This time around, Sebastian took more notice of the touching going on between his twin brother and his lover. He cleared his throat pointedly, rubbing the back of his neck. Instantly catching on, Shadow quickly (but with obvious reluctance) put some distance between himself and Hebs. He didn't want to make Sebastian any more uncomfortable than was necessary--this was purely for his brother's benefit. Had Sebastian not been here...Shadow would surely have jumped the snake man by now.

He wanted Sebastian to stick around for a while. No matter how he much tried to hide it, a tiny sliver of a thought passed through his mind. He missed his brother. He missed spending time with him. It simply wasn't a practical idea to assume that he and Sebastian could spend time together every month, or even every year. The other azure-haired man was still an angel, after all...and Shadow was a horrid influence.

As Shadow willed his body, and his raging mind, to cool down for his twin's sake, Sebastian was happy to carry on with the conversation...and he looked interested, as well. He'd never seen a human being that looked quite like Hebs before, after all. He also appeared to know what Hebs meant when he referred to his family. "Ah, yes..." Those golden eyes met Shadow's eyes, which were identical in color, size, and shape. "Your motley crew of oddballs, correct?" "That's correct," Shadow replied idly, shuffling a little closer to Hebs to entwine their arms. If he couldn't feel the other up, he could at least hold his hand. The angel rubbed his chin, looking intrigued. "It's been a while since I last took a look at the state of your rag-tag family," he declared, lost in thought. "It probably contains completely different members. I suppose I wouldn't mind tagging along. I'll have to fly there myself, though."

That's right. Sebastian could fly. He had angelic wings hidden within his body. Wait...wings! When Shadow made his sudden departure, he left a horrid mess of blood on the floor! He wasn't used to taking his wings out, and they obviously caused him a great deal of pain. Was he still in pain now?

"I wouldn't mind going inside," Sebastian agreed, rubbing his arms and heading for the back door of the house. Shadow seemed indifferent to the cold, but shrugged and led Hebs to the house anyway. Tea sounded excellent right about now. The exterior of the house was plain white stucco with blue trimming. It didn't stand out among the other houses (though its private beach certainly did). The interior was also plain, but strangely charming, littered with beachy pastel colors and tons of beach-related paraphernalia as decoration. It was a snug place, just barely big enough for a family of four...but then again, their freak family was used to living in confined spaces with each other. This location would serve them well, should they ever opt to use it for traveling shows.

The way the other cleared that throat of his, indeed, had brought to light Sebastian's discomfort. Hebs, who was partly to blame for that, felt his cheeks warm as he, thankfully, calmed down the moment Shadow had quicky put some distance between themselves. They had a lot of time for that later on. In fact, once Sebastian and Shadow had caught up and spent more time together, he was sure he could have Shadow all to himself then. Shadow's thoughts about this helped calm him down all the more and he squeezed the other's hand the moment he'd initiated to entwine their arms and hands.

Motley crew of oddballs? he asked to Shadow in his head as he raised a brow at him. There was an amused glint in his glowing, yellow eyes (it was dark, after all), nonetheless, that showed him that he wasn't taking what Sebastian said really seriously. But, when he'd heard the word 'fly', Hebs found himself worrying. How could he not? The series of images that popped up in his head - ones that had Shadow's blood all over his floor back at the villa - and the excruciating pain he must've felt despite his anger, Hebs could only imagine. Was he still in pain?

This worry of his continued to stay etched at the back of his mind even after they'd entered the vacation house. But, the sight of the homey place certainly helped ease that bit of worry still bothering the snake man. Bringing up Shadow's hand to kiss the back of his hand before he'd let him go, he smiled at the two. "Go on and catch up, Sebastian, Shadow. I'll bring the tea soon once the water boils."

I apologize if he comes off as blunt and unpleasant... Shadow seemed used to this behavior from Sebastian...and whether it was out of disinterest or out of respect (Sebastian was the older of the two, after all), he didn't point the angel's rudeness out to him. Angels are a pompous, superficial, and horribly snobbish bunch. He doesn't mean it. He's surrounded by people who behave like that at all times, so it's rubbed off on him over the years. Angels were a lot like overgrown toddlers with the attitude of pompous well-to-do adults. They never hesitated when they spoke, even if it would eventually hurt someone else's feelings. They also tended to be oblivious when it came to matters of romance or flirtation. Any creature who was unlucky enough to fall in love with an angel was destined for heartbreak...unless they could convince that angel to fall.

The fallen angel instantly caught wind of Hebs' concerns via their mental connection. He was still in pain, but it was only residual. Sebastian, an expert in first aid, helped to disinfect the wounds and bandage his brother up, but if Hebs was still worried, Shadow certainly didn't mind allowing him a peek later on. Hell, he might even show the snake man what his wings really looked like. He was ashamed of his wings, even if there wasn't really a plausible reason for it. Fallen angels were meant to feel shame at the sight of their blackened wings.

