I wanted to break up the angst a little bit so we are going to take a bit of an interlude and go back, waaaay back, to a brief snippet of the twins before the fall out. This is from Mikael's POV.

WARNING: Here be twincest. Heads up.

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"Will you come?"

Mikael looked up at his twin curiously. "Where to?" Where did Samael want to take him now?

Samael smiled. It was his 'I have a surprise for you that you are going to grumble about but secretly love' smile. Mikael hated and loved that smile at the same time.

"You said you were curious what Dad was up to. Let's go check it out."

Mikael stood in shock. "Sam, we can't. You heard Father."

Samael ignored him, waving for him to come along and rolled his eyes. "I've already been three times now and Father did nothing. It's fine as long as they don't see us."

"What!? You can't be serious." But of course he was. "Wait...they?" Mikael followed on his twins heels, head tilted in confusion.

"Yes, they." Samael sent him a knowing look. Damn bastard knew he had Mikael hooked. "Come see."

Mikael followed his brother closely to the one place they had been told not to go; The Garden. Father's newest pet project was located there and He had told them to not bother the area. Samael; however, in perfect Samael fashion, had not listened. Once again his curiosity had gotten the better of him and now he was taking Mikael along for the ride. Mikael had mentioned his curiosity one time, just once in passing, and his brother had latched onto it.

Wearily, Mikael stayed close to his twin as they made their way through the trees, bushes, and numerous flowers to a small pond that was located in the middle of The Garden. Flying creatures of all kinds flitted to and fro over the water. The various animals that Father had been working on mingled peacefully in the shade of the trees along the banks. Mikael stared around in wonder at the glorious image the place created. It really was a marvel.

"Quick, up here." Samael whispered, jumping up into a large tree with a mighty flap of his wings. "They are coming. We can't be seen."

Once again with the 'they'. What was 'they'? Mikael followed with confusion clear in his expression.

"Sam, what are you talking about?"

Samael hushed him, pressing a finger to his lips with a pointed look. His lips tingled. Once he was sure Mikael was not going to say anything else, he pointed down out of the tree. "They."

With one last look of confusion, Mikael looked where his twin was pointing. In all honesty, he had been expecting an animal of some sort. Their Father had taken to creating many different species lately but nothing had prepared him for what he was seeing. Bipedals that looked exactly like them, without the wings.

Mikael tilted his head. "What?" He breathed.

"Humans. It's what Dad calls them." Samael whispered beside him. "Modeled after us but obviously with no wings. They bleed much easier too. Think I heard Dad call these two Adam and Lilith."

Of course Father named them. "But what for? What's their purpose?"

His twin shrugged. "No idea, but they are rather fascinating."

"Fascinating?" Mikael looked between his brother and the 'humans' on the ground. He couldn't see it.

Samael chuckled softly. "Yeah. They do the weirdest things. Watch."

Mikael wasn't entirely sure he wanted to even though he was growing more and more curious with each passing minute. Samael knew this of course if the sly smirk he wore was any indication.

The humans were chatting. What they were saying, Mikael did not know; they were talking too softly for him to hear but he could tell it was not Enochian. They wore no clothes for reasons beyond Mikael's understanding. Not even robes were used to cover them. As odd as they were, they weren't doing anything particularly weird to his knowledge.

"I still don't see what is so fascinating." He turned to his twin with an eyebrow raised. Was Samael teasing him again?

Samael sighed. "You have to be patient, Mike."

"Sam, I am being patient." Mikael released his own sigh. "But my curiosity is not as strong as yours."

"Obviously."

Mikael returned the stare his brother held him in. A spark passed between them like it sometimes did. It drew Mikael to his twin in ways he could not explain but it made him feel weird and warm at the same time. Something must have caught Samael's attention for he suddenly broke eye contact to look down at the humans. A triumphant look took over his features.

"Tell me that is not weird." Samael used a hand to push his twin's face back around.

Mikael grumbled while rolling his eyes but did as bid. Confusion took over at what he was seeing. The humans had stepped closer to each other and had their mouths pressed to the others. What in the world? What were they doing? Despite himself he leaned closer.

The humans were oblivious to being watched. Their hands started running over each other's bodies. Mikael felt himself flush for reasons currently unknown to him and pushed back.

"What are they…?"

Samael shrugged even as he watched them intently. "No idea, but it must feel pretty good. They keep doing it."

Mikael twisted to look at his brother. "Is this what you have been doing? Watching these humans do what? Mate or something?"

Mikael didn't know who to be more frustrated with; Samael or his Father for creating them.

Samael laughed just a little too loudly. The humans jerked apart looking around for the sound while Mikael quickly clamped a hand over Samael's mouth in fear. Father may be okay with them observing but Mikael had no doubt they would be punished if they were discovered. Both angels froze watching wide eyed as the humans decided to move elsewhere. Only once the humans were out of sight did they relax.

