Speed Demon [Zera]

[LUCIFER]

Nick had gotten into his car that morning about three am. He had been tired, but he couldn't sleep now...Not after theses series of messages. He gripped the wheel to his truck tight as he drove down the highway. He silently prayed all the way that no cops were going to pull him over for speeding. He usually didn't speed to much, maybe four or five miles over the limit, but right now he was pushing ten...twelve miles over.

Zerachiel...Well, she was a darling woman, but she was a bit loopy. Maybe she was just too innocent for her own good. Whatever the reason...which may or may not have included the use of drugs, she was off to find some...stranger. Nick didn't like the tone of this guy's voice. He sounded like a creep, and he had met some very bad people in his day. So, he was driving...From Delaware to freaking Kentucky! What was he doing? What was SHE doing? How could she believe that he just wanted to talk...

More importantly how did she not understand his 'code'? Anger flooded his system and he gripped the wheel tighter, his knuckles slowly turning white from the pressure that was pressed upon them. This woman was crazy, for whatever causes or chemicals she may or may not have ingested. Still, he couldn't just sit there...by his phone, waiting for her to call him.

That was another thing that bothered him. Was there something wrong with his phone? He hadn't gotten any signals that she was calling him, but his phone had lit up like a sparkler when he had a voice mail from her. He didn't understand it and he was just pissed off at technology right now. This whole situation was ridiculous. He looked over to the right and opened a large energy drink. He had no intention on stopping along the way, unless he got pulled over and arrested...Well, he couldn't have that.

The anxious man turned off his cruise control and watched as the bar lowered itself back down to a reasonable pace. There, now he was less likely of getting pulled over, and he probably wouldn't get one of those 'reckless driving' issues if he did get pulled over. He sighed and took another deep swig of the drink he had and kept his eyes on the road. He had been driving for hours now, screaming at the traffic whenever it was slow, and cursing at horrible drivers that he passed along the way.

He didn't like using his phone while driving, but what if she din't get his message? What town was he in? After all that seemed like a pretty big state, and how did she get there to begin with? Why was she there? Who was this Shiloh person and why was she making Zera get her food at that late of night, by herself, in a very bad neighborhood. If he ever met that woman....well, he'd giver her a stern talking to at least.

He plucked his phone as he saw he had entered the Kentucky state line. A little bit of relief went through him as he pressed the speed dial button for Zerachiel's number. He waited for it to ring, silently cursing to himself as he heard the voice mail pick up again. Did she just not answer her phone? Was there something with the towers? He was going to give his cell phone provider a piece of his mind once he got back home.

"Zerachiel, it's Nick...I'm in Kentucky. Where are you? What town? I've got a GPS in my truck, thank God. So I can find you. Call me, or text me...Or something... Let me know you are okay. And do NOT go visit that man. I know I'm repeating myself, but I mean it!" he said, his tone stressed and raised an panic and anger.

What had that woman gotten into? Was she in the mob or something? He rubbed his face a little. Dear Lord...was she a prostitute?

[ZERACHIEL]

Zerachiel admired the serenity night possessed, the sky a deep, opulent navy, with stars shimmering beautifully within its wondrous depths. The angel paced alongside the man she had encountered, her fingers enclosed securely about the grocery bag in her hand, as she followed him down the street to his apartment. Nick advised her to distance herself from this particular individual, however, she did not understand his concern, and continued to reassure him by means of her cell phone. She had called him by mistake, somehow dialing his number, which disconcerted her. Silently, she admonished herself, wishing she had not disturbed his slumber; Zerachiel was supposed to assist Nick, not cause even more problems for the already busy man. In spite of her best efforts to discourage him from driving all the way to Kentucky from Delaware, he chose to disregard her pleas, and much to her chagrin he had already crossed the border into the Bluegrass state. She would have to apologize for her foolish behavior.

