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The heatwave had been hammering Los Angeles for nearly two weeks, and the power grid was starting to give out.
In the midst of scorching temperatures soaring above one hundred and ten degrees, electricity was starting to fail - and the air conditioning with it.
"- reports came in from several neighborhoods in Compton and Venice Beach where people are hiding in the community center. The greater Los Angeles area currently counts over eighty-three heat-related deaths, and the number is expected to rise - "
Lucifer closed the tab on his phone with a grunt. Why hadn't his Father done anything about this?
Perhaps God Almighty wasn't meteorologically inclined, but this was starting to get ridiculous. People were frying eggs on the sidewalk.
He shuddered. How supremely unhygienic.
But because the heat was a problem for humans, he'd made sure to give all his staff a paid weekend at a high-end spa or resort so they could escape the miserable weather.
Speaking of humans...
"No, not again! I almost finished the level!"
Trixie sighed in frustration as she was sent back to a loading screen. She dropped the controller in her lap. "Mom, are you sure you can't help?"
Chloe winced. She was stretched out on the couch in a white sundress, holding a book in her lap. "Monkey, you know I'm not good at such things."
"Yeah," Trixie sighed. She clicked and Mario appeared on screen. "Guess I'll try again."
The Detective and her offspring had taken refuge in the penthouse to escape the heat. Her apartment still had air-conditioning, for now, but she had to limit her electricity usage to prevent the building from losing power altogether.
It had been Lucifer’s idea to invite them over. After yesterday’s incident at work, he didn’t want to leave his girlfriend alone in a place where the electricity could fail.
Despite his badgering, Chloe had refused to let him take her to the ER – but had agreed to stay the weekend at his place.
Which also included Trixie and her entire family of plush toys she’d brought along. Apparently they got ‘lonely’ if they were left alone too long, and Lucifer wondered how an inanimate object could have feelings.
But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the child’s company.
With her sharp wit, keen sense of humor and her mother’s eye for noticing small details, she charmed every room she walked into.
The spawn had wormed her way into his heart a long time ago – and now his apartment as well.
Beatrice had also brought her Nintendo Switch to keep herself busy, and she'd already taken two long baths using his extensive collection of soaps and bath salts.
She’d even tried to steal his robe at one point.
He'd set up a bed in the spare room beneath the library, and she'd tucked in Miss Alien beneath the covers. A stack of books on astronomy and spacecraft sat on the bedside table, as well as a box containing one of those DIY science experiments.
Lucifer very much hoped she didn’t try to grow crystals in his bathroom.
"I don't know why you bother with that game." Lucifer opened another carton of Capri Sun's and started to stock them in the fridge. "It's just jumping on things and eating mushrooms - which should be a lot more fun than that."
Trixie perked up. "Maybe you can help me! You have a Playstation, this isn't so different. If you want, you can be Mario."
Chloe shot him an amused look over the edge of her book that said, You walked right into that.
"Very clever," Lucifer mused, taking a pitcher of freshly pressed smoothies out of the fridge. "But I am currently playing butler to you two ladies, so I'm afraid it's going to have to wait."
Trixie grinned at him before she leaned back against the couch. "That's not a 'no.'"
Lucifer poured the berry smoothie in three long cocktail glasses, then finished each one off with a tiny umbrella. He placed it on a silver carrying tray along with a large plate of crackers and at least three different spreads he'd made himself.
And no, he wasn't 'whipped' as Miss Lopez loved to say.
He was simply being a good host, nothing more.
But the adoring look Chloe gave him when he placed the tray on the coffee table briefly made him consider to bake croissants as well.
Proper croissants, not the sugary abominations they sold at Walmart.
“You’re spoiling me.” Chloe closed her book and took one of the glasses. Her expression was soft as she reached out her hand. “Thank you. For all of this. You really didn’t have to.”
Lucifer took her hand and placed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. Her cheeks flushed. “Of course I did. You deserve to be pampered Detective – you don’t spoil yourself nearly enough. And this heat is killing people. You shouldn’t be out there. Not after what happened.”
