(Final Part of Story told from Billy's perspective)
I watched in utter sadness as Anastasia cradled Bastian's lifeless body while she slowly drifted to sleep, her head on his chest. She enveloped me with such overwhelming painful emotion, I barely managed to keep myself together. I'd been standing here since Bastian had squeezed her hand one last time before slipping away. I knew he'd heard her, everything she'd said to him, and he'd tried to hold on, but fate had already decided. It wasn't up to him anymore. She couldn't see me, of course, but somehow, just being there made me feel like I was helping.
Any minute now, his soul would leave his body and meet me. And then, sure enough, there he was, standing beside me, staring at the scene like he couldn't believe what he was seeing, and then he turned to me.
"Billy?" he asked confused.
Ï turned to face him and gave him a sad, weak smile. "Hey, buddy."
"What is happening?" His eyes stayed locked on his body, lying there lifeless with Anastasia curled up beside him. He looked so lost.
"You died, Bas," I said softly. I didn't know how to break it to him gently because whether I was straight with him or played it out a little bit longer, it wouldn't have changed the reality of it all.
"No," he said in disbelief, shaking his head, refusing to believe that this was happening. "I can't leave her. There's so many things I need to tell her."
"I know, buddy, but we can't stay. We have to go."
He turned back to me, furrowing his brows. "Wait, are you dead too? What are you doing here?"
This is when I puffed out my feathered wings to show him my real purpose in being there, and he then understood.
"You have been an angel all this time? I always sensed something about you was special. I wouldn't have guessed this, though."
I just chuckled in response, and my eyes motioned to Anastasia. "Say your goodbyes Bud."
Bastian walked up to her and kissed her on her forehead but he lingered. It was hard for him to leave her knowing she would never see him again in this life and it was heart-breaking to witness. "I will see you again one day, my beautiful Nasa. I want you to continue on, and live life the way we dreamed. I will always be here in your heart."
When he finally stepped back, sadness and acceptance etched across his face, we started the long walk to the Celestial City gates. Along the way, I told him everything Gabriel told me about his having a greater purpose. He took it well under the circumstances, but I could see how lost he was and the weight of his regret for the life he never got to fulfil.
"Nice to see you again Billy," Gabriel greeted as we arrived at the gates. "Bastian, I have been waiting a long time to meet you. I am Archangel Gabriel. I assume Billy has told you everything?"
"Yes, he has. It's an honour, Sir." Bastian said.
"You are as well-mannered as your friend I see. You can call me Gabriel," he chuckled. "Are you ready?"
Bastian could only nod, as he had no idea what awaited him. He then looked at me with the deepest respect and hugged me. "You have been the best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you for being there. Please promise me you will look after Nasa."
"I promise," I replied, meaning every word. "See you later, buddy."
He gave the warmest smile and walked with Gabriel into the city while I could only stand there and watch.
Once I got home, I was deeply unsettled. I wanted to see if angels could get drunk, so I headed to the nearest bar. Twenty beers in, I finally started to feel something, so I switched to tequila.
"Whoa Cowboy, haven't you had enough?" a voice said.
I didn't bother to look up, just gulped down my fifth tequila when I grumbled, "No!"
"Look, I can tell you are trying to drown your sorrows, but all you are going to have, is a mean-ass headache in the morning, and more of the same misery after."
Now, I was getting annoyed with the unsolicited advice. As I was about to tell this person to mind their own damn business, that's when I saw her - the most beautiful girl I had ever seen behind the bar. "Goddamn, you are fucking beautiful." Once I realized what I said, sinning and cursing in the same breath, I realised that I was completely wasted, and slapped my hand over my mouth. "You're right, I think have had enough."
She giggled, and it was like hearing the best song ever written. I couldn't believe how captivating she was. I'd never thought about girls like this before. "Definitely done with this human poison," I muttered, pushing the tequila away.
