No angel

“That was nice of him,” she commented lightly. “It is interesting to be able to pinpoint in our lives the moment that changed us to the path we are on now. There is always one inciting incident, much like a story. The reason that drives us. I imagine this man teaching you how to work a camera for the first time is yours. At least, for becoming a photographer,” she mused, idly running her finger along the lip of her coffee cup. “That sounds amazing,” Samantha sighed, sitting back in her chair some, a bit envious of his ability to have gotten out. “It did not sound bad at all.  I am glad you got the experience. What was your favorite place to go?”

The blonde smiled briefly at his obvious excitement– he misconstrued her words some here, assuming she had meant they should immediately come into business together. She hadn’t even seen his work yet to know if he was good enough to make such a promise, but she supposed that was irrelevant. If anything happened, things could always be changed. “Of course,” Samantha agreed to the union regardless, mostly because he was such a kind-natured man. And besides, if he already had a Bridezilla wanting him to do her wedding, then he must have skill somewhere. “I do not always work in just weddings,” she told him. “Some of it will be for regular parties or big conventions, that sort of thing. So if you are available for all that then we should certainly exchange information.”

Trevor smiled and nodded. It was nice to hear she understood exactly what that moment had meant for him, “It was not just that. He changed everything. He made me see that things were possible. That I could do something big one day,” he sighed. “I loved so many places! Vietnam, Peru, Mexico, Bora Bora, Tokyo,” he listed, “I don’t think I could pick,” he admitted with a shy smile. 

“I can show you my work whenever you have the chance. I have a small studio at my place. Or I can send you some of my work by email,” he said with a nod, knowing that she probably should see what he could do before accepting to work with him. “I understand, I don’t work just in weddings either. I’m up for any kind of even that requires a photographer,” he admitted, “I’m taking a break from investigation photography, I wanted to settle somewhere for a little while so if you do like my work, you already have my number and we can work together whenever you want.”

“Where’s the fun in that? I’ve always been a flirt, aye? I can’t just turn meself off for yer,” Eoin claimed, his words coming on a laugh. Once again, amused with the other man’s frustration and fluster– he was more than aware it made things harder on Trevor to concentrate and stay angry when the Scotsman was being so familiar. Maybe he wasn’t in the mood to make it any easier on Trevor. Though, his smile somewhat faded as his old lover burst out, the unhappiness in his voice and written across his features. Eoin stepped in closer, but this time, it was only to catch the man’s gaze in a serious manner as he let up on all the teasing and playfulness for a brief moment. “I never promised yer not to leave,” Eoin reminded him gently, “n’ I never promised yer anything more than what we had. People come n’go, Trevor, yer had to learn that some point. I know yer got this whole narrative cooked up in that wee head o’ yers, but I dinnae do any of it to hurt yer.” He had simply not really considered before if it would. Life went on whether he was there or not. And Trevor was a good-looking man with all the potential in the world in front of him– of course there’d be others for him to come along. Better ones than Eoin himself. He had tried the whole ‘serious relationship’ once or twice before, a very long time ago and that was enough. Getting donkey-kicked in the chest that way wasn’t anything the Scotsman intended to repeat.

Trevor took a deep breath and tried to calm down and stop making a big fuzz about something that had happened so long ago, “I know, I just...” he sighed, “it hurt,” he admitted. “I wasn’t that stupid to think we were going to be together and happily ever after. I would have appreciated at least a goodbye,” he swallowed hard, “you knew you were the first guy I was with and it didn’t help to wake up one morning to find you gone and ask about you just to get pitiful looks and whispers,” he shook his head, “I’m not mad at you because you left, I’m mad that you didn’t have the decency to at least leave a stupid note. That you didn’t say anything,” he looked away, “I understand that you left. I didn’t want more from you but...” he didn’t go further on how he had abandonment issues.

“The truth of what?” Aiden spat out, demanding the other man explain himself and what he meant even as he put more space between them. “What is it you think is so fucking obvious? You know shit all about me, same as he. Fucking someone doesn’t open a doorway to your soul, you bloody wanker.” Aiden was getting tired of this crap, tired of it fast. Had he ever said he cared about Irvin? Had he said he loved him? Had he even tried to become more than what they were? Save for one night, there was nothing else anyone could point to, far as he was concerned.

