"Settle, settle everyone," the voice was silk, smooth-almost greasy. Despite the softness with which he spoke, the room grew quiet to face the speaker. Drinks were set down upon an obviously expensive mahogany table that crouched menacingly at the center of the room. Leather chairs were placed on either side of it, and one at the front of the table where all the attention was directed. Hands were tactfully clasped to give the semblance of a thoughtful expression. "We have encountered a problem of utmost severity," the speaker went on, his voice captivating. "The question is now the course of action with which we shall greet this issue."

"Let's drown them!" an eccentric voice exclaimed. A few hesitant cheers joined the suggestion.

"Our course of action should fit the crime," the initial speaker held confidence, though few rose to his suggestion.

An unexpected hand rested on the speaker's shoulder, giving him a start that he disguised as a sneeze. "An excellent suggestion," the newcomer said, referring to the man, upon whose shoulder his hand was still perched. "I believe you all know the implication?"

A chorus of assent rang out.

All those agreed say 'aye'."

"Aye!" exclaimed the unanimous crowd.

"Opposed?"

The room was silent. Even if one were to oppose his will, not a soul dare say.

"Decided, then," the newcomer concluded grandly. "Good, I've got the specifics all worked out. I'll keep you posted, keep an eye on your e-mail. Dismissed."

The crowds dispersed, several clumsily (or rudely, as was their way) leaving their Forms behind. When all but the speaker and newcomer had left, the former turned reproachfully to the latter. "Why must you always upstage me?"

"Are you saying that you wanted the attention, Lucy?" The arrival asked, mockingly incredulous.

'Lucy' grimaced. There was only one who dared insult his pride and call him such a degrading name as Lucy.

"Gabriel," Lucifer growled in warning.

"Yes?" replied Gabriel innocently.

Lucifer decided to change tact. "Don't you think the punishment a bit… harsh."

This comment seemed to interest Gabriel, who walked to the meeting room's door and held it open for Lucifer. "Harsh? You only just said 'the punishment should fit the crime?'" His comment was smug, though said without accusation.

The demon made it a point to pack his briefcase as slowly as he could, carefully looking at each item (notes from the meeting, his favorite pen, a calculator he always kept handy just in case his department was requested to become financially involved…) before packing it.

"All the same, I wouldn't want Beelzebub to come to any harm. He's a good worker, and close to me." That was an overstatement, of course. Demons weren't close, but their political ties were strong. If Lucifer lost Beelzebub for an undetermined amount of time, he would suffer. Of course, if it appeared he was going easy on Beelzebub, (as he would have if he had defended the demon) he would be accused of nepotism—not something that would help his political standing. He had hoped the idea wouldn't bode well with the crowd. Unfortunately, this stuck-up, arrogant, pompous—

"Now, now, Lucifer, are we thinking naughty thoughts?" Gabriel chided, in full knowledge that he was driving Lucifer mad.

"We—how dare you use plural!" Lucifer had again lost his temper. All of his psychology books stated clearly that a cool temper was the more intimidating… but it was too difficult to not lose his head when he was conversing with seraphim. "Only one of us is thinking remotely wretched thoughts, Mr. All-Holy. It's my job to think like that."

Lucifer ran out of things to shove into his bag, and found that there was nothing left to do but walk through the door Gabriel held ajar for him. He gave a gruff "Thanks," as he passed, a political thank-you, of course.

In high hopes of degrading the angel in some manner, Lucifer walked briskly. The two entered the front foyer, where a tight-lipped secretary was buried in tedious work at her desk.

"There is, regrettably, something I must discuss with you." Gabriel easily kept to Lucifer's long strides, smiling sweetly when the demon looked over. Lucifer sighed audibly. Gabriel always had something to talk to him about, and for some reason, it was always infuriating.

"Yes?" Lucy asked, putting a touch more annoyance in his voice than he thought strictly necessary. There was no doubt that whatever Gabriel had to say wouldn't please him in the least.

In spite of Lucifer's legendary anger, Gabriel only kept his cool, collected smile, his golden eyes glittering with mirth at the world. "I've got a rather frustrating case. We believe it might do good to keep both of our… delinquents together." By the emphasis Gabriel put on 'We,' Lucifer knew that he had no choice. He gave a curt nod and promptly departed, neatly taking his Form with him.

Gabriel knew he would return briefly, and so set to starting an engaged conversation with Lucifer's secretary over the meaning of Life.

A/N .2: Things should make a bit more sense next chapter. I've tried to keep with familiar names (Gabriel, Lucifer, Beelzebub) but as the story progresses, I introduce a few lesser-known angels and demons that are really quite essential to the plot. Any feedback, particularly constructive criticism, would be appreciated. If you want to flame me, try and add in some helpful tips so your sacrifice of dignity needn't be in vain. (On a side note—thank you so much for reading thus far! I've been meaning to type up and revise this story for ages… it's been waiting for me in about three notebooks, and I felt all that ink shouldn't have been used in vain! I do hope you will come to enjoy this!)