"I Can't Quit You Baby" - Led Zeppelin

.

The car ride started off quiet. The soft whistle of the wind, the only thing gracing their ears.

Michael looked over at the dark dashboard and scanned for the radio. Once he found it, he turned the switch on. Static greeted him as he tried to find the right station to cruise downtown.

Ella bounced her eyes from the radio to the road. She was interested to know what station he would settle on. From what she knew, Michael liked oldies, but his taste seemed to linger around classic rock. Ella didn't seem to mind. She grew up on classic rock.

A shuffle of latin banda music, rap, and country circulated the car. It seemed Michael couldn't settle on a station. She chuckled to herself as he huffed in frustration.

"Need some help?" Ella asked.

"No… I got it." His tongue stuck out of his mouth as he bounced across the radio stations. "Come on…" He told himself. "I know there's a good station here somewhere." Ella sat back and focused her eyes on the road.

In a sense this felt like a test. She was always one for music. She loved all types. She always listened to a little of everything. She never judged. She never complained. But what was stopping her from getting a sense of what music Michael liked.

Ella listened to the ungodly amount of commercials that plagued the stations. She could understand Michael's frustration almost immediately. With every skip, the next station seemed to be on commercial.

"This is why I don't listen to the radio," she called out. "Everything is either advertisement or overly played pop songs."

"I don't mind a pop song or two. Shoot I'll take that Weekend song… What's it called? Blinding lights. I'll take that playing on very station right now." He smiled when he heard Ella chuckle out on the side of him. "You laugh, but I listened to that song three times in a row when I was in the car with Chloe and Trixie. I love the kid, but…" He blew out some air, "if I hear one more tik tok song, I'ma -"

"Oh, be nice."

"I'm being nice... Well I was nice. I never complained."

"Mm-hmm. I can literally imagine your sighs from the car ride."

"Only a long far off gaze that wished to be in your presence, dear." He looked over to her and flashed her a huge smile. As she turned in his direction, she shook her head.

Mr. Smooth Talker

Michael went back to shuffling through the various stations on the radio. Little blips of music popped through, but nothing seemed to catch their attention. And it wasn't for trying. They would stop the other before skipping, at least trying to get a feel of the song playing, but as the beat changed, they gave up.

Michael continued his search until he caught a glimpse of a man's voice talking over the radio.

"...A kissy never hurt either! Kiss Kiss. Ha ha! It's all about love... Okay here we go. This one goes out to -"

"Oh my God!" Ella called out. "Don't change the station!" Her hand rested over Michael's hand as his finger hovered over the skip button.

"What why?" Michael pulled his finger away from the nob. He looked over at Ella with confusion.

"It's Art Laboe! What day is it? Friday?"

"Yeah, it's Friday… Why?"

Ella let out a squeal of excitement. She turned up the volume and listened to her favorite oldies DJ talk about a dedication going out to a very special lady.

"I can't wait to say I love you in person... Okay. Aw how sweet, that was very poetic. That was from Anthony going out to Martha. Kiss."

.

"Darlin' baby…"

.

"This is The Elgins, Darling Baby."

.

"...Life is so lonely without you. Since you left these arms of mine. I've been alone crying, wondering why you left me behind. Darlin' baby…"

.

The DJ faded into the background letting the music take over. Ella gave Michael a quick glance silently asking him to let the music play. When he didn't object, she relaxed into her seat. Her eyes faced the road enjoying the song that played over the radio.

Michael directed his attention over to Ella. He extended his hand out and asked for her hand. She gave it up willingly, letting him intertwine their fingers. He brought their hands up to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

Ella tried to keep her eyes on the road, but Michael was making it so hard. Off to the side, she could hear him hum to the voice of Saunda Mallet Edwards. He obviously didn't know the lyrics, but he was trying.

Instead of letting him hum alone without a partner, Ella waited for the part she knew the best.

"So many nights. I wondered who was holding you tight. Can't help but feel it should be me. Oh, it should be me. 'Cause I'm forever losing sleep at night..."

Michael's head shot in her direction, but quickly turned it back to the road. The last thing he wanted was for her to stop. He tried to angle his head so he could watch her, but as well as he was, Ella caught him. She let out a chuckle and stopped singing immediately. Her confidence was thrown out the window.

"Nooo! Please continue," Michael begged.

"No!" She cried out. "I barely know the lyrics."

"It didn't sound that way. Oh, come on. Please?" He flashed her with puppy dog eyes.

