Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Altheras on 11-11-2010, 07:06:15</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 07:06:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Demon. Monster. These words were commonly used by others to refer to him. He had gotten used to them over time. He had been born to a mother that had died shortly after. The doctors had been shocked and revolted by him. The small black wings he had as a baby, made him look like a fallen cherub. Some speculated that he was a messenger from the devil himself. Fearing the taint of their hospital they had thrown the infant into the street, with no care for what became of him. They would never speak of this incident again.<br><br>A poor woman had come upon the crying child and took him into her arms. Unlike the others, she found the wings to be endearing and unique. She had raised him, in spite of his differences, often dressing him in overly large coats to hide his wings in public. The boy did not understand why he had to hide the fact that he was different, or why he could not go to school with the other children. He had been raised away from the world by a loving, protective mother.<br><br>Sadly, the day came when she could no longer protect her son, she had died when the boy was only seventeen. Seeking comfort, he had gone out into the streets, hoping to find someone who would share in his grief for his lost mother. He simply couldn't bare the solitude or the silence in the house anymore. His wings had now grown so large that he could no longer hide them with clothing, however. When he went into the street seeking comfort, he found only horror.<br><br>The people shouted at him, threw things, called him horrible names. He could not understand it, until he realized that not a single one of them had wings. He had flown for the first time then, finding himself perching on the top of a building like a gargoyle, staring down with disbelief at the world that had been his mother's world. How could she be one of these creatures? She had never looked on him with such horror.<br><br>Over the years he had struggled to adjust to living among creatures that feared and hated him. He lived on the streets, occasionally finding odd jobs like being the attraction in a freakshow that was passing through. He had finally joined one such band of freaks, though none of them were as inhuman as he was. There was the bearded lady, and the little man with an extra arm, but they weren't treated like monsters by the crowds that came to see them. People often fled as if they would be cursed just by looking at the boy with raven wings. He had adopted the name Raven then, although his mother had called him Justin.<br><br>After a time, the leader of the freak show had asked him to leave. They were being hassled by a band of religious zealots who believed that the boy with black wings was the son of the devil. They had threatened to kill the man and his entire band of freaks if he did not disassociate himself with Raven. <br><br>The boy had understood, although it hurt to lose the few friends he had finally found. When they parted ways, the band of religious freaks had found him alone, on the road. They had encircled him, shouting at him about how he was the son of the devil, and needed to go back to hell. They intended to send him if he would not go willingly. <br><br>He tried to flee from them, to fly away, but they attacked him before he could escape, overwhelming him with force in numbers. They beat him savagely, breaking his wings and many other bones. So he found himself, laying on the ground, abandoned and bleeding. They had thought they had killed him when he stopped moving, and had left him here to die. He trembled weakly, sobbing against the ground. What fate had thought that he deserved this? If he had been able, he would have removed those horrible wings just to fit in. All he ever wanted was not to be alone. Why did other people insist on being so cruel to him just because he was different? <br><br>People fear what they do not understand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 18:46:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam Walker was finally, after a long day in town, on his way back home.&nbsp; It was a huge relief too, as he every trip to town these days took longer and longer.&nbsp; Having taken an early retirement from his job as a broker, he bought a farm out in the middle of nowhere, determined to live off the land and avoid as many people as possible.&nbsp; It was perfect for the most part.....except for these once a month trips among the not-so-friendly natives.<br><br>He'd made millions for his clients on Wall Street - and millions for himself while he was at it.&nbsp; But he'd never been a people-person and had to take a handful of antidepressants just to function by the time he decided to quit.&nbsp; His superiors had offered him more money, a bigger office, a bigger expense account, but it came down to the desire to just be alone.&nbsp; <br><br>He had nothing to lose.&nbsp; His only serious relationship had broken up the year before when he came home to find his lover of 4 years in bed with their neighbor from the apartment down the hall, and his parents had decided now that their children were grown, it was time to travel the world.&nbsp; He hadn't heard from them in nearly 4 months, so he assumed they were having a grand time of it.<br><br>Now, a year after his retirement, he was finally happy and settled....except for these monthly trips to town for the little things he couldn't make or grow on his own.&nbsp; Sodas for one (he'd never lost his taste for a good old fashioned root beer and when he'd tried to make them at home, they made him gag), candy, and frozen dinners for when he was just too tired to bother with cooking.<br><br>At least this trip was over with.&nbsp; He had a truck full of supplies and had even splurged and bought a large pizza that lay on the seat beside him for when he got home.&nbsp; He could relax now, and forget about the world in general until the next month, when he would start all over again.<br><br>He really, really needed to just get over his taste for those damn root beers.<br><br>Just outside of town, he felt something.....different.&nbsp; Something wrong.&nbsp; To his dying day, Liam would never know what it was that made him stop.&nbsp; There was really nothing to see, as it was nearly dark already, but he had the impression there was someone - or something - just off the side of the road not half a mile out of town.&nbsp; It was in a field where the circus had set up just a few days before, or so the signs said, and he seriously doubted they'd left anything behind.<br><br>Still, better to be safe than sorry.&nbsp; He stopped the truck, slid out and crossed the road.&nbsp; In the darkness, he could see a figure of....well, he wasn't sure what it was.&nbsp; There was a man's form but behind him, there was...something else.<br><br>It hit him then.&nbsp; The Raven-man.&nbsp; He'd heard some people in town speaking of such a man, a 'freak' with a man's body and the wings of a raven.&nbsp; A freak that was an abomination, they said, and one they hoped was gone forever.<br><br>At the time, Liam thought they'd meant someone traveling with the circus who'd simply left with them.&nbsp; Now, though, as he took in the sight before him, he realized exactly what they'd meant.<br><br>This was the Raven-man.&nbsp; And they'd tried to kill him.<br><br>As Liam knelt beside him, not daring to touch the lovely, obviously broken and bloodied wings, he thought the man was the most incredibly beautiful creature he'd ever seen.<br><br>"We need to get you out of here," he said softly, reaching out and touching the man's hand.&nbsp; "Just in case whoever did this decides to come back."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 20:52:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven opened his eyes, the figure before him was blurred. He had taken more than a few blows to the head. In truth it was a wonder he was still alive, no one should have survived that. Maybe he did have some supernatural strengths about him, even if it was nothing more than being harder to kill than your average human. A trickle of blood ran from his mouth as he strained to speak, wondering if his savior was just one of the townspeople hoping to play a cruel joke on him to make him think he was saved before finishing him off.<br><br>He took hold of the offered hand, it felt warm and rough in his own. The chill of the night had already sank into him, and his flesh was cold as ice. "Please... I don't know why they did this. Do I really deserve your hatred?" His black eyes were dull, filled with fear and confusion as he desperately grasped Liam's hand, as if the hand itself was his last link to life. He was trembling from the pain of his injuries and the cold. The combination of the two was excruciating. He hated his life, but he did not want to die. He just wanted to be normal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 21:15:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam shook his head, understanding right away that this man thought he was like the others.&nbsp; His hand - a perfectly normal, human hand - clutched at Liam's on so desperately, Liam thought he would sooner harm himself that this lovely, possibly dying man before him.<br><br>"No, no you don't deserve anyone's hatred," he said firmly, letting his other hand very carefully brush back the other man's hair from his forehead.&nbsp; His fingers came away bloodied and he shook his head, praying that he wasn't too late.&nbsp; Despite the blood, he touched the handsome, abused face with his fingertips again, tightening his hold on the hands joined between them.&nbsp; "I certainly don't hate you.&nbsp; I think you're beautiful."&nbsp; <br><br>He turned as he saw lights in the far distance, worried that the monsters who had done this were coming back to make sure they'd finished the job.&nbsp; He had a gun in his truck and was fairly certain that if they were coming back, their weapons of choice would be something more akin to a baseball bat than anything else, and he could easily stand between them and their victim.&nbsp; <br><br>Then again, it might not be them at all, and he could possibly have the injured man out of here before the car even got close.<br><br>"I think...no, I know you have some broken bones, but....and God, I'm sorry to say this....I don't think anyone at the hospital would be willing to help you."&nbsp; His fingers moved back to that soft, black hair as he spoke, doing his best to soothe the other man, even though he knew they didn't have much time.&nbsp; "If you can stand for me to carry you to my truck I'll take you home with me and see what I can do to help?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 21:39:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven stared at the other man in the dimming light of the dusk. What he could see of his face seemed friendly and kind. He was afraid he might be seeing things, but it was possible there were other kind humans in the world. His mother had adored him, and had always treated him well, it wasn't that impossible that there might be another in the world that could see him the way that she had. He saw no malice in Liam's eyes, only concern.