Chapter 13

The son of Lucifer hurried down the guarded hallway towards the Trinity. He and Matt got summoned with some urgent information arriving.

The past few days have been rather nice and calm. With more communication King and Matt found their balance back. And probably the long lovemaking sessions to let out some pressure also helped in the reconnecting and balance.

Brent still stayed away. They only knew Christos was taking good care of their demon drummer.

Paolo got through the rock bottom stage too with Jim realizing the true nature of what had happened, and again... communication is always the main key.

But peace never stays for long. Especially in such times. 

Entering the big hall, King had to smile from seeing the human-looking Brent standing to the side a bit further from Christos, as the three Gods stood there in the middle, awaiting them. And also Balthazar... Like some smug know-it-all stood there, playing with the coin on his hand and his mischievous eyes shined up looking over the pair walking closer. Clearly, he had the most amusement out of the end of the world...

Matt smiled at Brent too but raised a brow seeing the demon who worked for his pair's family. The last time he saw Balthazar, it was a while back in that demon hotel where he had to play Corey's pet before they were even mated. He has come a long way since that day and after the last couple of days'... activities and talks, Matt felt calmer and more in balance too. His bond with King was strong and tight again. There were very few better feelings in the world, if someone asked Matt. Also, knowing that Paolo and Jim were seemingly starting to get along made the protective Cherub calm down some more.

Now as his dark eyes sized up the gods' expressions too, he knew the news were important and also guessed that since only the two of them were summoned, there were going to be some tasks at hand. Not that Matt wasn't ready to fight and help any way he can.

As they reached the gods', he slightly bowed as a respectful greeting then nodded to Balthazar too, ignoring the even smugger half-smirk on his face.

"King, Matt... You both know Balthazar. He has proven himself useful to us. And chose to serve us in the future," Sotiris started speaking, again on that strange trance-like echoing voice that meant all three Gods' common conscience. "We sent him to gather information from the far east. Another gate between the multiverses is guarded by a trio of higher beings there. Lately more attacks have been noticed in the area humans call the Japanese islands. And a few days ago, the twins were spotted too." While Sotiris spoke on behalf of them all, all three gods’ eyes were glowing in their unity.

In the last few weeks since they've been the guests of the gods, Matt wasn't surprised about this way of connected communication anymore, so he focused on Sotiris' echoing words and glimpsed at Balthazar too, who seemed to be very satisfied with himself for delivering this news.

King had mentioned the twin archangels, his... “father-in-law's” younger brothers who seemed to be pulling the strings from the background. Or at least it looked very much like that from all the proof that were collected.

Matt's jaw tightened and his warrior cherub side showed clearly from his stance, frown and was ready to take action if needed. "That's a serious problem then. Especially if the twins appeared too. What do you need us to do?" he asked, hinting at the fact that they figured out they were summoned there with a reason.

King pressed his lips together when Matt spoke. Mainly because he saw how Seth and Christos raised a brow... Both the left one at once, and even had a similar expression on their faces. King knew it well that the brothers often did such movements or gestures in sync. They were born from the very same energy by the very same material, one after the other, bonding them at a similar level like Earthly beings call siblings.

Sotiris, as the one who was channeling the other two, also stayed the emotionless statue-like figure and his glowing eyes moved to Matt as he spoke again. "Your eagerness may be a virtue among humans, maybe even among angels. There is more at stake now than to hurry into a conflict. However, we were just about to tell you how we think that for your further understanding about the worlds and your personal evolution could benefit from learning about your roots. We would send you two to the Japanese masters. Young cherub, you will be patient with yourself and how the happenings are going to unfold. Learn from the culture you are from. Build roots. The strongest trees build on roots to develop."

Sensing from his pair that maybe he should have waited with the talking, Matt felt a bit confused as he spoke with utter respect and from the urge to help in any way they could. But he refused to break the eye-contact with the bald god, or react to Balthazar's annoying grin. As if the demon was amused by the situation – instead of being concerned.

The unfolding mission and the personal benefits Matt could gain from them didn't come as a big shock as he expected something like that. Especially after that dinner by the waterfall with King and Robb. 

Matt quickly thought things through and for a change, as if listening to the gods' advice, he didn't start voicing his usual many questions, just simply nodded, letting his pair talk instead, if he wanted.

Frankly, ever since he was a child, he sometimes wondered about his Japanese heritage and his father, the mysterious cherub whom he has never known. And he was eager to learn more about who he was and what he was really capable of.

