Brightest Dawn - 1. Brightest Dawn

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Supernova, a massive star in the latter stages of stellar evolution that suddenly contracts and then explodes, increasing its energy outputs as much as a billionfold.

 

 

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"The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path.” – Jim Rohn

 

    
  

 

When Killian was six he wanted to enlist in the army. The Canadian Army. After informing his father of this future goal the man laughed and wheezed out:

“Son, stop joking around. Canada? They still have ties to Britain, and they have the US as an umbrella. Their army is like what, three Mounties and a wolf.”

Needless to say Killian was forced to rethink all future life choices.

His next dream for a future career came during the second grade. He fell off the swing and landed on his face, skinning his left cheek pretty raw. Which was like, two kinds of awesome, at least at the time. Lee Kino, his best friend, had placed a delicate kiss where it hurt, because that’s what his mamma said makes an owie go away. Thus, Lee became Killian’s very first kiss.

A kiss which made Killian see stars.

It wasn’t until years later he understood what that meant. Then, his conclusion was simple. Stars gave him a warm feeling that he wanted to feel forever. So he wanted to be a star.

People constantly told Kilian he was good looking. His hair was blond but had hints of red. Strawberry blond he often heard adults cooing over his head, while patting said hair, like he was a puppy. In the spring when the grass was at its healthiest, he often thought his eyes were the same color. He quite liked that.

In Killian’s mind it made perfect sense, people liked to look at him so why not do something that made him stand out like the morning star.

He would be a model.

***

A month into grade five, Killian was standing in a grassy field surrounded by crew of adults. There were cameras aimed at a fence post and a couple of kids his age milled about. He craned his head around, grimacing at another boy being fussed over by a makeup girl. Oh, gosh, was she putting lipstick on his lips?

“Mom,” Killian whined. “I changed my mind. I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Elaine Morris was a household name with a clothing line gracing over a thousand stores. She was internationally known for her edgy and ahead of her time fashion. Her dark hair cast a shadow over her face as she leaned down to straighten the color of Killian’s polo.

“I thought this is what you wanted, sweetheart,” she murmured, making it impossible for others nearby to hear.

Killian stuck out his lower lip. “I did, but I’m tired and I just want to go home. I don’t like this.”

“Stop pouting before you embarrass me.” Elaine smiled once his sulking stopping. “Now that’s a good boy. You wanted this so you’re going to do it. A lot of money went into this shoot, so stop acting like a brat and get with the program.”

He nodded automatically, dark emotions kicking around in his stomach like lead weight. He felt sick. Elaine placed a chaste kiss against his forehead and then pushed him toward an exit when a PA came out of nowhere. Killian didn’t know exactly what their job was, but one whispered that they were “kinda like slaves” when he asked. He thought it was supposed to be joke. He hoped. The girl had gone into a rant about internships that went completely over his head.

Killian found a secluded spot under a tree. He made himself small under the shaded branches, hoping that maybe he could hide away until it was time to go. He pulled his cell phone out of his corduroys and pressed two on speed dial.

“Stienchard, Peterson, and Morris,” said a pleasant female voice. “How may I help you?”

He licked his lips and said, “It’s Killian Morris.”

It was all he needed to say to the admin. He was put through immediately.

“Simon Morris,” greeted his father’s deep voice without preamble.

Killian clutched the phone tightly. “Dad, it’s me.”

“Son, is this an emergency?” Simon asked immediately.

“Well no.” Killian debated on lying but decided against it. That would just get him in trouble.

His father sighed. “Killian, I told you to call me at work only if there was a real emergency. I didn’t get you that phone to play with.”

“I know, Dad. But I-”

“No,” Simon interjected, cutting him off. “I’m really swamped right now. Whatever it is, tell me later. Bye.”

The phone went dead before he could return the goodbye. He stared at the phone, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth. His dad had sounded really annoyed. Was that Killian’s fault or maybe he was having a bad day at work? He hadn’t meant to make him mad. Killian slipped the phone in his pocket when a shadow loomed over him.

Elaine smiled down at him. “There you are. What are you doing all the way over here? Breaks almost over, kiddo. Time to get back to work.”

Work right. That’s what this was now. He put on a bright sunny smile and nodded before following after her. He straightened his shoulders and made the smile reach his eyes. She wanted him to get with the program. Fine.

He would fake it until he made it. Then he would show them both that he was more than they wanted of him. He was a star and he would shine brighter than the sun.

***

Growing up it was easy to see his parents weren’t like others. There were no hugs before school, bedtime stories, playground visits, or much affection really. They weren’t cold just reserved.

So Killian’s version of acting out was a bit different from the norm. His mom wanted a face for her clothing line and his dad wanted a perfect son. Killian just wanted to play guitar.

It had the effect of making his mother frown in disapproval. She would rather he played piano, something that looked good on a resume. It irritated his father to no end, since he had to come home to endless guitar strumming.

His uncle thought the guitar would help him pick up chicks.

Killian picked up his guitar instructor instead.

The instructor was a boy of sixteen with black hair and deep brown eyes. He was Columbian and his accent made Killian drool. His name was Alex and he drove a blue Cobra with white racing stripes. It had leather seats and a V6 engine that purred like a panther when it was revved. Killian still had dreams about that car.

Honestly, Killian didn’t learn much about the guitar. He learned how to kiss for five minutes without breaking for air and how to jerk a guy off. That came during the first lesson.

The first time they had actual sex was magical. Or at least it seemed like magic at the time. Alex drove them out of the city to a cliff that overlooked a sparkling blue lake. The stars were out and it was perfect. His virginity was lost in screams of pleasure and sweat. It hurt a lot, but Alex talked him through it until the experience transcended the burning pain.

The next day he found himself walking over to the house three doors down. Alex lived there with his parents and they let him teach guitar out of their pool house.

Killian grinned a little goofily as the cleaning lady showed him to the back. He felt a little funny. His stomach was doing flips and he kept wiping his sweaty palms against his jeans. He was going to tell Alex he loved him.

How was going to take it? Killian kept imagining the scenario in his mind, playing it out, over and over.

He knocked on the door of the pool house and rocked back on the balls of his heels as he waited. Finally the door opened and a pretty Asian girl answered. She wore a dark shirt that went all the way to the knees and nothing else. It looked obviously borrowed.

Killian stared at her trying to understand. “Uh, hi.”

She looked down at him, a tiny smile on her face. “Hey.”

He wasn’t sure what the weird feeling in his chest was. He absently rubbed at his heart that was doing this odd tightening sensation. He mumbled a question about Alex and the boy appeared in her spot a moment later, minus a shirt.

Killian blinked at bare chest and dragged his eyes up to Alex’s ever-present carefree grin. “Hey, Killian. Sorry, dude. No lesson today. I’m kind of busy as you can see.”

He rubbed harder at his chest, trying to form a sentence. “Sorry. I-I thought-”

“Oh.” Alex’s eyes widened with realization. What he was realizing, Killian wasn’t sure. “Shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mess with your head, Killer.”

Killian frowned. “Don’t call me that.”

“Look, I was just fooling around,” Alex admitted, rubbing the back of his head. “Christ, you’re only thirteen. I wasn’t serious. You didn’t think we were...”

“I didn’t,” Killian blurted out, flushing to his roots. “I’m not even gay.”

Alex smiled hugely. “Me either. Look I gotta go. No hard feelings.”

“Yeah, sure,” Killian said.

Killian smiled his patented smile, making it a little amused and blasé. He refused to turn into a pile of bawling mush so he smiled away his embarrassment. He walked home with his shoulders tense and hard eyes. He wasn’t gay. Not now. Not ever. He couldn’t be.

So began operation: GET A GIRLFRIEND.

***

Killian’s first kiss with a girl wasn’t spectacular. In fact it was a disaster. He got mono. He was out of school for over a month.

When he returned he told everyone he had been overseas in Europe modeling. No one saw through the lie. If anything he became even more popular.

The lie altered his school life.

The story made its way back to parents and with his face plastered all over his mother’s boutiques helped what came next. Parents made phone calls to employers and friends, and suddenly job offers were flooding in. His mother’s assistants spent hours emailing headshots. He began booking jobs like he was actually a big deal. Elaine was happier than Killian had seen her in a long time, since it had the unforeseen benefit of providing more clientele for her line. Killian being successful was an afterthought.

People flocked to him at school. He scored his first girlfriend without even trying. It was ridiculously easy how with only a smile he could charm someone. Killian developed certain habits that made gazes linger.

He would stretch up too far, making his shirt rise up to expose bare tanned flesh. His smile became tilted, a teasing grin more than anything. He liked to think of these as his bag of tricks. It gave him the perfect opportunity to divert attention when someone tried to really talk to him, get to know him, or it helped gain favor when he wanted something.

By the time Killian’s family moved from LA to Centennial near the end of grade seven, he had four girlfriends under his belt.

Tracy Dashunel, Liz McFarlane, Rain Henderson, and Sammie Younts. They were all what he was expected to like. Popular, pretty, and preppy. The three P’s. He kissed all of them, but none of them made him see stars.

He thought maybe he was having a string of bad luck. He rejected the thought about what it could really mean.

Killian stood in front of the class with his teasing grin and hands in his pockets as he introduced himself, per the teacher’s request. The class watched him with various expressions - girls with open admiration and the boys with curious, some envious expressions.

“Thank you, Killian,” Mr. McKnight said. “You can go have a seat near the window.”

He walked with a practiced stride that his mother honed into him with hours of fierce instruction. Killian took an empty seat in the back and then frowned when the teacher began lecturing from a textbook, one he wasn’t assigned yet.

“Here you can share mine.” The voice was pitched low so not to carry over the teacher’s heavy drone.

Killian turned and looked into the brightest pairs of eyes he’s ever seen. They’re blue like sapphires his mom wore for dad’s company dinners. His blond hair was cut short and styled into soft spikes. Bow shaped lips quirked up and Killian realized that he hadn’t answered. Hell, he forgot to breathe for a moment. An angel was smiling at him.

