#and ya’ll will tear him to pieces

[moonperished]

I am riki security detail first and person second

[some-bunniii]

Lucifer dotes on a pregnant!reader

・❥ Congrats, you’re pregnant! It’s not Luci’s, but nobody can tell the difference with how much he adores you and your baby

| Part 1 | Part 2 |

x: based on @ukor02’s prompt! reader is fem with no use of y/n. enjoy 🤍

~ 27k words!! Ya’ll…. :’)

[read it in chapters on my ao3!]

“Please, Mr. Demur! Can’t I pay you next week? I’ll have enough by then, I promise.”

“How many ‘next weeks’ are we going to have here, hm? If I don’t start making money on these units, I won’t be able to pay off my own debts. I can’t let you keep living here rent-free!” 

You grimaced as your landlord continued to speak across the line, his voice harsh against your ear as you held the small phone against it. Your nails clicked nervously against the wooden countertop of your kitchen, the sound reverberating around the room, helping to drown out your thoughts.

You had been very behind on monthly dues. Your income wasn’t enough to support all your woes anymore, which meant you were struggling to pay rent and afford groceries. Hell’s inflation was getting pretty crazy, and without a second source of income, you were doomed.

You had a second source of income when your boyfriend lived with you and worked for maintenance at VoxTek. Until you found him rolling under the sheets with your next-door neighbor, one of Valentino’s girls who decided that she’d expand her interests to family men.

He had begged for your forgiveness when you dragged him by the ear towards the front door. ‘I won’t do it again, I promise!’ he had pleaded, moaning for your mercy. Right, like you were going to trust a demon from Lust to stay loyal any longer.

What a fool you were, giving him all those chances. Now, you were taking the hit for everything. Alone. Regret ate at the back of your mind, should you have let him stay? If not for your feelings, at least to have kept a roof over your head for you and…

Your gaze traveled slowly down to the small bump on your abdomen, the unspoken words shouting that you ever had relations with a man. Your unborn baby.

The baby your boyfriend knew about, a week before he brought that woman into your home. Yet, he still shoved you aside for a hotter piece of trash. The nerve.

How were you going to support a whole other helpless, tiny being now? If only you could get some empathy from your landlord, appeal to his second nature…

“I understand your difficulties, trust me, I do! But—”

“If you understand that,” your landlord over the phone finally growled out, “then you’ll understand that I’m giving you three days to pack up all your things, and get out of my unit!”

The line ended, that soft buzzing in your ear the only thing keeping you grounded atop the kitchen stool you were quietly shaking on.

Out? He was evicting you? That wasn’t fair! You’ve lived here for years, and a few late payments are what ends your relationship with the little one-bedroom apartment? Ridiculous! 

What were you going to do now? There was nobody to lean on for help, not anymore. Not after your boyfriend left, and your best friend ran off with some royal shitbag down to the Envy Ring, and who even knows where your parents were these days.

It was just you, and the little bean who’d call you Mama soon enough.

Your hand lowered, thumb grazing soothingly against the small protrusion in your belly. Tears pricked at your eyes, hot and angry as you fumed silently. Was this it? The end of any happiness in your life? Forced to grovel like a dog to some powerful entity, or sign a contract that rips free will from your grasp? 

You shivered at the thought. No. That's not how you were going to go out, not without a fight. Even in a dark and brooding place like Hell, you’d try to live a happy and comfortable life, if not for you, at least for the baby growing in your womb. 

Maybe, when the child is born, you won't feel so lonely anymore. They’d be someone to snuggle with at night, curled up against your chest as the two of you lounged on the sofa. The soft words emanating from the TV across the room like a lullaby to their tiny ears, as they drank in the warmth of your body, drifting into blissful sleep.

You’d lower your nose and breathe in that fresh, sweet baby scent from the top of their head, filling you with another dose of pure love and adoration. That child would be fawned over for, well, forever. Even if you were the only one going to share that love, you could wait for them to grow older and return some of it.

That made you smile, imagining the little pitter-pattering of feet against tile flooring as you baked the toddler delicious treats and cooked delicacies that made their little mouth water. That gleam of awe in their eye as the flavors swirled against their tongue, their brain growing fuzzy with pleasure.

That’s the life you would live, and not some cardboard box in the alleyway begging for scraps.

“Alright, looks like Mama has some work to do,” you spoke softly to the quiet, empty room. You weren’t sure whether the little bean could hear your voice nestled so far in your belly, but at this point, you were willing to chat up thin air if it kept your sanity. 

It wasn’t going to be easy, that was for sure. You needed a stable income, instead of picking up odd jobs popping up on the streets. Then, you needed to find a place to stay, it could be anything, even a barn. As long as it was somewhere with a little room and comfort, it would do for the time being. You’d have to upgrade when the baby was born, though, maybe to a two-bedroom apartment this time.

Quickly, you lifted your phone and typed in the now-familiar phrase ‘Places hiring in Pentagram City’. You scrolled, favoriting every job that offered a decent income and was manageable for you.

Being pregnant was going to make things difficult, seeing as you’d be unable to do many physical tasks sometime down the road in the coming months. Which would give you very few options soon.

Your feet hit the soft carpet of the living room, and you rubbed your eyes sleepily. That nausea that had been plaguing you early in the morning was draining you physically, and the stress that was beginning to build on your shoulders only zapped your mental strength.

A few hours of beauty sleep, and then you’d get your ass to work. 

Your stomach growled, moaning for substance, and you sighed. Okay, a nap and lunch… then, you’d be moving toward financial stability. One step at a time, and now a tiny bean to think about. 

Sooner or later, you’d get there.

Before eviction day, you had managed to find an open position at a small convenience store in a much quieter part of the city. Residential neighborhoods wrapped around the row of stores inside a quaint, little market at the edge of the city. 

You looked into the large display windows that bordered the front door to the dark purple shop. ‘We’re Hiring!’ in bold lettering on a corner of the glass pane, beneath the rows of chips and other snacks on a tall shelf standing a few feet behind the window. Right beneath that flashy sign, was a smaller piece of paper taped hastily to the glass surface. “Room Available for rent’ was scrawled in unkempt handwriting, and your eyes widened in excitement.

Taking a deep breath, you gripped the cold, metal handle and pulled the door open. The golden bell above your head jingled a faint tune as you stepped through the threshold. Your eyes take in the old, wooden shelves that hung on either side of the room, while shorter displays were lined neatly in rows spanning wall to wall filled with snacks, home essentials, and more.

The place was kind of a mess, but… it felt rather homey. A ‘Mom and Pop’ shop kinda of thing, stirring nostalgic emotions inside of you. When you reached an older demon, her back hunched slightly with age and the weight of the large shell on her back, you realized how your feelings couldn’t get any more accurate. 

Green skin sagged from the elderly woman’s face, deep wrinkles embedded into her reptilian features as she regarded you with suspicion. She resembled pretty closely to a tortoise, with that round, thick shell that lay upon her back and neck that extended high from her body. She held a broom in her long claws, halting mid-sweep as you smiled gently at her. 

“Can I help you?” She croaked.

“I’m here for the job opening, the general worker position?” Your smile widened, trying to look as presentable and friendly as possible. This may not be the job of your dreams, but it was a job nonetheless, a start. 

“You Hellborn?” 

“Yes.” What an odd question.

“You can lift and move large boxes?”

“Sure can!” You replied, with a quick nod. For the next few months, at least. If you couldn’t find a new job by the time your belly was unable to be hidden any longer, you’d spill the beans to granny.

“Hm,” the wrinkled demon eyed you with more interest, and she tilted her head in thought for a few moments, before meeting your gaze again, “I think I can make do with what’s in front of me, for now.”

Not even an interview? What a score!

A sigh of relief escaped you, the invisible weight on your shoulders lightening slightly as you shook hands with the turtle. The job wasn’t going to be that difficult, cashiering, stocking, talking to customers, easy peasy. Until the swollen ankles kicked in.

“Oh, and the room for rent! I’m kinda in need of some living arrangements for now. Do you still have availability?” You clasped your hands, smiling widely once more.

“We have space…” The old, turtle-faced demon sighed, turning her large shell to face you, before ambling away towards a dark hallway behind the small checkout counter. She beckoned you with her thick tail that slowly swayed behind her as she moved.

Slowly, you followed behind the woman, entering what seemed to be the large back room of the store, piles of boxes labeled as different foodstuffs, with thick, heavy bags of an assortment of goods. There looked to be a large freezer on one wall, as it blew cold air that seeped into your skin, sending a shiver down your spine as you crossed the room. 

The turtle demon stopped at a light-brown wooden door, before softly turning the handle and pulling it open. She leaned through the doorway as far as her wide shell would allow and tugged on a thin string hanging from the ceiling. With a click, the small bulb above your head flickered on, illuminating what seemed like a large, dusty storage closet. You gulped, this was tiny! It was the size of a small bedroom, but was supposed to be your entire living unit? You pointed into the lit room, quirking a brow in disbelief.

“Is this…?”

“The room available, yes.”

“It’s kind of… small.”

“Well, what did ya expect, a two-bedroom with a loft? It’s less than a hundred for a reason. The bathroom is next door, so it's a quick walk. We’ve got a hose in the back you can use to shower, and you got a place to buy most of your essentials just a hallway over.”

You thought for a few moments, rubbing your hands together as your mind raced with what other options you currently had. None, really. Anywhere else you had gone to seek employment had already found someone or deemed you unqualified for the position. Let's see… the alleyway or a closet? Hard choice.

“Also, utilities are included in the rent.” 

Well, that was a good bargain.

“Okay, sure” you nodded slowly, rubbing your face with a sigh, “This’ll work.”

“Good. We’ll just take rent out of your paycheck, then. The name is Alma, let me show you around.” 

You had followed her back out to the front of the store, before being walked through the job and every detail your new boss, Alma, found necessary to fill you in on. How to work the old cash register, keys for every door inside the building, where the gun was hidden underneath the counter in case anyone was to rob the store and use it for defense.

When you returned home later that day, your back hit the door and you slid to the ground with a sigh. Your stomach rumbled, and you tenderly rubbed a hand across the protrusion underneath your skin. Rising to your feet, you headed to the kitchen, digging through all the junk for any healthier options you had. There wasn’t much, but you settled on a small microwave meal and placed it into the little appliance.

As the microwave buzzed softly, it filled your head with background noise to your quiet thoughts. Thoughts about your future, your chances at success, your baby, or your loneliness navigating such a turbulent time in your life.

Hopefully, once you had a good night’s sleep and packed up in the morning, the doubts about your decision that were eating at your conscience would fade. Everything was going to be very different from here on out, but maybe, that wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us,” you whispered into the empty room once more.

It had been a few months since you arrived at that quaint, little shop looking for a job and a place to stay. After a few months, your stomach only continued to grow. 

You had hidden the sight through baggy clothes at first, careful to keep your secret hidden from prying eyes. Until running to the bathroom all the time and your sudden bouts of exhaustion made you reveal the fact to Alma.

She had rolled her eyes, before grumbling how ‘as long as you’re still able to work’ there wouldn’t be any problems regarding your employment. 

There wasn’t much you brought over from your apartment, not even your bed could fit comfortably inside the little room. Instead, you resorted to a one-person mat that only lifted you from the floor a couple of inches. At first, it sucked, really, really sucked. Soon enough, you adjusted to the tension in your back that always woke you just in time for work.

You had brought a few trinkets with you, memories from your past, and small items to keep you busy. You brought that little microwave from your place, which was situated on a small coffee table on the wall across from your bed.

There was nothing for the baby, yet. You didn’t have anything to begin with, nor did you have the money to afford such things. Later, when the little bean was closer to arrival, you’d start hunting through garage sales and thrift stores. The only thing keeping you educated on your pregnancy was the few books detailing motherhood that were on sale at one of the local vendors. 

Standing atop your microwave, was a small flatscreen TV, your only source of entertainment nowadays. Sure, you touch grass once in a while, exploring the market, brisk walks around the block, that sort of thing. Getting a workout made you hungry, though, and with your tiny paycheck? Three meals a day was a luxury you couldn’t afford.

The problem? You were always craving something to eat. Sweet treats, odd vegetables, food you used to hate. Once, you even drooled over a slab of raw meat you were packing away into a freezer, the thought of ripping it apart and devouring it right then and there itching at your scalp. 

Instead, you opted for a large salad. While you made sure to eat enough to feed your baby, the quality of the food you were consuming wasn’t the greatest. Hopefully, you'll be able to afford healthier meals soon.

The work in the store was mundane, the customers lively but nothing worthwhile, and life was pretty stagnant after a few months of living there. Except for the changes in your body, those new aches and sores, the sudden dizziness that caused you to plop down upon the nearest surface.

It was one of these times when you felt your face numbing and your vision beginning to blur, and you fell upon an unopened box of goods. Hand lifting to wipe that dribble of sweat away, you took a deep breath. It was getting harder to do that, though, with how the baby in your womb was beginning to steal the space your lungs needed to expand.

It was a much hotter afternoon, the air simmered with acrid, dry heat that suffocated the store with its intensity. It was a weather normal pattern, but one you loathed nonetheless. A fan close to you finally swiveled in your direction, and you let the cool air smack you in the face with its soothing touch. 

Alma wasn’t around, which meant she wasn’t able to catch you on another one of your on-the-clock breaks. Standing on your feet, lifting boxes and other items all shifts was not fun with a baby rolling around somewhere in your guts.

You were enjoying the momentary peace, eyes shut as you inhaled another large breath. The small TV hanging from the corner of the room, right behind the cashier register hummed softly as the news anchors yapped quietly about something or other.

When you opened your eyes, the congregation of large shadows at the front door caught your attention. Quickly, you rose from the cardboard box, fiddling with another small pile as you took a knife and tore it open. Bags of chips nestled together, your stomach grumbled softly at the multiple flavors it hosted.

You did your best to look busy, just as the door opened with a creak and the bell above its frame jingled excitingly about the fresh, new faces. 

“I can't believe you made us take a walk in this weather, Charlie,” a feminine voice moaned as they crossed through the threshold. Their tall figure rose above the rows of shelves, pink fuzz popping from their partially exposed chest as they strode in. Both sets of arms were crossed, as they turned to meet the gaze of a woman with a bright red tuxedo.

Beside her was a shorter, gray-skinned woman who immediately placed herself in the direction of a whirring fan. One good eye scanned across the room, looking for nothing in particular.

A tall snake demon slithered in behind them, huffing as he collapsed onto a small bench next to the doorway. The hoods framing his face began to fan his heated skin, recuperating for a few moments.

“I agree with—huff—Angel Dusssssst,” The man hissed tiredly, swiping a claw over his brow to dry his forehead, “It sssseeems we have chosen a poor day to—huff—embark on our little excursion.”

“It is pretty hot today, but! That means we all sweat a little more, and burn off some of that negative energy!” The woman, Charlie, exclaimed as she clapped her hands together, “Clear our minds of all that clutter and embrace the heat of a new day!” 

Angel Dust rolled his eyes, grumbling something as he turned to a display of sunglasses, plucking out different pairs from the stand and fiddling with them on his face as he posed in the tiny mirror.

“Husk’a! Don’t I look fantabulous or what?” He turned towards a short, feline demon with quirked brows. He sent Husk a playful, sultry smirk which the feline only growled softly at, before reaching into a fridge for a large bottle of water.

“Ya look like shit,” he grumbled, popping the cap off and chugging down the drink in one go. It seemed like the guy did that often enough for the contents to disappear so quickly, which was pretty impressive. Hopefully, he was going to pay for that drink too.

“Awww, thanks kitty!” 

The demons dispersed from their little group, scanning the shelves for any snack that would satisfy their hunger after that draining exercise. 

You watched through careful glances as they wandered about. There was no doubt the group of demons had noticed you by now, but there was nothing special to see as you just continued hefting boxes across the room. The last one, a large crate of soda cans, was giving you a rough time.

Strength waning, you huffed as you slowly walked towards the wall of fridges. Straining as you try to shift your grip, your arm placement is awkward with your round stomach making it difficult to get good positioning on the container. Panic seized you for a moment, as you fumbled with your hold.

“Let me help you with that!” A cheery voice exclaimed from beside you, causing you to jump right as the crate was lifted from your grip into the arms of the apple-cheeked woman. 

Charlie smiled brightly at you before she turned away, setting the crate down gently next to the fridge door. You fanned yourself, taking in a deep breath as the woman turned back to face you.

“I’m sorry,” you smiled apologetically, reaching up instinctively to brush a thumb gently over your bump, “heat and exhaustion are just not a healthy mix.” 

“That’s okay, it wasn’t a problem! And—oh my,” the demon’s eyes gleamed at your swollen stomach, her gaze soft, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude but are you…?”

“Pregnant?” You tilted your head, smiling softly as a hand instinctively reached up to caress, “I am, yes.”

“Awe, I love babies!” Charlie swooned, placing a hand over her heart. “How far along are you?”

“About four months! I just moved here recently, are you from around here?”

“Yep! Just around the corner practically, right up the hill there’s that big hotel? I run it! It’s called the Hazbin Hotel!”

The Hazbin Hotel? Why did that name sound so familiar?

“And, these are all residents at the hotel!” Charlie smiled gleefully, sweeping a hand across the room as she gestured at her band of demons, “Some of them work for me, and some of them are my clients! The pink one is Angel Dust, the snake is Sir. Pentious, the grumpy fella over there is Husker, and the lady over there is Vaggie, my girlfriend!” 

Your head spun with the quick introductions, but you only listened thoughtfully as she spoke a few more words about her job. 

“That’s very interesting,” you finally said after she finished her sentence, “I’ll have to look it up sometime, I’m sure you're doing a great job. Hopefully, everything has been going well for you so far.” 

“I hope the same for you, too,” she smiled, eyes flicking down to your stomach for a moment before her head swiveled to get a look around the room, “…you don’t happen to have a bathroom here, do you?”

“We do! It’s in the back, I can take you there,” you smiled softly, before turning towards the back door and crossing the room. Charlie’s heels clicked against the old, cracking concrete behind you, as the two of you entered the back room. It was filled with boxes and other goods, and Charlie’s gaze bounced across the new scene with interest. 

The dimly lit room sent shadows across the two doors on the far end, and your hand slid across the wall close to you to find the switch. The lights flickered on, revealing the matching doors standing side by side, and you turned towards the demon woman.

“It’s right over there,” you gestured toward the doors, backing up slightly as Charlie nodded. She made her way towards the bathroom, hand raising to grasp around the doorknob, before twisting it firmly. 

Your breath hitched in realization right as she pulled the door open. That was the wrong door, that was your door! There was no telling how the woman would judge you after seeing the pitiful place you called home.

“Wait! That’s my—!”

“Oh!” Charlie exclaimed as she took in the makeshift living quarters, illuminated softly by the bulb above her head.

Her gaze flicked to the sunken mattress, lying against the hard cement floor. The small TV stacked on that aging microwave, and the piles of books created a makeshift nightstand, with a little reading lamp and retro alarm clock. The mini fridge hummed softly against another wall, hardly big enough to fit a few day's worth of meals in it.

Charlie’s eyes rested on the stacks of labeled boxes nestled tightly against the wall for maximum space, the only remnants of your old life. Her heart beat rapidly, as she took in the flood of information she was gathering about your situation as she stared silently. 

You only watched her expression with weary eyes, rubbing your hands soothingly as you waited for her words. Slowly, Charlie turned towards you, her gaze meeting yours and she read your expression carefully.

“You don’t actually live here, right?” She laughed in disbelief before her smile quickly faded when your face showed no signs of humor. 

“This is terrible! Especially with someone in your condition!” 

Condition? You weren’t helpless just because you were carrying some extra cargo around for a few more months.

“Don’t worry about me, It’s not that bad it’s just—”

You were cut off by the sound of your stomach growling, so loud it practically reverberated around the room. The pitiful noises were followed by slight pain, a sign of how dreadfully empty your tummy was. The noises of hunger made Charlie’s eyes widen and her brows furrow deeper.

“Are you hungry?” She asked slowly.

“Yes,” you stated bluntly, your tongue subconsciously wetting your parched lips. God, you were so hungry. All. the. time. 

It was miserable, having to limit yourself on all the mouth-watering goodies surrounding you. You just wanted to stuff your face, fill up your stomach, and then some. 

“Have you eaten anything today?” Charlie questioned, crossing her arms and shooting you a look of concern.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I get my paycheck tomorrow,” you answered quietly, averting the woman’s gaze as you gnawed at your lip. Embarrassment was bubbling in your chest, and tears were threatening to spill against you will.

You’ve never felt this… open with someone before, not in a long while. You were struggling direly, and now Charlie knew it too. And, revealing your financial situation to a customer you’ve just met? Alma would have your head! What were you thinking? 

Maybe, it was a subconscious cry for help. For some empathetic, kind soul to come swoop you off your feet into prosperity. 

But, you were in Hell, who would do something so selfless like that, for nobody like you?

Charlie bit her lip, breath quickening as her gaze darted from you to the thin mattress on the floor. She seemed antsy, like there were words behind her lips the woman was desperate to spill. Instead, Charlie only gulped them down, before her composure straightened and she sent you an awkward smile.

“Will you excuse me for just a second? I have to uhm, go talk to my girlfriend…” Charlie chuckled nervously, slowly backing away towards the front of the store, “I’ll be right back, don’t move!” 

You nodded obediently to the stern finger she waggled at you, before she pivoted and dashed towards the door at the end of the hall. Charlie wrapped a hand around an ash-gray arm, Vaggie jumped at her touch before she was dragged out of sight. The sounds of fast, hushed voices echoed to your spot in the dark.

Straining your ears, you tried to peep in on their conversation. With the way Charlie scrambled out of there, you were nervous about what exactly the two could be discussing around the corner. 

“We can’t just leave her here, Vaggie!” Charlie shook her head sternly, crossing her arms as she spoke to her partner. 

“Well, we can’t just take her back to the hotel. We don’t know the woman!”

“She’s pregnant with barely any food, and a terrible place to sleep! We can’t just do nothing!” The apple-cheeked woman growled, throwing her hands up as she paced in place near the freezers. The others on the other side of the room were too busy arguing over which flavor of ice cream was better to stop and listen in on the duo’s conversation. 

“I know,” Vaggie sighed, her brows creasing in frustration as she rubbed a hand down her face, mind racing, “I just don’t want to do anything that could put a wrench in your dreams, that’s all. We don’t know anything about her, she could bring trouble to our doorstep. There's enough of that as it is..”

“Nothing will happen, I promise,” Charlie replied softly, lacing her fingers with Vaggie, before soothingly brushing a thumb over her partner's knuckles, “We’ll just say she’s on… maternity leave! That way, she can have the baby stress-free, and then find a job either at the hotel or somewhere else. And, if any problems arise, we have Alastor to handle it.”

“Okay,” Vaggie nodded slowly, “If you think this won’t be an issue… then, I trust you, babe.” 

“Thank you, Vaggie.” Charlie smiled softly, “I haven’t told her yet. I just wanted to run it by you first, and figure out how to ask a stranger to, well, move in with strangers.”

You backed out of earshot, having gotten enough of the two’s words for your breath to quicken and your thoughts to spiral. Turning, you faced into your room, staring into space as you chewed absently on your lip.

They want to give you a place to stay, for free? No questions asked, just out of the kindness of their hearts?

You shook your head, a dry laugh of disbelief escaping your lips. That was impossible! This was Hell, and things like that never happened. You were born in Hell, and have practically seen it all when it comes to 

Murdering, whoring, and overdosing. That was Hell’s usual. Who was this woman, and what could she possibly have in store for you?

Your thoughts were interrupted when you heard the soft clicking of heels reverberate around the dimly lit room. You pivoted sharply, smiling innocently as your gaze met Charlie’s excited expression. She bit her lip nervously, before straightening her posture and clasping her hands together. 

“I know we only just met, but I would really love to offer you a place to stay. Something better than this, at least. We have large rooms with their own bathroom and little dining areas. It’ll be free! Plus, lounges, a kitchen, and a bar. Although, I’m sure you won’t be needing that anytime soon.” Charlie chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck and she watched you intently. 

“Why would you do something like this for me?” You asked slowly, tilting your head as your fingers thrummed against your bump thoughtfully.

“Because when I see my people struggling, I don’t just stand by and let them. It’s my duty to help those in need.” Charlie placed a fist into her open palm, determination in her gaze and she spoke assertively.

‘My people’? ‘Duty’? What could she possibly mean about that? Such strange words coming from an even stranger woman before you, so desperate to hear your approval.

“I can definitely think about it…” you finally said softly, meeting her gaze after a moment.

“That’s a start! Here, take this, it’s my business card.” The woman patted down her pockets, before pulling out a small card from her pants, thrusting it excitedly towards you.

“I made them myself!” Charlie whispered, her eyes gleaming with pride as you stared down at the little writings across its surface. 

“I can call you tomorrow, with my answer,” you replied finally, slipping the card away for later. 

“Great! Thank you so much for considering! It’ll be worth it, I promise!”

A shadow loomed across the room, as Angel Dust poked his head into the doorway. He squinted into the darkness, before quirking a brow at Charlie’s figure.

“Ya comin’, toots? I’m hungry, and I deserve some R&R back at the hotel. ASAP.”

“Coming!” Charlie called, beginning to cross the room. She turned to face you, curving her lips into another bright smile as you stood there motionless. You didn’t say another word as she was consumed by the bright lights of the store, and you stayed frozen in place for a few more moments.

Your head spun, Charlie’s words still consuming your thoughts as you chewed at your lip. Just as you were about to head back to the waiting group, you heard grumbling from behind you, and the door to the back alleyway opened wide.

Alma ambled inside, returning from a friend’s business a few stores over. A large bag in her claws as she lumbered towards you, 

“I smell customers, are they Sinners? Ugh. Here, take this and put it in the freezer right away. I’ll go up front and get them out of here.” 

“Of course,” you replied, hardly listening while still untangling your racing thoughts. The box was changed to your arms, and you took it with a huff before lowering it gently next to the freezer.

You watched Alma enter the front of the store, chattering loudly to the group of demons you had acquainted yourself with as you pried open the box. Slabs of fresh meat were revealed underneath the thin, soaked red parchment shielding them. You wet your lips subconsciously, that ache in your stomach returning as you inhaled the flavorful, wafting scents.

Hopefully, you’d start craving something much more tasteful like ice cream or peanut butter.

Taking time to pack away the stacks of goods only kept your mind busy from Charlie’s offer. You still felt uneasy with her proposal, for all you knew, it could be a trick or some way to wrap you into a deal. There was no way someone like her existed in someplace like Hell.

That doubt still crept up your spine as you stood at the gates of her aging little hotel the next day, nestled on top of a small hill on the outskirts of the bustling city. Charlie’s handmade business card was clenched tightly in your hand, as your eyes read the address one last time before taking a deep, reassuring breath.

The hotel didn’t look too bad, in your opinion. An honest fixer-upper that would look really beautiful if done correctly. The colors were a little odd, not to mention the structure of the building was weird. Jagged even, as different parts jutted out from the center, your eyes traced the outline of what seemed to be… a boat? One that was nestled tightly against the outer walls of the hotel. The building seemed refined, like the owner before the apple-cheeked woman had good taste. Overall, if you did choose to stay here, it wouldn't be too bad of a place.

Except… why did it have to be on top of a hill?! Just the sight of the trek you were going to have to endure made your ankles start to ache, and you groaned, head thrown up in the air as your feet dragged up the cracked concrete path. 

‘Did these guys ever think of investing in a ramp?’ you groaned internally, wiping sweat from your brow as you continued the strenuous hike. If this were the kind of difficulties you were going to face throughout your pregnancy, you would have taken more laps around the block in preparation for this moment.

Sputtering for breath, and only halfway up, you rested for a moment with a huff. How many steps have you taken? To keep your shame, you refrained from counting as you continued the climb. Another two months, and this would be impossible, which made you deflate even more. 

You hated feeling so… helpless, useless, weak. People looked at you differently, as if you were the child, incapable of being able to support your own weight. Which was another reason you were resistant to the idea of moving here, you didn’t want to feel like a charity case–or a burden–to Charlie and her friends. Hopefully, you’d prove to them today there was more to you than the baby in your womb.

The final step up to the front doors was a hefty one, and you fought the urge to roll over in defeat on their doormat. You shot the cement path the finger, before turning towards the large oak doors. You squinted, trying to get a peek through the stained glass windows as you leaned in slightly.

‘Stop being so creepy and knock,’ you growled at yourself, before lifting a closed fist and rapping it against the sturdy, wood frame of the entryway.

Knock Knock

No response, but you waited patiently with clasped hands and a bright smile ready to go.

Knock Knock

You thought you heard shuffling behind the door, but still no response. You rolled your eyes in irritation, crossing your arms. It was getting hot out here and you needed somewhere to sit down. What kind of a hotel doesn’t greet their gues–

The large door opened slowly with a loud creak, revealing a tall, red demon. He was dressed rather formally, with a nice red tuxedo that hugged his figure perfectly. Large ears sat above his head, small antlers poking from bright red hair that framed his face. His lips were curved into a wide, toothy grin that made the hair at the back of your neck stand on end as you met his ruby-like eyes. They stared intensely into your gaze, as if reading every thought behind those wide eyes, partially shaded by that equally red monocle resting atop his cheek.

What was up with this guy and the color red?

“Can I help you?” He finally asked sweetly, static dripping from his voice, paired with a strange overlay that seemed to pour from his tongue as you watched him speak. It sounded as if he was speaking right through an aging microphone. With the door only partially cracked, you didn’t see much behind that large, charming smile of his.

“Hello, uhm, good sir! I’m looking for Charlie? She and I talked yesterday and–”

“Ohmygoshitsyoucomein!!” The words rolled off Charlie’s tongue just as she popped up right beside the smiling demon. She wrapped her hands around your forearms and pulled you through the threshold with a squeal. A gasp left your lips as you were dragged gleefully inside, and the door shut softly behind you.

For the next few hours, Charlie gave you a tour of the hotel while sharing her visions for the future. Dreams of happy days in Hell, and a second chance for the sinful. Sinners being redeemed and going to Heaven? Was that even possible? You didn’t know, and it didn’t really matter if they could, seeing as you weren’t one of them. 

You got better introductions to the residents, including new faces. Alastor, the demon from the front door, who welcomed you with that exotic voice and a humble demeanor that made you feel somewhat at ease. His voice seemed familiar though, reminiscent of horrible, violent rumors of a powerful demon on the prowl. One that scooped up Overlords and sent them to their doom. 

Why were people afraid of you being dangerous, when demons like Alastor resided under the same roof? He may have not looked at you with that same hunger he showed his enemies, but he still could send you six feet under in an instant. Which made your unease grow a little more, as you thought about the safety of your child.

