34. Heaven's Way (part one)

Lilian's café buzzed with life that afternoon. The golden light pooled on the table like liquid warmth. The hum of bossa nova drifted from the speaker in the corner, seamlessly blending with the creak of chairs, the soft clink of glasses, and occasional laughter from the solitary group in the corner. The aroma of sweet mango mingling with the smokiness of sausage lingered in the air, carrying the promise of more indulgence.

Lilian took a bite of an empanada, her expression brightening as the flavors unfolded. Lucas, this is divine! Sweet and savory are tricky to balance, but you've nailed it." She set the half-eaten empanada down carefully as if it deserved respect.

Lucas flushed, ducking his head. "Thank you. I think the mango...well, it kind of just felt right with the yogurt and the coriander. I wasn't sure if it would work, though." His voice carried a mix of pride and disbelief, his fingers brushing over the edge of his plate as if grounding himself.

Kyle's grin was electric, the kind that had a way of making Lucas's stomach flip. "Felt right? You practically charmed the ingredients. The air around you isn't just reacting; it's drawn to you like it knows who you are." His hand found Lucas's under the table, giving it a light squeeze.

Uriel leaned back in his chair, the golden light casting an almost ethereal glow on his face. "That's intuition, heightened by something deeper. Good job."

João raised his glass, the dark amber liquid inside catching the sunlight. "Then here's to Lucas and his magical mango empanadas. May they enchant every customer!"

Glasses clinked, the sound sharp and joyful. Kyle raised him, too, but his gaze lingered on Lucas. "And here's to Lucas knowing how incredible he is—both in the kitchen and out of it."

Lucas's blush deepened, but he smiled at Kyle's eyes. "Thanks. I hope the customers agree."

Lilian smirked, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "If they don't, they have no taste buds worth saving."

Kyle found himself marveling at Lucas. Lucas had adapted remarkably despite being thrust into a world of magic and danger. It was a world Kyle had long assumed would drive most mortals away—or worse, break them. Yet Lucas stayed, not just enduring but embracing the change.

A flicker of a smile played on Kyle's lips as his mind wandered. His attraction to Lucas had been undeniable from the start, but now, seeing Lucas grow, thrive, and even challenge him, Kyle's feelings deepened into something more profound. The memory of past loves, torn apart as they bloomed, surfaced briefly, a pang of old grief quickly replaced by the resolve not to repeat those mistakes.

He squeezed Lucas's hand, the warmth grounding him as Lucas animatedly recounted when a coriander leaf floated into Kyle's hand, guided by the wind. Lucas's eyes sparkled as he spoke, his enthusiasm infectious, though Kyle couldn't help but wonder: Had Lucas encountered more than one wind spirit before? His actions during the summoning had been more than a petition—they were a subtle seduction. Lucas had done it so naturally and unknowingly that Kyle's admiration grew.

The lunch felt surreal for Lucas: angels and witches breaking empanadas together? Had he gone mad? But the grounding warmth of Kyle's hand reassured him, anchoring him to the present. This was his new reality. As the conversation ebbed and flowed, Lucas couldn't help but think of his late grandma, Isabela. Was her life like this—woven with magic and mystery—before her illness stole it away? Possibly.

Uriel finished his dessert, licking a bit of chocolate from his thumb. "Speaking of which, these brigadeiros are fantastic too. But perhaps next time, João, try using a hint of cinnamon."

João clutched his heart in mock offense. "Cinnamon? I am a traditionalist, Uriel. Brazilians have been making brigadeiros this way for decades!"

Kyle laughed, reaching for a napkin only to find the holder empty. "Hey, darling, can you pass me some napkins?"

Lucas blinked at the term, a warmth blooming in his chest. It was the first time Kyle had called him "darling" in public. "Sure," he said, his grin matching Kyle's, but inspiration struck.

With a playful gleam in his eyes, Lucas attempted to lift a napkin from the centerpiece using the air. At first, it floated gracefully, drawing cheers from everyone at the table. Lucas grinned. His newfound abilities were both exhilarating and daunting, but he could do this for a second time, first with the coriander leaf and now with the napkin.

As the napkin wavered midair, Lucas's stomach knotted. A flash of Teufel's torture seared his mind. The pain of the electric jolts made its way into his mind again. His pulse quickened, and the air felt colder, pressing against his skin like a warning. He blinked, trying to push the image away, but his concentration slipped.