"Sam, that was too close." Mikael admonished removing his hand.

Samael at least had the decency to look apologetic. Mikael rushed to get out of the tree and The Garden before the humans decided to come back. There was no way he was going to risk getting caught again.

"Mike! Wait up!" Samael called after him but he was not stopping until he was safe back in the Silver City.

"Mike."

He had just landed beyond the gates when a hand grabbed at his arm turning him around to face his brother. Samael looked at him with a nervous expression. It made Mikael fidget uncomfortably. He was never a fan of his brother being nervous.

"You're right. My curiosity is greater than yours." Samael started to explain. "I wanted to take you for a reason."

"Other than the obvious?"

Samael nodded. "Yeah. I wanted you to see them so I wouldn't have to explain."

Unease settled over Mikael. What was his twin going to drag him into now?

"What are you wanting to do?" Mikael asked wearily. Did he honestly want to know at this point?

Samael watched him for a moment as though weighing his options. He must have come to a conclusion for he took a deep steadying breath before speaking.

"I want to experiment."

"With what?" Mikael had a feeling he was going to regret asking. His wings fluttered a bit behind him.

Another deep breath. "I want to know what it feels like."

Feels like? What feels like what? Suddenly, it became clear what his brother was saying. Mikael felt his pulse jump.

"The mouth thing?" He needed clarification and fast.

All Samael could do was nod.

Mikael blinked multiple times as he processed exactly what Samael was asking of him. Granted, his twin did look very unsure. It did not change his opinion.

"No. No, absolutely not." Mikael stayed firmly shaking his head. There was no way.

"Mike, come on." Samael rushed to plead his case. "It obviously must feel good or they wouldn't keep doing it."

"So that obviously means that you have to, doesn't it?"

"No, of course not."

Mikael raised a brow. Samael sighed.

"It doesn't, but what would it really hurt? We just press our mouths together like they did. Just one time. Just to know what it feels like."

A beat passed. Mikael watched his twin incredulously. "Do you know how insane you sound?"

"Yes." Obviously it was not putting a damper on anything. "Please, Mike. I can't ask anyone else."

Samael looked pleadingly at his twin hoping that he would agree. There really was no one else that he could ask. Mikael knew this as well. The others would most likely mock him or harshly tell him off for going to The Garden in the first place. They wouldn't be able to understand. No one understood them better than each other.

Mikael sighed. He always gave in anyway and Samael knew it. "Okay." Samael grinned at him, obviously pleased with his agreement. Mikael quickly held up a hand stopping his brother before he could do anything. "Not here."

Samael quickly nodded. "Our place?"

Mikael thought a moment before nodding. It would be safest.

Their place was a secluded little alcove just outside the Silver City. It was well hidden back in a cluster of trees and hanging vines in the Meadows. They had found it as a fluke while exploring one day and had instantly claimed it as their own.

It hadn't taken them long to decorate the little cave-like structure with handmade pillows stuffed with their own down feathers. They also weaved their feathers together to make soft mats to lay on when they wished to protect their robes from the ground. Samael had hung little structures to hold a small amount of light; just enough to create a small glow that was not visible from the outside, so they could see. Little rocks, pebbles, and gems hung from the structures creating sparkles of light against the walls. Discarded feathers from grooming that were not used for their mats or pillows were collected and stored in the corners. Some of the larger primaries were stuck in the walls.

It was just roomy enough to fit them both comfortably; wings included. They often went there to stretch out with each other and just talk without interruptions. It was a comfortable little nest that was currently thick and stuffy with anxious nerves. Were they really going to do this?

The twins stared at each other from their respective sides of their little nest. It was Samael that moved first. He moved closer, bracing himself on his hands and knees before Mikael; his wings twitching behind him. Mikael sat tensely watching his brother wearily his own wings tucked tightly against him. Samael appeared calm as his eyes flickered between Mikael's and his lips. Both started to breathe a little faster from nerves.

Samael's warm breath ghosted over his mouth causing Mikael to shiver. Their faces have never been this close before. It was a heady feeling. Their eyes met. That spark flashed between them with shocking intensity. Samael jerked back looking flustered and wide eyed. Mikael took a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart. How could something so strange feel so... intimate?

"Why would they do this to themselves? My heart feels like it's going to jump right out of my chest." Samael ranted trying to slow his breathing. "How is this enjoyable?"

Mikael watched him intently. Samael was the one that wanted to try it and now he was backing out?

"Sam, shut up."

Mikael grabbed his brother, pulled him close, and pressed their mouths together. Both froze at the contact barely daring to breathe. Mikael began to panic. What had possessed him to do this again? They blinked wide brown eyes as they stared at each other. Mikael pulled away.

"Um, anything?" He asked anxiously.

