Guardian Angel (original fiction, M/M)

[Kaze Wo Hiku]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! Wow, all fifty in two days and you're still here?? Hehe thank you! I'm glad I got you hooked! I love hearing from readers, so thank you so much!

There WILL be caretaking (that's like the main theme in this story, in case anyone was in doubt ). I have promised to serve a sick and whiny guardian, and I assure you he will be served WELL DONE! (No raw or medium served in this joint!)

Thanks again and I hope you I'll like what we have in store...

The next Drabble should be up in a couple of days, I'm still tweaking it a bit (sorry) I'll hurry

HNNGGGGGGGGGG SICK WHINY ELIAS!!!!! /fangirls

Aww, Kaze, dear, thank you for commenting... NOW GET YOUR BUTT BACK TO YOUR DESK AND DO SOME MORE "MORNING COFFEE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying to know what happens :LOL: PLEEEEEASE!!

Hhahahahaaa Ok ok I will, also need to finish Pride and Stubborness too XD

[Juto]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! Wow, all fifty in two days and you're still here?? Hehe thank you! I'm glad I got you hooked! I love hearing from readers, so thank you so much!

There WILL be caretaking (that's like the main theme in this story, in case anyone was in doubt ). I have promised to serve a sick and whiny guardian, and I assure you he will be served WELL DONE! (No raw or medium served in this joint!)

Thanks again and I hope you I'll like what we have in store...

The next Drabble should be up in a couple of days, I'm still tweaking it a bit (sorry) I'll hurry

HNNGGGGGGGGGG SICK WHINY ELIAS!!!!! /fangirls

Aww, Kaze, dear, thank you for commenting... NOW GET YOUR BUTT BACK TO YOUR DESK AND DO SOME MORE "MORNING COFFEE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying to know what happens :LOL: PLEEEEEASE!!

Hhahahahaaa Ok ok I will, also need to finish Pride and Stubborness too XD

Hahaha no pressure, but I'd love you forever if you did

[Arty]

Awww I thought it was an update. .

Ok...back to grave

*Crawls back into the grave*

[Juto]

Awww I thought it was an update. .

Ok...back to grave

*Crawls back into the grave*

I'm sorry little miss undead I hope this continuation makes up for the disappointment...

[Arty]

Awww I thought it was an update. .

Ok...back to grave

*Crawls back into the grave*

I'm sorry little miss undead I hope this continuation makes up for the disappointment...

*peeks out from the grave*

Yay.

[Juto]

NOTE: THIS IS AN ACTUAL UPDATE!!! Not just comments

Hahahah I'm sorry for turning this thread into a back and forth centre for comments... But I loooooooooove your comments!!!!!!!!! So much!!!!!! They make my toes curl with joy and I often have to explain my ridiculous grin to my very curious husband

Sorry peeps, mama's ovaries could go on no longer without this. I hope this will hold you for a while! Don't expect this level of "acting" in each Drabble he he he...

Enjoy!

Part 51 - Not for personal gain

Zachariah tensed immediately. No chance he had mistaken the sound of that all too familiar chocolate covered, liquid caress of a voice. But… What. The. Fuck.? Wait, BOYFRIEND? He swallowed nervously.

He registered Simon’s gaping expression as he took in the speaker behind Zach. Oh no! This couldn't be good! He turned around slowly, not sure what he was about to see, almost dreading whatever plot his angel had planned to intervene his and Simon’s failed love story. Whatever he had imagined, it did not come close to what was standing before him.

A pair of the most enchanting, sapphire blue eyes smiled at him from underneath an unruly mop of coal black hair as their owner stood casually, looking at him, as he seemingly without effort made a pair of plain jeans and a midnight blue button down shirt with black patterns look like they were on the catwalk.

As their eyes locked, the man flashed Zachariah a brilliant smile, showing off perfect white teeth and a faint blush that made the man's face appear almost… Human. Zach's breath caught and the sound of his own heartbeat was galloping in his ears. Whatever memory he had had of his angel’s face, the painting he had given him and the photograph of him as a soldier, none of those… Imitations… even came close to the angelical beauty of the original. Zach had to concentrate hard to not let his jaw drop. How could it have slipped his mind that Elias was so freaking… Gorgeous?!

“Hey you.” Elias said affectionately, a smile still playing on his lips as he reached out for Zach's hand and pulled the stunned ward closer. Zach was still too taken aback to move on his own, but when Elias didn't pull him in for the curtesy hug but in stead wheeled him in and physically introduced his lips to Zach's own, Zach's entire body was suddenly awake and alive with a million rejoicing cells.

