Jump to content
  • Join Gay Authors

    Join us for free and follow your favorite authors and stories.

    Timothy M.
  • Author
  • 1,739 Words
  • 3,226 Views
  • 27 Comments
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Diego’s Dance with Death - 2. Two Brothers on the Warpath

Sablo and Diego brave the lion’s den.

Sablo walked briskly down the hallway, shouldering away fellow Guardians in the process.

“Hey! What’s your problem?”

“Did your Cupid deny you your morning BJ, or what?”

“What’s the rush?”

“Sup.”

“Hey!”

”Careful!”

Sablo flipped them all off and stormed inside their Head Guardian’s office without knocking, his brother reluctantly in tow.

As always, Ariel was impeccable dressed in a black turtleneck and matching slacks; his long dark cashmere coat on a hanger on the coat rack in the corner. No one had ever seen him wearing leather, faded jeans, or camo as some of his angels preferred. The only exception to the rule was his ever-present black leather gloves. Narrowing his stormy, grey eyes at them, he inspected first Sablo, then Diego. “What can I do for you?”

Diego immediately saluted him. Sablo ignored the subtle warning in their boss’ voice and approached him. He pulled the small purple book with the silver edges from the back pocket of his leather jeans, and slammed it down on his desk. For a brief moment, Ariel gripped the carved lion heads at the end of the armrests of his chair, and slowly leaned back.

“This must be an important matter when you so frivolously risk severe punishment for impertinence and disrespect, Sablo.” When he raised his raven-colored eyebrows and wrinkled his aquiline nose in disgust, one could believe the rumors Ariel was Marcellus Varius, former centurion of the Roman army.

“This belongs to my brother Diego —”

Sablo bent down and put his fist on the book. “He filled out a page for each kid he’s been assigned to, with their name and the outcome.”

“That reminds me.” Ariel took a flimsy piece of paper from among the rolled parchments on his desk. “Here are your orders, Guardian Diego. I expect the usual competent report at the end of the mission. Oh, be prepared for a small award ceremony when you return. You’ve reached the centennial mark faster than most G.A.s.”

When Ariel didn’t move a finger to take the journal, Sablo yelled, “Ninety-nine dead children aren’t enough?!”

“They didn’t all die,” Diego muttered, but neither seemed to notice. He took the flimsy sheet of paper outlining the details of his mission number one hundred. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sablo cross his arms, scowling.

“He reached that mark faster than anyone because you’ve been off-loading all these short-lived victims on him. I bet nobody else stuck it out this long.” If Sablo got any angrier, he might spontaneously combust.

“Sablo, don’t,” Diego said, but he knew it was useless. When his brother decided someone he cared about was treated unfairly or was in danger, he would go charging in with no regard for the consequences.

“No, bro, you deserve an explanation for why you keep getting all these dates with Death, and why they rescinded your D.O.R. We’re not budging until we have some answers.”

“How I assign my angels is none of your concern. Consider this your last warning.”

“Sablo,” Diego pleaded.

“No! I want to know this now. If the assigning of angels is solely your responsibility, it means it’s your decision for Diego to get the shitty jobs, right?” Ariel averted his gaze only for a short moment, but Sablo’s police-trained eye immediately noticed it. Then he had an idea.

“Or perhaps Azrael has something to do with this. Is he blackmailing you?”

“Enough!” Ariel rummaged around his desk and picked up a piece of parchment, stamped and signed it, before folding it up. “Give this to Ayil. Now, out!”

Diego immediately saluted. “Yes, Sir!” With his left hand he poked his brother in the back, out of Ariel’s sight. Sablo grabbed the parchment and the purple notebook. With one last heated glare at the commander, he saluted sarcastically and turned to follow. As the door closed behind them, Diego heaved a sigh of relief. No word was spoken between them until they reached the tiny cubicle which had been their joint office after they arrived. When Sablo moved in with Theo, Diego had left the apartment they shared and slept on a camp bed behind the desk. Something else he hadn’t told his brother, who reacted predictably.

“Why is all your stuff here? Wait, are you living here? Well, for fuck’s sake, bro, why didn’t you tell me?”

“What difference would that make?”

“Don’t make me punch you!”

“Fine. The people in the apartment above me got too noisy. I didn’t need the space. It’s easier not to deal with the commute. I feel safer here. The food and the cleaning service are better. Take your pick.”

“The food and cleaning service?”

“Umm, well, you know the commander and a few other senior staff members have digs on the premises? Apparently, they have staff taking care of them, cleaning their rooms, uniforms, boots, whatever. Two days after I moved in, one of them turned up and informed me I was now his responsibility. He also gave me this pass, which allows me to use the diner downstairs, free of charge.”