Somehow, she kept overlooking Nick’s phone calls. Zerachiel ensured the volume was at maximum capacity, although she only received notification for his voicemails, which puzzled her; perhaps, she had broken it one way or another—she never did comprehend the hype surrounding manmade technology. Attempting to return Nick’s call, she re-dialed his number, praying he would pick up. Nevertheless, she was forwarded to voicemail once more, disappointed that she still could not properly operate the mobile phone. “I apologize, Nick, I have disturbed your evening,” she responded, sincerely, guilt enveloping her thoughts, and weighing heavily on her mind. “The town is referred to as Louisville. Though, do not worry about me. I am concerned for you, you require sleep; you are not supposed to be driving. As for the man, I do not sense anything out of the ordinary; he is not a demon. I must adhere to my promise or—”

She faltered mid-sentence, taken aback, as a hand glided over her shoulder and fingers brushed across her collarbone. The action was unexpected and made her feel ill at ease, especially when the stranger’s hand approached the neckline of her blouse. Instinctively, she recoiled from his touch, recalling Nick’s advice, though her beliefs and his instructions conflicted with one another. “I beg your pardon; however, could you please refrain from touching me in such a manner, sir?” She was not accustomed to such physical contact, and his sudden proximity made her stomach churn in an unpleasant way. A part of her wanted to flee, but she knew this man required assistance; he was sad and lonely. Remembering she was on the phone, Zerachiel disregarded the sudden wave of anxiety, focusing on Nick. “Anyway, I am fine. You should acquire a hotel room and get some rest.” Ending the call, she gazed at the LCD screen, wondering if he would forgive her this time around.

[LUCIFER]

Rescue me should I go wrong

[/color]

Nick cursed loudly in his car as he heard his phone buzz in the cup holder. He had missed another call. In his frustration he hit the steering wheel with the palm of his fist, causing his car to swerve ever so slightly. He picked up the phone, starting to argue with the female robotic voice that had repeatedly asked him for his security code to access his voice mail messages. He listened, impatiently for the voice mail to kick in. Then he heard Zerachiel’s voice and some of the things that she said had not put him to ease in the slightest.

He gritted his teeth in concern and frustration. This was way too much like high school, and for all that he knew that man was dangerous. If he did a single thing…Well, he didn’t have any qualms about beating that man half way to the grave. He went back to pressing his boot to the gas pedal as he heard the rest of the message. Nick wanted to shut his eyes, to get off the road, to scream at the sky and just spit out every profanity that he could think of. But there wasn’t time for that sort of thing yet.… Not yet anyway, he had to get there. He had to get to that town. There wasn’t much he could do until he did.

So veering of onto the first exit that had the bright white words of “ Louisville” on it, he tried to remain calm. He thought it was funny though, that he had picked up his old baseball bat and put it in his truck – Good ‘ol Louisville slugger. And then it struck him…He could call in a favor. One of his pals that he had met at the bar…was a cop. He dialed the number as he drove, asking his question. He needed to find Zerachiel and fast. His friend was concerned but decided to help him anyway, once Nick, having used his skills in persuasion, nudged him into doing the task Nick required of him.

He got a call back a few minutes later from the officer. Nick had used his cop connection to get the location of Zerachiel’s cell phone, street and everything. He plugged in the numbers to the address and continued to drive. His body was sore from sitting to long, it was unnatural for him. He was much more used to standing on his feet. As he turned down “Elm” street he looked around…There were houses here…She was in some guy’s house?!

The tires squealed as he slammed it into Park, after finding a spot for his truck. He stuffed his keys into his pocket and pulled the bat from the back of the cab. Nick, jogging, looked for the number to the apartment. He found it….Oh this man was in a world of hurt if he had done anything to her. Nick wrung his hands around the cold smooth wood. He lightly knocked on the door, even though part of him wanted to knock it down. Then again…

Panic rose though him and he took a few steps back. Nick eyed the door carefully before he started to kick it. One wasn’t going to be enough, but after three adrenaline filled slams with his work boot, the door swung open. He practically charged inside, looking around. He held the baseball bat in one hand, searching for Zerachiel, or that scum bag…Nick needed a few practice swings before he went back to playing baseball with his friends anyway…

“Zerachiel?!” he hollered.

