Owner	Pose
Lois Lane	While it has taken some time to arrange, Lois does make good on her promises. She sets the location, which is The Metropolis Skyline, a restaurant that is usually well beyond her means. But tonight calls for celebration and breaking the budget is okay. Especially since Perry is footing the bill. It was for charity, after all!     Lois ensures that she and Clark will arrive early. This is no time to be fashionably late, after all. She's wearing a flattering, but relatively modest violet dress. It almost perfectly matches her eyes. She waits near the entrance, as the table is still being made ready.     "You are sure I look okay?" she asks Clark for what may be the fifth time. But who is counting?
Clark Kent	Clark is actually early. He hurries into the place ina dark grey suit, not quite gun metal. A simple white button up shirt and a dull red tie. It's to not draw the eye away much. Dull blue eyes take in the place. He pushes up his glasses. Letting out a long and low whistle, "We ummm. This is fancy," he says with a nervous touch dancing in his voice. Looking to Lois in her violet number, "You're the most stunning person here," again, another push of the glasses.
Lucifer	"You know, I cannot remember a time that I've actually come and taken a look around Metropolis proper. Have you ever?" Lucifer is asking this to Nathaniel as they make their way towards the venue. Since he's never been here, transporting his own way would have been nigh impossible (stupid restrictions) and not to mention it would likely raise a few brows. So, they arrive by way of someone driving - which was likely decided by a coin toss - and in one of the fancier cars built for both looks and speed. Lucifer, himself, is dressed in his very favorite outfit. The pitch black suit, dark red shirt, three pieces immaculately tailored to fit him precisely. A matching blood-red handkerchief is tucked neatly into the left breast pocket of his suit jacket and his hair is mussed but also slicked back in such a way so it's not going anywhere but it also looks like it's been nicely ruffled. As they make their way in, Lucifer spots Lois and approaches her with Nathaniel on his arm. "Lois, my dear! Aren't you a vision in violet..." He says this, releasing Nathaniel long enough to lean in and give each of her cheeks a kiss. Then his attention turns to the man at her side. "And you must be the elusive Clark Kent. I've heard a few things about you already." A hand offered. "Lucifer Morningstar, a pleasure. And my companion, Doctor Nathaniel Essex."
Sinister	"Only to come to the park and sit as an old man on a bench. It's been a deplorable lack on my part I'm sure. It's so... clean looking. I admire clean looking. Hygenic..." Sinister commented. He is dressed in a steel grey sport's coat of absolutely impeccable lines, a charcoal polo-neck, slacks and wingtips polished and without a scrap of dirt -anywhere-. His lennon spectacles are a minty green today. And the car was also a coin toss on which. It's a thing. There is a rich smile sported on his face, moustache and goatee absolutely impeccable, narry a hair out of place on arched eyebrows. He'll wait on the hand shake, but not on the half-bow given to the lovely Lois in violet. "Not many people can wear that colour and not look strange or old beyond their years. You look exquisite..." and he looks to Clark in the aftermath. "Mister Kent, it is /good/ to see you again. I'm quite glad to see life appears to be treating you well."
Lois Lane	"You can relax, Clark. You look amazing, too. This place may be fancy and have all its charms, but you still outclass it." She is biased. And very much in love.     Still, there is something about seeing Lucifer and Dr. Essex that puts Lois even more at ease. Some observers might wonder at that. She offers a friendly hug to Lucifer and makes a surprisingly graceful curtsey in response to the bow. It must be the atmosphere of this place. It has the look of a place where such formal gestures belong.     "I am so delighted that we can all sit down and share a meal. I hope all is going well at the Lux?" It is, after all, her favorite club to visit. Truly a unique place for someone who is curious.     A hostess of considerable beauty and charm politely waits. When there is an appropriate lull, she guides the group to a table. It is a special table, at that. It is alone and commands a breathtaking view of Downtown Metropolis.
