"Hello, Miss," the attendant greeted Sybil with sympathy as she made her way into Mikael's building and toward the elevator. "Rainy one out there today. Would you like a towel?"
Sybil looked down at her dripping wet self. "I don't know how much it will help, but thank you."
He clucked his tongue as he handed her the towel and watched her dry her hair. "I don't know why he made you come all the way here in this weather. He could have at least had someone drive you."
"Well, Mikael doesn't know I'm coming," she explained and handed the towel back. "That's one reason why." She turned her back on the man, stepped into the elevator, and pushed the button to the penthouse, trying not to shiver. Damn it, she thought to herself. Why was she always wet when she came to visit him? Why did it always rain? And why did she always have to be upset? It really put her at a disadvantage.
Suddenly, she was wracked by nausea. "Oh, god, please don't let me throw up in this fancy elevator, please!" She prayed as she lowered herself to the floor. That would be fun to explain. It was bad enough that she was showing up wet. Showing up wet and covered in puke would just seal the deal. What had she been thinking, coming here to tell him she was pregnant? Not that he didn't deserve to know, but...it would be the end of things! He wouldn't want another thing to do with her! He'd probably take back the invitation into his place, too. It had been so nice to hear "This is our home now," after they'd agreed to date; but no more. Today, after she bared her soul and was honest, he would tell her he was done with her for sure!
Her nausea eased just as the elevator door opened and she unsteadily made her way out into the hall just as Mikael opened the penthouse door to pick up the newspaper beside it. She couldn't help but chuckle at the image; of course he still got an actual paper and didn't just read everything on the internet like everyone else. He was delightfully old fashioned that way.
His eyes caught sight of her feet in their boots and then slowly rose to take in the rest of her. "Sybil?" He asked in surprise. Not that you aren't welcome, dearest one, but what are you doing here now? Did I forget a date?" He just shook his head. "It feels so weird to say because I know we're both past that age, but for you, it's really no trouble to oblige."
"No," she shook her head and swallowed nervously. "I...I don't want to go out. It's rainy and wet." She bit her lip and began nervously rubbing her hands, her mouth silent before she finally shook her head. "Sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to be so rude and intrude on your day. I'll go now."
As she turned to head back into the elevator, he grabbed her arm gently to keep her still and turn her to face him again. "Now just a minute," he said. "You obviously came for a reason. You're wet, shivering, and distressed. I would like to know what would bring you here in such a state. Please. If you think I'm just going to let you leave when you look like this, think again." He took her face in his hands. "Come in, have tea, and we'll get you out of those wet clothes and into a bathrobe. You're dripping all over the floor."
"Better that than your fancy carpets!" She returned, refusing to move. "And thank you for that 'wet cat' remark! If you must know, there's a terrible downpour outside!"
"I know, I can hear it," he drawled. "So...what made you come here in such terrible weather? Is there a problem? Has someone hurt you? You're worrying me."
"No, no," she shook her head. "But I...I know that if I tell you what you want me to, it'll just hurt you, so..."
"Nonsense," Mikael shook his head and nudged her inside. "Sit down and I'll make you a cup of tea. And I'm sure there's a bathrobe and some extra clothes around here somewhere."
She swallowed and shook her head. "Thank you, but...I really don't think I need to stay; I just want to say that I've been...keeping something from you, and...I'm very sorry. And if you don't want to see me after what I've told you, then...I understand."
"Oh, nonsense," he chuckled. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's not as bad as all that." He winked and kissed her forehead. "At last, I have you exactly where I want you to be and I have no intention of sending you anywhere."
She shook her head, looked into his blue eyes, and gently pushed him so he was at arms' length. "I've...I've been to see Sean," she said.
He frowned, his eyes narrowed. "Why? Are you disappearing again? I could just...if I could get my hands around that damn Azrael's throat again..."
"No, no, no!" She shook her head. "Calm down. Before you kill anyone, you should know that she has no power over me anymore."
His eyes widened and he gently grabbed her by the shoulders. "Is that so? How did you manage that?"
"Well," Sybil took a deep breath. "She took pity on me and decided to keep me here and not send me back to heaven for one particular reason..."
"Spit it out, woman!" Mikael cried, his whole body full of panic. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Because I'm pregnant!" She yelled as his eyes widened with shock. "There, I said it. Are you happy now?"
He slowly released his grip and stepped back until he felt himself bump against the edge of the door frame. "What did you say?" He asked, his eyes wide.
"I'm pregnant," she repeated. "Please don't be mad. I know I should have told you sooner, but-"
He began pacing back and forth in front of her, running his fingers through his hair as she babbled on and on, trying to get it all out before she lost her nerve.
"-but I took a pregnancy test after our first twenty four hours and it was negative, so-so I didn't think I should trouble you. But then I got sick again and went to the hospital and that...during that appointment, Sean told me I was pregnant."
He did look up at her now. He looked more dumbfounded than angry. "I'm confused," he said. "If you're pregnant, you should have had the child by now, considering that you're a demon and everything. Am I wrong?"
She shrugged. "Ordinarily, you wouldn't be, but...our powers seemed to have battled inside me and...yours won, apparently. That's why I haven't given birth yet. I promise the baby is yours. I promise that you're the only man I've been with since I came back."
"Well, of course!" Mikael nodded. "You're no fool; but fat lot of good that does me!"
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I know I should have been on pills or asked if you had condoms, but...I didn't know that I could get pregnant and I didn't know that I was gonna end up in a man's bed so soon!"
"Well, maybe you should have!" He snapped as she went pale.
"You know, it's not all my responsibility," she spat. "You could have done the same just as easily! In fact, you should have because you didn't have any sort of upheaval in your life beforehand like being murdered and then returning to Earth!"
He bared his teeth at her. "You want me to take the blame? Fine, I will! But it doesn't change the fact that you and I now have a child on our hands."
