Sound of Silence
Angel Dust held Stitches’ hand as he told her all the latest gossip in the hotel. Today marked the 18th day since she had slipped into unconsciousness. Eighteen days since he had last heard her laugh, joked with her, gotten a hug from her… His sister was right there, yet it felt like she was a million miles away.
“Charlie and Lucifer are at the Heaven Embassy for a meeting right now. Apparently, Heaven is finally willing to negotiate the terms of the Redemption Project, or so they say. Sir Pentious, the crazy motherfucker… I still can hardly believe he made it! Cherri has been absolutely ecstatic; I think she is actually fired up to try to get redeemed now. Ya know her, obsessed with the idea of fucking a guy with two dicks!” He laughed. “Oh, I’m kidding. We all know she misses the cheeky bastard. I hope it works out so she can give it a real chance, ya know?”
He paused and watched her for a moment. Nothing had changed since she had been brought into the room. Her face was serene, her breathing even and rhythmic, and she still looked so small and helpless. It killed him to see her like this, again and again. Every time she got hurt, a small piece of him crumbled. Shit, Molly hadn’t even scared him like this, and his twin had been sickly and prone to collapse constantly. Yet, he couldn’t bare the thought of distancing himself from her. No, he was in it for the long haul, no matter what the doll demon got herself into. Family never quits.
“Oh, Brandi,” Angel sighed, reaching up to cup her cheek. “Please come back? Lucifer has ya Magne documentation all ready and waiting. I know ya’ve got some negative feelings about adoption and all, what with how ya adoptive parents turned out, but Short King would never hurt ya! I hope ya give it a chance, at least. The perks alone sound awesome! Think of all the cool shit ya could bring me from Lust!”
“Already trying to rope your sister into bringing you souvenirs from the other Rings, huh?” Angel’s eyes snapped up to look at Lucifer, who was grinning at him with amusement. There was no admonishment in his gaze, just a jovial teasing. “We all know she will be more than happy to bring you whatever you want.”
Angel grinned. “Yeah, well, I am making a list!” he joked. Well, half-joked. “How did the meetin’ go?”
Lucifer chuckled as he sat down, fiddling with Stitches’ hair. “Heaven tried to get the upper hand, as per usual.” Lucifer rolled his eyes. “I think they got haughty from the time they were able to strong-arm me into the exterminations. One time I try to make peace while drowning in a spiral, and they think I am a pushover.” Angel wasn’t too sure about the specifics, but from what he had gathered, Heaven had pushed him to sign off on the exterminations shortly after the Queen had gotten pregnant with Charlie. Lucifer hadn’t been in a good mental state, and the stress had worn him down, fear for his unborn child making him vulnerable. The exterminations had been the last straw in the royal marriage, and Lucifer was still wracked with guilt over the deal, especially now that he knew the souls could have been redeemed.
“So… Guessin’ ya and Charlie got ya way?”
Lucifer sighed. “Yes and no. We were able to use our knowledge of Sir Pentious’s ascension to catch them off guard. They were forced to admit that the program, while not without flaws, has some merit and real, tangible potential. They can no longer deny it as a 'frivolous dream of a bored princess'.” Lucifer spat out the last part, as though he was offended anyone would think such things about his little girl. He waved it off quickly though, excitement in his eyes. “Anyway, since there is proof it is possible, they have agreed to a probationary period. We need to figure out how and why Sir Pentious was redeemed, replicate it, and start redeeming more souls. Once we can do that, they are obligated to officially recognize the Hazbin Hotel and start working with us to make Sinners into Winners!”
Angel nodded, mulling it over. “So, uh, how long are they giving Charlie to figure it out?”
