Chapter Text
Things during the battle against the Exterminators did not go as planned. Waking up in the palace, Lucifer could still feel the pain of Adam's attack. But there was no Adam. No Adam, no Charlie or Alastor. No hotel. Just his large room filled with rubber ducks. "...What the fuck...?"
The sound of doors slamming alerted Lucifer to what was happening. This was the day that Lilith had left him. But that didn't make any sense. He had just been with Charlie and everyone at the hotel to fight Adam. Unless... it was all super messed up dream? Or maybe it was a vision of the future? No. That's not possible. He wasn't the one who had that ability.
"Um... Dad?" Charlie? She's still here? Think, Lucifer! What do you remember about this day? Charlie had left with Lilith. Because... because...? "I'm sorry. I'll go."
"No! Charlie!" Standing to rush over to the door and to stop her from leaving, the king let out an undignified yelp (which was unfortunately on brand for him) and found himself face first in a pile of rubber ducks. He remembered. She had left because he was too busy wallowing in his grief to answer her. Stupid. He was so stupid! "Charlie please don't leave!"
"Oh my gosh, are you okay?!" Next thing he knew, he was being lifted out of the pile of rubber ducks and was met with the worried eyes of his daughter. "Dad, when was the last time you took a bath? You look terrible..."
A small smile made its way onto his lips. He still had a chance. "Y-Yeah. Sorry, kiddo. I never wanted you to see me like this. I'm a mess. I guess I'm not very good at taking care of myself. B-But I can fix that! It might take some time but-" A hug cut his words short.
"Why didn't you say anything? I know we don't really talk much but I can help you. I want to help you, Dad."
A tight, warm hug, and many tears later, Lucifer found himself sitting at the kitchen table with his daughter in their now very empty palace. He knows that it should have felt like that before with how much unused room there was, but it had never felt like that until after his dear Lily had left. Her and Charlie really made it feel like home. Staring down into the mug of hot chocolate his dear daughter had made for him, lost in thought. Was this his second chance? Maybe he could have chased after Lilith and begged for a second chance. But... what about his feelings for Alastor?
If all of that had actually happened, he had someone waiting for him that wanted him. Just him. Not Lucifer the Archangel. Not Lucifer the King of Hell. Someone who wanted Lucifer, the silly guy who dreamed too big, fell in love too hard and fast, and who had an odd hyper fixation on ducks. Especially rubber ducks. That's who he wanted. Sure, he still loved Lilith and he always will. But now it was time for him to move on and not wallow in his depression like before. He was going to change things for the better. He was going to be a good king and better father to Charlie. It's what she needs and deserves.
"Dad. Are you okay? I know this is probably really hard for you..."
"Honestly, Charlie, it hurts. It will for a long time. But your mother and I were growing apart for years. I knew this was coming. Especially when she started to keep us apart. I guess I gave up trying to stop her after so many attempts... I understand if you want to go with her or go off on your own. Just know that I love you and I will always be here if you need me for anything."
"What? No. I'm not going anywhere. I-" Lucifer looked up when she stopped mid-sentence. The look on her face mirrored his own. They were both so lost. They didn't want to be selfish. Though, one of them was going to have to give. Being the stronger of the two, it seemed she would be the one to. "I want to stay with you..."