"Oh, don't worry," she scoffed. "I was just telling you out of courtesy because you're the father, on the off chance you wanted to do the decent thing and help. But I wasn't expecting it." She put her right hand on her belly, then took the few steps back to the elevator and reached out her finger to put it on the button.
He said nothing, frowning at her turned back until the elevator arrived and the doors opened. Then, as she stepped inside, he followed her, putting an arm around her waist.
"No," she cried, struggling against him. "Please let me go. Don't make me suffer!" She had tears in her eyes that he suddenly wanted so badly to wipe away. They ended up on their knees on the hallway floor after he pulled her out of the elevator. He held her tight and ran his fingers through her hair.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "So sorry. Please forgive me. Please don't leave me. I can't bear the thought of losing you!"
"I understand," she nodded and sniffled. "But...but you want me to end my pregnancy and that...that's something I want so badly. Because I fought for it...that's the whole reason Azrael spared me."
"No, no, you have it all wrong," he said, taking her chin in one of his hands and turning her face so that her wet eyes were looking into his. He seemed distraught. She was looking at a man, distressed and hurt and worn down by his very existence. "I'm not a good man, Sybil. I was a terrible father to my children when I was human so far, nothing's changed. The thought of ill-treating you and our child is more than I could bear."
Sybil put a hand under Mikael's chin and brought his eyes up so they were gazing at each other, even though the tears rolling down her cheeks made him want to look away. "You're not a horrible man, Mikael!" She told him. "What would make you think that?" She put a hand on either side of his face. "You can be kind, supportive, gentle...why do you think I fell in love with you?"
He froze. His jaw dropped a little. "Excuse me, dear...can you say that again? I must be hearing things. It seems like you said you were in love with me."
"I love you, you handsome fool!" She cried with feeling. "And that's why it hurts so much to hear you don't want me or the pregnancy anymore. Cause we're a package deal now. I told Azrael I didn't want to end it and I'm telling you. I will say it until it gets through to you. Please don't...don't make me choose between those I love so much!" She hoped she'd said it enough times for him to get the message.
He still looked a little dumbstruck, but he took her into his arms, rubbing her back and kissing her hair as he tried not to cry himself. "Oh, my dear, my dear. You have it all wrong!" Once again, she had it wrong. "I want you more than eternal life itself. You gave me a large piece of my heart back; It's beating again because even though I know I'm incapable of love, what you make me feel...I suppose there's nothing else I can call it." He swallowed after his confession and wiped tears from her eyes with his thumbs. Then he kissed her lips softly and put his forehead against hers. "I can't say I'll be good at raising this child, but...if you want me to...if you believe in your heart that I can...I'll do my best for you."
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "And...not to put anything else on your shoulders, but before we go any further, I have one more confession to make: it's children."
He froze, her hand nearly to his lips so he could kiss it. "And just what do you mean by that?"
"I'm having twins, Mikael." She bit her lip and waited for another outburst.
"My god," he murmured, then shook his head before throwing it back and laughing. "We don't do anything halfway, do we, Sybil Vane?"
She was both surprised and confused. "Just to be clear, you're not mad, are you?"
He shrugged, his eyes still twinkling. "What can we do now?" He asked. "What are we having, Mommy? Two handsome, strapping boys like me?"
Sybil giggled now. "I don't know yet," she confessed.
"Well, all right then," he nodded and stood up before scooping her up over her insistence that she could walk the two or three steps to the penthouse door. "Hush! What sort of a man would I be if I let you be on your feet now? You need dry clothes and food. I won't hear any arguments."
And Sybil just shook her head in amazement and let him carry her into the penthouse.
Remiel stood at the edge of one of the farmhouse's large living rooms, watching Ricky sketch and debating whether or not to go in and interrupt him. Eventually, she strode across the room and sat down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"About time you came and sat," he said, kissing her hair. "How long were you standing there?"
"I don't know," she said. "I just didn't want to disturb you. What are you doing?"
"Just coming up with some new tattoo ideas," he shrugged and put the book between them so she could have a better look. "What do you think?"
"This one is nice," she remarked, pointing at a moon surrounded by stars, clouds, and fog. "It has a very supernatural feel to it."
Ricky chuckled. "I'm so glad you like it. Thank you, fiancee!"
Remiel smiled. "You're welcome, fiance!"
He gave her one more quick kiss, then went back to sketching, just as she cleared her throat. "Yes?" He looked at her again. "Something else you want to tell me?"
"I don't think we should get married," she told him.
Ricky chuckled. "You're so funny! For a second there, I thought you said you didn't want to get married!"
"That's exactly what I said," Remiel nodded.
Ricky went pale and squeezed his pencil so tight that it broke. "What do you mean you don't want to get married? How come you said yes if you don't?"
"I do, you silly man!" She said, which confused him greatly. "What I mean is that I don't want a big wedding. I don't want to spend months of my life planning something that will last only an hour. That doesn't seem like us at all! Let's just keep it simple!"
Now that his blood pressure was back to normal, Ricky could grin and nod. "Well, you aren't wrong. What are you thinking?"
"Let's get married this afternoon!"
Ricky's jaw dropped as his sketchbook fell to the floor. "Excuse me, what?"
"This'll be easy!" Remiel was really warming up to the idea now. "I have that white bohemian dress you like, you could borrow a tie from your grandfather, Lucas is free, and your grandfather can perform weddings, so..."
"Are you serious?" Ricky asked.
"Yes," Remiel nodded. "Why wait and do something that isn't us because everyone expects it?"
"Well, I was thinking that my grandparents would have been happy to host," Ricky told her.
"Oh, they'll be hosting a wedding, all right," she assured him.
Ricky frowned. "How do you know that?"
"Nothing you need to worry about," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Just something between me and my sister, Avery." She paused. "You know, heavenly stuff." That was so he wouldn't continue to press her.
