Chapter 20

"It's maybe not the best timing..." Kerim mumbled as the portal closed up behind him and Mick.

While all the drama and sexual bonds unfolded, the Angel of Light and the Darkest Demon had their own adventures back in the Sahara Desert, near the Fallen Temple.

The romantic fantasy play had a more action-packed end, though. Now they were back at the gods’ caves to bring some news to the ancient ones.

Kerim was not really happy about the outcome of things. He was chewing on his piercing as he sensed that Sotiris and Seth were not really in the mood to bring bad news to...

"I have to call Christos," he looked at Mick with his serious dark eyes.

The black demon, still winged and horned, nodded. After some time spend with his angel, he learned a few things about the bond between Kerim and the Trinity. Still he was not that comfortable around any of the old gods and from Kerim he always felt that different special bond of the angel towards Christos.

"Have to tell one of them. And must get to like... I mean I should make friends or something with them too. I'm with you, love," Mick smiled and stroked the angel's back.

Kerim swallowed and moved to the statue of the ancient god Thot. Looking up at the usual way of representing him with the rolled-out papyrus, made him smile thinking back on the old times... Then with a deep breath he focused on a name even more ancient.

"Nabu... I call you to appear. I need you," he whispered.

All the "drama" around the sanctuary kept distracting the God of Wisdom from his work, making him sigh, grimace and roll his eyes time after time. Only Brent's sneaky kisses and touches could make his brooding mood a bit better as his pair popped up in his study time after time to check on him while he was experimenting in the kitchen. Brent has soon learned when the god needed to be left alone for his work and used that time to make himself useful around the house or practice with his awakened skills – or with the drum kit he had found somewhere in the god's residence.

Now cooking was on the schedule and Christos could finally close out the sulking and hurt feelings of his godly brothers to focus on the scroll in front of him.

He only wrote like two lines though and he felt Kerim and Mick's return and soon after that their Angel of Light was calling for him...

"Seriously..." he grumbled under his nose as he stood and told Brent through their bond that he'll be back.

The next moment the quite grumpy looking god with a deep frown appeared next to said statue. That frown only deepened as he sized up the mood and state of the pair.

"You were in a fight. What happened?" he asked, his dark eyes quickly cataloging the small cuts and bruises and the splattered dried blood on the men.

Still in the fighting and protective spirit, Mick moved to half-way cover Kerim as the not too calm god appeared.

The angel smiled at his demon and touched his arm, stepping out to be closer to Christos and bowed. "My Lord. Yes, I had an... idea to celebrate with Mick. And I took him back to the Sahara for some... private time," Kerim said swallowing and gripping on the hem of his pants, fidgeting a bit nervously. But he knew well enough to go to the point and be straightforward as it’s the best policy. "It was a bit away from the Temple. By dawn there some of the renegade angels attacked us… And... it seems they recognized me," Kerim blurted out and lowered his eyes.

If it was possible, the god looked even grumpier as he listened to the angel's confession. He could tell that the angel was very nervous but still stayed honest, which he always tried to be when it came to the gods.

Christos stayed dead silent as he contemplated the situation and waited until Kerim dared to look up at him again. He could see Mick being ready to protect his lover in case the god got angry or something, which kinda amused Christos. He wasn't angry though, even if this was bad news.

"So I'm guessing the Arabian night was at least pleasurable?" he asked with a softer expression, wanting to kinda ease up Kerim. "Now, tell me some details about that attack..." he urged him and his pair, who looked visibly less on edge now seeing that the god wasn't going to bite their heads off.

Kerim glimpsed grateful at his demon. He knew Mick wouldn't be a match for the god who led many battles before. But his pair was sweet in the angel's eyes.

"The leader of them recognized me and my light. I think he is connected to the twins and called me a traitor of my Father and unworthy of the Light. I'm afraid that this will bring the twins’ attention on me… us… and cause more trouble," Kerim said quite down and lowered his eyes again. Inside he felt and thought that he made a mess. After messing up the bond with the Trinity, now he messed up things again. After the thousands of years while the gods have been protecting and hiding him, now he maybe brought trouble on them.

"I promised you all that I’ll keep my Father and his followers away from you three and your world. I am so sorry I failed you, my lord," he whispered dropping to his knees, trembling under the weight of his thoughts and guilty feelings.

