A Taste of Fantasy

It wasn't uncommon for some of their gigs to take longer than a day, so when Jesse got back home the previous evening to find Baptiste not there, he didn't think much of it. He'd left a note on the kitchen counter saying he was just grabbing some intel and should be back sometime in the middle of the night, but when he woke up the next morning to no coffee and an empty seat at the table, his gut told him something had gone wrong.

Unfortunately, he didn't share any details of his job, so it wasn't as if he could go and rescue him. And even still, he always got himself out of sticky situations when he worked alone, so he probably shouldn't worry so much.

"All he's gotta do is use that immortality field of his," he mumbled to himself, starting his own coffee and opening the front door to grab his paper. It was a miracle that they still made them, but he supposed he fell into the category of old folks who preferred old methods.

Today, he planned on getting to the class earlier than he did yesterday, only so he could get a head start on his painting. He chuckled to himself, knowing he was only using that as an excuse to see the model again. Aside from that, he felt like he'd… unlocked something within him when he connected his brush to the canvas. Even though he felt his work wasn't the greatest, he'd like to think he had the potential.

He went into this to do a job… a job which he no longer had the heart to do. While he had to kill a few times for Talon, he didn't quite understand why they were wasting their time with a demon. As far as he knew, all jobs they took were for the organization's benefit, so what threat did he pose to them?

Even more, he wanted to know why someone with such beauty was sent to hell to begin with. How did he live his life when he was alive? What action or actions led him to the demise he landed in? Why was he roaming the real world? Did he have unfinished business? He didn't seem to be vengeful, but he also hadn't spoken a single word to him to know.

The coffee pot bubbled and hissed, and he stood to grab his travel mug. He'd take it on the go this time and drink it as he walked. As he locked up and left, he thought to himself how he should have gotten his name. He wanted to put a name to that face of his, he wanted to see more of that tattoo. He knew a little about the Japanese and how only gang members had serious ink like that. Was he a threat when he was alive? It all made sense if so.

He activated the screen on his arm, scrolling through his contacts to try and video call Baptiste, and of course, he didn't answer. "Hey, Baptiste," he said, leaving a message instead. "I'm headin' out to that class an' just wanted to check on ya. Hope you're alright. Call me back when you get this."

"Friend in trouble?"

Jesse whipped around and saw the same woman from yesterday. Where did she come from?

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she said through her thick accent, catching up and walking alongside him. "I just saw you walking and thought I could tag along and show you the way to the back entrance."

"Oh," Jesse looked her over for the first time, she wasn't bad looking at all, but he just didn't feel the initial spark he was looking for. "Just a little startled is all. Ya kinda came outta nowhere," he chuckled awkwardly.

"Sorry," the woman said. "I've been told I'm light on my feet!"

"Uh huh," he'd wondered if she had any malicious intent, but the more they spoke, the more he understood she was genuinely flirting. "Name's Jesse," he extended a hand.

"Luna," she shook his hand and smiled brightly at him, her pearly whites one of her best features. "Nice to meet you, Jesse."

Nope. Nothing. "Like the moon, right?" He asked, continuing on. He didn't look it, but he connected to people with physical touch, and there was absolutely nothing there with this one.

"You're exactly right!" She didn't know why she was so attracted to this guy; the only thing she knew about him was his name and that he was an obvious beginner when it came to painting! But maybe his American charm was swaying her, who knew? "I heard you leaving a message for your friend. Is he okay?"

Damn, she was chatty. And nosey. "I haven't heard from him in a bit, an' I'm just a little worried."

"Is he a good friend of yours?" She asked. Anything to keep the conversation going!

Jesse looked over at her with a raised brow. He didn't like getting too familiar with strangers, but he still needed to keep a low profile, so he'd bite. "My roommate," he answered plainly. "I guess I consider him a real good friend."

A roommate at that age? She wondered what that was about. "Well, I'm sure you'll hear from him soon."

"Yeah," he took a swig of his coffee. "Here's hopin'."

