It was morning when Richie awoke again.
However, it wasn't the way he wanted to.
He felt something slithering up his stomach.
He wasn't sure why he wasn't worried, maybe he was just still too tired.
The limb slowly made its way up his neck, before resting on his cheek.
Richie still had his eyes closed, but over time, he began to observe his surroundings.
"Eddie. Your foot is in my face." He managed calmly.
A quiet snicker, "What are you talking about?"
He felt a couple toes tap his nose gently.
"Get your foot out of my face." Richie continued calmly.
"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about. You must be dreaming." His heel tapped his forehead.
Richie sighed, "Now you're just doing this to piss me off."
He had yet to open his eyes through this whole ordeal.
"Is it working?" Eddie giggled, his foot moving back down to his cheek before lightly hitting it.
Richie immediately grabbed the limb, forcing it away until it was at the edge of the hammock.
Eddie was laughing, but was soon followed by a thud.
"Shit." He grunted, but was still laughing.
Richie grinned, still refusing to open his eyes to check on him, "That's what you get."
He nuzzled more into the open space of the hammock.
He was almost asleep again when Eddie's hand clamped down on his arm, and pulled him down.
Richie's eyes widened, but couldn't break the smile from his face, even as he went crashing to the ground.
His wings saved most of his fall, and they weren't in as much pain as they had been.
Before he could regain himself, he felt the demons' body over him.
Hands were resting on either side of him, one knee wedged between his legs, the other nearly straddling his hips.
Now Richie was wide awake.
He was staring up at Eddie, who still had a smile on his face.
Richie almost felt trapped. He was trapped. And he did not like feeling trapped.
His body refused to do anything, however.
He just stared at the being above him.
Eddie's smile was slowly fading, and soon, so was the distance between them.
"...U-" Richie managed the weak attempt under his breath.
He swallowed.
"Mind helping me up? I'm in pain here." Richie managed, still almost a whisper.
He could feel Eddie's breath on his face, but the movements stopped.
It was silent and still for a few long minutes.
Finally, Eddie sighed, a small smile crossing his face again, "Yeah. Sorry."
He moved off of him, offering a hand as he went.
For a split second, Richie almost missed the warmth.
He took the demons' hand and he was hoisted into a sitting position.
The pain came with it, but it wasn't near as bad as it usually was.
"Here, let's get you back onto the hammock." Eddie knelt down, wrapping one of Richie's arms around him and they stood.
Eddie helped him back over to the hammock, which he nearly wanted to collapse on it again.
It went silent between them for a long time.
Eddie sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact, "I, uh... I think I'm gonna go into town and get some actual breakfast. What would you like?"
Richie thought for a few seconds, "Hmm. Maybe more of those waffles, like the other day?"
Eddie smiled, "Sure thing buddy. I'll get you a big stack."
"Well, that won't be necessary, but, thank you." Richie returned the smile.
Eddie nodded.
Another awkward moment of silence.
"Well, ahem. I'll be right back. Don't hurt yourself while I'm gone." Eddie instructed.
Richie rolled his eyes, "Yes, your majesty."
Eddie breathed a laugh before turning from him, leaving the building.
Richie waited for a few moments, until he was sure Eddie was gone.
He exhaled a long breath.
What had just happened?
He'd never had Eddie so close to him.
Sure they'd laid together last night, but... this felt different.
Why did Eddie pin him like that? Why did he let him? Why was he getting closer to him? Why could he feel Eddie's breath on his face? Why-
The questions piled on and on.
The memory of Eddie's eyes inches in front of him, his breath... his lips. It made his stomach flutter.
This feeling... It was new to him.
And he wasn't sure if he liked it or not.
"Stupid. How could I be so stupid! He's a fucking angel! I shouldn't even be- Why would he even-? Ugh!" Eddie groaned.
He'd been arguing with himself as he walked through the open lands.
Why did this angel make him feel things? He hadn't felt these things since...-
At least, not feelings for others in a long time.
"Well, well. If it isn't my favorite little half-pint." A voice sounded behind him.
A voice he hadn't heard in a long time. A voice that made his hair on his arms and neck stand on end. A voice he hoped he'd never hear again.
