16274/While You Were Volunteering...

While You Were Volunteering...
Date of Scene:	16 May 2024
Location:	Lucifer's Penthouse, Melville
Synopsis:	Nick makes an appearance at the Penthouse. Sinister and Lucifer catch him up on recent events - and then settle in for tea and company.
Cast of Characters:	Lucifer, Sinister, Phantasm (Drago)

---

Lucifer has posed:
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor.... Which Lucifer doesn't have. Neighbors that is. He made sure of that when he won the building in a bet so he could make the Penthouse above Lux and have everything be just his. And on this wonderful, beautiful sunshiney afternoon...the windows that can be opened are. The balcony door is wide open too. Lucifer is letting in fresh air and any outside noises that can rise up to where the Penthouse rests.

Who are we kidding. This is New York, if you can't hear it from up here, there's something wrong with your hearing. Or the city itself.

Never the less, Sring has sprung and gone are the harsh battles between Winter's Frost and Spring's Glow ... instead it's all sunshine and roses at the moment. With Lucifer lounging on the L-shaped couch, reading one of his older books, whiskey hovering close by and a cigarette between his lips.

Sinister has posed:
Like one of those ultra elite rich in San Trope, Sinister emerges from the penthouse with dark, DARK sunglasses on, his hair merely down to his collar and oh-so-slightly movie-star wavey, sporting a white shirt undone to the collarbone, black slacks and flipflops upon feet. He has tea, he has a plate with croissants, cheese slices and fruit on it and he has one of those looks that is bespoke. Bespoke of what? Fashion, it does all look labelled. But it also is bespeaking of the vibe of a hangover, or rather the need for almost absolute quiet.

It's been a few days, after all, but the grey is gone from the sky, the sun is out. Vitamin D is important, even if you can manufacture it at any time, the sun is the sun is the sun. The lizard brain likes to bask.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
It may not have been an immediate thing. But after a few days of losing himself in service to others, chatting with friends, and possibly making a certain studio owner aware of a new bakery, the wayward so-

grand-

-cousin? Can we go with cousin?

well- NICK finds himself once again entering through doors of the Lux.

Nick is no mind reader. But he is a celebrity with his own issues. The sun blinding him is one he can at least take care of with the presence of sunglasses. Which- are taken off and just clipped to the collar of his shirt once he steps inside.

Why does it feel like he forgot something?

...

Well if it's any consolation he's not trying to hide this time. As the familiar sense of a mental song plays...

    'I've been away a little while,
    sometimes I just can't help myself.
    When my mind's runnin' wild,
    I seem to lose my grip on reality.
    And I try to disregard the crazy things the voices tell me to do,
    but it's no use...'

Well, guess that's close enough to a phone call.

Lucifer has posed:
Yes. The sun is shining brightly, and maybe not the best thing for someone who's love is more in darkness and shadow. Lucifer does smile a little when Nathaniel comes and joins him - dark sunglasses on and all. He sits up a bit while Nathaniel settles himself. "Little surprised you came out here...I figured you'd hiss at the sun and crawl back into bed." He says this, a bit teasing, a bit of truth in that. "Are you feeling any better?" Asking that sincerely before his ears perk and he looks towards the elevator.

It's not that he knows what's in Nick's head. He doesn't. He's not telepathic. But someone just entering the club will have people informing Lucifer in their own way that they're there. Of course, Nick is a known person, so no one tries to stop him or anything...but they still let Lucifer know that they have a visitor.

He won't mention anything, mostly because if he knows then surely Nathaniel knows. But he does look over to Nathaniel once more. "Do you want me to shut out some of the sun, love?"

Sinister has posed:
"Well, if I lurked in the dark much more, I'd be one of those albino cave amphibians by tea time and that wouldn't be a good look on anyone," Nathaniel murmurs that, with a wrinkle of the nose and a wan, but wry smile. There's also an off-hand chuckle, glancing cock-headed up at the sky. "Now picturing your weirdness with the dimmer switch on the sun in the what-if scenario..." he shakes his head. "I'm good, I think. Just... still a little too quiet in here, it's making everything seem all the..."