"If you don't mind me asking," a hint of hope in her voice as she gripped the strap of her purse that was slung across her body. She was taught at a young age to never judge a book by its cover. Maybe he wasn't all bad. "What do you do for work? I mean it must be a pretty easy job if you can come to my class on weekdays!"

"Heh," he wasn't so sure he'd call it an easy job, but it had its perks. Aside from that, she said it was her class? No wonder she kept popping up. "I'm a contractor."

"For buildings and stuff?"

"I wish it were that simple," Jesse sighed. He was really hoping to get there early so he could have the model all to himself, but from the looks of it, it wasn't going to happen. "I just do odd jobs every now and then."

"As long as it pays the bills," she laughed lightly, walking next to him as the conversation died down. "Oh, I wanted to show you the back entrance so you don't have to go the long way," she mentioned again, wanting to keep the conversation going. She smiled up at him and checked out his rough and rugged features. He had a few inches of height on her, and she was always fond of the taller ones.

"Sure thing," he drank a bit more of his coffee, not missing the way she undressed him with her eyes. "Thanks."

"Anytime!" She chirped. "All first-timers get lost in that old building."

"Say, that yer class?" He asked as she nodded. "Why is it so hidden? It's like ya don't want anyone to find it."

"My class is only known by word of mouth," she explained, wondering if she should be completely honest about it. He didn't seem like he scared easily. "There aren't many places you can smoke inside and just enjoy the company of others over art," she hesitated briefly. "Also… the models I employ come from… different backgrounds, so I just wanted to make a comfortable place for everyone."

Well, that explained the demon. Was the woman model a demon too? The more important question was how much did this woman know? Did she keep popping up because she knew he was there to do a job? Was she trying to protect him? "I get it. It's nice," he looked over at her, returning her grin. "How long ya been doin' this?"

"Five years," she said fondly. "The people I meet are so fascinating! They have the most interesting stories, and everyone's art tells a different story."

"And the models?" Jesse wanted—needed to know more about the majestic beauty he was painting. "You recycle 'em or keep 'em long term?"

"Some are temporary, others are more permanent," she had a feeling he was inquiring about the guy he was painting yesterday; everyone did! Of course, she knew why, which was why he was the perfect addition to her little studio! The emotion he could pull from people was intense, and she saw it all through art.

"And yesterday's models…" he trailed off, hoping he didn't sound obvious! He brushed it off, finishing his coffee as she led him down the same street as before, only past the front door.

"The woman… not so much," Luna liked the woman, but she didn't nearly gain as much attention as the man did. She didn't see a lengthy future for her as a model. "But the guy you were painting, he's got potential. I'd like to see what he brings in the future."

So he was there for the time being! For some reason, Jesse was relieved. Since he already planned on not taking the job, he could just come to the class every day and improve his skills. After all, with a muse like that…! He was instantly excited. Come hell or high water, he was going to get him alone! "Yeah… he's somethin' alright."

"Planning to stay late today?" She led him through an alley and down a flight of concrete steps, pulling out her keys and unlocking the first door. "If you want, I can ask him and see if he'll agree to it. I know how people can get about their work."

"Yeah…" Jesse drawled again, following her inside and into the room in only a couple of feet. The back was definitely a lot faster! And as he entered, his eyes immediately landed on the model, who was apparently already there and waiting and looking more beautiful than he did the day before. Their gazes met, and again, it was as if time and everyone around them ceased to exist, only him.

"Okay, I'll see what he says."

"Ugh… sa ki te pase…?" Baptiste groaned, holding his forehead as he lie on something hard and uncomfortable. He had a splitting headache and a numb feeling in his gut, and suddenly, memories of what happened replayed in his mind. He… was shot working a job for Talon. What happened…? He dug up a grave and then… Mauga showed up! That's right, an old friend of his was in that casket. His thoughts were so uncoordinated, he really couldn't straighten them out just yet.

His eyes blinked open, vision blurry and still adjusting to the warm, glowing light that surrounded him. He could make out… leaves? On a tree? But they were bright and nearly blinding him! What sense did that make? "Am I dead?" He asked out loud, trying his best to sit up.

