Max/Maxine

@dragonflyonamotor

"Hellborn are just as valuable! To think you'd choose the worse that humanity has to offer over those who are unfortunately stuck with them and suffer from their actions while they live in the same ring—how could you??"

"Then who's going to help fend for the weaker people? You won't do it, the other Sins barely acknowledge them or even consider them, they're just left to suffer by themselves with each other!"

"Last time I checked, you're the Queen of HELL, not just sinners."

"If you're so worried about Overlords causing an uprising, why won't you set an example?"

@dragonflyonamotor

"Hellborn are just as valuable! To think you'd choose the worse that humanity has to offer over those who are unfortunately stuck with them and suffer from their actions while they live in the same ring—how could you??"

A stray item would be thrown up and over the castle wall, spinning as it flew over the layers meant to keep things out, land right over into possible precious hellish shrubs, ruin the hellish grass when it makes an impact into the soil, followed by a light *clink* as it does so.

It was an accident

There wasn't meant to be any malicious intent behind it.

She didn't throw it, her friends did because they thought it would be funny to play lightsabers with her new tools that she just retrieved from the market

And they were supposed to be right on their way back

Now they can't, because she needs to retrieve her tool

One of them pleaded, insisted that she should just forget about it, he could buy her a new one

She didn't listen

She thought she could be quick about it

She climbed the walls, she used her wings to help her get over the top before they'd be put away, mainly to avoid attracting attention to herself with them.

She'd try to hurry it up and find it, get out of here as soon as possible without creating any more damage with just her existence treading about in these acres.

She'd spot it eventually

She'd hurry to go collect it, the stupid dogbone wrench that was about to get her into a lot of trouble if she was discovered...

@dragonflyonamotor

Shit.

The dragonfly was frozen in place, crouched over reaching towards the ground, as she heard a voice, dogbone wrench quickly clenched into a hand, her property retrieved but at what cost?

She didn't need to turn her head around to see who it was,

She knew what she was getting herself into,

She thought she could get away with it,

No consequences.

Still, her head would very slowly pick up and turn to look over her shoulder, green orbs peering behind her, confirming just what she was expecting.

Him.

Despite her stiff movements, and the very uneasy look on her face, she'd eventually stand up, fully turn herself around, facing him directly.

"...I dropped this."

She takes the blame, it's only fair since she did choose to progress with bringing this very unfortunate interaction, even if she did not want it, she went over the wall, she went along with trespassing.

"I will be taking it... and leaving."

She speaks freely, almost sternly, for once almost acting out of character for her, no snarky comments, no disrespect, this was not the place, nor the time, she's heard a lot of stories. She just wants to take her wrench, and go.

Only... she does not move, not yet...

She's visibly tense, she wants to bolt, go back to her friends, go back to the storage unit they hang out in, she looks as if she's ready to sprint. But her eyes, they're locked on him, those empty orbs reveal to have small white pupils once she blinks, proving that she is keeping him in her sight, not wanting to turn her back to him so soon... otherwise that might be a death wish.

Did they really take all of that time just for Charlie to already have an order placed? Does that mean it's finally over? If Lucifer is curling up inside, Max isn't because she's just glad that this is over with finally, and he still didn't get the flavor he wanted! (Clearly, she doesn't get it.)

"How'd you like them apples, Your Majesty?"

She's able to tone it down to a whisper so the workers don't hear her, but it's loud enough for Lucifer, whether he decides to hear it or not. She's quietly snickering to herself, watching the workers go on behind the doors to go grab the boxed up cake, only for it to hit... did they actually put fabric in a cake?

"...What even is "Red Velvet?""

She asks regardless of whether or not she plans to eat it, cause it confuses her. One of the workers flat out admit it's just chocolate with red dye... then why not call it "Red Chocolate?" Oh well, if that's what Charlie wants to get... though Max is a little ashamed they took so long to... wait, that's not how that works? Especially since the cake is already made?

Has there always been an order here already?

Almost like Charlie had a feeling her dad would try to pull the stunt he's been arguing with Max about—

That earns another snicker out of her.

Of course when the workers would bring out the box, they'd open it to show it off, make sure the customers like what they see, asking if everything seems up to standards... only for Max to quickly close the box the moment she saw those sprinkles, not even letting Lucifer get a good look.

"It's fine!- Yep, all good, just what's needed..."

They wouldn't question her, they'd just let her take it, reassure them that it's already been paid for, to which she just holds it carefully, trying to not show just how uncomfortable she is holding a cake, her mouth as straight as a line, keeping the cake away from her body, like how someone would awkwardly hold a baby... if her face didn't give it away, her body language definitely gave off the fact she was uncomfortable holding this, but obviously Lucifer wouldn't bother holding the cake since Max is "meant to be the delivery boy."

Nope, none of it registered. The king was so distracted with being talked up by the bakery staff that he was simply caught-up within the rush of the moment being out and about, recognized by name and status. He'd almost forgotten what a small thrill it was to be sociable once again. With his charisma it all came naturally, so long as his more recent bouts of anxiety weren't acting up.

