A/N—Hi again! I'm sorry it's been so long since the last chapter, but I'm not getting as much writing done during the week as I'd like to. My goal is to go back to posting weekly, so wish me luck that I do better next week! And thank you again to everyone who's reviewed to let me know you're enjoying this. It helps motivate me so much. :)

The last chapter wrapped up the video shoot, and Kendall transported James back home. That's where this one picks up.

The silence of his apartment was welcoming. James collapsed against Kendall, who enveloped him in strong arms and held him close.

For once, James had no fight in him.

He closed his eyes and allowed his own arms to reach around Kendall's back and hold on. His face nestled into Kendall's neck. He wanted the wings, needed the wings, but felt stupid about that need so he kept his mouth shut. Together they stood in the room where they'd first met, where Kendall had watched over him as he slept to make sure he was safe. One thing he could always count on was Kendall keeping him safe.

Or at least for the next year.

He wondered if Kendall would judge him for wanting to go lie down in bed and just hide in the cocoon of feathers. It was weakness. It was pathetic. But nothing sounded better.

And why hadn't Kendall asked yet if he was well? Wasn't it against some sort of weird angel code to let more than five minutes pass without asking? The way Kendall did it so often, James wouldn't be surprised. Surely Kendall was wondering by now. "Thank you," James murmured, figuring he could start the ball rolling and get the question out of the way.

Kendall said nothing, but his arms did tighten. That was okay. James snuggled in closer. "I'm well." Still nothing. Confused, James lifted his face. When he spoke, his lips moved against Kendall's jaw. "What's wrong with you?"

Kendall backed his face away to be able to look into James' eyes. "I did not think you wished me to speak. I know you said two minutes, but I felt from you that you would rather I stayed quiet longer."

Shit. He had said that. Feeling like an asshole, James relaxed his body before cuddling into Kendall's neck again. "I just needed time to think. I couldn't concentrate with you talking to me."

"Ah. I would have understood that, had you explained it."

"Yeah well, I'm not great at explaining thoughts and feelings." Like the fact that I never want you to let go, I could never actually say that out loud. Maybe Kendall could feel that, though—read it in him. Kendall seemed to be way too good at reading him.

"That is a flaw that can be improved with practice. Perhaps I can be that for you, if you wish to."

"Be what exactly?"

"Someone to practice with. You can tell me your thoughts and feelings."

"Not when I don't understand them myself."

"Talking about them might help you to understand them."

"Kendall, you're my guardian angel, not my therapist. Can you just do that job right now? Stand here and keep me safe?"

"Of course. It is my mission."

"That's all I want."

Kendall smiled. "You are already improving. You just expressed your needs to me."

"Great, I'm so glad you're excited about my pathetic need to be hugged."

"You do not sound glad."

"Sarcasm, Kendall. Remember that?"

"Oh yes, we discussed that. It's when you say the opposite of what you mean, correct?"

"Correct."

"I'm not sure I understand the point of it."

"And again, if I have to explain it, it loses something."

They remained quiet for another minute, James just enjoying the peace of being away from all the pressure of having to be someone. The thought occurred to him that if he got out of this tux, he'd be able to feel Kendall's skin against his more easily. He at least needed Kendall's arms bare, because that weird angel comfort thing worked best skin to skin.

"Are your legs tired?" Kendall suddenly asked.

"Excuse me? My legs?"

"Yes."

"Why would my legs be tired?"

"Because you are standing without movement. Would you not be more comfortable in your bed?"

He would. He so would. And maybe once they were there, he wouldn't be as embarrassed to ask for the wings. "I think you might be right. First I need to change, though." James reluctantly dropped his arms and backed out of Kendall's grip.

"Change? Into what?"

"Clothes, Kendall. I need to hang up this tux so it doesn't get ruined, and then I can put on more comfortable clothes."

"I see. Should I change clothes as well?"

Already shrugging out of the blazer, James studied Kendall. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved flannel. Way too much fabric. "I think you'd be more comfortable in a t-shirt. Or even better, a tank. Maybe some shorts."

Kendall nodded. "You know best. You will have to show me what those pieces of clothing are."

