Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Recent Past

When Michael had first heard that Father had given Lucifer a gift, a miracle, he'd laughed. Gabriel was always too happy to repeat every little rumor she heard, no matter how preposterous. This was, no doubt, merely a particularly absurd report. It was, admittedly, unnerving, following the other news everyone was obsessed with. So, Lucifer had returned to Hell, of his own volition, and he was getting praise for it? It was as if the world had turned upside down. People shouldn't be commended for doing what they're supposed to do, for managing the bare minimum. And yet Lucifer was the new favorite topic of so many of his siblings, spoken of with admiration and respect.

It was sickening.

And it wouldn't last. Lucifer could never do as he was told. Before long he would grow restless and leave Hell, and everyone would see that they were wrong. Lucifer hadn't matured, he wasn't selfless, he deserved no recognition. He was, as he ever was, a rebellious son. Still, the hope in his siblings eyes irked Michael. Would they forgive Lucifer, after all he'd done? Forgive the devil for the destruction and despair he'd wrought upon the Silver City, however long ago?

When Michael found out that it was true, that Father had genuinely made a miracle, all for Lucifer, he was furious. None of the other angels had ever received such a gift from their Father. Those who had stayed loyal and true, who had fought against the Rebellion and continued to carryout His Will ever since, had nothing. They needed nothing. They were happy to fulfil their duties without payment or award. And yet Lucifer, their vain, disobedient, rebellious, infernal brother, apparently had their Father's favor. This was offensive, to say the least. When Michael heard his siblings speaking of Lucifer with hope, as if he could ever be redeemed, it was irritable, to be sure. But he knew it would change nothing. All of the Heavenly Host combined couldn't undo the decree of the Almighty. Lucifer could not be welcomed back into the Silver City. But if Father was changing his mind...this would not do.

Michael knew he needed to take action. He knew that eventually Lucifer would abandon Hell once more, that everyone would be reminded of just how deserving he was of his hellish post. But at the rate things had been changing lately, and with the severity of recent developments (Father has given him a Gift, Michael found himself seething at regular intervals as days passed), he worried that time may not be on his side. What if the unthinkable were to happen, before Lucifer blundered of his own accord?

So Michael would just have to help him along the way.

Michael withdrew from his siblings, from their loathsome rumors and speculation, to begin his scheming. How to get Lucifer to leave Hell, he wondered? This goal was opposite of his usual, to keep Lucifer in Hell, or to return him. Michael smirked at the thought. Return him, like unwanted merchandise or an accidental purchase. How he would despise the comparison, his brother. Always so smug, so sure of himself. This thought made Michael pause. Perhaps his brother's arrogance could be his downfall. And how satisfying that would be. Using Lucifer's own ego against him, Michael would hardly have to lift a finger. Play with some of his Earthly toys, perhaps break one or two. Lucifer wouldn't be able to resist the temptation to make a scene. That would certainly dispel any respect their siblings may harbor for the devil.

And what better place to start, than with the greatest insult of all? Lucifer's prized gift. The Miracle.

Present Day

"The night that you saw my face, why did you come back to the house?"

Chloe was missing, had been taken. Lucifer was doing everything he could to find her since he'd listened to her voicemail. Her strangled cry and the ominous thumps and crashes that followed had been playing over in the back of his mind like a foreboding soundtrack. He wanted to kick himself for not hearing the call, for not answering her. If he had, would he have found her by now? Would she be safe? Instead, he was hitting dead end after dead end and he felt like he was running out of time. Now, he stood with Dan in the precinct, feeling like the man before him was his last hope.

"Wha-? Because you called me! You asked me to."

Lucifer felt a new shroud of dread layering itself upon his other fears when Dan spoke these words. A name thrummed itself through his thoughts with cold clarity. Michael. With the identity of Chloe's abductor came precise fears, which nibbled at the edge of his mind where he pushed them. He needed to focus. Because, along with those fears, knowing who had taken Chloe also brought a greater chance of finding her.

He sighed and collected himself. "I didn't make that call, Daniel, but I think I know who did."

"Who?" Daniel demanded. His terror was still palpable, but he was doing an admirable job of standing his ground against the devil at the moment. At least, he wasn't collapsing in a puddle of melted brain. Any other day Lucifer may have been impressed. Now, of course, he didn't have time to spare the thought.

"My twin." The words fell bitterly from his lips. "Michael." Lucifer was taken aback to see a flash of recognition appear in Dan's eyes, which he quickly tried to hide. Lucifer scoffed. "Oh. Dreadful poker face. He's the one who told you to shoot me, isn't he?" He made his way around the interrogation table towards Dan, who quickly backed towards the door. Lucifer pulled up short. "Look, I hate to break it to you, Daniel, but you have been played." He leaned forward on the table, desperate to get the man in front of him to understand the situation, the danger that could be facing Chloe at that very moment.

"But Michael's an angel." Dan was grasping for sense, for the logic that ceased to exist in his world the night his eyes had filled with the impossible scarred, red face that had since haunted his dreams. "And you're the devil, you're the Prince of Lies."

Something in Lucifer snapped. "Dan!" he snarled as he banged his hands on the table. Dan flinched back. "Chloe has been kidnapped by Michael." Each syllable was enunciated as if spoken to a particularly dense child. "We need to find her before he does whatever angelic things," and he refused to think too hard about this, because they would find her in time, they had to, "he's planning on doing!"

"Wait, wait, wait, what do you me-, k-kidnapped?" For a moment Dan forgot his own fear.

"Yes!" Lucifer hissed.

"Is that why everyone's on high alert? I didn't-Why didn't you tell me!" This time it was Dan who punched the table. He turned to bang on the door. "Somebody let me out of here so I can help! Open the door-"

Suddenly Lucifer was on him, spinning him around and pinning him against the door. Dan's fear and memory of just who, what, Lucifer was returned with the force of a tidal wave.

"What are you gunna do, huh?" Lucifer snarled in the mans face. "Tell them that some archangel took her? We are on the same side here. Only we can save her." It was a statement, but he felt like he was begging. "And the only way you can help is by telling me where you saw Michael."

Dan gasped through his terror and whimpered, "You're hurting me."

Lucifer seemed to come to himself as he released Dan, hands raided in a submissive stature. He looked at the other man expectantly.

Dan's lips quivered but he forced himself to think. "Okay...okay. Uh...Michael. He-he came to me at the cemetery. But then he...he flew me someplace else. Uh, someplace private so we could talk. It was, uh...it was some weird cave."

Lucifer felt a spark of hope. "Private? Well, that might be where he has Chloe. Where's this cave?"

"Well, I-I don't know exactly." Dan didn't meet Lucifer's eyes.

"How can you not know? Did he blindfold you?" It came out as sarcasm, but Lucifer also wouldn't put it past his brother.

"Well, uh, I-I kind of...maybe passed out on the flight there." Dan took a breath. "And back."

Lucifer sighed with incredulity and turned away. "You have got to be kidding me!"

"Come on, man, I'm afraid of heights. You know what roller coasters do to me," Dan said defensively. Lucifer almost couldn't believe that this was what was getting in the way of finding Chloe. "And believe me, flying is...it's way worse."

"Is there anything of value that you can tell me, or are you just completely useless?"

But Dan had hit his limit. As he recounted his celestial excursion, he seemed to loose himself in the memories, or in the vastness that was Everything. Lucifer knew that look. He's seen it on a number of people over the millennia who'd come to understand who and what he was. They could be absorbed in this stupor for hours. "No, no, no, not now, Daniel, I need you to remember!" He gripped Dan's shoulders. "You have to help me find Chloe!" It was no use; Dan's face remained blank as he stared into nothingness. Lucifer couldn't get though to him. But they didn't have hours to waste. Lucifer couldn't reach Dan like this, but perhaps someone else could...He was about to grab Dan and fly right out of of the interrogation room, but then he realized that if a memory of flight did this to Dan, then another winged trip certainly wouldn't help. Instead, he gripped Dan by the shoulder and lead him out of the room and through the precinct. "Alright, Daniel, its off to the good doctor with you. She should still be at her appointment with her offspring. Try to keep your mind from melting any further until we reach her, hm?"

Chapter Text

The Recent Past

The first time that Michael met the Miracle, she took him by surprise. Before that moment, she had only been a concept. First an afront to the divine and righteous, and then a prospective tool to be used against his brother. In person she was fierce and resilient. A force to be reckoned with for any human, he could imagine. An accomplished member of law enforcement (his purview, no less, which he recognized with something approaching appreciation), she handled the brutes around them with an elegance he'd not before seen paired with the use of firearms.

Then it was just them, and before he knew it, she was clinging to him, her lips against his. He should have expected it, he knew. He was aware of her amorous connection with Lucifer. Still, somehow it startled him.

Michael, in his many, many years had never acted so intimately with another. He found himself sinking into the unexpected softness, the sweetness on his tongue. He knew it was not meant for him, not truly, but in that moment he let himself forget. And then she pulled back, taking her warmth with her. You seem different, she'd said. How had she already begun to suspect him? Looking at her, he felt, through the concern for his plans, wonder. At once, he knew that convincing her that he was Lucifer would be a challenge. But it was one he found himself looking forward to.

Working beside the Miracle was also not how he had expected. Right away, she'd caught his mistake, his lie to Ella Lopez. Looking at him like he'd grown a second head, she said, "You never lie." And of course Michael knew then how careless he had been. Everyone, even Michael, knew that if Lucifer had one thing going for him, one positive quality to his entire being, it was his aversion to lies.

Of course, Michael thought this was ludicrous, nearing comical. While Lucifer wouldn't lie, how often did he really tell the truth? Michael looked down at the Miracle, her intelligent eyes searching his for answers. He decided to make a play for sympathy, and it seemed to work. And, in a moment of inspiration, he suggested that this 'new him' might even be better than before (than Lucifer, he thought to himself). The weary expression hadn't left her face, but she didn't question him further.

Later, during interrogations, he knew she was onto him again. Her bizarre behavior in front of suspects opposed the professionalism he knew she typically portrayed at the workplace (he had, of course, done his research). It wasn't until later, when she questioned his behavior, that he realized why she was acting so strangely. She was expecting him to mimic the standard immaturity and lack of civility that came so naturally to his childish brother. Had she been playing the part of babysitter to Lucifer all this time? How did she ever get any work done? It occurred to him, however briefly, that she deserved a partner who could appreciate the seriousness of the work she did.

That night, Michael watched as the Miracle boldly faced down the headlights of their suspect's car. He was surprised to find that he had enjoyed the car chase, the rush of narrowly avoiding traffic in order to apprehend the miscreant. Here, she stood, gun raised, when the car's engine revved as it shot forward at them. Michael watched her with fascination as she unwaveringly advanced, firing bullet after bullet into the face of danger.

When it became clear that the car was not going to stop and she wouldn't be able to move out of the way in time, he acted without thinking. Michael pulled her into his chest, unleashed his wings, and leaped into the air. Time seemed to slow down. The car skid beneath them, her body tucked in his arms, her warmth against him once more. For a moment he wondered what would happen if he didn't land, if he flew off with her right then and there. Then his feet touched the ground and the thought vanished as quickly as his wings. They pulled apart and looked at each other. He flashed a smile. "That was fun!" It wasn't a lie.

The next night, when the Miracle was clearly suggesting they spend the evening together, he was almost sorry that he was going to disappoint her. Almost.

And the plan had gone spectacularly. Despite the revolting position he had to put himself in-with a demon, of all creatures-it had done its job. And he had played his part perfectly, if he did say so himself. The tears that welled up in the Miracle's eyes were proof of that. The way she ran from the penthouse desperate to flee the scene had Michael nearly giddy with satisfaction. Another of his plans brilliantly pulled off. Naturally.

Still, it was best to take all precautions. He had to make sure the damage was done. So he met her the next day as she worked, where she seemed as upset as he'd expected. He was beginning to believe that his job was actually done. She sounded adequately distraught, and didn't seem to have any more suspicions about his identity.

And then she asked him to do "the mojo, with the eyes." Of course, he knew exactly what she meant, and what she was anticipating. He kept a calm façade but momentarily panicked. What lie could he come up with this time? Well, he realized, the same as before, when she'd first caught him lying, and then again after she'd seen him with the demon. But he didn't get the chance to explain that thousands of years on the infernal plane changes a devil. The Miracle beat him to it.

Instead of anger and suffering, she showed him that she felt compassion. She offered him understanding and patience. Forgiveness. He looked down at her perplexed. Shouldn't she hate him? He'd seen the hurt in her eyes the night before, he knew she should be beyond upset with him-with Lucifer. A part of him deflated at this development; his plan had not, in fact, been a success. But a bigger part of him, full of curiosity and wonder, could only stare at her in awe. He had never known anyone, human or celestial alike, to have such a big heart.

This was Father's gift to Lucifer?

No. Michael couldn't accept that. There was no way there was any world where Lucifer-the rebel, the destroyer, the Fallen-deserved this. This mercy. This grace. He wasn't worthy of it-of her.

If anyone was worthy, it was-

For a moment, just a split second, Michael wondered if this line of thought, if his actions, might be acting against the Will of his Father. But then the Miracle-Chloe-put her hand to his face and the thought evaporated. He felt her warmth against him once more. It flooded through his body and thrummed through his veins. In another plane, he felt his wings shiver.

He would be worthy.

Present Day

The waiting room at the pediatric clinic was obnoxiously blue. Two children played in the corner with a pile of toys while their parents sat nearby, flipping through magazines. A colorful poster on the wall said "WASH YOUR HANDS" in a cheery font. This was in no way a comfort to Lucifer. He'd observed many children couldn't read, particularly the younger ones, and the rest couldn't stop moving long enough to properly cleanse themselves. This place had to be brimming with sticky germs, he had no doubt.

These thoughts were forgotten the moment he saw Linda and Amenadiel sitting to the side. They each had worried, unfocused expressions on their faces. He marched up to them dragging a despondent Dan behind him. "Doctor, there you are." He released Dan to straighten his suit.

Linda and Amenadiel both startled. "Lucifer! What are you doing here? You know now isn't a good time," Linda scolded.

Amenadiel grabbed his brother's arm. "Why aren't you looking for Chloe? Have you found her yet?"

"Chloe? Why-what's wrong with Chloe?" Linda asked.

Lucifer hummed. "Actually, brother, that's why I'm here. You see, turns out, it was my dear twin that whisked away the Detective."

"Michael? Luci, are you sure? He's an angel, he wouldn't hurt a human-"

"So sure about that, are you?" Lucifer bristled. "I wouldn't exactly call Danny boy here unscathed. Would you?" Lucifer pushed Dan in front of him. Dan, for his part, remained unresponsive.

Amenadiel leaned closer, inspecting. "Michael did this?" Not seeing any physical injury, he looked back to Lucifer. "What exactly did he do?"

"Well, apparently his machinations go further back than even I would have guessed. He tricked Daniel into getting an eyeful of my devil face a while back and then talked him into shooting me." Linda let out a small gasp. She could relate to what Dan was going through, being the only other human present to take the full brunt of Lucifer's other face. "And now the bastard's off and taken the Detective Dad knows where. Daniel might be able to tell us, but he's rather clammed up at the moment."

"Wait, wait, wait." Linda held up her hands. "Are you saying Chloe has been kidnapped?"

"Yes, Doctor, do keep up!" Lucifer was beyond exasperated. He could almost feel the physical ticking of a clock with each minute that passed. LA traffic certainly hadn't helped his growing anxiety. "And Daniel's brain is a bit broken right now, so I need you to fix it!"

Amenadiel crossed his arms. "Luci, Dr. Subia will be back any minute with Charlie's test results. We need to be here."

"And it took me weeks to recover! How do you expect me to-to-fix him?" Linda asked, making it clear she thought this was crazy.

"I don't know!" Lucifer yelled. He felt like he was at a breaking point. "I don't know. But I can't find her-I can't save her-without your help. I don't know where Michael is or what he's planning to do, and Daniel here is my only chance of tracking him down." Lucifer swallowed down a sob as he pleaded, "Please."

A beat of silence passed. "Alright," Linda relented. "Alright! I'll try to talk to him. But this is going to cost you triple the usual rate! Amenadiel, I'll be right down the hall. Let me know if you hear anything about Charlie. And Lucifer?" She reached out to clasp his arm. He let out a shuttering breath at her touch. "It'll be okay. I know you'll find her." With that said, she led Dan out of the waiting room and down the hall so they could speak in private.

Left alone, the two brothers looked at each other. "Sounds like you're not so bad at this 'detectiving' after all, Luci," Amenadiel said, not unkindly.

"Yes. Well, perhaps giving it a go wasn't such a waste. But I had help. Wouldn't have even thought about Michael if Maze hadn't been there."

"And," Amenadiel said while sitting down, gesturing that Lucifer do the same. "Maybe all the time spent on cases with Chloe, you've learned something after all, like I said earlier. Maybe you can get the precinct to start calling you Detective Morningstar, too."

Lucifer settled into the chair beside Amenadiel. "Does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? And wouldn't you know, while looking for the Detective I even helped catch a serial killer." He laughed emptily.

Amenadiel sat up straight. "You what?"

"Well, Ms. Lopez did most of the work there, really."

Amenadiel kept looking at him bug-eyed.

With nothing better to do while waiting for the Doctor to work her magic on Dan, he told Amenadiel about everything that had happened since he'd listened to Chloe's voicemail, including the details he'd left out the last time he'd spoken to Amenadiel. By the time he finished explaining how Pete ended up being arrested, twenty minutes had passed. "All that time," he said as he finished his story, "wasted, chasing the wrong man. It got me no closer to finding the Detective."

"Wasted?" Amenadiel shook his head. "I know you want to find Chloe-and you will. But what you did today? That wasn't a waste. You helped stopped a killer, you've saved lives. You brought justice to families who have lost their loved ones. You made sure that criminal will get his punishment." Amenadiel nudged his brother's shoulder. "And I bet Chloe would say the same thing."

It was little consolation, but Lucifer nodded his head in agreement.

"Good news!" Said a woman in a lab coat approaching them. She faltered when she saw Lucifer where Linda should be. "Is Charlie's mother here?"

Amenadiel stood up. "She had to step out for some...family business. She'll be back in a moment. How's Charlie?"

The woman smiled at him. "Charlie's fever has subsided. Just your normal, run-of-the-mill cold." Amenadiel sighed in relief. "Ready to see him?"

"Yes! Let me just go get Linda from the hall," Amenadiel answered.

"Of course! I'll wait right here," she said.

Lucifer stood and walked with his brother to the door to the hall, where he stopped the other man. "Brother," Lucifer spoke tiredly as he grasped Amenadiel's shoulder. "I'm glad your offspring has recovered." He wondered where this wave of sentimentality had come from, but decided not to fight it.

Amenadiel smiled warmly. "Thank you, Luci."

Just then, the door opened in front of them. "Oh!" Linda exclaimed, walking back into the waiting room. Dan trailed behind her, looking weary but, to Lucifers great relief, alert. "Have you heard about Charlie?" she asked Amenadiel.

He smiled down at the mother of his child. "Yes! He's perfectly fine. It was just a cold."

Linda's shoulders slumped in relief. "Wonderful." Then she met Lucifer's eyes and remembered why she'd been coming back to the room to begin with. "Oh! Right. Daniel, come here." She gestured for Dan to step forward, which he did with trepidation. "Go ahead and tell Lucifer what you told me." She nodded at him encouragingly.

Dan cleared his throat. "I don't remember much, and I don't know how helpful it'll be, but I'll tell you what I know." He took a breath. "The cave was strange. Parts of it looked fake. And it seemed like no one had been there in a really long time."

Lucifer racked his brain for where that could be. He'd been worried that this mysterious cave was one of countless in the region, perhaps a secluded beach cave, or a cavern far out in the desert. Searching them all would take weeks, even for a celestial. But a fake cave...there were only so many of those around, like in zoo exhibits. His head snapped up. Somewhere no one had been in a long time? He let out a humorless laugh. "I think I know where he has her."

"What? How-no, doesn't matter. Where is she?" Dan demanded. He seemed to have his head about him once again.

"I think he's taken her to the abandoned Griffith Park Zoo, near the observatory." He looked to Dan for confirmation.

Dan nodded his head slowly. "Yeah, that actually does add up with what I remember. Good one." He clapped Lucifer on the shoulder, already forgetting that he was afraid of the otherworldly being. "Now let's go get her."

Lucifer gave the man an incredulous look. "What? Absolutely not. I'm not waiting around in Los Angeles traffic just so you can tag along. I'm leaving right now."

"Fine! No cars. But take me with you."

"Is your brain still half melted?" Lucifer asked Dan before rounding on Linda with an accusatory look. "I thought you said you fixed him?" Before she could respond he turned back to Dan. "No traffic and no cars means I'm flying. I can't very well rescue Chloe while watching over you after you become a vegetable again!"

"I get that! But I'll keep it together this time. I know what to expect and-and I'll squeeze my eyes closed the entire time." When Lucifer scoffed at this, Dan pushed further. "Hey, let's make a deal then. That's, like, your thing, right? If I lose my mind out there, then you can leave me behind, forget about me until Chloe is safe." He held out a hand to make his point. "Deal?"

