A/N: I hope you guys like this chapter, despite the drama to come! Enjoy~

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story & Shixona. Many thanks to Milaya Milen Zeal for helping rewrite this! Oh, and credit to Jin goes to Milaya!

The Guardian

Chapter 2

Later that day, Joshua and Neku headed to the movies to see Suicide Squad, thanks to Shixona. As they walked, Joshua found himself wanting to hold Neku's hand, but he refrained from doing so. It was strange, how Joshua was already finding the Angel attractive, but it shouldn't have surprised him. After all, in the stories, all Angels are attractive. But regardless, the silverette found himself infatuated with Neku.

By the time Joshua had snapped out of his thoughts, they were at the theater, and Neku bought them some popcorn to share and a couple of sodas.

"Go figure they didn't change THAT…" Neku grumbled softly as he passed Joshua his drink. Upon the curious look, he held up the receipt. "Everything is WAY overpriced here…"

"Hey, at least we didn't have to pay for the tickets, and this is cheaper than a dinner theater," Joshua pointed out. The pair took their seats right behind the handicapped section, giving them a spot to kick their feet up on the bars if they so chose to. "So, Neku, what do you think of Shixona?" Joshua inquired curiously. He was genuinely curious to know if the redhead liked her as a possible friend or not.

"…she seems nice…" Neku murmured with a shrug.

"Yeah, she is," the smaller teen agreed. "She does try to help me when I'm getting bullied at school, but often times some of the others will hold her back so she can't. Once her boyfriend steps in, though, they usually stop because he's so fiercely protective of her."

"I can only imagine…" Neku murmured.

Joshua then decided to ask Neku a question that was bugging him for a bit now, since he did like the redhead. "Neku, have you ever been in a relationship?" he inquired, feeling nervous.

"…Depends, I guess…" Neku murmured. He paused briefly to glance around, making sure there was no one in the immediate vicinity, before he continued. "When I was alive, no…but, yeah, I did have a few after."

Joshua felt his heart nearly sink. "Why did they end?" he asked, hoping he wouldn't be hurt by the answer.

Neku shrugged absently. "We just…didn't match up properly, I suppose. It happens."

"Well, hopefully you'll find the right one," Joshua told him, hoping HE would be the one for Neku. Finally, the lights dimmed, and the movie began to play.

X*X*X*X*X*X*X

"That was such a funny movie!" Joshua laughed as they walked home. "Harley Quinn and Diablo were definitely my favorites. Who did you like best, Neku?"

"I'd have to say Deadshot and Killer Croc," Neku said. "I prefer the wise-assery over the insanity, thank you very much."

"Harley was so crazy it was funny, though!" Joshua giggled. "Still, Diablo definitely kicks ass in that skeleton form, though. I'm just upset he died fighting Enchantress's brother." At that, the silverette pouted. "But at least Joker lived to save Harley."

"I still can't get over the fact that we're sympathizing criminals… I wouldn't have expected this to be acceptable like, ever."

"Yeah, well, at least with Diablo, he regretted doing what he did," the smaller teen shrugged. "But you're right, it IS rather strange." By this point, they reached the apartment, with Neku unlocking the door and the two entering. Once the door was shut and locked again, Joshua yawned widely.

"Tired, huh?" Neku chuckled out.

"It's been a long day," Joshua smiled tiredly. He headed to the bedroom, grabbing his pajamas before entering the bathroom to change. As he came out, however, he froze with a blush as he saw Neku removing his shirt, already wearing a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. The redhead's back was to him, mercifully, but Joshua desperately tried to calm his blush regardless. Finally, the silverette managed to climb into bed, successfully keeping his blush hidden from Neku by the comforter. The Angel soon joined him, and Joshua turned his head slightly.

"Goodnight, Neku. Thank you for everything today. I had fun," he whispered.

"…no prob. G'night," Neku murmured softly in return.

And with that said, the pair soon fell asleep.

X*X*X*X*X*X*X

Morning came, and with it, a sense of dread and anxiety. For Joshua, anyway. He was nervous about his first day back to school, even with Neku as his Guardian Angel to protect him. He ate his breakfast that morning slowly, trying not to get sick from his nerves.

