Does it involve guiding poor lost souls back to the light?
[ It's unnerving, just a little bit. It's like a cat watching a bird, and Squalo's used to being the cat in those situations. He's doing well, he thinks. ]
[ As well as one can while making deals left and right for any information that could help him escape. With that mention of "ideas", he suddenly wonders if Lucifer knows about it. He always seemed extremely receptive to their wants or their sins, but not necessarily the exact thoughts going through their heads. What exactly was it, then? ]
[ The corner of his lips curling a little, he imagines stabbing the man-shaped being in front of him in great detail, waiting for any hint that could imply he's aware of that thought. ]
I never really "behave" myself. Should I start? [ His expression shifts into a perfectly natural coy, even playful grin, as if that's what he was going for from the start, eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. ] I thought you liked it...
haha, yes, but squalo keeps ignoring it!!! he's his favorite dumbass
Well, I'm not doing it for the mere fun of it certainly.
[He isn't blind to people wanting to escape -- running around, trying to gather their ideas up. It wasn't something he was overly worried about at the moment, not yet at least.
He huffs out a laugh as he tilts his head.]
That's a rather dangerous look you've got, darling.
[Full of plotting an secrets, but Lucifer doesn't seem to mind it at all.]
You do offer some amusement though, so I'm not asking you to stop... though I do wish you'd direct all those efforts elsewhere, to others even more often. You could have anything you wanted from me for that.
he's not ignoring it he's relishing in it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) it's his favorite hobby
So why not stack the cards in your favor? Surely you're capable of that. [ If Lucifer only "won" if their little souls went on the path of redemption, why allow all those temptations to sin in the first place? And vice versa. ] And yet it's almost as if you try to keep it... fair. Is it a bet?
[ An interesting reaction... or lack of it. It doesn't exactly confirm anything, but Squalo's relaxing a bit. Whatever the case, doesn't look like he's about to be smote for thoughts any time soon. ]
Oh? That sounds almost like a deal. [ He tilts his head slightly, examining Lucifer. Naturally, he can't read shit from the Devil's face, but by God he keeps trying. ] It's so vague, though. "Elsewhere". "Others". What would you have me do and to whom?
he can't whine when his hobby gets him in trouble ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Perhaps, or perhaps I can't change what I am. I like to tempt people... and unlike my Father, I know you humans are easily swayed regardless of your faith. [Or how good they seem.] It could also just be that I'm terribly bored.
[Or none of the reasons above. Lucifer isn't foolish enough to give everything away at least.]
Your fellow penitents, of course. Is there one that bothers you more than others?
People don't change. [ It may have been meant as a half-question, but he certainly states it as fact. ] Is that what you're trying to prove to him?
[ He's not yet sure how willing Lucifer may be to speak about this Father of his; on one hand it's clearly a sensitive subject, on another everyone with daddy issues usually loved to go on about it at great length. ]
Not particularly... I could think of a few, though. [ He raises an eyebrow. ] Is that what you want? My help to turn more of them away from redemption?
Say it.
[ If he wants to get anywhere with Squalo, Satan's gotta learn to be more direct. Whether or not what he says is true is of course an entirely different matter. ]
You act as though he'll ever accept that he's wrong... he's rather stubborn about these sorts of things, you know.
[He gives a slow shrug of his shoulders, considering Squalo quietly.]
It does let me improve upon Hell a bit, the more damned souls I have. That's all I'm saying. It's entirely your choice if you want things to be comfortable.
Or perhaps I'm entirely a liar, tempting you away from salvation.
[ Squalo regards Lucifer back. Yes, he could be lying with every breath and Squalo would probably not be able to tell -- but again, usually there had to be a reason for it. He can't think of too many so far. ]
[ He has to laugh a bit at the mention of salvation. ]
If you think I need to be tempted, you haven't been paying attention. [ He... maybe should consider if this is really what he wants to double down on, however. He's almost certain Xanxus will never accept changing himself on those terms... and yet, he also does not know what lies ahead. ] If I can get salvation same as anyone, what's the point of people trying to be rightful in life?
[ That's not very fair, if you ask him. He has fun his whole life and potentially ends up in the same place as some actually decent priest or whatever. That's like watching the guy who skipped or slept every class land 5x-yours-figure job right after graduation. ]
[ He gestures around them. ]
So is Hell just this, forever? Or is this the nice PR front?
