Hmm, this is nice. I wish I could stay like this forever. Castyr nestled his head into Kilo's neck as he continued to watch the stars. Castyr had barely just recovered from looking into Kilo's intoxicating purple eyes and had nearly managed to calm his speeding heart.

Castyr had to admit he liked the way Kilo's arms felt around his waist. He felt safe and warm. Castyr was aware that he had not known Kilo for long, but he already knew he wanted Kilo to be in his life from that moment on however it may be. 

When he had fully recovered from gazing into Kilo's eyes, Castyr turned his attention to the stars, a tear forming as a thought entered his head. "Kilo?" Castyr began, grabbing the angel's attention. Oooh, it feels nice to say his name.

"Hm?" Kilo tilted his head toward the star's as he responded, so his lips were next to Castyr's ear, allowing the star to experience the full depth of the angel's voice.

Although Castyr was captivated by Kilo's voice, that was beside the point. The thought that consumed his mind was a solemn one. "Is my home not glowing anymore?"

"What do you mean?" Kilo's brows furrowed when he heard the star's inquiry. 

"I left it, so did it stop glowing? I was looking at the stars up there and thought about my home not glowing like they are...because I abandoned it." Castyr's voice lowered in shame as he explained his inquiry.

Kilo's gaze softened when he realized the weight that was pressing down on Castyr's shoulders. He was quick to assure the star, "You didn't abandon it."

"I wanted to explore, so I..." Castyr sighed as guilt engulfed him. "I shouldn't have followed the man. I put you in danger and-"

Kilo stopped Castyr by saying his name gently. "Castyr, you didn't abandon your home. It's not wrong for you to want to see the universe. You can go wherever you want," Kilo told his star. "I just have to follow."

Kilo's words relieved some of Castyr's guilt while stirring up a flock of butterflies within the star's heart. "Okay," Castyr nodded in agreement. "Then, you'd better not lose me."

Kilo smiled softly and nodded as he promised to always stay by Castyr's side. "Your home is still glowing," the angel added when he saw that Castyr was starting to feel a bit better about the situation. "They have a reserve of your light. Your residence will continue to provide Heaven protection using your stored energy."

The star's eyes widened when he heard the angel's explanation. "So, then we don't need to rush back to Heaven?" Castyr asked with hope.

Kilo shook his head in disagreement. "Hunters are still after you, and they know my face. Heaven is where you will be safest."

"Oh," Castyr sounded in understanding before snuggling back into Kilo and continuing to watch the stars. Kilo watched the star happily observe the galaxies and nebulae for a few minutes before lifting his arm and setting his hand on Castyr's head.

The angel's fingers run through Castyr's silver hair, causing the star to coo quietly. Why does this feel so good? Kilo's petting caused Castyr to completely relax and quickly grow tired. Castyr wanted to stay away to fully enjoy the pampering, but he ended up closing his eyes and falling asleep not long after.

Kilo's arms were still holding Castyr when he woke. The angel did not respond to the star's stirring, so Castyr looked back to see Kilo fast asleep. The angel's face was turned to the side, so his chin rested on his shoulder. Strands of black hair hung in his face, covering parts of his closed eyes.

That was the first time Castyr had seen Kilo sleep. His eyes trailed from the angel's dark, thick lashes, to his pointed nose, and down to his lips. Rustling from the pilot's chair startled Castyr; he quickly looked to his left to see Devyn waking up. The human rolled his shoulders to loosen some of the tension building up from sitting for an extended amount of time and checked the ship's position along the route. Once confirming they were nearly to their destination, Devyn switched the craft out of auto mode and took control.

"Oh, hey. Sleep well?" Devyn inquired as he felt the star's eyes on him.

Castyr nodded in response. "How much longer until we arrive?" The star sat in the angel's lap in a slight slump as his body caught up to his waking mind.

"About a half-hour," Devyn answered. He then looked at Kilo before turning to the star and saying, "You're very lucky."

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Devyn's comment confused Castyr. His face held a confused expression infused with sleep.

"You have someone who cares for you and protects you."

"Ah," the star nodded. He looked at Kilo fondly before inquiring of Devyn, "Do you not have someone you can lean on?"

Devyn shook his head. "...No...I've always been my everything."

Castyr looked at Devyn and nodded, inviting him to tell more.

