Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Temptation's Desire ❯ Seduction ( Chapter 1 )

FAKE

 

Temptation's Desire

 

by Lady Dragonphire

 

Summary: Can a forbidden love so strong between an angel and a demon be allowed to exist, or must they sacrifice everything they have with each other to attain salvation? DeexRyo.

 

Disclaimer: FAKE and its characters are the property of Sanami Matoh. This fantasy story is my own interpretation of angels and demons and the portrayal of the legends concerning the characters in the story is not based off of any religious canon. The fic is in no way meant to offend anyone of any religious affiliation.

 

A/N: This story was inspired from the fic Of Angels & Demons by katastrophic88, which can be read at www.fanfiction.net/s/1819840/1/

Many thanks to her for letting me incorporate some of her wonderful ideas into my trilogy. Special thanks goes to my awesome beta Nightstalker, to my friend Okashii, and to the readers for their continued support. Enjoy!

 

Background Notes:

In the fic, angels live in the realm of Elysium and demons live in the realm of Hades. Both realms exist above Earth, although Earth is the only one that both can visit.

Angels and demons are not immortal, but angels do have the ability to make others immortal, thus becoming immortal themselves under certain circumstances.

 

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Chapter 1. Seduction

 

Ryo loved visiting Earth. Although it was forbidden for angels to venture out alone from their protected realm of Elysium, he felt that from his previous experience, nothing but bliss would befall him as he allowed himself to revel in Earth's beauty. A gentle spring breeze wafted gently around him as he descended into a deserted forest clearing and landed gracefully, fanning his shimmering white wings before retracting them to lay against his back. The soft grass cushioned his bare feet as the morning sun shined brightly down upon his creamy porcelain skin. Strands of his silky honey blond hair were lifted from his face, softly brushing against his fair cheek before they settled back into place. Ryo breathed deeply in contentment as he walked towards a peaceful stream, its surface as pure and clear as polished glass. Butterflies flitted about near brilliantly colored wildflowers and songbirds sung their greeting from the tops of the forest's trees. A giant weeping willow dipped its branches into the stream, as if testing the waters and finding them beyond satisfaction.

 

Ryo untied the silver sash that held the soft material wrapped around his waist and folded it neatly. Letting his white garment slide down over his sleekly toned legs and stepping out of it, Ryo laid it on a rock nearby and ventured into the cool stream, gingerly wading in until the water came up to his slim waist. Cupping his hands, he took a refreshing drink and proceeded to splash water onto his chest and shoulders, letting the water trickle down his body in enticing rivulets to return to its source. Ryo closed his dark obsidian eyes as he basked in the delicious cool stream. The reflection of the sunlight danced across the water, rippling slightly with each dip of his slender fingers that skimmed across its surface as Ryo hummed softly.

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Dee winced as he walked through the forest, leaning on a walking stick that supported the weight from his wounded leg. The demon ruefully surveyed the damage that had been done to his wing as he cautiously extended it outward. The shiny feathers, black as midnight, were caked with dried blood from his injury. His flashing emerald eyes narrowed in frustration. Without the use of his wing, he would not be able to return to the realm of Hades. He would have to adapt to the realm of Earth until he had fully healed. No doubt this would lead to another attack on his life while he remained. Next time he might not be so fortunate in getting the upper hand on his attacker. Glancing forward, he shielded his sensitive eyes from the bright sunlight and noticed that there was a clearing up ahead. He pushed on resolutely. He remembered that a stream lay beyond the thick foliage where he could cleanse his injury and prevent further infection of his wounds.

 

Dee pushed aside a budding branch and gasped softly as he entered the clearing. Before him, his waist caressed by the gentle lapping of water, stood the most beautiful being he had ever laid eyes upon. Dee's verdant eyes devoured the gorgeous honey colored tresses that led down to a sleek neckline, broad shoulders, and a sculpted back that narrowed at the waistline. The vision before him was framed by a gorgeous pair of white wings that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. Dee proceeded cautiously, careful not to make a sound that would shatter the illusion before him and betray his presence to the unsuspecting angel bathing in the stream. The raven-haired demon limped his way down to the other end of the stream, taking comfort in the fact that the angel posed him no harm in this wooded sanctuary.