He didn’t admit how worried he’d been when she’d nearly fainted yesterday.
They’d had to drive out to the desert to follow up on a lead regarding their most recent case, and the temperature in the Mojave had been even more unforgiving than usual.
The victim’s uncle lived in a trailer in the deep desert, and only had a dusty fan to cool the place. The man had been sweating buckets, but somehow seemed to manage.
The Detective, while questioning the man, had grown paler and paler with each minute.
Her cheeks had flushed an unhealthy shade of scarlet while her lips had lost all color. Her skin had been clammy to his touch, and she’d swayed on her feet by the time they’d exited the decrepit trailer.
Worry had clutched his heart, and he was brutally reminded how sensitive humans were to their environment.
He’d offered to fly her home, but she’d been refused.
“No flying,” Chloe had croaked out, clutching his arm. Sweat streamed down her face. “Please. If we do that, I think I’ll pass out.”
So, Lucifer had scooped her up in his arms despite weak protests and carried her to a large rock formation beside the road.
The shade provided a welcome reprieve from the harsh sun, and Chloe had sighed as she’d rested her head against the cool rock.
He quickly sprinted back to the car to retrieve bottles of luke-warm water and a half-molten protein bar.
“Here, honey.” Lucifer had knelt down beside her in the sand, brushing back sweat-slicked hair. “Drink some.”
After she’d drank the bottle, Lucifer had summoned his wings. Moving them slowly back and forth, he provided her with a gentle breeze while she recovered.
He didn’t care that his feathers were dragging in the sand. Didn’t care that his Boss suit was being ruined by discarded cacti needles.
All he cared about was seeing the color return to his Detective’s face.
When she’d recovered a little, Lucifer had turned on the car to let the aircon run. Then he’d gone back and carried his girlfriend back to the car.
“Happy you get to drive?” Chloe had said in the passenger seat, eyes half-closed. A faint smile graced her colorless lips. “Grandma Decker can’t drive now.”
Lucifer had handed her another bottle. “I’d much rather you drive thirty miles per hour instead of you looking like that, love.”
When they’d gotten back to her apartment, he’d immediately ran a cold bath for her.
And she’d agreed to his plan without much protest.
“You took such good care of me,” Chloe said, putting the drink down. She shuffled to the edge of the couch and cupped his cheek with her hand. “If it weren’t for you, I would have passed out there.”
Warmth bloomed in his chest at her praise, golden tendrils spreading towards every corner of his body. The effect she had on him would never cease to amaze him.
But unlike five years, he didn’t fear it anymore. The vulnerability, the dormant emotions she’d awakened inside him.
He craved it.
“That’s what partners do, isn’t it?” Lucifer’s breath hitched as she stroked her thumb over his jawline. “Take care of each other.”
Chloe’s answering smile made his heart stutter, and she leaned in to kiss him. Slowly, sweetly – taking away what remained of his breath.
Alright, maybe Miss Lopez had a point.
“Gross, you guys.” Trixie wrinkled her nose in disgust, though she didn’t take her eyes off the television screen. “Oh, past the first checkpoint! Hell yeah!”
Lucifer’s lips curled into a dazed smile as Chloe pulled away. He tucked some hair behind her ear, then handed her the smoothie. “Here, drink a bit. You need to keep your blood sugar up – and your vitamins.”
He totally hadn’t googled how many pieces of fruit humans needed to eat in order to keep their vitamin levels up. Absolutely not.
The two oranges, a pint of raspberries and blueberries along with the strawberries and celery was pure coincidence.
Chloe arched a brow and smiled wryly, but didn’t comment. She sipped her smoothie, then leaned her head against the backrest with a content sigh. “I don’t think I’m ever leaving if you keep treating me like this.”
“Really?” Lucifer grinned. “Then I guess I’ll have to add a foot massage to the schedule –“
The sentence was cut off by the telltale ding of the elevator doors opening.
And in stumbled a red-faced, sweating Daniel.
“Oh, man,” Dan panted, resting his hands on his knees. “Oh, that cold feels so good. I should have thought of coming here earlier. Thanks, man.”