Shadow smiled when the back of his hand was kissed, but hesitated after the other male dismissed both him and Sebastian. "...Are you sure? I could certainly help." He didn't want to leave Hebs' side...but at the same time, he hadn't seen his brother in seventy-five years or so. They still had a lot of catching up to do. Sebastian reached out and clapped a hand on his twin's shoulder, leading the pouting male into the open dining area. "I'll get him out of your hair," he promised rather genially, helping his huffy brother into a seat. The two of them spoke in quiet murmurs. Every once in a while, Shadow let something inappropriate slip, and he openly laughed at the faces Sebastian made. The two of them were so similar...and yet, so very different.

The words Sebastian had used were blunt and unpleasant, but Hebs understood how that came about. Shadow, after all, would've probably been pompus, superficial and a horrible snob if he continued being an angel. Idly, he wondered what had happened then. Since he'd pretty much already promised Damon that he was going to be taking care of him all his life, this was, perhaps, the best time to get to know Shadow a little more. And, as Hebs turned off the stove, he smiled to himself.

Hebs still couldn't believe he and Shadow were a couple. Well, he's yet to formally ask him; but, he is expecting his reply to be a positive one especially since Shadow's cleared things up with his past love. With this, he'd even gone so far as to have thoughts about immortality.

Glad to have found out through their mental link that Shadow was all right now thanks to Sebastian, he, as he poured the tea cups with hot water, made sure to make the drinks perfect. This was his style - this was his way of saying thanks. Hebs went to get a tray to set small plates on them before setting the cups on top of them. Once he was satisfied, he managed to find the sugar cube small jar and the small jar of milk. The snake man brought these condiments along with the hot drinks to where Shadow and Sebastian were. Giving them both a small smile of apology, he set their drinks before them and seated himself beside his lover.

Hebs only listened in on their conversation and silently sipped his drink. How could he not? He was already feeling his exhaustion from the trip. But, he relished and basked himself in the happiness that he hadn't just met Shadow. He's also met Shadow's twin brother whom he hadn't mentioned at all.

Both brothers looked up, with identical anticipation-filled expression. "Ah. Thank you." At least Sebastian knew how to be polite when it counted. He gingerly lifted his mug of tea, blowing on it gently to cool it. Shadow didn't thank Hebs with words. Instead, he waited until the other man sat down and planted an affectionate kiss on his cheek, which Sebastian pointedly ignored. Yet another difference between the brothers could be seen when Shadow began adding ungodly amounts of milk and sugar cubes to his tea, but Sebastian didn't add a single thing. Shadow liked sweet, Sebastian liked bitter.

Shadow, caught up with his brother, managed to catch the tail end of Hebs' train of thought about immortality. Humans were always chasing after pipe dreams of immortality. It was, unfortunately, an extremely difficult thing to achieve, and only a select few human beings ever found their figurative fountain of youth. The fallen angel was sure to have this discussion with Hebs at some point--it was inevitable, now that they were together.

"The modern society of these humans is unappealing to me." Sebastian took a languid sip of his drink. "Personally, I'm under the impression that technology is causing it to rot." "Hey, now..." Shadow frowned. "Technology can be a good thing. It saves lives, allows us access to information...and it can be pretty cool." The angel scoffed, rolling those golden orbs of his. "I've taken the liberty of observing groups of them in my travels. Humans barely even converse anymore. All they do is tap, tap, tap away on their handheld telephones. They walk right past condemned buildings, stray animals, homeless individuals. This is a society of humans that simply does not care."

Shadow shrugged and dropped the subject, knowing he wasn't going to change his brother's mind. Sebastian disliked human beings. He most likely felt that they were inferior, and of course, they were (in a way). He was behaving politely toward Hebs, but that was because Hebs seemed polite, and he was also Shadow's lover.

It was amusing when he'd noticed the same expressions the twins wore when he'd given them their teas. It honestly had him testing his limits from rudely. snickering in amusement. Hebs looked up the moment Sebastian had said his gratitude out loud, and he returned it with a polite nod and an equally polite, "You're welcome." He was just about to lean back and relax until he'd felt the affectionate kiss on his cheek. This warmed his heart and he smiled lovingly at his lover. That was, until the other started to add so much milk and sugar into his drink.

Like Sebastian, he, too, preferred his tea plain and as is. But, he couldn't help but think that Shadow sure was inconsistent when it comes to cooking and preparing his tea.

Unappealing? Hebs turned to look back up at Sebastian as he finally did what he wanted: relax against his seat. When the angel continued on, the snake man only took a sip of his drink even when the angel had scoffed and rolled those eyes of his along the way. Tap, tap, tap? The side of Hebs' lips curled up in amusement. "Then," he started, "What about those humans who use these handheld telephones for communicating with their charities? I don't think they fit the bill of 'humans who do not care'." Hebs did not particularly care for humans, but he did have the admiration for those who actually cared about others. There was simply too much contradiction with Sebastian's statements. One couldn't simply lump in a group of angels or a group of humans altogether and form some sort of stereotype.

Although he had been thinking the same way with Shadow before; right now, he didn't lump angels together. Fallen angels were still angels, just ones without the white, majestic wings (or so he thought of them). Angels, to him, were still capable of feeling. Not all of them were as snobbish as Shadow put it. Or so he believed.

