A/N—Hey all, I know it's been forever since I posted. I'm sorry, life's been...you know. Life. Anyway, the last time I posted I did two chapters within a few days of each other. I know the site is glitching and a lot of people aren't getting email alerts to messages and posts, so just in case you weren't aware that there were two chapters posted last time, please make sure to read the latest one before getting into this. Otherwise you'll have no idea what they're talking about.

I really appreciate the reviews and just hearing your thoughts on the story. Thank you for reading!

Kendall kept his word for most of the meal. While James and Lucy excitedly discussed the details of the tour, Kendall sat next to James in the booth and did little more than listen attentively. James ordered dinner for him under the guise of "I know what's good here" and chose foods that wouldn't require a lot of chewing—softer things like soup and pasta. Eating mechanically, Kendall kept his mouth shut otherwise.

When they'd almost finished the main course, Lucy caught his eye. "What's up with you tonight? Nothing to say?"

All Kendall was willing to offer was, "I'm allowing James to be happy."

"Really? So you're not freaking out over there? I figured by now you would be trying to talk him out of it so you can keep him away from everyone."

Kendall was freaking out, and James could sense it. He furtively placed his hand on Kendall's knee under the table and squeezed as a show of comfort. "We discussed it earlier," James commented. "We'll talk more about it when we get home, but right now we're just taking in all the details."

"He's not going to keep you from doing this. Gustavo already signed the contract."

"Oh, I'm definitely doing it. We just need to talk it out so that Kendall understands it's safe for me."

Lucy rolled her eyes before forking up a bite of steak. Kendall leaned in to whisper in James' ear. "Please accompany me to the toilet."

What James wanted to do was groan, but instead he merely sighed and said, "We'll be right back." Normally he would've argued and made Kendall go alone, but he knew that Kendall was anxious, and also appreciated that the angel had held up his end of the compromise. He motioned for Kendall to scoot out, then followed.

"What, you two have to go to the bathroom together?" Lucy teased.

"He doesn't know where it is." James left it at that and turned away, Kendall staying close as they headed toward the back of the restaurant. Once they were inside the restroom, James asked, "Do you really have to pee or did you just want to be alone so you can yell at me about this?"

"I promised I would wait until after dinner for the discussion."

"Yes, you did." James reached out to move Kendall away from the door so that another man could exit. "So you uh...you have to go?"

"Go?"

"To the toilet, Kendall." He stepped closer and murmured, "I can't help you in public."

"Oh. No, my body is not in need of that at the moment."

"Okay, so...what's going on?"

Kendall bit his lip and then swallowed, a rare sign of nerves. "I do not understand why I am feeling anxious. I should not be."

"Well, I'm sure you're imagining all the horrible things that might happen on tour. That's enough to make you anxious."

"No, James, you do not understand. I am an angel." At James' abrupt shushing sound, Kendall lowered his voice to a whisper. "Anxiety is a human emotion. It is not something I should be experiencing."

James took in Kendall's pained expression, as if he was suffering a physical malady of some kind, and tried to understand why this was new to Kendall. Wasn't Kendall worried about James all the time? Was this just a heightened degree of emotion? "Maybe it's because you haven't been able to express it outwardly, so it's all bottled up right now."

Kendall shook his head. "No, I should not be experiencing any emotion. Why am I feeling this?"

James frowned. "Kendall...you realize this isn't the first time you've experienced emotion, right?"

"It is."

"Um, no." He couldn't hold back a short laugh. "Dude, you've been emotional plenty since you arrived. I've seen you happy, and hurt, and angry...hell, I've even seen you proud, though you won't admit it. You cried, Kendall. All of that is emotion, just like anxiety is."

"I...that cannot be. In training we were instructed that emotions have no place in our missions."

"Okay, just...hang on a second." Nervous in his own right, James approached the stalls and bent down to look underneath. No feet were visible, and he relaxed. "Sorry, just needed to make sure we were alone. You have to remember that you can't talk about your mission and angel stuff in public, dude. Nobody can find out."

Kendall's brows drew together. "I was aware that we were alone, James. I scanned the room before we entered."

