AI Aurora had just flopped onto the couch, fresh from the shower, when the knock at the door made her jump. Who the hell could that be at this hour? She pulled on a robe and peered through the peephole. Her heart did a startled flip.
Lucien stood in the hallway, the dim light glinting off his slicked-back platinum hair and tailored suit. From this angle, she couldn't tell if he was smiling or smirking. He lifted a hand in greeting.
Rory took a deep breath and opened the door. "Lucien? What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice level. It had been months since they last spoke. She'd decided she needed space...and time to process everything that had happened between them.
His heterochromatic gazeran over her, from the damp hair plastered to her shoulders to her bare feet. "It's good to see you again, Rory," he murmured. "May I come in? I could use somewhere to crash tonight. My usual haunts don't, shall we say, appreciate my current company." He shook his head wryly and lifted a hand to show where black feathers of a raven were clamped to his shoulder.
Rory eyed the bird uneasily. In her short time apart from Lucien, she'd tried to distance herself from anything related to the supernatural world. But she couldn't just turn him away. "Of course," she sighed. "Come on in. The bird too."
She led him into the small flat, throwing a glance over her shoulder. "Sorry about the, ah, clutter," she said ruefully . In her weeks living out of a backpack while crashing on Eva's couch, Rory hadn't managed to unpack much. A thick layer of grime and dust coated every surface, including the piles of books stacked everywhere, and her dirty clothes were scattered across the floor. But at least the place was relatively tidy, thanks to a surprisingly cognizant house spider living in the bathroom.
Lucien made a visible effort not to wrinkle his nose in distaste at the squalor. He shrugged off his overcoat and folded himself onto the couch, stroking the raven. A flush spread across Rory's cheeks as she realized he still wore his suit.
"I suppose I can dust off a sheet for you for tonight," she muttered, not looking at him. "The flat's pretty small so sorry...no space for a cot." She busied herself clearing an armful of brittle old scrolls from the lumpy mattress leaning against the far wall. "I haven't found a decent second-hand one yet," she admitted. She bit the inside of her cheek. Her laugh came out strained. "But then again, it's amazing anything at this place isn't second-hand."
Rory risked a glance at Lucien. He was frowning down at a dusty floorboard, tapping his fingertips against his knee. The raven, at least, seemed content , inspecting the room with a gleaming black eye that reminded Rory uncannily of Lucien's amber one.
An uncomfortable silence descended. Rory tugged at the sash of her robe. She really wished she'd put on clothes before answering the door. Lucien's stony silence was making her edgy. She shoved her hands into the pockets of the bathrobe and perched on the edge of the ottoman. "So," she began. "What brings you to my side of London? Don't you usually avoid this neighborhood to keep up your, ah, image?" She looked him over and shook her head. "No offense. I just never figured you for an East-Ender like me."
Lucien flashed a quicksilver grin, then studied her intently, his heterochromatic eyes glinting . "Why, sweet Rory, you think I can't fit in with the local East-Enders?" He made a show of surveying the cramped room, his gaze drifting from the worn carpet to the cracked ceiling.
Rory let out a chuckle. "To be honest, you look like a bloke who'd be murdered in his posh suit walking through Brick Lane at night." She bit back the rest of the comment about the assorted jack-the-lads who haunted those streets.
When Lucien's lips quirked in response, Rory sucked in a deep breath. Despite their complicated history, she couldn't help the instant rush of desire , slow-burning and hot, that ignited when he got that glint in his eye. She pressed her lips together and looked down at the frayed knees of her robe, because even though months had passed, she couldn't quite rein her reaction back in .
Lucien slumped against the back of the sofa, eyeing her with mounting curiosity. "And you, Rory Carter, look like a women who could give as good as she gets." His smile took on a wicked cast. "I'd bet good money you wouldn't be murdered in Brick Lane at night. Not unless you wanted to be, anyway."
Rory barked out a laugh. She shifted closer to him, shaking her head. "Seriously, tons of women walk through Brick Lane every night. We're not immortal or invincible, you know . Not like..." She trailed off, remembering what she'd seen him do.
For once, Lucien seemed to sense that she didn't want to talk about their world-shifting experiences. He signaled for her to continue.
"Anyway, I may look like I'm prepared to drop-kick the first bloke who tries to threaten me." She glanced down at her bare feet, laughing. "But I'm still not looking for a fight."
Lucien raised a challenging brow."Is that why you stopped speaking to me? Because you wanted to avoid a fight?"
heating flooded Rory's cheeks. "That's the opposite of
"Is that why you stopped speaking to me? Because you wanted to avoid a fight?"
Pressing her lips together, Rory tried to school her features and keep her expression neutral. But an uncontrollable blush flooded her cheeks. "That's the opposite..."
