Her eyes were staring at him, intently. He was not looking at her; he was keeping to himself, even if they were sitting close nearby. The cave was clean, even if not as spacious as before the clearing was left destroyed; they could finally enter, Alexis could finally sleep inside. Just this morning they had managed to push all the rubble away and out, they piled it all up near some trees. Both were now just trying to assimilate it, sitting inside doing nothing, catching their breaths.

A small squeak echoed; a black rabbit outstretched himself lazily, and then slumped happily on the lap he rested on. The hand petting him rubbed between his pointy ears, not really paying mind to him. Alexis was not looking down at Abiel; he was staring at a rocky wall, while his free hand brushed the necklace he was wearing. Ayako was looking up to him intently, sitting on a smaller rock on the ground; her eyes were fixed on the golden glints, on the fingers that brushed the feathers in a trance.

“It… feels weird, doesn’t it?”

Her voice echoed faintly in the cave, with uncertainty. Alexis blinked at last, and then raised an eyebrow down at her, just as if he now just remembered she was there.

“What?”

She did not roll her eyes at his dumbfounded reaction; instead, she pointed at the necklace he was wearing, somewhat timidly, seeming almost fearful of speaking.

“I know what happened to you, Alexis. You… miss them, don’t you? I bet if feels weird to have a physical reminder, but not be able to feel them there.”

Alexis’ shoulders shook subtly, and she noticed. His eyes darted all around him, like if he was trying to think of an answer, nervously. She was about to think she made a mistake by asking, for an angel’s wings were something precious. Luckily, Alexis managed to mutter something, without looking at her in the eye.

“It really is strange. But I’m getting used to it. It’s been a while, Aya.”

A while indeed. Her blue eyes narrowed, and she looked down for a moment. When she next spoke, she managed to make Alexis look sideways at her in slight surprise.

“I thought that by now you would have already told me to scram.” She chuckled tiredly, while she shrugged. “I know you said that you don’t… hmm, how do I word it, blame me?”

“Please, we both know that if I told you to leave, you would only have doubled down on keeping an eye. You’re stubborn and thickheaded.”

Ayako blinked, interrupted sharply by his snarky comment. She quickly pouted at him, not one to shy when she was made fun off. He was not faced when she crossed her arms sharply and replied quickly.

“Well, excuse me for being grateful and worried. I am just trying to make a point of my good will; I thought I made it clear. Or is it that maybe I still scare you deep inside, little angel? I hoped we were over that. I am sure still surprised to see one like you, but I wrapped my mind around your weirdness.”

There was no resentment or dislike in either of them, just fatigue. Alexis sighed and moved Abiel away from his lap, to the annoyance of the grumpy animal. He leaned backwards and let go of his necklace, not without giving it a quick glance.

“I as well thought I did not need to tell you to go away; you know very well why. Can’t we drop this conversation? It’s going to give me a headache I don’t want right now.”

She didn’t want to leave, for motives he knew well. Little did she know that the motives he had for her to stay were different to the ones she had in mind. She wanted to prove she was of no harm, that she wanted to be of aid to him, even if she had spilt angelic blood on her hands. Meanwhile, he only wanted her to stay, at any cost, for her to be close to them. Both he and Uriel had lost her once, and he really did not want to see her go again.

He was frowning deeply, thinking to himself, remembering all the things that she couldn’t. He snapped out of it when she suddenly began to whisper, worriedly.

“Is it bad that part of me wants to stay and keep an eye on him?” Alexis grasped a little his necklace again, because Ayako was staring at it, like if it was the only thing she could see. “I know that he… he gave you back the necklace; left it that morning on the ground, for you to take back. I have seen how he looks at you, how he behaves. Yet part of me wants to keep watching, to make sure nothing happens. I feel this way, even if I feel like he wouldn’t ever do you harm again. He protected us both, but I have this uneasiness inside, around you two. It is not easy to deal with. I don’t know what to do; you two are a mystery to me, and I don’t know if I should unveil it.”

Alexis felt a sting of sorrow, just by seeing her like this. She was staring at his feathers, which hanged by his neck; he could see the sadness in her eyes, which she could not even understand. She had done something horrible to him once, yet she had no memory of it. The damage was there anyway, and only he and Uriel truly knew. She believed only in lies, in the dread that they could make each other bleed, once more, yet also for the first time.

