Father's Day
Lucifer woke up to a cold bed.
Odd.
He hadn't heard Rory crying yet, so why was Chloe awake at seven when she could sleep in today?
Perhaps she'd suffered from a nightmare - one of the recurring ones that had been haunting her for a while.
But if it was the dream were he dissolved into nothing after confessing his love for her, then he'd usually find her snuggled into his side.
Seeing as that wasn't the case, Lucifer hoped she hadn't fallen ill.
Not like I'm going back to sleep, anyway.
He slippes from under the covers and shrugged on his robe. The Antichrist will be awake soon.
Rubbing a hand over his bed-hair, Lucifer crept down the hall on silent feet.
When he came to the top of the staircase, he froze.
A red-eyed Chloe sat on the couch holding a weeping Trixie, who'd buried her face against her mother's shoulder.
The girl's shoulders shook with the intensity of her sobs, and a dozen balled-up tissues surrounded her.
Trixie clung to her mother with all the force in the world, her hands fisted in the material of Chloe's pajama.
From where Lucifer stood, he could make out a few words.
" - I just miss him, mom. I miss him so much."
Chloe tenderly stroked her daughter's hair, her gaze tear-filled and dull with pain.
"I know, monkey. I know. I miss him, too."
Trixie sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "There is a God out there. Why didn't he stop it? Why did He let him die?"
"I don't know," Chloe murmured hoarsely, rubbing her back. "I don't know."
"It's not fair." Trixie gritted her teeth against an upcoming wave of sobs and hiccups. "It's not fair -"
Then she noticed him standing at the top of the staircase, and her crying stilled somewhat.
"Hi, Lucifer," Trixie sniffled, like nothing was going on. She looked at him and wiped her eyes. "Did I wake you up?"
A pang went through his heart.
The girl was clearly grieving and heart-broken, yet she was still worrying about him.
"No, it's fine," Lucifer said, giving her a soft smile. "I was awake anyway. Do you want me to make you some breakfast?"
He didn't really know how to handle this situation. He'd comforted her before after a bad dream, but he'd never seen her this upset.
But what Lucifer did know was this - every situation is better with good food.
And several gallons of alcohol, but she was a tad too young for that.
Trixie hesitated for a second, then nodded. Her face scrunched up again, and she buried her face in her mother's t-shirt and sobbed again.
Oh, dear. It was really bad today.
Chloe shot him a grateful look as she wrapped her arms around Trixie again, murmuring words of comfort against her.
She was barely holding it together herself, yet still intent on making sure everyone around her was okay.
Like mother, like daughter.
It was only when he took the eggs and bacon out of the fridge that Lucifer recalled which day it was.
He nearly dropped the package.
Today was Father's Day.
And both Chloe and Trixie were mourning the loss of theirs.
Lucifer's stomach gave a sickening lurch, and he suppressed a tidal wave of emotions.
How could he have forgotten?
Beside the actual date of Daniel's death - which was getting closer and closer - this was one of the hardest times of the year for them.
For his beloved ladies.
Rage burned inside of him, and Lucifer clutched the kitchen counter so hard his knuckles turned white.
Le Mec might have pulled the trigger on Daniel, but it was Michael who had orchestrated the entire plan.
He forced out a breath, fighting the fury inside of him.
It took all his self-control not to fly down to Hell and beat the ever living shit out of his twin.
The sound of Trixie's sobs pulled him back to reality.
Daniel was dead - and there was nothing he could do to bring him back.
But he could care for those left behind.
For Chloe.
For Trixie.
Even if in this moment it just meant making breakfast.
The overal mood in the household didn't improve after breakfast, but it didn't get worse either.
Trixie even cracked a smile when she spotted the fried eggs and bacon arranged into a smiley on her plate.
When he handed Chloe her morning coffee, he had painstakingly made a heart with steamed milk on top - just how she liked it.
That had earned him a murmured thank you and a lingering kiss on his cheek.
Yet still Lucifer couldn't shake the feeling of deep uselessness.
Of being an intruder on their grief.
An outsider.
It was because of that that he kept flitting around the kitchen, making more toast and coffee than anyone could possibly eat.
When the Antichrist woke up and started to wail, Lucifer practically sprinted upstairs.
At least he knew how to comfort Rory - food, a song and some cuddles.
