Saving Things with Angel Wings

_

Ricky nodded silently at that, studying the variety of books on all the shelves and curiously reaching out to brush his fingers against a couple of them. Already he was making notes on which seemed interesting, sorting them out in his head to figure out which one he’d go for first.

“… Happy endings are nice.” He agreed softly, voice a near whisper as he pried his eyes from the books and returned his attention towards his hostess.

“I’ve heard lots of good things about the Stephen King books… Might need to read those ones too.” He murmured softly, looking over the cover presented to him. “Gee… There’s so many options. There’s mostly just magazines or quick reads at my house…” Ricky admitted, moving to pluck up one of the Stephen King books.

“I think I’ll start with this one… I’ll uhm… Read in the bedroom or… Would you rather me keep the books in here?“

“You can take them most anywhere in the house or on the property,” she reassured him “these books have gotten all sorts of love and been dropped or thrown in some way, shape or form.”

Samarah appreciated the concern, as a lover of books, and that earned Ricky another ‘point’ from her.

“Well, you can stay in here if you’d like,” she told him “explore the house, or even take my husband up on his offer to join him in the garage. Whatever you’d like to do. I’ve got to get some things ready before I start dinner, since the twins will be home soon.

“Don’t overexert yourself,” she warned, smile on her face the entire time “I don’t want you to be in any more pain.”

_

“Books are a nice way to… escape a little bit.” He murmured quietly, looking a bit timid for a moment as he stood and followed behind her. The boy definitely looked like a kicked puppy, but at least now his tail would be wagging a bit more easily than before.

“Oh? That’s neat.” Ricky replied, voice remaining soft and respectful as he watched Samarah push open the door to reveal the study.

Goodness, there was so many options to pick from… “I… I like history and mythology a lot.” He admitted, stepping forward and delicately reaching out to a shelf to look over the history books.

“… What’s your favorite type of book, Mrs. McCoy?”

Samarah stood in the doorway, watching Ricky look around and look over the books. She couldn’t help smiling, seeing him light up a bit inside. Clearly, the boy had good taste.

“I like a little bit of everything I mentioned before,” she replied “history and mythology were the first things my husband and I bonded over, but I’ll admit to having a soft spot for ‘gentle reads’ and romances. Something with a happy ending.”

She walked over to the bookshelf, letting her fingers glide over the ones with the most cracked spines.

“These were gifts from my father,” she explained, taking one off the shelf “first editions and rare re-prints. Dante, John Milton, Thomas Moore. He loves Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, as well. First edition full set of the whole ‘The Dark Tower’ series, too. You’re absolutely free to read these, if you’d like.”

Samarah smiled at Ricky, showing him the cover of ‘Paradise Lost’.

_

Ricky couldn’t help but reach up to his sealed eye and tough the puffy skin, wincing a bit at the sensation but knowing that he’d be much better now that he’d been cared for. If it wasn’t for the kindness of this whole family he would’ve still been out in the cold crying his one good eye out.

He listened as she listed off the numerous animals of the house, smiling to himself considering he’d not been around pets in far too long. He used to have a dog, but that was way back when he was a little kid in Australia and not here.

“I think they all sound wonderful. I… I like all sorts of animals, but I think dogs are a favorite…” He admitted, raising his attention to his host when she mentioned a library. That may do him some good. “I’d like to check that out… I don’t have much to read in my backpack. W… Would you show me it?”

“I absolutely will,” Samarah nodded, smiling “it’s good to see your eyes light up about something.”

Setting the first-aid kit back under the sink, she walked to the doorway and waited for Ricky to join her before leading the way.

“Across from the base of the stairs,” she explained “there’s a desk and table in here, too, for any work someone wants to do.”

She opened the door, showing him inside.

The room could only be described as warm, with shelves from floor to ceiling on three walls. The longest wall had three separate shelving units, while the two shorter walls had just one.

“A unit for each member of the family,” Samarah gestured around, to the full shelves “we’ve got most everything, since everyone’s got such diverse interests. Science, for Gabby’s interest in medicine, history for Bekah and Joshua, mythology for my husband. Plenty of fiction scattered throughout.”