<br><br>He didn't have much strength left in his body, but his will was stronger than most. He'd had to have a strong will to survive and press on, even when everyone hated and feared him. At the very least, he was not going to die here in this field. He wanted to go home with this man, this angel that had come to save him. Even if he died, he wanted to die surrounded by warmth and feeling safe. <br><br>He struggled, using all the strength he could muster, forcing himself onto his feet. When he did finally manage to stand, he cried out in pain, leaning heavily against the other man. One of his legs was definitely broken, and the other was at the very least, sprained. The pain of broken bones grating against each other as he moved was unimaginable. It took every bit of strength in his body and soul just to keep on his feet. His wings hung heavily on his back, broken and bloodied, his usual balance thrown off by their weight. It was truly terrifying just how much damage had been done to his body. <br><br>Now that he was on his feet, he was beautiful even in his current state. He was trim, but muscular. His long black hair was filled with blood, but it still hung down his back between his wings with a kind of grace most humans don't possess. His skin was pale, so pale that the bright red blood and black of the rest of his features stood out in stark contrast against his flesh. Even his eyes were black, another thing that had caused most people to fear him. Even though black eyes were not unheard of in humans, when paired with his jet black wings, it was an eerie sight. His wings had been graceful and beautiful, very much like a raven's long and elegant, and large enough to support his full weight in flight. He thought sadly now, that he would never fly again. His wings were broken, probably beyond repair.<br><br>His breathing was harsh and shallow due to the amount of focus it took just to keep himself upright. "The people at the hospital... they won't help me... but, thank you. I will come with you... please... don't hurt me... I just want to die in peace if I cannot be saved."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 00:12:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam took as much of the other man's weight as he could as they made their way back to his truck.&nbsp; The sight of those beautiful wings, now broken, covered in blood and hanging at odd angles made him furious and sad at the same time.<br><br>"I won't hurt you," he promised, desperately holding on, amazed that his new friend could even walk on what was so painfully obviously a broken leg.&nbsp; "Well, I'll try not to, but we'll have to set these bones.&nbsp; I have something that will help with the pain though, and I would never deliberately hurt you.&nbsp; I will not, however, let you die in peace, because you aren't going to die.&nbsp; At least not for a good long while."<br><br>He did his best to keep talking, trying to give the other man something to concentrate on even as he wished the could move faster.&nbsp; The lights were getting closer, now probably less than 2 minutes away.&nbsp; "We're going to make sure you heal and have plenty to eat and drink and a nice, warm place to rest and...."<br><br>It seemed to him the lights sped up a bit just as they reached the truck. "My name is Liam, by the way.&nbsp; Liam Walker and I'm sorry it's under these circumstances, but I am pleased to meet you."&nbsp; As his last words filled the air, he shifted his hold on Raven and opened the passenger door.&nbsp; "I think you'll have to lay down.&nbsp; It's the only way your wings will fit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 00:57:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven was thankful to be able to get off of his broken leg. He climbed gingerly into the truck, laying down just enough that he would fit. It was a little uncomfortable, but in his current state, getting comfortable would probably be impossible. Liam's kind words and gentle tone had a soothing effect on him. He began to see a faint glimmer of hope, that maybe humans were not all bad, maybe there was some chance that he would survive this. If so, he would never want to be caught out alone again.<br><br>He sighed softly, settling in as best he could. He was sure he could hear another car coming, and he hoped he was out of sight. If it was those who had attacked him returning to finish the job, the last thing he wanted was for his savior to get caught in the crossfire. "Thank you... thank you for helping me... but if... if they come... don't do anything foolish to save me. Let them have me. My life is not worth losing yours for..." He trailed off, having to take a shaky breath before he continued. "With any luck it's not them..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 01:12:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam did his best to help get Raven comfortable, then gingerly closed the passenger door, knowing he had to be hurting, long legs and huge wings having to scrunch into the front of the truck and still leave room for a driver.<br><br>Liam waited until he was settled in the driver's seat and cranking the truck up again before he answered.&nbsp; "No thanks necessary," he said, eyes fixed on the lights ahead of them.&nbsp; "Only doing what any decent person would do."&nbsp; He reached down beneath his seat and drew out the pistol he kept there, tucking it between his leg&nbsp; and the door where he could reach it quickly.<br><br>"And they'll get their hands on you again only over my dead body.&nbsp; I couldn't live with myself if I just turned you over to them."<br><br>He put the truck in gear and pulled back onto the road, one hand coming down to very carefully rest on the other man's back so he didn't roll in the floor, the other on the wheel.&nbsp; The top of one huge black wing could be seen through any of the windows if anyone cared to look, but he was counting on their attention being elsewhere.&nbsp; <br><br>Rather than heading down the road toward his home, in case they followed him, he took the first turnoff he saw, watching in the rear view mirror as the car came to a stop and three people piled out.&nbsp; Sure enough, two of them had baseball bats.<br><br>"Stay down and try to relax," he said softly.&nbsp; "I'm not leaving you, I promise, and I'll be more than happy to teach them all a little lesson in humanity."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 01:38:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven's broken wings rustled in a nervous gesture. The situation was getting worse by the moment. He found himself wishing this poor man had never found him. Sure, if he had not been found, he would have died, but the last thing he wanted was for someone kind enough to see him as human to get killed trying to protect him.<br><br>"Don't do anything foolish... perhaps I could play dead. You could tell them you are taking my body to bury it in consecrated ground or some rubbish? I don't expect they are very intelligent, they might buy it... please.. I don't want you to get hurt... just don't get hurt or killed because of me. I'm really not worth it!"<br><br>His voice was pleading and sad. He truly thought Liam might die defending him, and he couldn't stand to see that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 03:11:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam glanced down at Raven and frowned, but quickly turned his attention back to the rearview mirror.&nbsp; He was almost out of sight of the other vehicle, but could see three bobbing flashlights as they were obviously searching for the body of the man they thought they'd killed.<br><br>It made him sick to think of what they could possibly be wanting to do with the body if they found it.&nbsp; <br><br>The flat of his hand pressed against Raven's back as he shook his head.&nbsp; "No one's going to get killed," he said softly, stealing another glance at the beautiful, broken wings.&nbsp; "If they're stupid enough to folllow us, I've got a gun, and...."&nbsp; His fingers flexed gently against cold skin and he removed his hand only long enough to turn the heater on.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They won't get you again.&nbsp; I can promise you that.&nbsp; They're not even following us yet, they're still looking, and we'll be long gone before they figure out that you're with me.&nbsp; We'll be home by then, and I'll give you something to help with the pain."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 03:16:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven allowed his eyes to close, relaxing a little bit, hoping the men that had attacked him would not follow them. He had suffered enough, he was not sure he could stand much more anxiety at the hands of those that sought to take everything from him, even his life.<br><br>"They didn't have guns... if they do follow us... don't shoot them." Even in his current state, he still valued life, even the lives of such vile men. "You would lose a part of yourself if you were to take a life... even worse you may get caught... if you did... you would go to jail at the least."<br><br>It seemed odd for him to talk reason at a time like this, but he had always been a noble person. Even with all he had been through, he had refused to turn into the monster that people seemed to believe he was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 05:42:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam stole another glance at his companion and shook his head.&nbsp; He more humanity in him than every person in that town put together.<br><br>"I was thinking of maybe just shooting them in the knees," he confessed.&nbsp; "Besides, it would be self defense."<br><br>They were out of sight of the car now, so he slowed down just a bit.&nbsp; "I know you're in pain, but just try and <br>relax as best as you can.&nbsp; It'll take nearly an hour to get to my house, and you can use my leg as a pillow so you can stretch out a bit more if you like.&nbsp; Maybe with the heat on, it'll at least help keep you warm."<br><br>He paused for a moment, then quickly asked what he'd been wanting to know.&nbsp; "Why were you out there?&nbsp; In that field I mean, all alone?&nbsp; If....If you don't mind my asking?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 08:39:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven gazed up at him for a moment, wondering why he would offer his leg as a pillow. It seemed silly, childish even, but it sounded inviting in a weird way. Perhaps it was only because he was so hurt and insecure right now, he did not know. Whatever the case, he decided to accept the offer.<br><br>He slowly stretched out, laying his head in the strange man's lap. It did feel warm, and oddly comforting to him. Allowing his eyes to drift closed once again, he let out a soft sigh. It was unlikely that they would be followed now, and this allowed him to relax at least a little.<br><br>"Truthfully... I was on the road alone, they dragged me back into that field. They scared the freak show I was traveling with into abandoning me. They had threatened to kill them all too apparently... I don't understand... why do they call me the devil.... and a monster?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 05:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam shook his head and felt the insane urge to run his hand over the other man's face.