Ryan let out a soft sigh of agitation as he sat by the waterfall. Oh what a time it had been. Ever since the fight with the demons of the Beneath, Anifiel wouldn't allow him to see Vithius, and it was driving him mad.

"You’re going to corrupt him, little human, and I won't stand by and allow it," he mocked before kicking at the water angrily. He not only missed his friend, but his feelings for him were growing, to the point where his body was going to explode if he didn't do something…

"Why does Anifiel have to be such an ass," he muttered as he closed his eyes, letting out a soft moan as the cool air brush over his heated skin.

"An ass?" A booming voice was heard from above, a deep rumbling like a thundering storm. Anifiel descended, his majestic wings beating behind him, displacing the wind all around like waves lapping viciously on the shore. His sandaled feet landed with nere a thump on the lush grassy meadow, an improbable feat on Earth, whereas in Heaven it was possible.

The Commander of Heaven's army stood near the human, green eyes that held a discernable emotion staring at him. He canted his head, golden hair cascading down one perfectly bronzed shoulder.

"What is this nonsense that you speak of, little human?" Anifiel asked, his voice deep and rich as the finest melted chocolate.

Ryan felt a shiver run though his body and cursed to himself when he felt himself start to harden. Dammit, why did Anifiel have such an effect on him? Damn his horny body…

"What I speak about when I'm alone is really none of your business, Anifiel," Ryan said, still not opening his eyes, not wanting to see the breathtaking beauty that was the Angel. "But then again, you always seem to be following me when I try to be alone. I wonder why…"

Wings flapped once before settling down to a restful state. Anifiel peered at Ryan with mild curiously, such a strange creature this little human was. "You speak so loud that all of Heaven can hear you," was the baritone reply.

"I follow you to ascertain you do not make trouble for Vithius again. And yes, you do corrupt him with your weaknesses." Anifiel had heard Ryan and the tone the human had used to utter those words.

"Well apparently you don’t have to worry about that, as I'm sitting right here," Ryan retorted before laying back and closing his eyes again. "So now that you know I'm not corrupting anyone else, would you leave me be?"

A smirk spread on the Angel's lips as he knelt down near Ryan, his bulk imposing despite the open space of Heaven's meadows and luxurious waterfall. He studied the human's face, peering at it openly. There was no hate in his heart for this human; he was only annoyed that the little one had mettled in his relationship with his beautiful Consort and made him go to Lower Tier. It saddened Anifiel to not have Finnian by his side.

Yet he could not reconcile with the strange emotions he experienced when he was around Ryan – and that frightened the Golden Angel inexplicably; it made him doubt what he felt for his missing Beloved.

"How would I know that no sooner do I turn my back on you, little human, that you will not continue with your corruption?" His voice was unusually soft, like a trickling brook in the rush of incoming spring.

Ryan opened his eyes and sat up slightly at this, and nearly gasped at how close the Angel was to him. Even this up close, Ryan couldn't deny how beautiful Anifiel was, but he refused to let the Angel know that.

And what about this corruption? Ryan was tired of being made felt like he was no better than the demons of the Beneath.

"How can you call what I show as love as corruption, when you've never experienced in the way I have?" Ryan was thanking the creator that his voice was able to stay even, despite how close the Angel was. "You act like you know everything about me, but you don't. You don't even TRY to understand how I'm feeling at the moment."

Ryan laid back down and shut his eyes once more, rolling on his side. "Just leave me be Anifiel. I'm not bothering anyone here, and I perfectly happy just staying here and being by myself. I can't hurt anyone else this way…"

Wings fluttered once as in an unspoken agitation before they rested once again on Anifiel's proud back. The Angel studied Ryan, a human that both angered him and made him feel other emotions he was not yet prepared to deal with, did not understand. He knew of human lust and desire, yes, but did not anticipate them as transcending humanity and encompassing Angels.

"I do not need to understand what you feel, I know…" was the solemn reply.

"Oh you know, do you?" Ryan looked at Anifiel angrily. "No, I don't THINK you understand at all, Anifiel. You think you know everything about humans, when you don't know at all. You don't know how or what we think, feel, or anything." He stood up, the anger he had felt for so long finally coming out in waves.

"You live up here without a care in the world, why we live down there in sin, trying to make up for what Adam and Eve did, but even after all this time, we still can't please the almighty creator, not even the people that devote their whole lives to him! So do NOT tell me you understand, Commander of Heaven, because you DON'T!" Shoving past the Angel, he threw off what little clothes he had on and dived into the cold water, just wanting to get away from Anifiel, Heaven, EVERYTHING.

Strong arms built like marble swooped into the water, dragging Ryan's form out of it. Anifiel lay the human on the grassy meadows, looking down into startled and angered blue eyes. The weight of the Angel's body pinned down the cool limbs and torso, trapping Ryan and stilling him.

"You try my patience, little human!" Anifiel's eyes were filled with their own rage, deep and fiery like the burning sun. "Do you think that only humans suffer? Do you believe that the existence of Angels is as carefree as you think it is?" His voice was like the rumble of distant thunder, the deep emotions resonating from that golden body and transcending into Ryan.

"What do you think my duty is in Heaven? It is to keep humans souls safe from the Beneath and despite what you may believe THAT is what I do!"

Ryan was frightened at the anger in the Angel's eyes, but for some strange reason, he got even more aroused because of it. He knew he should keep quiet, but as always, his own anger got the better of him. "Well, you still don't understand how we feel! You act as if feeling pleasure with another is a sin, but if that was the case, then why do we feel it? Why are YOU afraid of it?"

