Author's Note: Had to change the rating to R, sorry, but you'll see why once you read farther down
Metatron flew from one spot to the next in search of Reaper. She was the only one-aside from God-that knew the fate of Eve. He knew that God would not tell him, but there was a small chance that Reaper would.
She lived by a code that no human, demon, angel or abstract will ever know the circumstances of death, but there had been occasions when she had broken that code-it didn't happen often, but Metatron had to try.
Finally, he found Reaper sitting on a smooth boulder and he swooped down to land before her. Her crimson eyes fell on him and she inclined her head out of respect. "Metatron."
He spread his wings out and bowed to her at the waist. "The Voice requests knowledge held only by the Collector." He said slowly, adopting her formal way of speaking.
Reaper was surprised at this display-an angel would only bow to another angel if the situation was very serious. She jumped down from the rock and stood before him.
"What knowledge do you seek?" she asked, concern in her voice.
Metatron took a deep breath-this was it, "I request to know the fate of the mortal scion."
Reaper nearly jumped back in surprise, but quickly got a handle on herself. "Metatron," she said. He folded his wings back and stood up straight once again, locking eyes with her. "Why do you wish to know this?" she asked softly, resting her hands on his shoulders. Metatron brought his arms around her as well.
"To better protect the girl, I am her guardian."
Reaper looked into his eyes. "You lie, that is not the only reason. You have become attached to the mortal."
"Yes, I have. I would give up my existence to protect the scion." He said gravely, not denying her accusation.
"You risk heartbreak, death of grief." She said sharply. Metatron would die; allow his very being to be erased, all for one mortal?
"I do." Metatron said.
Reaper was surprised and angry that he would risk everything just for the knowledge she held, but was impressed by his commitment to the scion but after what he had just declared, she could not withhold from him, denying his effort.
She stepped back, out of his arms. "Your request is granted."
Meanwhile, back on the mortal plane of earth, Bethany was busily unpacking boxes. She had decided that she wanted Eve to attend the church where she had seen God. New Jersey wasn't exactly the most religious of places to live in, but she loved the church there.
Cardinal Glick had been less than hospitable when she, Rufus, Jay and Bob had tried to cancel the dedication ceremony, but she could forgive him on the grounds that he cared about the religion. He wanted to help the Catholic Church overcome its dreary stereotype-the way he'd gone about it was only slightly misguided.
She had bought a house a few miles away from the church and had already made a few friends with her new neighbors. Of course, that wasn't so difficult since her new neighbors were actually some old friends.
"Holy shit man, it's Bethany!"
Bethany turned around from the box she had been lifting out of the moving van and came face to face with Jay and Bob.
"Jay? Bob?" she asked in complete disbelief. She knew they lived in Jersey but she hadn't thought they lived so close.
"I would recognize that sweet ass anywhere, I knew you'd come back. Couldn't stay away knowing you were missing this, right?" he asked, grabbing his crouch.
Bethany rolled her eyes, "You could say that."
"See, man? I told you she was the slut!" Jay cried out, nudging his near-mute friend in the shoulder.
Bob rolled his eyes as well and came forward to hug Bethany. "It's good to see you again." She said to him quietly.
"Hey, no cock-blocking!" Jay shouted.
"It's good to know that you're as sweet as ever." Bethany said sarcastically.
"What the fuck? Whose baby is that?"
Bethany turned around to see Eve, bobbing in her walker a few feet away. "That's Eve, my daughter."
"Aw, shit, I knew you'd get married...any chance your husband's not doin' it for ya?" Jay asked, looking hopeful.
"I'm not married, Jay." Bethany said as she hoisted Eve into her arms.
"A hot, lonely single mom just moved in next door, hell yeah!" Jay crowed. "I guarantee I'll be hittin' that by next week!"
Bob rolled his eyes and gestured to the few boxes that were still inside the moving van.
Jay grabbed one and followed Bob and Bethany into the house.
"There will be no hitting of any kind, and could you please watch your language around her?" Bethany asked, gesturing to Eve, who was staring openly at Jay.
"Language? What the fuck are you talkin' about?"
Bob nudged him in the shoulder, then did the 'lock and key' motion to his own mouth, and then finally pointed to Eve.
"Aw, sh-I mean, uh...darn. Right, darn." Jay said sulkily as he sat down on the couch beside Eve.
The toddler smiled at him and Jay smiled back. "Reminds me of that monkey we stole for Justice." He told Bob.
Bob nodded and smiled at Jay, then waved at Eve. Eve waved back.
Bob sat down on the other side of Eve and tickled her belly.
Bethany smiled too. "Let me get you boys some lunch,"
She went into the kitchen and started making sandwiches. They all had a surprisingly nice lunch together, though Jay had to bite his tongue to keep from cursing in front of Eve-a most difficult thing to do, given his swearing habit.
After the boys left, Bethany watched Eve as she slept.
"We've found a home here. I think everything will be ok."