Title: 愛じゃない、恋じゃない - It’s not Love, I’m not in Love
Pairing: Juntoshi
Rating: PG-13 for Kisses
Summary: For immortal heavenly beings, they have no need for passion, or love. Or so Jun always believed. But how can he refuse when those feelings attack with full force.
A/N: It's my first time joining exchange, hope I done it right.


“Okay, who the hell had this silly idea of making us work in the sea?” Matsumoto Jun's voice was heard along the corridor of the God of Sky’s castle. The ‘man’ was fuming with anger as he crumpled a piece of paper in his hand. He hadn’t walked far when someone held his shoulder tightly.


“Hey, calm down Jun. You won’t get anywhere getting angry like this.”


Jun turned to look at the taller man speaking behind him. Had it been anyone else, they would have been smart enough to run for their lives. But since it was his own brother, the man was already immune to all of Jun’s frowns, tantrums, curses or whatever he decides to unleash when he was angered.


“Oh really? Watch me, brother. I’ll have whoever had this stupid idea hanged by his feet above the equator.” Jun tried to move away from his grip but failed. Of course who could ever get away from the Angel of Life anyway.


“My dear Angel of Passion, I would really love to see you try.” A bigger and taller man emerged in front of him. Both men were instantly on their knees with their head bowed, seeing the God’s presence.


“What would you, Matsumoto Jun, Angel of Passion, do if you knew I agreed with the request from God of the Sea?” His majestic voice was heard along the corridor of their castle. The castle rested among the clouds on top of Mount Fuji.
Higashiyama Noriyuki, God of the Sky is one of greatest God of Japan, along with God of the Sea. Both had full control over Japan. Their residences were always full with whose works varied in nature. Matsumoto Jun, the Angel of Passion and his brother Aiba Masaki, the Angel of Life usually worked hand in hand. Whenever Aiba gave Life, Jun would be beside him, bestowing Passion to that new life. They belonged in the Sky. But it seemed like all that would change. Both Angels are being transferred to the Castle of the Sea, where the God of the Sea resides.


“Your Highness, please forgive this humble servant for his ignorance of the situation.” The Angel of Passion hung his head lower, staring at the pale yellow patterns of the kimono the God wearing.


“It is I who did not inform you well, dear Angels. But fear not. This shall not be the reason that I ask you to watch over the sea.” Higashiyama raised his hand, a gesture for them both to rise from their kneeling positions. The God then floated across the corridor and into the garden set in the center of the house


“It has come to our attention, the God of the Sea and I of humans on land have been relentlessly attacking the life of sea creatures. The lives of several species have become endangered and the God of the Sea plans to banish all those ungrateful creatures.” As Higashiyama continues his speech, most of the Angels present started to gather behind him in tow.


“If that is the case dear God, why would you not send me to the God of the Sea? I would love to help him clean the sea from such evil conduct.” The Angel of War, Oguri Shun, suddenly spoke. His golden armor shone under the sun but his eyes shone even brighter.


“My dear Angel, I knew you would volunteer in this kind of situation..” The God of Sky laughed which made everyone behind him chuckle along with him. It was not a secret of how the Angel of War loved everything that smells like trouble, and not to mention his undying adoration for God of Sea.


“Fortunately my dear Angels, the God of Sea’s messenger brought us some new ideas. That is where you two, Angel of Passion and Angel of Life, come in the picture.”


The God waved his hand and another Angel appeared and knelt beside him. The Angel wore a white kimono and was framed by vibrant red wings on his shoulder blades. He kept his gaze down, but the embroidered blue symbol of the God of Sea was clearly seen on his chest.


The Angel raised his head and Matsumoto Jun could hardly hold in a grunt when he saw his face. He could hear other Angels around him gasping in adoration. He elbowed his brother beside him who grinned like an idiot seeing their old friend.


“Messenger Sakurai, welcome to our humble castle. I believe you're here to pick up two of my dearest Angels.” Higashiyama made a rounding gesture with his hand, a friendly gesture that is not usually shown to other Angels. But this messenger must be an exception.




“With your permission dear God, His Majesty of the Sea sends his request and with this the assurance that your Angels will be safe during their stay in our territory,” Sakurai Sho, smiled brightly.