What Kerim said was true in a way, but nevertheless Christos didn't like feeling their angel so down and guilty. With a sigh he walked closer to the kneeling figure and stroked down on the long hair to the side of Kerim's face, tipping it up and meeting his eyes.

"Stand, my muse. Although it was a bit reckless to go back there so soon after the victory over Furiel, it was to be expected that we couldn't hide you forever. It was bound to happen sooner or later that they learn about you still being alive. To be honest, I thought that it would come to light much, much earlier. Fret not, Kerim. We are at war already and I'm afraid in the near future we'll have to take more offensive steps. We all can feel it knowing where things are headed in the outside world..." he hummed and kept his hand on Kerim's face as he looked up at Mick.

"Mick... I know you'd protect him with your life, but don't forget that your first duty is protecting and helping the Nephilim. We'll look out for Kerim too, like we've been doing for thousands of years. I know you know our story by now..." he said to the black demon. "Tell me about these new powers of yours that I can sense in you..."

Kerim bit his lip and nodded slowly. Standing up, he hugged the short wide god. The way he was called his muse reassured the angel that Christos was not, or not that mad at him.
He even stole a small kiss before letting him go.

Mick watched the scene feeling for his pair. He bowed to the god as a sign of his respect and thanks for his words. "Lord Christos, yes, I know I have to help Jim first. I also promised Corey that," he started. "I think these powers got triggered because I felt the need to protect Kerim. It's like... I have control over electricity... and can send the shocks far from my body. But I don't know exactly how and how could I get it to surface when I want it."

Christos simply nodded to Kerim and then to Mick before stroking down on his beard a few times, lost in thought. "That's a useful ability you'll have to practice with. I think you can harvest the electricity from all around you as it is present everywhere. The air, the water, the ground, even the atoms of which this world consists of. It's a limitless source for your ability. Keep that in mind. And when you practice, try to remember the feeling of wanting to protect to summon it. It should work as such skills can be triggered by strong emotions easier..." he mused, looking at the pair.

"I suggest you two go clean up, eat and rest a bit. But I want you both to practice more than before. I have a feeling we'll have to be in our best shape soon..." he added then rested his dark-brown eyes on Kerim's beautiful but still a bit tense face. "I'll deal with my brothers and tell them the news. They are... hm... in a difficult place at the moment. A visit from Seth might be to be expected later..." he told Kerim, knowing just how protective his brother could be over his Angel of Light.

Kerim nodded and bowed watching Christos disappear. "Can you take me home? We take a bath and talk over the training," he turned to Mick still feeling kind of small and sad over things.

"Of course, my love," Mick said closing the lean body into his strong arms and opened his black wings to fly out of the caves and up into the air to soon land on the angel's balcony. There they were greeted by an excited big black cat scratching the glass door from the inside.

Well, at least that could put a faint smile on the sad angel's face as he opened the door and bent down to pick up and hug the big cat against him, burying his face into the soft fluffy fur as if wanting to hide in it.

It took him a moment or two to realize that he was blocking the way for the patiently waiting big demon behind him, who also caressed the heavily purring Smaug in his arms.

"Sorry..." he said to Mick and walked into his home, heading towards not the bath in the basement but a regular one on the same floor they were on. "I'll start the bath," he said much quieter than his usually happy and bubbly personality was. It was clear that what happened in the desert had a deeper effect on him.

Kerim kissed Smaug's head once more before he put him down by the bathroom door and moved to open the tap in the big bathtub, adding some scented oils then he started quietly undressing his messy clothes until he was just standing there naked, staring at the water pouring into the tub.

Mick was clueless about what he should do or say. He peeled his clothes off too and stood behind his angel, slowly stroking his back while changing to his human form.

"I'm sorry..." he said low. "I only want you to have happy memories with me..." he sighed gently moving his arms around his love.

Turning from a weird sound, he smiled and rubbed his bearded face to Kerim's. "Look at that majestic holy creature," he pointed back into the room.

There like it was his daily schedule of duty or more like a factory worker, Smaug was sitting before a houseplant. Poor thing saw better days and it was clear that the cat had many hours of hard labor in the state of the plant. Then he just raised his one paw and really like a work must be done and without much emotion was just automatically scratching one leaf almost in a rhythm...