"I'm not saying what you said isn't correct. It is... just partly." Hebs smiled. "But, that's just my drop of the coin." Idly, he wondered. Were what bedtime stories parents tell their children about guardian angels true?

Shadow had a penchant for sweet things. Cupcakes, brownies, lollipops, rock candy...anything remotely sweet. The fallen angel loved food in general. All varieties of food. But sweets...they held a special place in his heart. Should Hebs opt to make a special treat in the kitchen for Shadow in the near future...something sickeningly sweet would probably make Shadow the happiest. Sebastian, on the other hand, preferred sour, bitter, and spicy foods over everything else. He stuffed his face with hot pepper-laden food every time he journeyed to the human world.

"Very few human beings use those annoying devices for that purpose, and you know it." Sebastian countered almost instantly, taking a slow sip of his tea afterward. Shadow chuckled and shook his head, a dry sort of amusement dotting his expression. "This petty argument will get us nowhere," he declared idly, drumming his long fingers against the tabletop. "So...how about we drop that chat right now?" Sebastian made a disparaging noise, an eyelid twitching. He didn't much care for human beings in general. He could appreciate individuals, sure...but the human race as a whole? What an absolutely rotten bunch they were.

Sebastian seemed...a bit more on the serious side than his twin. Shadow loved to make people laugh. Spew out side-splitting jokes. He liked to be the life of the party. Sebastian, on the other hand, was a great deal more reserved. Quiet, serious, and very critical, he was more of a party pooper than anything else. With his personality, he would probably get along with other harsh, caustic individuals, like Blake and Johnny.

In an attempt to steer the conversation in a more positive direction, Shadow took a sip of his super-sweet tea, cleared his throat, and began to speak. "What exactly do you intend to do after we part ways?" he demanded, fixing Sebastian with a sideways stare. "How much time were you granted for this pilgrimage?" "I'll be in the human world for a couple of months yet, at most," the angel replied, tapping one foot against the linoleum floor. "I have been racking up vacation time. I need a break, anyway." Shadow hummed, taking another deep sip of his tea. He was exhausted, but unwilling to head to bed just yet. He didn't want to sleep until he literally couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. He didn't want to waste a single second of this precious time.

"...Pffft. A break? How difficult is it to watch over the Ancient Athenaeum? It's just a library." Sebastian looked offended. "It is more than a library!" he protested, puffing his chest out. "It contains millions of classified documents that the demons would kill to get their claws on. It is an important place. Expansive, as well. Keeping track of everything is mind-numbing after a while."

Oh, Hebs had noticed the way Sebastian's eyelid twitch when Shadow declared that they stop this petty argument. He wasn't debating with the angel in any way, really. But, it seemed like Sebastian took it that way. This was certainly quite a hard person to get by with. Hebs only reached down under the table to take Shadow's free hand and squeeze it slightly before he'd turned the fallen angel's hand so he could slip his fingers between the other's own. Clasping their fingers tight, he took another sip of his tea and stayed back from the conversation between the siblings.

He did, however, perk up a bit at the length of time Sebastian was going to stay in the human world. A couple of months? Did they really get so much time to guard this so-called library? And, when the angel protested this place, Hebs couldn't help but chuckle softly. So that's why he comes to your vacation houses, the snake man thought, My. He can be as lazy as you during the storms, Shadow.

But, what was these classified documents like?

As Hebs finished his drink, the snake man sighed between his parted lips. He leaned against Shadow as he turned to look out the nearest window. He wasn't bored, no. He was simply tired.

Sebastian could be a pleasant person...but only after one befriended him and made an effort to chip away at his icy wall. He was actually a rather sweet person deep down, honest and loyal to a fault. He would do anything for those who were lucky enough to become his friends. Perhaps even take a bullet for them. Also...though he tried his very best to hide it, the angel was the tiniest bit irritated that Hebs had interrupted his catch-up time with his brother. It wasn't fair for him to feel like this, but after having gone so long without seeing him...he sort of wanted him all to himself.

He and Hebs were going to have to learn how to share, because if Shadow wasn't completely calmed down and ready to head home by tomorrow, the three of them were going to have to share this space.

Shadow's fingers danced along the back of the snake man's hand underneath the table. He was just about finished with his drink, and Sebastian was in the process of finishing off his final sip. Lazy? Far from it... Shadow cast a curious glance in his twin's direction. Sebastian looked tired, too. If one could get past his beauty...those dark bags underneath his eyes were so very pronounced. He never allows himself to relax. Never lets loose. Never just...settles down. He's always worried or stressed about something or another. His mind just refuses to stop racing. Sebastian was a hard worker. He didn't appreciate idle time. More often than not, if he found himself with absolutely nothing that needed doing...he started a new project, or reorganized some of the library shelves again. He couldn't sit still. He even disliked sleeping. He felt it was a waste of otherwise valuable time. Sebastian slept an average of four hours per night. His antsy behavior often grated on the nerves of more laid-back people, like Shadow. Shadow literally had to force Sebastian to take it easy.