Jun rolled his eyes. The messenger hadn't changed much since the last time they saw him. Matsumoto, Aiba and Sakurai went to the same training institution together before but they took different paths afterwards. Sakurai chose to be a messenger. Matsumoto and Aiba chose to be the Angels that they are right now.


“You don't need to reassure me Sakurai. If I wasn't so busy, I would have gladly accompanied these Angels to the Castle of the Sea myself. Please send my regards to my brother. And Angels please behave yourselves.” They were being dismissed and assured at the same time. Jun and Masaki bowed their heads then together walked flanking the messenger.


The journey did not take long. They flew most of the way before they need to dive into the sea. Jun could sense the messenger's eyes on him but he chose to ignore it. They landed at Itsukushima, where the castle gates were located.


“Sho-kun, tell me. Why did you request for our presence here?” Jun grabbed the messenger's shoulder before they could take another step. They were standing in front of the gates and before them was a long set of stairs.


“I mean, I know human these days are being ridiculously careless and ungrateful with the way they exploit the sea. But I thought a little tsunami as warning from your God is enough. Besides, we can always watch over it above the sky right?” The land was the only neutral place where Angels can talk freely without the Gods eavesdropping on their conversation.


“Well… I, thought that you could use some break,too,” Sho answered.


“Besides, I remember you were always fascinated with the Castle of the Sea weren’t you?” Jun was taken aback by the faint red blush on Sho’s cheeks. That couldn’t be what he think it is. He is the Angel of Passion. It was his job to understand what are deemed as human emotions and how humans express them. A hardened jaw and clenched fists could mean anger. Laughter was a common expression of happiness. And a blush was mostly conjured due to deeper emotion which is known as affection.


No, that can’t be! Emotions are for humans. Gods and Angels are spared from this illogical, abstract feeling that results in too much trouble. Was this not the basis of their training for hundreds of years already?


“I’ve always wanted to see the Castle of the Sea! Oh, and I want to see the sea creatures I helped create before. Is the sea urchin doing well Sho-chan?” Aiba asked with enthusiasm.


Jun didn’t bother to stop his older brother. It was what the taller man has always been, a bundle of energy spreading positivity to those around him. As expected from the Angel of Life.


“Of course they are doing well Masaki. Because you were the one who created them,” Sho answered in same kindness he has always shown the Angel.


It was then that they noticed a little girl beside her mother.


“Mama, look! Those oniichan are wearing yukata inside the shrine.” the girl pointed at them, pulling at her mother’s skirt. This was replied by an enthusiastic wave from Aiba, while Jun and Sho hurriedly went down the steps. Humans normally can’t see them. But a child with pure heart will always able to see them. And at times this brings them trouble. There are adult humans who think it would be fun to hunt Angels, thinking the Angels will bring them good fortune. Jun knew Angels could always run away from such human, but those are always unpleasant memories for the Angels.


The trio hurriedly descended through what seemed like an endless staircase to the bottom of the sea. As Angels, they can live anywhere without worry of feeling heat or cold. Breathing under water was not a problem for them. Their journey was halted here and there because Aiba was distracted by almost everything they see; a seahorse, a starfish, the sea urchins, a shy octopus.


They finally passed some gates and there stood before them an elegantly beautiful, yet grand, castle. The front was a tower completely made of clear glass. The door was almost invisible. The only sign that the door was there were the two brass handles shaped like seahorses. Sho waves his hand and the door opened into a throne room with two sets of enormous stairs on either side of it.


“Sho! You’re home!” was all the warning Sho had before a body ran and threw itself on the laughing messenger. Sho did his best not to fall. It was only when the smaller man finally stood up properly that both Jun and Masaki could see his face properly.


“Ninomiya!” they both exclaimed and the man ran to them, too, throwing his full weight on the brothers. It has been too long since Jun last saw the Angel of Fortune. Somehow their line of work never crossed the other. What was more surprising was seeing him below the sea when he was supposed to be in the Sky Castle.


“Masaki, J, come on. Oh-chan is feeding his flappy bird in the garden.”


Jun’s brows knitted hearing the nickname his friend called the God of Sea. Since an early age, the smallest among the Angels had always been known as a friendly brat who doesn’t seem to know how to speak with people of authority. But hearing his nickname for one of the greatest Gods, surely Ninomiya is in over his head with this one, Jun thought.


