🩷Lumikitto🩷

The lights married perfectly with the red walls of the Hotel, draped along the railings and corridors, their gentle glow softening the sharp edges of the place. And the evergreen garlands hugged the red-stained interior, woven with glitter, ribbons and bells, and all at once, the hotel felt less naked.

Its residents invited their friends and beloved to spend it together. Each of them had brought gifts to put under the common Sinsmas tree that stood proudly in the middle of the lobby. It was a grand tree, specifically choosen by Charlie and her friends to allow the residents and guest alike to decorate it, enough for everyone to put a part of themselves... And just the thought was enough to bring Charlie to tears of joy.

The concept was simple: one could bring their own decoration (made or bought) or simply pick from the boxes across the lobby that was carefully opened in the corner for sinners to rummage through. Once it was hung, it marked their presence on this jolly night. Afterward, they placed their gifts beneath its branches.

Each staff member had their own role to play tonight. The place buzzed with motion as everyone fell into place. bartending, entertaining, cleaning... Every corner of the building alive with purpose.

With that, the grand celebration of Sinsmas Eve finally opened, as sinners flooded into the Hotel, Lucifer was tasked with greeting them, make sure everything went smoothly, while watching over the outside part of the building and keep everything in place along with Alastor which was tasked to supervise the party and make sure the guests were satisfied.

Sinners stood in awe at the Hotel's entrance, greeted with rows of carefully decorated outdoors Sinsmas trees that formed a luminous hallway, with flying deer figures, (that surprisingly looked like Alastor) hanging against the walls!

But Above it all loomed the most impressive sight: a giant Sinsta balloon, (that oddly looked like Lucifer) floating proudly atop the Hotel's roof.

"Hi! Weeelcome, welcome!" He dipped into a small bow, looking elegant in this night's costume. He gestured towards the entrance, hat in hand as the guests chuckled and followed his lead. "Please head to the main lobby! There are drinks, food and everything to make your night, the BEST night!" He chimed, full of whimsy.

"Wouaww, you're handling this task quite well for someone THIS socially awkward!" A voice teased, the shadows at Lucifer's feet thickened, crawling upward until they took shape, and it wasn't hard to guess who it was as Alastor summoned himself beside the King of Hell.

Alastor elegantly adjusted his bowtie, grin wide as Lucifer flinched, he couldn't help but grimace just at the sound of his voice alone, casting him a disgusted side eye.

"Yeah, well- guess that proves I'm not THAT socially awkward! haha-" he shot back, smile wide, but pissed nonetheless as his grip tightened around his cane.

Moving his attention back to the entering crowd, he frowned, unamused, "stupid bellhop." The king murmured, a low growl threading through the words, and Alastor's smile only sharpened in response.

He was right, Lucifer was never good with social interaction, and time hadn't improved that fact. Years of isolation only left him standing at the edge of his room, unnoticed, avoiding the rest of hell altogether.

Still, he took his role seriously, and though he clumsily gestured to Charlie's guests to welcome them, they didn't seem to pay much attention to his awkwardness, already wrapped up in their own joy-

And now Lucifer was too busy bickering with Alastor.

"Didn't Charlie give you something to do? you useless red- thing." he spat, and the radio demon only let out amused static noises.

"Well I am my dear! You see, we have pretty similar tasks and I am simply checking whether the guests are satisfied with your work HAHAA!" Alastor teased, tilting his head to the side as he glanced down to Lucifer.

"OH! HA. HA. I DO MY WORK WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH???!" he scoffed loudly, shoulders stiff with anger, squinting his eyes, gaze narrowed on him. Sharp, watchful and unmistakably threatening.

The Radio Demon simply grined, posture tall and composed, inserting his superiority, and that made Lucifer more than annoyed. While the two were locked in a staring contest, a sinner suddenly barged in between them—A fish-like creature, all of his eyes (and he had four of them) were tainted in a murky yellow, his tall lanky body gave the impression he was boneless, moving with a loose exaggeration similar to a cartoon character.

