Plutus sat cross-legged on a mossy patch of ground beneath a vast celestial tree whose leaves shimmered in shades of green, gold, and soft orange. The air was filled with a gentle hum, the soothing melody of Heaven's harmony. He fidgeted with the star-shaped pendant on his outfit, his wings twitching nervously as he awaited Levia's arrival. It wasn't often that he got time alone with her, and every moment felt like a precious gift.

When she arrived, her presence was like a tranquil wave washing over him. Her shimmering hair flowed like light itself, cascading in waves of white, green, and lavender. Her serene emerald eyes, glowing with kindness, met his, and she smiled warmly.

"You wanted to talk, Plutus?" she asked gently, lowering herself to sit beside him. Her fin-like wings folded gracefully behind her as she settled in, her gown of silken water glistening in the golden light.

Plutus cleared his throat, his fingers fumbling with a star on his hat. "Y-yeah, I just thought... you know, it's been a while since we had some time to ourselves. Figured we could... talk." His Aussie accent wavered, his usual enthusiasm tempered by his nerves.

Levia tilted her head, her smile growing softer. "Of course. I always enjoy our talks."

Plutus's heart raced. He glanced at her, then quickly looked away, his green cheeks taking on a faint orange hue. He took a deep breath, preparing to speak, but before he could muster the courage, Levia spoke again.

"Have you noticed Samael lately?" she asked, her tone tinged with concern.

Plutus blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, Samael? What about him?"

"He's been... distant," Levia said, her gaze drifting upward to the golden leaves. "He spends less time with Sera and his siblings. I've barely seen him around them. It's not like him to pull away like this." She clasped her hands in her lap, worry evident in her voice. "Do you think something might've happened?"

Plutus tilted his head thoughtfully. "Dunno if it's really a bad thing, though. He's been hanging out with us more, hasn't he? The Virtues, I mean."

Levia looked at him, her brows furrowing slightly. "But that's what worries me. Samael's always been so close to his family. For him to pull away like this..."

Plutus rubbed the back of his neck, his wings shifting slightly. "Maybe it's not that he's pullin' away, y'know? Maybe he's just... finding somethin' different with us. I mean, look how he treats us. He listens to us, really listens. He cares about what we think, what we feel. He doesn't just see us as 'the Virtues.'"

Levia's expression softened as she considered his words. "You think so?"

"Yeah," Plutus said with more confidence. "I think he sees us like family. And maybe that's somethin' he needs right now."

Levia let out a soft sigh, her worry easing slightly. "I suppose you're right. I just... I can't help but worry about him. I know he carries so much on his shoulders, and I hate to think he might be struggling alone."

Plutus's heart swelled at her compassion. "That's one of the things I like about you, Levia," he said, his voice softening. "You care so much about others. You're always thinkin' about their feelings, wantin' to help. It's... it's beautiful."

Levia turned to him, her emerald eyes glowing with warmth. Without a word, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug.

Plutus froze, his breath catching in his throat as her touch sent a wave of warmth through him. His wings quivered, and his cheeks turned a deep shade of orange. "I-I... um..."

"Thank you, Plutus," Levia said softly, her voice full of gratitude. "You always know how to put things into perspective. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Plutus's heart felt like it might burst. He slowly raised his arms and hugged her back, his movements awkward but sincere. "A-anytime," he managed to stutter, his voice barely above a whisper.

As Levia pulled back, her serene smile never wavered. Plutus watched her, his thoughts a whirl of emotions. He still hadn't managed to tell her how he felt, but in that moment, her hug and her words felt like enough. For now.

"Come on," Levia said, rising gracefully to her feet. "Let's go find Samael and see if he's alright."

Plutus nodded, scrambling to his feet. "Yeah, let's do that."

As they walked side by side, Plutus couldn't help but glance at her, his heart still racing. He'd find the right moment to tell her someday. For now, he was just happy to be by her side.

