"Will I See You Again?" - Thee Sacred Souls
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Hell
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Lucifer had made quite the mess of things when he first landed in Hell. His eccentric determination to find a lead in the case out-shined the need to keep order. Once he barged into the torture rotations, he opened a door that became awfully hard to close, figuratively and literally. Demons ran amuck trying to correct the damage.
A few demons even went as far as to yell at him. They unfortunately met an untimely end for their insolence.
Lilith heard about the news in a rather untimely fashion. By the time he managed to track Lucifer down, the damage had already been done. There were too many dead bodies to account for.
Lilith stood on the other side of the hall trying to keep her calm as Lucifer tried to seal the padlocked doors of their major torture hall. She shook her head as he struggled to keep the wandering hands at bay.
"A little help, Lilith!" Lucifer yelled out.
"And why should I help? You seem to have everything under control." Lilith motioned to the mess around him. She crossed her arms under her breasts, shaking her head.
"Lilith!" He called out. The Devil's designer shoes dug into the dirt as he tried to prevent the horrors of Hell from being released. "Please," be begged.
Lilith gave it a minute. She wanted to see the panic rush across his face as the consequences of his actions sunk in. When she felt Lucifer had enough, she dropped her arms.
"Very well…"
With a wave of her hand, the human locked the doors and pushed everything back into its cells. Lucifer slid down the metal door, slamming his ass into the dirt. The weight of his body kicked up a puff of dirt that blew right into his face. He let out a breath as the dust tickled his nose. Lilith looked over his body. His white designer shirt was speckled in blood. There were scuff marks all over his nice suit. Dirt peppered his pants and sleeves. As she trailed her eyes upwards, she noticed a few buttons were ripped off. Once she reached his face, she shook her head. His hair was in different directions. The product in his hair was no longer visible. Sweat covered his brow.
"You look like shit," she commented. Lucifer let out a chuckle. He rested the back of his head against the metal trying to catch his breath.
"Mind helping me up?" He asked.
"I suppose…" She stepped over a corpse and offered her hand. With little effort, she pulled him back onto his feet. He went ahead and dusted off the dirt that collected on his pants. "Do I want to know?" She motioned to the mess around them.
He shook his head and beelined for his estate. His wings unfurled from his back and he took off without so much as a word. Lilith looked down and let out a sigh. A waste of good workers. She blew out a sharp whistle and called the Hellhounds. Their low growls came from the shadows.
"Dinner time, my sweets."
She left them to it. The sound of multiple hounds champing on bones and flesh filled the air. Lilith tried not to think about it. She turned her back and started walking back to her residence. Something told her Lucifer wouldn't be in Hell for very long.
"Did you talk with the Detective already?" Lilith set a glass of wine in front of Lucifer. The Devil had his right leg crossed over the other, looking off into the distance.
"No…"
"Whyever not?" She went ahead and sat beside Lucifer. She placed her glass of wine on the small table in front of them besides Lucifer's. "From the look on your face, I would have thought you'd already had your little conversation with her."
Lucifer let out a sigh, "my brother got in the way." He shook his head and looked at Lilith, giving her his attention.
"Amenadiel or Michael?" The look on Lucifer's face was evidence enough to deduce who he was talking about. Lilith nodded her head. "Michael… I see." Lilith reclined herself back into the chair, mimicking Lucifer's posture.
"He's always ruining things. Even when we were younger, it always had to be about him. He always wanted the light shined on him." Lucifer uncrossed his legs and grabbed the wine Lilith had set on the table. He brought it up to his lips and had himself a sip. The taste was horrid, but it was at least something. "He's doing the same thing now, even after all these years."
"Can you blame him?" Lilith turned in her spot and faced Lucifer. "You shine the brightest of all your siblings, Lucifer. You're twins… it only makes sense that he too would want the same amount of attention as you."
Lucifer let out a scuff.
"Be nice."
He shook his head and downed the rancide wine into his mouth in one go.
"I'm done being nice." He set his glass back onto the small table. "He's a loose cannon, Lilith. He shouldn't even be on Earth... Today was the last straw."
"He's going through something."
Lucifer threw his hands up in the air. She just wasn't understanding him. "And where was that sympathy when I was going through something of my own? Huh?"
"Stop. This is different. Your brother was tortured for hundreds of years. From what I heard his boy did a majority of the torturing. Allow him the space to work through his troubles... That pain doesn't go away overnight…"
"You know, I forgot the two of you are friends…" Lucifer crossed his arms across his chest.
"That has nothing to do with it and you know it."
The Devil rolled his eyes. "He's had time to work through his problems, Lilith. He had the resources to get better. This isn't about his time in Hell."
"It's not… It's about the children."
"He's a loose cannon, Lilith," he repeated once more. "You know he's dating a human?"
The statement came as a bit of a shock. Not because Michael was dating anyone, she didn't care about that, she was shocked about the fact that it bugged Lucifer. Lilith placed her elbow against the cushions, letting her hand rest against her cheek. She gave Lucifer a smile as she waited for him to make his point.
"And that's a problem, how? Aren't you dating one?" She pointed out.
"Well yes… but Chloe was made for me. We're… we're made for one another. We understand one another - "
"And your brother can't find this connection with a human?"