He slowly turned to the figure.
He stood a few feet away from him.
Good, maybe he'd able to make a run for it when the opportunity arose.
"H-hey. What are you doing here?" Eddie asked, trying to act casual.
The taller demon took a few steps towards him, in which Eddie gladly copied backwards.
"Just visiting. I thought it was you I saw yesterday. Just wasn't sure."
Eddie glared at him, What was he up to? Did he know about Richie? Is that why he was here?
"So. How's life? I never really understood what you see in this place." The demon continued, resuming his walk towards him.
Soon, they stood a mere foot apart.
"What do you want, Henry?" Eddie asked.
"Like I said, visiting. I've been watching you for a while-"
"Well that's not creepy." Eddie commented.
Henry glared at him, offended to be cut off, "... I see you've been hanging out with an angel."
A rush of panic ran through Eddie's chest, but he kept it hidden.
"Yeah? What about it? We're tracking a demon."
Henry grinned, letting out a laugh, "Tracking a demon? You? You're actually working against your own kind? I'm wounded." Henry put a hand to his chest, faking a look of pain.
Eddie rolled his eyes, "If you're finished. I'd like to be on my way."
When he didn't speak again, Eddie turned from him, resuming his walk towards town.
"Hey. Where do you think you're going?" Henry finally spoke again, and he grabbed Eddie by the arm roughly.
Eddie acted on instinct.
He spun around, landing a punch directly square in the other demons' face.
Henry staggered back, letting out a yell of pain, covering his nose.
He withdrew his hand, which was covered in blood, which also ran down his face.
He slowly set his focus back on Eddie.
Eddie tensed, prepared for a fight, even though he knew he probably didn't stand a chance.
"You motherfucking fa-" Henry stalked towards him, when suddenly, a heavy flap of wings sounded behind him, followed by a quiet groan.
Henry spun around to the noise.
Eddie stared in disbelief.
'Richie? He could fly?'
Barely by the looks of it.
He was bent over now, looking as though he was near to collapsing.
This wasn't good.
Henry laughed, "Well. Is this your little guardian angel?"
Even though Henry had his back turned to him, Eddie could hear the falter in his voice.
"Leave him be." Richie said lowly.
Henry laughed, longer this time, "Or what? You look a little out of shape there."
Richie's wings rose slightly, and he closed the distance between them, but Henry seemed prepared.
When he was close, Henry's fist met with the side of Richie's face, and Eddie swore he could hear a snapping sound.
Richie staggered a bit, but managed to keep his footing.
He glared at the demon, hiding any sign of pain or reaction.
"Wow. And I thought angels were supposed to be these almighty beings with unlimited powers." Henry had closed the distance between them, punching him again, following him, and punching him, until Richie collapsed onto the ground.
"You're weak. I'm almost ashamed to be labeled lower than you angels." Henry stood over him, "No matter. I guess I'll set a good example for hell that we can rise...!"
He lifted his fist again to deliver a final strike.
However, it never came.
Seconds before Richie could be struck again, a sharp object pierced deep into the demons' back.
Henry wheezed, trying to look behind him.
Eddie winced as he dug the dagger in deeper before jerking it upwards, causing a loud snapping sound.
Henry cried out, but it didn't last long as his body slowly began to dissipate until there was nothing left.
Eddie stood, stunned for a few seconds as to what just happened.
So that's what happened if a demon got stabbed by an angel...
And to think, this could have been him a week ago.
He took a deep breath, focusing on the angel, who was still on the ground, but had managed to sit up.
Their eyes locked and for a few seconds, nothing was said.
They both seemed surprised by their actions.
Eddie cleared his throat, "Well. What do you know? It did come in handy."
He closed the distance between them, offering his hand to the angel.
Richie hesitated for a few seconds, before accepting the help.
He groaned when he stood again, and looked near ready to collapse again.
Another few moments of silence, both simply staring at each other.
"Um... Why- why did you come? I mean, thanks for the help, but... you're still injured." Eddie stuttered.
"He seems to be one of the demons who doesn't get along with you." Richie replied.