———————————————————————

Veritas sat with Asmodel and Triel in a quiet corner of Heaven's vast gardens. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the tranquil rustle of leaves complemented the serene glow of the Virtues gathered. It was rare for them to have a moment together, and the gravity of their discussion added weight to the peace of their surroundings.

"I spoke with Samael recently," Veritas began, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight. Her voice was calm, but the underlying concern was evident. "He's so passionate about the Humanity Project. He believes it's a necessary step, but it's clear how much he struggles with the skepticism and... the constant judgment."

Triel tilted her head, her antennae swaying gently. Her warm, cheerful voice carried a note of understanding. "Samael's ideas always stir the waters, but isn't that the point? Change doesn't happen in silence. I mean, sure, the Humanity Project's a big leap, but doesn't it deserve a shot? He's seen something in it that we haven't."

Asmodel leaned forward slightly. His smooth voice tinged with hesitation. "I'm still not entirely convinced. Humanity's flaws could introduce chaos to the balance we maintain. And yet..." He sighed, a rare glimpse of vulnerability in his unyielding resolve. "I cannot ignore Samael's conviction. He wouldn't propose this lightly."

Veritas nodded, her glowing yellow eyes soft with understanding. "He told me what he saw—their potential for love, growth, and resilience. Yet he's been dismissed, even looked down upon by some of the Seraphim. He's always been our Little Morningstar, striving to illuminate paths others don't yet see. But it pains him, you know. He hides it well, but I could feel it."

Triel's butterfly-like wings shimmered in hues of pink and orange as she leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "Poor Samael. He's got so much heart, but people get caught up in their own fear of change. Maybe... maybe one of us should go with him next time. If we see what he sees, maybe we'll understand better."

Asmodel's wings, vibrant with gradients of cyan and yellow, stretched slightly as he considered her words. "It's a wise suggestion. While I still have my reservations, I cannot condemn what I have not experienced myself. If Samael's vision truly holds merit, it is only fair to evaluate it firsthand."

Veritas smiled faintly. "That's exactly what I was thinking. If one of us accompanies him, it'll show that we're open to his ideas. He needs to know he's not alone in this."

"Not alone, huh?" Triel grinned, leaning her cheek against her hand. "It'd do him some good to have support from his family too, not just the Archangels. I think it's about time we remind him of that."

The three Virtues sat in contemplative silence for a moment, their individual auras blending into a harmonious glow.

"So, who should go first?" Veritas finally asked, her silver hair cascading over her shoulder.

Asmodel straightened, his beak-like face reflecting an aura of calm authority. "I will. If I am to pass judgment on this project, I must see its merits and flaws for myself. It is only just."

"And Azazil should go too," Triel added, her tone playful yet sincere. "The guy's got a heart as big as the heavens. If anyone can see the beauty in something, it's him."

Veritas chuckled softly. "Agreed. Azazil's empathy could offer a perspective we might overlook."

"Then it's settled," Asmodel said with a decisive nod. "The next time Samael descends to observe humanity, Azazil and I will join him. Perhaps this experience will shed light on the path forward."

Triel smiled brightly, her wings fluttering gently. "And maybe, just maybe, it'll help Samael feel a little less like he's carrying the weight of Heaven on his own."

Veritas's expression softened, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and pride. "Thank you. Both of you. Samael needs this support now more than ever."

As the three Virtues shared a moment of quiet understanding, their resolve solidified. Samael's vision was bold, but in their unity, they could offer him the strength to face the challenges ahead.

———————————————————————

Plutus and Levia found Samael leaning against a marble column in one of Heaven's quieter courtyards. The faint hum of distant angelic hymns filled the air, blending with the soft rustling of ethereal winds. Samael's usually lively demeanor seemed dimmed, his glowing wings folded tightly behind him, and his gaze distant as he stared at the flowing waters of a nearby fountain.

