The Devil Tips His Hat To Me
“I can't believe that's Randy's mother,” said Cody again, lingering near the door in an attempt to overhear what was going on, in spite of John frowning at him whenever he did so.
“She's prettier than I thought she'd be,” commented Evan. “Except for the wings of course...” His own wings shivered convulsively. “Even demons aren't that bad.”
“Demons never lose their wings?” asked Chris curiously.
“Well yeah, sometimes. In public, on a big display. Lucifer does it for really serious transgressions, like trying to usurp his position. But it's not done like that. One big ol' yank and off they come. And they grow back. Well, sort of.”
“Sort of?”
“They grow back, but they're uh - well, puny. They only grow back tiny and everyone can see that you've been punished that way. And you can't fly with them. They're too small to keep you airborne. But it's still better than what happened to her.”
Chris couldn't very well deny that and busied himself making a glass of water. He wasn't sure that drinking anything in the house was a good idea given his hosts, but he knew that if there was something amiss Evan would tell him and besides, he needed to do something with his hands. He was as antsy as the others, not knowing what was going to happen next. He had been told to come here and stay put, but he had the terrible feeling that if he took advantage and coaxed Evan up to bed (not that he'd need much coaxing) then he would be recalled at exactly the wrong moment.
“Hey Ev,” said Cody casually. “Remember when Lucifer was here? And we thought it was a good time to clean out the upstairs chimney? I think I left my wallet in there. Would you care to help me search for it?”
“The chimney that connects to the one downstairs? In the living room?” John smiled sweetly. “Nice try Cody. But you're not going to listen in on them.”
Cody pouted. “But why not?”
“Because Randy has never met his mother and she's still managed to shape his experience,” said John patiently. “Anything that they have to say is private.”
“He might want us to listen in, so that he doesn't have to repeat it all later,” said Cody.
“Or he might want this to stay private.”
“Oh, come on John! There's nothing that we say to our parents that you wouldn't repeat to your friends later on. Maybe angels don't understand that, but it's true.”
“Nice try. It's only the angels born in Heaven who don't know their parents. I was mortal and I know that's not true.”
Cody sagged into one of the chairs, not at all happy to be thwarted. “I want to know!” A frown creased his face. “And Ted gets to listen in. Why is Ted allowed to listen in when we're not?”
“Randy wanted his moral support.”
“But he's not even a demon and it's not like he can give any practical help. His parents aren't the ones who God's pissed off with.”
John had to bite his lip to stop himself saying don't be too sure but it really wasn't his place to sat anything about Ted's relations to anyone, even his lover. He chose to seize on the less important issue instead. “Cody, are you jealous?”
“No,” said Cody sulkily, then realised he'd probably given himself away. “A little. Randy acts like he doesn't even need us so much any more.” He didn't go into the way Randy hadn't been touching them sexually lately because he knew John would be mad, even though he had to have guessed there was something like that went on between them, but it hadn't just been that in which Randy had pulled away from them. He huffed quietly then grinned suddenly. “Huh, who needs him now? I got my own angel and he's way better looking than his.”
John looked a little embarrassed. “Looks aren't everything you know.”
“My angel's got the better personality as well.”Cody's grin widened when he saw how John seemed both delighted and a little uncomfortable with the praise. “Are you seduced yet?”
John chuckled. “I'm worried that we'll get called back at an awkward moment.”
“Maybe you won't get called back at all,” said Cody hopefully. “Maybe God'll just leave you alone and we'll have plenty of time to bounce the bedsprings.”
Jack snorted. “Is this what demons call loving conversation?”
“No, we use the word 'fuck' more often when we're really trying,” said Cody without missing a beat.
Jack shook his head. “I really don't know what you see in these demons,” he said to his fellow angels.
“It's the tails. An extra appendage can really come in handy in the bedroom.” Evan gave Jack a rather sinister grin. “Would you like to hear more?”
“Jack,” said Chris quickly, before Jack could voice further disgust and cause any more mischief by Cody and Evan. “Did you find out anything else while we were gone? Do you know what God said to her?”
“Neither she nor God told me.” Jack gave a slight shrug that made his wings twitch. “God merely asked if Josh or I would care to bring her. I didn't trust those demons with Josh--”
“I think that if what John said to us about Josh is true, then Randy would defend him with his life,” said Evan in a dangerously soft voice. “He may not give thanks or be overly emotive, but your Josh might have found himself an ally. There are worse ones to have.”
Jack watched him a little uncertainly, not knowing what to make of this. In the end he inclined his head in a gesture of both understanding and thanks and left it at that. “I'm not at all sure if I trust his safety up there, but I owed the lady and Josh assured me that they wouldn't dare to try it again. And in any case, I asked Mickie to keep an eye on him.”
John slipped up behind Cody while Jack was talking to Chris, running his fingers over his lovers neck. “How are those marks?” he asked quietly.
“Almost gone.” Cody looked up at John. “Don't get mad about it, please?”
“How can I not?”
“Because we are demons and we behave differently to angels.” Cody sighed. “It's hard to explain but we're far more expressive in all things. We act on all our urges and if they're violent, then they're not personal. We understand it. Sometimes we even enjoy it. Not this time, I hasten to add. But it's not something that I wasn't expecting. It's not even something that has to be forgiven. It's just something that happens.”
