My Guardian Angel

[arashiforyou]

Title: My Guardian Angel
By: arashiforyou
Pairing: Sakumiya (Yamada Taro and Mimura Takuya)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy/ Angst
Summary: A year has passed since Yamada Taro and Mimura Takuya graduated from high school. Nothing has changed for Taro, except that demons are after him. Mimura must protect him with the help a few new awaken powers, but something happened between them that has made things awkward, and Mimura can't understand why.
Notes: For murrponchan in the ninoexchange fic.



Mimura hardly focuses on his studies anymore. He can't even remember the last time he attended lecture for that matter. He finds it all pointless when he knows he will inherit his grandfather's wealth, but even that fortune didn't matter to him. He preferred waiting for Taro outside on the campus, and he sits outside because it has become awkward between them. Ever since Ikegami Takako transferred to a different college in America, something about finding a new rich husband, his friendship with Taro had gone stale. Mimura couldn't understand why. He felt slightly annoyed that he could no longer toy around with them anymore, but a part of him knows it's not the reason why.

Taro has been giving him the cold treatment, and Mimura has this gut feeling it was his fault. For the past month, Mimura tried to get Taro to speak to him again, but he turned up fruitless. Occasionally, Taro would respond back, but they haven't held up a true conversation in ages. However, Taro never turned him away. They still walked together to school and they still hang out, but in total silence. It was killing Mimura.

At last, Taro's lecture was over.

"Hey," Mimura nodded as Taro approached him. Mimura always made an effort to speak to him.

Taro sat down beside him on the bench underneath the tree's shade. They always sat there for lunch ever since they first started college. Even after Ikegami left and the silent treatment, Taro would still meet Mimura under the tree.

"You want to get something to eat?" Mimura asked, feeling hopeful.

Taro just sighed and gazed up at the sky. Mimura followed his gaze, and they continued to sit under the shade without speaking a word. Perhaps even in their silence, they have grown accustom to each other that no words need to be spoken. At least, that's what Mimura thought, and it made him cheer up a little. However, deep down Mimura knows it's not true. If he remembered correctly, Mimura couldn't help but feel their friendship took a negative turn ever since...that one time...

They stared up at the same cloud-relaxing in the cool breeze of spring. It was this same weather when Mimura recalled the time he first met Taro. It seemed like eons ago. Mimura side-glanced at Taro and noticed his sadden face.

"What's wrong?" Mimura asked.

Taro peered down at his watch. "Time for work."

"Oh," Mimura mumbled.

Taro stood up and stretched before he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked away. Out of shear boredom, and from old habits, Mimura followed Taro. It turns out Taro went straight to the university's gymnasium. He met with the manager and was ordered to polish the entire hall that was going to be use for the next day. Mimura wanted to help, but the manager was holding only one jumpsuit, so he went to sit on the bleachers. Thankfully, the gym was empty, so no one would disturb Taro's work. Mimura watched from afar as nightfall approached.

Taro sighed heavily and wiped the sweat off his brow. "Ah, this is exhausting."

"I could get you something if you want," Mimura called from across the gym.

"I really want juice," Taro moaned.

Mimura couldn't help but feel his stomach flutter, and a smile spread across his face. Finally! Taro was responding back! "I'll get it for you!"

He practically jogged towards the nearest vending machine until he reached into his pocket and realized he didn't have any change on him. He didn't want to bug Taro for change; it was the last thing he wanted to do. He only glanced around for a few minutes when he found a spare 100 yen on the floor. Someone must have dropped it, and Mimura wished to thank the person. He paid for one juice and hurried back to the gym.

Taro was still polishing the floor and he was at the far end of the hall, so Mimura placed the juice on the bleacher. As Taro came around, he spotted the juice and eagerly approached it. His hand reached out to it, but he hesitated.

Mimura laughed. "It's fine. Go ahead. You worked hard."

Taro tilted his head. "Well...why not."

It has been a while since Mimura saw Taro smile like that. As Taro gave a long exhale from drinking, he glanced down at the can.

"You used to drink this, right Mimura?"

Mimura smiled. "Yeah, I did. Back in high school. So, you're talking to me now?"

Taro gulped down the juice until it was completely done. He didn't respond back, and Mimura felt his smile drift away. Suddenly, the gymnasium windows shattered into thousands of pieces. The wind howled through the entire hall like a banshee. Taro and Mimura ducked their heads from the raging winds.