"No prob. Just head into the bedroom and I'll—"

James realized halfway through the sentence that it wasn't going to work because Kendall no longer trusted him; he would always insist on being behind James now so that James couldn't run off. Before he could rearrange the idea out loud, though, three harsh raps landed on the apartment door.

"James? Open up!"

Kendall disappeared, but then materialized a second later in front of the door. "It is Lucy."

"I know it's Lucy," James growled, annoyed because he'd really been looking forward to that nap. "Let her in."

"She seems angry."

"Probably because I haven't answered any of her texts today." James groaned, wanting to kick something. All he wanted was some peace and quiet, why was that too much to ask?

Reading his feelings, Kendall said, "I will tell her that you don't wish to see her, if that's what you want."

"James, come on! I know you're in there!"

Lucy wasn't going to give up. James shook his head at Kendall with a sigh. "Let her in."

Though he clearly didn't like the idea, Kendall opened the door.

James leaned against the back of the sofa and raised a hand to her in greeting.

She glanced up at Kendall with distaste in passing. "There you are! Where have you been all day?"

James waited for Kendall to close the door to answer; Lucy could be loud and they didn't need an audience. "I've been working. The video shoot, remember?"

"Yeah, but you ignored all my texts. I finally got desperate and called Kelly, and she said you left. With him." Like Kendall was the worst person to ever exist.

"I know, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. It's been a crazy day and I ended up leaving the shoot early and..."

Lucy didn't miss that something had gone wrong. Her suspicious gaze turned to Kendall. "Did you ruin it somehow?"

"Pardon?" Kendall asked, not understanding what she was insinuating.

James killed that accusation right away. "No, Lucy, it wasn't him. It was me, I fucked up, and I really don't want to talk about it."

Not completely convinced that James was telling the truth, she kept her eyes on Kendall. "Would you give us some privacy?"

"I will not."

"Dude, I thought we were cool. You know I'm not going to hurt him."

"As I stated before, you would not hurt him intentionally. But—"

"You're ridiculous. I'm his friend, Kendall. His friend. I would never—"

"A friend can be his biggest threat."

"Why are you so—"

Here they go again, James thought. He was so not in the mood for this. "Hey! Both of you! Knock it off, it's been a long day and I don't need this."

Though both were still miffed, they acquiesced and stayed quiet. James turned to Kendall. "I would like to speak to her in private, and I'm asking you again to not eavesdrop."

He looked like he wanted to argue, but to his credit Kendall didn't. Instead he spun away to stare out the open blinds, and his face showed he was...

Sulking? Was the angel actually sulking? James tried not to be, but he was definitely a little amused by the notion. Who knew guardian angels sulked? "We'll be in the bedroom, okay? Just for a few minutes."

Kendall shrugged as if he didn't care either way.

Oh, and they call me a drama queen. Still amused, James gestured for Lucy to precede him to the bedroom. She headed down the hall, and Kendall surprised them with, "I will be watching the front door. In case you attempt another escape."

James rolled his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere!" he called back. Once inside the bedroom, he closed the door and collapsed back against it as he had the day before. "Ugh, he's so exhausting."

"Um, did he just say escape? James, he's taking this job way too seriously. You're not a prisoner here."

Actually I am. He couldn't say that, though, because Lucy would never understand. "It's not as bad as it sounds, he's just careful."

"No, it is that bad. Dude, call your mom and tell her he's making your life hell. Or that she at least needs to talk to him about easing up. Is he really not letting you go where you want?"

"We're working on it," James replied, pushing off the door. "Compromise. I told him how important the job was today so there was no issue with that." He moved past Lucy to sink down onto the bed.

"Okay, but what about your social life? The party last night, what happened?! Tracy texted me and said he went ballistic on her."

James hid his face in his hands, not wanting to think about all of that. "He definitely overreacted."

"He scared the hell out of her."

"Yeah, he was pretty scary last night."

"So then why are you putting up with this? It's not like you to let someone dictate your every move."

Why was he? Oh right, because he had no choice. Kendall would follow him no matter where he went because of their stupid bond or whatever. "It's complicated," he finally answered.

"Complicated? No, complicated is a relationship status on Facebook. That word doesn't even begin to explain whatever this is. It's insane. He's trying to control you."

