Ah peace, finally.
He leaned back and closed his eyes, savouring the warm light on his face. It seemed an age since he had been able to just relax. He breathed in deeply, exhaling in a sigh of tired satisfaction. Children were hard work, but he loved them all so he would do anything for them. He had not long ago made them a beautiful playground – big as he had many children, but with many small details so as to keep the entertained. He had had peace then too, for a while but children being children it wasn't long before a conflict arose. This one wanting what that one had, another getting stuck in the middle. He had resolved that little dispute however and now just wanted to enjoy his peace.
He exhaled in another large sigh, relaxing further and listening to the sounds around him. A light breeze moved across his face and he heard the rustling of leaves and call of birds. Somewhere, in the distance, one of his children laughed. He smiled. He could get used to this. A small thud came to him on a breeze and he wondered which of his children it was. Maybe it was Gabriel sneaking around trying to play one of his tricks? He hoped he would be careful. His brothers aren't all the forgiving type. He didn't want to think about that now though and focused on his breathing, slow and deep, bringing himself back to the peace.
He must have slept for a while and when he woke he could hear more noises, closer now. He concentrated – was that voices? Who was talking? He listened intently trying to pick who it was. Ah Castiel. One of his youngest, but with a spirit and loyalty sometimes lacking in his older siblings. He couldn't make out the words but the tone sounded urgent. He wondered what had provoked that as Castiel was normally calm and content. Concentrating harder he heard more sounds of a brewing conflict – bumps and thuds, something breaking. He thought he heard a cry but it was gone now. Despite the noise he didn't think it was too serious, so decided to let them sort it out themselves. Right now, he wanted to rest.
A sound like breaking glass and ripping cloth rent the air around him. He straightened and opened his eyes but did not move towards the sound. What was that? WHO was that? It sound like one of his eldest was causing trouble. He hoped it wasn't him – but it WAS him! Lucifer!! He had only sent him to his room 5 minutes ago and already he was out wreaking havoc! He listened a little longer, wishing Lucifer would get along with the others this time. He didn't like disciplining the children but they needed boundaries or he would never get any peace. He heard a new voice now, calling, looking for someone/something. Must be Michael looking for his sword. He hated that he used it on his brother but it was the only thing that had subdued Lucifer enough to go to his room. There were more bangs, crashes, more shouting. He sighed again, this time in resignation. "Oh well," he thought "better get down there and sort it out, before they wreck the place." Slowly, reluctantly he rose and started towards the noise, thinking idly "A father's work is never done."