John glanced back over at where Chris, Jack and Cody were still talking and then back at Cody, satisfied that they weren't being listened to. “You're right. I don't understand. If someone did that to me, I'd be furious and hurt.”
“Because it's different for angels. Like I said, we act on all our urges and we expect others to. If Randy wants to act on his wrath, I understand it.” He winked up at John. “Right now, I feel like acting on another one of those deadly sins... want to join me in some lust?”
John laughed. “You're not going to give up, are you?”
“No, not until I get you into bed with me. Well, I say bed but I'd be happy with some corner, or a rooftop. I never see a rooftop these days without remembering some of the fun we've had on them.”
There was no mistaking John's blush this time. “Let's get this whole business out of the way and then I promise, I'll give you all the time you want.”
“You seem very confident that you'll still be here when it's all done with,” said Cody with an underlying tone of bitterness that John caught in spite of the superficial cheer.
“Cody.” He leaned down and kissed Cody's forehead briefly. “I'm not going to be without you. Count on that.”
~:~
“Randeus,” Elaine said suddenly after a few moments quiet wherein Ted assumed she had been adjusting to all of the information Randy had provided her about his childhood. Ted would be lying if he said he hadn’t been paying avid attention too; he’d had his own curiosity concerning Randy’s childhood. “Mother,” the word was obviously foreign to Randy in a sense but Ted could see the way Randy eased when he saw the woman’s eyes light up from hearing it. It was the first time he had called her that all evening after all. “No matter what the end result for me is… I don’t want you to seek any vengeance on my behalf. Not towards heaven or towards your father.” Randy’s jaw dropped, disbelief written all over his face at her words.
“But-!” Randy started angrily, actually leaving his chair as he did so, body tensed and his hands balled into fists at his sides as his jaw worked tersely. “No, my son,” Elaine repeated, quiet, but firm, and not in the least bit intimidated by Randy’s anger… Which admittedly even Ted was a little, because he knew what Randy was capable of when he got pushed enough. And what Randy had just been told would definitely count as enough to push him over the edge. “I couldn’t have that on my conscience. Your life shouldn’t be lived hating the past and the choices that were made… Promise me, as a son to his mother, that you won’t do it.” Her hands reached up, cupping both of Randy’s cheeks, familiar stormy blue meeting stormy blue, “Please, Randeus.”
Clear unhappiness was still visible in both Randy’s expression and his stance but Ted could pinpoint the moment when he succumbed to his mother’s request, offering her the most honest vow-a tone that Ted had heard once or twice maybe in all of the time he had spent with the demon prince. A look of relief flooded over Elaine’s face, the angel dropping her head to rest against her son’s shoulder momentarily, knowing and understanding that he had probably gone against every instinct he had at least to offer her a realistic illusion. “Thank you,” she said softly, and for a moment Randy was at a loss of what to do and looked to Ted, hoping that his angel would be able to offer him some sort of guidance as to his response.
Quirking a small smile at the almost innocent panic that was visible in Randy’s eyes Ted then motioned slightly, bringing his own arms around himself as he mouthed, hug her to Randy. Mother and son had yet to embrace, this would be the first time they had had such a contact since she had given birth to him all of those millennia ago… and just how devastating was that thought? Time was nothing to them, inconsequential, but after everything that had been happening recently Ted suddenly had a new appreciation of just how cursed they were in that respect. They had all the time in the world and then some, and depending on what kind of situation you found yourself in that could be as fundamentally unpleasant as it was pleasant.
Still looking uncertain the brunette then brought his arms up, wrapping them around his mother’s shoulders, mindful of touching her wings. Or what remained of them anyway. When Randy’s eyes landed upon them though, Ted could see that underlying rage simmering like a pot of water boiling on a naked flame. Not that Ted could really judge him on that; Randy’s mother really hadn’t done anything wrong and yet she had been punished more than Lucifer had in his mind, and even after everything she held no ill-will towards the mate who had cost her her life in heaven and her time with her son. It wasn’t as though they could somehow reverse Randy’s growth have him experience a second childhood.
Suddenly Elaine pulled back, her eyes directed towards the ceiling, seeing through it and every other floor, through to the roof and beyond that. Ted knew what that look meant; he had seen John giving it on more than one occasion when he had been young, less times as he’d gotten older but he’d never forgotten it either way. Randy looked between the two of them as though waiting for someone to explain what was happening, but his mind was clearly working quickly to make his own conclusions. “No!” his shout seemed to echo around the lounge-space, grasping his mother by the upper-arms almost desperately. It was the first time that Ted swore he had seen tears in Randy’s eyes, desperation etched in his face.
A softly sad but accepting smile crossed Elaine’s lips, gently freeing her arms somehow, her hands holding Randy’s own for a few moments before one reached up to touch Randy’s cheek. “It’s time for me to depart, my precious baby, don’t be sad.” She then looked apologetic, “I’m sorry… you’re not a baby anymore are you?” It seemed like only yesterday she had been holding the tiny, deceptively strong baby in her arms, listening as he cried and then was soothed as she began to sing to him. It had been a song of happiness and an equal measure of sadness; both emotions impossible to put into words over what she had experienced and yet also what awaited her once she left the safe haven of hell with her loved one.