Rory's loud cries turned to soft whines when she heard the door open.
When Lucifer poked his head over the edge of the crib, she went quiet.
And then she started to glow.
For the first time that morning, Lucifer felt a spark of joy in his chest. He smiled.
At least someone who's feeling good today.
"Good morning, princess," he said, carefully reaching down to pick her up. "Did you sleep well?"
Rory cooed, watching her father with her big doe-eyes. Her downy hair was tousled from sleep and stuck up at all sides. She clutched the side of his robe as a reflex.
Lucifer chuckled and brushed her hair from her face. Some of the choking melancholy faded, and he breathed a little easier.
"Let's get you downstairs, shall we? I fear I don't possess your mother's equipment to feed you."
Rory blinked, staring up at him.
"You'll learn all about human anatomy when you're older."
Lucifer pressed a kiss on her forehead, unable to resist. "And avian anatomy as well, but let's hope you keep your wings tucked away for a little longer. For both our sakes."
And my sanity.
When he got downstairs with Rory, Trixie was absently watching some show on Disney Channel.
Chloe sat next to her on the couch, leafing through a case file. Her attention flickered to Trixie every minute, and the box of Kleenex propped in between them.
Both their heads swiveled towards him when he entered the living room with Rory.
Some of the light returned to Chloe's features, though her eyes were still swollen and red. She extended her arms towards him.
"Oh, thank you for getting her. You're an angel."
Lucifer grinned as he carefully handed the Antichrist over. The loss of the tiny bundle of warmth against him sent a chill down his spine.
"Still the Devil, love. Still the Devil."
Chloe chuckled but focused her attention on her youngest daughter. She took Rory's tiny hand in hers and covered it in small kisses.
The Antichrist giggled, her golden glow intensifying. She was quite the morning person.
Lucifer wondered if it would last through puberty - because big Rory hadn't seemed like the type to get up early.
"I think there's still a bottle of the milk I pumped in the fridge," Chloe said, cradling Rory to her chest. "Can you warm it up for me, please?"
"Of course." Lucifer leaned down to capture her lips in a swift kiss, earning a pleased hum from her. "Anything for you."
When he came back with the warm bottle of milk, Trixie perked up beside her mother. She fidgeted with her fingers, picking at her nails.
Lucifer stopped. "Is everything alright, Trixie? Do you need something from the kitchen?"
The girl shook her head, her cheeks still tear-stained. She stared at her feet.
"No, I - I was just wondering if I could feed Rory. If that's okay."
"Of course that's okay, Trix." Chloe used her free hand to stroke her hair, voice still a little hoarse. A note of joy crept into her tone. "She's your little sister."
Chloe handed Rory over to Trixie, who took her in her arms with the utmost care.
Lucifer wasn't sure if the girl was still breathing - she was so focused on her sister.
May it distract her from her grief for a while, he thought with a pang in his chest.
She's still young, but already carries so much weight on her shoulders.
Weight which shouldn't have been there in the first place.
A tender look crossed Chloe's face when she saw her two daughters together, erasing some of her sadness.
Leaning in, she showed Trixie how to hold the bottle.
Lucifer slipped his phone from his pocket and snapped a picture of the trio - adding it to his extensive collection.
Life on Earth may be fleeting, but a picture would last forever.
With Rory drinking contendly from the bottle in Trixie's arms, Chloe stood up from the couch and motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen.
Lucifer wrapped his arms around her the second they were out of sight. He didn't know the words to comfort her, but at least he could hold her.
Let her know he was there for her.
Chloe stiffened for a moment before melting into his embrace. Tucking her head under his chin, she let out a shuddering breath.
They basked in the silence together, holding each other. The only sound came from Trixie talking to Rory in a hushed tone.
"I'm sorry," Chloe murmured after a while, pulling away from him. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I should keep it together. For the kids."
"Chloe…"
Lucifer gently lifted her chin with a finger, thumb brushing her cheek. Her blue eyes swirled with emotions.
"You are allowed to grieve, my love. No one will judge you for it, least of all Beatrice."
"I'm her mother, Lucifer. I need to be strong. She shouldn't feel like she has to look after me. It's the other way around."
"I don't think she feels that way." He reached down with his free hand to lace their fingers together. "It's good for her to see you express your feelings. Otherwise she'll just start handcuffing people to tables again."