Eliaswaskissinghim!

Elias! Was! Kissing! Him!

Mmmmm Elias was kissing him. Sweet lord above!

The world seemed to stop abruptly before picking up its pace to spin madly out of control and Zach allowed his body to be moulded into his angel’s embrace as a pair of the most deliciously soft lips continued to caress his own. Fireworks could have exploded all around them, Zach would’t have noticed. He felt intoxicated, floating, completely high while at the same time sane enough to question his angel's motive. Surely, this had to be some act… Right? Elias didn't really… Feel this way?! Or did he? Of course not, he had been in love with Amelia before he died. For some reason he couldn't quite explain, that realisation tied a heavy knot in his gut. Elias was unreachable… In more ways than one. As if being an angelical undead wasn't obstacle enough.

Zach felt a gentle pressure on his lower back as Elias pressed a final kiss to his lips before hugging him closer. Zach opened his eyes in time to notice the “smirk of ownership”, the subtle but unmistakable glare that Elias sent Simon as he finished his claim on Zach's lips. Elias flashed him an innocent smile as he noticed Zachariah looking at him. He leaned down and brought his mouth to Zach's ear. “Just act naturally and follow my lead.”

All Zach could do was nod! Wait…How did one act naturally around an invisible guardian angel turned visible pretender boyfriend? Especially after THAT?! Honestly, Zachariah had no idea. He allowed Elias to drag him down onto the chair next to his own and placed their newly entwined fingers in his lap. He flashed Zachariah another brilliant smile before turning his attention to the other stunned faces around the small lunch table, finally resting his piercing gaze on Simon, who, to Zach's great amusement, seemed to be drooling slightly down the front of his shirt. Zach fought back his own smirk.

Look all you want, Simon. This particular angel is dedicated to me! Mine!

“Forgive me for not introducing myself properly.” Elias addressed the rest of Zach's small group of friends, as he discreetly let Simon take care of his mess in peace. “I'm Elias.” Zach took in the perplexed expressions of his friends. Two of them exchanged a confused glance.

With a small sigh, Elias turned his – rather good, Zach had to admit - acting skills, towards Zach, feigning a reprimanding smile. “We've been dating for 5 months, and you haven't said a word about me to your friends?”

Zach found himself blushing profusely as Elias’s very, VERY affectionate gaze gave him full attention. The sapphire gemstones seemed to bore through this own eyes, and he was sure his guardian could see the darkest corners of his soul, see exactly how much he had enjoyed that kiss, the remnants of which still burned deliciously on his lips and guided his mind down more pleasant paths.

Elias squeezed his hand affectionately, wheeling him back to the present. Oh, they were waiting for him to answer something.

“No, I wanted you all to myself.” He blurted out before his mind had time to edit. Gods, he could have died of embarrassment, right there! Elias simply smiled and turned his attention back to the others around the table.

After a quick round of introductions, Zach's eyes finally rested on Simon’s. “And this is my friend, Simon.” Zach was amazed at how well Elias could keep his face straight at he shook Simon’s hand. Only a slight twitch of his eye revealed his true perception of his “competitor”. A small twitch that none but Zachariah noticed.

“So, Elias.” Simon started, somehow managing to sound both annoyed and sceptical. “How did you two meet?”

Elias sent Zach a questioning look. “Do you want to tell our story, Zachariah, or shall I?”

Zach had regained his composed self and was able to play along with an affectionate smile of his own. “You tell it better.”

Elias flashed him another winning smile, and Zach felt his heart rate kick up a notch.

“Well, I attend a different  university up north, and had the good fortune to show Zachariah around the campus when he was there 6 months ago, after having applied for a transfer to the advanced English literature program that my university offers. We hit it off right away, I asked him out for coffee and… The rest is history.”

Zach found himself turning all gooey as Elias once again held him with that amazingly affectionate gaze. What the hell had that kiss done to him? And where on earth had his angel learned how to act so… Sincere? If he didn't know better, Zach could easily have believed that Elias was in fact head over heels for him. Wow! There was a lost profession!

His “boyfriend” continued to entertain his friends with various date scenarios the two of them had apparently shared, but Zachariah was no longer paying attention. The itch he had discarded since Elias had shown up was back, seemingly looking for revenge. Undeniable and unquenchable.

