Chapter 1: Brimstone, Fire, Eyes
Chapter Text
Many liked to assume Alastor and Vox once had a genuine friend, tales of Vox trying to whoo the doe and failed miserably, years of friendship ruined by the TV demons romantic advances.
Many assumed Alastor and Rosie were best friends. That the doe viewed the cannibal overlord as a sister or even a mother figure.
Many assumed Alastor had malicious intentions in deciding to help princess Charlie Morningstar with her ridiculous hotel.
Most of all, people assumed he had a tail.
And, just as many assumed such things, they assumed Alastor was an Alpha class Provider.
Hell was quite, for once, the sinners of pride ring fell silent. In the aftermath of Vox's attempted uprising, overlords were attempting to lay low, Lucifer was recharging at the hotel, his powers slow to strengthen from being used as a battery, Charlie was thriving on the new found attention the hotel was gaining now that heaven was joining them in her cause, Emily stayed at the hotel frequently to help out with rehabilitation programs, and dead in the center, was Alastor.
Alastor was healing.
Correction, trying to heal.
Physically, the gaping gnash across his chest had yet to mend itself, thanks to Vox's rough handling with the stitches a couple days prior, his arm had yet to heal itself from that wretched dog-shark-thing the TV kept around. His leg aches from previous injuries, knee and ankle twinging with pain every step he takes, and all he wants to do is lock himself in his room and curl up under his heavy blankets, and disappear.
But he had so much work to do. Apparently, in his absence, his work was simply left alone, no one had done any paperwork, no one had thought to run the errands, no one had planted warding around the hotel property, and God forbid anyone did the dishes.
Not for the first time, Alastors head buzzed, a low, annoying frequency that kept trying to nudge his sanity over a cliff, it stabbed at the back of his eyes as he ignored it, stubbornly staying grounded. It had been there ever since the last extermination, Adam had struck him, hurt him, and his head became fuzzy, dizzying him as he dragged himself back to his broken radio tower, and slurring his thoughts as he tried to stitch his wound shut.
It hadn't gone away in months.
It kept buzzing, and nudging. Begging him to seek comfort.
But he would not. Instead, he took care of his own problems, no one helped him, no one cared, and he didn't need help or care! He broke his deals and he did that all on his lonesome.
Chew on that, annoying buzz.
The buzzing in his head was not happy with him. It shrieked, cutting into him, screaming and kicking, wanting to come out, if only Alastor would let it-
"Alastor!"
That agitating voice had the deer holding himself back from rolling his eyes.
"Do your job." Vaggie said for what has had to have been the umth time since she met him, "We don't pay you to be useless."
Jokes on her, the only ones getting paid around here are Husk and Nifty. So Alastor can be just as useless as he wants.
"Sorry, dear. I don't seem to have noticed anything requiring my immediate attention right now." He said, politely, just to give the fallen angel the benefit of the doubt.
Not bothering to retain her disdain towards him, her scoffed and rolled her eyes, "You left a bunch of work unfinished when you left the other week." She said, "don't you think you should catch up on it?"
"Well, I don't see the point in doing it if it clearly wasn't important enough for anyone to pick it up while I was away for a week." He snipped sharply, "Now if you'll excuse me," Alastor stepped past her, flicking his wrist dismissively, "I believe I quit. I'm here as a guest now, so if you don't mind giving me some privacy."
Vaggie sputtered, Alastor loved it when she bit herself when trying to be mean to him.
The Beta class Caregiver turned on her heel aggressively, "I cannot believe you, you'd think a Provider would do some providing." She muttered as she walked off.
Mentally, Alastor scoffed, as if he hadn't done enough providing for the year and a half he's been resided here.
Something in him wanted to whine and pout at the accusation, wanted to demand proper, well earned affection, wanted this FALSE Caregiver to leave him alone.
But he ignored it, ignored the thing in his head calling Vaggi a false Caregiver just because she didn't care for him, and vanished into his room.
If it wasn't obvious by now, Alastor and Vox had never had a genuine relationship, from the start it was all Vox playing the long game for a grab for power, and Alastor, amused, playing along with him.
He and Rosie's relationship had never been pure, he used her for her power, and she had seen him as her pet and slave.
And so forth.
So, if it wasn't plainly obvious, Alastor was not an Alpha class Provider.
Chapter 2: Aglow
Summary:
He felt dizzy, he told himself it was from a lack of sleep and because of the stress, but deep down, he knew exactly what it was.
Notes:
New classifications and dynamics this chapter! I wonder what Al could be...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hell had never been a safe place.
It especially wasn't safe for people with certain classifications.
Luckily, the Hazbin Hotel provides protection and care for all classifications!
According to Charlie, the hotel still wasn't safe enough, now that real guests where showing up, they needed to provide care for certain classifications.
Nesting rooms for unmatched Caretakers, playrooms for Littles, community activities for Providers. Pack bonding activities and so forth.
Why the hotel didn't have any of that until now, Alastor chalked it up to the princess herself not having a classification beyond Alpha class Guardian. Trying to help everyone for reasons Alastor could only describe as selfish, and not rea thinking about the needs of her community.
Not that Alastor thought it was a bad thing. People should be selfish, deserved to be, even! Hell, he was one of the most selfish out there! What mildly annoyed him was that she tried to pretend she wasn't, that she was better than everyone.
Alastor shook his head, shaking the thoughts away. He grimaced knowing he was only thinking such things because the buzz in his head was growing cranky, criticizing anyone who had caused him irritation just for the sake of being upset.
"-- so I would like you all to report your classifications and rankings!" Charlie was finishing up.
There was a pregnant pause as the present staff processed her words.
"What the fuck are you on about?" Husk finally said, unintentionally voicing Alastors opinion as well.
"Well, one way to make people with special classifications feel save is by have active staff members with special classifications, right?" The princess said cheerfully, "I know Vaggi is a Beta class Caregiver. But I don't know your's or Niftys yet, or Alastors. I don't even know my dad's."
"Why can't we just do the things without exposing ourselves?" Husk said, again voicing everyone's opinion.
"Oh, oh!" Nifty bounced in her seat, "Do me, do me! I'm a Delta class Provider!" She beamed gleefully.
Alastor pat her head fondly, humming, "And you do a wonderful job providing us a clean environment, dear." He said, he turned to face the princess, "I don't understand why I have to be here, I believe I'd quit."
Charlie gave him that look, the look with the big watery eyes that she thought persuade him to do anything for her, "But, but Alastor! We need you! You're so important to us..."
"To you." Vaggi and Lucifer corrected her in union, Lucifer cleared his throat, "I personally don't mind if everyone knows my classification."
Husk pinched the bridge of his snout, sighing heavily, "Exposing classifications is dangerous, especially for omega or sub classes. It's like putting a target on our backs, if we just paraded our classifications around it could put us and the hotel in danger."
Vaggi raised her brow challengingly, "How dangerous could it possibly be?"
Husk glared, "They could be used to sabotage the hotel, or worse, taken advantage of. How hard is that to understand? You all know what happened to Angel."
Alastor knew Husk was a Hunter class Caretaker, a somewhat rare classification, which is one of the reasons he wouldn't be entirely safe if his classifications were to get out.
The air was quiet with guilt as the minutes ticked on, and Alastor let the radio sitting on the table pop loudly, "Well, that was productive." He said, breaking the silence, "If anyone needs me I won't be here. Ta-ta." He turned to leave, only halt at the kings voice.
"Hey, Charlie didn't say the meeting was over yet. Sit your flat ass down." He poofed in the deers path in a burst of gold, poking him firmly in the chest.
Static spiked at the pain that came with the jab, "What else is there to discuss?" He said through grit teeth, "I believe we've established why we should not be flaunting our classifications."
He felt dizzy, he told himself it was from a lack of sleep and because of the stress, but deep down, he knew exactly what it was.
"Fine, if you need an example to follow, I'm an Enigma class." Lucifer said proudly, "Which means I can play any role my pack needs me to."
Over Alastors shoulder, Charlie smiled gratefully.
"Please, guys?"
Something in Alastor was cold and heavy, because he wasn't being listened to, being ignored in favor of others, he felt vulnerable.
"I refuse to give up this information." He said finally, not giving anyone room to argue, "my dynamics are my business and my business alone, I'm afraid I'll be sitting this one out."
The princess pouted, Lucifer was glaring daggers at him, and if it wasn't for the new information that the king couldn't harm sinners, Alastor would have thought he was in danger.
"You're being ridiculous!" Vaggi argued.
Husk sighed, "Look, princess, of you want to know our classifications, I'll tell you mine. But I don't want that information getting out."
Alastor takes the slim chance to teleport out of the office, leaving Husk to fend for the both of them by himself. He materializes in his room, locking the door, he throws himself on the bed with a heavy sigh.
Everything hurt. He tried to curl into himself, but his chest and arm throbbed, his knee spasmed painfully, and his vision was dizzy. His growl came out as a whimper, soft and sad.
He breathed, but air came short, hiccups leaving him and causing more chest pain, there was a burning in his eyes and nose, he tried to keep it from flooding over.
No. No no, he couldn't do this now. After going years without it, the concept was almost scary, threatening, even, the deer gripped the sheets, feeling the familiar flow of his magic cocoon him.
His shadow grumbled at him disapprovingly, pouting, as it wrapped around him, Alastor tried halfheartedly to shake it off, with no success.
The shadow cooed sadly, Alastor didn't let it out of his room much after the event with Vox, it has been sulking and crying and pouting for weeks. It was pathetic.
"Away." Alastor growled.
The shadow didn’t “away.”
If anything, it pressed closer—flat and fluid, its wispy antlers brushing weakly up his arms, hands pawing at him like a frightened pet, or an upset chi—
No.
No, he refused to think of it that way.
“Enough,” he hissed.
It didn’t listen.
It never listened when he was like this—hurt, cornered, overstimulated, pushed into vulnerability he refused to acknowledge. The buzzing in his skull harmonized with the shadow’s soft warbling, a nauseating frequency sinking down his spine.
His breath hitched, chest burning under the half-healed gash the first man had left him with. His body was shaking, trembling despite his attempts to still it. The room bent and pitched with every pulse of static in his head.
He hated this.
He hated feeling small.
He hated that the moment someone asked him to reveal a truth he didn’t want to face, everything inside him wanted so badly to comply, and deny all at once.
The shadow curled around him tighter—too tight.
Too knowing.
Too affectionate.
“Stop,” he whispered.
It crooned.
He squeezed his eyes shut, ears folding back against his head. Tears actually burned their way down his cheeks before he could stop them. A humiliating, strangled sound escaped him—half breath, half static, all weakness.
Notes:
Let me know what you think! ❤️
Chapter 3: //
Summary:
Not a chapter, here's some info on the dynamics I've created for this fic
Chapter Text
CLASSES:
-Enigma
Have the ability to adapt any dynamic to fit their pack/groups needs. Usually, they take the roles of Guardian, Provider, or Caretaker.
-Alpha
They make sure everyone is comfortable, and is getting what they need. They're very protective of their pack/group members And "nest", they have trouble excepting new members.
-Beta
Similar to worker bees, Betas thrive when able to help the pack/group, they strive for their pack/group leaders validation and are happy making sure their leader is also cared for.
-Delta
Usually focus on building the pack/groups "nest", they want to make sure their living situation is the best it can be to prevent members getting sick.
-Omega
Usually focus on maintaining the pack/groups mental health, they sooth and comfort the sick and or scared, they make sure no member feels left out, and are usually the ones to recruit new members.
-Hunter
Usually don't join packs or groups, Hunters like to be alone but they make excellent Providers. If they do decide to join a pack or group, they're often small groups, and fixate on only one to three members to protect (usually the leader or the most vulnerable member).
-Sub
Are the only class that doesn't get sick or lose control of themselves in pack/group crises. They keep their pack/group members calm and are about to prevent harm to themselves, the pack/group, and others.
-Switch
Similar to the Enigma Class, this class can change and adapt as well, except they change unintentionally, and they have no control over when they shift and what they shift into.
DYNAMICS:
-Caregiver
Usually take on the role of caring for the vulnerable, unpaired Caretakers need to be closely monitored for depression and/or empty nest syndrome, they need constant social interaction in order to function healthily.
-Little
Regress in age and sometimes size as well, they're vulnerable to danger and need to be protected and cared for when in headspace. If a Little goes too long without regressing, it can cause anxiety, depression, and other physical issues as well. The sinner could enter a feral state that forces them to regress, but the sinner is more likely to retain mental damage than comfort.
-Guardian
Get very protective in headspace, when in headspace they prefer to be able to locate their pack/group leader and/or vulnerable members. Not having a pack/group is unhealthy for them, and if they don't have one they can use objects as replacements for a short period of time.
-Provider
They give their pack/group everything they need for survival. Are usually great cooks and need to have enough magic to provide protection along side Guardians. Providers need a social life with other Providers, Caregivers and Guardians, they can be overbearing towards members they deem weak, and violent towards weaker non-members.
-Pet
Rarely fall into headspace, they destress easily and usually attach to one member, they're slow to accept new members into the pack/group, unpaired Pets usually help with unpaired Caregivers, and Guardians without pack/groups.
Chapter 4: Little Big Boy
Summary:
The shadow phased through the locked door without them, causing them to call after it in alarm.
Notes:
Hi! Sorry for the wait! I'm happy to report that I'm feeling really good about how this fic is going, and am so excited to see everyone's take on the class dynamics that I've created for this fic. What do we think I should call them?
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Alastor stayed still, he was curled up on his bed, his shadow whined and withered, in clear distress over its masters pain.
The deer was quiet, it was dangerous to make noises, especially when anyone could just barge in and invade his privacy. Especially when he was certain the glammer he uses wasn't working now.
