Chapter 14

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Lucifer woke up in an excellent mood. He had regained most of his strength, and the doctors deemed that he was able to receive some rehabilitation, most importantly in walking. Last week he did it with the doctors, they were impressed by his fast improvement, and after some sets for a couple of days, they decided to leave his rehabilitation to his siblings. They would come only once a week to check his condition and when the King of Light needed them.

Lucifer stood up from his bed to get his clothes. His feet were still a bit shaky, but after he found a crutch to helping him, he finally managed to stand steadily. He used it to help himself walk towards the wardrobe and grabbed his coat. Just as he was about to get inside the bathroom, someone knocked.

"Who is it?", he asked.

"Lucifer-sama, it's me." It was Homare.

He relieved to know that it was his most loyal guard. He opened the door with a wave of his hand and permitted her to enter his room.

"Lucifer-sama, good morning. How is your sleep?", she inquired.

"My sleep is good. I'm glad to finally be able to get up of my bed. Right now I'm going to take a bath. I can tell that my odor is horrible, especially after staying in bed for weeks."

Homare responded with a nod as she smiles. Of course, he would not stand just lying in bed all day. He was busy, and he needed everything to recover himself, so he could get back to work, otherwise he would be bored.

"Do you need any help to get into the bathroom?"

"That's quite alright. I can do it on my own. Meanwhile, you can do anything you like to wait for me while I'm cleaning myself."

Homare take a look at her phone. She scanned through the messages while she waited for her master. Most of her messages came from her colleagues. She neglected the messages came from her family members. They kept on nagging her to join the family gathering, but she's been busy with her duties and Lucifer still needed her help.

Meanwhile, Lucifer was preparing himself for his bath. He hissed when he undressed from his cloak and felt it touched some of his wounds. He took a look at his vessel in the mirror. His condition has improved, but he got some scars and deteriorated skin on some parts that were on their way to heal. He looked pretty thin and there were black circles underneath his eyes, but at least he was better than the previous days.

He decided to turn the shower on. He reveled in the feeling of water against his skin. It felt good to be able to take a bath again. The water touching his skin made his stiff muscles relaxed. He poured a handful of shampoo on his hair and a soap over his skin.

He thought of Shizuka. Lucifer wondered of what was she doing at the moment. It had been over a week since her last visit. How was her drama in her class? Did it turn well? He surely hoped that she was doing fine with her friends.

Since she gave him her healing potions with ingredients made specially for demons and the foods made by her mother, Lucifer felt his body improving day by day. His coughing rarely came, and his internal wounds healed smoothly. He would like to thank her by the time she came on another visit. After wearing his attire, he decided to get out.

Homare saw him walking towards her. But she saw Lucifer had some difficulties getting on his way. He was about to slip.

"Lucifer-sama!", she immediately ran to help him.

He was panting as Homare caught him. It was close. If she didn't hurry, he would have fall to the floor and risked on tearing his wounds again.

Homare stunned by their closeness when the King of Light gazed at her eyes. She had been used to seeing his handsome face, but being this close to him made her heart beating faster in her chest. A slight blush shown on her face.

"Are you alright, Sir?", Homare asked his condition, trying hard not to pay any attention to her reddened face.

"I am fine. Thank you for helping me."

"Next time, if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask, Sir."

Lucifer chuckled, "I will make sure to remember it."

Homare helped him to sit on a wooden chair as she was also sitting in front of him. She checked on the condition of his vessel.

"Thank you, Homare. I'm sorry for always putting you into trouble, especially taking care of me."

She just shrugged, "Well, I'm your bodyguard. It's my duty to always taking care of my master, no matter what your condition is."

Lucifer took his cup of tea while he contemplated. Homare had been very loyal to him, even though he was being demanding sometimes. "I really need to thank you, Homare. You have been helpful since you worked for me. I know that I'm very stubborn, and I apologize for it."

"Of course. I still remember that you were so stubborn, including when you were just awaken from your coma. You put us all in worry."

Of course. He still remembered when he was finally conscious. She waited for him with her comrades relentlessly.