"What the-" They both gasped.

"Taro!" Someone shouted.

Mimura looked up and saw a man standing in the middle of the hall-glaring at their direction. His skin was pale, and his hair was dark and spiked with gel. He wore a dark purple suit with a black shirt underneath. But what really frightened Mimura was the enormous scythe he was wielding. The blade shined sliver in the moonlight, and the man carried it like it weighed nothing.

"W-who are you?" Taro said, his voice trembling.

The man smirked. "My name is Jun," he raised the scythe, "and I have orders to exterminate you. So sorry we can't chat any longer."

"Taro, run!" Mimura shouted.

They dashed towards the exit, and Mimura opened the door for Taro. He tried to barricade the door with a bench that was beside the wall, but it didn't matter. Jun burst through the wall as concrete rubble and dust clouded their vision. Taro stared at the scene looking completely terrified and confused.

"What do you want with me?!" Taro yelled. "What are you?!"

Jun pouted. "Like I'm going to tell you, pipsqueak. But I will say this, I'm what you humans call...a demon."

"A demon?" Mimura gasped.

Jun's eyes seemed to flare a violet flame. "There's no point in running, Yamada Taro. You cannot defeat me."

Jun raised his overly large scythe again. Taro squirmed back and fell over on his back side. In a flash, Mimura stood in front of Taro and raised his arm. A blinding light appeared, and Mimura felt the impact of the scythe crashing down on him, but he didn't felt any pain. Jun was thrown back and his scythe was knocked off his hand. Mimura's eyes widen as he felt a surge of power inside him. He felt warmth and a spiritual connection coming from within. On his arm was a shield made of light.

"Whoa," Mimura uttered, but he quickly whirled around to face Taro. "Are you hurt?"

Taro stared back at him absolutely speechless. Mimura was quite surprised himself. He has never done anything like this, and he never knew he had it within him. He could feel himself glowing with light.

"M-mimura, watch out!" Taro pointed.

Jun was back on his feet again with the scythe, and he dashed forward with incredible speed. Yet, Mimura was up to par with the demon. He raised his shield again, and they clash with shadow and golden light.

Jun grunted. "How is this possible?!"

The demon swung again, but Mimura ducked just in time and swooped his leg under Jun. As if he knew by heart, Mimura summoned a ball of energy into his palm and blasted at the demon to smithereens.

Mimura yelled back to Taro. "Just go! I'll hold him off!"

"M-Mimura!" Taro sobbed, his eyes glistening with tears.

"I'll be fine," Mimura said. "I'll catch up later. Go!"

Taro looked unsure at first, but he scrambled to his feet and sprinted towards the university gate. Mimura turned back to face the demon, who was still alive and rising up again. The demon grunted with annoyance and cracked his neck before he glared down at him.

"Ugh, that hurt!" Jun growled.

Mimura raised up his shield again, not sure what he'll do next. Jun glared up and down at Mimura with disgust as if he was sick to his stomach.

"I wasn't expecting this," Jun sneered. "The boss said Yamada Taro was defenseless."

"Well, you'll just have to tell your boss there's been a change of plans," Mimura snapped back. He thought of a sword, and a light form of the weapon materialized in his hand. Mimura wasn't the type to fight, but he wouldn't dare let anything happen to Taro.

Jun looked slightly intimidated, and he withdrew his weapon behind him. "I shouldn't have to deal with this."

And the demon vanished in a fog of shadow and smoke. Mimura looked around and noticed the warm air was back again. The demon was giving off a cold atmosphere despite Mimura's inner light radiating from him. His light fade when he felt reassured the demon was gone.

"Taro," Mimura gasped, and he raced after him.

He assumed Taro ran back to his home, and Mimura guessed right. He saw Taro standing in his garden and staring up at the moon. Mimura sighed with relief as he approached Taro.

"You're alright," Mimura said. "I was worried that demon might have gotten to you."

Taro continued to stare up at the moon looking anxious and bothered. "What is happening?"

"I...I don't know," Mimura uttered. "I never knew I had that within me. I'm a little terrified myself."

"This...this can't be happening," Taro moaned, covering his face. "I must be dreaming."

"We'll figure something out," Mimura said, trying to comfort his friend. "I'll think of something. But we have to be careful from now on. You never know when that demon will come back."

