"You heard me dammit. I said I was sorry…"

Vol narrowed his eyes,"This is a trick. There's no way this isn't some type of trick. You're trying to get my guard down aren't you? If you think that's going to happen then you're sadly mistaken. No amount of false apologies is going to cause my position on you to waver. Now get out…"

"But I'm not faking it…"

"Do you seriously expect anyone here to believe that? After all you've done, you think a mere apology is going to cause everyone or just turn a blind eye to your actions? That' we'll just forget all that you've done? You must really think we're idiots, don't you?" Vol asked, getting up in Lucifer's face,"Tell me, what is your true reason for being here? Because I'm not in the mood to deal with your attitude and I'd appreciate it if you just stated why you've come back…"

"There is no other reason. I came here to try and make amends with my daughter. I had no intentions on interacting with you, Volastor, I was under the impression that you were away."

"Is that all? Do you really think you can just 'make up' with Charlie after all you've done? She doesn't even consider you a father anymore, you should take that as your Que to leave because it's clear that not even Charlie wants anything to do with you. Take your insincere apologies and shove them up a creek where they belong…"

"But I'm not being insincere,Volastor…"

"Oh really? I can't tell. You haven't exactly shown any positive qualities and you've been nothing but an asshole since we've met. I can't recall you ever being sincere around anyone and I doubt you're even capable of feeling remorse in that black heart of yours," Vol then got in his face,"Tell me, did your wife set you up for this? Did she tell you to go here and 'apologize' so that you could get your unsolvable relationship with your daughter back? Because if so, then you're even more pathetic than I thought you were…"

Lucifer clenched his fist,"No. She didn't…"

"Oh come on, Lucifer. We all know empathy isn't your strong suit, it's fairly obvious your wife guilt tripped you into doing this. You don't have to lie, it's already obvious. Save us all the trouble and just leave, nobody wants you here anyway and it'd spare us the drama as well…"

"Fine, I'll take my leave. Right after I get this off my chest that is…"

"Do you expect anyone to care what's on your chest? None of us do and you're doing nothing but wasting our time…"

"Even if I am, I'm at least going to set things straight before I go," He sighed,"Listen, I know no one is going to believe me when I say this, but Lilith had nothing to do with me coming here. You want to know why? Because she hasn't spoken to me since that day. We may live in the same Mansion but she never speaks to me anymore. She can't even bear to look me in the eyes and just gives me the cold shoulder. We could be in the same room as each other but she just straight up acts like I don't exist and it's been that way since the 'incident' happened.."

"So in other words you're here in hopes that apologizing will get your wife to take you back? Now that's just a new low, Lucifer. And it's not going to work. No amount of sob stories is going to change that. You've made your bed now lie in it."

"Figured that'd be your reaction. I can't say I'm too surprised honestly. I expected you to react to me that way…."

"What did you expect?" Vol growled,"You threw me in a prison underneath your house and had me at the mercy of your insane henchmen! Valentino nearly assaulted me and if it weren't for Cherri intervening he would've successfully forced himself on me! Do you have a single clue what you put me through!?"

"Wait what?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" He hissed,"You know what Val did dammit! Quit trying to play innocent!"

"What are you even talking about?" Lucifer asked,"What are you implying!?"

"You know what I'm implying! Weren't you in on this?"

"Uh...no? I had nothing to do with Val trying to force himself on you, Vol. Hell, I wasn't even aware that was happening until you told me…"

Vol blanked,"What? How were you not aware this was happening!? Are you lying?"

Lucifer stared back at Vol in genuine confusion,"I swear by my Father's name that I had nothing to do with Val forcing himself on you. All I told him and the others under my commands was to keep you imprisoned and make sure you didn't escape. I may have wanted you dead but I had nothing to do with Val doing that to you…"

"You're lying…" Vol growled.

"Actually," Charlie piped up,"I don't think he's lying, Vol…"

"What do you mean? Are you trying to defend him just because he's your Dad!? Don't excuse him!"

