For The Love Of Angel (Interactive)
Chapter 1
Elias
Maria, Jefferson, our time is up.
Elias smiled into the DSLR camera, stationed on a tripod, just above the built-in webcam of his laptop.
Along with the bright ring light that encircled it, they were the most important things he owned — at least to him.
Elias
But before we part our ways, is there anything you think you should work on before we see each other again?
Jefferson
We were thinking...
The couple calmly expressed their thoughts one after the other.
Elias was proud of their immense progression since the first session, with no more shouting over one another, never allowing their partner to speak.
Elias
Excellent. I look forward to continuing this conversation next week.
After Jefferson and Maria said their goodbyes and their part of the screen turned black, the smile on Elias’s lips died, and he sank back into the office chair.
Absentmindedly rolling the pen between his index finger and the plastic back of the clipboard in his hand, he looked at the crisp recording of himself, staring right back at him.
He didn’t look bad — quite the opposite.
Natural platinum hair — the top of it playfully styled to the side, elegant yet strong jaw, and lips that were full and yet somehow still firm.
The white dress shirt and the unbuttoned blazer of unintrusive navy-blue color, with the sleeves, rolled up to his elbows, were fitting his lean torso perfectly.
And atop of it all, his features seemed to be too lazy to age, making him seem closer to nineteen than twenty-eight.
The condition was called neoteny, which was really just a fancy scientific term for cuteness.
No, he didn’t look bad at all.
So then why were those gray, almost silver eyes, nestled above the defined cheekbones, so empty, so full of sadness?
Elias
Because it doesn’t matter.
...he muttered to himself.
Right then, the phone started to buzz on the desk, liting up.
Catching it just before it would fall over the edge — he really should start being more mindful of where he was putting it — he answered the call.
The voice of his best friend since high school — and also one of the best surgeons in the city in Elias’s opinion — blasted into his ear.
Naomi
Elias! You gotta check this out! It’s crazy! They’re—
Cringing, he removed the phone from his ear — his eardrums felt as though they were going to pop.
Elias
Stop yelling, girl. Are you trying to kill me?
Naomi quickly apologized, but the enthusiasm didn’t leave her voice.
Naomi
Anyways, you really have to check this out.
Elias brought the device back to his ear and placed the clipboard on the desk.
He closed the video conference program and unplugged the cable and the Cam Link from the laptop.
It was late afternoon, and Jefferson and Maria were the last couple on his schedule for today’s counseling.
The only thing left was paperwork, which he would do after the call.
Naomi
You’re still saving for a trip to LA, right?
Naomi
But it’ll take forever with your current pay, especially since you cant opt-in for crowded, cheaper options, you know?
As Elias turned off the camera and the powerful LED light, a knot tightened in his stomach.
Elias
*Oh, I know alright.*
After obtaining his hard-earned PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, he had thought — naively hoped really — that things would change.
Elias
*I couldn’t have been more wrong. *
But he didn't want to think about it.
Not when there was absolutely nothing he could do to change his…situation.
Instead, he took in a deep breath of orange-scented aroma, wafting from the diffuser on the shelf to his left.
Elias
*At least, you have a job.*
Elias
*Even if you are severely underpaid.*
Elias
That’s right. What about it?
Naomi
You know that super luxurious hotel where all the celebrities and rich people go?
Naomi
They’re doing a giveaway right now, and they’re going to have two main winners, each of them getting a trip to their hotel plus a two-week stay.
Naomi
Everything will be paid for, and I mean everything.
Elias
Come on, you don’t really believe this is real?
Elias
It’s so obviously a scam.
Elias
Isn’t the owner some nameless billionaire?
Elias
Are they just feeling generous?
Elias
I’m pretty sure I’ve heard somewhere you have to book a year in advance just to get in.
And yet, his hands moved almost on their own, sliding the mouse across the screen, then clicking and typing and clicking some more.
Naomi
I couldn’t believe it either, but I swear it’s real.
Naomi
Everyone’s talking about it, plus, it’s on the official website...
...Naomi insisted, her voice beaming from happiness.
Just then, Angel’s Haven popped open before Elias.
