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"Good morning everyone!", Charlie's hyper-excited voice rang through the hotel's lobby as she skipped down the stairs, wrapped in a festive blue sweater emblazoned with a snowman. Vaggi followed slightly behind her, wearing an identical sweater and a worried and unmotivated expression on her face as she looked after her girlfriend, making sure she didn't fall down the stairs in her excitement. Having reached the bottom of the staircase, Charlie twirled through the guests and visitors gathered in the lobby, dragging Vaggi along with her. She only stopped when she bumped into another blue-clad person. "Ooh, sorry! Didn't see you there," she apologized. Looking up, shock flitted across her face for a split second, but quickly disappeared. One should think that she'd be used to seeing the modern media Overlord Vox walk around the hotel after living here for a couple of months now, but seeing him did still come as a surprise occasionally. To be fair, Vox had tried to kill her, her father, and most of Pentagram City in a crazy scheme involving a high-powered laser and a plot to conquer Heaven, but that was long-forgiven… Or would be, if Charlie finally said the words to him. But who counted details, anyways?
Vox chuckled, patting her on the head. His smile was sly, but not unkind. It was the usual expression he wore in public when he had to appear amicable. "All good, little one. You seem excited. Your girlfriend, on the other hand…" He looked over at Vaggi, who sported a bored expression. Noticing his gaze, she quickly smiled, but Vox could tell it was forced. She seemed to not be a fan of Sinsmas. Pity, in Vox's opinion. It was a wonderful holiday, full of food, love, and gifts. He'd even gotten something for the whole hotel this year, and if he'd only done it to mess with Alastor and Lucifer (who both thought he wouldn't uphold his promise), well, that was no one's business, and no he very much did not, he could be wholesome too!
"All right then! You two have fun, and try not to run over any other sinners, some of them aren't as forgiving as I am." Vaggi's smile remained forced as he pushed between them, continuing his journey to... wherever he was going. Vaggi dropped her smile and sent a glare in his direction, having still not warmed up to his presence in the hotel. Charlie hooked her arms around Vaggi's neck, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. Vaggi smiled, genuinely this time, and kissed her back.
A cough interrupted them, and they broke apart to see Husk's very much not amused expression from behind the bar. The holiday season meant the bar was always very busy, and this morning was no exception. Despite the early hour, a couple of sinners had found their way to the familiar walnut wooden counter, and thus to the extremely familiar bottom of yet another bottle, the holiday also encouraging the consumption of alcohol. The ever-grumpy bartender wiped a glass as he pretend-glared at the Princess of Hell and her girlfriend. They let go of each other with an apologetic smile in his direction, continuing on to the hotel's kitchen to prepare the festive breakfast for all patrons of the hotel.
Husk's gaze was caught by a familiar call of "Heya, Whiskers!" and the sight of a spider sinner sauntering towards the bar. Angel Dust wore a pink sweater dress that reached to his thighs and had bows wrapped around his waist and accentuating his chest fluff, as well as his usual thigh-high heeled boots, though he'd wrapped small red and green fairy lights around them. His upper set of hands held his pig, Fat Nuggets, close to his chest, while his lower set was hidden behind his back.
Arriving at the counter, he sat down (after pushing off gently encouraging a sinner to vacate his stool) and set Fat Nuggets down on the countertop. Husk glanced at the hell-pig, but didn't say anything. He turned around and set the glass he had been cleaning on the shelf behind him. When he turned to face Angel again, the spider wore a fuzzy pink elf hat with white trim that matched his outfit. He held a second hat in his hand, identical in every way except that the second one was black with red fluff, spinning it gently. Husk raised an eyebrow, and Angel gave him a smirk, fluttering his lashes. "No worries, Kitty. I got ya one too."
"Thanks. I appreciate it," Husk deadpanned. Angel's smile drooped, but he instantly pulled it back up. Realizing the change in his expression, Husk extended a hand and plucked the hat from Angel's hand, his hand brushing against Angel's. He inspected it, then shrugged and took his usual top hat off, placing the pointed hat on his head. "Better?"
