Lucifer unlocked and opened the door. He saw no one, but then looked down. Niffty stood there, grinning.
"Hi! I need your laundry! Gotta catch up after taking that long break." She requested. Lucifer grabbed the hamper for her.
"Need any help with that?" He asked. Niffty shook her head.
"Nope, I've got it. Later!" Niffty scampered off, dragging the hamper. Lucifer shut the door and locked it again. He turned back to Adam, still seated in the armchair. Lucifer crossed the room and seated himself back in Adam's lap. Adam had had enough time to collect most of his wits.
"I can't believe you just kissed me." Adam whispered, eyes still wide with shock. His left arm went around Lucifer's waist almost unconsciously. Adam's right hand rose up and ran his own fingers through his hair. Lucifer smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"You say that as if you weren't kissing me back." Lucifer commented, putting one arm around Adam's shoulders. Adam brought his right hand down from his hair and set it on the arm of the chair. Lucifer took Adam's hand and placed it on his thigh, then rested his hand over top of Adam's.
"Honestly, you're looking at me like that was your first kiss. And I know damn well that isn't the case." Lucifer said, chuckling.
"First with a man. Fuck, the first since Eve…" Adam admitted with shame. Lucifer raised his right hand from Adam's shoulders to his neck. Adam half expected to be pulled back down for another kiss, but instead Lucifer buried his fingertips in the hair at the back of Adam's head.
"That's okay. It's been a while for me too." Lucifer murmured. He smiled when Adam tightened his arm and pulled him closer. Lucifer lifted Adam's hand from his thigh, up towards his face. Lucifer bent down slightly to kiss the back of Adam's hand.
Adam looked away and his face started blushing again. Lucifer restrained a small laugh. Adam was so damned cute. Lucifer wondered how he hadn't noticed sooner, then recalled how doggedly determined he was to stay in his shell the first few days.
He liked this Adam, the Adam he saw without the false bravado he'd carried as head of the exorcists. Lucifer liked the Adam that did not hide all he was inside cold, hard walls out of fear. Lucifer felt that he'd never seen THIS Adam until that day in the lounge.
This Adam could learn to speak and behave with respect towards others. This Adam could learn to make friends. This Adam could self-reflect and identify his own mistakes, as well as accept the consequences of said mistakes. This Adam could swallow his pride and apologize. This Adam could show genuine affection. This Adam flustered easily and was fucking adorable. This version of Adam, Lucifer felt sure, was the real one.
Lucifer felt very grateful for the decision he'd made that day on the battlefield. Buying Adam's soul and collaring him was the best decision he'd made in a long time. The king looked at Adam and thought that he might have thrown away such a treasure. Lucifer pushed that thought aside. He'd made the right decision, and now this sweet treasure of an angel was utterly HIS.
Lucifer went back to petting Adam for a while, stroking and scratching his soft hair. Adam fell into that sweet relaxation again. This time, Lucifer let his hands wander a bit more. The king's fingertips wandered over the soft skin of Adam's neck. Hands dropped down a bit, caressing both of Adam's arms and then his chest over top of his shirt. Lucifer felt the definition of the muscles he'd seen so many times. Lucifer was tempted to open a few of the buttons of his button up, but decided to keep the caresses chaste, for now. Silently, Lucifer appreciated how this all belonged to him. He thought of how trusting Adam had grown of his touch, completely at bliss under his attention.
Adam's eyes were about halfway open as he gazed down at the diminutive king in his lap. Lucifer's warm hands were so warm and pacifying. Each tender caress made him feel safe and… wanted? Connected? Dare he even think, loved? Adam tried to recall exactly at what point Lucifer's touch had become connected with these feelings instead of fear. Lucifer was his captor, yet here Adam was, willingly holding him and eating up the physical and emotional warmth of his touch. Adam found himself even wanting to reciprocate more.
Wanting to return the affection, but unsure how, Adam lowered his head. He ducked it down similarly to when he had been crying, until he was almost cheek to cheek with Lucifer. He wrapped both arms around Lucifer firmly, holding the smaller man to his chest. He wasn't sure how to express what he was feeling, he was only sure that he didn't want this feeling to stop. Adam paused a moment, waiting for some indication from Lucifer as to whether he should stop or continue holding Lucifer so tightly. Lucifer wrapped both arms around Adam's shoulders, holding him in return.
"I'm here, Adam. I'm not going anywhere." Lucifer promised in a whisper.
"Lucifer… Thank you. Thank you so much. You've been so kind and patient with me. You've shown me so much mercy I never deserved after all I've done to you. After everything I've blamed you for… I've been such an ass. How could you even-" Adam started.
"Hush. No more talk of that. I told you yesterday, I forgave it all. The past is behind us. We are not adversaries anymore. I am your master, and you are my angel. Let it lie." Lucifer cooed, moving one hand up to pet Adam's hair again.
"Yes, Lucifer." Adam responded almost instinctively. He contemplated there were so many other more appropriate words Lucifer could have used, slave, captive, property, thrall, or any of the terms Alastor liked to use. Yet, Lucifer had chosen to use a pet name instead. It was a soft acknowledgement of his status as a possession, Adam thought. Adam sighed softly, grateful that Lucifer chose not to humiliate him more than the situation itself naturally did.