"Excuse me," came a melodic voice from behind him. "I don't know whether to be offended or not!"

Baptiste didn't know what the hell was happening, but he knew he needed to hear that wonderful voice again. However, sitting up was a tad harder than he thought as pain shot through his body. He… wasn't dead, was he? He gave up trying to sit upright, his eyes finally focusing on the brightly glowing tree above him. If he wasn't dead, how could this be real?

It was when a heavenly figure stood before him, reaching out and offering him a hand that he started to rethink his existence. He wore all-white clothing that looked to be traditional to a culture he couldn't put his finger on, with rich, caramel skin and snow-white hair, and he swore he briefly saw a set of wings, but he was one hundred percent certain that his exhausted mind was playing tricks on him. He let his head fall back onto the ground. "You're… not real."

"Again with the jokes," the figure laughed gently.

"Something as divine as you…" Baptiste mumbled, closing his eyes and holding his forehead again. "…only comes in my dreams."

"In your dreams?" The figure smiled down at him, reaching out to him again. "Why don't you take my hand and see just how real this is?"

Baptiste looked at the being and felt nothing but trust and love. Was this fate's way of telling him to walk into the light? What did he have to lose? He wasn't leaving anyone behind. Well, maybe Jesse, but he'd be okay. He reached up timidly, their fingers connecting effortlessly while all his pain and discomfort washed away. He sat up, his attention never leaving this… this… "Who—what…? Are you?"

The figure just smiled, caressing a chocolate, chiseled jaw. He was even more handsome in person! It was a shame he had to get himself caught in a situation like that, but that's exactly what he was there for. To save him when he couldn't save himself. "How do you feel?"

"I feel…" Baptiste closed his eyes and leaned into his touch. It was warm and comforting, but moreover, it felt familiar. He wanted more. "Like a new man," he opened his eyes and met a sweet brown gaze. He was stunning.

"That's good, then," the being stood up, but a certain someone didn't want him to go. How cute.

"W-Wait," Baptiste squeezed his hand, not wanting him to leave his space just yet. He had so many questions to ask and he didn't know where to begin. "Did you… save me?"

"Of course, dàalíng. What else do you think happened?" The being helped him stand, giving him a once-over as he brushed the dirt and leaves from his clothes. He blushed at the way he gawked at him, smirking at the impure thoughts running through his head. 'Ha! Humans.' How could he be thinking such thoughts at a time like this?

"So… I'm not dead?" The words to describe how ethereal he was were non-existent. He'd seen this beauty in his dreams before and thought nothing of it, but he was starting to believe there was a grander act in play here. How he landed in his lap, he had no idea, but he sure as hell didn't want to let him go. Especially not after he saved him!

"Do you feel like you're dead?"

Baptiste looked around for the first time, checking out his surroundings. They appeared to be outside near long-abandoned train tracks. Everything was covered in a thick layer of green moss, and a bright, light pink tree stood tall nearby. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold, and it gave him a new appreciation for nature… and a few extra questions about that tree! He faced him again, holding his shoulders and smoothing his hands up and down his arms as he scanned his form. Why did touching him like this feel natural?

"Ki jan ou rele?" Baptiste muttered, unable to convey his question in English. Bouncing between languages was a tick of his when he was disoriented.

The being leaned in, a silly grin on his lips. "Non mwen se Niran."

"Y-You speak Creole?" Baptiste asked, taken aback as they locked eyes again. No way someone this perfect just came into his life like this. He'd done nothing to deserve it.

"I would hope so!" Niran scoffed, manifesting a petal chair to sit on. "I picked up the language just for you, Bap," he crossed his legs, loving the look of shock on his face. "I suppose I should call you Baptiste for now. I got lazy and started calling you Bap along the way. Can't remember when."

Baptiste couldn't hide his surprise even if he tried. He had to be hallucinating! What he was saying sounded like he'd known him his whole life! He'd seen and heard some crazy, unexplainable things in his life, but this… took the cake! While his brain was telling him to freak out and find a way out of wherever he was, every ounce in him told him everything was okay. "What…" He couldn't even conjure up a question! "How… who…?"

