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The sun filtered through the manor's large bay windows, casting patches of light into the large living room. Through one of the open windows, the air still carried the damp, salty scent of the nearby sea, mingled with that of burnt wood escaping from the lit fireplaces. Sitting cross-legged on one of the living room rugs, Beelzebub was struggling to tame her daughter's still-thin but already unruly hair. Eve, a year old, was nestled between her legs, her small hands drumming, unable to contain her energy. The little girl fidgeted impatiently, her black hair escaping as soon as Beelzebub managed to trap it between her fingers. She frowned. How could a simple braid be so complicated ? Gabriel managed it every time... She sighed, a little helpless. She had learned to handle weapons, to lead legions, but not to tame a child's capricious head of hair. She gently tugged at a strand, tried again, her clumsy fingers tangling in the too-short hair. A few seconds later, the braid was already coming undone. Beelzebub dropped her hands and looked up at the sky.
" Very well, " she admitted with solemn resignation, raising her hands in front of her. " Hair down is just as well. You don't need any gimmicks, Bug. "
Eve clapped her hands in delight, though she had absolutely no idea what had happened. Beelzebub smiled in spite of herself and leaned down to place a kiss on the top of her little head. This simple contact had the gift of softening her heart, of reminding her that in the midst of the harshness of their world, there were these stolen moments that were worth all the victories.
It was at that moment that a familiar shadow appeared at the entrance to the living room. Gabriel had slipped inside, his eyes bright and his expression calm and assured as always. But his gaze betrayed only quiet joy. Ever since Eve was born, whenever he came home, it was towards her that his eyes turned first, as if the rest of the universe could wait. Well, her and Beelzebub.
" I see the battle of the hair has been lost again, " he said in a soft, mocking voice, leaning against the doorframe.
" I prefer to say I surrendered with honor, " the demon replied with dignity. " Honestly, I don't know how you do it. "
She grabbed Eve by the sides, carefully lifting her to a standing position. The child squirmed a little, excited to see her father, her little arms flapping energetically.
" Easy, " murmured Beelzebub. " I wouldn't want you to... "
But before she could finish her sentence, Eve let out a little squeal of joy.
" Papaaaa ! "
And without warning, she took off. Her small, clumsy but determined legs began to move, striking the ground with her bare feet. It was more a succession of irregular little hops than a real walk, but she was moving forward, drawn as if by a magnet toward Gabriel.
Beelzebub, frozen in place, felt her breath catch. Time almost seemed to slow down, Eve's small figure, wobbly but full of momentum, taking one step, then another. Her arms stretched out in front of her, her smile beaming with pride. And then the inevitable fall, her knees bending and her hands hitting the ground. Beelzebub instinctively wanted to lunge, but she held back. For already, Eve was getting up, trembling but determined, and resuming her uncertain run.
" Oh, butterfly, " whispered Gabriel, his voice full of pride.
He knelt with his arms outstretched, unable to hide the excitement that was filling him. His features lit up with pure, almost childlike joy. And when Eve finally reached his chest, stumbling one last time to throw herself against him, he caught her with infinite delicacy, lifting her into the air as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
" You walked ! You walked towards me ! " he repeated, bursting into a laugh that was half-trembling, half-incredulous.
Eve responded with a delighted chirp, clutching the collar of his shirt. Her violet eyes sparkled, aware that she had accomplished something enormous, even if she didn't yet fully grasp its significance. Beelzebub, who remained behind, watched them. Her heart pounded, torn between pride and wonder. She had witnessed this moment, she had seen it come to life before her eyes, and yet she had not found the strength to intervene. Her lips stretched into a sincere smile, rare and precious.
" Her first steps, " she whispered almost to herself. " And towards you ? I'm dreaming, I carried her for nine months ! And it's towards you she's running, " she added, feigning annoyance, of course.
Gabriel turned his head towards her, still clutching Eve to him, and his eyes shone with an emotion he didn't even bother to hide.
" But that's because she's a mini you, and you're both crazy about me, " he said far too proudly.
The prince crossed her arms. " Watch yourself, angel, or you'll sleep on the floor. "
She turned her head slightly, as if to hide the fact that her own eyes had misted over a bit. She'd never liked showing her weaknesses, but in front of them, it seemed less serious.
Eve, curled up in her father's arms, was still laughing, her little hands clutching his shirt. He kept showering her with tender words, ridiculously cute comments, and loud kisses on her cheeks.
" You're incredible, you know that ? The bravest, the most beautiful, the strongest, " he said to the little girl. " You have everything from your mom, and I hope a little of me too. "
Then, looking up at Beelzebub, a teasing smile tugged at his lips.
" A little of you ? Seeing her charging headlong and stumbling, I'd say she gets it all from you. "
Gabriel burst out laughing, genuinely amused, and Eve giggled along with him, as if she understood the joke.
" You look like you're jealous, " he asked.
The prince let out an unflattering, almost animalistic grunt and crossed her arms over her chest.
" Jealous ? She lives next to me all day. If she wants to run to you once, I'll gladly let her... "
Gabriel almost chuckled and twirled Eve in his arms, which triggered more giggles from the girl.
" Looks like your little bug prefers angels, " he said provocatively.
" Definitely not, " retorted Beelzebub, her eyes flashing with amusement. " Keep that up, and I'll pull your teeth out to make her a necklace. "
" I love it when you pretend to threaten me, " he said.
" Pretend, yes... "
Eve clapped her hands, as if understanding and encouraging the sparring between her parents. Beelzebub finally sighed, shaking her head, but her gaze lingered on her daughter, and a proud smile tugged at her lips despite herself.
" Anyway, she's incredible, " he said in a softer voice.
The demon nodded. " Wait until she learns to fly, " she said, gently stroking her tiny wings.
Gabriel's eyes widened. " Oh my god... This is going to be amazing. "
And while Eve was still laughing in her father's arms, Beelzebub reached out to place a hand on her, unable to hide her pride and tenderness. And Gabriel just hugged them both.