Mommy Issues
It was obvious to all of them where Frank would go. There was only one place he considered safe. His Church. Kami's heart was hammering in her chest when they slowly made their way through the front door of the building, instantly spotting Frank with his hands raised in the air. On the other side of the room was Connor, his hand shaking around the gun he was holding.
"That's Eric Doyle. One of the Counsellor's at the Youth Centre. That's our Spider" Chloe whispered, as they saw a large man take a step closer to Connor.
"Pull the damn trigger already, Connor!" Doyle insisted, his voice firm.
"I can't get a shot from here" Chloe mumbled, as they crouched down beside the pews.
"I get it. You don't think you can rely on anyone else to survive...but you're not alone. I'm here for you, whenever you need me" Frank announced, but this only seemed to enrage Connor further.
"I don't need you! Okay? I don't need anybody!" Connor cried, angrily.
"He's going to see us if I try to get any closer—" Chloe was cut off, as Kami suddenly stood upright, walking towards the long aisle of the Church.
"Look at yourself, Connor" Kami announced, holding her hands up as the three turned to look at her.
"I told you not to come" Frank hissed, earning a half shrug from Kami.
"What the hell is she doing?" Lucifer gaped, from where he and Chloe were still hiding.
"Who…who are you?" Connor questioned, his voice shaking, as he pointed his gun towards her.
"Just someone who wants to help you. I get it, man. I really do. You've got to look out for yourself in this life, right? That's why you've got involved in this? To survive?" Kami suggested, slowly edging closer towards them.
"I'm taking control of my life" Connor replied.
"…Are you? Because from where I'm standing you're just doing what you're told. And that's been the problem, hasn't it? Frank cares about you, just wants the best for you but it's been—" Kami began, but Connor finished the sentence for her.
"Suffocating. I…I want to be independent. I want to be strong" Connor stated.
"You're pointing a gun at a defenceless man, Connor. How is that strong?" Kami insisted, now standing at the bottom of the altar.
"Enough! Connor, just shoot them already!" Doyle ordered.
"Can you really do it? Watch both of us bleed out, knowing you were responsible?" Kami went on, walking up the steps towards Frank.
"Just follow your heart, son" Frank exclaimed, as Connor let out a trembling breath.
"...I can't do it, Doyle. I'm sorry" Connor cried, dropping the gun to the floor, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry, too, kid. I can't allow weakness, not when I've just taken control" Doyle announced, suddenly pulling a gun out.
Before Kami could react, the man was raising his gun towards Connor, his finger on the trigger. In a blur, Frank was suddenly pushing Connor out of the way, as a bang echoed through the Church. Kami's eyes widened as Frank stumbled backwards, a cry of pain leaving his lips. Another bang came from the other side of the room, as Kami's eyes flickered over to where Doyle was now on the ground, having been shot by Chloe. She quickly ran towards Frank, pulling him into her arms as he went limp. Kami helped lower him to the floor, as blood stained Frank's shirt a deep red colour.
"Father!" Lucifer cried, his voice thick with emotion as he crouched down beside them.
"No, no, no, you idiot!" Lucifer exclaimed, pulling Frank into his arms.
Kami immediately stripped off the plaid shirt she was wearing, pressing it firmly against the wound on Frank's chest. Her hands shook as she saw how quickly the fabric turned red and realised that Frank was losing far too much blood.
"The bloody hell were you thinking?" Lucifer accused, gripping Frank tightly.
"This is Unit 831 at St. Morgan's Church. We need two ambos, code 4" Kami heard Chloe order in the background.
"Don't go anywhere, you moron!" Lucifer insisted, as blood began to drip down from Frank's lips.
"It's okay. I'm not afraid of dying" Frank coughed, beginning to feel like he couldn't breathe.
"Well, you should be. It's really boring where you're headed" Lucifer told him.
"I hope so. I've had enough excitement for one life" Frank chuckled, as Kami bit her lip.
"Stop talking like that. You've got more to do here. You've got more people to annoy!" Lucifer went on, as Frank let out a moan of pain.
"Shit, give me your jacket, Lucifer" Kami mumbled, seeing how her shirt was now soaked through with Frank's blood.
There was little she could do until the paramedics arrived, except keep pressure on the wound. But from the way Frank was beginning to cough up blood, she doubted he they would get there in time.
"Just come on, Frank, stay with me, stay with me" Lucifer all but begged, stripping off his suit-jacket and quickly passing it to Kami, who placed it over Frank's wound.
"At first...I didn't understand why God put you in my path. But then it hit me. Maybe...He put me in yours" Frank smiled.
"I highly doubt it. He gave up on me a long time ago" Lucifer muttered, as Frank used the last of his strength to shake his head, leaning up to whisper in Lucifer's ear.
"You're wrong, Lucifer. Remember..." Frank trailed off, the rest of his words too quiet for Kami to hear.
"You know?" Lucifer gaped, tears beginning to well in his sad brown eyes.
"Y-you two need…to stick together. Yeah?" Frank insisted, as Kami nodded, quickly.
Kami watched in horror as Frank's eyes rolled into the back of his head, his chest no longer rising. She was quick to push Lucifer away, leaning down to listen for any breaths coming from the man's lips, but there was nothing.
"No, c'mon. Don't do this!" Kami exclaimed, positioning her hands on top of Frank's chest.
"Save him…you have to bring him back!" Lucifer pleaded, his voice shaking.
