#adamsapple month

[rainforestakiie]

AdamsApple Month Harvest!

Breeding~

ahhhhhh!

i had so many different ideas for this! i couldn't not pick what i wanted to do! in the end i fell on this idea! it's creepy and i really liked how it came out! please let me know if you like it!

@adamsappleweek

Adam was late. The kind of late that tasted like dread in the back of his throat, the kind that twisted his stomach into knots. He glanced at his watch, and his heart stuttered as he realized that the last train home was slipping away. His footsteps echoed through the quiet, deserted corridors of the office building as he ran, each step ringing like a countdown. Adam’s coworker's warning played in his mind, a whispered caution, “Last train leaves at 11:30 sharp. If you miss it, there’s no other way out of the city." But he’d brushed it off, and now that warning seemed to curl into a cruel smirk at his expense.

Frustrated, Adam cursed his horrible time management. It was as if minutes had slipped through his fingers, stolen by some unseen hand. Twenty minutes ago, it had only been 10:30—or so he thought. He stumbled down the stairs, nearly losing his balance as he hit the last step, his worn-out sneakers slapping against the marble floor. He barely waved to the security guard, who barely glanced back at him. With a sharp intake of breath, Adam launched himself out of the doors into the biting cold.

Winter had hit the city with brutal force, leaving the ground slick with a thin layer of ice, glistening under the flickering streetlights. As Adam skidded around the corner, the frigid air seared his lungs. He knew it was dangerous to run on the ice, but he was desperate. The stakes were rising with each step he took. Just as he reached the train platform, his heart sank—the station was empty, the track silent, the last train nothing but a fading memory in the darkness.

He groaned, raking his hands through his hair, fingers catching in the tangled mess as he paced in growing panic. What was he supposed to do now? He was dead broke, barely surviving on his entry-level salary, clinging to the hope that his first pay check might just cover next month’s rent. Spending a night in a hotel wasn’t an option. The thought of begging the security guard to let him crash at his desk crossed his mind, but even that seemed bleak.

The wind howled around him, and he inhaled deeply, the icy air cutting into his throat, making him cough. The city stretched around him in shadowed silence, a mass of looming, pitch-black buildings that looked like watchful sentries in the gloom. He rubbed his arms against the cold, his skin prickling as he caught sight of his own reflection in the glass, pale and strained, his lips starting to turn blue. With no other options, he turned back toward the office, dragging his feet along the frost-slick pavement.

His sneakers slipped, skidding over the ice, and he flailed, his arms flying out to catch his balance. His hand hit the cold, rough edge of a nearby building, but not before his cheek grazed painfully against the brick. He sucked in a sharp breath, his face stinging, and gingerly pressed his fingers to the scrape.

Maybe he should’ve watched his step more carefully. But then, just as he regained his footing, it happened.

The ground... vanished. One second, there was the familiar cold pavement beneath him, and in the next, he felt a sensation like sinking, like a bottomless darkness swallowing him whole. His vision blurred, a sickening spin that pulled him backward. It was as if the ground itself had split open, sucking him down like a trapdoor opening beneath his feet.

Adam fell, his scream snatched away by the void as he plunged into the darkness.

Adam’s head throbbed as he drifted back into consciousness, each heartbeat a dull, aching drum against his skull. A deep, unsettling fog seemed to settle over his thoughts as he tried to piece together where he was. His fingers brushed over the side of his face, feeling the tender, swollen skin where he must have hit it on his way down.

As his vision sharpened, he was struck by an overwhelming, suffocating sense of color—a relentless, nauseating yellow. Mustard yellow, all around him, pressing in from every side. He blinked, eyes stinging, adjusting to the oppressive brightness. Staring at the walls, he took in the faded, floral pattern etched into the wallpaper, an ugly, dated design that seemed to pulse in the eerie yellow light. The carpet beneath him was wet, squelching under his hand as he shifted, its dampness adding to the discomfort that clawed its way into his skin.

Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet, every muscle aching as he steadied himself in this bizarre, empty room. One of the walls was missing, exposing him to what looked like an endless maze of more rooms just like the one he was in. Each one was a grotesque variation on the same theme: more floral wallpaper, more damp mustard-coloured carpet, more yellow ceiling panels lined with dangling, flickering light bulbs. They hung erratically from above, some buzzing, some eerily silent, casting a pale, sickly glow across the space that seemed to make the shadows tremble.

Adam’s eyes darted to the ceiling, hoping for some hint of the way he’d come, maybe a hole he’d fallen through, anything—but there was nothing. Just an unbroken expanse of yellow, no hint of the world above or any path back. Panic bubbled in his chest as he tried to swallow the dread curling inside him.

“Hello?” His voice cracked, trembling as he called out. “Is...is anyone there?”

The words seemed to fall flat, as if the very air swallowed them up, leaving no echo, no reverberation, nothing but a dead silence pressing against his ears. The stillness was so thick he could almost feel it clinging to him, suffocating him.

Heart pounding, Adam took a few hesitant steps forward, crossing from one yellow-stained room into another. The transition was seamless, only the strange, floral patterns on the walls shifting slightly, like variations on a dream he couldn’t quite wake up from. There were no doors, no windows—just the never-ending labyrinth of oddly shaped rooms with their damp floors and relentless yellow hue.

As he walked, the dampness of the carpet seeped through his shoes, cold and unpleasant. The stale, humid air clung to his skin, making it feel like the walls were breathing with him, the moisture seeping into his bones. His green eyes darted left and right, taking in the unnatural sterility of the space, the endless stretch of faded, dreary yellow that seemed to go on forever. With each step, the lights above him buzzed in a slow, menacing hum, casting his shadow in distorted shapes on the walls.

“Hello?” he tried again, his voice barely more than a whisper now.

The silence responded in kind—nothing. Not a single sound, not even the faintest creak or echo. It was as if he’d been dropped into a place where sound didn’t exist, where he could scream and scream, and still, no one would hear him.

Adam moved through the rooms, his mind a spinning reel of questions and terror as the bizarre maze unfolded around him. Each turn he took led him to more empty spaces, more cold, damp carpet beneath his feet, more walls without any sign of a way out. The rooms seemed to twist and connect at random angles, creating narrow hallways that funnelled him deeper and deeper into this strange mustard-yellow void.

Every fibre of his being screamed to turn back, to find an exit, but each direction was just more of the same—the dizzying, endless monotony of yellow walls and silent lights, draining him of hope with every step.

Adam muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper against the incessant buzzing hum overhead.

“Feels like the back of a retail outlet... like I’m about to walk into storage and see endless racks of unsorted stock.” The flickering lights above seemed to mock him, casting erratic shadows that made the rooms feel like they were shifting, breathing.

The buzzing was louder than any normal fluorescent hum he’d ever heard, an unyielding drone that drilled into his thoughts. Each bulb sputtered at irregular intervals, casting faint pulses of sickly yellow light across the faded walls. The wet carpet beneath his feet squished unpleasantly as he moved, the smell of mildew thickening in the air with each step. He instinctively avoided touching the strange dampness—it didn’t feel or smell like water, and something about it sent a quiet warning up his spine.

Yet as he continued deeper, oddly, he felt his initial panic start to wane. The quiet emptiness around him held an unexpected calm; it was eerie, yes, but also strangely still, like the endless maze posed no direct threat. A dark realization settled over him: there might be no immediate danger here, no lurking menace—only the creeping terror of isolation. He could survive here for a while, but the silence, the hunger, the solitude—that would be his downfall.

Then he noticed it. In the corner of an otherwise empty room sat a silver suitcase, its metallic sheen a stark contrast to the yellowed walls. Adam’s stomach twisted as he approached, his steps slower, warier. He crouched down, fingers grazing the cold metal as he peered inside.

A single file lay within, aged and smelling faintly of must, as if it had been sitting there, undisturbed, for years. Glancing around once more, he saw no one. He picked up the file, its weight oddly reassuring in his hands, and unclipped the two greyish sheets inside. They appeared official, the type of documents you’d expect from a government office. He squinted at the title at the top: “Level Zero.”

The first page detailed the level, confirming what he’d already felt—a place resembling the back rooms of a retail outlet. He read with increasing unease:

Class One. Safe. Secure. Minimal Entity Count. Level 0 is a non-linear space, resembling the back rooms of a retail outlet. All rooms appear uniform, yet no two are identical. The walls are decorated with yellowish floral wallpaper, the carpet damp, and the flickering lights buzz at a constant frequency. The substance saturating the carpet remains unidentified and is unsafe for consumption.

Adam swallowed, his heart sinking as he absorbed the words. The page explained how this place defied navigation; walking in a straight line could lead you right back to where you started, only with different rooms. Every corner held the potential to deceive him, to disorient him even further. He flipped to the second page, the edges brittle under his fingers.

Hallucinations are common in Level 0:

The hum from the lighting may amplify to deafening levels, only to cease abruptly.

Doors or stairs may appear but will vanish when approached.

A sense of déjà vu, movement in peripheral vision resembling insects crawling under wallpaper, and chittering sounds have all been reported.

A rise in CO₂ levels is noted, though its cause and effect are unknown.

Entities: None are known to exist within Level 0. If you see another person, it is not human.

Adam’s throat went dry. No other people, yet others had been here, too, trapped in this unending maze, all alone. And some had never found a way out. His eyes skimmed to the section marked Entrances and Exits.

Exits Exiting Level 0 is only possible by “noclipping,” which will lead to Level 1. Those unfamiliar with the Backrooms must adapt quickly to the environment to escape. Entrance to the Manila Room is rare but achievable by traveling a significant distance in any direction. Here, wanderers may meet freely; however, the room serves only as a temporary refuge.

Adam’s mind reeled. Noclipping? The Manila Room? The concepts felt surreal, detached from reality, yet here he was, standing in the evidence of their truth. He wasn’t just lost in some abandoned building. He was somewhere else entirely, and the rules he knew were meaningless here.

He set the file back in the suitcase, his gaze lingering on the room around him. The silence now felt heavier, weighted with the knowledge of what lay in wait—only the droning hum and the distorted, flickering lights as his companions. The buzzing had grown louder, pressing into his ears like a warning, almost as if mocking his hope of escape.

Taking a shaky breath, Adam steeled himself and started walking again, the damp carpet squelching beneath his feet. And as he ventured deeper into the endless maze, one thought pulsed in his mind: he had to keep his bearings.

Adam leaned against one of the yellow wallpapered walls, the stale scent of mildew lingering in the thick, stagnant air. His head bumped softly against the wall, the dull thud breaking the silence. He squinted down the corridor, his fingers tapping an uncertain rhythm on the wall beside him. Had he been here before? It felt the same—the same smell, the same dull yellow light, the same suffocating silence. That file he'd read—how long ago? Days? Hours? He had no sense of time here. But it said that Level Zero was alive, aware, watching him.

He exhaled slowly, his breath barely audible in the stale air. Maybe... maybe it was listening too.

"Hi?" His voice felt strange, out of place. There was no echo, no answer, only the hum of the lights overhead. Adam shifted, clearing his throat. "My name is Adam. I guess you could say I'm... a wanderer. Or maybe a prisoner. I don't really like either of those labels, honestly."

Silence. A quiet that swallowed every word he uttered, sinking them into some void. He half-laughed, half-sighed and leaned harder into the wall, the yellow paper crinkling beneath his shoulder.

"Well, I suppose you're not much of a talker." He rubbed the back of his neck and continued, his voice growing more conversational, as if speaking to an old friend. "So, here’s the deal. I'm Adam. Twenty-six. Bit of a nerd, yeah. Still single, if you can believe it. No luck with girls—or guys, for that matter."

 He chuckled softly. "I’m into Star Wars and all that, you know? I like to grow things. Flowers mostly—camellias, carnations, roses... it's peaceful. You’d be surprised how soothing it is. It’s kind of like meditation."

He tapped his fingers against the wall, feeling an odd, half-felt connection in the silence. "I cried like a baby during Titanic, if you’re curious about my softer side—"

Suddenly, the wall behind him vanished, and Adam stumbled back, gasping as he tumbled onto his back, blinking wildly. The yellow wallpapered corridor was gone. Instead, he was in a square room, the faint hum still vibrating in the air. But here, four walls and a wooden door greeted him, the first door he’d seen in this endless maze. The wall he’d fallen through now seemed solid again, as if it had never disappeared.

Shakily, Adam pushed himself to his feet, his eyes scanning the room. A wooden table stood in the centre, flanked by two simple chairs. His gaze fell on the table, where a beige folder lay waiting for him, stamped with a message: "Congratulations. Level Zero has allowed you to enter the Manila Room. You will always be able to find this room now."

"So... talking to you worked?" he whispered, his heart racing. Curiosity sparked in his eyes as he pulled the folder closer and opened it. Inside, he found three faded pages.

The first page held a brief description:

The Manila Room is a small, isolated room within Level zero, often seen as a safe point. Its thick, beige walls enclose wanderers in its protective silence, a rare sanctuary from the shifting nature of Level zero. Though minimal, the furnishings here vary, sometimes consisting only of a table and chair. Despite the isolation, wanderers may find solace in knowing they are not alone—others have left traces, faded memories marked on the worn surface of the table.

Adam glanced around, a small shiver running down his spine as he wondered how many others had sat here, reading these same pages, caught in the same strange in-between. He turned to the second page, marked simply as "Anomalies."

While Level zero exudes a hum that burrows into your senses, the Manila Room is no different. Here, the lighting mirrors that of Level zero, a faint, grating hum that fluctuates, leaving the room in total darkness at times. Knocking and banging sounds from the walls—though the source is unknown—are heard in these dark periods, as if something is just beyond, reaching, waiting.

The words seemed to pulse, drawing his mind to every creak and crack in the walls around him. He could almost feel something watching, something that just... hid. He flipped to the final page, detailing levels beyond this one, their descriptions cold and impersonal.

Level 1 – A sprawling, endless warehouse, safe and stocked with essentials. Next stop, wanderer.

Level 2 – Dark and cramped, a series of maintenance tunnels where heat and danger lurk in the shadows.

Level 3 – The gauntlet, a perilous level of electrical stations and barred hallways where survival is not guaranteed.

Level 4 – Safety and solace. A quiet office realm with supplies and rest for weary travellers.

Level Fun – A trap as deceptive as its name. Party decorations and fatal tricks await in every room. Beware the welcoming arms of the Partygoers.

The End – An endless library, promising exit but delivering a deeper trap. The path is layered with illusions, designed to lure and hold.

Adam exhaled, closing the file, his pulse quickening as he placed it back on the table. A chill ran through him as he sat back in the chair, the eerie quiet pressing in from every corner.

"So..." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "Where do we go from here?"

Adam blinked at the document, the sterile, clinical language doing little to reassure him. "Level Fun" was not somewhere he wanted to find himself, despite the deceivingly friendly name, and the notion of "The End" seemed like a final, malicious joke—a labyrinth made to trap him forever. He shuddered at the descriptions of twisting maintenance tunnels, ominous party rooms, and endless electrical stations swarming with entities, all waiting somewhere beyond this strange, quiet sanctuary.

Setting the file down, he looked around at the dim, beige walls of the Manila Room. For the first time since he’d arrived, he was in a room with a door—solid, heavy-looking wood, contrasting sharply with the unnerving yellow surroundings outside. It stood defiantly closed, as if daring him to open it. Every detail, from the humming light to the odd silence broken only by occasional faint, muffled bangs within the walls, kept him on edge. He glanced back at the file, feeling the weight of his situation settle deeper.

“Congratulated for entering a safe room…” he murmured. “Right, well, thanks. Guess I'm really supposed to be grateful for beige walls and a couple of chairs.”

Despite his sarcasm, a flicker of hope had rooted itself in his chest. Somehow, the Manila Room felt like a lifeline—a place where he could catch his breath, even if just for a moment.

A loud, echoing bang sounded from somewhere inside the walls, followed by an eerie silence. He froze, his eyes widening. For a room designated "safe," it didn't exactly make him feel secure. Even the comforting stability of the Manila Room felt oddly vulnerable, like a momentary illusion.

After a long, shallow breath, Adam focused on his choices. Okay, so the file says the door leads out… or to more danger, he thought, biting his lip. He could stay, cocooned here, waiting for something to happen, but a part of him knew that was pointless. Nothing would change, and eventually, he’d just have to leave, searching for Level 1 or any safe exit from this bizarre prison. The instructions had even warned him: adapt quickly.

Summoning his courage, he stood, resting a hand on the cold doorknob. "

If anyone’s listening… here’s hoping Level 1 is better than Level Zero," he whispered to no one in particular, just the invisible walls and the unblinking light above.

Turning the knob slowly, he pushed the door open. The stale air from the Manila Room mingled with a faint, distant scent—one he couldn’t place—seeping in from the other side. The hallway beyond was dimly lit, the yellowish glow of the backrooms casting sinister shadows across the threshold. He took a step, each movement echoing like a footstep into an empty, cavernous world.

Adam gripped the doorknob, fingers twitching with the weight of his own hesitation. He didn’t know where the door would lead—he didn’t know where any door would lead, if he were honest—but still, he felt a pull, like this was the only way forward. With a slow inhale, he took a step, ready to let the room swallow him again.

But then, a voice, smooth as silk and warm as candlelight, drifted from behind him.

"I wouldn’t go out that door."

Adam froze, his breath caught in his throat as he turned, finding himself face to face with a man seated at the table he’d just left. It was impossible—he had been alone. His eyes settled on the stranger’s face: a strikingly handsome man, his blonde hair framing a face as sharp as it was beautiful. Cherry-red lips curled into a broad smile, and his intense blue eyes flickered with a strange light as he leaned back in his chair.

“Uh… did… did you just… say something?” Adam stammered, unable to peel his gaze away from the man's unearthly face.

The man’s smile widened, and he inclined his head. “I said, I wouldn’t go out that door. I would go out that one instead.”

He pointed to a wall across from Adam, where another door had appeared—one that hadn’t been there before.

Adam blinked, glancing back and forth between the doors, uncertainty seizing him. “That… wasn’t there before.”

The man chuckled, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand, his gaze unbroken. "I know. Even in the safety of the Manila Room, the Backrooms like to play their tricks. They are alive, after all."

Swallowing, Adam let go of the doorknob and stepped back into the room, closing the door with a soft click.

“The… Backrooms?” he echoed, trying to process the stranger's words. He was aware of the pulse in his chest, of the steady beat that grew louder the longer he held the man’s gaze.

The man gestured to the chair. "Why don’t you sit back down and talk with me?"

His smile was still gentle, but there was something almost teasing in his tone. "Trust me, you’re going to want to sit down for this."

With nothing else to do, Adam nodded, nerves fluttering in his chest as he returned to his chair. He settled in slowly, his eyes meeting the stranger’s, held by the man’s piercing blue gaze. They shimmered, almost crystalline, reflecting the dull light of the room in strange, glimmering patterns, as though holding secrets of their own. Adam’s heart thrummed faster under the stranger’s unrelenting stare, every beat drawing him deeper into those dark, glassy depths.

“So…” the man began, his voice low, soft, and oddly comforting, “You’re Adam. You just fell in here, didn’t you?”

Adam’s mouth went dry. “Uh, yeah… I think I… noclipped, or whatever the term is?”

The man tilted his head, his smile never wavering. “Yes, that’s the term. You’re a newcomer, still figuring out which way is up.”

He chuckled. “And already talking to the Backrooms themselves. Bold move.”

Adam flushed. “I didn’t think it would actually… I mean, I didn’t expect you to show up.”

The man’s laughter was soft, filling the air like a soothing hum.

“Oh, I’m not the Backrooms,” he said, a hint of mischief sparking in his eyes. “Just someone who’s been here a long time. And I know the tricks it likes to play. If you’re not careful, it’ll twist you in knots you can’t untangle.”

Adam shifted in his seat, feeling both unnerved and inexplicably drawn to the man. “And you… live here? Or… are you, like, stuck too?”

The man smiled, a slight, wistful look crossing his face. “Stuck. Or maybe… chosen. It’s all perspective, don’t you think?”

He leaned in closer, his blue eyes gleaming with a strange, magnetic intensity. "Sometimes it’s easier to stop fighting the walls and to let them guide you. They have a way of giving you what you need if you know how to listen.”

Adam’s gaze darted toward the wall where the new door had appeared. "So… you think I should go through that door, instead of the other one?"

“Precisely.” The man folded his hands, his stare unbroken. “The Manila Room wants you to go through that door. The other will just bring you back here, over and over again until you stop resisting.”

Adam cleared his throat, glancing from the man’s bright blue eyes to the table between them. “Uh… I’m Adam,” he introduced himself, unsure if it even mattered in this strange, surreal place.

The man’s smile widened slightly, his eyes shimmering with a knowing gleam.