This made the girl laugh again but louder this time and I caught myself wondering, 'can I just hear that laugh forever? Oh fuck, I need to get out of here!'
"What's your name cutie?" she asked.
""Uh… B-Billy," I slurred, cringing at how I couldn't even say my name right.
"Well, B-Billy, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Rose," she said, holding out her hand.
Great, I thought, she's laughing at me. But when I shook her hand, it was so soft that all I could think was how badly I wanted her to stroke my face. Get a grip, Billy. You're never drinking again!
"It's nice to meet you, too," I managed to say without slurring this time. "I should go."
"Get home safe, Billy," she said, flashing me a smile that made my heart race.
I tried to get off my chair to walk out of the bar, and I could barely stand. I was pretty sure this poison they call alcohol that I had managed to drink crippled most people and could make anyone, including angels, an easy target, so I had to leave as quickly as possible. I made the mistake of looking back at the girl named Rose, who was still looking at me, and I tripped over something and fell right through the door, making it slam behind me. I could hear a few laughs inside and got up immediately, frustrated that I made a fool of myself.
Rose was right. The following morning, my head was pounding, and the realization of Bastian being gone hit me like a freight train. All my pent-up emotions came out that morning, and either I would hit the wall or shed a tear. Either way, I was a mess.
After Bastian's funeral, I watched over Anastasia. I could tell she wanted to leave right after the service, so I didn't hesitate to offer her a ride home. I had to reassure her that whatever happened that day had nothing to do with their relationship, and I sensed some relief in her after that, which made me feel good. Once I dropped her off, I had to see Rose again. I was curious about those weird feelings I had when we first met. Was it the alcohol, or did she really make me spiral?
When I walked into the bar, the minute I saw her, the feelings I had before had quadrupled at that moment, and I realized the alcohol was suppressing urges of desire. She was exquisite, and I had to know more about her.
Luckily, she smiled when she saw me and welcomed my company. I visited her more and more and found out all kinds of things about her; despite her being slightly older than me, which I thought would bother her, she wasn't fazed at all, and we became close friends. It was a surprise to find out she was none other than Dylan's sister, the guy that made Bastian so insecure, but I was so infatuated already, I didn't care and being just friends was torture because I wanted her with every fibre of my being. She came over to my house when she had nights off and when she wasn't studying for College and she allowed me to come over to her place when I needed someone to talk to. Our friendship was suitable at the time as she helped me get through losing Bastian and always sweetly tried to assure me he was in a better place – if only she knew how right she was. I started falling entirely in love with her and I loved my angel ability to sense her emotions that she was beginning to feel the same.
After a couple of months of seeing her almost every day, I managed to suppress my nerves, I decided it was time to take a chance. I was sure Rose was my soulmate. The certainty of it made my heart race every time I thought of her. I told my father, and he, in his usual manner, had some scouts investigate her, checking her background, her family—anything to ensure she was safe for me. When the report came back clean, my determination grew. I asked her if I could come over, and she agreed.
"Hey, Billy," she said, her smile caught my breath as soon as she opened the door, her voice like a beautiful song that kept repeating in my mind. I sank into her warmth as she drew me into a close hug. Her hair smelled like wildflowers, a scent that was both comforting and intoxicating.
She stepped back, and I found myself staring, lost in how radiant she looked. Her curves made her look both delicate and strong at the same time, and I couldn't help but admire the way her dress hugged her figure. Her green eyes gleamed like emeralds while her red hair glistened in the light. I could spend all of eternity lost in those eyes.
She called for me to come in, waking me from my trance. I tried not to let my heart beat too loudly as I followed her inside. This was it. I was planning to express my feelings to her.
We moved into the living room as the soft murmur of the evening enveloped us. She guided me to the couch and sat down, her kind hands caressing mine. Unspoken words buzzed in the air between us, and I knew now was the time. I tried to get up the confidence to tell her what had been on my mind for such a long time, but my heart was pounding in my chest and my mind was racing.
