The holiday season is traditionally a time for expressing gratitude, spending quality moments with loved ones, and exchanging gifts, which is observed during Yule by some and Christmas by others. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a holiday dedicated to reflecting on and giving thanks for the blessings received over the past year. In stark contrast, the inhabitants of hell expressed their gratitude primarily for having survived the annual purges, enjoying a degree of freedom that allowed them to live without the constraints of deals or contracts.
Nevertheless, some of these individuals, before their passing, engaged in this custom by arranging Harvest Festivals, which were events dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the bountiful harvest produced by the land—an occurrence not particularly significant in the realm of hell. Meanwhile, others merely conveyed gratitude for the belongings they possessed.
On a particular afternoon, the young Charlotte Morningstar found herself hovering above a pile of books, diligently seeking information about the holiday known as 'Thanksgiving,' which had come up in a recent discussion. The limited information she was able to uncover indicated that this holiday is predominantly celebrated in only two countries: the United States and Canada. Considering her familiarity with the residents of the hotel, Charlotte recalled that Alastor, Angel Dust, and Husk had all resided in the United States before their untimely deaths. Consequently, she surmised that they might have some insights into the holiday and its customary traditions of celebration.
With a profound sigh escaping her lips, she came to the realization that a break was essential as she stepped out of the office she shared with Vaggie. It had been an entire year without any communication regarding the status of the extermination—whether it was set to proceed or had been indefinitely canceled in the aftermath of Niffty's tragic stabbing of Adam. Meanwhile, Lucifer, who resided in the hotel, had been making regular visits to Hell's Embassy every few days to engage in discussions with the angels about various changes in the systems governing Heaven and Hell. The details of these systematic changes remained ambiguous, especially since Lucifer was now assuming a more prominent role in ruling Hell, a duty that had traditionally belonged to his wife, Lilith, who had mysteriously vanished approximately eight years prior. On this particular day, however, Charlie successfully located Lucifer at the bar, where he was engrossed in conversation with Husk while enjoying a glass of red wine. As she made her way down the steps, Lucifer redirected his attention from Husk, waved at his daughter, and rose to meet her, leaving his empty glass resting on the countertop.
"Hey, Char Char, I hope your day is going well, my little apple pie," said Lucifer as he warmly embraced his daughter at the bottom of the staircase.
"I'm doing well, Dad. I was upstairs doing some research... I thought it would be a good idea to take a break," Charlie replied.
"What are you researching? I could assist you, you know," Lucifer suggested, noticing the way Charlie's expression softened.
"I appreciate it, but you've been quite busy, and I understand how important it is for you not to worry about the Hotel at the moment," Charlie explained as Lucifer gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you certain, Apple-tart?" Lucifer inquired, to which Charlie responded with a nod.
Understanding that he could not impose his will, Lucifer conceded and assured his daughter that he was available should she require anything. Charlie beamed with joy as she proceeded toward the kitchen. Upon reaching the entrance, she was greeted by the lively sounds of pots and pans being handled with dexterity, leading her to surmise that Alastor was busy preparing a meal for the hotel guests, either for lunch or an early dinner. Upon entering the room, she joyfully called out a greeting, prompting Alastor to halt his activities and respond in kind, observing her approach as she moved toward him.
"Is the kettle heated? I've came down for a cup of tea to help me relax?" Charlie asked, as Alastor instructed her to take a seat while he started the kettle for her.
"You must be pleased that I introduced you to the pleasures of a tea kettle after that dreadful conversation about boiling water a few months ago, my dear?" Alastor replied, placing the kettle on the stovetop and adjusting the dials to begin heating it.
"Yessssss ugh, I can hardly believe that Angel and Vaggie argued about boiling water," Charlie remarked with a hesitant laugh, which elicited a chuckle from Alastor.
"Indeedy, I was quite perplexed myself. But on another note, my dear, could you share with me why you appear to be stressed?" Alastor inquired, noticing Charlie's sigh that suggested she was maintaining a façade.
