Falling Feathers
*chapter 2
By Sakata Ri Houjun

AN: I'm not deeply religious. I belive in God but I don't belive in organized religion. So when Tasuki and Chichiri are reffering to God, they are talking about the Big Guy upstairs, not Suzaku or any other deity. So if that offends anyone, I apologize. I'm not trying to push anything on atheists or people of other religious practices. This was another RP I had with my girlfriend and after watching City of Angels, I felt the need to turn it into a fic.
Keep the reviews coming in and I might do a lemony scene on the very balcony from this chapter.

~***~

The early morning sun crept through the gauzy curtains, spangling across a pair of angels who were as different as night and day, both wearing the guise of mortals. Tasuki woke up first when the sunlight hit his eyes and he slowly slid from the bed, looking back at the sleeping Chichiri. A reminicent smile crept across his face, his heart rejoicing at being with his best friend again. Groggily he turned to head out the doorway, his bare feet making no sound on the cream colored carpet. The fallen angel stretched hsi arms above his head, salient muscles rippling underneath tanned skin. He yawned widely, baring elongnated canines as he turned the coffee pot on.

Eventually the aroma of brewing coffee tugged the cerulean-haired angel from the deep recesses of his dreamless sleep. Murmuring quietly, Chichiri stirred, snuggling closer to the warm spot where Tasuki had been resting on, reaching out for his presence. When he touched nothing but warm cotton sheets, he opened his mahogany eyes sleepily, noticing that the redhead had left him alone. Confused, he rolled over onto his back, long hair pilling around his face like a silken waterfall. "Tasuki...?"

At the summons, the redhead reappeared, two steaming mugs of coffee in his hands. Carefully, so as not to spill the hot liquid, he sat down on the bed and held out a mug, one that said 'This is not a good morning, and I'm not your ray of sunshine'. "Mornin'."

Chichiri's smiled sleepily as he sat up and shifted, leaning back against the headboard so he could accept the mug. "I wondered where you went, no da," he murmured, sipping at the coffee only to then make a face at the bitter taste.

Tasuki shook his head at his friend's expression, cupping his own mug, one decorated with a wolf howling at the moon. "I was only gone for a second and that was to make us some breakfast."

"And I suppose this is it?" the smaller angel mumbled as he raised the steaming mug to his lips again, feeling his body grow more awake.The redhead bellowed out with laughter, startling Chichiri and nearly causing the angel to spill hot coffee in his lap.

Chichiri glared at him as he regained his composure. "So what shall we do today, hmmm?" Tasuki asked, acting as though he didn't notice the cerulean-haired angel's annoyed gaze.

Lowering the mug, Chichiri could only blink, his mind drawing up a blank. "Why should I decide? You're the one who knows this world better than I, no da."

"Right, well..." Tasuki faltered for a moment, fingering the handle of his mug. "I... got work..."

Mahogany eyes flickered upwards with an interested gleam. "Oh?" When the redhead nodded reluctantly, it was Chichiri's turn to laugh, though not as boisterous as his fellow angel. "I wonder if I should find a job too...since I don't know how long my stay will be, na no da," he mused aloud before taking another sip of his drink.

Tasuki didn't know what to say. He was happay, no, elated that he could be with another angel after so long, especially the one he had been the closest to. After a moment of silence, the redhead sighed and stood up from the bed, setting his empty mug on the endtable. "Gomen..."

Chichiri pulled his knees to his chest, balancing his cup on top as he watched Tasuki stand, his eyes drinking in the sight of redheaded angel he had missed dearly. Tasuki disappeared into the walk-in closet giving the cerulean-haired angel a moment of quiet reflection, his thoughts questioning as to why God would send him of all angels to offer redemtion to this fallen one. Why him when surely their omnipitent Creator knew of his feelings for Tasuki. Chichiri had just finished off his cup of coffee when Tasuki remerging, dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a white tee shirt...and holding a gun in its holster. Needless to say, this caused the smaller angel to stare in utter shock.

Tasuki noticed the expression on his friend's face and grinned in response. "Yo."