...he follows the gaze to the elevator "...louder." -- he rarely looks trepidous, or afraid of anything, but there's a twinge on his features that might be categorized under the broad umbrella of 'hesitant'.

After a brief little rub of one hand across forehead and temple, he gives a thin-lipped smile in response. "I should be fine. I could do with the brain floss, but all I have is an echo chamber at the moment."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
If Sinister wanted less quiet. Nick's oncoming presence seems to promise relief from it. Or it could be a little less relaxing...

    'I tried to own it,
    write songs about it.
    Believe me, I've tried, in the end,
    I needed to breathe.
    Find inspiration,
    some kind of purpose.
    To take a second to face the shit that makes me meeeeee....'

FUCK.

He forgot to call.



The elevator doors part open, allowing for the dressed down musician to gain entrance. However, his departure is a little delayed as the volume dial of the mental song is turned back, still playing but the lyrics not as focused.

Nick gives a grimace, "I forgot to call. Sorry."

He steps off the elevator, lingering near the door but allowing for the car to return to it's programmed waiting position. "...Did I come at a bad time?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer finishes his cigarette and crushes it into nothingness before taking a sip of his whiskey. A glance over to Nathaniel then as the man sort of explains that he's okay. But not really. But okay none the less. Lucifer still decides to take it upon himself and read between lines that may not even be there. Some of the shades are drawn - especially those that were practically pouring the sunlight in Nathaniel's direction. Then he grabs a remote and turns on...something. Mozart maybe? Perhaps Beethoven. Yes. That. Moonlight Sonata to be precise.

Maybe it'll even drown out the noise of Nick's mind.

Speaking of Nick, he turns towards the man as he exits the elevator and merely mentions that he forgot to call. Lucifer lifts his shoulders in a shrug. "Had it been a day or two ago you might have been interrupting something, and witnessed sights no one should ever see...but that was then. This is now." A pause. "I'm sorry I haven't called. I've wanted to. How are you, Nick?"

This is asked and then a hand is waved. "Help yourself to anything. You're family so whatever I have is free game." Well. "Well. In the food and drink department anyway. You can't just waltz out of here with something off my bookshelf. Unless you really wanted some heavy reading..." Speaking of. He heads back to his seat to settle back, picking his book back up and at least finishing the page he was on.

Sinister has posed:
There's a look of relief on Sin's face, even if he professed to be on the mend. The subtle signs of discomfort fade as he mentions "As Lucifer said, it has been a mutual thing... events got in the way, to put it mildly." He stands up, just gazing at the kitchen to bring forth the cafetiere and the tea pot, the various items necessary for the likes of both caffienated beverages floated from fridge and cupboard with teaspoon and cup, to the breakfast bar. There's even a few MORE croissants there.

An And he then pulls a Sheldon, finding the sweetspot musically, to settle himself down at once again, to listen to the sonata. Claire de Lune is queued up for the next. He visibly settles gingerly, as if everything is a little bit sore.

"It got a little existentially weird up in here. We're still here though, so all is good. No localized plagues of Egypt."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Having confirmed he has missed coming in upon an awkward situation with the reasonable cushion of a day or two. Nick moves further from the elevator button to move into the penthouse proper. To the question to how he's doing, the musician tilts his head in thought. "A bit better now that I had time to process."

Watching Sinister moving about, seemingly testing the waves of the sound sea. The slight hum of the mental concert fades away.

Nick doesn't make any more to help himself to any of the food and drink. Instead he looks over to Lucifer and Sinister. "...I should have called earlier." He comments, "...How are you two doing?"

Lucifer has posed:
"Is this one of those moments where we argue about how if you want something and it's offered you should actually agree to it instead of hiding behind a mask of 'fine'..." Lucifer asks as he turns his head to the man who has found the musical sweetspot in the living area of the Penthouse. Because that was a thing. The two actually agreed that they should argue about more...'normal'...affairs. Lucifer just smirks a moment after.

"When is it not existentially weird up in here these days? Honestly, we could write a best seller series about the goings on of the Penthouse and sell it as fiction because no one would really believe it fact. They'd just get a kick about reading something new and refreshing as opposed to the dribble most artists are spitting out these days." He says this much more and then looks to Nick, his own book closing and floating back to the bookshelf from where it came.