“I know. But it’s nice to meet you officially, Adam,” he said, folding his hands on the table. “You can call me… Lucifer.”

Adam blinked, taking in the name. Somehow it fit, and yet Lucifer looked nothing like the fiery, ominous figure he might have imagined. He looked like any regular guy: white hoodie, simple blue jeans, a t-shirt. It was all so casual. But as Adam’s gaze lingered, he realized there was something subtle, something almost magnetic, that set him apart. Maybe it was his eyes—bright blue but so strange, so alive in contrast to the dull, humming lights of the room.

Lucifer leaned forward, breaking the silence with a gentle, almost pitying look. “So, Adam, let’s cover the basics. This place you’ve found yourself in—the Backrooms? It’s vast. It has thousands of levels, some worse than others, but nearly all of them come with dangerous entities. Many will try to kill you. Some for food, others… just for fun.”

Adam gulped, his grip on the chair tightening. “Th-That’s… that’s awful. Are they all dangerous?”

Lucifer shook his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “No, not all. Some are harmless, maybe even friendly. Some are lonely, others want nothing more than to be left alone. But if you keep moving through the Backrooms, from one level to another, you’ll meet all kinds. And some encounters, you’ll wish you could forget.”

Adam’s mouth went dry, his thoughts racing with questions he didn’t know how to ask. Finally, he mustered a whisper, “How… how do I get out?”

Lucifer’s gaze darkened, and a small, humourless laugh slipped from his lips. “Get out? The easiest thing to do is to forget about that. The Backrooms don’t like to let anyone go. Any human who enters… well, they’re fair game. For the entities, for the levels themselves. Surviving here takes luck and… a bit of creativity.”

He leaned back, his eyes softening. “The only way out is by sheer accident. Very few actually find an exit.”

Adam’s shoulders slumped, the weight of the reality sinking in. “So… I’m trapped here? Forever?”

Lucifer shrugged; his expression unreadable. “That’s how it works here. This place doesn’t play fair, and it doesn’t have mercy.”

Adam’s eyes grew misty, and he had to bite back the surge of panic building in his chest. Forcing himself to look Lucifer in the eye again, he managed, “How… how many levels are there?”

Lucifer’s face went distant, his gaze drifting upward as though recalling some buried memory. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Nine hundred ninety-nine. Give or take.”

Adam’s jaw dropped, his mind stumbling over the number. “Nine hundred and… ninety-nine?”

Lucifer laughed, the sound strangely comforting in the oppressive silence. “Yes. Quite a lot, isn’t it?”

Adam gawked. “You don’t think that’s… overwhelming?”

A smirk crept across Lucifer’s face. “I’ve been here a long time. After a while, even this place gets boring.”

Adam didn’t know how to respond to that, so instead, he blurted, “So what am I supposed to do? Just… survive?”

Lucifer’s amusement deepened, a glimmer of something dark dancing in his eyes. “The best thing you can do is join a group. Find others who fell in like you. It’s easier with allies… even if trust can be scarce.”

Adam tilted his head. “A… group?”

“Groups,” Lucifer explained smoothly, “Are made up of wanderers who’ve fallen in and, somehow, survived. There’s The M.E.G., The Black Knights, The B.N.T.G., The Eternal Repository… the list goes on. Each one claims to have a grand purpose, but to me, they all seem quite the same.”

Adam hummed thoughtfully. “How do I… join one?”

Lucifer chuckled, and he gestured to the door beside him. “By going through that door. It’ll take you to a canon, a sort of liminal space between levels. If you’re lucky, someone else might already be there. If not, you’ll have to wait for another wanderer to show up.”

Adam frowned, the dread returning. “Sort of safe?”

Lucifer’s laugh was quiet, tinged with that same dark humour. “Don’t worry too much. You’ll be fine. Just keep your wits about you.”

Adam took a steadying breath, his fingers hovering over the door handle. But before he could turn it, he glanced back at Lucifer. “Will I… see you again?”

Lucifer’s gaze softened, a flicker of something almost sympathetic flashing in his eyes.

“Maybe,” he replied, his voice dropping to a low, resonant whisper. “Or maybe I’ll just be another ghost in the shadows.”

He leaned back, watching Adam with an enigmatic smile. “Good luck, Adam. You’ll need it.”

With a final glance, Adam turned the knob and stepped through the door, the echo of Lucifer’s words lingering in his mind as the room faded into the endless unknown beyond.

Adam stepped carefully into the canyon between the two levels. It was disorienting, as though he stood on the lip of a metal chasm, darkness yawning beneath him, darkness pressing above. He was utterly alone, and Lucifer’s words taunted him in his head: If no one was here, you’d have to wait for someone to enter.

With a resigned sigh, Adam sat down, curling his knees to his chest and resting his head on them. He could almost laugh—just hours ago, he’d been hunched over his desk at the company, working into the dead of night for barely enough to scrape by. And now, here he was, trapped in some bizarre yellow maze, somewhere beyond his understanding. His eyes stung, his throat tightened. It felt like the cruellest of nightmares.

Exhaustion weighed on him, and his eyes began to drift shut. But just as the shadows started to claim him, he felt it—a faint tremor beneath him, the vibration of footsteps on the metal ring. His head jerked up, heart pounding. Standing within the canyon, eyes on him, was a stranger—a woman with short, snow-white hair, her gaze sharp and unreadable.

Adam’s breath caught, his green eyes widening as he met her stare.

Adam’s heart was still pounding as he scrambled to his feet, half from excitement, half from sheer exhaustion. He hadn’t thought anyone would actually show up—he’d half-believed he’d sit there until the dark around him swallowed him whole.

“Oh, thank God,” he breathed, his voice shaky as he took in the woman before him. “You’re… you’re really human?”

He searched her face for any hint of familiarity, comfort, something solid to hold onto. “I’m Adam, and I—I want to join your group. I’ll work hard, I swear! I’m… I’m good at… well, I mean, I’m good at, uh, following directions, and I won’t weigh anyone down.”

The woman, with her short, stark white hair and piercing gaze, stared at him in silence, her expression unreadable. Adam felt his confidence falter but forced himself to continue, words tumbling out in a rush.

“I, um… I don’t really know how long I’ve been here. Time, uh, kind of just… blends together.” He bit his lip, searching for the right words, but all he could think about was how he’d been ripped away from his regular, mundane life.

“I was just working late, trying to make ends meet, and then… and now I’m here, and it’s…” He trailed off, his voice catching.

The woman’s eyes narrowed, and she interrupted him, her voice cutting through his ramble like a knife.

“My name is Lute,” she said, her tone flat, “And I’m part of the Exorcist group.”

“Exorcist?” Adam echoed, the word strange but somehow hopeful. “Can I… join you?”

Lute frowned, clearly weighing her response carefully. “The Exorcist is… primarily a female-only group.”

Adam’s face flushed, and he shrank back a little, mumbling, “Oh, sorry… I didn’t know. I, uh—”

Lute’s expression softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. She let out a small snort, almost amused.

“Of course, you wouldn’t know. You’re new here, and you’re obviously…” she hesitated, her eyes flicking over him with an unreadable expression, “Not exactly cut out for this place.”

Her voice was blunt, but her stare lingered as if she saw something in him she hadn’t expected.

Adam’s heart sank, but before he could process her words, she sighed, shaking her head. “Look, I don’t know what it is, but something tells me not to leave you here like this. You look pathetic, honestly.”

His eyes widened, and he felt a surge of gratitude rush over him.

“Thank you,” he blurted, nodding rapidly as he moved to follow her. “Thank you, really—”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Lute interrupted, already turning toward the other side of the canon, her footsteps confident and precise. “I’m not making any promises, and I can’t guarantee they’ll welcome you in. I’m just… letting you tag along for now.”

Adam practically stumbled after her, words of thanks tumbling from his mouth anyway as he hurried to match her stride. Lute moved quickly and purposefully, her steps echoing around them as they crossed the canon. She didn’t look back, and Adam tried to steady himself, pulling himself together as best he could. He knew he’d have to prove himself if he had any hope of joining her group—and more importantly, of surviving.

“Just keep quiet and follow my lead,” Lute added, her tone dropping to a low murmur. “You’ll need to learn fast if you want to survive here. The Exorcist group doesn’t have much room for dead weight.”

Adam nodded, swallowing his nervousness. “Got it. I’ll do my best.”

Lute cast him one last, assessing glance before facing forward again. They moved in silence, the oppressive dark around them seeming to press in closer with each step. But with Lute’s steady form in front of him, Adam felt, for the first time since he’d stumbled into this nightmare, a glimmer of hope.

Adam’s heart pounded as he stepped into the cavernous room where the Exorcist group had gathered. True to Lute’s word, every pair of eyes on him belonged to a woman. They moved with a cautious efficiency that made him feel, for all his promises, painfully out of place. He forced a nervous smile, his hands fidgeting at his sides, and cleared his throat, trying to seem more confident than he felt.

“Uh, hi. I’m Adam,” he started, shifting from foot to foot as their gazes drilled into him. “I… I just wanted to say, I’ll pull my weight. I’m here to help, and, um, I know I’m new, but I’m a fast learner, I promise.”

He forced a chuckle, hoping it would lighten the mood, but it fell flat against the silence.

The women glanced at each other, their expressions impassive, communicating silently with one another in a way that made Adam even more uneasy. He felt like an intruder, desperately trying to find his footing. The silence grew thicker until one of them finally spoke, her voice dripping with scepticism.

“Lute,” she said, not looking at Adam, “mind telling us what’s going on here?”

Lute rolled her eyes but gestured toward him with a tilt of her head.

“Look at him. He’s like a damn lost puppy,” she said bluntly, a trace of annoyance in her voice. “If I’d left him out there, he’d have been toast in a day. Maybe less.”

She shrugged, giving him a sidelong glance. “Figured I’d give him a shot.”

Another woman, tall and broad-shouldered, folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“You know we’re not exactly… open enrolment.” Her tone held a trace of something soft, but her gaze remained wary.

Adam swallowed, trying not to shrink under her stare.

“I know I don’t really… fit the criteria,” he stammered, “But I’ll work hard. I’m not just here to slow you down.”

One of the younger women leaned over and muttered to another, “He does look kind of pathetic.”

Lute snorted, crossing her arms and tilting her head back as if sizing him up. “Yeah, well, he won’t stay that way for long if he’s with us. Look, he’s here now. Either we kick him out or we train him up. Your call.”

A tense silence lingered as the women exchanged glances, debating among themselves. Finally, the broad-shouldered woman let out a sigh and stepped forward, extending a hand.

“I’m Rhys. You can tag along, but this isn’t a free ride, got it?”

Adam nodded quickly, relief washing over him as he took her hand. “Thank you, really. I won’t let you down.”

Another woman with close-cropped dark hair crossed her arms and gave him a wry smile. “Welcome to Exorcist, Adam. But don’t get too comfortable. We’re not the hand-holding type.”

Adam managed a weak grin, nodding again, but the gravity of her words sank deep. He had so much to learn and knew he was still at the mercy of this strange, labyrinthine place. For now, though, he had allies—and that alone was enough to keep him going.

Rhys leaned back, looking him over once more. “You’ll start by carrying supplies. Let’s see if you can at least handle that without getting lost.”

As the group turned to go, Adam fell into step, glancing at Lute with a small, grateful smile. She didn’t return it, but there was a glint of something in her eyes—something almost like approval.

Weeks passed, and the tense, silent looks from the Exorcist group gradually gave way to something warmer, though it was subtle, unspoken. Adam noticed it in the way they would share rations with him or smirk at his half-nervous, half-genuine jokes. Lute, in particular, became his closest friend. The two shared a bond forged through trial and—on more than one occasion—outrunning danger together.

"Come on, rookie," she’d say, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Think you can keep up this time?"

It was a line he’d heard often and one that always made him laugh.

They were both runners, the fastest in Exorcist, and that edge had saved them and their team more times than Adam could count. There had been one close call on Level 38—a narrow corridor riddled with pulsing lights that disoriented even the steadiest runners. They’d gone in for supplies, but something had gone wrong, the walls started to shift and twist, trapping half the group.

Lute had grabbed his arm, pulling him forward, her voice sharp in his ear, "Run now. Don’t look back."

Adam had pushed forward, adrenaline drowning his fear, and managed to make it out just in time to loop around and pry open an exit from the other side, allowing the others to escape.

The relief on their faces as they emerged said it all. After that, the women began treating him less like an outsider and more like one of their own. A few even clapped him on the back or tossed him the odd compliment. His quick feet had made a difference, and now he knew they trusted him.

One evening, back in the Manila Room, Adam slumped against the wall, catching his breath after a long supply run. Lute dropped down next to him, throwing a smirk his way.

"Not bad for a newbie," she teased, elbowing him. "I thought I’d finally worn you out this time.”

Adam chuckled, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. “You’ll have to try harder than that.”

She snorted. "Keep it up, and maybe one day you'll actually pass me."

She looked at him, eyes softening just a little. "Not that I’m complaining, though. You’re useful to have around, Adam."

"Hey, coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment," he grinned.

"Don’t let it get to your head," she shot back, but the faint smile tugging at her lips said otherwise.

Their camaraderie didn't go unnoticed. Rhys, ever the cautious leader, would often assign the two of them to scout new levels together, trusting their combined speed and Lute’s sharp instincts. Adam felt a surge of pride each time they were called forward—like he was finally part of something, like he was building something in this strange, surreal world he now called home.

It was on one such scouting mission, as they crossed into a newly discovered level, that Adam felt a shift in the air—a subtle dread. He and Lute exchanged a glance, their playful banter falling silent as they surveyed the strange terrain ahead. The walls were slate grey, punctuated by slits that cast narrow beams of dim light, and the floor was a checkerboard of glossy and matte tiles, each producing a different echo with every step.

“What do you think?” he whispered.

Lute scanned the shadows, her eyes narrowed. “This place feels… wrong. But we’re here now.”

She looked back at him, something serious in her gaze. “Stay close. I’d rather not have to rescue you if this goes sideways.”

Adam nodded, his pulse quickening. “Wouldn’t want to make you go through the trouble.”

They shared a brief smile before slipping into the shadows, side by side, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they'd face it together. The dim, oppressive corridors stretched endlessly before them, narrow pathways lined with rough, cold metal. The lights, barely flickering above, cast feeble beams that barely cut through the shadows.

“Keep your guard up,” Lute murmured, her voice low. “Entity Three—Smilers—have been reported around here.”

Adam perked up with interest. As one of the newer recruits, he hadn’t encountered all the entities they’d been warned about. He’d never seen a Smiler, and his curiosity flared. Lute shot him a sideways glance, catching his expression.

“Let’s hope you don’t,” she said sharply, her tone making it clear this wasn’t something to take lightly.

They crept forward, cautious but alert. As they reached a junction where a faint light pulsed dimly from down the corridor, Adam moved to step toward it. Before he could, Lute’s hand shot out, gripping his arm with surprising force.

“Stop,” she hissed, her eyes sharp and unyielding. Adam gave her a puzzled look. She nodded toward the faint light.

“Smilers are drawn to light,” she explained in a near whisper. “These tunnels are their perfect hunting grounds, especially for anyone inexperienced or careless. If they spot movement near light, they’ll chase—relentlessly.”

Adam’s gaze shifted across the dark labyrinth with a strange awe, imagining creatures lurking just beyond the shadows. A thrill sparked in his chest, but he held it back. He’d always been fascinated by the Backrooms, by the whispered horror stories of entities lurking within. He knew the others thought he was foolish for his curiosity—especially Lute.

Lute’s gaze was sharp and calculating as she took in the dimly lit expanse of metal tunnels sprawling before them. She glanced at Adam, a slight frown tugging at her lips, catching that glint of curiosity in his eyes—the same look that always unnerved her. Adam was fascinated by the Backrooms in a way that felt dangerous to her. Most people fell into this place wanting nothing more than to escape it; Adam, on the other hand, seemed intrigued, like he was peeking under the veil of some strange secret.

“First off, what we do,” she whispered, her hand still gripping his arm, “is make sure you don’t start daydreaming. These things are no joke, Adam. You can’t treat every entity like some kind of pet you’re hoping to spot. The Smilers? They’re not ones you want to admire from a distance.”

Adam’s face fell slightly, but he nodded, squashing his curiosity for now. “Right, right… No Smilers. Got it.”

Lute released his arm and gestured for him to follow her, keeping to the shadows along the walls. “We’ll need to move slowly, quietly. We’re only here to scout and see if this area’s clear for the others, so no straying from me. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Adam whispered, trying for levity but earning only a flat look in return.

“Stay behind me.” She moved with practiced ease, glancing around each corner before stepping forward.

 Adam followed, careful to keep his steps light, his breathing steady. The air was thick with humidity, making the metallic scent even sharper, and the low hum of flickering lights above sent intermittent pulses of light through the tunnels like a heartbeat.

As they advanced deeper into the level, the silence grew heavier, thickening the air like a fog. Adam felt a prickling at the back of his neck as his eyes scanned the darkness, half-expecting to see the curved white smile of a Smiler grinning back at him from the shadows.

“So… they really only attack if you panic or make noise?” Adam murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

Lute nodded, her eyes fixed ahead. “Yes, but don't count on that saving you if one gets too close. The best approach is to avoid them entirely. Remember what I said—eye contact, and back away slowly if you do see one. But let’s keep it that we don’t.”

They continued moving, the tunnel walls pressing in closer, the ceiling lower. Adam’s heart pounded as he spotted another light source up ahead, dim and flickering in a small alcove. Against his better judgment, he leaned forward, straining his eyes, almost hoping to catch a glimpse of movement—anything to get a sense of the entity that had become something of a morbid curiosity for him.

Lute’s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder this time.

 “Focus, Adam.” Her voice was stern, almost a warning. “Curiosity will get you killed here. These tunnels are a Smiler’s playground. If even one of them is around, they’ll know we’re here.”

Adam flushed, pulling himself back into focus. “Sorry. I’ll stay close.”

Lute nodded, though her gaze softened just slightly. “Good. Let’s just get out of here as fast as we can without drawing attention.”

They pressed on, weaving through twists and turns, Adam’s mind torn between fear and fascination as he imagined what lurked behind the shadows. Suddenly, a soft scraping sound echoed through the tunnel—a faint, scratching noise that seemed to come from the metal above them. Adam froze, looking up, his heart pounding as the noise grew louder, like nails dragging across steel.

Lute stopped in her tracks, her face paling slightly. She mouthed, Stay calm. She motioned for Adam to crouch down, and they huddled together, eyes fixed on the shadows above.

A soft, ghostly glow appeared above them, illuminating the faint outline of something tall, with a long, broad smile stretching impossibly wide. Its sharp teeth glistened in the dim light, and its eyes—a pair of small, reflective dots—seemed to flicker like candle flames as it stared down, unblinking.

Adam’s breath hitched, his fascination and terror mixing into a single, overpowering sensation. This was a Smiler, a real one, and it was close enough to see him, close enough to sense any wrong move.

Lute held a finger to her lips, her other hand gripping his arm tightly. Slowly, she began to back away, keeping eye contact with the creature, her steps careful and deliberate. Adam followed her lead, his gaze locked onto the Smiler’s eerie, endless grin.

The entity watched them, its head tilting in an unnatural way, but it didn’t pursue. Slowly, they put distance between themselves and the Smiler, slipping back into the deeper shadows until the creature’s glow faded into the darkness.

Once they were safely out of earshot, Lute let out a shaky breath. She turned to Adam, her eyes flashing with frustration and something like relief. “That, Adam, is why you don’t mess around here. You keep moving, and you keep your head down, got it?”

Adam nodded, swallowing hard. “Got it. I… thanks, Lute.”

She sighed, giving him a small, tired smile. “You’ll learn. Just don’t let your curiosity get us both killed, okay?”

As they navigated the final stretch of tunnels, Adam’s mind buzzed with questions, but he bit his tongue, focusing on the path ahead. The Smiler’s grin lingered in his thoughts, a haunting reminder of just how close they had come to losing everything in a single, miscalculated glance.

Finally, they found an exit, the faint glow of the Manila Room’s doorway up ahead. Lute quickened her pace, giving Adam one last warning look as they crossed the threshold.

“Remember this level, Adam,” she said softly, a trace of solemnity in her voice. “The Backrooms don’t take prisoners lightly. You got lucky today. Next time… stay in the shadows and keep your eyes to yourself.”

Lute and Adam stepped through the Manila Room doorway, and Lute let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her tense shoulders relaxed as she saw the rest of the Exocists gathered, some waiting with concern clear in their faces. Adam, however, seemed more intrigued than relieved, his mind visibly still caught in the maze of tunnels they had left behind.

The group’s leader, Mia, approached them, her gaze flickering between Lute’s steady demeanor and Adam’s more excited expression. “Everything clear?” she asked.