Both brothers finished off their mugs of tea at about the same time. Sebastian instantly rose from his seat and gathered up the empty mugs and small plates. "I'll take care of these," he offered firmly, leaving no room for debate. "You two seem tired. You should get some rest." "And so should you," Shadow retorted under his breath, slowly standing up. He kept a tight hold on Hebs' hand and gently tugged him, heading for the nearby stairwell. "The bedrooms are up here," he explained, taking the steps at a leisurely pace. "Four in all...but we could easily sleep eight or more people in here. As well, the sofa downstairs in the sitting room folds out into a bed, so there's more sleeping space."

The master bedroom was of a modest size and rather plain. The walls were a robin's egg blue color, and the sheets on the queen-sized bed matched them. Shadow instantly collapsed onto the bed, letting out a heavy sigh. Barely a second later, however, he sat up in bed and began pulling at his tank top. The two wounds on his back were more than obvious, all bandaged up. It looked as if the bandages needed to be changed, but Shadow didn't mention changing them. He instead plopped right back down onto the bed, snuggling into the blankets.

Hebs had caught on to those feeling of irritation from Sebastian, and he couldn't help but find it rather amusing. If Shadow had stayed in the heavens, stayed as an angel, would they have not met? Would he not have this circus of freaks? He certainly couldn't imagine Shadow being a snob and most certainly could he not imagine his lover so pure. He'd have fallen some time soon, he knew, should he be introduced to the vices of this human world.

Liking the way Shadow's fingers danced along the back of his hand, he leaned further onto his lover and listened to his explanation in his head. Sebastian seemed uptight; and, the only person he calmed and relaxed around is his twin brother. Should he have left Shadow to take care of his brother after he'd found him?

No. He didn't want to. Hebs, like Sebastian, was just as possessive. Although he may appear like the type to share, inwardly, it was just different. Even he could be stubborn sometimes.

"Ah. Thank you," Hebs said as he slowly sat up. He's noticed the dark bags under Sebastian's eyes, too, and he would've had kept on staring if it weren't for the tug to his hand. The snake man got up and followed after him, nodding at his words and glancing back to the kitchen where Shadow's twin had gone to. At the other mentioning, though, the rooms and beds available in this small but homey house, his brows raised just a tad. Did that mean all of them will be able to fit in here? Somehow... that sounded unsettling. He doubted Alfie would like a new room every time.

"The place looks small, but it's pretty vast," he started before he'd shut the master's bedroom door behind him. He'd just looked up in time to see Shadow taking off that tank top of his. Hebs, for a moment, was stunned. How could he not be? Although he did like the sight of Shadow half-naked, he couldn't really stop his thoughts from dipping itself into the gutter and neither could he stop worrying himself over the other's bandages wrapped around him. They've gotten loose, he'd noticed. They've also seem to need of changing. Shadow, where's the first-aid kit Sebastian used for your back?

Shadow knew during his childhood that he simply wasn't cut out to be an angel. From a very young age, he knew he was different. His elder sisters was the only one who sheltered and supported him. Shadow, Sebastian, and their elder sister Nomi were separated during their childhoods. Their parents were not the most loving of creatures. They dumped Nomi and a newborn Shadow on the doorstep of the nearest orphanage, shortly after their mother gave birth to the twins. Sebastian was their ideal child. He was the favorite, and that always fostered tension between the brothers. Shadow was a wild child. He was always curious, especially about the human world. He fell shortly after reaching adulthood of his own volition. He simply left. When he lost his virginity in the human world, he also lost his pure white wings.

He was never meant to be an angel. He fit in much more snugly among human beings. Shadow was happier in the human world. Even if he got the chance to regain his wings, he wouldn't dream of taking it. This was where he belonged. He didn't have to worry about feeling alone. He had a family. He took in those shunned from human society. The outcasts. The oddballs. The freaks. He gave them a humble home, and a family (something that many so-called freaks never truly had).

"This place has many bedrooms, and plenty of sleeping space..." Shadow affirmed, pausing to yawn widely before speaking again. "But...there isn't much living space, if you didn't take notice." This house boasted a large number of bedrooms, but the open floor plan on the first floor didn't boast much space. It would definitely be cramped quarters for their freak family...but it did border the ocean, something that would surely please their resident merman. And there was an expansive private beach. That somewhat made up for the lack of space.

"Ah... " The fallen angel blinked, looking up at Hebs with owlish eyes. It took him a moment to figure out what the other was going on about, but when he did, he nodded sagely and gestured to the closet. "In there." Shadow made a habit of keeping an up-to-date first aid kit hidden somewhere on every piece of property he owned. He was paranoid about injuries, and rightfully so. Even their family of freaks, who usually got along and tolerated each other, had the odd spat here and there.

Something seemed to strike Shadow as he pointed out the location of the first aid kit. He smiled at Hebs, folding his hands in his lap. "...Seeing as the bandages must be removed in the first place..." he murmured, sounding a bit sheepish, "...would you care to see my wings? I'll have to hop out onto the balcony." There was a tiny balcony, overlooking the ocean, in this master bedroom. It was too small to really sit out and enjoy the view, but it had enough space for Shadow to stand and stretch out his wings, at the very least.

