nexuses | can't a man have some coffee in peace

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can't a man have some coffee in peace

[The thread that connects him to the supreme primarch's power has unraveled, taking with it his wings. Rent of what makes him an archangel, he's no better than a human with a purpose thrust unto him by a weakened witch. All in all, the whole situation reeks of nonsense.

Indolence won't help his brooding any. Sandalphon tours the city instead, pointedly taking the less populated path. Even then, too many people approach him with their wares and saccharine smiles, and he rebuffs each one with a single-word response. It's not soon enough when he slips into a shop that smells faintly of coffee, hoping for some peace and quiet.

But even here, the employees jump at every person to come around. Sandalphon grits his teeth in reflex annoyance when a rehearsed greeting and a request for an order is thrown his way. He hadn't intended to buy anything. Still, he can't just turn around and leave.]

Fine. Give me coffee.

[That unleashes a whole new can of beans. Regular or decaf? Perhaps a mocha, a latte, or a cappucino? And what about ice?

Does any of this matter? No one makes coffee like Lucifer. It hasn't been more than two hours, and Sandalphon wants to quit Shehui.]

That doesn't matter to me. Make what you want.

[At the very least, the service is quick—too quick. Sandalphon eyes the cup in his grasp with mild suspicion. What's with the lid?]

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[💦💦💦

Sandalphon tenses while Lucifer's deft hands loop the scarf around his neck. The fabric sits snugly, blocking out the chilly night air of Shehui. The fact that it's the second scarf, not the first still lying in his hands, leaves Sandalphon stunned for the initial moment.]

Lucifer! . . . Isn't this yours?

[Does not compute.]

I apologize. I just thought that I wanted to see you wearing it. [✨! Really, he'd say he could just give it back later, but then it's pointless for him to keep holding onto the other one. So Lucifer gestures to the other scarf in his hands.] I suppose I could take this one, then, if that's alright with you.

[It had seemed rude to just take it back from him without saying anything, but since Sandalphon was the reason he'd picked them up in the first place, he'll let him decide what to do.]

[He says it so easily . . .

The scarves look the same. There's no sense in holding onto the duplicate, whether it was meant to be one or the other's. So Sandalphon holds out the scarf in his possession.]

Are going to wear it, too?

Of course. [He hadn't intended to, initially, but then again, he... hadn't really intended on any of this. But he takes the scarf when offered and places it around his neck, the same way he'd placed Sandalphon's. There, now they match.✨] Since we took the time to get them, we may as well put them to use.

[It was kind of chilly, too, but nothing worth fussing over. Still, it is kind of nice when he puts the scarf on, so it benefits them in multiple ways.

Yes, he was definitely satisfied now.]

Shall we keep going? Or should we head back now?

[The weight around his neck and shoulders is distinctly foreign; but not unwelcome, even more so if Lucifer approves. Considering that, it'd be a waste to head back now.

(Not that it should make any difference to a pair of archangels.)]

We haven't covered the entire festival. Didn't you want to see it all?

[He smiles a little at that. Sandalphon is so— thoughtful.]

If you've not grown tired of it yet, then certainly. [But he was already pretty content, honestly, so he wouldn't be mad if Sandalphon wanted to head back now. He felt like he'd already gotten to experience some of the most important parts of this holiday.] I'm grateful for your company today, Sandalphon.

[Well, he was always grateful for it, but he's aware of how fortunate he is, to be with Sandalphon here, now. That fate would somehow align in such a way to allow them to be here now.]

[When he asked for honesty, this wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind. Are even humans this forward? Sandalphon almost grimaces. It's not a mark against Lucifer: He's realized over the course of the night that he's not used to their being like . . . this. No. To the contrary, he's aware that he must be feeling elated—cautiously so.

Happiness is so depressingly easy to lose.

None of that now. With a hasty nod, Sandalphon starts back to the main street, suddenly aware of the people crowding the clothes stall.]

I'm not tired. Let's go.

[And Lucifer follows. As usual, he remains oblivious to Sandalphon's true concerns, but being able to give something to him has eased Lucifer's excitement a little bit.

He's content to just walk, really, but as they do, he considers other things. They could try seasonal foods, but that's probably even more pointless than buying gifts and exchanging them, all things considered. Or...]

I believe there's a light display somewhere. Why don't we go see it?