Then, there was Niffty, the freaky little cleaning lady who had a constant itch to stab things. When she saw your baby bump, she lit up, rushing towards you with a skip in her step. You froze, watching the tiny woman approach you with a bashful grin.

“Can I touch the baby?” She sent you a puppy-dog stare through one large, glittering eye. Her arms were behind her back as she twirled innocently, a small, toothy smile on her lips.

“Oh, well, I don’t really mind,” you said softly, lowering yourself slightly so she could reach a hand up and place a warm palm on the fabric lying against your abdomen. She giggled softly as she rubbed your stomach tenderly for a few moments, as if she was petting your child directly through her soft touches.

“Do you have a name for it?” Nifty asked, lowering her arm back to her side.

“Not yet, but I’ll figure it out,” you had said, before turning your attention back to Charlie. Finally, the last stop of your little tour was getting a peek at one of the rooms you’d be staying in. Crossing a single hallway, the two of you stood in front of a dark, wooden door. With a twist of the handle, the apple-cheeked woman pushed open the door, and your breath stilled as you leaned through the threshold.

It was a rather large room, fully furnished to replicate a master bedroom. A bed, two dressers, a large wardrobe, even a small dining table with matching chairs on the other side of the room. You stepped into a white-tiled bathroom, taking in the large maroon bathtub and matching colored sinks. Everything looked clean, and honestly, the rooms didn't match the exterior of the hotel. There wasn’t much to complain about, other than some aging upholstery and building cobwebs.

You stepped back into the large bedroom, Charlie following your figure with a hitched breath as you circled the room again, inspecting it closely. You halted, silent for a few moments, before you pivoted to face the demon woman. 

“So, this is free? No strings attached?”

“Yep!” Charlie beamed.

“No secret legally binding agreement that I’m about to shake on?”

“Of course not!” 

“Well…” you started, brows furrowing in thought as you looked around the room. Charlie stared at you with apprehensive eyes, unable to read your expression as you considered your options, “I’d have to find a place closer to work, or figure out transportation from Alma’s”

“Work?” Charlie inquired.

“How else am I supposed to afford food and other necessities? I can’t just sit around all day waiting to pop!” You raised an eyebrow at the woman, 

“The point is you’re supposed to take it nice and easy until you’ve had your baby! Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of food to go around. Plus, I’m sure we can find a place to buy some baby essentials, like diapers and a crib. Whatever you want!” Charlie argued, that smile never faltering as she tried to win you over with charm.

“You’re just going to spend money like that on me?”

“That’s right! Like I’ve said, I’m willing to do anything to support my people.”

“But… how can you afford that? Who are you?”

“I guess I haven’t told you, huh?” Charlie laughed nervously, before rubbing her neck with a sigh, “I’m not a big fan of telling people right off the bat, but my full name is Charlie Morningstar.” 

Morningstar? As in the royal family? Charlie was the daughter of the king of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar? Oh dear. This was a joke, right?

You felt your heart beat rapidly, and you placed a hand on your chest to calm its racing pace. The Princess of Hell was standing right in front of you like she was any normal demon, which was crazy. The fact you were standing in front

“Your Majesty!” You lowered your head quickly, averting your gaze respectfully.

“Please don’t!” Charlie shook her head, walking up to you, “I don’t want you to regard me any differently just because I'm royal and all. I just want to help you.”

Slowly, she lifted a hand, lacing her fingers gently with yours as she stared at you with pleading eyes. You could feel the truth in her words practically radiating from her as she waited for your answer, her tone the complete opposite of manipulative, and you bit your lip in thought.

‘Please, live here,’ you read through her glistening gaze.

“Okay,” you finally said softly, a smile slowly creeping onto your lips as you looked up at her.

“Really?” Charlie asked, her eyes lighting up as you nodded in response, and she bounced giddily in place, “This is great! I can’t wait to tell everyone! Oh, I am so happy you said yes. We’ll need a day to prepare, but you probably need a day to pack anyway. Oh! I almost forgot…”

Charlie filled your head with more chatter about what was in store now that you were studying, and you listened intently as the two of you strolled down the hallway back into the lobby. By the time you made it to the front door, your feet were sore from all the walking, and your eyes were tired and droopy as you munched on a sandwich Sir. Pentious had kindly made for you as you left the hotel. 

When you passed through the open front doors, you turned back to Charlie, and a few other demons behind her. 

“Thank you for being so kind to open up your home to me,” you said softly to the small group, “I’ll be back tomorrow with my things. Have a good day!”

“Bye!”

“See ya, momma!”

“Ssssstay hydrated!”

By the time you walked the block and a half to the dark purple store on the corner, the air had cooled considerably, and the walk wasn’t so bad this time. The fans were silent, hibernating for their next use as you walked across the cracked tile of the shop, your boss fussing with change behind the checkout counter as you approached.

“Leaving?” Alma had asked slowly when you finally dared to inform her of your decision. The demon was mid-count of the register, her long neck lifting so she could meet your gaze with a curious expression.

“Yes, someone offered me a place to stay until I have the baby,” you nodded, rubbing your arm soothingly as you spoke, watching her expression carefully, “I believe it would be in my best interest to take that opportunity. I’m sorry for the short notice, so you can keep my paycheck if you want. I’ll be out of here by tomorrow, probably.”

Alma squinted at you, deep in thought as one claw tapped absentmindedly against the cracked, wooden countertop. The turtle demon grunted, before lowering herself to reach underneath the register, pulling out a long piece of paper and setting it onto the counter. 

Dipping a claw in ink, Alma scribbled some numbers onto the paper, before signing her name below. Carefully, she lifted the parchment towards you, quirking a scaly brow at your hesitation. Extending a hand, you took the paper from her hold and turned it over. It was a check, with the remainder of your pay. Eyes widening, your head lifts to meet the old demon’s calm gaze.

“Take care of yourself, then,” Alma croaked, nodding her head slightly at you as she continued to count the cash register. A smile bloomed across your lips, and you quietly turned towards your room, excitement to be out of that cramped little room making you move a little faster as you began to pack your things.

“Alright, everyone. My dad is going to be here in… one hour.” Charlie smiled awkwardly, eye twitching slightly as her disheveled figure addressed the small group of demons inside the lobby of the hotel.

You sat on the couch, munching on a morning snack as she spoke. The small bowl filled with goodies rested atop your swollen belly, now larger since you moved in a while ago. Apart from the sudden dizziness and aching back, some good things came with being pregnant, like your personal little dining table in the shape of a watermelon. 

Sometimes, you’d practice balancing different items atop the growing swell. Cups, books, anything that gave you some entertainment now that were limited in physical activities–mostly declared by Charlie, but you didn’t complain too much–and stuck inside most days. To an outsider, what you were doing may have seemed weird or strange. But, seeing as they weren’t the ones lugging around a whole nother being, no one had room to talk about what you did for amusement.

Once, you even let Niffty build Jenga on top of your bump, as you lay comfortably out on the sofa in the lobby. The little structure tipped slightly on the unlevel surface, and you did your best to control your breathing to keep it from toppling over as she gingerly placed each rectangular block. Angel Dust had walked into the lobby, adorned in revealing clothes and cat-eye sunglasses. His features were exhausted and drained as he halted in his tracks at the sight.

“What are you two doin’?” He slowly asked, lifting the shades from his face as he watched with a perplexed expression.

“Angel~,” you called, lifting your head with a smile to meet his gaze, “Fancy playing a little bit of risky Jenga? We were just about to start.”

The spider demon seemed to want to reject the offer, before his eyes flitted across the empty room–save for the familiar bartender cleaning glasses–to the clock. It was about eight o'clock at night, a Friday, and the pornstar was trying to find any possible reason to stay inside tonight. For once, Angel Dust was party-pooped.

“Huska’, pour me a tall one, won’tcha? I gotta get in my zone,” He had called towards the bar, his golden tooth glinting as he shot you a sly, toothy grin. 

The next rounds encompassed you trying desperately not to laugh at the sensations of the game. After each block was expelled, it tumbled down your tummy and tickled at your skin. You clasped a hand over your mouth, holding in your laugh as your stomach twitched, and the small structure began to teeter.

“Hey! Watch it, mama,” Angel laughed, grimacing slightly as the Jenga tower jiggled again, “I’m about to win!”

Niffty giggled beside him as you kept your mouth covered, unable to say a word with the fear that your laughter would bubble up past your lips given the chance. You stilled yourself and regained composure, the blocks settled back into place.

“What if…” Niffty said, a mischievous grin on her face as she lifted a claw towards you. Your eyes followed her finger right as it reached your abdomen, and you tensed, trying to prepare for the inevitable.

“Niff!” Angel gasped with a glare, right as the small white finger poked you in the side. Even with her claw, the touch was like a feather against your skin and you had no control as you reacted to the ticklish feeling. 

“Nif—HA!” You had blurted with a snort, your body pitching forward slightly at the sensation. Your lips quivered into a clasped smile just as the blocks tumbled over, losing their balance on top of your bump. They slid across the floor, and you sat up quickly.

“That’s it, missy!” Angel Dust rose to his full height, pointing an accusatory finger at Niffty’s innocent expression, “You sabotaged me on purpose! You did this at UNO last night, and I won’t have it no longer!” 

Pivoting abruptly on his heels, Angel adjusted his tight outfit and pulled back his hair, before he turned his head towards the two of you.

“Goodnight, ladies! This star needs his beauty sleep!” He waved as he strutted away, leaving Niffty to clean up the mess and you to return Angel’s empty drink to the bar. 

That day had tested your limits on how useful the bun in your oven was as a food rest, and you stuck to small items after that. Such as the bowl in front of you that you were tiredly nibbling on as you watched Charlie pace in place, anxiety obvious on her features as she muttered to herself.

The others around you tensed, before they dashed off in different directions, breathing heavily as if whatever was to be done was extremely important. You turned your head, watching them flee in confusion. 

Then, Charlie’s words finally computed in your head, the morning brain fog waning as you slowly sat up. Blinking, you rubbed a hand down your face, rubbing the sleepiness from your features as you processed the information. 

Charlie’s father, Lucifer Morningstar, was coming to the hotel? In one hour? 

The king of Hell, the most powerful man in the realm. Whose face had long since disappeared from the public eye, when before it adorned every magazine and cover photo that one could buy. 

What was he to think of you, a nobody with a boring story and a baby on the way? 

You felt a slight nudge inside your stomach, your child softly prodding your side, maybe in an attempt to get you moving as you shot up from the couch. 

“Your dad is coming here right now?” You asked approaching Charlie, and she stopped in her tracks to face you. 

“Yes,” she nodded, biting her lip, “I haven’t seen him in years, and his opinion of the hotel isn’t the most optimistic.” 

It seemed like it was difficult for Charlie to speak about her father, as if her—as husk had put it—‘daddy issues’ made the topic of her familial relationships sour on her tongue. 

“He’s just going to come and visit? That doesn’t seem too bad, I’m sure the place will grow on him after a quick tour.” 

“He’s my only ticket to Heaven,” Charlie sighed, using a hand to rake her unkempt hair back, “Everything has to be perfect. We just need to clean a little, put some balloons up, 

“What does your dad like to eat?” You said after a few moments. 

“What?” Charlie stared at you with perplexity, tilting her head slightly with a quirked brow.

“Well, as you know I’ve been practicing in the kitchen a lot, learning to bake and all that, and I believe it would be a nice idea if we made something your dad enjoys. That way, he feels welcome and less apprehensive.”

That was true, you had started working in the kitchen daily ever since you moved to the hotel. With Charlie being so kind and offering for you to live there for free until your baby was born, and the fact your large bump made it difficult to do many physical activities, you decided to stick to something more hands-on and less strenuous. 

Surprisingly, it was actually quite fun. Most days, you’d flip through pages of recipes from a cookbook Alastor had loaned to you, looking for that one treat that made your mouth water and the little bean inside of you flip around in excitement. The kitchen inside the hotel was actually quite large, with multiple fridges and ovens with wide counters that wrapped around the room. 

You’d gather all the different ingredients, following the directions closely as you worked. Sometimes, your feet would be so sore you’d pull up a chair and listen to some music while you quietly cut cookies into various cute little shapes, before decorating them and handing them out to all the residents inside the large building. 

Except Alastor, who claimed to hate anything sweet when you stood before him in the lobby one afternoon.

“Thank you for the kind gift, my dear, but I seem to have been born without that fabled sweet tooth. Chocolates are not my cup of tea.” The charming demon had told you, politely waving off your outreached hand as you held a small brownie with a frown.

“So… what do you like?” Your arm lowered, and you stared at the brownie for a moment. The thought of putting it in your mouth instead was very tempting.

“Have you ever tried Jambalaya?” 

“I don’t think so,” you shook your head.

“Hm. Well, perhaps you can add that to your list of recipes to try? With all that work you’ve been putting into cooking, I'm sure it’ll be no difficulty for you to concoct.” Alastor had tilted his head thoughtfully at you, hand resting leisurely against his cane as he leaned against the bar’s counter.

You had sent him a warm smile, slightly surprised by his good words. He didn’t seem like the kind of man to give others praise over himself unless it benefited him. 

Conquering the kitchen was a little more difficult than you previously imagined, and the two charred ovens on the other side of the room were a testament to that. 

At first, the confidence in your work was pretty poor. Whenever Niffty or Charlie would ask what you were making, you’d simply smile bashfully and quietly state you were making treats. One time, you let Sir. Pentious take a bite out of your chocolate cheesecake, which ended in the snake demon lying splayed out on the floor from a sugar crash after he devoured the entire pan of it. 

Needless to say, after most of your new friends begged for more delicacies from your hand, you let your ego swell a bit at all the praise. Now, the Egg Bois were deemed your official taste testers and would huddle around your area as you let them lick the extra dough from your used bowl. 

“More!” They’d cry happily, indicating another successful batch of sugar cookies. 

Now, you hoped your skills had improved enough to sweep the king of Hell off his feet. 

“What does my dad like…” Charlie said after a moment, pulling you back to reality as she squinted her gaze, rubbing her chin in thought. 

You stood there silently, waiting for a response. For some reason, Charlie was having trouble recalling anything of value at first, muttering this and that. Does she really not know what kind of things her own father liked? How long has it been exactly since they had a proper conversation?

“Apples!” Charlie finally proclaimed, nodding at herself in approval, “My dad loves apples, can’t get enough of them, it’s even on the royal seal.” 

Apples, the only earthly fruit to find itself all the way down in the pits of Hell. Even the harmless produce got the heavenly treatment by the big guys upstairs, and would never be allowed through the pearly gates since The Fall. 

Being born in Hell, you never got to experience life like humanity above, but at least the one good thing was that Heaven didn’t get to enjoy the savory goodness that was the red fruit. 

They seemed to be a cultural treat back on the living plane and came in all kinds of varieties. Pie, cake, chips, juice, alcohol, syrup, cereal? Humans couldn’t get enough of the fruit! Was there even a combination left to create with the crisp, tarty goodness?

Wait… that’s it! 

“Apple tarts!” You blurted excitedly, clapping your hands.

“What?” Charlie asked as you moved forward, taking her hand in glee.

“I’ll make him some apple tarts! I’m sure that’ll improve his mood and be more agreeable to you! I’ve got to get to the kitchen though, see you in an hour!” You spoke quickly as you hurried off, Charlie trailing your figure with wide eyes.

As you slid into the kitchen, your hand immediately dug for your phone, as you quickly pulled up any five-star recipe for the tarted treat. Then, there was frantic mumbling coming from your left, and you lifted your head to see a large figure rummaging through a fridge. The demon’s tail lashed nervously behind him as he stuffed more ingredients into his arms.

“Sir. Pentious?” 

The figure pulled his head out of the fridge in surprise, hitting his head on the way out with a grunt before pivoting to face you. 

“Itssss you!” He breathed out in relief, holding a clawed hand to his chest as he regained composure.

“What are you doing here?”

“Why, I am baking cookies for His Majessssty!” He held out the small pile of items towards you, before slithering to a corner of the kitchen on the opposite side of you, “What about you?”

“Apple tarts! I guess we’ll see who’s he prefers, huh?” You called playfully as you bent down with a grunt to collect utensils and mixing bowls hastily. 

“Ah, yesssss. Nothing like a friendly competition in the heat of the kitchen.” Sir. Pentious chuckled nervously, as he continued to pull ingredients from the cabinets, just as you were doing the same.

You grimaced at the cooking time of the apple tarts, it was going to be very close, but you were set on this delicious goodness and a little apprehension wasn’t going to stop you yet.

As you worked, you heard the remnants of your friends preparing outside of the kitchen, somewhere in the lobby. Heavy footsteps reverberated across the tile as they hurried about, and the sounds of plastic stretching, like balloons being blown up and the soft screeching of tables being moved around followed soon after.

You did your best to ignore the background chatter, as you sat upon your cushioned stool, a knife in your hand as you began to thinly slice a few apples in front of you. The recipe was simple, some apple slices atop the pie crust smothered in honey, cinnamon, and sugar. You weren’t sure what kind of apples they–you assumed it was Alastor who did the shopping–had stored, but hopefully Lucifer would enjoy it nonetheless. 

Thankfully, you already had a few pans of pie crust premade for another recipe, and began to slather the sugary syrup onto the crust, your mouth watering as you arranged the apple crisps on top. Sir. Pentious fussed with an appliance across the room from you, hopefully, the poor guy hadn’t forgotten to preheat the oven while he was prepping.

After throwing the tarts into the oven you set the timer, watching the apples begin to sizzle and shrink slightly against the pounding heat. Taking a large swig of water, you grabbed a small spoon from the counter before sweeping it against the side of a used mixing bowl and turning towards your friend cleaning the dishes.

“Sir. Pentious!” You called, holding out a small spoon towards him. That honeyed goodness oozed slightly from the edge as you presented the snake demon with some of your cooking. He slithered forward, his eyes wide with interest as he stared at the mixture on the spoon, before gingerly taking it from your grip and inspecting it.

The demon didn't hesitate to part his lips and swipe his tongue across the sugary batter, before letting it swirl on his taste buds for a few moments. Slowly, his eyes lit up, and his lips curled into a large, fanged grin. 

“Mmm! It iss deliciousness!” Sir. Pentious melted in front of you, before placing the entire end of the spoon in his mouth and sucking on it like a lollipop. The snake turned, before plucking out a chunk of dough at the bottom of his used mixing bowl. 

“Ssssalmonella free!” He smiled, the doughy ball held out between two long claws extended towards you. Right, he probably doesn’t use eggs in his cooking. Especially so close to the Egg Bois, who worked near the sink to quickly wash the dirty utensils spread about Sir. Pentious’ station. You even noticed one or two running over to your work area, and grabbing used dishes to clean. You would have to thank them for that later.

Reaching out, you gingerly took the cookie dough before placing it between your lips and chewing softly. The flavors hit your tongue, and you perked at the intense, sugary taste of the dessert. Sir. Pentious had taken the classic route and baked some very delicious sugar cookies, and you licked your lips of any remaining dough.

“Very good! Save one for me after the party, hm?” 

“I sssuppose we are an even match, then!” Sir. Pentious declared, sending you a large smile before turning away to watch over his Egg Bois. 

You turned away, your eyes darting up to the clock as it ticked closer and closer to the new hour. Soon, Lucifer Morningstar would be here, and hopefully, your apple tarts would please the most powerful man in Hell. Was he as handsome as the magazines made him out to be? Your eyes had always traveled to his porcelain figure in the supermarkets, that sultry, playful gaze he shot the camera that practically beckoned you with a hot, invisible finger. 

The ethereal radiance he exuded even trapped inside that paper cover already made your cheeks warm and your skin tingle, you couldn’t imagine how you’d feel when he was standing right in front of you. Especially when it came to your recent increase in… passionate perspectives.

You shook yourself, attempting to rid your mind of such thoughts as you groaned into your hands. You sat on your stool, waiting quietly in the dimly lit kitchen for your treats to finish. The lobby had quieted down since you had begun, now more casual discussion along with rustlings of party decor being adjusted and preps of introductions. You paid the others' conversations no mind, deep in thought as you brushed a thumb across your stomach softly.

The timer suddenly rang loudly in your hands, and you jumped from your seat slightly at the noise in your palm. The small, white clock vibrated in your grip, and you rushed to reset the mechanism to end its cry. You looked up at the clock hanging on the wall once more, how long had you just been sitting there thinking about gorgeous men? Lucifer could show up any minute! 

Settling the timer gently atop the marble counter, you slid off the seat and reached for the oven mitts next to the sink. Striding to the oven, you pulled its door open, the rush of hot air hitting your cheeks.

‘Imagine being late to greet the king of Hell,’ you growled to yourself as your eyes snapped to the clock on the wall, the new hour finally arriving, ‘A great first impression, good going.’

The yummy goodness in your grasp sizzled as you pulled the pan from the oven, breathing in the delicious scents deeply before placing the metal dish on the top of the stove. Steam billowed off the golden-brown apple slices, the cinnamon mixture oozing slightly underneath the thin crisps of fruit. 

Hurriedly, you cut into the tart, slicing the pie-like treat into smaller slices before placing them gently onto a separate tray. By the time you threw the remaining dirty dishes in the sink and made your way to the door of the kitchen, you heard those familiar rasps against the hotel’s front door. 

Knock Knock

You halted in your tracks right when Charlie swung open the front door to reveal a handsome, pearlescent figure bursting in to wrap his arms around his daughter. Those platinum blonde locks bounced softly underneath his tall brim hat, as he settled beside his daughter as they chatted. You were unprepared for those soft, yellow eyes that swept across the room with a playful glint in their gaze, or the confident, charming smirk that seemed so natural on the fallen angel’s features. 

That air of superiority radiated from Lucifer’s figure, with every demon in the room aware of the raw power he possessed. Those tantalizing stories of a ruthless and blood-thirsty ruler of Hell who crushed anyone who so much as sent him a heated glance refreshed in everyone’s memories as they smiled widely. The fallen angel hadn’t stayed in such a sought-after position since Hell’s creation for no reason, as only Heaven could match his strength. 

Lucifer made no show of the deadly undertones in his proximity, however, as he strolled farther into the lobby with a relaxed grin as Charlie introduced him to Angel and Sir. Pentious. The king’s looks were only improving every step he took closer towards your spot hiding behind the kitchen door, your breath hitching as you traced his figure from the cracked doorway. The tarts weren’t the only thing in the room making your mouth water anymore.

Should you just stay in here until he goes away? Mail the tarts to him, instead? Surely, meeting you wasn’t that important, and there was always a next time to introduce yourself. Inhaling a sharp breath, you shook your head to ease your nerves and expel those anxious thoughts. You were no coward, and even the prettiest face in Hell wouldn’t stop you from handing Lucifer the bakery sweets.

“I guess that’s why they called it the Has-Been Hotel, eh?” You heard Lucifer laugh from across the room, and you poked your head out from the doorway. 

Eavesdropping into the conversation for a few more moments, you gripped the small tray in your hands tightly as you waited for the perfect time to make your sneaky entrance. Right when his eyes left the place near Husk you were planning on scooching into, you took your chance and hurried across the lobby. 

Everyone’s eyes were on Lucifer and Alastor bickering, and it didn’t seem like anyone noticed as you slipped next to the shorter feline. That was until you felt the side of your stomach connect with the table's edge, and it slid slightly with a sickening screech. You clamped your mouth shut to stop a frustrated curse from leaving your lips as you tensed.

Curious gazes locked onto your figure, and the tray in your hands slowly lowered onto the table as you felt sweat bead down your forehead from the unwanted attention. The plan was to be as low-key as possible when you joined the group, not be thrust into the spotlight! 

Lucifer turned, his gaze landing on your stomach before anything else, and your breath hitched as his eyes lit up with an unreadable gleam. The king traveled up your figure, before resting on your face, and his eyes seemed to widen even more as he stared for a moment.

Gosh, how embarrassing. If he decided to burst out laughing at your clumsiness or make a public spectacle of your interruption, maybe it’s something you deserve—

“Woah!” Lucifer suddenly perked, before leaning backward, squinting his eyes as if he just got hit by a harsh ray of angelic light, “Someone tell Heaven they dropped one of their halos down here….” 

A pair of sunglasses materialized between his fingers as the fallen angel shimmied past Charlie, and you watched with wide eyes as he practically leaped over the table to reach your figure at the other end. 

“Because you are glowing, mama!” The king slid right up next to you, lifting the shades from his face as he waggled his eyebrows with a devilish smirk. Heat crept across your cheeks, and you smiled bashfully at his antics. Lucifer Morningstar was right next to you, and even so, up close you couldn’t find a single imperfection on his features. 

The demons around you blurred as you and Lucifer locked eyes for a few moments longer, the expressions flicking through your gazes enough to cover the silence. Lucifer’s smirk turned into a soft smile as his eyes flicked to your stomach then back to you with an adoring glimmer, his features gentle as he lifted a hand out towards you.

“Please,” you laughed softly, tilting your head away to try and hide the heat that was practically pouring off your face as you slid your fingers into his palm, “That’s just a fairytale, I’d say the truth of my appearance is the opposite right about now.”

The warmth radiating off of Lucifer’s porcelain skin made you want to melt like butter. You felt the ache in your joints subside softly, along with the feeling of bliss from his touch that made goosebumps ripple across your skin. 

“No, seriously,” Lucifer’s grin widened, patting your hand softly, “Even I am envious of your glow, sweetheart. You look great.”

You resisted the urge to scream into your hands like some kind of lovesick teenager at his words. Geez, you barely said a few sentences to this guy and he’s already trying to rizz you up. And it was working! 

“Thank you,” your voice cracked softly, and Lucifer gripped your hand tighter as he lowered himself slightly in a bow.

“Lucifer Morningstar!” He smiled as he met your graze once more, tipping his hat slightly as he spoke, “I’m sure you already know who I am, though, as do most who see my face. The question is, who are you?” 

That soothing warmth on your skin disappeared as Lucifer slowly released your hand and took a step back. You lowered your arm back to your side, silently pining for his soft touch against the fallen angel. 

“Oh, enough about me!” You wave off his question with a large grin, attempting to change the conversation, “You’re the special man we’re all gathered here for today!” 

Averting your gaze, you reach down towards a slice of apple tart on the tray nearby. The dessert is still slightly hot, and the heat that greets your skin followed by an itch of pain helps keep your focus in front of such a tasty snack. You were not talking about the tart.

Lucifer looks at it for a few moments, steam still slightly wafting from the golden-brown crisps of apples as you hold it towards him. The scents of cinnamon and honey hit the fallen angel’s nostrils, and he licked his lips subconsciously, eyes still locked onto your hand.

“What is this?” He quirked a brow, gaze flicking to the warm smile on your lips then back to the dessert.

“An apple tart,” you reply, your arm stretching farther towards him, “I heard a rumor that our ruler fancied red fruits, so I thought I’d welcome him with a snack.” 

Slowly, Lucifer lifted a hand and took the tart from your grasp. He turned it in his hands for a moment, before lifting it to his lips and taking a deep breath. The fallen angel sent you one last unreadable look before he placed the tart into his mouth. 

You licked at the crumbs on your fingers, savoring the little bit of flavor you received. Indulging yourself in food in front of the guy you were currently ogling over wasn’t on the top of your to-do list. You’d stick to satisfying your cravings in the privacy of your room. 

Lucifer chewed for a few moments, before he squinted in thought. He swallowed slowly, and then his eyes lit up with a surprised, but joyful, gleam. A smile bloomed across his lips as he reached over next to you to grab another of the pie-like treats.

“Okay, wow. I’m impressed. I might hire you as my personal baker from now on,” another tart was consumed by the king, as he licked hungrily at the cinnamon mixture that was dribbling down his chin. 

He seemed to be really enjoying them, which made you giddy inside. One, because Lucifer was enjoying your food, and two, because that would mean he was in a good enough mood for Charlie to convince him to get an audience with Heaven. 

“Dad,” Charlie finally broke the conversation between the two of you, before settling at your side. She put a gentle hand on your shoulder as she continued to speak, “This lovely lady was having a rough time with her living situation, so I offered her a place to stay while she was still expecting. She’s been a great addition to our little Hazbin family. Now, she’s taking it easy until the baby comes.” 

“That’s a good idea,” Lucifer nodded in agreement through the apple tart he was stuffing his face with. 

“I’m not completely useless,” you quickly interjected, clasping your hands together, “I help out around the hotel in any way I can, or however Alastor can use my assistance.”

“Right…” Lucifer shot Alastor, who was watching the three of you with interest a few feet away, a sharp glare as he spoke, “Your… manager over there isn’t pushing you too hard, is he?”

What was that? It sounded like Lucifer had held in a growl when he asked that, you could feel the reverberations from his throat underneath his tone. 

“Alastor has been nothing but kind to me, everyone here has. His Majesty is too kind to care for me like this. Don’t worry, I haven’t done anything that could affect me or the baby.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Lucifer said, as picked up the last tart from the tray.

The king’s gaze rested on you as you looked at the tart longingly, your stomach growling softly as you imagined the treat between your teeth. You had eaten breakfast, had a snack before Lucifer’s arrival, and had some cookie dough from Sir. Pentious, yet you were still hungry? Where was your self-respect in front of the most important figure in the realm?

Lucifer must have noticed your hungry gaze, as he split the tart apart and handed a small piece towards you. You stared at it for a moment, before shaking your head and gesturing silently for him to eat it while you heard Charlie conversing quickly with Vaggie nearby. 

The king didn’t let you refuse, when he squinted his eyes at you with a stern look and pushed the tart closer to your face, to where it was almost grazing your lips. 

With a sigh, you send him a warm smile in thanks and reach for the tart. It crumbled slightly in your hand and you quickly shoved the whole thing into your mouth, lifting a hand to shield your immodesty as you chewed softly. 

Fuck, that tasted so good. Your time in the kitchen has improved your skill as you happily continued chewing down the dessert, a content smile on your lips as you stood next to Lucifer.

“Just make sure not to let that creep over there make you do anything you don’t want to do,” Lucifer held a hand up to hide his mouth from the onlookers, shielding the quiet words that left his lips, “If you ever need me to smite him…” 

“Dad!” Charlie gasped, shooting her father a stern glare. 

“A joke, a joke,” Lucifer chuckled, elbowing his daughter softly in the side before turning away from you. 

It was then that the chandelier above everyone’s heads swayed dangerously, the rusting bolts loosening slowly from their hold against the thick plaster. You heard a soft creaking sound before your head shot up just as the bolts dislodged from their place and the large light fixture came crashing down.

It landed a few feet away from you, as glass shattered and splayed across the floor. You jumped in surprise, your hand automatically coming up to shield your stomach and Lucifer’s head snapped towards you in concern. You hadn’t been hurt, but his eyes still traced your figure for any injuries before he gave the chandelier a stink eye.