“Uh, thanks.” He wondered if he sounded as awkward as he felt.

The boy smiled and then whispered, “I’m Chad Summers.” His smile turned mischievous. “Welcome to Hell.”

“Thank you.” He laughed openly, honestly, for the first time he could remember in a long time. “I’m Killian Morris.”

Mr. McKnight cleared his throat and stared at them. Chad smothered a grin but Killian could see those impossibly blue eyes twinkling. Killian tried but he couldn’t stomp the faint grin lingering on his face.

Maybe Centennial wouldn’t be so bad after all.

***

Jayce Morris was the younger brother of Simon Morris, and Killian’s only uncle. Even if that wasn’t the case Jayce still would’ve been Killian’s favorite. He was more like a brother than anything and he treated Killian like he mattered.

Killian jumped into his uncle’s arms when the man stepped into his bedroom. Auburn hair framed a laughing face as the man spun Killian around like he weighed nothing.

“So I heard you just turned fourteen,” Jayce said.

Killian punched him in the arm, mirroring his grin. “I got the new game you sent. It was awesome.”

“I hear it gives kids seizures. So it sounded perfect. Now where’s my uptight brother and his ice queen?”

Killian rolled his eyes. There was no love lost between any of them. He just smiled and put up with it. Like he always did. It’s not like he ever had a choice.

“Work,” Killian replied. “I can’t believe you drove here all the way from Malibu.”

Jayce shrugged. “It was only about two hours. No big.”

Killian gestured to his bed. “Sit down. Tell me all about this new movie you’re going to be in.”

Jayce was a Hollywood actor. He wasn’t A list or anything, but he had been in quite a few films. He was starring in a moving coming out at the end of the year. It was his biggest role yet.

He shrugged. “I play a detective who’s trying to solve his wife’s murder case. It’s going to be an awesome action flick.”

“That’s pretty cool.” Killian was glad that his uncle’s career was finally taking off. He deserved it.

The older man smiled at him, tugging on his arm to bring him on the bed next to him. “Now tell me about the new school. How’s the move been?”

Killian winced. “Dad’s been spending more time at work. I think his not being around a lot is starting to get to Mom.”

“Feelings and Elaine don’t go together, nephew,” Jayce said. “You making any friends? With your killer looks—”

Killian’s face lit up and he rattled off, “School’s great. I met this boy named Chad and he introduced me to his group of friends. They’re cool. There’s Kim and Ashley, both are cheerleaders. Then, there’s Liam and Matt. Kevin and Chad are my favorites. They’re the funniest guys you’ll ever meet.”

Jayce’s grin turned teasing. “You sound like you really like them.”

He would be a fool to miss the innuendo in that statement.

Killian’s face closed off instantly. “Stop it.”

A sigh left Jayce but Killian refused to look at him. He glared at the carpet, tensing when a strong arm slid behind his back and across his shoulder to pull him tight. His pressed his face into his uncle’s broad shoulder.

“Sorry, Killer,” Jayce murmured . “I know everything’s not so great for you, but if you ever want to talk—”

Killian’s fist clenched. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Jayce exhaled again. “Fine. Whenever you’re ready, nephew, I’ll be here. Just know you can’t bottle up what you’re feeling forever. Anyone who really knows you can tell.”

Killian’s stared at his uncle feeling shame and red hot guilt touch his heart and squeeze it tight.

“Tell what?”

Jayce shook his head, smiling sadly. “Nothing, Killian. Absolutely nothing.”

“Sorry, Uncle Jayce.” Killian fought off the sob, struggling for contol. “I’m sorry.”

“I know, Killian.” Jayce gently rocked his nephew. “Everything will be okay.”

Killian closed his eyes and believed every word of it. It had to get better. One day he would find a girl and together they would shine. They would be soul mates. He couldn’t be that way. That wasn’t him.

***

At school everyone knew his name. It was like he was teen royalty. Kevin was quickly becoming one of his best friends. With his extrovert personality and humor, there was no way anyone could not like him. Chad was amazing. Killian had never met anyone like him, and sometimes Killian found himself staring too long or standing a little too close.

The time flew by and a year passed and the friends he managed to gather were really in fact, his. It was amazing.

Chad slung an arm over his shoulder as the last school bell rang. “Hey, we’re all about to head up to the theater to catch a movie. You game?” He leaned in close, looking decidedly giddy. “I conned Kevin into buying me popcorn. If you sit next to me I’ll share.”

Killian’s mouth went dry. Honestly, he would have agreed to anything with those sinful blue eyes and perfect lips so close to his face. He shook his head, cursing his thoughts and took a step back.

His fake smile was a bit warmer than usual as he replied, “Sure, sounds like fun.”

The theater was dark and empty when their group made their way to their seats. It was barely four o’clock so it was nowhere near business peak. They piled into the back row, taking up half the seats with their group. True to his word, Kevin bought Chad popcorn and the boy immediately offered Killian some.

Killian waved off the overflowing bucket. “No thanks.”

Chad smirked. “Watching your figure, huh? You’re missing out.”

There was a gradual increase in sound and the screen went black, signaling the beginning of the previews. A movie trailer flashed across the screen of a romantic comedy that looked incredibly dull and cheesy. Killian figured it would be out to DVD in no time.

Something bumped against Killian’s knee. He jumped and made a surprised noise, jerking in his seat. Killian sat next to Chad then Kevin with everyone else sitting down the row to his right.

“Sorry, Killian,” Chad said. He sounded hurt. “It was an accident.”

Killian looked over and found the knee being pulled away. Killian stared at the boy who slinked down in his chair, acting a little off. He shook away the oddity and focused on the screen.

Or at least tried to focus. He was too busy watching Chad out of his peripheral vision, wondering what was up with the other boy. Eventually he zoned out so caught up in his musing.

Without realizing, he reached over and slid his hand into the bucket of popcorn resting in Chad’s lap. He must have pressed down harder than necessary because the blond boy let out a tiny gasp when Killian retrieved a handful of popcorn.

“What the-” Chad muttered. “You said you didn’t want any!”

Killian shrugged with one shoulder. “I changed my mind.”

“You can’t change your mind,” Chad argued in a hissing whisper. “That’s theft. You’re like, stealing, and that’s totally uncool.”

Killian found himself smiling at the pout on Chad’s face. “But it’s so good.”

“You better savor those kernels. That’ll cost you next time.”

He didn’t know what came over him. Killian’s smile twisted all wrong. It felt too secretive, suggestive. It was his charming grin only times a thousand.

“Don’t worry,” he found himself saying, low and husky. It was like his body had a mind of his own. “I know how to savor.”

Blue eyes blinked in a flutter of lashes. Chad’s mouth parted just a bit. An imperceptible look of confusion and something else touched Chad’s face, as he stared dumbly at Killian.

Killian came back to his senses just as an explosion on screen thundered across the surround sound, making everyone jump. He slumped in his seat breathing deeply as humiliation washed over him. Oh fuck, could he have been any creepier. What was wrong with him? He was such a loser.

A familiar voice caught his attention and Killian stared at the screen, focusing on the movie for the first time with his full interest. An excited grin crossed his face as his Uncle Jayce’s face appeared on screen. This was the film he told Killian about months ago. He hadn’t even noticed until now what movie they were watching.

“This clown is horrible,” Chad groaned, catching his attention. “I want a refund.”

Clown where? Killian frowned at the screen wondering if he missed something. Chad groaned again followed by a sharp laugh as he pointed at the screen.

“Is that supposed to be his confused face?” Chad laughed and his voice was thick with disbelief. “He looks like he’s trying to divide two hundred by thirteen.”

Killian was frozen as their friends erupted into giggles. His uncle was on screen holding a bloody knife. He frowned at the movie than back at Chad who made another joke that sent their entire row into jeering laughter.

Irritation and dark anger roared through Kilian. It didn’t begin slowly or simmer. Righteous fury unleashed like an explosion. The only adult in his life who gave a damn was no one’s joke of the day.

“This movie and actor is just awful.” Chad rolled his eyes. “I feel like someone has a pillowcase full of bars of soap and they’re beating the shit out of me.”

That was it. Kilian lost it. “How about you just shut the fuck up for a minute and actually give the movie a chance.”

The entire row went quiet.

Chad turned toward him, eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment. “You want to run that by me one more time.”

An irritated sigh left Killian. “You heard me. Now shut the hell up. Some of us actually like the movie. And for the record that’s my uncle you’re making fun of.”

“Guys,” Kevin’s voice broke the mounting tension.

Chad shook Kevin’s hand from his shoulder. “No, Kevin. He wants to be a hard ass so let him hear this.” Blue eyes narrowed dangerously. “Your uncle is a no talent actor who really needs a refresher course in the fundamentals of life.”

Kevin shot up in his seat. His vision was red. He had never been so angry in his life. He was shaking with it. Chad rose up and met him glare for glare.

“Take it back!” Killian shoved Chad so hard he rocked back into his chair. “You fifth grade-haircut-having fuck.”

Chad’s lips turned into a harsh frown. “You really just wrote this fucking check, motherfucker!”

His fist came out of nowhere. White flashes exploded behind Killian’s eyelids as pain flared through his skull. He fell half over the chair in front of their row. The pain in his eye was a dull ache as he surged forward, roaring like the Hulk.

Killian screamed his rage as hands appeared, restraining him to the spot. Liam and Matt appeared at his side even as Kevin, along with Kim and Ashley held Chad back.

“Let me go!” Killian yelled, anger making his voice frighteningly deep.

Chad struggled against Kevin’s grip. “Let the puppy go, guys. He’s a man so let’s see him fight like one.”

“Stop talking and let’s do this,” Killian spat.

Kevin pulled Chad back with surprising strength. “Shut up and let’s go before we get kicked out of here.”

