cherri. In the end, he found just the right dish to make: His mother's jambalaya recipe. He recalled Lucifer liking spicy foods.

 With that in mind, he gathered all the necessary ingredients, his pulse raced at the thought of asking Lucifer out.

 The rest of the working day went by in the blink of an eye. Cherri wished him good luck as he left, with the package and bag of groceries at hands, for his climb to the top of the hill. 

 Even from afar, he could see that Lucifer had kept his word and was standing at the gate.

 Alastor's heart pounded faster in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was because of his quick steps or the sight itself. He took in the way the evening sun shone on Lucifer's blonde hair, giving it an almost golden hue.

 As he neared him, he met his piercing ice-blue eyes and slowed his pace. He searched for the right words with which to greet him. However, when looked down at the small one, he realised that he had lost his ability to think. Like some fool, he held out the package and said, »Your delivery, Mr Morningstar.«

 Lucifer cocked his head and eyed him from head to toe, then burst into laughter that rang like bells in Alastor's soul. »Oh my-« Lucifer chuckled, »What are you doing?«

 Alastor felt his cheeks burn. »I suppose I'm a bit nervous,« he admitted, feeling his hands getting sweaty.

 »Nervous? Why?« Lucifer asked.

 The way his piercing blue eyes looked at him in anticipation made Alastor's heart beat faster. »Well, I wanted to ask... if you'd like us to meet sometime... uhm this week maybe... and spend some time together? Maybe we could cook together... I bought some ingredients for jambalaya if you want to.« he stuttered his way through his request.

 Lucifer eyed the bag with the groceries he had picked for the dish and asked, »Do you have all you need here?«

 »Well, yes. I just bought what I needed. Why?« Alastor asked.

  Lucifer grinned up at him as he replied, »Well, I'm free right now. If you want?«

 Alastor hadn't expected this. He felt his cheeks burn as he tried to grasp what was happening. »S-sure« he managed to squeeze out. 

 »Well, then come inside.« Lucifer purred, waving him through the open gate to his property.

 They followed the path leading towards his mansion. The gravel crunched beneath each of their steps. Some crows cawed at them from the branches of a dead tree. Alastor looked up at them. Why are they always cawing at me when I'm here?"

 As if in answer, they spread their wings and fluttered away.

 Lucifer opened the mansion's old wooden door to reveal the huge entrance hall, complete with an imposing red carpeted staircase leading up and a chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. All the lights were out, and since the window shades were closed, only the light falling through the open door illuminated the room, giving the mansion an abandoned air.

 Alastor cautiously stepped in. He recalled how big everything had looked to him as a child, on the rare occasions he had been here. They had rarely been at Lucifer's home, though. Most of the time, Lucifer had visited him at his mother's house. Alastor couldn't even recall Lucifer's father's face. He had seen him twice, perhaps, and remembered how cold he had seemed. 

 Lucifer's mother wasn't around. If he remembered correctly, she had died in labour. However, Alastor didn't want to bring up the subject, so instead he said, »It really hasn't changed at all since I was last here.«

 Lucifer huffed, »I guess it wasn't this dusty last time. My father always had lots of staff taking care of the property.« he said, pointing up at the cobwebs on the chandelier. He then walked off towards the door on the left, saying »Come, follow me.« His footsteps on the marble tiles echoed through the room.

 Alastor trailed behind him, taking in his surroundings. The lights were turned on in the hallway. Old oil painted portraits hung on the walls. Some of the people reminded Alastor of Lucifer. Maybe the eyes? Or the tiny noses? They must be some ancestors. The Morningstar family must have very old roots. Alastor found the way the paintings stared at him a bit chilling, though, so he didn't look too closely and hurried after Lucifer, who pushed open the kitchen door and turned on the lights.

 It was a kitchen worthy of a chef. Clearly built to host a whole team. With only the both of them in it, one felt almost lost in this huge room with multiple stoves and modern kitchen appliances.

 Lucifer walked to the back of the room and opened another door. »The storage is over here.« he told him.

 Alastor placed the bag containing the ingredients for the jambalaya on the counter, then followed Lucifer with the delivery package. He stepped into the storage room, which was filled to the brim with tinned food and noodles. Alastor had to hold back laughter at the sight of the unlabelled cans. The ones he had tampered with.