Hebs didn't notice that. After all, they were only three currently occupying the vacation house. "That, I did not," the snake man admitted, albeit a little embarrassingly. Pushing himself off the door, he stood by the foot of the bed and smiled at the sight of his lover giving him such a look. It was amusing. It was cute. Hell, it looked awfully adorable. And, for once, he was glad that Sebastian couldn't hear his thoughts because if he could, he was certainly going to feel nothing but embarrassment time and again.

Once Shadow pointed to the place, the snake man went to get it. He had just shut the closet when he'd heard what the other was offering. See his wings? Hebs turned to look back at Shadow, his eyes wide in obvious surprise. He had wished to see it long before, but he didn't think he could get to see it now of all times. Not that he was complaining.

"I do but... won't you be cold?" Hebs didn't close the distance bewteen them, not yet. Instead, he looked out the balcony doors to see the dark skies casting over above them. Although he was excited, he couldn't help but worry, too. After all, Shadow's wings must still hurt.

Shadow chuckled softly, a charming smile lighting up his face. For the life of him, he couldn't understand why Hebs was so enraptured with the idea of seeing his wings. His dark wings marked him as unclean filth in the world of angels. Worthless. A complete and utter failure. Angels, even angels who fell, were biologically wired to feel ashamed of having those dark-feathered wings. But Hebs...he wasn't an angel. Scaly or not, the younger male was still a human, and seeing the wings of any angel, even a fallen angel, surely had to be an exciting notion.

At his lover's question, Shadow craned his neck to get a better look at the darkening sky. Those clouds looked awfully ominous. A storm was almost certainly approaching...he sincerely hoped that Sebastian would remember to lock all of the doors and windows so that nothing would blow away. Those stormy clouds also heralded rain, which momentarily put a damper on the fallen angel's content mood. He never did like rain, and this time, his reasons for despising rain shone brightly through their mental connection. It rained nonstop after Damon became so sick that he could no longer leave his bed, and on the day he died, a vicious thunderstorm swept through the area.

"I should be all right. The storm is still a little ways off." He sounded confident about that much. Shadow peered over his shoulder, noticing that Hebs was keeping his distance. "...I will need you to remove the bandages, though..." It sounded like he wasn't looking forward to that. The wounds were still tender, and they were sure to sting once the air made contact with them. "I can't exactly reach them. It would certainly be amusing if I tried, though."

That little tidbit of knowledge about the dark weather did touch the snake man's heart. That explained a lot. It explained a lot. But, he didn't linger on too long with those thoughts. Instead, he'd let himself meet the fallen angel's charming smile. This proved to be a great distraction all right.

Hebs found his lips pulling up into a smile before he chuckled. "Yes, it certainly would be." Setting the first-aid kit on the table by the balcony doors, he finally moved to close the distance between he and his lover. Beckoning for Shadow to come closer, he waited until he was at an arm's reach to set his hands on the sides of the other's neck. The male leaned close, took his lips for a light, gentle kiss before he'd pulled away to reach around him.

Undoing the bandages and meeting those molten-colored eyes with his own yellow pair, he tilted his head a bit to the side so he could see what his hands were doing. He made sure, though, not to hurt him in any way. Slowly, he worked them loose, and he pursed his lips at the stench of both blood and medicine hitting his nostrils. It smelled strong, he noticed, and worry immediately clouded his thoughts.

"Are you sure you'll be okay stretching them out?" he asked, his voice and his every word laced with concern.

Shadow watched Hebs like a hawk as he approached, and then that charming smile mutated into a crooked grin when the other beckoned to him. He moved forward at a snail's pace, obviously teasing the other man. Though he did enjoy teasing Hebs, he really was more interested in that foreign pair of lips. He practically melted into the brief kiss, purring like a kitten with a bowl of fresh milk. A childish pout replaced that contentedness once Hebs pulled away.

Oh, he wasn't near done with the snake man yet. The night was young. He definitely wanted more. But...right this moment, his wings and the wounds they inflicted required his utmost attention.

Though Hebs was obviously doing his best to be gentle, the moment he began fiddling with those bloodstained bandages, Shadow began to squirm. These wounds ached terribly. At first, as those bandages fell away, the wounds didn't look quite so bad...but when the last bandage strip was tugged off, the full extent of the damage could be seen. There were two long, thin, and gaping wounds on his back. They resembled over-sized stab wounds. He would definitely need stitches at some point, but the patchwork of bandages would work for now. Angels did not scar, so he thankfully didn't have to worry about that.

Shadow cleared his throat and stood, possibly wanting to take some of the attention off of his festering wounds. "Well...no time like the present," he joked, nervously strolling casually to the balcony doors. He slid them open with ease, but before taking a step outside, he glowered balefully at the dark sky above, as if daring it to rain on him right now. Once he was sure that it wouldn't start raining unexpectedly, Shadow stepped onto the balcony. He stood straight as an arrow and wrapped his arms around his chest. The muscles in his back quivered. It happened quickly. An inky blackness emanated from the wounds on his back, and without warning, wings began to sprout. When they stretched out to their full length, they were each more than halfway as long as Shadow was tall. Huge. They were riddled with feathers that were black as night. They gave off an otherworldly glow. Shadow leaned forward over the balcony and flapped them a couple of times to stretch them out properly--a couple of feathers fluttered back inside of the room as he did so.

