Waiting for my angel.

[Rachel O'Brien]

Rachel was sitting in the garden, doing some reading for a class while she wanted Ryan to get done with PC class.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"If I ever say I'm thinking of taking up teaching full-time?" Ryan said as he walked up behind Rachel, "I'm being mind controlled."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Tough class?" Rachel asked, hugging him close.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Well, half of them are going to be in detention, and I am not going to be there watching them. Little brats."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"To be fair, PC sucks ass." Rachel said.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Yeah, well, you didn't have me as a teacher," Ryan teased, settling in and wrapping a wing around them.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"No, I had Ms. Frost." Rachel said "Which was less fun. On the other hand, less risk of broadcasting inappropriate thoughts to the entire class."

[Ryan Gabriel]

"And much less likely to ask for after-hours private tutoring?" Ryan joked. He seemed to relax, but Rachel could still feel lingering tension that he couldn't seem to lose.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"That too." Rachel said, snuggling against him "What's wrong, babe?"

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Huh? Nothing's wrong," he said, looking a little confused, but just for a moment. He shrugged. "Just a crap day."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"You just seem tense." Rachel said.

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan hesitated. "I don't know," he sighed. "I... guess I am. Just on edge, I guess?"

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Its ok." Rachel said, hugging him "You're here, and you're safe. Its all ok."

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Yeah, I know, I just... well, call me what you want, I just hate being the guy who needs saving. And..." He shook his head. "I don't know what else. Just nothing feels right."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"You're still getting back to normal." Rachel said "The drugs Kraven had you on were probably getting to you more than you realized.'

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Eh, maybe. I just... it's nothing." He seemed to change tone mid-sentence before he shut up.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"You just what?"

[Ryan Gabriel]

"It's nothing," Ryan said again, looking away, trying to stop tensing up even more.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"No, it isn't." Rachel said "Come on, talk to me."

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan was quiet for a minute. Then, he scooped her up as he stood. "I just need you to hang on," he said, looking up as he steeled himself.

[Rachel O'Brien]

Rachel wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight.

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan had to take a running start to get going while carrying someone, but after a moment it was just the steady flapping of his wings as he carried them up higher. He held on to her tightly, but she could slowly, very slowly, feel the tension start to leak out of him as they got higher.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Things always seem simpler up here." Rachel said

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Yeah," Ryan sighed. "I think that was one of the worst parts about that whole mess... being pinned down, caged in. One of the worst parts."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"And now you can fly." Rachel said "And hold your girlfriend. And its all ok."

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan nodded. "I just... keep second guessing myself. Is this thought or that thought me? Is it something from that drug or from trauma or whatever talking? I don't... feel like I can trust myself."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"I'm sorry." Rachel said "That must suck. For whatever its worth, you feel like you. Stressed and freaked, but still you."

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan glanced down at her, a little surprised and a little relieved. "Hadn't really thought about asking you that," he admitted. "That... is good to hear. Are you sure?"

[Rachel O'Brien]

"I'm pretty sure." Rachel said "I haven't looked super-deeply, but I can, if you want."

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan hesitated, then smirked a little. "Hmmm... do that. And tell me if this feels like me."

[Rachel O'Brien]

Rachel looked into his mind "Oh yes, it most certainly does." she said grinning.