" I'm afraid that won't do. I'm a priest. "

" Um, not that I know of. No. "

" A circus crew, dare I assume ? "

" Your ... crew ? " 💧

He'd also rather not reveal his true identity in front of the sinner, or anyone else.

" Repulsive as you are, I will hear your confession. "

" Then, speak. Quickly, clearly, efficiently. "

If letting him talk would remove him from the church faster, then Nathaniel would listen. Just this once.

Besides, there were still people in there and he didn't want anyone getting hurt during an altercation. +

Nathaniel had never been the type to resort to violence, unless he was actively defending himself. And despite being a sinner, this man hadn't raised his hand. Yet.

Arms crossed in front of his chest, glare piercing through the sinner's skull, as if his gaze alone could kill. +

That was a blatant lie.

He hated lying, but admitting the truth would be humiliating.

" If your reason for being here is to mock me, I suggest you turn around and leave. Your presence is unwanted here. "

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. He didn't give definitive answers, regarding his ... condition. This sinner didn't know that he was a fallen Seraph. Though he could surely tell that something was off about Nathaniel.

" As a loyal subject, I descended to assist humans with their faith. " +

" What is that supposed to mean ? " he demanded.

He knew what it meant, he just didn't want to admit it in front of a sinner. But was he not a sinner as well, in the eyes of the Lord and his siblings ?

" I work as a priest in everyone else's absence. " Nathaniel stated, knowing all well that he had been casted out and thus, wasn't favoured by God himself.

He tried to force his wings to still, but he couldn't control the slight movement of his feathers when he was angry. +

" So, I ask you again. What do you really seek in God's abode, if not to cause destruction ? "

This was a different situation entirely.

His feathers puffed up, making his foul mood more apparent.

" We both know you aren't here to admire the murals. " Nathaniel stated, though his voice was measured. As calm as it could be in a situation like this. +

His nostrils flared and he inhaled sharpy, trying to calm his fury. He had always been the soft kind. The merciful one. His siblings used to urge him to ' toughen up '. He had never banned a mortal from God's abode, even if said mortal had committed many sins. But this man ... +

wandering around on your own. "

" Please, show some respect for our creator. " Nathaniel sighed. What a crass person ... But as a Seraph, he couldn't speak ill of another.

" I've never met a mother of mine. " came his response. " I'm not asking to be nosy, I'm just worried you'll get in trouble if you keep drinking and +

artwork credit to ALICEVSELIET on x.

ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ 〞 𝓯𝑜͟𝑟͟𝑔͟𝑖͟𝑣͟𝑒͟ 𝗆𝗒 𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖘. 〝
ㅤ ㅤㅤ #𝐒𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘

ㅤ

" While such may be true, I don't think you're a bad person. Do you plan on proving me wrong ? "

He was standing right in front of Xianshen now, looking down at the seated man and studying those devilishly handsome features.

" Death isn't a sin. You are no sinner in the eyes of God. You are simply His antithesis, since He is the creator of life. "

The shift in Xianshen's expression didn't go unnoticed.

" You think too highly of me, you know that ? I'm but a sinner, who was cast out. "

Albeit suspicious, Nathaniel approached.

" I don't deserve any compliments. "

His feathers ruffled up a little, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

" You should've announced your presence ... By clearing your throat, for example. "

A yelp of genuine surprise.

" H-how long have you been sitting there ... ? " 💧

" It's good to know young people wish to learn again. " he nodded.

Honestly, he never considered that his proposal may have come off as nefarious to anyone listening. Simply because he'd never consider doing a human harm.

" Not at all, young miss. It's best to ensure you get back safely. "

He did have a phone on his person, but he still hadn't gotten used to operating it, so showing her a picture on it didn't even cross his mind.

" All of a sudden ? " he smiled again, as awkwardly as ever. " I ... was just taking a walk in the area. Do you need someone to escort you home ? "