His eyes flickered from that non-chalant grin to the weapon in his hand which he held so casually, his mouth opening to ask. Yet not a sound escaped.

Following the path of his gaze, Tasuki looked down at the gun in his hand then returned to Chichiri's face. "What's wrong?"

At the sound of Tasuki's voice, the smaller angel met his eyes and said the first thing that popped into his head. "That's a gun, no da..."

The redhead blinked a few times, trying not to laugh. "Yeah, I know."

"Why do you have it?"

Tasuki shrugged. "Part of the job," he stated as he began strapping himself into the holster, the brown leather fitting tightly around his chest and shoulder.

"I see..." he whispered quietly before rising from the bed. The borrowed sweatpants and shirt he had borrowed to sleep in hung loosely to his lithe body, showing the difference in their builds. Quietly, Chichiri retrieved the redhead's mug and started to head into the kitchen to get a refill, still in a bit of shock.

After doing a quick check to make sure the safety was on, Tasuki took off after Chichiri, catching up to him rather quickly. "Hey now, what's wrong?"

Chichiri eyed the gun as he sat down on the couch, continuing on his second cup of coffee. Unlike the straight black of the first cup that Tasuki had given him, he had added just a touch of sugar to the dark liquid. "Nothing..." he murmured into mug. "I just don't like guns..."

Tassuki sighed heavily. "Look, I'm sorry but I needed a job. And this was the first one I could find. Besides, you said you had been watching me before. Didn't you know I was a bodygaurd?"

The cerulean-haired angel merely shrugged, still silently sipping at his coffee. He had known, but knowing didn't help him accept what Tasuki already did. "Go...I'll be here when you get back," he stated flatly.

"Ya sure you're gonna be alright?" the redhead asked, still leaning over the couch, trying to get a better view of his friend.

Chichiri hung his head, a smile spreading across his face at the feel of Tasuki beign so close, sounding so worried. "Don't worry about me, Tasuki. I'm more worried about you, no da."

"Afraid I might kill someone? Get hurt...? What?" he pressed, laying a gentle hand on the smaller angel's shoulder and squeezing.

His head turned, mahogany eyes locking onto the fallen angel's golden ones. "I don't like humans' destructive streak, Tasuki...never have... Guns are..." he trailed off with a shake of his head.

"It's artifical death created by humans who think they're god. I know that. I don't like 'em too much... But hell.. it keeps me alive... and outta the streets." Tasuki reached up, smoothing back a few errants stands of silken blue, gently brushing against his cheek.

Chichiri turned his head quickly, his face burning and heart pounding. He found himself gazing out the glass doors that led out to the balcony. The bright, clear morning sky filled his vision and his heart grew heavy with sadness at the sight. "No, I'm not worried about you...just that peice of metal makes me uneasy is all..."

Tasuki reached out, lightly stroking the back of Chichiri's head, resisting the urge to take his beloved friend into his arms. "Then I'll be back tonight, alright?"

The smaller angel trembled under the touch, but only faintly so. "I suppose I could just watch some TV till you get back. Though I'll be lonely, no da,"he added playfully, leaning back and smiling up at the redhead.

"Ya know," he began, returning with a playful smirk of his own. "If ya really get bored, you're more than welcome to wander around."

"I could. We'll see, no da," he replied with a wink.

Tasuki nodded before pulling away and heading to the closet to retrieve his leather jacket. "We'll see," he echoed, mimicking Chichiri's voice before blowing the seated angel a kiss. "Later!" the redhead called out as the door closed behindhim with a slam.

It was a while before Chichiri snapped out of his state of shock from Tasuki departing gesture and began searching for the elusive remote so he could turn on the TV.

*~~~*

Dusk had already settled by the time Tasuki made his reappearance. He slipped off his shoes and hung his jeacket up in the closet. "Sorry I'm late, Chiri," he called out. After recieving no response, the redheaded angel closed the closet door and began searching the apartment for his fellow angel. "Chiri...?"