"He's just trying to keep me safe."

"From what? Other humans?"

"Humans who might be a threat."

"But he's overbearing and mean and—"

"He's not mean."

That caught Lucy's attention. She stepped closer to James, really studying his face. "You're different today."

"What?"

"You've changed. Yesterday all you cared about was trying to get rid of him, and today you're defending him. What did he do to you?"

"Oh my god, he didn't do anything! He still annoys the fuck out of me."

"But not as much. Is he like...brainwashing you?"

"No!" Though maybe there was some truth to that. Maybe there was some weird chemical in those wings that was addicting. Lucy might have a point, because from the second they'd arrived back at the apartment (and even before, if James was honest) all he'd wanted was to be enveloped by them.

"You're thinking about it. Oh my god, is he drugging you? Is there some sort of mind control going on here?"

"Lucy, no. I swear. It's nothing like that, he just...cares. He actually cares."

After another few seconds of studying James, Lucy shook her head and stormed out of the room. "Hey! What did you do to James? What are you doing, spiking his food with something?"

"Lucy!" James yelled, jumping up to run after her. Kendall was still near the window, but now with his back to it as he looked over at Lucy in confusion.

"Spiking his food? I don't understand why anyone would make spikes of their food." He looked to James for an explanation.

Lucy saw that and shook her head. "Nuh uh, something's not adding up. You're not this ignorant. Nobody is this ignorant. Why are you playing dumb?"

At a loss, because he didn't want to say anything that might make things worse for James, Kendall again looked to his charge for help. James let out another groan. All he wanted was peace.

"James, talk to me. Something doesn't feel right here. This guy shows up out of the blue and takes over your life, and he's weird on top of it. Yesterday you were outraged at the way he was treating you. Now you're telling me he's not so bad. What is he doing to you?"

"Nothing," James sighed. "He's just taking care of me."

"You don't need that, you're a fully-grown adult now. I get that your mom's worried about your safety, but this guy isn't the way to deal with that. She's got the money, why doesn't she just hire security from a professional firm to keep you safe?"

"No one can protect James the way I can," Kendall stated. "It is my duty."

Lucy's eyes widened and when she looked at James, her face was a clear expression of "He just made my point. He's weird."

"Lucy..." James started, having no idea what he could say that would convince her that Kendall was, in his own intense way, actually taking care of him. He couldn't tell her the truth. He couldn't even give her the half-truth anymore, because clearly that wasn't working. It all felt like too much to think about at the moment—Kendall, Lucy, his failure during the video shoot...all he wanted was to block out the world and shut down his brain for five minutes. Why didn't anyone understand that?

And then he remembered that he was an adult and could do whatever he wanted. He loved Lucy (as a friend, his mind made sure to throw at him), but right now he just didn't have the energy to deal with her. Making the decision to give himself what he needed most, he took a breath and said, "I can't deal with this. The truth is I'm exhausted, I've had a really bad day, and I just want to go to sleep for awhile." He saw that she was about to argue and added, "Please, Lucy. We'll hang out later if you're not busy. Maybe order a pizza or something and you can come chill with me." Seeing the look Kendall tossed him, he amended that. "With us. I promise we can talk later, but right now I just want my bed and to put this day behind me."

Lucy wasn't having it. She shook her head, arms crossed over her chest, and stated, "I can't believe this. The guy shows up out of nowhere and tries to brainwash and control you, but I'm the one you're sending away."

"Just for a few hours, Lucy. Please. I swear I'm okay, and he's not going to hurt me. He just wants to protect me."

"Yeah, that's what he wants you to think. I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone with him."

Kendall chose that moment to speak. "James has asked you to leave. You may return when he contacts you. Until then, please respect his wishes." And was he gloating? James thought he was—one more human emotion making its first appearance. Interesting.

After throwing Kendall a glare that could cut through glass, Lucy stomped to the door and opened it. She looked back at James. "Call me if you need me. I'm serious."

"I'm fine, Lucy. I promise. I'll text you in a few hours, okay?"

She still wasn't satisfied, but knew he wasn't going to give. She gave up for the time being and slammed the door behind her, jolting James into a groan.

"Are you well?"

Was he? After today, he had no idea. "I'm just tired."

