AN: Okay a few things-1. this chapter is long. VERY LONG. 2. this is because i had a lot of ideas and feelings but mostly 3. my uncle is dying and i'm really struggling with it, and I had three glasses of wine and listened to some really dark/perfect music while writing this. I really channeled all of the anger/sorrow/depression I've got inside and poured it out here, so I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please listen to a few songs while reading, "Last love Song" ZZ Ward, "Light of the Seven" Ramin Djawadi. Thank you as always for reading, following, favoriting, and please review.
Sunlight crept across the desert, warming the cool sand slowly, rousing the small animals within their burrows and the humans within the walls of the city of Vega. One citizen remained sleeping soundly, her healing body tired and sore, demanding more sleep.
Devery curled deeply into the couch, the blanket she had pulled down onto herself tucked under her chin, her long black hair cascading over her face, fluttering faintly as she snored. A door creaked within her apartment and a moment later the soft sound of feet on tiling whispered through the air.
The little boy she had rescued wandered through the apartment, peering about sleepily. His gaze fell on Devery and he changed paths, wandering over to her sleeping form to stand by her, gazing at her uncertainly.
She had gone back to Claire's rooms yesterday to make sure he was all right and to bring him to her room, feeding him dinner before bathing him and putting him back down to bed. He reached a hand out tentatively and patted her head gently, "Mama?" he whispered, patting her again.
Devery cracked an eye and groaned softly, sitting up slowly, wincing as her healing wounds ached.
"Mama?" the little boy whispered questioningly again.
Devery shook her head, "I'm not mama. But I'll take care of you until we can find her. Are you hungry?" she asked gently, smiling reassuringly at him. The little boy's lower lip trembled and a moment later he began to cry, huge gulping sobs, his pale cheeks turning bright red as he wailed.
"Shit!" Devery hissed, leaning over to snatch him up, standing up to rock him, swaying side to side, trying to calm him. "Come on darling, don't cry, it'll be okay" she murmured, humming an off key tune, trying to appease the small boy.
She paced the apartment, walking through all the rooms, humming and trying to calm the boy, slowly growing frustrated. When she turned back into the living room she halted, surprised to see Gabriel standing in the middle of the room.
He smirked faintly, holding a hand out, "Let me try," he murmured softly.
Devery lifted a brow, "Really?" she retorted shifting the boy in her arms as he continued to weep.
Gabriel nodded, "I can't do any worse than you are," he replied wryly.
She smiled despite how frustrated she was and nodded, stepping close to him and shifted the boy so he could take him from her arms. Gabriel lifted the crying boy from her arms and ran a hand through his soft blonde curls, his other hand curling protectively around the boy's back.
A moment later he began to sing, his voice low and deep, the words in a language that Devery didn't understand. Despite that, the song sounded haunting and sad, and when she looked up from the boy to Gabriel's face she was profoundly moved by the depth of emotion she saw there.
The boy's tears began to slow as Gabriel sang, his small face lifting from where it had been buried against his chest to turn upward and stare at Gabriel as he continued to sing. Gabriel smiled faintly and ran his hand over the boy's back slowly as he sang, rocking the boy gently.
As the song came to a close Devery sighed deeply, a lump in her throat. She didn't know what the words meant, but she understood somehow that it was about loss, sorrow, and love. Gabriel smiled at the small boy and ran a finger down his nose, eliciting a soft giggle from the boy.
Devery smiled and ran a hand over the boy's hair, "Are you hungry?" she asked again, relief spreading through her when he nodded. She glanced up at Gabriel, "How about you?" she asked, "Would you like something to eat?" she offered.
He hesitated a moment and she smiled faintly, jerking her chin towards the boy, "I think if you leave he might start crying again, he really seems to like you. Why don't you stay and have breakfast with us?" she encouraged.
When he nodded and smiled softly she was surprised by how pleased she was, and was faintly embarrassed to feel a flush rise in her cheeks.
Turning away quickly, she went to the kitchen and pulled out a few eggs, cracking them into a bowl and scrambling them, adding in pepper, salt, cayenne and garlic before pouring them into a pan on the stove.
As she prepared toast, chopped fruit and poured juice, she glanced over at Gabriel and the boy and found them sitting on the floor, playing quietly together; Gabriel lifting the boy into the air so that he would laugh and spread his arms as though he was flying.
She smiled and watched them for a moment, a fond, warm sensation spreading through her chest. Who knew that the infamous, ruthless Gabriel was such a softie? He looks like he loves children.
The popping of the toaster startled her, forcing her to turn back around and make sure the eggs weren't overcooked. Gathering plates she quickly distributed the food out before balancing the plates and carrying them easily into the living room where Gabriel and the boy were still playing.
Smiling, she crouched down and set the plates down on the coffee table, "Time for breakfast," she murmured before rising again to retrieve the juice. When she had returned she found the boy sitting in Gabriel's lap, happily eating eggs off a fork Gabriel was holding for him.
Staring in amazement, she set the glasses down slowly and sat on the couch next to them, careful not to disturb their easy interaction. Devery lifted her mug of coffee and sipped it gratefully, the caffeine perking her up slowly, the food helping to fill the aching need in her stomach and head that the healing she had placed on herself the night before had left her with.
"Can I get some of that?" Gabriel asked softly, glancing over at her, still feeding the young boy. She glanced up in surprise, having been lost in thought, and nodded. Quickly filling a mug of coffee for him, she sat back on the couch and handed it to him, studying the scars on his knuckles and forearms; marks she hadn't been able to see before when he had been covered by his armor.