Right there, on the front page, was a huge, modern banner, announcing the giveaway.
The sign-up page it took him to prompted him to connect his Instagram account if he wanted to take a part in the randomized drawing.
There were listed over a hundred prizes, most of which were merch.
However, right at the top, just as Naomi had said, two all-inclusive vacations were boasting in a large font, with an explosion of shimmering golden glitter on a sleek, black background around them.
Elias
You’re going to participate?
Signing up for the giveaway wouldn't make any difference in his life.
Even if it was real, the chances of winning it were close to zero.
Naomi
And I swear to god I’ll claw your eyes out if you don’t, too!
Naomi
You want this, and I won’t let you lose an opportunity like this.
Elias chuckled and clicked on that little ‘Sign up with Instagram’ button.
Elias
Just don't be disappointed when nothing comes of it.
He entered his personal information and finally clicked on ‘Send’.
He pushed himself back from the desk and stood.
Elias
Since it’s Friday, do you wanna go out later?
Elias
I was feeling like maybe going to The Broken Lipstick.
It was their favorite night club in Philly, always so lively and full of energetic people.
But then, her voice changed to one of uncertainty.
Elias’s heart sank to his stomach.
He forced himself to smile.
Elias
Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.
Elias
You must be busy with the hospital.
She quickly grasped the lifeline he was offering.
Naomi
I wish I could go out with you, but you never know when I’ll be needed.
Naomi
I mean, accidents can happen anytime…
Elias
*That’s bullshit and we both know it.*
Elias
*Just yesterday, you told me how you’ll be working only the regular schedule for the following weeks.*
Elias thought that, but out loud, he said:
Elias
Of course, I completely understand.
Elias
Some other time then?
Elias could almost see the olive-skinned girl nodding vigorously, the long chocolate waves of hair bouncing around her shoulders with the movement.
Because he knew her. In due time, that promise would come true.
Elias
Sounds great! Bye then!
The thought of going to the club now abandoned, he called his father right after ending the call with Naomi.
However, that conversation, too, ended on a bitter note.
Jeremy
How many times do I have to tell you?
Jeremy's anger was clearly heard in his voice.
Jeremy
I would rather sell my soul to the devil himself than let you anywhere near Jem.
Jeremy
He’s terrified of you, and for a good reason.
Jeremy
I always felt that there’s something wrong with you, and I’m not talking about the fact that you…
Elias
Bat for the other team?
...Elias helpfully offered.
More choking sounds followed, to the point of Elias entertaining the thought of calling the ambulance to check on him.
Jeremy
I don’t care about all that.
Jeremy
You know, it’s your choice and you’re an adult.
Jeremy
You can do whatever you want.
Elias
*Not really a choice.*
But Elias didn’t have the energy to argue about it.
Jeremy
What I'm trying to say, is that there’s always been something diabolic about you.
Jeremy
If you weren’t my own flesh and blood…
Jeremy
Just don’t try to contact me or my family ever again.
He cut off the call, leaving Elias with the sad beeping sounds in his ear.
Elias
*Jem is my family, too.*
Elias ran a hand through his hair and bit on the lower lip in frustration.
Elias
*He’s my little brother.*
Distracting himself with doing the paperwork and then mailing it to his employer, he tried not to think of how much he missed being close to someone.
Or — as the messages that greeted him as he later opened Grindr reminded him — a hookup.
...one of the texts read.
Thumb hovering above the screen, Elias hesitated.
He knew exactly why the faceless man was asking him that.
"Looking for someone who loves danger and fun," was a line on his profile that he could never go without.
He would gladly elaborate exactly what it meant if it didn't make him look like a serial killer.
Elias
Yes, I am. Do you want to meet up?
Chapter 2
One's mind can quickly change.
No one knew it better than Elias.
The guy he had been meeting with did unlock the front door and let Elias into his studio apartment with a strong smell of cigarettes — the smell which Elias did his best to ignore.
However, before Elias could even make a move on the cute guy, his date had backed himself into a corner, trembling, his eyes wide in fear.
Rather than someone who’d get a thrill from danger, he reminded Elias of a terrified bunny, about to be ripped apart by a fox.
