Myth!AU - In The Shadows

[sword_breaker]

[Second Part to the Myth AU!~]

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[deepestdesires]

He's only heard bits and pieces of the gala tale, and it hasn't been something that he'd been keen on prying into. While yes, he was an amazingly curious sort, he respected his reaper's privacy enough not to stick his fingers into potentially painful memories.

So instead he scoffs teasingly, one hand straying up to gently card through Mattheiu's hair as he rests against his chest. "Best behaviour, got it. Well, best that I can be, of course."

[upforanything]

The gentle strokes are a blessing to his frayed nerves, convincing him further to chill out. This is what he wanted. A night with his partner regardless of opinion from others. In the end, Lucifer was always worth the trouble that dared to mess with things.

“Thank you,” he sighs, nuzzling into his neck. “For coming. I didn’t know if you would and so glad to see you. I missed you but couldn’t make a trip out.”

[deepestdesires]

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he murmurs into Mattheiu's temple as he holds him close. It had been some time since they had been together, and his reaper's admission makes his heart twist and ache. At that moment he vows that it won't be so long again, he'd find a way.

"Then I'll come to you, next time. Schedule or not, I don't care, as long as I'm with you."

[upforanything]

“About that actually,” he leans back a bit to catch his eyes, “I was wondering if you’d like to stay with me for the holiday. That’s if it would be ok with the club and everything. I don’t know if you can leave it for long but figured could try asking.”

[deepestdesires]

That's not a question he was actually expecting, but there's no hesitation when he answers. "Absolutely."

Being with Matthieu is far more important than anything back home, and he'd fight tooth and nail to be by his side like this. "I wouldn't have it any other way, darling. I belong at your side, after all."

[upforanything]

"We haven't been doing this for very long and you're already saying that." He laughs under his breath, glancing towards the main hall. The music was picking up again so more dancing probably hit the floor. Fitting with how much he saw people drink through his time here. "Not that I don't mind hearing it."

Lucifer was rather heavy handed with voicing his affections but usually through prompting. The reaper wouldn't be surprised if such wording was caused by what was heard in the room but part of him wishes that it had been said for saying sake. He wasn't going to pry into the meaning of things or reasons behind them. Too much like his normal job and he'd prefer not to soil another relationship with it.

[deepestdesires]

That does give him pause for a moment, brows pinched and a slight frown tugging at the corner of his lips. The way Mattheiu phrases it, it’s almost as if he hasn’t been affectionate enough; he’s fiercely drawn to the man, and he wants to make sure that he’s able to express the truth depth of that. The reaper deserves the world, and Lucifer is adamant on giving him all that he is.

“I should say it more, then,” he murmurs, “because it’s true and one should always drive the truth home, no?”

[upforanything]

The reaper winces at the frown, casting his gaze to the floor while giving Lucifer some space. There’s words but all he can see is him once more making bad decisions at the gala once again. Maybe he should’ve stayed home. That would’ve been the safer option honestly.

“It’s ok if you don’t.” He wasn’t going to force any change of demeanor onto him. Lucifer had his own ways of doing things and Matthieu was fine with it. “Really. You say things just fine.”

He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I’ll...I should get us drinks. Yea.” With that he’s heading down to the main soirée with the echo of that sneered “going to be thrown away soon” nipping at his heels.

[deepestdesires]

That's exactly the opposite of what he'd intended, and there's a cold trickle down Lucifer's spine as Mattheiu turns on his heel and starts to leave. No, that's not what he meant, that's not-

"Darling," he starts, catching up to the man with a few long strides and reaching out to gently take his reaper's hand. "Mattheiu, please look at me?"

Because this is supposed to be a night for them, a night to enjoy, not anything terrible for the man.

[upforanything]

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.

[deepestdesires]

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."

[upforanything]

"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."

[deepestdesires]

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.

[upforanything]

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.”

[deepestdesires]

"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."

[upforanything]

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?”

[deepestdesires]

"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."

[upforanything]

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.”

[deepestdesires]

“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.”

[upforanything]

“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.”

[deepestdesires]

"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.

[upforanything]

“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.”

[deepestdesires]

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."

[upforanything]

“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.”

[deepestdesires]

"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."