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

10

Ths day was unusually tense in the Morningstar household. The air felt thick with the weight of Lucifer’s simmering frustration. His hands were gripping his hair tightly, his jaw clenched in an effort to keep himself together. He paced back and forth, muttering under his breath, his mind at war with his emotions.

“Why is everything always so… loud?” he hissed to no one in particular. His horns twitched as his irritation reached its peak. He was on the verge of losing control. He just needed a moment of peace, but it felt like that moment would never come.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Lilith was attempting to keep the peace with the girls, her calm presence a stark contrast to Lucifer’s boiling temper. Arabelle and Charlie were playing quietly for the most part, but Octavia, still adjusting to the strange environment, had become more clingy. She wasn’t used to the chaotic energy in the house, and it seemed to unsettle her more as the day went on.

“Maybe we should give him some space,” Lilith murmured to herself as she watched her daughters. “Just for a little while.”

---

Stolas’ arrival came like a breath of fresh air. He stood in the doorway, tall and graceful, his presence filling the room. His feathers shimmered slightly in the soft light of the morning, and Octavia, upon hearing the familiar voice, perked up.

“Octavia!” Stolas called out, his tone warm and inviting. “It’s time to go home, my darling.”

Octavia’s face lit up. She had been growing increasingly anxious the longer she stayed with the Morningstars, but the sight of her father brought her comfort. She scampered over to him, almost tripping over her feet as she rushed into his arms.

“Daddy!!” she exclaimed, her voice a little unsteady but filled with joy. She buried her face in his chest, clearly relieved to see him.

Lucifer, who had been pacing in the background, stiffened at the sight of Stolas. He had managed to keep his composure for most of the day, but his patience was wearing thin. His frustration had reached the point where even the small, peaceful scene of Octavia running into Stolas’ arms did nothing to calm him.

Stolas noticed the tension in the air and gave Lucifer a cautious glance. He hadn’t seen Lucifer this agitated in a long time. “Lucifer,” Stolas said slowly, trying to gauge the situation, “how are you holding up?”

Lucifer didn’t answer at first, instead tightening his grip on his hair for a moment before letting out a shaky breath. He forced a smile, though it barely reached his eyes. “Fine,” he muttered, his tone edged with frustration. “Just… peachy.”

Lilith, having observed the exchange from a distance, stepped forward. “Lucifer,” she said softly, her voice a gentle reminder of the calm she could provide if only he would let her. “You’ve had a rough few days. Let Stolas take Octavia. We’ll figure this out.”

Stolas nodded, sensing the quiet plea in Lilith’s eyes. He placed a hand on Octavia’s shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. “Let’s go home, darling,” he said, his voice warm and soothing, trying to ease the tension in the room.

Octavia glanced at Lucifer one last time, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and confusion. “I’ll miss you,” she said quietly.

Lucifer didn’t respond, his gaze distant, and instead, he turned to look at Lilith, his frustration flaring again. "I'm fine," he repeated under his breath. "It’s just... everything."

Lilith caught his eye, her expression softening. She knew he was struggling. She knew he was barely holding himself together. But for now, all she could do was let Stolas take Octavia and hope that some peace would settle over the house once again.

“Take care of her, Stolas..!,” Lilith murmured.

Stolas gave a small, sympathetic nod. “Of course,” he said, before turning to leave with Octavia in tow.

As they walked out of the room, Lucifer’s eyes followed them, his fists clenched at his sides. The quiet after they left only seemed to heighten his frustration. The air felt heavier, and he was alone again, left with the noise of his own mind.

And once again, the morning’s fragile peace shattered in his heart.