Michael and Lucifer talk through their bond. Later, God drops another bomb on Chloe.

Starting "Bloody Celestial Karaoke Jam". Yes, I am doing the singing but will be keeping it limited. The only song used from the show is "Another One Bites the Dust" but only snippets.

The song Lucifer sings is "Trying Not to Love You" by Nickelback. The link to the piano cover (instrumental only) is below:

www. youtube com / watch?v=_wKSulblS-Y&list=RD_wKSulblS-Y&start_radio=1

I have to say that it hits harder this way.

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Michael had not seen Lucifer or Chloe since that night at Grand Park. It wasn't from lack of trying on Chloe's part. She had tried calling him multiple times, but he had ignored each one. She had tried getting him to meet up with her, but he had declined those offers as well. When all else had failed, she had even tried coming to the villa, but Michael had hid on the roof until she left. So, Chloe had ended up texting him the entire weekend. Those, he answered. Texts were a little less personal and he preferred it that way right now.

Lucifer had not called or texted. He was hosting a two-night party at Lux for the weekend, so Michael knew he had to be busy with that; but that hadn't stopped his brother from reaching out mentally throughout the weekend. Random 'hellos', 'goodnights', 'what are you up to', and invites to said party. Sometimes, he had simply chattered away about random nonsense while he got dressed or entertained. Michael had even gotten a mental front row seat to Lucifer's performance on the first night.

Michael had ignored them all. He had gone about his business, what little of it there was, in hopes of things settling by the time the next case rolled around and he needed to interact with the two of them. Anxiety curled in his gut when he thought about how things would go once Lucifer finally said those words to Chloe. Michael wasn't running scared. It was simple self-preservation.

Keep telling yourself that.

His twin had been suspiciously silent since that morning. Michael shrugged it off, figuring Lucifer had finally given up while steadfastly ignoring the hurt he felt in his chest at the thought. He had ventured out to do some exploring and had actually found something for himself. It was currently hanging on his closet door, tag yet to be removed, taunting him. He had tried it on for 'shiggles', as his brother would put it. Why not? It was L.A., wasn't it? Where people went to try new things? It had been an impulse buy. Honestly, Michael couldn't figure out what he had been thinking when he had bought the thing, but there it was.

He had actually been tempted to put it on and attend the party at Lux, just to surprise his brother and catch him off guard. That would have put him at an advantage, but the thought of all the bodies and loud music that would be included in that deal had firmly deterred him. Instead, he'd stayed home on the couch in front of the fake fire, wearing the pajamas Lucifer had gotten him and reading his book, which was now sitting abandoned on the coffee table.

Please talk to me, Mike.

The plea had come through about five minutes prior. It tugged on Michael, begging for a response. Random thoughts all weekend followed by silence the whole day, and then this. Michael closed his eyes. He just couldn't ignore Lucifer when his voice sounded like that. Desperate, needy…scared. He had never been able to resist this side of his twin.

What about?

Relief rushed through him before anxiety clouded their connection. I…don't know. I didn't really expect you to answer.

Michael sighed to himself, laying his head back against the couch. I'm pretty sure that I am the one that should be anxious, Lucifer. Shouldn't Lucifer be yelling at him right now? Surely, his twin had put the pieces together. Why was he even speaking to Michael?

Maybe. Lucifer agreed, then went silent. Michael was just about to pick his book back up, figuring that was it, when the Devil spoke again. It's not a demon, right?

Michael wrinkled his nose at the thought, sharing his disgust with Lucifer. Seriously? No. What in the literal Hell was his brother taking? He moved to turn off the electric fire before turning toward the kitchen.

Lucifer chuckled through their link, making Michael roll his eyes. I had to be sure, brother.

Of course. Michael actually smiled a little, despite himself. If Lucifer was joking with him, surely things weren't as bad as he'd thought. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

It's not another sibling? This time, his brother was more hesitant with his words; cautious, seeking.

Michael took a deep breath. Lucifer knew. He was just fishing for confirmation. Did he dare give it to him? No, Lucifer, it isn't another sibling. Michael held his breath; waiting for the fall-out he knew was coming. His chest constricted when Lucifer said nothing for many minutes. He leaned against the island, staring blankly down at the bottle in his hands. I understand, Lucifer.

Understand what?

I'll stay away…

Is that what I said? I don't think it is. Annoyance filtered through their bond.