One of Lucifer's hands returned to petting Adam's hair, which resulted in Adam melting again. Something about Lucifer's caresses turned Adam's brain to barely functional mush. Adam's right hand began to rub Lucifer's thigh and knee, without him really noticing it.
Lucifer was thoroughly enjoying being held again. Of course, Adam's embrace was not the same as Lilith's, but nothing and no one could ever be the same as her. Expecting Adam to be like her was unfair and a set up for disappointment for both of them. Adam's embrace was enjoyable in its own right. His lap was a very comfortable seat. His arms had a firm, just slightly needy grasp. Adam's slightly clumsy displays of affection were endearing. His eyes were so full of questions as he tried to figure out the relationship between them. Lucifer could see looking into those eyes, that Adam wasn't simply playing along to appease him. Adam was feeling something too, but Adam himself wasn't sure what. It made Lucifer smirk to see the first man so lost in matters of courtship.
For a while, the two simply enjoyed each other's touch. When he felt like it was enough, Lucifer held Adam's face. He stroked his thumb over Adam's small beard.
"How are you feeling? Is your need for affection satisfied for now?" Lucifer asked. Adam nodded, Lucifer's hands moving with his head.
"Yeah, I'm feeling good. Did you have something else you wanted to do?" Adam asked. Lucifer took his hands away from Adam's face.
"I was wanting to work on my rubber duckies, but only if you've had enough attention. They can always wait until later." Lucifer spoke while leaning on Adam's chest, reassuring the younger angel he was in no hurry. Adam released Lucifer from his embrace.
"I'm fine, really. Would it distract you if I played some music while you worked?" Adam asked, watching Lucifer slide off his lap and stand up.
"No, in fact I think I'd like it if you did." Lucifer sauntered over to his work station. Adam stood up and stretched a moment before retrieving his guitar. As Lucifer began working, Adam sat back down and played a slow, laid back melody. His fingers played as if of their own accord, as Adam's eye was drawn to Lucifer.
Adam watched Lucifer sink into his passion project. Lucifer worked on his ducks with such fervor, muttering to himself, getting excited when it was going well, and getting frustrated when it wasn't. Adam found himself adjusting his playing to Lucifer's current mood. His tune grew jaunty and playful when Lucifer was excited, sweet and calming when Lucifer became frustrated. Adam barely had to try, despite the fact that he was focusing more on watching Lucifer than playing. It was so captivating to watch Lucifer take such joy in his little rubber ducks.
"Haha! Yes it's finished!" Lucifer cried out once he completed a duck. His outburst made Adam jump and stopped his music. Adam stood and carefully set the guitar in the chair and came over to the work station.
"Can I see?" Adam asked. Lucifer whipped around quickly, a big grin on his face. He held the little yellow rubber toy cupped in both hands as if it were fragile. The little duck had a cute hawaiian lei of pink flowers on its neck and a pink hibiscus flower turned upside down on top of its head like a hat.
"Look at her! Isn't she adorable?" Lucifer exclaimed. Adam nodded enthusiastically, mostly happy to see Lucifer so happy. Lucifer turned and set the duck on his work station and stepped aside so Adam could see.
"And look what she can do." Lucifer pressed down on the duck's head and it's body seemed to slightly deform as the neck was pushed down. Adam frowned, worried Lucifer would get upset that whatever he'd tried to do hadn't worked. Lucifer just smirked.
"Wait for it…" Lucifer muttered. With a pop the head snapped back into position and the duck bounced up into the air, almost to the ceiling, oddly releasing the scent of flowers in the air. Adam reached out and caught the duck in one hand as it fell back towards the floor, and held it back out to Lucifer.
"That's adorable. And really impressive. Now I see where all the ducks came from." Adam smiled as Lucifer took the duck back, the simple brush of their hands being pleasant to him. Lucifer brought the newly completed duck over to the dresser and set it next to the other ducks. He picked up his phone and checked the time.
"I think I've got time for one more. Adam, play some more music, will you? It makes it easier to focus." Lucifer said, turning back to his work station and immediately starting on a new duck.
"Your wish is my command." Adam murmured as a sort of dark half-joke. His left hand went up to rub his neck for a few seconds, before he needed both hands to lift his guitar out of his seat. Adam sat down and began to play again.
Again, Adam's eyes went to Lucifer as he played. The elder angel soon became buried in his work again. He was either totally unaware or didn't mind that Adam watched him work the whole time. The music did indeed seem to help Lucifer focus. Adam found himself humming along to his own playing, barely audible over the guitar itself.
This duck seemed to take longer than the one before. Adam tried to look around him to sneak a peek, but Lucifer's body blocked his view. Lucifer was muttering to himself more this time, but didn't seem to be growing frustrated, so Adam kept his mood music light. He heard Lucifer mutter "Almost done.", and braced himself for another outburst.
"Yes! Another success! Adam, look!" Lucifer cheered. Before Adam could get up this time, Lucifer turned around, grinning widely at Adam. Lucifer approached him eagerly to show him his new creation.
This duck was dressed up in a cow costume, complete with a tiny pair of horns and little cow bell. Adam smiled at the sweet looking little duck. Before Adam could comment, Lucifer gave it a squeeze. Somehow the duck moo'd instead of squeaking, making Adam laugh.
