A Harsh Wind [END]

Michael blinked, William's presence in his mind a small bundle of lazy happiness. He smiled, his fingers moving unconsciously, as he tried to wrap them around the small ball, or at least what felt like a ball, that just screamed WILLIAM directly into his thoughts.

'Thank you, little one.', he whispered, out loud, deciding that for someone like him, he could use his voice, especially in the situation like this, where William already shared something very intimate with him. A power like that must've been a burden so many times, not unlike his, the only difference being, that with him, others knew that they were doing him harm, and were doing it intentionally.

'That is a very nice thing to hear.' Indeed, nobody else ever even thought something like that about him. Well, at least he thought nobody thought anything like that about him. He could be wrong, he knew, images of few people passing through his mind eye (one of the girls that used to work with him at the school library, always bringing cookies for everyone, one of his teachers, Peter, a boy he was helping with his studies before his classmates used him to reveal his wings...) but... Yeah, well, anyhow, nobody ever said it, so it was very nice thing to hear indeed.

'You feeling warm enough yet?'

They shouldn't have. Michael agreed, nodding his head. But they still have. he looked to the side, where his wings would be if they were out, and sighed. And there is nothing you can do about it. He ran his fingers through his hair, which was still somewhat wet from the water, letting it loose so it would dry faster, loose dark strands suddenly covering his face. He pushed it behind his ears, a dark waterfall of blackness still covering his back, and looked William in the eyes. There was something different there, something Michael didn't see before, something that was probably stirred from its sleep by his anger.

Humans are just stupid like that. he shrugged his shoulders gritting his teeth. He had never meant to trouble William with his past by letting him see it. The boy already got negative emotions from everybody else, he didn't need his on top of that. Michael tried thinking about soothing stuff, like rabits, and rainbows, but somehow, he doubted it would work.

Michael chuckled. He was surprised by the William's actions for a moment, for he had honestly thought that the boy didn't have it in him. However, the way he looked, the way he spoke, it showed that there was, indeed something lurking within him. Still, Michael found it adorable, the way he snuggled closer to him, as if sharing his warmth would somehow help erase the painful memories of the past. Well, at least they were supposed to be painful. They didn't hurt as much now, though, nothing hurt as much these days...

Don't talk like that, William. he said, ruffling William's hair, as his other hand made small circles across his back. You wouldn't hurt a fly, little one, and we both know it. As well as you shouldn't, no matter how indeed stupid humans are.

Do I need to buy you a dictionary for Christmas, William? Michael asked, laughing, the fact that he was using his voice the greatest sign of how much he trusted the boy that was in his arms. Since the first time they talked, Michael felt something for William, a need to push him, to prod him to do better, but also to protect him. Like a little brother he never had, and, somehow, he knew William felt the same.

Would is not the same as could. he looked down at the boy, a line appearing between his eyebrows. I can only imagine how your ability to enter one's mind could be used as a weapon, but I know that you never would. Or am I wrong about it? He knew that he wasn't, though, he simply asked because he could feel that perhaps there was something the boy wasn't telling him, and he wanted to see if it would come out now that they were already talking.

Michael closed his eyes and thought quietly for a moment, before opening his eyes again, and hugging William closer. However, never being the one to lie, from there on he spoke the truth as he saw it.

What you did... It is horrible, little one. he whispered, his voice soft, but firm, raising and falling to indicate that he was neither judging nor angry with William. However, I can see that you didn't mean to do it,, he continued, and I know that you would never do it again. He stopped there for a moment, letting his words sink in as he searched for others.

And while that in itself won't help bring that boy back to normal, it does mean something. He ruffled William's hair affectionately, for even though he was honest, he would never be cruel. So you'll just have to carry that with you and go on. It would never change, so there is no point feeling guilty about it now. He tilted his head to the right, thinking. Well, not too guilty at least. he corrected himself and his easy going attitude that wasn't really socially acceptable sometimes.

So try not worry about it, yeah?