Clark Kent	"Lucifer," Clark says as they shake hands. Normally he would feel undressed with Lucifer's clothing looking so very posh. Clark's is off the rack. There's a contrast. It reminds him of times with Bruce Wayne. "Morningstar. That sounds very biblical," Clark just thinks the name is a nom de plume. Something clever and not literal. "Doctor Essex," he says and greets Nathaniel with a smile. Clark's handshake isn't the best. Not quite clammy, but close. He tries very hard to not have a firm handshake. Again, Clark looks to be a contrast to Nathaniel. Those stripes, how everything looks posh. Again, Clark is looking very lowly. "I can't outclass this place," Clark says matter of factly. Then he gives a soft smile, "But thank you." "The Lux?" Clark has been there just in a completely different outfit. Something a bit more blue. "I can't say I've ever been," he says honestly Because Clark Kent hasn't stepped into the Lux.
Lucifer	"Oh things at Lux are going just fine. We'll actually be closed over the weekend. Letting my staff spend time with their families and such, and we usually don't get much of a crowd when certain holidays come around." Lucifer offers this to Lois with a smile. "You should come by again, and bring Clark with you. I'd be sure to offer you the very best of our VIP treatment." Adding this in. To Clark, Lucifer smiles. "It is and I am. Biblical, I mean. Though it's very hard to convince people these days that I am /the/ Lucifer Morningstar. You would think I'd be tired of trying, but honestly, it always gives me a laugh to see who I can and cannot convince." There's a pause. "Ah, the Lux is the club I own and operate out of Melville. Lois has been a few times. That's how this double date sort of came about, you know. She did a piece on the club one night that we were holding a charity event, and she participated in some of the bids being taken. Et voila!" Offering all of this -after- they are taken to their table and he's settled in a seat. "That view is spectacular..." A pause. "Pales in comparison to our mixed company, but still, amazing."
Sinister	"Sometimes, class isn't worn, it's carried," Sinister says softly, but the words carry. It's a knack, to be able to speak quietly and make it heard at the back of the grand theatre, so to speak. They probably teach it at a school somewhere, maybe. Acknowledgement of the floor staff is given, but she isn't lingered on, his grey gaze is very carefully only on the three people here, as reactions are after all, what Lucifer was after. He waits though, until everyone is settled at the table, before he takes his own seat, a -very- old school of manners. To Lois "...we have a spa now. With a registered reflexologist and massage therapists," a slight nod as he pans his gaze over the view. "It almost makes one feel like they could fly, doesn't it? To be at such a great height."
Lois Lane	Lois watches in silence for a time. She is more naturally a listener by trade, herself. Dr. Essex is more than her match for observation, though. She finds herself smiling as she is no doubt noticed in her attentiveness. It's not staring, exactly, but she is clearly curious about how others are feeling tonight.     "I do enjoy the club very much," says Lois. "It is one of those places where I can feel safe and only be approached when I wish to be. That everyone follows the rules of civility there is much appreciated." And the crowds there are most unique.     Dr. Essex's mention of a spa gets her attention. "That sounds heavenly. As the years add on, my appreciation for massage grows with them. As Clark knows, I am not very good at relaxing. I aspire to improve in this area."     She will wait for Clark to pull out her chair before sitting, of course. It's a courtesy she enjoys far more, knowing the feeling behind it.     Menus are presented. It seems the place has some French influences, but many items are simply what you would come to expect at any respected place. Steaks, fish, lobsters, all listed out on a single page.     Lois is not really focused on the menu, though. She is gazing out over the city. She murmurs a bit playfully, "It is nice to have a view like this and not be waiting for someone to catch me."