"Things weren't good. Now they're better. Not perfect, but honestly, nothing ever is. Always something lurking to pounce especially when least expected. We're fine, however. It is really good to see you. How have you been keeping busy?"

Sinister has posed:
"Possibly. Although to give myself a modicum of credit, I didn't realize that there'd be that much relief, until you did it. My head isn't pounding, it's just that the mic is practically parabolic, it seems..." Sin, where he is sat, reaches out his left hand toward Lucifer, fingers spread and makes the universal gimme-gimme c'mere gesture, in the hopes of claiming a hand and well... cuddling it against his upper chest, whilst he drinks his tea.

"I am quite sure if you did write a non-fiction screenplay, it would be a hit on several channels. Probably not anything mainstream though..." there's a sigh and a sniff, considering Nick's words and how much to add. "I took care of some issues that came up, post reveal... with purpose and intent. The effects were considerably more profound than I could have thought they'd be and I'm... how shall I put it... delicate? That seems like a good word for it."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Well. I picked up a few volunteer shifts at New Hope." Nick replies, "And one of the days I was running surplus items over to a sister shelter, which led to running into Nathanielle at this new bakery. Got Wade some samples so he could try their product. He does like to keep an eye out for smaller businesses when there's need for catering so- just in case. Um, ran out a lost and found item to a recent donor. Spoke with a friend...and..I think I figured out the root for why I was upset."

Nick looks over to the couple. "Blood or not, I consider you two family. Although I have NO idea what the titles would be at the moment..."

The musician pauses as he looks to the seated Doctor, listening to the purposeful selection of words. "How...delicate?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer smiles a little and then nods. "There was something between the lines that I don't think you really knew you wrote. Or perhaps didn't intend to share. Either way, I read through the lines and came up with the just do it philosophy. The worst that would happen is it would get a little darker in here. Which is fine. Cause when the night really begins to settle it will get a little chilly. We're not in summer yet. So there will be more closed windows and perhaps a fire." While Lucifer is saying all this, he's noticed the gimmie gimmie c'mere gesture from Nathaniel and has made his way dutifully to stand near his lover fare. The hand is claimed and cuddled whilst the man sups tea.

"No offense, Nick, but titles be damned. They're too complicated this far down the line. The important thing is that you're family. End of. And anyone, including God himself, can come fight me about it." He offers this much more and then smiles. "So. You ran into my Misses while at that little bakery eh? Has Wade taken sample of those cupcakes yet? Cause if not, he better. They're pretty damn good."

Sinister has posed:
"Very delicate." Sinister replies, his fingers lacing with the devil's own and curling the hand toward himself, captured, contained and possessed of. A casual observer might be touched, a keen observer might notice that the positioning and the white of knuckles is comparable to a man holding onto a ledge for all that he's worth.

The question about Luci's 'missus' has him smiling faintly, gazing askance at the fire, at the possibility of heat later. When the dark has rolled in.

"They are. More to the point, for artists in the green room, I imagine most of her catering would be quite in demand." He sniffs.

"I cut my wings off, Nick. It had some unforeseen consequences."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods, listening to Lucifer's opinion on the matter of familial titles. A soft smile forms to the general finality of it. "Fair enough." The matter of the cupcakes gets a nod. "We both tried them. I like the dream one the most."

Nick going for the caffeinated cupcake. Who'd have thought?

He nods to Sin's assessment. "The studio does set up treats in the break room when we have bookings. Sometimes those booking full days want to get the most out of their time so we arrange for foods they can easily grab if they're not wanting to risk New York Traffic for getting their meals. That does include dessert."

The smile fades to the mention of the wings. "...oh." He frowns, "Sorry to hear that." Eyes set upon the white of Sinister's knuckles. "Like a withdrawal of sorts? Phantom limb syndrome? Regret?"

Lucifer has posed:
The thing about that white knuckled grip is that Lucifer barely feels it. Sure he knows that Nathaniel is gripping his hand hard, but it doesn't phase the Devil. At least not physically. In fact, he squeezes right back. Not knuckle white - he isn't trying to crush Nathaniel's hand. But there is support there, mutual gripping, so the man knows he's not alone. Not in any way.