Kerim closed his eyes and leaned against his big naked demon as he felt the strong arms around his slimmer frame. "Unfortunately, life isn't just about happy memories. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to appreciate the happy ones..." he said softly. "But I'm happy with you, Mick. Never doubt that, please..." he added then looked where Mick pointed.

Well, that at least coaxed a small chuckle from the angel. "Yeah... it's his life mission to kill my plants. He can be a weird ass for sure," he said then turned around in his man's arms to steal a soft kiss. "I'm sorry I'm so down. I... I'm a bit scared. And even terrified for possibly bringing harm in the gods and the sanctuary's way... and with that to you all... But I guess it's just another less significant thing to worry about next to all the shit that's going on in the world," Kerim mumbled and finally got out of the embrace to close the tap and get into the water, letting his hair down to soak in the nice warm water.

"He is taking it seriously, I can see that," Mick chuckled too and followed Kerim into the tub. "You know... even if all the worlds burn, what makes you sad will be always more important to me…" he said and slowly pulled the angel closer to him. Closing Kerim into his arms again, he kissed his shoulder as the shorter male was sitting with his back leaned against the broad chest.

"I make you all clean and wrap you in soft towels… Then we can deal with the others after that."

"You know... I love your soft side that you show just for me..." Kerim smiled for real now and turned his head to be able to steal a kiss from his protective demon.

Not long after the pair got cleaned up, dressed and ate, they were cuddling on the couch with Smaug draped across them on his back, enjoying all the belly rubs he could get from the quietly talking pair.

***

Something was off and it wasn't just the confusion and turmoil and even sadness of Jim. Since that scene in Paolo's bedroom, the Nephilim kept wandering and flying alone, lost in thoughts. He could sense the tension around the place and clearly, he was part of the reason for it. Which brought his mood down too. But there was something else too...

"Mick..." he murmured under his mustache that was ruffled by the wind as he was flying nearby the white angel's home. He finally realized that he could feel his guardian's worries too. And that something big happened that made him feel like that.

For a while Jim contemplated if he should bother the pair or not, but he really didn't have anyone else to talk to at the moment and he also wanted to make sure his guardian and friend was okay. So in the end he soon knocked on Kerim's door in hopes that they would let him in and won't throw at his head too that he was a whore... Which he thought he really wasn't since it was his first time since Corey... that he got intimate with anyone.

"It's Jim…" Mick mumbled and let Kerim go.

"Yes, I feel him too. Then Seth probably knows about things..." the angel bit his lip as he stood and appeared at the main door. Maybe it's a good thing they are the ‘group’ to work together. They all should make friends and get along…

"Hello, Jim. Come in please. Welcome to my home. Hope you like weird cats," he opened the door wide and gave a kind smile to the clearly troubled Nephilim.

It was impossible not to smile back from that kind smile and Jim did, sizing up the long-haired angel in casual clothes. "Thank you. I don't mind weird cats..." he said, guessing it was about Kerim's big guardian cat. "And sorry for just barging in so unannounced... I hope I'm not interrupting anything..." he added while they were already entering the living room.

There the picture of said very pleased-looking cat draped across Mick's lap greeted the biker and it made him smile again.

"No, it's okay, Jim. You're always welcomed here," Kerim said and switched into host mode – or Mick would probably call it 'wifey mode'. "Can I get you something to drink or eat? And please take a seat!" he waved towards a comfortable armchair.

"No, thanks, I'm good. Hi, Mick..." he said feeling a bit awkward as he sat down into the offered armchair. "Frankly... I just came here because I felt something off with Mick... and also... you have new powers?" he asked from his guard as he suddenly sensed it too.

Mick grinned wide and kept stroking the cat, knowing his duty and feeling how amusing Jim found the scene of him in such a domestic situation.

"Hi, Jim. Yeah, we had a bit of an issue back in the desert," he stared looking at Kerim and thinking "wifey is hot" as the angel quickly turned into a house fairy.

"And the new powers... Frankly it was lurking around for a while. When... I was with Kerim and now the need to protect him sort of triggered it. It's like... power over the electricity all around. Or at least that's how Christos tried to explain it to me. The main thing is, I can shock the enemy to death with my electric bolts," he spoke fast, like always when he was a bit in the center of attention or had to speak about himself. And he laughed shortly at the end of the speech seeing Jim's eyes. "I should practice with it though. What's with you?"