"Thank you for the opportunity. We will do our best to serve the cause. And help my pair's and my future growth in knowledge and skills," King replied bowing his head a bit with respect.

"We are sure you will. You can leave two moons from now. We get the portal ready and the masters will await you at the Japanese gate," Sotiris spoke and all three of them bowed raising their right hands like the old icons and statutes’ blessing God figures. It was a signal that the meeting was over.

To that Matt felt humbled and bowed too before turning around to leave with his pair. They stayed in silence until they were out of the caves on the sunny daylight, a warm breeze ruffling the wild flowers and grass on the path they were following up to their residence.

"What do you think we should expect there?" he asked glimpsing at his pair as he took Corey's hand as he liked to touch his pair in general, but also needing the physical contact more after the successful mating sessions. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you in some way in front of the gods and Balthazar. I didn't mean to. Just wanted them to know that I'm ready to fight for our cause," he added, lightly hinting at how Jim haven't been ready until recently. Because even if Matt was calmer now that Paolo wasn't being hurt by the Nephilim, he still felt a tiny bit of a grudge towards him for putting their lover through all that – even if Matt knew Jim's reasons.

"It's okay. Don't worry. The Gods know you meant well, even without patience. Hard to say what to expect. But I agree that knowing your roots better would be great. The masters are... fun..." King smiled at his pair. The happenings took another turn and the long-haired man also called Corey thought to himself. "Maybe it will be good to be on our own for a while too. Couple adventure?"

Matt first just sighed. He knew he had to learn a lot. Patience being one of those many things. "Yeah, I agree. I've always wanted to know my roots. Maybe that will help too with my shortcomings..." he added, staring into the distance as they were walking hand-in-hand.

"So you know those masters too?" he asked curiously, glimpsing at his pair then stopped him on the swirling path to face Corey. "Yes. I want to go. Get away from this as I know I still feel... irritated by the Nephilim. And I know I have to get over that but that needs some distance. So this trip sounds like the perfect solution... Also, it means I will have you all to myself some more," he smiled and stepped closer to his bonded pair, pressing a kiss against his full lips.

"To be honest... I'm not against alllll your shortcomings," Corey giggled closing Matt in his arms and kissed him back. "The masters will surprise you. And yes, I know them. And no... not like how I know Vega or the shamans," he winked and let the slim cherub go, taking hold of his hand to pull him along. "It will be safe to go away. We have to tell Paolo too."

Chuckling as they continued their way to their house, Matt squeezed Corey's hand in his. "Please, do tell me some time which shortcomings you like!" Matt grinned and pecked his man's bearded cheek as they started climbing a steeper part of the path.

"Okay, so you don't know the masters sexually, get that. Which is a first, to be honest," he teased his pair, waving their interlocked hands back and forth between them. "And yes, let's go tell Paolo. I sense him in the house," he said and this time it was Matt who pulled his mate along the path, determined to take the next step.

Corey just laughed on him as they entered the house and found a very busy guardian angel all dressed to go out...

"Hey, Goldie. Going somewhere fun?" he asked finally being in a good mood.

"Yeah... Going to practice some fighting skills with Jim. You two seem cheerful. Had some in the abandoned town?" Paolo flashed them his dirty smirk and even wiggled his brow.

Seeing Paolo back more or less to his old self made Matt smile too. "I wish... We had an audition with the gods. But maybe later we can get down to the dirty business..." he sent a clearly dirty look at his pair, leading his hand onto Corey’s ass.

"But..." he giggled from the pun then forced himself to collect himself some more. "So... I'm glad you and Jim are starting to get on the same page and you are going to teach him. He could use the awesome guidance you can provide," Matt smiled at their guardian and lover. "Anyways, Corey and I have a new mission. Soon we'll go to Japan to help out the guardians of the gate there. Just wanted to let you know so you can prepare. I think your hands will be busy with the Nephilim anyways... By the way, how are things between the two of you now? Are you going to be okay if we leave? We know Brent is busy with Chris and all..."

"Oh, he is Chris now? That's simple... Nice... Brent has him wrapped around his finger," Paolo laughed. So far he only heard all of the gods being called very formally. "Yeah, I'll be okay. I am a big boy... Had worse parts in my life than to ease up a mourning male. Don't worry so much, honey," he grabbed his bag with a smile at the pair. "Japan sounds great, though. The masters are nice as I've heard. When will you leave?"

