It was yet another day at the Hazbin Hotel. Following the chaos that ensued with the conclusion of the extermination with Adam's demise, the hotel had miraculously remained intact with a strong morale. The process of reconstructing the hotel had taken place, and the residents were finally beginning to settle in and find their rhythm once again. During this time, Lucifer made the decision to make himself comfortable and stay at the hotel, as he wanted to be closer to his beloved daughter, Charlie. Initially, Lucifer felt entirely out of place among the other residents, lacking the friendships and bonds that the others shared. In an effort to feel more included, he began to participate in Charlie's bonding exercises designed to help everyone get acquainted. Unsurprisingly, Lucifer's involvement prompted Alastor to relent and join in the daily activities as well, driven by a sense of spite and pettiness. The bonding exercises varied, where Charlie encouraged the king and hotelier to foster a sense of camaraderie, to collaborative art projects and team-building activities. When Lucifer and Alastor were able to set aside their pettiness, they surprisingly proved to be effective partners, capable of working well together, as long as they were not caught up in disputes, damaging property, or engaging in competitive musical battles.
As time went on, Lucifer and Alastor began to develop a greater tolerance for one another. What initially began as a necessity to cooperate during Charlie's endeavors gradually transformed into a mutual understanding that they functioned more effectively as allies than as adversaries. Although there were certainly moments when the King and the Radio Demon would engage in what Charlie referred to as "Friendly Verbal Disputes," which could occasionally escalate into more intense confrontations, Charlie remained optimistic about their progress, as it contributed to a more manageable environment within the hotel.
On that particular morning, Lucifer awoke in a notably good mood, having enjoyed a restful night's sleep, which was significant given his struggles with chronic depression and an anxiety disorder. As he pulled himself into an upright position, he stretched his arms overhead, allowing his wings to unfurl from his back. This movement brought a satisfying release as several kinks popped along his vertebrae, elbows, and wrists. Sighing with relief, the King of Hell shifted his gaze toward the calendar, realizing that it had already been a month since the hotel had reopened, and that Valentine's Day was fast approaching. In a time long past, he mused, he would have anticipated spending the day with Lilith and Charlie, turning it into a family affair until Charlie fell asleep, after which Lilith and Lucifer would fall into the throes of passion. However, those days were now merely memories. Despite that, he felt grateful for the opportunity to strengthen his bond with his daughter once again. Moving to the edge of his bed, Lucifer stood upon his goat-like hooves, his wings trailing behind him as he made his way to the bathroom to prepare for the day ahead.
Tucking his wings in, and removing his nightwear, Lucifer carefully placed the garments into the basket situated next to his door. His torso bore a multitude of golden scars that extended down to his waist, most of which were remnants of his fall from grace. Additionally, there were various marks on his arms, souvenirs from the solitary days spent in the palace, lost in contemplation. During those times, Bee and Ozzie had made efforts to coax him out of his introspective shell and encourage him to engage with the world around him and the happenings of his domain. Shaking off the memories, he acknowledged that those days were long gone and decided against spending another moment gazing at his reflection in the mirror.
As he stepped into the shower, a sense of bliss enveloped him; the warm water cascaded down his lithe and agile form, making him feel as though he were soaring. He extended his hand toward the washcloth and reached for his shower caddy, which held an array of specialty soaps and hair products. He dispensed a generous amount of apple-scented soap onto the cloth, rubbing the cloth to lather before gliding it across his porcelain skin. The act of scrubbing his skin could be a perilous endeavor, heavily influenced by his state of mind. There were days filled with darkness, and even darker days when he would scrub his skin raw to the point it bled, tormented by the troubling thoughts that haunted him. However, today was a different story; it was one of the good days. He felt a profound sense of calm, a sensation that was increasingly becoming the norm since he chose to reside at the hotel with his daughter. This newfound tranquility was further amplified by the sense that he was finally forging connections with his people, leading to a gradual shift in his perspective of the sinners he surrounds himself with.