Taro inhaled sharply before his eyes peered over the top of his fingers, glancing around his garden. Mimura wished he had the answers for Taro, but he wasn't sure if he had the right to say anything. He couldn't even understand what was happening to himself.

"This is too much," Taro said. "I better sleep this off."

He didn't even get the chance to say goodnight as Taro hurried inside his house, leaving Mimura outside. He felt rejected, but Mimura couldn't blame him. Mimura was about to storm inside and beg for Taro's forgiveness for frightening him, but he thought better of it. Plus, he didn't want to worry the rest of the Yamada family. There were too many questions, and Mimura figured it was best to give Taro some space. He didn't even felt like going home as he wandered around the streets, wondering what is happening to his body.

He was a freak now. He was just as bad as the demon. This only made their situation between them even worse. But in the end, Mimura couldn't blame his new found powers as another fuel to their distant relationship. As much as he hates to admit it, Mimura knows the true source. It was the time Taro came over to his house. After that one time, everything changed between them...

*     *    *

Mimura had only meant to cover Taro with a blanket. He was tired from working all day, and Mimura offered Taro a quiet place to sleep before he returned home. When he placed the blanket neatly over Taro's shoulder, Mimura gazed down at the angelic face. Taro looked so peaceful and happy. His breathing was slow, steady, and calming.

He leaned forward, but he didn't even make skin contact. Mimura was fascinated at the way Taro's skin tone was dark and then soften around certain corners of his face like an art piece. It reminded Mimura of a type of flower he loved to work with, but he was drawn to the sound of Taro's steady breathing. Mimura leaned closer to listen closely. As if Taro was a trained soldier, his eyes flew open-surprising them both. Mimura felt his face heat up with embarrassment, but Taro didn't look offended. Neither of them could speak, and Mimura couldn't think of a good excuse to explain his awkward position. Then, Taro opened his blanket and moved aside to create room on the couch.

"Taro?"

"I...I can't sleep unless someone is next to me," Taro blushed. "Because I'm so used to sleeping in crowded areas. Just...stay next to me."

Mimura lingered at the edge of his couch before he complied to Taro's wishes. He slid underneath the blanket, feeling cramped and slightly uncomfortable for the lack of room. Their legs entangled between each other, and Mimura held onto Taro so he wouldn't fall over. Yet, Taro didn't seem to mind and held onto him as well. Mimura gazed back Taro's droopy eyes.

"Just for a while," Taro yawned. "Thank you, Mimura."

Mimura gave an awkward grin and watched Taro lulled back to sleep. Mimura has never been this close to a person while sleeping. After a while, it felt surprisingly comfortable and secure. As he continued to admire Taro's facial features, his eyes landed on Taro's thick bottom lip, and Mimura gulped nervously. Taro suddenly inhaled deeply and pulled Mimura closer as if he was his teddy bear. Mimura could breathe in the familiar scent from Taro's body. Cheap soap, dried paper, and roasted almonds they give for free at supermarkets, but it was alluring to Mimura. He brushed aside Taro's loose bangs from his face and placed a gentle kiss.

Something took over him. He clung to Taro and deepened his kiss until he heard Taro muffled that he was awake. Taro was overwhelmed as Mimura rolled over until Taro was underneath him. He drew back at last to breathe, noticing his red mark on Taro's lips. Taro's eyes were wide with shock.

"Mimura, wha-"

"Just this once," Mimura grunted, his eyes partly blocked by his messy hair.

He pulled Taro's head closer for another kiss, except more harder and yearning. Mimura wondered how long he's been harbored his feelings; how long was he able to suppress his urges for years? It finally snapped inside him. Mimura let his hands traveled down Taro's chest, pausing only for a moment on his hips until Mimura slid further down Taro's thighs to bring his knees up.

"Mimura, wait..." Taro managed to mumble under his pressuring lips.

His hand slid back up and tucked under Taro's pants. He reached inside the front and started fondling Taro with a firm grip. Taro gasped, bucking and wiggling out from Mimura's heavy body. It was only then did Mimura realized what he was doing and sprang to his knees, letting Taro fall off the couch. Mimura panted heavily, feeling his heart beating against his eardrum. Taro had his arms close to his chest as if he had a hard time breathing.