He politely turned his head away from the table and felt Elias’s eyes on him as he buried his nose in the crook of his arm, taking one shaky breath before unleashing the tickle.

“Hhahh… Hatschju! Hheh... He’umpftschju! Snf! Ugh! Excuse me.”

Zach felt Elias’s warm and reassuring hand on his back as he sniffled and coughed away the aftermath. “Bless you, Zachariah. Here.” Elias had procured a travel pack of tissues that he now placed in Zach's hand. Zach smiled his thanks, drew a tissue and turned away to blow his nose as quietly as he could. When he turned back, Elias was still looking at him, blazing blue eyes framed by guilty lines. Zach held his gaze as he brought up a fist and coughed lightly but determinedly into it, hoping Elias would see his plan of acting “sick Zach”.

Elias produced a knowing smile and an tiny nod. “I'll go see if I can't persuade the nice lunch lady to produce a steaming cup of honeyed tea, to take care of that little sniffle of yours.” He got up and, as naturally as if it was something that took place on a daily basis, leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Zach's lips. “I'll be right back.” And he was off. For a brief moment, Zach found himself wishing that such soft and gentle kisses WERE in fact happening on a daily basis before his mind came to its senses.

It's an act, Zachariah! Just an act! Keep it together!

~ ~ ~

Out of the corner of his eye, Elias noticed Zach's friends leaning in to question his ward in his “boyfriend’s” absence. Mmmm, “boyfriend”. The word tasted like heaven on his tongue! He found that he could effortlessly play the part. It wasn't really “acting a part”, all he really did was let his guard down. He heaved a sad sigh as thoughts of an alternate (and admittedly preferable) universe in which he could tell Zachariah how much he loved him and shower him with kisses every single day flooded his mind! But it was forbidden, illegal, and ultimately, not worth the risk. Curses!

Luckily, the sensation of that first perfect kiss was forever imprinted on his memories.

Whoops, speaking of which, he should probably warn Raphael before his boss unleashed hell on earth to reprimand him. Instead of joining the small lunch line he turned right and headed straight into an empty classroom. He pulled out the piece of white parchment framed with golden swirls, his ever present means for contacting his boss, and with his index finger wrote him a quick message.

~Raphael, please forgive me, I should have given due warning. What took place today was NOT for personal gain. I had to implement an emergency procedure as my ward grew intensely uncomfortable with the amount of unwanted attention from a class mate.

I did what I had to do to save my ward from embarrassment and shame. I did NOT act in my own interest.~

Well…. The guardian wasn't really sure that kiss could be explained as completely necessary. Delightful? Certainly! Helpful? Obviously! Necessary? Mmyeaahhno! Maybe not so much. 100% selfless? Uhm, no! Hopefully, his boss would be understanding.

Elias watched as the message faded from the parchment and his words traveled through to the heavens. Elias chucked lightly as he recalled Zach's definition of their messaging system; angelical wifi in deed.

Zachariah? Holy Sh… Elias had been so focused on keeping Simon away from Zachariah that he had not considered that becoming graceless would mean he would have to stay hidden, unable to guard his ward in school. He thought about writing another message to his boss, asking for a means to remain with his ward in school. He thought carefully. Taking his depleted and graceless state into consideration and adding the fact that he had deliberately kissed his contractual ward despite the rules, maybe he shouldn't really count on any favours from his boss.

That's it, there was nothing more he could do for the time being, other than pray that his boss understood the need to become graceless, and more importantly, the need to “pretend” to claim Zach's affections, to mark him as his own personal territory.

For the rest of the day, Elias played the part of the affectionate and pleasing boyfriend. He escorted Zach to class, his own fingers firmly entangled in Zach's and he even dared another lingering kiss before practically having to shove his ward through the door to his final class. He figured that if Raphael was furious he would have been notified by now, one way or another.

Elias hadn't expected Zachariah to be so at ease with the situation. He had seen his ward in drama club and although Zachariah seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, the kid was hardly Academy Award material, and yet he seemed perfectly comfortable playing his “boyfriend part”. He had seemed rather shocked at first, naturally, but seemed completely immersed in his “character” now. He’d even managed to make Elias blush like a school girl during that last kiss when Zach had unexpectedly tucked a hand under Elias’s shirt to caress his lower back as he deepened the kiss. Maybe he didn't give Zachariah enough credit for his acting skills?

