A/N—Wow, I'm actually getting two chapters up in a week! This probably won't happen again for awhile, so enjoy it. Thanks again for reading. This chapter continues with the same day. :)

An hour later Kendall followed James into the bedroom for a nap. James stretched out over the mattress, wondering if he'd ever have need of blankets again. Not while Kendall was around, that was for sure.

Kendall was halfway through removing his clothing when James realized he was staring. So far he'd done a good job of not thinking about the night before, but the sight of Kendall's bare skin brought it all back in a rush—Kendall's hand on him, the heat that had radiated from it and throughout James' body, the feel of soft feathers under his fingertips. He inhaled a breath, his body now tingling with goosebumps, and that was all kinds of wrong. It was never going to happen again, and he sure as hell shouldn't be remembering it with longing. "Hey, uh...no need to get undressed."

Having tossed aside his shirt and started on the pants, Kendall hesitated. "But we are going to bed. You said we don't need clothing when we're in bed."

"Well, this is just a nap. It's fine. Put your shirt back on."

Confused, Kendall nevertheless bent down to reach for his t-shirt. "I cannot keep your rules straight. They seem to change."

"Yeah, sorry, humans are weird like that." Feeling more at ease now that Kendall's body was covered, James moved over to make room. Kendall slid in next to him. James was about to lie down when he realized the wings were still put away. "Hey. I thought we talked about this. I need the wings."

"I cannot spread my wings while I am clothed."

"Oh." That made perfect sense. Which would be worse, to sleep without the wings or to have contact with Kendall's skin? He debated it before saying, "I changed my mind. Take off the shirt."

Kendall stared at him in complete confusion. "But you just said—"

"And I changed my mind. Please, Kendall. I need the wings."

"As you wish." The t-shirt disappeared, the wings came out, and James waited until Kendall got into position to snuggle in. It was just as incredible as he remembered.

Except that being pressed against Kendall's body threatened to remind him of the night before, and the whole point was to not think about that. "Hang on."

"To what?"

"No, weirdo," James chuckled. "Let go of me for a second."

Kendall followed instructions. "You say that humans are weird, yet I'm the one who is still called 'weirdo.'"

"Yep. We're inconsistent. Get used to it." James turned over onto his left side so that his back was to Kendall. "Okay, I'm ready."

"You are backward."

"I'm just sleeping on my left side. No big deal. Sometimes we change up how we sleep."

"Yes, I have noticed that. When you sleep alone, you remain on your back. When with me, you stay on your side. Your right side."

"Exactly. And now I'm on my left."

Apparently satisfied with the explanation, Kendall scooted closer and pulled James back against him. James allowed it, ignoring the way their contact points made him want Kendall's bare skin everywhere. He couldn't help it, it was the angel thing. Angel skin was different, and it pissed him off that he was such a whore for it.

"Are you well?" Kendall suddenly asked, his voice gentle as it skated over James' ear. "I sense something is off with you. You are tense."

"I'm fine. It's been a long day, and I didn't sleep well last night."

"You mentioned that to Lucy earlier. I did notice you were restless in your sleep."

It had been the wings—or not so much them, but the fact that something in them was at half power. James had learned that the wings worked best when at full power. "Which is why I'm so tired. Now that all the excitement has died down, and my stomach is happy, exhaustion is setting in."

"And this is normal? I should ask my angel friend about it."

"You don't need to do that, Kendall. It's definitely normal. I'll be great after a nap."

"I should hope so."

James sighed, trying to relax. The wings were fine this time, but Kendall was right—he was tense. He couldn't seem to settle for some reason. In an attempt to get his mind off it, he changed the subject. "So, you liked the scramble?"

"It was tasty."

"Yeah, I saw you scarfing that shit down." James smiled now remembering it, the way Kendall had been hesitant with the first two bites, and then practically inhaled the rest with gusto. "That's one meal I do right. Even Logan says it's good, and he isn't easy to please."

"Thank you for sharing it with me. I know I am not supposed to eat while I am here, but I have discovered that I do enjoy it. I only hope it will not affect the mission in a negative way."

