Chapter 7: Preparations

Hissing filled the room as red eyes began to move closer to the deer. "Alastor..." The king walked into the light with another loud hiss. "Lucifer? What's wrong my dear?" Al's ears twitched while being forced to stand straight. The other walked around him slowly, tail whipping back and forth aggressively. "Lucifer?" Al called again, eyeing his pursuer. "I heard something interesting while you were away. Care to explain the favor my daughter owes you?" He growled softly, tail whipping hard enough to hit Alastor's led a few times. It didn't leave any marks, but it's surprising how hard a thin demon tail can hit. "Oh that..." Al started with a forced chuckle, "it's a harmless favor between friends. I helped her, and she's obligated to help me when I need it."

"Then why the deal, if it is a simple favor between friends?"

"That's just how I work, I need my friends to trust me if I'm going to help them."

Lucifer looked the demon up and down with a raised brow. "Is that so? I don't completely believe that, but with how friendly you are towards Husker and Nifty, I can give you the benefit of the doubt." The king's eyes soften and he held out a hand. Alastor looked at it before meeting his gaze. "What are...?"

"Make a deal with me." The king said firmly.

"Why now? Surely you know the favors conditions, your daughter..."

"She IS my daughter, regardless how friendly you seem I can't sit back and watch. That's why I offer a deal. Her favor switches to me and she owes you nothing. Same conditions, 'no one can get hurt'. I am more than capable of handling that. Not to mention the bragging rights you get for making a deal with the king of hell."

"I don't really care for bragging. The power would be more than sufficient... but are you sure?"

"I am one who takes big risks, and how am I supposed to trust you without giving you a chance? I want to trust you Alastor, so let's do it."

Alastor's ears relaxed and with a soft hum Alastor took the hand gently into both claws. Red and green danced around one another. "The favor owed is now yours to fulfill. No one can be harmed and I promise not to abuse your power my dear." Alastor's thumbs rubbing gentle circles on the angel's hand, making them both smile. They looked at each other's display of power. Antlers grew large and curled on Alastor's head, along with radio dials in his eyes. Lucifer took note of the green threads weaving a forced smile on the demon's face. The king himself had tall horns that emit fire, his long demonic tail, red eyes, and his red feathered wings stretched out making him look bigger. "You didn't have to include that promise Al."

"I know, but I wanted to quell your worries my dear."

Lucifer couldn't help but blush. "T..thanks Alastor. That's very sweet of you." Alastor looked at their hands, and reluctantly pulled away, "What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you worry?"

Lucifer couldn't help but chuckle. "Of course." He looked down nervously then back up shyly, "How was your visit with... Rosie was it?"

"Oh! Thank you for reminding me! She's coming over tomorrow for some lunch and festivities. I really should let Charlie know." Al looked chipper as he began to walk away. "Al.." Lucifer called out, grabbing a small bit of the deer's jacket. "Hm?" He hummed, turning his head. "Sorry... it's nothing important.." Luci let go and began to walk the opposite direction. "Does he know how I feel?" Luci mumbled to himself as he walked back up to his room.

Alastor made his way to Charlie's office and knocked a few times. "Charlie~ May I have a word?" He basically sang as he continued to knock with a beat. The door swung open and Vaggie leaned against the frame, "She's a bit emotional right now, can you come back later?" She snarled at Alastor as he pushed her out of the way. "Charlie dear~ what's the matter?"

The princess looked up at him with dry tear stains on her cheeks. "Oh... hey. Did my dad talk to you?"

"Oh yes he sure did. If you must know, he wanted to take on that favor of yours."

"HE DID WHAT?!" Vaggie slammed her hand on the desk making her girlfriend jump with a squeak. "He insisted on taking the deal~ Not that I mind."

"Alastor... If you hurt him..." Charlie stood up with a serious expression before being interrupted by the deer. "I wouldn't dream of it. I take very good care of my friends, you should know that by now."

And with that, Charlie calmed down. "You did help get this hotel on the map, not to mention help defend it when it was in trouble. Thank you, Alastor."

"Mm~ You're welcome Charlie, now to the point. Rosie is coming over tomorrow for lunch."

"But she's a cannibal?!" Vaggie jumped in.

"She eats other things too, you shouldn't jump to conclusions."

Charlie chuckled, "Well since you know her, would you be willing to make lunch Al?"

"Of course! I'll need to go back into town. By the way Charlie, what's your dad's favorite thing to eat?"

"I thought you would know by now." She teased.

"Well he calls you apple pie, is that it?" He asked.

"He does like apple pie, but he loves caramel apples."

Alastor rolled his eyes with a click of his tongue. "Of course he would... that might be a little too sweet for everyone. I'll stick with the pie." He turned to walk out the door. "Al wait!" Charlie called. "What is it dear?"

"What does she like to do? Like games? Or any activity really."

"Well, she likes a good game of chess, and maybe some dancing."

"Perfect! Dad and I love to play chess too! Though we haven't played together in a while. Can you play Al?"

"Well of course! Chess is more my speed than most games these days. And now I'm really looking forward for tomorrow thank you my dear." He proceeded out the door, into the lobby, and back out into the city.

Lucifer was lying down on his bed, looking at the well crafted Alastor duck. "Aren't you a cutie~ I bet you're sweet too." He sight softly, placing the duck on his chest. He gently poked the beak and it began to play the song he danced to with the real Alastor. "Definitely a sweetheart." A soft kiss was placed on the duck.

