A/N: Hello again everyone! A new chapter is here! :D

Before we get started, I would like to thank everyone that read last chapter! I would also like to give a huge thank you to winterschild11, Guest, RainbowDiamonds, and Anno1701 for reviewing!

I hope you all enjoy!

When they got outside, James held out his hand and Logan was quick to take it. The night was still early and not even completely dark. The spring air was lovely.

"You know what?" James asked. "I think we should go for a walk."

"You do? I thought you'd be eager to get home, and you know…"

He laughed. "Well yeah, of course. But we have all weekend, and it's nice out. I thought we could just walk the long way home, maybe take in the lights in the park."

"Why, James," Logan said, pulling him close, "are you being romantic?"

He pouted. "Or if you're going to tease me, we can just go straight home."

Logan laughed and kissed him before taking his hand and leading him in the opposite way they'd come. It really wouldn't take that long, and James was right. The park would be so pretty at this time of night.

"I just want to enjoy this," James said after a little while. "Don't worry, I have every intention of enjoying later on as well, but this is nice, too."

Romantic walks, holding hands in the New York City twilight… "It sure is."

They walked for half a block and James squeezed Logan's hand as they walked. He smiled happily to himself, and Logan just had to say something. "You're being particularly cute tonight."

James laughed. "This is going to sound weird, and-" He glanced over his shoulder. "I know Kendall and Carlos will probably hear this and my reputation will be in tatters, but…" He shrugged. "I'm happy."

Logan stopped walking and pulled James in for a kiss. "You deserve to be happy."

He rolled his eyes but his smile was genuine. "It's so ridiculous. But I really do feel...happy. For the first time in a really long time. And I know you're the reason, Loges. And I'm just really grateful you didn't give up on me."

"I'm glad, too. And can I tell you something without you freaking out?"

He made a face. "I can't guarantee that. And if you think there's an actual chance of me freaking out, then the odds aren't good. Even before you've said anything, it's already not looking great."

Logan laughed. "You want to know what I think it is? Why you're happy and that giddiness in your stomach that I can feel you feel?" Logan cupped his jaw. "I think you're in love."

James slow blinked as though his world had stopped turning. "You think what?"

"I think you're in love," Logan repeated. "With me."

James stared at him, frozen. Then he made some disbelieving scoffing sound and tried to pull away, but Logan held him tight.

"And that's amazing, James, because I'm in love with you."

He floundered for a moment, then let out a huff. Excitement and fear bloomed out of him. "You are?"

"Yes. I love you, and I have loved you since the dawn of time."

James' eyes grew glassy, but he laughed. "Really?"

Logan nodded. "And you want to know what else I think? I think you've loved me for that long too, but you just couldn't admit it."

He scoffed. "Is that right?"

"Yep."

"Now you're talking nonsense," James said, but his grin was wide. "Utter malarkey."

Logan didn't need to argue. He knew he was right. They both knew it, but Logan didn't want to push his luck. He put his arm around James and they began walking again. "Oh look! It's the bodega. And speaking of happiness, I feel like a treat."

They crossed the street and Logan headed straight for the candy aisle. Knowing there was no way James would've tried any of them, Logan grabbed a few different varieties. Admittedly, it had been a while since he'd had candy, so he grabbed a few more.

"Are we giving them to every child in our school?" James asked, looking in Logan's basket.

Logan laughed. "No, and you can thank me later."

James got an odd expression on his face. "That gives me an idea."

"What? Thanking me later? I have every intention of letting you thank me later."

James glanced around in case someone might have heard. "No," he hissed. "That's not what I meant."

"What did you mean then?"

"You said it was our payday earlier."

"Yep."

"So I want to take out how much I got paid and give it away. I meant what I said earlier. It's not like we need it. We don't pay rent, we have Peter's credit cards for everything. It makes sense."

Logan smiled slowly. "I think that's a great idea."

He grinned. "And what's Peter gonna say? That we shouldn't help the less fortunate? Isn't that like the company motto or something?"

Logan laughed. "Something like that."

