Be Lonely with Me - Chapter 1 - FreshGrassAkiie (2024)

Chapter Text

As Adam slowly regained consciousness, he felt a rush of discomfort flooding his senses. It started deep within him, spreading like fiery tendrils from where the one-eyed creature had struck him. The ache wasn't just on the surface; it pulsed through his body, making his limbs tremble with discomfort. Amidst it all, there was a faint whisper in the air, adding to the unsettling feeling.

With effort, Adam forced his eyes open, but the world around him was a blur of light and shadow, overwhelming his tired eyes. Gritting his teeth, he rolled onto his side, shielding his eyes from the bright glare with his hands. Everything seemed unbearably bright.

Hadn't he died? The thought darted through his mind, faint yet persistent, like a distant memory trying to resurface. And then it struck him with sudden clarity—the memory of his own passing, the feeling of surrendering to Death's embrace.

But if he was dead, what strange realm had he awoken to? With a sharp intake of pain and a grimace, Adam forced himself upright, wrestling with the puzzle of his existence. In this peculiar place where pain and light mingled, perhaps the secrets of life and death remained to be fully understood.

sh*t.

The encounter with Death lingered heavily in Adam's thoughts, casting a shadow over the vast expanse of his mind. Every part of him trembled with the memory, as though the mere thought of that surreal moment could rend reality asunder. It had been real, hadn't it? It couldn't have been a mere trick of his mind. The pain of Lute's betrayal, the chilling presence of Death—they were seared into his soul, undeniable and visceral.

"I... I died!"

Adam's voice echoed into the surrounding emptiness, its vibrations shaking him to the core. Yet, as the sound bounced back, warped and alien, doubt seeped in like darkness creeping into the night. That voice couldn't belong to him. It lacked the depth, the familiar tone that was uniquely his own. Still, the unsettling truth remained, refusing to be ignored.

"I... did die," he murmured, the words barely a whisper against the backdrop of infinity.

With trembling hands, Adam lifted them to his face, seeking comfort in the touch of familiarity amidst the surreal surroundings. A gentle breeze brushed against his skin, contrasting sharply with the cold void that had once surrounded him. Slowly, he parted his fingers, allowing his gaze to wander and absorb the vibrant array of colours that filled his vision.

Rich shades of green merged with the golden light of the sun, enveloping the world in a tapestry of warmth and vitality. Towering trees swayed gracefully in an unspoken harmony, their branches murmuring secrets carried by the wind. Soft grass tickled his skin, grounding him to the earth below. And in the distance, the lake shimmered, its serene waters mirroring the boundless sky above.

A wave of déjà vu swept over Adam, mingling bittersweet nostalgia with disbelief. How could this be happening? How could he find himself back in this cherished sanctuary he had thought lost forever? The sky stretched above, a familiar expanse of cerulean blue dotted with wisps of cotton candy clouds, pulling at his heartstrings with its comforting presence.

Wide-eyed and astonished, Adam's gaze fixated on the horizon, his mind grappling with the surrealness of it all. It felt like a dream, a cruel twist of fate teasing him with false hope. Yet, as the sun greeted him from its lofty position, he couldn't shake the feeling that reality might be stranger than any dream.

Adam's gaze shifted downward, tracing the lines of his arms for solace in their familiar sight. They remained pale and unmarked, devoid of the golden glow he had known in the other realm. Instead, they mirrored the untouched canvas of his past, a stark reminder of the life he had once led in the garden.

A crease etched across Adam's brow, accentuating the confusion clouding his features. With unsteady limbs, he summoned the strength to stand, his body trembling with the effort. Each step felt like a delicate balancing act, his knees threatening to give way beneath him. Yet, propelled by an invisible force, he persisted, driven by an urgent need to uncover the elusive truth.

He crawled forward, fingers clawing into the earth as if seeking stability amid the uncertainty. Finally, he reached the water's edge, his heart racing with anticipation. With trembling hands, he scooped up the cool liquid, bringing it to his lips with eager anticipation. But instead of beholding the reflection of an otherworldly being bathed in celestial light, he was met with something entirely unexpected.

Adam's breath hitched as he gazed at his own reflection, his emerald eyes widening in disbelief. They hadn't been green in... in how long? The memory slipped away from him, fleeting like a gust of wind. Yet, the realisation stirred something within him, a hint of recognition amid the fog of uncertainty.

It wasn't just his eyes that had changed. His face, once marked by the trials of time, now bore a youthful glow, its lines softened by the passage of years. His hair, once dimmed by the burdens of life, now flowed in a vibrant blend of brown and red, pulsing with a vitality he had long forgotten.

With a trembling exhale, Adam reclined, his grasp on reality slipping with each passing moment. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of thoughts, a sense of wonder remained—a glimmer of hope that perhaps, in this new existence, he could rediscover the essence of who he once was.

f*ck. sh*t.

Adam couldn't shake the stark realisation that he had been diminished from the grandeur he once held as an angel. His once expansive and imposing frame now felt strangely slight and fragile, as if he had been reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. Each movement seemed to emphasise this newfound diminishment, his once powerful form now slender and lacking the imposing presence he once commanded.

Taking stock of his diminished physique, Adam couldn't help but mourn the strength and stature he had once possessed. Gone were the days of towering over the heavens, replaced now by the humbling reality of his reduced size. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a spark of determination ignited within him—a resolve to reclaim his essence, no matter how diminished it may seem.

With a grimace, Adam pushed through the burning ache in his legs, urging his muscles to bear his weight once more. As he stood, unsteady and uncertain, the once majestic robes that had draped him as an angel seemed to slip from his slender frame effortlessly, highlighting the contrast between his former glory and his current state.

Frustration welled up within him as he scrambled to grasp the billowing fabric, his fingers clawing desperately at the robes in a futile attempt to regain the semblance of his former self. With a growl of determination, Adam tightened his grip, pulling the robes snugly around his diminished form as if defying the relentless march of time.

What the f*ck was going on?

Adam's chest emitted an eerie wheeze, a haunting sound that echoed through the stillness of the air. A sudden pang gripped him, causing his body to convulse with an involuntary shudder. The once magnificent robes, symbols of his celestial heritage, slipped from his grasp like fading whispers as he bowed his head in silent contemplation.

In the depths of his emerald gaze, a tempest of emotions swirled – disbelief, fear, and a hint of something darker lurking beneath the surface. With a hesitant touch, his hand rose to brush against the jagged scar that marred his chest, a stark reminder of the encounter that had forever altered him. It was a wound not just of the flesh, but a gnawing ache that lingered in his mind, a puzzle with pieces that refused to fit together.

His fingers traced the contours of the scar, lingering over the twisted remnants of tissue where the angel blade had once pierced his very essence. Though the wound appeared to have healed, its memory remained etched into his being like a cursed mark, throbbing with a pain that defied explanation.

A sharp hiss escaped Adam's lips as his fingers met the scar, Adam couldn't shake the sense that the truth lingered just beyond his reach.

“What the f*ck is going on,” Adam's voice trembled with uncertainty as he murmured to himself, the words a desperate plea for clarity amidst the overwhelming confusion. "Why... why am I here... what... where is everyone? Where is Lute... is she okay? Is she alright?"

His whispers grew strained, each syllable a burden upon his parched throat as he sought solace in the echoes of his own voice. But the ensuing silence swallowed his words whole, leaving him adrift in a sea of unanswered questions.

With a heavy sigh, Adam allowed himself to sink onto the grassy floor, his shoulders drooping under the weight of his solitude. His gaze wandered across the tranquil expanse of the lake of Eden, its shimmering waters reflecting the turmoil within his soul.

The symphony of nature enveloped him, the rhythmic cadence of running water blending with the gentle sigh of the winds. Above, a flock of pristine white birds soared through the azure sky, their graceful flight a testament to the untamed beauty of this enigmatic realm.

As Adam embraced the silence, he found solace in the quiet atmosphere, a brief escape from the inner turmoil. In this moment of peace, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature, he hoped to uncover the answers he sought—or accept that some mysteries were beyond unravelling.

With heavy eyelids, Adam remained seated in the Garden of Eden. His thoughts spun in endless circles, struggling to comprehend the bewildering reality. The idea of time travel felt absurd, quickly dismissed, as the scar on his chest and the celestial robes he wore reminded him—he had never departed from this place.

The absence of celestial messengers, once a constant in Adam's life, deepened his unease. How long had he sat by the tranquil waters of the lake, lost in his thoughts? The sun had vanished, replaced by a sky filled with ancient stars whispering of forgotten truths.

Suddenly, Adam's eyes snapped open, an alarm coursing through him. He searched for the comforting embrace of his celestial wings but found only emptiness. It was as if they had vanished, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.

With a heavy sigh, Adam slumped in resignation. His wings had been his pride, symbols of his divine heritage. Now, their absence left him with a hollow ache.

With trembling hands, Adam wrapped the celestial robes tightly around himself, finding a shred of comfort in their familiar touch. Though they couldn't replace the warmth of his lost wings, he clung to them as a reminder of his former life.

Curling into a ball, Adam shut his eyes against the overwhelming emotions. It was a cruel twist of fate to be stranded in a world both familiar and foreign, surrounded by reminders of his past yet unable to grasp the truths beyond his reach. As he lay there, cocooned in the heavenly fabric, he couldn't shake the feeling of solitude in the quiet of Eden.

Hours passed, but nobody came.

~#~

Time lost its meaning within the confines of the Garden of Eden, a ceaseless cycle of seconds melting into minutes, and minutes stretching into hours that blurred into days. Adam found himself adrift in this timeless realm, suspended between past and present, waiting with bated breath for the revelation that never came.

Each passing moment felt like a cruel joke, a cosmic punchline waiting to be delivered by a deity or divine messenger. He longed to hear the voice of God or the comforting presence of an angel from days of old, anything to shatter the suffocating silence that engulfed him. But the heavens remained silent, leaving Adam to grapple with the oppressive weight of his solitude.

It was an unbearable torment, an agony that consumed him to the core. His heart thudded in his chest, a stark reminder of his mortality, contradicting the existence he once knew. Having tasted death and walked among celestial beings, he now found himself trapped in uncertainty.

Yet, amid the desolation, there was a glimmer of solace in the presence of the creatures that populated the garden. Countless animals gravitated towards him, drawn by an innocence untouched by the world's burdens. They sought him not with malice, but with a gentle longing for companionship, for solace, for the simple joys of life.

In the presence of the creatures, Adam found a temporary escape from his troubled thoughts, reminded of the purity and innocence that once defined him. As he offered comfort to a wounded creature or basked in their affection, he wondered if their simple wisdom held the key to unlocking the mysteries that bound him to this place.

Adam struggled with the celestial robes, their once majestic folds now cumbersome and hindering his movements. Countless attempts to adjust them proved futile without needle and thread. Frustration gnawed at him as he wrestled with the fabric, longing for a solution that remained out of reach.

In the end, he settled for a makeshift compromise, fashioning the top portion of the robes into a tunic. It hung loosely around him, reaching just above his knees in a haphazard manner. With sleeves rolled up and tied securely, Adam accepted the practical attire despite its lack of elegance.

As Adam moved through the garden, the layers of fabric felt like chains tethering him to a past he could never fully reclaim. Without his once-majestic wings, the robes served as a constant reminder of his diminished state, their excess material more hindrance than comfort.

Yet, despite his frustrations, Adam found solace in repurposing the robes for practical use. He tore and ripped at the fabric to fashion bandages and makeshift slings for the injured animals drawn to him. Though he couldn't understand how they were getting hurt in this pristine paradise, he couldn't ignore their suffering.

Adam reclined, his gaze fixed on the sun-drenched sky and drifting clouds. A pair of delicate butterflies fluttered into view, drawing closer until they settled on either side of his face. Their fragile wings cast colourful shadows on his skin. With bated breath, Adam remained still, squinting against the sunlight as his feet dipped into the cool lake waters.

But Eden was not the sanctuary Adam remembered. Despite its serene beauty, an unmistakable emptiness lingered in the air. The once vibrant paradise had grown still and silent, its tranquil facade masking a profound sense of ennui that weighed heavily on Adam's soul. Everything felt both familiar and foreign, leaving him teetering on the edge of despair.

With each passing moment, Adam's composure threatened to crumble, his body trembling as if held together by fragile threads. The garden's isolation pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket, its silence amplifying the ache of loneliness.

Then, a movement across the lake caught his eye—a flicker of motion amidst the lush foliage on the distant shore. His heart surged with anticipation, his gaze fixed on the source of the disturbance. At first, he dared to hope it was just an animal, a brief visitor to break the monotony of his solitude. But as the figure emerged from the shadows of the trees, realisation struck Adam like a bolt of lightning.

It was no mere animal, but something far more unsettling—a creature walking upright on two legs, its deliberate movements betraying sentience. A sense of unease washed over him as he watched in silence, the figure's presence a harbinger of uncertainty in this quiet corner of paradise.

Yet, a spark of hope ignited within Adam, his pulse quickening at the prospect of companionship in this desolate realm. Straightening his posture, he eagerly awaited the figure's emergence from the shadows. With anticipation coursing through him, his green eyes widened as a flash of white darted through the trees, his heart pounding in anticipation of what lay ahead.

As the figure drew nearer, Adam's hope began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of dread that coiled in his gut like a serpent. With each passing moment, tension mounted, his insides tightening with a primal fear he struggled to understand.

Then, in slow motion, a familiar figure emerged, a stark reminder of the solitude that had haunted him. Their movements were graceful, their gaze reflecting the same bewilderment Adam felt. Yet, as their eyes met across the lake, a palpable tension hung in the air, silence stretching between them like an unanswered question.

When Adam shifted, the butterflies that had flitted by his side took flight, disappearing into the vast expanse above. He rose unsteadily, his knees trembling—a cruel reminder of his mortal frailty.

Disappointment clawed at him, its grip tightening with each passing moment, threatening to engulf him. His body ached with a pain he couldn't explain, yet his throat remained eerily silent, devoid of the expected burning sensation of despair.

For a timeless moment, they stood locked in a silent tableau, two souls adrift in uncertainty. Without a word exchanged, Adam turned and fled into the forest, his footsteps reverberating through the stillness of the night.

Of all the beings to appear in Eden with him, it had to be him. That infuriating asshole. Anyone else would have been better.

As Adam disappeared into the shadows, the figure across the lake remained motionless, their gaze fixed on the spot where he had vanished. Adam felt the sting of betrayal all over again.

Adam felt as if he was betrayed all over again.

~#~

In the days that followed, tension hung thick in the air, a harsh reminder of the fractured bond between Adam and the enigmatic figure haunting his thoughts. Adam treaded cautiously, avoiding the lake like a cursed omen, fearing the mere possibility of encountering the other.

Despite distancing himself from the familiar haunts of the garden, an unsettling unease gnawed at Adam from within. He couldn't shake the feeling that if the other truly wanted to find him, they would have, their wings, a beacon in the stillness of paradise. The realisation cut deep, revealing the painful truth that the other had chosen to remain apart from him, a bitter revelation that stung with clarity.

And so, Adam skirted the edges of the garden, avoiding the well-trodden paths and familiar clearings that had once been his refuge. He couldn't bear to linger in any one place, haunted by the memory of the Archangel who had once been his constant companion. It was a delicate dance of avoidance, fueled by a fear too overwhelming to fully grasp.

The ache of rejection weighed heavily on him, a constant reminder of the bond that had once bound them together, now shattered beyond repair. At first, the Archangel had pursued him relentlessly, a stark reminder of Adam's own inadequacy and powerlessness.

Running his fingers through his hair, Adam cautiously navigated the labyrinthine forest of Eden. His gaze swept upward, tracing the dance of branches above, their leaves a testament to the garden's vitality. But as he ventured deeper, the landscape shifted. Trees became slender, adorned with delicate pink blossoms—a sight that stirred memories of Eve's fondness for this enclave. Adam typically avoided this area, but now, compelled by circ*mstance, he found himself exploring its most challenging corners.

Yet, each familiar spot yielded no trace of his past existence—no remnants of his own, nor Lilith's, nor Eve's presence. It was as though their essence had been erased from Eden's tapestry of time. The absence cut deep, especially when faced with the tree he had once carved into a sanctuary, now standing untouched, its bark unblemished. It was a bitter realisation to swallow.

With each step, Adam crushed the delicate pink flowers beneath his feet, a stark contrast to the tender memories they evoked. Determined to move swiftly past this poignant reminder of his past, he quickened his pace, refusing to dwell on the countless moments he and Eve had shared in this place. Yet, try as he might to hasten his escape, the memories persisted, clinging like the blossoms overhead.

Lost in his thoughts, Adam collided with another figure, tumbling backward with a sharp intake of breath as pain shot through his body. His frail form protested; the impact far more punishing than it should have been.

A sudden grasp on his chin jerked his head upward, compelling him to meet the gaze of the sole other inhabitant of the Garden of Eden.

“Stop f*cking running away.”

Adam's gaze pierced through the gloom, meeting the dark, haunting stare of Lucifer, the fallen Archangel.

“I’ve been chasing you all over f*cking Eden.” Lucifer's lips curled into a sinister sneer as he dug the tips of his fingers into Adam's flesh, a cruel display of his malevolent intent.

Adam's expression twisted into a fierce frown as he forcefully pulled his face from Lucifer's grasp, a surge of defiance coursing through him. With a swift motion, he pushed a hand against the fallen angel's chest, though it yielded little physical force against the formidable Lucifer. Aggravation gnawed at him; a reminder of the limitations imposed by his feeble mortal form. Nonetheless, his actions succeeded in breaking Lucifer's hold, forcing the King of Hell to release his grip.

Lucifer's appearance bore no resemblance to the celestial being Adam had encountered at the dawn of time. Gone were the pristine white robes that once draped him in divine purity. Instead, he stood clad in the garb befitting his reign over the depths of Hell—a stark contrast that reinforced Adam's realisation that this encounter transcended mere temporal manipulation.

Lucifer stood before Adam, cloaked in attire reminiscent of a twisted circus ringmaster. His wide-brimmed white top hat perched atop his head, accentuating his dark grandiosity. A coat of ominous elegance, lined and trimmed in crimson, draped over his shoulders, its lapels popping with flair. Beneath, a waistcoat of light red and white stripes peeked out, adorned with golden buttons, while a small black bowtie added a touch of macabre sophistication.

Adam's suspicions were confirmed at the sight of Lucifer. This wasn't a journey through time. Yet, something felt off about Lucifer's appearance—the absence of the iconic apple atop his hat and his apple cane left Adam uneasy.

Despite the disparity, Adam instinctively recoiled from the figure before him, his hand rising to rub the tender skin where Lucifer's grip had left its mark. A scoff escaped his lips as he begrudgingly acknowledged the vast contrast between Lucifer's formidable presence and his own frail form. The injustice rankled him, fuelling a flicker of resentment as he wondered, with desperation, if he still towered over Lucifer in height.

"Hey!" Lucifer's sharp voice shattered Adam's reverie, snapping him back to the present with an impatient snap of his fingers.

"Don't zone out on me! You're literally the only other bloody f*cker here." His words jolted Adam back to attention, a reminder of the dire situation they found themselves in.

“What’s going on, Adam? Why the hell are we in Eden? Alone together?" Lucifer's voice dripped with frustration; his anger evident as he confronted the bewildering situation.

Adam arched an eyebrow in response. "How am I supposed to know? You're the angel here," he retorted, his tone tinged with exasperation.

"Fallen angel," Lucifer corrected sharply, his gaze narrowing as he advanced menacingly towards Adam. "And last time I checked, you were an angel too."

Adam shrugged, a gesture of helplessness. "How am I supposed to know?"

His gaze fixed on Lucifer, waiting for answers. Yet, as the silence stretched on and Lucifer's anger ebbed away, replaced by a disconcerting vulnerability, realisation dawned on Adam.

"What the f*ck?" he muttered, recoiling slightly as he pushed himself away from Lucifer. "You're the Archangel here. If anyone should know what's going on, it's you."

Lucifer's features contorted unnaturally, a sight that held Adam captive. Curiosity sparked within him, intrigued by the unfamiliar expression on the fallen angel's face. Even in his fall from grace, Lucifer had always exuded a chilling calmness.

"I don't know," Lucifer confessed, averting his gaze with an uncharacteristic hint of uncertainty. "I don't know how I'm here. I thought this place was... gone after you and..."

He trailed off, avoiding mention of Eve, much to Adam's relief. Adam shifted uncomfortably, seeking a more suitable position to sit. His fingers absently plucked at the pink flowers beneath them, petals drifting down from the branches above in a delicate cascade.

"Me too," Adam finally conceded. "I asked Sara about the Garden of Eden when I entered Heaven. She said God destroyed it afterwards."

Lucifer's eyes darted around their surroundings with urgency, scanning the trees, the sky, and the ground beneath them. It seemed the King of Hell was searching for something, though Adam couldn't muster the energy to decipher what it might be. Despite this, Lucifer acknowledged Adam's words with a nod, though his focus immediately snapped back to Adam when the first man rose to his feet.

Lucifer's eyebrows arched in surprise as he scrutinised Adam's altered form, a faint wrinkle forming where his nose would have been if he had one. "You look different?"

"f*ck you," Adam grumbled, his mood souring at the reminder of his changed state.

Lucifer rolled his eyes at the response.

With another person now present in this surreal encounter, Adam felt a surge of frustration building within him. He wanted to scream, to cry out against the unfairness of his resurrection and the fragility of his new form. Every step he took felt like a test of endurance, his feet bruising with the mere effort of walking. But this was Lucifer—the betrayer who had torn apart his life by stealing not one, but two wives. Adam had no intention of spending any more time than necessary in the company of such a despicable being.

Turning away, Adam made to leave, only to be halted by Lucifer's dark accusation. "Where are you going?"

"Away from you," Adam hissed in reply. "Neither of us know why we're here. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I f*cking died back there. I remember dying and sh*t, and all of a sudden I woke up here, in Eden again, looking like this. So, excuse me if I don’t want to spend any more time with somebody I f*cking despise with my whole being.”

Lucifer emitted a hiss that would have sent Adam trembling with fear in the past, reminiscent of the chilling presence the King of Hell had exuded when he intervened to save his daughter. But Adam found himself immune to such intimidation now, a flicker of curiosity mingling with his defiance. What would happen if he were to meet his demise once more? Would he return to that desolate abyss and encounter Death once more?

"And I know you hate me too, so it's a win-win kind of thing, right?" Adam retorted, his voice laced with a mixture of bitterness and resignation.

For once, the King of Hell didn’t say anything, and Adam bolted into a run when he was sure Lucifer could no longer see him.

~#~

Adam seethed with a fury that burned hotter than the flames of hell itself. Of all the wretched souls that could have been thrust into Eden alongside him, it had to be that accursed Lucifer, that vile serpent who had poisoned his paradise. Adam cursed vehemently, his voice echoing through the desolate garden. Why, out of the countless beings in existence, did fate conspire to align him with Lucifer, the embodiment of treachery and malice?

Adam hurled a stone across the river, the memory of his own inadequacy at skipping rocks mocking him from the depths of his despair. It was a cruel joke, almost laughable in its irony. Yet, as his fury ebbed away, it was replaced by a soul-crushing hopelessness that weighed heavily upon him, dragging him down into the depths of despair. He collapsed onto the soft grass, his once proud shoulders now slumped in defeat, his head bowed in resignation.

Death was supposed to embrace him like an old friend, its icy grip tightening around his heart with a finality that left him numb. Adam had been warned that this would be the end, that his mortality was the last cruel twist in the divine puppetry orchestrated by a capricious god. Once he died as an Angel, that would be the end of the road.

Clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white, Adam surveyed the familiar landscape of his eternal prison with a mix of loathing and longing. It was a strange sensation, to despise a place as fervently as he once loved it, but such was the bitter irony of his existence.

Adam's fingers clenched tightly around his wrist, the pressure almost enough to draw blood as he ground his teeth in aggravation. Death was meant to be his release, the end of his torment, not another cruel twist of fate that bound him to this accursed place alongside the despicable Lucifer.

Running both hands down his weary face, he let out a heavy sigh, the weight of centuries pressing down upon him like a suffocating blanket. He curled up tighter, seeking solace in the embrace of his own body, but finding none. Adam resolved not to shed tears, his resolve ironclad against the onslaught of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.

Yet, despite his best efforts, a hot wetness welled up in his eyes, betraying the facade of strength he had meticulously maintained for so long. It was a bitter reminder of the vulnerability he thought he had long since buried beneath layers of despair and resignation.

“What should I do?” he asked in a quiet voice.

There was no answer.

~#~

Contrary to popular belief, Cain was not Adam's first child. Before Cain, there was Ruth, a delicate blossom in the garden of their existence. She was the embodiment of innocence and beauty, a vision that etched itself deeply into Adam's soul. Ruth, his firstborn, held a special place in his heart, even though her presence remained a haunting memory for her younger siblings, who never had the chance to feel her warmth.

Adam could still feel the weight of Ruth in his arms, her fragile form betraying the life that never truly bloomed. Her skin, as pale as the moonlight, chilled him to the core, a cruel reminder of her untimely departure. Her serene expression, untouched by the hardships of the world, pierced his soul with a sorrow he could not shake.

The injustice of it all tore at Adam's spirit. He cried out to the heavens, demanding answers from a silent God. Ruth, innocent and pure, bore the brunt of a punishment she never deserved. She never had the chance to cry out, her voice silenced before it could even grace the air of Earth. Adam's heart shattered with each unanswered plea, each futile attempt to understand the cruelty of fate.

And then there was Eve, her reaction a bitter twist of the knife in Adam's wounded heart. In her eyes, he saw not grief but indifference, a coldness that chilled him to his core. It was a look he never thought he'd see, reminiscent of Lilith's disdain for the mortal coil. Eve's words, spoken so soon after Ruth's passing, cut him to the quick. Barely had he laid their daughter to rest, and already she spoke of trying again, as if Ruth's existence could be so easily replaced.

It was heartbreaking that nine months later, Ruth was replaced by his first son, Cain. Eve always got her way, regardless of Adam's objections. Everything seemed to go in her favour.

Adam sighed as he thought about Ruth and the weight of her absence. He still remembered holding her small body and how light she felt. The ache in his chest reminded him of his painful loss. It felt like he was doomed to experience loss after loss. Ruth wouldn't be the last child he lost in that way, and he feared losing others even more tragically.

He worked tirelessly afterward, trying to prevent another loss like Ruth's, but it happened again. Time and again, he lost not only his children but also grandchildren and beyond. It was a cycle that never seemed to end.

Adam clicked his tongue, his eyes narrowing down at the flowers scattered around him. Sat, legs crossed and fingers working delicately to arrange the flower, weaving them together with care.

Though he didn't know what kind of flowers Ruth would have liked, he imagined her as a strong and resilient girl. Using soft pinks, greens, and whites, he crafted an arrangement he hoped she would appreciate. Sitting before the flowers, he absentmindedly picked at the grass, lost in thought.

It had been at least two weeks since Adam woke up in the Garden of Eden, and about a week since he last saw Lucifer. Since then, they hadn't crossed paths at all. Adam had stopped trying to avoid Lucifer and simply went wherever he pleased. He figured if he did encounter the fallen angel, he'd just turn around and walk the other way. Surprisingly, he hadn't seen Lucifer since, and Adam considered it a stroke of luck.

As Adam gazed across the lake, he noticed a deer on the opposite shore leading its two fawns to drink. He tilted his head, feeling a sense of surrealism being back in Eden. Everything seemed both familiar and different at the same time, creating an eerie atmosphere. As he explored the garden, he stumbled upon plants, flowers, and trees he didn't recognize or recall naming before. Adam had catalogued every detail of Eden in his memory, so encountering unfamiliar flora was unexpected and perplexing.

Adam's ruminations were interrupted by the growl of his stomach. He instinctively glanced around, expecting it to be an animal nearby, but soon realised it was his own hunger. He hadn't eaten since yesterday, another adjustment he had to make. Eating and drinking were things he had to get used to again. In Heaven, they didn't really need to eat or drink; they could, but hunger was never an issue. Adam occasionally indulged in fizzy drinks, but mostly he abstained from food. Eating reminded him of the difficult times in the past, when he struggled to cultivate land into crops, providing food for Eve and their growing family.

Adam often sacrificed his own portion of food to ensure Cain, Abel, and Seth were fed. His daughters, Rachel, and Miriam came later when food became more abundant.

Rising to his feet, Adam stretched his legs and grimaced at how bony they had become. It seemed absurd. With a sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck and reached for his makeshift fruit collector—a wooden stick with a strip of his angel robes tied to the end, accompanied by a woven green leaf basket.

Contrary to popular belief, Adam wasn't as helpless as some might think. He knew how to fend for himself in the 'wild.' After all, how else would he and Eve have survived in Eden at the dawn of time? And then later, on Earth after being cast out? Adam possessed skills; he simply relished the opportunity to be lazy for once instead of constantly toiling for the sake of humanity.

Securing the woven basket over his shoulders, Adam turned to make his way back into the forest of Eden. Fruit trees abounded in the garden, offering an abundance of sustenance. Oranges, mangos, pears, and more were readily available. The only fruit conspicuously absent were apples. Though Adam knew the location of the forbidden apple tree, he dared not approach it. Apples held painful memories for him, and he remained perhaps the only human who had never tasted one. Out of himself, Lilith, and Eve, he was the only one to resist the temptation of the forbidden fruit, after all.

Twisting the strip of cloth around his arm, Adam ventured through the forest, his destination clear in his mind: he was craving oranges today. Despite the growling hunger in his stomach, the thought of eating made it churn uncomfortably.

Arriving at a tree heavy with lush oranges, Adam began to swing the strip of fabric. With a precise motion, the stick it was attached to swirled in a perfect circle. Adam narrowed his eyes, focusing intently as he manipulated the fabric. With a sharp movement, he cut the stems of the oranges, causing the fruit to rain down at his feet. Adam scoffed at how effortless it was, having forgotten the simplicity of this task.

Carefully gathering the oranges into his green leafed basket, Adam retraced his steps toward the lake. As he stepped onto the familiar trail, his ears caught a frustrated growl. Curious, Adam peered out from behind a tree trunk to see Lucifer, the King of Hell and God's favored angel, struggling to climb a tree.

It was a bizarre sight to behold—the mighty Lucifer, defeated by a simple tree. Despite his attempts to ascend the branches, Lucifer's goat-like feet slipped, causing him to tumble back to the ground with a soft thud. Adam watched in disbelief as Lucifer hissed in aggravation. He half-expected Lucifer's visage to morph into a more demonic form in his rage, but it remained eerily unchanged. It was a peculiar sight indeed, leaving Adam feeling unsettled.

Why doesn’t he just use his wings and fly up the tree to gather fruit?

“The f*ck you doing?” Adam asked.

Lucifer didn't even flinch as Adam awkwardly stepped out from his hiding spot. While the first human didn't exactly approach the King of Hell, he didn't shy away from him either.

Lucifer shot him a harsh glare, his lips curling to reveal his sharp teeth. "What does it look like I'm doing?" he sneered, rising to his feet. It was evident that he had been attempting to gather fruit for some time, judging from the dirt on his pristine white clothes.

Adam continued to stare at him, puzzled. "Why don't you just use your wings? You have them for a reason."

"I don't need to explain anything to the likes of you," snapped Lucifer.

Adam narrowed his eyes, then shrugged and took a step back, ready to leave. However, as he moved to depart, not wanting to be near Lucifer, the bloody snake angel who had ruined his life, Adam heard another thud followed by a frustrated growl. This time, the growl sounded more defeated.

A curse came from Lucifer as he failed again. “For f*ck’s sake.”

Peering back at the once-great King of Hell, Adam saw him sitting on the ground again, showing no signs of attempting to rise. Adam scratched his head awkwardly. He wanted to walk away and leave the foolish angel there—Lucifer was an angel with wings, after all. He could simply fly up and take as many oranges as he wanted.

It made no sense.

Yet, Adam found himself moving towards the tree, untangling the strip of cloth and stick once more. With a simple flick of his arm, the stick flew through the air and coiled around a branch with three oranges attached to it. With a tug of the cloth, the oranges fell, and the stick tumbled afterward. Both the first man and the fallen angel stared down at the oranges, neither making a move to collect them.

"Um," Adam shrugged after a tense moment. "You're welcome."

Lucifer bristled with anger. "I never asked you to do that."

"Well, it was getting pathetic to see you being bested by a tree," Adam retorted.

Adam knew Lucifer might unleash his wrath on him, as he had done before in Hell. His heart fluttered with pure fear when the King rose to his feet again, his face mostly hidden in shadows. However, instead of unleashing his anger on the first man, like before, Lucifer began to gather the oranges.

Adam continued to stare at Lucifer, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. However, the moment Lucifer straightened his slim body and glanced in Adam's direction, the first man spun around and bolted away.

Lucifer sighed bitterly, watching Adam disappear into the distance.

~#~

Another two weeks had passed since Adam's encounter with Lucifer, and he still wasn't sure what to make of everything. It had been a full month now, and nothing had changed. No angels had visited the Garden of Eden, leaving Adam mostly on his own, except for the comforting presence of the animals.

Adam spent countless hours sitting by the lake, staring at his reflection. His green eyes harshly judged his old and new appearance. He despised the frail figure he had become, a mere shadow of his former self. Everything he had worked for, his muscles, his strength, all gone in an instant. The only reminder that it hadn't been a twisted dream was the scar on his chest and back, evidence of the violent encounter with the one-eyed creature that had ended his life.

He picked at the grass, unsure of what emotions to feel. He was mostly numb and confused, struggling to make sense of it all. No matter how many times he replayed the events leading up to his arrival in the Garden of Eden, Adam couldn't find answers. It was all a chaotic mess, and he was growing weary once again.

As for Lucifer, Adam had done his best to steer clear of the King of Hell. Though he caught glimpses of the man with the white top hat, Adam paid him no attention and kept his distance. Lucifer was another enigma. Despite Adam's previous belief that he was stronger, Lucifer had proven his power during their encounter in Hell. Adam couldn't understand why Lucifer wasn't flying away or what was keeping him in the Garden of Eden. Angels could come and go freely, yet Lucifer seemed trapped.

Adam knew Lucifer wasn't lingering out of the goodness of his heart; he was up to something, and it frustrated Adam to his core. He would prefer to be alone, without the serpent lurking in the trees. Adam feared that one night he might wake up to find Lucifer's demonic form looming over him, ready to end his life once and for all. But that scenario never came to pass, leaving Adam uncertain whether to cry or laugh at the irony of it all.

His mind wandered during the quiet moments, the empty moments in Eden. He missed his guitar. He missed music. He missed losing himself in the melodies. Often, he found himself yearning more than anything to wrap his hands around his guitar and play something, anything. He wouldn’t mind hearing any kind of music right now—country, folk, anything to break the silence of the Garden of Eden, which felt too quiet, too peaceful. It was overwhelming and suffocating all at once.

Adam's chest quivered with a deep inhalation, a silent hum escaping his lips, the melody a tantalising echo of a forgotten song. Lost in the music, he tilted his head towards the sun's embrace, relishing the warmth on his pallid skin. A hopeful glance at his arm revealed no trace of tan, only a frustrating reminder of his delicate nature.

With a resigned sigh, Adam rose from his seat, his legs protesting with a numb stiffness. He cursed their thinness, futilely adjusting his torn tunic in a futile attempt to conceal his vulnerability. The once pristine robes now bore the scars of adaptation to his new life in Eden.

Fingers trembling, he secured the sleeves around his wrists, a shiver coursing down his spine at the sight of his exposed flesh. Memories of missing gloves stirred unease within him, a puzzle with no solution.

Directionless but determined, Adam set off, gathering whatever materials he could find. A month in Eden had taught him the necessity of preparation. As he ventured forth, thoughts of makeshift shelters and survival strategies filled his mind, a faint hope amidst uncertainty. He couldn't remain by the lakeside forever, even if safety beckoned there. Recollections of past creations fuelled his resolve, a reminder that he had done it before, and he could do it again.

In the midst of his wanderings, Adam's ears caught a whimper, a pained cry slicing through the stillness of the forest. Halting in his tracks, he strained to discern the source, his senses homing in on the distressing sound. With a furrowed brow, he recognized it—an echo from a distant past, a reminder of Eden.

Curiosity mingled with caution; Adam approached the origin of the cries with deliberate steps. Leaning against a sturdy oak adorned with unfamiliar purple leaves, he scanned the surroundings, noting the presence of more of these mysterious additions to Eden's flora. But his attention was soon captured by a sight both familiar and foreign—a lion, wounded and struggling amidst the tangled undergrowth.

Adam's gaze traced the crimson stain on the lion's side, evidence of a battle with some unseen foe. The temptation to end the creature's suffering and indulge in the taste of meat stirred within him, a primal urge conflicting with a sense of unease. With a conflicted heart, he weighed the options, his stomach growling in anticipation even as a wave of discomfort washed over him.

Cast out from Eden, Adam had known the bitter betrayal of once-friendly beasts turned ferocious predators. Memories of lost grandchildren haunted him, victims of the very creatures he once considered companions. The sight of the wounded lion stirred a flicker of satisfaction, a fleeting sense of retribution. But as he cautiously approached, stick in hand, his resolve wavered.