Not too long after Lucifer awakened, Mephisto informed his bodyguards. They quickly came to see him. Unlike most exorcists who were scared of his appearance, they didn't seem to be fazed. Instead, they were waiting and watched over him.

"I remember that after you finally awakened, you were so stubborn not to meet Shizuka. You were really keen to keep yourself away from her", Homare yarn about the experience.

Lucifer suddenly reminded of their heated exchanges that time. He still remembered her face when she lashed out for the first time, tried to reason with him. It happened a week before Shemihaza and those from the Grigori Agency visited him.

Lucifer was awake from his slumber that afternoon as he heard footsteps of people entered his room.

"Hello Lucifer-sama, how is your condition?", Homare greeted while she and her colleagues bowed before him.

"Like you see, I'm still lying in bed. My body is in pain as usual. I can't do much at the moment."

Homare exchanged glances with his comrades. Lund, Strom, and Saburota had the same expression of concern over their faces. It had been ten days since he awakened and his condition haven't improved one bit.

"Lund, Strom, Saburota-san, can you leave us alone? I need some time with him."

"Of course", they replied her.

Right after they left, Homare immediately approached him. She was worried about him. "Lucifer, I heard that you have awaken since a week ago. I'm sorry for not seeing you right away."

"It's alright. Besides, the doctors haven't permitted any guests to visit me, considering how delicate my condition is."

She held his hand while she looked at his face. "You must know Lucifer, the Grigori and the higher ups have discussed the incident that involved us all. They will be here in two weeks to visit you."

"I see. Of course they would. I'm their best chance to keep the peace between both of our kind, so my recovery is important for the continuity of my peace mission. After all, I am the mediator between father and you humans."

"True. But there's more to that."

He was silent for a while, then questioned, "What is it?"

"The Grigori were questioning your motives. Unlike us who have known you personally, they were still curious of your reason to save Shizuka. They were still thinking that you are manipulating her, considering her pure nature. Do you..."

"I think you missed something. She's my precious friend. Do you really think I would let Asmodeus rape her? I think you would do the same when you see someone close to you is in danger."

"I know that, but Mephisto told us about his conclusion. It sounded crazy, even to me. He told us that you saved Shizuka since you're in love with her."

Lucifer seemed indifferent, but actually he was nervous. It seemed that his emotions were too easy to read now. "I think I have told you that I like her only as a friend. It's just that. As her friend, of course I would do everything in my power to protect her. I promised her my protection, in return of her help in understanding humanity as one of my best sources."

Homare huffed. This master of theirs was so hard to put into argument with! "I have seen Shizuka. You would not believe her condition."

"Really? What is going on with her?", his voice was monotonous when he questioned her.

"She was deeply traumatized. Her horrible encounter with your nephew left her scarred both mentally and emotionally. She told us that she was having nightmares about your fight when Shura and I, along with some of her friends came to her house. She's pale and thin, also constantly crying."

Lucifer kept his mouth shut. Homare didn't know what was inside his mind this time, but his habit of keeping his own thoughts and emotions to himself made her irritated. "Lucifer, wouldn't you say something about this? I thought you care about her."

"I do. I have experience with some humans that affected deeply by their encounter with demons. Of course, I know about the possibilities."

"Is that all you have to say about this? Lucifer, she needs you, more than you know it!", Homare started lashing out at him as he stared at her unemotionally. She shook her head in agitation. "I have to be honest, I can't think of anything that perhaps the Arc Knights were right. You only befriended her because you need someone to help you learn further about us, and maybe the next you will use us as mere tools once your mission is accomplished. I don't know what your plans are, King of Light, but you are so egotistical to abandon her. You are her childhood best friend, and you chose to leave her?! You are unbelievable!"

"I believe you forget that I am still heavily injured from the fight. Don't you think that my transformation into my demonic form is already enough to showed my concern for her?"

"The point is what happens after the fight, Lucifer! She kept herself away from other people. She desperately needs you. She didn't blame you for what happened! She wants to see you, but instead here you are, being headstrong! Damn it, Lucifer! Could you just for this once, stop being selfish?", Homare pleaded him. She covered her face with both hands.

