Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

-Hey, don't squeeze it like that! - yelled the First Man seeing some unknown creature playing with a ferret in a rather dangerous manner. He could only see its back, so he wasn't sure what kind of animal it was, but it did release the ferret. The little furrball hissed at the creature and ran off to the human, who took it into his arms and started petting it gently to calm it down.

Adam didn't tolerate the animals bullying each other. He was about to scold the creature, but when he looked up, he was startled by it already standing so close to him. It was bipedal, thin and berely reached to his weist, it's hide in the shades of pinks, reds and gold, it's face flat and pale white with pink circles on its sides and a glowing ring above its head with a few stars attached to it. He couldn't see its mouth, it was probably hidden behind an unusual collar around its neck. The creature looked at him curiosly with its big red slit eyes.

He never saw anything like that before, so he assumed it must be a new addition to the Garden. Well, newby or not, it has to know the rules. He cleared his throat and spoke in his authoritive tone:

-You probably don't know it yet, but I'm the one in charge of this Garden. And you can't just pick up others and manhandle them like they're your toys. You wouldn't like someone doing that to you, would you? - to his surprise the creature shook its head. He never saw any other animal do that, they usually just cower, trying to make themselves look vulnerable in front of him - Well, since you're new, I'll let it pass this time. Now apologize - he put the ferret on the rock beside him and looked expectantly at the unknown creature. It bowed its head to the ferret, who seemed to accept the gesture and ran off to the nearby bushes.

Satisfied, Adam walked off to the nearest peach tree and picked a few fruits. Before he stumbled upon this unknown animal he was looking for something to eat. He sat down at the rock and observed the new creature. He gotta name it once he figures out what it does.

Usually he watched a few specimen to make sure he didn't name the same animal twice. It happened before. He encountered a group of deer and he thought at first that the ones with antlers were completely diffrent species from the ones without antlers. But soon he realized they were the same kind of animals, just with a few diffrences. He made that mistake a few times, calling the same species buck and doe, rooster and hen or bull and cow. He quickly corrected himself and started observing the animals more carefully. Most seemed to devide in two groups, he started to refer as males and females, though there were some exceptions, like some little slimy legless things that crawled on and under the ground. He wondered, if specimen in front of him was a male, female or something completely diffrent.

The new creature was now chasing a frog, its fur so long it completely covered it's legs. It ran in a rather clumsy manner, like it was still figuring out how to walk. At some point it has tripped on a root and fell face first in the grass. Adam saw a pair of white legs ending with red hooves and a white pointed serpent tail sticking out from under the fur.

"What an unusual combination..." - he thought, while taking a bite of a juicy fruit.

The creature got up and looked around for the frog. When it couldn't find it, it turned back to Adam and approached him, curious about the food in his hand.

-You want some? - he picked up one of the peaches and gave it to the creature.

It took the fruit and looked it over. Adam was about to explain how to eat it, when one of the creature's arms shook away the fur on its left hand(it has the same type of hands as him?!) and pulled away the collar revealing its mouth. When it took the first bite, Adam noted the sharp triangular teeth and a long forked tongue. The creature moaned, pleased with the sweetness of the fruit. The sound surprised Adam, it was low and similar to his own voice. He wondered, if it could make other sounds. The peach juices poured on its chin and stained the fur of the collar. Now that he thought about it, was it even a fur? It covered the body of the creature, but it looked smooth in touch. While the creature was busy licking the juices off of its fingers, Adam kneeled down and caught the egde of the weird covering. He was right, it wasn't a fur, but it was thin and smooth. He never saw anything like it. He pulled it up, curious what it hid underneath, when the creature made a startled sound and jumped away. He looked up and noticed that its white face sported a golden hue on its cheeks, its eyes wide with surprise and discomfort. Adam immaditaly apologized. Some animals seemed to be more shy than others and didn't like to be watched or touched. He decided to leave for now and give the new creature some time to adapt to the new environment, maybe there were more of them around.

The man didn't make it too far, before something caught his pinky and made him pause mid-step. He looked down at the creature, who held his finger with its small hand. It seemed like it didn't want to be left alone. Adam took its small hand into his, their size diffrence almost made him laugh, but he didn't want to offend the creature, so instead he kept walking, leading his new companion to his usual spot where he drank from the stream. The little hand was still a little sticky from the juice, he might as well teach the creature how to wash it.

***

Meanwhile, the creature or rather the angel no. 666, had the time of his life. The First Man mistaken him for a new animal and made it his mission to take care of him. He didn't expect this turn of events and being mischievious as he is, he didn't correct the human. Adam has never seen any heavenborn before, so it was understandable he would not realize that the new creature wasn't actually the part of the Garden. No. 666 has never experienced being treated like a small, fragile thing that needed protection and attention, but he was starting to like it and he'd squeeze as much of it as possible, before he reveals his real identity to the First Man.

When the Creator decided to asign a guardian for the human, the angels were less than pleased. Adam was the first creation to have an actual name given by the Lord himself. It seemed to them that the God wasn't interested in them enough to bother with coming up with individual name for each angel. They used numbers to identify themselves. No. 666, as they called him, was aware that he wasn't liked by his siblings. Aside from being the biggest troublemaker, the angels seemed to be jealous of how their Creator would enjoy his presence and didn't scold him for his pranks. One time the little angel caused a big explosion when some of his siblings were working on the atmosphere and he started to mix some elements out of boredom. God not only didn't reprimand him, but he genuinely laughed at the angel's antics.

So, no. 666 wasn't really surprised when the other angels volunteered him to become Adam's guardian. He wasn't sure, if it was their way to get back at him or they simply wanted him to cause trouble somewhere else. Probably both, but honestly, he couldn't care less, because the Garden of Eden was much more interesting than any of them thought. He decided to get as much fun from it as possible by experiencing it on a physical level. The first time he flew through the portal to Earth, he immaditely fell on his face. Right, the gravity here was a little stronger than in Heaven. Nevertheless he was fascinated by his surroundings. He stood barefoot in the grass and felt how it tickled his anckles, the air was a mix of many diffrent smells and the whole place was buzzing with life. He decided to walk around and take all the knew sensations in. He poked at every object he came across and studied it, wondering what it does. His siblings didn't really want to share the details about their creations, so he needed to figure everything out on his own. However he soon realized that his wings made it more difficult to walk in the narrow path between the trees. They were catching on the twigs and bushes and the animals ran away at the sight, so he opted to hide them for the time being. Speaking of animals he was curious what would they feel like in his hands. He started to look for some small speciman to study. After almost an hour of chasing after the little creatures, he finally managed to catch one. It's body was long, warm and covered in gray fur. It tried to slip away from his hands and even bit him, but he held it firmly. And then he heard a loud, raspy voice behind him, telling him to stop squeezing the animal. No. 666 released the creature and turned to the owner of the voice.

And then he saw him, the God's favorite creation stood there in all his naked glory and held the little animal in his arms protectively. The angel was awestrucked by the beauty of the First Man, his Creator really outdid himself with that one. Chiseled lean body, smooth sun-tanned skin, brown windswept hair, handsome face and gentle golden eyes.

"Now, that's the kind of view I'd like to see everyday~" - thought no. 666, getting a little warm under his robe.

Chapter Text

-Die, bitch!

The fontaine of blood spilled in the air as the axe separated the sinner's head from their body. It fell into the puddle of guts and fluids from the other corpses laying around. Adam laughed maliciously, though not as loudly now, since he ran out of breath as he flew through the now quiet alley of the Pentagram City. His soldiers were far away, but he could still hear the screams of terror, meaning that they were doing just fine. He honestly couldn't believe how his girls could keep chasing the demons for almost all day straight. He was here for berely an hour and he already needed a break. He pushed away the mean voice in his head that kept telling him how fat and lazy he got over the centiries. No, Adam would not let that stupid fucker ruin the only day in the year, when he can finally let himself loose. Heaven was nice and all, but over time it started to suffocate him. As much as he hated Hell, it offered him a brief escape from the rules and things that annoyed him daily.

"You can't even admit how pathetic your afterlife is", mocked the voice again, "What you're gonna do tonight? Play for the crowd that doesn't really love you, fuck some chick that leaves after an hour and stare at the ceiling for the rest of the evening, while eating sweets? We both know you will. You always do, you, stupid, fat, pathetic-

-No! - he yelled, punching the nearest wall, which shook the building and almost made it collapse. Even architecture in Hell sucks. There's no way he would stay here longer than he had to.

"Keep telling yourself that. We both know, why you come here every year and where you're gonna go now."

This time the wall and the whole building ceased to exist from Adam's holy light. He didn't use it very often, so he would not hurt his girls by accident(one of them lost a leg when he recklessly nuked everything at his first extermination).

"Gosh, you have the worst temper. Eve was right when she called you a brute. I don't know how she stayed with you for so long..."

Ofcourse the pheasical attacks wouldn't silence the voice. Nothing would. It existed solely to torture Adam ever since he ate that damn apple. When he asked Eve about it, she said that she didn't hear any voices in her head and looked at him like he lost his mind. He never asked about it again, too scared to be judged by his family and angels.

"See? You're a lost cause. A sick bastard who can't find his place in litteral paradise. No one can help you. Not Lute, not Sera, not even JC. And you know what? If you weren't such an asskisser, you'd be down here with all those losers you kill every year. Just admit it. You live a big, fat lie up there. Almost as big and fat as you."

Gosh, it was getting extra cruel lately. Not the worst he heard, but it still stung. Adam lost all his bloodlust for today, but there wasn't any nice place to sit down and wait for the next few hours. He didn't know Hell that much, only a small part of the city and Lucifer's residence. The latter was his usual choice to crash at for the rest of extermination.

Adam stretched out his golden wings and flew above the black roofs of the city to the big manor situated at the very edge of the pentagram, right on the tip of the star's arm. It stood out from the rest of Hell's buildings with how sturdy and rich it looked. He landed in front of the black gate that separated the neglected gardens from the rest of the city. No one guarded it. No one needed to. Lucifer scared the shit out of every damned soul in Hell. Adam scoffed at the state of the gardens and the manor. When he saw it for the first time, about 130 years ago, he was surprised how much it imitated the heavenly architecture, though it was mostly in blacks. When he went inside there were also elements of purple and golden accents. The main motives consisted of snakes, flowers, apples and... mirrors. His first assumption was that it belonged to some rich, narcissistic overlord. He decided to kill the bastard, if he was still around and rest in the residence for the remaining hours. To his surprise Lucifer was in one of the rooms.

He was only supposed to see him at the meetings, right after the extermination to inform the King about the number of purged souls and damages he and his unit might have caused(not that Lucifer cared). Before he stumbled into the elegant manor, Adam didn't know where and how the royals lived. It would explain the choice of motives and decorations in the building. The purples, golds and mirrors must have been Lilith's idea, that woman has loved her own reflection ever since she discovered it in the still water. But she wasn't around at the Extermination Day. It was only Lucifer, who was actually forced by the contract to remain in his household until the exorcists leave. Seems like the wife was too scared for her own ass to keep company to her imprisoned husband. Ever since he found him, visiting and bullying Lucifer was his favorite activity during the extermination. The Devil was forced to remain in the building to not help any sinners escape the exorcists. He also wasn't allowed to hurt or kill the angels, so he couldn't do much against Adam, when he broke into his house. Most of the time Lucifer ignored him, but it didn't stop the First Man from taunting him. He usually called the King names or threw stuff at him(which didn't even leave a scratch at the fucker's perfect skin). Sometimes he got so frustrated, he just yelled and stole Lucifer's finest alcohol to get some reaction out of him(definetely not to get drunk and silence the voice insinde his head).

Back to the present, the man finally made it to the manor's entrance. He didn't try the handle, he knew the door was locked, but it has never stopped him before. One swing of his axe and the obsticle fell to the floor in splinters. It made a lot of noise, but Adam didn't care. Lucifer already knew he'd come to bother him. The inside was silent and kinda dusty. The spider webs were covering every corner and the mirrors were covered by sheets. It was a little weird, but he didn't think much about it, too busy checking every room in search of the devil. Then he heard a muffled scream and a thud from the room above. Adam grinned and went in the direction of the stairs. While he climbed his way up, he wondered what caused the King to make the noise, but then again Lucifer was kinda clumsy. Maybe he tripped and fell on his face? The man laughed at the image. That's what you get for wearing boots with high heels...

-Knock, knock! - he called when he reached the door and kicked it so hard it hit the bookshelf that stood beside the entrance. Something shuttered, but Adam didn't pay attention to it as he walked inside with his axe resting on his shoulder and his other hand on the left hip. He scanned the room looking for the little silhouette of the devil.

The room was in a better condition than the rest of the house, but still pretty messy. The clothes and dust on the floor suggested that no one cleaned it in at least a few days. The curtains were partly covering the big windows, allowing very little light to enter the room. The sheets on the bed were left in disarray, partialy laying on the floor, like someone has bolted from it. Adam was just about to look in the other corner, when something glowing on the floor caught his attention. It was some gold stain on the sheets that has fallen on the left side of the bed. He squinted his eyes a little trying to figure out what it was and then he noticed a familiar shape of a black leg sticking out of the pile of the dark red material. The exorcist laughed quietly.

-Gosh, you're such a floperoo. Can't even get up right without- he paused when he realized that the Devil was completely still and quiet. He must have been like that since the moment Adam heard him scream. Then it clicked in his mind. The stain on the sheets was an angelic blood. Lucifer's blood.

Adam went rigid. What hurt the King of Hell so badly that he was laying uncoucious and bleeding? Was it from the fall? Doubtful. He once threw a grand piano at the fucker and it didn't make him even blink. Was he attacked? But who would have caused such a damage to the most powerful being in Hell? The man started looking around the room nervously. If the Devil was really attacked in his bed, then the culprit might be hiding in this very room right now. And if they were able to hurt a seraph, the archangel won't be safe either. Adam got into the position to defend himself. Gripping his axe in both hands, he moved cautiously to the bed to confirm, if Lucifer was in fact dead. The King was lying on his right side, covered with sheets to his chest. He was breathing. Adam sighed with relief, but looked at the blood stain suspiciously. When he was about to turn around and search the room for the possible intruder, the Devil suddenly opened his eyes and screamed, curling his body in pain.

-Fuck! - cursed Adam, so startled he almost tripped over his own feet and fallen on his ass, but he managed too find his balance - The fuck was that about?!

Lucifer didn't hear him and screamed again clenching the sheets between his claws. He was sweating and breathing raggedly. Adam was confused by this behaviour. He never saw any angel in pain, even Lucifer and it was kinda scaring him now. Then the stain on the sheets started to expend. It seemed that the blood came from Lucifer's rear or somewhere close to it. The Devil went quiet for a moment, his eyes filled with tears, his breath uneven. Adam realized he was holding his own breath and sighed, his body relaxing slightly. He lowered his weapon and crouched down. He was curious what caused the bleeding of the most powerful being in Hell. He took the edge of the sheet and slowly lifted it up, trying to not startle Lucifer. It seemed like the blood was coming from between the King's legs, the glowing fluid covered the back of his long white shirt and the inner thighs. At first Adam thought that someone has brutally raped him or mutilated his genitals, but then he noticed something even more unexpected. The always flat belly, that the First Man could easily wrap his hand around, was gone. Instead it was big and round, like the little angel has swallowed a still inflated balloon. He was about to touch it to confirm, if it was real, when the King went into another fit of screaming. It took exorcist a moment to realize what was going on: Lucifer was pregnant and apparently he was about to give birth.

Chapter Text

-There's something off with this one... - muttered Adam to the bear that napped beside him. He watched as the new creature was playing in the shallow water. When they arrived at the river bank, there were already some other animals drinking water or lying nearby and sunbathing. It's been 3 days since he met the unknown creature, but he still wasn't sure what he should call it. He haven't seen any other animals resembling it, which complicated things even further.

Ever since he found it, the creature didn't leave his side and he had lots of time to watch it, but the more he learnt about it, the more questions he had. First, the covering on its body wasn't the part of it. He saw how the animal took it off of its head(which made it even shorter than he originally thought), so the rest must have also been removable. Now Adam wondered what its body really looked like, but the creature refused to show him and ran away whenever he tried to take a peek. Second, it was unusually silent. The man caught it a few times as it hummed and cried out loud when startled, but it was more like it refused to make a sound. And third, it was incredibly inteligent. Compared to the other animals, who, more or less, reacted to his words, this one understood everything he said. Sometimes he felt like there's another human with him.

The loud splash interrupted his thoughts. He looked up from his sit and saw the creature running into the deeper water, chasing a duck. He chuckled at its antics and once again propped his back on the bear's side. He was about to take a nap, when he remembered that the river was a lot deeper on the other side. He quickly rose up and looked for the creature. Just as he thought it disappeared under the water, its head covering floating on the surface. He sighed and marched into the river. Fortunately it didn't take him long to find the reckless animal. It didn't went too deep either, the level of water reached Adam's chest, but it was clearly too deep for the creature. He pulled it out on the surface by its collar and dragged it back to the shore. He also caught its head covering on the way. The animal was coughing and dangling in his arm as they made it to the shallow water. He suddenly felt the creature slipping out from the covering and falling into the river. He looked down in shock as it resurfaced, coughing and brushing away its golden hair from its face. Adam could finally see the animal's torso and it kinda looked like his own, only thinner and pale white just like its face and legs. Once the creature realized that its lost its covering, it made a startled sound and tried to hide itself, wrapping its thin arms around its chest. It spotted the covering in Adam's hand and jumped for it, but the man kept it away from its reach. He started to look over its body as it desperatly tried to get back its covering. The creature was mostly built like him except for the tail and... Adam caught both of the animal's wrists to keep it from moving too much. He looked at its crouch and yup, he did see right, there was no dick. It did however have a small crack right in the middle. The man threw away the covering, making the creature pause in its struggle. It watched him with wide eyes, the expression clearly fearful and embarressed. It closed its legs, tail wrapping itself around its hips, trying to hide its genitals from Adam. The man took both of its wrists into his one hand and reached with the other to force its legs open.

-No! Don't! - the creature yelled and Adam froze. He looked up to the animal's face, not believing what he just heard. It spoke to him! Those were actual words!

They both were completely still for a few seconds, though the man's heart was beating so fast and loudly he felt it in his ears. The only other being that ever spoke to him was his Creator, but they haven't had any conversations in a very long time. The prospect of having a creature that could talk to him was filling the man with excitement.

And then came the anger. How long could it talk? It couldn't have just learnt it, right? Why did it refuse to speak before?

Adam took a deep breath and carried the animal to the nearest tree. He pinned it to the bark, its legs on either side of his hips. The creature was too shocked to move, but he'd not risk it slipping away this time. He's gotta get some answers first and then... well, he'll figure out what to do with it.

-How long were you able to talk? - he growled and the creature looked at him in horror.

-Umm... f-from the begining? - it said with a trembling voice. It was low, a little smoother than his own and Adam wondered what it sounded like when it wasn't distressed.

-Then why didn't you say anything until now? - he tried to stay calm, but he felt his anger rising inside him.

-I... w-well... - it paused, trying to find the right words - I wanted to mess with you a little? - it smiled awkwardly and the man's grip on his wrists tightened.

-So you kept quiet all this time for laughs?! - yelled the First Man, his body pinning the creature even harder to the tree.

-I'm sorry! I didn't realize it would upset you so much! Just, please, don't get any closer! It's inappropriate! - it yelled in panic, trying to keep some space between their bodies.

-"Ina-what"? What kind of word is that? - the man pulled away a little, confused at the unfamiliar term.

-I-It means that you're acting rude... - said the creature, hoping that it wouldn't offend the human.

-You made it up, didn't you? You're messing with me again! - he pressed his stomach into the creatures privates, making it yelp and its face turning gold.

-No! I swear! It's a real word! - it said quickly - M-My siblings use it very often to describe me...

-"Siblings"? What's that? - he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. This creature seemed to know things he didn't.

-I explain it to you, but... c-could you release me first? It's a little uncomfortable... - it looked away, not able to hold the eye contact with the human.

-If you're trying to trick me again-

-I don't! I promise! - it ensured and Adam slowly lowered it to the ground. The creature tried to cover itself again with its arms and tail - Could you... um... stop watching me so intensely?

-I'm not risking you running away the moment I lose you from my sight.

-R-Right... So, um... - it stuttered, embarressed with its uncovered state - Wh-Where should I start?

-What are you and how did you get here? You're certainly not one of my animals - said the man, his tone accusing and wary.

-Oh... um... That's correct - answered the creature, impressed that the human figured it out on his own - I'm actually an angel.

-"Angel" - repeated the man, not entirely convinced - What does it mean? Are there more of you?

-Yes, there are more of my kind - it nodded - We're the first creations of God. I was 666th to come into existance.

-That's a lot? - asked the human. He never was good at counting.

-That depands - answered the creature a little calmer now - The Creator sent me here to look after you.

-Is that so? - Adam crossed his arms over his chest - Seeing how I had to save YOU from drowning, you're pretty bad at your job.

-I didn't notice the diffrence in depth! - argued the angel - And I would be fine. Unlike you, I'm strong and resilient. Part of the reason why you need me as your guardian - announced the creature proudly, but then it was pinned again to the tree, between two muscular arms, the human's face dangerously close to it.

-You better not underestimate me, little angel - Adam grinned as the creature swallowed nervously. The man straightened up, towering over his new companion - I will gladly show you how strong I am - he flexed his chest muscles to emphasize his point. The angel's tail swayed excitedly behind him, while his face turned a deep shade of gold.

The First Man was starting to really like this color.

Chapter Text

For a moment Adam completely froze. He haven't witnessed the birth of another being since his mortal days. He got used to angels coming to existence from the mix of pure light and whatever they used to make a specific type of the heavenborn. His own unit was a product of one of his ribs being mixed with a divine power. The process never required much and it was painless, since he was asleep during removal. So the sight of pregnant Lucifer giving birth was both frightening and fascinating. He stared at the little sweaty angel, who was taking quick unsteady breaths and whining painfully. Adam stretched his hand once more to touch the swollen belly. Even through his glove he could feel the warmth and softness of the shape beneath his palm. There was a little kick that made him gasp and involuntarily smile. A new life was inside there, ready to come out.

-Adam? - the quiet voice has pulled him out of his thoughts. The man suddenly remembered where he was and who he was touching. He quickly pulled his hand away and looked at the Devil awkwardly. Lucifer stared at him with droopy eyes, like he was about to pass out at any moment - What are you doing here?

-What do you think I'm doing here? It's the Extermination Day - answered the man.

-Oh... It is? - asked Lucifer not really caring, if it was true or not. His eyes suddenly widened and he clenched his teeth - Fuck, it's starting again...

Lucifer cried loudly, scratching the floor with his claws and trashing his tail frantically. More blood oozed from between his legs and the First Man recalled that Lucifer fell on the floor. What if it damaged something inside him?

His body moved without thinking, dropping the weapon, positioning himself behind the King, gently lifting his upper body and leaning it against his own chest. The little angel closed his eyes in discomfort, but didn't protest, when the exorcist started unbuttoning his shirt and looking for any injuries. Lucifer was dwarfed by the size of his own belly, it seemed almost unbelievable that he could carry such a weight. Was he even able to walk?

-When has it started? - he asked in even, but serious tone. The Devil opened his eyes and tiredly looked at the LED mask.

-What? - he asked weakly.

-The labour - specified Adam, still focused on searching with his hand for anything out of norm. Lucifer sighed and thought for a moment.

-About 2 months ago... - he finally spoke and Adam froze uncertain, if he heard right - I was delaying the birth... The baby was kicking too hard and then I fell...

The First Man muled over the King's words. He was capable of that? But why he's been doing such a thing?

-Are you fucking insane? - he asked, but kept his voice low and continued the earlier task - The kid is still growing. You just made things harder for both of you.

-I had no choice... - whispered Lucifer and his eyes filled with tears - Lilith left me again, this time for good. If I give birth, I'll have to raise the baby on my own... - his hand hesitantly moved to his belly - I don't know how to be a parent... I thought giving Lilith a child would save our marriage, but she rejected both of us - he stroked the area - What if I can't provide for my baby? What if it also leaves me one day? - his voice was a desperate whine now - I don't want to lose anyone anymore...

Adam was silent for a moment. He never saw Lucifer so vulnerable, at least not like that. The King of Hell never let anyone think that he can be broken. Even when he failed at something, he quickly composed himself and put on a brave face. The First Man tried for years to make that little fucker cry or yell in frustration, but what he saw in that moment made his heart clench. It wasn't the proud Devil that he knew for centuries, it was a fragile, lonely creature, scared of not being enough for the little miracle he carried inside him.

Once Adam confirmed that it was safe to move Lucifer, he lifted him up and layed him on the bed. The King looked at him shocked, but didn't try to stop the exorcist, when he started to undress him. Adam threw the bloodied shirt and underwear on the floor and spread Lucifer's legs to see what he's dealing with.

-Damn it, it's about 9 centimeters already... - he said, mentally making a list of things he's gonna need to deliver the baby. He haven't done it for millenia, but he never forgot the procedure - Don't move anywhere. I'll be right back.

Adam turned the lights on and started looking for the clean linens. He managed to find two towels in the closet. Apparently Lucifer didn't have any servants to clean the house or do the laundry for quite a while. The First Man grabbed the towels and went to the bathroom. Just like the rest of the house it was in purples, golds and blacks. In the middle of the room was a big pool filled with water, most likely for Lucifer to spread and clean his wings. Adam found a basin and filled it with warm water. When he returned to the King, the clock on his left announced it was 2 p.m. and a little wooden duckling sticked his head out from the clock frame, quacking enthusiastically. The exorcist put the basin on the floor and took his mask off. As much as he didn't like to show his face, he was starting to get sweaty and uncomfortable. His robe and gloves went next, leaving him in a turtleneck vest, black pants and combat boots. He grabbed the bigger towel and put it under Lucifer, then dipped the other towel in the water and started washing the Devil from all the blood.

Adam was aware that most of angels are genderless, especially the ancient ones, who appeared long before humanity. They are capable of shapeshifting ofcourse, but he never heard of an angel giving birth. They knew how to create life, but it wasn't the same as the actual childbirth. They weren't made to be parents either, just creators. So, for Lucifer to choose this unnatural for his kind way to bring a new life into the world was bordering on stupidity. And for what? That cold-hearted, selfish bitch, who left him every year in this big empty house?

Adam paused for a moment. How exactly Lucifer got pregnant? Lilith didn't have the necessery parts to impregnate her husband and, just like other sinners, she was incapable of reproduction. The conclusion was simple: Lucifer had someone else to sire a child with.

Another scream. Adam grimaced at the sound. The painful childbirth was a curse that Eve has passed upon all mortal women, but apparently it was also one of the curses in Hell. It must be affecting every creature capable of reproduction, including Lucifer.

-You gotta start pushing soon - he informed, when he was done with cleaning.

-I can't... - cried the King, clenching the sheets between his claws - I don't want to be a father... I can't even take care of myself...

For a moment Adam got angry. He wanted to slap this idiot and yell at him for making poor choices and running away from responsibility. He was always like that and the First Man hated him for it. He couldn't forgive Lucifer that he never actually looked him in the eye and admitted that he did him dirty. No apology, no regret. And now he was refusing to accept the life he created inside himself? Adam really liked the idea of punching the teeth out of his mouth.

-Lucifer - he said with a calm voice instead and placed his hands on the Devil's shoulders - You can't stay like this forever. The baby needs to be born now. You're hurting both of you - he looked him in the eyes, red ireses constricted slightly when they met the melted gold - Do you want it to die inside you? Because, if you won't push it out, you'll kill it at some point.

Lucifer gasped and put a hand on his belly protectively. His eyes filled with tears.

-No... - he whispered, sniffling loudly - I want it to live... I want to hold it... - he grabbed Adam's hand and looked at him desperately - Please, don't let it die...

The man cradled the little hand in his and nodded reassuringly. He instructed Lucifer when he should push and didn't leave his side even for a moment. He talked to him and held his hand, even though the Devil's claws have scratched him more than once. The baby was bigger than a normal newborn and Lucifer's size didn't make it any easier. After an hour and a half Adam finally saw the baby's head. At this point the King was practically roaring and crashing the archangel's hand. Adam tried to ignore the pain. It's been centuries since the last time he felt it.

-I can't! - screamed Lucifer - It hurts! Adam, it hurts so badly! Please, make it stop!

-I can't stop it - the man lifted his other hand and wiped the tears from the devil's face - You're doing great. Just hold on a little bit longer. It's almost there.

-I'm scared...

Lucifer's grip has loosened, but Adam didn't let go of his hand. Instead he started to gently caress his face and hair in attempt to calm him down.

-It's gonna be ok. All I want from you is to breath and push. I'll take care of the rest.

Another roar and a snap. Adam yelped as his wrist was broken and then... he heard the noise that he haven't heard in thousands of years. The baby's cry.

Chapter Text

-Say, number six... um... something...? - mumbled the man, still not fully awaken. It was still dark, but somehow he couldn't sleep. For the last few days he observed his new companion and noticed that he doesn't rest like him and the other animals. It worried him - Aren't you tired? Surely, even you, angels, sleep from time to time, right?

-We do, but I don't need it right now - answered dryly the angel - And it's no. 666.

-Yeah, well, it's too long - said the man and sat beside his guardian - I can't remember it and when I'm trying to say it, it comes out very gibberish.

-You better learn it, because I have no other name. God have better things to do than naming each and every thing he creates - he explained, his words a little bitter.

-Why didn't you say so, then? - the man caught the angel by his weist and lifted him high above the ground - I'll come up with the most awesome name for you that the other angels will drop their jaws when they hear it!

-Wh-What?! - no. 666 struggled in the man's grip - You intend to name me?! Like the rest of your animals and plants?!

-Well, duh, you're my guardian angel - answered Adam like it was the most obvious thing in the world - You're here to keep me company, so the least I can do is give you a worthy name.