After the song finished, he picked up his masterpiece and placed it back into the hat. "I can't have Al seeing you yet." He placed it on his head and made his way out the door.

It didn't take him long to smell a pleasant scent coming from the kitchen. He stuck his nose in, and saw Alastor cleaning up the counter. He wasn't wearing his usual coat so Lucifer was able to see his entire backside, including a fluffy deer tail. He let out a loud gasp, getting Alastor's attention. The deer turned with a smile, "Luci~ what a pleasant surprise! What brings you down so late?"

The king walking in, not trying to hide his intentions of getting another look. "Oh I just got bored. I can only work so much before loosing interest. So you have a tail?"

Alastor's ears flopped down and back up again in annoyance. "I'm surprised you didn't know... but yes I have a tail... Can you stop starting?"

"Can I touch it? It looks so fluffy."

"I would prefer if you didn't." Al growled with a light dust of pink on his cheeks.

"Ok fine..." Lucifer pouted before stepping over to the oven to see a large roasting pig taking most of the space. "Is that for tomorrow?"

"Why yes. It takes a long time to cook, so I started a bit ago. Have you made a pie before? My mother use to bake them, but I've never had interest in learning."

"I have. Would you like some help?"

"If you don't mind. I can always look at a recipe if..."

"I don't mind. The crust is quite simple, how many are we making?"

"Two, I have the fillings prepared. I just need the crusts."

"Excellent! All we need is flour, sugar, salt, and butter." The king rolled up his sleeves and started collecting the ingredients. He was going to use his wings to get the flour from the top shelf, but Alastor got it for him. The dough was easily made and plopped onto the counter. Luci cut it in half. "Do you want to roll one out? I don't want you to feel left out."

"Sure." Alastor walked closer and took the rolling pin. He rolled it over the dough, but it was still lumpy. "Here, let me help." Luci's hands gently grabbed Al's and rolled the pin over the lumps, smoothing it out. The deer blushed lightly as he felt the pressure. "Thanks." He peeped without his normal filter. His tail swayed softly, getting Luci's attention, who couldn't help but blush himself. He let go and let Al finish the dough. "That looks good Al. I'll make a pie baker of you yet."

The deer chuckled, "It really is easer than I thought. I can do the rest. Why don't you go sit at the bar? I'll join you in a moment."

"Really? Alright, if you insist." The angel smiled while walking out, getting one last glance of the tail.

Alastor didn't take long to join. "I guess Husk went to bed. What can I get you?" He went behind the counter and started mixing up his own drink. "Maybe some champagne?" The king asked. "Champagne? If you insist." Alastor grabbed an expensive looking bottle and poured it into a glass. He set the drinks on the counter and sat down. "Thank you." Luci smiled before taking a sip. "You're welcome. So Luci~ how was your day?" Al asked curiously, making the angel a bit nervous. He cleared his throat before speaking, "It wasn't too exciting. Just work. Oh! I did make a deal with a sinner today, that's new~" he teased. "Oh? I had no idea." Al rolled his eyes with a chuckle. Lucifer couldn't help but laugh himself. "Al?"

"Hmm?" He took a drink while anticipating the question.

Lucifer looked down at the bubbles as thoughts pledged his mind.

"Are you alright Lucifer?"

"Hu? Oh ya I'm fine. I just want to know more about you, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

Alastor hummed as he moved closer. Their eyes locked. "I'm not hiding anything my dear. What would you like to know?"

"Why the filter? Your normal voice is so much better."

Alastor let his face relax, and turned the filter off as he answered. "For consistency. I smile and filter my voice to keep everyone on their toes." The smoothness of his voice made Lucifer's eyes twinkle, "That makes sense! I can hardly tell what you're thinking." They both chuckled, taking a drink. "Anything else?" Al asked. "Mm... when was the last time you had a romantic relationship?" He asked shyly but clearly. Alastor couldn't help but laugh, "Sorry dear... I did have a girlfriend when I was alive and young, but it didn't bloom into anything more. I decided to just wait for the right person, and I hadn't found one quite yet. Not to mention I'm already dead, so there isn't really a point."

"I wouldn't say that."

"Hu?" Alastor looked at Lucifer with a puzzled look.

"It's just... Lilith and I were together for most of mankind's existence. Before Charlie we didn't know we could have children, but having someone so close helped me mentally." Lucifer sighed before continuing, "I use to be confident and outgoing but now that I'm by myself... well except for Charlie of course... My feelings have numbed and I get filled with anxiety and depression so easily."

The sad look in Luci's eyes made Alastor want to get closer. He got so close, their hair mingled together. "Luci dear, she's a fool to leave you behind. You're such a pure being, I can't help but grow fond of you with every passing moment."

'Did he just confess to me?' Lucifer's eyes grew wide as he backed away slightly. "Alastor? Do you mean that?" He asked, heart pounding with excitement. "Of course. I haven't let my guard down around anyone else. I hope our friendship continues to grow."

'Friend-zoned?!' Luci felt his heart begin to ache. He downed the rest of his drink and stood up, shocking Alastor. "Luci? You alright?"

"I... just need to lay down." He answered, stumbling a bit. His hat fell and he quickly snatched it up. "Fuck..." he hissed, rushing out of the room. Alastor couldn't comprehend what happened. He sighed and began to turn, until his eyes landed on a small red duck. It looked so similar to his own look he smiled and picked it up. "Did the king leave you behind little one?" It was placed on the bar, looking happy as if it found its long lost family. Alastor noticed how the bill had an indentation and pressed it, hearing the duck's beautiful tune.