Mom's Home
A short buzzing sound dragged Chloe to consciousness, and though she was still far from awake, she wasn't sleeping anymore. If waking up was the surface of a lake, she was still swimming soundly in its depths.
Chloe tried to stay in that place as long as she could, keeping her eyes shut, but her mind was slowly starting to awaken. Starting to become aware again of its surroundings.
She opened one eye. The gentle morning light peeked through the drapes, pooling on the floor. Several pieces of discarded clothing lay there as well, scattered throughout the room. During the night, she'd gotten cold and fished his shirt from the floor before putting it on. Hints of his cologne were still there on the collar.
Opening both her eyes, Chloe squinted against the light and looked down. The sheets were crumpled and tossed around her legs. An arm was slung over her waist. On her bedside table the alarm read 8:47 AM. Her phone buzzed twice, much to her annoyance. The day that thing doesn't disturb me cannot come soon enough. Chloe reached out to put it quickly on mute, pressing the volume button till it went silent. Nothing was going to disturb her free day.
Blinking a couple of times, she became aware of the steady, even breathing coming from behind her. Chloe turned on her other side, careful not to wake him. His arm shifted with her movement but remained mostly in place. Her face was only a couple of inches from his, and she couldn't help smiling.
Lucifer was still asleep, his eyes closed, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The morning light illuminated the panes of his face, casting them in a soft, golden light. Bringing out the lighter strands in his hair, giving his skin a faint glow. It made him look angelic. Even more so.
Her fingers ached to reach out and touch him, but she didn't want to wake him up yet. For now, she was just content watching him.
Sleep erased all the worries, stilling all the gears in his mind that she could often see churning. Erased all the self-hatred and pain. All gone for a moment, replaced by a peaceful slumber. His guard was down. He looked so different, and yet he didn't. By now, she was certain she knew nearly all of his expressions, and the underlying ones. It never ceased to fascinate her, watching how his face could twist into something and then back again. The way he concealed his emotions, only to have his eyes betray him. He never ceased to fascinate her.
Tucking the image carefully away, Chloe felt that now familiar twinge of anxiety in her chest whenever things were going right for them. Because everything could go to Hell at any given time. As if all manners earthly weren't unpredictable and dangerous enough, especially when it came to police work.
So these moments of peace, in between work and Trixie and her mom and Lux and celestial business in general, were rare.
They stole moments wherever they could. Brief kisses when they ran into each other at the crime scene —much to Ella's delight. The way Lucifer would put his hand on her knee during the dread that is paperwork, or how he'd brush his hand against hers before lacing their fingers together under the table. How she'd give his hand a little squeeze every now and then.
Little notes they left behind for each other, scribbled down on hastily torn-off pieces of notepad, as if worried their thoughts might get lost if they waited too long. It was rushed lunches in between deadlines, spent in some dingy deli shop, taking turns to softly criticize and laugh at the sogginess of the bread or trying to pinpoint the exact nature of the mystery meat in a too-dry salad of the day. A quick peck on the lips after a successful stake-out that had them both coming back for more and soon turned out much more heated than they initially intended.
The first time Chloe had tugged on his sleeve and inclined her head towards the closet door, he'd gone slack-jawed and speechless for a moment before rushing to the door and holding it open for her. Not even bothering to check if anyone might be watching.
After a while, Lucifer was starting to shift beside her. His breathing became more superficial, eyes flickering under his eyelids. When he finally opened them, he found Chloe's only a few inches from his. A couple of confused blinks, before amusement spread over his face.
She smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed at being caught.
"Hi."
His hand splayed across the small of her back, fingers curling in the material of the shirt. He gave her a sleepy smile.
"Good morning." He brushed his hand over the small of her back, and she arched slightly into his touch. "Have you been awake for long yet?"
Chloe shook her head. "No. Only for a little while."
A comfortable silence fell between them, with Lucifer continuing to softly stroke her back.
Seeing him like this, Chloe couldn't control herself anymore and ran her hands through his messy bed hair, brushing it from his face. It felt soft and thick between her fingers. She loved it when his hair was all messed up—so different from his usual composed look — especially when she was at least partly responsible for it.
Lucifer leant into her touch, before taking her hand in his and turning it over so he could press a kiss to her palm. He started making his way up her arm, covering it in featherlight kisses.
Chloe's stomach did a flip, and she let out an honest to God giggle from the giddiness she felt, angling her body to give him more access.
It made her feel like she was her sixteen-year-old self again, and any possible embarrassment she might have had at that thought vanished almost immediately. Because it was them. It was Lucifer, and after everything they'd been through, they deserved to be as cheesy as they liked. Especially since they haven't had a lot of opportunity to do so.