&nbsp; He looked so innocent, laying there, and obviously, after having been so concerned of the fate of his attackers, he didn't have an unkind bone in his body.<br><br>His hand stayed where it was, keeping Raven on the seat beside him so he could relax and not have to worry about falling.&nbsp; "I guess....people are afraid of what they don't understand.&nbsp; Rather than see how incredibly beautiful and kind you are, they choose to fear you, without ever trying to get to know you."<br><br>He stole a look in the rear view mirror and shook his head.&nbsp; "I don't think they'll follow, but I want to hurry and get you home anyway.&nbsp; You'll feel a lot better with some pills in you and your bones set....and a safe place to rest."&nbsp; A frown touched his lips as he looked down at Raven again.&nbsp; "When's the last time you had something to eat?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>14-11-2010, 06:39:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven had in fact not eaten all day. Since the freak show had left him, he hadn't had any food of his own. He had been eating very well while he was with them though, so he was not terribly thin or unhealthy. Had he been malnourished, he probably would not have survived the attack on his life today.<br><br>"I suppose you are right. I hold no grudge against them for it. I am different, and different can be scary I suppose. You would think though, that some of them would be more civilized than that... now that I think about it, I guess some are. However, those that are, often get intimidated into not acting on my behalf. They're afraid of what the other fools will do to them I think."<br><br>He took a deep shaking breath at the mention of food, even as bad off as his body was, it still craved nourishment. "I haven't eaten since yesterday. A warm, safe place to rest sounds very inviting right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>15-11-2010, 02:05:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam drove as fast as was safe, knowing he needed to hurry and get his new friend to safety.&nbsp; How the other man could still be so kind-hearted after what had just happened to him was beyond him.&nbsp; He admired Raven more than he could say and he'd only known him for less than half an hour.<br><br>"You are much more charitable than I would be in your position, I think," he said, angry at the idiots who had nearly killed the other man, but somehow, even madder at the circus who left him behind.<br><br>"It won't be long now," he promised.&nbsp; "Food, a warm bed, something for your pain, and some medical care.&nbsp; We'll have you fixed up in no time."&nbsp; He looked down and adjusted his hold on Raven a bit.&nbsp; "I live out in the middle of nowhere.&nbsp; No neighbors for miles and no one but a few farm animals for company, so you'll be safe there, and you can stay for as long as you like.&nbsp; I'd be honored to have you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>15-11-2010, 02:41:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Really?"<br><br>He managed to look incredibly pleased, even in his current state of agony. "I do like animals... animals have never judged me for my wings. I had a cat as a child... and a bird. It's sad that they don't live as long as humans do. I miss them a lot."<br><br>He sighed softly, staring up at the roof of the truck. "I spent most of my time with the circus tending to the animals. I used to pet them and feed them. They're nicer than humans you know? They never say anything cruel... never say anything at all I suppose."<br><br>"I can't thank you enough for saving me. I would probably be dead now at the hands of those monsters if not for you." Raven smiled, letting his eyes close again. "Thank you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 01:14:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam smiled at Raven and waved away his thanks.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm just happy I happened to come along," he said truthfully.&nbsp; "I don't get out very often, and even when I saw you, I wasn't at all sure someone was there or not.&nbsp; But if it makes you feel better, I have plenty animals you can help me care for.&nbsp; Three cats, two dogs, some horses, cows, pigs....I got them so I could be self-sufficient, and not have go into town, and because, yes...they are much, much nicer than humans any day of the week.&nbsp; But then I got attached and couldn't kill any of them so....The most I get out of them are a few eggs and milk."&nbsp; He laughed softly and shook his head.&nbsp; <br><br>"They'll be glad to have another face to look at besides mine, I'm sure.&nbsp; And such a handsome face at that."&nbsp; The last words had simply slipped out before he knew it and his face turned a dark shade of red.<br><br>"I'm....God, I'm sorry. That just kind of slipped....I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.&nbsp; Or myself, for that matter,...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 09:21:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven raised an eyebrow, no one had ever called him handsome before. The word was quite appealing in reference to himself though. He found himself wondering why it would or should make him uncomfortable. <br><br>He smiled and waved a bloody hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. It was a complement. There's no reason to be embarrassed. No one has ever said anything nice about my looks before... well except for this one little girl at the freak show. She pointed at me and said. 'He's beautiful isn't he daddy? Like a black swan.' I sometimes think about that girl when I'm alone... I wonder why she saw me differently than most people. Maybe just youth... but most children are afraid of me too..."<br><br>He was aware that Liam had somehow made himself uncomfortable, but he didn't seem bothered at all by what had been said. "I'm looking forward to meeting the animals too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 15:30:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam looked down at Raven for a moment and smiled.&nbsp; "That little girl was right, you know," he said softly.<br><br>They drove for a while in silence, or making small talk until they finally, in record time thanks to there being no traffic on the road and Liam speeding, reached his house, where he parked as close to his back door as possible, rather than his usual place in the garage.&nbsp; He turned the truck off and looked down at Raven.&nbsp; "It's not far to the bedroom.&nbsp; I'll get you cleaned up and see what I can do about making you feel better and get some food in you."<br><br>Without even realizing what he was doing, his fingers began stroking an uninjured part of Raven's wing, brushing over one of thousands of soft black feathers.&nbsp; "Your leg is obviously broken.&nbsp; I can see it from here.&nbsp; Why don't you let me carry you this time? " 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>18-11-2010, 09:15:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven's eyes widened as fingers found his feathers, wings twitching ever so slightly as the fingertips traced over sensitive bone and skin. No one else had ever touched his wings in such a way, even his mother had only rarely touched them. Something about this felt good, even with the pain he was in.<br><br>He smiled, reaching his hand up to stroke the wrist of the hand touching his wing. "Alright... you can carry me. I would rather not walk on it again if I can avoid it. Are you sure I'm not too heavy for you to manage?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>18-11-2010, 15:24:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam's gaze met Raven's for a moment whe Raven touched his wrist.&nbsp; He felt his heart flip at the look in those lovely, dark - though pain-filled - eyes. The pain ran deeper than just today's beating.&nbsp; Raven must have endured a lifetime of this kind of treatment.<br><br>It took him a moment to remember what the question was.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I.&nbsp; No.&nbsp; You won't be too heavy," he managed with a smile.&nbsp; Carefully, he slid his hand under Raven's head where it lay on this thigh and slid out from under him.&nbsp; "Stay here for just a moment while I run ahead and unlock the doors?&nbsp; I won't be a minute."&nbsp; <br><br>He slid out of the truck, leaving it running so the heat would stay on, and took off his jacket, gently sliding it under Raven's head to use as a pillow.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>19-11-2010, 16:59:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven watched him hop out of the truck, then allowed his head to rest fully on the jacket he had been given as a pillow. He thought that he must be very lucky to have found someone so nice. The heat in the truck felt good on his chilled body, and even with his injuries he was able to find some measure of comfort here.<br><br>He took a deep breath as he waited patiently for Liam to return. The door popping open would surely come as a surprise to him, since he could see nothing from his position on the seat of the truck.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 05:05:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam was back in just a little over a minute, having hurried and unlocked, then propped open the doors from the front door to the bedroom.&nbsp; He hurried back out to the truck, knocked lightly on the window and eased open the door.&nbsp; <br><br>"Ok...if you can just slid down here a bit, I can get you," he said, wincing at the pain he knew just moving to the end of the set would cause.&nbsp; "I'm sorry.&nbsp; I wish there was another way.&nbsp; Let's just go slow and easy..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 10:20:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled, happy to see him return, even if it did mean that he had to move now. He focused, using strength he did not have, forcing himself into a sitting position. He scooted to the edge of the seat, broken bones grating against eachother as he did. <br><br>The movement sent a stab of agony through him, and he almost felt like he would pass out. He stilled himself though and reached out for Liam, his broken wings hanging useless behind him. He felt terrible, broken and off balance. He only hoped that setting all of his bones would be enough. At the very least he would be spending a terribly long time in bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 14:47:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam held out his arms for Raven, his eyes darkening when he saw how much pain the other man was in.&nbsp; What broke his heart the most though, was those beautiful wings, broken and twisted at odd angles.<br><br>"You didn't deserve this," he said miserably as Raven slipped into his waiting arms and he got a firm but gentle hold on him.&nbsp; He held him as carefully as possible, one hand just below the juncture of his wings and back, the other below his thighs, trying his best not to jar the injured legs.&nbsp; "I'm so sorry Raven.&nbsp; I wish I'd been there earlier....wish I could have stopped them."