He arched a brow, but she couldn't quite read his face if he was questioning her, or if he was intrigued by her response . "Opposite of what you wanted, Rory?"
She looked down, picking at a loose thread on her robe. "I think that's pretty obvious. Ignoring the elephant in the room." She swallowed, pushing her lips together again before looking back up at him with a forced smile. "I don't think I want to get into this right now."
"Alright," he nodded, unconvinced but dropping the topic . "I was wondering though -- were you ever planning to come back to that old bar of yours?"
She blinked up at him, her jaw falling open slightly . "Uh, what?"
"I mean, were you planning on returning one day? I know you didn't mention anything..."
Rory stared down at the stained carpet, running a palm over the back of her neck as she opened and closed her mouth, searching for a way to rephrase her answer into a euphemism. She had thought the same thing when I first moved to London - that the nightlife called her name. But she'd lost interest in partying and having flings with strangers.
It was because of him.
She couldn't admit that. "Yeah, I Was the drinks waitress back when we, uh, met actually." She huffed out a wry chuckle. "Never made it beyond waitress, though."
"Hey, I'm not surprised," he said. "But what I was actually asking, we ended on completely wrong note, didn't we?" He paused, looking pained and still trying to seem effortlessly handsome. "How about dinner? You've probably been hearing this from every restaurant for miles around with your line of work, but dinner? I insist."
She smiled shyly . "You know me. Food before friends. I'd love that."
He nodded curtly, his eyes flashing back into a glimpse of that cocky glint . "Alright, dinner then. I'll see that you get somewhere nice." His gaze drifted over her form again -- the robe, his mouth quirking, then past to the other room that contained the tiny kitchen that she used solely for coffee.
"I wasn't prepared, or else I would have insisted we go somewhere nicer. I didn't realize you were going to want to dress up for it." She looked over herself ruefully. "I mean, if you go back to your place we can get changed there, but I'm pretty much down to just this, your suit plus some other random clothes..."
"And look at your face. It's not exactly a night-out look , is it?" He inclined his head toward the mirror over the sideboard in the other room, willing her to catch a glimpse of the way she looked as she teetered on the sofa beside him, wearing her fuzzy bathrobe and clung to her damp hair, her face a shade too pink, her eyes too wide, and the pout on her lips up just a bit too high.
Sans makeup and out of her typical sweats she was still gorgeous to him, but
he didn't dare say that. Instead he shrugged and turned toward the street. "Alright, Ill wait for you outside by the door though. Think you can give me a few minutes to find something to wear myself?"
"If you can get dressed quickly and find something decent to wear that you keep in this place then yes, you are welcome." He ran his hand over the front of his suit duster, doing an admirable job of not smiling. "And I'm not exactly in shorts and a t-shirt. But if you want to get dressed up, we can go out. I'll find us a good place."
Open the front door and walk out into the street, still warmth from your house lingering on your clothes. The outside night breeze hits you, but it feels nice and refreshing after the dry heat emanating from your basement. You look around the street, wondering where exactly in town your blast door will lift you to. You hear noises from down the street, but no one outside from buildings. You walk down Brick Lane, passing by restaurants. All owners also wearing armor and weapons. A new world order.
Just as you spot a more posh place on the corner, Rory peers up from her phone with a guilty flush. "Wait, sorry, I didn't realize I fell face-first into your emails," he jokes. "If you need a minute, we can grab a hot cup of coffee while we wait. You look brilliant being sleep deprived." His gaze travels over her, but not really focusing on her, seeing something else.
"Yeah, it was my forensics email, I was dealing with the last case but got bogged down by...this." She waves her phone around to call it quitting, smirks, and shrugs. "I've been ignoring it for a while now because of other things coming up, like, the city being attacked by demons." She's trying to not let on about her mixed feelings over him showing up, but it does .
Walking down the busy street, Rory takes a sip of her coffee and acts casual. "I figured, might as well enjoy the last bit of peace and beauty Brick Lane has to offer."
Recalling the attack on the murder room, he sips his coffee and watches Rory looking around, noticing her speculating eyes, her heightened awareness.
"I remember you went to work that day, your DNA sample didn't match anything on CODIS. No priors or warrants," he offers, and she smiles at the dig.
"These things aren't out of the ordinary for me. Have you seen the halls where the murder cases hang?" She pauses, noticing that he's looking around, sipping his coffee and standing still. She sidesteps, walking towards one of the alleys in the area, trying to hear if someone is there. When she comes back, she pauses, noticing him sipping his coffee again.
"Maybe I should start taking my pack." The last time she's been here, a demon goddess almost murdered her and the Frenchman she was with. She's not going to let it happen again.