"It won't, Kendall. Eating is fine. Just be careful what you eat, because if you're stuck on a toilet for too long, you won't be able to protect me." James wasn't actually worried about that, but it was fun to tease Kendall about it.

"That can happen?" The idea seemed to terrify Kendall.

"If you eat the wrong foods, yes. You could be stuck there for days."

After a beat, Kendall asked, "Are you lying to amuse yourself?"

"A little bit," James chuckled. "It wouldn't be days. But it could keep you chained to the bathroom for an entire day, until things...run their course."

"Perhaps I should not eat at all."

"Stop it, there's no reason you can't enjoy a meal with me. It was nice to have someone appreciate my cooking. And like I said, when we're out it will be necessary sometimes. You'll have to eat something tonight when we go out with Lucy."

"What if I need to use a toilet while we're away from home?"

"All restaurants have toilets, Kendall."

"You would accompany me, yes?"

"Uh, that might be a little weird. Dudes don't use the bathroom together. That's more of a chick thing."

"Promise me, James." Kendall's arm tightened around his waist. "You know I cannot leave your side. You must come with me should I have need of a toilet."

"We'll figure it out. Don't worry about it."

"Thank you." He was quiet for a bit, long enough that James was starting to feel drowsy, but then said, "I do not like this."

"Like what?"

"That I cannot see your face when we speak. I prefer it when you are facing me."

"You can't see my face anyway in the wings, Kendall. It's dark."

"Darkness does not affect my vision."

James blinked, taking that in. "Seriously? You can see in the dark?"

"Of course. Can humans not?"

"Well...I mean, our eyes adjust and we can see vague shapes sometimes, but...for the most part, no." Curious, James shifted around until he was facing Kendall. "Really, you can see me right now?"

"I can. You are not able to see me?"

"No. That's so unfair."

"Let me help." A soft glow suddenly emanated from the wings, not golden light but more of a pale hue. It was like a very weak flashlight, just bright enough that James could see Kendall's face and body inside the wings. "Is this better?"

"Holy shit. How are you doing that?"

"My wings, James. They provide light. I apologize that it isn't brighter, but that will come in time. Golden wings have been known to cause eye damage to humans, but silver wings never have from what I've been told. This should be safe. It is very dim, yes?"

"Yes, but also super cool. I didn't know your wings had like...powers. Can you fly with them, too?"

"I was told not to do that in view of humans."

"But you can?" In his excitement, James started to sit up. He ran into the wall of feathers and changed his mind, relaxing against Kendall again instead. "You can seriously fly?"

"I have no need to. I am able to go from place to place without it. We are given that power upon acceptance of a mission."

"But...you can? Your wings actually let you fly?"

"They do." Kendall's mouth curved into a smile. "This pleases you."

"It's fucking amazing! I want to see you fly! Can you take me with you? We could go somewhere deserted and nobody would see, just jump off a cliff or something and—"

"James, I cannot do that for you. I'm sorry. It is against the code."

"Ugh, you and your stupid angel code! Come on, man, just one time! It would be such a rush! I swear I'd never tell anybody. Not even Lucy or Carlos. Please!"

"I believe you, but I am still forbidden from flying unless it is to save your life."

The gears in James' brain started spinning. "So I just need to put myself in mortal danger?"

"James, no! You will do no such thing."

"Definitely something to think about," James grinned. How hard would it be to climb up to the roof and just...fall off? Kendall would never let him die, that was for sure. He'd be forced to fly down and catch him, right?

"Do not think about it. I won't allow it."

We'll just see about that. Happy with the prospect of an adventure to plan for the future, James snuggled into Kendall.

"Your aura is very happy in this moment. As it was earlier today, when you were triumphant. I enjoy being with you in moments like this."

That reminded James of questions he'd never had a chance to ask. "You talked about my aura before. Is it something you can see, or just sense?"

"A bit of both, I suppose. I cannot describe what it looks like, but at times you are brighter than at others. As humans get tired, or sad, their aura fades. It never disappears, at least while they are alive, but when in those states it is dim. Yours is very bright at the moment."

"That's cool. I wish I could see auras. It would help to know when it's a good time to ask for things, like with Gustavo. Do angels have auras?"

"We do, but humans cannot see them."

