GREEN LITTLE DEVIL
Las Vegas- Somewhere in the evening
It's been almost 2 hours since Lucifer sat down in his office, desperately looking at some invoices, order forms and a few resumés for a manager position. He also looked at some legal papers regarding Eden. Suddenly, he can't take it anymore and throws the stack of papers on the table. He lets out a frustrated grin.
"For Dad's sake! I've been staring at these bloody papers for ever and all I can think about is what's happening over at the bloody hotel bar. I need a drink."
He makes his way through the packed up crowd, trying not to attract attention as much as possible. Once he reaches Eden's bar, he asks for a triple bourbon, on the rocks. He downs it in one gulp and asks for another one. Then he decides to go back to the hotel, knowing it's useless for him to stay here and try to concentrate on anything else than Chloe having drinks with both her exes. He crosses the street and enters the lobby. He can't stop himself from checking the hotel bar. He ponders for a brief moment whether or not he should go and join them. After all, Lieutenant Right did extend the invitation to him as well. He takes a peek at the bar, fairly certain to find a bored Chloe, Marcus AND the Douche sitting together. His heart skips a beat when he only sees Chloe and Marcus, apparently caught up in a very interesting and funny conversation. He hastily makes his way to their table and puts his hand on Chloe's chair, fighting the urge to kiss her neck, just to show Marcus that Chloe is not avalaible. Instead he just asks, as nicely as he can muster.
"So how's it going? And what did you do with the Dou… I mean Detective Espinoza?"
"Hey Lucifer. I didn't see you come in." She smiles at him. "We were just looking over the case, how to proceed during the sting operation. I'll explain it to you later."
"Sure. I don't remember our previous cases, or the current one, being so enjoyable." His voice sarcastic. "And where's Daniel?" He asks again.
"Detective Espinoza was tired and called it an early night." He smiles at Chloe. "Whereas Chloe and I were just reminiscing about the good old days at the Academy." He pauses and chuckles. "You remember that time we went on a date and we had to sneak back into your dorm room so we wouldn't get caught! It was so fun."
Chloe smiles uneasy, but before she can answer, Lucifer puts his best fake smile back on his face and looks at Lieutenant Right.
"So you guys were buddies and dating. How interesting."
"We were indeed." Marcus smiles back. "But why don't you have a sit Lucifer, I'd like to know you better, see how you work and all, because, you have a very special way of doing things. At least from what I've heard."
"Well I certainly don't want to know more about you!" Lucifer thinks. Instead, in order to keep his words to Chloe, he decides to leave the bar, before things turn to drama. "I'm fine thanks. Actually, I was just about to go back to my suite. I just came here to let you guys know I was back." Then he looks straight into Marcus' eyes. "I have one question before I go though."
"Hit me!"
"You have no idea." Lucifer tells himself. His gaze grows intense. "What is it you truly desire Lieutenant?" Marcus eyes focus back on Lucifer but he stays silent. "And he's one of the complicated one! Even better!" He sighs and stares at him anew, ready to try again, but before he can probe deeper into his mind, Chloe stops him, and looks back at him, asking silently to leave this alone. He gives up and looks away from Marcus.
"What just happened?" Marcus asks.
"Nothing." Chloe says. "You just froze for a bit after you saw this girl walk by." Marcus looks back, unconvinced by her answer.
"Why would I look at anyone else when you're in the room Chloe."
"Well. As much I enjoy this evening, I'm off." Lucifer briefly says, heading out.
After a few minutes, Chloe looks at Marcus again.
"I should probably go too. It's been a long day, and we have a big day tomorrow with a lot of work to do. I have to find a dress for the operation, rehearse my role with Lucifer. And trust me, it's like rehearsing with a child." She smiles.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you're hiding something from me, like a relationship with this Lucifer guy."
"What? Now where would you get that idea from?"
"I don't know. You stay in the same suite, there was that weird conversation you had earlier today, and the way he looks at you. I know it's none of my business, for now, but I can see he's definitely more than just a partner to you. From what I saw, he's clearly into you, so be careful. He seems unstable, to say the least. Wouldn't want him to do something rash."
"I told you, the same suite was for the undercover operation. I mean, O'Doyle is a very careful man, and he's going to check Lucifer's story, and what kind of couple would we be if we stayed in two different rooms. We've been partners for a while now, and we became friends, and although he can seem a bit like a dork and an annoying ass from time to time, he's not a bad man. And he would never hurt me."
"If you say so. There was, however, something I wanted to talk to you about, if that's OK with you."
"Sure." She sits back down.
He clears his throat. "You see, there's a new position opening, as a Sergeant."
