Homecoming

Part 4

Dinner ended rather peacefully and Chloe's very pleased with the turnout between Lucifer and Trixie. She wanted him to stay the night but he declined the invitation, citing important business, to both the Decker ladies' disappointment.

"Not tonight, urchin, Detective. There's something I need to personally arrange as a favor for a friend. I will, however, come back in the morning to cook breakfast.

"Well, if it's important..."

"It is, child."

"Okay. In that case, goodnight Lucifer. See you tomorrow."

xxxx

After several calls and a personal appearance, the judge signed the papers that would allow Lee Birkett, AKA Mr. Said-out-bitch's assets transferred to his only daughter. One more loose end was to find said man's murderer as a bonus. Although Lucifer supposes it can wait. He's quite certain the culprit will turn out in a day or two once he/she finds out no money will be had.

The Devil retreats to the penthouse, spent, and all he wants to do is to get some sleep when he feels another celestial show up. The King of Hell rolls his eyes at the ridiculousness of it all.

"Not this again," He blurts out, completely annoyed. "When will you guys leave me alone?"

He turns and eyes not one but two archangels, one who is an exact replica of him. Lucifer calls forth his wings, its primaries turning into talons, ready for a fight with Michael and Zadkiel.

"Two against one? Hardly fair but I don't really care."

"Whoa, whoa. Calm down, brother," Zadkiel takes a step back and raises his palms in a halting gesture. "We're not here to fight. I, specifically, am here to bear witness. Michael's been ordered to beg for your forgiveness,"

"Oh?"

"Father is upset. For Michael's deceit, he will be escorted to Hell to stand guard at the Gates."

"And I'm supposed to believe that? After all this time, Dad is finally paying attention to me?"

"I understand why you're suspicious but, in simpler terms, it's legit. I've been allowed to carry out a harsher sentence if Michael here refuses to make amends."

Lucifer knows all the angels hate the Underworld. It's filthy, and full of unrest, fire and brimstone and a lot of gloom and doom that any angel would break. He doesn't want to put that burden on anyone else although when he thinks about it, it's not like Michael would rule Hell per se. He would just be at the main gate. The portals remain sealed for any demon or soul, and whoever attempts to open them would be obliterated by the barriers.

"Right. So come on, Mikey. Let's hear that heartfelt apology."

For a moment, Lucifer thought Michael would resist, pride and all. The Devil kind of wished his twin would decide for himself and stop following orders blindly. Yet at the end of the day, Michael will always be a tool. This made Lucifer a little bit sad.

"I was wrong, Sa--Lucifer. I shouldn't have done what I did. I sincerely apologize."

"Pathetic," Lucifer says, the strain on Michael's voice is a clear sign of a tone deaf apology although the former doesn't really give a damn anymore.

"You need to promise never to get near Chloe or any of my friends, and we'll call it even. I mean, your punishment is a little extreme if you ask me, but it's not like you'll listen to me anyway and protest or something." The devil shrugs and grabs a bottle of bourbon, and pours himself a drink.