Know Me By Name

My face felt like it was going to fall off, and my heart was practically beating out of its chest. Kaylee, after years and years of wrestling with the idea, had relented. The news was more welcome after these trying times, and it was news my father needed to know. My wings ruffled at the mere thought of telling Michael.

As I entered the house of my childhood, I heard two voices in what seemed like a deep conversation. One voice was the booming of my father’s and the other was a much softer voice. In another circumstance, I would have announced my presence, but something seemed off with the sounds of their voices. The voice I couldn’t identify was wavering, as if they were frightened.

Michael’s booming voice echoed to where I stood in the doorway. “There is nothing going on in the Council that you are not aware of, Raphael.”

“Obviously, there is,” Raphael said softly. “Angels are still Falling, more than their used to be. If I know, the Council surely does as well.”

“You are on the Council. You know we are aware. Raphael, there is a very good reason you are no longer in the loop on the Council. In your dealings with the common angels and in your role as a healer, you have grown soft. These angels brought before us are disobeying God’s will. Yet, they do not Fall without the Council stepping in.”

There was a pause in the conversation. I imagined the healer was gathering his thoughts. “If you step in, should it not be to protect them? It is God who determines who Falls. So, Michael, why are so many angels Falling?”

“Raphael, I believe you know how and why. The Council discussed this at great lengths before your stomach turned soft.”

“You… you aren’t forcing their Fall are you?”

“Of course we are, my bright little star. You know exactly why we are. Be careful how you speak though, Raphael. We all know you have not been the perfect son.”

“Your threat is understood, Michael.” Raphael started walking my way, and I quickly made it look like I had just walked in.

“Hello, Raphael.” I kept my face as neutral as possible.

He attempted a smile. “Matthew.” With that, he left.

As the door shut, my father came over to me. “Hello, son. What brings your presence here?”
It was a question he always asked. If it were up to my father, I would strictly be going after the Fallen. Michael had never been a fan of my Original Love. He much preferred when I stuck to Earth, hunting the names riddling my body. With the conversation I just overheard, it would be that much harder to determine who really deserved my sword.

Ignoring those feelings, I looked at my father. “I have excellent news to share with you.” I paused, allowing a smile to take over my face. “you are going to be a grandfather!”

“What?” Michael’s wings spread as unmistakable anger took over his demeanor. It was very rare that emotion came to him, and I wondered why it was happening now. Why wasn’t he happy about the news? My wings began to twitch in my own fury. He was my father, so why wouldn’t he be happy for me?

“Kaylee is pregnant,” I said calmly, letting my rage dissipate. I would not let his reaction cloud my feelings.

Michael’s eyes met my own, anger ebbing to confusion. This was not the reaction I had longed for. His silence indicated how he truly felt, and I walked away. My angel needed me, just as I needed her. Kaylee’s was the only opinion that mattered.
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“I hope your parents took the news better than Michael did,” I said, pulling my love near to me.

She sighed as her head found comfort against my chest. “Katherine and Uriel have not been together in years. I think getting them to agree on a meeting place was harder than actually telling them the news. Mother was happy, of course. Uriel did not react like I had hoped.”

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Neither did Michael. Perhaps it is a father thing.”
“It seemed as if he wanted to rip the young life right out of me, Matthew.” Her eyes searched mine. There was fear in hers, an emotion she never really showed.

“Fear not, my love. I will protect you.”

Of everything I did with my life, that I was sure of. Kaylee was my life, the very thing that kept me going. Nothing and no one would cause her or our baby harm, even if I had to take on the Council.
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Lucifer awoke with a groan. Something strange called to her. It was a scent she had only smelled generations ago. Back then, it had brought her great joy. Now it left her wondering. Why was that particular scent back?

“Lilith.”

The original demon appeared before her mast, bowing her head in greeting. “Yes, master.”

“There is a scent in the air, something that has not assaulted my nostrils since before my Fall. I need you to discover if an angel is with child.”

Lilith flashed away, and Lucifer took a deep breath. She smelled brimstone, the smell of her Matthew.

Notes

Okay, I'm really pissed because I started typing this and then it fucking disappeared. Good thing I have it written down. I apologize for not updating as I have been writing it so that I can update.

ALSO I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL! GO ME!!