Colin's posts

"I admit, I didn't see the parallels until it just... hit me." Evan replied.

"Things just clicked when the info was laying around me, and... well... yeah. The rest is history." he laughed.

"Blair gets to exercise his creativity, he gets to have a good work environment, he gets to work around people that accept him for who he is. It's practically a perfect situation for him." he told her.

"And he's never been happier." he added.

"Which makes ME happier than ever." he added at the end with a light blush, a low purring sound emitting from within him.

"Well, that's old-world beliefs and stubbornness for you." Evan responded.

"...or, to put it bluntly, ingrained racism." he muttered.

"Still, he got past it." he then said.

"That's what matters." he reasoned.

"But yes, he's wonderful to work for, and nice to be around, too." he went on. "I'm so glad he allowed Blair and I have the chance to get the jobs we have." he finished.

Evan smiled.

"He really IS a wonderful boss, and an amazing person." he agreed. "I can't picture myself working for anyone else by now." he admitted with a small chuckle, before sighing contently.

"And Blair and I are doing quite well." he said.

"We have a wonderful home, wonderful jobs, we spend just enough time apart that we love to be with each other when we're together..." he listed off, getting a little dreamy and whimsical near the end, before shaking himself back to reality.

"So we're doing more than fine." he summarised.

"We like to think so, anyway."

Evan paused when he heard that, before heaving a HEAVY sigh.

"Yeah, sounds like Uncle Ash." he said. And she could hear the weight off of his shoulders, then. He didn't want her to go away, but the fact that she wouldn't be living as some homeless tramp seemed to help him. A lot.

"I'm glad." he said further.

He then brought the teapot, some mugs, a little milk, and some sugar over towards the small table between them, and set it down.

"When are you going?" he asked.

"You said you had a little time. How much is 'a little'?"

Evan got up and started to make the tea for the both of them... and sighed.

"I know." he said.

"Just... you'll be on the run." he said further.

"Where will you live? How will you eat? Sleep?" he asked her.

"I don't like the thought of my mother being homeless and sleeping outside or in hostels or whatever." he continued.

Evan nodded slightly, and the two took their seats... both in front of his desk. He was still shaking a little, before he seemingly forced himself to calm down, and took a few breaths.

"...um..." he mumbled.

"Want some tea?" he asked.

"I have some in here for sessions, from time to time." he told her.

"I can make a pot for us, if you like." he offered. "Or have individual mugs made."

Evan didn't respond at first... but Casey heard light sobs, and felt him quivering a little. He continued to hold onto her, and he didn't let go for close to a full minute, before he finally said something.

"I..." he stammered.

"I didn't think it would come to this." he said.

"I just... I want to be with you right now." he told her.

"Until you disappear."

Evan seemed to be stunned for a moment, almost stuck where he was. He didn't move towards Casey at first, seemed like he wasn't going to do anything... until he practically launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

He didn't say anything, either.

He just continued to hold her, and buried his face in her shoulder.

That was one thing about Evan... he'd been a bit of a Momma's boy when he was younger, and even though he grew out of it, and became his own man... he was still VERY much close to her.

And this sudden news had hit him hard.

"...enough." Evan replied.

"I know that Emelie is missing, an archangel has fallen, and the Fallen themselves may be organising." he told her.

"...suffice to say, things are tense." he said.

"Tell me if I'm missing any crucial details." he continued.

"And if they relate to why you're HERE."

"Good." he replied.

"...good luck out there, Casey." he then said to her, as they exchanged one more hug. He then excused himself, they said their farewells, and he disappeared deeper into the building, as Casey knocked on Evan's door.

"It's open." she heard.

When she opened it, she saw Evan sitting behind his desk, looking at her.

"...I knew I could feel your mana about an hour ago." he said.

"I'm guessing you have not-so-pleasant news to deliver."

Azazel nodded in response.

"What's entirely going on is... frightening. VERY frightening." he told her, as Evan's office door came into view.

"And you're welcome about the tip about the mana." he then said.

"Just... remember, use it to get away, primarily. Don't try and fight back unless you HAVE to." he reminded her.

"And summon me if things start to get really bad." he said again.

"Doesn't matter when or where or anything. I'll come running."

Azazel paused for a moment, thinking about it.

"Hmmmm." he mumbled.

"Fallen are... weird. They're not infernal, they're not celestial, and they're generally weaker than either realm." he said. "However, if they're organised under a leader, and possibly have weapons they shouldn't, all bets are off..." he went on.

"Wait." he then said.

"There's a chance a really good necromantic mana blast would disorient them and possibly scramble their brains." he told her.

"Or it could just make them dissipate. They ARE afterlife entities..." he mumbled further.

"But really... and I hate to say it... the biggest weapon against Fallen is usually... faith. Faith in... Emelie." he lamented.

"To understate it." Azazel responded as they continued to walk.

"But I mean it. If it's an emergency, summon me. No matter what." he told her.

"I have enough power to keep a Fallen or two busy for a short while." he said further.

"And we don't need you getting into THEIR hands." he growled.

"...can't believe it's finally happening..." he then muttered.

"The Fallen have EVERYONE mad at them now."

"Duly noted." Azazel replied.

"And I respect your decision." he told her. "This can't be easy." he reasoned.

"..." he was then silent for a moment, before sighing.

He then turned and gave her a hug, bringing her close.

"Summon me if you're ever in a pinch." he told her.

"I'll throw myself at Michael himself if it means you get away from him."