The Scar
(Michael Demiurgos x Reader)
A Michael Demiurgos One Shot
Summary: It’s 4 am, and a daring act causes you to confess something important to Michael Demiurgos, Lucifer’s twin brother. All because of that scar.
Genre: Fluff (its worth it, trust me)
Word Count:
Author’s Note: @real-michael-demiurgos you genius! This post of yours somehow suddenly made me think of a scenario, which finally evolved into this fic of feels. Look what you made me do, Thank you! And Michael fans, hello again! And Enjoy y’all!
Temporary.
The highs, the peaks or the climaxes of almost anything in life is quite short-lived.
The same applies to the atmosphere in a night club. Crowds congregate, energy created, dollars spent and sparks caused between known folk or mere strangers. But come a certain time, it all slows down, alcohol wears down and exhaustion creeps in. And the lingering folk would find shelter in the available seats of sofas and bar stools in the premises.
That was LUX at around 4 am.
The floors may not have been dirty and sticky as the other clubs. Yet the atmosphere was quite similar to the rest. And there you were, sitting on the barstool you’ve made home for several hours, watching a certain Angel refill his lowball glass.
And no, it was not the infamous Angel who owned this establishment. But his twin, the one who owned a recently “gifted” scar.
The scar. A hint of sadness crept over you, which you shook away at an instant.
“I swear, my kidneys won’t last a WEEK if I keep up with you”
You exclaimed.
“So you always tell me” Michael grinned, proceeding to clink his 15th glass of vodka with your 3rd.
In hopes of being a hospitable human, and a supportive friend to Lucifer, you went out of your way to befriend his twin brother Michael a few months earlier. Despite the short period he intended to remain on earth, you vowed to show him the positivities of living amongst humanity and to prove how it changed Lucifer for the better. You hoped through this, he even consider being a better sibling to both Lucifer and Amenadiel, making amends for the damages caused by stealing Morningstar’s identity leading to sabotage.
In honesty, Lucifer found your faith in his brother quite futile, and he never failed to mention in to you every now and then.
“Darling, he’s the ‘pooper’ to my ‘party. The ‘kill’ to my ‘buzz’. I certainly don’t see what good will come of him being here” you remembered his distinctive response from one time.
Amenadiel as expected, admired your generosity.
“I know you’re not that religious, but I hope you know my father would be proud to see humans such as yourself here on earth” his soothing timbre was just as comforting as his pat on your back. Yet, it did not stop him from warning you about his brother’s deceitful nature.
Michael on the other hand, found your attempt of bonding quite uninteresting at first. Similar to a teenager reacting to their parent’s futile attempts of humor. However, once drinks came into add flavor to the conversation, a friendship was formed. Your attempts were strengthened when he found some interest in your line of work. Thus, enabling you both to work together. Only after you succeeded in convincing your boss in the Law Firm.
“A Consultant? Ah just like his brother, Lucifer”
“Well, a Special Legal Consultant, Joseph” you remembered correcting your boss as you introduced Michael to him. The older man was impressed to your relief.
“Wow! This is a treat. Justice certainly runs in the family, isn’t that right, Mr. Morningstar?”
“Demiurgos, actually. Not Morningstar” Michael corrected whilst clearing his throat.
“Oh, I’m sorry” leaning to you, “is that a pseudonym?” Joe inquired in a whisper. To which you just shrugged, “Not sure. Maybe it’s cause he’s not a fan of nepotism? You know with Lucifer at LAPD-”
“Ah! Of course” clapping his hands out loud, Joseph extended his wrinkled hand, “I admire your principles… Mr.Demiurgos” he stressed, shaking his hand.
The pleased and acknowledged look Michael wore was unforgettable in your memory.
Flash forward to the present, he still wore the same expression. And you could not be more proud of him. With the insecurities he braved enough share with you over alcohol, it was a development to find him more confident and in his element and providing service to humanity.
Even if that meant protecting justice via conquering mountains of paper work.
A song of a slow yet moderate rhythm began to play, And in contrast, Maze surprised you both by slapping her hands on both pairs of shoulders.
“Hmmm…Weird” she said.