"First Dad, and now you...ugh, alright, alright...do you remember our conversation during one of the lessons about the holidays you all celebrated when you were alive? That got me thinking about how I could bring some joy down here into the hotel. I had never heard of Thanksgiving until now, and all my research seems to focus solely on one topic: gratitude, which I have already created lessons for. So now I'm contemplating whether I should organize activities for the residents or simply follow the lesson plan I already have...I just don't know," Charlie rambled, as Alastor, hearing the kettle whistle, proceeded to prepare her tea without her noticing and set it before her.
"Well, my dear, if you are interested in learning about Thanksgiving, it does carry with it a rather grim history. However, I can share with you how my mother and I celebrated the holiday, even though we had very little due to the Depression," Alastor responded, as Charlie took a sip of her tea.
Charlie nodded in agreement as Alastor continued his cooking, providing a succinct overview of the historical significance of Thanksgiving. He touched upon the darker aspects of history, including the harsh treatment of indigenous tribes during the Civil War and the misleading narratives surrounding the 'Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock.' Alastor emphasized the devastating impact of diseases introduced by Europeans from coming into the land, which further harmed the tribes. Charlie found herself impressed by Alastor's occasional displays of knowledge when they occurred. Additionally, Alastor reflected on the challenges he and his mother faced during the Great Depression and the Stock Market Crash of 1929, a period marked by scarcity of resources. He fondly reminisced about their Thanksgiving celebrations, sharing details of the foods that brought them joy despite their hardships.
"Yes, acquiring meat such as poultry was challenging due to financial constraints, so we substituted it with other dishes. However, collard greens, cornbread, and oyster or giblet dressings were among the few staples that graced our table. Whenever we could manage to buy a turkey, my mother and I would dry out the wishbone and we both would make a wish. It was said that whoever held the joint would have their wish fulfilled," Alastor recounted, reflecting on his childhood memories.
"That sounds lovely, Alastor… I appreciate you sharing that with me," Charlie remarked as she observed Alastor adding the finishing touches to his culinary creations before he asked her to gather the residents, indicating that lunch was ready.
With a cheerful smile, Charlie stood up and placed her empty cup of tea in the sink before leaving the room to gather the other residents. Meanwhile, Alastor, now lost in his own thoughts, sighed as he used his tentacles to collect the dishes and transport them to the dining hall. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he was beginning to develop a fondness for Hell's bright princess. Her spirited nature, which he referred to as 'moxie', as his dear Rosie had aptly described, was undeniably infectious, and he found himself admiring that quality. He could only hope that the information he had shared would not come back to haunt him in the grand scheme of things.
In the dining hall, the remaining residents made their way to the table and took their seats just as the dishes were being placed on the table. The menu for the day consisted of bowls of gumbo and cornbread. Everyone expressed their gratitude to Alastor and began to enjoy their lunch. For the most part, the atmosphere was quite calm until Charlie decided to speak up.
Charlie inquired, "So, has anyone here celebrated Thanksgiving during your time alive?" This question prompted several curious glances in his direction.
"Yeah toots, I have celebrated it," Angel replied, "We would gather the entire family, when not doing any dirty work and enjoy lasagna along with various Italian dishes such as sweet potato gnocchi and mushroom risotto. Sometimes we would substitute the lasagna with 'Tacchino arrosto con salsa di melograno,' which is my Nana's roasted turkey basted with pomegranate sauce. According to my ma, when she was in Italy, we had a holiday known as 'La Festa del Ringraziamento,' or the Feast of Thanks, which was dedicated to expressing gratitude to a patron saint for a plentiful fall harvest. Not much Harvestin on our end, but take what cha can get" Angel emphasizing his point by gesturing with his spoon towards Charlie for a brief moment before returning it to his bowl and taking a mouthful of gumbo.
