Chapter Text
“Talking in your sleep, birdie? Time to wake up.”
Sunday's eyes snap open, and he jolts upright, his chest heaving with frantic breaths as his eyes dart around the room as he tries to anchor himself in the safety of reality.
“I- I I’m alive?” the halovian glances around as he still is tightly clutching his chest, his fingers slowly searching for the cut and any lingering signs of the stab.
“Huh? Do you need a hand?” Gallagher asks as he watches the other fixes up his suit, brushing the sides of his feathers.
Sunday looks over at him, realization dawning on his face. "I- I'm not dead...?"
Gallagher smirks. "Nope. You were bleedin' out for a bit but then it suddenly just stopped. I'm surprised you made it this far. Or at least, that's what I like to think. Maybe I just couldn't bring myself to leave you, ya know?"
Sunday blinks, a mixture of surprise and relief washing over him. He looks back at the other man, searching his eyes for any hint of sincerity. Something about Gallagher's candidness strikes a chord deep within him. "I- I see... " His voice trails off.
"So, uh... what now?" Sunday asks, glancing around the room once more. "I should go... find my sister."
Gallagher nods, "She's in good care. Just worry about yourself for now birdie." the man chuckles softly.
Gallagher looks off for a bit before looking back at him solemnly. "It's not like I had much of a choice. Besides, we're in the same boat, aren't we? We're both just tryin' to find our way back to someone we care about." There's a sadness in his eyes that Sunday can't quite place.
Sunday feels a sudden urge to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Gallagher. For not leaving me here. I..." He trails off, unsure of how else to put it.
Gallagher waves him off, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Ah, don't mention it. We're all just doin' what we can to survive in this world, aren't we?" He gestures for Sunday to follow him. "Come on, let's get you up to speed. There's a lot you need to know about the situation we're in."
As they walk through the hallways, Sunday can't help but feel a strange sense of peace with the other man. Despite their rough exterior and the complicated situation they've been thrown into, there's an undeniable air of vulnerability about them that Sunday finds himself drawn to. He finds himself lingering behind Gallagher, studying the other man as if the would find a answer to the confusing feelings.
When they finally reach a more private corner of the hall, Sunday can't help but blurt out his gratitude. "I feel like I should be thanking you, Gallagher. For helping me, for everything." He swallows hard, his cheeks flushing. "I don't know why I'm saying this, but... I'm in your debt..." He trails off, gesturing vaguely between them. Gallagher glances down at his hands, then back up at Sunday.
There's a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes, but it's quickly replaced by something else. Something warmer. He takes a step closer, reaching out to brush a stray feather from Sunday's cheek, watching the wings tremble softly. "You're welcome," he murmurs. "And I... I wouldn't say no to anything you offer."
Sunday felt his heart thumping in his chest, his feathers fluttering against his face a bit more anxiously as Gallagher stepped closer.
The taller man leaned in, his breath hot against Sunday's cheek, and Sunday's own breath caught in his throat. He felt the roughness of the man's stubble against his skin, the scent of cologne and cigarettes ghosting over his lips.
As he's pulled in by his collar, Sunday braces himself for whatever is to come. But to his surprise, the kiss was nothing more than a soft sweet peck, as light as a feather.
"Don't push yourself too hard," Gallagher says after they pull apart. His voice is gentle, his eyes searching Sunday for any signs of discomfort. "You've been through a lot, and we've got plenty of time on our hands. So, you can pay me back when the time comes."
Sunday nods, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. He had been so focused on finding his sister and escaping the peril that he had not allowed himself to think about the possibility of forming a connection like this with anyone else, especially someone like Gallagher.
"I... I think I'd like that," Sunday whispers, his voice barely audible. He's still trying to process the sudden turn of events, the warmth of Gallagher's breath on his cheek and the gentle touch of his hand.
Gallagher nods, understanding in his gaze. He then pulls Sunday into a firm hug, the warmth of his embrace surprisingly comforting. Sunday's wings brush softly against their cheeks as he slowly wraps his arms around Gallagher in return, feeling the warmth pressed against him.
They stay like that for a moment, and with a final squeeze, Gallagher pulls away. He gives Sunday a gentle pat on the back before releasing him. "We've got a lot of ground to cover, birdie," he says, his smile fading into a determined expression. "You should get some rest. We're gonna need our strength for what's ahead."
Sunday nods, his heart racing in his chest. He watches as Gallagher heads down the hallway, disappearing into his own room. He lingers for a moment, still thinking about what would happen next.
Gallagher's betrayed him, killed him, saved his life, and now... there's this.