part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4
Nico grasped Will’s hand as he stood up, then quickly let go of it – he wanted to hold on, wanted that contact between them even with the leather of Nico’s gloves between them, but he didn’t want to deal with the consequences such a small and simple action would mean.
Will didn’t seem to notice Nico’s internal dilemma, and continued walking while looking forward. Nico fell in step beside him; neither felt the need to break the silence that had fallen between them as they meandered through the park.
Nico watched Will as Will watched the other patrons of the park, his eyes scanning for any sign of a tortured soul. A pair of joggers, a woman walking her dog, a group of teenagers skateboarding – they passed all of them by, letting them continue in their lives without angelic interference. Nico was just beginning to wonder what it took to gain Will’s attention when the angel stopped, staring off to their left.
Following his line of sight, Nico saw two little girls playing in the grass. The bigger of the two was clearly antagonizing the other, throwing leaves in her hair and sneering at her whenever she was given the chance; the younger girl appeared to getting more and more upset, a wobble beginning to develop in her lower lip.
Will’s hand gestured out from his side slightly, an indication for Nico to give him some space as he approached the two children. Kneeling down beside them, he smiled kindly at both and asked, “Are you two playing nicely?”
The smaller girl shook her head while the other girl glared at her, prompting Will to turn fully to her. Nico watched from only a few feet away as the angel gently brushed so hair out of her face.
“Why don’t you apologize to your friend?”
And that was that – no rays of light shining through the could, no mystical wind ruffling the scene. It simply was just pure and unadulterated love, not something visible, but tangible in it’s own way. Being in close proximity, Nico felt almost as affected as the little girl had been.
After a moment, the girl smiled, gave a small nod, and turned to her companion with an apology.
Will stood up, his own smile taking an endearing turn, and retreated back to where Nico had been waiting.
“It really is something, isn’t it?” Will mused softly, more so to himself than to Nico, who only gave a slight jerk of his head in response; he couldn’t think of something to say that would be appropriate.
“I like helping children, best,” commented Will thoughtfully. “Saving souls is always a good feeling, but it’s even better when you know you’re saving the majority of one’s life as well.”
That statement made Nico freeze, clenching his fists and his jaw; he knew better than anyone just how important it was to save a child when they were in a time of need.
Because no one saved him when he needed it.
