"You ready?"

"Mm." Castyr gazed up at his angel with a smile and nodded. "Let's go."

Hand in hand, the two exited Castyr's residence and walked to the nearest transfer center where they then teleported to the Division of Defense's headquarters. Drones filmed the two's arrival to the ceremony as Kilo and Castyr emerged from the teleportation center within the headquarters. Castyr looped his hand around Kilo's arm as the star and angel entered the large ballroom where they were promptly escorted to the table where their teammates were gathered.

"Castyr! Kilo! It's good to see you!" Soon-to-be Captain Destil greeted as the star and angel took their seats.

The team exchanged their greetings of 'hello' and 'good to see you' and caught up with one another until the ceremony officially began. Not long before the ceremony started, Colonel Ilios arrived and took his seat at a table near the center situated around the raised, circular platform. Following Ilios came the director of the Division of Defense whose arrival signaled the start of the ceremony.

All the attendees stood and applauded as the director walked up onto the platform and delivered the welcoming speech. As the lights dimmed, Kilo's attention quickly left the director and traveled to the beautiful star beside him. Both Kilo and Castyr would be promoted to the rank of 'captain' during the night's ceremony, and Kilo could hardly look away from the star as Castyr's eyes shined with excitement. Kilo only realized the director had concluded his speech when Castyr and his teammates respectfully stood and clapped as the director exited the stage.

Following the director's speech, Earth's head secretary of defense entered the platform and congratulated those who demonstrated exceptional valor during the fight for the Transport Tower before thanking all those present for their contributions during the war. Kilo, Castyr, and their team remained seated throughout the several speeches that followed until Colonel Ilios was called to the stage and promoted to the rank of 'general'.

A wide smile came to Castyr's lips as he applauded the new general and watched Ilios receive his new rank with awe-filled eyes. Kilo gazed at the excited star with soft eyes as he watched Castyr celebrate Ilios' grand achievement. The evening slowly progressed as numerous generals and officers received awards and recognitions until, finally, Alpha Team was called upon. With Alpha Team being called upon, Ilios re-entered the platform and prepared to present his soldiers their awards.

The six soldiers of Alpha Team walked toward the platform in single-file fashion before standing before their commanding officer in a straight line and saluting the newly appointed general.

"Alpha Team has shown incredible courage and strength in securing Heaven's bridge to Earth. A promotion and Recognition of Valor will be given to each member for his accomplishments," Ilios stated proudly before delivering each of his soldiers their medals and awards. The six members of Alpha Team stood with their heads held high as they each accepted their awards.

With Alpha Team's accomplishments celebrated, the six exited the stage as Beta Team was called forth. "Nice job, Alpha Team," Meradith, leader of Beta Team said to the six as she and her soldiers passed by. Jaemyn, Beta Team's white-haired sniper, nodded at Castyr in short greeting as the two snipers passed each other. Castyr returned Jaemyn's nod, and the two snipers acknowledged each other's efforts during the war.

Kilo felt a buzz transfer from Castyr via the two's link as Alpha Team resumed their seats. Looking over at his star, Kilo was surprised to see Castyr beaming at him. He looked way too excited. While Kilo could understand Castyr's enthusiasm regarding their promotion, he had not expected Castyr to react with such a level of excitement.

What's got you so worked up? Kilo smiled at his star softly as he inquired about Castyr's giddiness through their in-mind link.

Oh, nothing. Castyr was quick to respond. However, after a few moments, when he could not suppress his smile, he added to his answer. Mm...maybe just something.

What? Kilo was now just more confused. But all he got as an explanation was a quirky smile from Castyr before the star quickly returned his attention to the current announcer on the central stage. Castyr was silent for the remainder of the evening, but he did hum in excitement through the link as the ceremony came to an end.

With the announcements and promotions all wrapped up, Alpha Team headed toward the central stage to congratulate Ilios once more. Alpha Team took precedence over the multitude of officers who swarmed toward the newly appointed general, so it was not long before Castyr was standing before his commanding officer.

"Congratulations, General!" Castyr bid with a smile as he and Ilios stood face-to-face. Ilios pulled Castyr in for a short embrace before shaking Kilo's hand and saying to the two, "Thank you, Captains. Congratulations on your promotions, and Kilo, your installment to Alpha Team."

"Thank you, General." Kilo bowed his head respectfully in gratitude. Ilios had pushed for Kilo to be added to Alpha Team upon his reinstatement. Kilo was thankful for Ilios' efforts as they allowed him to serve alongside Castyr.

"Take this time to rest. We appreciate your efforts," was all Ilios could say to Alpha Team as a whole before he was bombarded with congratulations from other officers and reporters.

With their goal met, Alpha Team quickly weaved out of the gathering crowd and bid each other have a good night before going about the remainder of their evening however they deemed best. Most of the team went to an afterparty being held to informally celebrate the victory in Dexys. However, the moment they had properly congratulated Ilios, Castyr took Kilo's hand and led his angel out of the ballroom.

The two did not get far, though, before they stopped in their tracks. The moment they exited the ballroom, Castyr spied reporters stopping their teammates as well as other officers for interviews. Keeping a hold of Kilo's hand, Castyr promptly led his angel through a side door that led them to an adjacent hallway free of reporters. Once out of the grand complex, Castyr practically dragged Kilo to the transfer center where the two teleported to Haiyam, the city below Ithyos, and immediately went to Castyr's residence.

Once inside Ithyos, Castyr called out, "I'll be right back. I'm gonna go change!" as he dashed off to the bedroom.

