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Angels are pure beings, made of light, hope, and kindness, forever living up in the clouds, far away from humanity.
They rarely visit Earth, their curiosity and ‘endless benevolence’ revoked after humanity’s greed got out of hand, their wings sold at high prices to become icons in the churches that claims to love them. The envy of nobles and the fear of losing power to the 'outside' consistently marked history books with bloody hunts for the divine. Even angels who are loved, protected, and hidden by good people get far too attached to the sinners who saved them, tainting themselves and losing their halo to grow closer to their dear humans, hardly worthy of still being called an angel.
Nowadays, a single angel feather is considered a relic. A mere glimpse of their presence a miracle that drives people to madness, inspiring artists to spend decades on the same painting, a lifetime bleeding to chase their image.
Akane had witnessed a maddening miracle when he was a little kid.
He remembered it clearly, the beautiful girl was older than him, lying uncomfortably on the grass beside her craked halo, her pristine white wings broken and full of dirt, torn feathers sticky with a thick golden liquid that dripped on her silky purple hair. Everything from her delicate limbs to her flowy white dress shone under the early morning sun. Unnaturally beautiful.
She tried to run when she saw him, her wing flapping weakly, unable to keep up with the panic in her eyes, her arms barely able to move, heaving as if failing to catch any air.
She was dying.
Akane didn’t understand that at the time, not truly, but he could tell she was scared, and in pain, so he had sat by her side, keeping his voice quiet and carefully patting her shoulder, feeling her holy energy embrace him like sunlight. He just rubbed her shoulder awkwardly and asked if she was okay, being consumed by an odd sense of comfort in her presence, a light feeling that he wanted to give her back, followed by an unbearable sadness.
“Do…t.” She had tried to speak, her purple eyes half-lidded with exhaustion “… le a…” She coughed, golden ichor spiling on her chin as she tried to raise her hand “... a...ne.”
‘Don’t leave me alone.’
So Akane stayed, worry eating him inside out.
He grabbed her soft hand and sat by her side, talking so those beautiful eyes stayed on him. He remembers a soft smile that was too small to be genuine, and a sense of panic as her sweet eyes lost their light, her hand melting in his palm, her delicate body sinking in the soil, white and purple flowers growing within seconds where she once stood. A deity-shaped garden.
Akane wanted to see her again, but digging and calling out to her didn’t work. He ended up taking some of her dust and a purple flower that grew in her deathbed home, watering it and hoping she would grow again if he took care of her flower, like a fairy, or a phoenix.
He only stayed with her for three hours, but the memory stayed with him even after he lost his humanity.
Akane doesn’t know why he remembers the angel's face so clearly, but not his parents, or his friends. He doesn’t know much of anything about his human life, but he feels a vague sense of sadness when he tries to remember what turned him into a demon.
…He supposes it doesn’t matter, a human life is of no use for a demon. In the end, he is just glad he remembers his unnamed muse. His fallen star.
He likes to believe it was love.
But perhaps it was his first sin. The first time he truly wanted something with a fervor he had never felt before, thinking about her day in, day out. Greedy for her attention.
.
Akane was resigned to never see an angel again, much less his angel, certain even death wouldn’t bring his demoniac soul to her angelic side.
So he settled for scraps.
He lurked near the town’s church to take a look at the paintings, ignoring the more popular angels with their golden hair in search of any paintings of his muse. It made him sick, these holy grounds full of protections against curses and demons, and no matter how long he lingered to stare, he had only ever found one lone painting with her, a big mosaic where his muse was a small face in the background.
The church couldn’t even offer him a name, his muse remained nameless.
Her art was not comparable to the real angel anyway, so he stopped showing up, going to the place she had died instead. He took care of the plants and removed the weeds in hopes the divine stranger would be happy. It feels like sharing something with her, like it was their garden, so Akane tended to her flowers day in day out, learning how to control his fire and how to stop accidentally cutting the plant’s stem with his wild tail. It was hard but in less than a year he was able to properly take care of the garden.
It grew into a routine.
Akane grabbed his big watering jar, a beautiful and sturdy thing he stole after the damn merchant refused his 'devil's money', and headed towards the river, when he noticed a pale glow in the dying sun: A young man, perhaps even a teen, sat on the edge of the river with a white toga and long sleeved clothes underneath. His white wings were huge compared to his body, shining as brightly as his nameless muse but devoid of injuries, the golden light surrounding him was born from his halo and pale hair instead of blood.
