Hello All! I haven't written a fanfic in several years and this is my first for Lucifer. Please be forewarned that this story is an AU starting with the end of "A Devil of My Word." This first chapter may feel like a one-shot, but I do plan to make this a chaptered fic. Please read and let me know what you think.

I don't own Chloe, Lucifer, or any of the other characters from the Netflix Original, Lucifer. I'm just a fangirl playing in the Lucifandom sandbox.

Chapter 1: Just a Few Inches

There was a familiar warmth surrounding him and a weight on his arm. The former Lord of Hell opened eyes and turned to identify his companion, mind still a little foggy with sleep. A soft smile spread across the Lightbringer's face as he gazed upon Chloe's face. It had been 3 weeks since she had seen his true face in the loft, yet still accepted him. Loved him even. Lucifer reveled in this little piece of heaven here on Earth as he watched the woman he loved sleep peacefully.

The sun shining through Lucifer's bedroom window woke the detective, causing her to stir. She opened her eyes and lovingly looked into her partner's deep brown eyes.

"Good morning Love, enjoying watching me sleep?" Chloe inquired with a smile.

"Yes Darling, you are quite a beautiful sight, whether you're sleeping or awake," Lucifer responded with a grin. "You know, I must thank you, Detective."

Chloe tilted her head in confusion. "Thank me? For what? I'm the one who should be thanking you. You saved my life after all."

Lucifer turned and cupped her face. "Thank you for seeing me and not the monster I've painted as. Thank you for teaching me patience, trust, and love." Lucifer closed his eyes as a pained look crossed his face. Before she could ask any questions, he continued.

"The thought crossed my mind that if you had indulged me before…well, I wouldn't be the man I am today, and we might not be so happy. But more importantly, I would still be a selfish prick. But more importantly, I nearly lost you a few weeks ago. I will be eternally grateful that I have you in my life."

Chloe smiled at him. "You're welcome, but I'm not really responsible for that. You should thank that gunman for being such a bad shot. Just a few inches higher and the vest wouldn't have helped me."

Lucifer nodded, considering her words. "Yes, a few inches made all the difference." Lucifer closed his eyes in contentment, holding his lover close. Only to open them suddenly in fear, as the warmth he felt earlier went icy cold.

The sight before him broke his heart as the memory of that day came back to him. The Chloe in his arms lay deathly still, her eyes closed, blood pooling around her neck as she bled out from the gunshot. The scene changed, and he was back on the roof after he had flown her out of the loft only to realize that Chloe wasn't just unconscious. She was beyond help, even the angelic healing of his wings.

"I'm sorry my love. I tried, but I couldn't protect you. I should have known better." He knew he would wake from this wonderful dream-turned-nightmare. He chuckled. "If you had lived, you might have learned the truth about me." After he had realized she was beyond hope, he had grown enraged and returned to the loft to deal with Cain and his minions. "If you had lived, and seen me, you probably would have said something like 'It's all true' before running in fear. You never would have loved me fully as I wished and dreamed. Aye, and there's the rub…this is just a dream."

Lucifer sat up in bed, looking around to assure himself that he was alone. That he was awake, back in the real world. The nightmare reminded him of the dreams he'd had months ago, where he couldn't control his wings and Chloe fell to her death. The only difference now was that in reality, she was dead and gone, had been for nearly a month. This was a nightmare he could never wake from. A few inches had never seemed important, but looking back, it made all the difference between death and life. And now Chloe was in the Silver City, forever beyond his reach.

And just like that, a few inches had changed Lucifer's life for all eternity.