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 19:59:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled up at him, reaching pained arms up to wrap around Liam's neck. "I'm glad you weren't there. They might have hurt you too. You don't deserve this, you're not a freak like I am, ya know? I mean... it's bad that it happened to me, but I met you because it happened, and I'm getting to come to your house because it did. If you had saved me, and I wasn't hurt... you probably wouldn't have brought me home with you,&nbsp; ya know?"<br><br>He leaned his head against the strong chest of the other male, hugging his neck slightly so that he did not slip out of his grip. "Thank you for saving me. No regrets, Liam. I'm going to be alright, I know it, and I have you to thank for my life."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 21:19:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam carried Raven carefully through the house, stopping only once to look into his eyes.&nbsp; "You're wrong about one thing," he said softly.&nbsp; "I would have asked you back here even if you hadn't been hurt, Raven."<br><br>He gave the other man a smile, then very gently laid him down on the bed on his side so he wouldn't put pressure on his wings, still marveling at his luck in finding such a beautiful man that at the very least wanted to be friends.&nbsp; "Now...I've got some pain killers.&nbsp; Maybe you could eat a bite of soup while they take affect?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 22:58:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven looked interested in the idea of soup. He was very hungry and cold. It had been a rather trying day for him, and nothing hit the spot quite like a warm bowl of tasty soup. What kind of soup though? There were so many kinds! He hadn't found a soup he didn't like yet though.<br><br>"Sure... soup would be nice. What kind do you have? I think I like chicken noodle the best, but there are so many other good kinds. Beef stew and tomato are nice too!" His eyes looked bright and curious despite the shape his body was in. It was truly a marvel that he could get so excited about a bowl of soup. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>24-11-2010, 00:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam smiled at Raven's enthusiasm.&nbsp; Such happiness over a bowl of soup!&nbsp; "How about I surprise you?" he asked as he gently tucked two pillows beneath Raven's head and covered him with a blanket, broken wings spread out behind him.&nbsp; "I turned the electric blanket on so it should chase away the chill in no time."<br><br>His eyes found a streak of blood on the sheets before Raven's did.&nbsp; "And please.&nbsp; Don't worry about the bed.&nbsp; Sheets can be washed.&nbsp; The first order of business is medicine, warmth, food and getting you all healed up.&nbsp; So rest here for a minute and I'll be right back."<br><br>Without waiting for an answer, he hurried to the kitchen, were he put a pot on each of the stove eyes and a bowel in the microwave.&nbsp; He figured a man Raven's size and strength would eat plenty, so rummaged in his huge and fully stocked pantry for five different types of soup.&nbsp; As they cooked, he made two sandwiches and poured a glass of tea, then went back to the pantry where he kept a fully stocked first aid kit.&nbsp; When he'd first moved to such a desolate area, he'd read up on farming and raising animals, and had learned plenty about painkillers and setting broken bones.&nbsp; The same principles would apply to a man, so he felt confident drawing up a syringe of morphine and getting two Vicodin from his medicine cabinet that he'd been prescribed for an old back injury.<br><br>By the time the soup had finished, he put everything on a large tray and headed back to the bedroom.&nbsp; "Lunch is served, along with a good dose of medicine," he said as he sat the tray down in front of Raven.&nbsp; "We have chicken noodle, tomato, Beef stew, italian wedding and cream of mushroom.&nbsp; And if you'll let me, I'll give you a bit of morphine to dull the pain while you eat, then the rest later, when I work on your injuries."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>25-11-2010, 21:15:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven eyed the soups hungrily. He was very interested in trying the Italian wedding soup, but all of the others sounded good too. "Can I have some of the Italian wedding first? It has been a rather long time since I had any." He eased himself up onto his elbow, the pain searing as he did so, at least the arm he had his weight on now did not appear to be broken. <br><br>He looked curious about the morphine. He was no stranger to pain, but he had never liked needles much. "Are you sure you can give me a shot? I... I don't like needles much. I promise to look away when you stick me... where does it go? It won't have to be somewhere I'm already hurt will it?" He quivered slightly at the thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>26-11-2010, 18:05:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam shook his head and held up the syringe.&nbsp; "No, it won't be somewhere you hurt already," he promised.&nbsp; "In your hip or your thigh will work best.&nbsp; You'll barely feel it and it'll make you feel so much better, I promise."<br><br>"Then I can sit behind you if you like, so it'll be easier for you to eat than it would at the angle you're laying at now.&nbsp; Or I can help you eat if you like..Italian wedding soup first."<br><br>As he spoke, he reached into the nightstand for a pair of scissors.&nbsp; Raven's jeans were destroyed anyway, but he looked questioningly at the other man before he cut anything.&nbsp; "I'll have to cut these completely off later, but for now, just a little hole right here for the morphine?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>29-11-2010, 08:18:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven eyed the scissors for a moment, then shrugged, his gaze going back to the bowls of soup. He was too hungry to be concerned about clothes. "You can cut them completely off of me if you want, or I could lift up and you can tug them off. I don't mind being naked in front of you. The most embarrassing part of my body is the wings." As he said this, one broken wing twitched slightly.<br><br>He nodded, a smile on his face, truly having no shame at all about his naked body. He would not even think of being naked in front of the other man as sexual. He had never been approached by another for sex, so he did not think about that kind of thing much. "Go ahead. Do try to be gentle with the needle when the time comes though... I really don't like pointy things..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>29-11-2010, 20:02:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam started to cut Raven's pants away, then stopped, leaned back and looked up at him.&nbsp; "Embarrassing?&nbsp; I....God, Raven, your wings are magnificant."&nbsp; He bit his tongue to keep from embarassing them both, and quickly finished cutting Raven's pants off, not wanting him to move.&nbsp; He tried not to look between the other man's legs, but found his eyes straying there more than once anyway.<br><br>When he finished, he swabbed a bit of alcohol on Raven's thigh.&nbsp; "I'll be honest with you," he said, hoping to keep his new friend distracted.&nbsp; "I think you're stunning with or without your wings."&nbsp; As he spoke, he&nbsp; pushed the needle in as gently as he could, injected the morphine, then pulled it back out again, knowing the morphine would take affect in only moments.&nbsp; "There....enjoy your soup...all of them," he smiled, handing the italian wedding soup bowl over.&nbsp; "I'll give you some more after you eat.&nbsp; That one wasn't so bad, was it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>29-11-2010, 20:39:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven blinked at Liam as he spoke. Magnificent? No one had ever said such a thing about his wings, and Liam thought he was stunning? Perhaps he should be embarrassed about being naked in front of the other man. He noticed the blush and the eyes occasionally straying to his crotch. Was it possible that Liam was interested in him sexually? The idea made him nervous, but also pleased. It might be pleasant to share physical closeness with someone else.<br><br>When the needle pierced his skin he gave a small squeak of surprise, the pain interrupting his train of thought. It only hurt for a moment though, and he happily took the bowl when it was offered, raising it to his lips to sip at the soup. It was so warm, and it tasted so good. He licked his lips after the first sip, breathing a small sigh of sated relief. "Thank you, for everything." He smiled, taking another deep gulp of the soup, swallowing the fluid and pausing to chew the solid. It really was a heavenly taste.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>01-12-2010, 05:52:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam sat back on the bed and watched as Raven ate, smiling at just how delighted he was with the simple can of soup.&nbsp; "No need to thank me," he said, shaking his head.&nbsp; "I'm glad I came when I did.&nbsp; I think..." He paused, and blushed a little, but continued.&nbsp; "If I'd been half an hour later, and drove by to see to see that they'd already..."&nbsp; <br><br>He shook his head.&nbsp; "If I'd been too late, I think it would have broken my heart to find you like that.&nbsp; As it is, I'm just glad we can mend those bones and those beautiful wings.&nbsp; And I hope you'll like it enough to want to stay here, where it's safe and you'll be with someone who..."<br><br>Liam blushed even deeper and cleared his throat.&nbsp; "Who will make sure you're never hurt or treated badly ever again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>04-12-2010, 06:28:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled, finishing off his bowl of soup and setting it aside. "Thank you Liam. I am quite glad that you found me. I will stay. I already know that. I will only be leaving if you tell me to. If anything ever happens to you, I want to be here for you, to save you like you saved me." He didn't know why, but he felt himself blushing slightly. Perhaps it was just the sight of the tinge of pink on the other man's cheeks.<br><br>"Do you... want me to stay? I mean, it must be lonely out here right? Maybe when I get better, I can help you take care of the farm! Wouldn't that be great? I can repay you for all the help you've given me, and the more help that you will give me..." He paused a moment, thinking that last sentence had sounded a bit off... oh well, grammar be damned, he was happy for once! "I... I've been meaning to ask though... you seem to find me very... beautiful... more so than someone who is only interested in a.... f..friend..." He was not sure what he was asking, but he felt an odd need to ask, and felt strangely nervous for asking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>04-12-2010, 16:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam's blush deepened and he looked down at his hands that were now nervously twitching in his lap.&nbsp; He'd been too forward - he knew that, but he simply couldn't help it.&nbsp; Raven was the most extraordinary man he'd ever met.<br><br>"I...."&nbsp; His voice trailed off and he cleared his throat, finally looking up to meet Raven' gaze.&nbsp; "First, let me say that the offer for you to stay here has no strings attached.&nbsp; I would love for us to be friends.&nbsp; But...yes.&nbsp; I am very, very attracted to you.