Kneel

Case 15

  "How was your adjustment back to work?"

  "Rather smooth, actually." I replied while leaning back on the couch. "Almost like I hadn't left, except Chloe and Lucifer were pretty happy to see me when I showed up."

  "That's good." Dr. Martin softly smiled. "And did you have any difficulties while working?"

  "Nothing out of the ordinary. There's even this really helpful forensics woman that recently joined the team. She's Christian, but not the 'you're going to Hell' kind of Christian. She's the more 'love thy neighbor' kind. It's both refreshing and comforting."

  "How so?"

  "I mean, come on. I'm genderfluid and not heterosexual. Christians aren't exactly known for being kind towards folks like me."

  "So she lets you be you?"

  "Yeah."

  "Do you think she could be a potential friend?" Linda quirked up a brow, and I chuckled.

  "Maybe. Speaking of which, it felt really good to get to laugh with Chloe and Lucifer again. Made me realize I missed them more than I thought."

  "That's wonderful to hear. Have you thought of maybe spending time with them outside of work?"

  "Does undercover work count?"

  "No." She softly laughed while shaking her head. "I mean genuinely hanging out. Just some friends having drinks, or watching a movie, whatever is comfortable to bond over." I couldn't help but imagine a sleepover with popcorn, snacks, and a movie binge.

  "I'm not sure." I scratched my brow. "I don't think we're quite at that point."

  "Why not?"

  "Well, I mean, I've had drinks with them separately before but we still discussed work. I'm not sure how that'd go as a group. Well, except for that one time I got drunk at Lucifer's...."

  "You got drunk at Lucifer's?"

  "Yeah, that also kind of happened. As I mentioned during our previous session, there have been times I've gone to Lucifer when I needed help. He's an ass, but he doesn't judge someone for getting blackout drunk."

  "Blackout drunk?" Dr. Martin's expression faltered for a second, and her tone sounded worried. "Misha, what happened?"

  "I....I was having a tough time emotionally, so I went to Lucifer's place, and since he wasn't there I kinda raided his alcohol collection. We talked some when he came home, don't remember most of it, then I passed out. Nothing bad happened except I broke a bottle and apparently stole his bed, so he had to sleep on the couch." I nervously laughed while rubbing the back of my neck. Linda's face softened, and she tilted her head.

  "Misha, you clearly more than relate to Lucifer." I scoffed. "No, hear me out." She raised her hand. "You intentionally seek him out for help. You have a mutual understanding over something that you don't share with Chloe. You feel safe with Lucifer."

  "I do not-" Dr. Martin raised her eyebrows at me. "Okay, maybe just a little-" Oh, her face as she looked me dead in the eye. "Oh, shit. I do."

  "If you can be comfortable around Lucifer when you're feeling low, why not also be around him when you're feeling okay? Chloe, too. I bet she doesn't just want to be all work with you."

  "How would I know?"

  "Ask them. It'll be hard at first, but you can't let your 'what-if' fears stop you. Do you let those interfere with your romantic life as well?"