Moments

by LGWonder

Summary:

Not everything has to be a big adventure and high stakes.

Mostly life goes on, things can be mundane and what you thought you wanted, wasn't what you needed.

There are boring quiet moments that you can't imagine living without.

Notes:

This is where I will now start dumping cutesy stuff while the main plot is running.

Because happiness in the main plot will be... on hiatus for a bit.

Chapter 1: What He Thought He Want/What He Couldn't Live Without

What he thought he wanted...

Alastor’s radio cane clicked and clacked as he walked along steaming sidewalks of Pentagram City. Coming up alongside him in his matching suit was his son, hands in his pockets and looking bored.

“I thought we were going to create some chaos tonight,” Takuma pouted, keeping pace without effort, sidestepping a puddle of something that hissed when touched. “Not take a romantic stroll through the gutters.”

Alastor chuckled, a warm buzzing sound the fizzled on the airways.

“My darling, chaos requires a small amount of patience. We’re not bulls in a china shop, we have manners.” He chided and turned towards a shopping center, Takuma’s obedient footfalls beside him.

“If you wanted a snack, we should have gone to Cannibal Town.” Takuma rebuttals instead and watches sinners scurry away at the Radio Demon’s mere presence.

Alastor chuckled again and looked down at his boy, now at his shoulder in height. Still adorable with his curls slicked back and his perked forward while his tail gave a lazy flick. He was dressed in a matching suit of black and blue. Alastor’s little mini creator of chaos.

“Before we start attacking another Overlord’s territory, I want to test your abilities on a few victims. I can’t bring you into a dangerous situation without proper training, darling.”

Takuma turned his head and smiled, something menacing and smug. “Of course, I’ll make you proud, Papa.” He replied and broke off to find his victim.

Alastor’s returning smile was all teeth. “I expect nothing less!” He called out and disappeared into the shadows to follow from behind.

Just because he sent the boy on a mission, it didn’t mean Alastor wouldn’t be watching his every move, watching if someone was following. This is his child after all, he’d always be there to look out for him.

Takuma walked with a bored confidence that Alastor had taught him, curated to appear unbothered by the masses as one should. If he couldn’t maintain the jovial smile, cold indifference would have to do. Takuma’s smiles were to open and sweet most times, but his features were gaining a sharpness that resembled Alastor’s own, perhaps there was hope for that menacing glee yet. But in this instance, Takuma was lethal grace, his shoes never made a sound as he walked with purpose.

Sinners glanced at his well dressed child but no one knew who he was yet. Takuma paid no attention to these miserable louses as he searched for his target. Alastor watched him weave through the crowds, his cold blue eyes taking in every little detail around him, picking a part each sinner his gazed past over, until he found his choice.

Of course he went for the biggest lout in the street.

The large sinner was one of the loan sharks, this one worked for Vox, easily spotted by the logo on his shoulder sleeves. The idiot was roughing up a little squirrel looking sinner when Takuma came up the beast and froze the ground under his fins.

The loan shark grunted in surprise and lost his footing as it were and lost his hold on the critter that he had a knife to. The shark turned its gaping maw on Takuma, breath thick with decay and fish guts.

Takuma’s impassive air never wavered, and he looked up at the sinner and spoke up. “Well, that wasn’t very sporting of you. Attacking someone so much smaller than oneself says a lot about what you need to compensate for.”

“Who the fuck do ya think ya are, pipsqueak?” The sinner growled out, reaching forward to push Takuma shoulder.

The teen didn’t budge, only moved with the push so the degenerate’s touch didn’t soil his jacket.

“I’m the Prince of Hell, Takuma Morningstar. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.” Takuma answered, his deadpan stare held no warmth or the jovial tones of what one would expect from a Morningstar.

The shark did backup a bit at that. “Get the fuck atta here, no little fox demon is gunna be the King of Hell’s son.”

Takuma shrugged. “Believe what you will, but he’s not my own parent. I’m sure you know who the Radio Demon is, he’s my Papa.”

The ice beneath their feet began to crackle and consume the street, and Takuma’s expression slowly morphed into something sadistic and smug.

“You would like to know what he taught me?” He baited and pulled his hands free from his pockets.

The ice shot out from the ground and pierced the shark from each side, he screamed his agony, and once Takuma was sure of his mark the ice shrank away and let the beast flop to the ground.

The sinner’s labored breaths were music to Alastor’s ears as he stepped from the shadows. Takuma was crouched over the bloody mess and swiped his finger through the black liquid.

“I thought we could enjoy sushi tonight.” Takuma said in lieu of a greeting, looked back and up at Alastor.

Alastor chuckled and used his cane to roll the sinner onto his back, listening for the final gargle. “You and your love for seafood. Yes, fine, you do well. Though next time drag it out a little more. Where’s the show, the performance?” Alastor lectured.