He was more than happy to nod along, make small talk and well, indulge in what surmounted to certain present individuals fawning over having had the chance to witness the king himself on such a random day like this. Lucifer gave a flamboyant gestured wave of his hand every once again as these things arose and when they opened the cake's box for approval, he was confident and if a bit frivolously care-free over the rest of what was taking place. All was well now that he was reassured he was retrieving exactly what Charlie wanted.

The woman who had been made to accompany him may as well have been little more than a fly on the wall by this point as he hardly opened his eyes to even be sure of her location.

And so it was up to her to continue on carrying the large cake and deliver it as far as Lucifer was concerned.

Once he was finished he opened up a golden ringed portal and walked through in quite an uplifted mood after all of that apple-polishing he'd received, he even chuckled out his farewells, waving to each of those who had helped him with the order as the portal closed and the bakery employees joyously waved back, the day's visitation from the King having left them in quite a delightful mood with added lasting excitement still in the air.

Once he was back a the hotel, he began spinning his cane as he just about marched along back to his bedroom quarters.

His part of the whole ordeal had gone off without a hits. Wouldn't Charlie be pleased to hear about it, later when he got around to seeing her.

It was over... finally.

Lucifer was so distracted over being recognized that she got away with poking at him, and she'd just simply hover through the portal with her wings, slipping by him as he didn't even notice her, too busy bidding his goodbyes to the bakers.

Max feels like she's physically lost 10 years arguing to him about the stupid cake, the cake he wanted to make apple cinnamon so badly... was it really meant for the best of Charlie's intentions like he thought it would be? Maybe he learned, maybe he didn't, Max does not care for him or his thoughts, or if he was feeling better because he was recognized in public, clearly full of himself... ugh.

Max wouldn't wait on him in seeing Charlie and showing her the cake has been brought back, she wanted to get rid of the damn thing, she hated holding it for so long as is. Of course Charlie was extremely grateful, taking the cake out of her hands finally, but before she could ask about her dad, Max would walk away, overstimulated after arguing with Lucifer, needing to recharge away from everyone else before the funeral will take place...

The funeral itself was simple, held in the lobby of the new hotel, no casket but a portrait of Pentious was used, as well as bouquets of white hellish roses were decorating the frame and the feet of the stand that held up his face. The rest of the residents who had a bond with him sat up closer to the portrait, where as Max was sitting off to the side, away from the group, at least keeping quiet while everyone else was paying their respects and mourning, figuring it'd be best for her to just keep quiet as she didn't have much to say, and she doubted the others would want to hear anything from her, especially because she knows it wouldn't be genuine out of her, never having the chance to meet him, she barely knows anything about him... so she continues to fill in an empty chair, empty words that she kept to herself while a few of the residents would share a few things for the loss of Sir Pentious. She did listen at least, she did hear how they all missed him, a few admitted how they weren't first sure about him, doubted him even, but they grew to like him, and they're ever grateful for his efforts, and they hope that his soul can somehow rest easy now, knowing they were all safe, as well as his egg boys. Max would immediately lose interest the moment Alastor would take the mic, even trying to plug in her ears with her fingers to avoid listening to his bullshit, only unplugging after he finishes... it felt unpleasantly longer than everyone else's. After a few more sentimental goodbyes, Charlie would progress the ceremony by passing out the... cake...

"...Euw...

Max would quietly complain, unable to avoid being handed a plate with a slice of red velvet... she'd kinda hide from everyone else, using the corner of the room, avoiding their eyes while hers are avoiding the cake... those rainbow sprinkles mocking her. She can't throw it away, Charlie paid good money for it, but Max can't eat it, for God's sake she can't even look at the damn thing...

Maybe someone else will take it?

Eugh, she did not want to interact with the other residents, but she didn't have the heart to explain to Charlie why she doesn't like cake, especially since Charlie tends to like to know the reason behind certain things... Max is already lying to her about a few things as is, and she doesn't want to add anything else to that list.

First one she'd go to was Angel, thinking he'd be into having extra sweets, only for him to reject it, admit that one slice is too much for him as is and he's not looking for another, preferring to keep his body in tip top shape and sugary carbs were definitely not going to help.

Husk was next, he'd flat out reject it, barely finishing the slice he has cause it was too sweet for him.

She'd go to Niffty after, whom hadn't gotten a slice of cake yet so of course she took it! She was happy to have it, very pleased with the red color of the cake itself... Charlie would end up catching this act, holding the plate that was originally meant to be Niffty's, which was also smaller than what Max's was... but instead of being suspicious, she thought Max was just being kind by offering Niffty her slice because she was getting impatient... so Max ends up receiving the plate that Charlie brought for Niffty... she's definitely crying on the inside.

"Goddamn it..!"

Max was back at square one, back in the corner, avoiding eyes again, avoiding to look at the smaller, even meaner looking cake in her hands. No way could she go to Vaggie, that's Charlie's girlfriend and she'd probably tell her. She absolutely would not go to Alastor, she wouldn't dare try to interact with him. She doubts Niffty will be allowed to have another slice, too much sugar for her to get her all hyper. Cherri can't seem to stay away from everyone else either, be by herself so Max can quietly approach her and offer her the cake, she's surrounding herself with mainly Angel but also other people and Max doesn't want a lot of attention on her as is, risk being questioned by Charlie...