The napkin wobbled dangerously, veering toward the desserts, but Kyle snatched it midair just in time. "Not bad for your first napkin flight attempt," he teased, holding up the rescued brigadeiros like a trophy.

Lucas's cheeks burned as he mumbled an apology, but the others quickly reassured him.

Uriel smiled gently."Magic learning doesn't follow a straight line. You're doing great."

João laughed, clapping Lucas on the back. "You're doing better than most. I set the kitchen on fire when I started."

"And I had to smother it with my best curtains just a few months after we decided to start over in Arguelles. It was tough, but we did it." Lilian added with a dramatic sigh.

Kyle leaned in, his voice low and warm. "You're doing amazing. Magic takes time, and you've already taken the hardest steps."

Lucas met Kyle's gaze, the encouragement settling his nerves. The room filled with laughter again as the group sipped drinks, brainstorming ideas for their bakery. Excitement bubbled in the air, the promise of new beginnings on the horizon.

The brisk evening air wrapped around Lucas as he walked beside Kyle, their footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. The laughter and energy from the café lingered in his mind, mingling with the warmth that Kyle always seemed to bring into his life. He stole a glance at Kyle, his expression serene. Lucas's heart swelled as he thought about the plans they'd brainstormed with their friends—their future, tangible and close enough to touch.

The crisp air made Lucas shiver as they walked home, but Kyle stepped closer, his hands deftly buttoning Lucas's coat. "There," Kyle murmured, his fingers brushing lightly against Lucas's chest. He leaned in, gently kissing Lucas's lips, warmth blooming between them. The faint scent of Kyle's cologne filled his nostrils. The city's noise fell away momentarily, leaving only the steady rhythm of their breaths.

Lucas loved Kyle; there was no coming back from that; their connection was too strong to avoid being together. A world of magic and wonder came with him, along with a group of extraordinary friends and darkness. The streetlights illuminated Kyle's face, and a glint of deep emotions filled his eyes. Lucas's chest was filled with joy. He squeezed Kyle's hand. He wanted to arrive at the apartment as soon as possible; there were many things to discuss.

As they stepped inside, Lucas paused, taking in the familiar space. Tonight, it felt different, as if the magic of the day had seeped into the walls. It still had the marks of the recent fight but didn't feel torn anymore. It was stitched together by the feelings of affection and the hopes and dreams of their inhabitants. He let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

Kyle's hand slid into his, and Lucas looked up to meet his gaze. It was a look that spoke volumes—of promises unsaid and feelings too vast for words. They left the food on the kitchen counter and kissed again.

Their kisses deepened with each step toward the bedroom. The bedside lamp bathed the room in soft, amber light, and as Kyle's lips trailed along Lucas's jawline, It cast a warm amber glow, painting their skin in shades of gold and shadow. The flicker of light danced across Kyle's features, highlighting the soft curve of his smile and the intensity of his gaze.

Lucas gasped softly as Kyle's lips trailed along his neck, his fingers curling into the fabric of Kyle's shirt. Every touch felt deliberate as if Kyle was mapping him, memorizing every inch. Lucas's breath hitched as a warm hand settled on the small of his back, grounding him and setting him ablaze all at once.

Kyle's heart beat fast as he led Lucas to his bed and started savoring him. Lucas's scent was similar to earth and forest dew, and at that moment, he tasted sweet and salty at the same time. He grinned; his mind was settled: He would learn every sensitive spot in Lucas's body and make him enjoy each night from that day onwards. Lucas was his; his desire matched him, and his magic was complimentary. "We were made for each other, " he thought.

Without a word, they started to undress each other; Kyle's hands were rough, warm, and steady, contrasting with the cool air brushing against Lucas's skin as their shirts slipped away. The fabric of the bedspread was rough against Lucas's fingertips, grounding him even as Kyle's touch sent sparks up his spine. Kyle began to explore Lucas's neck and torso. Lucas gasped. He guided Kyle's hand to the lower part of his abdomen, and he became undone as the soft pressure relieved him from the throbbing pain.

Lucas leaned into Kyle, his voice teasing but with a hint of genuine wonder, "How are you so... good at this?"

Kyle gasped, "I have imagined us together for a long time, Lucas. It is just desire and passion."

"So many times, in many ways, in this bed, in the kitchen, in the shower."  Kyle couldn't say it out loud, so he decided to bite Lucas's earlobe, making the man shudder as a reward.

