iFain
Merule'He has such a beautiful laugh. . .' Kuro thinks with a sigh. The light sound is enough to lift his spirits a little further and with a light chuckle he pets the wing beneath his fingers gently before letting it go and relaxing. His eyes remain trained on the angel, his dark red eyes half closed in contentment, this quite moment shared between them something he knows he's missed with having Dani around all the time. 'And to think, I have to leave him alone with Dani so I can feed soon' The thought drifts away quickly as he realizes that Aoba has been staring at him for half a minute now, his eyes unblinking, his gaze leveled with the demon's.
'Well, this is interesting' he muses, watching as the angel finally looks away, clearly embarrassed. His own gaze remains on Aoba and he smiles a little wider when he realizes that the smaller male is still staring, but now at his hair instead of his eyes. 'What's with this sudden fascination Little Mouse? You've seen it all before, so what. . . . .' His thoughts trail off as the wings sprouting from the little angel's back begin to move. He remains calm as they shift, the pressure on his back pulling him closer to the object of his obsession without objection. He eyes the gray cocoon wrapping around them with curiosity, and a fair amount of anticipation. He's not sure what to expect, but if he were to do something like this to anyone, the intention would be clear.
~*~*~*~*~
'Nope, nope, not happening, this is not happening! This is not right, how could he, he's a. . .a. . .' Fenrir can't even pretend to be surprised. The signs had been clear for a long time, glaring and obvious. 'But to think, Aoba making the first real move? It's incredible. . . .To say the least' The arch angel set the mirror face down, not wanting to watch what's about to happen. Then, his over protectiveness kicks in and he pulls the mirror back up and glares into it at the demon. 'If he has any sense, he'll not respond, but he will, but if he acts anything but gentlemanly, I will rush down there right now and send him back to hell in pieces'
The sentiment is real, even though he knows he'd have no chance against a son of Satan, unless Aoba himself begged him not to hurt his former boss, but in that instance, Fenrir could not attack the demon at all. It's not right to attack someone who can not attack back. 'Says the ass who helped with his torture, patching him up. . .' He shakes his head hard, banishing the thoughts. They already have one fallen angel this century, no need for another, and he really does still hate demons, it's just. . . This one. . . .
~*~*~*~*~
If he head a heart, it would be racing. A warm tingle rushes from the place where their lips meet down throughout his entire body and his red eyes flash black for a moment when his flame decides to make itself known. The response is natural, nice, and needy. He doesn't want the angel to pull back, doesn't want to let him pull away, and it takes all of his willpower to not pull Aoba back in and ravage him on the spot. Wanton desire rages through him and it's all he can do to keep himself still while he tries to push those desires back down to a manageable level.
'He. . .Kissed me. . . .I can't believe it, he, kissed me! And he was all cute about it too, so shy, hiding us away in his wings, I. . .I want him, oh father how I want him, he's just, so. . . .But, I. . . .I can't, I have to calm down. . . .Calm down dammit!' He manages not to growl aloud, but it take a little too long for him to calm for Aoba to have not noticed that he's been frozen for a bit. He hears the muttered apology and the sound of Aoba's voice snaps him out of his funk enough to let out a soft sigh and smile lightly.
“Of all things you've ever done to me Little Mouse, kissing me has got to be the very last thing I would ever want an apology out of you for.” Still not completely sure he trusts himself Kuro none the less turns and reaches forward, carefully cupping the back of Aoba's neck and caressing it gently with his thumb. “Or, are you saying you truly regret kissing me Little Mouse? Is it something you feel. . . . Ashamed of?” Before he can answer Kuro leans in and presses a feather light kiss to the angel's forehead, then matching ones to either cheek, until at last his lips come to hover bare centimeters in front of Aoba's, his thumb caressing that soft neck once more. His body is warm, it tingles, but at the very least, in this instance, he can hold himself at bay long enough to at least ask, “May I?” and wait for an answer from the beautiful fallen one.
Aoba had similar thoughts racing through his mind. He was surprised by a lot of things. Not only did he kiss him, but he had the courage to do it- or just blatant stupidity. Whichever didn’t feel as harsh. He couldn’t help but worry when Kuro didn’t respond immediately. It made him afraid to look him in the eye, missing an opportune moment to see something about Kuro he never had. When he finally did hear the demon’s voice, Aoba mentally sighed. ’I don’t know why I expected him to be. . .upset. Really, I didn’t know what to expect.’
Feeling warmth on the back of his neck, the fallen angel looked back at Kuro. His gaze was innocent, nervous even. However that quickly changed with the following question. “N-No, no! Of course not.” His voice practically squeaked out in defense. If he was sure about anything as of late, he was most certainly sure that he wanted to kiss Kuro.
’Oh dear, I wanted to kiss Kuro. . .’
That had to have been bad. For some reason he felt like his authorities would strike down at any minute. “It’s not that I’m ashamed. Of course not! I’ve really wanted to. . .” His voice trailed off, realizing how embarrassing that would probably be to admit. “It’s just,” Aoba takes a deep breath, trying to ignore the various kisses he was receiving. “It’s just that you’re. . .” He couldn’t ignore it that well.
Aoba found himself closer to Kuro again, his wings tensing again. It was a simple, earnest question and yet Aoba found himself rather overwhelmed with it all. Instead of answering, because the words were lost in his throat, the fallen angel decided to close the distance once again. He really hadn’t been ashamed of it. It was just-
The kiss lasted longer this time. As much as Aoba admittedly did not want to pull away, he did. Quickly, he placed his hands in his lap and looked down at the grass. “Kuro,” There was a small whine before he started. “I’m not ashamed it’s just that,” He hoped he could put it as lightly as possible. “You said it yourself. You don’t have a heart. What I feel is probably something totally different than what you do. I’m just not sure if it would work.” There was a minor pause that made him straighten up. How could he forget the most important flaw of this?! “A-Also, you’re a demon. I don’t mind obviously but. . .” His gaze directed to the sky. “I know many who would. I just don’t want you to get hurt again. Not because of me.”
The stammered words, admitting no shame, confessing it an honest desire, Kuro can feel his nature sending his skin a tingle, each syllable making him shiver. Then, without warning, Aoba's lips are upon his own once more, and this time, Kuro kisses back. He's careful, even as his desires make his flames dance around the linked pair, to keep one hand planted firmly on the ground, the claws digging in and acting to ground his desire, not letting it loose on the sweet treat beneath his fingers. The hand on Aoba's neck remains gentle because of this, and he even manages to not push Aoba back and continue the affectionate ministrations when the angel eventually pulls back. The growl has no choice but to leave him this time, the flames dancing lightly across his body, and over Aoba's.
For an instant this sends fear through the demon, however as he watches, they do not scorch his skin, they do not even singe his clothing, and as he watches them coil and dance across the angel he wonders if it's the taint, his taint, that keeps the smaller male safe from the hottest flames in hell.