"Taro...I-I'm so sorry, I didn't-"

Without another word, Taro got up, grabbed his bag, and dash out of his room.

*      *     *

"Ugh! I was so stupid!" Mimura shouted into the night.

It was the only reasonable explanation why Taro was still giving him the cold treatment. Now, it seemed there was no way to ever gain Taro's trust again, especially with the new demon around. However, Mimura would not give up on Taro. They would still hang around with each other, which gave hope for Mimura. There was still a chance he could be forgiven. With the new demon targeting Taro, Mimura swear his life to protect him.

"Please forgive me, Taro," MImura whispered. "I'll protect you."

The weekend arrived, and Taro was working part-time at a restaurant. Mimura felt it was his fault Taro got fired from his last job. Taro had tried to explain to his manager what happened, but the boss didn't believe him. Luckily, Taro didn't have to pay for the damages. The manager assumed it was a bunch of no good delinquents with sludge hammers. But now Taro had another good excuse to give Mimura the cold treatment again, and Mimura accepted it but he still tried to stay connected.

"At least we know something or someone is after you," Mimura said while sitting at the bar area and watching Taro wash dishes. "And I'll be there in case something happens."

Taro just sighed a response.

"Look, I don't know what's happening myself, but I'm trying to help you," Mimura said, slightly fed up. "Please, Taro. Talk to me."

Taro sucked in his lower lip and stopped wiping the plates. He placed his hands on the sink and let his head hung in exhaustion. "What am I to do?" He whispered.

Mimura leaned forward. "We'll find something. I promise."

"What's gonna happen to my family?" Taro said, gloomily while gazing at the dirty dishes.

"Let's hope nothing will happen to them," Mimura responded.

"Taro!" The employer called. "Good work, today. You can go home."

"Thank you," Taro bowed.

Mimura waited outside until Taro finally came out. Together, and silently, they walked down the road. Mimura didn't asked where Taro was going, but he followed him until they reached an old rundown apartment.

"What is this place?" Mimura frowned.

Taro pulled out a slip of paper, and Mimura saw an address written on the slip. "I hope this is the real deal."

Mimura followed Taro into the apartment, and they climbed up at least six flight of stairs until they found the room number. Mimura saw a sign on the door. It was a psychic advertisement. Taro knocked on the door, and they waited for someone to answer.

"You can't honestly believe they'll help us, do you?" Mimura whispered.

At that moment, the door creaked open. A short man with messy bed hair opened the door. His skin was heavily tanned, but his eyes were the perfect almond shape as if it was made to see into the soul. The man stared at both at them with a bored and sleepy look.

"What do you want?"

"Are you Ohno Satoshi?" Taro asked. "The one who can see and predict the unknown?"

The man gave them a questionable look before he widened the door. "Come on in."

They followed Ohno inside his dirty apartment. There was a strong smell of incense sticks and paint. There were newspapers all over the floor, and little trinkets and glass ornaments hanging everywhere. Despite its messiness, Mimura strangely felt safe, as if this man is able to ward off any unwanted spirits.

"Sit down," Ohno said, pointing them at a small kitchen table. "What can I do for you?"

"First, I have to ask if you believe in demons," Taro said, straight-forward.

Ohno shrugged. "You've seen them once, you've seen them a thousand times."

Taro looked confused.

"Yes, I believe in them," Ohno answered. "I've seen them before. And I can see you have as well."

"That's true," Mimura nodded. "We both did at our university."

"There's this demon named Jun who said he's after me," Taro added. "I don't know why, and..."

"Would you like to know how to get rid of them?" Ohno said.

"Yes, please," Taro nodded. "I have very little money though, so I'm not sure if I can afford any information you have."

Ohno held out his hand. "No need. Frankly, I don't understand why you come to see me. You really have all the protection you need."

"I do?" Taro frowned.

"Is it me?" Mimura asked. Ohno glanced at him. "When the demon attacked, I was suddenly able to conjure up this shield entirely made of light. I had these powers to fight off the demon, and I never knew I could do that."

"Oh boy," Ohno said, lacing his fingers together. "This is going to be quite complicated."

"Why?" Taro asked.

"Before I explain, I want you to hold out your hands for me," Ohno instructed.

Taro reached his hands across the table, and Ohno held them gently. He stared down at Taro's palm lines and studied them. Then, the psychic closed his eyes, and they waited for a few minutes before Ohno nodded and opened his eyes.