Michael didn't dare hope. You weren't saying anything. The water was cool against his throat when he drank.

You are assuming. There is a saying that goes with assumptions, dear brother.

Then say something! Michael all but shouted through their link. He slammed the bottle onto the counter and braced himself against it, his head falling forward morosely. Don't leave me hanging here… Could Celestials die from heart attacks? Michael's heart was racing. Why did Lucifer even bring this up? Maybe ignoring him would have been better.

A pause. A breath. What would you like me to say?

That was the problem; Michael didn't know. Well, if he was completely honest with himself, he did know; but he knew better than to expect that. Michael backed up against the fridge and slid to the floor. He hugged his knees close, and leaned forward to rest his head on his fore-arms. I don't know. Anything. Nothing. Something.

A sigh sounded through their connection like a small breeze. Michael…I don't hate you, or think you are disgusting, if that is what you're thinking.

Michael immediately protested. But I saw you wince…

I wasn't aware I made it that obvious. Another sigh. I was trying to piece it all together and to figure out which sibling it might be and…

Michael lifted his head, staring at the cabinets under his sink in dawning horror. Which…do I want to know which ones you were thinking of?

There was a hesitant pause. Well, I started trying to imagine you with Gabriel… Michael frowned, but he supposed it could have been worse. Gabe had her moments and was certainly more welcoming of him than the others. Then I kind of pictured Zadkiel… Okay, Zadkiel wasn't bad on the eyes, Michael would give him that, but he was the Angel of Righteousness and the two of them just didn't mix that well. And admittedly, it went downhill from there…

Lucifer trailed off. Oh no. Lucifer… Michael added in a little bit of a growl. Who?

If you really want to know…

I do.

…Jophiel…

What?! That…that…ugh…Michael didn't even have the words to properly express his disgust. No, Lucifer… that's just wrong.

Lucifer was chuckling, now amused instead of nervous. Oh come on, Mike, he isn't that bad! He's fun and he fights remarkably well; and he has the body to show for it. At least, he did the last I saw of him.

Michael shook his head before resting it in his hand, exasperated. He's all brawn and no substance. No, thank you. Castiel would be a better fit, even with all his caterwauling. Michael wasn't lying either. He would one hundred percent prefer the nerdy, dark-haired angel who couldn't carry a tune to save his life over the boisterous, pig-headed show-off.

Laughter, pure and jubilant. It filled him with happiness like nothing else and Michael found himself smiling and chuckling along. He leaned back against the fridge, stretching his legs out and setting his hands on his abdomen, a little more at ease now.

Hence, the wincing on my part. I do like to think I remember you better than that. Lucifer was still sniggering some, but he sounded earnest.

Michael hummed teasingly. I would hope so. This felt okay. Surely if they could joke and laugh, things weren't as broken as he had feared. Are we really okay? He needed to hear it, though. Please let them be okay.

Yes, Mike, we are okay. Michael could hear the soft smile in Lucifer's voice and he relaxed even further as Lucifer continued. I will admit to being shocked, maybe a little confused, but also…flattered, I guess.

Flattered? Well, Michael could work with that. Better than disgust and horror, at least. He stood and stretched, going to collect his book and moving into the bedroom. Michael had enough time to get under the blankets and comfortable before Lucifer spoke again. Must have gotten distracted. It was only a little after eleven. The party had to be getting into full swing by this point.

Just, are we still, well… a 'we'? Lucifer asked softly. I mean, is our little triad still intact?

Michael stared up at the ceiling. In the interest of self-preservation, he should back out. Lucifer had Chloe and it really was just destined to end in heartbreak for him; but the small hint of hope in his twin's voice had Michael caving. He had never been good at denying Lucifer anything and it appeared that was still the case. Yes, Lucifer, we are still a triad. Masochist much?

The feeling of unbridled joy that warmed him through their bond startled Michael, but it also made him smile shyly.

Oh, I am going to flirt with you so much from now on, Lucifer purred.

Michael groaned. He should have seen this coming. You are such a damn tease.

Lucifer sniggered. I am the Devil, dear brother.

Michael sighed before looking over to his closet door, eyeing his most recent purchase. Well, two could play at that game. He hoped, anyway.

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Lucifer sat up after a night of restless sleep. He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face, taking a quick glance at the clock - 4 a.m. Lovely.