If I dig too deep, or if I stay too long

[/right] [/blockquote]

[ZERACHIEL]

Recalling Nick’s advice, Zerachiel hesitated at the entrance to the apartment, uncertainty coursing through her veins. The angel’s green gaze swept over the decrepit exterior of the building and then rested on the man’s face, thoroughly examining his disheveled appearance. She sensed an intense sadness emanating from him, accompanied by a longing for companionship, and one more emotion she did not recognize that proved to be as potent as the last. An arm wrapped about her shoulders and his lips curled into a grin. Instead of comforting her, the gesture merely alarmed her all the more. Zerachiel suppressed the ever-growing apprehension, wordlessly chiding her current behavior. He required assistance and she would serve him as she did all of God’s children; earth was beginning to affect her mentality, which simply intruded upon her sense of duty. There was no reason for him to harm her, therefore she nor should Nick be concerned—correct? Placing her trust in her Father’s creation, she followed his lead, crossing the threshold into the dingy human domicile.

The interior emulated the outside, the walls and ceiling discolored and worn from age; beneath her, the carpet was frayed, dreadfully stained and littered with debris. He escorted her to the couch, and she seated herself, heartbeat accelerating slightly as he positioned himself beside her; their bodies exceptionally close. “As an angel of the Lord, I am here to aid you, sir,” she murmured, unblinkingly staring at the man opposite her. His smile broadened and he laughed quietly, leaning forward; his breath reeking of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Zerachiel shrunk back against the arm of the sofa, a wave of confusion sweeping over her as he placed his hand on her thigh. She knew people greeted each other with handshakes or even a welcoming embrace, though his action was different. There was no warmth in the way he looked at her, something else shone in his eyes, and even though she could not identify the feeling, it managed to disturb her.

“I am here to aid you,” she repeated, shifting nervously on the couch, placing her folded hands in her lap. Perhaps this man had an alternative method used to greet his guests; she should not judge. “I—” Zerachiel paused mid-sentence, her heart seeming to skip a beat. He bent over her, his weight pressing into her slender figure, hands combing over her exposed flesh. She stiffened, shuddering in disgust when his lips brushed against her jaw line. On impulse, she shoved him backward, and he fell onto the floor, incoherently muttering a response. Shame overcame her; she should not have laid a hand on him—she could have hurt him. She bowed down to help him, to ensure he was not injured by her foolishness, however a familiar voice reverberated in her ears, distracting her from her current situation.

“Nick?” Zerachiel replied immediately, wondering how he had arrived in Louisville so fast. She darted toward the door, her focus entirely on Nick. He was her friend and she was worried about him considering how early in the morning it was; he required an adequate amount of sleep—why he had not remained at home? “Nick—” Fingers enclosed around her forearm, yanking her away from the exit; away from Nick. She struggled, questioning this man’s objectives; he was strong, which surprised her. Losing her footing, she plummeted to the floor, her head striking the edge of the coffee table. Pain overwhelmed her, blood swelling from the open wound. She was dizzy, she could not think straight, but she continued to think of Nick, wanting him to stay away; to stay far away.

[LUCIFER]

Tonight we ride

[/color]

He heard her voice and relief flooded him, until he saw the man and where she was. His face of worry and confusion swiftly turned to anger. He watched as the man grabbed her and pulled. The sound of her head hitting the table was sickening and it broke something in him. He snarled at the man, pulling something primal from the base of his brain. Nick revealed the bat and brought it to his waist, wrapping both hands tightly around it.

Nick took strong focused strides toward the man. He wouldn’t hurt Zerachiel again. He was only a few feet away from the man before he decided to speak, his voice a twisted growl of rage.
“You keep your filthy hands off her, you son of a bitch,” he hissed, slamming the bat into the man’s lower abdomen with a satisfying thunk.

The creep recoiled in pain, letting Zerachiel go. He scrambled and managed to get up, swinging back at his attacker. Nick dodged and swung at him again, hitting the man square in the shoulder. Nick heard a bone crack, but he didn’t smile, he didn’t flinch at the sound. His face was contorted in protective anger. John Doe cried out in pain, his own anger growing. The man clocked Nick in the gut with his fist, making him double over in his own pain.

Nick looked up at the guy slowly before he let out a war cry and swung the bat again, hitting the man square in the kneecap. It snapped too, causing the man to buckle in agony. Nick straightened himself up again, taking a step back to survey the damage he had done with just a few hits. Of course, he was pretty mad and amped up on adrenaline right now. Breathing hard he glared at the guy for a second before raising the bat, as if he was playing baseball.
“Lights out, creep…” he said gruffly before swinging at the guy’s head.