"There are a few things you have to do before you can face this demon," Ohno said. "I sense you are struggling with something, and you have been avoiding it."

Mimura suddenly felt awkward sitting next to Taro. The man was able to detect their recent disconnection.

"You have to address this turmoil. Then, you'll be ready to face the demon."

"But I..." Taro moaned quietly. "I can't..."

"Taro..." Mimura whispered, feeling his heart breaking.

"You must...for both of your sakes," Ohno said.

Taro's head snapped up. "You can tell?!"

Ohno nodded. "This pain you're holding back will do more harm for both of you. I suggest you let it all out. Really express your feelings, and the answer will appear before you."

Taro breathed in deeply before he nodded. "Thank you, Ohno-san. I'll...I'll try."

"I'm glad I could help," Ohno smiled.

Taro stood up and bowed before he exited the kitchen. Mimura followed him, but he glanced back at the mysterious psychic who nodded solemnly at him. Mimura felt nervous. He was finally going to know why Taro was being so cold to him. The sky grew dark as rain clouds started to appear. Mimura continued to follow Taro silently, wondering when they'll finally talk.

"Ohno-san was right," Taro said at last. "I've been putting this off for too long. It's time I really...face this."

Mimura gulped. What could it possibly be? What is because Taro loved Ikegami and blamed Mimura for pairing them up? He had assumed that was another reason because when she left, everything fell apart for them. If Mimura hadn't introduced them to each other, maybe Taro wouldn't have been so broken heart. However, Mimura thought it was a good thing that Ikegami left for America. She was always ambitious to get what she wanted, and Mimura realized it was best they never got together. He had always thought fondly of Taro, but Mimura wished he could tell his feelings honestly...

"Huh?" Mimura uttered. "Why are we here?"

They were in a cemetery.

Mimura followed Taro's slow footsteps as they passed headstone after headstone. Out of all the places, why did they had to talk here? Mimura felt his heart beating fast as he walked behind Taro. At last, Taro paused at one gravestone.

"It's been a while, huh Mimura," Taro said, softly.

His eyes widen as he saw his name written on the stone. A painful flash blared across his eyes, and his head was suddenly pounding. His world was spinning out of control as he heard noises and saw images swimming in his head...

*  *  *

It was winter. He saw Taro smiling and wearing a thin coat. Ikegami was there as well with earmuffs. It was late at night since they just left a study session for their class. It was snowing, and they were having a little snowball fight.

"It's getting late," Ikegami smiled. "Are you sure you don't want a ride home, Yamada-kun?"

"That's fine. I like to walk anyway," Taro said.

"Alright then. I'll see you guys later," she said, waving goodbye.

The awkwardness was back again. Ever since their incident, Taro has been trying to avoid Mimura, but they both kept it a secret from everyone. So, they both act normally around others. But when they are alone, they are back to square one. Still, Mimura made an effort to break through their ice.

"Would you rather I'd drive you home?" Mimura offered. "It's pretty dark now. Isogai can come within a few minutes."

"It's totally fine," Taro said.

"Then, I'll walk with you." Mimura insisted, and Taro didn't turn him down.

They walked towards Taro's home as the snow continued to fall quietly. There was no blistering winds or loud noises. It was just the two of them making soft crunch noises with their feet under the fresh snow. Their pace and breathing matched each other as they climbed up the steep hill towards Taro's house.

"I still can't believe Ikegami is leaving," Taro spoke.

"It's very like her," Mimura said. His heart fluttered as they tried to regain a sense of normality between them. "She is very determined. You two are very similar in some ways. You both know what it is you're after."

Taro chuckled. "Indeed, she does. But I wonder...what about you, Mimura? What is it that you're after?"

"For me?" Mimura paused in his footsteps. "Well...I know some things."

"Like what?" Taro asked, stopped in his tracks as well.

Mimura gazed into Taro's soft eyes, always smiling and generous. Mimura can't remember the exact moment he fell in love with Taro, but he definitely did not regret meeting him. When he sees Taro working so hard for his family, Mimura was inspired to work harder as well. Taro changed Mimura for the better, and Mimura wanted to repay the favor.

"Mimura?" Taro titled his head.