Lucifer hesitated, looking at the hand that was offered him. A glance at Linda and Amenadiel told him they were staying out of this. He snarled and grabbed Dan's hand. "Fine. Deal." He let go and looked to Linda. "Thank you for your help," he said with genuine gratitude.

She smiled at him. "Go find her."

Amenadiel stepped forward. "Let us know how things go." The brothers shared a nod. Amenadiel and Linda turned back to return to the woman who was still waiting for them, looking curiously between the four.

Lucifer turned to Dan and clapped his hands together. "Well. Let's get going then."

Chapter Text

Recent Past

Michael didn't have a new plan, really. Just the vague idea that he wanted to alter the old one, with a new goal in mind. The new goal was also vague. He knew it involved Chloe, and that she was the cause for the change. While he hadn't yet figured out what he wanted to do ("be worthy" was far too ambiguous an objective on its own), he was moving on autopilot. He stayed beside Chloe, followed her as she worked, and helped where he could.

He found this to be both tranquil-to immerse himself in tasks at her side-and distracting, as he basked in the warmth of her closeness. Because she was close. Where before she might ask him to hand her a file in front of him, now she would reach around him to grab it, brushing her arm against his. Instead of stepping into a hallway to discuss the case details, she would lean in close and whisper, her breath mingling with his as he whispered back, her ocean-blue eyes blinking up at him through her lashes. He didn't know what had brought on this change. He only knew that it was all-consuming.

And that was before their little coffee break.

The first time her hand brushed against his, he assumed it was an accident. Still, the skin-to-skin contact sent shockwaves down his arm. When it happened again, her hand landing on his as he reached for a spoon, he again thought it an accident as they softly laughed. But then he caught a glint in her eye, and she wet her lips. When she licked the spoon his mind went blank. The way her lips caressed it, the soft sounds that escaped her mouth...he found himself entranced in an unfamiliar way.

And then she was saying something, about the vending machine, or money? He didn't particularly care what she was saying because the next moment she stepped forward. Chloe placed one of her legs slightly between his and leaned into him, tilting her head so he could clearly see the lines of her neck and collarbone. He swallowed. He'd never known anything to be so...interesting. She slipped her hand into his pocket and as her fingers moved against his pant leg, he felt trapped. 

But he didn't mind.

Then she pulled back with a triumphant smile and showed off her prize: a crumpled wad of bills and receipts he'd accumulated over the day. With a laugh, he released a breath he hadn't noticed he was holding. She took out a bill and handed him the rest before drifting towards the vending machine a few feet away. She was talking again, and, like before, he missed it. He moved beside her and forced himself to listen to her next words.

"You know, I've been thinking. You are different, but sometimes change is a good thing." He was focusing on her words but didn't yet understand what she was saying. "You know, I..." She gently captured his lapel between her fingers. "I think I like this new Lucifer. You've grown. I've been stuck in an old version of us, and, uh..." He watched her breathlessly. "Maybe it's time for us to move forward, or..." Her face moved closer to his. "For us to move forward together." He swallowed audibly. "How bout after we solve this case, I..." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in even more. Her eyes dropped for a moment to his lips. "I come over to your place?"

He managed to find his voice enough to rasp "Okay." And when she turned his attention to their reflection in the glass he couldn't help but notice how...right it seemed. The picture before him had an ethereal quality to it, almost heavenly. Was that on account of her being a miracle?

He decided that it didn't matter what the reason was. A more definitive goal was making itself known in his mind. There was no doubt that Chloe Decker was a Miracle. But why did everyone assume that meant that she belonged to Lucifer? They were twins, made of the same material and at the same time. In some ways, interchangeable. From what Michael could see, there was no reason she couldn't be his rather than his twins. He didn't need to ruin Lucifer's life when he could just take the best parts of it for himself.

As for his plan? Well. It didn't seem like he'd have to change anything at all. He watched her walk away in fascination. She thought the 'changes' she was seeing were a good thing. She liked this 'new Lucifer' he was presenting her with. "You've grown." He felt almost intoxicated as her alluring form retreated and he realized what her words really meant. She preferred him to Lucifer. She didn't know it yet, of course, but she favored the devil's more mature, capable, and sensible twin. She would choose him.

This was a new sensation to Michael. He'd grown used to the coldness of rejection, of being overshadowed by Lucifer and measured against his twin.

From the Beginning until the Rebellion, Michael had been in an obscured position beside his brother, the favored twin. Lucifer the Lightbringer. He had created the stars. Their siblings had been awed when this impossible task set forth by their Father had been accomplished. Their Mother had been so proud that she'd cooed over Lucifer for centuries. Even Father, usually so apathetic toward his children, had offered words of praise. To Lucifer.

Yes, Lucifer had created the stars. But he hadn't done it alone.

Lucifer had painted the sky with brilliant lights, but it was Michael with his talent for shadows that provided the canvas. Stars only sparkled so beautifully because of their shadowy backdrop. But you don't look at a masterpiece to admire its background. While they'd worked together on this project, only Lucifer's labor was recognized. This was when Michael had begun to distance himself from his twin.

After the Rebellion, Michael's standing should have improved. With Lucifer out of the way, Michael should have been able to shine in his own right. He rose in rank and was flawless in his position as the Sword of God. But he didn't miss the way his siblings and Mother looked at him. Lucifer had started the Rebellion, and was despised by many for his actions, yet the love all had had for him lingered. When their eyes met Michael's he could see their internal conflict. They saw someone they loved, someone they hated, but never Michael. He noticed when they began avoiding him.

He was so tired of fighting to earn respect, of trying to escape the shadows Lucifer's light left him in. Chloe had a light all her own, but she was using it to shine right on him. All Michael had to do was bask in its warmth.

So, later that night, when she walked into the penthouse and called out for him, he was nearly trembling with anticipation. “I’ll be there in a moment, Detective!” he shouted from the closet where he was storing the out-cold demon (he'd have to find a more permanent solution for her later). Detective. While he knew she had more than earned the title, he was getting quite sick of using it. It was Lucifer’s chosen moniker for her, with his pompous determination to always refer to people by what they were. Michael wanted to say her name, to feel it leave his mouth and see her light up when it did.

Even more than that, he wanted to hear his name on her lips. He knew it couldn't happen tonight, or anytime particularly soon, but someday... He didn't have a plan for how he was going to get her there, but that wasn't slowing him down. He'd figure it out when the time came, he told himself. In the meantime, he could imagine...Chloe's lovely lips sighing his name, looking up at him through her lashes, succumbing to his superior intellect and wisdom. Lucifer all but forgotten. This image in his mind was as much about winning Chloe as it was about defeating Lucifer. Two birds, one delightful stone.

He'd researched for tonight. Humans were still inferior creatures, but he couldn't deny how innovative they could be. Google was a masterpiece, an endless reservoir of information. It wasn't that Michael didn't know the logistics of how to...perform. But he was still putting on an act, and Lucifer was known far and wide on Earth for his sexual proclivities. So, Michael would have to perform in more ways than one tonight.

The things he read about in his research usually would have disturbed him. He'd always found the human habit of mating to be repulsive. But this time, when he read about that action while thinking about the curve to Chloe's exposed neck and shoulder, he found himself short of breath. When he watched a video on how to maneuver into this position, and thought about how Chloe had leaned into him with her blue eyes fluttering closed, he was surprised to find a bulge forming at his crotch. His mind clouded with possibilities.

Until he faced her.

When he stood in front of her, the setting sun of LA framing her curves magnificently, his mind emptied. All of the tactics he'd prepared for the night, out the metaphorical window. But that was okay.

She took the lead.

She nudged him back towards the couch until he was sitting on the armrest, entirely captivated by her. She leaned in close, so careful, with feather-light touches. She took off her coat and embraced him gently, so that for just a moment, a divine and blissful moment, his face was pressed to her shoulder. She smelled heavenly, and he would know. Sweet vanilla and honey wafted from her delicate skin. Before he could so much as taste it, it was gone. She was pulling back, talking to him, and he was responding, though he had no idea what either of them was saying. It didn't matter. Then she stepped back. She smiled at him. He couldn't have taken his eyes off of her if he tried as she lazily lifted her hand to the top button of her shirt.

BANG!

So quick that he didn't see her move, her gun was out and its trigger pulled.

He collapsed to the floor, as much out of shock as pain. What followed hurt far worse than any number of bullets could have, not that he'd ever let anyone know. What she said didn't make sense. He had been deceived? All this time he thought he was the one in control when in reality he'd been yanked around on a leash without even realizing it. "So what? I guess this means you never really liked the new Lucifer?" She had no way of knowing how much he would value her answer to that question, what a weight it would hold to him. Even he was not fully aware.

"You're not the only one who can lie. And you are no Lucifer." Her voice was cold and empty, without any of its usual warmth. Had her warmth been a lie as well, with everything else? She'd never preferred him. She'd never unknowingly chosen him. And it hurt. More than he could have known was possible. As her warmth vanished from him, he felt himself freeze over. He felt his vindictive urges take over. He wanted to hurt her back. 

So he told her about herself. Her miracle status that she couldn't have known about. And as he told her how she was created to be nothing more than Lucifer's plaything, he felt delicious tendrils of fear begin to crawl their way into her heart. That would satisfy him, for the night.

Later in Lux, when Amenadiel confronted him, his brother had no way of knowing how much his words about Lucifer would torment Michael. "You know, deep down, he'll always end up winning." Amenadiel had no way of knowing how Michael's thoughts went to Chloe. To the image he'd had of her sighing his name, looking at him like he was her world, without a thought of Lucifer. Amenadiel couldn't know what Michael felt as his mind's eye watched that image shatter and dissolve into one of Lucifer laughing cruelly at him with Chloe at his side.

Present Day

Lucifer landed at the zoo entrance with Dan cradled in his arms. He was tempted to drop the man unceremoniously and forget that moment had ever happened-and probably would have, if Dan hadn't been clinging to him with his eyes screwed tightly closed while praying in Spanish. Instead, Lucifer gently set Dan on his feet and extracted himself from the unwanted embrace. He stepped back and waited for Dan to come to his senses. Slowly, Dan's prayers trailed off and he tentatively opened his eyes to see Lucifer glaring at him.

"What?"

"Did you seriously just say the 'our father' while in the devil's arms?" Lucifer asked mockingly, trying to mask how deeply he despised that particular invocation. Deliver us from evil was just another way for humanity to place their wrongdoings and temptations on him.

Dan was a bit breathless but answered, "Sorry man, I was raised catholic. Old habits die hard, you know?" he shrugged. "At least I didn't pass out this time."

"Yes, lucky us," Lucifer scoffed. "Well, let's get moving. We've wasted enough time getting here."

Lucifer was about to barrel straight ahead on the zoo path when Dan called out to him. "Hey! Hold up, look over there." He pointed to an old building that used to be an office. Its door was ajar. "Let's take a look in there."

"Daniel, I understand you aren't the brightest, but even you must be able to tell the difference between a rotting building and a cave exhibit," Lucifer said testily. "As I've just stated, we've wasted enough time as it is."

If the situation hadn't been so tense Dan would have bickered back. Instead, he reasoned with Lucifer. "The door's open, so someone could have been in there recently. Maybe Michael. And maybe there's a map of the zoo in there. That way we can pin down any area that might have a fake cave instead of running around the whole place blindly."

After a beat, Lucifer growled out, "Very well," and stalked towards the old office. He pushed his way through the door and took in the room. It was quite a mess, with dust and cobwebs on every surface and in every corner. He began looking around. Not for the first time he wished Maze was there with them. But, before leaving the clinic with Dan, he'd sent her a text. He gave her an update and told her to try searching for any movie sets with fake caves in case his zoo hunch didn't pan out. Chances were she was tearing Hollywood apart piece by piece at that very moment.

Dan followed him into the room and began searching the place, opening drawers and looking through papers that were strewn about. Lucifer was just checking beside a desk when something black and gleaming caught his eye. He stooped and picked it up with trembling hands. "I believe we've found the right area, after all," he said as he held his find up for a closer look.

"Oh, shit. Is that-?"

"Yes. You were right. My twin was here." The feather in his hand was definitive proof of that.

"At least we know we're in the right place," Daniel said soberingly. Then his eyes landed on the wall behind Lucifer. "Hey, look at this." Framed and hung on the wall was an enlarged map of the zoo, with a key listing exhibits in the bottom corner. Dan took his jacket sleeve and wiped at the glass covered in grime accumulated over years of neglect. After briefly studying the map they pinned down three sites that would likely have the caves Dan had seen. "Alright, let's get out there." They rushed out the door. "Remember, even if we don't find Chloe, we need to look around for any evidence at all. We know Michael was here, and even if he didn't come back, he could have left a clue behind."

Lucifer's patience was running low. "I've been working with the Detective for years now, I don't think I need to start taking pointers from you, Detective Douche."

Daniel chose not to reply to that.

The first exhibit was quite empty and clearly hadn't been disturbed anytime recently. "This isn't the same cave, but the rock and walls look the same. It's the same material and texture, one of these exhibits has to be where I was."

"There's clearly nothing here, so enough dilly-dallying, let's keep moving," Lucifer said before practically dragging Dan towards the next location.

The second cave was almost the same as the first, except for the tables littered with trash in front of the exhibit. They thoroughly searched the area but came up with nothing. Both men were getting more and more uneasy. "Okay, well, there's still one left, right? She could be there," Dan suggested hopefully.

Lucifer said nothing but followed him to the third and final exhibit. They both moved quickly, anxious to get to the scene as quickly as they could. But, when they arrived and stood in front of the ominous-looking caves, they were both hesitant. From the outside, this exhibit looked much like the previous two. Nothing seemed out of place. This was their last lead and Lucifer was afraid. Afraid that Chloe wouldn't be there, that he had wasted his time on another dead end, that he had no idea where else to look for her. But also afraid that she would be there. What would he find hidden in these shadows? What exactly had Michael done?

"Do you hear that?" Dan's question broke through Lucifer's thoughts. He focused, trying to catch what Dan had heard. A soft, muffled noise drifted from the exhibit. He couldn't place the sound at first, but then there was a clear sob in a familiar tone.

The sound wrenched at his heart. Chloe. She was here, inside, and...crying? The thought of how utterly wrong that sound was flooded his sense as he propelled himself toward the cave archway in front of him.

Chapter Text

Very Recent Past

Michael sat on the desk in the old zoo office. His wings were out and he was straightening wayward feathers. He wasn't sure why, but he felt the urge to be...presentable. He knew Chloe loved Lucifer. He'd learned that the hard way. He knew she wasn't going to change her mind about that any time soon. Still...he couldn't help but want to look his best. Not that she would see his wings. Not today. He kept grooming.

As he sat there his mind drifted. In the nights since his last encounter with Chloe, she'd haunted his dreams. At the end of each day, he'd close his eyes to see her standing in front of him, that playful smile on her lips. Sometimes, she would only stand there, and he would watch her, wanting to reach out but unable to move. Then he'd blink and she was shooting him. Always the same four bullets.

Other times she stood in front of him, and that hand that had gone up to her shirt's top button didn't stop. While that night in the penthouse this had been a distraction for her to get to her gun, in his dreams, she gave him a show. These nights he could move, could approach her, and he would wake in the morning with memories of blond hair between his fingers, hot skin against his, and his name on her lips.

However, the dreams that affected him most, the dreams he both held dear and dreaded, were the ones where she would only talk. There was no touching, but she would come close and whisper sweet words to him. "Michael," she would breathe his name like a prayer, "You're incredible. You're such an intelligent and powerful leader." Her eyes would shine with reverence. "Everyone around you feels so inspired by everything you've accomplished. We look up to you. And I..." She would grasp his lapel gently, as she had in the precinct. "I am so lucky to have you in my life."

These dreams encouraged him. He saw what was possible with this miracle. What she could be for him. She didn't see it now. She was too enamored with Lucifer. His hands dropped from his wing as his twin's name rose to mind. In all of his dreams of Chloe, one blessed truth remained: she didn't think about Lucifer. His brother never came up, wasn't even a notion. Even when Chloe was shooting him, she was either silent, or throwing accusations at him; how he had lied to her, misled her, hadn't been good enough one way or another. But dream Chloe never compared him to Lucifer. She only saw Michael. And that was what made her so special. That was why she would be better as his than as his brother's.

He just had to get Real Chloe on the same page as Dream Chloe.

Which would take a while. But that was okay. He was patient.

Now, Chloe was in one of the enclosures here at the zoo. She had probably woken up by now. He'd had to knock her out when he took her from her apartment. She was a fighter. That was okay, too. She just needed time to see she didn't need to fight anymore. She had to see that Michael was a desirable option in his own right, that he could supply her with what she needed. He also needed to show her that Lucifer wasn't good enough for her. He already knew she held her fears about this. His mojo let him sense this. He just needed to...encourage those doubts. Michael stood up from the desk and tucked away his wings. He grabbed the coffee that sat on the desk and made his way out of the office.

Standing on the opposite side of the bars as Chloe, he momentarily studied her as she slowly approached him. She said nothing, but he could see right through her. Her eyes were focused and fierce, untrusting. He could sense the fear she didn't let show on her face, as well. He felt like he was sitting down to a game of chess, and it was his move first. "One tall, non-fat almond milk latte with sugar-free caramel drizzle," He said, offering her the cup through the bars. "It's your favorite, come on." She stood still, glaring with obvious suspicion. "Come on," he coaxed with a smile. It's not like it was poisoned.

She returned a small smile of her own-one he didn't buy for a second. But she stepped forward as if to reach for the drink. He had just begun to relish in this small victory when she slapped the coffee out of his hands.

"Hey! That was, like, seven bucks!" he complained. Now that Lucifer was back he didn't exactly have access to his brother's bottomless bank accounts anymore. He wiped his hands on his pants before scoffing. "God."

"What am I doing here, Michael?" She demanded.

"Don't worry. This is just temporary," He said soothingly. And that was true. He didn't plan to keep her in this cage for long. He might not know much about humanity, but he understood this wasn't proper shelter. Plus, it was still too exposed. It was out of the way, but anyone could walk up at any time. He was thinking of relocating her to one of Lucifer's more remote properties. He knew his twin never visited most of them, and he could keep her comfortable at one. He was currently considering an isolated, luxurious chalet in the mountains in Switzerland. He leaned toward Chloe conspiratorially. "It's all part of a bigger plan."

 "Plan? What, to make me dislike you even more?" she asked, her face void of emotion.

"No." He looked her up and down. "But... spoiler alert! It is gonna be epic," he laughed. "Just you wait." He smiled and looked at her. He couldn't wait to see the look on Lucifer's face when he saw how Chloe would choose Michael over his twin. She was being stubborn, but he could appreciate that. He leaned forwards on the bars and tried to ignore how the way she backed away from him stung. He didn't let his confident smile falter. "Till then, I, uh... I figured we should catch up. I mean, a lot has happened since we saw each other last."

"And why would I talk to you?"

Time to start needling at her fears. "Because you want to know what they mean," he said cryptically before continuing. "The changes that my brother's been going through. Although, deep down, I think you probably already know, don't you?"

"Oh, so it's this again?" she said, her voice unfazed. But he could feel her fears twist at his remarks, could tell he was hitting his mark. "Trying to make me afraid about my relationship with Lucifer?"

"Now you see, that's just it, Chloe. Just like Lucifer can't create desires, I can't create fears. I just..." He paused dramatically. "Expose what's already there" His eyes slowly traveled up her body as he said this, appreciating both her physical form and the fears he could sense coming from her. "And, girl, you reek of fear." He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the way her fears spiked at his words. It made him chuckle.

Chloe, for her part, shook her head in denial. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Time to go in for the metaphorical kill. "So, what, you're not afraid of what his newfound invulnerability means?" he argued rationally. "Cause you do know that we angels self-actualize, right? Which means him choosing to be vulnerable around you actually meant something, so-" He put up his hands defensively. "I'm just, you know, putting it out there, but I wonder what this new development could mean." He paused to let that sink in.

"You're wrong. Lucifer and I are closer than ever," she said, shaking her head again.

"Huh." She was quite headstrong, wasn't she? Well, he supposed, she had worked beside Lucifer for years before finally believing he was the devil. Her reluctance to see reality was nothing new. Time was nothing to the angel, though. So he would bide his time and wear her down slowly. If anything, the challenge would be more interesting this way. "Yeah, you're probably right." He stood back up from the bars he was supporting himself with. "I mean, we all know Lucifer doesn't lie. So, when he tells you he loves you, you know he really means it, right?"

Saying this had been a bit of a gamble. Michael didn't know for sure that Lucifer hadn't said those three words, but he had his suspicions. Partly from what he knew about his brother, and partly from the way Chloe's fears wriggled when she said closer than ever. And if he was right, then nothing could be as effective as teasing out those particular doubts.

The way Chloe's face fall as he said that was delectable. Perhaps this would be easier than expected. "Unless...Oh, no." He strained to hide his excitement beneath the sympathetic front he was presenting. "No, no, no. He hasn't said it yet, has he? Even though you said it to him? That is...oh!" He closed his eyes as he let an expression of heartbreak take over his face. "Looks like you'll maybe need some time to yourself, so...I have a quick errand to run, but don't worry, Chloe. I will be back before you know it." He began stalking away, reveling in the lost look in her eyes. "Enjoy the cave." He couldn't hold back a giggle. As he stepped into the sunlight he heard her frustrated scream, and he smiled.

