Chapter Six
Uriel grabs his robe off the hook, slowly easing it over his sticky back and he ties his hair up, closing his robe shut. Michael touches his shoulder and Uriel moves back, refusing pity, comfort or help. "A diamond will never be appreciated among rocks." Gabriel raises his eyes, placing his hands together and he folds his wings back. "You may bathe, bandage yourself and sleep in your chambers until morning, then when the sun rises, you will be escorted out of the kingdom. We will be there to see you off, if you wish it."
Uriel's blue eyes flash, passing his way through his brothers and he turns around, facing them. "A year will go by quickly and I will be back before you know it, but I'm sure the two of you will keep busy." He pauses, looking at them suggestively and he smirks, walking back to his chambers. "Ta, darlings." Gabriel motions to the slaves, allowing them to leave and they bow.
After the slaves exit, Michael bows and Gabriel looks at his bleeding forearm, coming to him. "You should not have gotten in the way, brother. I do love Uriel, but he needs to be kept under control. Order must be maintained and Father must be kept undisturbed." Michael nods, turning his forearm to Gabriel's eyes and he softly sighs. "I understand, Gabriel. Perhaps that is why Father created us so differently."
For a rare moment, Gabriel smiles and he looks above, watching the stars shine down on them through the glass ceiling. "Come with me, I shall tend to your arm." Gabriel lowers his eyes to the torches and the flames die out, leaving them in darkness.
Outside, two pair of black wings spread and they take off to Gabriel's chambers, soaring high above the starlit sky. Their boots land on the yard and the hallways are dark; lightless and Gabriel opens his heavy door, closing it once they're inside. "Sit." Michael covers his mouth, softly yawning and Gabriel glances at him, unrolling bandages and cleaning supplies.
The silk curtains brush against the cold ground, the balcony doors are wide open, overlooking the main garden and the sheets rest flat on the master bed. Gabriel pulls up a chair and sits down, parting his wings to settle comfortably. Michael holds out his forearm and he stares at Gabriel while he works, thinking about what was mentioned earlier.
"I apologize for what was said earlier in privacy. The events that happened after were not expected and I understand if you want to spend some time alone." Gabriel remains focused on his task, bandaging Michael's arm and he sighs, finally raising his eyes to his brother.
"I had enough time to think, Michael." Michael glances at the door, lowering his eyes and he nods, getting up. "Thank you, Gabriel. Good night, brother. I shall see you at Uriel's exile." Suddenly, in a gentle grip, Gabriel holds his arm. Michael looks down at his hand, warmth heating his arm and he turns to face his brother. "Gabriel?"
Quietly and gently, Gabriel rises off the chair and he releases Michael's arm, removing his armor a piece at a time. The pieces fall on the ground; scattering around their feet and Gabriel flattens his cotton shirt. "Michael, today I went into the maze and I spent enough time to remember the memories we had together and what you have meant to me since the dawn of time."
He takes his hand, looking down at it and he places it over the area of his heart, looking into his eyes. "It's quite clear now." Michael touches the side of his face, moving closer to him and he searches his eyes, finding all that was said is true. "Do you love me, Gabriel?"
Gabriel presses his cheek into Michael's palm, closing his pale eyes for a moment and he nods once. "I love you, Michael." Michael stares at him, brushing his thumb against his cheek and he takes a step back, removing his armor. He places it on the table near the door and Gabriel takes his hand, leading him to the bed. The silk sheets are pulled back and Gabriel lies down, slipping the razor tips of his wings under a layer of soft feathers. Hesitantly, Michael lies down next to him, rolling on his side.
The moonlight shines through the balcony doors, highlighting their muscular bodies in blue light and they stare into each other's eyes, holding hands. "I'm scared, Gabriel." A few moments of silence passes between them and Gabriel raises his wing, covering Michael with it. "Fear not, brother. We have forever together and we shall take our time. Rest now and I will be here when you open your eyes in the morning. Good night, Michael."
Gabriel closes his eyes, lacing their fingers together and Michael smiles, closing his eyes as well. "Good night, Gabriel. I'm glad to be here with you."