Pulling away she summoned a pen and paper, writing quickly and elegantly, and then sealing the paper after folding it. Looking between Ted and Randy she asked, “Will you see that this reaches Lucifer, please?” even after all of this time her heart cried out for her soul-mate, but admittedly the cry was undermined by the cry of her maternal instincts to see Randy. Randy was shaking, clearly wanting to unleash a literal hell on earth. Ted was on his feet, reaching for Randy as he looked between him and his mother, having no clue what he was supposed to do. “But-but you said that you had longer,” he tried, grasping onto the first logical thought that crossed his mind. Crying made it hard to focus though.
“I think my son will be just fine with you,” Elaine moved towards Ted and embraced the blonde, the startled blonde returning the action. “Please, Theodore… Look after him.” She pulled back and then chuckled ruefully, shaking her head. “Sorry… Calling you Theodore makes me think of another I knew once, someone…” once more she shook her head and then turned to embrace Randy. However, before she could begin to consider leaving, they were joined by another known presence. Only… he didn’t seem to be quite himself. Elaine and Ted exchanged looks, the sheer magnitude of what was happening hitting them almost simultaneously and they fell to their knees, leaving Randy cluelessly staring at Josh. “What the hell?”
~:~
“Don’t talk to me about faith-“Evan started, he and Chris in the midst of a playful bantering argument, regarding what was going to happen when they came back. Although as practical as Cody, perhaps more so, for once it was Evan who seemed to be latching onto the optimistic approach. Or, maybe it was the knowledge that Chris and John had conveyed his and Cody’s warning as to what would happen on earth should they be separated again that had the pair being as confident as they were. The argument was cut short though when Chris and John both suddenly froze, giving a full-body shudder almost in perfect tandem with one another, head snapping around to face the closed kitchen door in a painful looking movement.
Upon noticing that Jack had also frozen in place (although his expression was more perplexed than either John or Chris’) Evan and Cody immediately felt panic welling within them. As the three angels seemed to move as one entity, surging from the kitchen out into the lounge that they had previously vacated the two demons scrambled to keep up, almost falling over one another. “Randy?” Evan queried, seeing their prince looking as bemused as they felt, Ted and Elaine both on their knees before… “Josh?” Cody queried the name, shocked when Jack suddenly shook his head. He looked as though he wasn’t sure whether he should be upset or proud… it was an odd expression that made him look as though he’d had too much meat.
“But it is him!” Cody protested, his temper making itself known in his anxiety, especially as John, Chris and Jack had also fallen to their knees, leaving the three demons feeling suddenly exposed and out of place. “That’s not my Josh,” Jack said softly, eyes riveted on the little man floating above the floor… without his wings out. “The fuck?” Randy snapped when it seemed that that thought had registered with him, the demon prince looking unnerved for a moment. “Randeus!” Elaine scolded and the demon looked hesitant for a moment as though he should tell her to shut up or not, but then ‘Josh’ spoke, amusement in the strangely echoing and yet hollow voice, “Do not worry, my child, his reaction is expected.”
“Child?” Randy frowned, not entirely understanding what was happening. When Ted’s hand grabbed his, startling Randy, trying to pull him down to his knees, he planted his feet firmly and gave Ted a look that said he wasn’t moving until someone told him what was going on. Shooting an almost awed look at ‘Josh’, Ted then whispered, “Randy, you’re in His presence!” Randy looked at Evan and Cody, and then back at ‘Josh’. “’He’?” he repeated blandly and then his brow furrowed, staring slightly. “Wait a minute-“his wings then arched and his fangs bared themselves, tail lashing. ‘Josh’ hardly blinked, still smiling a slightly genial smile that made him look as though someone had doped him up on opium. Evan and Cody clutched one another.
It was in their urges to pull Randy from the scene and flee, but another part of them didn’t believe what was happening before them… and given what they could make people see and believe it probably wasn’t hard to imagine why they found it so hard to believe their own eyes. ‘Josh’ suddenly spread his hands in an unchallenging, magnanimous gesture, “Be at ease, Randeus, Codeus, Evanorus, I am not here to harm you… But we have business that concerns you and this is the only way I would be able to interact with you since you are as welcome in my realm as I would be in yours.” Randy still looked unappeased, ignoring the pleading looks he was being sent by both his mother and his lover to calm down.
“How are you here?” Randy demanded of ‘Josh’, circling the small man. ‘Josh’s’ head didn’t move, merely looking at those gathered on the floor, letting Randy do as he pleased. Clearly he wasn’t there to pose a physical threat but the atmosphere fooled no one; one move that could be considered aggressive and then Randy was going to throw his all into doing… what he undoubtedly thought was right for the situation. “The Record Keeper here is a good heart, and when I expressed my wish to temporarily borrow his form he agreed…” God, inside of Josh, then turned to smile at Jack--- who was looking a little ill, struggling to wrap his mind around the fact his Lord had taken over his soul-mate’s body, and also something else.
He was also shocked that Josh’s form was able to cope with the power that was currently housed within it. Biting his lip Jack then bowed his head before then risking a glance up, “My Lord… will Josh be alright?” he didn’t want to appear questioning, trusted that He wouldn’t endanger Josh but he knew what Josh was like; the Higher Ups had unlocked a determined streak in Josh that Jack had never seen before, made him… risky almost, and if there was a chance he could do something to help Him he would, especially if it meant he could get one back on the Higher Ups. God/Josh chuckled, “Be at ease, Jack, Joshua will be completely unharmed once I return his soul back into his form. Now,” he turned his attention to Randy’s mother.