"…Josh?" Neku asked after a moment.

"Hmm?" the smaller teen hummed, looking at the redhead.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just nervous about today," the silverette admitted, sighing.

"…Don't be. It'll be fine," Neku said simply.

Joshua took a deep breath, and then nodded. "I trust you," he murmured.

"Good." When they were done, the pair headed off to the school, grabbing their bags on the way out. Surprisingly, they were greeted along the way by a familiar face, plus one Joshua knew, but Neku didn't.

"Hey guys!" Shixona waved in greeting. "Ready for the first day?"

Neku nodded, before looking to the other person there. He was a muscular brunette, and while he was wearing the normal uniform, he wore a collar around his neck with an inverted cross hanging from it. Said male didn't even look up from where he was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets.

"Jin, say hi already!" Shixona hissed, elbowing her boyfriend in the side lightly.

"Oof!" the brunette groaned, before he shot the girl a glare.

"Be nice," she warned, and looked at the other two. "Sorry, he's not much of a talker. Neku, this is my boyfriend, Jin. He's very loyal to those he cares about. Not that there's very many…"

"We'd best hurry if we want to beat the crowd," Joshua piped up.

"Ah! Good point!" Shixona yelped, and the group walked together to their high school.

Neku hummed a bit in thought as he regarded Jin. The brunette either didn't notice, or he just didn't care. Either were viable options.

"So, what did you do over break, Shixona?" Joshua asked, trying to break the silence.

"Oh, Jin and I went to Shinjuku for a few weeks, and it was amazing! Everything was incredible, even the hotel!" she replied, smiling brightly. "But honestly, it truly was amazing."

"I'm glad you guys had fun," Joshua told her. "Besides, life sucks when we can't get away for a break."

"Very true," she nodded wisely. She then looked at her fellow brunette. "Hey Jin, want to tell Neku about your latest painting project?"

"…why should I?" Jin said simply.

"Because I'm sure he would like to know about your work," she huffed. "After all, he's in art this year, too. He's got all of Joshua's classes, remember?"

"…so?" was Jin's instant response.

Neku merely chuckled softly. "Pleasant, aren't you?"

"…hmph."

"Gods, you're SUCH a hard ass…" Shixona pouted. "Sometimes I wonder why we're dating." She cast Jin a teasing look at that.

"It's just how he is," Joshua chuckled.

"…didn't hear you complaining yesterday," Jin said simply.

Neku blinked a bit at that comment, quirking one eyebrow curiously.

Instantly, Shixona's face erupted in a blush, and she glared at him. "Not in front of our friends!" she hissed. "They don't need to know that!"

"Too late," Joshua sighed, face-palming.

Neku snorted softly, a cheeky smirk on his face. "Really now?"

"…what of it?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Don't start," Shixona growled at Jin. "We don't need you getting in trouble on the first day." That's when they reached the school, and she sighed. "We'll save a spot for you two at lunch, okay?"

"Sounds good. Thanks, Shixona," Joshua nodded, and then he and Neku split off from Shixona and Jin. They made their way to their first class of the day, Math. There they took a couple of seats in the back, where no one could nail them with spit balls. Wise move.

Neku wordlessly hung his bag from the hook to the side of the desk, and then leaned back casually. Joshua did the same, and sat at his desk, pulling out a notebook and a pencil to take notes with. Finally, the bell rang as the rest of the class filed in, followed by their teacher, Sho Minamimoto.

"Oh no…" Joshua whispered.

"Hm?"

"I forgot that Sho is the junior and senior year math teacher, and he's INCREDIBLY strict about his grading," the silverette whimpered. "We'll be screwed if we fall the slightest bit behind."

"…I see…"

Sho gave a toothy grin, and then began going over his class rules.

"No eating in my class, no gum, no passing notes, no phones, no talking, and no cheating on tests!" he snapped, making half of the class, including Joshua, cower in their seats. As for the other half, they merely gave cocky looks, except for Neku. He remained calm in his seat. The redhead didn't move, and instead watched quietly, resting his arms on his desk.