And then he's talking, that whine sending his already aroused body into new levels of desire, but quickly, as if being doused in an ice bath the desire falls and he feels as if he should be hurt by the angel's words. 'It doesn't hurt though. . .I just. . . .Don't like them' It's true, he doesn't have a heart, but, does that really matter? His desire for the angel is stronger than this so called “love” he's seen come and go throughout his life, between mortals, the ease with which it can be cultivated, corrupted. Isn't what he's feeling even better?
He knows there's some serious flaws with this line of thought but as Aoba goes on to talk about him “Being a demon” irrational anger flares though him and he's almost grateful that his fames were doused earlier. He's not sure Aoba would still be safe from them when he's angry. With a sigh he drops his hand from Aoba's neck and stands, turning away from Aoba. “Yeah, I'm a demon Aoba, a son of Satan, and you helped me escape from heaven, and got cast out for it.” He lets out another sigh, wanting desperately to get the harsh note out of his voice but fails miserably as he goes on.
“And do you really think they care? Do you really think that any angel cast out has ever actually returned? I can tell you honestly, no. We've killed every single one of them. They don't actually expect you to come back, or to even live as long as you have. Do you really, honestly think that liking a heartless beast is going to make your life that much worse?” He doesn't know why he's attacking the angel, this isn't like him, but as his back twitches and tenses he can't help the irritation that rages through him. He doesn't know where it comes from, but he knows it's not Aoba's fault. That doesn't stop him from snorting and crossing his arms with a huff murmuring, “I may be a heartless beast but I care more about you than your own ever did. . .”
Aoba noticed the dancing fires around him, some occasionally brushing against him. He sat still, mildly intrigued that he didn’t get burned from them. The mood shifted rather quickly when Kuro spoke again. Aoba kept his hands in his lap, still looking down at the grass. The sudden harshness of his tone made those gray wings droop lower to the ground.
“You’re right. . . No matter how much I want to deny it.” His voice was soft and oddly calm. Those blue eyes finally met Kuro’s and he sighed. “You’ve cared for me more than anyone I’ve ever known okay? But for once. . . Just once, I would think they-” He frowned a little, trying to find his words. Instead, he sighed disheartedly. “It’s nice to pretend that someone at least thinks about me every now and then.” He pulled his knees to his chest, resting his chin on them. “I was an angel Kuro. You can’t expect me to despise them.” He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Sure, he was upset, but at this point he felt he cried so much already. . .
“It’s not just that!” Aoba sat up, turning to Kuro. “I’m already well aware that I’ve been cast aside like I was nothing okay? I’m well aware you have some ‘loving’ familial relationship. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are heartless. You may care about me now but. . .” Aoba frowned a little, not liking the very thought of what he was about to say. “But what if you get bored? What if you decide that you’re tired of being cooped up here, doing manual labor when there are so many other things you could be doing? What would I do then? I don’t. . .That’s a chance I’m not willing to take okay?” Aoba sighed and looked away again.
He wasn’t sure if it had been an irrational fear or him just trying to make excuses. Either way, the bit of grace he had left was telling him that everything about this would go south. It would only end for the worse. It was something he didn’t have the courage to go against.
~*~*~*~*~
The arch angel longs desperately to go down, to prove the gray winged angel right, to give him a hug and shoo away the beast causing him pain, but he can't. He can only watch, as the one stable, caring relationship he's ever seen the boy in slowly begins to dissolve before his eyes. He can feel the ache inside that comes from watching a friend in pain suffer and being unable to do anything to help, but with a snort he shakes his head, his pain increasing. 'I was never his friend. . .Just his boss, and I'm a fool to think anything else. . .'
~*~*~*~*~
The pain punches him in the gut as he hears the pain in the angel's voice. This at least is a feeling he can feel. Now he's not only been let down for someone he cares about more than anyone else, but he's hurt him, and the very thought makes Kuro sick. “I don't expect you to. . .” he begins muttering, hoping to at least start making amends, but then Aoba goes on and he falls silent. The pain only grows with every word and he has to bite his lip to keep from snapping back, His flames are back, dancing lightly just under the surface. The “Black Little Storm Cloud” begins to rumble soundlessly.
When at last Aoba finishes talking Kuro mutters through clenched teeth, “You have never been nothing Little mouse, just different. . .” Swallowing hard he moves over to where the angel stills ts upon the grass and reaches down, gently brushing his fingers through the boy's hair so that his head tilts back. His normally calm, gentle eyes look more like Aoba's at the moment, on the verge of tears. “I made the decision to stay with you, and I stick by my decisions. No matter how much you hurt me, no matter the danger, from anyone, I will never leave you.”
Ever so slowly he kneels down so he's even with Aoba, his hand sliding down to grasp the back of Aoba's head. Slowly, he leans in until his lips are almost brushing the angel's ear. “And by the way, I'm without a heart, not heartless, so yeah, you can hurt me. . .” As he pulls back, tears of black flame fall from his eyes, landing thankfully on the grass and not Aoba as the grass is reduced to ash in an instant upon impact beneath them before the flame goes out. Standing Kuro turns and begins walking away. Bare seconds later Dani lands, looking very ruffled, looking back and forth between the angel and the retreating back of his brother. Before Aoba can say anything Dani hisses angrily at him, “What did you do to him!?”
The fallen angel found himself looking at Kuro. The teary eyed expression made him more sad. He had never seen Kuro look so defeated, so sad before. Aoba started to say something, but he couldn’t find the right words to say. Instead, he stared as Kuro spoke, declaring that he would stay by his side. True guilt fell over Aoba. He desperately wanted to say something to make him feel better, hating the sad expression, but for some reason he couldn’t.
The tears were enough for him to sit up quickly and reach out, but Kuro was already walking away. “I-” His head was in his hands. “This was a bad idea...This was a bad idea.” The sudden hiss made him stumble back, staring at the glaring demon before him.
“What did you do?” Dani’s voice lowered, still laced with anger from before.
Aoba slowly stood and dusted himself off. He didn’t answer the demon at first. However, when Dani growled at him Aoba frowned. “Leave me alone Dani!” That was a first. Despite not showing it, he was a little surprised that he yelled at the demon. He turned the opposite way, walking off to the corner of the the grassy field. The animals had all stood their distance, not wanting to get in the way of the spat, but some wandered closer to Aoba when he sat near them. Going back to the house was a long walk he didn’t want to take at the moment.
He'd felt it from miles away, the hurt, the sorrow. Thankfully he'd managed to get a bite before things went down hill for his brother so he was able to pick up and leave at his top speed, arriving just in time to see them split. He doesn't know what happened, but the hurt from his brother is palpable, and that's just not allowed. Upon landing he tries to get an answer out of the angel, but much to his surprise, it yells at him. Scowling he looks after his brother, who shockingly had not turned at the shout and instead continues walking away. Looking back and forth once more Dani throws his head back and lets out an ungodly howl of frustration, sending the livestock into a panic.
Many gather around the angel, but most simply race for the corners furthest from Dani and cower. Kuro does not turn at the noise, nor the sound of Dani chasing him. He does however, once Dani's within range, snap out the order, “Keep an eye on him.” without pausing to make sure Dani complies. Dani doesn't like the order, but does as he's told and leaves his brother alone for now.
