Three days after Lucifer cracked open Quinn’s barrier and it was, in her own words, “Under strict accessibility limits due to the freezing temperatures caused by the seemingly permanent frozen block of air,” Gust’s mind was still racing, even while studying.

“Earth to Gust? Hello?! Hey.” A book was dropped into his lap.

“Ow, what was that for, Astrid.”

Astrid pouted next to him. “You seeing something I’m not, cause all I see is a bunch of formulas, and there’s no way that’s what you’re looking at with your eyes like that

“Sorry.”

“You’re lucky I like you.”

“I’m lucky you like me, but I’m not doing anything with my eyes.”

“Excuse me!”

“Astrid, shhh.”

“No, no. Your eyes are saying it all. Dewy, wide, and dilated. You know they dilate like that when you’re looking...or thinking about someone interesting, so give me the details, and then we’re gonna get back to the books.”

Astrid: incredibly popular, socially aware, and notices every detail about a person, but somehow average in grades. How she glued herself to Gust, he did not know, but he appreciated having her as a friend. She was the only one who wasn’t basically family or foreign boys with a penchant for miraculous feats. 

“Well, imagine if you met someone, and they seemed one way at first, and then they do something so, I don’t know, crazy, that every part of them is different now.” Gust paused and considered. “In a good way?”

“Don’t sound so sure now, Gusty.” She pinched his cheek. He hated it and loved it at the same time. Better than Vera punching him for affection. “This person sounds like a time bomb.”

“I mean, I think he’s harmless.”

A mischievous grin spread across her freckled face. “Oh, I don’t think we’re doing any studying today. We’ll talk about him as much as you need.”

An ominous and low voice accompanied a sudden and hostile presence  behind them. “Oh, I’m sure that will be all you are talking about elsewhere.”

-

“I can’t believe he kicked us out of the library,” Astrid grumbled.

Gust rolled his eyes. “No. I believe you getting kicked out of the library. I can’t believe I’m being barred from the library for a week.”

“You disrespect my ability to be a model student.”

“No, I just respect your uncanny ability to keep me away from what’s important.

“Oh please, as if you were thinking of studying at all. Your boy troubles were written all over your face.” She smirked as if already victorious.

“They’re not boy troubles.” Gust said, puffing his cheeks. 

“Uh huh.”

“Shut-up, lets just sit-down for lecture. Quinn’s a guest speaker today. Again.” Gust began opening the door to the lecture hall.

“Must be great living with the greatest runificer of all time.” Astrid bumped into Gust as he stood frozen in the doorway. “Sit down for lecture he says, but stand in doorway he does. Hello?!”

Sitting in the front row next to Quinn preparing her notes was Lucifer. “I think I’m skipping today.”

“Banned from the library and skipping class. I’m a fan of the delinquent streak. What’s the issue?”

“Walk inside and you’ll see.” 

Gust leaned against the wall as she walked inside. Moments later he heard a loud “Really” and Lucifer peaked past the doorway. “You really are in this class!”

“Told ya.” Astrid stepped past Lucifer, grabbed Gust’s arm, and forced him to walk forward. “I’m Astrid, nice to meet ya.”

“I’m Lucifer. You can call me Lucy if you want.” Lucifer said, smile beaming. “It’s nice to see you, Gust.”

Gust analyzed the confident posture, shiny teeth, bright, dilated eyes, and the fact that he wasn’t roasted or frozen to conclude that Lucifer was no longer angry with him. He remained cautious. “It’s...umm.” Somehow he failed to greet him properly and Gust tried merging with the wall. Lucifer took this as his queue to step closer.

“Lulu wants to see you again! I think she likes you, and Ferek needs to apologize properly or I’ll never forgive him, and I’m sorry for nearly freezing the yard. I’d fix it but Quinn won’t let me, oh I’m here because I promised her I’d help with something for a class, so she has me here. I’m so happy to see you.” Lucifer hugged him. “Come by home sometime. I’ve gotta run everything by Quinn again, so I’ll see you soon. Nice meeting you, Astrid.” He grabbed her hand. “I hope I can meet some more people here too!”

Gust stayed stunned against the wall as Lucifer slipped inside, leaving him and Astrid gawking. After a pause, Astrid stepped forward, lightly closed the door, and laughed so deeply it echoed across the halls.