Gargoyle Boyfriend: Plume (rough draft)

It was a dark and stormy night, so of course, your internet was out. It had been for the last hour, and as much as you hate to admit this, it’s driving you a bit crazy. You find yourself wandering to your phone to look things up or to try and play a game, but to no avail. At least the power was on, that you could be grateful for.

You’ve been reading, while playing old records. While it’s nice, it also feels a touch too quiet. You’re not exactly sure how being without internet makes the place feel that way, but there is a silence to your place that is a touch unnerving.

Sighing heavily, you set the book aside and get up to go to the kitchen. As you’re staring blankly into the fridge for something to eat, there is a loud boom outside. It feels as though your soul leaves your body and your skin goes chasing after it. The whole place goes black and something crashes into the sliding glass door of your balcony.

That shock from what was possibly a transformer blowing still has you reeling. Your guts are churning, you flesh is tingling. Your scalp feels as though it is sizzling in a frying pan. There’s clattering and scuffing coming from your balcony as something moves. Sparks fly up your back and burn the nape of your neck.

“Kitty?” Your voice squeaks. You push back the curtain to look outside, only seeing the black of night and your flection imposed on it. You’re finally catching your breath when something strikes against the glass door. Screaming again, you lunge back, hitting the sink.

Thunder booms and lightning illuminates the porch. You see something big out there in that brief flash of light. It takes up most of your balcony and has pushed aside the plastic lawn furniture that had been out there.

It bangs against the glass door again. “Please,” it says weakly. “I need help.”

You stand there unmoving, staring in disbelief as a lump forms painfully in the back of your throat.

“Please, before the sun rises.” Their palm squeaks down the glass followed by a soft thud.

You run to your room, searching for a flashlight that you realize has no batteries. You then take your phone, hunting down some of your scented candles and lighting them in the kitchen. Then, taking every nerve you have left, you push back the curtain to look outside. Of course, all yo get it glare, so you bundle those few nerves again and push open the sliding glass door.

As you peek around the corner, you see that big thing laying there. It has wings, huge dark feathery ones that it’s using to cover itself. You also see blood that is smeared along the floor and glass.

“Fuck,” you whisper under your breath. You really don’t know what to do. It asked for help, it sounded scared. You would be an absolute idiot though to bring this thing inside. Who knows what it is or what it could do? It could be faking. It could also be dying.

“It hurts,” the creature moans. “I’ll do anything...please.”

Pushing open the sliding glass door the creature pulls itself inside and lays there in the middle of your kitchen. You kneel down near it, but it keeps itself covered by the huge feathery wings.

Is it an angel? A demon? You can’t quite decide, but for some reason, against every sane argument in the world, you let it into your home.

“Where are you hurt?” Your voice shakes and trembles as you speak.

It breaths roughly then slowly props itself up. You can barely make anything out in the candle light, but you can see it is nothing you’ve ever seen before. The chest and shoulders are covered with dark feathers like the wings. The feathers smooth along the head, becoming dappled and shinier. The face is leathery and angled. Shadows seem to cling to the cavernous contours of the cheek and eyes, and their jaw is like a razor’s edge.

“Something struck me as I was flying.” They left their long arm from their belly where there is blood.

Your hand trembles as you reach for a hand towel hanging on the stove. “It’s okay, just don’t hurt me.”

“I won’t,” they wheeze.

You shine your phone’s flashlight onto the cut and wipe away the excess blood. The cut doesn’t look half as bad as the blood would suggest. “It’s okay. I can uhm...I can bandage this.” You force a reassuring smile then look back down. “Just stay here, okay? I’ll go get emergency stuff.” You get up from the floor. “I’ll be right back.”

You run to the bathroom, grabbing your first aid kit and grabbing things from the medicine cabinet out of panic. You return to the kitchen where the creature has propped up against the cabinets.

“I’ve got it, I’ve got it.” You drop the kit and scramble to pick up what spills out.

“How long until dawn?” They ask.

You shake your head. “I don’t know. Uhm-” You check your phone. “It’s just passed midnight.”

The creature relaxes a bit. “There’s time.”

Trying your best, you try to clean the cut then apply ointment, but your hands are shaking.

“Don’t be scared. Even if I wasn’t injured, I would mean you no harm. It is my job to protect.” He winces as you finally put some ointment on the cut.

“Sorry,” you gasp. “You have seen yourself right? I’ve never seen a...whatever you are in person.”

“Call me Plume, I’m a Gargoyle knight.”

You furrow your brow. “You mean like, the stone scary things on churches?”

He chuckles then regrets it. “My castle is not where it was when my friends and I were cursed. I got scared.”