"Why did you take your armor off?" she murmured, running a finger over his bare skin without thinking. He flinched under her touch and she looked up at him in surprise, her eyes meeting his. He cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable, and looked away, lifting a forkful of eggs for the boy to eat before he answered.
"I thought it was time for a change," he murmured, lifting a shoulder carelessly, though she could see how tense his jaw was as he spoke, and he refused to meet her gaze, smiling tensely at the little boy as he fed him.
She nodded, "I agree. People will probably find your presence within Vega hard to tolerate, but if you aren't here looking like you're trying to start a war, they'll do better."
Gabriel nodded stiffly, but wondered just what she thought of him staying, of him taking off his armor. "Michael has suggested I stay here, a floor above you. Would you mind that?" he asked softly, his eyes never leaving the boy. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited to hear what she would say.
Devery's eyes widened at the idea of Gabriel being so close to her. She watched as he wiped the little boy's mouth and tickled his stomach, eliciting a soft laugh and encouraged him to eat more fruit and another wave of fondness crashed through her.
She realized suddenly that she liked Gabriel. She wasn't sure when it had happened, or how, but she had seen the man underneath the rage and the sorrow and the craving for revenge, and she had come to understand him, and even like him.
Nodding slowly, she smiled softly, "Yea, I'd like it if you lived above me. If I'm going to take care of this little guy it seems like I'll need some help," she murmured, reaching out to tousle the boy's hair gently, grinning when he giggled.
Gabriel looked over at her, his brows lifting in surprise, "Really? You're sure?" he murmured, astonished.
Devery nodded, smiling softly at him as she stood, gathering up the empty breakfast plates, "Yea, it'll be nice to have a friendly face around," she commented from the kitchen. Refilling their coffee mugs she took them back to the couch and sat back down beside him as he sat the boy on the ground to play, looking at her with interest.
Holding out the mug to him she smiled, "How are you feeling after everything?" she asked softly, wrapping an arm around her waist, her ribs still sore from the previous evening.
Gabriel smirked softly, "Better than you, I'm sure," he murmured wryly, lifting a hand to brush a finger over her bruised cheekbone. He lifted a brow, "Thought you could heal yourself?" he questioned lightly, trying to keep the worry out of his tone.
When had he started worrying? He had to keep that under control.
Devery laughed softly, "I can, and I did actually, but I was worn out from healing others and from using my powers to fight. Sleeping through the night helped me to regenerate my powers, and helped the healing settle, but it'll take some meditation to really grow my powers back again I think."
She rubbed her ribs and grimaced, her eyes sliding shut, "My ribs actually seem to be the worst today, I think it's because bone takes longer to heal." She made a noise of frustration and shook her head, her eyes fluttering open, "I just wish I didn't feel so tired. I woke up like an hour ago and I want to lie down and take a nap again," she confessed sheepishly.
Gabriel smiled faintly, "You should rest while you can. I can take the boy for a while so you can rest, if you like." At her look of hesitation he laughed softly, "I promise to bring him back in one piece," he murmured, lifting a knowing brow.
Devery flushed, feeling embarrassed to have been caught so obviously thinking that he might not take care of the boy when he had been doing a better job of it than her. She nodded and then frowned softly, "I don't even know his name," she murmured glancing down at the small boy playing with the fake fruit from the decorative bowl on the coffee table.
Gabriel smiled softly and leaned down, his dark head nearly touching the bright blonde one of the little boy as he whispered something into his ear. The little boy looked up and giggled before shaking his head, standing up by pulling himself up on Gabriel's hands, smiling brightly at the angel.
The boy crawled into Gabriel's lap and snuggled into his chest, "My name is Jonas," he informed Gabriel solemnly staring up into Gabriel's dark eyes, "Do you know my mama?" he asked softly, his tiny forehead furrowing with concentration.
Gabriel sighed and shook his head, "No Jonas, I don't, but Devery and I are going to try and find her so you can go home. Until then we're going to take care of you, is that okay?" he asked softly.
Jonas nodded slowly, "Okay," he whispered, looking disappointed.
Devery felt her heart sink at his sadness and wished she had a way to cheer him up. Gabriel glanced over at her and his mouth tilted up, giving her a half smile. She sighed and tried to smile back, but the weariness she felt deep in her bones made it hard.
Gabriel could see how tired Devery was and knew it was time for him to leave, even if he wanted to stay. Standing, he held onto Jonas tightly and patted the boy on the back, "Why don't you come with me for awhile Jonas? I can show you my house downstairs and if you're very good, I can show you what angel wings look like," he encouraged.
Jonas's eyes grew wide and he looked at Gabriel in awe, "You have angel wings at your home?" he asked in shock.
Gabriel chuckled as he carried Jonas to the door, "I do, I'm an angel, but not a bad one, so I have wings. Would you like to see them?" Devery heard him ask as the door shut. She didn't hear Jonas's response, but she was sure it was priceless.
Smiling softly she shook her head in amusement and stood stiffly, wincing again as her body protested, and she wished she could just go take a hot shower and crawl into bed, but the sight of the dirty dishes in the sink irritated her—she had never been unable to leave a mess alone for long.
When the dishes were finally cleaned, dried and stacked back in the cabinets, Devery sighed in tired satisfaction. Miles had always taught her that if she was going to do something, she should do it fully. A dirty kitchen was a distraction and a hindrance, just as a dirty gun or a sword was a mistake that could lead to your undoing.