 

As Ryo opened his heavy-lidded eyes contentedly, he was startled to see a shadow moving slowly across the water's rippling surface that indicated the presence of another in this haven of solitude. Turning around quickly and demurely shielding his body with his wing, he peeked out shyly from behind the feathers and trembled in fear and wonder at the sight before him. A wave of intoxication washed over him as his dark eyes took in the imposing figure of a tall demon with beautiful olive-toned skin. His broad chest, muscular arms, and firm abdomen gleamed in the sun as a light sheen of sweat glistened upon his lithe body. His black leather pants were torn at the bottom of one knee, revealing a severe wound on his muscular leg that was tied with remnants of what had once been his shirt. Angry dark red splotches of blood stained the makeshift bandage, and Dee leaned heavily upon a stick for support. His wings were spread open, the ebony feathers fluttering softly in the breeze, although one wing appeared to be painfully bent at an odd angle. Ryo's wide inquisitive eyes trailed up to meet strikingly beautiful pools of deep green framed by a fall of raven hair that enhanced the demon's roguishly handsome features as Dee met the beautiful angel's gaze unwaveringly.

 

A shiver ran through Ryo's body at the intensity resonating from those captivating depths as his heart pounded against his chest. He had never been inundated with such overwhelming feelings before. He hurriedly backed away in fear towards his discarded garment, his dark expressive eyes never leaving Dee's.

 

“Wait, please. You don't have to go. I only came here to tend to my injuries. I did not mean to disturb you,” Dee entreated. “I mean you no harm.” He did not wish to frighten the innocently beautiful being that he felt a compelling attraction to, coupled with a striking rapturous desire that he couldn't deny. In fact, he felt a strong sense of protectiveness for the fair angel who caused his own pulse to quicken as he surveyed Ryo's gorgeous midnight eyes that sparkled in the sunlight from behind his wing.

 

Ryo paused and observed Dee warily before his eyes softened. There was an underlying seductiveness present in Dee's expressive features that conveyed a hint of temptation, inexplicably drawing Ryo to him. Ryo blushed delightfully as he lifted his garment from the rock and wrapped it around his lower body modestly before tying it with his sash and climbing out of the stream. Dee gave him a sultry smile before slowly limping down to the water's edge, struggling to find holds for his walking stick on the treacherously slippery bank.

 

To Ryo's bewilderment, the demon had not tried to approach him threateningly or to hurt him in any way, although other angels had warned him against trusting these deceptively charming enchanters. However, there was just something about Dee that drew Ryo to him, burning down the walls of mistrust surrounding Ryo's heart. His curiosity overruling his initial fear, Ryo's heart went out to the darkly handsome demon who was obviously in a lot of pain.

 

To Dee's surprise, the delicate angel padded softly over to him, his beautiful dark eyes full of concern. “I-I can help,” Ryo ventured hesitantly as he neared Dee, frowning at the severity of Dee's injuries and noticing that Dee's wing was tattered and bleeding in addition to being broken, as he had initially suspected. Ryo held his arms out cautiously as he approached the demon.

 

“It's not necessary,” Dee rebuffed him, afraid of the repercussions of Ryo associating with him. With every moment that the beautiful angel remained near him, Dee's initial compelling attraction and desire for him grew stronger. He could only deny his physical urges for so much longer before his demon's body betrayed him. He was not sure that he could place restraint on what his heart yearned for, for he had never spoken with an angel before, much less one that was as alluringly beautiful as the one who stood before him. Was the innocent angel naïve as well? For angels and demons to have intercourse with each other was strictly forbidden, punishable by banishment from their respective realms or in some cases, death. Dee did not want this cruel fate to befall the shy beauty standing before him. “I can take care of myself. I only need to wash and bind my wounds. It's nothing that I can't handle alone,” he said, determined not to show any weakness to the angel.

 

Ryo looked taken aback at Dee's refusal of his services. Didn't he know of the healing powers that angels possessed? Despite never having met any demons, Ryo could not just let someone suffer, no matter who they were. No matter what other angels had told him about demons, he could sense that there was good in Dee's heart. Dee stumbled suddenly as his walking stick slipped on the mossy embankment and Ryo caught him by the arm, steadying him until he was able to stand by himself. “Please, let me help you,” Ryo implored, seeing Dee's face contort in pain as he quickly stood on one foot to lessen the crushing weight from exacerbating his wounded leg.