Is there someone else..?

"...Fuck me..."

She'd hiss under her breath, ultimately not wanting to interact with him anymore, but she wants to be rid with the responsibility of this cake, one way or another... and she'd prefer him over Alastor any day. She's quiet as she approaches him, maybe he wouldn't immediately notice her, not until her heavy boots stepped closer to him, possibly giving her away, the first thing brought to him would be her plate, a small desperate glimmer in her eyes as she very blantly speaks up to Lucifer...

"You want a second slice..?"

She's actually looking at him in the eyes, it's almost intimidating, but she'd rather stare into his snake like eyes than stare down at the cake. She's tempted to just shove the plate in his hand, not allow him to say "no," but she's holding onto her patience for him... not like he really deserves it though. There's the temptation to just lie to him and say she's "allergic" to it, a small fake excuse as to why she won't eat it, no need to really explain herself, but faking an allergy is extremely difficult and easy to get caught in the lie for, so she's not doing that, plus if she was "allergic," why wouldn't she tell Charlie and not have to do this? Because she's not allergic, and she's aware that excuse was already no longer an option to use, plus there's the tricky part of deciding what exactly she's allergic to in the cake... lots of options, lots of things she'd eat in other items but wouldn't eat as a cake. She can't lie and say she's "not hungry," her tail gives that away, so thin as is from barely eating at all, can't use that... can she be honest with him without being questioned for details if that means he'll just take this stupid piece of cake?

"There's nothing wrong with it, I hate cake... can you please just take it??"

If he questioned her motives, she'd speak up, admit all this time, she's never liked cake. She even used "please," she must sound desperate to get rid of it, is it too desperate?

Is it suspicious to him..?

"...get your OWN FUCKING CAKE THEN, YOU SELFISH PRICK!"

"THAT WAY YOU DON'T WASTE ANY MORE TIME IN GENERAL!!"

Overlaying her voice is a demonic growl as her anger gets the best of her, towering over him, like she's holding back to put her hands on this selfish bastard before her... she can't stand him right now.

Normally, her eyes don't hold pupils, typically lacking emotion, but he can see a small white pair, staring down at him, anger causing them to tremble a bit as she beared her teeth, her breathing heavy.

This is the most stupid thing to argue over, a goddamn cake, a cake she does not care for, yet his stubbornness got her to snap because she refuses to bend to his will... All Sinners are likely to change form should they get angry enough, and Max was on the verge of snapping, her voice and eyes evident of such, but she held back... with a deep breath, she hides her face behind her hands, mumbling complaints, she tried to play nice, she tried to avoid using insults but he just wouldn't listen, he held his ground, he only kept himself in mind and it pissed her off.

Why did Charlie think this would be a good idea?

"...Sorry..."

She says it in an annoyed tone, clearly not meaning it, but that apology was moreso meant for the workers, they're not paid enough to deal with customers arguing to each other, but thankfully Max and Lucifer are the only ones in here. When she removed her hands, her pupils were gone, back to the blank green as before. One of the workers then suggest if perhaps chocolate could work since they can't agree on either flavors, maybe they'll agree on another, especially since chocolate is also a flavor that everyone can enjoy, not as much as vanilla but it's a second best option, they even offer marbled cake.

"Fine! Fine, that's fine!"

"Cause I don't fucking care, is chocolate good for you, Your Majesty??"

"Or marbled, whatever the fuck that stuff is, I don't know! So long as it's something everyone else can enjoy!"

She discreetly admits he was right about her not caring for the cake, not even planning to eat it, even though she said it's for "8" people, that's only because Charlie asked her to get one for 8 people, trying to include her... yet it's hard to stay included when everyone keeps making her do things she does not want to do, and it's even harder when people like him are making this difficult to just go along with it, pretend it's all fine, not even be honest about how she feels... it's starting to weigh down on her, but she does her best to hide how it effects her, aside from her shakey sigh after she asks Lucifer if chocolate or marbled will suffice?

The heighten volume and tone along with the name calling he didn't care for much at all.

No one would ever get away with that, especially not some sinner without even one contracted soul under their belt. She was being far too foolish and even plain idiotic at this point.

As a matter of fact he had half a mind to vaporize her where she stood, entirely. It would cost him only a wave of his cane and Charlie wouldn't really miss just one small, ill-mannered sinner, would she? His mind lingers slong the thoughts rolling in over this dramatic display, she wasn't doing much to alter his outlook on sinners being mostly of the mentally unstable and unhealthy persuasion, that was for sure.

"Uh NOPE, I don't take orders being hollered out by a lower class, uncivilized, individual; for one. And for two, none of this is any of your responsibility, well, besides maybe the delivery part, which you're hardly needed for, might I add. The decision making is well within my jurisdiction as not only the big boss of Hell but also as Charlie's father, lest you forget."