He smiles appreciatively at Rory's response, sipping his coffee as they walk. "I had a feeling you'd say that. I thought the same thing when I realized I'd left my briefcase at home for the office today and had to come back to get it."
In the street, Rory enjoys the cool breeze blowing her hair, the crisp very dark five AM dark air. Thankfully there's no wind and she doesn't have to worry about the demon goddess shading her eyes from the street. Her phone pings and she sees the forensics email pop up. She ignores it for the time being, wanting to wait until they're in the restaurant before reluctantly continuing it.
From here, eventually you both arrive at a posh restaurant just off Brick Lane. The same black feathers of a raven are attached to the shoulder of a raven-haired demon. This new world is now one that all supernaturals are in hiding — because only the magic will survive.
"Okay, I'll see you at the table in one minute," Rory nods and walks quickly from the street to the restaurant, not wanting to linger in her favorite place any longer. A sense of unease washes over her the instant she enters the fancy restaurant on Brick Lane. Something feels very off and wrong.
The dim lights cast long shadows over the velvet -curtained booths and the elite clientele that fill the seats. Yet the atmosphere isn't celebratory, but rather tense.
Rory picks a quiet booth by itself in the back while waiting on her date. She glances around subtly at the other patrons. An older couple dressed elegantly, both looking taut and empty-eyed. At another table, two women dining alone, both giving off the air of vacanticians.
It's way too deathly quiet, the only sound is the scraping of utensils against ceramic plates and the hushed murmur of conversation. Rory scans the menu, anything to not pay attention to the palpable tension that fills the room.
Lucien arrives after a few moments, a steaming mug of coffee dangling from his fingers. He slides opposite Rory, flashing a quick grin that looks predatory in the dim lighting. Rory tries to bury her nose in the menu without making it obvious she's nervous.
The menu holder was sticky, and theustenance oddly flavorless. After a few minutes though, Rory begins to get frightened - the menu item names were all in Latin! Strange marks and symbols under the headings.
She picks at her food, not really wanting to consume anything touching those dishes and drink that she cannot really identify On the other side, she notices Lucien mechanically chewing his food. His eyes darting around erratically.
Lucien's hand slides across the white table cloth and squeezes Rory's hand under the table over to comfort her as she looks around The restaurant had about 20 or so patrons, and Rory eyes a group of 4 men, all in dark suits talking amicably in an unholy quiet. And one woman at a private booth looked far too empty and ancient.
Rory glances around again. Half of the patrons looked like they would gnaw her arm off if she stood up and approached their tables. Perhaps the rest looked like they would make an awkward joke.
The tension grew into suffocating silence save for the intermittent sound of forks scraping porcelain . Rory just wanted to leave but cancelling this dinner would make it weird.
Just then, the waiter arrives and slides another plate in front of Rory. Rory looks down at it suspiciously and sees 3 cubes of gelatinous red 'meat' floating in a creamy black liquid sauce. What fresh 'hell' is this?
Two more plates appear for Lucien one with skewered legs of long dead sentient walking butcher meat sizzling like burnt bacon, the other plate had this mass of wriggling tentacles and translucent membrane.
Lucien looks up at her with eyes that glimmered unnaturally amber and black as if savoring a rare delicacy . Anatter startles Rory into the present, when she or he looks again at their table, and they realize exactly what's right in front of them and it's ruining their appetite.
Lucien's phone buzzes and rattles against the glass table, the screen glowing unsettlingly grey. Rory catches a glimpse of the demons. His phone stops vibrating indicating his companion has left the table.
Rory glances up at Lucien through her lashes and forces a smile, "All right, tell me about what possessed you to go on a demon summoning camping trip the last time you were in the UK." She leans back into her chair, fidgeting with the checkered napkin in her lap, glancing around uneasily and wonders if he is also shit-scared.
Lucien rubs his chin and sips his scotch. "I was reading up on some
black magic techniques thatFrida had hinted about, and I wanted to see if
there were any parallels inVictorian-era demon summoning rituals.
Oddly enough, I stumbled upon this hidden local tavern that seemed to be
popular amongst the London occult crowd. Apparently, there was a secret
room in the back that housed an ancient summoning circle from the 1700s..."
Trying to ignore the unsettling atmosphere and give the meal a chance, Rory and Lucien ease into a conversation, acting like a normal date. Trying to ignore any signs of unease, they press on with a normal date, having no other choice but to let the night pass. The tension between them only seemed to grow, but under the tension there is still an alluring connection that nobody, not even the demons, could ignore.