Or…maybe…? No no no, Elias, that's impossible! It's an act! It's JUST an act!

He waited patiently for his ward to finish the last of his classes. Zach came out into the hallway with a painfully adorable expression on his face. Elias was confused at first but realised what was the cause as soon as Zach got close enough. With two fingers rubbing persistently at his nose, Zach's breath kept building but he seemed to sigh the air back out instead of releasing the sneeze he had apparently been holding in for the most part of the class. Elias offered him a sympathetic smile before pulling the hitching ward closer.

“Hh… N-need to hheh sne-hhh-eze so bad!”

Guilt put a frown on Elias’s face as he pulled Zachariah into his arms. “I'm so sorry Zachariah.” He scanned the hallway, students were filing out of the classrooms and no one were paying particular interest to them. He leaned down and brought his lips to Zach's quivering nose as his ward’s breath started building up again. Elias blew a firm stream of air against the side of Zach's nose in a way he knew would be particularly ticklish before pressing a kiss to its very tip.

“Hheh… Hhnn… Ohh-hhho n-no… Hhah…”

Elias smiled before sticking a hand in Zach's pocket to pull out a fresh tissue, placing it around Zach's nose just in time.

“H’Ahtschu! Hhuh… Ah’Atschju! –uhh… Snf! Thanks.”

“Bless you, Zachariah. I'm truly sorry for having caused your poor nose such misery.”

“You should be.” The ward responded with a wicked gleam in his eyes as he sniffled and rubbed his reddening nose. “Some guardian you are.”

Elias noticed how Zach's eyes flickered to his lips briefly before coming back up. The graceless angel smirked as he brushed his lips to Zach's ear. If he were not mistaken, his ward was thinking the exact same thing he was.

“Think we should give your class mates something to gossip about over the weekend?” His tone was teasing, and the smile that slowly spread across Zachariah's face made his own smile widen. Not waiting for a response, Elias brought his finger under Zach's chin tilting up his face as he brought his lips down to Zachariah's once more.

Elias smiled into the kiss as he heard a few “woo-hoo”’s a couple of whistles and a single “get a room” from the student filled hallway. Zach's lips warmed under his as a delicious blush spread across his cheeks.

~ ~ ~

That night, they had settled into bed as they normally did. Zach was snoring softly, his head resting on Elias shoulder while Elias had one arm wrapped around him, absentmindedly twirling his finger around in one of Zach's curls. After his ward had sneezed his way through dinner with his parents Elias was finally able to persuade him to take a Benadryl before going to sleep. The antihistamine was already working wonders. Zach's brow was no longer frowned with poorly contained signs of ache (somehow, Zachariah still thought he could hide his headaches from Elias… Foolish boy!) and the persistent tickle had abated…

“Hachoo! Snf!”

… Almost.

Elias smiled before pressing a soft kiss to his sleeping “boyfriend’s” brow, nuzzling his hair affectionately as his ward nestled himself more comfortably on his chest. “Bless you, my darling.” He whispered when the light snore signaled that Zachariah was once again fast asleep.

Elias carefully sneaked his hand in his pocket as he noticed a sudden vibrating heat emerging from the folded up piece of parchment he knew was in there. He pulled the note out in time to see Raphael’s sophisticated penmanship rise up from the paper.

~Smooth Elias. Really smooth. Be careful! You are walking a fine line, guardian. One step out of bounds and you're doomed, and not even I can save you. Do what you must for the sake of your ward's wellbeing, but no more. Understood? I'll explain the circumstances to Father.~

Elias smiled as he let out a relaxed sigh. His “boyfriend act” had been accepted.

TBC

Edited September 6, 2017 by Juto

[Arty]

*sits in grave* o..oh....omg....

[Kaze Wo Hiku]

My phone rang while I was reading this and I legitimately debated on ignoring my mother who was calling....

THIS WAS GLORIOUS!! Ill pay you back by hopefully updating Morning Coffee tomorrow.

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Marvelous update Juto! They are so cute together and they finally got their kisses! I hope you have a good plan to keep them together.

THIS WAS GLORIOUS!! Ill pay you back by hopefully updating Morning Coffee tomorrow.

And I get to reap the benefits of your hard work, since Kaze has promised an up date too.

How am I ever to pay you two back?

[Juto]

*sits in grave* o..oh....omg....

Quite the reaction I was going for! thanks Arty

My phone rang while I was reading this and I legitimately debated on ignoring my mother who was calling....

