"Lucifer, are you okay?"

Chloe's voice cut through the internal dialogue that Lucifer was having with himself, and he looked over at her in surprise, not realizing he had been so deep in thought. In the darkness quickly enveloping them, he had enough sight to see her head was tilted, lips slightly parted at the end of her question. Her eyes were warm but concerned, as only her eyes could be. She was simply stunning. Here he was, relishing in his innermost thoughts on the worst time one could imagine. It simply wouldn't do.

"I'm so sorry," he replied smoothly, breaking into a smile., "I'm not being very conversational, am I? And here we are, all dressed up for an occasion that should command my absolute attention."

Night had fallen and dinner had long since been swept away. Lucifer had found the food rather pleasant, but he especially enjoyed Chloe's attempts at stifling her reaction to proper cuisine. While he knew she preferred simpler tastes – such as his grilled cheese sandwiches, fake cheese and all (he shuddered inwardly) – there wasn't a moment that he hadn't thought of properly taking her out and showing her the best of evenings. And depending on what would happen soon, it may have been their only opportunity…

"I get it," Chloe replied seriously, mouth etching into a slight frown that creased above her brows. "It's hard to distract yourself with everything going on."

Lucifer sighed and sat up straight, folding his hands neatly in his lap. They were sitting closely on a bench they had found whilst strolling through the grounds after they ate. The trees were behind them and above was a perfectly clear, starry night.

"That shouldn't be the point, Detective," Lucifer said earnestly, trying to convey just how much this meant to him. "I've been wanting to spend time with you since before I left. Since before you left for Rome, even." He leaned forward and stared into her eyes, which in this dark light broken only by fairy lights behind them looked like reflections of the stars above. He couldn't entirely read her expression. "I want to spend that time with you now."

"While you still can?" her voice was steady but he could tell she knew what he was talking about. He nodded, overexaggerating his movement so she could see better. Being this close to Chloe was intoxicating, and Lucifer couldn't believe he had tried to stay away. She always saw the good in him and she always saw through him, a quality that had initially irked him to the point of his denying things she had seen in him. Now, that felt like a lifetime ago. Perhaps it was a lifetime ago…

Leaning in farther, Lucifer found her lips with his, savoring the cold, sweet taste of them for the briefest moment. Beneath their kiss, she shifted and brought a hand up to relax gently on his shoulder. It was a small gesture but it meant the world; even underneath his suit and buttoned shirt, the skin under the pressure of her hand felt warm and comfortable.

Oh, how he wished he could stay in this moment forever.

"What's next on your agenda?" Chloe asked when they had parted, adjusting her head to lean on his shoulder. Lucifer obliged the contact and wrapped an arm around her waist, settling into the contact and pulling her closer.

"That depends…" He replied, letting his normal, sultry voice take over for a moment. He didn't want to ruin the intimacy of this moment with any broad suggestions, but the obvious choice had, of course, crossed his mind. He inwardly cursed himself as the words left his mouth, feeling this moment didn't call for his usual tendencies.

"I'm sorry, Detective, that probably isn't appropriate given the –"

Lucifer was caught off guard as Chloe kissed him again, this time with more fervor. She moved her hand, fingers entwining themselves in his hair in a shocking moment of intimacy. Surprise only lasted for a moment, however, before his natural reflexes at being in such a situation took hold. He let out a quick moan of pleasure, wrapped his arms around her waist, and smiled against her lips as he pulled back slightly.

"Chloe, are you sure?"

She smiled up at him, galaxy eyes shining.

"Now's as good a time as any," she answered breathlessly. Lucifer stared at her, thinking for a moment. Was his heart beating faster? That certainly didn't make sense. He had brought to bed so many people before, but this was the first time he had ever truly felt nervous about a sexual encounter. Nevertheless, with her in his arms, he felt so right, so content. Adjusting ever so slightly, he stood up in a flash and cradled her in his arms.

"Lucifer!" Chloe shrieked, but not unpleasantly. She let out a laugh as he beamed down at her, taking in every detail on her face that he could see in the dark glow. Being with her just felt so right, and for once he didn't grimace as he let his wings slide out and envelop them, lifting them up into the stars.

He flew the first place that came to his mind: his penthouse in LA. While not the most practical move, little else was on his mind except showing Chloe the best night of her life. As his feet landed on the patio of his penthouse, he cradled her in his arms, not letting her go when she showed the first sign of getting down as expected. Instead, he carried her into the open room, up the stairs and his bedroom, before gently setting her on the bed. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, lips trailing down his neck. Each spot where she pressed against the skin left burning sensations like a warm fire.

"Mmm… Chloe…" he murmured, pulling away. "Give me just a moment, darling."

She answered with a noncommittal noise of her own, but nodded with a smile. He drank in her face, every last bit, before turning around and returning to his bar. Perhaps a nice glass of something top shelf would make the moment sweeter.

The sweet music playing in his head at the very idea of finally getting some alone time with his Chloe came to a record-scratching halt as he saw the figure at his bar, the unmistakable curly locks and medium build of the very person they were trying to avoid. All wonderful thoughts of romance flew out the window with the evening breeze.

Michael didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. Before he realized it, his brother's voice had found its way into his head, paralyzing his thoughts and submitting his own.