"Mmm, maybe on a better song. I promise. I don't know this one all too well."

"Fine…"

Ella pulled their hands towards her. She brought his hand up to her lips, placing a kiss on the back. The music was but a whisper in the background as the song finished. Michael gave her hand a squeeze to assure her he was fine with the promise.

"You know my parents would listen to Art Laboe all the time on Friday nights."

"The station we're listening to right now?" Michael asked. Ella nodded her head.

"My dad," she shifted herself in the driver seat, getting comfortable. "He had this nice baby blue 1960's Buick LeSabre he loved with all his heart. He would take my moms, brothers, and I out into town and we would just cruise around listening to oldies." She smiled at the memory.

"That sounds like a nice childhood memory."

"It was." She turned her head and smiled at Michael. "These were the songs that would play over the radio. The DJ never changed the genre of music. I have some of the songs memorized, but not to the full extent… I always have this nostalgia when oldies play over the radio. It reminds me of my dad and those car rides."

Michael brought her hand over to his lips. He always enjoyed the little insight into her childhood. Imagining a younger version of his girlfriend warmed his heart.

"Well," Michael leaned forward and cranked up the music. "Let's keep that nostalgia going, yeah?"

Her playful laugh echoed out into the car making Michael's heart swell. He loved hearing her laugh.

The next song had already started to play. As the words became familiar with her, Ella began singing the lyrics for Michael to hear. He hung onto every word as she sang for him.

.

.

The two had pulled up to Dan's apartment complex in record time. It had only been a twenty minute drive from Chloe's place.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Ella searched for an open parking spot. She had visited Dan's place once or twice in the past, so she knew her way around. Seeing a few open spots in the visitor area, Ella went ahead and parked her car in an open spot.

Ella turned off the headlights to her car, dimming the lights for the apartment in front of them. Her car remained on to keep them warm from the cold weather outside.

Dan's car was nowhere to be seen so the two sat in silence and enjoyed the rest of the song that continued to play over the radio. As the song closed out, Michael reached forwards and lowered the volume.

"Before I go… I just wanted to express how much I appreciate you dealing with my personal drama, along with my brother, today. We… Well I know I can be a handful sometimes," he let out a nervous chuckle Ella knew was a coping mechanism. "I'm trying hard to work on that."

"Michael…" Ella turned in her seat making sure to face him. She extended her hand and latched hers onto his. "I understand some days are hard. We all have bad days... I don't necessarily know the details of your children being taken from you, but I know you are trying everything in your power to find them. I," she stressed, "want you to know that I am willing to help. You don't have to do shady back alley deals with known criminals to locate your children. The precinct has resources to help you with that."

"I know… And I thank you." He brought her hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on top. "It truly means everything to me that you understand and try not to pressure me. I promise when I'm ready I will fill you in. I just —"

"You don't have to explain, Michael. I know you'll fill me in when you're ready." She leaned over the center divider and placed a kiss on Michael's lips. When she pulled away she let her free hand rest on his cheek. "There's no rush… All I ask is for you to stay out of trouble with the law. That's my only wish."

A mischievous grin spread across his face as Ella uttered those last words. "I thought you loved a bad boy?"

"Oh, I do. It's literally my kryptonite," she explained. "But!" She paused for dramatics. Her thumb brushed the side of his cheek. Her gaze was lost on his lips. "I find myself loving the type of man I have in front of me even more."

Hey eyes slowly moved up Michael's face, locking eye contact. His facial features seemed to soften immediately as she uttered the words.

Quickly to draw attention away from her declaration, Ella dropped her hand and backed away into her seat. She was retreating to hide the blush she had on her face.

"And you know... I would hate for him to find himself behind bars before he has a chance to locate his kids."

"Hmm… We just going to skim over the -"

"Yes," Ella cut him off.

Michael nodded his head in acceptance. He tucked in his lips to prevent the smile that was breaking out across his face.

He was her type. He was now the kind of man Ella wanted to be with. No more bad boys. No more scum of the Earth. No more delinquents that she had one night stands with.

Michael was now categorized into a special type of man Ella wanted to be with. And that meant so much to him. He was glad to hear that she had finally found part of her that understood she deserved better. He personally thought she could do better than him, but at the end of the day, he wouldn't let her go if he was forced to.

Desperate to hide the blush on her face, Ella unclipped her seatbelt and exited the car.

"Where you goin'?" Michael chuckled.