Clark Kent	"What?" Clark asks and people can hear the gears turning, straining and turning again in his head. It's like he heard it. He knows what he heard. However, the processing of what's said is the issue. Kind of like the in person experience of seeing someone suddenly get a load icon over their head. A nod comes from Clark as Sinister talks about carrying class. Honestly, it's something Clark doesn't see himself doing. It's the midwest farmboy in him. That's something he doesn't sassociate with class. Clark sees class as something a little posh. A good thing. "Yes. You do," Clark says in agreement about her relaxing. Dull blue eyes focus on lois for a moment. Clark looks over the menu and he quickly sets it down. "I always wanted to try a certain french dish. " To Clark this is just crossing something off of a tasty bucket list.
Lucifer	Lucifer grins. "Ah, and there it is. I suppose you weren't expecting such an affirmation from me, but alas, it is true. I am the Fallen One. Satan, Devil, Beelzebub...so many names. I prefer Lucifer though. It has a certain..." And since there's French influence in the restaurant, "Je ne sais quoi to it, non?" The grin turns into a smirk and as menus are presented he takes the one proffered to him and flashes their waitress that same smirk. She seems stricken for a moment. It is likely because of Lucifer and Sinister's influences within the club that keep Lois more safe than not. When people are there that either of them - or even both of them - respect and admire, certain measures are taken to asquiesce their safety. "You should come and get a spa treatment. On the house. It is the least I can do for the few things you have already done for the club. I read the article in the Daily Planet. Impressive as always, Miss Lane." When Clark mentions wanting to try something french, a certain something, Lucifer turns his attention then. "Oh? Is there a name for this particular dish? Escargot is a favorite of mine. Coq au vin is another..." Asking this and then he actually looks at his menu. "Anything in particular catching your eye, Nathaniel love?"
Sinister	Due appreciation is given to Clark's reaction, it's quite a classic for the records and brings about an oh-so-brief grin and dip of the chin, looking over the top of his minty spectacles with a glitter in his eye, fleeting though it is. It segues nicely into rolling over what Lois said. But first... "You know," says Sin in a voice that lifts just a couple of semibreves up, "...if I were in your position Lois, I would not be simply waiting. I think my mind would be quite preoccupied with making first aquaintences with gravity!" - there's a light chuckle in the wake of it - "...but you do have a knack with Heros, as well as the pen." He glances across his nose to Lucifer at the nom de plumes being touted and chuckles voicelessly, once again looking down but this time to the menu. It's barely a glance before he's offering "...the filet mignon with provincale vegetables and... a fine Chateau le Fite, I think. Medium rare." Overall, the view is given very little thought now; a look to the waitress with his eyes narrowing oh-so-slightly. Interesting. And to Clark with a curious regard. "I admire french cuisine, you know. It takes a particular kind of people to take peasant fare and turn it into cordon bleu -- a remarkable sign of a very tenacious culture. America is the same way." Says the Englishman ... near new york.
Lois Lane	As for Lois, her selection is made quickly. She has her eye on healthier choices. That rules out the steak quickly enough, and when the time comes to place her order, she calmly says, "I would like the Chicken and mushroom fricassee." The usual polite exchange with the server follows. Lois cannot help but engage in conversation. She passes on the wine, though. Doctor's orders and her own goals demand she keep her intake low.     Lois is grinning at Clark's confusion. "Lucifer is the Lucifer," she says. Does she believe it? Actually, the Catholic girl does. Yet here she is, breaking the proverbial (and soon literal) bread with him. "Considering I also have met Satana a few times, I am getting accustomed to an exciting life. Not to mention Ms. Frost. They make quite a pair for an evening out." Satana does add.. excitement to her life, at that.     "It was my pleasure to write about the charity event. Normally when I go to events like that it is a rather dreary experience. I was very entertained. I will certainly return again. I would like to speak with Nick again, in any case. And if Mr. Marko is there I will hopefully get some words with him, as well." She does not know the meaning of caution when her curiousity is piqued.     Lois turns her eyes to Clark and her head tilts. She doesn't voice the words, but the expression effectively says, 'You okay there, Smallville?' without making a sound.