Angel grinned. "Much. Though, if you prefer it off…"
Husk scowled. "Really? Today, of all days?"
"Oh come on, you love it."
"You or the banter?" An eyebrow raise from Angel.
"Why don't you tell me, handsome?"
"Not in public."
"Is that an invitation to see me in private later?"
"Maybe. I'm free after 10."
"Oh, we're gonna have so much fun."
"Don't get your hopes up, we ain't gonna do any kinky shit before we clarify… whatever this is between us."
"Fine. Now do you like the hat?"
"It's… acceptable." Angel's other brow joined the one already wandering towards his hairline.
"Fine! Yes, I like it."
"Thanks."
"Yeah. Now, maybe catch your pig before he ends up in the kitchen."
"What?" Angel turned around, and spotted his pet heading towards the double door leading, indeed, to the hotel's kitchen. "Shit—" He leapt up and sprinted after Fat Nuggets, leaving Husk behind with a small smile.
Of course, Cherri chose that moment to show up, propping herself against the bar. "Well, look what we've got here! Captain Poker Face with a real smile! And it's gone again, pity." She chuckled, looking in the general direction Angel had disappeared to. "He's really doing your head in, huh?"
Husk glared at her while preparing yet another sinner's order. "Not one word. Especially not to Alastor."
"Oh, don't worry, I'm sure he already knows about you two. You aren't exactly subtle…" Her tone changed, and she leaned closer. "That being said, if you hurt him in any way, I'll stop at nothing to make sure he's safe again. Not even Alastor could stop me." She righted herself again, looking pointedly at Husk.
The cat sinner placed down the drink. "Understood. But, believe me, it's not in my interest to harm him. I do think I can treat him better than that asshole he works for."
"Oh, I know you can. Still…"
"Can I get you anything?" Husk broke off their conversation abruptly.
Cherri smirked. "Nope! See ya around, loser!" She drew out a bomb, laughing when he flinched. She put it back to wherever she'd pulled it from and walked away, quickly getting wrapped up in a conversation with a sheep sinner.
"Thinking about our feelings, are we, Husker?" Husk jumped at the all too well-known radio-filtered voice. Alastor stood next to him, his usual grin on his face. He'd probably teleported through the shadows. His red eyes glanced around the lobby, finally coming to a stop on Husk's. "Hm?"
The cat demon snarled. "No. No, definitely not."
"Good. They're unnecessary. It only drags you back when you care about someone." This was something the Radio Demon often said, along with his signature line of— "Just don't forget to smile, no matter what you're really thinking!" Yep, there it was. Oh, how Husk hated that line. Alastor's permanent smile was what had cost Husk his soul in the first place, and Husk much preferred a neutral expression. But alas, constantly hearing that line was another downside of not only belonging to the most powerful Overlord in all of Hell, but also living in the same building.
Husk rolled his eyes inwardly, but kept his poker face upright. Alastor's smile fell slightly. Good, let him see that Husk didn't care about his antics. "Well then. Be good, won't you? Don't drink to much, I might need you later."
Alastor melted into the shadows before Husk had time to respond.
<:-]
The shadows slipped away around the Radio Demon, and he stepped into the now familiar apple-and-duck themed room inhabited by the Devil himself, Lucifer Morningstar. The walls were adorned with multiple images of Lucifer with his daughter and ex-wife, as well as Lucifer with the other six sins. Rubber ducks lined the split staircase leading up to the second floor. The bed, which overlooked Pentagram City through a large panorama window, was framed by yet more ducks. However, one corner of the large room was occupied by a tall pine tree, a fireplace, and a sitting arrangement. The room was empty, which was strange as its inhabitant often woke up early or didn't sleep at all. Upon closer inspection, the bed was empty and unused, and a light shone from the upper landing. Curious, Alastor walked up the stairs, peering around the frame of the door leading to Lucifer's storage room. In accordance to the King's interest, crates of rubber ducks, some finished, others looking like they'd been cast into the fire, lined the walls. And way in the back, Alastor could make out a soft electronic glow, indicating that the Radio Demon was the last of their trio to arrive. Strange, he was exactly on time. Vox was probably early, a rarity for the modern Overlord.
