Chapter 11
Lucifer's Pov
Time is a tortuous thing when it goes slow, here I was alone in my empty and shallow penthouse, alone for two weeks. Without her.
It felt like yesterday when the detective lashes at me as she tearfully confessed her feelings and fears during her first two months of pregnancy. I never dreamt of her having those harrowing feelings; she wasn't frightened of her own child but was afraid of protecting it from the cruel world outside. Now it became crueller since my dickhead twin came along and threaten her and the unborn baby, proving that it wouldn't be just humans that might hurt the half-angel urchin in the future.
Not a day goes by where I picked up my phone checking my messages, my emails, my voiceovers in hopes that the detective might have reached back to me. I know she asked for some space and I was happy to apply, however I felt my cracked heart torn into pieces, day after day, because my dreams of being with the woman I love has suddenly incinerated into dust and ashes.
After the lonely weeks, Dr. Linda has been contacting me to arrange an appointment with her, of course, the doctor is worried about my wellbeing as usually. Nevertheless, I called her up however strangely the doctor wasn't answering, so in the morning I travelled to her home. Without knocking, I open the front door and when I took the first step inside I saw my brother, Amenadiel was on his hands and knees against the floor, picking up child toys from where I presume my little nephew has left them. I yelled, "Brother! Have you seen the doctor? She's not answering my calls."
The further I stepped into the living room, my ears shortly caught the sound of baby cries loudly echoing from the back of the house. Amenadiel replied an obvious answer in an exhausted tone, "She's been dealing with Charlie."
"Right, well I need to…" my sentence stops midway as my eyes darted my brother's shoulders as I spotted something peculiar. I gave my brother a narrow and bizarre gaze as I pointed it out, "Is that ash?"
The sight of tiny, grey stripes of ash covering over Amenadiel's shoulder evoked my memories back to Hell where down there everyday it rains of dead and shredded ashes. Amenadiel raised up on his feet and firmly rubbed off the ash from his shoulders before he explained himself, "Yeah, I was in Hell, checking on the realm and didn't seem there was any trouble."
"Well, that is a surprise. Maybe Dromos might be secretly planning his demon reunion on Earth" I deadpanned.
"Lucifer, there's something I actually need to tell you" Amenadiel sat down on the right side of the sofa. I watched my bothers' face was being swallowed in soft penitence like whatever Amenadiel has to say he knows that his words will sharply sore me.
"Well, go on then" I encouraged while sitting down next to Amenadiel however truthfully, I didn't really have the time to listen to my brother about his thoughts and whatnots. But, I was in a calm mood this morning, so I intend to keep it that way.
"When I was down in Hell, walking through the hallways, I heard a voice all of a sudden" he started before being caught up in a long pause, cluing me that this strange voice Amenadiel heard must have really shocked my brother. It ghostly adds a tingle of eeriness that shivered down my spine as Amenadiel continued, "A voice that I never expected to hear in Hell."
"Who was it? Mother Teresa? Mr. Rogers? Adele?" I guessed while I reached into my side pocket where I pulled out my flask and was about to take a short sip.
"Father."
The moment Amenadiel released his answer, that single word that easily flow out through his lips and the shivery sound that comes from the unexpected name froze the cool air out of my lungs and flooded my eyes in confusion. I snapped to my brother as a shock wave crashed into my face as my eyes agitatedly widen. The mention of my dad's name in a serious conversation can skip a long beat in my heart as I slightly stuttered, "Dad spoke to you?"
Amenadiel pridefully nodded, acting as the favourite son of course, feeling overwhelmed with joy knowing that father has finally broken the silence between them after all these years. I sat down next to him with my inquisitive face was still frozen in shock as I questioned. "Well, what did he say?"
"He told me that Hell no longer requires a warden" he shortly answered.
"And?" I expected there was more because I knew that there must be more of father's 'mysterious way' speech.
"And that's it. So, I came up here to see my son" Amenadiel repeated himself as I was still hoping for more information to be spilt. Unfortunately, my brother granted my wish, "I've only been back like half an hour ago, Lucy. I was going to find you and tell you."
I felt a pure rage and frustration for my father boiling through my bloodstreams and flowing without my body. I angrily rasped, "Let me get this straight. I just spent millennia down there diligently doing everything He asked of me. Then, I willingly went back down there without complaint, and now you have one visit in Hell and Dad tells you that's it? No more ruler of King."
Amenadiel softly defended our father in honour, "Oh Luci, you know Father can work in..."
"If you finish that sentence, I will punch you in your 'mysterious ways'" I deadpanned in a serious stare. Amenadiel's mouth slammed shut before he could speak again to defend our father-who-are-in-heaven. My brother knew the uselessness in his next words as they would have arched me and widened the cracks that were marked on my arching heart. Especially since I willingly gave up my life on Earth to restore the demons in Hell so his son and my family would be safe.
"Well, first Michael, then the detective, and now this? Talk about salt in the wound" I quietly sighed to myself, annoyed that everything in my life is suddenly crumbling into pieces.
