Park Playtime

Over the last couple of months, Lucifer had developed somewhat of a routine as a brand-new father.

Get waken up by the wails of the Antichrist at the ungodly hour of five thirty in the morning.

Soothe and cuddle little creature before bringing her to Chloe for breakfast.

Let Chloe lean against his shoulder as she tries to wake up without coffee.

Give Chloe coffee – get bombarded by Trixie in the kitchen who wants a hug.

At this point in the morning, everyone is awake in the household. So, he changes Rory and puts her into a baby sling as he makes breakfast. She finds it particularly funny when he cracks eggs.

Looks like she inherited his sense of humor.

Kiss Chloe good morning again – many, many times until Trixie voices her disgust.

Wave his partner and step-daughter goodbye for the day while holding Rory like a nineteen fifties housewife – but like the sexiest housewife ever.

And then the day was theirs.

"Look, princess," Lucifer said, holding Rory up. "Ducks. They even look like Sir Floats-A-Lot, don't you think?"

They were in Echo Park, the morning fog burning off the water. Joggers sprinted past them and people walked their dogs in the golden sunlight.

Rory raised a tiny hand towards the water, then sneezed. Her dark hair shone in the sun.

"Bless you, darling." Lucifer tucked her against his chest in the crook of his arm. He squinted at the sun. "Perhaps we should get some shade, mmm?"

He walked away from the lake and pushed the strolled with his foot towards a nearby bench. The palm trees still offered shade this early in the morning. Their leaves rustled in the wind.

A couple of female joggers watched him sit down with Rory – waving flirtatiously while whispering to each other about him.

Lucifer watched the scene with mild amusement.

"If only daddy had known earlier how attractive babies made me." He gently stroked Rory's feet, who curled her leg in like a frog. "But it doesn't matter anymore, because daddy loves mummy very, very much."

Rory cooed, watching him with her dark eyes – his eyes.

"And you, my darling." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before leaning back on the bench. Her smile was adorable. "More than you'll ever know."

They sat together in the shade, enjoying the warm summer breeze. It promised to be another scorching California day, but for now the temperature was good.

Lucifer didn't know when he heard the beating of wings.

"If that's you, Amenadiel," he said without opening his eyes, "then you should pay the good Doctor a visit first. Seems your spawn has been acting up."

"I fear our brother is busy at this moment," a familiar voice said.

But that couldn't be. He was supposed to be in Hell.

Opening his eyes, a wave of cold dread washed over Lucifer. He instinctively clutched Rory closer to his chest.

"Zadkiel."

"Lucifer."

The former Angel of Righteousness sat down beside him. Still dressed in celestial garb, he looked like a cosplayer who'd missed the exit to Comic Con.

"I take it your presence here isn't a good sign?" Lucifer tried and failed to keep his voice casual.

Zadkiel tilted his head in confusion. "It is not. I made a promise to watch Hell as you raised your offspring."

Rory whined when she couldn't see the newcomer. Lucifer switched her to his other arm, taking care to support her little head.

"Not that I'm happy to see you, but why are you here then? I don't think it's because you missed the baby shower."

Zadkiel sat up straight. The iron bracers on his wrists glinted in the sunlight.

"I simply came here to tell you that I admire your work, Lucifer. I don't know how you do it."

Well, that wasn't what he'd been expecting.

Had Zadkiel fallen ill or something? Perhaps one of the demons had accidentally whacked him over the head?

Lucifer raised his eyebrows. "Please don't tell me something has happened to my patients down there?"

"They are fine," the angel replied in his typical monotone voice. "I just don't understand how you've managed to last eons down there, Lucifer. Hell was literally created to break the spirit."

"Drugs. Also booze, but mostly regular trips to Earth. To get more drugs."

Zadkiel ignored his comment and shook his head. "I don't know how you did it, brother. Cut off from our siblings and any form of guidance. It must have been lonely."

Ash falling from the skies.

Basalt columns towering over him, a labyrinth made to confuse those who enter it.

The permanent cold that haunted an otherwise volcanic landscape.

Creatures worse than demons lurking in the deep dark spaces between pillars.

"It was," Lucifer admitted quietly. He looked at Rory instead of facing his brother. "But you get used to it after a while."