"I think I can feel it, though."

"Can you?" The idea seemed to surprise Kendall. "I was not told that humans could."

"Last night, you didn't feel the same. Your wings weren't as warm. It's why I didn't sleep well. You were here, but I couldn't see you, and the feeling that came from you was...I don't know how to describe it. Less. The feeling was less."

"I apologize for disrupting your sleep. My purpose here is to keep you safe and comfortable. I failed you last night."

James didn't reply right away, thinking back on the night before and why Kendall would've been upset. James had yelled at him before bed, hadn't he? Kendall had been doing nothing more than his "purpose"—he'd made James feel good. He'd wanted only that, for James to relax and be at peace. But James had yelled at him that what he'd done was wrong and it would never happen again. It was no wonder Kendall spent half his time here confused and feeling like a failure. "You didn't," James said now. "I'm not saying that what happened last night is ever going to happen again, because it's not. But I get now that you were just trying to help me. I'm sorry I was an asshole about it."

"My intentions are never to harm you, James. I wish you would understand that. Even when I do things that make you unhappy, it is only your safety I have in mind."

"I know," James sighed. He tilted his face up in order to look into Kendall's eyes. Kendall bent his neck to meet the gaze. "I'll try to remember that. It's just hard when I want things and you say no."

"Last night it was you who wanted things, who said no. Why do you deny your body what it needs? I understood your needs and wished to meet them."

"Because it's wrong, Kendall. You aren't the...being...that's supposed to satisfy those needs."

"Why not? I am here and I am safe. There is no danger of you falling in love with me, so sex between us would not be a problem."

"But it is."

"I do not understand why. You explained to me that humans have urges. Let me help with those urges."

James shook his head, frustrated. "Kendall, you just don't get it."

"You're correct. I don't." Kendall's eyes gave off sadness at the notion. "I wish that I did."

And now Kendall's aura was changing. James hadn't known before that it was his aura, but now that he did he was highly attuned to it. The light from Kendall's wings had grown even dimmer. He hated that he was making Kendall sad yet again. "Look, can we just sleep now?"

"Yes, I will be silent. Sleep well, James."

That was impossible, though. Five minutes later James was still lying there, his eyes closed but his mind unable to stop spinning with half-formed thoughts. There was also the fact that Kendall was at half power again, and James sensed that he was upset. "Dammit," he whispered against Kendall's neck.

"I thought you wished to sleep."

"I can't." Angry with himself, James shifted to look up at Kendall again. "Talk to me."

"Of course. What would you like to discuss?"

"Whatever's going on in your head. I can tell something is, so just...go for it. Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing is wrong, James."

"That's a lie."

"I do not lie."

"Fine, then tell me what you're thinking about."

"At the moment? I am concerned that you are not sleeping well and wondering what I can do to help."

"No, before that. What were you thinking when we were lying here not talking?"

"Oh." Kendall's face cleared. "I was thinking about the couple we saw this morning at Rocque Records."

Okay, that was by far the last thing James expected to hear. He didn't even remember seeing a couple. "What are you talking about?"

"Do you not recall? We jumped there and went into the hallway, but there was a couple blocking our way. They were...I believe you call it kissing?"

James thought back and did vaguely remember that now. They'd been going at it and he had caught Kendall staring. He'd completely forgotten about it. "Right. Yeah, okay. What about them?"

"Well, I was simply wondering what that must feel like."

Losing patience fast, James had no idea what Kendall was trying to say. "What what must feel like?"

"The touching of lips. I saw it in the movies we watched together as well. Seeing it in person reminded me of it, and it seemed more intense. I was curious as to why humans do it. I understand that it is a gesture of affection, and that it is sometimes the first step in the process of sexual intimacy. But I do not understand why. Mouths are made for practical functions like breathing and eating and speaking. What does the joining of lips actually do for you?"

James was at a loss as to how to answer. Kendall was asking a question that he'd never even thought to consider before. Humans kissed—there was no reason for it, they just did it. "Um...it...I mean, it's just part of the whole package, I guess."

"The package?"

"Yeah, like...with Tracy. At my party. When you scanned for me to find me in that closet, you saw us kissing, right?"