"Excellent." He clapped his hands together. "Where's the local countinghouse?"

Logan burst out laughing. "Oh, my love, you're so funny." When Logan realized James wasn't trying to be funny, he led him toward the ATM. "Countinghouses haven't been a thing for a long time. Here, I'll show you how to use it."

In no time, James had withdrawn his entire wage, which he folded into a giant wad and shoved into his pocket.

"Kendall and Carlos are probably cursing you right now," Logan said with a chuckle.

"Why?"

"The security risk you pose carrying that much cash."

"Oh. Then we best get rid of it quick."

"Good idea," Logan agreed. He paid for his candy and they headed outside again. The night had grown darker, and Logan took James' hand and led him up a familiar street. "I know the perfect place."

It was the church where he'd gone before. That very kind priest had taken the time to speak to him, and it felt like a good place to help out. "In here," Logan said, taking the stairs to the front doors, which he held open for James.

But James slowed going up the steps and stopped before he got to the doors. "Um, that's okay," he said quickly. "Maybe not this one."

"What?" Logan wasn't sure he heard him right. "Not this one?"

"Well, no. Maybe a homeless shelter, or surely there are some less fortunate folks looking to sleep in the park tonight. I'm sure they could use it more than here."

Logan frowned, but he stepped out of the doorway and let the door close.

"James," he whispered. To be honest, he was a little lost for words. He remembered then that James had also refused to come into the church when he was here before. Even Kendall had commented about it…

Now, a lot of people didn't like churches or any place of worship for a whole bunch of reasons. But an angel?

"James, my love," Logan said gently. "What's wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong, exactly. The church is fine, but I-" He put his hand to his forehead, and his anxiety skyrocketed. "I'm just not sure…"

Logan went to him and took his hand. "Why won't you go inside?"

James looked to the front of the church. "They used to have donation boxes. Whatever happened to that?"

"People stole them."

"They stole from a church?"

"Why won't you come in? We can choose any church, temple, synagogue, mosque if you'd prefer. You know the denomination doesn't make any difference."

"I know that."

"Then why?"

"Because I don't want to."

"Okay. But why won't you really?"

"Because I...I don't…" He shook his head. "I don't believe…" He swallowed hard. "I just don't believe that I...Here," He said, taking out his wad of cash and shoving it in Logan's hand. "You take it in. Please. Just get rid of it. They'll know what to do with it. I'll take your bag of candy and wait out here." He took the bag from Logan and left Logan holding the cash. He was so stunned, he dumbly did as James had asked.

"Can I help you?" the priest said as Logan walked in. It was the same priest as before. "Ah, I remember you. Is everything all right? You look a little lost."

"Uh…" Logan stopped and had to think. What the hell had just happened. "Yeah, sure, I'm okay. It's just…" He shook his head, realizing this poor man must think Logan was crazy. He collected himself and started again. "I came in to give a donation, that's all. Is there a box or an envelope?"

"Oh, yes," Father Greg said. "Right this way."

He led him to an old wooden box that was built into the wall and locked with a large padlock. It had a small slot, and Logan had to unfold the money and feed it through. Father Greg couldn't hide his surprise. Logan realized a little belatedly how this whole transaction must have looked.

"It's good money, I promise. We have the means, and we're able to share it."

Father Greg smiled, perhaps seeing the goodness in him. "Then I thank you."

Logan gave a small bow of his head. "It's a privilege and an honor."

"You were troubled last time you were here," Father said before Logan could turn and leave. "I trust everything worked itself out. You said there was a man who couldn't be with you?"

"Oh yes. My…" Logan said, remembering his role here. "My husband. He's...he's outside, actually. He refused to come in."

The priest gave a nod. "Wouldn't be the first."

"Father, he's…" Logan thought about how he should phrase this. "He's a child of faith. We both are. And this is so unexpected, him refusing to come into a church...I'm a little stunned."

How could an angel take issue with a house of worship?

"Would you like me to talk to him?" Father Greg asked kindly.

