It was a picturesque day, Nexus found himself surrounded by a lively group of people, their cheerful chatter blending harmoniously with the warmth of the spring sun. Seated at a large park table, they soaked in the pleasant atmosphere. He chatted happily with the people, asking them various questions about their lives.

Amidst the joyful ambiance, a woman with long, black hair approached the gathering, her presence causing. hush to fall over the table. She timidly tapped a particular man on the shoulder, capturing his attention. Her voice trembled with a mixture of shyness and anticipation, “Can you tell me who the owner of the white Jeep is?” She said with a shy smile.

Nexus looked on, watching the interaction with great anticipation.

The man turned towards her, his face lighting up with a friendly smile. “You found him! That’s my jeep!” He said with a laugh. A few from the table laughed along with him. It was obvious he was the life of the party.
“Uhm, I hate to bother you, but…” she turned around, and pointed to the parking lot, “your jeep is blocking me in, and I can’t leave…” she trailed off, afraid she had offended him somehow.

A mild shock washed over the man's face as he swiftly rose from his seat, keys in hand. "I am so sorry, ma'am," he apologized sincerely. "Let me take care of it right now!" He rose from his seat and rushed to the parking lot to free her car.

Observing the unfolding scene, Nexus discreetly stepped away from the boisterous group, his absence inconspicuous among the lively conversations. He watched as the man graciously moved his car, returning to the woman with remorse.

"I’m so sorry, I don’t usually do things like this. I don’t even remember parking there! I'm Jack, by the way," he introduced himself, his voice laced with sincerity. "Sorry about this inconvenience. I hope I haven't caused you any delays."

The woman, offered a warm smile, her nerves gradually dissipating. She glanced around, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Jack extended his hand, a silent gesture of friendship and connection.

"I'm Mary," she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of nervousness. Their hands lingered momentarily in the air, the unspoken possibility of a deeper connection hanging between them. Jack gently lowered his hand, respecting her boundaries.

"Forgive me for being forward, but would it be alright if I ask for your number?" Jack's request hung in the air, his vulnerability mirrored in his hopeful expression.

Mary's gaze lifted from the ground, a smile gracing her lips. "Sure," she responded, her voice brimming with newfound eagerness.

In that pivotal moment, as their eyes met and their souls intertwined, Nexus snapped his fingers, invoking the power of fate. A vibrant red thread materialized, delicately binding itself to the ring fingers of Jack and Mary, symbolizing the sacred connection between their souls.

Nexus grinned, his satisfaction evident, as he vanished into thin air just as the awkward goodbyes of the budding couple echoed in the air.

In the blink of an eye, he materialized in a dimly lit alley adjacent to his favorite restaurant, his appearance now completely transformed. His fingers raked through his tousled blond hair, allowing the bangs to cascade gracefully onto his face. Casually, he strode around the corner, seeking a window that would grant him a view of his altered reflection.

Unbeknownst to him, curious gazes from within the restaurant fixated on his every move. Ignorant of the scrutiny, Nexus meticulously adjusted his clothing, ensuring every crease was smoothed out to perfection. His brown almond eyes took in his appearance, pleased with what he saw. Lost in his own vanity, he continued to preen and admire himself, oblivious to the watchful eyes observing his every action.

"Nexus, my friend, you can't possibly spend any more time perfecting your attire," a voice called out, bringing him back to reality. “Your divine good looks are causing a stir, please get away from the windows.”
Nexus looked up in the reflection to see the owner of the voice. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he turned around to pat him on the shoulder.
“Duncan, where’s the fun in that?” He turned to get another look in the window.
Duncan observed a group of girls inside whispering and giggling to each other. Undoubtedly talking about the handsome man directly in front of them.