Akane froze, watching as the delicate creature dipped his wings in the water, his blond eyelashes long and delicate, skin flawless as he stared down at his reflection with a tired smile.
Akane wanted to get closer, grab his hand, see if it felt as warm and comforting as his first love, but he has horns now, his nails and fangs sharp. He would scare the angel, he knew he would.
Yet... He couldn't stop himself. The urge to approach was too strong.
Akane moved quietly, like a predator in the grass, his heart beating far too fast at how pretty the angel looked, even more mesmerizing up close, the dreamlike atmosphere of his presence cracked when pale blue eyes met his. The angel seemed as surprised to see a demon as Akane was to see him.
The angel jumped into high alert, and Akane braced himself for panic and a chase, but the angel's face went cold, breaking the delicate image as he grabbed a sword from the river and flew at him with inhumane speed, kicking him down.
Akane was too shocked to react, staring dazedly at the way his eyes glowed like a clean sky, each of his wings twice his height when fully stretched, able to cover the sun. “Demon, what ring do you belong to?”
“Greed.” He replied, surprised by the danger surrounding him, but not scared. Angels aren't built to hurt others.
(Though... He isn’t sure if demons are part of their moral code)
He imagined golden blood and broken wings, hesitant to lose this, but forcing himself to ask “Why aren’t you in heaven? Earth is dangerous.”
“Greed.” His eyes went cold, completely ignoring his question “Why were you watching me?”
“You’re beautiful,” Akane admitted, sure he was used to the truth.
“And?” He pressed the weapon closer, eying the jar he brought to pick up water with suspicion.
“I want water.”
“Demons don’t need water,” The angel pressed his weapon on his skin, making it burn “Do not lie to me.”
“For my garden.” He hissed, trying to lean away from the sword and wincing when it burned him again “Stop that, it hurts!”
“You have a garden?” The angel smiled, but it felt condescending, not reminiscent of the softness of his muse “What for?”
“To grow plants, what else?” Akane snapped, the sword putting him in a bad mood. “Do you not know what a fucking garden is?”
“I do.” The angel gave him a strange look, “Are you alone, demon?”
“Aoi Akane. Call me that.” He introduced himself, not liking to be called a demon, much less in this… arrogant tone. “And I am alone.” He felt a hint of restless energy, “I promise.”
“You do not seem to be lying,” Teru said with some suspicion despite his words, lowering his sword so it rested on his chest instead of his neck, its presence too close to his heart for comfort “Very well, you can watch me, I do not mind."
"...You don't?"
"Rats always admired what is beautiful, I can't blame you for it, pitiful creature." He dismissed. It made Akane’s tail twitch, the hint of annoyance turning the angel's tone into ice “But I will visit your garden. If it does not exist, I’ll kill you.”
“...Isn’t killing unholy?” Akane sweated, this guy's attitude goes from zero to a hundred way too quickly.
“Cleaning the forest is a public service.” The angel argued, his aura as warm and ethereal as ever but his smile positively cruel “So watch your steps, Demon.”
“Akane.” He corrected again, exasperated. “What’s your name?”
The angel's smile dimmed, a little confused “Teru.”
“Right,” Akane said, yelping when Teru poked his cheek with the tip of his sword, burning him.
“Hey!” He snarled, “What was that for?”
Teru tilted his head, able to look adorable and innocent even with his giant sword of death “...You don’t seem bloodthirsty.”
“Thanks." He snorted. "Am I the first demon you’ve met?”
“No, that's why you confuse me,” He frowned “You aren’t violent. Or in possession of a sharp tongue.” He put a hand under his chin, taking his sword away “Too pathetic to be a threat.”
Akane hissed, lighting his body on fire and feeling a hint of satisfaction at the way Teru tensed up, on guard.
“I am plenty capable.” He boasted, concentrating so the flames gathered on his hand, merging together and becoming blue “I just know how to contr-”
The angel’s wing slammed on him with far too much strength for something as soft as feathers. Akane yelped at the slight burn, falling face first into the river. Akane nearly slammed his skull on a rock, crawling back to the surface with hatred in his soul “What is your problem??!” He coughed, disgusted by the water soaking through his clothes and seeping into his skin.
“You are the one that caught on fire.” Teru's attempts to act oblivious didn’t work when he sounded so amused, the malicious twinkle in his eyes not making his delicate features any less beautiful. It's unfair. “I was trying to help.”
