A DEVIL OF HIS WORD

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter's length does not reflect the normal chapter length. I'm in the middle of drafting my own original novel; therefore, I do not know when I will be updating or how regularly. This first chapter was my way of coping with the show's unexpected cancellation. Thanks to Netflix for making sure this isn't the end! Now, this is officially what I want out of season 4. I hope you enjoy what you find in this story.

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A sea of black ambushed Chloe as she entered the large chapel. The color may as well have been an ocean. Obsidian waves poured out into the parking lot. The light outside warmed her shoulders, highlighting how cold her hands felt. Looking over her shoulder, the detective spotted her daughter, Trixie sluggishly trailing up the church steps.

The child's expression matched the thick, scratchy fabric's discomfort adorning her little body. Her shiny shoes clashed against the matte finish of her dress. They shared a look. Despite the ridiculous dress, Chloe and Trixie hadn't put up a fight.

Dan had bought it a few days ago right when the funeral arrangements were settled. His emotions since taking down Pierce were heightened and more vulnerable than ever. That was to be expected.

Trixie stepped up onto the last concrete step and stopped right under the threshold. The world moved in slow motion. The passersby filing in passed them inched their way to the pews deeper in the ornate, colorful church. Trixie's eyes rose, peering at the detailed stained glass windows along the highest parts of the majestic ceiling.

Chloe knelt down and grabbed the girl's hands, cupping them between hers and bringing her tiny fingers to her lips. Together, they lowered their chins until their foreheads touched.

"Of everything in this whole world, you are my greatest miracle, Trixie," Chloe whispered, sniffling.

When the detective opened her eyes, Trixie smiled, though it didn't quite make it to her eyes. "Mommy, don't worry about me." The girl pulled one hand out from Chloe's grip to wipe away a stray tear. "We take care of each other."

For the first time in a week or so, Chloe smiled, feeling the warmth spread to her eyes. "I love you, Monkey," Chloe said, pulling Trixie into a hug. When they pulled apart, the detective glanced over her shoulder, seeing Dan standing in front of the casket, back to the pews. He reached into it, seeming to be stroking Charlotte's features. When Chloe moved her attention back to Trixie, the girl nodded.

"I'll go make him feel better."

Chloe nodded, standing and following her daughter rush to her father. Eyes lifting from the casket, the detective paid careful mind to the large cross suspended above the congregation. Tears filled her eyes. If there was any comfort of knowing the existence of celestials, it was knowing Charlotte made it to heaven. She was safe.

A man cleared his throat behind Chloe.

The detective tensed, muscles twitching unconsciously when the man said her name. Not detective. Chloe.

"Hi, Chloe," Linda said shortly after.

Back to both, the detective closed her eyes and stood there like an idiot. She continued to stare at the large cross above them. One of the stained glass windows reflected red light over her eyes. The trick of light flashed the image of Lucifer's devil face in her mind.

Lucky for her, a distraction came quickly.

"We were together!" Dan shouted, the echoes carrying throughout the church.

Chloe's flowing black dress wagged when her paced picked up. Thankfully, she wasn't wearing anything taller than her kitten healed boots. Chloe rushed to Dan, who fought with Charlotte's ex-husband near the casket.

"We were MARRIED!" the ex-husband hollered, moving dangerously close to Dan.

The detective grabbed Trixie and pulled her toward the pews before turning back toward Dan. "Dan, maybe he should have some time with her."

Dan's head snapped in her direction. He hurried toward her and stopped just inches away from her. They stared at each other. His eyes were red, and he had bags under his eyes: more so than usual. His hair was disheveled despite his best efforts to make it neat. "Charlotte loved me! ME!" He stepped closer to her, but Chloe wasn't intimidated by anything he did.

"He is the father of her kids, Dan! They're right there," the detective quietly replied. Holding her hands out between them, she guided him away from her a few steps.

His expression tightened, brows sagging toward his nose as he buried his face in his hands. "She was in love with me…" he softly said. "I loved her, and she's not here anymore."

Chloe's eyes weighed with moisture. She reached out to touch his shoulder. "Charlotte wouldn't want this."

Any remnants of his sad calm melted under new flames infecting his expression. Nostrils flaring, he grabbed her hand and shoved her away, causing her to lose her stability until she roughly landed on one of the pew benches. Her neck collided with the headrest. Chloe didn't have time to nurse the pain there.

Dan bent down until his palms were flat on either side of her. Their faces were so close. Tears drenched his face. Loud footsteps approached, but Chloe only had enough time to focus on Dan.

"You have no right to speak for her! Not when you were in bed with the fucker who murdered her!" Dan shouted.

Chloe's eyes stung, but she schooled her features to remain placid. "Dan, let me go."