"What are you in this situation?" he paused for additional effect.

"The delivery boy. Thaaaat's right." it was beyond smug because he knew just how right he was and how enjoyable it was to drive in further.

He observed her small meltdown, assuming she may be overworked or at the very least somehow fallen under some fatigue, he noted her apology and although he felt it was meant more towards the staff within the bakery he also took some sympathy towards it. He wasn't that much of an uncouth cur to overlook it for what it was.

"I know you may think you're helping with that suggestion but no, as the only representative here of the House and Family Morningstar of whom this will all be billed to, we will not be having marbled chocolate with vanilla, it's far too pedestrian and lacking of any true imagination and I refuse to allow it." this he states directly towards the head staff member who takes it all very seriously and nods along to show she is hearing him and also agreeing completely, if not filled with some amount of visible stress over the situation while she enters the notes onto her tablet.

"I-I-I'm sorry but you did say Morningstar, did you not, sir?"

"Yes, I absolutely did." he chimes in with some palpable authority in his tone.

"Oh, for the love of Beezle's bub...the king... it's the king...." she not so discreetly turns to partially whisper to her fellow employees as to say, 'oh, we may have royally fudged this one!' with an accompanying disgruntled look before returning to plaster on a forced polite smile once again towards the king himself, "....but uh, uh, more importantly we do have an order here from a Ms. Charotte Morningstar, the princess herself...Ohhh... fire and brimstone, why didn't we notice this all sooner, if we'd have only entered your name when you introduced yourself perhaps we could have bypassed err... any trouble..." she sounds so nerve wrecked as she adjusts her spectacles while reading from her tablet in-hand, here eyes darting from it back to Lucifer occasionally. "You see, we have your cake sir---uh sire, your Majesty..." another short pause as to await some berating from an unhappy customer over the complete flub on their behalf. "It's a red velvet cake with rainbow colored cheesecake frosting and confetti sprinkles..." another pause, incase there were any further... notations she may need to make.

He's been poised, listening, his cane twiddling betwixt his fingers.

"Oh, I-I see well, that, uh...well, okay! If that's what my sweet, dear Charlie has specified then by-golly that's what she's gonna get!" he chuckles while gesturing a swing of his left arm, joyfully.

Did they really take all of that time just for Charlie to already have an order placed? Does that mean it's finally over? If Lucifer is curling up inside, Max isn't because she's just glad that this is over with finally, and he still didn't get the flavor he wanted! (Clearly, she doesn't get it.)

"How'd you like them apples, Your Majesty?"

She's able to tone it down to a whisper so the workers don't hear her, but it's loud enough for Lucifer, whether he decides to hear it or not. She's quietly snickering to herself, watching the workers go on behind the doors to go grab the boxed up cake, only for it to hit... did they actually put fabric in a cake?

"...What even is "Red Velvet?""

She asks regardless of whether or not she plans to eat it, cause it confuses her. One of the workers flat out admit it's just chocolate with red dye... then why not call it "Red Chocolate?" Oh well, if that's what Charlie wants to get... though Max is a little ashamed they took so long to... wait, that's not how that works? Especially since the cake is already made?

Has there always been an order here already?

Almost like Charlie had a feeling her dad would try to pull the stunt he's been arguing with Max about—

That earns another snicker out of her.

Of course when the workers would bring out the box, they'd open it to show it off, make sure the customers like what they see, asking if everything seems up to standards... only for Max to quickly close the box the moment she saw those sprinkles, not even letting Lucifer get a good look.

"It's fine!- Yep, all good, just what's needed..."

They wouldn't question her, they'd just let her take it, reassure them that it's already been paid for, to which she just holds it carefully, trying to not show just how uncomfortable she is holding a cake, her mouth as straight as a line, keeping the cake away from her body, like how someone would awkwardly hold a baby... if her face didn't give it away, her body language definitely gave off the fact she was uncomfortable holding this, but obviously Lucifer wouldn't bother holding the cake since Max is "meant to be the delivery boy."

"Okay—what about the others??"

Was her answer when Lucifer told her that Charlie might like the flavor he chose, but that does not account for everyone else. Why is he choosing to be so difficult now of all times? Over a cake. When he calls her out on not caring, she does not react, because it's true, she doesn't care for the cake because she doesn't plan to eat it, but does she tell him that?

No, because it's none of his business.

"You're acting ridiculous."

She's trying to avoid snapping and losing sense of herself, give into emotions in a public place... she almost feels pity for the workers who have to witness this.

"The cake doesn't need to be special, it's not the main focus, it's just supposed to be fucking decor..!"

"It's not a damn pie either—apple cinnamon cake?? Yuck!"

If it weren't a cake, she'd think it sounded tasty, but to her, not everything goes together. She's not changing her mind, she's not letting Lucifer have his way either, even if she doesn't plan to eat it, she refuses to humor him. 'He should just order his own mini cake then if he thinks he's better than everyone else...' ooh, how she wanted to say that to him, she's practically gritting her teeth, holding back from giving herself a promised death wish.