"You haven't figured it out yet? I'm your guardian angel," Niran flipped his hair, flashing him a sweet smile.

His… guardian angel?! What the… but he guessed if demons existed, then angels had to exist too, right? He'd just never seen one in person! He stepped closer and checked him out, circling him slowly as he sat in his flower chair. Fingertips grazed silky soft hair and trailed to his shoulder, making his way around and standing in front of him again. "So… those wings I saw, they were real?"

"I don't like wearing them when I'm out and about," Niran didn't hate the way Bap looked at him, in fact, he'd known for quite some time that he was a huge flirt! "They draw too much attention."

"Can… you show me?" He'd asked to see his wings and was reaching for his hand before he could stop himself! He didn't know how to handle this! All he could do was try to understand what was happening.

"Anything for you, dàalíng," Niran took his hand and stood up, extending his wings with a shimmery flourish.

Bap just gaped at him, brilliant wings the same color as his hair stretching out behind and above him, unable to express the calmness that washed over him. "Manyifik…" He lifted his hand and kissed his fingers, entirely entranced. He smelled so good, like a flower perfectly curated for him. "Thank you for saving me."

"You don't have to thank me," Niran's face darkened a shade again as Bap boldly showed interest. He really should have known this would happen! Or did he want it to happen, and that's why he appeared before him? Who knew? 'Why not just enjoy it!'

"But I do…" Bap was good at reading people, and Niran surely didn't seem to be put off by his… forwardness. He couldn't help himself! He was incredibly gorgeous and he stoked all the right flames. "I would have been a goner if it weren't for you," he said, taking his other hand. He just wanted to touch him!

"You would have been fine," Niran inched a smidgen closer, less than a foot of space between them. What was up with that? "He didn't shoot you anywhere fatal."

"Then…" Bap looked at him incredulously. "Why…?"

"Because I wanted to see you in person instead of just watching over you and appearing in your dreams," Niran admitted shyly, looking away. "So, when I finally saw an excuse to present myself, I did."

"Why me?" Baptiste held his chin. "I'm not that good a guy. I didn't deserve to be saved," he let his hands fall to his sides and turned around, clarity beginning to hit him. There was nothing he'd done in his life lately that warranted such a being rescuing him. And for no reason, apparently!

"Hey," Niran grabbed his arm and turned him back around. "Do you believe you don't deserve redemption?"

Bap just shook his head, refusing to accept it. "I've done things that I don't think I can redeem myself for," he said solemnly, a warm hand cupping his face again. "I don't deserve your kindness."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that."

Bap blinked and his feet were suddenly submerged in sand, and they were surrounded by crystal blue water. "…a beach?" He looked over at Niran, hair blowing in the breeze while he walked a step or two into the water. Did he bring them there?

"This is one of my favorite beaches on Earth," Niran kicked his foot in the water a bit, he could feel creeping eyes on him. He grinned. "I know you've been wanting to take a beach vacation for a while. What do you think?"

"So, you know everything about me," Bap nodded, still trying to wrap his head around it all. The craziest thing was that he wasn't even bothered! He just wanted to understand.

"I know enough. After all, I've been watching over you for a while," Niran reached out to him with a wide smile. It seemed like that's all they'd been doing since they'd met. There was no doubt they were destined to be united like this. "Come, join me!"

Baptiste took his hand with no hesitation, standing next to him in clear water. "How long…" he cleared his throat. "…have you been watching me?"

"About twenty years, I suppose. I lose track of time easily," Niran had been around the block a few times, but this one was different. He was special.

"It's nice," Bap said, staring off into the sea. "The beach. Thank you."

"I knew you'd like it," Niran faced him and held his cheeks, happy that he could shine even the smallest light on his dim world. He wanted to brighten it. "You know, I've thought this to myself, but I have to say you are much more handsome up close and personal."