"Nowhere," she replied.

In all honesty, she needed the air. Her cheeks were red from the look on his face. He was doing something she had never experienced with anyone else. She fanned her face to cool herself down.

As she listened to Michael climbing out of the car, she made fast work to give herself more time to avoid her embarrassment. She reached back into the car, this time the back seat, pulling out a jacket she kept for emergencies. Once Michael came over from the other side of the car, he was there to help her place the jacket around her shoulders.

"Thank you," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"You're welcome…"

His hands found themselves on her hips. He moved them in a circle, distracting her from her little slip up. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel embarrassed about the declaration she just admitted. She moved with his motion, smiling at his action.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Nothing." He looked down, smiling at her.

Ella shook her head at Michael's antics. She wasn't sure what was on his mind, but she appreciated the fresh air and the silence between them. She leaned into his embrace, laying her head against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his waist allowing Michael to do the same.

"You're oddly warm," she mumbled into his chest.

Michael let out a chuckle. He placed a kiss on the crown of her head. "I bet I feel like a furnace."

"So warm…"

"Cold?" He asked.

"A little… I wasn't expecting it to get so cold this early into Fall." She hummed against his body. The heat radiating off him was enough to shield her from the light breeze that had started to pick up.

"Maybe we should go back inside the car… You know until Daniel arrives."

"Mmm…" She didn't want to leave. She shook her head, pulling Michael closer. He let out a chuckle as her leg kicked his to the side, allowing her to latch onto him more. "I don't wanna move."

"Alright." He laid his cheek against the top of her head, swaying their bodies from side to side lazily. He let a minute pass before opening his mouth. "So, I was thinking…" He paused for theatrics.

"And what have you come up with?" She pulled away from his chest interested to hear what he had to say.

Truth was, he didn't know what he wanted to say. All he wanted to do was look at Ella's beautiful face while they waited for Dan to arrive. But as she stared up at him with her warm loving eyes, Michael immediately got lost. Ella seemed to catch on. Her hands moved out from around his waist and moved up his chest. Her fingers mapping out the muscles in his chest just beneath his shirt. A cluster of butterflies fluttered inside his stomach. He had yet to be touched like this with her. Something about the way she kept eye contact with him while moving her hands up his chest felt like something more.

Michael's Adam's apple bobbed up and down as her hands continued to move up his body. They ran along his neck, coming up to play with the ends of his hair. She twirled the ringlets of his curls around her finger. A shiver ran up his spine as she held his gaze with a smile. Those beautiful brown eyes shined with so much love, he could easily mistake it for Heaven.

"Hello, Handsome."

Michael smiled as she used his line on him, just roles reversed. He pulled himself out of his thoughts and smiled down at her. His hands lazily pulled her close demanding her closer.

"Hello, beautiful."

"Stud," she whispered.

The name smacked him with utter surprise. Michael seemed to puff out his chest on that compliment.

"You liked that?"

A chuckle rolled off his lips, "a little. Yeah."

"Come here."

She pulled his chin down so she could place a kiss on his lips. The smirk on his lips told her he enjoyed her boldness. When she tried to pull away, Michael shook his head. His hands gripped onto her waist, directing her over to the side of the car. He walked them backwards until her butt hit the cold metal. It was her turn to smile.

"How long do you think we have until Daniel messages me that he's here?" He asked.

"Hmm…" She pretended to give it some thought. "Maybe another ten to fifteen minutes. Why?"

One wicked smile from him was enough to fuel her curiosity. He licked his lips in hunger, silently asking if they were on the same page. With a head nod, Ella pulled his head back down so she could have her lips on him once more.

Her fingers ran along the back of his head, clumping fists of his hair. Their mouths collided with eagerness.

"Mmm," escaped out of Ella's lips.

Michael slid his hands down her legs, hooking them around her thighs. In one swift move, he had her lifted so she could be at a better height advantage. A small yelp escaped from her lips as she didn't expect Michael to lift her so effortlessly.

"Don't worry, I got you," he whispered.

His forehead rested along hers as he tried to get her legs to wrap around his torso. Once the weight was distributed between the two of them, Michael locked his mouth back onto Ella.

Ella hummed against his lips. Michael pulled them over to the side of the car, pressing her against the driver door. A smile found its way to their faces as they knew the kiss would turn into something else.

His hands side up her waist, along her arms, to the side of her face. Their kiss immediately deepened as the passion started to build between them.