For his part, Kuro has no idea what he's doing. Once more his nature overrode his better judgment and he aggravated a problem instead of handling it calmly like he normally does. Like he knows he can. His feet take him to the back of the house, his thoughts blank, his body without purpose. He winds up in his little workshop area, the nearly finished project still laying hidden in the tall grass. Without a thought he settles into the grass and begins working, his fingers moving idly, but with great precision. Chips fall, curling beneath the blade and dropping to the ground in a little pile as he simply stares off into the distance. He'd hurt him, he knows he did, but right now, all he can think is that he needs to get it finished. He needs to show him. . . .
Dani grumbled quietly as he flew back towards Aoba. He watched as the angel put his head against one of the sheep that rested next to him. He sighed, knowing that his first approach wasn’t going to work. Dani had to be calm about it. Despite being told to be left alone Dani slowly inched closer.
Aoba was facing him, but ignored the actions. His eyes were shut tight and his wing came up to shield his face. ’I’m not going to cry. . .I’m not going to. He rubbed his cheeks over and over, trying to avoid the tears threatening to show. ’I’ve ruined everything.’ Another whine escaped, though there was nothing he could really do about it.
“Aoba. . . Can you tell me what happened?” Dani refrained from rolling his eyes or doing anything that would be considered ‘wrong’ in this situation. “Please?” He made a disgusted face but quickly returned to a calmer one as Aoba’s wing slowly moved. “My brother is upset. I. . . want to help.”
Aoba’s wing dropped back over his face, although after a few shifts the sheep under him moved to leave him laying in the grass. Dani frowned a little when he was ignored only to sit at attention when Aoba started to speak softly. “I managed to ruin everything okay? What more do you really need to know? I let my feelings get the best of me. I decided that I don’t know, maybe it’d be okay to kiss a demon. There wouldn’t be any consequence to that, right? No big deal. But I was wrong. There’s going to be some consequence for it. It may not be from any angels considering none of them take the time to give me a second glance, but there’s always some sort of consequence! I wouldn’t be laying on the ground if there wasn’t now would I?”
Aoba snapped at no one in particular. After all, his gray wings still shielded him from view. He had yelled at Dani once, he wasn’t planning on doing it again. That sounded a bit dangerous. Aoba groaned and let his wings stretch out a bit more.
Dani stares for a long moment at the wall of wings before saying, quite bluntly, "What the hell consequences could there be to kissing a demon? I mean, Kuro is as close to loving you as we can get, it's not like he'd push you away or be grossed out. . .Or did he?" Dani sounds very confused. Though he still wants the toy, him being intimate with Kuro doesn't seem to be a obstacle to his goal, so he has no objections to making his brother happy, though he'd never admit it.
There was a minor pause from Aoba. He laid unmoving and in thought. He knew nothing of how demonic culture worked. Kuro probably wouldn’t get banished for anything like that- then again, what could demons get banished for? What rules did demons have!? Aoba merely groaned and shook his head, not like he could be seen though. “No he didn’t.” Finally, he lifted his wing in order to look at Dani. “I don’t know what it is okay? I just. . .have a bad feeling about it. It’s called a conscience. Angels- mostly everyone has one of those you know.” He rolled over on to his back, careful not to bend his wings. Aoba stared at the sky, wondering if he could spot anything if he stared long enough. “It’s not like I don’t like him. It’s not like I haven’t dug a deeper hole than I’m already in with the angels.” He honestly didn’t know where he was going with the last bit, so he sighed and put his arm over his eyes.
'Well, that's a good sign. He's not completely off his nut' Dani muses, glad his brother is legit upset and not crazy. After all, he knows how much the little brat cares for the runt, anything else would have been mad. Dani scowls, watching Aoba flop on to his back. His scowl deepens then after a few seconds of listening he stand, walks over, straddles Aoba's middle, then with a careful plop, sits down on Aoba's stomach. “Okay, so let me get this straight. He cares for you, you like him, but this “conscience” thing of yours is telling you it's a bad idea. . .Because the dicks that kicked you out would disapprove? For loving someone?” He knows Aoba didn't specifically say “love” but it stands to reason that an angel wouldn't go so far as to kiss someone if it was simple “like”.
Aoba let out a small ‘oof’ as Dani sat on him, despite him falling gently. Aoba crossed his arms, but watched Dani carefully. As the smaller demon reiterated the situation, Aoba listened and tried his best not to continuously hide his face or look away. “Not just loving someone Dani. The angels that kicked me out would disapprove of me loving...loving Kuro.” A faint tint of color darkened his cheeks, effectively making him look to the side. He did love Kuro. Aoba wouldn’t have gone through all of this if he didn’t. “We have rules Dani. Things we can and can’t do. Loving our supposed enemy would probably be high on the list. You may not have rules and morals to follow, but it’s what I was taught since I was born. With the little purity I do have left, my conscience is reminding me of that.”
'Okay, so we've also established love. . . .I don't see what's so difficult here' Dani huffs, the angel's words bringing up a memory drilled into his head by his father. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Like a choir boy Dani quotes the scriptures. Truthfully it has mostly been used by he and he brethren to turn people away from their faith, but in this instance, it's just on impulse. Blinking slowly he adds, “Matthew 5:44, King James version of the holy book.” He tilts his head to the side. “I don't understand how you can claim it wrong when, as far as I've ever known of your silly God, he puts love above all other emotions. A feeling me and my family has been denied for our own safety, you set aside because some far away assholes can't even follow their own rules?” He shakes his head. “No wonder he's so sad. . .” Standing up Dani looks down his nose at the angel, letting out a disgusted huff. “And I thought you were different from those bigots. . .” Turning he walks several paces away before sitting down, his senses remaining alert, but it's clear by his body language that he's here against his will and he'd rather be anywhere else.
Aoba listened, mulling over the quote over and over again. It sounded something like he’d heard before. Something he was taught. And here Dani was reciting it back to him. It felt like a mild slap to the face that Dani- a demon, knew something like that better than he did. It hurt a little more when Dani lumped him together with the same people who casted him aside. The angel sat up, mindlessly pulling grass from the ground. He didn’t know whether to be angry or sad. He didn’t know whether he did the right or wrong thing. Lately, he didn’t seem to know what to do about anything that didn’t consist of the animals around them. For a fleeting moment, a thought ran through his mind. The thought of everything being so much more simple if he was to just stay with Father Gerard. That thought left as quick as it appeared however.
Aoba found himself standing and shaking off his wings the best he could. ’Wouldn’t things be much better if I decided to just go by the rules?’ He stayed silent, not bothering to look Dani’s way. Instead, he got up and instead of going towards the gate, climbed over the fence. Looking both ways, he could have headed towards the edge of the camp. Could have. But Aoba was no fool. So instead, he headed towards the house. Maybe he could get away from Dani by keeping his door closed. It wasn’t like the demon wanted to be around him anyway.
