A/N—Happy almost weekend! For those who celebrate it, Happy Independence Day as well. Thanks for reading this one and I hope you enjoy it. :) We're finally at the party.

Kendall's obvious discomfort on the shuttle helped James' mood immensely; he felt a tiny bit guilty about taking joy in something that put Kendall on edge, but since he was already annoyed with the angel, it was nice to see Kendall suffering for a short time.

Once they arrived at the building, Kendall practically shoved James down the aisle toward the shuttle's exit. A hand stayed clamped to James' shoulder like a vise. "Let up," James snapped. "I'm fine."

The hand didn't move. It wasn't until they were on the sidewalk that Kendall spoke. "That was worse than this morning. I don't think we should use that mode of transportation again."

James snickered. "Right, because it's scary. I still can't believe you're so freaked out over a moving vehicle." He let out a startled sound when Kendall suddenly jerked him closer. "What the hell?"

"She almost touched you."

Having no idea who Kendall was talking about, James glanced around. Night had fallen, and the cooler breeze was welcome; as much as James raved in public about loving the California sun, a small part of him missed the chillier weather of Minnesota and looked forward to evenings. Traffic sounds boomed behind him, along with the babble of people passing by every ten seconds or so. James finally spotted the back of a woman about fifteen feet away who must have walked by them; he hadn't even been paying attention. "Are you kidding me right now? Her? I don't even know what she looks like."

"It's better for you that way."

James rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's get inside and away from all these 'threats.'"

Kendall nodded. "That is a good idea."

James was frustrated as they stepped through the main entrance of the building that housed Rocque Records, and that pissed him off. It was his birthday, he was on his way to a killer party, but he was frustrated. It shouldn't be that way. "Don't even think about making me take the stairs up, Kendall. It's not happening."

Kendall frowned, his grip tightening on James' shoulder. His eyes seemed to scan every direction at the same time, though James didn't know how that was possible. "I think it would be best."

"Nope. From here on out, we're doing things my way."

"I cannot allow that."

Attempting to keep his temper in check, James led Kendall toward the elevator. This time of night the building was much less crowded; most of the businesses knocked off by 6 P.M. Even the coffee shop was shuttered now, quiet until morning. Once they were in the alcove devoted to the elevators, James twisted out of Kendall's grip. "Okay, we're going to settle this now. Please listen to me."

"I am always listening."

"No, Kendall, just...listen. Try to understand what I'm telling you."

"Your words are not confusing me at the moment."

"Oh my god, stop being so literal!" James spun away, barely refraining from banging his head into the wall he'd been leaning against. "I'm not going to survive this," he muttered under his breath. "This year is going to kill me."

Kendall's hand settled on his shoulder again, this time in a more soothing manner. "That won't happen if you cooperate with me, James. I'm here to prevent that, remember?"

That wasn't at all what James meant, but he let it go—this time. He inhaled a slow breath, then let it out in effort to calm himself before addressing Kendall. As much as he wanted to blow up, he thought he might get his point across more easily if he wasn't screaming at the angel.

"James? Are you well?"

No. I'm fucking ready to explode. But he'd reached a state of calm by the time he faced Kendall again. "Do you want me to be happy?"

The question confused Kendall. "Happy?"

"Yes. I know you're here to keep me alive," James said quietly, not wanting to draw attention to them; Kendall's hand was still on his shoulder and that might look weird. "I appreciate that. I really do. But does it do me any good to be alive if I'm not happy?"

"I thought you were happy." Kendall's brows drew together. "It said in your file that—"

"Forget the file. Look into my eyes, because that's what you really need to know about me. What do you see?"

"In your eyes?"

"Yes."

Kendall stared into the hazel depths, trying to see whatever it was James was showing him. "I see green the shade of...perhaps moss. It is a pleasant shade. Within the green ring there is a different hue, something closer to amber or—"

"Kendall, no." James' head fell back while his eyes shut. This was impossible. "That's not what I meant."

"I don't understand."