 Lucifer huffed, »Oh, you recognise those, don't you?« He took one of the unlabelled cans and held it up. »Quite creative. I've got to hand it to you.«

 Alastor couldn't hold back his laughter anymore. He chuckled »Sorry, but I find it quite hilarious.«

 Lucifer raised his eyebrows. »Is that so?« he asked. »How about I open one every time you come over, and I'll feed you whatever is inside? It's like a fucked-up lottery trying to figure out what's in those cans.«

 All Alastor heard was a promise that he would be able to visit more often. »Could be fun.« he said, smiling cockily.

 »I can't cook anyway, and I dismissed all the staff after my father died.«

 This piqued Alastor's interest »How come?«

 Lucifer pushed himself past Alastor and out of the storage room. As he passed, Alastor caught a whiff of his sweet scent. It reminded him of apples and cinnamon.

 »Well, I didn't need them anymore...« Lucifer lied. Clearly, he must have needed them if he was unable to cook or keep the house clean. But Alastor didn't press the matter.

 Instead, he proposed »I could teach you a thing or two.«

 Lucifer's cheeks turned a deep shade of red »Oh, well... yeah, that would be nice.«

 Alastor chuckled, seeing how flustered Lucifer was. He's so cute! »Come, let's get started.« he said eagerly, waving Lucifer towards the shiny kitchen counter where the bag of ingredients waited for them. He started to unpack them.

 »What do we need?« Lucifer asked, opening one of the kitchen cabinets.

 »Well, a pot, knives, peelers, chopping boards and a few bowls would be good.« he thought, trying to remember everything he needed for jambalaya. Since he hadn't brought the recipe book with him, he would have to rely on his memory. »And a colander... That should be it for now.«

 Lucifer searched the different cupboards and drawers for the utensils Alastor had asked for, placing them on the counter. The small one moved swiftly around the kitchen, and Alastor found himself gazing a little too long at his ass as he bent down to reach something at the back of one of the cupboards.

 Quickly he averted his gaze, scolding himself. Don't be a perv. Behave!

 Once everything had been gathered, Alastor showed Lucifer how to cut the bell peppers. He moved close behind him, looking over his shoulder, and gently guided his hand as he explained.

 Standing so close, Alastor could feel the heat of Lucifer's body and smell his sweet scent. It made his mind go all fuzzy, and he had to focus very hard to avoid mixing up his words.

 The small one was clearly affected by the closeness as well, but he was also a little tense, so Alastor stepped aside and gave him some room to breathe after explaining the task. Not wanting to overstep.

 He took on one of the more difficult tasks himself. They now stood side by side, both working on their tasks, when Lucifer suddenly said, »It's been a while since I had a home-cooked meal.« A sad smile formed on his face. »Actually, this reminds me of the times when I used to visit you as a child. Your mother's food always tasted way better than whatever the kitchen staff made for my father and I. Even though they were renowned chefs.« He huffed at the last part. »I don't know... maybe it was just because I saw how much love she put into her cooking, whereas for the chef it was just a job. Something he got paid for...«

 Alastor looked at him, surprised by how talkative he was. It felt good, though, to hear him speak with such sincerity. He offered him a gentle smile and said, »She always called you her second son, you know?«

 Lucifer's movements slowed. The knife was halfway through cutting the bell pepper on the chopping board. »She did?« he asked.

 »Yes,« Alastor confirmed. »She loved you very much... I think she wouldn't have let you go back home if she could have.« He chuckled at the thought »I remember how she always wanted you to stay longer, but your father never let you spend the night.«

 Lucifer bit down on his lip and averted his gaze. »Yeah... I remember this.«

 Alastor cocked his head, surprised by this reaction. Did I upset him? Why is he so sad all of a sudden? Maybe talking about the past wasn't such a good idea. He must have had a hard time after he had left. He focused back on cutting the chicken meat.

 »I miss her.« Lucifer breathed out. It was barely audible, but in the silence of the vast kitchen, Alastor could hear it loud and clear.

 His heart ached as he saw how much it affected the small one, even after all this time. »I miss her, too...« he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. »I bet she would love the thought that we're cooking her jambalaya together.« He put the chopped meat aside an picked new utensils for his next task. 

 Lucifer met his gaze with his with his hazy blue eyes. »You'd think she'd be fine with us... uhm... you know?« he said, unable to finish his question.