Like hell this bitch was.
“Yeah yeah,” Akane huffed, using his anger to heat up, not enough to create flames but enough to evaporate the water “Are you fallen? You don’t act holy.”
The angel sounded offended. “That’s rude.”
“I thought your kind appreciated honesty.” Akane mocked, finding his behavior far more rude but failing not to be distracted by his halo, the holy light above making his hair look like pure gold “Don’t avoid the question.”
“...I am not fallen, foolish demon.” He extended his beautiful wings as proof, lowering his weapon “Have you ever stolen a soul?”
“No.” Akane admitted, crouching by the river and resting his jar on the gentle stream. “Not worth it.”
“Why not?” He sounded intrigued. “Don’t you beasts love power?”
“Don’t lump all demons as beasts. We are closer to humans than you freaks.” Akane mumbled, watching the water fill up the jar, his tired reflection looking back at him. Tch, he hates how puffy his hair looks after being dried.
No wonder Teru was so amused after he crawled out of the river.
Akane froze when golden hair and piercing blue eyes joined his reflection in the shaky waters, the angel’s shadow covering him.
Akane unconsciously shrunk into himself, looking back at Teru with wariness. He didn't want to be kicked in the river again just because he ran his mouth. “...What?”
“You did not answer my question.” Teru tilted his head “Why do you not seek souls?”
“Why would I?" Akane asked, strenghtening his hell flames would just make it harder for him to garden. He can't lose any flowers. "I don’t really need more power.”
Ah, his jar is full now. Akane raised it from the river “I am not sure if it was nice to meet you, but I’ll get back to my garden now.”
His tail twitched, feeling strange as he walked away.
Rude or not, Teru is still an angel, a walking miracle, it didn’t feel right to just… leave him.
(Who knows if he’ll see him again? Who knows if he won’t melt into the ground and become a golden garden the next time he sees him?)
Akane held on tighter to his water jar.
‘It’s fine’ He thought ‘I still have my muse’s garden. I don’t need that guy.’
But the idea of never seeing his beauty again, of turning a blind eye to this once in a lifetime opportunity to touch an angel again, a non dying one at that… It made him hesitate.
He turned back at the sound of footsteps, blinking as Teru calmly followed him.
"...Why are you following me?"
“I need to see your garden. You promised.”
“I didn’t promise it.” Akane frowned “But I am not against taking you there, just promise me one thing.”
“Depend on your request.”
“Do not steal or damage any of my flowers.” He narrowed his eyes “They are important to me.”
Teru tilted his head, putting his hands together in a prayer “I swear on god’s name.”
Good.
.
He kept an eye on the pretty bastard, nearly dropping his water jar twice because the tall fucker keep slapping him with his stupid wings, very casually too. Akane couldn’t tell if he was pretending to be oblivious or if he genuinely had no idea he shoved a wall of feathers on Akane’s face every single time he got distracted by a bird or a change in direction.
They reached the end of this tiny forest relatively quickly and flew over a rock mountain, its tall and sharp rocks hiding a long field, in the middle of it lay his isolated garden, his pride and joy. Akane showed it to Teru with a sharp smirk, noticing right away how the sunflowers slowly turned the angel’s way, confounding his light with that of the sun.
Teru smiled at the plethora of different flowers, from lilies and bellflowers to roses and tulips, and flew to the center of it, his smile softening a little once he noticed he was the center of the sunflower’s attention, every plant his wings touched becoming healthier.
Everything about him screamed ‘worship me, devote yourself to me’, and Akane could only stare, unable to deny a part of him would not be opposed to getting on his knees.
‘Don’t let him slip through your fingers too’ the demonic greed inside him whispered, words as sharp as his horns, burning into his mind like hellfire ‘If you rip his wings he won’t escape. He can stay in your garden forever.’
‘A bastard like him would kill me if I tried.’ Akane argued with himself, clenching his fists and forcing himself not to toy with temptation. ‘I would need to chain him for him to stay.’
‘Then chain him’ it insisted.
Akane ignored his own desires, looking at his flowers to calm himself down.
“This place is beautiful.” Teru’s voice snapped him back to the present, caressing the edges of a rose, his touch making the flower bloom fully “Quite impressive,” His smile was sharp but not unkind “For a fire demon to sustain a garden.”
Akane sighed, the pretty image broken.
"May I take one?"
Akane narrowed his eyes "No. This is my garden."