Randy placing himself in front of her, defying God, made the angels restless, Ted and Elaine giving soft moans of unease; he didn’t take well to defiance, as had been displayed a generation before by Randy’s father, but they weren’t exactly certain that that would be enough to bring His wrath down upon Randy. God/Josh laughed lightly, tilting his head as he considered Randy, “You look the exact replica of both of your parents, Randeus. Was your mother as you expected? I am sorry you didn’t have the chance to meet before now.” Randy’s lip curled back into a snarl, his stance locking, eyes narrowed, “Are you mocking me?” Ted grabbed Randy’s leg, pleading with him with his eyes, forcing Randy to relent just a little, as though forced.
“Not at all,” God/Josh responded, watching their interaction closely. He then looked at John and Chris, smiling slightly when Evan and Cody tensed, clearly frightened in an awed, begrudgingly respectful way, but their auras said that one move against either of them and they would defend them to the death. “Be at ease, I’m not going to hurt them. It would appear that you were right… although I think you both underestimated just who else has had their auras imprinted on…” the angels’ eyes widened in tandem; of course they had noticed changes, expected something, but to have Him confirming it… and looking almost happy about it? That was definitely something else. Neither angel spoke, unsure what to say to Him.
“I have made my decision, my child,” God/Josh extended a hand and Randy almost fell over with incredulity as his mother didn’t even hesitate, standing and placing a hand in his, implicit trust apparent even after all he had done to her. And… Elaine didn’t look anywhere near as frightened as he had expected she might. Oh, she was afraid, but she looked at peace in herself, as though her visit with him had made it so she could handle anything that He threw at her. “Don’t hurt my mother,” Randy growled, hands clenching, body tensing, “If you hurt her I swear-“he couldn’t even begin to put into words what he would do, but it would be just as bad as what he would do should He try and take Ted from him to send him back.
~:~
God/Josh didn't even turn to look at Randy, which the demon found particularly infuriating. His instinct was to demand attention but conversely, he didn't want his mother to be affected by his actions. Clenching his fists tighter, he decided that his behaviour would be governed entirely by the actions of the Deity in front of him - and if he couldn't harm God in any form, he could certainly do some damage to the body he currently inhabited. There was a small voice in his head reminding him that he owed Josh one no matter whether or not God had taken his body for a joyride and he considered that if worst came to worst, then he could perhaps wreak some real damage on the mortals he cherished so much. Screw it. If He really wanted to push Randy, Randy was more than happy to push back harder.
“You have endured when others have succumbed,” said God/Josh to Elaine. “You have acted for the good of others in spite of apparent wrongs done to you. You have kept your faith in me in spite of your love for the adversary. I believe that to return you to Limbo would be unjust. However, neither Hell nor Heaven is appropriate at this time. Therefore you have a choice to make. I have decided to grant you mortality.”
Elaine gasped and Randy's mouth fell open. Of all the possible outcomes, this one had not even crossed his mind. He opened his mouth to protest or question, then closed it again, lost for words.
“As a mortal, you would lose what remains of your wings,” continued God/Josh. “You would live your life as you saw fit, spending the fleeting moment that is mortal life choosing as the mortals do. And once it is done, you shall be judged as all mortals are, upon your acts during that lifetime. Should you choose the right, your wings shall be restored to you and you shall take your place in my kingdom once more as one of the Pious. Or you may choose to behave adversely to gain your place at the side of Lucifer. When the time comes, your own decisions will determine the rest of your existence.”
Randy couldn't think of what to say. It was - well, fair and yet it was a horrible decision to put upon an angel. But his mother looked delighted, her smile beaming. He simply couldn't argue if it was what she wanted. And the chance that she might return to his father was hard for him to understand when she had been absent for such a long time, but he knew that Lucifer would be euphoric.
“Thank you Father.” Elaine was smiling even as tears ran down her cheeks and as Randy watched, she actually kissed His hand. “Oh, thank you.”
“I shall watch your mortality with interest.” God/Josh gave Elaine a second before withdrawing his hand and turning his attention to Randy. “Does this meet with your approval?”
“Yes. No.” Randy gave an angry shrug. “You're mocking me again. What's wrong with a full pardon, return of wings and permission to be with her soul-mate regardless?”
“Mortality is all about hard choices and compromise.”
“Yes, but you were the ones who were so hot on the 'free will' thing. Demons merely exploit it, we were all for denying it in the first place. If this is her choice, then why does it sound like it's going to end up as a punishment no matter what she chooses?”
“All choices have their disadvantages Randeus,” said God/Josh with maddening patience. “This one is not yours to make. And if nothing else, there is the reward of being free from Limbo and being able to see her child progress.” He laughed suddenly, the sound almost like distant music. “You are much like your father Randeus. He too was one of the few people who dared stand before me and challenge me directly. But I understand your suspicions. I can see into your heart.”
“Can you? I wish you wouldn't, it makes me uncomfortable.”
“You fear I shall take Theodore from you, where you may never see him again.”
