So, Part 2 is coming along nicely. It will for sure be longer than Part 1. It was actually pretty weird coming back this far for my final edit before posting this chapter because so much has happened.
Anyway…
Lucifer loses his shit and takes it out on Maze. Linda forces him into a therapy session. The boys have a short chat.
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Chloe stretched as she settled beside Lucifer at the piano he was softly playing. The notes were sad but beautiful as Lucifer played the lullaby on autopilot. He had been playing the same soft tune since Amenadiel and Ella had left almost two hours before. Amenadiel had promised to get Ella home safely and Ella would be back tomorrow to check and make sure the bandages were holding up okay.
Michael had not been able to get settled quickly. As tired as he was, everything still hurt and ached enough it was hard to get his body to relax enough to actually sleep. Since Michael had seemed more willing to accept Chloe's comfort, Lucifer had let her sit with Michael while he had turned to the piano in hopes of it helping.
"Finally asleep?" Lucifer asked softly.
Chloe nodded leaning her head against Lucifer's shoulder. He continued to play until the recent repeat of the lullaby finished. The two sat silently with eyes closed simply taking in the warmth and comfort the other provided.
"Detective." Lucifer whispered. "What did Arkiel do to Michael with my face?"
Chloe had known the question was coming; she just hadn't known when. She should have known Lucifer would want all the details as soon as the time presented itself.
Chloe made them move to the couch before she started talking. Lucifer listened intently growing increasingly agitated and upset as she knew he would. When she told him the words Arkiel used, he had started pacing with gritted teeth and hands clenched into fists. He allowed Chloe to speak without interruption though for which she was grateful. She wasn't sure she would be any better off if he had interrupted her.
The only thing she left out was Arkiel proclaiming that Michael was in love with Lucifer. If Michael was, in fact, in love with his brother, then Michael deserved to be the one to say something if he desired to. There was also the fact that she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that possibility herself.
Chloe jumped when glass shattered. Lucifer was leaning over the bar with his hands placed on its top. His back rose in time to his breaths. Chloe moved to him gently placing a hand on his shoulder. His eyes were closed.
"The others always taunted Michael. He stayed close to me at first and with his dark wings he did look somewhat like my shadow and given the fact he did follow on my heels probably didn't help. I didn't care. He was my twin and I wanted him there. We started playing pranks on the others in retaliation. They teased both of us even harsher because we were always so close; constantly touching. It was comforting to us so we did it anyway. Is it any wonder that first kiss had just kept leading to others?"
Lucifer opened his eyes but didn't look at her. Chloe wasn't sure he was seeing anything his eyes looked so lost.
"To hear those insults from me…" Lucifer trailed off before reaching for another glass and his decanter of whiskey to pour a generous shot which he drank immediately. Chloe starting trailing her fingers gently over his shoulder, back and forth. He sighed at the gentle touch.
"Michael never said anything but I knew he disliked Eve. They never met, Michael had no wish to go back to the Garden after the first time, but he just disliked her. I don't think I understood at the time but I accepted it. He still let me go to observe and it wasn't like I planned on doing anything else."
Lucifer went tense beneath her hand before growling angrily. "I should have known better when Michael requested I go to Eve. He was always uncomfortable with me even going to the Garden let alone with me actually talking to Eve, that it should have been a red flag, but he had been so earnest and convincing." Lucifer just looked sad now. He still didn't look at her. "We had talked about doing more and how it would work but Michael was ever hesitant. The fear of causing pain was very real considering neither of us had any idea of what we were doing."
Lucifer was silent a moment before he raged again. Another glass went sailing, breaking against the wall behind the bar barely missing taking a bottle with it. Chloe jumped at the sudden change in mood with a slight gasp. "I let that rat use Michael to convince me…"
Chloe could sense Lucifer going volatile and quickly moved back. He would never hurt her but she knew he could get destructive if pushed too far. Lucifer was most definitely pushed too far. His decanter of whiskey smashed against the elevator doors.
"Lucifer." Chloe spoke just loud enough to draw his attention.
Lucifer looked at her with Devil eyes on full display. Even though they glowed red with his anger, Chloe could make out the hurt as well. What she wouldn't do if she could just wrap him up and save him from all of it. She'd even wrap Michael up as well, maybe put them together, and hide them away from the world. Surely they both have suffered enough by now.
"I have to go."