He rolled his eyes. "Of course it is!"
Remiel took Ricky's hand and gave Elijah a look as he and Selina came in and sat down on the loveseat.
"So...what are you guys up to?" Selina questioned. "We're not interrupting anything, are we?"
"Elijah, would you mind marrying us today?" Remiel got out before she lost her nerve. "Ricky and I, I mean."
"What?!" Selina and Elijah exclaimed together and jumped to their feet.
"If it's too much trouble, we can wait," Ricky assured them. "No rush here."
"We talked about it and decided we didn't want a big wedding," Remiel explained. "Just the small group of people that we care about most, some champagne, and...do you have a cake in the freezer?"
"Of course I do," Selina nodded. "I have cake, I have cupcakes, I think there's pie...you have options."
"Cake is fine," Remiel smiled. "Thank you."
"And I'll get the champagne," Elijah smiled. "From my secret stash."
"Ooooh!" Selina smiled. "The secret stash! This'll be good!" She paused. "Do you...are you at least gonna call your father and your brother, Remiel?" She asked. "Or I can."
"They can come if they want," Remiel nodded. Then she shook her head in amazement. "I never thought I would want Lucifer at my wedding. Or that I would have one. Dad works in strange ways."
"Or you changed," Selina countered. "You explored and experienced and here you are. Don't give your dad all the credit."
Remiel grinned widely. "I suppose you're right."
"So...what do you guys say?" Ricky asked.
"I'm all right with it if you are," Elijah nodded. "It sounds like a plan!"
Just then, Lucas entered the room, eating from a large bowl of pasta. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Your parents want to get married this afternoon in a small, intimate ceremony," Elijah explained.
"Cool," Lucas grinned. "I'll put the rest of this in the fridge and see if I have something nice to wear."
"You're not surprised?" Selina asked. She'd figured it would surprise him just a little bit.
"Nope, I know them well enough," he grinned. "I knew they would do it." He headed to the kitchen to put his pasta away and raced for the stairs.
Once he was gone, not knowing what to say to that, his parents and grandparents gave each other long looks and burst into laughter.
Lucifer smoothed out a crease in the pair of pants of the third suit he'd gotten for Malachai to try on and smiled with satisfaction, just as the doorbell rang. "Perfect!" He told himself and went to answer the door, pulling Malachai inside before he could even say 'Hello'. "I wasn't expecting you to be punctual, so this is a pleasant surprise," he said. "Come with me to the parlor; I have your suits all ready!"
"Well, hello to you too," Malachai drawled before wincing. "And could you stop tugging on my arm before you pull it out of the socket?"
"I'm sorry, but there really is no time for pleasantries," Lucifer told him. He pushed him into the room and shut the French doors behind them. "Your suits just arrived and if they don't fit, I want to get them back as soon as possible." He gestured. "Do you like them? Tell me you like them!"
"Yes, Daddy," Malachai drawled.
Lucifer chuckled. "You know, in an odd way, you remind me of a lover of mine, Jean-Louis. A very handsome, very muscular fellow, he was. It was in France, in 1864, and he-"
Malachai went pale. "Stop!" He cried. "I don't want to hear any more. Just...give me some clothes!"
Lucifer grabbed a white silk shirt and some pants. "Here. Undress yourself and put these on."
"Are you serious?" Malachai cried. "After that little story you tried to tell me? No chance in hell, pun intended."
"Oh, come on, Malachai, it's common knowledge that up until Eleanor, I had both male and female lovers," Lucifer reminded him. "Now it's all Eleanor, of course. Did you not know?"
"Well, it's not really any of my business, is it?" Malachai asked. "And I will take those and change behind a curtain, thank you!"
"Let me assure you that you're not really my type," Lucifer told him. "No offense. You're more my sister's. And may I remind you that we've seen each other naked already?"
Malachai winced, his hand on the curtain. "Don't remind me of that, please," he said and got behind it to dress.
Lucifer shrugged. "As you wish."
When Malachai stepped out from behind the curtain, Lucifer grinned with approval. "Good?"
"Oh, yes," Lucifer nodded. "My tailor did a magnificent job just like I knew he would and I think you've never looked better." He paused. "Now, turn around."
Rolling his eyes, Malachai did just that.
Lucifer looked him over again and nodded. "Very chic, debonair, and sophisticated, just as I thought." He grabbed a black blazer. "Now put this on. Don't argue with me. Just do it!"
Malachai did and Lucifer pushed him in front of a nearby full-length mirror. "Oh, yes," he sighed. Magnificent. Do you see yourself?"
"I do, but it doesn't look like me at all," Malachai replied, looking at himself in fascination. "I look so different."
"Don't you though?" Lucifer grinned with satisfaction. "I might have to revise my opinion of you being my type!" He knew it was terrible to tease, but he couldn't help himself.
Malachai's eyes widened with horror. "Please keep me on your 'no' list. I think that's the best thing for both of us if you're not teasing me just to see the look on my face."
"I certainly was, so don't trouble yourself," Lucifer assured him, reaching out to pinch his cheek. Just then, his phone rang. "Hello, my dear, Selina! What can I do for you?" His eyes widened. "What, you mean like now? Are you certain? Dad told me they were getting married but he neglected to mention that it would happen so fast. All right, all right. I'll let Eleanor know and we'll be at the ranch as fast as we can." He ended the call and looked at Malachai apologetically. "I apologize for cutting this appointment short, Malachai, but my sister, Remiel, just had to get married to Ricky Mikaelson today. Apparently, it couldn't wait."
"Good for her," Malachai replied. "This afternoon?"
"Yes, believe it or not," Lucifer nodded. "Would you consider it terrible manners for me to leave you here with the rest of the clothes?"
"Of course not," Malachai assured him. "I can manage."
"Good," Lucifer nodded. "Perfect. Just what I wanted to hear."
