and persistent for the most part, never standing down from what he believed in, never letting anyone falter his faith or trust, and that was why he was insisting that the visit to Lux hadn't been a complete flop. At least he had come to the realization that there was an awesome club in Los Angeles, one that he intended to stop by frequently, and that it was also owned by someone utterly charming and worth his while and attention. However, he did accept the fact that it didn't give them the bro moment he had hoped for, which was why he had apologized to Dan afterwards.

"Okay, maybe it didn't go entirely as planned, and I'm sorry, but at least now we can order pizza and binge Family Guy while catching up and pretending we're tougher than our sad stories make it seem?", was Benji's attempt to make their night better, and even though Dan wanted to be upset, he ended up smiling and agreeing to Ben's plan. He was his brother, after all, and now that he was back after being away for so many years, Dan didn't find it in his heart to be that scolding big brother who only judged and pretended like he wasn't actually fighting back tears of joy.

So, they ended up staying up even if Dan had to wake up early for work the next morning, but when he groggily silenced his blaring alarm at six A.M, he couldn't help but laugh and admit that it had been worth it.

"About damn time", was what Benjamin greeted Dan with when his older brother dragged his tired body into the small kitchen, where the smell of fresh coffee comforted him. "Good morning, Detective Douche", the youngest Espinoza flashed his infamous grin whilst handing Daniel a steaming mug filled with coffee and a hint of milk, and as he accepted the drink he desperately needed in his system, Dan groaned at the nickname. He hated when Lucifer called him Detective Douche — and now his own brother was doing it, too. He didn't need that in his life, but he knew Benji had no intentions to stop, either.

"You know, I'll never understand how you can be so energetic and chirpy this early", Dan pointed out before taking a sip of the coffee and ruffling his hair with his free hand. Chuckling, Benjamin took his own coffee, but when Dan looked away, he sneakily took his flask of whiskey which he had hid behind the microwave, and poured some in the mug, watching how the droplets broke the perfect surface of the drink.

"It's a real mystery", he simply replied, before rolling the cork back on and putting the flask back in its hideout.

Benjamin and Dan both found themselves seated on the couch and watching the news before the latter would have to leave for work, utter silence landing between them, but it was comfortable in its nature. They didn't always have to talk — moments like these were just as meaningful, until Benji would shatter the peace by offering a sarcastic remark or complimenting the weatherman's ass.

Still, it was two brothers being themselves — the other a sassy little rebel and the other rolling his eyes at his little brother's immaturity, but also hiding a smile. They loved each other dearly, and it was evident even if they could occasionally argue or judge each other's behavior.

The silence in the apartment was broken by a knock on the door, and even though Benjamin's head instantly snapped to the right direction, he was obviously not making an effort to go over and answer the door. Instead, he shuffled more comfortably into the couch whilst Dan got up and finished his coffee, so he could leave the mug in the kitchen before walking over to the door and opening it.

"Hey boss! Ready for work?", a cheerful voice spoke from the doorway, and at last, Benji's interest was gripped so tightly he just had to jump over the back of the couch and rush to his brother's side to see who had called him boss. At the door, stood a redheaded woman with adorable dimples around her bright smile, a cap resting atop her short hair and a blue uniform confirming that she was a part of the LAPD.

"Ooh, who's this?", Benjamin looked over to his brother, but it was merely a brief glance when the gaze had already returned to the smiling woman in front of them.

Dan didn't even have to answer, when the deputy had offered her hand to Benji, and the young man had gripped her pale, slender fingers tightly. "My name is Isadora Holt. But most people call me Izzy. And you are...?", she tilted her head to the side, and that was all it took for Benjamin to break into a proud, confident smirk.

"Benjamin Espinoza. But most people call me Benji. I'm Detective Douche's brother", he introduced himself smoothly, only to earn a disapproving glare from Dan but an amused snort from Izzy. However, they then proceeded to gaze into each other's eyes whilst a thick silence landed into the foyer, and unsure what was going to happen next, Benjamin suddenly needed to clarify something — even though he was always gladly befriending people of all genders, and Izzy seemed like a lovely girl, he wasn't attracted to her. That was what prompted him to suddenly speak up.

"I'm gay."

However, he wasn't the only one. Izzy said the same thing, at the same time as he did, both of them declaring their sexualities to make sure there wasn't any misunderstood feelings, and it caused them both to look at each other approvingly.

"Okay, we're leaving. Try not to set my apartment on fire, okay? I'd rather not come home to a pile of ashes", Dan sighed then, before pulling Benjamin into a quick hug and patting his hand against his back. "And promise me, you will at least try to act like an adult. Be responsible, mature. And do not fall for Lucifer", he warned whilst letting go of Benjamin, who nodded confidently.

"I promise, bro. I'll be better this time — I mean, the party isn't over, but I'll keep it under control. Besides, I don't fall for people, they fall for me", he confirmed with a smile, and returning it, Dan then grabbed his leather jacket and stepped outside with Izzy.

And as the door shut, Benjamin let out a deep exhale and realized that life in L.A had kicked off well. Even though he had promised to be responsible, he was now alone and the City of Angels awaited for the youngest Espinoza to do what he did best — have fun. He could be a responsible little rebel, right?

—————

Benji's Camaro's engine filled the streets outside Lux, already crawling with people despite it being quite early — the man had watched some TV, grabbed lunch and stopped by the beach for some eye candy, but no matter how busy he had tried to stay, he felt drawn to the club. It had seemed like so much fun, but before he could get the full experience, Dan had literally dragged him out and that continued to aggravate Benjamin until the man finally parked his muscle car outside the famous club and pushed the keys into his pocket. He needed to go back, and instead of fighting the urge any longer, Benji stepped into the line and proceeded to wait for his turn to go inside.