Lucifer kept himself in his usual stoic facade. Little did she know that he was worried over Shizuka's condition. Hearing about her in depression made his guilt worsen.

"You have never been like this to her before. You are not the strong Demon King I used to know. I don't want to be rude, but you look like a coward, hiding behind your guilt. At least, talk to her", she bowed her head, disappointed.

"I understand. I'll think about it. For now, please let me rest."

Homare raised her head. Finally, a respond from him. "Good. I hope both of you would meet once you get better. I will leave you for now. If I heard from her friends or Mephisto that you hurt her, I will fight you."

Lucifer snorted at the memories. " Of course. I remember that you threatened to fight me if I hurt Shizuka's feelings."

"My threats are still applied. I won't forgive you and reconsider my decision to work for you if you are proven to be Shizuka's friend only so you can manipulate her."

"I'm sure, even deep down you realize that I would never do that. Besides, I never take violent actions as my first choice of solving everything. But, I see how many things turned out since you worked for me years ago. You have changed."

Homare gazed at him stoically. She found it hard to admit, but he's right. "Hm. Since I realized that Shizuka hid her powers, I had come to respect her. Sometimes I think that I don't deserve to be friends with her, considering how long have I been cold to Shizuka."

"But she's very much forgiving. You are lucky. She always know how to make people change their minds, in the most unlikely of ways."

"Indeed", Homare smiled remembering her now-best friend. Shizuka maybe innocent, but her innocence also became her greatest source of strength.

Lucifer crossed his legs and folded his hands. "Nevertheless, I have to thank you. If you wasn't there to push me to change my mind, perhaps I would have lost my friendship with her."

"I'm glad to find out everything is fine between both of you. How is she?"

"Shizuka is fine. She told me that her nightmares finally gone with the more often we spent our time together. We even grow closer than ever. Last time she came here to see me, she asked for my help with her homework. It was about a week ago. She's diligent, and I'm sure she will be a great exorcist like the rest of her friends one day."

Homare observed how affectionate Lucifer was when he talked about Shizuka. He had that loving look in his eyes every time he remembered her. She saw him brushed his bangs when he stood up and put the already empty teacup on the nearby table.

She mused of Shizuka. Actually, there was another reason why she was cold towards her since she was a little. Shizuka possessed such an unusual look compared to her friends. She saw that Shizuka had a charm that she wasn't realized; at least not yet. With time, she was getting more beautiful, and seeing how things happened these couple of years, it seemed that Lucifer was attracted to her. Homare was envious. She hoped that just for this once, Lucifer would give his whole attention to her, not to some pitiful red hair gal.

What the hell?!, Homare was shocked at her own thoughts. She shouldn't have been thinking in such a negative way towards her. Shizuka had been very friendly to her despite her horrible behaviors. This wasn't a good way to pay for her kindness! She must be honest, she had grown to liked Lucifer, but it wasn't in her nature to be jealous over their closeness with each other. It was up to Lucifer when it came to someone he wanted to let himself close with, and how unfair of her to put limitations on both of them. She was disgusted at herself.

"Do you still have any plans for today, beside of visiting me?", Lucifer questioned her, snapped her out of her musings.

"Actually, there's a gathering in our mansion. I am still thinking whether on going or not. Besides, I'm still busy, especially helping you."

"You have every right to attending your family gathering. You don't have to pay your sole attention on me. Go home, Homare. Spend some time with them."

"I don't think I can do it", she replied quickly.

The King of Light raised one of his eyebrows. Not with her bad habits again. "Homare, let me ask you something. Do you still hate your family?"

"What is the meaning of your question? I don't hate them, at least not all of them."

He shook his head, "Homare, I can see it clearly, even from the tone of your voice. You still have that resentment over them. You have to let it go, otherwise, you would never find peace."

"You're one to talk. I remember that you hated your siblings, especially Mephisto. Besides, I have forgiven them. It's just that I'm busy."