Lute nodded. “Yes, but that level’s crawling with Smilers. It’s a deathtrap. We’ll need another route next time.” She shot Adam a sidelong glance, raising a brow as he suppressed a flurry of questions. “And some of us still need a reminder about not getting too curious.”

One of the girls chuckled, muttering, “Adam the curious puppy strikes again.”

Adam flushed but managed a grin, shrugging off the teasing with a halfhearted, “Just trying to be prepared.”

The team debriefed quickly, planning their next outing to a new level. This time, they were looking for resources, a stash the M.E.G. team had mentioned was hidden somewhere deep in a lower level. Lute and Adam were, again, assigned to go ahead and scout. Despite her reservations, Lute trusted Adam to keep up, knowing he was fast and learning quickly. His speed had come in handy more than once in getting them all out of close scrapes.

The next day, they stepped into the new level and were met with the heavy, stagnant air of the concrete hallways around them. Dim lights buzzed from above, throwing eerie shadows along the cracked walls.

“Let’s stick close,” Lute muttered, glancing around. “We need to get eyes on those crates and verify the supplies. And remember—stay sharp.”

Adam gave her a quick thumbs-up. “Got it. You lead; I’ll follow.”

They wove through the labyrinth of corridors, the silence thickening around them. Adam’s steps were quiet, but his attention wavered, his gaze darting into each shadowed nook they passed. He couldn’t shake the thrill he felt at being here; every corner hinted at secrets waiting to be uncovered.

After a while, the hallway branched into two paths. Lute paused, squinting down each passage, before turning to Adam.

“We’ll cover more ground if we split up here,” she said, though she looked at him with a hint of reluctance. “If you find anything, mark it on the wall and circle back here in ten. And if anything feels wrong—anything—you run.”

Adam nodded, trying to hide his excitement. “I’ll be fine. I’ll take the left path.”

Lute lingered for a moment, her gaze steady.

“Be careful,” she murmured, and with that, she turned down the opposite hallway.

Alone now, Adam’s footsteps echoed softly as he walked, his senses alert. The concrete walls around him were rough and cool to the touch, their uneven surfaces casting strange, shifting shadows. Every step he took was careful, his movements deliberate as he scanned each crevice and doorway. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching him, lurking just beyond his sight.

The further he went, the quieter everything became, as if the level itself absorbed sound. It was disorienting, the way each step seemed to vanish into the oppressive silence. His hand brushed against his flashlight, but he hesitated, remembering Lute’s words about lights drawing entities. He kept it in his pocket, instead moving by the faint light filtering down from above.

After a few minutes, he noticed faint, weathered markings on the wall. Strange symbols etched in chalk, faded and smeared. Someone had been here before him, possibly a group like his own. Adam felt a thrill of excitement mixed with caution. These markings could mean supplies… or they could be warnings.

Adam wandered alone through the dim tunnels, his large green eyes absorbing every detail, from the rusted bolts to the faint lights that barely pushed back the darkness. He was enthralled, even lost, when suddenly, hands shot out from behind, covering his eyes. He froze, his heart leaping into his throat as a shorter figure pressed against his back, guiding him to stumble backward into the corridor he had just left. His hands darted up, gripping the wrists of his unseen captor, and he twisted around, ready to demand an answer.

He was met with a wide, familiar grin.

"Lucifer?" he breathed, his voice barely a whisper. His disbelief was clear as he blinked, his eyebrows raised.

Lucifer chuckled, a soft “shhh” escaping his lips as he leaned closer. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Adam flushed, his face warming as he mumbled, “I… I thought I’d never see you again.”

Lucifer tilted his head playfully. “Were you worried about me?”

Adam’s face darkened with a deeper shade of red, and he shrugged, his eyes scanning Lucifer as if seeing a ghost. Lucifer looked as pristine as ever, untouched by the horrors lurking in the Backrooms. His hoodie remained a clean, cozy white, his face calm and amused, not a trace of fear on him. The contrast left Adam reeling.

“Adam?” Lucifer’s voice pulled him back to the present, his gaze falling to where Adam still gripped his wrist. Adam’s eyes widened, and he quickly released him, stepping back in embarrassment.

“S-sorry,” he muttered shyly. “But… what were you doing?”

Lucifer’s grin widened as he took a step closer, “Saving you.”

Adam frowned, confusion twisting his features. “What do you mean?”

Lucifer gestured for him to follow, slipping silently to the edge of the corridor and leaning against the wall, his finger pointing toward a dimly lit patch across the open area. “See that?” he whispered, indicating a yellowish potato sack lying half in the shadows.

Adam squinted, a puzzled frown settling on his face. “Yeah… but it’s just a sack?”

Lucifer flashed a knowing smile. “That, Adam, is Entity 121—the Bone Thieves.”

Adam’s stomach turned, and he glanced warily back at the bag. “But it looks… like nothing.”

“They do,” Lucifer murmured, “until you get close. They’re massive, potato-shaped creatures with bumpy, sickly yellow skin—almost impossible to damage. They look harmless to lure people in.”

Just then, a chilling sound filled the air, the sack emitting a series of human-like cries, rising into anguished moans. Adam’s eyes widened in horrified fascination as he watched the bag shudder, as though in pain.

“The Bone Thieves,” Lucifer continued, his voice barely audible over the cries, “Mimic voices. Their sounds are so accurate that they lure their prey in close, paralyzing them. And if you’re unfortunate enough to look into their eyes…”

Lucifer trailed off, letting the implication settle. “That’s why one of the rules of the Backrooms is to never trust what you hear.”

Adam gulped, pressing himself back against the wall as the moans intensified.

“H-how do they kill?” he asked, his voice trembling. “Why are they called Bone Thieves?”

Lucifer’s eyes flicked toward a corridor across from them, his smile fading. “Watch closely.”

In that instant, a stranger, drawn by the mournful cries, came running down the hallway toward the sack. Adam gasped, watching as the man, transfixed, stumbled to a stop directly in front of the Bone Thief. Then, in a heartbeat, his entire body crumpled, collapsing like a sack of liquid, folding onto the ground in an unnaturally smooth descent.

“W-what just happened?” Adam whispered, his knees buckling as he clutched the wall for support.

Lucifer leaned in close, his shoulder brushing against Adam’s. “The Bone Thieves can silently extract every bone from a body with one look, leaving them a boneless husk. The poor soul falls, completely limp. Once they’re done, they swallow the body whole, slurping it up as if it were nothing. The bones? They teleport those away, instantly removed the moment a person makes eye contact.”

Just as Lucifer finished speaking, the Bone Thief stretched its ghastly neck toward the limp body, extending a thick, rubbery tongue that coiled around the corpse, pulling it into its gaping maw. With one audible gulp, it slumped back to the floor, its eyes closing as it settled into stillness.

“It’s safe now,” Lucifer murmured, straightening himself, his tone almost casual. “As long as we don’t disturb it. But if I hadn’t stopped you, you’d have walked right out there. And I can’t let that happen.”

Adam exhaled shakily, rubbing the back of his neck, his pulse still racing from what he’d just witnessed. “Thanks… really. I think I would have.”

Lucifer only smiled, giving Adam a gentle nudge. “Try to stay curious and careful, Adam.”

dam and Lucifer continued down the dark tunnels, Lucifer’s footsteps light and almost playful, while Adam moved cautiously, his eyes flickering over every corner but always drifting back to Lucifer. Unbeknownst to Adam, faint figures with wide, eerie grins watched from the shadows, their ghostly smiles locked on the pair as they passed by, but for now, they simply observed, content to wait.

Lucifer broke the silence with a gentle hum. “So, tell me, Adam—what entities have you come across so far?”

Adam’s shoulders slumped a bit.

“Not many,” he admitted, pouting. “I want to see more, but my group isn’t exactly on board. They all think it’s too dangerous, especially Lute. She barely lets me out of her sight if there’s even a hint of something risky.”

Lucifer snorted, amusement flickering in his eyes. He swayed back and forth as he walked, and when he stumbled, Adam instinctively reached out, steadying him. Lucifer flashed him a bright smile, his eyes gleaming. “Nothing wrong with curiosity, Adam. It’s completely normal. Actually, I’d say it’s a good thing.”

Lucifer leaned against Adam’s chest, grinning as he wrapped his arms warmly around Adam’s waist. Adam felt his cheeks heat up, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Lucifer’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “If you want my opinion, the best entity around here is Entity 27.”

Adam blinked, his curiosity instantly rekindled. “Entity 27? What’s that one?”

Lucifer gave a low chuckle, pressing himself closer. “Guess.”

Adam’s mind whirled as he tried to imagine the most terrifying creature possible. “A—a monster that could tear people apart, maybe something demonic… or invisible, that strikes without warning?”

Lucifer laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, you really want to know, don’t you?”

“Of course I do!” Adam exclaimed, his curiosity fully piqued, almost forgetting about the tunnels around them.

With a glint of amusement, Lucifer stretched up onto his tiptoes, leaning in so close his breath brushed Adam’s ear.

“Entity 27 is…” he murmured, drawing out the suspense as Adam leaned in, his eyes burning with excitement.

“…Athenian ducks.”

Adam’s jaw dropped. “Ducks? Like… blood-sucking ducks?”

Lucifer grinned wider, shaking his head. “Nope. Just… ducks. Skittish, jumpy little things that run at the slightest hint of danger.”

Adam stared, both incredulous and fascinated. “That’s it? Just… normal ducks?”

Lucifer shrugged with a smirk. “Not every entity in the Backrooms is out for blood, Adam. Sometimes, they’re just here to make you laugh.”

Adam chuckled; his curiosity undiminished. He couldn’t quite picture these odd, harmless creatures among the horrors of the Backrooms, but then again, with Lucifer at his side, it all felt like a surreal dream anyway.

As they wandered deeper into the dim tunnels, the shadows danced around them, but Adam’s attention was wholly absorbed by Lucifer. He could barely focus on the surroundings, lost in the mesmerizing aura that Lucifer exuded.

“Hey, Lucifer,” Adam began, glancing sideways at him. “What about you? What entities have you seen?”

Lucifer hummed thoughtfully, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, I’ve probably seen them all. It’s hard to avoid them when you’ve been here as long as I have.”

Adam’s eyes widened in awe. “Really? Can you tell me about them?”

Lucifer snorted, his grin widening. “Alright, but don’t expect me to make it exciting.”

He began to recount, his voice casual yet tinged with an undercurrent of knowledge. “For starters, there’s Entity 33. You might know it as The King of the Clouds, The Animated King, or just The King. It resides in the uppermost level of the Castle of Transparent Mountain within Level 94.”

Adam listened intently, imagining the regal figure. “What’s he like?”

“He’s highly intelligent and literate in many fields, but honestly? He’s pretty boring.” He whistled softly, shaking his head. “If you ask me, he’s just confused and blind to his own powers.”

Adam smiled, picturing this majestic yet unremarkable king. “What else?”

“Then there’s Entity 79, often referred to as a ‘Wanderer.’ That’s what happens to people who consume Almond Water. They transform, and it’s pretty much inevitable. The only way to slow it down is by diversifying your diet. But good luck avoiding Almond Water entirely—its allure is strong, and almost everyone drinks it at least once.”

Adam nodded, intrigued. “What about other entities?”

“Ah, Entity 130, the Growlers,” Lucifer continued, the names rolling off his tongue like a well-rehearsed list. “They’re massive and hulking, always slouching due to their tentacular limbs. They come in various colours and are highly dangerous.”

Adam’s eyes widened further, the images flooding his imagination. “And what about the Howlers?”

“Entity 415,” Lucifer said, glancing at Adam. “They’re tall, usually around eleven feet, with glowing green eyes and black rock merged into their bodies. They constantly emit low growls that can be heard from quite a distance. If you hear one, you’d best head in the opposite direction.”

“That sounds terrifying!” Adam gasped, adrenaline coursing through him.

“Oh, and then there’s Entity 999,” Lucifer added nonchalantly. “It refers to a specific array of extreme hallucinations and pathogens that affect solitary wanderers. It appears near isolated areas, infecting food and supplies. It’s tricky because it’s hard to identify due to its unnatural appearance. Interestingly, it seems to show some kind of sentience.”

Adam listened intently, his heart racing at the thought of these formidable entities. Each detail drew him deeper into a world both fascinating and terrifying. But as Lucifer continued to list them off, he noticed a hint of boredom creeping into Lucifer’s tone.

Feeling bold, Adam came to a stop and grabbed the back of Lucifer's hood, gently pulling him to a halt. Lucifer blinked owlishly, the sudden motion catching him off guard. Then, as if awakening from a daydream, he cuddled back into Adam, his face beaming with mischief.

Adam found himself instinctively hugging Lucifer back, warmth flooding through him.

“Do you have a favourite entity?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Lucifer pouted slightly, resting his head against Adam’s chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. He melted into Adam’s embrace, a dreamy smile spreading across his face.

“I don’t have a favourite… but do you want to hear about the most dangerous entity in the Backrooms?” His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “The one you must never upset or disappoint?”

Adam’s breath caught in his throat, practically vibrating with excitement. “Yes, Luci! I really do!”

Lucifer gasped, the nickname igniting a flicker of delight in his eyes. He squeezed Adam tightly, nuzzling his face against Adam's chest, an almost affectionate purr escaping him.

“Alright, but be warned—this one is no joke. It’s not just a creature; it’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Adam leaned in closer, captivated, eager to hear the story behind this dangerous entity that had stirred such emotion in Lucifer. The air between them buzzed with anticipation, the darkness of the tunnels fading into the background as their shared curiosity ignited a light of its own.

Lucifer’s voice dropped to a hushed, almost reverent tone.

“Entity 1000,” he began, “Is the Game Creator, the master of all stories. They are extremely dangerous, and nobody has lived to tell the tale.”

Adam’s brow furrowed, a pout forming on his lips. “But you said there were only 999 entities,” he pointed out, curiosity swirling in his large green eyes.

Lucifer smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his gaze. “That’s because nobody knows if Entity 1000 is real or not. It’s hard to explain. They’re like a god, I guess.”

He paused, leaning slightly closer, the warmth of his presence sending shivers down Adam's spine. “They’re like all the entities merged together, able to do anything they want. They control the Backrooms. Some believe they even created the Backrooms themselves just to entertain themselves.”

Adam hummed thoughtfully, his mind racing as he continued to hold Lucifer close. The blonde-haired man felt warm against him, and Adam shivered again when he felt Lucifer's lips brush against the centre of his chest.

“But you’ve seen them?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucifer chuckled softly, a hint of something strange in his tone.

“Bingo,” he said, tilting his head back to meet Adam’s gaze. “It’s said that Entity 1000 was once an angel of God.”

Adam found himself entranced, unable to look away from Lucifer’s intense eyes. His heart began to beat louder, each pulse resonating in the silence around them.

“What happened to this angel?” Adam asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lucifer leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “He was God’s favourite angel, the most powerful and beautiful one of them all. God doted on him, showering him with love and affection. But one day, God created something new—humans. And in doing so, he began to neglect his angel.”

A chill ran through Adam as he absorbed the weight of Lucifer's words.

“The angel got jealous,” Lucifer continued, “Angry at God for focusing his attention on these new creations. He didn’t understand why he had to care for them, so he decided to prove to his father that humans weren’t as perfect as he believed. He tricked them into taking the apple of life, but it unlocked the sins of the world within them.”

Adam’s breath hitched as he processed this dark turn in the tale.

“And God was furious?” he asked softly.

Lucifer nodded, his expression growing sombre. “He punished the angel cruelly, casting him out of heaven. With nowhere to go, the angel floated in the abyss of nothingness for centuries. His anger turned to boredom, and from that emptiness, the need to entertain himself grew.”

Adam felt a pang of sympathy for this fallen angel.

“So he created the Backrooms,” he murmured, piecing together the narrative.

“Exactly,” Lucifer confirmed, his eyes shining with intensity. “From his six wings, he crafted this labyrinth of horrors, trapping all of his father’s precious humans who fell into it. The entities here are manifestations of mankind’s sins, and he set them free to hunt any and all who dared to wander into his domain.”

Adam pressed his lips into a tight line, staring intently at Lucifer as he processed the weight of those words.

“That poor angel,” he finally said after several seconds, his heart aching for the creature cast out from grace.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in surprise, and he straightened, his head tilting slightly as he regarded Adam.

“Why do you feel pity for him?” he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

Adam frowned thoughtfully. “Because he lost his home. He lost his family—all because God was selfish.”

Lucifer swallowed hard, a flicker of something unidentifiable crossing his features. “How was God selfish?” he pressed.

Adam bit his bottom lip, searching for the right words. “Because God ignored his favourite angel. Of course the angel would get hurt over that. He probably didn’t understand why he was being neglected, and it’s no wonder he lashed out.”

Lucifer remained silent for a moment, absorbing Adam’s perspective. The flickering lights in the tunnel cast shadows that danced around them, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

“You’re different, Adam,” Lucifer finally said, a hint of admiration threading through his voice. “Most people would be too scared to feel anything for the angel. They see him as a monster.”

Adam shrugged, feeling the warmth of their connection deepening. “But he was hurt. You can’t just look at his actions without understanding the pain behind them.”

Lucifer smiled softly, his gaze lingering on Adam with a newfound respect. “You’re right. Maybe there’s more to this place than just fear and survival.”

He paused, then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But promise me you won’t let your curiosity lead you to danger, okay? This place isn’t just a story; it’s real, and it can consume you if you’re not careful.”

Adam nodded, feeling the gravity of Lucifer’s words settle within him.

Lucifer's smile becomes more mysterious, as if it held secrets untold. He stretches himself up onto his tip toes and brushes his fingers along Adam’s cheek.

"Do you want to know what entity 1000 is after nowadays?" he whispers, the shine in his blue eyes increasing.

Adam nods, suddenly finding himself unable to speak.

Lucifer purred, "It's said, he's looking for a mate. Somebody to make his own so he can breed."

“Breed?” Adam breathes out in confusion, “You mean he wants to impregnant a women?”

A laugh escaped Lucifer. He nuzzled his face into Adam’s chest, “Ah, Adam, you're so funny sometimes. He is an angel, the god of the backrooms, do you think it really matters of the gender? if he wants to knock somebody up, he will do it.”

“Oh,” Adam flushed, “That makes sense. So, he wants to have kids?”

“A family,” the blonde-haired man whispered, “He wants a family. he's tired of being alone and continuously being bored. he wants people who would never bore him.”

Adam’s mind spun at the implications of Lucifer’s words. The idea of Entity 1000, the god of the Backrooms, seeking companionship sent a strange mix of emotions coursing through him. It was a revelation that seemed so absurd yet profoundly human. He could hardly wrap his head around the concept of an entity so powerful yearning for something as simple and delicate as a family.

“Wait, so… he’s lonely?” Adam asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. The notion that even a god could feel such a fundamental human emotion was almost too much to comprehend.

Lucifer nodded, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth. “Exactly. Even the most powerful beings can feel isolation. Can you imagine being so mighty yet so utterly alone? It’s a tragic irony.”

He paused, looking thoughtfully at the floor for a moment. “He watches the entities he created roam the Backrooms, and they’re all bound by their nature—tethered to their instincts, to their hunger. It must be so lonely when you’re the one who can’t play the game anymore.”

Adam felt a pang of empathy for the elusive Entity 1000. “But what kind of family would he want? I mean, could anyone truly fill that void for him?”

He pondered aloud, trying to reconcile the image of a nurturing figure with the fierce god who ruled the Backrooms.

Lucifer’s expression softened as he leaned closer, resting his chin against Adam’s chest. “It’s the idea of connection, Adam. It’s not just about creating life; it’s about the bonds that tie us together. Entity 1000 wants to share his existence with someone, anyone, who can challenge him, inspire him, make him feel alive again.”

A shiver ran down Adam’s spine at the thought. “That’s… kind of sad. For all the power he holds, he still craves companionship. It makes him seem more relatable.”

Lucifer chuckled softly, raising his head to meet Adam’s gaze once more. “Exactly! The most terrifying entities in the Backrooms often have the most tragic stories. It’s the duality of existence here—fear and loneliness, power and vulnerability. It’s what makes our experiences rich, even in this dark place.”

Adam nodded, absorbing Lucifer’s words. The Backrooms were more than just a labyrinth of horrors; they were also a reflection of the complex emotions and stories each entity carried. “So, if he’s looking for a mate, does that mean he’s a threat to us? Is he dangerous?”

Lucifer’s smile turned serious, his brow furrowing slightly. “That’s the concern. If he feels desperate enough, who knows what he might do? A god scorned can be more terrifying than any entity lurking in the shadows.”

