A/N: For Warning and Disclaimer, refer back to the PROLOGUE

Chapter 7: Consumed

Argilla walked through the hospital hallways, concentrated on her job as much as possible. Along the halls though, nurses and interns looked at her strangely; holding her gaze for but a second before turning away and whispering amongst themselves.

Right; they all thought of her as a two-timer. She bowed her head, feeling guilty. It had been a week since Madame Cuvier's inauguration party; a week since she and Serph and patched things up. Ever since, Serph had just been wonderful. He was as he had been when they were just dating.

Of course, there would be a time when he was very irritable, but Argilla had let it slide. He was no longer verbally abusive; she could see in his eyes how he fought within himself to control his outbursts. She was grateful for the effort. He didn't pursue her with his advances aggressively and took her decline (whenever she said no) with consideration and understanding. Clearly, her relationship with her husband was practically as good as new.

She smiled at the thought. But, reminding herself that she was at work, she decided to put all thoughts of her husband aside.

xxxxx

Today had been a tiring day. She had been very busy indeed, assisting four different doctors within three hours with one of them being Heat. She had first thought it awkward, but the situation forced her to relinquish her girlish emotions. She remembered glancing in his direction and only saw the conviction to save a patient. No other emotions were betrayed by his eyes. She smiled at that; Heat always knew his priorities. He did his job and did it well.

Argilla snapped out of her daze as she had collided with someone. Heat.

"Hey Argi." he smiled, tired.

"Hey there…"

Silence. Neither spoke. Neither knew what to say to one another.

Heat stared into her eyes with a sad longing expression. Argilla stared sadly as him as well, and cast her head down.

"I miss you…you know?" he spoke ruefully, his voice laced with sorrow.

"I know…" she replied just as sadly.

"…"

"I miss you too…"

Her words brought a small smile on Heat's face and was about to say something when a voice through the air broke the two apart.

"Argilla." the voice said.

Argilla turned around to see her husband. All the color drained from her face and she looked over at Heat, who remained unfazed but had a feigned smile on his face.

"Serph!" she beamed, running to him and giving him a peck on the cheek. Heat turned away, hurt, at seeing the two dote over each other. He balled his hands into fists but remained where he stood, feeling awfully out of place.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the EGG?" Argilla asked.

Serph gave her a cheeky grin, "Well, I needed a break so I took one. I knew you got off by five. I wanted to surprise you. I could drop you off to wherever you have to go; with the girls or I could drop you home. I just wanted to see you."

Argilla intertwined her fingers with his, completely forgetting about Heat's existence. Serph's eyes looked from her to her companion. He blinked in surprise, "Why Reed! I didn't know you worked here!"

"Reed?" Argilla asked, confused.

"Yes, he's the man I told you about; the one who I met at the party." Serph smiled at him, extending a hand, "It's nice to see you again."

Heat, having a plastered smile on his face, took Serph's hand and shook it firmly, "It's a pleasure to see you too Serph."

"So, tell me. How long have you been working here?" Serph asked, genuinely curious. Argilla held her breath. So her gut feeling was right. It had been Heat that night at the party. She could feel her skin crawl at the sight; her husband and her lover, having a conversation.

Several nurses had passed by the three with excited and amused looks on their faces. Argilla sneered. Those people were so sad that they were probably thinking that this was another soap opera!

"I've only been here six months."

"Ah." Serph nodded, "You're new. That's why my wife hasn't mentioned you."

Heat cringed, but Serph didn't notice.

"Yes, well, I met Argilla months ago."

Argilla stiffened, the color from her face completely drained.

"Is that right honey?" Serph asked, turning to her direction.

Argilla faltered and opened her mouth to say something but Heat, or rather, Reed, beat her to it, "She didn't remember me though. She's the head nurse here, so surgeries are usually done with them as assistants. I'm a cardiologist by major, and she has assisted me in at least two surgeries in the previous six months. But, like I said, she doesn't know me, so she doesn't remember me."

"Yes." Argilla nodded, "That's right. I'm not very good with names, you see, Dr. O'Brien."

"Well, we'd love to stay further, but I have to get back to work in an hour and I need to drop Argilla off. It's nice seeing you again Reed."

The two men shook hands once more and parted. Serph led Argilla out of the hospital and Heat looked on.

xxxxx

The skies were gloomy that afternoon. The clouds in the sky were a dark shade of grey and seemed angry. Argilla sat quietly in their car, observing the brewing storm. Serph looked at her and noted that she was detached from this world, "Argilla? Is there something wrong?"

"Oh! No!" she quickly said, "I was just looking at the sky…It's most probably going to rain."

Serph nodded, "I quite agree. It's such dreadful weather."

"So," she said slowly, "Dr. O'Brien was the man you spoke of during the party."

Serph nodded, "Yes. He's a charming fellow but a little dull."

Dull? 'If he only knew the real Heat, erm, Reed, he wouldn't say that.' Argilla thought knowingly.

"Thank you for picking me up today…"

Serph smiled and held her hand, squeezing it, "I just wanted to do it Argilla…no big deal."

They reached their home in ten minutes and now, Argilla and Serph stood by their porch.

"Well," Serph began, glancing at his wristwatch, "I better get going. Take care okay?"

She nodded and he turned to leave. As he did, she grabbed him by the elbow, "Serph…"

Serph's eyes looked into her eyes, "What is it?"

"Come home early…I want us to have dinner together…okay?"

"Alright."

