"I suppose, this is the part where you fill me in? Your brother? Lu-Lucifer?"

When August turns to her, she can see it on his face. He regrets not telling her sooner but he's wrong here. If it's the Lucifer she think it is, well, she's fucked. Caught between a satanic family reunion? That wasn't mentioned anywhere in the damn contact!

"Ria, Aaron. I, err. Well."

"Speak."

Her tone stuns him. It's not usual coming from her and it has August nodding obediently.

"The man you're about to meet now, he... he's my brother. Also known as the ruler of hell? Ria might've heard of him but uh- Aaron? Baby? Listen chi to daddy okay? You're going to meet your uncle, he's your family."

The little boy seems unfazed. The little demon, actually. "Like Sebastian?"

"No, he's much more closer. We're brothers by family. Sebastian is friend."

"Uncle?"

"Nephew!" A new voice echoes off the empty hallways of the museum. August turns to its source, shielding both his family behind him as his eyes locate his brother. The devil himself, the satan. Ria peeks from behind his shoulder.

Lucifer looks very.... human.

Clad in a tailored suit, silver rings on his fingers and hair pushed back sexily. But he has a broad smile on his face, it doesn't make him look all too soft but it's sure inviting. He stands as tall as August as he opens his arms in a hug for Aaron.

August looks down at his son whose hugging his knee. He motions with his head and the boy lets go. Taking slow steps, he gets closer to the man as Lucifer bends down. The two of them hug.

"Oh I've been dying to meet you ever since I heard of you! It feels great to finally be able to pick you up in my arms little one." He stands up, Aaron in his arms.

"Hewo!" Aaron smiles.

"Enjoying Paris?" Lucifer asks. Ria finds it unbelievable that this man also rules hell. The hell, of all places.

"It's pwetty."

"Is your chit chat quite finished?" August interjects. Lucifer smiles. "Happy to see me again brother? It's been ten years since I last saw you! Missed you!"

"We're way past that, Lucifer. May I ask you why you're interrupting my family time?"

Lucifer laughs. He looks at Aaron. "Never took him as the family guy type. It's shocking really."

August rolls his eyes.

"Won't you introduce me to the little lamb over there? She's not a demon, I hear her heart beating so fastly. A succubus?"

"She's my babysitter!" Aaron fills him in with a toothy grin. "Riri."

"Riri?"

August clenches his fists at his side. He hates it when things don't go his way.

Ria awkwardly raises her hand and waves.

That cracks him up. Lucifer shakes with how hard he laughs. "Don't tell me you're a human!"

"Er, I hate to break it to you..."

"You are human?!"

Ria sheepishly nods. Lucifer laughs until he has tears in his eyes. It's a slightly unsettling sight.

"And, pray tell, what are you as a human doing working for a demon?"

"Enough." August stops her before Ria can reply. "She's here because I wanted. The one thing I didn't want here is you. So. What is it? Why are you here?"

"Oh me?" Lucifer grins. "I'm here for a little family reunion. Meet the little one. Maybe catch over some wine?"

"How about no?"

Ria looks down at her feet. Well, the brothers do seem very fond of each other.

They find themselves at this super posh French restaurant that Lucifer booked in prior. August looks like he would very much love to see this place before his eyes. Aaron on the contrary looks very happy to meet Lucifer, and his feelings are equally reciprocated. Lucifer talks animatedly of his new pet hell hound who is afraid of bees.

Ria, however, feels painfully out of place. She looks to her right at her employer who is busy shooting daggers through his eyes. It would be a terrifying sight, if not for the pout formed on his face. She nudges his side with her elbow.

August grunts. "What?"

"You look seconds away from committing a murder."

"I am." He says before his eyebrows furrow menacingly. Lucifer is hand feeding Aaron, wiping the corner of this mouth as he listens to his chatter about his favorite dino plushie.

"My son thinks a guy who isn't me is so cool. It's heartbreaking." August says. Ria has to bite her lip to not grin. Adorable babies, both of them.