"Sorry, I'm just worried about your well-being," Matt shrugged, smiling warmly at their lover, but didn't move closer seeing that Paolo was ready (and maybe eager) to leave. "But that's just my usual worrying self. Maybe I could work on that in Japan too. Two moons from now. When the gods are ready to send us through the portal they create," he said, looking at the much shorter male.

"Then you'll be around to be with your poor guardian too for a bit more. Good. I am a worried kind too. You know that, Matt honey... So I must make sure from up close that all is okay with you two," Paolo smiled at them both and to ease Matt's worries went over to hug them both strong. Even pressing a kiss to the shapely lips of the cherub. "I'll be back at night. Leave something for me too from the devil guy, please," he giggled. "See ya lovebirds, be naughty!" and with that he walked out the door.

Having the sweet taste of Paolo's lips on his own, Matt sighed after watching him close the door behind him. Matt knew that although Paolo loved him too, he's been in love with King for years. So even if he knew that their guardian truly meant that he wanted them both to be okay, he meant Corey a bit more. Not that he minded that as they had a good balance in their relationship by then, but he still couldn't shake off the worries about their lover and the new bond he had with the Nephilim.

"So... I think to ease the situation and celebrate our new journey... we should take Paolo's advice. Come on, love, some mating is in order," he pecked his demon's lips and led him upstairs to their room which they shared with the guardian angel. After all, they should live up to the expectations, right?

***

The short bald male smiled to himself. He could feel it clearly how the pair started to take his advice and engage in some bonding time. Good for them! He will join them later on. But first he hurried to his own pair to some training and getting to know each other more.

Truth was, the tall biker was very much to his liking. At first Paolo tried to explain it with the mating bond... and holding onto the love he cherished for King for so long. But as the situation eased up a bit between him and the Nephilim, the bond started to strengthen, even without them mating.

And Paolo found the tall male interesting with many features still hidden away inside him. And as he was a guardian angel, he wanted to help Jim even more by nature. And hoped more and more that they one day get closer in other ways as well...

But for now, he dropped his pack at the rocky clearing nearby the mountains. He spread his golden wings and picked his swords up. Ready for Jim to sneak attack him from somewhere as the start of the training.

Thinking things through on his own helped Jim some more after that big realization that Corey was living on in him. He started watching himself more consciously and although he couldn't exactly feel his love's presence like before, it was a comforting thought for his aching heart and soul that true to his words, Corey was with him all the time. He tried to look at it like having his shadow guard back, like in the past when he didn't know about the Mercy Demon looking over him.

He stroked Corey's demon mask fondly when he was ready to leave and meet up with Paolo. With a sigh he took his new sword too. He'll have to ask for some kind of sheath or something for it so he wouldn't have to carry it in his hand all the time. Not that he could really use it yet as he had no sword training. But maybe Paolo could help him out with that too. As he took another glimpse of the mask – a thought starting to form about it in his head for the future to keep it always close to him – he left the house.

He looked somewhat better too. Now he just took the food and the blood vile from the tray a while ago both to sustain his newly formed body and control his void blood addiction. Baby steps...

As his thoughts turned back to the short guardian angel, he sighed again. He could feel it too. The deepening bond. It was there, connecting them invisibly like a string, pulling him closer to the angel without Jim really needing to concentrate on his whereabouts. Paolo was already on the clearing and he could sense it stronger and stronger as he was getting closer too. As an experiment, he tried to focus on hiding his presence as much as he could since he was much stronger now. Though because his powers were still not settled – and the forming bond – he had no idea if it was working or not. Sneak attack a guardian angel with many more years of experience? It wasn't going to be easy... But he could try.

Soon he was studying the small bald man with the spread golden wings from behind a bigger rock. He had to admit that he liked the strength and calmness he was radiating even when concentrating on preparing for Jim's attack. Like the night before when he "saw Paolo for the first time", so to say, he still found him handsome... even kind of beautiful with his high cheek bones, angled yet soft features and sharp dark eyes.

Swallowing and pushing those thoughts back, Jim tried to look for an opening. Yes, Paolo was definitely no beginner with swords, he could tell already from the way he was holding his swords and also remembered how well he fought in Seth's labyrinth.

With another sigh, knowing that he had to train if he wanted to live up to the promise he had made to Corey, Jim spread the chestnut-colored demon wings he had inherited and tightened his grip around his glowing sword's hilt before he quickly lifted into the air, eyes glowing up in blue and golden and they were kept on Paolo's back as he flew at him as fast as he could.