Kami continued to press down on Frank's chest, feeling a rib crack beneath her hands but he still wouldn't stir. Her arms began to burn, but the adrenaline kept her limbs moving, everything else around her drowned out. She leaned down to give Frank two rescue breaths but came to a halt when she saw his mouth had filled up with blood. She didn't have the equipment to bring him back, it just couldn't be done.
"I-I can't…it's too late…" Kami shook her head, raising her hand to close Frank's eyes.
Her eyes flickered over to Lucifer, who was breathing heavily, anger steadily growing on his face. She watched as he turned to Doyle, his intentions clear. He slowly rose to his feet, his fury coming off him in waves.
"Time to pull the legs of the spider" Lucifer growled.
Kami's jaw dropped open as Lucifer suddenly lunged at Doyle, easily grabbing the man by the throat and shoving him against the wall, the killer's legs dangling off the ground. Kami pushed herself to her feet, coming to stand by Chloe, who still had her gun aimed at Connor. Kami couldn't understand how Lucifer had the strength to effortlessly pick the large man up with just one hand.
"Why did you do this?" Lucifer questioned, as Doyle began to choke, his hand clawing uselessly at Lucifer's arm.
"I-I don't know, man" Doyle replied, panting.
"Why?!" Lucifer insisted, his grip tightening.
"He was bringing too much heat!" Doyle exclaimed.
"Why?! Why?!" Lucifer screamed, the Church seeming to shake around them.
"Lucifer, stop! Father Frank wouldn't want this" Chloe begged, having never seen the man so angry before.
Lucifer flinched as he felt a hand touch his shoulder, squeezing gently, blinking away tears that threatened to fall from his eyes. Kami could feel Lucifer shaking with rage under her hand, and for a split second feared what he was capable of.
"Just let him go, Lucifer. It's not worth it, he's not worth it. Just…let go" Kami soothed, holding onto him tightly.
With a choked sob, Lucifer pulled his hand away from Doyle's neck, the man falling to the floor with a thud. Kami kept her hand where it was, knowing he needed the tether. Her eyes softened as Lucifer slowly raised his hand to place it over her own, letting out a shaky breath. A dark part of her mind questioned why she had stopped Lucifer. Doyle was responsible for at least two deaths, one of whom Kami cared about. She immediately shook the thought from her mind seconds later, she didn't have the right to decide who deserved to live or die. No one did.
"I'm gonna' take Lucifer home" Kami announced, as they watched the coroner roll out Frank's body down the Church steps.
"You think he's going to be alright?" Chloe asked.
"He's got us, hadn't he?" Kami suggested, as a sad smile grew on Chloe's lips.
"And you? I know how much it hurts every time you can't save someone" Chloe stated, as Kami inhaled deeply.
"I'm always alright" Kami replied, patting her sister on the shoulder as she walked over to her car, where Lucifer was sitting in the passenger seat.
"You ready to go home?" Kami questioned, opening the door and climbing.
"…Where would home be exactly?" Lucifer mumbled, under his breath.
The moment they entered Lucifer's penthouse, he made a beeline for the bar, quickly beginning to pour himself a drink, before thinking better of it. Kami watched with a grimace as he started to drink directly for the whiskey bottle, slamming it onto the counter once he had drunk almost half of it. She jumped back as he suddenly waved his arm out, throwing the numerous bottles and glasses off the counter as they smashed onto the floor. Kami's eyes widened as she watched him pick up a nearby stool, whipping around and slamming it down onto his piano. She rushed forward, grabbing onto his arms, knowing she needed to stop him before he did any more damage.
"Hey, hey…stop it. Stop" Kami exclaimed, gripping his arm tightly, as Lucifer's hands stopped in mid-air.
"I…I'm sorry…" Lucifer stuttered, throwing the stool to the ground, hoping he hadn't scared her off.
"It's okay" She soothed, running her hand down his arm.
Lucifer's eyes flickered down to the dark red stain he hadn't spotted before on his shirt, a grimace flashing over his features. He was quick to strip off his shirt as if it burnt him. He scrunched his eyes shut as he saw the blood had stained through his shirt, leaving a mark on his abdomen. Kami watched as he rushed to his bathroom, following him a few seconds later. He was rubbing at his abdomen with soap and water until it was red raw.
"It's not your fault" Kami announced, as Lucifer scoffed.
"I know exactly whose bloody fault it is!" Lucifer snapped back, his eyes burning with anger.
"God's?" Kami guessed, as Lucifer practically snarled.
"Was this all part of Your plan, Dad? It's all just a game to You, isn't it?" Lucifer suddenly exclaimed, looking towards the ceiling.
"Well, I know punishment, and he did not deserve that. He followed Your stupid rules and it still wasn't good enough! So what does it take to please You? Break Your rules and you fall! Follow them and you still lose?! Doesn't matter whether you're a sinner! Doesn't matter whether you're a saint! Nobody can win, so what's the point? What's the bloody point?" Lucifer cried, shakily.
"…We're the point, Lucifer" Kami announced, making him frown.
"Us. People like Frank. Our good memories. That's the point. You have to take the good with the bad. Sometimes shitty things happen to good people and there's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is decide how we're going to react to it" Kami explained.
"What do you mean?" Lucifer questioned.
"You're not a mindless puppet dangling on strings, Lucifer. You can't stop the bad, but you can make good things happen. Frank is gone. But he was here, and he meant something to you. Don't lose that" Kami went on.
"…I should have stopped him. I should have been able to save Frank" Lucifer mumbled, his voice thick with emotion.
