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    Timothy M.
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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 - 9. Two Brothers Making Plans

- and one sad Cupid
Italics are thoughts.

Sablo lay in the dark with his arms behind his head. His brother was snoring softly on the other bed, but there was no way he’d be able to sleep. The scene with Theo kept playing in his head, and he couldn’t think of anything he could do to salvage the situation.

Why hadn’t he realized Theo was different from most of the other Cupids he’d met? Dedicated and professional, in spite of joking about Ayil’s fondness for ‘proper protocol’ and arriving on time. His immediate recognition of Diego and Azrael’s compatibility showed Theo’s superior Cupid abilities, which he hadn’t appreciated properly in the five years they’d been together.

There had been no reply to the text Diego sent to Theo, and none to the multiple begging messages of his own, either. Apparently, Sablo would have come up with some other way of communicating his apology and love. But how? Flowers? Chocolate? Invitation to a romantic outing, like the ones Theo sprung on him at regular intervals? There was the picnic in a secluded spot in a forest where they made love afterwards. A walk along a deserted moon-lit beach on a warm summer night, with a quick dip in the sea after mutual blowjobs. The boat trip, which Sablo had almost ruined by being seasick, but Theo had brought him home and fussed over him for ages. Every single thing his lover did for him showed how much he cared.

What had he ever done in return? OK, he often picked Theo up at work for a quick lunch, or met him at CC after hours, so they could have a beer at the bar. But if Sablo was honest, he also did this because he enjoyed the reactions of other Cupids when they saw a Guardian, and even more when Theo jumped on him for a kiss and a cuddle. He invited his lover out for a meal on a regular basis, but mainly because he didn’t like to cook. He’d almost forgotten their fifth anniversary two months ago, and only Diego asking him whether he would get a chance to be with Theo on Valentine’s Day prevented a total disaster.

Sablo groaned. I’m fucking useless at romance and relationships. Theo was the one keeping us together and happy. I just went along for the ride without contributing much, except doing my best in bed. At least Theo had appreciated his attention and abilities in that area. Silver arrows seemed to initiate both love and lust, because Sablo had wanted to fuck his Cupid right after being hit, in spite of being furious. What if I never get to be with Theo again? Could I go back to random sex encounters? The idea made him feel sick. He might appreciate the sight of a hunky guy as much as ever, but only Theo made him horny now. Fuck, I’m totally screwed.

“Will you stop moaning and groaning, for fuck’s sake?” Diego’s complaint broke into Sablo’s depressed worrying.

“Sorry. I’m trying to work out how I can win Theo back, but I have no ideas.”

“What does he like?”

“You mean food or drink or what?”

“No, I meant what interests does he have, apart from his work and you?”

“Um, he likes to cook, try out new recipes. He tinkers with his bike a lot. He plays games on the computer and looks at funny cat pictures and videos. Well, I guess they make us both laugh. Oh, and he follows police shows like CSI, NCIS, The Bridge and Profilage, and asks annoying questions of me afterwards. What the Hell do I know about modern police work?”

“Has he asked you to go on bike trips with him?”

“Yeah, but we’re usually too busy, and I don’t have a bike.”

“You need to skip the excuses and make time. And the exercise would be good for you.”

“I go to the gym three times a week.”

“But Theo doesn’t, right?”

“Um… No.” Sablo waited but Diego didn’t say anything. “Oh. Right. Do things he likes, not what I want.”

“You’re getting there, bro.”

“OK. What else?”

“Buy a bicycle. Get a tattoo. Find him a kitten. Dress up in a sexy police outfit.”

“What?”

“Get a tattoo saying ‘I belong to Theo’ on your chest or across your butt.”

“Okaaay, I guess I can do that.”

“Buy the cutest kitten you can find. Does Theo have a favorite?”

“Something black and cuddly, I think.”

“Dress like a cop but with red roses instead of guns in your holsters. Stand in front of CC or Theo’s apartment with the kitten in your arms, the bike next to you, and a heart-shaped balloon floating on a string. That should get his attention.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Nope. We’re going shopping tomorrow, and afterwards you can think about how to ask Theo to forgive you and take you back. Now turn off your phone and get some sleep.”

***

Inwardly preparing himself to port into an empty apartment, Theliel inhaled deeply. He really wished he’d taken his bicycle to CC. A wild night ride through the city would help him get rid of his anxiety.

“You could always take my bike.”

Theo stared at Ayil. “How do you know what I’m thinking?” and after a short pause, “Your bike? Since when do you ride a bike to work?”

