Back at the Hazbin Hotel, Angel and Adam waited quietly as Lucifer headed down the hall and towards the lobby. When there was enough distance between them, Angel grabbed Adam's hand and silently led him on the shortest route back to his bedroom. Quickly, he closed the bedroom door behind him.
"Woo! That was exciting!" Angel Dust cheered, grinning. Adam's heart was pounding, both from the fear of being caught, and from Lucifer's words.
"I can't believe the things he said." Adam murmured softly, eyes still wide. Angel strutted over and sat down on the bed, patting the space next to him for Adam to come sit down. Adam joined him.
"I know, right? That was great! Lucifer ripped Val a new asshole. Calling him stupid, attacking his scripts, and the threats? It was perfect! Though he probably doesn't know what 'cretin' means. I'm sure he'll ask Vox." Angel Dust giggled, practically vibrating with joy. Fat Nuggets trotted up to him, and Angel lifted the pig into his lap.
"I'm too focused on the way he talked about ME. I'm used to being called his angel. He does that all the time. But his prize? His gem? And the things he said to Valentino about his 'rights'? It was all so possessive, passionate, and protective… Why was that so hot?!" Adam blurted out. There was no reason to try and deny… whatever was going on between them in front of Angel Dust anymore, not after the things Angel just heard Lucifer say. Not to mention the kiss he'd witnessed in the hallway.
"Oh good, you're into it. I was worried his 'mine all mine' speech might have spooked you too much." Angel grinned almost as wide as Alastor. He clasped one set of hands together in an expression of delight. He was loving seeing this new relationship bud and bloom. Especially considering how deeply the two of them clearly needed love.
"Yeah, I'm spooked. Hearing him talk like that is unnerving, but it comes with a certain… a rush that I can't put a name to." Adam admitted hesitantly. Angel let out a small squeal and hugged Fat Nuggets.
"That's called a thrill, Adam. You get a kick out of being claimed. And clearly LUCIFER gets a kick out of claiming you. Sounds like you two have some kinda BDSM or power kink going on. You'll figure it out as you go. You're just nervous about doing something new. Or should I say, being done by someone new?" Angel winked.
"Angel, just because Lucifer and I… have a thing going on, doesn't make me a bottom." Adam muttered, giving Angel a mild glare of annoyance. Angel laughed.
"Technically, no. But believe me, Adam. I've done enough men to know a top when I see one, and right now" Angel paused and looked Adam up and down. "I don't."
Adam heaved a deep sigh and let himself lower his back to the bed, carefully so as to not hurt his wounds. Angel followed, flopping carelessly and making Fat Nuggets oink in surprise as he went with. Angel rolled onto his side, then turned onto his belly, putting Fat Nuggets between himself and Adam. He propped his head up on his hands, looking at Adam.
"So tell me what you were thinking about at lunch. We got privacy now. I'll fill Husk in for ya later." Angel suggested. Adam paused, thinking of the best way to phrase it.
"Well, I was feeling embarrassed, and this time for a good reason. The same reason Alastor was so quiet at lunch. He… he barged in on us without knocking and saw me and Lucifer tongue kissing. I never even noticed he was there until he slammed the door. Lucifer kinda… went right back to business. I didn't realize who saw us until Alastor was acting weird at the table."
Angel gasped and grinned, hugging Fat Nuggets excitedly but gently. His eyes were sparkling again. Adam blushed, unsure why Angel was so invested in his love life. Adam blinked, unsure if this was a love life or… something else.
"Aw, what's so embarrassing about that? It's his fault for not knocking. You and Lucifer are both divorced. You didn't do anything wrong." Angel pointed out.
"Wrong, no, but Alastor hates me. It was embarrassing for me to have him see me on my back underneath Lucifer like that. It's a pretty vulnerable position. I thought for sure he was going to say something demeaning about me being Lucifer's bitch or something." Adam muttered. Angel tried to contain his excitement, so as to not discourage Adam from telling him details in the future.
"Yeah that is one thing you don't need to worry about. Al doesn't acknowledge sex is a thing at all if he can help it. He'll never mock you with sex jokes or insults because he won't talk about sex period. He's pretty hardcore Ace." Angel explained with a shrug.
"Lucifer mentioned that. When I heard the door slam and asked what it was, he just said it was 'an asexual poking his nose where it doesn't belong and regretting his decisions'." Adam repeated. Angel Dust laughed.