"Frank got what he really wanted. He stopped Doyle, he got him away from Connor" Kami stated, walking towards Lucifer.
"But what about him? What about Frank? He…he didn't deserve that" Lucifer shook his head, as Kami came to stand in front of him.
With sad eyes, Kami was quick to wrap her arms around Lucifer's bare shoulders, feeling him react instantly. He clung to her waist tightly, his head coming rest on her shoulder, breathing heavily. She stroked his hair softly, as he pulled her a little closer, needing something to tether him. Neither of them were sure how long they stayed like that, Lucifer's eyes fluttering closed at some point, the only sound their slow breathing mixing together. He slowly pulled away, a little embarrassed at his outburst, his eyes downcast.
"This isn't how I pictured the first time I'd see you shirtless, you know" Kami exclaimed, as Lucifer couldn't stop the laugh that left his lips.
"You can always take off your shirt too if you'd feel more comfortable" Lucifer smirked, as she hit his arm, playfully.
"And he's back" Kami giggled, shaking her head, fondly.
"…What you said about not being a puppet? Deciding our own fate, you really believe that?" Lucifer asked, as she nodded.
"I have to" She shrugged.
"I don't want to forget Frank. I don't want him to be forgotten" Lucifer admitted.
"You want to honour him in some way?" Kami guessed, as Lucifer nodded quickly.
"Well, we both know the thing that Frank cared about the most was Connor. He wanted to save him. He may have gotten him away from Doyle, but he's still in police custody right now. He'll be awaiting trial. Feeling lost" Kami explained.
"Maybe I can't save Frank…but I can honour his last wish. My lawyer is quite good, if I go there now she might be able to start on the case tonight—" Lucifer mumbled, walking towards the door, but was cut off by Kami.
"I think Frank would like that...but maybe put a shirt on first" Kami smirked.
Chloe had never been a good texter. She was far too blunt, preferring to speak on the phone whenever she could. So, when Kami received a text message simply stating 'S.O.S at crime scene', she wasted no time in rushing towards the latest murder in L.A. By the time she arrived, she was starting to panic, wondering if her sister had been hurt, but what she found was far worse. Kami almost tripped over her own feet when she entered the restaurant to see a familiar blonde, engaged in a flirty conversation with Lucifer. The smile fell from the older woman's face as soon as she saw Kami, who was still frozen to the spot.
"Penelope" Kami nodded, once her mouth started working again.
"Kami…I heard you were back in town. Come to ask your sister for money?" Penelope suggested, quirking a dainty eyebrow.
Kami grit her teeth as she tried to let the comment go, looking behind her adoptive mother to see Chloe walking towards them, a relieved expression growing on her face when she saw Kami. Chloe's text instantly made sense. Any sort of buffer was needed when it came to Penelope Decker.
"Actually, I have a job now. But I wouldn't expect you to know that" Kami retorted, as Lucifer's eyes darted between the two women.
"Well, that makes two of us. I'm in town for a new role, it's bound to take off…Tell me, where exactly are you staying in L.A?" Penelope went on.
"I asked Kami to move in" Chloe interjected, trying to break the tension.
"Ah, so you are still scrounging off your sister then?" Penelope pointed out, watching Kami's jaw tense.
"It's not scrounging if I pay rent" Kami retorted, crossing her arms.
"Well, if you're not here for that, why come back to L.A?" Penelope argued.
"I heard Chloe got shot, so I wanted to—" Kami began, as Penelope turned to give Chloe a look of disbelief.
"You were shot?!" Penelope gasped, grabbing Chloe's hands, and looking her over for injuries.
"Months ago now. It's not a big deal" Chloe told her, watching Penelope purse her lips.
"Why didn't you tell me? I would have come back home!" Penelope exclaimed, as Chloe looked down at her feet.
"…Would you have, though?" Chloe mumbled, not appearing convinced.
"Oh, I see what this is. You've been back in her life a few months and you're already turning Chloe against me again?" Penelope accused, turning back to Kami.
"Tell me, this new role you're trying out for…is it the Wicked Witch of the West?" Lucifer mocked, coming to stand beside Kami's side, as if he wanted to shield her from the harsh remarks.
"Mom, that is not what's happening here!" Chloe insisted, seeing the hurt that flashed across Kami's face.
"We'll talk about this at dinner tonight. I'm sure you'll understand that you're not invited, Kami" Penelope exclaimed, as Chloe opened her mouth to argue.
"Chlo, it's not worth it" Kami shook her head, as Penelope gave a scoff, before marching away, her head held high.
"What the hell was that about?" Chloe gaped, as soon as her mother was out of hearing distance.
"It's nothing" Kami shrugged.
"And I thought my relationship was bad with my Father" Lucifer huffed, raising an eyebrow.
"Did something happen between you two before you ran away?" Chloe realised, as Kami looked away from her.
"Look, can we just talk about this later?" Kami complained, as an officer came over to them.
"Detective, we've found out who was set to inherit the restaurant from Javier. Anne Martin, the Sous Chef. Do you want us to bring her over?" The Officer offered, as Chloe nodded.
"We will be talking about this later. No ifs. No buts" Chloe insisted as Kami turned to Lucifer.
"What, no flirty remark about butts?" Kami joked, seeing Lucifer seemed lost in thought.
"It seems my appetite isn't the only thing I've lost today" Lucifer remarked, seeming upset.
"The Officers said you wanted to speak to me, Detective" A brunette, in her mid-thirties questioned, interjecting herself into the conversation.