Takuma smirked and licked the black blood from the tips of his gloved claws. “I’ve never been much of a showman, but I still have time to learn Papa. I’m just hungry.” He teased and licked his lips.

Alastor smirked and patted his shoulder. “By all means, darling. Eat your fill, we have time to work on your technique.”

Takuma’s grin was all teeth and wild eyes. “As you say, Papa.”

---

What he couldn't live without...

Alastor appeared on the front porch of the swamp house. The night brought crickets and frogs serenading the darkness as he opened the front door to a lit-up living room. The old picture box set up to the side of the old fireplace. The begrudging feeling of seeing the thing there never left Alastor, but for Takuma he would endure.

Said teen was slouched on the couch, pajama-clad and his customary blanket wrapped around his shoulders. A large bowl of warm buttery popcorn sat on the coffee table, along with other kinds of snacks for them to share. An already open soda sat on a coaster and Takuma licked his lips after taking a sip.

“Hi Papa, did you have fun being an evil radio host?” He greeted and smiled up at Alastor.

Alastor chuckled and removed his jacket at the door, putting it away in the coat closet and taking off his shoes. He turned to his boy while he worked his tie off and took down his high collar and worked down a few buttons to unwind.

“It was grand, as always. Took the edge off working the hotel for the morning. A few screams of agony can really brighten one's evening.” He answered and before taking a seat, went to his liquor cabinet to pour himself an expensive whiskey, courtesy of Lucifer.

You could practically hear the eye roll when Takuma replied. “Yeah, sounds like a lot of fun.”

Alastor smirked and came to plop down in his spot, the end of the couch where he could put his drink down and rest his arm on the armrest. He folded ankle over his knee and lifted his other arm up for Takuma to cuddled up close. He ran claws through soft curls and sipped his drink.

“So, what am I being subjected to tonight, my lovely boy?” He asked and couldn’t help but plant a kiss on the cheek that was automatically offered.

“It’s a movie called Aliens, another horror film, so you can enjoy it too.” Takuma replied and relaxed back into his shoulder.

He was so much taller now, Alastor secretly hoped his height stopped here. Where he could still wrap him up in his arms or pull him into his lap, though he often refused that spot now. Sixteen was a cruel age but at least Takuma still craved hugs and kisses like this.

“Hm, I’ll hold my criticism for the end, as always.” He said smoothly, brushing Takuma’s curls back with a light touch. “Though your choices so far have made that difficult, little kit.”

Takuma huffed against his shoulder but didn’t pull away, he never pulled away.

“You’re so dramatic,” he muttered.

Alastor smiled against his temple.
“And yet, here you are, waiting for little ol’ me.”

Takuma relaxed and summoned the remote to his hand. “Always.”

As the movie moved along though, it was obvious only one of this father-son duo was enjoying the movie.

Takuma let out a muffled noise and sank lower into the couch and behind his blanket, eyes wide and horrified. He only peeked out whenever Alastor giggled and promptly regretted it.

“That’s not where heads should open from,” he hissed, yanking the blanket higher as another scream tore through the old speakers.

Beside him, Alastor looked absolutely delighted. His grin practically splitting his face as he leaned on his hand, eyes gleaning in the flickering light of the TV.

“Marvelous creature design,” he hummed, cheerfully reaching over to cover Takuma’s eyes with one claw. “There, there. No need to witness this if you're going to have nightmares.”

“No!” Takuma’s voice cracked indignantly from behind his claw. “I’m sixteen I can handle this just fine!”

Alastor chuckled, moving to run soothing claws through curls and scratch at fox ears.
“You did pick it, little kit. Though I admit, I’m quite proud of your taste.”

“I didn’t know it was going to hatch out of people's chests!”

“And what a lovely surprise it was!”

Alastor cackled when something happened, and Takuma’s tail puffed up before hiding his face in his Papa’s chest. Alastor held his kit close and kissed his head, before going back to his drink and movie.

When the credits finally rolled, the eerie music fading into static silence. Alastor rubbed at his boy’s shoulders until he pulled away from Alastor’s chest. He reclined back into the couch, his drink long finished, and popcorn was eaten. He moved crack his neck in his grotesque way and smiled at his beloved boy.

“Ah, now that was delightful.” He said, voice still warm with amusement.
“Practical effects, impeccable tension, an unforgettable dinner scene—“

“Unforgettable because I’m never eating again,” Takuma grumbled, his voice thin with lingering horror.

Alastor cackled, reaching out to tousle his curls.

“You were very brave, little one. Well, mostly. Hiding in your Papa’s bosom doesn’t invoke much bravery. You do remember the things you’ve done and seen while living in Hell, yes?”

Takuma let out a groan and tried to flop sideways into the other side of the couch, but there were snacks and whatnot there, so Alastor’s claw grabbed the dramatic teen and had him flop back into his lap and bury his face into Alastor’s stomach.