"I know you don't," James sighed. "I'm trying to make you see that I'm not happy." He met Kendall's gaze. "I'm miserable right now because you won't let me live my life. Today I'm celebrating that, and you're trying to keep me hidden from the world, but...that's not really living, Kendall. That's just...existing."

"Are they not the same?"

"No." A slight chuckle erupted. "Not at all. Anything can exist. The elevator exists. That..." He looked around. "Fire extinguisher. The carpet. All of that exists. But none of them have feelings. I have feelings. Humans need happiness in order to thrive. How do you not know this?"

"I would like for you to be happy."

"Then you have to let me do what I want."

"But would you be happy if your actions caused not only your death, but the destruction of Heaven?"

"My actions aren't going to do that. I'm careful with my heart. Trust me when I say that I have no trouble separating sex from love, and that I want nothing to do with love."

Kendall bit his lip again. "I think that you don't understand how love works. It is not something you can control, we discussed this earlier."

"Okay, but...Kendall, I'm not here to fall in love. If it comes my way, I'll run. We have to find a compromise because I'm not going to spend my birthday party avoiding people. That's the exact opposite of what's supposed to happen at a party, especially one thrown in my honor."

Kendall stared at James for a long time. James let him, sensing that he was working out James' words and the point behind them. For once, James felt like Kendall had actually heard him.

"You may speak to whomever you wish this evening," Kendall finally said.

"Thank you," James replied with feeling. He moved to step around Kendall, but that grip turned into iron again in order to press him back against the wall. Kendall apparently wasn't finished.

"You may not let anyone touch you."

"That's not fair, you can't—"

"You wanted compromise. Is that not how it works? Neither of us is completely satisfied, but both give somewhat?"

"I suppose," James bit out.

"Speak to everyone. If I sense that any girl in particular is a threat—"

"You think all girls are threats."

Kendall couldn't deny that. He amended his words. "If I sense that you are developing feelings for any girl in particular, more than others, I will remove you from her presence."

"Whatever."

"And no one touches you but me."

Kendall's gaze was always so piercing when he was giving a direct order. It made James squirm at times, as he wasn't used to such intensity being thrown his way. He licked his lips and said, "Lucy's allowed to hug me." Seeing that Kendall was about to argue, he added, "No way. She's the one person I refuse to avoid. I told you that before. That's my compromise. Nobody touches me, fine. But Lucy's not included in that."

The serious tone changed to honest curiosity when Kendall asked, "Why do you need her touch if you do not love her?"

James shrugged, embarrassed to admit the truth. He avoided Kendall's eyes, and his face felt hot when he answered, "Sometimes I just need a hug."

Kendall blinked a few times, clearly surprised. Then without warning, he dragged James into his arms to embrace him. It was the last thing James had expected, and his first instinct was to fight the affection. "I didn't mean now, weirdo."

Kendall's grip didn't let up. Instead he squeezed James tighter, moving his mouth close to James' ear to whisper, "You're safe with me. I will protect you at all times. Please let me do that."

James closed his eyes, face smashed into the crook of Kendall's neck. For a moment he wasn't even there, mentally swept away to a place of peace he didn't often find. He had a sudden vision of himself enclosed inside the safety of Kendall's silver-tipped wings, as if Kendall's arms were extensions of them and wrapping him up to form a barrier between him and the outside world. He hadn't at all wanted the hug to come from Kendall, but now that it had, he wasn't sure he wanted it to end.

A high-pitched giggle shot through his peace, echoing loudly in the mostly-abandoned lobby area. James returned to the moment, realizing how they must look and shoving Kendall away roughly. He wasn't going to acknowledge the flash of hurt he thought he saw in Kendall's eyes. Angels didn't have feelings, they were here to do a duty and not let anything distract them from it.

He peeked around Kendall to see two of his former classmates approaching. Camille was dressed in a short skirt that glittered when she walked; her flimsy top was more like a camisole than anything else. James approved, having not seen her show off so much skin before. Her dark curls framed her face in a way that brought out her eyes.

Walking next to her was Jo. The ever-elusive Jo Taylor, who usually wouldn't give James the time of day yet had known better than to miss his party. She'd chosen an outfit of dark jeans and a blouse that didn't give away too much, which wasn't a departure from her usual style. She'd styled her hair differently, though, pumped some body into it, and it floated as she walked.

