A Solution For Tim

The group arrived at the bustling mess hall, trays in hand, settling into their usual table. The chatter created a perfect cover for Ethan and Gabe to whisper discreetly.

"Listen," Gabe leaned in close to Ethan, his voice barely audible. "If we can get everyone else out of the dorm, we might actually have a couple of hours to find a solution for Tim."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have in mind?"

Gabe's eyes sparked mischievously. "We get Steph on board. She convinces Eliza and Kelly to invite Jimmy and Frank to their dorm for cards. I'll tag along, then duck out early. That'll leave you, Tim, and me with some quiet time."

Ethan nodded enthusiastically. "Brilliant. I'll talk to Steph."

Moments later, Ethan casually moved next to Steph, nudging her gently. "Hey, we need a small favor."

Steph narrowed her eyes playfully. "You two are scheming again, aren't you?"

"Just a bit," Ethan chuckled quietly. "We need some privacy at the dorm. Could you persuade Eliza and Kelly to invite Frank and Jimmy over for cards? Gabe will join initially but slip out."

Steph laughed softly, shaking her head. "You two are so obvious—but sure, I'll handle it."

"No, it's not like that," Ethan insisted, blushing slightly. "We need to find a way to hide Tim's Wings."

Steph's eyes widened, and she quickly pitched the idea to Eliza and Kelly. "Hey girls…, how about a card night at our dorm? Invite Frank and Jimmy."

"Ohh… that sounds fun!" Kelly eagerly agreed, rubbing her hands together.

Eliza called over, "Frank, Jimmy, you guys up for cards later?"

"Absolutely!" Jimmy grinned.

Frank shrugged with a smile. "Count me in."

Gabe subtly gave Ethan a thumbs-up.

After dinner, everyone dispersed to the girls' dorm. Gabe casually joined in, engaging in conversation and banter. He leaned in, giving Steph a kiss on the cheek before stretching dramatically about twenty minutes later. "Ah, sorry, everyone—I promised Ethan I'd help with something. Have fun without me."

Jimmy waved dismissively, "See you later, Gabe."

Steph winked discreetly to Gabe as he left.

When Gabe returned to the dorm, Ethan and Tim were in a tense discussion. Tim stood anxiously with his shirt off, wings folded tightly, and visibly frustrated. Ethan was standing there staring at him with a perplexed look on his face.

"Any progress?" Gabe asked, closing the door firmly.

"Nothing practical," Ethan admitted, clearly troubled.

Tim sighed deeply, sinking onto his bed. "I can't hide forever. We need something real."

Gabe's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Maybe it's time to ask Halo directly. Ethan, summon it."

With determination, Ethan nodded. "Halo," he called firmly, "we need your help."

A soft glow illuminated the room as Halo shimmered into being. "How may I assist, Ethan?" its calm voice echoed.

"We need a permanent solution to conceal Tim's wings," Ethan said urgently. "Is there anything celestial we can do?"

Halo paused, processing. "A celestial solution exists. You must craft a guardian halo tailored specifically for Tim, granting him the ability to fully conceal his wings."

Gabe regarded Halo warily. "How do we do that, and what's the catch?"

Halo continued evenly, "Ethan must channel celestial energy directly from his own halo to create the Guardian Halo. The process is extremely painful and draining, extracting raw divine energy through him. Additionally, Ethan must redeem 350 XP from his system to finalize the process."

Ethan and Gabe exchanged concerned glances, understanding immediately the weight of Halo's words. Tim looked between them anxiously, realizing the depth of the sacrifice Ethan would have to make.

Tim immediately stepped forward, worry creasing his forehead. "No, Ethan. That sounds too dangerous. I can't let you go through that."

Ethan turned towards Tim, determination blazing in his eyes. "Tim, you're my friend. I'd endure any pain if it means keeping you safe and free. You didn't get to choose whether or not to become a guardian. I made that choice, and it's my job now to do this."

"Are you sure about this, Ethan?" Gabe asked gently, clearly concerned.

"Yes," Ethan affirmed, his voice unwavering. "Halo, let's begin. Initiate halo crafting program."

"Very well," Halo responded gravely. "Prepare yourself, Ethan."

Suddenly, intense celestial energy surged violently into Ethan, radiating fiercely from his halo. Ethan let out an anguished cry as he was abruptly lifted from the ground, his body suspended helplessly in midair. The room filled with blinding, pulsing light as raw divine energy began tearing through Ethan's halo. His body convulsed uncontrollably, every muscle taut and spasming from the relentless agony. Sweat poured down his face, veins bulging grotesquely as he desperately fought against the unbearable pain.

A notification chimed harshly amidst Ethan's suffering:

System Notification: XP Redemption: Guardian Halo Crafting initiated XP Cost: 350 XP Remaining XP: 0 XP

"Ethan!" Tim cried out, reaching helplessly, tears streaming down his face. "Stop! It's killing him!"