Locking eyes with the injured lion, Adam felt a surge of something he thought long buried—an empathy that clawed its way to the surface. His fingers slackened around the stick as he met the lion's gaze, a silent exchange passing between them.

Unable to resist the pull of compassion, Adam dropped to his knees, the weight of guilt pressing down on his chest.

"Don’t loo kat me like that. Don't give up," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible amidst the forest's murmurs. "We'll mend you, and you'll be back to your rightful place. Doing what lions do best."

Examining the lion's wounds, Adam winced at the severity of the injuries. Jagged slashes crisscrossed the golden fur, a testament to the brutality of the attack. In the centre of the lion's side, a cluster of bloody punctures formed a vicious circle, resembling the aftermath of a savage attempt to tear a sizable chunk from the animal's flesh.

"What could have done this..." Adam mumbled, his thoughts racing as he tried to unravel the mystery. Recalling his knowledge of Eden's harmony, he struggled to reconcile the sight before him with the peaceful coexistence he once knew. In Eden, animals lived in harmony, feeding on nature's bounty without resorting to violence.

The revelation that creatures such as lions, tigers, and sharks only turned to meat-eating upon leaving Eden crashed against his understanding like a tidal wave. The very foundation of his beliefs shook as he grappled with the implications of this brutal attack.

The lion emitted a soft rumble, its head drooping in resignation, as if choosing the embrace of death over the struggle for survival. Adam's heart sank at the sight, a pang of empathy coursing through him as he watched the creature's silent surrender. With a determined shake of his head, he rose to his feet once more.

“Okay, I’ll be right back. Try to hold on, please. Please don’t give up and die.” Adam murmured, his voice gentle yet urgent, pleading with the lion to hold on. He couldn't bear the thought of returning to find it lifeless, another failure to add to his burden.

As he hurried back to the lake, Adam's mind raced with the task ahead. Dropping to his knees, he hastily fashioned makeshift containers from gathered leaves, his fingers trembling with anticipation. Tying a strip of fabric around his waist, he prepared himself for the laborious task of collecting water and gathering medicinal plants.

Each step felt heavy with the weight of responsibility as he gathered the necessary materials, his mind consumed by the urgency of the lion's plight. Despite the burden of doubt weighing on his shoulders, Adam was determined to make a difference this time. With a heavy heart and aching muscles, he pressed on, driven by a glimmer of hope that he could save a life.

Once again, Adam's chest tightened with the familiar pang of anxiety. Memories flooded his mind of past pleas falling on deaf ears, of desperate attempts to make a difference only to be ignored and discarded. It was a relentless cycle of chagrin and disappointment, a burden he bore heavily.

Time and time again, he had begged for others to heed his words, to wait for his return, but time and time again, his efforts were in vain. The ache in his chest mirrored the ache in his soul, a constant reminder of the loneliness and isolation he endured.

With a heavy heart, Adam pushed aside the weight of his past failures, focusing instead on the task at hand. This time would be different, he vowed silently to himself, determined to defy the odds, and save the life of the wounded lion.

"What are you doing?" A sudden voice shattered the silence, jolting Adam from his focused determination.

Startled, Adam yelped, his hands fumbling and the container of water slipping from his grasp. Leaves scattered and water spilled, pooling at their feet. He stared down at the mess, his heart racing with a mixture of frustration and anger.

“Why are you always f*cking up everything?” he hissed through clenched teeth, quickly falling to his knees and trying to mend the container. “Leave me alone before you make it worse.”

Lucifer grumbled in responds but didn’t leave the man alone like he wanted. Instead, he annoyingly watched him, the fallen angel eyeing the way Adam struggled to bend the leaves back into place. The longer the blonde King watched, the more frustrated the first man became.

Hissing through clenched teeth, Adam swiftly dropped to his knees, his focus solely on repairing the damaged container.

"Leave me alone before you make it worse," he snapped, his resentment growing.

Lucifer grumbled in response but remained, his presence an unwelcome distraction. Adam's irritation only grew as the fallen angel observed his struggles with an annoying detachment.

"f*ck off," Adam finally exclaimed, his patience wearing thin.

Undeterred, Lucifer inched closer, a quizzical expression crossing his features. "What are you doing?" he repeated, a perfect golden eyebrow arching in curiosity.

Adam seethed, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip as he fought to control his temper. "Isn't there anywhere else you can go bother someone?" he retorted; his tone laced with irritation.

With a dry grunt, Lucifer remained unfazed. "Not really," he replied bluntly. "I'm sure you're aware of the limited entertainment options around here."

Rolling his eyes, Adam focused his attention back on the task at hand, relieved to see the leaves finally cooperating as he reconstructed the container. Glancing up, he noticed Lucifer's continued scrutiny, a strange interest gleaming in his eyes.

"If you insist on hovering, at least be useful and gather some of the plantain leaves from over there," Adam instructed, gesturing towards the nearby plants.

With a startled blink, the King of Hell cast a glance towards the tangled mass of vegetation. His brows furrowed as he turned back to Adam. "What are plantains?"

"It's the giant green plant over there. There are several of them," Adam replied tersely. "I need them. They possess potent wound-healing and antimicrobial properties, commonly found across various regions."

Lucifer stared for a prolonged moment, his sharp tooth mouth poised to speak, but Adam abruptly turned his back on the diminutive king. With a grunt, the fallen angel pivoted towards the plantains and began stripping the leaves.

Adam swallowed a lump of annoyance, feeling the unwelcome presence of the fallen angel looming so close, especially given their tumultuous history and the fact that Lucifer now found himself in Eden alongside him. Adam couldn't help but wish for someone else's company, but it seemed he was left to gather plantain leaves with Lucifer by his side.

“I should seek out some comfrey and chamomile. I recall spotting a few yesterday," he muttered to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Lucifer's lips twisted into another frown. "Why bother?"

"Comfrey contains compounds that stimulate tissue regeneration and can be applied directly to wounds for healing," Adam recited from his memories.

At first, it was a relentless struggle. His offspring, their offspring, and generations beyond kept falling prey to injury and illness. New diseases seemed to emerge daily, adding to the challenges they faced. Eve, shaken by the initial wave of sickness that claimed a significant portion of their early descendants, was reluctant to delve into the grim reality of their situation. But Adam knew they couldn't afford to be complacent. They had to stay vigilant, always on the lookout for overlooked plants with potential medicinal properties.

He was determined to find a way to prevent the young from perishing prematurely, to secure a future for their lineage.

"Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, suitable for topical application as a wash or poultice for wounds," Adam added, deep in thought.

Lucifer's gaze swept up from Adam's feet to his head. "You appear unharmed to me. Maybe a little too fine."

“f*ck you.” Adam growled. “It’s not for me, asshole. Not everyone possesses the luxury of being magically immune to wounds, able to simply flutter their wings to mend themselves.”

Adam sensed he was teetering dangerously close to the edge, well aware that provoking Lucifer any further could result in another brutal confrontation. To avoid such a fate, he took a deep breath and stood up, reminding himself of the task at hand: refilling the container with water.

"I'm trying to help you," Lucifer sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "Stop being such an asshole and—where the f*ck do you think you're going now?"

The first human shrugged indifferently, shooting a glance over his shoulder. "I need to refill the container because somebody spilled the water."

Lucifer huffed irritably, immediately trailing after Adam. "It's not my fault you can't handle simple tasks like a grown man."

“Oh, f*ck off!” Adam trudged his sorry ass wearily back up the small hill to the river. With a resigned sigh, he crouched down by the water's edge, refilling the container. “I never f*cking asked you to help!”

Scoffing, Lucifer rolled his eyes and begrudgingly followed Adam. He walked with a slightly unsteady gait, as if his goat hooves couldn't quite find their footing, likely due to the boots he wore covering them.

"Real mature, so grown up. You really showed me, didn't you? Bravo!" Lucifer taunted, his sarcasm thick in the air.

"I'm not the one trailing after someone like a lost puppy," Adam shot back, his resentment evident as he secured the water container, ensuring it wouldn't accidentally slip from his grasp again.

"So original," Lucifer retorted sarcastically, his lips curling into that familiar, sharp grin that Adam now despised. "Do you want a gold star too? I used to give them to Charlie when she was a little girl. Would that make you feel better?"

Adam's entire body stiffened as he tightened his grip on the leaf containers and plants he had gathered. His knuckles turned a stark white, and he clenched his teeth so hard it hurt. He was teetering on the edge of spinning around and hurling the damn things at the infuriating angel. But as quickly as the anger surged, it ebbed away, leaving behind a lingering annoyance. With a heavy sigh, he continued walking in the same direction, heading back towards the injured lion. The silence weighed heavily on him, ominous and unsettling, fueling his fear of the worst. Then, relief flooded through him as he heard the familiar whimper, his body relaxing slightly.

"You're still alive," Adam gasped, rushing towards the wounded lion. Dropping to his knees beside the animal, he whispered soothing words. "You fought to stay alive. I'm so proud of you."

The lion emitted a faint sound in response, barely audible, but it was enough to soften Adam's smile. Carefully, he moved the water container to his side, his green eyes flickering between the wounds on the lion's side. His mouth went dry as he assessed the extent of the animal's injuries.

Adam began to untangle the leftover fabric of his angel robes, the ones he hadn't repurposed into a tunic for himself. Inhaling sharply, he tried to discern the true source of the blood, realising it was coming from all the wounds.

"I can't tell which one is worse," he grimaced, tearing a piece of fabric off and dipping it into the water. "I'm sorry. This is going to really hurt. It'll sting."

Inhaling sharply once more, Adam lowered the soaked fabric, and the lion let out a howling whine from the sudden pain. Despite the agony, the lion didn't push Adam away, only helplessly falling back to the ground, thumping its head against the earth as Adam attempted to clean the wounds.

The lion, once proud and regal, now lay battered and bloody, its mane matted with crimson stains. Pain flickered in its eyes, mirroring the agony that reverberated through the quiet of Eden's forest. Adam approached cautiously, his touch gentle as he attempted to cleanse the wounds that marred the majestic creature. Each touch elicited a wince from the lion, yet it made no move to retaliate, sensing Adam's benevolent intentions.

As Adam worked diligently to tend to the wounded beast, his whispered words of solace floated through the air, a feeble attempt to ease its suffering. With steady hands stained with the evidence of his efforts, he meticulously attended to each injury, the lion's fur clinging to his skin, a testament to the severity of its wounds.

"You can set the plantain leaves down here," Adam instructed, his gaze fixed on his task, hands already immersed in the blood-stained water. He could discern the extent of the injuries more clearly now.

Lucifer, observing from the shadows with a a slight frown on his lips, awkwardly deposited the leaves, his demeanour tinged with bitterness.

"I should have gathered the comfrey and chamomiles while I had the chance," Adam grumbled, his annoyance evident as he assessed the situation. Plantain leaves were helpful, but they alone couldn't heal the lion's wounds.

"What are comfrey?" Lucifer interjected, feigning ignorance, though his curiosity was palpable. "And chamomiles? I'll fetch them if you enlighten me."

"Comfrey is a plant with broad, hairy leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers," Adam explained, his tone tinged with impatience. Memories of past struggles with Eve over herbal remedies resurfaced as he spoke. "Their leaves are large, dark green, and rough to the touch."

Lucifer nodded, a semblance of understanding crossing his features. "And chamomiles? Are they akin to daisies?"

Adam raised an incredulous eyebrow. "You know what daisies are?"

"Of course," Lucifer retorted indignantly, a hint of wounded pride in his voice. "I'm insulted by your assumption."

Their gazes locked, a silent battle of wills ensuing between them. Finally, with a bristling growl, Lucifer straightened up, dusting off his pristine attire. With determined strides, he turned to depart, intent on returning with the requested herbs.

“Don’t say a f*cking word.” With a dismissive wave, Lucifer snapped over his shoulder, "I don't want to hear it!"

Adam rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he surveyed the weary lion, its breathing laboured and shuddering. "That guy is such an asshole. The self-proclaimed king of all f*ckers, I swear."

"He didn't even know what comfreys are, or how to handle plantain leaves," Adam grumbled, frustration evident in his tone. "Excuse me for doubting his knowledge of daisies. I just hope he returns with the right damn flowers. Knowing him, he might come back with something as useless as coneflowers."

He snorted in disbelief. “God help us all. Let’s prey he returns with f*cking chamomiles.”

The lion grumbled in response but stayed laying on the ground. Its tail hardly swishes next to Adam. The first man grimaced at the now visible wounds, at least it had stopped bleeding, he supposed. The markings were row, angry and up turned. As if the lion had run into something with many teeth and claws.

As Adam inched closer, his gaze fixated on the torn flesh of the lion, he swallowed a thick lump in his throat. What could have inflicted such agony upon the gentle creature? True, lions beyond the borders of Eden were anything but kind, but within its confines, they were different. A shiver raced down his spine, prompting Adam to tear his eyes away before his thoughts spiralled into an abyss of uncertainty.

His reverie was abruptly interrupted by Lucifer's reappearance. Slumping down beside him once more, Adam fought to conceal his bitterness at the sight of the correct plants returned, and in abundance no less.

"Um, will these suffice?" the self-proclaimed King murmured softly, uncertainty colouring his voice. "I'm not entirely sure what to do with them."

With a nonchalant shrug, Adam accepted the comfrey first, delicately plucking its leaves, followed by the petals of the chamomiles. Despite the proximity of Lucifer, and the weight of his gaze boring into him, Adam remained focused on the task at hand.

Crushing the comfrey leaves and chamomile flowers between his fingers, Adam released their soothing fragrance. Mixing them with water, he fashioned a herbal poultice, meticulously applying it to the lion's wounds after cleansing them with torn fabric and water.

"Ah, come on," Adam cooed softly to the lion as it emitted a strained roar. "It'll be alright, just a little discomfort."

The lion seemed to grasp the healing essence of the herbs, its taut muscles loosening slightly under Adam's touch. The comfrey and chamomile worked their magic, offering a soothing coolness that eased inflammation and dulled the pain, all the while encouraging tissue regeneration.

"There, there, you see? It's not so bad," Adam whispered reassuringly, his voice a gentle murmur against the backdrop of the forest.

"Nothing to worry about. You'll be just fine." And as if understanding his words, the lion relaxed beneath Adam's ministrations, a sense of calm settling over them both.

Adam gazed across the wounds, assessing his handiwork with a mixture of relief and concern. He nodded slowly, acknowledging that he had done what he could with the resources at hand.

"Okay, I need the plantain leaves," Adam said, his voice steady despite the urgency he felt.

Lucifer, standing nearby, nodded in understanding. With an air of solemnity, he retrieved the plantain leaves, his movements unusually subdued. Handing them to Adam, he offered a wordless gesture of support, his blue eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

With careful hands, Adam accepted the leaves, noting their vibrant green colour against the subdued backdrop of the forest floor. He then tore strips from his robe, recognizing the preciousness of the fabric woven from heaven's own threads.

Combining the plantain leaves with the strips of heavenly fabric, Adam fashioned a final dressing for the lion's wounds. With practised precision, he applied the poultice, the coolness of the leaves offering relief to the lion's still-tender flesh.

"Okay," Adam murmured softly, his gaze lingering on the makeshift bandage. "You'll be fine now, Mr. Lion. Just sleep and don't move around much. It shouldn't fall off if you walk around..."

Once satisfied with his work, Adam stepped back, allowing the lion to rest undisturbed. He watched with a sense of reassurance as the rise and fall of its chest gradually slowed, a sign that the pain was beginning to fade and sleep finally claimed the lion.

"How..." Lucifer's voice trailed off, his expression twisted into a mix of curiosity and resentment. The spot that should have been a nose twitched in a manner Adam hadn't seen since their days in Eden, centuries ago. "How did you know to do that?"

Adam remained silent for a moment, his fingers absently picking at the dried blood staining his hands. He knew he needed to bathe again, a task that would require him to strip down, revealing the scars etched into his skin—a vulnerability he loathed. With a heavy sigh, he shifted his weight, stepping away from the sleeping lion.

"It was nothing," Adam replied tersely, his voice laced with bitterness.

Lucifer's eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet, a sense of tension crackling in the air between them. "What do you mean 'nothing'? You knew exactly what to get and how to save that lion's life. We're in the heart of Eden, yet you were able to gather comfreys, chamomile, plantain leaves—"

"And more," Adam interrupted, his tone sharp with annoyance. "You forget, I was cast out of Eden. I had to learn remedies the hard way. There were no pretty white wings to whisk me away or magic to heal our wounds with a snap of our fingers."

Adam's throat tightened, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I had to navigate the dangers of Earth, sift through plants and flowers, risking my life to find what would soothe my children's pains. I had to learn what would stop their stomach aches, toothaches, and nightmares. I had to be the one to ensure their survival, to find what wouldn't kill them but would heal their wounds."

Lucifer's gaze softened momentarily, but his words held a lingering bitterness. "I wasn't trying to insult you," he muttered darkly, his gaze averted. "I was...I don't know, it was impressive, I guess, and—"

"And what?" Adam's laughter rang out bitterly, his teeth clenched in frustration. He whirled around to face Lucifer, his eyes flashing with anger. "You think that would mean anything to me? You think your empty words, saying you found it impressive or whatever, would mean a damn thing to me?"

Adam's voice echoed through the clearing, filled with a raw intensity that cut through the tension like a knife. He took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides.

"You're wrong!" he spat, his words dripping with venom. "Nothing—absolutely nothing—you say means anything to me! Not anymore, and not ever! So do me a favour and piss off!"

With a final glare, Adam turned on his heel, his footsteps heavy with unresolved bitterness. As he stormed away from Lucifer, a weighty silence settled between them, thick with the echoes of their fractured bond. In the past, when it was just the first human and his angel, Lucifer's thoughts and opinions had meant everything to Adam. He craved his angel's approval, eager to hear his insights on new discoveries and ideas.

Lucifer had been Adam's confidant, his guiding light. But everything changed when Lilith was born. With her arrival, Adam's world shifted irreversibly. Suddenly, he no longer had an angel by his side—a realisation that left him feeling abandoned and alone in a way he had never experienced before.

As Adam retreated into the depths of the forest, the weight of his solitude bore down on him, a stark reminder of the chasm that had formed between him and the one who had once meant everything. And though he tried to push aside the ache of loss, he couldn't shake the lingering sense of emptiness that gnawed at his heart.

~#~

A week, maybe more, had passed since Adam last tended to the wounded lion. Time seemed to blur in the depths of the wilderness, where days stretched into weeks without clear demarcation. But one day, as Adam sat by the tranquil waters of the lake, lost in contemplation, he was startled by the sight of the lion ambling past him, heading towards the shimmering surface to quench its thirst.

Blinking in surprise, Adam recognized the majestic creature immediately. It was unmistakably the same lion he had tended to, the makeshift cast of plantain leaves and heavenly robes still visible on its healed wounds. A rush of relief flooded through him as he watched the lion move with ease, taking graceful sips of water from the lake.

A smile tugged at the corners of Adam's lips as he observed the lion's recovery. It was a small victory in the midst of their tumultuous existence—a reminder that amidst the chaos, there could still be moments of hope and resilience.

Pulling his knees up to his chest, Adam wrapped his bony arms around them, resting his chin on his knee caps. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to bask in the tranquillity of the moment, however fleeting it may be.

Thoughts of his time in the Garden of Eden drifted through Adam's mind like a haunting melody, stirring memories he had long tried to bury beneath layers of bitterness and resentment. It had been a time of innocence, of sweetness, and yet also of profound loneliness—a contradiction that gnawed at him even now.

At first, Adam had been consumed by boundless happiness, a naive joy that had seemed to overflow with each passing moment. But as with everything else, darkness had seeped in, staining the idyllic landscape with its bruises and scars.

He didn't like thinking of that time—the time when he had been so blissfully unaware of the pain that would come to define his existence. He had become an asshole now, a defence mechanism to hide the bruises still forming from the wounds of the past.

Lilith—his equal, his companion in life and death—had been made to be his other half. They were created as a set, not as solitary beings. And yet, it had been a bitter revelation to discover that Lilith wanted nothing to do with him. She didn't even like him, and she had taken away his best friend, the angel God had made for him.

The memory of searching for his angel and finding him with Lilith still haunted Adam—the cold, calculating expression on her face, the realisation that the Garden of Eden had never been enough for her. She had wanted more, and she had found it in his angel. He had tried to keep her happy, bending himself to her will, but it had never been enough—for Lilith or for his angel.

But dwelling on the past was futile, especially when it came to Lilith. After losing two friends in one day, Adam had been gifted Eve—a stark contrast to Lilith in every way.

Eve was kind, sweet, and beautiful, with thick brown curls and freckled skin. Before she bit the apple, she had listened to him, smiled at him, allowed him to speak without judgement. She hadn't touched him, but that had been fine. After all, the last person to touch him had been his angel. It didn't matter.

Adam's thoughts drifted to Eve, a bittersweet ache settling in his chest as he recalled her presence in his life. Despite the changes that had come over her after biting the apple, and her seeming indifference towards their children, Adam still missed her dearly.

In the beginning, Eve had been lovely—kind, caring, and grateful for even the smallest gestures of assistance. Unlike Lilith, who had grown bored of him and seemed to relish in exerting control over him, Eve had always treated him with respect and consideration.

Adam vividly remembered the times he had tirelessly fetched fruits for Lilith, running back and forth to satisfy her whims. But with Eve, it had been different. She had always expressed gratitude for his efforts, thanking him for the tasks she assigned him. She had even followed him, ensuring his safety, and warning him of any potential dangers she spotted along the way.

Despite the challenges they had faced, Adam couldn't help but long for Eve's companionship. She had been there for him, both before and after the apple, offering him support and understanding in a world fraught with uncertainty. And now, as he grappled with the complexities of their existence, Adam found himself yearning for the comfort of her presence once more.

Adam's heart pounded in his chest as he shook himself from his reverie, desperate to escape the suffocating grip of memories threatening to consume him entirely. Tears stung his eyes, blurring his vision as he staggered to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him.

With each step, the weight of his sorrow bore down on him like a heavy burden, threatening to crush him beneath its relentless weight. He stumbled towards the familiar bank of the lake, his mind consumed by thoughts of Eve, Lilith, and the painful loss of his angel.

As he reached the water's edge, Adam fell to his knees with a resounding thud, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. With a desperate cry, he plunged his face into the icy water, seeking solace in its numbing embrace.

The cold water washed over him, soaking through his tangled hair, and sending shivers down his spine. Adam held his breath, his lungs burning as he clung to the darkness, the silence, the oblivion.

But as seconds turned to minutes, and minutes to eternity, Adam's struggles intensified. His throat burned like acid, his chest constricting with each laboured breath. Panic surged through him, threatening to overwhelm his senses as he fought to keep the darkness at bay. Bubbles danced around him, a silent chorus of desperation as he struggled to hold onto consciousness.

Immediately, clawed hands seized Adam's forearms, wrenching him from the water's grasp with a forceful yank. His vision blurred, swirling with flashes of colours as he struggled to orient himself. Wheezing and spluttering, Adam expelled water from his lungs, his senses reeling from the shock of near drowning.

Through the haze, he could make out a figure crouched beside him, and despite the disorientation, Adam recognized the telltale sign of Lucifer—the white top hat perched atop his head.

"What the f*ck are you doing?" Lucifer's voice boomed, the force of it shaking the very ground beneath them.

Adam's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with irritation. Pushing against Lucifer with all his strength, he managed to create enough distance to scramble away, his chest heaving with exertion.

"What are you doing here?" Adam snapped; his tone laced with heated annoyance. "You're not supposed to be here! Not on this riverbank!"

His words were sharp, his anger directed at Lucifer, but beneath the surface, Adam's heart raced with a tumultuous mix of fear and confusion. Why had Lucifer intervened? And more importantly, what had brought him to this secluded spot in the first place?

Lucifer's growl reverberated through the air, his features contorted with rage. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't realise you owned the whole of Eden!"

Adam's jaw clenched as he shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ha-ha, real funny. This is my riverbank; you're not allowed here! Not here, anywhere but here!"

He continued to wipe his face repeatedly, the water still dripping from his soaked hair and clothes. His green eyes were bloodshot from the ordeal of holding his head under the water for so long. In the distance, he could see the lion had settled down, watching the exchange between them with lazy interest.

Lucifer's expression hardened, his tone stern as he rebuked Adam's selfishness. "Oh, for f*ck's sake, don't be so ridiculously selfish. If I hadn't happened to come past you, who knows what would have happened. You don't own the riverbanks. I'm allowed to walk them."

The tension between them crackled like electricity, the air thick with unresolved anger and irritation. Despite their differences, they both knew that their clash went deeper than mere territorial disputes—it reflected the underlying rift that had formed between them, a divide that seemed impossible to bridge.

Adam's blood boiled as he backed away further, his temper flaring in response to Lucifer's accusations. "You think I'm so pathetic that I'd drown myself? Ha, I'm not a puss* like you are!"

Lucifer's response was calm, almost unnervingly so. "Says the one on the verge of tears. Besides, if anybody has anything to cry about, it's me. You tried to kill my daughter. You're lucky I'm not trying to kill you where you stand right here."

"Oh, bo-ho!" Adam sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your precious, perfect, little princess daughter almost died. Oh no. Whatever will we do!"

"Watch it, Adam," Lucifer warned, his tone darkening ominously.

"Or what?" Adam retorted defiantly, scrambling to his feet. "You're going to kill me? Go on then! Who knows, it might be what's needed to get out of this place!"

With a reckless gesture, Adam spread his arms wide, taunting Lucifer to act. "I'm waiting! Go on then! Kill me for your daughter! For the princess of hell and avenge all the sinners I've killed!"

Lucifer's anger was clear, his form trembling with restrained fury. But instead of unleashing hellfire or transforming into a terrifying visage, he remained eerily composed, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.

"You're a f*cking asshole, Adam," Lucifer seethed, his hands clenched at his sides, his sharp claws digging into his palms. "And you have a sh*tty personality. No wonder people always leave you."

Adam scoffed in response. "And you're a two-faced liar! f*ck you!"

With that, he spun on his heel, intending to stomp away in a fit of righteous indignation. But before he could get far, Lucifer's clawed hand closed around his elbow, yanking him back with surprising strength.

"For f*ck's sake! Stop running away all the f*cking time!" Lucifer roared, his irritation boiling over. "You prefer to be on your own, is that it?"

"Yes!" Adam bellowed, trying in vain to break free from Lucifer's iron grip. "I'd prefer to be anywhere but here with you!"

Lucifer yanked on Adam’s arm, threatening to snap the flimsy bone. “Well tough sh*t! It’s only the two of us in Eden, we need to work together to survive! So, suck it up and start acting your goddamn age! Otherwise, who knows if we’ll get out of here!”

With a hissing grow through clenched teeth, Adan bounced on his tip toes and twisted his arm out of Lucifer’s hold. He stumbled backward, clamping his hand around the area that Lucifer had been griping. He shot a disgusted glare at the fallen angel and turned around to bolt away.

“Come on, stop walking away!” Lucifer snapped.

"Stop f*cking following me!"

"Adam!" Lucifer's patience finally snapped. He charged forward, spinning Adam back around and forcing him to tumble backward into a tree. "After what you did to Charlie and her friends, this is your deserved punishment!"

Adam's face flushed red with anger as he screamed at the top of his lungs.

"She's alive!"

The fallen angel's eyes widened in surprise, and Lucifer took an awkward step back, his expression clouded with confusion. He clenched his teeth, his eyes narrowed into slits. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your brat, your daughter, she's f*cking alive, isn't she?" Adam sneered, pressing his back against the rough bark of the tree. He slid himself up, itching around the tree to put some distance between himself and the king of hell. "Can't say the same for my children, or grandchildren. They all died because of you. You killed them all. They died because of you."

Lucifer's expression turned to disbelief. "No, I didn't. You can't blame me for their deaths, Adam."

"Yes, I f*cking can," Adam raised his voice again, his words echoing through the garden of Eden. "It's your fault! It's your f*cking fault! They would be alive if it wasn't for you! They would have been happy and carefree if it wasn't for you!"

Opening his mouth to respond, Lucifer appears momentarily lost for words, his expression a mixture of frustration and confusion. "Adam, that's not fair-"

"No! No! No!" Adam cut in harshly, his voice rising in anger. His nails dug into the tree trunk, the sensation of burning wood barely registering amidst the intensity of his emotions. "You don't get to do that! You don't get to act all high and mighty! Your kid got every f*cking thing she wanted handed to her on a silver plate, fed to her on a silver spoon! She was safe and warm, shielded away from the true evil you released!"

Adam paused briefly, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. His heart pounded in his ears, the memories of loss and suffering still fresh in his mind. "I sure as hell couldn't say the same for my children. My sons and daughters weren't lucky at all. If they weren't taken by some brand new and shiny disease, then the very same animals I befriended in Eden tore them apart! And if the animals didn't get them, then they killed one another!"

"And that's my fault?" Lucifer shook his head in disbelief, straightening his back defiantly. He slapped a hand to his chest, his ruby and gold eyes widening with incredulity. "I didn't sit on their f*cking shoulder, whispering every little evil thing to do in their ear! Come on, Adam! That's ridiculous!"

Adam pointed a finger accusingly. "It is your fault! My children weren't born in Eden; they were thrown out into the cold, forced to live under pain and suffering! It's your fault they ended up out there and that they never got better!"

"No," Lucifer breathed out deeply, attempting to calm his beating heart. A pained look flashed across his eyes as he shifted on his feet, his head bowing slightly. "It was a choice, you know that, Adam. I never forced anybody to bite the apple. Eve made her choice; she chose to bite the apple. The same way you eventually chose to as well.”

"Oh, grow up!" Adam groaned loudly, irritation evident in his voice as he threw his hands up in the air. "Eve was a bloody human. She had no idea what she was getting into. You made it out to be this big and amazing dream, something special and wonderful. But it wasn't. It was horrible, it was awful, it was painful and heartbreaking. Eve didn't know what she was doing. It's called f*cking manipulation for a reason."

Lucifer took a step forward, but Adam instinctively stepped back. "And how would I have known all of that would be born from biting the apple? It was supposed to give you all the ability to make choices, to choose for yourself what you want to do and not follow some guy in the clouds."

"You're a f*cking Archangel!" Adam snapped loudly, his throat raw from shouting. "You should have known what would happen to us! You're the goddamn Angel! Eve and I, we were just humans; we didn't even know what we were doing or what we were supposed to do! For f*ck's sake, we got excited over a cherry bush growing! Giving us the fruit of knowledge did more damage than good! More than you even f*cking realize!"

"Eve changed after biting that apple! She became heartless and uncaring; our children died before her, and she did nothing about it!"

Lucifer's face turned the same shade of red as his vest. He took another step forward, but this time Adam didn't back away. It prompted Lucifer to come even closer until he was in Adam's face.

"You love Eve so f*cking much," he hissed like the snake he really was. "She wasn't even faithful to you! She jumped at the chance of trying something new and-"

Adam blinked, his vision blurring slightly. Wetness began to form from the corners of his eyes, a painful ache twisting in the middle of his chest—a sensation he hadn't felt since Eve died.

"You..." he mumbled, struggling to form the words.

Suddenly, the wind seemed to leave Lucifer's sails, his eyes widening at his own words. "I wasn't supposed to say that. sh*t. I didn't mean—I mean, it wasn't like she was unfaithful, I mean she was, but..."

Lucifer's words faded as Adam began to shake his head. He stepped towards Adam, raising a hand to touch his shoulder, as if he could offer human comfort. But Adam clearly didn't want it, so Lucifer's hand simply hovered before him, regret beginning to form in his eyes as he witnessed the breakdown of the man before him, reminiscent of the sorrowful and lonely figure from Eden all those centuries ago.

"f*ck you," Adam whispered at first, his voice barely audible, before he bit out the words louder and harsher. "I hate you. I hate you! I hate you so much! I f*cking hate you more than anything! Why you? Why did it have to be you? You were made for me, you were my angel! You were the only one there when I was born, and God said to trust you! To put myself into your hands, that you would always be there with me!"

Lucifer flinched at the reminder of their shared past. He turned his face away as if Adam's words were a physical blow.

"You really did it, didn't you? You really took Eve too? You took both Lilith and Eve..." Adam gasped out, pain clawing through him at a rapid pace, his vision continuing to blur further.

"It wasn't like that. I didn't do it to hurt you, please. I just fell in love and..." Lucifer winced at his own words, a strange sensation beginning to gnaw at him.

Adam sneered. "Shut up! If you didn't want to hurt me, you wouldn't have done it again! You had Lilith! Why did you take Eve too? Why did you have to dangle that f*cking apple in front of her like that? I never stood a chance, did I? Everyone wants me to be the bad guy, they want to play make believe and pretend! They want to blind themselves to the truth! Nobody wants to face the truth that I was f*cked over not twice, but three times by my own best friend!"

Lucifer sucked in a deep breath, his form shining in the sunlight above them. He tried to move closer to Adam, but the human wouldn't allow it, keeping the tree between them. "Adam, please, it wasn't like that."

"You think your little choice made anything better? Made the universe a better place? There's a reason why the other angels didn't want you to help them create the universe, why you were assigned to my birth instead of helping them," Adam continued, his words sharp and biting. He ignored the look of realisation that quickly crossed Lucifer's face. "You mess up everything you touch. You made everything so much worse, nothing got better but broke down further!"

"And the truth behind it all? You can't stand to look humanity in the face, you're so ashamed of your sinners, because deep down, you know it too!"

Then, without waiting around any longer, Adam finally bolted. Running as fast as he could away from the fallen angel, the king of hell, his archenemy, the person he hated with his whole being—his best friend. The angel that never picked Adam and always let him down.

Alone in the depths of his despair, Adam collapsed to his knees, his body racked with sobs that seemed to tear through his very being. He buried his face in his hands, unable to contain the overwhelming rush of emotions that flooded over him.

"In the end, I really was never loved by anyone," he choked out between heart-wrenching sobs, the words heavy with the weight of a lifetime of disappointment and betrayal.

~#~

As the days blurred into weeks, Adam found himself in a solitary existence within the confines of Eden. Lucifer's absence was a relief, allowing him to dwell in his thoughts undisturbed. He gravitated towards the riverbank, though he never lingered in one spot for too long, always in motion, wandering aimlessly along the water's edge.

The lion they had saved became a silent companion, a silent gesture of gratitude for Adam's kindness. After several encounters, the lion allowed Adam to remove the makeshift cast, a small act of trust that spoke volumes in the quiet language of nature.

Now, Adam lay sprawled on a patch of grass by the lake, his gaze fixed on the shifting clouds overhead. The recent rain had left the forest with a fresh, rejuvenating scent, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within his mind.

Plucking absentmindedly at the grass, Adam's thoughts were consumed by Eve and the revelations brought forth by the serpent's words. He had believed she was the one, despite her initial apprehension in the garden and subsequent coldness outside Eden. Her gaze had held a promise of understanding, of acceptance, yet it all seemed to crumble before him.

A grimace twisted Adam's features as he recalled the moment of vulnerability when he had broken down in front of Eve, sharing the truth about Lilith and…his angel. She had offered reassurances then, promises of loyalty, but they now felt hollow and empty.

"Why doesn't anybody ever pick me?" Adam whispered to the empty air; his voice barely audible against the rustle of the breeze. "What's so wrong about me? Am I really that unlovable?"

With a heavy sigh, Adam curled into himself, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him once more. Lucifer's disappearance after the revelation of his connection to Lilith had left a void in Adam's heart. The fallen angel had ceased all visits, immersing himself completely in the company of Lilith. Despite Lucifer's empty pleas for understanding, Adam couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that lingered in his heart.

But it was Eve who had offered him solace, easing the pain of Lucifer's abandonment with her presence. Her laughter and smiles had brought a fleeting sense of joy to Adam's life, momentarily overshadowing the darkness that threatened to consume him. Yet, even Eve's warmth couldn't erase the lingering sense of rejection that gnawed at Adam's soul.

As he lay there, lost in his thoughts, Adam couldn't help but wonder if he was truly deserving of love. The repeated rejections, the abandonment, they all seemed to echo a damning truth: perhaps he was unworthy of affection, unlovable in the eyes of others.

"Maybe they're right," he whispered to himself, the words heavy with self-doubt and resignation. "Maybe I do have a stinking attitude and personality. Maybe I'm just unlovable, and that's why they all left me."

Adam chuckled softly as the lion nestled beside him, its warmth and comforting presence instantly easing the weight of his troubled thoughts. He shifted to accommodate the large creature, feeling the soft rumble of its purrs reverberating through his body. It was a soothing sound, like a gentle melody lulling him into a sense of calm.

"Looks like I've got myself a furry companion," Adam remarked, reaching out to stroke the lion's mane. The texture of its fur was surprisingly soft against his fingertips, and he couldn't help but smile at the affectionate gesture.

As he lay there, enveloped in the lion's warmth, Adam felt a sense of peace wash over him. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty that plagued his mind, moments like these reminded him that he wasn't truly alone. He had the company of these majestic creatures of Eden, offering him solace in their silent companionship. And for now, that was enough to ease the ache in his heart.

