CH 18: Dashing

Lucifer

Alastor

Ha-ha, looks like you could use some help,

From the big boss of Hell himself,

Check out Daddy's glowing reviews on Yelp,

(Five stars! Flawless! Greater than great!)

With a punch of a pentagram,

A wap-bam-boom, Alakazam,

Usually I charge a sacrificial lamb

But you get the family rate, thanks Dad!

Esme watched his magical display with awe and wonder, leaning in closely to pay closer attention. He was effortless, entertaining, and extravagant. My goodness, he was awfully impressive with his performance. If you were to ask her, allowing Lucifer to assist in this ordeal would make the most sense. He was right, he was the ruler of the entire realm. His power must surpass all others. He wore it like a badge of honor, and the very thought of that confidence made her chest flutter just a bit. There was no one else, overlord of not, that could compare to his abilities. 

She feels a small tug on her arm and gets pulled back, causing her to pivot her head,

"Don't tell me...I know those eyes of yours." Angel smirks.

"He's..." She pauses momentarily before responding breathlessly, "dashing.."

A low static could be heard nearby, similar to a record being scratched on it's player.

Angel chuckles and nudges Husk, "Hey, guess our plan worked~" He winks, causing the feline to chuckle and shake his head. It was obvious that the two of them were in cahoots with one another. There was an unspoken tension amongst the group that made The Siren's eyebrow raise with intrigue. What did these two have planned up their sleeves? 

"Plan?" Esme questions.

"Youse are both single, are you not? Time to get back on the market, stop wasting ya time waitin' for some prince charmin' who ain't coming." Angel smirks, pulling her close to his side.

"And the King of Hell..." He begins, motioning in his direction, "Not too shabby~"

Esme looks back at The King with a small blush erupting on her skin. She hadn't considered looking into perusing a romantic connection with anyone, considering her soul very much still felt tethered to an unknown partner. Although, men usually fell on their knees at the very sight of her. Sinners begged to worship her, idolize her, and follow her every move. She doubted she could capture the attention of someone of such an Excalibur, but he was a man after all. 

Who needs a busboy now that you got the chef?

Michelin-tasting menu, free à la carte~

I'll rig the game for you because I'm the ref

Champagne fountains, caviar mountains, that's just the staart~

Esme takes one small step forward but jumps at,

Who's been here since day one?

Who's been faithful as a nun?

Makes you chuckle with an old timey pun?

Your executive producerr~

I'm your guy, your day-to-day,

Your chum, your steadfast hotelier,

Remember when I fixed that clog today...

Esme rolls her eyes and leans back on the table with Angel, "Great, a dick measuring contest." She says, grabbing one of Nifty's cookies from behind her and biting in with her fangs. Dear Lord, the taste was horrendous. The little lady wasn't known for baking sweets, and something told Esme that it was possible the sugar had been swapped from salt. She quickly spits it out, "Gross..." she groans.

I'm truly honored that we've built such a bond,

You're like the child that I wish that I had..

Her head snaps up from the garbage can involuntarily, "Wait, what?" She couldn't identify way, but that statement from him resulted in her entire body tensing up. 

I care for you just like a daughter I spawned

Hold on now!

It's a little funny, you can almost call me....Dadd~

Annoyed, aggravated, and hungry, Esme walks away as the two continue their stupid ego stroking session. She heads to the kitchen and takes out ones of the legs she bought from Rosie, putting it on a plate, and heating it up. She sits down and begins to eat peacefully. There was no need for her to be out there and witness such a annoying display of desperation. She would enjoy her solitude, and possibly she would engage in conversation with them once they were true with their little show. 

The door opens as Angel comes in to investigate.

"Still jerking each other off?" She hums.

"Yep." He sits down next to her with a plop. There's a beat that lasts no more than ten seconds before he resumes his previous investigation, "So, do you think you're gonna wanna ride that clown?" Esme nearly chokes on her food, straightening up, 

"That's highly inappropriate for you to ask me." She wipes her mouth, turning to him with an expression of disgust, "Is that how you speak to your Zia? My goodness, what a mouth you have." 

"Oh, come on, I know you think he's hot..."

She looks away, she wasn't one to lie, "He's attractive..." Her voice comes out small, mumbling, obviously being uncomfortable with the current discussion. She looks down at her leg resting on its plate. With a sigh she realizes the poor delicacy wasn't going to be enjoyed in all its glory. Taking her knife, she cuts into the side of it, "So, how long have you boys be scheming together to pair me off with some random chap?" 

Angel's eyes remain locked in disgust at her meal, shuddering as she raised the meat to her lips, "Ya know, we've talked about it. Whiskers out there has known you for a while, so I was askin' him what he knew about ya." 

"Asking him what he knows about me? I changed your diapers." 

"Alright, there's no need to go there." He slides over, leaning against her as she munches away, "I care about ya, I was just wonderin' what he thought about putting you out there." 

That was nice of them to be concerned about her wellbeing, but she was still unsure if she wanted to consider giving up on her beloved's return. 