My words intrigued Amenadiel as he leaned in, "What happened with Chloe? Is she all right?"
"I wouldn't know. She wanted space after our fight" I irritatedly huffed, angry at myself mainly because I was the reason who was making her react this way.
"What fight?"
"I didn't exactly take it well when she told me about the baby. I explained that I didn't really want a baby" I groan as I broke eye contact and my lonely as my ashamed eyes wander downwards, "I said somethings, and the detective got mad because I wasn't listening."
"I'm sorry brother" I accepted Amenadiel's compassion vibrating the soft sound of his voice, he gently covered his palm over my left shoulder, "I may know what you are going through."
"Oh please" I rasped disagreeing with his claptrap while rolling my shoulder to shake off his touch. Eyeing an obnoxious look at my brother because how could Amenadiel understand what I'm going through so far.
"No, Lucifer listen. You said you should have listened to Chloe, well listen to me now" his voice dropped deeper into a serious tone. The sudden change lured in my consideration as Amenadiel continued, "It was a huge shock to me when Linda was pregnant, and then it became too real when Charlie was born. I understand how scary and confusing it is, especially when it's your first time. Thinking, how could this be? Me? A father?"
Maybe Amenadiel might understand what I'm going through; the confusion, the stress. I would have asked Daniel for advice especially since he and the detective were together when they had Beatrice. However, Sir Douche has been acting such a pain in the ass ever since I arrived home, still moaned with the idea that I was the reason for Charlotte's death.
Then, Amenadiel spoke about things about fatherhood I never knew, "But, then, when Charlie was born, when I first held him in my arms, and when I first looked into his eyes. You get this weird but new sense of belonging."
I was drawn back from his unusual words before asking in a half whispering, "You do?"
"Yes. I mean, I can't lie, they are a piece of hark-work, trust me, been doing that for over two months now" he pointed out because there's no denying that children are taxing burdens, that I agreeably nodded to his point. Afterwards, Amenadiel ended his articulation, "But, at most times, that feeling still grows, and that it fulfils a void you never existed."
Struck by his emotional description I let his words suck in and quietly listen to them again in my head. I remember when I spend time with the detective and her urchin, I always developed a warning and welcoming feeling. Makes me wonder if I have a child of my own would make me feel the way Amenadiel describe. Unaware, his friendly mood melted and changed in a dejected tone, "And, if you feel bad for what you said to Chloe. It can't be worse than what I almost did to Linda."
At first, I was bemused by my brother's words however I suddenly recall the day Charlie was kidnapped by demons at the same time Amenadiel revealed to Linda his hidden plans on taking Charlie to the Silver City to live there. I could imagine Linda was unforgiving for a while because what Amenadiel was a dickish move, but deep down, we all knew that my brother would never mean any harm to anyone.
Then, the sound of small footsteps tiptoed into the living room, we turned to the kitchen and watched the tired doctor silently entering the living room. She exhaustedly huffed in a grateful grin, "Finally he's asleep."
Her fizzy hair was tied up in a bunch and dressed in a wrinkly, loose dress with small, shady-coloured flowers printed in the black fabric. The doctor's eyes widen when she spotted me in the living room, "Lucifer? Hi, didn't know you were here."
"I came because you missed my calls as I am in need of your assistance, doctor" I stood up and explained as I couldn't hold back my begs from reaching out to the doctor's ears.
"Oh, sorry. I must have had my phone on silent. Okay, can we do here though? I'm so tired to even travel" she asked as Dr. Linda still sounded like she was worn out from her baby's cry and the little urchin has kept her up all night.
"Of course" I didn't care where we were at the moment, all I wanted was to just talk about my problems.
The room quickly became quiet as the doctor and I both shifted our stare to my old bother who was standing behind me. Amenadiel read the room, "I'll give you two some space."
Once, Amenadiel left the living room and gave the doctor and me some privacy, we sat on the "L" shape, grey sofa as I was sitting on the pointy edge as Dr. Linda was sitting on a solo chair facing opposite to me. I started unfolding the details about the fight that happened between the detective and me, sadly remembering back to watch the detective's face bloom tearfully. Dr. Linda could see the guilt affecting me deeply as it was painted all over my face
"She was upset" near the end of the story and my words echoed the cracks growing on my heart, "It looked worse than the time she discovered my identity."
"How did you feel after you left?" Dr. Linda asked.
"Shame" the single word spread bitterness across my mouth, "I felt a shame because I was the one causing her to feel that way."
A long pause came before I deeply breathe, "But, I… I still don't know what to do."
"About the baby?" she questioned and I nodded, being completely clueless about what I need to do now frightens me to the bones. However, Linda insignificantly studies my reactions of being oblivious compared to calm and patient position. The doctors simply asked, "Lucifer, do you like the idea of having a child?"
"No" I quickly shook my head.
"Why not?"
