The air was still and calm after the dust had settled from the final battle. The chaos that had once filled the skies and streets of Hell had momentarily quieted. As Lucifer walked through the halls of the newly rebuilt Hazbin Hotel, he found himself seeking out Vaggie, who was quietly sitting by herself, looking out at the fiery horizon. Lucifer approached her slowly, feeling the weight of the silence between them. He had witnessed her strength and resilience throughout the battle, but he could see something was on her mind. As he reached her side, he gave a gentle nod. "Vaggie," he said, his voice calm and measured, "may I join you?"

Vaggie looked up at him, offering a small but appreciative smile. "Of course," she replied, patting the spot next to her. "I could use some company."

Lucifer sat beside her, his wings folding neatly behind him. The two sat in companionable silence for a few moments before Vaggie took a deep breath, turning to face him. "I never really got a chance to talk about my past, Lucifer," she began softly. "Before I ended up here in Hell, I was... well, an exorcist. Just like Lute and Adam. I was part of the extermination for years and I thought I was doing the right thing, slaughtering all those sinners. But... I failed."

Lucifer didn't flinch or look away, his eyes steady and understanding. He knew a thing or two about falling from grace. "You don't have to share if you're not ready," he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "But know that whatever it is, I'll listen. You've been through more than your fair share of battles."

Vaggie hesitated, but his warm gaze gave her the strength to continue. "I spared the life of a young sinner. I thought no one saw it but, Lute sliced my eye out and then ripped my wing off my back. She said that sinful filth like me has no place in Heaven and just left me to die. If it wasn't for CHarlie, I wouldn't be here."

Lucifer's expression softened, his gaze growing distant for a brief moment as he processed her words. "Fallen angel, then," he muttered.

Vaggie nodded, her eyes searching his face for judgment.But Lucifer's response was far from judgment. He smiled, a small but knowing smile, and gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "I understand," he said. "I, too, was once one of the fallen. I was cast down from Heaven long ago, banished for the choices I made." He paused, his voice deepening slightly. "And, much like you, I have come to learn that those falls don't define us. What we choose to do after... that is what truly matters."

Vaggie met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and understanding. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like she had to hide parts of her past. "I'm... glad you understand," she said quietly.

Lucifer chuckled softly, the sound light and warm despite the heaviness of the conversation. "Of course I do, my dear. You and I are not so different. We both fought for something, and when that fight ended, we were both left to find our own path. I may be your future father-in-law, but I'm not here to judge. I'm here to listen. To help you through whatever you need."

Vaggie gave a small laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Thanks, Lucifer," she said, her voice sincere. "I didn't think you'd understand, but you do."

Lucifer gave her a knowing smile. "Family is family, Vaggie. And you're a part of ours now. Don't ever forget that."

The two of them sat in silence again, the moment shared between them warm and comforting. It was a new beginning, not just for the hotel, but for their relationship as well. Lucifer had no doubt that this was just the first of many such conversations—each one strengthening the bond between him and the woman who would one day be his daughter-in-law. As the sun set behind them, both Lucifer and Vaggie knew that, despite their pasts, they would continue to find their way forward together.