Guided by Ninomiya, the brothers and Sho went through a corridor with colourful and beautiful coral reefs on their side. Soft corals were waving, welcoming them, and little clown fishes were coming out of their nests. One approached Jun with its big eyes seeming to evaluate the Angel, questioning why he’s in the palace. A deep coral fish with its head lantern peeked behind a wall of seaweeds and watched them intently from its position until they passed through.


The corridor eventually led them to the garden. There, in the middle of the garden, stood a man of small build with tanned skin wearing a modest blue kimono feeding the ‘flappy bird’ which turned out to be a stingray above him. The man only moved his palm and a fish instantly appeared on it. He snapped his hand in slowly and the fish swam to the stingray that caught it eagerly. The God’s laughter filled the garden and it was the most beautiful sound that Jun had ever heard. It was both melodious and majestic at the same time.


The God didn’t seem to notice the small group who was watching him, absorbed in his own world. He leaped on the stingray, held its “wings” and swiftly turned it around. All the while, his fingers didn't stop snapping, bringing out more fishes for the stingray, and a shark that looked rather interested with their movements. It simply looked like he wanted to dance with the stingray, making the brothers look up in awe.


It was a full five minutes before the God noticed them, his eyes particularly caught by the Angel of Passion. His smile vanished as he floated down gracefully to stand before the Angels who instantly on went down on their knees.


“Welcome Angels. It is an honor to welcome such grand Angels to my humble castle,” the God said flatly but Jun sensed sarcasm behind his words. Jun always thought the God didn’t like the Sky’s Angels, as every time the God visiting the Sky Castle, He always put sour face in front of them all. Rumours were spreading that the God of the Sea put an envy because the Sea Castle were less Grande than Sky Castle.


“It is us who are honored to be summoned by your Highness. The God of Sky extends His regards,” Jun answered, hiding the venom behind his own words, knowing the God would sense even a tiny one. He didn't expect the God to snort at his answer as he turned to leave them.


“You may do what you want in the castle freely. I believe Sho would show you your room.”


Jun had heard that the God of Sea was a stubborn one compared to His brother, God of Sky, but never once had Jun expected such a cold behavior would welcome him. The small Angel beside him rushed on his feet and ran after the God.


“Oh-chaaannn~”


Jun’s brows furrowed hearing spoiled manner Ninomiya called the God. Jun thought the God would be angry when he paused and turned his head to Nino, but he was not. The God smiled as the small Angel grabbed his arm and swung it as they walked away, the two engaged in what seemed like a friendly banter. Jun felt a sharp tug on his chest just over where his heart was beating fast.




<°)))><♡><(((°>




Days felt like they went faster under the sea without the sky to tell them the time. Before the Angels realized, the earth had already rotated seven times. Seven times the sun went up and down the horizon, which means it has already been a week since they arrived in the Castle of the Sea. Jun was shocked to know that the passion he bestowed among the humans Masaki created was used differently than he intended. The passion that was supposed to make them care and protect was now used for greed and anger. The humans were destroying what was the God of Sea’s and Jun can understand if the God was furious and unleash his army on the humans. But that had never happened, or maybe not just yet.


Jun and Masaki worked their best to restore life under the sea. Every day, they would roam around, finding nearly dead animal and plant species and bring them back to life. Creatures that were almost extinct were matched with their mates and Jun gave them a little push so that new ones will be born from them. Sometimes Jun would go above the water and take a walk along the beach line, spreading the feeling of gratefulness to the humans there, hoping it would be enough for them to feel the importance of the sea. And maybe understand the need to keep it safe.


Since that garden scene, the Angels had not seen the God of Sea. Unlike his brother Higashiyama, the Sea ruler was known for his solitude. Jun knew he should have expected that, but somehow, he felt a little twinge inside his chest which he couldn’t describe. He had asked Sho about the God’s whereabouts, but his childhood friend didn’t give a satisfactory answer. He tried to argue with the messenger, saying that God should be aware of the extent of damage to his kingdom. Sho just shrugged him off, saying that the God is more than well informed and will take action when it was deemed necessary. Jun had nothing more to say to that.