THIS WAS GLORIOUS!! Ill pay you back by hopefully updating Morning Coffee tomorrow.

Awwwww, I'm so glad you liked it!

Oi, NEVER ignore a call from your mother (mother hen in da hauz!) call her back, she's probably worried. That's the feeling we sport approximately 90% of the time. ;P

Yes yes YES!!!!! Update please loved the song btw! Pure love!

Marvelous update Juto! They are so cute together and they finally got their kisses! I hope you have a good plan to keep them together.

THIS WAS GLORIOUS!! Ill pay you back by hopefully updating Morning Coffee tomorrow.

And I get to reap the benefits of your hard work, since Kaze has promised an up date too.

How am I ever to pay you two back?

Well, according to angelical law, Elias is graceless for 10 days... Question is, can he remain with his ward in school and keep up appearances acting the "boyfriend"? Kissing at home is purely for personal gain, so that's a no-go ;P

Reap the benefits all you want. I would have written this anyway but I'm sure Kaze and I can wrap up an order request of delicious Mystrade, right Kaze?

[Akahana]

Hoooo Elias you better watch your ass there buddy~ that was a risky move

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

You two should feel free to request away. Send me a PM.

[Coffee Chicken Barista]

This is wonderful in so many ways!

[Juto]

Hoooo Elias you better watch your ass there buddy~ that was a risky move

Oh, he's definitely on the angelical "watch list", have been for a while but if he's not careful he could easily end up as a top priority on their "most wanted" list! He's definitely going to make the most of this opportunity though

You two should feel free to request away. Send me a PM.

thanks we'll hold you to that!

Thanks for the early-morning-card game the wait paid off. Feel free to camp with me outside for "Morning coffee" anytime

This is wonderful in so many ways!

Awwwww thank you! It means an awful lot coming from the reigning queen of fluff herself! I'm glad you're still enjoying these. Edited October 20, 2015 by All Juto's eve

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Spell Casting Witch, on 19 Oct 2015 - 08:34 AM, said:

You two should feel free to request away. Send me a PM.

thanks we'll hold you to that!

Thanks for the early-morning-card game the wait paid off. Feel free to camp with me outside for "Morning coffee" anytime

Hey, no problem!

[Juto]

Okay, joke first, then a new update, I promise.

"Looki looki what mama brought!"

Both boys looked up from the bed as their creator came walking through the door, carrying an odd cardboard sign with the writing "LIBRIEL 4EVER" (wtf?) under one arm whilst her other arm was securely holding 4 cartons against her chest. "I thought you could use a little celebration, seeing that you're graceless again Elias." She winked at him.

The graceless angel blushed slightly. Zachariah, having recognised the cartons, jumped up.

"Can I pick?"

"Sure cutie." Zach's fingers fumbled around in the air above the cartons before snatching up 2. "Yummy, got any spoons?"

"Sure, hold this." The creator handed Zach the cardboard sign so she could use her free hand to pull out 2 spoons from her back pocket. Handing them to Zachariah, she accepted the sign back."

"Alright, gotta go, I'm camping out with a friend for "Morning Coffee". Do drop by if you want to say hi." She waved at them and turned to leave. "Uh, I almost forgot." She turned back around, holding up her index finger in warning. "Rainstorm coming up later tonight, stay inside all warm and cosy, alright? Wouldn't want any of you to catch cold."

"We won't!" Zachariah returned to wave and Elias flashed her a smile.

The creator clutched her heart and let out a small "awww" before leaving her boys with their treats.

~ ~ ~

"Spell Casting Witch, my dear! I thought we could use a chilled snack! I just dropped something off at Zach's. You want?" She held out the 2 remaining cartons. "I've got chunky monkey and caramel chew chew."

*sits back down.* "Jacks you say? Well, got any of those? Or should I go rummage my garage for my fishing gear?"

~ ~ ~

Hehe sorry, a private joke, an introduction and a spoiler all in one... Next up is the actual Drabble! Stay tuned...

[Juto]

Time for some lazy Saturday cosyness!! It's Saturday there, not here. Yet...

Thanks again to all my amazing commenters who keep loading me up with fuel. I adore you and your comments.

To all readers... You are AWESOME!

This is another happy-part. Sorry about the almost complete lack of sneezes. We're.... Charging! *spoiler*

There's gonna be some Elias backstory though... Post mortum, pre guardian!

Enjoy.

Part 52 – Switch!

