The next day, Chloe had dropped Trixie off at school as usual before coming into work. So far, it was a normal day. Chloe crossed the bullpen, giving a wave of acknowledgement to Dan and then to Ella as she proceeded to her desk. She gently placed the few papers she was carrying onto her desk, then removed her jacket draping it over the back of her chair. Next she pulled said chair out, and plopped herself down into it. Her attention immediately turned to the computer. She wiggled the computer's mouse, bringing the piece of technology out of its slumber. That's when she noticed it. There, taped to the corner of her computer monitor was a folded piece of paper. It had "Chloe" scrawled across the front. Her head swiveled side to side as she inspected the desks around her. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and no one was watching her. With that she snatched the note with cat-like reflexes. Settling back into her desk chair with the note now in hand. Once again, she looked around hoping to maybe find the culprit watching her. Still nothing. Since her stint in acting in "Hot Tub High School" and the scandal surrounding the Palmetto case she had received notes before from her colleagues and, unfortunately, they were never good. So, one could understand her apprehension. Turning her attention to the piece of paper between her fingers she decided to read it. It was probably nothing new. In her 35 years on this Earth she pretty much had heard it all. Slowly, as though it were going to explode at any moment, she opened it. As she began to read, her face and posture changed. It went from one full of apprehension, to surprise, followed by calm, and happiness. It read:
"To my Dearest Detective,
I have wanted to do this for a while, but wasn't sure when the best time would be or how to go about it. Before I completely lost my nerve, I figured I should write you this note. It would be an honor if you would grant me the pleasure of your presence this evening for a candlelit dinner at the Italian restaurant, Bestia. I'll be at your door to pick you up at 7:00 pm. I hope that works for you? Anyway, Looking forward to seeing you then.
Hopefully yours,
~Lucifer"
As she read, a goofy grin coupled with a bright red blush gradually overtook her face. Her hand was over her heart. It felt like she was in high school again and had just gotten asked out by the most popular, handsome guy in school. Chloe really hoped no one was watching her because she definitely wouldn't hear the end of it. She couldn't believe it. Had he really been harboring feelings for her all this time? Well...of course he had been trying to climb into bed with her since they met. But no, this was different. He came across as so sweet, shy, and romantic in the note. How could she say no to that? Lately, he had seemed different. He was changing. He really was trying. She figured at least she would give him a chance. Even though, she wouldn't admit it, she too had been feeling something recently for him as well.
This was so exciting! What would she wear? She grimaced as she couldn't remember the last time she had gone shopping. There really wasn't much in her closet nice enough for a restaurant like that. She did have that go to dress she always wore whenever there was a funeral or wedding she had to attend. No, that wouldn't do, it lacked any pizzazz. She wanted to "wow" him. So, she needed something new. Then there also was the question of her under garments, that was, if, it got to that. Just like the boy scouts she always liked to be prepared for anything. He'd probably prefer something much more risque but figured she'd make a quick stop at Victoria's Secret. It was a step up for her from the granny panties she owned at least. Being sexy was not on her lists of priorities as of late.
It was almost 10:00 am, she had time. At noon was her lunch break. That would be plenty of time for her to run out and do some shopping. Then she'd return and finish up her work for the day. She got off at 5:00 pm, two hours was plenty of time to get ready...right? When it came to dating she certainly was rusty. The butterflies were dive bombing each other in her stomach were filled with doubt, anxiety, and excitement all rolled into one. She felt better having somewhat of a plan laid out. Taking a relaxing deep breath she turned her focus back to the actual work that still needed to get done in the next few hours before she went running about. As she was hard at work waiting for noon to roll around, she couldn't help occasionally picking-up the note and re-reading it. No matter how many times she read it she was just as touched as the first time.