"If you ask me, it's a good thing. Otherwise, I would feel sorry for anyone who caught that sadistic fuck's eye." Adam muttered. Angel laughed again.
"Hey, if he was into it, I would totally do him." Angel commented. Adam made a gagging noise.
"Ew, gross. Angel, I know you're a whore, but you deserve to have SOME sort of standards." Adam rolled over on his side to face Angel.
"You kidding, Adam? We're in hell and some sinners are REALLY not gifted in the looks department. Alastor's fucking hot. I have done men SOOOOO much worse. I think you may be spoiled. Most of us aren't lucky enough to have a chance to get some royal dick, you know." Angel pointed out, kicking his feet lighty. Adam just rolled his eyes.
"He looks fine, aside from that huge creepy perma-grin. Haven't you heard of personality points, though? He's a sociopathic, sadistic freak. Those put Alastor WAY into the negative." Adam asserted, reaching between them to gently scratch Fat Nuggets just above his tail, which made the pig oink in delight and lean in.
"Again, this is hell, Adam. You get used to being surrounded by freaks of one variety or another. We're called 'sinners' for a reason." Angel pointed out. Adam frowned.
"You seem like a really great person though. As long as I've known you, you've been kind, forgiving, brave, selfless… If I'm overstepping, feel free to tell me to shut the fuck up, but why are you even here?" Adam asked. It hit him now that he'd had yet to see Angel do anything that should have damned him. Angel shrugged, but his smile fell away and he looked down at the sheets.
"Let's just say I was born into a mob family and leave the details out." Angel answered. "Well, that and you know, the whole being gay thing. I used to be pretty uncomfortable with it, but once I got here, I figured fuck it, I'm already in hell, so I'll do what I want." Angel muttered, a bit brought down. Adam reacted with surprise.
"No, it was definitely the mob stuff. You didn't go to hell for being GAY. You don't think there are queer people in heaven?" Adam asked, stunned.
"There are?" Angel Dust asked, raising his head with surprise.
"Well fucking duh. I'm bisexual and I got there, didn't I? Homosexuality, pansexuality, asexuality, demisexuality, nothing of that sort is a sin. Neither is being transgender or gender fluid, or non binary, yada yada. You don't go to hell for what you ARE, you go to hell for what you DO. Think about it. If only cisgender heterosexuals had a chance to get into heaven, hell would be populated with a lot of good people whose only 'sin' was being born wrong." Adam was trying to resist ranting. Angel stopped kicking his feet.
"Wait but what about that leviticus verse?" Angel asked, trying to remember the verse he'd heard from so many homophobic voices in his life, the voices who had let him know it was not safe outside the closet. Adam groaned in annoyance, then took a deep breath and reminded himself to keep his temper.
"It's a mistranslation. The more modern versions of the bible are rife with mistranslations either from honest error, or deliberate rewriting by corrupt clergy trying to control people. You're thinking of Leviticus 18: 22 'Man shall not lie with man as with a woman; for it is an abomination.' First of all the word 'man' was originally gender neutral as short for human. Secondly it should have been translated as 'man should not lie with young boy as with a woman' The abomination is pedophilia, not homosexuality.
"As a man who spent thousands of years in heaven and has seen countless souls enter the gates, take it from me: As long as everyone involved is a consenting adult, sex is really not sinful. As the first man, having sex and raising my children was my whole job. How could I have gotten to heaven if sex was innately sinful? How can an act that is NECESSARY for the human race to continue be innately sinful? The idea that sex is wrong unless specifically inside a heterosexual marriage is a myth made up by guys like Alastor who were uncomfortable with their own sexuality or with sex in general and wanted everyone else to be as ashamed and uncomfortable as they were. " Adam gave Angel a comforting smile. He took one of Angel's hands and squeezed it gently.
"There is nothing wrong with the way you are." Adam murmured his reassurance. Angel smiled and wiped his eyes, which were getting misty.
"Shit, don't get me started with the water works, Adam." Angel muttered. Yet, he squeezed Adam's hand back. Both men sat up to the sound of a knock on the door.
"Come in." Angel said. The door opened. Lucifer stood there, a small smile on his face. Adam smiled back at him.
"Did everything go okay? That seemed a lot longer than I thought it would take." Adam commented, pretending to not know Lucifer had finished the call earlier.
"I went to get a drink to help me settle down. Did you have more fun with Angel?" Lucifer asked.