“I see. Maybe the commander does feel bad about those assignments. I know he gets his lunches and dinners sent up from that place. I’ve treated Theo to a meal there a couple of times. The food is great; you’re right about that.”

“Would you like me to go and get some food for us?”

“Later. Right now we need to go talk to Ayil. What does the note say?” Sablo had handed the book and the parchment over to Diego as they were walking.

“We shouldn’t read….” Diego began.

“Bullshit. If the commander didn’t want us to read it, he’d have sealed it or told us it was confidential.”

Diego had to admit his pushy brother had a point. He slipped the notebook into his pocket and unfolded the parchment.

“Shit.”

“What?”

“It’s a request from Ayil to have my aura read. The commander just sanctioned it.”

“Bloody coward, passing the buck like that.”

“Sablo! Be fair. Commander Ariel might not know what’s going on either.”

“Hmf. OK, whose aura will be scanned with yours?”

“It doesn’t say. Maybe it’s just me.”

“Nope. Theo has explained this several times. Cupids don’t just scan – or shoot – anyone at random. They observe and test the auras of potentially compatible lovers. The results are confirmed at CC before they can hit them with arrows. As a full angel, Theliel can do the research and make the decision, but he still has to file a report.”

“Well, it’s only my name. See for yourself.” Diego handed the parchment over and waited anxiously while Sablo read it carefully.

“The first part is asking permission, and only has your name. However, that just means your future lover isn’t a Guardian Angel. It could be a Cupid, but you haven’t been hanging out with the flighty boys.”

“I might have. Some of them are quite good-looking.”

“As if Theo wouldn’t have heard the gossip, if you’d finally given in to Diniel’s pleas for a date, or tumbled Rahmiel.”

“I wouldn’t have to date someone for our auras to match. You got shot on your first date with Theliel.”

“That wasn’t a date! Anyway, you still have to spend time in their proximity. And who have you been seeing regularly since you arrived?”

Diego felt his insides clench and the blood drain from his head.

“Whoa, bro, sit down before you fall over.”

“You can’t seriously be suggesting I have matching auras with Azrael?” Saying it out loud made the idea even worse, and Diego shuddered.

“Look at the bright side. What if Azrael is somehow forcing Ariel to give you all those assignments, because he or she is sweet on you and wants to see you, but is too shy to ask you on a date?”

“You call Death stalking me the bright side? Jeez, did Theo suck your brains out this morning?”

“No, you idiot. If you started dating Azrael off duty, they wouldn’t have any reason to pressure the commander, and you might get some better Guardian jobs.”

“Or Azrael might want to stalk me professionally and privately.”

“Well, we won’t know until we talk to Ayil. He’ll be the one doing the evaluation and firing the silver arrows.”

“You’re joking.”

“Nope. Regular Cupids shoot humans, but for Cupids and Guardian Angels and similar…mm…entities, I guess it has to be Ayil or someone of equal standing. The bastard really enjoyed hitting Theo and me. But I think he had to get clearance from higher up. The request doesn’t say who’ll make the final decision, but clearly states Ayil will be in charge of evaluating.”

“But how will talking to him help?”

“Maybe we can find out who the other person is? And if you really don’t want to date them…we might be able to persuade Ayil to say so in his report.”

“You were going to say something else, weren’t you?” Diego knew his brother wouldn’t hesitate to do more than persuade.

Sablo shrugged. “Let’s not worry about that until we know what happens.”

“How would we find out? You never spotted him checking you and Theliel out.”

“I’ll ask Theo for advice, but I can’t expect him to do anything which might jeopardize his career.”

“Of course not.”

“We should have time if the evaluation is only starting. And don’t forget, you and your potential lover have to be close to each other when you’re shot.”

“Your point being?”

“I can’t really see Ayil turning up during a mission to hit you and Azrael with silver arrows while you’re holding a dead kid.”

“Fucking hell, bro, I didn’t need that image in my head.”

“Theo and I got shot at the bar right after our missions had finished. So don’t start dating Death if you want to avoid giving the top Cupid bastard another victory.”

“You always have an answer for everything.” Diego shook his head, but he admired his brother for being stubborn and resourceful. Even if some of his ideas got them into trouble.

“Do we have a plan?”

In reply, Diego stood up and held out his hand for Sablo to high five.

“Let’s go. Time to hit Cupid Central.” Sablo’s evil smirk boded ill for anyone opposing him.

As they ‘ported, Diego mumbled under his breath, “Almost as bad as hitting on the Angel of Death.”