"I am not afraid of emotion," was the soft reply, Anifiel's anger subsiding slightly like the waning tide. His eyes bored down into Ryan, contemplating the human's handsome features. It had been something Anifiel had noticed before while never voicing it. It would have only catered to the human's ego to find out Heaven's most glorious Angel found a human attractive.

"You're not are you?" Ryan raised himself up with his elbows, their lips inches apart. "Fine, then tell me what you feel when I do this." Without another word, he closed the gap, their lips brushing against one another.

Ryan barely held back a gasp. He never expected for lips to feel this soft, like the finest silk ever made. Wanting more, he pressed their lips together more, letting out a soft sound.

Anifiel's eyes were wide, surprise clearly evident in them. Ryan's lips were different than Finnian's; the were firmer, bold in their pursuit. It puzzled the golden Angel that a strange feeling stirred within him and he melted into Ryan's lips.

The soft sound that spilled forth from Ryan's mouth was like a shock to the Angel's system, however, startling Anifiel and allowing him to pull back from the kiss. He stood up swiftly, leaving the warmth of the human's body. "No…" he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief of what happened, of what he allowed to happen.

"No..." the whisper yet again before Anifiel turned and took flight, his wings beating in hesitation once before lifting him swiftly from the ground and away from Ryan.

"Anifiel, wait!" Ryan cried out, but the Angel was already gone. "Anifiel…" he whispered, his fingers moving to touch his still tingling lips. "What just happened…" he whispered, his heart pounding wildly. All he wanted to do was scare the Angel a little, see what his reaction would be, but he didn't' expect this. He also didn't expect himself to react in his manner.

"What have I done…"

******

Passage of time had no meaning in Heaven, weather constant and cheerful while a day rolled endlessly into the next. But humans down on Earth moved along with it; days became months, months became years. What was a decade on Earth seemed like a second in Heaven.

Humans and Angels alike noticed that something changed and altered. The light in Heaven was dimmer, the colors less bright. A hush fell over the skies like a solemn kiss.

The Commander of Heaven's Army flew over the meadows of Heaven, no longer seeing the splendor that still enveloped the scenery. Other matters weighed on his mind and his flight was not as majestic as usual, his spirit not as besotted as it once was.

He lost Finnian.

Anifiel had let out a bellowing roar at the moment when the love he and Finnian shared had dimmed to nothing more than a footnote in the book of existence. The Golden Angel had wept that day, his tears creating a mighty river from which a sadness began to pour into Middle Tier.

And Heaven had not been the same.

When Anifiel spoke with the Creator demanding, DEMANDING why he had been allowed to lose the most precious gift he had been given, the Creator had answered in Anifiel's mind that Finnian's reason for being had been altered, had a different purpose than Anifiel's.

Their loved was sacrificed but a human soul was saved.

But how was Anifiel to continue if he did not have love to propel him forward, to give him hope, to have something worth fighting for, to protect, to let grow?

The Creator replied that Anifiel needed to find his own path now, that there was someone in Heaven that needed him and would give Anifiel the love that would make his existence all the more worth it.

Anifiel descended down on an open clearing next to the waterfall, sitting down and looking out into the crystal clear blue waters which had surprisingly remained unblemished from the sadness that covered Heaven. His wings drooped down, still beating softly to displace the air around him.

He didn't know what to do and for the very first time – he was afraid.

Ryan walked down the path that led him to the waterfall, his curly brown hair moving gently in the air. He couldn't understand why he continued to return to this place, as it always reminded him of what happened that day between him and Anifiel.

Or perhaps… he was HOPING to see him again there. How long had it been since he had seen the Commander of Heaven? He wasn't sure, he stopped trying to figure that out a long time ago, but he wanted to see the Angel so badly, instead of seeing him from afar, and as they passed one another.

He stopped on the hill that over looked the waterfall, the wind blowing his white robe, his wings fluttering slightly. He could still remember the day when he earned his wings and his place in the Upper Tier, but the one person he wanted there… wasn't. Did Anifiel even know?

"I wonder if I'll ever see him again…" Ryan said softly as he looked around, before his bluish-violet tinted eyes blinked as they fell upon someone he didn't think he'd see.

"Anifiel…" he breathed, his heart pounding.

There was a soft gasp behind him, Anifiel heard it, along with the sounds of newly formed wings. He turned around to see who would dare interrupt him in his moment of solitude. He cast a meadow green glance behind him, only to spot another Angel standing there, the silhouette familiar and yet foreign.

The more he gazed at the angelic form, the more his heart became aflutter. The expression of his face shifted, moving from mild annoyance to curiosity to recognition. It was the human Ryan, except he was not human anymore, he had found enlightenment.

Anifiel stood swiftly with a gracefulness that belied his bulk. His sandaled feet moved flawlessly on the grass, each step bringing with it a little more light into Middle Tier. He reached the top of the hill, approaching Ryan slowly, with uncertainty. He studied the new Angel's features, seeing him in a new light.

"Ryan…" The name was a whisper on the Golden Angel's lips.

Ryan smiled softly, still not moving from spot, still in shock of seeing Anifiel after so long. "It's nice to see you again Anifiel. It's been awhile…"

The Golden Angel's wings were ruffled by a soft wind, like a thousand whispering voices calling out to the Angels. Anifiel returned the smile and once again colors became brighter in the meadows of Middle Tier and the humans waiting there felt a lift in their hearts.

"You found enlightment." The words were said not with the haughtiness Anifiel oftentimes used with Ryan when he had been human, but with a deep sense of respect and recognition of an Angel – his equal.