"Yeah, just talking and loving on Fat Nuggets. See ya later, Angel." Adam stood up and went over to Lucifer. The king bid Angel goodbye and left the room with Adam in tow. Adam was silent for a moment.
"How bad did you let him have it?" Adam asked, deciding to try to act as if he'd not heard the phone call.
"I made myself clear. Valentino knows you are not for sale in any capacity, and that you won't be appearing in his trashy films. He shouldn't be making any such stupid suggestions again." Lucifer took Adam's hand. They walked silently for a moment before Adam spoke again.
"Where are we going now?" Adam asked.
"Back to the bedroom. I have some work to do, political business and such. I can handle it from my laptop, but it does really need my attention. I've been putting it off the last few days…" Lucifer admitted.
"I've been taking the lion's share of your attention since I got here." Adam muttered, glancing away and feeling a little guilty. Lucifer squeezed his hand.
"You needed it. I had to make sure you weren't a danger to yourself or others. You may not have your axe, but you're still incredibly strong and a trained fighter. Not to mention, you were in a very emotionally fragile and vulnerable headspace. I couldn't predict your behavior, so I needed to be extra vigilant to make sure you wouldn't do something irrational. Now that you've started settling in, I can afford to be less watchful. You NEEDED my attention." Lucifer emphasized. Adam chuckled.
"Incredibly strong? That's rich coming from the man who beat my ass without breaking a sweat… Speaking of my axe, am I ever going to get it back, or should I just give up on that now?" Adam muttered. He prepared himself to accept bad news without complaint. Lucifer paused to think again as they continued walking towards Lucifer's bedroom.
"...Maybe. We'll see if you can earn your axe privileges back. Just don't hold your breath. It's unlikely to be very soon." Lucifer spoke firmly.
Adam couldn't help but smile. He was pleased and a little excited to receive anything but a no. Once they reached Lucifer's room, Lucifer held the door as usual. Adam entered the room, unaware of Lucifer enjoying his view of Adam's ass as he followed the younger man into the room.
"Alright, let's check your wounds before we get settled." Lucifer ordered gently. Adam pulled his shirt off and carefully put it aside. Lucifer went to retrieve the supplies while Adam took his wound care position on the bed. Lucifer returned and began the routine, stripping off the bandages and inspecting the wounds.
"Good, they're looking much better. They look much less irritated today, and they're showing signs of healing again. How do they feel? I worry sometimes that you don't complain when you're hurting." Lucifer asked. Adam shrugged lightly.
"They're amputations. They're going to hurt like fuck. No use bitching. They feel better than they have though." Adam muttered. Lucifer applied the antiseptic, making Adam flinch.
"You need to talk to me if you're in unusual amounts of pain, Adam. I can't take the best possible care of you if you don't talk to me. It's not bitching, it's communicating." Lucifer followed up with the pain relief gel.
"Yes, Lucifer." Adam answered. It used to be so uncomfortable to allow Lucifer to attend to his wounds. Adam glanced up at Lucifer, watching him carefully place the bandages.
Adam released a small sigh. He missed his wings. He missed flying so much… but there was no use complaining. His wings had been clipped and that was all there was to it. He was grounded. Soon the scars would be the only evidence they had ever been. Adam's left arm left its folded position so he could rub his neck lightly.
"There, all done for now." Lucifer murmured. In a few moments the clean up leftover from wound care was done.
The younger angel headed to the bookshelf and looked for something to read, so he could occupy himself quietly while Lucifer worked. Lucifer removed his boots but left his hat and coat on, and pulled his laptop out from its storage shelf in the closet. He plugged it in and set himself up to work on the bed. Adam joined him when he'd selected a book and sat back on the pillows to read.
Lucifer went to work and Adam opened his book. Adam quickly sank into his reading while the king typed away on his keyboard, the clicking becoming white noise to Adam. Lucifer sent off email after email as he caught up with a few days of missed work. Occasionally, Lucifer paused and glanced over to smile at Adam as he changed positions for comfort.
Once in a while, Adam sent furtive glances at Lucifer. He kept becoming distracted from his book by Lucifer's words ringing in his head. The sweet names he had called him, the passion with which he had asserted his 'rights', and the fury with which he had denied Valentino any access to him all echoed in his mind. Adam couldn't remember the last time he had felt so wanted, so desirable, and so vigorously defended. It was odd to him. Adam had been a well trained and capable exorcist for so long, so why did he like feeling protected?
