Chapter Text
You see, Alastor's sanctuary atop the café was a testament to his meticulous nature. Situated above the bustling establishment, his abode exuded an air of quiet sophistication.
As one ascended the stairs from the café, they were greeted by a narrow hall adorned with vintage posters, photographs and some radio decorations, hinting at the rich history of the place. At the start of the hall, the first door led to Alastor's radio station, a space carefully crafted to cater to his every need.
Inside the radio room, the atmosphere was both intimate and professional. Soundproof walls enveloped the space, muffling the outside world and allowing Alastor to immerse himself fully in his work. His microphone, the centerpiece of the room, stood proudly on a sleek desk, surrounded by an array of state-of-the-art radio equipment. Vintage radios adorned the shelves, their soft glow casting a warm ambiance over the room. A comfortable seating area provided a cozy spot for guests to join Alastor during his broadcasts, the chairs arranged in a semicircle around the desk, inviting conversation and camaraderie.
Alastor himself was the epitome of poise and charm, his demeanor unwavering even in the face of adversity. With a smile always gracing his lips, he projected an aura of confidence and control, effortlessly captivating those around him. His radio program, a beacon of truth and entertainment in a world of uncertainty, garnered a loyal and quite big following.
Alastor wielded his influence with finesse, using his platform to debunk falsehoods perpetuated by the likes of Vox from the Vees, a character he found repugnant. Yet, despite his polished facade, there was one person with whom Alastor couldn't feign perfection—a fact that became evident as Rosie, his dear friend and confidante, entered his radio room unannounced, making Alastor stop writing his ideas for the program.
"Alastor! What's this about a wedding ring?" Rosie exclaimed, her tone tinged with curiosity and excitement. "You sent me ‘He has a wedding ringgggg’ this morning and left me hanging. You know I live for gossip.” With a dramatic flourish, she let her umbrella rest against one of the cushions in his room. "So, I went through all the trouble of coming here to hear about the drama involving your new crush."
"Rosie, please, it's not like that," Alastor protested weakly, before he could utter another word, Rosie interjected.
"Cut the crap dear," Rosie's tone was simultaneously playful and determined, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know you have a crush, you know you have a crush... and don’t you try to fake it with me!" With a theatrical flourish, she settled herself comfortably into a plush chair, her elegant demeanor belying her insatiable thirst for gossip. "So, go on, spill the tea, darling! Are you heartbroken already? Do I need to go fight that short guy?”
“What? Rosie, no. It’s nothing.” Alastor attempted to deny, but Rosie merely brushed her hand through her short blond hair and gave him a knowing smile, prompting him to release a resigned sigh and set aside his pencil “It was just a misstep. I noticed he had a wedding ring. He said he wasn't really married, that it's complicated, but he still wears it like a collar and…”
“You wanted your hand to be his necklace instead?” Rosie interjected with a teasing grin.
“Yeah, like...” Alastor halted, his words catching in his throat as he processed Rosie's comment. "Wait, what? Rosie, no?”
Rosie let out a light laugh, leaning slightly forward in her seat. “Don't be a prude, my dear. You know I won't judge you.”
“It’s just hard! I don’t know how to act, and I hate that I’m always coming to you with this stuff,” Alastor confessed, his frustration evident as he slumped into the chair he was already in. Pretending in front of Rosie was futile; she saw through his facade with unnerving accuracy. “I hate liking things, and even more, I hate liking people. It makes a person weak, it makes me feel weak.”
“Oh dear, love it’s something beautiful”
“Says the girl who made her own husband disappear” Alastor retorted dryly, giving her a smug smile.
“Oh shush, he was a bastard and you know it. Stop changing the subject!” Rosie responded firmly, crossing her arms with a little scowl.
Their banter unfolded like a well-rehearsed routine, a symphony of playful jabs and heartfelt reassurances that had defined their friendship for years. Alastor found solace in Rosie's unwavering support, even during moments of his stubbornness or difficulty, which were more frequent than he cared to admit.
“Look, Alastor,” Rosie began, her expression softening as she leaned in closer, “I know you struggle with these things, always trying to play the invincible, untouchable guy who has nothing to lose, which, excuse me I’m right here?” She added with a teasing wink, eliciting a small chuckle from Alastor “But you can't let fear hold you back. Love may make you vulnerable, sure, but it also makes life worth living. And I’m always here to help you, I'll help you win that little guy’s heart.
Alastor sighed, knowing Rosie was right but reluctant to admit it. “I suppose you have a point, as always.”
“Of course, I do. Did you ever doubt me?” Rosie replied with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling, before shifting her tone from playful to businesslike "Changing the drama, darling, we need to talk about the latest order of cakes you want for the cafe, I could hear your customers raving about them, on the way here."