Like the good little guard dog that he is Dani follows the angel when he takes off, grumbling to himself and snapping his wings every so often when a particularly irritated thought passes through his mind. However once they come close enough to the house he pauses and looks in the direction of his brother. He knows better than to actually go over to him, his job now to keep Aoba in sight, not to mention Kuro is keeping a secret in the grass over there he's not allowed to see. 'You fool, why are you two even fighting? Do the talking thing you're so fucking good at. . . .Idiot. . . .' Huffing again he continues following Aoba, slipping into the house after him.
As the angel mounts the stairs he contemplates being an ass and insisting on “Keeping an eye” on him literally, but he knows that Kuro would likely deck him for invading Aoba's room. 'That's his place, like my room's my place. It's wrong to invade that space, and can get you killed. . . Not that the angel would have the stones. I mean, he can hurt Kuro, but Kuro's a baby, and caring, I just want to own it' His thoughts aren't completely accurate, he knows that he feelings aren't that simple any more, but he ignores that and instead flops down on the couch to await his brother's return.
It isn't long before Kuro comes inside and without a word Dani slides off the couch and vanishes outside. He can feel the pain well enough at a distance, he doesn't need it in the same room. He figures that if Kuro needs to talk, he will, and if he doesn't soon one of their other siblings will show up to make sure everything's alright.
Quietly Kuro moves about the kitchen, making up a simple dinner of cold foods, sandwiches, coleslaw, then he climbs the stairs with a loaded plate and a fork, coming to a stop outside Aoba's room. Setting the plate on the floor he gives a little knock before moving back down the stairs, hoping that, even if he's still angry, he'll at least eat some dinner.
Thankfully, Dani stayed out of his room. The one place he could keep to himself. He was practically surrounded by demons. If one wasn’t in front of him then the other was behind him. Aoba could have complained about being suffocated if he felt like it. For the most part, Aoba sat on the floor of his room, and then moved to the bed. Hearing the movement downstairs, he figured Kuro had moved inside- or Dani was messing with things. However, he used that noise to mask his quiet as possible steps towards the window. Quietly, he slipped out the window and gently landed on the roof. He really liked the view up here. It was better at night though like the last time he had been out. . .with Kuro.
Aoba sighed but stayed, trying to clear his thoughts. He was unbothered for awhile fortunately, but in the quiet he heard a sudden knock on the door. He hopped up, trying to rush back inside as if he’d get in trouble for leaving. Unfortunately, that caused him to crash back inside and land on his stomach. “Ow…” He groaned and pushed himself up. He really had to work on the landings. “Hold on one second. . .” He rubbed his head and pulled the door all the way open.
Kuro freezes at the sound of the crash and races back to the door. His heckles are up as he wonders what's going on beyond that door. 'I can't sense anything, but that doesn't mean there isn't something there' He hears Aoba telling him to wait and he calms a bit, the breathless but rather calm tone letting him know that at least he's not under attack. Stepping back he moves away from the door once more, moving down the hall just far enough that Aoba would have to actually look for him to see him. When the door is flung open he murmurs softly, “Dinner.” before backing up a few more steps, towards the stairs.
Aoba looked in confusion when he didn’t see anyone immediately. With another look, he spotted Kuro down the hall. “Hm?” There was no harshness or sadness in his tone. He was more so just curious as to why Kuro was so far- as if the hours before never happened. “Oh. Thank you.” He picked up the food, leaving the door opened. He didn’t think it was very polite to eat in his room. And they had a tradition of eating downstairs anyway. So, despite the awkward tension between the three, Aoba still went down the steps with his plate, passing Kuro. “Oh, uh, I’ll clean up.” He declared. Cleaning seemed to be calming for him, so he decided to do that- unless Kuro had taken care of that too. With that, he took a seat on one side of the couch and began eating quietly.
A part of him wants to be mad at the angel, pretending that everything's alright an unacceptable way to be after the confrontation, but in truth his rage has passed and instead all he feels, is hollow. Staying against the wall so Aoba can pass he follows the smaller male downstairs and grabs his own plate off the counter, taking a seat on the floor. He keeps his eyes on his food, wondering if there's anything he could do or say, but his mind just keeps drifting over the whole argument, then to his project in the back yard, and all he can conclude is he needs to finish it, needs to show Aoba the truth, rather than try and tell him. 'I'm “heartless”. . . .Anything I say won't matter, I need to make him see. . .' The kitchen is clean save for the dishes in use and the cutting board he'd used for the veggies on the cold cut sandwiches. Dani came in while Kuro was upstairs and took his two sandwiches, no veggies, and left, leaving one crumb filled plate on the counter.
Just as Aoba said, once he was done with his quiet dinner, he collected dishes and cups to clean up. There was little he wanted to say or could say at the time. There wasn’t much for him to clean, but it was enough to keep him occupied. Aoba cleaned slowly, sighing at the attempt to repress the memories of today. It lasted for a short while, but now his inner turmoils were easier to see. Before Kuro could leave to do whatever he wanted, Aoba glanced over his shoulder. He paused, leaving his hands in soapy water. “Uh, thanks. For making dinner.” There was a pause again, causing him to look down. “And. . . Sorry about earlier.” He didn’t need to be forgiven, but Aoba knew he’d probably feel horrible if he didn’t apologize any time sooner. With that, he continued to clean up what was left at a regular pace rather than the slow one he started with.
Once the meal is over Kuro lets Aoba take his dishes, still not looking at the smaller male. Once Aoba is out of the living room Kuro crawls up on the couch, laying so he's facing the back. “My pleasure.” he murmurs when the angel thanks him for the meal. Though tonight, there was no real pleasure in his cooking. He did it out of caring, but his delight at the task was absent. He can feel his ire flare for a moment at the simple, almost offhanded apology but instead of snapping back about him knowing that he didn't mean it he says softly, “You did nothing you need to apologize for Little Mouse. Your feelings are your own to have. . . .” He keeps his face hidden, curling up a bit, willing his tears to stay away lest he burn the house down.
Aoba frowned to himself and set the dishes to the side in order to dry them. Before he did however, he sighed and turned to look over at Kuro. Seeing him like this was saddening. With a mental sigh, Aoba turned away again as if deciding against speaking. But after a few moments, he did speak. “It wasn’t fair of me. I didn’t consider your feelings. You’re not heartless. . .or a monster.” Aoba didn’t call him one, but he never did like when Kuro call himself a monster. Putting the dishes away, doing things to keep himself busy, he still continued. “I should have thought about it first, before doing anything.” He thought about what Dani said. “I was wrong for doing that- hurting you. So, I apologize.” He made sure everything else was put away before quickly turning towards the stairs. He kept his head down as he walked back to his room quickly.
It feels faintly nice to hear Aoba rescind his earlier assessment of him and Kuro can feel a bit of the pain receding. 'It's good to know that he doesn't hate me. . .' He muses, letting out a sigh. He hates to hear the sad tone in his little angel's voice, but even as he wills himself to speak, to say everything is okay, he can feel that voice inside telling him to wait. That words are not enough. That he needs to stick to the plan. With a gentle sigh his wings slip out, the top one coming around to cover him against the cool night air, the other flopping limply to the ground. He doesn't want to be seen right now, not after what he did, not after all the hurt. He's a son of Satan for hell's sake, he shouldn't be so affected by a few offhanded insults to his being. 'That hogwash and you know it' He chides himself, but as Aoba vanishes upstairs he doesn't care. Soon, soon Aoba will know, he will see, and then everything will be better. . . .
