(Untitled)

[justasaleswoman]

Demons, like any other group with more than two members, have to contend with gossip. With rumors presented as news and opinions as fact. With stories that have been embellished and embroidered and left the way a meatsuit tends to get left -- in rather less pristine condition than it was found

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[theunsmiling]

There's a point at which the barstool two down from Verity is occupied by an angel.

Said angel is wearing a T-shirt that reads Sanity is back-ordered. Sarcasm is in unlimited supply.

She's got one elbow propped up on the bar, looking surprisingly comfortable. (Well, it would be surprising to some.)

"Fancy meeting you here. Creature."

[justasaleswoman]

"Only perhaps?

"It would seem to me, if I were . . . inferring . . . that you tend to know your own mind."

[theunsmiling]

"Mine, yes," Michael allows.

"But I make no claim to know my Father's. Save, of course, when He tells me."

[justasaleswoman]

"Well, now you've got me all kinds of curious, Michael.

"In what matter do you imagine your father and I would have it the same way?"

[theunsmiling]

Michael smiles very faintly. Some might call that expression rueful.

But only some.

"That would be telling. Demon."

There are many double-edged swords in the world.

Free will is only one of them.

[justasaleswoman]

Verity isn't quite bold enough to tell the archangel Michael she's a tease.

But . . . the archangel Michael is a tease.

"So you're just going to let me wonder?"

[theunsmiling]

Michael shrugs easily, then lifts her hand to push some hair out of her eyes.

"I am."

It is only the truth.

For now.

[justasaleswoman]

Verity laughs.

"And you may rest assured that I will, darling."

[theunsmiling]

Michael folds her hands on the table, interlacing her fingers.

"And so I am content."

And with that, she requests another cup of coffee.

[justasaleswoman]

"Content?

"In the presense of a demon?"

[theunsmiling]

There's a sharpening of focus in Michael's gaze, swift and piercing.

"Thou wouldst hardly prefer it were I not."

[justasaleswoman]

Verity holds her hands up for a moment.

"Then I will also be content."

In the presense of an angel.

[theunsmiling]

"Would that that, too, were so simple."

But she will hold her peace about it --

At least for now.

[justasaleswoman]

"If not 'content' than 'content enough'?

"For the moment, if no longer?"

[theunsmiling]

Michael snorts.

She is resolutely not cracking a smile.

Go figure.

"Something of the sort."