"Yes. We just have some questions. I believe you cooked Javier's last meal, is that correct?" Chloe inquired.
Kami zoned out of her sister's questioning, running a hand through her hair. Why did Penelope have to come back? Everything was going so well. The last thing she wanted to do was explain the real reason why she left, but her sister was like a dog with a bone. She wasn't going to let this go. Maybe it was time for Chloe to find out what her mother was really—
Kami's jaw dropped open as the Anne, the Sous Chef, suddenly threw up blood all over Lucifer's suit, before her knees gave out. Kami instantly jumped into action, grabbing Anne before she could fall to the floor, and slowly lowered her to the floor. She moved the older woman into the recovery position, checking her airway was still open and was thankful to find it was. The woman appeared to have only fainted, but she was going to need more medical help than Kami could offer. Once the ambulance crew arrived, Kami let them take over and went to find Lucifer who had gone into the staff room to get out of his blood-soaked shirt. She grabbed a green T-shirt with the restaurant logo embroidered on it and knocked quietly on the door.
"Come in only if you're an attractive brunette" Lucifer called out, as Kami shook her head fondly, pushing the door open.
"Well, you'll just have to do with me—" Kami cut herself off with a choked gasp when she saw Lucifer standing there with nothing but a grin.
Her eyes instantly jumped to one part of his anatomy, losing all control over her mouth for a moment, as she gaped openly. She quickly forced her eyes up, but it hardly helped, as she knew every part of Lucifer's body was as near to perfection as possible.
"Jesus!" Kami cried, whipping around to turn away from him.
"No. Lucifer, actually" He replied, as she could practically hear the smirk there was no doubt on his face.
"Why are you naked?" Kami muttered, thankful that he couldn't see the deep red blush on her face.
"That Chef puked all over my Prada" Lucifer stated.
"It didn't touch your pants!" Kami exclaimed, hearing him chuckle.
"Well, I thought you deserved a treat" Lucifer told her, as she scoffed.
"Most people would offer a shoulder to cry on, not their…dick!" Kami insisted, her voice raised.
"Admit it, this is much more enjoyable" Lucifer smirked, taking a step closer to her.
"Put this on" Kami mumbled, placing a hand over her eyes, blindly holding out the green shirt.
"I don't really think it's my colour" Lucifer retorted, as she threw it at him, managing to hit him in the face.
"Please, you could wear a bin-bag and most of the human population would be drooling over you" Kami pointed out, hearing the rustling of fabric.
"Are you flirting with me, Nurse Decker?" Lucifer teased, giving her a mock gasp.
"You're unbelievable" Kami muttered, a smile playing on her lips despite herself.
"Alright, hideous green shirt on" Lucifer announced, as Kami dropped her hand, letting out a gasp when she saw he still wasn't wearing any trousers.
"You're still half-naked!" Kami complained, slapping her back over her eyes.
"Well, you only told me to put a shirt on" Lucifer chuckled, reluctantly grabbing his trousers, swiftly pulling them up his hips.
"Alright, are you completely covered up now?" Kami asked, the image of the man in front of her naked, still playing behind her eyes.
"Yes" Lucifer grinned, pulling her hand away from her eyes.
His grin grew as he saw the bright red blush on Kami's cheeks, and the way she couldn't quite meet his gaze. Her reaction was even better than he had expected.
"Are you blushing?" Lucifer teased, as Kami tried to pull the collar of her jacket up to cover her cheeks.
"No" She muttered, her blush only deepening.
"Yes, you are. It's adorable" Lucifer went on, brushing away a few locks of her hair, giving him a better view of her face.
"I'm actually having a severe allergic reaction to seeing your dick, so…" Kami replied, as Lucifer let out an amused sound.
"I don't think Big Ben has ever caused that before" Lucifer told her, watching Kami burst out laughing.
"You called your dick Big Ben?" Kami giggled, at his ridiculous behaviour.
"There it is. Your smile's back" Lucifer beamed, a fond look in his eyes.
Kami's smile grew wider, as the two simply stared at each other for a few seconds, completely forgetting they were at a crime scene. Kami was the first to snap out of her trance, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly, as she looked down to her feet.
"Uh, you better get back out there before Chloe starts looking for you" Kami insisted, ushering towards the door.
Lucifer nodded, a small smile still playing on his lips as he walked towards the door, coming to a halt when he saw his reflection in the large mirror next to it. He let out a scandalous gasp when he saw just how awful the green shirt truly was and immediately began to rip it off.
"I think I'd rather go shirtless" Lucifer muttered, pulling it back over his head, giving Kami a view of his broad shoulders.
Her eyes widened when they found two large scars cut across his shoulder's blades, a frown growing over her face. Lucifer seemed to have heard this reaction, and instantly whipped around, feeling strangely self-conscious.
"What happened to your back?" Kami questioned.
"Oh…that. My dad's fault really" Lucifer told her, watching the horror grow behind Kami's eyes.
"Your dad did that to you?" Kami gaped.
"Well, technically I did it. I cut my wings off" Lucifer explained, as Kami took a step closer to him.
"You cut yourself?" Kami asked, shocked.
"You make it sound so awful when you say it like that" Lucifer scoffed, as Kami shook her head.
"Why? Why did you do it?" Kami insisted, as Lucifer gave her a thoughtful look, wondering what the real reason was himself.
"I suppose…I wanted to get rid of the last thing my Father gave me. I wanted to separate myself from him…completely" Lucifer frowned at his words, as Kami's eyes softened.