When he came to the collar of the shirt, he stopped his ministrations. "Mmm," he mused. "This looks oddly familiar to me." He nipped playfully at the skin of her neck—earning a surprised yelp from Chloe along with a playful swat on his arm—before meeting her gaze.
There was an amused twinkle in his eyes, along with something else. Something deeper. More profound. Something he wasn't ready to voice yet. He sighed. "It looks much better on you, anyway."
Chloe hummed in agreement. Their noses were nearly brushing, and Lucifer's gaze dipped to her lips and back.
As he started to lean in, bracing one arm beside her head on the pillow, Chloe's stomach let out a loud groan.
They both burst out laughing, Lucifer ducking his head to avoid bumping into hers. The bed rocked along with their movement. It hadn't even occurred to her how hungry she actually was. Not when there were other, more pleasant thoughts swirling inside her mind.
Still smiling, she said, "Maybe we should get some breakfast."
"Maybe."
Although her stomach felt like an empty pit, even so to the point of nausea, the only thing she could focus on were his arms around her, all the places they touched, the comforting warmth of him.
But it was the way he looked at her that made Chloe reach up and lace her fingers behind his head, pulling him down towards her body.
"I take it we're not making breakfast, then?"
Chloe shook her head. "There are more important things." And she closed the remaining distance between them, brushing her lips against his tentatively at first, then deepening the kiss with an ease that was becoming more and more natural to her.
Lucifer used the hand he had on her back to pull her flush against him. His other hand still braced on the pillow, so as not to put his full weight on top of her. He flicked his tongue over her bottom lip, earning a groan from Chloe.
She opened for him, and his tongue slipped past her lips, licking slowly, deliberately into her mouth. Earning more of those sounds he could never tire of hearing.
Hot, lazy kisses that made Chloe feel like she was warm all over. Unhurried and sweet, like they had all the time in the world. She tangled her fingers in his hair at the nape of his neck, feeling him sigh against her lips. One of his fingertips was drawing circles on the small of her back, and Chloe felt as if she could float away into nothingness at the bliss of it all.
Because, for a moment, everything was as it should be. No stress from work, no pressure from above to crack a high-profile case as quickly and quietly as possible. No late nights and early mornings, downing coffee as one would down water and having to rearrange her weekly schedule for the tenth time. There were no biblical figures—save the one exception— making her life harder and making her question everything she ever knew about religion. That pushed her over the edge of a mental breakdown the first time that happened. Or shot her.
And that one biblical figure was beside her, relaxed and content, and more beloved than she could have ever imagined. And for the first time in a long time, things were good. Not perfect, far from it, but manageable. They were learning from one another, exploring together, apologizing if someone got hurt. Genuine desire to improve —sometimes awkward and a bit painful, with sheepish smiles and apologies said out loud, written and texted —but genuine nonetheless. The typical speedbumps of a budding relationship, something so delightfully normal for them. It's new, and scary, but with someone already so familiar beside her.
Chloe wasn't going to give it up without a fight. And neither was he.
Lucifer broke away first, leaning his forehead against hers and gulping down some much-needed air. A dazed smile was plastered over his face, his pupils blown wide.
Chloe exhaled a laugh beneath him, her breathing ragged and uneven. Her body felt flushed from head to toe. Something had stirred inside of her, low and hot, coiling in her gut. She could see her own want mirrored in his expression.
He swallowed and licked his lips. "Do you want to-?"
At the barest dip of her chin Lucifer leant forward, his other hand tilting her head into another kiss that made her toes curl. Chloe could feel him smile against her lips. He tugged at the hem of the shirt, a silent request.
She sat up and placed a hand on his shoulder, pushing lightly so he would give her the space she needed to sit up.
He drew away and leant back, fingertips lingering as he did. He was panting, eyes dark, taking in her every movement as if to commit each curve and angle to memory. Lucifer opened his mouth to say something only to be cut off by a loud growl from his stomach. Chloe's did a whale call of its own a second later, causing them to both to chuckle.
"Perhaps breakfast isn't such a bad idea after all. Can't have you exercising on an empty stomach, can I?"
Chloe snorted and gave him a nod. The beginning of a headache was starting to form between her eyes, and the nausea caused by an empty stomach was starting to get the upper hand now he wasn't pressed against her anymore. A tempting and very effective distraction.
"Yeah," she said, with a glance at the alarm clock. It was a little after nine. "I mean, we still have all day, right?"
"Absolutely. And I intend to make the most out of it." With a quick peck on her lips, Lucifer threw the sheets off him and started to pick his clothes up off the ground.