"I'm acting ridiculous? You're the one stalling here. I already gave my answer to what flavor. I'm not even going to justify the rest of what you've spewed out when you're clearly a simpleton when it comes to these matters." he didn't need to explain himself to someone he didn't know nor much care for. If she was unaware of what flavors and varieties cakes could come in and was only familiar with pies that was her problem, what'd he look like? A dictionary for pastry chef dos and don'ts? Don't get him started on her complete lack of imagination, that was a whole different level of obvious shortcomings he was observing about the woman.

"Would not only be a continued waste of my time but also a waste of my breath."

"...get your OWN FUCKING CAKE THEN, YOU SELFISH PRICK!"

"THAT WAY YOU DON'T WASTE ANY MORE TIME IN GENERAL!!"

Overlaying her voice is a demonic growl as her anger gets the best of her, towering over him, like she's holding back to put her hands on this selfish bastard before her... she can't stand him right now.

Normally, her eyes don't hold pupils, typically lacking emotion, but he can see a small white pair, staring down at him, anger causing them to tremble a bit as she beared her teeth, her breathing heavy.

This is the most stupid thing to argue over, a goddamn cake, a cake she does not care for, yet his stubbornness got her to snap because she refuses to bend to his will... All Sinners are likely to change form should they get angry enough, and Max was on the verge of snapping, her voice and eyes evident of such, but she held back... with a deep breath, she hides her face behind her hands, mumbling complaints, she tried to play nice, she tried to avoid using insults but he just wouldn't listen, he held his ground, he only kept himself in mind and it pissed her off.

Why did Charlie think this would be a good idea?

"...Sorry..."

She says it in an annoyed tone, clearly not meaning it, but that apology was moreso meant for the workers, they're not paid enough to deal with customers arguing to each other, but thankfully Max and Lucifer are the only ones in here. When she removed her hands, her pupils were gone, back to the blank green as before. One of the workers then suggest if perhaps chocolate could work since they can't agree on either flavors, maybe they'll agree on another, especially since chocolate is also a flavor that everyone can enjoy, not as much as vanilla but it's a second best option, they even offer marbled cake.

"Fine! Fine, that's fine!"

"Cause I don't fucking care, is chocolate good for you, Your Majesty??"

"Or marbled, whatever the fuck that stuff is, I don't know! So long as it's something everyone else can enjoy!"

She discreetly admits he was right about her not caring for the cake, not even planning to eat it, even though she said it's for "8" people, that's only because Charlie asked her to get one for 8 people, trying to include her... yet it's hard to stay included when everyone keeps making her do things she does not want to do, and it's even harder when people like him are making this difficult to just go along with it, pretend it's all fine, not even be honest about how she feels... it's starting to weigh down on her, but she does her best to hide how it effects her, aside from her shakey sigh after she asks Lucifer if chocolate or marbled will suffice?

Is he being serious? Talk about being inconsiderate for other folks in regards to an event that has nothing to do with directly him. Her jaw was indeed dropped, then again she should have expected him to act like that, he only loves himself, being the sin of pride and all.

"Do you fucking hear yourself??"

Of course he does, he must love hearing himself. Max would end up pointing at the worker to tell them NOT to write down what he said before she decides to confront him.

"It's a funeral cake, there's nothing exciting about that!"

"Charlie said to get a cake that everyone can enjoy, not what YOU enjoy."

"Because it's not about you, it's about the guy the funeral is meant for!"

Even if he points out that she never met Pentious, she knows to put him before her, because he did sacrifice himself for the hotel, there's some respect in that, even if he's a Sinner, and Charlie wants to honor him, even if there's no body to bury, there's always his soul. Speaking of souls... there's a couple of spectators peeping from the walls, those red eyes watching the argument ensue between a royal and a worker, unable to interact or intervene, the fallen Sinners can only watch...

"The cake's gonna be vanilla..!"

She'd make it clear to the worker, leaving them unsure of who to listen to... maybe it depends on who's paying for it? They don't know, but they're kinda eating up this squabble between the pair.

The audacity taking place and the unacceptable form of speaking to him along with it. He is far from being tolerant of this sort of treatment from a simple sinner he hardly knew and his displeasure is evident.

"Uh, who doesn't enjoy apple? I know Charlie sure does!" didn't she, for the first time in quite awhile he second-thought himself when it came to what he knew of his own daughter these days.

"Well, at least she did when she was younger, the troubled teens phase - eh, not so much..." he was gesturing a tilting of his hand from left to right a few times, to signify a balancing that was unable to stabilize in the middle as his also fingers wiggled mid-air.

The dark-haired woman insists to the workers on vanilla and although the adamant sinner had made her fair few points on the matter, he's not about to just be steamrolled, his hand raises to quiet her and then point upwards as he makes clear and direct eye-contact with the shop's attendant, a look that commanded their attention and respect all at once as to say, this woman doesn't make the final decisions between them.

There was a laugh that came from him, though it sounded somehow ominous, and laced with superiority.