The former human wondered if perhaps it led back to the old days, right after Eden, when he was struggling to provide for and protect himself and Eve. Back then every moment was a fight he was never prepared for. He had felt so helpless and afraid. Were those dark days still lurking in the back corners of his mind even after nine thousand years in heaven?
In the lobby of the hotel, Angel Dust was sitting at the bar, filling Husk in on what he'd recently learned. Niffty was scurrying around, tidying up. Angel had not ordered anything. He was too excited to drink.
"You're fucking kidding. Those two are kissing already? From last night at the bar, it seemed like they were still at the hand-holding stage." Husk commented, moderately interested, but nowhere near as excited as Angel.
"I saw Lucifer kiss him with my own eyes in the hall! Ask Al if you don't believe me. He saw it too. Speaking of, you wanna hear why Alastor was dead silent during lunch? He was upset because when he went to go ask them to the movie night, he barged into their room. And what did he see? Those two tongue-kissing on the bed." Angel declared.
"Oh yeah, that'd do it. He probably didn't want to look at either one of them." Husk chuckled at the thought of Alastor walking in on Lucifer and Adam kissing. The look on his face would have been priceless to Husk.
Angel's statement drew Niffty's attention, and she zipped over. She jumped, trying to grab the edge of a barstool so she could pull herself up. Angel reached down and grabbed her by her dress, seating her on the stool, so she could join the conversation.
"WHO was kissing?" Niffty asked, bouncing energetically on her seat. She thought she'd heard, but wasn't quite sure.
"Lucifer and Adam. Those two are a couple now. I saw them lock lips myself." Angel Dust affirmed proudly.
"Lucifer and Adam? Two of the baddest boys in hell…kissing?!" Niffty grinned and her eye went starry with delight. She let out a long screeching noise that was best described as a closed mouth scream.
"Hold on just a second. Legs, where did you hear that Alastor walked in on those two kissing? I know Alastor wouldn't have told you." Husk wanted to consider the reliability of Angel's information. Angel smirked again.
"Adam told me himself. That's why HE was being so quiet at lunch, and why Lucifer was in such a great mood. Adam was embarrassed because Alastor walked in on them kissing on the bed. Adam was lying on his back with Lucifer on top of him. Lucifer was so upbeat because he'd just finally gotten some amorous action for the first time in years." Angel told them, waggling his eyebrows. Niffty let out another, shorter closed mouth scream and grabbed Angel Dust by the shirt.
"Tell. Me. EVERYTHING. I wanna know every detail!" Niffty demanded, her grin large and a bit frightening. Angel grinned back, glad to have someone else to tell.
"Okay, okay, I'll spill, Nif. And don't stretch out my new shirt." Angel took her hands off his shirt and cleared his throat.
"So, Adam spilled a lot to me while we were out. Turns out he's kinda loose lipped even when he's stone cold sober. He told me in the shop that he's been sleeping in Lucifer's bed since the hotel was rebuilt. And not just one man to each side. They've been spooning at night." Angel leaned in when he told her what Husk had already heard before lunch. Niffty put her hands over her mouth and giggled almost manically.
"Who's the big spoon and who's the little spoon?!" Niffty demanded, nearly vibrating. Alastor rose up, silent and unnoticed, out of a shadow behind the bar.
"Adam's little spoon and Lucifer's big spoon. Lucifer's such a clinger. Heck, Adam ain't even allowed to get out of bed unless Lucifer's up. Just yesterday he got out of bed when he wasn't supposed to, and Lucifer yanked him back into bed by the leash in his sleep. Lucifer's so clingy, he even clings in his sleep." Angel laughed.
Alastor leaned partly over Husk's shoulder, in towards the group. Before he could speak, the sight of his face suddenly appearing from one side made Husk jump and drew a rather feline yowl of fright from his throat. He gasped for air and put one hand over his pounding heart. Alastor laughed.
"Oh, Husk. Don't be such a scaredy cat… Now Angel, that is some interesting gossip. Lucifer's precious pet isn't so perfectly behaved after all. And Lucifer actually punished him for once? That IS some news."
"More! Tell me more!" Niffty demanded, eye so wide and round it almost looked like a plate. Angel laughed at her eagerness.
"Well, the other night, Lucifer and Adam were drinking with us. Lucifer stepped away to take a phone call. And ya know what Adam did? Adam started talking about how hot Lucifer is. Just gushing about Lucifer's face, hair, body, his personality. I'm telling ya, Niffty, Adam wants Lucifer, and Lucifer wants Adam right back. Those two are closer to fucking than I thought." Angel asserted.