"Awww, that's fucking delightful. The little bell really sells it." Adam looked up into Lucifer's bright eyes. They seemed to get even brighter at Adam's praise.
"And it has multiple moos, too!" Lucifer squeezed the duck a few more times, each time it made a different cow noise.
"Where are you going to put that one?" Adam asked. Lucifer hmm'd and looked at the ducky seriously. He then looked around the room, trying to decide on the perfect spot.
"I think this one will look best on the bookshelf." Lucifer decided. He brought it over to the shelf and placed it between two of his other ducks. Lucifer then picked up his phone and checked the time. Adam began putting his guitar away. He handled that guitar with the greatest care, both to protect it from potential harm, and to show Lucifer his appreciation for the gift which was so precious to him.
"About time for dinner. Put away- oh you're on it already." Lucifer put his shoes, coat, and hat back on. Adam set his guitar back beside the chair, out of the way. Quietly, he drew a deep breath, mentally preparing himself to deal with Alastor. He followed Lucifer out the door.
After dinner, Lucifer joined Husk and Angel at the bar, Adam in tow. Lucifer and Adam sat down at the bar. Angel was already there, sipping on a martini.
"Hey guys, are you finally joining us for a drink this evening?" Angel Dust asked, leaning on one of his hands. He was sitting on the barstool farthest to the right. His pig was sitting in his lap, being petted by both Angel's lower hands. Lucifer took the barstool next to Angel, and Adam took the remaining stool next to Lucifer, leaving one more open beside him.
"Yeah, I figured it's been a while since I've had a drink. I'll have a pinot noir, please." Lucifer addressed Angel first, then Husk with his request. Adam had no idea what that meant. Husk poured a drink Adam recognized only as red wine.
"There ya go, Lucifer. How about you, Adam? You wanna try some booze tonight?" Husk asked. Adam wasn't sure what to do and turned his gaze to Lucifer. The king of hell sipped his wine and shrugged.
"Go ahead, if you want to." Lucifer gave his permission. Adam turned back to Husk.
"I guess so, but I wouldn't know what to ask for." Adam tried to think of something, being he knew nothing about alcohol. He considered just asking for the same as what Lucifer had.
"Oh, make him a grasshopper, Husker! Mint and chocolate will make for an easy first drink." Angel Dust suggested. Adam shrugged.
"Sure, I'll try it." Adam muttered. Husk went to work making the drink, a smirk on his face. He was curious to see what happened when Adam had alcohol. Husk slid the drink across the bar to Adam.
"Cheers!" Husk exclaimed. Adam picked up the glass and took a hesitant sip, hardly more than a taste. Adam found it absolutely delicious. His eyes widened and he drank a big gulp.
"Damn, that's really good." Adam commented. Angel Dust grinned, happy to be right.
"Told ya you'd like it. Grasshoppers are great if you're not looking for anything too strong." Angel said proudly. He took another sip of his martini.
"Take it slow, Adam. The faster you drink, the harder the alcohol will hit you." Lucifer warned. Adam nodded and set the glass down for the moment.
"So you two have been getting along pretty well, huh?" Angel asked, leaning in towards Lucifer and consequently towards Adam. He was hoping to glean more information about how close the two were to fucking.
"I've found Adam's company quite delightful since he's been coaxed out of his shell. Adam's been helpful, respectful, affectionate, honest, and considerate too. He even gave me a back massage earlier without any prompting. And like you said yourself, he's so cute when he gets all sheepish. He's already grown so much, making real friends, acknowledging his mistakes, accepting the consequences of his actions with grace, I'm very proud of him." Lucifer murmured.
Adam was turning red and ducking his head down. The way Lucifer turned his gaze on Adam as he praised him made Adam's heart speed up again. Lucifer was looking at him the same way he did right before they kissed. Surely he wasn't about to do that right in the lobby, was he?
"Well? Don't you have anything to say about Lucifer?" Angel Dust prodded. Adam picked up his drink and sipped it to stall for a couple seconds to think. The extra time didn't do much good.
"Angel, I've got Lucifer's leash on my neck, and you want me to give a personal evaluation of him right in front of him?... Fuck it, I'll walk the tightrope with no net. Yes, I like spending time with Lucifer. He's proven to me that I was all wrong about him. I feel like I can trust him. He takes good care of my wounds. He's been merciful and patient with me. He's been comforting, compassionate, and understanding when I needed it most. He's way more considerate of my needs than he has to be. He's gentle. He's kind. He treats me like somebody he actually cares about. I… I count myself lucky every day that he is the way he is." Adam sighed and had another small sip of his drink.
"Adam, you ARE somebody I care about. I need you to understand that." Lucifer uttered softly. Lucifer leaned closer to Adam and placed his left hand on Adam's right. Adam looked up from his drink into Lucifer's warm eyes. Adam gave a reluctant smile, his own eyes full of appreciation and affection for Lucifer. The younger turned his hand palm up to hold the hand of the elder. This sense of closeness was still so strange to Adam, but he liked it.
While they were looking at each other, Husk was staring at them wide eyed. He saw what Angel was talking about now. Perhaps it was the touch of alcohol, or perhaps it was just the smaller amount of company, or maybe it was just the lack of a game to focus on, but now the chemistry seemed more blatant. Husk looked at Angel.