“I know and I’m sixteen! I shouldn’t be scared of fake aliens.”

“Nonsense,” Alastor said, running the tips of his claws in soothing circles on Takuma’s back. "Fear keeps the senses sharp. Besides, being sixteen means your brain is just starting to understand what should terrify you.”

Takuma peaked up at Alastor, suspicious.
“… Is that meant to be comforting or a threat?”

“Yes.” Alastor beamed.

There was a beat of silence, Alastor pulled out his phone and tapped away with much more precision than when he’d first started using the thing. His grin widened at what he found.
“Did you know there are several squeals? I believe the next one has… eggs.”

Takuma bolted upright.
“No. Absolutely not. You are not tricking me into a marathon of parasitic horror.”

“I don’t need to trick you, darling. You’ll be curious eventually.”

“Filthy lies.”

Alastor cackles again and stood, smoothing his pants.

“Well then. I suppose that’s enough interstellar carnage for one evening. Off you go now. Brush your fangs, wash your face, and make sure no chestbursters followed you down the hall.”

Takuma’s ears went back, his tail slashing through the air as he stomped down the hallway, his blanket wrapped around him like a shield.

Alastor snickered and snapped his fingers to clean up the mess. He yawned and thought how lovely the night had turned, so much cuddling his fangs could rot.

Alastor had, of course, insisted on putting his boy to bed. Despite the routine, Takuma still protested, saying he was almost an adult and didn’t need to be tucked in and sang to anymore. Alastor would not be deterred by his complaints. He had to give up shoulder rides due to height, he would never concede tucking and soothing the boy into blissful dreams.

He tucked him to the chin, the manatee hidden under the blankets. He leaned down and kissed his forehead with all the tenderness in the world.

“Sleep well, little one.” Alastor murmured before pulling away, flicking the lights off and closing the door behind him.

Now, settled in his own bed, dressed for the night without worrying of his King’s wandering claws for once. He had his readers on as he read a well-won volume of Poe. The sound of wildlife outside his window bringing a peaceful ambiance.

Until.

Tap tap tap.

A soft knock, hesitant and almost too quiet to hear.

The door creaked open just a crack, and a familiar mop of curls poke through, cheeks flushed pink and eyes wide in embarrassment.

“Papa…” Takuma mumbled. “Can I… um. Can I sleep with you tonight?”

Alastor’ ears perked up and he blinked over the rim of his glasses. His smile was gentle, and his voice was warm.

“Of course, my darling, come in.”

Takuma padded across the floor in socked feet and his blanket wrapped tightly around his shoulders. He didn’t hesitate to crawl over Alastor’s legs and curl up into his side like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Alastor wrapped an arm around him at once, pulling him in securely and pressing a soft kiss to his curls.

“Scary movies don’t scare brave little fox kits,” he teased softly, “but they do make them extra cuddly.”

Takuma huffed, halfhearted.

“It wasn’t the movie. It’s just… you’re warm. And quiet. And you don’t snore.”

“Mmhm.”

They both knew better, but neither of them cared to argue. Takuma was already relaxing, his breath slowing, his fingers clutching Alastor’s shirt like he had when he was small.

“Thank you,” he murmured, nearly asleep already.

Alastor turned the page of his book with his free hand, voice no louder than a heartbeat.

“Always, my darling boy. Always.”

Chapter 2: A Win Is A Win

Notes:

Takuma has a lot going on in his life as an adult, but that doesn’t stop his parents from their need to dote and cause him grief.

Takuma is twenty in this!

Takuma sat on the couch in his parents’ penthouse, reading through a proposal sent over by his uncle Ozzie and aunt Levi. His eyes were beginning to blur from over hundreds pages of a new law to give hellborne better education and actual orphanages. Levi loved writing laws and Ozzie had a passion for the hellborne ever since he fell in love with one. Stolas offered to help read through this, but he was busy with his own work at the moment.

He couldn’t sit at his desk in his own room, the scent of lavender and vanilla made him want to fall asleep, and that wasn’t in the cards for him tonight.

A chill of shadows and scent of apples alerted him to his parents’ return from their date night. Alastor and Lucifer were back earlier than expected. Takuma shot up and gathered the papers and put them away with a wave of his hand. His parents would want privacy and Takuma should give them that.

He made to go for the front doors, because again no sleep was to be had until he read through this proposal and be able to go over everything at the meeting in the next few days, but shadows grabbed his ankles and caused him stumbled to a halt.

“Leaving so soon, darling?” Alastor called and the King and his Consort descended upon him.

If there was one truth in this universe that Takuma knew in his heart, it was that his parents would never fully treat him like the adult that he was, and he long let it go in favor peace of mind.