Taking that message to heart, Devery went to her spacious bathroom and flipped the switch on the shower, blasting the hot water as she undressed slowly, her limbs still aching and tender. When she stepped under the scalding stream she bit her lip and let out a small whimper as the hot water alleviated her throbbing ribs.
Tilting her head to soak her hair, Devery sighed and rubbed her neck, easing the tense muscles there. Slowly she scrubbed her skin clean, washing away the dirt and blood from the night before until she was fresh and smelling like jasmine and citrus.
Closing her eyes, she let her mind drift and began to meditate, feeling her power growing like a wildfire under the scalding rush of the water, as though it was a wellspring watering her inner desert. Her limbs tingled as the power rushed through her, healing every ache and cut, her back arching in euphoria as her body was topped off, feeling as though she was glowing.
Breathing heavily, she opened her eyes and ran a hand over her head, amazed. Never had she experienced a meditation session like that. Perhaps now that she was aware of her legacy as a Child of Lazarus it would be different? Shaking her head she shut off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping a fluffy towel around her body she sighed happily, her ribs no longer aching.
Squeezing the excess water from her hair she stepped out into her bedroom and dug through her clothes until she found a fresh outfit, pulling on a pair of dark ripped jeans, a purple tank top and a grey buttoned sweater.
Humming softly she stepped softly out into the living room, running her fingers through her hair and stopped short at the sight of Michael standing in her kitchen. Brow furrowing she dropped her hands onto her hips, "Doesn't anyone knock around here?" she demanded.
Michael at least had the decency to look sheepish for a moment before responding, though she thought he didn't sound that apologetic. "I'm sorry, but I needed to talk to you," he murmured, stepping around the island.
His gaze ran over her quickly, his brows lifting, "You look well. You're healed?" he questioned lightly.
Devery nodded, "Fully. What's wrong?" she asked brusquely.
"Have you seen Gabriel?"
"Yea, he was just here about an hour ago, we had breakfast and he took Jonas down to his quarters so I could rest. Why? What's wrong?" she demanded.
Michael's brow furrowed, "Who is Jonas?" he countered.
Devery huffed, frustrated at his lack of exposition on the problem, but explained, "He's a boy I found in the streets yesterday before you two took off to Mallory. I've been protecting him until we can find his mom and dad, though he's only asking for his mom, so I think dad is out of the picture. Now, what's wrong with Gabriel?" she demanded again.
Michael shook his head slowly, "Nothing…I think. I invited him to stay in the apartment above you, but I didn't think he would actually stay." He looked up at her, studying her for a moment and then a faint smile crossed his lips, "I think he likes you," he murmured, his tone filled with wonder.
Devery laughed softly, "Gabriel doesn't like anyone. He tolerates me." She paused a moment and her brow furrowed, "Though…he did seem to like Jonas. It was odd. I never pictured him being good with kids."
She looked up at Michael, her gaze questioning and at the devastated look that crossed his face she reached out and grabbed his arm, "What? What happened?" she demanded softly.
Michael shook his head, "It…It may not be my story to tell," he murmured. At the lift of her brow and the set of her jaw he sighed and nodded, "Very well, but you must not say anything to him, you swear?" he demanded.
Devery nodded and Michael sighed, "You may have heard the story of David and Goliath, but you don't know the real story. My brother was sent to Earth to pose as a human, as David's father. He raised the boy as his own son for years, growing to love him as he taught him to read and farm. In turn, the boy loved the only father he knew."
Michael's face grew pained, twisted. "Then war came to their country. I was sent to tell Gabriel that his son was chosen to defeat the men who had come, that he would be exalted. Gabriel was terrified that something would happen to his son, even with our heavenly assurances that he would be safe."
His lips twisted and he paused, seeming to find it hard to go on. Devery had a lump in her throat when she spoke, "What happened?" she whispered.
Michael nodded and looked away, peering out the window as he continued. "He defeated Goliath of course. But the king was jealous of the attention he was receiving. So he had him killed in secret and replaced with a David that could be controlled, whose legacy could be dictated."
Shaking his head he reached up to wipe at his eyes, "It was Gabriel who found his son's body. I think it was that which broke him, left him vulnerable to so many other heartbreaks from myself and our father. We let him down."
Devery pressed the back of her hand against her mouth, the image of Gabriel from this morning, cradling Jonas in his arms replaced with a weeping Gabriel holding a bloody child. Tears burned in her eyes and she sniffed hard, fighting them.
After a long painful silence she finally managed to speak. "Is that why you were surprised to hear he was taking care of Jonas?" she asked softly.
Michael nodded solemnly, "He hasn't shown affection toward a child in…" he thought for a moment, "a thousand years, at least. I was concerned." He turned back to smile faintly at her, "But as I said, he likes you, and I do not think he would harm the boy."
Devery nodded and crossed her arms across her abdomen; she hadn't thought he would either. Staring out the window at the city below she watched as people flooded the streets, rebuilding from the devastation.
"How is Alex?" she murmured.
Michael shook his head, "Exhausted. I finally convinced him to rest around dawn. He nearly collapsed before I got him back to my quarters." He frowned sadly, "I didn't know where else to take him. There are far too many memories elsewhere."
Devery nodded, "If he wants he can stay here with me, I have a spare room that I'm not using. Unless I can't find Jonas's mom, of course," she added.
"That may be a good idea, for him to be around a friend. I will suggest it to him when he wakes. Thank you," Michael murmured gratefully.
Devery smiled warmly and nodded, running a hand through her damp hair, "No problem," she murmured.