"I'm not," She huffed,"I'm just saying, I know when my Dad lies. This is one of the few times he's not lying…"

Vol seemed skeptical,"How can you be so sure? He's the Devil, he can look innocent if he feels like it'll benefit him…"

"I know, but I've known my Dad long enough to tell when he's lying and when he's not. And for once in a lifetime, this is one of the few times he's telling the truth. Not that it makes him attempting to kill you any better, but he wasn't in the loop about Val's attempt to assault you…"

Volastor scowled, he was about to call bullshit but then Alastor said,"I hate to admit it, but I do think the demon-belle is right. She's known Lucifer longer than any of us have and I feel like if Lucifer was actually aware of it he'd at least admit it. He knows he can't really lie his way out of this situation. That and he's a natural bragger, he just can't keep things that taunt people to himself. He'd say it loud and proud if he were aware and as much I loathe giving him the benefit of the doubt, it doesn't appear that Charlie's remark is too far off…"

"Wait...does that mean that Cherri never told him? Why didn't you report that to Lucifer? You could've said something!" Vox shouted,"Why would you stay silent about this!?"

"I didn't think he'd believe me! It was my word against Val's and Val is stronger than me and had way more influence than I had. Besides, I didn't think he'd do anything if I said anything…" Cherri shot back.

"Well that was a big mistake on your end," Velvet said,"Though I don't get how Lucifer didn't see this coming. What did you expect was gonna fucking happen putting Val and Vol in the same space!? It was only a matter of time before he pulled something!"

"Yeah," Vox said,"He may not be my Val, but considering how similar they are, I can confidently say that leaving Val in a room with anyone who is weaker than him is the DUMBEST thing you could possibly do. Even if you threaten the bastard, Val doesn't abide by any rules that don't directly benefit him. The moment Val sees the coast is clear, he's gonna take that as a sign he can act up without fear of getting punished and pounce on it."

Angel nodded,"Yep. Vox's description matches Val to a T. Honestly you should've seen this coming a mile away. Val will take advantage of anyone the moment he thinks he can get away with it. It's a miracle Cherri saved Vol cause it wouldn't have been pretty if Val managed to go all the way with him."

"I still don't get how Lucifer didn't see this coming. I don't know Valentino at all but considering what I heard from him, you should've fucking known better than to leave him in a confined space with someone who can't defend themselves!"

"He was probably under the impression that Val would obey his orders exactly as he said,'' Alastor admitted,"Given how most feared him, Lucifer probably thought the same thing as Valentino. That is where he made a mistake. Valentino may obey orders of those stronger than him out of fear, but the moment the threat vanishes Valentino begins thinking of his own desires and begins to act on them the second he's able to. I'd say I'm surprised, but that would be a complete lie, this is completely in character and I'd be shocked if Val acted otherwise. You underestimated him, Lucifer, and that was a key mistake on your part.."

"I'm well aware of this…" Lucifer said,"Albeit a bit too late. Should've known better than to take that fool's word for it. I wonder what else he lied to me about…"

"Such as?" Vol asked.

"He told me just beforehand that you burned down his Studio. He didn't tell me why but he said that you got moody and attacked him for no reason."

"And you believed him?"

"I mean, who else was I going to believe? I already heard from Cherri that you attacked her and Val sounded legit at the time since you did respond with violence towards those you encounter."

"After they provoked me," Vol informed,"I don't know if it isn't obvious to you yet, Lucifer, but I'm not a mindless beast bent on causing destruction. I have no desire to kill those around me and I certainly wouldn't attack someone without reason. I don't know what Valentino told you that day, but I'm going to be blunt when I say that it's no doubt a one-sided story that left out convenient details as to spin a narrative so that he looked like the victim of brutal assault when in reality it more or less me responding to the fact he raped his ex and beating him within an inch of his life in response. And as for Cherri, that was an act of self defense. She literally attacked the place I was in and even then, it's not like I really hurt her. All I did was scare her…"

"Really? Strange, when Ada told me what happened with Cherri she said that you attacked her for no reason and came out of nowhere…"

Vol's eye twitched as he sent Cherri a 'Did you actually fucking say that?' look to which she rubbed the back of her head nervously,"Yeah I may or may not have stretched the story to my case better…I was kind of pissed you got my territory stolen so I may have lied a bit to make my point look stronger."

