2131 B.C.
Love and lust. Two very distinct emotions.
While love seeks connection and understanding, lust seeks gratification and excitement. Love builds bridges and nurtures growth, while lust ignites flames and revels in the moment. Love is the steady flame that warms the heart, while lust is the spark that ignites the fire. Though distinct, love and lust often intertwine, shaping the complex tapestry of human relationships.
Jophiel knows these two emotions very well. As the angel of love, she can sense when someone is looking at her or someone else with love or lust. As she walks through Heaven, she can feel the gaze of many of the winners as she walks by. Almost always, she feels lust coming from them but she can't blame them, she was, after all, the most gorgeous angel in Heaven.
These humans were pathetic. Both men and women, only thinking with their lower halves. Though that isn't to say she doesn't understand where they are coming from, she herself experiences lust too. Case in point, right now, she is sitting in a diner as she watches Michael eat.
No, she is not sitting with him, she is sitting at the other end of the diner. Jophiel couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as she watched Michael from afar. His every movement, every expression, seemed to captivate her. How could she not lust after what is perhaps the second most gorgeous angel in Heaven.
As Michael took a sip of his drink, Jophiel found herself entranced by the way his lips touched the rim of the glass, the way his throat moved as he swallowed. She shook her head slightly, trying to push away the thoughts that were veering into dangerous territory. She was an angel of love, after all, not of temptation.
Though Michael has changed a little this past millennium. Aside from the fact he seems to have a beer wherever he went since some 700 odd years ago, he seems to have gotten ... happier? Sure he was more stressed but he smiled more often. She wished she could say it was because of her but unfortunately, it was thanks to the First Man.
She wasn't there when Adam first appeared in Heaven so she practically knew next to nothing about him. Other than the fact that people seem to genuinely enjoy his company. Speaking of the First Man ...
"Mike Mike!" Adam voice rings throughout the diner. He and his bodyguard Lute had just arrived and made their way over to Michael. He was so rambunctious as opposed to Michael usual calm demeanor. How do those two get along so well? How did Adam get so close to Michael when she has failed to even strike up a normal conversation with Michael outside of work?
Why won't Michael smile and look at her with the same soft and warm eyes that he is showing Adam?
To get close to Michael, she'll need to study Adam.
As Jophiel observed Adam's interaction with Michael, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity mingled with a hint of jealousy. Adam seemed to effortlessly command attention and affection, drawing people towards him like a magnet. His infectious energy and genuine warmth seemed to break through even Michael's stoic demeanor.
She watched as Adam animatedly gestured while speaking, his laughter filling the air with joy. Lute, always the silent and vigilant protector, stood close by, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a watchful gaze.
Jophiel pondered what it was about Adam that made him so irresistible to those around him. Was it his charisma, his charm, or something deeper, something she couldn't quite grasp? She knew she needed to understand Adam better if she wanted to bridge the gap between herself and Michael.
Perhaps the most curious thing about Adam was the fact that he has seen her but yet, she doesn't feel lust coming from him. He had seen her countless of time before but usually from a distance. This time, he was much closer and yet still no sign of lust. The only lust present right now is coming from the angel Lute by his side and it was directed at him. Though small, it was still noticeable.
Adam is an oddity. He goes missing for a few hours and the Head Seraphim sends out an alert and has the exorcist defense force deployed en masse to find him. Never has she seen Sera react this way about anything. Not even with Lucifer's betrayal.
Maybe Michael is drawn to the unusual?
After Adam had given Michael a small box containing bottles, he had promptly got up and left with Lute in tow. She takes one final look at Michael and drinks in his form before getting up to tail after the First Man.
As they made their way through the bustling streets of Heaven, Jophiel observed Adam interacting with various beings, both winners and angels alike. Each encounter leaving a trail of smiles and laughter in its wake. It was as if Adam carried with him a spark of joy that ignited those around him.
Despite her initial jealousy, Jophiel found herself drawn to Adam's infectious smile. There was an authenticity about him that she couldn't ignore, a genuine warmth that seemed to emanate from his very being.
"Adam!" Emily squeals as she flies down to meet with the First Man. With his arms raised, Adam catches Emily in a hug.
To no one's surprise, Emily was full of joy wherever she went. Jophiel has never seen the little seraphim without a smile except for the few times during meetings like about the flood. But this was the first time she felt lust coming from the cute seraphim and there was ALOT of it.
As Adam wrapped his wings around Emily in an exuberant hug, Jophiel couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lingered on him, sparkling with a newfound intensity. It was a stark departure from Emily's usual demeanor, which was typically characterized by boundless joy and innocent curiosity.
It was no surprise to Jophiel when the Head Seraphim herself shows up moments after Emily had appeared. Ever the professional and admirable angel, Sera was the ideal that many strive to be and yet, even she seemed to melt when in the presence of the First Man. Watching Sera interact with Adam, Jophiel could feel the love pouring out of Sera. Like a mother bear watching out for her cub, Sera held on to Adam with an iron grip both literally and figuratively.
Whenever proposals are brought up during the council meetings to have the First Man involved with angelic duties such as going to Earth and being a guide to the humans, Sera would quickly reject and shut down any such suggestions, citing Adam's unique role and importance in Heaven. It was clear to Jophiel that Adam held a special place in the hearts of many, including Michael.
Adam and Lute soon wave goodbye to the two seraphim and continue on their way. Jophiel silently following behind them.
"Sir?" Lute whispers to Adam.
"Yeah Lute?" Adam replies as they continue walking.