***

Killian sat in his room going over his homework. He stared out the window and sighed. He was grounded for a month. His parents hadn’t taken the news of his fighting lightly. His father hadn’t really cared, but his mother glared at his black eye as if it were curse on his soul. He ended up losing out on the Hilfiger campaign he signed on for. Even with makeup and digital editing his eye was too much of a write off

“Knock, knock,” Kevin said, easing open the door. “Can I come in?”

Killian raised an eyebrow, hiding his surprise. “Looks like you’re already in.”

“Hope you don’t mind. The butler let me in.” Kevin leaned against the dresser. He studied Killian’s black eye and whistled. “Damn. Chad got you good.”

Killian’s stare turned fifty degrees colder. “If you’re here to finish what your friend started or to make fun of me, then get out.”

Kevin threw his hands up. “Whoa, whoa,” he backtracked, sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to sound like a dick. I’m sorry you guys got into it.”

Killian shrugged. “Whatever. Why are you here?”

“You haven’t been to school in three days and I was worried about you.”

The surprise did show on his face this time. “Why? Aren’t you taking your Chad’s side?”

Kevin rolled his eyes. “There aren’t any sides to take. This is between you two.” He moved to sit down on the bed next to Killian. “You’re my friend too. I don’t have a lot of really close friends. I prefer to keep the ones I have close.”

“Even if your best friend doesn’t approve?” he asked bitterly.

“I love him.” Kevin half smiled. “Don’t get me wrong. Chad might as well be my brother with how long I’ve known him, but his decisions aren’t mine. Plus, I think it must really suck.”

Killian frowned. He didn’t know what to make of that statement. “What must suck?”

Kevin gifted him with a sympathetic smile. “I know you like him. Or at least used to.”

Panic and embarrassment flashed across his face before he closed it off. He stared at Kevin, trying his hardest to make his voice as neutral as his expression.

“What do you mean?”

Kevin’s placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I see the way you would look at him sometimes.” Killian opened his mouth to deny it, but Kevin held up his hand. “Don’t worry. He’s never noticed. I’m just more perceptive than I look.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Killian shook his head. His expression was puzzled and a little amused. “I’m not gay or anything.”

Kevin’s lips quirked the tiniest bit at the edges as he patted Killian’s hand. “Right. My mistake.” He turned serious. “Like I said, we’re still friends. If you ever decide to come back to school you’ll see that we all still like you.”

“Except Chad.”

Kevin winced. “Yeah, you might want to give him some time.”

“I don’t think I can forgive him.”

“I hope you guys work it out” Kevin was smiling easily now. His eyes strayed past Killian until they landed on his soccer ball. “You play?”

“Yeah. Do you?”

Kevin smiled like a shark. “I’m trying to make the school team next year. This is great. We can practice and do tryouts together!”

A bark of laughter erupted from Killian before he could stop it. “I didn’t even say I wanted to be on the team!”

Kevin frowned, looking at him like he was brand new. “But you play... why wouldn’t you want to be on the team. It’s soccer! Please, pretty please. No one else plays, which is like insane. Come on!”

“Alright,” Killian laughed, waving his hands to stop the building rant. “I surrender.”

And he did.

He might have lost a friend but gained a true friendship in return.

***

When Killian was sixteen this is how his life changed:

School was going great. He made the JV soccer team again for the second time and his AP classes were interesting. Thankfully with so much school work his mother decided he should tone done on modeling. It was the best news he had gotten all year. Funny how that once bright dream had turned into a nightmare.

Killian turned a page in his binder and jotted down the pieces of his dream that he could still remember. Light. Piercing eyes. And a hand reaching through the fog. That was the third time in a row. Something was going to happen. All his senses practically vibrated with anticipation. He could feel it. Someone was coming for him. He didn’t know how he knew, but he had never been so sure of anything.

He snapped his binder closed and stuffed it in the bottom of his bag. Normally he wrote in a journal kept on his laptop but he really needed to write. He did that sometimes. Whenever the urge sprung he would write. It was a habit that scored him constant A’s in English Lit over the years.

The courtyard, where everyone at lunch on nice days, was filled even this early into the lunch hour. Killian paid for a pizza and took his usual seat at the table on the upper level of the courtyard. He saved seats and grinned as the table filled up with his friends arriving in pairs.

Killian greeted Kevin with a smile and high five. As usual, Chad was at his side. Involuntarily both boys grimaced as they met eyes. Killian’s smile became forced as he delivered a stilted greeting to his one-time friend.

Killian made appropriate replies where he should, although his thoughts were the furthest from the discussion. He was thinking about his dream and the warm light hovering just behind his vision. Killian tuned back in when the others began talking about Matt’s upcoming football game.

"If anyone needs a ride I'm offering," Chad said before taking a bite of meatloaf.

Killian made a sound in his throat without meaning to and muttered, "I would rather die."

Chad’s jaw clenched. "Please do."

"You first," Killian shot back, a deadly glare aimed across the table.

A sweet smile suddenly spread across Chad’s face. "Sure. I'll save you a place in hell so you can sit with your no acting ass uncle."

Oh, that stung. Killian hid the hurt before it had a chance to show. He refused to let the boy know that he had gotten to him.

"Oh my, God," Kevin snapped, looking back and forth between them disgusted. "Will you two shut up. Now reign in your inner Taylor Swift and Katy Perry."

Killian's eyes were full of promise. "One day it's going to be just you and me, asshole."

"Bring it, bitch."

Everyone held their breath. Killian was two seconds away from exploding. Kevin slammed his hand down on the table and there was silence. His frustration expression went a touch cold as he stared Killian down like a mother bear. Killian sighed. Kevin didn’t interfere often, but when Killian threatened Chad in any way, Kevin was there to let him know when enough was enough.

"If you fight Chad you fight me, Killian," Kevin said in a clipped tone. "So don't write checks with your mouth that your ass can’t cash."

Killian rolled his eyes and muttered, “Whatever. He’s a moron anyway.”

The table came alive again as the silence gradually filled. It wouldn’t be the last time Killian and Chad had words. They headbutted over the years so often that people were desensitized to it. Killian didn’t let it bother him. He firmly believed Chad was borderline mentally ill. Any friendship that existed between them died that day in the movie theater.

The humor Killian once thought Chad possessed now he reasoned was a result of hyperactiveness, and the random comments he was dead certain were due to ADD. Why Chad’s mother never had him diagnosed... well, Killian was still formulating a working hypothesis.

“Ryan!” Chad screamed abruptly, halting all conversation.

They turned to the boy Chad was flagging down. He was sitting at a table all by himself eating cafeteria meatloaf. He must have a death wish. He stopped in mid-bite, eyes widening as Chad screeched his name again.

Ryan’s hair covered his ears and sweeping bangs lay across his forehead in a messy style. His black hair was a stark contrast to his creamy pale skin. Bright gray eyes were covered by a pair of thin glasses that went with his overall look of light chinos, a white shirt with a denim jacket and Converse. Killian took a great gasp of air. Shit. He hadn’t even been breathing.

“Ryan, over here,” Chad called, spotting Ryan’s timid smile and unsure expression.

Ryan finally took the hint that Chad was giving him, and managed a small nod before he picked up his tray and made his way across the courtyard to their table. Kevin looked down at Killian’s hands and then did he realize that he was clenching the table so tight his knuckles were white. Easing his grip Killian let out a deep breath feeling his heartbeat return to normal, even as his stomach was overcome by an annoying fluttering sensation.

Killian shook himself and said the exact opposite of what he was feeling, “Chad, have you lost your mind? We can't have him sit with us. It will be social suicide."

Kim made a face at him. "Sometimes you’re just so dramatic, Killian."

She turned to Chad, throwing back her long hair. "What he meant was Chad, what's with the outreach program? Since when do you know this kid."

"We met him yesterday at Barnes & Noble." Kevin shot a puzzled frown at Chad also, but as always rushed to his friend’s rescue without prompting.

Sometimes he envied that friendship, that history that existed between them that was unbreakable.

Ashley gasped. "You guys were there at the attack?"

Killian frowned. He’d heard about that. Something about a terrorist attack close by. It didn’t make much sense to him since there was nothing important in Centennial and the target was a bookstore. But when did terrorism have to have a sane reasoning behind it.

"We'll tell you about it,” Chad said

Matt fixed Killian with a hard look when Ryan neared the table. Killian arched an eyebrow. Even though the jock had muscle on top of muscle, he was like a giant teddy bear with his curly hair and doe brown eyes.

"Don't be an ass, Killian. He was a part of the attack yesterday and he doesn't need your shit. None of them do so don't start anything."

"I won’t say anything mean," Killian promised. "I'm a little harsh sometimes but I'm not the devil."

Ryan made it to the table and introduced himself with a shy smile. The girls instantly tried to make him more at ease and the guys handled him like he was breakable. Killian kept quiet, watching Ryan bashfully input into conversation with his shy mannerisms and blushing cheeks. It was fucking adorable.

Killian finally spoke up and gave them his stamp of approval of Ryan, of course making sure it was as backhanded as possible. Kevin shot him a sphinx-like smile full of knowing that Killian wanted to smack off his face.

Ryan himself gifted Killian with a dazzling smile that made him duck his head and weak in the knees. Uh oh. This wasn’t good. At all. Killian wondered if he could convince his parents to transfer him.

***

Of course, in the end, it figured that Chad would have a bigger impact on Killian’s life than he wanted. Chad was a prince of a long dead kingdom and leader of a group of reincarnated soldiers from eons ago. Killian cursed fate for making him one of said warriors.

The dreams of light took on a whole new meaning when the bigger picture was crystal clear. He was the Champion of Light and all forms of light fell under his domain. If he closed his eyes and listened carefully he could hear the dancing photons hum at the border of his hearing. It was
glorious.