Lucifer huffed. “They tried to set it at only six months, but I vetoed it. I told them that the exterminations have been going on for two centuries, meaning billions of souls have been wiped out, many of which could have been redeemed. So, we finally agreed to two years.” Lucifer didn’t look happy with it, but Angel had to admit, it did, indeed, sound more reasonable than just six months. “We also have been granted access to whatever Heaven can dig up, and we will get to interview Sir Pentious to see if he can shed any light on it. It is more than we had before, so we at least have a starting point.” Lucifer grinned. “Oh, and all talks of exterminations have been permanently put on hold until further notice.”
“So, what happens if we don’t make the probation deadline? And can’t they just… start up the exterminations whenever they want?” Angel felt apprehensive, and the thought of Stitches being in danger from Heaven was even more daunting.
“Oh, no!” Lucifer said firmly. “I have to give them access to Hell for such a large invasion. That’s why they had to sign a deal last time because otherwise, it would break treaties that have existed since The Fall. But, as useless and irritating as Adam was, he fucked up: No Hell-born were to be targeted. There was a specific clause that if they attacked a Hell-born with the intent to kill, the deal was null and void. That pig tried to kill Charlie, so it broke the contract. So, no, they can’t just start up the exterminations again. Especially since they broke the deal.”
Suddenly, pieces fell into place. “Holy Shit! That’s why ya were late to the battle!”
Lucifer grinned. “Yep! Heaven had countered the Hell-born clause with one of their own: I wasn’t allowed to interfere, or it would result in Heaven attacking and wiping out all of Hell. A war as punishment for breaking the deal.” Lucifer snarled quietly. “I had to wait until that fucking bastard came at Charlie with the intent to kill before I could get involved. It was torture, holding back. I wish I could rip him apart, over and over…” He took a deep breath to calm down. “But yeah, anyway, that’s why. And don’t worry. I made sure that this new deal says that there are no consequences for not meeting the probation deadline. It clearly states that at the end of the probation, the situation will be ‘reevaluated’ by both parties. So, while it IS urgent to figure this all out for the sake of the project, we at least aren’t facing anything harsher than losing Heaven’s backing if we fail.”
Angel Dust relaxed. “Well, that’s good at least. I hope-” The covers on the bed rustled, the conversation now officially over. Angel’s eyes went wide, and his heart pounded in his ears. Both of them looked at the face that had been lying so still and dormant for 18 painful long days.
Stitches eyes were open.
____________________________________________________________________________
Alastor watched the Sin of Sloth exam Stitches for what felt like an excruciatingly long time. When Lucifer alerted everyone that the woman had woken up, the entire hotel seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and the tension dissipated immediately. The joy at knowing that the doll demon was finally awake and coming back around had been palpable, but it had been short-lived.
While her eyes had opened, she had not said a word. Her eyes stared straight ahead or wandered unfocused, as though she wasn’t seeing anything. She didn’t react to sounds, touches… Nothing seemed to pull her out of her state. Belphagor had been called to come to take a look, and now they just had to wait while the sleepy sheep woman took forever to look her over.
Finally, the Sin finished, motioning for Lucifer and Alastor to follow her out in the hall. The small king was even paler than usual, and the tension in his body was causing him to tremble slightly. Seeing his little partner like this made his heart clench painfully, but all he could do was put a steadying hand on his shoulder as they waited to hear the results. After, though, he was going to take care of his Ducky, whether the man wanted to let him or not.
“Physically, she is in perfect health,” Belphagor began. “Her hearing is fine, as is her eyesight. Her powers awakening has most certainly boosted her senses. Her magic and demonic energy have increased exponentially, meaning she will be very powerful indeed once she learns-”
“That is all well and good,” Alastor interrupted, putting up a placating hand to the disgruntled woman, “but our concern is what is wrong, not what is right.” He bowed slightly to help quell the Sin’s anger at being interrupted. “We are quite concerned at her unresponsive state, and wish to remedy it however we can.”
Belphagor huffed but continued with some empathy. “I am afraid there is no straight answer. As I said, physically, she is doing well, far better than she has since arriving in Hell, perhaps even further back than that. Whatever is causing this, it is mental or emotional.”