"I'm not saying that. I'm just not sure -"
"You don't like that he's with this human and you're down here counting the days until you can be with your Detective... You're jealous."
"I'm not jealous!" Lucifer exclaimed. Lilith shot him a look. He let out a huff, correcting his jacket. "Alright, I'm envious he gets to be with his partner and I don't."
"It's not like you're here indefinitely. Your foot is practically out the door. We should be finished wrapping things up soon."
"I know…" Lucifer let out a sigh. He reclined his back into the couch and let his head rest against the pillows. Lilith shifted against the cushions, angling herself so she could face his profile. She let him have a few seconds of silence before she opened her mouth.
"Are you going to tell me why you broke in some of the torture cells?"
Lucifer let out a groan. His eyes were pinched closed as he wasn't looking forward to explaining himself. He ran his long hands along his face, dragging out the seconds.
"Ahem," Lilith pressed.
Lucifer let out a sigh. "I was looking for a lead in this case the Detective is stuck on…"
"So you thought using my newly organized system as your playground would help?"
"No… I mean yes." He pulled himself off the back of the couch and faced Lilith. "I just thought… I thought this would help cushion the news I'd be delivering to her later in the night."
"I see…" Lilith reached out her hand, fixing his hair. "Sweetie… It's like pulling off a band-aid. It's just going to have to happen sooner than later."
"I know…"
"Then why are you still around? Shouldn't you be on Earth letting her know you hit a dead end?"
"It's just more bad news she'll have to endure today. I don't have the heart to go back right now."
Lucifer's back slumped back into the cushions of the sofa, facing away from Lilith. He pulled the pillow that was off to the side onto his lap. All his attention went to picking at the loose fabric strings that were on the corners. Lilith let her hand fall from the side of his head onto his shoulders.
It was times like these that she hated. It reminded her of the days where Lucifer would come to her cave and wallow about his father. The beginning. A time when he was full of so much doubt and passion, he was a beautiful tragedy.
Lilith picked herself up and scooted closer to her friend. The close proximity had Lucifer turning his head to look at her. When the two locked eyes, they gave each other a small smile. Lilith wrapped her arms around Lucifer, placed a kiss on his cheek, and rested her head against his shoulder.
"I know I'm not your mother, but I think a mother's wisdom is what you need right now." She picked her head up and had him look at her. "Sweetie, every second you're here, is another minute you could be with her. Whether it ends in a mess or not, at least you told her the truth. This prolonged conversation is only going to get worse the longer you put it off." She reached up and ran her hand along his scruffed cheek. "You need to go back and tell her…"
"I…" Lucifer didn't bother opening his mouth. He nodded his head and accepted her words. Lilith brushed his hair back into place, a smile formed across her face as she watched Lucifer's courage build up inside him.
"I suppose you're right..."
"I know I'm right, Sweetie."
Lilith pulled away, laying her back against the sofa cushions. The conversation was over whether or not he wanted it. Lucifer seemed to understand. He peeled himself off the couch and stood up.
"Please change before you go. That poor child doesn't need to see all that," she motioned to the dirt and blood. Lucifer looked down with a frown. Another suit ruined. He nodded his head, trying to fix the broken buttons to his dress shirt. "I'll mend the suit, don't worry. Just leave it on your bed and I'll get to it later."
"Thank you..."
Lilith picked herself up off the couch, walking to stand in front of Lucifer. Her hands ran up his torn shirt, resting her palm against his chest. She looked up at him with a smile.
"You have nothing to be thankful for. You've already given me so much."
"Still…"
Lilith shook her head. She knew their back and forth appreciation was just going to trail on forever. Instead of replying, she kept silent. She smoothed out the fabric of his jacket that rested along his shoulder. The jacket was going to be the hardest task without his measurements, but she knew she could get it done. A smile never left Lucifer's lips as he watched Lilith.
"You best be going," Lilith spoke up. Her eyes were still on his clothing, measuring the damage. "I wouldn't want Belios to find out you've stopped by. He's being dying to run something by you." Her eyes found him and smiled.
That was enough to motivate him. "Alright, I guess there's my cue." He shed off his jacket and placed it in her arms. "You sure you have everything covered until I return?"
"Yes," Lilith waved her hand around. "Nothing is going to change from now and later. I got everything under control. Now, go before I change my mind."
"Okay…" He bent down and placed a kiss on Lilith's cheek. She leaned into his lips savoring Lucifer's affection.
"Do tell that child about her existence. Don't put it off any longer... She'll come around, don't be afraid to tell her." She reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it tight. "She deserves to know."
"I know…"
"Alright... Get out," she smiled. "Or I'll make you stay indefinitely."
"Alright, alright" he chuckled.
"Oh! Change before you go! Just leave it on your bed."
"Yes."
He began walking over to his bedroom down the hall. Lilith shook her head as she listened to him talk to himself. While he was getting changed, Lilith had herself a seat on the couch once more going over the detail of his jacket. She pulled out her needle and string from the side table and began picking at the fabric. It wasn't long before Lucifer stepped out in his new suit.
"How do I look?" He asked.
"Devilishly handsome," she joked. Lucifer gave himself a spin before walking over to her.