Angel was staring at Husk, waiting for the bartender to make eye contact with him. While Lucifer was turned away, Angel made a heart with two of his hands and nodded toward the pair of angels. Husk gave a subtle nod. Angel grinned with excitement.
When Lucifer and Adam finished gazing into each other's eyes, they turned back to their company. Angel finished the last of his martini and asked Husk for another. Husk made it gladly.
"Oh, Adam, I forgot to tell you, your new clothes are really nice. They flatter you well. They're kinda serious though. You could use something sexier." Angel Dust suggested with a wink. Adam blushed a little.
"The clothes I have are great. Lucifer took me to this place that was really too nice. We spent a lot of time picking stuff out together. He insisted it should all be flattering and comfortable. And it all is. Not to mention expensive. Lucifer wouldn't even let me look at the price tags. The last thing I need is for Lucifer to spend more money on clothes I now have plenty of." Adam muttered. He opted not to mention he had no one to look sexy for. Lucifer had another sip of his wine.
"Honestly, stop fretting so much. Money is not a concern for me, Adam. You need to get used to being spoiled. Nice clothing and shoes hardly count as spoiling you anyway. They're both necessities. Really, the guitar was the only thing I bought you that was anywhere near a lavish gift. And there WILL be more gifts." Lucifer said with a smirk, watching Adam get bashful again.
"So, Husk, Angel, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Adam asked, trying to redirect the conversation. Lucifer turned to listen to the other two men respond.
"You're looking at it. I was thinking I might go gambling after work." Husk was eager to see if he could turn today's windfall into even more.
"I'm off tomorrow, and I just got paid, so I'm gonna treat myself and go out shopping." Angel answered. Without warning, his pig hopped up on the bar. Angel laughed, and Husk pinned his ears back in annoyance.
"Angel, keep Fat Nuggets off the bar. That ain't sanitary!" Husk groused. Before Angel could finish laughing, Fat Nuggets trotted along the bar towards Adam. Lucifer quickly picked up his wine out of the pig's path, watching with a wry smile. Adam picked the pig up off the counter and held the little guy to his chest. Husk immediately grabbed a rag and some sort of spray cleaner. Adam picked up his drink in his right hand to be out of Husk's way, while holding the pig with the left.
"We meet again, little guy. What did you call him, Husk? Fat Nuggets?" Adam asked, a bit bewildered by the odd name. The pig nuzzled into his chest and sniffed towards Adam's drink. Adam set his drink back down when Husk was done cleaning.
"Yeah, that's his name. He's Angel's pet. Spoiled little porker too." Husk muttered. Fat Nuggets then rolled over on Adam's lap.
"Begging for bellyrubs from somebody you barely know? You're a little attention whore." Angel laughed again, but made no move to take his pig back at the moment. Adam chuckled and provided Fat Nuggets with his desired belly rubs.
"Just like his Daddy." Husk muttered, rolling his eyes. Angel flipped Husk off, but with a playful look on his face.
As the evening went on and the group continued chatting, Lucifer and Adam finished their first drinks. Adam was already slightly tipsy and losing the filter between his brain and mouth. Husk served each of them a second of their drink of choice. Angel had opted for a long island iced tea.
"He's such a sweet little guy. You deserve to be spoiled, huh little buddy?" Adam scratched Fat Nuggets gently on his head and back while enjoying his second grasshopper. His speech had just the slightest slur to it. Lucifer turned to Husk.
"No more for him tonight. I don't want him hung over in the morning." Lucifer stated. Husk nodded and smiled at Adam, while Adam was distracted chatting to Angel.
"Poor guy is such a lightweight. No tolerance whatsoever." Husk muttered. Lucifer smiled and sipped on his second glass of wine as he watched Adam enjoy himself talking to Angel and petting Fat Nuggets.
"So then we played some music together, and it was awesome. Somebody really should have recorded it. I mean, I'm a fucking good guitar player. I practiced on the acoustic for centuries before I fell in love with the sound of electric guitars. But Lucifer? Him playing on that fiddle is blow-you-away amazing. I'd like to think my playing was a pretty good compliment to his music. Once I've brushed all the dust off my acoustic skills, we'll have to play for you guys sometime." Adam prattled away. Angel nodded and listened, noticing Adam's filter was long gone.
Lucifer's phone started ringing. The seraphim retrieved his phone from his pocket to see who was calling. He heaved a deep sigh.
"I'd better take this. I'll be right back." Lucifer answered the call and said hello, while getting up from the bar and heading down the hall to go find some privacy. Adam sighed as he watched Lucifer walk away.
"Even if I hadn't been such a prick, I still wouldn't be able to blame Lilith for leaving me for him. He's so fucking gorgeous. Where did he get the right to be so damned hot?" Adam slumped a bit, resting his chin in one hand, while hugging Fat Nuggets close with his other arm.
"You think Lucifer's hot?" Angel Dust asked. He was expertly steering Adam's thoughts away from his ex wife, seeing a depressed episode coming on if Adam boarded that negative train of thought. It was a much better notion to lead his thought process toward Lucifer instead. Husk leaned in, wanting to hear this too.
