Chapter 14 – The calm before…you know the rest

A/N1: well this chapter pretty much wrote itself, my fingers like little programmed robots just typed in the words. Lucifer apparently wanted to have some fun. In line with celebrating the naming of Season 2, Episode 1 – "Everything's coming up Lucifer", it seemed fitting to give the devil a break from all the intense angst and let him have some fun with his favourite detective.

The following Monday Chloe got a call about a missing carousel and decided to see if Lucifer wanted to come along. Mr. Short attention span might consider it to be too boring but it didn't hurt to ask. She had thought about him a lot on the weekend. It bothered her that she couldn't get him out of her head when her focus should be her marriage. Dan had been remarkably attentive lately to her and Trixie and it almost felt like old times. They had had a lovely dinner last night after she and Trixie got home but as soon as he had left after one lingering kiss, her mind had defaulted back to the devil. It wasn't good that she thought about him and worried about him as much as she did. Yet as much as she knew she shoudn't she couldn't seem to stop herself. Even when she tried her best to focus on Dan and it had been working last night - he himself had to go and bring up Lucifer and the scars on his back. In a surprising turn of events even Dan worried about him and whatever trauma he might have suffered. He admitted he still didn't like Lucifer but was concerned about whatever had happened to him and how he somehow identified himself with the devil in order to cope.

Chloe had nodded along and bit her lip over Dan's assumptions as to why Lucifer identified with the devil. If only he knew.

Maze watched her boss suddenly inflate with excitement after receiving a call from Chloe. He had sulked around the bar all weekend – she couldn't even get him to play the piano which usually soothed him when he got that nervous restlessness. He had even turned down the Brittanie's. She had sat down with him and discussed business relating to Lux. He had been attentive to some degree until she smoothly changed the conversation to the topic of Lilith and how exactly she could have escaped the chains and tomb she had been condemned to. He focused his intense gaze on her – with narrowed eyes he asked if she had set her loose. She had snarled at him asking how exactly she could have done that since she was trapped on earth and why would she do that knowing that whatever happened before the fall had lingering bad effects on him. She reminded him of the nightmares he used to have in hell. For a moment his eyes went red his breathing heavy but then he calmed himself and while he didn't apologize his hand brushed her hand as he said. "I had no right to accuse you."

"I may not have cared about what she did to human children back then but I wouldn't want her loose in the world now," she informed him.

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Does that mean you care about human children now?"

She shrugged indifferently. ""I happen to have one that considers me her friend."

He snorted out a laugh. "It wouldn't be Trixie by any chance?'

Maze shook her head. "Seriously what were Dan and Chloe thinking giving her a hooker's name?"

"Chloe named her after someone she cared about that died. Someone she couldn't get to in time to save. Beatrice was her name and apparently Trixie is a nickname for Beatrice and I suppose they think it's cute."

"The little girl is cute. I like her," Maze admitted.

"Since you went shopping with her mum, do you like the detective any better?"

Maze gave a sly cat like grin. "You just want me to like your pet."

Lucifer shot her a dark glare.

She laughed. "Let's just say I don't despise her as much as I used to."

She noted the soft little smile playing on his lips and was glad she had admitted to it. "Have you given any more thought as to telling her about Lilith and at least warning her about the potential danger to her and Trixie?'

He glanced at her then away. She knew that look – it was a look that indicated he didn't want to deal with something and would rather pretend it wasn't there and maybe would just dissipate on its own. It happened in hell on occasion when a soul was sent down that Lucifer didn't think belonged there- he refused to mete out punishment so it fell on her. She had no trouble tormenting humans…which in reality was probably worse than anything Lucifer would have done.

"You don't have to tell her whatever it is that you won't tell us. She already knows about the escapees you could just tell her that one potentially has a grudge against you and might harm her or Trixie and to be on guard."

He inhaled and exhaled slowly. "I'll think about it."

She squeezed his shoulder. "Good. Now that I don't despise your detective as much anymore I wouldn't want her to end up dead, especially considering what it would do to you."

