After The Battle

Chapter Eighteen: Rumors

Liliths smirk widened at Alastors curt response, tilting her head to the side.
   Her expression may have been pleasant, but her eyes held a warning, telling Alastor to watch his sharp tongue.

The Radio Demon simply huffed, forcing himself to calm down as Charlie gave him a questioning look at how tense he seemed, frowning it has ruffled appearance.
    "Apologies, ah-hah... I sounded quite rude there," He cleared his throat and bowed, his smile twitching in the corner of his mouth as he took Liliths hand in his, claws digging in slightly as he brought it up to his lips and kissed her knuckles respectfully.
    "the name's Alastor, it's a pleasure to meet you." His voice was low and filled with resentment that no one seemed to notice.
    "My, my.... What a charming young man... Alastor, nice to meet you as well." She purred as Alastor let her hand go and stood up straight.

Lucifer felt like his face was on fire as soon as Alastor had done that, a pang of jealousy shooting through him at the sight, his eye twitched and he scowled, scooting closer to his wife.
   That odd feeling of discomfort he had earlier had completely vanished, his love and surprise for Lilith returning after so long overpowering that, but it was still in the back of his mind... Somewhere...

He had so many questions! Where was she? How come she never called back? What was she doing?
What if Charlie told her about what happened the past few weeks... And what didn't happen.

Charlie smiled, looking between her father, mother and Alastor... Seeing the annoyance on Alastors features and clearing her throat.
    "Uhm- so- mom, what are you doing here, you, uh... Haven't returned any of my calls for the past.... Seven years..." She chuckled nervously as she took a step closer and Lilith put a hand on her shoulder, however, the queens eyes were on Alastor as he backed away, his shadow crawling on the wall behind him, attempting to get a read on the woman, know what her play here is, why she came here so suddenly.
    "It's... A long story...", Lilith admitted softly, turning her attention fully to her daughter, "but I'm so glad to be back, I missed you so much! Both of you..." She smiled at Lucifer, tone soft and full of love, "I'm so sorry for leaving..." she pulled Charlie into a hug, the princess hesitating before wrapping her arms around her mother, returning the hug in a slightly desperate way as Lilith reached out to Lucifer, who quickly joined.

Alastor moved over to stand next to Husk and Angel, the spider watching the trio hug each other, smiling softly, while the two men next to him scowled at Lilith.
    Charlie pulled away from Lilith, as did Lucifer, who stood there looking up at his wife lovingly, like he would just melt if she glanced at him again.

Tears welled up in Charlies eyes as Vaggie took a few steps closer
"Oh! R-right! Mom, this is Vaggie... She's my girlfriend!" Charlie said proudly as Vaggie gave a small wave, a bit nervous as Lilith seemingly studied her.
A flash of... Something, crossed Liliths features, perhaps recognition or realization, before she cleared her throat and smiled brightly at Vaggie.

"Oh! How lovely, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
She cooed, pulling Vaggie into an awkward hug, just as Lucifer had done many months ago.
     "It's- ah- nice to meet you to!" Vaggie stuttered out as she returned the hug, a smile replacing her usually stoic features.

As Lilith pulled away from Vaggie she sighed, turning back to her daughter again immediately.
   "I'll be honest, I only came here because I have some... Business... To take care of..." Liliths words were laced with a venom that Alastor and Husk both picked up on, the two exchanging looks with each other.
    "But-", Lilith continued, that dark tone leaving as quick as it came, "I think it'll be alright if I hold off on that for a while..."

Charlie, who had frowned at the fact her mother was not here to see her, or her father, brightened a bit, a hopeful flutter in her chest as she smiled again.
   "O-oh-! Well- dad's staying here-" Lucifer flinched as Charlie spoke and quickly stepped over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, his mind occupied with the disapointment he felt at Liliths confession, "Maybe you could stay here too...?" She suggested, and Lilith smirked.
    "What a lovely idea!" She says sweetly, "why don't you show me around, I'm quite curious about this place, it's lovely!"