Monochrome Insomnia

Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Arlsc…

She approaches silently, tipping his radar only when her flank is close enough to raise the hairs on his. They both stare out at the storm, and if the shiver that runs through Hawkeye's body isn't caused by the chill of rain, Aris doesn't call him on it. They watch the trees whip mercilessly, caged creatures beating against the air. Hawkeye's eyes are on them and the murderous sky and his breath comes too quickly but still Aris says nothing. She shifts sideways, a steady pressure against his flank and the stub of a wing he carries spasms. He shakes beside her. His stance is proud and his head is up but he trembles in his own skin.

Aris leans against him and slowly absorbs the chill from his coat, dozing on her feet, one ear always cocked towards him. As long as the storm rages outside Hawkeye stands sentinel, staring down the horror that haunts his dreams. Awake or asleep Aris stays with him, keeping guard over his body as his mind loops circles out in the storm.

By sunrise the storm has shattered, scattering pockets of rain. The sky lightens and his shaking lessens. When he finally stands steady again Aris leans around to gently bite just above the ruined bulge of wing, a reminder and a promise in one. His posture slumps, turning into her, head lowering. They say nothing as their eyes lock briefly before Aris turns and wanders back into the barn. Hawkeye glances again at the sky before following, absently shaking moisture from his coat.

Stranger I've known you for so long
I found you lost with a compass in the fog
Stranger you know me too much
Illusionary-self had not be touched, until you

<3
I've been waiting for my skill level to become equal to this piece for nearly as long as I've had Hawkeye, and so I spared no expense when making this animation. I actually was ready to push it even further but at 64 frames and 238 layers Photoshop went LOL SORRY DID YOU WANT THIS AS A GIF CAUSE WE CAN'T DO THAT SORRY NOT SORRY and I had to be content with it as is |D
It seems that each time I tackle a large scale animation I have to try and out-do myself. This piece in particular was actually the first post-accident story I wrote, and so it's always had a special place in my heart.

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Muchas gracias to ~sayna-jaye for the sketch of their poses, literally couldn't have done it without you. <3
Thanks also to *ShadowRaven1 for the music <3 Bless your DJing little soul.
And thanks to =Zandromina and the others in my streams for not letting me give up <3