"I never said it was about me but I do care that this event be just as special as my darling Charlotte deserves it to be! Now, you may not care about what anyone besides yourself eats but I'd rather it not fall flat just because you wanted to allow some standard, default stand-in flavor to be used. You didn't give it a second thought just now, I saw you! You were obviously dismissive, wanting to just be done with this! And you want to call me the inconsiderate one here?" another condescending but somehow relaxed laughter follows and flows right on into his next words. "Well that's—it's just foolishness at it's finest!"

The bakery workers eyes were shifting from her to him and back again, confusing setting in as they didn't know which notes to take and which to ignore, nor how to proceed.

"Okay—what about the others??"

Was her answer when Lucifer told her that Charlie might like the flavor he chose, but that does not account for everyone else. Why is he choosing to be so difficult now of all times? Over a cake. When he calls her out on not caring, she does not react, because it's true, she doesn't care for the cake because she doesn't plan to eat it, but does she tell him that?

No, because it's none of his business.

"You're acting ridiculous."

She's trying to avoid snapping and losing sense of herself, give into emotions in a public place... she almost feels pity for the workers who have to witness this.

"The cake doesn't need to be special, it's not the main focus, it's just supposed to be fucking decor..!"

"It's not a damn pie either—apple cinnamon cake?? Yuck!"

If it weren't a cake, she'd think it sounded tasty, but to her, not everything goes together. She's not changing her mind, she's not letting Lucifer have his way either, even if she doesn't plan to eat it, she refuses to humor him. 'He should just order his own mini cake then if he thinks he's better than everyone else...' ooh, how she wanted to say that to him, she's practically gritting her teeth, holding back from giving herself a promised death wish.

She'd snap out of her moment trying to... ignore the cakes when Lucifer spoke up, clearly unable to order this without some assistance. Max wouldn't mock him for it, not while there's people around that seem to be a fan of him.

"We need a cake, big enough to feed 8 people."

"One of your pre-maded ones will work just fine, I suppose."

She's at least able to give them an idea of how big the cake should be, but they inform her that none of the cakes on display will be big enough, unless they all want really small pieces. But they reassure her by admitting they've been pretty slow recently and they can probably squeeze in their order and have it finished before the end of the day. Max shrugs, as long as a cake is brought back that's enough to feed "8" people, she doesn't care.

But then they ask what flavor would she like?

"Uhh... what... what kinds are there?"

One of them quietly snickers to the other "is she serious..?" Her ears twitch a bit after she's managed to pick up on their whispers. Damn, she could have asked a different question without giving herself away like that... she holds no reaction though.

They continue to list off their available flavors, all that Max has no idea how they taste, nor does she want to find out. She ends up asking what would be a flavor that's ideal to share with a group of people? Basic if must, nothing too vividly flavored. They end up recommending her vanilla if that's the case.

"Then that's fine..."

Unless someone has an objection?

Eyebrows rise in surprise when she speaks up and shares the useful and much needed information. There's a small wave of appreciation that washes over him for a split second or two and he turns back and adds a nod towards the shop employee to show the woman was indeed with him and he did in-fact want her heard and in on the conversation along with him.

That was until something as boring as vanilla is suggested. Yeck!

This was meant for a special occasion not an everyday event. They could have vanilla any other time, this was supposed be something memorable!

"Ohh, I don't suppose you might be able to produce something with apple, now would you? Apple cinnamon-spice will do " he interrupts, fingers wriggling along his cane.

"Vanilla is just so...basic, where's the excitement? The pizazz?!"

Is he being serious? Talk about being inconsiderate for other folks in regards to an event that has nothing to do with directly him. Her jaw was indeed dropped, then again she should have expected him to act like that, he only loves himself, being the sin of pride and all.

"Do you fucking hear yourself??"

Of course he does, he must love hearing himself. Max would end up pointing at the worker to tell them NOT to write down what he said before she decides to confront him.

"It's a funeral cake, there's nothing exciting about that!"

"Charlie said to get a cake that everyone can enjoy, not what YOU enjoy."

"Because it's not about you, it's about the guy the funeral is meant for!"

Even if he points out that she never met Pentious, she knows to put him before her, because he did sacrifice himself for the hotel, there's some respect in that, even if he's a Sinner, and Charlie wants to honor him, even if there's no body to bury, there's always his soul. Speaking of souls... there's a couple of spectators peeping from the walls, those red eyes watching the argument ensue between a royal and a worker, unable to interact or intervene, the fallen Sinners can only watch...

"The cake's gonna be vanilla..!"

She'd make it clear to the worker, leaving them unsure of who to listen to... maybe it depends on who's paying for it? They don't know, but they're kinda eating up this squabble between the pair.

The way she had to cover her mouth to not spew an insult in his face was painful for her... but she held it in, even though a small growl slipped out. Great, now he has another embarrassing moment to hold against her.

"...Just shut up and let's get this stupid cake."

She suddenly snaps at him a bit, acting like she didn't deserve that fall... she should have paid attention where she was stepping instead of trying to mock him without turning her back to him, and she knows better... she was hoping she'd get away with it, but the universe punished her for it. She'd refuse to go inside of the bakery just yet, needing a moment to calm down and collect herself since she's getting too heated, her foot tapping against the ground.