Sure enough, when Alastor strode to the back, he was met with his partners peering into a cardboard box. His grin grew wider as he silently snuck closer until he stood right behind them. His radio filter warbled and played the beginning note of a well-known and widely hated human Christmas song, causing Vox to shout and whirl around, and Lucifer to fall headfirst into the box.
Vox's hands stopped short of Alastor's chest, caught by the wrist. Alastor smirked, looking at the TV demon through lowered lids. Vox's glare softened, and a sultry smirk grew on his screen. He jerked his hands back, pulling Alastor along so the redhead stumbled, letting Vox's hand go and bracing himslef with a hand against a blue-clad chest, right above the cartoon shark wearing a Santa hat emblazoned there. Vox's free hand dropped to Alastor's waist, and he pulled the Radio Demon in for a kiss.
Behind them, Lucifer climbed out of the box, shaking his head at his partners' antics. He closed the lid of the box and picked it up, squeezing between the crates of ducks along the wall and the two Overlords. Smiling, he carried the box through the storage room, setting it down on the landing of the stairs leading to the main room. He walked back to his partners, clearing his throat as soon as he stood before them. Vox and Alastor broke apart, and Lucifer smiled at the blush dusting both of their cheeks. Alastor coughed, smoothing the lapels of his coat as Vox stepped closer to Lucifer and kissed the Devil's cheek. Together, they strode out of the storage room. Vox carried the box down the stairs and set it down on the sofa closest to the lucious pine tree.
"Right, who wants eggnog?" Lucifer asked, twirling his cane as he spoke. "Stupid question," he remarked when the others raised their hands. A bottle of the decadent drink appeeared, along with the matching mugs the three had: Lucifer's "Deer season" mug, Alastor's "Duck season", and Vox's "Hunting season". What had started out as a parody of their special interests and appearances had quickly turned into an inside joke between them. The Devil poured some eggnog into the mugs, then set them down on the coffee table.
Alastor leaned his cane, finally repared by Rosie, against the fireplace mantle. He lifted the lid of the package and pulled out the first of many string of lights. He and Vox started draping the lights around the tree, starting at the base and working their way up. When the first string ended, they connected a second one and continued in the same pattern.
Meanwhile, Lucifer unboxed the ornaments and started hanging them on the tree's lower branches. His perfectionism induced the equal placement of the ornaments. He chuckled when he pulled out his favorite decoration: the very first rubber duck he'd ever crafted. Admittedly, it did look slightly deformed, with a squished nose and a wonky tail, but he was still fond of it. He gently hung it on one of the boughs facing the center of the room, making sure it was in perfect view. Next to it, he hung a painted-red deer decoration gifted to him by Alastor as a joke. Of course, he'd kept it. Vox's favorite shark ornament got attached next to the other two.
While he was hanging a frog ornament, he felt something on his back. He shrugged it off and stood up, intedning to grab another ornament from the box. However, he tripped over the cord of the lights Alastor and Vox were currently hanging up. His foot snagged and he fell to the floor, pulling the lights out of Alastor's hand and causing them to wrap around his body. He gave a shout of surprise, and Alastor's radio filter sparked. Curious as to why Al wasn't handing him more lights, Vox poked his head out from where he stood behind the tree, rasing his eyebrows when he saw Lucifer wrapped in a string of fairy lights, his hat laying a short distance away on the floor, and Alastor blankly staring at the Devil on the floor, his hands clasped around thin air and raised as though he still held the string of lights.
"Uh, you good there, Lu?" Vox asked. That was the tipping point: Alastor played a mechanical laugh that quickly turned into a real one. Lucifer looked up disgruntledly; he was wrapped in a string of electric lights that could electrocute him any moment, and the others were just standing there and laughing?!
Vox took one last look at Lucifer's pouty expression and broke into peals of laughter, doubling over and clutching Alastor's shoulder to keep from ending up next to Lucifer on the floor. Alastor grabbed Vox's arm and covered his face with his other hand, shoulders shaking in silent cackles. Lucifer groaned and struggled against his bindings. However, he quickly gave up when he realized his efforts only caused the string to tighten around him.