"Really, Angie?" Cherri Bomb interjected. "The only fuckin' place I am aware of that celebrated near where I'm from is Norfolk Island, due to some American whalers coming in for supplies and all that."
Husk then elaborated, "During my time living in Las Vegas, I found myself preoccupied with gambling, which consumed much of my life as I grew older. However, reflecting on my childhood when my parents were still alive, I recall that my family did not engage in many festive celebrations, apart from consuming vodka. One holiday that my inebriated father would celebrate was 'Maslenitsa,' a tradition that marks the conclusion of winter and the arrival of spring. My mother would take the time to prepare blinis for us, and we would enjoy an assortment of fish, nuts, and honey pies."
As the gathering continued with conversations about various traditions, Charlie sat at the table, a smile gracing her face. She earnestly hoped that her efforts would contribute positively to her community, and witnessing the residents engage in such meaningful dialogue filled her with joy. Suddenly, an idea struck her, prompting her to rise from her seat abruptly, halting the ongoing conversation. With an enthusiastic grin, she turned to her father, who remained still, a spoon paused mid-bite, his expression one of curiosity. Charlie proposed the idea of hosting their own Thanksgiving celebration, envisioning an event where everyone could come together to share their culinary creations and cultural practices as a way to strengthen their bonds. She then inquired whether her father would be able to procure specific ingredients from Earth, should the crew decide to prepare their distinctive dishes. Lucifer swallowed his bite, carefully set his spoon down, and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he regarded his daughter. He noticed the spark of excitement in her eyes, yet he was acutely aware of the restrictions placed upon him regarding what he could do in the terrestrial realm, and he felt it necessary to communicate this limitation to her.
"As much as I would love to, Char Char, there is a minor issue at hand. I am unable to enter the human realm without a valid reason. The only circumstances under which I am permitted to do so are when a human summons me, and that has not occurred since before your birth," Lucifer remarked, observing Charlie's expression momentarily shift to sadness until Angel interjected.
"I happen to know some people who are incubi and succubi that can travel back and forth; they might have connections to someone who could help us," Angel suggested, prompting Lucifer to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. However, Angel's expression conveyed a message of discretion, which Lucifer chose to ignore.
"Dad, what are your thoughts on this?" Charlie inquired once more, prompting a sigh from Lucifer.
"I believe we could…provided that everyone is in agreement. If everyone is on board, I propose that each person prepare one main dish or two side dishes. This way, we can explore a variety of culinary options," Lucifer responded, causing Charlie's face to light up with excitement.
"Alright, everyone! Tomorrow's lesson plan will be postponed. Instead, I need each of you to compile a list of ingredients so we can gather the necessary supplies to create the dishes. Alternatively, we could hold a vote to determine who will take charge of each dish," Charlie announced, as Lucifer conjured a whiteboard and a pen.
Alastor took a careful bite of the gumbo, observing the other residents around him. When he remarked that the group should engage in this activity after everyone had finished their lunch, Charlie abruptly froze and quickly concurred, apologizing for her overzealousness regarding the prospect of celebrating her first Thanksgiving Feast with her close friends, whom she considered family. Alastor smiled and resumed his lunch, a gesture mirrored by the others at the table. As bowls began to empty, the group moved into the lobby to begin assigning each person their respective dish for the feast. Notably, Alastor and Lucifer were the only two individuals with extensive culinary knowledge; thus, both men were tasked with assisting the residents as they prepared their cherished family recipes, given that they were less likely to inadvertently cause a kitchen disaster.
Everyone soon took their seats in the lobby, gathered in front of the whiteboard that Lucifer had adorned with his exquisite calligraphy. The board displayed various suggestions ranging from main dishes to side dishes, highlighting the importance of flavor combinations.
"I propose that the turkey be prepared with traditional herbs, while any unique glazes can be served on the side," Lucifer suggested, drawing from his experience of having cooked several meals for the residents, some of whom were quite particular about their dietary preferences.