"I... I feel like I'm just... terrible," he murmured softly, his words barely audible against the comforting touch of fur beneath his fingers. "Like I was crafted to be devoid of love. Lilith, Eve... they hated me. I could see it, etched in their gaze, but I don’t know what I did. What did I do? Was I truly that bad? So repugnant that they shunned any friendship, any collaboration with me?"

A low, sympathetic rumble emanated from the lion, its warmth enveloping Adam like a gentle embrace. He closed his eyes, allowing the sensation of the beast's breath against his skin to momentarily soothe the ache within his heart.

"Sure, sure," he muttered, his voice tinged with resignation, his face buried in the soft warmth of the lion's fur. "But both Lilith and Eve... they left me. Choose someone else. The same someone, in fact. There must be some truth to it."

As he nuzzled deeper into the lion's embrace, Adam felt the absence of fur where the left side of the beast hadn't fully healed. Yet, the warmth seemed to radiate even more from that scarred patch. Gently, he traced his fingertips over the rough terrain of the scars, eliciting a purr from the lion.

"I was... I was awful, you know," he confessed, his voice heavy with regret. "Maybe not right away, but over time. When I first stepped foot into heaven and realised... realised my children weren't there. Not even Abel. And Abel... he didn't deserve any of it. He was so kind, so sweet."

Adam's breath caught in his throat, sorrow weighing heavily upon him. "And Ruth... Ruth wasn't there either. She hadn't even lived long enough to sin."

The lion shifted, drawing nearer to Adam, a silent gesture of comfort amidst the weight of his sorrow. In response, Adam shifted onto his knees, rolling over to press his entire front against the lion's warm flank. A faint smile played at the corners of Adam's lips as the lion mirrored his movement, allowing him to bask fully in the comforting embrace of warmth.

Yet, as Adam's fingers trailed along the lion's soft fur, they encountered something unexpected, something foreign amidst the familiar texture of the beast's coat. Furrowing his brow, Adam knelt deeper into the earth, his fingertips delicately working to disentangle the unfamiliar object. After a painstaking few minutes, he finally lifted it into the air, his eyes widening in perplexity.

About the size of his thumb, it resembled a clamshell, its surface glimmering in the light above. Adam turned it over, his thumb tracing the raised bumps upon its surface. It tapered at one end, almost feather-like, though unlike any feather he had ever encountered since arriving in heaven.

"What in the ever-living..." Adam's voice trailed off, his confusion clear as he held the strange object aloft.

A deep whine of distress emanated from the lion at the sight of the feather. Instantly, it recoiled, wriggling out from beneath Adam's touch, nearly causing him to topple face-first into the dirt.

"What's wrong, girl? Why are you so distressed?" Adam gasped, his gaze fixated on the lion's troubled expression. "Is it the feather? Does it bother you?"

With another pained whine, the lion retreated once more, causing Adam's confusion to deepen. He glanced back and forth between the feather and the lion, uncertainty clouding his features. Fidgeting with the feather between his fingers, he pursed his lips in thought.

"Hey, it's alright. Look, it's just a feather, see?" Adam reassured, pressing the tip of the feather against his cheek. Though it pricked him slightly, he ignored the discomfort, determined not to alarm the lion. "See? It can't hurt you. It's perfectly safe."

For a long moment, the lion stared at him, its gaze unreadable. Slowly, it began to rise, its ears twitching towards the right, further up the riverbank. Adam followed its gaze, then turned back to the lion, rising cautiously to his feet, his movements slow and deliberate as he continued to watch the lion's behaviour.

"Did... did it come from up there?" Adam inquired softly; his voice laced with gentle concern. He extended his other hand towards the lion, but the creature immediately recoiled, refusing his touch. "Did whoever own this feather hurt you? Did they cause that wound?"

The lion emitted another deep, guttural sound, far more primal than anything Adam had heard in the tranquillity of Eden. Then, without hesitation, the lion spun around and bolted off, vanishing back down the bank. Adam watched its departure, a pang of rejection gnawing at his heart.

"What's so terrible about you?" he murmured, casting a wary glance at the feather. "You're so small. Could you really have inflicted so much pain and blood?"

Adam's gaze drifted up the riverbank, curiosity piqued. With a firm grip, he crushed the feather within his palm. Whoever owned it had hurt the lion, and who knew what other harm they were capable of inflicting. Adam had encountered many feathers in his life and afterlife, but this one didn't belong to the fallen angel lurking somewhere in Eden.

So, whose was it?

“I’m going to find out who it belongs to.”

~#~

For hours, perhaps even longer, Adam traced the winding path of the river, the passage of time becoming irrelevant in the timeless realm of the Garden of Eden. Day turned into night and back again, yet Adam pressed on relentlessly, driven by a relentless determination that refused to wane. When exhaustion finally forced him to seek respite beneath a tree, he barely allowed himself a moment's rest before the rising sun spurred him back into motion.

Lost and directionless, Adam pressed forward, the image of the suffering lion etched firmly in his mind. It was a haunting reminder, a silent plea that urged him to persist. With each step, he found himself drawn to the tiny feather clutched tightly in his hand, a tangible symbol of the pain inflicted upon the creatures of Eden. He had to uncover the source of their torment, to unravel the mystery that plagued the once tranquil garden.

As he journeyed deeper into the heart of Eden, Adam's emerald eyes scanned his surroundings with heightened vigilance, searching for any sign of disruption in the familiar landscape. Yet, everything appeared unchanged, the garden's natural beauty undisturbed by any outward anomaly. That is, until he stumbled upon a sudden expanse of shallow water, encircling a mysterious patch of land with unnerving precision.

A sense of foreboding gripped Adam's soul as he beheld the sight before him, his every instinct screaming of danger. His skin prickled with icy apprehension, and a cold dread coiled within his veins. This was no ordinary occurrence, no natural phenomenon of the Garden of Eden. The towering tree that loomed overhead was unfamiliar to him, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow him whole.

Adam's heart hammered in his chest, a heavy weight pressing upon him as if threatening to crush him under its unbearable burden. He felt dizzy, nauseous, as though the very ground beneath his feet was shifting beneath him.

Adam ventured forward, the cool water lapping at his ankles as he approached the enigmatic tree. Initially mistaking it for a cluster of trees entwined together, he soon realised it was a singular, colossal entity, its branches stretching outwards like the spokes of a vast umbrella. Adam couldn't fathom how he had failed to notice such a magnificent specimen during his countless hours of cloud-watching.

With each step across the soft sand, Adam felt the grains dance around his feet, tickling the spaces between his toes. His gaze tilted upwards, craning his neck to take in the sight of the tree's thick, verdant canopy. Its leaves were a vibrant shade of green, so lush and healthy that Adam couldn't recall ever seeing anything quite like it, not even in the heavenly realms. A fleeting thought teased at the edge of his consciousness, wondering if perhaps such a tree existed in the depths of Hell.

A sweet fragrance wafted through the air, teasing his senses and enveloping him in its unfamiliar embrace. It was a scent unlike any other, its essence lingering on his tongue as he breathed it in. The dappled light danced upon the tree's foliage, casting intricate patterns of sparkling shadows that shimmered like crystal in the sunlight. It was a spectacle of unparalleled beauty, one that stole Adam's breath away.

As Adam drew closer, his gaze fixed upon the sight that struck a chord of familiarity deep within him. A heavy weight settled in the pit of his stomach, dragging his heart down like a stone, while his eyes stung with unshed tears, threatening to spill over once more. A throbbing ache spread from the centre of his being, coursing down his legs and pulsing through every fibre of his being.

Above him, nestled amidst the branches of the tree, hung thousands upon thousands of golden apples. The sight sent a shiver of dread down Adam's spine. He couldn't bring himself to believe it, couldn't accept that these were the same apples that had once wrought such devastation upon his life. There had only been one back then, one that had changed everything. How could there suddenly be a tree bearing countless replicas? Adam wanted to look away, to deny the truth before him, but he found himself unable to tear his gaze from the glistening fruit.

These were the very apples that had ushered darkness and despair into humanity, that had shattered his innocence and forever altered the course of existence. And yet, they hung above him now, so alluring and enticing, their golden skins shimmering like stars in the sunlight.

Every fibre of Adam's being screamed for him to retreat, to flee from the scene unfolding before him. But as he attempted to step back, he found himself drawn inexorably forward. His feet shuffled through the sand until they met the soft grass on the other side, propelling him onward despite the turmoil raging within him.

It all happened in a blur, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions that left Adam dizzy and disoriented. He moved forward, each step laden with reluctance, while the warm sweetness of the air around him turned cold and hostile, like ice clawing at his skin with a violent intensity that left him raw and stinging.

"Close your eyes, Adam!" a sudden voice boomed, cutting through the chaos like thunder.

Before Adam could react, a force slammed into him, wrenching him away from the tree. He gasped as a hand covered his eyes, shielding him from the blinding white light that erupted throughout the garden. The ground trembled beneath him as the light lashed out, tearing at the earth and twisting the trees around them. The calm waters before them surged, transforming into a torrent that rose from ankle-deep to shoulder-height in a matter of seconds.

Above, the sky crackled and roared, echoing the tumult below. The blinding whiteness intensified with each passing moment, thickening and coalescing until it seemed ready to consume everything in its path. And then, just as it reached its crescendo, it dissipated, leaving behind an eerie stillness and a lingering scent in the air.

A hiss emanated from beside him, and Adam realised there was another body pressed against his own. With effort, he shifted, his limbs feeling weak and heavy. Slowly, the weight atop him lessened, and Adam rose to his hands and knees, his gaze drawn to the figure beside him.

"That's enough!" Lucifer's voice rang out, cutting through the aftermath of chaos. "You've made your point! He didn't know!"

With a sense of incredulity, Adam turned to look behind Lucifer, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld the colossal entity hovering above the tree. His stomach churned with a mixture of horror, disbelief, and a hint of absurdity at the sight before him.

Lucifer stood before him, his stance protective and defiant, as if ready to ward off any threat that dared to approach Adam. His outstretched arm seemed to serve as a barrier, a shield against whatever danger loomed ahead.

Above the tree, a being unlike any Adam had ever encountered dominated the sky. Its form was a mesmerising amalgamation of disparate elements: four faces adorned its head—a human face, a lion's visage, an ox's countenance, and an eagle's gaze. These faces were arranged in such a way that they could peer in any direction without the need for physical movement.

The creature exuded an angelic aura, its pure white feathers shimmering with silvery undertones that matched those of the feather Adam held in his hand. But where the feather bore only eyes of singular importance, this being's four wings were adorned with countless eyes, their gaze penetrating and unsettling as they fixated upon Adam. The creature dwarfed both Adam and Lucifer, its immense size nearly rivalling that of the tree itself.

A hiss escaped from Lucifer, a sound that sent a shiver down Adam's spine. It was a hiss unlike any he had heard from the fallen angel before, filling the air with an ominous tension that left Adam's mouth dry and his skin prickling with unease.

"We're leaving!" Lucifer's voice rang out, commanding and urgent.

The strange creature seemed to heed Lucifer's words, prompting him to shuffle backward, his hand firmly grasping Adam's arm as he began to guide the bewildered human away.

"We're going! He didn't know, we won't be back again!"

Adam trembled; his gaze fixed unwaveringly upon the enigmatic being hovering above them. Even as Lucifer urged him away, Adam couldn't tear his eyes away until the fallen angel forcefully redirected his attention, gripping Adam's chin and forcing him to break his gaze.

Silence lingered between them as they distanced themselves from the tree, the tension clear in the air. It wasn't until they had put a significant distance between themselves and the creature that Lucifer released his hold on Adam's arm, stepping back with an air of awkwardness and sheepishness. His dual-coloured eyes scanned Adam's form, concern etched into his features.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly.

Adam blinked, his mind still reeling from the encounter. "What was that thing?" he finally managed to voice his question, his voice tinged with uncertainty and fear.

Lucifer flinched, his discomfort evident as he rubbed the back of his throat. "It's... a Cherubim."

"What?" Adam's expression twisted in confusion. "No, it isn't. I know what cherubs are. I've met them, seen them, spoken to them, and all that. I'm certain that thing back there was not a cherub."

"I know, I know," Lucifer replied, his tone resigned. "I know it's confusing. But that creature is a real, true Cherubim. That's why we call those little critters in heaven Cherubs—they're not the same as the Cherubim."

Adam mulled over Lucifer's words; his brows furrowed as he chewed on his bottom lip. " The Cherubim?"

"Um, one of the three main angels set on fire by the throne of God," Lucifer explained sheepishly, gesturing vaguely, and turning away. "Considered the second most powerful angel."

Once again, Adam found himself at a loss for words. He stared, trying to process this revelation. He had never realised there were other types of angels, different from the cherubs like Sara and Emily, or from the Archangels like Lucifer used to be. The idea of Cherubim, alongside the forgotten ones like Michael or Gabriel sealed in slumber, left him feeling bewildered and uncertain of what to think or say.

"What is it doing here?" Adam finally exclaimed; his voice tinged with disbelief. "What's the Cherubim doing in the Garden of Eden?"

For the first time since Lilith, Adam witnessed a range of emotions flickering across Lucifer's face. Each expression held him captive, unable to look away as they shimmered through the fallen angel's eyes, causing him to bite the side of his lip briefly and even twitching his button nose.

"Well..." Lucifer began quietly, kicking at the ground with his hooves, a sign of his discomfort. "It looks like the old... asshole has stationed it on the tree."

"The tree?" Adam pressed sharply.

Lucifer sighed. "It appears that the apple Lilith and Eve bit into has become much more than just the one we remember. Now the tree is... well, that thing."

"That stick grew into that?" Adam mumbled in awe.

"Seems so," Lucifer confirmed with a nod, clicking his tongue. "And the Cherubim is stationed to guard it, I guess. It literally attacks whoever steps onto the tree's bank, unleashing powerful rays akin to the white fire on God's throne."

Adam slowly nodded, his unease growing as he edged further away from the fallen angel. "Great. So, you're telling me that the damned apple that destroyed everything is still here, and it's not just a single branch tree, but now it's this gigantic tree with thousands of apples? And not only that, but there’s also this super powerful, god-like angel guarding it, smiting anybody who gets too close?"

Lucifer glanced away sheepishly, nodding once in response. "Yeah. Um. Yes, that’s about right.”

“Oh, that’s just fantastic!” Adam exclaimed, stepping around the fallen angel. “Not only am I stuck here with you, but there are killer angels stationed around the garden, shooting laser beams of God-knows-what power. Wonderful. That’s just f*cking splendid.”

“It's not as terrible as it seems,” Lucifer said.

Adam dramatically gestured toward the Cherubim. His hand swung through the air, nearly smacking Lucifer in the face, causing the fallen angel to duck backward. “And how is this not so bad?”

“Um…” Lucifer blinked awkwardly and raised his hands. “Boom. Pretty white fireworks. Ta-da.”

Eyebrows furrowing, Adam glared darkly at the fallen angel. He wanted to lash out, to punch or do something, anything really. But all he could manage was to stare, feeling an odd numbness creeping over him. Finally, he took a step away from Lucifer.

“Where are you going?” Lucifer asked quietly.

Adam paused, casting a fleeting glance back at the fallen King. In that poignant moment, Lucifer appeared diminished, a shadow of his former self. Adam tilted his head, his fingers instinctively clutching a fistful of heaven's fabric.

He wanted to utter biting words, to unleash the pain festering within him, but silence enveloped him instead. Words eluded him, leaving him with a hollow ache. With a resigned shrug, Adam turned away, his gaze fixed forward, refusing to look back.

Though his eyes stung with unshed tears, he pressed on, leaving the fallen angel abandoned once more.

~#~

Before Adam stood a magnificent tiger, gracefully rolling over to present its furry stomach. Mesmerised, Adam reached out, his fingers sinking into the plush fur. As he stroked the tiger's soft coat, it emitted a contented sound, curling its paws in delight.

"Good girl," Adam cooed, shifting onto his knees to lavish attention on the tiger's belly. "You're such a pretty girl, aren't you? Yes, you are~"

The tiger emitted another happy whine, its tail swaying lazily. Whenever Adam attempted to withdraw his hands, the tiger would roll over, nudging his hands with its fuzzy head. This playful gesture elicited laughter from Adam, prompting him to scratch behind the tiger's ears.

"You're such a softie," he teased affectionately. "You're my beautiful girl, aren't you?"

As he continued to stroke the tiger, Adam slid his fingers beneath its chin, eliciting a deep rumble of purring. Enchanted by the sound, Adam couldn't resist prolonging the affectionate gestures, causing the purring to intensify.

Adam couldn't quite gauge how long it had been since he stumbled upon the tree adorned with golden apples, guarded by the vigilant Cherubim. He purposefully kept his distance from that area, finding solace in tending to the tigers, tigers, and his beloved lion. With each passing day, he found joy in watching the lion's recovery, its once-injured side now healed and the beast bounding with renewed vigour.

His gaze drifted across the river to where the lion basked in the sun, its majestic form soaking in the warmth. It wasn't just the larger cats of Eden that had warmed up to him; even the other animals seemed to seek his assistance. Just recently, Adam had aided a wild hog that had become stuck in a tree, calming the distressed creature and freeing it from its predicament.

A week ago, he had caught a glimpse of an elephant further downstream, though he hadn't been fortunate enough to spot it again since. Determined, he planned to search for it soon.

As for Lucifer, Adam had not crossed paths with him since the day the diminutive King saved him from being smited by the light of God. The fallen Angel had withdrawn into seclusion, his presence reduced to mere glimpses of his signature white hat. Adam didn't concern himself with Lucifer's whereabouts or activities; he had other priorities.

While Adam's routine might appear mundane to an outsider, it held a quiet charm for him. He found fulfilment in his interactions with the animals and in exploring the ever-evolving beauty of Eden. Though he had yet to encounter any new creatures, he remained hopeful. Compared to his time in Heaven, bound by rules and obligations, his existence in Eden felt refreshingly different. It was a peculiar blend of boredom and intrigue, but Adam wouldn't have it any other way.

Adam yearned for his guitar, longing to create music once again. Often, he would lie on his back, hands moving as if strumming invisible chords. Initially, Sara opposed the guitar's presence, deeming it a distraction from Adam's training. However, after much persuasion and involving Emily, she relented, on the condition that Adam remained dedicated to his training for the Hell exterminations.

He didn't dwell on his time in Heaven’s beginning; it was a period he preferred not to revisit. There, he faced constant punishment for daring to pursue his musical passion. The stringent rules imposed upon him stifled his creativity, leaving him disillusioned and constrained. Sara made it clear that while he could indulge in music, it had to align with the predetermined path laid out for him – a path of rigorous training and obedience.

One of the perks of Eden was the absence of Sara's authoritative presence. He no longer endured her commands or the relentless pressure to conform. In this paradise, he was free from her control, liberated to explore without restriction.

Following the initial rejection, Adam ceased his attempts. He adopted a passive approach, refraining from asking questions or challenging decisions. He simply complied with whatever was demanded of him, even if it entailed descending into Hell alongside the others.

His passive demeanour eventually bore fruit, as he was bestowed with the title of "Head of the Exterminators." Though it felt more like a symbolic gesture, Adam couldn't deny the faint sense of validation it brought him. In a twisted manner, it made him feel somewhat special.

Adam shook his head, halting the descent of his thoughts into darker realms. His time in Heaven had its share of challenges and shadows. Even in death, he was bound to God's will, a concept Sara often reiterated – everything happened for a purpose, whether he understood it or not.

In Heaven, the unspoken rule was to refrain from asking questions and simply smile and nod along. Adam absentmindedly plucked at a loose strand of hair with a hint of disdain. His once vibrant brown and red locks had faded to a dull grey-brown with age. In Eden, he retained his youthfulness, but his hair had grown longer and thicker, becoming somewhat bothersome. Unlike in Heaven, where his hair was kept short and tidy, in Eden it was free to fall across his face.

Surprised, Adam's heart skipped a beat as the tiger gracefully rose onto its massive paws. With wide eyes, he slowly inched backward, marvelling at the majestic sight before him. The tiger strolled leisurely toward the shimmering lake, its coat aglow in the sunlight's warm embrace. Adam, captivated by the scene unfolding, watched in hushed awe as the tiger settled by the water's edge, joining the lion in soaking up the sun's rays. Feeling a spark of adventure, Adam seized the moment to set off on his own small quest in search of the elusive elephant he had glimpsed the week before.

With a playful stretch, Adam limbered up, readying himself for his expedition. Stepping into the light, he felt the gentle breeze tousle his hair, filling his senses with the garden's sweet perfume once more, energising him for the journey ahead. Setting off in the opposite direction of the tiger, Adam traced along the riverbank, his eyes fixed on the spot where he had spotted the elephant.

Along the way, his gaze wandered, catching sight of a mother duck leading her adorable ducklings across the sparkling water. Adam couldn't help but pause and smile at the sight of the little ducklings, diligently following their mother's lead. However, his moment of admiration was interrupted when he felt something small, wet, and fluffy bump against his foot.

Startled, Adam glanced down to find a tiny golden duckling, its soft fluff resembling a fluffy puffball. With a gentle shuffle of his feet, Adam tried to step aside and let the duckling return to its family in the water. But to his surprise, the duckling followed his every move, nestling against the curve of his foot, its tiny head resting atop his big toe.

Blinking in confusion, Adam surveyed the riverbank, his gaze flitting between the various animals nearby. Uncertain of how to handle the baby duckling's persistent presence, Adam attempted to step away once more, only to find the little duckling trailing behind him once again. Frowning, Adam's eyes darted back to the enchanting river, its surface shimmering like a bed of diamonds under the warm sunlight. A knot formed in his stomach as he frantically scanned the water's surface, a sense of dread creeping into his veins.

“f*ck! f*ck, f*ck, f*ck!” He gasped, quickly scooping up the baby duckling with both hands and dashing toward the water's edge. With each step, the water splashed around his ankles, mirroring the urgency in his movements. Frantically scanning the surroundings, he pivoted his head from left to right.

"Oh sh*t! Where did your family go? They were just here! They were right here a moment ago! Where did they disappear to? Where's your Mama?" Panic laced his voice as he searched for any sign of the ducklings' mother.

Adam's eyes darted around the bustling lake, his head swivelling in every direction, searching for any sign of the missing duck family. With a sharp inhale, he glanced down at the baby duckling nestled between his palms, a pang of concern etched across his face.

"Hold on tight," he whispered, determination lacing his voice as he began to jog upstream. "They can't have gone too far. I'm sure they're just up ahead somewhere. Don't worry, we'll find your Mama."

As Adam picked up his pace, his bare feet pounded against the warm grass merging with soft sand. His heart raced with the exertion, his legs growing weary and his feet beginning to burn. Pushing onward, he sprinted a few more yards along the lake's edge until a rustling sound caught his attention. Coming to a gentle stop, he gasped for breath, his chest heaving as he scanned the area for any sign of the missing duck family, his hopes dwindling with each passing moment.

Blinking in confusion, Adam's gaze locked onto an unusual sight across the river. On the other side of the river stood the fallen angel, Lucifer, with his hands resting confidently on his hips. His posture was impeccable, his back straight, and his goat-covered boots firmly planted on the ground. Next to him, his jacket was neatly folded, and his white top hat sat elegantly nearby.

His eyes were fixed on a towering tree, and Adam followed his gaze, only to spot...coconuts? He furrowed his brows in disbelief. Coconuts in Eden? That seemed out of place, especially so far from the lake.

As Adam turned to face Lucifer, his curiosity piqued. He observed with furrowed brows as the fallen angel approached the tree. With a puzzled expression, Adam watched as Lucifer carefully raised his hooved feet, pressing them into the bumpy surface of the coconut tree trunk. It didn't make sense to Adam. Lucifer had wings—six of them, in fact. Adam had the unfortunate experience of encountering them up close and personal during his time in Hell. He couldn't forget the agony of Lucifer's attack, leaving him battered and broken.

Knowing this, Adam couldn't comprehend why Lucifer didn't simply use his wings to fly up and collect the coconuts. After all, Lucifer possessed immense power and magic. He didn't need to gather food manually; he could conjure anything he desired with a snap of his fingers. It was all so strange, so... bewildering to witness.

Adam stood frozen, holding his breath as he watched Lucifer struggle to climb the coconut tree. With each delicate movement, Lucifer inched further up the trunk until he reached the halfway point, his body teetering over the water. Pausing in his pursuit of the coconuts, Lucifer hesitated, his gaze flickering up to the fruits with a grimace. Taking a deep breath, he attempted to continue climbing, but his grip slipped, and despite his efforts to hold on, Lucifer tumbled from the tree and crashed into the cool water below.

A loud gasp escaped Adam's lips as he watched Lucifer plummet, the water spraying around him upon impact. Adam flinched, expecting Lucifer to emerge from the surface at any moment. After all, Lucifer was the King of Hell and an Archangel; falling into water wouldn't faze him. He would either fly out or teleport back above the water. However, as the seconds turned into minutes and Lucifer failed to resurface, a sinking sensation settled in Adam's stomach.

One minute passed, then two, and still no sign of Lucifer. Three minutes elapsed, and Adam's concern began to grow. Glancing down at the baby duckling in his hands, Adam pressed his teeth into his bottom lip, his chest trembling with unease. Finally, with a determined shake of his head, Adam glanced around and gently placed the duckling on the ground before turning back to the lake. Lucifer still hadn't broken through the surface.

"Stay here!" Adam snapped at the duckling, pushing it back when it attempted to follow.

Taking a deep breath, Adam approached the lake, the cold water splashing around his ankles as he waded in. It felt different from his previous experiences with water; somehow, it was easier for him to move about. Adam swallowed a mouthful of air and submerged himself, diving down to the middle of the river where he had witnessed Lucifer's fall.

Beneath the surface, the world became a blur of swirling currents and muted light. Adam's limbs churned through the water, propelled by urgency as he searched for Lucifer's elusive form. Then, amidst the shifting shadows, he spotted him, the fallen angel’s figure suspended in the liquid abyss.

With a surge of adrenaline, Adam reached out, his fingers closing around Lucifer's flailing form. He pulled him close, battling against the resistance of the water, each stroke a testament to his determination. Together, they ascended towards the surface, breaking through with gasping breaths as they emerged into the open air.

They collapsed onto the river bank, their bodies wracked with exhaustion, chests heaving as if they'd just emerged from a battle. Lungs burned from the strain of their desperate swim, and water cascaded in rivulets from their sodden forms, merging with the earth beneath them in a testament to their struggle against the elements. Their hair clung to their faces like seaweed, eyes bloodshot with adrenaline, and skin pallid and clammy from their submersion.

“You…” Adam coughed, his voice strained, as he sat up and instinctively slide backward, creating distance between himself and Lucifer. “You can’t swim? Or something? What was that?”

“Not with legs like these,” Lucifer retorted, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance despite the lingering fear. He rolled onto his stomach, his breaths ragged and wheezing, body trembling as he expelled water from his lungs.

Wiping his face with both hands, Adam's expression darkened into a frown as he peered at the blonde man beside him. “Why didn’t you use your wings? Why did you let yourself be dragged under like that?”

For a moment, Lucifer remained silent, the weight of Adam's accusation hanging heavily in the air. When Adam saw the lack of response, he snorted and rolled his eyes, a gesture of impatience. Adam sat, waiting with an air of resignation for a few moments before finally shrugging, ready to leave.

“f*ck this. I’m leaving.”

“I can’t!” Lucifer's exclamation was swift, desperation lacing his words, enough to halt Adam's movement back to his feet. Lucifer sighed heavily, flipping himself over to sit next to Adam, his exasperation evident in a low grumble. “I can’t. Ever since I woke up in Eden, I can’t use my wings. I can’t even summon them. And my powers… they're just gone.”

Lucifer’s shoulders slouched even lower, his hands crashing to the ground between his knees with a resounding thud. His head drooped further, once meticulously styled golden locks now a dishevelled tangle obscuring his face.

“I’ve tried every damn thing I can think of to get them back. I’ve performed f*cking rituals, I’ve played nice, but they’re just gone,” he spat out bitterly, venom dripping from every word.

“Do you have any goddamn clue what it’s like to have your wings ripped away?” His voice surged with a furious intensity, reverberating through the dense forest around them like a thunderclap. “I feel exposed, vulnerable, like I’m walking around butt-naked all the damn time!”

His anger escalated with each syllable, exasperation boiling over into rage. “My f*cking balance is shot to hell! I stumble around like a drunken fool, teetering on the edge of f*cking disaster with every step! And you know what's worse? I don't even feel them anymore, not a goddamn trace beneath my skin! It's like they never f*cking existed!”

Lucifer's tirade echoed through the trees; his fury unchecked as he vented his pent-up frustrations. “Now I'm stuck traipsing through this godforsaken forest on these pathetic goat feet, tripping over every damn root and stone like a f*cking newborn!”

"I've f*cking tried reaching out to God, I've hunted down Cherubim and poured my heart out to them! But you know what? Not a goddamn soul is answering me! Silence, silence, f*cking silence! Nothing's working! And I'm screwed, more than I've ever been in my godforsaken existence!” His voice cracked with the weight of his anger, the bitterness of his words hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud.

“I don't know how the hell to scavenge for food in this wilderness. I don't know what's safe to shove in my goddamn mouth because if my powers are shot, I can't just munch on any old thing! Knowing my luck, I've probably got a freaking human stomach now or some bullsh*t like that! I'm clueless about what's poisonous, what's edible, what's even goddamn safe to touch!"

Adam blinked in astonishment as Lucifer vented his frustration, the sound of his goat hooves pounding against the ground adding a discordant rhythm to the tense atmosphere. The first man instinctively edged away from the devil, watching him with wide eyes as the startling revelations poured forth. It was mind-boggling, bordering on insanity to hear. Lucifer without his wings? Unable to even feel them anymore? And his power... What in the world had happened to his power?

“I feel like I’m some f*cking oversized goddamn baby, how the f*ck am I supposed to take care of myself?” Lucifer's voice crackled with anger, his eyes a fiery mix of red and yellow, their intensity unfocused, as if he were lost in his own turmoil. “I can’t even feed myself; I tried to gather some damn coconuts and nearly drowned myself in the f*cking process!”

Lucifer released a primal roar, a guttural expression of aggravation that echoed through the garden, though it lacked the earth-shattering intensity of his usual outbursts. The once-vibrant surroundings seemed to still in response, as if recoiling from the force of his anger. He grasped at his hair with both hands, teeth clenched in a display of raw emotion.

“I don’t know what the f*ck I’m doing!” His voice cracked with a mixture of desperation and self-loathing.

“Clearly,” Adam retorted, finally finding his voice, though his words carried a hint of sarcasm.

His words earned him a harsh glare from Lucifer, causing him to instinctively raise his hands in a defensive gesture. “I’m not mocking you. I’m just pointing out the obvious. Living like a human clearly isn’t your forte. You’re a f*cking angel, for God’s sake. You had everything handed to you on a silver platter—by God, by your brothers, even by Hell. You’re the King of Hell, after all. You were probably pampered down there too.”

Lucifer scoffed and shook his head, a mixture of bitterness and resignation etched on his features. He turned away slightly, but his body remained rooted in place, a silent admission of defeat. Beside him, Adam watched with a curious expression, sensing an opportunity to delve into the devil's past.

“When you first fell... in Hell. How did you, er, you know... survive?” Adam inquired tentatively, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity.

“Lilith,” Lucifer replied softly, his gaze distant as he recalled memories of the distant past. He propped his elbow on his knee, resting his cheek against his fist with a heavy sigh. “I tried to assist, but she made it abundantly clear that I was more of a hindrance than a help.”

Adam bit back a snort at the mention of Lilith's no-nonsense approach. It sounded exactly like her.

“Lilith single-handedly laid the groundwork for Hell. She understood what we needed to survive, to build the foundation of her empire,” Lucifer continued, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and regret. “I remained on the sidelines until I learned to harness my power. It wasn't until I embraced the sin of Pride and unlocked the full extent of my abilities that I truly became instrumental in shaping Hell into what it is today.”

Adam clicked his tongue, turning away from Lucifer to gaze across the river once more. As he sat on the riverbank, a baby duckling waddled toward him, a small distraction from the weighty conversation at hand.

“She didn’t teach you anything? Nothing at all?” Adam's curiosity seeped into his words as he directed his question at Lucifer.

“Didn’t need to, and I never asked,” Lucifer muttered sullenly, drawing his legs in and crossing his arms over his knees. “Lilith took care of everything. She sorted out what we could consume, found the seeds, and all that jazz. By the time I needed to fend for myself, I could just snap my fingers, and poof! Everything I needed was right in front of me.”

Adam twisted his lips in amusem*nt at Lucifer's admission, but he refrained from making any remarks. Instead, he focused on brushing the sand off the baby duckling perched in his lap.

“Obviously, I regret that now. I wish I had asked,” Lucifer continued, his gaze piercing as he fixed Adam with a pointed stare. “I’m practically useless without my powers.”

Adam blinked, taken aback by the intensity of Lucifer's gaze. “Why would I laugh at you?”

Lucifer's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his expression. “Because I'm sure you find this incredibly f*cking amusing. The King of Hell, reduced to nothing but an oversized baby in a fancy diaper.”

“Are you wearing a diaper then?” Adam's question was delivered with a straight face as he leaned forward, peering behind the fallen angel.

“Of course not,” Lucifer snapped, his irritation palpable.

Adam shrugged nonchalantly and climbed to his feet, cradling the baby duckling gently. “I’m not going to make fun of you. Doesn’t seem like a big deal.”

“Doesn’t seem like a big deal?” Lucifer repeated incredulously, panic evident in his voice as he rushed to catch up with Adam. “I just told you I’m powerless. I can’t defend myself, and you could probably kill me with one blow now if you wanted to.”

Adam waved off Lucifer's concerns dismissively. “What’s the fun in that? Well, I'll see you around. Try to be more careful on trees now. I can't always dive into lakes to save your sorry ass.”

"Adam? Where are you going now?" Lucifer's panic was palpable as he reached out to grab Adam's arm, but halted himself just before making contact.

Adam paused, turning to face Lucifer with raised eyebrows. "Why?"

Lucifer hesitated, his expression torn between vulnerability and determination. After a prolonged silence, he took a deep breath, his chest swelling as he straightened himself.

“It’s been a year, Adam.”

“What?” Adam's exclamation was filled with disbelief. “No, it hasn’t! It couldn’t have been a year! A full year? No, no, you’re wrong. It couldn’t have been.”

Lucifer flinched but held his ground, his gaze steady as he cautiously reached out toward Adam once more. "It has, Adam. I'm not messing with you. It's been one full year since we've been thrown into the Garden of Eden."

“But... a year?” Adam's voice wavered with disbelief as he glanced around in shock. “A full year…”

“It's been one full year, and there's been nobody else but us. Please, I can't... I feel like I'm going to go insane by myself,” Lucifer admitted sheepishly. “It's just the two of us here. I don't want to be alone anymore. Do you?”

Adam lowered his head, contemplating Lucifer's words in silence. After a moment, he shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if we just worked together from here on out? We might need to accept that nobody is coming to get us. That we might not be getting out of here for a long time,” Lucifer suggested earnestly.

Adam flinched at the weight of Lucifer's words, his mind reeling with the implications. “But... why? We don't even like each other. We hate each other. It could cause more trouble than it's worth.”

“What have we got to lose?” Lucifer shrugged, a hint of resignation in his voice. “I'll admit, I don't like this any better than you do. I want to go home; I want to see Charlie. I wish I could be with anybody else but you... but I'm here with you, and you're here with me. It's just the two of us in the Garden of Eden. We might as well just learn to get along.”

Adam pursed his lips in thought, the weight of Lucifer's words settling heavily on his shoulders. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded slowly.

With a heavy sigh, Adam acknowledged the grim reality of their situation. It might indeed be better than being alone, he supposed. Despite their mutual dislike, even hatred for each other, they would have to make the best of this f*cked-up situation. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could find a way to tolerate each other's presence and work together to navigate their predicament.

As they stood there in the Garden of Eden, surrounded by the lush greenery and tranquil beauty, Adam couldn't shake the nagging thought that they might be trapped here for another year. But he pushed that thought aside, focusing instead on the glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to survive this together.

With a determined nod, Adam turned to face Lucifer, his expression resolved. "Alright then. Let's do this. Together."

Lucifer met his gaze, a hint of reluctant agreement in his eyes. "Together," he echoed, the word heavy with unspoken apprehension and uncertainty.

At least neither would die or in Adam’s case, die for a third time.

~#~

It was strange, to say the least. Adam had seen his fair share of f*cked-up situations, endured more sh*t than he could count, both in life and in death. He'd encountered a myriad of beings, including angels. But this? This was different. It was weird, so very strange indeed. He didn't quite know what to make of it.

As he sat on the bank of the lake, legs crossed and elbows resting on his knees, Adam observed Lucifer with a mixture of curiosity and pity. The fallen angel struggled with a stick in his three-clawed hands, a stark reminder of the unconventional nature of their current reality. Adam couldn't help but marvel at the difference between Lucifer's hands and his own, his mind flashing back to a time when Lucifer's hands were just like any other human's.

His gaze drifted to Lucifer's legs, the goat hooves hidden by boots submerged in the shallow water, another reminder of the profound changes wrought upon the fallen angel.