A large hand reached out carefully, tracing the contours of Ryan's smooth face in reverence. Had it really been so long they have not spoken to each other and had the Golden Angel been so wrapped up in his own melancholy that he had not been there to witness Ryan's final step into Upper Tier?

Apparently so and for that Anifiel vowed to make restitution.

Ryan felt his eyes slip close as Anifiel's fingers traveled over his skin. "I had a lot of time to think… and lose the anger I held for so long. I no longer have it anymore, and have been able to move on."

His eyes opened again, staring into Anifiel's. "This place has been a haven to me, allowing me to clear my mind, and let me sort things out. I'm happy the Creator felt I have learned what I needed to become an Angel. Do… do you believe I have found enlightenment?" He looked away slightly. "Despite becoming an Angel, I still have these feelings that I can't let of. That I DON'T want to let go of."

"What sort of feelings?" Anifiel asked, his voice full of curiosity. His hand kept moving, fingers brushing the soft skin, the touch like a butterfly's wings or a baby's tickling breath. The distance between them lessened as if their bodies were drawn to each other. The Golden Angel searched Ryan's features, discerning what emotions were displayed in them.

Anifiel had known the human Ryan to be very expressive and thus easier to taunt. Later, when he no longer had the human close to him, he realized he had been cajoling those emotions out of the little human. He wanted to see that Ryan could feel and that he, Anifiel, could affect him so. It was a heady combination of power and possession; yes, to possess the little human but as more than a pet.

"These feelings I wasn't able to express back then, because I was too stubborn to let them out," Ryan said softly as he reached up to touch the Angel's face softly. "Because I was afraid that I would be hurt."

Ryan smiled as his fingers brushed over Anifiel's lips, those same silk soft lips he remembered from so long ago. "But now with my mind and heart clear of any doubt, I know now. Anifiel, I love you. I love you with every part of my being, and I would do anything to stay by your side for the rest of eternity."

Those words of love, said with so much passion, shook Anifiel so much so that the Golden Angel trembled. "I am not worthy of you, Ryan," he whispered sadly, his eyes casting a downward glance as he vowed his head in shame, his sun kissed hair falling over one bronzed shoulder.

"I treated you with disrespect and mocked you. My pride overrode all sense of protection I needed to bestow upon you; you were my charge, as all humans are, and I had no right to mistreat you. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me."

"I forgave you a lot time ago," Ryan said softly to the other, tilting Anifiel's head up. "My heart holds nothing but love for you now, Anifiel."

He took one step forward, and brought their lips just inches from one another. "Will you allow me to kiss you?" he whispered, his eyes not looking away from Anifiel.

A sliver of hope swirled in Anifiel's chest and he stood up straighter while still keeping his head low, his lips a breath away from Ryan's. He held the other Angel's gaze, seeing for the first time the love Ryan professed to have for him. It was not a love designed by the Creator, but a love born out of a need, a yearning, a longing.

"Yes…" The whispered word was like salvation, a promise. Anifiel waited, anticipating their lips meeting, remembering the warmth of Ryan's lips which he had never forgotten – could not if he had tried.

Ryan smiled softly before closing the gap, feeling the soft silk that where Anifiel's lips, exactly like he remembered, exactly what he dreamt about feeling again after so long…

Reaching up, the young Angel ran his fingers through Anifiel's hair for the first time, feeling soft, how absolutely perfect it felt running through his fingers.

"Absolutely beautiful," he whispered against the Golden Angel's lips, his eyes still looking at the other's.

"Ryan…" The Commander of Heaven's Army was in awe by this new Angel that despite cosmic obstacles in his way, he never gave up his emotion, holding on to it hoping that one day it would be reciprocated.

It was.

Anifiel had hidden his own feelings for Ryan the human, thinking it a sacrilege he should love one when he was destined for another. But the barriers to their emotions have been taken down one by one, their love peering from the rubble to shine like the brightest stars in Heaven's sky.

Because Love was Heaven and Heaven was Love.

Lips met again, the ardor and the yearning that had been denied before unleashed like the greatest fury ever known, the Golden Angel's love being swept in a torrent that could not be contained. Anifiel deepened the kiss, this tactile wonder baffling him, different than kissing Finnian but no less pure.

Ryan let out a soft gasp when the older Angel deepened the kiss, but didn't pull away. He felt his heart beat wildly, his wings spreading and fluttering happily. He never expected for his feelings for Anifiel to be returned, never wanting to believe that he, a boy that could never find love, and was always pushed away, could find it with someone as beautiful as Anifiel.

Praying this wasn't just a wonderful dream, Ryan moved until their chests where pressed together, breathing Anifiel's name softly against his lips as they continued to kiss, his free hand moving to rest upon the Angel's strong bicep.

Large hands, hands that fought back demons relentlessly where now gentle as they glided over Ryan's back, holding the Angel's body against Anifiel's magnificent form. The Golden Angel enjoyed the kiss, it lifted his heart and stirred his soul. It was pure, simple, magic.

That he could find happiness in the face of a great loss of Finnian could not be denied. Destiny could be changed and it was proven with the union of two souls that were at different sides of a spectrum but that complemented each other in every single way; the Ying to the Yang, the Alpha to the Omega. Anifiel's breath hitched and in so doing he inhaled Ryan's breath, getting a full taste of the new Angel, like sweet ripened strawberries captured in the summer.

All too soon though, the kiss was slowly broken, leaving Ryan wanting more. His hand tightened slightly on the other Angel’s arm to steady himself and not to fall. "Oh my god…" he gasped in utter amazement.