Because I made a deal... and while he may be stubborn about certain things, he isn't dishonorable.
[At least not in that way, Lucifer believes.]
You make it sound so easy... if you were righteous in life, Father wouldn't banish you here... you'd never be tortured or hurt to make up for past wrongs.
[There's a short laugh.] Hell is whatever I make it. At the moment, this suits my needs just fine.
[ He's implying he wants to hear more, but he's not going to outright push it, at least not now. He still doesn't know enough about Lucifer to be able to tell what is safe and what isn't efficiently enough. Just another thing he misses about Xanxus; he'd known him like the back of his own hand. ]
[ He waves his hand a bit in a somewhat dismissive gesture. ]
A temporary inconvenience... potentially. If I'd wasted my whole life being nice and heard about this, I'd fucking riot.
[ There's... a lot to unpack in that last bit. It's light-hearted enough, and yet the implications are less so. Lucifer's doing whatever suits him, and when he's done with that, there's no telling what kind of a fire pit he might dump them at. It would almost be in their best interest to get out of here while they're given an option -- and yet, there's no telling whether that isn't a lie, either. Squalo particularly does not trust that whole redemption business. It sounds very fake. They might just end up somewhere worse anyway. At least this place could be fun. ]
[ He leans in closer, a conspicuous smirk on his face. ]
What really happens when people disappear? 'Nd don't give me the working-off-sins version, I know that ain't true.
The deal itself is a rather simple one... My Father believes in the good in each and every one of you. If I can redeem you, then I redeem myself.
[There's always more to be told, but like anyone down here truly wants to hear the fine details. They want to hear soothing reassurance that things will be okay.
And honestly, some mystery out to be left behind anyway.]
Would you now? People who are nice rarely riot anyway...
[Not entirely true. There have certainly been good reasons to riot -- ones approved of certainly. But that's not the topic of the conversation.
[ It's quite counterproductive to what they've talked about a minute ago; Lucifer benefitting from sins and being drawn to it naturally. ]
[ Squalo definitely wants to hear the fine details. Except he can't argue reassurance would be nice, too. He's working off what he knows, but there's maybe 1% doubt if he's not shooting himself in the foot with his decision. What if he ends up getting Xanxus into something worse than he may have been at otherwise? There's no telling how long Lucifer wants to play "nice". And yet, the concept of Hell had never stopped either of them before. ]
'Cause I know people who don't even try to work off their lists. [ He tilts his head to the side slightly. ] 'Nd before you say I don't know them well, someone I do know was here... and then wasn't. [ The magic of TDMs. ] I know for a fact he did shit all to absolve.
[ And if he had found a way... he definitely would not have left without Squalo. ]
Who's in charge of choosing people for this place? It's not you, is it?
[It's a complicated thing, really, and for a moment, he frowns just slightly before it's trained back under something a little more pleasant.]
I'm not. I'm the executioner, not the judge. That would be God. It's possible God had a reason to send him back home or that there's another Hell out there he's sending them to.
[ He's curious and he's just getting more curious the longer they speak. It's maybe strange that of all people, he seems to be emphatizing with Satan at the moment, while completely discarding the feelings of most of his fellow residents. ]
Thought as much. [ There's a hint of disappointment, but he doesn't look surprised by the revelation. Of course, it's not necessarily true, but Squalo thinks it checks out perfectly and doesn't doubt it. ] Alright, here's the deal; is there any way you can influence where someone goes after death? Not today, not tomorrow, only when it's time and not a second before that. But there's one person I need to be in the same place with at the end. I don't care where.
[ That's it. That's his price for essentially selling his soul and trying to damn everyone he comes in contact with. ]
I've grown tired of Hell... in most of its forms. I'd rather go back home.
[It isn't a particular secret, he's not all that concerned about talking about it.]
I'd rather not be tasked with the job of damning you lot. I don't agree with my Father's criteria for the most part... especially when he gave you free will. [What's the point of free will if you're not allowed to use it as you desire? But that's a conversation for another day.]
Of course I can choose. This is all about second chances after all.
Is home... heaven? [ Squalo considers. ] What would happen to Hell in your absence?