As Kerim headed towards the kitchen anyway, he giggled from that thought he caught from Mick through their bond and tossed a small pillow against his head for it.

"Alright boys, behave while I go visit Seth and leave you to all the big manly stuff you want to discuss..." he said with another cute giggle then stepped out onto the balcony, spreading his white wings and flew away.

"Quite the exit," Jim chuckled to himself, stroking down on his beard. "But otherwise... nice new power. You could practice with me too. I could use some more training. But what is even better is seeing you so... happy and comfortable here and with Kerim. Your bond suits you..." he said and some bitterness crept back into the hazel eyes.

"Not surprisingly I'm a mess again," he shrugged, going silent for a moment or two. "I think I have an ability to mess things up, it seems... I don't even know..." he looked aside. "Maybe I lost my 'mojo' too along with Corey," he chuckled tensely.

After making a fake grumpy face at Kerim for the pillow, Mick turned back to Jim. With the big man close to him again he felt the bond they shared stronger. "Yeah... Thanks, Jim. It's like… calming down. I mean the forming of the bond with him," he voiced his thoughts then he focused more on his guardian role over Jim. "I'm sure it can be fixed... or don't know. What happened?" he asked fully focusing now on the other man and the very disturbed emotions from him.

"It's... I guess... silly and confusing..." he blushed a bit now that the other man's attention was fully on him. Mick was the only one Jim would now count as his friend and the guardian status only added to it. Corey used to trust Mick with his life as he used to be his mentor and friend. And Jim felt the need to finally fully trust him. Talking about such personal things and thoughts was surely the gateway to that. He knew he had to fully open up to Mick to establish that full trust not just in hopes of getting some useful advice, but also because during battle, he had to be sure that they trusted each other as much as possible and that their bond is strong and without doubting feelings...

"I let Seth fuck me and Paolo somehow got pissed about it and fucked Sotiris, who was pissed at Seth and apparently Seth and I are whores..." he finally blurted out leaning back in the armchair with a huge sigh.

Mick's light blue eyes widened and just blinked a few times at the other man before finally saying an "Oh..." then inhaled long, leaning back too.

"That's... that is something unexpected to be honest with you…" he frowned thinking it all over. "I mean... as far as I know, they are rather open about... sexual things... On the other hand, I don't fully know about them, only from what Kerim shared with me... And then there’s the fact that... Paolo is your pair. And maybe had his hopes up and you... giving yourself to Seth before opening up to him might have felt bad for him... But Sotiris... I truly don't know…" Mick looked at Jim trying to feel more into the story, as the guardian he felt there was more.

Jim was grateful to Mick for trying to phrase his reply so carefully because of not knowing the details, instead of jumping to conclusions. He maybe even found it and his expression a tiny bit amusing while Smaug stretched out his already long body even more and purred louder on Mick's lap.

"I don't know much about how Sotiris and Seth are either, but as far as I understood, Sotiris seems to feel lonely sometimes as Seth's attention seems to wander?" he thought out loud then stroked his beard again. "But Paolo... I don't understand at all... In the desert... after the fight I kissed him... and he pulled away. He was the one who rejected me and now he blames me? I don't get it..." Jim closed his eyes, rubbing his palms across it before staring at the ceiling with his head against the headrest. "It was... so much easier with Corey..." he said, putting a hand on the runes over his heart.

"Well..." Mick started carefully and trying not to think about the overdramatic ways Jim seemed to get from Seth in their... fancying each other thing... "Corey was your match and in a way how you envisioned the perfect pair… His existence’s meaning was to be yours and to help you. Paolo though... he already existed as an individual for many years. So you kissed him... Hmm... Don't you think he pulled away because before you were the one who so vehemently rejected him, saying Corey is the only one you'll ever love? Maybe he was respectful… And yet after the Seth thing felt upset for letting that chance go with you…"

Pondering hard what Mick just said, Jim hummed a few times to himself, still staring at the ceiling. "You might be right..." he finally said and lifted his head, dropping his hand from his chest onto his lap.