“Guilty!” To which you and Michael both replied in sync, leading to chuckles. Maze however, was not amused.
“I mean, Weird to see YOU here so late” the demon stressed, squeezing between both stools, “What about the ‘oh, no no. I’m too old. I have work tomorrow’ excuse, Miss Associate Attorney?”
“First of all, great impression of me” you replied, “But tonight, WE are celebrating…”
“…on closing the case” to which Michael finished with pride. Maze’s eyes widened:
“ You mean, THAT case?” She inquired, receiving both your nods of agreement.
A certain domestic abuse case caught your attention a few weeks back through a social worker contact. While trying to raise her son, a mother struggled with survival trying to save her job and not get permanent bedridden by the violent harassment of her estranged husband. It surprised you how Michael and even Maze grew quite sensitive to this case, thus enabling them to use all of their energy to help to make a legal case.
“Thanks to you, Maze, we found that S.O.B of a husband” Michael began, raising his glass to her. Now it was your turn to widen your eyes:
“Did…Michael just use the word S.O.B?”
Maze cackled, “Looks like the nerd is learning”
Offended, Michael’s eyebrows lifted, “Nerd? Excuse me?”
“Oh, Come on! Mr.I-love-Paperwork? Like that’s any cooler ”
“I think we found your new Pseudonym, Michael” you laughed, watching him shake his head at you very amused, “And tomorrow, thanks to the BOTH of you” you added, pointing at them, “I… can actually take a Bray off-I mean… a Day off. Hah!” You could not help but laugh at your slurring, “Whoo! Someone’s tipsy” you said, trilling your lips as you pushed your drink away.
Agreed. As careful as you were to slow down your intake throughout the whole night, you finally were feeling the effects. Being more light footed than usual, for example. Those first steps of intoxicated whimsy.
“Alright!” Maze volunteered, finishing the rest of your drink, “Lemme know if you need a ride home, Missy” she said to you before looking glancing upon Michael, “See you, Weirdo”
Scoffing, the angel watched her return to a group of eager women in the corner sofa.
“First nerd, now Weirdo?” Michael inquired, very much confused.
“Well, isn’t it obvious?” You both jumped upon hearing Maze’s response from afar, “Scar-face!” She added with tease. The Scar. A sense of sadness came over you. Especially when you noticed Michael hunching all the sudden.
He sighed, “Once a torturer, always a torturer” he muttered to himself, resting his weaker right arm on the table, looking at his glass. It was evident he caught his own reflection in the glass, especially the reflection of that mark on his face.
“Awww, don’t mind her” you said, turning to him fully, “She’s a big softie but doesn’t even know it” you added, in attempt to change the subject. He chuckled:
“Unbiased” he looked at you, “You’ve not changed a bit, Thank you” warmth carried in his tone. For he meant it.
Nodding to each other, you both fell into silence staring into their glasses. Just then, you realized.
“Michael…” you turned in your stool towards him once again, “I hope you know, I wouldn’t have been able to go through so many cases in such a short time if it wasn’t for you, Thank you”
Which made him stare at you with surprise,
“Why are saying all this all the sudden?” He inquired.
“Well, I just realized you’re going away soon”
Jaw dropped, it seemed Michael also just realized it, “Of course” he scoffed, “How could I forget?” Smiling which seemed not as enthusiastic.
“I just hope you know that, you helped a lot of people while you were here. You did good. And… I’m proud of you”
Heaviness existed in your heart all the sudden uttering those words. The realization that one day, he will offer you one last look, wish you well and fly out of your life, possibly forever. You will definitely miss him. More than you could imagine. Sitting straight up once again, Michael flashed a soft smile:
“Well, You’re very welcome”
Your heart felt a slight warmth. For it was a smile that suited him. A smile he did not have months before. A smile that softened the hardness brought on by his scar.
“Your Scar!”
Those words left your mouth so quick, Michael almost spat his drink, “…do-does it still hurt?”
And there it was, that hunched posture of his had returned. Your heart grew heavier. It could have not been helped. Ever since you met him, you swore yourself you would not dare engage in that topic with him. Yet, tonight.