Teru pouted, though he didn't seem surprised. “It’s only one.”
"No." Akane got defensive "You can visit it, but you promised not to steal any.”
Teru considered his words, ruffling through his wings and picking a loose feather "What if I give you this in exchange?"
“...For a mere flower?”
“Yes” He pointed at a sunflower “I like this one, it reminds me of a friend.”
Right…
“Fine," He didn't like to let go of any of his flowers but a relic like that was too good to pass "But you need to replant it somewhere or it will die.”
“Sure!”
Akane got an itch when he held the feather, liking how soft it felt under his claws but wanting more.
Teru took his flower and wandered off. Akane frowned, tempted to follow him but prioritizing his flowers, he still has plenty to water.
.
Akane half expected to never see him again, the meeting destined to become a lucid dream, just like his muse, but it wasn’t long before he saw Teru again.
Only two days later, he found the angel lying near the river, having a staring contest with a raven.
Akane snorted, amused by the way the bird tried to peak Teru’s beautiful blue eyes, disappointed to have the angel lean back, his reflexes fast. The raven tried once more before changing targets and aiming for his hair, determined to take something shiny home.
“Ouch…” Teru pouted, rubbing his head when the raven failed to rip it from his scalp and shaking his wings at the pain “It doesn’t like me.”
“It does, pretty boy.” Akane snorted, revealing himself from the tall grass “Give it a gold coin.”
If Teru was startled by him, he did not show it, casually directing his pout at Akane “I don’t have money.”
Akane sighed at his pathetic face, throwing him a shiny coin. “Here, you owe me one.”
Teru caught it mid air, going back to where the raven was and carefully placing the coin near it, staring at the bird expectantly.
The raven inspected the money, tilting its head curiously and peaking at it before judging it good for the taking.
“...Do you give money to birds a lot?”
“No.” Most animals aren’t fond of him, fire is scary and so are demons, he supposes.
“I guess I shouldn’t expect much generosity from a greed demon.”
Akane paused, confused by how playful he sounded.
Was he teasing...?
No no... It must be in Akane's head.
The same raven dropped a screw on Teru’s head, cawing.
Teru froze, confused. Ha! What a dumbass.
“He is paying you back for the gift. I would keep it if I were you.”
“Oh,” Teru smiled, guarding the screw with an adorable golden blush on his cheeks.
Akane unconsciously smiled too.
.
“Can I touch you?” Akane asked the next time he crossed paths with the wandering angel, resisting the urge to add 'You owe me one for the coin.'
He is sure Teru would just give him the raven's screw if he put the favor on the table anyways. As clever as he is insufferable.
The angel froze, but Akane didn’t go back on his word, having wanted to touch an angel again for ages.
(A part of him was scared to feel the same discomfort he got on his visits to holy grounds, for what is more holy than an angel?)
Teru seemed wary too, but mostly curious, casually grabbing his tail.
Akane wings flapped in surprise, not prepared for the wave of warmth it gave him. Teru seemed satisfied by his reaction, playing with his tail like a cat with its prey.
“Scaly.” He thought out loud, pulling at it.
Akane yelped, eyes widening at the weird feeling.
Teru's eyes crinkled with amusement, playfully tugging at it again. “Does it hurt?"
“Yes.” Akane hissed, snatching his tail out of his hold with a snarl, and tampering down the frustrated flames he wanted to let loose when the idiot chased after it “Stop that, you’re acting like a baby.” He kept his tail away and offered his claw “Take my hand instead.”
'Please’
Teru chuckled at his annoyance but didn’t try to snatch his tail again, accepting the offered hand: Teru’s hand wasn’t as soft as his nameless muse, but his skin was still flawless, hot like the highest sun, which was a high compliment for a fire demon.
Teru eyes sparkled, running his fingers on his sharp nails in awe, able to fully cage Akane’s hand in his big one.
Akane’s pupil dilated, cradling his hand between both of his. Teru blinked but didn’t shake him off, blushing the tiniest bit, his cheek gold like his blood. Akane heart skipped a beat at the sight, temptation making him drag the beautiful creature closer. Needing him to himself.
Teru made a pained sound, trying to snatch his hand away.
‘Don’t let him go!’