Normally, Lucifer would saunter into the precinct at around 10:00 am. But this morning he had to settle a few things at LUX. With Maze now being a bounty hunter didn't leave her much time to tend to the tedious tasks at the club. It was frustrating trying to balance everything, how did Maze do it? He appreciated her a bit more for what she did and even though he wouldn't say it he missed his right hand demon assisting with running the club. There had been a mix up with the alcohol order that he needed to sort out. He wished he could find someone to replace Maze and fast! Though as the saying goes, good help was always hard to find. He couldn't trust LUX to just anyone of his beautiful, empty headed male and female human bimbos.
It was after 12:00 pm when Lucifer arrived at the precinct. He was glad to be there. It was a breath of fresh air from what he had to deal with this morning. He looked forward to seeing the Detective. She always managed to put a smile on his face among other things. He strolled over to the Detective's desk only to see that her chair was empty along with her personal belongings missing. Glancing up at the clock on the wall taking in the time, he nodded to himself as he figured she must be out to lunch. He snapped his fingers in disappointment. With that he dishearteningly flopped into his chair next to her desk. "Lucifer!" he heard his name being called. Wheeling around toward the direction of the voice. At first he was puzzled, but then grateful for the distraction. He saw that it was Ella who had been trying to get his attention. He smiled as he observed the bubbly lab tech gesturing for him to come over. With that he hopped up from his seat and strutted over to the lab.
"Move yer keister, mister!" Ella remarked as she shut the door behind the lanky club owner. "Finally! I've seen molasses move faster than you."
"What?" Lucifer curiously cocked his head at her remark looking a bit offended, "I was moving as fast as I could for my half-brother's sake."
"You would think with those long legs of yours you'd move faster." She said gesturing to his legs. He furrowed his brows at her comment. "Nevermind!" she exclaimed with a wave, attempting to defuse the situation.
"Well, then, what's the emergency? Hmm?" Lucifer inquired dusting himself off.
Ella leaned forward, raising her hand to the side of her mouth, her eyebrows lowered as she whispered, "It's a secret." When she stepped back she nodded and bit her lip slyly.
Lucifer perked up at the Lab Tech's new information, "Ooh! Do tell! Is it about the Douche?" Smirking as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"No, no. Nothing like that" she waved her hands at him before continuing, "Chloe's gone to lunch. But before she left she gave me this and told me to give it to you when I saw you." Ella enthusiastically reached into the pocket of her gray hoodie and whipped out the folded note as she extended her arm trying to hand it to Lucifer. "But you gotta keep it on the DL no one can know about it." His gaze landed on her hand holding the piece of paper. He was very confused but he finally caught on reaching out to take it from her. Thoroughly inspecting it before turning it back over. He noticed that his name was written on the front. Before he could open it, Ella thought it best to correct her previous statement, "But...but me! You can tell me of course." Her hands were intertwined behind her as she leaned slightly forward shooting him a wink.
He still was very perplexed by what Ella was trying to get at. He figured the answer to his questions lay in the piece of paper he now held.
"Go on! Open it." Ella motioned at him to hurry up. He sure was moving slow today. Well...maybe more for her liking he was moving too slow.
He unfolded the piece of paper and started to read it, to Ella's dismay, silently:
"Dear Lucifer,
There's been something eating away at me for some time. Not entirely sure how to explain it I figured it was best to get it down on paper. As much as I try to ignore it, the feelings I have just won't go away. Before it gets any worse I decided it was probably best I tried something new. Even though I may seem at times uninterested, I must admit that you've managed to get under my skin. So, I was wondering if you would be available for dinner tonight? I was thinking of going to that popular Italian place Bestia. If you're interested, please meet me at my house at 7:00 pm. And, yes, we may take your car.
See you then!
~Chloe"
What was this? Was the Detective asking him out to dinner? Was this a date? His heart skipped a beat as he re-read the message to make sure he didn't misinterpret it. And...she had feelings for him? His heart was jumping for joy, he felt as though it would leap right out of his chest. The sensation was overwhelming. He was light as a feather, he just might float away. Hunching over his hands clutching onto his knees making sure he was still planted firmly on the linoleum beneath his feet. Taking a moment or two to gather his thoughts and calm his breathing once more. He sprang up as he realized time was ticking away he had to get moving!