Lucifer's voice was deep and gravely. It reminded her of the voice he used to command his demons. It wasn't quite to the same level but it was close; close enough it sent shivers down her spine and caused her eyes to widen as a shock of arousal shot through her. What was it with his Devil attributes and their wings that got her so hot and bothered? He was angry and obviously having trouble keeping himself together. Chloe figured she was the only reason he was holding himself together as well as he was.
"Go." She whispered. "We'll be here."
Lucifer stormed by her toward the balcony. She turned to watch him spread his wings before disappearing.
Chloe decided she would clean up a bit and did so while on autopilot. She hoped she got all the glass but figured the cleaning staff would be better suited. They were probably used to all sorts of messes by now.
Once finished, she made her way back to the bedroom where Michael still slept despite all the noise. He slept on his stomach, arms at his sides, and head turned on the pillow. His broke wing was bandaged snuggly against his side and back while the other one was stretched out across the bed. The primaries rested on the floor.
Chloe walked around them to sit on the edge of the bed. The wing shifted a bit to make room for her; the soft feathers rustling gently, before it settled again. Michael himself never stirred. Gently, Chloe used her fingers to brush away a stray lock of hair. It had curled slightly as the sweat dried. He sighed softly but made no other indication he had even felt her touch. His breaths remained steady and even.
Chloe turned away from him, rested her elbows on her knees, pressed the heels of her hands against her brow, and cried.
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Lucifer had stormed into Linda's only to be punched back out by Maze. That was fine. She gave him exactly what he was looking for; a fight. Something to take all the anger, hurt, and mixed up emotions out on. Maze apparently had some of her own anger issues to work out and that was fine with him too.
Amenadiel cursed under his breath. "Stay inside." He instructed Linda and Dan both thankful that Charlie and Trixie were already asleep. Apparently, Maze just had Dan bring Trixie for a sleepover to get everyone under one roof. It worked and Trixie loved Charlie so was more than happy to help Linda get him to sleep before going to sleep herself.
By the time Amenadiel made it out the door Lucifer and Maze had progressed to the middle of the street. Both already had bloodied faces and were still growling and hurling insults at each other to keep it going. Amenadiel hurried over. They really did not need a call out to the LAPD for a domestic disturbance right now.
"Alright you two, enough." He commanded. He was blatantly ignored.
"You kept my mother from me!" Maze yelled swinging a demon blade that Lucifer was barely able to dodge.
Lucifer snarled. "I gave my word, Maze." Secrets. Promises. All they did was cause problems, issues, and hurt.
Amenadiel grabbed Maze around the waist to keep her from charging at Lucifer. "Maze…"
"I want that ring!" Maze yelled over him.
Lucifer glared down at the ring in question. He basically ripped it off his finger and threw it at her. "You want it, take it." He snapped.
Maze caught the ring in her hands but was staring at Lucifer now unsure. Amenadiel looked at Maze with the same expression before turning to face his brother. Lucifer simply stood in the middle of the street staring them down but his form was trembling. Amenadiel felt a sense of déjà vu looking at his younger brother. He had seen Lucifer look similarly once before.
"Luci?" Amenadiel walked up to Lucifer. "What's happened?"
"Arkiel happened." Lucifer snapped. "He turned Michael against me. He used my face to do it!" Lucifer suddenly deflated in front of Amenadiel. The anger seemed to melt away leaving only the hurt. He looked so close to breaking down.
Amenadiel gently coaxed Lucifer toward the house. "Come inside."
Lucifer allowed himself to be guided into the house while Maze followed.
"Damn, you two did that in that short of a time?" Dan questioned looking between the two with shock and worry expressed on his face.
Lucifer ignored him shrugging away from Amenadiel and collapsing into a chair. Maze had gotten a lucky strike with her demon blade across his cheek. It wasn't deep by any means, and wouldn't scar, but it bled freely and stung. She'd even busted his lip twice and he had a cut on his brow from somewhere. Of course he got a few good hits on Maze as well as she was busted up just the same.
Linda huffed in annoyance at them both as she brought out the first aid kit. She handed supplies to Dan to help with Maze, who rolled her eyes but a stern look from Linda had her sitting in a chair and accepting Dan's assistance without comment. Linda moved to Lucifer to clean up his wounds.
"What did this accomplish?" She asked wetting gauze with alcohol.