Lucifer frowned. “For what, exactly? I didn’t invite you here –“
“Daddy!” Trixie paused the game, then jumped up to hug her father. “You got my text!’
Daniel hugged his daughter, still panting. Now he seemed confused as well. “You sent that text, Trix? How did you even get into Lucifer’s phone?”
“Yeah,” Chloe said, seeming equally intrigued and amused by the turn of events. “How did you get into Lucifer’s phone?”
Trixie shrugged. “The password is 6969. It wasn’t really that hard to crack.”
“Still better than 1234,” Lucifer countered. He reached into the pocket of his pants and withdrew his phone. Scrolling through the contacts, he saw the latest text to Daniel – a text which he hadn’t sent. “You little devil. I didn’t even notice my phone was gone.”
When had she even done it? She’d slipped by him to use the bathroom twenty minutes ago, but he must have noticed something.
No one out-pickpocketed the Devil.
Only it seemed like she just did.
“Maze taught me,” Trixie said by way of explanation. She tugged on her father’s hand. “Come sit, dad. Do you want to play some Mario Bros with me?”
Chloe shook her head with an amused smile. “I’m going just going to pretend my daughter isn’t an accomplished pickpocket at the age of twelve.”
“Just a minute, munchkin.” Dan flopped on the caramel leather couch with a groan. “I need some time to recover from the drive here. Traffic was a disaster. Hey, is that a smoothie?”
Lucifer sighed inwardly. But on the other hand, if Daniel’s airco had given out at his apartment, he was better off here.
No repeats of what happened to the Detective yesterday.
“Yes,” he said begrudgingly, handing it to the red-faced man. “Freshly-made, only it doesn’t have your usual protein powder in it.”
Dan muttered a quick ‘thank you’ before downing the smoothie, nearly losing an eye in the process because of the little umbrella. “’S good, though. Really refreshing.”
“Glad I could be of service,” Lucifer muttered darkly. A touch to the back of his neck made him turn around.
Chloe smiled at warmly, fingernails grazing his jaw in a way that nearly made him purr. “Just let him cool off for a while. I’m okay with it – and I’m sure Trix is as well. He’ll go home once it gets dark, and I don’t feel good if we left him in a stifling apartment.”
“I know,” Lucifer said under his breath so Daniel couldn’t hear. “I know you’re right, but it’s just…unexpected.”
“Well, maybe Saint Lucifer could make a comeback,” Chloe said innocently, lifting her shoulder in a shrug. “But only for this afternoon, though. Don’t think I can handle much more than that.”
A cheshire grin curled his lips as he leaned in closer towards her. Her perfume was intoxicating this close. “Why, because Saint Lucifer behaved like a perfect gentlemen that night? Letting drunken you fall asleep on him?” He leaned in, his nose grazing the shell of her ear. “Because this time, I will be the one who takes your clothes off.”
Chloe shuddered beside him, her sharp intake of breath followed by a playful shove against his chest. Her eyes sparkled. “Save it for tonight, Morningstar. Time to stow those horns and conjure up a halo.”
Her words combined with the stubborn set of her jaw and daring look in her eyes made him hot all over. The things he would do to her if they were alone –
But there were children present, so he would behave. Even if it meant taking a cold shower.
Or two.
“Very well.” Lucifer gave her a smoldering look, then mimed drawing a circle above his head with his index finger. “I can be a saint for a couple of hours, taking care of my three guests –“
A ding rang through the apartment once more, and the doors slid open to reveal a frazzled Linda holding Charlie.
“Oh, thank God, you still have power.” Linda dropped the diaper bag on the counter along with her purse. Her hair stood on end, and she looked like she hadn’t slept in days. “Can’t believe I forgot this buildings has generators.”
“Uh, hello, Doctor?” Lucifer stood from where he’d kneeled before Chloe. “Come in, I suppose?”
Linda noticed the confused expression on his face and stiffened. “Amenadiel didn’t tell you that we were coming, did he?”