Gabe steadied him, holding Tim back gently but firmly, his own eyes glistening with worry. "It can't be stopped. He can do it, Tim. Trust him."

Ethan's agonized screams echoed painfully throughout the dorm. His body jerked violently, celestial energy tearing through him like a storm, extracting raw essence with ruthless efficiency. Finally, with one last searing surge, the energy coalesced into a brilliant new halo hovering gently in the air.

Ethan's limp, exhausted body crashed violently to the floor, the impact reverberating through the room. Gabe rushed to his side, supporting him gently, while Tim knelt urgently beside Ethan, overcome with guilt and gratitude.

"Ethan, are you alright?" Tim asked frantically, gripping his friend's shoulders tightly.

Ethan's breath was ragged, his entire body trembling uncontrollably, yet he managed a weak, reassuring smile. "I'll... I'll be fine. Take the halo, Tim."

With trembling hands, Tim took the halo, holding it above his head. The halo hovered as he let go, shining brilliantly. Taking a deep breath, Tim focused, his wings retracting effortlessly into his back, disappearing entirely. The halo gently faded into transparency until it was gone. Gabe put a hand on Tim's shoulder. "Wings out, halo out," he warned. "You open your wings, and the halo will be visible."

Tim nodded, his face lighting up with overwhelming relief and joy. "It worked! Ethan, thank you. How can I ever repay you for this?"

Emotion surged through Tim, overpowering his hesitation. Without another thought, he passionately leaned forward, pressing a deep, heartfelt kiss onto Ethan's lips. Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, then softened warmly as he instinctively responded to Tim's intensity, putting his arms around him and returning the kiss with equal fervor. 

When Tim finally pulled back, his cheeks flushed deeply. "I'm sorry—I just had to—"

Ethan, still breathless, offered a faint, affectionate smile. "Don't apologize, Tim. That was… amazing."

Gabe smiled proudly, placing a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "That was incredible, Ethan. Now, get some rest. You've more than earned it."

Ethan's body trembled slightly as exhaustion took hold, his eyelids fluttering weakly before finally closing. His head sagged against Gabe's shoulder as he picked him up, consciousness slipping away.

"Ethan?" Tim asked urgently, his voice tinged with panic as he gently shook Ethan's shoulder. "Ethan!"

Gabe gently lifted Ethan into his arms, reassuring Tim softly. "It's alright, Tim. He's just exhausted. Let's get him into bed."

Together, they carefully placed Ethan on his bunk, gently positioning his head onto the pillow and covering him with a blanket. "Halo cloak," Gabe called out as he walked away. Tim lingered, staring at Ethan's peaceful yet worn face, deep concern etched into his features.

"He'll be okay," Gabe reassured, noticing Tim's anxiety. "He just needs rest after everything he went through."

Tim nodded slowly, reluctantly stepping back just as the dorm door swung open. Jimmy and Frank entered, laughing energetically, clearly invigorated from their evening with the girls.

"Hey guys!" Jimmy greeted cheerfully, immediately lowering his voice as he spotted Ethan sleeping. "Is he alright?"

Gabe smiled calmly. "He's fine, just wiped out from today."

Frank grinned knowingly. "You left the girls early. Everything okay here?"

"Yeah," Gabe replied quickly, smoothly diverting the conversation. "We just had some things to handle. How was your time with the girls?"

Jimmy's face lit up as he settled onto his bunk. "Incredible. Kelly's amazing—smart, funny, sweet. Honestly, I can't believe I didn't see it sooner."

Frank chuckled, nodding. "Eliza's pretty great too. Sharp as hell, definitely keeps me on my toes. Definitely good for me."

Tim offered a faint smile, genuinely pleased for them but still preoccupied by his concern for Ethan. "Glad you guys had fun."

Jimmy looked sympathetically at Tim. "Hey, Tim, how are you holding up? You've had a lot thrown at you lately…"

Tim managed a small, sincere smile. "I'll be fine. Ethan's been…incredible. He's really been there for me."

Frank nodded supportively, giving Tim an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You're lucky to have someone like Ethan watching out for you."

Jimmy and Frank continued to talk animatedly, recounting their evening and occasionally bursting into laughter over shared jokes and humorous anecdotes. Gabe effortlessly joined in, steering the conversation while carefully watching Ethan, who slept soundly through the lively exchange.

As the night deepened and everyone eventually settled into their bunks, Tim lay awake, his eyes fixed on Ethan's sleeping form. His heart swelled painfully with affection, gratitude, and a tender, aching longing. He replayed their kiss in his mind again and again, savoring the memory—the warmth, the intimacy, the electrifying connection shared in that fleeting, perfect moment.

Tim sighed softly, turning onto his side without taking his gaze off Ethan's peaceful face. As exhaustion slowly claimed him, his eyes grew heavy, but his thoughts remained firmly filled with dreams of Ethan, holding tightly to the hope that their passionate moment was merely the beginning of something beautiful and lasting.