Hell Takes A Holiday

Hell Takes a Holiday

By Kiernan Kelly

Chapter One The wails and pleas for mercy by the damned were no more than background noise to Lucifer. Hell's Muzak, he called the din on the rare instances an exceptionally good mood seized him. After spending an eternity listening to the voices, he'd learned to tune them out. The siren, however, caught his attention immediately. His spine snapped to steel as he perched on the edge of his throne, eyeing the revolving red light flashing on the wall near the golden double doors at the back of the room. The siren was earsplitting; it rose and ebbed like a piercing scream. It hadn't gone off since…well, ever, not once since he'd first installed it. Before then, demons were Lucifer's only early warning system.

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A lesser demon named Cael had once escaped, and the trouble he'd caused Lucifer afterwards was not something Lucifer cared to have repeated. Now, he needn't worry anymore. He had infrared, radar, and motion detectors to warn him of a breach in Hell's security -- nobody in, nobody out, at least, not without his knowledge. The world above had progressed a long way since the day his angelic ass was booted into the Pit, and he'd recently brought Hell kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century of Man. He and his demons now enjoyed a multitude of human contraptions, including televisions, DVD players, iPods, video games, and a world class, state-of-the-art security system. Lucifer waited a few more seconds, hoping the alarm was a fluke, a simple case of a malfunctioning unit, but when the siren continued to sound and the lights didn't stop flashing, he bolted from his throne and trotted toward the banks of closed-circuit monitors that covered the far wall. His eyes flicked from screen to screen, looking for the being responsible for triggering the alarm. It took him a while to locate the culprit. After all, each of the Nine Circles was outfitted with cameras, as well as the Waiting Room where the newly damned souls were sorted upon arrival. Each camera had a dedicated screen, which amounted to hundreds of monitors speckling the wall in front of him. Several demons frantically pressed buttons on the row of large consoles beneath the screens, trying to zero in on the intruder. Lucifer spotted him first and cursed an expletive so foul that it burst the head of one of the security demons, splattering some of the screens with black goo. Lucifer ignored the mess, scowling fiercely. The face he saw on the monitor was very familiar. He remembered it all too well. During Lucifer's last days in Heaven, Uriel had been one of his closest friends. More than that -- they'd been lovers since almost the very Beginning, and when Uriel refused to take Lucifer's side during the War, he'd broken Lucifer's heart. Lucifer never forgave him. Then again, Lucifer could hold a grudge like nobody's business. What the fuck is he doing down here? Lucifer thought, spinning away from the consoles and stalking to the wide, golden double doors. They flung open of their own accord, revealing a long, brightly lit hallway lined with many doors. Bare-chested and barefooted, wearing only his standard, floor-length, black leather coat, and a pair of snug leather pants that fit him like a second skin, he stalked down the hall. The coat fell open in front, revealing his wide, smooth chest. His golden hair, worn loose, swayed in a shimmering wave to his waist. He marched down the hall, his mind reeling. Why is Uriel here? What does he want? Whatever it was, Lucifer was certain it couldn't be good. Hell was Heaven's redheaded stepchild, and the Boss and his angels wanted nothing to do with him or his domain. Usually that was just the way Lucifer liked it -- they minded their business and left Lucifer to his.

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Once or twice over the eons, Heaven and Hell butted heads. For example, there had been the time Lucifer tried to unleash the Horsemen. It still chafed his ass that Cael, one of Lucifer's own former demons, and Cael's angel lover, Malak, had thwarted him. Then, even more recently, Lucifer set Thanatos, the embodiment of death, out into the world, but that hadn't worked out either. The Archangel Raphael and his human lover, a man descended from Michael, (Lucifer's twin brother and therefore Lucifer's great-whatever nephew) managed to send Thanatos back to Hell in pieces. Was Lucifer disappointed? Of course, he was, but he didn't let it spoil his day. He'd cursed a bit, sighed, put Thanatos back together and locked away until he was needed again, and gotten on with his life. In fact, just recently, he'd resolved to leave the world of Men to Heaven altogether. It was getting too crowded in Hell -- he didn't need any more new recruits, and certainly didn't need to expend his time and energy coaxing even more sinners into a one-way trip to damnation. He had his hands full as it was. He'd even given up trying to summon the Horsemen. He'd tried twice and failed miserably both times. It just wasn't worth the effort. Besides, what would he do with Heaven even if he were successful in taking over? He'd have twice the amount of work, and even less time to himself. No, he'd finally, after eons of trying, given up, and found himself content with the demesnes of the Underworld. Not that he'd be sprouting feathers and halos anytime soon. He enjoyed being bad far too much for that to happen. He might have reformed -- somewhat -- but he was still Lucifer, Satan, the Morningstar, Lord of the Flies, Father of Lies, and the baddest motherfucker in the Universe. The Boss -- who knew everything and never hesitated to rub it in whenever possible -- knew all about Lucifer's decision to concede their Ages-old battle. Of course, He'd only deign to admit it when -- pardon the pun -- Hell froze over. So why was Heaven butting its holier-than-thou nose into Lucifer's business by sending Uriel to him? I don't have a fucking clue, but I'm going to find out right now, he thought as he strode toward the end of the hallway. He motioned toward the second door to the left and it swung open, revealing a huge room. It was so long and wide that Lucifer could barely see from one side to the other, but he knew every inch of it as well as he knew the back of his own hand. The smell of sulfur and brimstone was thick; fetid smoke rose in plumes from several geysers spotting the floor. Fire crawled across the ceiling, sending down showers of burning embers. Row upon row of uncomfortable plastic folding chairs lined the room, and each was filled with a damned soul -the Waiting Room was packed with new arrivals. A name would be called every so often, and a tired-looking demon would drag a human soul away, kicking and screaming for mercy -- the soul, not the demon, although his crew was known to break down every now and then, too. No one, not even his army of devils, could keep up this pace endlessly without cracking from time to time.

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It seemed that, every year, the number of souls Lucifer collected went up from the year before. Hell was nearly bursting to the seams with them. Frankly, he didn't know where he was going to put them all if this kept up. Shoving his worries about overcrowding aside and concentrating on the matter at hand, he walked in, his eyes scanning the terrified, despairing faces in the Waiting Room, ignoring their shrieks and wails. He finally spotted Uriel sitting in a chair against the back wall between a rapist and a serial killer. He was hard to miss. After all, it wasn't as if he blended -- his white robe, wings, and halo were dead giveaways to his identity. "What the hell are you doing here, Uriel?" Lucifer hissed as soon as he was within earshot. Uriel's rich brown eyes, as soft as a doe's, turned up toward him, the barest hint of a smile curving his lips. "Merry Christmas, Lucifer." Lucifer felt his blood pressure skyrocket into a sudden, painful throbbing at his temples. "Excuse me? You didn't just wish me a--" "I thought I'd surprise you. Don't I even warrant a 'hello, nice to see you'?" Lucifer ground his teeth as the memory of the taste of Uriel's full lips flooded his mouth and stiffened his cock. There'd been a time when Lucifer happily spent hours -- days -- kissing those lips, exploring the body he knew lay hidden under the loose folds of Uriel's robe. That was Before, with a capital "B," he reminded himself. As in Before the war, Before his fall, Before he was sentenced to an eternity spent sniffing sulfur and shitting brimstone, and Before Uriel saw fit to rip his heart into so much confetti. "No, actually, you don't. Now, before I sic the hounds on your ass, tell me why you dare set foot in my domain." "Leather is a good look for you, Luce. Much better than that rusty ol' armor you were wearing the last time I saw you," Uriel said, as if Lucifer hadn't even spoken. His eyes gleamed with appreciation, nettling Lucifer further. "I always did like it when you wore your hair down." Lucifer felt Uriel's gaze brush his skin, sending a jolt spiraling directly to his cock. It stiffened against the crotch of his pants, and he barely resisted the urge to adjust himself. "I trust you're not here to make idle chitchat," Lucifer growled, ignoring his traitorous body. "What do you want?" Uriel glanced around the room, refusing to be hurried or harried, which irritated Lucifer even more. "Is there somewhere we can talk privately? It's a little…stuffy in here." One of Uriel's long, slender fingers tugged at the neckline of his robe. Lucifer snorted ungraciously. "We're not built for comfort down here, Uriel. Tell me why you've come, and then you can go right the fuck back Upstairs, where the air is clean and the shit don't stink."