"Thank you for the pep talk, my dear." His hand rested on her shoulder.
"Anytime, Sweetie... Now go. I'm serious. One more second here and I'm sure your cover will be blown." She brushed his hand off of her, willing him to leave. A chuckle escaped his mouth, amused.
"Alright, alright." Lucifer ducked down and placed one last kiss on her cheek. "Do go easy on the bunch."
"Never," she said wickedly.
Lucifer shot her a wink and turned in his spot. He walked towards the front door, leaving Lilith on the couch. As soon as he stepped out of the building, he pulled out his wings and flew to Earth.
.
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The Silver City
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Michael's large wings called back into their hidden plane on his back. He landed far off in the distance away from the gates. He didn't wish to make an entrance. As he walked along the gates of Heaven, he took in their muted tone. They were as bright as everyone had depicted them. At least, not anymore. Time had taken a hold of the metal and dulled it's shine. Now, it just looked like any other steel gate that guarded an entrance. Michael didn't mind. It was still home. The magic of the place rested inside, not out.
His finger brushed along the metal bars, illuminating the gentle bells as he walked. It rang out music that reminded him of his youth. A smile crept onto his face as he drew closer to the entrance. As he turned around the corner, Michael soon realized that the front gates were closed. Odd. His face dropped as he came to stand before the main entrance.
At first glance no one was in sight. Michael backed up to get a better look of his surroundings. As he took a few steps back, he found a figure slouched on a chair, against a pillar. It was Saint Peter. The old man was asleep against his chair. His beard added cushion to the marble wall.
Michael crossed his arms over his chest. He shook his head as he looked over the sleeping apostle. The man was snoring louder than a pig, the sight brought a smile onto Michael's face. After a few moments of waiting for the old man to wake up on his own accord, Michael opted to take matters into his own hands. He walked over to the apostle and cleared his throat. Peter slowly opened his eyes as if he was a child getting up for the first time in the morning. As his vision came back to him, the old man instantly jumped in his chair, startled.
"My prince!" He shot up from his chair and bowed. "I… I… I am terribly sorry." He stood up straight meeting Michael's eyes. "I wasn't aware of your arrival." He erratically tried to smooth out his robes to make himself more presentable. His beard was a mess as he tried to correct his clothing. Michael let out a chuckle as he enjoyed the old man straightening himself out.
"It's alright, Simeon." He walked over to the man and tied the man's beard with one of the apostle's strings that rested along his belt. "I know how dull it gets out here…" When he was done tying the man's beard, Michael dropped his arms. "Mind letting me inside?" Michael gestured to the gates.
The old man looked at the gates and then back to Michael. He pulled back his robe ready to abide the angel's request, but something stopped him. He closed the robes covering the keys that rested on his waist. When he failed to pluck them from his belt, Michael raised his eyebrow at the man.
"Simeon?"
"I'm… I am uh… I apologize, my prince, but -"
"Peter, open the gates," Michael pressed. The formalities of the apostle's name were no longer recognized. Michael's voice was as strong as he demanded his request.
"I… I am afraid I can not do that, Michael."
"Why not?" He said with clenched teeth.
Peter was reduced to a blabbering puddle as Michael stepped into his personal space. The angel's eyes glowed white as he started to assert himself.
"Forgive me, my prince…" The man dropped to his knees, shrinking under Michael's glare.
"Enough, Michael," a voice called out from the distance.
Michael pulled his eyes off of the human and over to the source where his brother's voice rang out from. From the shadows, an angel stepped out with his staff in hand. Michael immediately rolled his eyes as he came face-to-face with Zadkiel.
"Keep out of this, Zadkiel."
"I don't think I will." The angel turned in his spot and acknowledged the apostle. "You may go, Peter. I'll take it from here."
"Of… of course, my Lord." Peter picked himself from off the ground. He bowed his head to both angels and let the brother's have their privacy.
"So, I'm not allowed into my own home?" Michael asked.
"You're not banished, don't worry."
"Why would I be banished?" Michael's head cocked off to the side.
"I just said you weren't."
Michael rolled his eyes. He wasn't in the mood for his brother's words.
"Everyone wants to know why you've been dodging our calls. We've had to pick up your daily tasks since you've decided to play Devil. You promised you wouldn't let this little visit to Earth get in the way of your duties."
"I've…" Michael cleared his throat, biding him time to think, "I've been busy. Taking over for Lucifer is harder than I could have imagined."
"I find that very hard to believe, Michael." Zadkiel wasn't buying Michael's excuse. "A monkey could do his job back on Earth."
"The humans are not monkeys. I'd watch your tongue. Your nephew, might I remind you, is one of them."
"Don't remind me…" Zadkiel pinched the brim of his nose, annoyed. He walked over to Peter's discarded chair and had himself a seat besides the gates. He rested his staff along the marble pillar beside him.
"May I enter? Or are you going to sit around and give me a lecture?"
"I pick the lecture," Zadkiel replied.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. You've been bouncing all over the place ignoring your duties here in the Silver City. Gabriel said she last saw you poking around the Garden collecting flowers. Flowers, Michael?"
"What, I can't pick flowers for Chloe Decker?"
"Lucifer's miracle?" He laughed. "What are you doing, playing boyfriend as well for him?"