Still, it couldn't ward off all the demons lurking in the dining area. They step into the bathroom for privacy and Lon and Rory ends up kissing each other lustfully in a needy, demanding kiss. Something that has been pent up for far too long. She excuses herself to get a breath of fresh air.
When she returns, Rory finds Lucien gone and she gets incredibly worried and fearful that something awful could've transpired given the uncanny atmosphere.
Deciding to take the safety glum approach, Rory sprints through the empty streets after taking a packed knapsack of conventional weapons and "food supplies". Having no locating beacon , she uses her heart. After wandering down a few alleys and backing street, Rory spots three black-clad figures with eerily glowing blue symbols on the bricks behind them, cloaked as warehouses. The street is completely desolate of any other souls.
Worrying this could be some sort of cult trapsite, Rory decides to shut off her mind and bug out as she sprints towards the lurking figures with more fear than ice.
Rory silently steps forward and addresses the cloaked figures in an even, assessing voice. "Alright, sport. You gentlemen are breaking domain protocol. Need of this scenario is private, so shove off and find another sandbox for your games." She produces the black sword seemingly from thin air.
The figures step closer, composed, voice coolly echoing in a seemingly electronic reveal, "I'm afraid you're in waaaaay over your head, sweet thing. This isn't your little neighborhood nook it used to be. And it certainly isn't an amount for friendly neighborhood banter."
Rory cracks her neck, holding her ground. Then the figure speaks again, "You clearly don't understand something - your little boyfriend is now an absoLUTE mess and besides ---what would that be in the eyes of others? Why run around with the idea that's ancient and wrong? Why not just disappear into the night, with your friends and family like you want them to?"
All of the sudden, she strives to speak. "People
don't just disappear. Not into the supernatural world. What have you seen
that defies the norm, that others wouldn't understand?"
"You're really not getting it, are you? Your misconceptions could be the leap forward that this world was waiting for - or the end. You
don't know what kind of hands you're dealing with. Not everyone is your
average, run of the mill family or what you've heard. It can even be
a blessing, an enlightenment into a life of forgiveness that you've
never known."
She shakes her head, leading with frustration, "I know I've got a real bad taste in my mouth right now, especially with that deathly red ivory shade of yours. But I've seen and dealt with all kinds of power, this kind no different. Heed my words well, if you're going to flaunt yourself around this city, you better have a pretty good reception of the cover you're trying to conceal and the consequences that come with it."
"I have no intention whatsoever to become the thorn of my family's side, or break domain law on your little playground, sweet thing. I'm articulating this for matters that need attention and brought to an audience without the first person narrative. This world is so much bigger than my own - we urge you to stop what you're doing."
"And now for a deeper issue. I'm getting tired of this timeline beginning to search around you and try as you might in whatever safe bubbles and planes your staying in. It'll still be you back in the future. In 1865, you were not there and I have a feeling it'll greatly concern your future."
"So, I would hate to have lengthy discussions on this matter - so I urge you to take these matters seriously."
The figures step back as Rory CADs something with a flick of her hand and the air around them glows an iridescent blue light.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a prior engagement to get to. You know , those things where one goes on a date?" Rory steps back into the shadows, fading into the darkness of the night and disappearing completely from view.
The first figure smiles broadly, trying to keep the same galivanting air of mystery and energy but it gets increasingly hard to hold that facade . He takes a few more steps forward before shaking his head and heading down the alleyway.
Lucien pauses halfway down the street, listening intently at the parking lot where Rory's car is parked. He turns back around, glancing briefly at the cracked concrete, examining it with a keen eye as if searching for something .
"Hey there... I'm afraid we couldn't find you! Tell me, have you heard about this supernatural world and what went on with everything?" comienzos optimistically.
Lucien shakes his head immediately. "I don't like mysterious, offbeat tales - and frankly, I'm not really keen on the idea of having more mystery surrounding me. What are you trying to pull with this? I'm not some magic-curious child, eager to get converted to your religion. No offense intended on that last part..."
After a moment's hesitation, I nod slowly as if it's taking me a moment to process her words. I run my hand through my hair and sigh heavily, my face a mixture of fatigue and frustration. "I know this is all new and confusing. I can barely wrap my head around it. And before all this, I would have never believed that this could even be possible."
"So, what happens next?" I ask with a slight shake of the head, wanting to specify that I'm not just speaking in the literal sense, but now the supernatural sense .
The man's eyes alight with unmistakable excitement, tossing his arms out. "Want to know what's on the other side? Imagine hopping into a portal, stepping into pure bliss without any concerns or worries. A plane so much beyond our own, that the only things we could imagine would be the new level of pure elegance and fun that would deem this place as the next watering hole..."
Lucien stares at the man for a long moment, pleased that he managed to find a way to flaunt his cool exterior back onto his face. The corners of his eyes are creased from the intensity of his gaze, pondering.