Michael sighed and shrugged softly, "I should check on Gabriel, see how he is settling in." He glanced over at her, "Would you like to come with me?" he offered.
Devery nodded, "Let me put some shoes on first," she said with a quick grin as she turned away, jogging to her room to pull on her boots. As they walked to the front door a thought occurred to her and she reached for Michael's arm, tugging him to a halt, drawing his bright gaze down in curiosity.
"When you said that Gabriel likes me, you meant as a friend, right?" she asked hesitantly, scared to hear the answer.
Michael studied her for a moment and then smiled, fully and brightly, a sight that was so startling it made her blink rapidly. "No."
Turning on his heel he opened the door and walked out, leaving her staring after him, her heart pounding.
NO.
What the hell am I supposed to do with that? What does that even mean? SHIT!
Devery realized she was standing in the open door staring at nothing and shook herself, walking quickly after Michael, locking the door behind her. They clattered down the stairs to Gabriel's apartment where they could hear childish laughter behind the door, a sound which brought another a genuine smile to Michael's face.
He lifted a hand and rapped on the door, waiting only a few moments until Gabriel opened the door, "—seek! Ready or not, here I come!" Gabriel called over his shoulder, a wide smile on his face.
He turned and his smile faded by a few hundred wattages, his shoulders tensing as he took in the sight of his brother. "Michael." He glanced over his shoulder to Devery and frowned; she could see the question in his face—why were they together, and why were they here?
"I wanted to see how you were settling into your new space, brother," Michael murmured, smiling faintly at Gabriel, peering over his shoulder into the sparsely furnished apartment.
Gabriel shrugged, "Fine. It's got a bed and food." He looked over Michael's shoulder at Devery, "Jonas and I are doing okay, if you were here to check," he supplied, sounding defensive.
She stepped forward and smiled softly, shaking her head, "Not at all, I knew you would be. I just wanted to see if maybe I could join you guys?" she asked.
Gabriel stared at her a moment and then nodded, a slow smile spreading across his lips. Devery stepped past Michael, grinning at him, "Want to play?" she teased.
His lips quirked and he glanced at his brother, lifting a brow in question. Gabriel laughed, "No cheating brother," he said as way of invitation, holding the door open wider for them to enter.
Devery grinned at the playful banter that started between the brothers as she went to hide, feeling slightly giddy. As Gabriel counted down again she felt her heart race and suddenly felt silly, it was just a game of hide and seek after all.
As the minutes ticked by she heard Jonas giggle when Gabriel quickly found him, then agreeing to help him find her and Michael. A few more moments passed and she heard the laughter grow when they discovered Michael hiding in the bathroom shower stall (poor hiding spot in her opinion).
"All right Jonas, where do you think Devery is?" Gabriel asked.
"Behind the couch!"
"I'll go check, why don't you come look with me?" Michael offered. She heard the boy agree and a moment later the room was silent. Breathing softly, she listened intently, wondering if Gabriel had gone with them.
"Nice hiding spot" Gabriel murmured from beside her, scaring her into smacking her head into the bedframe.
"Fuck!" she hissed, worming a hand up to rub the aching spot, laughing softly as he peered at her, lying on the floor beside her on the floor.
Gabriel chuckled softly and reached out to touch the spot, "Are you okay?" he asked mirthfully.
She nodded, "That's what I get for trying to best a child and a three year old," she teased.
Gabriel laughed heartily, "A child am I? Well, it's not the worst I've been called." He grinned at her, his dimples deep and his eyes flashing with good humor, and Michael's insinuation rang in her mind.
Clearing her throat she waved, "Can you move? I need to get out of here," she murmured. He nodded and rolled to his feet, watching as she shimmied out from under the bed and to her feet. She stepped past him delicately and he silently admired her lean grace, the smoothness with which her limbs swayed; an elegance that was easily turned from calm to the fury of battle.
Devery felt Gabriel's gaze on her as she strode out to the living room and resisted the urge to look back at him, her neck itching. Damn Michael for telling me about Gabriel's feelings! she cursed silently, narrowing her eyes at the man in question as she stepped into the living room.
Jonas squealed in delight as Michael used his wings to trap him, the feathers tickling his skin. Michael looked up in amusement, the corners of his lips turning up at their entrance, "I see you found her," he murmured, his eyes sparkling.
Gabriel nodded, smirking, "She hid somewhere I thought she might," he replied with a soft laugh, and the tone of his response sent a flush across Devery's cheeks.
Biting back a sharp response she instead stepped towards Michael and brushed at his wings, trying to push them aside, ignoring his look of confusion. "We should take Jonas to find his mother," she murmured, reaching down for the boy as Michael withdrew his wings.
"How do you plan to find her?" Gabriel asked sharply, stepping forward, frowning.
"By going back to where I found him and looking for his home," she countered, lifting Jonas into her arms and giving him a terse smile. The boy looked uncertainly between her and Gabriel, sensing the tension, his small face furrowing.
Gabriel stepped closer and frowned deeply, "I should come with you," he insisted, reaching out to lay a hand on Jonas's back, eliciting a smile from the young boy.
Devery took a deep breath and bit back a sharp retort, instead nodding, "Okay, but you might not like how people react to you. They're not used to you yet," she reminded him, her tone harsher than she would have normally meant it to be, but at that moment some part of her wanted to hurt him, to push him away.