A slower song began to play in the club. Averting his eyes for a few seconds, Michael looked at you only to scoff:
“Please!” He began, looking back at his glass, “You make it sound like it hurt in the first place”
And there he was, in denial.
“Ugh!” You rolled your eyes, “Pride doesn’t look good on you”
“Oh yeah? Wait-What are you-”
Nothing could prevent you from sliding off your bar stool. And certainly no force could have prevented you from cupping his face. Just so you could take a proper look at it.
“Whoa!” You breathed, “That demon blade is no joke, huh?” You inquired, your fingers running through his dark, messy hair just to push it back. Michael cleared his throat:
“It’s fine I-”
“No, it’s not”
Your insistence doused with hurt, was stressed as you looked at him straight. Taking a deep breath, you went: “Deserved or not, it definitely must have hurt. And that’s important to acknowledge that”
How could you not have talked to him about this before? If you did not, who would have?
The mere thought could tempt you towards tears. A side of you felt liberated. As if you could feel sorry for him without any bounds. Syncopated with the rhythm of the song in the background, your fingers longed to trace the scar. From his forehead, over his nose and towards his right cheek. You longed to be gentle. To be inquisitive. Your fingers, that were. Posing the important queries: Did anyone ever care about this? Did anyone really not ask him? Before your heart could feel heavier, you craved to permit your lips make contact with the broken skin instead. Posing different queries: Did it take long to heal? Did not a single soul bother to tend to this wound when it was still fresh? No one around to provide him the comfort he needed when he screamed? You longed to press your lips on it, making a silent prayer for him.
“Whoa! What’s this?”
Maze’s inquisitive words caused you to blink. You gasped.
For there you were, cupping Michael’s face, not only to imagine tending to his scar. But to have done it in real time. Your longings were not longings at all, but real actions.
It was evident by the surprised expression in his face.
Along with Maze, and most folk lingering close by.
Cheeks heating up, your airways began to feel clogged up.
“I-um-” hands leaving his face in flash, you looked down, “excuse me-”
With your heart beating in high speed, all you knew was that you longed for some air. Before you suffocated to death.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Linda! I know you’re sleeping right now. Unless you’re feeding Charlie or something but-whatever! I'm sending this cause… I need to talk to you later. I uh-I think I did something kinda crazy. It’s…it’s about Michael, actually. Just-call me when you see this in the morning”
Pressing the SEND button on your phone, you looked up. Deep breaths were all you could take as you stood outside. Your exhales appeared in the form of white fog in the narrow and dark alleyway just few blocks away from LUX. With very little people outside at the time, you had space to recollect and realize what on earth you just did.
You only hugged Michael once in all the 3, 4 months you knew him. And even then you were aware he was not the biggest fan of it. Yet, then again it was quite early on. You had promised yourself if you were ever to hug him again, it only would be when he eventually leaves earth. Or when he felt ready to indulge in it.
But what could have possibly driven you to go this far?
All the sudden, you were very much aware of the chill in the air tonight. Shivering, you held onto your forearms to rub them. With eyes closed, you leaned against the cool, brick wall. The mere thought of touching his face brought you goosebumps. Not to mention planting your lips on his face. Pressing your lips together, you attempted to recall the feeling of his skin. Hypnotic was all you could remember. The manner in which he let out a soft gasp then at that moment, forced a heavy sigh out of you. Did you by chance ruin everything? Did you embarrass him with vulnerability? Will he never show his face to you again? Will you never hear his voice?
“THERE you are!”
You jumped, upon hearing Michael’s voice just then. Opening your eyes, there he stood before you with a look of pure, innocent relief. As if he had found something he had lost in desperation, “What are you doing HERE?” He inquired.
“I-uh” with a nervous chuckle, you shrugged, “Just needed some air-Wait!” You paused, “Were you…looking for…me?”