&nbsp; If I had met you under any other circumstances, I would have flirted, hoping you'd be interested, and would have asked you to dinner or....something.&nbsp; I don't flatter myself that you're attracted back to me, but...there it is.&nbsp; We can never mention this again if it makes you uncomfortable and it certainly doesn't need to affect our friendship."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>06-12-2010, 10:06:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven's injured wings twitched slightly in interest, though the gesture did make him flinch in pain. He took a moment to recover from the twinge, and smiled slightly at Liam. "I don't even know what strings attached means..." He trailed off, thinking that he was terribly naive when it came to dealing with other people. He had only known abuse and name calling. No person other than his mother had ever loved him, and that kind of love was different. He had absolutely no knowledge of how a relationship between lovers would work.<br><br>"I like you. I don't know what that means.... I mean... I find myself happy to be near you. You're kind to me, and no one is ever kind to me. I find you pleasing to look at. I'm not sure... but I feel something else... it's this strange feeling in my chest when I look at you. It's like... something is swelling inside of me... and it's warm." He sighed at his terrible explanation of his feelings. "I would like to be more than friends with you I think. I just don't know how to do that... I don't... I don't even know how to be friends." He looked suddenly sad and stared down at his hands, a pained look crossing his face. "I'm sorry."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>06-12-2010, 21:18:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam found himself wishing he could put his arms around Raven without hurting him.&nbsp; It occured to him that the other man had likely never known a gentle touch, save for his parents, if that.<br><br>He moved a little closer and carefully folded his fingers against Raven's palm.&nbsp; "Well,&nbsp; feeling like something warm is swelling inside you sounds like the best description of attraction I've ever heard," he said softly, letting his thumb run lightly over the back of Raven's knuckles.&nbsp; <br><br>"And if you like, I can show you what it's like to be friends...and to be part of a....romantic couple.&nbsp; We'll go slowly, of course, but....I would absolutely love to be able to make you happy, and for you to know that here, with me, you'll always be safe and cared for and respected and....likely a lot more than that."&nbsp; He brought Raven's hand up to his lip and kissed the back.&nbsp; <br><br>"I think I could quite easily fall in love with you, Raven."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 09:17:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven watched with wonder as the other spoke, such gentle gestures on his hand making him blush more deeply, though he did not know why. "That sounds... nice. Love? I... I don't think anyone besides the woman who raised me has ever loved me..." He looked down at the bed, feeling a slight pang of sadness. "I'm too old to have never known love."<br><br>He sighed, wishing he had met Liam much sooner. "I'm sorry for being so naive. I want you to teach me everything there is to know about being with another person. I think I could fall in love with you too... once I learn how that feels." He smiled, his features brightening a little. "I hope it doesn't take me too long to get well again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>09-12-2010, 00:01:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam blushed furiously but couldn't have asked for any words that could have made him happier.&nbsp; <br><br>"We'll concentrate on that first - getting you better," he promised, pushing another bowl of soup over to his new friend.&nbsp; "I'll put you nearly to sleep while I set the bones, and then let you sleep for a couple of days.&nbsp; The DNA that gave you those incredible wings might very well have also given you a very high metabolism - so you may heal very quickly.&nbsp; I'll make sure you eat enough and have enough pain medication, then, after a few days, I can massage the muscles of your legs and wings and keep them strong."<br><br>"And when you are well.....I can teach you everything you want to know about relationships - friendships and...and whatever else might come along between us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>10-12-2010, 12:00:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled, taking the new bowl of soup and drinking deeply. He paused to chew after his first gulp, sighing happily at the taste and the warm feeling. "I don't know if I heal fast or not... I don't think I do. I mean, I've had cuts and bruises before, they seemed to heal normally... but then I've never been close enough to other people to notice how fast wounds usually heal for them."<br><br>He sighed at the idea of sleeping for a couple of days, he didn't want to miss anything. Though he supposed maybe nothing interesting would happen while he was recovering. "Don't let me sleep all the time though. I want to spend more time talking to you... no one has ever talked to me the way that you do! It's like... you like me!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>10-12-2010, 21:14:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam grinned and rested on hand on Raven's forwarm.&nbsp; "I do like you, Raven.&nbsp; Very much in fact."&nbsp; <br><br>He crossed his legs on the bed, getting a bit more comfortable while Raven finished eating.&nbsp; "We'll talk as much as you like.&nbsp; I mainly want you in a deep sleep while I set your bones and I think you'll need a few stitches.&nbsp; And just think....we'll have the rest of our lives to talk about anything and everything you like....if you chose to stay here permanently that is."&nbsp; He let his fingers trail down to Raven's fingers, gave them a gentle squeeze and then brought his hands back to his lap, thinking surely there was someone who would miss this stunning man before him.&nbsp; <br><br>"Should...is there anyone I should call?&nbsp; Your....mother or... or siblings or someone?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-12-2010, 06:31:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven had looked happy as Liam spoke about them having all the time in the world after he got better to talk about things. His face immediately fell into a sad expression at Liam's last question though, and he shook his head. <br><br>"I was raised by a woman who wasn't my mother... but she loved me. She died a few years ago... I had no other family. I've been on my own since then... except for the carnival, but they left me there to get killed by those lunatics after they were threatened... so I guess that they didn't really care much about me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>14-12-2010, 01:49:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam didn't even try to stop himself.&nbsp; He reached out, took Raven's free hand that wasn't holding the soup and curled their fingers together.&nbsp; "Then they were fools," he said softly, his chest aching as he wondered how anyone could just leave another person behind, especially knowing what fate awaited them as he did so.&nbsp; "I wish I could have known your mother.&nbsp; She sounds like a wonderful woman."<br><br>He took a deep breath, then met Raven's gaze.&nbsp; "I may be a poor substitute for a family, Raven, but I will be everything I can to you.&nbsp; I will care for you and I won't leave you, I promise.&nbsp; You will always have a home here, and....once you see if you like the feeling or not, a place inside my arms, whenever you need it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>15-12-2010, 06:53:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled happily at Liam, gently returning the grip on his hand, enjoying the feeling of being close to another person with such warmth. "You won't be a substitute for a family, much less a poor one, you will be my family. I only ever had the one person in the whole world that cared about me. I will be happy to have you, and I will not judge you."<br><br>He sighed, relaxing a little and sitting down the bowl. He was starting to feel rather full now. "When I'm better I want to be your family too. I want to care for you and be everything I can for you too. I don't know how yet, but I'm sure I will learn. I won't give up on myself. Even after all I have been through, I still just want to love someone who can love me too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>15-12-2010, 21:52:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laim smiled and gently ran his thumb over the back of Raven's hand.&nbsp; "Well, I think you might have found that someone," he said softly, knowing that the next few hours wouldn't be easy on either of them.&nbsp; He simply sat there for a few minutes holding Raven's hand, wishing he knew how to take the emotional pain away as easily as he did the physical.&nbsp; If only there was a shot for that!<br><br>Seeing that Raven seemed to be getting full, he took a deep breath and nodded toward the morphine.&nbsp; "Are you ready for the next part?&nbsp; My setting your bones and stitching you up a bit?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>16-12-2010, 11:57:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven cast a nervous glance at the medical supplies. He was scared, for sure, but at the same time he knew he needed this to get better. His broken wings rustled gently and he looked back to Liam, his eyes wide. "I... I guess I'm ready. I suppose I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He gave a nervous laugh and looked down at his hands, trying to brace himself for what was to come. Even with the morphine the feeling of having broken bones forced back into place most certainly would not be pleasant.<br><br>He was also fairly certain that he did not want to be asleep for the process, though Liam might be putting him in such a state. He wanted to be awake, to see what Liam could do to help him, and to feel things starting to become right again, even if it did hurt and make him nervous. "Please... leave me awake enough to know what's going on."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>16-12-2010, 23:38:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam nodded.&nbsp; "Sure.&nbsp; Anything you want.&nbsp; I promise I won't do anything without your permission and if you need more drugs, just let me know."<br><br>He released Raven's hand, still flushing a little and gathered his supplies close.&nbsp; The needle was first, of course.&nbsp; "Okay, I'm going to give you some more morphine now, then set your leg," he explaned, swabbing Raven's hip with alcohol, then as gently as he could, slipping the needle below his skin.&nbsp; "From what I can see, you've got a broken leg and broken wing and you're going to need at least a dozen stitches.&nbsp; Are you in pain anywhere else?&nbsp; Any more bones that might be broken that I've not seen yet?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>20-12-2010, 03:38:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The winged man jumped as the needled pierced his skin, letting out a small squeak of pain. He really did hate needles, but it seemed he would be enduring quite a few if the pain medicine continued to come in this form. He would also have to put up with stitches, the thought made him queasy, and he wondered if maybe he shouldn't have eaten so much soup right before going through all of this.