"Yeah, you could say that." Eddie rolled his eyes.
It was silent for a few minutes.
Eddie sighed before closing the distance, handing Richie the dagger.
Richie glanced down at it, almost as though he hadn't seen it before.
Eddie nearly flinched when Richie rested his hand on his.
He carefully urged Eddie to tighten his hold on the item, before gently pushing his hand forward.
As the motions occurred, Eddie slowly began to get the hint.
He looked up at the angel, eyes widened in surprise and curiosity.
Richie smiled, "Keep it. I think you need it more than I do."
Eddie felt his chest flutter.
There went that feeling again...
Nonetheless, he cleared his throat.
"Well. Since you seem to be on your feet again, don't suppose you want to walk with me into town. Get breakfast, go from there?" Eddie offered.
Richie nodded.
"Ah, but first, ya gotta put those wings away. Think you're able to do that yet?" Eddie asked.
Richie gave him a look of confusion and glanced back at his wings as if he'd just realized they were there.
Soon, loud snapping sounds filled the air.
Richie groaned at the pain, but continued to retract his wings.
Eddie winced, almost imagining the pain he must be feeling.
Slowly, little by little, the wings began to grow smaller, until they disappeared within him.
Richie was panting now, nearly kneeling over.
Eddie slowly closed the distance between them, risking to rest his hand on his shoulder.
If Richie noticed him, he didn't show it.
"If you want, you can go back to rest, and I'll-"
"No. I'm fine. I just... need a moment." Richie breathed out.
Eddie didn't believe him, but offered his support, allowing Richie to lean against him.
After a few more minutes, Eddie took a few steps forward to see if Richie could follow.
He was shaky, but with his arm around Eddie's shoulders, he gained his balance.
Together, they made their way to the town.
"Damn. You really love waffles, don't you? I mean, I don't blame you, you haven't eaten in nearly a week." Eddie ranted, watching in amusement.
Richie had to have been on his third serving by now.
He paused, staring at Eddie.
Eddie's brows lowered in confusion, "What? I'm just saying. Don't let me interrupt you from your personal paradise."
Richie continued to stare.
Eddie's brows furrowed further, "Hello?"
When he received no reply, Eddie waved his hand in front of Richie's face.
Finally, Richie blinked but still stared, slightly leaning to the right.
After a few more seconds, it finally clicked.
Richie had been staring at something behind him.
He inwardly rolled his eyes, 'What could be so interesting that caught his attention so intensely?'
When he turned around, he then noticed there was a TV hanging at the corner of the building, hanging from the ceiling.
After a few seconds of observation, he noticed the news was on.
"Turn it up." Richie instructed.
Eddie turned back to Richie, giving him another look of confusion.
Then, without asking further questions, he stood, heading for the TV, reaching up for the volume buttons.
"Uh, sir, please don't mess with that." A waitress called from a distance.
Both angel and demon ignored her.
Richie stood, reaching Eddie's side, eyes glued to the screen.
"This just in. An entire town nearly turned to rubble by a sudden downpour of bombs. There are over 100 deaths, possibly 200 more severely injured. Officials are trying to determine whether or not this was an attempted terrorist attack...-"
"Where is this?" Richie asked.
Eddie stared at the screen a little longer. "Riverside California, I think... you don't think...?"
"Where are we now?" Richie asked, finally focusing on him.
"Colorado, why?" Eddie asked.
"And how far are we from California?" Richie asked.
"I don't know...? A day's worth? Or a couple hours by plane? Where are you going with this?" Eddie asked.
Richie sighed.
"Sir, I will have to ask you to step away from the TV. If you're finished I will have to ask you to leave." The waitress said, moving between them to change the volume on the TV again.
Richie scoffed before turning to leave, heading out the door without another word.
Eddie stood in place for a few seconds.
It wasn't until he noticed Richie growing further and further away from him that he finally decided to move.
He quickly paid the waitress, before leaving to chase after the angel.
He was confused beyond.
"Richie... wait! Where are you going? Come on, slow down." Eddie called after him.
It was raining... hard.
Finally, he stopped when he crossed the road, standing under the roof of a building.
