X • Chris' POV • X

Angelo walked back inside, just as Ricky came out. This was the first time I was seeing Ricky tonight. Of course I saw him at dinner, but I meant, up close and personal. He looked absolutely breathtaking. I could see Heaven in his beautiful eyes. And that Heaven, I've dared betrayed and beaten so many times.

I turned my back to him and looked out over the balcony. The waterline of the lake below thrashed lightly against the shore. Above, the stars were bright, but not as beautiful as my angel. He found his place next to me, leaning over the balcony as I did.

"Did you, uh, hear any of that?" I asked, fearing the answer.

Ricky looked up at me. He thought for a moment, then replied, "Yeah, I did. I'm still not fully sure how to feel about it, but I'm fine as long as you are."

"Fine with what, exactly?"

"Us, having a baby. Out of wedlock, nonetheless. And, we couldn't be more different species. An angel and a vampire... I can understand why it'd be hard on you and your reputation."

I shook my head. "Oh fuck my reputation." Wrapping my arm around his waist, I pulled him closer. "I don't care what anyone, even the courts, have to say. I love you, and that's all that matters to me. I owe you an apology, a million apologies actually. I'm sorry for controlling you so much, for hurting you and turning you into a slave sex doll. I'm sorry for cheating on you. I'm sorry, I'm just sorry for being such an ungrateful fuck."

He grabbed my hand, intertwining out fingers. "It's okay, Chris. I accept your apology, because I know how you can get sometimes. I understand. And, I didn't mind the controlling part, as long as it's in modesty. It's kind of sexy."

I laughed and pulled him against my body. I kissed my sweet angel, smiling as we parted. Then my smile lessened as I returned to another thought. "You aren't mad about everything with Angelo?"

"The cheating part, I understand, even if it hurt. You hadn't seen him in five years and I know you still love him." He replied. "Having another child with him... I'm still not sure how I feel about that. I'll... Let you know. We'll work it out."

"We always work out the kinks, don't we? Not everything will always be perfect, but I can promise, you are. You're my perfect little angel." I said. "I love you, Ricky."

"I love you, too, Chris." Ricky whispered as we leaned in for a kiss.

His lips were so soft. Everything he did, made me happy. I still am kicking myself for everything I've done. I don't know what was wrong with my recently. My head had just been spinning, but I can promise from here on out, I will try to be the best I can for Ricky, for Angelo, for everyone.

I've let my anger get the best of me over these past few years. It's caused me to hurt the ones I love. I didn't have to make the ones I love feel so alone. Now, it's my redeeming time. I love Ricky more than anything in this world and I will do anything for him.

I took his hand in mine, looking deep into his crystal eyes. "May I have this dance, Beautiful?"

Ricky blushed, smiling. "I'd love to."

I lead him back inside, onto the ballroom floor. People stared, but did I care? Fuck no. I'm done caring about everyone around me. I held my angel close as I danced with him, to the tune of 3 Doors Down's "Heaven" playing appropriately. "I didn't have to die to go to Heaven, to find my angel. But I didn't have to lie to myself for so long. I just had to go home."

X • Ryan's POV • X

There was a very settling feeling to see Chris and Ricky together again. They belonged together. It was obvious, in how perfect they looked with one another. Both were so happy, so content. It reminded me of the way Allie and I were.

Might I say, she looked absolutely stunning tonight. I was proud to show her off, and if I had my choice, I would dance with her all night. She wanted to go socialize a while, see some old friends. I understood and let her go. I needed to be proper and greet some guests as well. It has been a long time since the coven threw any kind of celebration, but that doesn't mean I can lose my manors.

I stayed short with most people, as I barely knew half the creatures here. I was taken back, in a good way, to see Gerard and Frank here. They rarely leave their palace. We don't tend to leave the mansion too much, so I guess I can't complain.

"Thanks for coming." I said to them both. "We always send the invites, out of respect, but we never really expect you to come." I chuckled.

"Well we're always busy managing the world and all." Gerard sassed, then cracked a smile. "Angelo is one of our most trusted oracles. Plus, we thought it'd be nice to get out."

"Sorry that Ray and Mikey couldn't make it. Someone has to hold down the fort and watch Bandit, and that little troublemaker of Angelo's." Frank added, just as Ange walked up.

"Hey, my little girl is an angel." He replied. "Just be thankful she doesn't have her fangs yet."

"Speaking of you and kids-" Gerard began, but soon was cut off by Angelo.

"Let's talk about that another time, in private." Ange said as he gave a burning look to Gerard.

He rolled his eyes. "Well they're going to find out eventually."

Ange grit his teeth. "But not now."

I raised my eyebrow, looking between them both. "Am I missing something here?"

"We'll talk about it another time." Angelo was quick to say, then changed the subject. "I'm sure you have other guests to greet."

"Well I'm not the guest of honor so I don't have to-" I sighed when I saw the frustration on his face. "I'm going to go say hello to Vic and Kellin."

"Thank you."

What the fuck was going on with him? He's been so aloof and now, he freaks when someone brings up children? I guess he could be pregnant, but he told me he was done having kids. Unless, it was an accident... But, with who? Him and Chris decided it best not to be together. This is just a guess on my part. A stupid guess that I'm sure isn't right.

I didn't want to see an angel at all, other than Ricky. After what they did to him, they're considered anything but graceful in my eyes. I can't believe they were even invited. I guess it would be rude to invite all the other creature leaders and not them. Still, why'd they have to show? They made it pretty obvious they don't like Ricky.

Walking up to Vic and Kellin, I caught their attention pretty fast. Let's just get this over will. "Thank you both for coming." I faked a smile.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Vic replied happily. Need I add, politely. He was always the nicer of the two.

Kellin looked past me, to the ballroom floor. "I see Chris and Ricky are still together." Want to be a little more forward there? For fuck's sake.

I glanced back at the two still dancing together and enjoying one another's company. A smile was present on my face when I returned my sights to him. "Gerard and the other guardians made an acceptation."

He narrowed his eyes. "Just because he's the leader of the vampire world and has high regards for his status, it doesn't mean he's above the law."

"Love is always above the law." I snit. "If you want to talk about above the law, let me remind you that the guardians so far have let it slip by that you alienated one of your own kind."

He groaned, but backed up from me. Kelvin stayed silent, and cold. Vic grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear. I assume, telling him to calm the fuck down and stop being an asshole.

Ricky and Chris are happy together. That's all I could ever ask. They both deserve true happiness, and I don't care what anyone has to say. Everyone has an opinion, but not every's word matters.