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Uriel had the audacity to laugh. "You're still as sarcastic as ever. I've missed your sense of humor, Luce." "Do you see me laughing? I mean it, Uriel. Spit it out. I know you're not here because the holidays made you nostalgic. I'm busy, and have better things to do than chew the fat with you." "I can't, Luce, not here. I need to talk to you alone." "You can tell me now, or not tell me at all. It's your choice." Lucifer glared at him, refusing to let their history together influence him. Heaven hit below the belt by sending Uriel to him. It was a dirty trick and he didn't appreciate it at all, particularly since he didn't understand why Heaven would go through the trouble. He refused to admit how good it was to see Uriel, even if the memory of their parting still stung. Uriel's eyes grew sober, his wings sagging a bit. "Please, Luce? It's really important -- you know I wouldn't be here if it weren't." Lucifer stifled a startled gasp. There was a pleading note in Uriel's voice, which was odd enough, but worse, he swore he saw something in Uriel's beautiful eyes that he'd never seen before. It was elusive, there one second and gone the next, but he recognized it for what it was -- fear. What in the universe did an archangel have to fear? He nodded slowly, not even understanding himself why he was giving in. He'd get to the bottom of it soon enough. For now, regardless of how badly Uriel hurt him before, or how many eons passed since Lucifer last saw him, all he wanted was to erase the fear from Uriel's eyes and see him smile one last time. Afterward, he promised himself he would kick Uriel's sweet ass all the way back Upstairs and leave him there with Lucifer's indelible footprint stamped for all time on Uriel's perfectly-shaped rump. "Follow me," he said, turning and leading Uriel back toward the hallway. "And don't touch the sinners. I don't want them contaminated by your goodness and light," he couldn't resist adding with a sneer.

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Chapter Two Lucifer brought Uriel back into the control room. He sat on his elaborate throne, leaning back, watching Uriel's eyes widen with amazement as he took in Lucifer's center of operations. He noticed someone had cleaned up the splattered demon goo from the monitors, and was grateful, although he'd never say so. "Wow. You've built quite a place for yourself down here, Luce," Uriel said, eyeing the monitors, computers, and consoles. He wandered around, gazing at the exquisite artwork and sculptures gracing the room, the gleaming marble floor, and the high, arched ceiling. Finally, he walked up to the throne, lightly ghosting his fingers over the gold and jewel-encrusted surface. Lucifer could tell he was impressed. "Yeah, it's good to be the King." Lucifer smirked. The beauty of the room was a lie, of course, a thin veneer that disguised the wretched ugliness Lucifer was bound to exist in for all time. Lucifer had gotten very, very good at mastering the art of illusion. Everything in Hell was a chimera, albeit a realistic one. Behind the magical façade, the room was an oozing, suppurating nightmare, but he chose not to enlighten Uriel on that fact. His only concern at the moment was to find out why Heaven sent Uriel to him; the sooner he and Uriel were alone, the faster he'd find out what was going on. He signaled for his demons to leave, so he'd be free to pump Uriel for information. The demons immediately broke for the door, obviously eager to be out from under the notice of a heavenly messenger. Nobody in Hell was overly fond of angels. For one thing, they often carried fiery swords and made a habit of lopping the heads off demons for shits and giggles. Secondly, they usually stank of myrrh and frankincense, a smell most demons couldn't tolerate without losing their lunch. "Okay. We're alone. Tell me why you're down here slumming, Uriel," Lucifer said, crossing his arms over his chest. He frowned at Uriel, and tried not to see how beautiful he was, or remember how much Lucifer used to love to be touched by him. Images of their entwined bodies, naked and glistening with sweat, danced in his mind's eye. He shifted in his seat as his leather pants tightened uncomfortably, fighting to keep his body's urges under control. Even after all the time that'd passed, and all the horror and misery Lucifer suffered since their parting, he found himself still attracted to Uriel to the point of distraction. "I'm…I'm…oh, sweet cheeses, I can't do it!" Uriel suddenly cried, throwing his hands up in the air. He began to pace back and forth in front of Lucifer's throne, scowling and talking to himself, gesturing wildly. "I told the Boss I wasn't any good at this. Send Michael, I told him, or one of the seraphim -- they're always eager to get special assignments. Send one of the saints. The martyrs need to suffer occasionally to feel appreciated -- they'd enjoy visiting Hell. No, He tells me. It has to be you, Uriel, He says. Now look at me! I'm a wreck!" Lucifer blinked, unaccustomed to seeing Uriel so flustered. The Uriel he remembered had always been so staid, so collected, and self-assured! Nothing ever shook him -- he hadn't even blinked

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when he'd looked Lucifer in the eye and told him he wouldn't back Lucifer in the War, that it was over between them. Lucifer pushed away the fresh hurt the memory forced to the surface, concentrating on Uriel. "What's wrong with you? I've never seen you disturbed like this. What's got your halo in a twist?" Uriel thrust his hands into his gleaming, silvery hair. "I can't do it, that's what! I can't lie, not even to you, Luce!" "Lie? About what? Uriel, you need to tell me what's going on!" Uriel turned to face Lucifer, sighing heavily. His shoulders slumped, and his hands curled into fists, a clear indication of his distress. "I was sent down here to spy on you, Luce, except I wasn't supposed to tell you that. I was ordered to say that I'd sinned and was sent here to do penance, but the real reason I'm here is to scout out your operation and report back." Lucifer's cheek hitched in a small, patronizing smile. "You? Sin? I'd never have believed such a lie anyway, Uriel. Look at you! Your soul is so pure, you wouldn't know a sin if it grew legs, walked up behind you and bit you in the ass." "I know! I told the Boss to pick someone else, but He refused! Now what am I going to do?" Uriel cried, resuming his pacing. "Well, for one thing, you can stop moving. You're making me dizzy. Secondly, what exactly were you supposed to be looking for here? Contrary to public opinion, I don't have many secrets. What you see is what you get, as they say." Uriel paused again, biting his lip. He looked adorable, and Lucifer suddenly wanted to kiss him so badly the urge came as a physical ache. "There's a rumor going around Upstairs that you've backed off on punishing sinners. The Boss wants to know if it's true." Lucifer was so startled, he forgot himself and laughed. Not the polite laugh he sometimes shared with his demons or the carefully practiced, terrifyingly evil laugh he reserved for the damned, but a true belly laugh. It rolled up from his gut and spilled over, going on and on until it brought tears to his eyes. It felt strange and unfamiliar, and wonderful at the same time. "Is that all?" he asked when he finally got himself back under control. Uriel nodded, his features cast in confusion. "What's so funny? Do you know the kind of trouble I'm going to be in when I go back Upstairs and tell the Boss I failed? I'll be sent back here and not as a guest!" "What's funny is all the subterfuge! All you had to do was ask, Uriel. I have no secrets down here -- not in that department, anyway. Yes, I've backed off punishing sinners…at least, some of them."

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Uriel covered his mouth in horror, his eyes growing wide. "Oh, Luce! How could you?" "How could I? How could I not, Uriel? The bald truth is that not everyone who comes here belongs here, and The Boss knows it!" Lucifer shot back, his recent laughter forgotten. Uriel had unknowingly hit upon the most cutting of all of Lucifer's problems -- too many souls, and not enough space. "The Boss is well aware of the flaws in the system, but refuses to do anything about them. Heaven and Hell have been at odds over this since Man first discovered organized religion!" "Lucifer!" Uriel gasped, his wings fluttering nervously. "That's blasphemy!" Lucifer snorted sarcastically and pointed to himself. "Hello? Satan here, remember? Blasphemy is what I do, Uriel." "The souls sent to the Pits are supposed to suffer for their sins for all eternity. That's the rule!" "Believe me, I'm well acquainted with the rules, Uriel. The problem is the interpretation of sin. The Boss fucked up when He allowed humans to splinter into different religions, different faiths. Free will sucks and only leads to problems. He knows it, and I know it. Before that, in the Beginning, it was easy. There was only one rule -- the golden one -- do onto others as you would have them do onto you. Simple, direct, and it worked well. Heaven got most souls, I got a few, and no one had to bust a nut. Then the rules suddenly changed and, pardon the expression, everything went to Hell in a hand basket." Uriel looked faint, swaying on his feet. "I don't understand. The Boss can't make mistakes, Luce. He's infallible!" "Yeah? Well, I have news for you, Uriel. In this, He wasn't. When he gave Men the freedom to organize religion, to interpret the rules, He made a huge mistake. Humans are inherently greedy, jealous, little monkeys. They've used religion to perpetrate crimes against their own kind that even I would have trouble conceiving." Uriel gaped at him with his jaw hanging open. He cringed back, as if he half-expected Lucifer to burst into flames over his blasphemous statement. Lucifer conjured a chair just in time. Uriel's legs trembled visibly and gave out; he plopped into the chair, looking extremely pale and shellshocked. Lucifer summoned up a glass of water, placing it in Uriel's hand. Uriel tipped it to his lips with a shaking hand and blinked in surprise. "You have ice water in Hell?" "I have lots of things here I'm not supposed to have. Don't get off the subject. With the advent of different beliefs came different rules, Uriel. Suddenly, Hell was being overrun with souls whose only sin was in loving someone with the same plumbing. Come on," Lucifer said, gesturing between himself and Uriel, "if that were really the case, you'd have taken up residence here long ago. So would Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, for that matter. They all have a thing for males."