Zadkiel looked at Rory, the tiniest smile curling his lips. "I can see why you want to stay here. I'd never expected you of all people to be the one that chose love above everything."

Lucifer tickled Rory's belly, who giggled and squirmed in his grasp. "Well, let's say I've changed a bit over the years."

"I can see that." Zadkiel's expression turned solemn. "You would have made a great God, Lucifer."

This caught Lucifer so off-guard he stared at his brother for a couple of heartbeats too long.

He'd heard that correct, right?

Zadkiel waited for a young couple to pass with their Golden Retrievers before he continued.

"You are not perfect, Lucifer. But I would rather have a God with a heart – a God who has lived amongst humans, helped them find justice – than a cold, calculating one with an insatiable lust for power."

What better reason than love?

Zadkiel gazed out across the pond. The ages seemed to press down upon his shoulders. He was one of their elder siblings, not far behind Amenadiel.

"The moment we all saw your Detective die in your arms, we knew Michael had gone too far. She'd fought valiantly, and there'd been no good reason to stab her. He could have simply knocked her out of the way instead of mortally wounding her."

I love you. It's not your fault. I love you.

Even though the battle had been more than a year ago, Lucifer found himself tearing up.

"No," he said, hurt mingling with old rage in his voice. "There wasn't."

Zadkiel nodded gravely. "And then you sped off to Heaven to retrieve her without a doubt, even though you knew it would be the end of you."

"Anyone would have done that."

"No," Zadkiel said. Was that pride in his eyes? "Not everyone would have. But you've always had trouble accepting reality."

Lucifer scoffed and stroked Rory's hair. The Antichrist was starting to doze off. "I knew there was going to be an insult in there somewhere."

"It's a compliment, Lucifer. You're the one who notices flaws in the system, who doesn't obey blindly." Zadkiel looked at his own hands. "It is a trait that could have prevented loss."

"Don't get your panties in a twist." Lucifer used his free hand to pat him in the shoulder. "What's done is done. We cannot change the past – take it from me."

Zadkiel sighed, then nodded. He seemed older, somehow.

Much wearier than before he'd come to Earth after Michael had started his campaign.

"Your offspring is still small."

Lucifer defensively pressed Rory against him. "She's perfectly sized, thank you very much."

Zadkiel frowned. "How – how long have I been gone?"

"A couple of months, give or take. Time in Hell works a lot differently than it does here."

With slight hesitation, Zadkiel held out his hand to Rory. The Antichrist did not hesitate before clutching one of his fingers in her tiny fist.

"Its grip is very strong for an infant," Zadkiel said in wonder. "Is this how it clings to you?"

"It's a she, thank you." Lucifer got flashbacks to whenever he referred to Trixie as spawn and Chloe chided him. "And yes, she has grabby hands. You've lost that finger for the coming half hour or so."

With a hum, Zadkiel studied Rory more closely. "She really does look like you, brother. Especially the eyes."

Lucifer beamed with pride. "She does, doesn't she? But she has a lot of her mother's features as well – including her excellent shooting skills."

Him getting shot by the people he loved most seemed to be a general trend in his life.

He just hoped Beatrice would refrain from doing so and simply accept his love at face-value. But then again, she was besties with Maze.

I am not safe from attacks on my life by my loved ones. Both the children have yet to go through puberty.

"What is it like," Zadkiel asked gently moving his finger from side to side. Rory didn't let go. "Being a father?"

"Terrifying," Lucifer said. "So many things can go wrong in so many mind-boggling ways. And babies are especially fragile, they need such special care. It's exhausting and confusing, and it makes you doubt yourself in ways you couldn't have ever imagined."

"But," he continued, peppering kisses over Rory's forehead and cheeks. "I've never felt so happy – so completed. I'd never imagined having a child of my own, but now I can't imagine life without her."

Rory cooed in response – and Lucifer's insides felt like mush.

Alright, maybe Chloe had a point when she said Rory had him wrapped around her tiny finger.

"I see." Zadkiel considered this for a moment. He'd given up on getting his finger back from Rory. "Do you understand – why Father left us?"

"No," Lucifer said without hesitation. "I don't. I didn't back then, and I sure as Hell don't get it now."