Lucifer twisted the stick in his hands, aggravation evident in every movement. With a burst of impatience, he thrust the stick into the water, emitting a guttural growl of frustration that sent shivers down Adam's spine. But despite his efforts, the stick emerged empty-handed, prompting a hiss of frustration from Lucifer's lips.

It was bizarre to witness. The Lucifer Adam remembered didn't bother with trivial tasks like fishing. In fact, Adam couldn't recall ever seeing him eat, drink, or even relieve himself. Did Lucifer even need to do those things? Maybe it was something that changed when he fell, becoming more goat-like in the process.

"For f*ck’s sake!" Lucifer finally burst out, his chagrin reaching its peak. "Why can’t I get the hang of this? I’ve been at it for hours!"

Adam blinked, snapped out of his thoughts by Lucifer's outburst. With a sigh, he eased himself to his feet and approached the frustrated fallen angel. The cool water felt soothing around his ankles as he stood next to Lucifer, his gaze scanning the shimmering surface of the shallow water.

"I can’t make out the f*cking fish. How am I supposed to catch any with this tiny spike?" Lucifer sneered, chagrin etched into every line of his face. "It’s not possible. You’re f*cking with me, aren’t you?"

Sighing again, Adam held out his hand. "It is possible. Let me show you."

"Fine, let’s see you do it then," Lucifer huffed, shoving the stick into Adam’s hand with unnecessary force.

Adam bit back a flinch as his hand throbbed from the impact. Ignoring the pain, he held the stick between his hands and lowered his gaze to the water. His skin prickled with anticipation as he turned the stick, aiming the sharp end down into the water.

He stilled himself, eyes darting back and forth across the water's surface. Holding his breath, Adam waited patiently. Then, in the blink of an eye, he spotted a flash of movement near his feet. Without hesitation, he thrust the stick into the water, the sharp point catching the fish effortlessly.

"See," he smirked, holding up the fish triumphantly. "Easy as pie."

“Bullsh*t is it that easy,” Lucifer sneered through clenched teeth, his glare fixed on the fish Adam had effortlessly caught on the stick. “You probably tricked me.”

Adam waved the stick a little, bringing the wiggling fish closer to Lucifer's face. “Please tell, how I would have tricked the fish to jump onto the stick?”

Lucifer practically hissed; his frustration apparent. “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?” Adam snorted, amusem*nt dancing in his eyes. “I don’t think I do.”

“Shut up, Adam, before I f*ck you!” Lucifer's voice was laced with venom, his whole body tensing up in agitation. His untidy hair seemed to bristle like an angry cat, and though his eyes didn't blaze with their usual fiery intensity, the threat was still evident.

Snickering gleefully, Adam swung the stick closer to Lucifer, the fish almost grazing the fallen angel's face before he jerked back in time. “I think you mean ‘f*ck me up’, not ‘f*ck me’. I swear your little girl explained it to you.”

“I didn’t say that!” Lucifer shot back again; his irritation apparent as the fish almost bobbed him on the nose. “For f*ck's sake, Adam, stop it.”

Lips pulling into an even wider grin, Adam thrust the fish once more. “You’re scared of a little fishy?”

Lucifer's mouth opened and shut, his expression torn between frustration and uncertainty. Adam half-expected him to unleash his powers in a burst of anger, but to his surprise, Lucifer remained subdued. Without a word, Lucifer clamped his mouth shut and spun around, stomping away in chagrin, leaving Adam standing in the shallow water still holding the stick with the fish.

“Oh yeah, real mature!” Adam yelled after the fallen angel; his chagrin evident in his voice.

Rolling his eyes, Adam looked down at the fish in his hand. With a sigh, he lightly brushed his fingertip along the fish's back, his thoughts drifting to the beautiful tiger with strips lounging nearby. The tiger perked up immediately when Adam glanced its way, raising its head and sitting up straighter.

“You hungry, girl?” Adam called out, holding the stick out with the fish dangling from the end.

The big cat wasted no time, snapping the fish off the stick and devouring it greedily, even breaking part of the stick in the process. Adam blinked in surprise and sighed, realising he would have to find another pointy stick if he wanted to try his hand at fishing again. But for now, at least the tiger was fed, and that was something.

"Do you think he's still upset with me?" he mused, sinking down before the magnificent feline. His emerald gaze softened, drawn in by the allure of the cat's presence. Drawing nearer, he tenderly traced his fingers through the plush fur, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as the tiger leaned into his touch.

Adam sighed softly. "We promised to keep it civil. But here we are, just the two of us, unsure of how long we'll be in this situation. It's been nearly a month since we made that pact to try and cooperate..."

In response, the tiger emitted a contented purr, its tail swaying gently behind it. The majestic creature inched closer until its large head rested on Adam's lap, paws on either side of his hips. This sight elicited a chuckle from Adam, prompting him to lavish the tiger with affectionate scratches behind its ears, chin, and cheeks.

“I’m trying. I really am. But it’s so hard~” Adam whined, wrapping his slender arms around the tiger's head in a tender embrace. “He’s such an asshole. I hate him so much; how can we work together when we loath one another so much? There’s too much history between us, too much bad blood. It’ll never work.”

The tiger emitted a gentle sound in response, nestling its fluffy head against Adam's chest, seeking more affection. With a resigned groan, Adam flopped onto his back, arms stretching above his head. The tiger mirrored his movement, rolling over to Adam's side and pressing its warm body against him, as if eager to offer comfort in its own unique way.

With a squint, Adam gazed up at the endless azure sky, puffing out his cheeks in a mix of frustration and contemplation. In Eden, the sun always shone brightly, the skies remained clear without a hint of storm or rain. It was a peculiar perfection, never too hot or too cold, seemingly tailored for human habitation.

In moments like these, Adam could almost convince himself he was reclining in the Garden of Eden at the dawn of time. Before Lilith's creation, before his rib was painfully ripped out to fashion Eve, before Lucifer's betrayal. He could almost hear the tinkling laughter of his angel echoing through the lush foliage, envision the graceful flutter of his pristine wings as he playfully called out Adam's name.

"Adam~ Come out, come out, wherever you are~ You can't hide from me~"

The memory whispered, sending a shiver down Adam's spine as he swallowed hard, squeezing his eyes shut until pinpricks of light danced behind his lids. Rolling onto his side, he buried his face in the tiger's soft fur, seeking solace in its comforting presence.

"Found you~"

The voice of his forgotten angel rang out joyfully in his mind, as if he were hovering just above.

"Found you, Adam~ Told you I'd always find you~"

A shiver rippled down Adam's spine as his shoulders twitches involuntarily, as though brushed by phantom fingers. The echo of laughter from memories long past reverberated in his mind, haunting and persistent.

Adam pressed his face deeper into the tiger's coat, willing the haunting images of the past to dissipate. He despised these memories, the reminders of Lucifer's betrayal stretching back through centuries.

"Don't worry, Adam~ If you ever need me, I'll be there~"

"Liar," he whispered.

~#~

The Garden of Eden wasn’t exactly a garden at first.

The dawn of creation has not quite begun, with nothing quite started. The Garden of Eden had a handful of beautiful floras and a couple of fauns slumbering around. With eyes the colour of fresh apples, the first human blinked open, their gaze wandering in the newborn light. Though confusion clouded their mind like morning mist, they remained nestled in the soft embrace of the earth, pondering the mysteries of their existence.

At first, there were no memories, no thoughts to tether them to the unfolding world. Yet, in the gentle rhythm of their breath and the whispered melodies of the awakening nature, they found solace.

Slowly, like a bud unfurling its petals to greet the sun, the first human rose from the earth, their movements as delicate as the leaves that adorned the surrounding trees. Each blink was a revelation, each glance a discovery in the vast expanse of this pristine sanctuary.

Bewildered, the first human found himself adrift in the dawn of paradise, surrounded by a world that seemed both familiar and utterly alien. With tentative fingers, he reached out to touch the soft leaves of ferns and the velvety petals of blossoming flowers, his senses drinking in the surreal beauty of his surroundings.

Above him stretched a canvas of pink, devoid of the comforting blue of day or the velvety black of night. No sun graced the heavens, nor did any moon or stars adorn the celestial expanse. Instead, shimmering dust danced in the air, casting an otherworldly glow upon the landscape.

As he sat up, fully embracing the strangeness of this new reality, he gazed at his hands with a childlike wonder, turning them over and wiggling his fingers as if seeing them for the first time. His gaze then wandered to his legs and feet, a silent acknowledgment of his own existence in this peculiar realm.

“Hi!”

Suddenly, a bell-like voice shattered the stillness, and the first human jolted in surprise, his movements clumsy as he struggled to back away. His heels slipped in the soft earth, and he tumbled against a nearby tree, his expression twisted in confusion as he reached instinctively for his head, grappling with the sudden intrusion into his solitude.

"Sorry, sorry," chimed a melodious voice, accompanied by giggles, as a graceful figure fluttered toward the first human. "I didn't mean to scare you~"

The human blinked, their mesmerising green eyes wide with astonishment as they gazed upon the enchanting being before them. Taking a moment to reassure themselves of their own reality, they then returned their focus to the person hovering above them, utterly captivated.

This being was unlike any they had ever encountered. Adorned with six ethereal wings, each as white as freshly fallen snow, they seemed to radiate an aura of celestial beauty, showering the first human with a gentle rain of soft feathers. Clad in a flowing robe of white and blue, their feet hidden from view, they exuded an otherworldly presence.

With short blonde hair framing a face of serene beauty, their bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth and mischief, their lips curved into a sweet smile that hinted at secrets untold. Yet, as they parted their lips, revealing rows of gleaming sharp teeth, the first human couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty amidst the wonder of this encounter.

As the strange being drew nearer, the first human instinctively tried to retreat further, his heart pounding with uncertainty.

"Be not afraid."

A sudden voice echoed from nowhere, causing the human to startle, his wide green eyes nearly popping from their sockets. Hunching his shoulders and pulling his knees close, he scanned the surroundings, searching for the source of the mysterious voice. It seemed to swirl around him, elusive and ethereal.

"Be not afraid," the voice repeated, its gender indistinct, blending into a soothing whisper that encircled the first human like a gentle embrace. "No harm will befall you, my special creation. This Garden of Eden is your sanctuary, your home."

The strange being giggled once more, their blue eyes twinkling mischievously as they watched the bewildered human.

"This is my first Archangel," they explained, their voice soft and serene. "Lucifer is his name. He is made for you. He will guide, protect, and teach you. You and he shall be inseparable."

Lucifer? The word sounded foreign to the first human, his brow furrowing in confusion. His gaze darted around, seeking the owner of the voice, but finding nothing but empty air.

"You will not find me, my child," the voice chuckled, its laughter echoing around him. "For I am everywhere and nowhere. There is no need to fear."

With a radiant grin that lit up the room like sunshine, Lucifer's eyes sparkled with a magical gleam. As he gazed at the first human, the person couldn't help but squirm under his gaze. The human's eyes shyly drifted downward to their toes, wiggling them nervously, while their lips curved into an endearing little smile.

They found Lucifer's eyes so different, yet captivatingly strange. When they tentatively touched their own fingertips, a wave of unfamiliar sensations washed over them, causing them to blink in wide-eyed wonder. Everything felt so fresh and unknown, a little scary, but oh so thrillingly new.

"From this moment onward, you will be known as Adam."

The first human startled as if a gentle breeze had tickled his senses. The voice from above had bestowed upon him a name!

Adam glanced upward, meeting the angel's gaze once again. Lucifer beamed back at him with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

"Now, Adam, you will be given certain commands but do not fear, they are for your own Good and ensure your safety. As long as you follow my guidance and stick to my gentle rules, everything will be just fine."

And with that, the celestial voice faded away, leaving Adam in the company of the mysterious Archangel named Lucifer.

Little did Adam realise, what was termed as 'guidance' would soon morph into something akin to 'orders', and he would find himself unable to resist their sway. These commands that were supposed to be for his own good and safety would be twisted into something more sinister with time.

Adam's confusion deepened as Lucifer fluttered closer, his attempts to retreat thwarted by his uncooperative limbs. Collapsing onto the ground once more, he could only watch with wide eyes as Lucifer giggled above him, his wings shimmering in the soft light.

"I'm not that scary, am I?" Lucifer teased, his voice a melodic symphony in the tranquil garden.

Lucifer's playful demeanour persisted as he lightly tapped Adam's forehead, eliciting a startled reaction from the trembling human. Adam cautiously opened his eyes, peeking up at the angel with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, his mind still grappling with the strangeness of it all. With a blank expression, he withdrew into himself, wrapping his arms around his knees as if seeking solace from the overwhelming uncertainty.

Undeterred by Adam's retreat, Lucifer descended gracefully, the fabric of his robes billowing around him like ethereal wings. His grin widened mischievously as he playfully brushed Adam with his feathers, relishing in the human's feeble attempts to distance himself.

"Look," Lucifer teased, leaning in closer. "Don't you want to learn how to say your name? Ad-am?"

Adam blinked in response, the syllables of his own name echoing faintly in his mind. With a hesitant attempt, he opened his mouth to mimic Lucifer's words, but the sound came out disjointed and unfamiliar. Amused, Lucifer chuckled behind his hand, his cheeks flushing with delight.

"Here, try this~"

Lucifer gently took hold of Adam's wrist, guiding his hand toward his mouth. With gentle precision, he placed Adam's finger against his tongue, savouring the warmth and softness of the human touch.

Adam's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the warmth of Lucifer's tongue against his finger, a sensation both strange and oddly comforting. The syllables of his name reverberated in his mind as he watched Lucifer's lips form the sounds around his touch. There was a curious intimacy in this exchange, a connection forged in the simplicity of language and touch.

"Ad-am," Lucifer repeated, his voice a soft murmur against Adam's skin, sending shivers down his spine.

Adam's gaze remained fixed on Lucifer, captivated by the angel's presence and the gentle warmth of his touch.

"Ad-am," Lucifer repeated softly, his eyes sparkling with encouragement.

Adam watched intently, absorbing the sound as if it were the first melody he had ever heard. Tentatively, he tried to replicate it, his voice wavering slightly.

"Close!" Lucifer cheered, his laughter ringing out like bells in the tranquil garden. "Try again.”

Adam's heart raced as he attempted to pull his hand away from Lucifer's mouth, his gaze fixated on the angel's sharp teeth. But Lucifer held firm, his encouragement unwavering.

"Come on. You can do it," Lucifer urged, inching closer and pressing his tongue more firmly against Adam's fingertip.

With a nervous gulp, Adam tentatively repeated the sounds, his voice trembling.

"A-Adwam?" he managed, the words feeling awkward on his tongue.

Lucifer's eyes shimmered with delight, his grin widening as he praised Adam's effort. "That's great! Well done, Adam! Your first word! I'm so proud of you!"

Heat rushed to Adam's cheeks at the unexpected praise, and he lowered his head in embarrassment, attempting once again to free his hand from Lucifer's grasp. Yet, the angel held fast, refusing to release him.

"Now try my name! If you get it, you'll get a reward~" Lucifer teased, sliding his tongue teasingly against Adam's finger.

"Lu-ci-fer!"

Adam was unsure of what a reward is, but he tried to pronounce Lucifer’s name again.

~#~

The gentle melody danced off his lips, twirling through the air around Adam's head like fireflies in the night. He swayed softly to the rhythm of his humming, his eyes half-closed, framed by long lashes that cast delicate shadows on his fair cheeks.

Adam tilted his head, plucking the delicate blue and yellow flowers with his fingertips. With careful precision, he intertwined them, weaving a slender chain. Not satisfied, he added pink blossoms, transforming the chain into a dainty crown.

"There," he sang softly, shifting onto his knees and placing the flower crown atop the tiger's head. "Now you're simply stunning."

The tiger huffed in response, though it didn't seem entirely displeased by the adornment. Adam chuckled and nestled himself beside the tiger, wrapping his arms around the majestic creature.

"Oh, don't be such a grump. You look absolutely adorable," he teased, booping the tiger's nose playfully. " Hmm, that expression really reminds me of someone. Somebody pintsize with a ridiculous ego and a brain the size of a pea.”

With another amused snort, the tiger playfully rolled over, nearly dragging the slender man along with him. Adam barely managed to catch himself before the tiger could plunge him into the river once more. Just as Adam released his grip, the tiger deliberately flipped over, attempting to push him into the water, but instead, the poor feline slid down the bank, claws digging into the earth in a futile attempt to stop.

With a mighty splash, the tiger plunged into the river. Adam lay on his stomach, eyes wide and mouth agape, cheeks flushed as he struggled to contain his laughter while the tiger fought its way back to the bank, dripping wet and sporting an unimpressed expression. Adam quickly covered his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter.

"I'm not laughing, I'm not laughing," he protested, waving his hand sheepishly. "Honestly, it wasn't even that funny..."

Despite his efforts, a snicker escaped his lips, earning a low growl from the tiger. Sulking, the tiger made its way back to their grassy spot. As the tiger approached, Adam scrambled backward, but it was too late. The tiger shook itself vigorously, showering water everywhere, including poor Adam's face. Shielding himself with both arms, Adam couldn't help but laugh.

"Now you look a bit puffy," he teased, peering through his arms. "Did you just roll your eyes at me? Oh, darling, I thought we had something special."

With a gentle grumble, the tiger turned away to attend to its orange and gold fur, leaving Adam giggling at their playful banter.

Letting out a contented sigh, Adam rolled over and sat up, his eyes sparkling as he glanced toward the leaf basket he had woven earlier. He noticed the mangos and pears he had gathered a few days ago were already gone. Adam blew a loose hair out of his face and stood up, his back letting out a little crack.

"I'd better go gather some more," he murmured, reaching for the leaf basket and his trusty stick. "Before the royal short fry bitches about it for the third time today."

The tiger snorted in agreement.

"Yep, yep. And I've got to find some food for you too because you're just too lazy. If you don't start moving around, you'll turn into a beach ball."

With a mild flicker of annoyance in its tail, the tiger huffed and rested its head on its paws.

"See? I do all this for you," Adam teased, singing the words as he pointed at the lazy tiger. "Because I love you, my beautiful girl~”

Clipping the basket onto his back, Adam turned to venture into the forest of Eden. Dealing with Lucifer's pickiness could be quite bothersome. Initially, Adam had to keep fetching different fruits for the finicky angel to sample. It was exhausting, and Adam couldn't express his relief when Lucifer finally settled on mangos and pears, with perhaps an occasional orange thrown in. Fish and bugs were definite no-gos.

"He's such a pampered diva," Adam muttered with a snort. "Back in my day, we didn't have the luxury of being so picky. If it had legs, wiggled, or had fins, it was fair game..."

Coming to a halt, Adam raised his head, scanning the branches of the mango trees. As usual, they were laden with ripe, plump mangos. Perhaps too many for him to carry back alone. Nevertheless, Adam unravelled his stick and began hooking the fruit down, leaping out of the way just in time to avoid another face full of sticky sweetness – Lucifer had only just stopped teasing him about the last incident.

With a sigh, Adam started gathering the mangos and placing them in the basket. His eye caught a rogue mango across the way, and he hurried toward it, crouching down to pluck the fruit. The moment his fingers touched its soft surface, his stomach emitted a loud growl, causing Adam to freeze, his face turning pale.

With careful hands, Adam lifted the mango and cradled it between his palms. His green eyes studied the fruit intently, his mouth growing dry and his teeth feeling oddly furry. Goosebumps prickled across his skin as his stomach rumbled once more, loudly proclaiming his hunger. Adam's nostrils flared, and his fingers trembled as he brought the mango up to his mouth. His chest expanded with anticipation as he took a bite, his eyes squinting shut as his teeth sank into the juicy flesh.

With each chew, sweetness flooded his mouth, his nose twitching and scrunching up as he savoured the flavour. A bead of sweat formed on his brow as he forced the mouthful to slide down his throat, the effort almost painful. He wiped his mouth against the back of his hand and awkwardly stared down at the fruit, examining the bite mark.

Finally, Adam glanced around the Garden of Eden, as if expecting someone to come charging out. He listened in silence, hearing only the sounds of animals for a few minutes. Biting his bottom lip, he threw the mango in a random direction, knowing some animal would enjoy it. Taking a deep breath, he wiped his face and quickly turned to return to the riverbank where the tiger was waiting.

Adam had barely unclipped the basket when the pint-sized demon King emerged from some bushes. He paused, watching with wide eyes as Lucifer stomped, his goat feet wobbling as he made his way to the riverbank again. But what truly caught Adam off guard was the smile. When Lucifer looked up and noticed Adam staring, his face lit up instead of darkening.

A smile tugged at Lucifer’s lips as he quickly approached the first human. “Adam, perfect timing. Just the human I was looking for.”

“I’m the only human here…” Adam replied, feeling a bit unsettled by how cheerful the fallen angel seemed. He even took a small step back as Lucifer moved closer.

“Doesn't matter,” Lucifer chirped. “I’ve figured it out!”

Blinking, Adam tilted his head, confusion clouding his face. “I’ll need a little more than that.”

“How to get out of here!” Lucifer exclaimed, his voice rising with excitement. “It took me ages to figure it out! I was overthinking everything when it’s so simple! It’s right in front of us! It’s been there all along!”

Adam blinked repeatedly; his eyebrows raised as Lucifer let out a strange laugh. "Um, I think you might need to sit down, in some shade. Being blonde and fair-skinned can't be good in this sun."

"Oh, spare me your lectures!" Lucifer's voice sliced through the air, his grin twisting into a sneer. "Adam, listen up! I've cracked the code to break out of this damned Garden of Eden. It's so glaringly obvious, I'm kicking myself for not seeing it sooner!"

Adam's muscles tensed, his gaze darting around the lush greenery with apprehension. He squared his shoulders, meeting Lucifer's gaze with a mix of defiance and fear. Words caught in his throat, a lump forming as he struggled to respond.

"The apple!" Lucifer's words rang out, sharp and eager.

Adam's brow furrowed in confusion, his heart pounding in his chest. "What apple?"

A manic laugh bubbled from Lucifer's lips, his demeanour shifting from jovial to manic. "Don't play dumb! The Apple of Knowledge! Eat it, and we'll be cast out of Eden once more! It's foolproof, Adam. We've done it before, we can do it again!"

A flicker of revulsion crossed Adam's features as he recoiled from the fallen angel's proximity. "Not a chance. f*ck off."

"Adam," Lucifer's tone turned cold, his eyes narrowing as he closed the distance between them. "Think about it. We were ousted from Eden once because of that very fruit. It stands to reason it'll be our ticket out again."

Adam's jaw clenched, his resolve hardening like steel. “You can f*ck right off with that.”

With a searing grip, Lucifer's claw clamped onto Adam's arm, wrenching him back as the human attempted to retreat. "Adam, can't you see? This is our ticket out! Take a bite of that apple, and we can both escape! I can return to Hell, see Charlie, hold her, support her dreams! I need to be there for her, to make amends, to be the father she deserves, and you—"

"Will probably be dead again?" Adam's voice thundered, his eyes blazing with fury. "Or have you conveniently forgotten? I died? Before we got trapped here? Killed by that infernal little creature?"

Lucifer's nod was firm, though his expression betrayed little remorse. "I haven't forgotten, Adam. I'm sorry for that, truly. But Charlie is my daughter, and I've already missed too much of her life. It's important to me, you have to understand. I can't afford to miss any more."

"And you think I care a damn about your offspring?" Adam spat.

A primal growl rumbled from the depths of the King of Hell's throat. He seized Adam's clothing in a vice-like grip. "What did you just say?"

"Let go!" Adam snarled, contempt dripping from his words. "I won't be swallowing any cursed fruit for that little spoiled brat!"

With a snarl, Lucifer tightened his grip, his eyes narrowing into fiery slits. "Charlie is not just some spoiled brat' to me. She's my flesh and blood, and I'll do anything to protect her!"

Adam's lip curled in disdain. "Protect her? You've got a funny way of showing it. Dragging her into your twisted games, into Hell itself!"

Before Lucifer could retort, Adam pressed on, his voice rising with each word. "You're no father. You're a monster! A coward who'd rather scheme and manipulate than face the consequences of his own actions! It’s your fault you’re not there for her and have never been there for the brat!"

With a roar of rage, Lucifer lunged forward, his fist colliding with Adam's jaw in a burst of violence. Adam staggered back, blood trickling from split lips. He lightly touched his own jaw, his eyes narrowing themselves and before Lucifer could react, Adam shot back and slammed his own fist into his jaw.

"You think you're so righteous, Adam," Lucifer sneered, his blows fuelled by bitter resentment. "But let's talk about your track record, shall we? Your wives left you, one after another. Lilith chose me over you, Adam. She saw right through your facade, your pathetic attitude."

Adam's breath caught in his throat, a pang of hurt lancing through his chest. Memories of Lilith's departure flooded his mind, the echoes of her scornful words ringing in his ears.

"At least I had the decency to try," Adam spat back, his voice laced with bitterness. "Unlike you, Lucifer. You were too busy playing the martyr to even be there for your own brat!"

Lucifer's laughter was harsh and mocking, the sound reverberating through the air like a curse. "Oh please, spare me your self-righteousness, Adam. We both know you failed as a father too. Your children scattered to the winds, lost and abandoned, just like you."

Adam's fists clenched; his vision blurred by tears he refused to shed. "I may have made mistakes, Lucifer. But at least I tried to be there for them. What about you? What kind of example have you set for your daughter, huh?"

The words hung in the air like a challenge, a silent accusation that struck at the heart of Lucifer's pride.

“At least I’m not alone!” Lucifer finally bellowed. “My daughter still cares about me and hasn’t f*cked off! At least people cares for me and haven’t left me in a f*cking ditch!”

Lucifer's declaration reverberated through the Garden of Eden like thunder. Adam's bitter rejoinder died on his tongue, his once vibrant emerald eyes now smouldering, moisture pooling at their edges. Even Lucifer seemed momentarily taken aback by the ferocity of his own words, his eyes of ruby and gold widening to mimic the startled ears of a feline.

"I..." he stammered, faltering in the face of his own unexpected outburst.

Adam's jaw clenched, his nails digging into his palms, threatening to draw blood. "f*ck you! f*ck you! I hate you!" he spat, the venom dripping from his words like poison.

Lucifer winced as Adam hurled the words like daggers, each one piercing deeper than the last. "I didn’t mean to – I didn’t mean…”

“Shut up! Shut up!” Adam's voice thundered, his rage propelling him into a whirlwind of fury.

"f*ck you! I hate you so much!"

His voice hitched, a sharp cry escaping as his teeth bit into his own tongue. Adam's feet betrayed him, sending him hurtling to the ground in a humiliating sprawl. He hit the earth with a resounding thud, causing not only Lucifer but even the nearby tiger to startle.

Adam's eyes welled with tears, the sting of humiliation mingling with the ache of his fall. The bitterness of stumbling before the very object of his disdain was a torment beyond words.

"Adam," Lucifer began, moving to approach him. But before he could take another step, Lucifer's own hooves betrayed him. With a sudden slip, he found himself tumbling backward, crashing to the ground with a heavy impact. His head knocked against the unyielding surface, eliciting a pained groan.

"For f*ck’s sake," he grumbled, rubbing the back of his head in irritation.

As the adrenaline of battle faded, a numbness settled over them, easing the grip of anger and frustration. Above, the cerulean expanse of the sky began to weep, cool droplets cascading down as if to cleanse the remnants of their conflict.

Adam sniffed, his voice emerging hoarse and weary after what felt like an eternity. “I’m not going to eat the apple.”

“I know,” Lucifer replied softly, his tone devoid of its former edge. “I won’t force you. Couldn’t, even if I wanted to. I'll find another way.”

Adam pressed his lips together, feeling the soothing touch of rain against his skin. His eyes drooped halfway shut, finding solace in the gentle patter of the drops. “Your brat is all about redemption, right?”

“Charlie,” Lucifer sighed, a weariness evident in his voice as he closed his eyes briefly.

“What?” Adam inquired.

With a tired snort, Lucifer corrected him. “If you're going to talk about my daughter, use her name. Her name is Charlie.”

"Gee, okay your highness," Adam retorted, his eyes rolling with exasperation, though his voice remained surprisingly composed. "If Charlie was here—"

"I'd rather not pretend Charlie was trapped here," the King of Hell grumbled.

Adam gasped in disbelief. "Oh my god!"

"Not here, I'm afraid," Lucifer teased, his tone lightening as if he found amusem*nt in the situation. Even tapping his goat hooves together with his hands crossing over his stomach.

"Shut up and listen to me!" Adam whined, his frustration mounting as he lazily flicked his hand, grazing the side of Lucifer's face.

Snickering, Lucifer shrugged nonchalantly. "Alright. But make it wild~"

"Ugh!" Adam grumbled, his irritation simmering. "I forgot how annoying you are."

"How could you forget how great I am?" the angel teased, a self-satisfied grin playing on his lips as Adam sighed heavily.

"What I'm trying to say... If Charlie could give us advice, if she could help us, you know, get along!" Adam forced the words out, his throat raw with emotion. "What would she do?"

Lucifer remained silent at first, his entire being seemingly frozen next to Adam, almost as if he had drifted off to sleep. Then, abruptly, the King of Hell sat up, breaking the stillness with a series of claps.

"What the f*ck are you doing?" Adam demanded, rolling over onto his stomach to peer at Lucifer.

With an expression devoid of emotion, Lucifer continued to clap his hands above his head. "My name is Lucifer. I like to make rubber ducks, and despite my tendencies to put my foot in my mouth, I do have a kind heart..."

Adam blinked up at the fallen angel, his eyebrows raised in confusion. He watched as Lucifer turned to him, gesturing for him to join in. After a prolonged moment of hesitation, Adam relented with a deep sigh.

Shifting onto his knees, Adam reluctantly mimicked Lucifer's clapping. "Um... my name is Adam... I like to make music, and despite how I may seem, I am actually quite sensitive."

Adam refused to meet Lucifer's gaze after that, feeling a pang of regret for his candid admission. Why did he have to say that? He could have said anything else. That just made him sound weak.

"That's great. I think Charlie would be proud of us," Lucifer said sincerely, breaking the awkward silence. "Come on."

Adam blinked, looking up as Lucifer stood. "What?"

"Charlie had a thing for these trust exercises. She'd want us to do them. I know a couple, and I suppose we could even make up some of our own. It’s better than us trying to kill each other every hour," Lucifer remarked, a touch of wryness in his tone.

Adam couldn't deny the truth in those words.

~#~

Adam couldn't contain himself, unleashing a high-pitched cackle that ricocheted off every leaf.

"You're kidding me, right?" he wheezed, doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach for dear life. "This is too much!"

Lucifer shot him a death glare, hand on his hip, trying to maintain his composure. "Cut it out, will you? It's not that damn funny."

Adam just couldn't stop.

"Oh, it absolutely is!" he managed between fits. "I'm about to bust a rib here!"

Lucifer's frustration was palpable. His fiery eyes narrowed, lips pursed, he shifted awkwardly on his hooves, glaring down at the giggling human. As seconds ticked by, his glare intensified, eyes narrowing into menacing slits.

"Seriously!" he growled, flashing his sharp teeth. "Knock it off already!"

Adam waved a hand in surrender. "Okay, okay, I'm done."

Suspicious, Lucifer eyed him, watching for any signs of renewed laughter, especially when Adam stifled a giggle into his elbow. Lucifer warned with a hiss, but Adam waved it off, promising he was good.

Taking a deep breath, Adam straightened up, puffing his chest, and adopting a mock-serious stance. "Alright, I'm composed. Let's get to it."

Lucifer, still eyeing him warily, finally relented after a tense pause.

"Fine. So..." he began, trying to regain his composure, but his blond locks refused to cooperate, framing his face like a wild halo.

With a snort, Adam gestured impatiently. "Well, are you going to jump or not?"

"It's not about jumping!" Lucifer snapped, claws clenched at his sides before pausing and glancing off to the side. "Well... it is about jumping, more like falling really..."

"Then what's the hold-up?" Adam scoffed. "Get on with it! Fall into my arms already!"

Lucifer frowned deeply, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not falling into your arms."

"Oh, right, sorry. I mean, fall into my arms already," Adam rolled his eyes.

"Stop treating this like a joke!" the fallen angel grumbled, smacking a pear in his annoyance.

Adam snorted, kicking at the ground. "Because it is a joke. You want to say something cute about yourself and then fall into my arms, like a damsel in distress."

Lucifer's eyes twitched, especially when Adam flicked imaginary hair off his shoulder. "It's a trust exercise. Charlie did them all the time back at the hotel. It's to build trust and other sh*t."

"And how's that going for her?" Adam snickered before covering his mouth when the angel shot him a warning look. "I mean, do you really think we can build trust? That's extremely unlikely. I trust you about the same amount as your height, which isn't very much. You're so tiny-winy."

"Oh, ha-ha, real funny," Lucifer scoffed, grabbing a pear, and throwing it at Adam. He felt a pinch of satisfaction when it hit Adam in the face. He smirked, leering down at him. “Get ready to catch me. If you don’t, I’ll choke you in your sleep.”

“Fine, fine,” Adam rolled his eyes again, shuffling forward, arms stretching out.

Lucifer tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Let’s see. Something about myself. Charlie said it had to be something positive and important about oneself – don’t say a word!”

Biting back a snicker, Adam glanced off to the side. However, his attention quickly returned to the pint-sized King of Hell standing above him.

“Damn! Charlie never said this would be so hard!” Lucifer grumbled to himself, shoulders hunching and hands balling up again.

Sighing, Adam's lips formed a crooked smile, his eyebrows raising to his hairline. “What's the problem? Just say something like, I don't know, 'I enjoy throwing my ego around and knowing my flawless looks will save my backside every time'?"

"I will throw another pear at you," Lucifer threatened.

Adam raised his hands in surrender. "Oh no, please don't throw any more fruit at my face. I can't take these fruity bullets any longer."

"Shut up for once," Lucifer said, though his voice lacked bite. The King of Hell tapped his fingers against his hip, his eyes raising upward in thought. "Okay, I got it."

Adam released a sigh of relief and nodded. "Great! Then hurry it up!"

" Oh! " Lucifer began, his voice pitching and creaking briefly. "You sound oh-so excited for this trust exercise!"

"I haven't walked away yet," the human grunted.

"Because you can't," the Angel scoffed, holding his head up before adding somewhat bashfully, "I wouldn't be able to get down otherwise..."

Adam blinked once. "You could, I don't know, do a little thing called climbing ?"

"You know I can't," Lucifer hissed, narrowing his eyes heatedly. "Not with my hooves."

"Sounds like a you problem," the brunette shrugged, taking a step away from the tree. "I don't need to be waiting around for you."

Lucifer gawked. "You can't be serious! This isn't very trusting ! You can't just leave me up here!"

"I think I can," Adam smirked, twirling his fingers over his shoulders. "I can just, you know, turn around and walk away. I'm sure you'll figure out how to get out of a goddamn tree. If all pathetic little humans could do it, I'm sure the all-powerful King of Hell can do it too!"

"Adam, you're about as funny as a clown at a funeral," exclaimed Lucifer, his voice dripping with sarcasm, though his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness amidst the sparkles. "Wings, huh? Yeah, it sucks not having them. Walking around like mere mortals, dealing with gravity and stuff. I used to soar above it all, you know? Now I'm stuck down here, hoofing it like some pedestrian."

Lucifer's shoulders slumped. "You're right, damn it. I took those wings for granted. Flying was freedom. Now I'm just... grounded."

Adam, sensing the shift in mood, scratched his head nervously. "Yeah, flying was the bomb. But hey, at least we don't have to worry about airport security, right?"

Lucifer managed a chuckle, though it sounded more bitter than amused. "Yeah, small mercies."

They both lapsed into silence.

But then Adam perked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, about that trust exercise thing. Think Charlie's gonna flip when she hears about it?"

Lucifer's lips twitched, a faint smile breaking through the gloom. "Yeah, she'll probably think I've lost my mind. Doing trust falls with the enemy and all that."

With a resigned sigh, Lucifer edged closer to the cliff's edge. "Alright, let's do this. But if I end up face-planting, it's on you, Adam."

"It's a risk you're willing to take!" Adam chuckled, stretching his arms wide with mock enthusiasm. "I'm waiting~"

Lucifer rolled his eyes dramatically, throwing his hands up in frustration. "You know what? Blah – blah," he muttered sarcastically. "Yada, yada, yada, something nice about myself. Done!"

"I don't think it's supposed to work like that..." Adam mumbled uncertainty.

Lucifer shrugged indifferently and turned away, a smirk playing on his lips. With a sharp exhale, he tipped himself backward, ready for the trust fall. Adam, sensing the moment, jumped forward to catch the King of Hell.

"Yay," Adam deadpanned as he caught Lucifer. "You did it."

"Yes, I did," Lucifer replied, his tone serious despite the situation. "Don't think about it. There's no way I would be able to catch you."

With a grunt, Adam shook his head and promptly dropped Lucifer onto the forest floor of Eden. The King of Hell landed with a thud, looking up at Adam with a mixture of annoyance and amusem*nt.