Samael thought for a moment. "Not sure. Did we do it right?"

Mikael sent him a bemused look. "How would I know?"

They continued to stare at one another. Slowly, as though with silent permission, they moved closer again. Their eyes never strayed from the others as their breaths once again mingled. Samael cautiously brushed his lips over Mikael's.

Mikael felt a shudder flow through him. Oh. That was something. His stomach suddenly felt like he swallowed thousands of those butterflies Father created not so long ago. Mikael returned the brush of lips. Samael gasped, pulling back just a hair.

"You feel it too?" Mikael questioned.

Samael swallowed thickly. "Stomach feels odd." He whispered before he once again touched his twin's lips with his own.

Still just a brush of lips, but it sent shivers racing down their spines. Mikael suddenly felt brave and increased the pressure. Samael followed his lead. Slowly, instinct seemed to take over for them. Their mouths started moving of their own accord creating delicious friction that had Mikael's eyes fluttering closed. He sighed into his twins mouth. Samael swallowed it before he pulled away.

Mikael blinked his eyes open to find Samael looking at him with an indecipherable look.

"Just once."

Mikael swallowed. "Just once."

A moment passed only for them to find their way back to each other's mouths.

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They agreed that their little adventure would remain firmly a secret between the two of them. The others could never know.

The twins continued to carry out their duties and tasks together. They continued harassing their siblings when they got a chance. The only thing that changed was they started spending more time in the nest.

Their shy kisses turned heated as time went on. They got bolder in their explorations. Hands began to roam but never strayed anywhere below their waists or under their robes. Mikael started noticing a change in Samael's scent periodically. It was musky almost and filled him with flutters and warmth. Samael never mentioned anything so Mikael didn't either.

Samael got bold one day and ran his tongue along Mikael's upper lip. Mikael had flinched back a bit at the unexpected feeling but had quickly moved back in. They teased each other with their tongues before deciding to just go with it. It felt titillating in an unexpected way. Every sensation was so new and neither of them could get enough.

Samael still went to observe the humans Father had created. Apparently, Lilith had started to create problems and had been banished from The Garden to be replaced by another female named Eve. Mikael was unsure whether he liked her or not. She seemed to take a lot of Samael's attention. The only saving grace was that Samael always returned to him.

Eventually, Samael got caught by Eve in The Garden. He had rushed back to his twin in fear of the reprimand that was sure to come from their Father but never did. Still, Samael avoided The Garden for a bit and stuck close to Mikael. His fear faded over time and of course, Samael eventually returned to talk with Eve quickly learning her language. Mikael bristled every time his twin disappeared but said nothing. That was until Samael returned one time with new suggestions.

"You want to do what?" Mikael asked as though he couldn't believe what his twin was saying.

Samael huffed a bit. "I want to observe them more closely. Eve said they would be fine with it. I, of course, will share everything with you."

Mikael spluttered. "Sam, you are already cutting it close as it is with Father. Why He has allowed you to go this far is a mystery to me but He won't stand for much more I'm sure."

His twin huffed. "I'm not touching them or making them do anything they aren't already doing, Mike. He has no reason to punish me."

Mikael had nothing he could say. Samael continued.

"Don't you want to go further?"

Mikael opened his mouth to reply but closed it. He could lie and say no but...everything had felt so wonderful. It was addicting and part of him did want to know how much further it could be taken. Their actions had escalated to the point of leaving him aching and unsatisfied in areas he had never thought to explore before. He knew Samael was in the same boat.

"I suppose...I guess."

Samael looked at him strangely. "Mike, is something wrong?"

"I just don't want you getting into trouble."

How could he explain he wasn't comfortable with Samael being so close with Eve? That smelling the flowers she apparently wore on Samael made his teeth ache. They shouldn't even be doing this in the first place.

Samael leaned against his twin. "I don't plan on touching them, Mike, just observing, maybe asking questions. That's all."

Mikael stayed silent. He could live with that he guessed. He turned slightly to look at his brother who was currently watching him closely from his position resting his head on Mikael's shoulder. Their wings brushed gently against each other they were sitting so close causing twin shivers to race through them. Samael rubbed his cheek across Mikael's shoulder before he brought a hand up to cup Mikael's face gently pulling him closer to press their mouths together.

Their eyes closed simultaneously. Each sighed softly as they shifted for a better angle. Samael laid back pulling Mikael with him; his wings cushioning them while Mikael's formed a blanket covering them. Mikael felt soothed as their scents mingled in the small space.

Time passed rather quickly since their chat. Samael often snuck off to The Garden leaving Mikael to himself. Mikael had to keep reminding himself that it was for observation and learning purposes only. Samael always made sure to return to the nest before each day's end where they would spend hours mapping each other. That flower smell never went further than skin deep, Mikael's scent easily covered it, but Mikael still hated it more and more with each passing day.