Michael threw you a look, as if you had lost your mind, “Of course I was” he cried out, “You left so quickly I had no idea where you’d gone”
And that was when a query in you, was answered involuntarily. All the while you watched this Arch Angel go out of his way to explain his desperate search for you:
“I was looking for you everywhere. In the toilets, the office rooms. Hell! Even at Lucifer’s Penthouse, and you KNOW how I am not invited there anymore. But thankfully he wasn’t there…”
Warmth trickled down your heart and soul when all your inner queries received answers. Answers that had been living in you, dormant for some time. And you knew you did not need to wait for Linda’s opinion anymore.
“And finally! I came out to look. And who knew there was an alleyway or whatever you call them-”
“Michael…”
His name was soft on your lips, silencing him in an instant.
Even more so when you were brave enough to take a step towards him.
And cup his face once more.
His tone matched up to yours when he uttered your name in return. Except with confusion. Gulping deep, you let out a shaky breath:
“I think…” you shook your head, “not think-I KNOW…” nodding with certainty, your eyes searched for his, taking another deep breath:
“…that I have feelings…for you…”
Those beautiful orbs of his, they widened. With liberation taking over your system, you gazed at them deeper. Lips parting, Michael’s confused, tense face began to loosen at last:
“So…what happened at LUX a few minutes ago-”
“Impulse move” A sad smile formed on your face, “An impulse move, planned for a long time” you scoffed, “A part of me didn’t wanna admit it. More times, actually. I told myself I was being delusional. But with every case we did, I realized time is short for a human like me. And I-” you paused, “I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life regretting it” your left thumb touched his scar, “I care about you, Michael. Very much” you said, when the thumb began to trace down the healed skin, causing his eyes to flutter, “I don’t care if I was the first or the millionth one to say that to you, I don’t” you breathed with affection, listening to his shivers, “I care for you regardless” the more you spoke, the braver you began to feel. And his look of genuine surprise was the cherry on top, “I care enough to love you like any lover would do and more, Or…” gulping, you wore a sad smile, “I care for you enough to just stay friends, if that is what you choose” Tears were a certainty in a few seconds when the worst scenario came to mind, “And care enough to leave you alone forever, if I had ruined this for the both of u-”
Until all the sudden, your tears were on hold.
When Michael hushed your lips, with his very own.
Waves of shock traveled through you, for the mere thought of his lips touching yours was nothing but a fantasy. Pulling away, you looked at him with wide eyes:
“What-” you mumbled, “…that was?-”
“An impulse move” he breathed, his nose brushing against yours before his softened eyes locked in with yours:
“… planned for a long time”
Complete disbelief took control of you for a mere few seconds, until happiness, until euphoria poked its head in. Until it entered and convinced you, this was the first ever time you felt this amount of joy. And set your heart to dance to the fastest, grooviest song ever. That acknowledgement, his acknowledgment rang in your ears longer than it should.
“Well…” you whispered, hands still holding his face, “do you wanna make that move again?”
“YES-”
Michael’s enthusiastic response was the fuel to the little spark he caused in you, creating an absolute fire when both lips reunited in a fully fledged kiss.
Passionate, lips fed each other as if the kiss was a fine meal after being starved for days. As if the kiss was water after thirsting in a scorching desert. All for an Angel who was never given the love he once deserved, and a woman who badly longed to provide him that said-love. Except both never dared to admit it all.
Until now. Hidden desires had seen the light.
Despite your greed to linger in his lips forever, you yet managed to pull away, only to place a trail of hungry kisses over his scar. From the top that rested on his forehead, through his nose and ending with his right cheek, each kiss was long and warm and assuring. Moans left your lips when you sensed Michael’s hungry mouth began to feast on your jawline and neck til then. Deprivation of love, or the self denial of it leads to great frustration. And this was the result.
“Oh, Michael-” you cried, before attacking his lips once again. Kissing back, the angel held you tighter. Even his right arm seemed to have forgotten its ailment. This time, his tongue made it’s eager debut. But so did yours. Enveloping tightly, they deepened their kiss, causing the two to lean against the brick wall for support. For you felt weightless, with endless flight of butterflies going mad in your stomach. So mad, the heat, the fire had traveled down to the region between your thighs. You wondered if it was the mere celestial effect, or the intensity of your attraction with Michael that led you to this level of arousal. You were certain fire would literally engulf you, if it was not for the loud taxi passing by, causing you both to pull away in shock.