Lucifer slid his hands in his pockets. “I haven’t heard from Amenadiel in days. It would seem my dear brother has the annoying tendency of being forgetful.”
“Don’t blame him,” Linda said, moving Charlie to her other arm. The boy was dressed in blue panda pajamas. “Charlie’s been having trouble sleeping, and we’re both on edge. The power going out was the last straw. I think he’s gone to the store for more diapers.”
“Well, far be it from me to throw my own blood out.” Lucifer swept an arm to indicate the place. “Make yourselves comfortable. We have plenty of food and drinks, and if you wish to take a shower, feel free.”
He couldn’t possibly let the small child be in a heating house. Absolutely not.
No, let them stay here for a while. At least they were safe from the scorching heat.
Two guests turned to three suddenly turned to five. But at least they hadn’t touched the booze yet.
Well, asides from the mimosas he’d made for Chloe, but that didn’t count.
Linda practically sagged with relief. “Oh, you’re an angel! Do you still have that crib from last time Charlie was here, when Amenadiel and I were both down with the flu?”
“Yes, it’s in the room beneath the library. Beatrice, do you mind if –“
“No problem!” Trixie paused for a small moment to wave at the baby. “Hi, Charlie.” Then she continued to jump on Goombas and collect coins with a single-mindedness that Lucifer could only admire.
Chloe had stood up from the couch and walked over to them. She smiled as she approached them. “Give him to me, Linda. I’ll put him down for a nap, you go ahead and take a shower.”
“Really?” Linda blinked, then looked at Charlie before handing him over. “Alright, here we go. You be good to your aunt Chloe now. Mommy’s going to finally take a shower.”
Lucifer grinned. “Been that long?”
“You have no idea.” Linda sniffed her shirt, then recoiled in disgust. “I’d say at least four days by the smell alone.”
Lucifer extended his arm towards the bedroom. “Showers are through there, complete with soap and everything. I’ll put out a spare change of Chloe’s clothes for you. She won’t mind, but they’ll be a little big.”
Linda looked like she was about to burst into tears, then promptly pulled him in for a hug.
Lucifer froze as the scent hit him – a mix of sweat, deodorant and baby vomit. But he curled his arms around her small frame nonetheless, patting his friend on the head.
“Thank you, Lucifer,” Linda said as she pulled back. She adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat. “You’re a good friend. Sorry if I get a little emotional – it’s the sleep deprivation.”
“No need to apologize, Doctor. Go take that shower. I’m certain the Detective will take excellent care of Charlie.”
Linda beamed and practically sprinted up the steps towards the bathroom. It was a miracle she didn’t leave tracks in the tiles.
“Watch out, Trix! One of those turtle things behind you!” Dan’s face had regained some color after drinking the smoothie, and now he was intently watching the television screen. “Quick, hand me one of those controllers.”
Chloe watched them with a smile before turning her attention to Charlie. She bounced him on her hip. “Come on, little guy. It’s time for your nap – in a nice and cool room this time.”
Lucifer caught her eye over the boy’s little head, and waved at her even though they were only fifteen feet apart.
What are you, some love-sick teenager? a voice in his head said. Be smooth. Play it cool.
But Chloe’s answering smile was radiant, and his heart did a little tap dance in his chest. The voice went quiet.
There was such love and affection in her eyes. It took his breath away every single time.
Not in a billion years could he have ever dreamed that someone would look at him like that.
Charlie waved back with his tiny hand, thinking his uncle was gesturing to him. Then his tiny face split in a wide yawn, and he rubbed his eyes.
Alright, maybe that was a little bit cute. But only a little.
“I’ll be back soon,” Chloe said over her shoulder. She descended the steps beneath the towering bookshelves. “Can you make some more mimosas in the meantime?”
Lucifer watched her go in a daze. “Your wish is my command.”
He moved behind the bar and opened the fridge. Taking out a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a pack of orange juice, he briefly enjoyed the chilled air wafting out from inside.
Yes, even the Devil himself got sick of the heat sometimes. Hell wasn’t supposed to be pleasant.