"I agree, sire. This approach allows the residents to sample different flavors and determine their favorites," Alastor responded, taking a sip from his 'Oh Deer' mug. Meanwhile, Lucifer diligently noted the details about the turkey on the whiteboard, as the others looked on in disbelief at the unexpected agreement between the two.
As Lucifer diligently wrote notes on the board, Charlie voiced her curiosity regarding a pomegranate glaze that Angel had mentioned during their meal. She asked if Angel had any insights on how to prepare it. In response, the spider indicated that while he had a general understanding of the concept, he could easily look up more detailed information online if necessary. Charlie acknowledged his offer with a nod.
The next item on the Hazbin Crew's agenda was to brainstorm ideas for side dishes. Charlie turned her attention to Alastor and inquired if he would be willing to prepare some of the dishes he had previously mentioned while sharing his culinary traditions. The group fell silent, contemplating whether Charlie had already had this conversation with Alastor. The Radio Demon sighed in resignation, recognizing that his slight vulnerability had indeed put him in a difficult position. He then explained to Charlie that he would indeed agree to prepare some of the dishes he had discussed earlier.
Lucifer asked Alastor, "What are you planning to prepare?" while Alastor took another sip of his drink. Alastor responded thoughtfully, "I am considering making two side dishes. One will be my mother's oyster dressing, of course, and the other could either be a vegetable dish such as collard greens with ham, or I could keep it strictly vegetarian, depending on the resident's preference. This way, everyone will have more options," as Lucifer noted Alastor's contribution on the board.
Vaggie then interjected, "I could prepare my family's 'Sopa de zapollo,' or squash soup," prompting everyone to shift their attention toward her.
She elaborated, "It is a soup composed of squash, onions, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and either chicken or vegetable stock, garnished with feta or goat cheese and chives." The other residents nodded in agreement, expressing that it did not sound unappealing or dreadful.
Husk subsequently informed the group that he would be preparing an appetizer of some sort, while Cherri expressed her intention to explore traditional dishes and craft something inspired by her discoveries. Meanwhile, Lucifer meticulously recorded all these contributions and proposed making his famous apple tarts, a dish that Charlie had cherished during her childhood. Charlie instantly concurred, enthusiastically declaring her love for her father's tarts. Alastor could only roll his eyes at the young woman's exuberance, managing to display a smile that was nearly genuine. However, when Husk sensed Alastor's mood, the demon quickly rose and vanished into the shadows, leaving Husk with a smug grin on his face. With almost everyone assigned a dish, the group dispersed for the day, leaving Charlie in the lobby with her father.
"I must say, I am really proud of you, Charlie. I truly am," remarked Lucifer as he entered the room and embraced his daughter.
"Thank you, Dad. I hope that this will enhance our bond and contribute to everyone's path to redemption," replied Charlie.
"We simply need to ensure that the bellhop behaves and refrains from incorporating any 'questionable meat' into our meals," Lucifer chuckled, prompting Charlie to roll her eyes.
"Alastor has consistently been diligent about keeping his diet separate from that of the other staff and residents. Most of the time, he prefers to dine privately in his room," Charlie observed, noticing Lucifer's surprised expression.
"He eats alone? What on earth is motivating him to entertain this idea, then?" Lucifer exclaimed, which elicited laughter from Charlie as she led him to the office.
"I don't know, but Vaggie mentioned that he once ate an entire deer while dining in a swamp, during the time she requested his help with dealing with Sir Pentious's egg boys," Charlie remarked.
"How is it possible for a genuine swamp to exist in his room?" Lucifer inquired, while Charlie simply shrugged, unsure of how to respond to her father's question.
As the two individuals arrived at the office, Alastor was stealthily maneuvering through the hallways, concealed within his shadow, eavesdropping on their conversation. He was genuinely astonished that Lucifer had not detected his presence; however, he ultimately resolved to return to his own room for the remainder of the day.
