APPLE OF MY EYE - hazbin hotel / Lucifer X lilith / Charlie + Arabelle (oc)

kee kee in the library

It was the day after Charlie's fifth birthday hallways were nearly silent, save for the occasional squeak and shuffle of little feet. Arabelle was leading Charlie down the hall with excitement sparking in her eyes, Charlie's hand wrapped tightly in hers. Her face was flushed with excitement, her blonde hair tumbling down in curls from yesterday's festivities.

"Shh, ..be quiet, Char," Arabelle whispered with an impish grin. "KeeKee's around here somewhere. She loves hiding in the library."

Charlie stifled a giggle and nodded, her little hands clasped over her mouth as they crept toward the library. Arabelle carefully pushed the large, carved doors open, peeking in before pulling Charlie inside with a mischievous look. They moved softly, taking slow steps across the patterned floor, searching through the shelves and under chairs.

Suddenly, a single golden eye gleamed from behind one of the low sofas, the familiar scruffy black and white fur barely visible as it peered out from her hiding spot. KeeKee crouched low, her scruffy fur sticking out in all directions,

"There she is!" Charlie gasped, unable to hold back her excitement. She took off in KeeKee's direction, her small footsteps quick and determined. KeeKee, unfazed by her tiny pursuer, rushed on out from her hiding place and slinked over to a tall armchair, hopping onto the seat and curling herself up with a contented rumble.

Lucifer, who had wandered in a moment earlier, watched from a corner of the room, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he observed his daughters' play. His usual dark and sad mood seemed lighter in the presence of their joyful innocence, a welcome relief to the storm of emotions he had fought alone.

"Girls?" he called, walking over slowly, his steps silent on the plush carpet.

Arabelle turned around with a grin, tugging Charlie closer to KeeKee. "Dad, look! KeeKee loves us so much she won't even run away!" She said it with the proudest look on her face, as if KeeKee's presence were a testament to their charm.

KeeKee flicked her single ear, watching Lucifer approach with an assessing gaze before curling her paws beneath her. Lucifer chuckled softly, crossing his arms as he took a seat beside them. "You two certainly have her spellbound," he said, eyes warm as he watched KeeKee kind of tolerate Charlie's attempt at gentle petting.

Charlie carefully reached out, her fingers brushing the soft fur on KeeKee's head as she giggled with wonder. "KeeKee!! you're so soft!" Her wide eyes looked up at him with hope, and Lucifer's heart softened.

"She's like a little demon, isn't she, Dad?" Arabelle said. " I think she's perfect!"

Lucifer laughed, the sound low and genuine. "Maybe she's here to keep an eye on us, hmm? "

Charlie's eyes lit up at the thought, and she nodded eagerly. "Yeah! KeeKee, you're our secret helper!" She leaned forward, whispering conspiratorially to the cat, "Don't tell Mom, though..."

Arabelle giggled, clearly delighting in her younger sister's excitement. "Let's make her a little crown, just like ours! She can be the Queen of-" Arabelle stopped, her eyes wide with sudden realization. "The Queen of Hiding Spots!"

KeeKee watched them with a lazy blink before tucking her head down, seemingly unbothered by the new title. Lucifer leaned back in his seat, watching the two girls and their furry companion with a rare sense of peace, feeling lighter than he had in days.

Word count :568

Goal: 1000