"Because, I can't. Children are messy, greedy, loud, and very, very expensive. And they… you know" I explained, praying that the doctor understand my motives and Dr. Linda seems like she did. I have no objection to people wanting to have children, nor do I deeply hate urchins since I have grown to like the detective's offspring herself. However, I never wanted to have a child myself because I don't think I can suitably manage them.
"Okay, say that your baby was born right here, right now, how would you picture your life at that moment with that child?" she questioned.
"Like hell on Earth."
"Why?"
"Well, because I would be…" I started off in a confident tone then my mouth suddenly stopped speaking. To be honest, I didn't know what I was thinking at that second because the sudden words slipped out once my lips were parted. I was more baffled with myself because I didn't actually know what I wanted to say yet Dr. Linda seems like she already figured it out.
"You just mentioned how kids can be loud, messy and everything bad. Yet, you cannot say anything negative about your life where the baby is involved. Because you said 'I would' tells me that you don't really think the baby is the main problem" she pointed it out like Dr. Linda spotted a missing piece of a large puzzle. She softly smiled as though she discovered something new and good, compare to me as I was bewildered by her theoretical knowledge.
Dr. Linda continued questioning as she was lurking deeper into my hallow soul, "Lucifer, how do you feel about being a father?"
"Worse job anyone could commit to" I answered in an obvious tone, "No offence to Amenadiel. He's not doing so bad as I expected."
"Knowing that you had a difficult childhood, despite the fact that your dad was there for you at first, he was never really there for you" she carefully clarified, knowing how painful it is for me to remember my tragic past of abandonment.
"Completely. No mistake there, doctor" I commented.
"So, you never really had a good father figure in your life. You only know of what your dad did to you" the doctor carried on evaluating.
"I don't see your point in this particular statement, doctor" I sulked singularly if the doctor keeps on bringing my father into this conversation where she should be helping me on how to fix my problems with the detective and the unborn baby.
"My point, Lucifer, is that perhaps you're not afraid of having a child. But, perhaps you're afraid of being a father. Both separate things" Dr. Linda finally expound her theory.
"I have a shortlist of fear, doctor, but that is certainly not one of them" I put up a straight face however Dr. Linda didn't believe in my words. I rolled my eyes thinking that this is actually just wasting my time, "Why are we even talking about my father where you should be helping me on fixing my problem with the detective? What do I do now is important."
"What do you think you should do, Lucifer?" it sometimes vexes me when Dr. Linda answered my question with another question, wishing that there was always a straight answer. Dr. Linda could see the desperation growing through my brown eyes, I didn't want to talk about my feelings for the unborn urchin because all I want to do is the fixes things between the detective and me. How hard is it for the doctor to understand that?
"I think you need to ask yourself about how much you really want to be involved with the baby? Because, when Chloe found out about the pregnancy a week after you left. During the last two months, she has been trying to be strong for the baby. Stronger than she has ever been because she thought she was going to raise the baby alone" she explained. I remember the detective mentioned in our fight about her fears of protecting her child from celestial danger because of the baby's existence.
"If you are going to be involved, then all you need to do Lucifer is be there for her. And, for your baby. That's what makes a good father" Dr. Linda finished the conceptual therapy with some sentimental advice. I just sat there without a word to say or a muscle to move, while letting the doctor's wisdom sink in. However, I was still vexed and perplexed about what I needed to do to fix my problem so I could be with the detective.
Instead of staying there and listening to more of Dr. Linda's bemusing and suppositious statements, I decided to leave because I wanted some time alone as my tired thoughts needed to settle and amend, and also I figured the doctor and my brother had to deal with their noisy child again. It had come to my mind about talking to the detective today so I did call up the precinct about her presence however I was noted that that was a case.
The Crime Scene
the journey was short yet I couldn't block out the questions and theories that the doctor have annoyingly implanted in my head. Making me wonder about what it truly means to be a father. The destination I was given for the new crime scene was set by a big, stage with a wide, open, green space next to it. The open green space was nearly covered with beer bottles and glasses and party decorations, I knew straightaway that there must have been a music concert last night. Reminding me of my years of partying non-stop with wide and exotic humans.
In a far distance, Miss Lopez standing on the green field just outside the crime scene, dressed in her bright and causal clothing to reflect her colourful personality. I watched how she was approached by a young man of similar age to Miss Lopez, seem like they were having a nice chat between themselves. You know, ever since I know Miss Lopez I've never actually seen her with someone like a boyfriend. Now seeing her with someone sweet and nice as her reminds me of how the detective and I used to be.
A small, delicate grin grew on her face which made me pleasantly smile viewing her happiness being visually drawn on her pure face. When the young man left Miss Lopez, I stroll in at the right time and approach in a sang-like tone, "Someone has got the hots for our Miss Lopez."
"Oh hey, Lucifer!" the cute human welcomed me with an amiable grin. She glanced back at the nice guy she was talking to before commenting, "That guy. Na. Not my type."