Kilo watched Castyr run off happily before letting out a breath and sitting on a chair positioned on the outskirts of the covered atrium. The silver lines fell off Kilo's head easily as the angel ran his fingers through his hair, loosening the gelled ends and letting his hair fall back over his forehead. Kilo took off his ceremonial jacket, revealing a plain, white tee beneath, and hung his jacket on the back of the chair. While he waited for his star's return, Kilo leaned into the chair and gazed up at the night sky that shone through the atrium's glass top.

Kilo did not have much time to ponder what had gotten his star so excited because he heard the pitter patter of Castyr's feet after a few, short minutes. Turning to his right, Kilo smiled softly when he saw Castyr walking up to him leisurely. The star's face was freshly washed; his silver hair was down and rested on his forehead. Castyr was dressed in an oversized, light blue sweater. The sweater draped off one of Castyr's shoulders and covered most of the star's body, so Kilo could not tell if he was wearing shorts or not.

Castyr had a twinkle in his eye as he approached his angel slowly. The star caused Kilo to gulp when he straddled the angel's lap upon reaching him. "So...I bet you've been wondering why I've been so hyper today," Castyr said with a smile as he gazed into Kilo's eyes.

"Mm hm," Kilo confirmed with a smile. "What has made my glow stick so excited?" Kilo asked as he placed his hands on Castyr's thighs. His heart thumped in his chest when he felt the heat of Castyr's skin beneath the soft fabric. There were no shorts.

Castyr smiled in reaction to hearing the pet name Kilo had bestowed him all those years ago. "Well, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," Castyr revealed after a moment of gazing into Kilo's eyes intently.

"What's that?" Kilo inquired, his curiosity rising.

"Remember when I asked you to look into my eyes? The time we were on Devyn's ship. I asked what you could see, and you said you could see stars in my eyes." Castyr began as he wrapped his arms around Kilo's neck. Kilo nodded in confirmation as he thought back to when the two were had been rescued by Devyn and were on their way to meet Miren.

"Well...there's something I didn't tell you then." Castyr stoked the back of Kilo's neck with his thumb, sending exciting shivers down the angel's spine. Castyr gazed down at Kilo intently as he revealed, "Only people whom stars mean the most to can see the universe in our eyes."

Kilo smiled sweetly as he realized why Castyr had been so happy to know that Kilo saw stars in his eyes. "What about those who love the star?" Kilo added his own inquiry when he caught Castyr's drift.

Castyr's face lit up, and a faint glow surrounded him. "I think that counts," he smiled before adding, "There's another thing I didn't mention."

"Oh?" Kilo raised a brow to show his curiosity. Castyr's voice was low and soft as he said, "Stars only reveal the universe in their eyes to the person they love."

Kilo's heart raced in his chest. As much as he tried to stay calm, he could not hide the joy that filled him. Kilo melted as he gazed into Castyr's star-filled eyes, his heart thumping loudly as Castyr leaned toward him and kissed his lips. It was the softest but shortest kiss, and it left Kilo wanting more, so much more.

"I love you, Kilo," Castyr confessed as he pulled away slightly and locked gaze with his guardian angel.

Kilo could not have been happier. Castyr's voice was like a melody of only Kilo knew the words and rhythm. This was, without a doubt, the happiest moment of Kilo's existence. The angel could hardly contain his joy as he smiled gently and returned, "I love you, Castyr."

Following the star and angel's confessions, Kilo placed his hand beneath the star's chin and kissed Castyr's soft lips. Castyr was quick to return the kiss, his glow brightening as the two entrapped the other with their love. As Kilo stole Castyr's breath, he wrapped his arms around his star and lifted Castyr as he stood to his feet. Feeling himself grow weightless, Castyr straddled Kilo's waist as the angel walked toward the bedroom.

Castyr was absolutely radiant as Kilo gently laid him down. The angel gave his star a deep kiss before leaning back onto his knees. Castyr followed Kilo's movement and sat up beneath the angel as Kilo removed his shirt. Castyr slid his hand up Kilo's chest nearly the moment the fabric was removed from the scene, and he cradled Kilo's neck before going in for a light kiss while Kilo slipped his hands beneath the star's soft sweater. Kilo could sense the tingles that raced down Castyr's back in response to his touch, a small smile of sweet satisfaction touching the angel's lips as he realized that Castyr craved his touch just as much as he longed for the star's.

The two broke away long enough for Kilo to slip Castyr's shirt over the star's head only for their lips to meet again and interlock passionately but a second later. Castyr's heart raced in his chest as he felt Kilo's hot hand explore his bare body, and he involuntarily released a quiet moan in reaction to the angel's hand on his skin. A flame of passion sparked within Kilo as Castyr moaned into his kiss, and he pulled the star away for just long enough to catch his breath before cradling the back of Castyr's neck and gifting kisses to his love's collarbone, neck, and chest.

Once Castyr had been properly patterned by Kilo's lips, the angel set his palm on Castyr's shoulder and gently pressed his star down onto the bed. Kilo then leaned down over Castyr and stared into his sky-dark eyes, letting Castyr's star-filled gaze engulf his senses. Castyr smiled up at his angel when he saw the ardent love that filled Kilo's purple orbs. Slipping his hands into Kilo's dark hair, Castyr pulled his angel close to him, so their bodies were skin to skin. Kilo returned Castyr's bright smile as he leaned in for a kiss, and a beautiful light filled the room as the angel and star became enveloped in each other's embrace.