 

Dee grunted in response, not seeing how the delicate angel could do much for him, but willing to acquiesce to him if it meant that the seraphic being would remain near him awhile longer. Ryo's presence was calming, and Dee felt that he could trust the angel. “Very well,” Dee consented with a wry grin as Ryo helped him to sit down on the ground, “Although I don't like being in someone's debt.”

 

Even this statement did not deter the angel from his selfless intent. “You owe me nothing,” Ryo promised with a shy smile. “All I ask is that you protect me on Earth until I have safely departed for Elysium.” Seeing Dee nod in agreement, Ryo knelt down next to Dee and placed his hands over the wound on Dee's leg. Closing his eyes, Ryo seemed to gather his strength before breathing deeply and bracing himself.

 

As Dee watched in amazement, a faint ethereal white light began to glow around Ryo. His shimmering wings extended from his body to their fullest as he threw his head back and closed his eyes, the light steadily becoming more intense. Ryo shuddered and began to breathe harder as he concentrated on the daunting task of fully healing Dee's wounds. It was as if he was summoning all of his energy from both his body and his spirit to pour forth. The radiant beauty was truly breathtaking as he basked in the powerful vibrations wracking his lithe body. A comforting tingling sensation flowed from his slender hands and pulsed into Dee's injury, resonating warmth and a sensation of vitality throughout Dee's entire body as the pain subsided and the source of the wound closed up, fully healed.

 

Ryo placed a hand to his sweat-dampened forehead, a wave of dizziness threatening to drain him of all strength as the light of his aura subsided, but he still had Dee's wing to attend to. Ryo faced Dee and looked deep into his eyes. He was stunned to see an expression of awe and wonder adorning Dee's handsome features as Dee gazed at him in turn and held Ryo gently around his waist. Resting one hand on Dee's shoulder opposite his injured wing, Ryo gingerly placed his other hand against Dee's ebony feathers and began to heal that injury as well in the same fashion, clutching Dee's broad shoulder for support as wave after wave of healing energy flowed into Dee. Dee's heart rate began to increase as he felt Ryo writhing against his body. Ryo's breath tickled the tender flesh of his neck as Ryo pressed himself fully against Dee in an attempt to pour the energy directly into the demon's wing. Finally, Dee's wing was mended and he flexed it experimentally before stretching it out fully. The glowing light surrounding Ryo subsided and he closed his dark eyes, collapsing against Dee's chest and relinquishing himself to the limits of his physical body in defeat.

 

Dee caught Ryo as the exhausted angel fell against him, amazed that Ryo had healed him with such compassion. He frowned as he noticed that Ryo's face was buried in the crook of his neck and that Ryo lay unmoving. Dee gently extricated Ryo from against his body, placing one hand behind Ryo's head and the other underneath his back, tenderly gathering him in his strong arms and draping him in a sitting position across his thighs as he supported him.

 

Seeing Ryo's dark eyelashes lift upwards to unveil his kind eyes, Dee breathed a sigh of relief as he leaned over him and gently brushed a strand of honey blond hair away from his face. “Are you all right?” he asked worriedly, his voice filled with concern and guilt over the fact that Ryo was now in this fragile condition because of helping him.

 

“Yes,” Ryo replied in a weak voice, giving Dee a reassuring smile as he seemed to drown in the emerald depths of his eyes. “I'll be fine. I must have expended too much energy when I healed you. Sometimes I don't know my own limits.”

 

Dee accepted this explanation, although he did not know that secretly Ryo's heart had gone out to him, seeing him in so much pain. Ryo did indeed realize the boundaries of his healing powers, knowing that he would only be able to heal one of Dee's wounds without succumbing to vulnerability. However, he could not bear to see Dee suffer and knew the danger of either an angel or a demon remaining on the realm of Earth for an extended period of time, especially in any state of defenselessness.