Oh. Of course he had. James should've foreseen that. "Fine, just...look, I get that you want to be a robot and all, but—"

"I do not wish to be a robot. I am merely—"

"Can I finish, please?" When Kendall lapsed into silence, James continued. "I understand that having no emotions might make your job easier, but you're inhabiting a human body. You can't help feeling things, Kendall. Logan told me once that emotions are linked to...what's the word? Physiology, I think? Like when we're scared, our body shows that in our heartbeat and adrenaline. Or when we're sad, we cry. That's a perfect example. You cried when I sang, remember?"

"I still do not understand that. I was not sad."

"You were happy. My voice brought you joy. That didn't bother you, did it?"

"I was too overwhelmed by the beauty of it to think properly. I should have realized then that I was experiencing emotion."

"You've been doing that from the moment we met, Kendall." James stepped closer and laid a hand on Kendall's shoulder. "And it's fine. I like you better when you feel." He smiled, and Kendall's lips slowly mirrored his as their gazes locked.

The door squeaked at the entrance of another patron. James jumped away quickly, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. They both waited for the man to get started at a urinal before James motioned to Kendall to follow him out into the vestibule. "Are you well?" James asked.

A smirk played around Kendall's mouth. "You have stolen my words."

James grinned. "I totally did. But seriously, are you better?"

"I...am confused. I did not expect to experience emotion."

"It's not a big deal."

"Will it not affect my mission? How well I do it?"

James thought that over for a second. "What is your mission?"

"You know my mission."

"Say it out loud. Quietly," he added after a beat.

Kendall cleared his throat and said softly, "I am here to keep you alive for the next year. My mission is to keep you from falling in love."

"Right. Do you care about me?"

"Of course I do. It is my—"

"No, Kendall. Forget the mission. Do you like me? After the time we've spent together, do you actually enjoy my presence? Do you consider us friends?" Kendall didn't answer right away, and James had a scary moment when he feared Kendall might actually say no.

When he did answer, though, his tone was sincere. "I would like us to be friends. You said earlier that I am your friend."

James nodded. "Friendship is very important to humans. Sometimes even more than romance. We care for our friends so much that we would do anything to protect them. So the way I see it, Guardian Angel, you experiencing emotions makes you better at your job. Because now I'm not just some random human you have to keep safe—I'm your friend. You have even more reason to protect me now. Because you care."

Again Kendall showed his more human side by biting his lip as the idea sank in. "I do care," he stated.

Before James could reply to that, his phone interrupted them. He plucked it out of his pocket to see Lucy calling. "Shit, we have to get back. We've been gone too long." Kendall opened his mouth to say something, but James shook his head and dragged Kendall by the elbow toward the dining room. He dropped Kendall's arm as they neared their table. "Sorry, that took longer than planned."

Lucy studied him, then Kendall, as they took their seats. "I was worried Psycho forced you to leave out the back door or something."

"Nah, we're good." To prove it, James smiled over at Kendall. "We had some things to discuss, but we're good now."

Lucy took that to mean James had won whatever argument Kendall came up with. "Perfect. Do you know which songs you want to play yet? You should have time for about six."

"We're gonna talk about all of that tomorrow. Gustavo wants to put a rush on the album so that it comes out right before we start the tour."

"Smart. Have you been to any of the cities before?"

"Just New York; I went once with Mom on a business trip when Dad couldn't be bothered to take me for the weekend. But that's the only one. What about you?"

"I've been to all of the ones you'll be with me on. I can't wait to show you everything!"

Lucy jumped into tales about all of them, James listening with rapt attention while Kendall sat back and said nothing. James sensed him tensing up again and leaned in sideways, hoping to convey calm through their arms touching. The material of their shirts hampered that, so under the table he twined his fingers through Kendall's. And that, at least, seemed to help a bit.