The angel paused and pouted, his face sporting a slight golden hue:

-Fine... but it better be good.

-Alright - exclaimed the man and sat the angel on the nearby rock - Let's see... - he looked no. 666 up and down, his arms crossed over his chest - Something that brings comfort and inspiration - he scratched his chin - A flame maybe? But it's too hot and can be extinguished - he hummed and shook his head - Not the sun either, because it hurts your eyes and disappears at night - he started to walk in circles - Something that shines brightly in the darkest moment. Something like... - he looked up to the sky and spotted a small bright light on the East - The morning star - he whispered and turned to no. 666 with a wide smile - Your name will be Lucifer, the one that brings light.

The angel gasped at the sound of the name that the human has chosen for him. His eyes shined with golden shimmer, the sign of acknowledging the word as the part of his identity. It sounded nice, perfect even, but he quickly averted his eyes from the human:

-I-It is acceptable. I allow you to call me that - he mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

-Aww, even now you're glowing, Luci - laughed Adam, poking the golden cheek.

-"Luci"?! - exclaimed angrily the angel - Why would you shorten it right after naming me?!

The human has scratched the back of his head awkwardly:

-Well, I like the shortened version. It's kinda cute, like all of you - he answered, his tone innocent as ever - Besides, you can be Lucifer to everyone else, but Luci will be only mine.

Lucifer's body shook from the amount of fluster the human has put him through. Who does this mortal think he is? Just because he's nice and charming, doesn't mean he can act so friendly with him! Still it made him very happy. More than he'd like to admit to himself.

-Y-You cunning, possessive fool... - he said with a trembling voice - I don't belong to anyone.

-Really? - the man leaned down a little, still towering over the angel. His fingers gently lifed Lucifer's chin, making him look into his eyes - Even, if I ask you very nicely? - he whispered innocently and the angel's face became lava golden. This human will be the reason of his demise one day.

***

-It's here - he said with breathy voice, his hand between Lucifer's legs, feeling the shape of the baby leaving the birthing canal.

The King's hand realised him and dropped limply to his side. Adam looked at him concerned, but it seemed like Lucifer was just too exhausted to move a muscle. The exorcist lifted the crying baby with one hand and examined it. He sighed with relief.

-A strong, healthy girl - he announced, smiling warmly at the little princess.

-I have... a daughter? - asked the Devil with a very weak voice.

-Yeah - answered Adam, while healing his broken wrist. He wasn't good at it, but he couldn't work with one hand. Impatient, he left it half done, the bone has already snapped in place anyway, but it left him with a dull ache, blood still oozing a little from the scratches. He summoned an angelic knife and cut the umbilical cord. He looked around, but the towels he brought were covered in Lucifer's blood. The one thing that was clean enough was his robe that he threw on the other side of the bed. He turned it inside out and wrapped the baby in it. The little girl was making quiet noises as he put her in her father's arms.

Lucifer gathered what little strenght he had to hold his daughter and looked at her with exhaustion and love.

-She's beautiful.

-Yeah, she is - and he meant it. You'd expect the offspring of the most beautiful angel would inherit the looks, but Adam wasn't ready for an absolute awe he had for the newborn. Covered in golden blood, the little, pale being has wrapped its black tail around its father's wrist, wailing loudly in confussion. She had the good amount of golden hair on her head and adorable, circle-shaped rosy marks on her cheeks similar to Lucifer's. The baby quieted down a moment later, snuggling comfortably in her parent's arms.

Adam watched them as he healed his sore wrist, his chest fluttering with a long-forgotten warmth. After a few minutes of calming silence, he helped Lucifer push the rest of the after-birth tissue out and dressed him in a fluffy robe. He also took the child to give it a bath. While he washed the girl, she kicked her little legs. They ended with the pair of cute red hooves similar to her father's. She opened her eyes for the first time. Yellow sclera with red irises, also a trait she inherrited from Lucifer. It was the same shade of red as the best apple he had ever tasted, the Forbidden Fruit.

The girl started to cry again and Adam pulled her from the water. He looked at his robe, but it was completely ruined with blood. There's no way, he'd wrap her in it again. He went to the closet and started to rummage through the clothes. He found a big red sweater with the golden strings on it's edges. He wrapped the baby in it and went back to bed. The girl stopped crying in exchange of sucking on his finger, to which he smiled with amusement.

-She must be hungry.

-Oh, right... - said Lucifer, pushing aside his robe to reveal his swollen breasts - Babies need to eat.

Adam positioned the baby in the Devil's arms, so it could comfortably nurse the left nipple. Once she found it, the girl hungrily latched on it, making Lucifer gasp with surprise, but soon they both settled down, only the sounds of feeding being heard in the big, dark bedroom. Adam quietly tided up everything, while watching the King and his daughter bond. He remembered how Eve was nursing their children, sometimes even letting him embrace her from behind and watch the baby from above her shoulder. He missed those times and internally wished to sit Lucifer on his lap, while having his arms and wings wrapped protectively around him and the little Princess. Instead he sat on the edge of the bed and gently poked at the little fist that picked out from the improvised blanket. Subconciously the girl clenched her hand around his finger.

-What will you name her? - he asked without averting his eyes from the baby.

-I... I never thought about it... - mumbled sheepishly Lucifer - Ever since I remember it was either you or Lilith naming everything - he caressed the baby's hair and looked at Adam hopefully - Do you have any ideas?

Adam looked at him stunned. He? The First Man was supposed to name the Devil's child? It sounded like a joke, but Lucifer's face didn't show any sign of jest.

"Holy shit, he's serious!" - said the voice inside his head - "You better not come up with something stupid, like you did with that weird bird!"

-Let's see... - he looked at the baby, trying to come up with a name worthy of the Princess of Hell. He thought about things that she reminded him of; "gold", "sunshine", "wheat", "warmth", "sugar", "red" and then "apple", secretly his favorite fruit. But she was much softer, warmer and sweeter than any fresh apple. He wanted this name to also be a wish for the girl to stay healthy and lively. Something that a future queen would live by in this gloomy, cruel world - Charlotte - he whispered and the baby stopped suckling for a moment - Or Charlie for short - he said louder and the girl looked up at him, her eyes shining with golden shimmer.

Adam smiled at the sight, it's been a while since he named another being and this one was very special. He looked up to Lucifer, who watched the whole thing with tears in his eyes:

-Charlie - he tried the name himself and smiled softly - I love it.

Chapter Text

For the next few hours the King slept deeply, while Adam lied beside, watching over him and the baby. Sometimes Charlie would get fussy and he would scoop her up in his arms and tend to her needs or entertain her, until she finally fell asleep too. For the first time in a while he was at peace, the silence wasn't crushing his soul, no rude voice mocking him from the back of his head. It was funny that he was so calm, while resting by Lucifer's side and taking care of the little Princess. It reminded him of his time on Earth. He might have been banished from the Garden, but being a father was a new kind of paradise for him. Maybe that's why he helped the Devil so eagerly? Because it was the purpose, that was lost along with his mortal vessel? Maybe it was his parental instinct urging him to protect the little life that happened to be inside Lucifer?

No, he'd have helped the King anyway... As much as Adam hated him, he couldn't imagine the world without Lucifer. He was the first angel he met, the first one he named and the only one that stayed with him, when he felt lonely in Eden. It was kinda like imprinting. The Morningstar became the part of the First Man's world and even the painful betrayal couldn't make him abandon the fallen angel.

"Someone's obssessively in love~" - the voice sang, although it lacked the usual bite.

-Shut up - whispered Adam, but his voice also held no anger behind the words.

He reached with his fingers to push away a stray lock from Lucifer's face. It was still a little damp from sweat. His usually perfect hair were now standing in an unkept manner. The dark circles under his eyes suggested that the Devil hasn't been sleeping well for a while, stress and delayed labour probably made him restless.

"Damn, even when he's a total mess, he's still pretty..." - at this point Adam wasn't sure, if it was the voice in his head or if it was his own thoughts, but he couldn't deny the truth; he never saw a being that would compete the beauty of the Morningstar, even after he was banished to Hell.

And it wasn't just his looks. The little angel fascinated the man ever since he met him in Eden. A cheerful, passionate little thing that made him realize how lonely he was until Lucifer came into his life. He even named him after the star that shined brightly right before the dawn. The angel was after all his light bringer.

"Fuck, this is heading in a dangerous direction!" - he thought, when he noticed his fingers caressing the Devil's cheek and lips. He pulled away like he got burned and looked at the clock. It was almost 7 p.m. The Extermination was coming to a close.

Adam sighed and lifted himself from the bed. He was about to reach for his robe, but he recalled that he threw it into the basket with the bloody towels and sheets. Nah, there's no way he's gonna put it on now. Aside feeling disgusting, he'd have to explain to his soldiers why he's covered in angelic blood. Instead he reached for his gloves and helmet, looking one last time at the sleeping King and his baby. God, he wished he didn't have to leave right now. Lucifer just gave birth and was completely alone in his bigass manor. Does he know how to take care of a newborn? Will he neglect himself while doing that? And what if someone decides it's worth the risk to break in and finds the King asleep and defenseless?

The thought made Adam feel like his chest was filled with lead. What should he do? The sinners were coming out of their hideouts to scavenge for anything that was left after the Extermination. If even one of them manages to make it into Lucifer's bedroom, it'd be over.

Adam's head was already picturing some demonic assholes barging in and violating the Morningstar and his daughter. He had an urge to rip the hair from his scalp. He couldn't stay and guard these two, but he sure wouldn't leave them unprotected. He put on his gloves and helmet, opened the balcony door and looked for any sinners or angels around. The streets were empty, but he didn't have much time. His soldiers would start gathering at the portal soon.

The archangel gathered Lucifer and Charlie with the sheets and pillows into his arms, carefully rearranging them, so they wouldn't fall while he flew to the Embassy. It was the only place that he was sure no demon would enter. He walked out on the tarrace, keeping an eye on his surroundings. With a deep breath he spred his golden wings, hugged the precious cargo to his chest and flew just a few meters from the empty street. He had to make some detours whenever he heard some of his girls still hunting down the remaining sinners.

When he finally made it to the Embassy, he hurridly opened the door and headed to the desk. With a little struggle, he rang the bell and signed the form to open the coziest room in the building. Adam didn't like it, the walls were all pink pastels, with cute drawings of animals and flowers, while the floor was covered with a fuzzy purple carpet and soft pillows to sit on. He didn't know who and why they designed this room like that, but for Adam it was a torture to even step inside. Well, at least it'd be comfy and safe for Lucifer to rest there. No one, except the exorcists, visited the Embassy and certainly not without Adam's permission. He was sure that no one would disturb the Devil and he can check on him through the hologram.

Once he settled the father and daughter on the biggest pillow in the room, Charlie suddenly woke up.

-For crying out loud... - he said and quickly regretted it, because the baby started to wail so loudly, he thought the whole building was shaking.

To his surprise and worry, Lucifer didn't even flinch. He must have been more exhausted than he assumed. Adam gathered the girl in his arms and started to rock her gently. The child has quieted down a little, but it was still obviously in distress, tears running down her cheeks. The man was about to wipe them off, when Charlie took his finger in her mouth. Was she hungry again? He was about to pull his finger away, when he felt something sharp cutting through his glove and skin. Shocked, he gently openned the baby's mouth and saw four little fangs and a few smaller teeth protuding from her gums. The Princess wasn't even a day old and she was already teething.

-Guess, you're gonna have your daddy's smile - laughed Adam and pushed Lucifer's robe aside to reveal the right breast. He positioned the girl, so she could eat on her own - Try not to bite his tits off.

The baby latched on the nipple hungrily, but the Devil only hummed quietly in his sleep. The First Man smiled softly and left the room, sealing it away from the outside world and making his way to the exit. It looked like half of his unit was already waiting for him at the portal. He flew up and yelled:

-Enough, ladies! We're leaving!

The exorcists started flying through the portal, while Adam waited for the remaining ones to catch up with their sisters. He looked at the Embassy building with longing.

"Pull yourself together, idiot. You can't stay with them" - he repeated to himself over and over, but it didn't make it any easier.

-Where is your robe, Sir?

Adam flinched at the familiar voice behind him. He expected that Lute would be among the last soldiers to leave. That bitch would never miss an opportunity to kill more sinners.

-I accidentally tore it off. No big deal... - he answered without much thought. It's not like he cared about his uniform. He could get another one.

-Are you alright, Sir? - asked Lute, clearly confussed by her leader's behavior. He was usually more enthusiastic after the Extermination Day. Now he seemed bothered by something.

-Yeah - he muttered, but quickly composed himself and turned around to face his lieutenant - Go prepare the raport for Lucifer. I need to do something, before the meeting.

Lute hesitated for a moment, but did as she was told. Adam glanced one last time at the Embassy and followed his soldiers through the portal. He didn't stop to chitchat with the still excited exorcists and flew straight to his home. He already made a mental list of things that Lucifer might need.

Chapter Text

An hour later a loud knocking has startled him and almost made him drop the spoon into the pot. He quickly ran to the door and through the glass panel he saw Lute waiting for him with a thick file of documents. Damn it, she's already done with the raport...

-Gimme a sec! I gotta grab some stuff! - he yelled and flew to his closet.

He pulled out an enchanted duffel bag that would store anything, no matter how big or how many items he put inside. He used it to carry all of the necessery equipment when he was exploring the other plains of Heaven. He threw inside all the stuff he prepared earlier and ran to the door. He opened it just when Lute was about to knock again. He grabbed the file she held and threw it into the bag too.

-Thanks, Dangertits - he said and walked away hurridly - I'll take care of the meeting. You're dismissed for today.

-What? - she looked at him confused - Sir, are you sure everything's alright? We usually attend those meetings together-

-Yeah, yeah, I just need to discuss something with Lucifer. Y'know, the more private stuff... - he answered and spred his wings to fly away.

-On the last meeting you said that you can't stand his ugly mug - said Lute, clearly suspicious of such an unusual change in plans - And what is that duffel bag for?

-That's none of your business, lieutenant - said Adam getting a little impatient and flew in the direction of the Communication Department - Just go celebrate with the others or whatever... - he added uninterested in her protests.

Lute was always kinda clingy and possessive. He appriciated her company, but sometimes she made him and the people around them uncomfortable. He suspected that she might have a crush on him or something, but he just couldn't see her any other way than his friend. She and the other exorcists were created from his rib like his second wife. They were supposed to be loyal to him, to adore him and do exactly as he says. And it hurt, because he knew that whatever they felt and did for him wasn't real. It was their purpose. Without those feelings instilled in them, they'd surely abandon him.

Before he'd completely drown in self-loathing, he finally saw the Communication Department. Adam entered the building and glanced around for any possible soul inside. Just as he expected, it was empty. No one really had any business with Hell, even Sera didn't have a need to visit it anymore. Adam saw the form, that he signed earlier in the Embassy, hovering above the desk, but before going to the room, he reached for a permit to open a temporary connection to Hell. He signed and once the portal appeared, he tossed the bag through it and went to the assigned door. His projection would be capable of touching and lifting objects in the room, so he could pull the stuff out of the bag and put it wherever he wanted.

He entered the room and froze. Lucifer wasn't where he left him. He wasn't anywhere in sight. Did he wake up and left on his own? Or did someone walk in and took him away when he was still asleep?

He was about to fly to the Pearly Gates, when the door opened and Lucifer walked in with the baby in his arms. He looked at Adam surprised:

-Oh, you're already here. I thought I still have some time before the meeting.

-Forget the meeting! Why aren't you resting?! - he marched to the Devil and put his hands on his shoulders - Do you know how much of a strain you put on your body right now?

-I-

-And why did you leave the room? - he interrupted him - What if someone was in the hall? Would you be able to defend yourself and Charlie like this? You had very little time to recover after the birth. Not to mention you're still sleep-deprived and starving.

Before Lucifer could answer, Adam lifted him up in his arms and went to the big pillow with the sheets tossed aside. He gently sat the King on it and went back to his duffel bag.

The Devil watched him curiously, but couldn't see much through the man's bulky form. He heard a quiet yawn and looked at his daughter, who was finished with her meal. Lucifer smiled and wiped the milk off of her face.

-You're such a glutton - he laughed quietly.

-Well, you kept her inside you far longer than you should, while your body could berely sustain her - said Adam and put a steaming bowl of soup on the pillow - I made you a soup. It should nourish your blood and help you produce more milk. You better eat it.

-That's... very nice of you - said Lucifer, still astounished by the First Man's behavior.

Adam took his helmet off and stretched his hands out expectantly:

-Gimme the baby. I'm gonna dress her up, while you eat.

The King looked down at his child who seemed to be bored. She started to pull on his robe and look around the room for anything to play with. So far the archangel took good care of both of them, though why, Lucifer still didn't understand.

He put a newborn into the enormous hands of the First Man and watched as he pulled out some items from the duffel bag. It was light fabrics, ribbons, scissors and threads. Apparently Adam was about to make a clothing himself. When the archangel paused and looked at him sternly, Lucifer remembered what he was supposed to do. He grabbed the bowl and took a sip. He hummed pleased, the soup was warm and delicious. How long has it been since he ate a proper meal? Better yet, when was the last time someone cooked for him? His eyes watered and he sniffed uncontrolably.

-What the- Why are you crying? Is it that disgusting? - asked Adam nervously.

Lucifer shook his head and wiped the tears away:

-N-No, it's just... - he paused and sniffed once more - I don't remember when someone was so nice to me... I... I don't even know what to say...

The First Man looked at him dumbfounded. Was Lucifer neglected for such a long time? He shouldn't be the one to judge Lilith, since he was a total jerk to the King for the last few centuries, but for fuck's sake, the bitch should be a little nicer to her husband!

A quiet babbling has caught his attention. Charlie had the red ribbon in her mouth, her tail swaying happily while she entertained herself. Both Adam and Lucifer smiled softly at the cute display. The King wiped his eyes again and ate his meal quietly, while watching his baby play with her new toy. Adam also went back to his task. He measured how much fabric he'll need for the underwear and cut the piece with precision. He wasn't good at conjuring objects, he could summon the things that he already had stored in his pocket dimension, but it was limited to 4-5 items, usually his favorite weapons or instruments. He didn't mind the manual work though. After 900 years of living on the uncivilized lands he learnt how to sew.

Charlie got a little upset when he took away the ribbon she was chewing on. The man thought about bringing her some toys from Heaven. And maybe get something nice for Lucifer too. His house seemed so depressing, even before Lilith moved out.

"Oh, you naughty homewrecker... Lilith is gone, so you wanna take her place, huh?" - laughed the voice - "Can't blame you though. I'd send a card to that bitch with thanks for fucking off and leaving her hot husband for you to take care of."

The archangel frowned. Was he trying to steal the First Woman's family? He wouldn't mind being Charlie's father, but he wasn't sure about his feelings for the Morningstar.

On the other hand it'd be a perfect revenge. Lilith left both of them. Let her taste her own medicine.

"So you want to take him for yourself just to get back at your ex. You're so immature..."

The exorcist cut the ribbon angrily and started stitching the clothing to make a plain light coral dress for Charlie. It didn't matter what he wanted, Lucifer couldn't leave Hell and Adam was not allowed to stay here for long either. There would be no point in dwelling on that.

He glanced at Lucifer a few times while attaching the buttons to the front. The King was almost done with his meal. Would he want more? He definetely should eat more, but maybe his apetite wasn't back yet. For now Adam wouldn't force feed him.

-It looks really nice - said the King looking at the dress.

-I thought she might like something simple and comfortable to sleep in.

-I didn't know you're so good with your hands. I've always thought you're more of a brute-force solution man...

Adam looked at him offended, but before he could retort, Lucifer gasped and his face flushed gold.

-Sorry! I didn't mean to say it like that! Your strenght is something to admire and you're very efficient and smart, when you put your mind to it! - his hands clenched the sheets he sat on - Y-You were absolutely amazing for the last few hours. You took care of everything, while I had no idea what to do...

"Damn it! How can the King of Hell be so fucking cute?!" - yelled internally Adam. His face was all warm and he could only hope that Lucifer wouldn't notice.

He quickly finished the dress and carefully put it on the child. She looked nice in it, though it could use some adjustments. He tied the ribbon around her waist. He made a bow on the front and studied the clothing for a moment. He hummed satisfied:

-Not bad... Though I guess, you'd look good in anything, little apple pie.

-"Apple pie"? - asked Lucifer with amusement in his voice.

-I-I mean... she kinda reminds me of apples, but... y'know, with how sweet she is... - explained Adam flustered.

-Can't argue with that - said the King lying down beside the baby. He traced his finger on her little hand and she instinctively clenched her fist around it, making him smile softly - Being a baby must be so weird. I mean, you're here, but you only realize that when you're old enough to understand things.

-Yeah, it was so confussing for me and Eve when we had our first baby - laughed the archangel - We were like, why doesn't he talk? How are we suppose to know when we should feed him?

Lucifer laughed and then grimaced:

-When I woke up and Charlie threw up on me, I thought my milk has poisoned her or something. She wouldn't tell me what's wrong. She just cried and cried...

"Oh, so he went to the restroom to wash himself and Charlie..." - realized the First Man and felt a little bad for leaving the Devil to deal with the whole situation alone.

He must have been terrified. Adam definetely was the first time he saw his child throwing up and he prayed to the angels to not let his son die. When the situation repeated and the baby was still alive, he and Eve realized it wasn't some deadly disease or poisoning.

Charlie cooed loudly when Lucifer gave her a kiss on the cheek. Both the father and daughter wagged their tails happily, making Adam's insides melt at the cuteness of the scene before him.

"Oh, you're in deep~" - said the voice and, if it had face, it would be smirking smuggly.

Chapter Text

He endured 4 days. 4 fucking days since he left Lucifer in the Heaven Embassy to recover after the birth. Adam knew, he was not supposed to intervene any further, but it didn't make his worries disappear. Lucifer had to raise his daughter alone and the First Man wasn't sure the instructions he gave him would apply to the angelic hybrid like Charlie.

Adam was tempted to check on them, especially at night when he had nothing to distract himself with. What if he was right and the sinners attacked them, when Lucifer was the most vulnerable? If something happened to Charlie, he'd drown the whole Pride Ring in blood. He didn't care that she didn't come from him. He delivered her, he named her, his parental instinct was driving him crazy when she was out of his peripheral vision. Voluntarily or not, he has already claimed her as his child.

He recalled the day he lost both of his first sons; one who became nothing but an empty shell of meat, and the other who was taken away, never to be seen again. The angels reassured him that Abel was in Heaven, but they never spoke of Cain. Adam lived with hope of reuniting with his firstborn one day, but it was crashed centuries later, when he found out what Cain's punishment really meant. Sera told him that the first murderer was exiled from his family and the God's presence, which meant his soul would never reach Heaven and he wasn't allowed to see his relatives.

The First Man kept visiting his other kids, but he never forgot about his first child, the one that was lost forever. He knew that Cain was his own person, but Adam was the one who raised and taught him anger, jealousy, shame, resentfulness and violence. And he could never forgive himself for that.

When he and Lute passed by the Communication Department, Adam clenched his fists with frustration. He couldn't do anything for Cain, but there was a baby who might need him right now. And so he made a decision; he'll go to Lucifer's manor the next Sunday, when Sera will be at the meeting with the Heavenly Council.

The two exorcists walked to the shopping district and Lute watched stunned as her boss was examining the colorful fabrics, threads and accessories. Adam rarely looked at this kind of stuff, saying it's too girly or lame. Then he stopped at the stuffed animals display, looking at the pair of winged goat plushies with blue circles under their eyes:

-These look kinda neat. I don't like the color though... - he hummed for a moment - Maybe I could make them red? And with some cool additions...

Lute didn't understand where the sudden interest in the plushies came from. Adam never liked the cute animals or at least he never talked about them.

When they passed by the flower shop, the exorcist noticed how the man was eyeing some bouquets outside. Mainly roses. Lute wasn't very familiar with the language of flowers, but she was sure the red rose meant "romantic love". The archangel didn't really need to court women with gifts, telling them he's the first dick was usually enough to interest them and it's not like he looked for a long-term relationship. At least he didn't seem like it.

Lute thought she's gonna have a cardiac arrest, when Adam entered the aisle with healthy food and started reading the labels. This was definetely abnormal. The First Man never cared about his diet, since he wouldn't get sick or die from overindulging. He did get a little fat, but it didn't seem to bother him that much. Maybe he started getting insecure about his looks? The woman didn't know, if she should worry.

At the end of their trip, Adam told her he has some plans for the weekend, so he won't be hanging out with her. Lute wanted to ask, if she could help with whatever he'll be busy with, but he already said his goodbyes and left.

Once he was sure that he's out of his lieutenant's sight, Adam flew back to the shops that interested him. He got the supplies and went back home in a pretty good mood. It's been a while since he crafted gifts for someone. In Heaven everything was already perfect and he felt like his work wouldn't impress anyone, so he stopped making gifts. But sewing a dress for Charlie felt really nice, even if it wasn't perfect. He put his heart into it and for the first time in years he actually felt proud of his work. He wanted to keep making things for her.

The time passed quickly as he worked on his gifts, he berely slept or eat, so focused on his tasks. On the early Sunday morning, he packed everything and watched the clock with excitement. He wondered, if he should dress up for the occasion.

"Look at you, acting like a virgin before their first date" - laughed the voice and Adam's face flushed gold - "Though it might be a good idea to change your clothes. People will recognize you, if you go out dressed like... well, you."

The clock announced it's 9 a.m. Sera would start the meeting in an hour. The man ran to his closet and quickly went through his clothes. Among diffrent sets of robes he found some outfits he rarely wore when visiting Earth. He chose a white dress-shirt, dark-gray pants with suspenders, black boots, the gray flat cap and a coat. He looked at himself in the mirror and realized he didn't bath for the last few days. He took a quick shower and shaved the unkept beard. Once dressed up, he hid his characteristic golden wings under the coat. Going out without a mask filled him with anxiety, but his human face would draw less attention.

Or so he thought... Walking on the street, he had a feeling that everyone was staring at him. He felt so naked in front of angelic creatures. The need to cover himself up was getting stronger with every soul passing by him. When he finally made it to the Pearly Gates, he realized he forgot about one, annoying obstacle that chatted happily with the freshly arrived winners - Saint Peter. Adam didn't have a plan to sneak out without the Gatekeeper noticing him.

"You can distract him" - suggested the voice - "Think, dumbass, what would make that twink leave his post? It can't be that hard."

-Oh, my God! Is that Mozart?! - he pointed in the direction of some group of angels ordering the food nearby. Saint Peter paused his conversation and turned in his direction, then looked where he pointed.

"Idiot..." - commented the voice and Adam felt a wave of embaressment washing through him.

-Oh, my God! Mozart! - shouted Peter and he and the other angels ran in the direction of the group.

The First Man looked surprised that it actually worked, but he quickly composed himself and climbed on the Gate.

"Looks like you have more luck than brains..."

Adam didn't listen to the voice anymore. He stretched his wings and flew to the portal that led to Hell.

Chapter Text

When he felt the hot air on his skin and the smoke made his eyes water, he was filled with a weird kind of euphoria. He looked at the city beneath him and located Lucifer's house. He grinned at the prospect of seeing the King and his baby.

Quickly descending, Adam took in the state of the city. Some sinners were still working on fixing the damages that his unit caused a couple of days ago. There were bloody stains on the streets and buildings, but no bodies in sight. The archangel assumed that some demons couldn't stand the sight of the rotting corpses and made it their mission to move them somewhere else. Or maybe it was the scavengers that wanted to use the bodies for their own selfish goals? Whatever the reason was, Adam didn't care that much.

He landed on the balcony and knocked on the french door. He waited a minute and knocked again, but there was no answer. He tried a handle and to his annoyance it was locked. Impatient he smashed the glass with his fist and put his hand inside to turn the lock. When he entered the room he found it in a similar state as it was when he came here last time, although there were more scattered clothes on the floor and furniture now. No Lucifer in sight.

Adam searched the house and he finally found the King in the kitchen. He was sitting on the floor, his back proped on the cupboard, while he held his daughter loosely to his chest, so she could eat. He was dressed in a big faded-burgundy cardigan and boxers, while Charlie was wrapped in a white blanket. He looked completely exhausted and unresponding to the First Man's unexpected arrival.

"Damn it, he's worse than I thought..." - the man approached the Devil quietly.

-Lucifer? - he called, while kneeling in front of him. The King stared at him, but there was no acknowledgement in his eyes, like he didn't actually see him.

The man held his breath and put his hand on the frail shoulder. Lucifer jumped at the touch and blinked:

-Who?! What?! - he looked at the First Man and calmed down a little - Adam? What are you doing here?

-I had a feeling that the little one might be too much for you - explained the archangel and looked down at the baby that hungrily sucked on her father's left breast - Have you had any sleep since I left?

Lucifer curled in shame. He looked like he was about to cry.

-I tried... - he sniffed and his eyes filled with tears - I tried to do as you told me, but... - he looked at his daughter and bursted into tears - This is just too much! What was I thinking?! I wasn't built for this!

The Princess stopped her eating and looked at her parent with confussion. She did not understand what was his problem, but his behavior made her cry too. And that made Lucifer cry even harder:

-Now I made my baby cry! Why do I have to ruin everyone's lives?! - he started banging the back of his head on the cupboard - I'm a fucking failure! Why was I even made, if I can't do anything right?! My whole existence is a series of fucking jokes and mistakes!

At the fifth bang Adam put his hand between Lucifer's head and the cupboard.

-First, stop swearing in front of your kid, she might pick up the bad habits early - he cupped the Devil's face and stroked his cheeks gently - Second, you're not a failure. You're just tired and very hormonal.

The King breathed deeply and rubbed his tear-stained face into the First Man's hands. Adam held him like that for a moment, while looking around the kitchen. He noticed some ingredients on the counter; milk, eggs, flour...

