#shut down | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rainforestakiie · 7 months ago

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hello everyone! i am back with part 02 of shut down! a request i have written for @inubaki!

inubaki, i really hope you liked this AU! i had so much fun writing it! i hope it's what you wanted!

Part 01 - Part 02

i hope you all enjoy it! and thank you so much for all the comments on part 01! they really made my day!

Lucifer stood in the candle-lit room, the warm glow flickering against his pale skin, as he gazed at the table set for two. The petals were strewn perfectly, just as he'd imagined, and the soft music played in the background, barely audible under the delicate sounds of the flame's crackle. It was a setting straight out of a dream. Everything had been arranged with care, with precision. There was a lush array of fruits, sweet pastries, and decadent dishes—each chosen with Adam’s preferences in mind. Lucifer knew his tastes, after all, and he wanted this meeting to be perfect.

Perfect for Adam.

A soft sigh escaped Lucifer's lips as he adjusted the arrangement for the third time, running a hand through his golden hair, his tail flicking in agitation. His golden eyes scanned the door, and then the clock, once again.

Five minutes late. Then ten. Then fifteen.

By the time thirty minutes had passed, Lucifer’s mood had shifted. The perfect evening, he had so meticulously planned was turning into an agonizing waiting game. His confidence began to waver. What had gone wrong? Had he miscalculated? He’d been so sure Adam would appreciate this. He had been so certain that Adam would see this for what it was: an offering. An invitation. A gesture of genuine affection.

But Adam still wasn’t here.

Lucifer's fingers gripped the edge of the table, his claws digging into the wood. Was it something he’d done? His kiss—had it been too much? Too soon? He closed his eyes, thinking back to the way Adam had shoved him away. His rejection stung, but was it possible that it was too much too soon? Was Adam really that disgusted by him?

No. He couldn’t believe that.

Adam was just playing hard to get, right? A little space. A little time. That’s all he needed. Adam had always been a bit difficult to read, but that only made him more intriguing. More… worth the effort.

Yet, as the clock ticked past an hour and still no sign of Adam, that confidence started to dissolve into doubt.

His tail swished behind him, agitation growing. He’d been waiting for so long, sitting patiently for the moment Adam would walk through the door and see everything he had planned, everything he had given of himself for this. He wasn’t just the King of Hell right now. He was a man trying to win the heart of someone he cared about. And that feeling—that was foreign to him. Lucifer was used to people bowing before him, used to being desired, but Adam was different. Adam didn’t fall at his feet. Adam didn’t just give him what he wanted. Adam made him work for it. And that challenge, that resistance, had only made Lucifer want him more.

But it had to be worth it, didn’t it? He couldn’t have misjudged everything. Adam had to come.

He paced back and forth, his irritation turning into a dangerous mix of frustration and confusion. Where was Adam? What had gone wrong? The King of Hell wasn’t used to being left waiting. His pride gnawed at him as he stared at the door. Was this his fault? Had he overdone it? Or worse—had Adam never wanted this to begin with? Was he simply being led on?

The bitterness of those thoughts stung like acid, but before Lucifer could dwell on them for too long, he gave an exasperated sigh and turned toward the door, as if the very act of walking out might alleviate the pressure building in his chest.

He couldn’t just wait here, not anymore.

So, with a flick of his wrist, he summoned a portal and vanished in a swirl of dark shadows, reappearing in his chamber. The transition wasn’t as smooth as usual; there was a distinct sense of something hollow in his chest, a space that had never existed there before. He wasn’t just the King of Hell anymore, holding power over the damned and his kingdom. No, this time, he was alone. He was just Lucifer.

The isolation had always been something he could shrug off. He’d always preferred it, in fact. But now… now it gnawed at him.

He threw himself onto the black silk sheets with a harsh sigh, face buried in his pillow. His fingers, still trembling, traced the outline of his lips, remembering Adam’s soft touch. He had expected Adam to come to him today. He had prepared for it.

Was his kiss that bad? He had kissed countless others—perfectly. Why was Adam any different? Surely, he wasn’t the problem. Lucifer was an amazing kisser. He knew that. He had to know that. He had charmed everyone before, made them want him. So why hadn’t Adam returned to him?

Why hadn’t Adam shown up?

The truth lingered in his mind like a harsh whisper. Maybe it wasn’t the kiss. Maybe it wasn’t the gesture. Maybe it was him.

And that thought… that thought burned deep. Because Lucifer didn’t know what to do with the feeling that he wanted more from Adam. More than just the contract. More than just the meetings. More than just those stolen moments in between. He wanted Adam to want him back.

The loneliness crept back, curling in his chest, and for the first time, Lucifer didn’t have an answer to it.

For once, his pride couldn’t protect him. And Lucifer wasn’t sure whether that terrified him or made him feel something worse: vulnerable.

~#~

Adam paced back and forth in his room, his mind racing faster than his heart. His breath came in short, panicked bursts, his hands trembling as he ran them through his messy hair. Lucifer had kissed him. He couldn’t stop replaying the moment in his mind, the warmth of Lucifer’s lips against his, the way he’d leaned in with such certainty, such confidence, as if Adam’s rejection didn’t matter to him at all. But it mattered to Adam. It mattered a hell of a lot.

What was he supposed to do now? What was the right response? He didn’t know. He couldn’t know. This wasn’t supposed to happen. None of this was supposed to be happening. He had his role to play, his duty to fulfill, and Lucifer was supposed to be just another task to get through, a contract to sign and move on. But no, this was all becoming… complicated. It was like Eden all over again, his heart racing in the wrong direction, his body betraying him, yearning for someone who didn’t—couldn’t—want him in return.

Lucifer had chosen Lilith. Then Eve. Never him. And yet, now he was here, doing this. Playing these games. Kissing him. And Adam didn’t know how to stop it. How to stop himself from feeling it. How to push it away. How to… not care. But how could he not care? Every part of him burned for the attention. But he couldn’t let it. Not again. Not after everything.

Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes, and his chest felt tight, as if he were suffocating under the weight of everything. He couldn’t let himself fall for Lucifer again. He couldn’t let this happen. Not again.

Shaking his head, Adam grabbed the edge of his desk, his breath hitching as the panic gripped him harder. He couldn’t go to the next meeting. Not after that kiss. Not after feeling the way he felt. He avoided the next meeting, and the one after that. He didn’t show up. He ignored every knock at his door, every summons from Sera. He buried himself in his own turmoil, hoping—praying—that it would just disappear. But it wouldn’t. It couldn’t. Lucifer wouldn’t let it.

And Heaven… Heaven expected so much. It was all too much.

The knock at his door sent him into a tailspin. He wasn’t ready for this. Not now. Not when his mind was this scrambled. But before he could retreat further into himself, the door swung open, and there stood Sera, her expression sharp and determined.

“Adam,” she demanded, her voice cool and unwavering. “Open up.”

Adam hesitated, staring at the floor, his throat tight. He didn’t know what to say to her. He couldn’t let her see how broken he felt. How lost he was. With a deep sigh, he reluctantly stepped aside, allowing her to enter. She crossed the room with measured steps, her eyes scanning him with knowing precision.

“What’s going on?” she asked, arms crossing as she stopped in front of him. “You’ve been avoiding your duties. Why haven’t you met with the traitor? Why are you neglecting your responsibility?”

Adam couldn’t look her in the eye. His shame was so palpable he could almost taste it. The weight of it pressed on him like a physical thing, suffocating him. How could he look her in the eye? How could he tell her that Lucifer had kissed him? That he’d liked it? That it had awakened feelings he couldn’t control?

“I…” Adam started, his voice strained, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything. How could he explain this? What words could ever make sense of this mess?

Sera’s eyes softened for a fraction of a second as she watched him, sensing the turmoil. She sighed deeply, her gaze searching his face for answers.

“Did something happen? Did the Traitor do something to you?”

Adam’s throat clenched at the mention of Lucifer’s name, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He wanted to tell her everything—wanted to scream at her about how much he was hurting, how Lucifer’s actions were breaking him, how the kiss had brought everything crashing back down. How much he wanted Lucifer, even though he knew he shouldn’t. But he didn’t say any of that.

Instead, he gave a sharp nod. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “Yes, he did something.”

Sera’s face hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She closed her eyes, her jaw clenching as she took in a deep breath, trying to keep her composure.

“What did he do?” she asked, her tone deceptively calm.

Adam wanted to tell her. He wanted to spill everything, to tell her how it felt when Lucifer touched him, how it made him feel both terrified and alive at the same time. How he had kissed him like he meant it. How he had wanted it. But instead, Adam looked her square in the eye and spoke through the pain, trying to push the emotions down.

“I can handle it,” he said, the words coming out more forcefully than he intended. “I’ll handle it.”

Sera’s eyes searched his face for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing her features before she hardened again. She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. “You better. Because four years is far too long, Adam. This game with the traitor has gone on long enough. You need to get the King of Hell to sign the contract. The extermination needs to happen. There is much to prepare. You’re running out of time.”

Adam’s heart sank. She was right. There wasn’t much time. He had to finish this, had to force Lucifer to sign. It wasn’t just a duty—it was a command from Heaven.

“I’ll get him to sign it,” Adam replied, his voice sharp with determination, even as a part of him crumbled inside. “I promise.”

Sera regarded him for a long moment, the weight of her gaze like a challenge.

“I’m counting on you, Adam,” she said, her voice softer but no less insistent. “Don’t make me regret it.”

With that, she turned and left, leaving Adam alone in his room, his heart heavy with everything he had yet to face.

~#~

The golden doors of Heaven creaked open, and Lucifer barely bothered to glance up. He’d been waiting for what felt like hours, slouched over the meeting table, his long devilish tail coiling lazily around the edge of the chair and draping across the floor. His eyes were closed, cheeks puffed out in childish frustration as he let out a quiet grumble to himself. Another one. Another meeting where Adam didn’t show up. Another day spent waiting for the man who—Lucifer refused to admit it—was starting to drive him insane.

It had been weeks since Adam first pushed him away, weeks of endless waiting, planning, hoping. Every meeting had been the same. Lucifer’s growing irritation gnawed at him, but his pride held him back from doing anything drastic. Not yet. Not yet.

But then, the silence was broken. The doors swung open with a harsh groan.

Lucifer’s head snapped up, his eyes gleaming with an uncontainable excitement. Finally. There he was—Adam, storming into the room like a hurricane, his golden eyes blazing with frustration, his posture rigid. Without a word, Adam stormed toward the table and slammed the parchment down in front of Lucifer.

“Sign it,” Adam growled, his voice thick with anger.

Lucifer blinked, his smile faltering for a moment. Adam was here. He actually showed up. He straightened in his chair, an over-exaggerated grin spreading across his face.

“Adam!” he exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat. “You came! I knew you would. I knew it!”

But Adam didn’t even look at him. He was too focused on the parchment, his hand slamming it down onto the table again in an almost violent motion.

Lucifer blinked, his tail flicking. “Well, now that you’re here... Why don’t we have a little chat first?”

He leaned over the table with a sly grin. “I’ve missed you, Addie. Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you at all the others.”

He tilted his head, letting his voice drop into a teasing lilt. “Tell me, why didn’t you show up?”

Adam’s jaw clenched. “Sign. The damn. Parchment.”

Lucifer pouted, looking down at the parchment as though it were a minor inconvenience. “Hmm. I don’t know... I’ve been waiting for you, but you haven’t been showing up, so why should I sign anything for you?”

Adam’s fists clenched, his frustration bubbling to the surface. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice level, but it came out tight. “Just sign it. It’s the only reason I’m here. I’ve already had enough of this—this game of yours. You don’t get to toy with me anymore.”

Lucifer’s smirk only grew. “Toy with you? Oh, Adam, I’m not playing a game. I’m being patient. For you. Don’t you see that? All these meetings, and you just keep avoiding me. It’s—”

He let out a soft laugh. “It’s almost funny.”

“Sign it!” Adam shouted, slamming his hand down on the table, his voice cracking with anger. “Sign it, or I’ll—”

Lucifer’s eyes glinted with mischief, a dark chuckle escaping him. “You’ll what? Yell at me some more? I’m afraid that won’t change anything, Addie.”

Before Adam could respond, Lucifer snapped his claws, a sudden flash of golden fire erupting around the parchment. It went up in flames in an instant, turning to ash before Adam’s very eyes.

Adam’s mouth fell open, his eyes widening in shock. “What the fuck—?!”

His voice was a roar of pure disbelief. “What the hell is your problem, Lucifer?!”

Lucifer leaned back in his chair, a wide, almost sickeningly satisfied grin stretching across his face. “Finally. Finally, you said it. You actually said it.”

Adam’s face flushed with fury, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

His fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. “What the fuck is your problem, Lucifer?”

Lucifer couldn’t contain himself anymore. The grin on his face only deepened, as though the anger in Adam’s voice was a victory. “Finally!”

“Finally, you called me by my name. I knew you remembered me. I knew it.” He leaned forward, eyes glowing with something akin to triumph. “I knew you couldn’t forget me.”

Adam’s chest heaved as he let out a furious growl. “I hate you. I fucking hate you, Lucifer!”

His voice cracked with the weight of everything he couldn’t contain anymore. “I hate you so much!”

Lucifer’s expression faltered for a moment, but he scoffed.

“You’re lying,” he said, voice thick with disdain. “You don’t hate me. Not after that kiss.”

His eyes locked onto Adam’s, gleaming with something darker. “I know you don’t.”

Adam recoiled, his face contorting in disgust. “Don’t—don’t you dare talk about that kiss! It doesn’t mean anything. Nothing happened.”

Lucifer’s expression darkened, his mood shifting swiftly from playful to something more serious. He straightened in his chair, his voice rough with the weight of his confession. “I know I fucked up in Eden, Adam. I know I did. I was a terrible friend, a terrible archangel, and I didn’t see what was right in front of me. But I’ve learned. I know I’ve screwed things up. And you have every right to hate me for that.”

He met Adam’s gaze, his voice thick with emotion. “But I’m telling you now—I love you. I’ve loved you for so long, and I’ve just been too blind to see it. I want you, Adam. I need you.”

Adam laughed, a harsh, bitter sound that rang in the space between them. “Oh, please. Don’t give me this bullshit. Don’t pretend like you’re suddenly some changed man. You’ve always been a manipulator. You’ve always toyed with me. And now you expect me to believe that this—this is real?”

