"Move your ass, Your Highness!" Helene scolded Ludovic. "Just because you're royalty, that doesn't give you the right to make everyone wait and destroy what little reputation I've began to build up with the Council after, you know, everything."
"Oh, of course it's all my fault," Ludovic shot back as he shut the driver's side door. "And they'd probably believe you, even though you, milady, were the one who took two hours to dress and get your makeup on! Think again, princess!"
"You remember that you're a prince, right?" Helene asked, sticking her tongue out at him. "So you can't really taunt me with that nickname. I didn't know what to wear, since I know I have to look good and not embarrass you at all times or we'll have to hear about it from your parents."
Ludovic rolled his eyes and then gave her a smile. "You got that right…Princess!" He then grabbed her around the waist and slapped her bottom as she cried out in protest.
"Would you both just calm down and lower your voices?" Astrid begged with a roll of her eyes as she reached them both. "I'm grateful you picked me up, but I don't think it should mean I have to listen to all this bickering, especially since, with all our recent troubles, the Council is just waiting for one of us to screw up so they can splash it all over the papers."
"Sorry, Mom," Helene apologized, detaching herself from Ludovic and taking her mother's arm. "You're right. Let's go in."
"Right," Ludovic agreed. "You ladies can go ahead of me."
"I know you mean well, dear," Astrid told Helene. "But you don't need to hold on to my arm. I can walk perfectly well." She narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "Because you know what? I didn't drink today!"
"I'm so proud of you!" Helene exclaimed. "That's very good news!" Then she turned her head to give Ludovic a look and he just shrugged, not knowing what else to do. There was no way to be certain Astrid was telling the truth, but if that's what Helene wanted to believe, who was he to try and ruin it for her?
They handed over their invitations and headed inside the club, Ludovic keeping close to Helene after a particularly suspicious look from the Council member outside the door.
"Why don't you ladies give me your coats and go take a seat?" Ludovic suggested.
As they took off their coats, they heard Nico's voice. "Grandma Astrid, Helene, Ludovic!" he greeted them, then stepped back, rubbing his hands nervously. "Hello!"
Astrid raised her head to smile at the young man, but dropped the smile instantly, because Nico hadn't come alone. Her stupid husband Alistair was with him, and, of course, was eying her with disapproval. But then she took a deep breath and smiled again, wider and longer this time. "Hello, Nico," she greeted.
"Well, look at you!" Helene looked him over with a grin.
"Yeah, look at me!" Nico growled. "I'm wearing tights and I look like an idiot!"
"Oh, that's not true!" Ludovic tried to reassure him. "You look very handsome!"
"Plus, if that's not bad enough, I don't know where stupid, dumb…" he paused and growled, making a violent wringing motion with his hands. "...that stupid, snobby Michelle is!"
"Oh, I'm sure she's just preparing for your performance in private, honey," Helene tried to reassure the young man. "I bet she's as nervous as you are." Then she nudged Ludovic to try and get him to stop laughing, although he was good enough to try and hide it by lowering his head.
"I doubt she's nervous!" Nico shook his head. "She's not nervous about making my life a complete nightmare!"
"Well, I'm sure that however you both feel right now, your dance will be something wonderful!" Astrid told him, hoping to get his spirits up. Now, if you'll excuse me a minute, I need to go and get some sparkling water."
"Do you need me to come with you?" Helene asked suspiciously.
"Thank you, dear, no." Astrid shook her head. "I'll be back soon, I promise!" She then made her way to the bar, passing by Alistair without so much a look or a word.
As soon as she was gone, Helene and Ludovic looked at one another, their eyes full of concern.
"I'll go backstage and try to find her," Nico decided, turning and bumping into Alistair with a quick apology. "Sorry about that. And thanks for the talk, Grandpa Alistair."
"Any time," Alistair smiled at the young man, then kissed Helene's cheek once he'd left. "Hi, sweetheart."
"Hello, Daddy," Helene greeted, then moved aside a little so her father could shake Ludovic's hand.