“If-” Michael panted, “if this is you…asking me to stay back a little longer-”
“I am” you answered breathless, “But, only if you want to-”
“I want to…”
His quick response, that enthusiasm, seemed more precious to you than all the money in the world at that very moment. The morning chill had no effect on you, all the sudden. Running your fingers over his scar once again, you took a deep breath:
“When I said I have feelings for you-ah!…” you gasped when his lips kissed your hand, “…it’s…it’s not only for one side of you, it’s not only for your good, your virtues. It’s also for the bad, your sins, intentional or accidental” you whispered gazing into his eyes. Breath shaking with emotion, his lips formed into a soft smile:
“You mean it?” He inquired.
Smiling in return, you kissed the tip of his nose, “Every… single… corner of yourself…” you confirmed, pressing his hand over your chest, “…they have my heart .Y-YOU have my hear-”
Passion had zero patience when Michael’s lips crashed into yours once again.
“Do you-” he breathed into your lips, “ …wanna go back inside?” He inquired, motioning towards LUX. You shook your head.
“No, I wanna go home” you answered, tugging at his turtleneck collar while biting your lower lip, “But only if you come with me…”
Sheer longing, and sheer lust was evident in your tone, and also in your eyes. Not to mention every cell in your entire body. You needed him tonight, in more ways than one. And like a sponge, Michael absorbed it all, sharing your sentiments exactly when his eager lips swooped in to agree, while his wings flapped open to fly with purpose.
And he had his scar to thank.
——————————————————
Check my other Michael fic : Vent HERE
Tagged: @ladyofwalpurgis @kittenlittle24 @aberrant-annie @ellimcgiseler @therealcap @valentina15 @sunflowersglowing @jellicorn05 @sailor-earth-1 @xxbeckybeexx-blog @shittylittleweirdo @blessedherondales @tangsweet @literallyshawn @spideysimpossiblegirl @panicattheeverywherekid @kittengirl998 @wonderwinchester @real-michael-demiurgos @fanfictionsilove @rogertaylorismycar @stephv213 @chipster-21 @thatfictionalwh0re @tea-effect @brittbunny123
Wanna get Tagged?
Like Lucifer? Then Check My LUCIFER MASTERLIST here :)
228 notes
·
View notes
"Who are you talking to?" The vampire asked the demon as she entered the living room, her arms filled with books. Clarisse had a plan, to lose herself in some historical fiction novels. It was her favorite way to spend time--Payne's head resting on her lap as she read and he napped. It might seem a quiet and dull way to spend time, but considering their history--'dull' was a lovely way to do so. "There is literally no one else in the house but us…" she continued, closing the door behind herself.
Her voice trailed off as she observed a figure sitting beside Payne, each of them standing up as she entered the room. The books in her arms fell to the floor in her awe. “Risse, I’m sure you need no introduction,” Payne quipped with a smirk, dipping down to pick up the tomes and set them on a tabletop before he squeezed her hand and pardoned himself to leave the two alone, Clarisse stood motionless, thinking this a terrible joke. She felt awkward standing there, waiting for someone to yell ‘gotcha!’ or ‘Surprise!’ Perhaps this was an illusion. It simply had to be. Or else she was dreaming again. Heaven knew her imagination was lively and could also seem very real. She wasn't sure. But the male stood for a moment before dipping into a bow. It seemed he too was nervous. What a strange moment this was. Instinct kicked in and Clarisse dipped into a curtsey that would have made Marie Antoinette proud. She finally broke the silence and asked, "Is this real?"
"It is quite real. You seem to have quite a number of friends ‘upstairs’. One Michael Demiurgos and Seraphiel. It was she who escorted me here."
"Daddy."
Her voice was no higher than a whisper as she observed him standing before her. She'd never called him that in life, but he opened his arms towards her, awaiting her to join him. She couldn't. Not yet. He had to prove it.
"Mouse."
