forum Ineffable Bureaucracy rp? (One on one/limited, Closed, stalkers welcome)

Started September 17, 2019 by @Oakiin

tune

(It's okay!)
"It's one thing you can count on, my trust. Right now I think it's the only thing that's keeping us from tearing each other." He said, turning around a crossing his arms over his chest. He sat down next to her "I'm listening,"

"We'll see," she muttered darkly. "I overheard Dagon talking with Ligur. They were talking about your side, but not in any way I consider normal for any self-respecting demon. Dagon has, as I said, been talking to Michael, planning things. Together. Working together. Does that sound like a good thing to you?"
She glared challengingly at him before carrying on.
"That's not even the best part. Though I'm not sure what they're planning, it's not good for either of us, if the phrases 'Lord Beelzebub did nothing' and 'Gabriel will be easy enough' are anything to go by. I'm sure it's something to do with the Failure. Ligur seemed all too eager about whatever it was, though I might be able to get information from Dagon. They seemed much more nervous and reluctant."
She paused, then sighed. "Thoughts?"

Gabriel faced forwards, taking in all her words as she spoke. He nodded though stayed silent until she had finished "sounds to as if they're all planning to revolt. Much in the same way we are secretly conversing, they are secretly plotting." He rolled his shoulders, the phrase "Will be easy enough," not sitting right with Gabriel. He hated how easily some thought to bring him down as if he were human, one bullet to the head and bam, he was gone. "I'll see what I can dig up from other angels, including Michael." He glanced at her and sighed "why are you doing this?" He asked, turning himself to the side so he could talk to her better "I get the whole balance thing but why me? why not a more compliant angel like Harahail or Baridale?" (Making up angel names on the spot)

Beelzebub hesitated. This wasn't a question she wanted to answer, at least, not truthfully. But she just couldn't come up with a reasonable lie. No matter how she wracked her brain, it all came back down to one thing.
She was alone. He was the only one she had.
Which was a terribly sad statement to make when she barely even knew him, was on the opposing side from him, and certainly shouldn't be trusting him at all. It also was, unfortunately, the truth. She had a hole in her non-existent heart from Dagon's aparent betrayal, and Gabriel filled that hole nicly, as unfortunate as it was.
She mentally scolded herself for getting to soppy, hoping no expressions had given her away while she'd been thinking. Best to be professional. If the truth wasn't ideal, she could still dance around it.
"You were here," she sugar-coated. "I certainly wouldn't reach out to anyone lesser than me, and I'm certainly not about to trust Harahail or Baridale with all Hell's darkest secrets. You were…here," she finished, a little lamely. She found she didn't want to meet his gaze, instead staring off into the trees. She didn't want him so she the weakness she had suddenly felt, entirely alone without one friend in any of the worlds, and hoped the evening shadows were protecting her.

He gazed at her, hoping his icy stare would break down the walls he knew she had around herself as it had with so many others he had pinned the state with. Unfortunately for him, it didn't work. He turned to look around the area and nodded "so a simple case of right time, right place." He concluded simply wondering why he had hoped for a different response. Something a bit more heartfelt and hopefully instead of an empty, one-sided some one. Something so some as 'being there.' "Glad that was convenient enough for you." He said, maybe a bit too sharply, not wanting to hurt her but also not wanting to admit the deflation of Hope in his heart at her admitting why she had needed him

Beelzebub opened her mouth to snap back at him, but closed it again without saying anything. Her hurtful words had died in her throat. She pondered his response for a minute or two before realizing she might have hurt him.
Normally this revolution would have made her gloatingly gleeful, but instead she felt a shot of something not unlike panic. She didn't want to push him away, didn't want him to leave. At the same time, she was terrified of drawing him close, of letting him in. What if he betrayed her like everyone else? What if Hell found out? What if he laughed in her face and left her? The possibilities kept flowing through her mind, and she couldn't find a single thing to say, looking down at the ground and almost shrinking into herself, as if she wanted an out.
She was utterly stumped, overwhelmed by this entirely unfamiliar predicament. But no matter how her habits screamed at her to turn to the comfort of anger, she kept silent, still staring at the ground.

(Gah, I'm so sorry, I'm so bad at writing this stuff xD)

(no! You're doing great!)
Gabriel nodded sharply, exhaling a breath he was holding in Hope of any sort of response from her. Instead he got silence. The ever haunting silence that he'd learn to hate with every nerve in his immortal being. He sat back and shut his eyes for a moment. He'd walked up ever ounce of emotion that perceived attraction, fearing the worst if he let anything effect him, he'd get hurt the worst. He tried to remind himself of this now and shove the disappointment and hurt that threatened to overcome him now. He'd been doing this since the begging and if he went down alone, without a single friend by his side, yelling for his return in the end then so be it.

(hhhh thanks!!! You're so good at it I'm just a little insecure :) But I'm so glad to hear you're liking it! ^^)

Beelzebub found herself hating the sound of his silent disappointment. She longed to say something, but she found nothing to say that wouldn't show her entire hand.
I have to say something, she thought, feeling strangely anguished. She wasn't familiar with the emotion, and it frustrated her. In desperation, she let slip the first thing that came to her mind, voicing her deepest worry.
"Please wait. Don't leave yet." Her tone was flat, but the please was sin enough. Demons didn't beg to angels. And yet she couldn't take back the words, so she just let them hover in the air, breath caught uncomfortably in her throat, almost afraid of his reply.