Clark Kent	Clark pauses a little bit at Lucifer's admittance. "Ooooo-kay. Does that mean you can be trusted?" he asks. It's a genearl question. "I mean the bible and all," Clark's not exactly the most religious. However, thanks to friends in odd places, Clark believes in things like Demonology. He may not understand it entirely, but it's a subject Clark does put some stock in. "And why are you here on Earth? With a club? Doesn't your presence mean something like Rognorok," there are so many quesitons now. He even takes a look at Lucifer with the X-Ray vision. To Lucifer, it may look like Clark tries to remember the man's details. However, he's trying to see what an angel looks like on a skeletal, muscular level. And Lucifer is surprisingly human. So, that just muddy the waters further. "Steak Au Poivre. I've always wanted to try it. The creamy white suace always intrigued me," he speaks to Sinister. Steak is an easier subject to swallow rather than whether he's having dinner with the actual Lucifer. "Well, everyone says the French eat the best out of most countries. Just their social take on it is something to be admired," Clark surprisingly did a bit fo research on French. Something about the country fascinates him. And it's a place he's often just passing by. And lois brings it back to biblical talk. Lois believes that this is Lucifer. Again, those waters just get murkier. It's a hard subject to swallow. And Clark isn't sure if it's the credible nature, the spiritual side, or something else.
Lucifer	Lucifer shrugs. "I got bored." He answers Clark first, and while he can almost FEEL those eyes boring into his skeletal system, he doesn't pay it much mind. "So one day I just said, fuck it, and left Hell. Which, of course, pissed Dad and a few of my siblings off... they tried to get me to go back... several times. There -may- have been some sort of liability that me leaving Hell would bring Hell on Earth or some such... but at some point I think Dad just got tired of fighting me about it. Plus, I kinda met the idea halfway. I still go check on things every so often... gotta make sure the lawyers are getting their torture's worth. But... mostly I just hang out up here. The bar was so that I could save face... cut some deals... make some connections." Then he gestures at the table. "And you're seeing the fruit of that labor..." As the waitress finally seems to gain her bearing, Lucifer smiles at her. She shivers, something fierce, giving a giggle and tucking hair behind her ear in that flirty sort of way. "I will have the duck l'orange, with potatoes and the spring mix. My partner will have the filet mignon, cooked medium rare, with provincale vegetables. And we will start with a Chateau le Fite...but I will also have a whiskey on the rocks." He offers, turning his head to smile at Nathaniel and then the waitress likely turns her attention to the other couple.
Sinister	"Well, ragnarok is the wrong religion and has already happened once, according to dogma -- the apocalypse just means the lifting of the veils, so in that respect it's already happening. Has happened. He might have been a herald to that, it's true enough." Sinister offers, smiling wryly as Lucifer does the ordering for him, giving a soft 'tut' of his tongue that sounds affectionate rather than annoyed. Aw bless! "Revelations though, has all kinds of things to say and half of what's to come isn't remotely about -him-...." nodding to the devil "...and more about the leviathan, the beast of the sea, of seven heads and nine crowns. And a really unfortunate case of the walking dead. We've had -that- a few times, too. But... I've met aaaaaaaah... five of the seven angels of Revelation now. Oh, and Death." Those little slices of bread that they bring to tables in fancy places arrives then, with whipped butter and garlic aoili drizzle with olive oil, a little of which is indulged in. "You've also met me, Lois. I don't count in quite the same way, but I definitely am -something-."
Lois Lane	Lois watches Clark continue to struggle with this revelation (sorry, puns!) She has read the book a few times. Never gave it all that much attention, frankly. I tend to focus on the here and now, and while I am curious, I enjoy the present, and that which is not too far from it."     She will be quite happy to enjoy that bread. It's impossible to resist.     "And yes, we have spoken quite often, Dr. Essex. But your excitement is rather different than what I experienced when I met Emma and Satana in the Hellfire Club. That was rather like trying to hold a wolf by the ears. When we speak my mind is more appropriately stimulated." This was something Clark would have been texted about a few days past. Lois is after a human trafficking ring. No shock she'd look for someone involved in that place!