He shook his head, laughing with more bitterness than before. “You’re just messing with me like you always do.”

Lucifer’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as his anger bubbled over. “I know I fucked up, Adam. I know it, but I’ve changed. I’m not the same as I was. I never stopped wanting you. I never stopped loving you.”

His tone softened, but the conviction in his voice only grew stronger. “I want you. And I swear to you, if you just give me a chance, I can make you happy. I can. You don’t have to fight it. You don’t have to fight me.”

Adam’s eyes burned with rage, his fists trembling at his sides. “A chance? You’re insane. You expect me to trust you again? After everything?”

He scoffed, shaking his head, the anger flashing in his eyes. “You expect me to give you my heart again? Again? I’ve learned my lesson, Lucifer. I will never trust you again. I’d rather die than let you play this fucking game with me again!”

Lucifer’s face contorted, his lips curled into a snarl.

“So that’s how it is, huh?” he growled, his voice like a growl of a wild beast. “You still think I’m just playing a game. After everything? After what we had in Eden? After all the fuck ups I’ve made, I’m still the villain to you?”

Adam hissed, his teeth bared, and the words flew out like venom. “You were always the villain, Lucifer! And you always will be! You don’t get to pretend like any of this is real!”

With that, the two of them exploded into a brutal, vicious fight. Every insult, every accusation, every hurtful word was thrown like a weapon, each one sharper than the last. It was a war of emotions, and neither of them was willing to back down.

he tension in the room was suffocating, a thick crackling of emotions thick enough to suffocate them both. Adam’s anger was like wildfire, and Lucifer, already seething from the moment Adam’s words had cut through him, felt it ignite even more intensely. The insults kept coming, each one more brutal than the last, and Lucifer could feel his patience thinning, his claws scraping against the table, his tail twitching in agitation.

“Use you?” Lucifer’s voice cracked like thunder, his golden eyes flashing red. “That’s rich coming from you. After everything, I’m the one who’s trying to use you? Do you even hear yourself, Adam?”

Adam stepped forward, his chest heaving as he glared at Lucifer. “Why else would you be doing this?”

“Lilith left you. You’re fucking lonely, so you think you can just play with me! Oh, or maybe you’re just collecting trophies now!” Adam’s lip curled in disgust. “You’ve already fucked two out of three Eden humans, right? Maybe you’re just after completing your set! Maybe you want me to be the last one. You fuck me, and that’s it—whole set finished!”

The words hit Lucifer like a dagger to the chest. His red eyes flared with rage, and his horns—those magnificent, twisted horns—began to push through his skull, sharp and deadly, snapping his white top hat off and sending it flying across the room. His body radiated heat, his claws digging into the table so deeply that it splintered under his grip. His face was twisted in fury as his lips curled into a snarl.

“That’s fucking unfair, and you know it!” Lucifer roared, his voice trembling with pure rage. “How dare you—how dare you compare what we had to that! You’re so damn blind! I’ve never wanted anything like that from you!”

Adam’s laugh was harsh, cold—like a knife slicing through the air.

“Oh, I’m the one who’s blind now, huh?” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Then why the hell did you sleep with both Lilith and Eve? Why the fuck would you do that? You don’t care about anyone, you never have! You don’t give a damn about me, so what the fuck is your game here? Are you just that bored with your life that you need to break me too?”

Lucifer’s breathing was shallow, every muscle in his body vibrating with anger, with hurt. His claws stretched outward, the sharp tips of his fingers screeching against the table.

“So what? So I liked sex!” he hissed, his voice low and venomous. “Big fucking deal, Adam! Are you telling me you don’t like it? You don’t know what it’s like to want someone like I want you? Or are you just too high and mighty to admit you’ve ever wanted anyone? Ever?”

Adam’s face twisted in disgust as he took a step back, shaking his head. “No. No!”

His voice cracked as he shouted the words. “I don’t! It was never enjoyable for me. Ever! Not even once. After Eve, I never wanted it again, Lucifer. It wasn’t worth it.”

His fists clenched by his sides, and the raw emotion in his eyes was almost unbearable to look at. “But you, you’re just fucking everyone, like it’s all some kind of game. Like you can just take whoever you want and move on. It doesn’t mean anything to you, does it?”

The sting in Adam’s words hit Lucifer harder than he’d expected. He stood there, frozen for a moment, fists clenched at his sides, rage boiling beneath the surface. But something else stirred within him too, something he couldn’t ignore. His heart pounded harder in his chest, his pulse racing with the knowledge of just how wrong he’d been. How much he had hurt Adam with everything he'd done—every choice he'd made. He had never understood before, not fully.

Lucifer took a slow breath, his voice dangerously calm despite the violent rage coursing through him.

“It wasn’t a game,” he muttered, his voice low and thick with regret. “But you’re right. I was selfish. I always was. And now I’ve ruined everything.”

Adam’s eyes flashed, sharp and accusing. “Yeah, you’ve ruined everything. You’ve ruined me. So don’t come to me now, acting like you give a damn. You think just because you’ve ‘changed,’ you can fix this? That you can just—what—make me forget everything you did to me? To us?”

Lucifer’s hands shook with frustration, but he didn’t back down. “No, Adam. I’m not asking you to forget. I’m asking you to give me a chance. I’ve spent years hurting you, using you, and I know that. But I can’t keep pretending like I don’t want to make it right. I can’t.”

Adam laughed again, but it was nothing but bitter venom. “A chance? You’re out of your mind. Why the hell would I ever trust you again? After everything? After the lies, the games, the deceit? You think I’m some kind of fool?”

“I never wanted to hurt you,” Lucifer said, voice soft but full of pain. “I never wanted any of this to happen. But I’m not going to pretend anymore. I’ve never stopped wanting you. Not once. And I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done. For everyone I’ve hurt. For everything I took from you. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I know that. But I’m telling you—I want you. I need you.”

Adam’s anger flared again, his hands shaking with the intensity of his feelings. “You don’t get it, do you? You’ve never cared about me. Not like that. It’s always been about your ego, your loneliness, your games. I was just a toy to you, Lucifer. Another thing to collect. Just like Lilith and Eve, I was another conquest to add to your fucking list.”

Lucifer’s body tensed, but he kept his voice steady, although the cracks were beginning to show. “It’s not like that. It was never like that. I was—I am—stupid. I fucked up, but I love you. I love you, Adam. And I know I don’t deserve your trust, but I need you to know that I’m not the same person I was. I want to make it right, even if you never forgive me.”

Adam’s glare hardened, and he shook his head. “You can’t fix this, Lucifer. You can’t just undo what you did. What you took from me. I don’t even know who you are anymore, and I sure as hell don’t want to find out.”

The tension between them was suffocating, the room growing impossibly heavier with each word, each scream, each accusation. Neither of them was willing to back down. Neither of them was ready to admit the truth that was burning between them—there was no going back. The fight wasn’t just about the contract. It was about everything they’d lost—and everything they might never get back.

The words spilled from Adam like poison, a mixture of hurt, anger, and years of pent-up frustration that had finally broken free. His chest heaved as he stood before Lucifer, his eyes wild with emotion, tears threatening to spill over.

“You ruined my life!” Adam shouted, his voice cracking with the weight of it all. “You took everything from me. Eden was everything to me—the flowers, the plants, the animals! It was my home, Lucifer! It was where I belonged, and you destroyed it. You took it all away.”

Tears welled up in Adam's eyes, but he fought to keep them at bay, wiping his face quickly as his anger boiled over. He was shaking now, his words bitter and laced with pain. “You never cared about me, Lucifer. Not really. You never even tried to listen to me! The moment Lilith said I was controlling, you believed her. The moment she told you that I was acting ‘some way,’ you believed her. You discarded me. You discarded everything we ever had!”

His voice was rising, trembling with every word. “You believed her. You believed Lilith—a woman you barely even knew for a few weeks—over me, someone who you knew for years! And then, you left me. You snuck around with her behind my back, knowing what you were doing was wrong, but you still did it. You never even came to talk to me.”

Lucifer stood there, frozen, unable to speak as Adam continued to pour out his heart. His face was pale, his eyes wide with a growing horror at the pain he had caused. He opened his mouth, but no words came. He wanted to say something—anything—but there was nothing that could undo the damage.

Adam’s voice cracked as he pushed forward, every word a stab to Lucifer’s heart. “You and Lilith kept going on and on about freedom, about heaven controlling me, about me following orders, but neither of you ever tried to explain one fucking thing to me! I didn’t know anything!”

His voice broke, the pain too much to keep down. “Lilith and Eve—they were so different to me. They just knew. They didn’t need to be taught anything. But I had to be taught everything, and the one lesson you all kept preaching to me—you never even bothered to teach me that.”

Adam choked back a sob, his hands shaking at his sides. The tears were threatening to fall now, but he fought to keep them in check, as if he could still keep some shred of control.

“And what’s worse—what’s worse—is that you never even offered me the apple of knowledge! You didn’t care enough to help me, to make me understand!” He inhaled sharply, as though the air itself was too thick to breathe. “So why was it so easy to turn your back on me, to believe Lilith, and want Eve over me? You claim to love me, but do you really?!”

His voice broke again, a deep sob escaping from his chest. “You were never there for me when I needed you, Lucifer. Never.”

Adam was panting now, tears streaming down his face, and Lucifer stood motionless, a hurricane of emotion swirling inside him. His chest felt tight, his breath shallow as he watched the man he loved break apart in front of him. He had never, in all his years, wanted to make up for his mistakes more than he did now. But it was too late. There was no turning back. No undoing the damage.

Lucifer’s breath hitched as he looked at Adam’s tear-streaked face, and something inside him cracked. He stepped forward, slowly, but Adam immediately stepped back, eyes full of fear and distrust. The tears were pouring freely from his eyes now, and the raw vulnerability of it was enough to tear Lucifer’s soul to pieces. He reached out for Adam, his voice low, desperate.

“Adam,” he whispered, his tone breaking. “I’m sorry. I never meant for any of this. I never meant to hurt you. I don’t know how to fix it—I don’t know how to fix me—but I love you. Please believe that.”

Adam’s body was trembling, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts. He wiped his face furiously, trying to force the tears back, but it was no use. The floodgates were wide open now. “You can’t fix this. You can’t just come here now and tell me that you love me, that you care. You did hurt me, Lucifer. You destroyed me. And now you expect me to just forget it all?”

Lucifer opened his mouth to say something, but he couldn’t find the words. Instead, he just stood there, watching Adam with a look of devastation on his face. The reality of what he had done to Adam—what he had done to the only person who had ever truly cared for him—was something he could never undo. The weight of his actions was suffocating, and he could feel the walls closing in on him.

Adam turned away from him, his body stiff and taut with anger and hurt.

“I hate you, Lucifer,” he spat, his voice cracking with emotion. “I hate what you did to me. I hate that you turned your back on me and believed her over me! And I can’t... I can’t keep doing this with you. I can’t keep pretending like I can just forgive you for everything.”

Lucifer stood there, helpless, unable to say a word as Adam stormed out of the room, his steps echoing in the silence that followed. Lucifer stared at the door, his heart shattering into pieces. He had ruined everything.

Lucifer's heart pounded violently in his chest as he returned to the cold, towering walls of his castle. It had once been a sanctuary, a place where he had built a future with Lilith, where he had dreamed of ruling by her side, and everything had seemed perfect. But now? Now, it was nothing more than a hollow reminder of his greatest mistake.

He had fucked up. No, it was worse than that. He had ruined everything.

He slammed the door behind him with an angry, forceful shove, pacing through the grand hall. His tail swished in agitation, sweeping the marble floor beneath him as his sharp claws scraped against the stone walls. He could hear the pounding of his own heart in his ears, a rhythmic reminder of everything that had gone wrong. Every step he took was like a drumbeat in his mind—Adam, Adam, Adam.

What have I done?

The castle, once a monument to his love for Lilith, was now the embodiment of his failure. The walls felt suffocating, as if they were closing in on him. With a roar of pure fury, Lucifer raised his arms, the golden flames of his magic swirling around him like a storm. He let it all go. He didn’t care anymore.

Burn it all down. Burn everything.

Flames erupted from his body in an unstoppable torrent. The castle groaned under the heat, the stone cracking and crumbling as the fire consumed it. His magical power surged, and he howled in rage as he watched the place, he had built for Lilith crumble to ash.

"Why did I do it?" Lucifer screamed into the inferno; his voice raw with pain. "Why did I believe her over him? Over Adam?!"

His golden magic spiralled out of control, bursting in a fiery explosion that tore through the walls, tearing apart the foundation. He burned everything. The furniture, the rooms where he had once laughed with Lilith, the halls where they had whispered sweet nothings... All of it. Gone. Reduced to cinders. The flames twisted and writhed like serpents, hungry for destruction, swallowing the entire castle in one final roar.

Lucifer stood amid the ruins, his chest heaving with rage, but now... now it was mixed with something else—something darker. Guilt. Regret. It ate at him, gnawing through his insides. He sank to his knees in the pile of charred remnants, staring at the destruction around him, barely registering the burn on his skin as golden blood began to trickle from his forehead.

What was wrong with him?

He had let Lilith get in his head. He had let his obsession with her cloud his vision. He had hurt Adam. The first human, the one God had created, the one Lucifer was meant to protect, meant to love... How could he have turned his back on him?

Why did I do it?

Lucifer's claws dug into his scalp as he pressed his hands against his head, the weight of his actions crashing down on him. His golden blood smeared across his hands as he hit himself again and again, his cries of frustration and pain echoing through the empty, burning ruins of the castle. He had destroyed everything, and yet, the one thing he wanted—Adam—was slipping further away from him.

He had loved Adam. God, he had adored him more than he had ever let on. In Eden, before Lilith came, it was just the two of them—just Adam and Lucifer. They were so close. They had been everything to each other, and Lucifer had never wanted anyone more than he had wanted Adam. But then Lilith appeared. She was everything Lucifer thought he needed—a distraction, a way to escape the emotions he had never fully understood. And then Eve came along... And he had done it again. He had fallen into the trap of lust and selfishness. He had betrayed Adam.

Lucifer let out a guttural, anguished scream. His magic flared, tearing through the ground beneath him, and the heat swelled around him like an inferno. The fire was alive—wild, untamed.