<br><br>He smiled sheepishly at Liam and a small nervous laugh escaped his lips? "Heh... stitches?" He frowned, taking a deep breath. "I think some ribs are broken... both my wings are definitely broken in multiple places, one leg is broken, the other ankle is either broken or badly sprained... my face is hurting a lot, I think it's just bruises, but I don't know about my nose... my hands both hurt, my arms hurt... I think maybe fingers and toes might be broken too..." He sighed softly and shook his head. "Everything hurts."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>21-12-2010, 02:31:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam watched Raven closely, nearly reading his mind, wincing when the needle punctured his skin.&nbsp; "I'll use pills instead of needles as often as I can," he promised, gently rubbing his thumb over where he'd just broken the skin to soothe it and disperse the medication.<br><br>As Raven listed all the places he was injured, Liam started to feel a little ill himself.&nbsp; "My God, I can't believe anyone would do this," he said, shaking his head.&nbsp; "I'm so sorry, Raven.&nbsp; I wish..." He shook his head, knowing that while he was no doctor, he would never find a doctor or a hospital who would even agree to see his new friend.&nbsp; <br><br>Damn, sometimes, he was simply ashamed of the entire fucking human race.<br><br>"Let's start at the bottom and work our way up," he said, not finishing his earlier thoughts.&nbsp; "I had no idea how sensitive your wings are, but this leg has to hurt like a bitch, so let me set it and see if I can't brace it up a bit."&nbsp; <br><br>He paused, then gave Raven a sad smile, reaching up without thinking and brushing a lock of dark hair back from his right eye.&nbsp; When it was safely tucked away, however, his hand lingered as he tried to soothe the other man and give the drugs he'd injected time to work.&nbsp; "Are you sure you don't want to be asleep for this?&nbsp; It's going to kill me to hurt you either way, but it might be better for you if you didn't have to feel everything."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>24-12-2010, 23:04:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled softly, taking a deep breath as pain began to slip away from him. The medicine was doing its job, and he would not feel much beyond the most extreme pains, which would then probably fade, or so he thought. The gentle gesture of his hair being tucked away from his face reminded him of something gentle and warm that he'd never had with anyone since his mother had died.<br><br>Eager to return the affection, he reached out and let his fingertips trace over Liam's cheek, his smile becoming wider as he felt the other man's skin so warm beneath his fingers. "Don't be afraid for me, I've suffered this much, and the next pain to come is only to help me get better. I'm not scared. I will be brave and face what I have to. I've never been one to hide from things, and I don't want to be asleep for this. I want to watch you work to help me... I want to see you... to know you... to feel how much you care. Even if it hurts, it will be worth it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>28-12-2010, 07:12:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Raven's fingertips moving over his face.&nbsp; After a moment, he pressed his palm over the back of Raven's hand and turned his head to kiss those gentle fingers.<br><br>"I wish it didn't have to hurt," he said honestly.&nbsp; "I wish I could fix this without causing you any pain, but....at least knowing you won't be hurt again, not like this, will help us both, I think."<br><br>Giving Raven's fingers a light squeeze, Liam reluctantly pulled away, then moved to the end of the bed.&nbsp; He pulled the sheet back, wincing as he saw the first of Raven's broken bones, the long bones of his lower leg.&nbsp; The deformity was obvious, so it wouldn't be very difficult to set.&nbsp; Then he could clean the other man, limb by limb, washing away the dirt, mud and blood, and hopefully, he would start healing as he slept.<br><br>Positioning his hands so they could pull the bone back in place, he looked up at Raven again and shook his head.&nbsp; "I'm so sorry," he said, giving the leg a swift, hard pull before he'd finished speaking, knowing that if Raven knew when it was coming, he would tense up, causing himself more pain.&nbsp; Luckily, the bones slipped back in place after only a moment's resistance, and Liam reached over once again to hold Raven's hand until he pain dimmed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>28-12-2010, 11:10:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a loud pop as bones were yanked back into place and the agony from such a simple motion was nearly enough to make Raven pass out. His eyes widened and his lips parted in a silent scream. He began to shiver and buried his head in the pillow, gasping softly against it as the pain in his leg slowly dulled.<br><br>His whole body was heaving with the effort of repressing cries and he squeezed his eyes shut against the pillow. Maybe it had not been such a good idea to insist on being awake for this, but now that he had, he wasn't going to go back on his word. He wanted to be awake for the whole thing, unless the pain simply took his consciousness from him, which it very well might.<br><br>When the pain had subsided enough he lifted his head off of the pillow, his face looking far more pale than usual. He panted softly and offered Liam a tired, weak smile. "I'm... I'm ok..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>31-12-2010, 06:51:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam wet a washcloth he'd brought to clean Raven and moved closer to the head of the bed.&nbsp; He gently began wiping Raven's handsome face, pushing his hair back, and shaking his head.&nbsp; "I'm so sorry," he said again.&nbsp; "Let's give you a few minutes before we try anything else.&nbsp; Just catch your breath and try to relax, then I'll wash and set your leg...then I'll take a look at your other ankle.&nbsp; I'm still amazed you managed to walk when you did."<br><br>His fingers found Raven's hair instead of the cloth after a moment and combed through the dark locks.&nbsp; "Are you sure you don't want more drugs? You're so gentle and kind, Raven....you shouldn't have to suffer like this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>01-01-2011, 04:14:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wet cloth felt good and cool against his flushed face and forehead, and he let his eyes slip closed as he was soothed. Liam was so nice to him, even though he had asked to be awake for this, the man still felt sorry for him having to suffer this pain. It made him smile that he had finally found someone that could be nice to him like this. It was a rare thing for him and he had almost always found himself being called a freak or abused by some random person for being born the way he was.<br><br>He sighed happily as the fingers so gently stroked through his hair and opened his eyes again to look up at Liam. "I'm sure. I know I don't deserve to suffer, but I really do want to be awake for this. I don't want to miss any moment of time with you, not even the painful moments. I've never felt this... this warmth that you make me feel. I don't want to go to sleep yet... I don't want to miss out on this feeling. It's worth the pain, Liam. Don't fret so much for me, I will endure it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>01-01-2011, 19:47:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam smiled at Raven and shook his head, wondering how the other man knew just what to say each time.&nbsp; He was the most romantic man Liam had ever met and he had no doubt that if any of those fools who had hurt him had ever just taken the time to get to know him, he certainly wouldn't still be single and alone.<br><br>His fingers paused, staying buried in dark hair, and his thumb ran lightly over Raven's cheek.&nbsp; "All right.&nbsp; I don't like seeing you in pain, but I do understand.&nbsp; I don't want to miss a moment with you either."&nbsp; He leaned forward without thinking, and placed a soft kiss where his thumb had just caressed.<br><br>"Let's get this over with so we can both relax."&nbsp; With that, he moved back down on the bed and very gently began cleaning Liam's broken leg, his touch as light as a butterfly's wings as he washed the dirt and mud away, then carefully began making a splint out of odds and ends he'd managed to find around the house.<br><br>Trying to distract Raven as he worked, he decided keeping him talking would be the best thing to do.&nbsp; "Tell me what you imagine your life here with me will be like," he suggested.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>05-01-2011, 01:45:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled as that gentle thumb ran over his cheek, barely flinching as Liam moved down to so gently wash his leg. He was amazed just how little he felt, despite the searing pain he had suffered in the leg only moments before. The touch was filled with care and love, and even though he was broken and hurting, it was soothing and warm, and he never wanted this feeling to end.<br><br>When the question was asked, he looked confused momentarily, placing one finger on his bottom lip thoughtfully. "I suppose I think it will be better than anything I've ever had. We will wake up together in the mornings... and have breakfast together. We will talk about things together and take care of the animals... we will even sleep together maybe? It would be nice to have someone warm to sleep beside at night." Raven did not mention sex, though he suspected that would happen eventually as well. He was really clueless about how that worked and had no idea what to expect. "It will be very nice to share my life with someone... I have been alone for so long. I... I don't even know what things we might do together, but I look forward to every moment."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 19:55:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam looked up when Raven finished speaking and smiled.&nbsp; "I think that sounds wonderful," he said softly.&nbsp; "Every bit of it.&nbsp; And I promise, as long as I draw breath, you're not going to be alone or feel alone ever again."<br><br>He finally finished with Raven's broken leg, then moved to his ankle.&nbsp; Gentle fingers moved over the bones, finding where the break was after only a few moments.&nbsp; "I'll have to splint this one too, but it shouldn't hurt nearly as bad as your leg," he promised, setting about cleaning it first, still being as careful as he possibly could. <br><br>Wanting to keep the other man talking, he ventured another question.&nbsp; "Do you mind if I ask....how did you get those magnificent wings?&nbsp; I've never seen anything - or anyone - so beautiful in my life." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 20:12:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven blinked at the question, wondering just how he should answer. Truthfully he did not know the exact source of his wings, and he had no idea who his real mother had even been.