"I understand that you are busy, but don't let your job be your obstacle in spending your time with your precious people", Lucifer advised her calmly. "I may hate Samael, but it was a long time ago. Since I received this mission, I decided to throw our differences aside, and now I'm relieved. I realized, also from my friendship with Shizuka, no one will be able to live a good life as long as we still keep our hatred."

Homare glanced at her phone as she continued to listen to him. Even after all this time, he still thought of Shizuka in everything he does. "You are getting similar to that red head. Maybe Iblis was right. She gives you big influence."

Lucifer smirked, "I think, maybe after being alone for so long, once you find someone finally able to understand you, they changed you into something better. Why? Are you jealous of her?"

"No way! Why do I have to be jealous of Shizuka? She's my best friend now, and I would not hate her", she quickly denied his question. "I need to go. There's something I need to attend to. I'll come back later."

His smirk widened when Homare left him alone in his room.

When Homare arrived in front of her family's mansion, Saburota have been waiting for her.

"Hey Homare. I thought you would not come", he said as he shook her hand.

"I have a change of mind. I think coming over here for once in a while is fine."

"You must be from Lucifer-sama's place, right? It seems that you are attracted to him. It's getting often for you to coming to his mansion", he joked.

"You better keep your mouth shut, unless you are asking for a fight. I don't think a duel in the middle of our gathering would be taken well."

Saburota laughed at her definite expression. She did like Lucifer, no matter how hard she tried to hide her feelings. "Okay, okay. I won't talk about it again. Let's get inside. Our family have been waiting."

"Alright, father."

Lucifer laughed when he knew from her message that Homare had arrived in front of her house. She was so easy to mess around with. But now he's wondering. Was she lied to him about her relation with Saburota? She had just called him father. Homare told him that Saburota was just her distant relative, but it seemed that he meant more than that to her. He would ask her about it later.

He glanced at the sight outside of his window. Shizuka, I miss you. What are you working on right now? Please come here. I want to see you, he wished.

In other place, Shizuka was in her classroom with her friends. They were celebrating the birthdays of Reina, Tatsumi, and Tatsuya. It was the end of their subjects for the day.

"Happy birthday, guys!", she laughed when she hugged her childhood best friends.

"Thanks everyone. We never thought you would throw a surprise party for the three of us", Reina felt grateful to them.

"The birthdays of you triplets are worth celebrating! Of course we would!", Godain shook their hands.

"By the way, this is the end of our class for this season. Summer vacation is almost here, right?" Rin questioned.

"Yeah. I'll return to Shimane for visiting my parents and younger sister", Izumo replied.

"Aww, that means I won't be able to see Izumo-chan until the end of holiday!", Renzou complained.

"Shut up, pink head!"

"How about you, Shizuka-chan? Do you plan to go somewhere else, to Greece maybe?", Renzou inquired.

"I think I'm just staying in town for now. But if any of you need a company for traveling, just call me!", she winked at him, which makes Renzou pinched both of her cheeks.

Actually, she almost couldn't stop herself from feeling stressed out since their lesson ended. She was tired and wanted some time alone, but she reconsidered it since they were in the middle of celebration. She didn't want to ruin the party. She remembered something. "Oh my goodness! I forgot that I should visit Lucifer. It has been more than a week since I last come to see him."

Suddenly all of her friends cheered on her. She blushed.

"Oh, so Shizuka-chan is finally having a boyfriend, isn't it?", Ryuji joked.

"What do you all mean?"

"Oh come on, Shizuka! How could you be so clueless? It's clear that Lucifer likes you so much", Tatsumi elbowed her while he smirked.

"Yeah, besides the King of Light is a handsome guy, despite being a demon", Tatsuya added.

"No, no way! There's no way Lucifer would be acting that way. We are close, but he's doesn't have time for those businesses. I'm busy myself, with the lessons and all!", she countered their jokes. She couldn't deny, inside her mind she started to be confused with her own feelings for Lucifer.

"But don't you see how he looked at you, especially at the summer party that time? He always stared at you, and he treated you special, Shizuka-chan. You must realized, those are few of the signs that a guy has a crush on you", Paku explained simply.