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"But…but…" "No buts. Don't you remember it was once a mortal sin for Catholics to eat meat on Fridays? Please…since when is taking sustenance for the frail human body a mortal sin, Uriel? That one wasn't The Boss's rule -- it was Man's. For centuries, otherwise pure souls were condemned to my Pits because they ate a piece of meat on the wrong fucking day. Then what happens? The Church rescinds the rule, and I'm stuck with a ton of souls condemned for something that isn't even a sin anymore! What was I supposed to do with them, Uriel? That wasn't the only time something like that's happened, either." Uriel looked sick, a little green around the edges. "I don't feel so well." "Drink the water," Lucifer said, refusing to back down once he was up on his soapbox. "The differences in ideology between the religions are a massive problem for me -- one person gets condemned for divorcing their partner, but his neighbor, who does the same thing, gets off scotfree because his religious dogma is more tolerant. One woman uses birth control because she already has six kids she can't take care of and ruins her afterlife, yet her sister doesn't suffer the same fate because of their choice of church. The list goes on and on, Uriel. It's the reason we're so fucking overcrowded down here. Man keeps changing the rules, making something a sin one day, and not the next! I can't keep up!" Uriel was bent over, holding the glass of ice water to his forehead, groaning softly. He looked up and opened his mouth as if to say something, but all he managed was a feeble moan. He let his head drop again. "You're the Father of Lies, Luce. I can't…" "What? Believe me? Yeah, I may stretch the truth now and then, but I've never lied to you, Uriel. Besides, I can't make stuff like this up. Honestly, I wish everyone believed in reincarnation. At least those people keep trying until they get it right, and don’t clog up my Circles over stupid shit." "Lucifer! Must you swear so much? It hurts my ears. Look, I'm sorry. I just can't believe all this. It's too incredible!" He shook his head at Uriel, rolled his eyes, and waved his fingers toward one of the monitors on the wall. It flickered, clearing to show a middle-aged man. "Here's a good example. See this guy? He came in just a few days ago. He was a good man all of his life, a good father. Paid his taxes, went to church, and gave regularly to charity. Then, last Sunday, he breaks the second Commandment by making the decision to skip services and play a round of golf instead. He drops dead on the seventeenth hole and shows up in my Waiting Room. I ask you, Uriel, how is that fair?" "He sinned," Uriel muttered weakly. "He broke one of the Commandments." "He made a mistake, Uriel. One mistake after a lifetime of good deeds, and because he died quickly without confessing, it condemned him to my Pits forever. Do you think the Boss would reject him because of one slip-up? No, of course not, but because of Man's rules, I'm supposed to

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put him under the lash. Well, I refuse. My demons are stretched thin enough with legitimate sinners -- rapists, murderers, child abusers…I don't have the staff to punish people for trivial matters like not warming a pew with their asses on the right day, or not tithing enough, or for loving the wrong person." Uriel blinked repeatedly, as if unable to process the information. Lucifer couldn't help but hammer his point home. "Oh, Uriel? Prepare yourself…you've been duped. The Boss already knows all about my operations down here. He's All-Knowing, remember? I can't do anything that He isn't instantly aware of -- as a matter of fact, I can't do anything that He didn't already know was going to happen from the beginning of time. It's been our dirty little secret for centuries." "What? No…I mean…why…?" "I know why He won't admit to making a mistake -- He's supposed to be infallible, as you said. It would cause far too much chaos to take it back at this stage of the game. The question is, why send you down here to me to fish for information He already knows? It's odd, to say the least," Lucifer said, arching an eyebrow. Uriel swayed in his chair, looking for a moment as if he might either pass out or throw up, and possibly both at the same time. He took another sip of water, holding the glass with a shaky hand. After a short while, he took a deep breath and seemed to pull himself together. "I don't understand any of this, so the only thing I can do is follow my orders, and that's to get information. If you don't punish those sinners, Luce, what exactly do you do with them?" A slow smile curved Lucifer's lips, and he held out his hand. "Come with me, and I'll give you the grand tour."

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Chapter Three Uriel took Lucifer's outstretched hand and the moment their flesh touched, a jolt sizzled from Lucifer's palm to his crotch, making his cock jerk in response. Surprise flashed in Uriel's soft brown eyes, illuminating the strands of copper and gold within them, and reflecting the shock Lucifer felt. He feels it too, Lucifer thought, losing himself for a moment in Uriel's liquid caramel gaze. Some remnant of what he once felt for me still lives. The tour forgotten, Lucifer -- never one into self-denial anyway -- gave in to the urges he'd felt building since Uriel's arrival and slipped his other hand behind Uriel's head, pulling him closer. He sunk his fingers into Uriel's silky silver hair, and slanted his lips over Uriel's gently, sampling what had been denied him for millennia. The taste of Uriel's lips, of his tongue, washed over Lucifer and left in its wake a fierce hunger. Memories of hard muscles and sleek skin, of a willing body and talented fingers swept through him. Lucifer groaned, turning Uriel's hand and head loose, wrapping both arms around his broad back, holding him tightly. He felt Uriel resist, his muscles tensing under Lucifer's fingers for a heartbeat or two. Then suddenly, it was if all the ages between them melted away, and they were once again young angelic lovers, eager to explore and please one another. Uriel met him, touch for touch, kiss for kiss, until Lucifer was uncertain where he ended and Uriel began. Lucifer turned Uriel loose only long enough to shrug out of his leather coat. Naked from the waist up, he reached for Uriel again, and to his delight, Uriel came into his arms willingly. He pulled up the hem of Uriel's robe, needing to feel flesh instead of fabric. His hands slipped over hard thighs to cup Uriel's firm ass. Uriel tipped his head back, exposing the curve of his soft throat. Lucifer didn't hesitate; the tip of his tongue licked a long, slow path over the tender, pale skin, before sucking hard on it, drawing heat to the surface. Uriel moaned, and his hands clutched at Lucifer's shoulder, his hipbone grinding against Lucifer's cock. "Here, or in my bedroom suite?" Lucifer whispered, his lips moving against the pulsing vein in Uriel's throat. "I'll leave the choice to you, but make it quickly before I mess my good leather pants." "Here. Now," Uriel hissed urgently. His hands smoothed over Lucifer's chest, fingers toying with Lucifer's nipples before dipping to the waistband of Lucifer's aforementioned leather pants. The button fly popped, the zipper descended, and Lucifer's cock was in Uriel's hand almost before his words registered in Lucifer's mind. Uriel never did like to waste time once his mind was made up, Lucifer remembered, grunting as Uriel's long, elegant fingers squeezed his shaft. Uriel was still clad in his robe; far too much material remained between Lucifer and Uriel's body. He took hold of the prim and proper neckline and pulled, shredding the silken fabric easily. It came apart in his hands, revealing the whole of Uriel's finely muscled physique. Lucifer pushed it over Uriel's shoulders, letting the material fall. It pooled in white folds over Uriel's forearms and draped loosely at his knees.