_

Ricky kept his eyes closed as she worked the ointment over it, letting out a small breath as he listened to Samarah explain her son. Pity… Ricky found himself mildly envious, perhaps even jealous of the younger boy for having both parents want the best for him as well as letting him be true to himself. The brunette hadn’t been so lucky with his father and would rather roll up in a ball or hide underneath a rock right about now.

Was that remark extended to him? Maybe… Though he was far too timid to even dare act himself right now. “That’s nice for them.” He muttered softly, looking up to Jo and waving his hand softly towards the male as he gave a nod.

“Nice meeting you too, Jo…. Thank you again.” He called, fidgeting with his hands a bit before looking towards Samarah with a weak smile. “I think I’m all tended to now, right?”

“You’re all set,” she nodded, smiling “I can show you more of the house, if you want. Or you can explore by yourself. Whichever you’d like. Just a warning that we’ve got a few pets, so you’re not surprised when you see them. A few norwegian forest cats that mostly belong to the kids, and Jo has a Belgian malinois. They’re all very friendly, but Saffron is a bit skittish for a dog.”

Samarah gave a small laugh at the name, winking at Ricky.

“My husband has a love for silly names,” she explained “enough orange in the coat and eyes for him to name the dog Saffron, even as a puppy.

_

Ricky nodded his head at that, figuring he’d decide later on if he was feeling alright. If he wasn’t, then he’d probably just crash in the guest bedroom and sleep off the bad day he’d had.

“Thank you, maybe I’ll check it out.” He answered, setting his cookie down and swiveling in his chair so that Samarah could look over his swollen eye. He glances towards Jophiel and gives a timid nod, managing a rather weak smile. “Thank you, sir– ah… Jo.” He corrected himself, finding it hard to break that habit.

“Nice meeting you too.” He waved to Joshua, keeping steady as his host began to tend to his eye. “He’s nice.” Ricky answered, letting out a small breath as he braced for her handiwork.

“I’m glad you think he is,” Samarah smiled, gentle with the ointment to help with Ricky’s black eye swelling “he used to not be so outspoken. He thought he was living in the shadow of his sisters, thought he needed to be what we wanted him to. What we wanted, though, was for him to find his own way and be true to himself. It’s what we want for all our children.”

Words that she hoped Ricky would take to heart, understanding that he’d be able to do the same thing with her family. In safety.

Jophiel knew exactly what his wife and mate was doing, and decided to leave her and the young man alone.

“I gotta get some work done in my office,” the archangel declared, walking over and kissing Samarah’s cheek when she’d started packing up the first aid kit “Gabby and Bekah will be home soon. Ricky, it was nice to meet you.”

Aware of how intimidating he could be, Jophiel tried to give a kind smile to Ricky, before leaving the kitchen.

_

Ricky glanced over towards the boy at his side, clearly confused by what he’d heard and wondering what language that was. Deciding it wasn’t his business and probably something concerning himself, he lowered his head and went back to nibbling on cookies to distract himself. Even his mouth was a bit sore after that hit he’d taken… He’d most likely be in a bit of pain for a few days at this rate.

“It’s alright.” He answered softly, looking over again when Joshua mentioned a jam night. Maybe he’d participate with them depending on how he felt, though time would tell if he was up to it.

“I… Maybe I will. I like music too, but I… I guess I’ll see once you guys start, I-I… I wouldn’t wanna intrude at all.”

“Wouldn’t be intruding at all,” Samarah promised, moving away from Joshua once she was done “if nothing else, you’re more than welcome to sit with us. Now, let’s take a look at that eye.”

“If that seems like too much for ya, but you don’t wanna sit around, I’ve got a bike I’m workin’ on in the garage,” Jophiel explained to Ricky “you can join me out there, if you want. But ya don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”

“Right, off to do your homework,” Samarah told Joshua, gently swatting his arm as he jumped off the stool “you won’t meet your goal to graduate early if you don’t keep up!”

“Right!” Joshua waved as he ran out of the kitchen, poking his head back in after he disappeared around the corner “it was nice to meet you, Ricky!”

_

“… Same here…” He answered softly, looking back to his cocoa and having a sip in means of distracting himself while Samarah tended to her son. Of course hearing what had caused the other’s black eye was… ironic in a way. It was one of the reasons he had a black eye too, after all…

Ricky remained silent as the family spoke, swallowing down the cocoa and keeping his eyes low. It wasn’t like he was certain of his interests yet, but even the very idea of it had caused his dad to go berserk on him.