Ryan’s Favorite Things Are:

• Math
• Science
• Kickboxing
• Reading
• Music
• Melee Weapons
• Martial Arts
• Computers
• Studying
• School
• Working Out
• Greenpeace
• Physics

Killian’s Favorite Things Are:

• Things that go over 200mph
• Writing
• Stargazing

They couldn’t have been any more opposite, but at the same time, there was something Killian couldn’t put his finger on. A connection existed there, stretching between them like an invisible ribbon. He could feel it sometimes beneath his skin like a handprint on his heart. They have nothing in common besides being Chosen, so why couldn’t Killian stop thinking about him.

He even saw him in his dreams. Noble Aurek, master at arms, with a mind that blazed like fire and a smile that could melt a heart of ice. Even then Apollo held a fixation on Aurek, who was oblivious to the longing gazes and depth of feeling. Killian thought They Above All were laughing at him.

***

Sometimes it was hard to remember what life was like without the overwhelming emotions festering in his heart. It weighed him down and soared whenever Ryan was near. It was enough to drive him insane. What’s even more insane was that no one else felt what he did. It was like Killian was an alcoholic and Ryan’s his choice of drink.

He couldn’t help it if things started to get a little out of control. Was it his fault if he memorized Ryan’s school schedule or knew his thoughts just be looking at his face? The face he became very good at watching covertly, thank you very much. It was getting borderline creepy. But Killian couldn’t bring himself to stop. He was a real life Edward Cullen.

In the bottom of his dresser drawer and hidden away under a pile of carefully folded jeans was a shirt. It was a gray school shirt Ryan left behind during a training session at Nathaniel’s. Killian didn’t mean to take it. At the time Killian had every intention of giving it back.

He slung the shirt at the foot of his bed and then padded to the bathroom for a shower before bed. Killian returned with a towel around his waist and water droplets falling down his bare chest. The shirt was in the spot on the comforter looking worn from too many washes and unbelievably soft as his fingers touched the cotton.

Killian shut off the lights and shucked the towel before sliding into bed, fully nude and still damp. His muscles were a tad sore from the intense session from earlier. Nathaniel was pushing them hard so they could learn to function as a cohesive team. He was far too idealistic sometimes.

As Killian turned over on his stomach and he could feel himself harden at the sensation of silk sheets rubbing against his bare skin. It was really not his fault he was so easily turned on. Teenage youth and all that.

He sighed softly as he slides his hand down his stomach. A picture of Lia Montez flashed through his mind as he worked himself. He imagined himself lying between her smooth thighs as he buried his tongue deep into her. Eight minutes later, he's not fully hard, and that was pretty much blowing his mind. It’s enough for him to growl in frustration. Women are hot, he glared at his traitorous dick.

Twenty minutes later, Ryan’s shirt was in his hand and Killian pleasured himself to the mental image of Ryan Spencer naked and wanting. Hard muscles flexed as the imaginary Ryan groaned in ecstasy as he slid into Killian, trailing gentle kisses down his exposed throat. Killian moaned as the orgasm jolted through his body.

When he awoke in the morning his stomach was coated in the dried aftermath and Ryan’s shirt lay next to him like a phantom lover. The memory of last night went into a little box in his mind that he locked away tight and labeled as a fluke. He was straight and girls totally did it for him. Killian didn’t need some guy to come along and mess up his life, stirring up things that were best left forgotten. The shirt went into the drawer that morning.

He never got around to returning it. He wasn't sure why.

***

Music beat against the wall but Killian could barely hear it over the loud slurping of Angela Lawrence. It’s been a while since they had gotten together like this. It’s been awhile since he had even been to a party. The life of a Chosen kept him busy. Adam had come onto the team and now things felt right, balanced. Killian felt it was time to let off some steam. Angela was single and ready to please.

“Fuck, I forgot how big you are,” Angela gasped, looking up at him from her knees.

Killian threaded his fingers through her dark hair. “And you’re just as amazing as ever, beautiful.”

“Still a charmer,” she smiled before returning her mouth between his legs.

Killian threw back his head with a groan. She twirled her tongue around the sensitive skin that was totally doing it for him. He missed this. A screeching ringtone broke through his cloud of pleasure and he came to reality as Angela sat back on her heels and answered her phone.

“Yeah...I can talk,” she said easily, making his mouth drop. You have got to be kidding. “What? No! NO! Shut up! Girl, he didn’t! — And then what happened? I’m about to check his Snapchat. Hold on.”

Killian rolled his eyes. He had also forgotten that Angela was the flightiest person in existence. He sat up on his elbows from his position on the bed and stared at her. Angela was giggling into the phone like a woman possessed. She looked like one of those hyenas from The Lion King. It was enough to make his erection wilt. He tucked himself back into his pants and stood up. He threw her a half wave and walked out of the room.

He ducked past the gyrating bodies in the living room, ignoring the calls of his friends and the waves of girls he’d previously would have stopped for. This wasn’t for him. He suddenly felt so much older than the kids here. They didn’t really know him. None of them had ever seen death up close or had to watch as their entire city fell to ruin.

Killian stumbled out of the beach house and immediately the chilly ocean breeze hit him. He walked aimlessly across the beach, away from the house at his back, away from the depravity and away from the kids who were just that, kids.

A figure grew on the horizon as he walked closer. Ryan stood barefoot at the edge of the shore, water lapping at his ankles with the rising and falling tide. He wore a pair of white basketball shorts and red tank top. His glasses were gone and his hair fluttered in the soft breeze. With the stars above him and the rising moon shining down its light, Ryan looked like a dream breathed into life. He made Killian breathless.

He turned at the sound of Killian’s footsteps and was just as shocked at seeing a familiar face here in the night.

“You come here a lot?” Killian asked.

He groaned inwardly, momentarily cursing himself for his stupidity. Could he have sounded anymore dorkier?

Ryan chuckled. “Actually, yeah I do.” He pointed to a house further down the beach. “I live right over there. What are you doing out here?” He closed his eyes for a brief moment, holding up a finger. “Wait. I’m guessing you were at the party a quarter of a mile that way.”

Killian’s eyes widened, shocked. “How’d you know that?”

“I can hear the music from here if I really focus.” Ryan smile turned a shade shy as he revealed this little truth, as if he wasn’t used to talking about himself.

Killian was honored Ryan felt comfortable enough to open up. “I can hear light,” he blurted out without meaning to.

Ryan blinked at the statement appearing a mixture of surprised and fascinated. Killian flushed. It was something he hadn’t told anyone. It felt too personal and mostly insane.

He ducked his head, watching his shoes in the sand. “It sings,” he murmured. “It’s a constant song all around us.”

“What does it sound like?” Ryan looked utterly riveted, staring at Killian like he was the only person in the world.

Killian swallowed, still blushing. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard. It’s glorious, inspiring, its life.” He groaned. He sounded like a complete and utter spaz. “...I mean-”

“No, go on,” Ryan insisted, eyes widening with something unreadable. He blushed as Killian met his stare. “I guess. I like the way you were describing it... Your whole face lit up. I’ve never seen you look like that before.”

Watching him blush, Killian’s heart skipped then sped up. “You think so?”

Ryan nodded and then averted his gaze after they momentarily locked eyes. Something passed between them that Killian couldn’t name. It was warm and made his chest feel tight, almost like a balloon was being inflated between his lungs.

“You never said why you left the party.”

Killian shook his head and breathed softly, “It was too much. I felt like I was playing pretend. No one there...”

Ryan’s eyes were full of understanding. “You’ve changed. We all have. We aren’t the naïve kids we used to be before we became Chosen.”

“Do you wish you could go back?” Killian felt like he was betraying his oath by even entertaining the thought. But he had to know.

Ryan shrugged. “Sometimes when I think about things I’m missing out on, yeah. Mostly I don’t regret a thing. When I become the Executioner I know that’s who I am.” He waved his hand at himself. “This is the disguise. I’m a soldier and I was born to be one. I’ll do anything to make the fate of Atlantis isn’t repeated.”

Killian was awed by the quiet conviction. Ryan’s shoulders had straightened the more he talked and his eyes went flat and then shone with a hard glint. His whole body vibrated with simmering power as the Executioner persona radiated like a star. Then Ryan shook his head a little and his shoulders slumped and that strong confidence faded as if never there.

Killian was dazzled. “Wow. Don’t do that often or I won’t be able to think straight.”

“It’s hard to hold back all I am sometimes,” Ryan bit his lip, looking at Killian’s shoes in the sand. “Do you want to uh...maybe come back to my house? I have a ton of video games.”

It was sad how quickly Killian agreed. The rest of the night passed in laughter, teasing and talking as both boys learned much about the other. When the morning dawned Killian and Ryan laid on the bed, legs entwined and heads nuzzled together still in the clothes they fell asleep in. Killian awoke first and once he gained his bearings, he resorted to type and panicked.

Killian raced home and did the first thing he could think of. He texted Amy Lanter and made a date for later on in the evening. He went through the motions during their date and it was ridiculously easy to talk her into putting out.

Hard as he tried that night as he thrusts into Amy in the backseat of his car, he couldn’t stop imagining a pair of shy gray eyes that immediately triggered the biggest orgasm of his life.

Ryan wanted him. It was plain to see and hard to ignore the undercurrent of feeling that existed between them. Killian just had to ignore the attraction. Easier said than done.

***

When Killian gives in this is how it could have gone:

Ryan’s room was suddenly warm as the constant tension between them rose to crushing levels. Their books lay forgotten beneath them as they stood face to face, their eyes not leaving each other. Ryan slowly licked his lips and his breath hitched when Killian stepped forward.

Killian looked at him with warm softness, then stepped even closer and wrapped Ryan in his arms.

Ryan let out a breath he’d been holding and clenched his hands in the back of Killian’s shirt, burying his face in Killian’s shoulder. The moment felt fragile, precious and so very fragile.

Killian leaned in so his lips hovered near Ryan’s ear and whispered the words that his heart knew from the moment he saw him, “I love you.”

Ryan froze and lifted his head. “You mean it?”