“Are you sure this is safe?”

Elias raised his eyebrows questioningly at Zach who was lying bellydown on his bed, facing him.

“It's fine Elias, trust me!”

Elias eyed the sloppy goo on his spoon with its light brown and frankly quite disturbing chunks of what he could only describe as unsanitary goods.

“But it's raw?!”

“It's supposed to be raw! It's amazing! Just try it.”

Elias slowly opened his mouth to fit the spoon and his shaking hand guided the ice chilled metal onto his tongue.

Zach couldn't hold back a laugh. His guardian looked as if he was convincing him to eat slugs when in fact, Elias was having his first taste of cookie dough ice cream.

Twirling the content of his spoon in his mouth Elias’s facial expression went from disgusted to concentrated to surprised to downright bloody amazed. He grabbed the carton and eyed it curiously, a small hope in his eyes.

“My Gods, ice cream sure has improved since 1940. Wow, this is amazing! How old are these… Uhm… Ben and Jerry?”

“Are you suggesting their age has anything to do with ice cream making?”

“Uhm, no.” Guilt crossed Elias’s features and Zach wondered for a moment before realisation hit him.

“Oh my God, Elias! No, they are not old and dying! It will be many years before the heavens will enjoy the delicious taste explosion that is Ben & Jerry’s! You just got Steve Jobs, there's no way we're letting you have Ben & Jerry!”

Elias smiled teasingly as he scooped up another spoonful of ice cream. “He's working on the iHeaven, did you know? A few minutes after his arrival he was questioning the heavenly “connection” and now, he's leading a team of scientists into a new technological age.”

“Wow! I didn't know the heavens recruited people like that.” Zach inclined his head and eyed Elias’s carton of ice cream. “Switch!” He exclaimed and handed Elias his own load of New York fudge before seizing Elias’s cookie dough, attacking it with his own spoon.

Elias gave him a perplexed look, chewing slowly on his ball of unbaked dough before digging his spoon into his newly acquired chocolate ice cream. “It's not recruiting so much as offering. We all get a choice. I was offered this position and I accepted it.”

“What did you do before you were so fortunately assigned to me?” Zach winked with amused affection, making Elias blush slightly despite the coolness he felt in his entire face from the ice cream.

“Well, let me think… Uhh… I studied art with Da Vinci himself, I dutifully served my heaven’s service code.”

“What service code?” Zach asked, his mouth full of ice cream.

“I scrubbed public lavatories. It's a rule, we all have to go through it.” Elias said with a careless shrug before his face turned up in disgust. “You wouldn't believe what an excess of nectar can do to your –“

“Ahh-ba ba ba ba. That's quite enough, please! Switch!“ Zach reached out and snatched the ice cream just as Elias was about to jab his spoon into it again, offering the cookie dough ice cream back to him.

“Oi! The chocolate is the best one.”

“I know, why d’you think I want it back? What else did you do?”

“Uhm, let's see… Uh, I was a 1st bass in the WSEBH-choir for a a few years.”

Zach's eyebrows shut up, giving him an puzzled look, his ice cream filled spoon hovering inches from his mouth. “The what?”

“Never heard of the WSEBH-choir? The aptly named “Whenever Something Extraordinarily Brilliant Happpens-choir?”

Zach continued to look utterly perplexed? Elias sighed, put his spoon down and raised his head slightly to allow his light bass voice to perfectly pitch the hallelujah chorus from Händel’s “Messiah”.

“Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah-hallelujah halle-e-lu-jah! That one.”

Zach’s lips parted in a huge smile. “Oh my world! Wait, that's actually a thing? You did that? Wha-? You sing? Why have I never heard you sing before?”

“You have.” Came the slightly embarrassed response. “But, ehh, you weren't exactly awake.” Elias slowly raised his eyes to Zachariah who noticed a vague sense of… What? Insecurity? Embarrassment?

“Elias? Did you sing to me while I was sleeping?”

The angel nodded slowly, his eyes still seeking some kind of approval. “Mostly when you were sick. You, uhh, seemed to enjoy it. It made you relax.”

Zach offered his graceless caretaker an affectionate smile as he reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it gently. “Elias, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you! That deserves a switch.” He handed him back the New York fudge and dug into the vanilla and dough.