I said, "Rose, I need to tell you something," maintaining a calm tone despite the flurry of feelings raging inside of me. I felt the draw of her attention, as though everything else in the world had vanished, as she turned to face me with her inquiring and gentle eyes.
"What is it, Billy?" she said in an accommodating and sweet voice.
"I can't stop thinking about you. I feel like... like I've found the person I'm meant to be with. I took a deep breath, then reached out, taking her hand in mine. "Rose, you're everything to me. And I... I love you."
I was so relieved when she boomed a massive smile at me.
"Billy, I—" She didn't continue her statement because I was able to go closer. It seemed as though the whole world vanished and we were the only two in the instant our lips connected. Her lips were soft and inviting and her breath was so delicate that it tempted me.
I sensed the tension rising between us as her body's warmth drew me in. The kiss intensified and my hands slipped to her waist, drawing her into me. I desired for this moment to linger forever, to lose myself in her, to make love to her, and to feel every inch of her.
She reacted just as fiercely, pressing herself closer and tangles her fingers in my hair. I could feel the heat building between us as she breathed in short, shallow gasps in between kisses. Everything around us appeared to be electrified, and I felt goose bumps with every contact. I had been waiting for this, and now I could have her all to myself.
I moved her back onto the sofa, my body resting over hers while I took in her beauty, all without breaking the kiss. Her green eyes were half-lidded with want as her red hair spread out underneath her, and I experienced an intense wave of adoration that almost overcame me.
She slipped her hands inside my shirt and traced the curves of my flesh, whispering, "Billy," her voice faltering. Her longing-filled voice as she said my name made my heart beat even more.
I gave her another kiss, feeling the smoothness of her skin as I followed my lips from her mouth to her neck. She arched beneath me. I could feel the bond between us deepening and becoming stronger as her body responded to every touch and kiss. We lost ourselves in one other as my hands went over her, memorizing every curve and every line.
We lost the last of the barriers between us as the intensity increased, our clothes dropping away until skin on skin and heat against heat was all that was left. Her breath caught as I went over her, our bodies perfectly lining up as though we were meant to be. Every touch, every caress, had the possibility of something deeper.
I sighed softly as I slid myself inside her and as I thrusted, our bodies moved in perfect unison. All that mattered was the bond between us, how our bodies fit together, and how our hearts appeared to beat in sync. It was more than just physical—a joining of souls, a moment of pure love and passion.
Her hands gripped my shoulders, pulling me closer, and I buried my face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent as we moved together. When we eventually reached that edge, it seemed like we were falling into the sky and floating together in a world that was entirely ours. Every touch and kiss had pushed us closer to that point. This was the best night of my life.
When it was over, we lay there, tangled in each other's arms, our breaths slowly returning to normal. The room was filled with a soft, golden light, and everything felt right. I looked into her eyes and saw the same love reflected at me, a love that I knew would last forever—I had found my mate.
I spoke a barely audible "I love you, Rose," amid the silence.
"I love you too, Billy," she smiled, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest.
And in that moment, I knew that this was just the beginning of our story.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
As time went by, I kept my promise. I watched over Anastasia like a guardian, always in the background but close enough to protect her. The more time we spent together, the more I saw her blossom. She and Rose had become great friends, which brought me some comfort. Things were looking up. We graduated, and with a little push, Anastasia began to open up more to the world.
She even started dating Dylan—Rose's brother. It wasn't my favourite development, but I couldn't deny that he distracted her in a way that was good for her. Still, I kept a close eye on him. I could never shake the feeling Bastian had shared with me before, the one that warned something wasn't right. The angel scouts had investigated Dylan's family thoroughly, and nothing demonic showed up. But that lingering unease gnawed at me.
Anastasia confided in me one afternoon in a hushed, almost hesitant voice. "I've been noticing something, Billy—a shadow." I used to think it was just my imagination, but now it seems to be occurring every day. It appears to be following me. I'm worried.