"No! She's our sister-in-law, she's family."
"Mhmm..." Zadkiel shook his head. "Until our brother declares his love for her, she is nothing but a fling."
Michael bit his tongue. He knew it wasn't in his best interest to argue Lucifer's personal stance for him. Michael kept his mouth shut and let Zadkiel have this one.
"Anything else you'd like to get off your chest, brother?" Michael asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do."
"Great…" Michael threw his hands up in the air.
"Befriending a demon?"
"She's a lot nicer than you'd assume," he replied.
"Mazikeen of the Lilim is responsible for more than half of the torturing techniques that were done to you. You seriously condone her presence after what you've endured?"
"Her teachings? Mazikeen doesn't torture... " He stopped talking. "Correction, she's never laid a finger on me. So, I see no problem with Mazikeen."
"Fine," Zadkiel replied. He leaned into his knees and pointed his finger at Michael. "How about your nightly brawl sessions at Lux? Beating up humans. Breaking bones. That's not you, Michael."
"Is it not?" Michael retaliated. "Years it took you lot to track me down. I had to fight my way to freedom. My fists…" He brought his hands up. The palms of his hands facing up so he could see the calluses that would forever be indented into his flesh. "They will ever be the same. I will never be the same."
"Michael…"
"Don't Michael me, Zadkiel!" Michael barked out.
"Breathe. Brother, breathe." He held his hands out trying to calm Michael's anger. "I'm only trying to have a simple conversation with you."
"No, you're not. You're pointing out my faults."
"There's quite a bit piling up, Michael…"
"So!" Michael opened his arms wide. "I've been through Hell!" He yelled. "I haven't taken a single day for myself since my kidnapping."
"And who's fault is that, huh?" Zadkiel stood from his seat. "Not fathers, not mine. Yours. We've all stressed that you needed a break, but you insisted on continuing your duties here."
Zadkiel watched Michael wave his hand in dismissal. Michael strutted off towards the gates, but before he could open the doors, Zadkiel grabbed his staff on the wall. The wooden staff was pressed against Michael's chest preventing him from going any further. The sudden turn of events surprised Zadkiel. He looked up at Michael not sure if he wanted to go this route.
"Step aside, Zadkiel."
"I… I can't… Father has expressed his concern for your well-being."
"He has?" Michael's facial features softened. He took a step back, letting the wooden staff back off his chest. "What… What did he say?" The tone of his voice was soft.
"It's not what he said, Michael. It's how he addressed it. He feels you're spiraling out of control. Using your gifts to an unprecedented amount. You did a number on that driver…" Michael tried to get a word in, but Zadkiel stopped him. "Yes, we all saw the accident."
"That wasn't my fault."
"Was it not? Were you not the one that scared that man into jumping into the front?"
"I was, but —"
"So, you agree?"
"Yes, but —"
"That's enough," Zadkiel said. He lifted his hand to silence Michael. "We already saw everything, there's no need to plead your case."
"That's not fair. If everyone saw, you would all know what he was doing. My actions were to —"
"Enough," Zadkiel silenced Michael. "I cannot let you inside these gates. I'm sorry."
"Why?" Michael asked. "I've done nothing wrong."
"You are hiding something from us. There are periods of the day we cannot see you. Today more than others."
"So you're spying on me?" Michael's tone grew serious.
"Simply keeping tabs on you, brother. You've been a little unhinged since your kidnapping. Father only wants to make sure you are watched over."
"I'm not a child! I don't need to be surveillanced every second of the day. I took up Lucifer's favor simply to get away from everyone prying eyes. I don't need everyone checking in on me on Earth."
"See, that's where father went wrong." Zadkiel lifted his staff up so it stood up parallel to his body. "He should have put a leash on you. Some of us don't think you were ready to leave and join humanity."
"A leash! I'm not a fucking dog!" Michael's fist tightened. He badly wanted to show Zadkiel the detail on the floor, but kept his composure.
"But you are being reckless, Michael."
"Fuck you, Zadkiel!"
"I am right, though. You are spiraling. If you bring this attitude into the Silver City, what will that show everyone else, huh? Huh, Michael? You show this side of yourself and our siblings will start to question you. Do you really want everyone thinking less of you?"
"I don't need this," Michael turned his back on Zadkiel and started walking away.
"That's it, run away! Run away from your trauma. Run away from us! It's what you're good at."
Michael stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around and rushed into Zadkiel's personal space. His forehead was pressed against his brother's, staring him down. A white flash of his eyes bore into Zadkiel's face.
"Do it, I know you want to." Zadkiel looked down at Michael's fists. They were white from his fists being clenched tight. "Do it and see what they say about you."
Michael let out a growl that struck fear into his brother. Fear aside, he stood tall staring Michael in the eyes. His staff was at the ready, prepared to fight Michael if action was required. When Michael stepped back, his grip on his staff weakened.
"I'm leaving. If you won't let me inside, I see no other reason for me to be here." Michael once again turned his back to Zadkiel.
"We aren't done here, Michael!"
"But I'm done, Zadkiel. I'm done listening to you rant about my faults. I'm done listening to you ramble about my imperfections and how my attitude will reflect everyone else. You're not better than me, because news flash, we're all fucked up."
