Chapter 16

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You were sitting in the chair across from where Chloe sat, Lucifer was by your side while Chloe was glaring at both of you. She hadn't spoken much to either of you but it didn't take much thinking power to know she was royally pissed off. You felt like you were tiny under her intense glare. You glanced to Lucifer and he was unusually quiet and reserved. The whole situation felt like you were both children being scolded.

"I am glad that neither of you were harmed, and you were able to get Martin Pacheco to safety." She finally spoke, her voice was tense. "However, I am very... disappointed you both went in alone and didn't think to tell us how you found him."

"His son told me where his father was when I hugged him. We had to go as we aren't technically the law, Gene wouldn't go against his word." You sighed. "We didn't want to go behind your back maliciously, Chloe, but if we hadn't we may have lost Martin."

She exhaled through her nose and her face muscles relaxed a bit. "Just... try not to pull a stunt like that again, alright?"

"Yes, Chloe." You nodded. You looked to Lucifer and saw him give her a curt nod.

"I have some paperwork to get to, you can stay if you want but it is pretty boring." You opened your mouth to reply but Lucifer finally spoke.

"We'll be going back to my penthouse." He abruptly got up from his chair and left the area while you stared at him slightly confused. What made him so withdrawn? He stopped at the hallway that led to the parking garage and waited for you.

"Are you sure nothing happened?" Chloe asked, watching her partner with concern in her eyes.

"Other than Gene getting away; nothing." You lied and stood up. "I am sorry we left without you guys. Like I said, it wasn't a malicious-"

"Don't worry about, (Y/N). I was just a bit worried about you two and it kind of came out harsh." She smiled and you couldn't help but smile back. She definitely had an infectious smile. You waved goodbye and began walking after Lucifer. You got to the entrance of the hallway, stopping in front of Lucifer when Dan's voice caught your attention.

"(Y/N), Lucifer wait!" You looked to him and watched as he approached you, a slight smile on his face. "Great work, but don't ever pull something like that again, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I get it." You playfully rolled your eyes.

"The Pacheco family would like to see you and Lucifer. They want to say thank you."

"I don't see why not, Lucifer?"

"How could I say no?" He had a smile on his face and you felt some relief that he wasn't too closed off.

"Yeah, just follow me." Dan led you both to a room that was framed by clear glass. You pieced together it was likely a meeting room or a brainstorming room. In sat the Pacheco family, Christopher was sat between parents. Each were holding one of his hands while their arms wrapped around his back. Their heads perked when they saw you three approach and immediately they all got up and rushed to greet you both.

"Oh thank you for helping my boys!" Shannon cried, hugging both you and Lucifer before she broke away, standing close to her son.

"I still can't believe (Y/N) from the Eddie Brock show saved my life." Martin laughed, tears in his dark eyes.

"Yeah, quite a career path change." You chuckled. "I'm glad we got to you both in time."

"Indeed, you three will be protected by LAPD and myself, with my funding, until Gene is taking care of." Lucifer added.

"Honey, why don't you and Chris go with Detective Espinoza. I would like a word with these two alone." Martin jutted his head to Dan and his family nodded. Dan gave you guys a wave and lead them to the main room. "I... I heard what Gene said about you two, and I saw what happened to you (Y/N)... I saw the whatever-gene-called-it flash out when he played the noise."

"Gene-" You wanted to explain yourself but he held up his hand, stopping you.

"I just wanted to say your secrets are safe with me. I don't plan to tell my wife or son what I saw. I guess I just wanted to let you both know, in case you were worrying."

"I wasn't at all on my end." Lucifer smirked. "But we do deeply appreciate your loyalty."

"Yeah, I really do appreciate it." You said. Martin smiled and shook both of your hands.

"I must get back with my family. If you two ever need a lawyer, I am willing to help you guys out no matter what." He took off to where Dan and his family went, leaving you and Lucifer alone.

"How is Venom doing?" He asked you. It was the first time he said anything to you after you left the Pacheco house.

"He is mostly silent. He still is hurting a bit from what happened."

"And you?"

"Tired, my muscles ache but I'm feeling fine." He simply nodded and signaled for you to follow him. You both walked through precinct and traveled down the familiar path that led to the parking garage. Still no words were shared but it wasn't an awkward silence, just a bit tense on Lucifer's part.

You both entered his car and he wasted no time backing out of the parking spot and speeding off to the exit. When you two hit the road, he took off at a high speed towards Lux. You kept glancing at him, trying to gauge why he is giving you the silent treatment. You noticed his knuckles were a stark white as he gripped the leather steering wheel. You cross your arms over your chest, and go back to staring out the window. Was his silence towards you a realization of how hindering yours and Venoms weakness was? Was he thinking of letting you go? The money he gave you last time was enough to cover expenses for at least two months and some weeks after, which would give you ample time to get a job...

But you didn't want to stop working with Lucifer. The short time you have known him and worked with him, you have grown into enjoying his presence and Venom did as well. He became a friend. He wormed his way passed the metaphorical walls you built in such a short time. You almost became dependent on the stability he provided. He knew of your symbiotic companion and didn't judge either of you. He took care of you when you were drunk. He took care of you when Gene broke into your apartment. Without him you would feel alone again.

"" Venom comforted in your head. 

You hummed a reply, letting our alien friend know you acknowledged him. You did have a nasty habit of overthinking things. You take in a deep breath, calming your nerves, while you felt a little tendril from Venom peak out and gently pat your cheek. 

"" Venom cackled while you tried to keep a straight face.

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You, Lucifer, and Venom rode the elevator up in silence. Just like the car ride.

'' You thought. The elevator dinged and the doors slowly opened to the penthouse. Lucifer was first to enter. You hesitated for a moment before following suit. He already started pouring himself a drink at his bar, but rather deal with his silent treatment you head out to his balcony to get a clear head. Well, as clear as you can when you have an alien in your body.