Taking the Fall

At the Kline-Pakowski wedding, two men stood watching one woman. Their gazes were fixed on the curvaceous, slightly tipsy redhead who was dancing and laughing with the other guests."You can't have her, " the dark man said as he came to stand beside the other."What is it you want, angel?" The tall man with the ash-blond pony tail looked at him, as if not surprised to see him."She's not for you, James." The angel's tone was most adamant.
"You're a demon. She's too pure for you.""It's not for you to tell me anything, Saint Gilbert of the anally righteous. We both know I'm beyond your limited powers. If I want her I'll have her."Gilbert's hands curled into fists as if he was trying to control himself. "You can't always take what you want.""And yet you're here for the same reason as me." James assessed him with cynical amusement. "You plan to manipulate her as well.
You're no better that me, angel.""I don't have to justify myself you, hellhound."James threw back his head and laughed at his words. "Is that the best you can do? I've been called much worse." His gaze locked once more on the woman. "She's fascinating, isn't she?""Yes, most beautiful." Gilbert swallowed hard as if trying to focus on keeping control. James reached out and snagged a glass of white wine from a waiter passing by.
"And she doesn't have a clue of her destiny.""I cannot allow you to use that against her.""Must you angels always assume those from Hell are after something?""Historical evidence proves that your brethren only want what's best for them.""As do you holier-than-thou types." James downed his wine in two long swallows. "You can't tell me that who she is doesn't interest you, Saint Gilbert." He reached over and grabbed two more glasses, offering one to the angel at his side.
Gilbert declined his offer. "She's why I'm here.""You knew I was coming for her.""Yes."That was a fact and they both knew it. They were enemies and each would do whatever they had to in order to get their own way."So do we allow her to save him or not?" James downed his second drink. "You and I both know that's the reason we're here.""I'm here to stop her." Gilbert's mouth was set in grim determination.
"He must die sometime in the next week."James raised his eyebrow mockingly. "Fancy an angel advocating death.tut, tut.""I cannot allow Hell to prop him up as some despotic puppet to be manipulated for Satan's amusement." The angel's words were strained and angry."Well, Satan is one for mischief."