The answering grin was blinding. Killian nodded and touched his nose to Ryan’s. The taller boy stared for a minute in disbelieving wonder, then slid his hands to Killian’s face and kissed him with all he was worth.

When Killian gives in this is how it really goes:

Stars flared across his vision like a million fireworks exploding behind his eyelids. The world tilted for a long moment as his stomach flipped like it was stuck on a rollercoaster. It was everything he had ever been missing. It was perfection in a kiss. It was heavenly. It was all wrong.

Killian pulled back, his cheeks flushed bright red. "Sorry, I didn't mean to... umm... do that... totally an accident."

He flinched when Ryan’s entire face fell as he said heartbreakingly sad, "Killian... Why don't you just face-"

Killian stood up as emotions warred in his gut in response to that beautiful face twisted in devastating sadness. Ryan’s gray eyes watched his face intently, searching for traces of emotions that Killian was firmly holding back with every fiber of his being.

"Ryan... I can't," Killian whispered. He couldn’t meet Ryan’s stare again. Gray eyes would be his undoing. "I'm not... I can't...be that way."

Ryan shook his head, rising to his feet and steadfastly trying to meet Killian's reluctant gaze. “You like me and I like you. We both know it. Why can't you just face your feelings? Why are you run-"

Killian abruptly stepped back, his face tightening. He tried hard to pretend the pleas weren’t crushing his soul.

It was with a shaky and choked off breath that he said, "I... I have to go.”

He sprinted from the room. When he felt wetness dripping down his cheeks, he pretended that the tears were raindrops.

***

Killian’s not gay he often has to remind himself these days. It was only when he closed his eyes that he remembered cinnamon breath ghosting across his neck, hands pressed against his back and soft lips pressed against his.

He didn’t mean to give in. It was a stupid mistake. Screw Chad and Adam. They might be the happy gay couple but that wasn’t Killian. His life was meant for different things. Killian pretended he doesn’t notice the confusion and hurt lingering in gray eyes. He was doing a lot of pretending these days.

So why couldn’t he pretend the Greek god standing at Ryan’s side was nothing. Anger, confusion, possessiveness – jealousy – pumped through his veins red hot, like hellfire. They sat around the dining table in Nathaniel’s house watching the new happy couple. Cerulean was everything Killian wasn’t.

Tall, dark haired and blue eyed. He was a walking Calvin Klein ad.

Killian wanted to shove a photon beam down his throat.

Killian played nice as best as he could, but it was the hardest thing he ever had to do. He watched them interact with an intimate closeness that felt like a knife twisting in his heart. Killian wanted to slam his hands on the table and roar to the room that Ryan was his. Chad and Adam watched him with worried eyes when the happy couple announced they were setting off to enjoy the rest of their day. Give him a break. He hoped a car hit the dreamcatcher.

Adam touched a hand to his shoulder as Killian thumped his head on the table when the front door slammed closed.

“You okay, Killian?”

The muffled, “No” gained a few raised eyebrows over his head.

Chad sighed and made a noise in his throat. “You guys have been dragging this out for too long.”

“What are you talking about,” Killian raised his head, watching the blond guardedly.

Chad gave him a patient look. “We know how you feel about each other.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Killian snapped. Old feelings pushed against the locked door in his mind.

Nathaniel leveled him with a gentle stare. “We know you have feelings for him, Killian. We’ve known for a while. It’s impossible to ignore.”

Killian’s heart sped up and he crossed his arms defensively. “That’s not true.”

Adam sighed. “You’re in love with him, Killian. Please realize that before you lose him.”

A hole opened in his chest and Killian said, defeated, “I don’t know what to do.” He looked up at the others with tired and broken eyes. “I love him,” he admitted. “I’m gay.”

Chad clapped his hands excitedly. “That’s the spirit!”

If Killian wasn’t so distraught he would have glared at him. Adam coughed delicately and shot his boyfriend a look.

“I think you should go tell Ryan that,” Nathaniel urged him.

It was probably already too late but he had to try. He was gay and he was head over heels for a boy. Once he admitted it to himself, Killian felt free. It was a weightless feeling that caused him to grin. He still felt like himself and more than that, he was thoroughly and completely in love with Ryan.

Killian stood up so fast that the chair toppled over. “I’ve got to find him.”

Chad snorted. “Be sure to find some house training on the way. You totally broke that chair.”

“I think its sweet,” Adam declared, ignoring Chad’s amused smile. He grinned at the hopeful boy. “Go get your man, Killian.”

And he did.

***

When Killian stopped running and gave in. It was almost beautiful. Twilight loomed on the horizon as night blended into day. Ocean waves lapped at the edges of the sand as Killian found the other boy standing at the shoreline.

Killian chewed on his bottom lip. He couldn’t remember ever being so nervous.

"I'm sorry for everything I put you through, Ryan. With the way I've been acting- It wasn't fair to do that to you."

"It wasn't," Ryan’s tone was even and brisk.

“I never meant to hurt you. I was just scared. Scared of being different. More different than I already am,” he sighed. “Hearing that you were starting to like Cerulean broke something inside of me. I was angry. Angry at myself for letting you go and angry at that guy for trying touch what was mine. I just lost it- then seeing you with him crushed everything that I am. I felt incomplete.”

Ryan leaned his head against Killian's shoulder. He almost let out a choked out sob, part relieved and part nervous.

"Just say it, Killer," Ryan whispered, a note of pleading in his voice.

Killian took Ryan's chin and tilted his head until they were eye to eye, nose to nose. "I love you."

"You love me," Ryan repeated, a slow smile spreading across his face.

A matching smile tugged at Killian's lips for the first time today just as wide and hopeful. "Yeah, I do. I love you."

Ryan smiled bright and glowy, giddiness making him almost shine. "Say it again."

"I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I fucking love you!"

Killian’s voice echoing through the air. He smiled satisfied at the expression Ryan wore.

"What if someone hears you?" Ryan asked teasingly, with a small amount of seriousness. "Will you pull away from me if someone comes along?"

Killian shook his head. "Never," he answered honestly and meaning it. "I'm done pulling away from you, Ry'."

"Good."

Ryan leaned in and planted his lips against his. Killian’s arms immediately tightened around Ryan, squeezing him so close both of them could hardly breathe. Warmth flooded through Killian. It made his head swim, made him feel like his heart had burst, overflowing with warmth and elation and all because Ryan was kissing him.

"I love you too, Killer," Ryan grinned, when they finally broke away. "You hurt me again. And I'll break your arms."

A bubble of laughter left Killian’s throat. "Never again, babe."

They met together in another kiss. A kiss that made Killian see stars.

**

Something long ignored clicked inside of Killian and he felt whole. He was a new man, a better man. Killian was positive he could never get enough of his boyfriend. When they kissed it was always like it was the first time.

Boyfriend, funny how that word once terrified him. Now if filled him with the warm fuzzies.

Life was good but it wasn’t Happily Ever After. That wasn’t in the cards for them. At least not yet. As long as they were Chosen there would be obstacles in their path. Turned out the biggest challenge was their first one.

Armageddon.

It didn’t just happen. It rode up right on their doorstep. No matter how hard they tried they couldn’t stop the Elder Spawn from being reborn or prevent Heaven’s Trumpet awakening. The ultimate weapon turned out to be one of his best friends. Kevin Montero wasn’t just heaven’s last; he also was Chad’s brother in another lifetime and the Crown Prince of Atlantis.

And Ryan and Killian had tried to kill him.

It had all worked out in the end. But they had done the unthinkable. They’d broken their oaths and defied their prince, and more than that they tried to assassinate the heir to the throne.

His relationship with Chad had always been a...complex one. They fought like mortal enemies, hiding their burgeoning friendship under spiteful bards and insults. Fighting was more of a habit than anything, and a twisted way of showing their affection for one another these days. But
Killian knew even Chad had limits. There were some things you didn’t ever mess with and that was Kevin, and with the realization of that familial bond, that sentiment only amplified.

Honestly, knowing what he knew now Killian would do it all again.The universe had been at stake. Beta Armageddon wasn’t something that any of them could come back from. It had to be stopped at all cost. On a small level he knew his trust in Chad wasn’t misplaced, but survival instinct had kicked in and he and Ryan acted with an impulsive instinct.

He knew Ryan was beside himself with worry and anxious sorrow over their actions. They had already apologized but Chad had rejected it and them. He even refused to fight at their sides again. Killian’s apology could’ve gone a bit better he had to admit, but he had let his stubbornness override his real feelings of remorse.

Now it was Judgment Day part two.

“Why do you think Nathaniel wants us to come over?” Killian switched into fourth gear, smoothly sliding the Porsche into the right lane.

“Maybe he wants to yell. The others hate us too.”

The miserable tone in his reply caused Killian to wince. “It’s going to be okay, babe. I promise.”

Ryan exhaled softly. He looked like he hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. “I don’t like this. We aren’t supposed to be at odds. We’re a team.”

“We made our choices,” said Killian quietly over the soft drone of the radio. “And can’t take it back. We did what we thought was right.”

Ryan closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat, defeated. “Chad hates us. The one person who ever wanted to really be my friend won’t even look me in the eye.”

“He’s probably going to throw a fireball at us,” Killian muttered. Suddenly apprehensive he looked at Ryan. “Are you sure this is a good idea. You remember yesterday when we tried to apologize. He was two seconds away from mojoing us.”

His boyfriend looked at him, his lips quirking the faintest bit. “You scared?”

He wasn’t. Chad was insanely powerful. He was stronger than them, but there was no way that he would ever cower in fear of him. Of anyone. He wasn’t that boy.

Killian turned into the driveway leading up to the mansion. The grounds were in a better state than they were a few days ago. The lawn service patched up the grass and the house itself looked phenomenally better than its once wrecked state.

He parked the car and killed the engine. Killian turned to Ryan who was looking increasingly nervous. He reached over and cupped his face gently with both hands.