"For your dad's sake!" Ellie cried in frustration as she headed down the stairway, struggling with a bit of hair that wouldn't stay where it was supposed to and shoes that were a smidge too tight. She also looked down at her red flower dress. "Couldn't your sister and her fiance have given us more time to prepare ourselves? I hardly feel I'm dressed appropriately for a wedding!"
"Fortunately, no one but me will be looking at you, because this day is more about my sister," Lucifer told her and gave her a quick kiss. "I think you look lovely."
Ellie made a face. "Thank you," she said and gave him a smile, although she still wasn't happy with her outfit. You always know just what to say." She then put her hands on her hips and watched as he strode around the kitchen, throwing things on the floor. "What in the world are you doing?"
"Looking for my keys," he said. "For my new car. You don't think one of the children took them, do you?"
"Why does it matter?" Ellie asked. "You know it'll be quicker if I just zap us there."
"Darling what kind of entrance is that?" Lucifer asked. "We need to arrive in style and my new car is just the way to do it!"
Ellie scoffed. "Boys and their toys," she said and shook her head. "Remember," she smirked. "Today isn't about you!"
He put his hands over his ears and began humming loudly as he walked away from her. "La la la...I can't hear you!"
She rolled her eyes and stood there, waiting for him to come back for several minutes so they could leave and not be late, but when he didn't return promptly, she went looking for him, her jaw dropping when she found Malachai in the parlor instead. "Malachai!" She cried. "I had no idea you were here. Why are you here in my parlor?"
Malachai laughed awkwardly. "Hello, Eleanor! I shouldn't be here much longer and I promise I was invited. I wouldn't trespass here otherwise. Your husband just got me some things that came from the tailor and I came to collect them."
Ellie looked over the things he was indicating. "It seems to me," she said, looking back at him, "that you didn't just come to get clothes. You asked my husband to get you a wardrobe that would help you lure poor Avery back into your bed, didn't you? And then once she's done what you want, you'll just throw her out of your place...again!"
Malachai smirked and shook his head. "You don't like me very much, do you?"
"Well, when it comes to you as a man, I'm indifferent," she snapped. "But when it comes to you and Avery...let's say I don't like men who take advantage of their significant others. Or in your case, people they know want to be their significant others. Tell me, does that make it easier for you to string her along or what?"
"Tell me," Malachai countered without answering her question. "Were you ever this irate before when your husband behaved this way, or did you just cheerfully ignore it and are only taking your anger out on me because I'm not someone who's sleeping with you?"
Ellie flinched. "If you must know," she snapped, "When he treated me the way you treated Avery, I left and refused to come back until he was genuinely sorry and promised not to do it anymore. I only hope Avery comes to her senses the way I did!" She then strode over and grabbed one of the blazers from the sofa. "Wow...it looks like you're changing your style...to a nice one!"
"Yes, I did decide to take on a different style," Malachai confirmed. "Does it bother you?"
"Well, it's very much like my husband's, isn't it?" Ellie asked.
"I wouldn't say that. I would say it's a new me," Malachai countered.
"I liked the old you better...mostly," Ellie replied. "Why change?"
"I thought it would help open me up to new possibilities," Malachai explained. "Give me more of a social life."
Indignant, Ellie opened her mouth to ask what sort of social life he was planning on while also trying to set things right with Avery, but before she could say a word, Lucifer spoke.
"Here you are!" She turned and saw her husband with Avery standing nearby, eyes wide and mouth hanging open, presumably at the sight of Malachai's new wardrobe.
There was silence for what seemed like an eternity before Lucifer finally cleared his throat. "So, Eleanor, I found my keys. Shall we get a move on? And Avery, would you like to come with us?"
"No, thank you," Avery told him without looking at him. "I just got Selina's message about the wedding and I still have to shower and change. I'll do that and zap myself to the ranch asap."
"All right then," Lucifer nodded. "Bridge on Friday, Malachai?"
"Sure thing," Malachai agreed, lowering his voice so it sounded smoother and more debonair.
"Good," Lucifer nodded and took Ellie by the arm. "Now that that's all settled and I've found my keys, come along, you!"
"You don't need to lead me along like a child!" Ellie snapped and tried to kick him as he deftly moved out of the way and encouraged Malachai to keep up his plan to get Avery back because she couldn't see him do it.
As soon as they were gone, Malachai sighed and began putting the clothes back in their bags.
"I'm sorry to surprise you like this," Avery apologized, rubbing her hands nervously as she stepped further into the parlor room. "I just didn't know you were going to be here. Nobody told me."
"I just came to get my clothes and now I'm going to take them and go," Malachai replied without looking at her. "I'm sorry for disrupting your day like this."
"You...you aren't," she assured him. "So..." she came closer and grabbed a blazer. "Jackets and shirts and all...what are they for?"
"Pardon me?" Malachai asked.
"The clothes on the sofa," Avery repeated with a roll of her eyes. "If they're yours, what do you have them for?"
"Oh, your brother just thought I needed some new things in my wardrobe and made a visit to his tailor."
"I see," Avery replied, biting her lip and realizing that she didn't see at all. "Why would my brother think you need new clothes? Is it for an event at the Council? If it was because he said you were a terrible dresser, you know you can just tell him to go jump in a lake, right?"
Malachai tilted his head back and burst out laughing. "Oh, dear. He did say such things, but he's right. Someone of my...position in our world needs to put more effort in looking his best. Or it can be just because I want to try harder for my own peace of mind."
"Right," Avery nodded. "Sure, I guess that could be."
He nodded, scooping the clothes up in his arms to make his way toward the door at the same time she turned on her heel to leave and go back up the stairs. He knocked into her just a little, but it was enough for her to lose her balance. Dropping his things on the floor, he grabbed her and held her tight.
