Disclaimer: The character Metatron does not belong to me, and I refuse to make a bad joke stating I wish it were otherwise. Other character, however, mine.

chapter 3: Wet and

Might be a smart idea to duck into that coffee shop if you're against becoming a human popsicle or anythin', Metatron mused offhandedly. He was leaning against a lamp post, straightening the cuffs of his velvet hoodie. It was a (to say the least) four in the morning, and still dark. Mercury looked at him with a mingled expression. Her eyes were narrowed ever so slightly, head tilted in thought, clearly pondering the angel.

In case you haven't noticed, I am still in pajamas, she said gesturing towards the pinkish outfit.

Are you? he asked, not looking up from examining his nails. She looked back down at her clothing as if to make a point, but saw herself in familiar jeans and jacket.

Some trick, she said, now smiling and looking over the handiwork with awe as she walked further under cover of the building. Metatron followed behind her and took a seat at one of the small outdoor tables.

Glad to see you've come around, he said plainly.

Sorry if I was a bit snotty earlier, she said apologetically and sat down next to him.

He gave a kind smile. Don't worry yourself, child, I've met a lot worse then you.

Such as? Mercury asked curiously.

He hesitated. Not that I'm much for selling the personas of holy figures short, but would you believe, I did the whole fiery entrance thing, and someone had the nerve to use a fire extinguisher on me? He leaned in closer. The last scion, no less.

What, the last relative of Christ-?

Yes, Christ. The last remaining descendant of Christ took a fire extinguisher to me-and a then-brand-new designer suit. He made a slight shuddering movement at the thought. Needless to say, I spent months and quite a bit of money trying to get this thing back to normal, he said, fingering the lapel of his maroon jacket.

Of course, if that smarmy little twat Azrael hadn't decided it was his turn to try and end the world, none of that would've happened, he said resentfully. But that's a different story. He folded his arms.

As if signaled by the mere mention of the name, a polished voice came from behind Metatron.

You wouldn't happen to know where I could find forty-second street, would you?

Seeing as we're on forty-fourth, I'd take a wild guess it's two blocks over, Metatron began as he turned. Upon seeing the man, he practically did a double take. Between forty-first and forty-third, he went on more flatly, Right where it's always been. Metatron eyed him narrowly.

You're a great help, chap. Thanks, he finished with a last icy glare over his needless sunglasses. The off-putting smile he gave them didn't quite make it to his eyes. The strange man might as well have disappeared right into the surrounding fog, he was gone so quickly.

What was that about? Mercury asked uncertainly.

Honestly, I haven't the slightest clue, he answered, shifting his arms. But between you and me, little one, I'm beginning to think something fishy's going on. She looked concerned and intrigued all at the same time. Giving a last glance behind him, he said, Let's go for a walk, kiddo.

So, you're concrete proof of Heaven and angels existing and all that, I guess, eh? Mercury asked as they made their way up the sidewalk.

Yeah, but you already knew that didn't you?' he said matter-of-factly.

Yeah, I did, she replied with a smart smile. She pulled her hood up over her head to shield herself from the light sprinkling, while Metatron remained inexorably dry. And what lives you lead, she was obviously referring to the recent episode.

It's not all sugar and roses, that's for sure.

Any big heavenly business in the near future? she asked casually.

Funny you should mention that, as I'm to speak with the next scion forthwith, Metatron replied with a hint of foreboding.

Who's that?

One Madeleine Sloane.

Sloane? I know her, Mercury said with a surprised laugh.

Do you? he asked, equaling her amazement.

We go to school together, except she's a couple years older than I am. She thought for a moment. Not that she isn't nice or anything, but she doesn't really strike me as the Christ-descendant' type.

Lucky me, Metatron said with a grimace. They had just turned into a suburban neighborhood when he stopped in front of a Spanish-style house. Your place, I believe? he asked as he checked his watch.

How did you-? She looked around suspiciously. That was so fast....

Record time, he stated proudly. Off you go. Must be way past your bedtime, he said mockingly.

Ha ha, she said sarcastically as she started up the walkway.

See you around, kiddo. When she was to the front door, he tossed her a small set of silvery wings, no larger than would have gone on a charm bracelet, which she caught deftly.

was her final word as she disappeared behind the door.

As he turned away, he noted a harmless looking squirrel skittering along some tree branches overhead. This would have been absolutely fine, too, had it not skittered along some branches that were particularly weighted with water, which rained down upon Metatron's shoulder such that no holy powers could have kept him dry.

He silently resolved not to say anything, but merely shuddered and walked on.

A/N: Sorry this has taken so long, but I'm kinda writing this by the seat of my pants. Heh. More chapters are definitely on the way, and thanks to the two of you who reviewed. Others are welcome to R&R, too.