-Were you about to make pancakes? - he asked and lifted the King in his arms.

-I've got hungry while feeding Charlie and I just... - he thought for a moment - I got lightheaded and had to sit down. I think I passed out for a moment...

Adam didn't need to hear more. He left the kitchen and layed Lucifer on the couch in the nearby room. Once he made sure that both the King and the baby are comfortable, he returned to the kitchen to work on the breakfast. He made the whole grain pancakes with blueberries and raspberries on top.

When he came back with the food, Charlie was tugging on her father's disheveled hair. The Devil layed completely numb to his daughter's antics. Adam took the girl in his arms and put the breakfast on the round coffee table in front of the couch.

-Eat. You're malnourished - he said, while reaching for his bag to pull out the new clothes for Charlie.

Lucifer was half-asleep, but he did as Adam told him. He smiled slightly as he tasted the pancakes.

"Looks like I made it just in time..." - thought the man. His intuition was right after all. One more day and Lucifer might have seriously hurt himself or his daughter.

Charlie babbled happily when she saw a new amber yellow dress. Though she wasn't so happy when he started changing her. She cried and kicked her legs, upset that she can't play with the new clothes like she wanted. Once he was done, Adam showed her two toys he made for her. It was a pair of red goat plushies that he styled to look more demonic. The girl squeeled excited at the sight and reached for them. Adam gave her the toys and left her on the sofa, while he took the blanket to do the laundry. When he unfolded it, he realized it was actually the robe that he left a few days ago. Lucifer must have found some time to clean it. The man smiled at the thought of the Morningstar hugging the clothing, while he wrapped it around his daughter. Like it brought both of them some comfort.

He returned to Lucifer's bedroom and started gathering the scattered clothes to the laundry basket and changing the sheets. He threw out the trash and dusted the furniture. He also summoned the vase of flowers and put it on the bedside table.

-Are those garbera daisies? - Lucifer entered the room with the baby in his arms.

-Yeah, I thought about roses, but these seemed more appropriate - he smiled softly as he touched the petals. He remembered how Cain brought Eve some garbera daisies when she was restless - They remove toxins from the air and make it easier to relax.

-That's very thoughtful of you - said the Devil approaching the bed and lifting his daughter so she could see the flowers. The baby wanted to grab on them, but Lucifer kept her out of reach. He put her on the bed and summoned the plushies that Adam gave her earlier - I wanted to ask you something... - he glanced at the archangel - For the last few centuries you cursed my name for all the bad things that happened to you and your kind - he fully turned to him and interlaced his fingers nervously - I don't say that I'm not grateful for everything you did for me and my baby, but... where did that sudden change of heart come from?

The First Man was silent for a moment. He was a little scared that Lucifer would ask him this question, because it wasn't something easy to explain. Should he tell him about his feelings? What if it's too early for that? The Devil is still married to Lilith and loved her for the last 10 000 years.

The Princess screeched loudly seeing that they don't pay attention to her. Lucifer got startled, but still watched the archangel, waiting for the answer. Adam sighed and sat beside Charlie. He summoned his guitar and strummed a few notes, which caught the baby's attention. The King also got intrigued, since he haven't seen the First Man play on that instrument before.

-I guess it's just in my nature - explained the archangel, his eyes on the child beside him - My purpose is to protect and provide. I'm simply doing what I was made for.

-So it was just your parental instinct kicking in? - asked Lucifer, while sitting on the other side of the bed.

-I... umm... It felt wrong to... - he hesitated, his fingers freezing on the strings - I just thought that, if I didn't do something, I might regret it for the rest of eternity...

The baby screeched again, angry that he stopped making the sound. Adam chuckled and kept strumming. He played a melody that he never shared with anyone before. He could only hope that his voice won't fail him now that he had an audience.

I yell when I'm mad🎶
and I run when I'm sad,🎶
the feelings inside that I can't always hide.🎶
And those that make me look like old, sappy fool,🎶
Things that are painful and true.🎶

The dreams that I lost,🎶
When I turned into dust,🎶
I still hear their call when I look at the stars.🎶
I try as I can, but it's hard to move on.🎶
They're deeply engraved in my soul.🎶

Heavens above and the glory and fame,
so cozy and grand, who could ever complain?🎶
Yet something inside feels like left incomplete.🎶
Like sunlight that gives you no heat.🎶

He felt his throat tightening and lowered his head as he finished the song with a few more notes. Then something brashed on his feathers. He glanced down at Charlie, who babbled happily while reaching for his wing.

-She really likes the bright colors, doesn't she? - said the Devil, smiling softly as he watched his daughter - I can't believe I almost lost her, because of my own stubborness - he looked up at the First Man and reached for his right hand. He cupped it between his smaller ones and kissed his knuckles - Thank you for helping me bring this precious little life into this world. You saved us, even though you didn't have to.

Adam froze, but he felt like his heart was going hundreds of miles per hour. His guitar vanished in the air as his other hand cupped the Devil's cheek.

-Lucifer... I-

The sudden pain in his right wing interrupted him. Adam yelped at the feeling of something pulling roughly at his feathers. Charlie was clawing and chewing on his wing.

-Gosh... - sighed the King and lifted his daughter into his arms, two golden feathers still in her hand and mouth - Charlie, sweetie, you can't do that. It hurts, y'know?

The child growled at her father and started to reach for the shiny wing again. Lucifer's eyes turned red, which indicated he was losing his patience, but he couldn't just yell or punish his baby. He took a deep breath and waved his hand, summoning the golden light that took diffrent shapes; stars, animals, flowers and so on. The figures danced around them, making the little Princess quiet down and watch with interest. She reached out to the little star that flew close to her and the King smiled gently, his eyes returning to their previous state. He looked up at Adam, who also watched mesmerised at the show of lights. He didn't know Lucifer still could do that, he assumed that the hellfire and corruption has changed his form completely, making him unable to use the divine power. Then again, his looks didn't change that much either. He looked directly at the Devil, his form, though a little worn out and unkept, still made his heart flutter with awe and longing.

-Beautiful... - whispered the man.

-Oh, you really think so? - asked chirply Lucifer, his face blushing gold - I haven't done that in quite a while. I was kinda worried that I'm losing my touch... - his red eyes met with Adam's golden ones - Being praised by the God's perfect creation sure is something...

"Y'know what? Defy the highest powers right here, right now and marry this fucker" - said the voice with absolutely serious tone and Adam was really tempted to do as he said.

Chapter Text

-Hey, Luci, what are they doing? - asked Adam pointing at the pair of wolves in the distance. The male was mounting the female from behind and humping her rear - I saw a dozen of animals doing it, but I don't really get the purpose of this weird play...

Lucifer's face flushed gold at the sight and turned back to Adam who sat on the log and ate fruits, while watching the whole display with confussion. The angel knew this day would come, but it didn't make it any less awkward...

-They're... um... I-It's called "mating"... - he forced the word out of his throat.

-What does it mean? - the man tilted his head innocently.

-It's when the male plants his seed inside the female's body, so they can have babies - the angel felt hot under his collar.

-What are those "babies" for? - the man kept asking, still not understanding the purpose of this whole "mating".

-To prolong the species - answered Lucifer pointing at the nest, where the female duck was sitting on her half-hatched eggs. The ducklings were already peeking out from underneath her feathers - The big animals make babies, and then those babies will grow into big animals, so they can have their own babies and so on.

Adam mulled over the information, still not sure how it was supposed to work. Like for example...

-How does the male plant his seed? - he asked, eyeing the seeds inside his half-eaten pear. Lucifer pulled his hat down to cover his face. He really had to explain it, huh?

-In this case... - he pointed in the direction of the wolves - ...the seed comes from the male's member and to plant it, he needs to put it in female's vulva.

The First Man's eyes widened. The male needs to do what?! The dick goes where?! Of all things he needed to stick inside it had to be THAT PART?!

Adam looked down at his own member. There's no way he'd put it inside anything, much less another living being. Just the thought of it disgusted him.

-Dear God, what were you thinking?! - he yelled to the sky - Sticking dicks inside others?! Little animals coming out of other animals?! Maybe the next thing you tell me is that I gotta do it too, huh?!

-Actually, you do - said Lucifer and the human looked at him horrified - You're a male, Adam. And soon you're gonna have a female to mate with.

The First Man felt like he was gonna throw up. If that was the case, he didn't want more humans in the Garden. He was perfectly happy with just Lucifer keeping him company. There was no way he'd put his precious dick inside someone's vulva and make smaller versions of himself.

-Ew! No, thanks! I don't need a female! You're all I want, Luci! - he said quickly and this time it was Lucifer, who looked at him dumbfounded.

-Wh-What?! - he stuttered, his body sweating under his robe - Adam, you don't mean-

-Oh, yes I do! - he interrupted him - You go up there and tell them that they don't have to bother with another human. As long as I have you, I'm perfectly happy.

The angel stood completely still with wide eyes and golden cheeks. Adam wants HIM as his mate?! The angel and the human?! It was so forbidden! What a blasphemous idea...

His tail wagged behind him excitedly. His mischievious side was absolutely thrilled by the thought of claiming Adam as his mate. It seemed like a dream come true; staying on Earth forever, keeping company to this strong handsome man, being loved, spoiled and bred by him, carrying his young and raising them together... God, it was so bad how much he wanted it, it made the temptation even stronger.

Chapter Text

-Come on, Charlie, you can't burn everything you don't like! - scolded Adam, trying to get the little Princess of the window curtain. The girl hissed at him, when he flew closer to her - Don't you use that tone with me, young lady!

-She looked so cute in those... - said Lucifer while sweeping what was left of the pair of red shoes he got for her yesterday.

Charlie was almost 16 months old and turned out to be a little demon, litteraly. Wall-crawling, fire-breathing, hissing and screeching like a beast, breaking stuff, scratching and biting everyone and everything around... it was all part of the daily life in the Morningstar's manor. Adam only visited them every few days for a few hours, but it was like a holiday for the Devil. He was really lonely in his big house, only his daughter and occassional servant keeping him company. There were a few times when the other Deadly Sins came to see him and meet their little niece, but as the royal class they were almost always busy with their own duties. According to them, Lilith was on a tour around the other rings, performing and partying without a care for her husband. Adam was both furious and happy with that. The bitch was far away from Lucifer and Charlie. He was kinda worried that she might return when he wasn't around and ruin the little idyll that he and the Devil have built for months.

"If you hurried up and claimed Lucifer for yourself, you wouldn't be so worried now!" - yelled the voice, but Adam ignored him, too busy with pulling the little girl away from the curtain and trying to not be scratched or burned.

Charlie cried when he managed to detach her from the fabric and put her in the playpen. He brought her favorite toys, but she was too upset to even look at them.

-What's wrong, Char-Char? - Lucifer leaned in to look at his daughter - You don't like your plushies anymore?

The baby kept crying and scrachting the walls of the pen. The Devil took the toys into his hands and looked them over. Ever since she got them, the plushies went through many repairations and so Lucifer had to reinforce them to withstand Charlie's rough playtime.

-It's just one of her tantrums. She'll tire herself out sooner or later - said Adam, while preventing the angry Princess from leaving the pen - Maybe you should change the scenery? The garden outside seems like a good place to play in.

The King stiffened. He thought about letting his daughter out to the garden, but it was still in a very poor state and he was too scared she might climb the walls and get to the other side, while he wasn't paying attention. Should he hire some bodyguard to watch over her? But who? He'd never trust a sinner with his child. And hellborns, although perfect for the job, wouldn't be strong enough to keep up with her growing power. He didn't like the idea of finding his daughter playing with the remains of some unlucky imp or hellhound.

He looked down at the toys that he held closely to his chest. His eyes sparkled at the new idea. He ran to one of his bookcases and pulled on the book in the middle, which made a mechanical clicking sound. The bookcase slowly moved to the right side, it turned out to be a door to the hidden room. Charlie stopped her crying and watched as her father entered the room. The First Man took the baby into his arms and followed the Devil inside. It was dark, but with one snap of his fingers, Lucifer lit the numerous candles on the floor, revealing the occult symbols on the walls and a big pentagram in the middle of the room. The King put the plushies in the pentagon and stepped out of the circle. He chanted something in the language that Adam didn't understand(which is quite impressive, because he knew every possible language on Earth and Heaven). The Devil used his claw to cut his hand, golden blood ozzing from the wound and dripping on the drawing. All the symbols started glowing red and Lucifer transformed into his demonic form. It must have startled Charlie, because she hid her face into Adam's chest and cried quietly, not understanding what's happening with her father. The man hugged her protectively and watched the King with worry. The flames from the candles became the fire serpents and slithered in air elegantly to meet in the middle in the pentagram, surounding the toys, until they formed a small fire wall around them. Once Lucifer went silent the flames turned into the smoke and the room was back to it's previous state. The King turned around, his demonic traits fading away, while he smiled excited:

-Come, Adam. Let Charlie meet her friends - he said and pointed with his hand at the slowly dissipating smoke.

The First Man spoted two red shapes and two pairs of yellow glowing eyes, who watched him warily. He heard a low growling coming from them and he instinctively took a step back, hugging his wings around the baby in his arms.

-Now, don't be so rude to Adam. He was the one who brought you here, didn't he? - the King scolded the shapes and they immaditely quieted down - Apologize to him properly.

The smoke was blown away as the two little demons sprung from it and flew in the direction of the archangel. Adam's eyes widened at the sight of two red draconic goats, who landed in front of him and bowed their heads apologetically. They were definetely the living versions of the two plushies he gave to Charlie over a year ago.

-That's better - said Lucifer, kneeling behind the two demons and patting their heads approovingly - From now on these two will be Charlie's playmates and bodyguards.

Adam blinked, still surprised by what he just witnessed. He slowly unfurled his wings, revealing still crying form of the little Princess in his arms. The demons immaditely flew up and started to sniff and nudge her with their noses. The girl turned around and looked at the little demons unsure. The one with a lighter fur licked her tear-stained cheek and she laughed, reaching for her new playmates. Adam smiled, relieved that the winged goats were friendly and gentle with the child.

-What shall we call them? - asked Lucifer as he approached and scratched one of them under the chin.

The man thought deeply, watching the baby laugh at her new playmates breathing fire and doing tricks in the air.

-Razzle and Dazzle.

***

For the next few hours Charlie played with Razzle and Dazzle and when she got tired she took a nap with them. The little demons were always aware of their surrounding and would react to anything that endangered the baby.

Adam and Lucifer watched them from their seats in the living room. As much as they loved the little Princess, it was nice to have a break from chasing her around and being her chew toys. Lucifer in particular enjoyed the silence, half-lying on his right side of the sofa, head proped on his arm. The First Man was glancing at him from time to time, his attention drawn to the neckline of the shirt that revealed a generous amount of skin. Charlie was yet to be weaned, so her father wore the clothes that would make the breastfeeding more comfortable. Adam swallowed at the thought of sucking on these little tits. How would Lucifer's milk taste like? Would he be pleased with Adam's mouth and tongue? Would he let him-

"Maybe ask him on a date first, you pervert!" - scolded him the voice.

Adam slapped both of his cheeks, the sound making Lucifer look at him startled:

-Everything's alright?

-Y-Yeah... - he answered, his cheeks flushed gold - Just have a lot on my mind right now...

-Wanna talk about it? - the Devil crawled closer, one of his nipples picking out from the neckline.

-No, it's nothing... - the man turned his eyes in the opposite direction, ignoring the urge to shove his hand under Lucifer's shirt and pinch the rosy mound. He felt sweat on his neck, his teeth biting on his lower lip, while his hands clenched on his knees.

-You seem rather tense - the King's voice was closer now, very near Adam's head - Let me help you with that. Call it "returning a favor".

Before the archangel could protest, he felt two warm hands running through his hair and scratching his scalp. God, how long has it been, since someone did that for him? He sighed and leaned into Lucifer, who sat behind him on the backrest of the sofa. A few minutes later, the hands landed on his neck, shoulders and back, massaging his muscles. He leaned forward to give the Devil more space to work on.

-Mmmm, lower~ - he hummed, very pleased with the treatment Lucifer was giving him. It's been a while since someone touched him like that. He haven't been hooking up with women as often as he used to, the last time was months ago. And they rarely offered him more than a quickie - Aaah~ - he moaned quietly, when the King reached his wings. They unfurled from under his arms, inviting the little hands to touch them more. Lucifer understood the unspoken request and caressed the golden feathers. It seemed like Adam has not preened his wings for a while, so the fallen angel decided to do it for him. He carefully brushed his fingers through the feathers and removed the ones that were loose or fading in color. The First Man layed down on the sofa, his head propped on his forearms, while Lucifer sat on his back and continued his work. At some point Adam closed his eyes and dozed off.

Chapter Text

-Pa? - a squicky voice called for him and a pair of little hands patted his cheeks.

He opened his eyes and saw Charlie standing in front of him, supporting herself on the armrest of the sofa. Razzle and Dazzle stood beside her, making sure she wouldn't fall.

-Pa! - the baby reached for him again and he rose up to lift her into his arms.

The goat demons flew up and sat on his shoulders looking down at the Princess. Adam glanced at the clock, it was about time he should get ready to leave.

He searched for Lucifer to say his goodbyes, but the little angel wasn't in the living room or in the kitchen. The man was about to go upstairs, when he heard someone in the main hall. Adam recognized Lucifer's voice, but the other one wasn't familiar. He followed the commotion and just when he entered the hall, the entrance door closed and the King stood there, holding a small package, a pink plushie and a letter. The archangel approached him, eyeing the items in the Devil's arms.

-What's that? - he asked and Lucifer looked up at him.

-Presents from Belphegor. The last time she saw me, she was very mad that I didn't tell her about the pregnancy. She promised to make some special vitamins for me and Charlie - he looked at the envelope and smiled softly - She must have worked really hard for the last few months.

-Wasn't Belphegor the Sin of Sloth? - Adam croached down to better examine the package.

-She's not very energetic or scrupulous, but with good motivation she locks in and does her job properly.

-Da! - Charlie reached her hands for the new toy.

Lucifer gave it to her and let Razzle and Dazzle take care of the other items, while he took the baby from Adam, his expression a little sad:

-It's time for you to leave, isn't it?

-Yeah - the man's voice had a somber tone.

-I... um... - the Devil hesitated, his eyes looking anywhere, but the First Man - Next time would you... h-have a dinner with me? - his face flushed gold.

-A dinner? - the archangel quirked an eyebrow.

-I-I know... This is stupid. You never stay longer than a few hours and-

-It can be arranged - interupted the man after a moment of thinking - Though I'd prefer to stay the night. My girls are patroling Heaven after sunset. It'd be such a pain, if they caught me - he muttered with annoyance. He was already caught once, when he overstayed to put Charlie to bed - Next Friday sounds good?

-Yes! That would be perfect! - said Lucifer excitedly, his tail swaying happily behind him. Adam chuckled at his enthusiastic response. The King cleared his throat and became serious again - Th-There's something I'd like to tell you. Something important...

Adam tilted his head a little confussed, but quickly shrugged it off.

-Well, till the next Friday - he said and kissed Charlie's forehead - Goodbye, Princess.

He rose to his full height and the child dropped the plushie to reach out to him. He looked apologetically at the girl, he couldn't stay any longer. Lute might be searching for him right now to give him the report on the stuff he didn't even care about(he was running out of the excuses to keep her busy).

Once he was outside of the manor, he wondered what Lucifer had to tell him. It couldn't be something urgent since he was willing to wait till Friday. But why a sudden invitation for dinner? They already ate meals together, so why was he so nervous?

Adam paused in the mid-air:

"Holy shit... Did Lucifer ask me on a date? No, there's no way... Is it? Why would he-

"For the same reason you should have asked him out. It's good that Lucifer had the balls to do it, because you're such a pussy..."

Adam's face went gold. Does it mean he has feelings for him? Does he want to confess? Should he do it, before the King does?

The archangel giggled happily as he ascended to the portal. He scolded himself for acting like a love-strucked teenager, but the smile didn't leave his face until he passed the Gate. He was so lost in his dreamy state that he almost didn't notice the familiar silhouette approaching him.

Adam pulled his flat cap down, trying to hide his face. Lute was marching in his direction. He held his breath, waiting for her to call his name and accuse him of sneaking around in disguise.

When she passed by him, he sighed in relief. His lieutenant has rarely seen him without his mask and robe. Out of his uniform and with his golden wings hidden, he looked like any regular man. He kept walking, his mind back to its previous track.

What he didn't realize was that Lute paused for a moment and looked behind her. The halo of the stranger she just passed by looked familiar. She narrowed her eyes, but the man has already vanished behind the corner of the building.

For the next few days Adam was daydreaming about the possible outcomes of the approaching dinner. With Razzle and Dazzle around, Charlie wouldn't require their constant attention and they could focus on themselves for the rest of the evening. They'd have a meal and make some small talk, before Lucifer tells him whatever important stuff he has on his mind. And then maybe...

Adam giggled quietly and covered his smiling face with his hands, even though the mask blocked the view of his gold-flushed cheeks. He was in the middle of the mass that he was forced to attend to by Sera. The Council Members were supposed to be the examples of virtue, devotion and piety, so their attendance was mendatory. The First Man didn't really care about those things. Even now he didn't listen to the sermon, his head filled with inappropriate images of Lucifer:

"I hope you have some space for a little dessert~"

"The Devil and the First Man... How blasphemous and hot, don't you agree?"

"Come on, Dickmaster. I want to see for myself, if you live up to your title~"

"I think Charlie would like a sibling. Will you help me with that?"

At the end of the mass Adam was sweating and panting heavily. He was lucky that the robe concealed his hard member that stood tall and proud between his legs. He wanted so badly to go home and get lost in his fantasies, but a hand on his arm stopped him.

-Everything's alright, Sir? - Lute watched him concerned. He completely forgot that she was sitting right next to him in the chapel and most likely witnessed everything.

-Y-Yeah! I'm fine, Dangertits! Everything is A-Ok! - he composed himself and tried to find an excuse to leave quicker - Y'know, I forgot I had plans for today. I'll see you later - he made a step, but Lute didn't let go of his arm.

-You've been acting really weird for the last few days - she said, her voice serious and steady - I gotta ask, Sir; are you hiding something from me?

-Why would you think that? - asked the archangel, now uncomfortable with where it was going.

-Because you used to tell me everything and now you just... - she paused uncertain how she should word it - You don't make sense, Sir. I saw you sneaking out of your own house, which is absolutely suspicious. You cook and collect stuff that never interested you before. You're more distracted than usual, even on the last Extermination Day - she narrowed her eyes, trying to find any sign on his face that her worries are valid - Did you get involved in something... illegal? - the word berely made it through her throat. She didn't want to believe that her beloved leader would do something against Heaven's laws. But the other possibility, that she had in mind, was probably even worse to swallow. The one that Adam has someone else, who made him happy.

The man went silent. He didn't expect Lute to confront him like that. She might have had reservations about some things he said or did, but in the end she was always cool with it. He contemplated how he should respond. He sighed and straightened his back:

-Look, it's not that I don't trust you anymore, but there are certain things I'm not willing to share - he wasn't lying. The last thing he wanted is to involve her in the secret that bordered on the betrayal against Heaven - Just know that I'm fine and you don't need to worry.

The girl looked at him uncertain, but let him go. She had no choice, but to trust what her leader says. Adam left quickly, his desire lowered by the conversation with his lieutenant, but he wanted to start preparations for tomorrow's dinner. He gotta find something nice to wear and a gift for Lucifer.

The next day Adam asked Lute to do a revision on their equipment and estimate how many angelic weapons they'll have to order for the next Extermination. This would keep her busy for a while. He also managed to steal Sera's harmonogram a few weeks ago, so he knew that she and Peter were going to the orchestra concert tomorrow's evening. The archangel could berely contain his excitement. He'd have a whole night to spend with Lucifer.

He showered, shaved his beard, dressed up in a black dress-shirt, golden vest and tie, black pants, dark boots with golden laces, his usual coat and a flat cap. He picked up the bouquet he ordered yesterday; the red and black garden roses, dark burgundy calla lilies and black skimmia berries. He looked at the clock, it was nearing 6 p.m. Sera and Peter were most likely on their way to filharmony. He took a deep breath and left the house.

For the first time in centuries he didn't mind the people around him. He was too focused on making his way to the Pearly Gates, his eyes glancing at the flowers and his tie. Would Lucifer like his new clothes? Would he be happy with the bouquet he picked? Was he trying too hard? Before he could completely get lost in his thoughts, he arrived at his destination. He ufurled his wings from under his coat and got ready to fly above the Gate.

-Adam - the familiar, stern voice froze him in place. The man took an unsteady breath and slowly turned his head, his eyes wide in fear. Sera stood behind him with a grim expression - We need to talk.

Chapter Text

The blinding light has left him disoriented for a moment. It was so much worse when his face wasn't covered by his mask. Adam stood in the middle of Sera's office, while she was looking through the window at the city below them, her back turned to him. Any excuse he had prepared in case he was caught, died down in his throat. Why was she there when he was about to leave? Did she know about his plans? Did someone tattle to her?

-I don't know where to start with you, Adam... - she finally said without turning around - You kept the crucial information from your superiors, left Heaven without our permission, met with Lucifer behind our backs, endangered our home and the souls under our protection - she looked at him through the glass reflection - Do you realize how reckless your actions were?

-I... - he paused, trying to find the right words to explain himself. Sera was usually very patient with him, but this wasn't about some stupid prank he pulled on a random soul. This was serious - I admit, I broke some rules, but I had a good reason to do so.

-You mean the Morningstar and his child? - she half-turned to him and narrowed her eyes - I don't now why you think it'd be considered a good reason. The safety of Heaven should be your priority as the leader of the exorcists. And you spent months sneaking out to play house with Lucifer, possibly sharing the confidential information about our security.

-I didn't reveal anything that would endanger Heaven! - exclaimed the man, his wings unfurled and spread like he was subcounciously trying to look bigger than he really is - And I wasn't playing house with anyone. Lucifer was a mess. He'd have killed his daughter before she was even born. He had no idea what he was doing. They needed me.

-Raising Lucifer's offspring is not your job! - yelled Sera, slightly revealing her angelic form.

-It is now! - argued the man, his eyes shining like a molten gold - I delivered her! I named her! I watched over her since she came into this world! She's my child!

-No, Adam. She is not - she calmed down, making her multiple eyes fade away. She approached him and gently put her hand on his shoulder - You're just confused, because of the instincts we instilled in you. Your feelings for that hybrid are not real. They're part of your design - her expression became somber again - But you can't do it anymore. I forbid you to see that child ever again.

-What?! - he took a step back, his face twisted in horror - How can you ask for such a thing?!

-This is for the best - said Sera, her voice steady - Your attachment to the Morningstar's daughter threatens the safety of Heaven. The forces of Hell might use it against us - she waved her hand and summoned a golden scroll. It was a contract, similar to the one he signed with the King of Hell hundreds of years ago. But this one stated that he shall never step inside Lucifer's manor or speak with Charlotte Morningstar without Sera's permission - Sign this. If you won't, I'll have to take the more radical measures.

Adam looked back at her, his eyes wide with disbelief at what Sera was asking him to do:

-What do you mean by "radical measures"?

-I will relieve you of your position as the Leader of the Exorcists and pass it to Abel. You'll also be supervised 24/7, so you won't have any opportunity to sneak into Hell - she explained, her face stoic as ever.

Adam was furious, his wings spread once again and the air became heavy with the power that subcounciously seeped out of him. That bitch was about to use his own kid as the bargaining chip! Abel wasn't a warrior, he could berely stand killing animals and everyone pushed him around. Lute and the other soldiers disliked and disrespected him constantly, even when he told them to leave the boy alone. And now Sera wanted his sweet innocent child to become a murderer? Hasn't he suffered enough as a mortal?

-Keep my son out of it! - he exclaimed, his eyes burning with anger - He's not meant for violence! I won't let you send him to that hellhole to fight demons!

-Then you better do as I say - said Sera, not moved even one bit by his outburst. The man was seething with anger. He knew that Sera would go to extremes to protect Heaven, that's why she agreed to start the exterminations. But he'd never expect her to blackmail HIM of all people - If you sign the contract, none of your children will have to carry this burden.

Adam thought quickly, he was no match for Sera's power. If he tried to attack her, he'd only make it worse for himself and Charlie. It was so frustrating, the seraphim was separating him from his child once again. His mind brought back the memory of the earth shattering between him and Cain, the sea itself separating them and the boy being exiled to the land he would never return from. Back then Adam didn't know it was the last time he'd see his son, their last words full of pain and anger at each other.

He lowered his wings and took a shaky breath, despair slowly taking over his heart. He quickly calculated his options. If he won't sign the contract, he will never see his little Princess anyway and Abel will be forced to lead the troops and kill sinners. The choice was simple, but no less agonizing.

-Can I see her one last time? - asked the man hopefully.

-No - answered Sera, her tone even and unyelding - The sooner you forget about her, the better.

His eyes filled with tears. His legs failed him as he fell into the kneeling position. The seraphim bend down, took his hand and cut his finger, letting the golden blood ooz from the small wound.

-Please... just... - he sniffed, while Sera held his hand above the contract - Just let me hold her... I need to hold her...

She wasn't looking at him anymore, focused on the drops of blood that fell on the golden paper.

-This is for your own good, Adam.

***

Many days have passed since Adam left Sera's office. He locked himself in his room, spending most of his time lying on his side and looking at the locket Lucifer gave him on the last Extermination Day. When opened, it projected the chosen memories that the King has placed inside. The hologram showed Adam holding the newborn Princess, then Lucifer giving her a piggy-back, then Charlie fire-breathing into Adam's face for the first time and finally Lucifer sleeping in the armchair with a book, while the baby sucked on her own foot.

Someone knocked on the door, most likely Lute. She came everyday to check on him and try to get him out of the room.

-Sir? - her voice muffled, but he heard her very clearly - Please, talk to me, Sir. You can't stay there forever.