Because Lucy's preferred mode of transportation was her motorcycle, they'd hired a car to get the three of them from the Palm Woods to the restaurant. James had been aware of Kendall's discomfort for the entire ride (it was kind of hard not to be, since Kendall was practically sitting on his lap in the confined space), and so in a show of appreciation for Kendall's restraint during dinner, he decided not to subject the poor guy to another ride. He gave Lucy the excuse of "Kendall wanted to see some of the sights around here" and encouraged her to travel back alone. Lucy didn't quite buy the story, glaring at Kendall as if the whole thing was somehow his doing, but she nodded and used an app to call a car for herself. James insisted they stay with her until she was safely on her way, then he turned to Kendall and waited for the inevitable questions.

"Why did you lie to Lucy? I have no desire to explore the city. I would rather get you away from all these people and this noise."

"I thought you'd prefer to just...you know." Leaning in closer on the sidewalk, James whispered, "Zip me home."

"Zip?"

With a roll of his eyes, James dragged Kendall back toward the restaurant, but kept walking past the entrance until they were able to round a corner of the building. "Teleport me," he said under his breath while they strolled down an alley.

"Ah. Yes, I do prefer that to riding in a vehicle. Thank you, James."

Kendall's smile made James glad he'd done something nice for the angel. "I think it's so funny that you once told me you're not allowed to transport me unless I'm in immediate danger, but when it comes to this or riding in a car, you don't hesitate."

Kendall seemed to think that over before saying, "You are in danger. Many people are out. I am merely doing my duty to the best of my ability."

"Sure you are," James smirked. He wound his arm around Kendall's so that their elbows were locked, making sure no one could see them. "You really do need to get over your fear of cars. Okay, I think we're good. Go ahead."

And just as always, in the blink of an eye they were back in the safety of James' living room. He let out a breath, both relieved to be home and dreading the conversation he'd promised Kendall they could have. "That was actually draining. I love Lucy, and I love getting out of the apartment, but tonight it felt like we'd never get home." Kendall's gaze on him had grown outraged, and it took James a few seconds to realize what he'd said that was so wrong. "No, Kendall, not that kind of love. It's a figure of speech. It means I enjoy her company. That's all."

One of Kendall's brows rose; he wasn't quite convinced. "You enjoy her company more than anyone else's. You require her touch."

"Hugs, Kendall. We talked about this, hugs are normal between friends."

Kendall stared back as if he wanted to say something. In the end, he held his silence as James dropped to the sofa and started to untie his shoes. "Let me get my shoes off and settle in before you start yelling at me."

"Yell at you?" Kendall approached the couch, gaze now uncertain. "Why would I yell at you?"

"Because we're about to discuss the tour and I can't imagine any outcome that won't lead to us arguing."

Realizing James was probably right, Kendall nodded and began to pace back and forth in the small space between the television and the coffee table.

Once James had shoes and socks off, he shrugged out of his jacket and laid it on the table, then leaned back into a corner of the couch with arms crossed over his chest. Bracing himself, he inhaled deeply and let it out. "Go for it."

Kendall's tirade spewed immediately. "I do not understand why you are so determined to constantly put yourself in danger. It is difficult enough for me to keep you safe from danger in this city. Now you wish to add six more populous places to my job, and with many more females who are coming specifically to see you."

"Technically, they're coming to see Lucy. Which means there will be a handful of dudes, as well, since she's hot. Too bad they won't have a chance with her," he chuckled.

"Lucy mentioned that some of the audience will come to see you."

"That's the hope," James agreed. "Since there are fans who have downloaded my single. It's awesome to think I have actual fans. And will you sit down?"

Kendall shook his head. He was focused on the carpet, but James knew that wasn't what was on his mind. "Do you recall the day I first appeared to you?"

"Of course, it was only a few days ago. My birthday."

"Yes, and you originally mistook me for an admirer of yours. You were scared."

"Well, yeah, because I thought you'd broken into my apartment. That would scare anybody."

"And you think the fans on this tour would not do the same? You discussed a bus, James. That would be your living quarters for the duration of this trip."

"So?"

"A bus is much less secure than a building. Do you expect to be safe from danger in one of those?"

"Totally."

James' calm and ready answer had Kendall finally stopping his motion; he faced James from across the table and said, "You are not scared at all. Not even the tiniest bit."

"Nope."

Disbelief stared back at James. "Do you understand my mission here?"

"I do."