Akane froze, but did let him go, sweating at the exertion needed to go agaist his instincts. It took a moment for the demon to focus on the moment again, red eyes widening at the dark burn on Teru’s skin, “My fire, I wasn’t using-” He fretted, not touching him but hovering “I shouldn’t have used, when did I?-”
“This is not a fire burn, it's a stain,” Teru explained, keeping his injury under the sun with a pensive look. “I had a feeling this would happen, you are a corrupted soul after all.”
‘A selfish being like you can only feed angels poison.’
Akane frowned, holding his hands together to fight the urge to grab him again “I am sorry.”
Teru’s wings folded closer to his body “You’re so much trouble.”
Akane froze when Teru held his horn, not running away from what hurt him. “What are you doing…?”
“Giving you another chance,” Teru’s eyes crinkled, “Aren’t I amazing at my job?”
Akane licked his lips, tingly at the contact “You just want to study a demon.”
“Maybe.” Teru lightly scratched his horn in a way that was oddly comforting. “I get stained all the time, it’s not that painful.”
‘You do? By who??’ Akane thought, jealousy making it harder to focus on his warm hands.
“But I can not deny you are intriguing. I have never found a docile demon before.” Teru smiled, gently ruffling his hair.
It was nice until he processed his words.
“Docile.” Akane narrowed his eyes, a tad offended.
Teru’s eyes crinkled, “Like a dove.”
Oh, fuck this guy.
Akane grabbed his hands again, holding on tighter to the healing flesh and smirking at his wince.
Maybe he deserves to be burned. Just a little.
Teru disagreed, his stupid wings knocking Akane to the ground.
"Ha!" Teru laughed, the sound far too beautiful for the piece of shit.
.
When Teru wasn't around, Akane found himself thinking about him.
A lot.
The demon frowned, unable to deny his allure but annoyed by his own awe. That bastard doesn’t need an ego trip.
He shook his head, holding on to the feather he was given when he got an itch to touch the angel but trying hard not to think too hard about those big and warm hands, or his adorable golden blush.
‘I’ll give you another chance,’
Akane exhaled smoke, unsure how to feel about the bubbling warmth in his heart.
(He wants to touch him again so bad, greedy for his attention.)
…Maybe he is falling in love again.
.
There were three humans near Teru, humble merchants from the looks of it, with traveling bags on their backs and an overpacked mule by their side. They were in awe, curved in half bows and clearly wanting to touch the angel.
They put Akane on edge, not liking how far away from the forest trail the merchants are. It's way too close to his garden.
‘Get away, this angel is mine’ Akane thought, ‘If you touch him I’ll kill you.’
Akane forced himself to stay in the shadows despite how maddeningly loud his instincts had gotten, aware his presence would just make them violent.
An angel’s presence brings out the good in people. An inclination to help others.
A demon brings out the selfish part of the soul. A need take it all, keep it to yourself.
(And it’s not like the angel can’t defend himself. If those old men were not smart enough to bow down on their own, they would be on their knees with a simple swing of Teru’s holy sword)
Akane kept a close eye on the humans anyway, going on alert when the oldest merchant tried to touch his wing.
Teru should snap at their audacity but he only smiled gently, scratching his cheek.
He is so cute when he wants to, a real walking blessing.
‘They don’t deserve his presence.’
“I know.” Akane hissed at himself, sinking his claws on a tree bark to not do something reckless “But the idiot seems to like them.”
The merchants started talking and Teru’s smile fell, looking uncomfortable. One of the merchants grabbed his arm and Akane saw red.
Why was Teru being so nice to them? If Akane was in their position he would have a sword in the throat by now- Akane froze, remembering angels don't care about demons, but they cannot hurt humans. It goes against their principles. Their sacred rules.
Shit shit shit
‘He needs your help. Take back what is yours!’
Akane did not argue with himself this time, flying to the merchants like an arrow and clawing the old man who dared to touch Teru's arm, nearly ripping the human's limb off. His abrupt arrival scared the youngest merchant, who was trying to pluck one of Teru's feathers.
“Back off.” Akane hissed, his wings fully stretched, creating a barrier between the humans and his angel “This one is mine.”
"Akane?" Teru sounded baffled.
The injured man cradled his mangled arm, and the awe in their eyes burned away, growing into hatred and terror "Demon!" They screamed, heading to their bags. As a merchant, they might have crosses or holy water on them, so Akane raised a wall of fire, burning their bags.
"Leave now," Akane ordered "Or I'll kill you."
They trembled with fear, not looking back as they ran off. Their lives more valuable than an angel.
Good.
Teru grabbed his shoulder, immediately making him put the fire out "I could have handled them."