The sun was about to set when Jun realized he had walked further to the beach, but mesmerized by the beauty of the dimmed orange sky, Jun stood under the Motonosumi Inari torii, at the edge of a cliff. He was so hypnotized by the beauty of the vibrant red, orange, yellow and purple sky that he didn’t realize someone was standing beside him, not until he heard his voice.


“As an Angel, you are pretty careless. Anyone could see you if you let your guard down like this.”


Jun turned to see a male human talking to him. The man was holding a fishing rod and had wide-brimmed straw hat covering his head. Jun tried to stay silent, hoping the man was actually not talking to him. The changing of times on earth are the most vulnerable for the Angels. Humans can see them in these times, sunrise and sunset.


“Yes, Angel of Passion, I am talking to you.” The man looked up from under his hat and Jun quickly went down on his knees. It was the God of the Sea in the human form.


The God waved his hand, ordering Angel to stand, which Jun obeyed immediately. “Please, stand up. Humans will think I'm a weird ojisan talking to himself.”


“I heard you were asking about my whereabouts Angel. May I know the reason why?” The Angel blushed with embarrassment that he was caught questioning something that was not supposed to be his concern.


“My deepest apologies, I know it was not my business but I thought you would request a report,” Jun decided to be frank.


“That will not be necessary. I believe in you and your brother’s work. Whatever you report will not change my decision once I have already decided,” the God said softly and soothingly. Such contrast from when they first arrived at the castle. The way the God spoke brought a safe feeling inside Jun which is quite ridiculous. He is an Angel. He didn’t need to feel safe. Nevertheless, he felt it. Jun couldn’t keep his eyes away from Ohno Satoshi. There’s suddenly a lot of passion building inside of him, passion that he thought useless for Angels and should be bestowed to humans instead.


“The sky is beautiful isn’t it?” Ohno whispered so softly that Jun thought he heard wrong. His voice was laced with a sense of longing. There must be something or someone he missed in the Sky Castle. He again felt a pang in his heart, remembering that Ninomiya has not been in Castle of the Sea for some time. The God must be missing the small Angel. He was still staring at his tanned face when the high deity changed his fisherman human form to the grand God he really was. Without another word, the God trudged down the long stairs down to his own castle. Jun could only follow him in silence.


That fateful sunset meeting eventually became a daily thing for the next month. Jun would take his daily walks on the beach which would lead him to the cliffs. And there he would always find the God fishing at the edge overhanging the ocean, hidden by the lush bushes from prying eyes. Sometimes Jun would find him asleep and one time Jun was offered tuna sashimi that the God claimed came from the new generation that Masaki had bred. These kinds of time had been his treasured moment even without he notices it yet. Somehow he had been relied on the meetings to ease his feeling, calming him from the turmoil of passion he spread or absorb from everywhere around him. Jun found out, even without a word, just sitting by the God’s side while the man himself was fishing, was enough for him. Sometimes he caught the God staring at him when he thought Jun won’t notice it. Yes, Jun really like the sunset now.


The number of sea creatures was increasing again and Jun was thinking that the time for them to return to the God of Sky was nearing. But he was now starting to think that he wouldn’t be able to leave the Castle of the Sea that easily anymore.


That day was the same. Jun was on his way to the beach, but he got caught up in his brother’s enthusiasm as they both watched over a female dugong giving birth. He got held up as the Angel of Life fawned over the little baby when he should be bestowing it the gift of life. Jun had to flick his brother’s forehead before Aiba really did his job. Aiba forced him to stay and watch the tiny baby take its first leap and swim towards its mother. This made him late for his daily ‘meeting’ with God of the Sea.


The sun was almost fully set, only a few streaks orange on the sky, when he reached the cliff and found it empty. Jun exhaled in disappointment. The God must have already left.
“You’re late Jun.”


The Angel turned to see Ohno behind him, looking far over the horizon. It was a rare occasion for Ohno to call him by his given name, and not just Angel of Passion like he always did. After the first week, the God taught him how to fish. He also changed the way he called the Angel of Passion and Jun had to admit, he loved the sound of his name coming out of the God’s lips.


“I’m sorry, I was caught up by … “Jun trailed off when he saw the God giving him his attention.