The guardian closed his eyes for a second and smiled. He had to focus a little, but he could definitely feel Jim diving from above to attack him. The other man tried to hide his presence, and it worked well too. Only thing is that with a pair as Paolo was to Jim, it worked less either way.

Moving his golden wings, just like a signal that he knew Jim was coming, he stepped to the side, swords crossed and lifted to the direction of the attack. Or where he felt it coming from, already spotting the tall man flying fast towards him.

Jim wasn't that surprised that he was felt and spotted, but he didn't slow his descend. No, he sped up even more, starting to get a hang of using his new wings a bit more. He tried not to overthink it, just let it happen and then his sword with the stronger green hue around it clashed with Paolo's swords.

For a second as colorful sparks erupted from the blades, time seemed to stand still then a shock-wave kind of energy blasted out from the force of the impact, making the grass flatten in a circle around them for a few moments.

Paolo held his own, which made Jim look at him a bit impressed then he quickly flapped his leather-wings just to land a few steps from the angel, mismatched eyes still glowing.

"You're stronger than you look," he said as a greeting.

"I try to use my cute and lovable innocent look as a disguise," Paolo smirked and bowed with his swords crossed before his body as a greeting. "You are not so bad for a beginner either. The way you hid your presence probably would work well on others. Because of the bond we will always feel each other. What do you want to practice today?" he asked taking a good long look of the creature before him. And he couldn't help on how his heart sped up a bit...

If Jim found that way of a greeting strange, then he didn't show it or commented on it just kept his eyes on the much shorter man, experimentally letting his senses tune in on him a bit more. Now he consciously didn't try to lock Paolo out like he did before in his grief. He was still hurting and mourning Corey – and probably never going to fully let go of what happened in the amphitheater – but he also knew that it was important to evolve with his fighting skills too.

And if he wanted to be completely honest with himself... he was kinda curious about this... pair of his... They say the Universe doesn't make mistakes...

"Thanks. I wasn't sure it worked, but guessed the bond would interfere in our case," Jim shrugged as he closed his wings behind his back and went silent for a long moment as if thinking about his answer. But that wasn't the reason. All of a sudden, he could faintly hear Paolo's heart beating faster, his pupils dilating a bit and Jim could also feel what he was feeling while looking at him. Paolo liked what he saw. Namely him. It was something that Jim didn't know what to do with yet.

"The basics of fencing might be good. And I wonder if you know something about this sword," he lightly lifted the glowing blade. "What it means that it's called the Blade of the Immortals... And I'm guessing it has powers too..." he said instead.

Paolo could feel Jim's slight confusion at once, and as much as he could he blocked the starting soft feelings towards the other one. Clearing his throat, he turned his dark eyes at the blade. They are here for training. The other things will form... If they ever form at all... Even if it would evolve them both... That thought left some bitter taste in the guardian's mouth. As again he started to have emotions toward someone who probably will never like him back…

"The blade. Well... You know about the ancient Nephilims. They say as the first born beings of a new race, they were giants compared to simple humans. They were born from a high demon and a high angel. And were the first immortals born in this dimension. The biggest warrior met the void gods and traveled more planes. This was his sword. It holds powers and materials from many worlds. And with the right power can open portals."

Feeling the emotions being abruptly cut off, Jim frowned lightly. Paolo probably realized he was busted. Though the biker didn't understand that sad expression that flashed across the guardian's face for a split second.

Lifting the sword up to take a better look of it, Jim hummed under his blond mustache. "Hm... who would have thought... Well, at least I am tall too – compared to human standards," he chuckled a bit more to himself. It was the first time he chuckled since Corey...

"Now I just need to learn the skills to be able to wield it and use those powers... Portals can come in handy at times, I guess," he murmured, having no idea how he would be able to do that or control one. Until then he only traveled through a couple ones and he wasn't really fond of the feeling it left in his stomach. "Okay... So... shall we start with the basics then?" he quickly flashed his eyes at Paolo, catching him staring again – though not as obviously like before.

Paolo was indeed staring. But for now because the sword's pulsing glow was in perfect sync with Jim's by then more calm energies and as the tall man held it up it really completed him in a way… Like... it felt for Paolo as if the sword found its owner... "They said it belongs to you... I mean the Gods..." Paolo frowned on that thought and looking up straight into Jim's eyes raised his twin blades too.

