Sweetest Sinner (Fallen Kingdoms II.)

Stop the time

Belyar's idea seemed crazy for Lucifer when he said to make snow in Hell. But Lucifer was determined to make the perfect gift for Valerie and, if for that he had to freeze Hell, he would gladly do it. They headed nearby the place Valerie hid her house and Lucifer froze Hell with a huge smile. When he saw Valerie running out like a dilly kid his heart fluttered a little. As he kept watching her play so carelessly in the fresh snow, without bothering about what others might think, Lucifer started to feel something. He used to joke and fool around his family whenever they came to him unannounced. The controlled Hell with an iron fist, but when it came to feelings, he was an empty vessel. He remembered his sealing as if it was yesterday. Lucifer tested God's patience all the time and got away with his pranks and tricks until Cain... The first unfair accusation that sent Lucifer from the position of their Father's favorite, to an outcast, a prisoner of his own realm. Lucifer was one of God´s favorite angels. He was expulsed from Heaven when he rebelled against His power. To represent the subject, Esquivel chose the moment when, with a stern expression, Michael separates him from Celestial Glory and with that the seal formed around Lucifer's heart. His punishment was to be isolated forever from everything he loved and to take care of the lost causes, just like he was. Lucifer's hands clenched into fists at the memory but when he heard Valerie's joyful giggles he hushed the memories away. They joined her and it was the first time since his childhood, that Lucifer stepped on ice. On Valerie's cheeks red roses formed from the cold and Lucifer without thinking took his scarf off and wrapped around her neck. He noticed only now their height difference. Valerie seemed so petite and fragile.

- Come on! Who knows how long we can enjoy the snow! -she said and grabbed his hand from what Lucifer's heart skipped a beat. I can't fall and embarrass myself! He thought and fought hard to keep balanced on the shiny ice. Valerie wrapped her arm woth hsi and whispered while they started making rounds around the lake.

- I won't let you fall on your ass, don't worry! - Lucifer grinned and asked.

- Who do you think invented this sport? - Valerie grinned mischievously and started untangle her arm from Lucifer's.

- In this case, pardon me for the assumption! - she said but Lucifer grabbed her arm and pouted.

- I didn't say it was me!-Valerie laughed and her laughter sounded like music to Lucifer's ears. What is going on with me? I feel happy, and nervous at the same time. - After playing on the ice, they built a few snowmen woth Satan and Belyar as well. Around noon Lucifer started to feel hungry.

- I think we should head back now. - he said to Satan who walked to his side without questions. Valerie looked at them and Belyar could tell from her yearning glance that she didn't want Christmas to end yet.

- My Lady, wouldn't it be a nice gesture to invite them for Christmas feast? - Belyar asked and Valerie looked a little pensive, but a few seconds later she walked to Lucifer and grabbed his hand again pulling him towards nothing. He looked at Satan confused but followed Valerie. Soon a gorgeous garden of black roses appeared and the house at the end of the garden. Lucifer's jaw dropped.

- How? - that's all he could ask and Valerie shrugged.

- I'd call God given talent, but I'd be lying. - Belyar shook his head and Satan chuckled. As they entered Valerie headed directly to the kitchen and made a mug of hot tea for everyone. They sat down in her living room she noticed that she forget to lit the fire.

- I'll lit the chimney immediately. - she said lifting her fingers simultaneously with Lucifer. Their eyes widened at each other when they saw that both of them had their fingertips on fire. After a couple of awkward seconds they busted in laughter and Lucifer bowed a bit.

- Allow me My Lady. - he said with courtesy and with a loose wrist movement he lit the fireplace, Valerie bowed theatrically as well.

- Oh well thank you very much! - she then looked at the still fiery fingers and shrugged.

-I guess this will be still useful for the oven and stove. - with that she walked to the kitchen. From the spacious living room, Lucifer could see the kitchen across the hall. Valerie lit the fire and with a quick movement gathered her hair in a bun. Belyar and Satan chatted casually but Lucifer kept staring at Valerie. After about half an hour the two little sidekicks fall asleep and Cinnamon laid in front of the fireplace. Lucifer got up and carefully walked to the kitchen where Valerie has been softly humming something while the stirred the soup on the stove. She wore a pink apron and the scent of the delicious dinner filled the house.