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Where Lucifer's skin was as golden as his hair, Uriel's was so pale it was nearly transparent in places. The only colors breaking the expanse of creamy white were the blue veins just beneath his skin, the rose of his nipples, and his copper-colored eyes. Even Uriel's silver hair, both on his head and at his groin, was pale enough to appear ghostly. Against such a snowy canvas, Uriel's cock, stiff and reddened with his need, immediately drew the eye. Not since his fall from Heaven had Lucifer ever knelt before anyone, but he did so now. He dropped to his knees before Uriel without hesitation, looking up at him, desire heating his blood, making his heart pound. He was asking permission, although he'd never condescend to put his yearning into words. A tiny nod from Uriel was all the consent he needed. The taste of Paradise swept across his tongue the moment his lips closed over the head of Uriel's cock, rocketing him backward through the Ages. It was bittersweet; in that instant, he remembered all he had lost, all that he missed, and yet it tasted of hope and promise. He tasted the salt of the sea, and earthy loam, the sweetness of sugared dates. Lucifer took Uriel deeply into his mouth and hummed his delight. "Oh, cod!" Uriel groaned, his hips tilting, urging Lucifer to take even more of his length. "I'd forgotten how wonderful this feels!" Lucifer smiled, although he didn't let up on his oral torture. He enjoyed seeing Uriel coming undone, especially liked being the one causing his undoing, but he wondered about Uriel's words. Had he not been with anyone else since Lucifer left Heaven? It seemed so unlikely given his beauty, and yet as he'd been reminded just minutes before, Uriel never lied, not even to the Father of Lies. Somehow, the knowledge made Uriel taste even sweeter, and Lucifer turned his full attention back to his work, swirling his tongue over the fat head, scraping his teeth along the thick stalk. He left Uriel's cock unattended only long enough to suck Uriel's sac into his mouth, first one stone, then the other, as his hands squeezed the firm flesh of Uriel's ass. At Uriel's gasp, and the thick drops of precome glistening on the head of his cock, Lucifer forced himself to let go and stand up. As much as he treasured Uriel's taste, and cherished the soft moans and groans caused by his attentions, he was not above wanting some of the same. His eyes met Uriel's, and an unspoken agreement flashed between them. Moving with the utmost grace, Uriel lowered himself to his knees and took Lucifer into his mouth. "Fuck!" Lucifer hissed, letting his head fall back. His fingers twisted in Uriel's silver hair; it slipped through his fingers like water. He'd forgotten how good it felt to be sucked by an angel. No, he thought, not any angel…this angel. Only Uriel possessed the skill to do this to him; his fingers and tongue set Lucifer teetering on the very brink of sanity. With legions of demons and uncountable sinners at his disposal, Lucifer never lacked for sexual release, but nothing felt like this. No, never like this, not once in all his years in Hell had he found anyone who made him soar, made him scream with pleasure.

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Only Uriel. Only now. He grabbed a fistful of Uriel's hair and pulled, urging Uriel to his feet. "I want to see us come together. I want to watch your seed mix with mine," Lucifer groaned, reaching for Uriel's cock. He fisted both of them together, the heat of his skin, slick with precome, felt even hotter with the added temperature of Uriel's prick. Uriel's hand closed over his; together they stroked themselves to the edge and beyond. Lucifer's cry filled the room, blending in perfect harmony with Uriel's as they came. Hips thrusting their cocks into their joined hands, their seed coated their fingers and added sweet perfume to the air. His heart beat wildly against his breastbone, his legs trembling as they tried to keep him upright. He slumped forward, throwing his arms, hands sticky with come, over Uriel's shoulders, meeting him halfway in a deep, wet kiss. For a moment, they supported one another, only their strong arms keeping the other from falling. "I'd nearly forgotten," Uriel whispered when their kiss ended, "how wonderful you feel, how good we are together." Lucifer nodded, his pride keeping him from admitting the same, although he felt it. The emotions that were running through him were so strong, so intense; they made him feel absurdly young and unsure. He needed to break the spell before he was sucked under and drowned. "Oh, cod?" he said, pulling back to look at Uriel, a smirk making his eyes sparkle. "Is that what you said? Please tell me you didn't take a fish's name in vain. Don't think I didn't notice you said 'sweet cheeses' before, either. You swear like a Boy Scout." Uriel laughed softly and laid his head on Lucifer's shoulder, playing with a strand of Lucifer's long golden hair. "Unlike some people I know, I don't swear." His laughing eyes turned up toward Lucifer, full of mischief. Lucifer chuckled, but he'd achieved his goal; the atmosphere between them lightened. "I believe I was about to give you a tour of my facilities." Uriel smirked at him, fingering the torn material of his robe. "I no longer think I'm suitable for public viewing." "Easily remedied," Lucifer said, smiling. He snapped his fingers, instantly replacing Uriel's robe with a pair of white leather pants and matching sleeveless vest. The leather was soft and snug; it clung to the curve of Uriel's ass and thighs, molded to his long legs. The vest made his chest look even wider and his waist narrower than they already were, and his bare arms, strong and graceful. Uriel looked down at himself, then up at Lucifer, who'd redressed himself in his usual black leather. "All we need now are white and black cowboy hats. Really, Luce, isn't this a bit clichéd?"

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"Humor me," Lucifer said, grinning. He hooked Uriel's arm through his and led him to the double golden doors.

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Chapter Four Lucifer ushered Uriel into the hallway. "You've already seen the Waiting Room. We sort 'em out in there and then escort them to the appropriate Circle. This is the First Circle," he said, opening the door on his immediate right. The door opened onto a catwalk that edged an extraordinarily vast, roughly circular pit. The cavity spiraled downward into a depth so deep the bottom couldn't be seen. The spirals were carved with wide, pleasant walkways, carpeted with greenery and brilliantly colored flowers. No one was screaming. No lashes snapped; in fact, no demons were anywhere to be seen. The only creatures in residence seemed to be male and female souls, none of whom looked unhappy. They pushed baby buggies, held chubby, cooing infants, or skipped and played with young children, laughing and smiling. Sunshine streamed down from far above, dappling everyone and everything below with golden light. It was all very pastoral and idyllic, and completely the opposite of the very conception of Hell. "What is this place?" Uriel asked. He bent nearly in half over the railing, his head swiveling as he tried to take in the vast area. "Who are they? Why do they look so happy?" "It's a complete and utter waste of space, that's what it is," Lucifer replied, unable to keep the rancor out of his voice. "This is Limbo, Uriel. Don't you remember Limbo? It's where unbaptized babies and children were supposed to go. It used to be that you couldn't go to Heaven if you were born a Catholic and not baptized. The Catholic Church abandoned the concept of Limbo sometime back, and I was stuck with reams of babies whose only sin was to die too soon after being born." "Who are the souls with them?" "People who were sent here for some of the reasons we spoke about earlier. I took the ones whose fondest wish while alive was to have children, and put them here, pairing them with an infant." Uriel's expressive eyes softened. "That was nice of you, Luce." Lucifer shrugged a shoulder, uncomfortable with the praise. "What was I supposed to do? My demons aren't exactly baby-friendly, and they have better things to do than play nanny to a bunch of drooling rugrats. The brats needed looking after, and the humans needed something to do. It was my only viable option." He ignored Uriel's tender smile, and led him back to the hallway. He directed Uriel down the hall, passing by several doors before he paused. "This is probably more along the lines of what you expected to see down here. This is the Seventh Circle. It's reserved for the violent." The door opened, and immediately they were assaulted by screams of agony, tearful cries for mercy, and the sound of lashes snapping against flesh. Lucifer smirked, seeing the look of horror

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on Uriel's face at the cacophony of pain. "Come on, angel. This is what you thought you'd find here, what you were expecting from me. I wouldn't want to disappoint you, lover." His firm hand pulled a very reluctant Uriel through the door. This room also contained a pit, immeasurably wider and deeper than the first Circle. "These are the murderers, the torturers, the ones who took pleasure in causing unwilling partners pain. The cannibals, the serial killers, the child-abusers, the rapists…this is where they're sent to spend eternity, to forever feel the pain they caused others in life." "Please, Lucifer, I don't want to be here," Uriel gasped, squeezing his eyes shut. "Please get me out of here." "Huh. That's funny…that's usually what they say," Lucifer replied, jerking a thumb toward the masses of suffering souls. Personally, he didn't mind visiting the Seventh Circle and often came here when he needed a lift. It restored his faith in himself when he was feeling a little too goodygoody. Usually, seeing the wretched souls writhing in agony actually gave him a woody. Pain is good for the soul, he thought, particularly when it's someone else's. He might have backed off a bit on his wicked ways, but in the end, he was still the Devil. From time to time, he needed to remind himself of that fact. "These are some of the souls who truly deserve to be here, Uriel. As you can see, I don't hold back on punishing them. I just needed you to see it." He took mercy, something he rarely did, and led Uriel back into the quiet, peaceful hallway. The silence felt thick after the unholy din of the Seventh Circle. "You truly are evil," Uriel murmured, pulling away from Lucifer. Lucifer laughed, shaking his head. "I'm only doing what I'm supposed to do, Uriel. I didn't make the rules -- I just enforce them. For that, you call me evil?" "You tempt people into sin!" "That isn't true, not anymore. I don't need to encourage them -- they do fine all on their own." "I don't think I want to see anymore," Uriel whispered. A shaky hand swiped perspiration from his forehead. Lucifer felt smug. It took a lot to make an Archangel sweat, which meant Lucifer was doing his job. "No, no. The tour has only barely begun! Come on, you'll like this next one," he said, pulling Uriel through yet another door. "Welcome to the Second Circle, Uriel," Lucifer said, gesturing toward the scene that opened up before them. "Lust Central."