"I keep hurting him without even noticing... I suck...." Jim said with a brooding expression. "Now comes the part where you tell me I should talk to him, right?" he chuckled dryly and shook his now longer hair out of his face. "Probably that would be the wise choice... To clear things up. As it's... evident that we... seem to be attracted to each other. And I don't know how much of that is the bond..."

"Only talk if you feel ready for that. But clearing up things and communicating is the key to everything," Mick smirked. "Oh... our hour is up, Jim. You can pay at my assistant and will see you next week?" he laughed at his psychiatrist joke. "No, no, I'm sorry, couldn't leave that one out. But really. Talk. But when you're ready. Bonds are always tricky. But as I felt it through Corey before too... I think you two already liked each other a lot before too," the big man shrugged as his fingers started scratching Smaug's neck.

"The bond is like... a new radio station. You have to tune in to the other person. And it takes time to know the frequency by instinct. You and I are still working on that too. A bit even me and Kerim too, as we got the lovers bond as a gift from the gods..." he sighed as he thought about his angel and the mess they are facing too. "I need to share some things with you too…"

Jim finally laughed wholeheartedly on the joke and sat up straighter, watching Mick with the cat then listened to him intently.

"That's some good advice. I always knew you are wiser than you look..." he winked at him then twirled his mustache dramatically before crossing his long legs. "Interesting... Go on, I'm all ears, my friend... Is it about the bond or the worry and nervousness I can feel from you ever since you two came back today?"

Mick smiled looking up from the very pleased cat at Jim. Who seemed to take his previous therapist role.

"It's about the latter. Kerim took me back... Near the sight we had been fighting for the Fallen Temple. And had his little like... Sahara Arab prince and servant fantasy acted out…" Mick blushed slightly. Not really from talking about such. More from the naughty grin Jim gave him.

"So...." he cleared his throat and continued. "We got attacked by a few of those angels that got away. And they recognized Vega. You know... he had left the Heavens. And the gods hid him. Now as all is done, he and his pure light is a target for those moaning over their creator. He, and I am afraid that the twins even may attack because of that. And get to know this place and bring harm to the gods. But I’m mainly worried about him…"

That naughty grin soon melted off Jim's face though as Mick revealed the reason behind his worry – which frankly, was understandable in this case. "That's bad... and serious... No wonder you're so worried. And I'm sure it's something your angel will have to digest too. The gods... I think they'll be tenser too and more protective of this place and Kerim. I don't think though that even the twins would be foolish enough to attack this place... But then again maybe their twisted minds would tell them otherwise..." he thought out loud, drumming on his shin with his long fingers.

"Either way, we'll have to be prepared. After this information it got even more important for us to train as much as possible, Mick. I'll try to help protect your lover, the gods and this place if needed, but I can't promise we'll succeed... We have to get ready for that possibility too."

"Yeah... I have to get the best out of this new power too. It was triggered by Kerim and his light and force. I have to focus on how I want to protect him and this place. And thank you, Jim. I'm sure we will succeed. Just need to have a little more time to grow. And practice..." Mick said looking after Smaug, who decided to jump off him and head towards the main door, meowing and looking back at the two males.

"He is right... Let's go outside and I show you my new thing... or I try…" the demon frowned as he stood up. He really needs to work that all out...

Jim was very amused by the clearly more than just a huge black fluffy cat. "I'm glad your angel is having such a positive effect on you," he chuckled a bit more to himself then stood with a nod. "Alright, let's see what you got, Mick..."

***

And with that both big males followed the cat who had his bushy tail held high like a flag to follow. That made Jim smile again and lightly shake his head. Once they were on a wider grassy clearing, Smaug found himself the remains of an old stone fence under the sun from where he decided to watch the two.

"Okay, so give me my sword, please," Jim asked Mick before getting into position. "I think Smaug's presence can be a good reminder of Kerim for you," Jim winked.

"I can try. He can be very strict, though," Mick grinned eying the dragon spirit in cat disguise, who surely knew that the words were about him. Raising his head proudly, he meowed loud as if saying to the males to start the practice already.

"Okay, okay…" Mick laughed fetching and giving Jim his sword. "I can't promise anything. I don't even know how to feel the electricity all around. I can surely feel it and use it when it's needed... But don't even know..." he frowned trying to focus on such things as static sparks... or something.