(XD)
He opened his eyes at hearing her speak, a bit surprised that she would extend any form of polite words, especially to him. "Then tell me something that'll make me stay." He said softly, completely defeated. What could he do against the world? He always thought it a bit ludicrous that he'd be able to fix every problem God threw at him, thinking that it was his angelic duty to mention the situation, no matter what. He'd face Micharl, he'd face Hell btut hen what? What if someone found out? What if they didn't find out and things went smoothly? What if something happened to either him or Bee?

She glanced at him then, hope sparking in her heart. Maybe she hadn't irrevocably screwed this up after all. Maybe honesty is the way to go
She didn't like the idea, she was a demon, she was supposed to lie, but for now she pushed all that aside, finally relenting to a thousand year old want for some honest genuine friendship.
"Maybe this is what the Almighty intended," she suggested carefully, keeping her tone neutral. "If She doesn't want war, then maybe…this. I…don't mind, if so."

Gabriel smiled softly ,not being able to contain his relief at her response, finally something genuine and not her normal jibes or snakiness. "Eh, a little war is fun now and then, keeps the mind racing." he relaxed against the bench and looked off into the distance. "Do you suppose they'll ever be a time where heaven and Hell can achieve a mutual understanding of each other? where this hatred can be overlooked for something stronger and more fulfilling?" he asked without looking back at her

"Like what?" she scoffed, relaxing back into her usual tones. "Love?"
She shook her head, following his gaze to the horizon. "I doubt they will," she muttered. "But who knows? Given the fact we have to spend the next millenia together unexpectedly with no war in sight, maybe they will."

He shrugged "maybe not that far yet but something close. Maybe just a simple understanding and acceptance of what each other does and why instead of making judgment calls and killing each other." He stood and stretched, his wings becoming slightly visible again "well demon, I do believe it's my time to take off. I'll see what I can find out from the angels. If I hear anything suspicious, expect a message." He bowed slightly to her, his wings flapping behind him "T'il we meet again, bee." he winked and disappeared.

She watched him leave, a slight smirk flitting across her face. He was terribly charming when he wanted to be, she realized. She liked that. And his stupid nickname was starting to grow on her as well, though she refused to admit it.
"See you around loser," she told the air where he'd just been, then stood and returned to Hell, a odd light feeling in her heart that hadn't been there at the start of the day.

(So I had two plot ideas, one is where Bee pokes too deeply into the plotting and the demons attack her, the other is where Heaven and Hell start their first battle and Bee and Gabe interviene, potentially getting themselves into trouble. The second one might lead to the first one, but I'm not sure which one to do first, any thoughts? ^^ And of course if you have any plot ideas, I'm open to suggestions ^^)

(I like the second one leading into the first a lot, can we do that?)
Gabriel made it back to heveans without being seen by anyone. He went to his private study and locked the door. What did he just do?! Did he seriously wink at the Lord of Hell? Him?! He shook his head and sat down, glancing down at the papers left on his desk but not really registering anything on them. He, flirting with the Lord of Hell…an incredible thought indeed

(Okay, sure! Maybe when they get back, they find Heaven and Hell oddly empty, and figure out what's going on? Or would you rather give it a little build-up? ^^ Sorry I'm bombarding you with all these questions lol xDD)

Beelzebub went straight to her office, waving off Dagon who was holding out some papers. Interrogations could wait, she needed to think about Gabriel and sort through what had just happened.
A horrible display of vulnerability that any self-respecting Prince of Hell should never have given in to, that's what, but the outcome had been entirely unexpected. Not only had the angel let it slide without leaping on the chance to smite her, he'd been almost…understanding.
And the wink. Well, actually, a lot of things he'd said and done. He'd seemed flirtatious. An angel, flirting with a demon.
"Awful," she muttered, settling into her thorne and closing her eyes. Awful, and still…He was handsome, and she rather felt they understood each other. Could it really be that bad?

(it's absolutely fine! And maybe have a little build up since they're already in Heaven and he'll)
Gabriel finally had settled down and was working on papers when an angel came in "sir, we need to speak immediately." Gabriel looked up and sighed, setting his own down "what is it farelle?"
The angel sat down with a nod "there…uhm..well there's been rumors of an angel teeming up with demons. Some say following the trend of Crowlet and Azeriaphale."
Gabriel mentally groaned, I'm not following them, i’m just using my resources well. though, calling Beezlebub a resource didn’t sit well with him, she was more than a means of information.
“I’ll look into it, thank you for bringing it to my attention.”