 Alastor had no doubt about that, »She would have been fine with it.« he said. »I think she would have been even delighted, because that way she would have been able to call you her son-in-law.« He chuckled at the thought and nudged Lucifer gently with his elbow. »Also, I was told not so long ago that apparently everyone but me noticed we "had the hots" even back then.«

He started cutting the sausages and filled a bowl with them, then handed Lucifer the onions to cut.

 »Oh, really?« Lucifer cocked his head »Who told you that?«

 »Ozzie« Alastor replied, seeing no reason to hide this information from him. »I went to his club a few days ago.«

 Lucifer's eyes widened »You met Ozzie?«

 »Yes, why?« Alastor wondered. He put the pot up on the stove, added some olive oil and poured the bowl of sausage bits in it. 

 Lucifer resumed cutting the vegetables. Picking up the selleri »N-nothing,« he muttered, »Just surprised me.«

 Well, that seems odd. Alastor noted. Are they not on speaking terms anymore? Ozzie hadn't mentioned anything. He stired the sausages and added the chicken meat. 

 Lucifer quickly changed the topic. »So, how long does the jambalaya need to cook?«

Alastor hummed, »Hm... well, it'll take about 30 minutes once we add the rice. Overall, it'll take a bit less than an hour. Why?«

 Lucifer paused. »An hour?« He asked, looking over at the clock on the wall, then shifted nervously from foot to foot. »All right... I guess.... that could work...« he said, barely above a whisper. Then, added a bit louder, »I'm just hungry.«

 Alastor looked up at the clock. It wasn't quite 7 pm yet. »I see. It'll go by fast. You'll see.« he promised. Suddenly, he felt a light sting on his neck. It was the same spot as the day before, but he wasn't sure why. The red spot had disappeared when he checked it this morning. Intrigued, he brushed his fingers over the spot and felt heat beneath them.

 Lucifer must have noticed, as he followed his movement with his gaze. »What's wrong?« he asked.

 »Oh, it's nothing, dear.« Alastor shrugged and explained, »Just some weird allergic reaction I had. I can't seem to get rid of it completely.«

 Lucifer stared at his neck, his eyes widening. »Wait... When did this start, did you say?« he asked.

 Alastor hummed in thought. »I think that was the day I brought you the pancakes. Or was it the night before? I don't know exactly... I only saw it later in the mirror.«

 Lucifer took a hesitant step back. »I see...« he muttered, his eyes switching between his neck and his cutting board a few times. 

 »Could you pass me the onions and bell peppers, please?« Alastor asked, holding out his hand.

 Lucifer took the bowl and handed it to him. In the process, their hands brushed and he felt a bolt of electricity surge through him. It was a thrilling feeling that made his mind go blank for a split second before he regained his composure and quickly resumed his work. His cheeks blushed nonetheless. But out of the corner of his eye he noted Lucifer's were as red as his. 

 Lucifer glanced at the clock again, tapping his fingers against the counter. 

 Once the other ingredients and spices had been added, Alastor left the jambalaya to cook, adding the rice in time. He noted how Lucifer grew more nervous over time, glancing at the clock occasionally and fidgeting with whatever was within reach on the kitchen counter. Right now, it was the salt shaker. His restless fingers spun the salt shaker again.

 This is definitely not about him being hungry.

Chapter Text

~Alastor's POV~
 

 With two bowls of steaming jambalaya at hand, Alastor followed Lucifer through a door. Beyond it was a dining room with a long table large enough for a whole banquet. A chandelier hung above it, and a fresco depicting the Garden of Eden adorned the high ceiling. Alastor was in awe of the details of the painting. It looked as if the artist had drawn every single leaf of the apple tree at the centre of the composition. Adam and Eve were portrayed as naked, reaching for an apple around which a white snake had twisted. Despite all the fancy decorations, the room felt empty and almost unlived in.

 »I don't usually eat here...« Lucifer said, »It feels so lonely eating at a huge table like this, so I prefer sitting in front of the TV.« He fiddled with the rim of his sleeve and blushed in embarrassment.

 »I get that.« Alastor said gently, »Would you prefer to eat there, then?«

 Lucifer shook his head »No, no- I mean, I'd rather talk than stare on a screen.« he said, averting his gaze.

 Alastor smiled at him nonetheless. He suggested »Well, we can eat on the sofa with the TV turned off. Sounds rather comfy to me.« He wanted Lucifer to feel at ease. Whatever was making him nervous didn't need to be amplified by a room like this.

