I am so thrilled you guys are enjoying this story so far! You have no idea what that means to me! Thank you to all who have followed, made this a favorite, and commented! You are what keeps this story alive and going! Now, onto the next chapter!

Chapter Three

Mud soaked the knees of Lucifer's pants as he knelt on the ground, hands behind his head. A flurry of thoughts swirled in his mind, mostly pertaining to how to protect Chloe-and a few about how unpleasant it would feel being shot. Still, he held his partner's gaze as the unknown stranger finally trudged his way into view, the barrel of a shotgun remaining poised and ready like a snake waiting to be provoked.

"If either of you even think about even trying to move, I won't hesitate to use this."

Much to Lucifer's surprise, their "captor of sorts", was an older man-far older than he expected. At least in his mid sixties, the reasonably in shape, decently groomed figure eyed them both through stern, sharp blue eyes. His features gave way to the impression that his age was not what had worn his face away with age. If the devil could have guessed, perhaps the man had once been in the military. A marine maybe. Someone, he could easily tell, was most likely very skilled with a gun. Oh how fortune really seemed to find him and Chloe.

"I should just shoot you both," the man growled, swinging his gun from Chloe to Lucifer.

"I would rather you not," Lucifer replied. "I quite enjoy living."

"Lucifer," Chloe hissed, giving the devil a good glare before turning her attention to the man. "We don't mean any harm. We were just passing through."

"Mhm, that's what they all say," the man snorted. "Then you'll try to rob me of my shit, and maybe try to kill me too." He turned his head and spat on the ground. Lucifer grimaced. "Why should I believe you're any different?"

Lucifer literally bit his tongue, struggling not to reply to the conversation at hand. His wit remarks, if not making Chloe kill him, would surely make the man do the same. He was at a disadvantage and he hated that. But he trusted the detective and her ability to hopefully not get them both killed-well, her at least. And for that, for her safety, he kept quiet and let her hand the situation.

"You shouldn't," Chloe answered calmly. "I understand your hesitation. After everything that's happened, I'd be wary too." For the briefest of seconds, the older man seemed to ease slightly, but immediately fell back into defensive mood just as fast. "My name is Chloe. Chloe Decker. And this," she motioned to Lucifer. "Is my partner, Lucifer Morningstar. We were detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department before...well, before this."

"I also owned a nightclub called Lux," Lucifer spoke up. But Chloe didn't give him the pleasure of recognition at his interjection.

"We're heading north," she continued. "My daughter, Trixie, she's nine. We're going to go find her. They say it's better up there and my ex husband…" Her voice trailed off and Chloe swallowed thickly. "Maybe he took her up there."

The man seemed to consider things for a moment. He eyed Lucifer and Chloe with a hard, unblinking stare as if, like the devil himself, could read what their true intentions were. Then, with a long sigh, he let his gun fall to his side. For the first time since their eventful meeting, Lucifer released a breathe he hadn't realized he'd been holding. A weight had been lifted as, after a second of slight hesitation, he and Chloe rose to their feet.

"I'm Robert," the man said, giving them a nod rather than a handshake. "But you can call me Bob. I live out here in a cabin. Always have. Did it to escape civilization but, well, since things turned to shit, civilization seems to be finding me more than I'd like."

"We really don't want any trouble," Chloe replied. "We'll just grab our stuff and head on our way."

Bob seemed to think for a moment. "At least let me give you something to eat first. It's the least I can do after threatening your life." It was evident he could read the pair's hesitation. "I promise I didn't poison it or nothing. Sharing what I have won't hurt any. A little kindness goes a long way in this damn world. God knows we need it."

For Chloe's sake, Lucifer bit his tongue at the mention of his father. Whatever this man had to give, he sure as hell hoped it taste better than a lukewarm can of beans. And maybe even soothing, seeing as now his tongue had begun to bleed from where his teeth had bore down on it. Swallowing the coppery taste of blood, Chloe comfortably by his side, he began to follow the man through the woods, the promise of a meal welcoming.

"Bloody hell!"

Chloe didn't need to look as yet another thorn tore at Lucifer's once well pressed, designer suit. For however many hours the group had been walking, this was the umpteenth time her partner had cursed at the very existence of life simply because his clothes kept snagging on things. His outbursts might have once been funny, but considering all of the things that had been going on, it was far more irritating than anything. And the more he complained, the more she desired to take a knife and cut the thing into ribbons herself.