Chloe took a moment to unapologetically admire the view. Even though she'd gotten a full night of rest for the first time in God knows how long, the stress of the last month had taken its toll on her. Fitful nights of sleep, too much coffee and not enough food, resulting in an upset stomach. Overthinking and worrying to a degree that it could have been an Olympic sport. She'd even started nail biting again, a habit she thought she'd gotten rid of successfully many years ago. It made her exhaustion hit her all the harder when she finally took a moment to rest and catch her breath - feeling her body creak and groan from the effort it took to keep from falling apart.
Swinging her legs off the bed, a thought struck her. Chloe pinched the shirt between two fingers. "Do you need this back?" Though she wouldn't admit it out loud, she was loath to part with it. The shirt was obviously much too big for her, the hem of it grazing the top of her knees when she stood up. But the fabric was soft and luxurious, and she liked the way it felt on her skin.
Lucifer adjusted his trousers. "I stand by my point."
Chloe cast another glance at her bedside table, unable to shake the feeling that something was slipping her mind. Beside the alarm clock sat the origami swan he'd folded for her from a napkin at the deli shop. Her phone lay there as well, like Pandora's box, the source of all trouble and despair with only hope left at the bottom. Like hell she was going to open it today.
Whatever had come in could most certainly wait until tomorrow. Let others handle it for once.
Chloe strode towards the bathroom, pausing in the doorway. "I'm going to freshen up. You could already go downstairs, if you like."
Lucifer had settled down on the bed, leaning back on his arms. "I am perfectly comfortable here. I'll wait."
She smiled at his answer, pleasantly surprised. "Be right back, then."
To say that the kitchen was a mess was the understatement of the century. They'd gone out for dinner right after work yesterday, after she'd had her share of poring over various eyewitness accounts and had shut down her computer. Enough was enough. Lately she'd been working on respecting her boundaries when it came to work, and though that certainly wasn't easy at times, some prospects made wrapping up for the day a no-brainer. The restaurant had been lovely, elegant but somehow still casual, nothing too fancy. Somewhere they could go in their work clothes — Chloe, at least, because he was always in a suit no matter the occasion. Afterward they'd gone back to her place, and cleaning had been the last thing on her mind.
Chloe was cracking eggs in a bowl when he made to fill in the dish washer, likely in the hopes of diminishing the mountain of dirty dishes. "Oh no, it's fine, just leave it. I'll do it tomorrow." She waved him off, feeling embarrassment creep up on her. When I'm not a mess, my entire household seems to be.
"Are you sure? I'm happy to help."
"Yeah, it's fine, don't worry about it. But, umm, could you set the table, please? The plates are-"
"Second cupboard from the right. I know, it's where you keep the mugs."
Chloe smiled to herself as he passed behind her, letting his hand linger on her back as he went by. Sometimes she forgot that although they were – relatively speaking- new, his presence here certainly wasn't. The years often had a tendency to blur together, some moments standing out sharply while others seemed to fade.
Chloe added salt and pepper to the eggs, then started stirring them quickly with a fork because the whisk was somewhere in the heap and she was too hungry to go looking for it.
There was the sound of rummaging coming from behind her, the clank of plates against the wood of the cupboard. "Just so you know, I think these are absolutely grand." She turned to look over her shoulder at him. Lucifer was holding a plastic dinner plate with a faded, old-fashioned Mickey Mouse on it.
It had been ages since she'd seen those, let alone use them. The cupboard must have been nearly empty for him to have stumbled upon those so easily. Nevertheless, the sight of it brought a smile to her face. "They're Trixie's. Dan and I got them the first time we'd all gone to Disneyland. I'd kind of forgotten they were even in there." Dan had insisted on bringing home a souvenir they could use every day – besides the stuffed Winnie The Pooh their daughter had gotten. Unfortunately only two of the three plates had survived till he present.
Lucifer turned his attention back to the plate in his hand. "I like them," he said solemnly. And he went and put them on the counter.
Chloe watched him flit around in the kitchen, carrying glasses and orange juice and jam with such an ease that it felt like they spent every morning like this together.
As she finished whisking the eggs, his arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Lucifer pressed a kiss to her neck. "Pardon me, love, but it would seem you are standing in front of the cutlery drawer."
Her hand stilled, and she couldn't help the sly edge from creeping into her voice. "Is that so?"
"Mmm," he said, brushing his nose against the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. "I do need them if we intent to eat properly."
Chloe twisted in his embrace so she faced him and leant back against the counter. Tilting her head to one side, she asked, "What's in it for me?"
The way his voice dropped made her stomach flutter. "The promise of breakfast. In excellent company, if I say so myself."
"Go on."
"And afterwards, well…" His eyes raked slowly over body, taking everything in. "Let's just say there are other things I'm starving for,"
Chloe inched closer. "Guess they'll-"
But she was interrupted by the shrill ring of the doorbell, followed by a firm rap on the wood. Both of their heads snapped towards the door, and Chloe frowned. She hadn't ordered anything, Trixie was with Dan and she was adamant she hadn't made any other plans.