Everyone was giving Cherri the 'you've got fucking kidding me' look in response. Even Angel was giving her a glare and asked,"Sugar tits, what the fuck!?"

"I swear, I had no clue it would go this far! I just wanted revenge for my territory, I didn't think it would escalate into this clusterfuck."

Husk snarled,"You've got to be fucking with me! I lost several fucking limbs over a LIE!? What the fuck is wrong with you!? This entire situation could've been avoided if you were FUCKING HONEST with Lucifer and told him the truth! Do you know how much damage you and Val caused!?"

Cherri flinched but ultimately refused to respond, gaze glued to the floor.

"Honestly," Vol said,"I expected this out of Valentino but I'm rather disappointed in you, Cherri. All this pain and suffering everyone went through was for nothing. My parental figures are DEAD thanks to you and honestly, they're the lucky ones. Because at least they didn't have to live with the fallout of their actions, but the rest of us do and it hurts in more ways than you can imagine…"

"Vol I'm-"

"It doesn't matter," He hissed,"Saying sorry doesn't change anything. The damage is already done. Congrats, you and Valentino's pettiness screwed us all over, I hope you're happy because the rest of us aren't…"

"I didn't mean to…"

"I'm certain Husk cares that you 'didn't mean to' lie, I'm certain that just makes all the limbs he lost worth it, am I right?" He asked dryly,"Look Cherri, I don't hate you, but I think it'd be best if you left because I can hardly stand to look in your direction after what I heard today…"

The mad bomber sighed before weakly waving at Angel and mouthing a 'see ya later' as she took her leave out the hotel door. Angel merely slumped in his seat, visibly disappointed by the outcome of the situation, head lowered to the floor,"Dammit Cherri, now look at what ya started…'

After a moment of silence passed, Lucifer sighed before making a move towards the door himself only for Vol to call out to him,"Leaving so soon, Lucifer? Don't you think it's a bit early to leave?"

"Hardly. I'm not supposed to be here and it's clear to everyone that I'm not welcome in this hotel. I may as well leave because I'm making things worse. No point in staying any longer. The situation is already tense as it is and I doubt my presence is going to make things better…"

Lucifer prepared to leave but was taken off guard when Vol suddenly teleported in front of him,

"Not so fast. We're not done with you just yet…"

"What do you want with me now? I thought you wanted me out of your sight earlier. What's with this change of heart?"

"Oh it's hardly a change of heart," Vol said flatly,"It's more or less reassessing the situation and realizing that things weren't as they seemed. And with things coming to light, I can't say this situation is entirely your fault anymore…"

"What?"

"Don't get the wrong idea, you're still responsible for your actions so don't think for a moment you're getting out of that one. It's just that it's become fairly obvious that you were tricked and had the wrong idea about me from the start. With what they told you it's little wonder you thought I was a threat…"

Lucifer averted his gaze,"Looking back, I can't believe I didn't see this fucking coming. I was such a fucking fool. Now I look like an utter clown that got played…"

"I mean, you technically are," He admitted,"But don't worry, I doubt you're the only person who got tricked today. We all got played one way or another. Regardless, there isn't anything we can do for the past but surely there's something we can do for the future…"

"Like?"

"Well in your case, why don't you try attempting to atone for what you've done? If you're truly remorseful for your actions, then I believe it's time you show us physical proof. You've broken trust in those who cared for you and anyone who respected you definitely doesn't hold you in high regard anymore. I suggest you take this as an opportunity to right the wrongs you did long ago because you likely won't get the chance otherwise. And assuming you desire a relationship with Charlie, I'd advise you take it…"

He then tensed,"That sounds fine and all...but I don't know how to do any of that…"

"What do you mean you don't know how to do any of that? Haven't you ever regretted anything before this point?