[ he. may be interested in taking over. just don't tell anyone. of course he would need to pick up some superpowers on the way but with enough centuries in Hell, surely anything is possible??? most demons used to be humans at one point or another, right? even the princes of hell... ]
Alright. That's my price, then. I want Xanxus with me once he's done upside.
[ He's essentially damning someone he loves, not that he would have ever ended up anywhere but in Hell -- just maybe a different Hell. Still, it's the sentiment that counts. Who ever said that love has to be selfless and healthy? ]
It would be, yes. [And he'd give absolutely anything at the moment to be back there.] You needn't worry your pretty little head about that. I have plans.
[Although as Squalo continues on, he pauses thoughtfully.]
You would rather him be here with you than up there with him? Of course, darling. I can arrange that.
Well, if I'm going to stay here, it's definitely something I should worry about.
[ There's a similar pause as Squalo regards Lucifer back. It's clear enough that he's surprised by the question. ]
I was not aware that was an option. [ He finally says, carefully. ] You would raise me from the dead? I can guarantee neither me nor him will work our list off any time in the foreseeable future.
[ He'd been under the impression that it was a prerequisite to... "leaving". ]
You are here for a second chance if you should ever clear your list... but seeing as you have no desire, I suppose I can damn your friend to this Hell when the time comes.
That's something. Any chance you'd let someone you trusted be in charge while you're... away? Y'know. Heaven.
[ He's nothing if not straightforward with his inquiries. ]
Whether it's this Hell or someplace else, don't separate us again. [ There's almost a hint of desperation there, as if being apart was somehow the worst trauma he's ever had to endure in his life. surprise, after those eight years, it kind of is. ] Either bring him to me, or me to him. That's all.
It's difficult to run something when you're not there. It could be wiser to delegate. You would still make the big decisions, of course.
[ His smile's perfectly sweet, though he clearly is interested. ]
[ There's clearly some relief when Lucifer reassures him, even if there's no way to tell if he's being genuine with it. Nonetheless, Squalo's willing to take any chance at the moment. He lets out the breath he's been holding, then does his best to gather his bearings again. His lips twitch into a small smirk. ]
Just doublechecking to avoid some loophole shit later -- that's your good side, right?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[He gives a shake of his head, lips curling up slightly, eyes locked on Squalo, watching every reaction he gives.]
It's simply a reminder... just in case you ever get any ideas, darling.
[He knows better than to trust anyone that much.]
But you're not in any danger at the moment, not as long as you behave yourself.
lucifer be all ♫ don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
[ It's unnerving, just a little bit. It's like a cat watching a bird, and Squalo's used to being the cat in those situations. He's doing well, he thinks. ]
[ As well as one can while making deals left and right for any information that could help him escape. With that mention of "ideas", he suddenly wonders if Lucifer knows about it. He always seemed extremely receptive to their wants or their sins, but not necessarily the exact thoughts going through their heads. What exactly was it, then? ]
[ The corner of his lips curling a little, he imagines stabbing the man-shaped being in front of him in great detail, waiting for any hint that could imply he's aware of that thought. ]
I never really "behave" myself. Should I start? [ His expression shifts into a perfectly natural coy, even playful grin, as if that's what he was going for from the start, eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. ] I thought you liked it...
haha, yes, but squalo keeps ignoring it!!! he's his favorite dumbass
[He isn't blind to people wanting to escape -- running around, trying to gather their ideas up. It wasn't something he was overly worried about at the moment, not yet at least.
He huffs out a laugh as he tilts his head.]
That's a rather dangerous look you've got, darling.
[Full of plotting an secrets, but Lucifer doesn't seem to mind it at all.]
You do offer some amusement though, so I'm not asking you to stop... though I do wish you'd direct all those efforts elsewhere, to others even more often. You could have anything you wanted from me for that.
he's not ignoring it he's relishing in it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) it's his favorite hobby
[ An interesting reaction... or lack of it. It doesn't exactly confirm anything, but Squalo's relaxing a bit. Whatever the case, doesn't look like he's about to be smote for thoughts any time soon. ]
Oh? That sounds almost like a deal. [ He tilts his head slightly, examining Lucifer. Naturally, he can't read shit from the Devil's face, but by God he keeps trying. ] It's so vague, though. "Elsewhere". "Others". What would you have me do and to whom?
he can't whine when his hobby gets him in trouble ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
[Or none of the reasons above. Lucifer isn't foolish enough to give everything away at least.]