"Anifiel that was… that was…" Unable to put it into words, Ryan instead showed him, kissing him again, his hands now holding either side of his face. He let out a soft sound of pleasure and happiness as they continued to kiss.

Their kiss lasted for a long time, mouths melding and tasting each other with sweetness and eagerness. Anifiel had only shared chaste kisses with Finnian that made their love shine. The kiss he was sharing with Ryan was born of passion, given freely. Anifiel was content to let the kiss linger, their mouths closed and lips pressed together. But once he had been told that there was more to kissing than lips touching and he wanted to know what that felt like.

He wanted to explore it with Ryan.

Anifiel broke the sweet kiss reluctantly, looking into those adoring blue eyes and offering Ryan the warmest smile. "Ryan, show me more…"

Ryan felt a warm flush appear on his cheeks. He had never seen Anifiel smile as he was doing, and it nearly took his breath away…

Smiling back, he had them both sit on the grassy hill, and moved closer to the Golden Angel. “Alright,” he said softly before taking Anifiel’s lips again with his own, but this time a little differently.

Slowly letting their lips slide against each other, Ryan ran his tongue over Anifiel's lips before parting them gently, slipping his tongue past the soft silk and into a warm mouth, warmer than he ever felt before. Letting out a soft sigh, he brushed his tongue against Anifiel’s before gently teasing it.

Anifiel sighed into the kiss, his tongue gliding against Ryan's in his mouth, wrapping around it until the taste of the other Angel became mingled with his. He gently pushed against the slick muscle before pulling it more into his mouth, wet and warm and stirring something deep inside.

His hands, perfect and golden, began to explore the contours of Ryan's face, the slope of the smooth cheeks, the shape of arched brows and a forehead that had been marred with worry in Ryan's former life. This was the face of his Angel.

Ryan let out a soft sound when Anifiel sucked on his tongue, his body starting to react to the wonderful feelings the other was awaking again.

His own hands too began to explore. He started down Anifiel’s strong arms, feeling the power in them. His chest, so strong and powerful, perfect for leading a army.

Anifiel’s face, the chiseled jaw, the strong cheekbones, everything about this man was perfect. There was not one flaw on the Golden Angel. His hands staying on the Angel’s face, Ryan continued to kiss him, taking his time exploring this simple act with Anifiel, for he knew they had eternity to explore everything together.

Slowly releasing Ryan's lips, Anifiel sighed, pressing their foreheads together while he basked in Ryan's presence. He inhaled deeply, Ryan's scent filling him and infusing him with new memories, of their kiss, of Ryan's gaze as he professed his love, of soft hands that explored his face.

The Golden Angel held on to Ryan for a long time, his hands running up and down the younger Angel's back tenderly. Finally, Anifiel pulled away, caressing Ryan's cheek gently, the back of his fingers tracing the cheekbone before aligning with the rosy full lips.

He searched Ryan's handsome face, looking into eyes that held so much love for him. Anifiel's mirrored that emotion yet he needed to tell Ryan how he felt. "Ryan, I - "

Anifiel was interrupted by the sound of trumpets echoing in the distance, getting louder and closer, blaring for all to hear. Along with it came the sound of a thousand wings taking flight. Overhead in the sky Angels flew with urgency and Anifiel stood up swiftly as he spotted an Angel approaching them.

"Vithius, what is happening my friend?"

The dark haired Angel's eyes held concern in them. "Anifiel, Ambriel's Gates are under attack again," he said quickly, the urgent tone of his voice belying the brevity of his words.

Ryan saw the look of indecision in Anifiel's eyes, wanting to do his duty, but seeing the Golden Angel didn't want to leave him. Ryan quickly made the decision for him.

The young Angel stood up and placed his hands on Anifiel's chest. "Go," he said softly, looking up into the other's eyes. "Protect Heaven and everyone in it." He stroked Anifiel's cheek lovingly. "I'll still be here when you get back," he finished before leaning over and kissing Anifiel softly.

"Ryan…" Anifiel whispered against Ryan's lips, a pang in his chest growing at the thought of leaving the young Angel as they barely begun to explore their love. But Heaven needed him to protect it, all depended on him to lead Heaven's Army, to defeat the evil that threatened its very existence.

It was why he was created.

"I will come back to you, Ryan." The Golden Angel gave the Ryan one last lingering look before taking flight, joining the army of Angels on their way to Ambriel's Gates.

Vithius began to take flight as well, but before leaving he paused, giving a backwards glance to Ryan and smiling at the young Angel. "I am so happy you both found love with each other, Ryan," he said, his voice holding nothing but admiration and fondness for Ryan. "I will bring him back to you. Of that you have my word, dear friend."

With those parting words Vithius left, flying up to stand by his Commander's side to fight in The Eternity War.

Ryan watched them fly away, holding Anifiel's words close to his heart. "Come back to me Anifiel," he whispered as he sat down, and looked over at the waterfall, their special place. "I'll be right here waiting."

******

Ryan felt the cool breeze brush over him. He smiled to himself, remembering that Anifiel's fingers where almost like that, except they were warm.

He couldn't say how long he had been waiting since the day Anifiel left for the battle at Ambriel's Gates. He knew probably years had passed, maybe decades, but to an Angel, it seemed like days. But it was still too long without seeing the other. Since confessing to Anifiel how he felt, just being away from the Angel seemed like an eternity in itself.

"Anifiel," he whispered, his eyes slipping closed. "When will I see you again?"

"Sooner than you think, Ryan," replied a voice from above. Anifiel swooped down, landing softly by Ryan's side, his wings outstretched before folding in gracefully. The Golden Angel had not changed in appearance, despite the toll the war had taken upon him. There had been casualties, both humans and Angels were lost in the battle but in the end Heaven triumphed over Evil.