Kendall's answer was highly judgmental. "I saw much more than that, James."

"Right, but forget about the other stuff. Although...no, you really can't, because it's part of that. Kissing is just like...a piece of the puzzle. When you have sex with someone, you kiss them."

"You did not kiss me last night," Kendall pointed out.

"No, because that wasn't supposed to happen."

"But it did, and you just explained to me that kissing is part of that. The couple we saw, they were not having sex."

"Well of course they weren't in public, Kendall."

"So then kissing someone is part of sex?"

"Um...I guess not necessarily, you can kiss someone and not have sex with them. But I've never understood the point of that myself."

"Explain."

This was making James' head hurt. Why did Kendall need everything spelled out for him? Shouldn't his human training have covered all of this? "Okay, look. You can kiss someone and not have sex with them. Plenty of people do that. But to me, that's boring. Why would you kiss someone if you're not following it up with sex? I mean, to tell the truth, I've never really understood what's so special about a kiss. It's literally just part of foreplay to me."

"And foreplay is..."

"The lead-up to sex. What Tracy and I were doing in the closet. That's foreplay. My intention was to follow through with sex, so it was kind of...the pre-show. I don't know how else to explain it, Kendall."

"I see." Kendall thought that over before saying, "So some humans enjoy kissing as its own ritual. Without sex involved."

"Yeah, crazy ones. Why even bother kissing if it's not going anywhere? A kiss isn't all that exciting, to be honest."

"That couple seemed to be enjoying it immensely."

"Well yeah, because they were probably going to have sex later. Or maybe had just done it. And some people really do like just kissing. It's weird."

Kendall was silent as he absorbed the information.

"Get it now?"

"I believe so. I still do not quite understand why it is enjoyable to touch lips."

"Yeah, I don't really get it, either. And don't even ask, because I'm not gonna show you."

"Oh." Disappointment dimmed Kendall's aura even more.

"Dude, don't get all sad about this. I'm not a huge fan of kissing as it is; kissing a guy would be even worse. Just...maybe on your next mission you can experience that, okay?"

"Okay. I hope I do. If only to understand, because the more I understand about humans, the better I can help them."

"Right. And look, if you're that curious about it, I can probably get Camille to kiss you. Or Jo. God knows she's desperate to get your attention," he added with a roll of his eyes.

"No, I do not wish to encourage either of them in their interest. You said the less people know about me, the better. Correct?"

"Correct. Huh. I wonder if Lucy would do it. She actually likes kissing."

Kendall shook his head adamantly against the pillow. "No. Not her."

"Okay," James chuckled, amused at how much Kendall hated the idea of getting anywhere near Lucy. "Well, sorry, but...I'm not the one to show you that."

"I understand. It is a pity, though. I would have liked to experience it just once."

"Next mission," James said. "Make that a priority."

"I shall see. I only hope that my next assignment is someone I trust as I do you."

Having started to relax again now that the conversation was winding down, James was shocked into alertness by the comment. "What? You trust me?"

"In that sense, very much. You have taught me many things, and you are patient with me. Most of the time," he added. "You take joy in teaching me, as well. I like that I am able to make you happy in that aspect."

Uncomfortable with the praise, James hid his face in Kendall's neck. "Well, you need to learn these things."

"And I appreciate that you take the time to show me. Perhaps I will learn enough with you over the next year that I will be better equipped for my next assignment."

"Right." And here it was, the reminder that Kendall wouldn't be here forever. Once the mission was done, he'd probably never think about James again. James would be alone as he had been before Kendall barged into his life.

"James? Your aura is changing. Why are you sad?"

Fuck Kendall and his ability to always see into James' heart. Angry now, James shifted away and turned onto his left side. "I'm going to sleep. Just be quiet and let me sleep."

"Whatever you wish."

But Kendall did cuddle up to him and hold tight. The light was extinguished. In the dark, James reached down to tighten that grip even more around his waist. He'd just enjoy the safety while he could.