"Yeah?" Baptiste held his waist, flashing his signature flirty smirk. "I'm glad I exceeded your expectations."

"More than, I'd say," Niran had his hands full with this one. Though he might not have needed saving physically, he desperately needed saving mentally. He was in a prison within his own body and he didn't even realize it. But the good in him still shone through, he could see it, and he'd bring it back to life! It was his specialty. "I'm just surprised you're openly hitting on an angel! Doesn't it bother you that I'm not human?"

"I'm not ignorant of the things out there. The world isn't just black and white, I just never thought I'd see for myself." Bap found himself now in what he assumed was a different part of the world, staring up through a skylight at a million stars. He was in a room filled with all types of exotic plants, lying on some super soft and tall grass. Was he inside or outside? He couldn't tell. It was all so fascinating, he wanted to explore more! "I'd like to think I'm pretty open-minded," he looked over at Niran, who was lying next to him and watching him with a grin on his face.

"I know," Niran was really fond of him, so much so that he considered staying by his side for a while. He couldn't stay forever… or could he? He was free to do what he wanted, but how unorthodox! He couldn't think of any other angel that's stayed with a human physically, but he didn't talk to many others to truly know. "You're a diamond in the rough."

"A diamond," Bap chuckled. "Coming from you, that means a lot. But I'll have to disagree."

"You're so self-aware," Niran smoothed a hand along his chest, a lot firmer than he thought it would be. Gosh, he hadn't felt emotions like these since he was a human! 'Control yourself, Niran! This isn't what you're here for!' Bap sure wasn't going to stop him! "And that's why you're special."

"Openly hitting on a human? Doesn't it bother you?" Bap joked, enjoying the attention. It'd been a while since he felt wanted like this. Would it be greedy of him to try to hold onto it?

Niran just smiled, wondering what it would have been like if he'd met him back when he was a member of this Earth. He had to remind himself that there was no point in getting attached to a human because it never lasted long, but he couldn't help who he grew fond of. He'd been watching Bap for his entire adult life, and he'd become attached the moment he learned his true nature.

And that was exactly why he had to save him.

"What are you showing me?" Bap crossed his arms behind his head and stared into the night sky. Where was he going to take him next?

"These are a few of my favorite places to just sit and think," Niran joined him, staring up into the universe. "This place isn't real. Well, to you it isn't!"

"I figured it wasn't. Thank you for sharing this with me," Bap was appreciative. He was getting a chance to see sights no other human had. "You make me feel important."

"Good!" Niran sat up, pulling him up too. "I want to show you another favorite of mine," he twirled in the grass, his hair and clothes flowing with him.

Bap was in a spell, just mesmerized by his angel. One moment he was twirling in the grass, and the next he was twirling on a giant, frozen lake. His mouth fell open as he looked around, finding himself surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This looked more like the Earth he knew, except, the sky was like a beautiful nebula sporting colors he couldn't even describe, speckled with stars of all sizes. This too wasn't real, but it was a sight to behold.

"It's a bit chilly here tonight," Niran said aloud, being caught and pulled into a warm embrace.

"Is this what you do?" Bap said into his ear, brushing hair from a pretty face.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Niran held onto him and gazed into his eyes, draping his arms around his neck.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Bap spun him around, having not felt this carefree since he was a small child. This was really nice. "You find humans you like and seduce them?"

"Nope," Niran cheesed as Bap dipped him. It was as if they were dancing to music only they could hear, and it was lovely. "I've watched over a few, but you are the first human I've come to physically."

"And why is that?" Bap asked, bringing him back up and pulling him close.

Niran cupped his face with both hands, dangerously close to a set of plump lips. "Because you're special."

Special? He kept saying that, but Bap just couldn't see it. He closed his eyes and leaned in a tad, finding it hard to control himself. It was obvious there was some serious chemistry between them, but was it even right to indulge? He was a heaven-sent angel! And he… was just some lowly human. Snapping out of it, he settled for hugging him securely instead. "You're right. It is a little chilly."