"Can I…?" Kami trailed off, holding her hands out.
"…Be gentle" Lucifer replied, after contemplating it for a few seconds, slowly turning around.
Kami gulped as she got a better view of the painful-looking scars, now able to see where it appeared the skin had been ripped away. She couldn't imagine the pain he must have gone through. Timidly, she reached out to brush her fingertips against the scars, her touch featherlight. Lucifer inhaled sharply, causing her to think she had hurt him.
"Does it still hurt?" Kami questioned, pulling her hand away.
"No. It's just a…dull ache now" Lucifer admitted.
"I'm so sorry, Lucifer" Kami mumbled, as his forehead wrinkled, unseen by her.
"I don't want your pity" Lucifer pointed out.
"It's not pity. I just wish you didn't feel this way. Like you have to cut yourself off from everything…from everyone" Kami exclaimed, reaching out again, to place her palm against the scar on his left shoulder blade.
"You did the same" Lucifer told her, in a shaky voice, as his eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of her hand on his scar.
"But I'm trying to change" Kami stated, as Lucifer slowly turned back to her, opening his eyes to bore into her own.
"You think I could too?" Lucifer asked, as she nodded.
"It's never too late, right?" Kami replied, only now realising how close they were standing, feeling his breath against her cheek.
"Lucifer, Chloe needs to speak to—" A familiar voice announced, as the door was pushed open.
Kami's eyes snapped to the right to see Dan standing in the doorway, his mouth slack, as his mind clearly jumped to conclusions. Lucifer seemed to relish in this, giving Dan a large grin, before throwing the green top at his head.
"Here. I think this is more your colour, Daniel" Lucifer teased, as he shoved past the police officer.
Dan tossed the shirt away from him, raising an eyebrow at Kami, who felt herself beginning to blush again. With a shake of her head, she remembered that nothing had happened, and it wasn't like she and Dan were even together. She had nothing to feel guilty about.
"Did you need something?" Kami asked, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, actually, I do. To know what the hell that was about?" Dan insisted, in a huff.
"It was nothing" Kami shrugged, but Dan didn't seem convinced.
"Really?" Dan scoffed, making her roll her eyes.
"Right, and you suddenly care now, is that it?" Kami argued.
"What does that mean?" Dan frowned.
"You kissed me at that crime scene so I would shut up. And now I hear you're back to being Malcolm's partner…you're the only person lying here, Dan. Not me" Kami went on, storming over to him, anger burning behind her eyes.
"It's not like that" Dan shook his head, holding his hands up.
"You didn't kiss me to stop so I would stop looking into Paolucci's death more?" Kami retorted, as Dan looked away, guiltily.
"I'm trying to protect you, Kami" Dan sighed.
"I'm starting to think you're the one I need protection from, Dan. Stay away from me. And my family" Kami warned, shoving past him roughly, her shoulder knocking his.
"You can't expect me to stay away from Trixie" Dan cried, as she shot him a glare.
"As long as you're involved in whatever Malcolm's doing, she's better off without you" Kami pointed out, before storming away, hearing no further argument from Dan.
They both knew she was right.
Kami wanted nothing more than to collapse on her bed and hide under the covers for the rest of the day and made her way quickly back to the house. She was confused when she found her suitcase on the front porch and fumbled to find her keys, wondering what the hell was going on. A few seconds later, the door was ripped open, revealing Penelope standing there, her lips set in a firm line.
"What is this?" Kami questioned, ushering to her suitcase.
"You're moving out for a few days" Penelope told her, making Kami scoff harshly.
"I'm not sixteen anymore. You can't tell me what to do!" Kami exclaimed, angrily.
"This is my house…meaning I can do just that" Penelope pointed out, as Kami grit her teeth.
"Does Chloe know about this?" Kami asked, already knowing the answer.
"I don't feel comfortable sharing this house with you. Surely, you can understand that" Penelope insisted, as Kami balled her hands into fists.
"What, you can't bear to look at the trash you brought into your home?" Kami spat out, as Penelope let out a long sigh and turned around to grab her bag.
"How much do you want? $200 or—" Penelope began, as Kami held her hands out in exasperation.
"I don't want your fucking money! I never wanted that, I just wanted you to be my Mum!" Kami all but screamed, grabbing the bag from Penelope's hands, and tossing it away.
Penelope flinched at this action, taking a step back, as Kami's eyes flickered to something behind her. Her face softened instantly when she saw Trixie standing there, eyes wide, clearly having heard the whole conversation. Kami and Chloe alike tried to keep Trixie away from the harsh realities of life, but from the way Trixie's bottom lip was wobbling, she understood what she had heard far too well. Kami took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, as she leaned down to grab her suitcase.
"Don't walk out of her life, like you walked out of mine" Kami muttered, before turning around, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.
After walking around the streets of L.A for a few hours, Kami quickly realised with what money she had the best she could afford was a grotty motel on the edge of the city. She quickly opted to head over to Lux to see if Lucifer would house her until her mother was out of the picture again. Instead, she found Maze at the bar, as always, making her start to really wonder whether the woman ever left.
"What's in there? Sex toys I hope" Maze smirked, not even needing to turn around to know who it was.
"Nope. My Mum threw me out of the house" Kami huffed, dragging her suitcase over to the bar, before jumping up on one of the bar stools.
"Your Mom? You've never mentioned her before" Maze frowned, turning her attention to Kami quickly, spotting the sad look on her face a mile away.