Keeping one eye on her mother, who was still at the bar, Helene asked, "So, I'm sure the Council is very excited about this dance competition, aren't they?"
"Oh, yes," Alistair nodded. "It's a nice way to bring the supernatural community together." He followed Helene's gaze. "What's your mother doing at the bar?" He asked. "Did she drink before you came? How much has she had?"
"She hasn't had anything that we know of," Ludovic answered so Helene wouldn't have to get involved.
"And what about Leighton?" Alistair continued, narrowing his eyes.
"We called a babysitter," Helene assured her father. "Her name is Ana and she's very reliable. My brother is in good hands, I promise."
"Good," Alistair nodded. "I'm gonna go make sure your mother doesn't drink anything she shouldn't."
"Don't do anything to start a fight, please, Daddy," Helene requested. "She seems to be at least somewhat normal, and tonight is not a good night to change that."
"I know that, certainly," Alistair reassured her, giving her a smile. "Go take your seats. Everything will be all right." He watched them go and continued making his way to the bar, grabbing the glass of clear liquid from Astrid's hands before she could taste more than a drop.
"What the hell, Alistair?" she cried when she saw her water was gone. "What did you have to do that for?"
"This is a very special night for Nico," Alistair reminded her. "He is our grandson, we love him, and I won't let you ruin something he's worked so hard for!" He set the water down out of her reach, and she growled and stomped her foot.
"Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't realize how important tonight is? I don't care about anything you say, and I won't ruin Nico's night!"
Alistair eyed the glass. "You will if you keep drinking gin and tonics and I have to carry you out of here because you're too drunk to walk!" He p his hands on his hips and watched her, eyes narrowed.
"What'll you do if I ignore you?" She reached out and put his hands on her hips. "Will you show me how much of a man you are by grabbing me roughly and throwing me out? You can't! Demons are welcome here!"
"I know that, but not unruly ones!" Alistair replied, trying to keep his hands where they were instead of letting them slide around to cup her bottom. "And I'm sure Noah wouldn't mind me getting you out of the way if need be!" He was furious with her, there was no denying that. But he also couldn't help taking in every curve of her body, made obvious by the skintight dress she wore.
"I didn't drink!" She declared, hands on hips and chin up. Then she sucked in her breath. He had a new beard that made him look more untamed than he had been in the past. It was incredibly sexy!
He stepped toward her, getting into her personal space without hesitation. "Well, there's one way to know for certain whether you drank or not," he told her, his breath on her lips, and his eyes narrowed on her.
"Oh?" Astrid asked, raising an eyebrow. "And what's that? Drinking from my glass to see if…" She broke off with a loud cry as his hands forcefully grabbed her and pulled her close, then crashed his mouth against hers before she even had a chance to breathe.
It was soft at first, but he soon deepened it, sending shocks through her body, from her fingers to her toes, which unsettled her, because, given how he'd treated her, the last thing she wanted to do was give in to him. She had to stop this before she did something she'd regret. So, as he slid his tongue between her lips to taste her, she bit down hard, drawing blood.
"You bitch!" He yelled, stepping back and wiping the blood off his chin.
"You jerk!" She shot back. "Are you happy now? All that was in my glass was sparkling water!" She pointed at the glass. "Now you stay away from me, or I promise I'll make you bleed worse!" She then turned on her heel before he could say another word, heading over to join Helene and Ludovic and take a seat. As she sat, she took a deep breath. Her heart was pounding in her chest, fast and loud. She hoped the other two couldn't hear it, so she wouldn't have to explain it, or her cheeks, which she knew were flushed.
Though Alistair was being the biggest ass he'd ever been as long as she'd known him, and even though she'd had to end it for her own sanity, that kiss…it was what she'd craved for so long, and she knew that he had too, knowing without looking the look in his eyes as she'd walked away.
"Remind me again why you're here?" Gabrielle asked as she and Arthur Gray approached the club. "There was no need for you to come!" She wore silky leggings and a sparkly silver tunic top that made it obvious that she wore no bra underneath. Arthur took full advantage of that, gazing at her with a smirk often enough that she wanted to punch him and wipe it off his full lips.