 Lucifer's piercing blue eyes met his. He was lost in thought for a moment. In the end, he admitted, »You know... actually, I would really prefer that.«

 »Then so it shall be.« Alastor decided.

 »All right... uhm, it's this way.« He walked towards a grand double-winged door at the end of the room and pushed it open.

 Alastor trailed behind him, still holding the two steaming bowls. The room was dark, and Alastor's gaze swept over the shaded windows. »Is there a reason why you keep all the shades shut?« he asked, intrigued.

  »I uhm.... well, I often get migraines from the light, so I keep them shut.« Lucifer replied hesitantly, switching on the dim lights and revealing the fancy living room.

 The furniture looked as if it had come straight from an aristocrat's manor. The ruby-red antique sofa faced the only modern thing in the room: a huge flatscreen TV hanging above a marble chimney. Alastor spotted a fancy chess set in front of a wall of bookshelves filled with antique books and knick-knacks from around the world. The room smelt of a mixture of old books and dusty curtains, which Alastor found rather pleasant. It reminded him of the scent of the library he used to visit at university.

 They settled down on the red sofa, which was much more comfortable than Alastor had expected, although he was a little nervous in case any jambalaya dripped on it. The sauce would be difficult to remove from the fabric, so he ate carefully and hunched over a little.

 The moment the spices hit his tongue, he was thrown back in time to eating his mother's jambalaya after a long day of school.

 He heard a pleased hum coming from Lucifer. »This is just like I remember it! It's so good!« he exclaimed, complimenting his culinary talents enthusiastically.

 It made Alastor smile, warming his chest with more than just the spices, »It is... indeed.« 

 Only when he noticed Lucifer's faintly blushed cheeks, did he realise that he had been staring for way to long at him. The small one averted his gaze and took another bite. »I, uhm... could put some music on if you want?« he proposed, nodding towards an old gramophone resting on a side table.

 It immediately piqued Alastor's interest, »What do you have?«

 Lucifer put his bowl on the coffee table and opened the cupboard next to the gramophone, revealing a huge collection of records. »I've got a lot of classics, some opera, musicals... To be honest, most of these are my father's, but I've added some jazz over time.«
 
 Alastor was delighted to hear this. »I like jazz.« he said, »What do you have?«

 »Some Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong.«

 »Oh, you like Louis Armstrong?«

 »Sure,« Lucifer said, dragging the record out of the shelf. »This one is my favorite. I've listened to it on loop. I absolutely love the song he shares with Ella Fitzgerald. His sense of rythem and swinging, is unmatched.« he said, smiling fondly at the worn out record sleeve before taking the disk out and handing the sleeve to Alastor.
 
 Alastor took a closer look. It wasn't just any kind. It was the special edition!
 
 Lucifer put the disc in, started the gramophone and lowered the needle onto it. The gramophone made its typical crackling noise as it started to turn, and then the music began to play. Smooth jazz filled the living room, making Al's feet tap softly to the rhythm as he ate.

 ~~Heaven, I'm in heaven ~ And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak ~ And I seem to find the happiness I seek ~~

 Alastor felt his cheeks blush as he reflected on the truth of the song's lyrics.
 
 Lucifer settled back down and picked up his bowl again. He bit down on his lip, then asked nervously, »Quite the tune, isn't it?« 

 »Indeed« Alastor agreed, then quickly thought of something to say to fill the silence between them. »I used to frequent this little jazz bar in Paris. It was nothing special, but they played the best music, and the crowd danced like nowhere else.«

 Lucifer took another spoonful of jambalaya, then asked, »So, you like to dance?«

 Alastor grinned. »I love to dance.« he confirmed, »What about you?«

 Lucifer hummed, »Well... I didn't enjoy the dance lessons my father made me take, that's for sure. But when I'm free to do as I please, I quite like dancing.« He sighed »Though I have to say, dancing all alone in an empty mansion can feel a bit lonely at times.« His gaze wandered over to the grandfather clock in the corner.

 He looks so sad... Alastor couldn't beare to see him like this. He ate the last spoonful of his jambalaya, then put the bowl aside. In one swift movement, he stood up and held out his hand to the small one. »Would you like to dance with me?« 

 Lucifer blushed a deep red. He put his empty bowl aside, then timidly layed his warm, soft hand in Alastor's.