He needed to be quiet when he was alive, too. When he was a child and his father was home, anything could set him off, so Alastor and his mother tried to be a careful as possible, his wrath unwanted.
When he was able to start school, the teachers didn't like it when he talked, and neither did his peers, so he stayed silent, his glasses were expensive, and if they broke again his father wouldn't be happy, and his mama would worry.
When he was finally old enough to fend for himself, the world wanted him to be quiet, but he didn't let that stop him. He fought hard to be heard, fought hard to get any amount of respect. And even then, people wanted him to be quiet.
Yet here he was, a century later, silencing himself in fear of being caught.
He didn't exactly know what he was hiding from anymore, he couldn't remember, but he knew he needed to be quiet because something bad would certainly happen!
It was late, Husk sat alone at his bar,--Well, Emily was there, too, drawing at the table-- polishing a glass that no one had used. The hotel was unusually quiet, everyone had retired to their rooms for the night, not even Charlie roamed the lobby.
The fur on the back of his neck stood on end at the sudden approach of static.
The cat whipped his head around, expecting to see Alastor coming down the stairs, smug that he failed to talk Charlie out of collecting their class dynamics.
Instead, the only shadow of who he was expecting glided gracefully across the floor and slid between his feet. Husk jumped, "Hey, what the fuck-"
Emily lifted her head curiously at the noise, wide eyes watching the shadowy creature, "Oh," she said, "Hello, what's wrong, buddy?"
"Careful, Emily." Husk said as the shadow squeaked delightedly, darting to swirl around her gleefully, "That thing belongs to Alastor. It's probably looking to cause trouble."
The shadow grumbled, offended, but paid no extra attention to him, only nuzzling itself needily into the small angels arms.
"Who, this little guy?" Emily snorted, the shadow purred happily at being addressed as such. she cupped it's cheeks and squished them playfully, "He's so cute!"
Husk scoffed, "that thing ain't little or cute," he said, "And if it's down here then Alastor is probably lurking around somewhere."
At the mention of its master, the shadows purr tapered off sadly, it grasped the angels arms and tugged her weakly towards the stairs.
Emily giggled, "Do you wanna play, little guy?" She allowed herself to be lead, Husk calling after her worriedly.
"Emily! Come ba- ugh!" He put his glass down with a growl and jumped over the bar to follow.
Emilys smile was slowly fading as the shadow lead her closer to where she could only assume was it's masters chambers, the wooden floor and walls around the hall were dark and rotting, the humidity of swamp air filled her lungs the further they went, and she felt her footsteps hesitant to continue.
"Hey, uh, not to be nosey or anything but, where are we going?"
The shadow liked Emily! She saved Alastor, and she was nice to them. It wished she would play with them more often, but Alastor was always very strict about playtime, but the shadow knew he liked Emily, too!
Alastor would never admit it, but the shadow knew. They liked being cared about, when they were left alone after the extermination, the shadow wanted to hug Alastor so tight and let him cry, when no one cared that Alastor was taken by Vox, the shadow was glad Alastor wasn't at the hotel to hear Charlie be mad at him for being kidnapped.
The shadow had been so happy when the tiny angel wrapped her small arms around them and pulled them away from danger!
But then it was sad again when Alastor could only lick his own wounds!
"Alright, that's it!" Husks gruff voice pulled the shadow from its thoughts, "What the hell so you want?"
The shadow let out a warning screech, piercing the cat and Emilys' ears, they winced and cupped their heads, Husk growled, losing his temper, "Look here you assh-"
He was cut off by a sad warble coming from not far down the hall where Alastor was safe behind his door.
The sound caused both him and Emily to freeze, the smaller of the two taking a tentive step towards the sound, "Mr. Alastor?"
Husk seemed confused, following her in a daze, "No way."
The shadow phased through the locked door without them, causing them to call after it in alarm.
"Wait, no. I'm sorry, come back!" Husks worried voice said hurriedly, "Bud? Hey? Open the door, Julius!"
"C'mon buddy, please?" Emily joined, "If something's wrong we can help, yeah?"
"Julius!"
The shadow didn't like it when people that weren't Alastor used his name, it didn't even know how these people knew its name! The shadow had a very elegant name that Alastor gave it and only Alastor was allowed to say it!
"Julius Ashber, open this damn door!"
Husk was about to start banging on the door when it cracked open with sad little creak, leading into the room within.
Notes:
Thanks for reading 💋💋
Chapter 5: Letting the Whole World Know
Summary:
The door opened a crack, letting subtle relief flood the seraphims heart momentarily, the low creak gave the shadowed room an eery look, even when all that was seen was the silhouette of the small living space couches.
Notes:
I've gotten lots of compliments on the writing of this fic for some reason and I wanted to let you guys know how much I appreciate that! Thank you so much for the love and support, I'm always worrying about the writing 😂
If anyone is interested, I did some art for the fic, and wouldn't mind showing them as soon as I find out how to upload pictures
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
One thing Emily had found odd about Charlie's pack was how unstable it was.
The princess herself seemed to have a very strong bond with Vaggi. And she claimed that the hotel staff were part of her and Vaggis pack, except she may be the only one who thinks that.
Lucifer seemed to only want Charlie (and possibly Vaggi) as his pack mate, who, for some reason, has taken to ignoring his attempts to for a pack bond with her.
Vaggi didn't seem to care about any of the other members unless their suffering affected Charlie, which is why the other members were reluctant to accept her as a pack mate.
Otherwise, no one else seemed to even acknowledge the slim friendships as any kind of pack or group bond.
But who was Emily to judge? She just wanted everyone to be happy, she she doesn't know what happening behind closed doors.
"Julius Ashber, open this damn door!"
The door opened a crack, letting subtle relief flood the seraphims heart momentarily, the low creak gave the shadowed room an eery look, even when all that was seen was the silhouette of the small living space couches.
The curtains on the far side of the room allowed a faint beam of orange blue light to creep in, Emilys eyes followed it to the still lump on the bed.
"Alastor, sir?" She whispered again, walking into the room. The shadow was gone, Emily noted, had disappeared into the dim room and didn't show itself again.
Husk was behind her, but he didn't stop to admire the atmosphere, he brushed past her gently, beelining for the lump on the bed.
There Alastor lay, eyes wide as saucers, watching nothing as his breath wheezed from his body. The deers usual grin had dropped, placed with a blank stare, he sported a rounded muzzle opposed to his usual humanoid features, black nose and lips twisting with his frantic attempts to breathe. His ears were pinned back tightly against his skull, gripped harshly in clawed fingers.
"Shit, Al." Husk whispered, "What happened?" The bartender approached the edges of the bed, where he could make out what seemed to be a poorly assembled nest.
Alastor caught sight of him and growled warningly, the sad attempt at intimidation only drizzled out to make way for an exhaustrd series of panting.
"Is he...?" Emily pulled up behind the feline, worry evident in her voice, she could smell the sour stench of fear and hurt even through the thick swamp air, her wings were tucked tightly to her back, quivering at the sadness filling her senses.
"I don't know what's wrong with him," Husk said, he doesn't look away, though, there was something severely wrong and he needed to help, but he didn't know anything about the situation.
A low hiss drew their attention reluctantly away from the deer and towards a corner deeper into the dark room that, Husk was now noticing, was fairly cluttered everywhere but the cozy space near the fireplace.
The shadow was motioning for the pair towards itself, hissing and whining impatiently.
Husk and Emily exchanged a look, before shuffling toward the shadow and deeper into the room.
The shadow hissed at Husk softly, probably unhappy with him for yelling at it earlier, but pointed the cat towards a hidden cupboard.
Husk knelt gently, pulling a worn box from the wooden space, it smelled of salt and wet paper, the box was small, the size of a children's shoe box, unless Alastor had a habit of stealing shoes from the children in hell, Husk felt dread settle in the pit that was his stomach.
Emily leaned over his shoulder, and he felt the need to curve one of his ruby wings over her loosely, sensing her destress. "What is that?" She asked in a small voice.
Husk didn't answer, he was sure he knew what it was, but there was no way it was what he thought it was.
The lid came off easily, revealing a few drawings, three charcoal pencils of different colors that had animals carved on them, two teething toys, a rattle, a half eaten carrot, six wooden blocks, and almost a dozen empty suppressant bottles.
Something cold and wet spread in Husks lungs, he heard Emily gasp, horrified. They just stared at the innards of what had to be Alastors regression box.
Static spiked from the many radios stationed in the deers room, Husks ears flicked back and he whipped around, eyes widening as he faces the small silhouette across the room.
The shadow was gone, disappeared before its masters wrath could reach it.
The fawn stared at them with wide scared eyes, ears flopping heavily backwards, a red bloodstained dress shirt pooled over his shoulders as his leg dragged its hoove over the floor. His chest, rising and falling at an alarming speed, displayed a soft patch of extra body fur, split painfully with a nasty gnash, half healed but still bleeding.
Husk gasped, wanting to rush to the littles side.
The fawn, Alastor, wheezed. Mouth opening and closing as if to scream, or cry, but no sound came. Husk took a step towards him, hands raised and wings tucked.
And the fawn froze up even more, and fell to the ground, limp.
Ignorant to the alarmed shouting followed by the pain of his head hitting the wooden floor.
Notes:
If you know me, you've probably already caught on about the chapter title Easter eggs loll
Chapter 6: His Name
Summary:
There was jazz playing, Alastor liked jazz. The casino was busier than usual, thanks to the arrival of a beloved overlord.
Husk.
Notes:
Thanks for the wait gang! Can I just say I love all the theories coming y'all are coming up with! Not only do they make my day, but they help the story progress faster! Thank you all for the love and support! ❣️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Alastor didn't plan on getting kidnapped. He just needed Vox to beat him bad in a fight. He just needed to not be the strongest sinner in hell for a couple hours, days maybe.
But he'd never planned to be stuck with the vee's for a week.
He just wanted to be free, he just wanted some control over his life.
"Agatha, sweetie. What do you think you're doing?" A sweet voice called for him, "You'll spoil your supper."
Alastor giggled, "sorry, mama." His hands were sticky as he went to hide them behind his back sheepishly.
"Get away from her!"
"What are you gonna do, girl?"
"Alastor NO!"
"You're safe now, mama. We don't need to be afraid anymore..."
"Al, what have you done... You're going to go to hell, Alastor..."
Husk shushed the small child in his arms as the whimpering began. He and Emily had wrapped him in a blanket in a panic, the fawn cried for fifteen minutes before quieting down, seemingly have tired himself out despite being unconscious.
Alastor was clearly sick, he was shaking, skin warm and fur damp from how clammy he was.
It put both Caregivers into overdrive, they scrambled around the room, looking for something to drape the otherwise naked fawn in. Emily, having more experience, was thankfully able to swaddle the child to keep his hands away from his ears and the rest of his scalp. Alastor thrashed weakly before giving up.
"What are we gonna do about the other problem?" Emily asked, meaning the angelic wound across the childs chest. Husk chewed his bottom lip, "Can't you just heal it?"
"It would be really painful." The angel said quietly, "I'd rather wait for him to be bigger."
There was a long pause of awkward silence as her words sunk in, "Should we tell Charlie?"
Husk worried his lip, it's not that he didn't trust Charlie, it's just that he... Didn't trust Charlie.
The girl was enthusiastic, but often times couldn't be trusted with sensitive information.
He shook his head, "I don't think Alastor would appreciate that."
"But, she's pack leader, right? It's important to let her know when a member of the pack is in distress!"
"Emily," Husker sighed, keeping Alastor nestled in the crook of his arm, "We aren't a pack. Even if we were, Charlie is definitely not our pack leader."
Emily pouted, fidgeting a strand of hair between her fingers, "But, we have to tell them at some point..."
"It's too dangerous, Emily." Husk said lowly, a growl fighting to stay contained behind his teeth.
The statement wasn't untrue.
In heaven, Emily had been the primary caregiver amongst winners and cherubs, her ranking was directly under Sera, who was an Enigma class Guardian.
Emily was the pack leader of many groups, she knew how to care for everyone.
And Alastor reeked of sour neglect and rotting repression.
She wasn't a part of this Littles pack, but she'd gripped him tight and saved him from eternal damnation. His shadow had come to her for help. Not Husk, not Lucifer, not even Nifty. Her. And she'd sooner tear out her other wings then let him continue to suffer the way he is.
Emily steeled herself, "I said, we are going to tell someone, and we are going to help him." She said, her harsh tone leaving no room for argument, "do I make myself clear?"
Husks eyes widened, and his head bowed before he could stop himself, lips moving before he even realized what was coming out of his mouth, "Yes, Omega."
He blinked, "Oh, what the fuck was that?! wha-"
"Good!" The angel said cheerily, "Now lay the poor baby down and grab some wet cloths to cool him with while I go tell Charlie."
There was jazz playing, Alastor liked jazz. The casino was busier than usual, thanks to the arrival of a beloved overlord.
Husk.
Alastor knew the gambler, had seen him at overlord meetings, had watched and studied him. And he can't say he was surprised with how low the winged feline was falling.
Luckily for him, Alastor had a soft spot for cats.
He'd greeted Husk, the cocky overlord drunkenly inviting him for a game, only to keep losing. Losing and losing.
Alastor almost felt sorry for the man! But the amusement was stronger, Alastor was sure that if he didn't shoot his shot now, he'd lose the pleasure of this desperate, stumbling drunkard's entertainment.
"It seems you've nothing else up your sleeve to offer, my good man!" He'd said, canned laughter echoing in the background, "How about a deal?"
And just as predicted, Husk, desperate to save himself, took Alastors hand, stepped right into Alastors playpin, and dressed himself as a doll.