Joshua sighed as he readied himself to take notes, and then the lesson began. Sho practically raced across the board during the lecture, but he did stop at one point due to a cocky student popping a piece of gum in his mouth. Immediately, Sho snarled, "Get out, hectopascal! You're in detention this afternoon!" This made the teen pale, and he gave a reluctant sigh before grabbing his things and stepping into the hallway. He then resumed the lecture until the bell rang. When it did, Joshua sighed in relief, setting his pencil down as he flexed his hand.

"Gods, my hand is cramping from trying to keep up," he mumbled.

"It wasn't that bad," Neku said simply, stuffing his own notebook in his bag.

"Maybe not for you, but for me, yes," Joshua pouted, gathering up his things as well. The pair started to head off to their next class, Psychology, as they talked. As they walked and talked, though, Neku kept a close eye on the surrounding area. Or more specifically the people walking around them.

Out of nowhere, someone stuck their foot out, tripping Joshua. Neku noticed it right on time and managed to catch Joshua before he could hit the floor. Once he was sure he was okay, he snapped his eyes up to the person who'd done that, a dark glare on his face.

"What, are you his bodyguard?" a muscular blonde teen wearing a black beanie with a skull on it sneered.

"Please don't, Beat," Joshua whimpered pleadingly.

"Shut it, faggot!" Beat spat.

"…" Neku didn't say anything for a moment, before he stepped up to Beat. Before the blonde could say or do anything, Neku snapped his hand shut around the taller boy's throat and slammed him to the wall harshly. "Let me tell you something, 'Beat', and I suggest you listen well…" the redhead snarled. "If I EVER catch you anywhere in my vicinity with the intention to intention to hurt him again, you'll be picking up your teeth from every corner of the school building." After saying that, he tightened his grip just slightly to make it somewhat hard to breathe for the blonde. "Are we clear?"

"Bite me, ass-wipe!" Beat snarled, and some of his followers stepped forward to surround the two boys.

"Ooh, tough guy, huh?" Neku murmured—right before he snapped his leg up into Beat's gut. "I do suggest you remember what I said though…" Neku breathed into Beat's ear. "Otherwise you'll be eating through a straw for the rest of your life."

With those words, Neku dropped Beat to the floor and walked to Joshua's side.

Beat's fellow bullies, however, didn't take kindly to their leader's beating. They lunged at Neku, ready to tear him apart. Suddenly, one of them grabbed Joshua, holding a pocket knife to his throat.

"Neku!" Joshua wailed, feeling helpless.

"…!" Neku froze, before he snarled dangerously. "Why you…"

"Take your beating, or he dies!" the bully threatened, but out of nowhere, a furious shout sounded from behind him, right before Shixona, of all people, smashed her fist into the teen's neck, jolting him into letting go of Joshua. The silverette was quick to return to Neku's side, where he watched what happened next.

"That's cruel, to threaten his life!" Shixona spat at the group of bullies as she slammed the knife-wielder onto the floor. "You can be sure the principal is GOING to hear about this!" That made them all pale considerably, and they immediately scattered. Joshua was trembling by this point, terrified that he'd been used as a hostage and nearly killed.

As Beat tried to follow after his flunkies, however, he found himself shoved face first into the wall, arms twisted up into his back.

"…going somewhere, Daisukenojo?" Jin snarled out.

Neku frowned in question at that, but rather than say anything, he wrapped an arm around Joshua's shoulders.

"Yo, don't call me that!" Beat protested in a muffled voice.

"Your ass is going to be expelled for this, you do realize that, right?" Shixona growled. She turned to Joshua and Neku. "Are you okay, Josh?" He nodded shakily, hiding his face in Neku's shoulder for comfort.

"…just go," Jin said to Neku, who nodded and wordlessly guided Joshua away from the scene. Joshua allowed himself to be led away, feeling on the verge of tears.

"It's okay…" Neku murmured, rubbing Joshua's shoulder. "It's over…" The silverette whimpered, nodding against the Angel's shoulder.

"C'mon…we need to get to class…that should get your mind off of what happened…" The smaller teen nodded again, and the pair headed off to class, this time at a slower pace. When they reached their class, the teacher, Koki Kariya, quirked a brow in question. He then looked at his phone, and nodded to himself.