Lucifer attempted to wave his hand to try to loosen the string, but gave up when he realized his predicament meant he couldn't move a muscle. He resorted to snapping his fingers instead, taking a deep breath when the lights fell away from his ribcage. He sat up, glaring at Vox and Alastor. Noticing his gaze, they tried to calm down quickly, but kept glancing at each other and breaking into peals of laughter.
Eventually, they had calmed down enough to look at Lucifer. The Devil shook his head admonishingly, the stood up and grabbed further ornaments from the box, completely ignoring his partners.
Vox and Alastor exchanged a glance, their egos and need for attention flaring up. Together, they moved towards the King of Hell. When he turned around to get more decorations, they tackled him from both sides, causing all three of them to fall to the ground.
Flailing his limbs, Lucifer emerged on top of the pile, drawing out part of his true form to make himself bigger so he could cage in both Alastor and Vox. He snarled, eye colors inverted and smoke coming out of his nose when he exhaled.
"You dare mess with the King of Hell, sinners?"
Alastor's smile now looked panicked, his antlers growing and shadows spreading along the floor behind him. Lucifer smiled patronizingly and used his magic to lift the Radio Demon from the ground, ensuring he couldn't shadow-travel away.
However, while Lucifer was busy with Alastor, Vox's wires wrapped around the Devil's waist, tugging suddenly and thus making him crash onto Vox. He was prevented from squishing him by the man's hands at his shoulders. Vox's left hand travelled to the back of his neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss.
Neglected and still suspended by Lucifer's magic, Alastor growled and thrashed in his "cage". He quickly realized that, while the glowing threads wouldn't let him go, they did support his every actions. An idea popped into his head, and he started bending backwards until he hung upside down. He then flipped back over and gathered enough force to do two backflips in a row, twisting Lucifer's magic rope into a corkscrew pattern, each twist bringing him closer to the blond.
When he was directly above him, he flipped forwards, tackling both of his partners from behind, causing them to tumble over and break their kiss.
Vox looked at him with a slightly annoyed expression, while Lucifer's magic had retracted and his appearance turned back to normal. Alastor grinned from ear to ear, playing tinny laughter punctuated by his own cackles.
Lucifer seemed to be in deep thought, then looked at the redhead with wide eyes. "Were you doing backflips with the help of my magic?" he asked disbelievingly.
"Yes indeed! I never thought it would be possible, but it seems like you are helpful at times."
Vox chuckled. "You only admit that when it's convinient for you, Al."
"Mmm… maybe."
Lucifer's melodic laugh joined Alastor and Vox's mechanical ones, until they all were hunched over on the floor, lauging at the silliness of their situation.
"Why are we like this?" Vox asked between gasps.
"I dunno. Maybe because this is the only situation we all feel comfortable enough in to let our guards down…," Lucifer responded.
Alastor took a deep breath, calming down. He stood up, picking up the string of lights that had started this whole mess. Using the help of his shadow, he draped it over the tree, then cast a pointed look in Vox's direction, encouraging the Overlord to also get up (helping Lucifer off the floor as well) and help him finsih decorating the tree.
Once Alastor and Vox had finished fastening the lights, Vox picked up his mug and took a sip of eggnog while Alastor pulled out three strings of tinsel; red, gold, and silver. He draped them in a zig-zag pattern over the boughs, then joined Vox in drinking the creamy beverage.
Lucifer finished hanging the ornaments and stepped over to the coffee table, raising his cup to his lips. The three stood in silence, admiring their work. With a snap of his fingers and a flurry of gold sparkles, the lights switched on, bathing the room in a warm glow and reflecting off the tinsel to create festive spots on the floor. Alastor sighed and set down his mug.
"Something is missing," he remarked. He wandered over to the box and picked out a star-shaped tree topper. He turned to throw a glance in his partners' direction, prompting them to set down their mugs.
