heaven sent

He immediately snuggled up against Michael’s arms, his own surrounding the other’s waist loosely and resting on the belt of his outfit. Only a few inches shorter than the Prince, Aarin’s head tilted up so his nose would brush against the other’s chin and cheek.

“Well, you should take less trips away from me then…or take me with you.     I bet next time we race, I’ll win.” There’s a little smug playful grin as one hand tries to find a way to sneak under that shirt.

“Some trips are just for one.” Michael said, placing a little kiss on Aarin’s nose, a chuckle leaving his lips. “You wish. You haven’t seen me at my fastest, honey bun.” He teased, a hand ruffling Aarin’s hair. “But we’ll see how much you’ve improved.”

It had been a long day. Lately, most days were long. Tedious. Dense. Like trying to swim through honey; Stuck in the monotony of duty. How cold he felt, doing what he always did, what he had always done. How hollow it seemed, to do what once filled him with a sense of purpose. But he did it anyways, like a well programmed machine, doing what had to be done. It was almost simple. If you took away the constant discourse in his head, the questions and doubts, the stream of prayers, always too loud. 

But then it came, the moment of the day where the tornado in his head stopped. when the thoughts and the questions all stopped and the world made sense again. When the overwhelming weight of being who he was became as light as a feather, melting away like snow on the first day of summer. 

“Aarin....” He said and smiled with a joy that was true, arms wrapping around his sibling, face buried in his neck. “I’ve missed you.”

s m i l e

everyone you've ever known has an arm reaching out to grab a hold of you before you leave. each and every one of them is ice - cold -- it hurts to be loved so much. even now, you feel your mask slipping and hear yourself practically begging for it to stay in place. nobody is allowed to see you as anything other than what you think they should see. curiosity did kill the cat, after all.

He rolls the ring in His finger and looks forward. “You don’t need to tell me what I need to do or not, Michael.” He side eyes him. “Why do you think it’s that?   Loyalthy? Fear?”

“I wasn’t begging, Michael. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was a statement of my reassurance in my own ability.”

“Lighten up, big brother. I’m just trying to maintain some levity. You try dealing with dead people all the time. It’s depressing.” 

“You went to another God for a pat in the back and pouted when Father didn’t do the same. You wanted an....A plus for effort? What exactly would you call that? Asking nicely?” He huffs.

“Ah- people barely think these days.” He let’s go of Michael’s face, letting His fingers brush over his chin as His hand fell. “…but it’s true that the bar has been lowered and that I can’t allow.    I’m sorry my prince, I’ve let the weight on your shoulders for I was distracted but reality has come to tell me I need to focus once more.”

He pulls him closer and tilts His head to try and find the Prince’s gaze.

“Why do you think I would deny it?      I’m just happy that you appeared. And yes you are right. I decide what is perfect and is worthy.”

He looks at Him, knows it’s the right thing to do. He listens to his words intently, nods.

“I wasn’t looking for you to deny it. I was looking for confirmation, I don’t want people to think I speak wrongly.”

“…you know I love you, but has anyone ever told you that you can be a bit… intense?” 

“I’m being honest. Stop begging for validation, you are Archangel not a little human child. You don’t need a pat in the back or a gold star. Live up to your title, Azrael.”

Grabs his face to make him look at Him. “Michael…”

He looks away and sighs.  “Isn’t it the truth? The standard changes. You work for it and expect nothing because nothing is what you’ll get.”

“Bro…you couldn’t handle that many anyway.” He laughed, teasing the Archangel and nudging his side playfully.

“But okay- next time we only drink milkshakes.”

He looked down at their hands, moving his own to make his fingers lace with Michael’s. Hmm that burning sensation.

“I bet. And that’s a shame, does that means I’m not allowed to take you out for drinks anymore?”

For once, Michael didn’t pull away immediately, giving Abaddon’s hand a squeeze instead.

“I wouldn’t say that. Just....Not as many as the last time.”

He was not going to comment on that, he was far too used to this kinda commentaries and glares up at the sky.

“Better. I can open my mouth fully again and move my wrists normally.    How was the hangover from the last time we saw each other?”

“I’m glad.” Michael moved to grab one of Abbi’s hands, as if to make sure that what the demon was saying was true. 

“Woops, sorry about that.

Could you pass me the blade please?”

Michael grabbed the knife stuck to the wall, walking towards Aarin.  “Do we need to go back to practice your aim?”

“The only bad habit you have is not coming down here often enough.” He steps closer.

“And yeah, yes you’re right on that.”

“Things haven’t been easy up there....” He sighs. “Love makes stupidity come out in everyone.” He looks up for a fraction of a second, his tone bitter. “And some idiots make it worse.”

“Shit fuck! Gah!

Why you and your siblings are the same when it comes to appearing out of nowhere.” He relaxes and nods.

“Yeah, isn’t it for you?”

“Bad habits.” A shrug, walking closer to Abbi. “Hmm....Not quite. Or not all the time at least. I think love is....A lot of things. tho I do believe it makes most creatures stupid.”

[cackles]

“Love…”

“Is the idea of love a funny thing to you?”