Elias
If you don't want to do this, we don't have to.
...Elias had told him, disappointment seeping in.
It hit even harder when the guy agreed right away, a sigh of relief coming from him.
Sub 4 U
I'm not usually like this.
Elias
No need to apologize, it's not your fault.
That was how Elias has found himself in this situation.
Running. In more ways than one.
The soles of his Nikes slammed against the soil and gravel of the Forbidden Drive — his favorite jogging trail.
The muscles in his entire body were stretching and contracting in the rhythm with his steady yet slightly panting breaths, and he could feel the beads of sweat rolling down his back, soaking up his t-shirt.
Phone in hand, he kept at the edge of the path.
That gave other Fairmount Park’s visitors — bikers, joggers, people walking their dogs, and others — plenty of space to avoid him.
He listened to the sounds of the gushing and burbling of the nearby river mixed with an occasional bark of an excited canine, while people chatted in the distance.
Right now, more than anything, he wished to lose himself in the sounds and the smells of vivid nature, basking in the evening sun.
Feeling so isolated and alone…
It made him wish, more than everything else, that he were born normal.
Or that he could just run away.
Just as he inhaled a lungful of fresh air, trying to calm his mind, a warning shout came his way:
And then, a giant ball of fur slammed into the side of his legs, making him trip.
Just before he could come down crashing to the ground, a firm hand grabbed his, catching him in mid-air.
The other one grasped the large German shepherd by his harness.
The Stranger
Hey, careful!
...a deep, masculine voice said.
It was rich and smooth, filling Elias to the brim, like a fine wine.
Like a dense black cloud, a flock of crows lifted from the tree canopies at the sight of the dog, trying to launch himself at them while barking.
Elias
*That’s a lot of crows.*
...Elias thought absentmindedly as he used the offered hand to pull himself up.
Elias
I should’ve seen the dog coming.
Elias
I must’ve been too distracted…
When he was met with the face of his savior, the words died in his throat.
Hair, as black as ink, creating a deep contrast to the sharp green eyes that matched the flourishing vegetation surrounding them.
A small wrinkle creasing the forehead between the thick brows as if he would frown too often.
And a short stubble covering a carved jawline seemed like the world’s best contour, only enhancing the stranger’s attractive features.
Involuntarily, Elias’s heart skipped a beat.
...he murmured under his breath before he could think.
And then mentally kicked himself.
The man chuckled in amusement.
The Stranger
I’ll take that as a compliment.
He glanced down and then back up, at Elias.
The Stranger
But you can let go of my hand now.
The Stranger
Unless you need to hold it.
Meanwhile, the dog’s barking changed into whining.
He kept on trying to tear himself from the iron hold.
The passersby in the distance picked up on the commotion, many staring at them with hidden judgment.
As though he had burned himself, Elias pulled back his hand.
He could still feel the warm touch of the stranger’s fingers on his skin.
And the memory alone made a delightful shiver run through him.
Suddenly, Elias realized that for the first time in his life, someone was so close to him, completely unaffected by his presence.
The Woman
Are you guys okay?
...the same voice as from earlier shouted in their direction, making Elias redirect his attention to it.
A woman was springing towards them, a leash in hand.
The Woman
He just started running out of nowhere, and the hook snapped.
The Woman
He’s still in training, so he sometimes decides not to listen when I call him.
The Woman
He’s been adopted just recently.
Her cheeks were flushed in embarrassment — so red they put apples to shame.
The Woman
I really didn’t know the hook was so weak.
The Woman
It was supposed to be able to handle the largest breeds.
The Woman
I’ll file a complaint for false advertising.
The Woman
But of course, I take full responsibility. If you need any compensation, I can—
Elias glanced at the giant, panting beast by the mysterious’s man’s feet.
As Zeus noticed his owner approaching, he started wagging his low-hanging tail happily, looking incredibly proud of himself.
The sight made Elias smile.
Now, he kind of wanted to pet the dog.
He crouched down and offered a hand for Zeus to sniff it, then scratched him behind his pointy ears.
Elias
He probably just got excited by seeing the crows.