Having no luck locating his companion, Tasuki returned to the living room, scraching hsi head in confusion. It was then a breeze blew in from the balcony, lifting the gauzy curtains in a whisper of fabic. He turned to find Chichiri standing just outside, his face turned upwards to the moon. The evening air ruffled his unbound hair, giving evidence to his celestial beauty, the moonlight accenting his ethereal aura.

Tasuki's heart pounded in his chest as he felt gentle waves of the other angel's aura rippling against his own, like water lapping at the shore. It felt cool and refeshing, almost as if he had been parched and his friend was the life-giving drink he needed to sustain his soul. For a moment he considered leaving Chichiri be, not wanting to disturb the serene picture presented to him.

However, the cerulean-haired angel's voice wafted in on the wind, soft and dreamy. "You're late..."

The redhead sighed and bows his head in apology, not yet walking towards him. "I'm sorry."

Chichiri inhaled deeply as another breeze blew by, leaning towards the edge of the railing. "I was about to take flight..."

As though unable to control his own feet, Tasuki moved towards the open door, brushing aside the curtains to get a clearer view of his friend. Chichiri's aura felt stronger the closer he got, and he felt drawn to that power, reveling in the feel of it caressing his own. He could see Chichiri fully, still dressed in the loose shirt and sweat pants from this morning, both hands gripping the railing, his face relaxed and tilted up towards the sky in silent worship. Tasuki leaned aaginst the doorframe, gripping the wood to stop the tremor running through his system, an intense desire flowing through his body. "Don't let me stop ya," he murmured softly.

"Not without you..." Chichiri replied before turning around, his eyes opening to reveal molten fire within the cinnamon depths.

Tasuki blinked, his own eyes widening, figners digging into the frame as he trembled. "Chiri... It's alright. I don't mind if you..."

The smaller angel smiled serenly before closing the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Tasuki, embracing him. "I miss flying with you. Come with me tonight, no da."

Tasuki closed his eyes and sighed softly, reveling in the warmth of his friend's embrace. "Chiri...you know I can't fly, not anymore."

"Transform, unfurl your wing..." he whispered, ignoring the redhead's protests.

Unable to deny Chichiri his request, Tasuki nodded slowly and closed his eyes, concentrating. Like stretching an old muscle, the fallen angel's power flowed outward from his physical body, spilling slowly like lava. From his right shoulder sprung one glorious wing, the downy white feathers tinged with just the faintest hint of red. Tasuki shivered, feeling Chichiri release him yet he could still feel his aura embracing him, helping him in coaxing out his power. With a soft sigh escaping his lips, the redhead opened his eyes again, revealing twin pools of melted gold, pure and peircing. His single wing folded against his back, it's weight a solid comfort.

Chichiri smiled and reached over to rung fingers across the soft feathers, the action drawing Tasuki's gaze. Still caressing his wing,, Chichiri's own wings emerged, erupting from his back in a blur of purest white and powdery blue. They stretched out for a moment before folding as well. Tasuki began to return the gesture, gently touching the comforting and familiar feel. The cerulean-haired angel smiled up at him, his heart beating quickly. "We can go together, no da..."

Tasuki sntached his hand back, blinking rapidly as he was pulled back to reality. "What are ya talkin' about?"

Chichiri took his hands in his own, smooth palms gently gripping Tasuki's calloused ones, his smile never faltering. "I won't let you go...we can fly together..."

"B-but..." he stammered after swallowing thickly.

Suddenly, Chichiri let go of Tasuki's hands, only to leap back gracefully, light as a feather, to the balcony's railing, eyes locked with his companion's. "Do you trust me?"

Tasuki took a step forward, nodding numbly, still entranced by the beauty of the angel before him. "Of course I do."

"Then come with me..." Chichiri reached out with one hand, beckoning the redhead to him. Placing his trembling hand into Chichiri's, Tasuki stepped up onto the railing, nowhere near as light nor as graceful since he had but one wing. Chichiri gripped the fallen angel's hand tightly as he turned outwards, facing the open night air, the smile never leaving his face. "Together..."