'Well, this is interesting' he muses, watching as the angel finally looks away, clearly embarrassed. His own gaze remains on Aoba and he smiles a little wider when he realizes that the smaller male is still staring, but now at his hair instead of his eyes. 'What's with this sudden fascination Little Mouse? You've seen it all before, so what. . . . .' His thoughts trail off as the wings sprouting from the little angel's back begin to move. He remains calm as they shift, the pressure on his back pulling him closer to the object of his obsession without objection. He eyes the gray cocoon wrapping around them with curiosity, and a fair amount of anticipation. He's not sure what to expect, but if he were to do something like this to anyone, the intention would be clear.
~*~*~*~*~
'Nope, nope, not happening, this is not happening! This is not right, how could he, he's a. . .a. . .' Fenrir can't even pretend to be surprised. The signs had been clear for a long time, glaring and obvious. 'But to think, Aoba making the first real move? It's incredible. . . .To say the least' The arch angel set the mirror face down, not wanting to watch what's about to happen. Then, his over protectiveness kicks in and he pulls the mirror back up and glares into it at the demon. 'If he has any sense, he'll not respond, but he will, but if he acts anything but gentlemanly, I will rush down there right now and send him back to hell in pieces'
The sentiment is real, even though he knows he'd have no chance against a son of Satan, unless Aoba himself begged him not to hurt his former boss, but in that instance, Fenrir could not attack the demon at all. It's not right to attack someone who can not attack back. 'Says the ass who helped with his torture, patching him up. . .' He shakes his head hard, banishing the thoughts. They already have one fallen angel this century, no need for another, and he really does still hate demons, it's just. . . This one. . . .
~*~*~*~*~
If he head a heart, it would be racing. A warm tingle rushes from the place where their lips meet down throughout his entire body and his red eyes flash black for a moment when his flame decides to make itself known. The response is natural, nice, and needy. He doesn't want the angel to pull back, doesn't want to let him pull away, and it takes all of his willpower to not pull Aoba back in and ravage him on the spot. Wanton desire rages through him and it's all he can do to keep himself still while he tries to push those desires back down to a manageable level.
'He. . .Kissed me. . . .I can't believe it, he, kissed me! And he was all cute about it too, so shy, hiding us away in his wings, I. . .I want him, oh father how I want him, he's just, so. . . .But, I. . . .I can't, I have to calm down. . . .Calm down dammit!' He manages not to growl aloud, but it take a little too long for him to calm for Aoba to have not noticed that he's been frozen for a bit. He hears the muttered apology and the sound of Aoba's voice snaps him out of his funk enough to let out a soft sigh and smile lightly.
“Of all things you've ever done to me Little Mouse, kissing me has got to be the very last thing I would ever want an apology out of you for.” Still not completely sure he trusts himself Kuro none the less turns and reaches forward, carefully cupping the back of Aoba's neck and caressing it gently with his thumb. “Or, are you saying you truly regret kissing me Little Mouse? Is it something you feel. . . . Ashamed of?” Before he can answer Kuro leans in and presses a feather light kiss to the angel's forehead, then matching ones to either cheek, until at last his lips come to hover bare centimeters in front of Aoba's, his thumb caressing that soft neck once more. His body is warm, it tingles, but at the very least, in this instance, he can hold himself at bay long enough to at least ask, “May I?” and wait for an answer from the beautiful fallen one.
Aoba had similar thoughts racing through his mind. He was surprised by a lot of things. Not only did he kiss him, but he had the courage to do it- or just blatant stupidity. Whichever didn’t feel as harsh. He couldn’t help but worry when Kuro didn’t respond immediately. It made him afraid to look him in the eye, missing an opportune moment to see something about Kuro he never had. When he finally did hear the demon’s voice, Aoba mentally sighed. ’I don’t know why I expected him to be. . .upset. Really, I didn’t know what to expect.’
Feeling warmth on the back of his neck, the fallen angel looked back at Kuro. His gaze was innocent, nervous even. However that quickly changed with the following question. “N-No, no! Of course not.” His voice practically squeaked out in defense. If he was sure about anything as of late, he was most certainly sure that he wanted to kiss Kuro.
’Oh dear, I wanted to kiss Kuro. . .’
That had to have been bad. For some reason he felt like his authorities would strike down at any minute. “It’s not that I’m ashamed. Of course not! I’ve really wanted to. . .” His voice trailed off, realizing how embarrassing that would probably be to admit. “It’s just,” Aoba takes a deep breath, trying to ignore the various kisses he was receiving. “It’s just that you’re. . .” He couldn’t ignore it that well.
Aoba found himself closer to Kuro again, his wings tensing again. It was a simple, earnest question and yet Aoba found himself rather overwhelmed with it all. Instead of answering, because the words were lost in his throat, the fallen angel decided to close the distance once again. He really hadn’t been ashamed of it. It was just-
The kiss lasted longer this time. As much as Aoba admittedly did not want to pull away, he did. Quickly, he placed his hands in his lap and looked down at the grass. “Kuro,” There was a small whine before he started. “I’m not ashamed it’s just that,” He hoped he could put it as lightly as possible. “You said it yourself. You don’t have a heart. What I feel is probably something totally different than what you do. I’m just not sure if it would work.” There was a minor pause that made him straighten up. How could he forget the most important flaw of this?! “A-Also, you’re a demon. I don’t mind obviously but. . .” His gaze directed to the sky. “I know many who would. I just don’t want you to get hurt again. Not because of me.”
The stammered words, admitting no shame, confessing it an honest desire, Kuro can feel his nature sending his skin a tingle, each syllable making him shiver. Then, without warning, Aoba's lips are upon his own once more, and this time, Kuro kisses back. He's careful, even as his desires make his flames dance around the linked pair, to keep one hand planted firmly on the ground, the claws digging in and acting to ground his desire, not letting it loose on the sweet treat beneath his fingers. The hand on Aoba's neck remains gentle because of this, and he even manages to not push Aoba back and continue the affectionate ministrations when the angel eventually pulls back. The growl has no choice but to leave him this time, the flames dancing lightly across his body, and over Aoba's.
For an instant this sends fear through the demon, however as he watches, they do not scorch his skin, they do not even singe his clothing, and as he watches them coil and dance across the angel he wonders if it's the taint, his taint, that keeps the smaller male safe from the hottest flames in hell.
And then he's talking, that whine sending his already aroused body into new levels of desire, but quickly, as if being doused in an ice bath the desire falls and he feels as if he should be hurt by the angel's words. 'It doesn't hurt though. . .I just. . . .Don't like them' It's true, he doesn't have a heart, but, does that really matter? His desire for the angel is stronger than this so called “love” he's seen come and go throughout his life, between mortals, the ease with which it can be cultivated, corrupted. Isn't what he's feeling even better?