"Hey, Little Morningstar," Plutus began gently, his tone cheerful but cautious. He approached Samael with his usual bounce, though his movements softened upon seeing the Seraphim's pensive expression. Levia followed closely, her soothing presence filling the space as she gave Samael a warm smile.

Samael turned to face them, his lips curving into a faint grin. "Plutus. Levia. Didn't expect to see you two wandering around together. What brings you here?"

Levia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We came to check on you. You've been quieter than usual lately." Her voice was calm, her glowing eyes watching him with genuine concern. "Is everything alright?"

Samael sighed, his glowing halo dimming slightly. "Everything's fine, I suppose. Nothing I can't handle."

Plutus raised an eyebrow, the stars on his jester hat jingling softly. "That doesn't sound very convincing, mate. Besides, we weren't born yesterday—well, metaphorically speaking. You've been off. Something's bothering you, isn't it?"

Samael hesitated before finally relenting with a sigh. "It's not really a big deal," he began, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... family stuff."

Levia's expression softened. "How are things with Uriel and Gabriel?" she asked, sitting down beside him gracefully. Her wings folded neatly as she rested her hands on her lap.

Samael perked up slightly at the mention of his siblings. "Uriel and I are fine. She's always been understanding, even if she doesn't always agree with me. Gabriel's good too—he's mellowed out a lot since we started working on some projects together. He actually listens now, which is a miracle in itself."

Levia smiled. "That's wonderful to hear. And Michael?"

Samael chuckled dryly, his eyes brightening for a moment. "Believe it or not, he and I have been... getting along better, thanks to you and Azazil nudging us. He's still a bit of a hardhead, but he's been more open lately. We've even been sparring—civilly, I might add. No broken wings this time."

Levia's smile widened, her relief evident. "I'm glad. It's important to mend those bonds."

Plutus shifted on his feet, his star bells jingling and twitching nervously. "What about Sera?" he asked hesitantly. "You two have always seemed close... well, kinda."

At the mention of Sera, Samael's face fell. He looked away, his hands clenching briefly before relaxing. A long silence followed, heavy with unspoken emotion.

"She's... complicated," Samael finally said, his voice quieter. "She cares about me. I know she does. But it's like she doesn't take me seriously. I'm always her 'Little Morningstar,' the younger one who needs guidance, who doesn't know what he's talking about. She doesn't see me as an equal. Never has."

Plutus tilted his head, his cheerful expression fading into a concerned frown. "What makes you say that?"

Samael hesitated, his voice trembling as he continued. "When I wanted to do more for the humanity project... when I had ideas to make it better, to truly help them, she didn't even hear me out. She shut me down, dismissed me like I was some naive child. I know I have my duties—teaching the cherubs humility is important, I get that—but I wanted to do more. I wanted to prove to her that I could be more. That I'm more than just the baby of the family."

His voice broke, and he quickly looked away, blinking back tears. "But she wouldn't even defend me. She wouldn't listen. She just... cast me aside."

Levia reached out, her glowing hands gently cupping Samael's face and guiding his gaze back to her. Her emerald-green eyes shimmered with compassion. "Samael, I'm so sorry," she said softly. "That must have hurt deeply."

"It did," he admitted, his tears finally spilling over. "I just wanted her to see me for who I am, not who she thinks I am. But no matter what I do, it's never enough."

Plutus, uncharacteristically quiet, stepped forward and placed a hand on Samael's shoulder. "You are enough, mate," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the usual nervous edge. "She just doesn't see it yet. But we do. And we'll keep reminding you until you believe it."

Levia pulled Samael into a gentle embrace, her wings wrapping around him protectively. "You've always had such a bright light, Samael," she whispered. "Don't let anyone—anyone—diminish it. Not even Sera."

Samael let out a shuddering breath, leaning into her comfort as Plutus joined the embrace, his jester-like attire crinkling softly. The three of them stayed that way for a while, surrounded by the quiet serenity of the courtyard, the weight of Samael's pain slowly lifting in the presence of his friends.