“You…” he began.
“Hey, Kid.” Carl came over to Luke’s other side and put a hand on his shoulder, his voice so gentle in made my heart ache. I felt a rush of gratefulness at Carl once again. “How’re you feelin’?”
“Thirsty…” Luke croaked, his eyebrows drawing together.
“You got it, Kid.” Carl grabbed the cup from Luke’s bedside table and went to the bathroom to fill it up.
Luke turned to look at me. It was at that moment I realized I could feel a line of dried, crusted drool down one side of my chin. I reached up with my free hand to rub it away.
So. Fuckin. Smooth.
“You…” Luke looked at me, as if he was trying to remember something. “You again.”
“I’m glad you’re awake.” I said in answer, wondering what he was thinking.
“Dreamed about you.” Luke groaned as he adjusted his body against the sheets.
“’Sexy day at the beach’ kind of dream, or was it something more along the lines of me in my PJs covered in blood?” I asked.
Luke’s body tensed and his eyes flew open all the way as if he just remembered something.
Please don’t let it be the image of me in my PJs covered in blood. That definitely wasn’t my best day.
“You tried to kill me.”
My heart flew into my throat and I tried to jerk away, but he held me in place with a firm grip on my hand, pulling me back toward his bedside.
“No.” He muttered, almost to himself. I breathed a small sigh of relief as I felt the comforting grip of his hand. “No, that’s not right.”
“What do you remember?” I finally got the courage to ask, giving him time to piece everything together. “Do you know who I am?”
“Danny.” Luke stated definitively. “You’re Danny.”
I felt a hesitant smile make its way onto my face at the way he looked at me, the way my name sounded from his lips.
Oh, I am so screwed.
Carl chose that moment to come back into the room, cup of water in hand.
“Thanks.” Luke took it with a grateful nod and drank deeply. Carl nodded in approval before he turned his attention back toward me.
“He’s awake now, so you’re officially under arrest. Are you gonna come quietly, or am I gonna have to cuff you, Girly?” Carl asked, his hand on his holster.
“Can I get a third option?” I asked after a moment. Carl drew his gun and I backed up a step, my free hand flying up in front of me on instinct. “Just the two, then.”
“Listen-!” Carl began.
“Hey!” Luke’s rough voice cut through our discussion once again. We both turned to him as he put the cup back on his nightstand and turned toward Carl, his lip curled in annoyance. “What do you think you’re doing? Put that away before you kill something.”
“This is the one that attacked you!” Carl defended, his gun still pointed downward in my direction.
“She didn’t attack me. She’s a…” Luke started, sparing a glance in my direction. “She’s a friend.”
“Some friend leavening you knocked out in an alley from god knows what.” Carl was obviously unconvinced.
“More like a casual acquaintance, really.” I put in offhandedly.
Soul mate, perhaps. Partner anointed by Destiny and Heaven itself. Whatever…
“Shut up!” Carl snapped at me.
“She’s fine.” Luke insisted, one hand held with its palm toward Carl. “Stand down.”
I saw Carl’s jaw clench, obviously not pleased with Luke’s attitude toward me, but he lowered his gun anyway. I allowed my hand to drop at the same time, my breath escaping in a relieved gush. I’ve never had a gunshot wound, but they don’t sound like something you bounce back from
“I still got some questions for you, Girly.” Carl growled, sliding his gun back into its holster.
“Me, too.” Luke said, looking at me out of the corner of his eye while still holding my hand. “You mind giving us some space, Carl?”
Carl hesitated for a few moments, still staring at me with distrust, not that I blamed him. He came over to Luke and laid a hand on the Angel’s shoulder.
“You sure you’re okay, Kid?” Carl murmured to Luke. Luke looked up at him gratefully before giving Carl’s shoulder a comforting swat.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He answered. Carl nodded.
“Alright. Call me if you need me. The emergency button’s right there.” Carl pointed to the red button on the plastic supports wired to the side of Luke’s bed. “I’ll go check in at the office.”
With a last nod to Luke and a last glare shot in my direction, Carl shuffled out of the door.
“I like your partner.” I told Luke. He gave a huff of laughter. I’m sure he thought I was kidding, but was a great comfort Luke had someone so fiercely protective of him, even if that someone wanted to arrest and/or shoot me; not necessarily in that order.
“He’s a great guy once you get to know him.” Luke replied.
We lapsed into a silence then and I had the sudden, awful realization that I had absolutely no idea what to say. Several suggestions helpfully popped themselves into my brain:
Hey, how are those new hollow bones working out for you? They’re sturdy and help you fly!
Hey, are your wings poking out yet? That’ll be gross, right?
Your heart and lungs are a lot bigger now, I know that sounds bad, but I promise it’ll be rad. Rhyme and finger guns intended.
Can you feel the power of Heaven yet? That’ll be some cool shit.
…
Do you feel as drawn to me as I do to you?
…
Do u want 2 b mine 4eva?
I cleared my throat, shifting between my feet.
Just don’t be awkward, Danny. Don’t be awkward. Don’t be awkward, don’t be awkward, don’t be awkward.
