Blair stepped out onto the tar surface of the roof and carefully closed the door behind him. He walked across the wide, empty flat surface, looking around for Jim. He didn't see him anywhere, but that didn't mean anything; Jim could appear and disappear at will. Blair just stood and studied the night-shrouded city for a moment, pondering over the bizarre turn his life had taken in the past few days. He'd always been a big believer in the occult, but to actually have his very own Angel to watch over him? He smiled.

After a moment, Blair turned to look around for Jim again. It wasn't like the big man to keep him waiting. The last time Jim had been late was.... Blair quickly tuned out the memory. The last time Jim had been late was when he was supposed to pick Blair up at the airport. "Jim?" Blair called. What if something had happened? Jim said he could still be hurt by physical things. What if the bullet wound had gotten infected....

"Jim?" Blair called, louder, beginning to worry. He started across the roof, turning around to scan the surrounding darkness for his friend. "Jim where are you?" Blair suddenly began to feel very small and alone. He never did like the dark much, and now he gazed uneasily around at the menacing shadows.

"You ready?" a voice said.

Blair whirled around with a gasp to find Jim standing right behind him. "Don't DO that!" Blair said, pressing a hand to his heart. "You're here to protect me, man, not give me a heart attack!" He sighed in exasperation, smiling as the big man stepped forward.

"I'm sorry, baby," Jim said, grinning down at his love. "You're just so cute when you're startled, I couldn't resist." Jim reached down to cup Blair's face. "Are you warm enough?" Jim asked softly.

"Yes," Blair whispered. He watched Jim's chest muscles twitch and flex as the great wings unfurled with a soft rustle. The sight of his love's wings still shocked him a bit. "How's your boo boo?" Blair asked.

Jim laughed, and turned to display his flawless wing. "Completely healed. I told you I recover fast!" He smiled down at his beautiful Blair.

Blair returned the smile, just losing himself in Jim's eyes for a moment. "Why did you want me to change into these?" Blair asked, gesturing at his pitch black ensemble.

"So you won't be seen," Jim whispered as he leaned down to press his lips to Blair's.

Kissed by an Angel, Blair thought, letting his lips part as the kiss deepened. He moved his arms up to wind around Jim's neck, pulling the big man down closer. Blair swept his tongue through Jim's mouth, exploring the ridge of teeth, teasing the smooth roof of the warm cavern. He smiled as he heard Jim moan, and felt the big warm hands run down his sides, caressing him through the sweatshirt.

Jim wrapped one arm around Blair's waist, hooked the other under his knees, and swept him up in his arms without breaking the kiss. He carried Blair across the roof, away from the edge, stretching his wings out behind him and beating them a few times, testing their strength. Then he turned back toward the roof's edge.

Blair felt the breeze as Jim stroked his wings through the air. The young man broke the kiss to gaze into his love's eyes. He smiled, and leaned up to rub his nose against Jim's. Then Jim's words registered on his brain, finally. "So I won't be seen?" Blair repeated, shifting a bit in Jim's arms to look around. "Seen by whom?" he asked, as Jim began to move quickly across the roof.

Jim grinned at his love. "By the people on the ground!" he said, breaking into a run. He chuckled at the look of surprise on Blair's face as the young man understood.

"Oh oh oh... Jim," Blair said nervously, tightening his arms around Jim's neck as the edge of roof came closer and closer. Blair was chattering quickly in Jim's ear, "I don't know.. I think maybe we... I mean do you think it's such a good idea to... OH MY GOD!" Blair cried out, burying his face in Jim's shoulder. There was a rush of air, and they dropped off the edge of the roof. Blair closed his eyes, curling his body up against Jim as they fell. He could hear Jim grunting a little, straining against the pull of gravity. The falling sensation only lasted for a moment, to be replaced by a dizzying swoop, followed by the soft night air whistling softly against Blair's ears as they began to rise through the sky.

"You OK?" Jim asked softly. He smiled as Blair shook his head, looking a little pale as he glanced around. "I never knew you didn't like to fly, Blair," Jim joked.

Blair fixed Jim with a look. "Being in a plane is one thing, wiseass," he muttered, risking a glance down. He immediately regretted it, as the sight of buildings of Cascade far below swept a wave of vertigo over him. He pressed his face into Jim's shoulder with a groan. "But this is totally different."

"Yes it is," Jim said softly, letting his lips brush Blair's ear. "On a plane you're at the mercy of terrorists, bad weather, mechanical problems or incompetent pilots." He chuckled softly, nuzzling Blair's neck as he added, "With me, you're completely safe. You're the only passenger I have to worry about." Jim grinned as Blair lifted his head to smile at him.

"You have a point there," Blair said. After a few minutes of soothing words from Jim, he began to relax, and was able to look around without being seized with terror. This was much nicer than flying in a plane, Blair decided. The feeling of the warm night air blowing through his hair was delicious, and he couldn't remember the stars and moon ever looking so bright, not even on the clearest night. The gentle, rhythmic swish of Jim's wings caressing the air was very relaxing. Blair snuggled against Jim, and looked over the big man's shoulder to study the huge white wings as they beat gently through the air. "What does it feel like, being able to fly?" Blair asked, reaching one hand to stroke the joint where Jim's left wing met his back.

Jim jerked a little as Blair touched him, and his flight faltered for a moment. "Whoa, careful!" he warned. He turned to Blair as the young man quickly pulled his hand away from the wing. "Maybe you'd better not touch those while we're airborne, eh?" he said with a smile.

Blair grinned back at him and nodded, wrapping his arms tighter around his love's neck. "Sorry," he said softly. "It's just... so amazing. I guess you could call it Wing Envy, huh?" Blair giggled as Jim burst out laughing. As the laughter ended, Blair leaned in close, and pressed his lips tightly to Jim's.