He looked at her with a look of denial and opened his mouth to protest but she put her finger over his lips. "Don't bother to deny it I wouldn't believe you if you did."

He frowned at her words. He couldn't deny it - it would greatly affect him if something happened to her.

As Maze returned to the bar she found herself hoping his fascination with the detective didn't lead to heartache for him. She chided herself – she wasn't much better – whatever was going on with her and Amenadiel was unsettling. She loved all the sex but when Lucifer had used hellfire on him and he was in pain it strangely had hurt – something she didn't experience often. She loved pain she loved causing it but seeing it inflicted on Amenadiel …well whatever she had felt at the moment was something she hadn't experienced prior.

Lucifer stood beside Lux with a happy smile on his face when Chloe pulled up. He hopped in. "Its exciting being on a case again," he stated.

She grinned. "And here I thought the theft of a carousel would bore you."

"Not at all detective, it will be fun and I won't have to use hellfire because I'm pretty sure escapees from hell aren't spending their time going round in circles on a toy."

She laughed. "Okay I can see your point. So how are you feeling?"

He groaned. "Everyone keeps asking me that do I look like death warmed over?"

"Well you did land in the hospital so it natural that your friends worry about you." She reached over and lightly touched his arm earning herself a sudden warm smile.

"I followed your advice and talked to Dr. Linda," he informed her.

"Oh good was she able to help with whatever had you so upset yesterday morning?"

He looked uncomfortable. "Sort of. I was able to tell her something I've never told anyone." His tone became more serious.

"It's good Lucifer to talk about things with someone you trust."

He gave her a haunted look. "Sometimes that can make it more difficult."

She looked at him curiously. "Why would it make it more difficult?"

He fidgeted with his seatbelt and sank back in the seat. "Because that person might judge you," he responded quietly.

"Does Dr. Linda make you feel judged?"

"Not recently. I misinterpreted what she was doing once but it had actually been a breakthrough. She does push me at times but she had been very supportive." He paused. "It was a difficult session." He admitted as he looked out of the window.

She studied him wondering if he told the Dr. about the scars. "How so?" she asked lightly.

He turned to her "So tell me about this new case?"

She shook her head at his obvious deflection. "We are heading out to an estate that was set up as a summer camp for children that are in social care, came from bad homes, abusive situations or just from underprivileged homes where their parent or parents can barely make ends meet. They have like a theme park – with water slides, river excursions, peacocks patrolling the grounds, and Ferris wheels and carousels and roller coasters. They also apparently have a wonderful restaurant overlooking the ocean."

Lucifer practically bounced with excitement, "Will we get to experience the park or do we have to be on our best behavior? I've never been on a roller coaster – is it like driving a car on a bumpy road really fast?"

Chloe smiled to herself sometimes his childlike exuberance for life was just so heart-clenchingly adorable. "I happen to know the owner so…"she smirked. "I'm pretty sure he'll let us go on whatever rides we like as long as we promise to try and get his carousel back. My mother dated him briefly so we spent time here on occasion and my favourite ride was the carousel."

"Oh, I see." He looked at her curiously. "Then I'll work extra hard to ensure its return."

"I appreciate that." She pulled into the estate.

Mr. Salrose welcomed them personally hugging Chloe. "It is so wonderful seeing you Starry. You have to bring Trixie back again soon." His eyes landed on Lucifer and he held out his hand.

Lucifer looked perplexed. "Did you just call the detective Starry?" he shook the man's hand.

"Yes she was always starry eyed when she came out here. Like a little angel from heaven."

Lucifer stared at him wide –eyed while Chloe laughed. "Since he's forgotten to introduce himself this is Lucifer."

The man chuckled. "Oh my – the little angel has found herself a fallen angel." He winked at her. "I have no doubts you can tame him."

Chloe laughed again. "We're partners and we hope to solve this case and bring back your carousel."

"I'm happy to hear that. The carousel was not only your favourite as a child but the favourite of many of the children that visit here."

She hugged the man again. "Don't worry I promise we'll do our best."