"No? Seems just like you, perfectly adorable" I could some resemblance between the young chap and Miss Lopez; they both are young, cute looking, act nice and exhilarated, and dressed in nerd-smart clothing. I do wonder if Miss Lopez has ever dated before
"Exactly. He sounded so nice and sweet. And I'm… yeah. You know" she replied in an impurity tone while shifting her focus down on her large camera as I felt a pinch of remorse hidden in Miss Lopez's impurity voice. Her small choice of words made me give her a disquiet stare wondering why Miss Lopez didn't mention the sweet things about herself. Then, she rapidly changes the subject, getting herself away from the spotlight, "Anyway, not all of us can be in the perfect relationship."
I knew Miss Lopez's words meant no harm, yet my smile slowly faded away as she was referring to my relationship with the detective. I couldn't control my voice from speaking in a tone of sorrow when I quietly commented, "Well, I don't think perfect is the right word to describe us at the moment."
"Why? Are you and Chloe okay?" Miss Lopez returned a concerned look.
"No, we had a fight" I answered as my mind recall back to every sharp and repugnant word we throw at each other wherein the end the detective and I both ended up broken-hearted.
"About the baby?" she guessed correctly.
I slightly nodded my head, "It was the main topic in the discussion."
"Lucifer, I'm not gonna take sides because I love you both" she took a small step forward and I felt her small hand gently holding onto the side of my arm, "But, I know you guys, it will work things out in the end. I mean, you guys always do."
"Hopefully" I prayed to dad, well if he's even listening, that there's some light for us to work out. "Speaking of the detective, have you seen her here this morning?"
"Yeah. One of the detectives who was meant to take over this case is sick, so Chloe offered to come" she answered, during mid-sentence, Miss Lopez shifted her gaze to across the green field and aimed at the centre, large stage.
"Great. She'll be here" I whispered to myself.
Suddenly, I heard a loud gasp escaping from Miss Lopez's wide mouth and eyes flooded with excitement, "Whoa!"
"What?"
"That's DJ Karnal!" I followed her stare where leads across the green field and aims at a man who was quite far from us and was also standing outside of the yellow police tape. A small crowd of girls came rushing over to DJ Karnal like he was my ignorant half-brother Jesus and many followers come to him as his followers. But, if I'm being honest with myself, it reminds me of how thousands of women and men used to throw themselves at me and I highly enjoyed how those humans easily gave resistance to my desirable charms. Miss Lopez mentioned, "He's one of the coolest DJs in L.A. I didn't know he was headlining the show. It must've been a surprise appearance."
"Yes, I must admit, he may be the one DJ who has even a modicum of talent" I've heard of DJ Karnal as his music were actually quite good to listen to, probably produces the best music albums in L.A. Then, I scoffed at the thought of his name, "But then again, his ludicrous name negates that. I mean, 'Karnal?' Really? Must everything be about sex?"
I kept my focus on DJ Karnal as he was walking freely into the crime scene, I was expecting officers to come to up him and force the DJ out from the unwelcomed area. However, no one surprisingly was coming over to stop him, but what's weird enough was that my ears pricked up the sounds of DJ Karnal calling out the detective's name. It lifted my spirit knowing that she is around somewhere, briskly I caught the sight of the detective standing near the large stage. Unexpectedly, the detective noticed the walked to DJ Karnal and she welcomed him with open arms and pulled in him a tight hug.
"What the…" I couldn't believe my eyes.
She barely knows the man, yet the detective was hugging, I hate to say it, a stunning man while she was pregnant with my child. I felt my stomach twist like I was about to vomit at the sight of my detective being so close with another man. I couldn't stand it any longer as my legs began and began dashing fast across the green field to the centre. It was wrong, no it was sin in my red eyes.
Chloe's Pov
Earlier Morning
I woke up another early morning in my empty, cold bed, unconsciously I often stretched my arm out anticipating feeling another body next to mine. Disappointedly, I open my tired eyes and saw the empty space flatten next to me, rested my head deeper in my pillow as I laid flat on my back and my head resting in the centre of my pillow as I gaze up at the clear ceiling. There was nothing on my mind, yet I was trying to think of something, particularly something good as I was drowning in my sorrows. My eyes rolled down and I view the small bump that has grown on my belly like a curve mountain.
"Hey baby" I whispered while gently rubbing the top side of my belly. It was impossible yet I could feel the baby's warmth softly burning in my belly like a nice, hot bun in the oven. I blissfully beaned wondering what a beautiful baby it will be, only to think that Lucifer never had that thought which melted my smile away. I purred in a downhearted tone, "Did I make the right choice?"
I certainly didn't know the answer, and neither does the baby.
My 7:30 am alarm set off loud and clear for me to get up now, the mood swings hit as I anomalistically growled and rubbed my hands over my tired face. Slowly dragging myself off my bed and walked to my bathroom where I brushed my teeth before brushing my tatty hair and tying it up into a neat ponytail. Then, I looked for some comfortable clothing to wear, especially when comes to my bras since I am almost in my third month of pregnancy and my breasts have become slightly swelling and inching. I put on a blue leopard print shirt with a loose hen where it doesn't feel tight around my curve belly. It became quite difficult for me to wear suitable clothes to wear because everytime I try something on, it doesn't fit well with my newly sensitive skin.