“Thanks.” Elias gave him a warm smile, happily scooping more nice cream into his mouth. “Our teacher at the time, made us this special, spicy honeybrew to butter our voices. That's how I got the recipe. It seems to work wonders on your sore throat too.” His mind seemed to drift back to his choir days. “They let Freddy Mercury take the choir reigns for a short while.” He laughed at the memory. “Father loved it, but the arch angels put a stop to it. The man was revolutionising the entire choir. They didn't like that, so they replaced him with Luciano Pavarotti.”

“Back to your singing though. What exactly did you sing to me? Switch!”

“This hymn we used to practice in WSEBH. Originally a poem by Dickens.” And upon seeing Zach's eyes still dripping with affection and gratitude added. “I'll sing it to you later if you’d like. You probably won't remember it.” He eyed the ice cream before him and and his eyes turned an icy glare at the carton of chocolate ice cream sitting in front of Zach. “Of course I used to sing it way back when you were an adorably innocent, sickly ward and not this cheeky ice cream snatcher before me.” He squinted his eyes into angry slits but he couldn't keep his lips from curling up into a smile. “Give me back the New York one!”

“You want it back, oh Master Universe?” Slowly, teasingly, Zach swirled his spoon around in the half melted remains of the New York fudge, scooping up as much gooey ice cream as the spoon could hold. “Then you shall have it.” With one fluid motion, he brought the spoon back up and flipped its sodden contents into the startled and unsuspecting face of his guardian, hitting him square between the eyes.

Zachariah let out a roar of laughter at the juvenile display and Elias was having a hard time fighting his own amusement.

“Why, you little devil.”

With a menacing grin, Elias got up on all fours and play tackled Zachariah onto the floor, perfectly encircling the boy in his embrace to soften his impact with the hard wood. After a few minutes of “Stop it! Stop it! It tickles” and “Not the hair! Not the HAIR!” Elias was sitting on top of a squirming Zachariah, threatening to let the fully melted ice cream drop from the tip of his nose onto his ward’s cheek!

“No no, please, please! I beg forgiveness, oh high and mighty angelic being! Please don't let the heavenly ice cream goo of wrath claim me, please!”

With a brief touch of noses, igniting an amused “ewwww” from Zachariah, the angel removed himself and folded his legs on the floor. Zach got up too and mirrored his position, still grinning as he tried to rub the drip of ice cream off his nose.

“This is nice. You're a lot more fun when you're not constantly fussing over me. I'm healthy, you're healthy… And VISIBLE! We should do this more often.”

“It's my job to fuss, don't forget you were sick only yesterday.”

“I was sneezy yesterday, thanks to you and your fluffy wings!” Zach corrected, his eyes trailing the tracks of runny ice cream down Elias’s cheeks. “You should probably go wash up. I'll clear the ice cream off the bed.”

~ ~ ~

The angel beheld his own reflection in the bathroom mirror. Humanity made him look tired, or maybe keeping up with Zachariah was what was making him tired. To close his eyes and actually sleep for a little while sounded like a dream. Hopefully, Zachariah's parents would be out of town on “business” for the day. Thank the gods. He wouldn't have been able to sleep knowing that one of Zach's parents could barge in at any moment, finding the two of them curled up together in bed. He had the feeling that his ward's parents didn't know about his… Gender preference, and frankly, he was afraid of how they would react if they ever found out.

But Zachariah was right, this WAS fun! Both of them human. Both of them healthy. Elias smiled, genuinely looking forward to 9 more days of playing “boyfriends” in school and having fun with his best friend in the evenings… Until he felt a familiar and disturbing sensation in his nose.

“Hn’NGT!...chh! hhh… Hm'PXT!...chh! Uhh!”

He'd managed to pinch his nose in the last second, effectively stifling his sneezes to keep them too low for Zachariah to hear them. But the sneezes were too strong to withhold the huff or air through clenched teeth after each sneeze. He stayed completely silent for a minute, still pinching his nose, listening for any signs that his ward had heard his outburst. After a few more seconds, he released his nose and sniffled as silently as he could. A slightly wet sound escaped his nostrils and the graceless angel winced. It was normal for people to sneeze every once in while without actually being sick, right? He took a moment to assess himself, he didn't feel sick in any way. He let out the breath he had been holding, just in case other sneezes were about to follow.

This time he would be more careful and not succumb to that pathetic state of mere mortal illness! Or if he did at least he would succeed in keeping it from Zachariah! He had to. With one last determined nod, accompanied by a tiny sniffle he exited the bathroom.

TBC

[Kaze Wo Hiku]

I DID A LITTLE CHAIR DANCE WHEN ELIAS SNEEZED!!

