dress sharply, meaning he should too. Especially in the Creators' presence. Time to bother his sister for advice!

📱: It's ironic that Gabe considers everyone else but himself old, even though he was around at the same time.
📱: I will see you at 4 for dinner then.

⠀⠀That made him wonder: What the hell should he wear? Keep his current fit or change it up? Did it even matter? Maybe it didn't, but he told Leo to

⠀⠀Some hours later, he texted Leo.

📱: Finally free.
📱: Mother & Father are hosting a dinner to celebrate. All the "old fucks", Gabe's words, not mine are going to be there
📱: That includes you.
📱: 👴🫵
📱: Dress appropriately, please.

& Leo would never know beyond friendship.

⠀⠀Michael shoved that sadder thought off to the side. There was nothing to be sad about today. His family gushing over him couldn't ruin his day, though he wished Leo was part of this. On the other hand, Michael preferred the private moments with Leo more.

❝ Glad to be back. Behave for me, will you? ❞

⠀⠀He didn't want to let go, but he had to. Hopefully, they'll meet up again later. After freeing Leo, the prince escaped through the portal.

Would Leo have taken him? A man could dream.

❝ This evening hopefully. If not, I'm sure you'll kidnap me during the festivities. ❞

⠀⠀Please, please, please.

❝ I'll message you later. ❞

⠀⠀A portal opened, but before he left, Michael rushed back over to hug Leo tightly. Fuck it.

be. At least he got some semblance of a kiss!

❝ It's good to see you again, Lele. Don't be a stranger. ❞

for his family, Michael pressed a kiss to Leo's forehead.

❝ I should have taken you with me. Oh well. We can catch up later, perhaps before all the parties start. ❞

⠀⠀Cuffs buttoned, coat back on, Michael turned back to Leo to offer an apologetic smile. Maybe it was a sign they were never meant to

Michael. However, the longer he was distracted by Sera, the more he realized he almost gave into sin. Likely ruining one of the feed things that made him happy.

Do not become him.

⠀⠀At least Lucifer was in love with a woman.

⠀⠀Before steeping away to retrieve his coat, & make himself decent

Especially the feet & his eyes. He had to relearn how to walk, & his reflection startled him. He could change his appearance, but what was the point? His body wouldn't change at its core.

❝ I'll live. ❞

❝ love to spend forever with you, I can't. Sorry, Lele. ❞

⠀⠀Mom, Dad, & his brothers were with her waiting, awesome, cool. Just what he wanted, to be ganged up on. He wished he could die.

❝ Yes, I will be there in 5. ❞

⠀⠀After what seemed like forever, Michael finally ended the call.

❝ The Creators are waiting with Sera & my brothers. As much as I'd

suspicion.

❝ Sera. ❞

⠀⠀He sighed deeply in an attempt to steady his nerves before answering, not moving from his spot.

❝ Hi, sis. Yes, I'm back in Heaven. ❞

⠀⠀Back to his royal demeanor, eyes rolling to show Leo his annoyance.

❝ I'm visiting Leo. Yes I know. Uh-huh. Right. ❞

A brief brush against one another before the sound of Michael's phone made him pull away. He knew who it was; didn't need to see into the future to know that.

⠀⠀Instead of the kiss Michael had dreamed of, he rested his forehead against Leo's as he took out his phone. The caller ID confirmed his

him to explore. His body longed for Leo's touch. Digits then combed through the lifegiver's hair. Soft, mismatched strands of dark indigo & gold revealed Leo's face in full. Beautiful, just like Michael remembered.

❝ Leo, for the longest time, I— ❞

⠀⠀Lips met timidly in a butterfly's kiss.