"He still finds his daddy very cool, I assure you."

August scoffs. "Being nice is just your default setting. I get it."

She hides her smile in her wine glass. August, the bad and crazy demon from hell, is so adorable. Often times, Ria's thoughts don't make any sense to her.

"It's not true. I spend a lot of time with him okay? And I've seen how much Aaron looks up at you, how he wants to be exactly like you when he grows up. He couldn't have asked for a better dad, trust me. He likes you so damn much."

August stays silent for a while. Ria isn't sure if her words were just thrown aimlessly or they actually had an effect on the demon. Then she feels it. August's bigger palm taking a hold of hers, bringing it over his lap and giving it a firm squeeze. She blushes all over at the gesture.

"And what about you?"

The words are said so quietly Ria almost missed them. Her lips part in surprise.

"Don't you already know?"

"Yes. But it would be lovely to hear it from you."

Ria bites her lip, her cheeks are on fire as August rubs his thumb over her knuckles. When she doesn't say anything, August turns to her. Under his heated gaze, Ria blushes an even darker shade.

"I don't want to say it in a good for nothing restaurant where you just fed me goose liver."

August chuckled. "I don't know why my brother likes this food. I was thinking of Italian for dinner anyway."

"Lucy?"

"Yes little one?"

"Is hell vewy hot?"

"Well, not for us. But for humans, yes."

"Is hell scawy?"

"Hell is your ancestral home, you won't have to be scared of that place. But for the people who have sinned, hell can be quite... nightmarish."

Ria and August are so confused how those two went from discussing rabbits plushies to hell. And why on earth is the ruler of Hell so okay with being called Lucy?

—

The stars are so bright. They reflect on his dark eyes as he smiles at her and she smiles back. August shines brighter. Or it's the air in the city of love.

Ria draws the jacket closer to her, blushing. A night like this was not on anybody's plan actually. Lucifer and Aaron are having some more quality time back in Knight Villa, watching Lion King together. August suggested they could take a stroll outside, under the golden lights as the Eiffel towers trails behind them. She wasn't all to opposed to that idea, but she had no idea the weather would be chilly.

It led to August taking off his leather jacket and draping it over shoulders. The jacket reminded both of them of the morning rain again, both smiling.

"Would you look at that?" August points down an alley. There, a few meter away from them was another couple. They seemed too drunk to even register where they are. The girl was pressed against the wall as the guy drew an outline of her body on the wall with her lipstick. They both giggled before the girl pulled him closer and kissed him.

"Oh!" Ria smiles as she turns away. "They're cute."

August walks by her side again, looks at her as she looks at the moon. "We're cute too."

"We're just taking a walk." She points out. "Ate too much goose liver!"

"We're taking a walk in Paris at midnight. It's very romantic."

Ria laughs. "We're here for work!"

"Work was a silly excuse. I just wanted to take both of you on a vacation."

"Both? Me too?"

August quirks up an eyebrow. "You're here, aren't you?"

"As Aaron's nanny."

"No. As a part of the family."

"Why do you say that? You think of me as family?"

"Ria." August stops walking. He holds her by her shoulder, face inches apart. "You are family. You're more than just a nanny to him okay?"

"What am I?"

August doesn't have an answer for that. Ria smiles kindly. Because there will never be an answer to this.

"If I'm not his nanny then what ties do I have with you?"

Stupid liquid courage. Damn Lucifer for knowing the perfect wine to order.

"Ties. Bonds. These things don't grow within minutes Ria. They take time. And I've known you for a long time now. Even if you chose to walk away after this trip, we'll still have a tie, won't we?"

Ria smiles but there's tears in her eyes. "August, don't. I've never had a family. I- I don't want one, not one that is so easily breakable." She says, her voice wet. "Because when this one breaks, it will hurt so so much."

"We'll have to make sure it never-"

"It will. Eventually. Just how every family does. How long do you think Aaron will need me?"