Clark Kent	Boredem? That seems a bit, odd. Clark just listens to everything. It's a bit strange story, but he believes it. He believes all of it. Raising an eyebrow, he seees how the waitress acts a little odd. Like someone told her -just- the right thing. Yet, no one is there. Clark just think on it for a moment. Then he wonders if a Kryptonian could survive all of that. Shaking his head, he wishes for a simpler conversation. All of it has made Clark pensive. Much like when he met an immortal at Macs. They talked and he questioned his own mortality there. This conversation evokes a simialr emotion.
Lucifer	People are talking. By people, it's a conversation between Lois and Nathaniel so he's able to turn his attention on Clark. Who seems...pensive at best. At worst? Who knows. There's a tilt of his head as bread is served, orders are taken and drinks are fetched. So he leans forward just a bit, folding his hands on the table and looks directly at Clark Kent. "So. I hear you're also a reporter at the Daily Planet? What type of articles do you specialize in? That's still a thing right? Certain people write certain stories or topics? Some get full articles, others get columns... like... oh what was it... Ask Amy?" At least it's a pivot of conversation in some sort of direction. The waitress is off to put orders in, her head still full of all the things she and Lucifer could do in and out of biblical restrictions.
Sinister	Sin glances at the waitress just a little longer than is strictly normal, then fixes his gaze once more upon Lois, satisfied in his perceptions perhaps. Half that ear is on Clark and Lucifer's conversation, but to the lady at the table, he grins genteely. "I must admit to being wholely gratified that I have a positive effect on your mind, miss Lane. I would be quite surprised if I'd had a wolfish moment, all things considered. I reserve those moments for sheep." He punctuates that with a lowering of lashes to half mast and a dimple showing up on one side of his smile, wry as anything. "How -are- the ladies anyway? Satana, I think considers me beneath her notice." Another wry turn of lips at that. "But it's been a while since I spoke with Emma."
Lois Lane	"They are very energetic," replies Lois, smirking. "I would hope that Satanna does not think unkindly of you. She has always been quite..." A pause, for even someone as talented at word-choice as Lois needs a moment for just the right feeling. "... affectionate in my company. Though she has fallen on my bad side on one occasion. I have since come to understand her situation."     Is that.. sympathy for a devil in her eyes?     "It is not easy, being what she is. But I will stop myself before I betray a trust she may not even admit she has in me. While I have many many flaws, betraying confidence, whether requested or not, is not one of them."     Which leads her to turn her own conversation slightly in answering more properly. "They were both quite healthy. They seemed delighted with each other's company and were on the way to making for a most wild party just as I had to leave. I am sure they are capable of handling themselves appropriate in that kind of environment. Though I do worry for Satana at times."
Clark Kent	The questions puts Clark's brain back on track. "I do a little of everything. The serious stuff when it matters and the puff pieces. I just go to where I'm needed," Clark looks at her. "Yes they still read, but the whole print versus media does create a lot of strife," Clark winces a little bit. "I haven't done the columns like 'Dear Abby' or anything like that," Clark speaks softly on the matter. Clark keeps an ear on Sinister and Lois speaking. He's heard stories on some people Lois speaks about. "Why did you decide ona club? Why not something else?" Clark asks thinking Lucifer could have been anything he wanted. An actor, performer, CEO, something. It seems odd to be a club owner.
Lucifer	"Commendable. To be versatile enough to do a little bit of everything is something to be proud of." Lucifer says this to Clark with a smile on his lips. He is trying to keep the conversation off the other topic, but when Clark brings up another question to him about 'why a club'... he lofts a single eyebrow up. "I cannot lie. So if you want the truth, I will tell you the truth. If you would rather not get your mind all filled with the reasons why, then I won't. I can try to sugar coat it, but that often leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And your question comes with a somewhat loaded answer." He explains before giving a shrug. The waitress returns with all ordered drinks. Wine, whiskey, and whatever the power couple across from the Devil and Doctor have ordered.