"WOAH DUD!! Are you the famous King of Hell himself?!" he laughed, his voice unpleasantly raspy, and Lucifer flinched at his sudden appearance as Alastor grimaced in annoyance... He never liked being interrupted, even less when he had the King's attention.

The sinner continued, "IT'S SO NICE TO MEET YOU!!" He almost screamed as he eagerly shook the angel's hand, and Lucifer had to clutch his hat to keep it from flying off from the force of it.

“Ahahaa...... Charmed, I’m sure,” he responded, awkwardly pulling his hand back, an uncomfortable smile fixed on his face..

Though, the sinner didn’t seem bothered by the king's reaction. The fish's smile only widened in excitement, his slimy blue hands clasped together in front of him, and the sound he made as he clasped his hands were a crime to the ears—one wouldn't wish it to anyone, not even to Alastor as much as he hated him.

The small angel forced a smile on his lips, before flicking a quick glance totoward The Radio Demon, and almost let out a snort seeing Alastor's grimace, his ears laid back in clear disgust.

He switched his attention back to the sinner, keeping it cool and composed, doing his best to stay polite—though his strange eagerness made Lucifer deeply uncomfortable.

Not only because he hated sinners, and he wished he wasn't standing this close, but because of the show he'd put on last time— the one that completely exposed his weakness.

The small angel had no idea what this creature wanted... Though, deep inside he knew: he wanted to look at his weakness from up close, and that made him more than anxious.

"HAHH!! I've seen you on TV for reaalls! Is it true that you actually can't harm sinners??" The question seemed innocent enough, but mischief clearly laced his tone, and the angel's heart dropped, he swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat—Lucifer says nothing.

Alastor glared at him in silence, hands clasped behind his back, waiting for the his little angel's blow, curious how he'd handle it, but also waiting for a misstep from this rude sinner who tried to intimidate his prey.

Then Lucifer broke into loud, unrestrained laughter.

"PFFFT- what? so you watch TV and believe everything you see? HAHAH!" He wheezed, tapping on his knee before, straightening, adjusting his posture.

"Yeah no. I'm the fucking KING OF HELL bitch, I dunno what you're tryna imply here-? Of course I can harm you." he snarled, a wide sharp smile drew on his face, horn growing as the flame lit up in between them, attempting to intimidate the sinner, and it seemed to work as he visibly shrank back.

Alastor immediately took the lead after that performance, keeping the sinner from processing the fake threat, "HAHA! I suggest you take your leave! or you may enter! But in this case you will follow the rules of the Hotel!" he pointed his finger in the air. "No harm or chaos, otherwise you'll be dealing with me." he finished, his smile widened as his eyes burned with radio-light, static hissed beneath every word and his teeth flickered with every syllables.

The sinner gulped, nodding at The Radio Host's clear warning and made good his escape.

Lucifer didn't ask for his intervention, and that had only made him feel he had lost against him... Though he couldn't help but let out a slow breath of relief, leaning on his cane for support, and cursed himself for the show he'd made at Vox's party... A mistake that was bound to make things far more dangerous for him. His pride hadn't done him any favor, and he was finally starting to pay the price for his recklessness...

Oh, how stupid I was, the king thought, all of it done in a desperate attempt to prove to his daughter that he was someone worth relying on.

"Don't get too nervous my king," Alastor chuckled, snapping Lucifer back to reality, "or you might get spotted before you manage to hide your little secret~" he murmured to his ear, then re-adjusted his posture, laughing in a manic, sadistic way as he took his leave in the shadows, and Lucifer frowned at his unpleasant attitude.

"Oooh when I get you bellhop... YOU WILL regret that SASSY ATTITUDE OF YOURS!! JUST YOU FUCKING WAIT!!!" he yelled, his voice echoed through the Hotel, and the guests glanced around in confusion before shrugging it off and returning in their activities— And so did Lucifer, almost every guest from the list were present, and the last few left were already arriving.