"Well...what did it sa-" Ella began.
Lucifer, flustered, interrupted her as he folded the piece of paper, shoved it into his suit jacket pocket searching for the door, and wrenched it open, "I-I….I'll see you around Ella!"
"Where are yo-" she attempted to ask the now frantic club owner.
As he made his exit, he called back to her in a extremely cheery voice, "Thank you Ella. Tata!"
The lab now empty. Ella stood alone in front of the lab bench stunned. "Great." Ella slammed her arms down to her sides shaking her head.
Lucifer had bolted out of Ella's office and was already running up the precinct stairs, then the door to the parking lot. He jumped into the Corvette, started up the engine, and sped off. There was so much to do, so much to plan. Wait. What was expected of him? What was he supposed to do for a date? He knew all about humans when it came to their desires, especially their carnal ones, but a date? That was all new to him. But where could he get information? He had observed some things from movies. But he needed a bit more than that and STAT! He wouldn't ask the Douche. Even though he managed to woo the Detective originally he ultimately screwed up and lost her. His loss which Lucifer was extremely thankful for. Maze and Amenadiel wouldn't be of any help either. And where was he even going?! He didn't have a clue. Too caught up in his thoughts as he drove around aimlessly. Not too long after an idea came to him. A toothy grin, rivaling that of the Cheshire Cat, was plastered on his face as he made an illegal U-turn, the vehicle obeying as it wheeled around heading in the opposite direction. For once, he was glad the Detective hadn't been in his car to ridicule him about his reckless driving.
Without hesitation Lucifer turned down the hallway and as he reached his destination he flung the door open, "Doctor?" he called out as he leaned inside.
There Dr. Linda Martin was seated, behind her desk, eating what appeared to be a chicken Cesar salad. Prior to the intrusion she had taken a forkful of the roughage and was now in the process of chewing it, trying her best not to choke on it, rendering her mute. Not expecting anyone, before she was rudely interrupted, now with her mouth full of food she was unable to protest. It was the good Doctor's lunch break. She had had the discussion about using her lunch break as an opportunity for free therapy with Maze in the past. But not with Lucifer, though he at least was a paying customer.
Lucifer checked to see if there was someone sitting on the couch before he proceeded, "Ah! good! You're not with a client." He gave a single clap of his hands at the revelation.
"Please. Sit." Linda offered sarcastically, her mouth now empty and wind pipe clear, as she gestured for Lucifer to take a seat on the couch.
"Thank you Doctor." with her invitation Lucifer lowered himself down on the black leather couch, crossing his right leg across his left, folding his hands in his lap.
"We don't have an appointment scheduled for today." Linda began.
"Yes, well I have a pressing matter that needs to be attended to." Lucifer informed her.
"It must be for you to barge in during my lunch break." Linda still a bit miffed about being interrupted. She figured since it was her lunch after all she would continue to eat as they talked. All the while Lucifer was oblivious to her annoyance.
"Absolutely! It's an emergency!" Lucifer exclaimed.
"Is it about your Mother?" Linda, with a hint of fear in her tone, inquired.
Lucifer reassured her, "No, no. Nothing like that. It's about the Detective."
"Is she alright?" Linda asked concerned.
"She's fine. Mostly." He began, "You see...she's asked me out on a date."
"Lucifer! That's wonderful!" His therapist exclaimed.
Lucifer had a smile on his face and his cheeks were rosy as he spoke, "Yes, I must admit that I myself am quite giddy about that fact as well actually. Surprised, for sure, but very pleased."
Linda sensing that there must be something else behind it asked, "But…?"
Lucifer took a breath before he explained his dilemma, "Well...my problem is...is that...I've never been on a date before."