When he refused to open after 10 minutes of her begging, she threatened to break the door. Adam simply blocked the entrance with his bookcase and a dresser. She kept asking why he was acting like this, but he just told her to leave. Apparently Sera didn't tell her about his secret trips to Hell. He wondered what Lucifer must be doing right now. Was he disappointed that he didn't come for a dinner? Did he think that he got bored and abandoned them? Did he hate him now? Will Charlie hate him?

After three weeks of hiding in his room, the First Man was finally dragged out by Sera. She told him that he can't neglect his duties any longer and gave him some paperwork to do. She wanted to keep his mind busy and hoped that soon he'll forget about the little Princess.

Everyday Adam was forced to work, attend the masses and talk to people. Sera and Lute did everything just to keep him out of his room. And Adam followed them and did as he was ordered, but he didn't forget. He hid the locket, so Sera wouldn't destroy it and took it out at night when he was sure that no one was watching him. He was falling asleep, while the locket projected the image of the Morningstars. He waited patiently for the Extermination Day, hoping that he could at least see Lucifer and explain everything.

Chapter Text

After Adam left the manor, Lucifer couldn't contain his excitement anymore. He danced with Charlie in his arms, humming the waltz music.

Oh, stars above, Mmmmmm🎶
Could this be love?🎶
Oh, don't let this dream end too fast🎶

The baby quieted down as she watched her father's silly behavior. He danced through the hall and to the living room, followed by Razzle and Dazzle. He twirled and landed on the couch making some of Adam's golden feathers fly in the air. He caught one and sighed dreamy.

And help me tell, Mmmmmm🎶
What I don't dare🎶
Please, make my wish come true at last🎶

Charlie babbled happily at the sight of shiny object. Lucifer tickled her nose and settled her on the sofa. He gave her the feather and layed his head on the backrest, his mind busy with planing the next Friday.

The First Man never stayed the night before, always worried that Sera would notice his absence. Lucifer didn't actually expect Adam to agree to eat dinner with him, even less to sleep in his house.

"Who said you're gonna be sleeping?" - a thought rushed through his head, making him blush gold.

-N-Nah... We wouldn't... It'd be too soon - he laughed, but his imagination has already sneaked in a few images:

"The food was nice and all, but now I crave a diffrent kind of meal~"

"You've been a good dad so far. I think you deserve a reward. Tonight I'll be your "Daddy"

"Let me show you what I was made for~"

-Such an animal! - he giggled covering his flushed cheeks with his forearms. He never dared to admit, especially with his wife present, that he always found Adam very attractive.

Just like the other angels, he used to see the First Man as nothing more than the God's new favorite pet. A dead-brain breeding stud that has to be trained and looked after. But, although young and innocent, Adam was far from being helpless or dumb. He took his job very seriously, carefully choosing names for the other creatures and plants, tending to their needs and making sure they're safe and happy. Weirdly, he perceived his own guardian angel as one of his creatures and more than often their roles were reversed. Adam gave him a name, carried him around, shared his favorite food and even cuddled him in his sleep. The man was also curious, mischivious and charming. His presence made Lucifer's insides flutter with excitement and warmth.

That's why, he couldn't understand the change in Adam's behavior shortly after Lilith appeared. At first he was a little cautious around her, but soon they seemed to warm up to each other and Lucifer was sure they would get along. He was forced to go back to Heaven and give the pair some space, which made him very sad. After two weeks he got the permission to check on the humans, only to find that Lilith wasn't there anymore. Meanwhile Adam was digging small holes in the ground, trying to replace the damaged plants with the new ones. He seemed completely uninterested in his wife's fate, muttering angrily under his breath. Lucifer paniced and started to search for Lilith, sparing no time for the man. When he finally found the First Woman, she rushed to him with tears in her eyes and told him how cruel Adam was towards her, how he was yelling, beating and blaming her for not wanting to spend time with him. The angel knew, Adam could be bossy from time to time, but he was never controlling or violent. The more he listened to Lilith, the more he doubted, if he actually knew the First Man that well.

When they met in the Heaven's Embassy for the first time after his banishment, he was absolutely sure that the nice, light-hearted human he used to know in the Garden, was gone forever. Adam didn't mince the words, cursing and yelling at him with hatred. Seeing his old friend turn into a brutal, vulgar, arrogant beast, Lucifer became even more depressed, knowing that he was partly responsible for changing the First Man's fate.

But now it seemed he was wrong all along and the sweet, caring human from Eden was still there. Still pretty vulgar and bloodthirsty, but it brought so much joy and relief to Lucifer that he didn't completely destroy the most precious parts of Adam's soul. And then he finally realized that he was in love with the First Man, long before he even met Lilith. He couldn't believe how long it took him to see that. And now he had a chance to tell him. He only hoped that the archangel felt the same.

For the next few days Lucifer was rearranging the manor and the garden. While he was putting away Lilith's decorations, he found their old portrait, half-obscured by the dusty sheet. It's been more than 2 years since he has seen his wife. In the past they had longer periods of separation, usually for Lilith to have a break from him. He never stopped her, being well-aware that he was sometimes unbearable. Ever since she was created Lilith was a married woman, she deserved to experience life without a husband. Lucifer, though reluctantly, agreed to an open relationship. He never pursued other people himself, being rather distrustful and socially awkward from all the years of isolation.

"How will she react, when she finds out that I'm seeing Adam?" - he wondered, closing the door to the basement, where he stored Lilith's things and portraits. She was furious when he told her that he got himself pregnant without her permission. She'd be even more upset that her ex-husband was paying him visits.

"No, she left on her own, I don't owe her any explainations" - he reassured himself, but he still felt kinda guilty. He did get pregnant without consulting anything with her, thinking it would be a good surprise gift for their wedding anniversary. But not only she's forgotten it was their special day, she didn't want to celebrate it with him, already having plans with someone else. Desperate, he told her about the baby and she went ballistic, slapping him and saying how selfish and disgusting he is for doing such a thing behind her back. She stormed out of the house, leaving him on the floor. He stayed like that for hours, crying and cursing himself for being such an idiot.

-Da?

He looked behind, feeling something tugging on his tail. Charlie was sitting on the floor and looking at him confussed. Razzle and Dazzle stood behind her watching him with concern. Lucifer realized his cheeks were wet from tears. He quickly wiped them off with his sleeve and kneeled down to pull his baby and the goat demons into a hug. Lilith hurt him, but it didn't matter anymore. He had a daughter that he loved and needed to take care of. If his wife had no desire to share this happiness with him, he wouldn't force her. His child deserved more than just being someone else's obligation. She was to be cherished and protected by both of her parents.

"And there's already someone willing to fill in that role" - he looked through the window at the glowing orb on the sky.

***

It was already past midnight, when Lucifer realized that Adam is not coming. He blew the flames of the candles and went to check on his daughter. She, Razzle and Dazzle slept together in her crib. He smiled at the adorable sight and went to his own room. He sat on his bed and pulled out the pill bottle from the drawer. To be honest, he's been feeling a little drowsy since he started taking those, but the label informed there might be some side-effects at the begining. He swallowed two pills and started getting ready to sleep.

-I dolled up for nothing... - he sighed taking off the expensive lingerie and changing into his usual night-shirt.

He was a little disappointed that the First Man didn't show up, but surely there was a good explaination for his absence. He only hoped it wasn't the worst possible one. If Sera found out that they were seeing each other behind her back, she would surely put an end to their secret meetings. And there's no telling how she'd react to the news of him giving birth to a half-angel child. Probably not good.

For the rest of the night Lucifer lied in his bed, telling himself that nothing bad would happen to his friend. That Adam was busy and simply couldn't make it that evening. That he'll visit within a few days and they'd continue their secret idyllic life.

But the days passed and still no sign of Adam. That filled Lucifer with unease. He even went a few times to the Embassy to see, if the First Man left some message for him, but he found nothing. Maybe Adam was working and it was a bad time to communicate? He didn't want to consider the possibility that he might have been caught and punished. And he would absolutely not believe that the archangel got bored and abandoned them. Adam adored Charlie, the bond between these two was real and nothing would convince him otherwise.

Instead of letting the dreadful thoughts take over his mind, he decided to focus on his daughter. He was a little better at taking care of her, especially with Razzle and Dazzle's help, though he didn't know what to expect when she gets older. The worst part was keeping her distracted. He tried to entertain her as best as he could, but it was obvious that she missed Adam. She was always running to the main entrance or the french door, hoping that she'd see her Pa. And she would always cry and paw on the door frustrated that he wasn't there. It broke Lucifer's heart to see his child like this. He also awaited Adam's return, but there was nothing he could do about it. If he tried to contact him right now, someone in Heaven might notice and all of them would be in trouble.

His thoughts were interrupted by the creaking sound of the main door being opened.

Chapter Text

Lucifer froze in his seat, while Charlie made a high-pitched cry and ran in the direction of the hall, Razzle and Dazzle following her. He was sure that he locked the door and he never gave Adam the keys.

-Charlie, wait! - he jumped to his feet and ran after his daughter, his heart beating in panic at the thought of some stranger walking into his house.

He entered the hall and saw his child standing completely still in the middle of the room and facing the entrance, her little companions flying above and growling at the figure at the door. Lucifer quickly approached and took Charlie in his arms, keeping her as close to his chest as possible.

-Pa? - the girl started to look around the hall. She was hoping that Adam was somewhere in the room.

-I believe it would be "mom" for you - said the familiar female voice. Lucifer looked up and sure there was standing a tall beautiful blonde woman in a coat and fancy hat. She looked at them both with amused purple eyes and a gentle smile. Lucifer held his breath at the sight of his wife slowly approaching him, the memories of their last talk and the sting of her slap still alive in his head.

Lilith stopped just 2 feet away from him and bent down to look at the child in his arms. She tilted her head, her eyes intrigued and calculating.

-It deffinetely took after you - she looked up at him - A boy or a girl?

Lucifer finally released the air in his lungs and looked down at his daughter:

-A girl - he answered with pride - Her name is Charlie.

-"Charlie"? - the woman's eyebrow rose with interest and she reached out to poke the child's cheek - Is it a shortened version for "Charlotte"?

Before he could answer, Razzle and Dazzle growled at the woman, clearly displeased with her closeness. She didn't back away though, turning her eyes from one goat demon to another.

-New pets? - she asked, her tone unchanged.

-Guys, calm down. I got this - reassured Lucifer, but neither of his creations stopped glaring at his wife - Sorry, they're very protective of her.

-And here I thought you completely lost your sparkle... - giggled the Queen and straightened to her full height - Honestly, I expected a big yellow duckling acting like a guard-dog, not these adorable little critters.

-Ahahaha, yeah, why didn't I think of that? - he laughed nervously and Razzle and Dazzle scoffed at him. He cleared out his throat, reminding himself to not be distracted - So, what brings you here today, Lilith?

-Well, it's my home and I live here - she answered, crossing her arms over her chest.

-Are you now? - he said through his teeth, his smile strained - For the last 2 years I haven't seen you around. Had a feeling that you hated living here. With me.

Lilith was silent for a moment. She rarely faced such a defiance, especially from her own husband. She must have been taken aback by his behavior and looked for the right words to get what she wanted from him. Whatever it was, Lucifer would not act like the last 2 years didn't change things between them. He won't fall to her feet and thank her that she graciously came back.

-I admit our last conversation went very poorly - she finally said, her voice filled with regret - I needed some time to think things through, but I never intended to leave you. I'm sorry for hurting you like that.

-Well, I don't care anymore - he shrugged and looked down at his daughter, who smiled at him - Now I have a new wonderful lady in my life. And she's my priority.

The Queen's eye twitched, but she quickly composed herself. Her head hanging low, though it didn't make much diffrence to Lucifer, she was still taller than him.

-I see - she whispered, sounding almost like she was about to cry - But this is also why I couldn't come back sooner. I needed to be ready.

-What do you mean? - the King looked at her confussed.

-When you told me about your pregnancy, I got really scared - she answered and pulled out a book from the pocket of her coat - Even though I was originally created to be a mother, I wasn't sure, if I'd give your daughter what she needed - she showed the cover to Lucifer, the title was "The Guide for the First-time Parents" - I studied really hard to become a mother your child deserves.

The Morningstar was stunned. He assumed that Lilith hated the idea of being a mom and now she tells him that she was just scared of failing them? Now he started to feel kinda guilty for thinking so little of her... But it was short-lasting, when he remembered all the awful things she said to him, hurting far more than a slap she gave him that day:

"You disgusting snake-whore! How dare you decide things behind my back?! I knew you were stupid, but not that stupid! This is why I have to take care of everything here! You're a pathetic excuse of a king! And a husband! Don't think I'll be raising this brat! See you never, you selfish asshole!"

The Devil gritted his sharp teeth, trying to not breathe the fire that has gathered in his throat. He knew that he deserved her anger, that he wasn't a good king or a husband, that she wasn't supposed to deal with his shit. But it still hurt. The centuries of being dismissed, humiliated and pushed around weighted on him heavily.

-Please, Lu. I know I made some mistakes, but everyone makes them. You included - she said, almost begging. Her eyes never stopped wondering over his body, looking for any sign that her words reached him - Would you throw away all of our marriage, because of a few hiccups? We fell together, it was nothing compared to the millenia of our love. We can get through anything - she pointed at Charlie - And we can share our love with the little one. We can show her how strong it is.

-I... - he paused, still unsure of how he should answer.

There was a lot of truth in what she said, the life they built together wasn't perfect, but it was moderately happy and stable(in Hell standards ofcourse). He still had feelings for his wife, she was his longtime companion and no matter how badly he messed up, she always came back to him. On the other hand, he still hoped that Adam would return. Even if they lived in two diffrent worlds, he wanted the First Man to know his true feelings and raise Charlie with him. He took a deep breath and started slowly:

-Lots of things have happened since you left. And although I'm glad you told me your side of the story, I also need some time to think it all through... - he looked down at Charlie again - I gotta consider what would be best for my daughter.

-That is understandable - said calmly Lilith, though her fingers clenched harder on the skin of her arm.

-You can stay in the west wing of the house. I left it untouched, so your things are still there - he said and turned to leave, but Lilith caught him by his shoulder.

-Is it alright, if we eat meals together? - she asked with hopeful voice.

Razzle and Dazzle growled again at the audacity of the woman. If it wasn't for Lucifer's stern look, they'd have already rushed to rip her into pieces.

-Fine - answered the King without turning to her - The dinner starts at 7 p.m. - he slipped from her grip and left the hall.

Lilith also left to her part of the manor, gritting her teeth in frustration. Once inside her room, she looked through the window at the brightest object that hovered mockingly on hellish skies.

-Don't worry, you dick-brained asshole. I'll take a good care of them. Especially your- she chuckled - I'm sorry, MY little daughter.

Chapter Text

The moment he touched the gate to Lucifer's garden he felt the buzzing and a dull ache in his head. It was a warning; any further and he'd violate the contract.

Adam took a step back and looked above the apple trees that surrounded the house. He was considering flying inside, but it couldn't be that easy. He squinted his eyes and sure, there was some berely visible shimmering barrier around the Morningstar's manor. It wasn't strong, just a thin layer similar to the rubber that balloons are made of, but if he popped it, Sera would notice right away and summon him back. He would never be allowed to go back to Hell again, while his little boy would take his place and become a murderer.

Flying around the barrier he hoped to at least see Lucifer and Charlie through the window, but the curtains were drawn and blocked his view to the inside.

Resigned he sat on the rooftop of the nearest building and looked to the sky. The pentagram above the city glowed softly among the dark red clouds. He wondered, if he flew high enough would he see the stars? Were there any stars in Hell? Would they look like the ones in Heaven?

The clock tower announced the end of the extermination. Adam sighed and stood up, glancing at the manor one last time.

-Well, it doesn't matter, if the skies are empty. The only stars that I care about are down here - he spread his wings and flew to the portal above - I'll find a way to see them. No matter how many centuries it'll take me.

***

Surprisingly, Sera wasn't so opposed to let him go to the meeting. She even allowed him to go alone, much to Lute's annoyance. Adam's joy was so great he didn't think much about it. Finally! He was finally going to see Lucifer! And this time he was going to tell him his feelings!

He rushed to the desk and was about to ring the bell, when he saw a golden scroll hovering in front of him. Apparently Lucifer has already signed to the meeting, so all Adam had to do was to enter the room. He took off his helmet, brushed his hair and straightened his clothes. He opened the door and went inside. It was the light blue room with a big table in the middle and two chairs on the opposite sides. One of them was already occupied by someone. Adam made a few steps closer to the table and froze.

-What the fuck are you doing here, bitch?! - yelled the man when he realized that the one sitting in front of him wasn't the King of Hell, but his first ex-wife.

-Why, isn't it obvious? - she said with a calm, melodious voice, her eye-brow arched with amusement - I'm the representative of Hell at the meeting with the Exorcist Leader.

-Where is Lucifer?! - he hit the table with so much force it cracked in the middle - He's the real ruler of Hell! Not you, you lying, back-stabbing whore!

-Now, have you forgotten that I am the King's wife? - her lips twisted into a smirk - That makes me as much of a ruler as him.

-Bullshit! - the archangel was on the verge of jumping the woman and strangling her, but he reminded himself that he needed answers - Ever since the exterminations started, you haven't shown up even once on the meetings - he sat on the opposite chair and intertwined his fingers - And from what I heard, you haven't been with the King for quite a long time. I hardly consider you his wife.

Lilith chuckled and mirrored his gesture:

-I'll let you know that me and Lu are going steady. I had no doubts that once I return from my little vacation he'd welcome me with open arms - she paused to watch his reaction. Adam was good at many things, but keeping a poker face wasn't one of them. His eye-brows furrowed, his teeth gritted and eyes burning with anger - And little Charlotte? She's an absolute cutie-pie! Just recently she started doodling something on the wall with her crayons - her smile became playful and sinister - She's gonna be a real beauty too. Maybe I should already start looking for a suitable candidate to marry her off-

-I'll fucking kill you! - the man sprang from his chair and tried to reach for the Queen's neck, but his wrists were suddenly bound by the silver chains. His projection was allowed to touch, but never commit violence against the participants. The woman laughed in his face.

-Kill me? The Extermination Day is already over. Try again next year - she leaned in to taunt him even more - Honestly, Adam, you're even more pathetic than you were in Eden. You had some politeness and charm back then, but now you're just a simple-minded brute. I can't believe we were made from the same dust, but then again you were only a draft for a real perfection...

Adam was forced into his seat, seething with fury at the First Woman. This is why that bitch Sera agreed to let him go to the meeting, she already knew Lilith would be there and what she'd tell him. She wanted him to give up.

The man took a deep breath and straightened up, his lips twisting into a mean grin.

-You think you're anywhere near my level, you fugly old cunt? - he asked with the calmest voice he could manage at the moment - The angels recogniazed my efforts and took me into Heaven, while you were deemed a failure. Also, I'm the one who cleaned up your mess, after you screwed up and fucked off. If I wasn't forbidden to see Lucifer, he'd never even consider taking your ungrateful ass back.

The woman giggled not affected by his words, which made the archangel scowl.

-Oh, you poor, naive man... You're mistaking being useful for being loved - she stood up and started walking around the table - The angels couldn't handle me, because I wasn't an obiedient puppet. And you're just too weak to defy them, so obviously they favored your case - she put a hand on the back of his chair and looked down on him - And Lucifer needed you to raise Charlotte. It was the only reason he wanted you around - her fingers raised his chin to make him look at her directly in the eyes - No one really cares about you. And deep down you know that - her smile, although warm and soft was nothing like the words she uttered - You're just unlovable.

Adam fought to keep himself calm. He wanted to cry in frustration, but he wouldn't show her how much her words had affected him. It hurt, because no matter how badly he wanted to disagree, he believed everything she said. He knew that the angels didn't like HIM, they liked his loyalty. He also couldn't deny that he was a coward. For thousands of years he was afraid to admit his feelings for Lucifer and he used bullying as an excuse to see him during the exterminations. He was powerless against Sera when she forbade him to see his children. But what really hurt him was that he could be so easily discarded. He spent almost a year and a half taking care of Charlie and Lucifer and all it took to ruin everything was that bitch's return.

He turned his head away from her touch, but kept looking in her eyes:

-You came here today after hundreds of years just to mock me? Or did you actually have something important to tell me? - he tried to play it cool and go back to the whole point of the meeting. He pulled out the file with the reports from his soldiers ans threw it on the table - Here are the numbers of casualities and possible damages from today's extermination - he attempted to smile, but his voice sounded unamused - Some girls like to desicribe their most gruesome kills. Have fun reading it.

Lilith ignored the file and sat on the table, turning side-way to her ex-husband. He could tell that she was disappointed that he didn't react like she expected.

-The last two years were pretty enlighting to me. I know what Hell has to offer and where are its limits. I myself am at the very top and have access to all of its goods - she crossed her legs and propped her head on her arm - And yet I feel very dissatisfied. So I started to wonder what is beyond Hell? Would I find something more fitting for the soul of my status?

-Where are you going with that? - the man would like to cut her bullshit short and leave, just to show how little he cared about her feelings, but he was also curious what she had to say. It's been centuries, since he talked with his ex-wife and he wanted to know what she was scheming.

-I want to see what Heaven is like - she turned her face to him, her smirk returning on her lips - And if I'll find it nice, I'm gonna stay there. Maybe even rule over it.

Chapter Text

The room was completely silent for a moment. Lilith was always full of herself, but Adam'd never think that she was foolish enough to declare a war against Heaven. He broke into laughter:

-Bitch, that is the most hillarious thing I've ever heard from you! And I thought you had no sense of humor! - he cackled for quite a while, but the woman kept looking at him with the same amused expression. He finally calmed himself enough to speak and continued - Look I don't know, if you went mental or you simply didn't notice, because you always fuck off during the Extermination Day, but you can't do shit to me or my girls. We, angels, are invincible!

-You sure about that? If angels truly are invincible, why are they so nervous about Hell's rebellion? - her words made the archangel pause in his laughter - A powerful being like Sera wouldn't even pay attention to the growing population of sinners, unless they actually posed a threat to her.

Adam went silent for a moment. He never really thought about that. One day Sera just told him that the number of deaths on Earth and the number of winners in Heaven do not align. It meant only one thing: most of the souls go to Hell. She seemed upset about that, so he proposed to take care of the problem, by exterminating all sinners in Hell. She, at first, was taken aback by his idea, but after short contemplating, she agreed that it was the only thing they could do. They both went to Lucifer and, to their surprise, they didn't need to convince him for long. He only demanded that they leave the hellborns out of it and come only once a year, so he wouldn't have to deal with Heaven on the daily basis. Sera was content with that, since she wanted as little contact between the two realms as possible.

Now that Lilith brought it up, it seemed like the seraphim had no reason to agree to his proposition. Sera might be very cruel, but she never did things out of spite. He couldn't imagine her enjoying the bloodshed, even if the slaughtered ones were just some worthless sinners. Her only wish was to protect Heaven, but from what exactly? Was she really afraid of the bunch of losers?

-You've always been kinda slow when it came to figuring things out - said Lilith, enjoying how he internally struggled with the new information - With such an idiot as an opponent, I have no doubt that I'll win.

-Well, so far we killed thousands of sinners, while I haven't lost even one soldier! - he countered loudly, but the woman only hummed unfazed.

-Only because we haven't actually tried to resist - she picked up the file and quickly scanned through the pages, looking at the numbers of casualities - The thing that differs the sinners from angels is how disorganized they are. But if they had a competent leader, it'd surely change the results of your yearly escapades.

-And you're supposed to be that leader? - he scoffed. From what he had gathered over the years, Lilith was the queen only when it was convinient to her. And she was pretty bad at her job. She'd lead her people to a slaughter, just to satisfy her own selfish wishes - Even, if they agree to follow you, Heaven will crush any attempt of rebellion.

-All I need to do is keep inspiring my people to fight - she closed the file and put it back on the table - And seeing how they're killed by you anyway, they don't need much convincing - she stood up and glared at him - You may come and try to purge my kingdom all you want, but it'll only make the ones who remain burn brighter with anger and hatred. If there's one thing that drives human souls into action, it's vengence - she smirked once again - You should know that more than anyone else. After all you're their father.

Adam got up and felt the chains around his wrists restraining him from making even one more step towards the woman. But he didn't move, he just stood in front of her, their eyes almost at the same level. Lilith was made as his equal, even in height, but she wore those damn heels that made her a bit taller. He was scowling at her, no one before dared to mention that the corrupted souls in Hell are actually his own decendants.

-These aren't my children. They rejected the path I carved for them in life, so I now reject them in death - he rised his chin up and looked down on the woman, not caring that he was still a little shorter than her - You'll all keep rotting in this hellhole until I erase you for good.

-Oh, my! You truly are the man of virtue! - mocked the Queen, intertwining her fingers in front of her chest - Your real children must be so proud of having a father like you. Especially your firstborn - Adam's eyes widened and his breath hitched. He didn't expect her to mention Cain - No, wait, that one was a dud... But no need to cry over him, right? After all he was your first try and those tend to be failures.

He knew she was also refering to him. Sometimes Adam wondered himself, if he really wasn't some kind of prototype for the human beings. The angels made Lilith a little diffrent, maybe to compensate for his own flaws. Jokes on them, they created a selfish, spoiled bitch, who looked down on everyone. It must have been a reason why Eve was her complete opposite.

Anyway, he would never guess that Lilith knew so much about his family. But he'd rather drink a whole barrel of acid than let her get to him.

-Exactly - he answered with a calm voice, even though his insides twisted from disgust at what he was about to say - Cain disgraced his bloodline by taking the life of his brother. He is a dirty, sinful beast, not worthy to walk among us in paradise.

-As expected of the Heaven's golden boy! You'd never make an exception for a filthy, blasphemous brat - she clapped her hands and her smile suddenly became even more cruel than before - I hope you're gonna be as cold and ruthless when you cross blades with Lucifer's daughter.

-What? - he once again went rigid - What do you mean?

Lilith chuckled, knowing very well that she found another crack in his mask of apathy.

-Surely you didn't think that Charlotte wouldn't get involved, right? - she leaned in, taunting him once more - I will raise that child as my own. I'll teach her everything she needs; ambition, cruelty, manipulation... - her scleras became black, making her purple irises glow in the vast of nothingness - And one day she'll challenge Heaven and avenge her dear mother for being wronged by angels. I'll even ask her to bring me your head as a proof of her undying love for me.

Chapter Text

The sound of the closing door has echoed in the dark, quiet corridors of the house, followed by the slow tapping of the heeled shoes, getting closer and closer to the nursery. Dazzle rose up from the crib, while Razzle stayed curled around Charlie protectively. They already knew, who was coming their way, but it never made them lower their guard.

Ever since Lilith appeared in the manor the twins have been pretty restless, never leaving the Princess out of their sight. They didn't trust the woman, especially since their master was feeling unwell and stayed in his room most of the time.

The Queen looked into the nursery through the open door, but didn't enter. Dazzle hissed at her, so she'd know that the child is not to be disturbed for the next few hours. Lilith just scoffed and walked off. Both demon goats have calmed down when they heard her closing the door to Lucifer's bedroom. They weren't comfortable leaving their master with the suspicious woman, but the Princess was their priority. Also the King never seemed to be hurt or unhappy around his wife, so they decided to not interfere, at least not yet.

***

Lilith made her way to her husband's bed and sat beside his sleeping form. He lied on his left side, his chest rising and falling slowly as he breathed in the sweet, lavender-smelling air. His hair has grown again, spilling on the pillow behind him. She's gotta cut it before he wakes up. Her hands run through the silky golden strands and then traveled down to his spine. She touched the slits where his wings stayed hidden, then slid her fingers to his tail. Those were sensitives spots, but Lucifer didn't even stir. Lilith smiled and summoned the scissors. She started to cut his hair and put them into separate vials. She's gotta supply her scientist friends with more material to study. Even a few strands of seraphim hair contained a small amount of the holy light. The research on the angelic biology could prove useful in the upcoming war.

Once she was done, Lilith summoned a syringe with an iridescent pink fluid. She pulled away the strands that covered his neck and injected the substance into his spinal cord. This caused a slight twitch of Lucifer's body, but he didn't wake up. The Queen pulled the empty syringe out and tossed it into her pocket dimension. She looked down at her husband's face and stroked his cheek. He was such a divine creature, truly the most beautiful among the angels. Especially when he didn't talk.

***

-I'm sorry, what? - Sera rose an eyebrow, not expecting what she just heard. Adam has returned just a few seconds ago and first thing that came from his mouth was a rather impolite request.

-You heard me. I need more exorcists - answered the man, his voice even, though kinda strained - That bitch has became too fucking arrogant. So much she declared a war against Heaven.

-What?! - yelled the seraphim and squinted her eyes at the archangel - Adam, what did you do?! Why would Lilith-

-Apparently the realm of eternal fire and pain has started to bore her! - he interrupted her, his anger coming back - Insolent cunt! She thinks that invading Heaven and taking God's place would be more fitting for her royal ass! Can you believe it?!

Sera fell into her chair, still trying to understand how could things have turned so bad? True, she didn't mention to Adam that the Hell's representative would be Lilith, but she didn't expect the First Woman to start a rebellion.

-This is the scenerio that I wanted to avoid the most... - she whispered to herself.

Adam watched her from the middle of her office, partly satisfied by her reaction. The bitch deserved to suffer for making him go through all this shit. But he didn't come here to revel in Sera's misery. He approached her desk and spoke in a calm voice:

-Look, I don't know why are you so scared of those losers down there, but I can take care of them for you. If you give me more soldiers, I can control their population more efficiently.