“Ayako, one thing you can do.” She looked up, and was taken aback, because he suddenly yawned and acted completely dismissive. “I’m tired; like, very tired. I want some peace, but I can hear my demon, trying to push rocks up there like an idiot. Can you tell him to quit it for today? Maybe then we can have a nap, and discuss the rent of this cave next morning.”

One would think she would be annoyed by the fact he was dismissing her worries; however, she reacted to the last sentence he said. She sat up and scoffed, just as he plopped down lazily onto his rocky bed.

“Wait, what? Rent? Are you implying that I’ll have to pay you something if I want to stay in this messy and ugly hole in a cliff?”

He just nodded while he laid his head onto his arms, eyes closed with a faint smug grin.

“Yup.”

“No. Way.” He huffed, because he felt something land onto him. He opened one eye, and noticed that she had thrown a small blanket at him, in anger. He could not complain, because she was already storming out grumpily out the cave. “I will sleep outside; and I will have a great view of the sky and stars! Like I’m going to let you be all sassy about this! And this is not your forest anyway!”

Her next grumbles and sarcastic remarks were muffled, because she was out of sight. He just sighed with a smile, and then leaned more lazily under the blanket, even if it was not outstretched and was a messy bundle. With her gone, he began to arrange mentally the possibilities of the upcoming days, and the multiple paths he could decide to take.

Little did Alexis know that above, Uriel was trying to sort his own thoughts as well. His violet eyes were fixed and narrowed. His claws were outstretched, almost shaking while they rested on a huge stone. His breaths were silent, but deep and troubled. His eyes were seeing something that was not there, instead of the rock he had been trying to move seconds ago, before the haunting thoughts overtook his serenity. His heart was beating fast and painfully, even if his angel was nearby. He was imagining each possible outcome, each reaction that could happen if he decided to take action. He imagined himself nearing the two in the morning, only to be stared and watched wearily all day. He imagined speaking with Alexis, to try to convey the danger they were daring, only for her to near him and listen with distrust. He thought of words he could say to swear his honor once more, only for her to answer with words of doubt. He thought of one last thing, of leaving; and that was when he could not take it anymore. He snarled and pushed away the thoughts, knowing that the last path was not an option to him. He knew he would take the same course today: reclusion. He hated it, he felt cornered; and so, he applied more force onto the rock in front of him, almost furiously.

While he tried to move the heavy debris, he did not hear the faint steps behind him. He was all too focused on not thinking to notice, hear, or smell the one who was staring at him now. Once that person decided to speak, he got the scare of his life.

“He is not kidding when he calls you stubborn.”

Uriel almost swiped the air with his claws as he turned around. He slammed his hands onto the rock behind him, while he stared mouth agape at Ayako, who was not too far from him with her arms behind her back.

“H-how long have you been there?”

Alexis would yell at her grumpily with all the air in his lungs; Uriel just whispered the question with a little trembling breath. Sometimes their attitudes did not match with their races. All humans expected demons to be fierce and mighty, but Uriel only was like that when he was ready for a fight. She leaned her head, noticing how shy he was getting by the second; he was recovering from the scare, but was now curling his tail and shying, even stepping a little near the rock, like if it would hide him from her. She just spoke with a friendly tone, almost joking, not pointing out his nervousness.

“You really won’t move that rock bare clawed. You need tools, a hammer or a shovel; it would be easier if you broke it in half.” The ground was humid with the water that tried to course past the rocks that plagued the cliff. She pointed at another rock past the one he was trying to move, and tried to give some friendly advice. “Maybe, if you got rid of the ones there, the water would flow closer to the edge, and weaken the base of this one. Then, maybe you can really push it off.”

He was just staring at her, looking time to time around him, not really knowing what to say, or why this meeting was happening. After a long painful silence, she decided to keep talking calmly.

“Or, you know, ignore my advice and keep pushing rocks with brute force. You’ll waste months like that until it flows.”