"Do you still doubt it?"

The reply to that didn't come as readily. "I...sometimes, yeah. It's still hard for me to believe that my death could cause something as monumental as the fall of Heaven." Before Kendall could go off, he added, "But that doesn't matter. Even if it is true, I'm not afraid."

Kendall was dumbfounded. "And why not?!"

"Because you'll be there. That's what you don't seem to understand, Kendall. No matter where I go or who I'm with, as long as you're there I know I'll be fine. You'd do anything to keep me safe. There's not one tiny shred of fear for my life when you're around."

A plethora of emotions flickered through Kendall's eyes as he absorbed the words. He was touched deeply, James could see that, but he was also frustrated that James refused to be concerned at all. "I am only one being, James. I cannot do this alone. You must work with me to keep you safe."

"I'm trying, okay?" James sighed. Tired of feeling like a child being talked down to, he patted the sofa next to him. Kendall took the hint and sat with one cushion between them so they could face each other when they talked. "I could be out every night trying to score with a girl, but I haven't been doing that."

"You attempted it with Tracy," Kendall reminded him, a full pout on his face.

"Yeah, I was desperate. And stupidly thought I could fool you. But I learned that night, and once I realized it doesn't do any good to lie to you, I gave it up. I'm staying in—and don't bring up dinner just now, because that was with a friend—for you. You agreed that I can go to work, Kendall. That's what the tour is."

"It is also an opportunity to put you in further danger. Think of how many girls will be in your presence all at once! They will be watching you and admiring you, even ones who have not heard of you yet! James, as soon as they hear your true voice, that is the end for them. No one could hear it and resist falling in love with you."

Though it wasn't meant as a compliment in this context, James took it as one; he smiled, cheeks heating up, and said, "Thanks. But even so, you won't let them get near me, so I'm safe. It's fine."

"No, you and Lucy spoke of one-on-one interaction with fans. You will meet them and greet them, I heard you say that."

"Oh, right. Meet and greets. I forgot about that."

Kendall nodded.

"But that's okay too, because you'll be there with me. See, I'll be sitting at a table and signing autographs. My name," he added when Kendall looked confused. "I sign pictures and give them to fans."

"The pictures are not what the fans truly want, James. It is a chance to be in your presence. To talk to you. To be noticed by you. And that is where the danger lies. All it takes is one look to form a connection, I've explained that to you. It will not matter that I am seated at your side. You might look into a girl's eyes and fall in love."

They were back to this argument again. It frustrated James, because Kendall didn't get that James wasn't the type to fall in love. Even after being with numerous girls over the years, he'd never once actually developed feelings for one. "I'm not going to fall in love in a matter of seconds!"

"You do not know that!"

"But I do! How many times are we going to have this conversation?! You go on and on about how I don't understand the dangers, but what you don't understand is me. If I was going to fall in love, it would've happened by now. At least once."

"It comes when you least expect it."

"Says the guy who doesn't even remember being human and having a fucking heart."

Hurt splashed across Kendall's face. "It was in my training, James. My boss was very clear about the ways of love."

"Your boss is a fucking angel who doesn't remember it any more than you do."

"He knows much more than most, even in Heaven. Do not doubt his words!"

James shoved himself off the couch to put space between them. Anger was simmering just under the surface. He was the one pacing now as he stated, "I'm so sick of fighting with you. It feels like that's all we do and I can't stand an entire year of this, Kendall."

"You do not have a choice, James."

"I'm well aware of that. Thanks for stating the obvious."

James had his back to Kendall and didn't see the flash of pain that resulted from the harsh tone. "You are angry."

"No shit."

"Do you wish me to occlude myself so that you can be alone?"

About to lash out that he was never alone, James spun around and caught the expression on Kendall's face. He was reminded of their earlier arguments and how he'd sworn to never again make Kendall feel like he wasn't wanted. Fuck. Rather than follow through on his rage, he took a deep breath and forced himself to stay calm. "No," he said quietly. "Just...try to understand how difficult it is to take advice about love from someone who can't even remember it."

Kendall nodded once, conceding the point. "Probably just as difficult as it is to take advice from someone who has never experienced it."