“Alright then,” Lucifer chuckled, and you watched with wide eyes as he slid from your side the floor beneath your feet shifted as he began to… sing? You backed away to the edge of the wall just as the fallen angel began to address his daughter, showcasing his magical talent as different objects poofed in and out of existence.

You had watched with wide, awe-struck eyes during the sudden musical number, your thoughts still on Lucifer's warm, gentle touch and his praise only moments before. Why was he so kind and out of the gate, was it because of your pregnancy? 

Did the king of Hell have a soft spot for babies, or did he take pity on your exhausted, worn figure? Even baking was becoming a chore, and standing on your feet for so long was beginning to wear down on you. Thankfully, the attention was finally off you now that Lucifer and Alastor were practically at each other's throats again. 

Did it matter what Lucifer thought of you? His attention alone made your thighs ache, and staring into those pretty eyes for too long made your lips dry and cracked and needed someone to wet them with their own.

Jesus, get it together! You just met the man, stop being such a weirdo! 

When you finally were pulled back into reality, blinking away the stars of hot emotions that were dancing on the edge of your vision, the music had ended and a strange, short woman had burst through the front doors of the hotel.

Mimzy, that was her name, and apparently a friend of Alastor’s back from their living days on Earth. You didn’t know Alastor had friends outside of the hotel, let alone friendly enough to embrace the woman. Even with all those nasty rumors about the red demon, Mimzy only looked at him with a playful glimmer in her eyes as she turned to get a look at the rest of the group. 

When she approached you with giddy steps and batted eyelashes as she grinned at your figure relaxing on the bar stool across the room. 

"Aw, suga, that baby bump of yours is just precious! I’ve neva’ seen one so adorable before! Who’s the lucky man?” Her eyes quickly scanned across the room, as if your baby daddy was hiding somewhere among the few pieces of furniture inside the large room. 

“Not here,” you replied with a sigh, “Never will be, unfortunately. He and I had some… disagreements a while ago. I haven’t seen him in months.”

Lucifer watched you carefully, drinking in your words with an unreadable expression from a distance before Charlie dragged him away to continue the tour around the hotel. 

"Aw, darlin', that's a tough break. But forget that fella! You're better off without him, sweetheart. Plenty of strong mamas out there held their own just fine. Down here in Hell, it's rough, but you don't need no man to look after you! Keep on keepin' on, hun."

You averted Mimzy’s gaze at her words with a bashful smile. Doubt had always itched at the back of your scalp, doubts of whether you were doing everything right and when you had the baby if you could be okay on your own. Now, you felt a surge of renewed confidence in how good of a mother you could be. The strange woman was right of course, you didn’t need a man to have a stable life. 

But, you still yearned for someone to caress you softly late at night, or whisper sweet words of adoration and care when you desperately needed it most. A man to kiss and cherish for the rest of your life, and someone who would love your baby as their own. 

Mimzy was loud and obnoxious as you sat next to her at the bar, but you assumed that’s what she did for a living, drawing people in with her charm to stay for drinks and watch her dance. Her job was to wow the crowd enough for them to give her and her flapping sisters big tips and lots of company.

She wasn’t too bad of a story-teller either, and as you and a few others listened to her story of Alastor’s interactions with previous overlords, you caught the way Husk growled when he spoke to her and how he’d shoot her icy glares whenever nearby. As if she was a rattlesnake ready to bring trouble, and only he could hear the warnings from her tail. 

You understood the suspicion the feline bartender was holding towards Mimzy when a large hole suddenly blew through the wall opposite from the bar, and harsh, angry voices snarled the flapper’s name. 

Adrenaline shot through your veins as you jumped from the bar stool, your first thought instantly going towards your baby. That maternal, animalistic urge to protect your child’s wellbeing at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing some of your own.

As your friends rushed around the room in a panic, and Alastor met the murderous loan sharks head-on outside, you locked eyes with Mimzy cowering underneath one of the bar stools. 

“I’m sorry, I just needed to get them off my back!” She grimaced as another explosion rocked the lobby, and you stumbled backward as debris from the ceiling fell across your shoulders. 

Your head snapped across the room, and you saw Alastor’s large demonic figure taking the brunt of the loan shark’s attacks. Tentacles whipped around him as they smashed a few snarling demons into a pulp against the ground. The thug’s aims weren’t very accurate, and some grenades bounced right past the giant demon’s figure and straight toward the hotel. 

Luckily, nothing had reached the inside of the building yet, but you weren’t going to take any chance as you turned on your heel towards the closed door of the kitchen. It was on the farthest side of the lobby and provided a large catalog of items you could use for self-defense.

If the time came when you had to cheese-grater a man across the face or make a kabob out of his eye, you had the tools to do so. 

As you moved, you turned your head to scan for the others still in the room. Sir. Pentious was slithering to cover behind a couch, Niffty tight in his hold as she lowered his head out of sight. Husk was somewhere behind the bar no doubt, and Angel Dust was poking his head out behind the large gap in the wall, cheering on Alastor’s bloodlust. 

Lucifer, Charlie, and Vaggie were still unaccounted for, most likely somewhere on the opposite side of the hotel by now. There wasn’t a doubt that the three of them heard all the chaos, but would they get here fast enough to lend a hand? Alastor was powerful, but he couldn’t be in two places at once if one or two thugs decided to take the fight inside. 

Right now seemed to be a really nice time to put that pure angelic power to good use!

Your ears rang loudly, heart pounding, right as you reached the kitchen door. You wrapped your fingers around the handle and pulled on it harshly. Except, the door didn’t budge. Again, you pulled on the handle, grunting with effort right as the floor shook beneath you. Your side harshly hit the door as you stumbled forward, before inhaling a sharp breath. 

You were stuck, the door behind you locked tight. 

Had the door locked from the inside when you had left earlier? You didn’t remember closing it, but perhaps the musical shenanigans from before blew a strong enough gust of wind to shut it tight. 

Your eyes darted across the room, looking for any other place to run that could give you even an ounce of protection. Unfortunately, you weren’t flexible nor small enough to actually fit inside or behind anything for cover at the moment, which limited your options. 

A loan shark cried out for help right outside the gap in the wall, a tentacle wrapped around his meaty legs as he harshly yanked him backward. The demon’s high-pitched scream faded as he was flung over the black gates and off into the distance.

Your gaze lowered, catching sight of a grenade from one of the few remaining thugs bouncing right off Alastor’s back, and colliding with a large boom against the hotel’s roof. The ceiling shook, pieces of plaster falling from the sky as you ducked to try to avoid them. Angel Dust dove behind the bar, beckoning you from across the room to join him and Husk as they lay low against the tile. 

Did they think you could actually run across the room before another explosion hit the hotel?

You didn’t have a chance to join them anyway, as a large support beam above your head shook violently, before the wall crumbled around the long, wooden post and it began to dislodge from its fasteners. 

Before one could blink, the beam began to fall from its place against the ceiling, its trajectory aimed right on top of you. Angel gasped and placed a pair of hands on his face, shielding his eyes from your doom. Husk only stared in horror, mouth agape as the large object descended upon you.

Backing against the kitchen door, you shielded your head and curled your legs against your stomach. 

‘This is it, I'm a goner,’ you thought as you squeezed your eyes shut tightly, waiting for the blow. 

Except, it never came. Nothing happened, actually. The deafening sounds of chaos and war around you faded slightly, as if you placed a pair of headphones over your head. You didn’t feel the sting of pain, or the sound of the large beam crashing to the floor. 

You were still alive, that was for sure with how hard your heart pounded against your chest. 

Slowly, you lifted your head and cracked an eye open, a golden light blinding you for a moment as your pupils adjusted to the ethereal glow. A dome of energy crackled around you, casting a mesmerizing golden hue across your figure. The thick walls of energy around you aren’t completely opaque, and you can see the lobby in shambles, but your little area under the bowl is completely intact. 

Taking a deep breath, you relax slightly and slowly stand from the door, the sounds of chaos still audible as you hear another explosion and screaming thugs.

“Look, Charlie,” Lucifer’s chastising voice rose above the chaos, his head turning from you to his daughter as another support beam crashed beside them, “What did I tell you? This is what happens when you invite people in and be kind to them… nothing but trouble! You should still stick to helping people that actually need it.”

Your head turned, watching Lucifer lean lazily against his cane as Charlie scrambled around the room trying to help the others. His back was turned to you, but seeing you were sealed in a practically indestructible barrier while he continued to yap, your safety was guaranteed now.

Finally, Alastor swallowed up the last of the thugs, the large demon licked his blood-stained chops before slowly shrinking back into his original form. Dust still swirled around the lobby, but the explosions had ceased, and anything that was in danger of falling had already done so. 

The dome of energy surrounding you flickered out of existence, any trace of its magical essence vanishing as you took a tentative step forward. The intensity of the light made your head ache, and you rubbed your temple with a groan. 

“Are you okay?” Lucifer asked softly, coming up to stand beside you, his fingers wrapped around your arm tight as you steadied yourself.

“Yes, just a little dizzy, I’m fine now,” you turned to stare at the fallen angel with an assuring smile, right as his eyes scanned across your face, only for his brows to furrow at the sight.

“Wait, you’re bleeding,” Lucifer tensed, before his cane dropped beside him and his fingers slid down to your wrist, and he turned your hand over palm-up. On your index finger was a small cut, which oozed with a thin trail of black blood, before dripping onto the carpet below. 

Lucifer dug into a pocket inside his white overcoat, before pulling out a hand-embroidered handkerchief. He reached up to your forehead, gently brushing the fabric against your skin to clean it.

You must have smeared some blood on your face when you had previously rubbed it, that’s why he was so worried. There was no pain from the wound, and you had no idea where it had even come from.

“It’s just a scratch,” you assured, not pulling away from Lucifer’s hold on your hand as he dabbed softly at your forehead. 

That warmth bloomed from his touch again, sending a shiver up your spine and your eyes to droop placidly. It’d be a lie if you said you weren’t exhausted from everything that had happened today, and that energy he exuded only feeding the urge to cozy up on the sofa a few feet away.

“Better safe than sorry” he retorted, worry dripping from his voice as he tore off a clean piece of his handkerchief, wrapping it around your finger before tying it taut against your skin. His fingers still lingered against your palm, as the two of you stood there around the demons trying to pick up the place a little.

“I’m guessing you’re the one that put that barrier around me, hm?” You asked with a soft smile. 

“Well, I didn’t expect to walk into the room with you about to be impaled by a giant wooden stake. It was pretty crazy for a moment there… is the baby okay?” 

The fact he was also worried about your child made you gush silently, swooning harder for the fallen angel than before. 

“Fine,” you nodded, reaching a free hand to gently caress your bump, “I felt them moving a bit when you came over.”

The baby had been quite active recently. Doing backflips, karate kicks, and whatever else there was for entertainment inside your womb. Earlier, when you were baking, you took a painful jab to the side by the little one, and that wasn’t the first time today.

It was then that you felt it, a kick against your inner walls, causing you to jerk slightly from the surprise of it. Lucifer jumped from your reaction, and you sent him a large grin with wide eyes as you curled your fingers around his hand. 

“They’re moving right now, even!” You perked, gently tugging his arm towards you with giddiness. Nobody has ever felt your baby kick before, a privilege usually reserved for parents or the child’s father. You had neither of those now, so if it meant showing a stranger the same feelings of softness you experienced? So be it.

Lucifer tensed, frozen in silence from your bold actions as you placed his hand against the fabric of your outfit. You still for a few seconds, the fallen angel’s warmth on your stomach welcoming as you waited for the baby to move again. 

Luckily, they did, right against the king’s hand against your bump. He hitched a breath as soon as he felt the sensation of your little one’s movements, his eyes widening with fondness.

You smiled widely, your bump growing ticklish at the feeling of your child’s restlessness. Then, you felt something odd going on against your abdomen, and you lowered your head with wide eyes as the tip of Lucifer’s finger began to glow. A soft, golden light that sizzled at your fabric, before it seemed to seep underneath and into your skin.

It felt like someone was pouring caffeine directly into your bloodstream, the exhaustion dissipating from your mind in an instant and your heartbeat quickening. The painful throbbing in your ankles subsided, and you felt renewed energy even deep in your bones. 

The light seemed to grow across your bump, and the strange magic that was flooding your senses suddenly had your mind racing. Could it be hurting your child? 

“What are you doing?” You asked quietly, taking a nervous step backward away from his touch.

“What..? Oh!” Lucifer’s hand retracted to his side in an instant, his lips curving into an apologetic smile as he averted his gaze. He seemed nervous all of a sudden, eyes darting across the room before they landed on Charlie brushing dust off of Vaggie’s hair across the room. 

“My apologies, have a wonderful rest of your night,” The king of Hell tipped his hat to you, refusing to meet your gaze as he backpedaled and pivoted sharply away from you, and began strolling towards his daughter who turned to him with a frown. 

Your stomach twisted at his sudden exit, regret bubbling in you. Did your question come off as too confrontational? Lucifer didn’t exactly ask for your permission to do… whatever he did, so it wasn’t wrong to react the way you had. 

Watching Lucifer leave for a few moments, you sighed softly, hands rubbing together in a soothing motion. Looking around the room, you searched for something to busy yourself with as your mind continued to race. 

That was the last time you had spoken to Lucifer for the rest of the night, his sudden departure after reconciling with Charlie leaving you to stew silently with your thoughts. 

Would you meet the king again? You desperately hoped so.

Your thoughts stayed on Lucifer even after you awoke the next morning, and the morning after that. Thoughts of his gentle touch, his strange behavior, and the way his magic had filled you with such strength. 

You felt renewed vigor after that sweet encounter with the king. It was like getting shot with a dose of ibuprofen and adrenaline all at once. The soreness in your ankles subsided, the strain on your back lessened, and you felt, dare you say… lighter on your feet?

Was that what angelic magic was capable of? Lucifer’s touch felt like nothing you had ever experienced before, at least compared to some of the other demons in the hotel.

Alastor’s magic was freezing to the touch, and whenever he was visibly displaying his power in the vicinity, you began to notice how your breath fell from your lips like fog. The Radio Demon’s aura played with your fight or flight instincts, putting you on the edge whenever his smile sharpened, those spots in your vision filled with strange symbols as he shot predatory eyes towards enemies of the hotel. 

Fear was the driving force behind Alastor’s power, the elixir to spur that blood-lust in his veins. A similar feeling itched at the back of your scalp anytime Angel Dust returned from Valentino’s studio, the stench of an emotionally driven display of dominance that always led to someone curling against the cold, hard floor in anguish. While you held no reservations for the pleasant-speaking, red demon, you still regarded him with caution at the amount of trouble he could bring into your life at any moment. 

Charlie had a lot of potential for being half-angel, the same magical essence that flowed through Heaven also flowed through her veins, mixed with the demonic presence imbued into her parents when they fell. It made you feel uneasy, being surrounded by such powerful forces with a child on the way.

Except, Lucifer’s aura was much different. It made you feel… grounded, and safe, like you could conquer the world. A boost of confidence with a hint of child-like giddiness that made a soft smile grace your lips the entire rest of the day.

That soft, golden magic that spread across your skin made warmth bloom through your body and sent pleasurable tingles up your spine. It eased the strain in your muscles and settled your nerves like a refreshing sip of red wine after a long day, making you dizzy for more. Even though you were the one to pull away first, that desire to get closer to Lucifer again didn't fade the rest of his visit. Which only made you frustrated at your own chaotic emotions.

Growling, you inspected your appearance in the bathroom mirror, steam coiling around your face as the plush fabric of the towel soothed your soaked, heated skin as it dried the water dripping from your figure. 

Curse these pregnancy hormones, for making you think such disrespectful thoughts! He was the king of Hell, not some pretty dilf with a thing for babies that made heat creep across your cheeks–and in between your thighs–without a second thought.

“I blame you for this,” you shot a glare down to your bump, before exiting the bathroom with a huff and reaching your dresser.

You began to change in an outfit for the day, which was taking much longer than usual now that your stomach was growing rounder by the day. It was obvious you were close to your due date, and that filled you with joy and anxiety.

Joy, to be finally holding your baby into your arms and letting them snuggle against your warm chest. Communicating through soft lullabies and whispers with the only response being kicked to your bladder wasn’t exactly the thrills of your pregnancy. When you finally had the little bean in your life, you’d do everything you could to spoil them rotten. 

Your baby wasn’t exactly a ‘little bean’ anymore, but until you settled on a name, that was what you would continue to call them. 

Thoughts about your baby always made your anxiety spike, thinking about what you would have to do to bring your child into the world. Labor wasn’t pretty in any realm, and the exhaustion and pain that would come with it wasn’t something you liked to think about too often. 

What would happen if something went horribly wrong? Who… who would take care of your child? 

You only sighed as you finished dressing, slipping on comfortable footwear as you crossed your room towards the hallway door. The trek from your room to the lobby had become quite a strenuous one, since you slept across the hotel from everyone else. 

When you had first arrived, you still dealt with the occasional twisted stomach, especially after your nose began to identify once delicious smells as revolting to the point you were gagging just smelling a once beloved candle. 

At your request, Alastor had found you a room with a small balcony that faced away from the city. It was the cleanest air, and smelled the least sulfury as that side of the hotel was hit with large drafts of fresh—or whatever was close enough in a place like Hell—air that you welcomed on days where you felt like emptying your last meal constantly.

Now, the long walk was killing your ankles, and the staircase conveniently placed between you and the lobby made your path even longer when you had to slowly waddle down the stairs. You haven’t come close to slipping yet, but seeing as you couldn’t see your feet any longer, it would surely happen eventually. 

As the door to your room shut softly behind you, the plush carpet beneath your feet felt refreshing to your swollen appendages as you began strolling down the hallway. Yawning, you rubbed the remaining sleep from your eyes as you closed in on the staircase. Since waking up, an exhaustion deep in your bones had been plaguing you. Today, the only thing on the to-do list was to watch the newest episodes of ‘Hell’s Greatest Bachelor’ and sleep.

“What are you doing up there?” A familiar voice called from the bottom of the staircase, sending you a stern stare as he leaned against his cane.

You stopped, one foot hovering just above the first step as your head shot up and eyes widened as Lucifer stared at you with furrowed brows. What was he doing here? When did he get here, and why did you choose today to wear something comfy and casual? 

Was he still upset about what happened last time?

“My King? W-what are you doing here?” 

“I believe I asked you first. What are you doing all the way up on those steps?” 

“Does His Majesty now quarrel with the stairs?” You teased, trying to contain a playful smile. Whenever you were in the fallen angel’s presence, you almost caught your lips curving into a goofy grin that was paired with heated cheeks.

It seemed Lucifer was in much better spirits today, his demeanor more playful than stern, and you sighed softly with relief. 

“No!” The king huffed, before placing his black-heeled boots onto the plush, red carpet of the staircase and slowly made his way up to you, “What I quarrel with is someone trying to kill themselves! Do you know how dangerous this kinda thing is in your condition?”

There’s that word again, ‘Condition’. As if it is some illness that has befallen you and taken the use of your legs and critical thinking skills. Maybe it was just your emotions getting the best of you, but you really hated that word. 

“I asked Alastor to put me over here, these windows have the best airflow” you shrugged, taking another step down the staircase which Lucifer only grimaced at.

“Stop moving, let me get to you,” Lucifer growled softly, watching you with unease before leaping up the final steps to your waiting figure.

He halted at a step just above you, and for the first time, you had to look up to meet the king’s gaze.

“I’m pregnant,” you squinted slightly, sending Lucifer a small glare as you frowned, “Not handicapped.”

“I know, I know…” Lucifer lifted an elbow to you, a gentle beckon for you to take his arm as he spoke, “But it’s always good to be a little extra careful! It’s not like I'm bothered doing this kind of thing for you, anyway.”

“You’re the king,” you take his gesture, sliding your arm around his as you lock elbows, warmth radiates from his touch and you relax slightly, “It’s demons like me who should be waiting on you like this.”

“I’m Lucifer Morningstar,” he puffed his chest slightly, quirking a playful brow at you, “I don’t need anyone to wait on me, because I can do it all with a snap of a finger.”

You rolled your eyes with a smile as he guided you down the stairs, silence following his proclamation. It was quite a long staircase and stole your breath most times you tried to climb it. Hopefully, this daily exercise would mean your next match with the cracked concrete path down the hill outside would be in your favor.

Lucifer’s hold on you was gentle but firm, as he used his other hand to softly tap his cane against each step. It was rhythmic, with purpose, and you thought in the silence of the large room you could hear him humming a soft tune, as he stared off in the distance.

“What are you singing?”

“I was singing something?” Lucifer perked, before he sent you an apologetic smile. 

“I don’t mind it,” you replied with a soft smile, turning your head to meet his gaze, “Your voice is very… pretty.” 

His eyes widened, face flushing slightly at the words that left your lips, which also caught you in surprise. Sure, you had gushed about his voice for the past three days, but you didn’t expect to be so blunt about it. Especially, when it was to the adult crush’s face!

“You think so?” 

“Yes,” you batted your lashes at him, hold tightening around his arm as you continued down the steps, “You have a very velvety, soft voice, even when you’re humming. Like a lullaby, something I'd sing to my baby before bed.”

You felt Lucifer puff his chest slightly, his posture straightening beside you and you could only smile in delight. It was obvious Lucifer liked your compliments, and you had no problem reminding him of how gorgeous he was.

You imagined that the fallen angel was carved from the smoothest marble with the most precise hands, a perfect sculpture of a man that humans could only envy. 

“I used to do the same for Charlie,” Lucifer replied after a few moments, a content smile on his lips as if he was replaying the memories with fondness, “I like to think she got her musical talent from all the nights I sang her to sleep.”

“That’s so funny, Charlie seems like she was a wild baby,” you laughed softly as the two of you continued walking down the steps, halfway there now. Envy itched at the back of your scalp as you imagined what it would be like to have someone else doting over you and your baby like that.

“She was,” Lucifer gushed, just as your feet hit the hallway flooring of the hallway. The happiness Lucifer displayed talking about his daughter only made your heart swell. 

If your ex had stayed around, would he have shown the same care Lucifer had in the short amount of time since you had met him? Probably not. At least you had done the right thing and dropped him the moment he chose his dick over a family, there were no regrets anymore about your past actions regarding that asshole of a demon.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for helping me with that difficult task,” You slowly began to slip your arm out of Lucifer’s hold, and he hesitated slightly, but released his hold after a moment, “Now I believe it's your turn to tell me what you’re doing here so soon.”

“I felt I’d come in person to tell Charlie about the meeting with Heaven. I got in contact with them and arranged a date for her. I just wanted to run through some rules she should keep in mind when she’s up there,” Lucifer replied. 

You titled your head, smiling softly at his worried expression. His daughter is going someplace potentially dangerous where he couldn’t protect her, and that obviously made him uneasy. You’d feel the same if it was your child, the thought causing your hand to lift and brush a gentle thumb underneath your bump.

“Also, to apologize again,” Lucifer deflated slightly, rotating the apple-tipped cane between his fingers, “I overstepped my boundaries the last time we interacted, it was rude of me and I won't let it happen again.”

“Are you talking about that magic stuff you did to me?” You asked, tilting your head with a quirked brow.

“Yes… I didn’t realize I was doing it until you reacted. It’s just kind of an instinct for me, blessing babies. I mean–well, I can’t bless anymore, but it's still the same kind of magic. I understand if it made you uncomfortable and everything…”

“I liked it.”

“You did?” Lucifer asked in disbelief, his cane freezing in his grip as he stared at you.

“Yes! I was just taken aback is all, I’m sorry. Whatever you did, it felt very invigorating, like I could climb a mountain!” you nodded your head vigorously, eyes sparkling as you sent Lucifer a playful smile.

“Oh… well, I’m glad I could be of use to you,” he averted his gaze with a bashful grin, adjusting his long collar with flustered fingers.

“Would you do it again?” You asked with a raised brow, puckering your lips slightly as you batted your lashes towards Lucifer. Whatever he did felt like some kind of drug you craved, boosting your mood and energy like nothing ever has. 

“Uh huh…” Lucifer’s gaze drifted to your lips momentarily, before you unpuckered them and they curved into a pleased grin.

“Great! Here, you can even touch my bump again, if that makes things easier,” you beamed, lacing your fingers with Lucifer’sm who tensed at your bold touch. Gently, you pulled his arm towards the underside of your bump, lifting the fabric slightly so his finger could softly graze against soft skin.

Lucifer was deathly still, his hand obediently limp in your hold as you adjusted closer to the baby’s position. They had been very active this morning, playing patty cake with your bladder and parkouring against the walls of your womb. Even now, you could feel a slight nudging against the side of your stomach, and you pressed Lucifer’s hand gently into your skin. 

“...There! Can you feel it?”

Right on cue, your baby roughly nudged you, your skin shifting slightly against their jab, and Lucifer’s hand tensed at the feeling. That soft smile of his widened, that glimmer of adoration returning to his gaze as his index finger extended, a soft golden glow emanating from the skin Lucifer’s hand was softly pressed against.

Just like last time, a soothing burst of energy flowed through your limbs. The ache in your feet ebbed, that weight in your back lessening, along with the similar sensation of experiencing a sugar rush. The urge to do a few laps around the hotel, if that was even possible at this point.

And then, something strange happened. Something… different from the last time. You felt pulsing against your skin where Lucifer's fingers lay. 

Ba-dump, Ba-dump. Fast and rhythmic, beating with life. As your skin seemed to glow with the angelic light, the noise only got louder as it echoed around the room. Your fingers still wrapped delicately around Lucifer’s hand tightened slightly, as the pulsing grew stronger.

“Can you hear that?” Lucifer whispered softly, his thumb brushing softly against your skin as he met your gaze.

“Is that…?”

“Their heartbeat,” he replied with a smile, “It sounds very strong, too. A perfect, healthy baby.” 

Tears pricked at your eyes as you listened for a few more moments, the sounds of your child’s beating heart like music to your ears. 

After a few more moments, Lucifer slowly slid his hand out of your grip and away from your stomach. With his touch went the warmth and that magical, golden glow. The room fell silent again, that musical rhythm fading with the light. 

You wiped your eyes with a free hand, holding in a sniffle as you smoothed the fabric of your outfit back into place with the other.

“Better?” 

“Very much,” you nodded, your posture straightening that made relief bloom down your aching spine, “Enough to go for a walk outside, even!” 

“Alone?” 

“Well, who else?” You quirked a brow, turning towards the long hallway on the other end of the room, one hand resting on your bump as you walked, “Angel is working, Sir. Pentious sleeps until noon, and Charlie and Vaggie always spend their mornings together. Unless you are suggesting that I ask Alastor, who actually might be around here somewher—“

“—It's almost like, ” Lucifer slid up right beside you, arm softly brushing against yours as he sent you a charming grin, keeping pace with your slight amble, “There is a demon very close by that is perfectly capable of lending assistance. One that has done a fantastic job so far providing both protection and entertainment, don’t you agree?

“Doesn’t this demon have plans with his daughter this fine morning?”

“Apparently his daughter has plans with someone else, and I’d hate to interrupt the two lovebirds doing whatever it is that young kids do these days.”

“And you’d rather spend your free time with me?” You questioned with a soft, disbelieving laugh. Why would someone that could go anywhere he pleased and do anything he wanted, spend time with a random demon from the streets like you? 

“If the lady allows me,” Lucifer hummed with a grin.

What was so bad about letting him join you? It was only a quick walk, and you didn’t mind his company one bit. He was the king of Hell anyway, he could join you even without your consent. He was giving you a choice in the matter, and that just proved his character was more than that egotistical, powerful grin he displayed to his people on the covers of magazines. 

“His Majesty may join my stroll if he wishes,” you grinned, sending him a playful glance as the hallway opened up slightly as you neared the front of the building.

Lucifer seemed to have a little more pep in his step the rest of the way to the lobby, which was unusually empty as the two of you passed through the large room towards the front entrance. The fallen angel slid right past you to reach the doors first, before he opened one wide for you with a courteous tip of his hat as you passed by. 

“What a gentleman,” you teased with a giggle, patting him softly on the shoulder as you passed by, before stepping into the morning light. Basked in light red hues, you stepped onto the grass.

“There’s a dirt path that goes around the building, just a lap is all I needed to burn some energy.” You turned to him with a smile.

Before you even got to take a step in that direction, your stomach rumbled loudly, and Lucifer’s head snapped in your direction, before he quirked a brow at your averted gaze.

“Have you eaten anything today?” 

“No, it's still early. I get sick if I eat right away in the morning, ” you explained. Another addition to the list of pregnancy symptoms that liked to torment you. 

“Something light, at least,” Lucifer suggested, his eyes landing on a rickety old picnic table before turning to you with a pleading look. 

You don’t argue with the fallen angel, instead brushing past him to take a seat on one of the benches. With all the extra weight in your middle, sitting was also becoming a nuance, and the muscles in your legs were probably twice the size now with all the exercising you were doing lately.

“What’s on the menu today?” Lucifer asked from the other side of the table, rubbing his hands with a playful smile as he removed his hat and coat to lay gently beside him. 

After a few moments of thought, you indulged him on your latest food fix. 

“The lady is as cultured as ever,” the king responded with a grin, before snapping his fingers and lifting his hand palm-up to catch a plate of your desire and lowering it gently onto the table, before catching a tall glass of water in the other.

Digging into your gourmet breakfast, Lucifer watched you with a small smile, pleased that you were eating something at least. His thoughts pulled him away for a few moments as you hungrily devoured the food on the table. 

You both sat there in comfortable silence, drinking in the morning peace.

“What are your plans after you have the baby?” Lucifer finally spoke, his chin resting against his knuckles as he stared at you softly. The gentle breeze tousled his silky blonde strands, as you took a sip from your glass. 

“Probably find somewhere deeper in the city, where the jobs are. I’m sure there’s somewhere hiring that will take my skills. Maybe I’ll actually become a baker this time.”

“You don’t plan on staying?”

“I don’t want to be a bother,” you shook your head, pausing to take another large sip of your water, “Charlie’s already been accommodating enough, I can’t ask for more”

“Did he think you were a bother?” Lucifer suddenly blurted.

He? 

“Who?” 

“You’re… previous partner,” he slowly replied, stepping carefully to the subject of your ex-boyfriend. Someone who you had desperately tried to forget these past few months, to no avail. 

You blinked, tilting your head. Had Lucifer heard your conversation with Mimzy from when you first met? Had he been letting whatever thoughts stew until it drove him mad enough to ask you about it now? 

“I think he was more bothered by the fact he was going to be a father, than just me,” you laughed dryly, tracing the thin lines in the wood absently as you further exposed the shortcomings in your life.