"Of course I do. LOOK at the man. I'm straight and even I can see it. His beautiful face, his perfect hair, his well toned body, the confidence he carries himself with, the grace he walks with, the smooth and articulate way he talks, just everything. It's a wonder that man doesn't have a harem of women AND men." Adam muttered, taking a gulp of his grasshopper.
Husk raised both his eyebrows at Adam. Angel Dust started laughing. Adam huffed and rubbed Fat Nuggets' head.
"What's so funny?" Adam asked, his slur a little bit worse. Angel tried to speak but he couldn't stop laughing. Husk shook his head.
"Adam, I don't think you're as straight as you think you are. You've gotta be bisexual, at least. No straight man would say the words you just did about another man." Husk told him. Adam huffed.
"Husk, being straight doesn't mean being unable to see that another man is attractive." Adam muttered. Angel finally managed to stop laughing. He had to take the chance to probe for more information before Lucifer came back.
"Is his body THAT nice? I guess sleeping in his room, you've seen him without his shirt at least." Angel prompted. He leaned in. Adam laughed.
"Angel, Lucifer isn't shy about getting undressed in front of me. I've seen him bare ass naked." Adam stated, taking another drink. Angel's eyes widened.
"So he's seen you naked too?!" Angel asked. Angel leaned over to Adam. His heart was speeding up with excitement. Adam smirked.
"He saw me naked long before I saw him naked. Don't you know the story? He was there in Eden before I understood the concept of clothing." Adam sighed as he remembered that day in the garden with Eve. The day the two of them bit into the apple…
"Yeah, yeah, way back when, but come on! Has he seen you undressed recently?" Angel pushed. Adam sighed and adjusted Fat Nuggets in his lap.
"Yeah, we-" Adam was distracted by the tapping sound of Lucifer's approaching heels. As he strolled back into the lobby, he came back to the bar and sat down, looking annoyed. Angel silently cursed.
"What's wrong?" Husk beat Adam to the punch. Lucifer heaved a sigh. He shoved his phone back into his pocket.
"I've got a meeting to go to tomorrow now. After breakfast I have to settle some petty dispute between overlords before it turns into a fucking turf war." Lucifer griped. He picked up his wine and took a big gulp of it.
"Now I need a sitter for Adam. Husk would you like to-"
"Let me! I'll babysit for you! I'll take him shopping with me. You'll see how amazing I can get him looking. Besides, I haven't gotten any one-on-one time with Adam. Let me spend some quality time with him." Angel said eagerly.
"Must you call it babysitting?" Adam muttered, making sure to sip his drink again now that Lucifer was back. Lucifer chuckled, his mood lifted a bit.
"Alright, if you're so eager, you can watch Adam. But if you're going to take him out of the hotel you need to promise you'll keep him close to you AND be sober while you're in charge of him. No drugs and no alcohol. I've already had to deal with one person trying to attack him, so you'll have to stay sharp." Lucifer laid out his terms.
"You got it, Your Majesty." Angel said with a playful bow, almost spilling his iced tea. "This'll be worth staying sober for. You and I are gonna have a ball, Adam." Angel winked. Adam was tipsy enough that he chuckled and winked back.
The group lost track of time in their merrymaking, even after Lucifer and Adam stopped drinking. Angel continued to drink until he became quite intoxicated. Adam had a couple hours to sober up after his drinks, and Lucifer was never really drunk to begin with. He'd been planning to drink more, but didn't want to deal with that meeting in the morning while hung over. Husk was the one who noticed the time.
"Shit, it's late. I should have closed the bar an hour ago. Goodnight, guys, I better get Legs here to bed." Husk said, coming around the bar to help Angel off his stool. Husk put Angel's arm over his shoulder and his own arm around Angel's waist, helping him walk.
"Uh, can you carry Fat Nuggets too?" Adam said, looking at the pig in his lap. He now felt pretty much sober other than a slight fuzziness in the back of his head.
"Just put him down, he'll follow Angel. Goodnight guys." Husk said, while Angel slurred a drunken "G'night" at them. Adam and Lucifer wished them goodbye in return.
Adam stood and gently placed Fat Nuggets on the floor, letting the pig plod along after his stumbling owner. Lucifer stretched and headed back to his room, Adam following dutifully..
Once they reached his room, Lucifer held the door for Adam again. The younger man went in, still unsure why Lucifer held the door open for him so often. Lucifer followed him into the room, shutting and locking the door behind them.
"Well that was a good time." Adam covered his mouth as he yawned. He sat down on the bed to remove his shoes. Lucifer shed his coat and hat, then did likewise to get his boots off. Lucifer had a relaxed smile on his face.
"You see? I told you there was fun to be had here in hell. One just needs to know the right people to find it with." Lucifer spoke in a low tone. Adam put his and Lucifer's shoes away for them. Adam opted to go to the dresser and pick out a set of pajamas. Lucifer decided to disrobe first and pick out his pajamas second. He had no body shyness around Adam.
Adam set his chosen pajamas on the bed and began to unbutton his shirt to take it off. He fumbled a bit, as the shirt was made to be easily unbuttoned with the right hand. He brushed it off, being used to this sort of struggle. He didn't notice Lucifer was watching him.