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There were screams here, too, but not of the same quality as the ones in the Seventh Circle. Here the cries were joyful, passionate, and ecstatic. Circle was rather a misnomer for this room -- it was built more like a pyramid, with broad, triangular steps. Each level was filled with writhing souls, although, again unlike the previous room, sexual abandonment fueled their movements, not pain. Uriel's eyes popped open wide. "It looks like…like…" "An orgy? That's exactly what it is. It's an ongoing, never-ending fuckfest, Uriel." "But the lustful are supposed to be punished not rewarded!" Lucifer sighed. "Haven't you been paying attention? These souls were condemned for enjoying sex, Uriel. They aren't adulterers, or sexual predators -- those folks are in a Hell just as nasty as the Seventh Circle. These poor people simply liked to fuck while they were alive. Their partners were always of age, always consenting, and enjoyed it as much as they did. Their only sin was enjoying the bodies The Boss gave them." "Procreation is--" Lucifer held up a hand, cutting Uriel off. "Please. Don't give me the 'sex is only for procreation' speech. You know that was never The Boss' intention. If it were, He would've never allowed you and me to hook up in the Beginning. The Boss invented sex. He made it feel good for a reason, Uriel. It's a gift, and yet religious institutions have made it sinful to enjoy that gift without their blessing. Bullshit." Uriel cocked his head, as if considering Lucifer's words. "You know, that sort of makes sense, in a slightly twisted, warped sort of way." Lucifer laughed, trying to lead a suddenly reluctant Uriel out into the hallway again. "Wait, can't we watch for just a few more minutes?" Uriel asked, trying to pull Lucifer back into the room. "Look at them!" he said, pointing over the railing. "How do they bend like that?" "Souls are quite flexible," Lucifer said, chuckling. "It's amazing the sort of positions they can get into without the limitations of flesh." Uriel pointed in another direction. "Nine, ten, eleven…how many men are there in that cluster?" "Ah, I think twenty-four or five. We must've caught them on an off day. Usually there are at least fifty guys riding that man-train." Uriel cocked his head. "They look like Lincoln Logs from up here. Can we go closer?" Lucifer laughed at Uriel's innocent enthusiasm. "Why, Uriel? Would you like to be the caboose on that train?"

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Uriel's face flushed, but his lips curved in a smile. "No, although I wouldn't mind you and I playing railroad." "Why, Uriel! I'm shocked!" Lucifer said, grinning. "No, you're not. You were thinking the same thing," Uriel said, swatting Lucifer on the arm. "Well, yes, but I'm Satan. I'm supposed to have lustful thoughts. It's in my job description," he said, pointedly looking at the bulge distending the crotch of Uriel's tight leather pants. He urged Uriel to the door and back into the hallway, over Uriel's strenuous objections and none-too-subtle hints. The truth was that Lucifer was more than ready to tear off those tight white leather pants and fuck Uriel into the next century. Their encounter in the throne room was only an appetizer; he was starving for the main course, but wanted it served in the decadent luxury of his bedroom suite, not bent over the railing in the Second Circle. Once out in the hallway, Uriel seemed more collected, distracted by the doors they hadn't yet opened. Some of the fiery desire burning in his eyes faded, making Lucifer second guess himself. Maybe he should have taken Uriel inside the Circle when he had the chance. "What's next? Gluttony? Ooh…greed? Wrath? Which Circle will we see next?" Uriel asked, looking at the unexplored doors. "Don't you think you've seen enough, Uriel? You've seen how the truly wicked are punished, and that I provide a more pleasant solution for the others. You saw how I solved the problem of Limbo…what more do you need to see?" Lucifer asked, his voice soft and sultry. He ran his fingers over Uriel's arms, sliding his fingertips across the bulge of his biceps. "I think we should retire to my boudoir. We can rest there…later." "Later?" Uriel turned his brown eyes toward Lucifer. Their beauty made Lucifer weak in the knees. Staring into them, Lucifer saw threads of burnished copper and deep mahogany within them and thought he'd be happy to spend the next several hundred years lost in their complex colors. "Luce?" Lucifer closed his eyes, choosing his words carefully. When he spoke again, it was in a barely audible whisper. "I remember what it used to be like, Uriel. Before the War, I mean. Sometimes, the pain of what I've lost is so great that I think I can't bear it another day. That's my true Hell, you know -- not this place, not the fire and brimstone, not the never-ending heat or bone-chilling cold. It isn't the absence of light, or knowing that I'll never return Home. It's the heartache of losing you, Uriel, and the memory of what we once had together that tortures me." Uriel's gentle fingers traced his jaw, and when Lucifer opened his eyes, he saw a single tear slip down Uriel's cheek. "I remember, too. I've missed you, Luce."

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Lucifer clasped his hand over Uriel's, holding it to his face. He turned his head and placed a kiss to Uriel's palm. "How long do you have before you need to go back Upstairs?" "I was given only this one day and night. Christmas. At midnight, I must return." Lucifer sighed. "Not nearly long enough. We should make the most of what little time we have left. Come with me to my bedroom, Uriel," he asked with as much persuasion as he could muster. "I want to make love with you. I want to be inside you when you come and see the light of Heaven again, if only through your eyes." Uriel's answering smile, sweet and sad, gave wings to Lucifer's feet. He refused to waste another precious second walking, instead using his considerable powers to whisk them both to his bedroom. Even then, he begrudged the heartbeat or two it took them to get there. After tonight, who knew if he'd ever see Uriel again? No, I can't let him go. Not again, Lucifer thought, wrapping his arms around Uriel and clasping him to his chest. Panic made his heart flutter against his breastbone. Was this the true reason The Boss had sent Uriel to him? Was his visit further punishment for a crime committed eons ago? It must be, Lucifer thought, because it's going to cause me more pain than I can imagine if I have to say goodbye to him again. It'll destroy me. What am I going to do?

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Chapter Five Lucifer watched Uriel's expression change from surprise to appreciation as he looked around the room. No wonder -- Lucifer knew his bedroom's decorating scheme wouldn't be what one might expect from him. His quarters reflected nothing of himself -- or at least, nothing of what he'd become since his fall. It wasn't dark or forbidding, or dungeon-like in appearance, as one might've supposed. It was his oasis in the Pits, the one place Lucifer could go where the screams of the damned couldn't reach him. His bedroom was the only spot in all of Hell where Lucifer could sit back and relax, and safely remember the way things used to be. No one else ever dared enter it. The walls and the thick pile rug were creamy white, the furniture warm honey oak. An enormous sleigh bed filled the center of the room, its gracefully curved head-and-foot boards expertly carved with clouds and angels, made over with a thick white comforter and several fat pillows. Several dressers and armoires completed the suite. A blanket of snowy candles, some tall, some not, thin and fat, covered their surfaces, each lit with a tiny, flickering blue flame. Their seductive, subtle scents filled the air. The most startling thing about the room was the ceiling, and Lucifer beamed with pride watching Uriel's eyes widen as he saw it. The entire ceiling was a mural, as masterfully painted as the one in the Sistine Chapel. Truth be known, it'd been done by the same hand. Even more startling was the subject of the painting. It was a realistic representation of Heaven, and over the exact center of his bed were two very familiar angels -- Lucifer and Uriel, painted in an intimate embrace. "I remember that day," Uriel said softly, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. "It wasn't long before…" His voice trailed off, and he looked to Lucifer. "Before the War," Lucifer finished for him, nodding. "Yes, you're right. That was the last good day I remember. A perfect day, as I recall. I had it painted there so I'd never forget. Sometimes, lying here at night by myself, looking up at it, I can almost imagine I'm still there, with you. It's helped keep me sane, while torturing me at the same time," he added with a wry grin. "Oh, Luce," Uriel breathed. His arms encircled Lucifer's waist, his head resting on a broad shoulder. "I've never forgotten you, either." "Something you said earlier has been bothering me, Uriel. You said you'd nearly forgotten how wonderful sex feels. Surely you haven't gone all these millennia without?" Uriel stiffened against him. "And if I have? What of it?" Lucifer pulled away a bit, trying to look into Uriel's eyes, but he kept them averted. "Why would you deny yourself? Why didn't you take another lover, Uriel?" "There isn't anyone else for me, Luce." Uriel's soft voice cut like a razor through Lucifer's hardened heart, slicing deeply. "No one ever made me feel the way you do. No one ever touched

