A Harsh Wind [END]

Blowing from the ocean, it came at him in waves, pulling his hair backwards, and probably into William's face. He knew the wind was cold, it was not as if he couldn't feel it, he just didn't care, his body long used now to the fact that he didn't need to sleep or eat for weeks, that he couldn't feel cold, just warmth, that he couldn't get lost in the dark, or feel boredom while counting the stars. A package gift from the orphanage for a good life.

He brought himself lower so that the wind wouldn't bother William so much. He knew that the boy could very well feel it, probably even more than the most.

Hold on for a little longer. he asked of William, making an invisible corner in the air and aiming for a little spot at the shore he knew the wind won't be so hard, if there was any wind at all, as it was usually leeward, somewhat like that spot it all started, what, tree years ago now? That should be about right.

His feet hitting the ground, he crouched at the same time, waiting for William to get back to his feet.

Michael gave William a minute to catch his feet again as he wandered around the cliff collecting the twigs wind has brought from the forest in one of the more violent bursts, knowing that they would need them later when they got out of the water because of that same wind. The dorm was too far to fly there wet, especially in this weather, so they would need to dry somewhat first, and for that they would need fire. Deeming that he had collected enough wood for now, Michael made his wings retreat back for the moment, before slipping off his shirt. His upper body looked even slimmer without a shirt to cover all the sharp angles of it, he himself looking taller than ever. His hair now fell in between his shoulderblades, right down to the upper line of his jeans, as it got longer during the last few months, and on his shoulder blades... Nothing. No scare, no wound, nothing to show that just a minute before there was something there, and it would be there again in just another minute. And he was somewhat grateful for that, for it allowed him to live a normal enough live in high school and college. Had he had scars he couldn't explain there, the bullying he sought to escape from the orphanage would have continued there as well. As it was, he was only pushed around for having long hair, and not speaking, which helped all so much.

Throwing his shirt on the ground by the future fire, he approached William, burying his hands in his pockets.

Ready? he asked, smiling. You better strip down a bit first though.

Michael crooked an eyebrow at William's nervous behaviour, finding it quite adorable. You are aware, though, that the clothes will become quite heavy once they get wet? Michael asked, while stretching his arms behind him. He will need them strong if he was going to swim against the waves for both himself and William, though his wings were still his secret weapon there. Also, it will be a great bother getting them to dry once we're out. He wasn't so sure why was he so determined all of a sudden to get William out of his shirt, he didn't look at the boy that way, it was just that... William was so shy and scared even though there was no reason for it, unlike Michael who had no shame and has long forgotten about any feeling such as fear, another courtesy of his seven years in that dreadful house*, and maybe that was why Michael felt the need to push him, just a bit, to make him go free. It was surely for the better, unlike feeding his insecurities by allowing him to live under the glass bell. Not that Michael's thoughts actually went that far, they stopped at the level that sounded about like this I want to do this, so I will. And he wants to do it with me, he just doesn't know it yet.

*insert flashbacks from everything in the Dreams

Michael crooked the other eyebrow this time, tilting his head to the right, somewhat confused.

For not wanting to take your clothes off? he chuckled, as the thought was so innocently adorable that he just had to laugh, reaching with his hand to pet William on the head, determined now, more so than before, to help William get rid of that stupid habit. Only, once he stopped to take a better look at the boy, he soon realised that the apology was for something more... Something the boy really had no place apologizing for.

You saw that. he sighed, scratching his head, shaking it slightly to the rhythm of the wind. You shouldn't had. there was something sad in that thought, as if he didn't want to burden William with his past rather than wanting to hid it from him. Which, in the end, was the truth. Don't worry about it. he said, petting the boy's head again, smiling affectionately. It's over now. It has been for some time. He tilted his head again, backwards this time, as he let the wind play with his hair, his inner world oozing happiness and content even as images from the past assaulted him again.

You should focus on your jumping instead. he thought as he approached the edge, trying to change the subject. Especially if you really don't know how to swim.

Sighing with relief at seeing William letting it go, Michael gave what one could call a bit of a wicked smile as he was still under the 'high' sleeping left him with, and thus much more expressive than usually.

Sure it would. Michael said, as he stepped back a few steps, giving himself more space for what he was about to do. And that's why we aren't going to do it., he said, looking William in the eyes, before throwing himself forward suddenly, pulling his wings back into oblivion as he fell through the cold air, the wind whispering death if his ears if there were indeed covered rocks there, but still, he wasn't afraid. He turned around, twisting in the air, and making a salto, as he faced the water with the same grin on his face that he has left the ground with, and diving as he reached the surface. He knew that there were really small chances that there would be something there, however, they were just that: chances. And very small at that. Which was why he found nothing but water as he sank downward, the current pulling him in every which way as he tried to reach the surface, the air in his lungs pressing him to leave. Finally, he let it do so, and watched the bubbles turn, before reaching with his hands once more, strongly, bursting through the surface, an taking an enormous breath of air.

'That was great!', he yelled, knowing that William probably couldn't hear him, but hoping that he could still feel him.