He knows there's some serious flaws with this line of thought but as Aoba goes on to talk about him “Being a demon” irrational anger flares though him and he's almost grateful that his fames were doused earlier. He's not sure Aoba would still be safe from them when he's angry. With a sigh he drops his hand from Aoba's neck and stands, turning away from Aoba. “Yeah, I'm a demon Aoba, a son of Satan, and you helped me escape from heaven, and got cast out for it.” He lets out another sigh, wanting desperately to get the harsh note out of his voice but fails miserably as he goes on.
“And do you really think they care? Do you really think that any angel cast out has ever actually returned? I can tell you honestly, no. We've killed every single one of them. They don't actually expect you to come back, or to even live as long as you have. Do you really, honestly think that liking a heartless beast is going to make your life that much worse?” He doesn't know why he's attacking the angel, this isn't like him, but as his back twitches and tenses he can't help the irritation that rages through him. He doesn't know where it comes from, but he knows it's not Aoba's fault. That doesn't stop him from snorting and crossing his arms with a huff murmuring, “I may be a heartless beast but I care more about you than your own ever did. . .”
Aoba noticed the dancing fires around him, some occasionally brushing against him. He sat still, mildly intrigued that he didn’t get burned from them. The mood shifted rather quickly when Kuro spoke again. Aoba kept his hands in his lap, still looking down at the grass. The sudden harshness of his tone made those gray wings droop lower to the ground.
“You’re right. . . No matter how much I want to deny it.” His voice was soft and oddly calm. Those blue eyes finally met Kuro’s and he sighed. “You’ve cared for me more than anyone I’ve ever known okay? But for once. . . Just once, I would think they-” He frowned a little, trying to find his words. Instead, he sighed disheartedly. “It’s nice to pretend that someone at least thinks about me every now and then.” He pulled his knees to his chest, resting his chin on them. “I was an angel Kuro. You can’t expect me to despise them.” He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Sure, he was upset, but at this point he felt he cried so much already. . .
“It’s not just that!” Aoba sat up, turning to Kuro. “I’m already well aware that I’ve been cast aside like I was nothing okay? I’m well aware you have some ‘loving’ familial relationship. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are heartless. You may care about me now but. . .” Aoba frowned a little, not liking the very thought of what he was about to say. “But what if you get bored? What if you decide that you’re tired of being cooped up here, doing manual labor when there are so many other things you could be doing? What would I do then? I don’t. . .That’s a chance I’m not willing to take okay?” Aoba sighed and looked away again.
He wasn’t sure if it had been an irrational fear or him just trying to make excuses. Either way, the bit of grace he had left was telling him that everything about this would go south. It would only end for the worse. It was something he didn’t have the courage to go against.
~*~*~*~*~
The arch angel longs desperately to go down, to prove the gray winged angel right, to give him a hug and shoo away the beast causing him pain, but he can't. He can only watch, as the one stable, caring relationship he's ever seen the boy in slowly begins to dissolve before his eyes. He can feel the ache inside that comes from watching a friend in pain suffer and being unable to do anything to help, but with a snort he shakes his head, his pain increasing. 'I was never his friend. . .Just his boss, and I'm a fool to think anything else. . .'
~*~*~*~*~
The pain punches him in the gut as he hears the pain in the angel's voice. This at least is a feeling he can feel. Now he's not only been let down for someone he cares about more than anyone else, but he's hurt him, and the very thought makes Kuro sick. “I don't expect you to. . .” he begins muttering, hoping to at least start making amends, but then Aoba goes on and he falls silent. The pain only grows with every word and he has to bite his lip to keep from snapping back, His flames are back, dancing lightly just under the surface. The “Black Little Storm Cloud” begins to rumble soundlessly.
When at last Aoba finishes talking Kuro mutters through clenched teeth, “You have never been nothing Little mouse, just different. . .” Swallowing hard he moves over to where the angel stills ts upon the grass and reaches down, gently brushing his fingers through the boy's hair so that his head tilts back. His normally calm, gentle eyes look more like Aoba's at the moment, on the verge of tears. “I made the decision to stay with you, and I stick by my decisions. No matter how much you hurt me, no matter the danger, from anyone, I will never leave you.”
Ever so slowly he kneels down so he's even with Aoba, his hand sliding down to grasp the back of Aoba's head. Slowly, he leans in until his lips are almost brushing the angel's ear. “And by the way, I'm without a heart, not heartless, so yeah, you can hurt me. . .” As he pulls back, tears of black flame fall from his eyes, landing thankfully on the grass and not Aoba as the grass is reduced to ash in an instant upon impact beneath them before the flame goes out. Standing Kuro turns and begins walking away. Bare seconds later Dani lands, looking very ruffled, looking back and forth between the angel and the retreating back of his brother. Before Aoba can say anything Dani hisses angrily at him, “What did you do to him!?”
The fallen angel found himself looking at Kuro. The teary eyed expression made him more sad. He had never seen Kuro look so defeated, so sad before. Aoba started to say something, but he couldn’t find the right words to say. Instead, he stared as Kuro spoke, declaring that he would stay by his side. True guilt fell over Aoba. He desperately wanted to say something to make him feel better, hating the sad expression, but for some reason he couldn’t.
The tears were enough for him to sit up quickly and reach out, but Kuro was already walking away. “I-” His head was in his hands. “This was a bad idea...This was a bad idea.” The sudden hiss made him stumble back, staring at the glaring demon before him.
“What did you do?” Dani’s voice lowered, still laced with anger from before.
Aoba slowly stood and dusted himself off. He didn’t answer the demon at first. However, when Dani growled at him Aoba frowned. “Leave me alone Dani!” That was a first. Despite not showing it, he was a little surprised that he yelled at the demon. He turned the opposite way, walking off to the corner of the the grassy field. The animals had all stood their distance, not wanting to get in the way of the spat, but some wandered closer to Aoba when he sat near them. Going back to the house was a long walk he didn’t want to take at the moment.
He'd felt it from miles away, the hurt, the sorrow. Thankfully he'd managed to get a bite before things went down hill for his brother so he was able to pick up and leave at his top speed, arriving just in time to see them split. He doesn't know what happened, but the hurt from his brother is palpable, and that's just not allowed. Upon landing he tries to get an answer out of the angel, but much to his surprise, it yells at him. Scowling he looks after his brother, who shockingly had not turned at the shout and instead continues walking away. Looking back and forth once more Dani throws his head back and lets out an ungodly howl of frustration, sending the livestock into a panic.
Many gather around the angel, but most simply race for the corners furthest from Dani and cower. Kuro does not turn at the noise, nor the sound of Dani chasing him. He does however, once Dani's within range, snap out the order, “Keep an eye on him.” without pausing to make sure Dani complies. Dani doesn't like the order, but does as he's told and leaves his brother alone for now.
