but was it just in a friendly way? now he was quickly overthinking it, simply staring at her before realizing he was doing so and suddenly clearing his throat. "sorry, uh—" his eyes fell to the little fire-breathing duck he'd been showing off moments before and then back to her. might as well take a risk instead of just wondering? lucifer brushed some of her hair back, leaning in to leave a kiss on her cheek as well before pulling back with a nervous, questioning smile.

Bucky is hunched over when she approaches, hidden away under his own layers of clothing, doing his best to keep himself warm - especially the join where his metal arm met skin, the chill to his nerves can be agony if not dealt with it. Looking up, he offers her a crooked smile. He's not expecting the offer laid out before him and for a long moment he pauses, weighing the options. It would be dangerous, there's no denying that but given how often she visits, she's already at risk just for that much - maybe in the long run it'll be better to at least be present with her, ensure she has protection should she so need it. God, he hopes she never does. -- ❝I.. have a cat.❞ He begins, brows furrowed slightly as he meets her gaze for just a moment before it flicks away, back to his sleeping bag where a little white furred paw is poking out. ❝...Is that okay? She's real good with people, doesn't leave my side. I can't leave her behind..❞ It's not an outright refusal, he really isn't any place for that, but there's no chance he's abandoning her to the streets while he sleeps in a warm apartment.

he glanced up as if he'd be able to see it but quickly found he obviously couldn't. "it's either a spider, or a flower, right?" he guessed, grinning a little before reaching up to feel just what it was and carefully touching the petals. "ah, i was right. spider." lucifer reached to pull her into a brief side hug. "now we match! we're practically twins."

there was only about thirty minutes left for the new year, and lucifer was surprisingly feeling mixed emotions. it was a mortal tradition to count down, one that was naturally brought to the hotel with the influx of sinners who once walked the earth, but it still felt important in its own way. another year, another... well, lots of things. but lucifer didn't want to be a downer. he'd talked to aya earlier during the party but decided to seek out her company again and hopefully ring in the new year together. "hey!" he greeted lightly, removing the obnoxious sunglasses with the upcoming year he'd been wearing previously. "so what happens when it hits midnight? i heard something about fireworks, or dropping a ball?"

skip partway through! "there we go. this one's another one i thought you'd like? everyone's heard it, i think, but it's great for a reason!" dancing queen by abba was the last song to play, and he couldn't help but dramatically sing along to this one in particular, even if he did seem a little silly doing it.

It was a shame he couldn't remember her, but he soon will. For now, he would enjoy the cookies. Not sharing them with anyone (other than Shok.Wav).

-- ❝Oh- wow.❞ Bucky isn't expecting gifts and he kicks himself for not thinking about it before, he'd not taken the time to keep up with holidays after everything and now, well - he feels like an ass. Unfolding it to look at the label, he then refolds it to settle it in his lap before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her cheek. ❝It's perfect, should fit me as good as the old one.❞ There's a pause where he flexes his fingers, brows furrowing. He wishes he had something to give her in return, something just as thoughtful. Instead he'll have to think on his feet. -- ❝I- uh- was thinking.. you and me going somewhere? It's not- a physical gift but it might be nice getting to explore somewhere new, right?❞ Another pause, he's scrambling to think up where she might want to go but - coming up short. Come on, Buck. ❝I got some funds set aside, so I figure we could decide on somewhere we'd both like, yeah? How's that sound?❞