Lucifer made to pull away, but she put a hand on his arm to stop him. "Don't. They'll go away." Or I'll make them.
They both kept their eye on the door, and when it remained silent for a while Chloe allowed herself to slump against the counter. The peace had returned.
No sooner had she thought that or a firm succession of raps sounded on the wood, this time more insistently. The bell rang again, twice, and shattered the last of Chloe's patience. She let out a grunt of frustration. Lucifer's arm fell away around her, and she stormed to the door and swung it open. "What."
A woman in her early fifties stood on her doorstep, dressed in a slim-fitting navy blouse and white linen pants. Her blond hair fell to her shoulders, well coiffured and perfectly in model, and the latest designer handbag swung from her arm. Her nails spoke of a recent manicure, and everything about her seemed to ooze casual wealth. If it hadn't been for the mere surprise of seeing her there, Chloe would've immediately slammed the door shut.
"Is that how you greet your mother?"
Every pleasant thought she'd had, the feeling of deep contentment from just a moment ago had melted away, as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over her head. Chloe went rigid, trying to process what exactly was happening. "What- what are you doing here?"
Chloe started wracking her mind for any lunches or coffee dates she could have set (or hopelessly postponed), but came up with absolutely nothing. A spark of anger started simmering in her gut. This. Was. Not. Happening
Penelope pushed her sunglasses into her hair. "Do I need a reason to visit my daughter?"
Yes, Chloe almost said. She shuffled a little more behind the door, becoming aware of her outfit – or rather the lack of it. "I thought you were in Italy until next week for the cameo in that –" what the hell was it again? "- spy movie?"
Her mother didn't correct her, so Chloe assumed she'd guessed right. She merely lifted an elegant shoulder in a half-shrug. "My scenes came up a lot earlier than originally planned, last-minute changes. You know how it goes." She frowned, as if only now registering how her daughter's appearance. "You know, I did call you. And texted, even yesterday evening. How come you aren't dressed?"
I should have opened my phone. Chloe mentally scolded herself for ignoring all the missed calls and texts. It could have been so easy to avoid this. But then she went back to the conversation about boundaries she'd had with Linda, and the spark in her gut started to catch fire. Chloe gritted her teeth. "Wait, I didn't even reply to your texts and you took that as a yes?"
Penelope clacked her tongue and shifted her bag from one arm to the other. "Didn't we agree to meet up when I got back?"
A week from now! "Yes, but – that's not-" Chloe trailed off, letting out a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I really can't do this without coffee."
At that, her mother perked up. "Coffee, yes! I could do with some to counter the jet lag." And brushed right past her, into the house.
Chloe banged her head against the doorframe. "Sure, come right in," she muttered. "Why not?"
"Detective, are you quite alright over there?" Lucifer called, starting to make his way to the entry, still very much shirtless. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her. In the span of a few seconds, his expression went from confused to frustrated to plastering a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes, all of it with an ease that probably took decades to perfect.
"Misses Decker, what a…lovely surprise!"
Penelope looked up from where she'd started arranging magazines neatly on a stack on the coffee table. "Lucifer, how nice to see you!" she exclaimed, charming and unfazed as ever. She looked between the two of them, piecing together their clothes. "Well, it certainly took you two long enough."
Lucifer hummed in approval. "Journey and such, am I right?" He noticed Chloe shooting daggers with her eyes at her mother, jaw clenched tight. She'd wrapped her arms around her middle, fingers digging into her side. "Would anyone like some coffee?" he offered carefully.
"Yes! God, yes!" Chloe burst out. "I'll do it." Before any of them could reply she paced into the kitchen."
Lucifer whispered to her under his breath as she passed. "Don't worry. I'll distract her."
"Please, have a seat," Lucifer said to her mother, the slightest hint of hesitation in his words.
Chloe yanked the cupboard open, took three mugs and put them with a clang on the counter. Of course this had to happen. Of course she'd ruin her one free day, the one thing she'd looked so much forward to. The pounding in her head was getting worse, and she could feel the muscles in her shoulder straining. So much for an easy morning.
Brushing a hand over her face, Chloe filled the heater with water and put it on. Conversation from the seating area floated into the kitchen. "-and Tuscany is lovely this time of year. The weather still mild and not too many tourists lurking about." And what does that make you, mom? An occasional traveler?
"You couldn't be more right," Lucifer replied. "And the wine season almost starts then as well. Did you know –"
Their voices were drowned out in the burble of the boiling water. Chloe checked the cabinet for the pot, only to find it neatly placed alongside the cream, sugar and stevia on the counter. The sight of it brought a smile to her face. He must have put it there when she wasn't looking.
"Chloe, honey, no sugar in mine, please," her mother called from the couch before launching back into the conversation.