A chuckle escaped her, but Chloe quickly pressed her lips into a thin line.
"She's been through so much, Lucifer. And she's just a kid! She's just -"
Chloe swallowed around her rising tears and lowered her voice. "Trix has had a rough start in life, and I don't want to make things harder for her. I'm fine. She doesn't have to worry about me. "
"I know," Lucifer said softly, grazing the metal of her ring with his thumb. "That's my job. I'll make sure she's aware of that."
Chloe's troubled gaze turned tender, and she pulled him in for another hug, burying her face in his chest.
This was difficult for her, accepting her vulnerabilities and swallowing her pride in showing them to others.
Allowing someone else to comfort her when she was at her weakest - because she was usually the one doing the comforting.
Lucifer knew that.
He knew his partner, especially in this regard. When it came to such matters, they weren't so different after all.
Pride was their mortal sin.
"You don't have to come to the graveyard if you don't want to." Chloe pulled back just enough to meet his eye. "If you want, you can just stay here with Rory."
Lucifer touched his forehead to hers. "Do you want me there?"
After a second's hesitation, Chloe nodded, biting her lip. "I do. It - it would mean a lot to me. And Trix."
"Then I'll be there." He pressed a lingering kiss to her brow, savoring the scent of her. "Do I have to bring a bottle of scotch for afterward? Or two?"
Chloe snorted and shook her head. "Coffee will do. Maybe a spiked one."
"Already taken care of," Lucifer said, patting the flask in the pocket of his robe. "I'm nothing if not prepared."
"Of course you are. I'll go get my coat." Chloe stepped back from him and peered into the living room.
Rory had drunk her bottle of milk, and was now watching with childlike wonder as Trixie made Miss Alien dance above her.
Every now and then she tried to grab it, but her tiny arms were too short to reach.
The Antichrist in action - and the Bible called her dangerous.
Lucifer snaked his arms around Chloe's waist, propping his chin on her shoulder.
"Whenever it gets too much," he murmured in her ear, "just think of this. Think of moments like this, where all is fine. Even if only for a second."
Chloe leaned back against his chest, closing her eyes. She let out a deep sigh.
"I can't make any promises. But I'll try. For all our sake."
Opening her eyes, she looked at Trixie with a mix of love, longing and regret.
"But especially for hers"
The drive to the graveyard was spent in near complete silence - the only noise coming from Rory's occasional coos.
A faint drizzle had started falling from the overcast sky, tapping on the roof of the car.
Lucifer stopped at a red light and fiddled with his cufflink - having convinced his partner he should drive instead.
Then at least he had something to keep his mind occupied with until they arrived.
A myriad of emotions coursed through him, ranging from grief to rage to hopelessness at the situation.
Contrary to Maze, Lucifer had always been in possession of a soul, yet he'd never been surrounded by people he'd loved so dearly.
People who were close to him, who accepted him.
People he'd lost.
And that pain - despite being older than the Earth - was new to him.
This is the downside to vulnerability. To letting people in.
Chloe stared out the window as he pulled up to the parking lot, lost in thought.
She hadn't spoken a word since they'd left, only plucking at the stray strands that had escaped her ponytail.
Lucifer didn't know what to tell her.
Perhaps there was nothing to be said.
They all filed out of the car, zipping up coats and turning up collars against the rain.
The parking lot was filled with cars - some driving by and kicking up water from puddles.
People hurried outside with elegant bouquets of flowers and stuffed animals, stuffing them inside jackets to protect them against the weather.
A dreary atmosphere surrounded the place, and Lucifer spotted many red-eyed faces.
Happy Father's Day, indeed.
Lucifer didn't want to know for how many people this day signified one of loss instead of celebration, himself included.
God wasn't getting a card - not after everything that had happened.
After everything he had allowed to happen.
Carefully skirting around his feelings like he'd done for ages, Lucifer focused instead on getting the baby stroller out of the boot.
The damn thing never cooperated.
Trixie tucked her headphones in her pink rucksack and carefully unclipped Rory from the baby seat.
Her sister protested for a second before realizing what was happening, and relaxed. She clutched Trixie's raincoat in her small fists.
A smile touched Chloe's lips when she saw Trixie holding the Antichrist and gently lowering her in the stroller.
A smile which widened when Trixie wriggled her fingers above Rory's head - causing her to coo in wonder.