Jim became so involved with Blair's mouth, that he failed to notice they were flying over the Cascade airport. Far below, a small commuter plane had just lifted off, and was now heading their way. Jim and Blair were too small to register on radar; neither the pilot nor the tower had any idea they were there.

"Mmm," Jim murmured into Blair's mouth. "I love you, Blair," he said softly, turning his head to rub his cheek against Blair's jaw. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

Blair kissed a path across Jim's forehead, then replied, "Oh, I have a pretty good idea...," Blair broke off as he saw the plane coming up fast, heading straight for them. "JIM!!!" he cried in alarm, pointing.

Jim turned, saw the plane, and quickly banked to the right. He was able to duck below the aircraft, and felt the heat of the plane's exhaust as it passed over his back. He sighed in relief, thinking they were safe. Then the plane's wake hit them.

Jim yelped in surprise as the blast of air slammed into him like a brick wall. He heard Blair cry out in terror as the world spun upside down. Jim was stunned for a moment, but quickly regained equilibrium, realizing with horror that his arms were empty. "NO!!!" Jim folded his wings tight against his body and dove.

"JIIIIIIIIIIIIM!!!!!!!!!" Blair screamed as he fell. The wind was rushing by so fast he couldn't hear his own cries. How long would it take to hit the ground? How much time did Jim have to save him? Did Jim even know where he was? Had Jim been killed by the plane? Blair's thoughts continued at breakneck speed as the lights of Cascade began to swell from pinpoints, to specks, to blobs as he plummeted toward the Earth.

Jim heard the air wailing past as he dove toward Blair, below him. The big man stretched his arms out straight in front of him, and the resultant streamlining gave him a burst of speed. He passed Blair in mid-air, continued to dive for a few seconds more, then beat his wings to slow down. He looked up and held out his arms.

Blair felt something rush past him, then a moment later.... "OOF!" He had the wind knocked out of him as he connected with something solid that wasn't the ground. Then a familiar voice spoke to him.

"It's OK baby, I've got you!"

Blair cautiously opened his eyes to find himself safely cradled in Jim's arms again. The anthropologist tried to slow his breathing, feeling his thundering heart beginning to ease down. He looked around and met Jim's concerned gaze.

Jim stared intently into Blair's frightened eyes. "Are you all right?!" Jim demanded. The young man was trembling violently, teeth chattering. Jim tightened his grip on his young love as he continued to beat his wings, slowing their descent. "Chief please, are you hurt?!"

Blair responded by wrapping his arms tight around Jim's neck and nestling his face against the big man's shoulder. He just clung to his Angel for a minute, trying to shake the horrible falling sensation. "I'm OK," Blair said weakly, breathing in harsh gasps. He tightened his grip around Jim's neck as his mind briefly flashed on the moment he'd slipped from Jim's arms. In that instant, he'd been certain he was going to die. He was going to die, and Jim was going to be sent to suffer in Hell. Blair squeezed his eyes shut at the thought. "I didn't like that, Jim!" he whimpered.

Jim smiled as he held Blair close. "Well it's not going to go high on my list of favorite experiences either," he whispered into the curls. Jim glanced down, and slowed the beating of his wings as he saw they had stopped losing altitude. "Just hold on tight, now, you're safe. We're fine." Jim kissed Blair's brow as the young man lifted his head to look at him. "I'm sorry little one... maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Jim sighed, and turned in the air to head back toward their building.

"No... it's all right Jim," Blair said. "I'm fine, really."

Jim stared at his young love in disbelief. "Are you sure?" Jim asked. He sighed, shaking his head. "I thought for sure you would have had enough, after that little adventure!" Jim studied his love's face with uncertainty. "I don't know, Blair, I think maybe we should call it a night."

Blair's face fell. "Oh, no Jim! Can't we stay out just a little longer?" Blair asked beseechingly. "Please?"

Jim grinned as Blair pouted. "All right, all right, please... don't pout! You know I can't stand that," Jim muttered as he changed course, heading for the bay. "I don't get it, Blair. I thought you were afraid of heights?"

Blair smiled and kissed Jim's cheek. "I am," he said softly. "When there's a reason to be afraid." Blair laid his head on Jim's shoulder, moving one hand to stroke his big love's short hair.

"And you don't think there is a reason, even after THAT?" Jim asked, leaning into the caress.

Blair shook his head. "No," he breathed.

"Why not?" Jim asked.

Blair smiled sweetly at him. "Because you caught me." He snuggled close against Jim, safe in the arms of his Guardian Angel. "I know now, without a doubt, that you won't let anything happen to me, Jim," he sighed softly.

Jim smiled, feeling a warm little glow spread through him at Blair's heartfelt words. He turned his head to look into the adoring eyes that gazed at him, and bit his lip as a wave of emotion surged up in him. This beautiful person in his arms trusted him implicitly, without question or fear. It was quite a sensation to know someone felt completely safe, simply from your presence. Jim closed his eyes as his beloved one gently kissed his cheek again.I'm your Guardian Angel, little one, Jim thought,This is the first time that I've really understood what it means.... I will do anything, absolutely anything to protect you.... The rest of the thoughts trailed off as Blair suddenly pointed downward. Jim looked down. They were over the water.

Blair looked down at the bay, the surface smooth as glass. He smiled at Jim, who responded by flying lower. Blair held on tight as the surface of the water flashed under them in a blur.

"Here, I have an idea," Jim murmured. He carefully shifted his hold on Blair, slipping both arms around the young man's middle, holding him tight against his chest. He kissed Blair's face, then smiled and turned him to face downward so that Blair's back was against his chest. Jim beat his wings and turned in the air, heading out over the water.

Blair clung to the iron arms around his waist as Jim turned, and descended toward the glassy surface of the bay. "What are you doing?" Blair called back over his shoulder to Jim. He held his legs up as Jim flew, skimming along just above the surface.