Logan sighed, knowing just how well James would react to that. "No, it's okay. I guess I'm just a little shocked. I'll talk to him. But he did want you to have the donation to give to the less fortunate."

He gave an appreciative nod. "Please tell him I said thank you."

"I will." Logan meant to step back, he meant to leave, but he found himself rooted to the spot.

Father Greg seemed familiar with this because he spoke with all the patience under the sun.

"I have seen this before," he said. "When someone who once found comfort in their faith no longer does. Sometimes their path is clear, and that's okay. Not everyone needs to attend a church to be a child of faith. But if you're concerned, if you think something has happened to change his view, you might want to ask him what his issue is. Ask him why he's angry at the heavens." Father Greg smiled. "No god above can fix a problem if he doesn't know a problem exists."

Logan saw two figures in the shadows of the vestry, cloaked and hidden in the dark. But still familiar enough for him to know who it was.

Leliel and Ahura.

Logan took a step back now. His need to get back to James was a physical one.

"Thank you," Logan said, still walking backward toward the front doors. He wouldn't take his eyes off where the other two angels had gone.

What the hell were they doing here? And why were they watching Logan?

Father Greg was frowning as Logan got to the door and turned around, disappearing outside. James was standing at the top of the steps, and he visibly relaxed as soon as he laid eyes on Logan. "I thought you must have…" He frowned. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Logan briefly considered trying to lie, but James took his hand, concern etching his brow. "I'm not sure."

"Was it about the money?"

"No, he said to say thank you."

"But?"

"But...I don't know. Something he said." Logan put his arm around James and sighed. This was not a conversation he wanted to have out in the street, in front of a church no less. "Let's go home."

"Sure," James said easily. "Then you can tell me the truth." James gave him a squeeze.

"And you can, too," Logan said, pulling James against him as they walked.

"About what?"

"About why you won't go into the church. Is it that church in particular? Because this is New York. We can find any house of worship you want."

James didn't speak for a block, and Logan was beginning to wonder if he would at all when eventually, he said, "It's not just that church."

Logan kissed the side of his head, a sign of thanks for his honesty. "I didn't think it was."

That was all he said for the rest of the walk, but Logan didn't mind. At least he'd said that much, and even admitting that was more than the James of just a few weeks ago would have ever admitted. It was a definite step forward for him.

XxX

The elevator doors opened and it was so good to be home. It had been a good week, but long, and even though it was barely eight on a Friday night, Logan was weary.

Yes, James had come a long way, but one thing remained, a constant thought in the back of Logan's mind. Like a drip of water, seemingly harmless on its own, but slowly filling up.

The assignment was still on.

Two angels were watching from the shadows. And not just any two angels, but Leliel and Ahura. The angel of night and Heaven's watcher. Saint Peter's version of covert ops.

And James refused to step foot inside a church. Twice. Logan couldn't help but think these two things weren't just a coincidence.

Now, he just had to find out the real reason why.

James knew Logan was going to ask about why he wouldn't go inside the church. Maybe he just should have sucked it up and gone inside to avoid the subject, but when it came down to actually walking in...he just couldn't do it.

So yeah, James was very aware this conversation was going to happen.

And he wouldn't deny his reasons to Logan. Not now, not after everything he'd already put him through. Logan had told him earlier that night that he loved him, and James' heart had almost beat right out of his chest. The fire in his ribs burned glorious red, and when Logan had been so bold to suggest that James loved him back, James had been too damn happy to deny it.

He did love him.

And yes, there was a part of him that always had. Even though he'd tried to fight it, he tried to deny it, it was there.

So no, James would give him the cold, honest truth. And in return, Logan could tell James what had really bothered him when he'd left the church.

Logan threw his keys and phone onto the sofa and pulled James down with him when he sat. He held his hands and looked him right in the eye. "You know I won't ever judge you, and whatever you tell me stays between us," Logan said seriously. "I love you, James, and that won't change, ever. But I need to know why you won't go into a church."

James smiled at the I love you, but in the end, he sighed. "It's nothing critical, really. It actually pretty stupid and something I should probably work on. You know, given I'm an angel and all."