“But remember, Adam,” he said, his voice softening again, “There’s always a balance. While Entity 1000 might seek something, it doesn’t mean he will lash out at everyone. Sometimes, understanding is the first step to survival.”

Adam took a deep breath, trying to absorb all the nuances of the conversation.

 “It’s a lot to take in,” he admitted, feeling the weight of the Backrooms pressing down around them. “I just want to explore and learn more about all of this. But it’s hard when every turn could lead to danger.”

Lucifer’s expression brightened, the mischief returning to his eyes. “That’s the spirit! Curiosity is your greatest asset, but let’s ensure it doesn’t lead you to peril. And speaking of curiosity, do you want to know a secret about Entity 1000? One that might not be so widely known?”

Adam’s eyes widened, filled with eagerness. “Absolutely! What is it?”

Lucifer leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “It’s said that deep down, he can grant wishes. Not just any wish—your deepest desire, something that could change everything. But there’s always a catch, like all good stories.”

The thrill of the idea sent a rush of excitement through Adam.

“What kind of catch?” he asked, his heart racing.

Lucifer’s grin widened, revealing a hint of the darkness lurking beneath the surface. “The price could be steep. Sometimes it takes more than you’re willing to give. Perhaps your sanity, or the very essence of your humanity. You’ll never know until you ask.”

Adam swallowed hard, a mixture of fear and fascination swirling in his chest. The allure of making a wish seemed tantalizing, yet the danger loomed large. “So, it’s like a gamble?”

“Precisely!” Lucifer exclaimed; his enthusiasm infectious. “But isn’t that what life is about here? Taking risks, pushing boundaries, and embracing the chaos? You never know what you might discover about yourself along the way.”

Adam couldn’t help but smile, feeling the spark of adventure igniting within him. “You’re right! Even in this terrifying place, there’s so much to explore and learn. I guess that’s what keeps me going.”

Just then, he heard it—a soft, low scraping noise echoing from somewhere further down the corridor. Adam froze, his heart pounding as he tried to make out where it was coming from. It was faint, yet unrelenting, like something dragging across concrete. He turned his head, looking in the direction he heard the scraping sound but when he turned back to Lucifer, he found him gone.

“Lucifer?” he called in surprise.

Lucifer was no where in sight. Where had he gone?

The scraping sound grew louder, and suddenly, it clicked—whatever was making the noise was directly behind him.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat as he turned, coming face-to-face with a grinning shadow. It was tall, its limbs thin and elongated, and from the shadows, a single, ghastly smile gleamed white against the darkness. A Smiler. Its smile stretched impossibly wide, its eyes small and beady, glowing faintly as it watched him.

Panic surged, and Adam’s instincts screamed at him to run. But he remembered Lute’s instructions: Don’t panic, don’t turn away. Keep eye contact. Fighting the urge to bolt, he took a slow, deliberate step backward, his eyes never leaving the creature’s grin.

The Smiler didn’t move, but its smile widened, the unnatural grin stretching farther than seemed possible. Adam’s heart raced as he continued to back away, each step feeling like a precarious balance between life and death. He reached into his pocket, fumbling for his flashlight. Slowly, he pulled it out, angling it so that he could toss it as a distraction if he needed to.

Just then, another sound echoed through the corridor—a voice, low and firm. “Adam!”

It was Lute. Relief washed over him, and he didn’t dare turn, knowing the Smiler’s gaze was still fixed on him. Instead, he backed up faster, his steps guided by Lute’s voice until he could feel her presence beside him. She gripped his arm and, without a word, led him back toward the safety of the corridor they’d come from.

Only when they were several turns away from the Smiler did she finally release him, her expression a mixture of anger and relief.

“What the hell were you thinking?” she hissed. “That thing would have torn you apart if you’d moved wrong!”

Adam opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. He was still shaking, the memory of that grin seared into his mind.

“I… I didn’t see it until it was too late,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lute’s anger softened slightly, and she sighed. “Look, I know you’re curious about this place. But you have to understand—curiosity here is dangerous. I’ve lost too many people to this place, and I’m not about to lose you.”

Adam nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. “I’ll be more careful next time. I promise.”

Lute studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good. Let’s get back to the others.”

They made their way back through the dim corridors, the silence pressing in around them once again. Adam’s mind buzzed with questions, but for the first time, his curiosity was tempered with a newfound respect for the dangers lurking in the Backrooms.

Time slipped through Adam’s fingers like grains of sand. He couldn’t quite gauge how long he had been wandering the Backrooms with Lute and the others. Days or weeks felt irrelevant in a place where the very fabric of reality twisted and warped. He often caught glimpses of Lucifer, that beautiful blonde man whose presence ignited something warm within him. Each encounter was like a breath of fresh air amidst the stale atmosphere of the Backrooms.

Yet whenever he approached Lucifer and asked him to join his group, the response was always the same—a light laugh, a playful pat on the cheek, and the words, “I’d prefer not to.”

The softness of Lucifer's demeanour made it difficult for Adam to understand why he wouldn’t want to be part of a group that cared about him. Was it fear? A sense of duty? Each time Adam encountered him, he felt a twinge of disappointment but brushed it off, determined to keep asking whenever fate allowed them to cross paths again.

On the other hand, Lute’s reactions to Adam’s stories about Lucifer were less than enthusiastic. She grew increasingly irritated every time Adam mentioned his blonde-haired friend.

 “Adam, you need to be careful,” she warned, her tone laced with concern. “What if he’s just an illusion? An entity pretending to be someone he’s not? They can be incredibly deceptive. You could be walking into a trap.”

Adam sighed, feeling the weight of Lute’s protectiveness. She cared for him, he knew that, but it was hard for him to dismiss his feelings for Lucifer.

 “He’s not like that,” Adam insisted, a stubbornness creeping into his voice. “He’d never hurt me.”

“Really? And how can you be so sure?” Lute retorted, crossing her arms. “You hardly see him! It’s reckless to trust someone you know so little about.”

Adam shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I just know. Luci is my friend.”

Lute groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. “You sound like a schoolgirl with a crush, Adam.”

The words hung in the air, and Adam paused in thought. A schoolgirl with a crush? Was that what this was? Did he… like Lucifer? The realization sent a flutter of excitement through him, but also a wave of confusion. Was it really a crush if he felt so deeply connected to this enigmatic figure? Every time he saw Lucifer, his heart raced, and a warmth spread through him that felt unlike anything else.

He pondered this new perspective as he wandered through the dim tunnels. Lute's warnings echoed in the back of his mind, mingling with the excitement that came from the thought of his bond with Lucifer. Perhaps it was naïve, but there was something undeniably comforting about their interactions—something that made the endless labyrinth feel a little less daunting.

As days blurred into nights, Adam continued to search for Lucifer. Each time they met, his heart would leap, and he’d feel a rush of joy at the sight of him. Whether it was Lucifer’s playful laughter or the way he seemed genuinely interested in Adam’s thoughts, those moments became a lifeline for him.

Still, the question of Lute’s concern nagged at him. Could Lucifer truly be an entity with ulterior motives? Every encounter felt genuine, yet the Backrooms were filled with treachery and deceit. He wanted to believe in the goodness he sensed in Lucifer, but the words of his friend weighed heavily on his heart.

“Maybe I do like him,” Adam murmured to himself one evening, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought brought a smile to his face, and he felt a warmth spreading through him at the idea. “…maybe I really do like him, much more then I thought…”

Adam found himself alone on a new level, a space that felt strangely devoid of the usual chaos that characterized the Backrooms. The silence wrapped around him like a heavy blanket, but rather than feeling frightened, he felt a sense of calm. It was a welcome reprieve after the adrenaline-fueled days spent with the Exorcists, who had grown to trust him more than he could have imagined. No longer was he tethered to Lute’s watchful eye; he had earned his freedom to scout alone, as long as he returned by a certain time.

As he settled against the cool, metallic wall, he reflected on the journey that had brought him here. He hadn’t encountered any entities or other humans since he entered this level. It was quiet, almost too quiet, but he didn’t mind. He had heard tales of this unexplored level from another group, and his curiosity had gotten the better of him. He had begged Rye and Mia to let him explore it, much to Lute’s dismay. But in a surprising twist, they had agreed to let him venture out on his own. Excitement had surged through him at the thought of being a true explorer in the Backrooms.

Yet, excitement could only fuel him for so long. The tiresome trek had taken its toll, and now his legs felt numb beneath him. As he took a moment to rest, he leaned back and closed his eyes. The stillness of the level allowed his thoughts to drift, and they inevitably wandered back to Lucifer.

A flutter danced in his chest, a subtle reminder of how much he liked the enigmatic blonde. Adam bit his lip, unable to suppress a smile as he thought of the way Lucifer’s laughter lit up the shadows of the Backrooms, making even the most unsettling environments feel a little less foreboding. In moments where he felt lost or scared, Lucifer’s presence always brought a strange comfort.

He imagined their conversations, the way Lucifer leaned in when he spoke, as if sharing a secret that only the two of them understood. It was those moments that made Adam's heart race, igniting a warmth that spread through him like a gentle flame. He didn’t understand entirely what he felt for Lucifer, but he knew it was something special.

As he sat there, lost in thought, Adam couldn’t shake the lingering worry that Lute’s warnings echoed in his mind. What if Lucifer was just an illusion? What if he was a clever entity that could easily devour his trust? But the thought felt hollow against the backdrop of his experiences with Lucifer. There had been no deception, no malice—only a connection that felt genuine, however improbable that seemed in the Backrooms.

Taking a deep breath, Adam opened his eyes and stared into the empty expanse before him. The shadows shifted as the dim lights flickered overhead, casting strange shapes on the walls. In that moment of solitude, he made a silent promise to himself: he would find a way to prove to Lute that his feelings for Lucifer were real, that the bond he felt wasn’t just a fleeting whim but something worth exploring.

As Adam sat in the eerie quiet of the unexplored level, his mind drifted into a vivid daydream, painting pictures of the one person who ignited his heart like no other—Lucifer. In his imagination, Lucifer came alive, stepping out of the shadows with that familiar warmth that seemed to wrap around him like a cozy blanket.

He could picture Lucifer’s blue eyes, striking and intense, glimmering like sapphires amidst the dim glow of the Backrooms. Those eyes had a mischievous spark, full of secrets and a depth that Adam longed to explore. The way they lit up when Lucifer laughed sent a jolt of exhilaration through Adam, leaving him breathless. He could almost hear the echo of that laughter, a sound that resonated in his soul and made him feel as if the world around him faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.

With every memory that floated to the surface, warmth spread through Adam, starting in his chest and radiating outward like the gentle heat of a soft ember. He swirled where he sat, momentarily lost in the comforting thoughts. It was as if the shadows of the Backrooms could not touch him when he was thinking of Lucifer. He remembered the way Lucifer would lean closer, his soft blonde hair brushing against Adam’s arm, sharing stories about the entities that roamed their world. Those moments were precious, filled with a closeness that sent butterflies dancing in Adam’s stomach.

He recalled how Lucifer’s smile could brighten the darkest corners, effortlessly cutting through the dread that lurked in every shadow. It wasn’t just a smile; it was an invitation—a promise of safety and warmth in a place that often felt cold and unwelcoming. Adam felt a soft flush creep up his cheeks at the thought. The way Lucifer looked at him, with that blend of playfulness and genuine interest, made his heart race like it was trying to escape its confines.

With each thought of Lucifer, Adam’s resolve to be near him grew stronger. He wanted to share every experience, every moment of joy and fear in this unpredictable labyrinth. He found himself daydreaming about the adventures they could have together, navigating the twists and turns of the Backrooms as a team. He wanted to be the one who brought light to Lucifer’s world, just as Lucifer did for him.

But even beyond the allure of adventure, there was something deeper simmering beneath the surface. Adam felt an undeniable connection, a bond that transcended the dangers surrounding them. He liked how Lucifer’s presence grounded him, how it allowed him to feel things he hadn’t felt before—hope, curiosity, and even love. That realization sent a shiver down his spine, causing him to squirm a little where he sat, caught between the thrill of those feelings and the fear of what they might mean.

Lost in his thoughts, Adam rested his head against the cool metal wall, his heart thumping in rhythm with the warmth spreading through him. He felt almost giddy at the prospect of seeing Lucifer again, and with each breath, he envisioned the moment they would be reunited. There was something undeniably special about the way he felt, and he couldn’t help but smile at the thought of their next encounter.

“Lucifer,” he whispered softly to himself, the name slipping past his lips like a cherished secret.

Adam squirmed as the warmth intensified inside him. He wiggled and glanced down at himself, a troubled pout spreading across his lip. Ah. Oh. A brilliant blush spread across his cheeks as he realized just thinking about Lucifer had set his body on fire. A stiffness began to appear between his thighs and Adam let out a soft whimper, his skin beginning to twitch and shudder with desire.

“Shit,” he whispered, glancing around himself again. It was just as empty and silent as before. “Um…”

Moving his hands wearily across his stomach, Adam peeked down at the hard bulge was beginning to form between his legs. His fingers trembled as he brushed them over the bulge, a gasp escaped him. His eyes fluttered shut as he began to touch himself further, rolling his fingers over the tent, a whimper beginning to leave his tongue.

“Oh,” he moaned, his mind beginning to conjure up the certain blonde that his body reacting like this to begin with.

He pictured Lucifer.

Lucifer against him, touching him, rolling his hips against Adam’s, whispering toe-curling words to him. Adam whimpered and gasped, lightly cupping himself and squeezing. He wished Lucifer was really here, he wished Lucifer liked him the way Adam liked him. He wondered what Lucifer would say or do if he knew what Adam was doing.

“L-Lucifer…” he moaned softly, beginning to press down a little more on his hidden cock.

“Yes?” a sudden familiar voice cooed.

Freezing, Adam’s eyes sprung open, and his breath leaped into his throat. Especially as he titled his head to find Lucifer crouched right next to him. The moment Adam looked at him, mortified that he was here, Lucifer beamed brightly.

“You called, Addie~” Lucifer sang, his blue eyes dark and glassy.

“I-I…” Adam stuttered, his whole body locking up in shock. “I-I, I…”

Lucifer giggled and shifted himself, moving to sit on his knees and his blue eyes sweep down Adam’s body. He gazed at the bulge between Adam’s thighs with a smile, “Do you want help with that?”

“W-What are you doing here?!” Adam let out high pitched, his face growing even darker then ever before.

“You called for me, remember?” Lucifer said in amusement. His hands creeping across Adam’s thighs and beginning to stroke his fingertips across the back of Adam’s hand, “Addie, let me help you. I made your body react like this, didn’t I?”

Mouth opening and shutting, Adam whined unable to come up with a reasonable sentence. His breath hitched when Lucifer moved closer to him, close enough that he felt Lucifer’s boy heat beginning to prickle across his side and making the hairs on Adam’s body stand up on end.

Curling his tender fingers around Adam’s, Lucifer removed his hand from the bulge and held onto Adam’s hand as his other hand began to run up his thigh. A soft hum escaped Lucifer, whimpering it as if to keep Adam calm and relaxed.

“You know I won’t hurt you. I will never hurt you, Addie. I want to make you feel better, please let me~” he sang sweetly, tracing his fingertips over the bulge and making Adam inhale sharply, “Let me help you reach that release~”

Adam stared at Lucifer, his face was still bright red and his green eyes glassy, “…Lucifer? Is…is that really you?”

“What?” Lucifer blinked in surprise, tilting his head upward, “Of course it’s me. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Um…b-because…the entities, an entity could be using you to manipulate me,” Adam breathed out shakingly, “I just want to make sure it’s you and not something else.”

Lucifer's expression softened, and he stepped closer, the warmth radiating from him almost tangible in the chilly air of the Backrooms.

“Adam, I promise you, it’s me,” he said gently, his voice a soothing balm against the unease coursing through Adam’s veins. “I understand your fears; this place is filled with deception and shadows.”

“But look at me,” he urged, reaching up to cup Adam's face with his warm, calloused hands.

Adam felt his heart race as he gazed into Lucifer’s striking blue eyes, those familiar pools of light that always seemed to hold a wealth of secrets. “You’ve seen me vulnerable, haven’t you? You’ve seen my true self, the parts of me that are fragile and real.”

With every word, Adam felt his defences begin to crack.

“Y-yeah, but... you could still be a trick,” he whispered, struggling to keep his resolve. “You know how these entities work. They can wear any mask, twist any form.”

Lucifer’s brow furrowed; his gaze unwavering. “You think I’d allow that? I wouldn’t let some other entity use my face, my voice, to manipulate you.”

“You mean too much to me for that,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat. The sincerity in Lucifer’s words felt like a warm embrace, wrapping around his heart and squeezing gently.

 “Choosing to be here with you. Choosing to connect with you.” Lucifer leaned in closer, their foreheads nearly touching. “You’re not just another human in this twisted place, Adam. You’re different. You see things, feel things that others overlook. Your curiosity, your compassion—those things matter to me. I want to help you.”

The warmth of Lucifer’s breath ghosted across Adam's lips, igniting a thrill deep within him.

“I…I don’t want to lose you,” he admitted, the vulnerability spilling out before he could stop it. “Not like everything else I’ve lost in this place.”

“You won’t lose me,” Lucifer replied softly, brushing his thumb across Adam’s cheek. “I promise I’ll protect you as much as I can. I’m not just some figment of your imagination or a cruel trick of this world. I’m real, Adam. I’m right here.”

The sincerity in his voice began to melt away the lingering doubts in Adam's mind. As they sat there, locked in each other’s gaze, a profound sense of trust began to blossom between them, fragile yet beautiful.

“Okay,” Adam breathed, taking a step back to gather himself. He gulped thickly, “O-Okay…”

“I can touch you?” Lucifer asked.

“Yes,” Adam said bravely, “Please touch me, Luci.”

Lucifer purred, his eyes growing darker and hungrier. He cupped his hand firmly over Adam’s hidden cock and watched intensively as Adam jumped, “Addie, you’re so hard~”

His hand began to caress the cock through the jeans, rolling his fingers purposely. Lucifer’s gaze never left Adam’s face, watching every reaction he made. He slid his hand upward, catching the zipper to Adam’s black hoodie and unzipped it. Lucifer’s fingers then pushed underneath his t-shirt, touching the soft flesh underneath, caressing the sensitive flesh of Adam’s under stomach.

Gasping, Adam trembled as Lucifer rolled his fingers downward, pushing underneath he waistband of Adam’s jeans.

“Adam,” Lucifer’s voice called sweetly, “I’m going to touch you now.”

Adam's eyelids fluttered, a symphony of sensations enveloped him. He whimpered and bit down on his bottom lip, glancing down his body and watching Lucifer’s hand. His body tingled with an electric anticipation, a sweet torment that left him breathless and wanting.

A soft gasp escaped his lips as he felt the heat of Lucifer's touch, a delicate exploration that set his soul ablaze. His chest rose and fell in sync with the rhythm of their shared breaths, a silent symphony of desire echoing in the air.

“Have you touched yourself?” Lucifer whispered, sliding his hands further downward. “Since entering the backrooms?”

Adam bit down on his bottom lip, his nerves dancing as he felt Lucifer’s touch, “No. Not in the backrooms.”

“So you’re backed up,” Lucifer purred, trailing his fingers even further inside Adam’s boxershorts, “What about outside the backrooms? How often did you touch yourself then?”

Lucifer’s hand was slow and delicate, sliding with care over the hair of his manhood. Adam jumped, gasping and tried not too but squirmed despite himself. 

“Of course I did,” Adam licked his lips and Lucifer immediately looked at his mouth, “I touched myself, um, often.”

Lucifer grinned, “Good to know you have a healthy sex drive then. Have anyone touched you like this before?”

“No,” Adam’s breath hitched when Lucifer’s hand suddenly touched his cock fully, “I’ve never had any luck with other people. Nobody likes me.”

Snorting, Lucifer frowned and watched as his hand touched Adam finally, brushing his fingertips along Adam’s penis. Lucifer’s own breath became trapped in his throat as Adam’s expression changed from the touch, the greenness of Adam’s eyes deepening in a sign of lust, something Lucifer had been yearning to see.

“Their lose then.”

Adam’s mouth opened but then clamped shit again and his eyebrows creased as if he was trying to dissect this new sensation. It felt so different to his own hand.

When Lucifer curled his hand fully around Adam’s penis, he gasped and moaned out. Lucifer giggled and slid his hand further up the sensitive spots of Adam’s cock, rolling his fingertips back and forth. Lucifer moved his hand slowly and delicately, rubbing his fingers skilfully. He watched Adam’s every reaction to his touch, making sure to burn it into his mind so he would never forget. When Adam appeared to relax further, his muscles unclenching, Lucifer slid his hand all the way up to the tip of the penis and back down repeatedly. 