His eyes flashed and he stepped back, dropping his hand away from Jonas's back, "I promise not to set fire to the city or kill anyone. We'll be fine," he snapped. Turning away he grabbed his hooded cape and fastened it around his shoulders, tossing the hood up carelessly.
Throwing the door open so hard it slammed against the wall, he strode out, leaving the trio to stare after him, tears forming in Jonas's eyes. Devery sighed and rubbed the boy's back, regret washing through her.
"That could have gone better," Michael comment mildly.
She narrowed her eyes at him, "You think?" she hissed, shifting Jonas as he whimpered and clung to her, "What are you going to do now?" she demanded.
Michael lifted a brow, "What am I going to do?" he murmured, "I am not the one he's angry with at the moment. I am going to check on Alex. You should go find Jonas's mother," he murmured, stepping around her, leaving her alone in Gabriel's apartment.
Devery huffed in frustration and shook her head. Angels. She would give anything for a day without them, for a peaceful moment where nothing was wrong and her day didn't revolve around the problems they created.
Sighing in annoyance, she hoisted Jonas higher and turned towards the door, pausing when something in the shadows of the balcony caught her eye. What the hell? She stepped closer and frowned, shifting Jonas on her hip so she could bend and reach for her knife in her boot if necessary.
The shadow moved swiftly and a breath later took flight; Devery inhaled sharply, "Shit! Noma" she breathed, watching the angel fly away. Why was she watching us? Whatever the reason, it wasn't good.
Turning, she rushed out of the apartment, pursuing Gabriel slowly, trying to figure out why Noma had been spying on them, and to give them both time to cool down. She knew her reaction to him had been stupid and disproportional, but his affection made her hackles go up, and she didn't know why.
Frowning, she rubbed Jonas's back softly as he snuggled against her and walked down the street, searching for Gabriel. Blasted angel! Fucking pain in my ass! Where are you? She cursed internally, peering down side streets, wondering where the hell he had gotten too.
Shaking her head she decided it was a better idea to instead go back to where she had found the boy and turned down the street, striding quickly to the ruins of where she had found him wandering.
A few people loitered in the street and around the corner she saw the dark hood Gabriel wore flash and his tanned face peered out at her before ducking away, his onyx eyes burning into her. Sighing, she followed him and turned down the corner, shaking her head when he slunk further down the alley.
"I didn't take you for a prowler," she murmured wryly.
Gabriel tossed back his hood and his mouth set in a hard line, "Just trying to avoid my adoring fans," he replied dryly.
Devery rolled her eyes and stepped closer shifting Jonas so he could take him from her arms. Gabriel shifted back from her, his body tense and she glared at him, "Take him," she hissed softly, "He likes you," she insisted.
Jonas looked up at Gabriel, his soft round face lighting up and Gabriel appeared to soften slowly, his shoulders lowering as he reached a hand out to brush a finger against the boy's cheek. Nodding, he reached out and lifted him from her arms, unexpectedly tossing the boy into the air, eliciting an excited shriek from him as he caught him high in the air.
Devery bit her lip to keep a smile from slipping out and fisted her hands, fighting all of her emotions. Damn him. "We should go find his mom," she reminded him softly, turning away and heading for the street.
Gabriel followed her, teasing and playing with Jonas as they walked, keeping his hood down and his gaze on the little boy as the citizens of Vega took notice of his notorious face. As word spread Devery drifted closer, wishing she had her weapons on her, acutely aware of the hostile glances they were being given.
A group of men and women approached, some carrying weapons, others empty handed, all looking menacing. The largest of the men stepped forward, blocking their path, and giving Gabriel a hateful glance.
"You know who he is?" he demanded of Devery.
She nodded, "I do, he helped save the city. I understand your hatred of him, but he's trying to find this little boy's mother." She glanced back at Gabriel and gave him an encouraging nod, motioning for him to step forward.
He lifted a brow skeptically but moved beside her, holding Jonas tightly. "This is Jonas. He was found last night amongst the chaos, and we are looking for his mother, does anyone know her or the boy?" he asked politely, if coldly.
The group glared at Gabriel and remained resolutely silent.
Devery tilted her head to the side, studying them for a moment. "Well, thank you. We'll take Jonas back with us then. If you see his mother, please let her know that he's being kept safe and sound with Gabriel and Michael." She nodded and stepped around the man, creating space for Gabriel to follow.
As they walked slowly down the street Gabriel crowded her, tilting his head to hiss at her, "What the hell are you doing? They'll never come and get the boy where we're staying!"
She nodded, "I know, but word will spread, and his mother will find us before we get there. Guaranteed." She slowed her pace and ambled down the street, occasionally asking Jonas if a house was his or if anything looked familiar. Every time the boy shook his head no.
Nearly an hour later they turned toward the spire, Jonas long ago fallen asleep in Gabriel's arms and all conversation ceased between them. The streets were sparsely populated with people moving debris or bodies, so when a woman began walking towards them with purpose, Devery noticed.
She nudged Gabriel's arm gently and he focused his gaze on the young woman hurrying toward them, her gaze focused on Jonas. She closed the last hundred feet at a jog and when she approached Gabriel could see that she had tears on her face.
"Oh Jonas! Oh thank you! Thank you for keeping him safe!" she exclaimed softly, smiling tearfully at Devery and reaching a shaking hand out to brush over his hair.
Devery shook her head and smiled ruefully, "I can't accept your thanks, I didn't do much. Gabriel has been the one to keep him happy the whole time. I don't think children really like me," she joked, laughing softly.