"Are you all right?" He asked. "That could have been a bad spill! You could have hit your hit on the couch or the table, or..."
She raised her head to look into his beautiful dark eyes, licking her bottom lip with her tongue as the smell of his new aftershave hit her nostrils. At least she was pretty sure it was new. She considered herself pretty well-versed on how he smelled and this seemed different than usual. "I'm fine," she got out at last. "Thank you for asking."
"You're welcome," he nodded, stabilizing her. "Now that you aren't in any danger, I'm going to take my things and wish you good day. And if you would, please give your sister and Ricky Mikaelson my regards about their wedding."
He then kissed her forehead lightly and headed for the door, leaving her standing open-mouthed in the parlor.
"Hang on tight, Eleanor!" Lucifer crowed. "We're about to take a very sharp turn!"
"Oh, for crying out loud!" Ellie cried, eyes wide with terror. He was having the time of his life with his new sports car, but he was also driving like a crazy man. "Just because neither of us can die doesn't mean you can drive like you want to test that theory!"
"Oh, you are such a spoilsport," Lucifer sighed and took his foot off the gas, peering at his wife, who was looking very grumpy.
"What's wrong with you?" He purred, putting a hand on her thigh. "Do you need some cheering up? I'm sure we could pull off the road somewhere and-"
"No," Ellie snapped. "And move your hand. I know what you and Malachai are doing!"
"I'm not doing anything," Lucifer huffed. "The man sorely needed a tailor, especially if he was going to make things up properly with my sister, and I was able to provide. "What's the problem?"
"You don't just want to give him clothes! You're turning him into you!"
"No one can be me, darling," Lucifer assured her. "I'm one of a kind."
Ellie narrowed her eyes at him. "I've got my eyes on you."
"I know," he said, taking her hand to kiss it. "You always have and you always will."
She scoffed, pulled her hand away, and rolled her eyes.
"And don't think I don't know what you and Avery are doing," he added. "You're setting her up on fake dates with demon men."
Ellie shrugged. "So what? You can believe what you want. It's no different than you and Angelica trying to go against your father's will about her and Sammy by setting her up with those rich guys."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes but didn't speak again until they arrived at the ranch and parked. "Do you have the champagne?"
"Of course I do," Ellie nodded. "And with the way you've been driving, you're lucky it's not broken."
They got out and walked to the front door, which Elijah opened almost immediately.
"Hello, you two! Welcome, welcome. Please come in and have some appetizers while we wait to get started."
"Thank you, Elijah!" Lucifer smiled and grabbed some cookies from the jar on the counter after they got inside. "I shouldn't be surprised, but that's a very nice suit you're wearing. Very handsome!"
"Well, thank you, you too!" Elijah grinned. "And Eleanor as well."
Ellie blushed. "Oh, this old thing? You're too kind!" She handed him the champagne. "I know you probably have something marvelous in mind where bubbly is concerned but we thought we'd bring something along for the celebration too. It's supposed to be really good but I'm not the best judge."
"Thank you!" Elijah smiled, looking it over as he took it. "This is a very nice bottle indeed and we'll definitely have use for it at some point."
Suddenly, Lucifer rushed into the main area of the kitchen, taking Selina in his arms and kissing her soundly as her eyes widened.
"Wow, what's this for?" Ellie drawled as she gave Elijah a look. "Do you think we're supposed to be jealous?"
"I guess, but I'm not," Elijah shook his head.
"Me either," Ellie agreed, her arms crossed.
"Wow, that was something," Selina said when the kiss finally ended. "We haven't kissed like that in years! A very unexpected 'Hello'."
"Oh, well it shouldn't be," Lucifer told her. "You know I always greet my friends in a passionate way."
"You can leave me out of it, if you please," Elijah insisted.
"No problem," Lucifer assured him. "You're more of an acquaintance anyway."
Just then, the doorbell rang again. "Excuse me," Elijah said. "I'll go and get that." He headed to the door and opened it, pleased to see Steve. "Hello, please come in!"
"Thank you, Elijah," Steve nodded and stepped in the house. He was holding a transparent box full of roses and surprisingly, alone.
"Gwen isn't with you?" Elijah asked. "Or...is she having some sort of trouble and needs help?"
"No, I came on my own," Steve confirmed. "With Charlotte having departed so recently, Gwen didn't feel it was appropriate to be here in person just yet."
"Understandable," Elijah nodded. "Is that...is that a wedding bouquet for Remiel that you have there?"
"It is!" Steve nodded. "Even though Gwen can't be here today, she wanted to make sure Remiel knew she was thinking about her."
Elijah smiled. "They're beautiful. I'm sure she'll love them."
"Me too," Steve said.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you that Lucifer and Ellie have arrived already?" Elijah guessed.
"You don't." Steve made his way into the kitchen. "Son. Eleanor."
"Father," Lucifer nodded.
"Hello, Steve," Ellie said, sparing him only a few seconds before turning her attention back to Selina. "You have such a lovely farmhouse here. So big and majestic."
"It is, isn't it?" Selina grinned, "And to think that Elijah had it built just for me!"
"Is that so?" Ellie said, crossing her arms. "Lucky you. You know, Lucifer never built anything like this for me!"
"That is completely untrue and you know it, Eleanor," Lucifer cried.
"Oh, yeah?" Ellie asked. "What did you build?"
"That dollhouse," Lucifer reminded her. "And don't forget, you practically live in the library. It's your lady cave!"
"It's precious of you to remember the dollhouse, but it's part of the rocky beginning of our relationship!" Ellie pointed out. "What grown man makes a dollhouse for a toddler he's not related to?" She paused. "One who wants to con a small, innocent child into liking him so he can do what his dad says and won't be murdered by her father in the process?"
"Yes, all right, it wasn't my proudest moment but you do like the library!"
"You're right," Ellie sighed. "I do like the library. Thank you for the library, even though technically that's not you building me anything."