So he got in a tussle with a demon– per Irvin’s own words, that fuckhead was out there bothering everyone in this town. As an officer, he had just been doing his job to keep the assholes in this town safer. And so what if he punched Fuckface and got into a fight with him, too? Aiden had been itching for a fight, he would have found one anywhere and Trevor provided the excuse.

“The opposite of what, a demon? What the hell does that even mean?” The werewolf’s eyebrows scrunched together, the confusion and annoyance there as he tried to make sense of the guy’s words. “Angel?” he said after a few seconds, guessing to what would be opposite a demon. “You’re an angel?” That’s it, that must be it. “Oh Christ, you two make a fine fucking pair then, don’t you?” The words mocked them as a couple, shaking his head. “We’re not exchanging shit– you can piss off,” Aiden gestured the man towards the door, not trusting him or his demon lover. Angels could be just as bad, couldn’t they? If one could love a demon, they might as well be.

Trevor rolled his eyes, “It’s obvious there are feeling between you two,” and he raised his hand to stop Aiden from interrupting him, “I don’t care, I’m just telling you what I’m seeing and sensing,” he added not wanting to keep this useless argument going.

“This is actually the cheap stuff,” Benjamin commented, looking towards what he was playing with. “It’s good for the price but then you can get into the pricier models that are more for looking than for touching. And that’s not saying what you’ll shell out for the kind of stuff that’s real and legitimate–” the young man paused, once more realizing he was getting way too involved for someone who was just casually testing the durability on some toys. “I mean, if you’re into that kind of thing..”

Benjamin’s mouth formed the classic ‘ohhh’ as he came to understand what the other spoke about. “That’s real cool of you, mate. I bet they don’t get many people thinking about them like that– I got to say, I never considered it before myself so..” He looked mildly embarrassed to admit the fact. “Maybe I’ll throw in a few toys for them too!” It might feel good to donate for a change. He just got his check the other day. “Yeah, I think that could be cool. And like, the kids could like something like these, too.” Benjamin walked forward and picked up a box. “They’re models, you can build models by following the directions and it’s always a sense of accomplishment.” And naturally, he was speaking from experience here but he was trying not to make it so obvious still. “You don’t think these are too advanced right? I don’t know much about kids ever since… I stopped being one..” Had he really, though? Grown ass man playing pirate ship. Christ!

“Oh okay, I’m sorry, I’m quite new to this to be honest,” he apologized with a smile. “I have the feeling that they kids won’t want the models just to look at them, so maybe I should get the other ones to play,” he agreed.

“Thank you, I just like helping the kids especially,” he explained, “They do once they make it to this specific orphanage. We make sure they have everything they need, it’s a small one,” he explained not giving details on how he had promised not to let the kids struggle as he had when he was a boy. “I appreciate it, you really don’t have to, really,” he waved it off. “I can tell that you know more about this so I’m going to trust you and let you pick for me, how about that?” he said with a huge grin as he reached to pat the other man on the shoulder.

Irvin noticed the sudden tension, talking about angels didn’t seem to be something Trevor was comfortable with it.” I see. I’m sure that with practice and time you’ll get the hand of your powers.” He took another sip, deciding to change the subject.” Supernatural aside, how has work been? “

“I hope so too. I’ll let you know how it goes and maybe show you when I get better control of any of them,” he assured with a small smile. Trevor picked his fork to try the salad before answering, “It’s been ok. Not as busy as I expected it. What about you? I bet your shop is always busy.”

-

Irvin pressed his lips against Trevor’s “ All the kisses I want?” The demon asked smiling between kisses. “ I like the sound of that.” He leaned in pressing their lips together one more time before pulling away.” As much as I would like to stand here kissing you I think it’s time to move from the hallway.” Irvin chuckled, grabbing the others hand and pulling him along, towards the living room. “ Do you want anything to drink? I have coffee, tea and alcohol.”

Trevor smiled against Irvin’s lips, “Yes, all the kisses you want,” he reaffirmed as he accepted the kisses from the demon. He chuckled and pulled away reluctantly, “Okay, fine, you’re right, we probably would be more comfortable sitting on the couch,” he agreed as he followed Irvin, “coffee would be fine, thank you.”

-

Samantha nodded as he explained why he was so fascinated by tourists and thought them as rock stars, even. “I imagine the cameras were what had you interested the most,” she assumed, anyway. “Have you done any traveling since then?” She just wondered because he seemed to be interested in going other places and well, she thought he would have had more opportunities to do so by now, considering his age.