Eddie finally caught up to him, panting slightly, his clothes and hair drenched.
Richie was in the same position.
"I don't think Henry was our demon." Richie finally spoke.
Eddie stared at him, confused.
"If the bombing happened recently, I don't think there was any way he could have done that then come all this way here in that short time period." Richie continued, almost as if he were talking to himself.
A few moments of silence.
"Okay. Well, are we gonna go after this one now?" Eddie asked.
Richie nodded, "This has to be him. They bombed a place a couple weeks ago, then they bombed the town we were in a week ago, now they're in Califlower."
"California." Eddie corrected.
"Yes." Richie nodded, seeming to barely acknowledge the term.
More silence, covered by rain and frequent thunder.
"Well. Okay, I guess we're going to California, but right now, we need to get out of the rain. There's a clothing store just over there. If we're to travel, you have got to change, because your clothes are ruined. I'm surprised the restaurant didn't say anything." Eddie ranted on.
Richie glanced down at his drenched clothing, in which his shirt was nearly torn off. His pants were ripped in many different places too.
"Yeah, so, let's go." Eddie nodded, grabbing hold of the angels' shoulder, urging him towards the building across the street.
Richie was confused at first on what to do with the clothing.
It annoyed Eddie, but at the same time, found it amusing and, dare he say it, cute.
"Just, find something you like, make sure it's your size, then go into one of those rooms and change." Eddie explained.
"How will I know?" Richie asked, scanning the never-ending items.
Eddie rolled his eyes, "Oh my god. Okay, here."
He approached him from behind, gently grabbing at the collar of his shirt.
"What are you doing?" Richie tensed, attempting to move away.
"Extra large." Eddie ignored him, before letting go of the shirt.
"What?" Richie asked, massaging the back of his neck as if he were attacked.
"That's what size shirt you have. As for your pants, uhh... you'll have to pick a shirt and go change, and when you do, check the back of your pants. There will be a little tag on the waistband. That will be the size of pants you get, or, whatever fits around that size." Eddie explained, eyes focusing elsewhere.
Richie gave him a look of confusion, but soon returned his focus onto the clothing.
Eddie had already changed.
He wore a light red shirt with a small wing design on the corner. Along with a pair of jeans.
He had thrown his previous clothes away and paid for the new ones.
Finally, about half an hour later, Richie stepped out of the changing room.
Eddie had to do a double take when he saw him.
Richie wore a white-buttoned up shirt with so many designs on it, he nearly glowed like a beacon.
Not that Eddie was complaining.
He was literally wearing a Hawaiian type shirt, followed by a new pair of jeans, and... shoes.
Eddie was slightly taken aback by that, but also impressed that he didn't need to explain them.
"Well. How does it look?" Richie spoke up.
Eddie quickly shook his head, "Oh, uh, you look fine... great... nice- uh. Looks great."
Way to go dumbass.
Richie gave him a look, but shook his head dismissively.
"Okay then. Let's go pay and we'll be on our way." Eddie said, leading them to the front of the store.
Richie observed him, never failing to look fascinated as to how he interacted with humans.
The cashier was tending to Eddie, but he knew her focus was trained elsewhere.
Richie seemed completely unaware.
After paying, Eddie ushered Richie out, giving the lady a polite nod, before they were back outside.
The rain had calmed a little, so they stood under the safety of the roof.
Eddie couldn't help the snort and snicker that escaped him.
"What?" Richie asked.
Eddie chuckled, "That lady was definitely checking you out."
Richie gave him a look of confusion, before glancing inside the building.
The lady had resumed to her work place.
"I think she was even drooling. Of course, who wouldn't fin an angel attractive, I mean, you're an angel." Eddie said.
Richie tilted his head, seeming more confused as ever, "What are you talking about?"
"I-" Eddie tried to find a further explanation, but had nothing, "Never mind. Let's just, get out of this shit hole."
He left the safety of the store's shelter, back out into the rain.
Richie hesitated for a few seconds, before making his way to Eddie's side.
Eddie glanced at him through the corner of his eyes.
A small smile crossed his face, before lightly bumping his shoulder, "Cheer up, we're going to Hollywood!"