When Jophial came over towards him, Ricky tensed a moment as if the extended hand would turn into something worse. Though a moment to calm himself allowed him to wipe his hands and shake Jophial’s hand respectfully.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Jophi-… Jo.” He stuttered a bit managing a weak smile before settling down again and going quiet. He wasn’t quite sure what to say when he was a stranger in someone else’s home, especially considering the circumstances of everything. It was just easy to feel like an outsider looking in right now.

“Hey mom,” Joshua muttered in enochian, not wanting Ricky to feel awkward about what he wanted to ask “is he okay?”

“He will be,” Samarah replied “and you know the rules, young man. No using other languages around others that don’t understand.”

“Sorry,” Joshua smiled at Ricky, sheepish “you staying the night? Tonight’s jam night, with my sisters.”

“Joshua Alexander,” Samarah warned, giving her son a ‘watch it’ look “he doesn’t have to do anything if he doesn’t want to.”

She turned to Ricky, smiling for the young man.

“But if you do want to,” she told him “you’re more than welcome to join us. We’re a musical family.”

_

“It’ll be nice to meet them.” He agreed, sipping on his cocoa some more and smiling softly to himself at the warmth that filled him. Even a bite of his cookie was a delight and even though he knew that dinner would be ready soon, he just wanted to nibble on more sweet stuff to combat the bitter sting of events he’d gone through.

Hearing the doors, he looked towards the sound and kept still for Samarah, swallowing down hard and giving a nod. “Thank you. I’m glad it’ll be okay.” He murmured, shrinking in on himself when the pair came into the room with one having a similar bruise on his eye like Ricky had.

The brunette dusted off his hands and wiped them, preparing himself to introduce who he was without getting too… Chatty. He didn’t want to talk much about what happened and he didn’t want to dig into a lot when he wasn’t feeling his best.

Once the other teen sat, Ricky bucked up the courage to speak. “H… Hello, I’m Ricky.” He spoke to Samarah’s son, looking up to the tall male and waving timidly towards him as well. “Hello, sir…”

“Hi,” Joshua gave a wave, tilting his head so his mother could look at his eye “sorry you have to see me like this.”

“And what is the reason this time?” Samarah asked, focusing on applying some ointment to her son’s cheek much as she’d do for Ricky later on “more of the bullies at school?”

“They got homophobic this time, mom!” Joshua insisted.

“You know I’m always proud of you for standing up to those sorts of people,” Samarah sighed “but the day you come home with a broken bone is the day I fly off the handle.”

“Still amazes me, how horrible kids can be,” Jophiel sighed “and some just don’t grow out of it.”

The archangel turned to Ricky, walking over and extending a hand. Though he made sure to stop at a distance so as not to intimidate the poor kid.

_

Ricky looked towards the mug and plate that Samarah had set for him, surprised to see something so pleasant when he’d felt like the whole world hated him just a few hours ago. Did he even deserve something like that after how horrid his father made him feel?

“It looks amazing.” He answered, moving to the stool to sit himself down and look over the sweet treats. “Thank you, this’ll warm me up a lot.” He admitted, reaching for the mug and carefully lifting it up to have a sip. It almost felt like it touched his soul with how much better it was making him feel.

“It’ll be nice to meet them… I’d like to thank your husband for letting me stay the night as well…” He commented, though for some reason he felt a nervous swell in his stomach over the thought of meeting the man of the house.

Once she sat beside him, he swiveled around and carefully held his arm out a bit, glancing down to the bruising on his wrist from where his father had grabbed him. He could see so much more in this lighting and wished his hoodie wasn’t so filthy so he could try and hide the marks that his t-shirt wasn’t concealing.

“I know that Jophiel wants to meet you, too,” Samarah declared, getting out some more bandage and gauze, along with tape “and I’m sure you and Joshua will get along.

“I’m doing some laundry tonight, so I can take care of yours,” she continued, gently unwrapping his elbow and quickly disposing of the drying bandage “I just hope that my son hasn’t gotten in trouble again. That’s usually why my husband has to go pick Joshua up from school. He’s a sweet boy, and I encourage him wanting to defend others, but he’s far too reckless when it comes to his own safety.”

Her tone was purely fond exasperation, as evident by the smile on her face.