“Come on, babe,” Killian said. The pads of his thumbs rubbed gentle circles on Ryan’s cheekbones. “We’re in this together. We already faced the angry prince yesterday. If this is the firing squad then I’ll protect you.”

Ryan’s smile was like the sun. “You know you can be quite sweet when you want to.”

“It’s my hidden talent,” Killian murmured, placing a butterfly kiss against the side of Ryan’s neck.

Ryan dropped his gaze, looking up at him through his eyelashes. “Is it stupid that I keep falling more in love with you?”

Killian’s heartbeat went into overdrive. “Not stupid if I feel the same.”

They shared a kiss that wasn’t deep or aggressive. It couldn’t have been more than a brush of their lips, but it communicated all the feelings they shared.

It was a testament to his title when Ryan’s face abruptly went slack as something other peeked out behind his confident stare, while his shoulders and posture went straight and rigid.

“Well then,” Ryan said. “Let’s get this over with.”

The walk to the house was silent as they held hands, each step bringing them closer to their fate. They slipped into the house and made their way to the formal living room. The sun drifted in through the bay windows illuminating the men waiting for them. Nathaniel sat in the armchair listening intently to whatever Chad and Adam were telling him from their spot on the couch. Next to Chad sat Kevin, alive and whole.

They stopped dead.

Ryan gaped silently next to Killian, managing out a choked gasp of “Kevin...”

“You’re alive?” Killian stared at the boy like he couldn’t believe it. Well, he couldn’t.

Chad snorted, leveling the two boys with a cold glare. “No thanks to you.”

Killian’s brain cells weren’t firing fast enough for him to register the insult. He was too busy staring at the person who should be locked in an impossible battle in the void, fighting a creature of ancient evil. He shouldn’t be here, sitting on a couch, eating out of a bag of Doritos and laughing at their slack jawed expressions.

Kevin wiped his hands on his jeans and stood up. Decade’s worth of training from a lifetime long gone kicked in. Killian brought his fist over his heart and went to a knee. Ryan simultaneously mirroring his actions. Killian’s eyes fell to the floor unable to meet Kevin’s stare. Guilt rose up and swallowed him whole.

“My prince,” they said tonelessly, obediently bowing their heads.

Ryan looked up and asked hesitantly, “What do you remember?”

Kevin’s eyes were scrutinizing as he looked them over. There was something about his face that was serenely beatific. As he gazed down upon them, Kevin looked every bit the prince he once was.

“I remember everything,” he replied. “Atlantis. Growing up. The Fall. Everything.”

Killian stiffened. They weren’t dealing with human Kevin, or a Kevin who kind of remembered Atlantis – like they did, but a Kevin who fully was more Atlantean than human. This Kevin knew who and what he was. The Crown Prince of Atlantis was reborn. And Killian and Ryan had tried to kill him.

Kevin looked down at them intently, measuring them with his stare. “You committed treason and if this were Atlantis you would be killed on the spot.” He crossed his arms, letting his words hang in the air. “Your reason was admirable but your actions were despicable. I’ve never meddled in the affairs of my brother’s court before.”

“We’re so sorry, Kevin.” Ryan looked at him with an awful sorrow etched across his face.

The prince nodded with a faint smile. “I know. And I forgive you. Both of you.” He gestured with his hands. His face transformed as his smile grew wider, much more familiar than the quiet serenity. “Get up, guys. I’m seriously not mad at you. You did what you thought was best. It sucks, but what’s done is done.”

“The hell it is!” Chad slammed his hand down on the coffee table. He glowered at the boys as they rose to their feet and spat, “I’m not as forgiving as my brother. I’ll never trust you again.”

Adam sighed and rubbed his hand along Chad’s shoulder. “Sweetheart...”

“I’m not changing my mind.” Chad headed Adam off, knowing where he was going. “I can’t be on a team with people who’ll stab me when my back is turned.” Blue eyes flashed as he crossed gazes with them. “Face it. When push came to shove, they shoved us right over and didn’t give a flying fuck.”

Killian’s mouth twisted into a stubborn scowl. “You don’t think I feel guilty?”

“I obviously don’t know you as well as I thought I did,” Chad retorted. “So that is moot.”

Nathaniel whistled loudly gathering all their attention. He straightened his tie and arched an eyebrow at their various expressions. He motioned for Ryan and Killian to take a seat. Once they were settled near him on the bench of the grand piano, did he talk.

“I didn’t ask them here to point fingers,” Nathaniel said calmly. “A wonderful thing has happened and I thought they had a right to know.” He smiled at Kevin and said what didn’t need to be said, “Kevin’s back.”

Ryan asked the question that had been burning on his tongue for the last five minutes. “How?”

“I fought the Elder Spawn in the void for over sixty years. Our battle blazed across the aether as we burned space and time within the void. When I could go on no longer I threw everything I had at it, and the very act killed me too even as the stars around us went cold and died.” Kevin brushed back a lock of hair that fell across his eyes. He jerked a thumb at Chad. “He brought me back. The magic he used was the stuff that sparked the universe to life. Powerful old magic, the Power Creation. It grabbed me tight and ripped me from limbo. I’m glad to be back. My years in the void are fading and for that I’m thankful.”

Chad’s cheeks reddened at the affectionate look from Kevin. “I had help.”

“King Oriens reached across the Dreamlands to aide him,” Kevin said, noting their perplexed expressions. “Our father recreated Atlantis after his death. He’s been ruling the city there since the Fall.”

“That’s awesome,” Killian said, meaning it. “The king was always a powerful dreamer.”

Ryan nodded, wearing a pleased smile. “I wonder if he knows Cerulean.”

Killian slowly turned to him, narrowing his eyes. “Why?”

“No reason, Killer,” Ryan said, rolling his eyes.

Chad clapped his hands. “Okay, so frick and frak are caught up. Great. Awesome. Like totally freak me out, I mean right on. Can they get the hell out now?”

“Chad!” Adam said, frowning.

Scowling, Chad eyed his boyfriend petulantly. “What?” He looked around at everyone. “I’m sorry if I’m not being nice, but I’ve said what needed to be said days ago. I don’t want to see them and they’re off the team. It’s a done deal.”

Kevin looked at Ryan and Killian and shrugged. “Have you guys thought about baking him an I’m sorry cake.” He rolled his eyes at Chad’s glower. “What? You so would eat it.”

“That’s not the point.” Chad’s eyes went glassy at the thought of cake. He shook his head, focusing. “The point is I don’t trust them. I can’t have people fighting at my back if I can’t count on them.”

Nathaniel cleared his throat and once again all attention was diverted to him with success. A secretive smile slowly took over his face.

“I think I have a solution.”

Chad rubbed his arms as goosebumps appeared on his flesh. “Anyone else suddenly afraid?”

Kevin slowly raised his hand as Nathaniel’s smile became wider, sharper. If Killian moved closer to Ryan on the couch as he warily eyed the man, no one commented.

***

The log cabin was something right out of Little House on the Prairie. Even the forest around it looked like it had been transplanted from some long ago time. They were in the middle of nowhere, in the woods, and no one could hear them scream.

They were so screwed.

First surprise of the week was Kevin was in fact alive. Second, the boy was no longer Heaven’s Trumpet, third and most importantly he was a Chosen. It was enough information to cause Killian to stare at him in a dumb stupor for fifteen minutes.

This surprise was the icing on the freaking cake.

Nathaniel spread his arms wide as he stood on the cabin’s porch. They eyed him with multiple not so excited faces from their position at the foot of the steps.

“I told your parents I was whisking you off for a few days for a college scholarship program, but I guess you know by now that was a ruse.”

Chad snorted at the modest tone. “Gee, I don’t know what could have tipped us off.”

“For me, it was the handcuffs and blindfold during the entire two hour car trip,” Kevin said dryly.

Adam grumbled under his breath about chafed wrists and lotion. Nathaniel pointedly ignored them.

“I want to thank you all for coming.” Again he ignored the various mumblings. “To build your trust back in each other and restore your friendship, I welcome you to the First Annual Chosen Teamwork Retreat!”

Silence.

“By the power of Greyskull!” Chad gasped horrified, as Adam whimpered.

Killian groaned. “Kill me now.”

“How long do we have to stay here?” Ryan asked, looking like he was wondering if the cabin had Wi-Fi.

“Four days.” Nathaniel smiled what he was sure was a reassuring and hopeful smile. “Now let’s begin the bonding!”

Nathaniel tentatively tried to flash Chad a thumbs up, but Chad just stared darkly at the horizon.

***
Day One
***

This was single-handedly turning into the world’s largest train wreck. Maybe one day they would look back on this and laugh. This wasn’t that day.

“Why are we doing this?” Killian asked, staring at the huge overturned tree laying across the width of the river.

Nathaniel smile wilted as he was presented with five sour looks. “It promotes unity. Crossing it together means you accomplished a task as a group.”

“What happens if we fall?” Adam asked.

Killian shot him a disgusted stare. “We’ll go straight to our deaths,” he deadpanned. “What do you think will happen?”

“Hey, don’t you talk to him like that,” shot Chad immediately. “It was a legitimate question!”

Kevin gazed up at the clouds with a ‘why me’ expression.

Ryan hopped up on the tree and said, “Let’s just do this so we can all be one big happy team again already. Now shut up and cross the freaking river.”

He tensed and then jumped with liquid quickness. The power jump took him into the air with inhuman speed and height. His feet sank into the earth on the other side with a loud boom as the soil and dirt compacted under impact.

Nathaniel opened his mouth to protest but Adam was already levitating across the bank. Killian’s body burst into countless orbs that reformed on the other side next to his boyfriend. Chad’s shoes suddenly gained a pair of tiny wings that took him across the river with an effortless jump. All eyes fell on Kevin as he lazily strolled across the tree.

“What?” he asked, once he crossed over. “It’s good balance practice. I have to keep my soccer skills tight during off season.”

Nathaniel buried his face in his hands and shook his head. This was not what he had in mind at all.