Jonas's mother smiled at her, shaking her head, "I'm sure that's not true. B-but you said, Gabriel?" she turned her gaze to Gabriel and her smile faltered for a moment before she took a deep breath and smiled bravely up at him.
Tucking her wispy blonde hair behind her ear she lifted a hand up for him to shake, "Thank you archangel, my son and I owe you his life. It's more than we could ever repay," she murmured earnestly.
Gabriel stared down at her in shock and then reached out to shake her hand, his larger one enveloping it. He seemed at a loss for a moment before nodding and clearing his throat, "I-uh, you don't need to worry about repaying me, just make sure he's safe," he murmured.
The woman nodded eagerly and reached for Jonas, taking him gently from Gabriel's arms, her skinny arms wrapping around him tightly, hushing him as he roused sleepily.
"He's a sweet child," Gabriel murmured, a soft look on his face.
"It's kind of you to say so," she replied, clearly pleased. She shifted Jonas and smiled at Devery and Gabriel, "I'll take him home now, he's been through so much," she murmured.
Devery nodded, "Of course, we're so glad you're okay." She hesitated a moment and then shifted awkwardly, "Would it be okay if we came to visit Jonas sometime? I think we'd both like to know that he's doing well, if you wouldn't mind."
Jonas's mother smiled brightly, "Of course, I think he'd like that very much. We live on Aspen Street, number 45. Come by later for dinner if you'd like," she offered.
Devery nodded and reached out to run her fingers through Jonas's hair one last time, smiling sadly, "Bye buddy," she whispered.
Jonas opened his eyes sleepily and waved at her, then Gabriel, before leaning out of his mother's arms towards the angel, a clear indication of what he wanted. Gabriel stepped close and leaned down, surprise on his face as he allowed the little boy to hug his neck tightly.
"Bye Gabriel," Jonas whispered, his tiny arms squeezing tightly for a moment before slipping away like smoke. He curled back against his mother's chest and a moment later they were disappearing down the street, gone as quickly as they had appeared in the lives of the angel and the Knight.
Devery turned and slowly began walking towards the spire, allowing Gabriel the time he needed. His connection with the boy had been unusual, deep. Moments later his heavy bootsteps caught up with hers, his large dark frame in her periphery as she continued to walk back to their home.
They remained silent for long moments until he finally spoke, his voice low and rough, as though his had been fighting tears. "Noma is on the roofs, following us. You've seen her?" he questioned softly.
Devery cast her eyes upwards without moving her head, searching for the traitorous woman, but she must have been hiding, because she couldn't find her. Devery shook her head almost imperceptibly, "Not now, but earlier. She was on your balcony and was watching us. We should go tell Michael and Alex. They need to know that she's been here and is keeping an eye on us."
Gabriel nodded faintly and they walked quicker to the spire, eager to impart the dangerous information. The silence between them was uncomfortable and uneasy; both stole looks at the other, trying to guess what lay between them, and what was in the mind of the other.
As they rode the elevator to check on Alex in Michael's quarters, Devery stared at herself in the polished bronze of the elevator walls and was astonished to see how young she still appeared. After everything she had experienced and her body had suffered, she was stunned every day that she looked into a reflective surface and saw an attractive woman looking back at her.
Her reflection lifted a hand to brush back a stray hair and her brow furrowed when her gaze caught sight of the markings her first rising had left her with, peeking out from under her rolled sleeves. She tried to keep them covered as much as possible, people asked far too many questions otherwise, and she often didn't have the patience to come up with a polite or reasonable answer.
Lowering her hand to her side she reached across her body and ran her thumb absently over the markings, self consciousness overtaking her.
"They're not as bad as you think" Gabriel murmured softly, breaking into her gloomy train of thought. She glanced up at him in surprise and then back down at her markings, shaking her head, her hair slipping out from behind her ear to fall in front of her face again.
"I know, I just…" she trailed off, her voice tremulous.
"You what?" Gabriel prodded, turning towards her, curious.
She shook her head, "You'll think it's stupid. You'll think I'm stupid," she murmured laughing softly, nervously.
Gabriel smirked, "I doubt that," he murmured. "Go on love, tell me," he encouraged.
Devery sighed and turned her gaze up to him, her jaw firming. "I hate how people stare. I never grew up around people, even though I wanted to. I mean, I sort of remember them from when I was kid, and I've spent time around them since, but, I just…" she shook her head in frustration, "I fucking hate it."
Gabriel laughed and nodded, "I can understand that sentiment. All too well," he commented, turning towards the doors as they slid open.
Devery nodded, reasoning that he probably did, and followed him down the hall to the spare room Alex was staying in. Gabriel pounded on the door and she cringed, hoping that he hadn't been sleeping.
A minute passed and the door opened, a mussed haired Alex glaring at them. "What the hell?" he demanded sleepily, clearly annoyed.
Devery stepped forward lifting an apologetic hand, "Sorry Alex, we thought Michael might still be here, he was going to check on you," she murmured.
Alex wiped a hand over his face, "He was here earlier for about two minutes and then left. I'm fine, just tired. What did you want?" he demanded, casting Gabriel a dirty look as the angel smirked at him, clearly no love was lost between the two, still.
Devery glanced over her shoulder at Gabriel before turning back to Alex, "We saw Noma today, both of us, and we're concerned that she's in the city, watching us. Have you seen her?" she asked gently.
Alex frowned and shook his head, "No, I can't believe she made it into the city without us noticing though."
Gabriel scoffed, "Why? Because this city is such a paragon of security? Do you know how many times I penetrated its walls?" he mocked.