“We’re practically the same height now,” Adam grumbled, his tone laced with a hint of sourness. He glanced down at himself, wearing a look of dismay. "I've lost all my manly muscles."

A snort escaped the fallen angel. "Pretty sure you were rocking a 'Dad bod' beneath those robes."

"You can't say that for certain," Adam retorted with a slight frown.

With a hint of amusem*nt, Lucifer pulled himself up. He stretched until his back cracked, releasing a relieved sigh. "Well, I think you look better this way. Less of a brute."

"And how would you know?" Adam huffed, beginning to stroll back through the forest. "We barely crossed paths."

Lucifer blinked slowly, trailing after him. His gaze fell to the forest floor, lips forming a faint, troubled frown. "Yeah..."

"What?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "Why the gloomy expression?"

"I never have a gloomy expression," Lucifer retorted sharply, though lacking any real bite. He glanced away, scratching his cheek. "It's nothing."

"It's clearly something. You're still wearing that face."

Lucifer seemed ready to object, but the words seemed to dissolve on his tongue. He shook his head, crossing his arms awkwardly. "It's nothing, really. I was just reminiscing... We used to see each other every day. I could tell when you grew a few inches."

Glancing back at Lucifer, Adam wasn't sure whether to feel irritated or not. There was no malice in Lucifer's expression, no teasing or mocking. He genuinely seemed saddened by the thought.

"Why?" Adam tilted his head.

Lucifer looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Why dwell on it?" Adam shrugged casually. "It's in the past, no point thinking about it. It’s not like we could ever go back to that time, besides we hate each other. It doesn't matter if we think about 'better times' now that I hate you."

Pausing in his follow, Lucifer lowered his head. His voice carried a subtle note of resignation, as if acknowledging the futility of dwelling on the past when the present held such animosity.

“Yeah.”

~#~

Once upon a distant time, Adam, the only human, found himself engaged in a whimsical pursuit. A sleek, ebony panther, its fur as soft as silk, led him on a merry chase through the freshly bloomed Garden of Eden. Despite his efforts, Adam found the elusive creature always just out of reach, like a playful secret dancing on the edge of his vision.

As he frolicked amidst the verdant beauty of Eden, Adam's eyes alighted with wonder at the sight of newly born trees, each one a testament to the divine artistry of the Angels. Though Adam had yet to encounter another celestial being, he found their work lovely.

Adam's heart danced with joy as he revelled in the boundless wonders surrounding him. Each leaf, each flower, seemed to sing a sweet melody of life and creation.

However, Adam's journey through Eden led him to an unexpected pause beneath the enchanting canopy of a tree adorned with striking white bark and bold black stripes. Tilting his head back, he marvelled at the tree's unique beauty, his eyes tracing the intricate patterns woven into its trunk.

With a curious grin, Adam reached out to touch the bark, his fingers gently grazing its textured surface. A soft giggle escaped his lips as he recoiled from the unexpected sensation, delighting in the playful mystery of the tree's embrace.

In the midst of his wonderment, a warm breeze swept through the garden, caressing the tender foliage and enveloping Adam in its gentle embrace. Every fibre of his being tingled with anticipation as the unseen force whispered secrets of magic and possibility, stirring his soul with a sense of wonder and awe.

"Boo!"

A sudden exclamation startled Adam, causing him to leap in surprise, his heart racing with something he has yet to learn. Whirling around, his wide apple-green eyes widened even further at the unexpected visitor.

Yet, as recognition dawned, his initial shock melted away into a radiant smile that illuminated his face like the morning sun.

"Lucifer!" he chimed, his voice ringing with joy and affection.

With a graceful flourish, the Archangel extended his hands, inviting Adam to join him in a dance of celestial delight. Without hesitation, Adam placed his hands into Lucifer's, feeling a rush of warmth and connection as their fingers intertwined.

As Lucifer gently enveloped Adam's hands with his own, they began to twirl amidst the beauty of Eden. Adam's laughter bubbled forth like a babbling brook, filling the air with infectious joy as Lucifer spun him effortlessly with a single hand.

With each graceful turn, Lucifer's snow-white wings fluttered softly, casting a shimmering veil of serenity over their dance. His eyes, as radiant as the morning sky, sparkled with an otherworldly light as he gazed upon Adam with tender affection, his lips curved into a sweet smile that mirrored the boundless warmth of their shared moment.

"Hello, little Adam~" Lucifer's voice was as soft as a whisper, as he playfully poked Adam on the nose.

Adam's smile widened so much that he could feel the warmth spreading to his cheeks, colouring them a rosy hue. Excitedly, he gestured up to the tree. "Look, Lucifer! It's new! It just appeared overnight!"

Lucifer emitted a gentle hum, his captivating sea-blue eyes shifting towards the tree. A hint of scepticism flashed across his face, and he crossed his arms stubbornly.

"You like it?"

"I do," Adam sighed contentedly, swaying on his feet with a dreamy expression. "It's so pretty."

The Archangel let out a small grumble, his eyes flickering away with a hint of disdain. "It's not that great. I could have made something better."

Surprised, Adam blinked and looked up at the angel. "Why haven't you made any trees?"

With a sly grin, Lucifer leaned in closer, his breath barely brushing against Adam's face. "Well now, I could have created the most beautiful trees you've ever seen. But, you see, I'm far too occupied with a certain human."

"But—" Adam began, only to be interrupted by Lucifer's teasing tone.

"But~" Lucifer sang, pulling back slightly and crossing his arms behind his back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you want me to make some trees, I suppose I could ask one of the others to take my place as your angel~"

"No!" Adam exclaimed anxiously, his wide eyes brimming with worry as he reached out to grab onto Lucifer's arm, preventing him from moving further away. "No, no, no. Y-You don't need to do that."

"Hmm?" Lucifer's smirk turned into a smug grin. "If you insist, I'll stay as your Archangel~"

Adam nodded fervently. "Yes, please."

Snickering in triumph, Lucifer's eyes fluttered closed as he affectionately patted Adam on the head. "There, there, no need to worry~ I'm your Archangel, and I'll always be by your side~"

Adam breathed a sigh of relief, releasing his hold on the angel's arm and taking a shy step back as Lucifer finally settled in front of him. His gaze returned to the tree, but the sight seemed to sour the angel's mood once more.

"Stupid tree," Lucifer muttered under his breath, his expression momentarily darkening before he quickly plastered on a sweet smile as Adam glanced back at him in confusion. "I mean, you still have to name it! Remember what God said? 'My child, Adam, your first order is to name everything that appears in the Garden of Eden .' Which means this... delightful tree needs a name too!"

Adam continued to stare at him with unwavering eyes, seeming to only exacerbate Lucifer's tension. The smile on the angel's face grew sharper, almost appearing cruel. However, Adam's response was one of pure innocence and joy.

"Yes! I must name everything! Just as God instructed!" he exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet, and twirling around to face the tree once more. His arms stretched out on either side of him in excitement. "I shall name it... hmm. Birch Tree. Yes, Birch Tree."

"Birch Tree?" Lucifer raised an eyebrow, a chuckle escaping him.

Adam immediately turned back to him, puzzled by the reaction. "What's wrong with that name? Why are you laughing?"

Struggling to suppress his laughter, Lucifer raised both hands in a gesture of innocence. "Nothing, nothing. What matters is you and me~ Us, together~"

Adam gasped; his eyes wide with surprise. "You're not being punished anymore?"

Lucifer's lips parted as if to respond, but then he paused, his expression turning into a pout. "How did you know?"

"God told me!" Adam chirped. "He said you wouldn't be allowed in the garden for a while because you misused your magic. Something about stars. What are stars, Lucifer?"

The Archangel stubbornly grumbled, glaring off to the side. "Nobody got hurt. I just... miscalculated how much stardust I used, and now shooting stars are a thing."

"What are stars, Lucifer?" Adam inquired once more, edging closer. "God said that while you displeased him, your end result was beautiful."

That revelation had Lucifer gasping, his head snapping up with his blue eyes shimmering. Lunging forward, he grabbed Adam's hands in excitement. "God said that? God said my shooting stars were beautiful?"

"Um, yes!" Adam grinned, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is that a good thing?"

Lucifer laughed, spinning Adam around once more. "You have no idea!"

Twirling his hands around Adam's, Lucifer pulled him closer, his lips parting to reveal a playful sharp grin. "I promise, I'll make something just for you!"

"You will?" Adam gasped, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Like what?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Lucifer teased, tapping Adam's nose with each word.

Adam pouted and tilted his head in confusion. "What's a surprise?"

"I'll teach you tonight~" Lucifer replied with a wink, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. “I’ll show you stars tonight too~”

~#~

As Adam immersed himself in the sparkling waters of Eden, he relished the pure sensation against his skin. With a contented sigh, he scooped up the water, captivated by its clarity. Unlike the murky waters he'd encountered outside Eden, this was pristine.

Memories rushed back of struggling to find clean water elsewhere, each sip tainted by contamination. Even Heaven's waters couldn't match the perfection of Eden.

With a deep breath, he surrendered himself to the water, relishing in its warmth as it cascaded over him. It was a comforting embrace, cocooning him in its embrace as he submerged himself fully. Only the burning sensation in his throat and chest compelled him to resurface, his gaze wandering to where Lucifer stood nearby, attempting to cleanse himself.

"Why don’t you take off your boots?" Adam asked, breaking the tense silence between them.

Lucifer's response was curt, a glare followed by a dismissive turn.

Adam found himself staring, his gaze lingering for what felt like an eternity as he traced the elegant contours of Lucifer's form. His eyes followed the graceful arc of pale shoulders, the gentle curve of the spine, and down to the arms that bore the scars of a profound transformation. It was as if Lucifer's once pristine limbs had been shrouded in darkness, each clawed finger a testament to the burden he carried.

With a blink, Adam snapped back to reality, his head tilting as he recognized the stark contrast between Lucifer's darkened limbs and their once-pale hue, tainted like ivory by the shadows of humanity's sins.

"They're... a reminder," Lucifer admitted, his voice stripped of its usual edge, revealing vulnerability.

Adam realised their closeness as he sank deeper into the water, seeking solace in its embrace.

"Does it bother you?" Adam's voice was barely audible.

For a moment, Lucifer seemed surprised, his gaze softening as he pondered Adam's question. With a delicate movement, he dipped his clawed fingers into the water.

"It did, once," he confessed, his voice laden with the weight of the past. "But with time, I suppose I got used to them... in a way."

“Does it hurt?” Adam found himself saying. He knew he shouldn’t keep asking questions because it could be a tender spot for the fallen angel, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Lucifer shook his head, casting a curious glance at the first human. His red and yellow eyes darted between his hands and Adam until he lifted a blackened, clawed hand.

"You can... touch it, if you want?" he offered unexpectedly.

Water splashed as Adam jumped in surprise, not anticipating such a gesture from Lucifer.

"What?" Lucifer frowned, raising an eyebrow.

Adam blushed. "Nothing, nothing. It's just... I wasn't expecting you to offer that."

“Why?” Lucifer's lips curled into a sly smile, and he turned fully toward Adam, causing ripples in the water.

"I-I mean..." Adam stuttered, edging backward as Lucifer drew closer. "I just didn't know if, um, it's appropriate or..."

Lucifer stepped closer, a playful glint in his eyes. "Something intimate?"

"Stop looking at me like that," Adam grumbled, his stubbornness evident.

"Like what?" Lucifer chuckled. "I'm just trying to make friendly conversation."

Adam huffed, briefly turning his head away. When he glanced back, he saw Lucifer's grin widen, taking on a sharper edge. Heat rushed to his cheeks, and Adam pouted.

"No... no, you're not," he protested. "You're just teasing me, like you used to..."

Adam trailed off, his eyes lowering as he bit his bottom lip. He felt a tightness in his chest, recognizing Lucifer's behaviour from before Lilith was created.

Lucifer seemed to sense Adam's thoughts, his demonic eyes softening, and his grin becoming kinder. He raised his right hand, offering his clawed fingers. Without a word exchanged, Adam awkwardly wrapped both hands around Lucifer's, lightly touching the clawed appendages.

Adam's emerald eyes widened, his jaw practically dropping. "Whoa, it's a lot softer than I thought it would be."

"What did you expect my skin to feel like?" Lucifer chuckled sheepishly, his lips twitching as the redness in his cheeks deepened.

Adam shrugged, gazing down at the blackened claws. "I don't know, hard and rough? Maybe scaly?"

"So, standard demon flesh?" Lucifer jokes.

Lucifer's claws weren't hard or rough at all; they were soft and furry, reminiscent of the fur on his tigers and lions. Adam gazed intently at the hand, turning it over with thoughtful lips pinched.

"Um, Adam?" Lucifer suddenly spoke, weakly pulling his hand free.

Adam immediately withdrew his hands. "Ah, right, sorry."

"It's okay," the King said quietly, pulling his hands closer to himself once more.

A strange silence hung over them like a black cloud.

Adam turned away, wondering why things suddenly felt so awkward between them. Wasn't it normal to have civil moments with someone you disliked?

Meanwhile, Lucifer meekly looked at his hands again, still feeling Adam's touch. His lips tilted downward, settling into a tiny frown. He had forgotten what it was like to have somebody touch him, even if it was just a small touch to his hand. But Adam had always been touchy, back before Lilith that is.

"What are you doing?" Lucifer asked, tilting his head to peer around Adam as he noticed him rubbing something into his hair.

With a snort of amusem*nt, Adam glanced back at Lucifer. "How do you think Eve and I kept ourselves clean after leaving Eden? Nowadays, we have shampoo and conditioner, but back then, we had to make our own."

"I knew that," Lucifer mumbled, inching closer to inspect the bubbles. "How did you make it?"

"Soapberries," Adam replied. "They contain saponins that create a lather when mixed with water. Eve would crush them and use the remains as soap."

Lucifer nodded slowly; his gaze fixated on the little brown berries. "Just soapberries?"

"No," Adam chuckled. "For the King of Hell, you don’t know much about how things are made, huh?"

"I never needed to. I could just snap my fingers and summon whatever I needed," Lucifer explained. "Even when I was banished to Hell at the very beginning, Lilith would scavenge, but once I gained control over my new form, I could just..."

Adam clicked his tongue. "Right. Well, fruits like papaya and pineapple can clean dead skin cells and dirt. Even clay mixed with water can create a paste to absorb dirt and oil. As difficult as it is, God created everything humans need; we just had to figure out how to use the tools he left us."

"I wouldn’t say he did that out of the goodness of his heart," Lucifer remarked bitterly, before jerking back with widened eyes. "What are you doing?"

With an amused smile, Adam resisted a laugh at Lucifer's bewildered expression. "Cleaning your hair? Unless you don't want to be blonde anymore?"

"Oh," Lucifer swallowed, lowering his head, allowing Adam to rub the soapberries into his hair.

Once Adam pulled away, Lucifer dunked his head under the water. When they eventually emerged from the water, the fallen angel had to admit he felt much better, cleaner. His hair was soft and shiny again, a definite improvement.

"I make ducks," Lucifer suddenly said as they sat on the riverbank again. "Rubber ducks, to be precise."

Adam looked up in surprise, his fingers pausing in their work through the heavenly robes that were losing their heavenly appearance. The tunic he made from the robes wasn't holding up well, even after washing and drying. It was becoming stained.

"The only thing I know how to make with my own hands is ducks. Rubber ducks," Lucifer stared blankly, his eyes fixed on the river. “Without magic.”

Leaning back like a philosopher pondering life's mysteries, Adam rested his chin on his fist. "Rubber ducks? Nah, never dabbled in crafting those quirky little floaters."

A peculiar silence settled over the scene, as though even the wind in the Garden of Eden held its breath. The birds chirped on, oblivious to the burgeoning awkwardness.

Adam shifted on the grassy bank, pulling his legs up as if seeking solace in a self-made cocoon. His fingers drummed out a rhythm of frustration on his knees, while his eyes traced the shifting sunlight.

"I may not be the duck master, but hey, give me a moment," he muttered wearily, rubbing his tired eyes.

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "A moment for what, exactly?"

"Just hold tight and watch," Adam replied with a tired grin, giving his left eye a good rub.

Before Lucifer could probe further, the silence shattered with the unmistakable sound of webbed feet slapping against the ground. Both turned to witness the dramatic entrance of a fluffy golden bird emerging from the bushes.

A duck. Not just any duck, but a feathered star, strutting confidently as if it owned the place. With each waddle, it emitted a chorus of quacks that could rival a jazz band. Its orange plumes danced in the breeze, and its feet tapped out a rhythm in the sand.

Lucifer blinked, staring at the avian spectacle.

"That's... a duck," he stated, his incredulity evident. "Do you have a duck now? Since when?"

Adam gave the duck a playful poke, prompting an enthusiastic quack. "Oh, just about a month or so. He's a wandering soul, separated from his feathered crew. I helped him find his way back to his mother."

Lucifer's eyes widened as the duck moved from Adam's side to his. He raised his clawed hand tentatively as the duck pressed against his hip.

"Guess he likes you," Adam remarked.

A smile tugged at Lucifer's lips as he delicately laid his hand over the duck. "Yeah. Guess so."

Once again, a dense fog of discomfort settled between them, shrouding the air with an unfamiliar tension. It was a departure from their usual dynamic, a peculiar atmosphere neither knew quite how to navigate.

"How much longer do you think we're stuck here?" Adam's question cut through the uneasy silence, voicing the thoughts he'd been avoiding. "It's been over a year now, hasn't it?"

Lucifer maintained a gentle smile as he continued stroking the duck, relieved that the bird didn't flee from his demonic touch. Yet, at the mention of time, his expression darkened, overshadowed by a melancholy realisation.

"I wish I knew," he confessed, his gaze drifting skyward, bitterness creeping into his voice. "I don't understand why we're here or if there's any plan at all. It's all just... uncertain."

"Maybe..." Adam began tentatively, feeling a pang in his chest as he spoke. "Maybe we should come to terms with the idea that leaving Eden might not happen anytime soon."

There was no fiery outburst from the King of Hell, no sharp retort. Instead, there was only a fragile whimper that caught Adam off guard, widening his emerald eyes in surprise.

"Why are you upset?" Adam's voice trembled slightly with concern.

"I'm not," Lucifer denied, though his tone betrayed his anguish. "It's just... I dread the thought of never seeing my daughter again. Despite everything, I long to hold Charlie in my arms, to see her smile. I'm afraid I'll forget her face."

"I doubt you could ever forget Charlie's face," Adam reassured him awkwardly, unsure of how to comfort the fallen angel without sparking conflict. "Your love for her is too profound. You'll always remember."

"But what if I'm here for years? What if I miss out on more precious moments with her?" Lucifer's anxiety was palpable, his body tensing with worry. "Our relationship has only just begun to mend, and now... now I fear I won't be there for her when she needs me most."

Lucifer buried his face in his hands, his distress evident. "I can't bear the thought of forgetting Charlie, but if we're trapped here indefinitely, I might. I might forget her face, her voice..."

"I don't think we'll be here forever," Adam interjected softly, despite the sceptical glance from Lucifer. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You won't forget Charlie. She's a part of you, ingrained in your soul."

Finally, Lucifer met his gaze, holding it with a searching intensity. Adam resisted the urge to look away, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Do you truly believe that?" Lucifer's voice was earnest, seeking reassurance.

"Yes," Adam affirmed, swallowing his own doubts. "Once you're a parent, your child's face is etched in your memory for eternity."

The gaze in Lucifer's eyes softened, almost tenderly, but a shadow of doubt lingered within them.

"I hope so," he murmured, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

~#~

Venturing into the labyrinthine depths of Eden's forest, Adam's gaze swept through the dense foliage in search of a particular tree. Days had blurred into an intricate dance with dawn, each morning finding him ensnared within the green embrace, consumed by his quest. Even Lucifer, on the second day, offered aid, sensing Adam's relentless fixation, yet the human remained obstinate.

Clawing at his scalp in frustration, Adam's brow furrowed deeply. "It must be here, somewhere. I swear I saw it."

Above, the sun hung like a brilliant watchman in the azure expanse, casting its unwavering gaze. Adam felt the passage of time, a subtle unease prickling at his senses at the thought of returning to the side of the fallen angel. Yet, surrender wasn't an option. He pressed forward, determination igniting his emerald eyes with each passing tree.

But fatigue was an adversary Adam couldn't evade forever. Eventually, his limbs rebelled, and with a defeated thud, he collapsed upon the earth. Anger contorted his features as he petulantly kicked at the ground, his frustration boiling over.

“I can’t believe I can’t find it. It should be easy to find.” He huffed stubbornly, picking at the grass harshly. “I saw it! I literally see it every week when I go fruit gathering, why is it, when I need it, I can’t f*cking find it!”

A cool breeze whispered through the verdant enclave, tousling Adam's thick locks. He sighed heavily, leaning against the nearby trunk. Fatigue weighed upon him, tempting him with the allure of rest. Perhaps a brief respite would renew his vigour, reignite the search. Yet, before his lids could succumb to sleep's embrace, a rustle shattered the peace.

Alert, every nerve tingling with anticipation, Adam's gaze snapped towards the disturbance. His eyes widened, heart thundering as something slinked through the underbrush. Breath held, he awaited an onslaught, but what emerged was not a predator's charge.

Instead, with a regal grace, a magnificent leopard emerged, its sinuous form navigating the arboreal maze with effortless elegance. It settled opposite Adam, golden eyes locked in a silent exchange, its tail coiling around its forepaws like a royal sceptre.

Adam found himself transfixed by the leopard's gaze, drawn into the depths of its golden eyes. They mirrored his own, reminiscent of the celestial hue he once possessed as an angel. As he stirred to rise, the leopard mirrored his movement, poised as if ready to flee, yet it remained.

“You…want to take me somewhere?” Adam's voice barely above a whisper, laced with curiosity.

With a subtle gesture, the leopard turned, setting off into the forest. Adam followed eagerly, navigating the labyrinth of roots and branches until they reached a familiar clearing adorned with a kaleidoscope of blooms. Amidst this splendour stood a solitary white blossom, around which the leopard tenderly circled, nuzzling against its delicate petals.

“Oh my god!” His eyes drank in the tree's magnificence, its ivory bark adorned with intricate black markings “The birch tree! You took me to the birch tree!”

The white tree was just as he remembered, no, it was even more beautiful. Approaching reverently, Adam reached out, fingers tracing the patterns etched into the tree's surface.

"Thank you," he murmured, turning towards the leopard with overflowing gratitude.

His gaze, like emeralds in the sun, traced the rugged bark, seeking out the unique marks of age and vitality etched into the tree's skin. With the grace of a woodland sprite, Adam descended to the forest floor, his keen eyes scanning for signs of decay and looseness, his touch gentle to protect the tree. Almost as if offering itself willingly, a substantial piece of bark surrendered to his fingertips, already in the process of releasing from its host.

"Well, that was rather easy," he mused, holding the bark delicately, examining it from all angles. "This is perfect! Now, I just need the black chalk..."

As if on cue, the leopard returned, its sleek form moving with a fluid grace, a token gripped softly in its jaws. With a mixture of astonishment and gratitude, Adam accepted the offering from the creature's mouth.

"Whoa," he exclaimed, eyes widening in surprise. "You've even brought me the chalk? How thoughtful of you."

Scanning the surroundings once more, Adam sought a cosy spot to settle, but his attention kept drifting back to the birch tree. With a contented hum, he nestled against the sturdy roots, arranging the bark upon his thigh with care, making himself comfortable in the birch tree’s embrace.

Adam gazed at the pristine bark, his fingers tracing its flawless surface, finding it oddly inviting for sketching. A sigh escaped him as his brows furrowed in contemplation. Charlie, the Princess of Hell, remained a distant memory to Adam, having crossed paths with her merely thrice. The last encounter, however, concluded in a brutal beating from the very individual he now intended to draw for.

A groan accompanied a roll of his eyes as he pondered his own predicament. With a tap of the black chalk against the bark's edge, Adam, the first human moulded in the likeness of God, prepared to utilise one of his many bestowed talents: drawing.

Startled by a warm presence at his side, Adam glanced down to find a leopard snuggled up beside him. A tender smile graced his lips as he caressed the soft, spotted fur. His focus remained fixed on the bark as he delicately began to sketch, the black chalk gliding effortlessly.

It had been a while since he last indulged in drawing. Upon entering Heaven, Adam struggled to find his footing, prompting Emily's suggestion to explore various interests. While gardening and music became his primary pursuits, drawing lingered in the background. Although not particularly fond of it, Adam reserved his artistic endeavours solely for Emily. Yet now he was poised to create something for someone else, a departure from his usual solitary practice.

"Charlie does share some likeness to Lilith…" Adam murmured with a sigh, using the edge of the chalk to outline Charlie’s face, starting from her chin and tracing up to her lips and nose. “And Lucifer, of course. Actually, she kind of looks a little like Eve too.”

A snort of amusem*nt escaped Adam at the irony of it all. His fingers danced along the bark, sketching what he believed to be the curl swept across her forehead. Charlie had big eyes too, right? With thick lashes and a petite, goat-like nose. Adam experimented with different nose shapes before settling on one that seemed familiar.

“Er…did she wear a tie? Or was it a ribbon?” he pondered aloud, tapping his chin. “Or should I just draw her in that dress thing? No, no, no, that brings bad memories. I’ll draw her in that suit, I remember the suit…from the couple of meetings I saw her.”

The leopard purred contentedly at his side, as if in agreement. Adam chuckled, scratching him under the chin. “I guess you agree with that, huh.”

“But that doesn’t fix my issue. Is it a tie or a ribbon? I don’t think it was a tie, it had to be a ribbon, right? A bow? I think it was a bow.” With twitchy fingers, Adam sketched a bow around her neck and it seemed to fit perfectly. He nodded in agreement with himself.

Then, he tackled her hair. Other than the curl framing her face, Adam struggled to recall exactly how Charlie styled her hair. Lilith’s had been long and straight, but he doubted Charlie inherited that. Did she?

“It was puffy, wasn't it? Curly even...and tied back?” he mused, catching his tongue between his teeth as he lightly sketched the strands behind her shoulders. “Oh! Her hair covered her ears, didn’t they? Wait, did she even have ears? Emily doesn't have ears, neither does Lucifer. Hm. I'm guessing Charlie didn't inherit Lilith's ears.”

Suddenly, the leopard flipped over, jolting Adam's hand and dragging the chalk. Adam gasped, fearing he had ruined the drawing, but upon closer inspection, he found the extra line to be just right. It was perfect even.

“Oh, whoa…” he breathed out softly, amazed. “I think that’s it? I think that’s Charlie, isn’t it?”

Adam held up the piece of bark, studying the sketch of Charlie. It resembled the girl he remembered: large eyes, puffy hair tied back behind her shoulders, the curl framing her face, and a cute button-up nose. She wore a blazer with a ribbon. He hoped he had sketched Charlie and not some other demon girl.

Lowering the sketch, Adam's gaze drifted upward once more to the flawless expanse of the sky. Never in his wildest dreams had he pictured himself crafting something for Lucifer of all beings. Sure, there was a time when he fashioned things for Lucifer, back when the King was still his Archangel and all that jazz. Adam tried not to dwell on those memories too much, especially since everything changed when Lilith came into the picture. But the eerie sensation creeping up on him now brought back echoes of those days.

A deep rumble reverberated through the air as the leopard nestled closer, its warm body pressed against Adam's lap, nuzzling his throat affectionately. Adam couldn't help but laugh, enveloping the jungle cat in a tight embrace, relishing in the softness of its fur beneath his fingers. He chuckled as the leopard's leg quivered under his gentle touch.

"Alright, buddy. It's time for me to head back," Adam murmured softly, giving the large cat a reassuring pat on the back.

With a gruff huff, the leopard rolled away, prompting Adam to rise to his feet, his fingers tracing the contours of the bark in his hand as he bit his lip nervously.

"I don't know why I'm feeling so jittery. It's absurd," he muttered with a strained sigh. "I shouldn't give two sh*ts about this, but for some reason, I do."

Circling around Adam's legs, the leopard nudged him gently, urging him to return the way they came.

Adam stumbled slightly, glancing down at the leopard with a wry smile. "Alright, alright. I'm going, I'm going."

As Adam made his way back, the leopard trotted faithfully by his side, prompting him to repeatedly glance over his shoulder, feeling like he'd been caught red-handed, caught with his hand in the cookie jar or something equally embarrassing. By the time they reached the riverbank, the leopard had bounded off eagerly into the tall grass, rolling joyously among the blades. Adam stood rooted to the spot, watching the magnificent creature with a mix of amusem*nt and fondness.

Lucifer sat by the riverbank once again, legs crossed, elbows resting on his thighs, his black-clawed hands cradling his face. Gone was the red and white striped vest, replaced with something more fitting to the surroundings—a jacket and a white top hat. His white dress shirt was open at the top, a few buttons undone, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Compared to his dishevelled appearance earlier, Lucifer now looked cleaner and more like himself, even his blonde hair styled back to its usual state.

Clutching the piece of bark tightly between his hands, Adam's gaze drifted back to the sketch of Charlie. He couldn't help but wonder if he was being foolish. Lucifer wasn't even his friend, and Adam harboured a deep-seated resentment toward him, yet here he was, attempting to do something kind after hearing how distraught Lucifer was at the prospect of forgetting what Charlie looked like. Adam sighed heavily, pursing his lips and blowing a loose strand of hair out of his face.

Perhaps the drawing wasn't even accurate. Maybe it wasn't Charlie at all but someone else Adam had glimpsed in Hell? That was a distinct possibility. The mere thought of Lucifer's reaction upon seeing a sketch of some girl Adam mistook for Charlie made his stomach churn uncomfortably.

"Why the long face?" Lucifer's familiar voice sliced through Adam's thoughts.

Adam's head snapped up, finding the fallen angel mere inches away from him. In the next moment, their noses were almost touching. Adam let out a startled yelp and stumbled backward.

"Dude! You've got to warn a guy!" Adam gasped, hand clutching his chest. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Lucifer couldn't contain a snicker, his eyes sparkling with mischief, his lips curving into that wide grin once more. "But then I wouldn't have had the pleasure of witnessing such a delightful expression."

"Oh, ha-ha, real funny," Adam pouted, trying to suppress a smile. "Stop teasing me."

"But teasing you is so entertaining," Lucifer hummed, taking a step closer to the first human. "Did you find whatever you were looking for?"

It took Adam a few moments for his brain to catch up, noticing the way Lucifer's gaze flickered down to the bark in his hands and then back up to Adam's face with anticipation. Immediately, Adam tightened his grip around the bark and drew it closer to his chest.

"Um, yes—yes. I mean, yes! I did find it!" Adam stuttered, attempting to inch away from the King of Hell. "Yeah, I found it, no worries! It's nothing important and, um..."

Stalking toward Adam like a cat closing in on its prey, Lucifer advanced with curiosity, his demon-red and yellow eyes burning into Adam's. "Well? If it wasn't important, you wouldn't have been searching for it for a whole week straight."

"It wasn't a week straight!" Adam protested awkwardly, his gaze darting away. "It was three days, hardly a week."

Lucifer shrugged, the teasing gleam in his eyes intensifying as Adam's back met a tree behind him. "You're not going to show me?"

"It's not important!" Adam squawked. "Oh my god, why are you being so overbearing?"

"Because there's nothing else to do!" Lucifer retorted, leaning in close to Adam's face. "And you make the cutest faces!"

Instantly, Adam's annoyance flashed across his features. He thrust a hand into Lucifer's face, daringly pushing the fallen angel back. "Not funny."

Lucifer's lips curled into a sharp smirk, and he swiftly flicked his long tongue across Adam's hand before he could react. Amusem*nt danced in Lucifer's eyes as Adam yelped and jumped back, pressing against the tree, and holding his hand to his chest, staring at Lucifer with offence.

"Did you just lick me?" Adam screeched. "Who does that?"

A laugh escaped Lucifer, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Aw, you never complained before~"

Adam's mouth opened and then shut, his cheeks flushing pink. "I learned from my past mistakes! Never do that again!"

"Ah, you were so cute back then," Lucifer mused, throwing his hands up. "So sweet too. Never complaining about anything."

Adam rolled his eyes exasperatedly. "Please spare me from the mockery! I'm not naive anymore, don't do that."

"Or what will you do?" Lucifer teased, moving closer once again, the same mocking expression on his face. It wasn't cruel, he was simply finding everything so amusing.

However, when Lucifer got within licking distance again, Adam thrust the bark up to stop the fallen angel from getting any closer.

"Charlie?" Lucifer suddenly interjected, his eyes widening and his mouth agape.

Adam blinked in confusion, his apple-green eyes scanning the riverbank for any sign of the Princess of Hell, but finding only himself, Lucifer, and a couple of jungle cats around. He blinked again and looked back at the King of Hell, finding Lucifer staring intently at the bark.

With a curious tilt of his head, Adam noticed the bark in his grasp had shifted, revealing a delicate sketch. Horror washed over him like a sudden rainstorm, and he hastily concealed the drawing, clutching it to his chest.

"It's terrible, it's bad, it's not even Charlie!" He babbled, his words a fluttering melody of self-doubt. “Don’t look at it. It was a stupid idea!"

"You drew Charlie for me?" Lucifer's voice rang with disbelief, his red and yellow eyes widening so much they might pop out. Widening with genuine astonishment..

Adam remained silent, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. As Lucifer drew nearer, his demeanour softened, shedding the playful facade to reveal vulnerability and sincerity. His charcoal claws hovered, tentatively reaching for the sketch before hesitating.

"Adam? May I... may I see it, please?" His words carried the weight of a whispered prayer, tender and delicate.

Adam's grip tightened around the bark, his gaze drifting downward before meeting the reflection of Lucifer's vulnerability. With a hesitant nod, he relinquished his hold, allowing Lucifer to examine the drawing. A surge of apprehension threatened to engulf him as he watched Lucifer's reaction, his heart echoing the fluttering of butterfly wings.

"Um..." he was unsure of what to say. "...um, Lucifer, I..."

Lucifer's hands trembled, a symphony of emotion playing across his features. His cheeks flushed crimson, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"You drew Charlie," he whispered, a soft smile blooming like a delicate blossom. “You drew Charlie. It's exactly her, down to the finest detail. Did... Did you draw this for me? Despite everything?"

Words failed Adam, lost amidst the swell of emotion. Instead, he simply nodded, his gaze locked with Lucifer's. A radiant warmth enveloped them, reminiscent of their shared past.

Lucifer sniffled; appearing as if he was about to cry, droplets clinging to his lashes. With a tender grip, he embraced the bark, cradling it close to his heart. Adam found himself gazing upon facets of Lucifer he never knew existed. It was a curious revelation, like discovering hidden chambers within a familiar garden, each corner holding untold secrets waiting to be unveiled.

"Thank you," Lucifer murmured, his voice a fragile melody, laced with raw emotion.

Adam's fingers grazed his cheek, a nervous habit betraying the burgeoning awkwardness that enveloped him once more. He couldn't quite fathom why he felt compelled to act, why he cared at all about Lucifer's reaction. Yet, as he observed the profound gratitude etched across the fallen angel's face, Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

“It was nothing…”

~#~

Under the canopy of twinkling stars, the Garden of Eden sparkled with an ethereal glow. Adam stood by the riverbank; his gaze fixed upon the celestial tapestry above. Each star seemed to be a tiny, glistening gem adorning the velvet canvas of the night sky. Yet, despite the serene beauty surrounding him, a tumult of emotions churned within Adam's chest, rattling him in a way he had never experienced before.

Why were they back in Eden? The Garden had been destroyed in a wrathful fury, cast aside by God himself, or so Sara had claimed. Adam's mind spun with questions, each one a thorn pricking at his consciousness. He had died, killed by that one-eyed demon, yet here he stood, alive and breathing. His hand instinctively reached for the scar on his chest, a silent reminder of his mortality, of the violence that had once claimed him.

Despite his attempts to conceal it, the scar remained, a silent testament to his brush with death. But why was he alive? Why was he granted this second chance, this bewildering return to the realm of the living?

As Adam grappled with these thoughts, his gaze grew distant, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Pain etched lines of torment upon his brow as he wrestled with the tangled web of emotions entwining his heart. It had all seemed like a dream, a surreal afterlife unfolding before him, until Lucifer had appeared and shattered the illusion.

He bit his lip, a pang of confusion gnawing at his soul. Did he truly hate Lucifer as vehemently as he once believed? Or was there something else, something buried beneath the layers of resentment and anger? The memories flooded his mind, a relentless tide of betrayal and loss.

Both of his wives had forsaken him for Lucifer, leaving him to languish in solitude.

With a heavy sigh, Adam pressed the heels of his hands against his weary eyes, seeking refuge from the chaos within. It was all too much, the complexities of his emotions too daunting to confront. Perhaps it was easier to bury them beneath the weight of uncertainty, to retreat into the comforting embrace of ignorance. But deep down, he knew that the truth would always linger, waiting to be acknowledged, waiting to be faced.

"Adam?" Lucifer's voice was a gentle whisper, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

Adam turned slightly, a veil of tears threatening to cascade down his cheeks, but he brushed them away before they could betray his pain.

"Oh, hey Lucifer," he murmured softly, his voice fragile. "What's on your mind?"

"Are you alright?" Lucifer inquired; concern etched into his features as he approached Adam's side.