The short king took a deep breath, re-adjusting his sleeves then hat and smiled, waiting for them to enter the hotel, and as soon as he slipped from their notice, he let out a quiet sigh, a faint smile lingering despite it all.

He readjusted his bow, clearing his throat, and with a decided stance, he forged ahead through the crowd.

"Oops, yes- excuse me, just passing through!" he murmured, easing past them. He had to make sure guests wouldn't wander where they weren't allowed; that meant circling the Hotel himself.

"Haha, yes, sorry! Juuust going over there-" he added belatedly, already moving on. A few guests shifted aside with faintly put-out expressions, some exchanged brief, unimpressed glances as Lucifer pushed through with his awkwards apologies, but they stepped aside all the same.

Too busy excusing himself and struggling to thread through, he wedged himself between bodies-

"OUGH-" he frowned at the sudden halt, blinking as he glanced down, "Oh for heaven's sake." The short king was stuck between two sinners who seemed unwilling to move.

"Erm, haha! Exc-excuse me? Could you-could you move a lil'??" Lucifer politely but awkwardly stuttered, attempting to push them away with his small hands.

Neither paid him attention, if anything, the space only grew tighter, drawing a strained wheeze from his chest. With a sigh, he shoved experimentally, then harder, with no success. He exhaled sharply through his nose, and counted to three.

"Okay, one.. Two.. THREEE-" This time he shoved as hard as he could, the pressure finally giving away, and with a sharp pop, he shot free, stumbling forward and landing flat on the floor.

"Ugh.." he muttered, propping himself up on his chin as he rubbed at his aching back. The loud thud that echoed made Charlie startled, shoulders jumping before she turned quickly, eyes widening as she spotted her father on the floor.

"Dad??" she said surprised, immediately crouching beside him, "CHARLIIEE... Hey!" Lucifer replied, waving at her.

She held his arms, helping him to his feet, "What happened?" she asked, dusting off his tailored jacket.

"Oh! Nothing nothing- there's just a LOT of people and I happened to stumble because of how crowded it is.." He inhaled deeply and huffed, readjusting his bowtie, earning a chuckle from Charlie at his clumsiness. "And you??"

"Oh! Everything is GREAT!!" She gestured up with her hands, "everyone seems to have a lot of fun and I am so excited to do the activities I prepared until tomorrow EEEE!!!" she squealed bouncing on the tips of her feet, and Lucifer's smile softened. "We just need a projector because we'll be watching a movie! do you think you could get yours, dad?" The princess asked, interlocking her fingers as a plea to her father.

Of course he couldn't say no to his precious daughter, with a soft chuckle, he rested his hand on her back. "Of course, I'll get it! But it's veeery precious so be careful with it, okayy?" Lucifer carefully instructed, and Charlie nodded eagerly.

"AH! THANK YOU DAD! You're the best!" She exclaimed, pulling him in a tight hug, and he didn't hesitate any second before returning the affection.

"Okay! I have to go back to work, the movie's around uhmm.." She pondered, finger resting against her chin, "I'd say around ten, so in two hours!" she chimed and Lucifer nodded in understanding.

"Alright Charchar! You go do whatever you gotta do and I will bring the projector!" He said enthusiastically, taking his leave at once and teleporting himself into the corridors of his stage.

As soon as he appeared from within his flames, Lucifer sighed, letting his shoulders slump, arms loose on his sides. "God, some quiet..." he murmured to himself before straightening his posture.

After composing himself mentally, the angel walked towards his room, as he entered, he immediately smiled at the sight of his mountains of ducks that were scattered all around.

Crossing the heart of his bedroom, he sighed in releif, picking one of his many collection of ducks, resting it in the palm of his hands and greeted it, curving his lips into a small sheepish smile.