Lucifer shook his head.

It was at that moment Vol remembered who he was speaking to. This man was the DEVIL, he was the proudest man in the entire universe with a matching ego.

The man probably never apologized to anyone in his life up until now and the idea of repenting for his actions was downright alien to him. Guilt and remorse were clearly emotions Lucifer didn't experience often and the idea of acting on them was laughable...at least until his family life fell apart.

By now, Vol's internal framework shifted from,' Was Lucifer even capable of showing remorse' to 'Does he even know how to make up for those he wronged in an impactful manner?' Because as of now, Vol was leaning on 'no' purely due to Lucifer's lack of experience in actually making up for those he wronged. He may have been eons old but when it came to human emotions like guilt Lucifer had about as much knowledge as a child would have.

"Do...Do you even know how?"

"I...I don't think so...I've never done this before I don't know where to start…"

Apologizing was one thing, but actually making up with someone was something Lucifer had no personal experience with. He never had to repent to anyone before and the concept made him stare out like a deer trapped in headlights. "How do I do this again? I'm so confused and I don't get what I have to do…Can you explain what I have to do? I'm lost and I don't understand how I'm supposed to start…"

Vol blanked as Lucifer clutched his hand desperately, as if trying to make sure he didn't try leaving. It was almost comical seeing Lucifer go from the most intimidating person in the room to a meek guy who was begging him for help. It was like he was talking to a different person and it was hard to believe this same man tried to end his life at one point…

"I can't tell you how to do it exactly," Vol admitted,"But I do suggest you try and help out with things as a start. Try getting along with others and not being a dick like usual. You've done a lot of damage to stain your name in our eyes but perhaps if you prove your sincerity the others will get around to forgiving you for your actions…"

"And you?"

Vol made a face,"Don't get your hopes up, Lucifer. It'd be asking a lot for me to forgive you, especially anytime soon. I can't bring myself to do it now, but maybe another day when this is nothing more than a memory I can think about it. It'll be that way for everyone else. You're not entitled to our forgiveness and you'll have to work for our trust back little by little if you choose to go that route at all."

"So where do I start?" Lucifer asked.

"First thing you should think of doing is trying to help us get this Hotel off the ground," He said,"We got the other version of Charlie's hotel up and running so we're trying to do the same here. Problem is we aren't too certain how to do that…"

"What do I need to do to fix that then?"

"Can you contact Micheal? You're going to need to talk to him to get him on board with the project,"Vox said.

The King flinched,"You're joking right? I haven't spoken to him in eons! Not to mention I hate the bastard…"

"Even if you hate him, you need his help and if you want prove yourself to be useful ] suggest getting over your grudge so that your daughter's dreams can come true," Al chided,"Now chop-chop. We're not getting any younger and you're wasting time just standing around."

"You can't just expect me to get along with someone who hates me…"

"Hey, Al and I hated each other for a while and look how we turned out," Vox said,"We're like buds now! Me, him and Vanny are all partners and we couldn't be doing any better!"

"Do you seriously expect that to work for me? Your little squabble with AL is peanuts compared to the issues I have with Micheal. He banished me for Hell's sake. You are all insane if you think he and I would ever see eye-to-eye in any capacity."

"Hey, if the other version of you and Micheal can do it, I don't see why you can't," Vanny said,"Especially since the other version of Micheal fucked your wife and got her pregnant."

Lucifer's face fell,"He did WHAT NOW!?"

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that," Vol admitted,"Yeah that actually happened. They even have a son now and they have mutual custody over him. Not sure what's gonna happen when he gets older but I think Micheal plans on having him rule over Heaven later since Charlie already has the heir thing covered down here…" He then chuckled at the King's horrified expression,"Don't worry, she didn't intentionally cheat on you if that's what you're wondering. They just got drunk and I think LIlith thought Micheal was you given how similar you two look. It was only after they got sober did they realize their mistake…"

Vol's statement did absolutely nothing to comfort Lucifer, who was currently trying to come to terms that another version of his brother had fucked his wife while drunk, knowing that those events could easily take place in this timeline just like it had in the other….