"Yeah, just... something in my eye," Adam replied with a sheepish smile, attempting to mask the turmoil within. "Do you need anything?"

Lucifer didn't press further, sensing Adam's reluctance to delve into the depths of his emotions. Instead, he cast his gaze skyward, his eyes a blend of red and yellow, reminiscent of fading embers. A tender smile graced his lips as he placed his hands on his hips, his posture reflecting a bittersweet nostalgia.

"Do you remember?" Lucifer's voice held a softness, as if cradling delicate memories. "We used to stargaze like this so often. I showed you the shooting stars."

Adam's gaze followed Lucifer's, his heart stirring as fragments of the past intertwined with the present. He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Yes, I remember," he replied, his voice laced with fondness. "You always had a knack for surprises. You got into trouble for using too much stardust and ‘ now shooting stars are a thing ’.”

Lucifer's grin widened at the memory. "Ah, yes. I may have caused a bit of trouble with the stardust," he admitted with a playful glint in his eyes. "But creating something new seemed worth it."

"I was baffled back then," Adam confessed softly, the night air carrying a sense of vulnerability. "I couldn't understand why something so beautiful would lead to such consequences."

Lucifer's gaze shifted between Adam and the night sky, a hint of shyness colouring his expression. "Adam..."

"Don't," Adam interrupted hastily, a pang of anguish piercing his heart. He took a step back, attempting to shield himself from the rawness of his emotions. "Please, don't. I can't..."

Silence enveloped them once more, broken only by the soft rustle of the breeze. Lucifer's gaze lingered on Adam, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke.

"I'm sorry."

Adam shook his head, his eyes brimming with unspoken pain. "I don't want to hear it."

"I hurt you," Lucifer confessed, his voice heavy with remorse. He reached out tentatively, his touch feather-light against Adam's hand. "I wish I could undo it all, but I can't."

"I get it. You're sorry but that's not going to change anything." A soft groan escaped Adam's lips as he turned to face Lucifer. "Apologies can't mend what's broken."

"Adam, I fell in love," Lucifer confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, heavy with the weight of his heartache. "I know it doesn't excuse what I did, but... I loved her. Lilith and I, we shared something...I thought…"

Adam's lips tightened into a small frown, his thoughts racing. "You thought, what exactly? That your love for Lilith wouldn't change anything?"

"Well, yes, I mean..." Lucifer paused, a grimace crossing his features as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. "You and Lilith didn't seem to... well, you didn't seem to get along. I didn't think it would affect you."

Adam's eyes widened in disbelief, a sense of incredulity washing over him. "How could you think that? Of course, it would change everything, Lucifer. Lilith wasn't like me. She didn't want Eden. I could see it in her eyes, nothing ever was enough for her, from the very moment she stepped foot into Eden."

"You could?" Lucifer asked, genuinely surprised. "From the beginning?"

"Of course," Adam replied with a shrug. "I wasn't blind to it. She grew bored of Eden quickly, even I could see that."

Lucifer's brow furrowed as he considered Adam's words. "She scared you?”

Adam nodded sheepishly. "She wanted something else, something God wouldn't give her. She didn’t like it when told no and…she didn’t have a very good temper either."

"But Lilith..." Lucifer began, his confusion evident.

"Didn't you notice?" Adam interrupted, his gaze piercing. "The darkness in her eyes? She wasn't like me, Lucifer. Everything was new and terrifying to me, but to Lilith, nothing was new. Nothing was big or scary, it was all indifference. Lilith was like that before you returned to the garden."

Lucifer shook his head, looking down and then across the trees before back to Adam helplessly. “That’s not true. It can’t be true. I would have – I know I would definitely have noticed if Lilith had darkness in her.”

“Yeah, well you didn’t notice a lot of things.” Adam hissed. He fidgeted and chills ran over him. He never liked speaking about Lilith, speaking about how it was when it was just the two of them. Nobody knew Lilith like how he did.

Only he knew what she really was like. What Lilith really thought of God, Eden, and everything in between.

“I didn’t know what it was back then, but looking back on it, Lilith had a way with words. When I was made, I couldn’t even speak, you had to teach me, but Lilith was speaking full sentences the moment she was let into Eden.” Adam breathed out deeply. “She would say things that even I didn’t understand. She even taught me things and not all of them were nice things.”

Lucifer’s mouth opened to protest but nothing left his tongue. He didn’t understand what Adam was saying. Lilith had never shown a shred of deception or manipulation.

Adam bit his lip, furrowing his brows in contemplation. "I didn't know back then. I believed her, even when I shouldn't have. But looking back, it's strange to think about how Lilith viewed everything."

"It's strange," Adam mused, his voice soft and distant.

"What's strange?" Lucifer pressed, a knot forming in his throat.

Adam's gaze drifted; his eyes half-lidded with memories. "God watched her a lot in the beginning," he murmured. "It was like she was always putting on a show for Him."

Lost for words, Lucifer stared, his mind reeling. The image of Lilith, always performing under God's scrutiny, was a revelation that shook him to the core. For him, Lilith had been enchanting, seemingly flawless in her desires for more than Eden could offer.

But reality shattered his illusions. Lilith's thirst for more led her away from him in the end, just as it had led her away from Eden.

"I... I kind of expected Lilith to try and hurt me," Adam confessed with a nonchalant shrug, and Lucifer flinched at the admission. "I just never thought you would be her weapon..."

The words hung heavy in the air, a painful reminder of the betrayal that cut deep into Lucifer's heart.

Adam's lips curved into a half-smile, tinged with bitterness. "I didn't care much for Lilith, to be honest. Sure, it stung—I was told repeatedly that she was made for me, my equal, my companion and all that. But she scared me, she hurt me in ways you wouldn’t understand, and I preferred to keep my distance. What hurt the most was seeing the person I trusted the most spending all his time with the one who terrified me."

Lucifer ran a hand through his hair, his expression wrought with distress. "I didn't realise, I mean, I didn't-"

"I was hurt, I am angry," Adam continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Because that night, I lost my closest friend."

Lucifer's breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening with realisation. "Adam-"

Adam met Lucifer's eyes, his words sharpening with the pain of betrayal. "Fine, you loved Lilith. Okay, I understand. You chose her over me, and it hurt. It felt like a betrayal. Instead of talking to me, you'd rather destroy our friendship. I had to witness it first hand. You both decided to cheat on me."

“Please listen to me, Lilith said you wouldn’t understand and that we should follow our hearts- “Lucifer rambled.

"You could have said no," Adam reiterated, his voice strained but resolute. "If you truly cared about me, if you were my friend, you could have said no. But you didn't. You chose Lilith over me, and it didn't end there."

Lucifer's mouth fell open in disbelief as he listened to Adam's accusations. He released a shaky breath, his gaze fixed on Adam's unwavering stare.

"Maybe, just maybe, I could have forgiven you for choosing Lilith," Adam continued, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "If you had given me time, if you had talked to me. But instead, you came back and hurt me again."

Lucifer's eyes widened; his heart heavy with regret as he struggled to find the words to respond.

"You loved Lilith, but what's your excuse for Eve?" Adam pressed; his voice tinged with accusation. "Why did you have to take Eve too?"

"It wasn't like that!" Lucifer exclaimed, his voice tinged with desperation as he took a step towards Adam, seeking to explain himself. "I didn't approach Eve with the intention of taking her or hurting you. I just wanted her to eat the apple, I wanted her to embrace the gift of knowledge-"

"Why did you sleep with her too then?" Adam interjected; his tone heavy with accusation.

Lucifer's expression darkened, his eyes growing glassy with remorse. "Lilith wanted..."

"Of course," Adam groaned exasperatedly, throwing his arms up in frustration. "Of course it was Lilith's idea. Why wouldn't it have been?"

"No, no, I didn't mean it like that," Lucifer hastily clarified, his voice pleading. "I mean Lilith did want to know what it would have been like with Eve, but I still approached her and convinced her to give it a try, and..."

Lucifer's voice trailed off as the weight of his own words sank in, his features contorting with self-reproach. "I'm sorry."

Adam stared at him; exhaustion evident in his gaze. "I'm tired of everyone always tricking me..."

"I never tricked you," Lucifer murmured quietly, his voice barely audible amidst the heavy silence.

"You're always tricking me," Adam sighed heavily, weariness weighing down his words. "But don't feel bad, Lilith used to trick me all the time, and so did Eve, afterward anyway…Heaven too.”

"I'm sorry," Lucifer whispered, the weight of his apology heavy in the air.

"Me too," Adam replied softly, his own sorrow echoing in his words.

She hurt me.

The revelation echoed within Lucifer's mind like a thunderclap in the stillness of night. Lilith had harmed Adam? When and how? His thoughts spiralled in confusion, for Lilith had never displayed even a hint of aggression towards him, neither in Eden nor in their subsequent encounters. There had been no warning signs, no whispers of discord. Yet, as the King of Hell, Lucifer understood all too well that familiarity could breed deception.

He had believed he knew Lilith, trusted her implicitly. Yet now, confronted with the possibility of her betrayal, Lucifer grappled with the unsettling realisation that perhaps he hadn't known her as intimately as he had presumed.

~#~

It was lonely in the Garden of Eden. Adam didn’t know what loneliness was at the time, there was no humans at this point of time. Angels of all sorts came and went; his own Archangel had suspiciously been absent from the garden for twelve sun rises now.

Angels, beings of celestial grace, danced through the sky above, their movements a symphony of light and shadow. Yet, conspicuously absent was Adam's own Archangel, his guide and companion in this garden of splendour. Twelve sunrises had come and gone since the Archangel's departure, leaving Adam to ponder the significance of this absence.

Seated upon a verdant patch of grass, Adam's gaze fell upon a newcomer to the scene—a bird unlike any he had seen before. Its feathers shimmered with hues of azure and emerald, each one a masterpiece of colour and design. As the bird moved gracefully across the grass, its long, iridescent tail trailing behind like a cascade of verdant gems, Adam couldn't help but marvel at its beauty.

“Adam.” A sudden voice beckoned him over.

Adam's gaze ascended as three figures approached, his eyes, the shade of ripe apples, capturing the trio with a blend of intrigue and trepidation. Among them, the woman at the heart of the trio seized his focus effortlessly, her tresses a wild fusion of green and blue, framing a countenance of unearthly allure.

Clad in a form of ethereal elegance, her slender figure was accentuated by wings adorned with petals of white and blush pink, each feather bearing hypnotic eye-like motifs. An unsettling sensation gripped Adam as he stood, his feet fidgeting restlessly upon the earth. Though the root of his disquiet eluded him, it stirred within, casting a shadow upon his thoughts.

"Adam," Uriel's voice, typically authoritative, now carried an uncharacteristic tenderness that unsettled him further.

Her wings fluttered softly as she approached, a striking contrast to the solemn countenances of her companions. Adam inclined his head respectfully as she drew nearer, though his mind brimmed with unanswered inquiries.

Where was Lucifer? Wasn't he supposed to always be there for all new changes? The absence of his Archangel left Adam adrift, his path shrouded in uncertainty.

"Adam," Uriel's tone took on a firmer edge as she extended her hand, urging him to follow. “Come with me, it’s a command.”

With a parched mouth and a constricting throat, Adam hesitated briefly before tentatively clasping her hand in his own.

As they began to move away, Adam stole a fleeting glance over his shoulder, hoping against hope to catch a glimpse of his absent Angel. Yet, the garden remained as serene and still as ever, the only companion to his departure the enigmatic bird with its mesmerising tail of eye-feathers. With a heavy heart, Adam turned his gaze forward, his steps guided by the uncertain future that lay ahead.

“Gabriel, is everything prepared?” Uriel questioned.

The Archangel stood resplendent among his celestial brethren, his form a vision of elegance and grace. Tall and slender, his wings bore hues of pristine white and shimmering blue, each flutter casting forth a cascade of radiant sparkles reminiscent of starlight. As Uriel guided Adam closer, Gabriel's wings unfurled, their brilliance illuminating the surrounding space.

Adam's gaze lifted weakly to meet Gabriel's, finding solace in the Archangel's gentle smile. Among the celestial beings, Gabriel's kindness shone brightly, second only to Lucifer. Though lacking Lucifer's charm and infrequent in his garden visits, Gabriel's rare acknowledgments and smiles were a balm to Adam's soul. In the vast expanse of Eden, it was Gabriel who extended the warmth of recognition to him.

"Yup," Gabriel chimed in nonchalantly, his feathers ruffling absentmindedly. "Everything is prepared."

A flicker of discontent briefly shadowed Uriel's features at Gabriel's casual demeanour, yet she chose to remain silent. Instead, her piercing gaze fixed upon Adam, guiding him onward with deliberate care.

"Adam, fear not. You are on the verge of meeting your counterpart," she reassured him.

His counterpart? The concept puzzled Adam, leaving him grasping for understanding. Seeking clarity, he glanced skyward, hoping for God’s guidance, only to be met with a sudden flash of lightning streaking across the heavens. A shiver coursed through him, raising the hairs on his neck.

"Do not fret, Adam," Gabriel interjected, noticing the human's unease. "All unfolds as it should."

If Adam hadn't been bewildered before, he certainly was now. His apple-green eyes darted from Archangel to Archangel, desperately seeking an explanation for the unfolding events and the significance of the person he was meant to meet. Why was this encounter so pivotal?

"Raphael," Uriel's voice rang out firmly, her tone commanding attention. "Bring forth the woman."

Woman? What was a woman? Adam's head tilted in confusion, observing as the magnificent Archangel manifested in a swirl of red and white hues. Raphael approached with graceful strides; his velvety wings draped elegantly over his shoulders. At his side stood a figure taller than Adam himself, possessing a slender and lithesome form.

This person bore softer features akin to Uriel, distinct from Adam or the other Archangels. Clearly a woman, yet Adam struggled to comprehend her presence. Long golden locks veiled her frame modestly, leaving Adam perplexed. With regal poise, she walked, chin held high and arms at her sides.

"Adam, this is your counterpart," Raphael explained, his words swirling in Adam's mind like a dizzying vortex. "Together, you form a singular entity."

Uriel's firm hand on Adam's shoulder startled him, eliciting a flinch. "As you named all things in the Garden of Eden, so must you name her."

Adam blinked, his gaze rising to meet the woman's intense stare, a sensation unfamiliar and unsettling stirring within him. Later, he would recognize it as fear, as unease. Her icy-blue eyes held a shadowy depth he hadn't encountered before, prompting him to avert his gaze.

"My name is Lilith," the woman declared abruptly, cutting through the air with a surprising assertiveness that even the Archangels found startling.

"She speaks already?" Uriel exclaimed; her delight palpable. "Fascinating. That’s much faster growth then Adam."

Lilith's icy-blue gaze flickered in a manner that caught Adam off guard, a subtle shift that seemed almost akin to satisfaction. Her eyes lingered on him, as if searching for something, and when they settled upon him once more, they seemed to transform ever so slightly. Adam couldn't fathom what Lilith was doing, what she was seeking. Nothing seemed to make sense at that moment.

"Yes," Raphael interjected, his tone lighter than when addressing Adam. "Since Lilith's awakening, she has displayed remarkable growth and development. Truly impressive."

Uriel nodded in agreement. "Indeed. There is much to be done. We must return to the Heavens and allow Lilith and Adam time to acclimate to each other."

"She's staying?" Adam's gasp cut through the air suddenly.

His cheeks flushed crimson under the scrutiny of all present, the other Archangels casting disapproving glances his way as if displeased with his outburst.

"I-I mean..." Adam stammered, bowing his head once more. "I mean, L-Lilith is to remain?"

"Yes, Adam," Uriel's tone carried a sharp edge. "It is necessary for the inception of Humanity. Lilith will reside in the Garden of Eden with you from this moment forward. You are to care for her and fulfil her every need."

Adam's lips formed a small "o" as his eyes widened in response to the revelation. His hands fidgeted nervously before him.

"Oh," he murmured softly before gathering his courage to speak up again. "Um, when will Lucifer return?"

Raphael emitted a sound of disdain at the mention of the Archangel, prompting a shared glance between Uriel and Raphael. "Lucifer will not frequent the garden as he once did now that Lilith is here," Uriel explained.

Confusion knit Adam's brow. "But... Lucifer is my angel, isn't he?"

Gabriel's response carried a hint of amusem*nt as he clicked his tongue. "Yes, Adam, he remains your angel. However, his duties dictate that he will not be as present in the Garden of Eden as before."

"But—" Adam began, his protest cut short by Uriel's stern interruption, her voice tinged with weariness. "Adam, you have a wife to care for now. You cannot afford to be distracted by that troublemaker any longer. Your focus must be on Lilith."

Adam bit his lip, grappling with the perplexing directives. Why wasn't Lucifer allowed in the garden as frequently? And why was he suddenly responsible for Lilith, someone he hardly knew?

As he glanced at Lilith, he found her gaze fixed upon him, her expression inscrutable.

"Adam is my husband?" Lilith's inquiry pierced the air, her tone cold and calculating, as if unravelling a larger puzzle.

Uriel's eyes lit up at the question. "Indeed, Lilith. Adam is your husband, your counterpart."

"I understand," Lilith replied, her gaze returning to Adam, now bearing a darker intensity. "Adam is my husband."

"I-I don't want to be Lilith's husband," Adam stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper as he wilted under the intense gaze of the Archangels.

Gabriel spoke next, his tone retaining its gentle quality but with a hint of impatience creeping in. "In time, you will come to appreciate Lilith and grow to love her. You've only just met her."

"There is no alternative," Uriel interjected firmly. "Lilith is your wife, Adam. You do not have the authority to contest this. If anything, it is a command."

Adam gritted his teeth, his resolve faltering as he gave a small nod. He couldn't quite articulate the tumult of emotions swirling within him. There was something about Lilith that unnerved him, yet he couldn't articulate why. Her icy stare seemed to anchor him to the spot, rendering him powerless to resist.

"Now, we must return to the heavens," Uriel declared wearily, her gaze drifting skyward once more. "We shall return on the new moon."

With those words, the angels vanished, their majestic wings unfurling as they ascended into the heavens, leaving Adam alone in the Garden of Eden with Lilith.

"Adam?" Lilith's voice broke the silence, her touch on his shoulder causing him to startle.

Adam recoiled instinctively, his heart hammering in his chest as he realised how close Lilith was. "Do I frighten you?" she asked, confusion evident in her expression.

Adam stared at her, bewildered. "I don't understand."

"I see. There's much for you to learn," Lilith mused thoughtfully. "But I will teach you."

"Teach me?" Adam inquired; curiosity tinged with apprehension.

Lilith's lips curved into an enigmatic but dark smile as she nodded. Drawing closer, she gently intertwined her fingers with his, silently urging him to follow.

"Don't worry, Adam. You can trust me."

Indeed, for Adam, this moment marked the first of many painful mistakes to come.

~#~

As another two weeks slipped by intense silence between Adam and Lucifer, the Archangel found himself increasingly frustrated by the first human's reluctance to divulge any details about his encounter with Lilith. Once eager to share his troubles, Adam had become tight-lipped, leaving Lucifer grasping at shadows of information.

Lucifer missed the days when Adam would confide in him openly, sharing the burdens of his heart without hesitation. Now, faced with Adam's reticence, Lucifer felt a gnawing sense of frustration and unease. If Lilith had truly harmed Adam, manipulated him, committed unspeakable acts, Lucifer needed to know. He had to know.

Recalling his memories with Lilith, Lucifer couldn't reconcile the image of the woman he once knew with the possibility of darkness and malice lurking beneath her facade.

Indeed, Lucifer couldn't deny his awareness of the cunning ways darkness could cloak itself, masking its true essence behind a facade of charm and eloquence. Lilith had wielded this art of manipulation with finesse, skilfully concealing her genuine intentions beneath layers of guile. In the past, Lucifer had believed her actions were for the greater good of Hell, for the welfare of their people.

However, in light of recent events, Lucifer couldn't help but entertain the unsettling notion that Lilith may have harboured ulterior motives all along. Her true intentions remained shrouded in ambiguity, leaving Lucifer to grapple with the unsettling realisation that perhaps he had been deceived by her cunning facade.

Leaning against a tree with arms and legs crossed, Lucifer's gaze bore into Adam, his expression a mask of determination. His mind raced through the countless moments he and Lilith had shared, from the dawn of time in Eden to her abrupt departure without explanation. Nothing had ever been enough for her; she always hungered for more, speaking in cryptic riddles that concealed deeper meanings.

But Lucifer never imagined that darkness could dwell within her. If God had been watching Lilith from the beginning, then perhaps God was already aware of his betrayal long before Lucifer himself even committed it. The thought made him grimace, prompting a glance skyward as he pondered whether God was observing their interactions even now.

By Lucifer's foot lay the duck, affectionately dubbed Adam's duck after the moment it had taken a liking to the Archangel and refused to leave his side. Lucifer found himself oddly fond of the creature; he had always had a soft spot for ducks, a fact that may have contributed to his creation of rubber ducks in Hell. For a fleeting moment, an urge surged within him to indulge in his hobby, to craft rubber ducks from the nonexistent materials around him. But reality quickly settled in—he lacked the means to do so without his magic, and there was certainly no yellow rubber to be found in their wilderness.

Moreover, Lucifer hesitated to burden Adam with his whimsical desire to create rubber ducks. Adam was already shouldering much of the responsibility for their survival without modern technology or magic, imparting essential knowledge to Lucifer that the Archangel had never realised he needed.

Now, with thoughts of Lilith weighing heavily on his mind, Lucifer couldn't help but wonder if there had been a darker purpose behind her insistence on keeping him sidelined when they fell from Heaven. Perhaps she had deliberately hindered his ability to learn these basic survival skills, ensuring his dependence on her in times of crisis.

A sudden laugh from Adam broke Lucifer out of his reverie. Blinking, he raised his gaze to witness a leopard playfully knocking Adam over and settling atop him—an image that stirred memories of a time long ago, before Lilith's existence. Lucifer's lips twitched with familiarity as he recalled clandestinely observing Adam during his periods of Heaven-imposed seclusion, when his ambitions had clashed with Heaven's constraints.

He snorted softly at the memory of Uriel's judgmental gaze whenever he returned from these clandestine visits. His younger siblings may have sensed his escapades, but they were powerless to intervene.

With a proud strut, Lucifer sauntered towards their little camp, which Adam affectionately dubbed their "makeshift oasis." He smirked, feeling quite accomplished with his newfound hoofed elegance. Gone were the days of stumbling over every blade of grass or rogue root. Now, he trod with confidence, no longer reliant on his wings for balance.

A stubborn quack from the duck caught his attention, as it reluctantly followed. They hadn't even reached the bottom of the hill before the duck had a change of heart and waddled off towards the river. Lucifer shrugged, watching the duck's antics before refocusing on Adam. As he approached, he noticed Adam and the spotted cat lounging beside a basket of fruit, prompting a grumble from Lucifer.

"We should eat," he declared, looming over Adam.

The leopard obligingly rolled away, allowing Adam to sit up. It nestled beside him; its fluffy chest proudly displayed. The leopard began to purr constantly.

"I'm good, already eaten today," Adam remarked casually, running a hand through his unruly hair.

Lucifer's eye twitched. "No, you haven't."

"How would you know?" Adam retorted with a snort.

Glancing around their usual river haunt, Lucifer noted Adam's telltale signs of fibbing or dodging questions. He wondered if he could lure Adam away from this riverside routine.

"Because you're avoiding my gaze," Lucifer teased. "You always do that when you're trying to deflect or dodge a question."

Adam's mouth fell open in surprise, then quickly twisted into a pout. Despite his protestations, his eyes darted towards the riverbank, a clear giveaway.

"Nuh-uh, I don't do that," Adam countered weakly.

Humming in amusem*nt, Lucifer crouched before Adam, capturing his chin with two fingers and drawing him into eye contact. Leaning in close, he playfully breathed warm air over Adam's lips. Adam grimaced, trying to wriggle free from Lucifer's hold, his nose wrinkling in protest. He squirmed in discomfort.

"Tell me again, have you eaten today?" Lucifer's voice dripped with mischief, his lips curling into a tantalising smirk that hinted at untold secrets.

"Let go," Adam grunted, his grip on Lucifer's wrist tightening as he attempted to break free. "How are you still so strong? You've got no powers."

With a casual shrug, Lucifer leaned in, his smirk deepening into something wickedly tempting. His eyes, swirling with an otherworldly darkness, bore into Adam's as he whispered, "You're dodging again."

"I am not!" Adam hissed, baring his teeth in defiance.

"Adam," Lucifer's tone turned serious, a hint of concern lacing his words as he shook his head. "I've noticed you're barely eating. You take one bite and then hand it off to whichever big cat is nearby. Come on, you need sustenance, or you'll fall ill."

Adam blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected concern in Lucifer's words. His lips pressed together in a thoughtful pout, eyebrows furrowing in contemplation.

"I don't just take one bite."

"If you don't eat, I'll feed you," Lucifer threatened, pulling Adam closer and cradling the back of his head with a firm grip.

Adam growled, narrowing his eyes. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would!" Lucifer retorted, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he waggled his eyebrows playfully. "I'll even feed you like birds do, if you prefer?"

"Like birds do?" Adam repeated, confusion evident in his voice.

In that moment, the sound of nearby chirping reached their ears. They both turned to see a bird tending to her chicks by regurgitating food into their mouths. Adam's face drained of colour, eyes widening in horror.

"You wouldn't!" he protested, tugging at Lucifer's hand in futile resistance. "You absolutely wouldn't stoop to that!"

Lucifer chuckled darkly. "Why wouldn't I? Anything to ensure my little cherished human doesn't waste away."

"Firstly, I am not your 'little' anything," Adam retorted, a stubborn edge creeping into his tone. "Secondly, I ceased being your human centuries ago. And thirdly, let go already!"

"Adam, Adam, Adam," Lucifer chided, his fingers squeezing the human's chin with playful insistence. He deliberately caressed the back of Adam's head, relishing in the defiance burning in those emerald eyes. "You'll always be my favourite charge."

"Hah!" Adam bristled; his tone sharp. "You forfeited your guardian angel status the moment you chose Lilith over me!"

Lucifer's eyes flashed, torn between the urge to continue needling Adam and his desire to glean more information about Lilith's influence. He found himself staring into Adam's familiar green eyes, a nostalgic pang tugging at his heartstrings. Though Adam's golden angelic eyes had their allure, Lucifer couldn't help but prefer the verdant hue.

After a brief internal struggle, Lucifer came to a decision. "Alright. I'll release you if you agree to dine with me," he stated firmly, his tone devoid of its usual teasing edge.

Adam grumbled, relenting with reluctance. "Fine! Let go already!"

"Beside me," Lucifer tightened his grip, his expression serious. "Where I can ensure you eat properly."

Adam's eyes widened, realising his lack of options. He sucked in a sharp breath through his nose, shoulders tensing with frustration. Despite his glare and attempts to dig his nails into Lucifer's wrist, they barely left a mark on the blackened surface.

"Adam?" Lucifer prompted.

"Alright!" Adam conceded, his frustration evident. "Alright, fine! I'll eat with you!"

Lucifer's smirk widened triumphantly, revealing his sharp teeth in a victorious grin. For a fleeting moment, Adam thought he saw the fallen angel's eyes shimmer with a hint of sky blue before they reverted back to their usual demonic red and yellow.

"From now on," Lucifer added ominously.

"What?" Adam protested, his voice rising in disbelief. "That's not far! You can't just add more rules like this!"

"I believe I can. After all, I am the reigning King," Lucifer cooed teasingly.

Adam's eyebrows twitched in irritation, his struggles ceasing. He sagged defeatedly, nodding in resignation.

"Okay."

"Good boy," Lucifer winked, finally releasing his grip on Adam's chin. "And just so you know, I may not be your guardian angel anymore, but I'm your guardian devil now."

"That's f*cking cheesy," Adam grumbled, rubbing his chin in defeat.

"Cheesy or not, it's the truth," Lucifer teased, his smirk never fading.

Growling, Adam turned his back on the fallen angel, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. His gaze flickered to the purring leopard beside him, a pang of betrayal hitting him as the feline remained passive, a silent observer to the unfolding drama.

Lucifer hummed, his ebony claws deftly manoeuvring the leaf basket closer to himself. Settling down in front of Adam, he selected a ripe mango and extended it towards the human, a daring twinkle dancing in his eyes. He couldn't help but revel in satisfaction as Adam, sulking, reluctantly accepted the fruit. With a self-satisfied grin, Lucifer retrieved his own mango, his focus never wavering from the first human.

"Well?" he prodded.

Adam shuddered, his gaze dropping to the fruit in his hand, lips twisting into a reluctant grimace. "But I'm not hungry."

"Adam," Lucifer's patience wore thin, exhaustion creeping into his tone. "You have to eat. You've neglected your nourishment today, and I'm quite certain yesterday was no different."

"I know!" Adam snapped, his grip on the fruit tightening. "I know that. Okay? I'm aware I haven't been eating much, but I just don't have an appetite. I can't force myself to eat when I'm not hungry."

"Eat it, or I'll feed it to you," Lucifer hissed sharply.

With a resigned sigh, Adam relented, knowing full well the fallen angel would follow through on his threat. Slowly, he brought the mango to his lips and took a bite. Lucifer's gaze bore into him, silently demanding that he swallow the fruit. Only when Adam complied did Lucifer begin to nibble on his own mango, never once breaking eye contact with the human.

"You're insufferable," Adam grumbled, peering down at the half-eaten mango in his hand.

Lucifer shrugged nonchalantly. "You say that as if it's news to me. Say what you will, Adam, but deep down, you know I'm right."

"You always have to have the last word," Adam rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"I am the Sin of Pride," Lucifer snorted. "Being right is practically my birthright. Why would I relinquish that?"

Adam shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. I hoped losing your powers might humble you a bit."

"Wishful thinking," Lucifer chuckled. "Now, enough distractions. Focus on eating."

With another resigned sigh, Adam took another bite, shooting Lucifer a look that silently conveyed his displeasure.

A tense silence hung in the air as Lucifer polished off his first mango and delved into the second, while Adam struggled to finish his second mouthful. Lucifer's gaze narrowed, scrutinising the first human intently. Minutes ticked by, yet Adam had yet to swallow.

"Swallow it," Lucifer growled, his tone darkening with impatience.

Adam attempted to avert his face, perhaps to discreetly dispose of the fruit, but Lucifer seized him by the shoulder, jerking him back.

"Adam! Just eat already! For f*cks sake! You have to eat, right now!" Lucifer snapped, his patience wearing thin as his voice reverberated throughout the Garden of Eden. “It’s a f*cking order! I command you to eat these mangoes already!”

Adam's eyes widened in horror at the forcefulness of Lucifer's command. His face drained of colour, and then, as if possessed, he grabbed the basket of mangoes. With shoulders hunched and an almost manic urgency, he began to stuff his face with the fruit, one after another, until his cheeks bulged, and golden juice dribbled down his chin. Tears welled in Adam's eyes, his nose stinging as he forced more fruit into his mouth.

Lucifer watched in shock, his own eyes widening in disbelief. "Adam? What the hell are you doing?"

Lunging forward, the King of Hell grabbed Adam's wrists, desperately trying to stop him from injuring himself by smashing the mangos against his face.

"Stop!" he yelled. "What the f*ck are you thinking? You'll hurt yourself like this!"

But his words went unheeded. Adam persisted, attempting to cram even more fruit into his mouth. Lucifer recoiled, watching in horror until he heard muffled sounds emanating from Adam.

"What?" he gasped. "What the f*ck is happening?"

Scrambling to his knees, Lucifer thrust a clawed finger into Adam's mouth, extracting some of the mushy liquid. However, before he could react further, Adam moved to replace it with more mango, prompting Lucifer to seize his wrists once again.

"T-Take it back," Adam whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Please, take it back!"

"Take it back?" Lucifer echoed, confusion etching his features. "You mean the order? What? Okay, okay, I'll take it back! You don't have to eat any more mangos; you can stop now!"

Adam's eyes continued to well up with tears. "No. You need to say the word !"

"You can stop eating mangos now, that's an order !" Lucifer declared; his tone tinged with urgency. “I command you to stop now!”

With those words, Adam ceased his frantic consumption. He slumped, panting and wheezing, tears still streaming down his cheeks. Lowering his gaze to the garden floor, his nose twitched with emotion.

"Adam?" Lucifer swallowed hard, releasing his grip on Adam's wrists.

As Lucifer reached out a tentative hand to touch the mango-smeared face of the human, Adam suddenly sprang to his feet. He seemed to hesitate, as if on the verge of saying something, but then abruptly changed his mind.

Without another word, Adam spun around and bolted, leaving Lucifer on the ground, staring after him in bewilderment, wondering what the f*ck had just transpired.

Lucifer remained motionless, his wide eyes fixed in a stunned gaze. Slowly, his brow furrowed in confusion as he co*cked his head, meeting the leopard's disdainful stare. With delicate grace, Lucifer rose to his hooved feet, his attention shifting between the scattered mess of crushed mangoes and the direction Adam had fled.

"sh*t," he murmured under his breath, running a clawed hand through his blonde hair.

The leopard began to devour the mess, and Lucifer watched in silence for several tense minutes before turning on his heel and striding purposefully in the direction Adam had taken. Starting slowly at first, his pace quickened until he was running.

He found Adam curled up under a familiar tree, a lone figure in the quiet of Eden.

Lucifer came to a halt, standing still as he observed the huddled human. His mind raced, chasing elusive thoughts that slipped through his grasp like elusive phantoms. A voice in the back of his mind whispered that he already knew the truth, but he couldn't bring himself to accept it. It couldn't be true, but he had witnessed it with his own eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Lucifer approached Adam with caution, settling down beside him. Neither of them spoke for what felt like an eternity, Lucifer simply gazing up at the sky as the sun drifted lazily across its expanse.

Adam was curled up tightly, his form appearing smaller than usual. His shoulders shook, and Lucifer couldn't discern whether he was crying or not.

"Adam..." he spoke softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Please...tell me that wasn't what I think it was..."

Adam remained silent, curling up even tighter against the roots of the tree.

Lucifer rubbed his face with both hands, frustration and disbelief etched across his features. "f*cking hell."

The silence stretched on, thick with tension that seemed to coil around them like a suffocating embrace.

"All this time?" Lucifer's words slipped out bitterly, tinged with pain. "Why didn't you say anything? Why keep it hidden from me?"

Adam hissed through clenched teeth; his frustration palpable. "Because you were the last person I wanted to know!"

"Why the f*ck not?" Lucifer's anger flared, his voice rising with indignation. "Adam! You should have damn well told me! You should have said something back then!"

At last, Adam's head snapped up, his glare so intense that Lucifer felt a pang of fear that Adam might truly hate him again.

"Screw you! Like I could tell you! You were never there when I needed you! You abandoned me, remember!"

Lucifer's mouth opened, but no words came out. Because deep down, he knew Adam was right. He ran a hand over his face in frustration, the weight of his own shortcomings heavy on his shoulders.

"But the apple... It was supposed to grant you free will. It was supposed to set you free from all of it," Lucifer murmured, his voice heavy with confusion and regret.

Adam remained silent.

"Adam?" Lucifer's voice wavered with panic as he reached out, placing a firm hand on the brunette's shoulder. He flinched when Adam tried to pull away, his heart sinking with each rejection. "Adam, you're supposed to have free will! You're supposed to make your own choices! What the hell happened?"

Shuddering anxiously, Adam pressed his lips into a firm line, his thoughts racing as he struggled to find the right words. Finally, he turned to face Lucifer fully.

"...I never ate the apple, Lucifer."

"Then why did God cast you out of Eden?" Lucifer demanded, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

"To protect Eve," Adam mumbled quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He bit his bottom lip, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Eve wouldn't have survived alone outside. So...God told me I had to leave, to ensure she didn't die, but also to ensure the birth of humanity. He said it was all for a purpose."

The look in Lucifer's eyes deepened, a dangerous glint flickering within them as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what Adam was revealing. "All this time, outside Eden, in Heaven, even now... you were still bound by the word of God?"

At first, Adam hesitated to respond, but eventually, he nodded pitifully. Tears welled in his eyes, cascading down his cheeks as he attempted to pull away to conceal his emotions, but Lucifer refused to let him retreat.

"The Angels? Sera?" Lucifer's voice dripped with anger.

Adam nodded again. "Sera knew. Of course she knew."

"And did she wield the word of God against you?" Lucifer's sneer was laced with disdain. "She did, didn't she? Sera used it against you, I know she did."

Adam rubbed his face with both hands, the weight of his revelation heavy on his shoulders. Regaining composure felt like an impossible task as he grappled with the reality of his situation.

"It's not as bad as it sounds. Until now, only Sera had used the word of God to command me..."

"How is that even remotely acceptable?" Lucifer's voice rose with indignation. "Nobody should wield the word of God to control you! Nobody should have that kind of power over you, Adam! You can't just be okay with this!"

"Of course I'm not okay with it," Adam muttered quietly, drawing his knees closer to his chest. "But I was powerless. I was in Heaven. Sera told me it was God's will, that he wanted me under his word, or else he would have freed me already. She also said the Garden of Eden was gone."