"She came back into town. Not to see me or Chloe of course, but for a job. Some things never change" Kami said, bitterly.
"Sounds like you could use a drink" Maze stated, grabbing a bottle of vodka, and a glass.
"You know me so well" Kami chuckled, as Maze poured out the drink and sent it her way.
"You don't get on with your Mom?" Maze guessed, as Kami took a large gulp of her drink.
"Understatement of the year. I was never good enough for her. I was the complete opposite of the daughter she wanted. So…she gave up on me" Kami explained, holding the glass tightly.
"My Mom left me too when I was young" Maze admitted, as Kami's eyes snapped up to hers.
"How come?" Kami asked, as Maze's forehead wrinkled.
"…I don't know. Not that I'd care anyway" Maze clarified, as Kami gave her a small smile.
"Really?" Kami questioned, raising an eyebrow, as Maze tapped her nails against the counter.
"I suppose…it would be nice to know why she abandoned me" Maze mumbled, her jaw tense.
"She sucks. So does my Mum. We…are better off without them" Kami insisted, taking another sip of her drink.
"I could beat her up if you wanted?" Maze inquired, making Kami giggle.
"Thanks Maze, but uh…I don't think that's gonna' help" Kami replied, watching as the woman hiked herself up other the counter and crawled over to sit beside her.
Kami eyed Maze suspiciously as the older woman reached out to touch her back, patting her there a few times, as Kami's frown deepened. Maze shook her head, not seeming to get the reaction she wanted and change her tactics. Kami gave her a look of disbelief when Maze started petting her on the head like she was a dog, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"Um, what are you doing?" Kami asked.
"I'm comforting you" Maze retorted, as Kami had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing.
"I don't think you've got the hang of it yet" Kami snorted, as Maze let out a groan.
"Doctor Martin said I had to embrace others. Be more friendly. Make friends" Maze explained, as Kami tilted her head.
"We're already friends, Maze" Kami pointed out, watching Maze's lips twitch into a smile.
"We are?" She asked, as Kami nodded.
"And since when are you in therapy anyway?" Kami questioned, as Maze gave a half-shrug.
"I thought she could help me be more…normal" Maze confessed, causing Kami's eyes to soften.
"You don't need to change, Maze" Kami told her.
"You don't think I'm weird?" Maze frowned, making Kami giggle lightly.
"You're definitely weird. But I like that" Kami exclaimed, almost thinking she could see a faint blush on Maze's cheeks.
"So, uh…how can I comfort someone?" Maze inquired, as Kami mulled over it.
"Well, I guess a hug is probably the best way" Kami stated, as Maze turned her nose up at the idea.
"Isn't there where you try to crush someone with your own body, but never go through with it?" Maze suggested, as Kami shook her head, fondly.
"What, you've never been hugged before?" Kami laughed, as Maze shrugged again.
"Seriously?" Kami clarified, watching Maze nod.
"Alright then…Maze, would you do me the honour of accepting a hug?" Kami grinned, pushing herself off her bar stool.
"As long as it's quick" Maze muttered, still not liking the idea.
With a roll of her eyes, Kami was quick to spring forward and wrap her arms around Maze's shoulders, her chin coming to rest on the older woman's shoulder. Maze's hands wavered in the air unsurely for a few seconds, before coming to rest on the small of her back. Kami was about to pull away when she felt Maze's grip tighten on her waist, pulling her closer. Kami wasn't sure how long they stayed there just holding each other, as her eyes fluttered closed, a feeling of safety coming over her. Kami hadn't realised how much she needed a hug after the events of the day. She reluctantly pulled away a moment later, Maze's hands still touching her waist, while her own hands trailed down Maze's arms. Kami didn't see how Maze's eyes flickered down to her lips, or how she leant forward as—
"Auntie Kami!" A squeal cried from behind them, as Kami whipped around, her eyes wide.
"…Trixie? What are you doing here and—what are you wearing?!" Kami gaped, taking in Trixie's awful appearance.
Her face was caked with makeup, fake eyelashes crowding her vision and enough blush to turn her whole face red. Even worse was the sparkly silver dress she was wearing, which seemed to have been pulled off a barbie doll. Kami instantly knew who would have dressed up her niece in such a hideous getup.
"Did you let Grandma dress you?" Kami questioned, as Trixie nodded quickly.
"I feel like I have glue all over my face!...Who's your friend?" Trixie asked, curiously.
"Oh, this is Maze. She's a friend of Lucifer's too" Kami explained, gesturing to the bartender.
"Why'd your Grandma dress you like an old drag queen?" Maze scoffed, as Trixie gave her a thoughtful look.
"She said she wanted to be just like her. This one of her old dresses" Trixie explained.
"From which century?" Kami snorted, as Maze let out an amused sound.
"Trixie!" Chloe gasped, from the top of the stairs, her shoulders slumping in relief when she saw her daughter was unharmed.
"What were you thinking of running away like that?" Chloe scolded, rushing over to them and crouching down to Trixie's height.
"I wanted to cheer Auntie Kami up because she looked so sad…but her friend was already doing that" Trixie exclaimed, looking at the two women.
"What's your name?" Trixie inquired, realising she had never asked.
"Mazikeen. But you can call me Maze" She smiled, an expression which Trixie shared.
"C'mon, Monkey. Let's get you home. Say goodbye" Chloe told her, as Trixie nodded, sprinting over to Maze, tugging at her dress, indicating for the woman to crouch down.