"I don't know, Paku. I think Lucifer wouldn't like a girl like me. I'm too peculiar."

"You're right. He's not going to like you", Suzuki suddenly barged rudely into their conversation, followed by her loyal underlings.

They were uncomfortable with the arrival of the annoying girl. Rin and their gang saw that even after all this time, she didn't learn her lessons especially after being pushed away by Shizuka.

"Well, well, look who we have here. The infamous witch, and her freakish friends", Suzuki taunted them.

"I see you haven't changed after being punished by Shizuka that time. You must glad that she didn't hurt you", Izumo defended Shizuka.

"Of course, I'm glad that I wasn't bruised that time. But now I see that she's getting weirder day by day."

Amaimon clenched his hands. "Shizuka isn't weird. She might be different, but it's in a good way. At least she has manners, unlike the spoiled girl like you."

Suzuki laughed in mocking at the King of Earth. "You talk like you don't realize your own appearance. Do I have to remind you that you look peculiar yourself? Besides, I'm not surprised that demons like you would be drawn to her. Both of you are odd! I'm sure Lucifer-sama has a taste for a beautiful and rich girl such as myself, not some pathetic, too-innocent, and defenseless girl like her."

Amaimon suddenly stood in front of her and grasped her arms tightly. Soon, she moaned in pain when her arms started bleeding.

"Amaimon, stop! This is not a good way to remind her about her misjudges", Shizuka shouted at him.

"No, Shizuka! Let me handle this. I had enough with this girl", Amaimon ignored her. "I think I must clear things here. There's no way our oldest brother would fall for you. In Gehenna, as the most influential demon, big brother Lucifer is very uninterested in spoiled and possessive women, no matter how beautiful they are. He didn't want to let himself close with women, so they could use him. He is looking for a woman who has manners and truly honest. I think, compared to you, he would rather choose a girl like Shizuka."

Suzuki only snorted at Amaimon, underestimated his words. The King of Earth growled and tightened his grip on her, as he scratched her wounded arm by dug his claws deeper into her skin.

Shizuka was confused. What was the meaning of Amaimon's words? "I think it's enough, Amaimon. Let her go. This is not my way to sort out problems. Besides, I don't want to waste my time here debating over nothing. I'm sure we all have important businesses of our own after school."

Amaimon stared at her for a moment until he released Suzuki. "I just want to remind you, Shizuka-chan, there's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself once in a while. All of us don't want to see you being terrorized again by your nightmares."

"I can promise you, Amaimon, those nightmares have disappeared."

"Are you sure about that?", Amaimon questioned again for making sure. She nodded.

Suzuki watched her left the classroom. "Yeah, go home, you freak! This is the reason why you are unfit to be an exorcist. You are too weak!"

"I'm not weak. I just chose to do things in peaceful ways first, rather than using violence. Besides, you know nothing about me and what I have been through", Shizuka spoke to her. Suzuki fell to her knees in fright by the time Suzuki glanced to her in a way that somehow made her look unexpectedly spooky. Her friends looked at the other in worry. "By the way, I hope you don't mind if I bring these cake pieces with me."

Shizuka walked out on her way home. When she arrived, her parents were having their lunch.

"Hello dear. How is school?", Simon asked his daughter.

"My day went fine, except for some bothersome queen bee in our class. But I can manage myself fine, dad."

"Do you have any plans after this, Shizuka-chan?", Keiko inquired as she offered her a plate filled with their menu for the afternoon.

"I think I will visit Lucifer after this. It has been a while since I see him and I want to know how is he doing."

She washed the dishes and changed her outfit before she went out to Lucifer's mansion again. But before she left, her parents stopped her.

"What is the matter, mom?"

"Shizuka, we saw you looked different this whole week. We heard you were talking in your sleep again last night. You don't have any problems at school, right?", Keiko inquired their daughter.

"I'm fine, mom. Don't worry about me", Shizuka wore her cheerful smile.