Anifiel stood beside his beloved Angel, the one for whom he fought valiantly, unrelenting. He did not wait further before taking Ryan in his arms, happy to see his Angel again.

"Anifiel…" Ryan said softly before wrapping his arms around the other tightly. "Oh Anifiel, you're really back," he whispered, looking up at the other, tears of happiness in his eyes. "I can't believe you're finally back…" Ryan reached up and ran his fingers over the Golden Angel's strong face and smiled. "You haven't changed at all…"

The Golden Angel laughed, a rich melodious sound that could hardly be contained. "My sweet Ryan, I am an Angel, I will always look the same." He moved closer to Ryan, brushing the tip of his fingers on Ryan's face in a loving caress. "But what was in my heart, that changed." He leaned forward and touched his lips with Ryan's, ever so gently before whispering, "you gave me love again, Ryan, when I thought I had lost it. Your love and coming back to you is what made my will to fight all the greater."

He looked deep into Ryan's eyes and smiled. "I wanted to keep my word and come back to you. And so I have done it."

"Anifiel…" Those tears slipped down his cheeks. He brushed their lips together again. "My Anifiel… please don't ever leave me again…"

He knew that sounded selfish, but now that Ryan knew what true love felt like, he didn't want to be alone again, didn't want to sit waiting for the other to return. He would go wherever Anifiel went, stay by his side, for as long at the Creator allowed him to.

"I love you Anifiel… please don't leave me again…" he whispered, deepening the kiss.

Anifiel held their lips together in that kiss, his tongue slipping into Ryan's mouth, savoring the young Angel, doing it the way Ryan had shown him. The slick muscle glided in effortlessly, exploring Ryan's sweet mouth, laying his claim on it and leaving his own essence behind.

It was a lover's kiss, a kiss that spoke of feeling, longing, of need and desire. Anifiel succumbed to the kiss, happy to have Ryan there with him. His arms wound up around Ryan and they held on to each other for a long time.

A soft sound escaped the young Angel, his body reacting to the amazing feelings Anifiel was awakening again.

But did he want them to awaken? Ryan was scared that if the human emotions he had so long ago, the wanton desires awoke once again, Anifiel would be disgusted and leave him.

“Anifiel…” Ryan gasped softly as he broke the kiss. “I… I can’t…” His wings drooped unhappily as he looked down, looking ready to cry. “I… I’m afraid… that if my human desires awaken… you’ll hate me again…”

The expression on the Golden Angel's face softened further, the back of his fingers brushing Ryan's cheek. "Ryan, your emotions, human and otherwise, are what make up who you are." He kissed Ryan's lips with the lightest of touches. "Your willingness to hold on to your humanity is what drew me to you."

Anifiel tilted his head, gazing at Ryan intently. "I could not hate you, Ryan... I never did," was the Commander's soft reply.

Anifiel's name slipped past Ryan's lips like a soft prayer before leaning over and kissing the other again, his arms wrapping around the Golden Angel's neck, his fingers tangling in the soft golden hair.

"I love you…" made it past the younger Angel's lips before deepening the kiss, a soft, needy moan escaping him.

Anifiel matched Ryan's moan with one of his own, the sound like a soft rumble. The Golden Angel tightened his strong arms around Ryan, reveling in the deep kiss that would leave him breathless if he needed the air. The kiss brought loving and passionate emotions to the surface, infusing the Commander with the headiest of sensations.

And his body responded.

Anifiel pulled back from the kiss, albeit reluctantly, gazing into Ryan's eyes. His own were dark with arousal, the sensation heating him from within and wanting to grow. "Ryan..." he whispered, his body's reactions confusing him.

Ryan gave him a knowing smile. “It’s alright,” he said, caressing his cheek. “We’ll go slowly.” Stepping out of the others arms, Ryan slowly stripped for the other.

First removing his sandals, Ryan then reached up and slowly slid down his thigh high robe down his body, slowly revealing smooth flawless skin, kissed gently by the sun. Letting the robe finally go, Ryan then stood bare before the other, waiting.

Anifiel watched as Ryan undressed for him, his eyes taking in the sight of the lovely Angel, his skin lightly golden and smooth, his own hands aching to trace the contours of skin and muscle. He smiled at Ryan and he followed the actions of the younger Angel, taking off the sash that tied his robe, letting it pool at his feet. He stood there in all his naked glory, his body without any imperfections.

He closed the distance between he and Ryan, letting a hand trail down gently down Ryan's chest and stomach, hovering over the young Angel's erect sex. Anifiel's eyes looked down at Ryan's stiff member, admiring it before running one long finger along the ridge.

Ryan let out a soft gasp, arching into the touch, his hand holding onto Anifiel’s forearm. “Anifiel…” he murmured as he moved closer, resting his hands on the Golden Angel’s strong chiseled chest. He then brought his lips closer and brushed them against the Angel’s neck, feeling a strong pulse.

Continuing to run his fingers over the other, he began to lick and nip at the place where the pulse was beating steadily.

The Golden Angel closed his eyes briefly, letting the sensation of Ryan's soft lips wash over him. He moaned softly, the young Angel's touches inspiring him to continue his own exploration, wrapping his hand around the slender shaft, feeling its warm weight between his fingers. He knew his own sex was erect, had been when Ryan began kissing him.

"Ryan..." he whispered, his words carried by the wind.

“Mmmm…” Ryan moaned softly, his lips continuing to explore, moving across the broad chest until brushed against a nipple, where he then took it in between his lips and sucked on it, flicking his tongue over the sensitive bud, curious to see how Anifiel would respond to the stimulation.

