Chapter 19

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Almost everyone who doesn't sleep, with the exception of Samandriel, Gabriel and Meg, are gathered in the war room. Castiel is talking to Balthazar over a glass of wine, and Lucifer is sitting on the floor eavesdropping. Crowley is standing by the wall, doing the same. Michael, who had disappeared without explanation, returns about a minute after he leaves.

"Lucifer," he says softly, careful not to wake anyone up.

"What?" Lucifer asks, annoyed.

"We've got to talk. Alone."

Lucifer groans. "But then I have to get up."

"Quit your whining," Michael snaps, not in the mood for his childish antics.

"Okay, this looks serious," Lucifer observes.

"It is. Come on."

"Fine, but only because I have nothing better to do."

Michael leads Lucifer into the hallway, where they can talk alone.

"Go apologize to Jo," Michael commands him.

"Why the hell would I do that?" Lucifer asks.

"Because I said so."

Lucifer rolls his eyes. "I don't listen to , and you think I'm going to do what you tell me to do?"

Michael sighs, then attempts to deal with what little feelings he may have. "I felt her longing for someone, so I went to her," Michael explains. "You had the starring role in her nightmare."

Lucifer grins. "Aw, how sweet."

Michael doesn't say anything for a moment. He just watches his brother, looking for any sign of the angel he knew before the fall. Back when he was kind and helpful, back when he thought about anyone other than himself. But right now, Michael can't see him. That angel is gone, replaced by the new version who doesn't care about anyone or anything but himself.

"Never mind," Michael says with a sigh. "I should have known you wouldn't care." He walks away, ashamed of his brother, but also pitying him. He doesn't know how to make connections anymore. He can't feel anything for anyone, so he can't make friends, only enemies. Michael returns to the war room without looking back, which is why he doesn't notice until he's back that he returned alone.