For his part, Kuro has no idea what he's doing. Once more his nature overrode his better judgment and he aggravated a problem instead of handling it calmly like he normally does. Like he knows he can. His feet take him to the back of the house, his thoughts blank, his body without purpose. He winds up in his little workshop area, the nearly finished project still laying hidden in the tall grass. Without a thought he settles into the grass and begins working, his fingers moving idly, but with great precision. Chips fall, curling beneath the blade and dropping to the ground in a little pile as he simply stares off into the distance. He'd hurt him, he knows he did, but right now, all he can think is that he needs to get it finished. He needs to show him. . . .
Dani grumbled quietly as he flew back towards Aoba. He watched as the angel put his head against one of the sheep that rested next to him. He sighed, knowing that his first approach wasn’t going to work. Dani had to be calm about it. Despite being told to be left alone Dani slowly inched closer.
Aoba was facing him, but ignored the actions. His eyes were shut tight and his wing came up to shield his face. ’I’m not going to cry. . .I’m not going to. He rubbed his cheeks over and over, trying to avoid the tears threatening to show. ’I’ve ruined everything.’ Another whine escaped, though there was nothing he could really do about it.
“Aoba. . . Can you tell me what happened?” Dani refrained from rolling his eyes or doing anything that would be considered ‘wrong’ in this situation. “Please?” He made a disgusted face but quickly returned to a calmer one as Aoba’s wing slowly moved. “My brother is upset. I. . . want to help.”
Aoba’s wing dropped back over his face, although after a few shifts the sheep under him moved to leave him laying in the grass. Dani frowned a little when he was ignored only to sit at attention when Aoba started to speak softly. “I managed to ruin everything okay? What more do you really need to know? I let my feelings get the best of me. I decided that I don’t know, maybe it’d be okay to kiss a demon. There wouldn’t be any consequence to that, right? No big deal. But I was wrong. There’s going to be some consequence for it. It may not be from any angels considering none of them take the time to give me a second glance, but there’s always some sort of consequence! I wouldn’t be laying on the ground if there wasn’t now would I?”
Aoba snapped at no one in particular. After all, his gray wings still shielded him from view. He had yelled at Dani once, he wasn’t planning on doing it again. That sounded a bit dangerous. Aoba groaned and let his wings stretch out a bit more.
Dani stares for a long moment at the wall of wings before saying, quite bluntly, "What the hell consequences could there be to kissing a demon? I mean, Kuro is as close to loving you as we can get, it's not like he'd push you away or be grossed out. . .Or did he?" Dani sounds very confused. Though he still wants the toy, him being intimate with Kuro doesn't seem to be a obstacle to his goal, so he has no objections to making his brother happy, though he'd never admit it.
There was a minor pause from Aoba. He laid unmoving and in thought. He knew nothing of how demonic culture worked. Kuro probably wouldn’t get banished for anything like that- then again, what could demons get banished for? What rules did demons have!? Aoba merely groaned and shook his head, not like he could be seen though. “No he didn’t.” Finally, he lifted his wing in order to look at Dani. “I don’t know what it is okay? I just. . .have a bad feeling about it. It’s called a conscience. Angels- mostly everyone has one of those you know.” He rolled over on to his back, careful not to bend his wings. Aoba stared at the sky, wondering if he could spot anything if he stared long enough. “It’s not like I don’t like him. It’s not like I haven’t dug a deeper hole than I’m already in with the angels.” He honestly didn’t know where he was going with the last bit, so he sighed and put his arm over his eyes.
'Well, that's a good sign. He's not completely off his nut' Dani muses, glad his brother is legit upset and not crazy. After all, he knows how much the little brat cares for the runt, anything else would have been mad. Dani scowls, watching Aoba flop on to his back. His scowl deepens then after a few seconds of listening he stand, walks over, straddles Aoba's middle, then with a careful plop, sits down on Aoba's stomach. “Okay, so let me get this straight. He cares for you, you like him, but this “conscience” thing of yours is telling you it's a bad idea. . .Because the dicks that kicked you out would disapprove? For loving someone?” He knows Aoba didn't specifically say “love” but it stands to reason that an angel wouldn't go so far as to kiss someone if it was simple “like”.
Aoba let out a small ‘oof’ as Dani sat on him, despite him falling gently. Aoba crossed his arms, but watched Dani carefully. As the smaller demon reiterated the situation, Aoba listened and tried his best not to continuously hide his face or look away. “Not just loving someone Dani. The angels that kicked me out would disapprove of me loving...loving Kuro.” A faint tint of color darkened his cheeks, effectively making him look to the side. He did love Kuro. Aoba wouldn’t have gone through all of this if he didn’t. “We have rules Dani. Things we can and can’t do. Loving our supposed enemy would probably be high on the list. You may not have rules and morals to follow, but it’s what I was taught since I was born. With the little purity I do have left, my conscience is reminding me of that.”
'Okay, so we've also established love. . . .I don't see what's so difficult here' Dani huffs, the angel's words bringing up a memory drilled into his head by his father. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Like a choir boy Dani quotes the scriptures. Truthfully it has mostly been used by he and he brethren to turn people away from their faith, but in this instance, it's just on impulse. Blinking slowly he adds, “Matthew 5:44, King James version of the holy book.” He tilts his head to the side. “I don't understand how you can claim it wrong when, as far as I've ever known of your silly God, he puts love above all other emotions. A feeling me and my family has been denied for our own safety, you set aside because some far away assholes can't even follow their own rules?” He shakes his head. “No wonder he's so sad. . .” Standing up Dani looks down his nose at the angel, letting out a disgusted huff. “And I thought you were different from those bigots. . .” Turning he walks several paces away before sitting down, his senses remaining alert, but it's clear by his body language that he's here against his will and he'd rather be anywhere else.
Aoba listened, mulling over the quote over and over again. It sounded something like he’d heard before. Something he was taught. And here Dani was reciting it back to him. It felt like a mild slap to the face that Dani- a demon, knew something like that better than he did. It hurt a little more when Dani lumped him together with the same people who casted him aside. The angel sat up, mindlessly pulling grass from the ground. He didn’t know whether to be angry or sad. He didn’t know whether he did the right or wrong thing. Lately, he didn’t seem to know what to do about anything that didn’t consist of the animals around them. For a fleeting moment, a thought ran through his mind. The thought of everything being so much more simple if he was to just stay with Father Gerard. That thought left as quick as it appeared however.
Aoba found himself standing and shaking off his wings the best he could. ’Wouldn’t things be much better if I decided to just go by the rules?’ He stayed silent, not bothering to look Dani’s way. Instead, he got up and instead of going towards the gate, climbed over the fence. Looking both ways, he could have headed towards the edge of the camp. Could have. But Aoba was no fool. So instead, he headed towards the house. Maybe he could get away from Dani by keeping his door closed. It wasn’t like the demon wanted to be around him anyway.
Like the good little guard dog that he is Dani follows the angel when he takes off, grumbling to himself and snapping his wings every so often when a particularly irritated thought passes through his mind. However once they come close enough to the house he pauses and looks in the direction of his brother. He knows better than to actually go over to him, his job now to keep Aoba in sight, not to mention Kuro is keeping a secret in the grass over there he's not allowed to see. 'You fool, why are you two even fighting? Do the talking thing you're so fucking good at. . . .Idiot. . . .' Huffing again he continues following Aoba, slipping into the house after him.