Dan didn't move. "You've done nothing but bring me pain and regret in my life from the day we met! You've been one mistake and disappointment after another!" he choked. "You always destroy my happiness!"

The detective placed both hands his shoulders and used all her strength to shove Dan away from her. Before she could speak, though, Trixie gasped. "Daddy!" The young girl rushed down the center aisle toward the door.

"Shit!" Dan said, rubbing his hair wildly. When he tried to rush after her, Chloe stopped him without a word. They shared a look for a second. Closing his eyes, he opened his mouth as if he would speak. When his eyes finally opened, he followed Chloe's retreating form. "Chloe!" he said, crying. "I didn't mean that!"

The detective dashed through the crowd, passed Lucifer, Linda, and Maze. The high-low styled sheer skirt Chloe wore made racing after her daughter a bit easier. The crowd had grown in size tenfold, if it were possible. She didn't know so many people knew Charlotte.

When she made it to the wide double doors, Chloe picked up her pace, finally able to see Trixie a few feet ahead of her. "Trixie! Stop!"

The girl threw herself on the grass and fidgeted with her shoes, grunting and shouting incoherently. Chloe made it to her when Trixie managed to get out of the ostentatious shoes Dan had bought her. When Chloe knelt down, Trixie shot up and rushed toward the busy street, ready to throw them to the wind.

Chloe managed to catch Trixie's hands before she could throw them into traffic. "Monkey, stop!" she said, wrapping her arms around her daughter.

"No one wants me around, mommy. Let go!"

Chloe dragged both of them onto the ground. "Stop talking nonsense!"

Trixie pushed at Chloe until she managed to turn around. Tears streamed down her face. "No! It's true! Maze said something like it! Now daddy!"

Chloe stilled and searched the girl's eyes while tears formed in her eyes. "That's not true, Monkey."

"It is! Why else would they say stuff like that?" She asked, sniffling as she dropped her shoes on the grass.

Chloe rubbed her hands up and down Trixie's arms. "No matter what anyone says, you'll never be unwanted or unloved." Trixie rubbed her eyes and sagged against Chloe, who wrapped her arms around her daughter. "I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think you know in your heart that none of what you've heard recently is truly what anyone thinks of you."

Trixie's body shook along with her head. "You're wrong, mom!"

"I could be, but I don't think I am." Chloe pulled away, catching the girl's full attention. "You are a treasure. You're my gift, and you will always be loved no matter what you do."

Tears slowly stopped falling down Trixie's face. Sniffling, she rubbed her eyes. "What if I rob a candy store?"

Chloe chuckled. "Well, after I bring you in for interrogation, I'd have to learn to forgive you."

The girl balked at the word. "What if you can't forgive someone?" she asked, rubbing her other eye until the tears were gone.

"I think we're designed to forgive, monkey."

Trixie drew her brows close together. "What if I can't?"

Chloe guided a stray lock of Trixie's hair behind her ear. "My dad always said forgiveness is the greatest testament of love."

"Why won't you forgive Lucifer?" Trixie asked, swallowing and looking down at her feet. "What happened?"

"I wish I could tell you everything, Trixie."

The girl moved her hand to Chloe's cheek. "You can tell me anything, mommy."

"Can I tell you when I understand what's going on better?" Chloe quietly asked, grabbing Trixie's hands once more and tightly squeezing.

"I learn by example. Unless you forgive him, I'm not sure how you could expect me to forgive anyone!" Trixie said with a sad smile.

Chloe shook her head, matching her ghost smile. "You spend way too much time in the presence of mischievous people. You're way too smart for your own good…"

The girl looked over Chloe's shoulder. "Now's our chance," she said lightly. The detective chanced a glance of her shoulder, seeing Maze and Lucifer. The girl weaseled her way around her mother and approached Maze. "I could be convinced to talk to you again if you buy me ice cream and take me home," Trixie told Maze.

Chloe's smile dimmed as she cast her eyes down on her shoes until Maze responded. "You drive a hard bargain, kid, but I can't take you anywhere if I don't have a car."

A moment passed before Chloe realized everyone looked at her. Looking at the passing clouds, she reached in her bodice and procured her car keys. When Maze's brow rose, she rolled her eyes. "This dress doesn't have a hidden compartment or a secret network of pockets to speak of," Chloe said defensively.

Maze licked her top front teeth. Slowly. Finally, she held her hands up in defeat, saying, "I said not a word." Maze waited for Trixie to take her hand before grabbing the keys. They were quick to leave behind Chloe and Lucifer.

The clouds rolling overhead were suddenly dark gray. The smell of rain was a whisper carried with the passing wind. Lucifer stood before her a few feet away with each of his hands balled in his pants pockets. He just stared at her, looking as helpless as she felt.