Both of her parents stared at each other. Keiko and Simon could see that something was wrong with her, but they couldn't know for sure. They decided to see what would happen next. "We just want to remind you, we are here to help if you need us."

She walked to the mansion. As she arrived, she was welcomed by Belial who ushered her to Lucifer's chamber. She was surprised to see Lucifer walked to her way when he saw her stood in front of the door of his room. He seemed to be limp without his crutch, but he's fine.

"Lucifer, you are able to move!", she looked at him in amazement.

He laughed. "Yes. Since last week, most of my strength has returned, so I'm going quite well, although I'm still unable to walk in a further distance. Even one of my legs still feel shaky if I don't using my crutch."

"But Lucifer, this is a great improvement! I should have known. You have been bedridden for two months straight. This is a miracle!", she hugged him, which Lucifer returned with pleasure. "By the way, I'm sorry that I'm not coming here last week. I was so busy."

"I can understand. I'm sure you must have interesting stuffs happened while you're at school."

"Yeah. Earlier, we were just arranged a surprise birthday party for the triplets. I have the video shared by our classmates", she told him while she showed him the video in her phone.

He laughed watching the video being played. She was definitely have a good time. He saw they were having the party in classroom. They were celebrating the birthdays with their teacher.

"You are doing good I see. How is your drama class turned out?"

"We went pretty good. Our teacher were surprised when we planned to play the drama, considering the theme, but she approved nevertheless."

Brief moment of silence lasted between both of them. Lucifer could see that she was about to say something, but she was too scared. She's fidgeting, and her body was shaking. "Shizuka, what is it? Are you alright?"

She took a deep breath. "Actually, not all the things I experienced last week was good. I hope you don't mind if I'm being honest. I'm having my nightmares again, and I came here looking for a friend to talk to."

He was unable to think of anything. All he knew, right that moment he embraced her as he saw her in the brink of tears. "Shizuka, how... how did it happened? I'm very sorry it happened to you again. I thought you told me that it had disappeared."

"I thought so too. I was fine this whole month, and suddenly a bully in my class brought the subject about us that time and taunted me again."

Lucifer's face turned grim. "Who did this to you, Shizuka? Just be honest. I can help you."

She saw him wiped the tears from her eyes, and continued, "I'm sure you remember the girl whom I pushed away when she was about to slap me during our mission in Mexico. Her name is Suzuki Ayakashi, and she's famous in our class, including in cram school. She had always known for being hateful to many people, including me. She despised me since we first met, and she has always taunted me for being a witch. Not to mention, she's jealous of seeing how close we are with each other. When she heard of you being wounded from your fight against Asmodeus, she blamed me for being the cause while she didn't know that I was one of the victims. She's deeply admiring you since she saw you that time visiting us, and she's obsessed to be your lover. When she saw me returned to school two weeks after the incident, her mocking continued. I have tried to ignore her and stick close to my friends, but she didn't stop bothering me. I'm tired of being depressed again and being terrorized by my nightmares."

He consoled the girl he had come to love, and it hurt his heart to see her in distress. "Shizuka, how if I come to see you once in a while? If I saw her, I'll demand her to stay away from you. That way, she doesn't have to bother you again. You can also report this to Samael, so he can help you. You have every right to defend yourself."

"But you are still rehabilitating yourself, and I don't want to put you in another mess. Is it okay?"

"Shizuka, no matter how terrible my condition is, I will always be there to help you. You are precious to me, and it would be a beautiful sight to see you being happy. You deserve it, after everything you have been through. Would you let me help you?", Lucifer asked her gently.

She recognized the similarity of his words of when she met him after he was awakened. Her heart beaten faster hearing his promise. His voice was calming and tender. She saw his eyes, and what she found in them was startling. They hold so much compassion. She realized that she found serenity just by sitting close to him.

He held her cheeks in his hands and put it closer to his face. "Shizuka, you don't have to face this on your own. Just like when you made your promise, I would also be always by your side. I will do everything in my power to help you. All you need to do is ask, and I will come. A young girl like you is so gorgeous when you smile. Can I see them now?"