They were stunning. But, of course, Shadow was still ashamed of them...

"Well...no time like the present."

Hebs arched a brow at the other's statement and smiled - slightly - in amusement at the way the fallen angel strolled to the balcony. Oh, he's seen it. He's seen the nervous way he moved. He's also seen the way he reacted to his touches, albeit them being gentle, not too long ago, but he made no motion nor movement to stop him. It wasn't like he could. His fascination at the thought that the other was going to show him his wings towered over his other emotions. Perhaps, that has something to do with him being human.

That was quick. The way those wings sprouted and stretched out was magnificent. Hebs, for a moment there, felt his heart caught in his throat. Despite them being black, it didn't falter Hebs' fascination. The snake man urged himself to move forward, to close the distance between them; but, he stopped. He stopped when Shadow flapped them, showering the room and moreso outside, with black feathers.

"They're beautiful..." Hebs was breathless as his fingers ran through them. They were large, indeed, but he could only imagine Shadow in between these. These... they shouldn't be hidden. The male closed their distance even further. Shadow was only a head taller so it wasn't too hard for Hebs to plant a gentle kiss through those long strands of hair of his and onto the nape of the fallen angel's neck. His yellow eyes glowed beneath his half-lidden lids as his fingers gently ran along and close to wound where the backbone of the wings seemed to re-integrate themselves into Shadow's back.

"Why did you take them off, Shadow?" he asked as he smiled. They were really, as he'd expected, mind-numbingly breathtaking. The kids who frequent their shows would love this. Gian, too, he'd like to believe.

Though he said nothing while Hebs took in the sight of his wings, the fallen angel's body was riddled with tension. He waited with bated breath for the other male to say something. Anything. He was actually expecting something negative--that biological shame hard at work again--so when Hebs moved forward, pressing their bodies together, he briefly tensed. After just a second, his muscles went lax and he leaned back into the other man's embrace, a soft (but slightly pained) smile on his face.

A massive wave of relief washed over the fallen angel. His lover liked his wings, even though they were clearly a sign of failure. Good...

Shadow wasn't expecting Hebs to touch his exposed wings. He jumped, a startled, strangled noise escaping him. It didn't take him too long to calm down, though, and soon, he was purring like a little kitten again. Those wings were sensitive as all get-out. Shadow seldom brought them out, and he wasn't used to having them touched at all. His feathers were softer than the finest silk. The muscles in those wings flexed as Hebs touched them, obviously welcoming the touches. It felt...good. Quite good.

So good, in fact, that he almost didn't catch that question Hebs popped out.

Shadow blinked, forcing himself to focus, and listened carefully to what Hebs had to say, thoroughly enjoying the warmth of the other male's body against his. "...I cannot parade around our home with these wings visible all the time," he murmured, eyes half-lidded. He was exhausted...but it felt oddly satisfying to have his wings out. It felt even better to have them touched like so. "Fallen angels, by technical standards, are a variation of demon, and an elusive variation at that. There are demon summoners, people with powers similar to Blake and Kratos, out there who would love to get their hands on a fallen angel. It's too risky. I cannot risk being attacked and controlled by an experienced summoner."

...Of course, if Kratos knew about this, he, along with the still-inexperienced Blake, could watch out for Shadow during shows. Perhaps once Blake gained some more experience...perhaps then he could put his wings on display at shows again. Flashes of the past rang through Shadow's mind. Apparently, over a century ago, this fear of a powerful demon summoner launching an attack came true. It was only through the usage of Erudito's power that Shadow was able to escape the summoner's clutches.

The way the other's relief washed over him too made him blink. Hebs chuckled softly before he'd rested his scaly cheek on the other's back, near the nape of his neck. He'd prefer not to hurt him in case his scales were to wound him. Quite enjoying the way the other was purring like a little kitten, Hebs continued to touch them, one feather at a time, his spine, and the other's back.

"Ah," was all he could say before he'd nodded. A variation of a demon, was it? That was strange, to him, but nonetheless, Hebs listened. He's also listened to his thoughts. "Then, we shall have to wait."He didn't think he could risk having Shadow go out there with the possibility that he might be taken away. In fact, if he had to ask Kratos and Blake to get stronger... he would.

For Shadow.

Hebs slowly wrapped his arms around Shadow's waist and leaned lightly against him. He, yet again, pressed another kiss onto the nape of his neck before he'd relaxed. "Let's go back in." As much as Hebs was fascinated and wanted to stare at those wings of Shadow's, they couldn't stay out too long. It was cold, after all. "Will you join me in bed, Shadow?"

Those touches being bestowed upon his wings were driving Shadow absolutely wild. They were incredibly sensitive, seeing as they rarely saw the light of day. He was finding it rather difficult to concentrate on their conversation. He kept getting distracted by those gentle caresses. Touching the wings of an angel, fallen angel, or a demon was a great way to soothe them...