Charlie huffed,"Dammit! My other self is so lucky! I wish I had a sibling! I want one!"

"Charlie we have enough problems as it is, let's try focusing on getting your hotel to work before any thoughts of siblings come up," Vox suggested,"That and for your dad's sake, we should avoid any talk of siblings at all costs. He's already twitching and I don't want him fainting on us."

"Fine…"

"And Lucifer?"

"Hm?"

"Better get to work. You have a lot of damage to fix and I suggest you start working on it now. You're still not off the hook and if you really want to show you're being genuine, the time is now. Whether you act on this opportunity is up to you," Vol mentioned before turning his back on him,"Good luck, Lucifer. I'm certain you'll need it…Come on everyone, let's get going. We should leave him to make his own decisions…"

They all began to head off in their own directions, leaving Lucifer to his own devices, some still giving him glares . Charlie looked at her Dad momentarily before ultimately shaking her head and leaving like the others did.

He sighed,'Looks like I'm on my own now. Everyone's turned their backs on me again. Only difference is that they're tolerating me being in their space this time. But who knows for how long…'

Lucifer clutched his staff, he wasn't big on the idea of going to Micheal. Their relationship was rocky at best and Lucifer knew talking to him would open up a can of worms that he wanted little to do with.

'Still...do I have a choice? Charlie can't even look at me in the eyes, Lilith's been ignoring me for a year and everyone else seems uncomfortable around me. And if I don't do anything I'll just be stuck with the silent treatment for who knows how long…'

As little as Lucifer cared for his daughter's dreams, Charlie's Redemption project succeeding was probably the only way he'd ever get his life back to somewhat normal.

.Because right now, everyone had their eyes on him and seemed to have their eyes glued onto him. If he chose not to act, he'd probably just be stuck dealing with the cold shoulder for several centuries at best, if not all eternity….

With no other foreseeable alternative, Lucifer decided to take his first step toward making amends.

Sighing, Lucifer pulled out his phone before dialing a number he had hoped not to not ever click on…

'Please let this work…' He crossed his fingers as he mentally braced himself for the worst.
-

Micheal read through the files of paperwork that Gabriel had sent him. It was mostly about the traffic of souls and how certain souls had been murdered by a group of Imps for hire, much to Micheal's annoyance. Apparently Gabriel had received enough complaints and decided to hand the problems over to him to deal with…

"Oh by the Heavens, this again? Of course Lucifer's realm is the one that causes us trouble. Even when he's not here he keeps causing issues for us. He may as well have never left…" Rolling his eyes, he began to internally debate a solution for the problem, only for the phone near his desk to start ringing out of nowhere.

"Huh? Who's calling?' He picked up the phone and asked,"Hello, this is the Heavenly residence, this is Micheal speaking, how may I help you?"

"Micheal, it's me, Lucifer…"

His eyes widened momentarily,"Lucifer? What are you doing on the phone with me? How did you even get this number? I thought you wanted nothing to do with us?"

"I did...also I know a lot of things. I always keep tabs on you guys to an extent so finding your number wasn't that difficult…"

"Why are you calling?" He demanded,"I know how you are, Luci. If you ever call me it's because you want something out of me…"

"Micheal, I...I don't know how to say this but...I need your help."

"What!? You need MY help?" He balked,"You must be joking.."

"Oh I wish I was! But I really really do need your help, Micheal. I wish it hadn't come to this, but I REALLY need your help down here. I fucked up really bad and I need you to help me get out of this mess."

"Why should I? This is your problem, not mine. Besides, I'm still trying to deal with the problems your realm is causing and I'd rather not have to saddle your issues in the process.."