“You and me both.” You start trying to figure out how to put bandages on the cut, but it won’t work. You then take a cotton pad and use the bandages to tape it over the cut. “I think you’re okay though. The cut isn’t deep, just kind of looks like a giant paper cut.”

“Thank you,” he huffs. “I owe you a debt.”

You scoot back as he rises up more, pulling his long legs up and tucking his wings back behind himself. His body is long but thick. His arms and feet have the same three pronged fingers covered in shining scales.

“You said your castle,” you murmur. “There’s a castle here?”

He sighs. “It isn’t so much a castle anymore, and to be honest, I grew afraid and panicked before I took in my surroundings. I should have stayed where I was and assessed everything, but-” He grows quiet and hangs his head.

You swallow the painful lump in your throat down and try to calm yourself. “I’ve never seen a gargoyle with feathers.”

Plume chuckles. “Is that so? I thought you had never seen something like me up close before?”

You bite your lip. “Well-” You suck in a breath. “It’s just when I picture gargoyles they’re usually leathery.”

“I’m special,” he teases. He then places his hand over the bandage. “You sure it wasn’t bad? It hurts horribly.”

“I promise, it wasn’t that deep.”

He huffs and leans back again. “If I turn to stone with a gaping wound, it won’t heal properly.”

You frown at him. “It will heal fine, even if you turned into a pillar of salt.”

He chuckles and lifts his head. “It’s been so long since I was last awake. It feels both like an instant and an eternity. You are the first person I have spoken to since-” His voice fades away and his wings wrap around him.

You pull your knees up to your chest. “A curse, I’m assuming?”

“Yes.” Plume bows his head low. “The princess must have found us again. I am a fool!” He strikes his palms to his head. “I should have stayed and waited! My friends...they would have come for me.”

“They could still find you,” you offer.

“Maybe,” he whispers.

You stand up and reach for the cabinet. “Plume, right?” You take out a bag of chips. “Would you like a snack?”

You take him into the living room and standing near him you take in the breadth of his size. He’s monstrous, towering above you in both height and size. You nervously walk around him, patting the sofa to offer him a seat.

He sits while you open the bag and set a bowl of salsa on the table. “Do you want to talk about this curse?”

“Not at the moment,” he grumbles. “I’m feeling foolish.”

“You got scared, it happens to everyone!” You offer him the food as you take a chip. “Your friends will find you, I’m sure they will. Once the storm passes you can go back to where you woke up. They could already be there.”

He hangs his head into his hands. “Thank you for trying to cheer me up.”

You touch his shoulder, feeling silken feathers and soft skin. “You’ll be okay, big guy like you, you’ll be easy to find.”

He lifts his head and smirks down at you.

You stop from eating. “What?”

His smile seems melancholic. “Someone, a long time ago, told me that exact thing. She said, no matter what, a big guy like me would be easy to find.”

You slowly eat your chip. “Who was she?”

He sighs heavily. “Someone who I am sure is long gone by now.”

You offer him the chips. “Will food help?”

His smile is soft as he takes the offering. “Perhaps a little.”

As the rain stops and the storm passes, you begin to drift to sleep. You find yourself on the sofa alone, but as you look up, you see Plume standing in front of the sliding glass door, turned all to stone.

“Shit.” You walk up and knock on him. “This is a bad place to stand bud.” You huff. “I gotta fix my plants you knocked over last night.”

That evening, as the sun sets, you hear a crackling from the kitchen. The stone pops along his form, snapping off in thin sheets until his wings spread out and he appears as he did before. He looks up out the door then turns and looks back at you watching.

“Sleep well?” You walk closer towards him and hand him the broom.

“I wouldn’t exactly call it sleep.” He stares at the broom then sighs heavily. “Is it still storming?”

You shake your head and frown. “Not as bad as last night, but I wouldn’t go out in it. If you’re hungry the takeout just came.”

He looks down mournfully.

“Hey,” you place your palm on his arm. “It’s okay. As soon as the rain lets up, you’re as free as a bird! You can go look for your friends.”

Plume looks at your arm then places his own hand over it. “It isn’t just that. I realize people I knew, people I cared about, probably won’t be in this world anymore.” He squeezes your hand.

“Yeah, that makes sense.” You hold his hand to comfort him. “I’m sorry.”

He nods gently. “It will take some time, but I will be alright.”

You give him a smile. “Big guy like you? You’ll be great!”

After he sweeps up his mess, he comes to join you in the living room where you have food on the table. You’re double checking emails and texts, setting your phone aside as he comes in. You hand him a bowl and some plastic wrapped utensils.

“Thank you for your hospitality.” He says quietly. “I don’t know many people who would take in a stranger like me.”

“I’m a softy,” you sigh. “Besides, you made a grand entrance last night.” You point to his side. “How's the cut by the way?”