“My name’s Danny.” I blurted lamely, and then winced.
Fuck goddamn it.
“Who are you?” Luke asked, seemingly ignoring my stupid outburst. Bless him.
“I thought I just covered that.” I answered. He raised an eyebrow and I smiled as I plopped back into the chair next to his bed.
“Jokes, really?” He said. I shrugged, feeling a bit of tension I had been carrying between my shoulders loosen with the casual amusement of his voice.
“I’ve never done this before.” I confessed.
“Well, everything must be pretty confusing for you.” He teased.
Smartass.
“Thank you for being so understanding.” I shot back.
“I was being sarcastic.”
“I could tell by the way you got that cute little sneer on your face, there.” I answered easily, leaning back in the hospital chair. My still-healing side gave a small twinge and I saw the hesitant smile on his face turn into a concerned scowl.
“Are you okay?” He asked. I looked up at him and had to hold back a surprised bark of laughter. ‘Was I okay’. That’s a good one.
“I’m…better.” I finally decided. “Yeah, better.”
Luke leveled me with a long stare. He could probably tell there was more to the story. Only by a few things: the knightmares hunting me, most of my family was missing/dead, the fact that he was still vulnerable without his wings, but as soon as he got those, the knightmares could smell him. Speaking of which, trying to break it to him that his entire biology has changed was going to be a challenge.
Also, discussing a certain ‘the whole of the human race currently is in or will be in jeopardy’ situation wasn’t going to be too fun either.
What a time to find my Angel.
“How long was I out?” Luke finally decided to ask.
“Couple days.” I answered vaguely. It seemed like a good guess, judging by the stubble growth on his cheeks. “Three, maybe.”
“Only three days?” Luke sat up a little straighter. I was a bit surprised at how quickly his strength was returning.
“Only? Three not enough for you?”
“I’m a, uh, fast healer.” I said flatly.
“In the two seconds we knew each other, your lip healed up.” Luke insisted. “I saw it. You know I saw it. So why are you lying to me?”
“Because I am a chicken shit.”
“Danny.”
I sighed, shifting uncomfortably as I tried to find the right words.
“It was you.” I finally told him, meeting his eyes.
“Me? What do you mean ‘me’?”
“It’s what you are…what we are now.” I started.
“Okay. What are we, then?”
Solid question. Really, really good question. I really should have seen it coming.
And yet, here I am, blinking owlishly like an idiot, without an answer.
“You’re taking this surprisingly well.” I said instead.
“Fast healer.” He shot back. “Answer the question.”
Oh, where to begin. It was difficult to figure out a way to explain what someone…just...was. It was like trying to explain what a human being amounted to. I’m sure there was something scientific that could clarify such a complicated question, but I sure as shit wasn’t qualified to speak on the subject.
But alas, I’m the best we’ve got at the moment.
“You said you were having dreams.” I started. “While you were out.”
“Yeah.” Luke nodded once, warily continuing forward in the conversation, making sure the train of thought led to answers. I should have been annoyed, but instead I found it obnoxiously endearing.
“You sure you don’t know who I am?” I asked.
If his dreams were what I thought they were, it could streamline this process. Another one of those rumors swirling around was when an Angel’s DNA is awakened in a human, their dreams would be plagued with Heaven’s mission for them, what they were supposed to do.
As well as the partner that had stirred their powers.
“Other than the fact that you have a man’s name and you accosted me in an alley? No.” Luke answered.
So much for that.
“You’re one to talk, Luke.” I retorted. “Which is…actually…a really cool name. Damn it.”
Luke huffed out another laugh, shifting his body against the sheets, rolling his shoulders, itching his back against the bed idly.
“But so is Danielle, which is what ‘Danny’ is short for.” I informed him, looking at his reaction. His eyebrows drew together and he glared down at his blanket-covered feet, as if trying to remember something, so I pressed harder. “This is going to sound a little absurd, but does ‘Princess Danielle’ ring any bells?”
“’Princess Danielle, right.” Luke snorted. I curled my lip.
“Oh, look at me! I’m Detective Luke and my title is so much cooler than everyone else’s.” I simpered. Luke gave a bursting laugh at that, full body and everything. The sound of it warmed me like nothing I could remember and I found myself feeling a little sad when it died down.
“You were born human.” I blurted. Luke blinked.
“I’m…sorry?” He tried. I wasn’t sure if he was apologizing or asking me to repeat myself, so I pressed on.
“It makes everything a bit more complicated, rather than just having been trained over the years like everybody else.” I explained.
“What exactly do you think I am?”
I took a deep breath and leveled by gaze at him.
“Do you trust me?” I asked.
“What?”
“Right now, after officially knowing each other for, what, five minutes? Do you trust me and not really know why?” I pressed.
He looked thrown by the question as he stared at me. I became acutely aware of our hands still tangled together when he squeezed my fingers. My chest constricted with apprehension at what he would answer.
Please…I need you.
“Yes.” His voice was a steady, clear note that washed over me. Now came the hard part.
“I turned you into an Angel.”