Nervously, Tasuki looked down, noting just how high up they were. Though they were immortal creatures, the fall would certainly hurt like hell. Chichiri squeezed his beloved friend's hand once more after noting his creepign fear before closing his eyes and confidently stepping from the ledge. Feeling the insistant tugging, Tasuki took a deep breath and followed his friend, trusting him completely.

Chichiri swept his wings wide to their full span, catching the updraft and propeling himself upward. Though it put a strain on his wings, he pulled Tasuki against his body, holding him tight as they soared. Unsure of what to do with his one awkward wing, the redhead could only wrap his arms around Chichiri, hanging on for dear life.

After a moment or two, the cerulean-haired angel grew used to the added weight and tightened his hold around Tasuki. "We're flying, no da... Stretch your wing out and enjoy this too, Tasuki."

Tasuki looked up at him before stretching out his useless wing, shivering at the sensation of the wind caressing his feathers, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. "Chiri..."

The smaller angel smiled warmly at him, cradling his body as he continued to glide on the evening breeze. "I will take you to the stars and back again..."

"Is it even possible for us to fly that high?" Tasuki asked, his heart filling with so much hope.

"I will take you as far as I am able, no da," he replied, pressing their temple together as he angled upwards, the wind whipping through his hair. Their bodies peirced through the clouds obscuring the moon and still they flew up until nothing surrounded them but a clear night sky filled with the sparkling stars and gentle moonlight.

Tasuki tore his gaze away from the beautiful face of his fellow angel, gazing around him bewilderment and wonder. It had been an eternity since he had flown, missing all of this, the sky and the air... But most of all missing the angel who had always been by his side since the day they had first been created. Tasuki stretched his wing out a little further, allowing the wind to brush against his feathers, a gentle sigh escaping. "Chichiri... thank you..."

The cerulean-haired angel brushed his face gently, caressing his sculpted cheekbones, watching the starlight play with the shadows in his fiery hair. Chichiri's eyes glowed with so much love as he kept them suspended under the light of the moon, yet he hid them all once Tasuki returned his gaze back to him. "Tasuki, do you know the pain I felt since you were banished from Heaven? I have known nothing but you by my side...until your exile and then..."

The redheaded angel's eyes filled with a sort of guilt before he averted his gaze. "I know... I know the pain..."

"Ever since our creation, you've come to Earth... yet...I never could understand why..."

"Earth was...different..."

Chichiri regaurded his companion for a moment, the silence of the stars the only witnesses to their conversation. "You wanted to be human, didn't you?"

Tasuki flinched, the pain of old memories shooting through his heart. "Sometimes..."

"I let you go..." Chichiri whispered after another moment of silence. "I could have stopped you, prevented your exile when you left Heaven to be with Kouji...but I knew you loved him, that he made you happy...so I let you go..."

The redhead chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ya know...some lessons have to be learned...God wanted me to learn." He looked up, his golden eyes glowing with a sincerity. "And for a while...he did make me happy. Not complete...just...happy, until I found out that he had no more use for me, and I for him. But you didn't stop me because you're...sweet. You wanted me to be happy...even at the cost of your own happiness..."

Chichiri shivered under that intense gaze, a blush coloring his features. "I didn't know how I was able to exsist without you, but I did, if only because I knew you were happy on Earth..."

"But now ya know...I've learned to like it here. I do like here on Earth... Tasuki sighed softly before hugging Chichiri softly. The blue-tipped feathers brushed against his face and he breathed in the pure scent that caressed him. "Even though I've missed this...I do like it here..."

Chichiri returned the embrace, holding Tasuki, hsi face controted into one of internal pain. What Tasuki said, did it mean that he wouldn't want to return to Heaven should he be granted a pardon? Would he be willing to leave behind his beloved friend again if it meant his happiness? A few heartbeats of time passed before Chichiri pulled away from the embrace, holding the redhead out at an arm's length. He smiled at him, reverting back into his playful mode to hide his inner turmoil. "We can't stay here forever, no da. My wings are getting tired, na no da."

Tasuki returned the smile, taking one last around him, locking away the exquisite memory. "Ya got a point... Shall we head back then?"

The cerulean-haired angel nodded silently, still maintain his smile even though his heart was breaking.