forum Open OxO (open for multiple)

Started March 18, 2022 by @Fraust

tune

Nathaniel sighed softly as he adjusted his bag on his shoulders. He was on his way home from work, and it had been dark out for some time now. He looked around and began to hurry along, keeping his wings folded close to his back. He used to keep them hidden, but it was pretty painful to have them bound like that. It was unusual to see anyone with wings around, but not entirely unheard of. That didn't mean he didn't have any trouble due to it, however.

He walked past an alleyway and suddenly found that someone was grabbing his arm. They pulled his bag off of him and dragged him into the alley, starting to pull at his wings and root through his pockets. He managed to cry out for help before they covered his mouth.

Axton looked up, having heard someone call out as he walked. It was unusual here at this time of night, and it was often quite easy to diffuse. Often, it was the same picture. He walked up to the alleyway, leaning against the wall. "Johnny-boy, haven't we talked about this?" He said calmly, raising his eyebrows. "C'mon now, give the nice man his bag back."

Nathaniel continued to struggle against the man's hold, his breathing sharp and erratic. It was hard to breathe with 'Johnny's hand over his mouth. He gasped for breath when Johnny let go of him, presumably due to Axton's arrival. He yelped softly as his bag was thrown at his chest, and only narrowly managed not to drop it. After some scoffing and complaining, Johnny disappeared and Nathaniel looked up at Axton meekly. "A-Ah… thank you…"

Axton waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Johnny's all bark and no bite, he wouldn't have been able to land a great hit on ya if he tried." He said, still leaning against the wall. "He's just playing at being tough."

"If you say so…" Nathaniel felt his pockets and sighed. He still had his phone and wallet, thankfully, but Johnny had taken some change that he had in his pocket. Nothing that he couldn't easily replace. "This happens to me every once in a while… probably more often than your average person." He laughed nervously. "I think it's because of my wings. Some people are kinda hostile when it comes to angels…"

Axton glanced at the wings behind the other man. "Well, it ain't often you're on Earth." He said, digging a cigarette out of the pocket of his red bellbottoms, lighting it with a snap of his long fingers.

"Ah… well… I'm kinda stuck here." Nathaniel laughed stiffly. "I got kicked out when I was little. Can't fly, either, so… I'll always be down here." He sighed, jumping slightly when Axton snapped. He examined the man curiously, trying to figure out more about him. "What about you? Are you from around here?"

"You could say that." He said, looking over him. He wouldn't like what I am now-

Vague answer… suspicious. Nathaniel narrowed his eyes a bit, but didn't question Axton further. "Um… alright. I-I should probably get home, then. It's pretty late…" He said awkwardly, looking around at the dark sky.

He nodded. "Stay safe." He said, humming softly as he took a long drag.

Nathaniel nodded and hesitated before he left to go back home. He kept thinking about Axton as he walked, definitely curious about the strange man.

(How should they meet again? Feel free to just throw something up)

Axton walked into the shop, hands in his pockets as the little bell over the door rang, announcing his arrival. He hummed softly, going to the poetry section.

Nathaniel looked up when he heard the shop's bell ring and noticed Axton. He didn't immediately recognize him, but definitely thought he was familiar. It took him a minute to make the connection and he gasped softly, heading over to where he'd seen Axton go. "Ah, h-hello! I didn't expect to see you again so soon… um… I don't think I actually caught your name?"

Axton smirked a tiny bit. "So ya did make it home, angel! Name's Axton."

"Y-Yeah, I did…" Nathaniel flushed lightly in embarrassment and looked away, smiling sheepishly. "Um… my name is Nathaniel. It's nice to properly meet you. Uh… I work here." He replied awkwardly.

"I can see that." He said, humming softly as he looked over the titles on the shelves.

Nathaniel flushed more. He really wasn't sure what to say. "Um… hey, would you be interested in getting some coffee or something some time? M-My treat, as a thanks for helping me out…"

Axton looked up, smiling a tiny bit. "Sure, angel, if you want."

Nathaniel smiled as well, his wings fluffing up a bit and fluttering at the tips. "Great! Um… what day works for you? What time?"