Page 134 of A Soul to Steal

“Does that feel better?” Gideon asked. Aleron just nodded and let out a snorted huff through his bony nose hole, causing him to chuckle. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

He didn’t stop, and Aleron snorted another huff. Eventually, he started to work his way down the muscle pressing against his protruding spine bones, seeking anywhere that could be tense. He dug into his shoulder blade, going below and above his wing base.

Each knead of different muscles softened Aleron further and further until he wanted to turn into a gooey puddle.

“Thank you, by the way,” Gideon stated softly. “I kind of like doing this for people.” He went back to the areas that originally ached and throbbed, and the pain had dulled exponentially. “Your muscles are really tough, though, so you’re lucky I used to work as a tree cutter. I have strong hands and fingers from holding my axe and from prying stumps.”

Aleron didn’t respond, but his contentment increased at listening to his deep voice cascading around him. Gideon was filling in the silence with rich tones, and each word sounded marvellous against his essence right then. He’d always liked Gideon’s voice, but Aleron just enjoyed that he was speaking with him rather than remaining silent like he often chose to be.

Pretty male.He didn’t need to be looking at him to think this. His face and body may be beautiful to him, but there was so much about him that attracted Aleron.

The smell of petrichor, dirt, rock, and burning wood was hidden by the earthy musk of Gideon. It swelled in his mind and almost made it throb with delight.

Even just his breaths and little heartbeat lulled Aleron. His body grew heavy, sleepy even, and he took it all in while his bride roamed his strong hands over his aches.

My pretty human.

A mild smile curled the corners of Gideon’s lips as he took in Aleron’s slumping form.He likes this.It was evident by how his firm muscles softened and his posture drooped, combined with the soft hums he constantly made.

Stealthily peering over the Duskwalker’s shoulder, Gideon took in that his orbs had turned black like he was falling asleep.

Aleron didn’t seem to notice it, or maybe he did, but the more Gideon worked the muscles surrounding his wing, the more upright it lifted. He liked that he could observe the strength returning to it.

I still can’t believe he put up such a fight.His gut had tightened into a horrible ball of guilt when he thought it was because Aleron didn’t want Gideon to touch him. Finding out it was just because of the pain brought on a reassuring wave of relief.

He tried not to hurt him further, and always gentled his touch when Aleron flinched or arched away. The longer he did this, moving away from painful spots only to return, the less the Duskwalker’s body tried to subconsciously flee.

I’m glad this seems to be helping.He really did want to reciprocate with a caring gesture; it was a way to say he wasthankful for everything, and to show in his own way that he was sorry for a lot of it.

Every time he stopped digging his fingertips in, Aleron’s wings twitched as though silently begging for more. So, Gideon continued.

If he had a few love languages, whether that be romantically or platonically, Gideon knew for certain of two. Physical touch was a big one, and usually only reserved for those he was very close with. Deep down inside, he was a massive love bug, and he enjoyed showing that with one-arm wrestle hugs, cuddles, or even just leaning his shoulder against the person he sat next to.

It was why he didn’t like people he didn’t know or trust touching him – and one of the reasons why he’d often shirked from Aleron’s touch before this.

Another language was acts of service. This had fewer restrictions, as he enjoyed helping most people.

Feeding Emerie soup when she was sick as a teenager, helping their dad fix the roof, helping the little old lady down the street move her market items from her house to her store as free labour. These were things that brought him pride, especially when he was able to have a good laugh with them along the way, or even just receive an appreciative smile.

Sure, his and Aleron’s friendship may be a little rocky currently, but it brought him pleasure to do this.

Although he felt bad that Aleron had hurt himself, a selfish part of him was kind of thankful for it. It allowed an opening for him to try and return the kindness this Duskwalker had shown him. A way for him to make amends, even if it was small and may go unnoticed in the long run.

Aleron told him he would heal tomorrow, so technically, all this was pointless. Still, if he could make it more bearable until then, it was worth it.

Plus, the moment he started doing this, he became fascinated by touching him.

I didn’t realise his feathers were so silky.He slyly caressed a few between his thumb and fingers while his other hand massaged.They’re also really beautiful.Now that they were dry, they caught the light from the campfire and glistened with blue and purple while still retaining their general blackness.

And his fur is really soft.He felt it down his sides, having to manoeuvre past its substantial length.He’s like a giant teddy bear.The long fibres usually tickled his nose and cheek while Aleron was carrying him, but feeling them with his hands made his palms tingle.

When he’d been digging down to find muscle, having to be careful of the stems of his feathers, he’d found protruding bones when he lifted them to see. Rib bones, the vertebrae of his spine, and even his shoulder blades: all these were hidden within the depths of exterior fluffiness.

He also smells really nice.His cheeks heated at that thought.

Whenever he was close to Aleron, his scent of hazelnuts and cedarwood penetrated his senses. It reminded him of home. Although it bothered him at first, he was beginning to find... comfort in it.

He missed home terribly, but it was nice to somehow have a piece of it with him.

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