I shouldn't have come.
That's the first thought that hits me as I sit across from Lucifer, the warmth from earlier stll lingering in the air between us. Because now it's different. It's not just nerves anymore, it's something heavier. Something I don't understand.
"You're thinking too much again" Lucifer says, cutting through my thoughts like he's been watching them unfold. I blink, "I'm not-" "You are" His tone isn't accusing, just...certain. And somehow, it makes it worse. I look away, my fingers tightening slightly around my glass. The condensation has started to drip onto the table forming a small, uneven ring.
"I just…" I hesitate. "I don't really do this." I say, trying not to regret anything "This?" he repeats. "Dates." I force out a small laugh. "Or… whatever this is." There's a pause. Lucifer doesn't answer immediately. When I finally look at him, his expression has changed. Quieter, more serious. "Neither do I," he says. That catches me off guard. "But your profile—" I'm about to say "Is honest," he cuts in gently. "Doesn't mean I'm good at it." Something in his voice feels real....too real. And for a second, everything feels.....easier.. Like maybe we're on the same level. Like maybe I'm not the only one out of my depth. But then a voice interrupts.
'Lucifer? Is that you?" I freeze, Lucifer doesn't. Instead, he leans back slightly, like he was expecting this. "Yeah" He says calmly. "Didn't think I'd see you here." I turn, and immediately regret it. The guy standing there is well... He's everything I'm not. Confident, attractive, put together in a way that looks effortless. He smiles, but there's something sharp behind it. "I was just about to say the same thing," the guy says, his eyes flicking to me. "Didn't know you were… busy." Busy. The word sits wrong. Lucifer's expression doesn't change, but I can feel the shift in the air.
"This is Arlo" Lucifer says. "Arlo, this is-" "Daniel" The guy cuts in, extending his hand towards me before Lucifer could finish. I hesitate half a second before before shaking it. His grip is firm. Too firm. "Nice to meet you," he says, but it doesn't feel like he means it. "You too." I mumble. There's a brief silence, uncomfortable, tight. "Huh" Daniel says. "Didn't think you were the type" My stomach drops. Lucifer's eyes narrow slightly. "Drop it." But Daniel doesn't, instead he looks straight at me. "Careful," he says, almost casually. "He's not exactly known for… keeping things simple." What? I feel my chest tighten. "Daniel" Lucifer says, sharper this time, but it's too late, the damage is already done.
I pull my hand back, suddenly very aware of everything. How close we are sitting, the way he looked at me earlier, the way this all felt too fast, too intense. Too good. "What does that mean?" I ask, my voice quieter then I want it to be. Neither of them answer immediately. And that silence. It's the worst anyone could say. "It doesn't mean anything," Lucifer says. "He's just—" "Someone who knows you," Daniel cuts in. The tension snaps. I look between them, something cold settling in my chest. Because suddenly, This doesn't feel like a simple date anymore. This doesn't feel like a simple date anymore. It feels like I've walked into something I don't understand. Something I wasn't supposed to be part of.
I stand up too quickly, the chair scraping softly against the floor. "I think I should go" I say. "Arlo-" "I said I don't do this," I cut in, my voice unsteady. "And this? This is definitely not something I do." Lucifer stands too, his expression tightening for the first time. "It's not what you think" He says. "Then what is it?" I ask. Lucifer doesn't answer. And that's all I need.
I grab my jacket, not looking at either of them as I turn towards the exit. My chest feels tight, My thoughts louder than ever. Stupid! Stupid! This was stupid. Of course it wasn't going to be simple. Of course he had a past. Of course I got pulled into something I don't understand. "Arlo" A voice follows me. Closer now. I stop. Just for a second. I shouldn't. But I do. "What?" I ask, not turning around. There's a pause behind me, then quieter. "I was going to tell you" I let out a small humorous laugh. "Yeah" I say. "When?". No answer. I nod slightly, even though he can't see it.
Then I walk out.