Uriel bit his lip subtly, because he had known very well that his methods were not the most efficient. He knew he had just occupied his mind with something mundane, hoping it would keep him busy for as long as possible. With her here today, one of the thoughts he had dreaded faded. He sighed, and then held his claws together as he spoke.

“You’re right.” Ayako’s eyes filled with surprise, because she finally heard him speak directly, after the day they were attacked and met. His voice was soft, even if it now tangled with cynicism; his manners were all too gentle for his strong appearance. “I should really try to use my brain instead of stupid force. I’ll keep it in mind if I can; I want to clear this waterfall as soon as possible. You two have to take a long path to reach a river now, and it would be better if you had water by the cave. Thank you for the advice.”

Ayako watched as he turned and stepped a little away, not enough to get out of sight; he just got back to work, paying more mind to smaller rocks, like she said. He was not looking at her, and so, she could not see his expression. Even though she knew he was not angry, she feared she had only worsened it all. She really wanted to ease things between her and the ones who had saved her; so she coughed, and began to mutter more small talk.

“Hey, sometimes, force is necessary. I was not implying that you are…” He kept looking at the waterfall, not saying word. She frowned, and got to the point. “You really worry for your angel.”

He just answered with two words, simple and firm.

“I do.”

He did not try to explain himself more. One of his dreadful thoughts was of her growing weary of his insistent preaches, and so, he preferred to avoid saying much about his motives. He heard her again, and each word made him feel more on edge.

“Well, that worry is really taking a toll on you. Look at those hands.” He quickly gave her a quick glance, and saw her staring at his claws. He followed her gaze and looked at the faint bruises he had on them. “Those were not there before. You’re working too much here, and not in the right way.”

Uriel let out a tired sigh and frowned. He suddenly stood taller and puffed out his chest, while he turned slowly to face her. Ayako was not faced by his sudden seriousness, because he spoke calmly and respectfully, even if suddenly firm and sure of himself.

“Look, I appreciate your concern, but I am fine. These are nothing but mere scratches.”

“And what about your nails?”

She caught how his expression lost some confidence, but not his firmness. He held back his broken nails from her stare, still trying to brush all comments off.

“They grow back, they will be sharp again.” It even helped him feel better, for the fact that no one could accuse him of using them to kill an angel, with them being dulled. “I don’t need them anyway.”

“What about that sleepy face? You look exhausted.”

He lost his firmness. He stuttered, while his shoulders and tail slumped subtly.

“I am not tired. What makes you think that a demon would tire this easily?”

“The fact that we can hear you moving up here all night… Every single day.”

“…” He huffed and looked up with defeat. He next smiled at her tiredly, almost mockingly. “Next, you will point out that my clothes have mud on them, or that my hair is unkempt.”

She grinned, seeing an opening for her usual mockery.

“No, Alexis told me that you need a daily laundry, or else you freak out. You like to go to that lake as much as him, as long as you’re alone.”

She loved how his face grew red. He just stood there, tense and frozen, with no words. She decided to drop it and go ahead with her plan.

“Well, Uriel, I know that you can handle yourself up here. You’re a strong demon; I would never imply you can’t take care of yourself. But maybe, just maybe…” She outstretched her arms sideways and motioned over the cliff, to the clearing below, like if she was inviting him to a party. “You could follow me for a while, have some warm dinner, instead of whatever you’re finding around. You could take a break! I can offer you a shovel in the morning, I’m sure Alexis won’t even notice me taking it. What do you say?”

A faint glint crossed those sharp violet eyes, something that she did not see, and something that she would not understand. He felt hope for a second, he thought of the past, of cherished memories; however, it only lasted for an instant. He opened his mouth with a sigh, and let a few words flow between his fangs, while he looked away from her.

“Thanks for the offer, but I-”

He couldn’t finish, another voice interrupted him, somewhat harshly.

“Should keep your distance, indeed.”

Both Uriel and Ayako blinked, they were surprised and taken aback. They looked sideways and up, and saw Lykaios there, watching, outstretched almost playfully and mockingly on a tall rock near the waterfall. Those red eyes were staring at them both, while a sly smile crept slowly on his maws. Uriel began to fidget, not really having felt the other demon there. Ayako let out a frustrated growl, and did not doubt to scold her old friend and protector.