 

Dee contemplated why Ryo had dared to help him at all as he stood and gently lifted the weakened angel into his arms. Angels were known for their kindness, not their foolishness. He wondered why the fair-haired angel had rendered himself at the mercy of a demon, their kind hated and feared by all angels. Even if Dee did not pose a threat to him, he would not be able to fly back to the realm of Elysium after the sun had dipped below the horizon. While angels' bodies craved sunlight and daytime, demons' more powerful bodies basked in the moonlight and darkness and were better equipped to handle the threats of the night. Ryo would be at a definite disadvantage should he have to remain throughout the night while he still had to recover his strength.

 

Dee gently placed Ryo down onto a soft patch of grass under a shady tree that would shield his pale skin from too much exposure to the bright sunlight. Dee positioned Ryo so that he was lying on his back, careful to make sure that Ryo's wings were spread out beneath him so that his weight would not crush them. Ryo extended his wings and spread them underneath himself before sighing and lying down in exhaustion. Dee sat on the ground next to him, long legs stretched out as he leaned over Ryo and anchored himself above him with one arm.

 

Ryo's breath caught in his throat as he took in the intoxicating nearness of Dee's emerald eyes, their depths seeming to burn into his very soul as he drowned in the enchanting green pools. As Dee leaned in closer to Ryo, a soft blush spread across Ryo's face and his pulse quickened. Despite Dee's seemingly dangerous intent, he looked into Ryo's eyes and simply said, “Thank you.” The words were spoken with genuine gratitude and touched the angel's heart deeply.

 

Dee leaned down closer to Ryo, his lips poised only inches from Ryo's own as he stroked Ryo's cheek softly with his fingertips. Ryo closed his dark eyes, entranced, and leaned into the touch. Dee's long eyelashes veiled his eyes as he brushed his lips softly against Ryo's, capturing his mouth in a gentle kiss filled with desire yet not asking for anything in return. Ryo trembled slightly from the passionate intensity conveyed from Dee's kiss as Dee's sultry lips lingered against his, caressing them in yearning for a love that could never be as Dee reluctantly broke the tender kiss.

 

“You're welcome,” Ryo whispered, left surprised and breathless from Dee's heartfelt display of gratitude. Ryo smiled bashfully up at Dee as a rosy blush burned upon his fair cheeks. He had been surprised that Dee had bestowed upon him a loving, gentle kiss. Maybe the tales he had heard about demons had no bearing to them after all, he mused. He felt safe with Dee and knew from the depths of his heart that Dee would never harm him, despite the supposed hatred that existed between the two races.

 

Dee's heart melted at the sight of the exotic beauty lying before him, Ryo's fair skin and honey colored hair contrasting with the dark depths of his obsidian eyes. It was no wonder that many of his kind as well as the humans desired to ravage the angels who walked among them. It would be so easy to take advantage of the situation, but although Dee desired Ryo, he only smiled back at him instead and gently held Ryo's hand in his larger one. He longed to establish a bond of trust with the sweet angel and found himself wanting to become one with him in both body and spirit, the punishment for the forbidden act only heightening the sanctity that he held for it and fueling his determination to defy the misconceptions that the two races held for each other. If two beings belonged together, then what did it matter what the world thought as long as they had each other? However, the consequence of the joining of their two bodies was unthinkable. Two questions weighed heavily on Dee's mind. What would happen to the gorgeous angel if he consented to lay with him? And would he be willing to risk a potentially unknown fate on the beautiful Ryo? No, Dee decided. Ryo had already risked his life for him once. He would not ask him to do it again. However, Dee would still uphold his promise to protect Ryo until he had regained enough strength to fly home to his protected realm.

 

Letting go of Ryo's hand, Dee got to his feet and turned, starting to walk into the forest. Ryo suddenly felt alone without the comfort that Dee seemed to envelop him in. Watching as the raven-haired figure departed, Ryo hesitantly called out, “Wait - I don't know your name.”

 

Dee turned around and addressed the fair-haired angel. “You must rest. I am going to gather some berries to help you replenish your strength so that you will be able to return home before dark. My name is Dee; feel free to call me by it whenever you need anything,” he said, winking at Ryo suggestively.