The seraphim knew that the archangel's motives weren't actually Heaven's protection or even a noble fight with the forces of evil. She realized that a few years after the first extermination. Adam absolutely enjoyed murdering the sinners in the most grusome ways possible. His exorcists also possessed the unsettling bloodlust and tempers, very rare among the heavenborn. The whole unit and its leader displayed very vulgar and disrespectful demeanour, which was why Sera and the rest of the Council had a rather unfavorable view on them. Nevertheless she couldn't let Lilith invade Heaven. She sighed loudly:

-Fine - she got up and turned to her bookcase, which contained the ancient scrolls and artifacts - But I can't create them out of nothing. You have to give me something in exchange - she pulled out the scroll marked with Adam's crest - Your whole unit came from just one rib. If you want more-

An unpleasant snapping sound interupted her. She turned back to Adam, who supported himself on her desk, panting heavily as his other hand was digging into his left side. The golden blood was quickly soaking his robe. With one strong pull he ripped out three of his ribs and threw them onto the desk.

-Will this... be enough? - he asked between his breaths.

-Are you crazy?! - she rushed to his side and started healing him. She knew he was pretty reckless, but she didn't expect him to extract his own ribs with bare hands.

-I still have... twenty-something left... This is nothing... - answered the man, though he fought not to fall to his knees - I've been through worse... Much worse...

The archangel pushed her hands away and straightened up. It still hurt, but he didn't care. He turned around and walked to the door, holding his left side and feeling the empitness under his skin and muscles.

-Make me an army, Sera - he told her, his hand clenching on a handle - I'm gonna show that bitch where's her place.

Chapter Text

Cold. Despite living in the one of the hottest places possible and being covered by a thick duvet, he still felt cold. Lucifer was used to it by now. Lilith visited his room every two or three days, sometimes engaged some sexual play and left shortly after he fell asleep. Every morning was the same; he wakes up alone, the servant brings him his breakfast, new medicine and a newspaper with the same boring bullshit. Then, if he feels better, he'd work bit by bit on some new toy or invention to entertain his daughter. It was the least he could do for her, since he was too weak to even go out and play with her. Sometimes he'd read a book for her before she went to sleep, but that was hardly enough to let him bond with his little one.

He sipped his tea, while he read the News from Pride Ring. There wasn't anything that got his attention. Something about a new overlord taking over another's business, a turf war between two gangs, some brothel advertisement and lots of other stuff he wasn't interested in. Even the news about exterminations haven't changed much for the last couple of years. He hoped to see some paragraph about Adam, but the papers only mentioned the approximate number of casualities and damages.

He wondered how the First Man was doing. He didn't get any word from him since he asked him for dinner. He planned to meet him after the Extermination Day, but something weird happened. The sleep that has never been coming easily to him, now took away most of his time, sometimes even days. He didn't remember when he fell asleep, but when he woke up, Lilith has already returned from the meeting and said that Adam was a real dick this time; calling her names, throwing stuff at her and saying that she can have her slut of a husband and the little brat, because he doesn't care anymore.

Lucifer was absolutely taken aback. Was it because the Queen went to the meeting instead of him? Did the archangel think that they were together again? They didn't divorce yet, but the King had no intention to go back to his wife. He was sure now that he loved Adam and for him he was ready to throw away his old wedding ring.

He was about to call another meeting to clear out the misunderstanding, only for Lilith to remind him that such an action would not only cause more problems for him, but for Adam as well. Besides, he was in a bad shape and agitation might even worsen it. As much as Lucifer hated it, he decided to wait till another extermination. But for the next few years the First Man refused to see him. Usually it was his rude lieutanant, sometimes it was Sera, but never Adam himself. And neither of these women would tell him anything besides what's in the report from the purge.

Lucifer's health has also deteriorated, to the point he couldn't take care of Charlie. Lilith brought him new pills prescribed by Belphegor, but it didn't help much. He was convinced that the problem must be in his head. He already had some episodes of severe depression in the past and it made him so weak and lethargic, Lilith had to take over as the ruler(not that he did much as the King anyway...).

The worst thing was that it affected his daughter. He had no strenght to take care or play with her, leaving everything to Razzle and Dazzle or Lilith. He also noticed that after Charlie was weaned, she was less and less interested in him. He couldn't blame her though, children were meant to explore and learn new things, while he was bedridden almost all the time. From what he observed Lilith has taken seriously the whole parenting thing and the little Princess has even started to call her "mom". At first he was a little sad, because she'd forget about Adam, maybe she already did, but then again the First Man wouldn't come back. And Charlie deserved to have a loving family.

In the end Lucifer decided he'd give Lilith another chance. She came back and took care of him and Charlie. She also said that she loved him, so maybe their marriage wasn't as hopeless as he assumed. Maybe in time he will fall in love with her again and he'd forget about Adam. The thought however made his heart heavy, like someone has tied a chain around it.

***

-278, Sir - answered Vaggie with a strained voice.

-Damn, bitch, you're a fucking beast! - laughed Adam, his arm wrapped around her shoulders and holding her closely to his side - That's my girl! She's the best killing machine in my army!

Though they were supposed to be flattering, the man's comments made Vaggie's insides twist painfully. She just couldn't understand what part of slaughtering some strangers was so fun or worthy of praise. Everytime she killed, she had to avoid looking in their eyes, or she might actually puke. It didn't matter that those were corrupted souls, they were still people, just like her and everyone in Heaven. She was told that they weren't the same, that those were the worst kind of murderers, thieves and abusers. But how is she any diffrent from them now? Hasn't she killed another being? Hasn't she robbed their families from their loved ones? Hasn't she caused them pain by doing so? She told herself that soon she'll get used to it, maybe even start to enjoy it like the rest of her sisters who also had some reservations before. But she was still far from being proud of herself. No matter how many compliments she recieved for her work, Vaggie felt nothing but disgust and sorrow.

The meeting continued with Adam bragging about his army being undefeated and Heaven being so much superior to Hell. The Queen sat on the other side of the table, not moved one bit by his rude remarks. Vaggie heard the stories about her boss' past, but she couldn't picture that beautiful, calm woman to be one of the monsters who unleashed the evil on Earth. Then again Adam didn't act like a saint either. He was the most brutal, arrogant and vulgar man she's ever known.

-Get your head out of the clouds and move, you stupid bitch! - called Lute and Vaggie realized that the meeting was over and she still stood in her place, while Adam and his lieutenant were at the door.

-My apologies... - she whispered and followed her superiors.

-Don't let the praises get to your head. I think you need another lesson of discipline - said harshly Lute, but Adam quickly intervened.

-Chillax, Lute. She's already a tough, deadly bitch. Let the girl enjoy her success - he patted Vaggie's head, though it wasn't very delicate - I'm starting to think that you're getting jealous, because she already beat your personal record eight times in a row.

It was very rare for Adam to scold his lieutenant, so Vaggie was both surprised and pleased to see her LED mask glitch from how many expressions her real face must have displayed in a short amount of time:

-I didn't- She was- I mean- Ugh!

She marched away, muttering curses under her breath. Vaggie was internally laughing at Lute's reaction, though she was a little worried that the older exorcist is gonna take it out on her later. Suddenly she felt a big, strong hand grabbing her shoulder.

-Don't mind her. She just can't stand that someone else gets more attention than her... - said Adam, his voice amused and kinda... nostalgic? - Anyway, I hope you're not gonna bail on today's party, like you did for the last few years. Some of your sisters are getting worried about you. Said that you're becoming a shut-in or something...

The girl froze. She really didn't like those parties. Aside being loud and crowdy, the main topic of their conversations was the extermination; how many kills, the level of brutality, what weapons cause the most painful damage, what kind of sinners did they get this year... Vaggie couldn't stand it for long. At some point she started to avoid her sisters completely. She thought that they didn't care about her absence that much, but apparently she was wrong.

The First Man noticed her tension and loosened his grip:

-Hey, you alright? - he asked and the girl was taken aback by the genuine concern in his voice.

-I... - she hesitated. Was it a good idea to speak her mind to Adam? He never showed care about anyone else's well-being. But then again she never spent much time with him before. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought? - I have doubts about... my purpose...

-What do you mean? - he asked, watching her face closely, but the LED mask didn't show any other expression than her normal frown.

-The extermination - she whispered and wrapped her arms around herself, like she was trying to find a comfort within her own embrace - I thought that... if I get the better results, I'd finally feel good about myself... - her voice trembled, not able to carry the weight of the words she bottled up years ago - But it changed nothing... I still feel like this is not what I'm meant to be... I don't wanna kill anymore...

She sniffed silently, her head down, not ready to see her boss' expression. What was she thinking telling him all that? His hand left her shoulder. Was he gonna hit her?

-Keep those feelings hidden - he said finally, his voice low and kinda resigned. Vaggie looked up, he was walking away, his back turned to her - You and I, we were both made for a certain purpose. And that proves enough that you're more than capable of doing your job - he paused while reaching for a handle of the main door - For your own good, you better not tell anyone what you just told me.

Once he left the building, Vaggie dropped to her knees and cried the hardest she's ever had. Adam's words didn't bring her any comfort. He basicly told her that she was stuck with her cruel duty for the rest of eternity.

Chapter Text

-Come on, Adam! You can't refuse! - insisted the angel, his hands clasped in the pleading manner.

-I can and I just did! - answered the man with arms crossed defensivelly over his chest - I am not gonna make more humans.

-Well, this wasn't my idea. It was the other angels - said Lucifer, his patience slowly running out.

-Then tell them to make more males, instead of forcing me to do it - Adam turned his back to him.

-I already told them - the angel flew around to face him again - They denied.

-I'm not gonna put my dick anywhere near that disgusting slit! - he yelled and Lucifer's face turned golden.

-It's not disgusting! - he exclaimed, clearly offenced by the implication.

-Oh, yeah? Then why are you hiding it, huh? - the man pointed at the angel's covered croach - You have the same thing, right? Why do you keep it under your robe, if you're not embarressed by it?

-Th-That's... well... - he instincly covered his croach with his hands, even though it was not exposed - If I show it to you, will it change your mind?

Adam looked him up and down, considering the proposition:

-Maybe.

Lucifer grabbed the edges of his robe, his form trembling from the shame at what he was about to do. He built up the courage and quickly lifted the robe to his belly button:

-Here - he said with his eyes closed. The man crouched down and watched intensly. The angel was anxious about the sudden silence. What Adam must be thinking now? Was still disgusted? Was he pleased? He made a mistake by opening his eyes and seeing the intrigued expression on Adam's face. His cheeks flared with gold and he immaditely pulled his robe down.

-Hey, I berely saw anything! - complained the man.

-You stared for good 10 seconds! That should be enough! - exclaimed the angel, unable to look him in the eyes.

-No, it's not! - he caught the edges of the robe and tried to pull it up, but Lucifer resisted - You gotta spread your legs, so I can see the whole thing.

-What?! - the angel has backed away and hit his back on the tree - No way! I am not exposing myself like that! What would the other angels think!

-What's the big deal? - Adam trapped him between his arms - If it's not disgusting, there's nothing wrong with showing it to me.

Lucifer looked at him dumbfounded, silently contemplating his next action. He really shouldn't do it, but if he can't convince Adam to give reproduction a chance, Heaven might remove him from his position as Adam's guardian. The fact, that he was pinned to the tree by the warm, muscular body and watched intensly by those gorgoeus eyes, made it a lot harder to refuse.

-F-Fine... - he mumbled and the man smiled triumphantly as he stepped away and waited eagerly - But I gotta turn around.

-Why? - Adam's smile dropped.

-Because watching your face as you look at it... - stuttered the angel, turning around and leaning on the tree - ...it makes me uncomfortable...

-You, angels, are so weird... - the man rolled his eyes and crouched down again.

-Just take a look and let's be done with it! - yelled Lucifer as he lifted his robe to expose his rear, the tail keeping it up, so it wouldn't fall.

-It's pink inside - said Adam when he finally had a good look at the angel's genitals.

-Don't describe it! - growled Lucifer, though his folds twitched and slightly opened up at the First Man's attention.

-Why? I didn't say anything mean, did I? - asked Adam, moving a little closer to have a better look.

-N-No... It's just... Ah! - yelped the angel, feeling two rough hands spreading his legs and cheeks - Hey, you were supposed to watch only!

-If I'm gonna put my dick in there, I gotta know what it feels like - explained the man, running his finger on the the delicate skin around Lucifer's entrance. The angel trembled and moaned quietly, until Adam touched his sensitive nub:

-Ah! - he yelped and his hips bucked up unvoluntarily. The man pulled his hand away, startled by his companion's reaction:

-I'm sorry! - he looked up at Lucifer's face, searching for any signs of discomfort or pain - Did I hurt you?

-N-No... - mumbled the angel, his claws clenching on the tree bark - That part is... very sensitive...

The man calmed down and returned to his earlier task. He slowly explored Lucifer's slit with his fingers.

-It's so soft and warm... - his thumb caressed the opening and gathered a few drops of glossy fluid - ...and wet?

-It's to m-make it easier... to slid in... - explained the angel, feeling one of the fingers probbing at his entrance - Aaah~ Adam...

-How is my dick supposed to fit in there? - wondered Adam, when he managed to slid his index finger inside. It was a very tight fit, but it seemed to stretch as he moved his finger in and out, more fluid pouring from the hole. Lucifer moaned loudly, when he added another finger. He looked up to check his reaction - Luci?

-M-More... - he mumbled and bucked his hips to encourage his companion - Please... don't stop...

The man looked mesmerised at the golden-flushed face of his guardian; his mouth slightly opened and wet from drool and sweat, his teary eyes drunk from pleasure and affection. It caused a weird wave of electricty running through Adam's body, making his insides warm and tingly, especially in his loins. His heart was beating faster and his breath quickened. He didn't know what was happening, but he wanted this feeling to continue. So he kept fingering Lucifer's hole, listening to his cries of pleasure:

-Aaah! Aaaah~ Yeees! Adam! Adam! - at the sound of his name being yelled in such a manner, the man bucked his own hips uncounciously.

He paused to look down at his member that stood proudly between his legs, bigger and harder than he remembered. He pulled his fingers out of Lucifer to study his own genitals. The angel whined at the loss:

-N-No... Why did you stop?

-Something's happening to my dick... - Adam hesitated before poking at his member, unsure of what he should do - It's bigger and harder now. Why is that? - he was so focused on it, he didn't notice that his companion has turned around and reached eagerly for his dick - Ah! Lucifer, what are you-

-It's ready... - mumbled the angel, his little hand berely circling the thick shaft and giving it a few pumps.

-Aaah~ Luci... - the man moaned with pleasure, throwing his head back as Lucifer caressed the slit - It... It feels amazing...

-Yes. It was made to feel good, when you mate - explained the angel, his neglected entrance dripping hungrily at the sight of the big member - And it'll be even better, when you spill your seed - he was suddenly pulled on the man's lap, a thick thigh rubbing his croach and sending the waves of electricity through his spine - Aaah... Adam~

Both the angel and human looked at each other with longing and fascination. They caressed each other lovingly, learning every curve in their bodies and searching for the spots that would make their partner yell with pleasure. Suddenly Adam dipped his fingers into Lucifer's golden locks and pulled him to seal their mouths together. He didn't know why, but he wanted to do it and the soft, wet lips on his own felt really nice. Then the angel opened his mouth and he felt something wrapping around his tongue. He realized it must be Lucifer's tongue and he moaned pleased as they wrestled with each other, their hips moving simultaneously, chasing the feeling that intensified with every second.

-Lucifer... - he panted when they finally separated - I want... inside you... Can I mate with you?

The angel's eyes widened, but he didn't try to get away. His tail wagged excitedly at the prospect of the thick member stretching his hole and filling it with his human's semen.

-Y-Yes... - he pulled away and leaned against the tree again, exposing his dripping slit - Here. Mate with me, Adam~

The man grabbed the slim hips and rubbed his member against the angel's folds and cheeks, coating it with their mixed fluids. He used his hand to aim the head into the hole and slowly pushed inside.

-S-So tight... I wanna... - he bucked his hips gently and grabbed the tree bark above Lucifer.

-Ah! Aaah~ Yeees~ - the angel moved his hips encouragedly, making the member sink deeper - I want to feel you all the way inside me! - he said and with one powerful thrust the man sheathed the whole lenght inside Lucifer's slit making him moan.

-You feel amazing, Luci~ - said Adam, pounding slowly into his guardian, looking for the right angle to make him squirm with pleasure. When he finally found it, he quickened his thrusts, listening to the sweet melody of angel's moans and cries. Suddenly the weird feeling in his belly intensified, making his balls tighten - S-Something's coming!

-Don't stop! Let it come! - yelled Lucifer, his claws scratching the bark as his own orgasm approached - I want you to spill your seed inside me~

-Lucifer! - cried out Adam as his member flooded the angel's womb with semen.

Lucifer came at the same time, feeling his walls being painted by the First Man's load. They both slid down the tree, the man still inside his guardian, panting heavily and hugging the small body underneath him. He dipped his nose into the blond hair and inhaled their scent. They stayed like that for a while, calming down and enjoying the closeness of one another. At some point Adam slipped out of the angel's opening, letting their mixed fluids pour out. He watched it with interest, his member hardening at the prospect of filling that tight hole again.

-Does it mean we're gonna have babies now? - he asked, smearing the seed on Lucifer's thighs with a strange satisfaction and pride. He actually hoped that it took.

-I-I don't know... - answered the angel, his eyes drifting to the man's face.

Adam looked up and they both felt a wave of warmth washing through their bodies.

-Can we do it again? - asked the man, caressing Lucifer's tail gently. The angel blushed and looked away:

-I thought you weren't interested in making babies - he said and felt the rough fingers under his chin, making him look straight into the golden eyes.

-If it's with you, I don't mind... - the man leaned down and kissed his guardian softly. When he pulled away, Lucifer giggled and stood up. He shed his robes and extended his hand to the First Man:

-Come, Adam. Make me heavy with your babies~

-Luci! - exlaimed the man and pounced on the angel to continue their mating.

***

The sound of alarm clock pulled him out of the dreamland. Adam hit the ungodly device with anger and sat up. He groaned at the mess he felt between his legs and drudgingly got up to clean it. He had the similar dreams for the last 10 000 years, but recently they became quite frequent. The ones in the Garden were actually the old memories that his brain had spiced up with sex. He never actually slept with Lucifer, his attempt to make him show his genitals ended with the angel excusing himself to answer the call from Heaven. Only after being banished, Adam started to wonder what it would be like, if Lucifer allowed him to explore his body. Would he like being touched by him? Would he allow him to mate with him? Would their union bear any fruit? And so Adam started to fantasize about his former guardian, changing the outcomes of their previous encounters. Hell, he even imagined Lucifer pregnant and how their kids would look like. But with every morning he woke up alone, Adam had to face a sad truth. The Morningstar was never meant to be his and all he would have were the dreams of their happy life together.

Chapter Text

-What the fuck are you talking about?! - yelled Adam glaring at the First Woman, who sat on the opposite chair.

Sera was ready for his outburst and, honestly, she too was far from thrilled, but if it meant the Heaven's safety, she would make some sacrefices.

-Lilith came to me with a proposition that she would stop inciting sinners to rebel, if we ensured her a place in the paradise - she explained and braced for another litany of yelling and cursing.

-Are you fucking kidding me?! This bitch was the one who started the first ever rebellion on Earth! And now you let her in, because she promises to stop another one?! - the man takes a deep breath and continues - Seriously, Sera, why did you even consider to listen to her? My army is enough to keep the Hell's population under control.

-I'm afraid it isn't enough anymore - she summoned the all-seeing orb and displayed some images from Hell.

Adam felt like his blood had frozen in his vains. Where did all of these sinners come from?! He was sure that at the last extermination they killed about half of the Pentagram City!

-You did too well when you populated Earth - said Lilith with a smirk - There are billions of your decendants and their numbers are still growing. But what's more important is that most of them are sinners in waiting - the orb showed some weapons and inhumane experiments - They also became pretty creative with how to kill and invade each other. Currently there are multiple wars and disasters, that bring me more subjects than your puny army can kill in one day - she chuckled at his dumbfounded face - We also have our own scientists and inventors, who already came up with a few ways to kill you. They'd be very happy to test it in a few days~

Sera looked horrified at the weapons. Humans were undeniably the most adaptive and inventive species. The eternity in Hell was only giving them opportunities to evolve even more. If even one of these sinners managed to create something that would kill an angel, they were only one step from the full-blown war.

-And just so you know, killing me or taking me hostage will not help you. All I did was inspire them to fight against your tyranny. Once they start, there will be nothing to stop them, unless... - she pushed a hand-written chirograph in Sera's direction - I'll dispose of the leaders of the rebellion and destroy all their hardwork, before it sees the light of the day. In exchange you will guarantee me a place in Heaven.

Sera was silent for a moment, but she took a deep breath and plucked out one of her feathers. Adam covered the chirograph with his own hand:

-Sera, you can't possibly-

-I have no choice, Adam - she interrupted him and put her hand on his - One corrupted soul means nothing when it comes to the safety of millions - she pushed his fingers away and signed her name - Once Lilith takes care of the rebellion, you're gonna continue with the exterminations and keep the sinners in line.

The man lowered his head in defeat. He thought he made a diffrence, but once again he wasn't enough. He glared at his ex-wife, she didn't deserve this win. She spat the virtous souls in their faces, forcing her way into Heaven, despite being the most evil person Adam knew.

Sera was about to end the meeting, when the man asked to have a private chat with Lilith. The seraphim hesitated for a moment, but eventually she relented. He couldn't do anything anyway. She left the conference room letting the first humans settle things between them.

-What is it you wanted to discuss? - asked curiously the woman.

-Does Lucifer know what you're doing? - he clenched his fist angrily. The Queen raised an eye-brow.

-Why does it matter?

-He's your husband, isn't he? - he said through his teeth.

-So? - she tilted her head not understanding - You were my husband too. When did it stop me from doing whatever I wanted.

-And Charlie? - he watched her face for any changes, but she showed no emotion - You could have easily pushed Sera to let her into Heaven with you. But you didn't - still mo response - Why? Do you actually care about her?

Lilith was silent for a moment and chuckled figuring out where he was going with it.

-Charlie still has a certain task, that she can only fulfill in Hell - she stood up and started to gather her paperwork - Have you forgotten? I told you she's gonna kill you.

Adam glared at the woman with all the hate and disgust he gathered through millenia of his existance.

-Do you have any feelings for your family?! Is that child nothing but a tool for you?!

Lilith scoffed at his display of rage:

-The man who has no feelings for his own decendants is lecturing me? How laughable - she picked up her coat and looked at him with a smirk - Also I was a little curious about this whole parenting, since you brag about being the first father and all that stuff, but, honestly? It bored me way quicker than I expected - she turned her back to him and walked to the door - I got some cleaning to do. Have fun being killed by Lucifer's spawn.

***

-Damn it. This one's empty too... - he shook the bottle, but just like the other 20 he checked before, this one had no pills inside. Today he felt more miserable than usually and he realized that he didn't take his medicine for quite a while. Lilith must have been too busy to make sure that he didn't skip the dose.

He sighed and decided he'll order more pills once he finishes his sculpture. He can't always depand on others doing things for him. Everyone seemed to be busy lately; Lilith, Charlie, the Sins, Goetia... Hell, even his servants haven't been showing up to bring him food or clean his room.

Lucifer paused with his chisel a few milimeters from the wooden duck. How long has it been since someone came to his room? He couldn't remember exactly how much time has passed, but it's been quite a while.

He put away his tools and made his way to the door. He was so engrossed in his little project he completely forgotten what day it is. The devil looked all around his manor, but there was no trace of anyone else's presence. He checked into Lilith's office, but she wasn't there either. She went out a lot since she has taken over his duties as the ruler of Hell. Maybe she was at some meeting?

He was about to leave when he noticed a familiar golden light above the desk. A letter from Heaven has landed on the pile of documents. He took the envelope to see what did they send him this time? Inside was a report about the extermination. It was today? He remembered the last one was just two weeks ago... He looked at the calendar on the wall. The last date crossed out was 2 days before the Extermination Day.

-I lost a whole year... - he whispered in disbelief. He was sure it was only a few days - Oh, well... It must have been a pretty boring year anyway.

He was about to turn around and leave, when he noticed the year on the calendar. He might be forgetful, but the last time he checked the calendar it was still early 90s. He didn't lose a year, he lost almost 3 decades...

He looked at the pile of documents. How long was his wife absent? Where was she? Where was everyone? His eyes widened in horror.

-Charlie! - he ran to her room.

He hasn't been there in a while, respecting her privacy and only knocking on the door. She didn't want him around, which he guessed was normal for teenagers. He couldn't remember though what they were talking about the last time he saw her, it was all fuzzy like a dream.

-Charlie? Are you in there? - he asked breathy from running all the way to the room - It's me. I'd like to talk to you - the silence unnerved him. He opened the door and peeked inside - Charlie?

His body went rigid. The room, even though not completely emptied, missed personal belongings and some furniture. There were two boxes on the bed, filled with some dark clothes and things that Charlie gathered in her rebelious age. The whole room was dusty and stuffy, like no one has been living in it for years.

Lucifer felt like the whole world was spinning around him, his chest heavy like it was filled with lead, his legs too weak to support his weight. He fell to his knees, completely disoriented what was happening. His head completely empty, except for one question; where is his daughter?

Chapter Text

It was a stupid idea. It was absolutely a very stupid idea and Charlie wanted nothing but to turn around and go back to her apartment. But she needed help. And right now she had no one else to turn to. HE was her last hope.

Razzle and Dazzle stood right behind her making encouraging gestures. She smiled seeing her childhood friends supporting her. She took a deep breath and marched to the entrance of the big old manor.

"Home, sweet home..." - she thought bitterly. The place was in a very bad condition since her Mom has disappeared. She was the one who run the house after all, so Charlie wasn't surprised it turned into a total disaster.

She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She took out her old key and entered the house. The hall was empty and dusty. Razzle and Dazzle flew inside looking for any possible danger. Charlie was moved by their undying loyalty. She wanted to believe her father has poured all his love for her into them...

"...because he clearly feels nothing to me now..." - she thought, her expression becoming somber once again - "Maybe it was a mistake to come here after all..."

She was about to leave, when she heard some muffled, repeating sound on the second floor. It took her a moment to realize those were steps. She, Razzle and Dazzle made similar sounds when their hooves tapped on the floor. It meant only one thing; her father was out of his room.

Charlie's heart skipped a beat. Lucifer rarely left the space that her Mom has prepared for him. And ever since that awful incident on her 10th Birthday, she haven't seen him out without the Queen's presence.

And now he could walk around the manor, unsupervised and unrestrained. The Princess' body went rigid. If he was inside his room, she could just talk to him through the door and at least have some illusion of safety. But with him outside, Charlie would have to interact with him face-to-face and she wasn't sure, if she could do it. Not without her mother by her side.

Before she could turn around, Razzle and Dazzle has already flew up the stairs and waited for her. They looked at her hopefully and she braved herself to move ahead. She won't let her old fear control her. She was the Princess of Hell and if she wanted to change things, she's gotta confront what she was avoiding all these years. Besides, Razzle and Dazzle were with her. It was all the support she needed.

She climbed the stairs and followed the sound of the footsteps. She tried to calm her breathing and repeated quietly that she could do this.

She turned left and froze. He was there, walking slowly and lazily, his back turned to her. He was dressed in a long white dress shirt and black pants, his feet bare and hair messy. He looked haggard, he usually did, but she knew perfectly well that the looks are misleading. And in Lucifer's case it was dangerous to underestimate him.

Two hundred... or something like that years ago...

-Why is Daddy not coming? - asked the Princess, her eyes in tears, smearing the make-up. It was her 10th Birthday and she wanted to show her father how big and beautiful she was now. But he was nowhere to be seen.

-Honey, you know that Daddy doesn't like parties, yes? - Lilith took her aside started to wipe her face with a handkerchief. Charlie felt bad, because she asked her Mom to do her make-up and now all her work was ruined - And he had a hard time lately, so we better not disturb him for a few days.

For the rest of the evening Charlie tried to be cheerful and play with the other kids, while her mother entertained the adults, but when one of her friends became tired and her parents carried her together to the guest room, the Princess felt like she was about to cry again. Why wasn't her Daddy hugging her anymore? Why did he stop talking to her?

-What's wrong, Princess? - asked her nanny, the tall husky hellhound in a gray dress - It's your special day, so why the long face?

-My Daddy didn't come to the party - whispered the girl - Mommy says that it's because he doesn't like parties, but I think he just doesn't like me.

-Why would you think that? - the hellhound tilted her head.

-I made a drawing for him, but when I gave it to him, he didn't say anything. He just looked at me and his eyes were... - she paused, not sure how to describe it. She remembered how her father's eyes used to be warm and happy whenever she came to his room, even though he himself seemed to be in pain. But lately his eyes has been lacking any emotion.

-Maybe he was just tired? - said the nanny after a moment of thinking.

The Princess hummed for a moment, wondering, if this could be the case. Her Daddy was sick ever since she was a baby, so maybe he was really tired that day? Charlie thought about the times she was sick herself and how she couldn't play with anyone or even leave the bed. She was so lonely and bored. Her Daddy must be feeling the same right now.

-You think we can cheer him up somehow? Maybe we could bring him a cake and sing?

-You're so thoughtful and kind, Princess - smiled the hellhound - I'm sure the King will be happy to see you.

Charlie ran to the table and took the plate with the biggest piece of her Birthday cake. She and the nanny left the room, the kids and adults too engrossed with their conversations and games to notice the absence of the Princess and her servant. Razzle and Dazzle however reacted immaditely and followed her.

Once in front of the door, Charlie knocked eagerly and called him, but there was no answer. Was he so weak he couldn't even talk? The girl opened the door and entered the room, her nanny and bodyguards following her.

The room was dark, the only source of light were the candles in the corridor. Charlie looked around and she finally spotted the familiar silhouette sitting on the bed. Her father was hugging himself and rocking his body backward and forward.

-Daddy? - she called and the Devil froze for a moment. He slowly turned around, his eyes glowing in the darkness, but soon they narrowed angrily and he got up from the bed.