Rosie owned a charming bakery called Rosie’s Emporium. She used to co-own it with her late husband, though Rosie didn't seem to mind him being out of the picture anymore. She supplied baked goods to Alastor for sale in his coffee shop, but their partnership extended beyond that, involving other networking ventures. But now it’s not the time for that kind of information, is it?
Alastor nodded appreciatively, thankful with the change in the topic "Yes, they've been quite popular, your cakes never fail to impress."
Rosie beamed with pride. "Well, I do put a lot of love into them. But we need to discuss the next order, I'm thinking of adding a new flavor, maybe something adventurous like a Dark Molasses Gingerbread Cake"
"Sounds intriguing, I trust you to make whatever is best" Alastor replied, scribbling a note on his nearby pad. "I'll let you know the quantities we'll need for the next week."
“Going back to gossip talk, have you heard about that Carmilla and Velvette's drama?" Rosie asked, changing the topic to neighborhood gossip.
"You mean how Carmilla killed a guy outside of her business?” He had heard Angel and Husk gossiping about how Velvette had posted the video of the scene online, that brat “Of course I have. You think anything that big happens in this neighborhood without me knowing?" Alastor responded confidently.
Rosie rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Al. You can't possibly know everything."
"Ah, but I do, my dear Rosie. Knowledge is power, after all," Alastor retorted with a smirk.
“You just don’t know anything about the guy you like,” Rosie teased, stealing the smirk from Alastor. “So, mister knows-it-all, did you hear about the accidents that keep happening close by? you need to be careful around cars theses days”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by the entrance of a short, blonde individual after Alastor beckoned them in.
"Apologies for the interruption," Lucifer began, already appearing eager to retreat. "Husk mentioned you were here, so I thought I could stop by.”
"Darling, it's lovely to finally meet you! I've heard so much about you, name's Rosie" Rosie exclaimed, rising from her seat as Alastor muttered a faint "oh my lord" under his breath. She extended her hand, which Lucifer graciously took and bestowed with a delicate kiss. "Oh my, such a gentleman! Alastor, takes notes”
"Thank you, Rosie. Pleasure to meet you as well. I'm Lucifer," he replied, shifting his demeanor to a more charming one, the kind he usually adopts with strangers and clientele at the flower shop, displaying a charming smile.
"Oh, I'm well aware, sweetie," Rosie responded with a playful wink.
"I've heard that you're the mastermind behind the delectable treats they sell here" Lucifer remarked, "I love sweets, and they are delicious, out of this world, really."
Rosie seized the chance to play along, her eyes sparkling mischievously at the opportunity to pull Alastor's leg a little. "Oh, my darling, you can bet I’m just as sweet as them, if not even more."
Lucifer chuckled, playing into the flirtatious banter. "Is that so? Well, I'll have to try some more of your treats to be sure."
Sensing the need to redirect the conversation, and feeling a twinge of annoyance at their flirtatious tone, Alastor interjected, "So, what brings you here, Lucifer?" Despite his attempt to remain composed, he couldn't help but cringe at the dryness of his tone.
“Oh, right,” Lucifer shifted his attention to Alastor, his demeanor suddenly more earnest. “as you know, Charlie’s birthday is coming up, and we’re planning a lunch at our place. She insisted on having you there” A hint of uncertainty crept into Lucifer's voice as he spoke, his usual confidence faltering for a moment. “I understand if you don’t feel comfortable, considering you barely know us, but she’s really fond of you, and—”
“I would be delighted.” Alastor interjected, cutting through Lucifer’s rambling. “Charlie is a charming young lady; how could I decline such an invitation?”
Alastor was taken aback by the genuine warmth in Lucifer's smile, directed at him for the first time.
“Thank you so much!” Lucifer exclaimed, reaching for his cellphone. “Charlie will be so happy! Could I have your number? I’ll send you all the details. You don’t need to bring anything, but if you wish to, she’d appreciate any gesture, no doubt.”
Alastor glanced at his cellphone for a moment before handing it over. “Yes, of course,” he replied, noting a gasp from Lucifer.
“Oh, my father! What kind of cellphone is this?” Lucifer exclaimed, prompting Rosie to stifle a laugh.
“What do you mean? It’s a perfectly normal cellphone,” Alastor retorted, slightly taken aback by Lucifer's astonishment.
“It's a perfectly ancient cellphone! Does it even still work?”
“Of course, it does! Why would I carry around something that doesn’t?”
“I didn’t realize one could still buy such relics,” Lucifer remarked, incredulous.
“Well, it serves its purpose perfectly well! calls and messages. I have no need for the excesses of these modern gadgets,” Alastor replied, a touch defensively.
Lucifer glanced at Rosie, who simply shrugged, before chuckling and exchanging numbers with Alastor. “This will be quite the adventure; messaging with a true relic of the past,” Lucifer remarked with a grin.
“He writes like one, too,” Rosie added teasingly.
“Rosie, whose side are you on?” Alastor shoots her a playful glare. “You traitor.”
“Just facts darling” She says holding both hands up.