Upon returning to his room, Alastor took off his coat and hung it on a nearby coat rack. He then unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up, revealing his dark-furred arms and hands as he proceeded towards his personal desk. Once seated, he reached for the bottom drawer and opened it, discovering a stack of small books. As he sifted through them, Alastor selected a small maroon leather-bound book and placed it on his desktop. He then opened a second drawer located near the top, where he exchanged his monocle for a pair of small circular glasses with red lenses, which were similar to his daily monocle. After completing these tasks, he opened the book and began to review the various recipes he had meticulously written down over a century ago, ensuring he would not forget any of his mother's cherished recipes that she had taught him. He understood that if he were never to see her again, the memories of her devotion and love, reflected in the meals she prepared for him, would remain etched in his heart. Upon locating the recipes he was looking for, he summoned a scroll and noted down the ingredients, intending to procure them at a later date.
It was the day of the Hazbin Hotel Thanksgiving Dinner, and the atmosphere was filled with chaos. The kitchen was bustling with activity, as every available countertop was cluttered with ingredients for the numerous dishes that would adorn the table later that evening. Angel, leveraging his dubious connections, managed to call in a favor that allowed the residents to have ingredients delivered directly from the living world. Amidst the turmoil, Charlie was brimming with excitement. Lucifer had enlisted her assistance in crafting the apple tarts, while Angel focused on blending pomegranate to create the glaze. The turkey was already cooking in the oven, seasoned with traditional herbs such as thyme, sage, rosemary, a classic poultry seasoning blend. Alastor had already prepared the oyster dressing, which was set aside to cool, as he commenced his preparations for additional cornbread and prepared to incorporate collard greens into his pot of ham hock meat and stock. Meanwhile, the beleaguered Radio Demon was also busy salvaging several dishes that were on the brink of disaster, primarily due to Cherri Bomb's exuberance and impatience while making mashed potatoes. In her haste, she had flung potatoes across the room when she adjusted the mixer to 'High.' Additionally, she had attempted to create a green bean casserole but made the mistake of using regular onions instead of fried ones, while also trying to substitute an ingredient that was not the traditional mushroom soup base.
Lucifer laughing at his misery, also had his fair share of salvaging dishes as well. The mistakes made, however, were easily corrected with a bit of the fallen angel's magic and the tossing of the burnt food. However, all was going according to schedule. By the time the afternoon hours rolled in, many dishes were baking and simmering, and the residents were able to sit for a moment as they found themselves painting rocks in the lobby. Vaggie had described this tradition as 'painting gratitude stones' which overall left the area in a mess of paint that Nifty enjoyed cleaning up. Alastor, being done with his stone, made his way to the kitchen once again keeping an eye on the multiple dishes and their cooking times and processes.
Up to this point, the turkey had three different glazes placed to the side: an Apricot glaze, a Butter Herb glaze, and a Mole sauce expertly prepared by Vaggie. Additionally, Angel recreated his Nanna's Pomegranate Glaze, all of which were cooling in their respective dishes while the turkey continued to cook in one of the ovens. The crew prepared an impressive array of side dishes, including Oyster Dressing, Corn Bread, and Collard Greens, all crafted by Alastor. Cherri Bomb contributed Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole with assistance, while Angel successfully replicated his grandmother's Sweet Potato Gnocchi recipe. Vaggie also offered her squash soup, as she had proposed earlier. Husk took the initiative to purchase a variety of nuts, crackers, and cheeses, assembling a delightful charcuterie board. Meanwhile, Maple Pecan Plaitas were crafted by Vaggie, and Lucifer's contribution was Apple Tarts and Pumpkin Pie with Charlie's assistance.
Overall the meal was coming together, and in the next few hours, the crew would be sitting down for their meal. Alastor had invited Rosie to join them after a brief conversation with her the day prior and would soon be on her way. Standing in the kitchen, the Radio Demon made a third cup of coffee for the day, as he was sipping casually, Lucifer entered the room. The King of Hell, honestly wasn't surprised to find the Radio Demon indulging in another cup of coffee.