“I’m just thankful that his father taught him how to defend himself.”

That’s when the sound of closing car doors met their ears, along with an amused, deep voice.

“That would be them,” Samarah observed, taping down the edge of the bandage once she was done “it looks good. I think you’ll be okay to go without a bandage in about a day.”

When two people entered from the opposite end of the kitchen, the smile Samarah had grew wider, before her expression turned exasperated.

“Joshua Alexander McCoy, what on earth did you do now?” she asked, watching the young brunet next to her tall and dark husband smile sheepishly through the black and blue bruising on his cheek and eye “and here I thought I’d get to introduce Ricky to a young man who HADN’T jumped headfirst into danger....”

“Ah, he had good reason, like always,” Jophiel declared “but I gave him a good scolding for ya.”

_

“I’m not in any clubs… Don’t have time with work and t…things.” He admitted, voice quiet as he held tightly to his bag.

Ricky looked down the hall and nodded his head when she gestured to the door, figuring a quick shower would do him some good and get rid of the more physical remains of what had happened. At least, the ones that were right on the surface and not embedded in his skin.

“I’ll be there.” He promised, moving to set his backpack down onto the floor and carefully gather his spare clothing, holding to it before beginning to walk to the door. “I won’t be long…” Ricky added, finally heading off to go and shower once she’d allowed him to head off.

His wounds ached, his body was sore and his eye looked terrible but… He felt a little better now that he was clean. It was a start. Once he dressed and dried off, he headed downstairs and towards the kitchen, looking timid and shy as he cleared his throat.

“I feel better, thank you…”

While he was getting cleaned up, Samarah had gone to the kitchen and started cooking. Some prep for dinner, making a cup of hot chocolate, and getting a snack ready. Something she did for any family member, though she knew it was important for Ricky especially.

When he cleared his throat, she turned and smiled at him, gesturing to the island where a mug and plate were sat in front of a stool, where he could sit.

“Made you some hot chocolate and got some cookies, with how cold it is outside it seemed appropriate,” she explained “I’ll look at your elbow, then you can relax a bit. My husband will be home in a bit with our son, so you can meet them when they get here~”

She walked around to the seat next to Ricky’s, setting a larger and better stocked first-aid kit on the counter before patting the stool seat.

_

“You’re welcome.” He murmured softly, reaching for his bag and clinging to it considering it was the only thing he had from home with anything sort of valuable.

Change of clothes he took to school, his wallet, his flip phone, chap stick and school books.

He followed behind her quietly, looking around the cozy home and trying to keep himself small looking as he walked through the hall. Plus he was dirty with blood, dirt and grime so… He would rather not soil the place he was welcomed into.

Ricky looked into the guest bedroom and found himself smiling, knowing that this would be so much better than a park bench in the cold. “It’s perfect, thank you.” He spoke quietly, timidly stepping inside before looking to the two doors his host mentioned.

“It’ll be nice to meet them.” He replied, chewing on his lip a moment. “… Would it be alright if I… If I showered?… I’m a bit uhm… I could use one…”

“They’ll be home in a few hours,” Samarah explained, smiling “Rebekah’s on the archery team, and Gabrielle takes dance. They have practice four days out of five.”

When he mentioned a shower, she nodded along and stepped back to gesture down the hall.

“Last door on the right,” she directed “we keep the door open unless someone’s inside. Good way to know before you get to the door and start knocking. There’s some towels in there already and some travel size toiletries you can take for yourself.” 

_

“Hm? Oh… Maybe, though I think I’ll be okay.” He reassured, figuring he’d decide once he really needed to.

Ricky looked over when she mentioned his eye, slinking into his seat a bit and looking a bit smaller. “I just… I’ve never had one like this before…” He muttered, looking out the window to avoid dwelling much on the thought of how he’d gotten his bruise.

Seeing the large house come into view made Ricky’s eyes widen (the best they could). He’d lived in a much more modest home, though this one was like it was ripped out of a book and set into real life. Plus they had a bike? That was pretty cool.

“It’s a really nice home, Mrs. McCoy.” He spoke softly, unbuckling his seat belt and pushing open the door to climb out carefully. Now came the time to face new people and hope that this first impression didn’t blow up in his face.

“Thank you, Ricky,” Samarah smiled as she killed the engine and got out of the truck “plenty of room for family, and anyone else who might come along.”