Lucifer clenched his fist, pupils narrowing in irritation at your words. A soft growl resonated from his throat, and you lifted your head in concern at his emotional display.

“I’m sorry,” he shrunk slightly under your questioning star, averting his gaze to control his outburst. “It’s just hard to believe that anyone would treat someone like you with such disregard.” 

Your mouth parted slightly, but no words left your lips as you processed his statement, heart fluttering at his reaction. Guilt and regret crossed his features for bringing up the topic, as if you were a ticking time bomb ready to explode at the mention of your old lover.

Was Lucifer angry for you?

You found yourself overwhelmed by Lucifer's unexpected display of protectiveness and concern. His reaction stirred a mixture of emotions within you, ranging from surprise to gratitude. It was as though a veil had been lifted, revealing a side of him you only glimpsed before—a side that cared deeply about your well-being. 

“Lucifer I—“

“Let’s not dwell on the past,” the fallen angel interrupted you, rising from the bench suddenly as the empty dishes around you vanished with a burst of red smoke. 

He slipped on his overcoat and hat, before moving around the table to stand by your side. You looked up at him with a questioning stare once more.

“Shall we continue?” Lucifer asked softly, before lifting an elbow offering it to you.

You frowned at his change in the conversation, before lowering your gaze to his arm and slowly reaching up to grasp it with a small smile. Fine, you’d drop his sudden interest in your past and future.

Using his angelic strength, Lucifer helped you rise from your seat, a show of support you accepted gratefully. You locked elbows with him again, before turning towards the dirt pathway that wrapped around the hotel. 

For now, you’d let him dote on you without fuss. One day, though, you’d figure out what made the fallen angel so interested in you.

After that, Lucifer came to visit the hotel more often, which also meant paying a visit on your end too. It always started with a soft knock on your door, before he greeted you with that charming grin that instantly sent butterflies fluttering inside your stomach.

Then, he’d pull out an item from the inside of his coat, lifting it towards you like an offering. Usually, it was food that the fallen angel had noticed you taking a liking to. He’d lift a diverse array of mouth-watering goodies to your face, his lips curving into a knowing smirk as you hungrily accepted them.

Your cravings seemed to change by the week, so the poor guy began keeping a list of them all on the door of his fridge as a daily reminder of what could win your heart. Cravings weren’t the only things he kept an eye on, every interest you spoke of during those long conversations were memorized. 

As time went on, the gifts he offered you grew bigger, and so did your reactions to seeing them.

One day, Lucifer had walked you back to the staircase in an odd silence. He had never been so quiet before, and his demeanor was more anxious than usual. You didn’t have time to ponder that thought for long when the king cleared his throat to grab your attention.

“So…. I was a little bored last night,” Lucifer started, adjusting his long collar nervously as you regarded him with a quirked brow, “and, well, seeing as you didn’t have much for the baby, I thought I could give you a hand, soooo I made you this!”

His arm quickly lifted towards you, and you leaned forward to get a look at the small object in his hand.

Nestled in Lucifer’s palm, was a small, yellow rubber ducky. Your eyes widened, breath hitched, as your gaze flicked from the toy to Lucifer, then back to the ducky adorned with a small, white hat. He watched your reaction intensely, and at your silence, he cracked an awkward grin.

“For the little one, in case you didn’t have anything for them. It’s even got a little baker's hat, since I know that’s kind of your thing.”

Tears pricked at your eyes, and you took the duck gingerly from his hand, turning it over as you traced the outline of the beak, the cute little hat, and finally its adorable tail feathers curled at the back. It stirred something in you, your stomach swimming with emotions that were threatening to bubble up and consume you while staring at the toy. 

He made this… for your baby? As a gift to you? 

That was so sweet of him, and not even Charlie had given you something so thoughtful. Sure, she paid for a majority of your baby necessities—which you owed her your life for, no matter how much the girl disagreed—but she never presented you with something made from the heart like this.

Lucifer did, though. Even if he made a million matching yellow duckies beforehand, he still made this one specifically for you. Had your ex ever cared enough to do something like this for you? You couldn’t recall. And yet, a man who was practically a stranger before you was the one to care enough.

Fuck, you were about to cry. You tried to steel yourself, holding back tears. 

You met Lucifer’s gaze after a few moments, as you softly stroked the little toy with your thumb. The fallen angel only grimaced at your reaction, his smile faltering slightly as he watched your eyes well with tears and your lip start to quiver.

“Do you hate it?” He asked slowly, and you realized you were beginning to sniffle softly, hiccups building in your chest as you blinked in confusion. 

“Hate—hic—It? Why would you think…?” You started, before you felt tears welling up underneath your chin, and dripping softly onto the ducky close to your chest. 

You mentally slapped yourself, of course Lucifer would think you disliked it because of how emotional you were being. Shame ate at you after that. Here the king of Hell was, thinking about you and your baby and making something in his own free time, only for you to reward him with tears.

Curse these hormones!

Now, the quiet sniffles that escaped you were from both sadness and delight, as you clutched the rubber ducky closer to your chest. The tears spilled faster from your cheeks, wetting the ground beneath you. A few droplets landed on your exposed arm, and its cool touch was a welcome sensation from the heat boiling underneath your skin. 

“I-I-I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” you finally breathed, rubbing a hand across your face to get rid of the tears, before you inhaled a sharp breath to calm yourself, “I’m sorry for being such a… such a—”

You clamped your mouth shut, trying to rope in the last bit of control you had over your emotions that were threatening to come undone. You sucked in a large, sputtering breath and Lucifer leaned back, just as your lips quivered violently.

“—a wreck!” you wailed after that, placing your free hand to your mouth to try and hold in your sobs.

Lucifer jumped slightly, closing in the distance between the two of you as he rushed to your side. He bit his lip, what could he possibly do to make you feel better? If he would have known this was how you were going to react

“Wait, no! You’re not a wreck, you’re completely fine. Perfect, even! Oh, please don’t cry…” 

The man was starting to pace as you held a hand to your mouth, slowly but surely clamping down on your outburst of emotion.

“Here, have another one!” A second rubber ducky appeared with a red burst of smoke, landing softly into his palm as he lifted it towards your face, “Don’t worry I have a lot more at home!”

The duckie's cute little apron, displaying a cookie and two tiny wooden spoons in the shape of an X, only made your lip quiver more violently. Lucifer slowly pulled the third ducky away from your view behind his back, staring with concern as you tried to catch your breath.

“It’s so cute!” you gasped through the tears, before rubbing your eyes once more.

“You think so?” He replied in disbelief.

You nodded your head vigorously, smiling through the tears as you clutched both ducks to your chest. Lucifer slowly caught on, before breathing a large sigh of relief like he just avoided doomsday.

“Are… you two okay?” Came a familiar voice from the edge of the room. You turned your head to see Charlie standing with a confused expression as she watched Lucifer fuss over your disheveled figure.

“Charlie!” Lucifer perked, shooting her an awkward grin as he stood beside you, “I didn’t expect to see you here! I just thought I'd swing by and give our friend here a little something for their child.”

You held out your hands to the princess, who leaned in to get a better look at the yellow toys. The familiar body shape, orange beak, and beady little eyes had her immediately recognizing the objects and the reason behind your emotional outburst. 

“Awe, that’s so sweet, Dad!” Charlie clutched her chest, swooning at the sight of the small rubber ducks in your hands, “To make something for her baby like that, so thoughtful of you!”

She walked closer towards you and Lucifer, passing right by a few feet away to a hallway on the other end of the room. 

“Well, I won’t interrupt the two of you any longer, comfortable in each other's company already” Charlie waggled her eyebrows at you, throwing her dad an encouraging thumbs up before walking around a corner and out of sight. 

That had been a very embarrassing moment for you, but after the initial upsetting reaction, Lucifer didn’t seem to mind the changes pregnancy had forcefully placed upon you. Emotionally or physically, he seemed to adore traits that you had acquired during these past few months.

The fallen angel had been helping you in the kitchen one afternoon, as you made apple empanadas at his subtle request. 

Since you had first introduced Lucifer to your cooking, he couldn’t get enough of it. Anytime you mentioned using the kitchen, his head would snap towards you, licking his lips with hunger. The fallen angel had never asked outright for you to make anything for him, but dropping hints like ‘I thought I'd drop off some more apples for your pantry, since I know you like to use them in your baking and all.’ 

You’d simply shake your head and pull out Alastor’s recipe book, flipping through the pages for anything that used the red fruit. Thankfully, there was more than just tarts and pie that you could try your hand at. 

Thankfully, Lucifer ate up your dishes with the ferocity of a starving child every time. 

“If you can just materialize any food you want, why not just make these yourself?” You had asked him once, as you took small balls of dough into round, flattened pieces against the kitchen countertop. 

“Your food is just much better,” he had shrugged next to you, folding the dough-wrapped apple stuffing into dumpling-like shapes, before setting them neatly on a cookie sheet to be baked. The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up to his forearms, his red-and-white-striped waistcoat covered by a tall red apron. 

Heat crept across your cheeks at Lucifer’s words and you averted your gaze to hide your flustered expression. With his help, you’d never fuss about making him sweet treats. Especially if you got to indulge in them as well. 

Picking up a light stack of dishes you walked around the counter towards the sink. Your walk wasn’t really a walk anymore, your gait altered to adjust for the weight of what was basically a watermelon strapped to your stomach. 

You were also much slower, and you hated it. 

Right as you reached the sink, a soft chuckle reverberated behind you. Lucifer’s gaze had followed your figure, his eyes glinting with amusement as you moved.

“What are you laughing at?” You shot him a playful, suspicious glance as you placed the dishes gently into the sink. 

“Your walk, it reminds me of a waddle,” Lucifer teased with a soft smile, "Like a duck, adorable without even trying.” 

That only sent you into another flustered mess, cheeks heating in embarrassment that it was quite obvious you were struggling with the growing baby weight so far into your pregnancy. 

Even with the multitude of compliments given to you by the king, your self-esteem had greatly deflated as the months passed. 

“I look rather unsightly now,” you had sighed, adjusting your outfit in the tall mirror near your room’s dresser. 

Lucifer was leaning against the frame of your doorway, arms crossed as he watched you analyze yourself meticulously.

“What? Who told you that?” Lucifer questioned with a soft growl, brows furrowing.

“Nobody,” you replied with a frown, crossing your arms, “Nobody needs to tell me I look terrible. It’s clear as day, just look at me!”

“I am,” he smiled softly, shooting you casual bedroom eyes, “And I am very tempted to show you just how wrong you are, but my daughter demands my presence, and who am I to deny my little girl’s call?”

“Looks like I’ll just have to see you later,” you replied as he strolled up to you with a cheeky smile. 

“Of course,” he had purred, his fingers lacing with yours before he lifted your hand to his face. Lowering his head, Lucifer brushed his lips softly against your knuckles, heat radiating from his touch. Your heart fluttered, breath hitching as you resisted the urge to melt right then and there. 

Lucifer had tipped his hat to you, releasing your fingers slowly before turning away and walking out the door. You had smiled like a dumb teenager then, your mood instantly brightening at his flirtatious demeanor. 

However long this… bond between you and Lucifer lasted, you prayed it was full of nothing but soft memories. Only time would tell whether the king would get bored of you and simply turn the other cheek at your presence, no indication that the two of you had ever held a conversation. 

‘Stop being so paranoid,’ you growled to yourself, shaking your head, ‘He’s only ever been kind to you. Caring, thoughtful, funny. What more do you want?’

With the last month of your pregnancy just around the corner, you were determined to make this last, mostly peaceful period a pleasant one with the people you cared about. 

Hopefully, things will stay peaceful until then.

But, as Extermination Day closed in, so did your due date. You were giddy for the arrival of the latter, ready for the freedoms that came with having total control of your body once more.

‘I can’t wait until you’re outta me, kiddo,” you patted your round stomach affectionately, before waddling out of your room. Which was about five doors down from the lobby now, closer to the rest of the residents. It was noisier now, but at least you didn’t have to walk a mile to get decent food. 

It was Charlie who had initially convinced you to move, citing the fact that if you were to go into labor during the night or somewhere too far from the others, it may pose a risk to your baby in the case of an emergency. 

She was right, and Lucifer had no qualms with the change, as expected.

The only downside to being close to your due date was the many false alarms signaling you of labor. False alarms that only heightened everyone’s unease that you were a water balloon waiting to burst at any moment's notice.

Lucifer’s anxiety especially spiked whenever you’d suddenly wince, hissing in pain as you put a shaky hand on your stomach. He’d come rushing to your side, and you responded to his concern with an assuring smile and a pat on your stomach. 

“I’m fine, just Braxton-Hicks contractions, nothing serious… I think.” 

The king would sigh in relief at your words, relaxing slightly before offering you water or something to snack on. 

In the final month of your pregnancy, you were under strict orders by the royal family to refrain from lifting a finger until the baby came. You found that when the two Morningstar’s weren’t busy, they were finding ways to entertain you and soothe the natural pains that came with being on the very last leg of your pregnancy. 

Seeing as Extermination Day was just around the corner, the two weren’t around much as the days went on. Charlie was disappearing more often to try and gather support against Adam’s forces, and Lucifer was slowly regressing into another one of his depressive episodes.

Lucifer’s woes weren’t magically solved simply because he was finding purpose in caring for you and the hotel, mental health was unfortunately not that smoothly paved of a road to traverse. The king still had days where he retreated into the darkness of his mansion, barely a word to you or Charlie during that time. Only to reappear with tired, sunken eyes and a handful of freshly crafted rubber ducks for your growing collection.

You always gave him the space he needed, it just was terrible timing seeing his daughter was preparing to fight an army of murderous angels. 

Until one day Lucifer appeared in front of the door of your room, knocking so softly you almost missed it if you weren’t right next to the wooden frame. Extermination Day was only a week away. 

“You should get somewhere safe,” He had started right as you appeared in the doorway, “This hotel is full of targets for Heaven, you shouldn't be in such a stressful environment with the risk of an attack.”

“I thought they can’t go after my kind?” You had questioned, head tilting in confusion.

“The contract explicitly states they can’t, but that doesn’t mean one idiot can’t point the spear at the wrong demon in the chaos. I just don’t want to risk anything.” Lucifer pleaded silently for your agreement, his eyes soft with concern.

“If that’s what you think is best,” you had replied softly, heart fluttering at the level of worry and care the fallen angel displayed towards you and your child.

There was a small villa nestled on the outskirts of the city Lucifer owned, quiet and peaceful with its own butler that you’d rely on while you stayed there during the extermination. Lucifer had nudged at the idea of you staying there for more than just a couple of days, insisting how much better equipped it was to house a baby and away from any danger.

You had considered it, but your answer wasn’t finalized by the time Extermination Day rolled around, and you awoke with packed bags and a twisting stomach. You had been feeling… off all morning. Your bump felt heavier as you completed your early routine, your baby a little more active than usual. Sleep was a rarity the past few days, and you tried to rid your mind of drowsiness as you stood in front of Charlie with 

“Okay, so there is a limo coming to pick you and your things up soon. I made sure to have them pull up at the top of the hill for you,” The princess spoke as Vaggie tightened her outfit from the back, adjusting it slightly against her skin.

It was a red suit that stuck to her figure perfectly, providing ample flexibility and movement during battle. You had never imagined Charlie in this kind of scenario, someone who strongly opposed violence walking straight into it? A surprising sight, but the princess was set on being on the frontlines with the rest of her people when Adam arrived.

“Thank you,” you replied softly, before wincing at a ripple of pain that hit your from your lower abdomen. 

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, sorry. I've just been feeling a little under the weather lately. Nothing to be worried about.” You smiled reassuringly to the princess. She had much bigger things to fuss about then you.

“Okay, just let me know if something changes,” She nodded, adjusting her red suit as she spoke, “I haven’t been able to get ahold of my dad this morning… I hope he didn’t forget today was when the big army was coming down to try and kill us all.”

You had chuckled nervously along with Charlie at her own words. As much as it seemed like a simple tease, you had a sneaking feeling Lucifer would actually lose track of time and show up to the battle halfway through.

Charlie had turned away from you with a quick farewell, continuing preparations for the coming battle as you stood at the entrance to the hotel, waiting for the private car to arrive.

Then, you were hit with a cramp that had an intensity you hadn't experienced yet. It was followed by a sharp pinch deep inside your abdomen, before liquid began to pool at your feet. You froze, heart pounding as you stood deathly silent.

Was that your water breaking? Were you going into labor now?!

“Charlie!” Your voice cracked painfully as you called for the woman, who was adjusting a heart-shaped shield against her arm. The princess turned around to meet your gaze with confusion, before it morphed into concern as she scanned your figure, looking for what had you looking so shell-shocked.

“Oh!” Charlie gasped, her expression a mixture of panic and delight as the dots connected, “Oh my! It's happening! Hold on, hold on, I’m going to grab my phone!”

Another contraction hit you as Charlie dashed off, causing you to double over in pain and Vaggie to rush to your side with concern etched on her features. The next few minutes turned into a blur as the limo pulled up, and you were slowly moved to its waiting frame. 

This was it, it was time to have this baby. A relieving thought as you reached the vehicle’s side, your heart beating rapidly and mind racing with a million thoughts at once.

Your mind was still racing by the time you arrived inside the hospital and assigned a room.

“You got this, boss!” An Egg Boi cheered atop a stool right beside your hospital bed, your hand clenched dangerously tight around his stick arm as you inhaled a sharp breath of pain. 

“Thank you, Frank,” You grimaced, adjusting your posture atop the mattress as you tried to find any amount of relief during this naturally uncomfortable chapter of becoming a mother. The contractions were getting closer together, and were increasing in l; length and intensity since you first started keeping track.

Immediately after telling Charlie the badly-timed news, she had you rushed off to a nearby maternity ward. At arrival, you were forced to change into a thin and revealing hospital gown, before being strapped to machines that read your baby’s vitals and recorded your contractions. 

Apparently, the small hospital you were in was the best medical facility in all of Hell, paid for and used by the Morningstar family and the rest of the realm’s royalty.

The employees signed strict NDAs on what transpires during their shift, to prevent them from spilling to the press if a tragedy were to strike among the highest nobility. 

You had been here for the past few hours, the warning sirens outside had gone off a while ago, signaling Heaven’s attack on Pentagram City. The shades were drawn in your little room, preventing the witness of any gruesome sights right outside your window.

You couldn’t stomach watching the live footage of the extermination on your teeny hospital TV, not right now. Instead, you had some childish cartoon playing for Frank, who Sir. Pentious had insisted on going with you since everyone else was needed in the fight.

The drawback of not knowing the status of the hotel only made your anxiety worsen, though. 

Was everyone okay? Was Lucifer with them? Did he know you were here? Maybe, they won already… or lost. A hundred unwanted thoughts sped through your mind concerning your friends, but when another contraction hit you and you grimaced against the feeling of your insides being squeezed silly, the matters concerning anything outside of this room were not on your mind any longer.

That’s right, focus on the baby. They were your priority right now, their well-being depended on how you handled the next few hours. Soon, you’d finally get to welcome your child to the realm and in your arms. Every change and ache you’ve experienced for the past few months won’t have been for nothing, and you’d be cool with not experiencing this again for a long while afterward. 

Right as your head settled exhaustively against the cool, sterile pillow and Frank soothingly patted your hand, the door to your room opened and a small bunny-faced woman quietly slipped into the room.

“Hello! I’m Nurse Smith, just coming in to check up on you. How are you feeling?” The sandy-colored demon asked with a pleasant smile, her black heels clicking softly against the tile floor as she moved to your bedside.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” you croaked softly, lips cracked with thirst. Unfortunately, if you wanted a much less painful delivery, water was a no-no until your epidural. Your contractions had been manageable, but as the hour began to change, they were coming in more intense and closer waves.

“Let’s check, shall we?” Her long ears perked, as she moved towards the monitors displaying your child’s heart rate and other information, including how dilated your cervix was. 

“Oh, it looks like you’re dilated about 9 centimeters. I think we’re ready to meet the little one! I’ll call the other nurses, and the anesthesiologist for the epidural.”

“Thank god,” You breathed with relief, the numbing liquid would be your saving grace in these trying times. 

The nurse left the room to fetch the rest of the delivery team, your heart began to beat rapidly in your chest as you took deep, shaky breaths to calm your nerves. It wasn’t really working, and while you understood the need for all hands on deck to fight a horde of trained angelic killers, the lack of familiar, comforting faces inside the building.

Frank was a nice little addition, but he could only offer you so much support with eyes glued to the screen of dancing, animated fruit with baby features.

When the anesthesiologist arrived, surrounded by a multitude of demons dressed in white medical attire, he had greeted you softly before lifting a long, thin needle to your view.

Gulping quietly, you rose to face your back towards the doctor, and he began poking uncomfortably down your spine. When it seemed like he had found the perfect spot, you felt a sharp pinch in your back before faint warmth slowly crept from the spot the demon had injected. 

When that was finished, and you reclined back against your mattress, the staff around you were prepping the baby cleaning station and fussing around at the end of the bed near your legs.

Then, a tall woman with lion-like features strolled into the room, her commanding presence told you she was the head honcho of the small crew of white-clad women who were busy around you.

“Hello, I’m the OB that’s going to help deliver your baby today,” she walked up to the side of your bed, pulling light blue latex gloves onto her paws as her eyes landed on the egg-shaped demon beside you with an odd expression, “Is he the…?”

“No!” You gasped, releasing Frank's arm and scooching over an inch from the short demon, before raising a brow to the doctor with a gaze that silently questioned ‘Seriously? You think I’d bang an egg?’

She only shrugged, before turning away from you to speak quietly to a few nurses washing their hands. With a sigh, you twisted your head to face your innocent companion, tapping his shell softly to get his attention. Another contraction hit you, but the high-quality numbing agent had you barely reacting.

“Frank, sweetie, can you please wait outside until I get done with my… business here?”

“Sure thing!” The egg replied happily, his eyes moving from the cartoons to you with a thumbs up, before the demon tipped his little black hat in a bid of farewell and hopped off the stool beside your bed.

As the nurses scurried around your legs, before lifting them with care and slipping your ankles snugly inside. You felt bare and exposed—which you were—and while the room was much more comfortable and dimly lit than other hospitals you had been to, constant beeping equipment paired with the faint smell of the beach only heightened your anxiety at the fact you were about to give birth.

“Deep breaths for me, dear,” the OB spoke softly, before slipping a surgical mask onto her face, and retreating to in between your legs, two nurses at the ready beside her. Her figure became obscured as she bent down below the sheet that was covering the sight before your lifted knees.

Following her instructions obediently, you regained control of your breathing. Deep inhale, long exhale. Another, and another, then another, until you could feel your heart beginning to slow its racing pace. 

“Alright, it’s time. On my count, I want you to start pushing when you feel your contractions, okay?” The OB piped up from underneath the sheet, and your fingers gripped the rails on the side of your bed with deadly force as you mentally prepared yourself.

“1…” 

Deep breaths, you’ve got this.

“2…”

Please let this be a smooth delivery. 

“3…”

I wish Lucifer were here.

“Alright, mama, push!”

Straining against the stirrups slightly, you inhaled a deep breath and poured all your strength into your lower abdomen with a grunt as you followed the doctor’s command. After a few moments of heavy exertion, you felt the contraction begin to ebb. Your head hit the pillow with a gasp for breath, sweat beginning to down your forehead.

A contraction slowly builds in your abdomen, cueing you into gathering your strength once. As you readied for another round of pushing, you turned towards a nurse who was standing supportively on the left side of the bed.

“I’m never having sex with a man again,” you groaned, lifting your head from the pillow with effort.. 

“Oh, sweetie,” the much older woman laughed, patting your hand soothingly, “That’s what they all say.”

Lucifer stood proudly in front of the newly rebuilt hotel, the strobe of lights flashing rhythmically, lighting up the building’s tall figure with a tempting glow to wide-eyed onlookers. The small, misfit army of Hell had defeated Adam and sent killer angels back to Heaven. 

There were casualties on both sides, but thankfully only one demon that resided inside the hotel was taken from the realm. Sir. Pentious, an inventor, leader, and friend. Lucifer may have not known the snake demon for very long, but the respect he held for the brave captain was immense. 

“What a beauty! And it only took us one musical number to get it all done, that has got to be a record!” The fallen angel nodded his head approvingly, crossing his arms as he twisted his head to observe the small crowd of demons. 

The princess stood a few feet away, handing Cherry Bomb a small medical kit as she leaned against a bench. The cyclops woman sent Charlie a small appreciative smile as she took the metal case from her hands. 

Turning, she strolled up to her father with tired eyes, exhaustion evident on her features, both mentally and physically from everything she had just experienced in the short span of a few hours.

“We did good, if I do say so myself,” Lucifer grinned pridefully to his daughter, blonde hair swaying softly in the breeze as he met her halfway.

“Yeah. That's for doing most of the work, Dad. We wouldn't have gotten it done so fast without your magic.” Charlie nodded, smiling softly.

“Pfft, it was no biggie. Anything for my little girl,” Lucifer brushed off her compliment with a wave of his hand, before pulling up the sleeves of his white dress shirt.

Charlie and Lucifer stood next to each other in comfortable silence, as the princess absently rubbed the bruise on her throat. Adam’s grip had been suffocating, the intention of harm evident on his expressive mask before it was split in two by Lucifer’s powerful retaliation. 

“I think she’ll really like this place, If she hasn't already seen it on TV at the villa.” Her father finally spoke after a few moments.

She. Charlie didn’t need her dad to say your name to know who he was talking about. You were one of the few women that was on Lucifer’s mind these days, and it was obvious the two of you had grown closer these past few months. She was sure if you were at the hotel during the battle the king would have been a raging mess to keep both you and his daughter safe. Fortunately, you were far from anyone who would want to lay a hand on you.

“I think she’s a little busy right now, since she’s..”

It suddenly occurred, the cloud of exhaustion parting just enough for the recollection of where exactly you had gone to smack Charlie square in the face. The princess had been so busy getting thrown around in battle, mourning her friend, and helping rebuild the hotel she almost forgot why you had left so suddenly.

“She’s having her baby!” Charlie suddenly gasped, eyes widening before she threw her hands up to hold her head in realization. 

“She’s what?” Lucifer whispered, his face paling to an even whiter shade as he froze in place.

“She went into labor this morning, so I had her taken to that hospital you liked,” Charlie explained breathlessly, a few demons around them eavesdropping on their conversation as Vaggie walked over with a mirrored expression of realization.

“Alone?” The fallen angel replied, mouth slightly agape as panic began to set into his features.

“One of Pentious’ eggs is with her,” Cherry Bomb answered softly from her spot on the bench with a melancholy gaze, as she re-wrapped a nasty wound with gauze.

“Why didn't you tell me?” He demanded.

“I was kind of in the middle of a battle!” Charlie replied defensively, her mind racing now as she worried about you and how you were faring during such a stressful time. What about the baby? 

Lucifer didn’t respond, turning away from the gathering group of demons as he snapped his fingers. In an instant, his long overcoat materialized atop his shoulders, and his hat floated down gracefully to rest upon the king’s head as golden magic circled his figure, before disappearing without a word. 

“Why couldn't he have done that for the rest of us?” Angel Dust grumbled from beside Cherry, before standing with a sigh and cracking his back. Husk strolled up to stand beside him, mouth opening in a large yawn as he itched his chin with a claw.

“I’ll call a cab,” Vaggie replied, rushing off in search of a phone as Charlie began to bite her nail to try and relieve some of the stress that was beginning to bubble up in her stomach. A million unwanted thoughts of scenarios where something terrible happened to you or the baby eating at her mind.

The apple-cheeked woman’s nail was still at the mercy of her nervous chewing as she rocked self-soothingly in the chair next to Vaggie, who rubbed her shoulder softly in support. 

Five battered demons sat in cushioned armchairs arranged in neat rows across a small waiting room right outside of the maternity ward. 

Alastor had disappeared again sometime after the hotel had been finished, with no word of his whereabouts. Cherry Bomb had been too disheveled to join, tears brimming from her large eye as the rest of the demons squished into one taxi and sped off.

When they arrived, Lucifer was already inside the hospital, foot tapping impatiently in the front lobby as he pointed a commanding finger down towards a white, oval-shaped figure standing agape before him.

“You, talking egg,” The fallen angel began, voice deepening to display his superior authority as Charlie approached from behind, “You were sent here today to keep watch over someone very important. Now lead them to me… please”

Frank had stated wide-eyed for a few more moments, before saluting his king and marching off into a hallway on the right. 

Now, the king of Hell was displaying anything but the traits of an imposing leader. Hunched slightly, head lowered, an obvious nervous wreck as Lucifer paced along a wide pane of glass overlooking a more residential side of the city. 

One pink, fuzzy demon stared intently at the anxious figure with a large smile of amusement.

“Ten bucks she’s handling everything much better actually popping out the kid than this poor fella is over here,” Angel teased as he gestured towards Lucifer, before meeting Husk’s eyes from the chair next to him.

The feline’s gaze moved to follow the king’s continuous back-and-forth trail in front of the window across the room, the apple-tipped cane twisting between his fingers impatiently as he waited for news on your condition. Lucifer raked a hand through his hair, pulling back the tousled strands as he mumbled something incoherent.

It was obvious Lucifer and Charlie were related by much more than just their looks, one being how badly they handled stressful situations. You were being cared for by the best doctors in Hell, what could go wrong?

“Nah, you’re probably right,” Husk finally replied with a chuckle, before his eyelids slowly lowered and he drifted off into a light, cat-like sleep. 

A quiet purr resonated from his chest as he napped, and Angel smiled before lifting the pink phone in his hands and taking a selfie, Husk’s peaceful expression slightly visible from behind the spider’s figure. 

Somehow, Niffty had gotten hold of a handful of markers and was demonstrating her artistry on a living canvas for amusement. Frank sat on the floor near Vaggie’s feet while the tiny cyclops doodled across his shell, he didn’t move an inch.

When the door to the waiting room opened, a nurse clad in white slipped inside, and everyone froze to stare at the approaching demon. She lowered her gaze respectfully in Lucifer's presence, and halted right in front of the first row of chairs. 

“Huska’, wake up!” Angel Dust whispered sternly into the feline’s ear and a poke to the cheek, who popped a disgruntled eye open in response to the interruption. 

Husk turned to shoot Angel a glare before his eyes landed on the demon woman standing in front, his ears perking in interest. 

“The delivery went smoothly,” she smiled shyly, and everyone in the room exhaled a shared sigh of relief, “You’re welcome to visit now, just follow me.”

Everyone rose from their seats, Lucifer adjusting his appearance to look more presentable for you as he walked toward the nurse. Charlie turned to lace her fingers with Vaggie’s before following behind her dad. 

“Maybe I should stay back, I don’t do well with kids…” Husk started, still leaning back in his seat.