“So what do we do?” Lucifer whispered. The fallen angel sounded so broken, as though a single word could shatter him completely. Another pang shot through Alastor’s chest.
Bel shook her head. “I can provide some medication to try to relieve some of the depression and anxiety, help her start to come back around. However, until she can vocalize her needs, there isn’t much else we can do. It could be a few days… it could be a very long time. Talking to her, engaging with her, reading to her; all of those things are our best bet to reach her-”
Alastor felt Lucifer going limp and immediately caught him before he could fall. Scooping him up bridal style, he looked into the unconscious face. His pallor was ashen, even his bright reddish cheek marks looked drab and sickly. His eyes were sunken in and purplish blue from lack of sleep, and he felt lighter, bones more noticeable under his skin. How did I not notice…
Bel ran glowing hands over Lucifer. “He is alright, just passed out from the stress. It looks like he has been neglecting his needs again.” The woman sighed and looked down at Alastor. “Don’t blame yourself. He was using glamour charms to hide his condition. I didn’t even notice until the charms failed when he lost consciousness. The selfish, prideful thing.” She placed a hand on Lucifer’s cheek. “He’s obviously in a spiral. I would guess that he has been faking it so no one worried, but it was bound to fail at some point. That’s why he usually locked himself away while he was like this because it was easier than facing it. Lilith was good at helping him through things at first, but it wore her down, between caring for him and trying to build a kingdom.”
Alastor stared down at the man he loved. The thought of him hiding himself away so he wouldn’t bother anyone was devastating because he knew that that was what it was. Yes, the man was Pride incarnate, but he was also empathetic to a fault. If he could relieve someone else’s pain by not showing his, he would. Alastor wanted to beat himself up for missing the signs, for not catching it before it got to this point, but that would serve no one. No, he would take this as a lesson, learn from it, and ensure he did not fail again.
“Before you leave, would you let Charlie know about Stitches and give her any other information? I would do it myself, but I need to care for His Majesty.” He paused. “I will discuss her father at a later time if you would be so kind as to not mention it to her just yet.”
Belphagor nodded, and Alastor melted into the shadows. He and Lucifer reappeared in the King’s chambers. Normally, he would opt for his own, partially for the sense of control, but also because Lucifer found the pocket dimension bayou to be enchanting and charming. But right now, his partner needed to feel safe and comforted, and his piles of ducks would do a much better job of that.
Laying the man on the bed, he went to start a bath. Lucifer always felt better after a bubble bath, and while he wasn’t particularly fond of all the sweet smells and bubbles, he was willing to do anything to relieve even a fraction of the stress from the little king. His ear swiveled when he heard movement from the bed, and he motioned for his shadow to finish making the bath. He strode back to the bed, just in time to stop Lucifer from standing up. He struggled to keep the radio static from flaring when he saw that the glamours were back in place.
“I have to get back to Brandi, Al. Move, I’m fine.” Lucifer’s authoritative tone would have held more power if it wasn’t trembling with exhaustion. Alastor didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the weak attempt, so he merely, as gently as possible, pushed the man back to the bed and started removing the man’s boots. Lucifer shivered from the touch but still tried to push him off. “Al, I said-”
“Drop the glamor spells, Luci. I already saw.” He spoke softly, gently, looking into those tired eyes with as much affection as he could. Lucifer seemed shocked, opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. The little man took a deep breath and closed his eyes, tears flowing, as he let the glamour dispel. Alastor leaned up, cradled his face in his hands, and kissed his forehead. “There’s my real Ducky.” He pulled the crying man to his chest, where Lucifer clung to him as he sobbed. “Never hide yourself from me again, My King. I am your partner. No matter how painful or dark things get, I am here for you. You are never going to scare me away, Ducky. Nothing could be more terrifying than the thought you might push me away.”