"Open the door," she ordered between kisses.

She didn't have to ask twice. Michael pulled her off the side of the car door, securing her around his waist. One hand supported her while the other fumbled to find the handle for the door. Once found, Michael yanked the back driver side door open.

With ease, Michael positioned her perfectly so she could lay against the back seat of her car. The look in her eyes spoke volumes as he hovered outside the door. With the curl of her index finger, she beckoned Michael to join her.

Michael climbed in after her, shutting the door behind him. Although it was cramped in the back, he made it work. He hovered over Ella. A smile gracing his face as she laid below him.

"Come here."

Ella pulled him down by the back of his neck. Their lips crashed onto one another immediately. A mess of teeth and tongue was all they were. Excitement of finally being able to be intimate with one another coarsed through them.

Michael ran his mouth onto the side of her jaw, showering kisses down her neck. Ella moved her head over to the side allowing Michael better access. As his tongue ran along her soft skin, her hand cupped the back of his head, fisting his hair.

"Michael," she breathed out.

His name rolling off her lips only fueled his passion. He distributed his weight onto one arm, allowing the other to run down her right leg. He wrapped his arm around her thigh, pulling her closer to her. Once she secured it around his waist, he took his hand off of her and used it to rebalance himself.

For being in the backseat of a car it didn't leave him much room to work with. He was too tall to do much, but with the help of Ella he was sure he could get something going.

"Sit up," she suggested. "I have an idea."

Michael released his mouth from her neck. He pulled back and plopped himself on the left side of the car. He rather preferred the middle seat, but it left little room for what he knew Ella was suggesting.

As he adjusted his seating, Ella climbed on top of Michael. Her legs fell on both sides of his thighs, facing him with a smile. His hands ran up her thighs, resting on her waist.

"Why hello," he smiled up at her.

"Hello." She rested her hands on his shoulders, playing with the curls that tickled his neck.

"Come here often?"

She was too busy running her fingers through his hair, looking at his lips to hear what Michael had said. "Hmm?" She asked.

"I asked," he leaned forward, placing a kiss on the side of her neck. He smiled as she hummed at his touch.

"Yes?" She whispered.

His lips continued to pepper her neck, not even bothering to repeat his question from before. Michael made sure to move her hair off to the side so he had more access to her skin. Her heavy breaths warmed the back of his head as she held him close. The soft rocking of her hips grinding into him, sparked a lust he'd longed to satisfy.

"Michael…"

"Hmm?" He pulled her chin down softly so he could feel her labored breath of his lips. "Tell me," he whispered.

Her right hand started to slip down his chest. Unable to get words out, Michael opted to nod his head. His eyes began to close as Ella's hands started to unbuckle his belt.

Michael pulled her lips onto his as her finger pulled at his button. Once again a mess of tongue and teeth were met with every breath. As her hand slipped into his pants, Michael moaned into her mouth.

"Fuck," a whispered. Her cold hand took him by surprise, but he welcomed her touch.

Ella smiled against Michael's lips as she moved her fingers along his length.

"You okay?" She teased.

"Absolutely."

He placed his hands on both sides of her face, cupping her cheeks. He couldn't seem to keep the smile off his face. Ella slipped her hand deeper into his pants and began pumping him.

"Like that… Just like that," he whispered to her. His breath was hot against her lips as she continued to work on him. His eyes fluttered to a close as her forehead pressed against his.

"Keep your eyes on me, Michael."

He obliged her request, choosing to focus on her eyes as she tilted his chin up. He was at her mercy. For a being so strong and powerful, he was rendered helpless as she had her hands wrapped around him. He felt vulnerable in ways he hadn't felt in a lifetime.

She leaned her head forward and locked lips with him once more. Once again their tongue battled for dominance as the two started to get familiar with one another. Michael removed his hands from the sides of Ella's face and began pulling at the edges of her jacket. He wanted to pleasure her.

She happily complied and let the fabric slip over her shoulders as she worked on his lower half. The jacket was tossed over her shoulder, onto the driver seat. It was discarded like yesterday's trash. Michael smiled into his kiss as she began working on his shirt.

"We're doing this?" Michael asked with excitement.

"Yes."

With that being said, Ella pulled Michael's shirt off his shoulders. He was just as she remembered him from the other night. Broad chested and muscular. She bit her bottom lip with excitement. Her hands danced around his chest unsure if he was real. He seemed like an art piece, created by God himself.

"May I?" Michael asked.