“I did in the past. It should still be around here somewhere.”

They went to the room where Theliel parked his bike every morning. Ayil lifted a slightly dated, red bike from its hooks on the wall. “It’s a little dusty, and you need to inflate the tires.” He passed Theo the pump.

A few minutes later, he heard Ayil’s ‘Good luck’ through the closing elevator doors. Down in the lobby he pushed the bike to the entrance where the night porter stood stock-still glaring at him, instead of helping him with the doors. This was no Horace. Theo fumbled with the bike and the door. “Would you be so kind?” He squinted at the nametag. “Al?”

Outside, he dashed through narrow streets and around corners as fast he could, until he reached their apartment complex. One gaze on the dark windows of their place told him Sablo was probably gone. Inside, he parked Ayil’s bike beside his own and ran upstairs, taking two steps at once.

After pushing open the door, he immediately felt the emptiness. What did he expect? He’d told Sablo to move in with his brother. He’d thrown him out. Tentatively, he stepped inside. Looking around, Theo immediately noticed some of the pictures were missing. In the living room, he shrugged off his messenger bag and sank down on the coffee table.

Fishing out his phone, Theo tried to call Sablo, but he didn’t answer. After ten tries he gave up and buried his face in his hands, sobbing.

What have I done? Why did I humiliate him by throwing him out? Ayil is right about Guardians being proud and stubborn. Sablo probably regretted saying sorry ten minutes after sending those texts.

Theo sniffed and shook his head. How can we get back together if he doesn’t respect my work? Why can’t he see how important love is for the happiness of humans? And the flirting and other stuff too, which is always fun, mutual, and consensual when triggered by our arrows.

He made himself stand up and walk through every room in the apartment. Everywhere the absence of his lover was obvious, from spaces on the book shelves to empty drawers in the walk-in closet. But the unrumpled, newly-made bed was the final straw which made him curse and run back to the living room. Theo grabbed his phone to send a text, but his hands shook too much, and the screen was blurred.

He more felt than heard the smoothest ‘pop’ next to him. Full of hope, he turned around to find himself in Azrael’s arms. “What did you do, silly Cupid?”

“Fell in love with a Guardian? Threw him out for being an idiot?” Theo sniffled. “He took our pictures.”

“It’s a good sign.”

“You think?”

“Of course. He took them because he cares. Because he can’t live without you.”

“I…I don’t wanna live without him either.”

“I know. It will be OK. Come on, let’s sit down and talk. Do you want ice cream?”

“Bourbon.”

“You don’t drink.”

“Fuck it!”

“Having a hangover tomorrow will make you even more miserable.”

“I deserve it.”

“Don’t be silly. You didn’t do anything wrong. Well, except thinking you could get away with testing my aura without me noticing.”

Azrael raised an eyebrow at Theo, who blushed.

“Um…I…well…do you mind?”

“Of course not. It’s your job.”

“I shouldn’t tell you, but you and Diego are a perfect match. It’s the most beautiful aura mixing I’ve ever witnessed.”

“So I’ll be seeing you with silver arrows sometime soon?”

“Or Ayil.”

“If I have to be hit by a Cupid arrow, I’d prefer my best friend do it.”

“Your best friend? I don’t deserve to be called that. We’ve hardly seen each other since I got together with Sablo.”

“My only friend, then? At least among Cupids. And I’ve been busier than usual too, recently.”

“Oh, Azrael. What if Sablo won’t come back? Will we still be able to be friends?”

I will always be your friend, but don't forget: It takes two to tango.”

“I wanted Sablo to take me dancing, but he always found an excuse. Did I nag him too much? Maybe Guardians are unable to commit to anything but their charges?”

“Now you’re being silly again. Let’s have that ice cream and discuss the pros and cons of Guardian Angels as partners.”

They did as Azrael suggested. They talked, cried in each other’s arms, and finally fell asleep on the couch.

More suggestions for Sablo on how to win Theo back are welcome.
Copyright © 2019 Timothy M., aditus; All Rights Reserved.
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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. 
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Quote

More suggestions for Sablo on how to win Theo back are welcome.

Sablo could try bribing begging pleading his case with two authors…
;–)

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So why didn’t Theo’s phone call go through?