Blood flew from the man’s wound as the baseball bat had caused enough damage for his skin to tear. The weirdo slumped to the ground, knocked out for certain. The man from Denver gave the weirdo a swift kick in the nuts for good measure. He’d feel that whenever he woke up…if he woke up. Aaron tossed the bat on the floor, hearing it clatter softly as he turned back to Zerachiel.

He looked at the blood that was seeping from her head wound. Worry crossed back over his face as he studied her injury.
“Zerachiel? Zerachiel? Can you hear me?” he asked as he rested on his knees beside her.
He pulled off his over shirt in a hurry and lightly pressed it to the gash in her head. Should he move her? Should he not move her? He wasn’t trained for something like this, and it had been years sense he had taken a first aid class.
“I told you to stay away from him,” he softly chastised as he lifted her head a little, trying to help her sit up.

Right or wrong

[/right] [/blockquote]

[ZERACHIEL]

The angel listened to Nick as he spoke, wanting to advise him to leave the apartment for fear that the other man would harm him too; however, Zerachiel could not articulate her uncertainties. She attempted to stand up, though her body would not comply, the pain within her head intensifying upon the slightest movement. Her vision grew indistinct—the room now an extremely vague representation of what she had remembered—darkness gradually engulfing her entirely. Resting against the carpeted floor, she vaguely heard Nick above the commotion, her heart pounding violently within her chest. The concern for her friend continued to increase, developing into a deep-seated panic that forced the air from her lungs, overriding her usual peace of mind. Horrifying images of Nick injured or worse—dead—permeated her thoughts. She needed to heal her wound in order to protect him, but in her weakened state drawing on her angelic powers would not be possible; she should have paid attention to Nick’s warning, then he would not have placed his life in jeopardy—she had failed him again.

Prying her eyes open, she glanced about the room, searching for Nick. A wave of relief washed over her as his voice resonated within the building, and she sensed him as he settled beside her. “I am sorry, Nick,” she muttered, trying not to slur her words. “He was so sad and lonely; I only wished to help . . . my purpose is to serve. I failed you both.” She was an angel, yet she continuously disappointed those she attempted to assist, herself, and above all, God. No matter her beliefs, she still managed to slip-up, creating more problems. Overcome with shame, Zerachiel hoped both Nick and her Father would excuse her actions—if not now, perhaps one day. With bated breath, she scrutinized the man before her, praying that he was not hurt. “Did he harm you? Do you require medical assistance?” She waited for his response, disregarding her own wellbeing, only worried about him.

“I am so sorry,” Zerachiel, reiterated, her shoulders slumping as she heaved an exhausted sigh. “So, sorry . . .” She allowed her lids to flutter close once more, the light causing her head to throb further. “I apologize, Nick.” Leaning against the table for support, she wiped the blood from the side of her face with the back of her hand. “I am also sorry about your shirt. I will purchase a replacement.”

[LUCIFER]

If you only knew I’m hanging by a thread…

[/color]

As she tried to get up, Nick lightly pressed a hand on her shoulder to keep her down. She shouldn’t get up this quickly, he could guess that much. He gently held the back of her head as she rested there for a moment. She hadn’t responded. Was she knocked out as well? He frowned and checked on her bleeding wound. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he knew he needed to apply pressure to it to slow the bleeding.

He waited there for what seemed like hours. His concern grew with each passing second. Was she going to be okay? Oh if that man wasn’t dead, Nick would certainly going to kill him if there was any lasting damage. Hell, he felt as if he should kill him for the simple principle of his actions towards Zerachiel. Nick looked over to the side, to peer at the bleeding and broken man that was still breathing. He glared at the unconscious man before turning his attention back to Zerachiel. He needed to get her out of here, possibly to a hospital; then her eyes opened.

His body stiffened slightly in surprise. He looked down at her as she started to speak, shaking his head to and fro at her words. He repeatedly tried to quietly shush her, loosening the placement of his shirt to check the wound again. He checked it for a moment and let her continue speaking. Pity swept through him. She tried so hard and she was a wonderful and kind person, but she just…didn’t seem to understand the world around here. It puzzled him but he admired her faith in people.