Your fellow penitents, of course. Is there one that bothers you more than others?
well he's not!! yet
[ He's not yet sure how willing Lucifer may be to speak about this Father of his; on one hand it's clearly a sensitive subject, on another everyone with daddy issues usually loved to go on about it at great length. ]
Not particularly... I could think of a few, though. [ He raises an eyebrow. ] Is that what you want? My help to turn more of them away from redemption?
Say it.
[ If he wants to get anywhere with Squalo, Satan's gotta learn to be more direct. Whether or not what he says is true is of course an entirely different matter. ]
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[He gives a slow shrug of his shoulders, considering Squalo quietly.]
It does let me improve upon Hell a bit, the more damned souls I have. That's all I'm saying. It's entirely your choice if you want things to be comfortable.
Or perhaps I'm entirely a liar, tempting you away from salvation.
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[ Squalo regards Lucifer back. Yes, he could be lying with every breath and Squalo would probably not be able to tell -- but again, usually there had to be a reason for it. He can't think of too many so far. ]
[ He has to laugh a bit at the mention of salvation. ]
If you think I need to be tempted, you haven't been paying attention. [ He... maybe should consider if this is really what he wants to double down on, however. He's almost certain Xanxus will never accept changing himself on those terms... and yet, he also does not know what lies ahead. ] If I can get salvation same as anyone, what's the point of people trying to be rightful in life?
[ That's not very fair, if you ask him. He has fun his whole life and potentially ends up in the same place as some actually decent priest or whatever. That's like watching the guy who skipped or slept every class land 5x-yours-figure job right after graduation. ]
[ He gestures around them. ]
So is Hell just this, forever? Or is this the nice PR front?
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[At least not in that way, Lucifer believes.]
You make it sound so easy... if you were righteous in life, Father wouldn't banish you here... you'd never be tortured or hurt to make up for past wrongs.
[There's a short laugh.] Hell is whatever I make it. At the moment, this suits my needs just fine.
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[ He's implying he wants to hear more, but he's not going to outright push it, at least not now. He still doesn't know enough about Lucifer to be able to tell what is safe and what isn't efficiently enough. Just another thing he misses about Xanxus; he'd known him like the back of his own hand. ]
[ He waves his hand a bit in a somewhat dismissive gesture. ]
A temporary inconvenience... potentially. If I'd wasted my whole life being nice and heard about this, I'd fucking riot.
[ There's... a lot to unpack in that last bit. It's light-hearted enough, and yet the implications are less so. Lucifer's doing whatever suits him, and when he's done with that, there's no telling what kind of a fire pit he might dump them at. It would almost be in their best interest to get out of here while they're given an option -- and yet, there's no telling whether that isn't a lie, either. Squalo particularly does not trust that whole redemption business. It sounds very fake. They might just end up somewhere worse anyway. At least this place could be fun. ]
[ He leans in closer, a conspicuous smirk on his face. ]
What really happens when people disappear? 'Nd don't give me the working-off-sins version, I know that ain't true.
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[There's always more to be told, but like anyone down here truly wants to hear the fine details. They want to hear soothing reassurance that things will be okay.
And honestly, some mystery out to be left behind anyway.]
Would you now? People who are nice rarely riot anyway...
[Not entirely true. There have certainly been good reasons to riot -- ones approved of certainly. But that's not the topic of the conversation.
When Squalo leans in, so does Lucifer.]
What makes you doubt it, darling?
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[ It's quite counterproductive to what they've talked about a minute ago; Lucifer benefitting from sins and being drawn to it naturally. ]
[ Squalo definitely wants to hear the fine details. Except he can't argue reassurance would be nice, too. He's working off what he knows, but there's maybe 1% doubt if he's not shooting himself in the foot with his decision. What if he ends up getting Xanxus into something worse than he may have been at otherwise? There's no telling how long Lucifer wants to play "nice". And yet, the concept of Hell had never stopped either of them before. ]
'Cause I know people who don't even try to work off their lists. [ He tilts his head to the side slightly. ] 'Nd before you say I don't know them well, someone I do know was here... and then wasn't. [ The magic of TDMs. ] I know for a fact he did shit all to absolve.