He grabbed his robe, throwing it on as he stepped down the stairs. No more sleep was going to be coming for him tonight, so why bother trying. He'd been headed to the bar, but his piano called to him and he diverted course. Sitting down on the bench, he ran his fingers reverently over the keys. Lucifer thought over his revelations concerning Michael and their talk earlier. A quick feel of their connection let him know that Michael was deeply asleep. Lucky him. His twin had always been able to sleep soundly, so it didn't surprise Lucifer much. What did surprise him was that Michael had not shut the connection down before falling asleep. Lucifer smiled slightly. Michael was slowly opening back up. It gave him hope that things were finally moving in the right direction.

It took him a few minutes of playing with the keys to get the tune right. The song wasn't a piano piece, but he thought he could manage it well enough for a solo performance sans audience.

"You call to me, and I fall at your feet
How could anyone ask for more?
And our time apart, like knives in my heart
How could anyone ask for more?

But if there's a pill to help me forget,
God knows I haven't found it yet
But I'm dying to, God I'm trying to."

Lucifer lost himself in the words and the music. They had been fighting for so long; even in the beginning, when they were as close as they had ever been; there was always hesitancy as to how far they could take it. There was no name that they could think of for what they felt, not to Lucifer; but Michael had been able to figure it out. Of course he had. He'd always been the more observant of the two of them; the smarter one. How long…how long had Michael been fighting this? How long had Lucifer, too obtuse to put two and two together? All this time, had Lucifer been searching for what he had lost in the numerous humans he'd taken to his bed? Obviously, he had failed; miserably.

"And this kind of pain, only time takes away
That's why it's harder to let you go
And nothing I can do, without thinking of you
That's why it's harder to let you go."

Until the Detective. Lucifer loved her, he knew that with every beat his heart made; but even still, it was an echo, an extension almost, of what he felt for Michael. He had not recognized it for what it was all this time because he believed himself incapable of loving anyone or of being loved in return. He was the Devil, after all. Nobody could love the Devil, or so he had forced himself to believe.

"Cause trying not to love you, only goes so far
Trying not to need you, is tearing me apart
Can't see the silver lining, from down here on the floor
And I just keep on trying, but I don't know what for
'Cause trying not to love you
Only makes me love you more."

But Chloe had shown him differently. Linda, Trixie, Ella, they had all showed him that he could be loved on different levels and had painstakingly taught him how to do so in return. Would he have ever realized what Michael was to him without them teaching him what these feelings were? Would he have ever recognized it without Michael realizing and admitting it first?

"So I sit here divided, just talking to myself
Was it something that I did?
Was there somebody else?
When a voice from behind me, that was fighting back tears
Sat right down beside me, and whispered right in my ear
Tonight I'm dying to tell you."

And then Michael had finally chosen him. He had rebelled against Dad in a bid to stay with him and the Detective. He had rebelled for Lucifer; for himself; perhaps even for their budding triad. He had chosen to go against everything he knew and to step out of safety for what he wanted.

"That trying not to love you, only went so far
Trying not to need you, was tearing me apart
Now I see the silver lining, of what we're fighting for
And if we just keep on trying, we could be much more
'Cause trying not to love you
Oh, yeah, trying not to love you
Only makes me love you more."

Lucifer let the song come to a close. He closed his eyes, his fingers resting lightly on the keys. Michael had chosen to fight and so, Lucifer would be there to fight right along with him. Now that he knew what he had, he would be damned if he lost Michael again.

Clapping sounded behind Lucifer making him jerk away from the piano and turn around.

"I had forgotten what a wonderful voice you were blessed with." Dad. Of course. Smug smile firmly in place.

Lucifer scoffed. "Thanks to you, right?" he chuckled humorlessly. "Can't say that I am glad to see you, Dad. What are you still doing here anyway?" He moved to pour himself a drink, trying to ignore his Dad as He simply clasped His hands behind His back as if everything were normal.

"Did Amenadiel not tell you? I've decided to stay for a while."

"Why? So you can create more drama? Try to find more ways to rip me and Michael apart?" Lucifer drank. His Dad didn't seem to be getting the hint.

"Actually, no," God said quietly. "Drama maybe; but that is all up to you."

Lucifer rolled his eyes, turning to scoff at his Dad. "Right. Choice, or the illusion of it. Well, here's a choice for you." Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "Bugger off," he snapped before turning with his drink to head into the bedroom. Perhaps that would be enough to get his Dad to go away. He should have known better.

"Samael."