"Ooouh hello little duckyy," Lucifer chuckled, gazing down at it with puppy-like eyes, "did you miss me? hm? you did??" he said, nuzzling it in a soft, careful motion. "Ahaha you're so cute.." the little fallen angel huffed, tossing the duck aside.

"Anyways!!" he laid his hands on his hips, seemingly determined, "the projectooorrr.. Where did I put it again?" he asked to himself, eyes narrowing around the room in attempt to spot it—but with the mess (his ducks) spotting anything at all was a challenge.

So, without further ado, Lucifer dove into the piles of ducks, humming a little tune to keep himself focused on the task.

Nothing in the first pile, aside from some of his old sketches of the Goetias, and hurried to the second pile— this one too had everything but the projector... And he sighed in frustration, crossing his arms, eyes half lidded, purple shadow brushed across his lids as he tried really hard to remember the last time he used it, and where he might've left it.

With a snap, his face lit up, smile stretching wide, "OH! That's right- I rememberrr!" he teleported himself in his castle's room, where he used to stay before having his own place at the Hotel, and marched in direction of his old chest and flipped it open. Inside lay old books, scattered papers and used broken crayons... And nestled among the clutter, the projector.

With careful motions, he lifted the dusty projector, blowing the dust off of it in a small cloud. Satisfied, the little king slammed shut the chest with his tail as he took his leave, sitting on the edge of his bed, analysing it, making sure nothing was broken.

With his sleeve, Lucifer wiped off the rest of the dust, making the projector more presentable for Charlie. Once satisfied, he vanished in a burst of flames, reapinring beside her in an instant.

"WOA! OH! Dad!" she startled, clutching her chest before huffing out a laugh and straightening her posture.

"Sorry dear! But as promised I brought you the projectoorr," he chimed, proudly. "Is there a specific place you want me to set it up??"

The princess nodded immediately, pointing at the upper lobby, "right up there so no one breaks it and the screen will be big enough for everyone to see!"

Lucifer wasted no time in flying upwards and gently settling the projector along the upper lobby's large rail, plugging it to the closest outlet, tail flicking with focus.

Once everything was ready, the two tested the screen.

"Uh nope, a little too high," Charlie instructed.

Lucifer adjusted it.

"Aaaa liiitle too low now," she added, biting her nail frowning and Lucifer muttered something intelligible under his breath while fixing it again.

"YES! DON'T MOVE IT— IT'S PERFECT!" she shouted and Lucifer froze instantly, hands shooting into the air like he’d been caught by the authorities.

"Yes! Thanks dad, now we just have to wait for Vaggi and Angel to come back with the movie tapes!" With that, Lucifer flew down beside her daughter, and she rested her hand against his shoulder, an emotional smile stretching across her face.

"Oh this is the most perfect night!! snif! ohmygod, ohmygod, "

She fluttered her hands in small, frantic motions, trying to chase the tears away and Lucifer couldn't help but gently chuckle at that.

"Okay!!" She said striking a determined stance, "I'll see where Vaggi is! Everything is done but you can watch over the place one last time, really quickly while I'm gone? I'll be back, you're doing amazing dad!" Charlie said, flashing him a thumbs-up as she hurried away and he simply waved at her, watching her disappear into the crowd.

His task was done! Even if watching over the sinners in the Hotel felt unnecessary, it mattered for Charlie—and Lucifer would do anything for her.

In a blink, his wings burst open in a flare of magic, carrying him upward for a better view of the Hotel floor below. He hovered above the crowd, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded with boredom. The King of Hell truly hated sinners, and yet he was... In a way... Watching over them.

Nothing seemed out of control, so he simply sat on the roof of his apple-shaped workshop, letting out a deep sigh. Though the tranquility was quickly interrupted.

"My my... Are you slacking, my King?" Alastor's radio-like voice teased.

Lucifer's eyes widened narrowing as he frowned, scanning the upper levels until he spotted The Radio Demon already watching him, lounging on a nearby balcony, just below, at the side of Lucifer's apple-shaped workshop.