Burn it all fucking down.

His heart pounded, his thoughts spinning in a haze. He had never once considered Adam’s feelings. Never once realized that the man he had been closest to—his charge—was the one he truly loved. All he had cared about was satisfying his own desires, but the moment he let Adam slip away, everything had crumbled.

Lucifer collapsed on the scorched Hell, his body shaking. His golden eyes flickered, the flames in his chest guttering for a moment before reigniting. He had broken everything. He had ruined everything.

And now Adam was gone. Lucifer’s breath hitched in his throat as the reality of that hit him like a crashing wave.

"I need him," Lucifer muttered, his voice raw and desperate, his hands clutching the earth beneath him. "I need Adam. I can't... I can't be without him."

He couldn't fix it. He had ruined it all. But he had to try. He would try—anything—just to make Adam see. He didn’t deserve forgiveness, but he couldn’t bear to let Adam slip through his fingers. Not now. Not after everything he had done.

Lucifer slowly rose to his feet, his eyes burning with golden fury.

"I’ll fix this. I’ll make it right, Adam," he whispered to the air, his voice cracking with the weight of his desperation. "I’ll do whatever it takes... I’ll prove to you that I love you. That I’m not the monster you think I am. Please... just give me a chance."

But the only sound that greeted him was the crackle of the flames, and the oppressive silence of his broken, ruined world.

There was only one way.

Lucifer’s gaze fixated on the white orb of Heaven hanging like a mocking, distant dream in the blackened sky of Hell. His lips curled into a twisted, deranged grin, and his eyes darkened with a manic, obsessive hunger. One way. Just one way to fix it all. His mind was racing, thoughts spiraling with an uncontrollable fury. Only one way to make everything right— Adam. He needed Adam. He needed him—to make him his, to possess him completely. Adam would be his. He would have him. There was no other choice, no other path.

It didn’t matter if Adam could never forgive him, never look at him again. Adam would be his. He would break through to him. He would force it, even if it meant bending everything, warping it beyond recognition. Lucifer’s chest swelled with a madness he couldn't contain. If Adam never spoke to me again—fine. I’ll make him speak. I’ll make him mine. Forever.

Lucifer’s grin stretched wider, his eyes burning with possessiveness, obsession. I’ll make him love me. I’ll make him need me. Everything else—the past, the ruins, the wasted years—meant nothing now. Nothing but Adam.

The madness consumed him entirely. His golden and red eyes glowed with feverish light as he stood, the very air around him thickening with dark power. His gaze swept over the wreckage of his ruined castle, and he sneered. I don’t need this fucking place anymore. His hands twitched, and his magic surged, growing darker, more volatile, more violent. He’d create something else, something better. Something bigger. Something Adam would never be able to escape from. A home, a prison, a world—his world. Adam’s world.

Lucifer’s wings exploded from his back in a violent eruption of white and red feathers, but they twisted, shifting, the white turning to an inky midnight black that reflected the monstrous, unhinged part of himself that had awakened. The transformation was complete. He was no longer just Lucifer. He was something far worse, far more dangerous, and it felt good. His claws lengthened, sharp as daggers, his horns curving upward and twisting into jagged points. His demonic eyes darkened to the point of almost bleeding into black, the red and gold swirling together in an unsettling, terrifying mixture.

This was who he was now. This was who he would always be.

He released a guttural laugh, his voice low and twisted, carrying with it the weight of his madness. He flexed his clawed fingers, cracking his knuckles as black and gold flames began to swirl between them, feeding off his rage. The very ground beneath his hooves trembled, cracks splitting open the earth as the power surged within him. The sinners in the distance could smell it—the fear in the air was palpable.

It was time to stop pretending. Time to stop pretending he wasn’t the Devil. The King of Hell. The one who would rule everything—everything—until Adam was his. Forever.

“Adam,” Lucifer growled, his voice dripping with madness and possession. “You’ll be mine. No one can stop me. No one.”

He laughed again, a sound full of jagged delight. It didn’t matter what he had to do. He would burn Heaven down. He would kill thousands of angels. Nothing would stop him. Adam wouldn’t be able to run anymore. He wouldn’t get away. Lucifer would have him, bound and chained to him, until the end of time. And once he’s mine, I’ll make him never want to leave.

Lucifer spread his wings wide, his grin growing even wider, his teeth sharp and gleaming. Every inch of his body crackled with power, and the air around him vibrated with an electric tension. He was unstoppable now. Everything will burn, and then Adam will have no choice but to love me. No choice but to stay.

And he would. Lucifer would make him. The ground shook beneath him as the fire of his magic engulfed Hell itself, the flames roaring louder and louder as Lucifer let out another manic, deranged laugh.

Let them all see who I am. The King of Hell. The Devil. And no one—no one—will stand in my way.

If he must kill Lilith, herself, to prove his love for Adam, he will do that too!

~#~

Meanwhile, across the vast and endless expanse of Hell, Lilith froze. Her sharp, demonic purple eyes narrowed as the winds of the underworld whispered to her, carrying with them an unsettling tremor—a shift in the air, a storm gathering on the horizon. Something dangerous was stirring. She stilled herself, listening carefully, every muscle tensed as the unnatural stillness in the atmosphere pressed against her skin. The winds didn’t lie.

Her lips curled into a thin, knowing smile. Ah. Of course. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. If she stayed in Hell, there would be no escaping the chaos Lucifer was about to unleash. He was more unstable now, and what he was planning could destroy them all. No, that wouldn’t be her fate.

She would die if she stayed in Hell with Lucifer.

Lucifer, himself, will kill her. She knew she had pushed him too far.

Lilith’s gaze drifted toward the flickering shadows that danced around her dark, elegant chamber. A thought, one she hadn’t planned to act on so soon, surfaced in her mind. It was time. She didn’t have the luxury of waiting any longer, not with Lucifer’s madness reaching its peak. She clicked her fingers, summoning a soft, delicate pink parchment that appeared in the air before her. It hovered for a moment, and then she caught it, her claws gently brushing over the silky surface.

It’s time to make my move.

~#~

Back in Heaven, Sera sat behind her polished desk, her sharp eyes fixed on the papers spread before her, a frown tugging at her lips. Her arms were crossed tightly across her chest, and the weight of exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders. She had just gone over Adam’s latest report on the breakdown of the contract between Heaven and Hell, but as usual, it was insufficient. The report was rushed, incomplete—just like Adam’s efforts in everything else. She had entrusted so much to him, but time and time again, he had let her down. Time and time again, he had failed to rise to the heights that Heaven had needed from him.

Her temples throbbed as she massaged them, a sigh escaping her lips. How could I have been so wrong about him? She had placed so much faith in the first human, the one who was supposed to be the bridge between Heaven and the rest of creation. And yet, here they were. Adam was not the solution she had hoped for. Heaven needed the extermination of Hell’s sinners. Hell’s population had become too dangerous, too unpredictable.

Sera’s thoughts darkened. Lilith is the one I need to watch. She had known for a long time that Lilith would be the true threat to Heaven. The first of the humans, the one who was supposed to hold the potential for greatness, had instead chosen a path of rebellion, tainting Lucifer and dragging him further down into Hell. Sera had seen the signs, but she had been too focused on Adam’s report, too confident that he would be the one to fix it all. But now? It was too late for that. Lilith was dangerous.

…If only she had trusted her gut and accepted how powerful Lilith really was. She had put her money on Adam instead and that had clearly costed her.

Sera let out another sigh, her fingers tapping against the polished surface of her desk. What to do now?

Her gaze drifted out the window of her office, looking out over Heaven’s expansive landscape. The sinner rebellion is inevitable. I just need to be ready for it.

Then, as if the universe had heard her silent thoughts, a sudden burst of energy filled the room, and a parchment appeared before her with a quiet, shimmering glow. Sera’s eyes snapped to it, suspicion immediately flooding her thoughts. She slowly reached forward, unrolling the parchment, and as her eyes scanned the contents, she couldn’t help the hum of recognition that escaped the back of her throat.

She frowned, rereading the message twice. Hope, it seems, is not entirely lost. There was a glimmer of something—an opportunity. A shift, a change. Perhaps Lilith wasn’t entirely lost to them.

Sera leaned back in her chair, her expression calculating. This... could be exactly what we need.

She tapped her fingers on the desk again, her mind already working through the possibilities. This would require action. Immediate action. There was no time to waste. It was time to make her move. And this time, she wouldn’t let her instincts fail her.

~#~

Adam sat hunched over in his room, his hands buried in his hair, fingers tugging at the roots as his eyes burned from the pressure of unshed tears. He rubbed them roughly, but only managed to make them red, sore, and even itchier. The sting of it felt sharp, almost comforting—anything to distract him from the suffocating weight pressing down on his chest. The echoes of his outburst with Lucifer replayed in his head, a constant loop of rage and confusion. His own words, the venomous, bitter things he had shouted—Why did I let him do that to me?

He had told himself. No reaction. Don’t let him in again. Don’t let him hurt you again. But there he was, sitting in his cold, lonely room, feeling the aftermath of his breakdown. He had done exactly what he promised he wouldn’t. He had broken his own vow, allowed Lucifer's words to sink into his skin like poison, and given him that reaction. That fucking reaction.

Why? He clenched his fists, digging his nails into his palms as he bit back the choked sob that threatened to tear through his chest. He had sworn he would never trust Lucifer again. Never.

But Lucifer... Lucifer had lied. Pretty lies. Lies that Adam wanted to believe. He wanted to hear them, wanted to pretend for just a moment that Lucifer meant what he said. That maybe—just maybe—things could be different. That perhaps Lucifer could love him the way Adam had always wanted, always needed.

But no. No, Adam couldn’t risk it. Not again. He couldn’t let Lucifer shatter him like that, couldn’t let his heart be torn into pieces. Not after everything. It was too much. Too frightening. Every time Lucifer got close, Adam felt himself teetering on the edge of something he couldn’t control, something he couldn’t undo. That fear—of being left behind, discarded again—threatened to drown him. He’d had enough of that. He couldn’t go through that again.

He stood, pacing the length of the room in frustration, his mind spinning with too many thoughts and too many emotions to contain. But why does it still hurt? Why did he still care about someone who had betrayed him so thoroughly, so completely?

Adam pressed his palms into his eyes, trying to banish the images of Lucifer’s face, of the way his voice had lilted with those lies. He could still hear the hope in Lucifer’s voice when he said those things. Adam had wanted to believe him, had wanted to reach out and be held in that love, that affection, that... desire. But it was all just a game to Lucifer, wasn’t it? Another cruel trick to make Adam feel something, only to leave him with nothing.

The pain of it swelled again, rising from deep inside him, so sharp that it made his whole body tremble. I have nobody on my side. He repeated it in his mind, the words seeping into his thoughts like poison.

There was nobody. Nobody but himself. He was alone. Alone in this endless cycle of feeling something, only to have it ripped away by the one person he had trusted more than anyone else. Lucifer had taken that from him, too. And now? Now he was left with this hollow ache in his chest, this empty, gaping wound that seemed to consume him.

He can't be trusted again. The thought circled like a mantra in his head. No one can. Not even himself. He had let himself believe in something, to trust that things could be different, that he could have a future—but no. Not with Lucifer. Not with anyone. Not after all of this.

Adam collapsed back onto his bed, burying his face in his hands, willing the tears to stay hidden, to not betray him, but the effort was futile. They slipped through his fingers, one by one, as his body shook with the weight of everything he could never express.

“I wish I had just one person on my side…”

Adam moved slowly through the grand hallways of Heaven, each step feeling like it took an eternity. His golden wings dragged behind him, trailing along the floor, their usual majestic flare now reduced to lifeless appendages. His body felt numb, his legs weak, as though they were moving on their own, carrying him toward something he wasn’t sure he wanted. His mind was a daze, a haze of confusion and shame from his blow-up with Lucifer. The anger, the hurt, the words they exchanged—they felt like they were slipping away, becoming too distant for Adam to fully grasp.

But what was left in their wake? Nothing but emptiness. A hollowness that gnawed at his chest. Adam didn’t want to face Lucifer again, didn’t want to walk into that meeting hall. But he had no choice. The weight of duty, of responsibility, pressed heavily on him, just like the air that surrounded him now. Everything felt off. There was something wrong with today, something Adam couldn’t quite put into words. The air felt thicker, heavier. Heaven, usually so warm, so bright, didn’t feel so safe anymore. It was almost as though the light itself had dimmed, and with it, Adam’s sense of security had slipped away. He couldn’t explain it—couldn’t even begin to make sense of the sudden unease—but he felt it deep in his bones.

As he approached the massive, gilded doors leading to the meeting room, Adam came to a halt. He stood frozen, his body betraying him, unable to push forward despite the responsibility pulling him in. His head lowered, and he felt the weight of the world pressing down on him, each breath harder to take.

I want to crumble. I want to fall to the ground, curl up, and just... disappear. His chest tightened, and for a fleeting moment, his body begged for the release of tears. But they wouldn’t come. His eyes burned, stinging with the effort of holding them back. Adam couldn’t afford to break down again—not in front of anyone. Not in front of Lucifer. He couldn’t let Lucifer see him so broken, so raw. And yet...

I want to sleep and never wake up.

The thought whispered to him, a dangerous thought, but a thought he couldn’t escape. He inhaled shakily, trying to ground himself, feeling the burn in his lungs as he prepared himself to face whatever was waiting behind those doors.

With a trembling hand, Adam reached for the door and pushed it open. The sound of the ancient wood creaking under his touch was deafening in the silence, and when the doors finally opened wide, Adam stepped inside—only to freeze in shock.

His heart sank into his stomach, his blood running cold. He blinked, not quite believing what he was seeing.

“S-sera?” His voice barely escaped him, a weak whisper that didn’t carry any of the authority it once did. “What—what are you doing here?”

Sera, the High Seraphim of Heaven, looked at him with cold eyes, the kind of look Adam had never seen before. It wasn’t the usual sternness or calculated patience she usually wore when dealing with him. This was something far harsher, colder—a complete disregard for whatever small measure of respect she had ever given him.

“I am here to ensure the contract is finally signed,” she said sharply, her voice as icy as her gaze. “I’ve created a new one.”

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at him. “I’m going to clean up your mess.”