"...I'm coming."

She'd speak up after a moment, brushing herself off one last time, letting him go in first... because she would slam the door on him if she went in first and neither of them need that right now. The worker behind the counter looked bored at first until the bell above the door was ringing, standing up straight, almost dumbfounded by who exactly walked in, but they kept calm. They would focus on Lucifer and ask how could they help him, not expecting him and Max to be... together.

Max just minds her own business for a moment, the smell of pastries filling her nose, almost making her drool. She'd quietly look at the pretty decorated tarts in the glass counter... before her face with scrunch up at the layouts of the cakes, a couple of them being "birthday" cakes... she wouldn't look at them for very long.

Oh hoh! How disrespectful, how brazen...how—defiant.

His eyes narrow as he rescinds the offer of his hand and he watches as she gets to her feet alone, struggling all the while.

"Suit yourself~" he sing-songs into a very high pitch as he turns and walks onward into the bakery, a wave of his hand over his shoulder, dismissive of the previous matter altogether.

Once inside the shop's interior, the sweet scent of several varieties of overly sweet cakes, pastries and desserts overtakes his senses. The shop attendees greet and welcome him. Typically, he would not appear to do such menial tasks in-person and so it's not very likely any present actually do recognize him, well, unless they'd seen him on extremely valuable and rare currency or within the pages of rare old-fashioned printed paper magazines filled with photos and articles, perhaps uploaded to modern day archive servers dedicated to Hell's royalty and high society.

If they were expressively impressed it was likely over his appearance alone and not actual recognition of exactly who he is.

And so he proceeds to greet them all in return, focusing in on the individual nearest to him behind the service counter and display glass. He explains why he's there and they happily scramble to provide their assistance for such a finely dressed gentleman of what appears to be equally fine status. He schmoozes along until he's asked what sort of cake he's looking for exactly, as in the filling, the flavors the frosting, the shape?

To which he stammers just a tad and realizes he isn't one-hundred percent certain, he explains what it's for, in honor of a fallen soldier of a battle, a dear friend of his darling little gorl. But that does very little to help with answering the bakery attendant's questions.

It's right about that point when he turns towards the woman who'd finally made her way inside and was now standing idle nearby.

"Uhhhh...." the interjected sound drags a bit as he debates whether to ask her the question that was now on the tip of his tongue or not.

Would she know? She hadn't known the location before, had Charlie shared any details with her at all, he was seriously questioning it.

She'd snap out of her moment trying to... ignore the cakes when Lucifer spoke up, clearly unable to order this without some assistance. Max wouldn't mock him for it, not while there's people around that seem to be a fan of him.

"We need a cake, big enough to feed 8 people."

"One of your pre-maded ones will work just fine, I suppose."

She's at least able to give them an idea of how big the cake should be, but they inform her that none of the cakes on display will be big enough, unless they all want really small pieces. But they reassure her by admitting they've been pretty slow recently and they can probably squeeze in their order and have it finished before the end of the day. Max shrugs, as long as a cake is brought back that's enough to feed "8" people, she doesn't care.

But then they ask what flavor would she like?

"Uhh... what... what kinds are there?"

One of them quietly snickers to the other "is she serious..?" Her ears twitch a bit after she's managed to pick up on their whispers. Damn, she could have asked a different question without giving herself away like that... she holds no reaction though.

They continue to list off their available flavors, all that Max has no idea how they taste, nor does she want to find out. She ends up asking what would be a flavor that's ideal to share with a group of people? Basic if must, nothing too vividly flavored. They end up recommending her vanilla if that's the case.

"Then that's fine..."

Unless someone has an objection?

○○○○○ | ATTRACTION ○○○○○ | AFFECTION ○○○○○ | INTEREST ○○○○○ | LOYALTY ○○○○○ | TRUST

That small smile quickly fades the moment he extends his arm to him... she's not falling for that.

"I'm not gonna touch your arm..."

"Besides, I'd probably stain your flawlessly clean clothes royal clothes."

She takes another drag off of her cigarette, underestimating how his portal works... thinking it's just a simple step through, right? She's at least trying to finish her cigarette up first if they're supposed to walk into a bakery, not wanting to bring in her cigarette fumes into an enclosed space with food around.

"Plus I still have oil stains in my sweater after you trespassed on my properTY- !!"

Yep, she ate the floor.

She didn't expect the portal to be off of the floor like that, so she missed her step. With a grumble, she pushes herself off of the ground, a scowl on her face that she wipes off with her wrist, brushing off her clothes with her hands to remove any dirt sticking to her. With a huff, she'd turn to Lucifer, pointing at him.

"...Could your portal have been any higher off of the ground?"

She ends up spitting off extra dirt that was staining her lips, clearly embarrassed that she had to go through that... thankfully there wasn't a huge crowd of people nearby to witness that unfortunate act.

There's a returned look of discontentedness as she declines his kind offer and even rudely continues to speak about it, he'd be offended if he hadn't done most of the actions prior subconsciously. And in that moment he feels perhaps she's right, maybe his immaculate, clean, white, royal coat sleeve shouldn't be sullied just before they enter the fine establishment they now stood outside of.