The dominant tone, the slightest hint of a growl, the hidden order; they all made Lucifer bristle. He was not some fledgling anymore. He was not one of His Dad's little mindless followers. He was not Samael and he had not been so for billions of years. He was the Devil; he was Lucifer. He was not of the Silver City and he would not be ordered around. He clenched his teeth, barely able to keep from breaking the glass in his hands as he flipped around.

"No," he growled, slamming the glass down on the bar. "No, no!" He stalked to his Dad, pushing him roughly back toward the elevator with a snarl. God went stoically. "In the short time you have been here, you have almost ruined everything! I've got Michael back and I will not be letting him go again! Now leave us alone!"

The elevator doors closed between God and his son. God waited until the elevator started moving down before he smiled softly to himself. He had noticed just the barest hint of white flash through Lucifer's eyes. It was just a hint; a second, no more, but it was enough. It wouldn't be long now. Time to move forward.

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Michael woke to the blare of his phone. Ella had gone through and programmed special ringtones for each of them, and going by the ringtone, it was Chloe. He thought. Ugh, what time was it anyway? A grumble issued from the blanket that had been pulled over his head. Too early, regardless.

It started ringing again a few moments later. Seriously? Michael checked the time without answering. Not even nine. Someone had better be dead.

Someone is. Now answer the damn phone, Lucifer groused, irritated. Had he not closed that last night? Nope. Smug satisfaction. If Michael was able, he would have punched the grin off his twin's face that he somehow just knew was there. You have to get up first. Lucifer sing-songed.

Michael growled. He was not awake enough for chipper Lucifer. There had better be coffee for having to deal with you.

Lucifer laughed, but assured him that his favorite would be waiting on him. After talking with Chloe to get the address, Michael dragged himself out of bed to get dressed. Normally, he could be ready in ten or less minutes, but his newest purchase caught his eye. Hmm, maybe an extra few minutes wouldn't hurt this morning. He did have a pair of Lucifer's slacks that he had borrowed that would go better with it than his own.

Michael slid the garment on and looked in the mirror that hung on the back his closet door. It looked just as good this morning as it had in the store yesterday, or so he thought. Fashion really wasn't his area of expertise, but he knew enough to recognize that it was nice leather; and the perfect offset of black that didn't blend in too much with his shirt. It was supple and smooth beneath his fingers; nothing fancy, but for the multiple brushed-steel zippers on the pockets and sleeves. Michael still flinched a bit at the price tag as he took it off, but it was on Lucifer's card and he knew his brother wouldn't even bat an eye.

He hesitated a moment, anxiously ruffling his hair and making the bangs curl some over his forehead, before firmly deciding to walk out the door. If it didn't work, he could always take it off and…, give it to someone else.

Michael landed just out of sight of the football field where he was meeting the others, furling his wings away. Chloe had already been on the way when he had talked with her so it was no surprise that she, Ella, and Lucifer were already there. Taking a deep breath, Michael walked out to meet them. Ella spotted him first, her face lighting up in an enthusiastic smile.

"Michael! ¡Me encanta! Muy caliente." She embraced him in one of her signature hugs, before stepping back to take him in some more. "Eh, sorry, just love me an angel in leather." She winked at him.

Michael chuckled, taking the compliment for what it was, even if he was a bit nervous. "Just thought I would try something new." Why weren't the other two saying anything?

"Are we tiptoeing in trying out a leather fetish?" Typical Lucifer.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Hardly. I saw it, liked it, and thought I would try it. That is what L.A. is for, no?"

Lucifer was looking at him oddly. He was smiling in his teasing way, but there was something else, just out of reach. His eyes, which were currently traveling Michael's body, sent waves of heat through him. The smile turned more devious. "Are those my trousers you're wearing?"

"Yes." Michael shrugged, aiming for nonchalant, but not sure he was managing very well. He held out his hand for the coffee Lucifer was holding, knowing it was for him. Something about the way his brother was eyeing him had him feeling giddy and flushed. "They went better with it than my normal pairs."

"Well, of course they did." Lucifer hummed stepping closer to him and finally relinquishing the life-giving substance.

Michael drank deeply while he took note of Ella and Chloe watching them. Chloe did have an appreciative look on her face as she took him in that made him feel even warmer under the collar. Okay, maybe this jacket hadn't been such a bad idea after all.

"Give us a twirl, Michael; can't appreciate the full effect if you don't." Lucifer spun his finger around, indicating how he wanted Michael to spin.