Adam flinched at the sting of her words, each one sharper than the last, like daggers driven into his chest. My mess. That’s all he was now. A mess. He swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling the weight of his failure press down on him. He had done everything for her, for Heaven. He had tried so hard, but now it was all for nothing. He had no words—no defence. His throat went dry as he licked his lips, nodding meekly.

“Sit down, Adam.” Her voice cut through the air, commanding, unforgiving. “And this time, don’t say a word. I cannot risk you screwing up another thing.”

Adam’s heart skipped a beat. The sharpness in her tone—the first time he had ever heard her curse—made his stomach flip. Fear gripped him, and he felt a rush of dread flood his chest. He nodded quickly, almost too eagerly, and hurried to the blue and gold chair beside her, as if by sitting down, he could make himself smaller, more invisible. It was strange. Normally, Lucifer would be the one to sit at this table by now, but today... today was different.

He fell into the chair with a painful thud, shuffling his feet, his shoulders hunched in defeat. The weight of Sera’s gaze felt like a thousand pounds on him. He couldn’t bring himself to look up. His eyes fell to the crystal surface of the table, where his reflection stared back at him—dishevelled, broken, drained. He looked awful. He felt awful. His heart twisted painfully in his chest, and that sinking feeling only deepened.

Something wasn’t right. It wasn’t just the heaviness in the air, the oppressive silence between him and Sera. No. There was something deeper—something more insidious—that he couldn’t put his finger on. It felt like everything was shifting beneath his feet, and he wasn’t sure where to stand anymore.

Everything will be fine. Everything will be okay. He tried to convince himself, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue. But it didn’t work. Not this time. He could feel it—the anticipation, the dread. Lucifer wouldn’t dare try anything in front of Sera... would he?

Adam squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push the thought away, but it lingered like a shadow in the corner of his mind, waiting for the right moment to strike. The uncertainty gnawed at him, gnawed at him like a predator waiting to pounce.

Suddenly, the air grew heavy and charged, as the unmistakable crackle of black and golden flames filled the space. A flare of dread shot through the room as Sera’s sharp, purple eyes widened, a flicker of genuine concern passing across her usually controlled features. The flames licked the edges of reality itself, rippling with a force so intense it vibrated through the very air. Her gaze snapped to the source, and her body stiffened as she felt the weight of something far darker than anything she had expected.

Lucifer stepped forward, but this time, it wasn’t the same Lucifer she was used to. Gone was the red, regal suit he’d always worn, replaced with something far more insulting—a pure white suit, gleaming almost mockingly under the light. It was an offense to Heaven itself, the purity of the color a stark contrast to the twisted reality of who he truly was. It was as if he was parading in Heaven’s angelic garb, just to rub the fact of his rebellion in their faces. Sera’s frown deepened, her eyes narrowing with a sharpness that could cut glass.

He looked pleased with himself, an unsettling grin spreading across his face. His eyes—those familiar gold and red eyes—gleamed with an almost manic satisfaction. He moved with a fluid grace, as though everything was unfolding precisely as he planned. With a sudden, sharp flick of his clawed fingers, the throne that once belonged to Lilith erupted in black and golden flames. The flames coiled and twisted, growing larger and more imposing, as though absorbing all the light and life around them. The seat grew grander, more sinister, far more intimidating than anything Lilith had ever sat upon. The remnants of her throne melted away, dull and forgotten in comparison.

Lucifer stepped forward, his gaze lingering on the now-immense throne. He hesitated for a moment, admiring his work, before settling into the seat with a satisfied sigh. It was no longer just a throne—it was a statement.

“Morningstar,” Sera said sharply, her voice tight with disapproval. Her words were like ice, freezing the air between them.

Lucifer’s grin only widened at the sound of his name. He tilted his head, the sharpness of his smile revealing his pointed teeth.

“Matatron’s lapdog,” he purred, the words dripping with venom.

Sera’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling in displeasure, but she didn’t rise to his bait. Her fingers curled into tight fists, her posture straightening with growing irritation. But Lucifer’s gaze—so intense, so consuming—moved off her and drifted toward Adam, sitting quietly at her side.

“Addie,” Lucifer cooed softly, his voice dripping with a dark, possessive affection. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto Adam’s, as if trying to catch his attention.

“I’m sorry for raising my voice during our last date. You just get me all... riddled up and heated,” he said, his tone sweet and tender, almost too much so.

Adam’s body tensed at the words, a shiver running down his spine. Date?

He blinked in disbelief. Did Lucifer just call these meetings “dates”? That realization hit Adam like a cold wave. And in that moment, everything made sense—the lingering touch, the soft words, the way Lucifer had always tried to draw him in.

But Adam couldn’t bring himself to respond. The knot in his chest tightened, and he refused to acknowledge the demon sitting so confidently in his newly claimed throne. His gaze remained fixed downward, his lips pressed tightly together. He would not let Lucifer back in. Not again.

Lucifer’s expression faltered for just a moment as Adam ignored him, but that moment was enough to bring an unspoken fury flickering behind his eyes. His skin prickled, his muscles tightening as frustration burned within him. Why isn’t he looking at me?

The thought clawed at him, gnawing at his resolve. He wanted to make Adam look at him, to acknowledge him. He wanted to force Adam to see him—to see how much he craved him. It was maddening.

Before Lucifer could lash out in any more wayward impulses, Sera cleared her throat, and his attention snapped back to her reluctantly. The tension in the room spiked as Sera's cold voice filled the air.

Why are you even here, anyway?

“Morningstar, it’s about time we discussed the true reason behind these meetings.” she asked, her tone sharp and clipped, as if she were doing her best to remain composed.

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, his grin still present, but this time it was laced with something darker, something almost mocking.

“Ah, yes. The exterminations, correct?” he said, the words dripping with faux innocence.

Sera’s eyes narrowed, her lips forming a tight line. “Yes, that’s correct. We wish to set up a contract. After you had... destroyed the precious one, I’ve taken the liberty of drawing up a new one.”

Lucifer leaned back in his throne, his eyes glinting with an unsettling delight as he folded his claws together, steepling them in thought. A low hum of approval rumbled in his throat as he read the sparkling new parchment Sera summoned. His eyes ran over the terms with a practiced, disinterested air, yet his mind churned beneath the surface, calculating his next move.

“Once a year,” Lucifer muttered, a frown pulling at his lips as he processed the terms.

Sera gave a quick nod. “Yes, that’s correct. We will only hold the exterminations once a year.”

Lucifer’s lips curled into an amused smirk, his eyes glinting with a subtle, dangerous light.

“And the Hellborns are off-limits?” he asked, his tone turning colder, sharper. “I don’t want any of your exterminator warriors touching a single Hellborn.”

Sera blinked, caught off guard by the request. “Yes, just as you requested,” she replied, her brow furrowing slightly. “Though I don’t understand why you care so much for the Hellborns.”

Lucifer’s grin widened, and his eyes darkened with a predatory gleam.

“That’s for me to know,” he purred, his voice low and dangerous, “And for you to find out~”

Sera’s expression tightened, but she didn’t rise to the challenge. Instead, she nodded curtly. “Alright. Well, yes, I have added that term into the contract.”

Lucifer preened at her response, his smile never wavering.

“Good, good,” he purred. His gaze darkened as he leaned forward, his claws glinting in the dim light. “Because if any of your precious little angels harm a single Hellborn—if they even touch one—I will slaughter them all in the blink of an eye.”

Sera’s eyes widened; the shock evident in the way her posture stiffened. “That is quite an... extreme reaction to the term being breached.”

Lucifer tilted his head, an innocent expression settling onto his face as he regarded her.

“Is it?” he asked sweetly. “You think it’s extreme? Truly?”

Sera’s stomach churned, the chill creeping up her spine as Lucifer’s eyes glowed with a dangerous hunger.

“With you sending an army down into my territory to kill my sinners?” He chuckled darkly, the sound like a rumbling storm. “That’s quite amusing.”

Sera’s fingers brushed across the edges of the contract, a subtle tension building in her posture as she slid the parchment closer to Lucifer.

“Now,” she began, her voice steady but edged with something less sure, “All that’s left is for you to sign it.”

Her gaze was fixed firmly on Lucifer, but she could feel the subtle weight of the moment—something had shifted. She could sense it, but she couldn’t place her finger on what it was yet.

Lucifer’s dark eyes, those fathomless pools of wickedness, returned to the contract, though his attention was far from sincere. Instead of fully focusing on the parchment, his gaze kept slipping past it, cutting into Adam like a blade. Adam, sitting as still and quiet as he could, refused to acknowledge Lucifer’s gaze. The tension between them was palpable, suffocating, but Adam stubbornly kept his gaze fixed downward, his face a mask of indifference.

It was driving Lucifer mad.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Lucifer leaned back in his throne, crossing his arms with exaggerated care. He let out a deep, almost theatrical sound from the back of his throat before turning his sharp eyes back to Sera. His gaze didn’t meet hers directly—it never did—but there was a sharpness in the way he looked at her from under his lashes, as though he were sizing her up.

“So,” Lucifer began lazily, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “What’s stopping me from getting up and walking away?”

His grin was sharp, eyes still flicking to Adam now and then, like a predator savouring the thrill of the chase.

Sera’s expression faltered for the briefest moment—her eyebrows furrowing, a bead of sweat starting to form on her temple. She didn’t have an answer ready for that. She had assumed, as she always had, that Lucifer would be eager to sign, eager to rid himself of the “sinful” sinners. But this... this unexpected shift threw her off. She had never considered that he might refuse.

“What?” she stammered, a rare vulnerability creeping into her voice.

Lucifer’s grin widened, revealing the sharp, bloodstained edges of his teeth as he leaned forward, tilting his head with an air of amusement. “I mean, the reason Heaven wishes to hold the exterminations is quite obvious, but why should I allow it to happen?”

His voice had a strange, chilling joy to it. “There’s no reason for me to sign this parchment.”

He paused, his claws tapping rhythmically against the throne’s armrest. “So tell me, lapdog, why would I sign my sinners away to be slaughtered?”

Sera opened and closed her mouth, clearly caught off guard by Lucifer’s words. This wasn’t the response she had expected. Lucifer had always been aligned with Heaven’s interests before, particularly when it came to the sinners. The extermination was something he had previously agreed to without hesitation—he hated the sinners as much as Heaven did. But now, here he was, questioning it. She could feel the uncertainty bubbling up inside her, the tightness in her chest as she struggled to maintain control of the situation.

Lucifer’s voice dropped even lower, thickening with a chilling satisfaction.

“I mean, you’re so afraid of my ‘darling’ ex-wife bringing an army to your front doors,” he continued, eyes flashing with a wild glee. “That’s why it’s so very important for me to agree to these exterminations. But why should I?”

Sera’s eyes widened in realization. “The Hellborns…” she began, her voice faltering, but Lucifer interrupted her with a mocking laugh.

“Oh no,” he chuckled darkly. “The Hellborns are only concerned after I’ve signed the contract. You see, they are perfectly safe if I don’t sign it.”

The room seemed to grow colder, the air thickening with tension as Sera’s eyes narrowed, a storm of thoughts churning behind them. What was he really after?

Swallowing thickly, she leaned in, her voice hardening. “Then what do you want, Lucifer?”

She tried to keep the edge from her voice, but she could feel the frustration building. She had no patience for his games anymore. “What is it you want?”

Lucifer leaned forward, his eyes flicking to Adam once again, a subtle but unmistakable glint of dark purpose in them. Sera could feel the sinister energy in the room swell, and for the first time, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for whatever Lucifer was about to ask.

Adam’s skin prickled, his stomach churning in a way that sent a rush of panic through his veins. He had been trying so hard to ignore the oppressive presence of Lucifer in the room, to push back the growing sense of dread. But now, something shifted inside him. It was as if the world had suddenly come into sharp focus, like the pieces of a puzzle that had never quite fit together were now locking into place.

No. No, no, no...

Adam’s heart began to race, the churning sensation growing in the pit of his stomach. He slowly dared to glance up, his golden eyes widening as he locked gazes with Lucifer. The dark depths of Lucifer’s stare held him captive, and Adam’s breath caught in his throat.

What was happening? What was Lucifer going to say?

Lucifer’s lips curled into a twisted, almost affectionate smile, his gaze flicking over Adam with the intensity of a predator eyeing its prey.

“I want Adam,” Lucifer stated, his voice firm and unyielding, the words sending an electric shock through the room.

Adam froze, the words reverberating in his head. He felt a cold sweat break out across his skin, his heart pounding so loudly he thought it might drown out the sound of Lucifer’s voice.

“I want Adam,” Lucifer repeated, this time with an edge of possessiveness, his tone leaving no room for argument. His dark eyes flicked to Sera, his words echoing throughout the meeting room like a sentence, an ultimatum.

Adam’s breath hitched in his throat. W-What?!

Lucifer’s gaze softened just slightly, his smile more tender than ever as he turned it back toward Adam.

“For me to agree to the exterminations in the first place,” Lucifer continued, his voice low and filled with a quiet, insidious certainty, “I want you. I want Adam. I want him to be bound to me. I want him to live in Hell with me, as my wife.”

Adam’s whole body went cold, his head spinning as the weight of Lucifer’s words crashed over him like a wave, drowning him. His mouth went dry, his body trembling.

No. He couldn’t—Lucifer wouldn’t do this. Would he?

Everything inside Adam screamed at him to look away, to pretend it wasn’t happening, to deny it. But the words were already out, and now there was no going back.

“W-What?” Adam stuttered, his voice cracking with disbelief. The horror, the sheer terror, was suffocating him.

Lucifer’s smile widened, the twisted affection behind it almost unbearable.

“You heard me,” he purred. “I want you, Adam. And I’m willing to destroy everything to make it happen.”

Adam’s heart raced as he blurted out, his voice shaky but loud enough to cut through the charged silence, “You’re already married!”

His hands clenched the edges of the chair as though holding on for dear life.

Lucifer’s head tilted slightly, a beam spreading across his sharp, devilishly handsome face.

“Divorced,” he replied smoothly, his tone far too pleased with itself. “Have been for the past few years now.”

Adam gawked at him, mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. His golden eyes widened, filled with disbelief, almost bulging out of his head. His gaze shot desperately to Sera, as though she could rescue him.