"What do you mean?"
"As a new lieutenant, I get to pick my right-hand man, or woman. And I was wondering if you'd have any names in head, yours can be included."
"Are you offering me the position?"
"If you want it."
"I don't know. I mean, it's a big change and I'll need to think about it." She breathes. "That implies a lot of things, like more desk jobs, less work in the field. And I won't have a partner anymore." She finishes, more to herself.
"Speaking of the Devil." Chloe looks at him, shocked. "Don't worry, it's just an expression. I don't believe he is the Devil."
"But how did you…"
"The name's Lucifer Morningstar. And I've heard a lot about him at the precinct. Not a lot of people walk around pretending to be the Devil." He chuckles. "But I think he's just a bit delusional, or, as I said earlier, a bit unstable and subject to temper tantrum." He pauses. "Which brings me to my next point."
"Which is?"
"I'm gonna need more information about him."
"What do you mean?"
"When I took over Olivia's position, I did a background search on Lucifer. I was a bit suspicious of him to begin with. And so far his records only go back 5 years and I found absolutely no trace of any credentials, diplomas or training linked to the law enforcement. I didn't find any official papers on how he was recruited, either."
"It was an understanding between Lieutenant Monroe and him. Look, I'm aware of that and so was Lieutenant Monroe. And if you look at his efficiency, he has almost a perfect score on the cases he worked on."
"I know, but that doesn't mean he can do anything he wants and not follow the rules. I mean, I've seen a lot of weird things around the cases he worked on. And lot of mishaps regarding the process as well."
"I'll talk to him so he can give you the information you need. But I assure, despite his dorky and weird ways of working cases, he is extremely efficient."
"I you say so."
"I have to go now. Need my strength for tomorrow." She smiles at him.
He grabs her arm softly. "Just think about it, please. It's a great opportunity for your career, not to mention we would spend a bit more time together." He winks at her.
"I'll think about it."
"I need an answer before Wednesday."
She stands up, and touches his hand lightly. "Good night Marcus."
Lucifer's Suite - Sunday Morning
Once again, Chloe finds herself pacing in front of Lucifer's penthouse door, except this time, it's not out of worries, but out of guilt. She shouldn't feel guilty about accepting the offer from Marcus, but the look on Lucifer's face was heartbreaking. She really hates the idea of hurting his feelings for real. He has been through so much as he was younger, and she doesn't want to be the one adding the insult to the injury regarding the abandonment issue. But how was she supposed to know Dan was going to ditch them like he did. And of course there was the blatant advances from Marcus, not that she would accept them, but still. She takes a deep breath and slides the key-card in the slot by the door. She walks in carefully, almost expecting Lucifer to bombard her with questions and remarks about Marcus. But instead he lies down on the couch, legs half bent and his hands rest on his chest. She walks to the couch.
"Hey." She smiles at him.
"Hum"
"The silent treatment." She thinks. She tries to get him to talk anyway. "So how did the paperwork go at Eden?"
"Boring."
"Fine, if you don't want to talk to me, maybe you'll be more inclined to my touches." She thinks. She comes behind him and starts to move her hands over his shoulders, down his chest, over his stomach. She goes up and unbuttons the top of his shirt, just to make her intentions crystal clear. Not that Lucifer needs any incentive in this particular field. But suddenly, he stops her movements and pushes her hands away. He stands up, and looks back at her. The arousal is clear in his eyes, and the rest of his body language clearly shows he's struggling to stay away from her. "Good." Chloe thinks. "He might be mad, but he's not unaffected by me." Lucifer pinches the bridge of his nose and breathes heavily.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm not in the mood right now." Then he mumbles something sounding a bit like "What have you done to me woman. First jealousy and now I'm saying no the woman of my dreams." Then he looks at the ceiling. "You do love to find new ways to torture me, don't You."
"Lucifer." Chloe starts again. "Please just talk to me."
"To tell you what?" His tone angry
"Anything."
"Well I don't wanna talk right now."
"So you're not in the mood for sex, and you don't wanna talk."
"What can I say. I'm the Devil, aren't I."
"Boy, a jealous Devil a real piece of work." She tells herself. "Fine. If you don't wanna talk to me then just listen." Lucifer scuffs and falls back into the couch.
"I get it. You're angry I cancelled our evening. But is it really my fault Dan and Marcus showed up unannounced."
"It's not that."
"Then what is it?"
"Nothing."
"Really?" She answers ironic. "Because it seems to me like you got jealous."
"I don't do jealous. I'm the Devil!"
"Of course you don't." She answers, now also getting angry at him for his childish behaviour.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I had truly no idea he was coming over."