“Does it feel good, Addie?” he whispered, leaning closer to Adam’s face, “Are you feeling good?”

Another moan escaped Adam and looked at Adam, his chest beginning to heave heavily. His hips beginning to rock up into Lucifer’s hand.

“Does it feel good, come on Addie, tell me?” Lucifer cooed, speeding up his touch.

Adam gasped, arching his back. He stared into Lucifer’s lovely and handsome face, watching as a soft blush appeared on Lucifer’s own cheeks. He couldn’t help himself; he leant forward and kissed Lucifer. Pushing his lips against Lucifer’s with another whimper escaping him.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in surprise, having not expected Adam to even attempt to kiss him. He immediately began to kiss Adam back, pushing him further into the wall he was sitting up again, while at the same time, he began to aggressively rub Adam’s cock.

“You’re close, aren’t you Addie~” Lucifer whispered against Adam’s mouth, “You’re so close aren’t you Addie, don’t fight it~”

Adam swallowed thickly; his mouth much too wet all of a sudden. His vision was beginning to blur from unleashed tears.

“Come for me, Addie~”

He pushed his mouth against Adam’s again, pushing his soft tongue into Adam’s. His hand caressed Adam’s cock more, forcing Adam to ride out his climax. Their lips moved together almost desperately, Adam’s tongue having no other choice but to dance with Lucifer’s. 

His hips were trembling, Adam felt as if his whole body was quivering. His insides twitching, jolting back and forth, unsure where it should settle. The orgasm hit him all at once. He had never had an orgasm like that before.

“You’re so cute Addie,” Lucifer cooed, withdrawing his hand.

Adam wheezed sharply, practically sobbing from his climax. He pulled Lucifer back into a kiss, his hands cupping Lucifer’s cherry-shaped face and whimpering as their tongues danced.

“Luci, Luci,” Adam chanted, pulling back with a bridge of saliva between their lips, “Can – Can I touch you too? Can I do something in return? Please let me?”

The warmest, sweetest dazzling smile curled across Lucifer’s face. His blue eyes seemed to glint, shimmering otherworldly and gave a sharp nod, “Of course you can, in fact, I would love for you to touch me.”

Touch?

Adam swallowed thickly and began to kiss Lucifer again. From the moment he met Lucifer, he found him too clean, too neat, too soft and angelic. Adam wanted to dirt him up, even just a little. His hands became tangled up in Lucifer’s t-shirt, tugging it upward slightly as he continued to kiss the blonde man.

It was just so Lucifer, fully and completely. He smelt lovely and Adam pushed Lucifer back onto his backside. His hot warm beginning to slide down Lucifer’s throat, running his teeth along the soft pale, flawless flesh. He ran his mouth over Lucifer’s t-shirt and then began to kiss and nip at Lucifer’s exposed stomach.

“Addie,” Lucifer whispered, clocking his head with a delicious pink face, “Oh, Addie, you’re so cute and beautiful~”

Hands tugging at Lucifer’s blue jeans, Adam pulled back to unbutton them and Lucifer raised his hips. Adam gently licked at Lucifer’s hidden cock, feeling it stir underneath his tongue, feeling it begin to harden. Tenderly, Adam eased Lucifer cock out and immediately began to lick at it. His warm lips making soft kisses along the heated skin.

A groan escaped Lucifer, his head flopping all the way back. He spread his thighs further and moaning as Adam began to bob his head, running his lips back and forth along Lucifer’s hard cock. He sucked on the tip and then sunk his mouth back down.

“Addie, you’re such a good boy like this. So pretty and endearing, with your cute lips wrapped around my cock~” Lucifer teased, running his fingers through Adam’s thick hair, “I knew you were the one, the moment I first met you, I know you were mine. You were the one I’ve been waiting for, you’re so special and precious.”

Adam groaned at the words, closing his eyes and just focusing on sucking Lucifer off. He wanted Lucifer to feel good.

“My Addie~” Lucifer purred, arching hips as he felt himself reaching that point, “Fuck, Addie, you’re making me come~”

He froze as he felt Lucifer come. Adam’s green eyes brightened as he pulled and swallowed the bitter liquid in his mouth. He met Lucifer’s eyes and smiled shyly, “Did that feel good?”

“Fuck yes,” the blonde man purred, fixing his cock back into his jeans and then pulling Adam into another kiss. His tongue plugging into Adam’s mouth hungrily, “Addie, you’re so perfect for me.”

Adam’s breath hitched as Lucifer’s warm hand rested on his stomach, his touch soft but possessive, fingertips brushing lightly over his skin as though savouring every inch. Lucifer hummed, his voice low and almost melodic, eyes fixed on Adam’s stomach with a strange, adoring gleam.

“Oh, Addie,” he murmured, stroking slow, gentle circles. “You feel so soft, so perfect. Just imagine… seeing you round and lovely, holding something so precious… something of mine.”

Adam’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson as he squirmed under the touch, his mind whirling. “Luci… I’m a guy, remember? That’s… that’s not exactly possible.”

Lucifer’s grin widened, the warmth in his smile shifting into something sharper, almost otherworldly, as though he were looking at Adam with an unquenchable hunger.

“Ah, but dreams are allowed, aren’t they, Addie?” he whispered, his voice wrapping around Adam’s senses like silk. “And you—you’re like a dream come to life.”

Adam’s blush deepened, his gaze flicking to his stomach as a strange, sweet warmth filled him.

“You… really like the idea of that?” he asked shyly.

With a dazzling smile, Lucifer dropped to his knees, inching closer as he leaned Adam against the wall. His hands framed Adam’s hips, holding him in place, his eyes gleaming with something intense and deep. Gently, he nipped at Adam’s lower lip, the soft pressure of his teeth sending a shiver through him.

“Oh, yes, Addie,” he whispered, his voice like a promise. “I want to see you full, glowing, carrying a part of me. I want you as mine, with a family of our own. And I’ll never let anything take you from me, not now… not ever.”

Adam’s heart pounded, feeling caught in the pull of Lucifer’s strange, intoxicating affection, a warmth that left him feeling claimed and protected all at once, bound by a love that felt timeless yet dangerously unyielding.

Adam’s heart thudded painfully in his chest as he felt the cold realization settle over him. Lucifer’s hand on his stomach, the odd look in his eyes—it all started to make sense in a way that terrified and captivated him.

“L-Luci…” he stammered, feeling the shiver trace up his spine, “Are… are you…”

Lucifer tilted his head, an innocent gleam in his eyes, though his smile didn’t reach them. “Am I what, Addie?” His voice was soft, the tone almost tender, but there was a faint edge that left Adam feeling exposed, as though he were standing on the edge of something vast and incomprehensible.

Swallowing hard, Adam pressed his lips into a thin line. His gaze didn’t waver as he forced himself to meet Lucifer’s eyes, his voice a trembling whisper.

 “You’re not human, are you?” Adam breathed; his voice barely audible. “You’re… you’re Entity 1000, aren’t you?”

Lucifer’s smile grew, a slow, almost predatory curve of his lips as he raised a hand, fingers grazing Adam’s cheek with unsettling gentleness. His touch was as warm as it was chilling.

“Oh, Addie,” he murmured, his voice slipping into that familiar, melodic purr, “Does that frighten you?”

 His thumb brushed over Adam’s cheekbone in a way that could’ve been comforting, but there was something behind it, an intent he couldn’t quite place. Lucifer’s blue eyes sparkled, the depths of them seeming endless, almost as if they held all the secrets of the Backrooms within their depths.

“Or… does it make you curious?”

Adam shuddered, torn between the part of him that wanted to pull away and the other part, the one that held onto every word, fascinated despite himself.

Lucifer’s grin stretched wider, an eerie gleam lighting up his twisted features as his six, towering wings loomed over Adam. They were far from angelic, looking torn and demonic, with edges that flickered as though glitching in and out of reality. His blue eyes had darkened, swirling with crimson and gold, and from his head sprouted sharp, twisted horns, cracked at the top, forming a hauntingly beautiful yet sinister halo.

Adam’s breath hitched, his eyes wide with terror as he pressed himself back against the wall, heart pounding erratically. The charming smile he’d known was replaced with something terrifying and intense. Lucifer’s entire form exuded an overpowering energy, one that left Adam feeling small, trapped, and utterly vulnerable.

Lucifer leaned in close, his twisted grin revealing rows of glittering, razor-sharp teeth.

“Are you frightened, Addie?” he whispered, his voice curling around Adam like a shadow, chilling and entrancing all at once. “I wanted you to see me as I truly am.”

Adam swallowed, his entire body trembling. He nodded faintly, his mind racing with what Lute had warned him about—Lucifer was more than just a friend, more than a mysterious companion. He was an entity, the most powerful, and everything he’d ever feared in the Backrooms. He created this endless nightmare to amuse himself. A small whimper escaped Adam’s lips.

“Were you just… using me for entertainment?” he asked, his voice cracking.

Lucifer cupped Adam’s face, his touch both unsettlingly gentle and possessive.

“No,” he cooed, his voice softening as he gazed into Adam’s terrified eyes. “I didn’t use you, Addie. I felt you the moment you entered the Backrooms. You called out to me, remember? You introduced yourself, and I knew then—you were mine.”

Adam’s pulse quickened, panic mixing with an odd feeling he couldn’t quite place, something that left him speechless.

“W-What do you want?” he stammered weakly, unable to break away from Lucifer’s intense gaze.

Lucifer’s smile twisted into something darkly possessive, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly hunger.

“I want to make you mine completely,” he whispered, his voice dropping to a guttural, dangerous tone. “I want to breed you, Addie, to fill you with my essence and create something that’s ours.”

“I-I-“

“Addie, I’m going to breed you, now.”

[rainforestakiie]

i love this so much! thank you so much @inubaki for letting me use this in my scary movie post!

Scary Movies

Rosemary’s Baby, Devil and The Nun. All by pillow fort! Cause you are never to old to shove some chairs together and dragging out the largest family blankets. Followed by fortified pillows and spare blankets. All to enjoy the amazing-ness of a scary movie marathon. Based on ‘The Feather’ Au in which Adam resembles Pan. This is before the confrontation.

And thank you to anyone that threw in their two cents on what movies to use.

———

But seriously. These two. Stay away from me.

[kibacju]

HAPPY adamsapple friday PRIDE MONTH 2024!! 🎸🍎

Better late than never... but we all know who was leading the parade in Hell ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

[kittenfangirl20]

*Adam walks down stairs to see the hotel decorated in rainbows*

Adam: Ummmmmmm…….. wait? What is going on here? Does this have anything do with Noah?

*Angel Dust pops up*

Angel Dust: This is Pride Month, we celebrate the LGBT community. Oh I almost forget, this is for you.

*puts a bisexual pride pin on Adam’s jacket*

Lucifer: I know that the whole Heaven being homophobic was a myth invented by humans, but I am not shocked that they don’t celebrate Pride Month in Heaven.

*Adam notes that Lucifer has a bisexual pride pin on his suit jacket*

Lucifer: This will be a first for you, there are a lot of parties and stuff I could take you to. You are a rock star and bisexual, you would be very popular. Plus I would like to show off my hot boyfriend.

*Lucifer playfully smacks Adam’s butt which makes Adam really blush*

Adam: I would like that.

[adamsappple-guitarspear]

Cain ... just Cain xD I don't think I wait for you to draw something to you, NSFW on Patreon with this boy xD (it will be hot!) Adam firmly proud of his son is not xD but at least he can get fun xD

Support me on Patreon (more hot, fullnudity NSFW AdamsApple content >D)

Follow me on Twitter (more AdamsApple content <3 )

[am-i-a-boy-or-a-crybaby]

adam

Stuff my throat with apples

Coat my ribs in fire

Strike my face with cold metal

Make my body one I wish to stay in

Make my voice one that I can bear

Match my brain and soul

Catch my physique up to my heart

-grayson h

[lilacwriter07]

Instead of Lucifer going after Lilith, he goes after Adam and things become messy very fast .

Michael: Is it me or does the human's stomach grew ?

Sera: It .. It did .. How ?

Adam: I ate too many seeds !

Lilith: Does that happen to me as well if I eat many seeds ?

Lucifer: No dear those are special seeds

Lilith: Where can ..

Lucifer: Just no .

God meanwhile knitting baby sweaters with a knowing smile, ofcourse he WILL have a talk with Lucifer soon .

[thethespacecoyote]

Running a Memorial Day sale for my candle shop now through 5/27! Take 20% off all orders including all my recent Hazbin/Helluva additions, Pride Flag Candles, and more! Check them out here.

[alartist]

Well I did the shipping chart thing!

I sure hope this doesn’t end up igniting a shipping war!

[coffee-isgood]

y’all happy pride month

[rainforestakiie]

Adamsapple Month Harvest

Pumpkins~

@adamsappleweek

whoa! i got it finished it in time! i wanted to write more and i might come back to this idea later! but for now, enjoy a creepy pumpkin twist! hope you all like it!

For as long as Adam could recall, he had dwelled in the shadowy embrace of Hallow-Eve, a town steeped in autumn's eerie charm. He had never ventured beyond its mist-shrouded borders; his family’s roots run deep in the soil of this peculiar place.

Even during their rare escapades, they merely retreated to the heart of the town, seeking solace at Miss Sera's Inn, where the air was thick with the whispers of the past. Hallow-Eve revelled in the spirit of Halloween year-round, its streets adorned with gnarled pumpkins and sinister decorations, dismissing the likes of Christmas or Easter. Instead, they celebrated with a chilling twist—exchanging sweets nestled in coffins for Easter and gathering around a 'dead tree' come winter, its branches draped with ghostly ornaments.

Adam had only ever known life on the town's enchanting pumpkin patch, a sprawling expanse of vibrant orange nestled among shadows, where townsfolk flocked daily in search of the most haunting harvests. While he supposed there was never a mundane moment amid the revelry, a weariness clung to him like a thick fog, suffocating his spirit.

He longed for the warmth of a traditional Christmas, the intoxicating aroma of a festive feast wafting through the air, instead of the relentless onslaught of skeletal decorations and pumpkin pies. Halloween’s nightly escapades, filled with children donning ghastly costumes, left him yearning for the innocent delights of chocolate eggs and lavish dinners that never seemed to grace their table.

It was as if Hallow-Eve existed in an eternal autumn, with summer and winter shunning its gloomy charm. The trees stood in perpetual decay, their leaves a tapestry of gold and crimson, forever caught in the throes of a hauntingly beautiful fall, the air crisp and unyielding.

Leaning against a towering stack of pumpkins, Adam's piercing green eyes surveyed the patch, glistening under the pale light of a waning moon. In a matter of hours, families would arrive, their excitement palpable as they sought the most spine-chilling pumpkins to carve. His mother, with her uncanny knack for the macabre, often hosted spirited carving mornings, teaching eager youngsters the art of transforming innocent gourds into grotesque visages. Renowned for her chilling creations, she wielded her carving knife with a flair that sent shivers down spines, bringing the town's Halloween spirit to life in the most haunting of ways.

A black crow suddenly soared overhead, its ominous shadow flitting across the ground before it landed directly in front of Adam. With a haunting croak, the bird flapped its sleek, obsidian wings, bobbing its pointed head as if sizing him up. Adam frowned, a wry smirk creeping onto his lips as he regarded the feathered omen. “I don’t suppose you’re here to warn me of misfortune?” he teased dryly. “Black crows are notorious harbingers of bad luck.”

The crow squawked again, flapping its wings and pecking its long beak beneath its wing, as if unconcerned by Adam’s quips. Clicking his tongue in dismissal, Adam turned away, a soft hum escaping his lips. In Hallow-Eve, it was common knowledge that a black crow’s appearance foreshadowed calamity. His grandmother had been the sort to throw salt at the birds whenever they crossed her path, and don’t even get him started on the folklore surrounding black cats.

Returning to his duties, Adam began inspecting the pumpkins, removing the rotting ones or the less desirable specimens. It was hard work, and while he had once relished tending to the vibrant gourds as a child, a suffocating boredom now clouded his enthusiasm. He craved something more, a taste of adventure beyond the confines of his routine.

“Adam!” a melodic voice called, pulling him from his reverie. His mother waved him over, beckoning him toward the towering wooden archway adorned with a macabre display of skulls and bone-like decorations.

“Can you come here for a moment?”

With a sigh, Adam straightened up, tugging off his gloves and tossing a small pebble aside. He approached the archway, the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves lingering in the cool air. As he emerged from the wall of pumpkins, he noticed three figures standing with his mother. One appeared noticeably shorter than the other two, and he squinted, trying to discern the peculiar scene.

“Adam, come meet our new neighbours!” His mother beamed, excitement dancing in her eyes. “They’ve just moved in.”

Just moved in?

Adam’s eyebrows shot up at the revelation. He’d never heard of anyone moving to or from Hallow-Eve; it was a town steeped in tradition, and this was utterly new.

“Hi,” he mumbled, shifting to stand beside his mother.

He blinked awkwardly, taking in the sight before him. The shorter figure seemed older than the two taller females. The blonde girl, with her cascading golden curls and flawless porcelain skin, could easily be mistaken for royalty—save for the unsettlingly vibrant red of her lips and the strange way her cheeks seemed to glow. For a fleeting moment, he could have sworn they both had red circles on their cheeks and no noses, but when he blinked, they were just… normal.

Weird.

The other girl was a stark contrast, with her long, thick braids of purple and grey that cascaded down her shoulders. She was slightly shorter than the blonde, sporting a hooked nose and soft, grey eyes that held secrets. Her black lips curled into an expression that straddled the line between a smile and a frown, leaving Adam uncertain of her feelings.

“Hello!” the shorter man exclaimed cheerfully, thrusting a gloved hand toward Adam. “Nice to meet you! I’ve just moved in with my daughters!”

Adam hesitated, eyeing the man’s gloves, which appeared oddly oversized, hinting at something more claw-like beneath the soft fabric. When his mother nudged him with her elbow, he sighed and reluctantly extended his hand. He jolted in surprise as the man’s grip tightened around his, nearly yanking him off his feet.

“My name is Lucifer!” the man declared, his eyes twinkling with mischief as a soft blush painted his cheeks. “This is my daughter, Charlie!”

The blonde girl beamed widely, her eyes sparkling with an unsettling charm that sent shivers racing down Adam’s spine. Dazed from the force of Lucifer’s handshake, he could only nod.

Charlie chirped, bouncing on her feet with an energy that felt almost infectious, “It’s nice to meet you!”

“And this is Vaggie, my daughter’s girlfriend, but I’ve taken her under my wing as my daughter as well!” Lucifer added, gesturing proudly to the purple-haired girl beside him. He flashed a bright grin at her, and Vaggie returned it with a delighted smile that still felt shrouded in mystery.

Adam slowly nodded, bewildered. He pulled his hand to his chest, stuttering slightly, “Wait, did you say Lucifer? Like, the devil?”

The look on Lucifer’s face sent a chill down Adam’s spine, his cherry-red lips curling back to reveal a row of sharp, gleaming teeth. His blue eyes sparkled with an unsettling allure, his long lashes fluttering as he leaned closer.

“Yes,” he hissed, his forked tongue slipping between his lips in a way that made Adam’s heart race. “Exactly~”

“But don’t worry, compared to what it looks like, he doesn’t bite,” Charlie joked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Lucifer gasped dramatically, turning to his daughter with mock horror. “Don’t say that, Charlie! I like biting!”

The two burst into laughter, and even Adam’s mother joined in, her voice light and melodic. Vaggie, however, still smiled but facepalmed with a groan, leaving Adam feeling like an outsider in a bizarre joke he didn’t quite understand. He took a step back, a strained smile plastered on his face as the odd energy radiating from the new family felt too peculiar to bear.

Lucifer’s gaze bore into him, as if he were contemplating a delicious meal. As if reading Adam's thoughts, Charlie flashed a wide grin that revealed too many sharp teeth, her eyes gleaming like a predatory cat.

“Um, right…” Adam laughed awkwardly, glancing at his mother in disbelief.

His eyes screamed, ‘Are you seeing this bullshit?’ but his mother seemed blissfully oblivious to the spectacle unfolding before her.

“Er, I... I think I’ll go... you know, get back to work…” Adam stammered, desperate to escape from this sharp-toothed stranger who was eyeing him as though he were a delectable morsel. “Because, you know, these pumpkins won’t prepare themselves for the kids.”

His mother shot him a look that was both perplexing and disconcerting, one he couldn’t quite decipher and truly didn’t want to. He took another awkward step back, raising a hand in a half-hearted wave toward his bizarre new neighbours, preparing to make his escape.

“Oh! Please wait!” Charlie exclaimed, her delicate hand darting forward to grasp Adam's arm. Damn, she had her father’s strength, practically yanking him off his feet. “We’re actually here to pick up a couple of pumpkins; you can help us choose some, right?”