Some may say Alastor was cruel, going after a desperate man. But surely Husk would rather live comfortably with powers while having to do a bit of Alastors "dirty work" here and there than being humiliated, killed, or worse, humiliated, tortured, and live a miserable rest of his powerless afterlife.
Alastor called it a win-win.
Husk called it manipulative, cruel, sadistic, and whatever else it was he always said. But who was Alastor to correct him.
The old cat was stuck with Alastor, and that was final. No matter how much he hated him, no matter how much he complained, no matter how bad he thought he had it, Husk was Alastors, and if the bartender had a problem, he would suck it up and deal with it.
Husk dabbed the warm towel over Alastors forehead, the babe whimpered, large eyes struggling to peel themselves open. He kept getting younger, and Husk worried he was going to regress even younger, it was rare for Littles to go anywhere under the age of 2, and Alastor was already pushing it.
All the cat could do was thank whoever you thank when you're in hell that Alastor was powerful enough that his body regressed along with his mental age, because no matter how normal it was, he would feel immensely awkward babying an adult sized man. Who was taller than him and owned his soul.
He'd loosened the swaddle when Alastor started squirming and crying uncomfortably, afraid it was making him claustrophobic, and found a pair of fuzzy socks in the deers closet to put over his hands to prevent him from clawing at himself.
Husk sighed, scanning the cluttered room, then back to the fawn nestled in the middle of the large bed, "What am I gonna do with you, Al."
Notes:
Well well well.
Who's the unreliable narrator, now?Also, guys... I want to put the please Rosie I need this thing in this fic. Should I do it????
Chapter 7: Raised on Pillars and Shinning Lights
Summary:
Lucifer was not asleep. Why would he be? He didn't need it, and he had so many ideas to make reality!
Like the sparkling flying duck-- that could catch fire!
Notes:
Sorry for the long wait and short chapter 😔 we will be getting a nice little Alastor baby to pamper next chapter
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Emily glided through the hotels hallway gracefully. Curious that Alastors room was so far away from the rest of the hotel staff. Charlie and Vaggi's room were on the other side of the hotel, not only that, but they were on the first floor while Alastor had settled on the top floor.
Furrowing her brow, Emily slowly came to a stop. What if Husk was right? Charlie, while enthusiastic, and a friend, Emily knew she tried to be a good friend, but she was childish, and sometimes aggressive. Emily never wanted to bring it up, but she found it odd that Charlie never mentioned "getting Alastor back from the Vee's" when the hotel was making their plan to expose Vox, Emily hadn't even known he'd existed until she saw him tied to a chair during the gathering. Plus, her partner was very vocal about hating the Little.
She knew the Alpha class Guardian tried, she did, but Alastor was already so neglected.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt, well, angry! She knew it was just her Omega/Caregiver instincts making her think this, but Charlie was a bad pack leader!
The angel gasped, hands flying to her lips. How could she even think that about her friend! Now was not the time!
She turned on her heel, she couldn't tell Charlie, at least not yet, she had to find someone else. A "trusted adult part of the pack", as she would teach the Littles and children in the packs she overlooked in heaven.
And there was only one person Emily considered an adult, she remembered he'd been such a good caregiver despite not being one, to her when she was much younger. But he didn't like Alastor, either.
Emily sighed, she'd just have to hope he'd suck it up and help figure out what to do.
Lucifer was not asleep. Why would he be? He didn't need it, and he had so many ideas to make reality!
Like the sparkling flying duck-- that could catch fire!
He was interrupted by a soft knocking at his door.
"Lucifer, sir?"
Emily.
Emily! The king fumbled with his creation, it barely makes an arc in the air in his attempt to catch it as the doors open.
"There's a situation that we really need your help with.
"Emmy, hey!" Lucifer cheered awkwardly, "how, uh what's up?"
Without skipping a beat, "It's Alastor." the seraphim supplied.
Immediately, Lucifer groaned, rolling his eyes, "What'd that ducker do now?"
"Well... I think you need to come with me."
The child was screaming bloody murder. Husks ears were pinned back so far one would think he was bald. Alastor had woken with a fever and most likely a killer headache. He'd feel bad for the kid if it wasn't for the ear piercing screeching.
He was going to wake everyone.
Husk didn't know what to do. He's never cared for a Little. Or children in general, how he ended up a Caregiver in the first place was a fucking mystery!
Alastor, not even a year old, by the looks of it, was laying in the middle of his bed, squirming and hiccuping, fat globs of tears rolled down his face, his chest and stomach spasmed with the struggle to draw in air.
"Uh, heyyy, buddy... Let's, uh, it's ok, you're ok. Shhh, shhh..." Husk tried to keep his gravely voice hushed, keeping his hands to himself, he had no idea what he was doing.
Alastor coughed, tiny fists balled tight and thrashing, he was crying, his throat was surely sore. Husk held the sad regression box helplessly, he didn't think anything in there would help.
"Alright alright! What's all the ruckus about!?"
Husks ears pinned back even more-- if that was even possible anymore at this point. Body curving over the bed and wings flared protectively at the new voice.
"Um," Lucifer shouts, hands flying to his ears, "whose baby is that?"
"Bravo, Alastor." His boss, Brandon, told him with a slow cheer. He watched Alastor with blue eyes.
Alastor smiled at him, "Thank you, sir." He knew he was good, and he knew he could do better if they would just let him branch out.
"If I may suggest, though. Stay a bit less political. Hm?"
This bastard.
Alastor kept his smile plastered on, "Sir, the audience expects us to be political."
Brandon waved his hand dismissively, "Just take out the gender equality bit. We're all equal enough as is."
A muscle under Alastors eye twitched, "I really don't see the reasoning in that." He said calmly, "People listen to it."
"Take it out, boy." Brandon said, "That's final."
Brandon, unfortunately, was a powerful white man that Alastor couldn't afford to kill yet, so he stayed alive.
His drunkard womenizer of a son, however.
Less important.
Notes:
He lives in a hotel guys... He's homeless 😔
Chapter 8: Breathing Smoke
Summary:
Blue wasn't a favorite color of his, but he's come to appreciate one of the only colors, other than shades of brown and grey, that made up hell.
Notes:
Hey to my favorite readers! Thank you so much for the patience, I know I've been updating a bit slowly :) your love and commentary for the series is a great motivation!
I would also like to state that, while I'm so very flattered and honored that my writing is attracting attention from the artist community, I do not plan on spending money on this story, wether that is for someone to turn it into a full on comic or manga, or for my chapters to have illustrations.
I am a professional digital artist and animator myself, and if anyone wants to make art for the story I will gladly and respectfully promote it. Feel free to do whatever you'd like with the series (NO AI). But please refrain from asking me to pay you to do art of my project.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Husk pet Alastors fluffy hair softly, the Little had finally stopped screaming—now he only whimpered, tiny hiccups rattling his chest as he clung weakly to Husk’s shirt.
Husk kept him propped in the crook of his arm and against his shoulder, holding him with the same protectiveness a dragon would a pot of gold.
Lucifer stood a few feet away, the regression box held gingerly in both hands as if it were a bomb.
He kept glancing between the box’s contents and the fawn in Husk’s arms—ears pinned, brow furrowed, eyes squeezed shut in an uneasy sleep.
"Alright, now that he's settled down a bit, keep your hand on the back of his head." The king guided, "Watch his horn buds, they bruise easily-"
Lucifer reached a cautious hand forward, clearly trying to show willingness to help.
Husk held Alastor tighter to his body and growled at him, "I said, no touching."
Lucifer deflated, "Husk, this would all be much easier if you'd let me hold him. You said he was sick, right?"
His only response was a threatening hiss.
Lucifer sighed hard and nodded.
He stepped back.
Husk continued petting Alastor’s hair, and the fawn’s breathing began to slow. Tiny hands twitched against Husk’s fur, little hooves curling as if kneading for comfort.
Husk shifted him slightly, cradling the tiny body closer.
Lucifer looked down at the regression box again.
The half-eaten carrot.
The teething toys.
The empty suppressant bottles.
Suppressants.
God.
He felt bile rise in his throat, burning him.
Emily’s soft voice pulled him from the spiral.
“I had to turn Charlie and Vaggie away,” she whispered, “They woke up from his screaming.”
Lucifer nodded gratefully.
"Is Husk still...?"
"Yeah." The king sighed, "I think he's a bit deprived."
"They both are." Emily frowned, walking towards the two sinners, "Husk? Do you think maybe it's time to take a break and let one of us take him?"
A low growl left the confines of the bartenders throat.
“He’s still shaking,” the seraphim tried to reason, "Lucifer can help him."
Husk stiffened, wings twitching protectively around the fawn.
Alastor whimpered softly at the tone shift, burying his face deeper into Husk’s collarbone.
"He's waking up."
Emily was already thinking of ways to get a class and dynamic trainer into the hotel. No one here knew what they were doing.
Class and dynamic trainers or therapist weren't uncommon, especially among newly formed packs, the not-pack Emily currently found herself in has the same problems.
As Alastors eyes started to blink open, his face still smushed in Husks fur, Emily felt herself hold a breath she didn't need to breathe.
Ruby eyes watched the two angels, Alastor stayed pressed against Husk as he seemed to take in his surroundings.
Alastor was in so much trouble.
He's not supposed to be little, what if she found out?! She would punish him for sure! He had to be not little! What if it's dangerous?
He scanned the room warily. He felt warm. He liked being warm. It was nice. The lights were off, he liked the dark, too, too much like made his eyes hurt.
There were some fun looking things on the walls and shelves, but he didn't look too long, because if she caught him staring at childish things she might be cross with him.
His nest was all messed up, he felt sad about it, he put lots of work into that!
His box! How did they find it! He hid it so well... The light man was holding it, Alastor whined softly, stretching his hand towards him and grabbing at the air.
Lucifer jumped in surprise, but wasted no time in hurrying to the Littles side.
Alastors other hand clutches tightly at Husks fur, his eyes track the box as Lucifer moved.
Emily watched them closely, the trained Enigma held the rattle to Alastor, encouraging the baby to take it with soft cooing.
Another growl rumbled in Husks chest, vibrating down Alastors body, the child laughed, clapping his hands, soon, a small purr started in the deers chest.
Lucifer almost melted at the adorable sight, he watched Alastors tail wag happily as he took the rattle and yeeted it across the room, only to burst into more hysteric giggles.
Alastor bounced in place excitedly, squealing with pleasure, again! Again! He reached towards the light man. He was wearing a fluffy pink robe, it looked comfy!
Lucifer glanced between Alastor and the cat demon holding him.
Husk huffed grumpily, loosening his hold on the Little so Lucifer could take him.
As Alastor was passed to Lucifer, the Radio Demon launched himself sideways, trying to get towards the box Lucifer had sat down on the bed.
The kings heart almost leaped out of its chest and exploded, but luckily, Lucifer had caught him.
"Pweh!" Alastor shouted, "Mmmm uh! Pweh!"
"Baby, you just scared the fuuu uhhhh... Frick, out of me!" Lucifer murmured, bringing the child to press against his body and lowered himself to sit on the bed next to Alastors box.
Box! Box! Alastor reached for the box eagerly, other hand patting at Lucifers shouldn't as he continued to bounce.
Husk hovered near them, silent and watching. Lucifer was more self-conscious than he was intimidated. He refrained from asking the cat of he needed something.
Emily knew Lucifer could handle the situation, he was one of the few people in the hotel who had been trained in his class and dynamic, she was more worried about Husk, he was deep in some kind of instinctal trance, and Emily wanted to get him out of the room before he could cause more harm then good.
Like not letting the childs injuries be treated.
Alastor bat at the open box, jostling the content inside. Pencils and plastic bottles clunked together, he liked the sound, it was soothing. He peered into the box, and he happily noticed the pretty blue bottles that he wanted.
Blue wasn't a favorite color of his, but he's come to appreciate one of the only colors, other than shades of brown and grey, that made up hell.
Notes:
And the story continues! Get ready for an unexpected caregiver!
Chapter 9: For the Right
Notes:
Fun fact: Littles, when not in headspace, aren't little! Who knew! It is perfectly fine for them to have normal lives! Date, marry, do adult things. Because that's what they are.
Dynamic roles should not have a huge impact on a sinners social or personal life. Class roles should not influence they way a sinner treats other sinners in their social life unless the pack dynamic calls for it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
One thing Alastor would always tell himself, was that he had absolutely no obligation to comply to anyone in this godforsaken hole.
And especially not Vincent.
Vincent was Alastors first friend. And Alastor was loath to admit that he has charished him as something maybe closer than the average friend.
Alastor had told the strange box headed demon much about himself. His life on earth, about his tail, alongside that, his birth name.
Vincent was polite, kind, even. He never used the name, barely even bat an eye at the fact that Alastor wasn't what he pretended to be.
It was common knowledge amongst businessmen, that one shouldn't make ones friend your business partner. It was dangerous, especially in the field Vincent and Alastor participated in. And Vincent had made subtle propositions so many times.
If he was being honest. He wanted to say yes. Every time his friend would look at him with hopeful eyes, and say something utterly stupid, like "Wouldn't it be great if we could rule this hellhole? We'd be unstoppable."
Alastor laughed it off, but he knew he'd wanted to agree, he knew that if they really put their mind to it, they could be the greatest duo in hell.
But every time, a voice in the back of his head cackled.
You think this man wants to be your friend? You think he'd stay if he knew how disgusting you really were?
You're nothing more then a tool. The only thing you're good for is to be used for everything you're worth.
You're just a sad, pathetic man. No one will see you for what you think yourself worthy of. Not your father, not Mimzy, not Brandon.
And not Vincent.