When both Nick and Nathaniel comment again on the cupcakes, he nods his head. "The spicy one was my favorite. Nice little oomph to it, but it still let the chocolate shine." Offering his own opinion before motioning. "Might have a few left over in the fridge. I only got through a few before shit hit the fan..."

The last bit...he won't answer. That is something for Nathaniel to either confirm or ignore based on how much he wants Nick to know. Or perhaps, how much he wants to look upon himself for the answer to that question. So he shifts, hip sitting on the arm of the couch-chair that Nathaniel has settled in.

Sinister has posed:
"A little. I've had a lot of time to do reflection and examine in my own way, what's going on. Angelic wings are a little different than a straight bird's wing -- the nerve endings have a ganglion chain on them and neural pathways that connect to the emotional center of the brain. Cutting them off... exacerbated the transmission. Like any nerve conductivity and essentially... brain trauma... I'm... I've..." he stops, presses lips, turns his head and kisses Lucifer's knuckles in a lingering contact - it seems to reset his science head. "There has been some emotional rollercoasting. And a hole in my head. It's very quiet up there, which is making everything /louder/ by contrast."

Looking over at Nick, then at the flames one more time and up at Lucifer, he smiles to the devil and gazes back at the rockstar.

"I had to cut off the antenna for a time, until I could figure out how to tune out all the channels except Lucifer. I had... little scraps of other DNA in there and they used me. I am -not-..." he sighs "...an Angel."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick listens attentively parsing through the information being relayed by Sinister. Trying to interpret it to the best of his ability. The best he could come up with were two interpretations. "...So more in lines of withdrawal. But..."

Other channels, cutting. "Are you saying the wings kind of gave a backdoor entrance to your thoughts?"

Lucifer has posed:
"They more gave the entire choir control over him in some way. Remember the night he was telling us about Michael's ruse? One of the Seraphims channeled themselves thru Nathaniel. Using him to pass along a message. If I recall correctly." Lucifer explains in more laymans terms. "And Nathaniel isn't going to be used in such a way. Ever. Just... before talking about it with me he decided to take the most drastic measure."

This and he still holds Nathaniel's hand. The sun is quick to sink itself enough that darkness begins to cover the world like a blanket and a new chill enters the Penthouse. With a thought, the windows shut and the balcony door closes. All the blinds come down and then he snaps his fingers towards the fireplace which erupts with that hellfire glow.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister's eyes shift from Nick at the choreography of the inanimate, smiling faintly to himself. "Yes... to both. Luci put it quite succinctly. And I might have been a little emotionally embroiled at the time. I have the nerve cluster that remains of them, locked in a bone prison. They've been that way since... oh, the night after it happened. I burned them to ashes in Central park..." he frowns, thoughtful for a moment and draws the hand he holds captive, just a little closer to his cheek, chin and throat, turning to rest his cheek on the back of it.

"I should let the bone dissolve soon and see what remains."

And that being said, he finishes off his tea with a lift of the wrist and a long, satisfactory swallow. "Ahh, there's nothing quite like good tea -- even at my most irrascible." A smile follows, only a little haunted. "By the by, I have been... running your DNA against my extremely large database, Nick. Just... to see if there are any other hits. The results will be in soon. But you both can either... have them, or not. As you wish."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances between the couple. Fortunately the proximity eliminates the need to turn the head to do so. "So that wasn't Nathaniel relaying something he was told? Someone was speaking through him?"

His frown deepens, "Is that a thing for all Angels? The wings acting as unspoken communication or an override switch?"

Nathan bringing up the added search on the DNA causes for him to grow quiet, considering the possibilities. "What's the aim for? Tracking down specific people or just getting a general sense of...other potential surprises?"

He glances to Lucifer. "What are they hunting?"

Or Who?

Lucifer has posed:
"Well in that moment it was pretty much Uriel doing his own version of I told you so..." Lucifer offers. "It's likely been other things in other ways and we just didn't catch the hint until that vital moment." He looks up towards the ceiling again and then shakes his head. "They aren't hunting anything. They found a loophole and they used it. Exploited it. So Nathaniel removed the object of their exploitation." Which seems to be the easiest way to explain it.