Nexus turned to face the imposing man standing beside him, who was clearly irritated by the antics of the god, yet choosing to express his annoyance through a roll of his brown eyes before moving on.
"Not surprising to see you undertaking the tasks of your Angels again," he remarked, noting the presence of the god in the human world.
"Look, Death was really getting on my nerves," Nexus replied, turning away from Duncan with a look of disgust on his face. He scrunched his nose up at the thought of the God with black hair and the chaos that seemed to follow him.
"Nexus, he is your equal. Show him the courtesy of using his name. You owe him that much," Duncan stated with a matter-of-fact tone, placing his hands on his hips and emanating a disappointed father.
Exasperated, Nexus let out a sigh. "Fine," he conceded, making his way towards a nearby bench and plopping down on it.
"Kieran just sent an angel of death to collect a couple I had just united. It's frustrating," he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air and casting his eyes skyward. "I would love to know what you're thinking."
"Did you have another fight with him again?" Duncan questioned, sitting down next to Nexus on the bench. He leaned against the metal backrest, letting his head fall back and rest against the wall behind them. He ignored the discomfort of his ponytail poking into his head. Glancing sideways at Nexus, who had his head in his hands and was rubbing his eyes and temples, Duncan sighed softly.
"Of course," Nexus replied, his voice filled with frustration and weariness.
"Nexus, you know he has no control over it. It's his divine duty to carry out, just as you have yours. You can't keep hating him for doing his duty," Duncan explained, his tone gentle yet firm. Nexus reluctantly lifted his head, meeting Duncan's gaze. Duncan raised his head and fixed the small but messy brown ponytail on top of his head, absentmindedly fidgeting with his hair.

Nexus sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his frustration. "Duncan, it's just... every time our paths cross, it's like he's purposely trying to unravel all the hard work I do. It feels like his sole purpose is to undo everything I've created," Nexus admitted, his voice laced with vulnerability.

Duncan closed his eyes, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew that guiding a wayward god like Nexus would require patience and wisdom, and he silently prayed to receive that. With a deep breath, he responded, "We may not fully understand the reasoning behind each of your roles, but even if Kieran's purpose as the God of Death is to challenge you, he cannot fight it or change his fate. You and Kieran are like two parallel lines coexisting in the heavenly realm."

They had engaged in this conversation countless times before, knowing that it led to a dead end every single time. Duncan felt a sense of weariness wash over him, but he couldn't give up on helping Nexus. Glancing up at the trees lining the sidewalk, adorned with fresh spring blooms, he decided to change the subject. "Don't forget about your report," he reminded Nexus gently. "And it might be best to avoid meddling with the Angels' duties. We wouldn't want Him to get upset." He darted his eyes upward.
The wind began to pick up, and Duncan watched as petals from the tree in front of them blew down the sidewalk.

Nexus waved off the advice dismissively, clearly uninterested in heeding the warning. Just then, the sound of sirens pierced the air, their blaring noise filling the surroundings. It was difficult to determine the exact number of sirens, but it was clear that something significant was happening.

Both Nexus and Duncan looked around, trying to make sense of the situation. There was no clear indication of a mass casualty event nearby, but Nexus could feel a sharp pain coursing through him. It was a familiar sensation, one that only occurred when the threads of fate were severed, particularly when lovers met a tragic end.

Closing his eyes in pain, Nexus placed a hand over his chest, attempting to control his breathing. The intensity of the pain indicated that it wasn't just a single pair affected, but several. Meanwhile, Duncan's gaze shifted towards the billowing plume of black smoke in the distance, gradually covering the once blue sky. He couldn't help but wonder if the pain was Nexus' punishment for his misbehavior, as it seemed cruel for a god to be forced to feel the severance of the lives he brought together.

As the sirens continued to blare, Duncan took a moment to silently pray for the angels who were undoubtedly overwhelmed with emotion at the scene. He couldn't help but feel immense sympathy for both Kieran, the God of Death, and his angels. Their duty was undoubtedly one of the most challenging and noble tasks among the gods. They served as the vital connection between life and death, with only them having access to the heavenly gate. Remarkably, not a single Angel had ever abused this privilege, making them an honorable group.

Duncan couldn't help but compare the Angels of Death to the Angels of Fate, including Nexus himself. While the former dealt with humanity's heaviest and most profound emotions, the latter got to experience and play with the happiest and most exhilarating aspects of human existence. It was a wonder that Kieran and his angels didn't despise Nexus for who he was. Instead, it was Nexus who held an arrogant disdain for them, a fact that Duncan found laughable.

“We should return.” Duncan stood up, stretching and Nexus silently followed suit. They walked to the alley next to the build and disappeared with the wind.

As they entered the heavenly realm, a serene and tranquil atmosphere enveloped them. The celestial landscape was adorned with ethereal buildings, emanating an air of timelessness. The structures, though ancient in appearance, displayed no signs of wear or decay, as if they had been meticulously preserved throughout the ages.

The architecture of the heavenly realm showcased a harmonious blend of traditional and celestial designs. Majestic temples with intricately carved details stood tall, exuding a spiritual aura that commanded reverence. The buildings seemed to defy the passage of time, their pristine facades reflecting the celestial light that bathed the entire realm.

