Gust approached the door of Lucifer and Ferek’s cabin gulping. Astrid said that Lucifer wanted Gust to pick him up and walk him. Lucifer still didn’t know where Astrid lived and needed someone with him. Despite knowing that, Gust still hasn’t seen or talked with Lucifer in four days. Somehow, he’d found Astrid, but not him. His anxiety was near full blown panic as he knocked on the door.

Shortly after, the door opened to Ferek. He wore al black and had a different, darker mask. “Hello. Lucifer is in dressing.”

“Umm, you mean he is getting dressed?”

“Yes. Sit.” He pointed to the table behind him. “Talk.” Gust’s nerves spiked even higher. Two papers were on top of the table with Ferek’s sheathed sword between them. 

“Lucy translated.” Ferek picked up the paper on his side of the table. “These. Are...your. Tasks?” Gust read along as Ferek struggled to read. “Keep Lucy safe. If Lucy is not happy, you will also not be happy for long. You will make sure no one touches Lucy without his permission….” the list went on and on. “Do you understand?” Ferek said at the end, eyebrows raised. Gust could tell that his lips were pressed together hard under the mask. 

“That’s a lot,” he responded. “B-but, I think I’ll manage.”

“Good. I have work tonight. I will not be back tonight.”

“Oh, so do my people. Heron and Vera have a mission tonight too.” Gust wondered if it was related, but he doubted it. As Guides, Heron and Vera essentially worked for the state. Ferek most likely did mercenary work. 

“I will check on Lucy.” Ferek disappeared into their room and was ejected out quickly. “He wants us to see at once.”

Ferek and Gust both sat at the table awkwardly. Ferek’s eyes kept rolling as if he was annoyed and thinking heavily at the same time. Gust kept studying him and changed his thoughts. Was Ferek nervous? His eyes weren’t just rolling, they couldn’t focus on anything in particular. Fereks brows stayed furrowed. His fingers tapped on the table. If his sword wasn’t sitting right there, he would have chuckled. Thinking about it, Ferek had his own cute charm to him. It just took looking for it. 

The door down the hall opened. Both Gust and Ferek perked up as Lucifer put his arm out and waved as he shouted. “I’m ready...but close your eyes until I’m there.” He repeated it in his native language and Ferek and Gust both closed their eyes. His steps were quiet, but the warmth that came with his approach was undeniable. “Ok, open.”

Lucifer stood posing with his right arm bent upwards toward his face and his left holding onto his bare waist. He wore a lace crop top with fringes that danced over his stomach and fell from its sleeves. The laces and fringes seemed to sparkle like gold over the dark cloth. He paired this with black harem pants with white and gold geometric patterns from top to bottom. He wore a mask over his mouth and nose. It matched his pants with its geometric white and gold pattern over a black base, but from the top down, fringes hung and danced with the rest of his top. Lucifer did a half turn into a full spin the opposite direction. The fringes all lifted, completely exposing his soft-looking skin. His body bounced slightly as he stopped. Even through the mask, Lucifer’s dimples showed as he smiled. 

“I wanted to bring a bit of home with me to the party. I haven’t worn this in years.” 

Gust understood more why Ferek specifically said to make sure no one touches Lucifer. “You look…” Gust stopped as he felt Ferek’s eyes boring into him. “You look great. Amazing. Incredible. I’m not sure what to say. I love it.” 

“If you’re happy with it, I like it.” Ferek said as his death stare turned soft as he gave Lucifer a once-over. 

Lucifer brought his hands to his cheeks. “Thanks guys. I always thought I looked good in this.” Good was a massive understatement, but Gust resisted saying so in Ferek’s presence. 

“I didn’t know you had a mask too.” Gust said. “It fits you.”

“We all wear one in Amostarri, you know. Showing someone your full face is like being naked.” 

“Oh.” Gust recalled when he stumbled into their home and Ferek was in bed with his mask off. “Ohhhhh. I’m so sorry.”

Lucifer laughed. “It’s just our culture. I think I’ve tried to fit-in too much. And don’t worry. I don’t consider you naked right now.” Gust felt his face flush. He felt exposed with the two of them. 

“Well let’s go!”

Lucifer and Ferek exchanged words Gust couldn’t understand, but soon enough, they were both outside in the late afternoon air, alone for the first time in a long while.