Alastor stood up straight and immediately walked out from behind the bar and exited the lobby, seeing where this conversation was about to go. Husk smirked watching Alastor leave, then turned his attention back to Angel.
"You wanna make watching this unfold more interesting? We could make a bet on when they'll finally do the deed." Husk suggested with a smirk. Angel leaned in.
"Why not? Sounds like fun. How much money are we talking about?" Angel Dust asked, leaning in.
"I wanna join in too!" Niffty cut in, standing on the stool and leaning over on the bar to be closer to the guys. Angel put a hand on the spinning stool to steady it so she wouldn't fall.
"Sheesh, RELAX, Nif. Okay, you're in. Lemme go grab some paper and we'll write down and place our bets." Angel stood up and went to go find some paper.
Several hours later, when dinner was over, Lucifer and Adam were getting ready for Charlie's movie night bonding session. Lucifer had chosen a set of long white pajamas with cute ducklings printed on them. Adam chose a red pair of pajamas with a design of white hearts.
Adam stared at Lucifer while he changed. From the corner of his eye, the younger angel's gaze wandered over Lucifer's flawless white skin, over his collarbone, down his chest and abs, taking in the definition of his muscles. Adam felt more comfortable this time, as he subtly admired Lucifer's body while putting on his own pajamas. Before he had the chance to admire too much, Lucifer slipped his pajamas on and glanced over at Adam, smirking.
"Adam, were you eyeing me?" Lucifer asked softly. Adam had just pulled his pants on and picked up the shirt. He glanced away from Lucifer.
"No, what makes you think that?" Adam replied, trying to act casual. He pulled the shirt over his head, wincing slightly at the pull from his wounds as he raised his arms up over his head to get the garment on.
"If you weren't looking at me, then what were you thinking about that made you start blushing?" Lucifer approached until he was standing very close, still smirking. Adam bit his lip and struggled for an answer. Adam looked away from Lucifer. Suddenly the collar appeared around Adam's neck. Lucifer gave the leash a gentle tug to make Adam look.
"Down." Lucifer commanded in a gentle tone. Adam smiled softly.
"Did you mean bend down, or on my knees?" Adam questioned. Lucifer shrugged.
"Either way, so long as I can reach you." Lucifer answered. Adam bent down to put his head and face in Lucifer's reach. Lucifer relished the sight of Adam in his beautiful, gleaming gold collar for a moment, then leaned in to kiss him.
Lucifer kept this a brief caress of the lips. There wasn't time to take delight in each other's bodies right now. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he pulled back. Lucifer kept hold of the chain, keeping Adam looking directly into his eyes.
"You don't need to steal glances, my prize. You are welcome to look at me anytime you please." Lucifer took Adam's right hand and placed it over his heart. Adam could feel Lucifer's heartbeat beneath his hand.
"And you are always welcome to touch me." Lucifer murmured. Adam felt his own heart speed up while Lucifer's beat at a calm, steady rate. Adam took a moment to search through his own feelings. He took Lucifer's hand, and placed it on his cheek, then leaned his head into Lucifer's hand.
"It... It doesn't bother me when you look at me, and your touch is always gladly received. I enjoy it very much." Adam whispered, trying not to let his face flush again. Lucifer released the leash and it vanished. Adam stood up straight again. Lucifer looked Adam over briefly.
"You look adorable in those pajamas, very good choice." Lucifer murmured. Adam smiled warmly.
"Those ducky pajamas are cute. They almost make me forget how capable of whooping ass you are. Kinda hurts your intimidation factor a little bit." Adam teased. Lucifer just chuckled.
"Are we ready?" He asked. Adam glanced down at his pajamas.
"I guess so. I feel a little silly going out in my pajamas." Adam muttered. Silently, he was thankful that Alastor wasn't going to be there. Lucifer shrugged.
"It's a pajama party. You'd look silly if you were the only one NOT wearing them." Lucifer turned and headed for the door. His staff rested against the headboard, as he'd opted to leave it behind for the movie night. He opened the door and motioned for Adam to precede him, which Adam did.
Lucifer quickly caught up to walk at Adam's right side as they headed down the halls. Adam hesitated briefly, then took Lucifer's hand. Lucifer smiled and gave Adam's hand a gentle squeeze. Adam squeezed back slightly, once again noticing the hard but warm metal of Lucifer's wedding ring.