He noticed that Taro was shivering from the lack of winter clothes. He must have given all his old clothes to his brothers and sisters, and he never bother to buy new ones for himself. Mimura sighed admiringly as he unraveled his thick scarf. He reached over Taro's head and gently wrapped the scarf around his neck.

"I-is this for me?" Taro fumbled. "Thank you, Mimu-"

He quickly pulled on the scarf and planted a kiss on Taro's cold lips. The snow came down harder, but the warmth of Taro's breath helped defrost the damp coldness off Mimura's cheek. Mimura wanted to express his beg for forgiveness, and he pressed his lips even harder. After what he did to Taro, he wanted to make it up. With this, he hoped that his feelings came across more genuinely. He never meant to harm Taro, and Mimura hoped that Taro understood that message. At last, Mimura pulled away-feeling slightly embarrassed-but Taro's face was beet red.

"M-Mimura...I, uh..."

"Taro, I'm sorry for what happened," Mimura finally said openly. "I didn't mean to scare you like that. I promise I won't do anything like that again."

Taro's eyes darted around. "I know y-you didn't mean to, Mimura. But...I'm not sure what it is I-"

"You don't have to answer right away," Mimura said, stepping back a bit. "But I just want you to know how I feel...you have always looked out for your family, but you hardly look after yourself. Whenever you feel overwhelm, I'll be here for you. I want you to depend on me more, Taro. I just want you to know that...I'll always be with you."

Taro looked stunned as he clung to his new scarf. Mimura wondered if Taro's heart was swelling just like his heart was at this very moment. He could see it in his eyes.

"No matter what happens, I will always protect you," Mimura confessed.

It came so sudden. Neither of them was able to out run it. Mimura turned his head when he heard the sound of screeching tires. The street light went out as it was knocked down. The only light in the darkness of winter was the large headlines blaring towards them. He heard Taro call out his name as Mimura reached for him and pushed him to the ground.

"Mimura! Mimura!"

He saw Taro's face staring down at him. The snow was gentler now, and there were red lights flashing, but Taro was crying. He couldn't understand why, and he suddenly had the urge to reach up and touch his cheek. But he never got to...

*  *  *

Mimura fumbled back, feeling his body heating up and fear sinking into his stomach. Taro was still there kneeling in front of his grave and unable to ever see or hear Mimura. He stared down at his hands, wondering why he hasn't noticed until now. Why was he dead? Why did he had to die?! There was so much he wanted to tell Taro and do so much more for him. Why was this happening to him now?!

"I'm sorry I don't visit, Mimura," Taro spoke, his voice brittle and soft. "I have been having a hard time."

Mimura felt his throat tighten as he listened.

"I just...I just couldn't accept it," Taro choked up. "I didn't want to believe you were gone. I thought...if I pretend I never met you, I wouldn't feel so much pain. I've been avoiding you on purpose because...I didn't want to deal with it! I'm sorry, Mimura! I'm so sorry!"

"Taro..."

"In the end, I always remember you," Taro sobbed, "and I keep blaming myself! If I had taken Ikegami's offer at that time, you would still be here. If I had taken your offer for a ride at that time, you would still be here. If I haven't met you at all, you would still be alive!"

It hurts to see Taro cry. Mimura quickly kneel down next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, but his hand went right through. It pained him even more knowing he can never reach out to touch Taro. Mimura balled his hand into a fist in frustration. Then, Taro's sobs subsided, and he wiped his tears away. He didn't speak until his voice calmed down a bit.

"I saw you," Taro whispered. Mimura raised his head, surprised. "At the gym the night that demon attacked me, I saw you there. You were...glowing and you were beautiful. You were protecting me, just like you said you always would. I couldn't believe my eyes. Are you...are you here now?"

"Yes, Taro." Mimura nodded. "I am here."

"Please, Mimura. I need to see you," Taro called out, looking up at the dark sky. "I need to tell you my answer."

Why can't he make himself visible? Why can't he touch Taro? He was able to touch and move other things before. He was able to hold a can of juice, but he can't touch humans? It was as if some unknown law of nature forbids the dead to make contact with any form of living. If only Mimura knew his powers better; he wanted to show Taro that he was there next to him. He was about to knock over his incense stick bowl, but he immediately thought against it. He didn't want to scare Taro now. He wish he could just touch him, but there was nothing he could do.