"Michael…" Zadkiel tried pulling at Michael's arm.
"No," he brushed his brother's hands away. "I'm going. Should father deem my presence mandatory, I will return without hesitation. Or," Michael stressed, "he can simply visit me on Earth. I'm sure our brother would love to hold a conversation with him." Michael gave Zadkiel a low bow just for theatrics. When Michael stood back up, he made sure to flip Zadkiel the bird. "Stick that up your ass, Gandalf."
"Father will be hearing about this!" Zadkiel tried in a last attempt.
"Then have him come talk to me."
"You're being a spoiled brat, Michael!"
Michael shrugged his shoulders. He unfurled his wings and gave his brother a smile. The pure look of annoyance was everything to Michael. It was his last spite to Zadkiel. Without pushing his luck, Michael waved a hand to his brother and took off back to Earth.
.
Earth
.
Dan pulled up to Trixie's school in his car. Outside off to the side, he found Trixie by herself looking at her phone. A frown crossed his face as he realized she had no one around her. He put his car in park and stepped out of his car. He earned a few shouts and car honks, but he ignored them. He rushed over to his daughter and tapped her on the shoulder.
"You doing okay, Monkey?"
"Dad?" Trixie looked up from her phone and smiled. "What are you doing here? I thought mom was picking me up."
"I was on this side of town and figured I'd give your mom some more time to go over her case. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah." She picked herself off the rock she was sitting on and walked over to her father's car. She made a face as all the other parents were shouting at them. "Dad… What did you do?" She got in the car.
Dan waved his badge in the air dismissing everyone's shouts. Once the cars noticed the item in Dan's hands, they immediately stopped honking.
"Nothing, Monkey. Buckle up." Trixie did as she was told and got comfortable in the passenger seat. "Can we go to the police station?"
"You're in luck," he tapped her leg, "I was taking us to the precinct already."
"Awesome!"
Dan let out a chuckle, "why are you so excited to go to the station?"
"I told Tyler I could get my hands on a pair of police cuffs and I -"
"Nuh-uh, you are not taking cuffs to school." Dan put the car in drive and pulled out of the pick-up zone.
"But dad…"
"Nope, not happening kid."
"Fine." Trixie pouted. She reached forward and messed with the radio in her father's car. Nothing seems to stick out to her so she grabbed the aux cord from the glove compartment. "Can I?"
"Sure, but nothing too explicit please?"
"I'm not!"
"Alright, alright." He pulled onto the road and drove down to the precinct. He patiently waited for his daughter to pick her first song choice. "Find anything?" He asked after five minutes of silence.
"I'm trying to remember the name of that famous tik-tok song. Something about thunder," she mumbled.
"Imagine Dragons?"
"No…"
"Can you give me a lyric?"
She hummed out the tune, "thunder only happens when it…"
"Raining!" Dan finished. "That's not a tik-tok song," he chuckled.
"Yeah it is. Everyone is using it in their videos. This guy called dogface made it popular."
"Oh, if the band Fleetwood Mac could hear you now… Monkey… The band is not new. They are extremely popular."
Trixie looked at her father with a blank face. She had no idea what nonsense he was spewing.
"Fleetwood Mac?" He asked. "You really haven't heard of them before?"
Trixie shook her head.
"Oh, you'll love them. The lead singer, Stevie Nicks, has her own music I think you'd like as well. Go on," he motioned to her phone, "play dreams by Fleetwood Mac."
"That's the name of the song?"
"Is that the name of the song?" Dan mocked. "Heck yeah!"
"Can we play it with the windows down?"
"Of course."
Dan pressed the button to lower the windows down. Trixie hurried and typed in the name. The drums and bass filled the car immediately. Dan reclined in his seat, letting his hand hang out the window. Trixie smiled outside the window as the fresh air hit her face. Together the two were singing along to Stevie Nicks, well Dan was singing, Trixie was humming along to the words she remembered.
"Say, women, they will come and they will go. When the rain washes you clean, you'll know," Dan sang. He pointed to his daughter to help him finish. Together they sang out, you'll know, until the song ended.
"I have never heard the song all the way through," Trixie stated.
"Really? Did you like it?"
"I did," Trixie smiled.
"You know when I came to California around your age, I used to play songs similar to the one we just listened to with my Dad, your grandpa. He was a big Led Zeppelin fan in his youth. We would sing together every chance we got, well as best as he could," he chuckled.
"Really? I didn't know that. Grandpa doesn't really strike me as a singer."
"Oh, he can sing," Dan laughed. "At least not in english. His rancheros," he blew out air, "could make a grown man cry."
"In a good way?" Trixie asked.
"Oh yeah. You should ask him to sing something for you the next time you visit. Grandma loves it when Dad sings."
"I'll make sure to ask him next time I see them." Trixie smiled at her father.
"I think he'd like that…" Dan pulled his eyes back onto the road and waited for the next song.
"Any song recommendations?"
"Nah, surprise me."
Trixie sat back and scrolled through her music library. When she found something, she went ahead and pressed play. It was another tik-tok song she had discovered, but sadly Dan didn't know the name of the song. It sounded new, so he sat back and enjoyed the beat.