"I paid thousands for this," he exclaimed, oblivious to the fact that no one really cared. "It's prada!"

"I told you not to wear it," Chloe replied irritably. "But you wouldn't listen."

"Who even wears a damn suit to go hiking," Nate snorted, throwing the devil a dirty look.

"At least I'm intelligent enough to wear something of class," Lucifer countered. "And if I recall, everyone had something of use in their cars except you. Well, I mean, maybe we could've used your dirty magazines and Dollar Tree lube to start a fire…"

"Don't test me, old man!"

"I beg your pardon?!"

For a moment, Chloe was fearful Lucifer would burst into flames-if that was even possible. That, or Nate would find himself halfway through a tree with every bone crushed like powder in his body. Immediately, she pushed herself in between the two, arms splayed. Even though she despised him, as most likely everyone in the group did, Nate didn't deserve to be slain by Lucifer. At least for now.

"Both of you stop," Chloe exclaimed. "Fighting isn't going to solve anything."

"But he called me old," Lucifer began, but quickly found himself being elbowed in the ribs by Chloe. "Ow! What was that for…"

She didn't give him the satisfaction of an answer, instead deciding to fall back a little to talk to Ruth. The woman hadn't said much since the start of their journey. Then again, no one really had except for Lucifer...and Nate when he felt the need to provoke the devil. Charlie had given up awhile ago trying to ease his wife into conversation. She had grown distant, just as Chloe felt inside, since the beginning of it all. And Kate, much like before, was so silent that the detective often forgot she was even there.

"How're your knees holding up?" Chloe asked gently, looking to the older woman. "Should we stop for a bit?"

Ruth gave her a tired smile and shook her head. "I'm fine, dear," she assured her. "Really. You don't need to worry about me. Charlie has that covered," she threw a look over to her husband who, at the moment, was studying Kate's map with the utmost attention. "I appreciate it though."

Chloe nodded, falling silent once more as they trudged through the trees. The light of the day seemed to fade dimmer and dimmer the further they walked. She tried hard not to think about why. Perhaps it was where they were in the forest. Or maybe the day was ending. Or, the reason that terrified her the most, was because of the bombs. Chloe did her best to convince herself it was one of the first two. After all, she needed as much optimism as one could muster. Even if it came from pretenses.

"Your little girl," Ruth spoke up, causing Chloe to snap back to reality. "What was her name again?"

"Trixie," Chloe gave a small smile. "Well, Beatrice, but we call her Trixie. She's nine."

"Trixie," the older woman repeated thoughtfully. "You don't hear that name a lot these days. I like it. It's pretty."

"Thanks," the detective smiled. "Her father and I thought so too." There was a moment of silence before Chloe spoke up. "You said you had a son. Ted, right?"

Ruth nodded, "Yes. Maybe just a little younger than you. His married. Lydia. She's a good woman, lovely to Ted. And my three grandchildren, Trevor-he's seven, Clara's five, and the baby, Lucy, she's two." Unexpectedly, the woman's eyes began to brim with tears. "The kids were supposed to come here and visit us in a few weeks...I had a whole itinerary planned out. Charlie said it was silly, and I guess maybe it was…"

Chloe reached over and grabbed Ruth's hand, fingers gently squeezing her's. The other woman looked down and, with a watery smile, returned the gesture. Her eyes flickered over to meet the detective's, who too was trying to keep her emotions from spilling out.

"We'll see them again," Chloe assured her. "And you can make a whole new itinerary, better than the first."

Ruth laughed, wiping away at the few tears that began to slip down her cheeks. "Maybe you and Trixie can join us," she suggested. "It'll be fun."

"I'd like that," the detective smiled. "I'll hold you to that."

Never in the eons of his existence did Lucifer Morningstar ever think that the idea of hot chicken broth, deer jerky, hardtack, and tea would sound so utterly divine. But here he was, cozied up beside Chloe on a small couch trying to savor the first real meal he'd had in a very long time. The sound of the crackling fire and its heat made the devil wish he could just crawl up in front of it and sleep for an eternity. By the way Chloe was resting against him, he bet she felt the same.

"Thank you," Chloe said graciously, watching as Bob poked the flames. "Really. You didn't have to do this."

"I know," Bob sighed, hanging the poker off to the side of the hearth. "But I've done a lot of bad stuff in my several decades on this planet. Might as well make up in what little ways I can." He paused, glancing the pair over. "For those who deserve it, I mean."

