Archangel

Chapter Twenty-One

Scarlett's POV
I woke up in my bed to my alarm, not remembering how I got here or even when I went to sleep. I wasn't able to see outside the window since a black curtain was covering it. Was that there before? I wondered not really curious. I thought about everything that happened yesterday. That Michael opened up to me, that he said that he loved me and I couldn't stop from smiling, feeling happier than I've been in a long time. I wish I could have opened to him yesterday as he did with me but it's really hard. Over the past years I have tried to put that day in the farthest corner of my brain as possible. To lock it up and never open it again, but some things are hard to bury and always come back to haunt you. I got out of bed and exited the bedroom. It took me a moment to notice that the room was darker. The doors to the balcony were covered by a heavy deep red curtain. What the heck is with the curtains? It also smelled like something was burning so I went into the kitchen to find Michael struggling to make pancakes. One was stuck to the ceiling and there was a mess everywhere. I started laughing hysterically.
"What are you doing?" I asked after I could speak again, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.
"Well, I learned that humans like pancakes for breakfast. So I tried to make some, thinking it would be easy, but it's harder than it looks." I started laughing again.
"That's really sweet of you, but why don't you let me do it?" I said as I took the pan from him and started cleaning up before starting to make the pancakes again.
"This feels so weird." I said as the pancake started forming.
"What?" He asked as he cleaned the ceiling.
"This. Making pancakes, laughing. It almost makes me forget that there's a war going on."
"I understand what you mean." He said as he threw the pancake that was on the ceiling in the garbage.
"By the way, what's with the curtains?" I asked.
"As I've told you we have to be discreet. Gabriel's spies could be anywhere. I'm covering the windows so nobody would see what's going on inside the house." I turned to look at him and he was moving closer.
"And what exactly will be going on inside the house?" I asked feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
"Well...let's see. Something like this." He said as as he put his hands around my waist, picked me up and set me on the counter. He moved closer to me, spreading my legs farther apart as he lifted my chin and kissed me with such passion I was overwhelmed. His lips started traveling down my neck which left me dizzy with bliss.
"Michael, the pancake is burning." I said barley able to speak.
"So am I." He replied, as his hand went under my shirt making me arch my back. He groaned as he left trails of kisses all over my neck.
"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do this...and more." He said as he gave me a peck on the lips.
"You're so beautiful." He said, making me blush and I looked down. I always get uncomfortable when people complicate me.
"Don't look down. Don't ever cover your face." I was about to respond when I saw the smoke rising from the pan. I gently pushed Michael away and got off the counter to turn off the stove. I pointed to the black pancake, turned to him and said
"See what you did."
"I would have liked to do more." I widened my eyes.
"I have to admit. I am surprised. I don't know this side of Michael. You're so passionate, so romantic." He slightly blushed, which was so adorable.
"I apologize. It's just that I can't seem to keep my hands off you. You're like a magnet and I can't help but get pulled towards you. Not that I'm complaining. But I'll try to keep my distance and give you some space." I walked up to him and put my hands on both sides of his face.
"Hey, I never said I didn't like it. I just said that I was surprised that's all. I'm actually enjoying this side of Michael...very much." I said kissing him slowly and long. I could do this forever. Just lose myself with him. In his eyes, in his touch, his lips. He makes me forget about all my problems. But unfortunately we can't stay like this forever. Not with the world crumbling down around us.
"I have to go to work. I'll see you tonight." I said giving him one last kiss as I went into the bedroom to get ready.

"Yey! Finally!" Adalia yelled as she hugged me tightly. I visited her at the music store during my break earlier and said that I had something to tell her. But that it had to wait until she finished work. I'm taking Michaels warning seriously so I couldn't risk being overheard. And even at her apartment I whispered the whole thing.
"Wow. I swear you live such an exciting life. Like everyday something new and crazy happens."
"Yeah, well it's not always such a good thing."
"Oh, yeah the whole almost getting killed part by one of the most dangerous archangels might be exciting but not in a good way."
"You think?" I asked sarcastically.
"But in all seriousness you have to be careful Scarlett. Real careful. If Gabriel thinks for a minute that Michael lied to him about you he will kill you without hesitation. You've seen what he's capable of. I have to tell you in scared. I mean I know that you can take care of yourself but still..."
"I know. I've actually been considering telling Michael that the risk is too high for us to be together. I mean that would be the sensible and selfless thing to do. For both of us. But I love him so much Adalia. No words can describe how much I care for him."
"I'm sorry Scarlett but that's a decision I can't make for you. You just have to follow your heart. That sounds really cheesy but it's true. Only you can make that decision. And I'll support you one hundred percent."
"Thank you. You're the best." I said giving her one last hug as I left.

I waited for Michael to come home. When he finally came he looked enraged and disappointed.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He looked at me but it didn't look like he was really seeing me. He kept mumbling.
"It's not possible. How could he do that? And so rapidly. It's not possible. It can't be."
"Michael. What's wrong? What happened?" I said putting my arms on his shoulder and slightly shaking him. He finally looked at me as if wondering how long I've been standing there. He finally answered me and his response made my blood run cold.
"All the safe cities have been destroyed."
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I hope you are all enjoying the holidays and you are all safe and happy. Thank you again! :)