Devyn looked at the star for a bit before continuing, "My parents passed when I was nine, and I inherited my family's company when I was sixteen. So, I've been busy taking care of the business for the last five years."

"Oh...I'm sure you'll find someone," Castyr encouraged Devyn. "And I'm sure running a company at such a young age is no easy thing."

Devyn crinkled his brows. "You say that as if you're older than me."

"Well, you're twenty-one..." The star looked up to calculate, "...so that makes me ninety-three years older than you."

"What?" Devyn's jaw dropped. "You're 114?!"

"Yep. But I'm a star, and we live a long time. I'm still considered young," Castyr chirped.

"Ah."

"I can't believe we're the same age." Kilo's deep voice caught their attention. Castyr adjusted his position with Kilo as the angel sat up straight in the chair.

"You two are the same age?" Devyn asked, nearly in unbelief.

Kilo nodded. "We came the same night."

"Really? Wow! But I act so much...younger," Castyr exclaimed aloud. Kilo and him being the same age was news to the star.

"Humans have found ways to prolong life, and I've met some humans who are your age but look like they're still teenagers. So I wouldn't worry about it," Devyn told the star gently.

Castyr nodded and lowered his head, but he could not help but smile when Kilo ruffled his hair.

The angel and star mostly cuddled for the remainder of the flight. Castyr occasionally let out gasps and sounds of excitement as he watched the craft descend through the clouds of Borum. Devyn landed the craft smoothly in docking bay H-23 located in the private sector.

"Devyn, would you like me to enter lock mode?" A new voice sounded as Devyn opened the craft's door.

"Sure," Devyn answered nonchalantly.

"Who was that?" Castyr asked in surprise, looking around for the source of the sudden voice.

"That's Atlas. My ship," Devyn explained as he stood from his seat.

"She can talk?" Castyr inquired with wide eyes to which Devyn nodded in response. "But she didn't say anything the whole flight."

"She was figuring you guys out. She likes you," Devyn smiled. "Bye, Atlas!" Devyn called as he exited the craft.

Kilo pulled the hood of his coat over his head and made sure Castyr had his on before the two exited the ship. The door to Atlas shut, and the craft powered down only to be unlocked with the detection of Devyn's biometric stats.

Borum was more technologically advanced than Megran, the planet where Devyn met Kilo and Castyr, but was still quite behind compared to Heaven and Rank-1 planets.

Devyn donned a pair of shades as he led the two out of the docking bay and into the capital city of Borum. Various species and beings bustled about the city. Devyn weaved his way through the crowds expertly but was careful to not lose the angel and star. Knowing this city well, Devyn was able to reach his destination quickly. 

The human took a breath as he approached the security and showed them a specific, three-dimensional symbol attached to a chain. The guard bowed before ushering the party inside the towering skyscraper. Kilo kept Castyr close to his side as the three entered a lively club. Devyn led the duo past the flashing lights and dancers to the back of the building, the vibrant colors dancing on his body.

"Mr. Vaumyr," a guard bowed to Devyn as the trio broke through the crowd and entered a quiet hallway.

"I need to meet with Miren," Devyn told the man.

"Master Miren is meeting with a client," the guard responded shortly.

Devyn lifted a brow. He did not seem to particularly like the manner of the guard's response. The human shifted his weight and placed his hands in his pockets. Kilo and Castyr watched as the soft Devyn transitioned into a man with presence. For a final touch, Devyn cocked his head to the side before coolly saying, "Tell Miren I am here."

The guard took one look at the man standing before him before immediately complying and lowering his head. "Yes, sir," the man bowed before entering the room in front of the three. Not long after, the guard exited escorting a man holding a briefcase. "Mr. Vaumyr," the guard held the door open as the man walked past after making a small bow to Devyn.

Kilo and Castyr followed Devyn into the room, and the guard closed the door. Castyr immediately swiveled his head every which way as he observed the elegant yet decorated office. Dark leather couches were positioned in the center of the long room with a low, glass table between them while a dark wooden desk was anchored at the end of the room and was backed by a wall of glass that presented a beautiful view of the city beyond.

"Devyn!" A beautiful woman stood from a chair positioned at the head of a low table as the party entered. "It's so good to see you!" The woman walked over to Devyn and embraced him. She wore a red silk dress that complimented her sculpted body and vibrant red hair. A sheer wrap the color of deep, red wine draped over her arms elegantly. Her hazel eyes shone on Devyn affectionately and were full of life.