.
The two pulled into the front parking lot that was out in the Sun. Dan was just there to drop Trixie off before he had to go back and catch up with the other officers. Dan went ahead and rolled up the windows, letting Trixie slip out of the car.
"Don't go too far, Monkey. Stay by the car."
"Okay, Dad."
Dan got out of the car. His eyes were on his phone as he tried to message Chloe about Trixie and him making it to the station safe. As he rounded the corner, he placed his hand on Trixie's back, pulling her towards the building. Again, his attention was on his phone as Trixie guided them forward.
Out of the corner of the child's eye, she saw Michael on the side of the building. He was finishing up a cigarette as he locked eyes with the child. He held his index finger up to his lips signaling for the child to keep his presence a secret. Trixie zipped her lips as she watched Michael sneak around them to scare her father. As Dan was finishing up his message to Chloe, he felt a sudden gust of wind run up his neck. He looked around at the palm trees above, checking to see if there was a storm coming, but when he found them unmoved he looked back down confused. As he brought his head back down, he found Michael in his face. The human jumped back in fright.
"Dammit, Michael!" Dan clutched a hand on his chest. "You scared the shit out of me."
He stepped away from Michael trying to steady his rapid heart rate. Trixie's laughter filled the parking lot as she knew her father was a jumpy person. Micahel let out a chuckle, granting Trixie a high five for her cooperation.
"Not cool, man. I feel like you almost gave me a heart attack."
"Oh, don't be such a drama queen." Michael draped his arm around Dan's shoulder and pulled them into the station. Trixie moved over to the other side of Michael, holding his hand.
"Why were you outside?" Dan asked.
"Had to stretch my legs for a little. Made a phone call." Michael pulled his phone out of his pocket, dropping his arm from Dan's shoulder. "Liam Harrison's detail checked out, so today wasn't a complete let down."
"Oh… Well that's good."
"You found Gaudium?" Trixie asked. There were no secrets between Michael and Trixie, much like her relationship with his brother, he kept her in the loop. Unfortunately this time, Michael made a face, because he hadn't exactly tracked down the rogue cherub. The details of his location were glazed over.
"Well, not exactly… Mazikeen just has a location." Michael placed his large hand on Trixie's head. "But we still have to go check on him." He ruffled her hair, messing it up.
"If Maze found him, then you definitely got your guy. She's really good at tracking people."
"I don't doubt your statement, but this one is a little trickier than most, kid. But! I have no worries that Mazikeen can't track down my missing cherub." The three entered the building. He looked over at Dan, tapping his shoulder to get his attention. "Why are you back so soon? I thought you were on your way to the Los X compound?"
"I was… That was two hours ago." Dan stopped in his tracks and looked at Michael confused. "Are you okay?"
"Two?" Michael checked the time on his watch. It was indeed almost four in the evening. He couldn't believe he'd lost track of time. He picked up his feet and rushed over to the elevator. Dan shook his head. Trixie looked up at her father.
"Your mother is going to kill him," he whispered.
"Oh, big time."
The two walked over to Michael who was standing in front of the elevator tapping his finger against the button, furiously.
"You stepped out longer than you should have, huh?" Dan asked.
"It would seem so…" Michael's hands were tapping fast against his thighs.
"She's going to kill you," Trixie voiced.
"Not now, Trixie."
As the elevator doors refused to open, Michael let out a groan. He opted to take the stairs instead. The angel booked it down the corner, rushing downstairs. As soon as he opened the door to the emergency staircase, the elevator doors opened.
"He could have just waited," Trixie told her father.
"It was too slow for him," he replied.
"So he'd rather take the stairs?" Dan shrugged his shoulders, pushing his daughter inside.
On the other end, Michael rushed out from the stairwell and started making his way down into the bullpen. He was immediately greeted by Chloe and her Lieutenant. The two were in deep conversation as Michael stepped off from the stairs.
"Apologies… I was being looked over by a doctor. I was told by Miss Lopez to get it checked," Michael stated.
Both Chloe and Lieutenant Herrera looked over towards Michael. Chloe had her eyes glaring on the angel. The Lieutenant on the other hand didn't seem to mind his absence so much. The man stood composed, unthreatening.
"Mr. Prince, you were advised to have a police escort with you at all times. Might I remind you that this station is being looked at."
"I… I had an escort," Michael looked around and found Dan walking down the stairs with Trixie. "Detective Espinoza was my escort. We've been with each other practically all day."
"Is that true, Espinoza?" The Lieutenant placed his hands on his hips. His eyes trailed down to the teenager by his side. Trixie looked up at the man with a smile on her face. Chloe rolled her eyes, beckoned her daughter over.
"I uh…" He looked at Michael and then back at his Lieutenant. Michael gave the man a pleasing look silently asking him to have his back. "Uh yeah… He was assisting me with my Los X case earlier. Judge Turpen can vouch for us. He signed a warrant for me just before he left town. My men are outside the compound waiting for members of the gang to go inside. I stepped out to pick my daughter up." He looked down and found Trixie by Chloe.
"I was unaware Mr. Prince was with you on the bust," the Lieutenant addressed. His stare was worse than Chloe's as he tried to get Dan to crack on his lie.