[ And if he had found a way... he definitely would not have left without Squalo. ]
Who's in charge of choosing people for this place? It's not you, is it?
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[It's a complicated thing, really, and for a moment, he frowns just slightly before it's trained back under something a little more pleasant.]
I'm not. I'm the executioner, not the judge. That would be God. It's possible God had a reason to send him back home or that there's another Hell out there he's sending them to.
It's interesting to consider, really.
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What kind of change, if that's not a secret?
[ He's curious and he's just getting more curious the longer they speak. It's maybe strange that of all people, he seems to be emphatizing with Satan at the moment, while completely discarding the feelings of most of his fellow residents. ]
Thought as much. [ There's a hint of disappointment, but he doesn't look surprised by the revelation. Of course, it's not necessarily true, but Squalo thinks it checks out perfectly and doesn't doubt it. ] Alright, here's the deal; is there any way you can influence where someone goes after death? Not today, not tomorrow, only when it's time and not a second before that. But there's one person I need to be in the same place with at the end. I don't care where.
[ That's it. That's his price for essentially selling his soul and trying to damn everyone he comes in contact with. ]
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[It isn't a particular secret, he's not all that concerned about talking about it.]
I'd rather not be tasked with the job of damning you lot. I don't agree with my Father's criteria for the most part... especially when he gave you free will. [What's the point of free will if you're not allowed to use it as you desire? But that's a conversation for another day.]
Of course I can choose. This is all about second chances after all.
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[ he. may be interested in taking over. just don't tell anyone. of course he would need to pick up some superpowers on the way but with enough centuries in Hell, surely anything is possible??? most demons used to be humans at one point or another, right? even the princes of hell... ]
Alright. That's my price, then. I want Xanxus with me once he's done upside.
[ He's essentially damning someone he loves, not that he would have ever ended up anywhere but in Hell -- just maybe a different Hell. Still, it's the sentiment that counts. Who ever said that love has to be selfless and healthy? ]
I'll do everything I can to help you.
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[Although as Squalo continues on, he pauses thoughtfully.]
You would rather him be here with you than up there with him? Of course, darling. I can arrange that.
[He gives a shake of his head.]
For your help, of course.
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[ There's a similar pause as Squalo regards Lucifer back. It's clear enough that he's surprised by the question. ]
I was not aware that was an option. [ He finally says, carefully. ] You would raise me from the dead? I can guarantee neither me nor him will work our list off any time in the foreseeable future.
[ He'd been under the impression that it was a prerequisite to... "leaving". ]
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[He gives a shrug of his shoulders.]
You are here for a second chance if you should ever clear your list... but seeing as you have no desire, I suppose I can damn your friend to this Hell when the time comes.
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[ He's nothing if not straightforward with his inquiries. ]
Whether it's this Hell or someplace else, don't separate us again. [ There's almost a hint of desperation there, as if being apart was somehow the worst trauma he's ever had to endure in his life. surprise, after those eight years, it kind of is. ] Either bring him to me, or me to him. That's all.
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[He tsks lightly.]
Who says I won't continue to run it myself?
[He gives a wave of his hand.]
I won't, I won't. Not as long as you remember whose good side to stay on.
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[ His smile's perfectly sweet, though he clearly is interested. ]
[ There's clearly some relief when Lucifer reassures him, even if there's no way to tell if he's being genuine with it. Nonetheless, Squalo's willing to take any chance at the moment. He lets out the breath he's been holding, then does his best to gather his bearings again. His lips twitch into a small smirk. ]
Just doublechecking to avoid some loophole shit later -- that's your good side, right?
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[He's not fooled by that sweetness, Squalo.]
It is my good side. I'm far more giving than my Father can be.
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[ Not all, really, but it's a good enough start. ]
I'll keep that in mind. In the meantime... let me know if you need help with anything more than sin encouragement.
[ He's willing to help torture some sinners, just saying. ]
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[He gives a teasing smile.]
You're rather talented in many areas after all.
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maybe wrapping up soon?
I think so!
and done probably