Lucifer was looking around, his eyes wide and excited. He made her think of a kid in a candy store – she had never imagined he would be so excited over basic carnival rides – it wasn't like there were young nubile women draped over them. The man was full of surprises.

Together they questioned Mr. Salrose. The theft had taken place at night, no sounds had been heard other than the owners dogs were heard whimpering in the hallway. He did hear something that sounded like snarling outside but since the dogs didn't bark he didn't investigate.

Concerned Chloe shot Lucifer a look - he returned it looking disturbed.

Mr. Salrose showed them where the carousel had been and they looked around for clues in the immediate area. Then they went out to the Ferris wheel and Mr Salrose got them settled in and then activated it. Lucifer leaned forward as they were swept into the air. "This is marvelous – almost like flying."

His excitement was infectious and Chloe found herself enjoying the sun and warm breeze on her face and the entertaining man beside her. His dark eyes sparked with excitement. Next came the roller coaster. Surprisingly considering what a speed freak he was in his car he seemed unsettled in the coaster and suddenly gripped her hand in an almost painful way when the coaster started descending. She felt his hand tremble and he had crouched down in his seat – quite the opposite from what she had expected. When they reached the platform she saw beads of sweat on his forehead. He released her hand taking a gulping breath.

"Do you want to go for another spin?" Mr. Salrose asked.

Chloe quickly piped up, "No. thank you that was fun but we need to walk the grounds for clues. Ready?' she touched Lucifer's arm he looked a little more composed and nodded.

As they walked along the grass looking for any possible clues she asked, "what happened back there?'

"He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, detective."

"Well, you almost broke every bone in my hand when you gripped it in that death hold. I'd guess you were scared of heights but you were fine on the Ferris wheel and I certainly know you aren't afraid of going fast."

His eyes had widened and he immediately snatched up her wrist up to examine her hand.

"I'm fine, Lucifer." She flexed her hand to prove it to him.

"Good to know you were only overreacting. I thought you were scared so I held your hand," he explained focusing on the grass at his feet.

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "I distinctly remember you saying you would never lie to me." She stopped walking to stare at him.

His black eyes took on a guilty look. "I'm not lying, you over reacted – your hand is fine."

"Uh huh but I was never remotely scared and I wasn't the one trembling and looking like death was imminent."

He exhaled loudly. "I might have disliked the descent a little bit. It was unnerving."

"Kind of the same as the Ferris wheel only faster."

"It felt like …falling," he mumbled.

She suddenly got it. His fall from heaven into hell. He had never spoken about it in detail only ever in relation to it as his father's punishment. "I'm sorry if it brought back bad memories…do you want to…"

He cut her off. "Why think about something like that when we are walking in a beautiful garden on a lovely day?"

"With good company," she added noting how once again he diverted the conversation.

It did hurt a little knowing that he couldn't confide in her but then again she wasn't a psychologist who had training to deal with whatever trauma had been inflicted on him. He had progressed from the man whose blatant disinterest and lack of empathy had infuriated her at the beginning of the Skoville murder at the warehouse. His reaction to Father Frank's death had made her see how far he'd come and that he was capable of having deep feelings and compassion. Somehow it had just been buried in him.

The male and female peacocks strutted about while on occasion giving eerie cries that made her hair stand on end. Lucifer looked a bit disconcerted as well when he made the comment "it almost sounds like I'm back in hell."

They didn't find any clues and ended up down by a beautiful sandy beach. Lucifer started stripping his clothes off. "Come on detective, let's go for a swim."

"Lucifer, we are on a case…" she admonished him.

"Buzz kill, you are channeling a 90 year old again – come on detective you are surely entitled to a break – live a little." He at least kept his underwear on this time. He stood there feet in the surf, tanned body gleaming in the sun with a wicked grin on his face… and then held his hand out to her.

Chloe's heart pounded. She was on the clock yet the water looked wonderful and Lucifer after his angst on the rollercoaster finally looked relaxed again. She smiled shaking her head at him and quickly stripped down to her panties and bra –relieved that she had had the premonition this morning to wear a matching set of pale silver. Lucifer purred, "Mmm detective, you look tasty."