"It was a last minute thing, Sir. He started complaining of health issues from the accident earlier and didn't want to disturb Detective Decker…"
"I didn't," Michael spoke up.
Chloe shot him a glare that told him to keep his mouth shut. Michael lowered his head and kept quiet. Trixie walked over to the angel and grabbed his hand. He let a smile pull at the edges of his lips as the child tried to console him.
"Very well... I want the Doctor's report on my desk first thing Monday morning, Mr. Prince. It's just a formality should Captain Urias find out that you stepped out of the precinct. I don't need him snooping around my precinct more than he already is."
"Yes, Lieutenant," Michael replied.
"Very well. It's the weekend. If you have no other business to do tonight, I would suggest turning in for the week." Lieutenant Herrera looked down at Trixie and smiled. "Your parents are my top Detectives. I hope you follow in their footsteps as well," he shot her a wink. "Have a nice night, all of you." The man walked away and back over to his office. Once the door was closed, Chloe dropped her arms and slapped Michael across the chest.
"Ow!"
"You're lucky Trixie is here."
"You just whacked me! I highly doubt the child makes a difference," Michael replied.
Chloe let out an annoyed growl. She lifted her finger ready to scold him, when Dan cleared his throat.
"I should get going…"
"Oh! No, you don't." Chloe reached out and grabbed onto his jacket, locking him from taking off. She lowered her voice so the Lieutenant couldn't hear. "You just lied to Herrera. For what?"
"For what?" Dan asked, confused. "For Michael. He's our friend. I'm sure you knew he'd be gone longer than you intended. You did let him go, did you not?" When she didn't answer he laughed. "That's on you, not me. Like Herrera said, he has to supply the doctor's report. Michael has until Monday to get a doctor to look him over. It's not our problem."
"You messed up big time," Trixie whispered. Michael looked down at her with his tongue sticking out at her. "You are so getting a talking to."
"Shush."
"I can't believe you get into more trouble than me."
"Trouble finds me..."
"Mhm, sure." The way Trixie crossed her arms over her chest seemed to mimic her mother. Michael couldn't help but smile as he noticed the similarities. "You know she won't let you off the hook."
"I know," he whispered back.
Dan had his phone in his hand, looking over a text message. "I have to go. We got movement over at the compound. Are you guys going to be okay tonight?"
"Yeah…" Chloe looked over to Michael. "We'll be okay. Go, I wouldn't want them to issue the warrant without you."
"Okay." Before Dan could leave, he kneeled down and opened his arms for Trixie. "Do I get a goodbye?" Trixie walked over to her dad and gave him a hug. "Keep the peace between your mom and Michael. Don't let them chew each other out."
"Already on the job," she gave her father a salute.
"That's my girl." Dan leaned over and kissed the top of her head. He picked himself off the floor and back to his feet. "Play nice you two," he motioned to Chloe and Michael.
"We always do," Michael replied. He flashed the Detective a smile, pulling her into his embrace. Chloe let out a groan as she had to deal with him for the rest of the day.
Now I know how Lucifer feels…
"Watch your surroundings, Dan. Something tells me Los X isn't going to just open their doors easily."
"I will... I have a vest in my car."
"Text me later on tonight, when you get home?" Chloe asked.
"Of course…" He flashed everyone a smile. "I gotta go. Have fun tonight?" He had heard about the game night they would all be having. Trixie looked up at her mother confused.
"What?"
"I'll explain later, baby. Say bye to your father."
"Bye, Dad!"
"Bye, Monkey." Dan backtracked up the stairs, leaving the three to their fun night. As Dan was out of ear shot, Trixie turned to her mother.
"What's happening tonight?"
"Michael got into some trouble today…"
"It's not like I look for it," he replied.
"He looks for it," Mother and daughter answered together.
"Ouch."
"So, since Michael got in trouble he'll be spending the night with us."
"A sleepover?!" Trixie was excited.
"Kinda, but I'm going to let him head home once it's late enough."
"Oh… But we can do something right? Like watch a movie or play games?"
"Have you not told her what -" Chloe stopped Michael from continuing.
"We actually have all of that planned for tonight, Monkey. Would you like to head home and get the night started?"
"Sure," Trixie replied. "Can we get Chinese food for dinner?"
"I actually thought we could do pizza for tonight. Is that okay?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders. "Can I pick the movie?"
"I thought we could play a few games tonight actually," Michael spoke up.
"Am I allowed to pick anything out for the night?" Trixie whined. Both Chloe and Michael let out a chuckle.
"We're going to have fun tonight, don't worry. How about you and Michael start heading over to the car. I'm going to give someone a call real quick."
"Okay."
"Keys?" Michael held his hand out.
"Do not take off with my daughter," Chloe warned.
"I would never."
"Mhm." She dug into her pockets and handed her keys over to Michael. Michael in return tossed them to Trixie so she could rush off with them. "Trixie!"
"She'll be fine. Who are you going to call?" Michael asked.
"Your brother."
"Not back yet?" He smirked. "I feel fifty bucks richer."
"HA HA HA! And no. You actually owe me money, Lucifer is already here. So, pay up," she smirked.
"What? The deal was to meet here at the precinct."