Lucifer recoiled slightly, his anger reaching a boiling point. He couldn't risk hurting Adam in his fury. Avoiding Adam's gaze, he let out a derisive scoff. "Of course she would say that. So, she could maintain complete control over you."

“Sera never used the word of God to hurt me. She only used it when it was required.” Adam said quietly.

"Dammit!" Lucifer exploded. "Adam, have you ever had a choice? Or has it always been Sera or some other bullsh*t angel pulling your strings with God's word?"

Adam blinked, a hollow sound escaping his throat. "Um, kind of."

"Kind of?" Lucifer spat. "That's not an answer! And what about the Extermination Day? You were in charge, weren't you?"

His voice dripped with venom. "Was that your choice, or did Sera shove it down your throat with God's command?"

Adam's response was a grunt of frustration. "Why does it matter? Sera said it all had a purpose. That it was necessary. It was what was required ."

“…and it wasn’t like I was in charge right off the bat, Ada added quietly. “I had to train and work my way up.”

Lucifer glared, “Did you join willingly?”

“Guess f*cking not then,” he sneered.

He groaned, running his hands over his face once more. The anger boiled within him, manifesting in muttered curses in a language foreign to Adam's ears. It definitely didn’t belong to the human language book.

Adam swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat, a bitter realisation settling in. From this point forward, everything would change irreversibly. Whether that change heralded hope or despair remained shrouded in uncertainty.

~#~

Adam was asleep.

Adam lay peacefully in slumber, his rhythmic breathing a soft melody in the quiet of the forest. Lucifer, ever cautious, ensured that he was truly lost in dreams before approaching. With delicate precision, he lowered himself beside the sleeping human, trailing the gentle touch of his claws along Adam's neck, shoulders, and down to his hip.

A tender smile graced his lips as Adam shifted in his sleep, instinctively seeking comfort in the embrace of the earth beneath him. Together, they had gathered the mullein leaves that now cradled Adam, each leaf a testament to the teachings Adam shared about the bounty of the natural world.

A soft growl interrupted Lucifer's reverie, drawing his attention to the leopard perched atop a nearby rock, observing him with an uncanny understanding. It had become a familiar sight, the leopard's silent vigil, almost as if it could read Lucifer's thoughts. Sometimes, it seemed the leopard deliberately positioned itself between them.

"Stay here, now," Lucifer commanded, his gaze locked with the leopard's unwavering stare. But the feline remained unmoved, meeting his gaze with a defiance that matched Lucifer's own.

"You have to stay with Adam," he said firmly, rising to his feet, and smoothing his hands down his hips. "Don’t follow me, or I’ll transform you into a pair of stylish boots."

The leopard emitted a dismissive sound, seemingly unconvinced by Lucifer's threat. Its continued scrutiny sent a shiver down the fallen angel's spine, as if the creature was silently passing judgement upon him.

"If only I could undo your creation," Lucifer muttered under his breath, irritated by the leopard's apparent amusem*nt at his words. "Oh, f*ck off. I don’t know why that asshole created you just to one up me. f*ckery f*cker."

As Lucifer rose to his full height, his fiery eyes narrowed into a sharp glare as the leopard gracefully descended from its perch. Its tail swished behind it as it sauntered past Lucifer, settling beside Adam with an audibly contented purr.

Rolling his eyes at the smugness of the feline, Lucifer straightened his posture and turned his gaze towards the nearby lake. The sky, once a canvas of clarity, now held a hint of cloudiness that irked him. Perhaps, he mused, God was observing, intrigued by the actions of his favourite angel.

Lucifer deftly wrapped the fruit collector tool, a creation fashioned out of fabric, sticks and bamboo, around himself. With meticulous care, he ensured that it was firmly secured before embarking on his journey. The bamboo frame, now an essential part of his attire, promised efficiency in his task ahead.

With a final glance towards the slumbering human, Lucifer made his decision and began to walk away. He followed the familiar path, tracing the course of the river northward where he knew the Tree of Knowledge, the embodiment of light and darkness, awaited.

It was time for him to do what he does best.

The Garden of Eden lay eerily silent as Lucifer threaded through its depths. His keen eyes swept the stillness, noting the absence of the usual bustling life—the scampering animals, darting insects, and soaring birds were conspicuously absent.

With a furrowed brow, he clenched his fists, feeling the prick of his sharp claws against his palms, and traced his goat hooves through the soft sand until he reached the river's edge.

As the water lapped gently at his ankles, he followed the path leading to a circular island of lush grass. Lucifer's expression darkened, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip as he lifted his demonic gaze to witness the emergence of the tree before him.

Towering and formidable, its thick trunks twisted like serpents intertwining, while its roots extended into the depths of the lake. Above, leaves painted in hues of green, blue, and yellow swayed in the breeze, and the golden apples shimmered like precious gems, casting a tantalising glow.

"It seems bigger than before," he murmured to himself, his voice barely a whisper against the silence of the garden.

The presence of the Cherubim lingered, unseen, a silent guardian that Lucifer knew to be ever vigilant. Though invisible to his eyes, he acknowledged its watchful gaze. With a calculated approach, he veered from his usual path, opting to ascend gradually alongside the shallow river, keeping a wary eye on the tree as he passed.

His gaze darted sideways, assessing the tree's golden bounty, noting the strategic arrangement of the apples. Mentally mapping out the lowest hanging fruits that protrude outward, Lucifer plotted his course. Without his celestial wings and powers, the possibility of gaining an apple seemed hauntingly impossible for Lucifer. Even with his wings, it would have posed an impossible challenge, but nothing ever stopped him before. He had a catalogue of victories behind him, each meticulously arranged in his memory, this would merely be another triumph to add.

Tightening his grip on the fruit collector, Lucifer steeled himself for the challenge ahead. Though he had never personally wielded the tool, he had watched Adam enough times to have an idea on how to use it.

Picking up speed, almost breaking into a run, Lucifer pressed on past the towering tree. Its size proved more daunting than he anticipated, leaving him breathless by the time he reached its end. This sensation of exertion was new to him—an unfamiliar reminder of his human-like form. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself and turned his attention to the tree's backside.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Lucifer shrugged off the fruit collector from his shoulder and carefully unravelled the rope made from Adam's old robes. With determination in his eyes, he began to swing the rope, the thick wooden end whistling through the air.

Lucifer adjusted his stance and arched his back, hurling the makeshift tool towards a hanging branch on the tree's backside. However, his aim fell short, and the wood plunged into the water, revealing the river's depth.

Undeterred, Lucifer swiftly reeled the stick back in and prepared for another attempt. His hand twisted, swinging the rope once more, the wooden end whistling past his ear in a perfect circle. His blonde hair fluttered as Lucifer projected the wood out again, his fingers sliding along the fabric rope as the wood continued to fly across the river. Lucifer flinched as it hit the trunk and fell back into the river.

Lucifer's heart skipped a beat as the stick hit the trunk and fell back into the water, his brows furrowing as he scanned for any sign of the Cherubim. When the celestial guardian failed to materialise, he resumed reeling in the rope with a practised motion, as if handling a fishing pole.

After another failure, Lucifer attempted to add momentum by running and throwing the stick once more. Yet, despite his efforts, it fell short once again. With each miss, frustration etched deeper lines into his face, his eyes narrowing despite the growing sourness in his expression.

“For f*ck’s sake.” He hissed after missing once again. “This shouldn’t be so f*cking hard.”

For a good ten minutes, Lucifer stood motionless, his gaze fixed upon the tree, as if willing it to burst into flames from the intensity of his stare alone. When it remained stubbornly unyielding, he grumbled and cursed his loss of power.

His red and yellow eyes narrowed as he stared up at the golden apples, his lips twitching with frustration. It had been so effortless last time. The Tree of Knowledge had been but a stick, adorned with a single golden apple. Lucifer had simply plucked it without hesitation, without any celestial guardian to thwart him, without the obstacle of surrounding water. There had been no need for elaborate schemes or dangerous manoeuvres to reach the tree safely.

Reflecting on the past, Lucifer recalled the moment when both Lilith and Eve had bitten into the same apple. He couldn't help but feel a pang of foolishness at his assumption that Eve could accomplish what he, Adam's guardian angel, had failed to do. If he couldn't persuade Adam to take the bite, why the f*ck would Eve have been any different? It was a realisation that left him questioning his own actions and assumptions from that fateful moment in the garden.

Of course, Adam had not eaten the apple. Of course, Adam, God's flawless creation, remained steadfastly obedient to the divine command. These thoughts gnawed at Lucifer's mind, a bitter reminder of his own failure to comprehend the situation and his misplaced trust in Eve.

It had stung, more deeply than anyone could fathom. Lucifer understood that others underestimated the bond he shared with Adam. As the first human, Adam held a special place in his heart, entrusted to Lucifer's care from the very beginning. He had nurtured Adam, guiding him through every step of his existence, their friendship extending far beyond what any story in Hell could portray. Regret weighed heavily upon him for not telling Lilith about their friendship and in hindsight he should have, maybe Lilith could have helped him confidence Adam to bite the apple. To come to Hell with them instead.

But Lilith had hurt Adam, a fact unknown to Lucifer until now. He ran a hand over his face, grappling with the implications. If Lilith could harm Adam in Eden, she could surely inflict further pain upon him in Hell.

With resolve hardening within him, Lucifer narrowed his eyes and fixed his gaze upon the tree once more. Clenching his teeth, he resumed swinging the rope, driven by the need to obtain an apple. He had to free Adam from the shackles of God's command, to grant him the freedom to make his own choices.

The stick sliced through the air once more, and to Lucifer's disbelief, it hooked onto the branch, yanking the fabric rope firmly around the branch. He blinked in astonishment, rubbing his eyes to confirm what he saw. After what felt like an eternity, he had finally succeeded.

Gently, he pulled on the celestial rope, ensuring its firmness. His eyes widened in satisfaction as he confirmed its stability. With a slight shuffle backward, Lucifer anchored the rope firmly into the ground using a bamboo end, keeping it taut and secure.

"I miss my wings," he muttered, stepping closer to the rope, and grasping it firmly with both hands. He pulled once more, assessing its stability with a furrowed brow. "I never used to deal with this messed up stuff. Just a flick of my wings and off I'd go. A little leap and I'm soaring."

Lucifer grumbled to himself; his frustration evident as he swung a leg over the rope. With a sudden motion, he hooked himself onto it upside down, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Look at me now. Pathetic," he lamented, his body tensing as he hung inverted. "Once an Archangel, then the King of Hell. Never had to soil my hands like this.”

He slowly ascended the rope, muscles tensing as he shimmered his knees and ankles, relying on his wrists to haul himself upward. It was a painstaking process, and Lucifer half-expected to be knocked out of the sky at any moment. Midway up, he paused, his head tilting back to gaze up at the tree, a shiver coursing through him, though no Cherubim appeared.

Shaking off the chill, Lucifer pressed on, finally reaching the top. Initially apprehensive about unhooking his legs, he cautiously stepped onto one of the sturdy branches of the tree of knowledge. Yet, as he did, a sudden surge of electricity nearly sent him tumbling.

The atmosphere was distinctly different here, unlike the stick tree below. A strange energy pulsed through the bark, tingling beneath his goat hooves, sending prickles across his skin, and leaving his mouth dry.

"That's new," he muttered, examining his claws and the bristling hairs on his arms. "Never felt this before."

The tree of Knowledge had certainly undergone a transformation. Lucifer sniffed, though he didn't possess a nose, feeling a strange sensation as if his non-existent nose was dripping with cold. Brushing his hands down his trousers, his eyes scanned the dense foliage around him, heart pounding with anticipation. Then, with a gasp, he spotted it – a golden apple, gleaming amidst the leaves.

A smirk stretched across his lips as he approached the apple, its brilliance reminiscent of twinkling diamonds, seemingly beckoning to him with a familiar allure. The tree's thick branches formed a labyrinth of bridges and beams, and Lucifer carefully edged towards the apple, teetering on the edge of his hooves. With a deft motion, his claws reached out and plucked the golden fruit effortlessly from its perch.

Examining the apple in his grasp, Lucifer noted its size, slightly larger than the first one he had offered to Lilith and Eve. It gave him pause.

"Hm," he murmured, a golden eyebrow arching as his smirk twisted into a perplexed frown. "Too easy... There's no way."

Suddenly, a disturbance sliced through the air, initially ignorable but escalating in intensity until it demanded his attention. A chill gripped Lucifer's stomach, an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his veins, causing his golden locks to flutter behind him.

Tenderly tilting his head, Lucifer glanced behind him, his complexion draining of colour as a bead of sweat traced down his cheek. A cacophony of screams—a human cry, a lion's roar, and a hawk's screech—merged into one, sending a powerful jolt through his body.

With an elegant descent, the Cherubim descended from the heavens, its formidable form adorned with feathers that shimmered like polished steel up close. Lucifer's eyes widened as he beheld the creature's three faces, each with milky white eyes locking onto his with an unwavering gaze.

In his shock, Lucifer's hooves slid, one foot slipping off the edge of the branch. He glanced downward, a bitter reminder of his lack of wings. Struggling to regain his balance, his heart pounded in his chest as the Cherubim's wings unfurled, emitting sparks of divine light that intensified with each passing moment.

A sound unlike any Lucifer had heard before reverberated through his head, threatening to send him tumbling down the tree trunk. Yet, with sheer willpower, he managed to steady himself, lunging forward and gripping the bark with his free clawed hand, hauling himself back to the safety of the rope.

As the colossus prepared to unleash its divine fury, Lucifer watched with wide eyes, the celestial energy gathering at its core. Then, with a deafening roar, a searing beam of celestial fire erupted from the Cherubim's being, aimed directly at him.

With a thunderous roar, flames engulfed the space around Lucifer, devouring the delicate leaves. Shielding his face, he sprinted forward, leaping from the burning tree. White flames danced around him, causing his eyes to ache as he clung desperately to the fabric rope, the burning sensation searing through his claw.

Crashing onto the bank across from the tree, Lucifer rolled over, his shoulders ablaze with agony. Landing on his stomach, he winced as his chin smacked against the ground. Groaning in pain, he squeezed his eyes shut, the torment rippling through his weakened body.

Opening one eye cautiously, Lucifer winced, but both widened in astonishment as he realised the golden apple was still firmly gripped in his hand. A triumphant grin stretched across his lips, sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.

"Ha! I still f*cking got it!" he exclaimed, scrambling to his unsteady hooves. His laughter echoed through the air as he spun around, throwing his injured hand out with a defiant leer. "Take that! I'm the f*cking King of Hell! Nothing can stop me!"

His victory was short-lived as another stream of flames from God's throne streaked toward him. With a startled scream, Lucifer barely dodged out of the way, crouching low as the heavenly fire consumed part of Eden. Lucifer swore he heard Eden itself scream. He peered over his shoulder at the smouldering crater in awe and shook his head.

Ignoring the searing pain in his goat leg, Lucifer climbed to his hooves, his face contorted in agony as he limped forward, dragging himself along. His eyes flickered up to the Cherubim, expecting another attack, but to his surprise, the burning angel had turned its attention to the charred remains of the tree of Knowledge.

Curiously, the Cherubim paid him no heed as he hastened, albeit awkwardly, back down the riverbank. Clutching the apple tightly between his charred claws, Lucifer eyed the towering angel with apprehension, waiting for any sign of further aggression.

Yet, the Cherubim remained impassive, its attention focused solely on the task of tending to the burning tree. Lucifer watched warily, but as minutes passed without incident, he realised the heavenly creature had no further intention of confronting him. With a mixture of relief and caution, he continued on his way, his mind racing with the implications of his encounter.

“I always f*cking win…”

~#~

Balancing the golden apple in his soot-stained claws, Lucifer's gaze lifted to the sky, now a clear blue expanse. It seemed as though God was once again peering down, assessing his every move. But what more could He take? Stripped of his Heavenly duties and all else, there was little left to lose.

Turning his attention back to the apple, Lucifer paused at the hill's peak, overlooking the makeshift camp below by the lake. The memory of the leopard down there irked him, imagining its disdainful gaze upon his return.

The apple emitted an unusual warmth, pulsating in his hands with a strange energy. Lighter and fuzzier than before, it sent a shiver down his spine, reminiscent of the first time he'd plucked the fruit. Knowledge coursed through it, undeniable.

Across the hill, Adam moved about, accompanied by the leopard. Lucifer's narrowed eyes caught every interaction, especially the suggestive brush of the leopard's tail against Adam's hips.

Lucifer's growl reverberated through the air, teeth grinding as the apple unexpectedly squirted juice. Startled, he instinctively shut his left eye, inspecting the now-pierced fruit. With a groan, he gingerly extracted his sharp claws, shifting the apple to his right hand. Wiping away the juice on his hip, he hastily concealed the apple within his discarded, less-than-white top hat and jacket, veiling it from sight.

"For f*ck’s sake," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Jealous of a mere jungle cat."

Remaining crouched, Lucifer turned his gaze back to Adam. The first human appeared joyful, his apple-green eyes sparkling with a light not seen since ancient times, before Lilith, before the apple, before the word of God. Lucifer found himself mesmerised, unable to tear his gaze away as Adam laughed and frolicked with the leopard. There was a familiarity in Adam's movements, reminiscent of a distant past, dancing delicately on tiptoes as if in a timeless ballet.

Adam leaped, twirling gracefully on the balls of his feet, a soft laughter escaping his lips that made Lucifer's throat tighten. The leopard bounced playfully, joining Adam in a dance of sorts. Then, in a sudden moment of affection, the leopard leaped into Adam's arms, bringing him down to the garden floor. Cheek to cheek, they nuzzled, the leopard purring contentedly.

A soft, tender smile tugged at Lucifer's lips. Despite his disdain for the leopard, witnessing Adam's carefree happiness, so reminiscent of the innocent human he once knew, stirred a flurry of butterflies in his stomach.

A dark shadow enveloped Lucifer as he frowned deeply, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed his surroundings. His head hung low, a glare fixed on the ground below. Clenched claws intensified the burning in his palms as regret gnawed at him.

The memory of the sweet, innocent human he was tasked to nurture, guide, and protect weighed heavily on him. Adam, unfairly bound by the word of God, remained trapped, and Lucifer had failed to intervene. The revelation pierced him like a dagger. He hadn't even realised Adam was still ensnared by divine decree.

Lilith, too, had been ensnared by God's word, eager to defy it by biting the apple. Lucifer's frown deepened, his breath hissing through clenched teeth. The only time he had entertained the notion of Adam's continued bondage was in conversation with Lilith, following Eve's fateful act. Yet, she had assured him that Adam had eaten the apple as well.

How much had his former wife truly understood?

With a heavy sigh, Lucifer's shoulders slumped, his hand running anxiously through his blonde locks. As doubts crept in, he traced his clawed hand down his face, realising that perhaps he didn't know Lilith as well as he had thought and that crushed him.

Standing tall, Lucifer prepared to descend the hill, but agony shot through his goat leg with a ferocity that left him paralyzed. A guttural yelp escaped his throat, eyes bulging in pain as he collapsed to the ground. His outstretched arms failed to catch him, and he landed hard on his stomach, arms flung forward in a futile attempt to break his fall.

"Why in hell does it f*cking hurt so much?" he spat through gritted teeth, struggling to sit up. Lucifer's gaze bore into his throbbing leg, bewildered by the intensity of the pain. "I've endured far worse than this sh*t."

Pathetically, he used his hands to drag himself to the nearest tree, attempting to rise once more. But as he bent his leg, the pain surged, threatening to tear him apart. Whimpering, he squeezed his eyes shut, head dropping until his chin met his chest.

Breathing raggedly through clenched teeth, Lucifer's eyes welled with tears. With trembling hands, he reached toward his searing leg, but the mere touch of his claws sent him reeling in agony, a scream threatening to escape his lips.

"Are you okay?"

Adam's gentle voice pierced through Lucifer's pain, causing him to tense at being discovered in such a vulnerable state. He nearly sprang to his hooves, but the excruciating agony kept him grounded.

"Holy sh*t!" Adam exclaimed, crouching down beside him, concern evident in his wide green eyes as he inspected Lucifer's injured leg. "What the f*ck happened?"

"I fell," Lucifer gritted out between clenched teeth, his pride stinging.

Adam snorted, raising an eyebrow sceptically. "You fell?"

Over Adam's shoulder, Lucifer caught sight of the leopard, its gaze once again filled with judgement. Never before had he wished to blast something so badly.

"Yup," Lucifer managed, swallowing hard. "I fell really badly."

Adam opened his mouth to respond but then closed it, sighing deeply and rolling his eyes. He edged closer, peering down at the leg and grimacing at the gruesome sight. The rubbery leather of Lucifer's boot seemed to have melded into the flesh, obscuring any trace of blood. The centre of the leg appeared sunken, as though a hole had formed, and the boot was melting into it. Steam even rose from the sinkhole, adding to the surreal scene.

"We need to clean it," Adam said firmly.

Lucifer's eyes widened as he shot upright. "Wait, what? Clean it?"

"Yes. It's necessary," Adam explained calmly, his voice soothing. "We have to sterilise it quickly. Who knows what damage the leather of your boot could cause."

Lucifer's gaze snapped to his injured boot, lips twitching as his clawed hands gripped the ground. "How?"

"We should move to the lake," Adam replied. "Do you think you can walk?"

"The lake?" Lucifer repeated, voice strained. He glanced towards the water, his pride refusing to admit weakness. With a nod, he asserted, "Of course. Who do you take me for?"

Adam didn't respond, giving Lucifer space. Hesitant at first, the fallen angel stayed put, avoiding Adam's gaze until he attempted to stand. Agony ripped through his leg, and another scream tore from his throat.

"Hey!" Adam gasped, arms reaching out to steady Lucifer. "You can't walk."

"I can," Lucifer insisted, pride overriding the pain. "I just... I just need to..."

Rolling his eyes, Adam crouched down. "Climb onto my back. I'll carry you."

"You'll carry me?" Lucifer raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Just let me help you," Adam grumbled. "You can't walk."

Lucifer wanted to protest further, but his pride battled with the reality of his situation. Glancing towards the lake, he sighed bitterly. There was no way he could make it on his own. Numbness crept into his leg. Finally, he nodded reluctantly and shuffled forward, wincing with each movement.

Lucifer pressed himself against Adam's back, trying to ignore the warmth emanating from the human. He wrapped his blackened, clawed arms around Adam's shoulders, noting the solidity of the man's frame. Another hiss of pain escaped his lips as Adam stood, supporting him by the thighs.

"Sorry," Adam mumbled quietly.

"It's not that bad," Lucifer muttered with pride, his gaze flickering to the irritating leopard once more, glaring at it. He swore the cat rolled its eyes at him.

Adam moved swiftly but carefully, as if he'd done this a million times before. Lucifer couldn't help but wonder how many times Adam had to carry injured children or grandchildren to the water for treatment.

Leaning his face against Adam's shoulder, Lucifer inhaled deeply. The pain was unbearable, unlike anything he'd ever felt.

"Hold on," Adam said, finally reaching the riverbank and kneeling beside the water.

Lucifer immediately untangled himself, his cheeks burning bitterly. His wounded pride refused to yield.

"Um," Adam's gentle green eyes scanned Lucifer's injured leg. "We need to remove the boot."

"No!" Lucifer hissed.

Adam jumped, taken aback. "How else can I assess the wound?"

"I don't know," Lucifer admitted sharply, his glare shifting to the lake. "But I'm not taking it off."

"You have to," Adam insisted, moving closer. "I can't treat it properly otherwise."

Slowly shaking his head, Lucifer stubbornly refused. "Then I'll deal with it. It's not that bad."

"You couldn't even walk," Adam retorted, his tone surprisingly calm. "If we don't tend to it now, you might lose the leg."

"...we don't know that," Lucifer mumbled, shoulders sagging.

Adam sighed wearily, placing a hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "You have no powers here. We don't know how long we'll be in Eden, and there's no instant healing or regeneration. You're experiencing real human pain, and it's unfiltered. The pain will only get worse."

Lucifer found himself staring into Adam's eyes, noticing their beauty up close. "Worse?"

Adam nodded solemnly. "Much worse. Will you let me help?"

Swallowing his pride, Lucifer nodded sullenly, and Adam sighed in relief.

Immediately, Lucifer averted his gaze as Adam reached for the boot zipper. His entire body tensed, hairs standing on end as he heard the zipper's familiar sound. Despite the agony of his wound, the snugness of the boot around his leg provided some small relief from a discomfort that had plagued him far longer.

Adam carefully pinched the heel of Lucifer's hoof and peeled the boot off with gentle precision. As soon as the boot was removed, Lucifer felt his hoof relax despite the pain.

"Okay," Adam said, breaking the silence.

Lucifer immediately snapped his accusatory gaze back to Adam's face, searching for something.

"Okay," Adam repeated quietly to himself. "It's like you've lost a chunk of flesh right here. Are you sure you fell?"

Lucifer remained silent, his stare still piercing Adam's face, only looking away when their eyes met again.

"Yup," he grunted, his pride still simmering.

"Alright," Adam muttered, shaking his head, and setting the boot aside. "It doesn't look that bad."

"Are you just saying that?" Lucifer asked suspiciously.

Adam shrugged. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. You'll never know."

Lucifer snorted in amusem*nt, but the momentary levity vanished when a wave of pain washed over him.

Adam hummed quietly. "I need to wash the wound now."

"In the lake?" Lucifer questioned, eyebrows knitting together.

"Well, ideally yeah. Eden has the cleanest water; it's practically ideal for reducing the risk of infections and bacteria. Normally, I'd probably have to boil the water first. I guess we're lucky," Adam mumbled softly, scrunching up his nose. The scent of burnt flesh hung heavy in the air.

Lucifer noticed Adam's attempt to conceal his nerves and felt the urge to comfort him. His clawed hand started to raise, but even a slight shift caused his leg to erupt in pain once more.

"f*ck!"

"Stop moving so much," Adam scolded, turning towards the lake. His hands remained steady, not a tremble in sight as he shuffled on his knees towards the water. "Um, this will hurt. A lot."

"I'm not a baby," Lucifer retorted, rolling his eyes, though his anxious twitch betrayed him. His pride kept him from showing too much pain, despite the overwhelming desire to scream and cry.

"I can take it," he added weakly.

Adam's lips twitched as he carefully helped Lucifer into the water. The moment it washed over Lucifer's exposed goat leg, he made a sound Adam had never heard before.

Adam flinched, hands tightening around the King of Hell at the unexpected scream.

"I'm good!" Lucifer said sharply through clenched teeth. "It actually feels good."

Shaking his head, Adam looked at the wound again. The water of Eden tenderly washed around it, thankfully doing its job.

"So," Lucifer growled, "Do you need to gather Plantain leaves again?"

"Yes," Adam nodded, tearing his gaze away from Lucifer's injury. "In fact, I might go see if I can find some Aloe Vera leaves and comfrey leaves too."

Lucifer co*cked his head in curiosity. "And those are?"

"Leaves," Adam teased as he stood up. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

Lucifer bit his bottom lip, restraining the urge to plead for Adam to stay. Instead, he focused on the nasty wound, grimacing at its white-tinted edges from the flames of God's throne.

"Don't be long," he whispered instead.

Adam lightly patted his shoulder. "Try not to move too much."

With that, the first human disappeared into the forest of Eden. Lucifer stared after him, his long eyelashes twitching as he sighed, his head lolling to the side. He cursed his luck, attention returning to the wound in his leg. Gently, he touched it, growling loudly from the flare of acid-hot pain. Despite Adam's tender cleaning with the divine water of Eden, it still burned fiercely.

Yet, another sneer escaped him for a completely different reason. The leopard sat across from him, golden eyes staring through the fallen angel.

"What do you want?" Lucifer leered. "f*ck off. Go on, go do something else."

The leopard emitted a noise that sounded eerily like laughter. Lucifer's whole body tensed, glaring even harsher than before.

"If I'm ever allowed on Earth again, the first thing I'm going to do is get rid of all leopards," he whispered fiercely, eyes glinting with determination. "That includes you. It might seem like an uphill battle, but believe me, I'll make it happen."

A low rumble echoed from the leopard as it lounged before Lucifer. Extending its front legs and swishing its tail, the leopard appeared almost smug. Lucifer's irritation grew as the leopard completed a playful somersault.

"You're the worst," he grumbled defiantly. “I hate you.”

With a slump of his shoulders, Lucifer's attention returned to his injured goat leg. The wound looked revolting; he couldn't deny it. Glancing around anxiously, as if wary of prying eyes, he gingerly lifted his hoof. A soft sigh of relief escaped him as the water trickled over his bare hoof, liberated from the confines of the boot.

Eyeing his other boot, he gnawed on his lower lip. His claws reached for the zipper but fell short. Lucifer turned away, shutting his eyes tightly in an attempt to banish the image of his goat hoof from his mind.

As he let his mind wander, it reluctantly drifted back to a time fraught with nightmares. The skin, so soft and delicate, pale as snow, seemed to sparkle like a myriad of stars beneath its surface.

How effortless it had been to walk then, How effortless it had been to touch.

It seemed moulded from stardust itself, with the softest hues of pink and red, glimmering specks of stardust shimmering in the night. Strolling through Eden, feeling the warmth and softness of the grass beneath his toes. Fingertips creating gentle ripples across the surface of the lakes. Dancing gracefully, never stumbling, never losing balance. Spinning and twirling, the flawless, perfect pale flesh.

Until a crack and a thunderous flash shattered the peace. The skies erupted with roars of anger, lightning striking in all directions, and then came the pain. Agony, as if wings were being torn from his back, feather by feather. Plummeting through layers of light, ripping, and tearing through the fabric of existence.

Consumed by pure horror at the sight of what were once gentle feet, now twisted into monstrous goat hooves.

Lucifer’s chest ached in a way it had not in centuries.

He jumped, jerking his head backward from a sudden touch to his red cheek. Lucifer’s eyes sprung open, looking but not seeing. He had to blink a couple of times to clear his view, and when he did, he found Adam standing over him with a strange look in his green eyes.

"You're crying," Adam observed, his voice soft with concern. "Does it hurt that much?"

Lucifer gazed up at the human with a bewildered expression, then roughly rubbed his cheek. "Well, obviously. Of course it hurts. Just look at it."

Surprisingly, Adam didn't retort as he typically would. Instead, the first human knelt down beside the fallen angel, placing his leaf-woven basket next to him. Lucifer's eyes darted to the contents of the basket, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity at some of the unfamiliar items nestled within.

"I need to touch your leg. Is that okay?" Adam's tone was firm yet carried a gentle undertone.

Lucifer blinked, taken aback when Adam met his gaze. "Huh? Oh, um, yes. Sure."

Puffing his cheeks out, a peculiar expression flickered across Adam's face, intriguing Lucifer, though he refrained from asking questions. Instead, he hissed when Adam gingerly touched the flesh around the wound, causing a sharp wave of pain to surge through him once more.

With delicate fingers, Adam retrieved a bundle of orange flowers surrounded by fuzzy green leaves. Lucifer watched intently as the human stripped the flowers of their leaves and set them aside. Then, Adam selected two long, rubbery-like leaves that Lucifer was certain couldn't be real.

"What are those?" he inquired quietly, his breath coming harshly as the pain in his leg persisted.

Adam picked up a rock and began grinding the leaves from the orange flowers into a fine dust. Next, he reached for the fuzzy comfrey leaves and repeated the process. Afterward, he took one of the rubbery leaves and split it in half with his thumbnail, revealing a gel-like substance inside.

"These are calendula leaves. When crushed, they can be directly applied to the burn. Combined with comfrey leaves, they create a potent allantoin compound," Adam explained, deftly mixing the powdered leaves into the gel to create a greenish paste. "And these rubbery leaves are from the Aloe vera plant. They contain a soothing gel that's used topically for burns, cuts, and other skin irritations."

Adam inspected the goat leg once more. "This should help with the burn injury. We're in Eden, so the effects are much stronger."

Lucifer nodded in wonder, eyeing the glassy green gel. His body tensed even more when Adam used his other hand to gently touch the flesh around the injury again, spreading the gel. He growled harshly, teeth clenched and fingers digging into the ground.

"sh*t! That hurts!" Lucifer cursed through gritted teeth.

Adam winced apologetically. "Sorry. It's going to be even more painful now. I need to apply the gel..."

Inhaling sharply, Lucifer narrowed his eyes into a glare. With his teeth still clenched, he nodded sternly, giving Adam the go-ahead. But when the gel was applied, dear God, it burned like hellfire, bringing tears to Lucifer's eyes.

"f*ck me!" he screamed. "It's so f*cking worse!"

Adam remained unfazed by Lucifer's outburst. "Abel split his leg open when he was seven. I had to use fire to seal it shut. He screamed for three days straight, and I couldn't do anything... but holding my hand seemed to comfort him..."

Lucifer's sharp eyes darted to Adam, who avoided his gaze. But as the pain intensified, Lucifer grabbed Adam's hand, his blackened claws digging into the flesh, squeezing tightly.

"Did he recover?" Lucifer sneered, his body shaking from the agony.

"Um," Adam flinched, his gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "He started feeling better two weeks later."

"When could he walk again?" Lucifer spat, squeezing his eyes shut.

"A month later, kind of. But he always had a limp afterward."

"sh*t! That f*cking sucks," Lucifer bristled. "I mean, sorry, poor kid."

Adam watched as his hand began to take on ominous shades of blue and purple. "It's alright. I get what you're saying."

"Do you humans really endure this kind of pain?" The King of Hell sighed, trying to ease his grip on Adam's hand after a tense ten minutes, yet he didn't let go entirely. "Damn it. I wish I could regenerate again."

Adam chuckled softly, moving to sit beside Lucifer. "Yeah, we do, but it's not as tough as it used to be. You know, with all the advancements in medicine."

"Hmm," Lucifer nodded, finding some sense in that. He glanced down at his gel-covered leg, which despite its greenish hue, still revealed the gruesome burn underneath.

"I'm sorry," he finally confessed after another ten minutes. "Abel was so young. He shouldn't have suffered like that because of me."

At first, Adam remained silent, making Lucifer wonder if the first human would even respond. Then, Adam shrugged. "It's okay. Abel was always a bit clumsy. It was bound to happen sooner or later, especially after he bumped into a tree a few times."

"Oh," Lucifer blinked, surprised by the nonchalance.

Once more, silence settled between them.

"Um," Adam broke the silence, shifting uncomfortably. "Are you feeling any better now? Is the pain easing up?"

Lucifer squinted thoughtfully, still in considerable pain. His legs felt like they were trying to tear themselves apart, but he was managing. Taking a deep breath, he nodded slowly. "Yeah, it's getting there.”

“Can... Can I have my hand back? It's starting to sting." Adam asked.

"Sorry," Lucifer apologised awkwardly, realising he was still holding Adam's hand. "Sorry about that."

As soon as Lucifer released his grip, Adam cradled his hand in his lap, weakly smiling. "No problem..."

"Right," Lucifer muttered, feeling oddly awkward.

What was worse, the f*cking demon leopard was still giving him judgmental looks. He wanted to flip the big cat off, but for some reason, he refrained, not wanting to do it in front of Adam.

Lucifer avoided looking at his hoof, his gaze darting everywhere else but down.

"Why not take off your other boot?" Adam suggested. "Your hoof looks sore, and those boots can't be helping much in Eden."

"No," Lucifer snapped sharply.

Adam rolled his eyes and reached for the zipper of the other boot. "Come on, don't be stubborn. Your hoof is bruising. It needs some air."

Lucifer's clawed hand shot out, gripping Adam's arm tightly. His claws dug in, causing Adam to flinch as Lucifer growled menacingly.

"I said no," Lucifer repeated, his voice rising.

Adam stared at Lucifer in surprise, wide-eyed. "But—"

"No!" Lucifer yelled, tightening his grip on Adam's arm. "I'm not taking it off. I'll put the boot back on as soon as possible!"

"Lucifer, you're hurting me," Adam managed to say.

Lucifer froze as Adam's words registered. Slowly, he released his grip and withdrew his hand.

"Sorry," he muttered softly, fighting the urge to berate himself. It was the second time he had hurt Adam today. Swallowing hard, he added, "Just... don't touch my boots."

Adam pulled back, his expression morphing into a frown. "Why?"

When Lucifer remained silent, Adam gently touched his arm, tilting his head in confusion. "Why do you hate your hooves so much?"

Lucifer flinched. "You wouldn't understand."

"Why don't you explain it to me?" Adam shrugged. "I'm not heartless. I do have a heart, somewhere in here."

A soft snort escaped Lucifer. He lowered his head, glaring at his visible hoof.

"It's disgusting," he muttered. "As long as they're covered, nobody will be repulsed."

Adam's frown deepened, his green eyes flickering toward the hoof. "What do you mean? It's not disgusting."

"Of course it is!" Lucifer snapped, meeting Adam's gaze with a glare. "They're revolting. I was an Angel of God, an Archangel. My hands and feet were made of crystal stardust. Now look at them. It's vile. My hooves are so repulsive that people would be sick just from seeing them."

Adam's mouth hung open, speechless. He never imagined Lucifer would care about his appearance, despite knowing how many were drawn to him, goat demon hooves and all.

"What?" he stammered. "Are you serious?"