She kept her distance with him, her attitude polite but cold. He'd been so busy traveling around the world the last few months that he hadn't needed her for any outings, preferring the services of an escort instead on the rare occasions he did have to go and meet people, which pissed her off royally, since that was not part of the deal, and he hadn't even asked if she was available first.
"Well," he shrugged, unaffected by her mood. "I know we haven't gotten together for a while, so this would be a good time. Besides, with all the family I have participating, it wouldn't even be hard to explain my presence!" He grinned.
"It's not like anyone would miss you if you didn't come at all," she taunted.
"Well, actually, Mom invited me. And after everything, how could I refuse an invitation from my mother? And besides, wasn't it you who insisted I give her another chance?"
"I don't remember," she replied dryly. "I've pretty much forgotten all our past conversations, not to mention you, Arthur Gray!"
"Really?" Arthur raised an eyebrow and eyed her teasingly. "Is it because you forgot about me that you also forgot to wear a bra with that sexy outfit of yours, Gabrielle?"
This made her stop walking rather abruptly, her eyes closed, and her hands balled into fists.
"To be frank," she told him, turning on her heel to look him directly in the eye, "I couldn't care less about you. I wore this for me."
Arthur saluted and got close to her ear as he slid a finger down her chin and neck to her neckline, getting far before she came to her senses and grabbed his wrist. "Message received loud and clear. Would you like to enter separately so no one knows we're together?"
"I…I won't play this game with you," she told him, trying to stay stern even though she knew he could see her blush as she held him at a distance.
"And yet…you're blushing and your heart is beating fast," he pointed out with a wink.
"I'm here for my granddaughters," Gabrielle reminded Arthur. "Not as your date." She locked eyes with him and raised her chin as she spoke.
After giving their invitations to the Council clerk, they headed inside and immediately found Balthazar and Laurelle, who came to meet them and seem to be arguing furiously.
"Why won't you wear this dress, you stubborn girl?" Balthazar yelled, shaking the dress he held at her. "It's not going to be forever! Only about five minutes!" He wasn't entirely accurate, but he was right about it not being long. The dress itself was black and long and made up of several layers of lace.
Laurelle caught her grandmother's eye and used her presence as an excuse to ignore Balthazar and annoy him. "Grandmother, hello!" She kissed her cheek and nodded at Arthur. "And hello you to, Mr. Gray."
"Hello, Laurelle," he greeted her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"What's the matter, dear?" Gabrielle asked her granddaughter? I think you'll do wonderful in this competition." She gave Laurelle a smile. "My friend here is an excellent dancer."
"Yes, yes," Laurelle sighed and brushed her grandmother's words away. "He's the nicest guy in the world…who wants me to wear a dress! I don't wear dresses!"
"Do you see her dancing a proper Pase Doble without this dress?" Baltazar argued. "Why can't she listen and do the right thing for just a few minutes out of her life?"
"He has a good point," Arthur agreed. "It's only for a few minutes, Laurelle. I think you should wear the dress. You'll look good in it!"
"Yes, dear, I'm afraid I have to agree," Gabrielle added. "For once, to thank him for helping you in the competition, make a temporary sacrifice and wear the dress!"
"Fine," Laurelle cried and snatched the dress out of his grip, stomping away in a rage.
"What a lovely young woman that Laurelle is," Baltazar remarked, loud enough for Laurelle to hear and give him the finger without hesitation. "She's…she's also an absolute nightmare!"
There was a few seconds of awkward silence before Arthur cleared his throat and smiled. "I'll go find seats for us. Good luck, man," he said to Baltazar before turning and giving Gabrielle a nod, then walking away.
"Thanks," Baltazar called after him.
Once he was gone, Gabrielle put her hands on her hips and gave Baltazar an amused look. "After all the women you've been with, I'm very surprised you find my granddaughter so difficult," she teased him.
"She's…she's a good girl," Baltazar replied. "She just needs…guidance."
Gabrielle tilted her head, her eyes narrowed. "Are you falling for her?"