 

Ryo blushed at the subtle undertone laced with innuendo present in Dee's words. Shielding himself demurely with one wing, he ventured, “My name is Ryo. Thank you for your kindness.”

 

“I gave you my word that I would protect you, and that is exactly what I intend to do. Don't go anywhere while I'm gone,” Dee replied as he pushed a leafy branch aside and disappeared into the forest.

 

Ryo closed his eyes and breathed deeply, resting contentedly on the soft grass. Maybe he was going to like coming to Earth by himself after all. He doubted that many of his kind would have been willing to talk to Dee, let alone help him. Secretly he hoped that this would not be the last time that he encountered the dashing raven-haired demon. He had never felt like this before with anyone else, and the intensity of the feelings that he could not deny both frightened and exhilarated him.

 

Suddenly, Ryo's wrists were grabbed roughly and held together across his chest in a vise-like grip as he simultaneously felt a powerful hand clamp over his mouth. His eyes flew open in shock as he struggled in the grip of his unknown captor, his heart pounding against his chest. An unfamiliar face of a human stared down at him, the stormy gray eyes cold and empty, as the burly man snarled, “Keep quiet. Make one wrong move and it'll be your last.” He took his hand away from Ryo's mouth and whipped a knife with a serrated blade out of his pocket, placing it against the angel's pale throat. “I doubt that even angels would be able to withstand that much blood loss.”

 

Ryo whimpered helplessly in response as the imposing figure above him viciously ripped his garment off, exposing Ryo's virgin flesh to lustful predatory eyes and licking his lips in satisfaction as he saw a hint of fear flicker behind Ryo's wide eyes. “Legend has it that if one lies with an angel, one will receive immortality. It's my lucky day. It seems that you are all alone, and quite a beauty too. Time to find out if that story is true,” the man salivated sadistically as he violently thrust Ryo's legs apart and folded them so that they rested back against his stomach, the man's crushing weight making it difficult for Ryo to breathe as he gasped for air.

 

“Please,” Ryo pleaded, tears shimmering in his dark eyes, his body weakened beyond the ability to put up resistance as he desperately flapped his wings in protest. “Don't do this.”

 

“Too late,” the man hissed as he started to undo the belt on his pants. Powerless to resist, Ryo closed his eyes in agonizing trepidation as he prepared for his body to endure the greatest transgression that man could commit against an angel, taking his gift of immortality by force and forever tarnishing his heavenly body and soul. `Dee,' his heart pleaded in one last desperate attempt for salvation before he acknowledged that defeat was inevitable as the man's imposing figure loomed over him threateningly.

 

“What the hell do you think you're doing?! Get away from him!” a strong voice commanded as a great rush of air descended upon the struggling pair. Ryo heard the flurry of wings strongly beating above him and felt the large man being wrenched off of him. The angel's eyes shot open and his heart soared with hope as he saw Dee suspended over him, flapping his powerful wings and holding the man in a steely grip as an intense red glow emanated from his body. Dee's emerald eyes glittered with anger as he threw the man to the ground and landed, putting himself between the man and the angel. Dee walked over to the man, his large ebony wings spread defensively to shield Ryo from harm and his face blazing with fury as his flashing emerald eyes gleamed fiercely at the splayed figure of the offending human. Dee flexed his strong arm muscles and grabbed the man's wrists, deftly twisting the man's left arm behind his back and squeezing his right hand, causing his weapon to fall from his grasp as Dee exerted pressure against his body, forcing the man to kneel before him in submission.

 

“You - I thought I'd killed you,” the man gasped in fear and astonishment as he felt the full force of Dee's anger resonating throughout ever fiber of his being. Dee towered over him, glowing with a fiery red aura that emanated a fierce protectiveness of Ryo.

 

“You didn't try hard enough,” Dee intoned threateningly. “I'm not that easy to kill.” Ryo heard the sound of bones snapping and cringed as Dee bent the man's fingers back, crushing them with conviction. “Now you won't be able to threaten anyone ever again with your weapon hand. You should be grateful that I don't break your other hand as well. Now leave my sight and never return to this place. Your life has been spared. Don't make me regret my decision,” Dee commanded in a dangerously low voice dripping with venom.