...As well, this could also be a wondrous aphrodisiac...

"Yes. Waiting would be a wise move." As those arms wrapped around his waist, Shadow ghosted his fingers across that scaly skin, welcoming the touches with zeal. "I have faith in Kratos' abilities, but his abilities will not be enough. Blake must first learn to master his abilities. He has great potential. He merely lacks the knowledge and the means to harness it." Blake had the makings of a phenomenal demon summoner, but his confidence was severely lacking. Kratos certainly had his work cut out for him with that boy.

The fallen angel peered over his shoulder when Hebs so confidently extended that invitation. He smiled at the snake man and slowly, carefully, turned in his grasp to face him. After he turned, those wings of his folded up neatly against his back. He knew that Hebs still wanted to see them, and possibly explore them a bit more...so he was going to keep them out. There was a good chance that they would get in the way at some point, but until that point, Shadow was determined to...well...show them off. For the first time in his life, he could actually feel proud about his blackened wings. "It is getting a little chilly..." he admitted, gently ushering Hebs back through the balcony doors. His wings, folded up neatly, bypassed the doors with ease. He could completely unfurl them in this room, but they would stretch from wall to wall, so he just kept them all folded up.

Hebs chuckled at his lover's childish antics, but he made no motion of commenting about it. The last thing he wanted was to rub on Shadow's ego. Although he'd sensed a sense of loss when Shadow pulled away, he only laid on the bed for a few minutes before he, too, sprang into action. Getting out of bed, though, with a streak of discomfort, the snake man dressed himself and went to pick up the first aid kit.

Will this be able to hold your wounds together, though? Joining the other into the bathroom, he set the first-aid kit down on the bathroom counter. "You need stitches, don't you?" He just hoped that after this, there was no need for Shadow to rip those wings of his off him. He really did prefer it on him.

Taking the towel from him, Hebs carefully wiped the blood from around the open wounds. Now that he's seen it up close, he could only frown and slightly purse his lips. Shadow needed medical attention, and he was no doctor. Would Kratos be able to work on this, though? Didn't he patch up his corpses before he'd stitch their souls in?

The first thing Hebs did was clean the wound before applying the ointment and then finally patching it up. With two big pads, he started to wrap the gauze around Shadow's chest. "Lift your arms a little higher," he instructed him, "So I can tighten this."

Oh, Shadow didn't like the idea of stitches. No siree! All Hebs had to do was mention the word, and already the fallen angel was pulling the foulest of expressions. He frowned, purposely slouching over where he stood. He didn't bother sitting down. It would be much easier to properly bandage those wounds while he stood up straight. "...I would very much prefer it if we could find a way to avoid stitches," he finally muttered, sounding rather uncomfortable.

...Was it really discomfort, or was that a hint of fear? Perhaps a mild phobia of needles?

The fallen angel's discomfort only increased when the snake man began wiping at his wounds. They were still tender, even after being treated once before. The application of the medical ointment wasn't appreciated either--a low hiss escaped Shadow and his hands balled into fists. Damn, that stung! That was strong stuff!

These open wounds were a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. The sooner they were stitched up, the better it would be for Shadow's healthy. The flesh of angels, even the fallen variety, could not scar, so he didn't have to worry about that...but the chance of him contracting some sort of illness grew higher with each passing day. Kratos could probably sew up these wounds...but the question was, would Shadow allow him to do so? Maybe they could knock him out beforehand.

Without a single protest, Shadow lifted his arms up in the air, eyes closed. He was ready to get some rest--he'd been exhausted before...now he was like the walking dead! "Shall we shove off to bed after this?" he murmured, sounding like he was just about ready to nod off. "...I don't know if I want to go back to the villa just yet," he admitted after a short pause. "Perhaps...one more day..."

He wasn't ready to face Damon just yet. He knew, just knew, that the petite male was still furious with him, no matter how great he was at hiding it. He was in for a long-winded lecture.

Hebs noted the feeling of discomfort and pain washing over him. He tilted his head a bit to see Shadow's expression before he chuckled, yet again. He couldn't help it. When Shadow acted like this, like some miserable child, he was really amusing. His antics, in general, were amusing. And, truth be told, Hebs liked that about him. "Knock you out cold?" he repeated, voicing out the other's thoughts before he'd leaned down to kiss his cheek, "Even if you are a fallen angel, a demon; these can still fester." And that wasn't going to be a pretty sight, especially on a beautiful creature like him.

Finishing wrapping the gauze around his lover's chest, he pinned it and slid his padded hands along the other's arms. Sliding them back down, he slid his hands further down to take his hands into his own. "Let's. Come." Tugging gently, the snake man let go of one of his hands as he led the way back to bed. "And I was expecting that from you. Tomorrow, I'll let you and your brother be. Perhaps he can come along when it's time for us to go back?"

