Chapter 7: All My Wishes

The night sky was cloaked in darkness, adorned with countless twinkling stars. As Luka gazed at the celestial spectacle above, he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope amidst his overwhelming emotions.

The darkness that once seemed somber now held a unique allure, fueled by the intricacies of his own life story.

His eyes traced the fiery glow scattered throughout the sky—Hell's fire. For a fleeting moment, Luka's thoughts shifted to his soulmate, prompted by the resemblance of those fire stars to Xavier's captivating gaze. He realized that he hadn't been paying as much attention to his soulmate as he should have in the past few days. Tonight, he was discovering so many things about their connection.

First and foremost, Luka knew that he needed to discuss the bond and its implications with Xavier. It was an immense responsibility, as connecting the bond fully would undoubtedly deepen their love for each other, binding them for eternity. This was a conversation they couldn't avoid indefinitely.

Secondly, Luka realized that he had never truly explored the depths of Hell's mansion. Other than that one occasion when he escaped from Heaven's mansion, he had no fondness for that place, not even a trace of longing.

Lastly, he acknowledged his growing affection for Xavier, separate from the bond. It wasn't solely due to the connection between their souls. Luka found himself drawn to Xavier's special treatment, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years.

"Luka?" A voice broke through Luka's contemplation, and he turned to find Xavier standing behind him. "What's on your mind?"

Luka's honesty compelled him to speak his truth. "You," he blurted out, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at his candid admission.

Xavier wore a devilish smirk, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Any particular conclusion?" he teased, his demeanor exuding a charm that made Luka's heart flutter even more.

Blushing deeper, Luka managed to stammer, "I-I think we should talk about... um... the bond."

"Okay," Xavier responded, his heart pounding with anticipation. He resisted the urge to envelop his soulmate in a warm embrace, knowing the importance of giving Luka space. "Do you want to discuss it? I won't push you."

"We must talk about it," Luka mustered the courage to meet Xavier's gaze. The Punisher's eyes softened, surprised to find an unmistakable affection emanating from Luka's own gaze.

"Um... shall we sit?" Luka invited, attempting to make it sound less like a question than it was.

Xavier locked eyes with his soulmate, and together they settled on the ground. Lucifer observed Luka's struggle to initiate the conversation, prompting him to ease into it by starting with a topic unrelated to the bond.

He couldn't help but revel in the beauty of Luka's presence, always stunning in his own unassuming way.

"Your eyes," Xavier spoke, drawing Luka's attention. "They're different now. They have a silver hue."

Luka's timid demeanor momentarily dissipated, as Xavier praised his innocent nature. "Um... do they... um... look ugly?"

Finally relinquishing his attempts to stifle his laughter, Xavier emitted a low chuckle that caused Luka's heart to skip a beat. "No! Absolutely not. They look as beautiful as ever."

Blushing at the simple compliment, Luka mustered a quiet "Thank you," his voice barely above a whisper.

"Luka, look into my eyes," Xavier urged, waiting until their gazes locked. "I want you to know that I'll respect your every word. Don't worry or overthink too much, as it could jeopardize everything. Just relax, okay? I will listen to you attentively."

"I-I, um... I think I like you, Lucifer," Luka confessed, his cheeks flushing even deeper as Xavier's eyes widened in surprise.

Before he could respond, Luka's voice continued, halting his words. "But I need time. If one day... I mean, if I ever fall in love with you, I want it to be because of who you are, not just because you're my soulmate. And I want the same for you. I want to get to know you and love you for you. So, I need time. We need time. And, actually... I want to spend time with you, to truly know you."

Luka amazed himself by speaking without stuttering, and his choice of words and composed demeanor caught Xavier off guard. The young boy looked down, awaiting a response from the devil.

Xavier tenderly lifted Luka's chin, guiding his gaze back to his own. He had known Luka for a very long time now and had cherished every aspect of his being ever since. How could he say anything that might upset his precious soulmate?

"Time?" Xavier echoed softly, his eyes locked with Luka's. "Time is something we have in abundance. I will make all of your wishes come true, and I will protect you, no matter what."

Searching Xavier's eyes for sincerity, Luka was taken aback by the unmistakable love reflected in them. "All of my wishes?" he asked, his tone tinged with a touch of childlike innocence.

Xavier chuckled once again, a rarity for him, as he had seldom laughed in his life. "Anything my cute little soulmate desires."

"Stay with me," Luka implored, gazing into Xavier's eyes. "Stay with me tonight and read me a story."

Xavier understood the underlying meaning behind Luka's request for a "story," and he didn't want to burden his soulmate with the harsh realities of life. However, he had no choice, did he?

"Look at me, Luka," Xavier said, connecting their gazes once more. "How about tomorrow?"

Luka appeared slightly disappointed, but Xavier continued, "Just the story part?" Luka's eyes brightened, no longer sad, because no matter how hard he tried, Xavier was his soulmate, and he yearned for more time with him, possibly within his personal sanctuary.

"Then read me another story," Luka requested as they climbed onto the bed. "Tell me about the day you discovered that I was your soulmate. I bet that's quite a fun story." Luka laughed, casting a gleam of joy in Xavier's eyes.

Xavier kissed Luka's forehead, his lips lingering affectionately, before sharing the tale of the day Luka was born—the day he first felt the bond that connected their souls.

And seeing him again at a young age, feeling the difference in Luka's soul that captivated his attention and curiousity.

And seeing Luka right before his death when Luka was eighteen, realizing that the boy was his soulmate.