"Did Bambi finally grow tired of socializing?" Lucifer teased as Alastor placed his cup back on the counter with a weary sigh.
"To be honest, that is indeed the case," Alastor replied, causing Lucifer to momentarily freeze in astonishment.
"Oh… well, that's unexpected. I honestly didn't anticipate that response from you of all people," Lucifer commented, observing Alastor's expression as he let out another sigh.
"Your Majesty, could we at least avoid arguing until we navigate through this utter chaos? We both know that family gatherings tend to escalate in disorder as time passes," Alastor argued, directing his gaze firmly at Lucifer.
"I assume family dinners must have been quite unpleasant for you during your life?" Lucifer remarked, to which Alastor scoffed in response.
"Just because we find ourselves in agreement…" Alastor began, but Lucifer looked down, raising his hand to interrupt.
"I understand; heavenly gatherings weren't exactly enjoyable, and any time I have to meet with the sins, it invariably turns into chaos. You're relishing the quiet for the moment, and I get that," Lucifer said, meeting Alastor's gaze with empathy as Alastor raised an eyebrow, while lifting his cup, and took another sip of coffee.
"Honestly, are you doing alright?" Lucifer inquired, and Alastor nodded in reply while removing the cup from his lips yet again.
"According to our agreement, I am feeling rather overwhelmed with everything. I just hope this all passes quickly so I can find some peace," Alastor stated, and Lucifer nodded in understanding, indicating that his room was open should Alastor need someone to talk to later that evening.
As Lucifer exited the room, he waved his hand, allowing Alastor to take a moment to regain his composure. Meanwhile, the Radio Demon enjoyed his coffee while tending to the food that was still in the process of cooking. He felt a sense of tranquility as he inspected the turkey, which had finally reached the necessary temperature for it to be removed and set aside to rest for a period of ten to fifteen minutes.
Carefully placing the turkey pan down, Rosie, who had just arrived, entered the kitchen carrying a batch of delightful yeast rolls intended for the residents, along with a small basket containing something special for herself and Alastor. The Radio Demon greeted Rosie with a warm smile and walked over to take the rolls, setting them alongside the other food, while placing the small basket on a separate counter to keep it away from the rest of the dishes. Engaging in conversation, Alastor began to pull out the knives needed to carve the turkey. Rosie beamed as she observed Alastor skillfully filleting the meat, his movements reminiscent of an expert who was used to carving meat from the bone. Of course, he did carve out the wishbone and set it aside for old time sake. Once a sufficient amount of turkey was sliced, he instructed Rosie to fetch the platter he had set aside, and together they transferred the succulent meat onto it. With a grin, Alastor summoned his tentacles, which began to move all the dishes into the dining hall where the cutlery was elegantly arranged for the occasion. Rosie informed Alastor that she would gather the residents, and with a smile and a nod, he made his way into the hall to continue his preparations.
The crew soon arrived, and everyone begun to take their seats. Lucifer, Charlie, and Vaggie all sat close to one another as Cherri, Angel, Husk grouped together leaving Alastor, Rosie, and Nifty to take the remaining seats. Everyone soon begun to pass food around and filling their plates, each taking the chance to try different foods their friends had made. Once everyone had full plates, Charlie stood up holding a glass up to toast.
"Hello, everyone! I would like to begin this toast by expressing my love for each and every one of you and my heartfelt appreciation for your presence here today. I want to give all my gratitude to all members of our makeshift family, including those who made sacrifices during our recent extermination efforts. Your contributions have added meaning and joy to this occasion and to the hotel. From my experiences with all of you, I have learned that this is a moment to reflect on and give thanks for the challenges we have overcome this year. I would also like to extend my thanks to Rosie for joining us, along with the cannibal colony, who supported us in the past. We could not have achieved what we did against Heaven without your help. Now, let us enjoy our meal," Charlie declared, as the warmth of her sentiments resonated throughout the room.