His fingers were ghosting around the edge of her shirt, wishing to remove her article of clothing. Not bothering to waste another second, Ella did the honors. She yanked her shirt clean off her body. Allowing the thin fabric of her bra to brush up against Michael's nose. The angel's eyes widened as he was one fabric closer to seeing more of her.

Ella angled her hands behind her back ready to take her bra off, but Michael batted her hands away. He wanted to do the honors. He bit down on his bottom lip as he unclipped the back with little effort. He watched as the straps slid off her shoulders exposing the mounds of her breasts.

He watched with eagerness as she started to pull her bra off. The top of her nipples poked out greeting him like an old friend. Michael leaned forward ready to engulf her breast with his mouth when a knock came from the window.

The two jumped in their seats. Michael froze in position, while Ella leaned into Michael embrace. Her hands flew to her chest trying to protect her modesty.

"Are you… Are you two having sex right now? You guys! This is a parking lot!" Dan called out.

"Dad dammit, Daniel! You…" Michael let out a breath of air he wasn't sure he was holding on to. "You fuckin' scared the boner right out of me." He chuckled across Ella's shoulder.

"Oh my God, please tell me you didn't see anything," Ella asked.

"Oh, I saw plenty! Can you two… Can you two stop what you're doing and put your clothes back on. I'd really appreciate it!"

"Just…" Michael let out a sigh, "give us a minute." He turned his head to still see Dan by the window. "Can you please…"

"Shit sorry. My bad." Dan began walking away from the car granting the couple their privacy.

"Well, so much for car sex," Michael chuckled.

"I can't believe Dan caught us."

"Mmm… Could have been worse, he could have caught us in the act," Michael whispered. He leaned back and watched Ella put her bra back on. A frown fell upon his face as he was once again deprived of her touch.

"I don't think I'd be able to recover if Dan had caught us a minute later." Ella shook her head. She reached over and grabbed her shirt that was on the right side of Michael. She quickly slipped it on and looked at Michael. "Don't give me that face. I know... We were so close."

He leaned forward, placing his lips on hers.

"It's perfectly fine. The wait can continue," he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Make it up to one another tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" He purred. "Mmm, someone's eager."

"Hey, I -"

"You guys done? I kinda want to slip into bed sometime soon," Dan called out.

The pair looked at each other. Neither one of them wanted to leave the other, but they knew they couldn't keep Dan waiting any longer. Ella turned so she could grab Michael's shirt that had been tossed onto the floor of the car. As she turned around, she gave him one last look over before handing it to him.

"So close," she whispered. Unable to watch her boyfriend conceal his beautiful chest, Ella opened the car door and stepped out of the vehicle. Dan made sure to keep his head low as they righted themselves. "He's all yours."

"Sorry to interrupt the fun… I didn't know."

"You're good. We didn't get very far," she chuckled.

Michael stepped out with his shirt in hand. Both parties turned to see a short glimpse of Michael's scar on the right side of his back. Dan made a face as he recognized the scar tissue. It was something similar to Lucifer's.

"I hope it's alright that I stay with you for the night. I just know my brother is going to be a bore and well I still have to be under surveillance…"

"Nah, you're good buddy." Dan patted Michael's back. "You just have to excuse my dirty apartment." A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. "I don't get much company these days. Trixie warns me, but…"

"You're fine, Daniel. I'm sure it's not that bad." He pulled his shirt over his shoulders, covering himself back up to preserve his modesty.

"You'll just have to wait and see." He turned to Ella and smiled. "I'll let you two say your goodbyes, but I expect for him to be inside within a five minute gap. I don't need the cops showing up for indecent exposure."

"No yeah. I don't need that in my file," Ella agreed. "I'll send him your way right now."

She turned to Michael and flashed him a smile. As much as it pained her to leave so soon, she wasn't sure she could hide her embarrassment any longer. She was both horny and frustrated with the turn of events. She needed to get as far away as possible to allow herself to calm down. If that meant leaving in a hurry, she was going to take it. She opened her arms and waited for Michael to accept the goodbye.

"Come here."

"Right here?" He looked down at his spot and smiled. He then moved over to her and placed his hands on her hips. "Ah! Right here, sorry."

Ella shook her head. "You're going to be on your best behavior, right?"

"Of course."

"Mm-hmm." She didn't believe it for one second. She looked past Michael and addressed Dan. "If he gives you any trouble just call me, I'll deal with him."