"You're getting better at this," Lucifer remarked from beside her. He pulled the cap of the stroller down to shield Rory from the rain. "Even though you claim the opposite."
Trixie shrugged, looking at the palm trees swaying in the wind. "I just do it a lot, I guess. I like it when she glows. Then I know she's happy."
She glanced sideways at her mother, who was getting the flowers from the front seat.
"I wish all people worked like that. It would be so much easier."
"She tries, Beatrice. She tries so hard for you. I thought you knew that?"
"I do. I just want her to try for herself." Trixie looked away, her dark eyes wrought with too much emotion for an eleven-year old. "I want her to be happy."
Oh, Beatrice.
Why do you carry the weight of the world on your little shoulders?
Lucifer put a hand on her arm. "Your mother is happy. Especially with you. Today is a… bleak day, for all of us I think."
"But that doesn't mean that her life is bleak. Or yours. We're just - we're just finding our way forward. And that takes time."
Take it from someone who took several millennia to find his way.
And multiple death experiences.
Trixie stubbornly jutted her chin out. "It takes too long."
"I know. But time is all we've got." He gave her arm a squeeze. "As for your mum, I've got her. Don't worry about her so much, That's my job, okay?"
"Okay," Trixie said after a while. Tension left her shoulders. "Okay."
Lucifer hesitated when he saw Chloe approaching. "Now, let's get out of the rain, shall we? It's ruining my suit."
Trixie nodded, taking her outstretched mother's hand. Chloe gave him a watery smile and mouthed 'thank you'.
'For what?' he responded, but already knew the answer.
He could be both the devil and the angel on Trixie's shoulder - as long as she needed him.
With a deep sigh, Lucifer pushed the stroller forward after Chloe and Trixie - who was clinging to her mother the closer they got.
The cemetery entrance loomed before them, wisteria winding itself through the iron fence.
The drizzle had stopped, and people closed umbrellas all round him. An old man sat an a bench, staring at nothing.
Delightful.
Bracing himself for the inevitable, Lucifer walked through the gate.
They spent half an hour at Daniel's grave.
Chloe had her arms protectively around Trixie, who was watching the gravestone with a forlorn expression.
The flower bouquet was a splash of color against the gray headstone.
Daniel Espinoza
Beloved father and friend.
May he rest in peace.
Neither of them cried - having shed all of their tears several hours before.
Chloe stared off into the distance, absently rubbing a comforting hand on Trixie's arm.
Every now and then his partner would close her eyes, lost in memory. Lips moving of their own accord without making a sound.
The wind blew through the palm trees, the leaves rustling against each other.
Lucifer kept a respectful distance behind them, knowing there was nothing in the world he could do or say to comfort them.
Sure, Daniel had made it to Heaven, but he wasn't here now, was he?
He hadn't died peacefully - he'd been brutally tortured and then shot in cold blood.
Shot just like Chloe's father had been.
The one thing she hadn't wanted for her daughter had become reality - to grow up without a father.
It was enough to make him sick - let alone what the two women felt.
The only thing that prevented Lucifer from drowning in a sea of emotions was Rory.
The Antichrist had been bundled up in her little Prada coat against the breeze and was currently taking a nap - blissfully unaware of everything going on around her.
Lucifer gently moved the stroller back and forward, knowing the glowstick liked it when she was rocked to sleep.
He accidentally hit a pebble with one of the wheels, causing the stroller to jolt. Rory stirred, her face scrunching up, on the verge of crying.
"It's alright, princess, " Lucifer hushed, leaning in close.
He adjusted the white-and-pink blanket Ella had crocheted for her, tucking in the corners. "It's alright, daddy's just a little clumsy."
Please don't cry.
Please.
Chloe turned her head to him, an expression of concern crossing her features.
"Is she getting fussy? Have we been here too long? Maybe we should go home."
Rory shifted under the blanket, then turned her head to the other side.
And remained quiet.
Lucifer waved her off. "No, she's fine. It was my fault, anyway. Take as long as you like, my love."
Trixie looked up at her mother. "Mom, can we go see grandpa now?"
"Yeah," Chloe said, trying to smile through her grief. She brushed a strand of hair from the girl's face. "That's fine by me."
Then she turned to Lucifer, and her gaze softened. "Do you want to come, honey? You don't have to, you know."