Plume removes the makeshift bandage from last night and the cut is just a shiny mark along his skin. “Thanks to you, it’s healed nicely.”

“Good.” You watch him as he tests some of the food. “I have a blindspot for sob stories,” you chuckle. “I guess that’s why it was easy to let you in.”

“You need to be careful,” he says warningly.

“I know, I know,” you scoff. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

Plume looks around the room. “Are you alone here?”

You nod, reaching for a box and taking a piece of chicken. “Luckily. I did have a roommate, but she moved out a while ago.”

Plume looks surprised. “Is that the new normal? Women living alone?”

“When they can,” you reply.

“What about a partner?” He asks.

“Don’t need one.” You give him the eye. “Unless you’re offering.”

Plume instantly bows down his head. “I wasn’t. I wouldn’t want to offend my host.”

You smile. “Just teasing, Plume. No need to worry.”

That night, while you show Plume the wonders of internet streaming, you fall asleep on the couch beside him. You’ve always had weird dreams where you’re in the woods collecting weird plants, talking to animals, or throwing fire. Tonight, you’re standing on the side of a cliff and watching as a massive bird flies up. The large black wings block out the sun and you start laughing. The bird flies around you, landing behind you and pulling you into a tight embrace.

“You cannot hide from me, ma petite sorcière.” The deep rumbling voice vibrates against your ear and down your skin.

“I was not hiding, merely waiting.” You turn and look up into Plume’s deep set eyes. You cup his face between your palms and pull him down. “Like a trap ready to snare you.” As your lips touch his you wake with a sudden snort. You look around, seeing Plume standing in the kitchen again.

“Plume?” You check your phone for the time, it’s late but dawn is still a ways away. You get up off the sofa. “I had the strangest dream.”

He turns from the window. “It’s stopped raining.”

“Oh,” you feel a slight pain. “Are you going then?”

Plume holds his hand out to you. “I didn’t want to leave until I could give you a proper goodbye. I owe you a debt.”

You take his hand and squeeze. “You could have gone, it would have been fine.” You press your lips into a firm line. “Will I see you again?”

“If I am left alone in this world, perhaps I could come visit from time to time.” He smiles at you. “Even if I find them, I still owe you my gratitude.”

You nod. “Be safe out there. Don’t get hurt again.”

He opens the sliding glass door and steps out onto your balcony. The cold night air whisks around you and you wrap your arms around yourself. Plume hops up onto the railing and pauses for a moment.

“Thank you again, for your help and for being my first new friend in this world.” He spreads his wings and jumps off. A second later he flies up and vanishes into the night.

You go back inside, turning off the TV and lights before going to bed. Over the next few days, you have more dreams about Plume. You stand beside a young woman as you watch the gargoyles come to roost on the walls of a castle. You and Plume take refuge in a dark room, illuminated by only a small lantern. He holds you close, removing you clothes as he kisses you.

“Plume,” you whisper breathlessly.

“Call me my name,” his voice is docile and needy. “Please, ma sorcière, say my name.”

You giggle and kiss him. “I thought you liked my little nickname.” He kisses your fingertips. “Phedre, please, make love to me.”

You always wake up too soon, but now, for certain, you know that these dreams are something more than just silly dreams. You have had them since you were young, but now, with the appearance of Plume, or Phedre, the dreams had become clearer and precise. You needed to see him again, in reality, just to make sure.

One evening as you’re pouring over a book about past lives, there comes a knock on the sliding glass door. Anxious yet excited, you pull back the curtain to see Plume standing there. You swing open the door, ready to leap into his arms, but you temper your excitement.

“Did you find them?” You ask as you let him in.

“I did.” He smiles brightly. “You were right, I just needed to wait out the storm. Is now a good time for a visit?”

“Yes, of course! I’ve been hoping to see you.” You tuck your hair behind your ear, playing with the lock that falls down. “But is everything okay? Your friends and all?”

He nods, following you into the living room. “Not all of us have awakened yet, but as we are, we have a place we can go, a new home to protect.”

“That’s great.” Your heart is hammering hard. You decide to just leap. “Phedre?”

Plume stills then turns and furrows his brow at you. “How did you-” He stops and laughs, shaking his head. “When did I tell you my name?”

“So that is it?” You bite your lip. “I thought it might be a dream, but I wasn’t sure.” You nod as you become more assured. “I’ve been dreaming, a long time, about another life. Once I met you, I started to put the pieces together.”

Plume frowns, nodding his head. “And what about these dreams?”

“Who is ‘ma petite sorcière’ to you?”

His eyes widen, his arms go tense. “How do you-” he stops. His gaze becomes soft and hopeful. “She was my love.”

“It’s what you called me in my dreams,” you whisper, growing more and more nervous. “I am not certain but I think that is who I am.”