"Yes, but I paid for all the furniture you wanted put in there, didn't I?" Lucifer countered.
"Where's my daughter at?" Steve asked Elijah with a roll of his eyes. Much of the time he was very sure of his decision to put Eleanor and Lucifer together but sometimes...even he wondered if he'd done the right thing. "Will you take me to her?"
"Yes," Elijah smiled, looking at the arguing pair. "I assume you want a break from those two?"
"Yes," Steve nodded and rubbed his temples. "You have no idea!"
As Elijah led Steve to Remiel's dressing room, they ran into Lucas who was trying to tie his tie. "That looks good on you," Elijah said. "Let me help."
"Thank you, great-great-great-" Lucas began with a smirk before turning to Steve. "And how lovely to see you, great-great-"
"Don't!" Elijah and Steve said at the same time.
"All right, all right," Lucas smirked. "You're so touchy about it, just like Mikael is!"
"Young man," Steve said severely, "don't mention me and that man in the same sentence."
"Oh, why not?" Lucas wanted to know. "You're both my great, great-"
"Don't!" Elijah and Steve said at the same time.
Lucas rolled his eyes and fidgeted as Elijah finished his tie. "Fine."
"There, you're good," Elijah grinned with satisfaction. "That is the perfect tie for your outfit."
"Thank you," Lucas smiled.
"Is your mother decent?" Steve asked. "Can I see her?"
Lucas shrugged. "Probably. She's putting makeup on and stuff like that but I bet she'll still let you in. And...thanks for giving me that mission with Vicky. I like her!" He gave Steve a wink.
"What's he talking about?" Steve asked Elijah.
"I-I don't quite know," Elijah confessed just as Avery joined them.
"Look at this!" She exclaimed. "My whole family, all together. Well, most of them anyway." She grabbed Lucas. "You, young man, can come join me in the kitchen."
"What? Sure, Aunt Avery, but-"
"When did you arrive?" Elijah asked, since she hadn't come through the door.
"I just zapped myself here a little bit ago," Avery said. "Come, Lucas. Dad needs to go see your mother, so stop bothering him."
"Wow," Elijah said to Steve. "Your family is really something, isn't it?"
"Yes," Steve sighed. "If I didn't see most things coming, I think I would lose my mind, even though I do love them." He paused. "Since he lives with you, do you have any idea about what he means regarding the mission with the girl? Because I honestly have no idea."
"No," Elijah shrugged. "But I bet it's nothing to worry about. Go see your daughter."
Steve watched his daughter make herself up for her wedding for a few seconds before knocking on the door-frame. "I hope I'm not interrupting," he said.
"Dad!" Remiel turned and smiled. "You came!"
"Of course I came," he smiled and gave her a hug. "It was a little last minute but as I'm basically in a state of retirement here, there was room on my social calendar for the wedding of my daughter."
"Don't act so surprised," Remiel grinned and gave him a hug back. "You knew it would be like this."
"Naturally," Steve nodded. "You're not one for a big to-do."
"What's that?" Remiel asked when she noticed the box her dad held. "Is it a present? You didn't have to bring a present."
"It's a bouquet of flowers from Gwen," Steve explained and handed her the roses. "And she says 'Congratulations and good luck.'"
Remiel smiled. "Soft pink roses, my favorite! At first I picked them because that's what Selina likes too but I've really grown fond of them." She paused. "So...where is Gwen?"
"She sends her regrets, unfortunately," Steve replied. "She thought that since your mother passed not too long ago, it might be awkward. But I'm sure she's planning a tea or something in celebration when you get back from your honeymoon."
"Well, the flowers are very sweet and very me," Remiel grinned. "Would you thank her for me, please?"
"I certainly will," Steve nodded, taking a chair and setting it next to the vanity. "I know this seems like a foolish question, but...especially on a day like today, do you miss your mother?"
"It's kind of strange missing someone who usually wasn't there in the first place," Remiel said.
"I know that," Steve nodded. "But maybe now she's with you in more ways than before."
"I hope so," Remiel nodded. "She...she said some nice things before she passed that made me wish she would have stayed, but...what can you do?"
There was a knock on the door and Avery poked her head in. "Sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting."
Remiel turned, a grin on her face. "No! Hi, Avery. Please come in!"
Avery came in, a light blue garter in her hand. "I brought you this for the wedding," she grinned. "You and Ricky both."
Remiel blushed and chuckled. "Only you would think of that."
"Avery dear, before you go, could you enlighten me about something? Lucas was talking about a mission with some woman and I certainly had nothing to do with it. Do you know anything?"
Avery and Remiel looked at each other, wide-eyed. "Nope," Avery said at last. "I think he's just in love. Men in love can say the dopiest things."
"Doubtful," Steve narrowed his eyes at Avery suspiciously. "If it was simply that, I would know about it." He paused and then lightened up. "But I don't suppose that matters now." He kissed Remiel's forehead. "It's your day, my dear Remiel. You should enjoy it."
"Yeah," Remiel sighed and smiled, thinking of Ricky in his suit. "I think I will."
Soon after, everyone but Remiel and Steve (who were waiting in the little anteroom off the parlor) was getting ready for the ceremony. Ricky came first, followed by Lucas, and then when they were both settled, Selina started playing the wedding march on the piano as everyone got to their feet and Remiel and Steve walked across the living room to meet Ricky and their son by the fireplace.
"You look amazingly beautiful," Ricky whispered. "I mean, not that you don't usually, but the hair and the makeup and things...it's all so nice!"
"Well, thanks," Remiel blushed. "It's not much, but...I'm glad you like it."
"I'm a bit surprised about the veil though," he whispered. "How did Grandma convince you to do that?"