- What are you humming? - Lucifer asked while he leaned against the counter next to Valerie. She shivered a bit and smiled shyly when she realized that Lucifer caught her being herself.

- It's a Christmas carol. - Lucifer looked interested and Valerie's smile widened. She started to get to know him better in these few months, and one thing was sure, Lucifer was incredibly curious about everything. Valerie felt sorry for him to be encaged like this. At first, she thought about him ad a tool, but by the time passed, Valerie really wanted to set him free. Unfortunately, his seal couldn't be broken too fast, or he might won't be able to adapt properly to his regained freedom. Also, Valerie still needed him as an ally and the seal was her guarantee.

- What is a Christmas carol? - Lucifer aske while Valerie tasted the soup and added a bit more salt. She stopped asking back unnecessary questions a few weeks ago when Valerie understood, that if Lucifer asks something, it is because he doesn't know the answer, but want it to.

- A Christmas carol is a carol on the theme of Christmas, traditionally sung at Christmas itself or during the surrounding Christmas holiday season. - she gave the academical answer. Lucifer got lost in his thoughts for a moment and scooted closer to Valerie.

- Which is your favorite? - she blushed a bit and hoped that Lucifer won't notice it.

- Jingle bells. - in Lucifer's eyes there was a naughty shine and Valerie rolled her eyes when he said.

- Sounds spicy. - She chuckled.

- It is not what you think! - Lucifer lifted his hands in the air and said.

- I'm as innocent as a newborn sheep! How dare you have the audacity to accuse me for having improper thoughts on such a Holy night!? - Valerie poked his side and Lucifer asked.

- Seriously, what is the lyrics? - Valerie sighed and started to sing in a low voice.

- "Dashing through the snow

In a one-horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bobtails ring

Making spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh, hey"- Lucifer just listened to this angelic voice and his feet unconsciously moved to the melody of the song.

- Sounds really pretty. - he said amazed.

- Oh, it's nothing special, you should've heard my mother! She could sing like those princesses in the fairytales! And my little sister, she always messed up the lyrics but after a couple of years we deliberately sang it wrong to make her happy. - While Valerie spoke about her family, Lucifer noticed the sadness in her eyes.

- You must be really missing them. - he said and Valerie quickly wiped off a betraying tear.

- Well, of course.

- I just realized that I've never asked, how did you ended up here? I mean, apart from that weird hobby of yours, which you developed by living here, you don't seem like a bad person to me at least. But who knows, my standards could be pretty low as well! - Valerie giggled and took a deep breath.

- So, Long story short. I was raped and murdered, but the priest wasn't willing to give me a proper funeral. I ended up in Heaven, got betrayed by the angels and my sister died partly because of me. She was bullied in Heaven, so I stole your ring, killed three of the angels that betrayed us and reincarnated my sister. - Lucifer's eyes widened and his horns grew pit while he was listening. His hands gripped on the counter almost breaking it and his eyes were vibrant red.

- Where was my Father's mercy then? - he asked and Valerie turned off the stove.

- That's the question I'm dying to ask from him once I'll face him again. - Lucifer held Valerie's hand and kissed her palm while he looked deeply into her eyes. Valerie's knees trembled a bit by the intensity of Lucifer's gaze.

- I'll help you get there. - he said and they heard Belyar and Satan waking up. Valerie pulled her hand away and they set the table. After dinner, Valerie escorted Lucifer and Satan out.

- Thank you for today's celebration, it was my first, but definitely best Christmas. - Lucifer said and before he left Valerie said.

- Wait a minute! - she rushed in and brought out Lucifer's scarf. She wrapped it around his neck and pulled him down to face her. He grinned with a playful smile.

- I told you Darling that I'm down for this stuff! - Valerie smiled at him and leaned to his ear whispering.

- Thank you for the snow Lucy. - she gave a peck om his cheek and hurried back into her house. As soon as Valerie closed the door the house and garden disappeared leaving a flustered Lucifer outside in the snowy night.