Past wounds

Chloe couldn’t put her finger on it but some how Lucifer didn’t seem right today starting with when she showed up at his doorstep to get his help accessing a very high end bar for a case only to receive mild interest as opposed to his usual enthusiasm to the fact that his sarcasm was so dulled down she could actually stand it. Some how for whatever reason the so called king of hell was appearing to be rather melancholy today however there was also a small detail that Chloe had begun to notice as they worked the case, occasionally Lucifer was rubbing his shoulders or rolling them as if they were stiff or perhaps uncomfortable of course the action brought back the memory of seeing the scars on Lucifer’s back a few months ago. Once the case was concluded Chloe offered Lucifer a ride home which he accepted followed by a gracious thank you that caught Chloe off guard and made the young woman wonder if he was perhaps dying then all Lucifer did was sit in the passenger seat completely silent but once again one of his hands returned to his shoulders almost as if it were an unconscious action. After arriving at the house Lucifer practically leapt from the car but did turn back to thank Chloe again for the ride, okay that was it she had to know what was going on with him.
“Lucifer wait! I forgot I have some paper work for you to sign,” Chloe called after Lucifer over the top of the car after getting out. Lucifer turned from about halfway to the door with almost an irritated look on his face.

“Can’t you just leave it with me and I can get it back to you in the morning?” Lucifer wondered, words semi lost as he’d turned back to head into the house.

“Nope, I have to over see it,” Chloe insisted following Lucifer into his home

“Fine but I’m going to get changed first and pour a drink” Lucifer stated once Chloe
entered the large apartment already into his bedroom.

“Fine with me,” Chloe agreed waiting by the bar

Chloe took a glance around the room admitting Lucifer had elegant taste yet the place lacked personality in some ways, nothing that really reflected Lucifer’s personality any where in sight. While admiring the piano Chloe was suddenly startled by a thud from the bedroom followed by a loud groan that caused her to draw her side arm before heading straight into the bedroom. While checking for any intruders Chloe realized that Lucifer was on the ground on hands and knees with one hand clenched to his right shoulder making her realize it had been Lucifer who’d made both sounds. Quickly Chloe tucked away her side arm back in the holster on her hip so she had both hands free to help Lucifer up with, tucking both hands under his arms to hoist the man to his feet only to have him shove her away. Lucifer managed to sit down on the edge of the bed still rubbing his shoulder with a look of what appeared to be pain on his face.

“Are you alright? What happened?” Chloe demanded in confusion

“I’m fine...just...let’s just get this paper work taken care of,” Lucifer insisted already standing up

“Fine...if you say so,” Chloe hesitantly agreed, following Lucifer from the bedroom
Chloe placed the papers on the bar top while Lucifer pulled out a gold pen from the pocket of his black silk robe. Lucifer started to sign the spaces he was supposed too until suddenly he stopped with a hiss of pain that caused him to grab the upper part of his right arm with his left hand.

“Lucifer? What is wrong with you?” Chloe insisted coming to his side

“Ugh! Bloody hell! Why must they burn so bad?” Lucifer gritted out barely staying up right

“What burns? Lucifer what are you talking about?” Chloe asked while trying to get Lucifer
to sit on one of the bar stools.

“What? My shoulder blades that’s what,” Lucifer finally managed to get out taking a seat

“Well then let me see...I’ve got medical training,” Chloe stated already pulling
Lucifer’s robe back off his shoulders till it slid far enough that she could see his shoulder blades.

The scars were still there of course only now what shocked her was the fact that they were a bright red like a burn mark. Chloe’s fingers hovered over the right one only to feel the heat already radiating from it looking irritated as well she took off behind the bar to the sink there, pulling a towel from a drawer to run cold water over. As soon as that cold towel hit the wound steam bellowed from it while Lucifer gave a cry of pain luckily Chloe was always calm under pressure simply grabbing the towel to run it under the cool water once more for the other side. Finally the inflammation seemed to subside Lucifer appeared slightly more comfortable, accepting a glass of water that Chloe offered him to drink.

“Alright go ahead...” Lucifer trailed off taking a swig of the water

“Huh?” Chloe was highly confused at what he meant

“I can already tell you have questions so ask,” Lucifer explained

“Okay hows about what the hell was that all about?” Chloe asked

“It’s no big deal...they act up every now and again, it’s complicated,” Lucifer panted out now acting as if what had happened wasn’t that big of a deal.

“Seriously? You should get them looked at...maybe there’s an under the skin infection or something,” Chloe suggested making Lucifer chuckle

“Trust me they’re fine, ugh...just irritating...”Lucifer insisted

“Okay...whatever, are you sure you’re okay?” Chloe double checked

“Yes...it’s passed now,” Lucifer assured her

“Okay, then I’ll go home...” Chloe stated although still a little hesitant to leave Lucifer alone in his condition.

Lucifer watched as exited out the front door waiting till it shut behind her before standing from the stool to head back behind the bar. Turning slightly in front of the mirror he could see the irritated scars still bright red he lightly placed a hand on his shoulder with a frown as memories flooded back to him. Anger crossed his features quickly followed by Lucifer punching the mirror, breaking the glass that’s when he decided it would be best to head for bed.