[Moves in a little closer, my shoulder brushing yours]

If there's one thing I've learned watching papa and the Generals, it's that everyone has layers. I know somewhere in heaven, there's others who aren't so bad. Just like them. Not everyone is always touched by darkness.

[I wish I could do more to comfort you. The betrayal you must feel had to be intense. I lift your hand and rub my cheek against the back of it]

I don't know what changed, or when, but the Angels don't seem to be the good guys anymore

[Squeezes your hand and pulls it into my lap, looking at you seriously]

I'll protect you. I know Azrael will too. Maybe even the other Generals. Or at least Leviathan and War, if no one else

[Slips my hand into yours. It was nice. It made my toes curl in my shoes. I wasn't sure what else to do with my hands]

Do you know what you'll do? Without Heaven I mean. Will you be like a lone avenging angel on evil doers?

[I can't hold back the small laugh that escapes]

That's what makes you cute. You're so new to everything. But I haven't had anyone say things like that to me either...

[Smiles and brushes my hand back against yours]

I know where you are now, what if I show up unexpectedly?

[Smiles a little more and shifts over to your couch, not sitting too close but not too far either]

I think you are too. I think you're very precious and sweet and cute. And I'm glad I met you. Can I see you again after I leave here?

[The thunder is forgotten at your words and a flush creeps into my cheeks. All I could do is just blink at you, then tucks a lock of hair behind my ears. No one had ever made me so excited and nervous before, and I couldn't stop staring at you]

You think that? That I'm... what you said..?

~ dad]

When I didn't do what they wanted, they didn't let me eat. Or would hit me until I gave in. They'd tie me up to the mast and leave me there

[I notice the light dying outside and look out, watching the clouds roll in. The thunder makes me jump and I squeeze around the pillow]

They haven't hurt me here. I'm not sure if they can reach me yet, or haven't figured out how. Back then..

[Wrinkles my nose a little, a habit I picked up from ~

~ to gain riches again. Like I did before. They can achieve whatever power they want with me at their side

[Pulls my legs up and picks up a pillow, hugging it in my lap]

It's a really nice place. Definitely feels like you.

[Leans back a little]

I think, from what I understand of my memories, they want my life. Like, they think it'll bring them back into the living. But, they also want to use me ~

~ the room a few times, wanting to touch everything, but I take a seat on the far couch instead]

[Follows along with you without question. Papa and dad always taught me to be wary, especially since I was their son, but I trusted you completely. I wanted to be around you. So I follow you up the stairs and let out a small gasp as we enter the room]

Is this where you stay?

[Grins and circles ~

~ the ship went down. But... their ghosts now come for me. I didn't even think that was possible

[Looks towards the windows, relieved to see them gone]

You could see them? Since coming into this body, they've been showing up.

[Shivers at the memory of the ship]

I was taken in my youth. Found by fishermen. They used me for what I could do, for a long time. They were eventually killed and ~

~ realize I'm latched onto you, I slowly withdraw my arms and look at you a little sheepishly]

I... hi. Sorry. I just. I'm glad to see you... I'm ok now

[I jump when you suddenly appear at my side, in fact nearly crashing into you. On reflex my arms go around you tightly. Were you actually here? You came? Was it a coincidence? I didn't care. I instantly felt settled, calmed, with you so close and your scent makes me smile]

Raguel...

[When I ~