sword_breaker | Myth!AU - In The Shadows

He's barely down the first steps before there's a hand winding around his wrist. A glance down before Matthieu lets the fingers slip down to intertwine with his own. It's part habit as much as part guilt with the words suffocating the doubt in his mind.

Why should he allow himself to fall back into the expectation of awful? So he steels himself before looking up at Lucifer. The guilt lances through him anew.

He's managed to catch the man, that in itself is a relief, and Mattheiu is even looking at him, to which he offers a small, fond, smile. Slowly he raises their entwined fingers, pressing a kiss to the back of his reaper's hand without breaking his gaze. "I promise. Tonight is for us, nothing and no one comes between that."

"Even if it's me being stupid?" Regardless of the remark, he heads back up the steps before gently pulling Lucifer in close. There's a search for any sort of fake out but no it's all sincerity. He smiles finally as he presses their foreheads together. "But not stupid enough to not realize that I'm being such."

He sighs, "this just means I require company downstairs and well mostly anywhere else too."

That he scoffs at, looking down at his reaper with a fond grin curling the edge of his mouth. When Mattheiu pulls him close he wraps his arms around the man, one hand coming up to tangle in his hair gently as he does his best so soothe him.

"Well, that's good, because I plan to be that company." It's as simple as that, he isn't going to leave Mattheiu alone. Plus it gives him a chance to show off how wonderful the man is.

If he’s learned one thing from the man, it’s to be start being more honest with himself so he can let go of the insecurities he clings to. Lucifer had been given an invitation for a party, one that he wants to enjoy with him, which can’t be done if he drags himself down. No he’s going to make the fullest of the night.

“I’d love that.” He feels exponentially lighter in Lucifer’s hold. All the weight having been shrugged off his shoulders. “Also I know some aren’t going to like that you’re here but I’ve got your back too.”

“But enough worrying from us, yea? Let’s go get drinks.”

"I know you do," he murmurs into Matthieu's temple, "I always trust you to."

Because that's the raw truth of everything: Mattheiu is the one that he's given his heart to, and the reaper has always kept that small, vulnerable part of him safe. He'd trust the man with his life, already has before, and as he presses a surprisingly chaste kiss to Mattheiu's cheek he's grinning soft and fond.

"Far be it from me to turn down a drink," his trademark smirk has returned, and one hand slips down until he's brushing his knuckles against the small of his reaper's back. "Do lead the way."

A quiet pleased noise slips out at the affirmation. The kiss is a simple bonus as his confidence has been bolstered by everything that Lucifer has said. They were going to own this night no matter what anyone says let alone thinks.

He takes Lucifer by the hand before guiding them down to the main gate. “They should have anything that you desire down there.”

“I hope the flight over was good,” he says. “How’s everything been on the coast?”

"Mmm, I think all that I desire is right here with me already." Is it a cheesy line? Of course it is, but he likes seeing Mattheiu fluster and roll his eyes, so he's never going to stop. The quip is punctuated with a wink and a gentle squeeze of his reaper's hand, just to really drive the point home. After all, what would be the point of such a night out together if he can't continuously let his reaper know how important and loved he really was?

"Darling," he sighs dramatically, "it's ever so boring at home right now. You'd think that the city of sin would have at least something to titillate one's interest but it's been nothing more than underhanded dealers and shady gangs for the last few weeks. I am so glad to get away from it, Chicago is much nicer this time of year anyways."

There’s warmth creeping into his cheeks as he does a double take on the comeback from the man. The wink doesn’t help but rather makes the heat peak further. Though there’s a shy grin to go with it. He would take all the cheeky talk regardless of the slight embarrassment if it meant that they could be happy and show it.

A laugh bursts out. “You talk about how you hate the cold and it’s chillier here than your coast. Color me surprised though. At least the holidays are less hectic than they can be, yea?”

“I ugh have some lights and bits up at the apartment by the way,” he points out, “but I can tone it down some. Want you to be comfortable.”

“Well yes, you live in a frigid hellhole,” he snorts softly with amusement, “not that Hell is cold, mind you, but seeing your face? Well, that just makes the awful weather bearable.”

He’s…actually touched that Mattheiu has the foresight to warn him ahead of time, and the gratitude shows in way his smirk melts into a soft grin. The holidays, beyond the mindless consumerism and hedonism they inspired, have always been a bit of a sore spot for him but his reaper’s constant support throughout has helped temper things and make the season easier to stand. “No. No, no. It’s a joyous season, please don’t ‘tone it down’ for me.”