Kendall nodded. "You chose me."

"Excuse me?"

"She wanted to stay, and you sent her away. You chose my company over hers."

"Like I said, I'm tired." James stared at him, wondering how to go about begging for a nap in the wings without coming off completely pathetic. Instead he noted, "You're gloating."

"Am I?"

"Dude, you're like...proud of this. Of winning."

Kendall turned away. "Pride is a sin. We've discussed that."

"Maybe, but you're totally smug over the fact that you won. I'm not a contest, you know."

"I am aware of that. You are my mission. Nothing matters except keeping you safe."

"Right." James rolled his eyes before heading down the hall. "I'm going to bed."

"Another nap?" Kendall asked as he followed James toward the bedroom. "Do you do this daily?"

"No, just when I need it. And today, I really really need it."

His bed might as well as have been flashing up a big neon "Welcome!" sign. Had anything looked better than it did in this moment? Possibly, but James couldn't name something right now. He toed off his shoes on the way, then plucked out his phone, wallet, and keys to set them on the nightstand before crashing down to the mattress. His pillow was so soft, almost as soft as...

Don't think about the feathers. You'll start begging. You're not a beggar, you're above that.

His eyes were closed, but he felt that Kendall wasn't as near as he would've preferred. And when had that happened? At what point did Kendall become someone James actually wanted near? Was Lucy right? Was Kendall somehow brainwashing him? "Where are you?" he finally murmured.

"I am here, by the door. I know you prefer your space. I have learned that."

Okay, great, but why did he have to learn that when James needed him close? "Oh. I just thought you'd...you know. Want to keep me from leaving. Or trying to escape."

"You cannot get past me. This is sufficient."

"Cool." James tried not to be disappointed. Though he'd never admit it out loud, he wouldn't mind being held at the moment. His mother had never been one for that, and neither had Logan or Carlos, but now that he'd experienced it with Kendall, he thought maybe it wasn't a bad thing.

"Should I be concerned, James? Are you planning to attempt another escape?"

"You never know. It might be smarter to keep me trapped. Like you did last night. You said you were never going to trust me again, after I lied and manipulated you."

"I did say that. And I would feel more secure with you in my embrace."

So would I. Embrace me. Keep me safe. Tell me I'm not a failure. "I guess if you must..." James sighed to add weight to his fake disappointment in that. He moved over on the bed to give Kendall room. Please take the hint, Kendall. Please.

James wasn't sure at first if Kendall would, but then he felt the mattress dip next to him. He wanted to cry in relief. He opened his eyes, the act feeling like a Herculean effort because he was so tired, and could have wept in gratitude when Kendall's head settled down onto the pillow next to his. James immediately scooted closer, welcoming the arms that dragged him in and not satisfied until his face was pressed to Kendall's neck. Thank you. Thank you, Lord, for this annoying asshole who knows just how to hold me.

He supposed it wasn't technically God himself who'd sent Kendall to him, but some unnamed head of the guardian angel team. Still, in this very moment he was grateful. That would probably change the next time Kendall pissed him off.

"Are you well, James?" Kendall asked in a soft voice, one saturated with sincere concern. His hand caressed its way down James' back in a soothing manner.

"I will be after a nap."

"Then you shall sleep."

"Yeah. It's um...it's kind of bright in here, though. The blinds can only block out so much sun. I don't know how I'll sleep with so much light pouring in."

"I cannot affect the power of the sun."

"No, of course not. I just wish there was some way to...you know. Wrap me in darkness." He barely refrained from adding on a "hint hint" to his words.

"I could use my wings again, but I do not wish to make you uncomfortable. I know you don't like them, as they make you feel imprisoned. And while I distrusted you enough to use them last night, I feel confident that in your current state of mind, you will not try to escape. Just know that if you do, my arms are strong enough to keep you here."

"Right, I know that. But I mean...if the wings are the only way to make it less bright in here...I guess I can suffer through that. For a few hours."

"Would the discomfort keep you from sleeping well?"

"Let's uh...let's try it and see. Can't hurt, right?"

"It can if you're not comfortable."

"Kendall, I'm so tired that I think I can sleep through the discomfort."

"If it will help, then let us try."

