The Low Hanging Fruit [for ontheair/thelittleapple]

[thisducks]

continuation from this bakerstreet meme

[ And Alastor lands on the thing that Lucifer has wanted to do, again and again. It feeds into his beliefs, the endless shadows and demons that speak whispers into his thoughts, the plague of Humanity's evils that his fellow angels had cursed him to always know.

But then his daughter had held out her hand, telling him her lofty dream, golden and bright, and asked him to believe in it. All he wants is to support her, to make the only thing he ever made that he could be proud of shine as brightly as she can. It just... doesn't stop the reality of his life. ]

Leaving would hurt her more. Being here brings my name to the hotel. [ For all that he's certain he doesn't quite live up to said name, he does as well as he can. More so, it's not really the truth.

He's scared they'll come for her. With Adam's attempt on Charlie's life, the Accord he set with Heaven is broken- the Hellborn are no longer safe.

Nothing, not even himself, will stop him from defending her. She is worth everything to him. More than anything. ]

Comments

[ontheair]

[Oh, how he wishes he could savour that first moment more, the delicious satisfaction of a blow well struck. It might have taken some of the sting out of the horrific events of being so outclassed and humiliated, but... he's too busy reeling at his own words echoing between them, or at least words in his voice, to do anything other than react with teeth bared in a smile that's all jagged splinters.

He knows he could respond simply with something like "I don't want to tell you" because it would be the perfect truth-- but he must be careful, he doesn't want Lucifer adding an additional compulsion to blurt out truths.]

That information is reserved only for those I trust.

[And given that's only himself, it's private.

Thankfully, he turns back into himself again. The constant back and forth, the pain of his bones constricting and expanding, is taking a toll. His breath is slightly more forced, and he has to will himself not to reach up and touch the angelic wound throbbing beneath his shirt.]

I believe we're done here, unless you intend on sharing my dinner with me.

[Get out, leave him to lick his wounds, and forget what he said.]

[thisducks]

If you're threatening my daughter or this hotel... [ Something doesn't seem right - the transformation shouldn't hurt him. Be a shock to the system and humiliating? Absolutely, but not painful. However, the bigger issue is clearly the comment about the supposed danger. ]

I'm not going to let you or anyone else threaten more harm on her after everything they've been through.

[ There's so much Alastor doesn't know, about his reasons things have been as they've been, but it will never stop stinging that so much of it is because of him - fair or otherwise. ]

[ontheair]

[In order to keep himself calm and keep his hands occupied so he doesn't reach for that fucking wound that just won't heal, Alastor turns back to his stew to try and salvage it.]

I have no intention of hurting Charlie.

[He has to choose his words so carefully now, he would rather the truth he speaks is curated rather than chosen for him by the curse. He has no intention of harming her currently, the Deal prohibits it and his own plans rely on her continuing to thrive and grow her power, but it doesn't mean he won't.

His smile becomes something more sardonic, and a little bitter.]

I'm her loyal hotelier. Now please leave, Sire, your presence is ruining my appetite.

This notif never came into my email?!?!

[thisducks]

...I'm watching you, Alastor.

[ His eyes narrow, his gaze one of severe displeasure on all of this, but Alastor's 'truth' settled badly in the pit of his stomach. Something needed to be understood here, but he isn't quite sure what. If there is a threat to this Hotel, and more importantly to Charlie... he needs to find the truth as soon as possible. ]

If you, or anyone, tries to harm her...

[ But he breathes out and walks towards the door, his fingers clenching at his side. The demon can 'enjoy' his state of existence until he figures out where the threat is coming from. ]

that is super rude of dw not to notify you - 1/2

[ontheair]

I hope you enjoy the show then, Your Majesty.

[It's not a lie, more-- a delicate skirting of the whole truth, he's already testing his bounds with how far he can take this before his punishment kicks in.

Dark amused laughter will follow Lucifer to the door, even though Alastor feels anything but amused right now. He's furious and fearful, humiliated, and in severe pain from the hidden wound.