More to come in this joint venture of @aditus and me.
Copyright © 2019 Timothy M., aditus; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 13
  • Love 14
  • Wow 1
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
You are not currently following this author. Be sure to follow to keep up to date with new stories they post.

Recommended Comments

Chapter Comments



So now I know why I woke up in the middle of the night (3:30am)! It’s all your fault @Timothy M. and @aditus! It’s a good thing I don’t have anything to do later.  ;–)

 

There’s some kind of conspiracy going on. Ariel seems to be in on it. I wonder how big it is?

 

 

Maybe Diego can go find a sun-powered dragon to escape with!  ;–)

33 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

So now I know why I woke up in the middle of the night (3:30am)! It’s all your fault @Timothy M. and @aditus! It’s a good thing I don’t have anything to do later.  ;–)

 

There’s some kind of conspiracy going on. Ariel seems to be in on it. I wonder how big it is?

 

 

Maybe Diego can go find a sun-powered dragon to escape with!  ;–)

Really, Tim! Did you have to upload the chapter this noisily! I'm  so sorry, @droughtquake

And sun-powered whatever  is all the rage. good idea!

  • Haha 4
5 minutes ago, aditus said:

And sun-powered whatever  is all the rage. good idea!

Timmy’s solar-powered dragon appeared in his Feeling Blue.  ;–)

 

Timmy always thinks I live in London. I guess Danes confuse my California accent with Cockney! That’s okay because we get all those miniature European countries mixed up.  ;–)

 

 

I’m going back to sleep now.  ;–)

5 hours ago, droughtquake said:

So now I know why I woke up in the middle of the night (3:30am)! It’s all your fault @Timothy M. and @aditus! It’s a good thing I don’t have anything to do later.  ;–)

 

There’s some kind of conspiracy going on. Ariel seems to be in on it. I wonder how big it is?

 

Maybe Diego can go find a sun-powered dragon to escape with!  ;–)

 

Well, it was either then or now, since I've been away all day. Hope my reply to your comment doesn't wake you up again. :lol: 

 

Some sort of conspiracy ? :X  :whistle:

  • Haha 2
1 hour ago, Timothy M. said:

Well, it was either then or now, since I've been away all day. Hope my reply to your comment doesn't wake you up again. :lol: 

 

Some sort of conspiracy ? :X  :whistle:

Now you’re hinting that Guardian Angels are conspiring with you to wake me up?  ;–)

 

Next you’ll be telling me that Guardian Angels are conspiring with my doctors to get me to exercise. That’s when I’ll know you’re just making stuff up because I never exercise! Someone has to break those stereotypes about Californians!  ;–)

What a great chapter! You guys are brilliant! :D  Sablo and Diego are great characters, and the premise rocks. I don't want to brag, but it looks like I might have been right. :)  Beautifully written, guys, with just the right amount of detail... I look forward to more... love the humor... "“You call Death stalking me the bright side? Jeez, did Theo suck your brains out this morning?”... :gikkle: ... cheers... Gary....

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
9 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

Never a good idea to piss off a commanding angel. But now they’re thinking along my lines. What a twist on the idea of being stalked by Death. Great chapter! 

 

Well, Sablo doesn't always think before he acts. Remember how he tried to stop Theliel from shooting a red arrow at the guy he was guarding? And what happened next ? :pinch:

Glad you like the idea of Diego being stalked by Death. More next week.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
7 hours ago, Headstall said:

What a great chapter! You guys are brilliant! :D  Sablo and Diego are great characters, and the premise rocks. I don't want to brag, but it looks like I might have been right. :)  Beautifully written, guys, with just the right amount of detail... I look forward to more... love the humor... "“You call Death stalking me the bright side? Jeez, did Theo suck your brains out this morning?”... :gikkle: ... cheers... Gary....

 

Thank you, Gary, we're enjoying this collaboration, and we haven't fought about the direction or the details yet. Feel free to brag, but I hope we can give you a fun surprise or two. 

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1

Some employers think the employees should live in their offices but ‘food and cleaning service’? Good one!

I know Sablo was planning on using his partnership with Theo to get a visit with Ayil but I thought an eyebrow might have been raised when Ariel instructed them to go. Of course they found out why later on when they read the note. What they haven’t read yet are Diego’s new orders.....

A whole week to wait ‘til we find out more - I shall have to borrow a couple of black cushions and a white comforter and settle down for a nap.

 

  • Like 3
  • Love 1
6 hours ago, Pedro1954 said:

Some employers think the employees should live in their offices but ‘food and cleaning service’? Good one!

I know Sablo was planning on using his partnership with Theo to get a visit with Ayil but I thought an eyebrow might have been raised when Ariel instructed them to go. Of course they found out why later on when they read the note. What they haven’t read yet are Diego’s new orders.....