Something about it made him flush. Michael held his arms out, turning as Lucifer had requested. There was an approving hum echoing in his head. Flutters erupted in his stomach at the sound, but Michael hid it behind an air of disinterest.

"It does suit you very well, Michael," Chloe added, her voice quiet; but Michael could see just how much she did like it in her eyes.

"Hmm, yes, may I?" Lucifer motioned toward him, asking for Michael's permission to come closer. Michael nodded.

Lucifer stepped into Michael's space, his hands reaching for the zipper of the jacket. Michael's heart lurched. He kept his eyes stubbornly on Lucifer's as his brother fitted the zipper and pulled it up partway before fixing his collar. The Devil did all this without leaving Michael's gaze. Neither blinked. The look in Lucifer's eyes was going to be Michael's undoing. Michael breathed in, his eyes fluttering. Lucifer smelled so good; saliva filled his mouth with the urge to taste. His lips parted slightly. It was an invitation, a plea, and Lucifer tilted his head just so; he was going to accept it.

"Damn, Decker, you are one lucky chica."

Ella's voice broke the spell. Both twins blinked, stepping back from the other. Michael shoved his free hand into his pocket while drinking hastily from his cup and Lucifer adjusted his vest before fiddling with his cuff links. Neither of them looked at each other as Lucifer stepped back over to Chloe's side. Of course, Michael thought dejectedly. He was only flirting.

Chloe hummed in agreement with a clearing of her throat before motioning to the body they had all been ignoring. "Um, shall we?"

Right, of course. They were gathered at the football field for a reason; the dead referee. So much for professionalism.

"Mind catching Michael up, Ella?"

Ella agreed, gearing up for her spiel, camera in hand. "So, it was the fourth quarter. It had just hit the two-minute warning. Cathedral Hall is down by three, but they have possession. Cheerleaders…"

"Um, I have no clue what any of this means," Michael interrupted, feeling really out of his element. He shifted under the disbelieving stares the three were giving him. "What? I never paid attention before." Michael brought his cup back to his mouth. He had only been on Earth what, three months? Maybe? Give him a break.

"We are so introducing you to football," Ella bemoaned. "You can't live down here, never mind the continental U.S., without knowing about football."

Lucifer sighed while Chloe chuckled. "Probably best to skip the play by play, Ella."

Ella nodded. "So, it was just a scrimmage game really. Poor Steve Rockwell here dropped dead at the 50-yard line."

"From what we can gather, everyone thought it was a heart attack, but Ella discovered that he was poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Michael stepped around to look closer at the bag Ella held up.

"Yep. Someone coated his whistle with it."

Lucifer sniggered. "That blows."

Michael rolled his eyes, but still chuckled along with the girls. It was a very well-timed joke, after all.

"What are you going to do, though?" Ella knelt down to take pictures of Rockwell. "Another one bites the dust."

Michael drank more of his coffee, silently moaning at the taste; just the right amount of chocolate and sweetness to offset the bitter. It was perfect and so good. He heard an answering groan in his head, but decided to ignore it and instead focused… a dancing Ella.

"Um, Ella? Are you okay?" Michael asked, concerned and looking around as the uniforms came closer to join in the dancing as well.

Was that music? Where the Hell was it coming from? He quickly noticed Lucifer looking around warily as well, even though Chloe seemed oblivious. Football players and the band were even getting involved. The twins made eye contact with equally flummoxed expressions.

"What on earth is happening?" Lucifer questioned, turning around to find the cheerleaders had started waving their pompoms in time with the beat.

"I…I have absolutely no clue," Michael answered moving to stand with his twin. At least Lucifer was just as perplexed as he was.

Chloe moved in front of them, trailing a hand down each of their chests and successfully drawing their attention away from the now human-filled football field. Michael heard Lucifer swallow at the same time he did. She was looking at them with heat in her eyes and…

"Oohhh, let's go," Ella started singing somewhere behind them. Singing now? Seriously?

Next thing Michael knew, Chloe was bending over in front of them and waving her ass right in line with their crotches. Michael choked, quickly stepping back and dropping his coffee in the process. Damn it. Lucifer had frozen with a look of shock and was that just a hint of fear? This was getting way too weird, way too fast.

"Are you ready?

Hey, are you ready for this?

Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?"