"You." The short angel growled, eyes squinting with frustration. "What about you?? Do you have nothing else to do to the point you HAVE to come and annoy me, is that it?" Lucifer hissed and Alastor smile widened.

"HAHA! Oh don't be so dramatic, you are a client here, I am simply looking if you are satisfied!" He teased, resting a hand on his radio staff.

Lucifer scoffed, rolling his red eyes as he sat back, curled on himself, knees drawn to his chest.

"You know damn well I'm not a simple client here bellhop, I literally have my own place– don't forget that I'm the big boss here."

Alastor frowned, though his amusement never faded, "Ohh, I recall! Then..." He paused, faking a thought, "I am simply a little bellhop looking out for the biiig boss himself!" He gestured in an innocent dramatic shrug and the comment earned a small chuckle from Lucifer.

"Oh fuck oooff," Lucifer grinned, looking down at The Radio Demon. "Why are you here?" he finally asked.

Alastor clasped his hands behind his back. "Charlie told me to look for you! The movie will start soon, and she wants you to set it up for them."

"Huh, can't you do it?" He asked confused, flying down in front of Alastor.

"Charlie explicitly told us to not touch the projector! I believe it is something rather precious in your eyes," he paused, glancing at The angel flying just in front of him, "I wonder why.."

Lucifer perched on the balcony rail for only a heartbeat before springing off it, wings folding as he landed smoothly on the floor. "It's a family thing, you wouldn't understand." He hissed, "lets put that movie."

With that, both returned inside the building. Everyone were already seated, ready to watch the movie his daughter had promised. The crowd's chatters filled the lobby, a restless buzz of noises quickly cut short by Charlie's intervention.

As they waited in complete silence, she finally launched into a passionate speech, and Lucifer found himself smiling. His daughter reminded him so much of himself, back when he'd been full of hope and dreams.

He chuckled, "Like Father, like Daughter I guess." Lucifer mumbled to himself as he picked the tape Alastor handed him.

Once the tape was set up, Lucifer gave a thumbs-up from his spot, a silent signal to his daughter that everything was ready as she carried on with her speech.

“She always had to do speeches, huh?” Lucifer murmured softly to himself—though it was clearly meant for Alastor.

“Yes, It always was her way of expressing herself, through speeches, and songs. ” Alastor answered quietly and Lucifer scoffed, a hint of fond amusement in it. “Yeah. It is.”

He teased, “I wonder who she got that from!” feigning curiosity as he chuckled softly, in harmony with Lucifer.

“Oh, you know she got that from me, heh,” Lucifer replied, his smile wide and filled with pride as Alastor softly glanced down at him.

Minutes passed before Charlie finally gave her father the go-ahead to start the movie. Without further ado, the wall lit up, and everyone’s attention turned to the screen.

~

The cinema session was finally over, and the guests applauded in satisfaction.

"Well then Sinners!! It's time for the big partyyy!!" Angel Dust announced, on the stage, and he looked dazzling in his long red sparkling dress, decorated with furr he didn't even need as the music began. "Merry Sinsmas Everyone!!" And with that, voices rose together, shouting Merry Sinsmas in unison.

Alastor joined Husk at the Bar area, leaving Lucifer in the upper lobby, resting against the railing, chin in his palm as he observed the party bellow. Laughter spilled through the hotel, overlapping voices blending into a lively buzz as sinners mingled freely.

Groups gathered in loose circles, drinks raised, stories exchanged, games were on and music threaded through it all like magic as couples drifted through the crowd, hands entwined, tails brushing and horns leaning close as they shared quiet laughter meant only for each other.

Some swayed lazily to the music, others pressed together near the walls, gazing at each other lovingly as they wrapped in their own little worlds.

With a sigh, Lucifer shut his eyes and stretched, bones cracking without fail, before making good his escape, leaning against the outside balcony rail, gazing upon the world above—his home, heaven—that was beautifully glowing against the darkened red skies.