Sinister	Sinister glances to Lucifer and Clark at the inquiry and reply, his lips briefly beginning to form a word or two, or at least the shape of a thought, but he holds it. This isn't his place to answer, though he does look from the devil to the kryptonian in civvies once. It's a pertinent once, but it is just the one look between. Lois once again receives the focus of the penetrating grey gaze. "Oh, I imagine that it is. Given the nature of her ilk, the atithesis of nephilim, it must have a fairly similar vibe. They," a glance up at the ceiling and back "...meddle in the affairs of nephilim, of which there are very, very few that are not extremely diluted. I imagine her father does similar, because of the ability to /act/ with a certain measure of cosmic ideopathy. Also, all the wealth, privalege... power... it has its issues." Hard to tell if he's entirely serious there, but the statement has an odd ring of clarity to it. "There's expectations."
Lois Lane	There is something about the conversation between Clark and Lucifer that draws her attention for a moment. A gravity is felt somehow. But it does not feel dangerous, which is a relief. She will pause to take a drink of her ice water.     "Sorry for the distraction there. Just making sure everyone is having a good time." She does pause from time to time to check-in on her fiance. Just little glances and small smiles.     But there is the topic at hand, as well! "I cannot claim to fully understand the nature of things, but I get the feeling that something terrible was done to her. The kind of evil that draws my attention." She frowns thoughtfully, "You likely know enough of my character to understand how exciting it is for me to encounter a problem that I cannot fully understand, much less fix. It challenges my understanding of the world and my own place in it. On the other end of this mystery, I will be better than I am today."
Clark Kent	"Well, it keeps me grounded amongst every layer of Metropolis. It makes me feel current, even if I just think I'm a country boy," he gives a soft smile to the comments. Metaphorically chewing on Lucifer's comments, he tries to think on that one. Deep. "Just a water for me," Clark's boring sometimes. So very boring. His gaze drifts to Lois and Nathan. Just a conversational peek on the pair before returning to Lucifer, "Maybe for another conversation we share." It just has a risk of going toward more metaphorical bits that are hard to digest.
Lucifer	Lucifer glances - briefly - over to Lois and Nathaniel, having caught a bit of their conversation. "I will not betray Satana's... likely odd trust in me...but I will say that she wasn't always how she is. She was made into that. In some ways. And she did not have the best of childhoods..." He says this much, but nothing more, and no amount of questioning will have him saying more either. Lifting his whiskey to take a sip, his attention turns back to Clark. There's a few ways to interpret what the man says, so Lucifer takes the path he feels is the safest. "Perhaps it is better this way. Don't worry. It's very often I come across people who will believe me on the surface of what I say.... but deep down they have their doubts. I can't blame them. THE actual Lucifer, walking among those on Earth? Has he come to spread evil? Lies?" He chuckles, but it's a bit dark in it's offering. "When really, I came here to find entertainment. I was -bored- in Hell. Absolutely. Can you imagine doing the same thing day after day for the entirety of existance?" He shrugs. "But when the time is right. You will choose one way or the other. Everyone does." A pause. "Everyone." And there is perhaps a glance sideways to Nathaniel before he clears his throat. "So. What's the latest hot gossip in Metropolis?"
Sinister	"In that, I believe we share some commonality, Lois. There's nothing quite like something that piques the curiosity, that need to -know- and beyond that, to understand. It's the latter, not the former that proves to be the most challenging, I've found. There are things I cannot quantify, even with the breadth of my knowledge base and -that- is positively like hunting for a Snark." There's a sniff there, altogether self-effacing for a fleeting second, so brief it could be imagination. And then he can feel the shift of gaze upon him and shares the look back at the Lord of Hell. "Yes, well, it didn't take me very long to come around, now did it?" Sinister says that with a soft chuckle to the side-eye he received at the end there. The question is a good one though and he faces front once again, looking curiously at the pair.