-Why are you here? - his eyes suddenly changed color, the sclera becoming red with the gold irises. His tail swayed behind him aggressively as the pair of red horns grew from the temple of his head - How dare you?! Haven't you taken enough from me?!

Before any of them could answer, Lucifer lunged at the nanny. The hellhound whined loudly, but soon she became silent as her throat was ripped open by the Devil's claws.

Charlie dropped the plate and her body frozen in shock. Razzle and Dazzle rushed in front of her confused by their master's violent behavior. The girl stood completely still as she watched with wide eyes how her father, always gentle, quiet and kind, now gutted one of their servants with his bare hands. She started trembling, never in her life was she so afraid. She felt her legs failing her and as she made a step back, she fell and hit the back of her head on the chair behind her. Her startled cry made Lucifer pause in his carnage. He turned back to them, his body covered in the black blood. He rose to his feet and slowly approached them.

-Lucifer! - Lilith suddenly appeared at the door and pulled her husband away.

The Devil hissed and growled as he was tackled to the floor. The Queen summoned a syringe with a pink fluid and injected it into his neck.

-I'll destroy you! - yelled Lucifer as he thrashed around and crawled, trying to reach his daughter - You ruined everything! Now you want to take the joy of my life too?! - his limbs were starting to move uncoordinately and sluggishly, but his voice was still loud and clear as his eyes burned with the promise of pain - I hate you! I'll crush and grind you into dust!

Chapter Text

Charlie trembled at the old memory that to this day sent shivers down her spine. Her mother explained to her that her Dad had a fever and he must have had some scary dream before she came to his room. But his words still echoed in her head.

Ever since then she avoided her father. Whenever he came out of his room, she ran away to the garden, but sometimes her mother forced her to interact with him. Lucifer didn't seem to remember that day, he talked casually, asked some questions and made jokes. Charlie tried to act her normal cheerful self, but she couldn't see her Dad the same way as before.

When she grew up, Lilith told her that in the past Lucifer had some episodes, when he became aggressive and violent. She suspected that his angelic nature was making him mad, because he was made to fight evil and at the same time he was imprisoned in the realm of sin. Ever since then Charlie had a new perspective on her father and gained a new kind of respect towards her mother. The Queen was taking care of her husband's kingdom and stayed loyally by his side, despite all the hardships and pain his illness caused her. Charlie hoped that one day she'd become a strong and kind woman like her mother.

But to do that she had to ask her father for help. Unlike Lilith, her title didn't carry any power or influence. And she was not gonna use her demonic strenght to force everyone into obiedience. She needed to gain her people's trust and respect by other means. First things first, she needed money and since her Mom has disappeared, there was no one she could ask for the funding of her project. Next, she needed a place were she could start the rehabilitation centre.

So here she was, ready to confront the parent she avoided for the last two centuries to finally make her dreams come true. She was scared and uncertain, but there was no other way.

-Dad? - she called out to him and he went still in the mid-step. The Devil slowly turned around, his face the picture of weariness and disorientation.

-Who are you? - he asked, his dark-circled, dazed eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Charlie was taken aback by her father's question, but she took a deep breath and spoke with even voice:

-It's me. Charlie - she watched him as he tilted his head confused.

The longer he stared the more she felt uneasy. She didn't expect him to not recognize her. But then again could she really blame him? They haven't seen each other in decades and she did change a lot since their last conversation.

When she finally saw his eyes widen with realization, she felt some hope returning to her heart.

-Charlie? - his voice trembled, eyes flooding with tears as he slowly approached her - Charlie... - he sniffed and cupped her face in his hands - ...my baby...

The girl stood completely still, dumbfounded by her father's emotional breakdown. She never saw him cry. He even told her once that she's gotta be tough and never show weakness around others. And here he was, bailing his eyes and caressing her face with disbelief that his child came back to him. The last time he touched her was before her 10th Birthday. She herself felt like she was about to cry.

-I'm... sorry... I'm so sorry... - he repeated over and over and the Princess' heart broke seeing her father in such a state.

She slowly put her arms around him and pulled him into a hug. He was now so much smaller and thinner than her, she felt like he might crumble into pieces, if she wasn't careful. He returned her embrace, his body trembling with emotions he was suppressing for the last 200 years.

***

The water boiled in an old electric kettle, as Charlie prepared the mugs. She glanced at her Dad, who stood silently beside her, watching what she was doing with unfocused eyes.

After he calmed down, she proposed to make some tea for him. He didn't say anything, just nodded, still watching her intesely, like she'd disappear, if he loses her from his sight. She took his hand and led him to the living room, but when she told him to sit and wait for her, he caught the egde of her blazer, his eyes wide in panic. Charlie blinked at him surprised, but she immaditely understood his behavior. He was completely alone in this big, stuffy house and even though the Princess was sure her mother would come back, Lucifer most likely thought his wife abandoned him.

She let him follow her to the kitchen and started to prepare the tea. He still didn't let go of her blazer, but she didn't mind that much. Razzle flew up to her holding the pack of sugar, an unspoken request to let him add it to their mugs. He and Dazzle had a sweet tooth and she was often worried for their health, but she couldn't resist their sad puppy eyes, so she nodded and let him pour the sugar into their mugs.

Soon they were all sitting on the coach in the living room drinking their tea. Charlie didn't know how to start the conversation, she actually hoped that her Dad would be the one to ask her questions, but he was completely silent. It was up to her.

-Soooo, Dad - she started, her face a picture of awkwardness - How have you been?

Lucifer looked up at her, smiling too widely:

-Good! Perfect actually! - he said quickly - How could I be anything else, when my lovely daughter has come to see me? - he paused and his smile faded - You came to see me, right?

-Well, yeah, but this isn't important now - she put her hand on his shoulder - I want to know, if everything's alright.

-Why would anything be wrong? I was always alright! - he said, gulping the whole tea, even though it was still pretty hot.

-Have you been sleeping well? - she asked carefully, intertwining her fingers on her lap - I didn't see any food in the kitchen either. When was the last time you ate?

Lucifer hummed in thought, his tail swaying on his side:

-Hmm, not sure... - he said finally and waved his hand dismissively - But who cares? I can't die anyway. A few decades without a food are not gonna kill me.

Charlie's eyes widened in shock. Ofcourse he wouldn't die, but he still felt hunger and starvation would weaken him even more.

-What about your medicine? - she asked remembering that the servants were responsible to not let him skip the dose - Have you been taking your pills? Have you ran out of them?

-Hm? Oh, the pills. Yeah, I was about to order more... - he looked away nervously - I mean, I am all better now! So I don't need to take them as often as I used to...

Charlie didn't know how much of what he said she should believe, but she didn't want to push. Just a moment ago he had an emotional breakdown. If she went too far, he might become defensive or completely shut her off. At least that's what her Mom told her, not that Charlie ever pried into her father's health issues. As the young girl she had her own problems and being distant to Lucifer as she was, she didn't care much. Now she felt bad for leaving everything to her mother. Maybe if she was more interested in her Dad's illness back then, she wouldn't be so clueless now.

-Enough about me! What has my grown up daughter been up to since she moved out? - he turned to her, putting his empty mug on the coffee table - You're still into occult stuff and that roaring music? Did you find some new friends? - he gasped and smirked - Or maybe a lover?

-What?! - she blushed at her father's teasing tone.

-What? You got my looks, I wouldn't be surprised, if you already found someone nice - he paused and his eyes became red - Unless they're not nice and I got some killing to do?

The Princess froze. She hadn't seen her Dad's rage since her 10th Birthday. She also knew that he wasn't joking, the sight of her nanny being ripped open by the Devil's claws still haunted her. She took a deep breath and tried to calm him down:

-N-No, Dad, there's no need. I'm single right now - she assured, noting to herself to never reveal to him any details about her break-ups or arguments, unless she wanted to have someone's life on her consience.

-Oh, ok - he said, changing back to normal - I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you still in touch with your mother?

Charlie's face became somber. She used to call her Mom very often, sometimes they even met at the cafe, but for the last year she couldn't contact her. When she decided to come and see her in person, the manor was completely empty, not even one servant in sight. The only room she didn't dare to enter, was her father's bedroom. She knew he was inside, because she heard him working, but she didn't dare to disturb him. At least until now.

-No, not really... - she answered with a sadness in her voice, pulling out her phone and scrolling through contacts - I tried to call her. I left about 30 voicemails, but she's not answering... - she sighed and looked up at her Dad, who eyed her phone curiously.

-What is this? - he tilted his head. The Princess blinked surprised, only then realizing that her father has probably never seen this model.

-It's my phone - she answered and gave it to him - You know what these are for, right?

-I do - he admitted, turning it over in his hands - But the last time I saw one, it had a rotary dial and a cord - he narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out how the device was supposed to work without these parts - How do you call people with this?

-First, you have to turn it on - she touched the screen and Lucifer's eyes sparkled with wonder. Charlie smiled and kept showing him how to use it.

For the next 3 hours she entertained her father with her phone and told him about the other things he never even heard about. For the first time in her life Charlie realized how isolated her Dad really was. And now that her mother left for who knows how long, he must be completely lost in the new reality.

The Princess looked at her father laughing at some video with a cat and she made a decision: before helping her people, she's gonna help her Dad first.

-Y'know, we should get you a phone.

Chapter Text

-Good job, ladies! You really got them good this year! Gotta show these cunts where their place is!

The extermination ended as usual with cheers and laughter as the First Man praised his soldiers for their work. Although he was far from satisfied; they aimed to kill at least 25% of the population, but the numbers on the reports were way lower than that. The sinners were coming in waves, while the angelic army has been only decreasing in size. Lute has already disposed of 23 demon-sympathizers, including his best killer Vajjie, which had a big impact on both the morale of the whole army and their results. If only Sera granted his request for the biannual extermination...

He was about to go home, when one of the squads informed him that one soldier didn't come back on time. Adam immaditely flew to the seraphim's office, asking for the permission to search for the lost angel.

The woman looked at him with shock and disapprooval that he didn't supervise his army as he was supposed to, but instead of scolding she just sighed and gave him an envelope.

Adam blinked confused, but opened it and started reading the letter. His mask glitched and hands trembled as his fingers wrinkled the edges of the golden paper.

No way...

He looked at the letter again to make sure he read it right:

I request a meeting with the Leader of the Exorcist Army - Adam the First Man, to discuss the certain details about our agreement and the future exterminations. Also since I have been in poor health for a while now, I am forced to send a representative. My heir - Princess Charlotte Morningstar, will take my place.

Lucifer Morningstar

-He... he sent the kid? - whispered Adam, his heart filled with both apprehension and excitement. He and Charlie haven't seen each other since she was a baby. There's no way she'd remember him, but he never stopped wondering what it would be like to meet her.

-Lucifer has been insisting that his daughter has something important to discuss - said Sera, looking like she had a headache - I absolutely don't want her or her father anywhere near Heaven. Especially now that the Council has noticed the disappearence of a few of your soldiers. It's only a matter of time before they find out about the exterminations...

-Big deal. We're doing this to protect them. Why would they complain? - replied Adam nonchalantly, he was starting to get annoyed with Sera and her babying of the other angels. Many of them were just a bunch of assholes who couldn't care less about the corrupted souls being killed - If anything, they should be grateful. You know what these sick fucks would do to our souls, if they got into Heaven? It'd be a massacre!

-Then why are you slacking off so much during the exterminations?! - the seraphim got up and summoned the reports from the last few years - I gave you a bigger army and enhanced your equipment to be more efficient, but all you managed is a mere 15% of the population?! - she showed him the files of the most powerful sinners - You don't even target the ones that are the most dangerous! They should be your priority!

-Well, it's not easy to hunt them down within such a short time! - argued the man, his wings spreading out with aggitation - You think they're just standing down there and waiting to be slaughtered? We kill whoever we find on our way and usually it's just some unlucky bastard who had nowhere else to hide or a newly arrived idiot - he took off his glove and showed her the half-healed bruises on his wrist - And just because they can't kill us, doesn't mean they don't put a fight. Running after them for hours is fucking exhausting too, so cut me some slack, will ya?!

Sera wanted nothing more than to strike him for speaking with such a disrespect to her, but she somehow managed to calm her anger. She knew that she couldn't blame him for the results, the sinners were cunning and outnumbered the angelic army even after she created more soldiers from Adam's ribs.

She took a deep breath and summoned the document that she ignored for quite a long time. She signed it and slid the paper towards Adam. When he saw the text, his eyes widened in shock:

-Is that a-

-I am giving you a permission to see the daughter of the Morningstar. You will inform her that the next extermination will be in six months - she narrowed her eyes at him - And you better find out what happened to that missing exorcist. I don't need more questions from the Council.

***

The door has opened and a blonde, pale girl entered the dark room. Adam saw her very clearly though, his mask allowed him to see in the darkness.

"She grew up so beautiful..." - he thought with a smile. He always knew that Charlie would become an absolute beauty one day, she had her father's genes after all. But still, seeing that little baby now as a grown woman, he felt like he might start to cry. All these years he dreamed about holding her in his arms and here she was, so close to him. He put a hand on his chest, feeling a shape of golden locket under his robe. He took a deep breath and turned the lights on.

-Sup.

***

Mmm-mmm🎶
Don't worry🎶
Mmm-mmm🎶
about a thing🎶
Mmm-mmm🎶
Because every little thing is gonna be all right🎶

Lucifer sang as he was swinging on his tail upside down high above the ground. Recently he found out it was his favorite position to think. After Charlie found him in a very poor shape, she started bringing him magazines about self-care and stuff. He understood that his daughter can't monitor him all the time like Lilith did and honestly he didn't want her to do that. His little girl had her own life and apparently she started some big project that would take lots of her time. He decided to use the magazines to at least make himself look presentable, so his daughter wouldn't be worried about him. Since it was mostly for hellborns, he had to look for the ones that mentioned self-care for a body similar to his own. Some articles have been weird and contradicted each other, but he would try every method they proposed and find the one that suited him. The exercises were his favorite part, especially the ones with the poles. He liked swinging and stretching his body to the beat of music in the background. Though the part about exposing your skin as much as possible made him feel a little weird. He upgraded one of his rooms with many poles coming from diffrent places and angles, so he could jump from one to another. He also liked to hang on them upside down and swing back and forward, sometimes even dozing off in this position.

Today would be an anniversary of Lilith's disappearing without a trace. According to Charlie, their last phone call was on the Extermination Day exactly 7 years ago. He doubted that his wife has fallen victim to the exorcist attack, she was way too smart for that. Whatever the reason of her absence was, Lucifer didn't care. She ignored him for at least twenty-something years before she went missing anyway and he was alone and hurt like all the other times when she left him. In his loneliness, he couldn't help but think about Adam. Even 200 years of separation didn't make him forget the man. His love for him didn't hurt like the love he had for Lilith. He wasn't even sure, if the feelings he had for his wife should be called love anymore. But he couldn't have Adam, not without a miracle.

Or a good plan.

Turns out Charlie wanted to talk about her project with the Leader of the Exorcists. Lucifer wasn't a good strategist, but with a miracle like his daughter, this might actually work. If Adam renewed his bond with Charlie, there's a chance that he might want to talk with him again.

-I wonder how their meeting went... - he whispered, his body slowly falling asleep.

***

It went bad. Like really bad. Adam was sitting beside his bed, face in his hands. He was supposed to talk with Charlie and figure out what kind of person she is. Why did he think that doing this dumb hologram joke the moment she walks in would be a good idea? And he did it TWICE!

He cringed at himself, because it wasn't the worst thing he did that day. Since Lute watched his every move, he had to act the way he always did whenever he met a new person. And of all things he could talk about he had to tell her about his dick! Seriously, where did his decency go, when he was talking to a girl that could be his daughter?! She must have been disgusted, by his behavior.

"That Apple of Knowledge must have been a fucking scam, because you're still stupid as fuck..." - said the voice angrily.

As much as he hated it, Adam had to agree. Charlie must have thought he's a fucking idiot too. It took forever for him to figure out what she meant by their "shared problem"...

Now here comes the worst part, because until she mentioned the sinners, he hoped that she was only curious about exorcists and their leader. But, no, her goal was to stop the exterminations in order to start her own project, the so called "redemption". Adam wasn't convinced at all, it sounded like some poor excuse to let the forces of Hell recover and prepare for another uprising.

The number of sinners was already bigger than he liked, there was no way he'd let them be. As much as he hated shooting down the Princess' ideas, he had to keep her and the sinners away from Heaven. So not only did he refuse her offer in a very assholish manner, he also announced that the next extermination would be in 6 months and quickly threw her out of the room. He couldn't look at her horrified face.

Later his suspicions have been confirmed as they found a headless body of the missing soldier. There was no doubt that the demons have already found a way to kill angels.

The man reached for one of the drawings he sneaked out from the meeting room. It showed the demon and the angel holding hands under the rainbow. He wished that he didn't have to be a villain in the Princess' eyes, but he had no choice. He didn't do it just to protect the virtuous souls. He also wanted to keep Charlie away from Sera. If she keeps getting involved, the seraphim might decide that she's a threat and demand Adam to do something about her.

Chapter Text

-Yes! It is finally done! - laughed Lucifer, the lightnings striked outside - My ultimate creation that will put all of you in shame! - he pointed to the piles of rubber ducks - Prepare for the absolute supreme among the ducklings! - he lifted the yellow object for his "audience" to see - ...the magical rubber duck that breaks the laws of physics, by doing a backflip and frontflip at the same time!

The duck jumped up and landed in his hand. Everything went absolutely quiet and still. Lucifer's eyelid twitched and he threw the toy on the wall:

-You useless shit! You made a regular rubber duck that can only jump straight up! - he fell face on the bench, sobbing loudly - I'm such a disgrace... No wonder no one wants to hang out with me...

-Um... Dad? - the quiet voice behind him made him pause.

-Wha- Ah! Charlie! - he turned around, almost losing balance - Wh-What brings you here, my daughter?

She was quiet for a moment, looking him up and down. Only then he realized that he was still wearing only his night shirt half-unbuttoned. His face flushed with embarressment and he quickly summoned his usual white suit.

-Sorry about that - he walked to the coffee table and summoned the teaset and some cookies - You wanted to talk about something?

-Well, you remember how I asked you to get me a meeting with Heaven? - she began, trying to look anywhere, but him.

-Hm? Oh, yeah! The one about redemption, right? - he poured some tea into the cup and gave it to Charlie - How did it go? Did you make them change their minds?

-Umm... - her face was a mix of awkwardness and sadness.

-That bad, huh? - he poured himself a cup and sat on the little stool - Tell Daddy everything.

Charlie cringed, but sat on the opposite stool and started to tell him about Heaven and how the meeting with the Council went. Lucifer wasn't surprised, but there was one thing that unsettled him; Adam's behavior toward his daughter. When Charlie was done with her story, the King was left speechless. He expected the man to be somewhat distant to her, but never so vulgar and rude. No, there has to be a reason for Adam to act like that.

-So, me and my friends are gonna protect our home and we have already gathered everything we need, but... - she put the teacup on the table and looked at her father pleadingly - I still want to try and negotiate things with Heaven.

-Charlie-

-I won't ask them to stop the exterminations - she interrupted him - I just want them to spare the hotel. It was my fault they decided to target it anyway - she paused and clenched her fists on her knees - I really don't want to kill anyone, even if they're angels. But more than anything I don't want to lose my friends. I don't want to lose Vaggie - her eyes filled with tears - So, please, Dad, let me speak with Adam again.

Lucifer took a deep breath and looked at their family photo on the wall. Many times he had imagined the First Man in the place of Lilith as they had those rare moments of happiness. He still couldn't believe that Adam would be so cruel to the girl he used to sing lullabies to. No, he needed to speak with him immaditely and clear out all the misunderstandings.

-Alright. I'll contact Adam - he stood up and summoned the paper and red ink - But this time let me do the talking.

***

-The fuck you want? - asked the First Man entering the meeting room, Lute following closely behind him.

-To talk about the upcoming extermination - answered Lucifer, sitting comfortably on the other side of the table.

Adam's heart raced at the sight. The Devil was just as maginificent and serene as 200 years ago. If they were alone, he'd rush there, pin him to the table and have his way with him. But while he was thrilled with their reunion, he could tell that Lucifer was far from happy. And he had a feeling it was related to his last meeting with Charlie. He sighed deeply and approached the table:

-What's to talk about?

-You have changed the conditions of our deal without consulting it with me first - continued the Devil with a strained voice.

-Took you a while to notice. The clock has been ticking for months now - laughed Adam, while taking his seat - But seriously, what diffrence does it make to you? You never cared about sinners anyway.

-I don't. But my daughter does - answered the Devil and even though he looked calm on the outside, Adam knew he was very much pissed - I also heard that you've been acting very rude towards her. Going as far as making threats.

Adam was about to answer, when Lute laughed:

-Oh, the little crybaby couldn't convince Heaven to stop the exterminations, so she went to her daddy for help? - she said with a mocking voice, which made the First Man cringe inside. She was becoming pretty unhinged lately, probably because they found a decapitated body of one of her sisters among the rubble. He sent her a stern look and turned back to Lucifer:

-Just so you know, she would have lost the case anyway. Sera told me to do something with your kid, so she wouldn't be the bad guy, when she made the final decision.

-I expected nothing less from that cold-hearted woman - scoffed Lucifer and propped his head on his intertwined fingers - Back to the topic though, I did not agree to more than one extermination a year.

-And what do you expect me to do about it? - asked the man tiredly - I am just a soldier, the one who makes the decisions is Sera. Even if I wanted to cancel the extermination, and I don't, it is not within my power.

-Then let's talk about the target of your slaughter - Lucifer's voice suddenly ringed in his left ear. Adam jumped at the sight of the Devil sitting on the edge of the table so close to him - Of all possible locations, you decided to go after the place that could be considered my daughter's residence. A little risky, don't you think?

-What do you mean "risky"? - asked the man, trying not to think about Lucifer's body so close to his own - Me and my girls are only going to clean that building from the sinners' filth. We won't hurt your little sunshine.

-And what, if she suddenly decides to protect her friends? - the Devil's eyes changed color to red, the air getting unbearably warm and Adam felt like his soul was about to be incinerated - I warn you, I don't care about the circumstances. If even one drop of the hellborn's blood is spilled by you or your bitches, I'll massacre all of your army and then I'm gonna grind you till you turn into dust again.

Adam panted heavily, the fear and arousal mixing together dangerously. No other creature has awakened so many contradicting emotions inside of him. He wanted... no, he needed to speak with him freely, no more games and unwanted ears around.

-Lute, leave us alone - he said, not averting his eyes from the King of Hell.

-What? - the exorcist looked at him incredulously - Sir, are you absolutely sure you-

-This is an order - he turned to her, his tone strict and dangerous - Leave.

The lieutenant hesitated, but soon she scoffed and marched out of the room with her head low. Adam turned to Lucifer once again and smirked:

-Alone at least.

Chapter Text

-What the hell is your problem, you fucking asshole?! - yelled Lucifer, his real emotions finally taking over - I know, you hate me, maybe I even deserve it, but don't take it out on my child!

-Oh, please! Not everything is about you, you self-centered bitch! - Adam crossed his arms over his chest - Your daughter came to me with her pwetty wittle dwawings and asked to suspand the exterminations just so she can play the therapist to the murderers and psychopaths. We'd obviously had some disagreements.

-Well, I'm sure there were nicer ways to reject her idea than making a whole musical number about killing her people! - Lucifer stood up on the table and looked down at the man - And you just had to add to her misery by speeding up the extermination date. That was just evil!

-I'd do it anyway, because some demonic bastard has murdered one of my girls! - Adam stood up as well, their eyes almost at the same level now - There were clear signs of another rebellion, so I did what was necessary!

-Charlie has nothing to do with it! She hates violence! - argued the King, his tail swaying aggressively behind him.

-Yeah, but she also wants to help some sick fucks to escape damnation! - the archangel's wings spred wider in attempt to intimidate the Devil.

-She just wants to solve the problem with overpopulation! - yelled the Devil, his horns showing up.

-We already have a solution! And it actually works! - the air around them was charged with power, as Adam leaned closer - After all these years you request the meeting just to scold me for not bowing down to your spoiled kid. If you raised her better, I wouldn't have to put her in her place.

Lucifer's face has flickered with a grimace of hurt and the First Man felt a pang of guilt. As hot as the Devil was when angry, it was heart-breaking to see him sad. He sighed loudly and reached under his collar:

-Look, my personal feelings have nothing to do with the way I treat Charlie - the man pulled out the old locket and opened it, playing the soft music, while the golden light from one of the jewels displayed the projection of the little Princess playing with her plushies. Lucifer's eyes widened with recognition and Adam smiled warmly - Personally, I think she grew into a wonderful person. So polite, cheerful and energetic... She might become someone to admire one day - his smile faded and he closed the locket - Too bad she chose to help the ones, who don't deserve her kindness.

He was about to hide the locket, when Lucifer stopped him:

-You don't know that - he caressed the big gloved hand with his two smaller ones and looked at him softly, the horns and flames gone - To be honest, I don't know, if redemption is even possible, but the people Charlie chose to protect aren't so bad either - he suddenly grimaced with disgust - Well, most of them at least...

-So what? You want me to spare those sinners, just because your daughter likes them? - he pulled away and walked to one of the stained-glassed windows - You watched them longer than anyone else. You should know how even the kindest soul can be corrupted by hatred and bloodlust - he looked outside, watching the demons passing by the Embassy, laughing, pushing each other, yelling... They acted like any normal people, but he knew what they were capable of - There's already too many of them and they managed to kill one of my soldiers. If I won't do something with these fuckers now, soon they'll be knocking on our door... - he clenched his fists at the thought of some demon filth putting their hands on his kids - ...and I might not be able to stop them when that happens...

The Devil approached the window and looked at the red sky outside:

-After you left, I couldn't go back to the good old days where I just pretanded everything is fine. It was like living in a very bad dream - he touched his wedding ring, the cold metal was stuck on his finger for years and he ignored it, but now it weighted on him - The one, who pulled me out of it, was Charlie. She gave me the strenght to live. She helped me, even though I have never been much of a support to her - he smiled, his eyes shining from the tears - And now she's trying to do the same for the others. She genuinely believes people can change for better and she wants to give them hope - he turned to the First Man, his eyes pleading - I'm not asking you to support her ideas. Or even to stop the exterminations. I just want you to leave alone the sinners in the hotel.

Though his mask showed no changes in his expression, the First Man was very much conflicted inside. He wanted to believe that Charlie had no ill intensions when she came up with the whole redemption idea. That it wouldn't cause any bad repercussions in the future and Heaven would be safe. But Lilith's promise has planted its seed deep inside his soul and the fear of being betrayed again has ruled his judgement ever since.

He sighed loudly and walked back to his seat. Were he the same naive man from the Garden, he'd immaditely cave in to Lucifer's requests, but now he was smarter than that. The dreams, even the ones concieved from good intentions, could be very dangerous. Call him a man of little faith, but he needed a proof that the Morningstars would not disrupt the balance that he and his army were trying to maintain for the last few hundreds of years.

-I'll consider it - he said finally - But there's a thing I'd like in exchange.

-What is it? - perked up Lucifer and walked hurridly to the table.

-Answers - Adam leaned forward, propping his chin on his intertwined fingers - And the honest ones at that.

-To what? - the Devil tilted his head.

-To whatever questions I'll come up with, once we make a deal.

There was a moment of silence, as Lucifer contemplated his next action. The man observed him, preparing in his head the set of questions he wanted to ask.

-Alright. That is a fair trade, I guess - said finally the King - But just to be safe, I limit it to three questions.

-Ten - demanded Adam.

-Five.

-Seven - he extended his hand to the Devil - So, do we have a deal?

-Yes - Lucifer shook his hand, a golden light in a form of two snakes wrapped around their wrists. Once the deal was done, the King pulled away and looked at the man expectantly - Well? Ask your question.

-Did you know about Lilith's rebellion? - asked Adam, his voice unwavering.

-Rebellion? - Lucifer tilted his head confused - What rebellion?

-The one that threatened the safety of Heaven 7 years ago - explained calmly the First Man, watching the Devil's reaction.

-But how...? What? - stuttered Lucifer in obvious disbelief - There was a rebellion?!

-So you really didn't know anything... - murmured the man and continued - Next question: is it possible that Charlie's hotel is a part of Lilith's plan?

-I... - the Devil paused, thinking his answer throughfully - I don't think it has anything to do with it. The last time she contacted her mother was 7 years ago.

Adam was relieved that the King wasn't aware of Lilith's schemes, but it didn't exactly proove that Charlie wasn't involved.

-Why did you take that bitch back anyway? - he asked without much thought.

This time the King needed a little more time to think about the answer. He knew who Adam meant, but didn't bother to correct him that said "bitch" had a name. At last he took a deep breath and answered:

-When you stopped showing up, my health has started to deteriorate. And then Lilith came back and told me that she left, because she needed some time to prepare to be a mother - he paused, trying to remember the events from 200 years ago, which wasn't very easy - I was a mess and she helped me out a lot; doing the paperwork, going to the meetings, reminding me to take my medicine... - his body trembled from shame and sadness, tears threatening to spill on his cheeks - And soon I realized that I can't even take care of myself. And my baby deserved to have a competent parent... So I decided to give our marriage another chance.

-Do you still love her? - asked the man immaditely. It wasn't one of the questions he meant to ask, but it bothered him for centuries.

Lucifer once again paused to think about the answer, his face a display of pain and hesitation:

-I don't know... If I did, it wouldn't hurt this much, I guess... - he answered finally - Why does it matter to you anyway?

-I'm the one asking questions. You either answer or leave - said Adam, his body berely containing the wild satisfaction he felt after hearing Lucifer's answer.

-Fine - the Devil crossed his arms over his chest, clearly pouting for his question being ignored - What else do you want to know?