***

Nathaniel was beginning to doubt this was going to work. He looked at the scene worriedly. This was easily not one of his greatest ideas.

“Can you please just hurry up and fall back already?” Chad stage whispered from behind Killian. His arms were held out and his knees slightly bent, ready to do some quick catching. “I know we have trust issues but this is getting ridiculous. It’s going on ten minutes.”

Killian clenched his fists and said in a harsh whisper. “I’m actually trying to make myself fall.”

“Right. I believe you,” Chad said in a voice that implied he didn’t. “I understand this might be hard for you.”

“Shut up,” Killian hissed. He sucked in a deep breath. “I’m doing it.”

And he like totally was. His stomach tumbled over as he tipped backward. A weightless feeling hit him for all of .01 seconds before he hit the ground, hard. He landed on his back with a pained moan as he blinked heavily, staring up at the sun. What the fuck.

“So, are you going to do this or wha-”

Chad stopped blowing kisses at Adam and spun around, eyes widening as he took in Killian splayed out on the ground.

Kevin burst into laughter so hard that he tripped over his shoelaces and fell over, still laughing. Killian jumped to his feet glaring at anyone who even had so much as a smirk on their face. Kevin had the decency to turn his grinning face to the ground, hiding his amusement.

Killian pointed a finger at a mortified and sheepish Chad. “Not another word.”

“I thought I had more time!” Chad called pathetically out to Killian’s retreating back, as the boy stomped off into the surrounding forest.

A solitary finger was his reply.

Nathaniel groaned and shook his head. So the trust exercise was a bust. He idly wondered where he stashed that bottle of scotch the last time he was here.

***
Day Two
***

From sunrise to sunset the second day was filled with name calling, hair pulling and swearing. All of that happened before noon.

A pact was made and this day was never to be spoken of again.

***
Day Three
***

They retreated to the inside of the cabin since Chad had sworn up and down a stray cat had been watching him from the top branches of a redwood. Killian thought he was full of shit. He stared mournfully at the ceiling. He missed the sun warming his skin. This blew.

The living room’s furniture was pushed back against the walls, opening up the floor for the current exercise, or form of torture as all the boys had begun to think of it. They formed a rough circle in the space, sitting on the ground Indian style. Killian had a vague flashback to fourth grade, and by the nauseated expression worn by the others, they felt it too.

“And how did that make you feel?” Nathaniel said, staring at Chad with compassion written all over his face.

Chad ground his teeth and glared at Killian, who was still avidly staring at the ceiling. “Betrayed. Confused. More than that I was really, really pissed.” He rolled his eyes as Nathaniel gave him a reprimanding look. “I meant I felt... angry.”

“Oh come on!” Killian snapped, finally taking his stare off the ceiling.

Adam cleared his throat. “You don’t have the talking stick.”

He fell silent as all eyes fell on him simultaneously reminding him that he too didn’t have the talking stick. He blushed and mimed zipping his mouth closed, an adorable grin forming on his face. Chad went starry eyed at the grin. Killian had to snap his fingers four times to gain his attention. Chad cautiously rolled the stick across the carpet.

“I just don’t see why you can’t get over it,” Killian said sharply. Kevin forgave them, so what was the big deal? “You know we only did it to save the world. So take a fucking chill pill!”

He tossed the stick and Chad had to duck out the way before the projectile nailed him between the eyes. Chad stomped over to the now cracked window, courtesy of the stick, and snatched it up from where it landed. He sat back in the circle with jerky, angry movements.

“I’m sorry if the attempted murder of my brother is such a thing I can't easily overlook,” he spat. “I told you I had it. I told both of you to believe in me, and you didn’t.”

Killian motioned impatiently for the stick and grabbed it from where it landed near his knee. “The entire universe was at stake,” pressed Killian. “It was a tactical decision based on trillions of lives.”

Chad caught the stick when Killian tossed it back. “The world’s spinning and the universe is still here, based on my decision. So fuck you.”

“Language,” chided Nathaniel gently.

“Sorry,” Chad apologized with a nod. He glared back at Killian and corrected himself, “So frack you!”

Killian roared like a lion being poked with a giant stick. He launched himself at Chad, slamming into the wide eyed boy with enough force to send them skidding across the hardwood floor. They rolled around on the floor as they tried to best the other.

Ryan sighed and pulled out his Calculus homework, mentally reciting the rules of derivatives for solving the limit for delta x. Kevin yelled, “FIGHT! FIGHT!” Adam made a disgusted sound and plucked a copy of GQ from the coffee table behind him.

Nathaniel snuck off to the kitchen and poured more Bailey’s into his coffee. He paused for a moment as a crash echoed through the house. He downed the 80-proof ‘coffee’, grabbed a whiskey bottle and padded off to his bedroom.

If he was lucky he would sleep until the fourth day.

***

Nathaniel swallowed a handful of Advil and chased it down with a gulp of water. The sun was low in the sky and his sunglasses still hadn’t come off. And they wouldn’t either.

“The purpose of this is teamwork.” Nathaniel glared at them as much as they were glaring at him. “One of you will be blindfolded and the other will lead their partner through a mini obstacle course with nothing but their voice. So listen carefully to your partner and work together as a team to finish the course.”

Adam was going to lead Killian through, Chad was doing the same for Ryan, and Nathaniel was Kevin’s partner. The obstacle course wasn’t much. Killian was fairly sure he had done harder in summer camp, blindfold or not. Maybe they would get through this without incident.

“I think Ryan should be forced to wear earplugs,” Adam stated. “He’s like Wonder Woman and Captain America’s lovechild. He needs a handicap.”

Chad was looking at his boyfriend like he had never seen him before. “Holy Care Bears, are you kidding me?”

Adam crossed his arms and turned his nose up. “It gives him an unfair advantage.”

“I guess if it makes things even...” Ryan conceded quietly.

Killian nodded decisively. “Can we tie his hands together too? You guys have no idea what he can do with his hands.”

“Killian!” Ryan gaped at his boyfriend. “I’ll kill you!”

Kevin sighed and said pleadingly, “Can we please just get started?”

“NO!” all the boys shouted back at the same time.

Nathaniel hung his head and muttered, “It was a miracle they were a team for as long as they were.”

“Oh, wow,” Kevin murmured wide eyed, as the spectacle grew out of control.

Chad’s hands were lit with blue arcs of electricity jumping between his fingertips. Adam was holding up his hands placidly, although the look was defeated by the smirk on his face. Killian was too busy trying to get Ryan off his back.

“Take it back, asshole,” Ryan hissed, sitting easily on Killian’s bucking back.

Killian growled and spit out a mouthful of grass. “Oh come on, babe,” he huffed, struggling. Don’t be like that. I meant it as a compliment, I swear.”

“I’m never doing that thing again that you like so much,” Ryan threatened, digging his knees against Killian’s ribs.

“No!” yelled Killian, mournfully. “Injustice!”

A similar scene was taking place three meters away. Chad sat on Adam’s stomach raining blows down on Adam’s chest. Suddenly the tables turned as Adam flipped them over so their roles were reversed.

“Oh that’s all kinds of naughty,” said Kevin, left eye twitching as he turned away from the sight of Adam pinning Chad’s arms above his head, kissing him like they were the only ones in the world.

Chad went slack beneath him and then raised his legs and wrapped them around Adam, pulling him closer. Nathaniel shook his head and walked off. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

***
Day Four
***

Ryan padded around their shared bedroom ignoring Killian like he was less than air. The other boy was currently lying on the bed with nothing on but a pair of black boxer briefs. He had just showered and his chest was still wet, water pooling between the ridges of his abs.

Killian licked his lips. “Ryan.”

The other boy just arched an eyebrow at the sight of his boyfriend displayed on the bed, like a real life incubus. Killian smirked as he gained Ryan’s attention, slowly bringing his hand down to palm the growing bulge beneath the thin cotton of his boxer briefs.

“Oh, yeah,” Killian moaned, gazing at Ryan through half lidded eyes. “Do you want to help me with this?”

Ryan tore his eyes from the smothering stare and bent over. He gathered some clothes from a duffel bag on the floor and Killian was hit square in the face by a combination of shirt and jeans.

“Put some clothes on, I’ve seen it all before,” Ryan said dismissively. He walked to the door and turned around. “For the record-”

He slipped hands over his body, lifting his shirt to trail his hands over his eight pack and the other dipped down into his pants. Wisps of black hair led from his navel down to a dark thatch of hair. Killian’s eyes glazed over and he grew rock hard in his underwear as Ryan’s shirt climbed higher, a wet finger rubbing over his nipple, slowly and caressing. Somebody whimpered. Was it him? Killian wiped the drool off his chin. That possibility was strong.

Ryan dropped his shirt and did up his pants. He smirked at Killian’s hungry expression. “Like I said, for the record that’s how you seduce your boyfriend. Hurry up and get dressed, Killer.”

The door closed behind him followed by his quiet laughter. Killian whimpered and was positive that it was all coming from him this time. He had to blink himself from his daze.

He got dressed mumbling to himself about never again underestimating boys with nice asses who wore glasses. Begrudgingly, Killian took a seat in the “Circle of Friendship” in the living room once he got dressed and fed.

“Today is our last day here and I want to try a simple meditation technique that will focus the feelings we’ve learned here,” Nathaniel said, looking like an expensive yoga instructor. Killian didn’t even know Prada made sweatpants. “Close your eyes and take deep breaths.”

“My ass is falling asleep,” Chad whined, rubbing his behind. “Do we really have to do this?”

Kevin groaned. “Yes, bro, so let’s hurry it up.”

“You are such a suck up,” said Chad with one eye closed, glaring at his brother with the one open eye.

“Shut up, hater,” Kevin hissed, copying his one eyed glare.

Ryan looked at Killian with eyes that had seen far too much in four days. “We died, didn’t we? Armageddon really happened and this is our hell?”

Adam snorted.