Randy's lips thinned. “Why wouldn't I expect history to repeat itself?”
“She's prettier than I thought she'd be,” commented Evan. “Except for the wings of course...” His own wings shivered convulsively. “Even demons aren't that bad.”
“Demons never lose their wings?” asked Chris curiously.
“Well yeah, sometimes. In public, on a big display. Lucifer does it for really serious transgressions, like trying to usurp his position. But it's not done like that. One big ol' yank and off they come. And they grow back. Well, sort of.”
“Sort of?”
“They grow back, but they're uh - well, puny. They only grow back tiny and everyone can see that you've been punished that way. And you can't fly with them. They're too small to keep you airborne. But it's still better than what happened to her.”
Chris couldn't very well deny that and busied himself making a glass of water. He wasn't sure that drinking anything in the house was a good idea given his hosts, but he knew that if there was something amiss Evan would tell him and besides, he needed to do something with his hands. He was as antsy as the others, not knowing what was going to happen next. He had been told to come here and stay put, but he had the terrible feeling that if he took advantage and coaxed Evan up to bed (not that he'd need much coaxing) then he would be recalled at exactly the wrong moment.
“Hey Ev,” said Cody casually. “Remember when Lucifer was here? And we thought it was a good time to clean out the upstairs chimney? I think I left my wallet in there. Would you care to help me search for it?”
“The chimney that connects to the one downstairs? In the living room?” John smiled sweetly. “Nice try Cody. But you're not going to listen in on them.”
Cody pouted. “But why not?”
“Because Randy has never met his mother and she's still managed to shape his experience,” said John patiently. “Anything that they have to say is private.”
“He might want us to listen in, so that he doesn't have to repeat it all later,” said Cody.
“Or he might want this to stay private.”
“Oh, come on John! There's nothing that we say to our parents that you wouldn't repeat to your friends later on. Maybe angels don't understand that, but it's true.”
“Nice try. It's only the angels born in Heaven who don't know their parents. I was mortal and I know that's not true.”
Cody sagged into one of the chairs, not at all happy to be thwarted. “I want to know!” A frown creased his face. “And Ted gets to listen in. Why is Ted allowed to listen in when we're not?”
“Randy wanted his moral support.”
“But he's not even a demon and it's not like he can give any practical help. His parents aren't the ones who God's pissed off with.”
John had to bite his lip to stop himself saying don't be too sure but it really wasn't his place to sat anything about Ted's relations to anyone, even his lover. He chose to seize on the less important issue instead. “Cody, are you jealous?”
“No,” said Cody sulkily, then realised he'd probably given himself away. “A little. Randy acts like he doesn't even need us so much any more.” He didn't go into the way Randy hadn't been touching them sexually lately because he knew John would be mad, even though he had to have guessed there was something like that went on between them, but it hadn't just been that in which Randy had pulled away from them. He huffed quietly then grinned suddenly. “Huh, who needs him now? I got my own angel and he's way better looking than his.”
John looked a little embarrassed. “Looks aren't everything you know.”
“My angel's got the better personality as well.”Cody's grin widened when he saw how John seemed both delighted and a little uncomfortable with the praise. “Are you seduced yet?”
John chuckled. “I'm worried that we'll get called back at an awkward moment.”
“Maybe you won't get called back at all,” said Cody hopefully. “Maybe God'll just leave you alone and we'll have plenty of time to bounce the bedsprings.”
Jack snorted. “Is this what demons call loving conversation?”
“No, we use the word 'fuck' more often when we're really trying,” said Cody without missing a beat.
Jack shook his head. “I really don't know what you see in these demons,” he said to his fellow angels.
“It's the tails. An extra appendage can really come in handy in the bedroom.” Evan gave Jack a rather sinister grin. “Would you like to hear more?”
“Jack,” said Chris quickly, before Jack could voice further disgust and cause any more mischief by Cody and Evan. “Did you find out anything else while we were gone? Do you know what God said to her?”
“Neither she nor God told me.” Jack gave a slight shrug that made his wings twitch. “God merely asked if Josh or I would care to bring her. I didn't trust those demons with Josh--”
“I think that if what John said to us about Josh is true, then Randy would defend him with his life,” said Evan in a dangerously soft voice. “He may not give thanks or be overly emotive, but your Josh might have found himself an ally. There are worse ones to have.”
Jack watched him a little uncertainly, not knowing what to make of this. In the end he inclined his head in a gesture of both understanding and thanks and left it at that. “I'm not at all sure if I trust his safety up there, but I owed the lady and Josh assured me that they wouldn't dare to try it again. And in any case, I asked Mickie to keep an eye on him.”
John slipped up behind Cody while Jack was talking to Chris, running his fingers over his lovers neck. “How are those marks?” he asked quietly.
“Almost gone.” Cody looked up at John. “Don't get mad about it, please?”
“How can I not?”
“Because we are demons and we behave differently to angels.” Cody sighed. “It's hard to explain but we're far more expressive in all things. We act on all our urges and if they're violent, then they're not personal. We understand it. Sometimes we even enjoy it. Not this time, I hasten to add. But it's not something that I wasn't expecting. It's not even something that has to be forgiven. It's just something that happens.”