Anifiel was surprised when Ryan's smooth lips brushed against his nipple, his body shivering in response to the touch. His head fell back, his golden hair falling across his broad shoulders and over the wings tucked neatly behind him on his back. One brought one hand up to entangle it in Ryan's light brown hair, urging more of the young Angel's mouth to continue to tease him.

Happy that the older Angel was enjoy it, Ryan continued to tease the tiny bud, moving onto the other after it was nice and hard.

As he was doing this, his hands continued to explore, lightly caressing the skin of Anifiel’s stomach with his fingertips, moving lower until it met soft blonde hair that surrounded a very impressive arousal.

Ryan’s face flushed at the size. “So big…” he whispered, his head laying against Anifiel’s chest, he reached down and brushed his fingers over the large length.

Anifiel looked down at Ryan, his green eyes dark with desire for the young Angel. His erection was throbbing, twitching when Ryan's fingers brushed against it. The Golden Angel let out a throaty moan; never had anyone, neither Angel or human touched his sex before.

"Ryan…" he whispered the name, like a soft lover's song, sweet and melodious.

Wanting to do something that he’d thought about since the moment he met the Angel, Ryan dropped to his knees, his fingers still caressing the burning hot flesh.

“Would you… be alright if I did this?” Ryan asked in a whisper, looking up at Anifiel with loving eyes.

"What will you do?" Anifiel asked, looking down at Ryan with wonder and yet almost certain he knew what would happen. He caressed Ryan's flushed cheek, its warmth radiating to his fingers. "I am yours to do as you will, my Angel," he said softly, his voice had become deeper as his arousal grew to dizzying levels, Ryan making it so.

Ryan smiled. "You're going to like this Anifiel…" Taking Anifiel into his hand, still in amazement about how big it was, Ryan leaned over slightly flicked his tongue over the tip, almost in a teasing manner.

It took all of Anifiel's effort not to let his knees buckle under him and let his weight drop on top of Ryan as that small flick of the tongue sent the most delicious thrill through his staff and up his body. He groaned, the sound deep and throaty and full of the need Ryan ignited within him. His skin felt like molten fire, exquisite in both ache and ecstasy.

"Oh, Ryan…" he moaned, the sound carried by the wind to mingle with the sound of the waterfall behind him.

Ryan flicked his tongue over the tip once more before taking the head into his mouth. He sucked and licked it, letting his mouth get used to the size, but was also amazed at how big the Angel was. He didn't think anyone could come that big, but Anifiel appeared to be blessed.

"Mmmm…" Ryan softly moaned as he slowly took it in inch by inch, his hands on Anifiel's thighs to steady himself.

The Golden Angel could not tear his gaze away from Ryan's mouth as it wrapped around the stiff length of his sex, drawing more of the turgid flesh into that warmth. His hands were on the kneeling Angel's hair, both holding him in place and urging him to take more of his flesh inside that liquid heat.

"More…" was the whispered reply.

Ryan felt his heart beat wildly at the request, feeling himself harden. Moaning softly, he relaxed his throat, allowing him to slowly take more and then sucked on the flesh as he pulled it out.

Anifiel played with Ryan's hair, his erection throbbing, angelic blood surging through it. His legs were shaking with the effort to stay standing upright and simply giving in to the urge to fall on the ground and give in to the waves of pleasure Ryan was eliciting from him with every suck on his heated flesh.

There was an odd tickling sensation forming in his belly, like a thousand twirling butterflies clamoring to get out. His hold on Ryan's hair tightened, the sensation overwhelming him. "Ryan!" He gasped, his head falling back as the sensation increased, gripping him fiercely.

Ryan began to suck in earnest, feeling the cock harden more in his mouth as he slid it in and out. He let out a loud moan as Anifiel’s fingers tightened on his hair, his arousal spiking more. He had never seen the Golden Angel loose control like this before…

The feeling deep in Anifiel's belly intensified, sending a tidal wave to crash through his body. A deep groan escaped his lips, his whole body tensing as his essence spilled forth from his staff into Ryan's welcoming mouth. He cried out into the air, the sound carrying like a mighty roar and filling all of Middle Tier, his wings expanding their full length and shuddering with the ecstasy that consumed him.

The Commander of Heaven's Army, the Creator's most glorious Angel… just had his first physical orgasm.

Ryan gasped softly as something warm filled his mouth, but instead of spitting it out like he used to do on Earth, he swallowed it, knowing this was from someone that loved him.

Anifiel loved him. Heaven's most beloved Angel loved him. Ryan felt happiness surge through him as he helped Anifiel down to the grass before moving over next to him and kissing him softly. "Anifiel, how was it?" the young Angel asked, still nervous.

"It was... wonderful..." Anifiel was still reeling from the sensations that coursed through him, that Ryan had given him. He smiled tenderly at his beloved Angel, kissing the tip of his nose and gazing adoringly into his eyes.

His hands caressed Ryan's body and as Anifiel's eyes traveled down the length of the young Angel's slim torso, he noticed that Ryan was still very much erect. Fascinated by what he'd just experienced, he bent down, his face inches away from Ryan's sex. "I shall please you the way you pleased me, Ryan..." was the only warning the young Angel received before Anifiel took the tip of the rigid length into his mouth.

A soft gasp escaped the young Angel's mouth as the warm mouth engulfed the head. "A-Anifiel!" he moaned, one of his hands grasping one that was traveling over his body. His body went all hot, having almost forgotten what this felt like.