[That seemed like a suitable activity for them.]

[Light display sounds self-explanatory, and taking a break from absorbing the countless wares sounds equally good. At this point, they're all beginning to look the same. Something fresh to look at would benefit them.]

Which way?

[He may get out more than Lucifer, but he wasn't nearly as invested in the festival when they came out, so he doesn't even know of all that's happening. Light display is news to him. Sandalphon wouldn't be able to guess the direction.]

[That is— actually a very good question. He was only familiar with the festival in the sense that he'd heard things about it. He'd listened, in the same way that he used to watch, so he only really had a vague idea of what was going on, but...

Hmm.]

I don't believe we've passed it yet, so it should be up ahead.

[It shouldn't be too hard to spot, though, he thinks, and true enough, it isn't—if they keep going, they'll find a branching path leading off of the main street, decorated in bright lights.]

[What Lucifer says makes sense, so Sandalphon starts down the main street. He glances around—then, when he spots an organized display of lights from the distance, he makes a sharp turn onto the branching path (but not too suddenly, or he'll risk getting separated from Lucifer in the crowd, and the last thing they need is someone discovering that beautiful face).]

This must be it.

[The stalls have tapered off, leaving the display as the main attraction. In tandem, the noise has died down several notches to allow for a more peaceful experience.]

[Already, this feels like a completely different experience. It's not a bad thing, though—while he'd certainly enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the crowd and getting to explore the different shops, this is really nice, too. In fact, it's probably a bit more his pace. It's quieter and more relaxed here. It's reminiscent of the way he'd spent the holidays back in their own world—alone, from afar.

The decorations here are the most extravagant of all. In addition to the usual trees of varying shapes, there are all sorts of frames and arches and even three-dimensional pictures, all made up of colorful lights. There are multiple paths to follow, inviting people to enjoy all the different pieces, but there are also benches and the like, offering places for people to relax—Lucifer opts for one of these, and starts making his way over to one.]

I hope this is alright.

[With him, he means. This feels like a good place to take a break.]

[The people of Shehui have outdone themselves. The sheer creativity and extravagance of the decorations are beyond the wildest imaginations of an archangel. The decorations also serve to light the area around them, and Sandalphon follows Lucifer to the bench.

A break sounds well and good, but Lucifer's wanting to sit down makes Sandalphon wonder.]

Are you tired?

[They haven't been out long. Still, it won't do if Lucifer is feeling worn out from the crowded environment.]

No, not at all. [He shakes his head.] I just thought it would be better to sit and admire the lights from here. I've never been this close before, but it reminds me of how I used to watch.

[Quiet, peaceful, serene. As much as he'd longed to be closer and more involved, he didn't dislike the view. It just— would've been nicer if he'd had someone to share it with.]

[In other words, they'll be spending some time here. That's fine. Lucifer can take all the time he needs. Sandalphon nods, then sets his bag down on the bench.]

Were there lights like these in the Sky Realm?

[He nods.]

Yes. Though not as extravagant, many towns and villages use decorations just like these. [A brief pause, and when he continues, he sounds slightly amused.] I thought it was impressive back then, but this is something even more amazing.

[It made sense, of course—evolution and all. Technology was more advanced here. He wondered if they ever would see decorations of this caliber back home someday.]

[Sitting down, Sandalphon gazes upon the lights decorating their surroundings. Certainly, it's impressive; and it looks even more majestic with Lucifer's approval.]

The technology here is far ahead of that of the Sky Realm's. I never imagined it would be put to use like this.

[On second thought, it should have been obvious, given the nature of people and how over-the-top Shehui is overall. But people are always surprising him with just how far they can go.]

Indeed. I think, perhaps, if I were in their position, I may not have come up with such an idea. I wonder what it was that inspired such a thing.

[Arranging the lights in extravagant patterns such as these—it was gorgeous, sure, but it was entirely frivolous. That wasn't strange for humans at all, but that's exactly why Lucifer thinks what he does. He would never have thought to do something like this because they just— weren't wired to do so.

But that just makes it all the more fascinating.]

It's my hope that you'll get to experience more things like this in the future.

[Whether it was here or at home or in some other world in between, he wanted Sandalphon to be able to see all these unique things that people were capable of.]