The blonde smiled some at his own excitement. “I could certainly use a photographer on the payroll because having to hunt one down every time can be stressful. You will have to show me your work sometime,” she encouraged, taking a sip from her cup. “Oh, did you? I suppose I should say a belated welcome to Wildemount then, too.”

“Not at first, but I do remember it was one guy who was focused trying to take a picture of a sunset and then he saw me watching him and he called me over and showed me how to take a picture. He was nice,” he shared the happy memory. “Oh lots of it! I went to America for college and then I won a competition on my last year and I started working on an investigation company, made enough money to travel as much as I wanted and then I moved here,” he chuckled, “That sounded bad, but it’s the short story,” he shrugged.

“Are you serious? I would love to!” he said excitedly at the idea of working together. Even though he didn’t know Samantha well enough, he liked her already and felt comfortable around her, “Thank you, that is so sweet of you!”

The kiss against his forehead sent a warmth all around his body and Irvin was sure that he would melt any minute, Trevor just had that effect on him sometimes he wondered if it was due to him being half angel or if it was because the florist was falling even more for him with every meeting they had. 

The demon wrapped his arms around the others waist pulling him closer.” Well then.” Irvin started, opening up his eyes to meet Trevor’s.” What about a kiss to make it up?”

He really loved the way Irvin reacted to his touch, it was such a nice feeling and a little overwhelming, but it made his heart beat in a way that it hadn’t in a very long time.

Trevor grinned brightly and cupped Irvin’s face with both hands, “You can get all the kisses you want, whenever you want,” he assured before leaning in to press the lips together.

-

It was Irvin’s turn to reach out and place his hand on Trevor’s” And you were saying I have cool powers.” He teased playfully. “ Have you tried asking one of the angels around town? Not all of them are that bad and they be able to give you a helping hand. Of course I’m here too if you ever need it” The demon smiled softly before letting go of his dates hand to take a sip of the wine. “ Can you see my aura?”

Trevor chuckled, “Well at least you have a better grasp of them than me. I just have the theory,” he said with a nod. He couldn’t help to tense a little at the question, “Eh, no, no, I haven’t met any of the angels in town. I didn’t even know there were angels here,” he reached nervously for his glass and took a big gulp of his wine, “I met another like me and he had helped me a little but I suppose it’s complicated.

-

“I knew everything I wanted to know,” Eoin said lightly, smile still in place. Maybe that might not be something Trevor would want to hear but, it was the truth, nonetheless. It wasn’t as if he had promised the half-angel anything serious. Nothing more than a good time and hey, he would say he delivered on that front. “Aw,” he tsk’d under his tongue, though he was chuckling over the insult. “Maybe I’m only an idjit fer yer?” Eoin had never been able to take anything serious where Trevor was concerned. Even when it frustrated the man. “Now why are yer being so unfriendly, eh? I helped yer sort yerself out, if I recall. Dinnae know hide nor hair of what yer wanted in life til I showed up. Yer welcome.”

That was true. Eoin knew about him just what he needed and wanted to know. Just enough to make him fall like an idiot for him. Trevor huffed and rolled his eyes again, something he now remembered he did often around Eoin, “will you just stop trying to flirt with me for a minute?” he asked with a slightly exasperated tone. He was certainly not going to accept out loud that yes, Eoin had helped him. A lot. Before he met the other man, Trevor had resigned to a life of denial of his true feelings and needs because it was the right thing to do, but after Eoin, he felt freer. He was just smart enough not to give the older man that power, “you helped me but then you made sure to make everything fall apart at the same time. Jesus! You at least could’ve said something before just leaving like that!”

Aiden only closed his eyes a moment as the other man talked, a fresh wave of frustration coming over him. It was like everyone in this town missed the memo on social cues and common decency. “Little tip for you,” he said in a quietly controlled tone, “next time you see someone WALKING AWAY, don’t encourage people after them. Because they don’t fucking want company.” The fact he was having to even explain something so simple like this, was insane to him. He stormed away that day because he had been through, with all of it. Still was, would always be. Whatever was going on with these two, he didn’t care– they could do whatever the hell they pleased. Didn’t mean he had to stand there and watch through it. “We never had business, and even if we had, it’s definitely finished now.”