Jim squeezed Blair, and said into his ear. "You wanted to know what it was like to fly?" Blair nodded, and Jim kissed his earlobe as he added, "Look down, Blair!"

Blair looked down, and gasped in surprise. He could see his reflection in the still water as they rushed along. But since Jim cast no reflection, it looked like Blair was flying along by himself! Blair laughed out loud at the sight. What an incredible rush! Gleefully, he spread his arms out to the sides like wings. He turned his head as he heard Jim chuckling beside his ear.

"Isn't this great?" Jim shouted.

"Oh yeah!" Blair cried, turning again to watch his reflection 'flying' across the bay. Then he glanced up, and gasped at the sight of the cargo ship looming up before them. "Jim, look out!" He warned.

"I see it," Jim said, tightening his grip around Blair. "Hang on!" Jim angled his body upward, and beat his wings furiously.

Blair grasped Jim's arms as they began to rise. He watched in delight as the bay and ship dropped away, the lights of the city growing tinier by the second. They were vertical now, flying straight up. Blair looked up, laying his head back against Jim's shoulder, and gazed in wonder at the vast sea of stars above them. He tilted his head as Jim nuzzled the side of his neck, and reached back to stroke the side of Jim's face.

Jim smiled, hearing Blair's heartbeat speed up as they flew up into the night sky, relishing the feel of Blair's smooth fingers gliding over his face. He turned Blair in his arms so they were face to face again, kissed him deeply, then boosted him up and clasped his arms around Blair's thighs, supporting him below his bottom. Blair smiled down at him joyfully as they flew higher.

It was amazing, beautiful, words had not yet been invented to describe what Blair was feeling as the man he loved carried him higher and higher toward the heavens. Blair rested his hands on Jim's shoulders as he felt the big arms squeeze around the backs of his thighs. At last their dizzying ascension slowed, and Blair crowed as he stretched his arms over his head, arching his back, becoming part of the stars.

Blair's sweatshirt pulled up as he raised his arms, and Jim took advantage of the situation, leaning forward to kiss the sliver of skin visible at Blair's waist. He was rewarded with a groan from his love, and Blair's hands drifted down to caress his scalp. Jim continued to brush his lips over the little patch of bare tummy, feeling Blair's stomach muscles clenching.

Blair moaned as Jim teased his sensitive belly. He arched back, holding one hand clasped to the back of Jim's head while lifting his shirt up with the other. As he'd hoped, Jim accepted the invitation. As Blair bared more of his skin, Jim began to run his tongue and lips over his love's warm stomach. Blair closed his eyes as Jim's tongue circled his belly-button.

Jim smiled as Blair's moans grew louder. Very gently, he grazed his teeth over the ridge of muscle just below Blair's navel, then trailed his tongue teasingly up and down the sensitive little hollows between the abs. Blair let go of Jim's head to remove his sweatshirt as Jim continued to nuzzle his stomach.

Blair took the hem of his sweatshirt in both hands and began to lift it off. But he leaned back too far, and gave a short cry of fright as he nearly slipped from Jim's arms. Instantly he let go of the shirt and reached desperately for Jim's shoulders, as he felt the big man's arms tighten quickly around him.

"Whoa, I've got you," Jim said as Blair yelped. He moved one hand to Blair's lower back, keeping the young man upright as he felt the frantic fingers clutching at his shoulders. He grinned a little as Blair wrapped his arms around Jim's head, clinging to him in terror. "Blair," Jim mumbled, as his face was squished against his love's belly. "Blair, I can't breathe."

Blair heard his Angel's plea, and carefully loosened his grip. He looked down sheepishly as Jim smiled up at him, after making a show of flexing the muscles of his rugged face. "Sorry, Jim... I was just scared," he said softly.

"That's OK, baby," Jim said, kissing Blair's stomach one more time. "Maybe we should find some place to land, eh? I mean, there are safer ways to join the Mile High Club, right?" Jim smiled broadly as Blair burst out giggling.

"I think that's a good idea," the young man laughed.

For just a moment, he and Jim were sillouhetted against the perfect full moon. Jim slowed the beating of his wings, and Blair lowered his arms to Jim's shoulders again as they began to slowly drift back to Earth. Blair sighed, and slithered down Jim's body. As his head became level with Jim's, Blair leaned forward and pressed his lips to his lover's forehead. He wound his legs around Jim's waist and tightened his arms around the muscular neck.

Jim leaned into the kiss, and sighed as Blair's lips trailed down his brow to place a gentle kiss to each eyelid. Jim responded by touching his own lips to the tip of Blair's nose. "I love you," he breathed. "I'll love you forever." Jim pressed his lips to Blair's, gently probing with his tongue.

"I love you," Blair breathed into Jim's ear, "I want you," Blair took Jim's earlobe gently between his teeth and tugged a little, while running the fingers of his right hand down the warm skin of Jim's side.

Jim closed his eyes as he and his love slowly left the stars behind. He shivered as Blair's fingers touched his sensitive skin, feeling his arousal beginning to press against his jeans. The Angel sighed and wrapped his arms lovingly around his Guide's waist. Jim's wings beat slowly, powerfully, carrying them over the rooftops of Cascade. A blinking red light caught the corner of Jim's eye, and he turned and smiled. Carefully tightening his hold on Blair, Jim changed course and headed toward the tall building to their right.

Blair snuggled his head on Jim's shoulder, letting his fingers explore the smooth skin and muscles of the big man's side. He could feel the powerful muscles working as Jim's wings beat through the air. Blair sighed, feeling a pang of jealousy. What would it be like to have wings? Blair's train of thought was broken as Jim suddenly drew up his legs and began to beat his wings rapidly. Blair lifted his head to ask what was wrong, then looked down to see the roof of building approaching.

