Somewhere to Belong

New Hire

As the moon rose high into the sky a grey silhouette shown in the evening light, all around him spirits of those lost wandered looking for someone to guide their way home. Each in their own respective line waiting for their names to be called; not far away Death stood observing each interaction as a question plagued his mind, being a very reserved man he retreated into his thoughts as his angel finished up for the night.

"All finished boss." Axel said stretching as his wings extended for a brief moment behind him.

"Is something wrong? You don't normally stick around afterwards." Grim merely stood silent for a moment before shaking his head, taking a few steps closer he watched as his fallen angel observed his every move.

"Did you find the answers you needed?" He asked his voice a little quieter than usual. Axel nodded slightly as he reached into his pocket and retrieved the coin he knew his boss wanted back.

"I did, but I'm afraid I still have many questions left unanswered...But I suppose those will have to wait." With a nod of the head he was dismissed as Grim retreated back into the shadows and he was left alone to ponder his thoughts. Standing in silence Axel pulled out his phone and dialed the number Abel had given him the previous night in case he ever needed to talk. With a low sigh, he sat quietly waiting for Abel to pick up the other end.

Ring...ring...ring...

"Hello?" He yawned answering the phone.

"Hi Abel...Are you free? I have a favor to ask you." Waiting for a few seconds as the sleepy angel stifled another yawn, he smiled.

"Something botherin' ya?" Nodding Axel watched as the rebel stretched his large wings trying his best not to fall off the end of his bed.

"Alright, meet ya in the park in a few minutes?"

"We can talk in the morning if you're not awake enough Abel."

"Nah, I'm already up. I'll see ya." With the wave of his hand the two angels said goodbye. As he waited, Axel reclined against a nearby tree enjoying the crisp air when loud flapping caught his attention.

"Well that didn't take long." He chuckled glancing up at his friend as his feet touched the ground.

"It never does with wings like mine, so...What's botherin' ya pally?" He inquired as he watched Axel stand up and dust himself off.

"I need a favor...I need those tapes your friend has..." Abel's eyes widened slightly drawing a curious look from the fallen angel.

"What's wrong Abel?"

"H-How do ya know about those?" Flashing back to when they watched the tapes in Harper's loft he shuddered at the mere thought of them.

"I spoke with Mateo about the flashing names on my list; he suggested that I get the tapes from Harper."

"Ya don't want to watch those Axel, they're morbid. Gave Cross nightmares..."

"Hmmm....Then she might be happy to see them go." Abel sighed, running a hand through his hair with a hand on his waist he shook his head.

"If ya really want to scare yerself I'll help ya get them but don't say I didn't warn ya."

"Thank you Abel."

"Yea...Don't mention it..."

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As the morning sun rose the next morning Axel and Abel stood outside Harper's apartment door, both hesitating to knock at such an early hour. Thinking for a minute the rebel let out a low sigh as he lightly knocked on the door praying that Harper would answer without waking her brother.