Trixie was right. She needed for find a way to forgive Lucifer; except, he'd really done nothing to forgive. Along their partnership, he'd only ever spoken the truth. He'd died for her several times to make sure her life was safe. Chloe knew he'd never hurt her. Not intentionally. Never physically.

Chloe knew beyond any doubt that he wasn't human. That fact broke her heart. They would never just deal with the "normal" stuff. When they spoke of forever…it was real. All of it was true. Chloe grasped her elbows even though it wasn't cold out. Her eyes stung. "Lucifer, for the first time in my whole life, I don't know what to say."

The well-dressed devil's eyes settled over hers. Shrugging, he shook his head. "You've made it clear you want nothing to do with me despite my best efforts." When she reached out to him, he grabbed her wrist, fingers warm and grip tight. Her eyes widened, but she managed to calm down in a few seconds. "All those times I pulled away from you, and you felt like…" he whispered, exhaling a bitter chuckle, "this."

Lucifer let go of her hand. "I terrify you, detective," he said. Shrugging, he shook his head and glanced up at the darkening sky. "Each time we take a step forward, my dad plays puppet master again and again, and we're right back at the starting line."

Chloe stepped closer to him, reaching for him, but he backed away from her. She stopped and covered her open mouth with her hand. Tears filled her eyes, and they locked eyes. Shoulders shaking, Chloe closed her eyes, and the tears poured over her eyes. There was a cavern where her heart should be, slowly gutting her whole. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't think.

The wind picked up, her loose hair swayed over her face. "Every word I've ever told you has been the truth," Chloe said, her voice cracking. She worked to hold his gaze and struggled to not look away. "You're not a monster. Not to me," she whispered as she placed a hand over her heart. She stepped closer to him, but made no attempt to touch him. "I'm so sorry I let you down. I panicked and ran away when we needed each other more than ever." Droplets of rain landed on her shoulders, but her eyes never left his.

"You've never once lied to me, not even about…" Chloe looked away, trying to will the words to transfer from her mind and onto her tongue. When the words wouldn't come, she settled her eyes back on him. "I don't know how you can ever forgive me for running away from you." The rain poured over them harder. It was odd. Rain hadn't been in the forecast that morning. "I won't excuse my behavior, Lucifer. You deserve better," she said louder as the rain hit the ground.

In the distance, thunder sounded and the air cooled dramatically. The detective lowered her eyes. "Maybe I'm not worthy of you," Chloe said, voice cracking. The rain beat near her eyes, mixing with the salty tears and washing them away. Stepping back, she covered her mouth again and turned quickly. Her whole body shook. When she walked to Trixie's shoes, she found it nearly picking them up was nearly impossible. Her knees buckled, and she landed gracelessly on the soaked grass.

Losing Charlotte, seeing Pierce for who he really was, and finding out the man she loved was really a devil she loved…the general knowledge of celestial existence…it was all too much. Even for her. Still, if her feelings for him were as strong as she thought, why would she ever have turned her back to him? There was so much more she still didn't know. A sharpness pinched at the center of her back, and breathing was suddenly too much for her to bear. She knit her brows together and moved her palm against her throat, coughing a few times.

Each atom in her cellular makeup felt like they were imploding; meanwhile, the air and the outside world felt like they were blasting further and further away from her. Her head felt dizzy. Hands were under her knees and at her back. The connection sucked her back to reality.

Rain beat over her. When she closed her eyes, time felt like it froze. She managed to feel the exact amount of drops hitting her skin. The wind picked up at its normal pace, and she opened her eyes, seeing Lucifer. He held her bridal style.

Chloe couldn't help it. She reached for his face, stroking his stubble. She captured his full attention and brought her head against his. "Don't let me go."

Swallowing, Lucifer nodded and withdrew from her, so he could focus on wherever he planned on taking her. Chloe snaked both arms around his neck and pulled her head to fit in the space between the side of his face and his shoulder, lips grazing his exposed throat.

"Detective," Lucifer said. His throat bobbed before he exhaled the breath he held. "Things would be different if you'd have been prepared for it." His mouth was near her ear.

The rain beat over them, but he stood immobile anyway. Slowly, he sealed his lips on her ear lobe. He sucked gently on her skin, permitting a soft moan to sound in her throat and chest. The sound must have startled him, because he snapped his spine straight.

Chloe lifted her head, seeing him stare at her. There was fire lighting up his eyes, but it quickly faded away before he slammed his eyes shut and looked away. "Lucifer," she whispered. The weight of emotion stored in her chest clogged her throat and broke up his name on her lips. The inflection lingering on the last syllable hinted at a question she couldn't think to ask.