"Well, your thoughtless act will definately be held for consideration," Lucifer commented, briefly looking upward. "Or so I hope."

The other man snorted, moving to adjust the tea kettle. Considering the circumstances, Lucifer was impressed by how civilized Bob looked. At least, compared to him and Chloe who'd been fighting for survival since day one. Maybe before, he'd have been embarrassed by how dirty he must've looked and smelled. After months of being stuck with it, he'd gotten use to the scent to where it only happened to bother him on occasion. But even at her dirtiest, Chloe still looked just as beautiful.

"You can sleep here tonight," Bob said without any eye contact. "I don't have much to offer, but it's at least dry and warm compared to out there. You'll have to sleep on the floor though. There's only one bed in here and it's mine."

"You've done enough as it is," Chloe said before Lucifer could voice his opinion. "We don't want to impose any more than we already have. We have a tent. Maybe if you'd let us just camp outside…"

"It's one night," Bob responded. "Just be on your way first thing tomorrow morning. I'd rather not have any issues with kicking you out. Then you'd be overstaying your welcome and pressing my ability to remain generous."

After the incredibly short tour of Bob's cabin-consisting mostly of him pointing to the very few doors in the small house, Lucifer and Chloe found themselves in the man's tiny bathroom. Despite the absence of a real toilet, neither of the two particularly wanting to know where Bob went about to do his business, the extra space still forced the pair to nearly be crushed together. Nevertheless, the detective managed to reach the devil's face with a damp washcloth, much to his displeasure.

"I assure you, detective," Lucifer stated, trying to swat away at Chloe's hand. "I can do this myself."

"Maybe," she replied, undeterred by her partner's efforts to stop her. "But knowing you, you'll just go slather on shaving cream and attack your face without cleaning it first. Simply, of course, because it's been months since you've had the chance. I almost wish Bob hadn't given you a razor." Chloe frowned, knocking aside Lucifer's arm. "Hold still," she said with annoyance. "The more you squirm, the longer this will take."

"You're going to rub me raw," the devil groaned. "I think you've done enough. You can scrub my flesh away after I get this bloody scraggle off my face."

Chloe, sighing in defeat, took a step back as she tried to refrain from the urge to punch Lucifer in his smug, trumpet face. Tossing the rag aside, she left the bathroom and journeyed over to the couch. If he got an infection, it wasn't her problem. But, of course, she'd be the one dealing with it. To busy herself, she went about setting out their sleeping bags, trying to be as quiet as possible. Bob had gone into his room, presumably to sleep, and the last thing he deserved was to be awoken, or kept up, by his two unexpected guests.

"Well?"

She had been so focused in what she was doing, the detective hadn't even heard Lucifer step from the bathroom. When she looked to him, her heart skipped a beat. A very long beat. If one ignored the dirty clothes and hair, there stood the old Lucifer Morningstar. His face, cleanly shaven and void of knicks, sported that all too familiar smile accompanied by the dark, brown edging on black, eyes. Chloe swallowed, stomach fluttering, heartbeat irregular like a girl face to face with her crush for the very first time. Though their relationship had far surpassed that state.

"Detective?" Chloe was abruptly pulled from her train of thought by Lucifer's concerned tone. "Are you alright?"

"Hm? Oh. Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," she said, forcing herself into her right mind. "You look dashing. Well, minus the outfit."

"What? Not a fan of tattered rags? Drat, I was thinking of starting a brand," the devil grinned. "Since my nightclub business has gone to ruins. Literally."

Chloe grinned widely, one of the only expressions that Lucifer alone had the ability to bring out of her. "Sorry," she shrugged. "Back to the drawing board, I guess."

"So it would seem."

That night had felt like one of the longest in Chloe's life, even longer than when she had been in labor with Trixie. Agreeing to take the first watch shift, the detective and Lucifer sat close together by the smolders of a fire. Despite it being California, the temperatures had felt as if they'd dropped significantly. Not dangerously so, but when the wind blew, she couldn't help but shiver.

"Keep your suit jacket on," Chloe said, not even bothering to look over at Lucifer to know what he was doing. "I'm fine. You need to keep warm too."

"I'm not human," he countered, frowning as he shrugged his bramble torned dress coat back on. "So I most likely won't freeze to death...maybe. Unless Dad decided to 'grace' me with someone rather than take it away…"

"I don't care," she sighed, wrapping her arms around herself tighter. "I'm not taking it from you."