As the angel mounts the stairs he contemplates being an ass and insisting on “Keeping an eye” on him literally, but he knows that Kuro would likely deck him for invading Aoba's room. 'That's his place, like my room's my place. It's wrong to invade that space, and can get you killed. . . Not that the angel would have the stones. I mean, he can hurt Kuro, but Kuro's a baby, and caring, I just want to own it' His thoughts aren't completely accurate, he knows that he feelings aren't that simple any more, but he ignores that and instead flops down on the couch to await his brother's return.
It isn't long before Kuro comes inside and without a word Dani slides off the couch and vanishes outside. He can feel the pain well enough at a distance, he doesn't need it in the same room. He figures that if Kuro needs to talk, he will, and if he doesn't soon one of their other siblings will show up to make sure everything's alright.
Quietly Kuro moves about the kitchen, making up a simple dinner of cold foods, sandwiches, coleslaw, then he climbs the stairs with a loaded plate and a fork, coming to a stop outside Aoba's room. Setting the plate on the floor he gives a little knock before moving back down the stairs, hoping that, even if he's still angry, he'll at least eat some dinner.
Thankfully, Dani stayed out of his room. The one place he could keep to himself. He was practically surrounded by demons. If one wasn’t in front of him then the other was behind him. Aoba could have complained about being suffocated if he felt like it. For the most part, Aoba sat on the floor of his room, and then moved to the bed. Hearing the movement downstairs, he figured Kuro had moved inside- or Dani was messing with things. However, he used that noise to mask his quiet as possible steps towards the window. Quietly, he slipped out the window and gently landed on the roof. He really liked the view up here. It was better at night though like the last time he had been out. . .with Kuro.
Aoba sighed but stayed, trying to clear his thoughts. He was unbothered for awhile fortunately, but in the quiet he heard a sudden knock on the door. He hopped up, trying to rush back inside as if he’d get in trouble for leaving. Unfortunately, that caused him to crash back inside and land on his stomach. “Ow…” He groaned and pushed himself up. He really had to work on the landings. “Hold on one second. . .” He rubbed his head and pulled the door all the way open.
Kuro freezes at the sound of the crash and races back to the door. His heckles are up as he wonders what's going on beyond that door. 'I can't sense anything, but that doesn't mean there isn't something there' He hears Aoba telling him to wait and he calms a bit, the breathless but rather calm tone letting him know that at least he's not under attack. Stepping back he moves away from the door once more, moving down the hall just far enough that Aoba would have to actually look for him to see him. When the door is flung open he murmurs softly, “Dinner.” before backing up a few more steps, towards the stairs.
Aoba looked in confusion when he didn’t see anyone immediately. With another look, he spotted Kuro down the hall. “Hm?” There was no harshness or sadness in his tone. He was more so just curious as to why Kuro was so far- as if the hours before never happened. “Oh. Thank you.” He picked up the food, leaving the door opened. He didn’t think it was very polite to eat in his room. And they had a tradition of eating downstairs anyway. So, despite the awkward tension between the three, Aoba still went down the steps with his plate, passing Kuro. “Oh, uh, I’ll clean up.” He declared. Cleaning seemed to be calming for him, so he decided to do that- unless Kuro had taken care of that too. With that, he took a seat on one side of the couch and began eating quietly.
A part of him wants to be mad at the angel, pretending that everything's alright an unacceptable way to be after the confrontation, but in truth his rage has passed and instead all he feels, is hollow. Staying against the wall so Aoba can pass he follows the smaller male downstairs and grabs his own plate off the counter, taking a seat on the floor. He keeps his eyes on his food, wondering if there's anything he could do or say, but his mind just keeps drifting over the whole argument, then to his project in the back yard, and all he can conclude is he needs to finish it, needs to show Aoba the truth, rather than try and tell him. 'I'm “heartless”. . . .Anything I say won't matter, I need to make him see. . .' The kitchen is clean save for the dishes in use and the cutting board he'd used for the veggies on the cold cut sandwiches. Dani came in while Kuro was upstairs and took his two sandwiches, no veggies, and left, leaving one crumb filled plate on the counter.
Just as Aoba said, once he was done with his quiet dinner, he collected dishes and cups to clean up. There was little he wanted to say or could say at the time. There wasn’t much for him to clean, but it was enough to keep him occupied. Aoba cleaned slowly, sighing at the attempt to repress the memories of today. It lasted for a short while, but now his inner turmoils were easier to see. Before Kuro could leave to do whatever he wanted, Aoba glanced over his shoulder. He paused, leaving his hands in soapy water. “Uh, thanks. For making dinner.” There was a pause again, causing him to look down. “And. . . Sorry about earlier.” He didn’t need to be forgiven, but Aoba knew he’d probably feel horrible if he didn’t apologize any time sooner. With that, he continued to clean up what was left at a regular pace rather than the slow one he started with.
Once the meal is over Kuro lets Aoba take his dishes, still not looking at the smaller male. Once Aoba is out of the living room Kuro crawls up on the couch, laying so he's facing the back. “My pleasure.” he murmurs when the angel thanks him for the meal. Though tonight, there was no real pleasure in his cooking. He did it out of caring, but his delight at the task was absent. He can feel his ire flare for a moment at the simple, almost offhanded apology but instead of snapping back about him knowing that he didn't mean it he says softly, “You did nothing you need to apologize for Little Mouse. Your feelings are your own to have. . . .” He keeps his face hidden, curling up a bit, willing his tears to stay away lest he burn the house down.
Aoba frowned to himself and set the dishes to the side in order to dry them. Before he did however, he sighed and turned to look over at Kuro. Seeing him like this was saddening. With a mental sigh, Aoba turned away again as if deciding against speaking. But after a few moments, he did speak. “It wasn’t fair of me. I didn’t consider your feelings. You’re not heartless. . .or a monster.” Aoba didn’t call him one, but he never did like when Kuro call himself a monster. Putting the dishes away, doing things to keep himself busy, he still continued. “I should have thought about it first, before doing anything.” He thought about what Dani said. “I was wrong for doing that- hurting you. So, I apologize.” He made sure everything else was put away before quickly turning towards the stairs. He kept his head down as he walked back to his room quickly.
It feels faintly nice to hear Aoba rescind his earlier assessment of him and Kuro can feel a bit of the pain receding. 'It's good to know that he doesn't hate me. . .' He muses, letting out a sigh. He hates to hear the sad tone in his little angel's voice, but even as he wills himself to speak, to say everything is okay, he can feel that voice inside telling him to wait. That words are not enough. That he needs to stick to the plan. With a gentle sigh his wings slip out, the top one coming around to cover him against the cool night air, the other flopping limply to the ground. He doesn't want to be seen right now, not after what he did, not after all the hurt. He's a son of Satan for hell's sake, he shouldn't be so affected by a few offhanded insults to his being. 'That hogwash and you know it' He chides himself, but as Aoba vanishes upstairs he doesn't care. Soon, soon Aoba will know, he will see, and then everything will be better. . . .