Chapter 1: Hell's Greatest Dad
Between Charlie's endless enthusiasm, Vaggie's attempts to maintain order, Angel Dust's inappropriate commentary and Husk's constant complaints, peace was practically nonexistent.
Yet today, something was different.
Charlie Morningstar was practically bouncing around the lobby.
Her father was coming to visit.
Lucifer Morningstar, King of Hell, had finally decided to make an appearance at his daughter's hotel. Naturally, Charlie was thrilled.
What she hadn't anticipated was that her other favourite source of trouble would already be there.
Alastor.
The Radio Demon stood near the staircase, his hands resting neatly behind his back. His ever-present smile remained firmly in place as he observed Charlie's excitement.
"Well, my dear, someone appears particularly enthusiastic this morning."
Charlie turned towards him.
"Dad's coming!"
"Ah. How wonderful."
His smile widened.
Whether that enthusiasm was genuine remained questionable.
Before Charlie could respond, the hotel's entrance opened.
"CHARLIEEE!"
Lucifer practically rushed inside, his expression brightening at the sight of his daughter.
"Hi, Dad!"
The two embraced, Lucifer immediately beginning to shower her with questions about how she was doing, whether she was eating properly and whether the hotel was treating her well.
Then his eyes wandered.
And landed on Alastor.
His expression changed.
"...Oh."
Alastor tilted his head.
"Your Majesty."
"Radio Rat."
"Short King."
Charlie blinked.
Already?
"Okay! So! Everyone's getting along, right?"
Neither answered.
Lucifer adjusted his hat and approached his daughter again, deliberately positioning himself between her and the Radio Demon.
"So, sweetheart! How's my favourite daughter doing?"
"Great! Actually, Alastor has been helping me with—"
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Have I mentioned how much I've missed you?"
Alastor's ears twitched.
How utterly predictable.
He stepped forward, placing a hand over his chest.
"Surely, Princess, you haven't forgotten who has been assisting you throughout your little project?"
Lucifer slowly turned his head.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, nothing at all. Merely reminding everyone of my contributions."
"Right. Because apparently running around with a microphone makes you some sort of parental authority."
Alastor's smile sharpened.
"And apparently arriving occasionally makes one an attentive father."
Silence.
Charlie looked between them.
Vaggie, watching from nearby, already looked exhausted.
"Oh, this is going to be a long day," she muttered.
Lucifer straightened his coat.
"Well, Charlie, perhaps you'd like to spend some quality time with your actual father?"
Alastor chuckled.
"How touching. Shall I fetch you a participation trophy?"
Lucifer's eye twitched.
And so began an utterly ridiculous competition between Hell's King and its most infamous Radio Demon.
Neither was willing to surrender the spotlight.
Neither was willing to admit defeat.
And Charlie?
Charlie was beginning to question whether inviting her father had been such a good idea after all.
Art are not mine!