"No, you couldn't." Akane said, still full of adrenaline "I know how humans work better than you." his tail slamed on the ground, burning the tip of the grass "Those are the greedy ones. They wouldn’t have touched you if their kindness was stronger.”
“There are good sinners,” Teru said with confidence. “His daughter is sick.”
“I don’t care if they want money for themselves or their families.” Akane snapped, grabbing his arm and being washed with a sense of peace. “You’re not being killed.”
“I would have given them 1 feather, not myself.” Teru glared, his confusion turning into annoyance. “If I had sensed bad intentions I could have flown away. I was not in danger.”
Akane snarled, half focusing on Teru’s words, half on the way that old man must have felt Teru’s warmth too.
‘Is yours is yours is yours only’
Teru snatched his arm away, a burn in the shape of Akane’s handprint on his skin.
“Akane,” The angel said coldly, freezing him in place “Behave.”
Akane looked down, fighting the urge to bow down for his angel “...I have seen a dying angel before.”
Teru eyes widened.
Akane rubbed his claw on Teru's injured arm, the taint mark making his skin less smooth “I don’t want you to die too.”
Teru softened, though he still seemed annoyed “You should be more worried about yourself. Demons have always been hunted on sight.”
.
“The humans will come back here,” Akane said “We need to get you somewhere else.”
“That's your fault, most humans would want to save an angel from the evil demon.” Teru sighed, but he didn’t seem opposed to the idea. “They’ll bring pitchforks next time, it will be dangerous to visit the garden.”
His garden...
He won’t be where his muse died anymore.
For some reason that did not bother him much. Though the way her memory has grown blurrier was a bit scary.
“I’ll move some of the flowers.” His tail twitched, determined. “Regrow it.”
“From scratch?”
“I have immortality, time isn’t a problem.”
Teru snorted “May I help? Immortality is more of a bore than anything to me.”
“If you want.”
Teru lit up, his wings puffing with his joy.
Cute.
.
Teru isn’t the best at planting, his lack of claws makes it hard to dig through the ground, and his lack of understanding about plants makes him waste time gently dislodging more than one weed. He damaged many flowers roots too, but his holy nature made up for it, not made to hurt the living, every broken root healing in his presence.
It was annoying.
‘Growing a garden would be so much easier if I was an angel.’ Akane thought with a sigh but it was hard to hate the angel for it. Teru is so painfully sheltered from however long he spends in heaven, only having very basic information about Earth.
But he does try to help.
His pristine fingers have gotten muddy from working in the garden, with pieces of dirt under his nails. Unlike Akane’s smooth leathery wings, fern got stuck on his feathers rather quickly too, as attracted to his holy light as any other plant, some of his feathers even fell, melting on the ground.
…It was endearing.
‘Lovely’
Akane felt his insides burn again, his tail gently taking away a few ferns off his feathers, trying not to let the contact linger, lest he taint him again “You’re a mess.”
“You’re burning the grass.”
Akane looked down, frowning at the way his feet had heated up enough to make the nearby dandelions drop. If the weather was dryer he would have started a fire by now.
“Aw, shit.”
.
“Why are you here?” Akane asked again, watching the angel drink from the river with his hands but doing his best not to focus too hard at his wet lips “Out of heaven I mean.”
“I was kicked out.” Teru admitted this time, “One too many conflicting thoughts perhaps… I did help sinners too, a pair of siblings, rookie priests...” He chuckled, not looking regretful "They thought I needed some time."
“So you are fallen.” Akane raised a brown.
“You’re still so rude to me.” Teru pouted, but his eyes shone, not offended. “Would a fallen angel enchant a devil so easily? ”
Akane rolled his eyes, the tip of his tail moving slowly, betraying a confusion his face didn’t show.
Teru is right, he is beautiful and warm, full of holy light. Undeniably an angel.
“I was a sinking angel since we met.” Teru admitted, his features growing softer, “Angels don’t fall after one or two mistakes, my pathetic demon. That's cruel. Demoniac." Teru playfully flickered his horn. Akane felt the hint of annoyance at being called pathetic gets devoured by the joy of being called his demon. "It takes consistent mistakes, deliberate ones, for god to realize our roads don’t align.”
"I see…" Akane frowned, understanding better why love, be it romantic or platonic, is the one behind most tales of fallen angels.
.
They were still trying to sneak plants to a new mountain, make this new garden more hidden than the last, when it started to rain.
