Chapter Text
So, about that morning...
You opened and closed your mouth once, then twice. You swallowed thickly.
“What..?” The question trailed off into the ether.
Across from you sat Lucifer, brow furrowed and eyes screwed shut, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, looking very much like he’d rather sink into the floor than continue this conversation.
“I’m aware how uncomfortable this situation may be,” He said, feeling a migraine brewing behind his eyes, “But your cooperation is necessary. We can’t risk any unknown quantities around you, right now.”
Unknown quantities. How tactful. You laughed despite yourself. Lucifer’s head shot up in response, face a mix of equal parts frustration and concern.
“It’s for your own protection,” He said, sympathetic but no less firm.
To your credit, your compliance was never really in question. Lucifer was certain you very well understood the dangers of being around others in your current state. Though he would never admit such a thing, this lecture was almost as much for himself as it was for you.
Your face was flushed, eyes wide, expression inscrutable. You stared into your lap at your upturned hands, closing and unclosing them.
“Can I… Can I at least go about the house like normal?” You asked.
Good question, Lucifer thought, hoping you hadn’t caught the briefest flash of a frown cross his features.
On one hand, confining you to your room would definitely lower morale; not just with you, but sending a ripple effect throughout the household. Besides, what sort of message would that send to you about your safety in their company?
On the other hand, breakfast had nearly turned into an all-out war.
Lucifer stood and sighed, moving to make his exit, “Just… try to keep your wandering to a minimum. Please.”
You nodded eagerly, thankful for the leniency. Then, you were alone.
You smell different. Something in the way Beel had looked at you made you suddenly acutely aware of how small you were.
The memory sent a cold rush through you. You grabbed a pillow, holding it against yourself for comfort. Even though you hadn’t done anything wrong, you felt exposed. Could you even bring yourself to face them after this morning?
Your phone buzzed on the nightstand beside you. Your finger hesitated over the screen.
The memory of Asmo’s laughter echoed in your skull, “Oh, you poor thing!”
You felt your stomach drop. Today felt like an exercise in humiliation.
The brawl in the dining room replayed in your mind.
You tapped the message notification.
Satan: I’ll take notes for the classes you miss.
Oh, well, that wasn’t so bad, actually. You tapped out a quick “Thank you!” in reply, feeling a little silly for getting yourself so worked up. These were your friends.
How was anyone supposed to know that going off your birth control would change your scent so dramatically? Sure, demons had heightened senses, but something so minor as a hormonal shift? That you were ovulating?
You fell back on your bed and covered your face with your hands. It was a small comfort when you felt like you couldn’t hide.
You could all be mature about this, right?