The Radio Demon noticed the king's quiet retreat from his spot, and, without a second's hesitation, he gracefully summoned himself behind him.

"So? Enjoying this sinful night, my little king?" Alastor asked, amused, slipping a cigarette between his lips; the lighter sparked, briefly illuminating his grin as he lit it, but his gaze remained on his King.

Lucifer exhaled softly "No, this whole Sinsmas stuff? Not really my thing." he frowned, tapping a finger against his cheek, and his tail flicked like a cat signaling its frustration.

The Radio Demon took a few steps fowards... He knew he could've simply approached and annoyed the short king, it wasn’t as though he could've have stopped him in the first place. But for once, he held back, allowing Lucifer the luxury of his space—

Though, that didn't stop his sharp tongue from running.

"Ah yes! How silly of me," he chuckled. "Sin hardly suits you mon chère. An angel through and through."

"..A banished one."

Alastor's iconic smile faltered, though not completely. There were times when he wished he could stop smiling, but it was beyond his control- it refused to leave his face.

He hummed thoughtfully as he lingered behind Lucifer before stepping even closer, and the short king didn't hide his discontentment. But Alastor ignored it, resting against the balcony rail cigarette in hand. Lucifer sighed, a warning clear- but just as clearly ignored.

"I'm not really in the mood, Alastor. Don't you have a party to host with my daughter?" He snapped, crossing his resting arms. "Or stay with the others I dunno, anything BUT being around me." he snarled, frowning in clear discontentment.

Though whatever he said, that deer-looking sinner clearly had decided to ignore his warnings and stick around, which made Lucifer give up on the idea of ever being alone.

The Radio Demon gracefully lifted the cigarette to his lips and took a slow drag, exhaling a thin stream of glowing green smoke. "My job is to make sure everyone is satisfied at the Hotel!" he said lightly, "and you are not."

Reluctantly, Lucifer drew his gaze away from Heaven and turned to Alastor, his smile coming a second late. "Pffr, again with that? I told you I'm not really a client here-"

"But you are!" Alastor cut in, "part of the Hotel." There was sincerity in his words, he didn't know why, but everytime he found himself alone with Lucifer, he couldn't keep up his act. Everything he did and everything he said, he meant it. "And I am certain Charlie thinks the same."

Lucifer didn't reply, if he noticed Alastor's soft tone, he didn't mention any of it. His gaze drifted back towards heaven once more. And for a moment, Alastor thought he would've stayed silent—not like silence ever bothered him—still, Lucifer was a big talker, and it was odd to see him so quiet, even for him.

Then the Fallen Angel hummed, low and uncertain, as though he was thinking whether he should speak at all. "I miss.." He paused, voice weak, but decided. "Having someone.. A place? to belong to. A-and someone belonging to me!" he sighed, his grip tightened around his arms.

Alastor glanced quietly at the small Angel, listening in a way he rarely allowed. A gesture he wouldn't normally grant unless it benefited him. But just this once, he listened.. Expecting nothing in return.

"Especially in this," he scoffed, struggling to find the right words as his hands lifted in a quick expressive motions, "This holiday.. it.. Reminds me how I belong... Nowhere!" he huffed, throwing both hands toward the sky in a quick expressive gesture before resting them back on the balcony rail.

"Not in Heaven... And not in Hell." he looked down, silently crying, defeat settling in his posture, and Alastor carefully listened.

It was heartbreaking in a way, it reminded of him in his past life, when he hadn’t belonged to that world either. And even now, it was no easier. Carving a place among sinners had required power, cruelty, spectacle. And seven years gone didn't do him any good, and the only way he could've felt at his place was through power and reputation... Strength had been the only language Hell respected.

"Well my dear," Alastor softly laughed, "I am surprised you hadn't realized in your eons of existence that someone like you couldn't belong anywhere!" He rested his head against his palm, "Too reckless for Heaven, and too good for Hell." He took another drag, exhaling a heavy plume of smoke. "What irony."