(Yeah, sure! ^^)

Beelzebub's reverie was disturbed by Dagon timidly entering the room and setting down the papers Beelzebub had waved off earlier, cringingly retreating as fast as they could. Beelzebub halted their hasty retreat by raising one finger, Dagon freezing in place.
"Stay a while," she invited, keeping her tone lazy and relaxed. The other demon slowly crept forward, looking decidedly unhappy about this turn of events. Beelzebub tilted her head.
"What's wrong Dagon?" she purred. "Stressed? Tell me all about it."
As Dagon unwillingly settled into one of the chairs Beelzebub kept around the place, the prince of Hell watched them with a smile. Oh, she was so eager to hear all of Dagon's stresses.

Once Farelle had left, Gabriel stood and headed to the window overlooking an extensive field of clouds. He debated whether to call Beezlebub about the rumors but not wanting to bother her with information she probably let already knew. He sighed and sat back down. Since when have I ever given a damn about anyone? Information known is important and doesn't wait for anyone's lessurely time. Instead of calling, he decided to text her, knowing she'd get the message eventually
"Rumors are spreading quickly of Angel/demon alliances up here. Don't know how, might be Michael trying to divert attention. Let me know when we can talk, I'm free anytime. 😇"

Beelzebub finally let Dagon leave, the other practically fleeing. She frowned after them. Normally Dagon was perfectly happy to spend all the time in the world discussing work-related issues. She hadn't gotten as much from the demon as she'd hoped, but there was enough to essentially confirm her suspicions. Hell was up to something, and she wasn't invited.
Her phone buzzed, and she checked it, frowning at the stupid emoji. This angel was insufferable. But she let it go in favor of matching up his information with her own. he realized this situation was rapidly getting out of hand, and with every bit of control she lost, the more dangerous it got for her and probably Gabriel as well. Though they had just talked, she didn't want to wait. They needed a plan, and fast.
Same place, if you're still sure it's safe. 9 pm earth time. I'm getting the same down here. I think we're both very much in danger at this point. 👿
Okay maybe it was childish to engage in his stupid emjoi-ing, but she rather liked that one.

(AawwWwwwWwWw!)
"On my way," He glanced around the halls close to his office before posting a sign "No Entry or I will smite you." and left for earth. He made it to the trail, the night cool and crisp as he walked about, glad that everyone was gone. He flipped his collar up to protect himself from the chill and watched as his breath became visible. He smiled slightly, wonder how long it took for God to come up with visible air. He stopped near a lake and sat at one of the viewing benches with one of those telescope thingy's that made you pay 25 cents to look at the skyline. he rolled his eyes at the joy he'd seen it bring many people to gaze out onto city scapes across the water. he'd rather look at the trees and animals hidden here and there instead of the horrors that mankind did to God's beautiful earth

Beelzebub shivered slightly as she materialized on earth. It was cold in Hell, but she always forgot about seasons on earth and how bitter the winter could be. She made her way over to Gabriel, offering him only a nod by way of greeting.
"So they are plotting," was the first thing she said. "I don't doubt we'll be on the short end of the stick. Did you talk to Michael?"

Gabriel nodded "we most likely will. And no, I haven't been able to contact Michael. Haven't been able to find him lately." He sighed softly and gazed skywards. "Did you find anything else? or much of the same as before?" he asked after a few moments of blissful silence

"Wonderful," Beelzebub muttered. "Well, I tried to talk to Dagon, but they were cagey. Which almost tells me everything I need to know. The most I could get out of them was that 'the workload's been really heavy for everyone lately.' Hardly a confession, but damn if they aren't guilty about something." She glowered into the darkness before shivering again and growling.
"Satan, it's cold up here." It did get much colder in Hell, but her office was on one of the warmer planes, and it rarely got cold enough for breath to fog. She shifted closer to the angel almost before she even realized it, the motion nothing more than an afterthought or instinct to try and get warmer. Still, she didn't move away. She was curious what boundaries she could push, what he would do.

Gabriel nodded "so something is going on but no one's will to risk their necks to say anything or do something but us, fantastic…" He leaned back in the seat, arching an eyebrow as Beezlebub scooted closer. "I never knew a demon to get cold on Earth," he mused with a slight smile. He glanced around carefully before allowing his wings to show. He wrapped one around Beezlebub and then the other close to himself for warmth "better?" He asked

"Shut-it," she growled. It was better. The wind was blocked by his wing, and he emanated heat, warming her entirely. She folded her arms and sniffed.
"I should thank you, but since I'm a demon and we don't do that, I won't," she said, as a roundabout way of actually saying thank-you.

Gabriel chuckled and rolled his eyes playfully "and of course, we wouldn't want to taint that reputation of yours. I'll just imagine you said thank you and move on with my seemingly perfect life," he glanced over at her "Do you demons get sick?" he asked with an intrigued tilt of his head

"Of course we do," she said. "Not like humans do, but we can get ill, even discorperate from it. Don't angels?"
She'd never wondered that before, but was certainly wondering now. Was getting sick just another process of suffering contained to Hell, or was it something all beings experienced, celestial or occult?

"At times yes. When we do it's usually something more than the common cold though." he shrugged and ruffled his free wing. "Usual humane bacteria don't affect us much, at least not in a normal way." He shook his head and looked away, not knowing why he was telling her this. It was information a demon from hell, an enemy of heaven should have no business knowing.