“Don’t be. The dugong calf was indeed cute.” Jun felt his heart beat faster as Ohno smiled at him. Of course, the God must have always known what was happening inside the sea. But still, Jun liked it when Ohno listened intently, letting Jun tell him the story. The smile that Ohno showed him was so sincere, it brightened the darkness of dusk. The lack of words seemed to be an advantage for the God of Sea.


“I want to show you something.” Jun felt dumbfounded when the God grabbed his hand and dragged him along back to the sea.


Ohno snapped his fingers and the darkness faded as dots of blue-white light started to appear around them. A bloom of bioluminescent jellyfishes swam around them, making an arch over and around them, illuminating the path as they stepped deeper into the sea. Jun still don’t know where the God was taking him so he just held tightly the hand holding his. They went deeper and deeper into the sea and his heart was beating fast against his chest, realizing that it will only be the two of them.


Jun was getting more and more anxious when finally; Ohno pushed open a wall of seaweeds in front of them. And in front of them was a garden of glowing sea anemones, their light illuminating the deep sea’s darkness. Their tentacles gently swayed with the current, creating a romantic feeling around them.


“It's… it's… beautiful.” Jun could hardly speak, looking around him with wide eyes, noticing the sea anemones swaying softly and the jellyfishes above them creating a picture of a sky full of stars. Jun heard a whale song somewhere above them. It was a bit eerie at the beginning, but then the sounds of dolphins joined them, creating a concert harmony.


“Would you accompany me to a dance?” Jun was surprised when a hand extended in front of him. He felt hypnotized by the Ohno's eyes as he put his hand in Ohno’s and let himself be pulled into the God's embrace. He let him lead the dance, letting Ohno's hand rest on his back while he lifted his own arm to circle Ohno's neck. Jun felt the warmth from the other and shivered at the feeling growing inside his heart.


A bouquet of anemone appeared in Ohno’s hand and offered them to Jun. He watched the anemone sway softly, stroking his fingers. He had never seen something quite as beautiful as what was being offered to him.


“It's beautiful, breathtaking…” It was such a lame comment, Jun knew that, but the answer that came after it surprised him.


“Yes, breathtaking indeed,” the God answered him, but He was looking at Jun instead the bouquet he was holding.


Jun let himself get lost in those eyes looking at him. He saw the adoration in those soft stares. An invisible hand seemed to push them closer and Jun felt plump soft lips against his. At first, he was surprised. But his eyes closed of their volition and he savoured the taste of those lips, the small bite on the tiny mark on his lip. He felt a tongue poking between his lips, asking permission to get inside. And he could sense Ohno’s voice seeping through his senses, asking him to hear the words he wanted to say. Various images were playing behind his eyelids, the first time he met The God on his graduation day as Angel, then the image changed, he saw himself flying around the land, spreading out the passion as his job is, but those images of him were glowing, as if the one that looked at him was mesmerized by himself. He was laughing with his brother, playfully chasing after Ninomiya on a rainy day, Jun remembered that day, but the image that coming behind his lid was definitely and image of someone that was always looking after him. He heard Ohno’s voice again, trying to distinctive the words until they became clearer and Jun can hear it now. “I love you.”


Jun was awakened instantly from his trance. Mind telepathy could only be performed between Gods with their mates. There was no way he could hear the Ohno’s voice in his mind. He pushed the other roughly, seeing the surprise mirroring his. Without a word, Jun ran away. He heard the voice again inside his head and he knew this feeling, but it was not supposed to happen to them. It was supposed to be for humans only, not for Gods and Angels.




<°)))><♡><(((°>




Jun turned and tossed on his bed. It had been three days since that that ‘incident’ and he still can recall the sensation of Ohno’s lips on his. He had stopped going to the shore during sunsets just to avoid the God. He knew the God could always track him had he wanted to. He still did his best to hide from him. He stared at the beautiful bouquet from that night. Yes, he kept it and put it on his bedside table in the room he shared with his brother. Angels don’t need to sleep or rest. They do that just out of custom, the custom that Jun didn’t need now. He stood up and roamed the castle on his own. He was walking towards the garden when his eyes caught two shadowed figures behind the corals. He focused his eyes, trying his best to see despite the darkness. He froze on his feet when he finally realized who those shadows were.