Silence fell between the two, the only sound coming from the tree branches as the wind blew them together. The wildlife had remained rather quiet since the bombing, and the worried part of Chloe had reached the conclusion that it may be like that forever. She knew it wasn't. That she had heard birds earlier. Or so she thought. There was no point in scaring herself, despite the fact that it was so easy to do so.

"You know," Lucifer suggested from beside her. "I heard a good way to maintain body heat is to get naked and huddled with someone else."

"Only you, Lucifer Morningstar, would think of sex during the apocalypse," Chloe exhaled, shaking her head.

"At least I didn't cause it. Biblically speaking," he smirked. "So about you and I taking are clothes off…"

"No."

The devil gave a long, heavy sigh of disappointment-though Chloe knew it was mostly done for her amusement. She relaxed against the trunk of a tree as best she could, trying to look up through the thick foliage of the forest ceiling in the hopes to see the night sky. Despite her efforts, her sight was not greeted by the welcoming twinkle of a single star. Never, until now, did the thought of not seeing one seem so depressing.

"We'll find her, Chloe."

The detective turned her gaze to Lucifer, whose previous playful tone had changed to one of seriousness. He had a way of detecting her emotions, or had learned to do so overtime. Maybe that's why they made such good partners. That and other reasons.

"I'm trying to tell myself that," she said quietly. "But the bombs and everything…"

"Hey," his fingers were suddenly holding her chin, gently turning her face to meet his. "The detective I know always looks towards the most optimistic ending to things. Even though they may seem ridiculously hopeless." Lucifer smiled, eyes gazing into hers. "We'll find her. If anyone can make it through something like this, it's that spawn of yours."

Chloe gave a small laugh, nudging her shoulder into his. "I knew there was a reason I keep you around." She gave a small smile, eyes still locked onto his. "Thank you, Lucifer."

She scooted closer to him, allowing her head to lean against his shoulder. Quietly, they sat there, gazing at the dying embers of the fire. The only sound breaking through the calm of the night being Nate's ridiculously loud snoring.

It seemed so long ago since Chloe and Lucifer had been given the chance to take refuge at Bob's cabin. Then again, anything that felt remotely nice seemed to distant when it came to remembering. Yet, only a week or so had passed, and with that, several miles between there and now. Where mud once was their only struggle, the pair found themselves dealing with outcrops of rocks. Evidence that only meant they were approaching one thing. Mountains.

"Dammit!"

Chloe inhaled sharply as she regained her footing, trying to calm the racing of her heart. From where she stood, there were only a few feet between her and a straight drop down several yards. Until now, she had loved the mountains. But standing there, so close to losing her balance, the idea of them made her stomach twist.

"Detective!" Lucifer exclaimed, immediately by her side. "Are you alright? Are you hurt…"

"I'm fine," she breathed, pushing his hand away. "I just...stumbled…"

"Well be more bloody careful," he insisted, concern thick in his voice. "The last thing we need is for you to tumble down and become impaled on something!"

"Thanks for that imagine," she muttered, taking a shaky breath. "Come on, let's keep going. I want to get somewhere more flat than this."

They continued onward, Lucifer following Chloe more closely than she was in the mood for. The further they pressed, the higher and more jagged things seemed to become. Between her partner's constant fears of something happening to her and her own concerns of that herself, Chloe's mind was so focused elsewhere that she didn't hear the basketball sized rock tumbling down straight towards her head.

"Chloe!"

Without warning, Lucifer shoved his partner forward, so hard so that she landed a few feet ahead of him. The detective yelped in surprise, turning to watch as the rock that nearly crushed her head tumbled down the path and off the edge. Panting, she looked towards Lucifer with a mixed expression of shock and gratification.

"See? He said with a weak smile. "I told you to be more…"

Just as the devil took a step towards Chloe, the ground underneath his foot crumbled away. For a second, everything seemed to stop as Lucifer met his partner's gaze with an almost humorous look of confusion. Then, as if kickstarted, the man tumbled off the edge as his partner was left to watch in absolute horror.

"Lucifer!"

Ah, a good ole cliff hanger! I quite loved writing this chapter-even if at towards then end, I was trying my best to keep focus as my dad's television show blared in the background. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! Reviews are greatly loved and appreciated! I love hearing your thoughts! Until next time! -Jen