He took long glasses from the shelves and placed them all on another tray. With practiced ease, he whipped up a dozen mimosas in no time – umbrella included. Beatrice got two packs of Capri Sun and a Doctor Pepper.
“Yeah!” Trixie pumped her fist in the air, then high-fived Daniel. “We did it! Now there’s only two levels left until the boss fight!”
Lucifer placed the tray on the coffee table, then put drinks in front of the two gamers. “Here, don’t forget to stay hydrated.”
Now he was starting to sound like a real housewife. All he needed now was to make them some grilled cheese.
Actually, perhaps Chloe would like that…
“Oh, thanks, man.” Daniel sipped the mimosa and looked at him. “You want to join the game? We’ve got two more controllers.”
“Perhaps later.” Lucifer took a deep drink from his glass. “Does that mean I’ll have to play as one of those daft mushroom people?”
The elevator dinged open once more, and a sweat-streaked Amenadiel stepped out holding a giant pack of diapers.
“Is Linda here already?” Amenadiel dropped the bags on the bar with a groan. Heaven’s greatest warrior looked exhausted. “I’ve got the milk formula she’s asked for, and the salve for the rash.”
And here was number six. Really, was he running a hotel or something?
Lucifer pushed a mimosa in Amenadiel’s hands. “Relax, brother. Chloe has put Charlie down for a nap, and I think the Doctor is currently using up all the hot water.”
“Speaking of,” he continued, giving his brother a tentative sniff. “You could use a shower, too. I really hope that’s milk staining your shirt.”
Amenadiel simply glared at him, too tired to reply.
“Which is what I would say if I weren’t a good host,” Lucifer corrected himself with a broad grin. “But I am, so have a seat. Join the children in their game if you wish.”
Dan didn’t even hear register the jab. He was too engrossed in the game with Trixie.
Amenadiel simply lifted his glass in a silent salute. He shuffled over to the coach and dropped down with a bone-deep sigh.
“’Sup, man,” Dan said, briefly tearing his eyes away from the screen. “Kid refusing to sleep?”
Amenadiel leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “You have no idea.”
Rounding the couch, Lucifer gracefully sat down on the long end. He crossed his ankles and took a mimosa, downing it in one gulp.
“Why does Father allow such heat?” Amenadiel mumbled, half-asleep. “Is it some sort of punishment?”
Lucifer scoffed and reclined against the cushions. “I don’t believe he cares enough for that. Perhaps he’s just eaten a burrito for dinner and it’s the beans doing a number on his bowels.”
“Our Father does not fart, Luci.”
“I think he just calls it the Holy Spirit.”
Chloe appeared from beneath the bookshelves. She perched herself beside him on the couch, then pecked a kiss to his cheek. “Charlie’s asleep. Oh, hi, Amenadiel.”
Amenadiel waved without opening his eyes, too tired to move them.
“Saint Lucifer hard at work, huh?” Chloe’s fingertips danced lightly over his jaw. She smiled. “You could start a hotel like this.”
Lucifer kissed each fingertip as it passed by his lips. “Well, I’ve had parties with much more people in here. I suppose I could offer them some refuge from the heat. Eight people, including myself, is a breeze.”
“Good,” Chloe started, dropping her gaze. She winced. “Because I just got a text from –“
Ding.
Ella walked through the doors, holding up her phone. “I got your text, Chlo! Man, I can’t tell you how happy I was. I managed to drop Margaret off at my neighbor's before coming here.”
“Ella,” Chloe finished. She carefully patted his arm. “Her power went out an hour ago, so I told her she could come over if she wanted. You know, because we have generators and all.”
Well, at least she hadn’t brought the damn chicken.
Lucifer patted her hand back. Seems like they had another guest to take care of. “No problem, darling. Do you want a drink, Miss Lopez?”
“Hit me,” Ella said, the lights on her Sketchers flashing. She sat down on the couch between Trixie and a sleeping Amenadiel. “You guys playing Mario Bros? Nice.”
“Wanna join?” Trixie held up a controller with a grin. She held out her fist. “We’re nearly at the boss level.”