"What?" Baltazar nearly choked as he stared at Gabrielle, wide-eyed. "No, of course not! She's a child!"
"Not anymore," Gabrielle shook her head. "It looks to me like she's a tall, pretty young woman with long hair and perky breasts, just like you like them. And don't try to deny it, either! I know you too well!"
"Oh, come on," Baltazar scoffed. "And…what about you and the pretty boy? That's a better subject!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Gabrielle muttered, rummaging around in her bag so she didn't have to look him in the eye.
"Avoiding the elephant in the room?" he questioned gleefully. "Or is it that you're avoiding admitting that you want that man?"
"You!" She hit him in the chest with her bag, making him grunt. "You might have to dance with my granddaughter, but don't you do more than that! Don't put your filthy hands anywhere they don't need to be." She then turned on her heel and walked to her seat.
"Yes, ma'am," he saluted her comically when she wasn't looking. "I'll do my best to take care of your precious granddaughter. And don't think I missed that you didn't answer my question."
"You know I can always hand the invitations to the bouncer if you're nervous to do it," Sybil told Mikael as they got out of his car. "I know you worry about what people think of you."
"I don't," Mikael protested. "They can think what they want and if they refuse us, I can tell them that Adrian invited us. Roxanne might even vouch for me if it gets to be a real problem!"
Sybil shook her head and sucked in her breath. "Based on your relationship with Klaus, I don't know how wise it is to have that much faith in his children. Sure, Adrian invited you, but we still aren't certain about Roxanne's feelings." She paused as they reached the man at the club door.
"Invitations, please?" He asked.
Wit his hand firmly in Sybil's, Mikael handed the bouncer the invitations and waited, feeling her relief when they were just told to go right in.
But as soon as the club door closed behind them, Sybil began rubbing her hands nervously. "I know this is a terrible time to mention this," she got out. "But maybe we should go back home to the penthouse. I'm worried about the twins, and…" She began to hyperventilate
Mikael undid a button of his black velvet blazer and then took her face in his hands, after noting what a vision she was in her short, sparkly blue dress.
"It'll be all right," he tried to reassure her. "Just breath, darling. Breathe!" He gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile before leaning down to kiss her softly.
"Right," Sybil nodded and did her best to take a breath. "Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out!" She then met his eyes and raised her hand to run her fingers over his new beard, which she liked very much.
"And on top of it all, if this will help you, even though it displeases me immensely to have to admit it, Nana is with the children, and she's not bad at her job." He winced once it came out of his mouth. "I…I have no doubt that they'll be safe and sound without us for a few hours."
A sly grin crossed Sybil's face. "I'll be sure to mention your exact words to Nana. I'm sure she'll be flattered to hear them."
"Please don't," he begged. "I'll never hear the end of it if she knows what I said!"
"Still, and I know you think I'm being ridiculously stubborn about this…but, maybe we should present our apologies to Adrian, thank him profusely for the invite, and then go home. The children, our babies…" she trailed off, not knowing what else to say, but still hoping she got her point across as she grabbed both his hands and squeezed them.
"Our babies will be fine," Mikael assured her. "They've grown. They're not completely helpless anymore. And that means that for once, instead of being at their mercy, we can take a night off and enjoy ourselves. We should take it when while we can because who knows when it will happen again?"
"I know this might shock you, and it's also possible that it's none of my business, but…I have to say I agree with Mikael," Adrian remarked, approaching them with Eloise at his side, holding his hand.
"Well, look, darling, it's Adrian and his lovely wife Eloise! It's a pleasure to see you both, and thank you so much for giving us a chance to get out of the house." He then took Eloise's hand and kissed it gently.
"Nice to see you also," Adrian returned politely. "Of course Eloise and I know what it's like to be at the mercy of several babies, so I thought you would jump at the chance for a little time away. You look stunning in that dress, Sybil."
She blushed at the compliment. "I know I haven't lost all my baby weight, but it's nice to know something that looks like this fits me reasonably well now."