John glanced back over at where Chris, Jack and Cody were still talking and then back at Cody, satisfied that they weren't being listened to. “You're right. I don't understand. If someone did that to me, I'd be furious and hurt.”
“Because it's different for angels. Like I said, we act on all our urges and we expect others to. If Randy wants to act on his wrath, I understand it.” He winked up at John. “Right now, I feel like acting on another one of those deadly sins... want to join me in some lust?”
John laughed. “You're not going to give up, are you?”
“No, not until I get you into bed with me. Well, I say bed but I'd be happy with some corner, or a rooftop. I never see a rooftop these days without remembering some of the fun we've had on them.”
There was no mistaking John's blush this time. “Let's get this whole business out of the way and then I promise, I'll give you all the time you want.”
“You seem very confident that you'll still be here when it's all done with,” said Cody with an underlying tone of bitterness that John caught in spite of the superficial cheer.
“Cody.” He leaned down and kissed Cody's forehead briefly. “I'm not going to be without you. Count on that.”
~:~
“Randeus,” Elaine said suddenly after a few moments quiet wherein Ted assumed she had been adjusting to all of the information Randy had provided her about his childhood. Ted would be lying if he said he hadn’t been paying avid attention too; he’d had his own curiosity concerning Randy’s childhood. “Mother,” the word was obviously foreign to Randy in a sense but Ted could see the way Randy eased when he saw the woman’s eyes light up from hearing it. It was the first time he had called her that all evening after all. “No matter what the end result for me is… I don’t want you to seek any vengeance on my behalf. Not towards heaven or towards your father.” Randy’s jaw dropped, disbelief written all over his face at her words.
“But-!” Randy started angrily, actually leaving his chair as he did so, body tensed and his hands balled into fists at his sides as his jaw worked tersely. “No, my son,” Elaine repeated, quiet, but firm, and not in the least bit intimidated by Randy’s anger… Which admittedly even Ted was a little, because he knew what Randy was capable of when he got pushed enough. And what Randy had just been told would definitely count as enough to push him over the edge. “I couldn’t have that on my conscience. Your life shouldn’t be lived hating the past and the choices that were made… Promise me, as a son to his mother, that you won’t do it.” Her hands reached up, cupping both of Randy’s cheeks, familiar stormy blue meeting stormy blue, “Please, Randeus.”
Clear unhappiness was still visible in both Randy’s expression and his stance but Ted could pinpoint the moment when he succumbed to his mother’s request, offering her the most honest vow-a tone that Ted had heard once or twice maybe in all of the time he had spent with the demon prince. A look of relief flooded over Elaine’s face, the angel dropping her head to rest against her son’s shoulder momentarily, knowing and understanding that he had probably gone against every instinct he had at least to offer her a realistic illusion. “Thank you,” she said softly, and for a moment Randy was at a loss of what to do and looked to Ted, hoping that his angel would be able to offer him some sort of guidance as to his response.
Quirking a small smile at the almost innocent panic that was visible in Randy’s eyes Ted then motioned slightly, bringing his own arms around himself as he mouthed, hug her to Randy. Mother and son had yet to embrace, this would be the first time they had had such a contact since she had given birth to him all of those millennia ago… and just how devastating was that thought? Time was nothing to them, inconsequential, but after everything that had been happening recently Ted suddenly had a new appreciation of just how cursed they were in that respect. They had all the time in the world and then some, and depending on what kind of situation you found yourself in that could be as fundamentally unpleasant as it was pleasant.
Still looking uncertain the brunette then brought his arms up, wrapping them around his mother’s shoulders, mindful of touching her wings. Or what remained of them anyway. When Randy’s eyes landed upon them though, Ted could see that underlying rage simmering like a pot of water boiling on a naked flame. Not that Ted could really judge him on that; Randy’s mother really hadn’t done anything wrong and yet she had been punished more than Lucifer had in his mind, and even after everything she held no ill-will towards the mate who had cost her her life in heaven and her time with her son. It wasn’t as though they could somehow reverse Randy’s growth have him experience a second childhood.
Suddenly Elaine pulled back, her eyes directed towards the ceiling, seeing through it and every other floor, through to the roof and beyond that. Ted knew what that look meant; he had seen John giving it on more than one occasion when he had been young, less times as he’d gotten older but he’d never forgotten it either way. Randy looked between the two of them as though waiting for someone to explain what was happening, but his mind was clearly working quickly to make his own conclusions. “No!” his shout seemed to echo around the lounge-space, grasping his mother by the upper-arms almost desperately. It was the first time that Ted swore he had seen tears in Randy’s eyes, desperation etched in his face.
A softly sad but accepting smile crossed Elaine’s lips, gently freeing her arms somehow, her hands holding Randy’s own for a few moments before one reached up to touch Randy’s cheek. “It’s time for me to depart, my precious baby, don’t be sad.” She then looked apologetic, “I’m sorry… you’re not a baby anymore are you?” It seemed like only yesterday she had been holding the tiny, deceptively strong baby in her arms, listening as he cried and then was soothed as she began to sing to him. It had been a song of happiness and an equal measure of sadness; both emotions impossible to put into words over what she had experienced and yet also what awaited her once she left the safe haven of hell with her loved one.