"Probably, yes."

"Will you tell me why, when you came out of the church a cloud of worry came out the door with you?"

Logan's brows furrowed for a second. "Yes. I think these two things could be related, but I'm not sure."

Now it was James' turn to frown. "Someone was in the church?"

Logan gave a nod. "I can't be absolutely certain, but…"

"But you're certain."

Logan grimaced. "You first. Then I'll tell you."

"Well," James said, not really sure where to begin. "I don't know how I feel about it at all if I'm being completely honest." He wanted to put his hand through his hair but didn't want to let go of Logan's hand. He was torn. "Ugh."

"How you feel about what?" Logan pressed cautiously. As though…

"Not about us," James said quickly. "That I'm certain of. For the first time in forever, I am certain of that."

Logan smiled. "Then what?"

"Saint Peter, the whole hierarchy, upper management...it's all a religious sham." His own words surprised him; saying that out loud felt as great as it did awful.

Logan stared, then blinked. He opened his mouth, promptly closed it again. "Sham?"

"Yes, it means fake."

"I know what it means." Logan shook his head. "I'm just not sure I...agree."

James felt a sharp pang of hurt. "I didn't think you'd understand."

Logan squeezed James' hands. "Then help me understand. Explain why you feel this way. I'm not saying the way you feel is wrong. It's valid. The way you feel is valid. I just need you to tell me. Help me understand."

James shrugged. "I just hate how removed they are. It makes me so angry. I know I avoided coming to Earth for a long time, but I oversee Hell. I see every day how much they're failing the humans. They sit up there and think reading reports and statistics and strategies and having think-tanks is working, but it's not. They have no clue. They never have. They have angels who do all the dirty work for them, and we file reports, and upper management calls it a win." He growled in frustration. "It's not a win. People die. Kids die. Little kids, Loges. And do you think all the gods even care?"

"They all die," Logan murmured. "That's what humans do. You can't save them from that. You can't change that. Mortality is…"

"Brutal."

"Yes. But that's also what makes it beautiful."

James shook his head. "I can't do that. I can't be like you and see the world that way."

"No one ever expects you to be like me. The way you see the world is uniquely you. Don't change a thing."

He groaned. "You have a perfect answer for everything."

"No, I don't. I've just spent a lot of years with humans. I've lived a thousand lifetimes. I've learned that nothing is constant. Nothing with humans is forever. Not even for angels."

"What doesn't last forever for us?" James asked. "Immortality rules a lot out on that one."

"Not everything lasts forever. Not even the stars last forever, my love. They die, too. New ones are born, the cycle goes on."

James frowned at their joined hands. "They need to walk among the humans, spend some time down here. All of them, regardless of title or rank. They should see the ramifications of what they cause. The wars that are fought in their name, the families torn apart, the children and babies who are murdered in the name of whatever god…" James choked up. His eyes burned with tears. "They should meet the child who was sacrificed to her father's god for the price of rain. They should have seen the light in her eyes fade when she learned of her fate."

"Oh, James," Logan said, pulling him into his arms.

James let his tears fall. "Why do they get to sit up there with their wings and halos while their loyal subjects suffer? It's not right, Logan. It's not fair."

"I remember now," he said gently. "When you followed me back to Heaven to stop me from breaking the bond. You told Peter he should be doing more work on the ground. I should have realized there was more to that."

"I'm just not sure I believe in it anymore," James finally admitted. He sat up and met Logan's gaze. "I don't know what that means for me as an angel. I can't imagine it will go over too well, and that will invariably affect you now, too." He shrugged again. "What's the procedure for when an angel loses their faith? I'm sure there's a subclause for that subclause somewhere."

Logan put his fingers to James' chin and lifted his face for a soft kiss. "We tell upper management they need to reassess their strategic planning because it's not functional anymore. They need to see the world firsthand, not read about it in reports." He smiled. "You didn't lose your faith, my love. They lost it. And we'll be sure to tell them they need to earn it back."

James' eyes welled with tears again. "You mean that?"