She had been knocked over the head and she was asking if he was okay? Well he was sore, but it was her injuries that he was concerned about. Really, it was the other guy that needed the most medical attention, but he didn’t give a fuck about that guy right now. Nick turned the shirt around to a clean spot that had not been doused in her blood.
“No, no, I’m fine. You worry about yourself. I’m just going to have a bruise…You on the other hand…” he hissed and bit his lip as he looked at the gash. Would she need stitches?

“You haven’t failed anybody,” he said softly as she shifted herself.

He supported her with his arms and kept one hand on the table, using his arm as a sort of brace for her to lean on. As she cleaned the blood from her face he used his over shirt sleeve to help her wipe the liquid off of her. He laughed as he didn’t care about the shirt. He had plenty more and she was much more important than an article of clothing.
“We may need to get you to a hospital…” he said softly as he pondered.

Nick felt a small wave of panic as he gathered the scene. He had just broken into some stranger’s house, beat the tar out of him, and the man was lying on the floor. Had the confrontation been loud? Were the cops coming? The last thing he wanted and needed was to go to jail. He swallowed and shifted himself again, letting Zerachiel lean on his kneeling leg.


Nick took his shirt and started to tie it tightly around her head, yet trying to be careful about it at the same time. Once he was happy with how it was secured he made sure it was out of her eyes so she could see if need be. He cupped his arm under her knees and the other remained under her shoulders. He got his other leg under him and lifted her up. She was, surprisingly light.

“I’m sorry…I think we should leave this place…” he said as he settled onto his feet.

He was going to have to get his bat in a moment or to, but for right now he was walking them out of this crappy house and toward his truck. Oh crap, he should have opened the truck door before he picked her up. Well, he was going to figure that out once he got to the truck. He moved slowly, carefully, as he weaved them around objects and closer to the door.

“Don’t worry about the shirt, hun,” he said, trying to give her a comforting smile.

If you only knew the web I spin for you…

[/right]

[ZERACHIEL]

Are you positive you are all right?” Zerachiel inquired yet again, gazing up at Nick through heavily lidded eyes. Struggling to maintain consciousness, she rested her head against his shoulder, reluctant to look away. She vaguely recalled the confrontation, her memory indistinct. Her body shuddered as she remembered the man’s hands as they touched her, and the way his fingernails pierced her skin when he seized her arm. He was one of her Father’s children, should she feel repulsed by his actions? However, the worst part had been not knowing if Nick was unharmed. Instead of protecting him, she had succumbed to her gradually weakened state—the continuous loss of her angelic powers leaving her prone to injury, which unsettled her. How could she watch over Nick when she was rendered a mere mortal? Silently, she vowed to never allow herself to make one more mistake for the sake of her friend; she would not be able to bear failing him another time.

The angel was terribly drowsy; she assumed it was a side effect of her head wound, considering the intensity of the impact to such a vital part of the body. She resisted the urge to sleep, keeping her eyes on Nick’s face as if only he would help her remain awake. “I am afraid . . .” she began, slowly piecing together her words to create a coherent sentence. “That if I were to look away, you will disappear.” Afraid that if she submitted to the exhaustion threatening to grab a hold of her, the man would return and take Nick away, or she would find herself on her own once more. She would not stray from her duty, although here on earth she was alone, and he was her only ally; the only one she could turn to. “You are my only friend, Nick.” Zerachiel betrayed her family and left her home, this planet was new and confusing. “I feel out of place in this world, however, you treat me so well—even after everything I have done—and for once I feel like I belong somewhere.”

Once she had believed, her siblings and her shared a deep, passionate bond that would never break—Zerachiel had been severely mistaken. She did not blame them. Her departure was deliberate and she was the only one responsible for her actions. No one should excuse her for she had sinned, letting down those closest to her. She had known the repercussions, yet her heart still ached, and she yearned for their companionship, even if they had no desire to pardon her behavior. Zerachiel loved God, she loved Michael, she loved Ithuriel, and she loved the rest of her brothers and sisters forever and nothing could ever change the love she felt for them. She also loved humans and no matter what they did to her, she did not abandon them, she forgave them, because she would never give-up. “Never give-up on me; please, do not stop being my friend, Nick.” He was all she had.