Chloe ignored it, scooping granules into the mugs and pouring hot water over them. She added two sugar cubes in Lucifer's mug, no cream. For herself she poured some cream and added stevia. And in her mother's she dropped a cube alongside the cream, unable to help herself. Maybe it was petty, but she was beyond caring at the moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she carried them to the living room.
"Black with two sugars." His fingers brushed hers when she handed him the mug. Lucifer met her gaze. "Thank you."
Chloe managed a brief smile before wordlessly thrusting the other mug towards her mother, then going back to the kitchen to fetch hers. She took a large gulp, feeling like life was starting to seep back into her. "I can do this," she muttered. "I can do this. There will be no casualties today." Let that be her mantra for the day.
Chloe settled down on the couch, cradling the mug to her stomach, her leg pressed against Lucifer's. There was plenty of room for her to sit, but she liked being close to him. And to non-verbally make a statement about the inconvenience of her mother's visit.
Her mother simply continued her conversation. "Unfortunately, it seemed my favorite artisanal shoe shop hadn't survived the latest dip in the economy. Such a shame, seeing that all that craftsmanship couldn't save them. Florence is full of spaces for hire these days. Makes one think, doesn't it?"
"I wholeheartedly agree," Lucifer said. "I know the feeling all too well of seeing beloved establishments disappear. And there's no such thing quite like Italian leather, is there?"
Penelope nodded from her seat on the couch to her left, ramrod straight, ankles neatly crossed. The perfect portrait of elegance. It made her think back on all the lesson she'd received on posture during her teenage years. Sit up. Straighter. You'll ruin your back. Don't give me that look. A woman does not slouch, Chloe.
Her mother took a sip of her drink, then frowned. "Are you sure you didn't put any sugar in it? And what have you done to your nails? Did you start biting them again?"
"Stevia," she replied curtly, ignoring her comment. "So mom, why the surprise visit?"
"Well, it's hardly a surprise, is it? I told you I'd be coming by after I returned, didn't I?"
"You were supposed to return a week from now."
Penelope waved her comment away, undeterred by her hostile tone. "Even then, as I said, do I need a reason to visit you?"
"A heads-up would be nice." Before her mother could reply, she added. "One that I actually know about."
"Are you telling me to schedule an appointment with you? Like a doctor?" It was said half-jokingly, but it caused the anger in her gut to flare. Lucifer's head swiveled between the two women as if he were following a tennis match.
"I don't hear from you in weeks, and now, all of a sudden, you show up today? It's suspicious, at the very least.
"Suspicious." Her mother let out a soft laugh with a dangerous undertone. "Is that what you call it?"
Chloe's knuckles went white around the mug. "Yes. Yes, actually, that is what I call it." She could hear the barbs in her own voice, but didn't attempt to hide them.
Unexpected visits – which consisted of more than half of the times she actually saw her mother – almost always came down to it that she needed something from her. Be it one of the expensive bottles of wine from the old house, a certain dress or pair of shoes she needed to loan in the rare moment she had her approval of her fashion sense, even certain sets of cutlery she needed for some fancy dinner with one of the producers. Asking to go shopping for or to bring something along from a store that is so far from the precinct she often doubts her mother knows where she works. Whisking Trixie away on a last-minute trip – which Chloe doesn't mind, her daughter needed quality time with her grandmother, too – only to return in the evening and criticize her parenting at every turn.
Lucifer brushed a hand over her back in a comforting sweep, and Chloe allowed herself to lean into it.
"Look, I know you have…company-"
"Oh, do you?"
"Yes!" Penelope snapped. And the mask falls away. Penelope Decker, ladies and gentlemen. She shifted in her seat, running a hand through her hair, her usual composed demeanor clicking back into place. "I do," she said with a nod at Lucifer. And not even an apology. Frankly, it didn't even surprise her anymore.
Penelope turned towards her daughter again, a flash of hurt crossing her features that was gone so fast she could have imagined it. The worst thing was that Chloe didn't know if it was genuine or not. "Do you think that lowly of me?"
"Don't make this about you."
Real or not, Chloe wasn't going to give her the space to divert the argument, turning it against her. Making her feel as if she overstepped today instead of her.
Her mother scoffed, looking affronted, and turned away from her. An uncomfortable silence fell between them.
Lucifer was the first to break it. "Should I give you two some time alone?"
"No," Chloe blurted out. He was the very last thing keeping her temper in check. Without him by her side, she would not hold back. "I mean, you don't have to stay if you don't want to."
Lucifer glanced at her mother, who was using the distraction to check her nails. "I'm exactly where I want to be." He lowered his voice so only she could hear him. "Partners, right?"
A glow of warmth spread in her chest at his words, and she reached out to squeeze his knee, smiling.