"I've got a feeling that someone is watching us." Lute informs.
"So? What's new?" Adam ask. This was a common occurrence for him. "Winners are usually curious about my golden wings and some of your sisters who are patrolling like to watch and observe us sometimes."
"No Sir. This is different. Like we're being stalked by a powerful predator." Lute explains. She turns, looking around with caution.
"Relax Lute. It's Heaven. No one would just attack." Adam assures. "Besides, we're on our way to the training grounds. The safest place in Heaven."
"Let's hurry Sir. I do not like this feeling." Lute starts pushing Adam, trying to get him to hurry along. She is sure that if whatever is observing them chooses to attack, even their combined might would be no match against it.
Adam and Lute soon reach the training grounds and swiftly enter it. Jophiel not wanting to lose sight of her target tries to follow but is blocked when the three exorcists standing guard at the entrance blocks her off.
"Can we help you ma'am?" Claire ask. All three exorcists have their hands resting on their sheathed weapon.
"No. I wish to enter." Jophiel replies, expecting to be let in.
"Do you have an appointment?" Claire ask.
Jophiel paused, momentarily taken aback by Claire's question. She wasn't accustomed to being stopped in her movements within Heaven; after all, as a seraphim, she usually had free rein to roam wherever she pleased.
"I do not need an appointment. I am a seraphim!" Jophiel says aggressively. "Stand aside!"
The three exorcists soon pull out their weapons and ready their stance. One of them ready to tap her halo to call for back up.
Jophiel felt a surge of frustration at the exorcists' refusal to let her pass. She could sense the tension rising, the air thick with the weight of their confrontation. She knew she could easily overpower them if she wished, but she also understood the repercussions such actions could bring.
"We cannot simply allow anyone to enter without proper authorization." Claire said, her tone cautious yet respectful. "It is our duty to ensure the safety and security of Heaven."
"I am not anyone! I am Jophiel! A seraphim!" Jophiel shouts.
"This locations is under the protection of Michael and only select people are allowed in. You are not one of them." Claire narrows her eyes at Jophiel.
"Listen here you -" Jophiel was about to mouth off but she gets interrupted.
"Jophiel!" Michael flies down and lands behind her. The three exorcists standing guard immediately lower their weapons and salute.
"Michael!" Jophiel exclaims.
"May I ask, why are you here?" Michael questions. Jophiel has never gone out of her way to come here before.
"I simply wish to tour this facility where the exorcists are housed. Learn more about Heaven's defenders." Jophiel replies.
"You've never shown any interest in its centuries of existence before. What changed?" Michael ask.
"Perhaps I finally allowed curiosity to get the better of me." Jophiel replies. "Now tell your guards to stand aside."
"I will not." Michael sternly replies.
Jophiel felt a pang of frustration at Michael's refusal. She had hoped he would intercede on her behalf, considering their shared history and her status as a seraphim. Yet, his unwavering stance only fueled her determination to gain access to the training grounds.
WHY IS HE STOPPING HER FROM SEEING ADAM!?
"If you wish to enter this facility, you may bring your case up to the Head Seraphim herself. Until than, you are not allowed entrance." Michael says and steps past her.
Jophiel grumbles in response but soon unfurls her wings and takes off. Landing on top of a nearby building, she sits on its roof. She'll simply wait till Adam is done with whatever business he has in the facility and follow him once he exits.
But as Jophiel sits and wait, she can't help but think back to her interaction with Michael. She had wanted to gain his affection and love but yet, she had been aggressive. Surprisingly, she was more upset with being denied entrance than disappointing Michael.
Was this because of Adam?
As Jophiel sat on the rooftop, her thoughts swirled with a mixture of frustration and confusion. Adam's presence seemed to have stirred something within her, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Perhaps it was the way Adam effortlessly commanded attention and respect, his magnetic personality drawing others towards him like moths to a flame. Or maybe it was the genuine warmth and authenticity he exuded, qualities that seemed to elude her despite her role as an angel of love.
Or maybe it was because he never looked at her with lust.
Thinking back to her past, she remembers Adam seeing her before but not once did she feel lust emanating from him. She even had elicit a little feeling of lust out of Michael before.
It was a curious anomaly, one that gnawed at the edges of her consciousness like a persistent itch. Why did Adam, who seemed to elicit desire from so many others, remain immune to her charms?
As she pondered this, a sense of determination welled up within her. If she couldn't capture Adam's attention with her usual allure, perhaps she needed to approach him from a different angle. Maybe it was time to set aside her pride and engage with him on a deeper level, to understand what truly made him tick.
WAIT! WHY IS SHE THINKING OF ADAM!?
This shouldn't be! She wants Michael!
...
Right?
The way he carried himself throughout the day, his interactions with others, the genuine joy he seemed to radiate—it all fascinated her in a way that Michael never had. Wasn't it natural to seek out connections with those who intrigued us?
She watches as Adam and Lute leave the training grounds, she couldn't deny the magnetic pull he had on her. It was as if he held the key to unlocking a part of herself she never knew existed—a part that yearned for more than just fleeting moments of desire.
With a determined resolve, Jophiel decided to embrace this newfound curiosity and pursue it further. Perhaps in understanding Adam, she could better understand herself and what she truly desired.
Sure, Michael was undeniably attractive, with his stoic demeanor and commanding presence. But Adam ... Adam was different. There was something about him that ignited a spark within her, a spark she had never felt before.
She knows of love. She knows what it should feel like.
But this is the first time she felt it for someone.
SHE WANTS ADAM!