Jim beat his wings furiously, slowing himself down as he came in for a landing on the roof of Harbor Center, Cascade's own version of The Space Needle. It was where Jim had come to look for the "Switchman" on his first case with Blair by his side. It was one of the tallest buildings in Cascade, and certainly the most romantic. Jim hit the roof running, clutching Blair tightly to him as he slowed to a halt.

Blair held on as Jim skidded to a halt on the surface of the roof. They came to rest a few feet from the huge spike that crowned the center of the roof. Blair pressed his lips to Jim's as Jim gently eased him to his feet. Blair watched in fascination as Jim arched his back, stretching his wings back high over his head, moaning in relief.

"Sore?" Blair asked. "Sorry, I'm not as light as I look, you know." Blair smiled as Jim finished stretching and flapped a few times.

"No," Jim laughed lightly. "I just think I should stretch a bit after a work-out like that, so I don't cramp up." He flapped once more, then shook the wings out. A few feathers popped free to lazily drift down onto the roof.

Blair chuckled at the sight of the huge white feathers. He knelt to pick one up, turning it over in his fingers. "I wonder what the ornithology department at Rainer would make of this?" He wondered aloud. He grinned up at Jim. "Mind if I take one to show them?"

Jim gave him a warning look, trying not to smile. "Don't even think about it, Chief." He reached out a hand, and Blair obediently handed the feather over. "They wouldn't be able to see it, anyway," Jim added with a smile. He reached out and took hold of Blair's wrist with one hand, gently taking the feather from his grasp with the other. He stood for a moment, just gazing into Blair's eyes. Then he tucked the feather behind his ear, lowered his head, and gently pressed his lips to Blair's.

Blair returned the kiss, reaching up to run his fingers through Jim's close-cropped hair. Jim's tongue slipped inside Blair's mouth and began to explore, and Blair welcomed it. The young man caressed Jim's scalp for a few minutes, then trailed his fingers down the sides of Jim's face to his neck, and from his neck down to his chest.

Jim gasped as Blair's fingertips began to trace over his nipples, lightly tweaking, testing their texture. The big man lost himself in the hot moist cavern of his lover's mouth, tasting him, memorizing the feel of the perfect teeth, the smooth interior of the cheeks. He reached for Blair's waist, and took the hem of the black sweatshirt in his fingers. Jim held his lips to Blair's for a moment more, then slowly lifted the shirt over his Guide's head.

Blair raised his arms as the shirt was stripped off, shivering a little as the night air touched the fine sheen of sweat on his skin. He watched as Jim dropped the shirt and moved toward him again. Blair closed his eyes as Jim slipped his powerful arms around his waist, and captured his mouth in a hungry, heated kiss. Blair's nipples hardened as they brushed against the warm smoothness of Jim's bare chest. He moaned as he rubbed against Jim, loving the feel of their naked skin together. Blair wrapped his arms around Jim's neck as the big man gently lowered him to the roof on his back, never letting their lips part for an instant.

Jim lay Blair down on the smooth surface of the roof as he finished the kiss. Then he lay down beside him, propping himself up on one elbow. He studied Blair's face for a long moment, just enjoying the sight of his love laying there, waiting to be ravished. Jim leaned forward and kissed Blair again, before reaching up to take the feather from behind his ear. He studied it for a moment, twisting it between his fingers. Then he looked down at his love again.

"I love you so much, Blair," Jim said. "Do you know that?"

Blair smiled up at him. "Of course I do, Jim. How could I not?"

Jim smiled. "I know, but... I mean," Jim trailed off for a moment to study the night sky.

"What's the matter Jim?" Blair asked, concerned.

Jim shrugged. "Nothing baby. Just thinking." He eyed Blair again. "There's just so much I don't know about you, that I'm dying to learn," he said. "Pardon the pun," he added quickly with a grin.

Blair nodded, then smiled broadly. "Well, what do you want to know?"

Jim's smile widened. "There are a lot of things I want to know. but let's start with this," Jim leaned closer. "Tell me Blair.... Are you ticklish?" he asked softly.

"Extremely," Blair replied. Then he saw the look on Jim's face as Jim stopped twirling the feather between his fingers. "No!! No I'm not!!!" Blair yelped. He tried to scoot away, but Jim pounced on him. The big man trapped Blair's legs under one of his own, and pinned Blair's small wrists to his chest with his free hand. Blair struggled for a moment, but quickly realized it was hopeless. He lay there helplessly, gazing up into Jim's eyes as his big lover grinned wickedly at him.

"A word of advice Blair," Jim said softly, lowering his head to let his lips brush Blair's earlobe. "There are a few things you should never tell anyone, not even your closest friend." Jim kissed Blair's forehead. "One is... how much you paid for their birthday present." Jim kissed Blair's nose. "Another is... how many people you've been intimate with." Jim kissed Blair's lips. "But most importantly, Blair...," Jim paused dramatically, looking deeply into his helpless love's eyes. "Never...," he whispered, "ever... tell them you're ticklish!" Jim punctuated his speech by stroking the tip of the feather slowly across Blair's stomach.

"Jiiiiim!!!" Blair squealed, as his belly flinched away from the feather's touch. "Jim please, please, please... no tickling.... I'll do anything you ask just pleeeeeeeease!!!!" Blair's voice rose in pitch and volume as Jim began dusting the feather quickly over his skin. "Oh no no nooooo!!!! AACK! Heeheeheeheehee! Jiiiiiim!! Please, please.... AIEEEEEE, JIIIIIIM!!!" The litany of squeals, pleas, and uncontrollable laughter went on.

"Tickletickletickletickle!!!" Jim was having a ball. He held his squirming, mewling lover captive, mercilessly trailing the feather over Blair's flat belly. He dragged the stiff tip of the feather in long, sweeping strokes up and down the young man's sides, then moved it to brush over the little hollow of his belly-button. Jim was startled as Blair made a particularly violent attempt to get free, before collapsing into helpless laughter again. "Oh, was that a good spot?" Jim asked, holding the feather motionless over Blair's skin.