Everyone soon began to indulge in the feast, with each individual engaging in their own conversations. The bonds that this group had forged were evidently strong, and Charlie sat at the center of it all. Lucifer could only smile as he ate, listening to his daughter's animated discussions. He continued to survey the table until his gaze settled on Angel and Husk. It was clear that the two were flirting with one another, reminiscent of the playful exchanges he and Lilith shared during their time in Eden. At that moment, his thoughts drifted to his brothers and sisters in Heaven; he wondered how they were faring and whether everyone was well. Many questions lingered in his mind, but he was jolted from his reverie when Alastor inquired about his enjoyment of the meal thus far. Lucifer smirked, took a bite of the Oyster Dressing, and pointed his fork at Alastor.
"The food? Yes, it is quite good; it features a dressing that maintains its integrity even when it clams up," Lucifer remarked with a smirk, prompting Alastor to emit a static sound while Angel paused his conversation with Husk for a brief moment.
"I mean, it's not wise to seek the opinion of an oyster... They tend to be a bit salty," Lucifer added, eliciting laughter from Husk, Angel, and even Rosie at Alastor's expense, which caused the deer to look at his friend in astonishment.
"Come now, Alastor, it's all in good humor," Rosie said as she took a bite of the oyster dressing herself, humming in delight at the flavor.
Throughout a significant portion of the meal, Lucifer frequently interjected with an array of dad jokes and puns that revolved around the diverse food items adorning the table. Despite the relentless barrage of humor that was beginning to irritate him, Alastor maintained his characteristic smile. He typically disliked social gatherings and would prefer to steer clear of them if given the choice. However, his interest was piqued when Angel caught his attention, leaning on his elbows while gazing at Lucifer with an intrigued expression.
"Hey, Short King, what did one potato say to the other?" Angel inquired as he dipped his spoon into his mashed potatoes, preparing to bring it to his mouth.
"What?" Lucifer responded, feeling either brave or foolish, in Alastor's opinion.
"Do you want to mash?" Angel asked, retracting his spoon and playfully flinging mashed potatoes directly at Lucifer's face.
For a brief moment, everyone froze, observing the king's startled reaction to the unexpected projectile of mashed potatoes. Lucifer blinked once or twice, then a smirk formed on his face as he began to laugh, grabbing his own spoon and scooping up some gravy.
"That was quite the gravy mistake, Angel," Lucifer remarked, and in retaliation, he flung gravy at Angel, who remained wide-eyed for a brief moment before a smirk crept onto his face. Nifty, filled with excitement and manic laughter, climbed onto the table beside Alastor, snatched a yeast roll, and hurled it at Lucifer, declaring the onset of a food fight. Laughter erupted as everyone suddenly joined in. Alastor, who preferred to keep his attire pristine, quickly ducked beneath the table to avoid becoming a target. Soon, Rosie joined him, pulling her plate along as she continued to enjoy her meal.
"Are you not going to join in?" she asked, to which Alastor shook his head, explaining that he would rather not make a fool of himself. Rosie could only giggle as she swiped some gravy with her finger and playfully dabbed it on Alastor's nose.
"There's no need to be a 'sourpuss,' as I have heard you refer to our dear Husker," she teased, prompting a look of disbelief from Alastor.
"That is not very ladylike, madam," Alastor replied deadpan, while Rosie laughed brightly and encouraged him to enjoy the moment.
