Archangel

Chapter Thirty-Six

I opened my eyes to find myself staring into Michaels ocean blue eyes, his arm around my waist.
"What are you doing?" I asked still sleepy.
"Watching you sleep, making sure you're really here. That last night wasn't just a dream." The events of last night rushed back to me, and I started blushing.
"I assure you, it was real." He smiled as his fingers trailed up and down my arm. He leaned forward to kiss me, but then I remembered that I didn't brush my teeth and I gently pushed him away.
"I didn't brush my teeth and my hair probably looks like a birds best. No kissing."
"But you look beautiful anyway." He said, trying to kiss me again. But I evaded him.
"Don't try to flatter me into kissing you, it's not going to work." I took the duvet and wrapped it around me as I stood up. Michael tried pulling on it and bring me back to bed but I got up quickly while laughing.
"Oh come on, you're no fun. There's no need to cover yourself in front of me. I've seen everything last night and you have nothing to be ashamed of. But let me just tell you this, I am the only one who will ever get to see you like this. No one else, do you understand?" He said with a very serious expression.
"Awe, you're so cute when you get all protective." He laughed as I picked out some clothes from the drawer.
"I'm gonna go take a shower." I told him and he got up from the bed, not bothering to cover himself so I could see him in all his glory.
"May I join?" I turned ruby red, finding it hard to refuse his offer or to look away.
"I...well...I mean..." He came close to me and pulled me against him.
"I'll take that as a yes." He whispered with a smirk.
    After we finished "showering" all my happiness drained as I came back to reality knowing it was not going to end well. Michael must have sensed my distress because he asked,
"Hey, are you ok? What's wrong? Did I do something?" I chuckled at his selflessness.
"No, of course not. But...we do need to talk."
"Of course." We walked and sat down on his bed, he looked at me with concern and patience in his eyes. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my fast beating heart.
"Scarlett, what is it? You're starting to worry me." I took his hand in mine and began.
"Michael...I love you. I never thought that I'd ever say those words to anybody ever again. Cause the truth is that I didn't believe in love. I was a complete pessimist against the whole idea of it and maybe it was because I was spiteful, confident that I will never find it. But I did. And I couldn't be more happier. You are truly amazing and I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I'm so glad I met you, despite the circumstances. You have given me a chance to fall in love. And for that I want to thank you."
"Scarlett this war won't last forever. And when it does, we could truly be together. I'll take you on real dates and try to cook for you, that is if you don't mind the taste of burned pancakes." I chuckled at the memory of Michael almost burning down the kitchen, attempting to make pancakes.
"I wish that could be true Michael, I really do. But..."
"It is true. Scarlett I love you more than you will ever know. I would give you anything you heart desires. But I don't understand why you're talking as if things are over between us." I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
"Damn it Michael, it's already hard enough to tell you this, but you're making it more difficult by talking like that." I got up from the bed and started pacing, trying to regain control of myself.
"I am only speaking the truth. Now tell me what is going on with you!" I could see that he was losing patience, I didn't blame him. I looked at him and took a deep breath.
"Michel, when I was with Gabriel I learned a lot of things, useful and bizarre information that I can't even begin to comprehend. And I used that information to..." I got interrupted by the gushing wind as the balcony doors burst open and Gabriel entered. He looked directly at me and smiled.
"Times up my dear." Immediately Michael rose from the bed and withdrew his swords stepping in front of me. Of course, Gabriel didn't react or even flinch.
"Get the hell out of here! If you think for one minute that you're taking her again, you are sorely mistaken!" Gabriel ignored Michael and turned to me.
"I'm guessing you haven't told him yet. I gave you plenty of time." I just glared at him.
"Shut your mouth you egocentric maniac! I'm so sick of all your crap!" Michael was furious, the tip of sword mere inches from Gabriel's chest.
"Oh Michael, you are so oblivious."
"Be quiet!" The tip of Michaels sword broke through the skin,  drawing blood directly toward Gabriel's heart.  Gabriel didn't move or try to defend himself.
"Michael stop! You can't kill him!" I grabbed Michaels arm and tried to pull it away, but it didn't even budge.
"Why not?! Give me one good reason. He has taken everything from me, he almost took you! No more!" His sword plunged deeper into Gabriel and I started panicking knowing that there is only one thing I could say that will make Michael stop.
"Because... I'm going to marry him."