Blair was gasping, but he managed to answer "No! Not at all, I didn't feel a thing!" He had tears running down his face as he looked defiantly up at Jim.

"Liar," Jim said with a grin. He began to tickle around Blair's belly-button. Blair screamed with laughter, twisting, trying to get out from under Jim. Jim had to shift his weight to hold Blair down as his young lover's struggles increased. "Yes," Jim said, continuing to stroke the sensitive patch of skin, "this is definitely a notable spot. Is this what you would call a navel attack?" Jim laughed. He tormented Blair's tummy for a moment longer, then stopped to let him catch his breath. The young man lifted his head to speak to Jim.

"How in the world did YOU get to be an angel, Jim Ellison?" Blair sputtered. He collapsed back against the roof, chest heaving.

Jim laughed at him, leaning down to kiss the sweaty little face. "I guess I just know the right people, eh?" He smiled as Blair looked up at him, glaring. Jim ignored the dirty look, and began speaking again. "Let's see," he said thoughtfully, studying the area of skin he'd been working over. Blair's stomach muscles were still fluttering, causing the taut skin of his belly to tremble and vibrate. "Looks like your tummy is pretty ticklish," Jim took Blair's captive wrists and moved them up over Blair's head, pinning them to the roof. "How about under your arms?" Jim asked, raising the feather again.

Blair began to fight again, trying to lower his arms. "No! No, please! Please, I can't... AAAAUUUGH!!!" The entreaty dissolved into hysterical giggling again as Jim began stroking the feather across Blair's underarm. The smaller man gave up trying to struggle and just lay back laughing as Jim teased him, ruffling the thick hair under his arm, trailing the feather lightly over his sensitive skin.

Jim tickled under Blair's right arm, then moved the give the left equal treatment. He grinned as he watched goosebumps rise on the soft skin of the undersides of Blair's arms. Jim rotated the tip of the feather in the hollow under Blair's left arm, then paused again. "How do you feel Blair? Have you had enough?" he asked, leaning down to kiss his love's flushed lips.

Blair was gasping for air, sides shaking as his laughter died down. "Oohh man...," he wheezed, hiccuping. "Yes..., I have had enough..., thank you," he said hopefully, gazing up at Jim. The hope died as he saw the evil glint in Jim's eye.

"Too bad!" Jim sang. He tickled under Blair's chin, then along his jaw and up to his ears.

Blair twisted his head as the feather stroked over his sensitive earlobes. He tried to pull away from Jim, but the big man still had hold of him tightly; Blair could barely move. He closed his eyes and shook as the feather ran maddeningly over his throat, moving lower. When he felt the stiff vanes brush across his nipple, Blair's body jumped as if he'd been hit with an electrical current. "Jiiiiim!" he squealed, pleading.

Jim stroked the tip of the feather in the lightest of touches over Blair's nipples, watching the little brown nubs tauten before his eyes. "What a responsive body you have, Blair," he said, admiringly. Jim lightly circled Blair's aureole with the tip of the feather, and grinned in delight as Blair arched. "Sooooo sensitive!" Jim repeated the touch on the other aureole, with the same reaction. "WONDERFULLY sensitive," Jim whispered, leaning down to let his lips brush Blair's ear.

"Glad you... unnngh!... noticed, man!" Blair said sarcastically. His face was flushed red, hair stuck to the sweat on his brow. He closed his eyes with a little whimper as the feather began to trail down the center of his chest. Good God, surely Jim couldn't keep this up much longer!

Jim smiled at the little pleading sound that issued from his beautiful one's throat.Soon, baby, he thought, smiling.Just let me have a little more fun... I don't know when I'll get a chance again. The smile dissolved, but Jim shoved the unpleasant thought away. No sadness tonight, not on the night of his first time with Blair. He would not allow it.

Jim turned his attention back to his lover. "How about your ribs, Blair?" he asked, grinning. "Are they ticklish, too?" Jim didn't wait for an answer; the feather was already in motion. He traced the delicate curve of each rib very slowly with the feather, smiling as Blair's laughter increased in volume the lower he got. When Jim ran out of ribs, he moved the feather to Blair's belly-button again. "Thought your tummy might have started to feel neglected," Jim whispered in Blair's ear.

Blair gritted his teeth as his stomach muscles began jumping again, the soft feather stroking circles on the skin around his navel. This was unbearable; Blair felt he would very soon lose his mind if Jim kept at it. Blair opened his mouth to beg, plead, pray to Jim to put an end to the torture. Unfortunately when he tried to speak, all that came out was helpless laughter. Thankfully, the movement of the feather stopped again, and Blair felt Jim's lips press to his.

Jim kissed Blair, long and deeply, letting his tongue gently tease the smooth roof of his love's mouth. "I think we're just about finished now," he whispered, nuzzling Blair's ear. "Just one more thing I want to try," Jim sat up and laid the feather aside, keeping Blair's wrists in his hand.

"What are you doing now?" Blair asked warily, voice shaking as he tried to calm the spasms of his belly. Jim pinned his wrists to his chest again, and reached his free hand down grab Blair's right knee. Jim pulled Blair's leg up, bending it back against his chest, and held it there with his own knee. Then he stripped off Blair's sneaker, followed by his sock. Blair began to struggle again as he realized what was going on.

"No Jim! No no, please... not my feet, NOT MY FEET. NO NO NO!!!" Blair tried to struggle free, and actually managed to work his leg out from under Jim's knee. The freedom was short-lived though, as Jim seized his ankle with big, warm fingers.

Jim held Blair's wrists with one hand and his right ankle with the other. He looked down at Blair as the young man snorted at him.