James wanted Jo. It wasn't so much her looks that drew him in, but her determination to keep him at arm's length as if she thought she was above him. What made her so special? How did she not see what everyone else did, that James Diamond was gorgeous?

At James' side, Kendall was tense. Of course he was, beautiful girls were approaching. "Remember our pact," James mumbled. "I talk to whoever I want."

"And you remember, no touching."

Right. There was that. James put on a huge smile as the girls neared. "Hey, ladies! Welcome to the Diamond Express!"

No way did Jo actually roll her eyes at him at his own fucking birthday celebration. Who the hell was she to judge him?

"The what?" Camille laughed. "Is that what you're calling yourself now?"

"Eh, I thought I'd try it out," James grinned. They came to a stop in front of him and he added, "Too much?"

"Just a little." She was still laughing, though, and moved in for a hug.

Kendall cut that off quick, smoothly slipping between them with a pleasant smile. "Hello. Welcome to the party."

Camille dropped her arms as she stepped back in surprise, having almost hugged a complete stranger. "Oh. Hey. Thanks."

James cleared his throat. "Uh, this is my cousin Kendall. He came out to stay for a while. Mom thought I needed some protection, so he kind of looks out for me."

"I see. Hi, Kendall. I'm Camille. Welcome to Hollywood."

"Thank you," Kendall nodded. "It has been interesting."

"It's definitely that," she chuckled. "This is Jo. We both live at The Palm Woods with James. Are you staying there, too?"

James thought it a bad idea to let Kendall say too much (because really, who knew what the guy might pop off with?), but he was currently distracted by Jo. She still had barely looked at him and was in fact focused on Kendall with a look in her eyes James had never seen before—though he had pictured it many times in his head and wished it would be aimed his way.

No fucking way. She's into Kendall. One look at that angelic face and she's smitten, but she can't even say two words to me? On my fucking birthday?

Kendall was speaking, something about how he'd just arrived that day and would indeed be living with James. Jo was hanging on his every word. She opened her mouth to say something but James beat her to it. "Jo. Thank you so much for coming. I didn't expect to see you tonight."

"Well, Camille invited me, and it was better than sitting at home alone."

Better than sitting at home alone. That's how she described the best night of his life? He answered with a fake laugh and looped his arm through hers to lead her closer to the elevator. Behind him, he practically heard Kendall screaming on the inside and ignored it; Jo was the furthest thing in the world from a threat. "Well, I hope we can entertain you enough that you at least enjoy yourself." He pushed the button to call the elevator, surprised she hadn't pulled away yet. "If you need anything at all, just ask."

In the reflection off the smooth metal doors, James saw Camille grab Kendall by the hand. "Come on, handsome. Let's get up there and have some fun. I'm so ready to let off some steam. James, you are so lucky you don't have to deal with school anymore. Miss Collins assigned us an essay about the history of the space program. The entire history of it! That's going to kill my weekend plans. Who cares about what they were doing back in the sixties?"

Logan would. James smiled thinking about how excited his buddy would be if given that assignment; he probably wouldn't even have to crack a book or do any research. Logan had been fascinated with space and the universe for as long as James could remember. Quelling down a pang of longing for his friends back home, James stepped onto the elevator. Now Jo pulled free, using the excuse of needing to press the button for the sixth floor. James let her go. "Yeah, that's why I dropped out, Camille. I'm way too busy to care about things like that. We're shooting my music video tomorrow." Let Jo chew on that. Did she have a music video? No. She was still struggling to even land a callback for an audition.

"Oh, no way! How exciting!" Again, it was Camille who came through with the proper reaction. Now she was holding Kendall's hand in both of hers; the poor guy kept looking down at their joined hands in confusion. "What's it about?"

"It's a pretty cool concept," James answered. "I can't give too much away, but basically I'm like James Bond."

"That sounds amazing! Need any extras? I wouldn't mind blowing off the space program to be in a music video. Wouldn't that be awesome, Jo?"

