~ your lap, and smiles, the skies outside finally clearing}

Thank you Raven, for being the… friend I needed. I am not sure I would have gotten through all of this unscathed, had it not been for your help.

{The brush of your shoulder has my barriers collapsing around me and I lean in against your side, my head tilting to rest against yours}

That is always the hope. I think I will try to reach out to those I trust and try to figure out what’s been happening

{Squeezes around our linked fingers, in ~

~ to keep you safe}

I have been away from heaven for long stretches of time… I have missed a lot while I was gone. It is clear though that something has corrupted the purity of the angels hearts. But I have to believe there are still those in heaven who have not been so easily swayed…

{I watch you as you lift my hand to your cheek, the touch of your soft skin causing my stomach to do acrobatics. You were so pure and I knew, in that moment, that you were genuine in your concern for me, and it shattered whatever resolve I had to keep you at a distance. I would do whatever it took ~

{It intrigued me that you would be so fiercely concerned about the plight of an angel. That you would concern yourself with my safety. My gaze drops to our links hands in your lap, staring at them in wonder, my voice a little distant}

We had it all wrong… for so long…

{Sighs softly and shifts my gaze out the window}

I do not know. Although, I have spent a lot more time on earth than most angels, so I am accustomed to life here. The others will be after me again though. I escaped confinement, so they will be displeased.

{Ducks my head slightly at your laugh, a soft chuckle escaping. Lifting my head, I reach out for your hand again}

Well, I do not believe I will be welcomed back into heaven right now, so should the need arise, you will find me here. Or, you can summon me and I will be at your side.

~ your hand}

You are welcome here anytime… I will always welcome you into my sanctuary

{When you shift to sit on my couch, I find myself holding my breath, your closeness and your words, stunning me into silence. Moving in a little closer, I reach for your hand, brushing my thumb along your knuckles}

No one has ever said those things about me…

{Looks over your face and releases ~

{At your flush and your questions, I realise I’ve said those things out loud, instead of only in my head and a light flush creeps over my own cheeks. Shifting in my seat, I glance out the window, before returning my fierce gaze to yours}

Yes. You are precious. Anyone can see that…

~ They tied you to the mast? They would torture such a precious being?

{The way you crinkle your nose has some of the darkness receding, briefly wondering what it would be like to touch your nose. I’m soon pulled from those thoughts, however, and the more you tell of your past treatment, the more the dark clouds roll in, loud claps of thunder vibrating the windows}

~

~ incensed me, the sky outside my window darkening as thunderous clouds form, the sounds almost deafening. The injustice you received making me see red}

Did they harm you? In the past or more recently?

{I was curious what you meant by “feels like me”, but I let that slide as you talk of your past and what happened with the fishermen, a rage beginning to build within me, the likes of which I had never experienced before. That they would take advantage of your powers and continued to pursue you, ~

~ to pull you back and harm you?

~ Besides, I had never cared for another’s company. That is, until you came along. Your siren pull was very captivating, but there was something else that drew me to you and although it was dangerous, I struggled to find the will to push you away}

Tell me more about these ghosts. Why do they wish ~

{A small smile tugs at my lips at your obvious excitement, nodding once as I take a seat on the sofa next to yours}

It is. This is my… sanctuary, of sorts. It is hidden from all who seek to harm me

{You were the first one I had ever brought here, having never trusted others enough to invite them.~