Alastor was no stranger to being valued for how useful he was. He'd been wanted by many for his reputation, his charm, his power.
But Vincent was different.
Confident, ambitious, shark loving Vincent, would be different.
But that night, the way the picture box demon had worded his official proposal had set Alastor off.
"With YOUR incredible power, and my massive influence, WE would be unstoppable. Radio and video! ME and you, could rule hell, together, as partners!"
It felt so personal in the wrong way, Alastor bristled, forcing a laugh out to cover it. All he could think was that Vincent needed him. Needed him and he wanted him to help accomplish his dream.
He felt he shouldn't be made the villain for not being interested in being Vincents little pawn. And yet.
He shouldn't have to feel bad for not giving the man something he never held claim over.
The video demon was furious in the years to come, whining and crying over their little disagreement. And over time, even Alastor grew to leave their past behind and age with resentment.
All the bottles were empty! Alastor whined softly as his knocked some of the blue bottles around the box.
The bright man cooed sympathetically, petting his hair and shushing him gently, but he didn't understand! Alastor needed them! If she knew, then she might tell the other woman, and then the other woman would tell her to hurt him!
Heat flared behind Alastors nose and eyes, his tail flagging for a non-existent herd, his ears pinned back, and he pushed himself into the kings shoulder.
"Oh, oh no no no. What's wrong, honey?" Lucifer quickly cradled him, murmuring softly into his hair, the fawn smelled of sweat and tears. Standing near, Husk tenst, a low rumble starting in the back of his throat, he took half a step forward before Emily stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
She whispered something Lucifer wasn't able to hear, and lead him out of the room.
Alastor sobbed softly, Lucifer bounced him gently and whispered comforting words, promising him that everything was ok.
But it wasn't ok!
He ran away from Rosie, and his body hurt and everyone is mad at him, and the other woman is gonna come for him!
Alastor bit him, bit his jacket, his didn't have teeth, so the most he did was slobber all over the white fabric, but he did it in anger which is what counted.
Lucifer huffed softly, amused, he held the baby out, facing him, "I'm sorry, baby. Did Luci upset you?"
Alastor whined, squirming in his hold.
The radios set up around the room buzzed with anxiety, and Lucifer sat Alastor down on his lap, "I'm gonna help you with your boo-boos, ok sweetie?"
Lucifer let Alastor hold one of his fingers with his injured arm while he inspected the damage, there was some muscle tearing and two of his fingers were broken, and there was a small fracture right below his elbow.
Lucifer rubbed the base of Alastors ear, which the fawn leaned into, "I'm gonna put some magic inside, ok, Al? You're gonna be alright."
Emily walked Husk down the hall, he was silent, unusually so, even as they boarded the elevator and made their way across the lobby to the bar where he usually stationed.
Unsurprisingly, Charlie and vaggi sat there as well, seemingly waiting for just them.
"Husk, Emily!" Charlie exclaimed upon seeing them, she watched them with wide worried eyes, "What's going on?"
"Why were all of you in Alastors room?" Vaggi demanded.
Husk made a noise, ears flicking rapidly, able to think clearer now that the Little wasn't in the same room as him.
"It's... Complicated." Emily winced as she explained vaguely, "I'll explain over some drinks! Husk, can you make us something?"
Husk blinked dazedly, "Uh, yeah. I'll do that."
Emily know the work would give the bartender time to clear his head, so she let him more or less float over to his workstation and start preparing the drinks.
Charlie and Vaggi were still looking at her, waiting for her to explain. The seraphim took a weary breath, "we need to have a very, very long talk."
Notes:
Who should Alastors end game be? Votes are still on!
Chapter 10: To Keep His Place
Summary:
"So." Lucifer started, "A Little, huh?"
The overlord scoffed, "Don't patronize me," he hissed, "What do you want in order to keep this between us?"
Notes:
Thank you all for waiting!
Here's some fluff before I start using comments as suggestions for the the next chapters ❤️
All the hurt and comfort and angst and stuff that you could want is just waiting to be written.
The plot is already thought out and set in place, but how we get there is mostly up to you!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Husk had a massive headache.
He sat at the bar, nursing his own glass of iced water after finishing up the girls' drinks, listening in on their quiet conversation.
"What are you talking about? Our pack is very functional!" Charlie stressed, "We don't need a, a trainer! If anyone has problems fitting into the pack dynamic, I could help them!"
Emily sighed heavily, "Class Dynamic functions in a pack is serious work, Charlie," she said gently, "It isn't a passion project that you can give attention to and ignore as you please."
The princess looked hurt but that, and Emily did feel bad, but she steeled her expression. Charlie needed to hear this.
"What the fuck." Vaggi growled, "You better watch the way you talk about her-"
"A Class and Dynamic trainer or therapist would know how to help people settle into their class dynamics and headspaces safely and comfortably." Emily pressed, shooting a harsh glance toward the ex-exorcist, "Which is something neither of you can accomplish."
Vaggi glared, Charlie sulked. Emily sighed, "I know it's hard to hear. But it's very important that you understand." She folded her hands against her chest, "No one here knows what they're doing. And when I say everyone needs training, I mean everyone." She gives both of them a pointed look, "Please consider the proposition." She said, "If things get worse, the hotel could be shut down for class dynamic neglect and endangerment. And I don't want that."
"What?!" Charlie, Vaggi, and Husk shout in union.
Charlie buried her face in her hands and whined, "How is this happening! Things were going perfectly well this morning..." She looked up at Emily with sad eyes, "What happened? What went wrong?"
Alastor woke with a groan and a splitting headache.
"You're running a fever." Alastor did not jump at the voice, "I also still need to heal your chest wound."
Alastor growled, "what are you doing in here?"
The king raised an eyebrow at him, unimpressed. Alastor scanned the room, the curtains were still drawn, though a soft pillar of light still fell through, illuminating dust motes drifting lazily in the warm air.
His regression box sat open a few feet away on the bed. His nest was a mess. His clothes were missing. His arm throbbed.
"What do you remember, Alastor?" Lucifer asked.
Alastor didn't answer, because he didn't remember anything. But he knew he'd need regressed, he knew he'd been found out. "Who else knows?"
Lucifer winced, "Husk and Emily." He said, "They're the ones that told me."
Alastor growled. Husk was already a risky target to keep around, and now that he has this to dangle over him? There's no telling what the cat would do. And, he already owned Emily for saving his life, everyday he sees the gold of her prosthetic wing, and heavy guilt and fear invades his every senses. With the information she now held, she ask so much of him that he's entirely unwilling to give.
Silence stretched on for several awkward moments.
"So." Lucifer started, "A Little, huh?"
The overlord scoffed, "Don't patronize me," he hissed, "What do you want in order to keep this between us?"
Lucifer sighed, like he'd been waiting for this part of the conversation, "I don't want anything in return, Al. Look, as much as you are an insufferable asshole, I don't want to hurt you."
The unconvinced hum Alastor let settle over the room spoke volumes, "What is it then? Blackmail? Humiliate me for your personal enjoyment?"
The king of hell groaned long sufferingly, "Father above-- what is wrong with you? Can't you just except that I'm trying to be nice?"
Alastors lips pulled back into that sharp ever present grin, as though it had never fall from his features, "Absolutely not."
Another sigh, "Why not?"
"Because we're in hell, my dear sire!" Alastor sprung up, voice putting on a sudden cheery lull as his hands flew to fan out, "And there are no friends in hell. So clearly, you want something from me. So, what is it?"
A half whine, half growl noise escaped the kings throat, "Why do you have to be so difficult? We can be friends, ok? Now lay back down so I can heal you, and we can talk all day about how much I'm NOT going to use your dynamic to blackmail you."
Alastor whipped his head to the side with an upset hmph.
Lucifer wanted to strangle him.
"Alright, you asshole." He said, hands flying in the air, exasperated, "In exchange for not using your dynamic to blackmail you, you have to let me heal your giant ass chest wound. How's that?"
Alastor eyed him suspiciously, "That hardly seems beneficial."
"If does, ok? You get all healed up, and I get the satisfactory of healing you."
There was a pregnant pause.
"You're quite a queer one, sire." Alastor finally said.
That got a chuckle from Lucifer, "That's right. Not lay your scrawny ass down. This is gonna sting a little."
Notes:
Romantically, I have some ships that I'd love to include, what ships should I include?
Chapter 11: Never Satisfied
Summary:
Lucifer let Alastor and Husk continue to argue, he turned to the couches, where his daughter and the other two angels were sat.
Chapter Text
"Are you high right now!?" Was the first thing shouted his way when Alastor finally presented himself in the hotel lobby.
"Why yes!" He replied joyously, "That you for noticing." He strut over to the bar, leaning half of his weight on a walking stick Lucifer graciously conjured for him, not having the energy to keep up a facade, "Husker, hand me the whiskey."
The cat sized him, eyes unsure, "I really don't think you should be--"
"Husker, I am in no mood to argue with you tonight," he sat down on a barstool, Lucifer joining him, "Give me the damn drink."
Husk shrugged, pulling another glass from the cupboard.
"The bottle, Husk."
Husk turned to Lucifer, instead, "You let him smoke?"
"He's a grown man, Dusk. He can make his own decisions." Lucifer said.
Before he could say something in return, Alastor cleared his throat, "He is also sitting right here. Do not make me repeat myself, Husker."
Lucifer let Alastor and Husk continue to argue, he turned to the couches, where his daughter and the other two angels were sat.
Tears had dried on Charlies face, and Vaggi looked very, very pissed off. Emilys brows were furrowed, all three of them were watching him.
Lucifer sighed, he'd been doing that a lot tonight (this morning?), "So... How's it going, gang?"
"Dad! Emily s-said that- that the hotel is dangerous and and if I don't -"
"Whoa, slow down, duckie. Emily?" Lucifer held his hand up to keep Charlie from doubling over.
Emily crossed her arms over her chest, "I was talking to Charlie about hiring a C&D therapist and trainer."
The king blinked, "Why would we need one of those?"
Emily gave him a deadpan stare.
"Oh." Lucifer said, "Right. Um." He turned back to Charlie, "Your friend's right, sweetie. I think everyone here could use a little help. And!" He hurried as Charlie's eyes began to fill with tears again, "You could advertise that the hotel is a safe space to learn and heal! Right, Emm?"
"Yeah, Charlie! It could be a great opportunity"
"I, for one, think that's entirely unnecessary."
"Shut up, Bambi. You're the last person to have a say in this." Lucifer pinched the bridge of his non-existent nose.
Alastor hmphed, bringing the half full bottle of whiskey to his mouth.
It seems Husk had lost their argument.
"But I don't understand!" Charlie exclaimed through tears and snot, "Why would anyone here need C&D therapy? We have regular therapy already."
"Charlie, why don't you want to hire a C&D therapist?" Emily asked.
The lobby was quiet save for the amused hum of static coming from Alastor.
Color drained from the princesses face, she stuttered as everyone's gaze settled on her expectedly.
"I- Hey, I never said I didn't want to hire one, I just... Don't see the point..." She defended.
"Why are we even talking about this?" Vaggi finally spoke up with a scowl, intertwining her and Charlies hands, "Charlie's trying her best, you can't just ignore that! It's unfair."
"But it's fair to ignore all of the neglected Littles and Caregivers?" Emily raised her voice, her face taunt with frustration, "Do you know how selfish that is? How cold-hearted and dangerous that is?"
"Hey, now. Let's all calm down." Lucifer tries to get between the other two angels, "We shouldn't fight about this-"
"Can you even hear yourself?" Vaggi bit back, crowding the seraphims space, "The only one neglecting anything is heaven! And it's neglecting this hotel and the sinners Charlie is trying to help!"
"That is not true!" Emily defended.
"It is. Heaven neglected us and you're only here. Ke to make yourselves feel better!"
Before it registered that Emilys hands flew to her lips with a hurt gasp, shadows burst from behind her and lashed out, forming a semi solid shape as a pair of angry green eyes shoved itself in Vaggi's face with a toxic hiss.
They stood there panting, Charlie and Lucifer were frozen, as the familiar shadow curled around Emily possessively, hissing and whining. Emily looked confused, Vaggi taken aback.
"Ah," came the slow staticy sound of recognition, Alastor cleared his throat, his smile sharp and dangerous, "Apologies, your bickering seemed to have gotten on my nerves." He said.
The shadow purred quietly, comfortable to slither around Emily's feet.
"Please, do continue." The deer said threateningly.
Charlie sighed, finally speaking up, "I just guess, I thought that if I hired a C&D therapist I would feel like I was a failure who can't even keep her pack happy."
"Nonsense!" Alastor cheered with bravado, "How can you fail to keep a pack happy when you don't even have one!" Canned laughter echoed around him, laughing at his own joke.
"Alastor, what are you saying... You're our provider..." Charlie says, voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.
Alastor hummed, uninterested, "Really? Well I sure wish someone had told me that!" He said cheerily.
"Alastor!" Vaggi glared.
The deer turned away, ignoring her.
"Anyway..." Lucifer drew the attention back to himself, "Back on topic. I think Emily has a point and we can definitely look into getting C&D therapists and trainers. I even know some people!"
Charlie wilted, looking like a kicked puppy, and Emily modded, "Thank you, Lucifer... Now, Alastor."
Alastor turned with an innocent look of curiosity, "Yes, dear?"
"Is there something you would like to share?" She looked at him hopefully, not expectedly, like she she wouldn't force anything out of him if he said no.
Alastor studied her for several moments. "I don't believe I do, darling."
A shudder ran down his spine at the glimmer of disappointment that crossed her and Lucifers expressions, and he felt a growl form as his ears pulled back.
"You can't hide forever, Al." Husk gruffed from behind the bar.
