Chapter Text
Ella's life is surprisingly normal these days. Not surprising in that it's normal, because it's definitely not. But surprising how all not weird it is. Working with the Devil. Who owns a nightclub in LA. Oh, and also solves crimes. Being friends with his little sister since she was a kid. Who’s also the Angel of Death. Who she met when she was sort-of-but-not-really meant to die. She's sure there's some TV show that would have loads of fun with what she just calls her daily life now.
She grabbed the drink in front of her, downing a large sip in one gulp as she turned to Lucifer. Tonight’s precisely one of those not weird nights – just another night chilling with the Devil at Lux. Since finding out the truth and, to Lucifer’s eternal surprise, accepting it, their hangouts had only become more frequent.
"So, you and Chloe… give me the deets!"
Lucifer rolled his eyes, but she knew there’s really nothing behind it. Come on, he has to be the most giddy she has ever seen him over his developing relationship with Chloe.
“Well, I think we’re starting to date. Maybe?” he finally said, not even trying to hide the hesitation in his voice.
“Maybe? You two have been dancing around each other for years! And now, there’s actual progress being made – I need to hear all about it!”
He looked to her then with a smug smile. “Quite the gossip, aren’t we, Miss Lopez?”
Ella only shrugged, as if to say ‘what can you do?’ She didn’t bother to hide it. She’s emotionally invested in this relationship, now. She was certain of Deckerstar endgame, no doubt about it.
“Alright, it’s been one dinner so far. Uninterrupted for once, thank Dad, but that’s all it was.”
“Uh huh,” Ella hummed knowingly. “Sounds like a date to me!”
“Yes, well…” Lucifer began to trail off before clearing his throat. “Perhaps there won’t be any disastrous revelations or ill-timed Vegas jaunts this time.”
She still didn’t fully understand that one – what with fake marriages and miracles and feelings not of their own control. Whatever, she didn’t buy any of that… Lucifer and Chloe were soo in love and for some reason just stupidly blind to it.
"Annnnnd..." she looked to him expectantly, raising her eyebrow towards him.
"Hmm?" he hummed nonchalantly.
"Have you told Chloe yet??"
Lucifer redirected his gaze at that, a nervousness radiating off of him in waves. Ella could relate - it took her such a long time to feel comfortable enough to tell anyone her big secret, that being the fact she can talk to a ghost (who isn't actually a ghost). But she also knew those two, and they've been making heart eyes at each other since like forever. And they're practically dating now. There's no way it's as bad as he's thinking it is.
"Come on dude," she knocked into his side with her shoulder. "I know you're worried, but Chloe can totally handle it. I mean you told me and I'm still here, right? And she's like so much stronger, just give her a chance."
He let out a world-weary sigh and finally spoke again, lower. "I just fear she would no longer want my company after knowing the truth."
"I doubt that's true! Just don't spring it all on her at once, ya know? It is a lot to handle but it doesn't really change anything."
"Well, I suppose your brain isn't quite as ‘mush’ as I thought it would be. You handled both my truth and Azrael's quite impressively..."
She tilted her head to see his expression where his head hangs, offering him a warm smile. "And so will Chloe. You realize how crazy you two are about each other right?"
Lucifer looked away and... was that a blush she was seeing creep up his cheeks?
"You guys will be fine. You're both at a great spot, starting dating and all!"
"That's why I wish to tell her. While I've never lied to her, I can't go further without being completely honest. She needs to know what she's getting into now."
"Luce," she began to say seriously, "she already knows you waay better than anyone else. I've never seen her happier than when she's with you. And she talks about you allll the time."
A small smile crept upon Lucifer's face as she talked and she's sure he hasn't even realized it. "It will all be okay, you hear me?"
He shrugged noncommittally.
"How about you tell her with me around? That way, it softens the blow a bit and she doesn't feel so overwhelmed if there's someone else who knows there with her?"
He contemplated it for a second before looking back to her. "That's... not a bad idea, now that you mention it. That way she won't be alone if she asks me to leave."
Her heart sank at the thought of Lucifer expecting everyone to reject him, not realizing he has so many people who care for him.
"Aw come on, bud, don't think like that. It's gonna be fine. What you two have is... well, I don't even know how to describe it! But it's strong. She's strong. And I'll be there, too. There's no way she takes it that badly."
Lucifer gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but she thinks that’s the best she’s going to get. “I hope, for her sake, you’re right, Miss Lopez.”
Ella pointed to herself with a laugh. “This is me we’re talking about. I’m always right!”