The First Man smiled, Lucifer has always been very expressive, especially when displeased or embarressed, but the way he struggled to keep his composure was absolutely adorable. His next question was about to test the King's self-control:

-The last time we saw each other 200 years ago you invited me to a dinner to tell me something important. What was it?

The Devil went absolutely rigid, his eyes wide in horror. Adam quickly picked up that something was wrong. He expected Lucifer to be flustered, not scared to death.

-I... - paused the King, clearly fighting with the bounds of the deal - I wanted to tell you... the truth... about Charlie...

-You're only telling me half-truth - said the man, now seeing clearly the golden light tightening around Lucifer's neck, forcing him to speak. Adam was losing patience - Answer me!

-How she was concieved... by artificial insemination... - the light tightened even more and Lucifer dropped to his knees, his claws scrathing the marbel floor.

-Again half-truth - Adam kneeled in front of him and looked into his eyes - Spit it out.

-I used a human donor - the King averted his eyes.

-A human donor? - the man tilted his head, not understanding the importance of the information.

-Yes! - exclaimed Lucifer, massaging his tender throat - And that counts as the 6th question! You have only one left!

"Shit..." - cursed internally Adam for being so careless. He still had more questions, but now something else was bothering him. Why did it matter, whose seed Lucifer used to concieve Charlie? Adam certainly didn't care, but it seemed to be important, since the Devil struggled so much to not tell him. His curiousity took over:

-Alright, last question - he caught the King's face with his one hand, fingers squeezing the soft cheeks and forcing him to look straight into his face - Who is Charlie Morningstar's human sire?

Lucifer gasped and tried to slip away, but the grip of the big hand and the light around his neck forced him to stay in place. Seeing that fighting is useless, he let the words spill from his throat:

-Adam the First Man.

Chapter Text

Everything went quiet except for the ringing in Adam's ears. His mind was both empty and overloaded at the same time. His eyes worked flawlessly and yet he couldn't see anything. He felt like his soul was about to be swallowed by silence.

-How? - he whispered, slowly resetting back into reality.

-The deal-

-Fuck the deal! - he growled and shoved Lucifer on the floor - Tell me how did you do it?! My body turned into dust thousands of years ago. Where did you get my seed?

The Devil trembled in fear, his eyes teary and conflicted. He clenched his fist and lowered his head in shame:

-Eve gave it to me - he said with shaky voice.

-What? - Adam took a step back, his LED mask twisted in disbelief - How? Why?!

-I asked her to do it - continued Lucifer, still averting his eyes from the archangel - When Lilith was cursed with infertility, she was furious and I thought she might want a child in the future. I needed the human seed, so I asked your second wife to get me some of yours.

Adam's back hit the edge of the table behind him, his breath heavy and uneven. He suddenly remembered the day when he tasted the Fruit of Knowledge; Eve approaching him at the riverbank and asking him to follow her into the dark cave. He recalled seeing some white serpent slithering nearby, but he didn't pay much attention to it, fully focused on his wife kneeling in front of him and smirking mischieviously. She said that she had learnt a new trick and she wanted to show him. For the next hour or so she milked his dick with her hands, mouth, tits and thighs until she was all covered in his cum. He was too exhausted to even lift his eyelids and when he woke up, Eve was already clean and brought him a few apples. If he was a little more cautious back then, he would have remembered that there were no apple trees nearby. He was sure however that he heard a hissing sound deep in the darkness of cave.

-You used my wife to... - he couldn't finish, the scale of betrayal extended further than he ever thought.

He buried his face in his hands, ashamed at his own naivety. How many times had his loved ones actually screwed him over? He was aware that his purpose was to multiply, but he never expected to be used in such a dehumanizing manner. And by people who meant a world to him. Whenever he found the strenght to forgive them, they stabbed him in the back again and again.

-So, all this time I had a daughter... with you? - he asked, still hoping it was just a bad dream.

-I wanted to tell you the day she was born - said Lucifer, his tears spilling on the floor - But I didn't know how to start. And then Lilith came back and I-

He was interrupted by a loud crush. He looked up at the man, who was trashing every piece of furniture in his reach.

-You used me like I'm some walking sperm bank! - he threw a chair on the wall, almost hitting the Devil in the head - I held her in my arms and you didn't fucking tell me she's my child?!

-Adam-

-You let that bitch raise my baby! - he interrupted him again with another chair, this one hitting him in the shoulder - She taught her all this bullshit about sinners being good people! She made my own daughter hate me!

He kept throwing stuff until he felt Lucifer's arms hugging him from behind. In his rage he tried to shove him away, but the King held him firmly:

-Charlie doesn't hate you! - yelled the Devil.

The First Man struggled a little longer, but soon he tired himself out and calmed down. His anger didn't disappear though. Lucifer walked around his massive form to look him in the eyes:

-She would never hate you. She just... doesn't know you very well. And, yeah, you didn't give her much reason to like you, but she definetely doesn't hate you - he looked at the man hopefully and took his hand into his - We can tell her. It'll take some time, but I'm sure she'll understand-

-Are you fucking nuts?! - yelled Adam and ripped his hand away from the Devil - This isn't some small reveal. You think she'll just shrug her shoulders and accept the truth? - he put his hand on his chest, clenching the material of his robe tightly - Should I remind you that in her eyes I'm just a ruthless monster? How do you think she'll react when we tell her that I'm her father?

-I... - Lucifer paused, contemplating his next words - I can't say that I don't understand your fears. I also thought that she gave up on me a long time ago - he smiled softly - But Charlie isn't that kind of person. If she can believe that the worst sinners can change, why wouldn't she give a chance to her own father?

Adam went silent, remembering all the awful things he said and did to his daughter. Would she really forgive him? Could they talk things out and be the family like he always wanted?

"I'll even ask her to bring me your head as a proof of her undying love for me" - Lilith's words ringed in his head again. He wanted to believe Lucifer, he wanted to start over and be in Charlie's life, he wanted to be a father she'd look up to, the one who could offer her advice and comfort her. But he was sure that the First Woman's claws have already sank deep into his daughter's head and corrupted her beyond repair.

-I am not her father - he reached for the golden locket, caressing it with his thumb one last time, before putting it into the King's hand - For all her life she's been and always will be the daughter of Lilith - he turned around and started walking to the door - It's too late for us to be a happy little family. Time to stop dreaming, Lucifer.

The Devil stood there stunned, clenching the locket between his hands, uncapable of fully comprehanding what was happening. When the First Man was about to reach for a handle, the King rushed after him:

-Adam, please-

-We never had this conversation - interrupted the man and opened the door - Redemption doesn't exist. I'm gonna do what is required and put an end to all this nonsense.

-I beg you... - the Devil reached for him, his voice shaking from tears - ...just talk to her...

-I can't... - whispered Adam as he stepped out of the room, leaving the crying Lucifer in the cold darkness.

***

-This isn't fair, Sera! - yelled Emily as she hit the desk with her open palms - Those sinners are trying to improove themselves! Why are you allowing Adam to slaughter them?!

-So far none of them have been redeemed and their numbers are still increasing - answered the seraphim with a calm, soothing voice. She took the younger angel's hand in her own, but her eyes never made contact with hers - Hell corrupts everything, even the most virtuous souls. We cannot make exceptions.

Emily pulled her hand away, making Sera look at her surprised. The older one never expected such a reaction from her cheerful little sister.

-I used to respect you, Sera. I thought you were just, caring and strong... - she said with trembling voice, her eyes filled with tears - But turns out you're none of these things. Now I feel like an idiot that I blindly believed in everything you said.

-Emily-

Before she could say more, the smaller seraphim left the room. Sera knew Emily has every right to be upset, but still her words were like the knives in her heart. She hoped that soon her sister would understand her decisions and they could talk and laugh like they used to. Emily was the youngest seraphim, only a few hundred years old and her purpose was to bring joy and comfort to the souls in Heaven. She had never seen the true evil nor understood what Hell really is like and Sera made sure she'd never had to. But all the secrets and lies turned against her. Everything because Adam couldn't keep his mouth shut.

Sera groaned with frustration. She shouldn't have been relying on the First Man to begin with. He was a walking contradiction that started all this mess along with Lucifer. Sera and the other angels often underestimated how troublesome these two can be. She got so used to Adam being a loyal soldier of Heaven, she became neglectful of him and his antics. And she would continue to do so, if not for a certain letter.

A few weeks before she caught Adam at the Pearly Gates she got the message from Hell. It had no signature, but, whoever wrote it, it must have been someone of a higher rank, a royal demon or an overlord perhaps? The content of the letter informed about the First Man's unauthorized visits to the Morningstar's manor, the improper relationship between him and Lucifer and the possible existence of an angelic hybrid. There was also a smaller envelope with a strand of golden hair inside. The letter explained that those were the hair of Lucifer's illegitimate child.

Sera, never a joker herself, immaditely went into action. She quickly confirmed that Adam was indeed sneaking out and visiting Lucifer for months. But the most shocking was the report she got from the lab. Since the First Man was a winner, Sera was sure he was unable to sire the hybrid, but the results were far more unsettling than she expected. The hair was a mix of angelic light and human flesh. It wasn't just any hybrid, the child was a nephilim and a powerful one at that. It might cause a serious shift in balance between Heaven and Hell in the future. The more thorough analysis has confirmed that the angelic parent was indeed Lucifer, but to Sera's utter horror the human DNA had a matching patern in the ancient data base. It meant that the nephilim was closely related to the first humans. The seraphim had to double check the results and this time she found the direct relation. The Princess of Hell wasn't just any half-human, she was Adam's daughter.

Ever since then, Sera has been trying to not let the hybrid anywhere near Heaven. That child could bring death and destruction to her home and so far, her intuition was right; the Princess has been insisting to speak with angels and stop the exterminations, while one of Adam's soldiers was killed in the unknown circumstances the very same day. Whether the daughter of Morningstar had good intentions or not, Sera wouldn't risk the safety of the souls she had under her care. She's already underestimated Lucifer and Lilith, she would not do the same with the nephilim.

Chapter Text

-Attaaaaaack🎶

The exorcists cheered and flew to the portal, their commander following them eagerly. Or so it looked...

The truth is Adam was absolutely terrified of seeing Charlie's face. Would she look at him with fear? Despair? Hatred? He was sure, whatever expression she'd make at his sight, it'd haunt him for the rest of his afterlife. But it needed to be done. He needed to keep sinners in line and keep the Princess away from Sera. He couldn't stop Cain from killing Abel, but he could stop Charlie from uprising against Heaven. It was the least he could do for her, though it made his insides feel like they were filled with acid. Especially when he heard Lute's speach about killing Vajjie. He was really pissed at his former subbordinate for switching sides and fucking his daughter, but he didn't like the idea of mutilating her, much less in front of Charlie. God, his little girl was really unlucky when she attracted so many fuck-ups...

He was relieved that there were only a few sinners in the hotel, but then again they were far from a good company for the Princess; a drug-addicted porn star, an alcoholic gambler, some slippery loser and a freak... It was kinda comforting that he was eliminating those people. The less sinners leeching off of Charlie the better, right?

"Yeah, maybe she'll send you a card "Thanks for murdering my friends, Dad!" - muttered the voice angrily - "I seriously doubt the Heaven's standards when they let a piece of shit like you walk among them..."

Adam was about to retort, when he saw a big black shield surrounding the hotel.

-What the fuck?! - he exclaimed, seeing some of his soldiers trapped inside.

-They appear to be using some kind of shield, Sir! - reported Lute, who flew right beside him.

-Oh, really? - he mocked angrily - I didn't see this giant fucking shield in front of me, you dumb bitch! No shit! - he looked closely and saw some of his girls being slaughtered by the black tentacles. No, it wasn't just the tentacles, they held what appeared to be weapons. Adam quickly realized what it was - That's how they can kill us?! With our own weapons?! Fucking wicked, dude...

He focused on the ground, where part of his army was fighting sinners. Many of the exorcists have fallen victim to the improoved angelic weapons. He searched for Charlie and finally spotted her in the company of that traitor Vajjie. She was using a shield to deflect the angels who got too close to them. He was relieved that the Princess seemed unharmed. He told his girls to not kill her, but he wasn't sure how well they'd follow his orders, especially since some of them has already proven to be disobedient. He needed to end this battle quickly.

He looked around for the one who might be responsible for the barrier and spotted a lone silhouette on the roof. With one powerful strike he shuttered the shield and flew down to get rid of the problematic sinner. He landed on the neon sign and focused on his opponent, who appeared to be a red deer demon. He haven't seen this guy before, but he seemed to be pretty strong. Oh, well, he still was no match to the archangel.

-Adam! First Man, next to die! - exlaimed cheerfuly the red demon.

-Who the fuck are you? - asked the man, though he actually didn't care. He was about to murder this guy anyway.

-Alastor - answered the deer with a smile - Pleasure to be meeting you. Quite a pleasure - he hit the ground with his stuff, releasing an impressive wave of demonic power - I'm about to end your fucking life.

-Nice voice - said Adam, not at all intimidated - Don't you know jazz is for pussies?! - he summoned his axe and flew down to slay the demon.

***

Lucifer looked through the window at the hotel being surrounded by the angelic army. His heart almost stopped when he saw Adam's holy light firing randomly around.

-What is that idiot doing?! - he yelled, his face glued to the glass - Oh, just you wait, you fucking bastard! I'm gonna fry your ass in a tar, if you even scratch my baby's pretty face!

***

-Suck my holy light, fuckers! - laughed Adam, vaporizing every sinner he striked with his power.

He was so focused on firing the holy light, he almost missed the pair of dragons flying in his direction. The familiar colors and paterns on their muzzles made him pause.

"Are those... Razzle and Dazzle?!" - he realized with shock - "When did they grow so big?!"

He spotted some figures ridding on their backs and realized it was Charlie and Vajjie. Fuck, his little girl looked so badass with her demonic traits and riding a dragon, but he couldn't say it out loud within Lute's earshot.

-The traitor came to die - exclaimed his lieutenant and rushed to slay Vajjie.

Only she didn't actually aimed for her, but for the dragon, slashing his throat and making it fall. Adam grimaced, not at all pleased with the exorcist's action. He made and named Dazzle and it wasn't even wasn't a sinner so-

Adam's eyes widened. Dazzle wasn't a sinner. Lute attacked a demon that was not to be harmed at the Extermination Day. With a rising fear he looked in the direction of Lucifer's manor.

"If even one drop of the hellborn's blood is spilled by you or your bitches, I'll massacre all of your army and then I'm gonna grind you till you turn into dust again" - the Devil's words ringed in the First Man's head. If Lucifer joined the battle, his army was absolutely screwed. HE was absolutely screwed! And not in the funny kind of way! Before he could call off his girls, he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Charlie has managed to stab him with her trident and drag him down to the roof top. She threw him to the floor and dismounted Razzle to face him properly.

-You killed my friends, you fucking asshole! - she screamed and charged at him.

Adam avoided her strikes with ease. She didn't seem to be as experienced in combat as the Radio Demon, but the strenght behind her attacks was far more destructive, slicing and crumbling the concrete and metal like they were made of glass.

-"Friends"?! You call these worthless pieces of trash friends?! - exclaimed the man, deflecting her attacks with his axe, though his muscles hurt from how powerful her strikes were. He tried to defend himself without hurting her, but his wound made it harder to move his right arm. If they continued like this, Charlie might even kill him.

-These sinners are my family! - she yelled and charged at him, her trident about to pierce his chest, but with one powerful swing he knocked it out of her hands. Charlie, surprised by this, made a mistake by looking in the direction of her weapon and Adam grabbed her by her throat. He lifted her up and looked into her red glowing eyes, so similar to her father's.

-Do you even hear yourself?! Sinners are nothing but wild beasts, waiting patiently to stab you in the back! - he yelled to her face - You seriously want to risk your life for these ungrateful worms?! You should have stayed quiet and never mingle in Heaven's affairs!

Charlie wasn't looking at him though, her teary eyes focused on the hotel's residents being surrounded by the exorcists. He heard something behind him. It was Lute tackling Vajjie to the ground. The girl was desperately trying to reach the Princess and save her. Only then Adam realized what he was doing. He was choking his own daughter and made her watch as his army was killing her people. For a second his mask glitched, his emotions a mix of sadness, regret, anger and disgust at himself. Before he could do anything however, something heavy hit him in the face making him drop the Princess and fly to the other end of the roof top. He collided with the neon sign and fell through the skylight into hotel's lobby. For a few seconds everything went dark.

Chapter Text

The man groaned as he lifted himself to the kneeling position. He touched the throbbing side of his face and realized that his mask was half-shuttered.

A growling whine on his right made him freeze in place. With a still working left side of the helmet he made out a familiar shape in the darkness. Dazzle was lying on his side, his chest berely lifting in an attempt to breath through his damaged throat, the amount of blood pouring out of the wound indicated that the demon was on the verge of death.

The First Man slowly approached the dragon, making it look up at him with fear and despair.

-Hey, hey, hey, it's ok, buddy. I won't hurt you - whispered softly Adam as he put his hand on the wound and focused his power on repairing the cut muscles and vains - Damn it, Lute. This time you really went too far... - he mumbled to himself, doing his best to stop the bleeding.

Dazzle was his and Lucifer's creation, made with love, care and passion. He couldn't leave it to die from his lieutenant's reckless actions.

Once he was sure that the wound wouldn't be a threat to the demon's life, Adam patted its head and flew up to the skylight, only to be met with a very unsettling sight; Lucifer pinning Lute down with his foot, one of her arms severed and bleeding gold. Charlie and Vajjie were nowhere to be found, probably aiding their friends in the battle.

-You, exorcists, have become quite insolent for the past few years - growled the Devil, his eyes glowing angrily with red - You disrespect me and my daughter, you target her home and her friends... - his heel pushed a little harder between the woman's shoulder blades, making her scream in pain - ...and now you dare to spill the blood of my precious creation?! Haven't I warned you that I'd kill each and everyone of you for that?!

-Sir! - yelled Lute, when she finally noticed her commander. The Devil turned his head to him, his eyes still very much furious and unforgiving.

-You! - he roared and released the exorcist to march towards the First Man, his mouth breathing fire with every exhale.

-W-Wait, Lucifer! I healed Dazzle! He didn't die-

-You think that's enough?! - the King flew to his face, his sharp teeth on full display - I told you to keep your bitches away from my hellborns! And not only did I feel Dazzle's life slipping away, but I also saw you holding my daughter by her throat!

-I swear I didn't mean to-

-Shut up! - Lucifer cut him off - I warned you, Adam! You messed with my daughter and now I am going to fuck you!

All Hell; demons, exorcists, everyone who watched and listened went still, not believing what they just heard. Lute, who was struggling to get up, looked at the Devil with confussion and disgust. Everyone's eyes seemed to be completely focused on the rooftop, waiting for whatever was about to happen between the King of Hell and the First Man. Adam watched Lucifer with wide eyes, not sure, if he should be scared for his life or aroused by the Devil's threat.

-It's "fuck you up", Dad! - yelled Charlie from the ground. Both men looked down at her.

-Wait, what did I say?! - he yelled back and the First Man chuckled amused. Ofcourse Lucifer misspoke, how could he even think that they were about to fuck in front of their daughter?

Before Adam could say anything, the King has grabbed him by the neck and threw him all the way to the empty part of the hotel's yard. The impact was so strong it made a big cratter with the First Man in the centre of it. His helmet shuttered completely. He berely had time to lift his head, when he felt a heeled boot stomping forcefully on his chest. Lucifer stood above him, his demonic form on full display. The sight was both terrifying and hot as fuck.

-Tell me one reason, why I shouldn't skin you alive and then murder the rest of your army?! - growled the Devil, his fists clenching with the promise of more pain.

The First Man gulped, not a single excuse coming to his mind. Still, there was something that might lessen Lucifer's anger:

-I-I'm sorry. I should have stayed away from the hotel, like you suggested. I'll stop the exorcists and even punish the one who broke our agreement - he said, but the King's glare was just as unforgiving as before.

-Really? That's all you have to say? - he leaned down, supporting his weight on the leg that kept Adam pinned, making the man groan in pain - The recompensation you offer is laughable. You expect me to show mercy to you and your people, even though you've never shown it to mine? Just because you're sorry?

The man inhaled what little air he could with Lucifer's weight crashing his chest and whispered:

-My girls... are not to blame... They only follow my orders... I'll take all resposibility. Just, please-

-You should have thought about that before you decided to raid Charlie's hotel! - roared Lucifer.

-Those fuck-ups... are leeching off... of her naivety... - the man kept talking, though it was even harder with the hot, dry air making his throat feel like a sand-paper - Sooner or later... they'd turn their backs on her... become a threat... It's logical... to erase them...

-Logical, you say? - the Devil growled, grabbed him by the collar of his robe and dragged him out of the cratter - Look, you fucking idiot! Does this seem logical to you?! - he yelled, pointing at the hotel and the chaos surrounding it, all the blood and bodies, both angels and sinners lying around, while the ones who survived still fought.

In the middle of the slaughter was Charlie, now ruthlessly killing any exorcist that got too close to her friends and girlfriend. She didn't have any weapons, solely relying on her brute strenght to rip the angels into pieces. But it made her more vulnerable against the more experienced fighters. She already sported many bruises and wounds and the exhaustion made her moves slower and less coordinated.

-Our daughter wanted to cure sin by helping the sinners to become better people. All YOU did was a mindless slaughter - said Lucifer and pointed at Angel Dust scooping the little maid, before she was stabbed by two spears. The spider held her closely while shooting at the two exorcists, who attacked her - She decided to give them a chance, when we gave up. And look at them now!

Adam watched as Charlie's friends and even some cannibals aided each other to fight off his disoriented and enraged soldiers. He was genuienly surprised to see some rushing to resque their comrades and risking their own lives to do so. He looked again at the Princess, who fell to the ground and vainly tried to lift herself up. Before she could be swarmed by the group of angels, the sinners quickly disposed of the threat, while Vajjie kneeled down and hugged her protectively. The First Man felt the tears flooding his eyes.

-Sh-She's not my-

-Yes, she is! - growled the Devil and forced Adam to look him in the eyes - She was born, because for a moment you forgot about your grudge against me! You cared about her life more than you hated me!

Before Adam could retort, the King howled in pain and dropped to the ground. There was an angelic arrow sticking deeply in his thigh.

-Lucifer! - yelled the man as he kneeled beside the Devil and examined the wound.

The arrowhead has pierced through the muscles and made it to the other side. Adam grabbed the longer end and broke it, the Devil hissed with pain as he removed the arrow from his leg.

The First Man looked around and spotted a small group of his soldiers hovering above the battlefield. Lute was among them and ordered to load another series of arrows. The crossbows weren't their standard weapons, his lieutenant hated them and called them tools of cowards. But now she seemed very desperate to kill the Hazbins, to the point she didn't even care that their soldiers might be caught in the crossfire. Adam looked down and found Vajjie struggling to carry Charlie's uncoucious body through the hords of fighting angels and sinners.

-Die, you blasphemous hellspawn! - yelled Lute and the archers released the rain of arrows on the crowd beneath them.

The First Man spread his wings without thinking and rushed to the mass of people in front of him:

-No! - he screamed, berely feeling the stabs of sharp arrowheads in his back and wings.

Chapter Text

Vaggie kneeled down and hugged Charlie closely, trying to shield her with her own body and wings, while some arrows have already reached their mark. The girl knew that the chances of their survival were very low, but she'd protect her lover till the very end. She only regretted that she didn't finish Lute when she still had a chance.

So here she was, with her single eye closed as she awaited the sharp pain of arrows piercing through her body, but the seconds and then a whole minute passed and it never came. Her ears picked on the sounds of weapons stabbing into flesh and the screams of agony around her. Charlie groaned in her arms, slowly coming back to couciousness. Vaggie opened her eye to survey the situation. The bodies around them looked like the pin cushions, though she was revieved that none of their friends were among them. Suddenly the Princess gasped, clearly startled by something behind Vaggie's back.

The gray angel turned around and saw an enourmous shape of Adam's body leaning above them, his arms and wings spred widely. At first she thought he was gonna attack them, but the man was berely moving. Only then she noticed the arrows sticking out of his wings, back, shoulders and even one in his neck. It took her a moment to realize that the archangel's body was actually what shielded them from the rain of arrows. The man coughed blood and dropped to his knees, trying to breathe through his damaged throat and lungs. His arms and wings fell limply to his sides as his head struggled to stay up.

Charlie and Vaggie looked at him with wide eyes, completely stunned at what just happened. The man looked them up and down and smiled weakly in relief. Charlie was the first one to speak:

-Wh-Why did you-

She didn't finish, when she felt his blood-stained gloved hand touching her cheek. It was gentle, loving even, as he looked at her with a mix of affection and sadness.

-My little... apple pie... - he whispered, more blood oozing from his mouth - I'm... sorry... I didn't... - the rest of his words didn't make it through his throat, his eyes already losing the last sparkles of life in them. His body was about to collapse, when a pair of dark hands caught him.

-Adam! Speak to me! - yelled Lucifer as he pulled the First Man to his chest - Come on, you stubborn idiot! Being quiet doesn't suit you at all! - he tried to heal him and shake him into couciousness, but the archangel couldn't hear him anymore - You fucking asshole... - he hugged the man's head, as his eyes filled with tears - How dare you die when we finally started to talk?

-Sir! - yelled Lute, who landed right beside them, but before she could get any closer, Lucifer spread his wings and blocked her way. He rose to his feet, growling and breathing fire as he revealed his demonic form.

-You and your comrades are more out of control than I thought - he approached her, his tail swaying aggressively behind him - Look around you. You killed your own soldiers. You killed Adam!

Lute's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the furious Devil. She was scared, but more than anything she was angry that she was denied an access to her commander's body. She still couldn't comprehend that Adam was dead, even less that she was the one accused of killing him:

-No! It was your doing! He wasn't even supposed to be here! You must have-

-Stupid girl! Can't you see that it was your order that caused his death?! - roared Lucifer, quickly losing what little patience he still had for the First Man's lieutenant. He was tempted to just smite her and be done with her idiocy, but he still needed her in case Heaven would start looking for a scapegoat - Adam is dead, so I advice you to take your little friends and go home.

The exorcist considered her options with narrowed eyes, but she soon realized that she and her sisters were no match for the King of Hell. If she wanted to avenge her leader, she'd have to convince Sera to gather all the Heavenly forces and strike Hell with everything they've got. She grabbed Adam's halo and called to her fellow soldiers:

-All exorcists, retreat! - she threw one last hateful look towards Vaggie and the Morningstars before ascending to the portal - This isn't over. I won't let Adam die in vain.

All sinners in Hell cheered at the sight of the angels running away. It was by far the shortest and the least deadly Extermination Day in the history of Hell. And without a doubt it'd be known as the first great victory against the angelic terror. There were ofcourse inevitable losses, like Sir Pentious, numerous cannibals and a few other demons who decided to fight the exorcists. They would be mourned and hailed as the great heroes of the first Hellish Uprising. The Princess and her friends have proven that the change is possible, sparkling new hope in sinners and spreading fear among the angels. A happy day in Hell indeed.

-Charlie? - the Princess looked up at her girlfriend's concerned voice.

She was staring at Adam's corpse for a while, unable to link the loud asshole who laughed at her misery with the man who just saved her life and smiled at her gently. Even trying to associate that awful inhuman mask with this calm, blood-stained face seemed impossible. And his last words... no matter how many times she repeated them in her head, they still didn't make much sense.

-Honey, are you alright? - Vaggie looked her over, then gently wiped away the golden blood on her cheek, the one left by the archangel's hand.

-I... I don't understand... - she said finally, looking at the lifeless body again - Why did he protect me? He wanted to kill everyone, so why- before she could ask more questions, Lucifer approached Adam's corpse and lifted it without much effort, the man was so big, the Devil was berely visible under his bulky form. The Princess watched her father with confussion - Dad?

-The cannibals are coming - explained Lucifer as he opened the portal to his garden - I don't want them chewing on his body.

***

-Oh, my Gosh! This is really happening! - chirped Emily as she flew around Sir Pentious, her excitement making him a little uncomfortable and scared. Sera was still frozen in her seat as she watched her little sister's antics - A sinner who ascended! It is possible!

Just then the door to Sera's office opened and a few exorcists entered:

-How did you get here, you slithery fucker?! - yelled Lute, the blood still oozing from her severed arm.

-Don't talk to him like that! - the seraphim defended the former sinner only to freeze at the sight of the wound - What happened to you?!

-What happened? What happened?! Him! - she pointed with her only hand at the snake - He and all the filthy demons, who ambushed us down there!

-Ambushed? What do you-

She didn't finish when Lute draw her sword and was just about to swing it at the newly arrived soul, only for Sera to finally snap out of her shock and intervene:

-Enough! - she yelled, her angelic form partly revealed - Lute, put your weapon down. How dare you even point it at your superior?

-M-My apologies, Your Highness - said the exorcist, though she didn't put her sword away - I meant no harm to any of you. I just wanted to get rid of that-

-Stay away from him! - yelled Emily and grabbed Sir Pentious' hand reassuringly - You're one of Charlie's friends, right? Don't worry, we won't hurt you.

-Like hell we won't! - the exorcist was about to march to them, but she was once again blocked by Sera - Your Highness, let me take care of this!

The seraphim narrowed her eyes at the agitated angel, then looked back at her sister who was trying to calm down the distressed snake. On one hand, she was deeply disturbed and worried about the sudden appearience of the demonic soul in the Heavenly realm, on the other hand, she didn't want to allow an exectution without a trial, especially in front of Emily.

-You two - she called to the pair of exorcists standing by the door - Take him away to the Heavenly Court.

-What?! - Emily rushed after the two angels, who dragged away the confused snake - Wait! No! He did nothing wrong!

When all four of them left, Lute looked astonished at the High Seraphim:

-Your Highness, why didn't you let me kill that filth on the spot?!

