The Fallen Angel

Gabriel caressed Jasmine’s thigh as they laid curled up together, Jasmine’s back towards him as he held her close. His other hand was held close to her chest right under her chin to keep him close. Even though he refused to go anywhere, she needed the reassuring. She was open and vulnerable after she told Gabriel she loved him no matter how relieved she felt to finally get her emotions out, to be able to open up to someone else and let someone else in. She was accepted for who she was and didn’t have to hide anymore.

“What did Lucifer say to you?” Gabriel broke the silence. “He told me he visited you earlier tonight. You were crying in your car after our…”

“Fight.” She finished his sentence since he paused unsure of what to call it. “He helped me see things differently. He helped me see The Almighty differently.”

“Lucifer?”

“Yeah. He was upset us humans blame him for the reason of our pain and suffering and all the evil deeds in the world. He said he isn’t the blame and that The Almighty gives us free will, that we pretty much do it to ourselves.” She turned then to face Gabriel. “It made me realize I was doing the same thing. I was blaming both The Almighty and Lucifer for my problems for my curse…I never wanted to accept myself because others hadn’t.”

“But you know that wasn’t true. Xavier…”

“I know Xavier loves me and accepts me. I just felt that he needed my gift more than he needed me, understand?”

Gabriel was starting to understand, as ridiculous as her feelings may have been to him, she had been feeling them for her whole life. Humans had grown so prone to being chastised and condemned for being different throughout history just out of fear. The standards they set for themselves were solely societal and not factual. With gifts like Jasmine’s, having the ability to read others mind, would have caused some major trust issues and trauma.

“Do you feel the same way about me?”

Jasmine snuggled close to Gabriel then, his chin resting on the top of her head as he held her tight. For the first time in a long time she felt safe and wanted. More open to the possibilities of love and acceptance. “No.” She replied truthfully. “In fact I think I fear disappointing you.”

Gabriel closed his eyes, devouring the feeling of them together. Never understanding why some humans would give this up, why they didn’t appreciate it. Jasmine was giving him the world right now and she didn’t know it. When The Almighty told him to watch her he only looked at her as a mission, but now who knew they would get this close? Perhaps The Almighty did. Perhaps this was the plan all along.

“Raina came by.” Gabriel explained. “She told me what we already confirmed. Your father was indeed an angel. Stayed on earth to be with your mother. Which is why he doesn’t exist.” He knew Jasmine was going to ask him how and why so he continued before she could. “The Consequences of leaving your celestial body to become fully human is that once the final death has overcome you, there will not be a chance to repeat the cycle. An Angel will cease to exist as your father had.”

Gabriel snuggled closer. That was heartbreaking. Ceasing to exist after he done so much, had so much life, memories all for nothing. She held on tight to Gabriel’s shoulder. Fear for him never existing.

“I don’t want that for you. You have to go back.”

“Jasmine…”

“Please. I don’t want you to be like my father.”

Gabriel grabbed her shoulders giving her a slight shake as she tried to get out of the bed. “I’m not going back. You have given me so much. I can’t go back to being a carrier and act as if you don’t exist.” She looked away from him. He brought her back face to face with him. “The Almighty must’ve known this would happen. It makes sense that’s why we were brought together. It was The Almighty’s design.”

They both were silent for a moment until they both sighed, knowing someone was coming to the door. Jasmine could hear his thoughts vividly as if he was screaming at her to get her attention.

“Xavier.” They both sighed out loud as they spoke at the same time, laughing as they realized it. Hesitantly Jasmine withdrew from his embrace to find her clothes to put on to greet Xavier while Gabriel did the same.

“You know my mind is made up, Jasmine. I’m not leaving here. I’m not going back. My choice. The Almighty has given me that choice and I won’t live my angelic immortality with regret.” He said his peace as he placed on his pants easily to go open the door for Xavier, shirtless as always.