"Oh, nonsense," Mikael rolled his eyes. "About the baby weight, I mean. You're a vision and you always will be."
"And don't tell me about extra pounds," Eloise added. "I had triplets and look at me now, here to see them dance!"
"That's so true," Sybil told her. "How could I have forgotten about all your children? My heart goes out to you because it must've been a trial, to say the least." She gave a smile to the younger demon woman. "But on a happier note, you must be so proud that your daughters are participating in this dance competition!"
"We are, aren't we?" Eloise asked her husband with a smile, her eyes full of kindness.
"We sure are," Adrian nodded and kissed her gently.
"Did I hear that you purchased a new home?" Mikael asked.
"Yes," Adrian nodded. "We figured it was about time. The original apartment was getting a bit crowded."
"Well, that's wonderful," Mikael told him. "I'm sure your mother is pleased with all your accomplishments in the last few years. And thank you, again, for inviting us here. Congratulations."
"Yes," Sybil agreed warmly. "It was kind of you. Congratulations."
"Well, we're all part of the community and I wasn't sure how likely you were to be invited, but I wanted you to have a chance to see the girls perform."
"I am indeed," Mikael nodded, his voice full of emotion. "We're not related per se, but I feel close to you and I'm very grateful that you gave me this chance."
"Of course," Adrian nodded. "I know you and my father aren't on the best terms, but…I make my own decisions and if he's upset by your presence, he'll have to live with it."
"Even so, we don't want to cause a whole bunch of trouble, so we'll keep to ourselves as much as possible." She nudged Mikael. "Won't we, dear?"
"Let's take our seats now," Adrian suggested. "I see a few that are open."
"Good idea," Mikael agreed, taking Sybil's hand and making their way to the chairs Adrian had indicated.
"Well, well, well," Lucifer drawled as he returned from his drink with Selina as he looked the group over. "Look, Klaus! Your son and stepfather are arriving at the same time!" He grinned perniciously. "Did you have any idea they were so close?"
Klaus closed up as he looked them over. It was a well-aimed punch in the gut.
"Lucifer!" Selina hissed. "If you can't say anything nice, shut your trap, would you?"
"What?" Lucifer grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "You know I don't lie, and I'm just pointing out the obvious! Adrian invited both Mikael and Sybil to be here!"
"Oh, for Steve's sake, shut the fuck up!" Elijah mumbled through clenched teeth.
"I second that!" Steve added.
"Good evening, everyone," he greeted cordially and avoided Klaus' gaze
"Mikael, hello," Gwen greeted. "Sybil, you look wonderful in that dress!"
"Thank you very much, Gwen," Sybil told her, nodding in respect and then took a seat by her husband.
"Mom!" Adrian greeted Selina, grinning widely and then giving her a kiss on the cheek before shaking his uncle's hand. Then he looked at Klaus. "Dad?"
But Klaus said nothing, staring blankly for a few seconds, then standing up from his chair and running his fingers through his hair. "Excuse me, everyone. I need a drink."
"Leaving so soon?" Lucifer called after him with a chuckle. "But we were having such fun!"
"Oh, my god!" Avery cried, turning her head to snap at her brother. "Don't you know when to shut the fuck up?"
"Of course, sister," Lucifer told her. "Anything you want." He gave her a wink and mocking wave.
"Don't mind your father," Selina tried to comfort Adrian, who was no longer smiling. "He'll get over it like he always does. And Eloise, you look beautiful in that pink dress! Where did you get it? I want to know if they have it in my size!" She then gave her daughter-in-law kisses on both cheeks.
Then Eloise caught the sight of her mother over Selina's shoulder and called out to her.
"Hi, Mom! We're all over here! And nice to see you too, Mr. Gray! Always a pleasure."
"Same to you, Eloise," Arthur told her as he and Gabrielle approached. Then he eyed Selina and Elijah. "Mom. Elijah."
"I'm glad you came," Selina told him and gave him a kiss. "I know it's awkward, but thank you. You're part of all this. I hope you know that."
