Lucifer’s feat wasn’t so impressive compared to cracking open Quinn’s barrier, but the class didn’t know that. Wet, scared, and excited, the entire class swarmed Lucifer. 

“Your friend is incredible,” said Astrid, still clinging to Gust’s arm. He’d held her back from running away when Quinn threw what was essentially a paper bomb. 

“He can do more.” Gust replied. “He sorta changes everything we know about the Eruli and even what we know about runificery. This was nothing.”

“You sound one way and look another.”

Gust raised an eyebrow. “I do?” He’d usually kept his expressions under control. I’ll have to practice in the mirror more” he thought. 

“Totally. That grimace would scare a small child.” She took his hand. “Let's go say hi to Lucy.”

Half the class surrounded Lucifer on the stage. They pestered him with questions, while he tried to answer. From what Gust heard, Lucifer knew about as much as they did:

“It just sorta happens.”

“Nope, I’m from Amostarri.”

“Uhh, orange.”

“I don’t really know anything about runes.”

“That’s never happened before, but I think I can try it.”

“Oh hey!” Lucifer stared right at Gust and Astrid. “These are my friends. Gust is how I met Quinn.” 

All eyes went to Gust. He felt his face heat up, but Astrid took charge. “That’s right! And he’ll be at my party this weekend. Gust and I are hosting at my place!”

“Wha..” An elbow jabbed into Gust’s ribs.

“You down, Lucy?”

Lucifer brought his hand to his chin to consider. “Well, I’ve never been to a party. I’ve been traveling most of my life.”

“So, we’ll have plenty to talk about.” Astrid’s grin was wide, toothy and sinister. “C’mon Lucy, I’ll give you the details.” She reached out her hand.

“Ok!” He took it, and with both of us in tow, Astrid led us out to the hallway.

-

“Just answer one question, Astrid. One.” Gust paced back and forth as Lucifer and Astrid exchanged clownish grins. “Why?”

“”You’re so cute when you’re mad.” Astrid said, resting her chin in her palms. “You know you should socialize some of the time.”

“Ok, fine. I’m mad. I’m upset to be forced to go to a party. And so what if I spend all my time with Heron and Vera and Quinn, and never go out. Why bring Lucifer?”

“I think it’ll be fun.” Lucifer said, kicking his legs back and forth like a child. “I’ve never really had friends my age.”

Gust’s brow furrowed. “You realize parties are at night, right?”

“Oh, I’ll just stay over and Ferek can be with me, so it’ll be…”

Gust scoffed. “You really think everyone’s going to be fine with him chaperoning you around like....”

Lucifer’s soft voice interrupted him. “Why can’t you let us forget that we don’t belong.” A chill ran down Gust’s spine. Lucifer stared into Gust’s eyes as liquid began to form. 

“Yikes.” Astrid clapped. “Let me show you my place, Lucy.” She put an arm around his shoulders. “I think Gust needs to go home and chill his ass.”

Gust’s eyes widened, he stepped back. “I didn’t...I..” Astrid showed him a glare that practically screamed at him to shut-up. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Gust.” They walked away.

Gust’s skin felt clammy. The chills in his spin turned to shock in his head, and he could barely breathe. He managed a single weak exclamation. “Bye.”