Niran never wanted to let him go! He was so sweet and sensitive, just like he'd always been. He just liked to hide it beneath a rough exterior. "Better?"

Bap opened his eyes, suddenly in his bedroom. "I'm… home?" He looked around and saw the gear bag he took on his job sitting on the floor, his phone and keys on his dresser. He even brought back his stuff? He was too kind.

"Back in your comfort zone," Niran hummed, letting himself glom all over Bap, who was still hugging him. "Feeling lonely?"

"I don't want to let you go," Bap said into his hair, inhaling deeply. "You keep me calm."

"Well, good," Niran turned their bodies and fell onto his bed, getting tangled up together in his covers. "Never let me go then."

"You smell so good," Bap mumbled, unable to keep his hands to himself! He let them roam his petite, but strong body while he nuzzled his neck. "Why do you smell so good?"

"Do I? I don't do anything special," Niran could feel Bap's lust crashing into him like a hurricane, sweeping even him off his feet. These were the small pleasures he missed about being human. They got so easily swayed by their emotions, it was truly a beautiful thing to watch. Bap didn't know how lucky he had it. He arched into him, letting him do what he wanted. How far would his Caribbean prince let himself go?

Bap had a good hold of him, not a breath of space between their bodies. He needed to slow his roll, or they'd never leave this room! It was clear his guardian angel wasn't planning on stopping him! "Don't change anything."

"I wouldn't dream of it, dàalíng," Niran was shameless in the way he latched onto Bap. He'd been wanting to join him in this bed for years now, only fighting with himself instead on whether or not it was moral. Well, who said he wasn't allowed to indulge in the guilty pleasures of life?

"As much as I'd love to lay here with you," Bap's lips were only a hair away from Niran's, and it took every ounce of strength to pull himself away, detangling himself from his slice of heaven. "I really want to change my clothes," he sat up, gesturing at his all-black stealth gear that wasn't very comfortable to lounge in.

"I can't imagine being comfortable wearing that," Niran stretched out in Bap's bed, watching him peel himself out of his form-fitting clothes until he was left in just boxers. He dragged his gaze up toned legs and lingered on his backside, continuing up a wide back. He bit his lip.

"You're not wrong," Bap dug around his dresser for a tee shirt, contemplating even putting pants on. He knew a certain angel was staring, maybe he'd give him a show. "Like what you see?" He asked without even turning around, plugging his dead phone in to charge.

"It's a sight for sore eyes," Niran sighed dreamily, admiring the daffodil-yellow shirt he slipped into. It looked amazing against his dark skin. "That color suits you."

Bap faced him and crossed his arms, leaning against his dresser. There was something right about him wallowing in his bed like he was. "A sight for sore eyes indeed, lotus." The nickname slid off his tongue easily, liking the way it fit him.

"Lotus, hm?" Niran knew he was a flirt, but an entire Casanova? How was he supposed to make time to save him if all he wanted to do was jump his bones? "You're cute."

"Just cute?" Bap smirked, flexing his arms a little while he kept them crossed.

"Yeah, you're attractive," Niran shrugged, trying to play it off. They both knew the truth. Just look at the way he tried to flex his muscles inconspicuously!

"Nothing more? I see the way you look at me."

"Pfft!" Niran laughed. He was funny. "I think I should be the one saying that! What about you, hm? Do you think I'm 'cute'? Or more than that?"

"I think you know what I think," Bap chuckled. "You know enough about me, right?"

"Yes…" Niran blushed. "But I don't like to pry. I believe people's feelings and emotions are their own. I won't think much of it until I hear it from them myself."

"So, you want me to tell you then?" Bap stalked toward the bed slowly, crawling up the end and hovering over him. How could he even finish his thought when something so elegant lie beneath him? Opal hair fanned around his head, expectant brown eyes watching and waiting, hands feeling up his chest. He leaned in, breath on his ear. "You want me to tell you how I want to swallow you whole?"

Again, Niran was shameless as he nodded. Just as he knew Bap wanted to feel wanted, so did he. It was obvious to him that they were only playing a game by now, waiting to see who would be the one to break first. Well, this angel was a bit stronger than others! "Do it then."