Jim just chuckled a bit on the cat and took hold of his sword, swirling it once without thinking. Then he raised a brow and took his position. "Okay... so what is that you keep telling me? 'Don't overthink'? Mick, don't overthink, just act!" Jim yelled more enthusiastic than before.

The next moment he dashed forward and attacked Mick, swinging his sword at him and although his first strike was dodged, he kept going repeatedly at the demon, not holding his strength back and forcing Mick to keep backing away.

Mick understood the logic behind Jim's attacks. But frankly it started to get on his nerves.

He kept backing away and as he quickly pulled his own sword out, he started to strike back. Jim was tall but Mick was physically stronger. And he started to get pissed from the quickly learning Nephilim and his very fast strikes.

It all ended up with the heavier and harder moving male growling loud, his electric blue eyes glowing and the air sparkling around him when after Jim almost made him trip while backing away, a bolt struck brightly just before Jim's feet.

As adrenaline flooded Jim's blood, the by then leaner and more toned biker was starting to forget the slight burning in his arm muscles. Instead he started enjoying the fight as their swords kept clashing together, sending colorful sparks around them. Then finally he felt the change in Mick and it also soon became visible.

Jim had to concentrate on the counter attacks instead of getting lost in the sight and electric feeling surrounding Mick and making the hair stand on the Nephilim's arm. He only had time to jump back from that bolt that left the grass burnt and smoking.

"Now that's more like it!" Jim laughed, forgetting all his troubles and just focusing on the fight. "I bet you can do better, Mick. This won't be enough to save your angel..." he teased the guardian, sending a smaller shock-wave at him, which made the big man stagger.

Mick gripped his sword stronger and growled louder from the mention of his angel.

He needs to be strong to keep Kerim safe. And the shock wave just made his blood boil. With a groan, he focused on the sparks around him that he then felt more clearly and tried to manipulate them into a larger bolt of power and aimed it to the tip of the Nephilim’s sword which was pulsing in a green light. It caused the power to slide along the blade and explode out around Jim.

From that the Nephilim cried out and dropped his sword, his wings materializing on instinct to wrap around himself protectively and cut off the electric charges' way. It left a burnt smell and Jim shaking his hand out to stop the temporary numbness in it.

"This was wicked, man!" he commented as he was focusing his green power into his arm, mismatched eyes flashing up. Then he suddenly moved his wing out of the way just when he threw the ball of energy at Mick, surprising him.

The demon transformed in a blink of an eye too. His black wings spread and helped him leap back just in time from the energy ball's way. Smirking and showing his pointy fangs, he raised his sword high and channeled his power into it. Gathering the static sparks and with the swing of the sword at Jim, he let a wave of electricity swipe at the tall biker super-fast.

Jim had to think quick and pull his energy shield up while rolling out of the electric wave's path. It barely missed him and he rolled around on the ground a few times before moving his wings to lift him off his feet.

Just as fast, he charged for his sword in the grass and once his hand closed around it, he was already changing direction in the air, swiping his free hand over the glowing blade, which made it become covered by more of Jim's power before he struck at Mick once again, hoping that this way he was going to be more or less protected from the demon's electric charges.

The demon wings lifted Mick up without him even thinking about it at all. He only felt the edge of the green power and by instinct returned the strike. But he landed laughing and raising his hands.

"We can't beat each other, Jim. What about calling it even? Thanks for helping with the focusing on this new power," he said transforming back and making his sword vanish.

Landing on the ground too and shaking out his hands, one still holding the blade, Jim laughed too. "It was fun, indeed. Let's call it even then. You've got stronger too, Mick. I'm very happy about that. And your new power kicks ass. My arms are still a bit numb from it," he grinned wide as he walked closer to the demon, his own wings pulling back.

"It seems that thanks to that angel of yours you got more than just some good lays," he patted Mick's broad shoulder and offered him his sword to put it away in that pocket dimension.

"I'm happy to help, too, of course. Next time I'll really have to learn how to use this 'storage dimension' so I won't depend on your squire abilities..." he winked at his friend to which both laughed. "Come on, let's get back inside and drink some of that famous Greek wine as a reward..." he nodded towards Kerim's residence, Smaug's bushy tail already leading their way.

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