Alex glared and stepped closer, "Yes, well Noma doesn't have intentions like you do," he hissed.
Gabriel lifted a brow, "Really? Present tense? Still? I thought my help in saving this shit heap of a city would convince you of my change of heart," he drawled. "And how would you know of her intentions?" he murmured, leaning forward, gazing at Alex with interest.
Alex shook his head, waving a dismissive hand at Gabriel, "You'll never truly change Gabriel, you're a monster. I know Nomes, she's better than you. She would never hurt me or anyone within Vega."
Devery's brows furrowed at the exchange, stepping between Gabriel and Alex she shifted her shoulders, blocking the men from each other. "Thank you Alex, please let us know if you see her, okay?" she insisted gently.
He nodded and she smiled gently at him, reaching out to squeeze his arm before turning to push gently at Gabriel, turning him away. She heard the door shut behind them and shook her head, "Do you have to push his buttons like that?" she hissed.
Gabriel laughed faintly as the elevator doors swung open and stepped aside, allowing her to enter first. "Of course I do," he murmured, stepping in after her. His long, strong fingers pushed the button for his apartment and hers before he turned to her, his smile taunting.
"Are we going to dinner with Jonas and his mother?" he asked lightly, lifting a brow as he studied her. Her hair was falling into her face again and her dark eyes were trying to avoid his as her fingers ran over the markings on her opposite arm, a habit he had noticed she had when she was nervous or thinking deeply.
She nodded and brushed her back, frowning when it fell into her face again. Smirking he leaned against the wall and reached out, tucking it behind her ear, watching as her eyes flitted up to meet his, shock, and perhaps something else, making her pupils wide at his unexpected touch.
He had meant to pull away, to lean back and say something sarcastic, but her lips parted and he had to touch her, just once. Running his fingertips over the plane of her cheekbone where a bruise had been just this morning, he trailed them ghostly soft down to her strong jaw and around her chin, cupping it.
His thumb ran up to her full bottom lip, running across it slowly, and he heard her breathing hitch. His own had seemed to slow, everything had slowed, time itself had stopped it seemed.
His eyes lifted to hers and a breath later she was in his arms, her long, strong arms winding around his neck, drawing herself tightly against him. His free hand wound around her waist and gripped her tightly, excitement coursing through him.
Devery stood on her tiptoes and exhaled sharply as Gabriel wound his fingers through her hair, tugging her head back to tilt her mouth towards his. Hot desire coursed through her, unstoppable, needy, and she let out a soft moan when his mouth met hers, his body pinning her against the elevator wall.
His lips coursed over hers, their tongues meeting for a moment before his mouth pulled away to sample the soft skin of her neck, his tongue flashing over the sensitive skin quickly, eliciting soft gasps from her.
Devery's hands fisted in his jacket, her eyes balled shut in delighted ecstasy as Gabriel skimmed his teeth over her collarbone.
Ding Ding
The elevator door slid open, breaking apart the lovers as they lost the wall they had been leaning against. Devery gasped loudly and stumbled away, blinking in surprise. They were in her apartment.
Turning quickly, she found Gabriel staring at her with a decidedly lascivious look in his eye. Taking a step backwards she cleared her throat, feeling a flush climb up her throat, "I-I think I'll see you later," she mumbled, searching for an escape.
Gabriel watched her fumble for her words and felt a cold fury rise. "Of course," he intoned mockingly, giving her a short bow before turning and storming into the elevator without another word.
Devery watched him go with a sinking stomach, knowing things between them were worse than before.
Alex shut the door and latched it, sighing in relief.
"Do you think they knew I was here?"
Alex shook his head, "There's no way. You're safe here, I promise," he murmured urgently, turning to take Noma back into his arms. The angel wrapped her arms around him, kissing his neck gently.
"I promise, everything is going to be better Alex," Noma whispered.
He nodded and ran a hand over her back, "I know Nomes, I know," he replied softly.
Devery grunted and swung her blades faster, a fine sweat forming on her limbs. She had been practicing for hours, trying to work Gabriel's kiss…their kiss…out of her system.
The sun was setting slowly, and she knew dinner with Jonas and his mother was approaching. They had agreed to go…but now…
Moving through a complicated series of parries and thrusts, she focused her gaze and moved like water, fluid grace. As she came to a halt, she breathed a deep sigh; she hadn't practiced in weeks and had begun to feel out of sorts.
Walking slowly to her bathroom she stripped and took a fast shower, cleaning the sweat off her body. When she was done she quickly dressed and holstered a sword and gun to her body, deciding that with Noma in the city she couldn't afford to be unarmed—even with her powers.
Closing her door behind her she took the stairs quickly, ignoring the elevator for the moment. As she stepped out onto the street she saw the familiar figure of Gabriel striding ahead of her and took a moment to decide if she should catch up with him or trail behind.
Glancing at her watch she frowned, it was well and truly supper time. Catch up it was. Taking off at a jog she quickly broke even with the taller angel, ignoring his quick side glance at her as she slowed to match his pace.
They remained in silence as they made their way to Jonas's house, the tension palpable between them. When they turned onto Aspen Street Devery reached out a hand and stopped him just a few feet from the house.
Gabriel lifted a sardonic brow at her expression which she dutifully ignored. "Listen, that little boy cares for you very much, and we don't need to fuck up their night by fighting or letting whatever the hell this is between us come out at the table, got it?" she demanded.
Gabriel smirked ruefully, "Got it love, it won't ever happen again," he rebuked.