This was a fabulous start. Day one, and she was already doubting Lucifer. As she should. He could never be enough for her, could never be worthy.

He remembered his 'errand'. Amenadiel had aligned himself with Lucifer, so Michael needed to keep his older brother on his toes. And his fears were so obvious that Michael didn't even need his mojo to clue him in. Charlie, the little Nephilim, was his own father's weak point. Now more than ever, with the infant unwell. He unfurled his wings and set off for the clinic he knew his brother to be at.

At least, he knew one brother to be there. He hadn't expected to find Lucifer there, as well. He would have barged right into the waiting room and into full view of both of his Earthside brothers if he hadn't noticed two particular humans doing breathing exercises down the hall. A man and a woman, whom he recognized. The woman was Lucifer's therapist and Amenadiel's child's mother. The man was the detective Michael had tried to use to send Lucifer back to hell. He crept closer to where the two stood, hoping to eavesdrop.

"Keep breathing like that," the woman was saying. They were to focused on their task to notice him. "Inhale, exhale. Good. Now, try to remember what you can about that cave. Remember that Chloe is depending on you to help find her."

Michael's blood ran cold. So that man ended up being more of a loose thread and less of an aid to his cause. He inched closer to the window looking into the waiting room and could see his two brothers as they settled down into chairs. He quickly pulled back and exited the clinic. Well, his timetable had moved up a bit, that was all. Nothing was really changing. He was glad he'd looked ahead at that Swiss property and knew where it was. Outside the clinic, he checked that no mortals could see him before unfurling his wings and making his way back to the zoo.

"Honey, I'm home!" he sang through the tunnel as he approached Chloe's makeshift cell. He kept talking as he fiddled with the lock and stepped through the opening. "I hope you're excited, because today is moving day. Oomph!" He grunted as something solid collided with the back of his head. Chloe had somehow managed to get the drop on him. It didn't hurt, of course, but blows like this one could briefly slow him down him if he wasn't expecting it. He rubbed his hand against where he'd been hit and turned around. Chloe was already starting to run. She hadn't made it three feet past the doorway before his hand had wrapped around her wrist, pulling her to an abrupt stop. She looked back up at him, her fears laid bare on her face. He frowned down at her. "Well, that was rude."

He tugged her back into the enclosure and shoved her in front of him. She tripped and fell to the ground, but made no move to get up. "You do realize I'm doing you a favor, right?"

"What?" She looked at him disbelievingly. "You can't be serious."

"Look, I know these accommodations aren't fabulous, but that's about to change! How does a little mountain getaway sound?" He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at her expectantly.

"A what?" He could practically feel Chloe's heart rate increase. "You can't just keep people locked up and move them from place to place! You have to let me go!" She was scared, but she was angry, too.

Michael's frown deepened. "I have to?" He unfurled his wings with a sudden whoosh. "I'm an archangel, Chloe. You'll find that there's very little I have to do, by your human standards."

Chloe had flinched back when his wings appeared, she but held her ground. "That doesn't mean you can just kidnap people," she threw at him. "You know this isn't right."

Now Michael was outright scowling at her. "Like I said, I'm doing you a favor. I get that you can't see it now, but you will understand eventually. You'll see what a privilege it is to be in an archangel's favor."

Chloe shook her head in disbelief. "You're crazy. You've absolutely lost it."

Michael was starting to feel incredibly frustrated. Why couldn't she see what he was doing for her? "I assure you I am in full control of my faculties. As I said, I understand it's hard for you to fully appreciate your situation. You're blinded by my brother's charms, held captive by feelings you have no control over," he said, hoping to poke at her fears a bit more. He spread his arms wide in a welcoming manner and forced a smile on his face. "I am here to set you free."

"By locking me up," Chloe grumbled. Michael's smile and arms fell. Chloe managed to stand up, although it looked like she might have twisted her ankle in the fall. "Look, I know that what I have with Lucifer is real. You won't change my mind about that," she spat bitterly at him. "And I don't need some archangel's 'favor'. Not when Lucifer is ten times the angel you'll ever be."

There was a ringing in Michael's ears. This was wrong. He found that his hands had darted forward and each grabbed onto a side of her collar, gripping so violently he was surprised nothing ripped. He trembled, and watched as fear filled her eyes once more. Dream Chloe never compared him to Lucifer, that was what had made her so special, and worth all this trouble. "Take. That. Back." His voice quivered with fury and desperation.

He watched her fear-filled eyes flicker with something. Defiance. And he knew when she opened her mouth, it would be to refuse, and probably insult him further. He couldn't have that. He couldn't hear that coming from her-not her. So, to prevent himself from having to hear anything else she could say that would hurt him, he crashed his mouth into hers.

Chapter Text

Very Recent Past

At first, she was too surprised to respond. She recovered quickly and tried to push away. When this failed her, she tried hitting him, banging her hands against his arms and sides to get him off of her. Michael felt all of this like her fists were no more than a couple of flies. She wasn't responding to the kiss, but he couldn't let go. Even without her cooperation, it was too sweet. He could feel her warmth again. It flood through him and made him shiver. He wanted more. After all the years he'd spent cold from loneliness and rejection, here he found a wellspring of warmth.

He groaned against her and ran his tongue along her lower hip. He was surprised to taste salt. When he opened his eyes it was to see her crying and panicked. He reached out with his mojo to sample her fears and almost recoiled to find that every fear she held at that moment revolved around him. But, he realized, that meant she wasn't thinking about him. It was Michael that had her full attention. Even if it wasn't in the way he wanted, it was enough encouragement for him to continue.

He pushed her back until she was against the cave wall. His wings curved around them, bracing against the wall so that she was trapped. Through the kiss, she begged him to stop, but he focused in on the warmth. His hands released her collar and moved to cup her face. This allowed him to tilt her head to deepen his kiss, so that when he opened his eyes he could see her alluring neck. This was the picture that had been taunting him since that night in the penthouse weeks ago. He managed to release her lips just to move his to her throat.

The moment her lips were freed, Chloe pleaded with him. "Please, stop, Michael! Don't-I don't want this!" She was pushing against him again, but he was as unmovable as a statue to her. She beat against his shoulders, but Michael grabbed her wrists and held them above her head effortlessly with one hand. His other fell down to hold her hip in place as he continued to lazily taste her. Vanilla and honey, he realized. She tasted just the way he remembered her smelling, the way he'd dreamt she'd taste like. He groaned and pushed his body closer to hers, liking the way their hips met.

How long had he kept his torment and resentment carefully hidden under an iron mask? His body fitting against hers, filling him with this warmth, Michael could practically feel the eons of desolation and ostracism melt away. In this moment his mask of indifference fell away. He no longer needed its protection.

Suddenly, his hand on her waist slipped under the cloth of her shirt and he felt her skin under his fingers. It was the most wonderful thing he'd ever felt, softer and more delicate than the flowers that had bloomed on the Tree of Life. He wanted more.

He vaguely remembered the research he'd done, the plans he's made for that night in the penthouse. He couldn't remember beyond the basics, though. His mouth never leaving Chloe's neck, he slowly moved his hand up against her abdomen, savoring every inch of skin he caressed. His thumb brushed against the base of her bra and he gasped at her neck, surprising himself. The warmth flowing through his body changed course and seemed to concentrate in one area. Oh. The bulge between his legs cried out for his attention with an unfamiliar want. He responded by pressing it against Chloe's hip.

When she felt it, he sensed a new, raging fear surge through her. "Wait!" She cried out again. "Michael, please, let's talk about this! You don't want to hurt me," she desperately tried to convince him. And...this was true. He didn't want to hurt her. He wanted her to enjoy this, as well. His mind flicked to a blog he'd read in his research on using a girl's breasts and nipples to make her feel good.

Without any further thought, he wrapped a finger around the middle of Chloe's bra and yanked. It tore free and Chloe cried out in protest. But then his hands were filled with her soft mounds and all other thoughts left him. If he'd been able to pay attention, he would have noticed he was using too much pressure, and Chloe's cries were out of pain. Instead, he was lost in her warmth, in the softness between his groping fingers, and in the sweet taste from her neck where he sucked.

Chloe continued to squirm under him, trying to break free. She pulled at the hold he had on her wrists but found she couldn't budge from his grip. She tried to kick at him, but his hip pressed against hers made that impossible. More than anything, her wriggling was encouraging him. He pushed his growing bulge against her again until the pressure became too great. "Fuck," he growled at her neck.

Flashes of videos he'd watched appeared in his mind and he moved without thinking. His groping hand released her breasts and traveled down to the edge of her jeans to fumble with the clasp and zipper. Chloe began sobbing now, screaming her protests.

"Please, Michael!"

It wasn't the gentle sigh he dreamed of. But those words leaving her mouth went right to his groin. His lips left her neck and returned to her hers so that any further words came out as mumbles. He was still struggling to remove her pants one-handed so he dropped her wrists to focus on the job. With her hands free she began pushing against him again in earnest, but with no greater results than earlier. He managed to slip her jeans off and his hands found their way to her ass, pulling her to him. He squeezed her there for a moment before taking one hand and putting it behind her head so he could have more control over the angle he was kissing her. His other he brought between them to explore her heat. He was completely unfamiliar with these hand movements but liked the feeling of her beneath his fingertips.

He shifted his fingers beneath the fabric of her panties and reveled as her fear spiked again. It was almost overwhelming. The tendrils of her fear wrapped around him like a cocoon. It made him feel powerful. And he thrived on that power.

He felt along her slit and noticed it was warm and wet, although not slick. He pulled back from her mouth and attacked her neck again, and coherent pleas escaped her lips again. "Stop, I don't want this. Please! No, don't!" she cried out as his finger entered her. He groaned into her neck and steadied himself at the feeling. His finger began moving, and he curled it the way he read he should. This elicited no positive reaction from Chloe, but he did notice her becoming more slick. After a few more moments, he removed his finger and began undoing his own trousers.

His pants and boxers fell to his feet and he pressed his exposed length against her bare thigh. Chloe's desperation immediately increased, as did her resistance. She tried to jab at Michael's eyes, but due to the angle he was nipping along her neck, she couldn't quite reach his face. Grabbing fistfuls of his hair, she yanked violently, but this proved ineffective. Worse, in fact. Michael felt pleasant shivers run through him as she tugged and hoped she wouldn't stop.

She was in a frenzy now. She bit and scratched at him but left no mark. He placed his right hand on her waist. He ran his left along her right thigh before gripping its back to lift and hold it against his hip. Releasing her waist, he easily tore her panties off of her. He grabbed ahold of his member before lining it up with her now-slick hole. "No, no, no-NO!" she protested with growing intensity. He buried his face deeper in her neck to brace himself before slowly pushing forward until his tip entered her.

Chloe was lost to her tears.

Nothing, in his billions of years of existence, could have prepared him for this feeling. His breathing was shallow and quick, and his heart pounded in his chest. His shaft, with its head being caressed by Chloe's inner walls, throbbed violently, demanding attention. He pushed in another inch, drawing out a sob from Chloe. He, too, wanted to cry-from the intense pleasure he found himself submerged in.

He shifted further forward. The deeper he moved, the more warmth flowed from her to him. He was drowning in this warmth-this blinding light-and he never wanted to surface. When he was flush against her and could advance no more, he stilled. He breathed heavily into her shoulder, basking in the sensations overtaking him. The cocoon of her fears. The stream of warmth flowing from her. Her enticing aroma of vanilla and honey. Her body shaking against him. Tears spilled freely down her cheeks as she babbled meaningless words. She tried pushing away from him but the wall behind her held her in place. Michael wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her close.

He began moving.

Slowly he pulled out, then pushed back in. Soon he picked up a steady rhythm of measured, shallow thrusts. He'd lived all his life in the silver city; he thought he'd known bliss. He was starting to realize that he knew nothing. Holding the miracle in his arms while feeling her tight walls wrapped around his underused member redefined the term. Tasing her throat as he plunged into her was an intoxicating experience. The hand still gripping her thigh squeezed and pulled her even closer. This was the true heaven, he decided, as he groaned into her neck where he continued to suck and nibble and lick. How could she taste so sweet? he wondered as he kissed along her collarbone, already wet with his saliva and her tears. He pressed closer to her, leaving no room between her and the wall, and her and him. His wings curled in until they framed her, almost encircling them, as he thrust into her against the wall.

She writhed in his embrace, straining to free herself. Between her sobs and gasps for breath, she continued to beg. Her pleas were automatic and without thought, her desperation manifesting beyond what her consciousness could manage. He abandoned her throat so that he could pull back and look at her as he moved. Her eyes were red and swollen and her skin flushed. Her neck where he had tasted her was inflamed and already bruising. Tearsteaks shined down her cheeks and nape. She trembled. She was stunning, he decided. 

He pulled out and backed away just a bit. She immediately increased her fighting once more, trying to free herself from him. He remained unaffected by her efforts as he moved to lay her on the ground, adjusting himself so he was above her. He pulled her legs so they hung over his shoulders before carefully pushing in again, shuddering at the feeling. Bracing one hand on the floor beside her head and using the other to caress her cheek, he pulled out slightly, then thrust in. He marveled at the whimper that escaped her. He began moving once more. His wings fanned over them like a tent. He lowered his forehead to hers, never taking his eyes off her. 

She was no longer fighting him. She would mutter passive protests here and there but seemed mostly resigned to her fate. Her voice had gone from angry and fearful to hopelessly exhausted. She no longer sobbed, but she had broken down. Her eyes glazed over as she gazed vacantly at the ceiling above them. She was despondent, almost unresponsive. She didn't seem to register when his hand at her cheek moved to grip her hair, or when he started whispering assurances in her ear, or when his thrusts became more erratic.

That glowing warmth had been growing in him. It was a brilliant, dazzling light that seemed to pour out of Chloe and into him, urging him forward with each thrust. Now he could feel it build, moving towards...something. Something he needed to chase. He grunted and picked up his speed. He moved relentlessly, driving deeper and deeper, while also climbing higher and higher. His vision blurred and he felt like he might explode...and he did. He came into her with one last powerful surge, warmth filling every inch of his body and making him feel whole. Complete. It was unlike anything he'd ever known and he felt transcended. He collapsed over her, his head resting in the crook of her shoulder.

Gently, he pulled out of her. He folded away his wings before rolling off of her, and then crouched beside her. He gazed at her in wonder. She was truly perfect, wasn't she? She was curling in on herself, staring into nothing. Hair stuck to her sweat-stricken face and he carefully tucked the strands behind her ear.

Her jeans, panties, and bra were in a ruined pile on the floor, and her shirt was missing a few buttons. She was shivering, so he shrugged off his jacket-which he hadn't bothered removing earlier-and covered her tenderly. He stood up and retrieved his own clothes.

As he dressed he assessed the scene. Chloe would need to get cleaned up. She would also need a change of clothes, and probably some food. So, he decided, he'd make a quick trip to the store. When he got back, she could clean up, get dressed, have a bite to eat, and they could be off to Switzerland.

He walked to the enclosure's exit before turning to her. "I'll be back soon, Chloe. Rest up." She showed no signs of hearing him. He locked the gate behind him and walked back through the tunnel. In the sunlight, he unfurled his wings. Just before taking off, he heard the muffled sounds of her soft sobs.

Chapter Text

The Present

Lucifer wrenched the gate from its hinges and tossed it behind him, narrowly missing Dan. "Watch it, man!" Dan called. Lucifer didn't hear him. The scene in front of him had his full attention. The air was filled with the unmistakable scent of sex mingled with stale coffee, making his stomach turn. Ripped clothes were scattered about without care. And there, in the middle of the enclosure, laid a shaking lump under a brown suit jacket. "Oh, no," breathed Dan. On one end of the lump, blonde hair pooled onto the floor. The soft cries they'd heard from outside were coming from it.

"Chloe?" Lucifer whispered. He stepped forwards on trembling legs. His heart was pounding, and blood rushed in his ears. He fell to his knees at her side and gently reached out to touch her shoulder. The instant his fingers made contact with the jacket, she whipped around in a flash, her face full of fear. She clutched the jacket to herself, trying to hide as much of her exposed body as possible. When her eyes landed on Lucifer, her panic increased tenfold.

"No, no, please no more!" she wept. "Don't touch me!"

Lucifer saw red. There was no question what had happened here. His thoughtful, confident, strong detective had been violated. The word seemed so feeble in the face of this. It was not a pretty word. It carried its weight. And yet, as he looked at the trembling woman before him, he instinctively knew that one word could never encapsulate what had happened there. She looked like a piece of her had been stolen. Only the day before he had stood by her side and seen her standing boldly, eyes flashing with intelligence, determined to get to the bottom of her case. This Chloe was like an entirely different person. It wasn't that something had been stolen, he realized; rather, something had been broken. Fragmented into countless pieces around her. She looked helpless. He could feel in his bones how wrong this was. And it made him furious.

He didn't notice himself changing, his flesh melting away into red, sinewy matter and his eyes ablaze, until the two humans reacted. Dan, who had been coming to the other side of Chloe, yelled and retreated so quickly he fell over. Chloe looked at him like she was seeing something that was too good to be true. "Lucifer?" she asked, tentative hope leaking into her voice. Before he could answer, she wailed and launched toward him. She kneeled beside him and began rapidly speaking, taking his red hands in hers. "Lucifer, thank God," she said through tears. It didn't even occur to him to correct her phrasing. "Please, you have to get me out of here. Michael, he-" her voice caught. She didn't seem able to go on.

Lucifer took a few breaths to calm himself, pushing his boiling urge to track down Michael this very moment to the side. He was about to respond, that of course he was getting her out of here, that he wouldn't rest until he knew she was safe, when he looked down. His hands, intertwined with hers, were red and scared. He realized he must have summoned his devil face without intending to. Not wanting to scare her, he forced himself to change back into his human form. But then Chloe flinched violently, taking her hands back from him. The way she looked at him was gut-wrenching. He immediately understood. She sees Michael in my face. For a moment he couldn't move, couldn't breathe. That she would associate him with something like this...

Dan had recovered and was crouching at Chloe's side, though he was careful not to touch her. "Hey, it's okay. It's just me and Lucifer. We're here to take you home." Chloe tore her eyes from Lucifer to look at Dan. She managed a shaky nod. "Hey. Lucifer!" Dan called to get the devil's attention. Lucifer shook himself. He needed to put Chloe first, he told himself. He could worry about her reaction later-he needed to make sure she was safe, now. Dan cleared his throat. "Should we do a kit?" he asked Lucifer.

"What?"

Dan's eyes flicked to Chloe. "A...a rape kit. We use them to identify perps. They can be used in court trials to prosecute...Look, usually, I wouldn't even question using one, but I don't know if the system can even process..." Dan gestured vaguely at Lucifer.

"What, angel DNA?" Lucifer grunted. Dan nodded somewhat sheepishly. "No, I suspect not. Not to mention your human justice system is woefully unprepared to apprehend a celestial suspect. But no matter. There's no question of identity here. And no one is better set to dole out punishment in this case than yours truly." It took extreme effort to keep his eyes from burning.

"Right," Dan gulped, clearly still unnerved from seeing Lucifer's devil face once more, but making himself focus on Chloe. "So no kit. But she still needs to get treated." He turned to Chloe and gently asked, "Chloe, do you know if you are injured at all? Any broken bones or cuts?"

"No," she shook her head. She was looking intently at the ground, decidedly not at Lucifer.

"Okay, I'm glad to hear that. Do you want to go to the hospital?"

She shook her head again. "I just want to go home," she whispered.

Dan looked hesitantly at Lucifer. "I still think she should get examined, make sure she doesn't need treatment. Plus, she should probably get screened for-wait, can angels get STDs?" Chloe flinched slightly at this.

Lucifer forced himself to focus. She needs me, he told himself; a mantra, a prayer. "No, that won't be an issue. Celestials can't contract or carry human diseases. And we can't reproduce."

Dan looked relieved to hear this. "Okay. That's one less thing to worry about."

"As for getting her examined," Lucifer said thoughtfully, "I'll ask Dr. Linda to come visit her."

"Your therapist?" Dan asked skeptically.

"Yes. While she will no doubt insist, again, that she is not 'that kind of doctor', I believe she's more than capable of assessing the Detective's condition. And, as you saw earlier, she's in the know."

Dan didn't look too convinced but nodded. "Alright. Chloe?" Dan turned his eyes back to Cloe and put a hand on her shoulder. "Lucifer is going to fly you home now, is that okay?"

She still wouldn't look at Lucifer, but nodded. Then she gasped and looked up at Dan. "Trixie-"

"She's with the sitter. I'll take her for the next few nights so you can focus on recovering. I'll tell her...I'll tell her you're not feeling well," Dan reassured her. She nodded her acceptance.

Chloe moved to stand, and both men jumped to help her, while being weary of touching her. She kept the jacket clutched to her. While she still wouldn't meet Lucifer's gaze, she did walk up to him and didn't protest when he gingerly picked her up bridal style. She tucked her head into his chest as if to hide from the world.

With her in his arms, Lucifer looked to Dan only just then realizing their problem. He looked awkwardly at Dan. "Daniel, I..."

"It's okay, man," Dan was quick to interject. "I'll catch an Uber."