James awoke a few hours later, well-rested and more than ready for some socialization. A call to his mother went better than expected—not only was she genuinely proud of him, it was the first time James sensed that she actually believed he might have a shot at making this work. She praised him for getting past his hang-ups regarding acting. She reminded him that this phone call today didn't take the place of his weekly Wednesday call, then requested to speak to Kendall. Once she had him on the line, she questioned him to find out if James was exaggerating or if it really had gone as well as she'd been told. Kendall assured her that everything James had shared was true and that Gustavo really was pleased with the performance. Satisfied, she hung up to join a conference call she had scheduled.

Soon after that, Lucy called with more good news: her manager had contacted her to say that James was approved as the opening act for the first leg of her upcoming summer tour. James actually screamed with joy, sending Kendall into hardcore protective mode, but James promised there was nothing to worry about. He begged Lucy to hurry up and come down so they could talk more about it. She swore to be there within an hour so they could head out to dinner.

The second James hung up the phone, his face still a mask of excitement, Kendall grabbed hold of both shoulders. "James. Explain to me why your aura is nearly blinding."

"What, you weren't listening in? I thought you could hear everything." James was too happy to be upset about it, he just wanted to give Kendall a hard time.

"I did listen, but I could not quite follow the conversation. What does it mean that you will 'open' for her? Surely she did not mean physically."

"No, you dork!" James laughed. "She's going on tour. Playing concerts around the country. And for the first six shows, I'm going to be part of that. I'll be performing before she takes the stage. Me! In front of thousands of people! Can you believe it?!"

Clearly all that mattered to Kendall of that information was "thousands of people" because his reaction was the exact opposite of James'. "Pardon? Are you saying that you will be in the midst of a large crowd?"

"No, I'll be on stage in front of them. I won't be interacting, Kendall, it'll be from a distance. Though they might set up meet and greets for me, which would be amazing. Oh my god, Kendall, this is my dream come true!"

Kendall was already shaking his head. "Absolutely not. I cannot allow this."

"Kendall, I swear to God, if you bring me down right now, I will find a way to send you back to Heaven. Let me have my moment of joy. Please."

"You do not mean that." But Kendall doubted it enough that there was fear in his eyes.

"Just shut up for five minutes and let me be happy. We can argue about it later."

Kendall had no choice in the matter because just then James' phone rang again. This time it was Kelly, who was calling to share the same news with James. It was a short conversation that ended with James promising to be at the studio an hour early the following morning so that she and Gustavo could discuss everything with him.

After that, Kendall followed James into the bedroom. "Five minutes have passed. We must discuss this now."

"Nope, not yet." James slid his closet door open to peruse the contents.

"Why not?"

"Because we don't even have all the details yet. If you want to argue about it after dinner, that's fine. But in the meantime, we're going to have dinner with Lucy and find out more. I need you to keep your crazy guardian angel tendencies to yourself until we get home from that." He pulled out a long-sleeved black shirt and passed it to Kendall. "The place we're going tonight is semi-formal, so jeans and a flannel won't do."

"James, I do not think you understand the danger you would be putting yourself in if—"

James placed his palm flat over Kendall's mouth. "Later. I promise I'll hear you out and honestly consider everything you want to say when we get home. For now? Get dressed and just be my friend for the next few hours. Be happy for me."

Kendall had been about to argue, but the word "friend" caught him off guard. He stared back in surprise, with something like hope in his gaze. "I am your friend?"

"Of course you are. Just...try to understand where I'm coming from sometimes. I get that you want to protect me. I know it's your mission to keep me safe. I've decided that isn't necessarily a bad thing. But you have to meet me halfway, like we talked about on my birthday. Compromise. Understand my feelings, too. Right now, a good friend would be happy for me, would know that even if he can't agree with my decisions, it's what I want. What I've been working for all my life. I need you to be my friend, Kendall. At least for the next few hours. Can you do that?"

James witnessed the conflicting emotions running through Kendall's eyes. What he finally said was, "I will not do anything to put you in danger."

"Dinner with Lucy isn't gonna do that."

"But this tour, these concerts...there is so much potential for danger."

"Which we'll talk about later. Tonight? Let me just enjoy a great meal and have fun with my friends."

The moment hung between them until Kendall slowly nodded. He wasn't completely convinced that any of this was a good idea, but he knew how to meet James' needs in this moment.

Compromise.