Bap let out a dark chuckle before gripping his jaw. "You'd like that wouldn't you," he leaned in, ready to crash into his lips when his phone chimed a few times.

"You should probably check that," Niran panted, still in his grasp. Curse that phone!

"Are you sure that's what you want me to do?" Bap whispered huskily against his neck, blood rushing to his lower half at mach speed. He let his lips connect to his neck finally, giving them both a taste of what they could have. But… "you're probably right."

Niran pouted as Bap stood up and went to check his phone. All that warmth, gone! "Looks like you have more willpower than I thought you did."

"Oh, don't you worry," Bap definitely didn't miss the way he pouted, and it made him feel good. "You'll get it."

Niran saw the tent he was pitching in those boxers and knew he would. He could only hope it was sooner rather than later! "Soon, I hope."

Bap whipped his head up, looking at him in astonishment. He had the wrong idea about angels, that's for sure! He wanted to know more. He didn't think they'd be allowed to indulge in such sins, especially with humans! Or maybe they had true free will and could do whatever their hearts desired.

"You have to tell me more about this angel business," he said, seeing a text and a voicemail from Jesse. It was only the following day, around two in the afternoon, so he should have been in his art class by now.

"Afraid I might bite?" Niran laughed, sitting up on the edge of his bed and fixing his hair.

"The opposite, actually," Bap said, scrolling through his voicemails. "It's the only reason I'm holding back!"

"Oh, dàalíng. You don't have to worry about that."

"But what about you? Can you even be here with me like this?"

"I'm here, aren't I?" The fact that he had these inquiries only made him fall for him more! He crossed his legs. "There's no rule book on what we can and can't do. Heaven is crafted perfectly for each person."

"And instead of being in your personal heaven, you choose to watch me?" Bap asked with a raised brow.

"Truth be told, I got lonely," Niran explained. "I lived and died without any friends or family, so I had no one waiting for me in my heaven. So, I watched a few humans here and there, saw all walks of life, good and bad. Then I cast my gaze upon you."

"And it was love at first sight, huh?" Bap couldn't help but poke fun at him. "You saw all this chocolate and needed a taste, right?" Fortunately, he was very into caramel!

Niran rolled his eyes playfully. A funny flirt. "If you want to call it that," he said casually, playing it off.

"So, you decided to 'save' me when I didn't need saving? Why not just appear in front of me like you did? Or tell me in my dreams?"

"Trust me, dàalíng," Niran stood in front of him and rubbed his shoulders. "You desperately need saving."

"I need to be saved, or I need to be screwed?" Bap gave a cocky smirk, pressing play on the voicemail Jesse left him a few hours ago.

"Both." And Niran could help him with that!

"Hey, Baptiste. I'm headin' out to that class an' just wanted to check on ya. Hope you're alright. Call me back when you get this."

"Your roommate?" Niran asked, finding the… personal details of their relationship sort of humorous.

"Yeah, I uh," Bap sat in one of the chairs in his room and dug through his gear bag for the mission files. "I left last night and planned to be back this morning, but life had other plans."

"Would you rather I left you?" Niran joked, walking around his room and taking a peek into his real life. It was a million times better than looking in from the outside!

"Would you have?" Bap activated the hologram of the files, cursing under his breath and holding his head in his hands. What a mess.

"Of course, not! Now that I've seen you in person and gotten my hands on you, there's no way I'm leaving you by yourself!" Niran said, only partially joking. He turned to see him in distress and was instantly at his side, smoothing hands along his shoulders and arms. "Bap, dàalíng, what is it?"

"Oh, nothing," Bap sighed. Now, he was going to have to take a trip to explain why he failed a gig and pray he didn't get a pay cut. "Just a failed job."

"You're usually pretty good about those, right?" Niran glanced at the files, a big red "incomplete" stamped on the top of each page. He was a little too familiar with the beings that ran the corporation Bap worked for, and they were the ones he needed saving from!