Please don’t run, please don’t run, please don’t run, please don’t run.
“WHAT!?” he demanded tightly.
Okay, my bad. I probably should have worded that better.
“Listen-“ I started.
“An Angel? What…? I’m not dead. Am I dead?!” He babbled.
“What? No, you’re not dead.” I tried to comfort him, but alas, the great big crisis spiral was already well underway.
“I’m sore. Like, dead people can’t be sore, right?” He continued, seemingly not having heard me. “I’m human…I’m totally human. I’ve given blood, I eat sandwiches, I’ve got a driver’s license…”
I found myself fighting back a smile and Luke caught it before I could smooth it away.
“What are you laughing at?” He asked incredulously.
“Nothing, it’s just…” I shrugged and shook my head helplessly.
“What?”
“Did it hurt?” I asked, the shit-eating grin back on my face.
“Did what hurt?” Luke’s eyebrows drew together in confusion for a brief moment before comprehension dawned on him and he covered his eyes with his free hand and groaned. “Oh, god, don’t-“
“When you fell from Heaven?” I finished.
I saw Luke’s hand flop to his lap and his eyes cast heavenward as if asking for help from on high, which made me grin harder.
“If I’m an Angel now, doesn’t it make that sacrilegious?” he asked looking back at me.
“No, it makes it a golden opportunity firmly seized, one which I have been wanting to use for pretty much the entire time I’ve been searching for my Angel.” I explained.
There was a brief silence and I took the time to replay what I had said to make sure I hadn’t said anything stupid. It hit me just as Luke spoke.
“Your Angel.” He stated. Not a question, more like an affirmation; a softness in his eyes that made my stomach flutter.
So, naturally, my ‘ruining the moment’ superpower chose that moment to rear its ugly head.
“Well, you’re not mine by any means…you’re your own person…or Angel, whatever.”
A full-blown smile crept onto Luke’s face and I found myself returning it.
“You can stop talking whenever you want to.” He told me.
“Sounds good.” I answered. I pushed a bit more comforting energy into his hand. He sighed like he had just come in into the air conditioning from a very hot day.
I suppose in a way he had.
He shifted and drew the blankets back, swinging his legs over the side with a groan, breaking contact with my fingers.
“Whoa, what do you think you’re doing?” I rushed to his side as soon as he got to his feet, his solid body giving an uncharacteristic wobble. He probably still had a little bit of muscle weakness. I tucked myself under his arm and he immediately wrapped a hand around my shoulder.
“Thanks.” He said quietly.
“Where are we going?” I asked, giving his waist a reassuring squeeze.
“I, uh…help me…help me to the bathroom.” He directed and we began to hobble toward the small bathroom not far from his bed.
“Do you want me to leave?” I asked, the thought sending a troubling stab to my stomach, but I felt the need to ask. “I can leave the hospital if you want me to.”
“No!” He answered quickly, his hand a strong, comforting grip on my shoulder. “No…don’t leave. Please.”
I nodded reassuringly, lending support as we shuffled forward.
Chapter 20
Luke let the bathroom door close with a click, Danny on the other side.
“I’m here if you need me.” She said quietly though the wood.
“I know.” Luke answered softly.
He shuffled stiffly over to the toilet in one corner. Allowing his thoughts to wander, he braced his shoulder against the wall to st
eady himself as he took a piss.
The girl he’d dreamed about, the one that he’d been so drawn to was telling him that he was an Angel with comfortingly commanding voice and expressive eyes. He rubbed his chest; the ‘missing something’ feeling that he’d lived with almost his entire life was just…gone, vanished with a warm smile and a dry sense of humor. He felt like something had slotted into place with the appearance of this mysterious Princess.
Even in the obviously borrowed clothes she wore, her posture demanded respect, giving off an air of her royal title. Her beauty and lighthearted spirit drew him still closer to her, helped along by a bone-deep desire to stay by her side.
It was almost as if he were still trapped in a fever dream from his mystery illness, but he felt compelled to believe her, to be with her, to help her, and protect her.
That, and he’d never had a dream where every single part of his body was sore.
There was more to this story, more to her and what she was beginning to mean to him and he was eager to find the answers.
He finished and stepped over to the sink, laying a hand on the porcelain to once again aid his wobbly legs. However, despite the initial weakness, his limbs felt lighter, more powerful, strength returning to his body along with something more. He glanced up at his haggard reflection in the bathroom mirror and reached back to scratch idly at an annoyingly itchy spot between his shoulder blades that had been bothering him since he woke up. He froze, a thought suddenly occurring to him.
Angels had wings, right?
He gripped the sink and breathed deeply before he pulled up his shirt and turned around to look at his back in the mirror.
He found nothing but smooth skin, speckled with freckles. He huffed out a breath, not quite relief, but not quite disappointment either.
“How do they look?” Danny’s voice came from the other side of the door. Startled by her voice, Luke whirled around, his heart flying in his throat as he allowed his shirt to drop back down.
“How does what look?” Luke called back.
“Your wings.”
“WHAT?” He squawked. There were a few moments of silence from the voice on the other side of the door.
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