They passed by the kitchen on their way and just a few yards down the hall they arrived at their destination. A large sectional couch was made up comfortably with lots of extra pillows and blankets in front of a large flat screen tv.
Niffty was running around on the couch in sock feet fluffing all the pillows. She was wearing a simple black silky looking nightgown with lady bugs printed on it. She had a big grin on her face, looking overjoyed to be attending.
"Hi Dad, hi Adam!" Charlie greeted as she threw some more pillows on the couch. She was dressed in a set of super comfortable looking fuzzy pajamas decorated with rainbow unicorns. Adam and Lucifer smiled at her, both thinking the same thought: Charlie looked adorable.
"Hi there Apple Dumpling," Lucifer released Adam's hand to go give Charlie a hug. Charlie hugged him hard, popping Lucifer's back.
"Where have you two been?" Vaggie asked curiously. She wore a simple but practical yellow nightgown. It was mainly plain with a small yellow bow at the middle of the collar, and a slight frill on the end of the skirt.
"I was just in my bedroom catching up on some work, so now I'm free to enjoy movie night without any distraction. Anything we can do to help?" Lucifer asked.
"I think we got it set up." Husk answered. The cat demon was wearing nothing but a set of orange sleeping shorts. Not that it mattered with his thick fur. He'd even forgone his usual hat.
Charlie went over to the movies she'd chosen and looked at them to decide which to play first. The young woman narrowed her eyes.
"Angel! Take this and give the other one back! We are not watching one of your pornos tonight." Charlie demanded Angel smirked and reached under the couch cushion, handing over the movie Charlie had chosen and taking back his movie that he'd planted.
"So what you're saying is, another night." Angel Dust teased. Angel was wearing a red lacy teddy, and some sort of red fuzzy, boot like slippers. It was then Adam noticed that Angel seemed to always keep his feet covered.
"That is NOT what she's saying!" Vaggie snapped defensively. Angel Dust shrugged, unbothered.
"Okay everyone, let's get comfortable and let movie night begin." Charlie put the first disk in the player. With that everyone seated themselves on the large sectional. Angel seated himself on the chaise lounge section and comfortably stretched out his legs, then pulled one of the blankets over himself.
Husk sat next to Angel, locking his hands and stretching his arms above his head before he settled in. The cat demon did not opt to use any blanket. Next to Husk sat Vaggie, leaving just a little space between them. She pulled over one of the loose blankets to lay across her lap. Adam waited, assuming Lucifer would tell him where to sit again.
Lucifer took a spot by Vaggie, but left space in between them for Charlie. Lucifer smiled at Adam and patted the spot to his other side invitingly. That left Adam in the corner of the L shaped couch. Adam took the indicated spot, leaving his feet propped up on the other side of the couch. Lucifer carefully adjusted the pillows behind Adam to make sure his wounds had plenty of cushion. Adam grabbed a large blanket that had been tossed on the couch and passed part of it over to Lucifer so they could share.
Charlie started the movie playing and turned out the lights, then joined the group on the couch, nestling between her girlfriend and her father. Niffty climbed up and sat on the back of the couch, still grinning.
"Hey Niffty, are you gonna be comfortable enough up there? There's still plenty of space… on the part of the couch you're actually supposed to sit on." Adam asked with concern. Lucifer smiled, taking notice that Adam was showing concern for others at no benefit to himself.
"I'll be fine. I can see better up here anyway." Niffty assured. Up there, she could not only see the screen, but she would have a good view if the bad boys kissed during the movie marathon.
The first movie Charlie and Vaggie had chosen was a musical. As the opening number began, everyone settled into their seats comfortably. Angel leaned over slightly, resting against Husk. The cat demon did not appear to mind and let his tail rest across Angel's lap. Vaggie and Charlie each placed one arm around each other and cuddled up under their shared blanket. Charlie held Lucifer's hand with her free hand. Lucifer held Adam's hand with his remaining hand, their laced fingers underneath the blanket they were sharing. Adam nestled into his little corner, feeling little pain from his wounds thanks to the abundance of pillows.
Everyone enjoyed the movie to some extent. There was some minor whispering between viewers but nothing too disruptive. When the movie was over, everyone took it as an opportunity to get up and stretch or go off for a bathroom break.
Adam stood up to stretch his legs and back. Lucifer seemed content to remain comfortably seated.