"I needed to punch something." Lucifer replied dryly. He hissed when Linda dabbed at the cut on his cheek.
"So you wanted to punch Maze?"
"Not specifically Maze. Amenadiel would have sufficed."
Amenadiel sighed. "Thanks."
Lucifer shrugged without comment. Linda sighed before standing and gathering up her supplies.
"Come on, Lucifer."
Lucifer grumbled but stood knowing Linda was going to make him talk things out. At least she was going to be nice enough to let him do so in private. She led him outside onto a small patio with chairs and a table. Linda set the supplies down on the table and repositioned the chairs so they could talk face to face while she continued to clean Lucifer up.
"Talk." Linda stated. "Leave nothing out this time."
Lucifer found once he started he couldn't stop. He told her about everything. People knew their secret now so what did it matter if one more person joined the lot. Linda listened quietly and intently. She finished what she was doing and shifted to sit more comfortably in the chair as Lucifer talked. Some parts he spoke fast and angrily while others were subdued and slow. She had been right in her assumptions. The twins had been closer than anyone else had realized. Once done, Lucifer was leaned over, elbows on his knees, and staring at his clasped hands.
"How is Michael now?" Linda asked softly.
"When I left he was sleeping it all off soundly." Thankfully. Honestly, Lucifer had no idea if he would be getting any sleep tonight. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
He was so angry at Arkiel and himself that it hurt. He hated that he had essentially allowed Arkiel to talk him into doing something that he knew instinctively Michael wouldn't have liked, but he had used Michael's face and voice. Lucifer had grabbed onto the fact that Michael was agreeing and would trust him enough to actually go through with it. The only request that Michael had was that Lucifer knew exactly what he was doing and had even suggested Eve. He'd let his insane curiosity and desire cloud over his instincts and judgement.
Eve was special in a sense in that she was the first human Lucifer had contact with and the only other one, other than him and Michael, that knew what he was really observing them for. She had forced it out of him when he had first returned after she caught him the first time. She didn't know about Michael, of course, just his desire to learn. It was either tell her or she'd tell Dad he had been visiting.
True, Dad very well could have known at the time but He so frequently turned a blind eye to what they were doing that Lucifer hadn't wanted to chance it. Plus, she ended up letting him in on details he never would have gotten otherwise. So, his first time was with Eve, a human, when it should have been Michael, and most likely would have been had Arkiel not manipulated them when he did.
Of course the sex had been engaging, and certainly enlightening, but Lucifer knew now it had been hollow. Eve had not once created the tingles and sensations that being with Michael had and no one had sense, that was, until the Detective. What did that mean? He had come to accept that it was very possible that he loved the Detective. Did it mean that he could possibly love Michael too but never realized it?
"Can we fix this?" He mumbled more to himself than anything but Linda heard him.
"No, I don't think so."
Lucifer whipped his head up to look at her, devastated. Linda quickly continued.
"Fixing this to what you had is not possible, Lucifer. The damage and the scars run too deep and it has been too long. You and Michael are different people than what you were. It might be possible to mend things though."
"Mend?" He looked honestly confused.
"Yes, mend." Linda sighed thoughtfully. "In your opinion, do you think that you and Michael fit like you did before?"
Did they fit? No, they didn't, not like they used to. They never fought before. There was no anger or hurt between them. Now, the trust was so damaged. Sure, somethings they still fit into. They could still banter like no tomorrow and still could work off of each other if needed, but there was a gap that hadn't been there before. A distance that Lucifer felt he couldn't quite cross. Linda was right. They were too different now. Too much has happened over the millions of years they faced apart.
"No, we don't"
Linda smiled sadly but encouragingly. "That does not mean that the two of you can't come back together, mend yourselves, and find a new way to fit. It will take time, and patience, lots of patience, on both of your parts, but it can be done if you two agree and work together to do so."
"Michael implied he couldn't be brothers." Lucifer stared back down at the ground.
"Okay." Linda waited until Lucifer glanced back up at her. "What do you want?"
What did he want? He wanted his brother back, no, not just his brother, he wanted his twin back. He wanted his other half. Wasn't that what they were? Regardless, it didn't matter what they were labeled as. Lucifer wanted the closeness, the laughs, and the smiles. He wanted hugs, the soft touches, and the soft kisses. So what if it was wrong? He had already been cast out. He had already sinned. Lucifer could accept his place in the world but why couldn't he be happy at the same time?