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me, here," he said, one slender finger pointing toward his heart. "It wouldn't have been the same with someone else, only a pale shadow of what we had. It would've reminded me of everything I lost when you left." Lucifer's arms tightened around Uriel, crushing him to his chest. "And here I always thought I was in Hell. How could the Boss let you suffer like that, Uriel?" "It wasn't His choice -- it was mine." Uriel's soul blazed blue-white for a moment, his carefully built defenses shattering, baring the true depth of his pain to Lucifer's eyes. Lucifer was at a loss for words. To go so long without, to miss him so much that Uriel would deny himself love again…it was too much for Lucifer to bear. He needed to say something, anything, to alleviate Uriel's pain, and decided the best course of action was to let his body speak for him. He turned Uriel loose and walked a few paces away before turning back to face him. Allowing his eyes to reflect his need, an impatient wave of his hand dissolved their clothing as Lucifer took a few steps toward Uriel with the stealth of a born predator. He ignored the wariness in Uriel's eyes, contenting himself for the moment in soaking up Uriel's beauty, circling him slowly, like a bird of prey. He paused for a moment, standing between Uriel's wings, his skin rippling with gooseflesh where the incredibly soft white feathers brushed against him. He leaned in until his lips barely brushed the back of Uriel's neck. "Ditch the wings, Uriel," he commanded. The wings shimmered like the air over a hot road in the distance, then disappeared, leaving Lucifer staring at a stretch of smooth, marble-white skin. Lucifer forced himself to step back to admire the new view. Although his hands curled into fists, itching to touch, he held off, allowing only his eyes to skim along Uriel's sleek skin and hard muscles, knowing every second he refrained would only add to the ultimate pleasure when he finally gave in. There wasn't an inch of Uriel's tall, well-muscled frame not exquisitely sculpted and perfectly formed. From his angelic face to the soles of his slender, gracefully arched feet, he was flawless. Lucifer drank in the sight of him, filling his memory with every nuance as the flickering flames of the candles cast dancing lights and shadows on his body. "Lucifer?" Uriel's voice had a hesitant quality; his weight shifted minutely from foot to foot as his head turned, eyes searching for Lucifer. I'm making him nervous, Lucifer thought, biting back a smile. He took an almost perverse pleasure in watching Uriel squirm. He gave in to his personal temptation, leaning in and letting his tongue trail a lazy path along Uriel's spine from the swell of his buttocks to his shoulder blades. The taste of Uriel's skin filled his mouth; ambrosia of salt, male, and something less definable -- the delicate flavor of need -- melted on his tongue. Uriel arched his back as the tip of Lucifer's tongue flicked along his backbone, his quick intake of breath sounding like a plea for more to Lucifer's ears.

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"Lucifer…" Uriel's voice was ragged; in it, Lucifer heard much more than just his name. He heard eons of heartache, millennia of slowly building tension, peaked and ready to explode given the smallest opening. "Patience is a virtue, my lovely angel," Lucifer purred. He chuckled, low and breathy, continuing his oral exploration of Uriel's skin. He savored a shoulder, strong, wide, and Uriel's neck, graceful, corded. He never noticed when his hands joined his tongue in the pleasure of rediscovering Uriel until he felt Uriel's firm ass cheeks cupped in his palms. Lucifer always loved Uriel's rear end. Heart-shaped, dusted with silver hair as fine and silky as that on Uriel's head, it fit perfectly in Lucifer's hands, as if it were created just for him, a perfect fit. "Ah, this ass, Uriel, I've dreamed of it so often. I've dreamt of each part of you, in fact, from the long, silken strands of your hair," Lucifer whispered, reaching up to let Uriel's tresses flow through his fingers like water, "to your arms, so strong and capable, so gentle, to your back, your chest, and most often, your delectable cock." His hands followed his verbal map of Uriel's body, seeking each body part named, until at last Lucifer reached around Uriel's narrow hips and found his organ, white-hot, as solid as oak. A flash of memory intruded, unwanted, unbidden, momentarily blinding Lucifer to the present. He and Uriel in Heaven, surrounded by a golden light that not only warmed their skin but their souls as well, entwined on a bed so soft it could have been fashioned from wisps of clouds. Then, without warning, the golden light exploded into platinum as bright as the implosion of a star, their bodies arching and crying out in unison as they orgasmed. For that one, brief moment, their souls merged, their innermost secrets exposed to one another as if written on the open pages of a book. Lucifer remembered Uriel's gasp and the feel of mental fingers prying, searching deeper. He again saw the horror in Uriel's eyes as Lucifer's plans for challenging Heaven for the throne were bared. Uriel's scream, his agony as palpable as a jagged blade slicing through his heart, rang in Lucifer's memory. "I see what bitter darkness lives in your soul, hidden from the light of Heaven," Uriel hissed, pulling away from Lucifer as if he were not an angel, but something fetid and foul. "How could you, Lucifer? How dare you? Why?" "Uriel, please," Lucifer pleaded. He reached out for Uriel, needing him, fighting the anger born of his contempt. "Try to understand. It's not for me -- it's for us. For all of us! We spend eternity on our knees while Man is favored over us! They're second-born, yet heir to the keys of the kingdom! We, who've served so well, are nothing but messengers and servants!" Lucifer grabbed Uriel's hands and held tight, refusing to let him go although he struggled to be free. "We can change it, Uriel. We can assume our rightful place--" "We are in our rightful place!" Uriel bellowed, snatching his hands away, his lip curled in a sneer. "Do this and we will be at war, you and I."

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Lucifer shuddered, remembering the pain of what he saw as Uriel's betrayal, and the shame of having those beautiful eyes he'd loved so much watch his fall from grace. Uriel turned to face him, but Lucifer couldn't meet his eyes. Would he see the same scorn in them as before? The same loathing? Worse, would he see pity gleaming in Uriel's copper eyes? Gentle fingers touched his cheek, reassuringly patting his hair. "You're remembering, aren't you? Don't, Lucifer. Too many eons have passed. I'm here now, we're together, and we only have this one night. Let it go, Lucifer, please." He dared glance up, meeting Uriel's gaze. Steady, clear, there was nothing but love and forgiveness shining in them. It was almost more than Lucifer could bear. "I don't deserve you," he whispered, his hand covering Uriel's, clasping it to his cheek. "I never did. Knowing that is my greatest punishment." "You aren't the only one who's suffered, Lucifer. Your punishment was thrust upon you, but mine is of my own making," Uriel said in a low, ragged voice. "I lived in utopia, surrounded by perfection, all the while silently, privately wallowing in a hell of my own choosing." Lucifer cringed as guilt ate through him like acid. "Uriel, stop, please! I can't--" "You must hear this. I need to say it, because I've held it to myself for too long, but Lucifer, this isn't your fault," Uriel insisted. "It's mine. The pain of losing you never healed because I wouldn't allow it. I purposely kept it alive in my heart, fed it memories every moment of every day because I feared if I let it die, I would forget you, and that's something I vowed never to do." Uriel's lips kissed the tears trickling down Lucifer's cheeks. When he spoke again, they left feathery kisses against his skin. "I have always loved you and never stopped, not even at the moment I saw the blackness staining your soul, not even when my principles forced me to stand against you. Love doesn't exist only for the perfect, Luce. True love is blind to faults and forgiving of mistakes." The last of Lucifer's defenses crumbled; he clutched Uriel to his breast, weeping openly, shaking uncontrollably. He let Uriel hold him, soaking up his comfort like a cold rock absorbs the heat of the sun. "Time's running out, Luce. Please, give me another memory to last me -- the old ones are nearly worn out." Uriel's voice was thick with emotion, although he managed a subtle undertone of humor. His head turned, and he touched his lips to the side of Lucifer's neck. The light pressure of Uriel's lips against his skin, and the sweetness of his breath wafting up banished the last of Lucifer's melancholia. He shifted position, taking charge again, crushing his mouth to Uriel's. He was Lucifer's once and he would be again, if only for this one Christmas night.