Finally opening his eyes, Aiden happened to look over again to where the man had broken the glass and injured himself. Only, the injury was gone– he’d seen it was gone, even before Trevor tried to hide his hand away. Aiden stumbled back from his stool, knocking it to the ground as he glared over at the other man, a hand bracing against the counter top as he moved away from the guy. “What the fuck are you?” he demanded, a scowl creasing his brow. “Another demon?”

Trevor nodded. Aiden did have a point but he had only acted in what he thought was Irvin’s best interests, “fine, whatever,” he shook his head. “Deny it all you want, I don’t even care, but I’m not blind and you hit me for a reason, no matter how much you want to convince yourself that you didn’t do it because of him, the truth is quite obvious,” he shrugged and pushed himself off the stool, ready to leave.

He was a little surprised when Aiden seemed freaked out and stumbled on his stool, it was just then when he remembered the broken glass, he sighed and shook his head, moving a little closer since he had no intention to let the whole bar know what he was, “No, I’m actually quite the opposite. At least half of it,” he explained with a raised brow, “and since we’re exchanging pleasantries, what are you?”

“Yeah, and they.. are definitely fine quality toys,” Benjamin stated as he looked over the model ships and thought that maybe tomorrow, he would come back to purchase a couple for himself. Not to play with at home, of course, but to add for his collection of ‘cool pirate shit to look at’.

“Oh, cool! Do all your kids have like, a birthday on the same day or something?” he joked, tugging the sleeves of his shirt up a bit as if he was preparing to truly dig in and get his hands dirty on this mission. “Okay, so, anything pirate-themed was always a go-to for me when I was that age,” and obviously, the interest had stuck with him throughout life but that was irrelevant right now, “and trust me, there’s a lot of it. Like, you got your choice between action figures, the model ships, puzzles, costumes–”

Benjamin ticked things off his fingers as he recounted. “There’s pirate book comics, pirate-themed clothes and posters–” His shoulders lifted into a shrug, his face alight with the excitement of how much there was out there. “Seriously, anything pirate you can think of, it’s out there, you can get it, trust me.” The younger male nearly launched into a foray of the many things he had at home and all his collectables, including the ones that were real and worth some actual money, but caught himself before he got too animated. Aware, then, that he might have blown his cover about how into pirates he was. “Or uhm..” Scratching at his chin, his body twisted to look behind him, “or you could just them like, transformer toys… silly putty stuff?”

Trevor tried to cover a chuckle by clearing his throat as he nodded, “That’s always a good thing, yes, especially for the price,” he agreed when the younger man insisted on the quality of the ships.

“Oh! They aren’t my kids, they’re more like siblings,” he shrugged, “I don’t know their birthdays yet, but they just arrived at the orphanage I help at and I like giving each kid a present when they get there. It makes it a little easier,” he explained with a small smile. This time he couldn’t stop himself from chuckling when the other guy kept going on and on about pirates. “Ok well since you seem to be the expert here I think I’ll follow the advice and get something pirate themed,” he agreed as he looked around, “What about something like those ships there for one of the twins, one like those you tried for the other twin and something more like a Lego set for the older one? Do you think that would work?”

When he felt Trevor’s hand on his, he intertwined their fingers together, the demon could feel his face getting warmer.” Oh? What exactly did you have in mind to make it up to me, huh?” The florist stepped closer looking up at the other with a mischievous smirk. “ You wouldn’t judge but it would make it harder to walk around, trust me. This way it’s more tidy and I have some books in their place now.” Irvin closed his eyes, letting himself lean agaisnt the others touch, Trevor’s touch almost felt like a magnet that the demon was carving more and more of. Blue eyes glanced at his guest, a softness behind them. “ I’m glad you came over.” He whispered.

Trevor smiled and shook his head, “I didn’t have anything specific in mind. And since I would be making it up to you, you can choose,” he added in a soft tone. “Ok, that was a good reason then. I wouldn’t want either of us to trip and fall,” he agreed as he leaned in slightly. When Irvin closed his eyes, he moved closer and pressed a kiss on his forehead, “I am glad too,” he murmrued still caressing the demon’s cheek.

Irvin smiled softly when he felt Trevor’s hand on his, he gave it a gentle squeeze before letting go.” Yes demons usually are portrayed not in the best light, don’t get me wrong we are mischievous and some more evil then others but we get blamed for anything that a human does when that isn’t the case. I know a lot of demons that just want to be left alone and do their own thing.” The demon nodded.” Yes, she’s my vessel whenever I have a hard time finding a new one. “ The florist chuckled.” How would you know if you don’t understand your own powers. Okay, tell me what powers do you have? I’ve met angels before but never a half angel.”

