Don't Shed The First Tear

The rain was falling in a torrential downpour, covering everything in a wet blanket of moisture. The bridge over a fast-moving river was completely exposed to the elements. A couple of pale streetlights were the only source of illumination. Positioned on either side of the road were a set of construction cones. In the middle, a drenched figure stood, droplets falling from his soot black wings and dark chocolate hair.

Running in rivulets down his pale face, it was hard to tell if any of the streams were from the sky or his eyes. Head hung down, his hunched shoulders shook. "Oh, I'm sorry, we can't give you the money off. It only applies to items under a specific size." Delicate hands clench into fists. "Oh, the other superintendent allowed it? Well, I'm sorry but they're not supposed to." A face, devoid of care or respect.

A glance that seemed to belittle and scold. Uncurling, fingers reach up and drag across the fine features. Searching for the burning sensation of shame and astonishment. A figure now several times its size, towering over as it condescends with every breath. Shock and hurt feelings quickly turning to a burning indignation and anger. Anger and pain. Being cut down to size where no ego existed. Unwarranted rudeness inflicting deep bruises that do not show upon the surface of the flesh.

So wrapped up in the personal injury that he'd endured, the horned male with the soot black wings fails to notice a short and rotund figure approaching, holding a blood red umbrella. Slowly, the horned male sits down, back against the railing. Abruptly, the rain stops falling upon him. Looking up at the canopy of red above him, he glances over at the newcomer. Smiling sweetly, the short male holds out the umbrella.

Staring at the ground, the male with the horns slowly shakes his head. Unperturbed, the round male climbs into his lap, snuggling against his chest, head nestled under the lower jaw of the winged individual. Lifting a hand, the short male shields both of them with the crimson umbrella. Tentatively, the horned male puts his arms around the other and holds on tightly.