thirteenth light

[flamethrown]

[Work was slowly beginning to gnaw away at Uriel, more than usual. His workaholic tendencies were taking their toll on him as he came home to Lucia, Connie and the baby, went away to work, and then went to see Gabriel. Something had to be compromised, and that was his well-being. Though he ate and watched after himself, even Lucia was beginning to

Comments

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

Please ask. Is something wrong?

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

Yesterday I hit Berith.

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

A confession?

What will you have me do?

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

To you now that I've told Gabriel.

I need you to help keep me away from him. I'm not sure what I'll do the next time I see him.

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

And how did he respond? Surely he wants peace out of the situation.

I can only do my best, brother. It's a personal conflict, I understand. But at heart I feel that I would be helpless to keep you from responding to the taunting he actively seeks.

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

I didn't wait to see his response. I left immediately after.

This goes beyond Gabriel, Michael. Berith and I have known each other for almost a decade without realizing who the other was. I don't know if I can keep my temper the next time he dares to bring my sister up in conversation, or any of my brothers.

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

Then I can only hold you back as long as Berith doesn't find you first. But he knows you, a great many things about you. And your anger runs deep. I know nothing about his volatility, and I can't predict your own temper on this subject. But I empathize, and I would do whatever necessary to prevent the preventable.

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

I've slowly been cutting my hours at work, but that doesn't mean he won't seek me out outside of the courthouse or station. He knows my address, my phone number.

But I don't worry about what he'll do; it's a matter of my own self-restraint. I haven't been seeing clearly these days.

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

Better that you re-gather your clarity that way. I'll come by to visit you. Routinely if I must. We can talk. If nothing else, we can discuss this matter together. And at the very least, I'll be there to watch.

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

I appreciate it beyond words, brother.

[Filter: Uriel]

[archistrategos]

You would've done the same had it been my request, brother.

[Filter: Michael]

[flamethrown]

In a heartbeat, Michael.