 Alastor felt a jolt of electricity course through his entire body at the contact. This energy immediately flowed into his movements as he pulled Lucifer up from his seat and led him to the more open space of the room. The first few steps of their dance were simple. Alastor kept their hands intertwinded and rested his other hand on the small of Lucifer's back. He tested the water, trying to assess how good a dancer Lucifer was by setting a slow swaying pace.

 To his delight, Lucifer kept up impressively well. 
 
 Alastor's eyes widened as he watched the small one's gracefully twist out of his arms never letting go of his hand and performin a jazz side step. He was elegant, beautiful, even mesmerising. Alastor gave him a little playful spin and heard him laugh with delight. It made his heart beat faster and his breath catch.

 I've never seen true beauty before today. He realised.

 Alastor took the lead, and felt no resistance at all from the small one. Deciding to up his game, he spun him around, then pulled him in close, brushing his hands over his swaying hips.

 Lucifer smoothly turned out of his arms, letting go of his hand in the process. He danced around him as if daring him to catch him with a flirty wink. He danced as if it were second nature to him. 

 Alastor took this personally and made catching him his new goal. But the little one evaded him in the most gracious way, making it look as if he was getting away, always just by a hair.

 In the end, Alastor grabbed his hand, pulled him in close, and wrapped his arms around him. Swaying to the music, he breathed out, »You're quite the dancer, my dear.«
 
 Lucifer moved up onto his tiptoes, wrapping his arms around his neck and purred into his ear »So are you.« then placed a cocky kiss on Alastor's cheek, making his mind flash back to the time Lucifer kissed him under the willow tree as a child.

 Alastor tripped over his own feet and took Lucifer with him in his fall. 

 They both landed on the sofa. Alastor on top of Lucifer, pinning him beneath him. Cushions were spilled around the small one and a deep red tainted his cheeks. They both breathed heavily. When Alastor's gaze met piercing blue eyes, he felt his heart stutter. »Sorry,« he muttered, but couldn't bring himself to move away. 

 Being so close to Lucifer felt too good. The heat he radiated was far too welcoming. He wanted to bathe in his warmth and keep looking into his deep blue eyes. For a split second, he thought he could see something flash up in them before Lucifer pushed himself a bit further back, creating some distance between them.

 »It's fine...« he said beneath his breath, averting his gaze and brushing his fingers nervously through his blonde hair.

 Alastor watched him, wondering how soft his hair might feel to the touch. He longed to find out and explore every inch of his body.

 What's wrong with me? Alastor's thoughts screeched to a halt. He had never been the kind of person to long for things like this.

 He eyed the hint of bare skin on Lucifer's neck where his button-up shirt had slipped, almost enough to see his shoulder.

 Fucking hell! He'll be the death of me. Alastor felt the same warmth rise inside him as in the flower field. He longed for the small one. »Can I kiss you?« Alastor heard himself ask, surprising himself as much as the small one.

 With wide eyes, Lucifer turned to him, »Wait, what?« he asked.

 Alastor coughed, »Oh, nothing. I-«

 »No, no, don't... I mean, I heard you-« Lucifer stuttered. »I just... didn't expect it.« His blush deepened and he sat further up on the sofa facing him. His ice-blue eyes darted to Alastor's lips, then back up to meet his gaze.

 Alastor felt a tingling sensation in his belly at the sight. 

 »Yes,« Lucifer whispered, then added more clearly, »I would like that.«

 He wants it too. Alastor hands grew sweaty, his throat drying up. He wants to kiss me. His mind reeled. He wants me to kiss him.
 
 His heart raced in his chest. I've never been so nervous about kissing someone before. He dampened his lips and saw Lucifer hold his breath in anticipation. It was like a silent invitation for him to come and kiss him.

 He's so gorgeous. Alastor thought, leaning closer with his eyes half-lidded and fixed on Lucifer's. When he was close enough to smell his sweet apple and cinnamon scent, he paused, waiting to see how the small one would react.
 
 Lucifer moved closer in return, eager for him.

 When their lips met, Alastor was surprised at how soft and delicate they felt beneath his. How sweet they tasted, beneath the spicy flavour of the jambalaya, and how thrilling the feel was that spread through his body. It made him feel like he was swinging high on a swing. This tugging feeling kept repeating like ripples in water. It got stronger before fading out when he left his lips to breathe.
 