“Lykaios, this is not what I meant when I told you to keep an eye.” The huge lynx let out a yawn, showing feigned indifference while she condemned his interruption. “You stubborn old demon, you haven’t been stalking him, have you?”

“Only doing my job.” Lykaios began to tap a paw on the rock while he expressed his thoughts. “All demons know well not to trust each other. He may have defended you, and I may have prevented his demise, but that does not mean I will lay down my weariness. Who can imagine his inner intentions? We are all feral and greedy deep down.”

Ayako was giving Lykaios the most fed up look she could. On the other hand, Uriel was standing there awkwardly, not understanding why Lykaios was speaking like this now. All these days, Lykaios had been whispering to him, compelling him to near Alexis and Ayako, begging for lost ties to be rebuilt. Now, he was lashing at him verbally, yet again.

Before the two demons could say anything, Ayako stomped her feet and crossed her arms firmly.

“What I know for sure is that some of you are crazy beyond belief.” She looked back at Uriel with softer eyes, and made him fidget more when she questioned him. “You have been here to keep an eye on Lykaios, haven’t you? Even though I told you he wouldn’t attack your angel…”

Uriel did not know where to look. He was sweating, and clearly uncomfortable. He had no idea what was happening, and in the end, he was only dragged further into it by the plotting of the red eyed demon. Lykaios waved a claw down at them both while he scoffed.

“He’s just paranoid; he is young and foolish after all. I’ve saved his life, but he still thinks I will steal his prey. Can’t blame his suspicion though, for I dread he may harm you as well. You would not believe how many nights I have seen him trying to spot me in the dark, while I hid and-”

“Well, from now on you are going to really hide, you cranky tomcat!” Lykaios opened one eye and hid a smile. She was waving her fist up at him from below. “If I catch you creeping on them again, I will put a leash on you!”

She was extremely grateful to Lykaios, but she would always be firm against anyone in the wrong. Uriel blinked dumbfounded when she snatched one of his claws in her hand. She quickly began to pull at him, to go down to the clearing.

“Come Uriel, you don’t have to worry about this old devil.”

“B-but-”

“No buts! Just follow me and leave the cliff already. You want to keep an eye on Alexis, don’t you?”

Uriel opened his mouth, wanting to say no and yes at once. He could say neither; he was surprised at how strongly she was managing to make him follow. He decided to keep quiet, not wanting to annoy her. Before she could drag him between tall trees, he looked back; he saw Lykaios there on the rock, winking and laughing silently. His violet eyes opened with realization, and he knew he had been played into going with the other two.

Lykaios saw them both walk out of sight; he heard them arrive down at the clearing after some minutes. He heard the nervous mumbles of Uriel, who was surely trying to excuse himself away. He heard the loud voice of Ayako, surely imposing her will. He heard small talk, and the sound of flames, followed by the sound of lazy steps out a cave. The voice of the young demon was now more nervous, while the voice of an angel echoed carelessly and lazily, like if the three of them had always sat near a fire every day.

The night soon came, not without silence. The voices had faded at dawn, tangling with hesitation. The sound of peaceful breaths echoed, when a human succumbed to sleep inside a cave. Two remained awake, unable to sleep. Their eyes were not daring to look; their gazes were firmly fixed on the red flames near them. Only after hours one spoke, almost casually.

“I’m glad you stood around; almost thought you would bolt for the cliff if I blinked.”

The other spoke tiredly, clenching his claws around his knees.

“You made me stay, quite stubbornly. Without being able to leave, this was bound to happen.”

“Hey, I only made you do what you wanted deep inside. Don’t you blame me now; I saw that tail of yours sway happily as she dragged you along.”

“I don’t blame you. You know that I am thankful, to no end. I still have my life, and I can see you both. However, we both know that I don’t really deserve this second chance.”

“Your priorities are… fucked up. Being burned alive doesn’t sound like a pleasant thing to experience. You’re telling me that you regret this?”

Uriel finally looked up from the flames. His eyes darted, and then narrowed as he looked into the cave. His expression grew sorrowful and happy at the same time, seeing her sleeping soundly, without worry. His whisper was soft, almost hopeful.

“No. I’m just trying to accept it.”