There’s actual sincerity in his tone, “I’m okay, I promise.”

“It’s a nice frigid hellhole thank you very much.” He shoots him a teasing look. “From what you said a few times Hell isn’t perpetually on fire so got to keep guessing on what it is I guess. But you act as if the snow will bite you.”

He sighs in relief. Another worry off of his shoulders. Lucifer had been...interesting with his commentary on the season as it approached. Best to make sure his partner was comfortable instead of going over the top in celebration.

“Are you ok with a party though,” he asks. They finally reach the ground floor and start heading to the open bar. “I usually host one for family and friends on the Eve but I haven’t made the arrangements yet.”

"Well no, it's not, I'm not even sure where humans got that idea but the point still stands. It's a turn of phrase. And snow is awful." His tone takes on a slightly teasing lilt, even if his grin is nothing more than genuine. He doesn't want Mattheiu to worry though, and while he's touched that his partner would go to such lengths to consider his feelings he doesn't want to step on any traditions.

"I think that that's a wonderful idea," he murmurs, "and...if you're not opposed, I'd like to at least be around during it. But only if that's acceptable to you."

He's trying, really trying, to be involved in his reaper's life. Small steps, but he's pushing forward.

“I guess since fire destroys everything in their opinion. So does the cold. Makes sense why Dante said that there was both down there asides from,” he makes a gesture at Lucifer, “you know.”

Matthieu leans against the bar and catches the tender’s attention. The order is quick and easy before he’s fully focused on his partner once more. “No I want to throw you out of my place to do a party. Of course I’d love to have you there. Why wouldn’t it be acceptable?”

“You’re my partner,” he continues, glancing away when worry worms into him again. “You’ll always be accepted.”

He snorts, "Dante. Really, I should have nipped that story in the bud but I didn't think people would actually believe it."

But there's a slight touch of concern that's ghosting into Mattheiu's tone again, and so while the bartender fetches their drinks Lucifer wraps his arm around his reaper's waist and pulls him closer until he can feel the man's warmth at his side. "Darling. Hey, look at me, okay?

I'd love to be there with you. I don't think anyone could keep me away, really. I'd fight them, not at your place though. Don't want to break anything."

“You should be rather familiar with the whole mortals will believe anything and everything. Add in a story context and it becomes even more truth in some of their minds. But Dante isn’t the worst. I mean you technically only have two heads not three.”

Ok there might be some weird looks from the other patrons. Matthieu meant what he said though. He appreciates both heads of Lucifer all the same and the joke helps him ease further into relaxing.

He watches the tender mix when there’s an arm around him. Not much later the reaper is pressed to a warm body. He glances up at Lucifer with his hand holding onto the devil’s jacket. “You don’t really fight or at least not any such that I’ve seen. But it’s a date.”

"I daresay you enjoy both of them equally," he shoots back, grinning toothily. Let the bartender take their time, it gives him more of an opportunity to enjoy showing publically how much Mattheiu means to him. Damn what anyone else would think, and certainly damn what Yor would ever say, he's not shy about making it known that he favors this reaper and this reaper only.

"But I'll have you know I certainly can fight. I just choose not too, because it would just be too unfair to whatever poor sod accepted the challenge."

“It’s a close race that’s for certain.” He relinquishes Lucifer’s coat to reach up and dip his chin down for a quick kiss. A smile flashing into existence. “However the one I’m looking at wins out every time. Especially when you’re happy. Then that’s no contest at all.”

Matthieu slips over the change to cover drinks when the bartender returns. There’s a couple of glances from their neighbors but he’s not as self conscious anymore. Lucifer gives the stability he needs even if the man uses it to flaunt to the naysayers.

He leans against the bar, laughing. “So no couple sparring then?”

"Well, then I suppose I'll have to keep up with my good efforts." He's smiling into the kiss, genuinely smiling, because it's so good to see his reaper happy and slinging jokes back. "Careful though, you'll flatter me too much."

But Mattheiu's admission sparks something warm in his chest, a fierce adoration that has him leaning down to steal another slow, chaste kiss as the bartender absconds. Damn what anyone else would think, he's more than happy to share his affections for his reaper in front of any and everybody.