"But our deal-"

"Said what would happen if I lost my mind. Never said you had to bring me back." He gave a small smile. "I'd rather not piggyback on a flight with the devil, anyways." Lucifer couldn't so much as offer a laugh at this, but he appreciated the sentiment. "Look, I need to check in with the precinct. They're still looking for Chloe and I bet Ella is going crazy with worry, even if she is dealing with Pete. I'll hold off the worst of the precinct for now. Just make sure she's able to give some sort of statement in a few days. I'll let you guys figure out the story, though."

Lucifer nodded at this. They began walking out of the enclosure. He wasn't sure what story they would come up with, but that would be an issue for later. "Thank you, Daniel."

"Will you be staying with her?"

"I don't imagine I'll be willing to stray too far from her until Michael's been taken care of."

"Good. I'll stop by tomorrow morning before I head into work."

The two men stepped out into the open, sunlight beaming down in a mocking cheerfulness. They shared one last nod before Lucifer unfurled his wings and shot off into the air.

A few moments later he landed directly in the detective's living room. He cautiously set her on her feet. On the flight, her fists had curled around his suit, and now she seemed unable to let go. She stared emptily where she held him. He lifted a hand to her shoulder and drew small, comforting circles with his thumb. "You're safe now, Detective," he murmured. She slowly uncurled his fingers from him and stepped back. When she did, the jacket that had been covering her fell to the ground. She didn't pick it up, only crossed her arms over her chest protectively.

"Perhaps you'd like to go clean up?" Lucifer suggested hesitantly. He was desperate to help her but felt utterly out of his element. What comfort could he offer her after what she'd been through? How could he fix this? The only thing he could think of was to track down and punish Michael-which he was fully prepared to do. But Michael wasn't here right now, and it seemed like Chloe was fighting a battle with an unseen enemy. He couldn't remember ever feeling so anxious or incompetent.

"Yeah," Chloe rasped.

"Do you...would you like any help, Detective?" Lucifer asked.

She was silent for a moment, looking at the floor, before mumbling, "No." She turned away and moved towards her bedroom with a slight limp. Lucifer watched her leave and felt completely useless. How could he have let this happen? Even more, how could his father have let this happen? The foremost rule angels must follow is 'do not kill humans'. There had always been an unspoken understanding that angels should avoid bringing any harm to them, as well.

After all this, how could his father remain unresponsive? Sure, Lucifer had never managed to get His attention before. But surely his father wouldn't allow Michael to get away with this. As he had this thought, Lucifer scoffed at himself. Of course his father wouldn't decide to step up now. After all these years, he thought he'd stopped expecting his father to care. God didn't care. Not about His children, certainly not about humanity.

Lucifer was going to have to be the one to hold Michael responsible for what he'd done. He would happily deliver this punishment, though his father had managed to fall even lower in Lucifer's eyes.

And oh, what a punishment it would be. Lucifer paced the length of the living room, imagining just what he'd do to his brother. He would track Michael down like a dog. When he caught him, Lucifer would pin him down and rip off his wings. Oh, but it wouldn't be a quick removal. It would be slow, torturous, without the use of a blade-leaving jagged chunks of flesh sticking from Michael's back. Then he would fly Michael down to hell, to a secluded cell in the darkest corner of the plane. There were certain torments, specific methods of torture Lucifer had forbidden the demons from using on even the most vile of humans. There were some things that human souls simply couldn't survive, and it wouldn't do for a soul meant to endure misery for all eternity to be released to sweet oblivion. But celestials...they were much more durable. When Lucifer gave the demons the go-ahead to do their worst, they were going to be hysterical with excitement. And Lucifer couldn't wait to join in on the fun.

Lucifer stopped pacing. He needed to slow down. Chloe needed him present, in the here and now. And he couldn't do anything to Michael until he found him. He should have Maze get to work on tracking him down. But then he had a thought, a fear that gripped his heart and had him fumbling for his phone. He dialed for Maze.

The call rang twice before she picked up. "Hollywood's got nothing, she's not there," Made said upon answering, never one for polite greetings. "But you will be getting a hefty bill for property damages. Not sorry."

"I found her, Maze. She was...at the zoo."

"Oh. Good." Maze paused, no doubt hearing the tension in Lucifer's voice. "So what's wrong?"

"Michael. He..." Lucifer forced himself to control his breathing. "He hurt her."

"What? What did he do? Is she at a hospital?"

"No. She-she doesn't need treatment."

"Then what's wrong with her? What happened?"

"He-" but Lucifer's voice cut off in a sob. He wasn't sure why. He was furious, and it wasn't him that was hurt. But he couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

He didn't need to. Somehow, Maze understood. "THAT FUCKING ASSHOLE!" She screamed. Crashing sounds could be heard coming through the call. "I'm going to track down his ass and gut him! I'm g-"

"Maze!" Lucifer cut off her tirade. "As much as I want to see that angelic scum suffer, I have a task for you that is far more important."

"What?" Maze snarled.

"Beatrice. She's with her father. I don't know what Michael's planning, but if he goes after the urchin-"

"I'll guard her with my life," Maze said solemnly.

"I know you will."

The line went dead. Lucifer sighed, feeling marginally better knowing the child would be safe. While he had his phone out, he decided to go ahead and call the Doctor.

"Lucifer? Did you find Chloe? Is she okay?" Linda said, answering the phone. He could hear Charlie babbling in the background.

"Doctor. Yes. I've found her. She-she needs a doctor."

"Oh, God, what happened? Are you at a hospital?"

"No. She wanted to go home. She...doesn't appear to be injured."

"Oh." There was a beat of silence. "Okay. Why does she need a doctor?" Linda asked cautiously.

Lucifer ground his teeth. It was silly that he struggled to say the words. Chloe needed him, and here he was grappling with phrasing. He couldn't fail her, he needed to be able to at least do this for her.

"Lucifer?" Linda said after he had been silent for a few moments.

"Michael has...he-he's raped her," he forced the words out of his mouth. He heard Linda's sharp intake of breath. "She...needs a doctor," he repeated. It was all he could say.

"He what? Okay, I'm coming over. Amenadiel!" She must have pulled the phone away from herself because all he could hear after that was the muffled sounds of Linda and Amenadiel talking. Eventually, the angel's voice came through the phone, speaking to Lucifer.

"Luci, Linda told me what happened. I'm so sorry." Lucifer said nothing to this. He thought of what Amenadiel had said about Michael in the clinic. He wouldn't hurt a human. He knew Amenadiel wasn't at fault here, but he felt surges of anger toward his brother. Amenadiel kept talking. "Linda's getting her things together now, she should be there soon. I need to stay with Charlie. But...if it's okay with you, I'm going to pray to some of our siblings for help. They won't want Michael to get away with this."

Lucifer doubted any of their siblings would be of any help, but he didn't bother fighting Amenadiel on this. He felt too exhausted. "Fine. You do that."

"Let me know if there's anything I can do for you or Chloe."

Before Lucifer could respond, Linda had the phone back and was speaking. "I'm on my way." The line clicked and the call ended. He pocketed his phone and sat down on the couch. All he could do now was wait. And he hated it.

Michael returned to the exhibit, shopping bags with wet wipes, fresh clothes, and sandwiches in hand. He was almost skipping. He couldn't remember the last time he was in such a marvelous mood. His good humor came to an abrupt end when he saw the barred door laying in the middle of the floor, no longer attached to its hinges. He froze and cautiously approached the cave. "Chloe?" he called out. There was no answer. He walked through the doorway to find...nothing. She was gone. "Dad-damnit!" he roared. He kicked the wall of the cave, causing a large crack to appear.

He threw the bags to the ground and stomped out of the enclosure. He glared at the setting sun. He needed a new plan, he thought to himself, seething.

His goal hadn't changed.

Chapter Text

Chloe stood in front of the mirror in her bathroom staring at herself. Her shirt lay at her feet. It was the only piece of clothing she'd been wearing when she walked in. Her body looked foreign to her. Her hair hung in tangled clumps at her shoulders. Her eyes were red and puffy, although she was no longer crying. The makeup she'd put on the morning before was smeared. Her lips were swollen. Her neck, shoulders, and collarbones looked like they were covered in a rash; the skin was irritated and marred. To the side of the rash on each shoulder, angry burn marks in straight lines remained where her bra straps had been. Her breasts were covered in bruises resembling red welts. These bruises continued down her body, focused around her thighs. There were also bruises on her back, where she sported more burn marks from her bra's violent removal. Scratches covered the back of her legs from being pushed into the wall and ground.

She had planned on getting right in the shower. She felt so unclean, the stickiness between her legs impossible to ignore. But as she passed the mirror she'd caught sight of herself and she couldn't keep herself from staring. What she saw seemed so strange, so unfamiliar. That...was her face, she knew that. Logically. When she raised her right hand, so did her reflection. So why did it feel like she was looking at a stranger? Her ankle throbbed with pain from when she'd fallen. She knew it hurt. And yet...the pain felt numbed, almost distant. This confusion made Chloe want to cry.

No tears came.

She abruptly turned from the mirror and moved to her shower. She turned the water on high heat and got in, not waiting for it to warm up. The cold prickled at her skin. It felt...refreshing. But still in that numbed, distant way her foot hurt. She let the water run over her but made no move to begin washing. The water heated up. Soon it was almost scalding, an unpleasant heat. It was an easy feeling to get lost in. She watched as her unblemished skin reddened from the heat to match the bruises until they seemed to blend in. Disappear. Like they were never there. All at once Chloe felt completely exhausted. She didn't think she could hold herself up any longer, so she let herself slide to the floor.

Her mind went blank. She wrapped her arms around her legs and leaned against the shower side. She stared into the whiteness of the walls around her. She couldn't guess how much time passed-seconds or minutes or hours, she didn't know. The only sign of time passing was the pruning of her skin. When she noticed this, she looked at the new lines in her hand with interest. The grooves in her fingers crisscrossed every which way. If she studied them close enough, perhaps she could make out shapes, she thought to herself. Her right index finger, she pondered, might resemble a lion with a thick mane. Her pinkie finger-

There was a knock at the door.

"Detective?" came Lucifer's voice. He sounded uneasy. "Are you alright in there? I made dinner, if you'd like some."

Chloe dropped her hand. He'd made dinner? That was sweet of him, she thought, but he didn't have to do that. He must feel like he has to take care of her. "I'll be down in a bit," she called out to him. Was that her voice? She'd never realized it sounded so...not her. She shook off the thought and pushed herself to her feet. She knew she couldn't sit there forever, even if it was a tempting thought. She went through the motions of a shower: shampooing and conditioning her hair, carefully combing out the tangles with her fingers. She held off washing her body till last. She desperately wanted to feel clean, but she knew that no matter how much she scrubbed, it wasn't going to make a difference. She'd still feel phantom fingers on her body, a discomfort between her legs. She moved quickly, the loofa against her body seeming to burn into her flesh. She finished as quickly as she could. After washing her body she paused. She didn't feel any different-she felt no cleaner than before. She scrubbed herself again, this time more vigorously.

She still felt dirty.

She scrubbed again. And again. And again. Nothing changed, and she could not cleanse the sensation of filth from her. She wanted to keep dragging the loofa against her skin, but she stopped herself. There was no point, she realized. This contamination resided beneath her flesh. She dropped the loofa and made no attempt to retrieve it. When she got out of the shower, she was careful to avoid looking in the mirror this time.

She made her way down the stairs in her pajamas, long pants and long sleeves covering her skin and giving her the pretense of protection. Lucifer stood at the sink in the kitchen washing dishes. He didn't notice her at first. She took the opportunity to study him from behind. She wondered how she ever could have mistaken his twin for him. Even from this angle-where she could not see if his face bared the scar he'd given Michael-he was so utterly...Lucifer. The way he stood and moved was so different. He was confident where Michael was uncertain. And where Michael was sure of himself, Lucifer was doubtful. They were total opposites and displayed it with all of their physical beings. Chloe could never be tricked by Michael again, scar or no. Yet, when she looked at Lucifer, she couldn't help but see flashes of his brother. She hated that.

"Chloe." A soft voice came from behind her, making her jump. Linda stood in her living room. Chloe wondered how she hadn't noticed her friend's presence before.

"Oh, Detective!" Lucifer exclaimed, dropping a pan in the sink. "I hadn't realized you were down already." He was drying his hands on a dishcloth, wringing his hands more than was necessary. "I asked the Doctor to come by, I hope that's okay." His eyes flicked nervously between the two women. Chloe wasn't sure how she felt about that, so she said nothing. She looked at Linda. 

"Chloe, I heard what happened. I'm so sorry." Linda's words made Chloe's throat tighten. She knew the other woman meant well but she realized she was terrified of being psychoanalyzed right then. Linda seemed to understand this. "I want you to know you can talk to me anytime. But I'm not going to push you to talk tonight. You don't have to say anything." Hearing this, Chloe breathed a little easier. "I stopped by a drug store on my way here. Would you allow me to assist you in a medical capacity tonight?"

Chloe wanted to say no. She didn't want anyone else seeing her body, she didn't want more hands touching her. But she made herself think logically. She had people depending on her. She needed to recover. She wouldn't be any good for Trixie, she told herself, if she neglected her body and its needs. So, she nodded her head.

"I'll just finish cleaning up in the kitchen," Lucifer said awkwardly. He clearly wanted to help but wasn't sure where he was welcome. "When you're ready I can make you a plate of the Lasagna I've made." He stepped back to the sink.

Linda lead Chloe into the living room and beckoned for her to sit. "Okay. I have a balm for bruising and swelling, a salve to treat scrapes, and a few over-the-counter painkillers." Linda talked Chloe through what each of her options were, and how to apply the different ointments. "Lucifer said you weren't seriously injured, so I guessed at what you might need. If there's anything else you think could help just let me know and I'll get a hold of it for you. Even if it requires a prescription. I understand why you don't want to go to a hospital."

"Thank you," Chloe spoke for the first time since coming down the stairs. Her voice still sounded strange to her but she ignored it. "You didn't have to do all this."

Linda offered a small smile. "I wanted to. I'm happy to help."

Chloe hesitated for a moment. "Can you...help me?" She gestured to the creams. "I won't be able to reach my back."

"Of course. Should we step into the bathroom?" They moved to Trixie's bathroom (it was closest) and closed the door. Chloe sat backward on the toilet so Linda could reach her back before removing her shirt. She clutched the shirt to her chest to cover her breasts. She hadn't put on a bra because the burn lines on her shoulders were too sensitive. When Linda saw Chloe's back she let out a small gasp. She didn't say anything, though, which Chloe was grateful for. Linda moved quickly but carefully, gentle with her touches but not making Chloe expose herself any longer than necessary. "All done," she said as she put the cap on a bottle of cream. "Is there anything else you want me to look at?"

"No," Chloe whispered while putting her shirt back on. "Thank you."

"I'm glad I could be of help," Linda said, her voice soothing. They stepped back into the living room. "Now, I know you probably don't feel like eating right now. But you should try. It'll help you in the long run. Also, those pain pills? I suggest you take the PM version tonight. Thirty minutes before you go to bed. It'll help you sleep."

Part of Chloe was incredibly grateful for having a friend like Linda. Someone who knew about celestial craziness so she didn't feel alone. Someone who wouldn't judge her for not going to the hospital. Someone who had a medical background and was going out of her way to help however she could. But that part was drowned out by numbness and distance. Chloe felt like she was in a fog. So she simply said, "Okay."

"I can stay here tonight if you'd like?" Linda offered.

She sounded entirely genuine, but Chloe was sure she couldn't mean it. Linda had a baby at home, and work in the morning. "No, you don't have to do that. You should get home to Charlie. I'll be fine," Chloe reassured her friend with more confidence than she felt.

"Alright," Linda nodded. "Call me if you need anything. Get some rest." Chloe expected her to move in for a hug, but she didn't. Chloe was glad for the space. Linda gathered her things-leaving the bag of drugstore goods-said goodbye to Lucifer, and then she was gone. Chloe was left in her home with an anxious-looking devil.

"Would you like some of that Lasagna now, Detective? I guarantee it'll be the best you've ever tasted," he said without his usual gusto.

"I'll have some," she told Lucifer, who promptly turned to grab the plate he'd sat aside for her. Chloe did not want food. But Linda was right. She needed to eat, and she hadn't eaten anything in over twenty-four hours. She wouldn't be any good for Trixie if she wasn't taking care of her body, she reminded herself. She had a sinking feeling that was going to become her new mantra.

Thinking of Trixie made her heart ache. It was the one feeling that came through clear and undiluted, unlike the rest of her muddled sensations. She missed her little girl. She wanted to see her smiling face and read her a bedtime story. She wanted to forget everything that happened and just play a board game with her daughter. She pushed these thoughts aside as she sat at the kitchen island and Lucifer slid a plate in front of her.

"There you are, Detective," Lucifer said with a forced smile. The plate looked delicious. It smelled delicious. It made her nauseous. She swallowed down bile. Trixie, she thought to herself. I need to be healthy for Trixie. She managed to make herself eat every last bite, including the salad Lucifer had made, by repeating her daughter's name in her mind over and over. Trixie, Trixie, Trixie. As she ate, Lucifer hovered near her, fidgeting constantly. Once she finished, she had barely put the fork on her plate before Lucifer was whisking it off to the sink to be washed.

"Thank you for cooking," she said quietly, "But you didn't have to do that."

Lucifer looked up for just a moment. "Nonsense, Detective."

This made Chloe somewhat uncomfortable, but she couldn't identify why. She stayed sitting, staring at her hands. There was something she wanted to voice, to hear said out loud, but didn't know how to say it. After a while she settled on, "I'm no good."

Lucifer was just drying her plate and nearly dropped it at her sudden words. "I beg your pardon, Detective?"

She swallowed and tried to push on, her eyes staying trained on her hands. "This...thing. It's done something to me. I can't think clearly. I feel confused, like I'm in a fog. And I don't feel like myself." She took a deep breath. "How am I going to be any good for the LAPD? How will I be any good for..." Her lower lip trembled, and she whispered, "For Trixie?"

"Detective..." Lucifer breathed out, and she knew if she looked at him he'd have that look in his eyes. The look that always showed her just how big his heart was, the look he only ever gave her.

She went on, her voice quivering. "All I want to do right now is hug my baby girl and tell her how much I love her, but I can't do that because I feel like I'm falling apart and I don't want to scare her." A tear slid down her cheek. It was cool. "And I just had a lead at work, and now I can't even wrap my mind around the case to try to solve it. There's a serial killer loose because my brain won't do what I want it to!" Bitter tears fell from her eyes as she said this. She hadn't actually tried to work the case, yet, but she knew what would happen when she did try. She could tell. She could feel something in her was unreachable. Broken. Drenched in a fog that blinded her.

Lucifer had been making his way around to comfort her when he pulled up short. To Chloe's utter befuddlement, he was smiling. "Well, Detective, I do have some good news for you on that front. I caught the killer. With a little help from the LAPD, I suppose. And you'll never guess who-" He cut himself off, seeming to think better of telling her whatever he was about to. "Well, the details can wait, really. All you need to know is that isn't something you have any reason to worry about."

Chloe was shocked out of her crying, though her voice still shook. "You found the original Whisper Killer?"

"That's right. Turns out I'm not such a bad detective myself."

There was a hint of jest in his voice, and after the heaviness of the day, Chloe was glad to hear it. And this news was incredible. She felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She realized she'd been feeling guilty for not being able to finish the case. She was sure Linda would have something to say about that, but she buried the thought for now. She breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad to hear that. And I'm proud of you."

She'd meant it sincerely, but there seemed to be a shift in the air. Lucifer shuffled restlessly. There was some tension between them and she wasn't sure why. Then she remembered...they had only just started a physical relationship when she'd been taken. Surely Lucifer wasn't expecting anything to happen? She felt her heart rate increase. She couldn't, not right after-

"Detective, you haven't been able to look at me." His voice came out small and scared. When she realized this, she felt so stupid. How could she have thought Lucifer would want sex from her right now? He would never treat her like that. But what he was saying...she wasn't sure how to approach that. "You see him when you look at my face, don't you." It wasn't a question. And she couldn't entirely deny it. Even though she knew she could never mistake the two again, she couldn't help that looking at Lucifer reminded her of Michael. "I understand why. If you'd be more comfortable, I can leave and have Maze-"

"No!" Chloe was quick to interrupt him. Her voice went quieter. "Please don't go." Maybe it was selfish of her, but she felt safe with him near. She knew Michael wouldn't try anything as long as Lucifer was with her.

"I'll stay as long as long as you desire," he whispered.

"Thank you," she said. "And...I'm sorry. It's not fair to you that I...that I'm reminded of..." She couldn't finish.

"You have no reason to apologize, Detective," Lucifer insisted. "As I said, I understand. It is a bit ironic, though, isn't it?" He said, and she could tell he was about to try to joke with her. "That the most comfortable you've been around me today was when I had my devil face? Perhaps I should keep it full-time now?" He said this playfully, and Chloe was surprised when a small chuckle escaped her. But then a more thoughtful expression crossed Lucifer's face. "Should I?"