We’ve met Angie’s cute little devil imp pal, but are there evil devils too? Someone whose ‘pranks’ are destroying Sablo & Theo’s relationship? Someone who’s managed to get Diego assigned all the difficult jobs? (ie Someone’s muse?)
;–)

Edited by droughtquake
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I like all your suggestions min ven, except the kitten one--a stuffed one rather than a real one is good until they can be parents to the real thing.  I'm not fond of using animals to placate hurt feelings or children--they're living things with emotions and not something that can be discarded when you get tired of them, or the giver.
Will Sablo know the extra bicycle is for their apartment?  Bike racks aren't usually specifically numbered for such things if I recall from my youth.  Still, the 'evil imp' idea is intriguing, but I hop e you don't do that to our couple.  That could be extended to Ayil possibly being in league with one by lending the bike....

Mehr, bitte!

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12 hours ago, droughtquake said:

Sablo could try bribing begging pleading his case with two authors…
;–)

I like lasagna. What about you, Tim?

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13 hours ago, travlbug said:

Sablo is learning, and Theo realizes that, despite all Sablo's faults, he is still hopelessly in love with him. Theo's decision to toss him out has actually strengthened their bond.

Azrael's empathic nature is beautifully portrayed through his friendship with Theo. Death is actually a warm and understanding fellow!

Diego's suggestions on how Sablo can win Theo back are cute, funny, and over the top--especially if he does them all together. My only suggestion would be for him to present himself naked, other than cop boots, so that Theo can see the tattoo! (He can splay himself over the bike and artfully drape the kitten over his private bits--which should work out well unless the kitten finds a new play toy! 😂)  

My only suggestion would be for him to present himself naked, other than cop boots, so that Theo can see the tattoo! (He can splay himself over the bike and artfully drape the kitten over his private bits--which should work out well unless the kitten finds a new play toy!   Hmm... I can see it right before my eye. 

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11 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

How heartbreaking that Sablo and Theo are apart.  Kittens, roses, costumes - all very nice. Sablo might need to buy a bike and chase Theo down on it. Preferably catching him in a secluded lane, with a mossy glade nearby. Just a suggestion. But I have confidence in you. You won’t keep lovers apart for too long. Please. 

We forgot the unicorns! :facepalm:

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24 minutes ago, aditus said:

We forgot the unicorns! :facepalm:

You could substitute with a Centaur or Pegasus – apparently, they’re not quite as unusual!
;–)

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My guess is they'll both go all in to reconcile. A few grand gestures and then they can get to talking for real. Just as long as they remember you can't really change a person. Sablo will probably not turn into a romance wiz kid no matter how much they talk. But I'm sure he shows his love in other ways. Like when my hubby never buys flowers but he builds me a wooden deck at our cabin. 

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On 4/11/2019 at 8:51 PM, travlbug said:

Sablo is learning, and Theo realizes that, despite all Sablo's faults, he is still hopelessly in love with him. Theo's decision to toss him out has actually strengthened their bond.

Azrael's empathic nature is beautifully portrayed through his friendship with Theo. Death is actually a warm and understanding fellow!

Diego's suggestions on how Sablo can win Theo back are cute, funny, and over the top--especially if he does them all together. My only suggestion would be for him to present himself naked, other than cop boots, so that Theo can see the tattoo! (He can splay himself over the bike and artfully drape the kitten over his private bits--which should work out well unless the kitten finds a new play toy! 😂)  

It's not easy to stop loving when you've been hit with silver arrows. And yes, I think Theo's reaction was a wake-up call for Sablo which will improve their relationship.

Azrael is so misunderstood, people only see his title and forget the compassionate Angel behind the cloak. Theo is one of the few Cupids who made an effort to get to know him. Azrael doesn't forget that, and when his friend's pain called to him, he immediately responded.

LOL, I like your ideas, but I don't think Sablo will display himself naked in front of Cupid Central. But when they get home, it's a different matter. :P 

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On 4/11/2019 at 10:14 PM, droughtquake said:

Sablo could try bribing begging pleading his case with two authors…
;–)

He already did, and we've considered the best way to respond. :X 

On 4/11/2019 at 10:21 PM, droughtquake said:

So why didn’t Theo’s phone call go through?

We’ve met Angie’s cute little devil imp pal, but are there evil devils too? Someone whose ‘pranks’ are destroying Sablo & Theo’s relationship? Someone who’s managed to get Diego assigned all the difficult jobs? (ie Someone’s muse?)
;–)

@Pedro1954 had the right answer. Sablo turned his phone off, and Diego did the same. This was also to prevent Ariel contacting them or finding out where they are.

Lots of evil devils, but none of them had a hand in the story - as far as I know. As for who assigned Diego to those missions, Imp would tell you they're the same who pushed him and Angel into A.I. team missions.