"What did he have to say?" 

"He said you probably wouldn't want to." 

"He's right." 

The sinner scoffs, rolling his eyes at her stubborn behavior. Esme had a one-track mind, once she was focused on something, it took a lot to get her off her course of plan. He knew she would put up a fight, but on the other hand she deserved to be happy. Yes, the eternity is a long time, but how long was she going to waste not allowing herself to feel again, "I know you would say that, but doll-face, you have waited long enough. Besides, how long has it been since you've..."

"I haven't."

He raises an eyebrow, knowingly.

"Alright, I have for fun and maybe to distract myself from this torment, but truly, I haven't enjoyed any of it. Just business." She shrugs.

"Well, do yourself a favor and go t-"

The sound of the doors flying open interrupts them as a woman's voice could be heard. Esme jumps up, turning her head to the door, "What on earth is going on today?" She walks over to investigate, opening the door slightly to stick her head out. She can feel Angel's fur against her back as he places his chin on top of her head to take a peak. 

Outside there was a short blonde woman, parading around like she owned the place. The fringe on her dress swayed from side to side with the movements of her hips. The appearance of her attire was strikingly similar to a vague memory. 

"Mimzy!!" Alastor beams, which was very unusual to see him do. His eyes lit up with excitement as his arms stretched out to welcome her. This had to be the most excited she had ever seen the overlord. 

Who was this 'Mimzy', and what was she doing here? 

"Alasta! Sweety, doll face, so good to see you!" She says sweetly, "How ya been? Good? Good!"

The two embrace. Esme tilts her head from the kitchen.

She seemed...familiar.

The two walk out of the kitchen and join the group back in the parlor. The energy had changed, now with everyone wondering what was going on. They had went from introducing Lucifer, to a unexpected musical performance, to now this strange bird bombarding herself into the building. She showed zero consideration at all, and now was she demanding attention like she was worthy of it. She expected it, appearing greedy and selfish.

"Listen, I was in the neighborhood. I heard you were stayin' at this ritzy slob factory, and I figured I'd stop by. Say hi, for old times sake."

"I don't like this one..." Esme whispers.

"No one does.." Husk groans.

"Of course, sweetheart! Everyone's welcome here." He smiles, leaning in to her.

"Oh, how nice!" Charlie buts in, "So, you two know each other?"

"Oh yeah, we go way back." Mimzy responds, pulling Alastor to her eye level. "Ran in the same circles when we were alive. You know, this one used to frequent the club where me an- where I performed.."

Esme raises an eyebrow. Well, that was unexpected. That could be why he appeared to be so jolly around her, but it was still a hard pill to swallow. Across the decades, she had spent amble time around Alastor, exploring juice joints and whatnot. Yes, he became a cuddly kitten at some points, but for the most part he was an enigma of a person. There was still a lot about him that was hidden away from others. He didn't show genuine excitement very often, being saved for a selective group of people. It was an expression she thought, or perhaps even hoped, that could be unique to just her. 

"He's the only one I knew that could pound whiskey like a sailor, then keep up with me on the dance floor!" She breaks out into a Charleston.

"Oh quite a talent this gal, oho you should've seen her in her hay day~"

"Must've been a sight." Esme mutters loudly from the back of the room. Everyone turns to her, taken back by her shudder interjection. 

"Excuse me?" Mimzy raises an eyebrow, with a smirk.

"I'm just sayin'..." She looks at her nails, rubbing them on her bust, "Those arms were a little noodley, fix up your Charleston, and then maybe we can talk." Esme smirks, walking away from the conversation.

Mimzy goes to rebuttal, but something stops her.

~ Flashback ~

"Are you sure she doesn't remember me? How can you be certain it isn't just you?"

"I can't, so it's best if we stay quiet."

"A little harsh, don't you think?"

"That's none of your concern..."

"You know, she trusted you. She probably expects someone to come for her eventually."

"Believe me, she can handle her own now."

"Still lost in her spells like all those years ago I see."

"I believe I was quite clear when I spoke, perhaps I should repeat myself...keep this b̶̰̈e̸̮̎t̸͎̔w̷̃͜e̶̪͂e̴̟̐n̴̖͗ u̵̬̿s̷̮͝."

~ Flashback over ~

Esme approaches Lucifer, beginning to prepare herself to talk, before Mimzy jumps in front of her, "Please to meet cha, your highness." She bows into an awfully formed curtsy. "Alastor..." she growls, "You gotta warn a girl when she's in mixed company."

Lucifer smiles nervously, "Charmed, I'm sure." 

"As much as I'd love to catch up, Charlie and I have a tour to continue."

Lucifer grabs Charlie by the arm, "I'm sure Charlie can handle showing m-"

"Nonsense!" Alastor pulls her away, "We started the hotel together, and we'll show it off together, right Charlie?"

Geez, what type of competition is this?