Adam’s green eyes widened in disbelief, a knot of dread tightening in his stomach. That was the last thing he wanted. He had no intention of spending time with them, not at all!

“I have to be honest; we don’t know a thing about pumpkins,” Lucifer chimed in cheerfully, perhaps a bit too cheerfully, his grin stretching wide enough to reveal his unnerving teeth. “We’ve got rocks for brains~”

Adam’s mouth opened in protest, the words of refusal hanging on his lips. He had too much work to do and didn’t want to deal with them. But as he caught sight of his mother’s face, which brightened with an unexpected glimmer of relief, his resolve began to waver.

“Of course! Adam would be thrilled to help you all out, wouldn’t you, Adam?” she said, her voice a strange mix of encouragement and something else he couldn’t quite identify.

Faced with that knowing look, Adam felt his stubbornness melt away. His cheeks flushed crimson as he noticed all three of his new neighbours’ eyes fixed intently on him. With a deep, resigned sigh, he nodded, gesturing for them to follow.

“Um, sure, yes, just… follow me,” Adam mumbled quietly, his heart racing as he led the way into the patch, feeling the weight of their curious gazes on his back.

His skin prickled with unease, every hair on his body standing on end as he led the trio down the winding pumpkin patch trail. A palpable sense of danger loomed in the air, as if something predatory lurked just beyond his peripheral vision, ready to pounce. Fear coiled tightly in his throat, making it hard to swallow.

Adam felt like a timid mouse, surrounded by three hungry cats—each one more menacing than the last. The weight of their gazes felt like a tangible force, pressing down on him, and he was filled with an overwhelming urge to bolt, to flee from the chilling atmosphere that seemed to thrum with unspoken threats. He had never experienced such a sensation before, the instinctive drive to escape prickling at his every nerve, urging him to run from the impending danger.

As Adam guided them into the sprawling rows of pumpkins, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the ground beneath his feet was somehow shifting with each step, as if the earth itself were alive and aware. Charlie’s reaction was immediate and infectious. She gasped, her eyes widening like bright, gleaming orbs of wonder, and she squealed with pure delight that echoed through the crisp autumn air. Her smile was so radiant, so sweetly innocent, that for a fleeting moment, Adam found himself questioning whether he had judged them too harshly at first.

“Look at all the pumpkins!” Charlie exclaimed, her voice a melodious chime as she clasped Vaggie’s hand, practically bouncing on her toes. “They’re stunning! Absolutely perfect!”

Vaggie chuckled, a warm, rich sound that wrapped around Adam like a comforting shawl.

“Calm down, babe, or you’ll lose your hair,” she teased, rolling her eyes affectionately.

Charlie pouted for a second before pressing a soft kiss on Vaggie's cheek, her exuberance bubbling over as she practically dragged her deeper into the patch, fully intent on selecting the finest pumpkins. Adam couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Vaggie, watching her struggle to keep up with Charlie's electrifying energy. Yet there was a glow on Vaggie’s face, a happiness that seemed to radiate like the golden autumn sun, making Adam second guess his first impression of her.

But as they ventured further into the patch, leaving Adam momentarily isolated, he suddenly realized he was not alone. The air around him felt charged, and he stiffened under the weight of Lucifer's gaze, intense and unwavering. Adam turned his head to meet those striking blue eyes, deep and captivating like twin oceans swirling with secrets. An involuntary shiver danced along his spine as Lucifer broke into a grin, one that sent a fluttering thrill through Adam’s chest.

“Um,” Adam stuttered, sheepishly smiling back, unsure of how to bridge the strange silence enveloping them.

Desperate to dispel the eerie tension, he glanced around, his eyes landing on another black crow that had landed behind Lucifer, its glossy feathers glinting ominously in the fading light. The crow flapped its wings, adding an unsettling rhythm to the moment.

Unable to endure the silence any longer, Adam blurted out, “So, where did you live before moving to Hallow-Eve Town?”

Lucifer rocked on his heels, a low hum escaping his lips as he considered the question.

“Somewhere far away,” he mused, his voice smooth and melodious. “You’ve never been there before. It’s not like Hallow-Eve.”

Intrigued, Adam pressed, “What do you mean?”

With a fondness that surprised Adam, Lucifer’s gaze drifted across the autumnal landscape, lingering on the fiery hues of leaves swirling in the crisp breeze. “The place I came from was very hot and humid. It’s different from Hallow-Eve Town,” he replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “I like it very much.”

A chill skittered down Adam's spine at Lucifer’s words, the way he spoke made the hairs on the back of Adam’s neck stand on end. “I can’t say I agree with you,” he admitted awkwardly, forcing himself to maintain eye contact.

Instantly, Lucifer’s expression sharpened, those azure eyes widening as they locked onto Adam’s. “You don’t like Hallow-Eve Town?” he asked, his tone almost conspiratorial, as if he had uncovered a secret. “Do you want to leave, then?”

The way he asked it felt like a victory, as if he had struck gold in the midst of their strange exchange. Adam felt a heat rise to his cheeks as he sheepishly shrugged, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, I guess I don’t want to stay here… I really want to leave.”

Lucifer’s grin widened, revealing those sharp, gleaming teeth once more, as he leaned in slightly, his voice dripping with intrigue. “Where would you go? Somewhere hot?”

Adam paused, a flutter of uncertainty swirling in his chest. Somewhere hot? He had never truly contemplated a destination, only the fervent desire to escape. He released a soft hum, his thoughts swirling like the autumn leaves dancing around them. The idea of venturing somewhere beyond the pumpkin patch, away from the creeping shadows of Hallow-Eve Town, ignited a flicker of hope within him.

“I— I don’t know,” he finally admitted, glancing away, as if the weight of Lucifer’s gaze would pin him to the earth. “I’ve just… always wanted to go.”

With that, the air thickened with unspoken possibilities, the autumn night closing in around them like a velvet curtain, leaving Adam teetering on the precipice of something both thrilling and terrifying.

Adam hesitated, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips as he shifted on his feet.

“Yeah, maybe somewhere hot,” he mused aloud, letting his imagination wander. “I could see myself enjoying the sun... maybe a place where the warmth seeps into your bones and the nights are still.”

Lucifer’s pleased hum broke through the crisp autumn air, almost like a purr of satisfaction. The sound was unsettling, too intimate, as though Adam had unknowingly revealed something far deeper than a passing thought.

Lucifer's piercing blue eyes never wavered from Adam’s face as he asked, his voice low and curious, “Would you ever come back? To visit your family, I mean.”

The question caught Adam off guard, and he frowned, giving Lucifer a strange look.

“Of course I would,” he replied, confusion lacing his tone. “I love my family. Sure, they can be a bit... much sometimes, but they’re still my family.”

Lucifer’s grin stretched wide, his sharp teeth glinting in the soft light of the fading day.

“I like that,” he said, his voice rich with approval. “A family man. That’s perfect.”

The way Lucifer said "perfect" made Adam’s skin crawl, a strange mixture of flattery and something darker curling around the word. It felt like there was a hidden layer beneath his words, something Adam wasn’t catching. He opened his mouth to ask what Lucifer meant, but before he could, Charlie’s excited voice pierced the air.

“Dad! Come here, you’ve got to see these pumpkins!” she called, her voice like honey, dripping with enthusiasm.

Lucifer’s grin deepened, and without a moment’s hesitation, he turned and strode toward his daughter, leaving Adam standing alone in a swirl of confusion. Adam stared after them, feeling a sense of unease creep into his bones. It was as though a vital piece of the puzzle had slipped through his fingers, something important, something he should have caught but didn’t.

Awkwardly, he trailed after Lucifer, his steps slow and hesitant, his mind still trying to wrap itself around the strange interaction. His eyes flickered toward Vaggie, who was standing just beyond the rows of pumpkins, her purple-and-grey braids swaying slightly in the breeze. As his gaze met hers, he noticed something odd—her eyes held an emotion he hadn’t expected: pity.

Adam’s confusion deepened, his brow furrowing. Why would she look at him like that? Did she know something he didn’t? He wanted to ask, but the weight of her gaze made him feel even more out of place. He tore his eyes away from her, glancing back towards his house at the edge of the pumpkin patch.

His stomach twisted as he spotted his parents standing on the porch, their arms crossed, silhouettes dark against the dimming sky. He was too far away to make out their expressions, but something about their posture made a chill creep down his spine. They were just standing there, watching—watching him, Lucifer, the whole scene. The air around the house seemed to thrum with a strange, unsettling energy.

And then, as if drawn by some invisible force, Adam’s eyes lifted to the roof of the house. His breath caught in his throat.

A dozen black crows had gathered there, their sleek, inky feathers shimmering in the dying light. They stared down at him, silent and still, their dark eyes glinting like polished onyx. It was as if they were waiting for something, their presence an ominous, creeping shadow over the house. Adam’s heart hammered in his chest, a gnawing sense of dread settling in his gut.

“What’s going on?” he whispered to himself, the words barely audible.

The crows didn’t move, their eerie stillness amplifying the strange, heavy atmosphere that had been building all afternoon.

Adam’s mind raced, the strangeness of it all closing in around him. He didn’t know what was happening, but something in his gut told him this day wasn’t like the others. Something was shifting, and he was at the centre of it, though he couldn’t see how—or why.

He swallowed hard, feeling as though the world was watching him, waiting for him to make the next move. And as Lucifer’s voice floated back to him on the breeze, that same low, pleased hum, Adam couldn’t help but feel like he was being pulled deeper into something he didn’t fully understand. Something dangerous, something he might not be able to escape from once it had fully wrapped its tendrils around him.

Adam was ripped from his spiralling thoughts at the sound of his name, the touch of a hand sending a jolt through his body like ice water down his spine. He jerked around, blinking furiously as his gaze landed on Lucifer, standing much too close for comfort, his hand resting lightly on Adam’s arm.

The touch burned, though it was cold, and Adam bit his bottom lip nervously, trying to suppress the strange fluttering that came with it. His eyes darted awkwardly from one face to another, realizing all three of them—Lucifer, Charlie, and Vaggie—were staring at him again.

“Er… yes?” Adam managed, voice a bit too high, sheepish as he shifted under their combined gazes.

Lucifer’s pout was almost cartoonish, lips pursed in a teasing mock of disappointment. “What’s got your attention, Adam?”

His voice was smooth, too smooth, like silk wrapping around his name. Lucifer’s eyes flickered toward Adam’s house, the movement almost imperceptible, but Adam followed the glance instinctively.

He turned just in time to see the murder of black crows on the roof take off all at once, their wings exploding into the air like thunderous shadows, spiralling into the darkening sky. The sight was eerie, unnatural, as if the crows had been waiting for some silent cue. The flurry of feathers and ominous cawing made Adam’s blood run cold.

Lucifer snorted beside him, an amused sound that seemed too casual for the unsettling scene.

“Don’t pay attention to crows, Adam,” Lucifer teased, his grin widening as he tugged at Adam’s arm with surprising strength, pulling him away from the sight. “They flip-flop all the time—never can decide what they want.”

Adam barely had time to process Lucifer’s words before he was being dragged—rather forcefully—toward Charlie and Vaggie, who were still standing in the pumpkin patch. Charlie’s face lit up when they arrived, her smile bright and innocent, though something about it sent a shiver down Adam’s spine. Vaggie, always the quieter one, still had a small smile on her lips, but her gaze was steady, a little too knowing.

“Do you like apples, Adam?” Charlie chirped, bouncing on her heels as she reached out to pick up a small pumpkin, cradling it like a prize.

“No, not really,” he said, unsure why the question had been asked. Adam blinked; his confusion clear on his face.

Lucifer chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated through the autumn air, but he said nothing, though his grin deepened, almost feral. Adam’s frown deepened in response, wondering if he was the butt of some joke he didn’t understand.

Vaggie shook her head, still smiling, and nudged Charlie playfully.

“Stop teasing him,” she chided lightly, though her own chuckle betrayed her amusement.

Adam furrowed his brow, glancing between them. “What’s going on? What’s so funny?”

Charlie waved her hand dismissively, still giggling. “Oh, it’s just an inside joke. Don’t worry about it!”

She grinned wider, eyes twinkling with mischief, and before Adam could pry further, she pointed to a large, misshapen pumpkin with a crooked stem. “I want that one.”

Adam blinked, staring at the pumpkin with a perplexed look. “You sure? It’s… kind of ugly.”

Vaggie snorted beside him, nodding her head in agreement. “I’m with Adam on this one, it’s not exactly winning any beauty contests.”

Charlie gasped dramatically, clutching Vaggie’s arm in mock offense.

“How dare you gang up on me with Adam!” she exclaimed, but her laughter broke through, her voice light and airy. She looped her arm through Vaggie’s, giggling as Vaggie leaned in to kiss her cheek teasingly.

Adam couldn’t help but smile at their playful affection, the sweet way they moved together like a pair of dancers caught in their own private rhythm. For a moment, the weight of the eerie atmosphere lifted. There was something undeniably charming about the way they looked at each other, like they were in their own world.

But just as Adam began to relax, that gnawing sense of unease slithered back in. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as he became acutely aware of Lucifer’s gaze once more. It was intense, almost predatory, and when Adam met his eyes, he was caught in them—blue and impossibly deep, like staring into the abyss of an ocean.

Lucifer wasn’t smiling anymore. His expression was unreadable, but those eyes… they burned with something. Something that made Adam’s heart race, not with excitement, but with fear.

A cold sweat formed at Adam’s temples, and his throat tightened as he tried to break the spell Lucifer’s gaze had cast. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, and Adam suddenly wished he could disappear into the earth like the pumpkins they were surrounded by. There was a weight in Lucifer’s stare, something that made Adam feel like prey—like he was being sized up, toyed with.

His mouth went dry as he forced out a nervous chuckle, trying to break the tension.

“So, you really like that pumpkin, huh?” he said, addressing Charlie but feeling Lucifer’s presence looming beside him, a shadow that refused to go away.

Lucifer finally grinned again, but this time, it was slower, more deliberate.

“Oh, yes,” he murmured, his voice almost a purr, low and sweet. “There’s something… perfect about it, wouldn’t you agree?”

Adam’s stomach flipped as he glanced at the misshapen pumpkin. It wasn’t just the pumpkin Lucifer was talking about, was it?

~#~

The following weeks were strange—too strange. Adam couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something off, something sinister weaving itself into the fabric of Hallow-Eve Town. The air had turned thick and heavy, almost oppressive, as though the atmosphere itself was conspiring to smother any sense of normalcy. The clouds hung lower now, swollen and dark, blocking out the sun more often than not, casting long, eerie shadows over the town. It wasn’t just the weather either; something darker, more intangible, had crept into the town. The shift was subtle but unmistakable, like the sensation of being watched when you’re certain no one is there.

And then there was the strangest part of all—Adam. Or rather, the way people had begun to treat him. It hurt more than he’d expected, like a knife slowly twisting in his chest. He’d grown up here, known these people his entire life, and yet suddenly, it was as if they no longer saw him. People who used to greet him with smiles and nods, who would chat with him on their porches or wave as they passed by, now acted like he didn’t even exist. It was like they were ghosts, or maybe he was. The town’s children, once eager to run up to him, to beg him to play guitar, now hurried past with vacant eyes, their laughter hollow, distant. No one met his gaze, no one asked him how he was doing, no one cared.

It was painful. Adam felt adrift, as though some invisible force had severed his ties to the town he once called home. He couldn't shake the suffocating feeling of isolation.

One afternoon, desperate for some kind of connection, Adam picked up his pace when he spotted Lute and Emily, the twins who’d been his childhood friends. They were as much a part of his life as the pumpkins in the fall or the first snowfall in winter. Surely they wouldn’t ignore him too, right? His heart lifted for the first time in days, and he called out to them, waving with a hopeful smile.

"Lute! Emily!" His voice sounded too loud, echoing unnaturally in the stillness of the street.

Lute didn’t even acknowledge him. Emily glanced at him for a fleeting second, her eyes unreadable, before turning her back and walking off, Lute following her without a word. Adam came to a halt, his chest tightening, the familiar ache of rejection spreading through him. His hands dropped limply to his sides, the air around him growing colder. He muttered to himself, “What did I do? Why am I losing my friends?”

The sting of tears pricked at his eyes, and he wiped them away roughly with his sleeve, not wanting to cry in the middle of the street. It hurt more than he cared to admit. But just as the loneliness started to suffocate him, a dry, familiar voice broke through the fog.

“It’ll get easier. Eventually, it won’t hurt at all.”

Adam blinked, startled. He hadn’t even noticed Vaggie standing there, her presence as sudden as a shadow slipping into view. She was leaning against a post, her grey bomber coat zipped up to her chin, the silver cross on her chest gleaming faintly in the muted light. Her braids swayed slightly as she pushed herself off the post and walked up to him, hands stuffed in her pockets.

“I didn’t notice you there,” Adam admitted, surprised by her words. He tried to smile, but it faltered.

Vaggie returned the smile, though hers was sharper, more knowing.

“People like us, we’re used to being ignored.” She gestured for them to walk together. “You look like you could use the company.”

Adam gave a small, grateful smile. “At least someone’s still willing to talk to me.”

Vaggie shrugged, her hands still buried deep in her pockets. “Don’t worry about them. It just proves no one here really cared about you in the first place. They can all fuck off.”

The sudden vulgarity from her caught Adam off guard. He hadn’t expected it from her, someone who always seemed so composed.

“You swear?” he asked, half amused, half surprised.

Vaggie raised an eyebrow and grinned slightly. “I do when it’s deserved. And trust me, they deserve it.”

Adam chuckled softly, the sound more sad than amused, and they fell into step together, the autumn streets unusually quiet. The carved pumpkins lining the sidewalks stared back at them with jagged, crooked grins, their hollow eyes flickering with candlelight. Everywhere they walked, the pumpkins watched, their expressions twisted, as if they knew something Adam didn’t.

Vaggie’s voice broke the silence again. “You can talk to me, you know,” she said, her tone softening. “I’ve been through something similar.”

Adam glanced at her curiously. “How similar?”

Vaggie sighed, her breath fogging in the chilly air. “Let’s just say that everyone I thought cared about me—family, friends—they turned on me the moment it suited them. Threw me under the bus to save themselves.”

Adam winced, the pain in her voice hitting too close to home. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything to me,” Vaggie snorted, though there was no bitterness in her tone. Still, Adam couldn’t help but feel guilty.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m just sorry you had to go through that,” he mumbled, looking down at his feet.

Vaggie smiled again, this time a little softer. “You’re a nice person, Adam. Too nice for this place.”

As they walked, the conversation turned lighter. They passed by more pumpkins—hundreds of them—each more grotesque than the last, their grins sharp and menacing.

“I didn’t care for pumpkins at first.” Vaggie confessed, her cheek turning pink. “I didn’t care for a lot of things until Charlie. She made me see the beauty in them.”

Vaggie’s face softened in the dimming autumn light as she spoke, her voice carrying a wistful note that Adam hadn’t heard from her before. "It’s been a long time now, me and Charlie," she said, her gaze distant, almost lost in memory. A faint blush crept over her pale cheeks, and her usual cool demeanour melted away like frost in the morning sun. “She was there when I needed someone the most. When everything felt like it was crumbling, when I didn’t think I had anyone left... she was there. No questions, no judgments. Just open arms.”

Adam smiled softly, teasing just enough to lighten the mood. “You must really love her, huh?”

Vaggie gave a half-shrug, her expression unreadable for a moment.

“I didn’t at first,” she admitted, her tone more vulnerable than Adam had ever heard from her. That caught his attention, and he tilted his head in confusion.

“What do you mean?” he asked, curiosity piqued. He couldn’t imagine anyone not loving Charlie instantly—she was so full of life, like sunlight breaking through clouds.

Vaggie sighed, her breath curling in the cool, thickening air. The pumpkins that lined the streets seemed to flicker with a ghostly light as she spoke, their crooked smiles and jagged teeth casting eerie shadows on the cobblestones.

 "It’s complicated," she said, her voice quiet, almost as if confessing to something she hadn’t shared with anyone in a long time. “For a long time, I resented her. Blamed her for... a lot of things. Things that weren’t even her fault. But I was hurting, and it was easier to be angry at someone than face what was really going on inside me.”

Adam frowned, slowly processing her words. There was an unspoken weight in her voice, a history thick with pain and regrets. He didn’t push for more, sensing that whatever had happened was something deeply personal, something that had shaped her in ways he couldn’t begin to understand.

“But Charlie...” Vaggie continued, her eyes growing distant as she spoke of her past, “Charlie never gave up on me. No matter how cold or distant I was, she stayed. She was kind, patient. She didn’t try to fix me—she just... she was there. She saw something in me when I couldn’t see it in myself.”