"Of course you didn't" He answers ironic.
This time she loses it. "God! He can be so infuriating." She thinks. "Are you actually blaming me for knowing Marcus from the Academy and being happy to see an old friend?"
He snickers and makes air-quotes "Right, "An old friend." He pauses. "But no. I'm not blaming you for it."
"Can you please stop with the air-quote. It's annoying."
"Fine." He looks at her. "But you could have refused his advances and told him you had someone." He answers.
"Yeah. Kinda like you do when women throw themselves and their wandering hands at you right?"
"It's not the same." He replies. "I can't turn off my magnetism." He stands up.
"Maybe. But I don't see you telling any of them you have someone, or stop their flirting."
"Like I said. Not the same thing." He replies and makes his way to the balcony.
"So you can be jealous of one old flame and friend, and be an ass about it." He looks at her, ready to retort about his ass being sexy, but he stops when he sees her face. She now looks furious at him. If he wanted a fight he was gonna get one, Devil or not. "But I can't? Is it what you're saying? I mean dozens of women AND men look at you like you're their next dinner every day."
"It's not what I meant and you know it." He replies, his voice louder. "Besides, I never accept their advances. And when they happen to slip a number in my pocket, I get rid of it."
"And did you see me accept any of Marcus' advances?"
"No. But"
"But what?" She continues before he can answer. "I trust you, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to tell all of your groupies to shove it."
He sits on one of his deckchair. His features soften as realisation hits him. "I never thought it bothered you this much." He lights a cigarette and looks down for a brief instant. Chloe sits down beside him. They stare at each other for what seems to be an eternity. Then she puts her hand on his leg.
"You know it's a very bad habit."
"What is? The jealousy or the smoking."
She laughs "I was referring to the smoking part, but I'm not too eager to do this again."
He chuckles and takes two glasses out of his mini-bar and a bottle of malt. He pours into both glasses and hands one to Chloe. "Fancy a peace offering?" She accepts the glass and takes a sip. "So how did your evening go?" He tells her, mirroring her first question. "I mean before you entered the penthouse?"
"To be honest, it was nice."
"I'm sure it was." He replies, dryly.
"What?" She answers "I'm not gonna lie just to please your ego. I chatted with a friend and it was nice to see him again." She feels the need to add the last bit. "He's just an old friend, Lucifer, nothing more."
"And your new boss as well."
"What do you want me to do about this?"
"Well you could at least apologize for ditching me in favor of your exes."
"Of course, when you say it like that." She looks at him to make sure he knows she's serious. "And do I need to remind you, you have drinks with Maze and Linda pretty often."
"It's not the same thing."
"You're right. It's worse." She explains her point of view. "You were linked to Maze with an oath for a very long time, and Linda is your current therapist. And I'm not even talking about the carnal part of your relation with them."
"Well. When you put it like that." He repeats her sentence, silently admitting defeat. "It's just… I don't like him!"
"No kidding." She asks truly curious. "Why him though? You were never bothered by Dan, at least not this much."
"To be honest, Daniel is Daniel. He's a decent chap, has a six-pack and is well built. But he's hardly a threat to me."
"How do know so much about his physical attributes?"
"The sauna undercover thing with the Russians when you wanted to get Youri." He simply replies.
"Tell me nothing happened." She asks, a bit anxious.
"With the Douche? Come on..." He makes a disgusted face. "But that doesn't mean I can't check out the competition. I mean there had to be some reasons you stayed this long with him." As Chloe opens her mouth to respond, he continues. "But back to my first thought."
"Which was?"
"Why Daniel was never a threat. Do keep up please."
"And why is that then?"
"Despite some attributes, and a hint of annoyance towards him, let's just say that Palmetto settled the matter for good."
She lets the last comment slide and simple says "Sure."
"But Marcus is arrogant, confident, tall and…"
"A bit like you then."
"Although we share some similarities, I am nothing like him. Nonetheless, I see why you could be drawn to him."
"Really?"
"Yes. I mean, he's like a purer, more boring version of me." He smiles. "So how could you not be attracted to him."
"Suuure." She puts her hand on his stubble. "But you're forgetting one thing."
"What's that?"
"I chose you. And that makes all the difference. Knowing who you are, and after everything that happened, I picked you." She finishes, kissing him softly at first. This time Lucifer meets her kiss and deepens it.
"I may be new at this whole relationship thing, but we are heading towards make-up sex, right?"
"Just shut up." She says removing the rest of the buttons of his shirt. All too soon, they find themselves making their way to the bedroom, leaving a trail of wrinkled clothes behind them.
