Unlikely Love

6

Xavier pov:

Finally, I was able to get out of the hospital. The first step outside was almost overwhelming as I was greeted by the warm afternoon sun. It was early evening, with the sky painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun began to set. The cool breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, a stark contrast to the sterile smell of the hospital.

I didn't wait for anyone to pick me up; I needed to stretch my wings. My body ached from keeping them in for so long, and my back was definitely feeling the strain. I began my walk, each step feeling like a new beginning. The path from the hospital to my base was quiet and peaceful, lined with tall trees that provided a canopy of shade. Birds chirped melodiously in the branches above, their songs mixing with the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind.

As I walked, I passed a small, clear river. The water flowed serenely, reflecting the vibrant colors of the sunset. I paused for a moment to watch the fish swimming lazily in the current, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over me. The world felt alive and vibrant, a stark contrast to the cold, isolated place I called home.

Despite the beauty around me, I felt a sense of urgency to return to my base. My armor hadn't been returned to me, and I had grown used to breathing overworld air a little bit longer than before. It made the walk slightly easier, though the lack of my breathing apparatus was still noticeable.

Finally, I reached my base. The familiar chill of the place greeted me as I stepped inside. It was cold and isolated, but it was home. The walls, though bare and uninviting, offered a sense of security and familiarity. I immediately stretched my wings, feeling the tension in my back ease as they unfurled. The relief was almost palpable, a reminder of the freedom and space I craved.

Though my brother had looked like he was considering something the last time we spoke, I pushed the thought aside for now. I had made it back, and that was what mattered. The evening continued to darken outside, the stars beginning to twinkle in the sky as I settled into my base. Despite everything, it was good to be home.

My wings cast a red glow on everything as I stretched them out, feeling the relief and freedom that came with the movement. I extended them fully, their span large enough to lift me off the ground if I wanted to, though I had no desire to fly just yet. The strength in my wings was reassuring, a reminder of my own resilience.

I made sure I was alone in my home before fully releasing my wings. The isolation was comforting, the silence broken only by the faint sounds of the outside world. I reveled in the privacy, allowing myself to relax and unwind.

The cool air of my base contrasted with the warmth of the hospital, but it was a welcome change. The quiet solitude gave me a chance to process everything that had happened, to breathe and simply exist without the constant worry and scrutiny.

As the stars outside twinkled brighter and the night deepened, I found a sense of peace in the familiar surroundings. Home, with all its coldness and isolation, was exactly where I needed to be. But I wouldn't be alone for long and I had to pull my wings back into their birthmark state as I heard a knock on my door.

"Not ready," I muttered a soft swear under my breath, mostly because I really needed to let my wings out and relax, but people didn't know how to stop being nosy.

I went to open the door, genuinely surprised to see Hels, Xisuma, and Wels standing there. I couldn't help but be sarcastic. "Surprise, surprise, did you follow me or walk all this way just to check up on me again?"

Hels gave me a worried look. "We just wanted to make sure you're okay. You did just get out of the hospital, you know."

Xisuma nodded. "We were concerned. You've been through a lot."