"Don't mock me," hissed Lucifer. "I don't need your ridicule!"

Adam shook his head in disbelief. "I'm not mocking you. I'm just surprised. I didn't think you'd be self-conscious."

"Yeah, well, I do have feelings," Lucifer grumbled, echoing Adam's words. "And I know how disgusting my hooves are. I keep them covered for a reason."

"Who told you they were disgusting?" Adam asked softly. "Because they're not."

A sharp, mocking laugh burst from Lucifer's throat. "Bullsh*t! I know how disgusting they are! I've kept them covered for centuries now! You're probably loving this, revelling in some pathetic flaw you've found in me!"

He continued to laugh, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably, and Adam couldn't tear his eyes away. He noticed the twitch in Lucifer's eye and the quiver in his voice.

"An Angel with hooves? Revolting, right? Monstrous, unheard of!" Lucifer's laughter grew almost manic. "It's what every human talks about! 'The devil has goat hooves!' Well, guess what? I do! And I know how awful they are!" He cackled again.

Adam tilted his head, glancing down at Lucifer's visible hoof before meeting the fallen angel's gaze. "They're not awful—"

" f*ck off !" Lucifer cut him off with another laugh. "I don't know why you're trying to mess with me, but I'm not stupid like you. I know how messed up they are—"

Adam grabbed Lucifer by the chin, mimicking the fallen angel's actions. He yanked Lucifer closer, forcing him to meet his eyes, and in that moment, he glimpsed the vulnerability within them.

"Stop trying to put words in my mouth," Adam said dryly, squeezing Lucifer's chin as he had been squeezed before. "I'm serious. Your hooves aren't ugly or gross. There's nothing wrong with them."

Lucifer's lips twitched, forming a tight line. His eyes flickered, creasing at the edges, as he tried to comprehend Adam's words.

"But... I was told to keep them hidden because..." he mumbled weakly. "... because it wasn't nice to look at."

Adam growled darkly. "Who said that? Because it isn’t true.”

Lucifer continued to stare wide-eyed at Adam as if nobody had ever spoken nicely about the hooves before. The pride dancing within Lucifer’s bright red and yellow eyes dimmed and something else appeared to take control. The redness of his eyes dimmed further in a way that had Adam tensing up.

“No, you’re wrong…” Lucifer said somewhat meekly. “It’s…”

Adam gently released his hold on Lucifer’s chin. “Whoever told you, your hooves are horrible, were f*cking lying. They’re just fine. Nothing’s wrong with them, at all.”

“It’s because of the water.” The blonde said quickly, forcing himself to look at the visible goat hoof. “The water of Eden, it’s making it appear nicer than what it is.”

“Then, let's remove your other boot.” Adam said, glancing towards the hoof too.

He clocked his head in confusion. It really didn’t look disgusting at all; it was actually pretty cute looking with tufts of black fur framing the hoof. In fact, Lucifer’s whole goat leg was rather adorable looking with tufts of black fur lining the muscles, up to the knee and disappearing underneath the white puffed trousers.

“No.” Lucifer swallowed. “I don’t want too.”

“Why not?” Adam pressed and Lucifer had no real answer. “It’s really not ugly. Honestly.”

Lips twitching, Lucifer’s eyes slinked towards his other uninjured leg. He shifted his other hoof, hidden underneath the boat. Wordlessly, he finally gave in and nodded. This time, he didn’t stop Adam as he reached for the zipper.

"No," Lucifer murmured, swallowing hard. "I'd rather not."

"Why not?" Adam persisted, genuinely curious, and Lucifer found himself without a satisfactory answer. "Honestly, it's not bad-looking at all."

A faint twitch played at the corners of Lucifer's lips, his gaze shifting to his other leg, the one still concealed. With a quiet sigh, he relented with a nod. This time, he offered no resistance as Adam moved to unzip the boot.

Adam couldn't help but grin as he watched the fluffy black fur emerge from the boot's opening. Gently, he grasped the heel of the hoof and carefully removed the boot, unveiling Lucifer's unscathed goat leg.

"It's awful, I know. You don't have to pretend," Lucifer muttered, flinching and looking away.

But deep down, he couldn't deny the relief that flooded him as the other boot came off. The pinching sensation he had grown accustomed to vanished, replaced by a pleasant sensation. He tried to resist, but he couldn't help but tilt his newly freed hoof, feeling the gentle breeze of Eden against it, and oddly enjoying the sensation.

"What? No, it's not," Adam chuckled softly. "It's actually quite charming, cute."

"Charming?" Lucifer snapped, turning sharply to face the human. "How can you possibly think that's charming? It's not! There's only one reason anyone would find that cute."

Adam raised an eyebrow, a snort escaping him as a weak smile spread across his lips. “Nah, you’re overreacting. Your hooves are just fine, perfect as they are.”

Lucifer stared at Adam as though he’d sprouted a second head. “Did you bump your head while I was away? Did you trip over the f*cking leopard? Can I get rid of it?”

“Oh, no.” Adam blinked in surprise. “My head is fine…I didn’t trip over.”

Lucifer shot a glare at the mischievous feline. “Could have fooled me.”

Adam raised to his feet and Lucifer’s attention snapped back to him. “What are you doing?”

“I’m getting rid of your boots,” Adam explained casually.

With disbelief surfacing across his face, Lucifer protested and squired in a vain attempt to rise also. “You can’t! I need those!”

Shaking his head gently, Adam glanced pittfully at the King of Hell. “No, you don’t.”

“How would you know?!” Lucifer snapped but alas, Adam ignored him.

“Could you take these away, please? As far away as possible, so he can’t find them.” Adam spoke, turning towards the smug big cat.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in shock, his jaw slack. “You’ve got to be f*cking kidding me!”

With a triumphant look, the leopard clutched the boots between its teeth, shooting Lucifer a gleeful glance before bouncing off into the depths of the Eden forest. It’s tail swishing behind it.

Lucifer let out a frustrated breath, running a clawed hand through his hair. “I can’t f*cking believe you did that. I need those boots. I need to cover my hooves up.”

Adam approached him wearily, a reassuring smile on his lips. “You really don’t. It’s just you and me here, and your hooves don’t bother me in the slightest. They’re not ugly, and they definitely don’t gross me out. So don’t worry about it.”

Lucifer eyed him sceptically. “They really don’t bother you?”

“Nope~” Adam affirmed with a click of his tongue.

Finally, Lucier allowed himself to glance down at his bare hooves, freed from the tight confines of his leather boots. It did feel surprisingly good not to wear them anymore.

“Anyway, stay still,” Adam instructed, lowering himselfs to his knees once more. “I need to apply the Palatan leaves now.”

Silently, Lucifer watched as Adam retrieved the familiar leaves from the basket, beginning to carefully wrap them around his injured leg. Despite the lingering pain, he realised it was much more bearable now.

“Your jacket,” Adam’s voice broke through the quiet, focused on his task. “It’s in better condition than anything else we have. Can I tear it up to use as a bandage?”

Lucifer hesitated, considering the worn jacket. It was too hot to wear anyway, and it had hindered his movements earlier. With a resigned nod, he finally relented, “I suppose so. Sure. I won’t be needing it anytime soon.”

“Great,” Adam beamed.

As Adam went to retrieve the jacket, Lucifer was left alone with his thoughts, his gaze flickering down to his hooves. With each passing moment, he found himself questioning what was truly wrong with them.

His goat hooves didn’t seem as grotesque as he’d imaged. They were just…normal, or well, normal as goat legs could be. Lucifer felt a small twitch at the corner of his lips, a flicker of acceptance.

Maybe Lilith had been mistaken after all…

Suddenly, Adam’s voice cut through his reverie, drawing his attention back. Lucifer turned to see Adam holding the white top hat, an expression of horror plastered onto his face.

Confusion washed over Lucifer at first, his eyebrows raising at the sight. Why was Adam so upset over a hat? Did he wear a mask-hat thing in Heaven? But then, like a shark spotting its prey, realisation dawned on him. His heart began to race, his stomach twisting with dread. He remembered what he hid within the hat just hours before.

“I can explain!”

~#~

At first, Adam kept his distance, avoiding her presence whenever possible. He tried to stay away, to keep to himself, but it was futile. Bound by the word of God, their introduction had been orchestrated by Uriei, and Adam, unaware of the divine influence at play, found himself drawn inexorably towards her. Reflecting on it now, it all made sense. Yet, the thought of her sent shivers down his spine. Her icy blue eyes held a chilling power over him.

Despite the divine decree, Adam initially fled whenever he caught sight of the golden-haired figure. He ignored her sweet voice, pushing it to the recesses of his mind. He wanted no part of her, no proximity. Though he couldn't articulate why, his innocence shielded him from recognizing the truth.

The day she finally reached him was a sombre one. Adam sat by the tranquil lake, knees drawn to his chest, arms wrapped tightly around them. His gaze, vacant, lingered on the water's surface, disturbed by the occasional insect skittering across. It was a new sight, one that piqued his interest.

His thoughts drifted to the absence of his beloved Archangel, Lucifer, from Eden since Lilith's arrival. Bitterness welled within him at the perceived trade, a bitter exchange of one for the other. The pang of hurt, inexplicable yet undeniable, settled in his chest, planting the first seeds of loneliness.

"Adam," the melodic voice called out behind him.

He shuddered involuntarily, every hair on his body standing on end. Adam stiffened, his muscles tensing as he prepared to flee. He hadn't heard her approach, not a single sound betraying her presence until now.

"Please don't run away," Lilith's voice was soft as she delicately approached, moving with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. Her golden curls danced in the sunlight, framing her curvaceous figure with a sweet allure. "I would like to talk to you."

Adam squinted suspiciously, eyeing her warily. "Why?" he questioned, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Her cherry-red lips curved into a kind smile as Lilith stepped closer, her icy blue eyes gazing through him. Seeing that he remained, she gracefully settled beside him. Her gaze followed his to the insect on the water's surface.

"That's new, isn't it?" she hummed, tilting her head alluringly. "I haven't seen it before. What should we name it, Adam?"

A strange sensation washed over Adam, leaving him momentarily unsettled. Whispers of words echoed in his mind, coaxing his body to relax against his will. Yet, a prickling sensation at the back of his neck hinted at unease.

"Um..." he mumbled, his gaze returning to the insect.

Lilith waited patiently, her expression one of amusem*nt as Adam appeared genuinely puzzled, as if his innate talent bestowed by God had momentarily deserted him. A giggle escaped her lips, a stray curl of gold falling across her face.

"It's called a Dragonfly," she chimed in suddenly.

Adam blinked in surprise. "How do you know?"

Lilith tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Don't you remember? You named it already."

"I did?" Adam's voice held a hint of incredulity as Lilith nodded sweetly. "I suppose I did..."

He watched the dragonfly with raised eyebrows, the realisation dawned on him. Though he couldn't recall naming it, the label seemed fitting. As more dragonflies appeared, his sense of wonder grew, confirming that if there were multiple, he must have named them already.

"Are you afraid of me, Adam?" Lilith's voice was soft, yet it seemed to echo with an undercurrent of something chilling as she inched closer. Adam jumped, startled by her sudden proximity, feeling as if her icy gaze pierced right through him, searching for a specific response, a correct answer to avoid repercussions.

Gulping nervously, Adam felt an urge to retreat, to put some distance between them, but an unseen force seemed to hold him in place, a restraint he couldn't quite comprehend.

"N-No," he stammered weakly, his voice betraying his uncertainty.

Lilith's long lashes fluttered innocently. "You don't like me? Is there something wrong with how I look?" Her words twisted Adam's stomach into knots, a silent warning that he must ensure such reactions don't occur.

Adam's hands shook as he raised them, his voice trembling as he hurriedly reassured her, "N-No, you're... you're beautiful, Lilith, absolutely perfect!"

"Yet you run from me," she giggled softly, her eyes closing momentarily. "I don't understand why. You're so much stronger, faster. I'm much weaker."

Confusion clouded Adam's mind as he struggled to comprehend her words, her tone sowing seeds of doubt within him.

"I... I don't know," he admitted, his honesty bared before her.

Lilith's smile widened, a glint of mischief dancing in her icy gaze. "You don't know many things, do you, Adam? You're too innocent, too good."

Adam shifted uncomfortably, his tongue tied by her words, his innocence seemingly a vulnerability under her scrutiny.

As Lilith's gaze lingered, Adam felt a weight lift as she turned away, but it was short-lived. With her eyes back on him, he felt pinned once more.

"This place, you come here often, don't you?" Lilith's voice was gentle, yet knowing.

Adam nodded eagerly. "Yes, Lucifer and I spent most of our time here!"

At the mention of Lucifer, Adam's demeanour brightened, his body relaxing as if by reflex. His gaze lifted to the sky, captivated by the unfolding beauty.

“Oh, pretty,” he gasped, watching a speck of gold and red begin to form. “What’s that?”

“That is the sun. The Angels are building it now.” But Lilith's attention remained fixed on him, her curiosity piqued. "Who is Lucifer, Adam?"

Adam beamed, his affection for his Archangel evident. "He's my mentor, my guide. He taught me everything!"

Intrigued, Lilith leaned closer, her presence intoxicating. "You adore him, don't you? Is he your friend?"

"He's more than a friend, he's..." Adam's expression shifted, his shoulders slumping as a wave of melancholy washed over him.

Sensing his change in mood, Lilith closed the distance between them, her golden locks mingling with the surrounding blossoms as she reached out to touch his arm gently.

"What's wrong? You look sad," she observed smoothly, her voice a soothing melody. "Tell me, it will ease your burden.”

Adam looked at her, surprised by her offer. "It will?"

"Of course," Lilith assured, her touch comforting. "Sharing our feelings always helps."

Adam hesitated, then spoke softly, his fingers nervously playing with the petals beside him. "Lucifer hasn't been around. I don't know where he is. He's always been here..."

Lilith listened attentively, her presence a comforting solace amidst Adam's uncertainty. Adam found himself warming up to her either way. Despite himself, Adam found a sense of comfort in her presence, a warmth that seemed to radiate from her.

Their shared smile conveyed a mutual understanding, and Lilith purposefully placed her hand atop Adam's, a gesture of solidarity.

"He is an Angel, Adam," she explained gently, her half-lidded gaze softening. "You shouldn't expect too much."

Confusion knitted Adam's brow as he struggled to grasp her meaning. "I'm confused. What do you mean?"

Lilith's touch trailed up to his cheek, guiding his gaze to meet hers. "Do you trust him?" she inquired sweetly, tapping his palm with a single finger.

"Trust?" Adam repeated, his mind grappling with the concept.

With a tender caress, Lilith drew him closer, her words like honeyed whispers. "Trust is crucial. Angels, unlike us, exist in a realm of light and goodness. They observe from above, but they seldom explain. Trust is not a trait for Angels, my dear."

"Why not?" Adam's curiosity piqued.

Lilith's voice took on a fluttery tone, drawing Adam in with its sweet allure. She produced a golden mango, seemingly out of thin air, and held it between them. "Appearances can be deceiving," she murmured, her breath tantalisingly close. "Take this mango, for example."

"In your eyes, it may seem flawless, ripe, and juicy," she continued, pressing her nose into the fruit's soft flesh. "Ready to satisfy our hunger. But that's merely a deceptive facade."

"Facade?" Adam questioned, his confusion deepening.

Suddenly, Lilith tore into the fruit with a fierce determination, revealing its rotten core. Adam recoiled at the sight and smell, his senses assaulted by the decay before him.

"Its core remains a secret, tainted by darkness," Lilith explained, her voice melodic despite the darkness of her words. "A sickness that infects from within, unseen but insidious."

As Lilith moved the rotten fruit closer, Adam instinctively leaned back, his apprehension growing. But just as it neared him, she flung it away with a swift motion, the sound of impact echoing across the lake.

"The human heart is much the same," Lilith continued, her touch now resting on Adam's chest. "Curiosity may lead you astray, Adam. Beautiful exteriors may hide treacherous secrets."

Adam nodded, entranced by her words, unable to tear his gaze away. "But Lucifer?"

"Like the angels in heaven, adorned in glamour but untrustworthy," Lilith affirmed, her smile unwavering. Leaning in close, their breath mingled, their noses almost touching. "Never delve too deeply, Adam, for curiosity may cost you dearly."

Adam felt a sudden chill envelop him, his skin prickling with unease. Despite the warmth emanating from Lilith, a sense of foreboding gripped him. He cast a final glance at her, his mind swirling with doubt. Lucifer's guidance had always been reliable, his words a beacon of truth.

"What should I do then?" Adam's voice trembled with uncertainty.

The smile that graced Lilith's lips held a hint of cruelty, sharp and unsettling.

"Trust me ," she urged, her words hanging heavy in the air.

~#~

Under the sheltering branches of the peach tree, Lucifer sulked, his demeanour stubborn and childlike. Arms crossed and one hoof tapping impatiently against the grass, he wore a makeshift bandage of torn white jacket sleeve around his injured limb. His red and yellow eyes bore into nothingness, a telltale vein pulsing on his forehead for those who dared to look closely.

Beside him, the leopard lounged on its stomach, purring loudly in a manner that grated on Lucifer's nerves with every swish of its tail. "Can't you find somewhere else to be?" he snapped, but the leopard only rolled over, inviting further irritation with its playful antics.

“Fan-f*cking-tastic.” Lucifer muttered, feeling the tension in his muscles ease slightly as his gaze fell upon the intricately detailed sketch of Charlie placed against the tree trunk. Softening, he exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he was holding.

"Charlie, what am I going to do?" he murmured, though he received no response, only the perpetual smile adorning her drawn visage. "I really f*cked up this time…how am I supposed to make Adam…”

His attention drifted back to the riverbank where Adam sat, unmoving since the discovery of the golden apple. The memory of Adam's haunted expression lingered in Lucifer's mind, a weight upon his conscience. The sight of those dimmed emerald eyes, once alive with fire, now extinguished, churned Lucifer's stomach with guilt.

It had been two days and nights since then, and Adam hadn't so much as glanced in Lucifer's direction. The thought of Adam's shattered pride, once a source of joy for Lucifer, now filled him with remorse. He had revealed in witnessing Adam's growing pride, but now, that spark seemed extinguished.

Rubbing his arms with a heavy sigh, Lucifer's lips downturned with regret. He hadn’t expected Adam to be thrilled upon learning of the apple, but he hadn't imagined it would shatter the man so profoundly. His own pride now felt hollow, overshadowed by the emptiness in Adam's eyes.

Lucifer's hands roamed over his thighs, his gaze drifting downward to the fluffy black goat legs that now defined him. Once, he had possessed normal, milky white limbs, born from the stardust of his loftiest aspirations. For so long, he had hidden them away, concealing them from the world's judgement. But Adam's reaction was different, unexpected. Adam, an angel dwelling primarily in Heaven, showed no sign of revulsion or discomfort at the sight. It was a stark contrast to Lilith's reaction when she first beheld them.

Charlie, too, bore similar hooves. Lucifer sighed, closing his eyes briefly and mentally massaging the nonexistent bridge of his nose. Like him, Charlie had been cursed with these limbs, yet Lilith had insisted on concealing them. As Charlie grew older, the struggle intensified, particularly when she yearned to dress in clothing that allowed her freedom to move.

Lilith's insistence that Charlie "dress like a princess" had bordered on cruelty. Hell didn't recognize Charlie as its princess, mainly because she hadn't met the criteria set forth by Lilith. The memory of Charlie's face upon receiving one of Lucifer's old suits in secret still haunted him. The red suit she wore now held a bittersweet significance. Though it offered her some semblance of comfort, Lilith's silent disapproval lingered in her icy blue eyes, leaving Lucifer puzzled and unsettled.

Lucifer's eyes lingered on the sketch of Charlie, his fingers delicately cradling the piece of bark as if it were the last link to her presence. Drawing it close to his chest, he embraced the image with a soft sniff, overwhelmed by a wave of longing.

"I miss you so much, Charlie," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he tightened his hold on the drawing. "It's been two years now, and I'm afraid I'll forget the sound of your voice. I hope you're well, and that you've found happiness with Vaggie. I hope the hotel is thriving, and that you've succeeded in redeeming at least one soul..."

He blinked back the tears threatening to spill, his heart heavy with the weight of unfulfilled wishes. Lucifer had yearned to witness Charlie's achievements, to be there when a soul found its way to Heaven through her efforts. Yet, it seemed fate had other plans. All he could do now was hope and offer his support from afar, from the Garden of Eden.

A weak smile touched his lips as he gently returned the drawing to its place against the tree. He couldn't help but linger on Charlie's sweet smile, her unwavering optimism radiating from the bark. Turning his gaze back to Adam, Lucifer felt a sense of determination wash over him. If Charlie were here, she would urge him to be brave, to listen, to understand without judgement. He could do that. He would do that. He will do that. And he was certain that if Charlie were by his side, she would be proud of him.

The leopard lifted his head as Lucifer cautiously manoeuvred on his hooves. A derisive sound escaped the big cat, and Lucifer couldn't shake the feeling that it anticipated his failure. Shooting the cat a sharp glance, Lucifer began to make his way, albeit clumsily.

Walking proved to be a challenge. The burn inflicted by the Cherubim made each step difficult, and the unfamiliarity of hooves only added to his struggle. Though the pain had subsided, his movements were still hindered, the tender flesh protesting with every motion. Checking the makeshift bandage around the healing wound, Lucifer gingerly shifted his leg, limping slightly as he dragged his hoof. Yet, despite the discomfort, walking barefoot felt liberating. There was no constriction from tight boots, only the warm embrace of Eden's ground beneath his hooves. He could even feel the gentle caress of the breeze against his fur.

Approaching Adam with care, Lucifer settled himself beside the brunette on the riverbank. For a moment, silence enveloped them as they watched the water flowing lazily by. Lucifer's gaze followed a passing herd of ducks, his heart lifting at the sight of his duck with her newborn offspring. A smile tugged at his lips as the mother duck tended to her young, a tender reminder of maternal love.

His smile faded as the ducks drifted away, and Lucifer turned to Adam. The golden apple lay in Adam's lap, the first human tentatively tracing his fingers over its surface. Each touch seemed hesitant, as if the apple held some unseen danger.

"I'm sorry," Lucifer murmured, the words feeling all too familiar on his tongue.

Adam refused to meet his gaze. "Did you get the apple for me, or for yourself?"

Confusion clouded Lucifer's features. "What do you mean?"

"You remember your original plan, don't you?" Adam's voice wavered, and Lucifer winced. "To defy God, eat the apple, and get kicked out again, so you can see your daughter. That's still your end goal, isn't it? To use me."

Lucifer bit his lip, feeling a pang of guilt. "I forgot about that."

Adam scoffed bitterly. "Yeah, right."

" No , I mean it," Lucifer insisted, moving closer to Adam. "I stole the apple for you, to free you from the Word of God. There was no other motive, I swear. Please believe me."

Adam's brows furrowed, his facade of indifference beginning to crack. "How can I believe you? How can I believe anything you say? Every time I trust somebody, every time I let somebody in, they just hurt me. Time and time again, trusting people just ends with me getting hurt in the end."

"I know," Lucifer paused, taking a sharp breath as the air of Eden filled his lungs. "I know. But this time it's different. This time I did it for you. I want to help you, I want to make up for what I did back then, for the f*cked things I put you through."

Silence lingered, heavy with unspoken tension. Lucifer fought the urge to reach out, hesitating as Adam pulled away. Finally, he placed a clawed hand on Adam's shoulder, the touch gentle yet earnest. "Adam, I'm trying to be better. But how can I when you don't give me the chance to?"

"But that's the thing ," Adam interjected, his body tense. "I am giving you a chance. I've been giving you chance after chance since we found ourselves in Eden again. But it's not enough ."

"Adam..." Lucifer murmured, his thoughts swirling.

Adam shook his head before Lucifer could speak again. "I thought we were friends again. Was that just me who thought that?"

Lucifer felt a surge of warmth at the words. Were they friends again? Had they rebuilt their relationship without him even realising it? But then, a painful knot formed in his stomach. Had he unknowingly sabotaged their friendship before it fully mended? No, he refused to let it crumble.

"We are friends again," he asserted firmly, tightening his grip on Adam's shoulder and forcing him to meet his gaze.

Adam stared at him, emotions flickering across his face. "It doesn't feel like it. It feels like we're just going around in circles."

"But it doesn't have to be that way !" Lucifer exclaimed, his voice tinged with hope.

“When I met Charlie for the first time, she frightened me.”

Adam's voice cut through the air like a dagger, slicing through the silence with an unexpected confession. Each word seemed to weigh heavily on him, as if he were carrying the burden of centuries of regret. His voice trembled with a vulnerability he had long kept hidden, his face drained of colour as he grappled with the truth he was about to reveal. Avoiding Lucifer's penetrating gaze, he seemed almost reluctant to speak, as if afraid of the consequences of his own words.

Lucifer's reaction was one of disbelief, his mouth hanging open in shock. Charlie, his beloved daughter, had instilled fear in Adam? The notion was as unsettling as it was unexpected, shaking him to his core. How could his own flesh and blood evoke such a reaction from the first man?

" Charlie did?" Lucifer managed to utter, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart sinking with each syllable.

"Of course she did," Adam confessed, his fingers nervously toying with the golden apple, a symbol of temptation and sin. "She came with a plan, an idea to redeem Sinners."

The words hung in the air, thick with remorse and regret. Adam's gaze dropped, unable to meet Lucifer's piercing stare. "I wanted to believe in her," he continued, his voice strained with emotion, "but I couldn't. And of all beings in Hell and Heaven, I had the most reason not to."

Lucifer listened in silence, his heart aching with every word. It was a pain he had never known, a realisation that tore through him like a jagged blade. He had never considered Adam's perspective, the weight of his history and regrets. Shame washed over Lucifer as he confronted the ugly truth he had long ignored.

"Cain and Abel were my children," Adam whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with anguish. "Cain, my own son, became the first murderer . Out of jealousy, he killed his own brother..."

Lucifer winced at the reminder, the pain searing through him like fire. He wanted to reach out to Adam, to hold him close and shield him from the cruel truths that surrounded them. The realisation that their friendship had only recently been rebuilt fueled his desire to protect Adam at all costs. He longed to shield him from the pain and suffering that seemed to be their constant companions.

"And Eve, Eve... she was never graced with the sound of God's voice. She was so vulnerable, so easily swayed by you and Lilith," Adam's voice was sharp, laced with bitterness. The words tumbled from his lips like poisoned daggers, each one piercing his heart with the weight of his own disappointment. "But when she tasted the forbidden fruit, she changed. She became indifferent, neglecting Cain and Abel when they needed her the most."

"When Cain killed Abel," Adam continued, his voice thick with sorrow, "It fell upon me to mend the broken pieces of our family. I tended to Abel's wounds, while grappling with Cain's descent into darkness."

He swallowed hard, his throat tight with unshed tears. "I can still see the anguish in my son's eyes as he realised the magnitude of his actions. He looked at Abel with a mixture of longing and despair, as if willing him to rise again. But Abel remained motionless."

A hollow, humourless chuckle escaped Adam's lips, a bitter echo of the pain that twisted within him. His hand rose to rub harshly at his eyes, a futile attempt to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He refused to succumb to tears, refusing to allow himself that vulnerability again, especially not in front of Lucifer. With a forceful effort, he redirected his gaze to the tranquil surface of the lake, seeking solace in its serene embrace.

But the turmoil within him refused to stop, the pounding of his heart burned in his ears like a relentless drumbeat. The heat radiating from his head intensified.

Only the gentle touch of another's hands brought him back. Adam blinked his watery eyes, turning to find Lucifer's gaze fixed upon him with an unexpected tenderness. It was a stark contrast to the judgement and cruelty he had anticipated, leaving him stunned.

Lucifer, the very being who had inflicted the deepest wounds upon him, now was listening to him. The first person ever to listen to him.

“Then there’s Charlie,” Adam's voice faltered. “This little girl comes to me with a plan to redeem Sinners.”

Drawing in a ragged breath, Adam spoke. “My Cain was the first Sinner and he was eliminated a long time ago by Heaven…”

“What’s worse, I don’t know if he was killed by my hand or somebody else's but to believe in Charlie means to believe my Cain could have been redeemed and that…” His bottom lip trembled as he fought to contain his emotions, biting down until it brought physical pain. “And that’s not even possible now, because he’s gone. He’s gone for good. ”

"My own flesh and blood, Cain, any of my children that became Sinners... none of them were afforded the same mercy as Charlie," Adam's voice trembled with a mixture of bitterness and resignation. His anger slowly dissipated, replaced by a numbing sense of acceptance, as if he had wrestled with this reality countless times before.

His gaze turned distant, lost in memories of past conversations. "You managed to shield her, to strike a bargain with Sera…But my sons and daughters? They were deemed expendable for the greater good. Sacrificed without a second thought, while the possibility of redemption lingered just out of reach. It's too much…."

“I asked Sera, I begged Sera, for the same deal. To make sure Cain would be safe down in Hell, but she said it was required. It was for the greater good and that Cain was a Sinner. He had to be eliminated just like all the other sinners .”

Lucifer's grip tightened around Adam's hand, his frustration boiling over into a seething rage that threatened to consume him. His jaw clenched so tightly that the muscles screamed with the strain, and his clawed fingers trembled with the effort to contain his fury. How could Sera, how could anyone, justify the merciless sacrifice of Adam's children?

The memories flooded back, each one a painful reminder of his own futile attempts to plead for mercy, for redemption. He had faced the highest council of Angels, even challenged his own kin, but his pleas had fallen on deaf ears. They had dismissed him, belittled his efforts, and denied the possibility of salvation for souls deemed irredeemable.

And now, to hear that Adam had attempted to save Cain with the same deal that had spared Charlie... it ignited a wildfire of indignation within him. Sera's callous disregard for Adam's agony, for the lives lost in the name of some twisted notion of the greater good, fueled Lucifer's fury to its breaking point.

He had made the deal to protect Charlie, to save the Hellborns, and Sera had accepted it without hesitation. But to learn that she had condemned Cain to death despite Adam's desperate plea for redemption... it was unforgivable. It was a betrayal of trust, a betrayal of everything Lucifer had fought for.

The flames of anger licked at his consciousness, threatening to consume him whole. But beneath the fury, there simmered a cold, steely resolve. Sera would answer for her crimes, and Lucifer would ensure that justice was served, no matter the cost.

Adam's laughter rang hollow, a bitter echo of the self-awareness that gnawed at his soul. "Let's face it," he scoffed, a wry smile twisting his lips, "I'm hardly a saint. I've seen the judgement in their eyes, heard the venomous whispers that follow me like a shadow. I may not be as dumb as they believe me to be. I listen. It's what I do best, listening. Because... well, you know."

His gaze drifted to the apple, a silent reminder of the knowledge he had never consumed. Lucifer's glare bore into the fruit, realisation dawning like a sunrise on the horizon. Adam, untouched by the fruit's forbidden wisdom, remained unburdened by the depths of sin that plagued humanity.

"I've heard the questions," Adam continued, a flicker of introspection in his eyes. "How did I earn my place in Heaven? The truth is, I'm nothing more than a loudmouthed fool, a jerk, an asshole. I've cultivated an image of disdain, deliberately driving people away. It's easier that way."

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, a gesture of vulnerability that betrayed the walls he had built around himself. "It's a show. A shield to protect myself from the pain of rejection, of betrayal. I've learned the hard way not to trust anyone, not even Sera."

"It's easier to be unlikeable than to risk being vulnerable," Adam admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "I've been alone for centuries now, and maybe... maybe that's how it's meant to be."

Lucifer's head hung low, his heart heavy with the weight of Adam's truth. He cursed himself for his selfishness, for failing to see the pain he had inflicted upon his oldest friend.

"No, it's not how it's meant to be," Lucifer whispered, his voice laced with remorse as he leaned forward to envelop Adam in his cursed embrace. Adam tensed at first, but Lucifer held on tight, desperate to convey the depth of his regret. "It should have never been like that. I took everything from you and I never saw what it did to you. I was supposed to guide you, to protect you, but I failed."

Memories flooded Lucifer's mind, the excitement he had felt when God entrusted him with the role of Adam's Archangel. It was a responsibility he had cherished, a chance to prove his worth beyond the confines of creation. But he had squandered it, betrayed the trust placed in him, and now he was reaping the consequences.

"I was given God's greatest creation, and I destroyed it," Lucifer confessed, his voice heavy with remorse. He held Adam at arm's length, searching his eyes for forgiveness. "I know I could have done better, instead of letting you down."

Adam's expression mirrored his shock, but Lucifer pressed on, determined to make amends. "I know I messed up, and I understand if you can't forgive me yet. But will you let me be your guardian, your protector once more?"

"But... you're not an Angel anymore," Adam pointed out, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Once an Angel, always an angel," Lucifer countered with a shrug. "But I digress. Will you let me be your guardian demon, then?"

Adam couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the suggestion. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

"But it made you laugh, didn't it?" Lucifer grinned, releasing his hold on Adam and giving him space. "I am sorry, Adam. I want to do better, to try at least. After all, we're friends, aren't we?"

Adam nodded, a genuine smile lighting up his face. They were indeed friends, and perhaps there was hope for reconciliation yet.

As Adam pondered the apple before him, Lucifer couldn't help but be captivated by the depths of his pretty green eyes. Those long, delicate lashes framed his gaze, casting gentle shadows across his face, concealing thoughts Lucifer longed to uncover. But before he could inquire, Adam rose from his seat.

Struggling to stand with his injured leg, Lucifer managed to steady himself just in time. "Adam?" he called out, concern etched in his voice.

A soft hum escaped the brunette's lips as he contemplated the fruit in his hand. "If I eat this, the angels won’t have power over me anymore, right?" he asked softly.

Lucifer's eyes widened, drawing closer to Adam. "Yes, you'll have true free will," he confirmed.

Adam confessed, "It's frightening."

"Are you afraid of the apple too?" Lucifer mused, suddenly understanding. Of course, it made sense. The apple had shattered Adam's world, banishing him from the only home he knew.

Adam sniffled, turning the apple over in his hands. "What will happen to me if I take a bite? Will I still be myself? I've seen what it did to Eve. She was so warm and loving before, but afterward, she changed...she was horrible, cold and she…hated our children…”

"I can't promise you won't change," Lucifer admitted gently, choosing his words with care. "But it's not something to fear. It's a gift."

"I can't promise you won't undergo change. I can’t say you will be exactly the same as you are now, because you won’t be," Lucifer whispered tenderly, carefully selecting his words. A shiver crept up his spine, prickling his skin with uncertainty. If he failed now, all his efforts would be in vain. "But change shouldn't be feared. It's a gift, not a curse."

Closing the distance, he gently cradled Adam's hands on his own. "This time, I'll stand by you. When you take that bite, I'll be there to guide you through any shifts in your mind. I’ll be by your side and I’ll help you understand any changes that happen to your mind. We won’t ignore it and we’ll face it together. We won't turn away from it; we'll face it together. You don't have to fear it. It's the gift of freedom and wisdom."

"So things will definitely be different," Adam sighed deeply, his eyelashes fluttering. He nibbled on his bottom lip, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his gaze. "Nothing will ever be the same."

"That's the beauty of it," Lucifer interjected eagerly. "Change is inevitable. It's what allows us to evolve, to grow, to embrace new experiences. It's the essence of life."

For what seemed like an eternity, Adam and Lucifer locked eyes, a silent exchange passing between them. Then, Adam's gaze fell back to the apple. With a deep breath, he brought it to his lips and took a hesitant bite. His teeth pierced the golden skin, and a wave of unfamiliar flavours flooded his senses. It was unlike anything he'd ever tasted, a mixture of sweetness and something else, something indescribable.

As he swallowed, a tingling sensation spread through his body. There was a subtle shift, a stirring deep within him.

"Adam?"

Lucifer's voice quivered as he reached out with a blackened claw to touch Adam's cheek, his fiery eyes never leaving Adam's face, observing every nuance. His heart leaped when Adam suddenly dropped the apple, the thud echoing as it landed at their feet. With a heavy heart, Lucifer watched it roll away, Adam's bite mark haunting him.

Adam brought trembling hands to his mouth, his eyes distant, as if seeing through Lucifer rather than at him. Turning away, Adam's actions shocked Lucifer. As Adam doubled over, retching violently, chills racing through him, Lucifer's claws reached out instinctively. Crimson blood mixed with apple juice splattered the ground as Adam emptied his stomach, his face drained of colour, his body wracked with convulsions.

Falling to his knees beside Adam, Lucifer's mind raced with panic.

"Adam?!" he cried out, his grip tightening on Adam's shoulders. This was unprecedented. Neither Lilith nor Eve had fallen ill after biting into the apple.

Despite the chaos, Lucifer held on to Adam, refusing to let go as the first human's sickness finally began to ease off. Even as Adam struggled to breathe, slipping into unconsciousness, Lucifer held him close, his attention raising to the clear blue sky. Though God's wrath remained unseen, Lucifer felt the weight of judgement upon them.

Clutching Adam tightly, Lucifer pressed his face into Adam's chest, relieved to feel the steady rhythm of his breathing. At least for now, Adam was still alive.

The leopard stared at him with one thing in those gold eyes - you f*cked up again.