Lucifer opened his eyes when she touched his stubble again. They moved, darting from left to right as he searched her expression. His brows were flattened and lowered. "I told you it was monstrous."

Sniffling, the detective wiggled in his arms until he got the hint and set her down. Based on the angle of his shoulders and the way he eyes the street, he was about to walk away from her. Chloe caught his bent elbow. "Maybe we could pretend I don't know yet," she suggested. His eyes hardened, but she managed to silent him when stepped closer to him. "We could just go back to normal?"

The sun burst through the dark clouds dominating the sky for a brief moment, and his eyes started shining, thick tears reflecting the warmth behind her. The moment carried the sun with it. Something in those dark eyes steeled and he dipped his head down, almost near hers. His mouth hung open, and she realized he couldn't talk yet. His nose touched hers just before he closed his eyes. Soon after, he moved his fingers to touch her lips. The pad of his thumb replaced his other digits as he stroked the side of her face lightly. When he exhaled, she felt his body shake against her.

Opening his eyes, Chloe knew the inevitable was solidified. Between the two of them, someone had to be sensible. Both of them knew she was impaired for the moment. Especially with everything going on. Though he smiled, she only saw sadness. "Chloe, is that really what you want?" Lucifer lowered his eyes to her chest and lowered his hand from her cheek to over her heart. "You want me to obliterate how I feel about you?"

"No," Chloe started to say, but he stepped away from her. She instantly mourned his proximity.

Holding a hand between the two of them, Lucifer shook his head. "Every time I've skirted around this, you've said many things. Of all the many lessons on human emotions you've taught me, I am particularly attached to 'No more going backwards,' detective," Lucifer said.

The breeze stopped then, though the rain picked up. Its strength challenged the detective to fight an incoming shiver. Rain wasn't going to be the reason they don't finish this conversation. No more phone calls. No more distractions. Trixie was safe, watched over. Dan was otherwise preoccupied. Work was off-limits until the investigation surrounding Pierce's death lifted, which wasn't today.

"No more distractions," Chloe said. Stepping closer to him, she reached out to him and waited. When he didn't move, she swallowed and felt her anxiety ease. "No more…talks of metaphors or my disbelieving."

The detective stepped closer to him, but he stayed still. "Just truth and acceptance," she whispered. Lucifer held her gaze with obvious interest, but he looked as vulnerable as she felt. "Just us." Shrugging, she lowered her hand, but he caught it in his. She shook her head, laughing softly, "Call it a deal. Call it a favor. Do whatever you feel you have to."

"Detective," Lucifer cut in.

Chloe curled her fingers over his. Making sure she held his full attention, she said, "I just want to get to love you." She rushed to him, closing any space between them and pressed her mouth against his. She both needed nothing else in this world; however, she wanted so much more. He gave her no indication that he'd pursue anything beyond the chaste kiss they'd always shared. When she pulled back, she opened her eyes.

Lucifer's eyes remained tightly shut. His mouth hung open. His chest heaved, and his brows dipped. Chloe gripped the folded part of the suit he wore and pulled him toward her. "Lucifer." He opened his eyes. "No more going backwards," she reminded him. The corner of his mouth twitched up as he chuckled softly. "Let go. You won't hurt me."

The next moment passed slowly between them. Lucifer's wide eyes bore into hers. Heart pounding, Chloe waited for him, nodding slightly. He swallowed and stepped toward her once. Twice. When he nearly pressed up against her, he bent his knees and reached around her. His palms warmed the curve of her ass. The wet fabric there made it easy for him to slide over her until he squeezed. It was gentle. It was slow.

Chloe's breaths turned into pants. Her eyes followed his every move. Lucifer was on one knee, eyes locked onto hers until he bent his head against her stomach. Turning his head so that his cheek was against her stomach, Lucifer relented his attention from her ass to her and settled his hands on her hips. He looked at her briefly. A smile stretched his lips. Chloe's stomach clenched and then eased as a rush of adrenaline charged across her body. Not a smile. It was a smirk. His eyes tensed, burned. The flames brightened his eyes again. Just for a second.

"Well then, detective. Let go I shall."

Lucifer looked down where her belly button would be and pulled her to him. In a flash, his mouth sealed over the wet fabric there. The falling rain stopped suddenly. She opened her eyes. Not stopped. Slowed down. Lucifer lightly bit her stomach, shocking her and making her knees weak. He easily caught her before she tripped over herself.

With one hand under her knees and one hand firmly at her back, Lucifer's smirk softened. Lowering his head onto hers, he exhaled once before white wings stretched out from behind him. "Put your arms around me."

Chloe instantly complied.

"Buckle up for a bumpy ride."

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