Jo's attention was still on Kendall. It was pissing James off. She shook herself as if to wake up, then said, "I'm sorry, what?"

"James is shooting a video tomorrow and I said we should be extras!"

Rather than immediately dash Camille's hopes, James waited for Jo to respond; he was curious to see what she'd say. He never got to find out, though, because two things happened at once—the doors opened, and Kendall found his voice.

"There will be no girls present for the video other than the necessary staff. It was discussed in a meeting today. James will be by himself."

Camille let out a sound of disappointment; Jo looked as if she couldn't decide how to react. Once they were all off the elevator, she turned to Kendall. "Will you be there?"

Kendall seemed surprised to be addressed. "I will."

"Maybe we could stop by just to see how it's done," Jo suggested, looking to Camille for support. "I've never seen a video shoot."

"That would be so cool!" Camille agreed. She was still holding on to Kendall's hand as if he needed to be coaxed down the hall. "James, would Gustavo let us watch?"

Kendall shot that idea down fast. "No one else is to be present," he reiterated.

As annoyed as James was with Kendall's interference, he knew that the angel was right and Gustavo would never allow the distraction of girls. "Sorry ladies, it's all business with Gustavo."

"It was worth a shot," Camille shrugged. "Oh, I can already hear the music. Come on, Kendall, let's go dance!" She pushed through the front entrance of Rocque Records, dragging Kendall after her. He looked back at James in panic. James was amused by his discomfort and waved.

"I'll catch up to you later, Kendall! Go have fun!"

"James, no, you can't—"

Then the doors shut to cut his words off. James was alone with Jo. Just where he'd wanted to be. Now everyone would see them enter the party together, and James prayed people would take pics. He'd make sure those got posted around social media, mostly because it would bother her so much that fans think she was dating him. He offered her his arm again, along with a wolfish grin. "Shall we?"

Repulsion struggled with politeness; she was torn. James didn't care. He was going to get this for his birthday, if nothing else. Finally she accepted the arm and put on a smile that he knew she wasn't feeling. So what? Let her be the one annoyed for a change.

James pushed open the door and led Jo into what would hopefully be the best night of his life.

The music was much louder inside the studio area. Lucy had figured out how to dim the lights, and though there was no flashy strobe effect or even a disco ball (both of which had been prominently featured in James' fantasies of this party), it was still a cool vibe. A buffet table was set up in the hall leading to the recording booths, and the largest practice room had been cleared out to make room for dancing. James spied Kendall amidst the crowd, desperately looking toward him while Camille attempted to keep his focus on her. James hadn't foreseen that coming, but it worked well for him.

Everyone they passed greeted him with excitement, which was all that he'd truly wanted. He was being noticed and welcomed—and yes, seen with Jo. There were pics taken of them, causing his mood to jump even higher. Eventually Jo worked herself free of him, and that was okay; the damage had been done. James let her go, stopping each time he was greeted by someone new.

And the strangest thing happened. Each time a girl went to touch him in any manner, he sidestepped it. A simple shift of his hand, a twist of his body, one step back. Because somehow Kendall had gotten into his brain.

It wasn't so much that he thought Kendall was right; he knew he wasn't going to fall in love with any of these girls. It was more that he'd agreed to a compromise, and it felt wrong to break that pact since Kendall had met him halfway. Kendall could've been a complete dick about it and refused to let him come to the party, but he hadn't; he was trying, in some small way at least, to let James be happy. And for that reason, James felt obligated to do the same for Kendall. Jo didn't count; he'd wanted her to touch him, but not in hopes of it going anywhere. For the rest of the evening, he'd go along with Kendall's wishes.

At least until he got back to the apartment, where Tracy would hopefully be waiting in his bathroom. Lucy would come through for him, right?

"James!"

He turned toward the yell to see her jogging toward him with a huge smile on her face. He and Kendall had never quite finished discussing her, as it morphed into that weirdly comforting and peaceful hug, but this was an area James wasn't bending on. He dragged Lucy in for a tight squeeze, spinning her around in a circle before letting go. "I can't believe you did all this."