Oh, Daniel was getting involved now too, and no, Michael was not ready for whatever the Hell this was. He turned back to find Lucifer had moved away and…of course…Lucifer had started to dance with them.

Are you fucking kidding me?

"Yeah!" Lucifer belted out the perfect note, joining right in with the rest.

Oh, for the love of…Michael moved carefully, trying to stay out of the way and not get pulled into the craziness that was happening all around him. Was he the only one left with his sanity intact? Lucifer did a little dance number with Chloe before he grabbed at Michael. Oh no. No, no, no, he was not getting pulled into this!

He got pulled into it.

"Come on, Michael. Relax and dance with me," Lucifer purred in his ear as they spun.

It wasn't that Michael didn't want to; just not like this. Not under this crazy, forced number. "Lucifer, we don't even know what's going on."

He pulled away in time for Lucifer to fall back in line with a mumbled "I'm kind of rusty." Or was that supposed to be 'dusty'?

Leave it to his music-loving twin to allow himself to get swept away with all of this. Michael looked around for anything, anyone, that wasn't dancing besides him and quickly found his Father standing on the side-lines. Sweet fuck. Seriously? Michael growled under his breath, adamantly ignoring the fear churning his gut, and focused on being insulted on behalf of his human friends as he stormed over. They were not toys for his Father to play with at His leisure.

"What are you doing? Why are you doing it?" Michael snapped as he approached, hating the benevolent smile his Father wore. "It doesn't matter. Stop it."

"No one is getting hurt, Michael," God stated calmly. "It is all in good fun."

"Fun? They are human beings and they are not pawns for whatever it is that you are planning," Michael snarled.

God tilted his head. "I was not aware you felt that way." How much trouble would Michael be in if he strangled Him? "Regardless, it is almost over. Let your brother have his fun."

Michael scoffed, turning around to find the group now going in circles around Rockwell.

"There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man."

He focused on Lucifer. Yes, his brother was involved, but he knew when Lucifer was fully enjoying himself; and this was not it. Lucifer was going along because the others were and it was music and his twin had never been able to help himself when it came to a good beat; but there was no true enjoyment on his face. Lucifer was not smiling; his eyes were not glowing with joy; if anything, he looked confused and worried. His movements were stiff, not relaxed.

Michael turned back, even angrier. Father was preying on Lucifer's weaknesses purposefully. "Stop it. This isn't fun."

God sighed. "Michael, you really should learn to relax."

"I will not relax!" Michael stepped closer. "If you are going to punish me, then punish me; but leave Lucifer out of it."

Another sigh. "Why do you always think I am trying to punish you?"

Michael started to speak, but then everything suddenly stopped. The music was gone and everyone was back in their original positions. Michael turned around to find Lucifer heading their direction with a snarl on his face.

"What part of 'stay away from us' did you not understand?"

Michael paused. When did you two talk?

This morning. I basically told him where to shove it, but of course he didn't bloody listen, Lucifer answered, though it did not show on his face nor did he look at Michael. Michael hummed in discontent, staying close and eyeing their Father warily.

God smiled. "I simply wanted to see what you did for work." He was talking about Lucifer. Michael sighed. Of course He was. "You're an assistant?"

Lucifer huffed. "Consultant," He corrected primly. "And for the record, Michael also works with us as an Intern so he's not just here to look pretty." Although you do a lovely job of that as well.

Lucifer, Michael groaned, exasperated.

"Now go away," Lucifer barked, grabbing Michael's arm to leave.

"Did you at least have fun?" God asked simply, still smiling gently. It really had Michael's nerves itching.

Lucifer spun back around, accidently jolting Michael's arm. Unfortunately, it just so happened to be his injured left one and a sharp pain lanced through his shoulder. He couldn't stop the soft hiss that escaped from between his teeth.

Damn it, Lucifer. He resisted grabbing at the injury with their Father present. His shoulder was going to ache for the better part of the day now.

"That is not the point." Fuck. Apologies, Michael. I did not intend to hurt your shoulder. "It is not what one does at a crime scene." Mentally, Lucifer sounded remorseful, but only showed his anger outwardly. Michael was very impressed at his ability to multi-task.

"Ah, I see." God nodded. "Noted. From here on out, you won't even know I'm here."

Michael groaned outwardly when the music started again and the girls behind their Father started dancing. Lucifer leaned a bit to the side before sighing.

Oh, God, they thought simultaneously as their Father simply smiled at them.