The days when he'd believed he'd had to leave his life behind in Los Angeles had been the worst of his life.

The agony he'd felt at the though of leaving his loved ones had been soul-crushing.

"I don't either," Zadkiel admitted after a long moment of silence. "I thought the answer would come to me after long periods of contemplation, but I am still none the wiser."

Rory started to wriggle in his arms, and Lucifer carefully adjusted her until she was content. "Sometimes there aren't any answers."

The sun had shifted during their conversation. Lucifer rooted in the bottom of the baby stroller and pulled out the tiniest sunhat. He carefully placed it on Rory's head.

"I'm getting married," Lucifer said as a way of breaking the silence. "Very soon, actually."

"I know. Our brothers and sisters still excel at spreading news amongst them."

"Would you like to come?"

For the first time in Lucifer's life, Zadkiel actually smiled. "I would very much like to. Your mate is an admirable person. You're luckily to have her."

"My partner, Zadkiel. You're making it sound like we're bloody animals." Then Lucifer inclined his head. "But, yes, I am indeed. The luckiest man alive."

Zadkiel clapped him on the shoulder and stood up. Rory's iron grip had loosened when she'd fallen asleep.

"Excellent. Then I shall see you again, brother."

"Wait, hang on, I –"

A crack sounded, a whoosh of air, and Zadkiel was gone.

Back to watching Hell for him.

" – haven't even given you an invitation," Lucifer finished. He turned to a snoozing Rory. "You know, it's really annoying when people leave before you're done talking."

Rory simply turned around in his arms, sleeping soundly. Her little sunhat was tilted to the side.

Lucifer chuckled softly and adjusted the hat. "Let's go home, shall we, princess? I think it's time for your nap."

The Antichrist did not protest when he put in her in the stroller, nor when he put her in the seat in the Corvette.

It was one of the calmest rides he'd ever had.

Chloe entered the apartment carrying three boxes of paperwork.

"Hi, honey," she called, sounding muffled behind the stack of carboard.

Lucifer dropped the spoon and walked around the counter to her. He took two of the boxes, and Chloe's relieved face came into view.

"Hello, love," he said with a smile. He pecked a quick kiss to her lips. "Did you bring the entire precinct home?"

"Just some paperwork that needs finishing the coming week." Chloe kissed him twice before setting her box down on the counter. "That's going to be some long evenings this week."

Lucifer took off his 'Kiss The Cook' apron and waggled his eyebrows. "I'd be delighted to keep you company."

Chloe snorted and shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but I really need this finished."

"Then I'll simply grace you with my presence." Sneaking an arm around her waist, Lucifer pulled Chloe against him. "I missed you."

"Mmm, I missed you too." Chloe leaned back against him. The scent of her Chanel perfume was delightfully familiar. "It's still weird that you're not at the precinct anymore."

Lucifer touched his lips to her temple, then her cheek. "It is. I miss working alongside my Detective."

As much as he loved their life as it was, sometimes there were pangs of nostalgia.

Being on stake-outs together, driving to and from crime scenes.

Interrogating suspects and using his powers to pull answers from them.

Going to the lab to hear Miss Lopez's briefing.

Bringing Chloe coffee and pestering Daniel a little.

"I miss my partner." Chloe sighed contently, placing her hands atop his. Her hands were warm. "But I like having you at home even better than having you at work."

Lucifer chuckled and bend down to catch her lips with his. "Who wouldn't?"

With a snort, Chloe turned in his embrace so she faced him. She placed her hands on his chest. "You're such a dork."

"I'm your dork." Lucifer grinned widely. "Soon to be forever your dork."

Chloe's expression turned soft. She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him slowly.

"I can't wait."

Lucifer touched his forehead to hers. "Me neither. But speaking of weddings, I took the liberty to invite someone else."

"Oh? Who's coming?"

"Zadkiel came to see when I was at the park with Rory." Lucifer quicky added at Chloe's concerned expression. "Everything's fine in Hell, he just came to see me."

Chloe narrowed her eyes in thought. "He never struck me as an overly social type."

"No, me neither." Lucifer dropped his gaze to her hands, focusing on her ring. "He asked me questions – about Dad."