"Okay. So... I must say you are holding that sword perfectly. And how you stand is perfect too. I think the sword itself is helping you through your subconscious. Or your spirit remembers..." he added looking at Jim's face if any small reaction would agree with his statement. "With fencing the most important is to know yourself and how you can swing the sword. For defense and attack too. You can't just... go lumberjack with it," he grinned up at Jim slightly moving one of his blades to make the big man swing the green blade in his hands. "What you really need to learn is how soft or hard, fast or slow you can swing it. And hold it up. Your muscles have to get used to the outstretched arms for hours. As I see the weight is no problem, as it feels like a part of your body. It merged with you."

While listening to Paolo, he could feel the truth in his words and they also made Jim realize new things. "I think you're right... I can... kinda 'sense' the sword and its influence on me in the back of my mind or something. It's a strange faint feeling. Can't really describe it," he hummed from the new sensation.

He swung the sword as Paolo showed, hearing the blade faintly whoosh through the air, smiling a bit to himself both from the joke and the pick of words. "Yeah... I don't feel it as heavy at all, to be honest. I thought it would be, but it isn't. Fascinating..." he tried to swing it again, this time slower to make a more delicate move with it. "And what can your blades do?" he asked, his mismatched eyes landing once again on Paolo's face.

"We can practice this for a while, I think. You're doing it well already," Paolo said watching just how much at ease the tall man was with the sword in his hand.

Jim was really a typical tall man as a human. Kinda bent his shoulders in an unconscious way to try to not look as tall and blend in more with the human crowd. Kinda looking clumsy and kinda moving around that way too.

"You know… Holding this big glowing magical sword makes your back stretch out. And the powers or the transmutation make you move... more with grace... with ease and some elegance that is needed for a swordsman. Just my observations. But watch yourself in a mirror during your home practice too. It helps on analyzing your moves. And to see what I mean," Paolo smiled honestly into Jim's eyes.

"My swords are fast. And I can call them forth from a pocket dimension like Matt his katana. Also, I can make a powerful shield with them. I am a guardian after all."

Nodding to Paolo's words, Jim immediately focused on his own body again – which still felt a bit alien to him after all the changes. He tensed then relaxed his shoulders as he realized the other man was right. "I always felt like the odd one out, not belonging to this world," he blurted out the truth then went silent. He only ever talked about such things with Corey and that made a sad small smile play under all his facial hair.

"Okay. I'll practice in the house too and watch myself," he said returning Paolo's gaze with his intense eyes, finding his smile kinda cute...

Clearing his throat and glimpsing down at the other swords, Jim hummed under his nose again. "That's cool. And what about this sword? Do you know if I could learn that too with this or I'll have to carry it around with me from now on? If so then I should probably ask the gods for some kind of sheath or back straps or something to make that easier..." he mused.

"You can learn that. But first have to get a grip on your powers. Then you can create too. And use that small pocket dimension as a backpack you don't need to carry around," Paolo replied. He held up his swords which suddenly disappeared into thin air and in his held out hand a bottle of wine appeared. "We all use that. It needs practice but not that hard to do and very useful."

"Wow. Nice," Jim smiled a bit wider than before as he saw the bottle in Paolo's hand. "And useful indeed. How about you call your swords back and practice a bit more? Then we could drink that wine at the end as a reward for a work well-done?" Jim suggested, slowly realizing that being around Paolo wasn't that bad.

In fact, he felt a better grip on his still settling powers when he was close to the angel – probably thanks to their bond. And also, his presence was nice and healing, even if the bald angel didn't do it on purpose.

"That was my plan," Paolo grinned back feeling playful and at ease sensing that Jim was truly interested in what he could teach him and not closing up before him.

Making his swords appear again, he held the blades up almost above his head due to the size differences. Also, his golden wings curled half-way around him, ready to be used as a shield.
"You need to learn to use your wings too. They are special and most Earthly blades and bullets can't wound it," he said hinting at some more complex fighting techniques.

Jim was listening and watching more open about this then hummed with a nod, stroking down on his impressive beard. Then he changed his stance into a defensive one, holding up his own glowing blade and moving his new wings into a similar position like Paolo's were.

"Yes... I remember... Corey could use them as a shield too," he said quietly, glimpsing at the beloved wings for a split second, some sadness creeping back into his eyes. Or rather intensifying for a moment or two as that deep sadness never left his eyes since that fateful day.