The fire is crackling nicely, and when Nathaniel offers up the further search into the DNA, he shakes his head. "I'm good knowing what I know. If you want it for your own data bank, and if Nick wants to know that's fine. I have the information that's vital to me, and I could use a little break from angelic visitors or relations that aren't specifically my own personal relations with you." A glance to Nick. "Sorry for the visual, Nick."

Sinister has posed:
"The latter, moreover than the former..." a kiss is pressed to the knuckles, when Lucifer adds his own bit to that and Sin laughs beneath his breath. "Now, that's one type of relations I'm absolutely happy to entertain..." -- he does NOT apologize for the visual. Nope -- glancing sidelong, sly-like to the rockstar, there's a considering look. "It might also enlighten on a more ordinary note -- there's a lot more humans than there are angels. It could lead to records. Or a grave. Or graves. Or maybe even houses, living individuals... you never know. Either way."

He looks to the fire then, the hearth made bright by hellflame and setting aside his empty cup, he crooks a finger to the flames. They flare, licking out toward him as if blown by a strong wind, but they don't burn anything else. Controlled shape and all that. The chill right? The evening chill must be fought off although they obeyed him rather nicely there.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick considers the potential information. "Maybe we could stop on the pulling up information on individual people part. At least for now. It's not that I'm not interested but considering past experiences. I'm not sure if building a list would be a good idea."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer is still imprisoned by Nathaniel's hand. Not that he minds, but it means he has to get things telepathically if he wants to drink or smoke. "I think, in the long run, all Nathaniel means is that the information will be there for whenever you want to visit it again. If ever. Otherwise, he'll just keep it nice and stored for his own records. Cause he's a fact-whore in the best possible ways." Saying that much with a smirk and then he lifts Nathaniel's hand to return kisses upon the knuckles as well.

"Other things to worry about in the interim anyway. We've lost all contact with Betsy, so do we continue to research on our own or let doomsday come as it may? Plus, there's a benefit or two to talk about and plan. One - specifically - for June. I had the idea of doing a drag show... after seeing Nathaniel in a dress and makeup. It was a wonderful sight. I forget if you were there or not..." He chuckles then. "Would need to come up with a benefactor, reach out to local queens and kings, and perhaps book a band."

Sinister has posed:
"Fact whore indeed," note, Sin is not -denying- this, even as he scoff-snorts in mild amusement at the choice of words. Some things need nothing more than an aknowledgement though, to slide into common knowledge. Cue: the softened look at the return of the kiss to knuckles - tis an odd world to imagine oneself in, when push comes to shove.

Held more gently, the twining of hands is more of an anchorage at this point, Sin remaining seated as he looks from the devil to his relative. "Well, I for one shall keep tracking this nonsense, because it was on my radar before it was ever made worse by Betsy. I don't know that it shall be as deadly as it seemed it might be, but caution /is/ a watchword." Pause, beat. "He was not there, love -- however, I cannot imagine that you don't have a connection or two in the Drag scene of new york city. It's where Paris is Burning, after all -- all that vavavoom in one place, there had to have been a deal or two for the best rhinestones and gucci." Just a tiny smile, a hint of one you understand.

There is a pause, then a rather triumphant tone follows. "You know, I can be called many things, but I actually am quite proud of the fact I dropped toxic masculinity by the curbside a long while ago. It was only holding me back -- but I -am- going to have to practice in high heels a bit."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick looks over to Lucifer to the first question, "Personally, I'm going to side with Nathaniel on this and generally vote against allowing for potential apocalypses to happen. If there's something we can do about it. We should. But-"

A glance is given over to Sinister, "Are we still using the machine considering what it's powered on? There might be need to start up a dialogue with them again."

The suggestion for the party gets a look of consideration. "...I don't know of any charities off the bat namewise, but- maybe something that deals with providing them with safe places to go if they're in a less hospitable area?"

While he now knows WHY it happened, Nick is aware of what it's like to have an entire neighborhood turned against them. And that's a feeling he wouldn't want to wish on anyone.

"As for a band. What are you thinking of?"