"You know me," Bap shook his head. "I get every job done."

"Yes, but at what cost?" Niran couldn't just outburst that he was a puppet for Talon, rather, he needed to ease him back into his own state of mind. He'd been under their spell for years; dug deeply into his brain. It would take time to cleanse and get rid of them.

"What do you mean?" Bap wasn't an idiot. He knew there was a deeper reason for his lotus being here, he just didn't know what. Apparently, he needed to be saved? What from? He was doing just fine in life, right?

"Is that what you want to talk about right now?" Niran asked knowingly. He knew Bap was more interested in him being an angel, and honestly, he didn't want to talk about the heavy stuff yet.

"A little bit," Bap closed the files and checked his calendar, setting a date for him to go to the office and explain why his job went the way it did.

"Going to talk to your boss?" Niran had only seen Bap fail two jobs, and both times, he had to go and get reprimanded, possibly even a pay cut! 'That, or brainwashed into toxic perfection.'

"Yeah… there isn't really any room for mistakes with Talon." Bap tossed the device back into his back and stood, debating on inviting Jesse along. He really didn't want to go alone.

"You're seriously thinking of inviting your roommate?" Niran let out a sharp exhale.

"I don't want to go by myself," he admitted, not even caring that his lotus was in his head.

"That should be the first indication that Talon is no good. Besides, you were going to go with Jesse when you have me?"

"Oh! I, uh," Bap didn't know he could! "Is that something you can do? Can you tag along? I'm still new to this whole 'angel' thing."

"I can do whatever I want," Niran squeezed his face. "Haven't you figured that out by now?"

"Tell me," Bap pulled him along, leading him out of his room and downstairs for coffee. "How does it all work? I mean I felt like we were exploring the universe for days, yet I've only been gone for sixteen hours."

"Time works a little differently when you're with me," Niran sat in Bap's chair at the table and crossed his legs. No way was he going to sit where Jesse usually sat! "A month could feel like a decade or vice versa. There's no specific explanation."

"Makes sense," Bap poured the rest of the coffee that was made that morning, sticking his cup in the microwave. "Want some? Do you even drink? Or eat?"

"There's no need for me to," Niran put an elbow on the table and rested his chin in his palm, watching him fondly. "But I'll have anything if you offer it."

"You trust me that much?" Bap chuckled, pulling his cup out of the microwave and leaning against the counter.

"You're pretty trustworthy," as an angel, Niran had the ability to read people's souls and see what was truly in their hearts. He'd seen some scary stuff before, but Bap truly was one of a kind. He supposed his friend Jesse was alright too, but he didn't really have specific opinions about him one way or the other.

"Right," Bap sipped slowly, he should have made fresh coffee. "Because you know everything. I keep forgetting."

"Does it bother you?"

"Okontrè. I'm intrigued," Bap didn't have anyone other than Mauga take interest in him like he wanted, but even Mauga wasn't as intuitive as Niran. He also wasn't an angel, so… but even still. There was something this beautiful lotus was giving him that he hadn't felt with anyone else, and he was going to chase it. "I'm not sure what you want with a guy like me, but I'm glad it's me. And I'm glad it's you."

Niran stood in front of him, rubbing his chest and smoothing his hands around to his back in a loose hug. "Good! I have big plans for you, Bap!"

"Plans? What kind of plans?" He asked, setting his cup down and holding a slim waist.

"That will come in due time," Niran planted a smooch on his cheek. "For now, I must go."

"Go? Go where? Why?" Bap hugged him tightly, feeling a bit needier than he'd like to admit. "I don't want you to go."

"I know, dàalíng. I know. But there's something I need to check out," Niran slipped away from his grasp, their fingers lingering in each other's hold. "I promise I will be back to see you soon."

"But what if I want to see you sooner?" Bap pulled him back into his arms, taking in his scent again. "You can't just appear like this then leave."

"If you need me or if you just want to see my face, just call out for me and I'll come to you," Niran held his face again, fighting the urge to kiss him. What a cutie. "I am always with you."