“Masaki! What the hell are you doing?!” He grabbed his brother, disentangled him from the mess he and the Sho created. His brother looked confused and unfocused, unable to recognize him immediately. But the other man reacted faster.


“J… Jun… wait, this is not what you think it is.” The messenger grabbed Jun's hand, tried to loosen his grip on the Angel of Live.


“Oh, really? Then, oh great Messenger of the Sea, pray tell me what you two were doing with lips locked? What it looked to me was you were eating each other faces! What should I think of that? Do tell me.” Jun felt the heat on his face, the anger. He had always tried his best to suppress such passion inside him, but this time, he actually wished to let it out.


“It… it’s…” Sho stammered. Jun’s forehead furrowed, impatiently waiting. The man that was supposed to be excellent with his words had lost his tongue.


“Sho and I have been seeing each other since a year ago,” was Masaki’s answer. Jun looked at his older brother with confusion. He wasn’t sure he understood what he was saying.


“I love him and he loves me Jun. Please. You’re the Angel of Passion. You know we can’t deny this feelings right?” This time it was Masaki who grabbed Jun’s hand, pleading with him to understand his view.


“Love? Masaki, love is for humans and other creatures. It was never meant for Angels or Gods. You must not understand your own feelings,” Jun insisted, looking back and forth between his brother and Sho.


“You see, it was actually the plan. Gods created Angels that were able to love. But chaos ensued when the Angels fought against each other because of this emotion. So the Gods created new Angels that were free of emotions. But it seems like that didn’t work either. Angels still have the passion. It was just buried deeper compared to humans,” Sho explained it like he would to a newly created Angel.


“No! That must be wrong. I have never heard about that!” Jun snapped at the Messenger.


“Just because you’ve never experienced it, doesn’t mean it does not exist.” Masaki stood beside the Sho who instantly circled his arm around Masaki’s waist. The words were spoken softly, but to Jun, it sounded like a loud scream. He is the Angel of Passion. Of course he believed in love. He gave humans the capability to fall in love but Angels were supposed to be immune to such feelings. With a confused look on him, Jun turned away from the pair, thinking that they must be mocking him. Because he, the Angel of Passion, had never actually experienced such thing as love.


He walked aimlessly around and before he realized it, he was going up the stairs that leads to the beach. He knew he probably looked ridiculous, with tears streaming down his face and hair messed up, but he didn’t care. He just needed to return to the place he called home, the one where he belonged in, the Sky. He was about to fly up when he heard voices calling out to him, a human voices shouting.


Before he could react, he felt a mesh of net touching his skin. He cursed himself for his carelessness. He had forgotten how humans could be so mean, capturing Angels for their amusement. He struggled to free himself but the net was pulled tighter. The human voices became louder around him, so loud and rough and Jun hated it. The net burned his skin, the rope mesh becoming tighter and tighter around him as the humans kept pulling it up to their boat. Their shouts were drowned by a monstrous roar coming from the sea. The humans looked at the source at the same time Jun din. The humans screamed in fright as they saw a big blue dragon emerge elegantly from the sea. It had its mouth opened wide, ready to swallow the fishing boat and everyone in it, its dark garnet eyes were shining in anger. Its sharp claws swooped down to capture the humans trying to jump off the boat. Jun looked at the beastly form in awe. He had learned that each God had their beast form. The God of Sky was that of a Phoenix and the God of Sea had that of a Dragon. It was said that the beasts were unleashed when the Gods couldn’t control their anger anymore. This could only mean the God of the Sea had lost his composure.


“Jun!” The Angel heard Sho calling his name, apologizing over and over again, with his own brother behind him wearing the same worried look. Jun's focus was still on the dragon. He didn’t say anything when he felt the net loosened around him. When he was finally freed, he used his last surge f energy to fly to the dragon. He held the beast tightly by its neck, whispering the God’s name quietly, chanting all the prayers he knew. He still didn’t understand. The humans earned the God’s anger but somehow Jun knew deep inside that Ohno cared for the humans. That was the reason he called the Angels instead of just sweeping them away. Hurting the humans for Jun’s sake would break his heart. It felt like forever before the dragon calmed down. Jun finally lost all his energy, his arms slipped away from the Dragon’s neck and started to fall, just to be grabbed by it sharp claws. Jun smiled at the beast before he was swallowed by unconsciousness.


