When Angels Fall

Chapter 13

The library is indeed wonderful. I didn't really want to leave Kuzo's side, but he was already drifting off again, so I decided to leave him be.

I walk aimlessly through the library for several minutes, simply looking at the books and breathing in the wonderful scent of old paper. There's a bronze ladder affixed to the top of the shelves, with gliders on the bottom so it can be moved. I consider swinging around on it like Belle might have, but I'm not a Disney princess.

There's all kinds of books here, from novels to biographies to books in other languages. I finally find The Count of Monte Cristo, and curl up on a soft chair to read. I've fortunately only read this one twice.

I read for an hour or so, then get up and look at more books. There's everything I could ever want, all in this room. But some of the books are too brittle to touch, and some are losing pages. I tsk softly to myself, simply tracing over the skins with my fingertips.

I notice a small plaque hanging over the fireplace, and smile as I read it.

Some books are to be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.

Good thing I'm not a bookworm. This would be my own private heaven.

Abel comes in a moment later and smiles at me.

"Hey," he says. "Mara is making a quick dinner. Want a sandwich?" I nod and stretch, sliding my book back onto the shelf.

"Lead the way," I say with a smile. Abel grins and holds the door open for me.

"Have you been to see Kuzo?" I ask as we walk, taking our time. Abel nods.

"Yeah. He was asleep, but Mara says he's going to be fine. What a relief, huh?"

I nod, a small smile on my face. "Yeah." I hear Abel chuckle, and look up to see a sly grin on his face. "What?"

"You like him," Abel smirks. "And he likes you." I groan.

"Is it that obvious?!"

Abel laughs at that, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"No, no, don't worry. It's only obvious to me because I'm an empath. I can tell a person's emotions. It's my angelic skill."

"Angelic skill?" I press, confused. Abel nods.

"Mhm. Each angel has a special skill. Mine is empathy. Azi's is resistance to pain, and Kuzo's is that he can make anyone unnoticeable. Technically invisible." I stare at him in awe.

"That's amazing!" I gush, making him laugh.

"Yes, I suppose it is. There are a handful of angels who share each ability, but it's rare enough that it's unlikely you'll find two or more angels of the same power together. At least in the same room."

I nod in understanding, and we make it to the kitchen. Mara and Azi are making sandwiches, and Azi smiles at me again.

"Hey, you," she says. "Peanut butter and jelly, or...?" I'm still somewhat stunned by the fact that she is both talking and smiling.

"Uh, yeah, that's fine. Can I help?" I ask, feeling kind of useless. Mara nods and points to one of the cupboards. Soon, large sandwiches are set on plates, with glasses of milk. I'm not particularly hungry, but I eat anyway. I'm halfway through when the door opens, and Kuzo stumbles in, grinning. Mara growls as she stands from the table.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asks, putting her hands on her hips. Kuzo laughs shakily, leaning against the counter for support.

"I'm hungry, and I wasn't going to 'ring bell for service'. Besides, I feel a lot better."

It's a lie. I can see pain on Kuzo's face, although he hides it well. He's making a point not to move his left arm, the one with the bandaged shoulder. Mara sighs.

"I don't believe you, but get a sandwich and go back to bed," she says, getting a paper plate and putting a sandwich on it. Kuzo reaches for it with his good hand, and Mara smacks it away.

"Go back to bed, I'll bring this."

I laugh and stand, tossing what's left of my sandwich into the trash can and putting the dish on the counter.

"I'll take it, Mara," I offer. "I'm done, anyway." Kuzo looks at Mara expectantly, and she grumbles, pushing the plate into my hands.

"Don't let him push you around," she advises. I chuckle, then follow Kuzo back to the infirmary. His gait is slower now, but he still holds himself straight and proud, his wings lightly brushing the floor.

We get to the infirmary, and I set the plate on a table before trying to help Kuzo lay down. But he brushes me off, saying that he can handle it. I finally figure out how to lift the head of the bed for him to sit up without effort, then hand him the plate and turn to leave.

"Hey, where are you going?" he asks. I glance back.

"To bed. I assumed you wanted to eat in peace." Kuzo shakes his head.

"No, I'd like it if you stayed." I blush and nod, then sit on the edge of his bed. He grins, his eyes sparkling through his bangs, and starts eating. I watch and chuckle to myself.

"What's so funny?" Kuzo questions, raising an eyebrow at me. I smile.

"You're an angel, and you're just sitting here eating a PB and J sandwich. That's kind of funny." Kuzo smirks.

"In my true form, I don't need to eat. Or sleep. But my human form is significantly less powerful, so..."

"Why are you in your human form, then?" I ask, confused. "Surely you'd heal faster in your...real form?" Kuzo nods.

"That I would, but it's very taxing to change back and forth between forms. Easier to just pick one and stay that way for a while."

We lapse into a silence that isn't too awkward, and Kuzo finally sets his empty plate aside.

"You can go to bed," he says hesitantly. "Or you could, um..."

"What?" I ask, tilting my head at him. He gives a small chuckle.

"You could...stay with me?"

A blush covers my cheeks, but I nod with a small smile.

"Alright." I lay the bed down once more, and Kuzo scoots over and rolls onto his side so I have room. I lay down beside him, my face on fire. He smiles at me.

"Night, Paris."

"Night, Kuzo."