"Ha!" Blair said triumphantly. "Haven't got a free hand, eh?" He smiled, thinking he was safe. Then that devilish smile passed over the Angel's lips again.

"True Blair, I don't have a free hand," Jim said with a smile. "But I'm an Angel, remember?" Jim grinned as he brought one of his wings around. "It has its advantages!" He admired the look of horror on Blair's face for a moment, then brushed the tip of his wing across the bottom of Blair's small foot.

Blair shrieked, and bucked against Jim as his foot was assaulted. He tried to wrench his foot from Jim's grasp, but the iron hand held his ankle fast as Jim's wingtip lightly caressed the sole. Blair fell limply back against the roof, helpless with laughter as the torture continued.

Jim ran the tip off his wing very gently up and down Blair's sole, tracing circles over the arch. Then he turned Blair's foot, and lightly brushed the sensitive pads of the little pink toes. Blair was wriggling helplessly on the roof, squealing. Jim grinned down at him lovingly, then finished by rubbing the tip of his wing between the toes. Blair's head arched back, and he screamed with laughter. Jim gave the foot one more stroke with the wing, then slowly lowered his head, and kissed the arch.

Blair nearly went mad as the rough feathers slid between his toes. He was just trying to get enough air into his lungs to beg Jim to stop, when the touch on his foot abruptly changed. Blair's eyes opened cautiously, and he stared as Jim repeated the touch; he raised Blair's foot to gently press his lips to the arch, eyes never leaving Blair's. Blair took a deep, shuddering breath as the touch sent a spark of heat straight into his groin. Jim released his foot, and his wrists, then offered Blair a hand to help him stand up. Blair obeyed, heart pounding with anticipation as he saw the suddenly hungry look in his big lover's burning blue eyes.

Jim pulled Blair into a standing position, and gently slipped his arms around the slender waist. Blair leaned into him eagerly, and Jim held him close. He smiled as he felt the little heart pounding hard against his broad pecs; he'd really given Blair's body a workout! The tickling session had been fun and playful, but now Jim wanted to be serious.

Blair sighed as Jim's arms held him. He snuggled into his friend's warmth, shivering as the rough hands stroked up his smooth back. Then, he closed his eyes as Jim tilted his head back, and gently covered Blair's lips with his own. Blair let his lips part, and moved his hands up to clasp Jim's shoulders as the big man's tongue gently explored his mouth.

Jim kissed Blair long and deeply, letting his tongue gently probe, learning the contours, the shape of that mouth. He licked the tip of his tongue over the precious little divot under Blair's nose, then trailed it lightly along the perfect cupid-bow of Blair's upper lip. Blair moaned as Jim lowered his head to kiss his throat, teeth lightly scraping the prominent Adam's Apple. Then Jim stepped back a bit and lowered his hands to Blair's jeans.

Blair took a deep breath as Jim undid the dark pants, letting his arms drop slowly to his sides. He shivered as Jim's fingers trailed over his legs, pushing the jeans down. Then, the warm fingers lightly took hold of Blair's right ankle, lifting, coaxing him to step out of the jeans. Blair obeyed, eyes still closed, and heard the jeans hit the roof as Jim tossed them aside. He felt Jim gently removing his remaining shoe and sock. Next, Jim's fingers trailed lightly up the backs of Blair's legs to seize his cotton boxers.

Jim stripped Blair's boxers off, moving slowly, gently. He wanted Blair's first time with him to be perfect. When his beloved was naked, Jim stood and just admired him for a minute, reaching one hand to stroke lightly over the halo of dark curls framing the sweet face. "My beautiful Blair," he whispered lovingly. He smiled as Blair blushed, eyes still closed, dark lashes fluttering on the silken cheeks. Jim moved behind Blair, and came close enough to feel the heat radiating off the lithe little body. He carefully turned the young man to face the base of the antenna, and guided him forward a few steps until Blair was close enough to rest his hands against the structure. As Jim's hand settled on Blair's hip, the familiar heartbeat began to race. Jim leaned his lips close to Blair's ear. "Don't be afraid," he whispered.

"I'm not," Blair breathed. But in truth, he was, a little. What if Jim found him... lacking in some way? He'd dreamed of this moment with Jim for so long, but now that it was here, he was frightened. Blair thought briefly about what had happened the last time he and Molly had tried to have sex, after Blair realized he had fallen in love with Jim. It had been a disaster; Blair's lust had been focused elsewhere. Molly still hadn't spoken to him. He sighed. If anything were to go wrong tonight.... The rest of the thought was forgotten as Jim's warm fingers trailed up over his belly. "Ohhh man," Blair gasped, leaning back into Jim, raising one hand to cup the back of Jim's neck.

Jim smiled at Blair's reaction, letting his fingers slide over the smooth skin of his lover's abdomen. When he was sure Blair was comfortable with his touch, Jim brought his other hand around as well, running the fingers of both hands up Blair's stomach to his chest. He rubbed his sensitive fingertips over Blair's nipples, feeling the little buds tighten, growing warmer at his touch. The delicate fingers on Jim's neck began to weave rhythmically though the short hair on his nape.

Blair arched back as Jim's fingers teased his nipples, then moved to ruffle the dark mat of hair covering his chest. He gasped as the hands moved lower, palms sliding over his belly, warming his skin. Blair raised his other arm, fingers seeking out Jim's face to explore the sharp ridge of the sturdy jaw. Meanwhile, Jim's fingers had sought out his belly-button, and were now dancing in little circles around it, before moving lower still.

Jim leaned into Blair's caresses, opening his mouth to let Blair's fingers slip inside, then sucking on the tips. Meanwhile Jim's fingers slid gently over the skin around Blair's belly-button. Jim closed his eyes, losing himself in the feel under his fingertips. Blair's skin was smooth and as soft as velvet. Tight, warm, the sprinkling of hair on the belly adding just enough variance of texture to fascinate Jim's sense of touch. He ran his fingertips in a long path up and down Blair's belly, feeling each one of the "six-pack" muscles twitch as he passed over them, hard and masculine. Jim finished lavishing attention on Blair's stomach, and slowly let his hands drift down further to weave gently through the thicker hair below.