It was him! No one else on Earth ever called her that. Clarisse made a beeline right into his arms, tears rolling down her cheeks as his arms encircled her, holding her close and he pressed kisses to the top of her head. He still smelled the same as before, that familiar scent overwhelming her. Tobacco, ink, bourbon. He smelled just as her library did. Her love of books had come from him and every time she walked into the library, she was greeted by not only that delightful scent--his scent--but also his portrait that hung over the mantle and fireplace. The wingback chair near the fire was also something he would have loved. When she had first seen it, it brought her back to the evenings he had sat in his study, going over his papers and she had sat at his feet, leaning back against his legs, reading a book. It was the one time of day that Vivian left her in peace. Frederick, when home from school, would occasionally join them, reading or even playing a game of whist. Some of her happiest moments had been in the study. Perhaps it was why she recreated it in each place that she lived, or that at the very least, she'd had his portrait made into a miniature and had it settled on her desk. If Christopher du Volde ever worried about being forgotten, it was a silly worry, for his youngest child carried him with her each and every day. She spoke of him with affection and cried when she thought of how much she deeply missed him.
"How long can you stay?"
"I don't know. But let us enjoy the time."
He did not have to say it twice. She looked him over, joyful that he was here before her. He looked just as she remembered except he was in more modern attire. She suspected that must have been Michael's doing. She wished Frederick were here, but he was away with Henry. There was so much to say, but where to begin? Clarisse twisted her rings around her fingers nervously until Christopher laughed. "You still have that habit after how long?" It was odd to be sitting with someone who remembered her from her mortal years. Taking hold of her hand, the two walked through the house, Christopher occasionally commenting on the beauty of her home. He teared up at the portraits from her theatre days, and how her star had skyrocketed through her the years. He had not seen her become famous, nor seen her blossom into the woman she was. But he was proud, and Clarisse felt her eyes well up with tears. She had always wondered if he would be proud. Everything that she had become, he had missed. But she had carried him with her all through the years. Be it by the locket that contained a small portrait of him, or simply by the fact that she was his daughter. He was never far from her thoughts. Yet, as they made their way through the grand home, his favourite place, beyond the study, was the garden.
"This reminds me of Sunday walks at Versailles," he remarked with fondness, giving her hand another squeeze as he began to praise the gardener for his fine work. Clarisse watched them converse quietly, a smile on her features as she listened to the rich baritone of his voice speak of different plants and suggestions on more vibrant colours and fruits. He had always been a man with many interests. He had always hoped to someday meet Thomas Jefferson and discuss his gardens and Monticello with him. The only thing they differed on was slavery. Where Jefferson owned slaves (and rumour had it, slept with one and had children by), Christopher did not believe in slavery nor that he was better because of the tone of his flesh. It was something he had impressed upon his children. She had never met Jefferson, but she suspected that he would have been fond of Abraham Lincoln. Granted, the sixteenth president had been a vampire hunter, but still. He was a good man, even if their rivalry never quite died down. Leading him back to the library, Clarisse drew out a glass from her desk drawer.
"I heard your mother came to see you." He murmured to her, sitting down as she poured him a glass of bourbon before settling down beside him. She flinched at the mention of Vivian and went rigid. Christopher brought his hand to hold her own again, comforting her. Looking at him, she sighed before looking away. She did not wish to discuss that hateful wretch in so precious a time with him. "What was it that she said to you that truly hurt you so much this time?"
"carry the knowledge in your heart that you are unworthy of the love you seek. if your own mother hates the sight of you, why would anyone else want you? you will die alone. and you will be a forgotten grain in the hourglass of time." She recited, the words a painful stab to her heart. She did not dare repeat the line Vivian had said about her list of lovers. She knew enough women and men thought she was a whore--she was not. Considering the length of her life, her number of lovers was rather small. It was also a fine bit of irony, considering just how many Vivian herself had taken. Still, she pushed her from her mind, afraid it would beckon her back to torment her. Her voice had hitched as she spoke, her eyes meeting Christopher's and he sighed, raising her hand to his lips to press a kiss to her knuckles. He hid his anger well, though she could hear the profanities he was thinking almost as if he had said them aloud.