“I can imagine. Humans always look someone to blame for their own mistakes and slips. I do think that there is always good and bad in all of us and we shouldn’t use anyone as an excuse for our own choices,” he agreed, “It’s good that you have someone to help you when you can’t find a vessel,” he smiled. “Well that’s because I’ve read a lot about them lately. I’m also noticeably young so it might take a while for me to control them and get stronger,” he shrugged, “I’m supposed to be able to heal, strength, enhanced senses, I can see people’s auras, telekinesis, telepathy... The thing is that I don’t know how to do most of that or control the few that I can,” he admitted embarrassedly.

-

Maybe it was because his muscles were all on edge and taut, but the glass breaking? Aiden actually flinched, losing track of staring the other man down as that stormy, gray gaze darted towards the bar top to see where the glass had shattered into a thousand tiny pieces and appeared to have cut the other, too. He could smell the metallic stench in the air almost immediately. The werewolf hadn’t expected something like that– it caught him off guard, definitely, but then as Fuckface spoke up more about things he didn’t know anything about, clearly, Aiden’s attention was back on him.

However, that on-edge, poised to fight edge seemed to have ebbed. Because all of this hurt, and nobody really understood how much. All he wanted, was a bit of relief somewhere. Aiden’s features softened from those angry etches to ones reflecting that sad puppy inside. “No,” he shook his head, turning back towards the bar top as he reached for his drink, “it’s because he won’t.” That was the problem, it had always been the problem. Irvin was every bit the back and forth, fickle person that Aiden painted him as. But even then, through all of it and in spite of the werewolf shoving the demon back with both hands, he always came back.

Trevor opened his hand slowly, releasing the glass shards fall onto the bar as he flexed his fingers and pulled it away from prying eyes that would notice how the injury would start to heal itself in no time. He threw an apologetic look at the bartender when he looked their way  and noticed the mess. The last thing they needed was to call more attention towards them.

In those few seconds it seemed that the anger coming from them both had subdued enough for him to relax and take a deep breath and doing his best to go back to his senses and then he noticed it again. all that hurt and loneliness radiating from Aiden. He swallowed hard and shook his head. “Look, I didn’t come here looking for a fight. I didn’t even know you were here until I crossed the door and honestly, I don’t even know what is between you two. I could lie and tell you that I don’t care, but I do know that Irvin cares about you. I told him to go after you that day, I can tell you both have unfinished business and I just don’t want him to take it out on him because it irked you to find out about me.”

Irvin hummed.” It depends. I had times when it felt like it was ripping me a apart, others it felt like it was nothing… I’m not sure if it’s the same for every demon. I usually like to make deals when I get a new vessel, it’s easier and it’s better for , well, the person that resided in the body. I actually have a friend of mine that was one of my vessels, she’s a witch and taught me a lot we still talk from time to time.” The demon blushed, noticing that he had been rambling.” Yes, not bad powers to have and they do come in handy.”

Without thinking, Trevor reached out to place his hand over Irvin’s when the demon started to explain how it felt like when he struggled with the vessels, “I’m sorry to hear it’s painful. I don’t think I ever consider it. But I must admit my knowledge on demons is probably all wrong considering the source,” he smiled apologetically. He didn’t hide his surprise when the other mentioned one of his past vessels was now a friend, “That sounds nice and handy,” he chuckled and gently pulled his hand back on the table. “I bet! I wish I understood my powers better, but I think yours are definitively cooler than mine.”

Irvin’s heart skipped a bit.

 It always made him nervous to feel like this, to fall for someone, to be close but  then there was also the part of him that missed it and he couldn’t deny that it felt nice. Trevor made him smile, made him feel safe.” You didn’t I was waiting for you after all.” He stepped aside so that Trevor could come in.” I was actually tidying up. My living room was a bit of a mess and so was my bedroom. I had gardening as well as plant books all over.” 

Seeing the smile on Irvin’s face made the whole trip in the middle of the night worth it. “No, no, I mean when I texted you, I didn’t wake you then, did I? Because if I did, I’m completely willing to make it up to you,” he smirked. As soon as he came in, he reached for the demon’s hand, “you really didn’t have to clean up. I was not going to judge,” he assured as he moved a little closer and reached to caress Irvin’s cheek.