"I'll stay here for a moment longer, if you don't mind." His gaze flickered to the grave. "I - I'd like to stay for a bit."
"Okay," Chloe said, following his line of sight. "We'll be waiting for you, so if there's anything, just come and get me."
I'm here for you, her unspoken words said. Regardless of what happens.
Lucifer gave her a warm smile. "I know, Lieutenant. I'll be here with the Antichrist, so don't worry."
Chloe nodded after a moment's hesitation, then walked hand in hand with Trixie towards John Decker's grave.
When they were both out of sight, Lucifer released a deep breath.
He passed a hand over his face and took a large gulp from his flask - which he'd needed to refill thrice already.
The sky was slate gray above, and from the wind picking up it wasn't going to be long before it rained again.
"They miss you, you know," he said as he pocketed the flask. "A lot. I do, too."
Lucifer scoffed, feeling ridiculous. "What am I even doing? You can't hear me. You're not even here."
"If anything, I should be talking to the sky." He glanced heavenward. "But I believe that makes me look even more stupid."
Lucifer sighed, settling his focus on the gravestone instead. It was plain, but there was a certain appeal to it.
"Odd to think how we all stood here nearly one year ago. It was a lovely funeral, if I do say so myself. Miss Lopez and I even sang. "
"Mazikeen misses you as well." He chuckled, recalling how she'd taken some of Daniel's stuff when she thought no one was looking.
Maze possessed many qualities, but subtlety wasn't one of them.
"You already know she got married to Eve, which still baffles me from time to time. I hadn't pegged her as the monogamous type."
Lucifer looked down, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I'm getting married as well, actually. And you would've been my best man, if you'd still been around."
"We would have done so many things," he added quietly, his smile faltering. "Caused some trouble. Probably given Chloe a heart attack or two."
Then his eye fell on a sleeping Rory, and some of the joy returned to his features.
"You would have known this precious little gremlin. I know you saw her when she was older, but she's different as a baby now."
"You would have been Uncle Dan. And I could have asked you for advice, from time to time. Especially when Aurora gets older."
Lucifer swallowed around the press of tears at the back of his throat. He'd be damned if he cried.
"But there's no use dwelling on might-have-beens. You're up there with Charlotte and we're… here."
Adjusting the lapels of his Armani jacket, Lucifer sighed.
A dull ache throbbed in his heart, and an old part of him longed to drown the pain out in the bass of club music and a line of coke.
But he owed it to Daniel to feel the pain - feel his absence.
"There's one last thing I want to tell you before I go," he said, shoulders drooping. "Which is why I decided to prank you so elaborately - and brilliantly, if I might add."
Walking closer to the grave, Lucifer put a hand on the damp headstone.
"It was because you shot me, yes, but mostly because you shot in front of Chloe."
The last thing he'd heard before everything had gone dark was a heart-breaking scream.
Next thing he knew, she was kneeling next to him, crying and then crushing him in a hug.
Reassuring herself that he was still there.
Still alive.
Unlike her father.
There were few things Lucifer could think of that would have been more cruel.
"But I forgave you, Daniel. Even before you died." Lucifer patted the stone. "People shouldn't be judged by their mistakes - least of all by me. Would be quite ironic, wouldn't it?"
Stepping back on the wet grass, Lucifer yanked on a cufflink. He gave the grave a solemn salute.
"Rest well, Daniel. You've earned it. Tell Charlotte I said hi, will you?"
With a lingering look at the grave, Lucifer walked back towards the baby stroller.
Towards his future.
How Trixie had managed to wolf down an entire slice of chocolate cake in less than five minutes was beyond Lucifer.
Seriously, where did it go?
Chloe was watching her with an amused expression and slid over a five-dollar bill.
"Here, go get yourself another one. You've earned it."
Trixie's eyes went wide. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's fine. We haven't eaten a lot today, so go ahead."
The girl didn't need to be told twice. She dashed to the counter of the diner, peering at the assortment of pies and cakes.
A sweet tooth, that one.
Rory sat in the stroller next to the table, taking everything in with wide eyes.
"I'm happy you came along today," Chloe said, threading their fingers together on the table. "It meant the world to me."
"Of course. You're my family."
A tender smile touched her lips, and she brushed her thumb over his hand. "I -"
Trixie triumphantly smacked her plate with brownies on the table and slid in the booth.