"I will stay hidden for as long as I want, thank you." Alastor snapped. No one elaborated, much to Charlie and Vaggi's confusion.
"Alright, that's ok." Emily said softly, "Thank you for telling us. As for you, Husk."
"I'm a Caregiver." He said unprompted, taking a sip from his glass with a glance towards Alastor, "Hunter Class."
"We can talk more about that if you want in the morning with everyone else." Emily promised, "It's been a long night, and we all need some rest."
"I'll look into the C&D therapist thing, I guess." Lucifer stood, scratching his head.
"How productive. Well, I shan't stick around longer. Ta-ta." With that, Alastor melted into his shadow and disappeared.
Notes:
Guess who the therapist is it's actually so funny
Chapter 12: Till They All See
Summary:
Maybe he should back out. Charlie seemed pretty disappointed and sad with the decision, and he was already on awkward terms with her after the whole thing with Vox. What if she despised him forever and he'll be alone again? He never got to ask if she was still mad at him, and though Vaggi had assured him that she wasn't, he couldn't quite believe her when both of them had been avoiding him.
Notes:
This one is a tiny bit rushed, but I think the flow is flowing, so here we are!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I'm sorry, Mr. Morningstar, but Dr. Yogirt no longer works with us." Said the cool voice over his phone.
"What?" The king exclaimed tiredly, "The last time I checked, he was supposed to serve the royal family and train Charlie when I called upon him!"
"I'm sorry sir, but Dr. Yogirt hasn't been with us for centuries now. You disappeared for centuries and the princess has been an adult for longer. He was unable to get other jobs due to our companies contract so he quit."
"Fine, fine!" Lucifer sighed heavily, "Where is he, then? Do you know that?"
There was a nervous pause, "He's Mr. Satan's personal therapist and trainer, sir."
"SATAN?!"
Like Lucifer, the Sins were all Enigma Class entities, though some had preferences, Lucifer himself preferred staying full Enigma with no Dynamic preference.
If one of the sins was having trouble adjusting to their dynamic, they could just switch it off.
Lucifer didn't want to call the larger dragon sin, or any of the sins, for that matter, he felt guilt and shame at the mere thought, he'd left them and ignored them for centuries, with nothing more then a note saying "BRB".
He knew they weren't too upset with him, he still got gifts from them in the mail every once in a while. But it didn't quell the pending dread.
Lucifer paced the front of his room, there had to be something else. What if he called Satan and the sin of wrath didn't want to see him? What if he asked about Lilith?
Maybe he should back out. Charlie seemed pretty disappointed and sad with the decision, and he was already on awkward terms with her after the whole thing with Vox. What if she despised him forever and he'll be alone again? He never got to ask if she was still mad at him, and though Vaggi had assured him that she wasn't, he couldn't quite believe her when both of them had been avoiding him.
Before he had time to back down, his finger slipped and he was waiting for Satan to pick up his phone.
He answered on the 6th ring. Typical drama queen.
"What you want?" Came the gruff voice.
"Hey...! Satan!" Lucifer greeted in a panic, "How, uh. How's it going?"
"My dark Lord." Satan's voice carried awe through the device, "Lucifer? That you?"
Lucifer laughed nervously, "Sure is."
"Where the fuck have you been, bitch!" A new voice joined.
Oh, Beelzebub!
"Bee! Hey. What, what are you doing in Wrath?"
"You kidding baby?" Beelzebub chuckled, "there was just this huge trial going on down here and we all decided to have dinner. We miss you!"
"Oi, dickwad!" Another voice, "You're only supposed to keep bribes if you except them! Gimme back my fucking money!"
"Shut up, Mammon." Asmodeus clipped, "Take your time healing, baby cakes. Let us know if you need anything."
"Well actually." Lucifer said, he was pacing nervously, hands fidgeting, "I need to ask a favor."
Husk never expected to have anything other then a work place relationship with Emily, the seraphim of joy. Yet here she was, some hours before dinner, sitting with him at his bar, having a friendly chat with her.
"I'm sorry for last night. I shouldn't have put myself above you like that." Emily had said guiltily, "It wasn't my place to do that to you."
Husk shrugged it off, "Eh, 's alright, kid. You made the right choices, getting' Lucifer an' all that." He reassured her, " 'sides, I'm glad someone is finally addressing shit around here."
Emily smiled at him, "Me, too. I've been worried, and last night was stressful for all of us." She let a thought drift, "And you're ok that, you'll also need to participate with the trainer and therapist, right?"
Husk sighed, "Ain't surprised. 's long as Alastor is getting his shit checked out I couldn't care less."
"You care about him a lot, huh?"
"Eh," Husk shrugged again, "It's pretty complicated. We ain't pal's, that's for sure."
They both look up as Lucifer makes his way down the stairs, a nervous smile on his face.
"So," he said, loud enough for everyone in the kitchen and dining room heard him too, "The trainer will be over for dinner to check things out."
Alastor, from the kitchen, complained, "You could have said something hours ago, I'm afraid I didn't prepare for an extra mouth to feed."
"I think you'll live, Bambi."
Alastor hummed, but went back to his task in the kitchen without further argument.
"One's coming, now?" Charlie made her way from the dining room, Vaggi trailing behind her, "already?"
"Well, he asked when he could come check things out, and, we don't have anything planned tonight." Lucifer stammered, "And we still need to have that talk about... Y'know. I thought it might do some good to have him here for that."
"That meeting, for one, isn't even necessary." Vaggi crossed her arms, grumbling, "And even if it was, are we really letting some random sinner sit in on our private affairs?"
"Hm, you make me sit in on them," Alastor manifested from the shadows to stand at the bar, "I don't see why we can't allow the, surely professional, man do the same."
Vaggi glared at him, "That is entirely different-"
Lucifer cleared his throat, "Actually, he's hellborn. Or, actually, he's a fallen angel. You'll know when you see him. He's currently working for someone else, so he won't be able to actually work for us, but I called in a favor and he'll at least be able to connect us to someone with the proper skills."
And just like that, as if summoned, the doorbell rang.
Notes:
If you want to see the chapters in progress before being released, check out my twt or bluesky accounts! I'll be posting art there soon!
Twt: https://x.com/UGLEE_NAIRE
Bsk: https://bsky.app/profile/neonnoestylz.bsky.social
Chapter 13: How Big This Little Boy Can Be
Summary:
The shadows ears stood to attention as its master cleared his throat.
"So," Alastor said, pulling attention to himself, "are you all staying for supper?"
Notes:
Thank you all for waiting!
Here's some more character reveals!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The shadow pulled the hotel door open and was immediately almost trampled by giant demons. Not that it would hurt it, but still.
The first demon to ender was, like everything else in hell to the shadow, gray, lots of pretty shades of gray, of course, but gray nonetheless. He looked like someone had put a clown hat on a Christmas tree.
"LUCI!" Cheered a gravelly voice, his accent thick, the jingle of bells came with his every move, and the shadow took note of his four arms.
Lucifer seemed surprised, shocked even, as he was swept off his feet by the large Australian spider, "Mammon!" He exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
From the door way immerged more demons, the largest a horned dragon, his eyes glowed as he scanned the hotels innards. Two more demons followed him in, a winged wolf creature and a giant blob of yellows and blues.
The shadow recognized them as the Sins of wrath, gluttony, and lust.
"What are you all doing here!" Lucifer exclaimed again.
Asmodeus, the shadow suspected, laughed as he strut over to join the king and Mammon, "Well you said you needed some help."
Mammon hummed in agreement, rubbing his and Lucifers faces together. Scenting. The shadow thought delightfully.
"Mammon, stop that. You're coddling him." Asmodeus scolded.
"I said I needed to borrow Yogirt!" Lucifer said, "Not that you guys can't be here-"
"Well we thought if Satan got to come see you the rest of us might as well drop by!" Beelzebub chirped.
"I promise the rest of the pack wanted to come, too." Asmodeus told the king reassuringly, "But Levi had some business to take care of and well, you know Belph."
Lucifer chuckled, finally being out down by the spider, "It's really good to see you guys."
"I bet it is." Satan, the dragon, huffed, and the shadow noticed a smaller creature sitting on his shoulder, "Bet you missed us so much you cried."
Lucifer smiled, "You can bet on it."
The shadows ears stood to attention as its master cleared his throat.
"So," Alastor said, pulling attention to himself, "are you all staying for supper?"
Charlie watched the sins enter hotel with wide eyes and an open jaw, she hasn't seen them in a long time, but she remembered her dad would bring her to see them when she was very young.
She watched as Mammon scented her father, and the others laughed and bickered.
She felt her fists ball with determination when Asmodeus mentioned a "rest of the pack". Her dad was part of their pack.
At the bar, Emily looked as excited as ever, she spoke cheerily with Husk, who nodded along regardless if her understood her.
"This is so exciting!" Charlie heard her say, "Everyone happy and back together! Lucifer already looks better after a scenting. I can't wait for you guys to learn about the wonders of-"
Charlie didn't know why Emily was acting so excited about something so normal. Charlie wasn't a stranger to scenting, she and Vaggi scented each other regularly, and she'd seen picked up Nifty and Alastors scents on each other, so she assumed they scented as well. She knew Cherri and Angel had scented each other, and Sir Pensious had scented his eggbois. She's even sure Vox had tried to scent Alastor during his time with them, not that she'd ask.
"So, are all of you staying or supper?" Alastor asked with a polite sound of clearing his throat.
The sins turned their attention to the sinner, standing near the bar that sat Emily, Nifty and Husk, Charlie and Vaggi stood further away with Cherri and Baxter, who were both engrossed in their phones and not paying attention.
"Absolutely!" Beelzebub chirped before Lucifer could answer, "I smelled a great cook as soon as I stepped in here!"
At that, Alastor felt his chest puff with pride, "Why thank you!" He said with a large genuine smile, "I learn from the best." He does not elaborate.
"And what is your name, sweetheart?" Asmodeus leans down to see the deer, holding out his large hand.
Alastors smile twitched at the nickname, but he took the sins hand in a firm handshake, "Alastor, sir. Please to meet you, quite the pleasure."
The creature perched on Satan's shoulder fluttered down to him, he had long horns and a pair of wings, but his held was adorned with a thin glowing halo, "I hope it's not too inconvenient."
Alastor eyed him for a few moments, "You must be Dr. Yogirt!" He said.
"Just Yogirt is fine, sir."
Alastor laughed, "Quite a gentleman! And it shan't be much trouble. I hope you lot have a spice tolerance."
Dinner was awkward. The sins has been lucky to catch Alastor making his mother's Jambalaya, he'd cooked up a pot of Étouffée for the extra mouths.
Thankfully, none of the sins minded that he had seemingly drowned the dishes in spices with the goal of suffocating whoever couldn't handle their spices. Lucifer thought maybe it was payback for being dragged into tonights meeting.
Lucifer looked around the table, he hadn't seen his pack in so long, and it wasn't until he heard their voices again that he realized how much he missed them.
Satan had always had a preference as the packs guardian, and Lucifer could tell by the way he scanned his surroundings in each new room they entered that he hadn't stopped in his absence. Mammon on the other hand, enjoyed being a Little as he pleased, the spoiled brat he was, Lucifer thought fondly, he was playful, loud, and greedy as he was, Lucifer could barely remember that last time he'd been present when the spider turned small enough for him to carry.
Unlike himself, the sins all had preferred Dynamics they liked to play. Asmodeus sported himself as the packs Pet, or as they liked to call it, Companion, while Beelzebub had dubbed herself a Provider since before the pack even formed.
Lucifer wondered absently if Levi and Belph were still Caregivers.
He locked eyes with Yogirt, who he forgot was there, and jumped.
The smallest present fallen angel was watching the hotel residents intensely, he noted the awkward silence only filled with the cheerful humming of Alastor, the repressed Little Lucifer had mentioned over the phone.
Everyone was tense, though he couldn't tell if it was because of the sins' presence, or if there was something else they needed to address.
Charlie played with her food, seemingly wilting, and the shadow, the entity that Yogirt had noticed floating around, frowned and made a face every time it passed her and noticed her untouched food. She was holding Vaggi's-- an exorcist, Yogirt noticed with a bit of shock-- hand under the table, as the angel glared at everyone and everything.
Husk, a winged cat sinner, of whom Yogirt had seen manning the bar, glanced around the table between bites, he too was noticing the awkward atmosphere, and was wait for someone to say something.
Emily was eating away happily, Yogirt noticed her plate was different from the others, mostly, the food wasn't smothered in cayenne peppers, and she had a small dish of plain white rice on the side. Though she did have a nice helping of Étouffée on her plate. To be polite, Yogirt figured.
The small cyclops sinner, Nifty, was making a mess of herself, Yogirt estimated that only 40% of the food actually ended up in her mouth, the rest was on the table and all over her face, the shadow passed by her every once in a while with a washcloth and cleaned off as much of her face as it could before leaving her be.
The angel fish sinner, Baxter, despite his blue complexion, was turning red, but was scarfing the food down anyway. Yogirt found it amusing, as Baxter sucked in air greedily with hopes of quelling the spicy sting.
Cherri, the larger cyclops, was holding up just fine. Taking large mouthfuls of her helpings, but she watched the rest of the group curiously, confused as to why it was so quiet. Yogirt assumed the hotels dinners usually included more chatter.
After a few more minutes of silence, Yogirt stood, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, "If everyone is finished, I'd like to have our meeting now."
Notes:
Next chapter we will be revealing the Class and Dynamics of:
Yogirt
Alastor
Baxter
CherriLet me know what your guesses are ❤️
Chapter 14: Well The Water's Rising
Summary:
"Let's start with some simple questions, shall we?"