After the soap was rinsed away, Lucifer reached for the shampoo in the caddy once again. With the shampoo in hand, he began to scrub his blond hair, infused with the fragrance of apples once again, rinsing it thoroughly before applying conditioner and repeating the process. Once he had washed out all the products, Lucifer reached over to turn off the faucet, halting the flow of water. Exiting the shower, he summoned a mahogany towel, wrapping it securely around his waist while taking careful steps to avoid slipping on the wet tile with his hooves. Once he felt steady, he approached his bathroom vanity, casting a brief glance at his reflection before snapping his fingers. In that moment, his hair was dried and styled into his signature look. Satisfied with his appearance, he snapped his fingers once more, summoning his attire, which was more casual than his usual style; notably, he even opted not to wear his hat this time.
After ensuring that he was presentable, he stepped out of the bathroom, placing the damp towel into the laundry basket. He then proceeded toward the door, intending to head downstairs for breakfast with the other residents. As he opened his bedroom door, he paused briefly to confirm that he hadn't left anything behind before beginning to close it. However, when he turned his gaze forward to shut the door, he noticed a piece of paper protruding from what appeared to be an envelope affixed to the wall. Perplexed, Lucifer carefully removed the envelope and held it in his hand as his bedroom door clicked shut behind him.
Examining the envelope, he turned it over and observed the writing, which was executed with a steady hand. The lettering was rendered in calligraphy, characterized by smooth pen strokes and ink that was a deep shade of blood red. Utilizing his angelic magic to detect any potential poison or harmful substances concealed within the paper, the king found no trace of danger. He then flipped the envelope over to break its wax seal. Upon opening it, he discovered a letter tucked inside, the paper slightly thicker, reminiscent of parchment. With curiosity piqued, he pulled out the contents and began to read the letter, carefully reviewing its contents:
My Dearest Lucifer,
As I take the time to compose this letter, I find myself reflecting on the origins of these emotions that have recently surfaced within me. Throughout my life, I never sought the affection of another; it was a pursuit that seemed far removed from my reality, particularly during my upbringing marked by poverty, hunger, and ridicule. Even upon my descent into hell, I consciously chose to suppress any feelings, prioritizing the quest for power instead, having honed the skill of casting my emotions into the abyss.
Now, as I write this letter, I am compelled to ponder why these emotions have unexpectedly emerged from the depths of my psyche. What is it about you that evokes feelings in me that no one else has ever been able to elicit? What is it about you that creates a longing so profound that all I desire is to reach out and touch you? What is it about our fleeting moments together that I have come to cherish whenever the opportunity arises? What is it about you that has caused this emotional dam to break, leaving me to grapple with the overwhelming waves of feeling?
As I sit here crafting this letter, I am surrounded by the questions that swirl in my mind. I have never experienced romantic inclinations before, nor have I felt such an intense desire for physical connection, or the yearning to claim another being as my own. The magnitude of these emotions is overwhelming, and for a brief moment, I contemplated not taping this letter to your door. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope it reaches you in good spirits, my dear Lucifer.
Yours faithfully,
Admirer
Lucifer stood in utter astonishment, a golden hue spreading across his cheeks. It had been many years since he had received a letter of this nature, reminiscent of the long-ago days when Lilith, during her dealings in Hell, would leave notes for him to discover. He closed his eyes, attempting to distance himself from the memories that threatened to overwhelm him, and turned his gaze back to the letter once more.
Upon flipping the paper over, he discovered that there was nothing inscribed on the reverse side. Nevertheless, it was clear that considerable thought had been invested in the note, as he could nearly perceive the ink seeping through to the other side, suggesting that the writer had been deeply reflective about the emotions conveyed in the message. Aware that he needed to descend before someone came to find him, Lucifer carefully tucked the letter into his pocket for safekeeping and opened a portal to swiftly transport himself to the lobby, making an effort to not allow the contents of the letter to preoccupy his mind.
