28 Chapter 28 - If You're A Cage, I'll Throw Away The Key

"Sure, it's fine." Lucifer said after I asked him if I could take Caroline in here for the evening.

"Are you sure? I'm not disturbing you or anything?" I asked to make sure.

"Yes, like I told you last time, no one bothers to come here anymore." He steepled his fingers and looked at me from the desk he was sitting on. "Anyway, tell me, you don't seriously plan to take her in here just to read books don't you?"

"I didn't think about it." I was taken in by the spur of the moment and it was just now that I realized that besides books, there's really nothing in the library that could help me impress her.

Lucifer sighed. "Very well, I'll help you."

That surprised me. "You will? How?"

"Never mind that. I'll cook and prepare dinner for the two of you, the rest will be up to you." He said.

Now I was in total disbelief. "You'll do that for me? But why?"

He chuckled. "Never forget that you're the avatar of Death and you're vital to my plans, hence why I'm doing this. To put it simply, I need you to owe me."

I smiled. "You really are a deceiver."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway, you should get going and prepare for tonight." He decided to get up and started to head to the bookshelves rifling through books in the section that was composed of various food recipes.

I thanked him and went on my way home to prepare for the night. While riding a cab, I texted Caroline to let her know where we will be hanging out. I felt my fingers go numb. This would be the first time in a long time that I'd be texting a girl as stupid as that may sound.

*Um, hi Caroline? So for tonight, I dunno if you'd like it there, but I plan to take you to the local library if that's fine. If you don't want to, I'm open for ideas. :D *

Then I hit send, not noticing the stupid smiley at the end of the text. Then a few moments later, a reply.

*Oh, hello Dante. It's fine, the library it is. Meet you there at 8?*

I replied immediately. *Sure, sure, and dinner's on me tonight, hope you'll like it.*

*Okay, I'll make sure not to eat. See you there. :3 *

*See you. xD *

It's funny, how a lot of things are happening in my life, yet a stupid smiley from a girl could make me smile like an idiot.

**

Mephisto and Asmodeus were still drinking, this time they've been relegated to the couch. Chocolate bars and a large bowl of fries were on the table along with four bottles of Jack.

"That's good. You should feel honored. Lucifer never cooks for anyone." Asmodeus said while eating fries.

"He never cooks for anyone else besides himself." Mephisto commented. "But you're not just anyone else so I guess you're an exception."

Asmodeus handed me an unfinished bottle. "Toast yourself."

I grinned and raised the bottle. "Here's to me and Caroline's first date."

Caroline

"You're going out on a date?" Anita said, surprised. We were having lunch in the company cafeteria, and I told her about my plans for tonight.

"Well, I guess you could call it that, thought technically you can also call it as just hanging out." I explained.

"Who's the guy?" Anita asked, her eyes bulging with curiosity.

"A fan." I told her truthfully. I haven't lied to Anita since we've been together for years and I wasn't going to start now.

That shocked her. "A fan?! Of all people? Is it someone you met at the fan meet by any chance?" She didn't sound like was scolding me though. On the contrary she seemed to be divided about what to feel.

"Yeah, and I know it's unexpected but I don't know, I'm confused myself." I answered.

She seemed sympathetic however. "Okay, it's just that this is the first time you're going out with someone totally unknown to me or everybody else in the industry. But you're an adult now and you can date whoever you want." She sighed. "But I don't need to remind you that you'll be the talk of the town, not to mention of the whole media if this gets out. Where is he taking you?"

"The library. He says he's prepared dinner." I replied.

"A library date? Carol, are you sure that this guy ain't a creep? I'm sorry but I have to ask. I'm your manager and friend after all."

"Hmm, I don't think he's that kind of guy." I answered simply.

"Okay, but let me place a security detail with you just in case." She said this in a tone that brooked no argument. "They'll be placed outside the library. Deal?"

I didn't want to argue with her. Anita always looked out for me ever since and though I wanted to protest about my lack of privacy, I decided to let it go. "Fine."

"Are you angry at me?" Anita asked.

"No, you're like my mother after all." I said grudgingly and then stuck out my tongue at her.

She laughed. "I only nag at you because you're so adorable when you're pissed."

"Shut up."

**

After lunch, I headed home to grab a quick rest. I woke up around 5pm and took a shower and then prepared for my date with Dante Caulfield.

Since we were going to a library, I decided on wearing a simple black shirt and jeans, similar to what Dante has worn every time we've met. When I was done, I grabbed a facemask and a hoodie as disguise just to make sure. I didn't want people to recognize me, that would be bothersome.

I was done around 6:30pm. A ride towards the public library would take no more than 30 minutes and since I still had some time to kill, I decided to read the book he lent me.

The story starts off as Dr. Manette is released from prison, the Bastille. His traumatic experience has greatly changed him bordering on madness but this changes the moment she is reunited with his daughter Lucie.

I was engrossed on the story when the alarm I've set finally set off telling me that it was already 7:30pm. I got outside and the company car and the security detail were already waiting. I bade the driver and the security good evening which they curtly returned and then we were off.

And for the first time, I felt anxious.