“Don’t be a pussy, pussy cat,” Angel teased, not looking backward as he joined the rest of the group by the door.

Husk growled softly, before lifting himself from the chair with a huff and exiting out of the door, his feathered tail swishing with anticipation as he crossed the hall and stood with the others at the last doorway on the end.

‘Shh, The Baby Is Sleeping!’ sign was hanging against its frame, before the nurse knocked on the door softly and turned back to the groups 

“Whenever you’re ready,” the nurse hummed, before backpedaling and pivoting on her heel to check in on another room nearby.

Lucifer stood frozen in place, one hand reaching for the door handle as he hesitated. Eyes stared expectantly at their king, who only backed up from the room and allowed Charlie to take the lead.

“I think it would be best if you go first, I’m sure she’s anxious to see you all safe and sound,” Lucifer said with a nervous grin, taking a step backward and slipping past the figures of your friends. 

Charlie only stared at him with a curious expression, as if she was going to argue with her father, before turning back to the door and slowly turning the handle to reveal the room inside. 

“Hi, everyone” he heard you greet them tiredly from the other side of the room before they responded with a mixture of soft words for the new mother. 

Lucifer couldn’t see past the looming bodies of the demons in front of him, and that gave him time to pull out a thin, delicate object from his coat and turn it between his fingers in thought. His mind racing with what he could possibly say to you in a moment like this.

“How are you doing?” Charlie asked as the small group of friends filed into the room.

“Much better now that you’re here,” you replied with a small, relieved laugh, “Although, I did expect Sir. Pentious to join, too.”

Radio silence, not a peep from anyone. How were they supposed to tell you that your baking buddy had sacrificed himself for all his friends? It was such a happy moment for you, they couldn’t dare ruin 

“Yeah, bummer…” Angel Dust murmured quietly, rubbing his arm awkwardly as everyone else tried to keep their lips from curving downward and find a topic to change to.

Then, the king heard Charlie gasp softly, her head turning to another obscured side of the room. The rest of the group turned their heads to follow their gaze, eyes widening at the sight. 

“Is that…?” She whispered in excitement. 

“Yes, would you like to meet my daughter?”

Lucifer’s heart fluttered at that. Daughter. You had delivered a healthy baby girl, and he was not going to wait around a moment longer to congratulate you. 

Finally, the king inhaled a deep, reassuring breath before he strode forward and stepped into the dimly lit room. The crowd parted, revealing your relaxed form on the bed across from him. Lucifer finally met your siren-like gaze and your lips curved into a delighted smile.

“Lucifer,” you sighed happily, eyes drinking in the fallen angel’s perfect figure. 

“Glad to lose some of that water weight?” He teased with that signature charming grin, taking a few steps closer to your bed.

Across the room, was a transparent bassinet nestled in the darkest area of the large space. Every demon in the room had their attention on the bundle of blankets lying still inside.

Slowly, Charlie scooted closer and closer to the cradle, before she leaned over with a smile. She stared in awe at the tiny figure sleeping soundly, before turning her head to meet your gaze. 

“I trust you, Charlie,” you smiled softly at the wide-eyed woman, “You can take her if you want, just be careful.” 

With a joyous smile, the princess turned back to look down at the little bundle of joy, before reaching down and carefully lifting the baby out of the bassinet.

She looked just like you, all cozy wrapped up in the thick blankets around her small body as Charlie held her tight, slowly lowering into a cushioned chair near the shaded windows of the room. The rest of the attendees in the room—save for Lucifer, who couldn’t take his eyes off you—gazed at your twin with adoration. Even Husk wanted a peak, nose twitching as he got a good look at the child with interest. 

“Look at her nose! It’s so tiny and adorable!” Charlie whispered and Vaggie leaned over the chair to get a closer look. 

You watched the small group huddle around your daughter, their gazes tender as they fawned over the sleeping child. Smiling softly, you turn your head to see Lucifer coming closer, his arm leaning against your bed's railing as he lifts a mesmerizing flower into view.

It was a beautiful red rose. Not the hellish roses that rarely grew around the outskirts of Pentagram City, but the classic Earthly version, which you recognized from one of Angel’s descriptions of life in the living realm. 

“I hope everything wasn’t too difficult,” Lucifer responded to your surprised stare at his gift.

There were no thorns present, designed specifically by pale hands just for you to enjoy without the fear of pain. Reaching an arm forward, you took the flower gently from Lucifer’s hold, your fingers brushing softly against his as you lifted it to your nose and inhaled a deep breath. 

The scent of the rose made your lips curve into a soft grin, as you met Lucifer's gaze again.

“Thank you, it’s so pretty,”

“Not in comparison to you,” he replied without hesitation.

You sent him a doubtful quirk of a brow. Having just delivered a baby, you weren’t exactly runway-ready, but Lucifer didn’t seem to care as he stared at you softly. 

Charlie walked forward, interrupting the tender moment as she offered your daughter for you to hold once more. Lucifer finally got a glimpse of your child as he stilled, eyes lighting with interest as he traced the familiar lines on their little features that mirrored so closely to your own.

He hitched a breath, right as you leaned forward and pulled your daughter into your grasp, pulling her flush against your chest. 

Pivoting slightly to face Lucifer, you beckoned the pale face closer to greet the new addition. Slowly, he sidled closer, leaning forward as his eyes traced over the tiny being all bundled up. 

“Hi there,” he spoke quietly to the child, whose features mimicked yours almost to the T. It was definitely your baby, and that only made Lucifer sigh with fondness as he lifted a tentative figure toward the bundle.

His claw delicately grazed against plump, soft cheeks which earned him an adorable coo from your daughter, and that only made the king’s lip wobble more.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Lucifer whispered, gently caressing the baby’s cheek as you watched with a warm smile. 

Then, the king lifted his head to meet your gaze, tears in his eyes as he stared at you affectionately. You had to stop yourself from rising from the bed and comforting him. 

“Sorry,” he rubbed away the wet trails on his cheeks, “Moments like these get me pretty emotional.”

Slowly, you reached a free hand towards Lucifer’s, lacing your fingers with his comfortingly as you laughed softly, tugging him farther past the railings of your bed. Your daughter was nestled against your chest, her warm cheek pressed against your skin only made your smile curve wider.

“I couldn’t have done it without your help, or anyone else’s here. I’m glad I had that kind of support all these months.”

“Don’t worry, mama” he tenderly lifted your hand, placing his lips to your knuckles for a few moments, drinking in your scent that always had him dizzy for more, “We’ll keep that streak going for a long, long time.”

Tears began to well up in your own eyes, as they traveled over to the smiling faces watching you and your baby with fondness. Had you known this is what your life would have looked like all those months ago, you wouldn’t have been so anxious about the future.

Finally, you weren’t so alone anymore. Not with Lucifer, and the obvious care he held for your daughter already, promising you a comfortable life.

Perhaps, happy days in Hell really did exist.

holy shit guys i basically wrote y’all a novella about a baby-loving king wtffff somebody take my laptop away before i do it again 😏

Let me know what you think <3

tags 🏷️

@ohnoivefallen @doodlebob2726 @coleisyn @undertale-is-sansational @nehy019 @mixplara @chewbrry @yellowsubiesdance @airwolf92 @lxkeee @jellybellyrulez @catnoirsleftnut @mbruben-stein @froggybich @moonlovers34 @just-trash-yeah-thats-it @lil-bexie @wings-of-sapphire @the-tortured-poet @enigmatic-blues @bethleeham @blue122 @cherry-4200 @azullynx @luzzbuzz @for-hearthand-home @helluvapoison @th3-st4r-gur1 @concentratedconcrete @cimadreamer @marsenbie @guacam011y @maxiskindahere @purplerose291 @fictional-character-whore @0willowwisp0 @yourlocalgoldenretrieverboy @wpdarlingpan @halo-balo @chipper-chip @lvstyangel @acrazyartist @midorichoco

[mx-pastelwriting]

Raison d'être

(Post-War) Cooper Howard x GN! Reader

Summary: Your marriage had been ripped apart by Vault-Tec, only to be sown back together 200 years later.

Warnings: Slight Angst, Established Relationship, Sad Reuniting, Soft Cooper, Kissing, Hugs

Heavy as your limps were walking through the dry desert powered by adrenaline born from the pain that pulsed through your arms. Having broken from the glass pod, waking from a long slumber, only guessing it was for a long time by the open vault door showing the desert land with no human life to greet you.

Finally arriving at a small, worn house, having your sights on it a mile back. Hoping no life lived behind the broken boards of wood, with slow motions made your way in, looking around for anything to use as a weapon.

Yet finding nothing, not even a piece of the wood that once held the place up. To your luck, nothing sprang with life, letting you relax under a roof after the sun's harsh rays ate away at your skin for miles. Sitting on the worn-out couch, feeling every limp break down, welcoming more pain, not being able to move taking up the time with looking about seeing empty food cans, beer bottles, and small glass vials. 

Quickly your thoughts pulled away, now fully on the noise of footsteps outside, hearing the mysterious person cruse before the door opened, only for them to quickly notice your broken existence.

Many emotions mixed on the man's face, seeing his skin looking as if it had healed from burns. Though that wasn’t what stood out the most, seeing his eyes widen with his mouth opening agape, he stepped forward allowing you to see his saddened eyes.

Feeling as if they were familiar, having memories of those pair of eyes loving, comforting, and desiring you. As quickly as the memories came, so did the eyes turn to anger, drawing their gun on you. “You’re not real,” he says through tightened teeth. Hearing the accented voice sparked familiarity in you, once again reminding you of the man’s existence.

“Coop?” You choked out, dry as your throat was the tears that welled up in your vision didn’t stop your throat watering with cries. "Coop, is that you?” Asking through cries, fighting the pain that screamed through your body in getting up from the couch.

Standing there in shock watching your attempt to get to him, lowering the aim of the gun moving in a fast motion, wrapping his arms around you. Squeezing tight, allowing choked sobs to roar out of you, the memories of that day came back, having been scared the moment you saw Cooper’s face when the vault door closed on him, having pushed you in, sacrificing himself never thinking you would be back in his warm embrace.

The same embrace you gave to him in the past, whether it had been loving or comfort from the world of his career shunned him, you stood by the man you loved. Your husband.

“I thought you-“ A sob stopped your words, but thankfully he spoke, “I came by every day, hopin’.” He whispered hand on your head, keeping you close. “I stared at the vault door till I couldn't.” He went on, only letting you in a little on the pain he went through, yet here he was alive. 

Breaking away from the tightness of the embrace looking at each other, seeing the familiar handsome eyes you fell in love with all those years ago. “You haven’t changed a bit,” he says, smiling, returning the same while looking over his new features, falling in love all over again.

“I know I ain’t the prettiest, but-“ Not letting him finish the self-doubting words with your lips, returning the kissing, Placing a hand on his scared cheek, causing his pull to tighten as if he had waited for this moment for years, living on just for you.

A/N: Let me know if ya’ll want a part two!

Hello, I hope you enjoyed if there is any grammar mistakes or misspellings sorry about that feel free to let me know in the comments, have a great day/afternoon/night!

𝙏𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩: @emoguardian

[jhdyuiee]

Stars on my Scars

♢ pairing: Mark x Y/N ; forbidden love

♢ warnings/tags: smut!, angst, unprotected sex (pls pls pls stay protected), breakup sex (?!), kissing/making out, name calling (baby, good girl), oral (m & f receiving), cursing, multiple orgasams

♢ wc: 1.6k

♢ a.n: hello! happiest 127 day ya’ll!! it seems like mark became the popular choice so here it is yayie! i hope this ones a good one for u all && enjoy it as much as i did. its freaky-ness kekeke. good news though i currently have 4 drafts in my drafts (?) each of a different member, so pls look forward to those releases! school has been a pain in the ass lately so uploads may vary… anyways i hope u all have a lovely day! happy 127 my nctzen! i love u all, jiji out 🤍

The rain poured and poured; the rain fell and fell.

I looked up feeling as the droplets were falling onto me. The weather reflecting my life right now. I replayed the moments of a couple hours ago in my head.

-‘๑’-

“Hey mark?” I asked through the phone.

“Yeah, baby?” He replied.

“Can I go over to you? Or is it-“

“No, no yeah you can. Is something the matter?”

“Ah, well I just miss you,” I replied.

“I miss you too, baby. I’ll be waiting for you here then.”

I bid him goodbye and hung up the call. Today was the day. The day I’d leave him, at least try to. I love Mark with everything in me, but we can’t be together anymore. Our love is forbidden. It was never meant to last. Forever doesn’t exist for us.

I’d arrived in front of his door. I hesitated knocking, this would be the last time I’d come here. I knocked and heard a clicking sound, he’d unlocked the door.

“Hey baby don’t just stand there, come in,” he said, softly.

I walked into his apartment, soaking in everything one last time. The picture frames, art pieces, messy sofa, even the spiderman figure on his coffee table. I walked into his living room, Mark following right behind me.

I turned around facing him. He was a couple inches away from me, so I walked closer to him, centimeters away. I placed a hand on his cheek, caressing it. I wanted to cry, I could feel the tears threatening to spill down.

“What’s wrong Y/N?” he said in a concerned tone.

“I love you,” I said in a whisper. “I love you so much Mark, more than words can ever describe.”

He took both his hands, cupping my face gently. “I love you too baby, a lot more than you think I do.”

His words radiated such warmth, I didn’t wanna end this. Our story though was not a fairy tale.

I leaned in, my lips on his. Our kiss started off as something gentle filled with love, pure love. But then it deepened, filled with desire, desperation, lust.

We continued kissing until there was no oxygen for either of us. “You’re so beautiful Y/N,” Mark said, pecking my jaw. His kisses continued along my neck, jaw, and collarbones. In the meantime his hands worked on my shirt, trying to get that thing off of me. He pulled it over my head, his kisses continuing along the valley of my breast. “Jump,” he said, wrapping my legs around his waist. I could feel his erection against my clothed core.

He guided me to his bedroom, placing me on his bed gently. His hands working on my jeans. I was left in nothing but my underwear. “Take your clothes off too Mark.” He listened, his clothes slowly joining mine.

He came back to me with a kiss. It was filled with desire, I pretty darn sure my wetness was leaking through my underwear. His hands palmed my core causing me to moan into the kiss. His lips dragged along me going down and down.

“Already so wet from kissing?” he said, the nightlight illuminating the small smirk plastered across his face.

“Get up for me baby,” he said. I got up and waited for him to say more. “Take your bra off.” I obliged, tossing it somewhere in the room. His hands groped my breasts, the sensation sending electric shocks through me. I straddled his lap and his head came down to my breasts.

He stuck his tongue out, lapping it around my nipple. It felt so good as he flicked his tongue. My other breast was being pinched by his fingers until his mouth met that one as well. I moaned his name out over and over, “Mark, fuck.”

I felt as he bit my nipple, causing me to wince. I was practically riding him feeling his hard erection against my hot core. I was sure if I got up my wetness would be seen on his boxers.

“So needy baby,” said Mark against my breast. “Turn the other way for me.”

I did just as he said to, my back facing him. “Open your legs,” he whispered in my ear. I opened them a little wider, as his hand made it’s way towards my core, putting my underwear to the side.

“Fuck you’re soaking.”

He slid a finger into me, my back arching at the sensation. It was just one finger but oh god- another finger went in. He pumped his fingers in and out, “look at me baby.” I turned my head, his lips crashing to mine. “Got to get you nicely prepared to take my cock pretty girl,” he said, kissing my cheek and jaw.

“Ah- M-Mark I’m clo-close.”

“It’s okay baby, just let it out,” he said, bringing his thumb to my clit.

“Oh yes- fuck just like that Ma-Mark.”

He chuckled, “Go on cum.” Oh and I did, I came. My legs trembling, my chest heaving. “You did so well baby,” he said, pecking my temple.

I got up from his lap and kneeled down. I wanted him and I wanted him now. “Impatient baby?”

“Mm, I want you Mark. Please let me have you,” I said as I looked up at him.

He let out a curse before pulling his boxers down. His cock sprung out, angry and full of precum. “You look so pretty begging to have me, so here have it.”

He didn’t have to tell me twice. I wrapped my hand around his cock, licking his precum. I licked up his cock, wanting to tease him for a bit; wanting to savor this moment a while longer.

“Come on baby, stop the teasing,” he said deeply. He was growing impatient, I could hear it in his voice. In fact I was too, I wanted him in my mouth, so I took him in. Slowly, but then his hands gripped my hair. “You got this baby, just a little more deeper.”

Fuck. Mark was big and thick, my eyes were tearing up already. He pushed my head further down, groans leaving his throat. “You’re taking it so well like the good girl you are.”

Mark was always good at saying things whenever we got intimate. It turned me on even more. Once his cock was fully in, I started moving. Bobbing my head, moans coming out of both of us. “Eyes up baby.” I fluttered my eyes to him, his expressed; fucked out. He was enjoying this too.

He looked at me, “Don’t stop Y/N, it feels so good.” I kept going, his tip hitting the back of my throat. “Shit, just like that baby.” He was now controlling my movements, going faster. The tears streaming down my face. He wouldn’t stop groaning, I saw as he bit his bottom lip; he was close.

With a string of curses he finally came, I made sure to take all of his cum, not missing a single drop. “You did so good, baby,” he said, patting my head. I got up and smashed my lips against his, I was sure he could take his cum from my mouth.

“Put it in pretty girl,” he said, grabbing my hips.

I sunk down, feeling my pussy stretch. “Ah, Ma-Mark fuck…” I felt intoxicated, my head somewhere else.

“You’re still so tight huh,” he said, smacking my ass cheek.

I widened my eyes at his sudden action. “Yo-You’re just so bi-“ before I could finish my sentence he pushed me down, finally getting it all in.

His hands went back to my hips and his lips to my breast. “Come on, start moving baby.” Oh and I did, I felt so full. So euphoric. Oh how I love Mark. My trance was knocked out when he bit the side of my throat.

“What are you thinking about? You got right here baby,” he said, his voice deep.

“So-Sorry.”

He smirked, thrusting even more harshly. He was going faster and faster, no mercy.

“Slow down, please Mark! I’ll cum.”

“So cum baby, we got all night.” He slipped his thumb to my clit, abusing it. “Come on now, finish for me,” he whispered in my ear.

With a few more harsh thrusts I finally came. My second orgasm of the night. My back arching and mouth open. “So good,” I mumbled, earning a slight chuckle from Mark who was also close. His thrusts were getting sloppy.

“You gonna let me come inside?”

I nodded furiously, I was on the pill either way. If this truly was the last time I’d get to take his cum then so be it.

With that he came inside me, painting my walls white. Feeling even more full than before. We collapsed on the bed, trying to catch our breaths. His arms wrapped around mine, it felt so warm, I wished time would stop here.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” he whispered, loud enough for me to hear.

He took me in his arms, going to the bathroom. By the time we left the bathroom, I had one or two more orgasms; still unable to keep our hands off each other. I fell asleep while in the bath tub, next thing I knew I woke up—it was 4am—his arms around me. Mark slept so peacefully, he was a beauty.

‘I have to leave, I have to leave now,’ I thought. So I carefully snuck out of his warm embrace and slipped my clothes back on. I walked to the bedroom door, stealing my final glance at the sleeping Mark. One tear, then two left my eyes.

“Goodbye Mark.”

-‘๑’-

That was hours ago, now the rain poured on me endlessly. Cars passed by and people with umbrellas. The world continued, but mine had stopped.

The stars on my scars have disappeared now and now those scars have become visible again.

Mark and I was a story with no beginning. Mark and I was a love story that was forbidden.

“You were never going to be mine.”

© jhdyuiee

2024.01.27

final a.n: I was scared to write for someone other than jaehyun tbh but I think it ended well! I hope u enjoy my first Mark fanfic && ill be back in the future with more!! as i previously said i have 4 works currently in my drafts so look forward to them! happiest 127 day nctzen’s ! i love u all && pls enjoy this fic - jiji 🤍

p.s- u guys know where i got my title idea from 🫢 ?!

[loony-n-moony]

Stoner Leona real and true to me

If you feel like it, could you expand on him? (Doesn't need to be related to the aforementioned headcanon, just go where your heart takes you)

GRAHHH you ask and you shall receive!!!! I even made a banner >:D

Leona Kingscholar General HCs!!!

How ya’ll likin’ it? (˘⌣˘)☆彡 anywayz here we go

He is a piece of shit stoner, yes, but a SEASONED one. In other words he’s been doing this shit for years

Epel tried to ask him for weed advice or wtv and got sat down for a 20 minute explanation and convo (to the point where Epel didn’t even wanna try anymore)

The reason is bc his first time trying it (when he was like???? 16???) was an ACTUAL disaster. I’m talking greening out, throwing up, having a panic attack and thinking his mom’s gonna hang him.

See, for a period of time as a kid, Leona was a MODEL child. Good grades, good behavior, all in the hopes of receiving some praise and attention.

When THAT didn’t work, he flipped it and became the biggest nuisance known to man. And it kinda worked! Until he got tired of actively choosing to be the worst every single day

That’s when he just gave up and started hating people altogether.

Enough angst, Leona is the type to cry when he gets pissed

See, I’m not talking frustrated or annoyed like he usually is, I mean like RIDDLE ANGER LEVELS angry. When that happens, he has to walk out so people don’t see him tear up.

Savanaclaw was all like “woahhh he must be really upset… look at him walking away to maintain his patience… so epic…!!!1!” When in reality he just can’t afford having his underlings dorm-mates watch him cry.

Don’t let his nonchalance fool you, he’ll beat a bitch for Cheka

This isn’t JUST Leona but everyone in Savanaclaw cries when a dog dies in a movie

Speaking of, animals love him. Much to Ruggie’s jealousy.

A little bit after Cheka was born, Farena kept giving Leona shit about when he’ll settle down with someone of his own, and it annoyed Leona so much he shouted “I’M GAY” in his brother’s face just so he’d shut up.

He in fact, didn’t shut up and tried having a heart to heart with him, so much that Leona was weighing the pros and cons of killing him right there.

He’s bisexual but that’s beside the point,

Leona was fucking THRILLED when Rook wanted to transfer

No I’m dead serious Leona wanted to kick him out but Crowley was being a little bitch about it so he couldn’t. 

Usually the transfer process is very lengthy but Leona asked ZERO questions and Rook was out THAT DAY.

As long as he doesn’t have to deal with the Keter level fujoshi that is Rook, he’s happy.

Whenever Idia gushes about cats, Leona instinctively covers his ears bc Rook deadass is that PTSD inducing.

He’s sensitive to light flashes so he almost mauled Cater one time

[brown-eyedblues]

Long Lost Friends. Part 1

Billy the Kid x fem reader

A/N: Hey friends! This is the first time I’m writing for Billy! Actually, this is my first time writing in ages… I would really love to get back into it. This is going to be part one in this little universe, hopefully. I want to continue the current story, and also elaborate on y/n and Billy’s time as best friends back in Santa Fe. I just wanted to write a little intro to this story first. Please let me know what ya’ll think of this piece and give me some ideas for what else to write about next!

Warnings: None, really. Some kissing, some fluff. Light editing done.

Billy had arrived at Lincoln county, riding up to the gang’s camp earlier in the day. The hot sun was starting to set as Billy stood by the small fire, occasionally kicking loose twigs on the ground into the flames. His thoughts jolted to a stop when Jesse came up behind him, clapping him hard on the shoulder. They both ignored the cloud of dust and dirt that floated from the point of impact- Billy’s clothes desperately needed to be washed after riding on horseback from Chihuahua to Lincoln.

“Some of us are rollin’ out shortly to head to town, if you would like to join us.” Jesse said, taking a swig from a rusting flask.

“I don’t know, Jesse. I might just turn in early tonight, the ride from Chihuahua was a long one.” Billy sighed, twisting where he stood while his spine popped, as if punctuating what he had just said.

“That’s up to you, man, but I think you should come with us. There is someone at that saloon that I think you will want to see.” Jesse said, before shrugging his shoulders and shuffling over to the men that were already mounting their horses.

Billy’s interest was peaked, as much as he hated to admit it. He kicked over a pail of water that sat next to the fire, effectively snuffing it out. He jogged over to his horse, throwing one leg over its back and adjusting himself onto the saddle. Jesse tossed him a smirk before snapping his reins and kicking his horse into motion. Billy followed suit and shortly the group of men was cresting one of the green rolling hills on the outskirts of town. When the town came into view the group slowed down, and Jesse fell back until his horse was trotting alongside Billy’s.

“Jesse, who is at the saloon you want me to see so damn bad that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” Billy asked.

“You remember y/n? Back in Santa Fe?” Jesse asked, shooting Billy another knowing smirk. Of course Billy remembered y/n. She had been his best friend throughout the years he lived in Santa Fe. The last time he had seen her was a little over three years ago when his step-father had packed them up and moved them to Silver City. He thought of her often; wondering where she ended up, and if she was healthy and doing well. He frequently wondered if she had happened across his wanted posters, and recognized his likeness in the prints. “Looks like her family moved to Lincoln about a year after you left. Her parents have a farm just north of town. She works some nights at the saloon for some extra money,” Jesse continued. “And let me tell you something, Kid. She ain’t nothing like I remember her bein’. She sure has a fire in her.” He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.

Billy let the conversation fade after that. As the gang neared the town and the sound of laughter and music drifted through the hoof-worn dirt roads, Billy’s thoughts were racing. The last time he had seen y/n, she was standing on the bottom step of his home in Santa Fe, next to a horse drawn wagon that was packed with all of his family’s belongings. Tears streaked down her face as they said their final goodbyes. Standing on the step put her at eye level with him, and she sniffled softly as he looked down and kicked at that dirt at his feet. Without warning she had thrown her arms around his neck and kissed him hard on the lips, as if trying to meld herself to him. He held her against him for a moment, before easing her to a standing position in front of him. Without another word he had turned and hopped onto the back of the wagon, smacking the side of to tell his step-father he was ready. Billy had watched the girl he loved fade into the distance as the horses brought them further and further from Santa Fe.

At that point they had been sixteen, and y/n was just beginning to show signs of becoming a woman. Billy had been suppressing growing feelings for her, afraid that if he admitted to them, she wouldn’t reciprocate. Instead, he spent the hot days lounging in the sun with her, splashing in the local water hole, and running around the city together. Y/n often sat with him at poker tables, watching the game play out and chewing her nails- she never opted to play, claiming that the other players would be able to read her too easily. When Billy won (which only happened once in a blue moon), he would save half of his winnings for his family, and spend the other half at the local bookstore. He would spend his evenings sitting on the roof of y/n’s house. She would lay with her head in his lap, gazing at the stars and playing absentmindedly with Billy’s free hand, while he read softly to her. Billy often thinks that that is the last time he was truly happy.

Billy’s memories were interrupted when his horse halted suddenly. He looked around, and noticed the group had stopped outside of the saloon. The men dismounted and made for the door eagerly. Billy trailed behind, adjusting the hat on his head, tipping it so his eyes were hidden by shadows. He pushed through the swinging door, finding a wooden beam to lean against. His eyes swung slowly through the saloon, scanning faces as quickly as possible. He watched as Jesse strode up to a woman whose back was turned to him. She was wearing what appeared to be riding pants and a cream colored blouse, and a black apron tied around her waist. Billy held his breath as Jesse slapped both of his hands on the table she was currently wiping down. He leaned in towards her, a predatory smile on his face.

“Darlin’, I am about to make your night!” Jesse announced loudly, effectively quieting the room. Y/n propped her small fists on her hips, turning to Jesse with an exasperated look.

“Jess, the only way you could possibly make my night would be if you marched your cowboy ass out of this saloon and never came back.” Y/n sneered, causing the men gathering around to let out low whistles and laugh at her remark. Billy could see what Jesse was talking about when he mentioned y/n’s fire. He was a wellknown gang leader and gunslinger, not to mention he stood about eight inches taller than her, yet she stood with a straight back, and didn’t back down.

“What did I tell you Billy? See what I mean?” Jesse asked, turning his gaze to the outlaw who still leaned casually against the beam a few strides away. Y/n froze and the saloon was so quiet Billy could hear her sharp intake of breath.

After several heartbeats, y/n turned slowly, eyes scanning every person in the saloon. When her eyes settled on the man leaning against the beam near the front door, they lingered. The man wore a ragged hat, the brim of it shadowing most of his face. Her eyes trailed down to the gun belt that hung loosely around his hips. As her gaze rose again, the man lifted his arm, slowly removing the hat on his head and resting it against his chest. His sky blue eyes peered back at her. She wasn’t really sure how long they stood like that, silently watching each other. But when his lips pulled back to reveal a familiar smile, y/n felt her feet carrying her forward before she could even comprehend what she was doing.

Without a word, y/n quickly moved towards Billy. Choking back a sob, she leapt at him, throwing her harms around his neck. He caught her easily, dropping his hat to the floor. He guided her thighs to wrap around his waist, the same way he had the last time he saw her. After a few moments, she loosened her grasp around his neck, just enough to look into his eyes. This time, Billy was the one who leaned forward, his lips crashing into hers with a desperation that caused both of their cheeks to heat. Y/n was the first to pull away, but only after the hooting and hollering around them began to chisel through the bliss she felt. Billy carefully lowered her back down to the floor, his hands still caged around her waist.

“Billy Antrim, what are you doing here?” Y/n whispered, so only he could hear. It had been a long time since Billy had heard that name. He loved the sound of it on her tongue.

“Well, I came to Lincoln to help Jesse and the boys with a job,” He started, looking over her shoulder and scanning the saloon. “Would you like to take a walk with me?” He asked softly, swooping to pick up his hat and stepped away from y/n to swing the saloon door open, gesturing for her to walk through it to the cooling night ear.

Untying the apron and draping it on a hook by the door, y/n drifted past Billy, her hand coming up to ghost over his flushed cheek as she did so. He smiled to himself as he followed after her, letting the door slam behind him. He offered her his arm as they strolled down the road slowly, walking in such a way that their hips brushed each others gently. Billy looked down at y/n, and when she looked up at him, the soft moonlight reflecting in her gentle eyes, he vowed to himself he would never leave her again.

[im-socurious]

CREDIMI ALMEN

Armin x Fem!black!reader

Credimi Almen- Italian

Translation- Believe me at least

angst.

Armin had messed up. He had cheated on you and had the nerve to cry.

You had watched them kiss. He couldn’t use the excuse that ‘he was drunk’, he couldn’t say that it wasn’t an accident, he couldn’t say he didn’t mean it, because you saw it with your own bare fucking eyes.

You weren’t crying, you were just staring and you forgot to blink. Your eyes were wide, warm tears streaming down your face and your eyes started to burn. Thank goodness you didn’t have anything in your hands, or somebody would’ve been dead. You could imagine blood all over the cold marble floors, blood on your hands and sirens in the background.