"This looks great. Thanks, mom!"
Chloe gestured towards Lucifer with her head, trying and failing to be subtle.
"Now?" Trixie asked, putting down her fork. "I thought you wanted to wait until we got home?"
"Here is fine." Chloe gave his hand a squeeze. "I think we can all use some good things right now."
Good things? What did his partner have up her sleeve?
"Okay," Trixie said, digging into her pink rucksack. She pulled out an envelope and a wrapped gift. "Which one first?"
"The envelope," Chloe replied. "Let's start with that."
Trixie held it out to him, the paper dusted with bright glitters. "This is for you."
"For me?" Lucifer gingerly accepted it, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"Open it," Trixie said, bouncing her seat with excitement.
Ever so careful, Lucifer tore the envelope open and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
His breath stocked in his throat when he unfolded it.
It was a drawing of the four of them.
With colorful pencil strokes, she'd drawn herself holding both Chloe's and Lucifer's hand.
They were all smiling, and Lucifer didn't have horns in this one, although he did wear his trademark suit.
In his other arm, he was holding baby Rory, which Trixie had drawn with a bright yellow glow around her.
Around the four of them was a circle of pink-and-red hearts, marking them as a group.
As a family.
Lucifer found himself staring at the paper, speechless. Tears stung the corners of his eyes.
"This is - I - I don't know what to say."
"Did you really think I would forget about you, dummy?" Trixie asked in a way as if the mere thought was horrifically offensive to her.
Lucifer cleared his throat in an attempt to regain some of his dignity.
And failed miserably.
"Of course not, I - you had other business occupying your mind this morning, and that's absolutely fine. I understand."
Trixie's mouth quirked upwards, in a gesture not unlike Chloe. She nudged the wrapped box in his direction.
"This is also for you. Open up!"
Lucifer glanced at Chloe, but she only gave him an encouraging nod. Her eyes danced.
"This better not be one of those pranks you planned with Maze," Lucifer said as he carefully plucked the tape off.
With a flick of his wrist, the last of the bright wrapping paper fell away, revealing a red ceramic mug.
On it was written in flowing, golden script,
Best Step-Devil Ever!
A huge grin spread over Lucifer's face as proudly held the mug up.
Oh, he was never letting this go.
"You had this custom made? For me?"
A flash of pity crossed Chloe's face at the disbelief in his tone when said 'for me?'
"Yeah, of course, silly!" Trixie said before her mom could say something. "You're the Devil, aren't you?"
"That I am, urchin," Lucifer replied softly, protectively cradling the mug to his chest. "That I am."
During his ridiculously long life, he had received thousands upon thousands of gifts.
From ancient warlords to pharaohs to emperors to famous artists and distant admirers at Lux.
They were often ostentatious, lacking in taste and mostly given because they wanted something on return - be it sex, money or a favor.
So to be given something purely out of love and appreciation for him without expecting anything in return?
That was something Lucifer still had to get used to.
"Do you like it?"
He looked at the mug, then the drawing made with love. A tender smile touched his lips.
"I love it, Beatrice. Thank you."
Trixie smiled, then dropped her gaze to the table.
"I'm sorry if you thought I'd forgotten about you. I just missed dad really badly this morning, but you're kind of like a dad to me, too."
You're kind of like a dad to me, too.
His heart stuttered in his chest. The child seemed intent on giving him all kinds of feelings today.
"I'd never dream of replacing your father," Lucifer said. "I hope you know that."
Trixie nodded. "Yeah, I know. It' s okay. I'm just happy you're part of our family."
"So am I, monkey," Chloe said, leaning in to plant a kiss against her head.
Then she looked at him, and joy sparked in her eyes. "I've got something for you, too."
"Oh?"
Chloe reached into her linen bag. She pulled out a large package, tastefully wrapped with a silken bow, and handed it to him.
"What is it?" Lucifer weighed the gift in his hands. It was rather heavy.
A book?
Perhaps a collection of vinyls?
Or an extensive set of lingerie?
"Only one way to find out. Open up!"
From the way Trixie was practically bouncing in her seat, she knew what was inside.
Excitement fizzled inside him, and Lucifer plucked the tape of each corner. He slid the bow off, and the paper fell away.
It was indeed a book, but not the one he'd expected.
It was a photo album.