What of the Detective though? There was no way he could give her up. He wouldn't, he couldn't. Why must he be so selfish? The truth of it, he wanted them both, and not just as a lover and a brother, but just as lovers, all three of them. Nest mates. The term confused Lucifer but he shook it away for the time being. Probably just his sleep deprived brain making up non-consequential words.
"I just want him. No labels. Just Michael."
"And Chloe?"
"Her too." He wasn't sure at this point if he would be able to get Michael back, but the Detective was non-negotiable.
Linda sighed wearily. "Then I recommend talking, Lucifer. Relationships are hard enough normally. Small steps. Communicate fully and openly and make sure all three are on the same page." She caught Lucifer's eyes. "No diving, Lucifer. I imagine Michael is very fragile right now, and so are you and Chloe."
Lucifer sat back in his chair crossing one leg over the other. He still looked depressed but thoughtful. "If I had only…"
"I'm going to stop you right there." Linda raised her hand stopping Lucifer mid-sentence. He looked at her irritated but she continued. "There is no sense in thinking and holding onto 'if only' and 'what if' and 'should have'. What has happened has happened. All it will do is keep you spiraling and stuck."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "Well what else is there?"
"The past is just that, the past. It cannot be changed or altered, but it can be viewed and learned from. The present; however, can be molded and shaped into a new future that is ever changing."
Lucifer tilted his head. "So, basically, we can't fix the past, but we can mend the present to create a future."
Linda smiled warmly. "That is a correct summation, yes."
Lucifer hummed and a new thoughtful expression took over. Would he really be able to have his cake and eat it to?
"Remember, Lucifer, for anything to work, you and Michael have to both be willing to work at it. Chloe needs to be on board as well if she is going to be included. Communication, Lucifer, open communication, I cannot express that enough."
"Yes, yes, I heard you the first time, Doctor." Lucifer brushed her off as he stood. "I should really be getting back. Thank you."
Linda watched him go hoping he really had heard her. She hoped things worked out well for them, she really did, but she had a feeling she would be seeing more of Lucifer and Chloe in the future. Maybe even Michael at some point she was sure.
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Michael slowly became aware. The first thing he registered was the ache from his wing. It was nowhere as bad as it was but still noticeable. The next thing was the softness of the bed he was in. After that was the overwhelming feeling he was being watched. It itched and tingled along the back of his neck. Michael opened his eyes to find Lucifer staring at him. He cursed and jumped wincing as a sharp stab of pain raced through his wing into his shoulder.
"Hush now." Lucifer admonished. "You'll wake the Detective."
Michael narrowed his eyes in confusion but Lucifer simply nodded his head in the direction behind Michael. With a soft groan Michael turned his head to find Chloe asleep beside him. She had her back to him and far enough away that she wouldn't bump into him should she move. His chest felt warm knowing that she had stayed with him even though she wasn't required to do so. Michael turned back to look at Lucifer.
"What happened to you?" He asked quietly taking in the split lip and cuts on Lucifer's face. His left eye even looked a little blackened.
Lucifer shrugged. "Took out some anger on Maze. She got a few lucky hits in."
Michael huffed a small laugh. "Looks like she got more than a few."
"Hush." Lucifer mock glared before his face turned solemn. "How do you feel?"
"Sore." Michael groaned. "But better than before." He was still so tired. "How long did I sleep?"
Lucifer did some quick math. "Maybe a few hours. I just returned a few minutes ago."
Michael hummed and closed his eyes again. Now that he was aware Chloe was sleeping to his left he noticed her warmth. He could feel Lucifer on his right as well. It felt comfortable and safe.
"Michael, what did you mean when you said you couldn't be brothers?"
Michael tensed. So much for comfortable. He opened his eyes to find Lucifer still looking at him. His eyes held an emotion that Michael wasn't entirely sure he understood. It looked worried but also maybe hopeful.
"Just what I said."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "Open communication, Michael."
Michael blinked at him and sighed. "I said what I meant. I can't just be your brother. I…" Michael paused. He couldn't say it. "I just can't."
"How come?"
"You're going to make me spell it out, aren't you?"