"Oh." the Doctor said as she was unable to hide her astonishment at the new knowledge.
The Devil leaned forward in his seat, fixing his shirt, and looking at his hands as he spoke, "I want it to be perfect. So, I need some advice and I didn't know who else I should talk to."
Linda asked, "You said she invited you out?"
"Yes, that's correct." Lucifer confirmed.
"So, the major details must be already handled, no?" Making sure she had the facts straight while assisting to relieve her patient's anxiety.
"Yeah, I presume so. I'm supposed to arrive at her house by 7:00 this evening and take her to Bestia."
"Oooh! Good choice! I highly recommend the Grilled Whole Branzino." Linda took another bite of her salad, though after mentioning the Branzino it wasn't nearly as satisfying as it had been when she first started eating it.
"Yes, so I hear. I had been looking forward to trying this place. Works out for me."
"What else do you need to know?" Linda asked, not entirely sure of what issue remained.
Lucifer looked up at the Doctor as he asked the questions that had been swirling around his brain ever since he left the police station, "Well...what actually goes into a date? Am I supposed to bring anything in particular? How does one act? Am I supposed to do anything special?"
She tried her best to tackle all of his questions, "You can bring something. It usually is thoughtful if you bring her maybe some flowers, chocolates, wine, or a little gift."
Lucifer listened intently as Linda spoke. "Okay, that's not too difficult. I can do that."
Linda continued, "I would recommend that you just be yourself Lucifer. After all Chloe must like you enough to have asked you out to dinner."
"Be myself. How can you go wrong with this, am I right?" he smirked as he gestured to his body.
"Yes...well..." Linda cleared her throat as she shook the oh so pleasurable memories from her mind returning to his questions, "As for what happens, the first date is all about trying to get to know one another. Even though you both have a past together. It's about knowing your partner even better. You can ask questions about different interests, hobbies, favorite movies, food...you see where I'm going with this?"
"Right. Learn about the other person. Got it." As Linda answered his pressing questions, he literally made a mental note of everything she'd said. Another question popped into his head, "And what about sex? You have sex after the date, yes?"
"No, no. If this person is someone special to you, as it appears to be with the Detective..." Linda began her explanation.
"Yes, of course." Lucifer nodded to further emphasize the point.
"...then usually it's encouraged you wait until after the first date to have sex."
"Oh...well..." That wasn't at all the answer he was expecting. These humans and their rules. No wonder they were so uptight. Refusing to give into their desires, letting lose, and having fun. He figured if you liked each other, why wait? But...with Chloe it was different. He wanted to do what was right by her. Everything needed to be perfect. She deserved only the best. And that is what he would, try, to give her. "When would you recommend we have sex?" Lucifer asked.
"After the fifth date? But it's truly up to the couple. Both parties need to be consenting. Some people need time and like to take it slow. From what I've observed the Detective might be one of those people."
"Ah. I've already been waiting for 1 year, 6 months, and 5 days. What's another couple weeks, right?" Lucifer shrugged and chuckled. Though, since the "Stewardess Interruptus" incident a few weeks prior and seeing how it effected the Detective he had, for the first time in his very long existence, become celibate for her. Yet, every time he tried to divulge that information to her she either wouldn't listen or she wouldn't believe him.
"Any other questions?" Linda asked taking Lucifer out of his thoughts.
"No, I think that's it for now actually." He glanced down at his phone, "Well! Would you look at the time! I have errands to run and I need to get ready before the main event." He slapped his thighs as he lifted himself up off of the couch, "Thank you Doctor you've been a huge help as always!"
Smiling Linda said, "Let me know how it goes!"
"Will do." he gave her a little salute and a smile as he made his way out the door.
With that Lucifer scampered out of her office he had a spring in his step. Linda had put him at ease. He now knew what he needed to do. This dating thing would be easy, he was the Lord of Hell after all. He was off to buy his Detective a little something, then back to his penthouse to shower, and get dressed for the big date.