The three go upstairs, and Mimzy quickly approaches the bar where Esme is standing with the others. As soon as Esme sees Mimzy, she rolls her eyes and turns her back, listening as she begins harassing Husk. Esme narrows her eyes at her clear disrespect, obviously not appreciating it. After he gives her the drink she requested, Esme pulls him aside.

"I don't like this one, I got a bad feeling."

"She's usually trouble."

"Should we tell the others?"

With a mutual understanding, Esme leads the way up the grand staircase to find The Overlord in order to express her concerns. Husk follows close behind, glancing over his shoulder ever so often to watch Mimzy's movements. Esme shakes her head and looks down at the group from the top of the railing, "She just came here, with no warning, demanding attention. She didn't even address Charlie." 

"That bitch usually only comes when she needs something." 

Esme hums in an understanding at Husk's words. So she was a leech, she was seeking Alastor for a purpose. It wasn't just a drop by to spend a time with friends, it was using him for a greater purpose. It could be nothing, but this is Hell. If she were to be in this world, obviously her intentions weren't pure. 

Eventually, they reach their target.

"Ey boss, may I have a word?"

Alastor snaps his head back in response, appearing annoyed, "What is it?" It was obvious that he did not want to be interrupted, which was surely going to be a blow to Husk.

"Pardon me..." Esme leaves the two alone for some privacy, following Charlie and the others down the hall. In the distance she can see them step out to the balcony. With follows them with haste in her steps, grabbing a hold of the doors before they close and joining them quietly. Lucifer looks back, sensing her presence, tipping his head in acknowledgment. 

Within a matter of moments, Charlie begins to babble on and on about her dreams and vision for the hotel. She has her back turned to them, lost in her daydream. There's a silence amongst the others as they listen closely. It's obvious that The King doesn't hold the same hope that she does, standing there with a stiff smile, but it was heartwarming to see his daughter open up so freely.

Esme smiles sweetly at the sight, "You know, you're lucky to have her..." She whispers.

"Hm?" Lucifer turns his head to her.

"I had a daughter once..."

They all grow silent and turn to her, Charlie seemingly snapping out of her thoughts and now appearing concerned as a somber look washes over Esme. Even thought it was a whisper, that information cut through the air with an extreme intensity. The finality of her sentence hung in the space, opening the door to further questions. 

"Once?" She asks.

Esme nods softly, looking down at her feet, "I don't remember much of her, but sometimes when I close my eyes...I can still hear her voice." As her eyes scan the floor, sounds of the young girl giggling and calling for her mother run rampant in The Siren's head. Her memories brought her pain, but also a bittersweet bliss of being able to hear that sweet little voice. It was never accompanied by a face, but she had no doubts in her heart that her eyes must have sparkled with childlike wonder. Her smile would have stretched further than the sea. 

"And...what happened to her?"

"She passed very young." Esme says, turning to Lucifer, "I think I'll ask why for the rest of my afterlife. Even if your God himself came in front of me and told me the reason, I don't think I could accept it..." She looks away and towards the city from the balcony they're standing on, "My love for her surpasses all that this world has to offer, and yet it brings it immense pain to have her missing from my mind..." 

"And you remember nothing of her?" Lucifer questions with a soft tone. He turns to her and takes a small step forward, "Why is that?"

Esme parts her hair to reveal a gash at the back of her head, causing Charlie to gasp and turn into Vaggie in terror. It was grotesque, shockingly being hid beautifully by her massive amount of hair. The two of them had no idea that she was concealing such a past within her. 

Beneath it all, beyond her confidence and her demeanor, laid a woman that was very much still disconnected from her past. For the others that have perished, the memories of their human lives either provided comfort or solace. They had the ability to look back at 'better times', or perhaps they looked back with a grimacing look. Nonetheless, they were able to reflect. 

For Esme, her reflection looked like a foggy mirror. She could only make out some features, but never the full picture. 

"I don't remember anything that's happened to me past that point....not a single coherent thing."

Lucifer examines the wound, his eyes scanning every detail. Usually, a sinner's appearance mirrored their passing, which would make sense as to why she still bore this gash. As an angelic spirit, he had a vast knowledge of pain and how to soothe it. Physical blows were one thing, but emotional or mental scars were another. Angels had the ability to soothe both, though he hadn't done such in a very long time. In Hell, sinners were to usually bare their scars as part of their eternal sufferings. 

For some reason, however, his heart ached for this woman. He didn't want her to have to endure this torture for much longer. Putting himself in her shoes, Lucifer couldn't imagine not remembering Charlie. What would his life be if he didn't have his family? Isolation, rejection, and depression were all concepts that he knew all too well. The ache in his soul was enough to have him ruminating in his misfortune, but the possibility of not being able to remember his daughter's sweet smile would be a completely new level of devastation. 

A moment passes, and he looks at her with an empathetic smile, "When you're ready, come see me again."

He pauses.

"Perhaps I can help you." 

 ~ Author's Note ~

Are we interested in this small Lucifer side romance? Thoughts?? 

This chapter was painful to write, but hopefully I'll have more soon. :)

Thank you for reading! 🖤

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~ Artemis 🦌💗