Her lips curled into a soft smile, almost bittersweet. “Eventually, I realized my life had become so much better because of her. She chose me, and I’d rather spend my days happy with her than be stuck in my own darkness.”

Adam stared at Vaggie, his heart warming despite the chill creeping through the air. There was something deeply moving about the way she spoke of Charlie, like the two of them were bound by something far stronger than mere affection—a kind of love that had been forged in the fire of hardship, shaped by resilience and trust. He found himself envying that connection, that deep, unwavering loyalty.

But before he could ask her more, a familiar, excited voice cut through the air, breaking the moment like the snap of a brittle twig.

“Adam! Vaggie!”

Charlie’s voice rang out with infectious joy, and when Adam glanced up, he saw her bounding toward them, practically glowing in the fading light. Her smile was radiant, her golden hair bouncing as she hurried toward them, and just behind her, as always, was Lucifer.

And of course, Lucifer was staring at Adam again. His intense, unnervingly blue eyes never seemed to leave him, watching him with a gaze that felt too sharp, too knowing. It was like being caught in the gaze of a predator—silent, patient, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.

When was he not watching me? Adam thought with a shiver, his pulse quickening under that piercing stare. He tried to shake off the unease, telling himself it was all in his head, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t ignore the way Lucifer’s presence seemed to suffocate the air around him.

Charlie skipped toward Vaggie, her steps light and playful as autumn leaves crunched beneath her feet. In her hand, she held a small brown bag adorned with pink bows—delicate, almost childish, but in Charlie’s hands, it radiated a sweetness that made the dreary streets of Hallow-Eve Town feel just a little brighter.

"You have to try these apple slices," Charlie said with a breathless excitement, practically bouncing as she reached Vaggie. Her voice sparkled with enthusiasm. "They're so good!"

Vaggie smiled, a rare softness touching her lips as she watched Charlie. Her grey and violet hair swayed gently as she leaned in closer, her dark eyes glimmering with fondness.

“Oh yeah?” she teased, glancing at the bag with curiosity.

Charlie didn’t miss a beat, quickly retrieving an apple slice covered in sugar and cinnamon from the bag. She held it up in front of Vaggie, the sugary coating catching the dim light like a dusting of frost.

“Here,” Charlie said, almost shy, her voice sweetening like honey.

Instead of taking it, Vaggie leaned forward, sinking her teeth into the apple slice right from Charlie’s hand. The crunch echoed faintly in the cool air, and Vaggie’s lips curled into a smirk as she chewed. Charlie gasped, a blush blooming across her cheeks, her eyes wide and bright. There was something almost adorable about how flustered she got, like the simple act of feeding Vaggie had caught her off guard. She blinked, then beamed at Vaggie, the pink in her cheeks deepening.

Adam, standing just a few steps away, couldn’t help but smile, even as a pang of sadness twisted in his chest. Watching the two of them, their love so obvious, made him feel a strange mix of warmth and loneliness.

“It’s really good,” Vaggie said softly, her voice carrying a hint of affection. Charlie’s eyes flickered to Vaggie’s lips, lingering there for a moment longer than necessary.

“Can I...?” Charlie whispered, her voice trailing off, leaving the question hanging in the cool air between them.

Vaggie didn’t answer with words. Instead, she leaned in, closing the space between them as Charlie’s eyes fluttered shut. Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, one that seemed to momentarily pause the world around them. Adam quickly turned away, his face flushing with bashful awkwardness, trying to give them their privacy.

Just as he did, though, a warm hand gently cupped his elbow, pulling him out of his own thoughts. The touch was soft yet firm, guiding him up the street. Adam’s heart skipped a beat as his green eyes met the deep, intense blue of Lucifer’s.

There he was again.

Lucifer grinned, his golden hair catching the faint light of the streetlamps, giving him an almost ethereal glow. He held up a small brown bag, identical to the one Charlie had been carrying.

“Don’t worry, Adam,” Lucifer said in a voice that was both playful and unnervingly soft. “I got you something too. Pumpkin slices, your favourite.”

“You... didn’t have to,” he stammered, feeling a strange flutter in his chest. Adam blinked in surprise, his cheeks warming despite the chill in the air.

Lucifer’s eyes sparkled mischievously as he reached into the bag, pulling out a pumpkin slice dusted with cinnamon.

“I know,” Lucifer replied, his voice lowering to a velvety purr. “But I wanted to.”

Before Adam could protest, Lucifer held the slice up to his lips, much like Charlie had done for Vaggie. The air between them thickened with an odd tension, something that felt both sweet and unsettling all at once. Adam hesitated, his heart racing, but then he leaned forward, biting into the pumpkin slice.

As the warm, spiced flavour spread across his tongue, Adam’s gaze dropped to the cobblestones, too flustered to meet Lucifer’s eyes.

He mumbled a quiet “Thanks,” his cheeks burning with embarrassment. When he dared to glance back at Lucifer, he noticed the blonde was still staring at him, a look of almost surprised warmth softening his sharp features.

Lucifer’s blue eyes widened briefly, then his lips curled into a slow, gentle smile that made Adam’s chest tighten in an odd way. Lucifer lifted the rest of the pumpkin slice to his own lips and—without warning—bit into it, finishing what Adam had started.

“Sorry,” Lucifer said, chuckling softly. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Adam’s face turned even redder as the realization hit him—Lucifer had just shared an indirect kiss. He swallowed hard, his heart beating too fast, his mind whirling.

“It’s... it’s fine,” he mumbled, desperately trying to ignore the way his gaze kept flicking to Lucifer’s cherry-red lips.

Lucifer watched him for another heartbeat, his gaze intense, searching, before finally looking away, seemingly satisfied with Adam’s response. He turned to glance at Charlie and Vaggie, who were still wrapped in each other’s arms up the street.

“What were you two doing before this?” Adam asked shyly, trying to break the tension, his voice a little unsteady.

“We were just out doing some grocery shopping,” Charlie beamed at him, still holding Vaggie close.

Vaggie leaned her head against Charlie’s shoulder, her usual stern demeanour softening in the glow of Charlie’s affection. “Do you need a hand in taking the bags home?”

“Don’t worry about it Vaggie!” Lucifer chimed. “They’re already back at the house!”

 “We were about to head home now.” Charlie sang before gasping, her eyes widening gleefully. “You should come with us!”

“Yeah, you should,” Vaggie agreed, though her voice was quieter, more casual.

“Wait, your groceries are already back at the house?” Adam blinked in surprise. “But... your place is, like, an hour and a half from here. How...?”

Before he could finish, Lucifer squeezed his hand—when had he taken Adam’s hand? —and grinned up at him.

“Don’t worry about it,” Lucifer said with a wink. “We’re efficient.”

Adam wasn’t sure what to make of that, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted as Lucifer’s grip tightened slightly.

“Come have dinner with us,” Lucifer said, his voice dropping to a low, persuasive whisper. “I’d love for you to join us.”

“Dad’s the best cook! You must try his pancakes, Adam!” she begged, bouncing excitedly on her heels. Charlie squealed in agreement, her golden eyes sparkling with hope.

Even Vaggie, usually more reserved, smirked and added, “They’re damn good. Best pancakes you’ll ever have.”

Adam hesitated, still feeling the weight of the town’s strange coldness toward him, the way people had started to ignore him. But here, with these people—the odd, charming, and slightly unsettling family—he felt... wanted.

Adam smiled, albeit shyly. “Pancakes are for breakfast.”

“Pancakes are an anytime food, Adam,” he said, his grin wide and infectious. Lucifer snorted in amusement.

Charlie clapped her hands, practically glowing with excitement. “Please say you’ll come!” she begged, her voice full of warmth and sincerity.

Lucifer leaned in just slightly, his voice soft but compelling. “Please.”

Adam’s resistance crumbled. How could he say no?

“Okay,” he said, his smile widening. “I’ll come.”

Charlie cheered, her joy infectious, while Lucifer’s blue eyes sparkled with something more intense, a warmth that lingered just a moment too long. Adam couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d just crossed some invisible threshold, and there was no turning back.

The crows cawed ominously overhead as they walked together into the deepening twilight, and the shadows seemed to stretch a little longer behind them.

~#~

As they walked through the dim, winding streets, the dying light of the autumn sun fading behind jagged rooftops, Adam couldn’t help but feel at ease. Talking with Lucifer, despite his unsettling name and the sharp, enigmatic aura he seemed to carry, was unexpectedly comforting. The crisp Halloween air swirled around them, carrying the faint scent of smoke and pumpkin spice, but the chill wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, Adam found the warmth in Lucifer’s presence more soothing than he'd anticipated. He had definitely misjudged him.

Their hour-and-a-half-long walk felt like a strange, enchanted passage, where time stretched in peculiar ways. It was as though the shadows grew deeper, the streets quieter, but within that eerie silence, Lucifer’s soft humming provided an odd sense of peace. Up ahead, Charlie and Vaggie had broken off, giggling to each other like a pair of mischievous ghosts, leaving Adam and Lucifer trailing behind in a more intimate solitude.

Adam glanced at Lucifer, who was kicking a small stone out of his path with casual indifference. His voice, when he spoke, was gentle, almost too quiet for the cool evening air.

“Charlie’s mother didn’t want her.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and dark, like a cloud of mist creeping through the barren trees. Adam winced as they hit him, feeling a sudden surge of regret for even asking. He stammered out an apology, his mind racing as he realized he had wandered too far into sensitive territory.

“I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have—"

Lucifer’s smile was soft, warm despite the cold sting of his revelation.

“It’s fine, Adam,” he assured him, his blue eyes meeting Adam’s with surprising tenderness. “It’s been a long time... and I’ve never really had anyone to talk to about Lilith.”

Adam blinked, taken aback by Lucifer’s openness, and the mention of that name made his stomach twist. He tried to shake off the unease, but Lucifer seemed to notice. With a playful chuckle, he leaned in slightly, nudging Adam with his shoulder, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I can tell what you're thinking,” Lucifer mused, grinning slyly.

Adam flushed, his face heating up despite the cold that lingered in the air. “I-I’m not thinking anything!” he insisted, flustered, trying to look anywhere but at Lucifer.

“You’re wondering if everyone I know is named after a demon,” Lucifer said, his voice rich with amusement.

“I wasn’t!” he lied, but the way Lucifer’s sharp grin widened told Adam he wasn’t fooling anyone.

“Well,” Lucifer's eyes twinkled with mischief, his voice dipping to a playful purr, “You’ll just have to stick around and find out.”

Adam swallowed hard, feeling his heart skip a beat. His throat tightened, and before he could stop himself, he muttered shyly, “I... might.”

Lucifer didn’t miss a beat. He reached out again, curling his fingers around Adam’s hand, and squeezed gently. The contact sent a jolt through Adam, not unpleasant but unexpected, like a spark of static in the crisp October air.

“I was with Lilith for a short time,” Lucifer began, his tone softer now, almost reflective. “I was lonely... and she was looking for something—or someone—to entertain her. But when she became pregnant, everything changed.”

Adam’s breath hitched, and his gaze flicked toward Charlie, who was still walking ahead, blissfully unaware of the conversation behind her. He couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting Charlie in their life. Her joy was infectious, her kindness so bright that it almost hurt to think about her being unwanted.

“Lilith didn’t want the child,” Lucifer continued, his voice growing heavier. “I had to beg her not to...”

Adam gulped, feeling the weight of what Lucifer was about to say. His heart raced as he thought of Charlie, her sunny demeanour masking what must have been deep hurt.

“Not to abort her,” Lucifer finished, his voice barely more than a whisper, as though the words themselves were a curse.

Adam’s eyes widened in shock, the cold autumn air suddenly feeling a little more biting. He could only imagine the desperation Lucifer must have felt, pleading for the life of his daughter. And then, to his horror, he learned the price.

“Lilith only agreed to carry Charlie to term on one condition,” Lucifer continued, his voice tightening slightly.

“I had to give up half my King—” He stopped, catching himself before he revealed too much, then quickly added, “Half my estate.”

“She sounds like a... gold digger,” Adam muttered, trying to process the cruelty of it all. He blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

“That’s exactly what she was,” he replied with a sharp edge in his voice. Lucifer snorted, a dark, bitter chuckle slipping through his lips. “She got what she wanted, and once Charlie was born, she slammed the door. Never looked back.”

Even though Lucifer spoke with a casual tone, there was something broken in his words. Adam could feel the weight of those memories pressing down on him. And then, the final blow—Lucifer spoke of how Charlie, years later, had gone searching for her mother, yearning for a connection that Lilith would never give.

“When Charlie finally went looking for her... Lilith didn’t want to know her. Didn’t even want to look at her.” Lucifer sighed, a deep, weary sound. “Charlie was heartbroken. But Vaggie helped, more than I could ever thank her for.”

Adam exhaled slowly, the knot in his chest loosening slightly. Relief washed over him knowing that Charlie had Vaggie by her side during that painful time. He couldn’t bear the thought of Charlie—bright, joyful Charlie—being so hurt.

Without thinking, Adam squeezed Lucifer’s hand, offering him silent comfort.

“Charlie’s lucky to have you,” Adam said softly. “You’re... a wonderful father.”

Lucifer stopped walking for a moment, blinking in surprise. His usual mischievous grin faded, replaced by something far more genuine—something vulnerable. He looked at Adam, a blush creeping up his cheeks, as though the compliment had caught him off guard.

“I...” Lucifer started, his voice almost shy, a rare crack in his confident exterior. His lips curled into a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Adam.”

As they continued walking together, the shadows seemed to close in around them, the eerie glow of jack-o’-lanterns flickering from porches and windows, casting long, twisted silhouettes that danced along the ground. Despite the creeping darkness, there was something warm between them—something real and tender beneath the surface.

And for the first time in a while, Adam felt... not so alone.

Lucifer’s fingers remained firmly intertwined with Adam’s all the way to his house, and no matter how much Adam tried to rationalize it, he couldn’t ignore the fluttering warmth in his chest. It was absurd. Maybe Lucifer was just naturally touchy-feely, and Adam was overthinking it. The man was clearly lonely. After all, Adam had learned that Lucifer’s past was a tangled mess of betrayal and heartbreak. No family to speak of beyond his daughter, and, apparently, no friends. So perhaps this was just… friendly.

But then, why did his heart keep racing every time Lucifer smiled at him?

By the time they turned the corner and reached their destination, Adam’s train of thought came screeching to a halt. His breath caught in his throat as he gazed up at the house—a towering, three-story Victorian marvel painted a rich, velvety red. It was framed by a glossy black roof, the eaves lined with elegant filigree and ivy that curled like skeletal fingers around the trim. Massive, arched windows with intricate latticework peeked out like watchful eyes from every floor, glowing faintly in the dusky light.

But it was the front yard that stole his breath completely.

Dozens of jack-o’-lanterns grinned wickedly up at him, filling the garden in rows and clusters, each one meticulously carved with its own unique expression. Some were twisted and monstrous, with gaping maws and crooked, wicked smiles; others were hauntingly beautiful, delicate patterns of swirling vines and spiderwebs etched into their skins. The flickering candlelight inside them seemed to dance and sway, casting eerie, shifting shadows across the yard and up the house’s red facade, making the entire place look as if it were caught in a ghostly, enchanting dream.

Adam could only gape, utterly stunned. He’d carved pumpkins every year with his mom, and she was the best pumpkin carver he knew. But this—this was something otherworldly.

“You… you live here?” Adam finally managed to choke out, his voice filled with awe.

Lucifer’s grin was smug, sharp as the crescent moon rising behind them. “Impressed, are you?”

Adam nodded; his eyes wide. “Of course I am! This is—this is amazing!”

Charlie, who had skipped ahead, spun around to face him, her blonde curls bouncing. She beamed at Adam; her smile as bright as the jack-o’-lanterns surrounding them.

“We love trying new things! We’re so happy you like them!” she chirped, practically glowing with excitement.

Adam blinked, shaking his head in disbelief. “Wait—you’re saying… you’ve never carved pumpkins before this?”

Charlie and Vaggie exchanged a knowing glance, sharing a secret smile.

“Yeah,” Vaggie replied with a nonchalant shrug, brushing a stray lock of silvery hair behind her ear. “This is the first time we’ve ever really touched a pumpkin. We only started after moving to Hallow-Eve Town.”

“You’re amazing,” Adam’s jaw dropped, the words slipping out before he could think.

Lucifer squeezed his hand, and Adam jolted, looking over at him. The blonde’s eyes glinted with a dark, playful light, and his grin widened.

“Oh, we have many skills, Adam,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, velvety purr. He leaned in slightly, his gaze locking onto Adam’s, teasing and intimate. “I’m sure you’ll come to learn them all—if you’re brave enough, that is.”

Adam felt his face flush hot. The sudden tension between them crackled like the air before a thunderstorm, sending shivers down his spine. Was he reading too much into this? Or was Lucifer actually…?

Lucifer just smirked, guiding him through the wrought-iron gates and up the cobblestone path. The gate creaked shut behind them with a soft, ominous groan. As they stepped onto the wide, shadowed porch, Adam’s attention was drawn to two dark figures sitting in front of the grand, lacquered doors.

Two black cats, their eyes gleaming like twin emeralds in the gloom, were perched on the stoop, staring up at them. Their sleek fur blended seamlessly into the creeping shadows, but the flick of their tails and the faint glow of their watchful eyes betrayed them.

“Black cats?” Adam murmured, surprised. Black cats were bad omens, a symbol of curses and ill fortune—especially on Halloween night.

But Charlie and Vaggie scooped the cats up without hesitation, cuddling them to their chests.

“This is Razzle and Dazzle!” Charlie introduced them proudly, cooing to the cats as they purred in her arms. “Aren’t they sweet?”

Adam couldn’t help but smile a little. “Razzle and Dazzle? Those are… unusual names for cats.”

Lucifer rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “Charlie named them when she was little,” he explained, shaking his head as if recalling some fond, exasperating memory. “She insisted they needed ‘sparkly’ names.”

“That makes sense,” Adam said softly, watching as the two girls disappeared into the house, the cats nuzzling into their arms. “They’re cute.”

Charlie glanced over her shoulder, grinning. “We’re going to finish up some homework before dinner!” she called, her voice echoing through the foyer.

“Okay! I’ll call you when dinners ready!” Lucifer called after her.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Vaggie paused at the base of the staircase, turning back to Adam and offering him a small, genuine smile. “We’ve been looking forward to it.”

Adam blinked, caught off guard. “Oh—um, thanks. I’m happy to be here, too.”

Charlie’s grin widened, and she gave him a quick wave before the two disappeared up the winding staircase, Razzle and Dazzle perched in their arms like living shadows.

Lucifer’s hand slipped from Adam’s, his touch lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.

“Come,” he murmured, his voice soft but insistent. “Let me show you around.”

Adam nodded dumbly, following Lucifer deeper into the house. The grand corridor stretched before them, lined with high, arched doorways and rich, dark wood panelling. And on the walls… Adam’s breath caught.

Paintings. Dozens of them. But not the eerie portraits of long-dead ancestors or the grim landscapes he would have expected. These were… different. Angels, bathed in ethereal light, their wings spread wide and luminous. Scenes of heaven, of divine glory and celestial battles. The artistry was breathtaking, almost blinding in its beauty, yet there was something unsettling beneath the perfection. The eyes of the angels seemed too sharp, too knowing. Their smiles were serene, yet their gazes held a strange, predatory hunger.

“You—” Adam swallowed hard, glancing at Lucifer, who was watching him with a dark, secret smile. “I… didn’t think you were into religion.”

Lucifer’s grin turned wicked, his eyes flashing with something wild and dangerous.

“Oh, Adam,” he purred, his voice dripping with dark amusement. “I’m not.”

“But sometimes,” he whispered, his lips curving into a sharp, predatory smile. He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving Adam’s, “I like to pretend the stories are true.”

A shiver ran down Adam’s spine, a mix of fear and something darker, something thrilling. And as Lucifer’s blue eyes bore into his, Adam couldn’t help but wonder what other stories the man liked to pretend were real.

Lucifer led Adam into the kitchen, and the moment Adam stepped inside, his breath caught in his throat. The room was enormous, gleaming under the soft glow of pendant lights that hung like eerie moons over the countertops. Every surface sparkled, polished to a mirror-like finish. The stainless-steel appliances reflected the light in cold, sharp glints, giving the whole space an almost sterile perfection. It was ten times the size of Adam’s own kitchen back home—no, more. It was the kind of kitchen you'd expect in a mansion, a place fit for a king. Adam couldn’t help but wonder just how rich Lucifer really was.