"Forgive me for asking, but do you believe in this? You know , for a definitive separation between your kind and my kind. Because I don't understand the need to have those clear boundaries, when the only thing I see is unrestricted creativity and adaptation."
The man glances back once more, his eyes only darkened briefly. He chuckles, shaking his head. "There's no reason to fear that framework - all we need to do is break down the barrier. You can welcome more as you know , join the bandwagon into the movement to integrate, it's the only way to truly stay ahead of things and stay afloat in this world's shifting planes and climates. The only way to truly weather through strongholds is to integrate."
Lucien shrugs casually. "Look, I'm not really in the market to be an ambassador of change. And the only thing I'm really interested in right now is not talking about change." He smiles easily. "But if I were to help you see daylight, I don't even need to say that your world is not mine and vice versa. If you don't want it to be."
The man glares at him, frustration evident on his face. "That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid - the isolation! You're not trying to keep up with this world that I'm trying to show you. You still associate with the humans, the humans with you. So, what's the point of going through all this trouble to start with, then? Forgetான் I actually thought this was going to be easier."
Lucien persuaded me to have an earnest talk with him about my derelict intentions, those of which could involve a lot of bad publicity if it was found out he was already a demonInformant and a very capable one. "I'm not trying to keep my past from you, although I wasn't trying to have it as a secret - I simply don't think it's important. I understand that my past had changed the way I look at things, but it doesn't define me. As much as you say you're an open-minded person, part of my true identity is based on a balance, not change for the sake of change. If you want to be an ambassador for change then you should remember that - and you'ца house right now."
"I respect your privacy." He pointed to the box glistening with runes - I saw symbols I didn't recognize. What I didn't know , I tended to avoid - who was I to judge. "Please, have your demons to show me more. They will take you to a place from where nobody can stop you. A place where you can find all the answers you seek. Then, if at that point, you even consider them as a part of your life, you will understand who we are and the truth of our existence. You will see them in a different light, and know that they are not man-eaters or monsters. They are seekers of truth and knowledge, as we are."
Lucien shrugged without much thought, his heterochromatic eyes glimmering with undeniable curiosity - too bad they're hidden behind dark shades. "You know , I think I've been on this earth long enough to know that there is no absolute truth. The only real truth is the truth we make for ourselves. And...I like to think that I'm making my own truth - and that will be the truth that sets me free, regardless of whether they agree or not. So, I appreciate you trying to open my eyes to another way of living and seeing, but...I think I'll continue to make my own lie. It's not a bad thing, but that's how I feel , and that's what I'll do."
The man released a breath he didn't even realize he was holding . For a moment, it seemed like frustration was about to overtake him again, but he reined it in quickly . "I understand. I don't agree, but I respect your self-assurance. Just don't forget, the ones who don't learn from the past are destined to repeat it. And given the situation, not everyone will be happy with that truth. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, but I feel I should leave now - lest I lead you down a path you may regret taking."
The first figure, Alliyah, steps out of the shadows, her flaming red hair catching the light. She flashes a radiant smile, startling the man in front of her.
"Well, hello there, handsome. Things getting a bit heated between you and your companion?" She smirks playfully , winking at Rory.
Lucien laughs, running a hand through her long hair. "Always the voice of reason, aren't you?"
"I try. Trust me, I've been where you are, struggling to find my place in this world. But sometimes, you just have to trust your gut instincts and forge your own path." Her eyes crinkle with amusement.
Lucien smiles, but there's a hint of sadness in his eyes. "That's just it, Alliyah. My gut instincts are telling me to run away from all this - from the demons, from the supernatural world. I'm not sure I can handle it all."
Alliyah places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know it's scary, but remember, you're not alone. You have people like me, Rory, and even Frida to help guide you. Just take it one step at a time, and you'll be fine."
Lucien takes a deep breath and nods, trying to muster up some courage. "You're right. I'll try my best to keep an open mind and take things as they come."
Alliyah grins. "That's the spirit! Now, how about we get out of here and head back to the bar? I'm sure Frida's Miss Kitty could use some lovin'."
Lucien chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. "Lead the way, fiery one."
Life continued for Rory and Lucien after that night, but it was never quite the same again. The encounter with the supernatural had changed them both in ways they couldn't quite understand . Rory found herself increasingly drawn to the occult, poring over ancient texts and conducting experiments in the hopes of harnessing magic. Lucien, on the other hand, became more reserved, haunted by the memories of his encounter with the demons.
Despite the changes, they remained close, bound by the shared secrets they carried and the love they had for each other. They continued their covert work, stopping demons and occultists whenever they could. But as time passed, they both knew that they would eventually have to make a choice - to embrace the magic that had changed their lives forever, or to turn their backs on it and walk away.