Armin finally looked up from kissing the unknown woman. He paused in horror. He didn’t mean for you to see that. He didn’t know that you were gonna be there. His mind started to race, his heart pounded so hard that it could’ve ripped right through his chest.

“Y/n! What are you doing here!? This isn’t what it looks like, I can e-explain all of thi-”

“Don’t…You can pack your shit and get the fuck out of my house and you can get the fuck out of my life. You better be there to get your shit in an hour or it’s gonna be in a fuckin fire. Delete my number and remove me from your socials, we’re done.” You said coldly, not stuttering once. Your tear stained face going blank. The spark in your eyes became nonexistent, and the beautiful smile that once lived on your face had vanished. And you had became a walking piece of venom towards Armin in 2 minutes. It made him want to perish.

There he was knocking at your door, tears threatening to fall from his eyes. You opened the door, looking away from the man that was once the light of your life.

“Your stuff is back there. I packed it for you.” You mumbled. The tears fell from Armin’s eyes. You looked up at him in disbelief. “Why are you crying?” You scoffed. “Are you fucking serious, Armin? You literally have no reason to be crying! I’m the one who got cheated on! But you have the nerve to cry?! Armin, you better stop standing here looking stupid and get your shit and get the fuc-” “No. Y/n I still love you, I-I don’t know what I was thinking. Please, believe me at least when I say, you a-are the love of my life.” The tears got heavier in his eyes, his breath was shaky as he waited for you to answer.

“Like I said, your stuff is in the back. Hurry up and get it, so you can leave.” “Y/n, I-” “I’m not gonna say it again. Don’t make me do something i’m going to regret.” You said. He looked at you, eyes wide, after 5 seconds, he walked to go get his stuff.

You packed all of his shit, to make sure he didn’t come back. You didn’t want to see his face, and now, you didn’t have to.

Ya’ll, i’m tryna be consistent and i think i’m doing pretty good. This story was inspired off of the song, Caro Mio Ben. Thanks for reading, see you next time! Love you!💫❤️

[kill-the-hand-of-shakespeare]

“Unknown”

5

———————

It wasn’t bad. Aziraphale had said it wasn’t bad - what did that even mean? That it wasn’t bad but wasn’t good? Or was it good?

Crowley let himself be brought back to the couch. He’d spent many nights on this couch.

At first, he’d just gotten into the Bentley and drove. He drove all the way to the coast and only stopped when he was far away from any town or houses. He’d stepped out when the Bentley came to a slow stop and turned herself off, tired of his mood.

He’d stood at the top of the onlook and as loud as he could, screamed. He screamed at God. Asked Her why She kept taunting him. Was falling not enough? Taking away his stars? His memory? Ripping him piece by piece and leaving him to glue them back together and now She takes him? His Angel? It wasn’t even unfair at this point. It was bloody demonic.

He’d stayed there all night. It was so dark. Snakes can’t see the stars very well. He couldn’t see the stars very well.

The nebula and local groups, planets and constellations he had formed- he couldn’t see them in all their glory anymore. He could see the moon, pale and plain. Stars were beautiful colours- a million chemicals fighting each other in a beautiful dance, that would end in terrifying blasts of energy.

And all he could see was the moon. A stupid satellite that broke off of earth at one point... or was it a meteor? He couldn’t remember. It had been so insignificant at the time... a single grain of sand in the beach of time.

He let out his wings. Held himself with them. The dark black a reminder of the fires of hell. Pure white singed dark as the night. Maybe Aziraphale was right - they were the bad guys. He was the villain.

He would never be good enough for God, nor the Angel he had come to adore.

When the sun had started to rise, Crowley just watched. Time was a terrible thing. It just kept going. Sunrise to sunset the word kept spinning... that’s just how he’d designed it. Let there be light...

He’d cursed the sun, too. Swore at it and then, as the beautiful colours pushed the stars he could not see away, and made room for blue cloudy skies of dawn, he broke. He let himself sob. He cried until his throat was raw, and no tears came. Until he felt empty.

The Bentley started herself up. And he drove for two more days before going back to his apartment. Where he’d smashed everything in his apartment to dust.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Just as She had intended.

But his apartment became too lonely. The ticking of his clock drove him so mad he threw it away.

The Bentley had driven herself to the bookshop. Parked where she always did. And he made his way into the shop. It was quiet. Muriel was only there half the time they were supposed to be open, but there was a note on the door saying Mr. Fell had fallen ill and went back to his hometown to be around family.

So they were acting like he was dying? That was heavens Oh Great Plan? Cheery.

He’d slept on the couch. He had half a mind to sleep in Aziraphale’s room, but that dropped a heavy stone in his stomach. After a few days he’d ventured upstairs. Lingered around. The smell of the Angel had made him feel homesick - vanilla and Earl Grey. The sweet fragrance of decaying book pages and antique leather.

So he raided Aziraphale’s alcohol. Got drunk enough that everything looked a little less painful, and made his way back up to the angel’s apartment to look through all his little things.

———————

Meepmeep. Here is a short but emotionally draining chapter! Enjoy, ya’ll. 🖤🥲

< Previous Next >

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hey lovelies! So ya’ll remember that Blue Tears idea I had a while ago?

Welp, it’s done :)

Enjoy the angst! <33

...............

“Fly away, you’re free...”

“..Pidge..?” Confused at the command given to them, Blue’s Pidgeot stared at the shattered remains of their pokeball, before staring back at their master. 

He wasn’t even looking at them, but rather at the ground, messy brown bangs obscuring most of his face.

They didn’t fully understand what he meant by that.

After all they’ve been through together, this is what he does? Release them back into the wild...just like that?

Although Pidgeot wasn’t too familiar with this place, they recognized it as the entrance to Kanto’s tallest mountain. And this is where all of the extremely dangerous Pokémon and weather conditions resided.

That being said, why did he want them to leave? They didn’t see any of their friends’ pokeballs on him, so without them he’d be in grave peril.

Yet he didn’t seem to care as he sighed in irritation, annoyed that they were refusing to listen to him. “You’re free to live your own life again. I’m not your trainer anymore. Just go.”

The Bird Pokémon was extremely taken aback by his behavior, but then again...he hasn’t been the same ever since he lost his champion title--and other things he cared about, such as his Raticate.

Although they all knew it was an accident, Pidgeot thought that grief would make Blue even stronger. Even after losing to Red for the final time, they never stopped supporting him and vowed to train harder.

Maybe he finally reached his limit, unwilling to go on.

Yet when they shook their head in protest, he snapped. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be!! GO!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!” He yelled, kicking the pieces of the pokeball into the dirt, causing Pidgeot to flinch.

However during his fit, the bag accidentally slipped off his shoulder. As it tumbled to the ground they noticed something shiny and silver sticking out of the pouch:

Something sharp.

But they didn’t get a good chance to really see what it was as Blue scrambled to pick up his bag, sealing it shut with the item tucked back inside. He looked at his companion again, with exhaustion in his eyes. “...I’m sorry, I just...I need to face him alone. So please go and forget about me...goodbye.”

Those words devastated Pidgeot to the core, especially when he pleaded for them to “forget” about him.

How could they possibly do that?

What did he intend to do with that sharp shiny thing?

They had a bad feeling in their gut, and so they flapped their wings and flew off the mountain. Not out of obedience, but rather in a frantic pursuit to find the one person that could certainly help him and Red.

They can’t beg him to come back home.

But they knew exactly who could.

.........

“[Y/n], I don’t think it’s such a good idea for you to climb Mount Silver. The boys are probably fine-”

“Professor, I’ve looked all over town for them.” You huffed as you mounted your Rapidash outside of the Pokémon Lab, frowning down at Oak. “They’re my friends. I know Red likes going off on his own, but I know damn well Blue wouldn’t just disappear without telling me.”

At the mention of his grandson’s name, he fell quiet. It didn’t go unnoticed by you, which only made your blood boil even more.

You remembered fiercely defending Blue after Oak expressed great disappointment over his “failure” to keep his championship title for even a day before losing to Red. 

Heck, even the silent trainer felt guilty seeing his rival getting chewed out. He nearly forgot that he still needed to go inside the Hall of Fame.

It made you wonder if that contributed to his desire to go into exile.

“Does he only matter to you when he’s training Pokémon or researching alongside you?”

“Wha..o-of course not!” The professor protested, frowning at your accusations. “He matters to me more than you know. I just..thought my words would give him the push to do better. Maybe I could have worded them differently, but-”

“You knew he was struggling with losing his Raticate. I would’ve thrown in the towel if any of my Pokémon died like that, but Blue didn’t because he’s not a quitter. But when he needed your support the most...you just told him his best wasn’t enough. Imagine how he feels right now...”

Shaking your head, you scratched Rapidash’s ears gently. She could understand your frustration as she snorted in agreement.

Oak knew there was some truth to your words. At the time, he didn’t even think about the fact that Blue cared so much for his Pokémon..not treating them like tools as he previously assumed.

But as he was about to give you another poor excuse for his harsh words, both of you heard a familiar bird cry and looked up, seeing a Pidgeot land in front of you.

At first you were confused, wondering why this one decided to randomly show up and greet you specifically.

Then...it clicked in your mind.

“Oh! You’re..Blue’s Pidgeot, right?”

“Pidge! Geot!!” They nodded frantically, using a wing to gesture up to Mt. Silver.

While you weren’t well-versed in Poke language, you knew that if they were here all alone...then Blue must’ve gotten trapped up there in the mountains.

What if Red was, too?

“Okay, okay..I’ll follow you up there.” You glanced back at Oak apologetically. “Sorry, chief. I hate going against your advice, but my friends are stuck up there. I have to go help them. My Pokémon are strong enough.”

“Alright, but do be careful.” He nodded in understanding, now looking gravely worried. “The weather up there can be unpredictable, too. Make sure you don’t get stuck up there yourself.”

“I promise I’ll get us all back home. Now let’s go, girl!" You shouted to Rapidash, who neighed and galloped after Blue’s Pidgeot, heading towards the nearest slope that will lead you up Mt. Silver the quickest.

This was officially a race against time. You had no idea if those two got cornered by extremely aggressive Pokémon or were simply lost in one of the caves...all you could do was pray that you weren’t too late.

Eventually, the three of you arrived at the cavern’s entrance, with Rapidash’s flames keeping you and Pidgeot warm as you went inside. ‘Thank Arceus I bundled up for this trip beforehand...’

You tried to be as quiet as possible so you didn’t provoke any of the wild Pokémon that might be clinging to the walls or hiding underground.

Honestly, you didn’t know where this path would lead to. But considering the footprints on the ground were still somewhat fresh, you knew one of the boys couldn’t have gone too far.

‘The only question now is how far could he have-’

“THIS IS FOR EVERYTHING!!!”

The sudden loud scream of anger startled you, especially when you recognized Blue’s voice. In panic and confusion, you bolted further into the cave, winding up in a chamber where...

You stumbled upon a rather horrifying scene:

Blue furiously attacking Red. Though not with any Pokémon moves..

But a gleaming bloodstained knife. 

The silent trainer tried in vain to defend himself, but his arms got slashed up as blood dripped onto the ground beneath him. And eventually he was shoved down, a pained grunt leaving him.

You couldn’t believe this is where Red’s been after all this time. You would’ve been overjoyed to see him....under completely different circumstances.

His rival stood over him, purple sweater splattered in red as he looked down at him, grinning like a manic. Red’s eyes filled with tears, trying to shuffle towards his bag where his Pokémon were safely nestled inside. He couldn’t let any of them get into danger...even if they were powerful enough to overwhelm Blue.

“..p-please..don’t hurt them...” He managed to rasp, voice quivering in terror.

“...oh, so now you can talk, huh?! And that’s all you gotta say?!” Tilting his head, Blue’s smile only grew as he laughed hysterically. “You think you could just hide away up here?!! YOU THINK YOU COULD JUST WALK AWAY LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED?!!” He screamed. "You took everything from me, “Champion”..so now I’m gonna-”

“BLUE!!!”

Shocked by your unexpected arrival, he spun around with wide eyes to see you jumping off Rapidash. Then he noticed his Pidgeot by your side, scowling deeply at the bird for ratting him out like this. “P-Pidgeot..you brought them here?”

“Of course they did. I thought you guys were hurt, but...but this is insane. What do you think you’re doing?!”

Obviously, you were mortified that he planned to outright kill Red in some sickening act of “revenge”, but you remembered that you had to remain calm lest he did anything rash...to either you, Red, or himself.

After recalling Rapidash for her own safety, you took a few steps forward, trying to get to Red. And you immediately stopped as Blue held the blade against his own neck. Tears fully streamed down his face now, teeth gritted to bite back the sobs that wanted to escape.

“Hey, hey, hey...it’s okay, Blue.” You put your hands up, showing him you mean no harm. “You’re gonna be okay. Just please put the knife down. I know you’re in pain, but this isn’t going to make things better-”

“I-I didn’t want you to come here, [y/n]..” He sniffled. “You couldn’t just stay away. Now I have to kill you, too!!” Another hysterical laugh left his lips. “How funny...w-we grew up together, and now we’re all gonna die together and nobody will know where we are!!!”

“That’s not true.” You tried to reassure him. “Nobody has to die. We can all go home together. We can find another way to resolve this..to help you through your grief. I know you think Red deserves this...” For a brief moment, your gaze went to the other trainer’s. He was struggling to cover his wounds, barely breathing. “..but he doesn’t. He never meant to-”

“Why...Why are you defending this coward?! After all he did..h-he just runs away and thinks I’d just forgive and forget?!!”

“..n-no, Blue..”

Tensing, the brunette glanced back at Red, scowling. “Shut up, coward.” Then he looked to you again. “Tell me, [y/n]..who would you rather leave this mountain with? Me or him?”

His question had you in disbelief. How could you possibly choose?

You shook your head. “You know I can’t pick-”

“LIAR!! I KNOW IT WOULD BE HIM!! BECAUSE IT’S ALWAYS HIM!!” He snapped angrily, pointing his weapon at you as that maniacal grin from before displayed itself for you to see. “If you wanna “help me” so badly...then let’s make this quick.”

“Wha-!!”

All of the sudden, Blue yelled as he charged at you, swinging the knife--only for the blade to miss you by mere inches. Pidgeot panicked and used Gust to push him away from you, flapping their wings quickly so that you had time to get to the wounded Red.

“[Y/n]...please run..” He pleaded as you kneeled beside him. But you ignored him, instead calling out Chansey. At first she was stunned upon seeing the extent of his injuries, though at your request she began using Heal Pulse to aid him.

She needed to be absolutely focused on this task, so when you heard the wind stop, you got up to shield the pair from Blue. He was just staring you down furiously.

The murderous glint in his eyes barely made him seem human anymore..it was both tragic and horrific to see him reduced to this...to resort to killing over an accident, plus other things that his rival couldn’t have possibly expected to push him to this point.

It was like some supernatural force had taken ahold of his grief, driving it to the extreme.

Yet you firmly stood your ground. “So what now? You’re just gonna kill my Chansey, too? After all she’s done to heal you and your Pokémon?! Don’t you remember when she tried saving your Raticate?”

“”Trying” isn’t the same as actually saving, idiot!!” He snarled. “If you had any brains left, you know I can’t leave witnesses-”

However, he was interrupted as a pokeball attached to your belt suddenly popped open on its own, sending out..

Your Shiny Raticate.

“Grrrrrat!!!” They bared their fangs, glaring at the crazed trainer who dared to harm you.

Blue stared at them for a moment, and the back to you--who was just as surprised that they emerged without you calling for them. And he smiled, laughing quietly. “Y-Yours evolved?”

“I meant to tell you..but after what happened, it didn’t seem like the best time.” You told him apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

“...well..it doesn’t matter anymore.” He flicked the blade towards them. “They’ll be seeing my Raticate very soon!”

And with that, he charged blindly at your Pokémon, wanting to just land a single hit on them.

“Rat, dodge and use a light Quick Attack!!” You ordered.

The Shiny Raticate nodded and evaded the knife’s swipe, using that move you commanded to leave a scratch mark on his face. As Blue shouted in pain, he dropped the knife, blood trickling down his cheek. Once they grabbed the knife’s handle in their mouth, they carefully rushed back to your side, leaving it at your feet.

“Good job!” Smiling, you kneeled down to hug them, before pushing the knife behind you so Blue couldn’t get to it.

Speaking of whom, you looked up to see him collapse to his knees, his breathing shaky. With a trembling hand, he grabbed a nearby rock and clumsily threw it at the Shiny Raticate in a poor attempt to hurt them. But they huffed and climbed onto your shoulder, as you gazed at him in sadness.

“Blue, that’s enough. You’ve lost.”

“...th-that’s the problem, I always lose,” he began to sob, the crushing weight of his actions beginning to push down on him. “It’s not fair! Why do you get to be with your Pokemon..a-and I can’t?"

Through his tears, he sniffled as he noticed Chansey helping Red sit up, most of his wounds reduced to small scratches. “You think I-I wanted to hurt either of you?!! I just...I just wanted my life back...but I have nothing now. Not even that stupid knife...” Then he buried his face into his hands. “I-I can’t keep living like this!”

Your heart ached to hear his muffled sobbing, but it seems that bringing out your Shiny Raticate finally got through to him. 

Maybe it’s because his and yours were best buddies as Rattatas. Back then, you didn’t know why yours had such a strange “mutation”, but just like Blue..you loved your companion unconditionally.

For a moment you looked at each other, before going over to comfort him. You kneeled down and hugged him, feeling him cling to you and cry like a little kid. The Shiny Raticate nuzzled the side of his head, frowning as they also understood his grief.

“I-I’m so sorry...”

“It’s alright.” You reassured him softly. “Let’s just go home, okay? Before we all freeze to death up here.”

Nodding, he quieted down as you let him go, helping him stand up. Red managed to get up with Chansey’s assistance, and you smiled at the pair. ‘Thank Arceus I got here just in time.’

You called out the rest of your Pokémon to help make the long journey back home and to the hospital. The three of you vowed to tell them that you just got attacked by wild Pokemon...nobody had to know what really happened up on Mt. Silver.

And as for Blue’s knife..it remained in the chamber, buried deep within the snow.

Never to be found again.

[redtippedfox]

“Oh but Marinette~” The tiger villainess purrs, her clawed hand with her corrupted miraculous reaching out for Ladybugs hand, Chat Noir could only watch as the tigress clasped her claws around Ladybugs unmoving hand. The tails of the fox villainess wrapped around his neck as a sign to not interfere. “The reason why we’re like this, in this god-like state is because you made us into this.” Ladybug only stared forward, her eyes wide as she was forced to listen to everything that these corrupted hero’s had to say. “That’s right, you chose us, your friends to wield Miraculouses and you helped us become what we are today…” Black Stallion said as he continued to scroll through the pulled up research that he had stolen from older Marinette’s room. “…Even though it was Monarch-er-Hawkmoth who kidnapped all of us and turned us into weapons for him to use against you and Chat Noir…we all owe being chosen to you.” Ladybug blinked, the rest of the sentence was hazy and blurred, her mind only catching a small piece of the sentence. “A-All of us? Who’s us?” She asked in a meek weak tone that Chat Noir had never seen before, he had seen Marinette sad, or confused and even conflicted thanks to Chloe but he had never seen Marinette or Ladybug cry. A hand is placed on Ladybugs head, as a sign of comfort and Ladybug can’t help but feel tears try to swell up, there was only one person who ever patted Marinette’s head like this and that was her best friend Alya. “Why everyone else of course!” Kitsune Rouge says as she smiles down wicked at Ladybug. “Me, Nino, Juleka, Max, Ivan, Rose, Sabrina, Nathaniel, Kim, Alix, and our other friends you haven’t met yet.”

“But don’t worry You’ll be meeting them soon enough~” and then a white portal opened up, and Ladybug could only cry as these hellish version of her friends came to drag her to Hell or well her older self who had apparently already been through that Hell.

“It’s time you meet the team Mari, and then the hunt can begin.”

——————————————————————————————————————

Timey Wimey…Uh Oh Chapter two Coming Soon…

This drawing has been finished for such a long time that I was waiting to post it when chapter two came out but life has been hellish recently and I usually only have time to work on it in my advertising class. But it should be done soon. Love ya’ll!

[fitrahgolden]

Lilies and Soap: Chapter 5 - A Good Hurt

[NOTE: I was going to write a few lyrics for “A Good Hurt,” Anthony’s song for Violet, but it’s literally just “Upward Over the Mountain” by Iron & Wine. Ya’ll, it’s the perfect song for them. Also, it’s one of my favourite songs of all time. The lyrics will be at the end.

An additional note: This is the last of the “once a day” updates. I immediately fell in love with this story and have been compulsively writing it all week. But, unfortunately (for me, anyway), the updates are gonna slow way down, more to a “once a week” type frequency.]

“Mum?”

Anthony was happy to find his mother alone in the drawing room of her house. He didn't want an audience for this.

“Anthony, Dear. I didn’t know you were coming by.”

“Yeah, just for a bit. I can’t stay for dinner, but I need to talk to you.”

Concern coloured Violet’s face. “Of course. Is everything alright?”

“Oh, yes. Sorry, yeah. Everything’s fine. Actually, I wanted to play you something.”

He moved to sit at the grand piano situated by one of the room’s large windows and scooted to one side.

“Do you mind sitting with me?”

Violet smiled curiously as she sat next to her eldest son. “Oh, am I getting a preview of the next album?”

Anthony laughed gently. “No. It’s not going to be on the next album, but I would like your permission to consider it for the one after that.”

“Permission?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Yes. I wrote a song about you. Well, about us, for you. And I didn’t want to spring on you. It means a lot to me that you be the first one to hear it in private, and that I have your blessing to share it.”

Anthony wasn’t surprised when tears already started to form in his mother’s eyes.

“Go on, then,” she whispered. “Let’s hear it.”

Anthony began to play the opening notes of a song he’d titled “A Good Hurt.”

After his father died when he was eighteen, Anthony’s relationship with his mother became rather volatile. For the first year, Violet was all but completely absent from the family, including Hyacinth, who was born shortly after Edmund Bridgerton’s death. Anthony became a caretaker to his mother and a surrogate father to his seven siblings overnight. Once Violet recovered, she and Anthony never quite found their footing when it came to each other and their roles as heads of their family.

A couple of years ago, things came to a head, and Violet and Anthony decided that it would be in their best interest, and the best interest of the whole family, if the two of them went to therapy, separately as well as together. As part of his healing journey, Anthony’s therapist encouraged him to lean into his music, to use the tools he already had at his disposal to process the things they were working on in therapy. “A Good Hurt” was one of the results of that labour. Anthony was proud of it, of what it did for him, and hoped it would communicate to his mum everything he’d felt in the past, what he felt now, and what he hoped for their future. 

Violet was silent for a few minutes after the final notes resounded in the air before dissipating.. He wasn’t sure what to expect, so he just sat silently with her.

“Anthony,” she finally said, “I… hardly even know what to say.” She put a hand on one of his and squeezed. “Thank you. It's beautiful. Thank you… so much.”

Anthony had some tears of his own in his eyes as he squeezed Violet’s hand in return. “You’re welcome, Mum. And thank you.” He handed her a folded piece of paper, filled with his handwriting. “It’s the lyrics. I want you to have them. And there’s no pressure to let me record it. I understand if you want to keep it private.”

Violet nodded and pressed the paper against her chest. “May I think about it?”

“Of course, Mum. Take all the time you need.”

The two sat at the piano together for a while, talking and playing a few songs together. Eventually, Anthony stood.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay and eat with you guys. I have plans tonight.”

Violet stood as well and patted his cheek. “Oh, that’s fine, Dear. Anything fun? Are you seeing Kate?”

Anthony furrowed his brows a bit at the assumption. Not because it was unreasonable. It wasn’t. He often spent his evenings with Kate. He simply felt an unfamiliar feeling in his chest. It was as if he felt sorry that the answer to his mum’s question was no, he wasn’t seeing Kate tonight. He shook the thought out of his head and smiled. “No, not tonight. I have a date, is all.”

Violet gave a half smile and nodded. “Right. Well, have a good time.”

Anthony nodded curtly and turned to leave when Violet stopped him.

“And, um, thank you, again. I’m so proud of you. you know that, right? Of what you’re making of your life, sharing your talents with the world. Your father would be, too.”

—

Anthony met Siena outside of the restaurant she’d picked out. She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek before they headed inside. They were each recognised exactly once before they were seated and laughed about it while they looked at their menus.

The food was delicious and the conversation was easy. It was mostly more of the same as their lunch meeting, talking about their time at the Royal College of Music and the careers that followed.

"Oh, I had a question," Siena said after taking a sip of her wine.

“Alright, here we go. Should I be scared?” Anthony joked.

“No. Believe me, Bridgerton, you’ll know when I start grilling you. It’s just that I noticed at our meeting the other day that you still call Kate Lamb. After all these years. It always got my attention when I would hang out with you guys. How did that come about?"

Anthony sat back and smiled softly at the memory. A few seconds passed. He saw Siena looking at him expectantly and realised he hadn’t actually started responding to her yet. "Oh. Well, we were in one of the practice halls. It was the first time we collaborated. The first thing she did at the piano was play  'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' Completely serious, totally committed to singing and playing each note. And I just…burst out laughing. After she threw a pencil at me, she explained it was a part of her vocal warm up when she first started music lessons when she was six. She liked that it was her stepmum's name, so she stuck with it from that point on. I had to respect that. She's been my la–  She's been 'Lamb' to me ever since."

Siena nodded, her expression hard to read, and quietly said, “Ah.” She quickly moved on to other topics, and the rest of the meal was perfectly… nice.

After dinner, the pair decided it was too pleasant of a night to not take a walk in the nearby park. Siena looped an arm around Anthony’s and they strolled along the paved trail, avoiding the evening runners. During a lull in the conversation, Anthony slowed to a stop and turned Siena towards him. Her hand slid down his arm to take his hand.

“I’m having a really nice time, Siena.”

“Me, too.” She smiled up at him dreamily.

“Are we… Um, do you want to call it a night, or…”

Siena raised an eyebrow as she got on her tiptoes to kiss him. As soon as Anthony closed his eyes, he saw Kate. The same Kate he’d imagined while watching her record “Perpetual Commotion.” The Kate that was brand new to him, while somehow at the same time also feeling intimately familiar. The sudden vision made him falter, and when he and Siena pulled apart, he opened his eyes to find her frowning at him in a sad, oddly understanding way. She shook her head slowly as she looked down for a moment. Then she kissed his cheek and finally answered.

“Yeah, Anthony. I think we should call it a night.”

They hugged and parted on a friendly note, speaking genuinely about how much they were looking forward to working with each other on Siena’s album and exchanging "see you soon"s. Once she left in the taxi that Anthony had flagged down for her, he walked around the park for another hour on his own. His mind was whirring, and he’d hoped the walk would help slow everything down. No such luck. So, he went home and did what he always did when he needed to sort out his thoughts.

He started writing.

—

The words were pouring out of him faster than he could even think about what he was writing. He eventually stopped to read the stream of consciousness that filled the pages of his notebook.

Kate, Kate, Kate.

The melodies, the imagery, the metaphors. He was writing about Kate and didn't even realise it.

Kate, Kate, Kate. 

It was all there, in the span of ten minutes, the entity, the woman, the person. His person in more ways than he had been aware of.

Kathani, Kate, Lamb. 

He felt lightheaded, looking back at the last few years with all the filters removed, finally seeing everything for what it truly was.

He laughed to save from crying, to stave off the pity and frustration and…anger he knew he would be directing at himself soon enough.

So much wasted time.

Well, he couldn't get that time back. He could only attempt one hell of a course correction.

Mine, mine, mine.

Hers, hers, hers.

It was a wish, a prayer, a vision of his future–of their future. 

Ours, ours, ours.

He stared at the pages again. He needed to find a way to distil them down into… something. He didn’t know what.

Something worthy of her. 

Kate, Kate, Kate. 

[NOTE:

“Mother, don't worry, I killed the last snake that lived in the creek bed

Mother, don't worry, I've got some money I saved for the weekend

Mother, remember being so stern with that girl who was with me?

Mother, remember the blink of an eye when I breathed through your body?

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten

Sons are like birds, flying upward over the mountain

Mother, I made it up from the bruise on the floor of this prison

Mother, I lost it, all of the fear of the Lord I was given

Mother, forget me now that the creek drank the cradle you sang to

Mother, forgive me, I sold your car for the shoes that I gave you

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten

Sons could be birds, taken broken up to the mountain

Mother, don't worry, I've got a coat and some friends on the corner

Mother, don't worry, she's got a garden we're planting together

Mother, remember the night that the dog had her pups in the pantry?

Blood on the floor, fleas on their paws, and you cried 'til the morning

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten

Sons are like birds, flying always over the mountain”

“Upward Over the Mountain” by Iron & Wine.

Lyrics by Sam Beam.]

[burgercheese1812]

Funniest “no beta we die-“ tags that I’ve found on A03 and what i rate them:

No beta we die like authors who wrote this in one hour

♾️/10

it’s absolutely perfect.

It’s honest.

it’s relatable

more than i’d care to admit

No beta we die like barb

10/10

hit me right where it hurts

JUSTICE FOR BARB

No beta we just die

100/10

Straight to the point

No room for disagreement

No beta we die like the mc’s hope for the future

+♾️/10

I fully snorted when I saw this one

Too accurate.

Like waaaaayyy too accurate

I didn’t go on A03 to be called out like this.

it’s not trauma it’s ✨character development✨

No beta we die like my first love

8/10

Relatable.

First loves never work I swear-

I really hope this is talking about the love for someone dying and not the actual PERSON dying

No beta we die like my sleep schedule

100/10

Terrifyingly perfect and relatable accuracy

Perfectly summed up what it’s like to write fan fics

There is no room for a sleep schedule as a writer

No beta we die like my dignity

♾️/10

Honestly enough said.

I lose a piece of myself every time I decide to write fan fic

There is no room for dignity, only fan fic.

No beta sadly we die like my motivation to do uni work

10/10

Maybe not specifically uni work but I have definitely left work unfinished while I wrote a fan fic

You have too.

Don’t even deny it.

No beta we cry ourselves to sleep

100/10

The reason angst fics take so long to write is because we can’t see through our own tears

Angst writers only write angst to condemn someone to the same fate as themselves

Change my mind.

No beta we die like izuku’s will to live

100/10

The better side of the MHA fandom

The poor boy has been put through so much already

Does that mean we as writers will stop putting him through stuff?

No.

No beta we die like my heart did watching last night’s episode

♾️/10

Enough said.

I don’t even have to see what fandom this is from

All I know is that this is always the beginning of a great fic.

It’s a canon event.