Arthur coughed and squirmed, uncomfortable. "I'm trying my best. It's really all I can do."
"Well, thank you for the effort then," Selina nodded, realizing how much of an effort he was making.
"Adrian!" Arthur turned away from his mother and shook his half brother's hand. "My half-brother!"
"Arthur," Adrian returned politely. "How have you been?"
"Good, good, thank you," Arthur nodded. "I really can't wait to see my nieces perform!"
"We can't either," Eloise agreed. "I'm sure it will be fantastic!"
"Mom, Daddy, Grandmas!" A grinning Celine appeared in costume. "You came!"
"Of course we did," Gabrielle nodded and hugged her close before kissing both of her cheeks. "We wouldn't miss it for the world.
"Yeah," Selina added, brushing some hair out of Celine's face. "We wouldn't want to be anywhere else!"
Then Celine grinned and twirled. "What do you think of my dress? Isn't it beautiful?" It was red and somewhat tight and it had no back.
Adrian paled. "Is that really what you're wearing? I don't think it's appropriate for someone your age to wear something so revealing!"
"Oh, lighten up, Adrian!" Eloise grinned and gave him a playful slap on the upper arm. "It's a dance competition and that's just a costume!"
"Yeah, really," Selina nodded. "Stop sounding like my mother and just relax!"
"Daddy, this dress is perfect for the Argentine Tango," Celine cried with a stomp of her foot.
"You're naked!" Adrian wailed. "I can't believe you're wearing a dress that makes you naked in public! Your godfather must've lost his mind if he agreed to dance with you while you wore that!"
"Oh, stop being so melodramatic," Gabrielle told him. "She looks beautiful!" She then gave Selina a wink.
"Come on, Adrian," Selina urged, smiling widely. "It's only for a short dance." Then she looked at Celine. "Thank you for coming to see us, but I think it's time for you to go backstage and get ready!"
"Right, thanks for coming!" Celine saluted them and then sped off so she wouldn't have to get any more grief from her father about her dress.
"I can't believe Noah allowed her to wear that dress when his body would be in contact with hers for any length of time. Color me shocked," Avery whispered to Steve, who gave her a wink back.
"I can't believe it either!" He replied teasingly. "But it's things like that that will make this interesting!"
Klaus walked with long strides, growling under his breath, fists on either side of his tense body. It wasn't that Lucifer had pissed him off, at least not entirely, but more that Adrian had gone and invited that monster Mikael Mikaelson to this competition without even saying a word to him about it!"
Lost in his frustration, he bumped into someone, then started and took a step back. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "My mind was elsewhere." Then he realized he recognized the other man. His eyes narrowed as he got a better look at him. "Julian, what are you doing here?" He held his hand out with a smile and Julian took it.
"Hi, Klaus! Nice to see you, man!" Julian replied. "As you can see by how I'm dressed, I'm here to work. I drove your stepfather and Sybil here."
"I see," Klaus nodded. "What about the…" He waved his hand while trying to think of a good way to phrase it. "The human factor?"
"Right, about that," Julian nodded. "Well, Mikael knew a witch who was able to put a spell on me so no one would pick up on it."
Klaus winced. "Well, at least he did one good thing tonight!"
Julian shook his head. "Sorry, man. I didn't mean to bring up a rough subject. I know things aren't great between you two.
"No, no, I'm sorry," Klaus apologized. "It's my bad, really. I'm just really glad to see a friendly face tonight."
Julian smiled. "Glad to see you too. Did I hear correctly that Natalie is participating in the contest tonight?"
"Yeah," Klaus winked. "Doing a rock n roll dance, can you believe it?"
"I do, considering who her father is," Julian replied with a discreet laugh.
"Good point," Klaus chuckled too. "And now tell me, how is the delightful Mrs. Johnson?"
"What, Grandma?" Julian asked with a raised eyebrow and a grin on his lips. "I would think that considering how much time she spends with her head in your kitchen window, you'd know how she is better than I do!"
"Another good point," Klaus chuckled. "Are you going to stay and watch the competition?"