Sunday morning - Lucifer's bed
Lucifer wakes up as the 1st rays of sunlight enter the room. He opens his eyes and blinks a few times because of the light coming in. He turns his head to the sleeping form resting on his chest, limbs still tangled. He chuckles. The light tremor of his chest wakes up his bed partner. The blond detective slowly opens her eyes.
"Morning." He smiles at her. "You know, I could really get use to this."
"Morning Lucifer." She answers. "You're in a good mood. What are you smiling about?"
"I'm always smiling when I wake up beside you." He dips his head to be closer to her ear. "But if you must know, I was thinking make-up sex was almost as good as morning-sex"
"Like you've never had this before."
"To be honest, no. I've had a lot of different kind of sex, but this is a first. I guess you can teach an old Devil new tricks." He kisses her neck.
"Speaking of last night." She says anxious.
He stops his exploration almost immediately. "What is it?"
"There are two things I haven't told you about, because I didn't how to bring it in."
"I'm all ears Darling."
"1st: Marcus wants you to give him some credentials about your skills as a law enforcement worker."
"Credentials?" He looks outraged. "I'm the bloody Devil. I don't need credentials. Isn't my success rate in cases not enough for Mister Right. It was enough for Olivia."
"I know, but he still requested some."
"How long do I have to give him proof of my wonderful qualities as a civilian consultant?"
"Before Wednesday."
"Perfect. Now I barely have a few days to find someone in Vegas to falsify a diploma and some recommendations."
"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that last part." She answers, slapping his chest.
"Well. How do you expect me to do get them on such short notice." He asks, simply.
"Just don't tell me about it."
He laughs. "Okay. What was the 2nd thing then?"
"Marcus offered me a spot on his new team. As a sergeant."
"And?"
"And that would mean a lot of changes, like more desk job, office hours, a better pay."
"But?"
"But. It also means less field work and no more partnering up."
"And more time with him." He says, through gritted teeth. His eyes almost flash red. "He is clever. First the credentials, now this." He looks back at her. "What did you tell him?"
"I told him that I needed to think about it. He wants my answer by Wednesday at the latest. What do you think I should do?"
"You should choose what makes you happy." He answers.
"You're not helping. Please be honest and tell me what you think."
He lets out a sigh. "Well, obviously, I'm not thrilled about the whole thing. But I'm sure I'll find some way to come back to the precinct and work with you one way or another. There's a reason one of my names is Old Scratch." He grins. "The real question is what do you desire."
"Very funny. You know this doesn't work on me."
"I know. Still. Do you want a career, or are you okay to wait 5-10 years longer for another opportunity. Once you've answered this question, you'll have your answer." He looks deep in her eyes. "I'll have your back no matter the decision." He clears his throat. "But maybe you should ask the little hellion about it as well."
She kisses him, conveying all the conflicted emotions she feels. "Thank you." She says sincerely.
"Now. How about I show you how glad I am we made up?" His smile slowly turning to a carnal grin. "And I need a few more comparison points to decide if I prefer make-up sex or morning-sex."
"By all means, feel free to explain your point of view." She replies, already feeling the heat rising in her belly and his fingers applying more pressure on her back. She turns them around and straddles him.
Then a loud knock on the door makes them pause for a second.
"Ignore it." Lucifer tells her, kissing her again. And for once, Chloe agrees full heartedly with him. But then, the knock echoes again. It is followed by a voice.
"Chloe?" A pause. "It's me, Marcus. Are you up yet?"
"Bloody Hell." Lucifer grunts. But before he can move. Chloe kisses him and stands up.
"Don't forget you're taking me dress shopping this morning." She puts on one of his shirt on. This became a habit for her over the few nights she spent with him. She walks out of the bedroom.
"Love."
"Yes?"
"You might want to put something other than my shirt to open the door. Not that I mind seeing you in it. But, if he doesn't know already, this will certainly end any sort of debate he might have had."
"Well I didn't exactly bring any pijamas with me."
He stands up and puts his bowers and his robe back on. "Maybe I should open the door to Lieutenant Right. While I go there, could you maybe pick up the different clothes on the floor. He waits for a few seconds before he opens the door and wears his most devilish charming smile.
"Lieutenant! To what do I owe this lovely morning surprise?"
There you go. So the fight was a bit less intense than what I originally planned. Just a quick poll : Should Chloe accept the promotion or not? Tell me what you think.
I hope you liked it. Don't worry, the sting is coming, I just wanted to write a bit of Deckerstar before and since I'm not a big fan of writing bog chapters, I prefer to break it into smaller ones :).
I hope you liked it.
Thanks again for all your kudos, likes, comments, reviews, faves. They're always so appreciated.