"I need you too, you know?" He confessed in the dead of the night, the stars as their witness.

"You do?"

"Yes. I liked having you around, thought Aaron is calmer when you're around. But, later I realized it was just as much about me as it was about him. I need you too. I'm very very selfish and I just want you all to myself. Because I-"

She blinks away her tears when August hesitates. He hates that look in her face. So crestfallen, so scared to accept the love she deserves. He would hate himself forever, for the rest of eternity, if he were to let her go now. There'll be consequences to handle with expressing what he truly feels, yes. But Ria. She's an once in a lifetime opportunity. She's everything August always, unknowingly, wanted. And he won't be foolish enough to let her slip through his fingers.

Apart from all that, he wants to correct every wrong in her life. Fill it with all the love she's been missing till they met. One word from her and he would pluck a still burning star from the sky. Would bring the moon crash landing on earth. Take care of her. Protect her. Love her.

"I love you."

"August you know you.."

"I love you. I love you so fucking much Ria. You..., you make me so happy. You're so hard working and passionate. Not only humans, but any other demon or other fantasy creature would fall head over heels for you. I'm just an idiot who found you first. I love you, I love you so much Ria."

"August-"

"I understand if it's a lot. You don't have to say it back. You don't have to say anything at all. Just know that as long as I'm alive, I'll spend each of my days loving you, like I have for a while now."

"But August-"

"You know I'm immortal right? Which means I'll spend a long long time loving you. And what a beautiful way to live it would be. I love you. I love you the most and until the moment I said it, it felt like I had a weight over my chest."

"August will you shut up?" She snaps. August seals his lip shut, looking at her nervously.

"I've been trying to tell you something you dipshit!"

"Sorry."

"I love you too, you idiot."

August, who's been looking like a kicked puppy, lights up. He smiles. "You love me?"

"Yes, I love you! I've loved you for a long time now! I think, I knew I'd fall in love with you the moment I walked into your home."

"I-I love you too."

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing those words from you." She replies honestly. August closes off the distance between them, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you baby."

"I love you." She whispers back.

"Can I kiss you?" He asks. Ria nods immediately. No time to waste when there's August's lips waiting for her. He grins as he takes her face in his bigger hands, bringing her face closer to his. Their lips meet and connect in a way that feels supernatural.

She melts against him, lips moving in sync. The kiss lasts long, the feeling of two lost pieces finally coming together and the taste of each other is all that clouds their mind.

They break off the kiss in a surprise as music starts to play in the background. They both turn to the pub a few steps ahead. The old owner sits outside with a wine glass listening to an old love song. The couple from earlier, still out of their mind. are slow dancing beside the pub.

Ria and August locks eyes.

"Well, I guess that's our cue to dance."

Ria chases his lips for another kiss before he grabs her by her waist, they move in a soft rhythm. She smiles as she snakes her arms around his neck and August smiles down at her with so much adoration.

"I love you baby." He whispers the words only for her to hear. Ria giggles, a sound he could listen to forever. "I love you too!"

They kiss again. And again. They kiss a few more times as they dance to the song, in the middle of an empty road in Paris.

I was lost within the darkness but then I found her. I found you.

The song makes them smile. August kisses her forehead. "I'm so lucky I found you."

"Me too, okay? I'm happy I found you two."

August can't resist his urge to wrap her up in his arms again. Ria giggles into his bone crushing hug. "I love you August."

"Say it again."

She tightens her arms around him. "I love you so so much."

"I love you too babe."

—

The following morning Ria sits in the plush couch in August's walk in closet as he dresses himself up for the meeting that's about to last an entire day. Her cheeks are red, but her lips are a slightly brighter shade. August is very fond of kissing she notes, their lips are utterly bruised. He has his eyes on her form as he does his tie, secretive smiles passed between them.

"You've decided where you want to order lunch from today?" He asks. Ria shakes her head. "I'll ask Aaron what he wants to eat once he wakes up."

"Okay. Make sure both my babies eat up well."

