#featherfalling

Charles was just about to update Rupert on his position.

Just. About to.

As Nav fell down, and Dave caught him in his arms, the muffled ringing of the shot lingered in the air. Charles dragged the other two just around the corner, momentarily shielding them from the sudden… obstacle. Dave pulled Nav a bit further away from the opening, hands already going to put pressure on the wound. His own wings were out in the panic, the tips of his feathers slightly spattered red. One of Charles’s hands grips the battered red headset as the other places itself on Nav’s shoulder.

“ RUPERT? Man down, shots fired! Shots fired, one of the prisoners was shot… “ A fleeting look back down at the two, Nav looking back up at him, Dave’s eyes locked on the growing red stain under his fingers. “ .. lower side. Can you get backup in? “

“ Negative, Toppats appear to have heard the shots, they’re starting to investigate. Our exit point may be closed soon, can you make a run for it? “

“ Not without leaving two people behind.. “ Charles peeked out from the corner, looking around the hall. “ I’m unsure of their exact po- “

BANG

Charles flinched back, Dave letting out a small shriek, his own wings folding themselves closer to his back. Nav shuddered at the ringing that followed, Charles unholstering his own pistol. He really hoped he wouldn't need to use his gun, but they needed a way out. One injury was enough.

“ Rup, I’m returning fire, will try to get the others to the extraction point. “ “ Calvin, do NOT engage if necessary, get yourself and the files, And the others, “ The last part was a bit stressed, “ OUT of there- “

Another peek out of the door revealed… nothing. Most if not all the doors were closed, and the other corner was left empty… Charles squinted, trying to lean out of the cover for a better look. One careful step forward, he revealed himself halfway, glancing further down the hall. One glance forwards, one back..

Did they already leave? If they left, backup would probably be on it’s way over, and he really didn't want more guns fired at the three of them if possible. Charles glanced back down at the two still hidden in the room, Nav blinking up at him, Dave staring back owlishly as he grabbed something near him.

“ .. Hey.. It- they may have- “ Another resounding BANG filled the tiny metallic hallway with noise, and as frantic hands went up to pat his chest, a hard yank from the back of his vest pulled him back into the room. Charles looked back, only to find Dave, wings shaking, his un-bloodied hand releasing itself from his back.

Charles finally found his voice, after Dave resumed his spot next to Nav, his side now noticeably wrapped with some kind of loose fabric. Apparently whoever had this room liked scarfs… lucky. “ … thanks.. “

“ No prob… “ Dave muttered. He kept staring down at the other avian, hands back to put pressure on the wound. “ Cmon Nav, stay awake will yah? “

As Nav responded with a half groan, half mutter of his own, Charles’s hand went back up for another report. “ .. Hey,, uhh, Rup? Got hit in the vest… uuf.. Kinda.. Took the wing outta me “

“ Get the fuck out of there! You cannot hold your position- you NEED to fall back, fall back, I am NOt gonna lose you- “

A shadow loomed over the three of them, and as Charles looked up to find the barrel of a gun pointed right at his head.. A bang filled the room.

The toppat on the other side of the dorway dropped to his knees, a gurgle escaping their own lips before falling to their side. Dave's ears rang loudly, both of his hands pressed up against the sides of his head to block out the noise . Charles just fell back, staring at the criminal slumped over in front of him.

The gun clattered down onto the floor, a shaky voice addressing the rest from below.

“ Hey.. we should.. Get. Going, right? “

Nav fell over, Dave yelling out as he caught him again. He shook him momentarily, then brought him to his feet as Charles dragged him upwards. One arm over each shoulder, Charles bolted out of the room, Dave following close behind. One turn there, through a doorway here, and the bright lights greeted them from the cargo bay.

The Toppats, running in from the other side of the bay, did as well.

Charles pulled the two further along, ducking as more bullets lodged themselves in the wooden boxes above and around them. The clunking of boots paired with worn out shoes pattering closely behind, the open back of the cargo bay greeted them, the wind whipping their hair back. “ ALRIGHT- “ Charles yelled, making his voice be heard over the wind. “ YOU GOTTA OPEN YOUR WINGS, AND DROP- “ “ WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY- “ “ JUST DROP- TRUST ME- “ Charles’s own wings fluttered, opening up as wide as they could. “ FOLLOW ME! “

And Charles, still clutching onto Nav and the files, dropped like a stone.

The wind flying past his ears was always so nice. And as the red airship rose further, and further away, Dave falling just above him, the familiar hum of the helicopter rose to meet them. Wings finally catching air, a shot up, led by a short glide back to the chopper. The landing was.. Not so graceful, at least for Dave. Charles slid in, letting his back hit the metal of the chopper, still holding tight to Nav, Dave crashing into it.

“ Oi, you three whole back there? “ Dave’s breath hitched, as Rupert yanked a medical kit from the wall. “ Alright, take us back to base! “ Another pilot, who switched places with him, gave a thumbs up, and the helicopter jolted, as it started to descend.

And as a medical kit was opened, bandages being handed to Charles, but the moment Rupert’s eyes met Dave’s, a smile finally broke the still silence.

“ HOLY SHIT- ”

Charles pulled Nav away, swiftly bandaging his wounds as Rupert practically grabbed onto Dave. His own wings opened up in excitement. “ OH GOD I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD AFTER THE INCIDENT I COuldn't find you anywhere I was so scared you- “ The ramblings were silenced with a single pap on his cheeks, Dave smiling back at him.

“ Missed you too Rupy “

Finally finishing up the bandages, the pressure gauze was placed back in the medkit, as Nav muttered nonsense into Charles’s jacket. Charles could only smile, and as his wings wrapped lightly around the former Toppat. For the first time in a very long while, Nav felt a warmth. A comforting warmth. He was finally flying away from his old life, flying away with Dave, albeit with a new scar to decorate his body, he felt that comfort.

He was safe. He was saved by this man now holding him so carefully in his arms. He was saved by him .

. . .

He had to protect this man. No matter what cost.