Once I was sorted with the right clothing, I walked down the stairs before turning around a corner and strolled to the kitchen, there I greeted Maze who was standing by the kitchen counter with a bowl of cereal, possibly with some vodka in it. Maze was wearing a red moto jacket with a crystal chainmail camisole beneath it. She watched me approaching as I pulled out a stool and lazily sat down with a deep exhausted look frozen on my face.
Maze crunched her cereal in her mouth before speaking, "S'up, Decker?"
"Hey" I moaned in a low and tired tone, "Would you mind handing me a glass of water, please?"
"Sure" Maze grabbed a random, clean glass from the higher cabinets and filled it up with some freshwater from the tap. After handing the glass over, I felt Maze's eyes scanning my body and carelessly stated, "You okay? You look like you've been pumped up with depression piles."
Once I galloped down some freshwater down my throat, I held a fake smile and deadpanned, "You know what Maze, that is exactly how it feels like right now."
"Okay. That's it" Maze growled gently slammed her cereal bowl down on the kitchen counter giving me
I watched her scramble fast around the counter like a speedy cheetah and Maze reached over the dark blue sofa in the living room. I held a curiously looked and questioned, "What are you doing?"
Maze kneed down beside the blue sofa and her hand was dipped underneath and quickly pulled out a long and black ranseur with a very sharp end and another end that curves toe side and points downwards. The fact that Maze has sneakily hidden it behind my back was a huge bombshell before Maze chauvinistically snarled and walked around the living room, "I'm gonna torture Lucifer for what he did to you."
"No, Maze" I tiredly puffed, as much as I valued Maze's support and respect for keeping me safe and happy. I couldn't concur that her simple answer was 'an eye for an eye' where this situation between Lucifer and I is much more complicated. I replied, "It won't make me feel better."
Maze ignored my begs as she was too focused on something else. Standing close to the TV Maze began reaching her arm deep behind the T.V and surprisingly pulls out another weapon which was a flail weapon. She faces with an anomalistic pleasure in her brown eyes as Maze darkly chuckled, "Well, you never know if I don't try."
"No! Maze!" I loudly yelled which thankfully made Maze stop and listen. I felt bad at the end for I didn't mean to snap at Maze, perhaps it was the mood swings that were muddling my mind. My voice became softer, "Don't."
Maze didn't bother to hide her look of disapproval of me defending Lucifer, while she laid her weapons carefully against the cupboard near the front door. She stepped closer to me and argued, "You've been like this for the last two weeks. Lucifer needs to know."
"I know. But, I wanted a bit space and time for myself, from Lucifer, that's all" I reminded her and myself that it was me who made this decision. Truthfully the given space and time I have received was enough for me to recover from my fight with Lucifer and it helped me to rethink my future with the baby. However, it still deeply hurt me knowing that it will be difficult for me and Lucifer to have a romantic relationship while Lucifer not involved within his child's life.
"Maze, you knew Lucifer the longest. And, you know that kids aren't really his type" I gazed up at Maze as a thought popped up in my head, "How do you think Lucifer is dealing, personally, from the inside I mean?"
"Personally. Well…" Maze rolled her eyes, thinking about her answer and I had a deep feeling that I won't even like it. The demon finally answered, "You know that some people can be good parents. And there are some who aren't just meant to be. And, Lucifer is one of them."
"Yet, here we are" I sadly nodded as I lowered my gaze down to the floor only to avoid any eye contact with Maze so she couldn't see the depression growing in the centre of my irises.
I felt her sharp stare aiming at my head as Maze kneed down, so we were both at the same eye level. Maze isn't the most empathic person that I've known, however I caught some sympathy leaking from her sedating voice, "That's the problem with men. They don't evolve like us."
I couldn't deny that Maze does have a point about men; Dan wasn't the best husband, Pierce was a cold-blooded murderer, and Lucifer did make some idiotic things to me in the past like ghosting on my first date or marrying a striper. Even though I couldn't stop my mind from scrolling back to those happiest memories I have with Lucifer. I deeply inhaled in a lot amount of fresh air as I felt a lump of despair forming in my throat. Before, I calmly admitted, "You know, ever since I decided to keep the baby. I couldn't help but imagine that Lucifer might rapidly change his mind and actually like the idea of being a dad. He's grown a lot, especially when he's around Trixie."
"But, I guess you're right, some people aren't meant to be parents" I agreed, knowing that there are some people who don't want to have children, and there is no shame in that. And while Lucifer isn't human, he does have rights too to make his own decisions and that includes not wanting to have children.