We must sacrifice our mental state for the fics.

No beta we die like side characters

100000/10

I cackled

It scared my dog.

“Now I’m going to go into heavy detail about my life even though I’ve only said two sentences and been seen only twice” is when you KNOW they’re about to die

BUT WHY DO THEY ALWAYS HAVE TO DIE???

I HAPPENED TO LOVE THE RANDOM ICE CREAM GUY NAMED DAVE WHO GOT APPROXIMATELY 0.02 SECONDS OF SCREAM TIME

No beta reader we die like peeps in the microwave

7/10

This one made me laugh

I don’t quite know why

Anyone would die in a microwave?

Why are you jumping into a microwave?

Was the ending really that bad?

Was it the good omens season 2 ending?

Is there room in the microwave for 2 peeps?

P.s: I am assuming they meant ‘peeps’ as in people and not those little birds candy things from America

Absolutely no beta we die like Junpei

-100/10

You made me cry

Just 7 words and the tears were free

Why would you do this to me?

This but if JJK has emotionally scarred me for life.

I will actually rate it 10000/10 because I will admit it is hilarious

But I swear-

Absolutely no beta we go down like a faulty elevator

8/10

I mean fair enough-

No beta we die like my originality after this fic

8/10

You either have too much originality or too little originality

there is no in between for a fan fic writer

However, most Wattpad writers some how manage to both have no originality with the petite -5’5 valley girl who was just sold off to the band One Direction

But also too much originality with the amount of random bull$h!!t going on in the fic

Ya’ll amaze me on that app.

Again no beta we die like Jason!

100000000/10

The exclamation mark is the icing on the cake

It sounds so happy that Jason is dead

Like Jason’s dead! 😁

Just needs a :) face now

AKA no beta we die like our brain cells

♾️/10

Braincells?

What braincells?

I’m convinced most writer just have a fic idea and then go into a comatose and

💥 Bam💥

fic finished and posted on the internet forever

aka no beta we die of CRINGE

100/10

No writer can honestly say that they haven’t posted a fic that they look back on and don’t cringe so hard they implode

The cringe takes over.

It has a mind of its own

Almost No Beta We Die Like Uhh Bigender People

10000/10

This is so vaguely threatening??

What did the bigender people do?

Why are they dying?

Why the hesitation??

Are there more gender-ed people who are dying????

Were they’re too many from you to pick from????

WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TYPE THE “Uhh”??????

Also no beta reader we die like the missing children

1000/10

Again.

Vaguely threatening?

Why are the children missing?

Did you kidnap children to be your beta readers?

Did they escape????

Also no beta we die like our favourite characters

100000/10

Just like the side character one

This is PEAK comedy

No one can convince me otherwise

Also no beta we die like ants in the mighty spiral

10000000000000/10

I love subjective humour

I can relate to the ants in the their death spiral whilst writing fics

Also ants are cool

I really hope more people get this-

Also no beta we die like cishet white men writing their first erotica novel

10000/10

Hilarious.

I have never seen this before but I somehow already know what it looks like?

And it’s funny

Also no beta we die like endeavour’s hero career

1000/10

Extra points for the MHA reference

Dabi really DESTROYED endeavours hero career

Like the guy had it coming anyway-

Also I would like to point out that there were 4 OF THESE spelt in DIFFERENT ways, like some had a capital ‘Endeavour’

And that is funny to me because it implies that 4 separate people had the same idea for this tag

Also no beta we die like every fan-favourite character on spn

100/10

I just love how we as authors can all relate with our favourites dying all the time

Like it may be worded different but we all have the same idea-

There’s 1230 or something pages of just these “no beta we-“ tags and I would love to try and go through them but yeah-

I’m lazy 🫠

Might do some more rating soon 🫡

[theyluvkarolina]

hiii i have a dad fic requesttttt

it would be dad!charles x mom!reader where they have a little girl (any name but my pick would be emmalie), and essentially reader is on a trip and charles has to juggle both being a driver and taking care of their kid. it would be soo fluffy!! maybe even angsty if emmalie misses her mom and refuses to sleep alone. thanks for reading this :)))

౨ৎ JUST THE TWO OF US ౨ৎ

masterlist / rules / requests & talks with me!

SUMMARY౨ৎ Being on a work trip for 4 days leaves Charles to take care of your little girl. He assumed everything will be just fine only to be proven wrong with having to balance both F1 and being a father. On a race weekend at that.

PAIRING ౨ৎ Dad!Charles

A/N ౨ৎ i decided to go back with the name i went with in my pervious charles fic (noemié!) i thought it would just be easier and help with the continuity <3 ya’ll… i’m napping after this piece. nighty night 😭

2.6k words!

Having Charles take care of Noemié by himself for the first time was your nightmare. It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Charles, quite the opposite in fact. It was the fact he would be taking care of her by himself while you’re out of the country for a 4 whole days. A race week at that. And with Noemié being less than 3 years old, your anxiety spiked.

“Alright, make sure she gets into bed before 9:30 and is fully asleep, if she starts throwing a tantrum don’t comfort her but discipline her and after time out she gets all the hugs and kisses she wants, no sweets after dinner, oh and make sure that is you bring her to the paddock-“

“That she is with me at all times. Mon, amour I have everything under control! There is nothing to worry about.” Charles reassured you as you both stood at the door, holding Noemié in one arm.

“Are you sure?” You question, looking at the both of them with concern.

“Positif.” Charles grinned, “N'est-ce pas, mon chou? (Isn't that right, sweetie?)” he turned to little Noemié, adjusting her in his arms making her nod and give a toothy smile.

You give a tender smile at the sight before giving a sigh, seeing the sight of both of them. “Alright then… I have to get going. My flight leaves in 3 hours.”

“We won’t be going anywhere, well… besides Belgium.” Charles replied, “Be safe, okay? Tell me when you land.”

“I will. Oh I’m going to miss you both.” You comment, pulling them into a hug. Charles gives a soft grin, leaning down a bit to place a kiss onto your cheek.

“And I’ll miss you too my ma puce.” You say as you place a kiss onto Noemié’s forehead lovingly before resting back onto Charles’s hold… before you feel a small wet spec.

“Charles, are you crying?”

“N-no I’m just getting emotional.”

With the final goodbye’s as a small amount of tears shed (weather Charles would like to admit it or not) the Monacan apartment soon fell into silence, the only noise being the harmony of the Mediterranean waves hitting the aged rocks.

“Well Noemié, it’s just you and me. Ready to go to Belgium?”

“Oui!”

· . ୨୧⭒๋࣭ ⭑

DAY 1: MEDIA DAY

Charles in fact did not have anything under control.

His was lucky enough with how well Noemié did on the flight, with her sleeping most of the time, Charles teaching her some more French, or reading her some children books, but the luck worn off as soon as they landed in Belgium.

The chaos started from the moment he arrived at the paddock. Balancing media obligations and taking care of Noemié proved to be more challenging than he originally thought. It was fortunate enough that Rebecca, Carlos’s significant other was able to care for her most of the time, but when she had to leave, things seemed to fall apart soon enough. Every time Charles was stopped on his way back to the motorhome and tried to answer a question from a journalist, Noemié would tug on his pants or start babbling loudly, drawing all the attention to her.

“Charles, how do you feel about your chances this weekend?” one journalist asked.

Before he could answer, Noemié tugged on his pants, her big eyes looking up at him. “Papa, up!”

Charles chuckled nervously, bending down to pick her up. “I feel good about our chances,” he managed to say while adjusting Noemié on his hip. “The car is performing well, and we’ve made some improvements since the last race.”

“Is it challenging balancing being a dad and a driver?” another journalist asked.

Charles looked at Noemié, who was now curiously examining his Ferrari cap. “It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s also the best thing in the world. She’s my little motivator- No no ma princesse, ne touche pas à ça- (No no my princess, don’t touch that-)” He scolded lightly, seeing her little hands retreat from his Ferrari red cap. Yet, her little eyes begin to scan any other form of entertainment at the moment.

She promptly began playing with his Ferrari lanyard, her small hands exploring everything within reach.

God. he wished Carlos, Rebecca or even Pierre and Kika were still here to help. Curse couple dinner nights the one time he needs help.

But alas, this was just the start.

· . ୨୧⭒๋࣭ ⭑

DAY 2: PRACTICE 1 & 2

Charles had hoped that with a bit of experience from Media Day, he’d be better prepared for the chaos of Practice 1 and 2. He was inncorrect.

The morning started with Noemié waking up earlier than usual, her little cries filling the hotel room. Charles groggily got out of bed, scooping her up and trying to soothe her. “Shh, it’s okay, ma chérie. Papa is here.”

After managing to calm her down and get her dressed, Charles found himself rushing through his own morning routine. Breakfast was a whirlwind, with Noemié refusing to eat anything other than the a few fruits that Charles accidentally spilled all over the floor. Less than a ideal morning.

Once at the paddock, the real challenges began. Charles had to balance his practice sessions with taking care of Noemié, who was becoming increasingly restless. At this point, seeing the sight of Rebecca in the garage was a blessing in disguise.

“Rebecca, you don’t mind entertaining her while I do the practice sessions in hospitality, do you?” Charles asked, his patience finally starting to thin as his voice hold a slight exhausted tone.

Rebecca smiled warmly, reaching out to take Noemié from Charles. “Of course not, Charles. She’ll be in good hands. Won’t you?” Rebecca asked, his accent apparent with Noemie returning the gesture.

“Yes!”

“Thank you, Rebecca. I owe you one… Carlos picked the perfect person.” Charles said gratefully, handing over his Noemie to her ‘favorite big sister’ before rushing off to get to the car.

The practice sessions were grueling, but Charles pushed through, driven by the thought of making Noemié proud. However, the moment he was done, he hurried back to hospitality to check on her.

Rebecca handed Noemié back to Charles with a smile. “She’s been an angel, Charles. We even made some drawings! Didn’t we Noemié? Do you want to show your papa?” She suggested making Noemié reach for her pictures.

Most of the photos simply looked like scribbles of colors, but he was able to make out one. It was 3 stick figures holding hands together.

Charles smiled warmly as he looked at the drawing. "C'est magnifique, Noemié. (It's beautiful, Noemié.) Who are these people?"

Noemié pointed at each figure with her tiny finger. "Mama, Papa, and Noemié!"

Charles felt a pang in his heart. One being how touched he is from her little scribbled and another of longing for you, but he knew he had to stay strong for Noemié. "You did a wonderful job, ma puce. Papa is very proud of you."

Maybe this wasn’t as bad as he thought.

· . ୨୧⭒๋࣭ ⭑

DAY 3: QUALIFYING

It was as bad as he thought. Noemié couldn’t sleep the whole night. And worst of all? She wanted you back.

Charles woke up to the sound of Noemié's soft cries, her tiny voice calling out for her mother. He sighed, rubbing his tired eyes before getting out of bed. He gently lifted her from the makeshift crib, holding her close as he whispered soothing words. "Shh, it's okay, ma chérie. Mama will be back soon."

But Noemié wasn’t easily comforted this time. Her little fists clung to his shirt, her face scrunched up in distress. “Maman…” she whimpered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Charles felt his heart break at the sight. He wished he could do more to ease her pain, but all he could do was hold her tighter, rocking her gently until her cries subsided into soft hiccups. “I know, sweetheart. I miss her too,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Once she had calmed down, Charles managed to get her dressed and fed before heading to the paddock. Today was crucial—qualifying day—and he needed to stay focused despite the exhaustion weighing him down.

At the paddock, Charles was met with sympathetic smiles from his team and fellow drivers. They all knew the struggle of balancing racing with family life, and they offered their support where they could. With Rebecca running late, he placed his trust in Kika who had offered to help.

“Kika, I can’t thank you enough for this,” Charles said, handing Noemié over, her usual bright eyes slightly red from her crying.

“No problem, Charles. She’s a sweetheart,” Kika replied, holding Noemié’s hand. “We’ll have loads of fun! Good luck today!”

“Thanks,” Charles replied, giving Noemié a quick kiss on the forehead. “Be good for Kika, okay?”

“Oui, Papa,” Noemié said, her small hand waving as Charles walked away.

The qualifying session was intense, with Charles pushing the car to its limits. Despite his fatigue, he managed to secure a decent position, much to the relief of his team. After the session, he rushed back to find Kika and Noemié.

“How was she?” he asked, slightly out of breath.

“She was great! Pierre even joined us for a bit before he got dragged away.” Kika said, smiling. “We played, had some snacks, drew, made some videos and took photos for the missus… now she’s fast asleep.”

Charles let out a sigh of relief as he saw Noemié peacefully sleeping in Kika's arms. He gently took her, trying not to wake her up. "Thank you, Kika. I really appreciate it," he said softly, giving her a grateful smile.

"No problem, Charles. She's a joy to be around," Kika replied with a warm smile. "Good luck for tomorrow's race."

Charles nodded, heading back to the motorhome room with Noemié in his arms. As he laid her down in the crib, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and exhaustion. The day had been long, but seeing his little girl sleeping soundly made it all worth it, even with the struggle.

He let out a sigh, using one hand to rub his temple. One more day to go.

· . ୨୧⭒๋࣭ ⭑

DAY 4: RACE DAY

Charles had finished his pre-race preparations and was gearing up for the main event of the weekend. The paddock was bustling with activity as teams made their final adjustments. Noemié, once again under Rebecca’s watchful eye, had been content with a few snacks and a toy car that Kika had bought for her the day before while with her.

Charles’s nerves were on edge as he climbed into the car, his thoughts drifting to his little girl and you. He could only imagine how much he missed you and wished you were there. Despite the support from his team and friends, the void of your absence was palpable.

As the race progressed, Charles fought hard on the track, pushing himself and his car to the limit. The intensity of the race provided a welcome distraction from his worries, but his mind kept drifting to the thought of Noemié and what you might be doing.

But little did Charles know that the work trip was shorter than you originally thought.

With his determination unwavering, every turn, every maneuver was executed with precision, but the thought of Noemié and you lingered in the back of his mind. He could only hope that the race would go well and that he’d be able to see his little girl and friends soon.

The laps seemed to stretch on forever, and as the race neared its end, Charles pushed his car to the limit. The final laps were intense, but he managed to secure a respectable finish. As he crossed the finish line, his mind immediately shifted to Noemié and the hope that he could soon return to her.

While Charles was celebrating his race results, you were making your way to the paddock. Your work trip had wrapped up early, and you couldn’t bear the thought of missing the chance to surprise your family. With a few quick phone calls and arrangements, you managed to get a flight back sooner than planned.

You arrived at the paddock just as the drivers were finishing up their post-race interviews. Your heart raced with excitement as you made your way through the bustling area, looking for Charles. You spotted Rebecca and Noemié, who were playing near the hospitality area, and made your way over.

With a smirk on your lips, “Surprise!” you greeted them, trying to contain your excitement.

“Maman!” Noemié cheered, immediately springing up from her seat and wrapping your legs into a hug, causing you to pick her up and hold her tightly.

Rebecca’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. “Oh my gosh! You’re back! Charles is going to be over the moon!”

er little arms cling to you with a mixture of relief and joy, her face lighting up at the sight of you. Rebecca is beaming, clearly thrilled to see you.

“Rebecca, thank you so much for taking care of her,” you say, your voice filled with gratitude.

“Anytime,” Rebecca replies warmly. “Charles has been working so hard. I think seeing you will be a huge boost for him.”

You nod, waiting the race to end to finally Charles’s beaming face. The race is still ongoing, but you know it’ll be over soon. You check your watch, timing it so that you’ll be in place to surprise him as he finishes.

You gently place Noemié back down, encouraging her to wave at Rebecca before you make your way towards the garage. As you approach, the sound of roaring engines fills the air, and you can see the cars zooming past.

The minutes seem to stretch, but eventually, the cars slow down and come to a stop as the race concludes. You spot Charles’s car and watch eagerly as he exits, his face a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration with a solid P4, just short of the podium. You hold Noemié’s hand tightly, trying to keep her still with the excitement of the moment.

Charles’s eyes scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces. When he finally catches sight of you, his eyes widen in disbelief. For a moment, it seems like he can’t quite process what he’s seeing.

“Papa!” Noemié shouts, tugging at your hand.

Charles’s face breaks into a wide smile as he strides over to you, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. His steps quicken as he reaches you, and he kneels down, pulling both you and Noemié into a tight embrace.

“Mon amour! You’re here!” Charles exclaims, his voice a mix of relief and joy.

You laugh softly, feeling the weight of the past few days lift from your shoulders. “I couldn’t stay away. I had to surprise you both.”

Charles looks at you with a mix of awe and gratitude. “This means the world to me. You have no idea how much I missed you.”

You gently stroke Noemié’s hair, her tiny head resting against your shoulder. “I missed you too. And I see you managed to handle everything like a champ. I’m so proud of you… I know this wasn’t going to be easy…”

Charles chuckles, his eyes crinkling with a tired but happy smile. “It was tough, but seeing you now makes it all worth it.”

As Charles holds both you and Noemié close, you can see the looks of admiration and support from his team and fellow drivers. It’s a moment of pure happiness and relief, one that’s well-deserved after the challenging days he’s faced. Charles places a gentle kiss on Noemié’s forehead and then on yours, his gratitude clear.

“Thank you for being here,” he whispers.

“Always.” you reply, resting your head on his shoulder.

Perhaps everything turned out just fine.

[dawnwriterimagines]

time, the inevitable: Fezco

Summary: the police come to raid the house just as you’re leaving for Lexi’s play, panic ensues and it’s time to go. it’s not the end yet.

Warning(s): angst, fluff, escape, police, etc.

Author Note: because I hated what they did to my baby boy ash and my man fezco, in the finale episode, I needed to write my own! I hope you guys like it! 

I’m in desperate need of a new laptop, and rent money actually, lol, please help me out guys! I’d really appreciate it. Buy me a Coffee? Ko-Fi, please! Love you guys!

- - - 

It was quiet in the house, save for the light thump of your heels when you made your way from the kitchen back to the bedroom, walking in to retouch your makeup, accidentally smudging it to the side. 

Your eyes met your boyfriend’s in the mirror, he hadn’t been able to keep his eyes to himself since you put your dress on, his favorite color on you, and one that fit you just right. You couldn’t help but laugh lightly, his eyes tearing away to fix the tie he’d been trying to put on for the last five minutes, staring hard into the bathroom mirror, you turn to him with a smile after fixing yourself up. 

Leaning yourself on the desk to look at him, he had a nicely fitted black tux on that was entirely flattering on him, it did make you want to take it off piece by piece and stay home for the night, but you’d been looking forwards to this play for a while. Especially since Lexi admitted she had put you in the play, the two having grown up together, meeting in elementary school, best friends ever since. You had to be there, especially for the piece she had added about Fezco and you into the production. What a sight that would be.

“Don’t you look handsome?” You sauntered over to him, sliding a teasing hand around his waist and laying your head against his shoulder.

He smirks lightly at your presence. “Don’t get nothing started now, ma, we ain’t goin’ no where if you do,” he did always say your touch drove him wild, the tone of his voice almost made you want to test his theory. But, as experience has shown, it was no theory.

You chuckle, kissing the side of his jaw, before rubbing his shoulder, “Don’t worry big boy, now, come on, let me help you with that,” you turn him to you and take his tie from him, he visibly relaxes at that, glad to give it over and you smile with amusement. “I love this tux on you, we should get you more,” you bump his chin lightly, correctly tightening the tie up, looking it over as he shrugged.

“And where else you think I’m goin’ like this?” Fezco questioned, a raised brow and a humored expression.

“Honestly, you don’t have to go anywhere, you can stay right here,” you pull him down by his tie, his grin widening a fraction, your noses brushing together from how close you were. 

“Right here?” he asked, lowly, a hand wrapping around your waist, his lips touching yours, pressing into you, pulling away as you smile, kissing him back.

“Oh yeah, here, and at our wedding, at Ash’s graduation,” you added in, breathing deeply into your next kiss, “All that good stuff,” you mutter out, your hands climbing up to his face, holding tight to his neck to steady yourself as he dared to pull you closer.

Fezco nodded, “for sure, ma, sounds like a plan,” he flipped the collar of his shirt, “I can get used to it.”

You smiled, widely, before hearing someone enter the room, from the footsteps you knew it was Ashtray, the two of you turn to the door as he steps inside, “Yo, ya’ll gon’ be late, so quit suckin’ face and get the fuck out,” he pointed to the door, rolling his eyes at the two.

“Come on, man, chill,” Fez said to his little brother, sighing.

You snickered. “Sounds like you’re trying to get rid of us, little man,” you pulled away from Fez, who sighed, taking the jacket of his tux piece off the rack to finish off his outfit.

Ash makes a face as you walk over to him. “I ain’t tryin’ to get rid’a nothin’, you was all over the place about gettin’ there early, remember?” 

“Relax, the play doesn’t start for another half hour, we’re good,” you said, putting a hand on the top of his head that runs down to his cheek, a loving gesture that you’ve down for years now. 

He calms down slightly, “Yeah, yeah, just don’t come to me when you’re whining about being late.”

“Gotcha,” you hummed, agreeing. “Now, I made you and Faye some dinner for later, in case you get hungry, and there are some sandwiches in the fridge,” you took your earrings from the dresser before heading out to the hall, following after fez as he heads to the front of the house. 

Ashtray follows after you, trailing behind, eagerly. “Cool, so, when ya’ll think you’re gonna be back?” he wondered, curiously. He didn’t exactly want to stay home alone without you both, but he didn’t want to go to Lexi’s dumb play either, he’d have rather order takeout, ‘reluctantly’ curl up to you on the couch with his brother and watch some old movie. But, he could wait until after he supposed.

“The play shouldn’t be more than two hours, really,” you started, thoughtfully, taping Fez on the back, mostly to confirm, to which he nodded. “then, we’re heading to Wayne’s for food with Lex and the others,” you then remembered, turning back to look at Ash, “feeling for the usual from there? Burger, fries?”

Ash held in his own little smile, one that he hoped came off as nonchalant. Although, you always did it, it still meant the world to Ashtray that you’d think of him, even with the little things, “You know my usual,” he shrugged, looking away and making his way to the living room, where he caught sight of Custer, who still sat still on the couch, hardly said much of anything.

Ash’s exterior hardens as he catches Custer saying something, whispering to Faye harshly, the girl frowning deeply before glancing at Ash and looking away quickly, rushing back to the Kitchen, avoiding him. The boy slips a knife off the counter as he passes, having a bad feeling about the man that. A worst feeling creeping up into him that he’d held onto since he entered. He had something to hide, and that was the last thing they needed, someone who was hiding shit while being in a house with drug dealers. Nothing ever went right when that happened.

 And Ash was gonna remind him. 

The boy makes his way over to the man, sitting on the one seater next to the long couch, staring at him, glaring, suspiciously.

The man having been tense since he stepped into the house, but the whole exchange between those two completely didn’t sit right with Ash. Custer gulps, visibly, looking at him, the boy that killed Mouse and broke his nose, he had reason to fear the kid, but he had to act cool for the time being. “What’s goin’ on, man?” 

Ash looked at him, stared. “Nothin’,” he answered simply.

Custer nods, not having it in him to ask something else as he breathes deeply, hands tapping his knees to calm himself. “Yeah, yeah, I get it.” He glances over at his phone, that was on, someone listening on the other side. 

Ash doesn’t say anything more. You notice the exchange a few feet away as Fez walks back to the room to get the flowers he had left there and put on his shoes. 

You glance over at Faye who takes a shaky breath and gulps down some water from her glass, your smile dissipates instantly, it gets eerily quiet in the house now and you know right then and there something’s up. You turn to Faye, fully, and her eyes immediately flicker up to yours, the moment she sees the look in your eyes, she begins to crack. Blinking rapidly, she holds tight to the glass, threatening to break it in her hand, she opens her mouth slightly but then glances to the side and deciding against it.

 She offers a tiny, forced smile, glancing over at Custer, just slightly shaking her head. “Y-You look beautiful,” she stutters out, but then points out the shoulder pin of your dress. “Let me fix that, for you, I got it.”

Faye comes over to you, turning you to face Custer and Ash, you just notice Custer turning away from you and facing the television once again, watching Faye in that moment. Your eyes go wide as you begin to realize what exactly is going on, “Mouse was found,” Faye whispers as she messily fidgets with the pin of your dress, your blood running cold. “Custer’s in with them,” knowing exactly what she means, you felt sick to your stomach, hardly able to breath as Faye pulled back from you, a sure look in her eyes that told you to RUN.

“Thanks,” you breathe, “I didn’t even...realize, it was loose,” you spoke to convince Custer, who’s shoulders visibly relaxed at your sentence, your heart raged with a fire in that moment, you wanted nothing more than to stampede over to that man and choke the life out of him, but apparently there was no time.

“Ash,” you spoke, quickly, trying not to sound too unlike yourself. The boy turned to you, a look in his eye aimed towards Custer that made you understand that he had definitely figured out something was wrong as well. “Help me with, um, Fez’s tux please, babe?”

Fez takes that moment to leave the room, shoes on and flowers in hand, lips turning up in confusion, looking down at his . “my tux? What’s the pr--,” he pauses, expression dropping upon seeing your face and a hand raising to him to stop him. “Ash,” he doesn’t tear his eyes away from you as he calls for his brother, a worried look in his eyes as he notices yours. “Come ‘ere man.”

Ashtray stands, glaring down at Custer before walking off, he goes up to his family, the three walking down the hallway back to the nearest bedroom, “That fucker has got some shi-,” Ash starts, hardly a whisper but adamant, you interrupt him.

“We need to get the fuck out of here,” you whisper, unable to stop yourself from shaking, nothing but fear coursing through you, for your boys, for their future, for what could happen if they don’t leave right now. “Right now.”

Both boys look at you, eyes going wide as your eyes redden, tears threatening to spill, you take a frantic breath, you rush over to the closet, tossing off your heels and grabbing Fez’s coat, “What’s going on, ma?” he questions you, worriedly, keeping his voice at a whisper. “What happened? Is it Custer? Faye? What?” he watches you put on some sneakers, taking out two big duffel bags that you’d usually use for the gym or a picnic.

“Yes, yes!” you answer, before shaking your head. “No, wait! No, they found him. they found mouse, Custer’s with them, and we need to leave, before they get here first,” you turned to your boyfriend with urgency, you can see his heart stop before he curses, fuming as he turned back to the door. “No, no, not now, don’t focus on him now,” you pull him back as he stomps towards the door, ready to rip Custer apart for betraying him, bringing this shit to his doorstep, putting his family in danger. “Look at me, look at me,” you take his face in your hands, you feel his heart beating like that thunder beneath his skin. “We’ve got this. We have to just focus on going, ok? Focus. We’re ok.”

Fezco nods, breathing deeply, taking your hand, pressing it to his lips hard before pulling away and turning to Ash who’s already stuffing a bag with cash and weapons, clothes being layered on top of it. “I got that, man. Look, I need you to do somethin’,” he spins Ashtray around when he doesn’t hear him, “Hey, hey, Ash,” the boy is shaking, hands balled up to keep himself still, but keeps a hard look on his face, breathing harshly. He’s scared, angry, “We’re good, ‘ight. We’re good. I need you to go to your room closet, there’s the attic door in there, you gotta climb up, open it, we’ll be right there,” Fez puts his forehead to his brothers, rubbing the back of Ash neck to calm him down, the two keeping eye contact. “Go, now. Go!” He hands him an empty bag from the closet for his own clothes in the room.

Ash rushes to his room, being careful of not making too much noise for Custer to get suspicious, turning on the room light, eyes widening when he sees the attic door. 

You and Fezco pack the bags as quickly and quietly as you can, you make your way to Ash’s room quietly, taking a handful of important things he’d need from his drawers. And peeking into the closet to see he’s already up there, peering down, relieved there really was an attic crawlspace here, and extending his hand for the bags. “Good boy, Ash, just stay there, ok? Please,” you pass him the bag, he puts it up in the attic, luckily finding a crawl space that could lead them to the roof and out the house. 

But, he frowns when he hears you say that, “What the fuck? No, I’m coming back down to help,” he curses, reluctant to stay here and helpless, he didn’t want to leave your alone. 

“Please,” you sniffle, taking a breath as you didn’t mean to let it slip, “Please, just stay there, Ash, please,” you beg him, before leaving the room before Ash can protest anymore.

You walk back over to the room, knowing that it’s been quiet for a little too long for Custer to not become suspicious, “Not too tight, Ash,” you said, aloud, Fez whipping around to look at you, you nod your head to him and he understands then. “Can you hand me that pin?” you asked, loud enough for Custer to hear.

“Gotchu, ma,” Fezco packs in some of your clothes and his, a few more bills, important documents you knew they’d need, their passports, “Hand me my watch from the bathroom, man?” he played along, making his way to Ash’s room and tossed the last bag up, nodding to his brother. 

You linger in the bedroom for a moment, Fezco coming back for a bookbag he had stuffed with random items, you’d need, he hated that he couldn’t grab anything else but they needed to leave. He shouldered the bag, taking your arm and kissing your forehead softly, “Come on, baby,” he whispered to you, the two of you sneaking out of the room, but Faye catches sight of you two, which makes you both freeze up.

Fezco looks to Faye, already pushing you behind him and towards the closet door, looking down to Faye, a look that begs her to stay quiet, and she listens, her eyes glancing down at the bags in hand.

Faye looks at you both, her lips parted, in surprise but she then looks back at her boyfriend, Custer, then back to you, handing Fez his wallet and she squeezes both of your hands tightly. A goodbye.

You nod to Faye, tears rushing down your face and you take one last look at her before rushing into Ash’s room, into the closet and climbing the attic stairs. Fezco follows behind you, pulling the rope to close it, quietly, it shuts with a light thud, you take out your phone for a flashlight in the dark and look around. 

You focus it on Ash for a second to make sure he’s okay, just something about this night, finding out about Custer ratting them out, you had suddenly had such a bad feeling. You wiped off a smudge on his face, using that moment to gently take the side of his face, he nods, knowing you’re asking him if he’s okay. You looked around the incredibly dusty attic, a forgotten room, clearly, but luckily for you all, Fezco knew every inch of this house. 

Ashtray looks to you, before pointing to a corner, a dusty crawlspace and a hint of light showing, from beyond it, “There.”

Fez puts his hand to the small of your back, “Let’s get outta here.”

You all make your way down to it, Ash going first, being the smallest, the duffel strapped to him, the ground creaks irritant below you all, and your freeze, wincing at the sound before continuing. You both follow Ash and it takes a while, with dusty cobwebs, spiders and dried leaves everywhere, but you force yourselves through a space that could’ve been a chimney. The tree of you rolling right onto the roof, coughing up the dust that rammed its way into your throats, you then look around, eyes widening as you spot the swat truck that had pulled up to the house not too far. No one had stepped out of it yet, luckily and it was too dark to see any of you popping out of the roof of the house but that didn’t mean any of you were out of the clear yet. 