Jasmine didn’t respond, just watched him walk out the door closing it behind him to give her time to get herself together. Gabriel opened the door very nonchalantly as Xavier took a step back seeing his dexterity always walking around practically naked. It was getting worse by the day since Gabriel was now more comfortable in his human skin.

“Detective as always a pleasure.” Gabriel greeted letting him in.

“As always you seem to have no comprehension about a shirt.” Xavier replied, looking around the dismantled apartment that showed proof of a scuffle. “What happened?”

“Lucifer came in and tried to kill me. We hadn’t had a chance to clean up yet.” Gabriel replied, truthfully, unapologetically.

“I just bet.”

“Listen Xavier for what it’s worth I don’t want you to leave Jasmine’s life. You are her friend and I don’t want us to fight or for it to be awkward when we’re around each other.” Gabriel stated. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

Xavier scoffed, folding his arms. “It’s fine. Let’s not mention it again.”

Jasmine walked in the room then causing both men to stop and look at her. She looked tired, but well loved with bites along her body she hoped Xavier wouldn’t notice. Why it still bothered her she didn’t know. Xavier’s thoughts however was there wasn’t any fight, but their rough love making that caused the mess. It caused Jasmine to look over at Gabriel who was smirking looking down as he sat at the desk in front of the computer.

“I came by just to check on you…I mean I know things between us have been rather…” Xavier sighed, unsure of the words to use. His eyes glanced at Gabriel who was looking directly at him.

“It’s okay Xavier. I get it. I’m sorry I made things awkward. I didn’t want to ruin anything you had with Teresa. I’m sorry if I did.” Jasmine replied, sincerely.

“You didn’t. I did. As much as it pains me to see you with…” Xavier glanced over at Gabriel who was on the verge of laughing. “A fucking angel for fuck sake. There’s no way I can compete with that. You belong with him Jasmine. Your aura…you’re glowing. You were always beyond my reach.” Xavier looked away from her then as her face relaxed. She reached around and hugged him, surprising him.

“Thank you.” She couldn’t think of nothing else to say, but she was so moved by his words and the truth behind it all. All the times she felt less than, Xavier was there for her. She had skimmed past him because she didn’t want to get too close, but that was her on doing. In another life, one where Gabriel didn’t exist, then maybe she would give their relationship a chance.

“Well anyways…” Xavier backed away uncomfortable as Gabriel watched him, still relaxed and not a bit phased by her show of friendship to him. “So what happened to Lucifer? You came by the house to protect us from him. What happened?”

Jasmine sat down and explained everything to him. “So he isn’t gone back to hell yet?”

Jasmine shook her head. “Only wounded.”

“So that means we have to start this all over again?” Xavier asked.

“We now know that there is a group out there, a cult perhaps, that have the tattoo that allows demons to possess them. These people are still using this as an excuse for sex trafficking and Lord knows what else. I need to be on the force. I need to stop them.” Jasmine replied full of certainty she hadn’t had in a long time. “I feel it is my duty as an earthly guardian.”

“Is that what you are calling yourself now?” Gabriel asked, in a teasing tone.

Jasmine nodded. “Yes. And you will be by my side as well.”

“Won’t he lose his abilities soon though? I thought those were the rules.” Xavier asked confused.

Gabriel nodded. “They were. I have my wings back now. I’m not sure how or why, but the Almighty granted me full control over my angelic abilities. I fear though that he did this because something is coming. Something big. He needs us here to protect our people.”

Xavier’s jaw tightened as he feared the worst as well. He watched Jasmine fill out the police application that sat on her desk. “You’re serious.” He was shocked as she handed it to him.

“Can you give this to the chief please? I would like to apply as your partner full time.”

Xavier hugged her again, feeling so happy as they were moving forwards with their lives and making a brighter one for those who couldn’t for themselves. For those who feel lost and forgotten the Earthly guardian would be there for them. It was now Jasmine’s duty with the help of her Guardian Angel and friend to stop demons that threatened to control humans. There was no way Lucifer was going to win in the Holy war. No way she would lose faith in humanity when there was something she could do to save them. Save us. Save us all.