Lucifer had his elbow and pulled him down into a hug, Takuma wasn’t as tall as his sister or Alastor, but he did stand over his Dad now at five eight. He hugged Lucifer back and when he pulled away, Alastor’s long arms pulled him back against his chest and his Papa kissed the top of his head and nuzzled one of his ears.

“What a pleasant surprise,” Alastor cooed and squeezed him close. “You’ve been so busy these last few weeks, we’ve barely seen you.”

Lucifer smiled from where he stood, leaning against his cane. “Just a few more days and you make a whole lotta hellborne’s lives better,” he praised and reached up to cup his boy’s cheek. “I’m very proud of you.”

Takuma smiled at his Dad but he couldn’t stifle a yawn that broke through and he hid it behind his hand. “Yup, almost through the bullshit of bureaucracy, thanks for creating that, by the way.”

Lucifer’s toothy smile was warm and he snapped his fingers, Takuma’s outfit changed into soft and warm pajamas as though they just came from the dryer.

“Sounds like some rest is in order.” Alastor murmured into one of his ears and tried to lift him up.

“Ah, wait—“ he zipped away in a wisp of frost. “Sorry, thank you, but I can’t sleep yet, I still have to memorize the rest of the proposal and make sure everything is ready. I’m not going to be sleeping any time soon.” He explained and snapped his own fingers to change his clothes back, but it didn’t work.

“What, hey!”

Lucifer and Alastor smiles were equal parts indulgent and long suffering. They grabbed a wrist each for themselves and pulled Takuma along, despite his protests.

“Come along now, darling, I’ll sing to you and we’ll cuddle up until you’re asleep.” Alastor coaxed and dragged his son towards the penthouse bedroom.

Takuma scowled and tried to dig his heels in but they still overpowered his efforts. He was tossed onto their king size bed and both King and Consort changed their own clothes into sleepwear before joining him.

“Guys, look, I appreciate your care but I’m beyond busy, I have to be ready for this meeting.” He argued and slumped his shoulders when blankets were tucked up under his chin with Alastor and Lucifer wrapped up on either side.

“I’m not going to bed,” he insisted and struggled under Alastor’s squeezing hold.

With the sound of a poof, his old white blanket and manatee plush appeared around him and under an arm. He blushed in embarrassment. “I don’t sleep with those anymore!”

“You’re lying.” Lucifer sang quietly into his hair and kissed his brow. “Go to sleep, baby boy.” He soothed and Alastor started humming their lullaby in his other ear.

Takuma may be tired but he wasn’t a child, he glared up at the canopy of his overbearing parents’ bed and took a few calming breaths before he tried to struggle free again.

“I really can’t do this with you right now, I have a lot riding on this,” He hissed and found himself utterly trapped and his tail thrashed under the blankets, “please stop, I’m a grown adult, I don’t need your incessant coddling.”

Alastor’s claws wrapped around his head to pull him against his chest, combing gently through his curls and scratching at an ear. “Darling, I’ve told you, you’ll always be my baby. Plus, it’s almost been a month since we’ve even had a proper lunch, let alone just some time together.” He murmured and kissed the crown of his head. “I was just telling your father how much I missed you, and then low and behold, what a gift you bring me by being right in my den where I can scoop you up and cuddle you close.” He explained and snuggled up closer to prove his point.

Lucifer smirked and patted his shoulder. “You can’t help anyone if you’re dead on your feet anyways. So, I’ll call this a win, win. Alastor gets his cuddles with you and you get some shut eye and we’ll tackle that proposal together. Now, let’s try this again, g’night baby boy!” He cooed and left an obnoxious kiss on Takuma’s cheek before turning out the lights and cuddling close.

“You’re just using me to make Papa happy.”

“A win, is a win, duckling.”

“Shhh now, kit, sleep and tomorrow we’ll have a nice breakfast before those friends of yours steal you away from me.” Alastor hummed and started back into the lullaby.

Takuma sighed, sagging into their unrelenting grasp and closed his eyes. “Good night Papa, good night Dad.” He grumbled.

He felt their glee at winning this battle and he was squeezed between them in a hug from both sides. Takuma’s ears twitched at the hum of his Papa’s comforting voice and he sighed again and nuzzled close, breathing in apples, chicory and the copper tang of blood.

When he woke the next morning, he had his arms around Alastor and his face buried in a soft furry chest. Alastor completely curled around him in a protective hold and his nose in his messy curls. Waking up will always be a challenge, and the warmth and weight of both blankets and his favorite person were impossible to pull away from when he was so sleepy. He squeezed his arms and burrowed closer to his Papa and sighed in contentment.

Somewhere nearby, Lucifer was humming the lullaby and the sound of papers turning could be heard, they paused and a claw rubbed at one of his ears until he drifted again.

He missed this too.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 11 of Belonging