The moment Fezco saw the SWAT truck, he could hardly believe it, of course he believed you the second you said something was up, but seeing it for himself was something else altogether. Who knows what would’ve happened if they stayed in the house. 

“Get your asses over here,” Ash whispers harshly from the side, you and Fezco look over at him and he’s making his way down the side of the house, luckily it was only one floor or this would be a lot harder.

All three of you make it to the ground behind the house, you can hear Custer start to shout, calling from somebody, probably Fez, noticing the quiet nature of the home now. Then you all begin to run, your bags in hand, Fezco’s hand in yours and making sure that Ashtray stays running in front of you both so you never lose sight of him. Running behind the neighbors yards and over the fences, Fezco helping you over the dividers and the both of you pulling Ash over together, quietly to not alert any security systems, sleeping neighbors and such.

You make it over to your apartment complex, running for what felt like hours, you were glad you hadn’t lost your car keys with all the running, you toss them to Fez who catches them and unlocks the car for all of you. You give him a hat that you had left in the compartment box and you tie yours up, taking off your coat as Fezco starts the car. He starts driving immediately, all of you panting, exhausted, shaking from the rush of it all, the image of the police SWAT car still imprinted in your heads.

You turn to Ashtray, reaching over and cupping the side of his face. “You good?” you look to your boyfriend as he drives. “Everyone alright?”

Ash releases a tired, humored breath. “That was fucking insane,” he says, with a laugh of disbelief, you slump against your seat, laughing with him, glad he was at least mentally intact.

Fez stops at a red light, and takes your hand, your turn to him, “Can’t believe we just got away from that shit,” he laughed, scoffing to himself, unable to believe what they just went through, what almost happened to them. “Shit, ma, we got outta there because’a you,” he leaned over, “fuck,” breathlessly, hugging you to him, you take him in and fist your hand into his jacket. “Fuckin’ love you girl,” he kissed you hard, the fear dissipating between all of you now. You were okay.

The light turns green.

“I love you too,” you breathe into him, you reach out behind him, taking Ash’s hand, he looks to you with a smile, his eyes red with relief. “Both of you.”

It was time to go now, go somewhere new. Somewhere better, to start over.

Fezco drives, stopping by the high school, you rush inside and leave the flowers by Lexi’s locker, the note that you and Fez had wrote for her with it, edited down with their goodbyes and see you laters. 

Running back to the car and driving off, Fezco and Ashtray look to you and grin, thinking of the life they can choose now with a fresh start. Leaving the small town they’d grown up in. They could go anywhere, maybe going off to the countryside, maybe to a farm, maybe to a high-rise city, the plan wasn’t clear but it was ok. 

They had the time.

[plussizeappreciationfics]

we back back back 😂

Could I request a Deadpool x Non-binary plus size person where they’re friends with Wade but also in love with them. In order to hide their feelings, reader focuses on other things like spending time with Colossus and the rest of the team. Wade starts noticing and getting jealous, jabbing reader with sarcastic/funny comments until reader confesses at a crucial moment. A dangerous mission 👀👀

Bitte schön😊😊

Danke schön❤️🥰

Hier bitte schön bestie 🥰❤

You confessing your feelings for Wade during a difficult mission includes:

-Wade not wanting to have you on the mission in the first place but Colossus forcing him to actually stand up and hand you over the file of the new mission

-You accepting the file with a fake smile as you secretly don’t want to go on a mission with him, your romantic feelings for him already straining the remaining pieces of your “friendship”

-But you swallowing your anxiety and getting suited up, noticing how Wade keeps looking at your legs whenever you have to walk past him

-”Don’t walk into the door, Sherlock” is what he tells you when you’re about to walk into the closed door of your meeting room

-When everyone is in the jet and flying to the hidden location, you can’t help but notice Deadpool huffing and puffing whenever you and Colossus try to have a conversation, that being a little tradition of the two of you in order to keep your nerves calm and steady during difficult missions

-”Do you have a problem?” you finally snap at Wade when he tries to interrupt you for the sixth time with a loud sigh and huff

-”Nope.” is all he says before turning his head and pretending like you don't’ exist, you not knowing that he’s acting out because he’s afraid that it’s only a matter of a few days before you and Colossus step forward and reveal an imaginary relationship

-Once you arrive at the hidden location, it doesn’t take long before shots are being fired, grenades being through at ya’ll and the whole team having to fight like their lives depend on it

-You’re in the middle of a hand to hand combat when your enemy suddenly surprises you with a blade after having given you a sharp punch to the jaw

-That fucker instantly jammed it into your stomach and you couldn’t help but gasp loudly as the sharp pain overtook your senses, making you collapse on the floor while trying to breathe through the pain, your heartbeat thumping loudly in your ear while the shock takes over your body

-”[Y/N]!!” Wade yell once he sees your body collapsing on the dirty ground

-”Fuck you!” he yells at the person that stabbed you before ending their life with a clean headshot while running towards you

-”Hey, hey look at me. You’re gonna be okay? You hear me?” Wade frantically tells you, pressing a cloth to your stab wound and applying a horrible pressure which makes you scream out in pain while tears gather in your eyes

-”I-I love you, Wade” is all you mumble as you feel sudden exhaustion take over you, the blood loss becoming too much and you not knowing whether you’ll survive or not

-Wade does not hesitate to gently kiss you and promise you that everything will be okay while you slip into unconsciousness

-By the time you wake up, you’re in the medical center at the compound, flowers and chocolates resting near the window on a small table

-Suddenly, you feel something warm resting in your hand and when you look down, you see a hand holding yours

-”Yes we’re holding hands, deal with it” Wade’s soft voice chuckles, making you instantly grin before looking up and seeing him sitting next to your bed and holding your hand, a relieved look now taking over his face while tears brim his face

-”Kiss me”

-”Only if you promise not to die while I do so”

-”Shut up and kiss me” you command with a chuckle before Wade leans in and presses his lips softly against yours

Tag list: @jamesbarnesappreciationclubub  l @pleasantdreamqueen l @disneymarina l l @harleycativy  l @sparklemichele l @melaninmarvel l @amethyst09 l @the-force-of-imagines l @bossyboyd03 l @pebblesz892 l @stars8melanin l @brittyevans l @toc1985 l @janeyboo l @badassbaker l @winters-beauty l @cannonindeez  l @ilovefanfic86  l @adorablespecialsnowflakes l @brittanyovens l @kanupps06 l @jazmynejack l @thebookwormslytherin l @theunsweetenedtruth l @talannalew l @littlexmissxfandomxlover l @amethyst-dreams-and-candy-canes l @crimsonash330 l @booklover2929 l @aranelgrey l @panda-duuu l @thisismysecrethappyplace  l @titty-teetee l @honey-anon l @princess-evans-addict l @hp-hogwartsexpress l @malindacath  l @letsdisneythings l @scorpionchild81 l @shado-raven l @alisoncdariel l @plutoneu l  @queenoftheworldisdead l @briannab1234l @miyaeadys-blog l @thenamelesscorpse2185 l @hihellogoodbyebruh l @nackrosor l @nerdgurl1985 l @2darkskinbeauty l @bugngiz l @african-melanin-goddess l @barnes-wilson-love l @ktiz90 l @let-the-love-in l @forlornfortitude l @robinredboob l @hopefuloperaangelnerd l @kola95 l @partypoison00 l @alwaysadreamingoptimist l @reniescarlett l @g0thicdream l @mayasopinions l @captaintightpants58 l @leillee

-Emmanuelle 💋❤️

[newcaptainofsquad9]

Can You Think of Me For Once?~Rhaenyra x Alicent (House Of The Dragon)

Pairing: Rhaenyra Targaryen x Alicent Hightower

Genre: Angst, hurt and comfort, enemies to lovers, smut

Summary: After hearing Rhaenyra’s apology and offer to marry her son to her daughter, Allicent immediately goes to see Rhaenyra; they both try to be civil yet emotion and tension rip from them, along with the passion that was building between them prior to the last ten years.

 Writer’s Note: Finally my first Rhaenicent fic! I love these two and the show is just making my heart grow fonder for this ship. Hope ya’ll enjoy!

Word Count: 4, 196

Rhaenyra bit the inside of her lip as soon as the words left her mouth. Commanding her husband, Laenor to remain in Kings Landing by her side instead of abiding by his wishes of battle and traversing the sea, something that’s been in his blood as a Veleryon and the son of The Sea Snake. It was as if someone forbade her to take flight on Syrax, leaving her stunted in one place, rather than in the air, wind licking at her platinum locks. 

Laenor stayed in stunned silence. His tipsy stupor simmered at her words as he gripped tightly onto his cup of wine. 

“I’ll do as my wife and princess commands,” Laenor said. “Stay by your side, whatever you wish.”

Rhaenyra jerked at how quiet Laenor sounded as if he was scolded by a parent and didn’t want to say much. Maybe motherhood hardened her to that degree, but she never wanted to be as stern with Laenor. He was just keeping up with appearances for the past ten years, like Rhaenyra and wanted to go back into the life he once had. She couldn’t blame him for that. 

“Laenor, I--”

The Princess was cut off by the door to her chambers opening. 

Ser Westerling, one of her father’s kingsguard and her personal knight for the afternoon opened it. He bowed his head before speaking.

“Princess, Queen Alicent Hightower would like to speak with you,” Ser Westerling said. 

Rhaenyra’s entire body froze at the kingsguard’s word. What could Alicent possibly want? To ridicule her sons appearance like she did before? Mock Laenor of how someday the kids will resemble him? The thoughts swirled in Rhaenyra’s head for a moment, picking and tearing at the straggled end of her gown. 

“Rhaenyra?” Laenor called to her.

Rhaenyra’s head jerked up to see Laenor at her side, concern marking his face along with a sense of uneasiness she’d seen before they became husband and wife; a look of uncertainty about the future and what it would be like with Rhaenyra.      

“I thought we’ve been through this, your grace,” Laenor snapped. 

Ser Westerling stepped to the side as Alicent walked in slow yet with her head held high as she always did for the past ten years, as if she was better than what Laenor and Rhaenyra seemed to have falsely created to her. 

“I’d like to speak to the Princess alone, Ser Laenor,” Allicent said. “If the Princess would have me?”

Alicent’s voice was sharp and commanding, a tone she used in frequent during the ten years she began growing in her role as queen. Rhaenyra couldn’t help but not look at the Queen, not because of fear, but because of the remnants of the past; memories that swirled and caught up in the cogs of her mind only heightened with the hormones childbirth brought with her: memories of being with Allicent. 

“Rhaenyra?” Laenor said. He rested a hand on her arm, breaking her fidget fit of yanking on a straggled piece of her gown. “Y-you don’t look so good, Allicent can leave if you aren’t up for another one of her intrusive fits.” 

The hardened look that graced Laenor’s face was gone, replaced with an air of concern he carried a lot during the past ten years. Childbirth and it’s many complications rocked Rhaenyra (she’s still experiencing some pains of childbirth from her third son, Joffery). Laenor would try and soften her up with jokes that didn’t humor her at all, yet he was always there for her and their sons, whether or not they were his blood. 

“Intrusive fits or not, she’s here without my father for a reason,” Rhaenyra said as she sat up. “I’ll let her say her peace.”

Laenor opened his mouth to protest, yet shut it just as quick at his princess taking his hand to give it a strong squeeze. 

“You of all people should know how complicated things can be,” Rhaenyra continued. She tapped Laenor’s knuckles with the tips of her fingers. “We both know you prefer goose to roasted duck. And I prefer roasted duck at times and goose at other times.”

Laenor nodded quickly, as if he heard these words all before. 

“Of course I understand that Rhaenyra,” he said. “But to still hold onto to what you had for each other as maidens is absurd! Not after she tried sullying our sons, and after she made you carry Joffery to her once he was fresh from your womb!”

Rhaenyra bit her lip, she almost drew blood but held off in order to squeeze Laenor’s hand tighter. He was right, Alicent caused her so much harm: not telling her of courting her father, the passive aggressive move with the green dress during her and Laenor’s wedding; and just not hearing her out--Allicent was good at that, living in whatever fantasy she could conjure based on the words of others (Otto Hightower’s especially). Rhaenyra wanted to hear Alicent out just this once. Maybe that would be enough to finally allow Alicent to forgive her. Rhaenyra didn’t care if she hated her, well without good reason. 

“Rhaenyra, tell me to leave and I will, or tell me to stay,” Laenor whispered. He clasped both of his hands around Rhaenyra’s before continuing. “Just say something.”

“Go on, Laenor,” Rhaenyra said. She brought his hand to her mouth and pressed a kiss to it. “Train with Ser Qarl, make sure our sons are practicing their sword play, they’ll be fine knights someday, right?”

Laenor blinked, lip poked out as if he were to cry; he stood up anyway, kissing Rhaenyra on the forehead before giving her hand one last squeeze.

“As you wish, Princess,” he said. He stepped to the door, not even sparing a glance to Alicent before leaving.

“Leave us, ser,” Alicent said to ser Westerling. Her face relaxed a bit from holding a heavy stone of composure. “This is a private matter.”

Ser Westerling gave Alicent a quick side glance prior to meeting the eyes of his crown Princess. Rhaenyra noticed to hesitation in the knight’s face. He didn’t know if she’d be safe based on it how his hand remained near the hilt of his blade. Perhaps he picked up on how power hungry the Hightowers’ were, well how Otto Hightower was; Kingsguard knew more than they let on as silent sentinels who watch the halls whenever they were empty or not. 

“It’s Ok, ser,” Rhaenyra said. “Go to the end of the hall, this should not take long.”

Ser Westerling relaxed at the Princess’s word. He bowed to both Rhaenyra and Alicent then left them with the slam of the chamber door.  

Silence followed as Ser Westerlings footfalls trailed down the hall. Rhaenyra picked at the straggled fabric of her dress; Alicent touched her own neck, gripping at her throat, stopping for a moment before picking at her nails. 

“You could at least look at me,” Alicent said. She jerked at the pain of her nails at her own flesh before stopping, opting to grip at her forearms. “I’m your Queen, it’s the least you could do.”

Rhaenyra pulled quite hard at the straggled fabric, breaking it completely. She chuckled as it fell from her fingers. Here Alicent was flexing her queenly muscles when she gave Rhaenyra all the power at that moment. She hadn’t came to Rhaenyra’s personal chambers since they were maidens, a surprise that she only dreamed could come to fruition again. Now here Alicent was in all her queenly glory draped in her green gown, striped of her golden necklace, aside from the rings Rhaenyra noticed on her fingers. A red one, alike to one she wore when they were younger, a time when she bore the Targaryen colors of the family she married into.      

“You must be chasing some ounce of respect, my Queen,” Rhaenyra said. “By all means the heir to the throne should get that luxury as well.”

Alicent scoffed. Her hands moved again, this time up her arms, gripping and clawing at her forearm. 

“Why should I give you something that you feel so entitled to?” she said. “Why should I give you respect when you don’t even respect yourself, Princess? Your boys don’t even resemble you much, let alone ser Laenor.”

Rhaenyra shook her head. She chose to play and occupy her vision with something else since the straggled fabric of string fell to it’s death: her necklace that hung close and near her throat. The Princess felt breathless. She was used to Alicent and the rumors of her sons’ parentage swirling about court, yet hearing them spat in her face by Alicent herself, especially when they were so close at one point. She’d rather be asphyxiated by Syrax’s flames than talk about this. But to get through to Alicent, or at least get her to understand what she’s been through for the past ten years, she’d have to face them.

“They don’t need to resemble me nor Laenor, they are still mine,” Rhaenyra said. She clutched onto the end of her necklace, still paying attention to it and not her Queen. “They are my sons, of Targaryen blood and have claimed dragons, Princes of Dragonstone in their own right. Why does it matter that they look a certain way? My father accepts them and so does my husband.”

Alicent laughs humorlessly. 

“So you admit to it then?” she said. “They are your bastards is that--”

“Do not sully them  anymore!” Rhaenyra roared. Tears pricked at her eyes as she bit down at her lip, drawing a little blood now. “Say what you want about me as you’ve always did but leave my sons’ out of this.” 

“Well, your sons’ have been the topic of late, remember?” Alicent said. She drew closer to Rhaenyra, stopping a few feet at the sound of the Princess’s sniffle. “You asked for the betrothal of my daughter to your eldest.”

It was Rhaenyra’s turn for a humorless laugh; it bubbled up hard and messy as it lurched up from her throat. Alicent flinched at the abrupt sound, eyebrows raised in confusion. 

“And you refused, not evening saying a word. I looked like a fool,” Rhaenyra said. The bitterness swam amongst her tongue yet swallowed it whole as she continued. “It was foolish to think that something was still there.”

“What? What’s still there?” Alicent said. she grimaced as she grew antsy with her hands, alternating from digging her nails into her forearm or just letting them hang by her side. “Gods, Rhaenyra, look at me.”

Rhaenyra pursed her lips and shook her head twice. Alicent sounded so desperate, tiny bit scared, taking Rhaenyra back to their maiden days; under the Weirwood, head in her lap as she voiced her carefree nature that countered Alicent’s righteous, yet stern ways. She missed it. Craved it even.

“Look at me!” Alicent growled. She winced at the pain of nails against flesh but didn’t relent. “Be transparent with me for once! By the Gods, you owe it to me! After all this time you hadn’t sacrificed a thing! Duty is trampled under your pretty foot as it always has, yet I have to be the one to suffer!”

“You have suffered?” Rhaenyra said. She stood up now, finally granting Alicent her wish to look at her. “And I haven’t? I? Who had to marry a man not of love but the duty to further my legacy to continue the great Targaryen dynasty, the same of which you do!”

Alicent’s eyes grew huge and glossy, mouth plunged into a frown as she continued to fire back at the Princess.

“Yet I remain in high graces in court!” she said. “Never have I sullied my reputation while bedding other men. Not a sworn knight, or shield and certainly not an uncle.”

Rhaenyra stalked to Alicent. The Queen flinched, tried to back away but the Princess was quicker to take her shoulders in her hold. 

“Nothing happened between Daemon and I. Why can’t you get that through your head,” Rhaenyra said. “He may have touched me but--”

“But you lied to me regardless!” Alicent snapped back. She pushed against Rhaenyra but the Princess didn’t budge. “Sullying your maidenhood when all I ever did was protect you and you lied to me!”    

Rhaenyra laughed again: this time more bitter than the last, scratchy and deep.

“There it is, that cloak of self righteousness you’ve always hid under!” Rhaenyra spat. The tears spilled, now rolling down her cheeks. “J-Just tell me how you really feel about me! Don’t hate my children, they have nothing to do with this! Aim your arrow of hate at me!”

Alicent’s own tears spilled as well. 

“I don’t hate you Rhaenyra, Gods. Can’t you just think of me for once!” she screamed. Her throat hurt, raw and rough but she continued, squeezing  Rhaenyra’s shoulders that she’d surely leave a mark. “I love you! I-I’ve always loved you! Why can’t that get through to you--”

Rhaenyra cut the Queen off immediately; the Princess pressed her lips against Alicent’s in a kiss. Alicent froze. Her grip on Rhaenyra’s shoulders loosened as she began to kiss back. Rhaenyra didn’t catch the action fast enough, pulling away just as quickly. Alicent held a hand to her mouth, eyes darting everywhere in the room except for Rhaenyra, who kept her eyes on the unnerved Queen. 

Silence followed again. Rhaenyra watched as Alicent’s face grew clouded in a myriad of emotions. 

Maybe this was all wrong, the Princess thought. Maybe Laenor was right after all. 

“F-Forgive me, my Queen, I--”

Alicent stepped back into Rhaenyra’s space and placed a hand on the Princess’s cheek. Her eyes jumped between Rhaenyra’s face and mouth, silently asking for permission.

The Princess granted her request, kissing the Queen yet again. Alicent reciprocated eagerly, hands resting against Rhaenyra’s chest as the kiss deepened. Rhaenyra’s hands caressed Alicent’s face; fingers shook yet she was careful with each stroke, afraid that the woman she loved would disappear, or worse of all, she’d wake from this dream. 

Alicent pulled back, breathless and glossy eyed. She was still unsure while her hands picked at the fabric of Rhaenyra’s gown, watching the Princess’s chest rise and fall too.

“Rhaenyra--”

“I-I love you too, Alicent,” the Princess choked out. “I-I love you so much.”

Alicent kissed her again. Hands flew to clutch at the Princess’s shoulders as the kiss grew heated. Rhaenyra followed suit, arms wrapping around Alicent’s waist to back her up toward her bed. The Queen gasped once her back hit the bed, eyes a bit dazed while they searched and search through Rhaenyra’s. They kissed once more, brief and deep as Rhaenyra hovered over the Queen’s body. 

“W-We don’t have to- I-I didn’t mean to--”

Rhaenyra’s words were cut off by Alicent’s lips; a moan tore from her at the taste of her friend and maybe now lover? The Queen was so tender, a stark contrast to how indignant she was in the past ten years. Rhaenyra couldn’t help but ponder the idea as she kissed and caressed at Alicent’s face with fresh tears making a mess of both their faces. 

“N-No, my Prin--Rhaenyra don’t cry,” Alicent said. She sniffed too, trying to remain together for the both of them yet her tears flowed along with Rhaenyra’s. “I-I’ve wanted you for years now. Gods, I-I couldn’t bare never kissing you and how much envy and hate I’ve held for you and whatever man you decided to bed.”

Rhaenyra nodded, holding onto every word. 

“I’m sorry,” Rhaenyra whispered. “I’m so sorry Alicent.”

Alicent shook her head and pulled Rhaenyra flush to her, making the Princess straddle her on the bed. 

“Don’t be, just kiss me again, please?”

Rhaenyra obliged, kissing Alicent harder now. They both moved fervently against one another: hands ripping and pulling at the fabric of gowns; tongues and breaths dancing and fighting for dominance. 

“R-Rhaenyra, I-I want you,” Alicent whispered. She pulled back from Rhaenyra, holding onto the Princess’s forearms tightly. “C-Can you undress me?”

Rhaenyra froze as she tried catching her breath. Was she really not dreaming? She tried concentrating her breathing enough to answer Alicent. The Queen noticed the Princess’s daze, reaching up to take the woman’s face in her hands. 

“A-Are you all right?” she said. “Did I say the wrong thing, Rhaenyra? D-Did I misread this?”

Alicent’s thumb traced Rhaenyra’s face a few times, breaking the Targaryen from her numbness. 

“No, you didn’t I-I just didn’t know if this was a truly a dream or not,” Rhaenyra said. She leaned into Alicent’s palm as the Queen traced a small pattern along her cheek. “T-These ten years of strife between us have paid me, Alicent.”

Alicent shushed the Princess against with the softest, briefest kiss. 

“I hope you forgive me, Rhaenyra,” she whispered against her lips. “I wish to love you as I did before. Even more, if you’d have me, princess?”

Rhaenyra nodded. She couldn’t speak, instead kissing Alicent. It was the only thing simple at the moment, like breathing. The Princess’s hands traveled to the laces of the Queen’s dress, untying quickly and with ardent; the Queen kneaded at the Princess’s gown, pulling it down to caress pale, beautiful skin.  

Alicent’s skin was just as gorgeous: Rhaenyra’s purple eyes drunk in all of it, along with the curve and perk of the Queen’s breasts and the stretch marks that marred soft skin of her abdomen due to four pregnancies. 

“I-I’m sure I’m not as fair and comely as I was,” Alicent whispered while her eyes fell to her exposed skin. 

Rhaenyra shook her head. She pulled her own gown down all the way to reveal her own naked form. The Princess had stretch marks from her own births, along with a slight burn mark. 

“What happened there?” Alicent said. She reached to touch the mark, yet paused due to uncertainty. 

The Princess took her hand however, putting it against the mark.  

“Syrax was very...rambunctious while I bonded with her,” Rhaenyra said. She jumped at the sensation of Alicent’s fingers but soon relaxed. “She burned me a bit before I could jump out of the way of her flames.” 

Alicent retracted her hands, as if she was burned herself.

“And you never told me?” she said. “R-Rhaenyra--”

Rhaenyra took Alicent’s hand and laced it with her own. Purple Valyrian eyes met Alicent’s dark brown ones; a silent promise to tell that everything was all right. 

“I-I never wanted to worry or scare you,” Rhaenyra said. “You know how you get and you shouldn’t worry about how fair or comely you think you aren’t. You’re the fairest to me, my Queen. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Alicent flushed at Rhaenyra’s words. 

“You flatter me, Princess,” she said. “Would you be lucky to have me?”

Rhaenyra giggled, brought Alicent closer by the waist then tipped her head down to kiss her. 

“I would be.” 

Sure and decisiveness followed the next kisses. Warm bodies met in a dance that rivaled the passions of dragons that roar and conquered the skies above them. Rhaenyra ran hot as them all, Syrax included (could or couldn’t be because of the fire that graced her rider), Alicent felt it as the Princess kissed down her neck. They wrapped each other up in their limbs, lying across Rhaenyra’s bed. Lips attached themselves lower to Alicent’s chest as the Queen gasped at the feeling. She carded her hand through Rhaenyra’s silver locks, quivering while the Princess led open mouth kisses down her belly, stopping just above her thighs. 

“Please, I-I want to feel you, Rhaenyra, please,” Alicent begged. “Gods, I--”

Rhaenyra chuckled. Her breath played at Alicent’s skin, forcing her back to arch a bit. 

“I’ve hardly touched you my Queen,” Rhaenyra said. She pressed a few kisses, skimming them out to Alicent’s inner thighs. “Have you never had the beauty of pleasure? Even while birthing so many children?”

Alicent shook her head. 

“I haven’t had the luxury of that, nor many lovers as you had,” the Queen admitted. “Plus the only times I’ve ever laid with a man, the King was for my duties of childbirth.”

Rhaenyra rested her head against Alicent’s stomach, frowning at the Queen’s words. 

“And here I thought my father was blood of the dragon,” Rhaenyra said. She continued her kisses, nipping at Alicent’s delicate skin. “Maybe I’ll show you what a true dragon could do.”

Alicent bit her lip. A cheek word rose to the Queen’s lips, yet she chose to play at the Princess instead. 

“Show me then,” she said. Alicent thread her fingers deeper inside the Targaryen’s locks, yanking a bit. “You learned a lot at those brothels, didn’t you?”

Rhaenyra shuddered a nod as she continued trailing kisses across Alicent’s thigh. Once she ghosted her center, the Queen jerked and moaned the Princess’s name. 

“R-Rhaenyra, Gods, please I-- Fuck!”

Rhaenyra licked a long and hefty stripe along Alicent’s pussy, forcing the Queen to shove her head back against the pillows and covers in absolute bliss. Another moan ripped from Alicent, hands tugging harder at Rhaenyra’s hair, nearly ripping it out. The Princess groaned at the feeling, adding onto the noise that pour from Alicent’s mouth. 

“Mmmh, Gods, so loud for me,” Rhaenyra purred. “Maybe you should be quieter, my Queen. My father could send in his guards at any moment. Ser Westerling is still down the hall.” 

“Gods, I don’t care about any of that!” Alicent roared. “I-I just need you, right now. Please, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra frowned. 

“I’m being serious Alicent,” she said. 

A look of indignation painted Alicent’s face as she sighed. Her hands then scoured the bed, finding a pillow before pressing it to her mouth. Rhaenyra snorted a laugh at her lover’s action.

“Alicent--”

“Finish me off, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said. She ran her fingers through Rhaenyra’s hair rather tenderly this time. “Please. As I’ve always wanted you to. For so long.”

Rhaenyra almost faltered: Alicent’s eyes were sincere, shined with enough love to kill her then and there. The Princess granted the Queen’s request before diving back into her sweetness. Alicent’s mouth bit down on the pillow, muffling every sound that tour from her; Rhaenyra groaned at her eagerness even though she couldn’t hear them clearly, the energy was still present. Alicent’s juices fell from the Queen’s center and down to the Princess’s mouth. The Princess felt the Queen grow tighter, lapping at her succulent pussy. She added two fingers to help with the stimulation.

“Come for me, Allicent,” Rhaenyra coaxed. Her fingers moved fluidly. “It’s okay to.” 

As if Rhaenyra’s words were her tipping point, Alicent came. It rang through the pillow, but the muffled sound still excited Rhaenyra as she pulled the pillow away from the Queen’s clutches. Alicent’s eyes were tearful, her face flushed with enough red to rival Targaryen flags and sigils; her chest rose and fell rapidly.

Rhaenyra felt proud. She crawled back up to lay beside the Queen. 

“How was that, my Queen?”

Alicent just smiled, caught her breath and pressed closer to Rhaenyra, tucking into her side enough to snuggle in. 

“Perfect as you are, Princess,” Alicent said. She pressed a kiss to Rhaenyra’s cheek then neck, hands wondering down to the Princess’s own folds. “Gods, you’re so wet.”

Rhaenyra moaned at Alicent’s steady work, leaning her head down to the Queen’s neck to cover the noises. Alicent watched: mouth slightly open to take in her Princess’s moans, coaxed by the slick and wet noises her fingers produced through the Targaryen’s sweet folds. 

“Come whenever you want,” Alicent whispered. Lust filled her words, countering the fond look she gave Rhaenyra. “You look so lovely, your sounds too. Gods, you’re such a delight.”

Rhaenyra came, stiffening in Alicent’s arms with a cry; The Queen was there however, caressing the Princess’s sides and bringing her into an embrace. 

“Shhh, I’m here,” Alicent reassured. “I’m right here, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra rested her head against Allicent’s chest, pelting it with a few tears. 

“Will you stay? Just until I fall asleep?” the Princess asked. 

Alicent leaned down to kiss her; sure, true and full of enough love that transcend the time of their maidenhood. 

“I’ll stay as long as you wish,” the Queen said. “But don’t nap too long, we have to tell your father of our newest betrothal.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, eyes already slid close. 

“But you are already married Alicent,” she said. “Plus, I don’t think my father would be too fond of me taking his wife.”

Alicent gasped and hit Rhaenyra playfully against the side.

“Rhaenyra!” she said. Her skin grew hot at the suggestion but she soon found her words and continued. “I’m talking about finally joining together our fractured factions. My daughter Helaena marrying your son, Jacaerys to finally end all of this.”     

Rhaenyra opened her eyes to meet Alicent’s.

“Really?” 

Alicent nodded, brushing a few stray strands of silver hair from Rhaenyra’s face. 

“Yes, anything for you. For us.”

The Princess pressed a kiss to the Queen’s hand, giving her a bright smile to inflate the excitement radiating from her. 

“I love you, Alicent.”

“I love you too, Rhaenyra.”