"Hi, Miren." Devyn accepted the woman's embrace.

"What brings you here?" The woman asked as she returned to her seat. "Please sit," Miren gestured to the empty couches around the low table.

Devyn followed Miren's gesture and sat in the chair to the left of the woman. The human then clasped his hands together before stating, "I need a favor."

"Oh?" The woman's brow arched in interest as Castyr took the chair next to Devyn. Kilo stood behind Castyr's chair as the woman looked at the duo. "For those two?" She pointed at the star and angel.

Devyn nodded. "They need to get to Earth as soon as possible."

"And in exchange?"

"I'll supply your men with weapons for three months," Devyn offered.

The woman tapped the arms of her chair in thought. "Deal. I assume they are classified?"

Devyn nodded. "No questions. Make sure they arrive safely."

"Don't worry, I'll take them in the Flisea. I have business on Earth with Wil anyway." Miren noticed the human male flinch at the mention of Wil. Devyn's hands tightened together, and he released a shaky breath. But the flinch and breath were so subtle that any other person would not have noticed. The human had spent years strengthening his control over his reactions, but Miren could always tell. The strong woman's expression softened but her voice warned, "He's looking for you again."

"Don't tell him I was here," Devyn rubbed his hands together anxiously. He really did not want to have to see Wil again after he had just gotten out of his grasp for the time being.

"Be careful. He's determined to have you this time. He won't let you go easily again. He sent another request for my blessing. I burned it."

"Thank you."

"Perverted b*stard," the woman scowled.

Castyr reached over and patted Devyn's arm affectionately. The star did not know the significance of Wil, but he knew the name alone had a deep effect on the kind human. Devyn looked at Castyr and smiled softly in thanks.

"Why don't you take your guests and get refreshed? I'll meet you at the front in an hour," Miren told Devyn, who nodded in agreement, as she saw the whitening of his face. The three watched as Miren stood and exited the room. Devyn sighed and looked up at Kilo.

The human chuckled ever so slightly as he read the angel's stern expression. "Don't worry. Miren needs weapons. She'll do anything to get you to Earth."

"So, what kind of business do you run?" Castyr asked to get Devyn's mind off that "Wil."

"My company manufactures and sells weapons to various militaries. We have contracts with multiple defense systems around the galaxy," Devyn explained, grateful for the distraction.

"So what is this place?" Castyr gestured to the club.

"This is a branch of the club Viant. The head club is on Earth. Miren manages this branch. The owner of Viant is...Wil."

"Oh," Castyr said quietly. He had somehow gotten them back on the wrong track.

"Is there somewhere we can get warmer clothes? Earth will be in its winter state," Kilo broke the awkward and tense silence.

"Yes." Devyn stood to his feet. "Follow me."

Devyn went to the changing room provided by Miren and sank into the cushioned bench lining the wall. The human let out a pent-up breath as he ran his fingers through his hair and tried to erase Wil from his thoughts. But every time Devyn closed his eyes he would see that man standing over him with that piercing, cold gaze. He could feel the ghost of his touch. Devyn clutched his chest as his breathing quickened.

"Oh no- Not now- Not again-" Devyn whimpered between raspy breaths. The boy moaned as his mind began to spin and his vision blurred from the oncoming trauma-induced panic attack. Devyn sunk to his knees and wrapped his arms around his body as tight as he could in an attempt to escape from the horrid memories.

A knock on the door sounded, but the screams in Devyn's head muddled it out.

"Devyn?" Miren asked through the door. "Devyn?!" The woman began to knock frantically before trying the handle. Miren sighed when she found the door to be unlocked. Not wasting a moment, the woman rushed into the changing room, dropping the fresh set of clothes on the floor as she hurried to the curled-up man on the floor. "Devyn!" Miren quickly took off her covering and wrapped it around the boy before taking him into her arms. Miren began to soothe the boy as she rubbed his back in slow movements.

"It's okay. You're okay. He's not here. It's okay, Devyn," Miren soothed as she held the broken boy.

Devyn's cries began to slow and grew steady after a few minutes. The young man wiped his eyes before taking off Miren's covering and handing it back to her. "Thank you."

"How are you?" Miren asked tenderly. She hated to see Devyn suffer.

"Better," Devyn smiled reassuringly.

"Are you still up for taking the two to the station?"