"Hey, anybody else got room for some popcorn now?" Angel Dust asked. Everyone agreed that popcorn sounded like a good idea.
"I'll make the popcorn. I could stand to stretch my legs a bit anyway." Adam volunteered. He waited a moment, expecting that Lucifer would want to join him. Lucifer didn't make a move to get up.
"Aren't you going to go with him?" Vaggie asked curiously. Lucifer shrugged.
"Nah, the kitchen is just down the hall. I'm sure he can handle making some popcorn without making any mischief in the process." Lucifer assured, continuing to lounge in his seat. With that, Adam headed down the hall by himself.
Once in the kitchen he found the supplies he needed. A large pot with a lid, some vegetable oil, the popcorn kernels, and some butter and salt for seasoning. Once the kernels and oil were in the pot heating up, Adam melted the butter in the microwave, careful not to make a mess, and set the small bowl aside while he focused on the popcorn. Soon the kernels began to pop.
While he waited, occasionally shaking the pot to get unpopped kernels to the bottom, Adam sank into his thoughts. Mostly he was thinking about himself and Lucifer. He was starting to care very much for Lucifer. He dared not say or even think the L word yet, but he knew he was emotionally attached. Yet, what was Lucifer feeling? Was the sexual behavior between them a sign of more romantic affection? Or did Lucifer simply see it as indulging in entertainment? Adam was afraid to ask.
Adam was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of clicking heels. Adam hoped Alastor would pass by. He silently cursed when he heard the footsteps stop. Adam pretended not to notice, still holding out hope the deer overlord would go away. He heard the footsteps entering the kitchen and silently cursed again.
"Hello, Alastor. What do you want?" Adam asked, not turning around from the popping popcorn. Alastor grabbed him by the arm and tugged him a step back from the stove, then turned him around.
"I told you before to look at me when I speak to you. What are you doing all alone again, Pet? You didn't sneak off, did you?" Alastor asked. Adam rolled his eyes.
"As much as you love radio and broadcasting on it, I would think you'd be used to people not looking at you when you speak. No, I did not 'sneak off'. I offered to make popcorn for everyone, and Lucifer let me do it on my own. I guess he trusts me more than he used to. You know I don't disobey him." Adam stated. Alastor chuckled and bent down just a little to bring them eye to eye.
"That's what I THOUGHT, but I heard differently today. It seems your master has spoiled you too much and you're forgetting your place. I heard that yesterday you couldn't manage to obey one of Lucifer's simplest rules. You had to go and leave your master's bed when you weren't allowed." Alastor replied smugly, poking Adam in the chest with his sharp fingernail. Adam blinked in surprise.
"How did you…? Angel Dust!" Adam growled slightly in annoyance. He was going to slap Angel upside the head when he went back in the tv room.
"Bingo. You really should be careful what you say to him. Angel is quite the gossip." Alastor straightened himself back up to his full height. Adam glared.
"Yes, Angel's a gossip and you are an arrogant asshole." Adam answered. It wasn't the best response, but Adam thought it was better than silence.
"And you are a spoiled, DISOBEDIENT pet. Be careful to behave from now on. If you're too unruly you might lose the privilege of being a HOUSE pet and end up on a chain out back like a misbehaved dog.
"But, I'm sure you won't be trying that again after being literally put back in your place by the leash, will you? I'm sure it was dreadfully uncomfortable to be dragged back into bed by your neck. You'll be a good pet for your master from now on, won't you?" Alastor asked smoothly. He could see the anger building up in Adam's eyes.
Adam turned back to the popcorn as the popping slowed and turned the stove off. Adam took the pot over to the large bowl he'd readied and dumped the popcorn into it. He drew a deep breath trying to calm himself as he quickly salted the popcorn and poured the butter over it. Alastor waited patiently. He followed Adam over to where he was dressing the snack. Adam sighed in annoyance that Alastor was still staring at him expectantly for a response.
"Would to STOP fucking calling me Lucifer's pet? I am not his dog! I am not his bird! And I am not his pet!" Adam snapped. He kept his voice low in volume, so as not to alert the others down the hall, but the anger oozed from his voice. Alastor chuckled again.
"You absolutely are, and a spoiled one at that. Lucifer may not say so with his words, but he says so with his actions daily. Actions speak louder than words, as they say. Besides, he never denies it when I call you his pet." Alastor pointed out.
"That's because he knows you won't fucking listen anyway." Adam replied.