His other hand went down and tangled into Anifiel's soft, silky hair, his eyes fluttering closed in pleasure. "Oh Anifiel…"

Anifiel looked up and smiled as he watched Ryan's eyes closing, his cheeks flushed, his breathing shallow. Ryan was beautiful like this, his body aroused and wanting. The Golden Angel was proud to be able to do this to Ryan, his beloved.

"Mmmm..." The Golden Angel mimicked what Ryan had done to him, releasing the erect organ and licking it, his tongue swiping first over the sensitive head, having a first taste of Ryan's essence. It was light, both salty and sweet in his mouth. He licked again before taking more of Ryan's length in his mouth and giving it a might suck.

"Ahh!" Ryan let out a cry as he came into the Angel's mouth, his body going into a perfect arch. So this is what it felt like when love was involved…

Though he was a little embarrassed he couldn't hold it for long. "Sorry…" Ryan said with a blush. "It just felt so amazing, I couldn't hold on…"

Anifiel drank his fill of Ryan, taking in as much as he could of the young Angel's release. He let the still hard member slip out of his mouth, licking his lips to catch some of the creamy liquid that spilled from his mouth. The Golden Angel sat up and smiled at Ryan, satisfied to see the sated expression on the young Angel's face.

"I am happy that it pleased you, Ryan," he said softly, running his hand leisurely up Ryan's taut belly before resting on the young Angel's chest, feeling the rapid heartbeat beneath the breastplate.

He leaned over and kissed Ryan, pushing his tongue into the young Angel's mouth slowly, teasingly, their essences mingling, becoming one.

Ryan let out a soft sigh as he parted his mouth willingly, his own tongue meeting the other's in a sensual dance. Brazen now, Ryan's hands explored Anifiel's body freely. Starting at the shoulders, he let his fingers travel lightly over the pleasure taut muscles, his pecs, abs, the delicious curves on his hips. Ryan didn't leave a single place untouched.

"Anifiel… I want you… I NEED you so badly…" he whispered against the other's lips. "Even though we're Angels and time isn't an issue, I feel like an eternity has passed without you and I don't want to wait another minute.

He looked at the Golden Angel, his fingers brushing his jaw. "I want you to make love to me. I want you to consume my very soul and make me unable to breathe without you."

"Ryan..." The young Angel's name was like a soft prayer on Anifiel's lips, his breath fanning Ryan's face, warm and soothing. His fingers trailed Ryan's lips, the touch so soft and adoring. The Golden Angel's wings unfurled around them like a flawless white canopy, enveloping them in a cocoon, two souls existing for each other.

"I will make love to you, my beloved..." he kissed the lips he was touching. "...anything you ask of me..."

"I want you inside me," Ryan whispered, his cheek warming slightly, but he kept his eyes connected with Anifiel's. He wanted this. He wanted to belong to the other Angel completely.

Anifiel touched Ryan's cheek, its warmth infusing into his fingertips. "Inside you…" he whispered, his lips touching Ryan's ever so softly. "Show me what you want me to do, Ryan. Show me how to love you."

Ryan blushed more, but nodded. "Lay on the ground," he said softly, his lips still touching the others, not wanting to part, but knew they would have to for this. "Allow me to be on top."

The Golden Angel's wings folded behind him, tucking neatly on his back before he shifted his body and lay on the pristine grass, his gaze still on Ryan. He extended his arms to the side, unsure of what to do at the moment but trusting Ryan to show him the way. He was becoming erect again, his stiff sex resting on his stomach now that he was on his back. "Is this how I should be?" He asked curiously, waiting for Ryan to answer him.

The young Angel nodded as he sat up. "Yes, that's right," he said as he moved over to the other. Taking Anifiel into his hands, he stared in awe, taking in the breathtaking beauty that was Anifiel. Straddling the other’s waist, he stopped and looked at the Angel, still scared that this was just a dream. That he would wake up and this would all be gone. "Anifiel, are you sure you want this with me…?" he whispered.

Anifiel nodded, his lips curving up in a reassuring smile, his hands grasping Ryan's thighs for support. He was fighting the urge to thrust into the young Angel's hand, the slender fingers feeling nice and warm against his flesh. But he wanted Ryan to set the pace, he was doing this for his beloved, had seen the way Ryan had looked when asking for this.

"Yes, Ryan, I want to do this…" was the assured reply.

Ryan smiled back before moving himself so he was now over the large erection. Taking a soft deep breath, knowing this might hurt with no preparation, the young Angel slowly lowered himself down on Anifiel, his wings unfolding and spreading out to give him balance as he did so.

The large hands on either side of Ryan's thighs gripped tighter, green eyes gazed up at the young Angel as he slid down Anifiel's rigid length. The Golden Angel was awed by the liquid heat that enveloped him, Ryan's face so beautiful above him.

"Ryan…" he whispered, his body arching to meet Ryan's, his fingers flexing excitedly over Ryan's skin. It was a curious sensation and very appealing.

Yet it was a bittersweet moment for him as a brief flash of shocking red hair made its way to his consciousness. Was this what it would have been like with Finnian? If so, he sorely regretted not surrendering this part of himself with his Consort.

But that was a path not taken and now Anifiel had a new love which he intended to bestow whatever Ryan will of him. This time Anifiel would surrender completely.

Ryan let out a soft gasp as he slid down the hot length, his wings fluttering excitedly. Never before had he felt something this… there were no words to describe how he felt right now.

All the other memories that Ryan had associated with this act of love quickly vanished. Nothing else mattered now. He found someone that loved him, regardless of what he did in the past. Anifiel loved him for who he was.