Lucifer has posed:
Having connections is a good thing, and Lucifer indeed has them. Nathaniel's take on the upcoming potential doomsday gets a nod but nothing else - and then it seems Nick is asking all the questions that likely should be asked.

"Well there's a few. Safe Spaces is one, The Trevor Project is another - focused on LGBTQ teens and such...I wouldn't even mind getting a few charities involved and matching donations and all that." He offers a few that are on the top of his head. "I'm also going to do a little research...you know some of these places that claim to be beneficial are actually the opposite of what is good." He squeezes Nathaniel's hand then.

"As for band. I'm not sure. I'd like something a little...different...you know? Like edgy pop or...." He shrugs then.

Sinister has posed:
In a quiet, absent sort of voice, mostly for the benefit of self-depreciating humour "...and I'm just going to learn to walk in heels... it will be a project. Not much thinking involved..." in this instance in the forthcoming potential event, Sin's sole purpose is to look pretty. He can manage that, right?

Except there's the inquiry from Nick and a wrinkle of his nose. "I don't see why we shouldn't use the infinite improbability drive, if necessary. The DNA's not in the head of a telepath, just in a machine that can be tuned. Which it still needs to be."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods to Sinister's point. "...Okay. Fair enough. I suppose despite new findings, there is at least a common ground there. Worst that happens is Uriel comes back asking for the feather to be returned."

Well that and the apocalypse from not being able to use the dang machine.

"...I wonder if that mirror could be used. Assuming we found an ancestor of one of those people you were looking into."

A glance is given back to Lucifer as the trio manages two different topics at the same time. "...If you get stuck you could ask Wade. He's got contacts throughout the entertainment industry and with the list he could probably find you some talent that fits the feel you want once you decide on what that is."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer eyes Nathaniel for a moment. "Walk in heels, get the perfect outfit, makeup and a stage name..." He offers this much. Talking about the other thing is just bringing up topics that involve angels and stuff. He forgot that small little factoid so now he's ignoring the conversation all together.

When Nick offers for him to talk to Wade, he nods. "I figured as much. I'm sure Wade will always be my first go-to when I'm looking for acts. Whether I'm looking to hire you or someone else. I trust his judgment - even if he may not trust mine." There's a grin there and a chuckle.

"Love, are you feeling any better? Can I fetch you something from the kitchen?"

Sinister has posed:
"Well, yes, other than that. I will have to dig into british tradition..." to give Lucifer a modicum of freedom, the hand he claimed is kissed one more time on the back, as if to a King and then released with a squeeze. "Just another tea, if you're making some, please and thank you love."

He stands up then, a slow affair made with a roll of the shoulders and a crack of the neck, a deep breath and a kind of resolution of purpose.

"Sometimes Nick, you come up with genius. I had not thought about that, probably because of the nature of it -- I'm just getting the hang of magical energies, adding fae into it and it adds a whole new level of unpredictability into the probability scales. I'll have a solid think about that though, I'm fairly certain a psychic imprint might be useable, as an anchorage."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick chuckles, shaking his head at Lucifer's assessment of his manager. "Oh if he didn't trust you to some degree I don't think he'd agree to let you book me. He has turned down some questionable offers before."

The bout of praise coming from the doctor causes for him to look over to Sinister. "I'm sure it would have come to you had you not been focused on other stuff." Nick replies, "I'm kind of expanding my viewpoint with magic. Strange's Academy has a pretty extensive library for independent study. Probably the second most used area over there. The musical blast chamber being the first of course."

Yeah, best make sure you don't accidentally kill audience members with an unintentionally explosive performance.

Lucifer has posed:
"Earl gray with lemon, or would you like it doctored a bit stronger my dearest?" Lucifer asks as his hand is relinquished and he can make his way to the kitchen. "Can I get anything for you, Nick, while I'm in here?" Asking that much while he puts the kettle on. Course he could cheat and just heat the kettle to boiling in little time - but sometimes tea is not something one plays around with.

Especially when their lover is British.

"I'll surely give Wade a call once I've made a few other decisions. What's your interest level on at least being present for a night of Drag Showing and Queer supporting?" He asks this while taking down at least two cups - if not three.