"I would, but I don't want to push my luck, you know? So, I'll probably just grab a beer and then go wait in the limousine with a book. Nice to see you, Klaus."
"Understandable," Klaus nodded. "Give my regards to your grandmother!"
"You can do it yourself next time she sticks her head in your kitchen window!" Julian teased.
Meanwhile, Angelica was keeping an eye on the arrive of Mikael and Sybil. Klaus rising from his seat at the sight of them was making her bite her nails, shaking, and trying to keep a nervous breakdown at bay. Luckily, he didn't seem to have drunk anything yet, but was staying away and talking to an unknown man instead.
"I know it seems nuts and you might understand once I tell you this, but Klaus, even as a grown man, he has a…a step-daddy issue. As much as the one Dad has with Grandpa," Angelica explained to her mother. She held her breath and let it out, but when she turned her head, she found that the seat beside her was empty. "Mom?" She called out in surprise, then leaned down to look under her mother's chair. "Mom, where the hell did you go?"
With relief, Julian spotted the bar and sat down. He knew it would be best if he spent as little time in here as possible, but it wouldn't hurt to have a drink. He had time to spare for that.
"What can I get you?" Asked the woman at the bar, who caught his eye immediately. She was tall and wore a midriff top and black leather pants. Her big blue eyes eyed him curiously as she pushed away some of her dark hair
"Good evening," Julian greeted her. "I'm not complicated. I'll just have whatever beer is easiest to get, please."
"Coming right up," she nodded, then grabbed a mug to pour a fresh beer for him. "Just visiting? I don't think I've ever seen you around before." She set the beer down in front of him.
"I've always lived by here, but…clubs aren't really my thing."
"I get it," Roxie nodded and watched him guzzle a little beer. "Anyone you know participating in the dance contest?"
"Yes," Julian nodded.
"Well, look, fresh blood!" exclaimed a voice he'd never heard before, which belonged to a very dashing dark eyed man. "Since my son isn't around, I think I should take it upon myself to be the welcome committee. But you saved me having to ask a question." He gave her a grin, and then he looked Julian over and gave him a slap on the back that almost knocked him off his bar stool. "Care to share more about yourself?"
"No offense, but I don't just share lots of details of my personal life with strangers," he informed the man.
"No offense taken," he man replied.
"Lucifer, what are you gonna have?" Roxie asked.
"Scotch on the rocks, darling, please," Lucifer told her, then turned back to Julian. "Not a fan of nightclubs, eh?"
"Not really," Julian shook his head and busied himself with his beer. Something about this sly, well-dressed man rubbed him the wrong way.
"Yes," Lucifer nodded. "I can see how this club especially would be intimidating to you, since it's supernatural. Humans often have trouble here, which is why not many are bold enough to try and get in." He then made a mock toast to Julian's efforts
Julian lowered his glass onto the bar, finally raising his head to meet the man's eyes. "Just what is it that you want?" He asked. "It's obvious you know what I am and were able to see under the spell that was put on me. I'm just really surprised you could."
Lucifer chuckled. "Me? Want something from you? Nothing, don't worry," he replied with a smile, placing a hand on Julian's left shoulder. "Let's just say not a lot of beings can see through that spell. But I am not a lot of beings. I'm special."
"Obviously," Julian drawled, unimpressed. "And just who might you be that you're so special?"
"The devil, actually, Lucifer Morningstar."
He offered his hand to the man, and Julian glanced at it for a second before putting his glass back for Roxie to take. "Thank you very much," he told her.
"You're welcome," Roxie replied with a smile, taking the glass away so it could be washed.
"Something against shaking my hand?" Lucifer asked, finally lowering it down to his side.
"You'll have to forgive me," Julian told him. "I know it's probably against some etiquette rule, but you're one of the few men that I would never shake hands with."
"Ah, yes," Lucifer nodded. "More dedicated to God, I suppose. You do seem like my father's type. If you need to see him personally, lucky you, he's here tonight!"
Julian sucked in his breath and lifted his chin. "What my beliefs are is none of your damn business!" Julian snapped.