At that, Lucifer simply lifted his glass and clinked it against hers. She had faith – and wow, the word faith was taking on a different meaning these days, but same point nonetheless – that things would work out. Come on, this is Deckerstar they’re talking about. They may have their bumps and hurdles and mountains and stupid decisions and miscommunication… but the point is, they always get through it! That she’s sure of!
Amenadiel walked up then, calling the bartender over for a drink and taking a seat beside them. She felt like she hadn’t seen him in forever, but this reveal was still throwing her all out of whack. Certainly not since her whole sense of normality was turned on its head.
“Hey Ella, so I heard you know about us now,” Amenadiel turned to her, a reassuring smile in place. And it just hit her…
“Oh my god… oh my god!” If not so caught up in her shock, she would honestly feel bad at Lucifer’s wincing at the mention of his dad. “Holy crap, you’re an angel too!”
Lucifer slammed his drink down in surprise, giving her a look caught somewhere between utter shock and concern for her sanity. “Miss Lopez, are you telling me you’re only just realizing this now?”
“No! I mean yeah!” she sputtered. “Like I knew, duh, but also it’s just sinking in?” She’s had to deal with how many revelations these past few weeks? Plus the celestial crash course, though it seemed like something new was added every day. And at some point, it kinda just became the norm, like something she was learning in class and had to memorize, but never apply. Lucifer’s the Devil. Azrael’s the Angel of Death. All their siblings are angels. God is their dad. Totally cool with it, in theory.
But, yeah, Amenadiel was an honest to God – yup, that exactly – freaking angel. She knew three angels?? How is this her life?
“All the things we’ve been over and it’s my brother being an angel that gives you trouble?” he asked incredulously.
“Hey,” she pointed a finger towards him. “I spent the longest time thinking you were a method actor and convincing myself that you two were only adoptive brothers. Cut me some slack, here!”
Lucifer huffed out a laugh, releasing the tension set in his shoulders. “Well, ‘slack cut’ I suppose, Miss Lopez. I can’t exactly fault the strength you’ve had getting through all of this celestial nonsense.”
“You do seem to be handling this pretty well, Ella,” Amenadiel added.
“Pshh, yeah,” Ella waved off. “What’s a celestial freak-out every now and then? Totally got this.”
“And you,” she turned back to Lucifer. “Are you going to actually tell Chloe, now?”
“You’re telling Chloe? Are you sure, brother?” Amenadiel asked hesitantly, a new concern washing over his face.
Lucifer nodded. “It’s time. Our bubbly forensic scientist here handled it quite well. I can only hope the Detective will be the same…”
“She will!”
Amenadiel noted Lucifer’s serious tone, something he didn’t often see, and smiled in agreement. “I’m happy for you, Luci. Things are going really well between you two. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“See?” Ella elbowed him with a smile.
“Have you decided how you’re going to tell her?”
“Well, after talking with Miss Lopez for a while,” Ella grinned at that, “I’ve been thinking that perhaps the return of my wings isn’t such a bad thing after all. And while I don’t want the Detective to get the wrong impression, I also don’t want to traumatize her with my Devil face… if I even had it…”
“Your Devil face still hasn’t returned?” Amenadiel asked carefully.
“Yes, yes,” Lucifer huffed, “I know what you’re going to say, brother. That it ‘all comes down to us’ and ‘we control more than we think we do’.” He sighed then, more so in feigned annoyance than anything else as Ella watched his expression turn more contemplative. “As much as I hate to admit it, there may be something to it since… well, I haven’t quite seen myself as the Devil I used to be, not with Chloe, anyway.”
He looked up, his expression closing off as he realized he perhaps didn’t mean to reveal that much. But both Amenadiel and Ella only gave him bright smiles in return, a knowing glance passing between them.
Lucifer took another sip from his glass, as if to wash away any lingering doubts.
“So, it’s settled. I’ll invite the Detective over, and you’ll be there as well,” he gestured to Ella, “so I can finally show her who I am. Something I probably should have done a long time ago…”
“Don’t worry, Luce, it’s gonna be great!” She placed her hand on his shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly, resisting the urge to hug him for the moment.
This was going to be tough for all of them, she knew… but she also knew that it would all turn out alright in the end. Even better, really, once Chloe knows the whole truth. As overwhelming as it is, well, her life’s gotten equally crazier yet better at the same time. She wouldn’t go back to not knowing for anything, not when it brought her two best friends even closer.
For once, she had real friends.