Blair gasped as Jim suckled his fingertips, and actually cried out a little as he felt the warm fingers begin to explore the thick hair of his crotch. He felt one of Jim's hands sneak back over his hip as the other moved to his shaft to tease and stroke. "Ohhhhh Jiiiiimmm!" he moaned, pressing his hips closer to Jim's hand.

Jim fondled Blair with one hand, and reached to undo his own jeans with the other. As he pushed the denim down his legs, Jim reached into the hips pocket for the tube he'd pilfered from the corner drugstore. He kicked the jeans aside, and uncapped the lubricant with his teeth, spitting the cap out. He covered his own rock-hard arousal with the gel, then applied more to his fingers.

Blair was moving his hips rhythmically against Jim's hand now, feeling his climax approaching. He reached out and pressed his palms against the cold, smooth surface of the antenna, trying to hold back, wanting to wait for Jim. But time, tide, and explosive orgasms waited for no man. As if sensing Blair's condition, Jim's hand stopped its motion and just cupped him gently. Blair waited for a moment, and sighed in relief as he felt his body easing down a notch. Then he jumped, startled as Jim ran one lube-covered finger down the cleft of his buttocks. He groaned as he felt Jim's finger slide inside him. Jim just held his finger still, letting Blair's body become accustomed to the new sensation. Then he gently inserted a second finger, followed by a third. Then the fingers were removed, and Blair gasped as he felt Jim press into him.

Jim took hold of Blair's shoulders and carefully pressed himself up and into his lover. He hesitated as Blair gave a short cry of pain. Then one of Blair's hand's reached up to clasp his, and gave a squeeze of reassurance. Jim leaned forward to kiss Blair's nape, then pushed himself forward again, slowly, carefully.

Blair bit his lip to keep from crying out again. As Jim entered him, there was a flash of pain that startled him. But as Jim began to gently pump against him, the pain sorted itself out into pleasure, and Blair arched his head back in ecstasy. Jim's hands moved from his shoulders to run over his chest and belly again, fingertips roughly kneading now, no longer stroking. Blair felt himself approaching the brink once again, and this time he didn't fight it.

Jim squeezed the skin of his love's belly as he pumped into Blair with long, fluid strokes. Then, he slid his hands back to grab the sides of Blair's ribcage under his arms and lifted the young man slightly off the ground. As he'd hoped, the change of the angle was more comfortable for him. By the sharp yelp of pleasure from his Guide, Jim knew Blair found the shift appealing as well.

Blair cried out as Jim lifted him, hands gentle but strong circling his ribcage, supporting him. Blair bent his knees and curled his feet back around Jim's hips, one hand supporting himself against the antenna, the other reaching up and back to rub over the big man's skull. Blair rocked with Jim as the feeling building inside his belly grew, surged, expanded until Blair came with a great cry. It was the most powerful orgasm he'd ever encountered; like the pyrotechnics of a thousand Fourth of Julys exploding inside his soul. He didn't need to fly to see a sea of stars.

Jim heard Blair climax, and in response his own body suddenly went into overdrive, causing his hips to pump almost of their own accord against his love's backside. Jim closed his eyes and clung to Blair as he climbed higher, higher, higher.... "OHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Jim wailed as he exploded inside his lover, closing his eyes as the roof spun beneath him. He held Blair to him, still supporting the smaller man on his hips as he felt his body twitch, winding down. After a few minutes, Jim slowly slid to his knees and lifted Blair off of him.

Blair crawled forward as he felt Jim withdraw, and he laid out on his tummy on the smooth, cool surface of the roof. A moment later, he felt Jim slide up to lay beside him, and felt the big, rough hand begin to caress his back. Blair turned his head to smile lovingly at the big man, who lay on his belly and smiled back. Blair shivered a little then, as the coolness of the early morning air touched his sweaty skin. Jim noticed, and slid closer to wrap a big warm arm around his waist. Blair snuggled into the warmth, and grinned as he heard a rustle, followed the softness of feathers against his skin as Jim gently enfolded him under one wing.

Jim sighed as he curled his wing protectively around Blair. The two of them just lay there together for a long time, letting their bodies recover. Then, Jim sat up and patted Blair on the bottom. "We need to get going, Chief," he said softly. "It's going to be light soon." Jim got to his feet and moved to the pile of clothes. He quickly sorted his jeans from Blair's and pulled them on, leaning to give Blair a quick kiss as the young man did the same. When they were both dressed, Jim swept Blair up in his arms again, waited for the young man to wrap his arms around his neck, then moved to the edge of the roof.

Blair hugged Jim's neck as the big man stepped off the roof. He felt his stomach lurch just a bit at the brief falling sensation, then he sighed as they swooped upward, heading home. Blair kissed Jim's cheek, and nestled against the warmth of the bare chest against his side. He stroked the side of his beautiful Angel's face for awhile before succumbing to the delicious sleepiness that swept over him.

Blair fell asleep before they reached their destination, and Jim shifted the young man to lay comfortably in his arms as he flew silently over the city of Cascade. He admired Blair's face, so childlike and innocent in sleep. Jim knew the kid was far from being helpless, but he could understand perfectly why the 'Higher Power', who ever it was, had felt the young man needed a Guardian Angel. Blair had an undeniable waif-like quality to him. It was this characteristic that had nearly driven Jim mad with the urge to protect the young man while he was alive. It was also one of the things that made Jim fall in love with him. The big man chuckled to himself as he realized it wasn't until now, after he was dead, that he finally felt totally alive. Talk about your Cosmic Jokes....