She carefully looked up at him. She wanted to say that no, that was ridiculous! But what if it was easier for her? She hesitantly shrugged. His wide eyes never leaving hers, he slowly morphed his face into its devil form. Chloe looked at him and shook her head with a small laugh, and unexpected sensation. Her instincts were right, this was ridiculous. The devil stood before her, and she only saw her Lucifer. She stood up and walked over to him. He watched her approach like a deer in headlights. She reached up and caressed his scarred face.

"It's okay. You don't need to change for me. Whatever form you take, you're still my Lucifer," she spoke her thoughts to him. She nodded encouragingly at him, and his human form uncertainly appeared under her fingertips. She still felt a twinge of discomfort seeing his face. But she focused on the crease of worry in his brow, the depth in his chocolate eyes, the singular curve to his lips. This was a look Michael could never hope to mimic. This, she told herself, was the face of the man she loved. She gave him a small smile before tucking herself into his chest. He returned the hug, wrapping his arms around her gently, like he could break her. She was still sore, so she appreciated his care.

After a few moments, he pulled back. "It's getting late, and I do believe the Doctor prescribed you some quality rest time. Go to bed. I'll take the couch."

She nodded. "Thank you."

That night, Chloe woke screaming from dreams of Michael. Lucifer came bursting into her room to make sure she was safe, and when her eyes landed on his face, she felt panic bubbling in her. When she woke enough to push it down, she looked again. This time she only saw him-Lucifer. When he crawled into bed next to her to hold her while she cried, she didn't shield his face from her vision. She fell asleep in his arms, and no more nightmares plagued her.

Chapter Text

"Dad, are you sure everything's okay?"

Dan startled. Looking up, he saw his daughter sitting at the table across from him, her spoon hovering hesitantly between her mouth and cereal bowl. She watched him worriedly.

The night before, Dan had gotten back home after hours at the precinct of doing damage control for Chloe, keeping the Lieutenant from calling her and demanding she come in to give a full report. This was a difficult task because he was also careful not to let on too much about what had happened; he wanted to respect Chloe's privacy. Also, how could he explain that there was a rapist angel on the loose? There'd also been the small matter of keeping Ella Lopez from rushing to the aid of a friend she was sure was in need. He'd felt exhausted when he got back to his apartment, but as soon as he relieved the babysitter he spent the night with Trixie. They watched a movie, played a game, and stayed up late eating ice cream. When he could do nothing else for Chloe, at least he could make their daughter smile and laugh. Trixie was suspicious when Dan said Chloe wasn't feeling well, but hadn't wanted to risk late-night ice cream by asking too many questions.

Now, frozen confections long behind her, she pushed the matter. Dan sighed. Trixie had always been so observant. But there was no way he would tell her what had happened. No child should ever imagine their parent's mistreatment, or the sort of helplessness that he'd seen on Chloe’s face when they found her.

Chloe. His ex-wife. The mother of his daughter. Someone he loved in so many ways, if no longer romantically. He'd tossed and turned last night, unable to get the image of her on the exhibit floor out of his head. He felt sick. He'd trusted that angel, tried to kill Lucifer because Michael told him to. What the hell was wrong with him? How could he have missed the signs of a sociopath?

"Dad?" Trixie's voice cut through his thoughts.

He didn't want to lie to her more than he had to. "No, Monkey, everything's not okay. But it will be."

"Will I see Mom tonight?" she asked, pushing her cocoa puffs around in her milk. 

Dan took a steadying breath. "No, you'll stay with me again. Like I told you, Mom isn't feeling well. She needs some more time to get better."

"Is Lucifer taking care of her?"

At least he could give her some good news. "Yeah! He is. And he won't be leaving her side till she's feeling better."

"Good," Trixie said, satisfied, before finishing her breakfast.

Dan narrowed his eyes at her. Just how much did she know? Her sharp eyes always caught more than the adults in her life wanted. But there was no way she knew what Lucifer was, right?

No way. She would have said something, for sure.

"Okay, Monkey, go get your bag. We gotta get you to school," he said, taking her empty bowl from her.

When Trixie was ready they walked out the front door-only for Dan to nearly piss himself. Next to the front door, half hidden by a bush he didn't remember owning, crouched Maze. The demon stood up when they came out. While he was busy recovering his dignity, Trixie jumped and hugged her friend excitedly. "Maze! What are you doing out here?"

"I'd like to know the same thing," Dan said, crossing his arms.

Maze appraised him while wrapping her arms protectively around Trixie. "I'm keeping an eye on the kid. Not gonna let her out of my sight."

Dan's instinct response was to argue with her. He didn't need a demon protecting his daughter-that was madness. But then he pulled himself together. If angels were psychopaths and the devil had a heart, then maybe demons could be ninja babysitters. He cleared his throat. "I'd...really appreciate that. Thanks."

Maze only hmphed in response.

"Maze! What's going on? Dad won't tell me but I'm not an idiot. You always tell me what the adults won't when they think I'm too young."

Maze crouched next to her. "You're right, Small Human. Something is going on."

"Maze..." Dan said warningly, his shoulders tensing. There were certain things children shouldn't have to face.

She ignored him. "Truth is, one of Lucifer's dickhead brothers is threatening your family, trying to get to Lucifer." Dan relaxed. Seems like even demons understood there was a limit on what kids could hear. "Until he's taken care of, we're going to make sure you guys are safe. I'll be staking out your school today. I swear on my life that I won't let anything happen to you."

Trixie didn't look comforted. "If Lucifer's with Mom and you're with me, who'll be with Dad?" She asked. 

"I'll be fine, Trix. I'm a cop, and I'll be at the precinct all day surrounded by other cops. There's no safer place for me. Now go get in the car, I'll be there in a minute."

Trixie looked like she wanted to argue but settled for shooting Maze a pleading look before shuffling away. Dan watched her go then turned to Maze. She was holding a wicked-looking blade out to him. "What's this?" He asked, not taking the knife.

"The kid wants you safe. So take it. One-time offer."

"I've got my gun. I don't see how a knife is gonna be any better as a weapon than that."

Maze rolled her eyes and shook the curved blade in his face, gesturing for him to take it. "Haven't you already learned how useless guns are against celestial beings? This is a hell-forged blade. It'll slice through Michael like butter if you use it on him."

Dan's eyes got wide. He remembered how bullets seemed to bounce off Lucifer the other night at his penthouse. So his gun would be useless against Michael. He quickly accepted the blade.

"Do you know how to use it?" Maze asked, crossing her arms.

Dan shrugged. "I have basic police training, that should be good enough." He was just glad that he now stood a chance against the archangel if he decided to attack him.

But Maze scoffed. "And Michael has eons of experience. Your best bet if he shows up is to keep it hidden till he's close and take him by surprise. Maybe that way you won't die."

Dan glared at her but wasn't truly offended. She was probably right. "Since when do you care about my survival?"

"Like I said, the kid wants you safe. Something happens to you, she'll be devastated. I can't let that happen. So you don't let that happen. Got it?"

Dan nodded. He didn't want to die for plenty of reasons; but the horror he felt at the idea of leaving Trixie behind was probably his greatest motivator. "Right. We should probably get going. You getting in?" He asked, gesturing to his car.

"Nah. I'm taking my bike." That was the first time Dan noticed the motorcycle that was in his driveway.

"Okay. Thanks again. For watching Trixie." Maze didn't respond, only walked over to her bike and climbed on.

The ride to Trixie's school was tense. Dan could tell that Trixie knew she wasn't being told everything. She probably wasn't used to Maze keeping something from her. The demon had never had much of a filter. Dan thought this over. He really did trust a demon to keep his child safe, didn't he? How strange was that? But he remembered how she'd hugged Trixie to herself this morning, looking like she'd fight legions for her. Maze cared for Trixie. He'd been so wrong in his judgments that an angel was good and the devil and demons were evil.

Because what Michael had done was truly evil. And Lucifer-the devil, the supposed embodiment of evil-would never do something like that. Somehow, despite still being afraid of the otherworldly being, Dan knew this to his core. Dan glanced at his daughter in the rearview mirror. "What do you think about Lucifer, Monkey?"

Trixie looked up from her phone. "I think he's great!" she answered easily. "He's funny and is so easy to beat at Monopoly, and never complains about losing. But...sometimes he makes Mom sad."

Dan's fingers instinctively gripped the wheel tighter. He couldn't help the thoughts flooding in of what the devil could do to upset Chloe. He took a deep breath. He didn't know anything for sure. "What do you mean?" Get the facts, Espinoza.

"Mom was really upset when he left a few months ago. She cried a lot. She tried to hide it from me, but I knew." Oh, Dan sighed. Lucifer had left-not hurt Chloe directly. Where had he been, anyway? Hadn't he gone to Florida or something? "Do you know why he left, Monkey?"

"He said he had to go to Hell," she said simply. Dan Choked on air. Hell? He supposed that was where the devil was supposed to be, according to the bible-though he'd stopped putting faith in that book when an angel kidnapped his ex-wife. But what did Trixie know about all this? "He also said he didn't want to go. He really doesn't like it there." So even the devil doesn't like Hell? Dan wasn't sure why anything surprised him, anymore, but here he was.

"Trixie...when Lucifer says he's the devil..."

He could see his daughter roll her eyes in the mirror, reminding him of Chloe. "I know he's telling the truth, even if none of you believe him. Lucifer never lies."

"You know?" Dan all but squeaked out.

Trixie squinted her eyes at him. "Yeah...wait, do you believe him now?" she asked, her eyes widening with excitement.

Dan swallowed. How long had his daughter known while he'd been in the dark? "Yeah. I guess I do, now. Trix, you're not...scared of him?"

Trixie's nose wrinkled. "No, of course not! He's fun and cares a lot about me and Mom, even if he tries not to show it. I'm glad he's with Mom right now," she continued more quietly. "If one of his angel brothers is trying to hurt us then I know he'll protect Mom. Like he protected both of us from the bad man a couple years ago."

Dan thought this over. A child that wasn't afraid of the devil. Maybe he could learn something from her. Plus, she had a point. He knew exactly what 'bad man' Trixie meant-Malcolm. Lucifer hadn't even been Chloe's partner very long at that point when he'd saved both her and their daughter. How could he have forgotten? The devil had been protecting Dan's family for a long time, now.

"And I'm glad Maze gave you a demon blade. Your gun won't help you against an angel."

Dan couldn't stop the boggled expression from taking over his face. She's seen that? She knew what the knife was? Just how much had his daughter been exposed to? He vowed to question Maze about it as soon as he got the chance.

He'd just decided to interrogate a demon. What was his life coming to?

He pulled up to the school. Before Trixie got out he turned around to face her. "Have a good day today, Monkey."

"Okay. And Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Please be safe," she said with a depth to her eyes that tore at his heart. No child should worry about their parents like that.

"I will. Promise." And then she was gone. Dan sagged against his seat. Maze was nowhere in sight, but he knew the demon was nearby, keeping a close eye on Trixie. He gripped the blade beside his leg. That angel was going to pay for doing this to his family. Scared shitless as he was, Dan couldn't help but hope he got a chance to stab the asshole with this magic knife.

He pulled out of the school lot and made his way to Chloe's.

Amenadiel sat in Linda's living room, hands pressed together in prayer. Linda had already headed to her office and Charlie was down for a morning nap in the room over. Last night, Lucifer had told him about Michael's heinous crimes, and today he was taking action. After a few moments of silence, there was a fluttering of feathers, and two of his siblings stood before him. One held a staff, the other a spear.

"Brother," Remiel said with a smile. "It's good to see you." When he did not return her friendliness, her smile dropped. "Has something happened to your spawn? I knew he should have been brought to the Silver City!"

"What? No, Remiel, this has nothing to do with Charlie," Amenadiel assured her, not wanting her to start insisting, again, that his son be taken up to Heaven.

"Then why have you summoned us, Amenadiel?" Zadkiel asked, his ever-present scowl twisting his face.

"Michael," Amenadiel said solemnly. "He has committed an egregious transgression."

His siblings shifted backward in surprise. "He has acted against father?" Zadkiel asked.

"Surely not," Remiel challenged. "Michael has never dared disobey Him."

Amenadiel shook his head. "No, not father. It is a human he has wronged."

Remiel and Zadkiel shared a look. "He has killed one?" the latter asked.

Amenadiel swallowed. This wasn't a comfortable conversation, but it was necessary. Both for Chloe's sake, and because even angels needed to be held accountable. "No. Not killed. He has violated a woman. Carnally."

His siblings gasped. "Father would have done something if that were true," Remiel said with certainty.

Zadkiel nodded at that. "He has never acted intimately with another before, and now you suggest he's done so forcefully? What proof do have of this?"

Amenadiel cleared his throat awkwardly. He'd expected the question, but that didn't make him feel any less unprepared. "I have no proof. Only Lucifer's word. But you know he doesn't lie."

"Lucifer's word?" Zadkiel scoffed. "Could anything be less likely, then?"

"Amenadiel, I have always followed your lead," Remiel said, more kindly than Zadkiel. "But what you're saying...it doesn't add up."

"I know," Amenadiel said, taking a deep breath. He'd expected this reaction, as well. "I understand your skepticism. But I'm asking you to draw on the eons of trust you have had for me. Remiel, do you trust my judgment?"

She was silent for a moment before answering. "I do. But you can't ask me to condemn Michael with no evidence, brother."

"I'm not," Amenadiel reassured her. "I didn't call you here to instantly pass judgment on him. This will be a process. One that you both must be involved in."

"Why us?" asked Zadkiel.

"You are the Angel of Righteousness," pointed out Amenadiel. "You are called to see that fair and just convictions are made and carried out. You deliver divine justice. And Remiel," he turned to his sister, "if there is proof of Michael's wrongdoings, no one can track it down better than Heaven's greatest huntress. I request that the two of you take up this task in the name of our father's rectitude."

"You would ask us to be detectives?" Zadkiel asked distastefully.

"If that's what it takes," Amenadiel said seriously.

There was silence. the three angels looked at each other, none willing to give in. Then Remiel sighed and put a hand on Amenadiel's shoulder. "We will look into this, brother."

Zadkiel frowned. "You would speak for me, sister?"

"Are you going to refuse?" she asked doubtfully.

He huffed. "I...will not." He turned to Amenadiel. "I will join Remiel in this mission. But if we find nothing, if it turns up that you have sided with the devil in slandering Michael's name, then my judgement will not be for him, but you."

"And when you find the evidence against Michael?" Amenadiel asked, unfazed.

Zadkiel looked uncertain. "I-I don't know. There's no precedent for something like this. I will see when the time comes. But I can assure you, justice will be done."

Amenadiel nodded at this. "That's all I needed to hear."

The conversation was over, and they all knew it. Without so much as a nod Amenadiel's way, Zadkiel unfurled his wings and was gone. Remiel lingered for only a moment. "Do you really think Michael has done this, brother?"

Amenadiel was taken aback to see the worry in her eyes. It seemed so out of place on the fierce huntress. "I do," he said quietly.

"If this is true, then Father must do something. He will, won't He?"

Amenadiel didn't answer her. How could he? After all, what did it mean if God himself had allowed this tragedy to occur? What did it mean if their father was doing nothing to punish Michael? Could it be possible that the Almighty had abandoned them?

Chapter Text

When Dan knocked on the door, it was Lucifer who answered. The devil gestured for him to come in. Dan tried to shake off the feeling that he was entering a villain's lair. He's not evil, he chided himself. He's here to help Chloe. Lucifer looked like shit. He was wearing the same clothes as the day before, looking rumpled and slept in. His hair stuck up at odd angles and there were dark bags under his eyes. Dan guessed Lucifer hadn't gotten any more sleep than he had. "How is she?" he asked.

Lucifer glanced wearily at the stairs. "She's still asleep. She had some nightmares, but she seems to be free of them now."

Dan leaned against the counter. That was better than he could have hoped for. Chloe didn't usually sleep this late, but he was glad she had. The time she spent unconscious now was time she didn't have to face her new trauma. "That's good," he said. They fell silent. Dan was tempted to allow the awkward air to linger, but he cleared his throat. He owed Lucifer an apology for the things hed said in the precinct. "Hey, man, yesterday..." He took a breath and forced himself to meet Lucifer's eyes. "I was wrong. I know religion got some things wrong about you, and I shouldn't have said the things I did. I know you don't lie," he said, thinking of what Trixie had said, "and I know you aren't evil. I'm glad Chloe has you here to look out for her."

A strange look took over Lucifer's face-something between surprise and relief. He said nothing, only nodded slowly. Dan relaxed. He didn't think the being before him was evil, but he was still scared of him. This apparent forgiveness was like a weight off his shoulders. His eyes traveled to Lucifer's shirt-wrinkled with a button undone. Dan guessed he hadn't had a chance to get a change of clothes. "You should go home, get something to change into. Maybe take a shower," he said as politely as he could. Before Lucifer could protest, he added, "I'll stay here with her."

Lucifer thought this over. "I can shower here. But fresh attire would be appreciated..." He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable leaving Chloe for even a few minutes.

"I'll call you right away if anything happens. If you want to take care of someone else, you have to take care of yourself, first," Dan said. He was pretty sure that was a quote in some self-help book, right before an analogy about airplane oxygen masks.

It did the trick. Lucifer nodded. "Alright. I'll be back momentarily. Thank you, Daniel." Dan realized Lucifer hadn't called him a douche in quite some time now. He wondered how long that would last. He couldn't contemplate that too long because all at once Lucifer's brilliant white wings filled Chloe's apartment. Before Dan could even process their presence, they were gone, along with the angel they were attached to. Dan shook his head. Why hadn't he expected that? It wasn't like Lucifer's Corvette was here.

Dan collapsed on Chloe's couch and buried his face in his hands. How were they going to handle this mess? Michael was an angel, possibly unstoppable. Lucifer and Maze couldn't hover over Chloe and Trixie forever, however much they may think otherwise. What happened if they let their guard down for a moment and Michael came back?

What would happen if Michael never came back? What if he'd taken what he wanted and decided to hide out in heaven for the next few decades, totally out of reach of the humans, demon, and devil? What if he managed to get away with this while they lived the rest of their lives in fear of him? The very thought made his stomach churn. He was a cop. Even if he hadn't had a personal connection to this case, he'd want to see that asshole get his comeuppance. But the fact that Michael had targeted the mother of his child? Dan would find a way to storm Heaven if that's what it took to bring Michael to justice.

There was a creak at the top of the stairs. Dan lifted his head to see Chloe. She met his eyes briefly before looking at the floor. She made her way down the stairs, her arms crossed over her chest. He noticed the bruising around her neck had deepened in color, now more purple than the bright red from the day before.

"Dan. Hi." She glanced around anxiously. "Is Lucifer here?"

Shit. He didn't want to tell her he'd left and have her worried she was unprotected. "He'll be back in a minute. He just made a run to his penthouse."

Her brows furrowed slightly for a moment, like she was processing his words. Something coiled in Dan's gut. "Oh. Okay."

She stood there looking around her living room like there was something off about it that confused her. Dan thought he saw a fog in her gaze. "Do you want some breakfast? I can get some eggs going?" He was never late to work, so this once he could probably get away with it. And Chloe was worth it.

She grimaced but nodded her head. "I could eat." Dan moved to the kitchen and got out the eggs. The skillet was just heating up when there was a whoosh of white feathers. Dan himself flinched, but Chloe jerked back violently at Lucifer's sudden appearance. After several seconds, she realized that it was just her partner and she calmed down. Dan tried to focus on making her some breakfast but couldn't help but worry over her unusual behavior. This slow processing and jumpiness were so unlike her.

"Oh, Detective. You're up." Lucifer shot her a hesitant smile. He held a pile of folded clothes in his arm. He looked so out of place. Dan was sure he'd never seen the devil look so unsure of himself.

Dan cracked eggs open with his back to them. He started talking, speaking casually. He knew Chloe wasn't processing what he said very well, but he didn't want to talk in front of her like she wasn't there. So he didn't aim his words at either of them. He spoke to the air. "You should know that Trixie is safe. Maze is practically glued to her." He chose not to disclose his newfound information that Trixie was fully aware of the supernatural side of things. If Chloe didn't already know, he didn't want to cause her to worry.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Chloe’s face fall. "I hadn't even thought of that..." She said, quietly horrified. She turned to Lucifer. "If he gets to Trixie, I-I-"

Lucifer's hesitation immediately fell away into an expression of reassurance. "Don't worry, Detective. I talked to Maze last night. There's a reason she was my second in command for eons-none of the Lilim are as equipped to take on Michael as she is. The Urchin is well protected, I assure you."

Chloe sagged at his words, her concern replaced with exhaustion. Dan wasn't sure he understood everything Lucifer had just said, but he caught the most important bit-Trixie would be safe. he plated some eggs and placed them on the table, which Lucifer ushered Chloe to. Dan tried not to stare at her but couldn't help but notice the way she grimaced at each bite she took.

"I can make you something else, if you don't like the eggs?" he offered.

Chloe froze, fork scraping on the plate. "The eggs are fine," she said without meeting his eyes. "I just...don't have much of an appetite." She forced down another bite.

"Okay..." What was the protocol for when your ex-wife had been violated by her boyfriend's twin? "Ella was glad to hear we found you, Chloe. She doesn't know what happened," he was quick to add. "But she asked me to tell you she sends her love and hopes you feel better." Keeping Ella from coming over to check on Chloe had been difficult, but made possible due to her distraction with everything that had happened with Pete.