"Sakuraba, Kiryu, head to the principal's office," he said firmly. Neku frowned slightly, before he nodded quietly. Once the pair reached the principal's office, they were met by Shixona and Jin, and none other than Principal Megumi Kitaniji himself.

"So, I understand there's been something going on," he murmured, eyeing the four teens through his shades. "Shixona and Jin have shown me photos of a student with a knife to your throat, Yoshiya." This made the silverette cringe at the memory. "Fortunately, Ms. Shixona did stop him. I assure you, Daisukenojo Bito will be expelled for his actions, as well as his fellow friends. I will not tolerate such acts at my school."

"Th…thank you, Principal Kitaniji…" Joshua stuttered. Neku nodded his thanks as well, reaching out and rubbing the shorter boy's back.

"You boys are excused for the day because of this. There will be no punishment," the principal told them. "I will have Shixona and Jin bring your homework, if any, by your homes later."

"Yes, sir," the silverette mumbled, and he and Neku left, the smaller teen casting Shixona and Jin a grateful look as they passed. Jin merely snorted, not seeming to care much either way. Neku merely smirked with a small shake of his head as he walked away with Joshua. As they walked home, Joshua steadily began to relax.

"Thank gods that's over…" he murmured, leaning slightly into Neku's comforting hold.

"…hmm…"

"Neku? Are you okay?" Joshua asked softly.

"…hmhmm…"

"…Is it because I was almost killed earlier…?" he pressed, knowing the redhead really wasn't okay. "If that's it, it's not your fault…"

"…I could've prevented it…"

"No, Neku, don't feel like that, please?" Joshua pleaded. "It's not your fault, I promise. Besides, you didn't expect something like a knife…" Neku didn't respond, but he did sigh softly. "Neku, I promise, I don't blame you… In fact, I'm glad you were there, because I don't know if I could have held myself together without you…"

Neku paused walking for a moment and just regarded Joshua for a moment. Finally, though, he said, "…thanks…"

"You're welcome. And I really did mean that," Joshua smiled slightly before they continued walking. "Maybe this will mean everyone will back off, unless they want detention with Uzuki Yashiro or expulsion."

"I'll believe that when I see it," Neku mumbled, but he did smirk softly at the concept. Joshua chuckled, and soon, the pair made it home without further incident. Joshua slipped off his shoes, and sat down on the couch, sighing happily.

"Is it bad that I feel most comfortable at home?" he asked, looking at his Guardian Angel as he removed his own shoes.

"I'd be worried if that wasn't the case…" Neku mumbled. "…well, we've got the rest of the day off. What do you want to do?"

"Not really sure… Oh, how about we watch some movies?" the smaller teen suggested. "Shixona once gave me her user and password to her VUDU account, that way I can watch any movies she's bought and digitally downloaded. But now we can use that here."

"…well, it's something, I guess," Neku said with a shrug as he walked over and plopped down on the couch. Joshua set up the TV, and entered Shixona's user and password for VUDU. Once logged in, he gasped excitedly at the sight of one particular movie.

"Awesome! I forgot she had Deadpool on here!" he grinned, and looked at Neku as he selected it. "You're gonna love his smartass personality!"

"…'Deadpool'?" Neku repeated slowly.

"He's a smartass mercenary with an amazing healing factor that prevents him from dying," Joshua explained. "But in all honesty, he's completely hilarious."

"Okay…sure, let's watch it." The silverette clicked play, and they watched the movie, Joshua pretty much laughing his ass off for a majority of it. Despite trying to hide it mostly, Neku couldn't stop himself from laughing, either, often shaking his head at the antics on screen. Joshua was pleased with himself for getting Neku to genuinely laugh, and at some point during the movie, he curled up against the redhead like a kitten. If Neku was aware of this, he certainly didn't show it. Though he did lean back and put his arms over the back of the couch, chuckling at another crazy quip from the movie's titular character. After the movie ended, Joshua was in tears from his laughter, even from the credits.

"I love that movie!" he cackled.

"Heheheh…that was pretty amusing…" Neku agreed.

"I'm glad you liked it, or else I'd have been upset," Joshua giggled, making the threat meaningless.