“No! No, he can’t—Heaven can’t—He can’t ask that, can he?!”

Sera hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. Her gaze flickered from Adam, trembling and desperate, back to Lucifer, who looked as smug as ever, practically glowing with satisfaction. She swallowed hard, clearly deliberating something that made her stomach twist. Her fingers curled into fists on the table, and for a moment, it seemed like she might side with Adam.

Lucifer, meanwhile, looked utterly unbothered, preening as though this entire scene were a performance he had orchestrated. His long, sinuous tail swished behind him, the pointed tip flicking lazily, almost like a cat that knew it had caught the mouse. His grin widened as his gaze locked with Sera’s, unrelenting. He was certain of his victory.

“We... can’t... agree to such a thing...” Sera began slowly, her voice cautious.

Relief washed over Adam like a wave, and he let out a shaky sigh, sinking slightly into his chair. For a fleeting moment, he thought she was standing up for him, that she would never allow Lucifer’s outrageous demand.

But then her words hit like a hammer to the gut. “As it is.”

Adam’s head snapped up, his relief morphing into wide-eyed horror.

“What?!” he croaked out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sera’s expression was tight, her eyes darting down to avoid his panicked gaze.

“But... with an exchange... we can agree to it,” she finished, the words heavy with finality.

Lucifer hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in his newly transformed throne. His claws drummed against the armrest in a slow rhythm, his eyes glinting like polished onyx.

“An exchange?” he echoed, his tone light and curious, though the devilish edge remained. “What exchange are you thinking of?”

Adam’s heart pounded so loudly in his ears he barely heard the question. His head spun, his breath quickening. He glanced between them, his golden eyes darting frantically from Sera to Lucifer, his disbelief morphing into something far worse.

She was considering it. Sera was seriously considering trading him to Lucifer. How could she? How could she even entertain such an idea? Had he truly fallen so far in Heaven’s eyes?

Then, as if to shatter the already fragile air in the room, the double doors to the Hellside of the meeting chamber creaked open. A slender figure strode in, her steps silent but purposeful, like a ghost gliding across the floor.

Adam’s blood ran cold. His mouth fell open, but no words came out. He stared in muted shock, his face paling further as recognition struck.

Lilith.

Lucifer’s tail stilled, his head tilting with faint intrigue as he regarded his ex-wife. A slow, cold smile spread across his face, but his eyes glinted with something far sharper.

“Hmmm,” he mused, his voice low and cutting. “Lilith.”

He clicked his tongue, the sound echoing in the quiet tension of the room. “How unexpected.”

Lilith didn’t respond right away. Her violet, slit-pupiled eyes locked on Lucifer, studying him longer than she ever had in centuries past. There was something unusual in her gaze—something like recognition, or even pity, though it was fleeting.

Finally, she broke her silence, her voice calm and even. “You’ve changed.”

Lucifer let out a snort, leaning back in his throne. His smile stretched wider, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Perhaps.”

Lilith’s gaze lingered for a moment longer before she turned away, stepping around the meeting table to place a deliberate distance between herself and the Morningstar. Her presence was both unsettling and commanding, her aura crackling faintly with suppressed power as she finally stopped and turned to face Sera.

“I will trade myself for Adam,” she stated coolly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Adam’s breath hitched audibly, and his chest tightened so much it physically hurt. His mouth opened to protest, but the words stuck in his throat. His thoughts spun out of control, crashing over each other in a chaotic mess of disbelief and panic.

She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t! Lilith belonged in Hell—she had always belonged there. He didn’t.

He had followed every rule, every order, stayed within the lines, even when it broke him. How could this be happening?

Lilith’s gaze remained steady, unyielding in its frost as she stared down Lucifer. The faint tension in her shoulders betrayed no hesitation, no regret.

“It’s a fair exchange,” she repeated, her words clipped and purposeful.

Lucifer’s dark smile stretched wider, the light in his crimson eyes gleaming with a wild, unrestrained energy. His voice came out low and mocking, honeyed malice dripping from every syllable.

“Oh, you would do that, wouldn’t you? Out of the goodness of your heart?” He leaned forward, the movement almost serpentine as his head tilted, studying her like a predator toying with its prey. “But forgive me, Lilith… I find that a tad hard to believe.”

Lilith didn’t flinch. She never did. Her glare was piercing, her purple, slit-pupiled eyes narrowing to venomous points.

“You’re right,” she said, her voice even icier than before. “I’m not offering my place in Hell out of the goodness of my heart.”

The room seemed to darken with the weight of her words. Her voice grew sharper, cutting like frostbitten wind. “I’m doing it to survive. I can smell your madness, Lucifer. It seeps into everything you touch, and I will not be dragged into oblivion because of you. I will not risk my life for you.”

Lucifer stilled; the silence that followed so sudden it seemed to suck the air from the chamber. Then he threw his head back and laughed. A cold, jagged sound, it echoed unnervingly against the walls. His hand pressed to his chest as though she’d delivered him some delightful revelation.

“Ah!” he exclaimed, voice dropping into a dangerously playful cadence. “There it is. The truth.”

His grin widened into something feral, his teeth gleaming like fangs. “The truth, dripping from your lips. How refreshing. You know…”

He tilted closer, his tail curling behind him like a serpent preparing to strike. “It’s funny how you speak of survival, Lilith, when I’ve let you linger here for so long, haven’t I?”

Lilith’s expression didn’t falter, but there was a shift in her posture, an almost imperceptible tightening. “Get to the point, Lucifer.”

His expression twitched, his eyes gleaming with a sinister delight as his voice took on a dangerous edge.

“Oh, I’m getting there. Tell me, Lilith, since we’re sharing truths.” He leaned in closer, his grin widening to unsettling proportions. “Did you lie about Adam in Eden?”

The question hit the room like a thunderclap, reverberating through the heavy air.

Lilith’s gaze turned colder than it had ever been. Her lips pressed into a thin line before she exhaled slowly, deliberately.

“I had to,” she said finally, her voice sharp, emotionless, and resolute. “It was necessary.”

Lucifer didn’t react the way one might expect. His grin didn’t falter; it twisted. It deepened, his delight bordering on deranged. He barked out a laugh, raw and chilling, his shoulders shaking with it. The sound was unhinged, almost giddy.

“So,” he purred, his voice trembling with mirth that did nothing to mask the growing chaos in his eyes, “Adam never hurt you? Never pushed you around? He wasn’t controlling? All those things you said, Lilith… lies?”

Lilith rolled her eyes with an almost exasperated huff, crossing her arms.

“Of course not,” she said dryly, her tone carrying a flicker of disdain. “Adam didn’t even know how to raise his voice, let alone hurt me. He wouldn’t have known how to hurt anyone if he tried. That man was… utterly harmless.”

Lucifer’s laughter halted abruptly. He stared at her, his grin fixed and wild, the glint in his eyes now blazing with something far more dangerous.

“Utterly harmless,” he repeated, his tone almost reverent as if savouring the words. He leaned back, shaking his head with another sharp laugh.

“You really are something, aren’t you?” he said, his voice brimming with twisted amusement. “You spun your little tale, painted Adam as some tyrant, and I—oh, Adam’s guardian archangel—lapped it up like a fool.”

His claws flexed, though there was no aggression in his posture. Instead, he looked utterly delighted. “Heaven wants to replaced him with you. A liar, a manipulator. A queen of ashes.”

Lilith said nothing, her lips pulling into a tight line as her silence became its own form of defiance.

Lucifer took a step back, throwing his arms wide with a theatrical flourish, his laughter spilling out once more.

“Oh, how beautifully you’ve played your part, Lilith.” His voice dipped lower, more menacing, though the delight never left his face. “I wonder… will Heaven still smile upon their little saviour once your decay spreads? Or do you think they’d cast you down just as easily as they cast him?”

Lilith’s glare didn’t waver, though her fingers curled ever so slightly against her arms. “Heaven doesn’t cast me down because they need me, Lucifer. They don’t need him.”

Her tone was clipped, filled with a certainty that only made Lucifer’s grin grow wider.

“Ah, Lilith,” he said softly, his voice a mix of mockery and admiration. “You really do believe you’ve won, don’t you? How… quaint.”

Lucifer ignored Lilith afterward, his gaze shifting to Sera. “You knew she’d come. You don’t look surprised.”

Sera’s expression tightened, but she nodded slowly. “Yes. Lilith had already sent her... suggestion.”

Her voice faltered slightly, but she forced herself to meet Lucifer’s amused gaze. “She anticipated you might attempt to... renegotiate the terms.”

Lucifer chuckled low in his throat, the sound reverberating through the room like the roll of distant thunder.

“Clever,” he mused, his eyes flicking back to Lilith. “But tell me, ex-wife, do you think I’m foolish enough to take you back? Or is there more to this little scheme of yours?”

Lilith smirked, her lips curving into something sharp and venomous as she met Lucifer’s amused gaze.

“Don’t worry, Morningstar,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery, “I wouldn’t ever want to return to Hell. Permanently, that is.”

Lucifer’s laughter rang out, a rich, dark sound that reverberated off the chamber walls.

“Oh!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together once in theatrical amusement. “So, you’re going to join the Extermination, are you? How noble of you, Lilith. So much for your supposed care for the sinners.”

Lilith didn’t flinch or react to his taunts. Her composure was unshakable as she turned her attention back to Sera, ignoring Lucifer’s jabs entirely.

“Do you agree to the exchange?” she asked calmly, her tone cutting straight to the point.

The room fell into an agonizing silence. Sera hesitated, her pale hands curling slightly as her gaze flickered to Adam. Her expression softened, just for a moment, as though she was second-guessing herself. As though she might have been human enough to refuse. Adam’s heart clenched as he stared back at her, wide-eyed and trembling. He wanted to say something, to scream, to beg her not to do this, but his throat was dry, his voice utterly gone. He could do nothing but sit there helplessly as the weight of the moment crushed him.

For a brief second, Adam dared to hope.

But then Sera straightened, squaring her shoulders, and her voice cut through the silence like the snap of a breaking branch.

“Yes,” she said firmly. “I think that exchange will benefit everyone.”

The words hit Adam like a physical blow. His entire body went rigid as if struck, his mind unable to process what he’d just heard.

No... no, no, no, this isn’t happening, he thought, but the reality of it sank its claws into him as Sera’s words echoed over and over in his ears. His heart shattered into pieces, every fragment plunging into the pit of his stomach.

Lucifer clapped his hands, his devilish grin stretching impossibly wider. “Excellent,” he drawled, his tone dripping with satisfaction. “I’m so happy we’ve all come to an agreement.”

He reached for the golden parchment that had been spread before him, his clawed hand tracing the edge as he revealed in his triumph. Without hesitation, he slashed a jagged signature across it, the ink shimmering with black and gold fire as it sealed the deal.

Adam stared in disbelief as the act was completed, his breathing shallow and his chest tightening to the point of pain. His hands trembled as they gripped the arms of his chair, his entire body weak and unsteady, like he might collapse at any moment. His mind screamed against what was happening, but there was nothing he could do. Nothing he could say. He had been betrayed. Again. Abandoned. Again.

His gaze slowly lifted to Sera, and what he saw made him want to sink into the floor and disappear. She looked too pleased with herself, too calm and self-assured, as though she’d just accomplished something great. As though casting him away was a victory worth celebrating. The sight was a knife to his heart, twisting mercilessly.

Lucifer, meanwhile, leaned back in his throne, looking far too content as he held the signed parchment aloft, admiring it.

“Well,” he said with a smirk, “This has been delightful. Truly. I do love a good negotiation.”

Sera finally turned to Lilith, her tone formal but laced with a subtle air of triumph.

“You won’t be able to return to Hell,” she stated firmly.

Lilith met her gaze with a calm hum of acknowledgment.

“I meant what I said,” she replied coolly. “I don’t want to return.”

Sera nodded approvingly, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Then I shall be the first to welcome you to Heaven, Lilith.”

Adam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Just like that, it was done. His fate was sealed. He was being cast out, traded away like a pawn on a chessboard.

For what? he thought bitterly. What did I do?

His mind raced, but it only led him in circles, back to the same agonizing question. He had followed every rule, obeyed every order, done everything that was asked of him. He had stayed within the lines, even when it broke him, even when it cost him everything. And yet here he was—betrayed, discarded, sold off to the Devil himself.

Everything around him felt distant, muffled, like he was underwater. His body was lightheaded and dizzy, his limbs weak and numb. He barely registered the flurry of movement as the meeting dissolved into quiet murmurs and the faint shuffling of papers. Time seemed to blur, everything moving too fast for him to keep up.

But the worst of it all was the sound of Lucifer’s voice, low and smooth, cutting through the haze.

“Addie,” he called softly, tenderly, like a lover summoning his beloved. “It’s time to come home.”

Adam’s voice cracked as he uttered a shaky, “I…”

His words faltered as he looked around the now eerily silent meeting hall. His chest tightened painfully, the weight of his situation pressing down on him with an unbearable heaviness. His golden eyes darted toward the doors of Heaven, their glowing frames mocking him with the promise of a sanctuary he could no longer return to. Sera and Lilith were gone, leaving him behind—forsaken.

A soft, deliberate clearing of a throat snapped Adam back to the present. He turned, and his breath caught in his throat as he found Lucifer standing mere inches away from him. The Devil’s towering presence loomed over him, yet there was an odd gentleness in his expression. Lucifer extended a clawed hand, the sharp tips of his fingers glinting faintly under the ethereal light.

“Addie,” Lucifer said softly, his voice low and intimate, almost soothing. “It’s too late. You have no choice now.”

The tenderness in his tone was laced with an undeniable authority, each word sealing Adam’s fate further. “I can help you through the portal to our mansion, or…”

His smile widened, dangerously playful. “I can drag you. It doesn’t matter to me which one you pick, but either way, you will be living in Hell with me.”

Adam’s chest hitched, and his eyes widened so much it hurt. His vision blurred slightly, a sharp, dizzying disbelief washing over him. He stared up at Lucifer, unable to stop the trembling that overtook his body.

“So… I don’t have a choice?” he whispered, his voice weak and raw, barely audible.

Lucifer’s smile softened, his sharp features momentarily losing their menacing edge. He crouched slightly to meet Adam’s gaze, his expression almost tender.