Maze did this reluctantly, wondering what the small child wanted to say to her. Trixie leant up to whisper in her ear, cupping her hands over her mouth so the two Decker's couldn't read her lips.
"Don't worry, I won't tell Mommy that you were going to kiss Auntie Kami" Trixie whispered in Maze's ear, causing the woman's eyes to almost pop out of her head.
Maze was still giving the young girl a look of disbelief, as Trixie pulled away with a smug smile, making a gesture of zipping her lips shut. I like the kid, Maze thought to herself, watching Trixie skip back over to her mother, whose eyes had fallen on Kami's suitcase.
"What's with the case?" Chloe frowned.
"I, uh…didn't feel like being around Penelope. I was hoping I could crash here for a couple of days?" Kami asked, turning back to Maze.
"No complaints from me" Maze smirked.
"You know you don't have to, right? I can ask Mom to leave" Chloe pointed out.
"It's fine. Really. Have fun at the dinner tonight" Kami mumbled, as Trixie went to drag Chloe away.
"I'll call you later" Chloe exclaimed, as the two started to walk away.
"You lied to her" Maze stated, watching Kami bite her lip.
"Just because I can't have a relationship with my Mum, doesn't mean Chloe shouldn't" Kami replied, as Maze gave her a strange look.
It took Kami a few seconds to realise what was so out of character when it suddenly hit her. Maze's usually stone-cold gaze was filled with warmth, her brown eyes swimming with the new emotion. It was a good look, Kami thought to herself.
"What did Trix say to you?" Kami couldn't help but ask.
"…Just that she liked my dress" Maze lied, as Kami let her gaze roll over the black and blue dress that fit Maze so well.
"She's not the only one" Kami winked at her, with a giggle.
Panic grew over Maze's features, as she tried to think of a reply, but only stuttered over a few broken words, before awkwardly coughing.
"I'll take your case up to the penthouse" Maze announced, grabbing her suitcase, and dragging it away, before Kami could argue.
What was that about?
An hour later she received a text from Lucifer, stating that he was inviting her to the dinner and that she was now his plus one. Knowing she needed to ask him about allowing her to stay at his place and the fact that it would piss off Penelope, she quickly made her way back to Chloe's house. She grit her teeth when she saw Dan open the door, barely bothering to even acknowledge his presence. In the short time she had been back in L.A, she couldn't believe how messy her life had gotten. Her eyes flickered over to Lucifer, who was waving over to her, wearing a 'Kiss the Cook' apron, causing a smile to grow on her lips despite herself.
"Where did you find that?" She questioned, approaching him, he held out a bowl of nachos.
"I usually wear it naked, but I figured that wouldn't be acceptable at this dinner" He explained, as she snorted.
"I can certainly see Chloe objecting to that. Not so sure about Penelope" Kami scoffed, looking towards the dinner table, seeing Penelope was unsurprisingly glaring daggers at her.
"Dinner is almost ready due to Junior. Now, you just need to follow the rules and I'll grab you a plate" Lucifer told her, as Kami's forehead wrinkled.
"What rule?" She asked, as Lucifer ushered to the slogan on his apron.
"You really never give up, do you?" Kami giggled, as Chloe made her way over to her sister.
"Has he told you how he's invited our top suspect to cook dinner for us?" Chloe grumbled, ushering over to a younger man with a buzz-cut.
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me" Kami mumbled.
"I no longer believe Junior killed his father. And I'm here to prove it to you" Lucifer stated, as Chloe simply rolled her eyes, and marched back over to her mother.
"So, wait? That's the son of the Chef that was killed?" Kami clarified, as Lucifer nodded.
"See, this is why I needed you here. You usually back me up with these things" Lucifer pointed out, as Kami's face fell.
"…Right. And here I was thinking you just invited me because of my charming company" Kami huffed, turning on her heel, leaving Lucifer standing there, completely oblivious.
Kami's stomach started to rumble as soon as Junior brought out their meal, the delicious smell wafting around the room. She had to remind herself that the man was a suspect in poisoning otherwise she would have lapped up the meal. She smacked Lucifer's hand, who was sitting beside her, seeing as he was about to take his first bite.
"Mom, don't eat that!" Chloe exclaimed, when she saw Penelope about to do the same.
"Why not?" Penelope questioned.
"She's worried it might be poisoned" Lucifer announced.
"You are?" Penelope gaped, scandalised.
"Oh, that's right. Let's catch you up, shall we? Um, I brought Junior here tonight because Detective Decker believes that he killed his father. But I believe he was after something far more foolish. Reconciliation" Lucifer explained, making Kami scoff.
"That's right. I didn't kill my dad" Junior insisted, turning to Chloe.
"Do you have proof?" She inquired, looking like she wanted to believe him.
"Just my word" Junior sighed.
"I don't think that's gonna' stand up in a Court of law, mate" Kami mumbled.
"Oh, come on, you said yourself your mother may be a shitty parent, but you don't want to kill her, do you?" Lucifer exclaimed, as Kami's jaw dropped open.
"No, but I am thinking of killing you" Kami hissed.
"What a surprise. You're painting me out to be the villain again!" Penelope scolded.
"Not my fault you fit the role so well" Kami said, under her breath, but clearly she wasn't quiet enough.
"Just because I wasn't a perfect mother?" Penelope complained.
"I never wanted you to be perfect, I just wanted you to be there!" Kami cried, slamming her hand down on the table.
"Oh, please. You never wanted me as a mother. You rejected me!" Penelope complained, as the others at the table looked down at their dinner plates, awkwardly.