"It's awesome, right? I mean, I know it isn't everything you wanted, but—"

"No, Lucy, it's fantastic. I know how hard you worked to make it happen, and I just want to say I'm sorry for being a jerk last night."

"You really were. But I'm over it." She leaned in closer to say, "I see Camille is sufficiently distracting the bodyguard."

James laughed. "Did you set that up? Because it's perfect."

"I did not, actually. But with a few words, I could keep it going."

He turned to study them on the dance floor. Kendall's gaze was pinned to James even while Camille attempted to show him how to dance. It was that unwavering gaze again, the one that set James off balance because it was so intense. Clearly, no matter where Kendall was or what he was doing, his focus would be James. "It's not really doing any good. Kendall's still watching me."

"I see that. It's a little creepy."

"More than a little," James sighed. He returned his attention to Lucy. "So is Tracy coming by later?"

"Yep. I told her the situation, that you have a bodyguard now who's making things difficult. She's cool with hiding in the bathroom. But what if the guy tries to pee when you get home?"

James shook his head. "Don't worry about that. What time is she showing up?"

"She's around here somewhere. I said I'd text her when you're getting ready to leave. And she has my key on her."

"Lucy, you are the best person in the entire world. If I've ever doubted that, I don't anymore."

"I know," she grinned. "And I saw you come in with Jo. How did you ever manage that?"

"I still have no idea. She hates me. She freaking hates me, but couldn't take her eyes off Kendall. That's so unfair!"

Lucy glanced around. "Oh, there she is. Yep, she's watching him. You know, that could work to your advantage. Camille can't seem to keep him distracted, but Jo might be able to."

"Hell, no. He's not getting the girl I've been after for months. Besides, he isn't into girls."

"Oh?" One of Lucy's brows shot up. "So he's into your kind?"

"Nah, he's not into any kind. I'd call him asexual, if I had to label it."

"Huh. So basically no one's going to work as a distraction."

"Pretty much," James nodded.

"Well, that sucks. Just leave Tracy to me. And give me a heads up about ten minutes before you guys take off."

"Got it. Thanks again. You really are the best."

A hand clamping tight to his shoulder kept James from hugging her again. He groaned and let his head fall back, already knowing who it was. "I told you. Lucy's the exception."

"You hugged her already. I saw. I am here if you need more hugs."

James felt his face heat up. Had he really said that in front of Lucy?

Next to him, Lucy snickered. "Look at that, you've got your own personal hug machine. Whenever you need it."

James glared at her; it only caused her to grin wider. Time to change the subject. "What happened with Camille?"

Kendall's green eyes widened. "Do not leave me with her again. She was attempting to teach me how to dance."

"Is that a problem?" James chuckled.

He leaned close enough to say quietly, "She scares me."

Both James and Lucy cracked up. James promised, "It's okay, I'll keep you safe from her. She likes you, Kendall. Nothing wrong with that."

"It is very wrong. I'm not here to meet girls. My focus is you."

And here came that weird, squirmy feeling again. Why did Kendall have to say things like that, so serious? "Well, I'm going to go mingle." He shifted so that his shoulder was free. "Follow me or don't. Excuse us, Lucy. I have people to greet."

"Have fun," she smiled. "Kendall. Always a pleasure."

Kendall wasn't sure how to take that; he sensed the sarcasm behind it, but was still learning sarcasm in general. "I am allowing James to touch you. It is my half of the compromise."

"Wow. Okay. Thanks?"

"You are welcome. He informed me that your hugs are necessary to him."

James wanted to fall into a hole. "Oh my god, that's it. Come on, Kendall!"

"See ya, James!" Lucy called after them. "Make sure to hug me before you go!"

They were six steps away when Kendall said, "You are angry with me."

"Dude, you don't tell a girl that I need her hugs! That's embarrassing!"

"Is it a secret?"

"No, it's just...it's not something you say out loud."

"Why not?"

"You just don't! Now please, let me enjoy my party. You can be with me, but don't talk."

"I am not allowed to speak?"

"Only to me. And only when no one can hear."

"Then I might as well occlude myself."