Pulling away she summoned a pen and paper, writing quickly and elegantly, and then sealing the paper after folding it. Looking between Ted and Randy she asked, “Will you see that this reaches Lucifer, please?” even after all of this time her heart cried out for her soul-mate, but admittedly the cry was undermined by the cry of her maternal instincts to see Randy. Randy was shaking, clearly wanting to unleash a literal hell on earth. Ted was on his feet, reaching for Randy as he looked between him and his mother, having no clue what he was supposed to do. “But-but you said that you had longer,” he tried, grasping onto the first logical thought that crossed his mind. Crying made it hard to focus though.
“I think my son will be just fine with you,” Elaine moved towards Ted and embraced the blonde, the startled blonde returning the action. “Please, Theodore… Look after him.” She pulled back and then chuckled ruefully, shaking her head. “Sorry… Calling you Theodore makes me think of another I knew once, someone…” once more she shook her head and then turned to embrace Randy. However, before she could begin to consider leaving, they were joined by another known presence. Only… he didn’t seem to be quite himself. Elaine and Ted exchanged looks, the sheer magnitude of what was happening hitting them almost simultaneously and they fell to their knees, leaving Randy cluelessly staring at Josh. “What the hell?”
~:~
“Don’t talk to me about faith-“Evan started, he and Chris in the midst of a playful bantering argument, regarding what was going to happen when they came back. Although as practical as Cody, perhaps more so, for once it was Evan who seemed to be latching onto the optimistic approach. Or, maybe it was the knowledge that Chris and John had conveyed his and Cody’s warning as to what would happen on earth should they be separated again that had the pair being as confident as they were. The argument was cut short though when Chris and John both suddenly froze, giving a full-body shudder almost in perfect tandem with one another, head snapping around to face the closed kitchen door in a painful looking movement.
Upon noticing that Jack had also frozen in place (although his expression was more perplexed than either John or Chris’) Evan and Cody immediately felt panic welling within them. As the three angels seemed to move as one entity, surging from the kitchen out into the lounge that they had previously vacated the two demons scrambled to keep up, almost falling over one another. “Randy?” Evan queried, seeing their prince looking as bemused as they felt, Ted and Elaine both on their knees before… “Josh?” Cody queried the name, shocked when Jack suddenly shook his head. He looked as though he wasn’t sure whether he should be upset or proud… it was an odd expression that made him look as though he’d had too much meat.
“But it is him!” Cody protested, his temper making itself known in his anxiety, especially as John, Chris and Jack had also fallen to their knees, leaving the three demons feeling suddenly exposed and out of place. “That’s not my Josh,” Jack said softly, eyes riveted on the little man floating above the floor… without his wings out. “The fuck?” Randy snapped when it seemed that that thought had registered with him, the demon prince looking unnerved for a moment. “Randeus!” Elaine scolded and the demon looked hesitant for a moment as though he should tell her to shut up or not, but then ‘Josh’ spoke, amusement in the strangely echoing and yet hollow voice, “Do not worry, my child, his reaction is expected.”
“Child?” Randy frowned, not entirely understanding what was happening. When Ted’s hand grabbed his, startling Randy, trying to pull him down to his knees, he planted his feet firmly and gave Ted a look that said he wasn’t moving until someone told him what was going on. Shooting an almost awed look at ‘Josh’, Ted then whispered, “Randy, you’re in His presence!” Randy looked at Evan and Cody, and then back at ‘Josh’. “’He’?” he repeated blandly and then his brow furrowed, staring slightly. “Wait a minute-“his wings then arched and his fangs bared themselves, tail lashing. ‘Josh’ hardly blinked, still smiling a slightly genial smile that made him look as though someone had doped him up on opium. Evan and Cody clutched one another.
It was in their urges to pull Randy from the scene and flee, but another part of them didn’t believe what was happening before them… and given what they could make people see and believe it probably wasn’t hard to imagine why they found it so hard to believe their own eyes. ‘Josh’ suddenly spread his hands in an unchallenging, magnanimous gesture, “Be at ease, Randeus, Codeus, Evanorus, I am not here to harm you… But we have business that concerns you and this is the only way I would be able to interact with you since you are as welcome in my realm as I would be in yours.” Randy still looked unappeased, ignoring the pleading looks he was being sent by both his mother and his lover to calm down.
“How are you here?” Randy demanded of ‘Josh’, circling the small man. ‘Josh’s’ head didn’t move, merely looking at those gathered on the floor, letting Randy do as he pleased. Clearly he wasn’t there to pose a physical threat but the atmosphere fooled no one; one move that could be considered aggressive and then Randy was going to throw his all into doing… what he undoubtedly thought was right for the situation. “The Record Keeper here is a good heart, and when I expressed my wish to temporarily borrow his form he agreed…” God, inside of Josh, then turned to smile at Jack--- who was looking a little ill, struggling to wrap his mind around the fact his Lord had taken over his soul-mate’s body, and also something else.
He was also shocked that Josh’s form was able to cope with the power that was currently housed within it. Biting his lip Jack then bowed his head before then risking a glance up, “My Lord… will Josh be alright?” he didn’t want to appear questioning, trusted that He wouldn’t endanger Josh but he knew what Josh was like; the Higher Ups had unlocked a determined streak in Josh that Jack had never seen before, made him… risky almost, and if there was a chance he could do something to help Him he would, especially if it meant he could get one back on the Higher Ups. God/Josh chuckled, “Be at ease, Jack, Joshua will be completely unharmed once I return his soul back into his form. Now,” he turned his attention to Randy’s mother.