[LUCIFER]

Oh you wreck me baby

[/color][/size][/left]

Nick just shifted and looked back down at her as she struggled to speak. He frowned slightly in his great concern, resisting the urge to run back to that man and just finish the job he had started. He swallowed, nervous for her sake and well being. He looked back to where he was going as he carried her out down the steps and across the sidewalk. He peered at her from time to time as she spoke, switching his glances between her and where he was walking to.

Nick shifted as he walked down the sidewalk, he adjusted his arms under Zerachiel, trying to keep the two of them comfortable. He looked at her, confusion on his face at what she said. He didn’t understand what she was trying to say. Maybe it was because of the bump on her head. Nick leaned to one side awkwardly as he slowly unlatched the passenger truck door. It took him several moments to pull the door open and push it out far enough for his satisfaction.
“Um…okay?” he mumbled slightly, confusion still lodged onto his face.

Her only friend? How could that be? She was a caring and wonderful individual. How could he, of all loathsome people, be her only friend? He felt bad, for her, for her situation, for the fact that she had ever been thrown into his path and caused her such trouble. Still, he accepted the compliment with a slight nod. He carefully shifted her, dipping himself so that she could be placed inside the confines of his truck – without risk of hitting her already damaged head.
“It’s going to be okay Zerachiel,” he said gently, as he wasn’t sure exactly what to say at this moment.

Nick Nick felt responsible for this and it was his duty now to make sure that she was going to be okay. He lightly placed her into the truck and double checked her make shift bandage out of his shirt was still secure. He leaned and put her seatbelt on for her. This was going to be a long drive, but should he take her to the hospital? He wasn’t sure. Frowning in concern he looked at her for a moment and was shocked by what she said. Give up on her? What was there to give up on? She had been wonderful to him thus far. Confused, a bit lost, but wonderful. He reached forward and lightly put his hands on her cheeks, making sure he had eye contact with her.

“Look at me Chiel,” he said, his eyes searching for her dazed ones, “I’m right here for you. I’m not going anywhere, Cheil, not anywhere.”

In how many months time…How wrong he would be, but he had no idea what he was in store for, even though she had touched upon the subject on the Devil. He thought it was just crazy talk still. He gave her another worried look and let go of her face, lightly making sure that there wasn’t anything that could get in front of her eyes. He backed up and shut the passenger door. He didn’t want to leave the truck, but he had to, he had to get that baseball bat.
So he ran. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, back into the house. He looked at the man on the floor, who was still unconscious. Nick clenched his fist and picked up the bat, eyeing the defenseless one. His stomach lurched as he had that itch again, to swing, to swing until that man’s brains were all over the walls. The urge was so strong, as if another person was trying to guide him. Scared of, himself, he stared to back away from the body slowly, still facing it. He turned quickly and shut the door behind him. Should he call the cops? There were so many questions and so few answers.

He ran faster back to the truck than he had away from it. He slipped the bloodied bat behind Zerachiel’s seat and covered it with a few blankets before he hopped into the vehicle as well. He clicked his seat belt and quickly started his car. Nick let out a deep sigh before he turned to look over at Zerachiel.
“It’s going to be all right, everything, is going to be all right,” he said as he slightly comforted himself as well.

You rip me in two

[/color][/right]

[ZERACHIEL]

Nick’s words of reassurance managed to momentarily soothe her restless spirit, the angel thoroughly relieved that he would not leave her even after she had placed his life in jeopardy; she did not deserve to be a recipient of this man’s kindness. “Thank you,” Zerachiel responded gratefully, gazing dazedly over at him as he situated himself in the vehicle. “I am fine; I heal faster than humans. I am merely concerned for your wellbeing, Nick. I have to—I want to—protect you.” Resting her head against the seat, she struggled to retain her focus, her thoughts wandering and mingling with one another, nearly incomprehensible even to her. She attempted to piece together the puzzle her mind had become, fragments of her memory replaying unclearly right before her eyes. However, the past did not alarm her; only the future managed to drive fear into the beating depths of her heart, pumping it into her bloodstream until it engulfed her entirely. “Please, do not say yes. Please, please do not say yes to him. Then you will leave. I do not want you to leave, Nick.”