"I'm glad you two found each other."
They both turned to face Penelope, who was regarding them with a sad smile, as if remembering another time. In that moment, she looked much older than her actual age. Wearier.
She took a deep breath. "Honey, I decided to come by today because I wanted to see how you were doing." She put her mug on the table and folded her hands neatly in her lap. "I do worry about you, you know. All the time, day and night, ever since you came out of the Academy. And all the things that have happened to you since, my god! Trixie getting kidnapped, being poisoned, getting shot by your own boss! Not to mention your former fiancé."
Chloe sipped her coffee. Finding out your partner/crush is the actual Devil (but at least he's not delusional), she added mentally to the list. Being manipulated by an evil priest, fighting demons, seeing him go back to Hell, his evil twin brother impersonating him, discovering you're a literal gift from God. "You have no idea."
"Exactly!" Penelope cast her eyes heavenward, as if trying to explain a difficult concept to a child for hours and finally being relieved it understood. "I have no idea! Because you only tell me half of it, or nothing, or when it's grave enough I have to hear it from Dan or even the goddamn hospital that you were about to die!"
Chloe blinked in surprise. Her mother never swore.
"I have seen you wasting away before my very eyes. I won't let it happen again. Or God forbid I get another phone call." Her mother swallowed, holding back tears, and reached for her mug to take a sip of coffee to mask it. Chloe pretended not to notice.
Penelope cleared her throat. "Honey, I know that you're strong. I know it better than anyone else. But you don't have to carry it all inside of you." Her gaze dropped to her lap, and this time Chloe knew she wasn't faking anything. "I haven't been around a lot for you, I know that. But you have to let me. You can't just keep me at bay and tell me you're just fine and a bit tired and then hearing from my granddaughter you were in a hostage situation! Both of you, by the way," she added with a concerned look at Lucifer, her voice rising. Here she goes again.
"She saved my life," Lucifer replied coldly. "If it weren't for the detective, I wouldn't be here today. We both required medical attention afterwards, so it's only natural she couldn't call you right away."
Penelope looked taken aback by the sudden shift in Lucifer's demeanor, her temper cooling down again.
"I haven't been around a lot," her mother repeated, visibly pushing back against her pride. It made her look frail and unsecure, the sight of which both unnerved and satisfied her in some way. "But I'd like – I'd like to change that."
There was such an intensity, such hope in her gaze that Chloe looked down, trying to momentarily escape the weight of her mother's eyes. The anger she'd felt blazing a couple of moments ago was fading rapidly, leaving only weariness in its wake, along with something heavier settling deep inside her.
Guilt.
Deep down, Chloe knew she hadn't been entirely fair. Her mother hadn't been in touch much, but neither had she, especially the past year.
So many things had happened in such a rush that even thinking about it still made her dizzy.
Events that were difficult to wrap her head around, to say the least. Events that she was still processing and healing from. It was like easing herself into freezing water, the breath leaving her lungs, her body temporarily paralyzed by the cold, wanting nothing more but to jump out but forcing herself to stay put and adapt.
Such a task was much easier without too many people crowding around her, let alone her mother and the drama that came along with it. And the inevitable criticism that could make her see red before her eyes.
Chloe looked up and nodded. "Okay," she sighed. "Okay." Her mother's shoulders sagged in her relief.
Chloe put her half-full mug of cold coffee on the table and clasped her hands together, risking a glance at her nails. They didn't look that bad. To her surprise, her mother had played open card for once, eventually. Maybe it was time she did, too. At least partially.
"Mom, look, the past few months have been… a lot. If I told you every single thing that happened, you'd call me crazy. And probably have a heart attack or two." She started toying with the bullet around her neck, zipping it along the chain. "I needed some time to work through everything, and that works best when I'm alone."
Penelope sighed. "You're just like your father. Always thinking he had to take on the world by himself." The note of pride in her voice did not go unnoticed.
"I don't-"
Her mother held up a hand to silence her, and she could feel her hackles rising again at the gesture. "Chloe, what I'm trying to say is that you don't have to shut everyone out. Shut me out so I wouldn't see you're struggling." Chloe shifted in her seat, suddenly uncomfortable at how close her words were hitting home.
Penelope continued. "Do you have any idea what it feels like to see someone you love suffering and not being allowed to help?"
Chloe felt a twinge in her chest, and her cheeks flushed with something close to shame. She glanced sideways at Lucifer. "I do," she said softly. His eyes shone, and he reached to take her hand.
"I do, know what it's like." Chloe brushed her thumb over the back of his hand. She knew all too well what it was like. It was one of the most horrible feelings in the world, and one she was all too familiar with.
She passed her free hand over her face. "I'll try- I'll try to call more often, okay? Properly call."