"I'm right here!" Michael whined.

"Will do, Ella!" Dan gave her a thumbs up.

"I gotta go. It's been a long day, but please make sure to check in with both Lieutenants."

"I will…"

"I know you will." She brought his chin down and placed a kiss on his lips. "See you tomorrow?"

"Of course." He placed one last kiss before letting her slip out of his hold.

"I'll message you when I get home," she told him.

"Please do."

"Have a nice sleepover boys!"

"It's not a sleepover!" Michael argured.

"Drive safe, Ella!" Dan called out.

The two watched as the forensic scientist rushed into her car. She didn't bother to make any more eye contact than was necessary. Although it was rushed, Michael knew Daniel's arrival had caught her by surprise. He knew how much she valued her professionalism. Seeing as she was almost caught having sex with him in the back seat of her car, was scaring for her. He took her leave of absence with a grain of salt. He knew he would get to make it up to her tomorrow. He let a smile fall across his lips as he thought of the plan. Dan turned in his spot, slapping a hand across Michael's back. He nudged his head over in the direction of the apartment, the pair made their way over to Dan's building.

"It's cold. Let's head inside?"

"Of course…" Michael followed Dan out of the parking lot. As they turned into the apartment grounds, Michael spoke up. "About earlier, Daniel…"

Dan shook his head. "You're good, buddy. I remember how things are in a new relationship. I'm just sorry I arrived at a bad moment." A chuckle fell between the pair.

"I wouldn't have minded a few more moments with Ella."

The two walked up the stairs that led to Dan's building. He let his eyes wander around the grounds. It wasn't as nice as Chloe's neighborhood, but he was sure it was the best the man could afford with his salary.

"Almost there. It's a bit of a walk, but…" He shrugged his shoulders. Michael waved him off. He didn't mind the journey around the apartment complex.

"How long have you been here?" Michael asked out of curiosity.

"Uh…" Dan gave it some thought. "Five years? Yeah, five years." He directed Michael around the corner where his apartment was located. As the two walked along the final stretch, Dan continued the conversation. "I moved into this apartment complex shortly after the divorce between Chloe and I was finalized."

Michael nodded his head. At times the marriage between the two detectives eluded his memory. Dan seemed to catch Michael's silence. He stopped in his tracks, turning to Michael.

"You know things between Chloe and I are good, right?"

"Oh! No, yeah… I know. I just forget that the two of you were married. I -"

"Can't believe she would marry someone like me?" Dan asked, defensively.

"What? No." Michael shook his head. "You and Chloe have such a strong friendship. The both of you are very close friends. You know, for a divorced couple. Stick my parents in a room and it's a bloodbath."

"Oh, I'm sure your parents aren't that bad."

"Daniel, my mother invented the black plaque just to get my father's attention. Trust me when I say yours and Chloe's friendship is not one of a divorced couple."

Dan let out a chuckle. He wasn't sure if Michael was kidding or being overdramatic with his example. Either way, he was happy with the compliment.

"Thank you." He continued his way to the apartment with a smile on his face. Michael followed close behind.

Dan's relationship with Chloe was unique. He knew that. After everything he put her through, he was surprised she even let him near Trixie. But there was no denying the friendship he had developed between him and his ex. He loved that Chloe and himself could be so civil around one another. And he wouldn't screw it up for anything.

As Daniel slowed down walking up to his door, Michael took the time to ask his friend a question. His hand pulled on Dan's forearm stopping him from reaching into his pants pocket for his apartment keys.

"Daniel…" He spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"On the topic of divorce…"

"Mm-hmm?"

Michael dropped his hand. He fidgets in his spot unsure how to bring up the fight between Lucifer and Chloe. Daniel watched Michael closely as the man was obviously nervous.

"Everything okay, man?"

"Yeah… I just…" Michael let out a sigh. "You know how Chloe ticks better than anyone I know. I'm sure the years of your marriage and friendship have given you some credibility over the years."

Dan shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. He nodded his head confirming Michael's suspicions.

"Is this about today? You know she only scolds you like she does, because she cares about you. I'm sure in some ways it's a little more on the nose because you and Lucifer share the same face, but -"

"It's not that, Daniel," Michael cut him off, stopping the insight immediately. As silence filled the air, Michael made a mental note to bookmark that statement for a topic of discussion on a later day.

Dan quickly cleared his throat opting to correct his confusion. "Oh… Then what's up?"