 

The man hurriedly backed away and got to his feet, fleeing as if a scorching fire was licking at his heels and driven by fear of the demon's wrath. He wondered why a demon had dared to protect an angel when they were supposedly bitter enemies, but he did not want to wait around to find out since he valued his life.

 

Dee seethed with rage as he watched the retreating form of the man running away in fear. Inside, he yearned to kill him for equitable punishment, but he decided that he would not subject the innocent angel to any more hate and violence than he had already witnessed today. Dee swiftly turned around to face the trembling Ryo and folded his ebony wings behind him, his fiery aura dispelling as his vengeful demeanor was replaced by a gentle tenderness. “Did he hurt you?” Dee asked in concern as he knelt next to Ryo's prone form, draping Ryo's discarded clothing across his lap and securing it with his sash before clasping Ryo's hand in his.

 

“N-No, he just frightened me,” Ryo whispered, drained of strength and shaking violently as he struggled to sit up with Dee's help. “I don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't been there to help me,” Ryo admitted softly. “You saved my life.”

 

“Well, I vowed to protect you. I heard you calling me and I returned as soon as I could. I couldn't bear to think of what he was planning to do to you,” Dee confessed as he held Ryo close to him, embracing him in a soothing hug.

 

A puzzled look crossed Ryo's handsome face. “I never got a chance to call out,” he protested in confusion, shaking his honey-blond head in disagreement. “He forbade me to speak lest he silence me eternally.”

 

Dee moved back slightly and placed his hand underneath Ryo's chin, tilting his face up so that Ryo was forced to look into his intense green eyes, framed by his thick raven tresses. He brought Ryo's hand up to rest against his chest over his heart. “I heard you in here. When you were attacked, you called out to me to protect you when your weakened body failed you. When you healed me, you left a part of your spiritual energy within me that established the connection,” Dee explained.

 

“Thank you,” Ryo said softly. “You don't know how much this means to me. Angels can only grant the gift of immortality to one other being. If they are not spiritually connected to that someone, they lose their lives. Because of your kindness, you saved mine.”

 

“Oh Ryo,” Dee breathed as he held him close against his body in comfort. His blood boiled with anger at the realization of what had almost befallen the gentle angel by the selfish desires of mankind. “You're safe now. I'll protect you forever,” Dee vowed as he stroked Ryo's soft hair and ran his hand soothingly up and down Ryo's back. He was wracked with guilt over what could have happened to Ryo if he had left him alone for a moment longer. Dee knew that demons' bodies would come away unscathed from this action, but Ryo's story of angels dying after being ravaged by humans frightened him. He did not want to lose Ryo, although he longed to be connected to him in both body and spirit. However, he knew that he would never take Ryo by force. Dee felt so much more for him than lust and would not risk destroying Ryo's beauty and innocence just to quench his physical desires.

 

“Dee, was he the one who injured you earlier?” Ryo asked softly, his expressive eyes laced with worry as he pulled away from Dee slightly to look into his deep green eyes.

 

“Yes. It seems that you were not the only one who had something that he wanted,” Dee said bitterly. Seeing the look of confusion present on Ryo's gorgeous features, Dee explained, “Demons possess something that humans long for as well. While angels can offer spiritual gratification, demons can satiate mankind's carnal desires. The blood of demons is a powerful aphrodisiac and is often concocted into a `love potion' by humans. However, they are under the misconception that it will make anyone they desire fall in love with them. In actuality, the blood only amplifies the desires that are present in one's heart already. Their ignorance has resulted in the death of many of my kind.”

 

“Humans have killed many of my kind as well,” Ryo whispered as he held Dee close, feeling Dee's chest rising and falling with each breath that he took. Too many of the angels he knew had been raped and had died of shame and a broken heart as a result. If it had not been for Dee, he would have shared the same fate as the others.

 

“Here, I almost forgot,” Dee said, untying a small pouch that hung around his belt. “You need to regain your strength so that something like this doesn't happen again.” He opened it to show Ryo the raspberries that he had gathered. Ryo took the pouch from Dee gratefully, closing his obsidian eyes as he savored the fruit and taking a drink of water from the cool stream that Dee had brought to him as well.