Lucifer had his shirt off, but had been distracted from removing his pants when he noticed Adam unbuttoning his shirt. Button by button, slowly more skin was revealed. Lucifer was transfixed. He watched as the buttons opened, gradually revealing Adam's collarbone and lightly muscled chest. A few more buttons and his soft belly was soon to be exposed. Even though Adam was simply undressing, the sight felt like a striptease to Lucifer. When the last button opened, Adam's torso fully exposed, Lucifer felt an impulse to act possessively. He felt the need to reassert his claim on this ravishing angel.
Lucifer put his hand out and manifested the leash, quickly closing his hand on it. Adam, just about to shrug out of his shirt, looked at Lucifer quizzically. Lucifer was gazing at him intensely, but he didn't look angry.
"Did I do something wrong?" Adam asked softly. He sounded more confused than anything else. He couldn't recall Lucifer being upset at all since that phone call.
"I just thought after this morning's incident, you might need a little reminder tonight." Lucifer spoke in a low tone again. He pulled the leash taut, but not harshly. He wound the leash around his hand, pulling the chain tighter. Adam took this as a signal to come closer, so he did. He felt that shiver go down his spine again, and a small rush he couldn't quite identify.
"Who holds your leash, Adam?" Lucifer asked.
"You do." Adam answered without hesitation. That intense look in Lucifer's eyes was doing something to him. It was a little scary, but like the simulated fear of a roller coaster drop. He did not feel there was any actual threat.
"Do you understand that if you disobey me again, your punishment will not be so lenient next time?" Lucifer asked. Adam nodded calmly, despite the flutter he felt in his stomach.
"You're going to obey the rules tonight, aren't you?" Lucifer asked, looking up sternly into Adam's eyes. Lucifer NEEDED the reassurance that Adam would not leave the bed while he slept again. The idea of waking up to Adam, injured by his hand, turned Lucifer's stomach.
"Yes, Lucifer. I won't get out of bed while you sleep. If I need to get out of bed, I will wake you. I understand you will punish me more harshly for a second offense. I won't disobey again." Adam murmured, keeping eye contact.
Lucifer pulled down gently on the chain, indicating for Adam to bend down. Adam took the hint, bending to Lucifer's eye level. Lucifer ruffled Adam's hair and placed a kiss on his lips.
"Good boy." Lucifer opened his hand and allowed the leash to vanish. He placed both hands on Adam's shoulders and removed the shirt hanging off them. Lucifer stepped away from Adam to put the shirt in the hamper.
"Assume the position. Just because it's late doesn't mean we're skipping your wound care." Lucifer ordered softly. Adam sighed. He'd almost forgotten. He laid down on the bed and folded his arms to rest his head on.
Lucifer returned quickly and attended to Adam's wounds. Adam silently cursed the stinging addition of the antiseptic, but bore it silently. The pain relief gel was always quick to follow anyway. Adam glanced up at Lucifer from his position.
Every day at least twice a day, Lucifer had done this routine with no complaint. Adam wished he could do it himself, so as not to be such a big inconvenience. Adam closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I know this routine must be a pain in your ass. Thank you so much for putting up with it." Adam wished it would heal faster so they'd just be painless scars already.
"Adam, don't be foolish. Don't apologize for needing care. These are serious wounds. You are mine, so attending to your care is rightfully my responsibility. To add to that, I helped create these injuries, so I'm even more duty bound to see to it they mend properly. Don't feel guilty that you're getting the medical attention due to you." Lucifer scolded. His tone said he would hear no argument.
Lucifer finished changing the bandages, and Adam stood up. He put the supplies away while Lucifer washed his hands. Adam went back to the bedroom and finished changing into his pajamas, then waited his turn for the sink to brush his teeth.
Once both men were ready for sleep, Lucifer turned out the light and they went to bed. Adam laid down on his usual side and adjusted his body to allow Lucifer to wrap his arms around him, then moving back until his back touched Lucifer's chest. Lucifer settled against Adam comfortably. Lucifer grasped him tightly, unable to put the thought of that morning out of his mind.
Adam sighed, feeling the usually gentle grasp around his stomach was quite firm tonight. He didn't complain. He earned it for misbehaving that morning. Adam heaved a deep breath, let his body relax into Lucifer's grasp, and placed his hand over Lucifer's. Then he finally closed his eyes.
"Goodnight, Lucifer." He murmured. Lucifer kissed Adam's shoulder. Adam wasn't sure how to react to the kiss, so he just let it be.
"Sweet dreams, my angel." Lucifer murmured. This time, he waited up for Adam to fall asleep again. Once Adam began to snore, Lucifer smiled and closed his eyes.
"Adam… Adam, wake up Honey." called a familiar, feminine voice. Adam groaned with sleep, not wanting to wake up. A small, gentle hand rubbed his shoulder.
"Wake up, Baby. Breakfast is going to get cold." Said a different voice. Adam opened his eyes, then they widened. He was in his house, in heaven, lying on his king sized bed. But the most stunning part was who was with him. Lilith, Eve, and Lute.
Lilith was exactly how he remembered her. Tall and statuesque, with a gorgeous mane of long, flowing blond hair. Her eyes were just as striking as ever as they gazed at Adam with the love he remembered from long ago. Her beautiful lips had dark ruby lipstick on them, which matched her lacy nightie.