Notes:
Thanks for waiting! Alastors Class is still a big steaming mystery! Someone should force it out of him...!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Let's start with some simple questions, shall we?"
Husk sat on the couch across from Yogirt the C&D therapist, alongside the rest of the hotels residents. Alastor stood behind the couch, away from all the physical contact, Lucifer stood beside him.
To the side, sat in various positions on the floor, were the sins.
He watched the others as Yogirt continued.
"Let's start with you, Miss Charlotte. And go down from here." Said the therapist, "What are your Class and Dynamics? And How many of the other's Class Dynamics did you know before todt?"
Charlie, upon being addressed, fidgeted harder, "Well, I'm an Alpha Class Guardian. I knew Vaggi and my dad's Class and Dynamics, and I was told Husks and Niftys yesterday."
Yogirt nodded, and scribbled something down on a notebook.
"I know Charlie's, Lucifer's and Emily's. And I was also there when Nifty and Husk told us theirs." Vaggi said, though she seemed strained, uncomfortable with the exercise, Husks guess was that she wasn't happy about Yogirt being here, "I'm a Beta Class Caregiver."
Nifty raised her hand excitedly, "Me! Me!" She shouted, "I'm a Delta Class Provider! I clean!"
Yogirt nodded, smiling at her.
"I know lots of peoples CDs! Like Husk and Charlie and Vaggi and the ultimate bad boy and Ms. Bomb and Baxter and pretty angel lady and my roaches and Juli."
"Ultimate bad boy?"
"She means Lucifer." Husk supplied helpfully.
Yogirt hummed, writing more down, "Is Juli not here with us today...?"
"It's right there."
Yogirt followed Husks pointed finger to see a shadow entity hovering over his shoulder curiously, Husk took the amusement where it was at the fallen angels surprised jump.
"Right." Yogirt said, waving at the shadow, "Moving along. Mr. Husk?"
"I know most everyone here." Husk said, "I'm a Hunter Class Caregiver. I know Alastors Dynamic but not his Class." He cast a glance towards the overlord.
Alastor wasn't looking at him.
"Other then that I know everyone else."
Yogirt hummed, but didn't say anything. Across the room, Mammon murmured something at Satan, and all the other sins nodded in agreement.
"I'm... Pretty much the same as Husk." Emily said shyly, rubbing the back of her neck, "I didn't know Vaggi's Dynamic. I was unaware she was a Caregiver. Oh, and I'm an Omega Class Caregiver."
"I knew of Niff and Charlie. I knew Husks Dynamic. Other then that, nah." Cherri said. She still had no idea why this was a thing that was happening. "I'm a Hunter Class Provider." She glanced at the others, "Can I ask a question?"
"Go ahead, Ms." Yogirt answered.
"Why are you here?" She stated blankly, "what is happening? Who did what and who pissed who off?"
Husk face palmed.
"And why the fuck are there 4 sins sitting in the living room? Are they even allowed to be here?"
"Yogirt is a C&D therapist," Lucifer explained, "I asked him to come help out with the pack, make sure everyone is doing ok."
Cherri blinked at him. "What pack?"
"Our pack!" Charlie shouted, voice wavering nervously, "Y-you know. Our pack!" She emphasized.
Cherri stared at her in confusion, then at Lucifer, then back at the princess, "Um, My only pack bond is with Angel."
Alastor watched the chaos unfold silently, his grin pulled wide with amusement and delight. Charlie was crying again, she was always doing that. Hopefully no one would start singing anytime soon.
Everyone had started trying to talk over each other, he locked eyes with Yogirt from across the room, his smile widened.
Vaggi's voice caught his attention, and he didn't even try to suppress the eye roll that he threw towards the ceiling.
"The fuck are you so smug about?" She hissed at him over all the shouting, "for all we know this could be your fault."
The deer scoffed, "How is this my fault? I haven't even done anything yet."
"Just do something!" She growled at him.
With a put upon sign, Alastor cleared his throat, static spiked at an ear splitting frequency, "Sorry to interrupt... Whatever was going on." He started as all attention went to him, "But I do believe we are in the presence of guests." He gestured towards Yogirt and the sins, who had all been quiet.
Charlies face flushed with embarrassment, "You're right, Al. I'm so sorry, everyone. That shouldn't have happened."
"How embarrassing!" Alastor said, not sounding embarrassed at all, "that little scuffle left a great impression for sure, don't you think, Charlie?"
Charlie covered her already embarrassment ridden face.
Yogirt shifted slightly, seemingly unphased from the scene that just exploded in front of him, "Actually I think I've gotten some very useful information." He said, "Which leads me to my next question."
Notes:
One of my good friends offered to draw some illustrations for a future chapter involving Vox! If you're interested be sure to follow up on my twt or bluesky account! Where I'll be dropping my design for Alastor soon!
Chapter 15: Tide's Coming In
Summary:
"Well it was much appreciated, my dear." Alastor replied, "If it wasn't for you I would be much more dead."
Notes:
Well well well...
Alastor can be quiet the unreliable narrator, but how will you know which part is true and which part is only one-sided?
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Alastor never thought his Class and Dynamic a weakness. Far from it, he knew a decent amount of powerful Littles, Mammon, Adam, even Valentino, and himself, were all Littles with a stupid amount of power.
Switches were rarer to come by, Alastor knew of one.
Alastor had never thought one Class or Dynamic lower than another. On the contrary, he thought the entire thing was stupid.
If it were up to him, he'd like to see the looks on each of his victims faces as they're teared down and devoured by what they could only depict as soft, weak, and unstable.
However, it was not up to him.
His first years in hell had been, well, for lack of a better word, hell.
While Rosie had never harmed him, she'd warned him.
No regressing. No nesting. No scenting. None of that animalistic nonsense.
Said that SHE didn't take well to it.
He'd been sent back and forth between the two women, being "trained" out of "beastly" instincts, being hooked up on suppressants, told to obey, submit.
All the fun stuff.
If he was able to regress, Rosie would report to HER the coming week, and Alastor would be sent to her and punished.
So forgive him if he didn't feel like regressing any time soon.
He knew exactly what would happen if Charlie found out. She'd go on and on about how suppressing regression is unhealthy, she'd baby him and treat him like a child. She'd make him regress, and Alastor wasn't ready to risk it yet. She'd tell him that he could become sick, the sickness could mess with his head!
Of course Alastor knows all this, he knows what's wrong with himself he doesn't need someone like her to tell him.
And Alastor would hate it. And he wouldn't leave because the hotel was one of the only safe places he could go, damnit.
Which is why instead of saying exactly that to Yogirts question. He says the next best thing.
"Why do I not want to form a pack with this group of people?" The question was ridiculous, because it was painfully obvious, "Why, over half of the people populating our staff build their entire personality around disliking me. I don't see why I should grace them with the honor of bonding me."
Case and point, Vaggi immediately shoots to her feet, jabbing a finger in his face, nearly taking out one of his eyes, "Listen here you ungrateful puta-"
"Besides!" Alastor cut her off, ignoring her, "It's much more entertaining when I am not in the line of danger."
Yogirt nodded, "And would you say that pack bonding with these people is dangerous?"
"Indubitably!" He says, canned laughter echoing in the background, "Inviting Vox into what was deemed a safe space? Inviting Lucifer?"
"Hey-"
"And in our time of need, I believe we were, left hanging." He finished, making intense eye contact with the king, who deflated.
"And you would consider a hotel a safe space?" Yogirt said softly, without missing a beat.
Alastors eyes widened is surprise.
He hummed, mostly for show, but he tilted his head and tapped his chin anyway, "I suppose so." He said, "I've been here the whole time, haven't I?"
"I see." Yogirt says, jotting that down on his notebook, "You mentioned not having shared your Class Dynamic with us. Would you like to tell me what Class Dynamic you have identified as?"
Alastor smile widened and his eyes crinkled slightly at the gestut, "No."
Another nod from the fallen angel, "Is there a specific reason why you aren't comfortable letting me know?"
"Personal preference, I'm afraid." The deer answered swiftly.
"And is there any one person in the room that you would be comfortable sharing with?"
Alastor paused for a moment, surprisingly, the answer was yes. He debated wether or not to answer truthfully, when his shadow let out a loud cheery "MEHM!".
"Yes." He snapped hurriedly before anyone heard the usually quiet thing squeak.
Mentally, he slapped himself, physically, he shot a quick glance towards Lucifer, one of those he mentioned who built his whole personality on hating him. And was unfortunately being glanced back at.
They tore their eyes from each other hastily.
Yogirt smiled, "I believe I have what I came for." He said, nodding at each of them in thanks, he then turned to Lucifer, "I'll put you up with Dr. Julius Ashber, sire."
Husker arched a brow towards Alastor, Nifty looked confused.
Alastor coughed shyly, somewhere embarrassed, "What can I say? It's quite a lovely name."
The sins and Lucifer remained in the lobby while the others carried on with whatever activities they had planned for themselves.
"The situation is... Interesting." Yogirt reported, "One thing was correct, there is no pack formed. At least not a healthy one."
"This hotel is a whole mess of fucked up, Luci." Asmodeus translated.
"Hey, at least the red guy liked ya!" Mammon supplied helpfully.
Lucifers face flushed, but he ignored Mammon, "That's why I have you here."
"The situation if dangerous, sire." Yogirt told him, "It's good that you reached out when you did. There are a lot of mixed C&D system in this group, and they don't know how to function together. I recommend C&D therapy and training at least twice a week."
"Thanks, Yogirt. I really appreciate it."
"Hopefully this isn't the last time we see you, Lucifer." Satan warned.
"Yeah!" Beelzebub said, "You don't even wanna know what he's been doing since you've been gone."
The dragon shooed her off, " 'n I'll keep doin' if ya fuck off again."
"Just be safe, Luci." Asmodeus said, placing a hand on the kings shoulder.
"We'll be back, short stack." Mammon threatened.
Lucifer smiled, "I will. I look forward to it. I really missed you guys." He said, "We should, uh, do lunch sometime, yeah?"
"Yes!" Beelzebub cheered, "just say when, baby."
"Julius will stop by tomorrow." Yogirt informed, "I'd prepare a room if I were you."
Emily and Nifty had followed Alastor into the dining room to help him clear the table.
"I'm so glad you found someone you trust, Mister Alastor." Was the greeting the deer was met with when the small angel caught him alone.
He startled, turning on his heel, "Ah, yes that. Well..." He stood thinking for a few minutes before giving her a sigh, "Yes. I suppose I should thank you. For last night. And last month. I'm sorry for getting you hurt." He eyed the golden prosthetic wing on her back.
"Oh," Emily said, surprised, "Oh! No, no it was nothing! I'm just glad you're ok."
"Well it was much appreciated, my dear." Alastor replied, "If it wasn't for you I would be much more dead."
Emily giggled, "Well I'm glad I could help."
"Roach king! The rats are coming!" Nifty yelled from the dining room.
Alastor pat the little seraphims head gently, "I must tend to sever matters, dear. If you'd be so kind as to excuse me."
Notes:
Elsewhere, a plan is brewing...
Also yes, baby deer do make MEHM sounds it's so cute 😭😭😭
Chapter 16: Does Little Big Boy Know
Summary:
"Yes, yes." Alastor sighed dramatically, petting the sulking shadow, "Poor Julius. Whatever shall it do without a big strong man to help it?" He drawled, "Am I not big and strong enough for you?" He snapped.
The look he was met with was blank and deadpan.
"Fine," Alastor huffed, "Be that way."
Notes:
When the Water's at your heels, boy, do you really feel like the world gonna end of you're not at the top?
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lucifer built his entire personality around two things.
One, was ducks. He loved ducks. Ducks were great, and his life was full of them.
Second, was hating on that pompous radio demon. This was a more recent development, sure he didn't want to be "that other guy that hates Al", but he couldn't help it! What was that deers problem? Since the first time they met, the sinner made it his job to ragebait Lucifer and it worked exceedingly well.
So why did Alastor trust him?
The thought raked him with anxiety. Was it a trick? Some scheme the sinner was cooking up to... To something? Why would Alastor trust him of all people with his Class Dynamic.
Knowing Alastors Dynamic was inevitable. He'd held the Little during regression, healed wounds that no one knew was there, and even got him (the hotel) a C&D therapist!
It was one thing to know, it was another to be trusted with and given the knowledge.
Which is what made it so suspicious!
Lucifer paced. Back and forth, back and forth.
He tried to pace away the impending feeling of dread.
Alastor was sitting on the edge of his bed with his arms crossed, a disapproving gaze aimed towards his shadow.
"I cannot believe you did that." He scolded, "That was very uncalled-for, and I am immensely cross with you."
The shadow meeped, tilting it's head.
"Don't play coy. You know what you did." Alastor hissed.
The shadow let out a silent giggle, wiggling in place. It danced in the air, making near silent garbles and chirps.
"Brat." Alastor mumbled, "Why can't you behave! Don't you know what will happen if they find out?"
The shadow morphed its form, mimicking a chain snapping before returning to its more humanoid shape and folding its arms with a knowing look.
"Yes, I know that." Alastor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "but not being owned by HER didn't stop her from getting her hands on me, now did it?"
The shadow pouted, morphing a giant top hat on its head, then the silhouette of a tall horned woman cowering, then back to himself smiling cheerfully.
"You have way to much confidence in that idiot." Alastor scoffed, "the most he'd do is cry at her feet. No one here will protect us if someone was to come, so stop making it easier to be found."
The shadow made a sad face, making itself smaller and curling up in its masters lap with fake tears running down it's whispy face.
"Yes, yes." Alastor sighed dramatically, petting the sulking shadow, "Poor Julius. Whatever shall it do without a big strong man to help it?" He drawled, "Am I not big and strong enough for you?" He snapped.
