Subject: [OTL]: Love and Abaddon 1/3 (Sandman) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:51:07 -0800 From: Anne Marsh DISCLAIMER: They're not mine, ponce. They're Gaiman's. Love and Abaddon [1/3] Pt.I- A matter-of-fact look at life with Duma and Remiel It didn't occur to Remiel that his lack of human anatomy could be considered a shortcoming, that it was something which prevented him from making love. Angels don't make love as men do. Every time Duma's eyes met his, he felt something so much stronger and more intimate than human lovemaking. And besides, lips are no less sensitive than human genitals. Why should a being of light wish to be weighed down by human anatomy when as little as a breath can be lovemaking? Duma had made room for him on the lounge, and was gazing up imploringly, one perfect arm outstretched. "Have I been busy away from you too long, Duma?" A look that tried to be reproachful turned into a gentle smile. The angels embraced. Oddly enough to some, but their relationship-- the way they behaved towards each other-- changed little after the revelation. They kissed now, held each other longer or closer than before, but conversations (one-sided as they might have been) ran the same. Remiel and Duma were what they had always been: Partners. Two halves of one whole. Soul mates that saw each other as friends before lovers. No 'darling's punctuated Remiel's speech. They didn't need to. Duma traced one finger along his companion's jawline before leaving a chaste, fluttering kiss on the shining, perfect cheek. Remiel reached up lazily to wind his fingers through pale gold curls. They sighed in unison. "I have more to do." He said, voice touched with regret, as it often was when time came to leave Duma. "Always." Duma stood as Remiel did, following him to the edge of their one sanctuary. He squeezed the other angel's hand and watched him fly. Remiel's place was to minister. Duma's was to wait. Remiel offered gentle words to tortured souls, Duma pondered fates. Remiel sent those who had suffered enough to the Father, Duma watched. Different tasks to one end- to redeem.