Sinister has posed:
"Now, that I can wrap my head around far more easily than a few things I've encountered, simply because of the laws of physics -- so very much in the universe of energy, is based on the shape and form of sound. That music can be that vigorous is wholely plausible. I've had less success in other areas..." Sin sniffs, looks to Lucifer thoughtfully. "That shall be splendid as it is, dearest. Tea should only occasionally be adultarated -- else you're committing a kind of brewing sacrilege."

Nick's answer is waited on, but in the interim, he moves closer to the fire and strips off his polo-neck, leaving himself showing off the build rather well as he gestures in the air and manifests a mirror from holoimagery, turning sidelong so he can take a good look at his own back. Curviture of light and all that, holo mirrors are actually pretty epic when they work right. When not, you look like you're in a fun-house.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"The sound is a factor. But there's also the intent and emotion behind the sound." Nick adds in. "I'm more wanting to make sure to avoid any unintentional consequences in my song writing. I was lucky in that the first misfire was a bout of glowing. The writing suggestions you gave me were helpful with practicing. And...while I get there might be some mixed feelings at the moment- I'm pretty glad you helped pushed me to finishing the set."

Hearing the offer, Nick glances over to Lucifer. "Oh- Chamomile if you have it?"

He gives a sheepish look. "...I might have forgotten to do a few things. But...I can catch up on it."

The second question doesn't require much time to answer. "Oh I'll show up. Just don't expect me to wear high heels. That's just asking for me to roll an ankle."

Lucifer has posed:
"You don't /have/ to wear high heels. I've seen many a queen rock the stage wearing flats..." Lucifer comments first and foremost to Nick. "I'm just not quite sure how you'd look in a dress, darling." Shooting the man a grin while he nods at the tea request. Third cup. Two earl gray, one chamomile. Coming up.." Offering that much as he places tea bags in the proper cups and then moves to the fridge to grab a lemon so he can make a few fresh slices for himself and Nathaniel.

Damn the man for giving him a taste of this wonderful pairing.

Sinister has posed:
Been there, done that, still need to go and visit some old colleagues to stare at them smugly down in the pits. Sin owes at least one condemned soul a good solid glaring at.

"I'm glad it helped. Completionism is a thing, but I think it's also... useful. Definition and boundaries help to create control..." -- there's a silent nod to the intention of /Nick's/ practice at least. It ought NOT be known just how much Essex has experimented with the power of sound to do his nefarious work. It's a lot. There's quite a few powers that use it.

He angles his shoulder down a drop to peer at the area where there should be a scar, presses his lips firmly and rolls both shoulders back with a deep breath.

Without looking: "I can tell you right away, Nick will look quite fabulous in the right attire. He'd actually look rather good as a Drag princeling..." the whole man dressed as woman dressed as man thing, just to confuse. And now a glance. "You have the right build for it."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
To Lucifer's tease, Nick cracks a smile to it, lips parting to show teeth as the expression grows, somewhat knowingly. As Sin speaks up, he tilts his head in the direction of the analyzing doctor. "After all... you've seen me in my stage persona. I might not wear it in my off time. But I do know how to put on makeup."

And eyeliner.

...

Always the eyeliner.

Lucifer has posed:
"Then Nick should go ahead and show up in a dress. And makeup. And rock the stage in drag. I mean, the only thing he said he wouldn't wear is high heels and I've already fixed that issue because he can wear flats." Lucifer offers this as he pours boiling water into cups, letting the teas steep for a moment before bringing them all with him back to the living room.

"Now. Let's sit, enjoy tea, and music, and the fire. Company. Maybe we'll talk. Maybe we'll just exist. I don't really mind either way." He offers this as he sits on the long, cushy couch after setting tray on the coffee table. He positions himself in a way that if Nathaniel decides to return he can fit just so against the Devil.

Sinister has posed:
"Quite so and yes indeed, agreement all around. I'll be right there..." turning once or twice more as he examines his back, Sin exhales the breathe he took in and narrows his eyes at his own reflection. That appears to be all he's about to do, before he's grabbing his polo-neck, considering it then shaking it a few times to morph it from a tigher sweater to a plain black T-shirt. He pulls it on as he goes to resume close proximity to his chosen life-partner.

Solidarity. Support. Good tea. These things are important.

And of course... company.