Only once Lucifer is gone, when he is alone, does he let himself sag to rest both hands on the table, breathing shallow and fast as his antlers grow.]

2/2

[thelittleapple]

[Charlie has been pacing nervously since she got back to the hotel, worried about how her Dad's talk with Alastor would go. Four times she nearly heads down herself to mediate, and only Vaggie's gentle (sleepy) hand on her arm keeps her in the room.

But she's watching her phone every twenty seconds for the text she's supposed to get when they're done. Why aren't they done yet? What if they got in another fight? What if this one turned physical? What if one of them is hurt?

Okay, she can't resist... Each text being sent about a minute after the last one.]

Hey Dad, just wondering if you're done? :)

Just checking in! No rush, of course!

I think maybe the hotel has bad signal and maybe you've been trying to text me? I've gone up to the roof to get better signal just in case!

It's me again, Dad, are you still talking to Alastor?

It's Charlie, by the way! :)

omg. Charlie. XD

[thisducks]

[ The rush of texts he gets all at once when he steps out of the Radio Demon's space... it actually boggles Lucifer for several seconds before he facepalms, then starts typing with both thumbs. ]

Charlie! We're done talking. I'm alive, Alastor's alive.

Please tell me you aren't still on the roof.

[ Sigh. Is Charlie... really in danger? It will stay with him, even as he goes to head towards the kitchen. Shoveling some food down sounds like a cooping plan right now. ]

[thelittleapple]

[Oh, thank goodness! Charlie just about drops her phone over the side of the roof of the hotel in relief, scrambling to text back.]

Noooooo! Why would I still be on the roof? I'm SO GLAD it all went okay.

[Phew. Beaming she turns to go back inside and... hm. Well.]

Funny story! Maybe I am on the roof, and I forgot to prop open the door properly to come back in, would you mind?

[thisducks]

...Charlie...

[ Lucifer laughs a little despite the heaviness of what happened in Alastor's room, looking vaguely upwards as he feels for where Charlie might be. His portal isn't perfectly before her, but it's close enough that the golden light gives it away as he steps back, looking amused. ]

Sweetie, you have the hotel key.

[thelittleapple]

...oh. Right. Of course!

[Oops. She looks a bit ashamed as she steps through the portal, huffing a small laugh and rubbing the back of her head. It's just her mind had been too full of possible Dad and Alastor confrontations to think of anything like keys (or KeeKees).]

Thanks, Dad.

[Eyes just raking him up and down to make sur he's not a mess of either angel or demon blood. And then a question in a faux casual tone, as if he hasn't already answered this via text.]

So, um, how did it go with Alastor?

[thisducks]

[ He looks just fine! Tired, but then again, he always looks tired doesn't he? No blood, not even a bit of ripped clothing. ]

Oh, it went just fine, Charlie! In fact, when I left, I think Alastor was feeling a bit sheepish about the whole thing. Not that you have to fawn over him or anything. I doubt he'll do anything of the sort again. So - problem solved.

[ Complete with an easy grin... entirely because he knows and loves his own terrible puns. ]

[thelittleapple]

[She doesn't get the puns (except perhaps the fawn one given Alastor's obvious deer features), because she doesn't know what he's done to Alastor. She would be horrified if she did... telling the truth needs to be done voluntarily from the heart, not forced, or it means nothing.

Still, he looks unhurt and even more chipper than he had before, so she'll accept that it really did go okay and lean in to give him a tight hug.]

I'm so glad, but it's important that we don't just leave things here. You've had your conversation about the things that went wrong, now it's time to set them right so you can heal and bond.

[It's clear she believes in this 10000%, practically vibrating with determination and optimism.]

I've worked out a few exercises I think you and Alastor can try together while I was, um-- taking in the view.

[While she was fretting on the roof.]

[thisducks]

[ In his opinion, in this particular case, the wound needs to be bled of its poison before any kind of 'healing' can take place and he isn't afraid to be the one to lance it while he knows Charlie would hesitate. Not everything can be sunshine and rainbows; sometimes the truth of what lies inside of a person is something ugly and rotten.

