(Discontinued) His Forbidden Fruit (Radioapple || Hazbin Hotel)

Chapter Twenty-One

   The next day went by quickly, night soon befalling the Hazbin gang as they settled down in their tents. Lucifer was sitting by the dimmed fireside along with Alastor, listening to the songs of crickets and cicadas around them.

   The Radio Demon turned to look at the King, smiling softly down at him. He exhaled slowly, turning to watch the dancing flames of the campfire.

   "It is quite lovely, isn't it, my dear?" He asked, resting his chin in his hands.

   Lucifer diverted his attention from the fire to the demon in red sitting beside him. "It is... I haven't been outside that much for several years. I kind of regret that I didn't take the time to appreciate any of this." He muttered softly, his eyes slowly returning back to the fire. "It would've helped soothe my soul, that's for sure."

   Alastor nodded, humming in agreement. "Indeed. Although, now I am curious... What did you do these past few years, before the establishment of Charlie's grand hotel?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

   "It's a very long story. Would you like to torment yourself by hearing it?" Lucifer said dramatically, using animated motions as he spoke.

   The deer demon chuckled, complemented by radio laughter somewhere behind him. "Why of course, my dear! What's life without a little pain?" He said, jabbing Lucifer in the arm with his elbow.

   Lucifer inhaled deeply. "Alright." He said in a deep voice.

   He stood up, the underside of his face lit up creepily by the campfire. "I..." He started, taking a long pause to inhale deeply.

   "...made rubber ducks. The end." He casually sat back down and popped a marshmallow in his mouth.

   Alastor blinked. "I beg your pardon. You say... you have... made rubber ducks for years?" He reiterated, concern and disbelief laced in his tone.

   The King nodded. "T'was the height of my depression, some would say." He narrated dramatically, placing the back of his hand against his forehead. He dropped the act after a few moments with a sigh. "You'll believe me once you take a look at my workshop in my manor. It's littered with rubber ducks... All failed projects, of course." His gaze seemed distant for a moment before his eyes met with Alastor's. "I think it was a defense mechanism of some kind... I don't know, I'm no psychologist." He turned back to the fire.

   The Radio Demon continued to stare at the fire as well, taking in the words he had received. After a few moments of silence, a small chuckle left his lips. "A 'defense mechanism'? My, I'm sure your army of bird toys would defend the King of Hell far better than anyone could," he said, smirking playfully at Lucifer.

   His expression flattened. "Funny," he grumbled, before sighing and running a hand through his hair, letting his bangs drape over his face. "At the very least, they helped me forget about Lilith, even if only for a moment. They were keeping me from teetering off the edge— especially when my thoughts became more and more dark." He let out another sigh. After a moment he shook himself out of his thoughts. "Sorry. I get distracted sometimes," He apologized.

   Alastor's smile waned. He turned to look at the King, suddenly realizing his state of vulnerability. Hesitating, the Radio Demon chose his next words carefully.

   "I... I am deeply sorry you experienced that," he said, now staring forward. Alastor was already subpar at understanding and handling emotions, but he so desperately wanted to comfort Lucifer.

   The King cracked a small smile. "Don't worry about it, it's all water under the bridge at this point. I'm happier now: I've found others to socialize with, I'm reconnected with my daughter, and I found someone else to love. I've never been happier." He said, leaning onto Alastor with a slightly golden tint on his cheeks.