Paradox

Chapter 13: Sympathy

Lucifer was still on the bed when Linda came back with breakfast. The only thing that had changed was that he now held a cup of coffee in his hand. His shirt was still unbuttoned; he appeared dazed. He was slumped down in an almost defeated stance.

She decided right at that moment to not pursue the session. He was overwhelmed and needed to process the events of the last night.

"Luce, I've been thinking about it while I was waiting for the order, we covered a lot of ground last night and it's time to stop and take a break. I need to get some things done this weekend as I'm sure you do,"

The effect on him was instantaneous; his shoulders straightened, and a light came back into his eyes. She realized how draining the session had been for him, which was why he had reacted so defensively earlier.

She sat beside him. "I'm sorry - if I made you feel pressured this morning."

He didn't answer verbally instead he leaned over and kissed her cheek in gratitude. Then he focused on the bag she was carrying. "Mmm, this smells heavenly."

She giggled at his choice of words. "That's better than smelling hellish."

He snorted. "It would be burnt to a crisp if that were the case."

She had brought smoked wild salmon and eggs with toast, garnished with tomatoes. It was her favorite meal from the little French diner on the corner of her office building.

She felt relieved to have lessened the burden on him as he dug into the meal with relish. She realized he likely hadn't eaten anything with all that had happened the day prior.

"If you need to see me before our next appointment -- please know you can call me anytime. I'll always make room for you."

"Thank you, doctor, but I'm fine now." He smiled at her.

She raised an eyebrow.

He looked sheepish. "I know I know a river in Africa."

After breakfast, he hugged her and left.

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Chloe was a bit frantic. She had called the penthouse early Saturday morning and Maze had filled her in on what had happened with Lucifer and his brother and how he had stormed off. Maze had told her not worry bout him; he spent many nights away usually in someone's bed and she suspected where he was again. Chloe tried again to find out why the three of them had been so upset but Maze was not forthcoming.

Lucifer was a playboy, she had known that from the start so hopefully Maze was right and he was okay. She wondered what had happened to make Lucifer lose control like that. His relationship with his brother seemed fractious at best but deep down she believed they cared about each other beyond all the posturing.

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Lucifer went straight up to the penthouse without stopping at Lux. No one was there he noted with some relief as he poured himself a drink.

He sat down at the bar swirling the liquid in the glass.

He heard the elevator open. "I thought I heard you come up." Maze said.

He didn't answer.

She came to sit beside him. "Are you all right?'

Surprised he turned towards her. She looked worried. He took another drink. "Where's Amenadiel?"