FALLEN STAR | OLD VERSION | BL ✔

CHAPTER 34 | because...i like it

CASTYR'S POV

The sun nears the horizon as I run my fingers through Kilo's dark hair. His head rests in my lap while he lies on the roof. The wind is gentle and caressing. His eyes are closed in deep sleep.

Kilo continues to keep the link off. I miss his constant presence in me, but I do not mind. It cannot be easy to do what he did. I lean down and kiss his forehead, his crinkled brows relaxing with my touch.

Guilt consumes me. I know Kilo did it for me; I hate that he had to go through something like that because of me. He is hurting right now. I know he is. Tears touch my eyes as I look at Kilo. I am the cause of his pain.

"I'm so sorry." My vision becomes blurry, so I lift my head and look at the sun. The sun touches the horizon as a tear escapes my eye. A hand reaches up and wipes the tear away before it falls.

"Why are you crying?" A voice asks softly.

I look down to see Kiko gazing up at me. He sits up as more tears stream down my face. "I'm so sorry, Kilo," I cry.

"What's wrong?" Kilo wraps his arms around me. "Castyr, why are you crying?"

"I don't want you to hurt anymore."

Kilo begins petting the back of my head as I cry. After a few moments, he pulls me away and takes my hand. "You healed me, remember?" Kilo says as he puts my hand on his heart. "And you're constantly healing me. Every time I look at you, the pain in here goes away. So stop those tears, huh?"

I sniffle and look up at Kilo. I nod my head as I see the sincerity in Kilo's expression. Kilo wipes my cheek with his thumb before pulling me into him. I lean my head on his shoulder, and we watch the sun set. The stars soon come out, and Ilios joins us on the roof. We stand and salute our officer.

"Stay safe, Castyr," Ilios says. He does not hesitate before pulling me into an embrace. "I'm proud of you, kid."

His words mean so much. Ilios has been my mentor and brother-like figure these past fifty years. I hug him back before he pulls away. "It's been an honor, Colonel."

Ilios pats my head before turning to Kilo. "We'll meet you up there after the troops come in."

Kilo nods.

"Good luck, lieutenants," Ilios says before stepping back as Kilo spreads his wings.

"You ready?" Kilo looks at me. I nod.

Kilo wraps his arms around me as I hold onto him. His black wings stretch out and beat down in powerful strokes. Wind gushes past as we lift off the roof. Ilios watches us ascend before exiting the roof.

I rest my head in the nook of Kilo's neck as we enter the night sky. I close my eyes and breathe in my angel's musky honey scent as he flies us to the moon. Just as we reach the moon, a bright light engulfs us, and we enter the heavenly realm. A soft wind greets us as we fly between silver-crested clouds.

I relax in Kilo's arms as he flies us through Heaven to Ithyos. My residence glows faintly as we land at its doors. Kilo takes my hand and leads me into the residence. Heaven's moon illuminates the glassed-in, central atrium, casting a cool glow throughout the residence.

"Welcome home," I smile at Kilo as he looks around in wonder.

"It's different than I remember," Kilo comments.

"I thought you never came in," I look up at him.

He side glances at me before answering sheepishly, "I might've come in once or twice while you were....erm...asleep."

"Oh, did you now?" I ask playfully. "I had it updated. But I kept the garden the same."

Kilo nods and continues looking around as I grab his hand. "You can see it tomorrow. Let's go to sleep," I lead Kilo to the part where he has never been: my private quarters.

Moon rays wash the wide room in an ethereal light. Extensive, white curtains billow slowly in the soft breeze. Stone columns support the open, long end of the room parallel to the bed.

"Sorry, there's no guest room. It's usually just me here at night," I say shyly.

"That's good," Kilo says as he walks over to the bed.

"Huh?" My response comes out before I can compose myself. "What's-what's good?"

"Both." Kilo sits on the edge of the bed and gazes at me.

I remain still and blink at Kilo's coolness.

"Why? Do you not feel comfortable with me?" The angel inquires.

"What? No! No, that's not-" I am cut off as Kilo lets out the slightest smirk before grabbing my wrist and spinning me around so I land with my back on the bed.

"Then why are you so shy?" Kilo asks seductively as he lands on top of me, his arms propping him up.

"Well, that's because...because..." I trail off as Kilo looks as me captivatingly and yet, earnestly.

"Hmm? Because of what?" Kilo moves his face closer to mine, his eyes flitting to my lips.

"Because...I like it," I answer breathily. Oof, how cheesy! But it is the truth. I did like it when Kilo said that.

"Like what?" His voice is low and seductive, but a hint of true interest lies beneath the angel's cool gaze. My cheeks glow red as Kilo brushes his lips across my cheek just below my mouth.

"You being...possessive." I cannot believe I just said that!

Kilo cocks an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

I nod slowly, my eyes locked on Kilo's as he hovers over me.

"Then...you like being mine?" I detect a hint of hope in his voice.

"Mmm hmm. Very much."

"Good," Kilo smiles. His eyes flit to mine before he kisses me softly. I close my eyes and enjoy Kilo's lips. After we break away, Kilo runs the tip of his nose on mine cutely before getting off of me.

I lie on my back and look up at the ceiling as Kilo gets the bed ready, still recovering from his gaze. I finally start breathing again as Kilo gets me under the covers. The angel wraps his arms around me as I turn into him. I breathe in his comforting scent and let out a sigh, relaxing in his embrace.

"Thank you for coming back to me," I say sleepily.

Kilo smiles and pets my head. "I'll always come back. Always." He kisses the top of my head and pulls me closer.

I find myself falling asleep almost immediately. The moonlight, billowing curtains, caressing breeze, and the feel of Kilo make this moment perfect. With Kilo's strong arms around me, my thoughts fade into the night.