He could swear the man's entire body suddenly stiffened.
The woman frowned at Elias and then looked past Zeus.
The Woman
I must’ve missed them.
The Woman
But anyway, thank you so much—
The moment she came into a few-feet radius of both men, she abruptly stopped, planting her feet into the ground.
Her face molded into one of fear and uncertainty. She gulped, her eyes fixated on Zeus in desperation.
Elias
So, I still have a long way to go.
...Elias quickly said, forcing himself to keep that smile on.
Elias
Good luck with Zeus!
Elias
He looks like such a good boy.
He turned around and started running again, ignoring the pain of a thousand daggers, stabbing his heart.
Elias
*Stop acting like you’re not used to it already.*
When he glanced back, despite his better judgment, he could see the woman tying the leash through the metal ring on the harness while the man kept on holding the dog.
Her earlier fright was completely gone.
Elias
*Don’t think about it. Don’t think.*
Just before he focused on the open trail before him again, he caught the man, looking at him with an intense stare.
It seeped right into his bones and ignited a flame low in his stomach.
Elias
*And why do I want to turn again and run back?*
The Stranger
Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?
The mysterious stranger from before suddenly appeared beside Elias, jogging casually.
Elias looked behind himself where the woman was leading the German shepherd away, then at the stranger.
Elias
Weren't you…back there just a moment ago?
...he asked between controlled breaths.
The Stranger
Yeah, and then I sprinted after you before you could escape.
The Stranger
I really need to talk to you, do you mind?
Chapter 3
The Stranger
I really need to talk to you, do you mind?
That made Elias slow down his pace to a leisurely stroll, and the other man followed suit, so fast it seemed as if his body were bound to Elias’s.
He slipped the phone into the front pocket of his joggers.
He did his best to keep his tone unaffected.
Meanwhile, joy and confusion were twining inside his stomach, creating a strange fluttering feeling that was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
The Stranger
Did you really see crows back there?
The Stranger
Is that whom that dog was chasing after?
The man kept on glancing around, almost as if he were searching for something.
Elias recalled the man’s unusual reaction, and he tilted his head in question.
Elias
Do you have something against birds?
The man grinned, flashing his white teeth.
The Stranger
I think I’m just a little bit too superstitious.
He waved a large, leather-bound book before himself.
The Stranger
I think I should go catch the last light before the nightfall if I still want to draw.
Elias looked at the book.
The material was scratched all over, reminding of a historical artifact rather than a sketchbook.
But more than that, he could swear the man didn’t have it on him just moments ago.
Elias
*I probably just don’t remember right.*
...he rationalized, then asked, unable to resist:
Elias
So, you are an artist?
The Stranger
The best one you’ve ever met.
...the stranger said seriously, but when Elias arched an eyebrow at him, he couldn’t keep his face straight any longer.
He chuckled and then pointed towards the river bank.
The Stranger
I’m going over there to sketch. If you want, you can join me.
He then turned and started walking, his every step an embodiment of confidence.
Elias
You really don’t mind company?
He glanced back at Elias, smiling.
The Stranger
Now, are you coming or not?
Despite himself, Elias couldn’t keep the smile from cracking his face, too.
He dashed after the stranger, feeling as though something was pulling him at the man.
An invisible force of sorts.
Or perhaps it was just the fact that he treated Elias like a regular person.
Either way, Elias’s heart skipped a beat.
And suddenly, the world seemed just a bit brighter.
Elias
What’s your name if you don’t mind me asking?
...he inquired when he reached the stranger.
The man moved briskly, close to running but not quite yet.
He avoided the trees and stones with expert agility, leaving Elias to do the same.
Instead, he took the opportunity to secretly admire the muscled toning of Aliastair’s body, boasting underneath the black cargo pants and a loose t-shirt.
Elias
*Those broad shoulders, that ***.*
Elias couldn’t help wondering how they would feel under his fingertips as he would trail them over the ***** skin.
Elias
*Probably firm and hot.*
Peebles crunched under their feet as they came closer to the moving water.
They were the only ones in sight, the absence of other people making Elias feel as though they entered a fantasy world, full of wonder, rather than the creeping loneliness that was his usual companion.