"At least, hear me out," Taro said. "I have never felt this way with anyone in my life. It has always been my family that I loved, and I thought I would be fine with just them. But the truth is, whenever I was around you, I felt more relax. I was less anxious about my troubles. On that night...when you kissed me...I was just so surprised. It was the first time I ever confronted these feelings. I only avoided you because I was confused. And then, when you gave your scarf to me on that winter night, I knew right then. I wanted to tell you that I love you too. I suddenly saw a different future, and you were there with me."

Mimura could barely swallow as if a ball was stuck in his throat. His eyes were stinging with tears until he couldn't hold them back. They fell in single streams down his cheek and under his chin. There was an unbelievable feeling growing inside-a sense of reassurance and love. At last, Mimura felt at peace and free of any final uncertainty. He received Taro's answer.

"Well, isn't this touching," a familiar voice spoke loud and brute behind them.

They both whirled around and saw Jun leaning against a grave stone with a new partner beside him. This man was tall and lean. His hair was shorter, but his lips were stuck in a poisonous smile. His eyes shined green, and he carried a fencing sword. Mimura took his place in front of Taro with his arms spread out as Taro stood up.

"What happened to your friend?" Jun taunted. "I guess I did a number on him."

"What did you do to Mimura?" Taro demanded.

"He's lying! He fled like a coward. I'm right here!" Mimura shouted, but no one seemed to hear him.

"Don't waste any more time," the man with the sword said. "Let's just get this over with."

"Hey, I'm the one who calls the shots, okay Aiba," Jun frowned at him. "The only reason you tagged along is because you messed up with your last target. You were ordered to capture only."

Aiba started swishing around his saber fencing sword. "I can't help it if I like to poke some fun. Besides, wasn't it you who was bested by a newborn angel?"

"Angel?" Mimura muttered.

"Shut your mouth," Jun growled. "Let's just kill this saint and go home."

"Angel? Saint?" Taro spoke up. "Wait a minute, I am not a saint! You've got the wrong person!"

"Not by our calculation," Aiba smirked. "Dear boy, a prophecy foretold you will become a saint to the people. As you are the perfect representation of kindness and purity or some bullshit like that. But we cannot allow you to live. We prefer the saints don't interfere with our future plans."

"And with that pesty angel gone, we can settle this," Jun nodded, raising his massive scythe.

Taro made a mad dash up the hill. Mimura stepped forth in his place, but he couldn't summon his light like he did before.

"What the-"

The demons chased after Taro, and Mimura ran after them. He can't feel the energy like he did before. Is it true he has become an angel to protect Taro? Then, why can't he protect him now?!

They reached to the shrine at the top of the hill. Taro was trapped as there were no other exit. The two demons advanced on him, and Mimura ran back to protect Taro.

"Come on," Mimura prayed quietly to no one. "Give me strength. Please."

"Looks like you've got nowhere to run," Jun laughed. "Any last words?"

"Mimura," Taro whispered. "Mimura, please come."

"He won't help you!" Aiba mocked, his eyes wide like a lunatic. "You have abandoned him, just like he abandoned you."

"No!" Taro shouted. "He will never abandon me. I know he is here. I believe in him!"

It was the magic words. Mimura felt his inner light building inside him. The rain started to fall as Mimura gathered energy into his hands. The demons have finally noticed him since their eyes were wide open. The shield and sword were in his hands again, ready to fight them off. He glanced over his shoulder, and his eyes met Taro again.

"Thank you," Mimura whispered.

Jun yelled and lunged towards Mimura. They parried, but Mimura was able to push him off. Jun came from the side with his scythe, and Mimura dodged out of the way. Jun kept swinging his scythe and Mimura raised his shield. Sparks of light and dust of shadow pooled around their feet as they continued to parry, attack, and block each other. At long last, he saw an opening, and Mimura swung his sword. He sliced a deep gash on Jun's arm, and the demon dropped his scythe. Instead of blood, smoke poured out from his wound, and he stepped back.

Aiba stepped forth calmly. He raised his fencing sword, pointing to the sky. He kissed the handle before he pointing back at Mimura. The man with beastly green eyes was ten times faster. His sword was like a blur, and Mimura was having a hard time to even find the chance to strike. The rain made it harder to see. The blade was so fast, Mimura was sure it could slice through a falling raindrop. Aiba's eyes were wide and vicious as he struck his mark on Mimura's shoulder.

