Laughing at me would have been the worst response. Istredd's feelings were already very delicate and he would have been humiliated by it, whether Lucifer was trying to be cruel or not. But that time I told you I'd keep you warm? Definitely the first time I tried to openly flirt with you. So when Lucifer brought it up the other day and they were in bed together moments later, it was very amusing to Istredd. At the time it seemed to go over Lucifer's head though.

He isn't the one who cares really about people seeing them, to be honest. Istredd's entire view gets taken up by Lucifer and he craves it, turning toward him as if they are in a private situation entirely. He does manage not to touch him more, but looking into his eyes this closely, it's their minds touching. He is as pleased with their emotional honesty as their intimate hand-holding.

Our friendship was the most important thing I had, something that was only mine. So it would have been everything to him to keep it, despite making it awkward. It is why he kept it to himself so long though. Why damage something already so beautiful? Why take any chance with them?

But in the pit I kept wondering what was the point of living through it if I was never going to ask for what I wanted. It is painfully sincere and sentimental, he knows that, but it is the truth, and they are trying to tell that to each other. Nearly dying is not a new way that people are forced to think about their future. But I really didn't think you'd possibly agree until the moment you kissed me.