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Alastor took a deep breath, bracing himself for leaving his safe armchair in the crowded lobby. Only the usual suspects dare approach him as the New Year's festivities were well underway. They still had a little under and hour before the new year was officially here, but there were several newer residents that just didn't know how to handle themselves. He was sat far enough from the television that there was no risk of interaction, but he could see it.
The clock tower in the middle of the city was lit up, changing colors every so often along with screens below the clock itself displaying multiple parties. With every color shift, it displayed how other rings were bringing in the new year. They could see all of that from the comfort of the hotel. He supposed that was one way to unite Hell even if it was only for one evening. He hummed and sipped his rye as he let his attention sharpen.
There was honestly something better he could be doing right now. He craned his neck, letting it twist in unusual ways as he looked for the one person he actually cared about. Smile twisting, he gave a rather put upon sigh. He was going to have to get up. Well, might as well do it now considering he did have plans in mind for the rest of his evening.
The deer rose, tipping back the last of the whiskey and set it on the small side table for Niffty to collect whenever she got around to the side of the lobby again. Perhaps in the morning given the manic cackle from by the bar. He looked to see Angel Dust putting a gentle lower hand on her shoulder and another hand sliding a drink away from her. Great, they had given her alcohol. At least Husk was leaning in close, likely trying to calm her. She was in good enough hands as he chose to dismiss the scene for now. He'd check on her tomorrow.
Right now, he had someone else to hunt down. He moved through the crowds, twisting and ducking under arms and appendages in his search. Unfortunately, his search wasn't always easy given his prey was so damn short. As he twisted to look over at a particular crowd, someone bumped into him, directly leaning into his chest. Growling, static rising around him, he glared at the offender.
Oh. The louder signs of his distaste dimmed as he put his hands on Charlie's shoulders and guided her off of him. "It seems we need to watch where we're going, princess," he chided lightly, smile pleasant but a little strained around the edges. Charlie giggled, holding up her half full glass of eggnog.
"Sorry, Al. Lossst my balance," she said, obviously a bit more than tipsy. So Husk was trying to put people out with the amount of rum he put into it. Somewhat smart if he wanted everyone passed out early. Dangerous gamble, but hopefully worth it. She lifted her drink higher as if he couldn't see it well enough. "It's so yummy. Have you tried it? You should so totally try it," she prattled on. The words that kept tumbling out were secondary as he looked up for Charlie's paramour.
Several little imps popped up and scurried over to literally tip Vaggi over and carry her to them. She ended up in a confused heap at their feet, Charlie's head still tipped back against Alastor and the demon staring down at the former Exorcist. "I believe this is yours, Vajen." He righted Charlie enough to let her stand on her own for as long as she could manage and dropped into shadows. Her gravity issues were Vaggi's problem now as he went back to his task.
He kept his search up from the floor now, avoiding unwanted touch and interactions much easier this way. It was far easier to find his way through the crowds and finally came across the right pair of boots.
Lucifer was nodding along, eyes a little too wide as both hands gripped the apple atop his cane. This story had been going a little too long and it was drifting places he didn't really want to. He'd been trying to be social enough to be supportive of Charlie's party. A little small talk, a few waves or finger guns should have done the trick. Now he was somehow stuck talking… no, listening. Kind of. Blocking out this cupid-esque sinner that had caught him.
His eyes slid to the side, hoping to see someone that he might use as a rescue until the sinner's face filled his vision. His nose ridge wrinkled a little with the aggressive scent of liquor on her breath. It took a beat to realize that she was so close because she was propositioning him. She made it sound so innocent, just a little kiss at midnight.
Shadowy fingers sent a chill up the angel's spine as they rose up his back and wrapped around his slender shoulders. The rest of the demon rose up, towering over him as Alastor formed. The Radio Demon glared, eyes glowing with dials ticking away in his pupils. "His kisses are claimed. I do believe it is time for you to move on." Alastor didn't care to put on an air of friendliness for this one, his hard stare making the sinner shrink back a little and hurry off.
He leaned down over Lucifer and whispered, "I think it's time we take our leave." He gave the king a little nudge forward and kept close to his back. For those that were actually brave enough(or drunk enough) to try and approach to try to get close to Lucifer were now scared off with the guard-deer walking him through the crowd.
As the couple reached the stairs, Lucifer gasped. "I should go say good night to Charlie. Have you seen her?" he asked, making to turn around in search of his daughter. He was shoved back up to the steps, corralled up with an obviously tired look. "Trust me, she won't notice. I will be surprised if she makes it to midnight," Alastor assured, his look saying plenty. Lucifer still gave a last look over the crowd as they reached the top of the stairs only to see Vaggi guiding her to the host desk that was obviously going to be a quieter spot to sit.
Content enough for now, Lucifer allowed himself to be led, a large hand wrapping around his own and bringing a smile to his face. It wasn't often that they even held hands out in semi-public. Sure, everyone was downstairs and couldn't see them, but there was the chance someone might catch them running up to, or coming from one of the rooms. It made his heart flutter a little that the semi-public was a safe enough space for Alastor to literally reach for him like this.
Alastor knew he was making the evening better with such a small motion. Maybe he would try doing it a bit more often, but he had a hard time with allowing anyone to see a softer side to him; it might ruin his image. Tonight was different as they made it to the rooftop. He had plans. As they exited out, he let the angel go first to see the ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, the chocolate covered strawberries, and little decorations that had been set out to make for a nice rooftop celebration for two.
The deer followed slowly behind as his devil took the time to actually look at the effort he had put into setting up this small area for them. As Lucifer turned to look at him, he saw the soft awe on his face and the warmth of emotion in his eyes. "I hope you don't mind, but I did want to share this celebration privately," he said softly as he neared the rail and the fluted glasses.
Gold dusted across Lucifer's cheeks as he nodded. "It's perfect." The smaller man moved forward as Alastor poured their glasses and leaned on the railing. He looked out over the city, surprisingly pleased with the view and the colors from various parties lighting up different sections of what they could see. It was small moments like this that made it feel like Hell really wasn't so bad. With the gentle hand and the loving look as he turned his head toward Alastor… Yeah, Hell was a pretty decent place.
With a thought Alastor had music playing and held out his hand. "Will you dance with me?" he asked hopefully. Thus far, he hadn't gotten a no, but he still always asked. It was worth it for the bright smile it brought every time. It was like those few words meant so much more, took on a whole other meaning when he said them to Lucifer and his heart clenched.
"Always," Lucifer answered as he took the offered hand and stepped in close. There was ten minutes to midnight and they danced across the rooftop until the bell tolled from the city center. Above the clock tower a glowing count down appeared and brought their dance to an end for now. The couple went for their champagne and waited for the strike of midnight.
"Happy New Year, my love."
"J'taime, mon étoile. Happy New Year."
Alastor pulled Lucifer close, bending down for their New Year's kiss. The last year had been such a roller coaster. The animosity turned begrudging toleration, to unlikely friendliness into love… They were going to start this year with a desire to make each other happy. This was a perfect way to start as fireworks lit up the sky, painting them in brilliant color as they started this new year together.