A whole week to wait ‘til we find out more - I shall have to borrow a couple of black cushions and a white comforter and settle down for a nap.

 

 

I wouldn't mind staying longer at work, if they served nice food and washed my clothes. 

I'm sure Sablo is pleased he won't have to use Theo to get in to talk to Ayil. But he still has to work out how to influence the testing of his brother.

As for Diego's new orders :X 

 

LOL, once a week posting is actually very often for me (Aditus is much better). Imp may bite your ass if you steal his pillows. No telling what Angel will do. :lol: 

  • Haha 2

Interesting start, not usually a fan of stories that keep things confusing, but given how much I've enjoyed pretty much everything  @Timothy M. has written I'm willing to hang in there - especially since this is only the second chapter and more clarity could come quickly. 

 

Am I supposed to have such a visceral reaction to the GA's boss, Ariel? I mean, I'm seriously close to hating the guy even if someone else is making him give Diego such shitty jobs. And I want to give Diego a hug and guard his sleep, so he can have someone take care of him after the hell he's had to go through with his job.

  • Love 3
21 hours ago, cmk762 said:

Interesting start, not usually a fan of stories that keep things confusing, but given how much I've enjoyed pretty much everything  @Timothy M. has written I'm willing to hang in there - especially since this is only the second chapter and more clarity could come quickly. 

 

Am I supposed to have such a visceral reaction to the GA's boss, Ariel? I mean, I'm seriously close to hating the guy even if someone else is making him give Diego such shitty jobs. And I want to give Diego a hug and guard his sleep, so he can have someone take care of him after the hell he's had to go through with his job.

 

Well, that's a big vote of confidence. :*)  Have you read Cupid Central by @aditus ? Otherwise, I can recommend it together with all his other stories. They'll keep you occupied while waiting for more Cardmaker chapters (thanks for all the likes and comments btw).

Ariel may be bad, but just wait till you meet Ayil, the head of Cupid Central.

Diego absolutely needs some hugs and TLC. :yes: 

  • Like 1
  • Love 1
5 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Well, that's a big vote of confidence. :*)  Have you read Cupid Central by @aditus ? Otherwise, I can recommend it together with all his other stories. They'll keep you occupied while waiting for more Cardmaker chapters (thanks for all the likes and comments btw).

Ariel may be bad, but just wait till you meet Ayil, the head of Cupid Central.

Diego absolutely needs some hugs and TLC. :yes: 

Yep, I did read Cupid Central because you mentioned it in another comment. For some reason Ayil didn't make me want to slap him silly. I'm guessing when he shows up in this book I'm going to dislike him a whole lot more? Definitely going to look into aditus' work...

  • Like 2
1 hour ago, cmk762 said:

 For some reason Ayil didn't make me want to slap him silly. I'm guessing when he shows up in this book I'm going to dislike him a whole lot more? 

 

We'll find out when the next chapter posts today. Maybe you won't dislike Ayil, but @aditus and I are wondering what readers will think of him. He's still a stickler for 'proper protocol' :lol: 

  • Like 2
On 2/27/2019 at 12:09 AM, cmk762 said:

Interesting start, not usually a fan of stories that keep things confusing, but given how much I've enjoyed pretty much everything  @Timothy M. has written I'm willing to hang in there - especially since this is only the second chapter and more clarity could come quickly. 

 

Am I supposed to have such a visceral reaction to the GA's boss, Ariel? I mean, I'm seriously close to hating the guy even if someone else is making him give Diego such shitty jobs. And I want to give Diego a hug and guard his sleep, so he can have someone take care of him after the hell he's had to go through with his job.

stories that keep things confusing but given how much I've enjoyed pretty much everything  @Timothy M. has written I'm willing to hang in , (Yeah, this is totally on me.  Chaotic good is my , alignment, as many my character's. But Tim knew what  to expect, I assure you.)

  • Haha 2
15 hours ago, comicfan said:

There are sweet romances and there are those you wonder how they came to be. Then there is the possibility of an angel being struck/stuck to the Angel of Death. I guess if you are going to play with love you might as well make interesting. Excuse me, need to go because luckily I came in late and another chapter is already up.

 

Those are very good points. One of the reasons I like @aditus world of Cupids and Guardian Angels combined with my Angels and Imps are the endless possibilities for fun.

  • Like 1

View Guidelines

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Newsletter

    Sign Up and get an occasional Newsletter.  Fill out your profile with favorite genres and say yes to genre news to get the monthly update for your favorite genres.

    Sign Up
×
×
  • Create New...