"She said it was just a small one, and...I wanted a little bit of tradition," Remiel smiled. Then Elijah cleared his throat and they all turned to face him.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of Steve to join Ricky and Remiel in matrimony. Now, they wanted to say their own vows instead of letting me drone on and on so let's let them get to it, shall we? Ricky, you go first."
"Remiel," he said with a smile. "I think it's safe to say that when we first met, the last thing I thought was that we would be here. But we are and...I couldn't be happier about it. Until I met you, I had no idea who I wanted to spend my life with...or if I wanted to risk committing myself to someone at all. But once I told you everything and you didn't...didn't run away...I decided to take a chance. Thanks for staying with me. Thanks for saying yes to me. I love you."
They had to pause for a moment as Selina loudly burst into tears and Elijah had to offer her his handkerchief so she could blow her nose. "Sorry," she sniffled. "Carry on."
"Remiel?" Elijah prompted.
Remiel took a deep breath. "I thought the last place I wanted to be was on Earth," she said. Nothing made sense here and everything seemed stupid and pointless. Even you, at first. But then I found out Lucas was happening and it was even scarier because I had no idea that that could happen to me or how it would work out. I also thought for a little bit that things would be too overwhelming for you and you would leave, but...you didn't, even though I bet you were as clueless and scared as I was, and even though there was a risk that I might not make it through the pregnancy. But you...you got through your fear...for me. You took what for you was a very big risk, because you loved me. And that's why I stand here today knowing that there's no one else I would rather call my husband than you. I love you, Ricky."
"Do you two take each other to be husband and wife?" Elijah asked, trying hard not to tear up himself as Selina sneaked up next to him and gave him a tissue just in case.
"We do," Remiel and Ricky said together.
"Then by the power vested in me...I now pronounce you man and wife. Ricky, kiss your bride!"
They kissed and everyone cheered, especially when a smiling Lucas came to stand between his parents in a big group hug before they all headed to the kitchen for appetizers and cake.
As Sybil lounged on the silk sheets of Mikael's bed, wearing nothing but a grin and a pair of lace panties that she'd taken from the things he'd bought her, she bit her lip on a smile. Here she was, the size of a whale, watching a man she found immensely attractive get undressed...and she'd never felt more attractive in her entire life.
But that's how it was with him. And not just recently, she admitted to herself. For ages, since Malachai had abandoned her at the restaurant and she'd run into Mikael in the alley.
He turned and smirked at her hungry look. "What are you grinning at, woman?"
She shrugged and bit her lip on her smile, her eyes cast down to the sheets as she tried to hide her laughter. "Nothing. I'm just enjoying the view!"
He shook his head and came around the bed to advance on her. "The way you look at me, its as if you want to eat me!"
"Is that a problem?" She asked, grabbing his hand and pulling him closer.
"Oh, no," he said as he climbed beside her and began kissing her ankle and up her leg to her inner thigh, as she moaned, grabbing his hair as he began tasting her slowly and gently with his tongue after peeling her panties off and tossing them aside. "Oh, my god. Oh, my god!"
"Mikael is fine," he said, pausing for just a moment before going back to pleasuring her with his tongue.
When she'd finally climaxed, he looked up at her and grinned, gently massaging her belly and kissing it. "I hope you don't think I'm a completely clueless fool," he said. "In the back of my mind, I must have known you were expecting but I didn't want to think about it. You were gaining weight, your breasts were fuller, you were eating like an ogre..."
"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Sybil drawled. If he hadn't just given her the most amazing orgasms, she would have smacked him. Instead she just lay back and enjoyed the gentle, slow way he was massaging her belly. "How could you have known?"
"Well, I wasn't born yesterday," Mikael reminded her. "And it's not as if this is my first time as a father. Or my first time in bed."
"You...you wanted this?" Sybil asked, biting into her bottom lip. She knew she'd asked it several times and he was going to start getting annoyed soon, but she had to be sure.
He kept his chin on her belly, but locked eyes with her. "What more can I do to assure you that I want you, woman?"
"No," she blushed. "I meant...the babies, Princess Leia, all the baggage I'm bringing with me. Not to mention the fact that the babies are gonna be part demon. People might say things."
"People have been saying things about me for ages," he said. "And I don't care. I don't give a fuck. I haven't so far and I certainly won't start now. Since that encounter in the alley, I've been addicted to you. I can't think of anything else. Anyone else. Isn't it obvious? Couldn't you tell from in those minutes that you were everything I wanted?"
"No," Sybil shook her head and scoffed. "You were rude, chauvinistic, obnoxious...I hated you so damn much!"
He chuckled and leaned in close enough that his lips were practically touching hers. "You're lying through your teeth," he murmured.
"I'm not!" Sybil insisted. "At that point, nothing about you, Mikael Mikaelson, was even remotely alluring to me!"
"We wanted each other!" He returned. "We wanted each other badly and you know it!"
She blushed. "On some physical level, perhaps, but..."
"But nothing!" He said. "We wanted each other on all levels. Every level there is!"
He'd had every intention of walking away from the alley that night and not coming back. Never seeing that demon again. But the smell of her perfume lingered in the air, so lovely, so sweet, that, growling to himself, he stopped mid-stride turned around, and rushed at top speed to go back and find her again.
Meanwhile, she hadn't felt the same way about him. Making her own way away from the alley, she'd shook her head and angrily muttered curse words between her teeth. That Mikael Mikaelson couldn't have been more of an asshole if he'd tried and if she never saw him again, it would be too soon for her. Men were assholes. Malachai, that Mikaelson...but mostly that Mikaelson!
She kept her eyes on her feet as she made her way back to her car, at least until she ran into something large and solid and let out another curse as her butt hit the ground. She looked up and saw him staring back at her. "You again!" She cried. "What now? What more could you possibly want with me?"
"How much?" He asked urgently, his eyes locked on hers.
"How much for what?" Sybil asked, her own eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about? Are you implying that you want me to be your punching bag, Mr. Mikaelson? Don't you have a membership at some fancy gym that could help you get out your frustrations?"