“You do have a choice, Addie,” he murmured, tilting his head just so, his clawed hand curling around Adam’s trembling fingers with surprising care.

Adam frowned faintly, confusion swimming in his tear-filled eyes.

“I… I do?” he asked, his voice cracking again.

Lucifer nodded, leaning closer. The air between them grew impossibly still as his breath brushed against Adam’s lips. His voice was a whisper, warm and intimate.

“You have a choice,” he repeated, his claws tightening ever so slightly around Adam’s hand, grounding him. “You can choose to be happy… or miserable. That’s entirely up to you. You can pick which one you want, my love.”

Adam’s breath hitched sharply as those words sank in. He stared up at Lucifer, his golden eyes glistening with unshed tears. His chest tightened even further, and his heart thudded painfully against his ribcage. Tears began to spill down his cheeks, and Lucifer let out a low, rumbling sound. With a clawed hand, the Devil wiped the tears away, his touch unexpectedly soft.

“There, there,” Lucifer cooed, his voice a deep, soothing purr. “No need for tears, Addie.”

His hand lingered on Adam’s cheek, a faint hum of satisfaction escaping him. “Now, let us hurry home. Hell is awaiting our return.”

Lowering his gaze, Adam’s shoulders slumping in defeat as Lucifer pulled him gently to his feet. His legs were weak and unsteady, his body swaying as if he might collapse. Without hesitation, Lucifer slipped an arm around his hips, pulling him close. The Devil’s strength supported him effortlessly, leaving Adam no choice but to lean against him.

Purring softly, Lucifer’s warmth radiating in stark contrast to the icy dread in Adam’s chest. His smile was disarmingly warm, so loving that it sent fresh waves of despair through Adam. The tears threatened to return, but he held them back as Lucifer nuzzled his face against his throat. The act was so intimate, so deceptively tender, that it made Adam’s stomach churn.

With a snap of Lucifer’s clawed fingers, a swirling portal of black and golden flames erupted before them. It pulsed with raw, magical energy, its edges crackling and twisting. Without hesitation, Lucifer led Adam forward, his grip unyielding but never harsh.

The moment Adam stepped through; the oppressive weight of Hell’s energy slammed into him. The chamber they entered was massive, its dark grandeur overwhelming. Fiery sconces lined the walls, casting long, flickering shadows across the room. Black marble floors gleamed under the golden light of chandeliers that hung from the impossibly high ceiling. It was beautiful in a way that only Hell could be—both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

“Addie,” Lucifer murmured, his voice low and coaxing.

He turned to face Adam fully, his hands resting on the smaller man’s shoulders. His eyes, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light, searched Adam’s face with an intensity that made him shiver.

“Please, it’s not all bad. If you give me the chance…” His voice softened, almost pleading. “I can make you happy. I know I made a lot of mistakes. I believed lies and turned my back on you, but I vow to you, I will never abandon you again. I will never believe somebody else; I will never pick another over you.”

Gaze dropping to the floor, Adam’s shoulders trembling under Lucifer’s touch. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. Every part of him screamed to run, to fight, to do something—but there was no escape. Not anymore. Lucifer’s warmth surrounded him, his closeness suffocating yet oddly comforting in the cruellest way.

Lucifer’s hands slid down to grip Adam’s waist, pulling him close again. He smiled warmly, his sharp teeth glinting faintly.

“Let me show you, my darling. Let me prove it to you.”

Adam didn’t respond. He couldn’t. He simply stood there, trapped in a whirlwind of despair and disbelief as Lucifer led him deeper into Hell, his fate sealed with every step.

~#~

Adam sat perched on the plush purple windowsill, his golden eyes reflecting the turbulent skies of Hell as they cracked with thunder. The air outside was thick with chaos, the sound of wings slicing through the heavy atmosphere and weapons clashing echoing faintly in his ears. From the window, he watched as angels, clad in black and silver armour, rained down from the heavens. Each one carried a glimmering weapon, divine instruments of Heaven’s wrath, their forms darting and weaving in the storm above Pentagram City.

The city’s towering clock struck zero, its crimson hands paused, signalling the start of another extermination. The countdown had been cruel, as it always was. Adam’s gaze lingered on the darkened skies, indifferent and weary. It had been four years since Heaven had first unleashed the extermination armies on Hell, and despite the carnage, the terms of the contract had been strictly followed. Not a single Hellborn had been touched by Heaven’s wrath—not since Lucifer had forced that clause into the agreement.

Exhaling slowly, Adam shifted his weight on the sill. His hand rested instinctively on the curve of his stomach; his other hand draped over the armrest. The ache in his gut was a constant companion now, but it had dulled to something manageable over time. He rubbed his hand across the fabric of his tunic, his fingers gently tracing the roundness of his belly. Nearly six months along, he thought. His daughter would be born soon, entering this chaotic realm as a Hellborn—her destiny already carved out for her by the man she would call “father.”

The thought made Adam’s lips twitch into a humourless smile. What would Sera say if she knew? Would she pity him? Laugh? Condemn him for what he had become? Perhaps she wouldn’t care at all. Adam blinked at the thought and turned his eyes back toward the sky. Two exterminator angels hovered high above the city, barking orders. Though the details of their faces were blurred by distance, Adam knew them well enough. One of them, the tallest, radiated an aura of command that was impossible to miss.

Lilith.

She was leading the extermination army now, her dark wings cutting through the skies with precision and purpose. That’s right. She had wings now. Heaven had given her wings. Adam wondered if this had been her plan all along. Maybe she’d always wanted to lead an army, and Heaven had merely provided her the opportunity. She could have commanded legions in either realm, Adam supposed.

Adam still had his wings; they were still golden. He hadn’t ‘fallen’ yet, but Lucifer kept saying it was just a matter of time. He was just thankful he hadn’t grown horns yet.

But his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden prickling sensation. All the hairs on Adam’s body stood on end, and his skin buzzed with an unmistakable energy. His daughter stirred inside him, reacting to the presence that had just entered the room. Adam swallowed thickly, his stomach turning as the sound of familiar footsteps drew closer.

Lucifer.

The Devil’s clawed hand brushed down Adam’s arm in a slow, deliberate motion before coming to rest on the curve of his stomach. Adam froze, his breath hitching as Lucifer’s eyes softened. The warmth in the Devil’s gaze was adoring, almost reverent, as if Adam were a precious treasure rather than a prisoner. But Adam couldn’t bring himself to look at him. He leaned his head against the cool glass of the window, avoiding those piercing crimson eyes.

Lucifer crouched beside him, his movements fluid and graceful. His lips pressed against Adam’s belly in a series of soft, lingering kisses, his purr rumbling low in his chest.

“Addie,” he murmured, his voice dripping with affection. His clawed fingers trailed upward, cupping Adam’s cheek and forcing him to meet his gaze.

Adam resisted, his golden eyes burning with unshed frustration and weariness, but Lucifer’s grip was unrelenting. The Devil grinned at him, leaning in to press a kiss against Adam’s lips. It was slow and warm, like molten honey, but Adam remained rigid.

“You’re so beautiful like this,” Lucifer murmured against his lips, his free hand sliding down to caress the curve of Adam’s stomach. “So round and full with my child. You’re practically glowing.”

Adam grimaced, turning his head away slightly.

“That’s just sweat,” he muttered, his voice flat.

Lucifer threw his head back and laughed, a rich sound that filled the chamber. He nuzzled his face into the crook of Adam’s neck, his fangs grazing the sensitive skin there. “Oh, love, you shouldn’t be watching the extermination. It’ll only stress you out, and that’s not good for our daughter.”

The dismissive tone of his words sent a flicker of irritation through Adam, but he stayed silent, his eyes drifting back toward the window. Lucifer clicked his fingers, and the thick purple curtains slid shut with a flourish, cutting off Adam’s view of the outside world.

Lucifer stood, his hand gently but firmly guiding Adam to his feet.

“Come, lay down,” he whispered, his voice soft and coaxing as if he were speaking to a child. His other hand pressed against the small of Adam’s back, supporting him as he led him toward their shared bed.

Adam’s steps were slow and reluctant, his gaze averted, but Lucifer didn’t seem to mind. His touch remained tender, almost doting, as he maneuverer Adam onto the plush mattress. Sitting beside him, Lucifer smiled, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.

“I’ll give you a foot rub,” he offered, his tone light and cheerful.

Glancing down at his swollen ankles, then back up at Lucifer, who was already reaching for his foot. Adam didn’t protest. What was the point? Instead, he leaned back against the pillows, his golden eyes drifting to the ceiling as the distant echoes of chaos continued outside.

As Lucifer’s hands worked over his feet, Adam tried not to think about the angels falling from the sky, the destruction unfolding beyond the curtains, or the little life growing within him. But no matter how hard he tried; he couldn’t shake the hollow ache in his chest. He was still trapped—still a pawn in a game he had never agreed to play.

Adam had thought about escaping. He'd mulled it over so many times it had almost become a routine. But where would he even go? Heaven wouldn’t take him back—that much was clear. They’d claimed Lilith instead, made her their shining example. She was everything Adam wasn’t. She was capable in ways Adam had failed to be.

And though Lucifer never allowed Adam to attend the meetings between Heaven and Hell, he always made a point of lying with Adam afterward, stroking his hair and telling him about all that had transpired. Lucifer recounted every detail, oblivious—or perhaps indifferent—to the ache he caused when he spoke of Lilith’s accomplishments in Heaven. Lilith, praised by Sera herself, achieving what Adam never could. It stung in ways Adam didn’t have words for. He was just a failure, wasn’t he?

Adam watched Lucifer through half-lidded eyes. Life in Hell wasn’t bad. In some ways, it was even comfortable. But he felt more like a prisoner than a queen, no matter how often Lucifer called him "Hell’s Queen" with that adoring smile. Even when Lucifer paraded him around in front of the Sins, introducing him with titles Adam didn’t feel he’d earned, it didn’t change the truth. Adam didn’t feel like someone who ruled over anything.

Still, it wasn’t bad. Lucifer, to Adam’s surprise, was never cruel. He never raised a hand, never lashed out. In fact, he was the picture of devotion. He pampered Adam relentlessly, showering him with gifts and affection. Anything Adam wanted—any food, any indulgence—Lucifer would either conjure up on a whim or cook himself. It was... sweet, Adam supposed, even if it felt suffocating at times.

And there was no pressure anymore. No responsibilities. No duties. Adam’s life was, in essence, a long stretch of relaxation. It was what he’d wanted once upon a time, back when the weight of Heaven’s demands crushed him. It was what he’d dreamed of: no expectations, no burdens, just existing. All he had to do was be Lucifer’s lover and carry his child—soon to be children. It should’ve been paradise.

"Lucifer," Adam said softly, breaking the silence.

The devil hummed in acknowledgment, still massaging Adam’s swollen feet with care.

"I’m bored," Adam admitted, the words almost startling himself with how blunt they sounded.

Lucifer stilled for a moment, then looked up with a wide grin. "Is there anything you want, my love?”

“Just say the word, and I’ll conjure it up for you," he cooed, his tone laced with affection.

Hesitating, Adam’s golden eyes shifting away as he thought. After a beat, he shifted, propping himself up against the pillows despite his heavy stomach. Lucifer’s grin only grew, clearly enamoured with the sight.

"I want to… make something," Adam murmured.

Lucifer cocked his head, curiosity flickering in his crimson gaze. "Make something? What kind of something?"

"I don’t know yet," Adam admitted, his voice quiet. "Just... bring me some random things I can use."

Lucifer blinked, surprised, but snapped his fingers without hesitation. Instantly, an assortment of kits appeared before them, piled neatly on the bed. Adam tilted his head, his sharp gaze scanning the boxes until he pointed to one.

"That one. I want that one."

Sliding off the bed with ease, Lucifer retrieved the box with a raised eyebrow. He turned it over in his hands, reading the label before glancing at Adam. "Ducks? You want to make rubber ducks?"

Adam shrugged, reaching out for the box. "Give me," he said simply.

Lucifer held the kit just out of reach, his grin turning mischievous. "What do you say?"

Flushing, Adam ducked his head. "Please," he muttered, his tone laced with reluctance.

But Lucifer wasn’t done. His grin widened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Nooo, what else?"

Adam sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging. Resigned, he tilted his head and pressed a quick, chaste kiss to Lucifer’s lips.

Beaming, Lucifer’s expression utterly delighted. "I love you, Addie~"

Placing the DIY rubber duck kit gently in Adam's hands, Lucifer’s grin wide and utterly triumphant. Adam rolled his eyes at the devil’s theatrics but couldn't suppress the faintest curl of a smile tugging at his lips. He cradled the box against his stomach, letting the weight of it ground him for a moment. The absurdity of crafting rubber ducks in Hell struck him like a faint breeze in the oppressive air, and for a brief second, the hollow ache in his chest quieted.

Lucifer flopped back onto the bed beside him, propping his chin on one hand and watching Adam with unrestrained curiosity, his crimson eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So, my love," he purred, tracing lazy circles on the bedsheets with his clawed finger, "What shall we do with these fine, noble ducks once they’re born into this world? Shall they reign as the true lords of Hell, rivalling even me?"

Adam snorted softly, opening the box and pulling out the contents: bright yellow rubber moulds, paint, brushes, and a strange little instruction booklet.

"I’m just making them for fun," he muttered, brushing his fingers over the plastic moulds. "I need something to do... something to keep my hands busy."

Lucifer tilted his head, his expression softening as he watched Adam fiddle with the materials.

"You’re precious, you know that?" he murmured.

Adam didn’t look up, focusing instead on arranging the pieces in front of him. "You’re insufferable, you know that?" he retorted dryly, though his tone lacked any real bite.

Lucifer laughed, a deep, melodious sound that filled the chamber. He leaned in, resting his head against Adam's shoulder and wrapping an arm carefully around his waist, mindful of the curve of Adam's stomach.

"Maybe. But you love me anyway," he teased, planting a kiss on Adam’s temple.

Pausing for a moment, Lucifer’s fingers stilling on the rubber moulds. His golden eyes flickered to the closed curtains, to the distant sounds of chaos outside. The ache returned, sharp and persistent, but he shoved it down as he always did.

"I guess I’m stuck with you," he muttered under his breath, his lips twitching in a faint smile.