Lucas's mind was spiraling with each ministration, no longer able to form coherent sentences, he mumbled. "You know every little thing that'll make me feel amazing. And you.. have you even... slept with a guy before, right?"

Lucas's question was playful but also loaded with genuine curiosity. Yet, Kyle pulled back; his hands held the fabric of the bedsheets. His face was filled with grief. Lucas cursed himself. Was he ruining the moment by asking something like that? He hoped he didn't. He was trying to understand the depth of Kyle's experience and how much it influenced their present connection, but it seemed he had touched something he shouldn't have.

Kyle paused before responding. It was a tricky question. He briefly considered not revealing his past but ultimately chose honesty. If he wanted Lucas to trust him, there was no other choice. He sighed. He hadn't had that many lovers, but he still hesitated to reveal why they left.

After a moment, he ran his hand along Lucas's back. He smiled sadly. "Not as much as rumors might say. With humans, the few I've loved... they saw the darkness in my world and left. Sometimes, I pulled back even before revealing my identity."

Kyle hesitated, his voice dropping to a vulnerable tone. "...or they feared losing themselves to me. They worried my power and nature would consume them, even if I never intended it."

Lucas's expression softened, his earlier anger dissolving. He leaned his forehead against Kyle's, their breaths mingling. "You don't scare me, Kyle. You frustrate and sometimes confuse me, but I'm not afraid of you. If anything, I'm afraid of losing you because of something stupid—like you trying to push me away again."

Lucas looked at him momentarily, conflicted, trying to reconcile Kyle's history with theirs. His chest constricted, memories of the stench of iron and charred corpses filled his nostrils as if the remains of the monster still covered Kyle. "If not for the attack in the apartment, I would say it is an exaggeration."

Lucas paused momentarily, caressed the blanket's fabric, and turned Kyle's chest. "I remember the night before; you looked like you wanted me to take you. I couldn't believe you were interested in me. A man like you? And later..."

Lucas touched his silver pendant, which glistened in the dim light. "This was a parting gift. You were going to leave me as well. You didn't want me involved."

Kyle tried to cup Luca's face, but he stopped him in midair. He muttered. "Lucas..."

Lucas's face was a rare mix of anger and tenderness. "I guess we would never know. In my heart, I would have waited for you, for this love. But for good or bad, I learned about Hell's and magic, and now, you..."

The faint hum of traffic outside was a distant reminder of the world beyond their sanctuary, but inside, it was just the rustle of fabric, the creak of the bed, and the soft sounds of their shared breaths. Lucas leaned in, kissing Kyle; it was full of need. "I won't run away. If you make rash decisions again, I might kick you, but I won't leave. What about non-humans? Surely, they might not care."

Kyle pulled Lucas closer, "Same; being the ruler of Hell doesn't scream boyfriend material. I had better luck in the sexy part with them, but they eventually considered it wasn't worth the risk or distance."

"I am sorry," Lucas muttered.

"Don't be." Kyle chuckled. "They are very liberal with partners, more than humans; they could have a lover for a day and consider a groundbreaking moment or sleep with 20 partners and think of it as nothing but an experience."

Lucas thought momentarily, "Shall I tell Kyle about them, my previous lovers?" He shrugged it off. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Still, you have more experience than I do. It makes me wonder—can I be good to you?"

Lucas's mind raced. Could he match Kyle's centuries of experience and his depth of feeling? The thought of failing Kyle—not just as a lover but as someone worth staying for—gnawed at him. And yet, when Kyle looked at him like this, as though Lucas was the only thing anchoring him to this world, hope sparked anew.

Kyle's hand settled on the small of Lucas's back, his voice low and reassuring. "You're everything I've ever wanted, Lucas. I see now that denying you that strength would only insult who you are."

Lucas tilted his head, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Took you long enough to figure that out." His tone was light, but his eyes glimmered with affection.

Kyle chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Yeah, well, I'm not perfect. I'm trying." He pulled Lucas closer, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. "But I promise. If you're staying, I'll fight to keep us both safe. To keep us together."

Lucas laughed softly, brushing his lips against Kyle's in a fleeting kiss. "Good. Because you're stuck with me, Morningstar."

The weight of unspoken promises and lingering doubts lifted as they held each other. The night stretched on, filled with whispered reassurances and shared dreams, the flickering light of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows across their entwined forms. For the first time in a long while, both felt that the world could wait, that their moment was theirs and theirs alone.