Jun awoke with a start from his deep slumber. His body ached and his head was pounding. He focused his eyes, trying to recognize the room he was in at the moment. It took him a couple of seconds to realize that he was in his room in the Sky Castle. Jun was suddenly more awake. He recalled his last situation and he suddenly needed to see the God of Sea. If he was in the Sky Castle now, it meant that the God of the Sea had returned him to his God. He didn’t want that. He didn’t know why, but he needed to see the God of the Sea so he could get his answers. He floated out of his room and went straight to the throne room.

He bowed his head and kneeled in front of the throne.
“Your Grace, I know I will be condemned with guilt after you hear what I have to say, but please do allow me to go to the Castle of Sea. I need to see that the God of the Sea was unharmed,” Jun said quickly. He didn’t care about the consequences of his action. He just needed to see Ohno. Hell, he was ready to leave with or without his God’s permission.


“Um, J, who are you talking to?” The question made Jun lift his head and see in front of him an empty throne. He turned his head to see the small Angel of Fortune standing beside him. Jun's eyes widened when he saw the Angel’s white kimono though. It was still the same white kimono like his, but a lining of yellow adorned its lower part, embroidered with the Sky Castle sign on his left chest.


“Ninomiya, you… you’re…” Jun was lost for words. All Angels wore plain white kimono. Only those who had a close link to the castle are entitled to wear its sign, a tint of color at the lower part of the kimono was said to be given from the God to the Angel he personally claimed.


“Yeah… I really hate that he put the color on my kimono, but… could you please stop staring like that?” The Angel blushed; something that Jun never thought he would one day see his friend wear on his cheeks more so wear the color from the God of Sky.


“You, yellow… are you?” Jun still tried to grasp the situation he was in right now.


“Yeah, God of Sky put his claim on me. Well, he asked first, like a gentleman he is, and I was a coward who ran to look for the answer in the Sea.” Nino played with the yellowish patterns at the hem of his kimono.


“Which I’m glad you did my little brat, or you wouldn’t have accepted the claim.” The God of the Sky appeared out of nowhere and held the small Angel freely.


“I’m not foolish enough to reject that, after seeing how love could turn the composed God of the Sea into a scary beast the way Oh-chan did.” Nino shamelessly circled his arm around the God’s waist and let his hand rest on his hip.


“Love? God? But…” Jun can’t finish his words.


“But love is for humans? For God’s sake J! You’re the Angel of Passion. Can’t you even understand your own feelings? Newsflash Angel, love is for anything on earth, or sky, or sea. You better go back to your studies.” Nino cut him off before the God’s hand cover his mouth and released the small Angel from his hold.


“My Angel of Passion, had you heard your own question when you came to this room earlier? You are set to leave for the sea with or without my permission, correct?” Jun couldn’t hide his blush under the God’s intense look and just nodded weakly.


“We say that only humans do foolish things when they are in love, but how wrong we are. Angels can be the biggest fool of all. You, my dearest Angel, must be the most foolish,” the God continued.


“At first, I was against his idea to send you to his castle. But did you know he begged me for you? I knew he always had his eyes on you, but I never expected that he would actually beg. My brother had wished to claim you but I always ignored him, thinking it was just a momentary foolishness from him. I realized I was wrong when I saw him let his beast take over himself just to protect you. He had meant his words and as now that I know you have been enlightened of your own feelings, I would suggest you answer his wishes directly. Your God of the Sea has been waiting for you in the garden. He refused to leave before you wake up, that stupid brother of mine.” Jun didn’t wait for him to finish and ran to the garden.


Would he be ready for the answer? Jun didn’t know. He just knew love could come in different forms. It was the serene moments when they stood together every sunset. It was also their arguments on humans and sea creatures. It was their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of each other. As the Angel of Passion, he was the one bestowed those feelings. But when he was the one who experienced it, he brushed it aside.


The God of the Sea wished to claim him? He didn’t think he needed to say his answer out loud as he noticed the bluish patterns at the hem of his kimono and the mark of the sea on his left chest. He knew he had a long way to go, but at least he now understood his own feelings and the sea will be his starting point.