Lucifer grinned, apparently satisfied with that response, and settled more comfortably against Adam’s side.

"Stuck with me? Darling, you chose me," he said playfully, though there was an edge of possessiveness in his tone. "And I’d choose you a thousand times over."

Adam swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he picked up one of the moulds. The weight of Lucifer's words lingered in the air, thick and inescapable. He glanced at the devil out of the corner of his eye, noting the genuine warmth in his expression. It was overwhelming sometimes, the way Lucifer looked at him as if Adam were the only thing in the world that mattered.

"Help me with this," Adam said abruptly, holding out the mould.

Lucifer’s eyes lit up, and he straightened immediately, eager to assist.

"Of course, my queen," he said, taking the mould from Adam and examining it with exaggerated seriousness. "We must ensure these ducks are nothing less than masterpieces. The finest Hell has ever seen."

Rolling his eyes again, Adam handed Lucifer a paintbrush. For a while, the two of them worked in companionable silence, their hands brushing occasionally as they mixed paints and filled the moulds. Lucifer’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Adam found himself smiling more than he had in weeks.

The ache in his chest didn’t go away, but for the first time in a long time, it felt a little easier to bear.

…if only Adam knew what type of chaos one simple DIY rubber duck kit would unleash.

At first, it seemed innocent enough. Just a small distraction, something to pass the time. But Lucifer, ever the dramatic enthusiast, became completely obsessed. He insisted on joining Adam every time, claiming it was “their special bonding activity.” Soon, their once-elegant, shared chambers became overrun with rubber ducks. There were ducks on the bedside table, ducks on the shelves, ducks precariously balanced on the chandelier. Lucifer’s unholy magic even animated a few, causing them to waddle around like tiny sentinels of chaos.

The breaking point came when Adam waddled into the nursery one afternoon, only to find the crib filled—stuffed—with rubber ducks of every size and colour.

“Lucifer!” Adam bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Lucifer appeared in the doorway with a sheepish grin, his tail wagging like a scolded dog. “What’s wrong, love?”

Pointing at the crib, Adam’s golden eyes narrowed. “This! What is this?!”

Sauntering in with his arms crossed. Lucifer clocked his head with a grin, he spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “Ducks, obviously. Our baby is gonna love them.”

“She doesn’t even know what a duck is yet!” Adam retorted, his hands on his round stomach. “And she won’t, because they’ll all be gone by the time she’s born.”

Lucifer gasped, clutching his chest like Adam had just stabbed him. “Gone?! You can’t be serious, Addie! These are art! They’re our creations!”

“Lucifer,” Adam groaned, rubbing his temples. “She can have one. One duck. That’s it.”

“One?” Lucifer whined, his crimson eyes wide and pleading. “But she’ll love them too! Look at this one!”

He held up a particularly garish duck painted in flames, complete with tiny horns. “It’s themed! A family heirloom!”

Sighing deeply, but Adam’s resolve didn’t waver. “One. Pick your favourite. The rest go.”

Sulking, Lucifer muttered something about Adam’s "cruelty," but eventually relented. “Fine. But don’t blame me if she grows up deprived of the finer things in life.”

Adam rolled his eyes, “Pretty sure she’ll survive without an army of ducks.”

From that day on, there was a single rubber duck in the nursery—a tiny golden one that Lucifer insisted matched Charlie’s destined greatness. And while the rest were banished to some corner of Hell (or so Adam hoped), he often caught Lucifer sneaking in a new one, grinning mischievously like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

Adam had to admit, though, the chaos was almost… endearing. Almost.

~#~

Lucifer’s head rested against Adam’s pregnant belly, his golden curls spilling over his shoulders as he pressed soft, reverent kisses to the round curve. His hands gently cradled the swell, his movements slow, almost worshipful. Adam sat in silence, his fingers resting against the edge of the quilt draped over his lap, his golden eyes distant. He couldn’t help but think of Eden, of the time before everything had gone wrong, before Lilith’s lies unravelled his world.

Lucifer’s hair had always caught his attention back then—its golden fluffiness, its soft, unruly curls that Adam used to tease him about. He remembered running his fingers through it as Lucifer laid his head on Adam’s lap, both content in a simpler time.

Now, as Lucifer nuzzled closer, murmuring tender words to their unborn daughter, Adam’s gaze lingered on that hair, unchanged by time. It still looked like a mess of golden feathers, almost like a duck’s downy fluff. His fingers twitched. Something deep inside urged him forward, and before he could stop himself, Adam reached out.

His hands trembled slightly as they brushed against Lucifer’s curls. The devil stilled instantly, his body going rigid at the unexpected touch. His crimson-and-gold eyes widened in shock, the rhythm of his breathing pausing altogether. In the five long years since Adam had been exchanged for Lilith, such a simple, willing touch from Adam had been almost non-existent. Lucifer had grown used to the barriers, the hesitance, the wounds that never seemed to heal.

And yet now, Adam’s fingers threaded delicately through his hair.

Lucifer didn’t dare move. He stayed perfectly still, his cheek pressed to the swell of Adam’s belly, his arms frozen mid-caress as he soaked in the rare moment of affection. His hair was so soft beneath Adam’s fingers, each strand sliding like silk. Adam’s lips parted, but no words came at first, the gentle act of touch enough to steal his breath.

Finally, Adam broke the silence. “Lucifer…”

His voice was quiet, hesitant. “We know our baby is going to be an adorable little girl, but… we need to pick a name for her.”

Lucifer blinked, his golden and crimson gaze lifting to meet Adam’s. The question caught him off guard, but the way Adam’s fingers continued to stroke his hair was utterly disarming.

“A name?” Lucifer repeated, his voice a soft murmur.

Adam nodded, biting down on his bottom lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

“I—I don’t know what to pick,” he admitted. “I have… a few ideas. But I wanted to see what you think.”

Lucifer’s heart swelled, a rare flush creeping over his sharp features. His voice dropped lower, gentler, as though he were afraid to disturb the fragile intimacy of the moment. “Yeah? Let me hear them, love.”

Adam hesitated, then ducked his head slightly, his cheeks warming. He glanced away, shy but determined. “Okay… um… I was thinking maybe Charlotte?”

His fingers twitched nervously in Lucifer’s hair. “Or… Liliana?”

He paused, his blush deepening. “Or even Shannon...?”

Lucifer’s eyes grew half-lidded as he listened, his expression softening with every name. His lips curled into a smile so warm and tender it seemed almost uncharacteristic.

“Charlotte,” he murmured dreamily. “Liliana… Shannon… I love them all.”

Adam let out a quiet laugh, a sound that made Lucifer’s chest ache with bittersweet joy.

“We can’t name her all of them, Lucifer,” Adam said, shaking his head. His smile was faint but genuine, like the sun breaking through an overcast sky. “We need to pick one name.”

Lucifer chuckled, his voice rumbling low in his chest. “Why not? She’s going to be our daughter. Our little miracle. Why not give her all the names she deserves?”

Adam rolled his eyes, a hint of exasperation in his tone. “Because she’ll hate us by the time she learns how to spell her name,” he said dryly, though the teasing note in his voice betrayed his amusement.

Lucifer sighed dramatically, leaning back against Adam’s belly with a grin.

“Fine,” he drawled, trailing his fingers along Adam’s side. “We’ll pick one. But it has to be perfect.”

Humming in agreement, Adam’s hand still stroking through Lucifer’s hair. For a brief moment, the tension between them seemed to fade, the weight of the past lifting just enough for them to share this quiet, intimate moment.

Tilting his head to glance up at Adam, Lucifer’s grin softening into something far more genuine. “So which one feels right to you, Addie?”

Adam thought for a long moment before whispering, “Charlotte.”

Lucifer’s grin widened. “Charlotte Morningstar,” he said, testing the name on his tongue. “It’s perfect, love. Just like her parents.”

Laughing softly again, Adam shook his head, but this time he didn’t argue. For now, in this small bubble of peace, he let himself believe it might be true.

Lucifer’s face lit up, his grin transforming into something so warm and tender it made Adam’s chest ache.

“Charlotte Morningstar,” he said softly, as if savouring the sound. He rested his head back against Adam’s belly, his fingers gently tracing idle patterns along the taut curve. “It’s perfect, Addie. Absolutely perfect.”

Lips curling into a faint smile, Adam’s fingers still combing through Lucifer’s golden curls.

“You really think so?” he asked quietly. His voice was unsure, but there was a flicker of hope in it, like a candle flame trying to stay lit.

Lucifer tilted his head slightly, nuzzling against Adam’s stomach with a hum of contentment.

“I think it’s beautiful,” he murmured, pressing another soft kiss to the swell. “Just like you. Just like her.”

His hands cradled the bump protectively, his touch reverent. “Our little Charlotte. She’s going to be amazing.”

Adam couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped him, shaking his head. “You don’t even know her yet.”

Looking up at him, Lucifer’s crimson-and-golden eyes shining with unshakable conviction.

“I don’t have to. She’s ours, Adam. Of course, she’ll be amazing.” His lips twitched into a teasing smirk. “Though, if she inherits your temper, we might have our hands full.”

Adam rolled his eyes, though a genuine laugh bubbled up, surprising even himself.

“My temper?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Have you met yourself, Lucifer? She’s more likely to get your dramatic streak.”

Gasping, Lucifer clutched his chest theatrically. “How dare you accuse me of being dramatic? I’m the epitome of calm and reason.”

Snorting, Adam’s laughter was soft but genuine. “Sure you are.”

Lucifer leaned up, his grin widening.

“You’re laughing,” he pointed out, his voice softer now, almost awed. He cupped Adam’s cheek gently, his thumb brushing over the faint curve of a smile on Adam’s lips. “I’ve missed this, Addie. Seeing you smile. Hearing you laugh.”

Adam’s smile faltered slightly, but he didn’t pull away from Lucifer’s touch. Instead, he leaned into it just a little, closing his eyes.

“I’ve missed it too,” he admitted quietly, the words heavy with unspoken meaning.

Lucifer’s expression softened further, and he pressed a lingering kiss to Adam’s forehead.

“We’ll make more moments like this,” he promised, his voice low and filled with something that almost sounded like hope. “For Charlotte. For us.”

Adam opened his eyes and looked at him, the walls he’d kept up for so long cracking just a little.

“You think we can?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucifer’s smile was steady, his hands firm yet gentle as they held Adam. “I know we can.”

He lowered himself back down, resting his cheek against Adam’s belly once more. “Because no matter what, we’re a family now. You, me, and our little Charlotte.”

The room fell quiet, save for the faint crackle of the fireplace. Adam’s fingers returned to Lucifer’s hair, stroking through the soft curls with a tenderness he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the future didn’t seem quite so daunting. It wasn’t perfect—far from it—but in this moment, with Lucifer curled against him and the weight of their unborn daughter between them, it felt like something close to peace.

~#~

Adam woke up in the middle of the night, the room dimly lit by the faint red glow of hellfire flickering beyond the chamber windows. He rubbed his face and tried to ignore the gnawing craving that had been building in his chest for what felt like hours. He turned his head and surveyed the cluttered room, his golden eyes landing on the piles of rubber ducks scattered across the floor. His lips puckered into a small pout, the absurdity of the sight almost distracting him from his cravings. Almost.

His gaze then shifted to Lucifer, snuggled up beside him, completely unaware of Adam’s inner turmoil. The King of Hell looked ridiculous—golden curls sticking up in every direction, drool glistening on his chin, and his handsome face smashed awkwardly into a pillow. For a moment, Adam couldn’t help the small giggle that bubbled up in his throat.

“Lucifer,” Adam whispered, poking his shoulder gently. When the devil didn’t stir, Adam sighed, leaned closer, and nudged him again. “Lucifer.”

The devil groaned dramatically, slowly sitting up and rubbing his face, smearing the sleep dust in his eyes.

“Hnnngh... Addie? What’s wrong?” he mumbled through a yawn. His eyes blinked open, glazed with sleep, before he suddenly jolted awake.

“Are you alright?!” he gasped, sitting up straighter, his wild curls bouncing. “Did you have a nightmare? Are you in pain? Is Charlie alright? Oh no, is she coming?!”

Before Adam could respond, Lucifer threw the thick quilts back and frantically checked the sheets, his red-and-gold eyes wide with panic. “Did your water break?!”

Adam sighed and cupped Lucifer’s face in his hands, pulling him in for a purposeful kiss. The devil froze for a moment before melting into it, his body going slack with relief. When Adam pulled away, Lucifer let out a soft whine, leaning forward to chase after him.

“What—what’s going on, Addie?” he asked, his voice softer now.

“I’m fine,” Adam murmured, trying to hide the flush creeping up his cheeks. “I’m just... hungry.”

Lucifer blinked at him, confusion giving way to realization.

“Ohhhhh,” he drawled with a dreamy smile. “You’re having cravings again! Okay, okay, what would you like? Just say the word, and I can conjure it up in a blink of an eye~” He wiggled his fingers for dramatic effect.

Adam puffed his cheeks and looked down, avoiding Lucifer’s gaze. The devil raised a golden eyebrow, tilting his head as he reached out to gently push Adam’s chin back up. “What is it, darling?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Adam fidgeted, his cheeks burning. “I... it... it tastes funny when you use magic,” he finally admitted.

Lucifer froze, his brow furrowing in confusion. “It tastes funny? What do you mean? Like, burnt funny? Sweet funny?”

Adam squirmed, clearly embarrassed. “I don’t know how to explain it. It just... tastes different. Like it’s not real.”

He glanced up at Lucifer shyly. “Is it... is it okay if you cook it instead?”

For a moment, Lucifer stared at him in surprise before his face split into a wide grin.

“You want me to cook for you?” he asked, his tone filled with giddy disbelief. When Adam nodded shyly, Lucifer crawled across the bed toward him, his excitement clear.

In his eagerness, Lucifer dramatically flopped off the edge of the bed with a loud thud. Adam gasped, struggling to sit up against his massive pregnant belly. “L-Lucifer?! Are you okay?!”

There was a beat of silence before Lucifer popped back up, grinning and trying to smooth down his dishevelled hair.

“Perfectly fine!” he chirped, as if he hadn’t just face-planted onto the floor. “Now, what would my darling wife like?”

Adam hesitated, looking down at his hands before glancing back up, his green eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I’m a bad person, Lucifer!” he blurted out, his voice cracking.