"Mouse, you must know. I always loved you and I still love you. It is wrong of me, but you know you're my favourite. You may not actually be of my blood, but I gave you my name and I never looked at you as anything but as a child of my own. From the moment that the midwife placed you in my arms, our bond was formed. I know they say new-borns can't really see, but you opened your eyes for a moment, and I swear, you smiled at me. I know that you did not. But I thought you did. And when you gripped my pinkie, you were mine. That proves her wrong already. You are loved and always will be. Your sisters and brother never quite responded to me as you did. Perhaps you knew that you had stolen my heart. It's a trend I'm sure you've continued." He paused as Clarisse smiled faintly and drew her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You have always been worthy of love and affection. The way Payne looks at you proves her wrong as well. You have so much love in your life, Clarisse. Never pay your mother heed."
There were so many things that bubbled and finally erupted as the two sat together. "You don't...you don't hate me for what I am?"
"You are my daughter. I know what you mean, before you object. I could never hate you, Clarisse. Is it what I would have wanted for you? No, but you have thrived, and you've become such a good woman. So no, I don't hate you. I could never and I never will."
"You knew I wasn't yours…"
"I didn't care. I had suspicions about all of you. But I love you all the same. Except Vivienne. She was your mother's child always. I never had a chance with her. But you. All I had to do was say your name and you were following me around the house."
"Papa, you knew what she did to me. Why didn't you ever stop her?" She asked hesitantly, afraid she would offend him, but she had to know.
"Clarisse Elisabeth, do you honestly think I never tried? Why do you think I brought you to your aunt and uncle's house to live after she stabbed you? I threatened divorce. I cut her out of my will. I did everything to let her know that I was not pleased and what she did was unacceptable. I did everything I could possibly do. She threatened my business. Had she said I mistreated her, she would have sent us to ruin. It could have put me in jail as well. Then I truly could do nothing for you. I didn’t know what more I could do, short of wringing her neck. Did you wish me to become a murderer?"
“…”
“I was tempted.”
“I suspect everyone was at some point; she had that effect on people.”
Father and daughter sat quietly until Clarisse crossed the room, moving to the large Steinway piano and smiling to him, she pressed her fingers to the keys. He had always loved Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel. It wasn't the most complex of pieces, but she had always played it well. He closed his eyes as he sat there and she simply let the music do the speaking for her. It was one of her favorite pieces as well. She'd have played him everything she knew, had they the time. Sadly, time is always the thing that people seldom have.
"Mouse, you have to let me go."
"Papa?"
"I can't rest in peace, until you let me go. Let me rest, sweetheart."
"I don't understand," she spoke, meeting his gaze and ceasing to play. She could see on his face that this conversation was clearly paining him. His arms encircled her again, holding her close, her head on his chest. Clarisse wept as she listened to his heartbeat; the sound had lulled her to sleep on many occasions. He was here, but not really. He was not a figment of her imagination, but he was...a spirit?
"I was allowed to leave to finish things with you. You are my unfinished business, Mouse. I want you to let me go. This is to be our 'goodbye', Clarisse." He rocked her gently as she began to cry. She wasn't ready. However, she knew it was time. She had held onto him for centuries. She looked at Christopher, "You'll still be with me?" she asked softly.
"Now and always."
"If you see Nettie..."
"I see her frequently as I do your son and daughter. She takes care of them for you. They bring us quite a bit of joy. She was quite touched that you named your little girl for her. As is the Queen." Christopher winked at her, taking her hands in his once more as a bright light filled the room. Clarisse covered her face, however, it was not unpleasant; it didn't harm her. But it was calling to her father, who was approaching it. Christopher smiled as he kissed her forehead once more. "You are my pride and joy, Clarisse Elisabeth. You needn't ever worry over that. You make me proud daily. And we shall meet again someday."
"Papa?"
"Mouse?"
"Je t'aime. Toujours."
"Et je t’aime, Clarisse. Toujours. Adieu, ma reinette. It is a good name for you. You certainly are a little queen." He smiled and then, he was gone. Clarisse stood there, staring at the space, feeling an emptiness within her closed. Yet, there would always be that ache. That desire to be with her family would never go away. But now, he was at peace. He was happy. They'd gotten to say everything they had needed to and that, that was enough. It was all she could ask for.
0 notes