 

Dee helped Ryo to his feet when he was finished. Ryo stretched his wings and stood on slightly shaky legs, steadying himself by leaning against Dee's frame for support. However, he was certain that he would be able to fly back to Elysium unaffected if he was able to rest afterwards.

 

As if mirroring Ryo's thoughts, Dee asked in concern, “Will you have enough strength to return to your home?” Although he fervently hoped that the shy angel would be safe, he wondered if he would ever see him again. A part of his heart did not want to let him go.

 

Ryo gave him a beautiful smile and nodded reassuringly. “I can glide upon the wind currents. I will be fine. You don't have to worry.” He spread his wings and let them flutter in the breeze, preparing to take flight. Strands of his honey blond hair were swept away from his eyes as he turned toward Dee. Ryo spoke softly as he gazed at Dee with respect and longing. “I am eternally grateful for what you have done for me. Thank you, Dee. I will always remember you.”

 

Dee gave Ryo a sad smile in return. “Will I ever see you again?” he asked wistfully as he grasped Ryo's hands in his own. “I want to be with you.”

 

Ryo gasped softly. “I-I don't know,” he murmured, averting his dark eyes and staring at the ground. “It's forbidden. I don't know if I could bear seeing you again, knowing that we would have to deny what we feel for each other.” Seeing the look of sadness that befell Dee's handsome features, he amended, “Although you'll always have a place in my heart.” Folding one of his wings in front of him, Ryo tugged at a feather from the soft underside of his wing. Gently extracting it from where it was nestled, he placed it into the palm of Dee's hand and curled his fingers around it. It was soft and beautiful, just like Ryo.

 

Ryo gave Dee a shy smile. Dee extended his wings and pulled Ryo close to him, pressing Ryo's body fully against his as his wings enfolded Ryo in their velvety embrace. Ryo was enveloped in a strong comforting shield as Dee stroked his fair cheeks, coaxing a soft blush to spread forth and adorn his exquisite features. Dee leaned down and whispered to the angel, “I'll always protect you.” He looked into Ryo's eyes before gently brushing his lips against Ryo's. Ryo melted into the kiss and grasped Dee's shoulders for support as he parted his lips and allowed Dee's tongue to slip inside his hot mouth. Dee blissfully caressed every crevice of Ryo's delicious mouth, meeting his wet satiny tongue and stroking it lovingly in an intoxicating rhythm that spoke of hidden desires and hinted at the tantalizing untamed passion emanating from the depths of his heart. Ryo moaned softly as Dee thrust his tongue deeper inside of him, seeming to delve into the deepest recesses of Ryo's heart and awaken the embers of longing that burned within him. How could something like this be wrong if it felt so right? Ryo had never wanted to be one with and loved by another as much as he yearned for Dee now. No one had ever bestowed such physical pleasure wrapped within the warmth of love upon him before. He longed for Dee in every way and realized that he needed his touch to feel complete, but a small part of him did not know if their love would be strong enough to overcome all the opposition that lay before them.

 

Reluctantly breaking the steamy kiss, Ryo panted slightly as he stepped away from Dee, noticing that Dee was flushed from the intensity of the kiss as well. “Farewell. I'll remember you always,” he said softly.

 

“Wait, Ryo. Please, I need to see you one last time. Can you meet me here two days from now?” Dee ventured. He wanted to know how deep their love for each other ran. He could feel its fiery intensity burning within the very blood flowing through his veins, but wondered if the shy angel felt the same way, as his angelic body did not have the ability to harbor carnal desires of the heart to the extent that Dee's body possessed.

 

“I shall try,” Ryo promised, spreading his glistening white wings and taking flight. He vanished from Dee's sight as he went higher and higher into the sky, wiping the tears that glittered behind his obsidian depths away as he thought of Dee's forbidden offering that he so desperately wanted with his entire being.

 

Dee wistfully watched Ryo go before extending his shiny black wings and departing for the realm of Hades. In two days' time, his heart's desires would either be realized or shattered. As the realm of Earth grew distant beneath him, Dee held the pure white feather reverently in his hand. His thoughts were filled with the beautiful angel who had touched his heart so deeply with his simple gesture of kindness. `Ryo, please return to me. Can't you see that we belong together?'…

 

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