He cried in pain. It was like a thousand suns pressured down into a pinprick, piercing into his flesh. He stared down at his shoulder and saw light spilling out in replace of blood.

"Mimura!" Taro called.

He glanced up and saw Taro hurling a bucket over them. A stream of water flew across the sky and splashed onto Aiba. The demon screamed ,and there was a sizzling sound coming from his body. White smoke rose from his head and chest as if he was being burnt. Holy water. It was the distraction Mimura needed, and he plunged his sword. Aiba howled as the light sword pierced through his body. Aiba glared venomously at Mimura as he swung his saber as a last resort. Mimura quickly snapped his head back to avoid the blow, and Aiba pulled away from his sword.

The green demon covered his wound and fumbled back.

"This isn't over!" Aiba shouted. "We will come back!"

"I'll be waiting," Mimura said calmly.

The two demons sneered at him before they vanished into dark smoke and shadow. The rain softened its downpour, and Mimura recoiled his shield and sword back into his inner body. The wound on his shoulder was still pouring out light. As if he knew all along, he traced his finger along the edge of his wound, and it sealed itself shut.

"Mimura?"

He looked over his shoulder, watching Taro approach him. There was a good few meters between them, but it was the first time they faced each other properly.

"Is it really you?" Taro begged.

Mimura smiled. "I'm here."

Taro made a few hesitate steps before he quickened his pace. Mimura opened his arms, ready for a hug, but when Taro was about to touch him, he went right through his body. Mimura forgot he couldn't feel any human touch in the physical world, but he had hoped he could have one last hug. He turned around again, but Taro was still facing away as if too depressed to even look at him.

"Why?" Taro uttered. "When you're so close to me...why can't I reach out to you?"

Mimura came around to face Taro, but his head was still hanging down, trying to hide his tears.

"But you did, Taro," Mimura said. "You reached out to me. I heard your voice, your words. You believed in me, and I was able to protect you."

Taro raised his head, and his eyes were red and puffy. "You're here. You're really here! Mimura, I miss you so much. I'm sorry for everything. Please, I don't want you to leave me."

Mimura chuckled. "I'm going nowhere. Don't you remember? No matter what happens, I will always protect you."

He gathered all his strength to make his visibility last longer and tried to make himself as physical as possible. Even if it was pointless, Mimura stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss on Taro's forehead. He wasn't sure if Taro could feel it, maybe it came as a gentle breeze, but he believed it was enough. He could feel his inner light turning in to rest, and he knew he didn't have much time before he became invisible.

"I love you, Taro."

They held each other's gaze until Taro blinked. Mimura was still watching his eyes, but Taro darted back and forth as if looking for him. Taro stepped forward and for the second time, he walked right through him.

"Mimura," Taro moaned and sank to his knees, letting the rain soak into his shirt. It tore his heart to hear those sobs, but unlike before at the grave site when they were angry cries, these were more remorseful and mourning. It was the worst kind of tears to shed. Mimura could only sit beside him and stay close.

*    *     *

It was winter again, and Taro wore Mimura's old scarf. The semester was near finished, and Taro was also finishing his part-time job at the university. This time, it was shoveling the snow off the sidewalks on campus. It was bitter cold, but Taro didn't mind. He felt a tremendous amount of warmth coming from his scarf. His connection with Mimura was stronger ever since he learned he had become his guardian angel. At times, Taro would pause in mid-work and bask in the memories he shared with him.

He glanced over his shoulder and saw a hot can of cocoa sitting on the bench. Someone left it for him, and Taro grinned. He reached for his hot can and drank it slowly. He held it close to his cheek.

"Thank you, Mimura."

Taro heard a loud tin can falling on the concrete. He looked up, but couldn't see anything in the dark. It was unlike Mimura to make loud noises. A cold chill ran up his spine, and he whirled around.

"Five, six, seven, eight," Aiba walked perfectly straight on the narrow guard rails before he flashed his saber out with a smirk. "How many stabbings will this take?"

But Taro was unafraid. "I don't know. But I do know how many angels it'll take to get rid of demons chasing me...one!"

As if on cue, Mimura began to fabricate before his very eyes in golden light. He was in mid jump with his shield and sword ready to fight off the demon.

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"No matter what past or future we may have, we'll feel them together...
                                                                      ...and I'll go where you are..." -Arashi - Be With You