Kendall's arms disappeared from around him. James rolled onto his back to watch Kendall sit up and shrug out of the shirt. Then with that loud, fluttery snap the glorious wings appeared, silver tips glittering in the sunlight that filtered through the breaks in the blinds. It took effort for James to keep his face from showing the intense longing running through him. He pushed up off the mattress enough for Kendall to settle back down, and once the right wing was in place he snuggled into it. The left wing moved into place over both of them, and together the wings tightened so that James was pressed up against Kendall's body. He was safe in the cocoon again, surrounded by soft strength that was made better when Kendall's arms wrapped around him as well. For the first time since leaving the apartment this morning, James fully relaxed into contentment.

"Does this help?" Kendall wondered. "I can loosen them if need be."

"No, don't. This is perfect. It's...the light is blocked out, so...thanks."

"You are welcome, James. Sleep now."

"Yeah. Sleep." His body was a strange mix of loose and tight all at the same time. There was no tension in his muscles, yet he felt alive. His mind was calm. His fingers reached out to caress the feathers as they had the night before. He felt Kendall sigh against his hair. "So this doesn't bother you? When I do this?"

"Not at all."

"Cool." James continued to stroke, the act lulling him into drowsiness. "I always thought angels had like...golden wings. I could swear I read that somewhere."

"We begin with silver. Gold-tipped wings are a sign of age and experience. Mine will be gold eventually. I hope," he added as an afterthought. "If I fail missions, I will not advance, and they will remain silver."

"Huh. They're gorgeous like this." He was too tired to care how that might sound.

"Thank you, I too believe they are magnificent. I am glad they provide you shelter from the harsh sun."

They do more than that. Fuck, I just want to touch them all the time. So soft, so beautiful, so soothing. James rubbed his cheek against the one under it. "Does it hurt to keep them inside?"

"No. It does feel good to stretch them, though, when they are expanded in this manner."

"Good. If you uh...you know, if this helps you feel better, you can do this at night when I sleep. I don't mind."

"Truly? I would not want to disturb your rest."

Ha, that was a laugh. James didn't know how he'd ever sleep without them again. "It's fine. I want you to be comfortable, too."

"Thank you, James. I appreciate that you take my comfort into consideration."

"Well, if we're stuck together for a year, we might as well learn how to deal with it. No sense in us both being miserable."

Kendall's tone reflected sorrow when he replied. "I do not wish for you to be miserable. My purpose here is not that."

"I know."

"I regret that my presence makes you so unhappy. I must do what is necessary to keep you safe, though."

"I know that, too." And he did. In moments like this, James couldn't even remember why Kendall annoyed him so much. "Hey, who's in charge of the guardian angels?"

"My boss."

"Right, but who is he?"

"His name is Malachy. Michael was the head of our sector before him, but he stepped down because Malachy is most wise in the area of prophecy. I told you that he has never been wrong."

"Michael? Like the archangel Michael? He was your boss?"

"No, he was never my boss. Malachy brought me in for this mission. Many did not think I was ready."

"Yeah, you mentioned that. They were jealous, right?"

"I do not know if jealousy was the reason."

"They were jealous. Trust me. The biggest mission to come along in ages and it was given to the newbie? Definitely jealous. So Michael actually stepped down?"

"Yes, because Malachy interprets prophecies better than any other. And this was one that could not be misread, as the outcome is too important."

"The destruction of Heaven? Yeah, I'd say that's important. I still don't get how it's all on me, though. How my death could be that big a deal."

"It is not our place to question, James. We are told the prophecies and we must do our part to fulfill them."

"Or not fulfill them, as in this case."

Kendall nodded against James' hair. "Yes. In this case, the fulfillment would be catastrophic."

James let that settle before saying, "Then I guess we'd better keep me alive."

"I intend to. No matter what the cost."

James believed that. It shined through every word and act that came from Kendall. It was going to make his own life hell, and he'd probably want to throttle Kendall a million times before the year was up, but again—with soft wings and a strong embrace keeping him safe, James couldn't find the energy to be mad about it right now.

Instead, with that hand stroking up and down his back, he slept. Deeply and without dreams, giving his mind the rest it would need to deal with the reality that awaited him when he woke.