Logan nodded. "Of course I do. Because you know what? You're right. It's about time they put some feet on the ground once in a while." He cupped James' face and kissed him again.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you."

Logan nudged his nose to James'. "You were just you."

Although they were on the sofa and it wasn't the most comfortable place for it, James snuggled up into his spot against Logan's neck, and he was soon wrapped up in two strong arms. "Thank you."

"You're so very welcome."

James sighed, and he was so comfortable and safe, he could have closed his eyes and fallen asleep. But then he remembered.

"Oh. Your turn now," he said, sitting up. "You have to tell me who you saw in the church."

Logan began with, "I can't be absolutely certain…"

"But you saw what you saw."

Logan nodded. "I saw Leliel and Ahura."

James had to think for a second. "Angels? Peter's angels? Aren't they like secret service or something?"

Logan gave a slight nod. "Last I heard."

"What were they doing in the church?"

"I don't know. They were off the side of the altar, in the dark. It was hard to see them clearly, but when I was talking to the priest, I saw them watching me."

Anger rolled down James' spine. "Watching you? Oh, let me tell you, they better not have been." He stood up and rolled his shoulders. "Let's go back there right now. I'd like to have a little chat with Leliel."

Logan stood as well, but he took James' hand and sent a wave of calm through him. "Stop. They'll be long gone by now."

He seethed. "What aren't they telling us?"

"I don't know. But I have to wonder...I thought you were the assignment, and now I'm thinking, maybe it's us?"

"But why? We did the twin-flame thing! Heaven can get off our case now and leave us alone." He was still angry, but he no longer wanted to rearrange Leliel's halo. Well, he probably would if he saw Leliel right now, but he didn't want to track him down and do it. "Can we call Kendall? He might know more."

"I'm sure he knows more than he's letting on," Logan said, pulling out his phone. He dialed just as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

Kendall and Carlos stepped out. "No need to call, we're already here."

James groaned. "Can you hear everything we do?"

"Yes," Carlos answered with a smirk.

James was horrified. "Oh, for the love of-"

"Kendall," Logan said, standing up. "Why are Leliel and Ahura watching us?"

Kendall's smile faded. "What? What do you mean they're watching you?"

"When I went into the church on West Seventy-First street, they were there. I swear it was them."

Kendall shot Carlos a quizzical look, but Carlos shrugged. "I know nothing."

"Peter never mentioned them," Kendall said sincerely. "He never mentioned another team. He told me to choose one other angel to come with me and Lucy and Dak are on-call as backup, but that's it."

"What else did he say?" Logan pressed.

"About what?" Kendall asked.

James took a step closer. "Stop with the games, Kendall. The only reason Leliel would watch Logan was if something was wrong. I'm sick of being kept in the dark on this. I think it's about time we paid Peter another visit. I'm done with the lies and the subterfuge."

"Look." Kendall put his hands up. "You know I can't divulge information I'm sworn to keep secret. You know that."

Logan stood beside James, a united front. "So tell us what you can."

"And if Leliel and Ahura are listening?" Kendall whispered.

James put his hands out and yelled, "Then let them hear me! Come show your faces!"

They waited for a moment. Nothing happened, not that James really expected it to.

Kendall sighed. "I was told not to say anything. Actually, it was an order. I really wish I could, but I can't."

"Who gave the order?" Logan asked.

Kendall rolled his eyes, but James didn't need him to answer. He already knew.

"Saint Peter," James said, turning to Logan. "See what I mean?"

He gave a nod. "I'm really beginning to, yes."

"See what?" Kendall asked, looking back and forth between them.

"Nothing," James replied. "Tell me, are you two going back any time soon, or do you have to stick around until this assignment is over?"

"Until it's over," Kendall answered. "And look, guys. I wish I could help. I really like you both, and I don't know what other shit is going down. But we're on your side, okay?"

James wasn't all the placated, but Logan gave a nod. "Thank you," he said. "And thank you for coming to speak to us. We do feel very alone out here, so knowing you're close by is a comfort."