"And what did you tell the rest of the precinct?" Lucifer questioned.

"I mostly gave them the runaround, told them Chloe needed some general recovery time. I told you I'd let you guys decide on your story." There was an awkward beat of silence. Lucifer clearly didn't want to speak for Chloe, but Chloe didn't seem capable of coming up with a story on her own at the moment. Dan cleared his throat. "Lucifer, if you have any connections or favors you can call in, now would be the time. Can you get the precinct to back off?" Can you get them to let Chloe be? he didn't ask, but knew Lucifer had heard, anyway.

The devil's eyes lit up at the prospect of being able to help. "That I could do. Excuse me for a moment." He walked out of the room, his phone already in hand.

Dan sighed. It would be a relief if they didn't have to worry about that, at least. Chloe had just eaten the last of her eggs so he took her plate over to the sink. From behind him, Chloe made a guttural sound before dashing out of the room. Dan let the plate clatter into the sink before rushing after her, following her to Trixie's bathroom. Chloe was on the floor before the toilet vomiting up the eggs she'd just eaten. Dan's stomach twisted in worry. He knelt beside her and held her hair out of her face as she went. When nothing more came up, she leaned back and breathed deeply. Dan stood up to get her a cold, wet washcloth. When he came back he held it to her forehead. "Are you okay?" he asked. A foolish question, really.

"I'll be okay," she said with a slight pant. She didn't meet his eyes. "I'm sorry, your eggs-"

Dan shook his head. "All you need to worry about is taking time to feel better. Let your stomach settle, and later maybe Lucifer can get you some toast. That might sit easier."

Chloe said nothing, only nodded. After a moment Dan helped her stand. He got her into the living room where she lay down. Lucifer walked in as he was covering her with a blanket. ""What happened?" the devil demanded, throwing an accusatory look Dan's way. 'I leave you alone with her for one minute...' it said. Dan chose not to take offense. Chloe didn't need them arguing in front of her like children.

"Eggs didn't sit well. I think she'll be better in a little while," he said quietly.

Lucifer knelt by the couch. Chloe had curled her head into the crook of her shoulder; whether this was to hide from her nausea or them, Dan couldn't say. "Did you call in a favor or whatever?"

Lucifer scoffed but nodded, not taking his eyes from Chloe. "Yes. The Detective is no longer at risk of harassment from the Lieutenant."

Dan sighed. That was good news. "Thanks, man." He shot a glance at Chloe before standing up. "I should probably get going. Even with the Lieutenant out of the way there's still more at the precinct to take care of. I want to get the paperwork out of the way before Chloe comes back so she doesn't have to worry about it. Call me if you need anything here?" Dan was pretty sure he couldn't offer Chloe too much at this point, but he'd do anything he could.

Lucifer nodded at him. "Alright. And, Daniel...Watch your back."

Dan swallowed. His hand moved to the blade tucked into is waistband. If Michael decided to come after him...well, he wasn't going to waste his shot.

Ella had always liked that the forensics lab was closed off. She could play her old-school music and dance as she worked, and no one could tell her to tone it down. Now, though, she hid away for an entirely different reason. Her lab was silent, and she certainly wasn't dancing. Every time she left the seclusion of these walls, the officers outside them would give her looks of pity and speak to her too softly. Though one or two looked at her with suspicion. How hadn't she known? their gazes said.

How hadn't she known? How much time had she spent around Pete? How had she missed the signs? She'd always been drawn to dangerous men but this was a new, horrifying low for her. She thought she'd finally found a nice guy she could be proud to be with. Now she knew that Pete was every bit the sort of monster that would kidnap Chloe.

Except he hadn't, had he? Someone else was responsible for that.

When Dan had come back to the precinct the day before, he had brought news that everyone was relieved to hear: Chloe had been found. She was home and recovering from the ordeal. After that, he'd been extremely tight-lipped. Ella understood that he wanted to protect Chloe's privacy but when even the Lieutenant couldn't break him, she became suspicious. It was a welcome distraction from thinking about Pete. Thinking about him made her chest clench while she grasped at the cross around her neck, emotions and truths she didn't want to face bubbling to the surface. It was much easier to focus on Chloe.

When Dan finally emerged from the Lieutenant's office, looking like he'd been run over by a train, she had decided to ambush him at his desk. She demanded to know what had happened to her friend. She wanted to lob a thousand shoes at the pendejo that would hurt Chloe. Still, Dan refused to tell her anything. When she'd made a comment about going to check up on her, he'd insisted that she give the other detective space. He wouldn't let her leave the precinct that night until she promised not to bother Chloe.

But that was yesterday.

This morning, when Ella's mind kept drifting to the monster she'd let into her heart, she forced her thoughts to be redirected to Chloe. This was her friend, her Tribe! How could she not be with her after what she'd gone through? Ella didn't have any personal experience with kidnapping, but she was sure that now more than ever Chloe needed a friendly smile, a warm hug. Ella nodded to herself, solidifying her decision. Today was Friday. She'd go see Chloe sometime this weekend.

There was just the small matter of staying off Dan's radar. If her knew her plan he'd try to talk her out of it. She was so bad at keeping secrets, though! She crept over to her closed binds and peeked out. Dan sat at his desk filling out some forms. Okay. She just needed to avoid him the rest of the day. How hard could that be?

Chapter Text

"Again."

Maze's voice barked out in Dan's living room. The furniture had been pushed to the edges to give them plenty of room. Dan repeated the movement he'd just made.

"Again."

He moved again, waving the knife in the air in a figure eight.

"Again."

Trixie was asleep upstairs. Maze wasn't leaving the apartment anytime soon, so Dan insisted on learning how to actually use the blade she'd given him. She was teaching him vital karambit self-defense cuts. Apparently, these moves were the best a human could hope to learn. Anything else was 'an advanced level attainable only by a demon with several centuries training'.

"You're aiming too low at the beginning. Michael is as tall as Lucifer. At this height, you'll be lucky to nick his pecks. Again, but higher."

Dan ground his teeth. Sure, this training had been his idea, but Maze was a hellish teacher. "I don't have any reference here, Maze. I'll know where to aim when he's in front of me."

Suddenly she was in his face, a snarling terror. "No, you won't! Do you know how fast angels can move? You won't have time to think. You need to be ready to move before you even process he's in front of you. You need to be able to act on instinct. So, again, but higher this time."

Dan obliged.

"Again."

After a few more reps she nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now you're ready to start training."

"Then what the hell has all this been-oomph!" Dan's complaining was interrupted by Maze's fist colliding with his gut, sending him to the floor. She crouched over him.

"You're down. He's not going to kill you because that'd be against his Daddy's rules. He doesn't know you have the demon blade. Now's your chance to catch him off guard. Attack!"

Dan stumbled off the ground, gasping for air. He swiped the knife in front of him, trying not to bend over in pain.

"Left carotid, right carotid, stomach!" Maze called out his imaginary targets. She tsked at his performance. "Sloppy."

Dan coughed. "Did you expect something different after sucker-punching me?"

Maze sneered. "Do you expect Michael to treat you like a delicate flower? He's going to see you like a mildly inconvenient bug he's not allowed to squash. You need to learn to fight through the pain because you'd better believe it's coming."

Maze was right, Dan knew.

"Again."

Sometime later, Maze called it quits. "You've learned all you can tonight. Any more and you'll start losing progress," she said pragmatically. Dan was just surprised the demon had a sense of limits. They moved his furniture back in place before he collapsed onto his couch, panting. His whole body was sore, but he didn't mind. Not if meant he had a chance of holding his own against that asshole. Maze sat beside him, then wrinkled her nose "You need a shower."

Dan groaned. "I will. Just as soon as I can stand again." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Having the ability to stand his ground in a fight against the angel was all well and good, but it meant nothing if he never had the chance to use his new skills. "What's the point of this if we never even see Michael again?" he asked before he could stop himself.

"What?" Maze's eyes flashed dangerously to him.

"This'll all be for nothing if I never even face him. Is there a way to draw him out?"

Maze jumped up. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm not teaching you this so you can join the front lines." She leaned in close and spoke slowly. "You need to know these things to protect Chloe and Trixie. If Lucifer or I aren't there and Michael shows up, you make sure your family can escape. These tricks might kill a human, but you'll be lucky to incapacitate him for more than a few seconds. Truth is, you don't stand a chance against an angel."

Dan felt all his hopes drain out of him. "Then what's the point of all this?"

"The point is what I said. You are the last line of defense for Chloe and Trixie to get away. That's your role in all this, that's how you can help. You don't have the physical strength to take on an angel."

"Then I need to get the strength," he said stubbornly.

Maze let out a short laugh. "There isn't a bodybuilder alive that could have a hope against Michael. He has supernatural strength, Dan. You need to accept that the best way you can help is staying out of the way unless absolutely necessary."

Dan mulled this over. What she was saying made sense. But it made him feel kind of useless. "There has to be more we can do. We can't just sit around and wait for him to show up. Isn't there any way we can go on the offensive?"

Maze gave him a long look. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But I knew that the day we killed that crime boss together.

Dan bristled. "Technically, the Russian Mob killed Perry. And I told you to stop bringing that up."

"Whatever." She chewed on her lip. "Honestly, I don't know what else we can do. I wanted to track the bastard down but I don't know if even I can do that. Humans leave a trail, they're easy to bounty hunt. But angels can stay out of sight a lot better. Or just hide in heaven. Even if he is on Earth, I don't know that I can find him." Dan buried his head in his hands. He felt like they were all sitting ducks. "But..." Maze continued thoughtfully, "there may be other demons that could. Hellhounds, for one. But Lucifer would never agree to bring them to Earth."

"What? Why not?" He couldn't picture Lucifer turning down any chance to bring Michael down.

"Because they would cause mass destruction," Maze said with an eye roll like it was a minor detail.

"Oh," Dan said. He supposed he was glad that the devil didn't want to destroy the Earth in the process of getting justice.

"I've got to think about this," she said to herself before turning back to Dan with a grimace. "Go shower. Seriously. You reek."

The next few days with Chloe were some of the most difficult in Lucifer's existence. Watching her struggle to return to herself wrenched at his heart. He helped where he could; he cooked and cleaned, and comforted her when she'd let him. After Dan left Friday morning, she didn't move from the couch for hours. Eventually, he got her to sit up, eat some toast (Dan's suggestion), and take a bath (Linda's idea). They spent the rest of the day in quiet comfort and watching Friends-Chloe wanted it to take her mind off things. When something inane triggered her and sent her into a fit of tears, Lucifer held her or gave her space, depending on what she asked for.

She didn't say anything, but he knew his resemblance to his twin still bothered her. It was devastating, but she didn't want him to leave, so he didn't know what he could do to make it better. At one point, she drifted off while watching TV. When she started twitching from a nightmare he shook her awake. She awoke in a panic which only increased when her eyes landed on him. When she frantically tried to back away from him, he morphed his face to its devil form with hardly a thought.

"It's me, Chloe, it's just me," he practically pleaded with her. There was a moment where confusion took over her face, but it was quickly replaced with relief. She threw herself into his arms sobbing. After a few moments, he returned to his normal form. He held her while she let him, but it did strange things to his emotions, knowing she sought comfort from him when looked like a monster. 

For the most part, though, she didn't avoid looking at him. She didn't flinch when their eyes met or shy away from him. "You look the same as him, but so different," she'd said at one point without further explanation. He had a feeling she hadn't realized she said it out loud.

It was Saturday that her efforts to recover really began. She was incredibly determined to get back to her normal self. He remembered her words that first night, about not being good enough for her daughter. He had a sinking feeling that that motivation would only get her so far, but he'd support her however he could. She took a walk, listened to uplifting music, and tried out panting-all activities the internet suggested for improving mental health. Lucifer couldn't tell if these were helping yet.

Her cuts and scrapes had been minor and were healing well. The bruises, on the other hand, kept darkening. They developed into a deep blue around her neck. Lucifer could only imagine how the rest of her body looked.

Her nausea continued. She could keep down most foods but her appetite never really recovered. He knew she would rather not eat most of the time, but did anyway. He could tell that she was taking care of herself because it was the only way she felt she could be a good mom to Trixie. Lucifer had never felt more grateful for the Urchin.

She insisted that she wanted to return to work Monday. "No one would blame you if you took more time off, Chlo," Dan had said over the phone when Lucifer had called him. When he failed at talking sense into Chloe, he'd hoped the other detective might succeed. He was doomed to be disappointed. Chloe was unmoving-she would be going to work Monday, end of discussion. All Lucifer could do was promise to be by her side. Well, perhaps the distraction would be good for them.

Saturday night they sat on her couch, close but not touching. Chloe had just suffered another small breakdown. She hadn't wanted him to touch her this time, so he only sat near to help her if he could. She was no longer crying, but the tearstreaks down her cheeks still glistened. The sight ate at Lucifer's heart. "I'm sorry, Detective. I shouldn't have let this happen," he said softly, not meeting her eyes.

"Lucifer," she breathed out, frowning. "You aren't at fault for this. Please, don't try to take responsibility for this. You have none. Besides," she said, intertwining her fingers with his, "You came for me. You saved me. That means everything. There's nothing more you could have done."

Lucifer felt a rush of shame. There was something he could have done. He was ashamed to face it, but Chloe deserved the truth, always. "I'm afraid that's where your wrong, Detective. There's something I could have done so that you'd be safe. I never imagined something like this could have happened or I would have told you."

"Told me what?" Chloe asked, a hint of concern creeping into her voice.

Lucifer took a deep breath. "My old name." His eyes found hers. "This name has been long dead to me, and I ask that you not use it except in emergencies." Chloe's eyebrows were knit together in confusion. Lucifer realized he was approaching this backward. "You can pray to me. Using that name."

Chloe's eyes went wide. "Pray? Like, telepathic communication?"

"Yes, though it would only be one-way. I couldn't respond to you. But now you see that I could have prevented this. If only I hadn't been craven and told you that name, you could have prayed to me and I would have found you before this happened." He sat frozen, awaiting her backlash. Would she hate him for keeping this from her? She should.

She was silent for a moment, thinking. "Lucifer," she said, her fingers squeezing his, "I understand. You couldn't have known that Michael would-" Her voice broke off here. She took a breath and continued. "You are never responsible for someone else's actions."

"It is not his actions I feel responsible for, but my own inaction. But no more." He closed his eyes to steady himself. Her hand in his gave him strength. "Samael." He glanced at Chloe. Her mouth was open in a small O. "Pray to that name and I will hear you wherever you are."

She tightened her hand around his. "Thank you, Lucifer." She gave him a small smile.

A few moments of silence passed. Lucifer watched Chloe's face. She was thinking, pushing thoughts around in her mind like she was working a case. He was about to ask what she was worrying over when her face darkened. Lucifer saw something flash in his eyes, something all too familiar to the devil. Seeing it made him nauseous, and it was a whole new reason to tear Michael limb from limb.

In Hell rotted Humanity's worst of the worst, those wretched souls he took pleasure in torturing. But there were also the truly heartbreaking cases; souls he avoided encountering because of how useless they made him feel. These were the souls shackled to Hell by guilt over things they had no control over, things that had been done to them. All Lucifer could do for them was forbid demons from torturing them beyond what their hell loops demanded.

Now, recognizing that same damning emotion on Chloe's face, he felt his veins turn to ice. He knew that harboring that feeling was a living hell all its own. What could cause Chloe to feel guilt? He gripped her hands tightly. "Chloe," he said, his voice deadly serious. "You know you aren't at fault for this, don't you?"

She ripped her hands from him like she'd been burned. Her eyes were wide, and she looked like she'd just caught him reading her diary. "I-I need to go take a shower," she said before rushing off. She was upstairs for a long time after that.

Sunday, Lucifer started suggesting she talk to Linda. He didn't say it, but the idea that she was being weighed down by guilt terrified him more than he knew was possible.

Chloe said she would, eventually. She asked for just a little more time.

The rest of Sunday went much as Saturday had; he cooked for her, she ate what she could, and she occupied her time with more relaxing ventures. Chloe also spent some time preparing for work the next day-she looked over some paperwork and case files and talked to Dan about what to expect. This was how she found out the identity of the Whisper Killer.

"Pete? Ella's boyfriend?" Chloe was horrified.

"Indeed," Lucifer said with a grimace. "He had us all fooled, it would seem. I would imagine Miss Lopez has taken the news the worst, of course."

Chloe was deeply worried for the scientist, but Lucifer understood. How could she not emphasize? She'd been engaged to fucking Cain, for Dad's sake.

Chloe wanted to spend the night doing nothing of importance. Lucifer sat on her couch with her, each reading their own books. Lucifer was just getting lost in his seventh read-through of Robinson Crusoe-one of the first and most influential English novels that presented an exploration of morality, faith, and resilience that none other of its time had-when he heard muttered words coming from Chloe. He looked at her from over his book to find she'd nodded off and was having another nightmare.

She'd continued to have nightmares each night. Lucifer would start off by sleeping on the couch, but when her cries reached her sometime in the night, he would go to her room and join her, where she curled into his arms and sobbed. He'd gotten in the habit of summoning his devil face before waking her. He didn't know what to think of her being comforted by the face that drove so many to insanity. Part of him wanted to rush off to Linda's office for one of their emergency sessions.

He wasn't going to leave Chloe, though.

Lucifer put his book on the table and knelt by her side. He closed his eyes and summoned his devil face. It wasn't hard. The mere thought of how Michael had caused her fitful sleep was enough to bring it forth. His scarred hand reached up and shook her shoulder. "Chloe," he said softly. "It's only a dream. Wake up."

She woke with a start, fear clear in her eyes. When they landed on him, she let out a shaking breath. "Lucifer," she whimpered. Lucifer was still, not changing his face, and waited to see what she wanted. Sometimes she wanted him to hold her. Other times she needed space.

He never found out which she preferred.

The next moment, Chloe's door burst open. "Get away from her!" A terrified Ella crashed through brandishing her cross necklace at him.

Chapter Text

Ella had spent the rest of Friday avoiding Dan. The more she thought about not telling him her plan to visit Chloe, the more she had to fight the urge to blurt it out. Why did her body want to betray her so? Luckily, Dan spent the rest of the day doing paperwork and didn't need forensics for anything. And, well, everyone else expected her to hide out in the lab, anyway. She wasn't about to let on that she had a new reason for that.

When she left for the night, she started the route toward Chloe's place, not her own. And immediately made a U-turn. The way Dan had insisted Chloe needed space kept playing in her mind. Maybe she should listen to him. Give her friend space. What did she know about being kidnapped? Maybe that was the sort of thing that made you want to stay away from other people.

When Ella got home she tried to forget about it. She fed her bathtub chicken, Margaret, and set out to make her own dinner. As she was putting pizza rolls in her microwave, Chloe surfaced in her mind again. She should totally be there for her friend. That's what Tribe was for. Pizza rolls could wait.

She grabbed her bag and was halfway out the door when she slowly came to a pause. If Chloe wanted someone with her, she'd ask, wouldn't she? By not reaching out, she was basically saying she wanted to be alone. It wasn't Ella's place to go against Chloe's wishes.

She ate her dinner, though she wasn't too hungry anymore. She was sitting here not knowing if Chloe needed a friend or not. What if Chloe had been hurt?

Oh my God, what if Chloe was hurt? Ella thought in a panic. Her Tribe could be hurt and here she was stuffing pizza rolls down her face!

She was in her car buckling her seat belt before she talked herself out of it again.

The rest of her weekend went on like this: unending indecision and feelings of guilt over not being there for Chloe.

Sunday night came. Ella was still going back and forth. At this point, she told herself, I'll see her tomorrow anyway. I can check up on her at work then.

Then she blanched. Everyone else at the precinct would want to check in on Chloe, too. If Ella waited till then, then Chloe would think Tribe was no more special than the common officer acquaintance. Tribe was about being there for each other when no one else was. That meant she had to see her before tomorrow. She couldn't fail Chloe in this.

Finally, finally, she'd come to a decision. And stuck to it. She's made it to Chloe's house, nervous as hell and about to knock. Her fist hovered over the door. She'd come too far to back out.

But the 'what if's weren't leaving her alone. What if she was invading Chloe's privacy? What if Chloe wanted to be alone?

Still, she'd come all this way. She couldn't just leave now. She needed to make sure Chloe was okay.

A lightbulb turned on over Ella's head.

Well, not literally. But she did have a pretty helpful thought. What if she just peeked in the window? If she could see that Chloe was doing okay then her duty as Tribe would have been fulfilled, right? And her anxiety for her friend would go away. It totally wasn't creepy when she put it like that. Right?

Right.

Ella crept over to the window looking into Chloe's living room. A quick snoop and her worries would be soothed.

She couldn't have been more wrong.

She could see two figures at Chloe's couch. One was Chloe herself. The other... an honest-to-God monster loomed over Chloe's panicked form. Red skin and fiery eyes, the creature terrified Ella to her bones. Her fight or flight instinct battled with itself for just a moment-but it wasn't a hard choice. Her Tribe needed her, for real, this time. Ella said a quick prayer in Spanish and gripped the cross at her neck for strength. She grabbed for the door handle before she could change her mind.

By some miracle, the door was unlocked.