“Though, I am not worthy of your friendship.” The angel no longer belonged with her brethren in Heaven, nor on earth among humanity. Zerachiel felt out of place wherever she traveled, for she was beneath man and now she was beneath her siblings the angels. She had been wandering the earth unaccompanied since her arrival on this planet, although the loneliness she had been subjected to was proper punishment for the crime she had committed against her kin; she should be condemned to Hell. She was thoroughly grateful Nick had permitted her to be his friend in spite of her sins. Thus far, he had been the only individual who had taken the time and energy to deal with her over and over again, forgiving her, and not leaving her when she did fall short of her responsibilities; unlike her brothers and sisters. Perhaps he often left the safety of his home in Delaware to help those in need—driving from state-to-state where his assistance was required—but she was merely pleased he had cared enough about her in order to drive to Kentucky in order to save her from the consequences of her own foolish mistake. “You are too kind to me.”

Zerachiel would never abandon her siblings, and she would lend them a hand if called upon, risking her life to defend her family without hesitance. Their apparent resentment toward her did not deter Zerachiel in the slightest; they may have easily deserted her, regarded her as an enemy now instead of an ally, however she could never reciprocate such enmity. She would not give up on her brothers and sisters, and she would certainly not give up on man. Nevertheless, she was accustomed to others giving up on her; she could not express how happy Nick had made her feel, because he was the first to willfully stay by her side. He was a good person, though a part of her still worried it was too good to be true, and that when she awoke he would be gone. “Please, do not leave,” she repeated, voice barely audible. “Please.” Unable to keep the overlying exhaustion at bay, Zerachiel succumbed to fatigue, allowing her eyes to close as she slipped into unconsciousness.

[LUCIFER]

The chemicals

[/color]

He was almost becoming used to her crazy talk at this point. He wasn’t sure how much of it was her, or the head wound at this point. Still, she was human, because monsters and angels didn’t exist – not really anyway. He was certain of that. If there had been angels, they would have stopped a lot of the madness in the world, if they weren’t worthless dicks anyway. So he was certain the whole concept of God and the Devil and Angels that she was talking was just a lot of bull crap. He could respect her Faith. He had been like her at one point – a person of Faith. Not anymore. There was only this world…

She wanted to protect him? It was cute. Nick just smiled weakly as he focused on driving. He quickly removed the truck from the scene of violence and headed back to the fastest way to the highway. He tried to figure out how many miles he was going on his vehicle for this trip. He looked over at the woman as she spoke about how she healed faster. He just gripped the wheel o of his car and merged into the traffic as they slipped onto a bypass after a few minutes. She was just so…sweet and naive it was almost gut wrenching.

“Shhh, Chiel, you need your rest,” he said soothingly, using a similar tone he had possessed when his son was fussy.

It surprised him how quickly it slipped out of his mouth, that voice. He swallowed and gripped the wheel tighter, fiddling with his watch while she continued speaking. He went on driving, making sure that he was staying at or just slightly above the speed limit. He wanted to get them to his house, but he didn’t want to have to explain…the scene in his car. Nickolas checked his side mirrors for the hundredth time when she said he was being too kind. The man was puzzled by quite a few of her words. It sounded like she was in a very dark place and that made his heart ache in sympathy for her.

Nick continued to drive, listening to her little ramblings. He really hoped she didn’t need a doctor. He could take her to his family physician later, in the morning maybe, or a clinic. Yes, that would work. He just hoped that he was doing more help than harm by waiting a while. Nick said a silent prayer that she didn’t have a concussion or anything serious. She kept talking about him leaving. He didn’t understand. He had come to get her. He wasn’t going to leave her there. He reached out and took a drink from the flat Monster energy drink. It wasn’t good, he was going to have to stop at a gas station to get some more, or something, not stale. Gas station would work. He veered off the highway as he was thinking about it, finding a Shell gas station and parking his truck in one of the spaces so he could also refuel his vehicle.

As he turned off the engine he looked at her as she started to drift off into sleep. He smiled weakly and plucked his keys from the ignition. Stuffing them in his pocket he pulled a blanket from the back of his truck, making sure that it didn’t touch the bloody bat that was covered by random items. He lightly pulled it over her lap, studying her face for a moment. He lightly reached over and checked her head wound to see if it was still bleeding or if it had stopped. As her last “please” slipped out he gently leaned over and kissed her on the head, not realizing what he had done at first.
“I’ll be here…” he said before he slipped out of the car.