I've been waiting for you, Michael thought, and even without facing him Lucifer could sense that cold indifference in his tone.

Michael, Lucifer spat back. It's time for you to go. You and your plight are no longer welcome here.

Michael remained sitting at the bar, and Lucifer was angered to see his liquor, in his glass, being enjoyed by the one being he would never have offered it to.

I hear you went back to the Silver City, the other stated, ignoring what Lucifer said. You know this is not allowed. You have broken Father's rules and therefore deserve capital punishment.

It seems our siblings would disagree, Lucifer thought with an extra touch of malice and underlying pride. They have agreed to my side. You are alone in your thoughts. Even Father –

Do not presume to know Father's thoughts on this! How dare you! Michael's thoughts came stronger now, rage making Lucifer's head ache from the internal noise. Your silver tongue and the waywardness of Amenadiel do not win you any favors over the true thoughts of Father himself. It's time for you to go, Lucifer. Return to whence you came and stay there this time.

That isn't how this is going to go. I am going to call every single one of our siblings and show you the truth.

"Lies," Michael seethed out loud, voice barely above a whisper. Lucifer watched as he turned around slowly, hand clenched tightly around the glass he was holding. He downed the rest of his drink, held the glass out, and let his finger uncurl. The glass fell to the floor and shattered.

"Lucifer?" Chloe called out tentatively. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, stay there please," Lucifer answered, fear flickering through his stomach as he remembered that she was still there. There was no way he was going to ever let Michael hurt his Chloe.

Michael seemed to realize that at the same time. Dark eyes sought over Lucifer's shoulder to the bedroom where she waited.

Perhaps I should help you out now, Michael said again, returning to their silent form of communication. It was giving Lucifer a headache. Bring this human to your rightful home for you to follow and stay put like the dog you are.

You will NOT harm her! Lucifer roared internally, shifting his stance and clenching his fists. I won't let you!

What can you do? You couldn't stop me before, and something tells me you aren't strong enough to stop me again. Michael was taunting him now, and Lucifer hated to admit to himself that the taunts were working.

His least favorite brother stood up, carefully avoiding the mess he had just created on the floor. He felt his foot twinge as he remembered when he had stepped in glass not so long ago himself. He shook his head angrily. Now was not the time.

Look just – leave her alone, he thought, hating the slight tinge of desperation even his thoughts betrayed. Michael smiled and turned his back on him. He was obviously enjoying the position Lucifer was in.

I never thought I would hear the day when you would be begging me for something. How the mighty have…fallen.

"Lucifer?"

Chloe's voice was closer this time, and Lucifer watched in horror as she appeared at the top of the stairs, still looking every bit as beautiful. He felt himself moving in response to seeing her, quickly putting himself between them. Her face portrayed shock and fear as she took in the sight.

"What's going on?" she asked uncertainly. Lucifer glanced at the elevator quickly – no way to get around Michael.

"Go back into the bathroom and wait," he instructed lowly.

"Why don't I just call your siblings instead?" Chloe replied. He looked quickly back at her. Her eyes were hard and glaring at Michael. "They'll sort this all out."

Michael laughed.

"How cute," he said to Lucifer, "You've got her in the loop on everything. I've never had affection for Father's playthings."

Michael jumped forward then, and it was all Lucifer could do to swing his arms out protectively. Michael wasn't going for Chloe, however: in a shocking moment Lucifer felt himself being violently shoved the other direction, facing Chloe. Cold steel bit dangerously at his throat and he raised his arms slowly. This was not how the next encounter was supposed to go.

"Make the call and I will end his existence. Trust me, it would be much easier for me," Michael threatened lowly. Chloe's eyes had widened in shock, mouth falling open. Even now she looked ethereal.

"You're joking," she said slowly, sounding unsure of herself.

"I don't think he is, Detective," Lucifer said with a short laugh that wasn't at all humorous. He was trying to think rapidly what to do. If he tried to pray to his siblings now, chances are Michael would hear him. And he would not put it past Michael to smite him here on the spot. "Look, Michael. Let her go. I'll…go back. If that's what you want. Just leave Chloe be."

Michael chuckled, his voice low and chilling.

"It's interesting what you'll say at the end of his blade," he surmised, trailing the blade down his neck. Lucifer's skin felt hot compared to the cold, unrelenting metal that threatened his very existence. He remembered Michael's sword well – the last time they had been toe to toe, it was to this blade that he had lost his attempt at proving to his Father and the rest of the heavenly host that their way was not worth the effort humanity would take. And then he had fallen…

Chloe had raised her hands carefully now too, expression calculating. She was clearly deep in thought.

"This is quite the stand-off," Michael said lowly. "I think I may just take you up on your offer, Samael. Or perhaps…perhaps I need to just get you out of the way. To think you've been able to persuade my siblings away from Father's path. That is unacceptable, Samael. You should know better."

"If you're so sure it's dear old Dad's path, perhaps we should call him down here and settle it once and for all," Lucifer spat back, feeling his former name roll over him like a bad smell. Michael chuckled again.

"You would like that, wouldn't you," he said. "No, I don't think I will."

He pulled the sword back and Lucifer turned to him to spit out another retort, anything to get Michael to stop focusing on Chloe. Instead, he saw a glint of steel, felt an agonizing pain on the side of his head, and knew no more.