Together, they stared up at the tip of the tree. While the lights reached close to the top, that had been a bit of a stretch even for the two tall overlords. And the tip of the tree was another foot above the topmost row of lights. Vox's expression grew mischievious, and he scooped up Lucifer in one swift motion. Lucifer yelped and clung to his arm to stabilize himself. Luckily, the Devil wasn't heavy, and Vox easily lifted him onto Alastor's shoulders. Lucifer sent a half-hearted glare Vox's way, then plucked the star from Alastor's hands and reached up, positioning it on the tip of the tree.
He swung himself over Alastor's shoulder, fully trusting the man to catch him. It would only physically hurt a short time if he didn't and Alastor knew that. Still, the cannibal streched out his arms and caught the short blond in a bridal carry. Lucifer wrapped his arms around Alastor's nexk and pulled him down for a kiss. Alastor reciprocated, then set the Devil down gently.
Illuminated by the fairy lights, the tree stood proud in the corner of the apple tower, casting a soft glow on the throuple who stood admiring their work, Vox and Lucifer's arms around each other's waists and Alastor's arms resing on their shoulders, holding them from behind.
A knock on the door broke them out of their tranquil state. Lucifer whirled around, and Alastor gripped Vox's wrist, ready to fade into the shadows at momen't notice.
The Devil wlked to the door, peering through the peephole. Seeing Angel Dust's cyclops friend, Cherri, he looked back at the two Overlords, waving his hand. Alastor understood, and with a final wave from both of them, the cannibal teleported them into his radio tower.
Lucifer opened the door, nervously fiddling with the sleeves of his oversized sweater. It was technically Alastor's and had a deer pattern across the chest, but it was such a light shade of red that it fit his aesthetic perfectly.
Cherri raised her eyebrow at Lucifer's nervous state but smiled. "Charlie told me to get you, brunch is ready."
Charlie wasn't telling him herself? He felt a pang of sadness, then remebered that his daughter was most likely trapped in the kitchen, preparing the food for the whole hotel. He smiled. "Okay. I'll be right out."
"Alright. Just…"
He paused, his hand on the doorknob, ready to close the door. "Hm?"
"I don't know how the other guests would react to you in deer-patterned attire, seeing as your literal arch-nemesis is a deer."
He looked down, pretending to only now notice the embroidery. "Ah. Good point. Thank you, Charity."
"Cherri. And you're welcome, your majesty."
"Riiight… And what have I told you about calling me 'your majesty'?"
"Sorry. Won't happen again."
"Good. See ya later!" He closed the door quickly. Shit. So the sweater wasn't subtle at all. Okay, so he had to change. No problem!
He walked over to his wardrobe, pulling out a fluffy pink sweater that he'd knitted a large duck onto a couple of years ago.
Once he'd changed, he opened a portal into Alastor's room, flopping down onto the bed next to Vox. Alastor stood in front of his wardrobe, buttoning his usual red shirt. His coat was draped over a chair, and his shoes were on the floor, revealing his cloven hoves. But hey, who was Lucifer to judge? He had goat's feet himself, and Vox… Huh. He'd never seen Vox's feet. Even when they were doing more intimate things, he always kept his socks on. He'd have to ask him about that.
Vox sighed. "You done yet, Al?" He turned to face Lucifer. "When do we have to be down there?"
"Angel's cyclops friend—"
"Cherri," Alastor interrupted.
"Yeah. Her. She just told me brunch is ready, so maybe hurry up, Bambi."
"Of course, your majesty. Whatever you command."
"Oh, shut it."
Still, Alastor threw his coat over his shoulders and pulled on his boots, letting his shadow tie them while he buttoned his vest.
He turned around, holding his arms out to the sides. "Good?"
"Isn't that what you always wear?" Vox asked, closely scrutinizing his outfit.
"Yes. Is that a problem?'
"No, no!"
"Good. Can we go then?"
Lucifer and Vox sat up. "Yep!" Lucifer replied.
Vox raised a digital eyebrow. "Shouldn't we appear at different times?"
"True… I'll go first." With that, Alastor shadow-travelled out. Vox shrugged.
