The light touch of his feathers along her back made her jolt, her skin tightening with a chill and a shiver. He tried to pull her a little closer, curling his other wing around her too. But when he retreated again and looked in her face, there was more than just tears there. A little flicker of hope in those beautiful hazel eyes. And her thoughts. She wanted him to kiss her, and he wanted to. But he couldn’t, he couldn’t. He shouldn't do it, Father would be angry.
He leaned into her again, instead, stepping closer and holding her. She knew it was different, that he was holding back. She thought it was her fault, that he didn’t want her anymore. She didn’t know Father told him not to, that it was wrong to be this way with her. But maybe that was a conversation for another time, and he suggested they go to the water instead. She always loved the water.
Our secret spring? she asked, her cheek against his neck and a light tug at his hair that made his skin shudder. He probably shouldn’t take her to their spring. It would be dark soon... But if it would make her happy again, of course that was where they would go. Wherever you want, he said softly to her thoughts, brushing his lips along the muscle in her neck before turning to lead the way. His wing draped over her, as he always did, and held her to his side as they walked, feeling the sway of her steps tap against him.
They were twins and obviously close, side to side with their heads ducked together. And he only parted from her when they got to the water, bounding forward a little to reach the water first, walking across it as she liked to do and waiting for her. He turned with a smile, his wings flaring out almost naturally with his happiness. There. Better already, right? And he stomped his foot to splash her with a burst of laughter.