"So why do you deny it? Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" Alastor asked, lowering his voice to nearly a whisper, as if to emphasize the impact of the words themselves. The overlord waited a moment, keeping eye contact. Adam stared back into his eyes in silence, unable to answer, but unwilling to look away, lest Alastor mistake the gesture for shame.
"You chose this fate yourself when you agreed to Lucifer's deal. Best to just accept it, Pet."
"Adam! Are you about done in there? We're waiting on you." Lucifer called down the hallway.
"Yes! I'll be right there!" Adam called out the door. The angel picked up the large bowl of popcorn, then paused and turned his eyes back to Alastor with a glare. Alastor's expression had turned extra smug as he watched Adam practically jump to Lucifer's call. He leaned on his cane slightly.
"Run along now. Master's calling you." Alastor said, the superiority dripping from his tone. He made a shoo motion with his free hand. Adam glared at him more sharply, but turned his back on the deer demon and left the kitchen to return to the rest of the hotel residents.
As he returned to the room, Adam put on a smile and opted not to smack Angel upside the head. He didn't want to have to explain himself and reveal that Alastor had been bothering him. Lucifer was clingy enough already, so he decided to bear Alastor's pestering in silence.
Adam handed the bowl to Lucifer and turned to readjust his pillows before settling back down in his spot. Charlie started the second movie and the popcorn was repeatedly passed back and forth, everyone partaking. Lucifer and Adam both took care to remember to lift the bowl up so Niffty could get her turn at the snack.
The second movie played was the romantic comedy Charlie had chosen specifically for Adam. As the popcorn ran out and it grew late, the energy in the room began to wane. Everyone snuggled with the people close to them, aside from Niffty who remained perched on the back of the couch.
When the second movie ended, the group again took a break before Charlie started the third. Now everyone was already drowsy, but no one wanted to disappoint Charlie by going to bed early, so everyone returned to the couch and took their chosen seats once again.
About halfway through the last movie, people began to fall asleep. Lucifer was first to nod off, leaning over on Charlie. The princess of hell squirmed uncomfortably from the weight.
"Dad, you're falling asleep on me." Charlie whispered. Lucifer muttered something unintelligible, still mostly asleep. Adam slipped his arm between the two of them and gently pulled Lucifer over to lean on his side instead. The king nestled into him, now tucked under Adam's arm. The younger angel readjusted their blanket.
"Thanks, Adam." Charlie whispered again, snuggling closer to a dozing Vaggie. Adam yawned, eyes still on the screen.
"No problem, Princess." Adam murmured, struggling to stay awake. Soon, Adam drifted off too.
Sometime later, Adam woke up. The movie had finished playing and returned to the main menu. Adam looked around him.
Angel Dust had nodded off, somewhat sliding down the couch so that he was partially lying down. Husk was curled up, lying in Angel's lap and snoring. Vaggie had slowly fallen over into Husk's now vacant spot, on top of a pillow likely slipped under her head by Charlie. The princess herself was lying next to Vaggie and sharing said pillow, the two nestled closely thanks to the narrow space.
Sleepily, Adam glanced up and back. Nifty was lying on the back of the couch like a cat. Adam picked her up as carefully as he could with one hand, as he could not use the other arm without waking Lucifer. Niffty stayed out as Adam gently set her down on the other side of Lucifer, setting her head on a stray pillow. Adam adjusted the blanket he and Lucifer shared so that there was enough on Lucifer's side to share with Niffty too and tucked her in.
Adam considered trying to turn the television off, but he would not be able to reach the remote without disturbing Lucifer. The first man decided to let it be. He yawned and nestled back into his corner of the couch, settling his arm around Lucifer again. Adam simply shut his eyes to go back to sleep.
Before he could drift off, Adam heard the sound of clicking heels coming down the hallway. Adam kept his eyes closed in a pretense of sleep. He tried to keep his body as relaxed as possible so as not to give himself away. Vaguely, he wondered what time it was, and why Alastor was still awake. He heard the clicking turn to cushioned footfalls as Alastor's feet hit the carpet.
Alastor looked around the room, bathed in the blue glow of the television. He looked over the sleeping group. He ran an affectionate hand through Niffty's hair, then adjusted the blanket Charlie and Vaggie were sharing. Alastor picked up the remote and turned the television off, then sauntered out of the room, his heels clicking again as he walked away. Adam breathed a soft sigh of relief and fell back to sleep.