The look he was met with was blank and deadpan.
"Fine," Alastor huffed, "Be that way."
Charlie had been hiding under her blankets for hours.
The room was dark, curtains drawn tight, the glow from the hallway bleeding faintly under the door. She hadn’t moved since dinner. Hadn’t eaten. Hadn’t even turned over.
Vaggi paced.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
“This is bullshit,” she snapped for what had to be the tenth time. “Absolute bullshit. They had no right. No right to come in here and talk down to you like that.”
“They don’t see what you do,” Vaggi continued, voice sharp with fury, “They don’t see how hard you try. Emily doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and Alastor—” She stopped herself with a growl, “Alastor just thrive on being an asshole. You know that.”
Under the blankets, Charlie curled tighter.
“I just…” Her voice came out muffled, small. “I thought… I thought we were doing okay.”
Vaggi sat down hard on the edge of the bed, fists clenched in the sheets, “You are doing okay,” she insisted, “You’re doing more than anyone else ever has.”
“But if that were true,” Charlie whispered, “why didn’t anyone tell me they were unhappy?”
Vaggi opened her mouth.
Closed it.
Charlie shifted under the covers, peeking out just enough for one red eye to show.
“But they all knew things I didn’t,” she said sadly, “About each other. About… everything.”
Vaggi's jaw tightened, "They should have told us. And they're assholes for not." She said, "You trusted them to tell you things, and they kept it from you. It's not your fault."
Across the hotel, Lucifer stopped pacing.
He leaned both hands on the back of a chair, shoulders hunched, “I can't keep doing this,” he said into the empty room, "I need to talk to someone about it."
Alastor’s shadow had gone still.
It sat curled in his lap, quiet now, no longer crying. Alastor’s fingers moved automatically through the dark wisps of it, smoothing, grounding.
“You don’t understand,” he murmured, softer than before. “You don’t remember what it was like."
The shadow lifted its head.
Alastor didn’t look at it.
The shadow gently pressed a hand to his chest,
Right over his heart. it leaned in, resting its head against him, humming low and steady, the same frequency it used when he was hurt, when he was sick, when the world got too loud.
Alastor’s breath shuddered.
“I'm fine.” he whispered, but made no move to pull away.
The shadow answered by tightening its hold.
Notes:
Cause once you claim that throne, once you call it all your own.
The climb never, ever stops.
Chapter 17: How To Swim
Summary:
Today was the first session, and the doctor was prepared for the worst. Breakdowns, fighting, arguing, being attacked himself. Anything was possible.
Notes:
I read through the other chapters and omg 😭 all the typos I'm crying..
I don't have a beta reader guys I'm so sorry about how hard this is to read.
Hey at least you know I'm not using ai lolll
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dr. Julius Ashber was a tall, lanky, elegant man. His voice was gravelly, but not deep, it was almost smooth, his voice was calm as it washed over the sinners and angels sitting in a circle in the new room Lucifer had put together for their sessions.
The room was padded, the wall painted a soft and soothing yellow, fluffy carpeting keeping them cozy.
Today was the first session, and the doctor was prepared for the worst. Breakdowns, fighting, arguing, being attacked himself. Anything was possible.
"I want everyone here to know, that these sessions aren't to turn this into a pack. It's to help you function around each other safely." Julius started with, "now, my name is Julius Ashber, you may call me Dr. Ashber or Julius."
He's answered with a few nods.
"Why don't we start with a recap of what happened last month?" Julius said with a subtle gesture, "I'm aware the events that occurred were quite world changing."
"Well where can I even start?" Charlie chuckled nervously, "It all started when the hotel was getting more attention after the extermination. But the news was spreading false information about the hotel, And then we found out Sir Pensious was in heaven, so I tried to get an interview with Vox and then he started spreading even more misinformation and then I tried to get an interview with Katie Killjoy and that didn't go so well and then Alastor got himself kidnapped and then Vox started recruiting other overlords to destroy heaven and then-"
Julius' face remained neutral as he nodded along to her story, Husk and Cherri exchanged glances as the princess rambled on.
"-And Alastor made me tell all of hell Vox is the most powerful sinner in hell and then Vox started destroying the city then Emily got hurt and Vox tried to kill us and the weapon started to overload but it's ok because we made sure the explosion didn't hurt anyone!" The princess sucked in a large breath, "and yeah. We sorta saved hell."
Vaggi smiled at her, squeezing her hand.
"Thank you for sharing, you're highness." Julius said, "would anyone else like to share?"
"What about the part where you and Vaggi were ignoring each other?" Nifty asked with a raised finger.
"Oh!" Charlie's face reddened, "Um, I don't think we really need to go into that. We kinda resolved it."
"Or the part where Angel got hypnotized?" Cherri added.
"Or how Angel went back to Valentino to protect us?" Husk said, "Are we just going to ignore that forever?"
"Well, I mean-"
"What about Lucifer?" Alastor supplied, "I'm aware he was being used as a battery for that pathetic picture boxes weapon."
"What!" Charlie exclaimed, turning to Lucifer.
"H-hey now," the king said nervously, "I didn't do it willingly! I was tricked! I didn't mean to make things harder-"
"Dad why didn't you tell me!" Charlie said, "I could have helped you!"
"Probably because you kicked him out of the hotel," Cherri scoffed.
"And he was abducted." Alastor added, "say, I didn't know you kicked him out. I knew you had it in you, dear!"
"What, no!" Charlie cried, "no, I, I was just trying to-"
"You all need to back off!" Vaggi shouted, "you've all done nothing but complain and charlie is just trying to help! She had a lot on her plate, she can't spare her every thought to care about all of your small problems!"
"Why was my amazing work during the fight with Vox not mentioned?" Baxter asked insensitively.
"Vaggi maybe find a better way to word it? I-"
"I thought Vaggi would have told you." Lucifer said.
"Vaggi knew?!"
"I was busy trying to stop the weapon from exploding!"
Julius sat in the midst of the chaos, observing the quick fallout in silence.
Emily chewed at her lip, "Can we change the subject?"
Julius nods, "Of course." He snaps his fingers lightly, getting everyone's attention with a wave of calming energy, the Sub Class Caregiver cleared his throat, "Mr. Alastor," he said, earning a him from the radio demon, "I understand you had been in the Vee's possession when most of the mentioned events occurred."
"Possession is a strong word." Alastor answered, "But yes, I was being held against my will at the little trio's tower."
"And would you like to share what happened while you were there?"
Alastor shrugged halfheartedly, "What one would expect, I imagine." He said, "Torture, humiliation. Though the chair attached to wheels was a surprisingly pleasant experience. HA! I broke a few deals, cashed in some favors, and assisted Ms. Charlie in her quest to save hell."
Julius nodded and turned to the rest of the group, "And how did Alastors absence affect you? How did it make you feel?"
"I was so sad!" Nifty said loudly, "No one was there to watch my roaches puppet show!"
Vaggi shrugged, "Alastor is pretty powerful, he could handle it. We didn't worry about it."
"That may be the nicest thing you've said to me!" Alastor cheered mockingly, "Perhaps you're growing fond of me."
"Ew."
"Alastor is very capable," Charlie said, looking from Alastor to Julius, "I'm just... Not, happy- that it got Emily hurt."
Notes:
Sorry for the late chapter :( I was trying to decide wether or not I wanted to have a big reveal this chapter >:)
Next chapter: VICTIM BLAMING!
I will be drawing some stuff from my own experience so if I make Charlie (and Vaggi) seem like a really really really really bad person just remember it will be from Alastors pov and his narrative is a bit unreliable.
I plan of TRYING to redeem Charlie and Vaggi guys I swear
Chapter 18: In A Pond Full Of Fish
Summary:
"I believe we should end our group session for today."
Lucifer stands, "Right. I'm so sorry about this, I'll still pay your full price if-"
Notes:
Guys I don't think I did this chapter justice 😢
Tw for victim blaming. Sensory issues.Before we continue reading, I just want you all to know that I've never really been a big fan of Charlie (not even in season 1), so I am struggling to write her a bit. In the show, she's always the innocent cinnamon roll so when she "doesn't mean to do something" she's just forgiven and it's never mentioned again, it reminds me a lot of a friend I used to have, who, surprise! Is also the reason I wanted to include a chapter with victim blaming. I'm trying to keep Charlie in character while also keep the story intact, but I don't want to villainize her, because of how much the fandom coddles her.
But I promise she gets an arc later in the story!
❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was quiet, jaws hung open, eyes widened and looked. Looked at her.
"So much of it could have been avoided if Vox wasn't obsessed with him! Is all I'm saying." She quickly said, the silence making even her feel awkward.
Alastor stared at her for a few moments, more out of surprise then shock, "Well." He said dryly, only mildly confused, "I suppose, I should apologize?"
"No, no..." Charlie said with a sad little smile, "There's no need, really."
Alastor shifted uncomfortably where he stood, he was feeling uncomfortable, which he wouldn't say out loud, but the fabric of his suit was starting to itch, his collar was too tight, palms too sweaty, waistband too high up his waist, the yellow of the walls too eye straining.
"Because I forgive you." The princess said, smiling softly at him, "And I hope Emily can, too."
More silence.
Alastor laughed, loud. It was so forced anyone would have noticed, "Fair enough, dear. Thank you for your... Forgiveness."
The silence stretched on as even Julius stared at the princess with wide eyes.
"Yo," it was several minutes before Cherri finally broke the quiet tension, "What the fuck."
"All I'm saying," Cherri rubbed at the back of her neck, "Is that we already had so much going on, and he knew that, and then he went and got himself kidnapped!"
"He GOT kidnapped," Husk corrected, brows knit together in a tight knot, "He didn't- Do you know what you sound like right now?"
"I mean, he could have not challenged Vox-"
"Charlie." Emily snapped, her face a contortion or anger and sadness, "That was unacceptable. Do you- how could you say something like that?"
"No!" Charlie said hurriedly, "No I just, I just wanted him to know that I forgive him and I shouldn't have assumed you-"
"Why would Alastor be in trouble for getting captured?" Nifty asked with a tear filled eye, "B-because he shouldn't be! It was a-all my fault! If I was stro-onger then that bug man w-wouldn't have beat me!" She started to sob violently, fat tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, Nifty no." Charlie said in a panic, not expecting the reaction from the rest of the room, "It's not like that. It's not your fault-"
"Wait then why is it Alastor's fault?" Baxter asked, genuinely confused, "Someone explain."
"You all need to calm down." Vaggi said with a glare, "It's not that big of a deal."
"H-hold on," Lucifer spoke, sounding worried, anxious, nervous as he raked his gaze back and forth between all the present people, "
"That is quite enough." Julius said with an air of authority, the room quieted down instantly, "Princess Morningstar, I do not encourage victim blaming in my sessions."
Charlie paled, "I- no, I did. That's not what I was trying to-"
Vaggi snarled at the therapist, "Hey, lay off. She didn't mean it. She was just trying to be nice to this assh-"
"Ms. Vaggi I understand you are a bonded Caregiver, but coddling is extremely unhealthy for both your charge, and moreso, harmful to the people around them as well." Julius cut her off, voice even as ever.
Vaggi's face reddened in embarrassment, "what- Charlie isn't a Little or a Pet."
"I never stated that she was," Julius said, voice still gentle, "Any Class and or Dynamic can bond have a Caregiver link. Dynamics are merely to help guide one's mental state to health. For example, an Enigma Class Caregiver can bond to another Caregiver, if they tend to act childish, vulnerable and or in need of help, a Caregiver will be able to assist. Does this make since?"
Vaggi blinked at him, staring for a moment before her face settled into a scowl, "You're patronizing me." She said, "And Charlie isn't childish or vulnerable."
"We will have more time, and privacy, to talk about this during our private session later this week." Julius said firmly, "I believe we should end our group session for today."
Lucifer stands, "Right. I'm so sorry about this, I'll still pay your full price if-"
"Group sessions will be every Monday and Friday, the rest of the week will be filled with one or two private session for each of you who have been signed up, and my office will be open on weekdays to whomever should need my assistance." Julius stood as well, his height having him towering over everyone present, hands behind his back politely, "Does that sound alright to everyone here?"
The stunned silence quickly turned into murmured agreements.
Lucifer gave him a thankful look, "That sounds great."
Julius nodded respectfully, "I will be in my room if anyone needs me."
With that, the tall demon melted away like smoke.
Lucifer took a deep breath, then turned to face the others, "Well... That was-" he cut himself off, noticing Alastor leaning against the was with a slight tremble to his frame, his head was lowered, bangs sweeping over his eyes, smile wide and strained, his breath coming in short hiccups, "Alastor?"
Notes:
When I was 15 this boy at a summer camp I was attending asked me to date him and I said no, he kissed me and when I said I didn't want to do that anymore he got very creepy and it scared me. We later found out he was harassing this other girl at camp, touching her inappropriately on the trains and buses we took, and was being ableist to another boy there. Me and the boy told the TAs and eventually got him blacklisted from the program and sent home.
Honestly I don't think too much about it I just feel proud that I was able to get rid of him(Sue me for being a bitch) and only occasionally think "ew I can't believe my first 'kiss' was with a sleazy dude"When I told that ex-friend about this (3yrs later), she made a face and said "omg noe that's so harsh, little noe (referring to my past self) what were you thinking?" And at first I laughed it off because I was just super shocked bc wtf? And months after that we got in a fight, and I told her I gave her sensitive information and she had that reaction she accused me of lying to get pity from our mediator (a mutual friend). You can probably guess why I don't talk to her anymore lmao.