 Lucifer was as into it as he was, initiating the next kiss.

(*)

 Alastor deepened their kiss. He let his lips explore Lucifer's, wanting more of his taste, more of his scent, more of this softness. Wave after wave of pleasure coursed through his body.

 Lucifer, moaned between their kisses. It was a sound so passionate and needy that it could set Alastor's body ablaze on its own. He brushed his finger's through Lucifer's soft blond hair and parted his lips in a silent question.

 Without any hesitation, the small one followed his lead, parting his lips and inviting his tongue over.

 A shiver ran down Alastor's spine as he got a better taste of Lucifer. His heart pounded faster, turning him greedier.

 Lucifer moaned into his mouth, his tongue slipping over his, his hands sliding up Alastor's chest. He undid the first two buttons of his shirt before slipping his hands beneath.

 The skin-to-skin contact sent a rush of excitement through Alastor's whole body. He had to let go for a moment to gasp for air, getting a good look at Lucifer's perfect skin and tousled blonde hair in the process. He looked like an angel, to perfect to be human. The look he gave him with his hazy blue eyes asked for more and he was more than willing to give him everything he wanted. 
 
 Leaning back down, he kissed a trail from Lucifer's cheek to his neck.

 The small one bared his neck and moaned softly as Alastor kissed it.

 Such beautiful sounds. 

(*)

 The record reached its end, continuing to spin without playing any music. Every now and then, some crackling noise could be heard, until the grandfather clock rang, surprising them both for a moment.

 Alastor quickly regained his composure, however, and continued to pepper Lucifer with soft kisses.

 Suddenly, the small one tensed up and pushed Alastor away with unexpected force. »S-stop« he said, sounding almost panicky.

 Alastor's heart dropped. Did I overstep? »I'm sorry-«

 »You have to leave. « Lucifer said firmly, sitting up and adjusting his shirt to cover his bare skin.

 Alastor felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. »If I made you feel uncomfortable or overstepped in any way... I'm sorry.«

 Lucifer didn't even listen. He just stared at the clock, his body tense and on high alert. »Al, you gotta go.« he said, »Now. I've no time to explain.« he said, quickly getting up to his feet.

 Alastor just stared at him from his spot on the sofa, then looked over at the clock. It was barely 8 pm. Recalling how the small one had been nervous about time all evening, Alastor asked, »Does this have to do with the time?«

 Lucifer froze, his hand on the door handle. He bit down on his lip and answered hesitantly, »I... can't have you here overnight.«

 »Lucifer, I'm not that kind of man.« Alastor said, a bit hurt that Lucifer would think of him to be like this. 

 »That's not-«

 Suddenly, he felt the sting on his neck again. It was stronger than before. Enough to make him shoot his hand up to it and brush over the heated spot.

 Lucifer looked alarmed. He swung the door open and said, »Just leave.«

 Alastor didn't want to leave, but he followed Lucifer towards the front door and felt his heart heave as he stepped outside. The sun was setting on the horizon, tinting the sky with orange and red hues. As he turned to say goodbye, he caught a glimpse of a red light flashing in Lucifer's eyes.  Maybe the sunset had reflected in them for a moment? »Good night, Lucifer.« he muttered.

 Lucifer looked up at him, wordlessly, frozen in place standing in the doorframe.

 Not knowing what he had done wrong or what scared him to this point was a torture. Alastor accepted that there would be no more he could find out for now and turned. Yet the moment he took the first step down... Lucifer's hand wrapped around his wrist, turning him around and surprising him with one last kiss.

 Alastor's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened and he could have sworn that the small one's hand felt different somehow. The kiss felt desperate, and the ache in his heart made him respond with the same intensity. A small spike of pain shot through his lower lip, startling him. Blood mixed with the lingering taste of Lucifer. It sent a whisper of fear... and a pulse of heat down his spine...

 Alastor pulled away, his hand reaching for his lip and finding it bleeding slightly. When he looked back up, he saw Lucifer hide his hands behind his back.

 The small one backed off towards his door. Tears were in his eyes as he said, »I'll explain it. I promise.« then he closed and locked the door three times.

 Alastor stared at the door for a moment in the dim light of the setting sun, confused by the mixed signals. He touched his lip again. The bleeding had stopped but it still burned. And so did the memory of Lucifer’s last look before the door had slammed shut. 

 What had he gotten himself into?