Baby steps, Chloe thought. Baby steps. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to pay Linda a visit together, though that was a discussion she was not having today.
Penelope waited, as if she was going to say something more. When it became clear she wasn't, she nodded to herself, satisfied with her answer. 'That's good. I'm glad you made up your mind." She pursed her lips. "I'll take my leave, then." Chloe tried not to sag too visibly at those words.
Her mother stood up swiftly and picked her sunglasses off the table. She looked at their joined hands and smiled. "At least I know I'll be leaving you in good hands."
"Safe as can be," Lucifer added.
The urge to say something gnawed at her, and Chloe weighed the different options in her mind. Her mother was almost at the door when Chloe shot to her feet. "Mom, wait!"
Penelope turned towards her, hand on the doorknob. The vulnerability from mere moments ago had been replaced by the usual, pleasant mask she wore. Quirking an eyebrow, she said, "Yes?"
"Do you want to come over? Next Tuesday? I'll have Trixie then."
"I'd like that."
"Good, that's good. See you then, I guess."
"Yes. And, honey," she said, putting a hand on her arm, "let me know something. Don't keep me in the dark." Her voice was as close to pleading as she'd ever heard. Chloe gave her a curt nod. With a pat on her arm, her mother closed the door behind her with a click.
Chloe let her shoulders slump and buried her face in her hands. To Hell with posture. She knew it was about time she had a real conversation with her, but not like this. Certainly not now. Had she really been such a bad daughter? They didn't call as much as most people, but it's not like they never spoke, right? Or was she a coward, trying to run-
"Don't."
She spun around to face Lucifer, concern etched plain on his face. "Don't what?" she asked carefully, though she knew the answer.
"Overthink. Beat yourself up. Take blame for all the sins in the world. Leave some to me, love."
"But what if – I mean – she's got a point, right?" Feeling tears sting the corners of her eyes, she opted for burying her face in his chest so he wouldn't see them.
Lucifer wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on top of her head. "The point being?" he asked gently.
"That I'm a shit daughter," she said, her words sounding muffled.
"You're not a shit daughter. No one in their right mind would think that."
"Most important words in that sentence being 'in their right mind'." That earned a chuckle from him.
Chloe sniffed and turned her head sideways, needing some air. "I'm sorry, I'm getting you're chest all wet." Pulling her sleeve over her hand, she started wiping it dry.
"It's alright, I've had much worse." When she didn't stop moving, he said, "Chloe."
Her hand fell to her side, but she still didn't meet his eye, screwing her face in various contortions to prevent the tears from falling. It didn't work.
"Chloe, look at me," he said, his voice ever so soft.
She hesitantly looked up at him, eyes red and swollen, biting the inside of her lip to keep it from trembling. Desperately trying to hold herself together in front of him.
"You are not a bad daughter. You are one of the bravest, most brilliant people I have ever known. And you have been through so much. Don't blame yourself for needing to deal with that." He cupped her cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing away her tears.
"You think?" Chloe said, and the uncertainty in her voice broke his heart.
"I know."
His words brought the beginnings of a smile to her face. The thoughts that had been racing through her mind slowed down, and she found her mood had lifted a bit. After all, he didn't lie. Why start now?
"I'm sorry you had to put up with my mom like that," she began.
"Are you kidding me?" Lucifer burst out, causing her to blink in surprise. "You had to put up with my mother for months. Even work with her, of all things. And ended up not killing her, might I add." His hand dropped to her shoulder, then slid down her arm till he found her hand. "There is absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I'd take your mother over mine any day."
She couldn't blame him for that. Charlotte – her name was never really Charlotte, was it? – had personality, to put it mildly. That woman could have left Penelope Decker stuttering and red-faced with a few well-placed glances and the arch of a brow. And though her mother knew her sore spots - and wasn't afraid to use them to get her way - at least she'd never tried to evict her from her home.
Lucifer must have seen something shift in her face, because he quickly added, "Not that it's a competition, though she could give everyone a run for their money. There are certain things I would like to have a chat about with your mother in the future." Chloe thought she saw the barest flash of red in his eyes, but if it was than it had already disappeared.
The urge to tell him off for being a bit overprotective was there, but she would be lying if she said she wouldn't do the same. If she ever got face to face with God, he wouldn't know what hit him. He had a lot to explain, and even more to apologize for-
Chloe stopped herself there. Now was not the time to think about those things. Instead, she said, "Parents are difficult."
"Tell me about it," he replied with a snort.
"But today isn't about them." I'd be damned if I'd let that happen. Chloe tugged on his hand, drawing him closer. Craning her neck to look up at him, she continued, "Today's about us." She rose on her tiptoes to press a brief kiss to his lips, and felt him smile. "So let's forget about everything else for now, okay?"
"Couldn't agree more."