"Anifiel…" he whispered as he took all of the Angel inside him, his whole body warm and alive. After a moment of adjusting, he started to move.

Anifiel watched Ryan's face, mesmerized by the play of emotions that crossed it. "Ryan…" again he whispered the name to the wind, using a lover's voice, his gaze only on Ryan. He moved with the young Angel, their hips building a rhythm, gentle at first before picking up in intensity.

His hold on Ryan's legs tightened, the pace set up by Ryan slow, making his staff dig in deeper into the Angel. It was exquisite, being inside Ryan brought the spark of desire to fevered heights.

His wings began unfurling beneath him in excitement, his arousal pushing the pure white plumage to spread further. Yet as they did so his thrust became erratic. The position was uncomfortable, his wings were a part of him that expressed his feelings just like his lips or eyes did.

The Golden Angel stilled Ryan's hips. "Ryan, I need you beneath me, my wings…" his deep voice faded, his breathing deep and heavy as the desire wanted to override all of him – desire for the beautiful Angel above him.

Ryan nodded, and moved off Anifiel, folding his wings in as he laid down. He spread his leg, opening himself to the other, like a offering before a king… or in this case, the Commander of Heaven‘s army.

The young Angel looked up at the other, his eyes slightly glazed from before. “Anifiel…” he breathed in need. “Touch me… please…”

Anifiel's wings extended to their glorious length, flapping once, glinting with the light of an endless sun. He hovered over Ryan briefly before settling between Ryan's legs and nudging the blunt head of his sex into the young Angel, pushing in slowly and adjusting to the sensation of heat engulfing him.

He let out a content sigh, gazing down at his beloved and kissing him full on the lips before moving his hips slowly, building into a rhythm that was as old as time. Large fingers snaked between the two celestial bodies, wrapping around Ryan's rigid flesh, stroking it in time with the deep thrusts into Ryan's body.

Ryan’s body arched up and he let out a loud cry. “Oh god!” he gasped, his eyes fixated on the beautiful creature above him When Anifiel brought his lips down to his he kissed him back, parting his lips instinctively. His legs wrapped around the strong thighs, feeling the strong thrusts going inside him.

“Anifiel!” he moaned softly against Anifiel's lips, tears starting to form in his eyes. “I love you…”

"Oh… Ryan…" Anifiel's moan matched Ryan's, his lips held just over the young Angel's, the heat of their breaths mingling. His thrusts deepened, their bodies moving in sync as Anifiel's wings propel his movements. His hair tumbled down, providing a curtain of gold and light.

"… I love you, Ryan… always…"

Ryan’s soft cries became louder and louder, other Angels on the Middle Tier hearing their act of love and feeling their hearts soar. It was as if renewed life returned to Heaven, and all because of two Angels who had found love in one another.

“Anifiel… Anifiel…” Ryan began to chant softly as he moved closer to completion.

The Golden Angel's thrust became more heated, more urgent as Anifiel began to join Ryan in the spiral of their arousal, to touch the stars, to become one with his beloved. It was Ryan beneath him, Ryan the one that was making his spirit soar, Ryan the one that gave him the strength to keep the Demons away, Ryan that made him know he could love again.

Anifiel kissed Ryan with all the love he had, their lips sealing in adoration. His wings beat at the air, increasing in intensity as Anifiel began to lose control and gave in to his love… gave in to Ryan.

Suddenly everything seemed to stop. Light seemed to break up into a million shiny pieces as the most amazing orgasm in Ryan's life (or afterlife) started.

"ANIFIEL!" Ryan cried in pure bliss as he came, his legs tightening around Anifiel's. Everything suddenly became so clear to him. Why his life was as hard as it was when he was alive, why he had to fight so hard to get where he was in Heaven. All of it was to get where he was now, with Anifiel…

He remembered being told something when he was alive, about when Angels were happy, they sang. That’s what Ryan could swear he could hear now. Singing. Beautiful Angels singing to him and Anifiel.

"Anifiel…" Ryan looked up at the other Angel and felt his heart lift and his spirit soar. How he loved this angel… this beautiful, loving angel. "I love you," he whispered, their lips gently touching.

The contracting walls of Ryan's body and the young Angel's whispered words triggered Anifiel's orgasm, the second one he'd experienced in his existence. His lips locked with Ryan's as he released inside the young Angel, his Angel, the kiss melting all thought. His wings tensed and shuddered with the release, following his whole body as he succumbed to his orgasm.

Ryan beneath him was the greatest joy he'd ever known.

Once the Golden Angel was fully spent, his wings collapsed slowly, falling like a pure white blanket, his lips reluctantly leaving Ryan's and leaving a trail of soft kisses along Ryan's cheek and chin.

"Ryan, my dearest, thank you…" he whispered tenderly to the young Angel.

Tears of happiness flowed down the young Angel's face. "Anifiel…" Ryan whispered before kissing Anifiel, so full of love he felt like he was going to burst. "I should be thanking you," he said, running his fingers gently through the older Angel's hair. "You showed me that there is love out there for someone like me."

Anifiel stilled Ryan's lips with a finger, brushing it across the plump tissue lovingly. "My dearest Angel, someone like you deserves love. You have a kind heart and are willing to put others' happiness above your own. You made sacrifices and lived your life with good intentions." The Golden Angel spoke with honesty and love in his own heart.

He wrapped his arms around Ryan, embracing him with adoration, their love exploding in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Middle Tier was infused with the greatest happiness ever known to human and Angel alike.

And a young man that was once unsure and lost in the world found his place in the Universe at last - in the arms of Heaven's most Glorious Angel.

The End