There was no point in beating around the bush, so Michael cut right to the chase.

"My brother has been withholding information from Chloe for some time now… And tonight seemed to have been the day he decided to lay it out on the table. It didn't end so well..."

Dan nodded his head in understanding. He knew all about Chloe and Lucifer's rollercoaster on again off, again drama. It's one of the reasons he still didn't find their partnership/friendship ethical. Hearing about a hiccup so soon after Lucifer's arrival didn't seem to surprise him.

"I'm assuming that's why you're here and not with Chloe."

"Nothing gets past you, Detective…"

Dan let a smirk spread across his face as Michael used his title. He pulled his arms out of his jacket pockets and walked over to the railing in front of his front door. Michael followed, choosing the lean up against the rail.

"What do you want to know?" Dan asked.

"She flinched from my brother's grasp. I've never seen her shrink away from him… I just…" Michael let out another sigh. "I guess I want to know if I should be worried. My brother isn't one for rejection… And I worry this argument was the tipping point."

Dan kicked the imaginary dirt under his foot. He nodded his head trying to come up with an answer fitting for the lack of information he wasn't going to get.

"Their Chloe and Lucifer," Dan explained. He spread his arms out wide as if Michael should know the meaning. When Michael looked at him with a blank expression, he went into depth. "I've seen those two fight all the way from about a stolen cool ranch puff, to Lucifer coming back from Las Vegas with a wife... Hell, I've seen Chloe personally remove Lucifer from a case because he was annoying the shit out of her…" Michael still stood in front of Dan with a blank stare. "What I'm trying to get at is... " He shrugged his shoulders, "The two fight. It may not be healthy, but the two always seem to go back to one another. Whether it's their partnership, like in the past, or now, with their new relationship."

"So you're saying I shouldn't worry?"

"Oh, I'd worry about your brother. He always seems to spiral after a thrashing from Chloe." Dan pointed to Michael's pocket, directing him to give Lucifer a call. "Which concerns me that you're not with him."

"I promised your Lieutenant I'd stay under the supervision of an officer. I can't very well abide by my promise if I'm babysitting my brother."

"Responsible of you," Dan replied. He came to stand besides Michael, him too leaning against the rails.

"I'm trying…" Michael directed his gaze down to his shoes. After everything he had put his friends through it was the least he could do for them. Afterall, he did get Daniel to lie for him. Dan knocked his shoulder into Michael showing he appreciated the effort.

"I appreciate the maturity."

Michael hummed, allowing his head nod to speak on his behalf.

"Do I want to know what Lucifer withheld from Chloe?" Dan asked. The curiosity of Michael's worry started to nip at the corner of his mind.

"It's just another absurd gesture my father has seemed to deploy onto my brother."

Michael shook his head. He couldn't seem to understand why his father had to meddle into the affairs of John and Penelope Decker. A miracle hadn't been given in thousands of years. After the first one, he thought his father would have learned.

Dan was even more confused by Michael's words then before they started talking. Instead of prying any further, he pushed himself off the rail and flashed Michael a smile.

"I'm sure whatever happened, all the two need is space. I'm told Lucifer is back for good next week. Maybe the time between the two will allow the dust to settle for Chloe."

"Yeah, maybe you're right..."

"Give Chloe some space. Try to stay out of trouble so she doesn't have to worry about you so much. As I said earlier, she seems to watch you like a hawk because you look like Lucifer. Erry enough this past month you've managed to demonstrate Lucifer's old antics. I'd try to stay out of trouble and just keep an eye on your brother. Make sure he too is staying out of trouble. We both know how trouble likes to find him."

Michael was about to answer when his phone started to buzz inside his pocket. The sudden vibration that ripple across his thigh forced him to direct his attention to his leg. He gave Daniel a short apology, reaching into his pocket. On the screen showed a new message notification from Ella along with a missed call from Chloe. Dan seemed to catch the notification tabs off Michael's phone because he patted Micael on the shoulder before retreating to his front door.

"I'd give Chloe a call back if I was you. She gives a mean voicemail when someone ignores her second call."

"I suppose you're right… Mind if I take the call out here?

Dan shook his head. "Nah, go ahead. I'm going to jump in the shower and rinse the day off of me. Feel free to make yourself at home when you're done. I shouldn't be in the shower too long."

"Thank you for letting me stay with you tonight, Daniel. Truly. Thank you."

"It's nothing, buddy." He gave Michael a quick smile before slipping into his apartment.