She immediately laughed and hugged him tighter than before. She placed her head on her shoulder. "Thanks, Lucifer. I knew I can always count on you."

"It's nothing really. Now that's the smile I like", he pinched her nose playfully. "What if we do something fun? It's your choice."

"I hope you don't mind if we watch a movie. I'm pretty bored", she turned the TV on. "By the way, have you ever watching TV?"

"Usually I don't watch TV often. I don't trust most of the things I see there. Too many gossips and negativity exposed explicitly to the public. I only watch the news to keep myself updated, so I can understand the needs of humans I related with during my missions."

"I see. Then what about movies? Have you watched one of them, at least once?"

"Nope."

She was shocked to hear his reply. What the hell was wrong with him?! "I can't believe it. You have never watched a movie?"

He shook his head. "They're may be interesting to my siblings, but I don't watch any of them. I just don't find any of them intriguing. I would rather watch opera performances."

She facepalmed. "Then how do you have fun? I think I have to agree with Mephisto for this once. You are so old-fashioned!"

"And I'm not surprised at how people say about me", he muttered carelessly.

He observed her looking through the channels. After a while, she found a movie interesting enough for both of them.

"Hey, how about this one? Would you watch it with me?"

"Sure. I think there's nothing wrong with it."

The movie they were watching was a horror-romance. The character was involved in a relationship with the antagonistic vampire. Shizuka screamed in fear when she watched the suspense where the main girl character faced many ghosts, while Lucifer seemed to be indifferent. He thought that the movie wasn't scary at all, but rather quite funny. It was interesting knowing she was so open to his kind, while at the same time she was frightened of horror movies and stories. What caught him off guard, was when she held on to him so tightly during the scene.

He realized that Shizuka blushed during the next movie scene. He didn't understand what happened. "Shizuka, what's wrong? Your face is so red."

"Well, you see the scene", she pointed at him.

He raised one of his eyebrows as he spared another look at the TV. "It's just a kissing scene between a couple. What's wrong with it?"

"I-I don't watch this kind of movies often. It's not that I don't like the movie, but my parents are quite conservative when it comes to entertainment. I am not allowed to watch a movie if it contains some... suggestive contents, including kissing scenes."

Lucifer was dumbfounded until he realized the meaning of her explanations. No wonder she was so innocent. "Ah, I understand."

"By the way, you look indifferent. Have you already used with this or... have done this before?", she questioned in embarrassment.

He answered calmly, tried to not look affected by the meaning behind the question, "This might surprise you, but actually I have never experienced being kissed, let alone kiss a girl. I have seen this sight everywhere I go, but I am truly wondering why would you humans do this with your lovers. Not to mention, I am wondering how is it feels like."

Shizuka suddenly choked from the soda she drank and coughed. She stared at him in shock. This must be a lame joke. He was so handsome, he could get any girl he wanted! "You are kidding me."

"No, it's the truth. I take it that you have never been kissed before either?"

"Being kissed on which part, Lucifer? If being kissed on the cheek or forehead, that's already common for me."

"I mean... well, being kissed on the lips."

This time she spurted out her drink. "W-what? What is the meaning behind that question?!"

Lucifer remained stoic, but deep down he felt guilty for questioning the girl. There goes her face blushing red while sitting next to him. "What's wrong with just a little question? I know we are close friends, but that doesn't mean I know everything about you when we are not meeting each other. You could have keeping secrets from me."

"It's not what I meant, Lucifer! You questioned it out of the blue. Anyone who hears that would be shocked like me. And I don't like your distrustful nature. Please, can we change the subject?"

Now Lucifer noticed that she was getting uncomfortable. "I'm sorry. I am just curious. Like I said, I just want to know. Whether you want to answer it or not, it's entirely your choice."

Shizuka was surprised. Lucifer... he had never looked so dejected before. This must meant a lot for him, but for what? "Okay, I'll answer it. Well, you have never heard me having boyfriends before, so I think you know the answer." She immediately seen his face brighten a bit. "So you really have never done something like this before?"