"Ha. Ha." Lucifer growled, a bitter frown tugging at his lips, expression hardening as he wrapped his arms around himself, shoulders curling inward, pained and angry all at once.

And though he'd come to comfort him, Alastor couldn't help but relish his misery. With a careless flick, he sent his cigarette away and let his gaze linger on his king as he gently closed the space between them.

"But you certainly belong in the Hotel." he said, voice low between them, as if it was a secret meant only for him.

Lucifer shivered at the proximity, the tickle of Alastor's voice near his ear drew a soft yellow blush to his cheeks. He looked up at the Radio Demon, brow knitting in confused irritation.

"Hah- whu-what are you even saying, what d'you mean? OBVIOUSLY I belong in that Hotel!!" The King of Hell finally huffed, chuckling, though he couldn't quite hide the nervous, unfamiliar fluster curling in his chest he couldn't quite name.

"I knoowwww you don't actually feel like you belooonng~!" Alastor teased, smile wide and sharp, cracking his neck as he tilted his head.

Lucifer grimaced- but said nothing.

"You live here now, at the Hotel!" he gestured toward the building, guiding Lucifer's gaze, "Don't you think it could be somewhere you'd belong?"

"I-" Lucifer sighed, "See, I'm just doing this for my little Charlie??" He paused, shoulders slumping, "otherwise I think I would have stayed in my room actually." he paused again, expression softening with something heavier. "If it weren't for this... Whole redemption project, I wouldn't be needed." he let out a small hollowed chuckle and took a deep defeated breath, "there's a difference."

The Radio Demon pondered for a moment, then, wrapped an arm around Lucifer's shoulders, holding him close, and the fallen angel blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"Hmmm.." Alastor hummed deliberately before continuing. "Maybe, but every beginning starts somewhere, don't you think?" He glanced down at him, "now you can be present and partake in this project with Charlie!" His eyes flicked briefly to his radio staff before returning to Lucifer. "And she seems more than happy to have you around!" he smiled gently, and there was genuine warmth in his gaze which left Lucifer's cheek blush a deeper yellow.

"I.. Haven't really thought of it that way, haha.." He admitted softly, eyes narrowing down as he caressed the back of his neck. "But it doesn't really change much about how I feel."

Silence draped itself over the balcony once more as they both gazed toward Heaven, as if yearning for it.

Lucifer certainly was.

He missed home. And yet, the ache of not belonging lingered just as strongly... And without warning, loads of tears spilled free down his face.

Strangely, there was no visible sorrow in his expression—only the distant, yearning look of a mind lost in Heaven’s glow. His cries were silent, as quiet as the pain he had hidden behind performance and whimsy ever since he fell from Heaven.

Alastor sighed, the decision quietly settling in his chest. He gently slid his hand along Lucifer's jaw, swiping away his tears with his thumb as he guided the Angel's focus from Heaven to himself. The short King's eyes widened, tears still streaming down his yellow cheeks, and his hand delicately closed around Alastor's wrist.

He couldn't help but feel flustered as he cleared his throat, grounding himself.

"Well, I may not be to a King's standards, but.. For tonight, I could belong. To you."

"Huh, wha..? " Lucifer's cheeks warmed a little more as he noticed the mistletoe hanging just above them, swaying gently with Alastor's shadow.

He huffed a quiet laugh. "Well," he said softly, wiping his tears away with his darkened fingers, "that seems... inconvenient." Lucifer chuckled bashfully.

Alastor scoffed, but he didn't step away, and Lucifer gently stood on the tip of his toes.

"Haha! it is Traditions," The deer demon muttered, yet he leaned closer all the same. Their gazes lingered, neither willing to look away.

The moment seemed to slow, and without waiting any longer, their lips gently pressed against one another. The kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, as if either of them might pull back. But neither did.

For that moment, beneath the glowing world above, the soft songs and borrowed belonging, tonight, Lucifer wasn't alone.

Merry Sinsmas,