Sera calmed down and closed all of her eyes. She sighed and gestured for Lute to follow her to her desk.

-We need to know, how the demon got here in the first place. We don't know, if there aren't more of them - she sat down and reached out to Lute's damaged arm - Now, I'm gonna heal your wounds and you'll explain to me what happened down there.

-I... - the angel was about to argue, but Sera's stern look forced her into submission - Yes, Ma'am.

The seraphim caressed gently the severed flesh and bone, pouring her angelic light into the wound. Through the whole process neither of the angels looked directly at each other.

-Tell me how did you get hurt and where is Adam? - asked Sera and the exorcist tensed:

-The sinners killed him - she exclaimed, her single hand clenching into fist.

-What?! - the seraphim paused her task, shocked and not believing what she just heard.

-They figured out how to kill us with our own weapons! - continued Lute, becoming more and more agitated - The Princess bitch and that traitor Vajjie... they used him as a living shield! He was weakened by Lucifer and-

-Hold on - Sera interrupted her - What do you mean? Lucifer left his manor during the extermination?

-I... - the exorcist hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure how to explain it - He said we broke the deal, because the hellborn was killed...

-Dear Lord... - the seraphim leaned on her desk, proping her head on her forearms - Go rest for now. The cherubs will provide you with a prothestic arm in a few days.

-There's no time for that! - exclaimed Lute, her face twisted in anger - We need to go back there and fight the demons! Adam would want that! If we gather all the Heavenly forces, we can-

-The war is the last thing we need, Lute - Sera interrupted her once again as she stared ahead deeply in thought - Now that the sinners know how to kill us and united to fight back, it'd would be a foolish move to rush there unprepared - she looked up at the smaller angel, her expression unreadable - The security of Heaven is our priority.

-But-

-This is an order, lieutenant. Go home and recover - she said with a more stern tone and the exorcist bowed her head in submission.

Once she was left alone, the seraphim looked through the window at the city below. The era of peace might be coming to a close.

Chapter Text

The air in Hell was far from nice, especially in rings like Pride. The toxic fumes, the garbage and rot sometimes made it hard to breathe. The demons were used to it, their bodies quickly adapted, even if some died a few times from inhaling too much poison. There were some places however that smelled pleasant and the air seemed almost clear. One of those places was the Morningstar's garden, filled with many kinds of earthly and hellish plants and trees. Lilith often changed the arrangement, adding some bushes, cutting some trees, moving the sculptures, changing the flowerbed paterns, but one thing always stayed the same; the apple tree in the middle of the backyard. It wasn't the biggest or even the fanciest looking plant in the garden, but it was impossible to get rid of it. No matter how many times she cut or uprooted it, the tree would regrow in the same spot in about a few hours. It would bloom and then produce apples of many diffrent kinds. The Queen complained about it to her husband, but even Lucifer couldn't do anything about it. Or more like he didn't intend to do anything, because he was the one who planted the tree shortly after he was bannished to Hell. The fallen angel has always been kind of a horder and he liked to keep his treasures hidden in his dimensional pocket. One of the said treasures were the seeds from the Fruit of Knowladge. The tree that grew from it wasn't exactly the same as the one in Eden, but it produced food and it was all that mattered. The fruits didn't have any effect on the ones who ate them either. The King tried to recreate the Garden, though it was hard when he had very little knowledge about the original plants. Many of them were just the hellish imitations or Lucifer's own creation. Later he and Lilith figured out how to import the goods from Earth and the garden became one of the most beautiful places in Hell(when it was taken care of, ofcourse).

Lucifer lit the black candle and put it inside the grave lantern, right under the apple tree. He decorated the place with all kinds of gifts; flowers, food, colorful stones, feathers, rubber ducks, anything that he thought Adam would have liked. He visited the grave every afternoon, right after he was done helping Charlie with the hotel. The old building was in a bad shape long before the whole battle even started, but after the angels left, it practically collapsed. Luckily no one got hurt and some of their belongings survived, but Charlie and her friends had nowhere to live for the next few weeks. Lucifer let them stay at his manor and with his help they were able to rebuild the old hotel in the record time. It was even bigger, fancier and cozier than the previous one and just 3 weeks after the battle the Hazbins were moving out to their new home.

The King was a little sad that he'd be all alone in his big, empty manor again, but he figured that his grown-up daughter wouldn't be comfortable with her old man around. She had her own life and dreams and he was content with watching her from afar.

"Besides, I have a nice company now" - he thought as he placed a red poppy on the still bare soil - "Better later than never, huh?" - he smiled saddly. He always wished for Adam to come and stay with him, but not like that. They couldn't talk or touch each other anymore, he couldn't hear the First Man's voice, he wouldn't be able to make him laugh or listen to his curses and singing... In the end Lucifer couldn't have him after all.

-So this is where you buried him - the voice of his daughter snapped him back to reality.

Charlie approached him with the bouquet of hyacinths and daffodils. Razzle and Dazzle followed her with their own flowers; the blue hydrangea and a small bouquet of forget-me-nots.

-I wasn't sure, if he'd be happy with me visiting his grave, but it didn't feel right to just forget about it... - they all placed their flowers among the other gifts and sat beside Lucifer.

The King smiled and looked up at the tree. Today it produced Golden Delicious.

-He never admitted it, but he really liked apples. It was his guilty pleasure.

The Princess picked up one of the fallen fruits and looked it over for any bruises or cuts.

-You knew him very well... - she said as she gave the apple to Razzle and Dazzle, who split it among themselves.

-Well, I was his guardian angel. We spent... a lot of time together and... - he sniffed, the memories of their shared past making him cry - I... I never apologized... for everything I did to him...

Charlie pulled her father into a hug. She didn't expect him to care so much about Adam, he never told her about his past or people he used to know. If it wasn't for Lilith, the Princess wouldn't even know that the First Man existed. The Queen never told her much about him though, her stories focused on her time with Lucifer and how she became the ruler of Hell. Charlie figured that being Adam's wife must have been too painful for her mother, so she never asked about her first husband. Now she felt a little foolish for that.

-Mom didn't want to talk about him - she said, glancing at Dazzle, who put a few candies beside his hydrangea. It wasn't common for either of the twins to share their sweets with strangers - And when she did, it was mostly how controlling and cruel he was towards her... But now that I think about it, I've never heard his part of the story - she looked at the flame inside the grave lantern - And now I never will...

As the two Morningstars embraced each other under the apple tree, the sudden gust of wind has carried numerous flowers away. Lucifer slowly calmed down, watching the natural spectacle of petals dancing in the air. After a few minutes he pulled away and looked at his daughter.

-There's something I need to show you - he said and stood up, pulling his daughter to her feet as well.

He led Charlie to the manor, the girl following him without a word, while Razzle and Dazzle flew beside her. They all entered Lucifer's room and the Princess watched her father approach an old bookcase. She was surprised when it turned out to be a door to the secret room. She looked inside curiously; it was dark and the few candles that Lucifer lit provided very little visibility, the symbols on the walls and the floor were slightly faded, but she recognized them from her old occultistic books, in the left corner there were some boxes and an old chest with a golden snake as a lock.

The King approached said chest and whispered something. The lock turned alive and slipped away, letting the lid slowly open. Lucifer reached inside and pulled out some white fabric with golden patterns. He turned around and unfolded it.

-What is this? - she asked, trying to read the patterns in the weak light of the candles.

-It's the first thing we wrapped you in when you were born - he answered and offered her the material - It was a mess, but I cleaned it throughfully and used it as your sleeping blanket for a while.

Charlie carefully took the fabric in her hands. It was really nice in touch, though it was kinda big for a blanket. Only when she started to look at it closely, she realized it was a clothing and the big symbol in the middle was actually a letter "A".

-Is this... an angelic robe? - she asked, not sure why her father owned such a thing. It certainly couldn't belong to him, the clothing was enormous.

-It belonged to Adam - said Lucifer with a soft smile as he lifted one of the sleeves to look at the golden patterns - I went into labor on the Extermination Day. He was the one who delivered you.

Charlie looked dumbfounded at her father. Adam did what? Her father was the one who gave birth? She searched his face for any sign of jest, but the King looked absolutely serious. The girl's head was overloaded and empty at the same time. She had many questions, but couldn't find the words to actually ask them.

Razzle and Dazzle nudged the fabric with their snouts and made the pleased sounds as they snuggled their heads into it. They must have recognized it from the time when all three of them shared the crib.

-But... why? - she finally asked.

The King led her out of the sectret room and sat on his bed. He patted the place beside him:

-It's gonna be quite a long story, so please, take a seat.

Chapter Text

Lucifer explained everything from the very moment he became Adam's guardian. He told her about their first meeting, their time together, the betrayal, how Adam came every year to bully him during the extermination and how the First Man ended up helping him when he went into labor... Then Lucifer showed her the projections from the golden locket and she watched speechless how they all acted like a sweet happy family of three.

When she asked how Lilith felt about it, the King's face grimaced in something between anger and sorrow. He told her about the times the Queen has treated him poorly and how she left him, because he got pregnant. Charlie listened with disbelief that her parents' relationship wasn't as loving as she assumed. But before she could think more into it, her Dad explained to her how she was actually concieved.

-You mean he was... - she paused absolutely taken aback by what she just learnt.

-I wanted to tell you for such a long time -
said the Devil, his eyes full of tears, relief and hope. He was ofcourse scared about her reaction, but he had enough of keeping those precious memories a secret. And it's not like it'd change who his daughter was, Charlie would still be Charlie, but maybe she would gain a diffrent perspective of the man who sacreficed his life to save her.

The girl sat in silence, trying to come to terms that she was actually an illegitimate child of the First Man. That Lilith, whom she loved and respected all her life wasn't her biological mother. It brought even more questions, some of them she wasn't sure, if she wanted to be answered. She gathered the courage though and asked quietly:

-Did he know that I'm his daughter?

The Devil averted his eyes, intertwining his fingers nervously:

-I told him after your meeting in Heaven.

Charlie nodded, trying to digest the new information. Adam attacked her home despite being aware of their relation. Lucifer's story indicated that the First Man used to treat her as his daughter, but at some point his feelings for her must have started to fade away.

Charlie shouldn't feel as disappointed as she did now. She berely knew the man and she already had a loving family, but the fact, that the parent, who adored her so much, suddenly lost interest and left, bothered her more than it was worth it. Did he left, because she was the daughter of Lucifer? A demonic creature?

-Did he actually care about me?

-He... - Lucifer looked down at the golden locket. He still remembered the heart break and betrayal in Adam's eyes, how he hesitated for a moment, before he disowned Charlie. But the King knew it wasn't out of indiffrence. The First Man still loved his daughter, but his status as an archangel complicated things - I guess, he didn't know what to do with this knowladge - he said finally, opening the locket to project the image of Adam holding the newborn Princess - He was created to be a father, but Heaven made him to be their loyal servant. It was also my fault for putting him into such a difficult situation - he smiled softly at the projection, the wonder and joy in Adam's eyes as he watched the baby Charlie warmed his heart - However, I'll never believe that he stopped caring about you or that he abandoned us willingly. He left, because he had no other choice.

The girl recalled the blood-stained face of the First Man just before he died. How he looked her over to confirm that she wasn't injured. He must have been in so much pain, but he smiled through it as he watched her with relief and love. His last words, though incomplete, made so much sense now.

-So this is what he meant, when-

She was interrupted by a loud sound of the main door being violently shut. Both Charlie and Lucifer looked in the direction of the corridor. They heard the muffled steps on the marble floor and some angry, raspy voice yelling and cursing at everything.

-...and all these fucking purples! Couldn't that fucker make everything in red like everywhere else? That bitch doesn't even live here anymore...

-Is that...? - before Charlie could finish the sentence, Lucifer sprang to his feet and ran to the main hall.

The King slipped a few times and almost fell through the balustrade as he looked down at the tall, bulky figure on the first floor.

-Adam! - he called and the man looked up at him, still pretty annoyed:

-Fucking finally! - he growled and gestured all around him - Why do you have such a big-ass residence? Being so small you could fit into a dollhouse.

The Devil spread his wings and flew down, landing about 3 feet from the man.

-You're alive... - he said and looked him up and down.

-Well, duh! And you buried me in your fucking backyard! - said Adam, clearly offended how the King treated him when he was uncoucious.

Lucifer frowned and crossed his arms over his chest:

-Well, you were dead for weeks. What did you expect me to do with your body?

Adam's eyes widened with surprise:

-I was... dead? - he asked, not believing what he just heard.

He didn't know how badly he was wounded, but when he started to wake up, he assumed that his body must have went into a coma or something. Then he realized that he was lying in some dark, stuffy box and it was almost impossible to get out. In panic he started firing his holy light and when he finally got a glimpse of what he guessed was a sky, he started to claw at the ceiling. It didn't took him long to realize that he was buried alive. He dug himself out and looked at his surroundings, recognizing the big building to be Lucifer's manor. He was so pissed at the Devil that he immaditely marched to the door, not bothering to assess the situation.

And now Lucifer was telling him that he was dead for weeks? That explenation sounded like a bad joke. He honestly thought that the King was messing with him, but the expression on his face wasn't the one of amusement.

Adam looked down at himself, someone has changed him into a black robe with golden patterns, though it was a little torn in a few places and covered in dirt. He looked for the mirror, luckily there were lots of them in this house. He turned to the one on his right and froze. Under the smudges of dirt, he could see that the tone of his skin has dulled to the pale gray, his brown hair had a few strands of silver, they also grew longer, covering his shoulders and back, his beard thick and unkept and his wings turned dark brown. But the most notable change were the two black ibex horns that grew out from the temples of his forehead.

-Are those...? Holy fuck... - he murmured with disbelief as he touched the base of one horn, feeling the hard bony texture under his fingers. He turned to Lucifer, who watched him anxiously - At least I'm still handsome, yeah?

The King blinked, not expecting such a calm reaction. He chuckled and smiled softly:

-Very handsome.

Before any of them could say more, Adam noticed Charlie descending the stairs. Lucifer also looked up at her and stood aside to let the two interact. The girl stopped at the base of the stairs, still gripping the fabric of the robe nervously. She watched the First Man, taking in his new apearience. He mirrored her actions, though he was clenching his fists on the edges of his sleeves. The Princess was the first one to speak:

-Hey - she threw awkwardly.

-Hey - he threw back and scratched his neck nervously - You seem... unharmed.

-Yeah, thanks to you - she smiled softly.

-I... um... - the man paused, unsure about his next words. Suddenly he was pushed down to the floor by Razzle and Dazzle.

-Guys, stop-

She was about to pull the draconic goats away, but Lucifer stepped in her way. Only then Charlie noticed that they weren't attacking the man, they were hugging and licking him happily, like the pets that greeted their beloved owner. Adam himself was surprised by their reaction, but soon he just chuckled and let the little demons continue with their affections.

When Razzle and Dazzle finally calmed down, they flew to Charlie and nudged her to move forward. She nervously approached the man as he was rising to his feet. He looked nothing like the mean archangel she met at the Embassy and she still had a problem to connect all these diffrent images of him. She stopped right in front of him, about 3 feet of distance between them. His height and sharp golden eyes made her feel a little uneasy, but she wouldn't back away. She wasn't a scared little girl anymore and this man wasn't her enemy.

-Is that an angelic robe? - asked finally Adam, eyeing the familiar pattern on the fabric she held.

Charlie blinked and gave him the clothing. The man looked it over, recognizing the old robe that he used to cover the Princess with as she was falling asleep.

-Dad told me it was yours - she said finally, watching carefully his reactions - I know the story behind it. And I know about-

Before she could finish, Adam dropped to his knees, his head low as the tears ran on his cheeks:

-I... I'm sorry... - he hiccuped, clenching the fabric between his fingers - I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to... I...

Charlie watched with shock Adam's emotional display, so similar to Lucifer's breakdown all these years ago. Her own eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. She still wasn't sure about her own feelings, but her heart was bleeding at the sight of this tormented soul. Adam might have hurt her, but it seemed he wasn't doing it out malice and he truly regretted it.

-It's ok now - she whispered as she buried her face in his long hair. He smelled like fresh grass and dirt.

-Is it... - he stuttered, his trembling hands released the fabric, but he didn't dare to touch her - Is it alright?

-Yes - she said and felt him embracing her, staining her shoulder with tears.

-I can finally hold you... - he said, his voice full of joy despite the constant crying - My sweet little apple pie...

Chapter Text

Charlie still had many questions, but the new revelation about her parents exhausted her far more than she expected. Lucifer quickly picked on that and proposed to continue another day. Although hesitant, Adam agreed and let go of his daughter. He watched as she went to the door and waved them Goodbye. His heart clenched painfully as they separated. He still had so much to tell her and there was no way the weak apology from before was enough to fix things between them.

The man sighed loudly and went to the front door himself. For now he needed to figure out where he's gonna live and what he'll eat for dinner.

-Um, where are you going? - asked Lucifer.

Adam turned to him and quirked an eyebrow:

-To find some place that I could crush at - he answered, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The Devil tilted his head confused:

-But... I thought you're gonna stay here?

The man's eyes widened at the proposition. After everything he's done, Lucifer was willing to let him stay in his house?

-You'd lend me a room for tonight? - he asked, hoping that was exactly what he meant, the last thing he wanted was to sleep on some dirty park bench or in the old box.

-I was about to suggest that you move in, but if you have some other place in mind I won't stop you - said the King, though he was clearly displeased with the second option. He really didn't like the idea of Adam wandering the streets of Hell, even if he could take care of himself.

-No! I would like that! - exclaimed Adam and quickly composed himself, though his cheeks were a little rosy from his enthustiastic reaction - I mean, your place is more decent than any part of this city, so I'd rather take your offer than sleep in some dumpster...

Lucifer laughed quietly. This was the First Man he knew, always acting so cool and unfazed outside, but secretly awkward and soft inside.

-Follow me - he said and started climbing the stairs - We gotta clean you up. You look like you just rose from the dead.

-Pffft! Hahahaha! Cut me some slack, I literally did! - laughed Adam, almost falling down had he not grabbed the balustrade. He sighed and kept following the Devil - It was such a pain. Jesus made it look so easy...

-How do you feel? - asked Lucifer with concern, turning his head just enough to eye Adam up and down - When I was cleaning you from blood, your body looked like a Swiss cheese.

The man froze in place, remembering that before the unpleasant wake-up he was indeed deadly wounded. He rolled up his sleeve to his bicep and looked it over. He didn't remember where exactly the arrows pierced him, but he was sure that he felt some in his arms. He flexed the muscles, but there was no pain or any visible scars. What caught his attention however were the sharp claws and that under the layers of dirt, the skin on his forearms was darker and gradually lightened up from his elbows. It reminded him of Lucifer's darkened arms and legs, the sign of corruption.

He looked up at the King, who watched mesmerised at his arm, his face sporting a golden blush. Only when he realized that Adam is watching him, he immaditely turned around and continued his walk. The man quirked an eyebrow, not understanding the Devil's reaction. What could possibly make him so bashful?

"He was totally checking out your guns~" - said the voice with amusement.

The man blushed and kept walking. It wasn't a time to think about those things. After another minute, the King has finally stopped in front of the big maroon door.

-This will be your room - he said as he turned the handle and showed Adam inside - It's close to mine, so if you need anything, you can just call me or knock on my door.

The man looked around the room. Fortunately it was mostly in reds, blacks and golds and accomodated to his size. While he was inspecting the furnitures, Lucifer opened the other door on the left:

-I'll prepare the bath for you.

Adam sat on the bed, it was big and comfy. The room lacked any personal belongings, no books or paintings... He assumed that it was up to him to decorate it as he pleased. He looked down at himself, the robe he got from Lucifer was pretty nice, but in Hell it probably wasn't the most common type of clothing. If he wanted to live here peacefully(well, as peacefully as possible in Hell), he should ask the Devil to get him some other outfits, so no one would recognize him.

He heard the water running in the bathroom. Right, he's gotta wash himself from all this dirt. He took one of his boots off and froze.

-Holy fuck...

-Something's wrong? - asked Lucifer, when he walked out of the bathroom.

-Um... I'm not sure - he said lifting his foot for the Devil to see - I've never had these before.

-Hoovesies! - exclaimed Lucifer and grabbed Adam's foot to look at it closely.

It was covered in a very fine black fur and ended with an even-toed obsidian hoof. The King stroked it from the heel to the pointy ends, feeling the texture and the muscles under the skin. The First Man held back a laughter from being tickled and watched Lucifer's expression. It was full of wonder and curiousity. Adam couldn't help, but find it very cute.

-What else did you get? - the Devil suddenly grabbed at his robe to pull it up.

-H-Hey! - the man tried to get away and run to the bathroom, but once he rose to his feet, the King managed to lift the robe.

-You have a tail! - laughed Lucifer and wrapped his own tail around it - We're tail buddies!

-Ah! - yelped Adam, feeling the slippery thing twisting around his own tail. How could he not notice it was there earlier? That damn thing was sensitive as fuck! - That's... weird... - he said and the King released him, teasing the pointy end one last time.

-You'll get used to it - he said and grabbed the man's hand - Now come on, the bath is ready.

They both entered the bathroom and Adam realized it had the same pool as the one Lucifer used, probably added in the last minute to let him spread and clean his wings. The walls were in oranges, browns and golds, everything lit by a nice warm light. The man looked in the big mirror on his left and grimaced:

-Damn it... The last time I let my hair grow so long was when I tried to keep myself warm in the winter - he brushed it with his claws and caressed his chin. The beard wasn't as thick as on Earth, but he didn't like it. The gray streaks were more prominent and made him look old - It was such a pain in the ass to take care of it, all these knots and some other shit that got tangled into it.

-I can cut it for you, if you want - said Lucifer as he hanged some new towels beside the mirror.

-That would be nice, yeah.

Chapter Text

-With your horns in the way it'll be hard to style it into your old haircut - said the King as he snipped another strand of hair.

-That's ok. The less people recognize me the better... - answered Adam, trying to relax in the warm water.

The man was sitting in the pool and leaning his back on one of its walls, while the Devil sat behind him and cut his hair.

-Y'know, they actually suit you - said Lucifer, caressing one of Adam's horns - Must be a part of being the perfect creation, everything looks good on you.

The First Man blushed and chuckled, his tail wagged under the water with excitement. No one has complimented him like that in a very long time. Leave it to Lucifer to turn him into a lovestruck teenager.

While the Devil worked on his hair, Adam started cleaning his wings. The shape and the dark feathers reminded him of the brown cuckoo-dove. He was a little sad about it, the golden shine of his wings was a trait of archangels and his reward for all the suffering he went through on Earth. But here they'd be too flashy and immaditely give his identity away. After everything he did, he should be glad he still had wings at all.

-Aaaand done! - exclaimed Lucifer and gave Adam a small mirror to see his new haircut.

It closely resembled the old one, which made him smile. As for the horns, they looked pretty badass. He always had a thing for demonic and occult stuff, but he would never admit it to Sera or any other angel. He somehow got a pass for adding the horns to his exorcist helmet and his soldiers followed his example, never questioning why he chose such a blasphemous design.

He brushed his hair with his claws. The gray streaks bothered him a little, but then again he wasn't the youngest anymore. He still looked good for a ten-thousand-something-years-old man.

-I like it - he smiled and scratched his chin - Now I gotta do something with this mess.

-I'll leave you to take care of it - said Lucifer as he stood up and started to sweep the hair on the floor - I'm gonna order us a dinner, since I don't feel like cooking tonight.

-Still can't make anything edible? - asked Adam with amusement as he started to clean his other wing.

-Hey! I gotta inform you that my skills have really improoved! - argued the King - Now I can make pancakes without burning them!

-That sure is a success compared to the last ones - said the man, recalling the time when Lucifer tried to learn how to cook and mistaken salt with sugar. Usually his dishes were just bland, but sometimes they tasted so awful no one could eat them and in the end Adam had to be the one to prepare their meals or they'd just order something. Despite being almost poisoned a few times, he was really fond of these memories.

***

The Devil's tail swayed happily as he prepared the table. He and Adam would have their long-postponed dinner after all. He ordered the same food as the last time and opened the curtains to have a view on the garden bellow. As he looked up, he couldn't help but smirk smuggly at the glowing orb in the sky. Adam wasn't their puppet anymore, he acknowledged Charlie as his child and chose her over Heaven. And now they were together in Hell. It was so far his biggest win against the angels.

His eyes fell on the brightly lit building in the distance, finally visible among the high roofs and the neons of the Pentagram City. His smile softened. Charlie was indeed the greatest joy and pride in his life and far more mature than he expected. He was worried that she might question herself after witnessing so many people dying. But she seemed to be alright. They'd figure things out step by step and, if Heaven gets in their way, he'd stand by her side and protect her.

-Now, that's a fancy setting.

He turned around hearing the raspy voice behind him. Adam stood in the door way, his golden eyes glowing in the dimly lit room.

-Well, it is a special occassion - he answered as he went to his chair.

The man also approached his seat, maintaining the eye contact with him. In the light of candles Lucifer could clearly see his now shaved face and the clothes he picked for him. A dark red button-down shirt, black jeans and brown leather laced boots. He also noted the golden piercings in his ears, an optional accessory he left for him on the nightstand. The man's wings weren't tucked under his arms, Adam must have decided it is better to keep them hidden, just like Lucifer did.

-And what occassion we're talking about? - asked the First Man as they both sat down.

-Oh, y'know, the angels running away with their tail between their legs, the grand reopening of Charlie's hotel... - listed Lucifer as he opened the bottle of red wine - ...the unexpected reunion with an old friend? - he looked up at Adam with a smirk, pouring him a glass.

-You sure those are things to celebrate? - said the man as he took a big gulp of wine and started coughing - God! This shit is strong as hell!

-That's why you gotta drink it slowly - laughed Lucifer as he picked up his own glass - The alcohol in Hell is way stronger than anything up there. You gotta build up your tolerance to it - he sipped his wine and watched the man mimic his action - And why wouldn't we celebrate?

-You should know very well that Heaven is far from forgiving - said Adam, watching the Devil swing his half-empty glass - Knowing some of my girls, they're already hanging on Sera's ear and demanding to murder every demon in Hell.

-I'm not worried, because it wasn't me who broke the agreement - he tilted his head with a smile - Sera is a lying bitch, but after everything that happened, she must have figured out that letting the exorcists do as they please would only cause more problems for Heaven and weaken her position in the Council.

-I sure hope that you're right - the man sighed, his face still a picture of worry and sadness.

Before they could continue their conversation, Lucifer recieved a call from Gluttony. He opened the portal and allowed the group of imps and hellhounds to serve their food. Once everything was set, the demons bowed to their King and left through the portal. The Devil closed it and started to cut his steak:

-You know what I was definitely right about? Charlie's friends - he ate the piece of meat and continued - If they truly were a worthless bunch of trash, they wouldn't even bother to defend the hotel, especially when they knew the angels were coming there. They risked their own lives to fight for our daughter's dream.

-True, but there's still no proof that redemption is possible - said Adam, as he also started to eat - And even if her friends are good, she might one day invite a wrong person into her house.

Lucifer paused. Ofcourse he knew not all people going there would have good intentions. That creepy overlord Alastor for example... There's no way he agreed to help Charlie out of the kindness in his heart. Hazbin's door stood open for anyone seeking for redemption, but it wouldn't be Hell, if it wasn't full of liars, scammers, thieves and murderers. And since he was unable to hurt sinners, his daughter would have to deal with the danger on her own.

-I agree, the job she chose is risky... - he picked one of the red apples from the bowl between them - ...but at some point we must take a risk or we won't get anywhere at all - he took a bite and grimaced at the harsh tarty flavour. McIntosh, one of his least favorite.

Adam mirrored his action and took a fruit of similar red shade, but when he bit into it, he moaned pleased. It must have been one of the sweeter varieties, maybe Gala or even Fuji.

-As her parents, we're allowed to protect, support and guide her... - he continued as he put the sour apple aside - ...but we must let her grow on her own and believe that she'll make the right choices.

Adam paused in the mid-bite. He looked at the apple, remembering how one little mistake has led to other, more devasting ones. He always valued stability and safety more than free will, he was made with certain purpose and dreams, even the noble ones, could be dangerous. The changes were hard, painful even, and sometimes caused more harm than good. He put the fruit aside and looked up at Lucifer:

-You know everything has consequences, right? - he said finally, taking another bite from the meat - That girl has challenged the natural order of things. It will not win her much favor in neither Heaven or Hell - he gulped his wine, despite knowing how strong it was - And my support will not do her much good right now...

-What do you mean? - Lucifer quirked his eyebrow - She worked so hard to get your approoval. It'll mean a world to her that you, her father, would finally stand by her side.

The man looked at the window, his face somber as he watched the colorful lights of the city:

-People despise my name here. The words of their executioner wouldn't mean much. If anything, it'd only rile them up - he turned back to Lucifer - If they find out that we're friends or, even worse, that Charlie is my child, they'll tear us all into pieces.

Lucifer was about to reply, when his phone ringed. His face split into wide smile when he saw Charlie's name on the screen and without much thought he clicked the green button:

-Char-char! Hey! How is my favorite bitch doing? - he said over-enthusiatically.

Adam spitted his wine and coughed, taken aback by what Lucifer just called their daughter.

-Hey, Dad - answered Charlie with a strain in her voice - Is Adam still with you in the house?

-Yeah, he's staying with me for now. We're eating dinner - the Devil didn't seem to notice the awkwardness in her voice. Adam sat quietly and listened to their conversation.

-Oh, that's good to hear - said the Princess cheerfully - I was wondering, if I could visit you tomorrow with Vaggie and talk with him a little more.

-Sure! Come over anytime you want! - exlaimed the King happily.

-Ok! See you, guys, tomorrow! Bye!

-Bye, Sweetie! - he hanged up, his mood improved by the call - What were we talking about again?

Adam sighed loudly, remembering that Lucifer's attention span was short like a blink.