Pretending to think for a moment, he reaches out and contemplates his drink before flashing Mattheiu a saucy smile, "well now, I never said that."

“I think I do a healthy amount of flattering thank you very,” he shoots back, raising a brow. His drink slowly twisted around on the counter while listening the music in the background idly. “What’s so wrong with saying I like seeing you be happy? If you want, I can simply keep such things to myself.”

The kiss is nice but it doesn’t draw him enough away from the comments having been said. Maybe he should do better in what was said and not. A small sip stolen as he finally pushes away from the bar.

Matthieu shrugs, “Yet we both know you’d win every time anyway. I’d be practically nuked in comparison. So nothing is lost with it not being an option.”

Lucifer clicks his tongue in response, his devilish grin fading into something far softer. It's a look that's reserved solely for his reaper, something to try and express even a fraction of how he feels for the man. Mattheiu's quieter, though, and he can read him well, and so as his reaper absconds from the bar Lucifer follows, slipping an arm around his waist.

"There's nothing wrong with what you do, darling," he murmurs, leaning close so that his words are only for Mattheiu's ears, "I promise. I'm just being a right bastard and poking a bit of fun that isn't very good right now. I promise, you're perfect and I never want you to ever think otherwise."

Matthieu can’t help the small smile when he glances over at Lucifer. There was the usual confidence that naturally played into refined smugness but here it’s uplifting the affection until the man almost radiates it. It’s reassuring even when he already knows how much Lucifer cares. The arm around the waist only adds to the warmth blooming in his chest.

“I know. You say so enough but still I can be dumb about things,” he assures, shaking his head. A kiss pressed to Lucifer’s shoulder. “Your fun is quite fine. Thank you for the reassurance though.”

He hums softly, smirking. “You must be playing nice though knowing I could outmatch you.” He definitely can’t actually. That doesn’t mean he won’t joke so.

"You can, but that doesn't mean I should get under your skin anyways. You're my partner, I want to see the best in you and to do right by you." It's true, he knows how fragile Mattheiu's confidence can be and he's made it his personal goal to try and fix some of the damage that had been done. He wants his reaper to shine, to know how important he really is, and to know how much he means to the devil.

But if Mattheiu wants to joke, he can certainly take that and run with it. "Oh you outmatch me in many things, darling. Cross my heart. You could have me on my knees with just a word, and I daresay there isn't another soul alive or dead that could accomplish such a thing."

He glances down, shifting his weight from foot to foot for a moment. The soft clink of ice against glass during a break in the music while he swirls the contents of his drink. "I guess when you put it like that, yea. You tend to sort of prod when making cracks and it isn't the most gentle at times. At the same time you can also be rather prolific with compliments so it's an understatement to say that there are only some times with mixed signals."

Lucifer wanted him to be honest and well he can be. Hopefully without any major cost to the night. Though they were both what people would call adults so talks tend to go better than not.

"I don't think there's much that I can. You're a lot more business savy, a wonderful musician that outclass many, and stronger than you give yourself credit for," he points out. "Getting you on your knees is only good for when the bedroom is involved even then I just...ask."

“Then I shall have to learn to be gentle.” His tone is light, accepting, because what he’s said is the truth. He wants Mattheiu to know how important he is, but he doesn’t want to cause the man any undo angst. It’s good to hear, actually, because it means that he can take steps to change his own behaviour, to make sure that he’s doing the best he can by his reaper.

He flashes a grin to his partner, gently tracing small circles with his thumb over the material of Mattheiu’s belt. It’s a soothing touch, meant to fight back any anxiety or concern the man may have, because even as insatiable as he is Lucifer can still recognize the time and place for everything.

“See, that’s it though, darling. If you asked, right here, right now, I would be on my knees for you. Not even in any dirty sense, just to take a knee for you and you alone. I wouldn’t do that for anyone else, you’re the only person that has that power over me. Whatever you ask for, I want to grant it.”

Matthieu looks at Lucifer, gauging whether or not it was simply false promises to get him to not fuss further. Yet he’s aware deep down that the man doesn’t spread falsehoods. Even more so he wouldn’t in regards to himself. “I know that you can. I’d appreciate any and all effort.”

He shotguns the rest of his drink, grimacing briefly at the burn. Relax. He can do that. However the words catch him and he fumbles at the gravity of them.

“I don’t want power over you. I especially don’t always assume it’s sex with you. You’re more than that to me. Always were.”

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