Jim did a lot of thinking as he made the journey home. He was relieved that his mission was going so well. It was beginning to look like the Wallaces' reign of terror was about to come to an end. While Ellison was relieved, he couldn't help but realize what completing this mission meant. He hadn't discussed it with Blair, mainly because he really didn't want to face it himself. But Jim knew that when it was over, when the Wallaces were defeated and Blair was safe... he'd have to leave this world and Blair behind.

Jim nudged the door to the loft shut with his foot, and slowly crossed the living room to the stairs leading up to his bedroom. Blair was sound asleep, snuggled in his arms, one small hand clutching Jim's back and the other splayed against his bare chest. Jim shivered now as the fingers on his chest began to curl and uncurl, fingertips gently stroking his smooth skin as Blair smiled in his sleep.

Jim climbed the stairs, moved to his big bed, and reached one hand to pull the covers down, without releasing Blair. Then he sat his love on the bed and quickly stripped the black clothes off, followed by shoes, socks, and boxers. He laid Blair down, and gently pulled the covers up over the beautiful, naked body. Then Jim shed his own jeans, and moved around to the far side of the bed to climb in beside Blair. Jim couldn't lay on his back, because of the wings. He stretched out on his side, facing Blair, letting his wings spread out behind him. He wrapped his arms around his young love and pulled him close, listening to the deep, even sound of Blair's breathing.

In his sleep, Blair snuggled up against the warmth of the broad, hairless chest of his Guardian Angel, and sighed in perfect contentment. He and Jim were soon lost in dreams; dreams of flying through the heavens together.

The late morning late was streaming across the floor of the loft when Jim opened his eyes. He glanced at the clock, and sighed. 10:30 AM! Boy, he'd never have been able to sleep that late while he was alive. Jim smiled, and snuggled back down against Blair, who was snoring. He lay there for a long time, just enjoying Blair's closeness, running his fingertips lightly up and down the smooth back. Then Jim froze.

Slowly, carefully, he sat up, turning so his wings hung off the side of the bed. He felt... odd. There was a funny feeling in his chest, almost a pulling sensation. At first he though it was just sore muscles from the long flight with Blair in his arms. But then he realized the feeling was deeper. It seemed to be originating directly out of his soul. Jim gasped in horror as he realized what was happening.

"Not yet," he whispered, turning to look upward. His eyes were beginning to fill with tears as the pulling sensation increased. "Oh, please.... not yet.... just a little longer?" he whimpered.

"Mmmph... Jim?" said a sleepy voice beside him. Blair was just turning toward his lover to ask him what he'd said, when the phone rang. Blair hopped out of bed and hurried down the stairs to answer. He smiled as he heard his lover climbing out of bed to follow him. "Hello?" Blair said, as he picked up the phone.

"Sandburg," Simon said.

"Hi Simon!" Blair said cheerfully. He turned to Jim and smiled as the big man walked up to stand beside him. "What's up Captain?" Blair asked.

"Good news Sandburg," came Simon's voice. "Liam Wallace has just been taken into custody." Simon paused to let the words sink in. "It's over kid," he added, smiling. "You're safe."

Blair sighed in relief. "That's great news, sir!" He thanked Simon for calling, and hung up. "Jim, did you hear?" Blair said excitedly, running to throw his arms around his Angel.

"Yeah Chief.... I heard," Jim replied weakly. The pulling sensation was still increasing, and now Jim began to feel dizzy. "Oh, Blair...," he whimpered.

Blair's eyes widened. "Jim, what's wrong? You look awful!" Blair reached up to lay a hand on his love's brow. "Man, can Angels get sick?" Blair's blue eyes were full of concern.

Jim shook his head, feeling tears beginning to fill his eyes. He didn't want to cry in front of Blair. He didn't want the last view Blair got of him to be sad. He forced the tears down, and managed a smile. "I'm not sick Blair," he began softly. He closed his eyes as a particularly strong pull came at his soul. "Blair... my mission.... It's over now."

Blair just gazed up at his love, confused. "What do you mean, over?" Then his eyes widened as he understood. "No!" he wailed. "No, it's too soon!" Blair tightened his arms around Jim, posessively. "They can't have you!" he shouted, beginning to cry. "They can't take you from me!"

"Blair...," Jim said helplessly, reaching to stroke Blair's tear-streaked face.

Blair let go of Jim and backed away a few steps, screaming at the ceiling. "You are NOT taking him away from me again! DO YOU HEAR ME?!!!" Blair was crying openly now. "I won't let you take him!" Blair turned to face Jim, and gasped. Jim was fading.

"Blair, please, there's nothing you can do," Jim said. He reached out toward Blair, and stared at his hand. It was glowing, becoming transparent. Jim moved his eyes to those of his love again, and sadly shook his head. "I have to leave now, baby."

Blair ran to Jim and tried to hold him. He just had to feel Jim's arms around him, one last time. "Noooo!" he cried, as his arms passed right through Jim's body. Blair tried again to touch the fading figure of his love, but it was no use. Blair watched helplessly, tears streaming down his face as Jim reached one hand toward him. The blue eyes stayed locked on his as Jim continued to fade, being replaced by a shimmering, silver glow. Through the blinding curtain of tears that threatened to choke him, Blair saw Jim's lips move, but no sound emerged..

"Blair... I love you...." Jim faded completely from sight. The glow stayed for a moment more, then it too, dissolved. All that remained of Jim Ellison was a single, white feather laying sadly on the floor.

Jim was gone. Blair was alone. Completely alone. Bonelessly, the shattered young man slid down to lay naked on the cold, hard floor. Slowly, he reached a trembling hand out to pick up the feather, and hold it to his heart. He curled into a fetal position, hugged his knees to his chest, and sobbed. Sobbed as his heart was run through by the agony of saying good-bye forever to his true love... for the second time.

Continue on to Part 5