The soft breeze, carrying the crisp scent of the forest, ruffled Alistair’s hair as he dropped down on a large rock, crossing his legs underneath him and making himself comfortable.
Intrigued, Elias looked over Alistair’s shoulder.
He watched as the man flipped open his sketchbook on a blank page, and, after staring at the river, shimmering under the dying sunlight, returned his attention to the book.
The pencil that was suddenly between his fingers almost as if it formed out of thin air — which was a ridiculous thought, of course — started scraping across the thick, cream paper.
...Elias murmured in admiration just next to Alistair’s ear.
He was completely captivated by the mesmerizing landscape forming under the sharp graphite tip.
But even more so, by its creator.
Alistair flinched, and his pencil slipped, drawing a mismatched line.
Elias immediately stepped away, a twinge of guilt rushing through him.
He could feel his cheeks heating up.
Alistair grabbed Elias’s wrist, pulling him back.
His voice was strangely thick as though he were fighting emotions.
But then, he withdrew his hand, and that devilish grin formed on his face once again as he met Elias’s eyes.
Alistair
You know, so you can admire my amazing drawing skills.
Elias could almost hear a thud in his chest.
There was definitely more to this man than it met the eye.
He had so many questions, but most of all, who was this man and why did he really want to keep Elias by his side?
He didn’t buy that excuse one bit, but he decided to play along nonetheless.
Elias
Well, I’m not sure if I want to admire it just yet.
...he teased, watching Alistair erase that offensive line.
Elias
*Where the hell did the eraser come from?*
Alistair dramatically pressed a hand to his chest.
Alistair
Your words wound me deeply.
He then picked up his speed, moving the pencil over the paper with the speed that should be impossible.
Alistair
But when you see this, you won’t be able to deny my amazingness anymore.
Elias smiled, watching Alistair’s profile.
He loved how his brows drew together as he concentrated on the illustration, how his lips slightly pursed.
Those lips that Elias wanted to taste, so badly.
Elias forced his eyes to follow the strokes.
On the paper, the scenery was transforming, with floating spots of light everywhere, like fireflies.
And right in the center, a figure started to form.
The side of the head had long strands of light hair floating in the wind, obscuring the face.
A pair of breathtakingly-beautiful, black, feathery wings were curved in front of the angel, in mid-flight.
They were so big the body was completely hidden, save from an elegant curve of the feet.
It was so real, so life-like that Elias could almost feel the soft feathers brushing against his skin.
Despite the summer heat, it made him shiver, little goosebumps breaking out across his arms.
Subconcuiesly, he rubbed them, almost as though he were hugging himself.
Elias
You really weren’t joking about your skills.
He watched how Alistair brushed a finger across the angel’s figure, so gently the lines didn’t smudge.
Alistair
I told you, didn’t I?
The pencil and the eraser vanished once more.
Elias
Seriously, what’s up with that?
And then, when Alistair lifted his eyes at Elias, the yearning inside them was too strong for Elias to keep resisting.
Elias
If you keep on looking at me like that, I’m going to kiss you.
He unfolded his arms and stepping in front of Alistair.
Alistair
Then I’ll never stop.
...Alistair breathed, putting the sketchbook down on the rock beside him.
That was all Elias needed to hear.
Clasping the back of Alistair’s head into his hand, he leaned forward.
His lips pressed against Alistair’s, first softly, as if he were trying out the taste.
And then, he ****** his tongue in, licking and conquering the delicious inside of Alistair’s mouth.
Elias
*It tastes just like oranges.*
Elias
*My favorite fruit.*
Elias didn't have much time to be surprised, as Alistair immediately responded.
His hands flew up to lock on Elias’s nape, making an infinite number of tiny fireworks explode on Elias’s skin at the touch.
The sensation of slight scraping of Alistair’s stubble against Elias’s clean-shaven cheeks coursed through him, like a gushing river.
Elias moaned, the single sound an embodiment of all of his desires.
He’s been starved of touch, of closeness, for so long. His mind clouded and the scorching fire spread through him.
Suddenly, the kiss wasn’t enough.
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