The pathways leading through this celestial realm were lined with vibrant gardens, bursting with an array of colorful, exotic flowers. The fragrance of these blossoms permeated the air, creating an intoxicating perfume that enhanced the heavenly experience. The celestial flora seemed to thrive effortlessly, their petals untouched by the ravages of time.

Nexus, an image of physical perfection, possessed a captivating charm that transcended mere appearance. His chiseled jawline accentuated his handsome features, adding a touch of masculinity to his refined and symmetrical face. His mesmerizing, almond-shaped eyes, as deep and mysterious as the celestial abyss, held a wealth of untold stories and ancient knowledge

His flawless complexion, seemingly untouched by the hands of time, glowed with a radiant luster. The celestial light caressed his skin, casting a gentle halo around his visage. His well-maintained physique, sculpted through celestial practices and an unwavering dedication to spiritual and physical well-being, displayed a perfect balance of strength and grace.

As the heavenly light played upon his blonde, lustrous hair, it seemed to possess a life of its own, flowing effortlessly in harmony with the celestial energies. Nexus’ hair, with it’s carefree styling, framed his face in a way that highlighted his captivating features, further enhancing his magnetic allure.

Amidst this celestial splendor, Nexus stood tall, his presence emanating an aura of regal grace. He seamlessly blended into the grandeur of the heavenly realm, his presence effortlessly harmonizing with the celestial surroundings.

As he made his way through the ethereal realm, the pain that haunted him gradually became distant background noise, its intensity diminished by the physical separation from its source. Yet, even in this realm of grandeur, he couldn't fully escape its grip.

Following a winding pathway, he reached a set of imposing double doors. With a gentle push, the doors swung open, revealing an awe-inspiring room adorned with countless bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. The shelves seemed to flow seamlessly.

Spotting the ladder affixed to one of the shelves, he grasped it firmly and pulled it towards him. Step by step, he ascended, reaching for the specific record he sought. Finally, he retrieved the book and carefully descended the ladder, his footsteps echoing through the vast expanse.

Finding a vacant table, he placed the book upon it, its weight filled with countless names. With a graceful wave of his hand, the book obediently opened to the exact page he desired. His gaze fixated on the names inscribed on the parchment, each one marked with a somber cross, an undeniable symbol of their departure from the realm of the living.

Some names were accompanied by the names of their beloved, indicating that they had both died. Others, however, bore no such addition, signifying that they had passed away, leaving their partner alone in the mortal world. It was these particular entries that held a lingering sense of melancholy.
In silence, he meticulously read each new name, his heart heavy with the weight of their stories and the mysteries of fate.
As Nexus immersed himself in the solemn task of reading the names inscribed within the book, he couldn't help but ponder the enigmatic nature of fate. It was a fickle mistress, bestowing second chances upon those left behind to grieve, but its timing and selection remained an enigma, forever shrouded in uncertainty.

With each new name he read off, Nexus's eyes scanned the crossed-out names, their significance etched deeply within his soul. The weight of the book seemed to grow heavier, burdened by the tales of love, loss, and the lingering hopes of those who yearned for a new beginning.

He knew that for some, fate would reveal itself in the form of a new name, a beacon of possibility amidst the sea of crossed-out entries. It was a glimmer of hope, a chance for those left behind to find solace and companionship once again. But the unpredictable nature of fate kept Nexus in a perpetual state of anticipation, never knowing when or if another name would manifest alongside their grieving counterpart.

It was a delicate dance, the interplay between destiny and the human heart. As Nexus silently absorbed the names, he couldn't help but wonder about the stories behind them, the lives that had intertwined and the futures that had been abruptly altered. Each crossed-out name represented a unique journey, a narrative that had ceased to be, leaving only fragmented memories and the echoes of unfinished love.

Yet, amidst the sorrowful pages, there were occasional instances of joy and renewal. Some names bore the mark of a living partner, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It was a reminder that fate, despite its capricious nature, could still bestow a second chance upon those who had endured immeasurable.

Lost in contemplation, Nexus continued to read, his fingers tracing the crossed-out names, as if seeking some hidden message or clue within the inked symbols. In the hushed stillness of the towering room, he was bound to the book, an eternal witness to the ebb and flow of fate, once again left to contemplate how cruel humanity must be.