Mikael was resting by the lake in the Meadows soaking in the warmth from his brother's Morning Star, drying off his wings from his earlier swim, when Samael found him. His brother was grinning from ear to ear, obviously excited about something.

Mikael smiled. "What did you discover today?"

Samael climbed over him. His knees rested on each side of his hips while his hands were planted on either side of his head. White wings quivered in excitement behind him.

"I know how to take it further."

Heat spread through Mikael's limbs like wildfire. "How?"

Samael smirked. "I'll have to show you." He whispered against his twin's lips in a teasing manner.

Mikael hummed. "Show me then." He returned in the same whisper before they closed their lips over the others.

Mikael ran his fingers into Samael's hair as their tongues danced in each other's mouths. A small groan left Samael's chest before he pulled back.

"Perhaps a change of location is in order."

Mikael agreed. The twins quickly took off toward their nest. Neither of them was aware of the eyes that watched them.

No sooner had they made sure they were safely cocooned away in the alcove did Samael have Mikael pinned to the ground beneath him. Mikael was swept away by his brother's enthusiasm; completely lost in the whirlwind. He shifted just enough to readjust his wings beneath him. They still curled upward reaching toward the white pair above him that curled down to meet them the feathers brushing together.

Samael was all lips, tongue, and teeth. His lips didn't stay on Mikael's for long before trailing down his neck. Mikael shivered and clung to his twin as pure sensation took over. He felt teeth graze along his collarbone and groaned. Hands grazed along his sides to rest on his hips. Samael's scent was so strong in the air Mikael could taste it on his tongue. He shivered and groaned before growling as he caught a brief hint of flowers.

"You learned this by observing?"

Samael nipped his shoulder making him squirm. "Yes." Was all he replied before he devoured his duplicate in another kiss to prevent him from talking further.

Well, Mikael didn't want to talk anyway. He pulled back enough just so he could rub his jaw over Samael's cheek. There, that was better. Samael chuckled softly returning the gesture fondly before they were lost in kissing again.

So lost in the kiss, Mikael missed his twins hands slipping under his tunic until their warmth caressed his bare skin. Mikael jerked but Samael was quick to sooth him.

"Trust me." He whispered just before he gently nipped an earlobe.

Mikael shuddered and squirmed. That ache was back persistently between his legs. It was distracting so much more now than usual. Had Samael learned how to help that too? He found himself wishing it was so desperately. Both sets of wings trembled in anticipation.

Samael did not disappoint. He hesitated a moment looking to Mikael for permission. Mikael nodded wordlessly. A shaky hand untied the knot at his waist and moved further down Mikael's abdomen until it wrapped around his aching length. Mikael shuddered with a loud exhale feeling himself pulse in his brothers grip. Samael froze.

"You okay?"

Mikael nodded shakily before swallowing thickly. "Yeah."

That hand began to stroke up and down, slowly as though afraid of hurting him. That was the furthest thing from what Mikael was feeling. He wanted, needed, his brother to do that faster, but first…

"Sam...hold on…"

Samael paused but did not let go. Mikael was fine with that. He moved a hand under his brother's tunic taking the same slow path his brother had used on him. Samael stiffened a bit just before Mikael wrapped a hand around him as well. His brown eyes fluttered as the breath left his chest and his hips jerked a bit at the contact.

"Together." Mikael breathed.

Samael didn't answer with words but his hand started moving again. Mikael matched his twin's pace. They gasped into each other's mouths as they kissed. Their hips moved in tandem to their strokes. Mikael grabbed at his twin with his free hand lost in the buildup. They were chasing a peak.

"M...Mike." Samael lifted his head up to look down at the mirror image below him. "Chase it with me."

Yes...yes…"Sam."

It was building and building. Mikael was about to the point of insanity when it hit. He cried out, thrusting up, as he felt like he burst apart. Lights danced behind his eyelids that he swore looked like the stars Samael had created. Distantly, he heard Samael's own cry as the wave took him.

They shuddered together for many minutes afterwards. Mikael felt boneless. It was as though all the bones in his body had liquefied. Samael must have felt the same as all he did was lay on Mikael and pant harshly. Their hearts thumped out a fast tempo in their chests. Wings lay sprawled out limply around them.

Eventually, Samael adjusted to lie beside Mikael. They watched each other as smiles spread on their faces to then turn into laughs of awe and contentment.

They snuggled close as wings folded to keep them warm. Their scents mingled in the air deliciously. Mikael had never felt happier as he burrowed further against Samael noting that the flower scent was gone completely. Not a trace lingered on Samael. There was only Mikael, just as it should be.

Little did Mikael know at the time, but the next week, his twin would be called away on a mission to assist their eldest brother. Little did he know, that while Samael was gone another would take his place if only momentarily. Little did he know that plans were currently being made to tear their world apart, piece by piece.