Lois Lane	"Do you ever have a strike of intuition, where you feel something about something, or someone, and while you cannot say why or how you know, the evidence bears it all out? When I was young, this frustrated me greatly. Now that I'm quite a bit older and perhaps even slightly wiser, I am trusting it more and more."     She looks over to Lucifer and shakes her head, "I would not want you to tell me. Satana will tell me when the time is right. It's not about a story with her. It's not even about curiousity anymore. It's about doing the right thing and caring for another... well, not human being, but person."     The question of gossip gets her laughing immediately. "Oh, you know I am a terrible person to ask. But no, I rather doubt you care about who is in bed with whom. I can tell you my work has led me to three prominent Metroplis businessmen. I should say businesspeople. One is a woman. All are involved in different aspects of shipping. I am closing in on the evidence, but I suspect they are shipping human cargo, though I haven't figured out why or where they are going yet."
Clark Kent	"Existence? Isn't it existence minus the amout of time you...," Clark's voice trails as he hopes Luci knows where he is hinting. How it's about someone's decent. Dull blue eyes just watch Lucifer, "Hot Gossip, well Lexcorp is working on something big," he begins with that. Whenever LEx goes quiet something is going to be revealed, like the Lex Phone 7, aka the L7. Clark knows a little of the gossip, but not a lot. "I still have issues with it," Clark admits about Lucifer's origins.
Lucifer	Lucifer sighs. "I cannot lie. Therefore, I cannot tell anyone that I am -not- who I actually am. I also cannot help that millenia have gone, and dozens of hundreds of thousands of translations have been made of that damn book and I get thrown further and further under the ringer each time. The serpent that caused the fall of man. The one who tempted Jesus in the desert. The Father of Lies, the Spirit of Evil... and yet.. save for a very handful of people who actually -see- me for who I truly am... can get over that." He pauses. "Whatever you were taught to believe, whatever you grew up learning that makes it so, so difficult to either trust my origins or even believe I am who and what I say I am but also strive to try and get people to see that I am also NOT much of anything like what I am written to be.." He pauses. Closes his eyes. Takes a breath. Then he stands from the table and gives a little nod. "Excuse me a moment. I am going to go...collect myself..." Then he turns and curtly skirts off, asking a passing member of staff where he might slide out for a cigarette.
Sinister	"Oh, very frequently, very, very frequently indeed. It was that intuition that drove me to keep striving and to find what everyone else said was pure nonsense." A glance is given to Lucifer then, fleetingly. "With age comes grey hairs though, wisdom is entirely optional... so you're doing better than quite a number." Again, there is a nexus of conversation where it's prudent for him to keep quiet, more so when gossip is shared. Trafficking. Lexcorp up to the latest and greatest in publicity stunts and skullduggery. And doubts. There's a very slight wince as those are cast and... there's the look of sympathy shot to the devil, the bettle of a frown between brows as Lucifer gets up to collect himself once again. Quietly "...he's got so much better at zen and the art of not flipping out about those things."
Lois Lane	Lois watches Lucifer step away with concern. She looks to Dr. Essex to gauge things. The mild reaction prevents Lois from reacting further herself. Inwardly, Lois recognizes that her faith does have a reckoning in the making. But she trusts herself enough to leave that for next week's Lois to worry about.     Instead of such worrying over her own faith, she goes back to the conversation. "You know, if you like what you've seen of Metropolis so far, there are a lot of places you might find worthy of your attention, Dr. Essex. We're only about a five minute walk from two lovely parks. While I'm not known for being much for relaxing, sitting there has managed to work when I needed a break and didn't want to admit it."