For now, though, they did their best to carry on as normal, holding onto the fragile threads of their relationship and hoping against hope that the supernatural world would not take everything from them in the end. Rory continued her work as a coroner, using her skills to find clues that others might miss. Lucien continued to run the bar, using it as a front for his more clandestine activities. And together, they waited for the day when all would be revealed - and all would be lost.
There's a missed call waiting and you groan in frustration. You answer and sure enough it was Rory. "Are you trying to fucking kill me? I nearly just had an anxiety attack when I realised you weren't in your bed this morning and I woke up without you there. Do you know , how the fuck I've been up all night searching the whole city looking for you."
Lucien can only sigh when Rory barks out orders from the other end of the call. "Rory, I know you're scared for my safety and confused, but you have to understand. So, I'll come back to the apartment tonight and explain everything to you."
When Lucien arrives, he finds Rory waiting for him at the apartment. He comes over, grabbing Rory and pressing her against the wall, giving her an intense stare. Rory frowned and pushed him off. "Listen, this isn't how we do things. I'm confused, anxious, and I need you to talk to me like an equal. I'm trying to process everything, and it's going to hurt me if we don't speak like adults."
He nods and shrugs passively as he takes a seat opposite her. "Look, ...
Lucien arrived in the apartment to find Rory sitting on the couch and reading a book. Rory glanced up from her reading and smiled when she saw him. "Lucien, are you okay?"
Lucien nodded and sat down beside Rory. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just got lost in my own thoughts." Rory nodded and went back to reading her book. Lucien pulled out his phone and started scrolling through his social media. He didn't want to start a conversation with Rory, not when he was still trying to process what had happened.
Lucien sunk back into the couch, closing his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Rory was still reading her book, not paying him any attention. He opened his eyes and looked over at her.
"I'm sorry for scaring you earlier. I didn't mean to make you worry about me," he said softly .
Rory looked up from her book and smiled at him. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean for it to happen. I just... I'm scared, Lucien. For you and for me. I don't know what we're getting into, and I don't want to lose you."
Lucien reached out and took Rory's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know . I'm scared too. But we'll figure this out together, okay? We'll take it one day at a time and see where it leads us."
Rory nodded, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. "Okay," she whispered.
Lucien pulled her into his arms, and they sat there for a while, just holding each other and letting the tears flow. It was going to be a tough road ahead, but they would face it together. For now, that was enough.
Rory rested her head on Lucien's chest, listening to the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his body seep into her own. For the first time since she'd woken up that morning , she felt a sense of calm wash over her.
Lucien stroked her hair gently , pressing soft kisses to the top of her head. "I'm sorry I scared you," he whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you like that."
Rory sighed, snuggling closer to him. "I know . I was just so worried when I couldn't find you. I thought... I don't know what I thought. But I knew something was wrong."
Lucien tightened his embrace, holding her close. "I promise, I'll always come back to you. No matter what happens, I 'll always find my way back to you."
Rory let out a soft laugh, lifting her head to look at him. "Charmingly dramatic, as always," she said with a smile.
Lucien returned her smile, his heterochromatic eyes sparkling in the light from the window. "Only for you, cherie," he murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips.
They stayed like that for a long while, lost in each other's embrace and the quiet comfort of the apartment. Outside, the city continued to hum with its own mysterious energy, but for now, they were content to simply be together, putting aside the secrets and demons that lurked just beyond the door.
After a long pause, Rory glanced up at Lucien and asked, "What is it? What's on your mind?"
Lucien was still for a minute longer before he spoke. "I've been thinking about the other day. About what happened with those figures. What are they, and why are they coming to find you? What do you know about them?"
"All I know is that theyaint normal, okay? I've never seen anything like them before."
"I don't know what they are, but I know we need to be careful with them. I have a bad feeling about this, Lucien. I don't want you getting involved with them."
"I don't know if I can just stand by and let them come after me and do nothing. But I don't want you to get hurt either," RPC said, shaking her head.
Lucien squeezed her hands, trying to comfort her. "I'll be careful. I promise. I won't let them hurt you. We'll figure this out together, okay?"
"I don't think we have a choice."
Rory was feeling overwhelmed with the turn of events in her life. She had always been a self-assured individual, determined in her way and intentions. Still, having Lucien back in her life after months was throwing her off balance. It should have been thrilling to have him return, exasperatingly quick-witted, enticingly sexy as ever. But the magnetism between them seemed to only attract friction at the moment.
She tentatively raked her fingers through his hair, pulling him close and then pushing him away. "Don't look at me like you know everything. You have no idea what's going on with me." Rory's tone was sharp, defensive.