"We're never far away, okay?" Carlos offered.

James huffed. "We have no clue what we're supposed to be doing. We were given no details, no specifics." He looked to Logan and said, "We have each other, and that's it."

"Maybe that's part of their plan," Carlos said. He put both hands up, palms forward. "Now I don't know any specifics. I'm just here for Kendall. But it seems to me that maybe throwing you two together and leaving you to sort everything out is part of their master plan. And it's not a terrible plan," he said, smiling. "I mean, you're together. No matter what else they get you to do, you do it together. And at least they won't separate you like they did to us."

That deflated James' anger a little. "True, and I am grateful for being with Logan. Though honestly, if anyone tried to separate us now, I'd part them from their wings."

Kendall and Carlos both stared, unsure if James was being serious, but Logan laughed. "And I would help you do it, my love," Logan added.

"Okay, so on that note," Kendall said, all but dragging Carlos with him back to the elevator. "You two have a good night. Though I know you will." He cleared his throat. "Uh, because we've had to surveil you guys all week."

"It'll be a great night," Carlos said with a laugh as they stepped into the elevator. He poked his head out. "And I personally want to thank you both for the...mood it puts us in."

James picked up the closest thing he could reach and threw it at the elevator doors, but they closed just in the nick of time. He realized a little too late that he'd opted to launch the iPad, and not only did it dent the wall, but it fell to the floor in pieces, the screen shattered.

"You have no idea how much I want to swear right now," he mumbled.

And then, to make matters worse, the iPad reappeared on the table, spinning with sparkles, the screen brand-new. The dent in the wall magically fixed. No, not magically. Angelically.

Logan's phone beeped with a message from Kendall. "You're welcome."

"I hate him," James grumbled.

"No you don't," Logan said, his voice light and sweet.

James sighed. No, he didn't. Well, he didn't hate Kendall much. "I hate that he still has his powers and he can still swear. The fact that he can and I can't is some ripe old cow patties right there."

Logan laughed. "You mean bullshit?"

He groaned. "And the fact that you can swear and choose not to is a travesty."

Logan pulled James in for a kiss. James slid his arms around Logan's waist and relished the feeling of serenity he got from Logan's touch. "You know what I'm thinking?" Logan asked.

"That the real travesty is that I wasn't fast enough with throwing the iPad. I need to work on my reflexes. And my aim. I hit the wall instead of the elevator."

Logan chuckled. "Nope. What I was thinking is that it's been a long week and it's been a long day, and I'm ready for a perfect night."

"A perfect night?"

"Yep. I'm thinking we should run a bath for the both of us, we should get naked, and we should go to bed. We don't need to go anywhere tomorrow, and I'm thinking we should stay in bed all day. Maybe watch some movies, or maybe not leave our bed until Monday morning. Whatever the mission is supposed to be can wait until Monday."

"Mmm," James hummed, and he enjoyed the warm thrill that ran down his spine. "Yes please." Then he remembered something. "Oh, and don't forget your bag of candy."

Logan grinned. "Even better. You know what would be perfect to eat while we're in the bath?" he asked. He let go of James and rifled through the huge bag of candy, pulling out a yellow packet victoriously. "Peanut M&M's."

He grabbed James' hand and dragged him toward the bathroom, and ten minutes later, James could confirm this was indeed the perfect night. He could also confirm that peanut M&M's were the best thing since...well, actually, since they learned how to refine sugar and emulsify chocolate from cocoa beans. But the history of confectionery aside, James was impressed.

The bathtub was huge enough for James to lay with his back to Logan's front, bubbly water lapping up to their chests. Logan had his arm around James and fed M&M's to him, and James loved every second of it.

Done! So, more Jagan interaction and a much needed talk!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, as well as if you happened to have a favorite part/moment!

Again, I hope you all enjoyed and that you all are staying safe out there! Unfortunately, there are only two chapters left of this story. I haven't decided if I'm going to post them both next week or not just yet, but you'll definitely be getting at least one next chapter next week.

Until then!

-Epically Obsessed