She tumbled into Chloe's apartment holding her necklace in front of her like a shield, her fingers shaking around it. "Get away from her!" she cried out, not even trying to mask her terror. Chloe and the monster startled and looked up at her in shock. Then something impossible happened. The monster's face melted into Lucifer's. He looked mildly annoyed.

What the hell?

"Are you really threatening me with a cross right now? Are you hoping to exercise me?"

Chloe let out a sudden laugh. It seemed to take her by surprise, and she covered her mouth with her hand. The sound was strange coming from her, given the panic that had covered her face mere moments ago.

Lucifer gave Chloe a strange look, his lips twitching into a smile. "Well, this is even worse than when Daniel said the Our Father while cradled in my arms."

"When did that happen?" Chloe asked in quiet awe.

"When we came to rescue you. We flew to the zoo, you know. I had to carry him in my arms like a baby. He cried like one, too, I'm afraid." Chloe was giggling now, and Lucifer looked like the sound was giving him life. Ella watched their exchange in silent horror. "The thing was, he wasn't afraid because he knew who I am-he was afraid of heights! He was in the devil's arms and he prayed because he didn't want me to drop him."

Chloe was near cackling now. "He's always been like that-I couldn't ever get him to go on rollercoasters with me! But, seriously, he said the Lord's Prayer while you held him? Why didn't you tell me?"

"My apologies, Detective," he said with a pleased smile. "I'll be sure to point out whenever Detective Douche has done something amusing from here on. I'm afraid it'll take up quite a large portion of our time, though."

Ella, who had been watching them wide-eyed and open-mouthed had had enough. "What the hell is going on?" she demanded frantically. She dropped her cross to grip her hair. Had she lost her mind?

The smiles that had been on the other's faces dropped. Through her hard breathing and racing heart Ella saw them exchange glances.

"Ella," Chloe said softly. "Lucifer has never lied to us. But you need to know that he's a good man." 

What was she saying? Did that mean that that monster, that Lucifer, was the devil? Ella was so confused. She looked at the man she considered to be a friend.

Lucifer didn't meet her eyes. He stood perfectly still, hands in pockets, looking intently at the floor. "Miss Lopez, when we first met you told me you thought the devil got a bad rap. Do you still think that way?"

The memory played in Ella's mind. She had said that, hadn't she? And not to be quirky or different, but because she really believed it. What'd he really do that was so bad? What, rebel against his dad, ask some naked lady if she wanted an apple? Ella took a few deep breaths. She'd already believed the devil existed and wasn't all that bad. And if Lucifer really was who he always said he was...

"So, not a method actor?" she asked carefully.

"Fraid not," he said with a small smile, now meeting her gaze.

Oh. My. Gosh. "This is so cool," she breathed out, excitement trickling in. The other two looked at her in confusion. Ella whipped her head around to Chloe. "You knew?" She asked accusingly. "You knew and you didn't tell me? You know how important my faith is to me! Not cool, Decker." Then she realized something and her eyes went wide. "And did you say Dan knows, too? Were you guys ever going to tell me? I thought I was one of the group! Wait, what about your brother? OMG! Is Amenadiel an angel?!"

The next half hour was filled with rapid-fire questions from Ella and Lucifer's best attempts at answers. Chloe watched silently, sometimes confused, other times amused.

Eventually, Lucifer had to stop her. "Miss Lopez, are you not afraid of me?" he asked perplexed. 

Ella's questions paused. Scared of him? Did he expect her to be? She thought of the red face that she'd seen. Looking back, it hadn't looked particularly menacing or evil. That face had actually been looking at Chloe with concern, hadn't it? And this was Lucifer. She knew him. "No way, dude. I'm a bit upset I was the last to find out," she said with a false heat in her voice. "But, no, I'm not afraid of you. Though, I would kinda like to know why you were standing over Chloe looking like a beat-up blood orange."

Chloe and Lucifer froze. Oh. Touchy subject? "I mean, I only broke in here because I saw you looking freaked out with him standing over you like that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Especially after your kidnapping. That's all."

"He only looked like that because I was having a nightmare," Chloe said quietly.

"Riiiight," Ella said wearily. She didn't want to press, but... "That, ah, makes sense. Totally."

Lucifer sighed and looked at Chloe. "She's officially a 'celestial insider' now, as the Doctor would say. Perhaps it's best if she knows." 

Chloe looked anywhere but at them. "Fine. I'm gonna go make coffee, though."

As she moved to stand up, Ella noticed for the first time the bruises that peppered her neckline. She gasped. "Chloe, your neck..." Ella reached towards her friend but stopped herself. She was a forensic scientist. She'd seen some pretty gruesome crime scenes. Plenty of victims had bruising on their necks, often from strangulation. Their wounds tended to be concentrated around their throats, though. These bruises, looking like macabre war-paint, were dispersed along Chloe's neck and collarbone, disappearing under her shirt. She'd seen plenty of bruising like that, too.

Realization came crashing down on Ella in an instant: these bruises were far too familiar, a telltale sign of sexual assault.

She met Chloe's eyes for only a moment, and the detective's face enveloped with panic before she rushed out of the room. Ella sat frozen, horror filling her. She couldn't stop her eyes from tearing up. Oh, Chloe...

"I have a twin," Lucifer said gravely. Ella tore her eyes from where Chloe had just been standing. A twin? What did that have to do with anything? "You may have heard of him. Michael." His voice ended in a growl.

Ella's eyebrows shot up. "Michael? The archangel?" Her mind flashed through what she knew of the angel from Sunday mass. Saint Michael, the leader of Heaven's armies and vanquisher against Satan. Or, Lucifer. The guy sitting two feet from her. How much did she trust her religion's lore knowing what she knew now?

"That's him, yes." Ella felt her jaw drop. Did that mean Lucifer had been kicked out of his home by his own identical twin? This was almost enough to make her forget what she'd just learned about Chloe.

Almost, but not quite.

"Wow. That's...a lot. But what does that have to do with Chloe?"

Lucifer took a deep breath and for a moment Ella thought she saw the fire return to his eyes. "It was he who took her."

Ella processed that. An angel had kidnapped a human? What the hell?! Why? Ella glanced at Lucifer, at how affected he was by this. Had Michael taken Chloe to get to Lucifer? "Oh my God," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Those bruises on Chloe, the way she seemed so subdued and skittish now...

Ella didn't need Lucifer to help her put the pieces together.

"So...that other face I saw. It's so she knows you're...you?"

"Yes. When I wake the Detective from her nightmares, I don't want her to think..." that Michael was really there, Ella finished in her head. She felt the uncomfortable weight of the cross at her neck.

Rage bubbled up in her unexpectedly, pouring from her through angry tears. She wanted to scream. She was furious at what her friend had gone through, and she wanted justice for Chloe. But how would that be possible? This was all so new to her. What did she know about angels? "Where is he now?"

Lucifer's eyes narrowed. "I wish I knew. Until I can deal with him I won't leave the Detective unprotected."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ella asked almost desperately.

Lucifer gave her a small, tight smile. "I'm afraid this is out of even your depth, Miss Lopez."

Ella said nothing. She couldn't just sit around and do nothing. Not after what had happened to her friend, her Tribe. She would do whatever it took to support the friends she loved.

Chloe sat at her desk in the precinct and tried not to notice the constant glances she was getting from her fellow officers. She'd been back to work three days and still they thought she was some fascinating exhibit. It was infuriating. And didn't help her new anxiety. Whenever she ran to the bathroom for a quick panic session, or because a bout of nausea felt particularly strong, their eyes followed her and Lucifer, who trailed dutifully behind her. Even though she'd been stuck with deskwork he hadn't been willing to leave her side. He sat at her desk, stood outside the bathroom, and drove her home where they'd spend the night together.

She appreciated his presence. Really. But, she'd think, how could she ever get back to normal with him hovering over her like this? And all the sitting around made him fidget constantly. She was having enough trouble focusing without him distracting her. And then she'd flush with guilt. She was being ungrateful, she scolded herself. Lucifer wanted to protect her. He was keeping her safe, She should be thankful. Then she would force the thoughts from her mind, vaguely recognizing that Linda would try to break down that thought process if she knew about it.

The paperwork was dull and monotonous. The lieutenant had told her to stick to desk duty until Chloe felt she was ready for more. She was trying to take her time and listen to what her body needed. Still, she was beginning to share Lucifer's anxiousness to get back out there. Even so, her thoughts were muddled and slow. It was infuriating and left her feeling defeated. She pushed on, determined to be the detective she'd always been. 

Ella had taken exposure to the divine side of things surprisingly well. Maybe it helped that she'd been a believer to begin with? She'd taken to wearing various devil-themed shirts. Today's had a cartoon devil on it and read 'I'm friends with the Devil, how bout you?' Her cross necklace was mysteriously absent.

Chloe had talked to her in her lab  Monday. She'd felt bad that her issues had overshadowed Ella's Sunday night. Pete had been the Whisper Killer. That must have been so difficult. But Ella didn't seem to want to talk about it. They all had their own trauma responses, Chloe figured. "You know, you could talk to Linda about it. Or about all this celestial stuff, if it gets to be too much."

"Oh. Ehm. Gee. She knows? I really was the last to find out!"

Chloe, too, needed to talk with Linda. The therapist insisted her door was always open to her, but she'd hesitated. As much as she wanted to get better, and get back to feeling like herself again, she hated the idea of having to face her demons head-on. But it had been six nights without Trixie. Tonight would make a week. Chloe missed her daughter fiercely but didn't want to scar her with her trauma. So, she decided, it was time to start taking this seriously. She had a session scheduled with Linda after work.

Lucifer drove her. He was being uncharacteristically quiet. The last few days, he would ramble about meaningless things or try to make her laugh during their drives. Today, however, she sensed he was building up the courage to say something. She had no interest in rushing along whatever that may be.

They were nearly to Linda's office when he finally spoke up. "Detective," he said hesitantly. "When you talk to the Doctor, you need to tell her about the guilt you're feeling."

Chloe tensed up. She couldn't run away like she had before when he'd brought up these feelings. She was trapped in this moving car and forced to hear Lucifer out. "Lucifer..." She wanted to take her recovery one step at a time.

"Please, Detective." He spoke quietly, and she thought she heard a quiver in his voice. "If not for yourself, then for me. I-" He choked slightly. Chloe watched him, absorbed by what his show of emotion. "Knowing you are carrying that weight is torture to me."

Chloe looked at him. And she hated him. Because she loved him. And how could she deny him when he looked so broken? She caused that, she thought. And then immediately refuted it. Lucifer wanted her to let go of her guilt. She couldn't start picking more up right after he asked her to address what she already had. "Okay," she agreed quietly. "I will."

Lucifer let out a relieved breath. He pulled into the parking lot outside Linda's office. Chloe gathered what strength she could and got out of the car.

Remiel walked the path in front of her, trepidation thrumming in her veins. At the end of the trail was...well, she was almost afraid to find out.

Only almost, because she wasn't afraid of anything. She kept telling herself that, anyway.

She and Zadkiel had split ways so they could each take on different tasks of their quest, and she'd just had another talk with Amenadiel. Apparently, the human Michael was supposed to have violated was the famous Miracle, Chloe Decker. It seemed like quite a convenient detail for Amenadiel to leave out. Still, it didn't sway the faith she had in her oldest brother. She didn't know if she fully believed what he was saying, but she knew that he, at least, believed his own words.

Remiel had needed a bit more information from Amenadiel. Including the location of the alleged crime. She now walked the zoo path toward a cave exhibit that may or may not hold answers for her. She didn't know what to expect there. Signs of a struggle? Blood? She refused to acknowledge the goosebumps that appeared on her arms.

All at once she was at the exhibit entrance. No turning back. She stepped through. She had to walk through a short tunnel to get to the enclosure. Outside of it was a barred cage door. Examining it, she could see how it had been pulled from its hinges until the metal snapped. No human could have done that. She couldn't ignore the way the hair on her neck stood on end. Just what had happened here? She gripped her spear tighter and stepped through the doorway.

At first, she saw nothing but scattered trash. Her shoulders began to relax. It would be so much easier if Lucifer had just picked up lying. But then she took a closer look. There was an empty paper mug and plastic bags here, but other items as well. All together they told a story; she just needed to figure out how to interpret it. Aside from the cup and bags, there were human clothes scattered about. A pair of jeans lay crumpled on the floor near the wall. A bra with a broken clasp seemed to have been thrown in a corner. And cotton underwear, practically shredded from the tares in them, had fallen near the bra. Stray shirt buttons were scattered between the other clothes.

Remiel's gut twisted. This didn't mean anything, she told herself. There was no reason to believe that the human Miracle had ever been here. Or Michael. For all she knew, some humans had used this place to mate and been overly rough with their garments. She moved to the plastic bags to inspect their contents. A packet of wet wipes. Strange. Rotting, unopened sandwiches. And some clean, unworn clothes. A pair of pants, a bra, and underwear, the sizes of each matching their respective counterparts on the floor.

Finally, there was the large crack that appeared on the wall above the shopping bags. It did not look natural.

The crack and the enclosure door could not be human-caused damage. The creatures lacked the strength. She was almost certain a celestial had been here. That doesn't mean it was Michael, she told herself stubbornly. She looked at the items spread around her. The destroyed bra and underwear certainly suggested a forced removal. And the shirt buttons alluded to further wreckage to a button-up that was nowhere in sight.

Her lingering hopes and denial dispersed. But she couldn't come to a conclusion on her own, here. Zadkiel needed to see this. She put her hands together in prayer and summoned her brother.

Chapter Text

Michael looked out the window before him. A stunning view of snow-capped mountain ridges was before him, shining in the setting sun. The Swiss Alps were truly majestic. And this location offered an unmatched vision. This was due to the high elevation of the chalet, practically built into the mountainside as it was. Its construction was a true feat of human ingenuity. He couldn't guess how all the materials and equipment necessary had been sourced and transported. There was no road that lead up to this building. It was designed to be reached by helicopter alone. This made it the perfect purchase for Lucifer's ego; it was luxurious, extravagant, and ridiculously crafted. Also, being an angel, he had unique access to it. It was also why Lucifer never made use of this property. He couldn't easily get his human companions here, and he was never one for solo trips. But it would suit Michael's purposes perfectly. With his wings, he could travel here whenever he liked.

And he would have no problem carrying one human detective with him.

There would be no unwelcome visitors to snoop where they weren't wanted. The nearest town was a three-day trek away. It was luxurious, fully furnished, and would provide Chloe with everything she would need. There was a TV, a fully equipped kitchen, even an indoor gym. And this view just could not be beat.

He'd have to make some adjustments, of course. Remove the built-in phone lines. Do away with the internet router. Dispose of any shoes in the building.

He knew that Chloe would try to leave if she had the opportunity. He really didn't want to chain her down, though. This location offered the perfect opportunity for them. Civilization so far away and snow covering the ground for miles, she'd have no such chance to run without proper footwear. She was logical-she wouldn't try to scamper through the slush barefoot. She could have socks and slippers to keep her warm indoors. The outside world would have to do without her for some time.

Of course, he didn't want to keep her from the outdoors forever. Once she'd earned a bit of his trust he would give her some ski boots. She could walk outside with them without fear of frostbite and enjoy the fresh, crisp air the remote region had to offer. But ski boots, with their stiff, high ankles could not be run or walked in comfortably for long periods of time. She would get to enjoy short walks in the nearby nature before returning to her new home.

The sun had vanished below the highest peak but the sky still shone with brilliant blues and oranges. Would Chloe like the view?

He was sure she would. Even if she resented it at first, the stubborn detective could not deny the beauty of the region for long. And she'd have plenty of time to learn to love it. He couldn't wait for her to begin her new life here.

Nearly a week now he'd been without her warmth, though he still felt remnants of it floating through him. But this also made the cold surrounding him so much more palpable. This wasn't the cold in the air, permeating through the windows from the snowy landscape outside. This was a cold that lay in his bones, present for eons and undetectable to him until her warmth had come along and made it known. How could he go back to being comprised of icy loneliness? He couldn't.

With Chloe here, he would continue to carry out his duties in the Silver City as always. But when a lull in responsibilities arrived, he could come down to Earth and spend time with her. Bask in her warmth. He knew she would not offer it freely. Not at first. But in time, with enough distance from his twin, she would give him her smiles once more. He would need to be patient. But the more time she spent around him and away from Lucifer, the less she would resist him.

He'd kept tabs on her since their last encounter. Each day he would check up on her from afar, looking for a moment of exposure. But Lucifer wouldn't leave her side, not even for a minute. The over-protective devil wouldn't even give her space to breathe. How could she ever see anything other than Lucifer if he kept taking up her field of vision? The first step to freeing Chloe from his infernal twin's influence was to release her from his physical hold.

He would have to bide his time and wait for a moment when Lucifer let his guard down.

Michael was furious with himself for letting Chloe fall back into the devil's clutches once more. He'd known his time was limited. Why had he left her there alone? Why hadn't he brought her straight to Switzerland? But he couldn't change the past. He could only be more prepared for the future. He needed to make sure the chalet was ready for when he could finally whisk Chloe away.

Michael chuckled to himself. When had this human become so important to him? This had started as a way to get at Lucifer and prevent his brother's redemption. That was no longer his motivation, only a pleasant byproduct of recent events. With Lucifer out of Hell again, their siblings had returned to speaking his name with a sneer. Before, Chloe had been a means to attack Lucifer. Now, Lucifer had become an obstacle to making Chloe his own.

Well. That wasn't exactly true. Michael took a deep breath and turned from the darkening sky, moving deeper into the dwelling. As far as he was concerned, Chloe was his now. Their time together in the zoo exhibit had solidified that. She was his Miracle, and he would get her back. Lucifer had as good as stolen from him, taking Chloe out of the cave.

Michael wanted to storm Chloe's apartment and take back what was his. But he knew he couldn't defeat Lucifer. Not when the devil had a demon and the Fallen Right Hand of God on his side. If Michael wasn't able to find a moment of weakness in his twin's protective watch over Chloe, then he might have to start gathering allies of his own.

Michael found that he had wandered into the master bedroom of the house. The bed was wide, topped with countless throw pillows and the softest comforter he'd ever seen. Unprompted, his mind flashed to an image of Chloe splayed out on it, as flushed and ravishing as she had looked on the cave floor. He sucked in a sharp breath of air. Yes. Chloe was his. He would do whatever it took to get her here. The longer he looked at the bed, the more images came to mind. Chloe, her eyes wide and trusting. Or hiding her face shyly. Or confidently dropping to her knees before him. Before he knew what he was doing, his hands had made their way to his growing erection, clumsily fumbling with the fastening of his pants. He was about to release it and give in to the urge thrumming through his veins-some more so than others-when a voice reached his mind.

Michael, came Zadkiel's voice. The unexpected prayer was like ice water, dousing any passion he was feeling. Will you meet with me? There is something we must discuss.

Michael cursed. This had better be incredibly important. You can find me in my office in five minutes, he prayed back. He was sure he hadn't managed to keep his frustration at the ruined moment from leaking through his mental tone. He took a few deep breaths to calm down. Then he made his way outside into the cool air. It cleared his mind. What could Zadkiel want? It was rare Michael was summoned-as the Sword of God, it was usually him doing the summoning. Suspicion coiled in his gut. He unfurled his dark wings before heading off to the Silver City.

In the very center of the sprawling plane that was Heaven stood the Tower of God. What the structure lacked in original naming it made up for in opulence. The Silver City was named so for the silver-colored stone that made up most of the buildings as far as the eye could see. The glaring exception was this Tower, tall enough to be visible from almost anywhere in the city and comprise of engraved gold. Flowering vines climbed up its walls, contrasting with the metal edifice quite strikingly. It served as God's residence, including the grand Throne Room and an audience chamber that was rather unused as of late. Each archangel had a residence of their own within the city, but their offices were in the Tower. Michael's office was at the highest level of them all, save one. Amenadiel's. Even though the Fist of God was not an official archangel, he had his own station at the Tower. But it had remained empty ever since the angel had Fallen. Michael didn't mind.

Michael made his way to his office, flying to the Tower before landing on his private balcony. He paced in front of his desk impatiently, awaiting his brother's arrival. Exactly five minutes after his prayer to Zadkiel, the angel walked in through the door. Michael stopped moving and appraised him. "Brother," he said, not attempting to mask the displeasure in his voice. "Why have you called on me?"

Zadkiel shifted awkwardly, discomfort showing on his face through his usual frown. He gestured to the seating to the side of Michael's sizable office. "Perhaps we should sit."

"I'd rather get this over with," Michael said with a sneer. He had earthly plans he wanted to get back to.

Zadkiel swallowed. "This is no simple or quick matter."

Michael narrowed his eyes. That didn't bode particularly well. "Then perhaps we should get a move on. I ask again, why have you called on me?"

Zadkiel sighed. "Very well. It has been brought to my attention that...well, there are rumors. Accusations against you. I have been asked to intervene."

Michael kept a carefully neutral expression. Just what was being said? And what were the sources? "Is that so? As I recall, I am your commander, no other. So unless it was Father himself who asked you to step in, then I fail to see how this is anything other than insubordination. The last time there was an attitude of mutiny in the Silver City, things went rather poorly for its instigator."