They sat like that for a long time, just letting Lucifer cry. Eventually, his sobs slowed down enough that Alastor felt like he could move him. He picked him up and carried him to the bathroom, setting him on a stool next to the waiting bath. Alastor’s shadow nuzzled Lucifer’s cheek, earning the smallest smile from him. Alastor lifted Lucifer's chin with a finger. “Can you undress yourself, or shall I?”
Lucifer trembled and whined. “Seeing me naked would make you uncomfortable.”
Alastor tsked at him. “That was not the question, sire. But, since you brought it up: the naked form is not, inherently, sexual. It is a body, a vessel, simply nature. Nakedness is normal, in certain contexts, and bathing falls beautifully in that category.” He leaned in close, dropping his voice low, turning off the radio filter. “Though I will admit, the thought of you naked before me, specifically, is appealing.” Lucifer’s eyes widened in shock and desire, face turning bright gold in a blush, and Alastor smirked. “Now, can you undress yourself, or shall I assist you?”
“I-I can…” He frowned and swallowed. “I want to say I can out of pride, but honestly… I don’t even think I can lift my arms right now.” He sighed and looked away. “This was one of the main reasons I would lock myself away during a spiral. I’m the most powerful creature in Hell, but due to my incapability to help myself, I get so weak and helpless.” He bit his lip and choked down a sob. “I’m fucking pathetic.”
Alastor started undressing him, unbuttoning his shirt. “You are far from pathetic, Ducky. Do you want me to tell you what you are?” Lucifer remained silent, so he continued. “You are a proud and doting parent to both your sired and acquired daughters.” He slipped the shirt off, revealing the smooth pale skin of his torso, and the ombre arms that slowly turned to black. “You are a creative and inventive man, with many talents and incredible skill. Your attention to detail is only outdone by your passion for your creations.” He helped Lucifer stand, his shadow supporting him, and unbuttoned and unzipped the white pants. He gently pulled them off, careful not to catch them on the small hooves that were Lucifer’s feet. “You are kind and loving, always working to help those you care about, protective of your loved ones, and a true joy to be around.” He pulled off the ducky boxers, leaving his partner standing above him, naked and trembling.
He looked up into those sad, disbelieving eyes. “You are beautiful, my love, intoxicating. Your passion for life inspires us all, even someone as dark and diseased as me. You encourage me to be the best I can be, and your softness and goodness have conquered the unconquerable: You have captured my heart and were but my soul was mine to give, I would give you that as well.” He slowly stood and cradled Lucifer’s face in his hands, looking deep into his eyes. “I love you, Lucifer.” Before the smaller man could respond, he leaned down and kissed the blond on the lips.
Lucifer stiffened in shock, but quickly melted into the embrace, returning every ounce of passion Alastor gave. Their mouths opened, deepening the kiss, and Lucifer wrapped his arms around Alastor’s neck, pulling him in closer. It was everything like Alastor had imagined, and more. So much more. Even the slick saliva, which he would normally abhor, felt right coming from Lucifer, the faint taste of apples and cinnamon delightful on his tongue. He decided that, while not something he would enjoy constantly, he would be open to repeat performances in the future.
Gently picking Lucifer up as they parted to breathe, he carefully lowered him into the tub. The short man gasped as he was covered in the warm water, but it quickly turned into a soft moan as it relaxed his muscles. Alastor sent his shadow to fetch some food from the kitchen while he set to work bathing his partner, taking his time to massage his scalp while washing his hair. Once his little angel was ready to get out, he would dress him, feed him, then crawl into bed with him and hold him while he slept. Lucifer needed him, and he was going to be there, every step of the way.
“No more hiding, Ducky,” he whispered, nuzzling the damp hair as his lover soaked in the tub.
Lucifer looked up at him, a real smile on his face, though tired it may be. “For you, Bambi? I will never hide again.” He gazed at him lovingly and pulled him in for a short, sweet kiss. “I love you, Alastor.”