"I'll make breakfast, then." The past half hour had drained her beyond imagination, experiencing a whole spectrum of emotions one normally would over the span of a week or more. But at least the one shadow looming over her had been cleared. Mom had been dealt with – at least for now – and the rest could be easily delegated. "Finally."
She made for the kitchen, but Lucifer stepped in her path, holding up his hands. "I'll do it. You've done enough today."
"You sure?"
"Definitely. I can manage." Lucifer grinned. "The only thing I ask for is your company," he added, the usual playful undertone replaced with a genuine warmth. He swept his arm out towards the bar stools. "Please, detective, have a seat."
Chloe settled herself with a content sigh, a steaming mug of coffee presented before her almost immediately after she sat down. He'd folded the napkins into tasteful holders for the forks and knives, and even put the ketchup near her plate because he knew she liked it with her scrambled eggs. I could get used to this.
Lucifer went as far to toss on an apron, even though there was no shirt that could get dirty. "Can't get grime on myself after you so delicately cleaned me, can I?"
Soon they were both eating their eggs side by side in comfortable silence. Mickey Mouse was smiling up at her from the plate, crumbs and bits of egg dotted all over him. Of all the ones he could have chosen.
Chloe was glad he was here, for many reasons, some more obvious than others. The days Trixie was with Dan were definitely calmer, but the house felt too big for her alone and somehow it could still strike her as strange that her daughter wasn't with her every day anymore. The drawings on the fridge often gave her mixed feelings because of it, a sense of pride and loss at the same time.
"Should I make some more?" His voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she was most certainly not alone now.
Chloe shook her head. "No, I'm good. It was lovely, thank you."
"Much obliged."
Lucifer reached over to take her plate, planting a kiss against her temple in the process. I could never tire of that. He stacked it on his own, then rounded the counter to put them away. Chloe winced as he tried to subtly find a place to put them amongst the heaps of dirty dishes, glasses and mugs. Just as she was about to say something he discovered an empty place in the sink and set the plates down with a triumphant clunk. He took off the apron and hung it back on the hook.
"Are you sure I shouldn't?-"
"No!" Chloe burst out. She loathed her mother for stealing an hour of their precious time. "We're not doing the dishes today." In a more relaxed tone, she added, "Unless it really bothers you, then I guess —"
"Oh no, I'm fine, I can totally ignore it." That familiar glint entered his eyes, and his voice dropped. "There are other things I intend to do today."
Chloe knew he was trying to distract her from everything that had happened, if not in this way then he would find another. She could see the question in his eyes.
Come and play with me.
Come and forget about everything.
Come and let me take care of you.
Chloe couldn't stop the grin from spreading across her face, the memories of slow kisses and the tangle of limbs suddenly seeming not so distant anymore. She was in desperate need of some fun.
"Oh? Such as?"
"Getting that shirt back, for one."
"Don't you know?"
Lucifer leant across the counter, laying his palm flat on top of it, focused on her every word. "Pray tell."
"Shirts are not freely given. They have to be earned back." Chloe braced her arms on the edge of the counter, leaning in, the neckline falling wide open. His gaze dipped to her chest, and she could see him tense at the sight of it.
"And what does one have to do in order to earn it back?" Lucifer tore his eyes away and faced her again, his voice rough. Damn his accent.
Chloe pulled back and slung an arm over the back of the barstool, crossing one leg over the other. "Why don't you come over here and find out?"
That was all the encouragement he needed. Lucifer pushed off the counter and started to slowly stalk around it, never taking his eyes off her. The sight of him made her stomach flutter.
He stopped right in front of her, bracing an arm on either side of her. Chloe twisted in her seat to look up at him. "I'm all ears."
Chloe smirked, beckoning him closer with a finger so she could whisper in his ear, even though they were alone. A blush crept over her neck and cheeks as she said the words, but she continued. The look on his face was absolutely worth it when he pulled away. "Detective," he said, his tone caught somewhere between pleasantly surprised and intrigued.
She arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms, feigning offense even though she couldn't be more pleased with his reaction. "Well, we have all day, don't we?"
"A long, long day." Lucifer glanced at the door before settling his attention upon her again. "And there will be no more unwanted distractions. Time to leave the world behind." The last words sounded softer, and she realized he needed this as much as she did. No doubt had the conversation with her mother caused old wounds and bad memories to resurface in him, too. Especially now his twin was creeping around on earth.
"Then what are you waiting for?"
Chloe let out a yelp that melted into a laugh when lifted her from her seat in one swift motion. He kissed her until she was dizzy, and though she could feel the want in his touches – and in her own – there was always that underlying gentleness that never failed to move her. As he carried her up the stairs, Chloe felt lighter than she had in weeks.
We may have had a false start today, she thought. But right now it's good. It's perfect.