It didn’t hit him until he got back from buying a few things and refueling the car that he realized what he had done. Nick uncomfortably cleared his throat and took a few large gulps from the soda he had purchased. He started his truck again and started driving, his thoughts swirling in his head at a mile a minute. He gripped the wheel and went back to driving, trapped within his own mind for several hours. Occasionally he would look over to see how Zerachiel was doing. Nick only stopped the car once they had gotten back to his house.

“Zerachiel?...Wake up…We’re here.”

Between us

[/right] [/blockquote]

[ZERACHIEL]

Zerachiel awoke, taking a moment to register where she was and who she was with. She shifted, absentmindedly taking the blanket that had lain across her lap folding it with clumsy fingers, too tired to take notice of her sloppy finish. Facing Nick, she stared up at him dazedly, struggling to remember why she was here in the first place. Of course, she did not mind, however, she could not recall much, all except for being in Kentucky, missing his calls, and the man she had been accompanying. She could also call to mind a dingy apartment complex, being conflicted, wondering if it was the right thing to do. Everything after that was a blur, images lost to her if only momentarily. Whatever happened, somehow she ended up with Nick and at his house no less. Her head hurt slightly, but it was the grogginess and the lack of memory that was bothering her. She hoped she had not caused any trouble, but seeing that he had been driving so early in the morning, she assumed she had. Kentucky was not in walking distance and she knew he lived in Delaware, so for some reason he had decided to drive all that way and she felt awful for making him do so. Wishing she could remember, she sighed, looking at her hands, too embarrassed to look anywhere else. Why did it seem like she was always causing him problems? Other people were easier to help, but with Nick everything seemed more complicated. She was an awful friend.

"Why am I here," she inquired. Hopefully, Nick was not angry with her; she did not think so, though she was having difficulty reading him properly. She hugged the blanket to her chest without thinking, still too weary and out of it, a part of her just wanting to fall back into that dreamless sleep. Trying to be more alert and aware of her surroundings, she straightened herself—her body stiff—rubbing the back of her neck which had grown sore; she must have slept at an odd angle, sleeping in cars was not customary after all, they were not meant to be substituted for a bed. It was then she finally noticed the shirt tied around her head. Shirts did not belong on a person’s head—correct?—or was this another human practice she had not yet picked up on? Why did she have one on her head to begin with? Frowning slightly, she ignored it for now, focusing on what she thought was most important. "Was I a nuisance?" she added solemnly, brows furrowing as she spoke. "I apologize for whatever I have done. I am sorry I cannot remember what happened. I do not know what is wrong with me." Zerachiel was right, she did not know what was wrong with her. She had never had difficulty recalling her memories before, and she could easily remember things, more than humans could remember anyway. Not to mention she felt odd. Her movements were slower than usual and she noticed that her motor skills had also been affected, and her stomach was agitated. She had never felt this way. Was she ill?

Still holding onto the blanket, she fumbled with the car door, opening it and sliding out. She wavered, suddenly dizzy, and knelt on the ground until the wooziness subsided, before she stood on unsteady legs. Attempting not to look too much into it, Zerachiel walked over to the driver's side to wait for Nick. It had been a while since she had seen his house. She glanced around, making sure everything was safe, somewhat paranoid for a reason currently unknown to her. It was such a human emotion and she felt foolish, flushing in her humiliation. She was still getting used to all these new feelings and sensations, but some of them were just useless to her, interfering with her duties. Being scared did not help her, did it help humans? Well, she assumed it did if they had been created to feel that way. God would not have created a bunch of useless emotions and she was horrible for thinking otherwise. She would just have to ignore it, though it was easier hiding her emotions from others than hiding them from herself. There was nothing to be afraid of right now anyway, even though she worried about someone hurting Nick; it was such an irrational thought she did not understand it. Perhaps she was sick. Zerachiel definitely felt under the weather and she assumed that was the case, and that she would recover from whatever it was soon. Abruptly drawn from her reverie by an intense wave of nausea, she instinctively leaned away from the car and emptied her stomach onto the lawn. It had not been full to begin with, but the taste was awful, and she seriously hoped she would not have to do that ever again. Wiping her mouth on the back of her hand she looked back at him. “Should I clean that up?”