Upon entering the lobby, Lucifer quickened his pace toward the dining hall, where everyone was preparing to sit down and commence their meal. He expressed his apologies for being late as he approached the table to collect his plate, which was adorned with a generous stack of pancakes, topped with whipped cream and strawberries. Eager to express his gratitude to the person who had prepared his plate, Lucifer glanced at the group, but Charlie interjected, revealing that Alastor had set it aside along with her father's coffee. Taken aback, Lucifer looked at Alastor, who was already seated at the table, casually sipping his black coffee. With some reluctance, Lucifer mumbled a word of thanks before carrying his food and coffee to join the others at the table.
As he settled into his seat, Lucifer engaged in a conversation with Charlie, a girl brimming with excitement for Valentine's Day. She was eager to delve into her father's thoughts for any creative ideas she could implement for her partner, Vaggie. While Charlie inquired about potential suggestions, Lucifer found his mind wandering back to the letter he had stashed in his pocket. Among the staff, only two individuals lacked romantic partners: Niffty and Alastor. Husk and Angel had not yet officially defined their relationship, yet they had grown significantly closer since the extermination. According to their own accounts, Charlie and Vaggie had been a couple for four years. Naturally, with the grand reopening, new residents had also arrived, although one of them was notably absent at that moment. Nevertheless, deep down, Lucifer was aware that this particular sinner could not be the one in question, as he had never even exchanged a word with them since their arrival.
Returning to the subject of Charlie, Lucifer willingly contributed his thoughts on the memories he and Lilith shared during their youth, a time when they were deeply in love. Engaging in conversations about Lilith with his daughter provided Lucifer with a sense of closure regarding that chapter of his life; each discussion about her mother gradually helped him feel a little better. However, he became aware that the other residents were starting to pay attention to their conversation. Angel seemed to be particularly curious about the romantic life of the king, while Husk maintained a more indifferent demeanor. Nevertheless, it was Alastor's unexpected reaction that truly surprised him. Although the demon appeared to be uninterested, the various bonding exercises the two men had participated in allowed Lucifer to recognize Alastor's subtle expressions of dislike, disdain, and even disgust. Thus, when Lucifer observed Alastor's lip curl slightly in distaste, he found himself halting his conversation, and laughed awkardly for a moment causing an unusual shift in the conversation. He then excused himself from the table, leaving behind a half-eaten plate of pancakes and an empty cup of coffee.
Lucifer, upon departing from the dining hall, became acutely aware that he might have just embarrassed himself. He felt a surge of warmth as he berated himself for his thoughts and actions. He pondered why he was concerned about Alastor's opinion regarding his remarks about his ex-wife; it simply did not add up in his mind. His thoughts then wandered back to the letter he had received. Deep down, Lucifer recognized that it could not have been Niffty who penned it, as her energetic and somewhat erratic nature in all her endeavors made it unlikely. This left him with only two possible authors: Alastor or the new resident, a person he had neither spoken to nor encountered.
Lucifer was soon pulled from his contemplations by a gentle hand resting on his shoulder. Instinctively, he placed his own hand over it and turned, expecting to see his daughter Charlie stepping forward to speak with him. However, to his surprise, it was Alastor who stood before him, his cheeks flushed a deep red.
"I-I… what brings you here?" Lucifer inquired, withdrawing his hand and shifting his gaze toward Alastor, noticing that the lobby was devoid of any other patrons except for the two of them.
"Charlie became upset when you left, and as the host of the hotel, I thought it would be prudent to bring you back in case there was some misunderstanding," Alastor explained, prompting Lucifer to lower his gaze, annoyance creeping into his demeanor.
"Oh really, are we engaging in another round of dick sizing regarding my shortcomings as a father, Bambi? Seriously?" Lucifer snapped, causing Alastor to take a step back as Lucifer's arm swung toward him, attempting to push the demon away.