By ‘anyone else’, she meant Ricky, of course.

“Now come on, we’ll head inside and I’ll show you your room. We can make introductions on the way.”

Leading him inside, the interior revealed itself as warm and homely, comfortable. A place for her family to retreat when the stress and dangers of the human world became too much. Up the stairs and down the hallway, she stopped at a door, opening it to show the nice guest room inside.

_

How strange it was that this day shaped up the way it had. One moment he was sure he was going to freeze in his sleep on some dirty park bench, the next a woman walked up to him and offered him food and shelter. It was all such a whirlwind of things and only made the sluggish brunette that much sleepier.

While he was curious about her own experiences, he felt it wrong to ask and draw up memories that were similar to the fresh ones he had.

“Okay.” He nodded softly, going quiet as she spoke on the phone to her husband. A big man, according to her… Ricky wasn’t sure why that was making him nervous.

“I’ll help you. I… I can help with dinner.” He answered, lifting a hand up to touch over the sore bruise on his eye. The skin was puffy and tender, already dark and closing his eye up. Ricky couldn’t help but feel a bit ashamed about it when he was about to meet a whole new family.

Samarah looked him over carefully before turning back to the road, a bit worried but understanding.

“You look like you might need a nap, first,” she told him “I imagine it’s been a long day for you, so it’s completely understandable.”

“And don’t worry about your eye,” she continued “every week or so my son comes home with a shiner from practice or standing up for another kid at school. It’s not something unusual in our house, so no one will even blink at it.”

It was another few miles before the house was in sight, far enough away from any other houses to afford the privacy. A nice house on the bigger side, with a yard that had another car and motorcycle parked outside it.

_

“I will, I promise…” He answered her, carefully adjusting his hoodie now that he was on his feet and didn’t have it bunched up around his body.

The young brunette raised a brow at the remark, unsure what his savior meant until she mentioned her own height and caused him to be aware of his stature. “Oh, well… I’m just awkwardly tall myself.” He replied, unable to help the small smile on his face at her lighthearted joke.

He trudged alongside her to the truck, carefully setting his bag inside before climbing in and trying to make himself seem small in the seat. The less space he took up the better. Ricky buckled his belt and looked to her, giving a little nod of his head. “I’m buckled… Thank you again.”

Having seen his smile, Samarah was feeling even better about the whole situation. When he was buckled in, she started the car and turned to look at Ricky.

“You’re very welcome, Ricky,” she replied “I’m doing for you what I wish someone had done for me, back then.”

Pulling out of the parking spot, she turned towards home.

“I need to let my husband know we’re on our way,” she explained as she pulled out her cell phone “he can get things set up before we get there.”

Quickly dialing Jophiel’s number, it only rang for a moment before he answered.

“Hello, love,” Samarah greeted him “....yes...yes, I was able to talk to him.....just for one night, right now....well the boy’s allowed to change his mind....yes, please, the room next to Joshua’s....I’ll get dinner started when I get back...thank you, that works perfectly....I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

Hanging up, Samarah gave Ricky a reassuring smile.

_

The brunette looked sheepish when she insisted he call her something else, giving a respectful nod of his head and jotting the options down to memory. “Yes, ma-… Mrs. McCoy. Thank you.”

He looked over towards where she’d mentioned the truck being, wincing a bit at the soreness along his eye at the motion. “I can walk… I’m just bruised but… I can walk.” Ricky promised her, scooting forward as he clung to his measly items, standing to his feet and showing off his height. Tall and lanky; something he was trying to remedy at his own pace.

The teen situated himself a bit and sniffled, eyes towards the floor in a bashful manner. “Legs seem fine… Just sore.”

“If you’re sore, then you’d best be sure to take it easy,” she insisted, standing up with him “don’t want to hurt for longer than needed, and...”

Samarah looked up at Ricky...and up...goodness, how tall was this boy?

“Goodness, but I seem to be drawn to the sky-high types,” she sighed, shaking her head and smiling “I’m gonna have a crick in my neck for the rest of my life, but alas, ‘tis the life of someone only five foot two, and I married someone who’s six foot four! Brought it on myself a bit, didn’t I?”

She joked around as she led him to the truck, trying to help lighten the mood a bit as well. After all, laughter did indeed help to make things better!