It was fun. Moreover, it was a surprise to be harassed playfully by another angel, let alone one with such a terrifying reputation. That's the part Balthazar will always remember best, that mischievous grin and the delight Lucifer seemed to take in Balthazar's reactions.

Balthazar puts his fingers gently over Lucifer's lips. "You'll heal, and you'll meet others who actually are worth your time, and I will be right here every step of the way."

He settles into Lucifer's arms again, quiet for a moment as he talks. It sounds as though no Enochian circle or magical trap was used, and that's a relief, but he's increasingly confused as to how this dynamic between Lucifer and Dorian came about. "I need to know as much as you're willing to tell me, love. I know it's a hard thing to talk about, and I don't want to...upset you, but..."

But he needs this to make some kind of sense in his head, to decide how to go forward.