Noticing the awe-struck look on Adam’s face, Lucifer smiled smugly and stepped closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. His fingers trailed up Adam’s arm in a slow, deliberate motion, the lightest touch that sent a shiver of sensation rippling across Adam’s skin. When Lucifer’s hand reached Adam’s chest, his fingers began to toy with the buttons of Adam’s coat. Adam gasped softly, startled by the intimacy of the gesture.

Lucifer's eyes twinkled with feigned innocence as he tilted his head, his voice a teasing whisper. "You don’t have to wear your coat indoors, Adam. Why don’t you take it off?"

Adam flushed, his face turning a shade of pink that matched the warmth now flooding the kitchen. He glanced down at himself, realizing the heat had seeped into his bones the moment they’d entered the house. He nodded shyly, fingers fumbling for the buttons of his coat, but before he could begin to unbutton it, Lucifer took his hands.

“Let me,” Lucifer whispered, his voice low, almost a purr.

Adam’s heart leaped into his throat, his mouth opening to respond, but nothing came out. He stood frozen, rooted to the spot, as Lucifer slowly undid each button of his coat, the sound of fabric brushing against fingers the only thing breaking the silence. With an almost reverent touch, Lucifer tugged the coat from Adam’s shoulders, the fabric sliding down his arms like a heavy, inevitable weight being lifted.

Lucifer hummed softly, his eyes sweeping across Adam’s form in a way that made Adam feel exposed, vulnerable. His fingers grazed the oversized shirt Adam wore beneath the coat, tugging at the hem with a playful flick.

“There,” Lucifer murmured approvingly. “Isn’t that better?”

Adam, flustered, could only nod, folding his arms awkwardly as he stood there, unsure what to do. Lucifer took the coat from him, moving with graceful ease to hang it up in a nearby cupboard. Adam watched him, his gaze following the sleek lines of Lucifer’s form until the man shrugged off his own coat, revealing something that made Adam blink in surprise.

Lucifer was wearing a Halloween-themed sweater—bright orange with a little cartoon duck in a witch’s hat plastered on the front. The sight of it, so unexpected and oddly adorable, made Adam quickly avert his gaze, but not before Lucifer caught him staring. A smug smirk curled across Lucifer’s cherry-red lips, his eyes glinting with mischievous amusement.

Adam fidgeted nervously, trying to find something—anything—to distract himself from the intensity of Lucifer’s gaze.

“Why did you choose to move to Hallow-Eve Town?” he asked softly, almost to himself. “Surely it wasn’t because of the pumpkins, right?”

Lucifer, now whistling a light, haunting tune, stepped up to one of the many pristine counters. He reached for an apron—one that, to Adam’s surprise, matched his sweater with more little ducks—and slipped it over his head, tying it neatly at his waist. The apron was frilly, white and red, with a cute little bow that sat snugly at Lucifer’s lower back. Adam blinked, wondering how someone could switch from eerie to adorable so seamlessly.

Rolling up the sleeves of his sweater to reveal pale arms with strange, dark patches that dusted his skin like shadows, Lucifer glanced at Adam. The markings caught Adam’s eye, but he quickly looked away, not wanting to be rude.

"No reason, really," he said in that same playful, lilting tone. Lucifer hummed as he tied the final knot. "We won’t be here for long."

Adam furrowed his brow, the cryptic answer making him uneasy. "Are you… planning to move again soon?"

Lucifer smiled, a slow, wicked curl of his lips. "Something like that. We came here to retrieve something." His voice dropped to a low, almost sinister murmur.

A chill crept down Adam’s spine at the way Lucifer said that—"retrieve something." It sounded ominous, like something out of a dark, forgotten legend. Adam shivered, resisting the urge to ask more, unsure if he wanted to know the answer.

Before Adam could dwell on it further, Lucifer snapped his sharp teeth playfully in the air, his blue eyes gleaming with a predatory light.

"Come closer," he teased, his grin widening. "I don’t bite."

“You said you liked to bite.” Adam pointed out.

Lucifer purred. “In the bedroom, I meant~”

Adam swallowed hard but managed to breathe in deeply, steadying himself. He stepped up beside Lucifer, his heart still racing.

"Can I help with anything?" he asked, eager to do something—anything—to distract himself from the tension hanging in the air. He didn’t want to just stand there while Lucifer did all the work.

Lucifer cooed softly in admiration, his hip pressing lightly against Adam’s in a casual, almost intimate gesture.

"That’s very sweet of you, Adam," Lucifer purred. His hand grazed Adam’s side as he handed him a bowl filled with fresh ingredients. "I appreciate the offer."

Adam smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. Despite everything—the cryptic comments, the playful snapping of teeth, and the tension that seemed to swirl like shadows around Lucifer—he was happy to help. He liked being useful. Besides, the kitchen felt warm and welcoming now, despite the eerie undercurrents of the house.

As they began working side by side, the tension in the air seemed to settle into something more comfortable, more familiar. Adam couldn’t help but glance at Lucifer every now and then, catching the faintest smile or the sly glint in those sharp blue eyes. There was something about the man—something both unsettling and irresistibly alluring.

And Adam wasn’t sure if he should be afraid of that or if he liked it.

As the two continued their playful banter, the air between them grew thick with an undeniable tension, charged like the crackle before a storm. Lucifer, ever the tease, slid closer to Adam’s side, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savouring every second of their proximity. Adam felt the subtle heat of Lucifer’s body as he leaned in, the smell of cinnamon and cloves clinging to the air between them—a scent that seemed almost too sweet, too tempting for someone so dangerous.

Lucifer’s fingers curled over Adam’s hand, guiding it towards the cutting board. His grip was firm, yet strangely gentle, his skin cool to the touch but leaving a trail of warmth where their hands connected. Adam's breath hitched as Lucifer pressed closer, his body lightly brushing against Adam’s side. The contact sent an involuntary shiver racing down Adam’s spine, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. The heat crept all the way up to his ears as he felt Lucifer’s chest pressing into his back, close enough that every breath Lucifer took seemed to sync with his own.

"Careful now," Lucifer murmured, his voice a low, sultry whisper that sent a ripple of sensation through Adam.

His breath ghosted over Adam’s cheek, cool and soft like a breeze that carried whispers of something darker, something dangerous.

 "Hold the knife like this…" His fingers wrapped around Adam’s hand, tightening just enough to guide the blade as it hovered over the vegetables.

Adam’s heart pounded against his ribcage, the thrum of his pulse quickening under Lucifer’s touch. He swallowed hard, focusing on the feel of the blade rather than the man pressing against him. But it was impossible to ignore the way Lucifer’s breath tickled his skin, how close his lips were to the side of Adam’s neck—so close it felt like a dare, a tantalizing threat lingering just out of reach.

Lucifer’s voice dipped lower, a playful growl behind his words. "If you’re not careful, you might just nip your fingers. And we wouldn’t want that, would we?"

His lips hovered near Adam’s ear, as if sharing a secret. His tone was rich with amusement, the sharpness of it cutting through the air like the very blade Adam was gripping.

Adam blushed even harder, his entire body reacting to Lucifer’s presence, every nerve alight.

"I-I’ll be careful," Adam stammered, his voice unsteadies, betraying the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him.

His hands felt clumsy under Lucifer’s guidance, but with every movement, Lucifer’s touch steadied him, controlling the knife with such ease it felt like second nature.

"Good," Lucifer purred, his lips brushing ever so slightly against Adam’s ear, sending another electric shiver down Adam’s spine. "We wouldn’t want to ruin those pretty hands of yours."

The compliment, whispered so close, made Adam’s breath catch in his throat. He could feel Lucifer’s smile, could sense the way he was enjoying every second of this, pushing the boundaries, seeing how far he could go before Adam would pull away. But Adam didn’t pull away. Instead, he let himself be drawn in, feeling both trapped and comforted by Lucifer’s presence.

For a fleeting moment, everything else fell away—the eerie atmosphere of the house, the distant rustling sounds of the wind against the windows, even the faint creaks of the old floorboards beneath their feet. It was just the two of them in that moment, Lucifer's cool, almost predatory presence coiled around Adam like smoke. It was intoxicating, dangerous—but it was also undeniably thrilling.

Lucifer’s fingers finally released their hold on Adam’s hand, but he didn’t move away. His presence lingered, almost as if he was waiting for something. Adam exhaled shakily, his heart still pounding, trying to steady himself. He focused on the knife in front of him, his fingers shaking slightly as he continued to chop the vegetables, all the while acutely aware of Lucifer’s gaze, of the way those sharp blue eyes traced every movement.

"You’re a fast learner," Lucifer praised, his voice a velvet purr. He moved ever so slightly, his chest brushing Adam’s shoulder as he leaned in again. His breath was back, close to Adam’s ear, closer this time.

"But you know…" Lucifer's voice dropped, becoming an intimate whisper, "I’m even better at other things."

Adam’s blush deepened, and his hand faltered for a moment. He quickly caught himself, hoping Lucifer didn’t notice the sudden hitch in his movements. But of course, Lucifer noticed everything. Adam could feel the man’s smirk without even looking at him. It hung in the air like a well-placed trap, ready to ensnare him.

"Are you trying to make me nervous?" Adam muttered, glancing sideways at Lucifer, trying to muster some semblance of control over his own embarrassment.

Lucifer chuckled softly, the sound a low, dangerous rumble in his chest.

"Maybe." He tilted his head, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Is it working?"

Adam opened his mouth to reply but found the words tangled on his tongue. He couldn’t deny the effect Lucifer was having on him—the heat, the tension, the way every touch seemed to set his skin alight.

He swallowed thickly, forcing a small laugh. "Maybe a little."

Lucifer grinned, satisfied with the answer, and finally stepped back, giving Adam a little space to breathe. But the absence of his presence was almost worse—it left the air cold, hollow, as if something vital had been pulled away.

"Don’t worry," Lucifer said, his tone light and playful once more. "I’ll let you finish without distraction. For now."

He winked, turning his attention to another counter, where various ingredients were laid out for the meal they were about to prepare.

Adam, now free from Lucifer’s proximity but still feeling the lingering weight of the moment, exhaled a shaky breath. He smiled to himself as he continued chopping, the ghost of Lucifer’s touch still tingling on his skin. This wasn’t just an ordinary evening—it was something far more unsettling, far more electrifying. And Adam wasn’t sure if he wanted it to stop.

Dinner unfolded with a strange mix of warmth and tension that Adam couldn’t quite shake. Charlie and Vaggie bounded down the stairs, clearly eager to eat, their playful energy filling the dimly lit room. The table was set with an array of food that looked and smelled so much better than anything Adam had been used to growing up. His fingers fidgeted with the fork as he tried to summon an appetite, despite the gnawing uncertainty in his chest.

As they all settled around the table, Charlie’s curious gaze fell on Adam, noticing his hesitation to eat. She cocked her head, her big eyes filled with concern.

"Do you have trouble with food, Adam?" she asked softly, her voice full of innocent curiosity.

Vaggie nudged her with a sharp elbow, whispering something about personal boundaries, and Charlie quickly flushed with embarrassment.

"I mean, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to," Charlie quickly added, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink as she ducked her head.

Adam glanced around the table, suddenly feeling like all eyes were on him. Lucifer, who had chosen the seat beside him, was particularly attentive, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Adam with a soft, almost curious expression. Under the weight of those gazes, Adam swallowed nervously, his fingers playing with the cold metal of his fork.

"It’s fine," Adam muttered after a moment, forcing a small smile to ease the tension. "It’s not a big deal or anything. Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of food around. Not because we were poor, but… my parents didn’t like the idea of me eating too much. They didn’t want a fat kid."

Charlie’s frown was immediate, her brow creased in obvious disdain. She shook her head, muttering something too low for Adam to catch, but her expression said everything. Vaggie, ever her grounding presence, gently took Charlie’s hand in hers, squeezing it as if to remind her to stay calm.

Lucifer, on the other hand, gazed at Adam with a kind of quiet, knowing sympathy. His gaze softened, and he reached out, resting a hand lightly on Adam’s shoulder.

"You should never be ashamed to eat," Lucifer said, his voice low and smooth like silk sliding over velvet. His eyes glinted with something sincere as they met Adam’s. "It would make me very happy if you enjoyed this meal. Eat more than just enough to fill yourself—take pleasure in it."

Adam’s face flushed, heat creeping up his neck as Lucifer’s words hung in the air. Before Adam could respond, Lucifer, with a mischievous gleam in his eye, speared a slice of ham with his fork and held it up to Adam’s lips. The action was playful but intimate, far more than Adam had expected.

"Open your mouth, darling," Lucifer cooed, his voice a teasing lilt that made Adam’s heart skip.

Adam recoiled slightly, a flustered smile tugging at his lips. "I’m not a baby," he protested, trying to sound firm, but his voice betrayed him with its softness.

Lucifer’s grin widened, sharp and wolfish. "Then don’t act like one. Open your mouth and eat the tasty ham."

His voice took on an almost sing-song quality, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Or should I make airplane noises? Hmm?"

Charlie and Vaggie exchanged amused glances, their giggles filling the room as Adam’s blush deepened. Feeling like he was in some ridiculous situation he couldn’t escape, Adam dared Lucifer with a soft, "Go ahead, try it."

Lucifer’s grin only grew wider as he accepted the challenge. He leaned in closer, making exaggerated airplane noises, moving the fork toward Adam’s lips in slow, playful circles. The entire moment felt ridiculous, like something straight out of a cheesy movie, but the playful glint in Lucifer’s eyes made it impossible for Adam not to smile.

Finally, with a sigh of defeat and cheeks burning, Adam parted his lips and allowed Lucifer to feed him. The ham was savoury and delicious, but Adam barely registered the taste. His mind was too focused on the sensation of Lucifer being so close, of their playful connection weaving an odd but undeniable bond between them.

Lucifer, ever the tease, didn’t stop there. After Adam had swallowed, Lucifer leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek. Adam froze, startled by the sudden affection. His heart raced in his chest, and his body tingled with the warmth of the unexpected gesture.

"Good boy," Lucifer whispered sweetly, his voice dripping with satisfaction as he hummed, pulling away as if nothing had happened.

 His movements were casual, but Adam could feel the heat radiating off his own skin, his mind still reeling from the subtle intimacy of it all.

As if to add fuel to the fire, Lucifer continued eating, but not before deliberately using the same fork that had just been in Adam’s mouth. There was something devilishly innocent about the way he did it, as though he were unaware of the unspoken implications. Adam’s eyes widened, his mind immediately jumping to the realization that it was an indirect kiss. He swallowed hard, trying to calm the fluttering in his chest, unsure of how to respond to Lucifer’s deliberate antics.

Dinner concluded soon after, Charlie and Vaggie disappearing upstairs to finish their homework, leaving Adam alone with Lucifer in the dimly lit kitchen. Adam felt a slight pang of nervousness but also an odd comfort—Lucifer’s presence, while mischievous and teasing, had grown familiar.

As Adam began to gather the dishes to clean up, Lucifer waved him off with a soft laugh.

"You don’t have to do that," he said, leaning against the counter with a grin. "I invited you here for dinner, not to work."

Adam shook his head, smiling despite the lingering warmth in his cheeks. "It’s the least I can do. You cooked dinner, after all. I want to help."

Lucifer’s eyes softened at Adam’s insistence, and he tilted his head slightly, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"You really are sweet," he murmured, his voice low and affectionate. He stepped closer, just enough to brush against Adam’s side, his presence once again invading Adam’s space with an almost magnetic pull.

Adam couldn’t help but smile, his heart fluttering in his chest as he began to rinse the dishes. This house, this moment—it all felt surreal. A little eerie, a little romantic, and something else entirely, something that made his pulse quicken and his mind race with thoughts he wasn’t quite ready to confront.

The air between them thickened with a kind of intensity that left Adam breathless. The kitchen, once filled with playful teasing, now hummed with a palpable tension, something darker and more electric. Adam could feel Lucifer’s gaze on him, a warm weight that made his skin prickle and his face flush. Every glance, every lingering second stretched out, charged with an unspoken emotion that hovered between them.

Lucifer, with his golden hair catching the dim light and his sharp eyes smouldering, stepped closer to Adam, closing the space between them with graceful ease. His movements were slow, deliberate, almost predatory. Adam felt his breath hitch in his throat as Lucifer’s fingers, cool and soft, brushed against his hand. The touch was gentle but insistent, and before Adam could think to resist, Lucifer was tugging him away from the sink, the warm water and dishes forgotten.

"Leave them," Lucifer whispered, his voice low and velvety, curling around Adam like smoke.

Adam opened his mouth to protest, but before the words could form, Lucifer silenced him in the most unexpected way. His lips pressed against Adam’s in a kiss so soft, so fleeting, that it barely registered at first. The world seemed to still in that moment, time itself pausing as Adam’s wide, startled green eyes locked onto Lucifer’s.

Lucifer pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Adam’s face for something, some sign of acceptance or maybe hesitation. His fingers traced a slow, feather-light path up Adam’s arms, leaving a trail of shivers in their wake. Adam, still frozen in shock, felt his heart hammering wildly in his chest, his pulse loud in his ears.

Then, as if finding what he was looking for, Lucifer leaned in again. This time, the kiss was deeper, more deliberate. Their lips moved together, a slow and sensual dance, and Adam found himself instinctively leaning into it. The taste of Lucifer was intoxicating—dark, rich, with a sweetness that caught Adam off guard. His mind spun, and without realizing it, he was kissing back, his lips parting slightly as their tongues began to explore one another.

The sensation of it, the heat, the closeness—it was overwhelming. Adam’s entire body trembled, a mixture of desire and nervousness flooding his senses. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t even imagined it, but now that it was happening, he couldn’t pull away. The feeling of Lucifer’s hands on him, his lips so confident and teasing, left Adam breathless and wanting more.

Lucifer broke the kiss just long enough to whisper against Adam’s lips, his breath warm and full of temptation.

"It’s late," he murmured, his voice low and persuasive, each word sending a shiver down Adam’s spine. "You should stay the night."

Adam’s heart raced; his chest tight with the weight of his pounding pulse. He tried to speak, tried to form some coherent response, but all that came out was a soft, breathless murmur. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, his body betraying him with its eager trembling.

"Please," Lucifer added softly.

His voice laced with something almost vulnerable, as if the devil himself was asking for something more than just a kiss. His hand tightened gently around Adam’s, his thumb brushing across his knuckles in a tender, reassuring motion.

Adam’s resolve crumbled. His lips parted, but the only sound that escaped was a soft exhale, and with a shy nod, he surrendered to the moment. Lucifer’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, one that was as wicked as it was tender, before he leaned in again, claiming Adam’s lips once more with a kiss that promised much more than just a night.

The following morning would be first of many mornings where Adam was served fresh pancakes.

[lazybocklover]

This All of the Adamapple kid's sexuality and pronouns

Happy pride month

Annabelle: pro: All, sexuality: Pan

Karma: Pro: He/Him, sexuality: Gay

Morgan: Pro She/Them, sexuality: Ace,Bi

Kai: pro He/Him, sexuality he don't care

Mai: pro She/Her, sexuality don't care

[acerobot]

Hazbin Hotel had be grabbed by the ponytail for a sec there, so here's some AdamsApple kids! On the left is Jezebel and the right is Eden. Nine months apart and both accidents lol.

I like the idea of gorgon hair for Lucifer kids, and debating on doing a quick design of a RadioApple kid with them. I'm not super into the ship, but their designs are neat and might be interesting to put together. I'll probably just give them away to someone if I do.

[celestial-fucker]

I’VE JUST FINISHED CHAPTER TWO AT 9809 WORDS INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 Y’ALL WE’RE HALFWAY THERE 😭

On another, delightful note, I think you all will rather like the ending of it :3

[sharonaparadox]

[Images: fanart of Adam and Lucifer from Hazbin Hotel. Adam is leaning back with a neutral expression as he sits on a couch, Lucifer smiling self-assuredly from his place in Adam’s lap. Adam is wearing an orange sweater over his robes with his “A” logo on the front that the devil has snuggled into, his hooves and demonic tail sticking out from the bottom as he draws his knees up.

The second image switches angles to show the two from the side as Lucifer looks back up at Adam, who is still looking forward. Adam then looks down as Lucifer turns to face him with a half-lidded gaze. The angle switches back to a front view as Adam twists his mouth into a small frown before he then squeezes his eyes shut when Lucifer brings one hand up to his face and plants a kiss to his cheek. End description.]

Adamsapple harvest 2024

Day 4: Sweaters

[lilacwriter07]

So I am gonna try to do a little project of my own with February, an Omegaverse yuri !

(and other things, like a little thing for @cakerybakery for that little oneshot 💕)

the stars would be fem!Adamsapple and fem!UraIchi (bc I am obsessed with adamsapple now, and UraIchi is the ship I wrote lot)

And knowing me I will not go for the Alpha/Omega, so I hope this will crush my writers block a bit bc I am so behind everything ;-;