Killian patted the hand holding his and shook his head sadly. “It really is debatable at this point.”

“Silence!” Nathaniel snapped, making them jump in surprise. He took a moment and then graced them with a serene smile. “Please clear your thoughts and repeat after me.”

He got a few eyes rolls but they copied his movements, ready for the nightmare to end. They bowed their heads and Nathaniel began.

“Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace. When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay." Nathaniel’s steady voice led them into mediation.

They repeated the words back, heads bowed. Surprisingly Chad’s voice was the loudest and the steadiest as he repeated the mantra with a quiet cadence. Killian opened his eyes after about eight and a half minutes of endless chanting.

He wasn’t the only one. Ryan was his scribbling on a piece of paper and Killian peaked over and it said:

By Pythagoras' Theorem, h2 + p2 = a2 and h2 + q2 = b2.

Now, q = c - p so h2 + q2 = h2 + c2 - 2cp + p2.

So b2 = a2 - 2cp + c2 and p = (a2 - b2 + c2)/2c.

Back to h2 + p2 = a2, we have:

h2 = (a + p) (a - p)

= [a + (a2 - b2 + c2)] [a - (a2 - b2 + c2)]
________________________________
2c 2c

= [((a + c)2 - b2) (b2 - (a - c)2)]
__________________________
4c2



= [(a + b + c)(-a + b + c)(a - b + c)(a + b -c)]
_________________________________
4c2

Let s = a + b + c / 2 (half of the perimeter of the triangle).

h2 = [16s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)]
______________________
4c2

= 4s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)
__________________
c2

and h = 2^[s (s - a) (s - b) (s - c)]
________________________
c


so A = ^[s (s - a) (s - b) (s - c)]

and plugging in a, b, and c, we have: A = 6

Killian stared at the paper. Then at his boyfriend. Back at the paper, and then once more at Ryan. Killian mouthed ‘homework?’ and Ryan shook his head and mouthed back, ‘fun’. Killian blinked. Right.

He turned to his left and Adam was juggling a sneaker, his watch, and wallet using only his telekinesis. It was amusing to watch. Kevin was doing a fantastic job of meditating. His mouth was open, but no words came out since he was fast asleep.

That left Chad who was the only one actively participating. Killian sighed inwardly. If Chad was going to make the effort he should as well. It was partly his fault they were here in the first place. Closing his eyes, he waited a beat and then picked up the beginning of the chant, mixing his voice in seamlessly with Chad and Nathaniel.

Of course, the peace couldn’t last.

The wall exploded inward in a spray of debris that nailed more than one of them. Killian jumped to his feet before he realized he was moving. A beast that was part dog and bat kicked its way through the opening of the cabin. It was covered in matted gray fur and its membranous wings were like leather. A ferocious howl left its mouth when it surveyed them with hungry red eyes.

“What the fuck!” Chad yelled dodging as the creature swiped at the spot he once sat. Claws tore through empty air and the creature was not happy at being evaded.

“That’s a hellhound,” said Ryan in disbelief.

Kevin drew himself up and a visible aura of holy light began to ripple around him, making him shine like an earthborn angel. Nathaniel’s hand whipped out lightning quick and he grabbed the glowing boy around the arm, startling him.

“I’ll get the prince to safety!” said Nathaniel hurriedly.

Kevin looked at him, shocked. “What the hell are y-”

Nathaniel made a gesture and the ring on his left hand glowed deep purple. Their forms flickered and disappeared.

There was no time to think about their abrupt exit. The song of light exploded in his ears in a beautiful score and Killian embraced it like a lover. It hummed through his bones and when it left he was garbed in his Chosen uniform like the others.

The Executioner bounded forward in a flash of black. He feigned low then went high, upper cutting the hellhound with a wicked right hook. Omega was there when it tried to recover and a telekinetic blast sent it through the two walls.

There was a quiet moment and then the ceiling caved in a shower of plaster and wood. A support beam fell and clipped Omega in the shoulder, sending him to the floor. The Executioner rushed to his aide, as the hellhound fell from the hole in the destroyed ceiling. Killian met Warlock’s eyes and nodded. They rushed forward as one. Solaris dodged the jaw that went aiming for his neck and kneed the creature in the gut. Warlock slammed an elbow on the back of its neck while it was doubled over. It lost balance and fell to the floor in a crash of plywood.

Without warning or previous forethought, Solaris and Warlock standing side by side grasped hands. Together as one, they voiced the incantation that would trigger their combined attack.

“Crisis Nova Strike...” Their auras exploded outward in a burst of blue and yellow light. “Execute!”

Their auras twisted together and flooded down through their hands like a funnel. The light twisted together in a spiral of combined might of solar and magical energy. The ethereal power ripped into the creature from Hell like a knife cleaving through butter. The awesome might of the universe and magic ate through his skin, muscle, and bone. It superheated the body until it bubbled and churned, then exploded. Blood blasted out in a shower, sending tissue and gore splattering against everything in sight.

Killian made a face as he detransformed. “This is so sick.”

“Tell me about it,” Chad said, disgusted. They stared around at the living room that now resembled a scene from Hellraiser.

Adam stood up, rotating his shoulder. “Don’t worry about me,” he said sarcastically. “I’m good.”

Ryan rolled his eyes, half smiling. “You’re fine. Stop fishing for attention.”

Chad looked at Killian unsurely, then said hesitantly, “We make a good team.”

“We kinda do,” Killian agreed, surprised the other boy was talking to him without scorn. It felt nice.

It was a refreshing change of pace.

There was an awkward minute as silence settled in.

“Okay, fine,” said Chad loudly, breaking the quiet. He looked between Ryan and Killian. “I give up. It’s a wrap. You two are back on the team.”

Killian glanced at Ryan whose eyebrows were steadily climbing into his hairline, shocked. “Why? I thought you didn’t trust us.”

Chad sighed running a hand through his hair. He looked down at the ground, staring at nothing. “Whatever problems I had with you two are still there. But I won’t compromise our team by being petty.” He looked up and stared at them hard and said sharply, “I can’t forget what you did. I won’t ever forget it.” His stare softened and a small smile appeared. “But I can learn to forgive.”

Killian bent his head as his eyes stung. Finally, he looked up. He turned to Chad, face filled with remorse. “I really am sorry.”

“We’re both sorry,” said Ryan next to Adam.

Adam slipped his arm around the shorter boy’s shoulders and let Ryan leaned against him. Chad nodded and they shared a round of quiet smiles as the tension lessened and evaporated. Killian felt suddenly a whole lot lighter as Chad touched him on the shoulder and really smiled at him. Happiness exploded in his chest.

It felt better than he ever imagined. He hadn’t realized how much he needed this, the team, this friendship. He swallowed and turned away to wipe his eyes.

Nathaniel and Kevin appeared in a flicker before they solidified. They both were holding Starbucks coffee cups, and Kevin had a huge pair of Gucci sunglasses on his face and Nathaniel wore a pair of D&G. They looked like they just came from the mall. What the hell?

Kevin looked around and whistled. He caught sight of them standing close together and a quick and excited smile graced his face.

“Well, somebody crack out the 40’s,” he said happily. “The boys are back together.”

Nathaniel smiled like a proud parent. “It’s about time.”

Adam narrowed his eyes at the almost smug tone. “I smell a setup.”

“Are you trying to say that I summoned a hellhound, then conveniently left with the only person who could have swatted the creature like a fly?”

“YES!” Adam, Chad, Killian, and Ryan said.

Nathaniel shrugged. “Believe what you want.”

Chad looked around the destroyed cabin. He brushed pieces of wood chips off his shoulder. “I’m feeling super bonded with you guys now. Team's back together. And all that jazz. It’s been not fun.”

He closed his eyes and a swirling vortex of sky blue formed behind him. Chad grabbed Adam’s hand and jerked the boy behind him through the portal. It closed with a whoosh.

Kevin looked at Nathaniel hopefully. “We can leave?”

Nathaniel was still staring at the space the portal once occupied, pondering at the speed and ease at which Chad created the feat. When he turned to Kevin there was a blinding white light, a flash of elegant feathers, and the boy was gone.

“Thank you,” said Ryan sincerely, smiling at Nathaniel. “I would say it was a success.”

Killian nodded agreeing. Nathaniel was about to launch into a telling of how his brilliant plan all unfolded but Killian grabbed Ryan in a hug, and an orange bubble formed around them with a snap. They rocketed through the hole in the ceiling without fanfare.

Ryan watched the house grow smaller as they raced away from the hellhole.

“I never, never, never, ever want to go through that again,” said Killian vehemently.

Ryan smirked. “Well, Nathaniel did call it the ‘First Annual’...”

“There’s not a God,” Killian whispered, vividly imagining next year’s horrors.

Ryan threw his arms around Killian suddenly and he stumbled back and hit the wall of the bubble. Ryan’s mouth pressed soft and full against his and made Killian’s chest tighten. He had never felt so loved with just a kiss.

He broke away, resting his forehead on Killian’s shoulder. Killian shifted and looked at the only boy he ever loved. “What brought that on?”

Ryan shook his head, but he was smiling brightly. “It’s just... everything is perfect now. Can’t you feel it?”

Matter of fact he could. For once there was nothing weighing on his shoulders. No threat looming over their heads. No friendships that needed mending. He was here. He was alive. And in his arms was the boy he loved most in two lifetimes.

Killian took a shaky breath, smiling dizzily. “You’re right. I feel it.”

Killian shifted and kissed him deeper and longer, one hand curling insistently around the back of Ryan’s neck, the other settling in the collar of Ryan’s sweatshirt, stroking against his skin.

The bubble flew above the clouds and the sun hung above them. Its rays warmed their skin and neither Killian nor Ryan saw through their closed eyes, but the champion of light’s skin was glowing gold like the sun. It lit them up brilliantly and below on the surface countless people looked up and beheld the sight. Shining like the brightest dawn in the sky was a second sun.

The End.