The judgemental expression falters as she continues and he coincidentally bears witness to her independent streak leading her into quite the clumsy display. He can't hold back and although, he reaches instinctively, afterwards he does give into laughter.

Ignoring the blame she was attempting to throw at him since he knows it's no fault of his, couldn't be, he didn't make those sort of mistakes.

"D'aw not you falling for me already~!" he chuckled, it was light-hearted and casual in tone but every bit as obnoxious as it could be it it's delivery as he took to stepping over the hovering ring of magickal essence with a fair amount of tact and grace before also stepping along over the fallen sinner, once on the other side, he did fold his right arm behind his back and bend to offer her a helping hand back onto her feet, one he was certain would be resentfully turned down just as before.

"Heya~ How was your trip?"

The way she had to cover her mouth to not spew an insult in his face was painful for her... but she held it in, even though a small growl slipped out. Great, now he has another embarrassing moment to hold against her.

"...Just shut up and let's get this stupid cake."

She suddenly snaps at him a bit, acting like she didn't deserve that fall... she should have paid attention to where she was stepping instead of trying to mock him without turning her back to him, and she knows better... she was hoping she'd get away with it, but the universe punished her for it. She'd refuse to go inside of the bakery just yet, needing a moment to calm down and collect herself since she's getting too heated, her foot tapping against the ground.

"...I'm coming."

She'd speak up after a moment, brushing herself off one last time, letting him go in first... because she would slam the door on him if she went in first and neither of them need that right now. The worker behind the counter looked bored at first until the bell above the door was ringing, standing up straight, almost dumbfounded by who exactly walked in, but they kept calm. They would focus on Lucifer and ask how could they help him, not expecting him and Max to be... together.

Max just minds her own business for a moment, the smell of pastries filling her nose, almost making her drool. She'd quietly look at the pretty decorated tarts in the glass counter... before her face with scrunch up at the layouts of the cakes, a couple of them being "birthday" cakes... she wouldn't look at them for very long.

She may or may not have cocked a brow at the sight of Lucifer just rambling on with his... unique choice of words, huffing out a cloud of smoke, tapping off the burnt ashes, just genuinely trying not to crack a smile.

"...Go on then."

She tries to take him seriously, but when she brings her cigarette back up to her mouth, a wheeze is quietly seeping out as her eyes squeeze shut, quickly able to stop herself from slipping into full blown laughter by taking in a deep breath... followed by fake coughing to come up with an excuse.

"...Ah, wrong pipe."

She tries to play it off like she was choking on her cigarette smoke, might have been effective, might not have been... she didn't see that as a negative thing, it just genuinely threw her off cause she's not used to hearing people talk like he does... though she won't admit it was cute... especially not when it comes to him.

Well, no protest against his suggestion, that was new.

Was that a laugh too, he's not sure what's caused it but hey, he caught that despite her smoker's cough. It gets something akin to a genuine smile from him that only fades once she prompts him to get a move on.

"Uhhhh, right, right. Ok, stand back. It's alright I'm a professional but I wouldn't want anyone standing where this is about to open up, it's spatial displacement and all, no telling what it might tear through if folks aren't warned to be cautious while it's being opened~!" he's yammering now but he isn't wrong, it was better for anyone if they weren't standing where a void was about to rip reality open.

There's a flick of his wrist and a snap of his fingers, just the small action alone causes a small golden encirculation to begin swirling into visible form before them. A crystal tone could be heard ringing through the air and the liquid light of gold expanded until it was an opening large enough to walk through, hovering near the ground, still flowing in a fluid-like motion, ethereal, pure magick brought into existence with great ease.

"So m'lady, your carriage awaits~!" he pointed, cane in-hand with a laugh, knowing full-well this was no ride. He thought it funny.

His arm raises ever so slightly towards her and out of habit and old-fashioned manner he's offering his arm to the individual accompanying him, to help them over the portal's threshold.

"Shall we~?"

That small smile quickly fades the moment he extends his arm to him... she's not falling for that.

"I'm not gonna touch your arm..."

"Besides, I'd probably stain your flawlessly clean royal clothes."

She takes another drag off of her cigarette, underestimating how his portal works... thinking it's just a simple step through, right? She's at least trying to finish her cigarette up first if they're supposed to walk into a bakery, not wanting to bring in her cigarette fumes into an enclosed space with food around.

"Plus I still have oil stains in my sweater after you trespassed on my properTY- !!"

Yep, she ate the floor.

She didn't expect the portal to be off of the floor like that, so she missed her step. With a grumble, she pushes herself off of the ground, a scowl on her face that she wipes off with her wrist, brushing off her clothes with her hands to remove any dirt sticking to her. With a huff, she'd turn to Lucifer, pointing at him.

"...Could your portal have been any higher off of the ground?"

She ends up spitting off extra dirt that was staining her lips, clearly embarrassed that she had to go through that... thankfully there wasn't a huge crowd of people nearby to witness that unfortunate act.