Lucifer said nothing but stared at him; waiting. Michael sighed again this time in annoyance. He wanted to leave and escape but knew he couldn't. He knew the minute he tried to move he'd be in pain again and he certainly wouldn't be able to move fast enough to outrun Lucifer. Where would he go anyway? He couldn't fly. He couldn't walk around with his wings out like this either and he couldn't fold them away with one all splinted up like it was. Michael was stuck, which was exactly why Lucifer was pushing the issue right now. Damn him.
"Because I'm a jealous and selfish bastard, alright?" He was snapping, he knew, but he refused to stumble over his words in fear. "I can't be near you without wanting to punch you or kiss you. I can't be around Chloe without wanting to hold her close or take her and run but I also know that she would never leave you and I don't want to hurt her. I don't want to leave you either not now that things seem to be going in a good direction."
Michael took a deep breath closing his eyes so he didn't have to see Lucifer looking at him with calm acceptance; like he already knew. "I meant what I said. I don't want to be alone. I'm tired of being alone. Chloe and Ella, they have both shown me warmth I haven't felt or accepted in so long I can't stand the thought of giving it up. Even you haven't been looking at me the same lately and I know Chloe has had something to do with that." Michael opened his eyes again ignoring the burning he felt. "Chloe is special, Lucifer."
Lucifer smiled gently at him. "I know."
Michael swallowed. He throat felt tight enough it hurt. Why was he telling all of this to Lucifer? Open up and let them judge for themselves, right? "I want Chloe, but I also want you, and I know I shouldn't."
A hand ran along his jawline up to his hair. Michael shivered and shut his eyes. The expression Lucifer wore – fondness, care, and want - it was just too much.
"I want you too, Michael."
Michael's eyes flew open again. "You do?"
Lucifer nodded with a sad smile. "But I won't give up Chloe."
Michael nodded. He knew that, but then, he wanted them together just as they were.
"Look at us though, we are so damaged now. How is this ever going to be fixed?"
Lucifer closed his eyes and shook his head before opening them again. "We can't fix the past, Michael." He smiled softly. "But if you're willing, we can mend the present to shape the future."
Michael blinked a couple times then smiled wryly. "You've spoken with Linda haven't you?"
Lucifer adopted a hurt expression. "Is it really so hard to believe that I could come up with that myself?"
Michael chuckled and arched a brow at Lucifer. "Not on your life."
Lucifer gasped in mock horror before chuckling himself. "Your right. The Devil is many things but philosophical is not one of them." He admitted.
Michael rolled his eyes with a small smile. Maybe this could work. It felt nice laying here, joking around with Lucifer even though the air still held a level of tense that was hard to miss. There was still so much that needed to be said but that could wait. Michael just wanted to enjoy the closeness and warmth. It made the aches bearable.
"I want to see what happens." Michael admitted as well. "But we should talk to Chloe before making any decisions."
"I agree."
Lucifer shifted closer. Michael's wing shifted to cover him more fully to which the Devil sighed at the feel of the soft feathers covering him. Michael was surprised when Lucifer gave him a quick kiss.
"Lucifer." Michael hissed. They had just agreed to talk to Chloe damn it. Still so damn impulsive.
"The Detective has already kissed you; I don't see why I can't." Lucifer shrugged before doing it again letting it go a little deeper this time.
Michael let his eyes close to enjoy the moment. His twin did technically have a point, even though Lucifer was currently getting the majority of the kisses here. He felt Lucifer's tongue trace his lips, asking for entrance, but Michael shook his head causing Lucifer to pull back.
"Chloe got no tongue, you don't either." Michael smirked at the mildly irritated look on his twins face. Fair was fair after all.
"How is it even classified as a kiss then?" Lucifer grumbled.
Michael chuckled. "You'll live."
Neither of them was aware of Chloe being awake and listening to their conversation. She had been awake the minute Michael jerked. Being aware of the one you're taking care of becomes an ingrained thing once one becomes a mother, even in your sleep.
They both wanted her and each other. Chloe could admit the images were very intriguing. She had never thought of being in a Triade before but she probably could if it was with them. Chloe had noticed her growing feelings for Michael and wasn't so sure she would be able to part with either of them without significantly feeling the loss. How had she been able to fall for the two of them so quickly? Did it have anything to do with her being a miracle? Most likely, but Chloe could choose not to let it bother her. She was too tired to really think right now. They were right though, the three of them did indeed need to have an in depth conversation sometime soon. With so many feelings being involved, the only way they truly had a chance was through communicating.
Lucifer was going to hate it.