The gloominess thickens the inside of my throat, making it hard for me to gulp down the sadness that was planning on flooding my eyes with tears. Unknowingly, my voice echoed the heartbreaking needs I desired, "Be I still want him."
I wanted to think that it's possible for Lucifer and I to somehow be together yet I could only describe it as awkward and very gloomy. It would be highly unsettling for us to be romantic when I will be extremely busy taking care of the baby. Lucifer might childishly be jealous and lonely, and that would add salt to the wound. Deep down, I know we cannot have it both ways.
"Chloe, you don't need him. You can do better without him" Maze purred in a solicitous tone. I felt her hands raised up to the edge of my arms and her thumbs gently rubbed the front sides of my biceps. My eyebrows raised in surprise as I have never seen Maze act so caring in this kind of way.
"We can do better" Maze ended, and her words reflected her own dejection from Lucifer's actions. The feeling of abandonment and forgotten was as equally arching as my pain as I shared the same commiserate look.
I managed to grow a small but gratefully grin, "Thanks Maze. I really do appreciate-"
The words were pushed back in my mouth when Maze's lips were pressed upon mine. I was distracted by her warm touch and the fact that the unexpected kiss was a complete bombshell. At the same time, I didn't quickly pick up the wet feeling of Maze's tongue as it was just about to plunge its' way through my lips.
"Maze?" I exclaimed when my lips were parted from Maze's and pulled my head away before Maze deeper could deeper the kiss. My stare couldn't explain more how puzzled I was at that second as I watched Maze was coming to realise what she had just done. Despite her intentions, Maze was as baffled as I was.
Was about to ask Maze why she kissed me until my wits and compassion got the better of me; during the last nearly three months of pregnancy, I have noticed that Maze was a bit lonely. Maze was always there for me, protecting me like a person career. I remember Linda telling me when she was pregnant with Charlie, Maze was always there following wherever Linda goes. Now, I think Maze might be doing the same thing to me since we both thought that I was going to raise this baby alone.
Then, I've evoked when Maze told me how she had a fun and special time with Eve months ago. Perhaps Maze wanted something more with Eve, but by then, Eve was too focused on getting Lucifer back. And, maybe that's why she kissed me because Maze wants a special connection, she doesn't want to feel lonely.
I could see the innocence printed in her perplexed eyes and felt completely bad for reacting so harshly when I pulled away. I sedately replied, "I'm sorry. If I lead you into thinking-"
"No, I'm… That was um… freaking crazy" Maze chuckled with a fake grin, acted like it was a joke but it was clear to me that Maze had no idea what she was doing. I noticed how Maze was slowly stepping back away from me, "I… um… I should go."
Maze dashed out before I could have the chance to say something, leaving me alone in my quiet apartment with nothing by my apologetic thoughts. I wondered if Maze was going a lonely time and her helping me through my pregnancy and working with me with the LAPD was the only thing distracting me. I felt like such a shitty friend for not recognising this after working with Maze for a while.
I wanted to call Maze and talk to her as a good friend, but I knew she wouldn't pick them up straight away, assuming that Maze would have wanted space. That, I could understand. Later on, I received a call from the lieutenant that there was a free case for me to look into since the original detective is sick. Happily, I took the case and travelled up to the exact destination of the crime scene since it might lift up my spirits.
The Crime Scene
By the end of my journey, I arrived at a wide, open, green space where there was a big, stage at the back. The open space was nearly covered with beer bottles and glasses and party decorations, alerting me that there was a music concert last night. I spotted Ella up ahead of me, kneeling down while carefully photographing close-up pictures of the murdered victim.
Ella pricked the sound of my footsteps approaching her, "Hey, Decker. I didn't know you were taking this case?"
"Well, the original detective was ill, so I was asked to take over" I answered as I stepped closer to the dead body. It was a young man with a white jumper with black strips printed on, and he also had a black cap over his head.
"With no Lucifer again?" Ella gave me a concerned stare, like a hellhound Ella could sense my loneliness.
"It's complicated" I slightly shook my head, singling Ella that I don't want to have another discussion about Lucifer again, as I focused back on the case, "So, what do we have?
"Blue Ballz" she answered.
I raised my head up and gasped, "Excuse me?
"No. Blue Ballz, with a 'Z.' Fancy DJ headphones" Ella bent down and picked up an evidence bag that held a blue pair of decorated headphones inside of them, "Also, our murder weapon. Electrocuted poor DJ Matt Pexxa."
"How does one get electrocuted with headphones?" I questioned. I have seen some weird murder cases that involve murders using different kinds of materials as weapons such as; a jump rope, a tablespoon, and even a spatula. Never have I ever heard of a person being killed by pair of headphones.
"Oh, well, you see this tiny little silver wire coming out of the padding?" Ella's finger pointed down on the centre of the inside of the ear cups. I leaned forward to get a better look and I see a mini, silver wire rooting expanding out from the inside. Ella began explaining, "So, the current travels through the wire and into his skin. Now, you add sea air and his sweat, perfect combo for maximum voltage."