"I also guess that combining my shield and shock waves will allow... my wings to be effective against supernatural kind of attacks too," he said, tasting the phrase "my wings" to state it and try to stop thinking about them being Corey's. Well... technically it was "their" now as Corey was in him. But starting to talk in terms of 'we' would definitely be strange...

"Yes. Well, your powers will open up more as they get triggered. That's why you need the practice. And Seth will have some… His fun too with you and his tests," Paolo said and using his wings jumped back a bit just to strike at Jim suddenly.

"I don't doubt that about Seth..." Jim chuckled under his mustache then quickly stopped Paolo's attack with his sword and also suddenly moved back with flapping his wings. Using them, he quickly shot up into the sky then changing directions charged at the guardian angel.

It was a bit strange how he didn't have to really think about the attack, his body – probably muscle memory too – did that along with the sword guiding the Nephilim.

Paolo was very impressed and his feelings about Jim being the reincarnation of the first immortal got stronger.

But focusing his powers, he pulled one wing before his body to dodge the attack. Meanwhile his right hand delivered a perfect poke with the tip of his sword to the long side of Jim.

"Your long body gives plenty of targets. Be aware of it. Most people are smaller than you, or even as small as me. They move faster around you. You have to feel around you with your aura," he explained while he kept striking the taller man.

Pulling his side away from the poke, Jim moaned a bit then concentrated on dodging the continuous strikes against him after nodding to Paolo's suggestions.

Trying to concentrate on his aura too, he tried to sense from where the guardian would attack next. To stop that, he used a smaller shock wave of his to push Paolo further away in the air and give Jim the opportunity to charge again, using less force behind swinging his sword so he could use a wing's clawed tip to stab towards the smaller man then protect his side with it.

The clashing of the swords between them got louder. The fight sped up as they used more and harder ways to try to land a hit on each other.

The guardian angel kept flapping his wings to be more in level with the bigger man. He was very impressed and focused more at teaching Jim various attack skills and that soon left him more defenseless.

When a fast dive from above surprised him, he quickly pulled his huge wings to hold Jim’s body to his and put up his swords crossed to block the attack. And ended up trapping Jim's blade between his. And the big guy got trapped between his wings, which pressed Jim to his body as he was panting close to the bearded face as they stared at each other from less than an inch.

Since Paolo was standing in the grass by that time, they didn't fall on the ground but it was a close call, the smaller male could barely withstand Jim's attack from above, but it turned into a stalemate as his blade was trapped by Paolo's swords and Jim found himself locked in the hug of the fluffy golden wings.

The guardian's closeness dawned on the Nephilim in a couple of seconds and he stared back at the short man pressed against him. It was... confusing to say the least. One side of Jim... liked it, but the other wanted to back away as fast as possible as Corey's face flashed in front of his eyes. He explained the urge to make the short distance disappear between their lips with the pull of the mating bond and he forced himself to stop wanting to look down at the sensual lips.

Taking a deep breath – with that inhaling the angel's pleasant scent – Jim smiled and with the help of his wings broke free from the golden ones’ hug so he could land on his feet a few steps back. "Good move. I think it was enough practice for today. If I may say so, I'm satisfied with the results. How about we sit down on the edge of that cliff and open up that bottle of wine now?" he asked, having a feeling that they both could use a drink or two.

"Yeah... Great idea," Paolo swallowed and backed away a few steps, making his wings and swords disappear. "You really did great. You should be proud of yourself, Jim," he added. He collected himself fast, the years of longing after King trained him to get back to relatively normal quickly.

But either way, Jim's closeness messed up that feeling too inside him. He felt confused about what and whom his heart really wanted. But he also could blame it all on their bond, for now…

"Thank you..." Jim murmured with a slight blush on his cheeks, but he did feel better about himself and how he performed today. Frankly, it went much better than he expected.

And with that Jim lowered his sword too and turned to walk to the edge of said cliff. It was hard to describe how he was feeling, but it was definitely a mess. Maybe that wine would help on him and the all of a sudden much more collected Paolo. Though he couldn't hide that look of longing in his eyes from Jim. Only if it was there for a few moments before he pulled his walls up too.

With a sigh he waited for the guardian to open the bottle then took a long swig from it, thinking that this wasn't going to be easy on either of them. But for now they were just sitting next to each other, legs dangling over the edge of the cliff as the sun was starting its descend on the sky as the afternoon took over the day.

Next chapter