<br><br>"I... it's always been a bit of a mystery. I was born with them, but my mother died when I was born... the hospital where I was born threw me out into the street, hoping I would die. My mother... I mean... the woman who raised me, found me crying in the gutter. It was freezing cold that day and pouring rain. She saw me as a miracle... she said any other baby would have been dead. Even though my wings are black, she always called me her little angel." His eyes stung, watering slightly at the fond memories of the woman he had called mother. "She tried so hard to protect me from the world. She saw me as beautiful too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 22:13:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam closed his eyes when Raven said they threw him into the street to die.&nbsp; How could anyone be so cruel?&nbsp; He finished splinting the ankle and wrapped the broken toes, then carefully lifted the sheet up and cleaned his way up Raven's legs, stopping mid-thigh. <br><br>"Thank god she found you," he said after Raven finished his story.&nbsp; "She must have been an amazing woman."&nbsp; He rinsed out the now dirty wash cloth, laid it aside and wet a fresh one, then moved up to gently wipe at&nbsp; Raven's handsome face, avoiding his nose for the moment as it was obviously broken too.&nbsp; God, they'd done such a number on him!<br><br>"I'm so sorry you lost her, Raven.&nbsp; I can see why she thought you were an angel though.&nbsp; That's exactly what you look like to me.&nbsp; I think maybe not all angels have white wings...that maybe the best and the purest ones have wings that are jet black and soft....just like yours."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 22:39:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven blushed at the kind words, his injured wings rustling gently against the sheets. Indeed it seemed that Liam never failed to amaze him. He saw the same gentle kindness and love in him that he had seen in his mother's eyes. It made him believe that he was not a monster, and that there were people out there that were not too blind to see that.<br><br>"Thank you. I don't think I'm an angel, but I don't think I'm a demon either. I'm just a man with some unusual features... and that's how I want people to see me. I've always longed to be treated as an equal and a friend. I don't want to be feared or worshipped. I don't want to be hated either. I just want to be myself, and have someone to share my life with. I just want to feel human."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>08-01-2011, 01:52:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam looked up at Raven's face and nodded.&nbsp; "I think I can help you with that.&nbsp; With the equal and friend and feeling human part.&nbsp; And I really like the sharing your life part too."<br><br>His fingers very gently ran across each of Raven's cheeks.&nbsp; "Your nose is broken," he said softly.&nbsp; "I could set it, then..."&nbsp; He blushed a bit, but let his fingertips brush over the soft, though slightly swollen lips before him.&nbsp; "Maybe I could distract you a little?"&nbsp; He licked his lips and looked up, meeting Raven's gaze.&nbsp; "Have you ever been kissed, Raven?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>09-01-2011, 19:14:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven blinked down at him, just the feeling of another's fingers on his lips was incredibly warm and pleasant. He had never felt anything like it, and he could just imagine what a kiss would feel like. He had seen couples kissing before, and they always looked so happy. He wondered if he could ever have that feeling, and now it was being so willingly offered. It was like a dream.<br><br>His cheeks flushed slightly and he cast a glance down at the bed, feeling nervous. "I... I never have. Is it nice? It looks so pleasant... the couples I've seen kissing always look so happy." Truthfully he was terribly scared that he would do something to mess it up in some way. What if he was unpleasant to kiss? What if it ran Liam off? "You won't leave if I'm not very good at it will you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>10-01-2011, 15:39:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam couldn't keep from smiling a little at Raven's blush, completely charmed by it, as well as pretty much everything else he'd seen or heard from the other man.&nbsp; <br><br>"Kissing can be very nice," he nodded, feeling his heart skip a beat as he realized Raven actually thought he might leave over a kiss gone wrong.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm sure you'll be wonderful at it, Raven, and I'm not going to leave.&nbsp; Promise."&nbsp; He leaned just a bit closer, tucking a lock of hair behind Raven's ear, his eyes taking in every bruise and cut on his face.&nbsp; He committed every one to memory so he wouldn't touch any place that might hurt, his fingers sliding from dark hair down to rest on the other man's neck.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'll be careful.&nbsp; I know you're still in pain, so I'll keep it short and sweet.&nbsp; If you like it, we can....try more when you feel better?&nbsp; Is that okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-01-2011, 19:40:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled brightly, his confidence bolstered by Liam's words. He would not leave him if he was bad at it, nor did he think that he would be bad at it. This was a relief. He had always heard about first kisses being special things, and he was eager to have such an experience.<br><br>"I'm sure I will like it... every couple I've seen kissing always seems to like it. How could I not like it?" He fidgetted slightly, not sure what he should do to make the kiss come faster. He was terribly eager and nervous all at the same time. "When I feel better I would definitely like to try more... if... if you like it that is."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-01-2011, 23:24:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam nodded and moved a little closer, being careful not to jar the bed or any part of Raven that was hurt, bruised, or broken - which didn't leave him a lot of room.&nbsp; The poor man had been worked over from head to toe...and Liam still had a lot of work to do.&nbsp; The morphine seemed to have helped a lot though...enough for a quick, innocent kiss anyway, he was guessing.<br><br>He was anxious for the kiss, already licking his lips and thankful that he'd been chewing on spearmint candy earlier, on his way back from town.&nbsp; Just as he was leaning in, he had a thought.&nbsp; Sighing and pulling back, he let his fingers trail over Raven's jawline as he spoke.<br><br>"Maybe...maybe I should fix your nose first?&nbsp; So I don't bump it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-01-2011, 21:29:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven had tensed as the man came closer, his eyes going wide and lips parting in anticipation. He was so nervous that he was shaking, but just before the moment of flesh meeting flesh could come, Liam suddenly drew back, leaving Raven to blink at him repeatedly, feeling a bit stunned and slightly grumpy.<br><br>His cheeks flushed and he hastened to look down at the bed, his thumbs twiddling in a nervous gesture. He had been so ready for the kiss, that now he felt a bit dazed. "My nose?" He paused a long moment, blinking down at the sheets as if they could give him an answer. "Sure... sure I guess that's a good idea...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>14-01-2011, 22:48:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam could see he'd ruined the moment, but he was afraid of ruining it even more spectacularly if his nose brushed against Raven's broken one.&nbsp; He reached up with both hands, found the break and met Raven's gaze.&nbsp; "Try and relax and..."&nbsp; <br><br>*crunch*<br><br>A moment later, the broken cartilage had been straightened and realigned.&nbsp; He leaned back just a little to give the other man time to catch his breath and licked his lips, ready for the kiss again as soon as Raven's pain passed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>17-01-2011, 02:55:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven's eyes went wide at the sudden pain, it being intense enough to make him see stars. He let out a small squeal and collapsed against the bed, both hands over his face to hide his throbbing nose as he gasped for air. His whole body was trembling and his chest rose and fell rapidly with his desperate pants.<br><br>After a moment, he parted the fingers of one hand and peered at Liam with one eye. "You could have given me more warning than that... though it didn't hurt as bad as it did when it broke at least... but I think I need a moment..." He felt vaguely queasy and found himself wishing he had eaten a bit less soup.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>19-01-2011, 18:32:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam wiped Raven's face with a cool washcloth, feeling horrible for hurting him.&nbsp; "I'm so sorry.&nbsp; If you expect it, you tense up more and it hurts even worse."&nbsp; He took Raven's hand in his free one, careful to avoid the broken fingers, kissed each fingertip and kept wiping back dark hair from his forehead with the wet cloth.<br><br>"Just squeeze my hand until you feel better, then I'll get back to work.&nbsp; I have no doubt a kiss is the very last thing in the world you want from me right now and I can't blame you.&nbsp; Just concentrate on relaxing right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-01-2011, 14:41:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/willsie/dark-angel-wings-image-31000.jpg)<br><br>Raven nodded and squeezed his hand, taking deep breaths. His body was slowly relaxing as the pain seemed to dull for now, and he offered Liam a reassuring smile. It's quite alright... don't fret too much. Like you said, you only want to help me. I know it's for my own good. It's not the worst pain I've ever suffered... and I do still very much want to kiss you.<br><br>He reached forward and gently touched Liam's cheek as he kissed his fingers. He had been so ready for the kiss, and still he longed for it. "If you want to finish setting my bones before you kiss me, I can accept that... but I don't want to wait forever to feel your lips on mine."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>25-01-2011, 23:07:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((OMG That's gorgeous!!!!!))<br><br>Liam smiled and leaned into Raven's touch.&nbsp; "I don't want to wait another second," he said, moving carefully so as not to jar his patient or those glorious wings.&nbsp; He kept hold of one of Raven's hands, and lifted the other to trail gently down his cheek and over his jawline.&nbsp; <br><br>His eyes met Raven's and held his gaze as he leaned in, closing just as their lips finally touched.&nbsp; His hand moved down to rest on the back of the other's neck and his lips slowly parted for what he hoped would be the first of at least a million kisses from the man beside him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 18:12:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I thought you would like it ;) ))<br><br>Raven drew in a quick breath just before their lips met, his own eyes slipping closed as he enjoyed the warm feeling of lips against lips. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. It was gentle, soft, incredibly deep somehow, and it made the rest of his body tingle with desire, though he did not know for what. <br><br>His cheeks flushed a dark shade of pink, and he pressed eagerly forward into the kiss, his own lips parting as he enjoyed the gesture. He had never known kissing could be so wonderful and intimate. Now that he was having his first kiss, he was not sure he would ever want it to end.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 00:55:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam, too, was quite enchanted by the kiss.&nbsp; Careful not to hurt Raven's wings or hands, he very gently pulled him closer and let his tongue explore over slick teeth and inside the warm, wet confines of his mouth.&nbsp; When he finished, he began coaxing Raven's tongue to explore as well, not even realizing the soft moan that filled the room was his own.<br><br>Oh, he thought vaguely, he was already falling and falling very, very hard for the man in his arms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 05:54:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven took in the taste of the other man, marvelling at this feeling. He had expected it to be amazing, but nothing like this. It made him feel so much closer to Liam than he had, intimate in a way that he'd never been with anyone. <br><br>He took a deep breath through his nose, allowing his own tongue to slip forward to explore Liam's mouth. His taste was intoxicating, and the smoothness of teeth, tongue, and lips against his silky organ was making him feel flushed and aroused. He was embarrassed by this, and tried to push such ideas and feelings away, and yet they persisted. He found himself now truly wondering what it would be like to be with the other man and he wondered if it was normal. Couples were usually a male and a female, could it be that two males were simply meant to feel this way about eachother? <br><br>He sighed softly as their kiss was finally broken, opening his eyes to gaze fully at his rescuer. He didn't care that Liam was a man. He knew he was the one, and whether that was natural or not, he didn't know, but there was nothing natural about himself anyway. "I..." He trailed off, not knowing what to say, just letting the moment speak for itself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 17:39:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the kiss ended, Liam was flushed and smiling, his lips soft, swollen and red in a way they hadn't been in years.&nbsp; He didn't move very far away; instead, lifting one hand and caressing the side of Raven's face, watching as the other man took in all the details, thoughts and feelings regarding his first kiss.<br><br>"That was....amazing," he murmured, resting their foreheads together for a moment, then pulling back.&nbsp; He wondered if the kiss felt as right to Raven as it had to him.&nbsp; To Liam, it felt as if everything slipped into place all at once, and he never wanted to kiss anyone else for the rest of his life.<br><br>"Tell me what you're thinking?" he asked softly.&nbsp; "Even if you're thinking you didn't like it....I want to know, please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-02-2011, 02:35:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven stared at him for a moment, his lips parted, though he felt almost unable to breathe. It took him a moment to notice that he hadn't been breathing, and he had to fight to catch his breath, his chest trembling from the feeling that had taken him over. That had been the single most incredible thing he'd ever experienced, and he wanted more. If that was what it was like to be intimate with someone, the he had already gone far too long without these experiences.<br><br>He blushed at Liam, a soft smile playing about his full lips. "It was... amazing. I... I don't know... I've never felt this way before. My chest feels hot... and tight. I can feel my heartbeat in places I've never felt it before... and it's not unpleasant at all. Even all the pain from my injuries seems lessened in comparison to this feeling..." He sighed softly, closing his eyes and bringing his fingertips briefly to touch his own mouth, imagining they were Liam's lips for a moment before his eyes opened once again. "I didn't know it could be like this... so warm... so wonderful!"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 01:43:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam smiled and brushed Raven's hair back from his temple.&nbsp; "I couldn't have said it better myself," he said softly.&nbsp; "Warm and wonderful, and....when you feel better, I hope we can do it again, often.&nbsp; Where you want it to lead to, if anywhere at all, will be up to you."<br><br>He sat back a little and very gently took Raven's hand.&nbsp; "I want you to be happy, Raven.&nbsp; I think I can make you happy too....but I don't want you to be uncomfortable.&nbsp; If I say or do anything that makes you feel that way, whether it has to do with kissing or whatever comes after that, please just promise me you'll tell me.&nbsp; This is your home now too, and I don't ever want to do anything to make you want to leave it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 07:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven looked confused for the moment, his brow furrowing as he was lost in deep thought. The kiss had been so wonderful that he couldn't imagine Liam ever doing anything that would make him uncomfortable. All he wanted now was to be even closer to him, and to experience more of what it was like to have a partner. <br><br>He tilted his head to one side and blinked a few times, his expression one of utter bewilderment. "I'm not sure what you mean. I really like you... you're very sweet to me. So far you have shown me nothing but compassion and tenderness... I really can't imagine a single thing you could do to ever make me uncomfortable. I want you to touch me more... I want to know what it's like to be with you... but I promise if anything ever does make me feel weird I will tell you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 06:44:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good then," Liam smiled, then leaned in to lightly brush his lips over Raven's.&nbsp; "I will touch you whenever and where ever you want...gladly - especially when you've healed.&nbsp; If you are agreeable, I'll give you massages in the evening and kiss you awake every morning and make love with you to celebrate every sunrise and sunset."<br><br>He kissed Raven again, still being careful, then pulled away with a smile.&nbsp; "I'm glad you're here with me.&nbsp; I think we'll be good for each other.&nbsp; I know I'm already about a million times happier than I was this time yesterday.&nbsp; I'm just so sorry you had to suffer to make it happen."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 14:09:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled at Liam's words, bringing his hand up to touch his own lips where the other's hand lingered not a moment before. He felt like he might cry, and his eyes welled up with tears, though they weren't tears of sadness or pain. He had never been happy enough to cry before, and the feeling was shocking to him.<br><br>He struggled to contain the emotion and failed, a few tears making their way down his cheeks. "I'm glad... I'm glad this happened. If by my suffering I found you... then so be it. They say the best things come from pain... and maybe I believe that now... God Liam, I never thought I would get to be happy... I never thought I would be allowed to have someone!"<br><br>He forced himself up more on his elbow, ignoring the pain of broken bones and bruised flesh, though it was dulled by the pain killers. He slipped one battered arm around Liam's neck, pulling him into a gentle hug, his chest shaking with the sobs of happiness that escaped him now. "I'm sorry for crying... I'm not sad... right the opposite... I'm just so glad that you found me... so glad that I have this chance!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>02-03-2011, 18:13:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Liam carefully wrapped both arms around Raven, touched at his words.&nbsp; He not only wanted to be there for the man in his arms, but he wanted to offer him a lifetime of love and happiness as well.&nbsp; If there had ever been anyone who deserved it before, it was Raven.<br><br>He rubbed Raven's back and kissed him gently on the neck, then simply closed his eyes and melted into the embrace.&nbsp; He had been lonely for a long time himself, and Raven already seemed to just fit.&nbsp; He'd never believed in love at first sight until now, but there was no other name for what he was feeling.<br><br>"You have someone now," he murmured against the other's ear.&nbsp; "You have me.&nbsp; You'll always have me."<br><br>He lowered them both back onto the bed to make the embrace easier for Raven, but stayed flush against him, not willing to let go just yet, though he did pull away just enough to kiss away the tears.&nbsp; "Don't be sorry for crying, love.&nbsp; Especially when they're happy tears."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>14-03-2011, 09:51:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven smiled, his eyelids drooping a little bit. Today had been such a hard day for him, even though he'd finally found what he'd been looking for, the damage that had been done to him by his attackers was starting to take its toll. <br><br>His grip on Liam's shoulders loosened and he relaxed against the bed, his breathing shallow and weak. "I think I might have overdid it a little... perhaps you could get back to treating my injuries? I... I think I'm really going to need sleep soon." His eyelids fluttered a little and his body trembled slightly. He really did not feel well at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>18-03-2011, 07:33:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, love, I'm sorry," Liam said, carefully fluffing the pillows and doing his best to make Raven comfortable, feeling guilty for distracting them both from what needed to be done first.&nbsp; <br><br>"How about I give you a bit more morphine so you can sleep now?&nbsp; You don't have to feel the rest of the bones while I set them and I think...I think your wings are going to take a while to fix and be quite painful."<br><br>His fingertips stroked lightly over the dark feathers as he assessed the damage.&nbsp; "Will you sleep for me, Raven?&nbsp; And trust me to take care of everything?&nbsp; When you wake, you'll feel better and we can get some food in your stomach."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dark Wings {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-04-2011, 04:32:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raven nodded slowly, his eyelids already drooping. He was beyond exhausted now and doubted he'd even need the medication to drift off, but it would probably be in his best interests to have something to help him stay asleep through the coming pain. "I will sleep for you, Liam. Perhaps tomorrow will be better." He managed a faint smile and gently ran his fingertips over Liam's cheek. "Thank you..."
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>