On this day the sun approached its Zenith, a cat mewed, and the small Lucifer dragged a massive Ferek around by the elbow while passerby gawked. A few chuckled After making sense of what they were seeing.

Ferek tried to negotiate. “(This is not such a big deal. I was only…)”

“(I will roast you inside your scaly hide if you protest one more time).” Lucifer spared him no words. “We are going to Gust now and you are going to smile and be nice.”

“(Maybe if he does not look at me like I’ll slice him open like roast meat).”

“(You almost DID slice him open).”

“You know that’s not what I mean.”

When they arrived at the faux shack door, Ferek refused to knock. Lucifer rolled his eyes along with his entire body and heavily pounded the door. 

From inside, muffled voices could be heard. “I swear, if that damn counselor is soliciting again, I’m going to.” Quinn pulled the door wide open. “Oh, Lucifer! I didn’t expect you.” She called for Gust. 

“Hey Quinn, what’s up?” Gust emerged from the yard, shirtless and glistening with sweat. His muscles notably shifted under his tight skin. Only peaking through the door, it was as if his body knew how to move elegantly and in tandem with itself. Only Lucifer noticed the temperature shift as his body flushed out the heat going to his cheeks. 

Gust noticed Lucifer. He jumped back behind the doorway and peeked his head into it. “You didn’t tell me someone was here! C’mon.”

“Someone’s here to see you, Gust.” Lucifer called out. He yanked Ferek into the shack with great effort. “Stop being difficult and get in there.” Ferek stepped inside and Lucifer let him go.

Quinn smiled at Ferek. “(Hello. You are welcome here, friend. One of my comrades used to live here a long while ago. Do you know Trent?)”

Ferek raised his eyebrows in surprise. His voice was soft under his mask, but his cadence was bubbly. “(Thanks. You don’t know how happy I am to hear my language for once. No, I do not know Trent, but I know his apprentice’s sister. The queen is a friend of ours.”

“(Ahh, I’ve never met her, but I’m sure she is lovely.)”

“(Best you don’t meet her actually.)”

Lucifer pouted. “(Stop delaying and apologize. He’s right there.) Gust, can we come out there?”

“One second.” He took a deep breath. “Heron! Grab my shirt. Ok, c’mon.”

“This ought to be interesting,” Quinn said under her breath as she followed behind Lucifer and Ferek. 

Lucifer hugged Gust immediately, despite the sweat dripping through his black shirt. “Thanks for walking me home.”

“It’s..no problem. I’m just glad you’re ok.” Gust said, pulling away.

“Anyway, this big oaf has a few words for you.” He turned while in Gust’s grip. “Ferek!. Umm, Ferek?”

Ferek’s eyes were widened in astonishment. Tears had already dripped down his face and pooled on the top of his mask. 

“(Who is this?)” Ferek asked without removing his gaze off Heron. Heron wore light clothing similar to Gust, but only now did Heron take notice of Ferek. 

Lucifer face palmed and went to hold Ferek’s arm. “(I’m sorry. I forgot all about him. This is Heron. He looks a bit like Seraph, doesn’t he?)”

Heron’s eyes rolled. “Excuse you? 

Lucifer translated, and Heron rolled his eyes. “This again. Look, Lucifer. My sister went missing years ago, but only Ires have ever had silver hair. Who you know can’t be her.”

“(Lucifer. Make sure he understands every word I’m about to say.”