"August!" Ria whines, hiding her face in the pillow. August chuckled. "What? You and Aaron, both are my babies."

"Will you please shut up?"

He doesn't say anything. Ria doesn't hear him move as she stays buried between the pillows. August leans close to where she's hidden herself, kissing the part of her cheek he has access to.

"Better get used to it baby."

She peeks up from the pillow, eyes widening at how close he is. "I will try."

"Thank you." He whispers before capturing her lips again. August has noted how swollen her lips looks but he kisses her hard anyway. He's going to be away for the whole day, after not having her for centuries. He wants to kiss her breathless, could never get enough of her.

The kisses they've shared since last night have all been so gentle and sweet. Kisses that came with soft caresses and tender whispers.

But this one spills into something more open mouthed and needy. She opens herself for him, shivering when his tongue slips into her mouth. August licks into her mouth, tasting her and savoring every bit of it. Her fingers curl around his tamed hair and pull slightly.

Whatever moan she forms gets swallowed by him. August tightens his hold around her, an animalistic instinct kicking in immediately. To claim and to keep her all to himself.

When he finally pulls back, there's a string of saliva connecting their mouths. Ria moans loudly, turning away embarrassed. But he has seen the dazed look in her eyes. If they don't part fully now, his lavish couch will be getting christened. Which is lovely, but it's too early.

August kisses the corner of her mouth. "It's okay baby, I'll take care of you once I'm back, Mhm?"

She hums back, biting her lips.

With one last peck, August steps away. If he plans to make it to the meeting today he'll have to put some distance between them. As tempting as Ria is, Lucifer won't be happy if his own brother misses the meeting. Speaking of the devil..

Three knocks echo in the room and the door slides open. "Now if you're done with your little morning skin care routine, I think it's time we head off. Hey there Ria, love your pjs. But I don't think it'll be a shot in the dark to say, that shirt belongs to my brother."

Ria straightens up. How the hell does he know that?

"What? You two weren't being very quiet when you came back home late okay? I heard all the cringy love confessions, my poor ears. You have my blessings by the way. Now August can we please go?"

If Ria thought she couldn't get any redder, the ruler of hell sure proved her wrong.

August's face is as hard as rock. "I don't have a skin care routine."

Lucifer chuckled. "Find a retinol that suits your skin before age lines begin to show up. You don't even know if Ria is into that."

"Into what?" She inquired.

"Old looking men!"

Ria would never in the wildest dreams think of putting this man in charge of hell. What was God thinking?

August grunts as he grabs his suit jacket, throwing it on angrily before making his way to the girl on the couch. He places on finger under his chin and lifts up her face, kisses her sweetly.

"Take care, okay baby?"

"Okay."

She watches them drive off from the closet window, smiling shyly as her fingers trace her lips, where August's lips were a second ago. It's feels too surreal.

She hums as she makes her way to Aaron's room. She wakes him, gives him a shower and makes him his favorite scrambled eggs for breakfast.

"Riri?"

"Yes love?" She asks from where she's doing the dishes.

"Can we go pwark today?"

She smiles. "Oh I saw that park in the neighborhood too. Maybe we can go there in the evening love. Sound good?"

"Yeth!"

The duo find themselves on the couch, Aaron sprawled over her as they watch tv. They order the tacos Aaron wished to eat and go for a little playtime in the park as the sun hangs low. She thinks her day went fairly well, even if her mind couldn't stop thinking about August every second of the day.

August was supposed to call during lunch, but he didn't. The meeting might've been a lot more intense than she was informed. But darkness fall over Paris and minutes turn into hours, August doesn't call or come home.

Ria kisses Aaron's forehead as she puts him to sleep, the boy pouting and slightly upset about not meeting his dad the entire day. It has even bummed her mood a little. Once Aaron is asleep she waits for August with her phone clutched tightly, still waiting for him to call. She watches the two dory dishes swim in the home aquarium, her hand resting over her chest.

But August doesn't return that night.