"We could just pretend we ran into each other on the way."
"Good idea!"
"Great."
Lucifer created a portal, casting them into an empty hallway somewhere between their rooms so their plan was somewhat believable. He put on a scowl and Vox's screen adopted an angry expression. Now, they just had to come up with belivable insults for one another should they encounter a guest.
Undisturbed, they made it to the stairs, walking down them with about two feet between them, shooting pretend-glares in each other's direction.
Charlie stood at the foot of the stairs, a sappy grin on her face. She leapt at her dad, wrapping her arms around him. Vox rolled his eyes and continued to the large table set up in the hotel lobby.
"I'm so happy you're feeling well enough to join us, dad!"
Lucifer smiled. "Me too, pumpkin." He stepped out of her embrace, surveying the lobby. Boughs of holly hung across the bar and wreaths decorated the walls. He couldn't help but notice the mistletoe hung under every arch, and the large evergreen tree (imported from the human world) in a corner.
Charlie guided him to his seat, located— oh, how fitting— across from Vox and next to Alastor. Coincidence? He though not.
"I thought, since it's the holiday season, you three might behave enough to not cause a scene in the middle of brunch, and you seem to be getting along a bit better recently!"
His poor pumpkin, she had no idea just how well the three of them were getting along. With a frustrated sigh he sat down, glaring at Alastor's smug expression. Vox was scrolling on his phone, seemingly bored, but Lucifer caught a slight smile aimed in his direction.
"Do you need some cushions or can you reach the table, your majesty?" Alastor teased. Lucifer growled.
"I might just use your ego, it's certainly big enough."
Vox let out a surprised laugh, looking up from his phone. Alastor's antlers lenghtened, but he shrank back under Charlie's disappointed look. Lucifer tunred in his seat, taking her hand.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I'll try to behave."
Charlie smiled. "Good. I'm on the other side of the table, so if you need anything…"
Vox smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He might like Lucifer, but he barely tolerated his daughter. She was way to chatty and optimistic for him, but he pulled himself together so as not to get into the King's bad books. He might not be able to harm sinners, but he could certainly make Vox's life… well, hell.
"We'll ask you, Charlie. Thank you for organzing this."
Charlie beamed and retreated.
"Charmer," Lucifer hissed.
Vox smirked. "Apologies. I'll just ignore her from now on, hm?"
"Shut up, the both of you," Alastor chimed in, his grin tense.
A loud giggle sounded from the left. Angel Dust approached the table, his arm looped through Husk's. The two of them wore matching elf hats, though the rest of Angel's attire was far more revealing than what Husk was wearing.
They sat down next to Vox, greeting the three men, and continued their conversation about blobfish, for some reason. Alastor's gaze lingered on Husk for a few more seconds, then he tuned into the conversation blooming between Vox and Lucifer.
"— seen the execution of that one imp last week?" Vox asked.
Lucifer sipped his drink. "The one that stole a Goetia's grimoire to journey to the mortal realm? If I recall correctly he wasn't executed—"
"Because this bastard thought he had to sacrifice himself to save me. As if I wouldn't have made it out on my own," an unfamiliar voice chimed in from behind them.
Over Lucifer's shoulder, Vox saw three imps, a hellhound, and a Goetia. The tallest imp, who also had the largest horns, was holding the hand of the Goetia, their height difference only slightly larger than between Al and Lu. The other two imps were holding hands and seemed to only have eyes for each other. The hellhound looked around nervously, then, spotting Cherri, she walked over and struck up a conversation with the cyclops.
"And you are?" Alastor questioned, his radio filter prominent as ever when he wasn't alone with Lucifer and Vox.
The imp with the large horns extended his free hand. "The name's Blitzø, the O is silent," he introduced himself. When Alastor didn't take his hand, Lucifer glared at him and shook the imp's hand instead. The King then extended his hand towards the Goetia, a gentle smile on his face.
"You must be Stolas then. I've heard quite a bit about you."
The tall bird took his hand, his eyes watery. "You have?"