You cannot stop it there, my heart....MY HEART!!!

[Juto]

I DID A LITTLE CHAIR DANCE WHEN ELIAS SNEEZED!!

You cannot stop it there, my heart....MY HEART!!!

Hahahaha Kaze, dear, how do you think a feel about "Morning Coffee"? Have you not seen my sign?

Hold onto your heart and feels, girl...a lot more of that coming your way at a gazillion miles an hour (or something like that).

[Kaze Wo Hiku]

I DID A LITTLE CHAIR DANCE WHEN ELIAS SNEEZED!!

You cannot stop it there, my heart....MY HEART!!!

Hahahaha Kaze, dear, how do you think a feel about "Morning Coffee"? Have you not seen my sign?

Hold onto your heart and feels, girl...a lot more of that coming your way at a gazillion miles an hour (or something like that).

I was up from about 2am to 4am writing since I couldnt sleep so an update should be coming soon.

[Juto]

I DID A LITTLE CHAIR DANCE WHEN ELIAS SNEEZED!!

You cannot stop it there, my heart....MY HEART!!!

Hahahaha Kaze, dear, how do you think a feel about "Morning Coffee"? Have you not seen my sign?

Hold onto your heart and feels, girl...a lot more of that coming your way at a gazillion miles an hour (or something like that).

I was up from about 2am to 4am writing since I couldnt sleep so an update should be coming soon.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!! In real life, that sounded really high pitched!

Wow, did Liam catch your insomnia? Or perhaps the other way around?

Gosh, it really just steals your ability to sleep doesn't it? I've lost count on how many nights I spend writing too where I should be sleeping! I'm just glad I don't have to get up for work, but 2 very naughty boys tend to steal my hours during the day

I'll look forward to the update (read: I will glue my eyes to the screen and stop blinking until I've read it )

[Arty]

Studied art with.....da Vinci. ...

.......

....ice cream....

*incoherent sobbing in grave.*

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Spell Casting Witch, my dear! I thought we could use a chilled snack! I just dropped something off at Zach's. You want?" She held out the 2 remaining cartons. "I've got chunky monkey and caramel chew chew."

*sits back down.* "Jacks you say? Well, got any of those? Or should I go rummage my garage for my fishing gear?"

"Mm...caramel chew chew!" *snatches spoon* "They don't make my favorite anymore-Tuskegee Chunk. *sniff* "No Jacks, here. Bait a hook."

@ Kaze who hiku and All Juto's eve *in a thick Southern accent* Y'all suck! I have to work and must wait to the end of the day to catch up on up dates.

I love backstory! Paints with Da Vinci and sings with Freddy Mercury...incredible. And unfortunately for Elias (fortunately for us) a sneeze is not just a sneeze in Juto's world. I'm thinking it was a good thing that you didn't give him coffee coffee buzz buzz to eat. Elias would be wired for sound.

[Akahana]

noooooooooooooo please don't stop there my babies!!!

[Juto]

Studied art with.....da Vinci. ...

.......

....ice cream....

*incoherent sobbing in grave.*

don't be sad Arty!

I love backstory! Paints with Da Vinci and sings with Freddy Mercury...incredible. And unfortunately for Elias (fortunately for us) a sneeze is not just a sneeze in Juto's world. I'm thinking it was a good thing that you didn't give him coffee coffee buzz buzz to eat. Elias would be wired for sound.

Haha im glad you liked! Mercury is my hero! And I could totally see him taking over the choir, setting new (and higher) standards! His rhapsody would reach a new high! *sighs*! I wish!

Hahaha in deed, why would I make him sneeze randomly?! Tsk tsk... Elias, poor dear! So naive!

Coffee coffee buzz buzz? Don't think I've ever seen that one in DK! import sucks!! New York super fudge for life though! Uhh, and strawberry cheesecake.

@ Kaze who hiku and All Juto's eve *in a thick Southern accent* Y'all suck! I have to work and must wait to the end of the day to catch up on up dates.

*snaps fingers divastyle!* if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! I'm thinking of having it tattooed across my forehead... You know.., to warn off any potential disappointers! #notimeforcrapfolks!

When would be a good time for you? I'll try to time the next upload

noooooooooooooo please don't stop there my babies!!!

Aww, sorry Akahana! The wait won't be tooooooo long, I promise. I can't wait to torture them *ahem* read:Elias!