Plume takes a step closer to you. He looks at you carefully then slowly moves to touch. His hand caresses your cheek then moves through your hair. “I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I didn’t think it was possible to wake and see you right away.”

“It does sound silly right?” You try to laugh, but his touch feels so familiar, so welcome. “Do you think it’s possible?”

Plume nods. “Our princess was reborn, why not you too?”

The wild urge to kiss him is far too strong. You race into his arms, jumping up on tiptoes to meet his lips. He holds you up, lifting you so you can wrap your arms around his neck.

“I’m sorry!” You exclaim as you return to your senses. “I should have asked.”

Plume chuckles. “It has been centuries, I suppose the urge is strong. Everything you did was quite passionate.”

You press your forehead to his. “It feels so strange. It’s like, I know everything and nothing about you, but all at once I know what I want.”

Plume rubs his hand up your back. “You told me when we first met that you knew you would want me forever, that a single look was all it took to know your heart was guided towards me. You scared me shitless, and yet, soon, you were all my heart longed for.”

You kiss him again, cupping his face between your hands. “I know this may sound strange,” you murmur as quietly as you can. “But if you are up to it, and we have time, I would like to-” You hesitate and giggle.

“Call me my name,” he urges, “and I am yours to command.”

Your chest flares in flames and drums. “Oh well,” you chuckle. “Phedre,” you press your lips to his cheek. “For old times sake?”

You go to your bedroom where you pull him down onto your bed. The moment feels as though it has taken an eternity to reach, but you want to take your time with him. You touch down his body, feeling his soft skin and feathers. You kiss him softly as he removes you clothes, strong hands moving down your body, knowing exactly where to go.

Between his thighs there is a mound that has begun to open up, from inside his cock begins to emerge. It glistens wet, looking like a jewel. The head is very narrow, but the shaft and base are bulbous, glistening purple and blue.

“I don’t remember it quite this big,” you giggle. “Then again, most of my dreams ended before we got here.” You run your fingers up the shaft and Plume shivers.

“I’ll have to remind you then,” he groans. “I have not forgotten how warm and inviting your touch is.”

You bite your lip, taking him into your hand. You stroke what you can, but the base is far too big for your grasp. “I’ve never had anything like this,” you whisper. “Not in this life anyways.”

Phedre’s gaze deepens. “I don’t care what came before this moment.”

You kiss him as you pump your hand over him, he twitches against your fingers then moans against your lips. “Easy,” he warns. “I want to end this night together.” His hand grips your thigh. “Joined inside.”

“I’m a little nervous,” you confess. “But there is nothing I want more. Phedre,” you whisper as you climb into his lap. “This feels right, doesn’t it?”

His eyes are glazed and lidded, his breath shaky. “It always has.”

You kiss him lovingly, easing down upon him as his sharp fingers dig into your hips. He’s quite thick, so it takes you time to ease him inside.

“Does it hurt?” He asks concerned.

You shake your head. “No. Just not used to it.” You work slowly, bouncing in his lap, kissing him, and listening to his moans. “Don’t worry, I’m doing fine.” Bit by bit, he fits inside, stretching you tight.

“You’re trembling,” he whispers. “Let me try now.” He lays you on your back, pressing his wavy weight upon you. Wrapping yourself around him you can almost smell smoke and fuel from the lantern. You can almost feel the chill of the cold dark room.

Tears dribble down your cheeks and Plume stills. “What’s wrong? Am I hurting you?”

You shake your head. “No, it’s not that,” you sniffle. “I just…” your voice chokes with a whimper. “I’m relieved! I was afraid I would never see you again.” You cup your hands over your face. “I never even knew until this moment how much I had missed you, Phedre.”

Plume kisses you tenderly as you cry. “I’m here now, I’m so sorry about all this time, ma petite sorcière.”

“That wasn’t your fault.” You moan as he moves. “Stay with me now. Keep going.” You cling tightly to him, feeling every thrust deep inside. You dig your fingers into his back, clawing down until you cup his ass in your hands. He ruts harder, moaning louder, pressing his body so tight against you you feel like one entity.

The night is not long enough to renew your passion for him, but you know you must stop before the dawn. You lay with him in bed, smiling goofily to yourself. You then lift up, looking down at him.

He smiles back. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” You smooth your palm over his chest. “Just enjoying this.” You lay your head back upon him. “Enjoying you.”

“It feels like old times, only, we don’t have to hide in the dark and dank of the castle.” His hand rubs down your back and you hook your leg around his.

“Tomorrow, I’ll take you with me, and you can see the others again. Maybe even your magic will awaken.” He smooths his finger over your lips. “We can make up for lost time.”

“Whats the point?” You smooth your fingers along his feathers. “It is lost already. We can just make new time from here on out.”