AU NAME: Fallthrough

(Warnings: Death, angst, slight blood)

"King Minos," Gabriel shouted, his angelic voice echoing through the massive throne room. "For your crimes against the Council, you have been sentenced to death."

"What crimes?" The noble king must have known it was pointless to argue, but he did so anyways. "All I have done is rule my people fairly and justly. My kingdom has prospered under my hand."

Gabriel twisted his hand, summoning a spear of light. "Your people are sinners, and you are protecting them from their righteous-"

Asmodeus couldn't watch it for any longer. He dropped the illusion around him and stepped into the light. "Gabriel," he called softly.

The angel's halo flickered with confusion, and his shoulders relaxed slightly. God, Asmodeus was going to miss this idiot. "Adriel? What are you doing here?"

King Minos inclined his head towards the demon. "There is still time for you to flee."

He shook his head, summoning his weapon—a beautiful scimitar, carved of ivory and onyx and magic. "I'll defend my king," he said resolutely.

"My..." The blue in Gabriel's wings melted into the gold of anger. Betrayal filled his voice as he asked, "You're a demon?"

He nodded, tightening his grip on the hilt. "Asmodeus. That's my real name."

King Minos leaned forward. "Thank you for standing at my side, General Asmodeus," he murmured.

"General Asmodeus," Gabriel spat, disgusted. "And to think I devoted my time to you."

Asmodeus smiled. It didn't meet his eyes. "Ah, yes, your precious time. Wasted on a demon. Weren't you happy with me, Gabriel?"

The angel hesitated, clutching his spear. "You... You tricked me," he accused, pointing a finger at Asmodeus. "I can't believe I lov-"

"Don't," he said quietly. The one thing he couldn't bear to hear. I loved you. He wondered if Gabriel would exploit that little weakness.

He could have. But he didn't. In fact, he didn't speak for the entire fight.

Even as he beheaded Asmodeus. Even as he blinded King Minos. Even as he left the castle, covered in blood that wasn't his own and tears that might have been.

(Asmodeus had to wonder if that was one final jab at him. He'd always loved Gabriel's voice, and the arrogant bastard knew it. But he wanted to believe that Gabriel was in just as much pain as he was—that he didn't speak because he couldn't.

Oh well. He was dead now, and the dead couldn't feel much of anything.)