"I heard enough of this gobbledegook to decipher our predicament. I know you're reeling from the shock, I'm feeling it too, but this isn't like me. Occasionally talking about your feelings and what's on your mind doesn't make you a conduit to an open portal. I don't want to be housing demons or going on a demon sightseeing tour."
Rory shook her head vehemently, her fringe falling across her face. "I don't get it, Lucifer. Not at all. Something very confusing has happened to you, or maybe I should say something's rocking for you. You have my sympathy but this is not something I can make sense of right now. It freaks me out more."
The two people were quieter than before. As Rory returned to the apartment, there was no doubt more to be said about how she was still unsure of what was going on, especially with a new demon presence cropping up.
But what could she really say?
Lucien tried to push him away slightly , holding Rory's hands behind his back. "I know , I know . I'm just trying to understand. To help."
She found herself in his arms, his scent filling her up, so familiar , and she closed her eyes.
"We can't continue this way, living in fear," she whispered. "You'll drive yourself mad, and I..."
Lucien held her tighter, his forehead pressed into the top of her head. "I know . I know it's impossible. But we'll figure it out. We have to."
They'll face the demons together.
But for now, all they could do was hold each other, lost in thought, wishing the world away.
Lucien brought Rory back to his apartment. She let him drive her home, feeling strangely numb and distant from everything.
They parked in front of a high-rise building in the heart of London. Rory peered out at the bustling street below, watching as people hurried by, completely unaware of what had transpired.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Lucien remarked dryly, turning off the ignition.
Rory glanced over at him, still reacting as if in a daze. "I don't even know where I am," she confessed.
"Believe it or not, this is where you live. You've been staying here for a while." He gestured to the apartment complex .
Rory stared up at the building and shook her head. "I don't understand anything, Lucien. I don't remember any of this."
"You've been through a lot, Rory. Just try to relax and take it easy. Everything is going to be okay." He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Rory nodded and climbed out of the car, slamming the door shut behind her. She followed Lucien to the apartment building, watching as he held the door open for her. The building was eerily quiet, not a soul in sight as they took the elevator up to the top floor.
"Here we are," Lucien announced, opening his apartment door. Rory stepped inside, her eyes widening at the opulent decor.
"This is your place?" she asked in amazement. "It's-"
"Rory, what are you doing?" Lucien interrupted, his brow furrowed in concern. "You're a bit out of it, right? You should rest, try and relax. Do you want me to make some tea or something? Come sit down, you could use it after having your first brush with the supernatural."
Rory laughed drily. "First brush with the supernatural? More like first brush with demons. Evil demons that want to kill me."
Lucien held up his hands placatingly. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're not wrong, but, hey, we're still waiting to hear from Frida about what exactly happened back there. Until then, why don't you kick back for a bit? You've been through quite the ordeal tonight."
Rory nodded, sinking onto the couch. "I suppose I could use a moment to process all of this," she admitted with a sigh. "But I still can't believe that just happened to me. To us."
Lucien sat down beside her, resting a comforting hand on her knee. "Believe it or not, I know exactly how you feel . But we're in this together now, Rory. You don't have to face this alone."
Rory leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. "I know . I just...don't understand. Why us, Lucien? Why did this happen to us? What did we do to deserve this?"
Lucien was silent for a moment, searching for the right words. "I don't know ," he finally confessed. "But I do know that we'll get through this together. No matter what happens, we'll face it side by side."
Rory let out a humorless laugh. "Side by side, huh? Well, I suppose that's better than facing it alone."
Lucien chuckled softly , rubbing Rory's back. "That's the spirit. Now, what do you say we get you into some warm, comfortable clothes and some tea? You look like you could use a bit of pampering after tonight."
Rory lifted her head to meet Lucien's gaze, a small smile playing at her lips. "Actually, that sounds perfect right about now."
As they settled into the comfortable sofa, Rory felt her body relax. She was no longer tense with anxiety, but instead she felt safe and secure next to the man she trusted and adored. She knew he was still keeping secrets - she could feel it in the way he hesitated when answering questions - but she also knew he must have a plan. Knowing Lucien, he always did.
"Now, tell me about you," Rory asked, curling up to face him. "What's been going on with you? I feel like I haven't really gotten to know you these past months."
Lucien shrugged, "Nothing much. Just been working a lot. Trying to keep my mind busy." He paused, then added softly , "I miss you, though. I miss our talks, our laughter, our...intimacy."
Rory felt her heart clench at his words. She missed him too, more than she cared to admit. Not just physically, but emotionally as well . She had grown used to sharing everything with him, and the distance between them these past months had been unbearable.