"Is it any surprise? You wanted me as a photo-op! You wanted to save a poor little orphan to get more publicity because you were getting too old to sell your damn movies!" Kami exclaimed, as Chloe cringed.
"Don't you dare say that! All I wanted after my husband died was another child, I was desperate for something to love again…it's not my fault you're incapable of love!" Penelope cried, pushing herself up from her seat.
Kami flinched as if she had been struck, angry tears beginning to well in her eyes. Junior was the first one to get up from the table, figuring that the family argument was not something he should have been involved in. Dan quickly followed him into the kitchen, the tension in the room too much to bear. Chloe was about to follow too when Kami spoke up.
"Is that why you sent me away? Is that why you told me to leave when I was sixteen?" Kami sobbed, as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"What's she talking about, Mom?" Chloe frowned.
"I ran away because our mother thought you would be better off without me" Kami replied, wiping at her eyes.
"…And I was right too" Penelope muttered, her eyes wide, as she realised what she had said.
"Well, don't worry, I'll make sure you never have to see me again, Penelope" Kami sneered, pushing away from the dinner table, and rushing towards the door.
Chloe was in too much shock to move, her own eyes becoming watery as the truth hit her. She had spent years wondering why her sister had run away, and now she had her answer. Penelope slumped down into her own seat, a devastated look on her face, clearly having never wanted Chloe to find out the truth. This left Lucifer, who instinctively began to chase after Kami, following her sobs as she ran into the night.
"Kami, wait!" Lucifer called after her, as she came to a halt beside her car, practically shaking.
"Why did you do that? Why were you trying to pit us against each other?" Kami questioned, accusingly.
"Because I thought it would help show that Junior didn't kill his father" Lucifer replied, as Kami shook her head.
"Well, are you happy now?" Kami retorted.
"No, actually, I'm extremely disappointed" Lucifer complained.
"Because you ruined dinner?" Kami suggested.
"No. Because your fight was spectacularly unhelpful. You and your mother are nothing like Junior. I mean, at least he didn't actually hate his father—" Lucifer started, but was cut off as Kami shoved him in the chest roughly.
"You selfish, fucking prick!" Kami exclaimed, her voice cracking.
"Oh, what have I done now?" Lucifer huffed, as Kami gave him a look of disbelief.
"My family is falling apart in there! My mother basically just disowned me…and all you care about is how this all relates to you? What the hell is wrong with you?!" Kami cried, hurt etched over her features.
"I didn't…I wouldn't…" Lucifer stuttered, his eyes softening as Kami let out a sob.
"I don't understand you, Lucifer. Sometimes I think you care and then other times…I can't imagine you caring about anyone but yourself" Kami admitted, as Lucifer grimaced.
"I do. I do care. I'm just…I'm not very good at showing it. I'm not even sure I know how" Lucifer replied, taking a step closer.
"You were right. About how I usually agree with you…because I have your back. But I needed you to have mine tonight" Kami went on.
"I know. I'm sorry. Because I do value what we have. Truly" Lucifer told her, his brown eyes staring down at her, bright with concern.
"I really need my friend right now" Kami admitted, sniffling.
"And you have him" Lucifer stated, reaching out to brush a few stray tears away on her cheeks.
"Kami?" A voice called out from behind them, as Kami turned slowly to find Penelope walking down the porch steps, a grim expression on her face.
"I think we've said enough to each other for the night, don't you?" Kami scoffed, wanting nothing more than to run away.
"When I asked you to leave that day, I was only thinking about Chloe. Trixie was so young, she needed her mother there. And Chloe's relationship with Daniel was falling apart…not to mention she didn't have enough time to go back to work, which she loved because she was looking after two kids. And we both know you weren't the easiest child—" Penelope began, as Lucifer interjected.
"Are you really blaming her for what you did?" Lucifer scolded, taking a step forward, an angry expression on his face.
"I remember what it was like looking after you. The night terrors, the fights at school, the angry outbursts…Chloe was falling apart. Even if she didn't like to admit it" Penelope told her.
"Then you should have helped her! You should have stepped in and done your damn duty as a mother!" Kami cried.
"I couldn't! I'm sorry. I just…never felt it" Penelope mumbled; her eyes downcast.
"What?" Kami frowned.
"A connection. Any connection to you. I always felt I was just babysitting for someone else's child. It sounds awful to say, but that's how I felt. In the end, I found it difficult to even be around you…I still do" Penelope admitted, as Kami's bottom lip wobbled.
"And that's the real reason you sent her away. Not because you were worried about Chloe…but because you couldn't bear the thought that you had failed your other child. That you didn't…" Lucifer trailed off, deciding the words were better off not being spoken.
"You didn't love me" Kami finished for him, letting out a shaky exhale.
"I tried. I really did" Penelope sighed.
"Then you didn't try hard enough! Kami is one of the kindest, most endearing, caring human beings I have ever met, and she certainly deserves far better than you for a mother!" Lucifer spat out, causing Kami's eyes to widen at his speech, allowing him to grab her hand and pull her away.
He kept her hand tightly intertwined with his own until they reached his car, where he opened the door for her, as gentlemanly as ever. Kami stepped inside, still speechless, as Lucifer hurried to the other side, as they both allowed the silence to wash over them for a few moments.
"Did you really mean all of that?" Kami asked, a vulnerable look on her face.
"The Devil never lies" Lucifer said, giving her a small smile, which she returned.