"Do what you have to."

There it was again, that flash of hurt in Kendall's eyes. James didn't have time for it. There was an entire party full of people that were there just for him, and he was going to enjoy it.

Two minutes later, Kendall disappeared. James didn't think much of it at first, assuming Camille or Lucy had come to distract him. But ten minutes into the lack of an angel at his side, James started to miss it.

No, that wasn't accurate. He didn't miss Kendall. He was just worried. The guy was too naive, he'd get himself into trouble.

Or maybe you hurt him and he went back to Heaven to quit the mission.

That would be amazing. It was exactly what James had wanted from the moment he saw Kendall—for Kendall to leave him alone and let him live his life. Then he could fuck whoever he wanted to. It was for the best.

The uneasy feeling wouldn't leave James, though. If Kendall quit, would they send someone else? Maybe someone who was tougher, who'd been around Earth more and wouldn't put up with his shit? Maybe someone who would literally keep him locked in a room for the next year?

And what would happen to Kendall? He'd been so excited to get this mission. Something about being chosen over all the others, right? He'd go back to Heaven a disgrace, having failed.

Who fucking cares? It's not my problem. I never asked for this.

That argument worked for about thirty seconds. He smiled and laughed with guests as he made his way around the room, but his mind was never far from Kendall.

It made it impossible to have a good time.

"Fuck," he finally muttered, looking around for a quiet place to think. The bathroom would work. On his way there, James remembered their earlier discussion in that same place, about how bathrooms were private and Kendall wasn't allowed to scan him in there. He felt guilty now, not because he'd been wrong (he hadn't), but because Kendall had only been trying to keep him safe.

The bathroom was empty. Relieved, James let the door close behind him and leaned against it. It felt strange now to be alone. He didn't exactly miss Kendall, he just...

"Kendall?" he said softly. "Can you hear me up there?"

"I hear you." The voice came not from above, but next to him. James looked to his right. No, he was still alone.

"Where are you?"

Kendall materialized, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. "I am here."

"Where did you go?"

"Go?"

"You left me. Where did you go?"

"I never left you. I told you, I'm always here. I will not leave your side."

James licked his lips, not wanting to acknowledge the relief flooding him. "I thought you went back to Heaven or something."

"No, I cannot do that until my mission is complete."

"Like...at all?"

"My boss can call me back early, but only if it looks as though I will fail. I'm hoping that does not happen."

"Right. So then...what happened? I couldn't see you."

"I occluded myself. You clearly do not wish me to be seen with you."

"No, Kendall, that's not..." But wasn't it? Wasn't that almost exactly what James had said? He sighed, eyes closing as he leaned against the door again. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But Kendall, you embarrassed me in front of Lucy. I was afraid of what else you might say."

"I did not mean to embarrass you. I only spoke the truth."

"I know, dude, but sometimes the truth is best left unsaid."

"I don't understand that."

"I know you don't. And I can't really explain it. It's just best if you don't say a lot around other people. Okay?"

Kendall didn't acknowledge the question. Instead, he said, "I noticed that you were not allowing girls to touch you. Thank you."

James shrugged. "Well, I made a promise. I'm trying to uphold it."

"It helps make my mission easier. How much longer would you like to be here?"

"At least another hour. Lucy said there's a cake, so I want to let them sing to me. And I haven't even danced yet."

Kendall's head shook adamantly. "You are not to dance with anyone."

"Kendall, don't—"

"Absolutely not, James."

"You're being ridiculous! I can't even dance at my own party?"

"Dancing leads to touching. I've seen them out there. Camille would not stop touching me!"

"She likes you," James smirked. "So does Jo, for that matter. I told you, you look good."

"They make me uncomfortable. All of this makes me uncomfortable. Please James, can we leave now?"

"Nope, not until they sing to me. And I get one dance."

"No dancing."

"Fuck you, I'm dancing."

"James—"

"I'm out of here."

How had he ever been actually worried about Kendall's absence? He was right back to wanting the guy to be gone forever. He stormed out of the bathroom, once again not caring if Kendall stayed or went. He was going to dance at his own fucking party.