The point hit home. Neither of them really had any business discussing love as if they were old pros at it. James' head fell back in irritation, both at himself and at Kendall. "Okay. Maybe I could take it a little more seriously."

"And perhaps I could entertain the idea that you know your heart better than I do."

Surprised that Kendall had admitted even a hint that he might not know best, James returned to the couch. His anger had drained away.

Kendall continued. "It is only that I fear love will slip past my guard if I let it down just one tiny bit. So I keep the guard up high. Can you understand that?"

"Yeah," James admitted. "I do get that you're just trying to protect me. But Kendall...I can't just put my career on hold for a year. I know that in your mind that's the best way to keep me safe, but now is when I have the momentum. My album's almost done. People already know my name and have heard one of my songs. This is the time to strike. The best way to keep that going is to get out there and meet the people. Spread my music."

Kendall was trying to grasp it, James could see that. "Is there a way to spread your music without meeting the fans?"

"I mean...I guess, but...it works best if they see me in person. We have to create that—" He was about to say connection, then realized it was the worst thing in Kendall's mind.

But Kendall wasn't an idiot. "Connection. Right?"

James deflated.

"The goal is to make them admire you and want you. And that is what I cannot allow."

"You can't stop them from doing that. You can control me, but not other people."

Kendall thought that over. "I believe I can. While I cannot keep them from admiring you, I can keep them at a distance."

"Dude, I'm going on this tour. Gustavo already signed the contract. I can't pull out now without being sued, and that would kill my career."

"No, you are misunderstanding me." Kendall smiled with a headshake. "We discussed compromise."

"Okay?"

"I believe in this instance, that would mean that I allow you to partake in this tour."

James' eyes widened in shock. "Seriously? You're letting me go?"

"But in the spirit of compromise, you must refrain from the meetings."

"What meetings?" James frowned.

"The meetings and the greetings."

Comprehension dawned. "Oh. Meet and greets. So...you're saying I can go if I don't do the meet and greets?"

"Exactly. They can admire you from a distance. When not on stage, you remain on the bus with me."

"Kendall, I'll have to do press, too. That's just part of it."

"What is press?"

"Interviews. Sometimes with females. There's no way I'm getting out of that, it's part of the package."

Kendall's gaze narrowed. "I do not like that idea."

"I know you don't, but...you'll be right there with me. Scary enough to keep any girl away."

Kendall grinned, pleased by the non-compliment. "That is my duty. Do you agree to the terms?"

"Gustavo won't like that. He'll want me to do meet and greets."

"I will handle Gustavo."

James didn't doubt it. He would've liked to meet the fans, but if this was the only way Kendall would agree to the tour, he could live with it. It was just for a year anyway. It might even create a sense of mystery about him, and demand would be higher at the end of the year. "Okay. Deal. No meet and greets."

"Thank you."

Now James was smiling back at Kendall, amazed that they'd had a rational conversation (mostly) and agreed to a compromise in which both were satisfied (again, mostly). It was a good feeling to know they could move on with their evening without both being miserable. Except..."I'm sorry I was an asshole about your lack of memories. It must really suck to not remember your life."

"It is part of the job."

"Yeah, it just...you know. Makes me wonder what kind of life you lived that you were willing to forget everything in order to become an angel. What did you leave behind?"

"It matters not, James. My concern now is you."

"Right, but you have to be curious."

"And I have told you that curiosity distracts us from the mission. It is not allowed. Should you be preparing for sleep now, since you must be at the studio early to discuss everything with Gustavo?"

It was an attempt at a subject change that was out of character for Kendall, but James let it stand. He was never going to convince Kendall to research his own past.

And that was fine, because he wouldn't know where to start with that anyway. Only one person James knew could take on a task that complex and have any hope of success. He made a mental note to text Logan. "Yeah, we should probably get ready for bed. Go pee now, and I'll meet you in the bedroom in a few. Have those wings ready."

He realized as soon as the words were out that Kendall would see that as an opportunity for him to escape. That was something else that would never change. Resigned to never pee in peace again, James did his nightly moisturizing ritual while Kendall stood nearby.