"Uh-huh…sure," Neku quipped cheekily, as he flicked his finger at Joshua's nose. Joshua squeaked, startled by the action, and then tucked himself into Neku's side again, feeling very cuddly now as compared to earlier. Then the pair's stomachs both growled, signaling they needed food.

"Geez…where does time go?" Neku mumbled, as he sat up straight. At this point he seemed to notice Joshua was up against his side. "…Mind letting me get up?"

"Yeah, sorry!" Joshua squeaked, blushing in embarrassment as he quickly sat up as well. Neku merely chuckled as he stood up and headed for the kitchen to fix some food.

Joshua shook his head, ashamed with himself for cuddling with Neku without knowing if the redhead liked him in that way or not. After all, he was sure Neku had had better looking partners than him... He sighed quietly, and lowered his gaze to the carpeted floor sadly.

"…Oy, Josh! Are you even listening?!"

"Huh?" Joshua uttered, jumping at the sudden call.

"I was asking you if you want teriyaki," Neku said, holding up a pack of said food.

"Oh, um, sure!" the silverette chimed, forcing a smile.

"Cool," Neku said with a nod as he moved to start cooking.

Joshua waited on the couch, now flicking through Shixona's Netflix account at this point to kill time and find something else to watch. And to distract himself from his own invasive and depressing thoughts. Suddenly, there was a snap from in front of him. This made Joshua jump again, startled by the noise.

Neku looked down at him quietly, before he leaned down on his knees. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," the silverette fibbed easily, forcing another smile.

"…" Neku frowned slightly, but he said nothing.

"What?"

"…nothing," Neku sighed, shaking his head before he headed back to the kitchen.

"…sorry…" Joshua whispered as the thoughts of Neku not liking him that way or hating him for being attracted to the Angel swarmed in his mind. Feeling pathetic, Joshua quietly got up and went to the bedroom, locking the door behind himself before crawling on the bed and starting to cry.

Roughly twenty minutes later, around the time Neku finished cooking, there was a knock on the door. "Joshua…?" There was only a sniffle in response. "Joshua…what's wrong?" Neku called out through the door.

"…I'm nothing…" came the muffled reply, voice thick with tears.

"Josh?"

"…I don't deserve anyone…!" Joshua sobbed, pressing his face further into the pillows.

"…Joshua, open up or I'll get in there myself." There was no response, just another pained, heartbroken sob. "…fine." The sound that followed was that of Neku walking away, grumbling something to himself. Joshua remained where he was, sobbing into the pillows, feeling like the loser everyone told him he was.

Just then, the window creaked softly as it was opened, and Neku soundlessly stepped into the room, curling his wings around his shoulders like a cape before he stepped up to the bed. Instead of saying anything, though, he reached out and placed a hand on the silverette's head. Joshua jolted, badly startled by the presence of the Angel in the room with him, but after glancing at Neku briefly, he quickly pressed his tear-streaked face back into the pillows.

"Josh…" Neku murmured, sitting down on the bed. "Hey…c'mon, talk to me…"

"…I know you won't…want to be near me if I tell you…" Joshua whimpered.

"Why do you think that?" Neku said softly, running his hand through Joshua's hair.

"…Because…I…I-I love…you…!" the smaller teen choked out before wailing into the pillows. Neku's hand froze in the shorter teen's hair for a moment. But after a moment, he continued the motion. "…Joshua. Look at me." The silverette shook his head, hunching his shoulders in a pitiful manner. "Joshua…"

Joshua choked out a sob. Neku sighed, shaking his head slowly, before he moved over and laid himself down beside Joshua, moving one of his wings over him quietly. The silverette whimpered pitifully, and then peeked one bloodshot eye at the redhead.

"…Why did you think I'd not want to be near you for that?" Neku asked, running his hand through Joshua's hair still.

"…Because everyone hates…the gay kid…" Joshua hiccupped.

"…I don't hate you, Joshua…" Neku assured him.

Joshua whimpered, turning a bit more to look at Neku with both eyes. "Then…what DO you think of me…?"

"…if you mean to ask 'do I love you'…I'll be honest…I don't know…" However, before Joshua could start to cry, he said, "Yet. Don't get me wrong, Josh; I like you. You're a nice guy and I enjoy being with you, even though me being here is simply because of orders…but I've been in several relations before, as you know. It's…difficult for me to know for sure if I feel love because of it." He paused then to wipe away a few of the tears. "But…if I could actually choose…yeah, I'd like to love you, too."