Despite their complicated past, they'd shared something special, something that transcended the supernatural. And now, with this new threat looming over them, Rory knew she needed him more than ever.
She leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. "I miss you too, Lucien. I miss us."
Lucien cupped her face, his heterochromatic eyes boring into hers. "I know . And we'll get back to that, I promise you. Right now, though, we need to focus on staying alive."
Rory nodded, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had hoped that they could pick up where they left off, but the events of the night had changed everything.
She sig't heavily, resting her head on Lucien's shoulder. "I know . I just... I don't want to lose you again, Lucien. I can't go through that again."
Lucien wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "You won't lose me, Rory. I promise you that. I'm here for you, no matter what happens."
Rory closed her eyes, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She knew that he meant it, and that gave her some small measure of comfort.
But as they sat there in the quiet of the apartment, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off. That Lucien was still hiding something from her.
And until she found out what that was, she knew that she could never truly let her guard down. No matter how much she trusted him.
"You know what really gets me, Ereign, is that...) she began.
Lucien interrupted, stroking her hair softly . "Shh, don't think about it now. Let's just take this one step at a time."
"Lucien, I don't understand why all this had to happen to me," Rory said with a sigh. "Why did that demon have to come after me? Why did this have to happen at all?"
Lucien was quiet for a moment, and Rory sensed that he was carefully considering his response. "I don't know why this had to happen to you, Rory. I don't know why any of this had to happen at all. But I do know that we have to trust that there's a reason for everything."
Rory nodded slowly , but she wasn't entirely convinced. "I'm just so shaken up right now," she confessed. "I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down. And I don't know what to believe anymore."
Lucian reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know , Rory. I know this is all a lot to take in. But I promise you, we will get through this together. We will figure this out, one step at a time."
Rory managed a small smile at his words. "Together, huh? I like the sound of that."
Lucien returned her smile, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Together," he confirmed. "No matter what happens, I will always be here for you. I will always protect you."
Rory felt a wave of emotion threaten to overwhelm her at his words. She knew that he meant it, that he would always be there for her, no matter what.
But even so, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. What challenges they would face, and how they would overcome them.
All she knew was that she loved him, and that she would never stop fighting for him. For them.
No matter what the supernatural world threw their way.
She wanted to tell him, but the words got caught in her throat. Instead, she simply lifted her head and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Lucien responded immediately, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. Rory melted into him, losing herself in the feeling of his body against hers.
For a moment, everything else faded away. The demons, the supernatural world, the mystery of their entwined pasts. There was only Rory and Lucien, and the love that they shared.
But all too soon, reality came crashing back in. Rory pulled away, resting her forehead against Lucien's.
"I love you, Lucien," she whispered. "I know I don't say it enough, but I do. I love you so much."
"I love you too, Rory," Lucien replied, his voice rough with emotion . "More than anything. And I promise you, we will get through this together. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you."
Rory nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over her at his words. For now, that was enough. She knew that they would face whatever came their way together, and that was all that mattered.
With a soft sigh, Rory rested her head on Lucien's shoulder, letting the steady beat of his heart lull her into a state of peaceful exhaustion.
Whatever the future held, they would face it together. And that was all that mattered.
Rory's eyes fluttered closed as she snuggled up to Lucien on her bed. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe, content. But as she started to drift off, a thought tugged at her consciousness. She sat up suddenly , startling Lucien.
"What is it, Rory?" He asked, propping himself up on his elbow.
"I just realized..." she paused, trying to put her thoughts into words . "All of this, with the demons, with the other realms...it's not just affecting us. It's affecting everyone we know ."
"Oh, of course. You're right," Lucien replied, sitting up fully now. "We need to warn everyone. We need to tell them what's happening, before it's too late."
Rory nodded, a determined look settling over her face. "I know this is going to sound crazy, but I have an idea. I think we need to hold a meeting. With Frida, Eva, Silas, everyone we trust. We need to pooled our resources and knowledge, and work together to find a way to stop this."
Lucien was silent for a moment, considering her words. Then he nodded slowly . "I think you're right. We can't do this alone. We need help."
Rory let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I'll start making the arrangements. I'll contact everyone, set up a time and place that we can all meet."
"Be careful, Rory," Lucien warned, cupping her face in his hands. "We don't know what kind of danger we're dealing with here. But I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you."
Rory leaned into his touch, pressing a soft kiss to his palm. "I know you won't. You've always protected me, Lucien. And I know you always will."
Lucien's expression softened, and he pulled Rory into his arms, holding her close. "Together, Rory," he whispered. "We'll face this together. No matter what happens."
Rory nodded, letting her eyes drift closed as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. She knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together. And that was all that mattered.