Chloe's gaze turned alert. "What did he want to know?"

"If I understood why Dad would have left us, now that I was a father myself." Lucifer smiled sadly. "My whole family really needs therapy."

"I'm sorry, honey," she said, cupping his cheek with one hand. "But at least Hell is okay?"

Lucifer pushed his cheek against her palm. "At least there's that."

A cry sounded from the back of the living room. Lucifer made to move, but Chloe stopped him.

"It's okay, I'll get her. I haven't seen her since this morning, anyway."

Stirring the slightly burnt arrabbiata sauce, Lucifer placed the sauce pan on the lowest burner. If he said it himself, he was getting good at running a household.

A couple more months and he could be on Real Housewives.

After putting a pot with water on the stove, Lucifer crept on silent feet towards the living room. He smiled at the scene before him, his heart glowing.

This was one of his favorite moments of the day.

Chloe had wrapped Trixie up in a bear-hug – who'd taken a break from homework to greet her mom. The girl was chattering excitedly about her, and Chloe just nodded and smiled, listening to her intently.

It was one of the many reasons why Lucifer loved her.

When Trixie was done talking – it had been a wild day, because Brian had broken up with Kathy via text – Chloe ruffled her hair and gave her a kiss.

The Antichrist cooed when she heard both her mom and sister next to her box. She demanded attention and snuggles.

"And where's my other baby?" Chloe said as she reached into the box and picked her up. "Where's my baby bird?"

Rory's whines turned to content coos as her mother held her. Her little fist grabbed hold of her blouse.

Then she started to glow.

"Little glowstick," Lucifer murmured affectionately.

Chloe carefully sat down on the couch, Trixie settling in beside her. Chloe smoothed Rory's unruly hair back. "Did you have a nice time with daddy?"

Lucifer slipped his phone from his pocket and snapped a picture.

His ladies. That was certainly going in the photo album.

Chloe turned to him. She was beaming, surrounded by her two girls, even though she was exhausted from her day.

"Now we just need daddy to join us, don't we?"

"Yeah, Lucifer!" Trixie slapped the empty place on the couch next to her. "Come sit with us."

Lucifer chuckled softly. He made his way to the couch, settling himself beside Trixie. It wouldn't be much longer until they would need to get a bigger couch.

"Do you want to play Mario Kart with me? Please?" Trixie clutched his arm. "You said you wanted rematch for yesterday."

"Indeed I did. But I fear that someone has to look after the food. We'll go for a race after dinner."

Trixie narrowed her eyes, and Lucifer could see the gears turning in her mind. Figuring out a way to convince him of her plan.

Too bad he couldn't be bribed with chocolate cake.

"After dinner, Trix," Chloe said, knowing her daughter well enough. She tugged on one of her braids. "Besides, don't you have homework to do?"

With a pout, Trixie slid off the couch and sat down at the coffee table. Lucifer spied some maps and pictures of rocks.

Ugh, geography.

The only good rock was the one you could sing to – not something called a bloody geode.

Lucifer shuffled sideways until he sat next to Chloe. His partner rested her head against his shoulder with a deep sigh.

"I'm so tired right now."

"I know, love." Lucifer pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "But I'm making pasta, so that counts for something right?"

"It does." Chloe shifted Rory to her other arm. "You don't know how much that means to me. What am I going to do when you go back to work?"

"Lament all day about how much you miss your handsome partner."

Chloe snorted and tucked her head against his shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you, too." They spoke in hushed voices about their day, mindful of Trixie who was making her homework.

A timer went off in the kitchen, and Chloe jolted awoke. Rory cried in protest at the sudden movement.

'It's alright, love. I'll get it."

Chloe blinked twice, then slumped against the cushions again. "Okay. Shout if you need help."

"Zadkiel was right about one thing, you thing," Lucifer said as he laid a carefully lay a blanket over Chloe.

"What's that?"

Lucifer looked towards Trixie, who was quickly finishing up her homework so they could play Mario Kart together.

At Rory, who was snuggling with her mother on the couch. Still giving off a soft golden glow.

And at Chloe, who was watching him with such love and tenderness that Lucifer's heart skipped a beat.

"I really am the luckiest man alive."