Devery flinched, despite herself and nodded a moment later, "Good, thank you," she muttered, trying to ignore the fact that she had been the one to kiss him. God, why had she kissed him? Why had it felt so good? So right? Fuck.
Turning towards the house she forged ahead, shoulders square.
Knocking solidly, she waited.
After a moment she frowned when there was no answer.
Knocking again, she waited.
"What's wrong?" Gabriel demanded from behind her.
"I don't know," she murmured lifting her hand to knock again.
His large hand brushed past her to try the handle, ignoring her protests, and a moment later, silencing them when the door swung open easily. Unease shot through her.
Devery and Gabriel exchanged a look and both drew weapons, a silent correspondence happening in less than a breath that spoke to both of their instincts for moments such as this. Devery frowned at the darkness in the house and began feeling for electrical switches, her fingers blind in the darkness
After a moment she found one and switched it on, frowning when nothing happened. "The power doesn't work," she whispered.
"Nothing from this switch either," Gabriel replied from across the room.
She nodded and realized he couldn't see, silently cursing herself. "Give me a second and I might be able to come up with something," she murmured. Gabriel made a soft noise of assent and she focused on her powers, drawing on it to create light, focusing on the image of floating lights.
Moments later soft spots of light began to appear in the darkness, will-o-wisps that hung as though carried by fairies, and as she concentrated, they grew brighter, their golden light warm and inviting.
They moved to fill the house and as they did, Devery realized where they were standing.
The dining room.
With the dead bodies of Jonas and his mother.
As long as she lived, Devery was certain she would never forget the horrified scream that came from Gabriel at the sight of the dead boy in his mother's arms.
Her gorge rose at the sight of the table, laid out for dinner, the food still warm, all the places set for the guests of honor.
Gabriel clung to Jonas, weeping inconsolably, stroking his face and murmuring softly.
"No, no, no, no….my sweet boy, no." Tears streamed down his face and sobs wracked him as he tried to breath, his hair falling into his face as he buried his head into Jonas's small chest. "Oh Father, why? Why?" he beseeched, his knuckles white where they gripped the boy.
Tears flowed down Devery's cheeks and she wrapped her arms around herself, trying not to shake.
"Oh David…my boy…" Gabriel's words were soft, but still loud enough for her to hear, and heartbreaking. A quiet gasp escaped her and she turned away, her tears flowing harder.
"Now the debt is paid. Their lives for yours Gabriel. A fair trade."
Devery's shoulders stiffened at Noma's soft voice and she turned quickly, searching for the angel. Noma stepped from the remaining shadows, her face sorrowful, "The debt is paid," she repeated.
Gabriel looked up slowly and looked at her, his eyes filled with hate. Launching himself at her with a shout of rage, he knocked her back into the wall of the dining room, shattering it and making the roof shake.
Devery swore and ran towards the body of Jonas, gathering him in her arms. Carefully moving him out to the kitchen, she listened as heavy blows were exchanged between the angels, and a moment later there was an explosive noise.
Minutes later Gabriel strode into the kitchen, covered in dust and shards of debris, limping. Blood trailed down his forehead as he glared, "She got away," he growled.
Devery nodded and glanced down at the small form lying at her feet, wondering what they should do with him now. Gabriel looked down at Jonas intently, his brow furrowing deeply.
"We'll bury him," he stated simply.
She nodded, "We'll bury them together," she suggested.
He nodded slowly and began to turn away, pausing when her hand landed on his arm. "Gabriel…I-I'm sorry," she murmured, her own emotions threatening to choke her.
He refused to meet her eyes, his own staring straight down at the floor. He remained silent and still for so long she thought he had turned into a statue.
Squeezing his arm gently she stepped closer, "Y-you mentioned David…and…Michael…he, he, told me…" she trailed off as his gaze lifted to meet hers, blazing. She swallowed hard and continued, "I'm sorry for what you've lost Gabriel. I'm so sorry," she whispered.
Without warning the arm she held onto flexed and rotated in her grip, reaching for her, gripping her shoulder tightly as he yanked her tightly against him, his mouth hard against hers, his other hand firm against her waist.
Devery let out a soft noise of surprise and then for a split second, softened against him. A moment later anger boiled through her and she pushed against him, struggling until he released her.
Chest heaving she glared up at him, eyes blazing with anger. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she demanded. Waving a hand around the destroyed home she glared at him, "You think kissing me is going to get you all of this? Hmm?"
She shook her head, "There are no more white picket fences, no more lace veils and vows, no more kids and puppies in houses that are safe, no more honey I'm home…IT'S ALL GONE!" she screamed, tears running down her face.
"Are you going to marry me, huh Gabriel?" she slapped his chest in anger, her eyes blazing.
"Have kids with me? No! None of that exists anymore! That's all done with now! And not because of humanity, but because of you and fucking Heaven! You and your goddamn brothers fighting your goddamn daddy issues and taking them out on humans! FUCKING ANGELS!" she yelled, swiping a hand at her cheeks.
Turning away, she sobbed loudly, covering her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with the force of her emotions.
The only silence within the ruined house was the sound of her sobs and the wind whistling in through the hole in the roof. Gabriel watched her in stunned silence, unable to say anything or even move.
The depth of her anger and sadness was so profound it was frightening. The saddest part of it all was—she was right.
He turned slowly and spread his wings, pushing the air and launching himself into the sky easily, leaving her.
A great emptiness opened within him, and he turned his eye towards the horizon, looking for a new place to call home.
It was time to go on without her.