"So, any leads?" I questioned.
"Well, we found from the mixing board that the surge protector was disconnected. It was a clean-cut" Ella explained while pointing her finger to the centre stage where the mixing board was and possibly where, at the exact time, DJ Pexxa was electrocuted.
"So, it was intentional. Someone sabotaged Pexxa's setup before he went on stage, and so that, with the live wire in the headphones, I mean, it's most likely murder" I theorised while looking back down on the murdered victim.
Later on, two police officers explained to me the key details they've picked up from talking to witnesses and the main areas that involves in the crime scenes. Meanwhile, Ella was just outside of the scene probably getting a coffee from a close café van. I stayed where I was trying to absorb more information about the murder victim and the crime scene where everything was set and the exits points.
"Chloe?" a male voice shouted from behind, I knew it wasn't Lucifer's or Dan's or Amenidael's, none that were very familiar to me. Slowly turned my head around and saw a man walking to me, the closer he came the more his face became visibly recognisable. He called out my name again, "Chloe Jane Decker!"
"Jed? Oh my God" my breathe hitched as I chuckled through a happy grin as I finally recognise his face. Jed Andrewson was an old boyfriend of mine from years ago when I first joined the police force. He still has the same hairstyle with a flock of hair waved back over Jed's head. Dressed in leather, black jacket with a dark grey shirt underneath and has a pair of plain, black jeans.
"Hi" I slowly walked towards him with wide arms as we joined in an open then tight, warm hug. Jed's arms gently rubbed over mine and his hands softly touched the back of my spine. Soon, I uncoiled my arm and pulled back to look at his unchanged face, as I felicitously smiled, "Wow… you look good."
"So, do you" Jed also reflected the same happy reaction. His eyes "It's been ages."
"Ages, yeah" I offered another hug, "It's so good to see you..."
Our friendly moment was interrupted by a loud, buzzing sound squeaking from the side of us. We pulled away with my ears aching from that loud, annoying sound, but I was more in shock when, out of the blue, Lucifer appeared as he was the one who blew through a buzzer before he chuckled. "Funny, aren't they?
A small lump burst in the centre of my throat when Lucifer's eyes made contact with me, I quietly flabbergasted, "Lucifer. I didn't know you were coming."
"Well, I'm had nothing today, so I figure to come along and solve another murder case with you" he answered however it sends me a vibe of disbelief.
I was going to question him again until I spotted the baffled stare from Jed to Lucifer as the Devil developed the same response, I started, "Oh, sorry, Lucifer meet Jed. Jed, meet Lucifer."
"Jed?" Lucifer rudely scoffed and I narrowed my sharp stare at the Devil.
"Yeah, it's my real name. What's yours?" Jed asked.
"Oh, Lucifer is his real name" I answered.
"Seriously?" Jed huffed with a smirk thinking it was a joke, but he didn't get a comeback from Lucifer.
"So, Jed, what are you doing here?" I asked, as much as I was happy to see an old friend, I was curious to wonder why Jed was here in this crime scene. I hoped at the time that Jed wasn't going to be a prime suspect or anything like that.
"Well, this is a show. I'm a DJ" he answered, I nodded should have realised that sooner. I remembered when we dated, Jed was always a fan of music and has been practising being a D.J for years. Then, he repeated the same question to me, "And, what are you doing here?"
"Well, this is a crime scene, and I'm a detective" I proudly answered.
"Wow, you did it. I always knew you'd be a great cop" I smiled at Jed's sweet compliment.
"Sorry, how do you two know each other?" Lucifer cuts in as I could see in his mystified eyes that he was trying to figure out the relationship riddling between Jed and me.
"Oh, um, Jed and I dated years ago. Casually" I muddled my answer for I didn't know how to describe my fling relationship with Jed.
"Come on, Cherry Jane. It wasn't that casual" my breathe hitched when Jed used my nickname, at the same time Jed reached over and gently touched my arm. However, I felt Lucifer's look of displeased sharply aiming at Jed when he caught Jed's hand gently rubbing the side of my arm like it was a crime. Jed switched his gaze to Lucifer, "And what do you do?"
"Well, I was formerly the ruler of Hell, but now I own Lux and work as a consultant for the LAPD" Lucifer's long but truthful answer cause confusion on Jed's face. The same comes for me as I was bothered when Lucifer used the word 'formerly the ruler of Hell' as I had no idea what that literally means for him and for the demons in Hell. However, I knew it wasn't the right moment for me to question just yet.
To save the confusion, I added, "And, Lucifer is also my partner."
"Yes, partner, and…" Lucifer added as he predicted me to carry on, yet I stayed silent. I knew Lucifer was expecting to call him my boyfriend, however I couldn't bring the words as the memory of our fight was holding them back.
Thankfully, Jed changes the subject, "So, are you still married to that guy Dave?"
"Dan or who I mostly call Douche" Lucifer corrected.
Rolled my eyes from Lucifer's comment before I mentioned, "We're divorced actually."