Zadkiel blanched at the open threat and reminder of Lucifer. Memories of the Rebellion still held sway over most of the Host, even all these millennia later, and it was still a useful fear to needle at when he needed the leverage. "I am not-it is Amenadiel who has given me this task!" Zadkiel flustered. Anger bled through the fear he displayed. He clearly wasn't a fan of being compared to the devil.

As the Fist and Right Hand of their Father, Amenadiel had a unique station in Heaven. He did not command the Host as Michael did, but he could not be disregarded by the angels. He was a branch of government all his own. His power over the Host was a complicated one. He could not be ignored, but his authority paled in comparison to Michael's. Because of this, he'd always had to play the part of politician. Ever since he had fallen, though, his sway in the Silver City had waned like never before. Zadkiel could have easily refused his request if he wanted to. But he hadn't. Michael ground his teeth. "I see. Care to enlighten me on myself and the charges laid against me?"

A light blush appeared on Zadkiel's face. He coughed awkwardly. What has him so rattled? Michael wondered. "You are said to have violated a human woman. The Miracle, Chloe Decker."

Michael knew he shouldn't be surprised that had gotten out so quickly. It would be so like his twin to rush to slander his name. Still, it took considerable effort to keep his expression under control. He knew how quickly rumors could snowball. He'd need to begin damage control immediately. "Really?" he said with a forced scoff. "According to who? What evidence is there?"

"Amenadiel was told by Lucifer. And Lucifer is known to be close with the Miracle. She is his, after all. If there was any truth to this, then he would be one of the first to know," Zadkiel carefully presented his case.

Well, Michael wasn't going to let that slide. "She's his?" he asked rhetorically, unable to keep the heat out of his voice. He quickly reined his anger in. "Why has everyone assumed that this human Miracle belongs to the devil? Since when does Father endow gifts for abandoning duty? In Lucifer's case, it's due punishment he's run from. Why would Father reward him for taking an unapproved vacation to Earth? It's best that assumptions about the Miracle be set aside unless Father himself tells us her purpose."

Zadkiel's eyebrows knit together. "I suppose you have a point. It wouldn't make much sense for her to be a gift to him. But what does that have to do with these accusations?"

"Everything. Lucifer laid claim to this Miracle as if he had any right to." He simply lacked the self-discipline needed to keep the growl out of his voice. He played it off as righteous indignation. "And we all watched him without even wondering if he was wrong for it. We should have been there to protect her from his influence. Now he's had years to manipulate her. If she claims that I've done this, it is no doubt a further manipulation of Lucifer's. In truth, I'm glad you brought this to my attention."

Zadkiel's eyebrows rose. "I am not here to give you a status update. I am carrying out the task given to me by Amenadiel. I'm here to question you."

"Oh?" How bothersome. "Well then. I didn't do it. Happy?"

"Not quite. Amenadiel said that Lucifer told him this had happened. It's known Lucifer doesn't lie."

"It's also known that Lucifer has the silverest of tongues," Michael said, exasperatedly. "If he claims one thing, it's almost certain the opposite is true, all without an actual lie leaving his lips."

"This is true," Zadkiel relented. "But Amenadiel would not be so easily fooled. He would not purport this rumor without believing it."

Michael hummed, giving this some thought. He knew he needed to tread carefully but the situation seemed to be laying the pieces all out before him. All he had to do was pick them up and put them together. "How much faith do you have in our eldest brother, Zadkiel?"

Zadkiel looked like he hadn't expected the question. "He is our Father's right hand, and has served Him loyal for eons. It is not my place to question him."

"As your commander I encourage you to start questioning. He has Fallen. He lost his rank when he did his wings."

"He has been redeemed-"

"Has he?" Michael asked, putting on a concerned expression. "His wings were returned to him, but not his powers. And though he is welcome in the Silver City, he has chosen to remain on Earth. In the very same city the Devil resides in." Zadliel said nothing to this, though he was looking more and more concerned as the minutes went by. "He even has an offspring now. Why would he think his child would be worse off raised in Heaven? He even battled Remiel for the right to keep little Charlie on the Earthly plane. Does that make any sense to you?"

Zadkiel was starting to look a bit sick. "It doesn't," he said hesitantly.

"You're right. It doesn't. He would rather have his son closer to the devil and amongst the muck of humanity than raised under the wings of the Host. Why do you think that is?"

"Brother," Zadkiel growled out lowly. "I feel I am being led. If you have a point to make, then speak clearly. What are you getting at?"

Michael could sense undefined fears curling around Zadkiel. He couldn't identify them, and they were small at this time, but powerful. He held back a smile. "I believe our oldest brother's time on earth has changed him. His priority is no longer the Silver City and our Father's will. He spent millenia in Hell so Lucifer could send his first years on Earth. I can't pretend to understand his motives but he actions send a clear message. He's aligned himself with the devil, Zadkiel. The question is to what end."

"I suppose you have a theory on that?"

"What is it about the last eight years that were so significant to Lucifer? He's never abandoned Hell for so long before. Perhaps it is because of the Miracle. He may think he can use her to finally lead an attack on Heaven. And now he has Amenadiel's support."

Zadkiel's eyes were wide and his fears haywire. "You think he intends war? But what does the Miracle have to do with this?"

"These accusations from him are a direct attack on me. His manipulations of the Miracle are angled to remove me from my command. Imagine if he was successful, if I wrongly faced judgemnet and was removed from my station. That would leave a power vacuum in the Silver City, a mess that would endure for centuries. Could there be a better window for him to make a move? Father all but silent, Amenadiel at his side, demon hordes at his beck and call that have grown more wild and restless without leadership.

"These are dangerous times, brother. Your sense of righteousness is your purpose and I will not get in your way of that. But I suggest that once you realize you're putting stock in the words of the only two Fallen children of God, you redirect your investigation to protecting the heavens."

Zadkiel said nothing. Michael couldn't tell how much his brother believed, but the fear of war coiled around the angel, restricting other emotions. This was a good start. He wasn't hardly having to lie, either. Now he just needed to get the ball rolling on separating Chloe from his twin. "As for the Miracle, we may have to step in. As I said, we should have protected her from my twin's manipulations. We failed to see this coming. Now all we can do is try to prevent further misuse of her by Lucifer."

"What do you mean?" Zadkiel answered wearily.

"The humans have some interesting solutions to their problems. There is once concept of theirs we may need to borrow. Have you hear of the American Witness Security Program?"

Zadkiel's eyes went wide. "I...have. You wish to employ something similar for the Miracle?"

"They provide security and safety for those that may be targeted by human criminals. We must do something similar for Chloe Decker. It would be for her own good, even if she can't see it now."

Zadkiel recoiled at Michael's words. "You would obstruct her free will? A human's free will is sacred, as you well know."

"Her free will has been compromised by Lucifer's influence for some time now. It is our responsibility to free her of it. If we separate her from him she would likely try to return, his manipulations drawing her back. Detaining her would be for the sake of her free will, not to spite it."

"I see," Zadkiel said with clear skepticism. Then his eyes glazed over ever so slightly. Michael almost missed it, but after an eternity of sending and recieving prayers it was easy to spot the signs of another angel listening in to a voice only they could here. After only a few seconds, Zadkiel cleared his throat. "Thank you for answering my questions. As you said you won't stop me, I'll continue my investigation. I assure you, though, Heaven's security is of the utmost importance to me."

Zadkiel stood there for a moment longer meeting Michael's eyes, an unspoken promise of justice emanating from him. Then he walked out the door and Michael wad alone. He scowled. He would need to keep an eye on Zadkiel as long as the other angel was poking his nose where he wasn't wanted. Zadkiel, and whoever he was working with that had just sent him a prayer.

Chapter Text

"I'm glad you decided to come in today, Chloe."

Linda's voice was calm and soothing. It made Chloe's skin crawl.

When she said nothing, Linda continued. "Therapy is a big step in recovering from trauma. Many people don't take it so quickly, or ever. I'm proud of you for being here. Can you tell me what motivated you to come in?"

Chloe's hands were clasped in front of her, clenched so tightly she had to force herself to relax so that she didn't lose feeling in them. "Lucifer has been asking that I talk to you." She let that hang in the air for a moment before adding, "And I need to get better to be any good for Trixie."

Linda nodded and jot something down in her notebook. "That's a noble goal. And it's good to have a support system. Lucifer cares about you a lot. But I'm concerned that your drive is too focused on those in your life rather than yourself. Recovery is a difficult process and you have to be prepared for setbacks. You'll need to want this for yourself. Do you have any motivation to be here that is all you?"

Chloe thought this over. She felt like these reasons were enough, but she understood what Linda was saying. And there was something else that got her here. "Ever since...since Michael...I haven't felt like myself. I haven't been thinking clearly. It's like I'm fighting through a fog to make sense of everything. I'm a detective! I can't have this get in the way of solving cases, and I don't want to be on desk duty forever."

"That's also a good motivation. Remember that, and your other reasons for being here, whenever it feels like it'd be easier to give up."

Chloe was already beginning to loathe this session. She hadn't expected her friend to work miracles with just her words, but she had hoped Linda would sound a bit more optimistic. Chloe scoffed inwardly. Since when did she prefer hopeful attitudes to reality?

"Also, keep in mind that this is a common and completely natural reaction to trauma." Why did people say things like that like it was supposed to make you feel better? Oh, that's natural, it's human! It didn't make her feel any less broken just because her damage didn't make her an outlier.

Linda kept talking after Chloe didn't respond. "What do you want your goals for these sessions to be? I assume you want to address the mental fog you're experiencing. Is there anything else?"

Chloe thought about her promise to Lucifer, that she would tell Linda about the guilt she was feeling. But that was something she desperately wanted to avoid doing. Even thinking about those swirling, acidic emotions made bile rise in her throat. It would be so easy to lie to Lucifer, tell him she'd talked to Linda like she said she would. Chloe was pretty sure he wouldn't press for details. Yes. Lying would be easy.

And also a betrayal.

Lucifer had never lied to her. How could she break her word to him like that? She couldn't.

"Lucifer thought I should talk to you about-" Chloe ground her teeth. Why was it so difficult to admit this? "Guilt. I've been feeling guilt."

Linda's eyes widened slightly. "The devil does have a unique relationship with guilt. Perhaps that's why he's concerned about this."

Chloe felt her breath catch. "Does he think I'll go to Hell?" How could she have forgotten why Lucifer would have such an issue with guilt? She didn't think she would go to hell for this, but...the devil would be the expert, wouldn't he?

"Perhaps," Linda said carefully. "But I think it's more likely that he thinks guilt on Earth is a sort of living Hell. Maybe he thinks guilt is something that gets in the way of moving forward in the here and now. And he would be right." Chloe felt her throat close up. Why did she want to bolt? She gripped the couch under her, hoping this would help her stay in place. "Guilt is often rooted in things out of our control, like what's been done in the past or what's already been said. Can you tell me what you're feeling guilty over, Chloe?"

Chloe took a deep breath. If she didn't want today to be wasted, she needed to put in some real effort, even if it was uncomfortable. "I guess... it's a few things. Trixie, she's already been affected by this, even if I try to keep her distanced from it." Suddenly, it was like the floodgates had broke. Chloe felt like she was apart from her body, watching herself poor out her innermost thoughts with no way of stopping herself. "And everyone else is affected too. Dan has to watch her full-time, with Maze keeping an eye on them both. It's like Maze can't even have her own life now. The whole precinct spent all that time looking for me and they don't even know the full story, even after all of everyone's efforts there. And it's not that I'm not grateful-I am-but I can't find a way to explain to them all what happened. Oh, and there's Ella. She knows everything now, and I guess she's okay with it. But we have hardly been able to talk about how she's doing with all this celestial shit or her serial killer boyfriend because I'm too broken right now to offer sympathy!

"And, god, Lucifer. He's dropped everything. I don't know the last time he checked in on his club or left me alone for a full thirty seconds. He's constantly around like his only purpose is to be an ever-present bodyguard. So I feel guilt over him giving up all of his time for me, and I feel guilt because I can't take it anymore! I've always loved having him around but I need a little space, you know? He really doesn't need to wait outside the bathroom door for me every time. But how can I be so unappreciative? It's not like he likes sitting around waiting for me to fill out paperwork. He's making sacrifices. I should be more thankful.

"And it all comes down to one thing, one issue. What Michael did caused all of this, but he wouldn't have done it if I hadn't-" And suddenly the flood of words ran out. Chloe sat, open-mouthed, horrified at everything that had just spilled out of her. Had she even been aware of all of that? It made her sound like a whining child. She should have been strong enough not to need everyone's help, but she was too weak, and it was all because of Michael, all because she'd-

She didn't want to face it.

Linda had been scratching away at her notepad, looking like she was struggling with keeping up. But when Chloe cut herself off, the therapist looked up. "If you hadn't what?" she prompted gently.

Chloe felt the cushion squish between her tight grip. Was she breathing? Did it matter? "If I hadn't..." Her mind flashed to memories of her and Michael, when he was still pretending to be Lucifer. Her hand on his cheek, a spoon between her lips, her light touches in the penthouse right before she pulled out her gun. "If I hadn't given him the idea," she finished quietly. Linda stayed quiet, giving Chloe space to explain. "I thought I was playing him, distracting him. Why did I do that? I made him think I wanted him. I knew he wasn't Lucifer, that whoever he was, he was probably dangerous. Celestial. Why did I think it was a good idea to lead him on?" She finished her confession and realized she was shaking. She distantly noticed her cheeks were wet.

Linda hummed and nodded sympathetically. "I see. Chloe, you must remember that this is not your fault - you are not responsible for what someone else chose to do. It can be easy to blame yourself for the choices of others, but it is important to remind yourself that you are not to blame and that the person who did this is the only one responsible for the choices they made."

Chloe stared at the floor. Linda's words made sense. She thought about what she'd told Lucifer a few nights before. You are never responsible for someone else's actions, she'd said. She'd meant it. Why, then, was it so difficult to let go of this guilt, this weight? "I don't think it's that simple," she said quietly.

"This was a traumatic experience that has stirred up feelings of confusion and distress," Linda said softly. "It is understandable that you want to find an explanation for your own victimization. It is difficult to let go of those feelings when you've been through an experience like this. It might help to picture a friend in your position instead of yourself. Try imagining if it were Ella that had gone through this and was telling you she felt these things."

Chloe looked at her friend wearily but did as she was told. She closed her eyes and pictured Ella looking as helpless as Chloe had been feeling, saying she felt like it was her own fault this had happened to her. Chloe's eyes flashed open in an angry panic. "I don't want to picture that."

"Why not?" Linda pressed.

Chloe was breathing hard, her nails digging into the couch beneath her. Why was talking about this so difficult? "Because it's wrong. Ella like that, saying these things-" Her heart clenched and her breaths went from rapid to nonexistent.

"That's right, Chloe." Linda's voice was, as ever, irritatingly calm and soothing. "Ella isn't at fault in that picture. You aren't at fault."

Chloe tried to process that through the ringing in her ears. How could she believe that? Why did it feel like a trap to do anything but hold on to this guilt?

But she would never want Ella to feel this way. She would never want anyone to think they were responsible for their own rape. Even if they flaunted themselves? Even if they threw themselves at their attacker like you did? a small voice in the back of her head whispered. She froze at the thought. Hadn't she come across situations just like this as a cop? She would never, never, blame a victim. No matter what. She looked up to Linda, the therapist patiently giving Chloe time to think. None of the victims she'd encountered were at fault, Ella wouldn't be at fault...and she wasn't at fault. She gave Linda a small nod

Linda smiled gently. "Alright. Let's work together to help you understand and explore these emotions and look for ways to manage and honor these feelings in healthy ways."

That day, soft sunlight filtered in through the curtains of Linda's office. A half-full pitcher of water sat on the table between them. And Chloe cried angry tears as she began to forgive herself.

Remiel paced outside the exhibit entrance, waiting impatiently for Zadkiel. Her nerves were prickling at her and it was infuriating. She didn't get nervous. She was fearless. A rat scurried by her feet and in a flash, she skewered it on her spear. She flicked its corpse from her in disgust.

"Catching us some dinner, sister?" Zadkiel's voice rang out dryly from behind her.

She turned and narrowed her eyes at him. "What took you so long?"

"It's only been a few minutes since you prayed, Remiel. I was with Michael."

Her snarky retort died in her throat. Only a few minutes? Was this feeling anxiety, making the minutes drag on so? She waited breathlessly to hear about his visit. When Zadkiel didn't continue, she impatiently snapped, "And?"

Zadkiel didn't meet her eyes. "And...I don't know." His grip tightened around his staff, the branch of the Tree of Life creaking in his hold. "I expected to leave Michael certain he wasn't responsible. Now I don't know what to think. He is the Commander of Heaven's armies! I can't imagine him doing something like this."

"But what did he say?" Remiel pressed.

"He claimed innocence. Of course. But...he did not seem surprised. And he spoke strangely about the Miracle, wanting to separate her from Lucifer."

Remiel reeled back. "What? Why would he want that? Why would he care about a human?" This was immediately suspicious. Michael had never cared to interfere with the humans Lucifer interacted with before.

Zadkiel looked uncertain. "Well, she is a Miracle-we don't know why Father created her. Michael made some good points, though I fear you won't agree with them all."

That anxious feeling coiled in Remiel's gut. It was highly unpleasant and she wanted to squash it. But she couldn't skewer feelings the way she could rats. Which was why she never much liked them. "Maybe you should take a look at what I found first, then."

And that definitely wasn't avoidance, she told herself. She'd be hearing the unsavory details about Michael soon enough, anyway. She gestured toward the enclosure and led Zadkiel down the tunnel.

"So what did you find?" he asked as they walked. They came upon the barred door on the ground and Remiel nodded to it. Zadkiel bent down to examine it. After a moment, he looked up to her, storms in his eyes. Remiel knew she didn't have to explain. "What else is there?" he asked. She showed him the ruined clothes and the matching new garments. She pointed out the wet wipes, rotting sandwiches, and coffee cup. "This just looks like a bunch of trash, Remiel," he said confused.

"I thought so, as well, at first. But look at those torn undergarments. They look to have been forcefully removed," she said with a wave toward the bra and underwear.

"They do..." said Zadkiel hesitantly. "But we don't know that this has anything to do with Chloe Decker or Michael."

"Look at the wall here." She pointed to the large crack where it seemed like someone had kicked the wall with great force. "No human could have done this. None could have wrenched that door from its place as it was. A celestial was here."

"We can't know it was Michael," he said, though uncertainly.

Remiel's eyebrows furrowed. "You think another of our siblings is responsible for this?"

"No-that's not what I meant," he backtracked. "What Michael had to say-" Remiel's shoulders tensed but she did not stop him from continuing. "He thinks this is all a manipulation of Lucifer's. If it is then he could have set this all up. He'd have no difficulty creating the damage here."

"Lucifer has always caused problems, but nothing like this. If he were behind this, then why?"

Zadkiel laughed dryly. "Michael suggested this was Lucifer targeting him, in order to weaken the Silver City."

"He thinks Lucifer intends to attack?" Remiel gasped. The devil was meddlesome, and always abandoning his hellish throne, but the Host had always scoffed at the human's predictions of Satan leading an army against Heaven.

"So Michael says."

"No. Amenadiel would have realized if this were his plan." Amenadiel was too clever. He knew Lucifer better than them all, always having been the one to send him back to Hell throughout the millennia. it would be impossible for Lucifer to manipulate him.

Zadkiel shrugged. "Michael seemed to think Amenadiel was complicit, even aiding Lucifer in this."

"That's ridiculous!" Remiel was quick to refute. "Amenadiel would never. His loyalty to Father is unquestionable. He-"

He hushed her tirade. "I understand. I warned that you wouldn't like what Michael had to say. And...neither did I. It was one of the reasons I left feeling so conflicted."

But Remiel was worked up now. "Zadkiel, if Michael is suggesting Amenadiel has turned his back on Father, then he is more suspect than ever! I will not stand for him to disparage our eldest brother's name. I will defend Amenadiel."

"Remiel," he said quietly, bringing an end to her spew of words. She looked at him and froze. She saw something in his eyes she hadn't seen there since the Rebellion so long ago. Fear. Deep-rooted and unstable by nature. Remiel's blood ran cold as flashes of the chaos of days long gone by flicked in her mind. What had Zadkiel so unnerved, afraid? She stood silent, waiting.

Zadkiel shook his head, looking frazzled and defeated. "Whatever the results of our quest here may be, whatever truths we may uncover and lies we expose, I believe one thing is becoming more and more inevitable."

"What?" Remiel asked, voice faint.

"War."

Remiel's breath caught. A repeat of the Rebellion was something all angels dreaded. "Whether or not Michael is innocent, he is preparing for war," Zadkiel continued. "As a part of that, he plans to isolate the Miracle from Lucifer. I suspect the devil will not stand idly by if this happens. A fight is coming, I'm sure." He took a breath as if he needed to prepare himself for his next words. "And if we want to be on the right side of it, then we need to discover the truth of all this, sooner rather than later. This enclosure appears incriminating, but there is still nothing linking either Michael or the Miracle to the scene."

Remiel didn't know what to say. War was coming? She looked around the enclosure, taking in the evidence surrounding them. Something glinted and caught her eyes. She walked over and stooped to pick it up. A shirt button. "Perhaps," she said, holding up the button so Zadkiel could see it, "It's time for us to pay Chloe Decker a visit."