Akane frowned at the cold raindrops on his face, the water itchy on his heated skin. He hates the feeling, but all of his curses died on his tongue, caught off guard when Teru extended his wing to protect him, at peace becoming his umbrella.
Akane stared at him in disbelief, well aware angels don’t have benevolent instincts when it comes to demons.
(Teru wants him to not get wet)
Akane blushed, hardly able to focus on the bellflower in his claw with Teru near, his shine dimmer in the cloudy skies, but still unfairly enchanting.
Like his own personal full moon.
‘I want to touch him again. To protect him. To keep him only to myself. To make him happy.’
To love him
This is love. He is sure of it.
Teru froze, looking at him with a tense smile “Excuse me?”
Ah…
Did he say that out loud?
“I love you.” Akane repeated with more confidence, feeling his tail and hair catch on fire from embarrassment but keeping eye contact as he grabbed his hand.
Teru seemed uncomfortable, his wings flapping nervously, no longer protecting him from the rain. “You want to own me, it's not love.”
Akane frowned, Teru's unreadable face and the rain on his head making him feel cold “Not as I would riches, I care about you Teru.”
Teru tilted his head, taking in their connected hands, which hadn’t been tainted yet, and asking “Do you think of me similarly to your garden?”
His garden?
...It's hard to compare the two. One is a memory, the fruit of most of his long long life's labor, and as solid and undeniable as the earth, the other is bigger than he'll ever be and new, a golden dream he can't help but want to sink his claws on, to get a hold on before Teru melts in the earth.
“Somewhat?” He frowned “You are more unpredictable than plants, is hard to compare.”
Teru’s face was hard to read, but he didn’t snatch his hand away from his hold, which Akane would consider a win “What do you want from me?”
Akane did not hesitate “Your attention.” He got closer at the way he blinked “I want you by my side.”
That was not what Teru expected to hear, blushing a pretty golden and looking down at their hands, then looking back at him.
His wide eyes eventually softened, tentatively squeezing his hand, only to abruptly gasp in pain, a loud crack breaking the silence.
Akane startled at the brand new crack in Teru's halo, a chip of it fell on the grass, melting into the earth. The remaining halo's glow diminished.
Teru winced, letting go of his hand to hover near the cracked halo.
He took an unstable step back.
“Did you taint yourself...?” Akane asked softly, his worry overwhelmed with the selfish joy of meaning so much to him.
Teru slapped him with his wings, and wrapped them around himself, hiding behind the curtain of feathers “Leave me alone.”
Akane snorted, pushing his wings aside to look at his glare. Cute.
He cupped his face, loving the way it made him blush harder. This fool likes him too. He knows it.
'You're mine.'
It burned Teru, his greedy delight, but he kept holding him, focusing on the way he was still blushing “I just poured my heart to you, you can’t hide like this, coward.”
"You're too cocky." Teru eyes got colder, pushing Akane away. "Good luck finishing the garden on your own."
And then he flew away, still trying to hide.
Akane looked at the wild way he flew, visibly off-kilter, and thought about his cracked halo.
It is sad, to see an angel in pain and know holding his hand will only make it worse, but it feels good, to means so much to him. Likely driving the angel as mad as he had been driving Akane.
.
Teru’s halo has grown less bright after the crack, many of his feathers falling.
Akane frowned at the mess he left in their garden.
“It’s shedding season,” Teru explained with a sweet smile, but Akane didn’t miss the way he tucked his wings closer, ashamed of his changing body.
“I see.” He played along, sure sinking can't be easy for the angel. In a way, it was endearing, how he tried to hide something so obvious “You are a glorified chicken.”
Teru frowned, lightly taping the edge of his demoniac wing with his own. “You have no place for judgment, fire snake.”
Akane used the tip of his tail to slap his back, pausing at the way he winced.
Oh... He didn't expect that to hurt.
“...You good?”
“Never better! Just… A little sensitive right now.”
Akane nodded, trying to be softer, which... isn't exactly in his nature, but Teru deserves his best attempt. “Do you want me to help you clean up?”
Teru hesitated but eventually nodded, letting him touch his pretty wings. “If you taint me, you’ll be dismissed.”
'You're the one tainting yourself'. Akane thought.
"Okay," Akane said instead.
He dislodged the loose feathers, letting his touch linger on the thick and soft surface, feeling awe once more in the face of his beauty.
Teru blushed as he appreciated his wings, frowning at the ground.