Before long, an eerie silence enveloped the space beneath the table, with Rosie focused on her meal and Alastor vigilantly observing the mischief-makers nearby. Suddenly, Alastor's attention was drawn to Nifty, who was clambering under the table, her body adorned with an assortment of food remnants. Without any chance for Alastor to utter a warning, Nifty unleashed the food she was clutching, targeting the two individuals concealed beneath the table. She cackled maniacally, proclaiming her conquest of two more victims. Not wishing to be overshadowed, Rosie sprang towards Nifty, seizing some oyster dressing and gleefully mashing it into Nifty's hair, all the while giggling like a carefree schoolgirl. At this juncture, Alastor, realizing the futility of restraint, summoned his tentacles and stealthily gathered various items from the table to use as makeshift projectiles, eagerly joining the chaotic food fight that had erupted.
The food fight lasted for an extended period, during which everyone was laughing and enjoying each other's company. By the end of the event, Lucifer found himself covered in the most food. After everyone had indulged in the delightful meal, dessert was presented. However, not many people chose to partake in it, as they had already overindulged during the main course and had only taken small bites throughout the food fight. Despite Charlie's complaints about the extensive cleanup they faced due to Lucifer's antics, she decided that a valuable lesson should be imparted by prohibiting her father from magically cleaning up the mess. The only exception to this rule was made for Rosie, allowing her to be cleaned up so she could return to Cannibal Town. She was soon on her way, carrying a care package of leftovers that had not been involved in the chaotic food fight.
The cleanup process took approximately four hours. Everyone was utterly exhausted after scrubbing, but Angel enthusiastically declared it was worthwhile to witness the king in a state of disarray. Alastor, visibly uncomfortable, cringed with a tight smile and a twitching eye as he focused on packing away the leftovers. Once everything was properly stored in the refrigerator or pantry, he headed to the coffee machine to prepare another cup of coffee in an attempt to soothe his frayed nerves. While he waited, Charlie entered the kitchen and, upon noticing him, approached his side.
"Thank you for your assistance this evening, even though it ultimately turned into quite a chaotic situation," Charlie remarked as Alastor sighed and adjusted his metaphorical mask.
"It was no trouble at all, dear. The children were the ones who initiated it," Alastor replied, while Charlie shot him a pointed look, crossing her arms as if preparing to reprimand the Radio Demon.
"True, but you also chose to get involved…you are just as guilty, Alastor," Charlie stated, prompting Alastor to roll his eyes in response to the young woman's accusation.
"While it is true that I participated, I was initially concealed and uninvolved until I was provoked," Alastor remarked, pouring coffee into his cup and raising it to his lips for a sip.
"Regardless, I appreciate everything you do, Alastor," Charlie said, uncrossing her arms before leaving the room.
"Before you depart, my dear, there is a tradition that we overlooked," Alastor explained as he waved his hand over the wishbone, instantly drying it and holding it up for Charlie, who turned to face him once more.
"Oh right, you did mention that you and your mother used to do this. What exactly are we supposed to do?" Charlie inquired.
"We each make a wish, and once we have our wishes in mind, we pull on the bone together. The individual who ends up with the thicker end will have their wish granted," Alastor clarified, observing as Charlie closed her eyes for a brief moment.
After a short pause, Charlie opened her eyes and nodded in understanding. Alastor indicated that he would count to three, and then they would pull the wishbone. In agreement, Charlie nodded once more, and Alastor began his countdown. Upon reaching three, both of them pulled on the wishbone until the thicker end ended up in Charlie's hand. With a joyful smile, she leaped up and down in excitement. Alastor, being a good sport, gently patted the top of her head. With a beaming smile, Charlie turned to Alastor and wished him a pleasant evening as she made her exit. As the door clicked shut behind her, Alastor found himself contemplating whether he was making wise choices or engaging in foolish actions.
Once he had completed all his tasks, he made his way to the spot where he had set down the basket that Rosie had brought him. As he glanced inside, a smile spread across his face at the sight of the delightful treat waiting for him. Carefully lifting the parcel from within, Alastor concluded that it would be wise to store his gift in the personal freezer located in his quarters. After all, it would not be appropriate to indulge in angel flesh meat pies in the presence of two fallen beings, would it?