"No. That's why I'm truly wondering of you humans. Even, I have never experienced what it feels like to be in love." At least, until I met you, he wanted to said the words, but never had the courage.

Shizuka felt a pang of guilt in her heart. He had never been in love? No wonder he asked so many questions. He must be lonely in his past. Lucifer have always known for being strong, but somehow those words made him sounded so fragile. She stared at him deeply in wonder.

"All my life, I only received hate and rejection. I only know grudge and vengeance. Love is a feeling that is almost completely unknown to me. We demons know about it, but only few of us experienced it. Every one of us who feel this are deems as weak."

She pitied him, and what surprised her, she even wanted to help him learn to know the feeling of being in love. "Lucifer, to love and being loved is one of our basic needs. I have never experienced it myself, but I'm open to every possibility on who would I fall with. It's not a weakness. It's what makes us human. One thing you must know, actually we can be strong when we are striving to protect the one we love."

I see. That explains my feelings for her, he contemplated. He wanted to say something, but quickly closed his mouth shut.

They stared at each other for a long moment. They were getting closer while the movie was running. They didn't pay attention to it anymore, but rather attracted to either of their presences. There was a sort of strange sensation pulled them together and it's stronger than before. But Shizuka realized that her phone was ringing before he managed to cupped her left cheek in his hand.

"What is it?", Lucifer questioned when she checked her phone.

"It's my parents. They asked me to get home immediately, since we will have dinner with our relatives that are coming here for vacation."

"Alright."

Lucifer watched her prepare herself to walk home. Before she left, he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Lucifer, what...", she questioned him, but he turned her towards him and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Be careful. Don't forget, I will come to visit you every so often."

"But I'm sure the Order will put you into work after hearing that your health have improved."

"Indeed, but that wouldn't stop me from keeping you safe by my side."

After she left, Lucifer huffed. He was tired. "Damn, I'm a such a coward. I failed again."

That evening, after the dinner and her visiting relatives returned to their hotel, she sat by the window and had a moonlight bath. She had always done this since she was a little, and it helped her release her stress.

She was unable to think of anything but Lucifer at the time. She was contemplating of how gentle and loving he was every time they were close with each other. The feeling of his warmth when he hugged her made her feel comfortable and calm.

"Shizuka-chan, what are you thinking right now?", Keiko looked at her.

"It's about Lucifer, mom. I can't stop thinking about him every day. Since I visited him when his condition improved two weeks ago I feel like he wanted to say that something, but he didn't dare to say it loud. At the same time, I feel so calm at how attentive he is to me."

"From the sound of it, I can sense that you are in love with him. Do you like him, Shizuka?"

"I'm not certain with my feelings. My friends told me that I'm look different when I was talking about him. He had done many things for me. Recently, I had my nightmares again, but oddly enough I feel at peace just by sitting close and spend my time with him. Mom, what do you think? All this sounds confusing to me."

"You have that same face when I met your father. I can't stop thinking about him too. Shizuka, if you feel comfortable with him, and you feel enough with what he offered you, that means you are in love. I'm fine if you are falling for him. It's clear that he is able to taking care of my daughter."

"All I want is a company, and I enjoyed every second of it when we are close to each other. I feel cherished", she finally confessed to her mother. So I'm in love? I never thought it would feel this peaceful. And I fall for a demon, Shizuka mused.

"Thank you mom. I feel better now."

Keiko kissed her forehead before Shizuka lied in her bed. She was surprised by her newfound feelings, but she was happy knowing that the King of Light was her first. Now she started wondering, with one question in her mind: did he feel the same for her?

A/N : Hi guys! This is my latest update for my chapter, and welcome to the first anniversary of my fanfic! I first started writing this story a year ago, and it has been a fun journey! I'm meeting many good people who are supportive of me to continue this story, and I'm glad to have them here with me. By the way, I would like to thank my beta readers, Rachel, Sara, and Evy, also to my biggest fan Robyn for being my greatest friends (Robyn, I hope you like your early Christmas and birthday present!). I would never be able to continue if not for you guys. Well, without further a due, please enjoy this chapter to your heart's content!