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On 4/11/2019 at 11:22 PM, Pedro1954 said:

Maybe because, for once,  Sablo had actually done what his brother suggested and turned his phone off?

What I want to know is how Azreal knew to drop into Theo’s apartment to comfort him?

I also think a bike (Ayil’s) parked next to Theo’s has the potential to cause trouble, especially if Sablo follows through and buys his own roadster! 

Perhaps Sablo should eat humble pie and visit Ayil again since he shot them with the silver arrows. I was going to suggest that Diego should arrange to bump into Ramiel to pass a message to Theo but on second thoughts..... maybe not!

Yep, both Sablo and Diego turned off their phones, see above. As for Azrael appearing, see my reply to travlbug. Theo has a special place in Azrael's heart and he's very loyal to his few friends.

Let's hope Sablo has a chance to talk to his lover before he sees Ayil's bike next to Theo's. 

Visiting Ayil to make amends might be a good idea, but I have the feeling Sablo might want to avoid the embarrassment of meeting the Cupid Commander for a while yet. Though I guess he'll see him at Diego's award ceremony. :lol: 

Nope, Diego talking to Rahmiel is not a good idea. ;) 

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On 4/11/2019 at 11:30 PM, Parker Owens said:

How heartbreaking that Sablo and Theo are apart.  Kittens, roses, costumes - all very nice. Sablo might need to buy a bike and chase Theo down on it. Preferably catching him in a secluded lane, with a mossy glade nearby. Just a suggestion. But I have confidence in you. You won’t keep lovers apart for too long. Please. 

Thanks for your confidence, Parker. We'll do our best to resolve this. I like the bike chase idea, it may come in handy later. :P 

Edited by Timothy M.
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@ColumbusGuy  You have a good point about the kitten, and a stuffed toy will be easier to keep hold off. Later, they can decide if they want a live animal too.
Yeah, Sablo may not pay much attention to an extra bike in the rack, and hopefully things are resolved with Theo before then. And Azrael should be long gone, before Sablo arrives, since finding them cuddles together on the couch might have cause a few tense moments.
Imp may or may not turn up in the story, but so far he hasn't been causing any mischief in this case.
More to come, but you'll have to wait to next week, sorry.

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On 4/12/2019 at 10:38 AM, aditus said:

@ColumbusGuy Mehr , bitte! Gerne, in der nächsten Woche.

Well, that was a bit of a rash promise, but hopefully it will be next week.

On 4/12/2019 at 10:40 AM, aditus said:

I like lasagna. What about you, Tim?

Yep, I can be bribed with some delicious lasagna, but how will Sablo get Theo to make it for him ?  :lol: 

On 4/12/2019 at 10:44 AM, aditus said:

We forgot the unicorns! :facepalm:

:huh:  You want Sablo to invite Atlantis ?  https://satwcomic.com/drunken-party :rofl: 

On 4/12/2019 at 11:09 AM, droughtquake said:

You could substitute with a Centaur or Pegasus – apparently, they’re not quite as unusual!

No centaurs, but I'll consider Pegasus. ;) 

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On 4/12/2019 at 12:43 PM, Puppilull said:

My guess is they'll both go all in to reconcile. A few grand gestures and then they can get to talking for real. Just as long as they remember you can't really change a person. Sablo will probably not turn into a romance wiz kid no matter how much they talk. But I'm sure he shows his love in other ways. Like when my hubby never buys flowers but he builds me a wooden deck at our cabin. 

You're so sensible, I love it. :hug:  Sablo will never be as romantic as Theo, but he can get rid of his prejudice against cupids and take an interest in the work his lover does. He's already taken the first couple of steps, and Diego will be there to kick his butt if he falters.

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On 4/15/2019 at 1:40 PM, mfa607 said:

Great chapter! Loved the tattoo idea! 

Thank you :2thumbs:  where do you think Sablo should have the tattoo placed ?

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On 4/12/2019 at 3:43 AM, Puppilull said:

…never buys flowers

Or as Sheldon Cooper refers to them, ‘severed plant genitals’!
;–)

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1 hour ago, Headstall said:

Sad but sweet chapter... great conversations. :worship: 

Yeah, it was a little sad, especially for Theo. But at least he had a friend to support him, when he couldn't get hold of Sablo. I'm delighted you liked the conversations, we worked hard on those (with good help from Valkyrie).

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It is good to have best friends to console each other, but to fall asleep on the same couch together when you had a misunderstanding with the love of your life! Not sure how that will go!

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