"Oh" Jed made a fake sound pretending like he cared, after knowing him for a long time I could sense when Jed is camouflaging his bliss for some reason. "So, are you in a relationship at the moment?"
"Um... Relationship?" I soundlessly repeated as I felt Lucifer's gaze focus on my face.
"Well, sort of… Lucifer and I are together, in a way" I answered with a cringy face, I felt from behind Lucifer's face of disappointment as I spoke in a negative way about our relationship.
"Right. Cool" Jed looked baffled at my answer and I wouldn't blame him because it does a bit confusing. The short silence was broken by a small, buzz sound echoed from his phone as Jed out it, "Oh, I gotta take this."
Once, we were alone, I turned and face Lucifer with an unpleasant look which caused Lucifer to act clueless and worried, "Detective?"
"What are you doing here?" I directly asked you.
"Well, when I saw that strange man coming to you, and I thought-"
"No, no, no, I mean what are you doing here?" I rephrased my question.
"Well, I wanted to talk to you about the other night. I was feeling guilty. I was thinking about me instead of listening and just talking with you" Lucifer compassionately started "I understand you need space. And I agree. But, I think I can fix our troubling situation."
"Oh, really? How?" I crossed my arms over my chest waiting for his answer, trying not to raise my hopes and act professionally calm.
"N… Not exactly sure yet" Lucifer gave a short pause with a cringy smile which lead me down with the hopeless roll of my eyes, "Dr. Linda hasn't exactly given the right answer, to be honest."
"Look Lucifer, I am grateful if you want to apologies or want to fix things, but I still need some space" I repeatedly required my need in a direct yet calm tone.
Lucifer couldn't ignore the seriousness printed in my blue eyes and I could see through his that Lucifer didn't want any more trouble. He sorrowfully nodded, "I understand. I really do."
I believed in his honest words, but I saw how Lucifer couldn't hold back a sad smile that formed on his face. He deeply exhaled in before Lucifer wanted to start over, "Detective-"
Right before Lucifer could continue, Jed jumped in between us and faced me, such as to Lucifer's annoyance, "Sorry, that was my manager. Had to tell him I wasn't dead."
Stunned by his last words, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I was supposed to go on after Pexxa after he does his playlist" Jed explained at the same time my gaze flew across his blade shoulder and watched as Lucifer leaned to the side while giving a death stare directly at Jed like a predator eyeing at its' prey. Annoyed at Jed's sudden interruption, "It's scary seeing another DJ die. Makes you realize life's short."
"Some not short enough, sadly" Lucifer commented as his eyes were still focusing on Jed, I assumed metaphorically Lucifer was referring to Jed's life.
"Actually, Jed now that you are here, do you know of anyone who would want to kill Pexxa?" I asked.
"Don't know. Why? You don't think this was intentional, do you?" my questioning made Jed grow an unease look.
"Yes, we think that Pexxa was killed with his headphones in an electrical shock" I noted down the key facts about the murder.
"Pexxa's headphones? No, he borrowed those from me this morning, right before the show. Including mixing board, everything" Jed corrected.
"So, perhaps, Pexxa wasn't the intended target?" Lucifer suggested as though he was reading my mind.
"Maybe it was you" I ended the last part of our theory, my curious eyes darted to Jed as they started filling up with deep worriedness. After just meeting an old flame of mine and was happy to see Jed in good form, now my mind became overwhelmed with distress knowing that Jed is destined to be killed by this new killer.
"Wait, are you saying someone's trying to kill me?" Jed gasped as he pulled his left arm forward and his hand firmly grabbed the side of my arm, I could his anxiety increase beneath his cold skin.
I understood that it was a natural reaction from Jed to look for some confront and answers, however I can't say Lucifer saw it the same way. The Devil quickly reached forward and pulled Jed's handoff from my arm, Lucifer pointed out, "Might I point out that if no one else had the headphones, and they did belong to you, how do we know you didn't kill our poor disc jockey?"
"Right, um... Jed, you do have an alibi for before the show, yeah?" as much as I apricate Lucifer's determination in questioning this murder case, I did hope that Jed, an old friend wasn't deeply involved in this condition.
"Sure, I was with my producer the whole time. Just ask him" I sigh in relief from Jed's answer, yet Lucifer just rolled his eyes.
"Well, if you were the intended target, you know, you're not safe here, so best if you come with us" I held an affable grin to hopefully calm Jed down and gain his trust.
Moved my body to the side for Jed to walked past so I can follow from behind, I caught the sight of bliss hinted in his eyes. Lucifer was by my side while still giving Jed a disapproval stare, I narrowed my eyes in curiosity wondering why Lucifer is acting so crudely towards Jed. Not sure if it's about our fight and felt slightly threatened that I am leaning towards a new pair of hands for comfort. Or maybe because of that, that meeting an old flame perhaps sparkled up a quiver of jealousy within Lucifer.
Either way, I didn't have time for his Lucifer-ness.