Dan nodded. “Yeah, man, we could use some help here.”
Ella bumped her fist with hers. “Give me that. Time to kick some turtle ass.”
“What would you like to do, love?” Lucifer pressed a kiss to Chloe’s forehead. “Continue reading? Play along? Watch some television on the tablet.”
Looking outside towards the terrace, the sky rippled with the searing heat plaguing the city. Even he felt uncomfortable going outside today.
“Some more reading.” She grabbed her book and looked up at him. “Sit with me for a while. Everyone is either occupied or sleeping.”
Lucifer smiled as he leaned back against the couch. She nestled against him with a sigh. “Sounds lovely.”
Linda appeared at the top of the steps, hair up in a towel and clad in a fluffy white robe. “How did I not know your shower had a massage function?”
“Would have spoiled the surprise, wouldn’t it?” Lucifer replied, one arm tucked around Chloe’s waist. “I assume it was to your liking?”
Linda laughed and put her glasses back on. “I think I’m going to take a second one.”
Ding.
Maze strode through the elevator doors, clad in a black leather skinsuit. Eve followed right behind her, clutching her girlfriend’s arm as her flowery dress trailed behind her.
“Mazikeen,” Lucifer said drily, arching a brow. “Please don’t tell me you, a demon forged in the bowels of Hell, are here to escape the heat as well?”
The demon help up an empty bottle by way of greeting. “Booze ran out. And Eve was getting nauseous back in the apartment from the heat. You got ice?”
“I’m fine.” Eve waved off her concern. She kicked off her sandals and relished the cold tiles under her bare feet. “LA’s temperatures are just a bit hotter than the Silver City’s.”
Lucifer sighed. Time for the Saint to shine again. He kissed the top of Chloe’s head and got up. “Come sit here, Eve. You’ll feel the cool air blow on your face.”
“Oh, that’s okay,” Eve said as she was already approaching the couch. She flopped down beside Chloe. “I’ve just got to rest my feet for a minute.”
“Maze!” Trixie bounced in her seat with excitement. “Are you coming to join us?”
“Hey, kid.” Maze smiled and ruffled Trixie’s hair as she passed by. “In a minute. Just going to get us something first.”
Linda flopped down in an armchair. “Can you get me something, too? Something strong.”
“For you, Linda?” Maze moved behind the bar. “Always.”
Lucifer put his hands on his hips and surveyed the scene. “If anyone feels like they have to throw up, please alert me. I’ll get you a bucket, because that is a Persian carpet.”
“Are you insane?” Maze got up from where she’d crouched. She stared at him like he’d sprouted a second head. “Where’s the ice?”
Lucifer frowned. “In the bucket next to the icemaker. You’ve lived here, Mazikeen.”
“No, I mean ice cream.” Maze gave him a lethal stare. “There’s no ice cream in the freezer. Or anywhere.”
All heads except Amenadiel’s swiveled in his direction. Trixie pouted and said, “What do you mean, Lucifer? There’s no ice cream?”
“I – I don’t know.” He struggled to think if he’d gotten any from the store. His mind came up blank. “Are you sure there’s nothing in there?”
“Nope,” Maze deadpanned. “Absolutely nothing. Not even plain vanilla.”
“I like ice cream,” Eve said carefully. “Especially those little wafers.”
“Yes,” Amenadiel croaked, now suddenly awake again. “Those are nice. Especially the ones with three flavors.”
Lucifer sighed.
He hadn’t imagined he’d have to play host to all his friends on his weekend off. He was starting to feel like an overworked waiter at a restaurant.
First he gave up his day with the Detective. Then Daniel drank his smoothie, the Doctor dropped his nephew here and Maze was going after the alcohol.
Lovely.
But, on the other hand, most of them were human. And humans didn’t do well in this extreme heat, so at least they were safe here. Safe where he could keep an eye on them.
Especially his Detective and her offspring.
“Fine,” Lucifer said eventually. “Who wants ice cream?”
All hands shot up in the air.
Chloe chuckled as she got to her feet. She kissed his cheek. “I’ll drive.”