Golden wings

Chapter 18 - Hurt

Alexis held carefully one of his wings.

His eyes were trailing every single feather, while he brushed them gently with his fingers. He was trying to control his anxiousness, because now that he was alone, he could not avoid falling into his worried thoughts.

When Ayako had left, he had waited. He wanted to check his wings, but he contained himself, to not worry her. But as soon as he lost sight of her and he was sure she couldn't see him, he grabbed his wings. He wasted no time, because the landing he had after hitting those trees was... not graceful at all.

He had already inspected every inch of his left wing, the one that hurt more. He did not find any wound, other than a few scratches. Now, he had his right wing outstretched, over his shoulder and onto his lap, limp.

He sighed and caressed slowly the tip of the wing. He saw no muscle or articulation bruised or broken, even if he felt beaten and the feathers were messy.

He worried about his wings as much as his hairstyle. He always got grumpy if any of the two was not how he liked it, carefully combed backwards, down and pointed. He only let his long flick of black hair out of place, hanging right beside his face.

Alexis smiled a little and let go of his right wing. He folded it back behind his shoulder, calmly. They were ok, only sore, scratched and tired.

He let himself lean forward. He closed his eyes and huffed when he plopped onto his bed. His wings relaxed and outstretched over his back like a blanket. It could seem like he had fallen asleep, but it was far from true. He could not forget that axe. His wild mind was not helping; he kept on imagining how it would have hurt if...

He let out a huffed growl and shook his head against the leafs on his bed.

No, he should not think about that. His wings were not... He was alright.

Alexis yawned, feeling extremely tired. Even if he was exhausted and falling asleep, he kept rambling mentally.

He was alive. Thanks to Uriel.

Why?

His wings gave a final twitch; he blinked one last time, unable to keep himself awake. His body relaxed, like his thoughts did.

He fell into a deep sleep when the sun went down.

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A tail was moving in slow sways.

Uriel looked up without hurry. He was lying on his back, on the branch where he had slept on. He could see the sunlight, which reflected faintly through the leafs above him. The sun was rising slowly; it was early in the morning.

He had been awake for hours now; as always. But today, something was different. His angel had not woken up early today, like he had done since he chased him. It was the first time he heard small snores.

Alexis had finally been able to sleep, not only rest slightly. And that fact made Uriel feel guilty.

The young demon stood up a little when he heard a sudden gasp and a strong jolt. The angel had woken up with a start, and had shaken his wings up when he sat up.

Uriel looked at the opening. His inhuman eyes could see the shadow behind the leafy drapes. He could see him huff and tremble while he sat on his bed. Alexis had a hand on his chest, and was staring down at his lap with a dazed expression, like if he had gotten out of a nightmare. He seemed to realize he had fallen asleep... Without keeping watch.