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Lucifer deepened their kiss, his hand cupping the back of Uriel's head, pulling him closer, his tongue ravaging Uriel's soft, warm, wet mouth. There were no gaps between their flesh; he could feel ever nuance of Uriel's body, every inch of silken skin. He felt Uriel's nipples, diamond hard, poking against his chest, sharp hipbones digging into his pelvis. He felt the texture of the hair at Uriel's groin, the smooth, fiery velvet of his cock, and the first dribble of moisture beading its head. Uriel's moan was low and hoarse, rough with need. Lucifer swallowed the sound, refusing to let even that much get away from him, but when Uriel's hand slipped between them, seeking their cocks, he broke their kiss. He wouldn't allow Uriel to touch him, not yet. There was no way Lucifer would be satisfied to spill into Uriel's hand or his own again. Ignoring Uriel's protests, he scooped him up and carried him to the bed. The thick comforter whispered as Lucifer gently laid Uriel over its luxuriant folds. As soft as clouds, it puffed, enveloping them both in a silky swaddle of material. He crawled over Uriel's body, supporting himself with an arm on either side of Uriel's shoulders. Looking down into the caramel-colored eyes he'd dreamed of for so long, he committed them anew to his memory. "Luce?" Uriel's voice was hesitant now, questioning, confused. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, love. I just want to be able to remember what you look like, lying in my bed with your hair spread across my sheets." He dipped his head down to the crook of Uriel's neck, inhaling his scent. "I want my bedclothes to always smell of you, and my pillow to remember the shape of your head." "Luce," Uriel whispered again, but this time his tone was thick with a quiet yearning. "Make love to me." They were five simple words, but powerful enough to draw a groan from deep within Lucifer's chest. When he claimed Uriel's mouth again, he knew in his heart that there would be no more holding back. His every nerve ending was sizzling for more contact even though they lay skin-toskin, as if he wanted to merge their beings into one. Only then could they possibly be close enough to satisfy the urgent need screaming within his soul. He left Uriel's lips with great reluctance, and only because his need to taste skin, to allow his mouth to chart the curve of Uriel's throat to the expanse of his chest, and take a nipple between his teeth was too powerful to ignore. With agonizingly sweet slowness, he dragged his tongue over the pulsing vein in Uriel's throat, feeling the beat of life beneath his alabaster skin. He pulled the delicate flesh between his lips, knowing the warmth he tasted would leave a dark bloom marring Uriel's snowy skin -- his mark, proclaiming to the universe that Uriel was his. He laid his head for a moment over Uriel's chest, listening to the song of Uriel's heart beating under his ear. A nipple beckoned, pert and pink. Lucifer sucked it between his lips, teased it with his teeth, until Uriel squirmed and cried out.

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Lucifer's cock was painfully hard, aching to be touched, but he ignored it. As much as he told Uriel he wanted to memorize every line, every inch of his body, he refused to rush it. He would give Uriel what he'd asked -- a memory to take with him when he left. Fresh pain at the thought of Uriel leaving at the stroke of midnight speared Lucifer deeply, drawing a short gasp from his lips, but he shoved it aside. There would be the rest of eternity for it to torture him. Now was for Uriel, for him, and he would allow nothing to interfere, not even his own heartache. He inched his way down along Uriel's long frame, tasting and teasing, licking and nibbling Uriel's skin, the smell of Uriel's cock growing stronger, more potent with each inch. His eyes flicked up, meeting Uriel's for a long moment, his lips hovering open just over the head of Uriel's prick. Uriel's lips formed the word, "Please," although he didn't give voice to the plea. There was no need -- Lucifer already knew what he wanted. Their desires were the same. The taste of Uriel filled his mouth, and his scent, Lucifer's lungs. There seemed no room left within Lucifer's core for anything but Uriel -- he permeated every fiber, every cell of Lucifer's being. Uriel's hips thrust upwards in a short rhythm as Lucifer's head bobbed; together they moved in a fluid dance as old as time. "Luce…oh, heavens…Luce!" Uriel gasped. His fingers threaded into Lucifer's hair, knees bending as if to capture Lucifer between them. "Not yet! Please not yet!" Lucifer paused, looking up at Uriel. He saw the raw ache in Uriel's eyes and knew what he was asking. With one last, long lick, he left Uriel's cock dripping beads of precome on the flat plane of Uriel's stomach, and reared between his bent legs. Uriel lifted his legs without a word, folding them until they nearly touched his cheeks. Between them, his cock was rigid and red, his heavy sac below it swollen; lower still, his entrance waited, pink and ready. Lucifer reached between Uriel's legs, stroking his thumb lightly over the thin strip of flesh between Uriel's sac and his hole. He summoned a crystal vial filled with oil as rare and nearly as old as they were, the scent of cloves and myrrh filling the air. He dribbled the thick oil between Uriel's legs, watching the golden stream trickle over his sac toward his entrance. Uriel squirmed, mewling like a kitten, until Lucifer followed the liquid with a finger, working it gently into Uriel's body. They both cried out as Lucifer slipped his finger deeply into Uriel's hole, and the molten silken walls tightened around it. Lucifer could wait no longer. He pulled his hand away, wrapping his fingers around his cock, and guided it to Uriel's asshole. Gritting his teeth in a play for patience, he slowly pushed inside Uriel.

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Uriel's body remembered him. It fit around him like a snug cloak, welcoming him, enveloping him completely in a tight, heated embrace. Lucifer squeezed his eyes shut, relishing the sensation. "So hot," he whispered. "Tight. Silky. Oh, God, Uriel, I'd nearly forgotten how incredible it feels to be inside you," he gasped. "Lucifer," Uriel whispered, his voice jagged and demanding. "Move. Please move!" He cracked open his eyes and watched Uriel's hand working his cock with short, fast strokes. His other hand toyed with a nipple, twisting it between his thumb and forefinger. Uriel's brown eyes were darkened to the color of charcoal, his lips parted, his breathing quickening. The last threads of Lucifer's self-control shredded. His hips began to pump, pushing his cock deeper into Uriel's body, then withdrawing. Again. Faster, harder, until the sound of flesh slapping flesh rivaled the moans pulled from their lips. "Oh, Luce! Oh my God…oh, sweet fuck!" Uriel screamed, the tendons in his neck drawing taut, his stomach muscles tightening visibly as he came, fisting himself wildly. Lucifer gasped, unable to keep his own orgasm at bay as he watched Uriel paint his stomach with threads of silvery white. In Uriel's eyes, the light of heaven shone so fiercely, it burned Lucifer to his very soul. He came, crying out Uriel's name as winking stars danced in his vision, every muscle in his body rigid in ecstasy. When the final tremble faded away, he collapsed on the bed next to Uriel, pulling him into his arms. He tucked Uriel's head onto his shoulder, unable to speak, unable to do more than breathe. Together they lay silently for a long while, the sweat on their skin slowly evaporating, leaving them chilled. Lucifer finally forced himself to move, grabbing an edge of the comforter and pulling it over them. Uriel was spooned up tightly against him, and Lucifer could feel him smile against his chest. "That was amazing, Luce, every bit as wonderful as I remember -- even better." "Mmm," Lucifer murmured, his fingers lazily playing with a tendril of Uriel's hair. "I saw it, Uriel. The light. It was in your eyes at the end. Thank you." "I still love you, Luce. I never stopped loving you." "I know that now. I love you, too." There was no joy in Lucifer's voice. No giddy happiness at saying the words, or hearing them -- they were only a reminder of how much he'd lost -- and would lose again at the stroke of midnight. He felt a tear wet his skin and realized Uriel was crying. He knows it, too, Lucifer thought, placing a kiss to the crown of Uriel's head. I won't send him back weeping. Not now, not after we've just made love. I want him to go home happy. He wracked his brain, trying to think of something to lighten Uriel's mood. Then it came to him. "You're in trouble." He forced a smile to his lips, drawing out the last syllable.

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"Huh?" Uriel blinked tear-bright eyes up at him. "What are you talking about?"

"You swore."

"I did not!"

"Like a sailor."

"Did not!"

"Did too! You took the Boss' name in vain, and then followed that by dropping the 'f' bomb."

Lucifer's smile broadened, encouraged by the horror-struck look in Uriel's eyes.

"Oh, no…please tell me you're kidding!" Panic crept into Uriel's eyes, widening them. "You're

not…I remember! Oh, sweet cod!"

"Now you go back to blaspheming fish? A little late, don't you think?" Lucifer teased, chuckling.

