Story Chapter

As months went by, Nicholas and Juliette grew closer. This was much easier since Nick had learned to control the powers that had developed since the night his wings came in. He was now very visible to people, able to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, accompanied by the sound of rustling feathers, even when his wings were not manifested. How on Earth could he walk around town with Juliette, only months after his own death without being recognized? The answer is quite simple, really. While he did not seem to age anymore, his appearance took a complete turn. Nicholas had not exactly been unattractive, just, well... Plain-looking. Where his hair used to be a light brown, it was now dark. Not quite black, but deep brunette. This made his eyes stand out even more, if that was possible. Before all this, they had been in complete contrast with his hair, deep chocolate brown. Nothing really special. Now, however, they were bright blue. This was an extreme change for him, and completely strange to witness. t was like he wasn't even the same person, but then again, he wasn't. Even so, Nicholas had to admit to himself that the effect was striking, and Juliette certainly wasn't complaining, every so often finding herself drawn into his gaze, almost seeming to lose herself.

In the months that lead up to summer vacation, Juliette also started her own transformation into a new, more open person, even if it was only when Nicholas was present. He was her rock, her stable surface that she could always lean on and endlessly at her side. He was her anchor, tying her down to reality and to herself, keeping her safe and making sure she didn't lose herself as she tried to find herself. Conversely, Nick was her wings, maybe not as literal as his own, but still. He lifted her up when she was feeling down, and dared her to dream bigger than this small town that everyone was secretly hoping to see in their rear view mirrors one day. He kept her going when Juliette thought she just couldn't take it anymore. And while she still had to deal with her dad at home, still had to cover the bruises and cuts, at least she finally didn't feel so alone. This one boy, this angel, this down right miracle of flesh and blood made her life worth living again. That was how they came to be here.

Juliette had managed to lie to her parents, claiming she was staying the night with one of her friends. Neither one of the adults bothered to check her whereabouts, not particularly caring either way. In this instance, that was fine by her. Neither of the teens wanted this moment to slip by, it was just... Perfect. Seeking some sort of peace and quiet that couldn't be found amidst the streets and houses of their hometown, they made their way to the lake about 20 miles out of town. They didn't have to worry about cars or money because Nicholas had learned to bring other people with him as he disappeared with a swish of feathers, both of them reappearing at the shore of a clear blue lake. They made their way to the tree, a few dozen feet away, and lay down in the soft grass. Juliette snuggled closer, burying her face in her angel's chest, her long hair flowing out over her body as Nick ran his hands over it. "It" being her hair, that is. There was only one guy she'd ever
been with, and that hadn't turned out so well for her. In fact, she regretted everything about that experience, even if she had loved him. The more it played through her mind, the more Juliette just
wanted to forget about it.

Nicholas shifted slightly underneath her, bringing Juliette back to the present. Almost as if he had read her mind, he whispered into the quiet, "We don't have to... I didn't bring you here so we could..." She brought her fingertips to his mouth, silencing him. "No," she replied softly, "I know that." Hesitantly, she moved her hand to the back of his neck, gently pulling him down closer. Juliette brushed her lips against his in a kiss as light as air, then deepened it slowly, encouraged by the way Nick gently intertwined his fingers in her hair, pulling her ever closer, wrapping his other arm around her waist. After a few minutes they pulled away, catching their breath. Nick was painfully aware of the blood rushing south, but he was going to make good on his promise. He would not rush her and risk crushing this fragile thing they had between them.

It was apparently Juliette's turn to read his mind, because she straddled his lap and leaned in. Nicholas was very different than Tristan, in every way. She was ready to take this chance. "It's okay," she whispered, "I want to do this." She felt his slight tremble has her warm breath tickled his ear, and heard the shakiness in his voice when he asked if she had protection, because he surely didn't. This snapped them both back to reality, but thankfully Nicholas had an idea. He untangled himself from her and gave her a gentle kiss. "I'll be right back," he whispered, still unwilling to break the near silence of their surroundings. And  then he was gone, leaving her to stare out at the water.

A beautiful sight it was, too. It was a clear night, the slightest hint of a breeze, the moon reflecting off of the still water. Completely drawn in, Juliette slowly stood up and walked to the edge of the lake, and sunk her feet into the cool water. For some reason, it wasn't even cold. In fact, it was even just warm enough to go swimming in, and if Juliette had been a decent swimmer, she would have. The thought was very tempting as it was. When she turned around, she realized Nicholas was there, his gaze fixed on her, lust plain in his darkened eyes. She gave him a smirk and made her way back over. Wrapping his arms around her, Nick pulled his precious girl close, kissing her neck and whispering sweet nothings in her ear. He could clearly hear her breathing speed up in the dead silence of the night.

Juliette smiled, a thought coming to her. She whispered in his ear, almost laughing at the slightly shocked but oh-so-interested expression on his face. Deciding to take that as a yes, she stepped back, wondering if she really had the courage to go through with it. This was new for her, and a little bit terrifying, but she resigned herself to the fact that Nicholas wouldn't laugh at her no matter what happened. With that, she turned around and slipped off her dress, leaving her in a bra and underwear made of plain white lace. That wasn't exactly the kind of underwear Nick had been expecting, but come to think of it, he hadn't really known what he had been expecting in the first place. The moonlight hit her in just the right way, and he could swear that Juliette was the angel, not him. Her back was still turned to him as she reached around to unclasp the clingy fabric, but he was there, kissing her shoulder softly, undoing it for her. Pushing her thick hair out of the way, Nick brushed his lips across the back of her neck, making her shiver slightly. He smiled, grazing his teeth over the sensitive skin between her shoulder and neck. Then he forced himself to pull away, making quick work of his clothes. Nick had the suspicion that if he were with anyone else, he would feel completely overexposed, being naked out in the open like this, but he found it exciting. He found it even more exciting when he watched Juliette slowly slide her underwear down her legs, leaving her just as exposed as he was.

Unlike Nick though, she slowly walked to the edge of the lake, flashing him her most heart-stopping smile, and waded in until the cool water reached her waist. Nicholas, thoroughly stunned for a moment, regained his senses and joined her.