Ellie was watching from her hiding spot in a nearby corridor that lead to he back of the bar, where she'd gone once she'd realized that Julian had come along with Mikael. She'd heard the entire exchange between her husband and her lover, her heart pounding with fear after each and every word. There was no denying she feared for Julian and his safety. It was too close for comfort now. She had to do something before he got hurt! Muttering a few words, she then breathed a sigh of relief as Julian disappeared, leaving a confused Roxie and Lucifer behind.
"Where the hell did he go?" Lucifer asked, dumbfounded that the human who'd been foolish enough to battle him had disappeared.
"I have no idea. I just know that one minute, he was here, and the next he wasn't," Roxie replied.
This made Ellie put a hand to her chest and let out a sigh of relief. She'd done what she needed to do, and it was time to go back to Angelica.
Julian opened his eyes in shock, looking around as he found himself sitting in the limo's driver's seat. "What the fuck?" He whispered, pinching himself to see if he were really here, or if it was just a dream.
After taking a few deep breathes he decided that it had to be a side effect of the spell that had been put on him. But at least now he was no longer in the presence of Lucifer Morningstar. He'd heard of him, and it had never been anything good! He then took one more deep breath and rooted around in the car for something to occupy him until the contest was over.
"Hey, sweetie, sorry we're late. But we got here at last. Better late than never," Sean greeted Angelica as he came to sit on her right side and give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Grandpa Sean! Grandma Sarah! You came!" She cried joyfully, at the sight of the grandparents who didn't drive her completely insane.
"Of course we came, sweetheart! Sorry we're late but your grandfather had to stick around a little longer at the hospital." Sarah smiled and took a seat next to her husband. "Where's your mother? Where's Eleanor? I saw Lucifer sitting on the opposite side of the room!"
"I'm here, Mom!" Ellie exclaimed at just the right moment, giving her parents a wave as she reappeared in her chair.
"Oh, here you are!" Sarah waved back. "Sorry, dear, didn't see you!"
Angelica jumped about a mile and turned to face her mother's chair, blinking a few times to make sure it was truly occupied. "Where the heck did you go?" She asked. "And don't try to tell me you were there all the time. That chair was empty for a while!"
"No, it wasn't," Ellie shook her head. "I've always been right here." She shrugged. "Maybe we should get your eyes checked.
"No, you have not!" Angelica objected vehemently. "You left and just came back right now!"
"Well, okay, I had to run to the bathroom," Ellie lied. "This is a long competition and I don't want my bladder to explode!"
"Well, if it had, at least you have a doctor right here," Sean winked and chuckled.
"You're right, Daddy," Elie returned. "Lucky me!"
Angelica slid over next to her mother to whisper in her ear. "You have exactly two seconds to tell me what the hell happened and where you ran off to," she threatened.
"Fine," Ellie sighed. "Not that it's anything you need to worry about, but your father was threatening a poor man who had just come to the club to enjoy a nice beer. I had to help him out."
"Are you serious?" Angelica's eyes widened. "Daddy is threatening strangers now?"
"That's just how he is!" Ellie shrugged.
"What's going on with Lucifer now?" Sean asked.
"The usual," Ellie replied. "Wreaking having, causing trouble, being a pain in the butt unless you cater to his every whim!" She paused. "And I'm sick of it, which is why I'm going to make sure we're divorced very soon!"
"What did she say?" Her mother asked, jaw dropping.
"Something about her and Lucifer divorcing," Sean replied, just as shocked. There was a time in his life when this announcement would have been incredibly welcome, but now it was just…out of nowhere!
"Are you sure?" Sarah asked Ellie. "Surely this is a joke…or a mistake?"
"Nope!" Ellie shook her head. "I promise you that I've never been so sure of anything in my entire life!"
Taking one last shot, Sarah grabbed Angelica's arm, hoping her granddaughter would end all this confusion. "Is it true?"
"Well," Angelica shrugged. "They're sitting on separate sides of the dance floor, and Dad hasn't come near Mom for ages so, yeah. It seems like it's true."