"Is this -"
Chloe nodded, beaming at him. "Look inside."
Lucifer carefully flipped the cover open. On the first page was written -
The Decker - Espinoza - Morningstar family.
The sight of it tugged at his heartstrings. He was part of a family.
His family.
"That's quite a mouthful, isn't it?"
Trixie shrugged. "It's not like we're a normal family, anyway."
Lucifer turned the page.
There were selfies of him and Chloe at the beach on August 4th, as well as one a couple of days later when they were both lounging in the penthouse.
Happy to still be together.
Rory's first echo was in there as well, her tiny shape visible against the gray-and-white background.
Pictures of them celebrating Thanksgiving with Penelope - before and after they'd told her he was the actual Devil.
She looked more intoxicated in the latter ones, but at least she hadn't bolted out the door.
There was a photograph of him holding Trixie so she could place the star in the tip of the Christmas tree. Maze watched them in the background, sipping eggnog.
Lucifer smiled. He remembered that day.
It had taken them an hour to untangle the Christmas lights, and eventually he'd just driven to Target to get new ones.
More pictures of a pregnant Chloe, glaring at the camera with an expression caught between annoyance and fondness.
And then there were the ones of Rory.
"Look, it's you," Lucifer said, lifting the book up for the Antichrist to see. "You were just born here."
Rory cooed. She looked at her father instead of the book, not knowing what to do with it.
One of his favorite photos - Chloe cradling a newborn Rory in the hospital bed, Trixie against her side.
The obvious adoration on both their faces always made something catch in his chest.
Turning the page, Lucifer came upon photos he didn't recognize.
He glanced at Chloe.
"You're not the only one who takes a ridiculous amount of pictures." She gave him an amused smile. "Go on."
Goodness, there were so many.
Pictures of him at the hospital, cradling a teeny-tiny Rory against his chest.
Then proudly showing the Antichrist to the camera, beaming at Chloe while she took the photo.
When they came home with her, and several shots of Rory with her aunties and Amenadiel at the baby shower.
Rory dressed up in different sweaters, all with animal ears on the hoodie. She was just too cute in them, alright?
Bath time, where he was gently holding her head in one hand and washing her with the other.
Sir Floats-A-Lot drifted serenely on the water, like only a duck could.
A picture of them in the rocking chair in the nursery. Rory was sleeping soundly in his arms, and he was on the verge of dozing off as well.
Lucifer's heart jolted, a smile spreading over his face.
It was strange to see himself in a picture - to see himself being a father.
Strange, but in a good way.
He could get used to it.
The next pages were still empty, waiting to be filled with more pictures - with more memories
"Thank you," Lucifer said, voice hoarse with emotion. "Just - thank you, Chloe. This is perfect."
Chloe returned his warm smile. She stood up and walked around the table. Then she crushed him in a hug.
"Happy Father's Day, Lucifer."
Chloe rose on her tiptoes, giving him a long, lingering kiss that sent warmth all throughout his being.
I'm a dad.
She pulled back to meet his eye, knuckles brushing his cheek. "This is your day as well. We've mourned enough today. It's time to celebrate with you."
"Please don't feel obliged to." Lucifer gestured to his gifts. "This is enough for me. If you wish to take the day to mourn, then do so."
"We want to," Trixie said. "I've been sad enough today. I want to do something fun."
"You deserve this, Lucifer." Chloe cupped his cheek with a soft hand, thumb grazing his stubble. "I don't think you know how amazing you've been."
"I'm always amazing," he countered, trying to make light of the situation. But the pun held no punch.
Chloe snorted, but her gaze remained soft. "You are."
"Mom, that's so cheesy." Trixie scrunched her nose. "Can we go do something now? Can we bring Rory?"
Chloe glanced at him, saying It's your call.
"We can, indeed." Lucifer got up and carefully gathered his gifts.
"What do you want to do, monkey?"
Trixie shrugged, shuffling out of the booth. "I don't know. We'll think of something in the car."
"Alright," Chloe said. "Fine by me. Let's get going, then."
She leaned in to sweetly peck him on the cheek before pushing the baby stroller towards the exit.
Lucifer looked at the wonderful gifts in his arm, then at the three women in front of him.
The three people who meant the most to him in the entire universe.
The Decker - Espinoza - Morningstar family.
Lucifer smiled.
It sounded just right to him.