"I'm not a bon bon Lucifer, to be unwrapped and eaten," she declared primly.

He pouted but then added, "how about a nipple er nibble at least?" his face dissolved into a sexy smirk.

She glared at him but took his hand as they went into the water together. It was still on the chilly side and she just couldn't resist splashing him. He growled and pounced on her submersing her up to her shoulders in the ocean. "Tit for tat, detective."

She snorted water as a wave hit her.

"Oops sorry," he exclaimed insincerely. "Do you need mouth to mouth?"

She coughed and moved back from him. "Behave yourself." She warned but couldn't help grinning.

They splashed around and swam for a bit before the detective's moral code kicked in. "We need to get dressed and back to work."

"Spoil sport," he mumbled as he came out of the water.

They dried off fast in the wind and warmth as they headed up to the main house and restaurant Chloe suddenly spotted a footprint left on a freshly overturned garden bed. It looked fresh. She found Mr. Salrose and asked him when the beds had been turned.

"A week ago. No one has worked on them since because of that storm we had on Friday night."

She mused, "So that footprint might be fresh from one of the thieves." She decided to send forensics over to examine and photograph it.

"Excellent Starry, a clue. Now I want to treat you and Lucifer to dinner at the restaurant, and the timing is perfect to catch the sunset."

Chloe was about to protest but Lucifer immediately sprung in. "We'd love to – thank you so very kind of you." He gloated at Chloe.

As soon as Mr. Salrose was out of earshot Chloe remarked, "Sometimes you are downright insufferable."

He looked innocent. "How so? We get a free dinner and you were about to turn it down? He's an old friend he would have been hurt. Really detective have you no feelings?" he stated in a huff as he headed into the restaurant then out onto the patio choosing a table with the best view over the ocean. She followed along frowning for a moment wondering if she had indeed missed something.

She texted forensics to come.

A bottle of wine was delivered to the table Lucifer looked at the label and nodded approvingly. "Your friend has excellent taste."

"Mmmhmm so glad you approve."

"Are you still mad because I coerced you into having some fun?" he asked leaning in close, eyes sparkling.

She realized early on it was near impossible to stay mad at Lucifer. His intent was never manipulative more so a child like innocence geared to mischief. She smiled at him. "No I'm not mad, I did have fun."

"Well detective, the evening isn't over and the fun has just begun."

A/n #2. Yeah I'm evil for ending it there. This chapter was just oodles of fun as part of the next one will be as well. Then we sojourn back to angst.

THANK YOU so much for ALL of your comments. So most of you want it to be Chloe with a close second Linda. Others think it makes the most sense for it to be Linda – I particularly like the ones with Linda being the recipient and Chloe and Amenadiel over hearing-thanks Charlotte Edmond99 and Genz14 and others for putting that thought in my head. Lucifan0514 – wow thanks for catching up and reviewing every chapter I love hearing the feedback!. Thank you for those who pm'd as well – it did make me realize I need to have a Trixie and Lucifer scene again too with a touch of what was suggested.

I do have to tell you though that chapter with Lucifer describing the fall is still a ways off. A lot needs to happen first before he's ready I think to talk about it. The pic of season two episode one with Lucifer standing by the window in Linda's office made me think again that at this point he's still very invested in his therapist and she has helped him in ways Chloe can't. I also can't help but remember the end of season 1 when he went so off the rails shattered that Chloe didn't believe in him that he was ready to endure a messy death and an eternity back in hell. It really established how much Chloe means to him and how the possibility of her judging him like everyone else pretty much destroys him. She's almost become a lifeline to him…Chloe: "It doesn't matter what I think." Lucifer: "That's all that matters, detective." yet when it comes to confiding in her he diverts as he did in that lovely Lux scene after he burned his wings and she asked him what changed and he says "I don't know" and she correctly concludes 'or won't say." Let me say that Maze's words are echoing in Lucifer's mind so a 'talk' with Chloe will happen. And when the chapter of the fall occurs trust me deckstar lovers I think you will like what happens directly after. But in the meantime a lot more will happen before we get there.