Devyn nodded. He needed to see things through. He wanted to make sure Kilo and Castyr got to their destination safely.

"Okay," Miren nodded. "Well, why don't you get changed? We will meet you at the front in a bit," Miren said as she stood to her feet.

"Okay. I'll be there in a moment," Devyn responded as Miren left the room. The young man let out a breath and leaned his head back on his shoulders. Closing his eyes, the last straggling tear escaped his eye. Devyn waited until the tear was to his jaw before wiping it away and standing back to his feet. Breathing a breath of resolve, the human leaned down and picked up the change of clothes provided by Miren.

Once changed and refreshed, Devyn made his way to the front of the tower where he found Kilo checking on Castyr. Miren had provided the angel and star with a fresh set of clothes, so with a few tweaks, Devyn was confident the two would be able to get to Earth unnoticed. 

"Here." Devyn handed the duo black face masks to cover their mouth and nose that he had swiped from the security's stash.

"Thank you." Kilo looped the mask over his ears before readjusting his hood.

Castyr looked up at the angel with his cute, smiling eyes. Kilo tugged on Castyr's hood to make sure it was covering as much of his face as it could.

Devyn spotted Miren enter and waved her over. The woman had changed out of her red dress and into a pair of black cargo pants and a black tank top. Holsters were strapped around her thighs and over her shoulders under a green jacket. One would assume the woman was a mafia leader rather than a manager of a club and venue.

"Everyone ready?" Miren greeted.

Devyn turned to face the two. "I'll see you off?"

Kilo nodded in thanks and accepted the human's offer.

"Okay. Follow me." Miren led the three out of the club and into the busy city.

Night had come by the time the party entered the city. Bright, colorful lights decorated the endless buildings, illuminating the entire city. Miren took them to the edge of a small space station. She suddenly stopped in her tracks, however, and held up a fist, her hand slowly moving to a gun. In one quick motion, Miren drew her gun as the party was surrounded by men with shaved heads.

"Dendrum," Miren growled as she looked around.

A lump formed in Devyn's throat as he looked at the dendrum. They were just as fierce in appearance as he had heard. Dendrum were notorious smugglers and murderers. They would capture any living being and sell them as slaves. Demons were their most common customers.

Devyn was quick to catch Kilo reaching his hand to his back to draw his sword and was swift to stop him. The human grasped Kilo's arm firmly, startling the angel. Kilo turned to see Devyn holding his wrist. The human shook his head in warning. "They'll know you're an angel," Devyn said quietly. "I know you can't teleport yet, but you're fast. So, grab Castyr and Miren and get them out of here when I give you a signal."

Kilo nodded in understanding. Devyn let go of the angel's wrist and slowly walked in front of the party.

"Can I help you, gents?" Devyn called to the surrounding men.

"Do you know who you're dealing with?" Miren warned the smugglers in an attempt to support Devyn. The dendrum ignored Miren and took a step forward, their sights on the human male.

A dendrum looked at Devyn and sized him up. He pulled a stun gun and aimed it at Devyn.

"I'll take that as a 'no'!" Devyn whipped out a gun and shot the dendrum square in the chest. "Now, Kilo!" Devyn shouted as he dodged a stun ray.

Kilo immediately raced to Castyr and grabbed the star by his waist. He then grabbed Miren's wrist and dragged the two away from the fight. Miren protested profusely, but Kilo got her out of danger as Devyn asked of him.

Devyn let out a groan as two stun rays hit him in the chest. A third quickly followed and hit his leg, bringing him down on one knee. The human turned his head to look behind him. He let out a mental sigh when he could no longer see the three. He fired at two dendrum who were leaving to chase down the three, earning him two more stuns. By this time, his head was spinning, and his vision was nearly black. His hold around the gun in his hand went limp, and his head hung as he tried to fight the stuns. One more shot to the chest had Devyn collapsing to the ground in a daze.

Please keep them safe, Kilo, Devyn thought as he felt hands grapple his body.

Kilo looked back for a spare moment as he and the others rounded a corner. Devyn was kneeling on one knee, limply holding his gun. He then collapsed to the ground unconscious as he took another stun ray to the chest. Kilo returned his focus to getting Miren and Castyr away from the dendrum as a man dragged Devyn away.

The angel lifted up a short prayer for Devyn's safety as he turned from the human and continued running with Miren and Castyr in tow. 

I owe you, Devyn.