Joshua let that sink in, before feeling a flare of hope that there was still a chance. He whimpered softly, and then curled himself against the Angel, wrapping his arms around Neku. "I'm sorry…" he whispered repeatedly, burying his face in the redhead's chest.

"Ssssh," Neku shushed him, hugging the silverette close, running his fingers through his hair. "It's okay, sssshh…"

And this was how they remained for the next half hour, until Joshua fell asleep against Neku. He slept for a good hour, until there was a knock on the front door. Neku looked up at the knock, before he slowly got of the bed, dismissing his wings before covering Joshua with the blankets. Once he was sure he was still asleep, he headed for the front door. When the door opened, Shixona was there with Jin.

"Hey Neku," she smiled. "There wasn't any homework for you guys today, but we decided to check on you and Joshua anyway. How is he?"

"He's asleep right now…" Neku murmured. "Been a stressful day."

"I'll bet…" she sighed. "Well, just wanted to check in, but let either Jin or me know if anything comes up, okay?"

"Sure…"

Jin snorted softly, before he mumbled something under his breath.

"Speaking of which," Shixona murmured, rolling her eyes at Jin. "Here's our numbers. Text or call either of us, okay?" She then handed him a couple pieces of paper, labeled with their names and phone numbers.

Neku nodded his thanks. "Thanks. I'll text later so you guys know my number, too."

"Sounds good. See you later, Neku!" Shixona waved, and she and Jin left. Neku watched them go for a moment longer, before he shut the door and headed back inside. Joshua began to wake up as Neku rejoined him, a yawn escaping him as he gazed tiredly at the redhead.

"Hey…feeling better?" Neku asked softly.

"Yeah…" Joshua mumbled, huddling close to his Guardian Angel.

Neku chuckled softly. "As much as I wouldn't mind resting a little longer…I'm willing to bet your stomach wouldn't agree to that."

"Not really…" the smaller teen muttered. "Feels like my stomach is about to eat itself…"

"Heh…well, let's get up and heat up the teriyaki then, ne?"

"Sounds good," Joshua smiled softly, hauling himself out of bed to follow Neku into the kitchen. Thankfully, heating up the teriyaki took only a few minutes, and once their food was done, they took a seat at the dinner table to begin eating.

As they ate, Joshua thought about earlier, and after swallowing a bite, he murmured, "Thank you, Neku…"

Neku looked up curiously, before he seemed to realize what this was about. "You're welcome," he said calmly. Joshua smiled slightly at the Angel, and then returned to his food. Neku allowed a small smile of his own, but he said no more as he finished his own food.

The pair decided, after cleaning up, to watch another movie before bed, seeing as they still had some time. Joshua chose again, picking out Jurassic World from Shixona's VUDU account after switching back. Even though the silverette had already seen it before, he still tensed and squealed at the more intense and dramatic parts. Neku was a little less impressed with the movie. Though there were certainly sections that seemed to interest him, it didn't seem to do much else for him.

Finally, after the movie ended, Joshua yawned, leaning against Neku's shoulder tiredly. "We better…get some sleep…for tomorrow…" he mumbled.

"Yeah, we should," Neku chuckled, standing up and helping Joshua to his feet. "C'mon, before you fall asleep on your feet."

The silverette giggled at the joke, and then stumbled into the bedroom, thankful he was already in his pajamas so he wouldn't have to change again. Falling onto the bed, the smaller teen crawled under the blanket and waited for Neku to join him. Neku merely chuckled as he got himself ready for bed as well, and then settled under the covers as well.

"Goodnight, Neku," Joshua whispered, snuggling close.

"Hmm…g'night," Neku murmured in return, wrapping one arm around the silverette.

A/N: All right, here's the next chapter! Also, I know Joshua is very OOC and he's falling very fast for Neku, but keep this in mind: he's been insulted and called almost every nasty thing in the book since he was a kid. And having Neku, someone who cares about and protects him, in his life is like a breath of pure, fresh air. Anyhoo, R&R, peeps!