Blitzø patted his arm, never once letting go of his hand. "There, there big guy. I'm sure he's only heard good things about you. Isn't that right, sir?"
Vox's eyes turned dark when Blitzø adressed the King that way. He quickly got his expression back under control though, seeing as they were sadly still in public and he had to keep up their "We all hate each other very much and are still definitely rivals and no we haven't been together for a month now"-schtick.
Stolas gasped. He leaned down and stage-whispered: "You do know that's the King of Hell, right?"
Blitzø's eyes grew wide. "Oh shit. I am so sorry, your highness. I really didn't know."
Lucifer chuckled. "You're good. I suppose I don't really look like a king, do I?"
"Perhaps you should invest in proper attire then, your majesty?" Vox taunted.
Lucifer rolled his eyes. "Seems that even this imp here is nicer than an Overlord. You should take notes, Box."
Vox's eyes narrowed at the name. He knew that the Devil did know his name, but was just pulling his leg. "I'll remember that."
Their fight conversation was interrupted by Charlie tapping her spoon against the side of her glass. Quickly, the remaining guests took thier seats, silence spreading across the table.
"Thank you." Charlie stood at the head of the table, beaming. Her blue sweater contradicted her usual red suit, but it was a welcome change. "Well. It sure has been a wild year, huh?" Giggles sounded throughout the lobby. "But if we've learned anything this year, it's that we can do anything, as long as we have the right support. No matter if that's your friend, partner, neighbor, or enemy, someone is always looking out for you." Alastor, Vox and Lucifer exchanged glances. "I would like to take a minute to thank everyone in here for being who you are and giving redemption a try. But most improtantly, I want to thank everyone who stayed with me, despite my flight of fancy and thinking that redemption works the same way for everyone. It doesn't and we at the hotel will be working on that. That being said, a special thank you to Angel for putting up with my antics—" Angel bowed his head, a blush dusting his cheeks. Husk patted his hand.
"—Alastor, without whom I wouldn't have won against that giant laser—" The Radio Demon smirked at Vox.
"—my dad, who rebuilt this entire hotel from the bottom after the last fight against Adam—" Now it was Lucifer's turn to blush, and Vox's foot bumped against his under the table.
"—Baxter, for helping us against the Vee's security system—" The fish sinner smiled where he sat next to Niffty, who, for once, was sitting still. Perhaps that had soemthing to do with Baxter's pinky interlocked with hers.
"—and of course my wonderful girlfriend, Vaggi—please note the name change!—who called me back when I was getting to excited and who supported me, no matter what. I love you." Vaggi smiled and kissed Charlie's hand.
"But also thank you to everyone sitting here. Thank you for existing, and for believing. Because I believe that anyone—" She looked at Vox. "—can be redeemed, and everyone deserves a second chance. Happy Sinsmas, everyone!"
Applause sounded out along the table, then the food appeared in a flurry of golden sparkles: waffles, pancakes, fruit, whipped cream, cookies, and a plate of meat for those who preferred savory foods. The drink options were as plentiful as the food: eggnog, mulled wine, fruit punch, apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate, and whiskey.
The hotel's lobby was filled with the sound of many overlapping voices, the scrape of cutlery on plates, the chink of glasses clinking, and soft music that started playing after Charlie's speech.
Sure, it was Hell. It was hot, and red, and miserable, but at times like this, surrounded by the people he loved, enjoying good food, even Lucifer had hope. Maybe Charlie's plan would work out, and they'd redeem many more sinners. Maybe it wouldn't and the hotel would become an oasis for anyone looking for a break from Hell's tough climate and rough inhabitants. Or maybe everything would crash and burn, who knew? But, whatever happened, Lucifer thought, no Sinsmas had ever been better than this one.
And with Vox's feet entangled with his own, and one of Alastor's shadow tentacles resting lightly on his lap, a hot glass of wine in his hand and his plate full of delicious food prepared by his daughter, Lucifer finally felt at home. He allowed himself to be swept up into a conversation between Husk and the male imp, Moxxie, about being queer in a conservative family, a bubble of happiness blossoming in his chest.