Not that he's any exception to that rule.

However, he does raise a brow at his daughter and deadpans- ]

I'm not doing trust exercises with Alastor. He can heal, I can- return to the norm, and he can 'bond' with the other sinners here.

that face god

[thelittleapple]

Daaaaaad.

[She looks down at him with the world's biggest set of puppy eyes, hands clasped in front of her chest.]

Could you please just try? I've made some special ones that you can work through just the two of you, so you don't have to do it in public, and-- it would mean so much to me if you could try to get along.

he is so done - oh god I never noticed how big Charlie's eyes get there LOL

[thisducks]

[ ...Damn it, this is his greatest weaknesses being exploited at the same time - his daughter AND cute things! He knows there's no way any sort of 'trust exercise' between himself and Alastor will work out, but ugh, if it'll make her happy... ]

I... alright. Alright. For you. I can't promise anything, though.

[ His expression softens to a smile, reaching out to pat her head. ] If you can convince Alastor.

[thelittleapple]

Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you!

[Charlie cannot help but throw her arms around her Dad tightly, she knew she would be able to rely on him for this. And she's so sure that if they just spend some time together, then the two of them will be better friends.]

You're the best, Dad, thank you so much.

[She's practically vibrating with ideas.]

I'll go and talk to Alastor right now so that the two of you can get started as soon as tomorrow!

[thisducks]

[ Her hugs do help, even if maybe less so with the guilt in his chest that he is somewhat lying to her. Maybe he can make it up by actually trying these silly exercises with-- OH- ]

You uh, might want to let him finish eating first, sweetie! Come back in a bit so he can finish in peace and then you can launch these... ideas?

[thelittleapple]

[That definitely dampens her enthusiasm, because she can only think of one reason why her Dad wouldn't want her to disturb Alastor while he's eating, and it makes her expression fall into something a bit nauseous.]

He's not eating... something gross, is he?

[She can't quite bring herself to ask if he's got Sinner meat on his plate again, even though Vaggie had yelled at him never to do that again.]

[thisducks]

...Well, I didn't want to stick around to watch him eat it.

[ Half-truth! Lying to his daughter feels uncomfortable, but at least it'll give Alastor time to calm down and come to terms with the curse on him before she goes and riles him up ]

Give him an hour, I think.

[thelittleapple]

Right, copy that!

[She flashes him a thumbs up, half enthusiastic and half awkward.]

I have some props and things I need to make for the two of you anyway! Oh, this is the best! Once you and Alastor have done the exercises, you can report back on which ones worked best and which ones didn't, and then next time there's two people that hate... have... that have some tension, I'll know exactly what to do!

1/4

[thisducks]

Some what now?

[ Lucifer's face falls into something almost like horror for a second, trying to process what Charlie just said to him. ]

2/4

[thisducks]

[ Then goes into further horror realizing what his first thoughts were and how that is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY not what Charlie could have meant WHY DID HE THINK THOSE FIRST- ]

3/4

[thisducks]

S-SURE!

4/4

[thisducks]

[ Too loud! He clears his throat and his expression but his smile is janky. ] Whatever you say! We'll do just that!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some- important business to see to so I can- er- take some time later to do your wonderful exercises!

[ And climb into a deeper, darker pit than the one he currently lives in called Hell! Super Hell! For idiots who think with the wrong brain for a second! ]

[thelittleapple]

[Thankfully for all involved, she has NO IDEA where her father's mind just went, and so she's just confused by the sudden weirdness between them. What was that expression of horror all about? Is he that worried about spending time alone with Alastor doing these exercises?

She'll have to impress on Alastor how important it is that they give these things a proper try, and how much she'd appreciate it if they both gave it their all.]

Oh... okay?

[WHAT IMPORTANT BUSINESS? HE LITERALLY JUST GOT BACK TO THE HOTEL!]

Maybe we can have breakfast together tomorrow?