He had done his fair share of waiting in lines, yet it never got any less boring. Inside, people were partying and living their lives like it was going to end at any minute, but here, in the annoyingly bright day, Benjamin had to listen to everyone else enjoying themselves, whereas for him, it was merely a gamble whether or not he'd even get in.

Luckily, there was something — or actually, someone, who could always skip the boring waiting part and get to the fun part. In fact, that summed up Lucifer Morningstar rather well, and that was obvious in his confident smirk as he revved the engine of his Corvette, the shiny black car catching Benjamin's eyes as the dark-eyed man rolled the wheel so he made it to the pavement. Benji couldn't help but become more and more intrigued and drawn to his presence as Lucifer stepped out of the vehicle, presenting his tall appearance proudly before tossing the keys to the valet and adjusting his smooth, black jacket on his broad shoulders.

Gulping, Benji let his gaze follow Lucifer's every movement, but before he could even wonder whether he should make a move towards him or remain in his place, the handsome devil had noticed the youngest Espinoza and broken into a wide smile whilst making his way towards him.

Oh, he's really coming here—help, what do I—

"Benjamin! I'm surprised Daniel has allowed you to return. Come on, let's have a drink, you and I", Lucifer had proposed, and before Benji could say anything to disagree — not that he was going to — the taller man had thrown his arm over Benjamin's slightly shorter frame, pulling him closer to his chest and drowning him in the strong aftershave that tingled Benji's senses. The feeling of his muscular arm around his shoulders was causing Benjamin's smile to only widen, but he remained silent as Lucifer led him by the line and straight to the entrance, where the doors were instantly opened for the owner and his companion.

The atmosphere in the club was even better than Benjamin had remembered, the lights and the fitting songs setting the mood for the partying people all over the club. Lucifer could notice the grin on Benji's lips when he looked down at him, and frankly, it caused him to smile as well whilst leading the man to the bar. With a simple lift of his finger, Lucifer ordered drinks for the both of them, and as the bartender got to work, the club owner dropped his arm from Benjamin's body — which kind of disappointed him, truth be told — and leaned against the counter proudly.

"I can see you're enjoying the view", Lucifer pointed out, and lifting his eyebrow, Benji turned to him with his smile gaining a more teasing, flirtatious hint to it.

"Well, it is a wonderful one", he nodded, before taking the drink that was delivered to him and drawing a sip from it. "How do you know my brother?", Benjamin then questioned bravely, admittedly intrigued by the thought — Lucifer and Dan were polar opposites, and he had never imagined Daniel would find someone like him. Although it was evident they didn't get along, it was still wondrous they had any kind of a relationship at all.

But, the explanation Lucifer had to offer was a reasonable one.

"I'm a Civilian Consultant for the LAPD. Detective Douche— I mean, Dan, and I met because his ex-wife is my partner", Lucifer elaborated, which surprised Benjamin. Chloe reminded him of Dan in a lot of ways, and frankly, she didn't seem like the kind of person to get along with someone like Lucifer, either. But, then again, she did love Benjamin, though — and even if he had only known Mr. Morningstar for a rather short while, he could easily recognize the similarities between them. "Are you sure you're his brother, though?", Lucifer then questioned, and chuckling, Benji nodded, only for the other to continue, "but you're not a douche."

"Nope. But I am fluent in sarcasm, fantastic at playing the piano and desperate for love", Benjamin countered, which earned an approving nod from Lucifer. Even though the last part was more of a joke, the other two weren't. Sarcasm was Benji's specialty, and he did really know how to play the piano, after learning to do so in Europe. It kept him in balance — even though he was a fun drunk who never passed the opportunity to party or take shots from someone's abs, he had the emotion and vulnerability to play the piano and perform art so passionately. That impressed Lucifer, whose eyes were flickering with interest as he finished his drink.

"Right. We should have a little competition some time, see who's the better player", Lucifer suggested coyly, and mirroring the teasing expression, Benji eyed the other man's flawless features and leaned closer.

"I have to warn you, I have talented fingers", Benjamin shrugged, "what do I get if I win?"

Amazed by his blunt, flirtatious behavior, which he could relate to, Lucifer leaned closer as well and let his lips curve higher as he looked down at Benjamin's own ones. How perfect would it be, to charm the brother of Dan Espinoza himself, connect with the one man he was supposed to stay away from, embrace the danger and this irresistible, intriguing person barely inches away.

"Whatever you want, eh?", Lucifer suggested, and well, it sounded tempting enough.

Just as Benjamin held in his breath and started to lean in for what he was sure would develop into a fiery kiss against the bar counter, Lucifer's gaze found something else and the affection on his face hardened into frustration and anger. He pulled away, and in a blink of an eye, the moment was over and Benji found himself left hanging — something that never happened to him.

When he turned to see what had caught Lucifer's attention, he realized it wasn't a what, but a who. A woman in a blue dress, swaying her hips whilst standing on a table and reeling people in, and something about it was enough to upset Lucifer, so much he ended up stepping away — but not before he had directed Benjamin an apologetic look.

"Excuse me", he simply said before storming over to the woman, and sighing, Benji then rested against the counter.

There weren't many things in his life that he was entirely sure of, but he did know that he had chosen the absolute worst time to promise Dan he'd do this whole mature adult thing, with so much fun and irresponsibility just screaming his name — in the form of Lucifer Morningstar, too.

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