Eve was also exactly as he remembered. She was shorter than Lilith, only about five and half feet tall. Her long back hair fell in smooth, sleek waves down to the small of her back. Her bright, exuberant green eyes stared at him with excitement and innocence. Her pink, pouty lips smiled warmly.
Lute was exactly as she'd always been, short white hair, pale skin, and piercing golden eyes. Those eyes were soft but warm right now, in a caring expression few but himself ever saw. Adam wondered at her presence. She was shorter than Lilith but taller than Eve.
Lilith and Eve were both sitting up on the bed, smiling. Both of them were wearing lacy nighties. What knocked Adam for a loop was the golden halos above their heads and the feathery white wings on their backs. Lute stood beside the bed, wearing a nightshirt that read 'I'm up and now it's your problem.'
"Honey, are you okay? You're looking at us like you saw a ghost." Lilith said with concern. She reached out cup Adam's cheek. Adam felt a pang of love at her touch and smiled, putting his hand over hers.
"Love, did you… have a bad dream or something?" Eve asked. Bad dreams of course were not supposed to happen in heaven, but she couldn't think of why else her beloved husband should wake up looking so bewildered and shocked. Eve moved in and hugged him, tucking her head below Adam's chin. Adam wrapped his free arm around her.
"He just needs some food to clear the morning brain fog. Come one, Dickmaster. I made french toast. Your wives have been waiting for your lazy butt to get out of bed." Lute spoke with a playful tone and a smile. Eve and Lilith slid off the bed beside Lute. Adam let himself be pulled out of bed. Almost jumping at the movement of his own golden wings.
Adam almost asked what she meant by 'your wives', but part of him did not dare to question this miracle. Lilith, Eve, and Lute, all together with him? He tried to remember what had happened last night, but he couldn't grasp a single memory from the night before.
Lute led Adam by the hand to the table, where four plates of french toast were waiting, still steaming with butter melting atop them. Glasses of iced tea and orange juice waited by each plate. Lilith took the seat across from Adam. Lute pulled Adam in and gave him a kiss before releasing his hand, then going to her own seat next to him. Eve took a seat on Adam's other side, but then quickly stood up.
"Oh, I forgot the powdered sugar." Eve exclaimed she came back with a large shaker and shook the sweet treat over Adam's Lilith's, and her own plate, but not Lute's.
"Hey beautiful, where's MY sugar?" Lute asked. Adam blinked, recalling that Lute didn't like powdered sugar. Instead of putting sugar on her plate, Eve leaned in and kissed her. Adam blinked in shock as Eve returned to her seat. Lilith tugged Lute over gently for her own kiss. Once Eve was back around to her own seat, she leaned in to kiss Adam. Adam was still reeling but he was happy to kiss her back. He was beginning to believe this was some sort of second chance given by a divinity beyond even heaven's reckoning. This time, he'd do it right. He'd give them all the love they deserved.
Eve sat down and all three of them passed around the syrup and dug in. Adam sighed happily at the flavor of the french toast. He glanced up at the three women sitting with him.
'What do I say? Should I compliment them? Should I ask a question? I've gotta say something. Come on, moron, say SOMETHING.' Adam urged himself. Finally, he cleared his throat.
"So, how did the three most lovely women in heaven sleep last night?" Adam asked warmly. He was grateful he managed to get something decent out of his mouth. All three of them smiled, relieved their husband was acting more normally.
"Always well when I sleep next to my favorite man and my two favorite women." Lilith answered. She blew a kiss at Adam. Adam pretended to catch it, making Lilith giggle.
"Wonderful, I had the most delightful dream about having a race over the flower meadows. I beat all of you. Shall we do that today?" Lute suggested. Eve laughed at how competitive Lute was.
"I was thinking we could go explore the crystal caves. I love the waterfall in the underground lake cavern." Eve proposed.
"I'm sure there's time for both of those, my dears. We have all the time in the world. The only question is which shall we do first?" Lilith questioned. Adam smiled warmly.
"I don't give a flying fuck which comes first. As long as I'm with you three, I don't care what we do. I am the luckiest man in heaven to have you three…" Adam declared. He tried to think of something romantic he could do for them. Lute pulled him over for another kiss.
"Someone's affectionate this morning." Lilith cooed. Adam had to fight not to tear up when he saw the love in her eyes. Eve took his right hand and held it. Adam smiled at her lovingly.
When breakfast was done they washed the dishes together, joking and laughing. Adam couldn't help but think of how he'd once called such tasks women's work. He told that thought to go fuck itself. He could not be too good to help the ones he loved, not this time. When they were finished with that, they changed into day clothes and headed outside.
Adam looked up, grinning at heaven's blue sky with its fluffy white clouds. The memories of being in hell were fading farther and farther away by the minute, as if this had always been his life. Adam felt the sudden urge to fly, to touch that blue sky.
"Race you guys to the cave entrance!" Adam spread his glorious golden wings and flew. His wives quickly chased after him, laughing. Adam deliberately did not fly at full speed, but he climbed high, doing barrel rolls, spins, and other aerial tricks just for fun. The women were howling with laughter as they chased him. Lute pulled ahead, taking the 'race' seriously.