"What am I going to do?"

"Apologize. That's all it takes, right? For some of us, anyway," he added under his breath, a little

bitterly.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Uriel prayed. His eyes turned heavenward, and he paused, his

head cocked as if listening. "Huh? Now? Really? Uh…okay."

Lucifer frowned, his eyes following Uriel's line of sight. All he saw was the painting on the

ceiling of his bedroom. Before he could say anything, Uriel bounded out of bed and summoned a

robe, his wings shimmering into view.

"What's going on? Uriel?" Lucifer asked, sitting up. He watched Uriel frantically pulling at his

robe, trying to pull the wrinkles out, and smoothing it with his hands. His wings fluttered

nervously behind him. "Uriel, answer me! What the hell happened?"

Uriel turned wide, stunned eyes at him. "The Boss is coming!"

Lucifer blinked, then burst out laughing. "Good one. You got me back, Uriel. I'm proud of you."

"I'm not kidding! We have two minutes to get presentable," Uriel said, waving a hand at Lucifer.

The comforter pulled back by itself, and Lucifer suddenly found himself dressed in a white robe,

of all things. He plucked at the satiny fabric. "Come on, Uriel. This is going a bit too far, isn't it?"

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Uriel didn't answer him. Instead, he began pacing, every so often tossing a worried glance toward the bedroom ceiling. Lucifer crawled out of bed, grimacing at the flowing white robe he wore. He snapped his fingers, replacing it with his tried and true black leather. "Uriel, stand still. What's this all about?" "It's about change, Lucifer," a deep, booming voice said. Lucifer froze, his eyes growing wide. No, it can't be, he thought. It's impossible! He turned around slowly, shock dropping his jaw to his chest. Just inside the door to the bedroom, looking absolutely no different from the last time Lucifer had seen Him -- except minus the ferocious scowl and thunderbolts blazing around His head as He'd cast Lucifer into the Pits -- stood the Boss. This time, at least, He had a smile on His face. Lucifer quickly regained control of himself, despite his astonishment. He was too old a hand at reining his emotions in, at being in charge. "Pardon the expression, but what the hell are You doing here?" "Nice to see you, too, son. Been a while, hasn't it?" "A while? Try epochs, ages, eons!" "Yeah, you don't have to tell me -- I invented time, you know. I'm still not sure if it was a good thing, either. A lot of folks spend their lives counting minutes instead of living. You, for example. Bet you have a wall calendar someplace down here, with every day crossed off with a big, red X." "You haven't answered my question," Lucifer said stubbornly. He didn't need a calendar -- every day he'd spent in the Pits was carved into his soul like notches on a bedpost. The Boss chuckled and touched a finger to the wall. Ice crackled and spread, glazing the wall in a thin, glistening sheet. "Well, what do you know? Looks like Hell is freezing over." "Funny. I'd forgotten Your fabulous sense of humor," Lucifer snorted, rolling his eyes. "Luce!" Uriel gasped, covering his mouth with his hand. "Please, Uriel. It's not like He doesn't know I'm a little on the sarcastic side." The Boss chuckled, and sprigs of colorful, sweet-smelling flowers sprouted and bloomed out of the plush white rug. "True, true. Okay, kiddies, here's the deal -- you two love each other. I knew it before, but needed for ol' Scratch here to learn his lesson." Lucifer gaped at the Boss, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. "Lesson? Is that what this was? A fucking time-out?"

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"Tsk, tsk…language, language," the Boss said, shaking a finger at Lucifer. "Behave yourself. I'm in a good mood -- let's keep Me that way, okay? Uriel? You've been weeping into your communal wine since Luce left us, and Luce…well, we know what you've been doing all these years." Lucifer felt Uriel stand beside him and felt for his hand. Their fingers threaded together tightly. He realized it wasn't just Uriel trembling -- he was, too. "I think you've suffered enough, Uriel, and I want you to be truly happy again, but there are a couple of problems," the Boss continued. "Luce, you're too fond of being bad, and I can't let you Upstairs while you're still prone to creating chaos. Moreover, I need to keep Hell going, and you both know why. Even if I recalled the different religions thing and gave Men a single faith to follow, there would always be evil people walking the earth, committing atrocities. While I can take everyone else up to My place from here on out, those truly rotten souls need to be here. "So, this is my offer. Uriel, you can stay here with Lucifer, if you'd like. Luce, you keep Hell running for me, just as you have. I'll loosen up the requirements for Heaven so you won't be inundated with souls. Give the damned a break if they deserve it; bust their asses if they don't. At the End of Things, we'll see where we stand. What do you say?" "Yes!" Uriel squealed, throwing his arms around Lucifer. "Yes, my Lord, I'll stay! Thank You!" Lucifer pried Uriel's arms from their death grip around his neck. "Wait a minute, Uriel. You want to stay? Down here? Are you crazy? This is Hell, Uriel, remember?" "I want to be with you, Luce. Heaven isn't any better for me, not without you," Uriel said. His eyes blazed with sincerity, melting Lucifer's resolve. Lucifer sighed. "I couldn't imagine letting you go a second time, anyway," he said with a smile. He turned toward the Boss, and inclined his head. "So be it. I accept, too." "And…?" The Boss cocked His ear toward Lucifer, cupping a hand to it. "Oh, come on. You're not going to make me say it, are you?" "I'm waiting…" "Okay, okay. Thank You," Lucifer said, making a face as if the words tasted rancid. "There, are You happy now?" "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am," the Boss answered, laughing, the joy in it suffusing the room. Lucifer frowned as more flowers sprouted from the rug, and colorful birds darted near the ceiling, filling the room with song. Butterflies flitted among the newly bloomed flowers; fluffy cottontails burrowed in the comforter on Lucifer's bed. "Are You done here? My bedroom is beginning to look like the set from fucking Snow White."

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He ignored Uriel's hushed reproach over his use of vulgarity and tried to push away the newborn

fawn nuzzling at his hand.

"Merry Christmas, boys," the Boss said, still smiling. "Remember, be good. I'll be keeping My

eye on you." He waved a hand at them and disappeared.

"Oh…oh, great horny toads! I don't believe it! I'm here to stay!" Uriel cried happily.

He flung his arms around Lucifer's neck, and this time, Lucifer returned his hug. "I know, I can't

believe it, either. It is true though, isn't it? I mean, this isn't some new, horrible punishment,

right? I'm not going to wake up tomorrow and find you gone, am I?"

"Nope. I'm all yours, baby. The Boss said so, and you know He never lies."

"I know -- that's my department," Lucifer said, laughing. "Hey, you know what this means? You

can swear all you want now. It can't hurt anymore. You're already in Hell."

"Oh, no, you don't, Luce. Don't think that I'm going to sin just because I'm down here with you."

Uriel waggled a finger at him, frowning. "No swearing."

"But it turns me on when you swear."

"Read my lips, Luce. I do not swear."

Lucifer arched a brow at him. "Not even in bed?"

A small smile curved Uriel's lips. "Well, only when I get carried away, maybe, but not as a rule."

Lucifer swept Uriel into his arms, kissing him soundly. "Then I'm going to have to keep you in

bed as often and for as long as possible until you get carried away."

Uriel pulled back, looking at him. "You really are a devil aren't you?"

"Not just a devil, the Devil, and I've still got my tiara to prove it. You heard the Boss -- I like

being bad. Now, what say we get ourselves a snack, and then check out things in the Second Circle? I happen to know there's a man-train pulling into the station as we speak, and I believe there's a ticket with your name on it waiting at the depot." Uriel's laugh was sparkling and free, filling Lucifer's soul with joy. He tucked Uriel's hand under his arm and led him from the bedroom. Glancing inside as he closed the door behind them, he said, "You'd think the Boss would've cleaned up His mess when He left. Remind me to send somebody in there with a lawnmower and a dogcatcher's net, will ya?" "Can't we keep it that way? I sort of like it."

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"Why does that not surprise me? While we're at it, why do I think Hell is going to be a little more

Heavenly from here on out?"

Lucifer could swear there was a little, teensy-tiny bit of evil in Uriel's answering laugh.

~ End

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Hell Takes a Holiday Copyright © 2008 by Kiernan Kelly All rights reserved. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680 ISBN-13: 978-1-60370-569-1 ISBN-10: 1-60370-569-4 Printed in the United States of America. Torquere Press, Inc.: Single Shot electronic edition / December 2008 Torquere Press eBooks are published by Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680

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