"No, it wasn't. Pay up," Chloe's hand was held out waiting for the bill to be placed in her hand.
"How do I know he's even here on Earth?"
"He's at my apartment getting everything ready for Trixie. Ella is with him."
"What?" He looked over towards his girlfriend's office for the first time. The room was dark showing she was indeed gone. "Ella went with my brother?"
"Yeah, the two are setting everything up. You could have gone with her, but you totally lied to me and went awol."
"I…" He looked around confused. "To be honest I thought I was only gone for an hour."
"Did you get caught up with the suspects?"
Michael shook his head, "I couldn't even get through the front gates…"
"Wait, what?" She dropped the phone onto her desk and gave Michael her full attention. "What happened?"
"My brother wouldn't let me through…"
"Why?"
Michael shrugged his shoulders, "I've been taking advantage of my celestial abilities. The Garden, using apostles to do my bidding. I've exhausted my resources," he fibbed. The tone in his voice showed that he didn't seem to care about the accusations.
"Oh my… that's really bad Michael. Did your father or brother say anything more? Are you in trouble?" She asked, concerned.
"No… I just have to lay low for a while. It's not a big deal."
"No big deal?" She shook her head.
"Mommy are we going?" Trixie called out front the top of the stairs.
"Yes, we are Trixie!"
Michael clapped his hands together and rushed up the stairs to pick Trixie up from off the floor. He hauled her over his shoulder and rushed over to the elevator. The girl's laughter rang a happy tone in his ear.
"Michael!" Chloe called out.
"Best we get the young one fed and on to her surprise."
"My surprise?" Trixie asked. She looked over to her mother when she joined the two.
"You'll see when we get to the apartment, Monkey."
"Did you finally get us a puppy?"
"No," Chloe laughed.
"It's a puppy huh, Michael?"
"Ooo, it might be. You never know."
"No, it's not," Chloe stressed.
"It's a puppy," Trixie whispered.
"I think it is," Michael whispered back. He placed the child back on the ground when the elevator doors opened. Michael bumped Chloe's shoulder when he caught her staring into the open space on the other side. "You okay?" He whispered.
"Huh?" She shook her head.
"I'm going to be fine. I'm not worried."
"You're not?"
Michael shook his head, "I can't be there anymore. My kids are here." He brought Trixie close to his body. His hands rested on her shoulders. "Plus, I like my friends and new family here. They won't be mad at me forever. It's just a time out."
"Are you sure? This seems like a big deal, Michael."
"I'm sure. I'll just lay low for the meantime like you've asked of me. I'll keep the gifts and favors under wrap and play human. It shouldn't be that hard, right?" He looked down at Trixie.
"I don't think you know how to be human," she replied.
"I do too!"
"Nuh- uh," she shook her head. "I once saw you freak out over a brain freeze."
"Have you had one!" He argued.
"I have and they aren't that bad," she scrunched up her face. "You're just a drama Queen."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"That's the name of the droid from Star Wars," Michael pointed out.
"Who taught you about Star Wars?"
"Ella."
Chloe shook her head as she listened to the two argue with one another. Only Trixie would go head to head with a demon and an angel. While the two were talking about Star Wars, Chloe pulled out her phone making sure to notify Lucifer that they were leaving the precinct. Once the doors opened, the three pulled out of the elevator and made their way over to the garage exit. Luckily Lucifer returned in time and took his car back to Lux. The two had decided to surprise Trixie with Lucifer's little visit. He and Ella were setting up the apartment with pillows and blankets for tonight. As the three walked over to her car, Michael handed the keys back to Chloe.
"Shotgun!" Trixie called out. She rushed over to the passenger seat and waited for her mother to open the door. Michael stood on the side with a scowl on his face.
"Very well…"
"You're fine with Trixie riding in the front?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah… It's not like I haven't been in the back of a police car today."
"What?" Trixie asked.
"You sure?" Chloe asked once more.
"Yeah, let the kid have the seat."
"I'm literally right here, guys."
Michael smiled as he pushed her forward.
"Take the seat or I'll steal it from you."
"Mom, open the door."
"Alright, alright. Geez." Chloe unlocked the door, letting everyone into the police car. Michael climbed into the back seat on the passenger side. Trixie turned around and smiled at him.
"What songs should we listen to Michael?"
"Hmm…" He gave it some thought. "Play something off your mother's playlist."
"My playlist?" Chloe asked. She turned around as she started to back out of her parking spot.
"Yeah, the one my brother made you. I'm starting to migrate into the seventies and eighties era. Doesn't that playlist have that decade?"
"It does… but I don't think Trixie would —"
"I don't mind, Mom."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Dad and I were listening to Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin on our car ride to the station."
"You like Led Zeppelin!?" Michael pushed himself to the metal screen trying to get Trixie's attention. "That's my favorite rock band right now."
"Yeah! I love immigrant song!" Trixie turned around in her seat.
"Baby, put your seatbelt on."
"Who doesn't?!" Michael called out.
"I'ma playing it!"
"Please do," Michael responded.
Chloe shook her head with a smile on her face. She went ahead and pulled out of the parking structure and headed in the direction of her apartment. It would be another thirty minutes before they reached their destination, giving the two knuckleheads enough time to jam out.