"I'm done," Michael grunted, turning back to their victim. He couldn't take that peaceful, knowing look anymore. Lucifer followed, gently placing a hand on his shoulder as they walked away. His thumb rubbed a pattern of soft circles that actually helped.

"How bad?" he asked quietly, clearly apologetic.

Michael shook his head. "It's fine. Just burns a bit." He really wished he still had his coffee.

Lucifer nodded though still looked unsure. They returned to Ella, who informed them that Chloe had gone to interview the victim's wife. Lucifer stuck close to him and both of them kept a carefully watchful eye on their Father.

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Chloe was talking to Mrs. Rockwell while she monitored the twins talking to their Father. She had been worried at first when she had looked up to find Michael had gone; doubly so when she realized he was on the sidelines talking with God. Lucifer had noticed too and immediately headed in their direction before Chloe had been able to say a thing. When Ella had looked at her with brows raised, she remembered that she had promised the Latina a full run down but had gotten sidetracked. With a quick promise to fill her in the first bit of free time they had, Chloe decided to chat with the victim's wife.

Lucifer had plainly taken a protective stance with Michael, standing just in front of his twin. Not enough for it to be obvious, but Lucifer would be able to easily push Michael away or grab him should the need arise. It came as no surprise to Chloe, considering Lucifer's most recent revelations. They had talked since Lucifer had his break; not in person, but they had spent many hours on the phone after Trixie had gone to bed. She had figured out quickly that Lucifer had been hurt by how much Michael was revealing to her after he had flown away, but hearing him actually come clean about it had made her feel worse. It wasn't anyone's fault, she knew that, but Chloe still felt guilty about it.

Then to hear that Lucifer felt he had similar feelings for Michael had actually felt relieving as much as it induced anxiety. Chloe had already seen hints upon hints that Lucifer loved Michael and had known it was only a matter of time before the connection was made. She had been glad to see that they had also apparently worked things out well enough to be reasonably comfortable with one another. Michael also appeared to be slightly more open with Lucifer now, which was also a good thing. Now all she had to do was try not to think too hard about the two of them leaving her. She was just a human, after all; what could they possibly want with her now that they had found each other again?

"Thank you for your time." Chloe tried to smile warmly at the grieving woman, leaving her to the Deputy to give her full statement.

Chloe stepped off the bleachers and paused to adjust her jacket and just watch her boys for a moment. They were talking with Ella, Michael looking over her shoulder at the camera before pointing away, most likely suggesting or learning camera angles while Lucifer stood watch. She smiled, thinking about how far Michael had come since she had shot him in the penthouse. If anyone had told her then that she would be in a triad with him and Lucifer, she most likely would have shot them on principle; but Michael had turned out to be so much more than the fear-inducing, cold bastard he had started off as. She considered it her own gift to be able to begin to see and help the twins of old come back together. They were simply too beautiful together.

"It really is nice to see my sons getting along again. Have I thanked you for that?"

Chloe spun around to find God standing behind her with that same unnervingly peaceful smile on His face. She stood taller in order to hide how intimidated she was. "I don't need your thanks."

God hummed, clasping his hands behind his back. "No matter, you have it anyway." He looked in the direction of the twins. "Contrary to what you may think, I am happy they are rebuilding their relationship."

Chloe watched Him with confusion. What? She may have been practicing Atheism most of her life, but even she knew the major sins, or so she thought. "I'm confused."

"I'm going to assume you mean you're confused as to why I'm not bothered by the supposed incest between them?" Chloe nodded. "I only made two humans initially, my dear; how else did you think the world got populated?"

Chloe honestly hadn't thought that hard about it, but that wasn't what she meant. She tried to speak, but God beat her to it.

"I know what you meant." God looked at her solemnly as His smile faded. "My children took things very literally in the early days; many still do." He sighed, gazing back toward Michael and Lucifer. There was a ghost of an emotion that crossed His face, but it was gone before Chloe could catch what it was. He smiled again, this time in a more resigned manner. "They do look remarkably like twins, don't they?"

Chloe blinked. Just blinked. A millisecond at the most and God was gone. Chloe jumped and twisted quickly to try to find Him, but he had vanished. What had he meant? She felt nervous. Her heart was racing beneath her ribcage and her palms felt sweaty. Chloe quickly turned to Lucifer and Michael to find them approaching her with worried expressions.

They were twins. They were actual twins, right? Then what had God meant when He said they looked like twins?