Sinister	Thoughts can be loud things at times. Though some things were not said, they have a way of winnowing out. "You know he's an archangel, right? He never stopped being one, even if he was cast aside. In the most peculiar of manners, what happened to him made him the -most- human of the Host. You should meet others of the choir, they are... ahhh... interesting. Not walks, or sits in the park. Although that -does- sound lovely. I am fond of a bench you have by the waterfront." It has memories, it does. He glances to the balcony outside, the drop immense but not remotely worrying and back to the couple. "But yes, as I was saying earlier, I find Metropolis to be very polished looking. It has that terribly clean vibe to it that I approve of."
Lois Lane	With her date lost in thought, Lois will keep up the conversation, as well. Besides, she could talk to Dr. Essex for days and never tire of it. "You know, I hadn't thought a lot about what it means to be who he is. I've always tried to speak to Lucifer as I would to any other friend. He's never struck me as anything but. While one hand, that sounds reasonable enough, on the other that is something of a deficiency. There is more complexity there, and more opportunity to cause distress."     "Perhaps you can help me avoid causing undue stress, Dr. Essex? I would certainly be interested in learning more. My curiousity is what it is, but I prefer to direct it appropriately in my personal life."     The reporter has been eating a fair amount of bread. She isn't greedy for it, exactly, but it clearly has struck a nerve. Perhaps her strict diet management has made the occasional breaks from it all the more enjoyable. She does not eat fast! She savors each bite.
Clark Kent	Lucifer went off to excuse himself so he just tried to keep up with the other two.And then he just watches the pair talk. Not trying to press further. He's just happy to be there.
Lucifer	Lucifer is finally returning, with a familiar waitress and trays full of food. Everyone's orders are placed in front of them, wine is refilled as are waters and Lucifer takes his place at the table again. "My apologies." He offers, then he looks between Clark and Lois. "I do not know what religion either of you trust in. And while I know that other religions are valid...I am...to a point...confined by the one that I am a part of." He offers. "People are taught to believe that - while all of humanity has free will - there is also God's plan. Dad has a funny way of doing things... but if you look at it from that point of view. If I hadn't of tempted Eve, then sin never would exist. If I never tempted Christ...there wouldn't have been a story to tell of him facing the Devil and winning. Everything I have done, even the falling, was all parts I had to play or things would have gone an entirely different way..." He pauses, sips his whiskey and then shrugs. "So I -am- Lucifer Samael Morningstar. Archangel. The Lightbringer. But I am also the Devil. The King of Hell. Who got bored one day and came to Earth, managed to obtain a club, and now I serve the elite and the downtrodden. Feeding off their sins, because that's what Devils do...and existing for myself. For the first time in my existence..." He shares all this, and then he looks to Clark particualrly. "So if you have an issue with me, then fine. Have one. I cannot stop you. But if you have any conception that even a Devil can actually be a peaceful being with maybe just a tiny passion for controlled chaos. That is who I am."
Sinister	"Unless you threaten what he cares about, in which case peace comes with a very big sword and a lot of hellfire." Sinister comments that, with a 'mwah' toward the Devil, perhaps to take out some of that sting. "But enough of Dogma. I think I care less about the spiritual at the moment than the carnal. This smells divine, all irony aside." With a smile to the pair across from them, Sinister inclines his head. "Bon appetite, mon ami -- avec gusto."
Lois Lane	Lois is relieved that Lucifer is back and it seems in rather good spirits. The explanation captures her attention. Clark knows that face. Reporter learning mode for Lois. Yet there's no story she'll be sharing. It's more meaningful to her than that.     "I was raised Catholic, and while I'm not terribly active in my faith, I still consider it mine. Though I wouldn't mind correcting a few things that I find confusing. But let's for now say that all the story really tells me is that we were bound to fall to temptation. At the very first offer we dove right into it."     A pause, then, as she risks one more comment. "But as an aspiring mother, I have always thought it most bizarre... that is, an all-seeing God leaving his precious children alone to face such a trial. If I did that as a mother they'd take my kids away."     The food, though. It lives up to its reputation and price. She is absolutely taken-in for a time in just appreciating it. The presentation is lovely and the scent of it is enough to draw out a pleased sigh from her. "This I could get used to."