Her words sent a chill down my spine. A shadow? I masked my concern and quickly came up with a plausible explanation. "Maybe it's the shadows of the people you loved and lost. They could be watching over you. If it was something bad, Anastasia, it would have attacked by now."
She seemed to relax at that, taking my words to heart. But her worry didn't leave me. I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. That night, I decided to follow her. I knew I had to see this shadow for myself.
Sure enough, there it was as Anastasia walked down the quiet street. A dark figure walked along the edges of the streetlights, hiding in plain. I watched it closely, and my senses heightened as there was something familiar about the energy it gave off—something angelic. I should have felt relieved, but instead, a different kind of unease settled in my chest. Why would an angel be showing itself to a human, why show its presence so vivid, it was like attracting sharks with blood in the water?
"Show yourself," I said quietly but forcefully, deciding to face the shadow head-on by moving into its path. The world became quieter, as though holding its breath, and the air surrounding us thickened. The shadow of a man gradually revealed a face that I recognized immediately, and just then, shock rippled through me.
"Bastian," I whispered. He was supposed to be in the Celestial City, fulfilling his duties as an angel. And yet here he was, standing before me looking so different and a few years older. The Bastian I had last seen was frozen in my memory, but the one in front of me had aged, his features sharper, his eyes more intense.
"Billy," he answered, his eyes full of sorrow that I was unable to really comprehend.
"Why are you here? You were supposed to be in the Celestial City. Why are u following Anastasia? I moved closer and looked into his face before asking.
"It's a long story. After I died, I was taken to the Celestial City, where I was trained as a warrior for 150 years. It was only four months in human time, but up there…it felt like an eternity. Bastian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Angel Gabriel personally monitored my training. He equipped me to fight wars beyond anything we can comprehend on Earth, wars I could never have imagined. But Anastasia remained in my memory throughout everything."
"Bastian…" I began, but he held up a hand.
"Let me finish. I knew I had a purpose to fulfil in the Celestial City, but I couldn't let go of her. I needed to protect her. I went to Gabriel and begged him to let me return, to watch over her. He finally agreed, but under strict conditions. I'm not allowed to reveal myself to her, not allowed to tell her who I am or why I'm here. And I can't get romantically involved with her. After five Earth years, I have to return to the Celestial City."
I took in his words, the weight of them sinking in. "So you've been secretly watching her all this time?"
"I had no choice." He nodded. "I couldn't let her face the dangers of this world alone. But it's been hard, Billy. Seeing her, being so close yet never able to reach out to her…its agony. But I'll endure it for her sake."
I looked at him, really looked at him and I could see the Bastian I knew, but he had changed. He was no longer the carefree boy I remembered. He had become something more—a protector, a guardian with a heavy burden but the love he had for Anastasia was still as strong as ever. He must have carried that love once he became an angel, and immediately she became his mate.
"I understand why you're doing this," I said quietly. "But you have to be careful. The energy you're giving off…it's drawing attention. It's like blood in the water. If others sense it—"
"I understand," Bastian cut in, his face serious. "I've been attempting, but it's challenging, to maintain a low profile. I feel a closer bond with her than I had anticipated. But I'll get by. I must.
I nodded, but anxiety was still there. Just use caution. Should something happen to her—
"I won't let anything happen to her," Bastian promised, his voice firm. "I'll protect her, no matter what it takes."
As I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—relief that he was here, guilt that he had to carry such a heavy burden, and fear for what might come. I had faith in him to protect Anastasia with everything he had in him even if it compromised his own happiness.
"Five years, Bastian. Then you have to go back," I reminded him. "
He nodded as he looked in the direction Anastasia had gone. "Five years. It's all I have."
And with that, he faded back into the shadows, leaving me alone with the knowledge that Anastasia was protected—but at a cost neither of us could truly comprehend.