Prissy and Pristine

It was another wonderful yet predictable day at the Heavenly Embassy but Philos couldn’t complain. The seasons were beginning to change, spring into summer, now summer into fall, they were amazed by all the beauty Burrowgatory had to offer. Slowly, more Cherubuns left their angelic home above to join them which meant there was always something for Philos to do. They left their quaint little cottage-like abode to the main part of the Embassy, ready to tackle any tasks appointed to them. Naturally, Cherubuns did whatever they want but it seemed no matter what, they would all contribute to the care of the Heavenly Embassy one way or another. Philos seemed to enjoy it more than most, shy as they were to interact with Succubuns fully just yet. Before they could take that plunge, they were more than happy to help acclimate new and familiar faces at the Embassy.

They headed off to the gardens with the intention to cultivate their beloved flowers but was stopped by a familiar blonde figure rounding the corner.

“Ah, Philos, there you are. Were you heading off to the gardens?” The speaker, Primrose, asked as he brushed off imaginary dust from his sleeves. “Actually, I could use your assistance with cleaning the halls and the lobby…I had thought to ask the others, or even Dove, but they are all busy within Burrowgatory.” A defeated sigh escaped him, irritated that he had so much to do with so little hands. Philos smiled, always happy to see the other at any cost, and shook their head as they approached closer.

“Worry not, dearest Primrose. I shall assist thee in thy cleaning efforts…” They took Primrose’s hands in theirs, their warmth genuine and innocent, glad to be of some assistance to the head of the Heavenly Embassy. Primrose could only manage back a half-smile, aware of Philos’ gentle nature and squeezed back in response. There was nothing Philos wouldn’t do for the other Cherubn, knowing just how taxing such a role could be. The partially wooden Cherubun did not envy the pressure or the monumental requirement it took to run such large accommodations. “I shall start on one end and we can meet in the middle, perhaps?”

To this, Primrose nodded before releasing Philos’ hands. “Yes. Here, I have an extra feather duster for you and some cleaning gloves, if you require.” Philos took his offer and nodded, wandering down the hall nearest an area of stained glass windows. They began to dust and scrub, keeping their gilded halls as pristine as possible. From one pillar to the next, Philos cleaned away not minding the tidying work. In a way, it was soothing, repetitive routine. They wouldn’t utter it aloud but part of them missed the familiar of the heavenly meadow and of even more familiar faces. Despite the strict oversight and regulations, Philos found purpose in that as did many others of their kind. After all, it was why some still remained with Melangel above. Nostalgia hung like a storming cloud above them as they lowered their duster, quiet contemplation over their work. They wondered if Primrose missed it up there too. They wondered if any littermates or elders, what little they had of them, were thinking of all of them the way Philos ceaselessly dreamt about them.

“Philos?” Primrose called out, peeking from down the hall between two pillars. “Done already?” Even from where he stood, he knew the other couldn’t have possibly been done. They were as meticulous as he was, a fact he could appreciate and rely on. Since he cleaned regularly, he wasn’t prone to tiring out as others did. He walked over to check on his companion, concern knit into his brows. “Is something the matter?”

Embarrassment washed over the tenderhearted Cherubun as Primrose approached. They shook their head, forgoing words they were afraid to speak. Instead, they managed a wistful smile before rubbing the featherlight silk of their hagoromo. “Just…reminiscing. Such conflicting feelings weigheth heavy upon my heart. I will finish cleaning ‘ere long.” A silence followed them as they stared up at the softly lit stained glass windows before them. Primrose followed their gaze, allowing the moment to pass through both of them. He reached his hand out to Philos’ and nodded.

“It doesn’t go away…I think.” Primrose started, finding the right words to say to soothe their companion. “But, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. That place was our home so of course we’ll miss the familiarity of it…but we are here now and we’ll have to make the best of it…no matter what it looks like.” He cleared his throat before resolve painted over his delicate features. He gave Philos’ hand one last squeeze before pulling away.

The wooden Cherubun turned to Primrose, imbued with a renewed sense of purpose and promise. They quickly wipe the corner of their eyes before picking up the feather duster before them. “I thank thee, dearest Primrose, for thy words of encouragement…if we are to make thee best of it, cleanliness shall be our start.” They start up on their cleaning again, happy to have the other by their side as they finish.

When every pillar down the illustrious hall was sparkling clean, the two Cherubuns sat on a bench near the entrance steps, sipping on cool, refreshing ambrosias. They exchanged small smiles, satisfied with a job well done and an Embassy well cleaned.