[Coming from a world of which Lucifer is no longer a part, all it takes is a second for Sandalphon's thoughts to drift along those lines (again). Seeing more in Shehui is a given, but his experience with the Sky Realm's goings-on has been minimal. He has little reason, objectively speaking, to hope for more of what they're seeing now over there; however, when Lucifer wants it for him so earnestly, Sandalphon supposes that he can do keep the wish in his mind.]

It's possible. [He mulls over the next statement.] I've been traveling—with the Singularity.

Oh?

[He's intrigued by this, but he wonders— if it's okay to talk about. It's the first time he's mentioned anything like that... Anything about the life he was living after his death. He almost wants to just ask, but then he fears that in itself wouldn't be okay. He's hesitant to say anything, in fear of it... well, being the wrong thing to say. He doesn't want to hurt him anymore.

He opts for something more neutral this time, instead of just saying what he feels.]

What do you think of it so far?

[Sandalphon snorts. There's too much to cover, but he can provide an apt summation.]

There's never a dull day. What's more, the crew insists on making small talk.

[And the nerve of the red dragon, claiming that he raves about coffee. The Grandcypher's crew tests his patience on a daily basis, though he'll be the first to say that there could be worse company. He can't help the faint smirk that crosses his features.]

But through them, I've experienced what the Sky Realm has to offer. [Then he glances at Lucifer, his lips turning down. The supreme primarch isn't meant to gallivant around the skies.] Do you disapprove?

Not at all. I'm happy for you.

[He doesn't even have to think about his answer. It comes easily, because it's the truth. He had thought about this a lot, both before, as he was dying, and ever since he found himself here. He was confident in Sandalphon's ability to handle the role that he had passed to him, but he still had worries. He absolutely had regrets.]

I never wanted for you to live the way I did. I... [He hesitates. This part's a bit more difficult.] I was afraid I took that away from you. I never gave you a choice.

[In other words, please, keep gallivanting around. There was no reason for the one who'd not been assigned a role to have to be confined the way he was.]

[He looks away, finding the displays easier on his eyes. His chest feels hollow, yet full with a light sensation. Lucifer, who deserved to be the one traveling with the Grandcypher's crew and captain, is happy for him.

Lucifer, who's happy for him, has just confessed his fears. That's never happened before.]

I wasn't going anywhere before I succeeded you. Besides, accepting your power and the task you left behind was my choice.

[Sandalphon's cogent words cut through the sentimental night air. Finding the clash lacking, he takes a soft breath. This is no way to return Lucifer's kindness for thinking of him all those years.]

The one who didn't get to make a choice was you.

[Whether it was to accept or refuse the role he was given at birth, to live or die when Beelzebub and Belial resurfaced . . . It's Lucifer who's always been yanked around by the choices others have made. Sandalphon is no less guilty than the lot of them.]

Perhaps. [He can't deny that his life did lack a lot of choice. He had accepted his role and played his part dutifully, without question, and he had continued to do so even after Lucilius's death because... he had to. Because someone had to. He didn't dislike his role, though a lot of it was done out of obligation more than anything else.] But I don't consider myself unfortunate. I was able to experience things in a way that many people never will. I was also able to meet you.

[Not even "create," because it felt like so much more than that. To him, Sandalphon had always been more than that. He had never seen him as the object or "pet" that Lucilius had.]

Even though I was tied to my role, I found things I cared about and loved. [It's a bit strange, using that word in relation to himself so casually, because he'd never really allowed himself to think of such things, but it was also the truth.] Choosing to pass my role to you was entirely selfish of me, but if it isn't holding you back, then I'm glad.

[Truthfully, a part of him wished he had been a little more selfish in his life, but... never about this. He had never wanted Sandalphon to have to deal with this at all.]

[Hearing such heartfelt words from Lucifer is still strange. A part of Sandalphon finds an insurmountable relief in the consolation; the other part of him vehemently disagrees with the last statement, and it shows in the crease of his brow.]

How was that selfish? You were thinking of the world when you made that decision. You didn't have to choose a successor.

[And how angry he'd been when he'd first heard the message, thinking that Lucifer was denying himself a selfish thought to the bitter end. Sandalphon won't stand for this claim. Spare or not, he wasn't bullied into his current position. This is pure nonsense.]

Don't confuse reason with selfishness. You've never held me back.

[Pushed aside, perhaps. But never back.]

Your problem is that you think too much about others. Think about yourself for once.

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