"Micheal, please fucking listen to me! I know we don't see eye-to-eye but please help me, dammit! I NEED you more than ever and I'd really appreciate it if you tried to help me out here…Please just hear me dammit."

He narrowed his eyes, twisting his lip,"Fine. I'll hear you out...but you'll have to come up here first…"

"What!?"

"You know what I mean, Lucifer. Come up here and talk to me like an adult. If I'm going to help you you're going to have to abide by my rules, meaning you have to come up to Heaven and meet me there. Or do you not want my help? You can easily decline and I won't judge, it just means you'll have to deal with this on your own…"

Lucifer bit his lip,"Grr...Fine. I'll come up there…Though you'll have to weaken the barrier so I can actually get up to Heaven."

"Already have that covered," Micheal said and though Lucifer couldn't see it, he could just sense his brother was smiling ear to ear,"I'll see you there, Luci...Goodbye…"

He then hung up the phone and rose out of his seat.

'I wonder what he's gotten himself into. Must be really desperate if he's coming to me about this…'

Lucifer sighed as he flew up towards Heaven, the barrier that had once separated their Realms had since been lowered, allowing him access. Heaven looked a lot brighter and livelier than he remembered it being, as there were a lot more creatures frolicking about that he could see from the gates…

'Can't say I missed this place too much. It's too damn bright around here…' He rubbed his eyes, trying to remain calm despite no longer being in the Realm he ruled…

The tension in his stomach rose when he saw the gates to Heaven open, Micheal standing on the other side with a far too welcoming smile,"Welcome home, brother. It's been quite a long time since we've seen each other hasn't it? I honestly am impressed that you came..."

"Yeah...it has…"

"I do recall us not departing on the best of terms. Tell me, brother, what is it that brings you here for my aid? Because we both know that you're on your last legs if you were willing to come back to Heaven over this problem you've been having."

"Yeah, it's really bad. Which is why I need your approval about this idea my daughter has…"

"Oh, I see .You're doing something for your child, hm? Well then, what is it?"

"I want you to approve of her idea of letting reformed demons inside of Heaven," He said, wincing at Micheal's bewildered expression.

"Brother...I...I don't know what to say. Though I do have one question.." Micheal pinched the bridge of his nose before snapping,"HOW BADLY DID YOU FUCK UP AGAIN!?"

"It's a long story, Micheal..A really long one…"

"Well, in that case, you better come inside. You clearly have time to waste and it's not like we can die either. That should give you plenty of time to explain yourself…" He motioned Lucifer inside, his brother reluctantly following him as the gates closed behind him.

Thanks for 13,719 views, tell me what you think below! I can just feel everyone's faces when they realize that Lucifer technically got lied/manipulated to in the end.

Enigmus-288: Yep, Paranoid Luci has returned to the fray. Hardly growing a conscious, Lucifer just realized he fucked up since let's be legit, it's been over a year and his wife and daughter aren't speaking to him. He kind of realized he done fucked up and Lilith's sending him a death stare for driving their daughter away. Prideful paranoid fucker he may be, but he's not an idiot.

To be frank the only people who'd actually do shit to Lucifer are Charlie and Vol,everyone else wouldn't be able to do anything major in all honesty. The only way Velvet damaged Micheal was when he was distracted and she only managed to cut a few wings off. Vol and Charlie are the powerhouses and can do basically almost anything.

Guest: I was tempted but decided not to since there'd be legit too many characters to focus on. But yeah, that part with Lilith and Micheal is gonna get talked about for obvious reasons lol

Mtisuru6: That was Vol, he was just mentioning it cuz Vanny is a jealous bitch. They're all a thing, it's just not the main focus because of the other plot going around. Yeah, honestly I only chose Vox's interlude for this because it was the shortest song and I just wanted to get it over with. It's hard altering lyrics so I'm glad it's over.

Yeah Lucifer apologized..to everyone's surprise. Nobody saw that coming lol. and I don't think anyone saw this outcome with Cheri and Lucifer coming either.