"How much to have you in my bed?" He clarified. "One, two hours tops. Just some rough, dirty stuff. Nothing serious."
Sybil's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. "Excuse me? What did you say?"
"Don't be foolish," he scoffed. "I know you heard me! For some reason, even though I hate you, I want to fuck you more than I ever have anyone in my entire life, and-"
She didn't let him finish. The slap she gave him was good and hard, hitting his left cheek and jaw. She could feel the force of it in her whole arm.
"You stay away from me," she panted, her fists bared, ready to hit him again if she needed to. "You stay away from me or, Original vampire or not, I'll kill you with my bare hands! Then after I do that, I'll find a pack of wild animals to finish off your corpse. Do you understand me?" She was breathing hard but her voice wasn't shaking. She was proud of that.
Then, without giving him another glance, she pushed him out of the way and stormed off as he watched her retreating back, a wide grin on his face as he rubbed his cheek and chin. Though she'd meant to deter him, that little display, his realized, had just made him want her more.
"Don't deny that you were an asshole that night," Sybil giggled. "Because you were. Or at least you didn't have any clue how do to a pick up line!"
He lay down beside her. "An asshole that you knew you wanted," he pressed, reaching out to run a finger down her cheek. "Even if you wouldn't admit it to yourself then." He nuzzled her neck and nibbled on her earlobe making her whimper and him feel like he wanted to take her.
"Yes, I wanted you," she sighed and then laughed. "And here I am, in your bed, carrying not one but two of your babies. Are you happy?"
"I will be more than anything if you marry me," he said in a rush.
"What?" Sybil asked, eyes wide. "What did you say?"
"Marry me, Sybil Vane," he repeated. "Marry me, darling. Please."
"Mikael, you don't have to do this," she assured him, shaking her head. "We can be together without you feeling obligated to marry me."
"I am not proposing purely out of obligation," he assured her, pulling her to him and covering her with kisses. "No one can make me do anything I don't want to do. You should know that by now."
"But...but think of all the chaos I'm bringing into your life!" Sybil protested. "Myself, twins, Princess Leia...and I'll have to buy a dog for my courses..."
Mikael rolled his eyes. "If all that is part of the package with you, then I'll take it. And it's making me strangely weak to know that parts of you and me will be in our children."
She started to tear up, taking his face in her hands and kissing him. "Of course I'll marry you, you beautiful man," she said. "Now, tomorrow, whenever you want!"
"Good!" Mikael grinned. "Once we've married, you'll live here and let me spoil you with clothes and jewels and things."
She winked. "I suppose that's the price I pay! Maybe it won't be so bad!"
"How about Valentine's Day?"
"So soon?" Sybil raised an eyebrow.
"Of course so soon!" Mikael nodded insistently. "I don't want people gossiping about me! I'm a man of honor and no woman of mine will walk down the street carrying my babies without being married to me."
She laughed. "You're so delightfully old fashioned."
"Laugh all you want," he said and lightly slapped her bottom. "But what I say goes, so this will be done!"
"Well," Sybil smiled as he helped her sit up and threw her her panties. "If we're not doing any more because you're busy setting up our wedding, I'm going to go take a shower."
"I will go call Elijah," Mikael nodded and gave her a kiss. Then he looked her over. Her panties were still in her hand, she was wearing nothing. He let out a growl and kissed her hungrily.
"Go!" She urged after breaking the kiss, resisting the impulse to give him a spank. "Go call Elijah!"
"Oh, all right," he sighed, striding off and sighing in relief that he managed to make it out of the room and into the hallway. Then he went into his office, shut the door behind him, and called Elijah.
As Elijah chatted with Remiel and Ricky, his phone rang. "Excuse me," he said, seeing the caller was his father. "I'm sorry, I have to take this. It won't be long." He excused himself and headed to his office.
"Elijah Mikaelson."
"Elijah, hello!"
"Father, what can I do for you?"
"Are you busy?"
"Well, we're celebrating Ricky and Remiel's wedding, but I have time to talk."
"Is that so? Give them my best, would you?"
"Of course," Elijah agreed. "Now, what can I do for you?"
"Well, speaking of fabulous events, I wondered if I could have one on February 14th? At your charming farmhouse?"
"An event?" Elijah asked. "I'll have to check with Selina, but I don't see why she'd object." He paused. "What kind of event?"
"My wedding to Sybil Vane."
There was silence on the other end of the line.
"Elijah, are you still there?"
"Yes, Father," Elijah assured him. "I'm just...just a little shocked, that's all. It's a big thing to process."
"Do you have a problem with me marrying Sybil Vane, Elijah?"
"No, no!" Elijah assured him. "Of course not. I'm happy for you both, but may ask the reason for the rush?"
"She's pregnant with twins."
There was silence on the line again.
"Elijah, for Steve's sake, are you going to react like that every time I tell you something about this wedding?"
"I'm sorry, Father, I just...wow. Are you happy?"
"Oh, yes. I love her dearly."
"All right, I'll let Selina know."
"Thank you," Mikael told him and hung up.
Elijah slowly lowered his phone down on the counter and turned to face Selina, who was bringing the leftover cake into the kitchen.
"Are you okay?" She asked. "You look pale. Maybe you should lie down." She paused. "Did your father give you grief? Do you want me to punch him?"
"No, no, it's nothing like that. But Father did call. To ask if we'd hold an event here on February 14."
"That's doable," Selina smiled. "And lovely. What sort of event?"
"Father's wedding to Sybil Vane. Apparently, she's pregnant with twins."
He then winced as Selina let out a cry of surprise and her grip went slack, the cake falling to the ground at her feet.
"Need help cleaning that up?" He asked.
"Your father is getting married," she repeated, sounding like a zombie. "And he got someone pregnant. Oh, my god."