Before he forgot, Hebs paused when they were at the foot of the bed. "Things... had happened, by the way." The freak turned to look at his lover with a slight purse of his lips. Through their link, he gave Shadow bits of pieces of what had happened then when he'd disappeared. "And, it might get more troublesome once we get back. Erudito wants to even things out between the both of you." As he stroked the back of his hand, he gave it a little squeeze before he let go. Hebs moved to slide under the covers and he pulled it aside to make space for Shadow. One thing he wanted to do right now was to snuggle with him, hold him tight.

Shadow grumbled, forcibly pushing all thoughts about his wounds out of his mind. The more he thought about needing those stitches, the more uneasy and nervous he would become. It simply wasn't worth it. Back at the villa, the fallen angel had a modernized first aid kit, chock full of all sorts of medical supplies. Including anesthetics, which he would surely need. If Kratos was willing to do the sewing...those wounds would heal up in no time.

Instantly, his fingers entwined with his lover's, and he trudged along toward the bed. He did perk up when Hebs spoke again, shaking off some of his sleepiness. "You can travel by plane. You will likely get home first. I, ah...I don't have any forms of identification with me, so I cannot go with you." A sheepish grin stretched across his face. "I'll fly back with my brother. We should arrive...perhaps a couple of hours after you." He didn't exactly want to ignore Hebs while he was here, on vacation...and besides, if Sebastian decided to spend some time at the villa with his brother's rag-tag family, he had planety of time to catch up with him!

Shadow wanted to go dancing. And sightseeing. Maybe...the three of them could go out for breakfast tomorrow morning.

When the snake man paused at the foot of the bed, Shadow released his hand and flopped over onto the bed, sighing blissfully. He was just about out of steam, and it took a great deal of willpower for the fallen angel to actually listen to what he was saying and the mental thoughts he was projecting. "Erudito is not as powerful as he thinks he is." Shadow's movements were rather languid. He shifted, wiggling underneath the blankets. "I will deal with him when we get home. Now that Sebastian is here...he can be laid to rest. Properly, this time."

Sebastian's primary duty was keeping the angels' sacred library well-organized and safe from demonic entities. But...in his free time, he served as an Angelic Reaper. He could ferry souls to their eternal resting places. If Shadow asked nicely...Sebastian could rid the entire graveyard of wayward souls.

Shadow immediately snuggled up against Hebs when the other man offered, eyes closed shut. In just a few seconds, he was completely out, the exhaustion of the day's events catching up with him.

Hebs let out a short, "Ah," when his lover mentioned lacking any sort of identification. Then again, that could happen considering Shadow's looks. It'd be questionnable to humans if they find out he never grew old. Idly, he wondered if there were old newspapers that had Shadow's face. It did make Hebs curious, but for a while.

Tightening his hold around his lover, he gave him a lingering kiss on his forehead before he'd smiled. Shadow always had answers for them. Without him, really, their family was lacking. Playing with the strands of his hair, the snake man's eyes slid shut.

For some odd reason, he was rather excited about tomorrow.


[[ Oops. Short post. Hehe. Should we play the others, too? ]]

(( We should definitely play Johnny, Blake, and Arcturus--the three of them need some time to develop. Back home...we can wait to develop Rousel and Kenichi until all of the freak family is at home--they're not developed enough yet to play on their own, I think. As for the others...definitely! I'll write in parts for the naga, the two mermen, Shadow, and Blake! ))


The first person up in the morning in the Mykonos vacation home was Sebastian, always an early riser. Never one to appreciate too much idle time, the stringent angel had taken to cleaning the entire house, from the kitchen to the bedrooms upstairs. He politely avoided the master bedroom, where he knew Hebs and Shadow were still slumbering...but that politeness seemed to take a step back once he whipped the vacuum clean out downstairs.

The sound of the vacuum was what woke Shadow up, around nine-thirty in the morning. He groaned, snatching up his pillow and slamming it down over his head. Once again in contrast with his brother, the fallen angel tended to dislike mornings. He typically woke up around noon.


Also not an early riser, a rather comfortable Alfie snoozed on in his and Gian's shared room back in the villa, all sprawled out with the end of his tail drooping over the side of the bed and spilling out onto the floor. Without Shadow in the house, the naga was always on-edge and somewhat uncomfortable. It was only when he settled down with Gian that he was able to relax and rest. He missed Shadow. Dearly.

It was much harder to tell...but Léan also missed the beloved patriarch of their family. He had a special bond with Shadow, much like the bond a child would have with their parent. But...the merman never once put his concern for Shadow on display. He hated looking vulnerable. It made him feel weak. So...nonchalant as ever, Léan managed to make it to the living room without waking his sleeping mate. Since learning how to walk (almost, anyway...he sometimes stumbled), the siren found himself fascinated with the television in the den, and he was now flipping through channels like a seasoned pro.


Back at Johnny's house, a clearly unhappy Blake had just dragged himself out of bed and was in the middle of making some toast in the kitchen. He looked like a wreck, and he was--he preferred to sleep during the daytime and go about his business once the sun set. On this day, however, he wanted to be awake. He wanted to make sure that Johnny wasn't going to put the frightened merman residing temporarily in his pool through the ringer. Blake was more empathetic toward animals than he was toward human beings...and this merman reminded him of a frightened animal.