Adam flew above Lilith, seizing her around the waist and making her laugh as he touched a ticklish spot. She reached back and tickled Adam's ribs, to force him to release her, which he did. Eventually, they made their way to the caverns. Adam motioned to them to go first.
"Ladies first." Adam said with a big grin.
"You just wanna look at our asses." Lute accused. Adam gasped dramatically and put a hand to his chest, pretending to be offended. Lilith laughed
"In that case, you two go ahead of me." Lilith told them, gently pushing Lute and Eve ahead of her. The caves had no sunlight after the first few feet, but they were full of luminous crystals that glowed with clusters of crystals in every color one could imagine. Every so often, the colors the crystals glowed would change, dim or brighten, so that the lighting in the caves was always shifting.
They explored the massive cave for hours, with no fear of getting lost. They saw countless caverns and passageways, lit with beautiful soft lighting from the crystals. They finally stopped to rest when they found Eve's favorite room, with the lake and the waterfall.
There were crystals on the bottom of the lake itself, so that the whole body of water was lit up brilliantly. They could see small fish swimming around in the crystal clear water. The light from the crystals around them played on the mist from the waterfall, creating a constantly shifting curtain of refracted light.
They sat on the edge of the lake, shoes off and feet dangling in the cool water. Lilith sat to Adam's left, and he had his left arm around her. Lute sat to his right, with his right arm around her. Eve was snuggled up to Lilith, with Lilith's arm around her.
"I think this must be the most beautiful sight in all of heaven." Eve said with a happy sigh. Adam smiled and shook his head.
"That's impossible, Eve. There are at least three things in heaven more beautiful than this cavern." Adam murmured. Without waiting to be questioned, he pointed to each of them.
"You, Lillie, and Lute are the most beautiful sights in heaven. I can't thank any of you enough for spending your eternity with me. I want to spend every day showing you three how much I appreciate and love you." Adam spoke from his heart.
Eve stood up and went behind Adam. She went on her knees and wrapped her arms around his waist to hug him tightly from behind. Adam's eyes went wide. The small body against his back and slim arms firmly fixed around his waist brought him to a moment of dreadful clarity. Adam's wings drooped limply to the sides. Tears began to well up in his eyes.
"Where should we go for lunch? I'm starving." Lute asked.
"Let's go get some ribs. Adam's favorite." Lilith turned to wink at her husband, then noticed the tears in his eyes. She looked at him with concern and wiped them away. This didn't look like happy crying.
"I'm sorry. I can't go with you." Adam spoke in a broken whisper as more tears began to fall.
"What are you talking about? Why can't you go?" Eve asked, squeezing his waist tighter.
"Because this is all just a sweet dream, and I'm about to wake up."
Adam opened his eyes, tears already falling from them. His heart sank as he looked around in the darkness and sure enough, he wasn't in heaven. He was in hell, in the king's bedroom. It was not Eve's arms that held him so close but Lucifer's. His beautiful wings were gone. There was no divine second chance. Adam could almost feel the collar around his neck at that moment.
Tears streamed from Adam's eyes, dripping onto the pillow. He restrained the sobs his body was trying to force on him. Lucifer was snoring softly, assuring Adam that he was still asleep. Adam wanted to make sure it stayed that way. He could not bear to explain to Lucifer why he woke up crying, as he didn't think Lucifer would accept 'It was just a dream.' and leave it at that.
Adam breathed deeply and slowly trying to calm himself as the tears kept flowing. It felt like an hour that it took Adam to silently compose himself, but he successfully did so without waking Lucifer. Finally, he was calm and his eyes were dry.
Now, Adam had a different problem. His bladder was too full for him to go back to sleep. He sighed softly. There was only one thing to do now. He rubbed Lucifer's arm firmly.
"Lucifer, Lucifer wake up." Adam said softly. He patted Lucifer's arm when the rubbing didn't work and repeated himself slightly louder. The snoring stopped and Lucifer yawned.
"Bathroom?" He asked sleepily. Lucifer stretched his body.
"Yes, please." Adam muttered.
"Go on, hurry up. I want to get back to sleep." The king muttered slightly grumpily as he released Adam from his arms. Adam slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. He was glad for the darkness, so that Lucifer couldn't clearly see the signs of crying on his face. Adam was careful to mostly shut the door before turning the bathroom light on to avoid being seen.
Adam took care of his needs then washed his hands and tried to discreetly wash his face as well. He made sure to turn off the bathroom light before opening the door.
Lucifer was waiting for him, propping his head up on his elbow to make sure he didn't fall right back asleep before Adam returned to bed, as was his usual habit. Adam crawled across the bed to get back to where Lucifer wanted him.
Once he was close enough, Lucifer hooked his arm around Adam's waist and tugged, pulling the younger angel over on his side and then pulling him back up against his body, into a spooning position again. It was just that few seconds faster than Adam could manage on his own. Adam huffed as Lucifer readjusted to re-spoon him properly. Lucifer slid his arms back around Adam's waist to resume his vice-like grip, and yawned again.
"Mine." Lucifer muttered, closing his eyes, ready to drift back off. Adam closed his eyes too and tried to go back to sleep. Lucifer was back out within five minutes. Adam took a while longer, but managed to get back to sleep.