Chaos In The Flesh

Chapter 32 (part 3)

Philotes: Archer (Taylor Swift)

Lucifer, in his ever pressed black suit, blood red satin undershirt and black dress shoes, stood at his balcony, overlooking the L.A.

"I'm assuming you've done your research?" He asked over his shoulder to Philotes, who stood at the entrance of his elevator. Not Anasi, just Philotes. Anasi was her mortal form who didn't even belong to her. Here, she was Philotes.

Combat, I'm ready for combat–

"I have," She whispered, waving her hand. Across his floor and all around any possible open surface, books, papers and all kinds of random notes plastered to show random quotes or pictures.

He turned to face the mess and grimaced. "You certainly have been busy these last few weeks."

Philotes nodded halfheartedly. "Yeah..."

I say I don't want that, but what if I do?

Lucifer carefully threaded over her notes and made his way to the bar. Pouring two glasses of red wine, he grabbed one for himself and handed the other one to her. When she raised an eyebrow, he rolled his eyes.

"You're not a child, I need a drinking buddy and you look like you could use it more than me." He said as he made his way to the couch.

Philotes took a sip as he removed several books from the coffee table and set them on the floor. Shifting some of the notebooks from the couch onto the floor as well, he grunted as he sat down. He randomly chose a stack of papyrus papers and began reading. Philotes remained standing where she was.

'Cause cruelty wins in the movies–

Looking over at her, he waved her over. "Well? I can't go through all this myself!"

"I literally found all the information myself and have read at least each book twice to make sure the information was solid."

"Yes, yes, yes. But I still feel lonely, so at least sit and talk with me as I struggle with my history lessons."

I've got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you...

Philotes remained standing.

Lucifer sighed and put the papers to the side. "What is it now?"

Philotes tapped her nails on the stem of the wine glass, wondering what to say. She didn't want to say that she was tired or scared or annoyed or burned out or freaking out or or or–

"I haven't been able to sleep the past few nights," She whispered instead.

Easy they come, easy they go–

"I've forgotten my siblings' power and influence in this world," She continued. "I knew they were prominent in this world, but after so much research and time reading about what they have been doing these past few centuries... I can't help but feel small."

Lucifer's eyes softened as she slowly lowered herself onto a stack of papers on the floor. She held her wine glass against her forehead as she continued, "I mean, I've seen their work from the past. I knew about it down in Tartarus. But it's so different living amongst the people compared to just hearing about it."

I jump from the train, I ride off alone, I never grew up, it's getting so old–

"I want to have hope and think about these heroes, the ones I've been working with... I want to think that they can win," Philotes looked up at Lucifer. While her eyes were dry, Lucifer could see the pain in them. She may not have had tears to cry, but she still had the pain to make them.