InsaneJournal

They had mere days before the arrival at the nebula, and Lucifer had watched Shepherd Book waiver back and forth on what he wanted to do since before they knew there was a possibility they could stay. But now they knew, and while Lucifer wouldn't attempt to actually force a decision on Book as he was steadfastly against that, he wanted to know what the other man actually wanted.

And fortunately for him, he was in an unique position to find out.

So when Book entered, Lucifer grinned at the preacher. "Hello, Padre!" he greeted cheerfully.

Book couldn't help but smile as Lucifer greeted him as he took a seat at the bar. He felt an obligation to go back to his world, even knowing what awaited him. He was at peace with his death. But there was a part of him that was tempted by Lucifer's offer. He couldn't believe he was considering running off with the devil. But perhaps it was another chance… a chance to do good in a new place.

"Surprise me," he said as he motioned for Lucifer to pour him a drink. "As long as it's virgin."

Of course. A virgin drink for the preacher. Lucifer made it carefully, layering the drink so as to properly show it off. "We'll call this a virgin Risa Sunset," he said. "Unlikely as that is."

He slid the drink over, almost admiring his work. He'd never tended bar back at Lux, only pouring drinks for himself and on the rare occasion someone else. Like Maze. Here, that had changed and he found he didn't mind it nearly as much as he probably should have.

"So," he asked. "What is it you desire, Padre?"

He wasn't demanding an answer, wasn't forcing it. Not yet. Not unless the other man decided to look right at him, at least. But for now Book was examining the drink and Lucifer was giving him a chance to respond of his own volition.

Book examined the drink with interest. It was gorgeous and he was fairly sure it was incredibly decadent despite not containing alcohol. Lucifer's question drew him away from his admiration of the drink and his eyes flicked up to meet the devil's, overcome with unrestrained honesty.

"I… I just want to help people… for as long as I can…"
Bloody hell. He was as good as he seemed. "Well, that's predictably boring, Padre. But you can't help people when you're dead."

"I'm sorry to disappoint? I'm afraid my exciting life is all in my past," he admitted. Lucifer had a point, Book had to admit that. He wasn't afraid of death, he'd come to accept it. Welcome it almost. There was a part of him that was tired of living. "Don't you ever get tired of it?" he asked.

That was a question, wasn't it? "Not yet," Lucifer replied, honestly. "I haven't been free, for lack of a better word, for all that long. I plan to enjoy that as long as I can."

Freedom. Now that was a concept. Book was haunted by his past and he knew it. He took a sip of the Risan sunrise and made an appreciative noise. "You've outdone yourself with this…"

Another sip and he licked his lips, savoring the taste. "I suppose that's why I'm okay with going back. There's freedom in death."

The noise Book made caught Lucifer by surprise, and he almost laughed at the other man. Instead the only amusement he showed was in his eyes. The preacher's statement instantly sobered him.

"You only say that because you haven't died. I have. It's probably not quite the freedom you're looking for." His words were sharp, but he remembered dying. It wasn't pleasant.

"And staying here gives you freedom?" Book asked, genuinely curious as he took another sip.

"I'm outside my father's influence as far as I can tell," Lucifer replied. That in and of itself was every reason he needed to stay. And he had gone home, he knew he was still there, somehow. It may not have made sense, but Lucifer wasn't going to let himself get bogged down with the details.

"So yes."

Book stirred his drink, causing the colors to muddle slightly. "It'd be nice to have a fresh start." He wasn't sure if he could get that here, but it would be nice not to be haunted by his past. Here no one would know of his past. Here there was no alliance. Perhaps Lucifer had the right idea.

"Look, just because you've made peace with dying doesn't mean you need to die right away," Lucifer offered. "Make peace with your life before you die." It would make things far more pleasant for him afterward.

The last sentence made Book look up and study the devil for a moment. There was still so much about him he didn't know, so much that Lucifer hadn't shared. He had told Kaylee that is was the journey that mattered, not the destination. Perhaps this was just part of his journey. He couldn't help Mal if he went home, but maybe he could still help Lucifer by being his friend.

"Alright."

All set to protest, Lucifer's jaw dropped slightly when instead of an excuse not to stay, Book simply agreed. It wasn't often that the devil was stunned into silence, but somehow, this preacher had won Lucifer over and become his friend despite the odds. And now he was choosing to stay behind with him.

He didn't even know how to respond to that, so instead Lucifer just flashed Book a smile that was dangerously genuine, and nodded.

"Good then, that's settled."

"Cheers, then," Book said raising his glass to clink it against Lucifer. "Of course, you realize if I'm going to cook, I expect you to clean."

Lucifer met Book's glass with his own, shaking his head. At least Book was saving him from feeling too sentimental about the decision. For now, at least.