"Not at all, your highness. However, I can't shake the feeling that my actions contributed to your departure," Alastor remarked, causing Lucifer to freeze in place.
"Why do you care?" Lucifer asked, pulling his arm back to his side and standing tall, watching as Alastor adjusted his clothing with a hint of nervousness.
"Because, given what I have caused… surely, you can connect the dots, can't you?" Alastor replied, prompting Lucifer to cast his gaze downward, instinctively arriving at the conclusion he had suspected since discovering the letter.
"Why me, though? I recognized your handwriting because of the ink; no one else in this hotel possesses your level of calligraphy or penmanship. I have read your reports on the hotel—the marks match. If you genuinely feel that way, why engage in pointless conflicts like a damn child?" Lucifer remarked, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes, as the years had been marked by solitude.
"I assume you have read the letter yourself," Alastor stated, as Lucifer retrieved the letter from his pocket and scrutinized its contents once more, absorbing the details inscribed within.
"Yes, but what does that imply about…" Lucifer began, only to pause mid-sentence, casting a glance at Alastor.
"I'm not trying to initiate a quarrel, but is this a confession of love?" Lucifer asked, watching as Alastor averted his gaze, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
"I wouldn't consider it my finest work, to be honest. This whole concept is quite new to me. I have only ever loved my own mother. Vox and I attempted a partnership, but that ended up being a grave mistake, leading me to vow never to allow my emotions to hinder my ambitions. Imagine, one day the king of Hell strolls into the hotel, makes a disparaging comment about all the hard work I have put into this place, and in retaliation, I lash out at the one vulnerability our ruler possesses. Yet, despite all of that, you were there to heal me in my time of need, touching me in a way that no one else has ever had the opportunity to before they ended up as my next meal. And yet, I found myself yearning for more," Alastor articulated, using his hands expressively like a seasoned performer, lifting Lucifer's chin to meet his gaze as he uttered the final word.
Lucifer could only gaze into Alastor's eyes as he spoke, feeling the intensity and conviction in his words. However, it was evident from his expression that Lucifer was apprehensive. The king was not known for taking many lovers to his bed; he had devoted centuries to Lilith and, utilizing his magic, had transformed himself in order to bring Charlie into existence, since a curse prevented Lilith from ever bearing life. That, however, remained a secret he would carry with him. When the king had removed his ring a month ago, signaling his readiness to move on, he had not anticipated that the time would come so swiftly. He found himself unprepared, yet simultaneously intrigued.
"I may come to regret this, but let us strike a deal," Lucifer stated, prompting Alastor to retract his hand in surprise.
"Whatever for, sire?" Alastor inquired, not expecting to gain anything from this proposition.
"A test, if you will. You have admitted yourself that you have never experienced these feelings before… Look, if you are willing, I am open to giving this a chance. I have been alone for seven years, and there are aspects of my life that you are unaware of, just as there are things you have yet to share with me or even to the rest of the hotel. Therefore, the terms of the deal are as follows: let us spend three months courting each other in the traditional manner. If you genuinely wish to be with me, then we will solidify this agreement. However, if we both find that this is not what we desire in the end, then the deal will be concluded, and nothing further will arise from it. There will be no hard feelings, you understand," Lucifer articulated as Alastor stood by, listening intently.
As Lucifer extended his hand, anticipating a response from Alastor, the demon hesitated, pondering whether this would culminate in yet another regrettable choice. However, after all the effort Alastor had invested to reach this point, he ultimately gave in to his heart. He grasped Lucifer's hand, and a mesmerizing display of green and gold magic illuminated the lobby in a graceful swirl and a dazzling dance. Soon the magical spectacle subsided, both men released each other's hands and finally embraced in a hug. Initially, Alastor felt tense, but he gradually relaxed, inhaling the familiar scent of apples that emanated from Lucifer hair as he leaned into it, ears folding back into his skull. This moment marked the magnificent beginning of a new chapter in their lives.