Randy placing himself in front of her, defying God, made the angels restless, Ted and Elaine giving soft moans of unease; he didn’t take well to defiance, as had been displayed a generation before by Randy’s father, but they weren’t exactly certain that that would be enough to bring His wrath down upon Randy. God/Josh laughed lightly, tilting his head as he considered Randy, “You look the exact replica of both of your parents, Randeus. Was your mother as you expected? I am sorry you didn’t have the chance to meet before now.” Randy’s lip curled back into a snarl, his stance locking, eyes narrowed, “Are you mocking me?” Ted grabbed Randy’s leg, pleading with him with his eyes, forcing Randy to relent just a little, as though forced.
“Not at all,” God/Josh responded, watching their interaction closely. He then looked at John and Chris, smiling slightly when Evan and Cody tensed, clearly frightened in an awed, begrudgingly respectful way, but their auras said that one move against either of them and they would defend them to the death. “Be at ease, I’m not going to hurt them. It would appear that you were right… although I think you both underestimated just who else has had their auras imprinted on…” the angels’ eyes widened in tandem; of course they had noticed changes, expected something, but to have Him confirming it… and looking almost happy about it? That was definitely something else. Neither angel spoke, unsure what to say to Him.
“I have made my decision, my child,” God/Josh extended a hand and Randy almost fell over with incredulity as his mother didn’t even hesitate, standing and placing a hand in his, implicit trust apparent even after all he had done to her. And… Elaine didn’t look anywhere near as frightened as he had expected she might. Oh, she was afraid, but she looked at peace in herself, as though her visit with him had made it so she could handle anything that He threw at her. “Don’t hurt my mother,” Randy growled, hands clenching, body tensing, “If you hurt her I swear-“he couldn’t even begin to put into words what he would do, but it would be just as bad as what he would do should He try and take Ted from him to send him back.
~:~
God/Josh didn't even turn to look at Randy, which the demon found particularly infuriating. His instinct was to demand attention but conversely, he didn't want his mother to be affected by his actions. Clenching his fists tighter, he decided that his behaviour would be governed entirely by the actions of the Deity in front of him - and if he couldn't harm God in any form, he could certainly do some damage to the body he currently inhabited. There was a small voice in his head reminding him that he owed Josh one no matter whether or not God had taken his body for a joyride and he considered that if worst came to worst, then he could perhaps wreak some real damage on the mortals he cherished so much. Screw it. If He really wanted to push Randy, Randy was more than happy to push back harder.
“You have endured when others have succumbed,” said God/Josh to Elaine. “You have acted for the good of others in spite of apparent wrongs done to you. You have kept your faith in me in spite of your love for the adversary. I believe that to return you to Limbo would be unjust. However, neither Hell nor Heaven is appropriate at this time. Therefore you have a choice to make. I have decided to grant you mortality.”
Elaine gasped and Randy's mouth fell open. Of all the possible outcomes, this one had not even crossed his mind. He opened his mouth to protest or question, then closed it again, lost for words.
“As a mortal, you would lose what remains of your wings,” continued God/Josh. “You would live your life as you saw fit, spending the fleeting moment that is mortal life choosing as the mortals do. And once it is done, you shall be judged as all mortals are, upon your acts during that lifetime. Should you choose the right, your wings shall be restored to you and you shall take your place in my kingdom once more as one of the Pious. Or you may choose to behave adversely to gain your place at the side of Lucifer. When the time comes, your own decisions will determine the rest of your existence.”
Randy couldn't think of what to say. It was - well, fair and yet it was a horrible decision to put upon an angel. But his mother looked delighted, her smile beaming. He simply couldn't argue if it was what she wanted. And the chance that she might return to his father was hard for him to understand when she had been absent for such a long time, but he knew that Lucifer would be euphoric.
“Thank you Father.” Elaine was smiling even as tears ran down her cheeks and as Randy watched, she actually kissed His hand. “Oh, thank you.”
“I shall watch your mortality with interest.” God/Josh gave Elaine a second before withdrawing his hand and turning his attention to Randy. “Does this meet with your approval?”
“Yes. No.” Randy gave an angry shrug. “You're mocking me again. What's wrong with a full pardon, return of wings and permission to be with her soul-mate regardless?”
“Mortality is all about hard choices and compromise.”
“Yes, but you were the ones who were so hot on the 'free will' thing. Demons merely exploit it, we were all for denying it in the first place. If this is her choice, then why does it sound like it's going to end up as a punishment no matter what she chooses?”
“All choices have their disadvantages Randeus,” said God/Josh with maddening patience. “This one is not yours to make. And if nothing else, there is the reward of being free from Limbo and being able to see her child progress.” He laughed suddenly, the sound almost like distant music. “You are much like your father Randeus. He too was one of the few people who dared stand before me and challenge me directly. But I understand your suspicions. I can see into your heart.”
“Can you? I wish you wouldn't, it makes me uncomfortable.”
“You fear I shall take Theodore from you, where you may never see him again.”
Randy's lips thinned. “Why wouldn't I expect history to repeat itself?”