Oh?
Akane touched the muscles of his wings, right where it connected to his back, and put light pressure on it. Teru startled, flapping his wings and making a small sound.
Akane smirked, poking his red cheek “Do you enjoy being spoiled, my angel?”
Teru slapped him with his hand, his anger not hiding his embarrassment “Don't talk.”
“Aye aye,” He chuckled, grooming his wings and petting the healthy feathers as carefully as he could, well aware his attention would make Teru lose more feathers but unable to stop.
The constant understanding he was losing himself for Akane put him in a good mood, nearly addicted to it, but his angel's fatigue and occasional signs of pain didn't let him get too high on the feeling, a tad sad for him. Akane was willing to postpone his daily visits to the garden in order to spoil the angel for the day, stretching his wings as carefully as possible and keeping his palm just warm enough to relax his muscles, adoring his soft sighs of relief.
Teru fell asleep while Akane was still working, looking so painfully defenseless... Akane had to take care of him.
.
Usually, Akane is the one seeking his angel, but today, he woke up with Teru staring at him, his hand on his tail.
The demon startled, Teru's sharp eyes no longer warm as a summer sky but still unnaturally pale, more eery than holy in the night.
“Teru?” He would recognize the bastard anywhere, but the way his wings had grown fully grey, far smaller, and devoid of elegance was… strange.
Teru gulped, looking away. He seemed ashamed to be caught staring, though he didn't let go of his tail.
“I don’t mind,” Akane said, stretching the lingering sleep away from his bones and sitting closer to Teru. Honestly, it's nice that the sinking angel wanted to see him.
(is nice to be loved)
“What’s the issue?”
“...I feel strange.” Teru frowned, sneaking glances at Akane but mainly focusing on the grass. Reluctantly letting go of his tail “It's not as easy to get happy… I suppose I feel... Ungrateful? Lost?” He scratched his cheek, nervously licking his lips “Like something is missing.”
“And you need it?” Akane smirked.
Teru narrowed his eyes “Yes.”
“Greedy, aren’t you?”
“No.” His dying wings flapped in confusion, pausing at Akane’s smirk and thinking better “Am I?”
Akane chuckled at his curiosity, tucking his golden fringe behind his ear. “Maybe.”
“That sucks. Greed sucks.” Teru was blushing though, his cheeks already gaining a vague red tint, blood no longer a pure gold “Do all humans feel this uncontrollable need?”
“At some point.” Akane kept it simple “It will feel better when you get what you want.” he paused, inwardly cringing “...Maybe. Is not guaranteed but it's worth a try.” He pats his shoulder, wings stretching with restless energy “What can I give you?”
It doesn’t matter if is something as small as another flower from his garden or as unreasonable as a church to live in, Akane would do anything for him.
Teru stared at him, visibly weighing his options and awkwardly scooting closer. They had a staring contest where Akane admired how Teru's hands were clenched into tense fists, and in a blink, the tall angel jumped on him, trapping Akane in a tight hug.
oh
Akane's tail wagged in delight, wrapping his arms around the angel’s waist and having a lot of difficulty ignoring the possessive thoughts in his head. He tried anyways, not sure if he would still stain him, but refusing to focus on having more, when he was already given so much.
'focus only on the feeling of his back, on his smile. That's enough.'
'it isn't-'
'it is' He shut himself down.
“I want to steal all your warmth," Teru admitted without a hint of shame, his broken halo melting where it touched Akane’s horn.
Akane shivered when it dripped down his shoulder, sinking his claws into the falling angel's back and admitting “Me too.”
Teru chuckled, eyes narrowing in interest when Akane leaned closer, kissing the angel’s face and feeling a wave of satisfaction at the way Teru's light dimmed, his halo too damaged to keep floating. With another loud crack, it fell to the ground, rolling off and melting in the grass.
“Are you okay?” He asked, aware the last big crack had injured Teru “Hurt?”
Teru blinked slowly, holding his waist for support “...It feels weird but it doesn’t hurt as bad as the last time.”
Great.
Akane kissed him, yelping when Teru kissed him back with enthusiasm, slamming the demon on the grass, a rain of loose feathers shining in the moonlight as his wings slowly disappeared.
Akane blushed as his angelic features melted away, the warmth and glow of an angel would be missed, but he was already growing addicted to the feeling of Teru's small fangs on his lips, so much smaller than his own, so gentle, yet greedy.