Lucifer’s grin immediately disappeared, his face falling as he rushed to kneel before Adam.

“No, you’re not,” he said firmly, cupping Adam’s face in his hands. “You’re not a bad person at all. What’s wrong, my love? What’s got you so upset?”

Adam sniffled, his lower lip trembling. “I’m craving meat.”

“I want ribs,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Charlie wants meat, but I can’t eat animals! I’ve never eaten meat before, and I don’t want to start now, but she wants it! What am I supposed to do?!”

For a moment, Lucifer just blinked at him, his face unreadable.

Lucifer stared at Adam for a moment, his mouth slightly open as he processed the sudden outburst. Then, as if a lightbulb flickered to life in his head, he threw his head back and barked out a laugh so loud that Adam’s pout deepened into a full-blown glare.

“It’s not funny!” Adam snapped, his voice wobbling as he clutched his pregnant belly. “I’m serious, Lucifer! I’m a vegetarian, and she wants meat. What am I supposed to do?!”

Lucifer immediately sobered up, though the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement.

“You’re right, Addie,” he said, his tone soothing as he reached out to cup Adam’s flushed cheeks. “It’s not funny. I promise I’ll take this very, very seriously.”

His golden-red eyes sparkled with affection, even as his grin betrayed his attempt at solemnity. “Our little Charlie has... unique tastes already.”

Adam let out a frustrated sigh, slumping back against the pillows.

“I can’t do it,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I can’t eat animals, Lucifer. I’ve never even tried. What if I—what if I—”

Lucifer placed a finger over Adam’s lips, silencing him.

“Shhh,” he murmured, his voice gentle but firm. “You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, my love. I’ll take care of it.”

Adam blinked up at him, his green eyes wide and wet. “But Charlie—”

“Charlie will be just fine,” Lucifer interrupted, brushing a stray lock of hair from Adam’s face. “I’ll whip something up that’ll satisfy her cravings and keep you happy. Trust me, Addie.”

Adam sniffled, still looking unsure. “You mean it? You’re not going to... conjure something with magic?”

Lucifer gave an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest dramatically. “You wound me, darling. No magic this time, I swear.”

He stood up with a flourish, adjusting the rumpled robe he’d been sleeping in. “You’ll have freshly made ribs fit for a queen—or rather, a queen and her little princess.”

Adam frowned. “Lucifer... I don’t think I can even look at ribs without—”

Lucifer cut him off with a sly wink. “Leave it to me. You just sit there, rub that beautiful belly of yours, and keep thinking of more adorable names we can use for Charlie someday.”

Adam blinked, confused. “More names? We already decided—”

“Shhh, shhh!” Lucifer twirled toward the chamber door, his golden hair bouncing with each step. “I’ll be back before you can miss me, my love. Just you wait!”

And with that, the devil was gone, leaving Adam to sit there in stunned silence. For a moment, all he could do was stare at the empty doorway, his hands absently rubbing his swollen stomach.

“Your father,” Adam muttered to his unborn daughter, shaking his head as a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “He’s completely insane.”

He felt a little flutter inside him—Charlie’s way of agreeing, perhaps. Adam let out a soft laugh, leaning back against the pillows. As much as he hated to admit it, there was something oddly comforting about Lucifer’s over-the-top antics.

Several minutes later, Lucifer returned, holding a tray piled high with a platter of steaming ribs, a small bowl of barbecue sauce, and a side of roasted vegetables. He beamed at Adam as if he’d just conquered the world.

“Ta-da!” he announced, setting the tray down on the bedside table. “Ribs for Charlie, veggies for you. No animals were harmed in the making of this meal—it’s all plant-based, but it tastes just like the real thing. Trust me.”

Adam’s eyes widened. “Plant-based ribs?”

Lucifer nodded proudly. “Exactly! I spent ages perfecting this recipe—well, okay, maybe only a few decades, but it felt like ages. Go on, try it!”

Adam hesitated, but the mouthwatering smell was too tempting to resist. He picked up a fork, poking at one of the “ribs” before taking a cautious bite. His eyes widened as the rich, smoky flavour hit his tongue.

“It’s... it’s really good,” he admitted, his voice laced with surprise.

Lucifer grinned, plopping down beside him and propping his chin on his hand. “Told you. I’m not just a pretty face, you know.”

Adam rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile.

“Thank you, Lucifer,” he said softly, glancing down at his belly. “I think Charlie’s happy too.”

Lucifer leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Adam’s temple.

“Anything for my girls,” he murmured, his voice warm and sincere.

Adam sat there, his hands clutching the edge of his blanket, his golden eyes shimmering with fresh tears as he stared at the plate of steaming food. A heavy frown tugged at his lips, and his breath hitched. His emotions felt tangled, a chaotic mess of cravings, guilt, and frustration that wouldn’t relent.

Lucifer, perched at the edge of the bed, noticed the shift instantly. His bright smile faded into a look of pure concern as he leaned toward his husband.

“What’s wrong, love?” he asked gently, his voice soft as honey. “Did I mess something up? Is the food not right?”

Shoulder’s trembled, and a soft, broken sob escaped Adam.

“I... I don’t want it now!” he cried, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions.

Blinking, Lucifer’s crimson-and-gold eyes widening in surprise, but within seconds, he moved closer, wrapping an arm around Adam’s shaking shoulders.

“Hey, hey,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. He began rubbing small, comforting circles on Adam’s back. “It’s alright, my love. I’m not angry.”

Adam peeked up at him, his tear-streaked cheeks glowing faintly in the dim light.

“You’re not?” he sniffled, his voice small and uncertain.

Lucifer’s lips curved into a warm, reassuring smile, and he shook his head. “Of course not.”

“How could I ever be mad at you, Addie?” he said, his voice brimming with affection. He used his thumbs to gently wipe away the tears clinging to Adam’s cheeks, his touch tender and patient. “Now, tell me—what is it you do want?”

Adam hesitated, his lower lip trembling, before giving a tiny nod. His gaze darted to Lucifer’s face, peeking up shyly from beneath long lashes.

“Pancakes,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lucifer’s entire face lit up, his grin dazzling and boyish. The pure joy radiating from him made Adam’s heart stumble in his chest.

“Pancakes?” he repeated, his voice filled with unrestrained glee. “Oh, Addie, pancakes are my specialty! You’re going to love them!”

He started to rise, ready to dash to the kitchen and whip up the fluffiest pancakes Hell—or Heaven, for that matter—had ever seen. But before he could move far, Adam’s hand darted out, grabbing the hem of Lucifer’s duck-themed pyjama shirt.

“Wait, Lucifer…” Adam said softly, his grip firm yet hesitant.

Lucifer froze, glancing back down at Adam, his hair a golden halo in the faint light.

“What is it, my love?” he asked, lowering himself again.

Cheeks flushing, Adam looked away, his fingers nervously twisting the fabric of Lucifer’s shirt.

“I... um… can you… Can you just conjure them with your magic, please?” he mumbled sheepishly, his voice barely a whisper.

Lucifer blinked, his grin returning in full force. “Oh? I thought you said my magic makes food taste funny,” he teased, leaning closer and tilting his head like a curious cat.

Adam flushed an even deeper red, his pout deepening as he squirmed under Lucifer’s knowing gaze.

“I-I don’t care this time,” he muttered. “I just want pancakes now.”

Chuckling, the sound warm and indulgent, like Lucifer was entirely smitten. “As you wish, my darling.”

He pressed a quick, adoring kiss to Adam’s forehead before snapping his fingers with a dramatic flourish.

In an instant, a plate of perfectly golden, fluffy pancakes appeared in Adam’s lap, stacked high and dripping with melted butter and maple syrup. A small bowl of whipped cream and strawberries hovered nearby, floating gently down onto the bedside table.

Adam’s eyes widened as the sweet aroma filled the room, and despite himself, a smile tugged at his lips.

“T-Thank you,” he whispered, his voice still thick with emotion.

Lucifer cupped Adam’s cheek, leaning in to nuzzle his nose affectionately.

“Anything for you, Addie,” he purred. “Now eat up. Charlie needs her pancakes.”

Giggling softly, Adam’s earlier tears forgotten, and picked up the fork.

“I’m so lucky to have you,” he murmured, his voice soft with affection.

Lucifer grinned, resting his chin on Adam’s shoulder as he watched him take his first bite.

“No, love,” he whispered, his eyes glimmering with adoration. “I’m the lucky one.”

With a contented sigh, Lucifer crawled back onto the bed beside Adam, settling into the soft pillows like a content cat. His golden hair was an untamed mess, still gleaming faintly in the dim glow of their chamber. Propping himself up on one elbow, Lucifer simply watched, his expression warm and indulgent, as Adam dug into the plate of pancakes and ribs with eager abandon.

Adam, too focused on satisfying his cravings, barely noticed Lucifer’s intent gaze. The pancakes disappeared quickly, drowned in syrup and devoured bite by bite. The ribs followed, the savory aroma too much for Adam to resist. However, the small pile of vegetables remained untouched, pointedly ignored on the edge of the plate.

Lucifer bit his lip, suppressing a soft giggle. It was endearing—so utterly Adam. The stubborn refusal to eat the greens despite everything else on the plate being demolished brought a sense of normalcy that warmed Lucifer’s heart. For a moment, he felt as though everything was perfect, just as it should be.

“I love you, Addie,” Lucifer said suddenly, his voice tender and brimming with sincerity.

The words hung in the air, soft and unassuming. Adam stiffened slightly, pausing mid-bite. His golden eyes flickered sideways to meet Lucifer’s, surprise flashing in his gaze. His lips parted slightly, but he didn’t respond. Not with words, at least.

Lucifer’s smile didn’t falter. If anything, it softened further, understanding and acceptance shining in his mismatched eyes. He hadn’t expected a response—not yet, anyway. And that was okay. Adam’s journey back to himself was slow, but it was happening. Piece by piece. Moment by moment.

“It’s fine, my love,” Lucifer murmured softly, reaching out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Adam’s ear. “You don’t have to say anything. Just eat, alright?”

Adam blinked, his throat bobbing slightly as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t quite find the words. He returned his attention to the plate, finishing the last bite of ribs in silence.

Lying back fully, Lucifer rested his head on his folded arms as he continued to watch Adam with quiet adoration. The sight of his beloved, here, safe, eating to his heart’s content—it was enough for him. More than enough.

One day, he thought to himself, one day Adam would say it back. But until then, he was content just to love Adam openly, fiercely, and without expectation.

~#~

The moment Adam’s water broke, a jolt of terror and pain surged through his body, leaving him trembling and breathless. His golden eyes filled with tears as he pressed his knees together instinctively, trying to hold back the inevitable.

“No, no, no,” he whispered, voice trembling as he rubbed his swollen belly. “Not yet, Charlie… Daddy’s not here. Please, sweetie, just wait a little longer.”

But the sharp stab of another contraction ripped through him, stealing his breath and forcing a scream from his throat. His legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed onto the cold floor. The pain was unbearable, blinding, as if his entire body was splitting apart.

“Lucifer!” he screamed, tears streaming down his face. “Lucifer, please! I need you!”

Crawling towards the bed with shaking limbs, Adam barely made it halfway before another contraction struck. His vision blurred, his body trembling as sweat drenched his skin. The chamber spun around him, the scattered piles of rubber ducks mocking him with their cheerful presence.

“Lucifer!” Adam screamed again, his voice hoarse and desperate. “You stupid, selfish asshole! Where are you?!”

As if summoned by sheer will, the familiar portal of black and golden flames erupted in the centre of the room. Lucifer emerged, his eyes wild with panic, his usually composed demeanour shattered.

“Adam?!” he gasped, taking in the sight of his lover crumpled on the floor. “Adam, what’s wrong?! I felt your distress!”

“My water broke!” Adam sobbed, clutching at his belly. “She’s coming, Lucifer! She’s coming now! I need you!”

In an instant, Lucifer was at his side, dropping to his knees and scooping Adam into his arms.

“I’ve got you, Addie. I’m here,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he carried Adam to the bed.

Laying him down gently, Lucifer held Adam’s hand, his thumb stroking soothing circles over Adam’s knuckles.

“I’m not going anywhere, love. We’ll do this together,” he promised.

But Adam couldn’t stop the flood of emotions, the years of pain and heartbreak rising to the surface as the contractions tore through him.

“You left me!” he sobbed, clutching at Lucifer’s hand with a grip like iron. “You turned your back on me in Eden! You—”

Lucifer’s face twisted with guilt, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he pressed soft kisses to Adam’s hand, trailing them down his arm and to his shoulder.

“I know,” he murmured, his voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Adam. I’ll never leave you again, I swear it.”

“You’re an asshole!” Adam cried, his voice cracking. “I loved you, Lucifer—I still love you! But you left me! You left me all alone!”

“I know, my love,” Lucifer said, his own tears falling now. “I’ll spend the rest of eternity making it up to you. But right now, you need to focus. Charlie’s almost here.”

Adam let out a scream as another contraction wracked his body.

“I can’t!” he sobbed, shaking his head. “I can’t do this, Lucifer!”

“You can,” Lucifer said firmly, cupping Adam’s face and forcing him to meet his eyes. “You’re the strongest person I know, Addie. On the count of three, okay? We’ll do it together.”

Adam nodded weakly, tears streaming down his face. “Okay…”

Lucifer began to count, his voice steady and encouraging. “One… two—”

But Adam couldn’t wait. He let out a guttural scream and pushed with all his might, his entire body straining against the pain.

“That’s it, love!” Lucifer cried, his voice full of pride and encouragement. “You’re doing amazing!”

And then, finally, after what felt like an eternity, a loud, piercing cry filled the room.

Lucifer’s breath caught in his throat as he gently caught the tiny, wriggling baby in his hands.

“She’s here,” he whispered, tears streaming down his face as he held her up for Adam to see. “Our little Charlie.”

Adam let out a choked sob, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he reached for his daughter. Lucifer placed her gently on Adam’s chest, his hands trembling with emotion.

“She’s perfect,” Adam whispered, his voice thick with tears as he cradled the tiny, crying bundle.

Lucifer leaned down, pressing a kiss to Adam’s sweat-soaked forehead.

“You’re perfect,” he said, his voice full of love and reverence.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Adam felt whole.

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