So that's why Alastor reacts the way he does in this chapter. He's shocked, because he saw Charlie as somewhat of a friend and he didn't expected her to react the way she did
Chapter 19
Notes:
TW!
This chapter contains racism, bullying, mentions of domestic violence.Alastors mother, if you hadn't noticed from chapter 5 (6 if you include the C&D guideline chapter), has some issues as well. It isn't her fault, but sometimes mothers are victims as much as they are enablers. And I wanted to bring attention to that.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
One downside, one of the only downsides, to not being chained to Rosie anymore, was that he couldn't get his hand on suppressants.
Which was probably the entire reason the last two days had been the way they were.
Without suppressants, Alastor couldn't keep from regressing. Which wasn't good because if he couldn't keep from regressing then people would know he regressed, and then he would be punished.
But he wouldn't be punished anymore, because Rosie couldn't give him over to the other woman anymore. Alastor told himself. But it didn't matter, old scars and hurt burned him like frost bite, every breath felt like sucking in dry air with lungs of cracked skin and bleeding fingers.
Distantly, he knew people were crowding around him. Distantly, he realized people were talking to him.
His eyes burned, his eyes were burning and no amount of squeezing them shut would help. His eyes were bad enough, his mama already had to get him new glasses all the time, if he ruined his eyes it would have all been a waste.
His nose stung, like he'd inhaled water, he was choking, choking on something that didn't have a shape, which caused his throat to start to sore.
His eyes were burning, nose throbbing in pain as he covered it with his hand. Alastor was on the ground, looking up, as the other kids laughed.
"What's wrong, mul***o?" One of the boys snickerd, "Are you gonna cry? Need us to call your n***ro mommy?"
Alastor ignored them as best he could, he just wanted to go home. His glasses were on the ground, one of the lenses already cracked at the corner, he reached for them, only for his hand to get stepped in , the glasses snapping in his grasp.
A scream was torn from the back of Alastors throat, a slushy of pain shot up his arm and shoulder.
"Hey!" The boy shouted, "Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you!"
"Jason I wanna go play steal the flag," one of the other boys whined, "you can bother her tomorrow, let's go!"
The boy, Jason, scoffed, "Fine, fine." He glanced down at Alastor, "Hear that, Agatha? You're lucky this time, but this isn't over."
The group of boys ran off, and Alastor waited a few moments before hurrying to pick himself up and leave.
"Miss Hallow!" A shrill voice snapped at him as he left the confines of the darkened corner, he spun on his heel, looking up at the tall woman, "Clean yourself up!" She quipped, "How unruly."
Alastor quickly wiped his bloody nose with a white sleeve and fled the scene.
"What's happening? What's wrong with him?" Charlie cried, feedback was sending a ringing headache throughout the room.
Alastor was hunched in on himself against the wall, each wheeze he let out was accompanied by another spike of static, Lucifer had turned his hearing off to avoid a headache, the others weren't so lucky.
"Nothings wrong, honey." He answered her, "He needs some space, why don't you all head out for tonight, I'll stay and make sure everything's fine."
The others were hesitant to agree, but Lucifer had already flicked his fingers and the doors opened, and he turned his full attention back to Alastors shaking form.
"But, I-" Charlie started.
"Let's go, Charlie." Vaggi grabbed her hand.
After a few moments the princess nodded, following her girlfriend out the door.
When Lucifer turned around again, Husk was still standing there.
He raised a brow.
The feline shifted uncomfortably, "Emily said it would make him feel better if there was a familiar Caretaker around."
Lucifer considered this, then nodded. Littles tended to be quite sensitive to the scents and power pulses of the people they surround themselves with, he supposed Alastor would be quite familiar with Husks, and most likely took comfort in his presence in private. Though that does lead him to a question.
"I know he and Nifty scent each other, why don't you scent with them?" He asked.
"They don't" Husk said, rubbing the back of his neck, "Alastor doesn't do it. Nifty tries to scent him, but it wears off after a couple hours. It's weird."
By the time Lucifer was able to calm Alastor down, the deer was a little bundle in his arms, staring up at him with large teary eyes and quivering lips.
"Oh, Agatha. Not again."
Alastor kept his head and eyes lowered, guilt pooling off of him in waves, "Sorry, mama." His fists curled in the skirt of his dress as he held back tears, "It was an accident." He said quietly.
"Oh, mon ser." His mother knelt in front of him with a soft, worried smile, "We'll get you a new pair of glasses, alright? Just don't tell your papa."
Alastor gulped, shaking his head, "I- I don't need new ones... I can go without."
"Mon fiy, you need glasses," his mother said, wiping blood from his nose, "I know it's hard, but when you're older, you will understand how much your papa loves us."
Alastor was being bounced of Lucifers knee, hands curled in the pretty sweater the king had conjured for him, Husk was sitting across from him, knelt down to be at eye level with the now tiny overlord.
Kitty. Alastor liked kitty. His hand reached out to pat at the felines snout. Snout! He had one just like Alastor!
But the other lady didn't like those, what if kitty got punished like Alastor? He reached both hands out to try to cover the cats face, he felt the nose twitch under his hands, and delighted giggles erupted from his chest.
Husk huffed softly, "What? Ya gettin' kicks out of tryina suffocate me?"
The fawn laughed with his whole lungs, clapping and bouncing with delighted squeals, he leaned towards Husk eagerly with outstretched arms.
"Oh, um," nervously, Husk looked up at Lucifer.
Lucifer nodded towards the child in his lap, "Pick him up. He wants you."
Husk slowly wrapped his paws around the childs ribs, under his armpits, and lifted him.
The shrill scream of joy as the baby was lifted to the air was all it took for his pupils to slit, a blank look crossing his face, he brought the child closer to his face, a low purr rumbling in his chest.
Lucifer watched with amusement as the cat rubbed his face into the childs tummy and over his face as if mesmerized. Which, to be fair, he probably was. Deprived Caregivers, especially if they hadn't any training, easily went fuzzy brained around Littles, their long ignored instincts demanding the Little be protected and loved. It was dangerous, the Caregiver could accidentally hurt the Little or fend off things like healthcare or reject food.
"Husk. Snap out of it." Lucifer warned.
Husk blinked at him blurrily, then he looked back to Alastor, looking down at him, tail wagging so fast he might as well be a puppy.
He swallowed heavily, before slowly setting the child down on the fluffy floor.
Alastor tilted over and rolled onto his tummy with a cheerful babble.
"Dad?" A knock at the door, "Is everything ok in there?"
Lucifer turned towards the door, "Everything is fine, Char-char! Don't worry abou-"
Alastor squealed loudly, as he found Husks tail, bringing the fanned tip to his teethless mouth to naw on it.
"What was that?" Came Vaggi's voice, "Who else is in there?"
"Uhh... No one! That was just -"
The door opened, and, of course, just his luck, almost everyone was standing at the door, peering inside curiously.
Lucifer and Husk stared at them with wide eyes and half open mouths, shock evident on their faces.
"Dad, Husk, where's-"
Behind Lucifer, Alastor sucked in a breath and started crying.
The door opened with a creak, heavy footsteps followed. Alastor sat at the table quietly, trying to make himself smaller, hoping the older man wouldn't notice him.
"Mon lanmour." Alastors mother greeted the man at the door, taking his coat, "How was work, dear?"
The man grunted, and headed straight for the small makeshift dining room, his hand shoved Alastors head a little as he passed, and he couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine as his father sat down across from him.
"Where are your manners, Agatha?" The man said in a deep gravelly voice, anger floated beneath the surface of that voice.
"Welcome home, papa." Alastor said, softly, "how was work?"
His father hummed, eyeing him as his mother brought out supper.
"It was shit." He said with narrowed eyes.
Alastor swallowed, fingernails digging into the knuckles of his other hand.
His mother froze where she was in the kitchen as well.
The olderan across from him cleared his throat angrily.
"H- wh- I'm sorry, papa." Alastor said with a hitch in his breath.
The man scoffed, "I ought to leave you and your bitch of a mother. Would you like that? That I leave your mother and her bastard child to fend for yourselves? Is that what you want?!" He yelled, spit flying across the table as his fists slammed down on the table surface so hard the dishes jumped.
"N-no, papa!" Alastor squeaked, tears brimming his eyes.
"They way weren't you at the door, Agatha?!"
"I'm sorry, papa." Alastor sobbed, trembling, not daring to look up at the anger in his father's face.
"Are you?" Growled the man, "Do I need to beat it into you are will you remember the next time?"
Alastor trembled, "I'll remember next time, papa."
Notes:
Hm, where did the shadow go.
I wonder what Rosie's perspective on this is.
I wonder how the others are feel. Do you really think that just because they now know Al is a Little they'll change the way they act towards him? Maybe.
Voxes chapter is coming soon, and I still haven't decided what his Class Dynamic is!
Chapter 20: Oh, Little Big Boy
Summary:
Tw:
Minor non graphic panic attack
Reference to past torture
Sensory overload
Nonconsensual touching (non-sexual)
A tiny bit of victim blaming
Notes:
I feel like I should add the slow burn tag because omg 🤦
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Oh!" Charlie gasped, "Em, Gee! Is that a baby!?"
And yes, there was indeed, a small baby on the floor.
Husk winced as said baby wrapped tiny hands around his tail and held tightly.
"Aw..." Charlie bent down to be closer to the fawn, her voice taking on an excited squeal, "You are so adorable! Yes you are!"
The child whined, holding Husks tail tighter, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.
The others stayed by the door in shock, apart from Emily, who hurried in.
"How is he doing?" She asked.
"He was doing fine." Husk huffed, "What is everyone doing here?"
Emily shifted with a dejected look, her arms crossed over her chest, "They heard some strange noises and all wanted to come see what was going on." She said, "I tried to stop them from coming in, but... Well."
"Is this Al's baby? Where is he?" Charlie asked, "I really want to apologize for earlier."
Husk, Lucifer, and Emily exchanged glances.
Cherri cleared her throat, "Stop looking at each other suspiciously. It ain't fooling no one. That's Al ain't it?"
Lucifer stuttered, "Well hold on now!" He said, almost choking on his own tongue, "That's not- let's not assume-"
Alastor trusted him. Alastor trusted him to keep his secret. But now everyone was here, staring at him, staring at Alastor.
"This is Alastor?" Charlie cooed, "I mean, I guess he kinda looks like Al. But I thought Al was more... Human? Looking?"
"Alastor is a Little?!" Vaggi, still standing at the door with the others, said, shocked.
"Why didn't he tell us?" Charlie said.
Alastor sobbed loudly, scrunching his face up as fat globs of tears streamed down his face, he started curling in on himself, ears pinned back and tail flagging to a herd that doesn't exist.
The princess cooed sympathetically, scooping the baby up, "Aw, what's wrong?"
Lucifer almost protests, but decides against it, Husk tenses, watching her closely, Emily looks worried as Alastor twists and squirms, but his crying quiets down to a whimpering.
Charlie smiles, "Sweet thing, you're ok."
Blond hair floating, pale skin cold as ice, red eyes dark with fury, and black lips pulled back in a snarl. Alastor shouldn't cry when she's here, shouldn't even be regressed. He should be quiet, the maybe she won't notice him.
His skin feels like it's burning as he's touched, he doesn't like it, he doesn't like it when people touch him. He's picked up by her, he's scared, but he can't show it because being scared makes her trigger happy.
Someone is talking to him, but it's muffled in his ears, she gets angry when he doesn't answer. He needs to understand, he needs to hear her, needs to know what she's saying, needs to know what she wants from him.
Alastor whined as a splitting headache might as well had cracked his skull open. Static split the air angrily as his antlers grew in and branched, Charlie yelped and dropped him, he hit the floor a grown man, kneeling over his knees and panting sharply.
"Alastor!" She exclaimed, surprised, "Oh my- are you ok? What happened!"
Alastor didn't answer her as she crowded him, the other voices around him are muffled, as if they were under water, he was panting softly, heart beating rapidly in his chest. He wasn't wearing his usual suit, the sweater and shorts Lucifer had given him thankfully grew in size alongside him, his usual clothes still in a lumpy pile near the wall.
"Alastor? Alastor! Can you hear me?" Charlie placed her hand on his shoulder, and he instantly started growling.
"Charlie, I think you should back up..." Husk warned.
"No!" Charlie shouted, her eyes worried and full of unshed tears, "H-he's in distress! He needs m-"
The feline was quick to snatch her as Alastors head suddenly jerked in her direction and his sharp teeth snapped shut over the space where her arm would have been if Husk hadn't pulled her back
Lucifers heart flipped sickly at the display, a surge of protectiveness and anger bubbled up in his chest. His daughter just almost lost her arm!
"Enough!" He shot to his feet and snapped before he could even stop himself, "Control yourself or-!"
Husk and Alastor both watched him with wide eyes, both sinners' ears pinned flatly to their skulls, Husk immediately let go of the princesses shoulder, Alastor curled his arms tighter around his middle.
"Everyone get out." Emily finally said, snapping Lucifer out of his anger, he didn't even notice his horns and extra eyes had made an appearance.
Everyone started shuffling out, while Lucifer, Husk, and Charlie stayed frozen where they were.
The seraphim shot the king a cold look, "Everyone."
He opened his mouth to say something, only to find he had nothing to say. He looked back at the sinners and his daughter, then back to Emily, and nodded.
Charlie looked up at Emily, "Emily, what is-"
"You too," Emily cut her off, "I'll explain later." She said, "Husk, how are you feeling?"
Husk swallowed, "Fine."
"Go take a break. I'll call you in if I need help."
The bartender hesitated, but agreed, and followed Charlie outside, closing the door behind them.
Notes:
Bet you all thought I forgot about Charlie's call with Lilith at the end of S2 huh?
Well guess what? >:)