She pressed herself against him and pulled his face down on hers. Serph obliged and soon, their lips met in an arduous kiss. Serph backed her towards the door, cupping her face in his hands. They broke apart, minutes later, panting, "Will I get a rain-check for this later?" he asked suggestively.

"Maybe…" she smiled, blushing.

"I love you Serph…"

"I love you too…"

She watched him leave and get into the car. She continued to stand in the porch, watching him as his car sped though their garden. As soon as he was gone, her thoughts wandered over to Heat.

It was strange, she thought. She didn't feel any apprehension as she thought of Heat. She frowned. She felt neither apprehension nor anticipation for Heat. She gasped inwardly; she felt nothing at all.

She then proceeded to smile; a bitter smile. It would seem that her mind and heart had been leaning on their decision. From the way she was feeling, she was leaning on giving Heat up. It was a good thing, she knew; it was for the best anyway.

'This is for the best. I belong with Serph.'

xxxxx

"Maybe I should go back to Lokapala. I don't want to ruin Argilla and Serph. They deserve to be happy. And I'm getting in between."

Heat sighed heavily, "I'm such a fucking hypocrite. But, I can't help it. I have to give her up. And I can't do that if I stay here."

Heat had already decided. He would request for a transfer. He smiled sadly; it was supposed to be this way. He knew that he couldn't and shouldn't stay; she consumed him and he was consumed with her.

"Damn it. I deserve to be happy too!" he grumbled childishly.

He sighed once more, "Maybe I'll be happy when I get outta here."

'You win Serph…'

xxxxx

Serph ran his fingers through his silver hair exasperatedly. The subject had been behaving rather erratic for the past two days. Test results were being compromised, hence, the delay. They had already done what they could for the subject; but it seemed that his mental capacities were clearly not up to par with the instruments and machines that they used.

It would have been fine actually. He didn't mind the wait. If people wanted results, they'd have to be patient. So, he was always been patient with his work. Until now, that was. Dr. Sheffield was finding it increasingly difficult to perform in his outmost best when people, such as Colonel Beck, were breathing down his neck.

He cursed inwardly, wishing to remove his eyesore of analyzing heaps and heaps of test results and data. His gaze shifted over to the left side of his desk. His gaze softened. His eyes stared at the picture of his wife.

He smiled. He was glad that they were able to patch things up. It was then that his suspicion had blurred; Argilla had done no wrong. She was faithful and true.

He made up his mind; he was going to pick her up and take her to lunch. He glanced at his watch; he was having tension and it was only half past eleven in the morning! He opened the intercom to his secretary, "Vanessa, I'm going out for lunch and I'll be back in an hour."

"Alright Dr. Sheffield."

Within a quarter of an hour, Serph had reached the Karma City Memorial Hospital. He stared at the building, smiling. He wanted to surprise her again. He walked briskly through the entrance while receiving appreciative glances from the staff. He walked up to the information desk, "Nurse Argilla Sheffield please?"

"One moment sir."

The front desk had paged for Argilla and he was instructed to wait by the sofas. It was then that something had struck his senses and mind; another paging.

"Paging, Dr. Heat O'Brien. You are requested to proceed to room 5-A. Paging, Dr. Heat O'Brien…"

Serph felt his blood run cold and his eyes burn with anger. Heat. That was the name of the person whom Argilla spoke to. He didn't know why, but he had a suspicion that he was the man that Argilla had been running to. He stomped back to the front desk, "Excuse me, do you know where I could find Dr. Reed O'Brien?" Serph didn't exactly know where he was going with that question, but he had another suspicion that needed confirmation.

"Dr. Reed O'Brien?" asked the receptionist in confusion, "You mean, Dr. Heat O'Brien."

Serph shook his head, "No, I am positive that his name is Reed. I met him only a couple of days ago. He's uh, he a cardiologist. He's new, just arrived here six months ago. He has bright red hair."

The receptionist just raised an eyebrow at him, "Honey, that is Dr. Heat O'Brien."

Serph balled his hands into fists but nonetheless remained clam and polite, "Thank you for your time."

"Wait! Sir! Nurse Sheffield will be right with you!" the receptionist called after Serph.

Serph didn't hear with the receptionist had said. With an absentminded head, he walked back to the sofas, his mind reeling. So, the man that he had met during the party, the man who he saw his wife talking to two days ago and the man that he suspected her to be having an affair with was the same man. He didn't need this right now, he mused. Here he was, exhausted and nearly losing his sanity over his work, and what awaited him at home? His wife probably doing the deed with some other man.

He felt his blood boil and his eyes burn at the mere thought of it. It sickened him to no end. All this happened right under his nose and he hadn't the slightest clue.

'Remain calm…' his inner voice said, urging him to slow down his heart-rate. He closed his eyes, massaged his temples and took slow deep breaths. It was no problem really; he just had to talk to both of them. He and Argilla must have a talk about this. And at the same time, he and Reed, rather, Heat must have a word. He could do that; it was no problem at all.

He had a strong urge to leave right now; just to bolt through the door, come back fifteen minutes later with a shotgun and start a killing spree. But he wouldn't do that.

Well, not really, but he wouldn't mind killing Heat.

'That would be sweet…' he smirked.

His scheming was interrupted when a cheery voice whipped through the air, "Hey honey!"

Serph quickly collected himself and put on his mask, "Hey sweetheart. I just came by to take you to lunch. Come on."

His smile and conduct must have been exceedingly convincing for Argilla seemed not to notice anything awry. "Okay. Let's go!"

Serph wrapped a secure arm around her waist and led her through the exit and towards the car. His mind wandered over to Heat. His eyes narrowed and his grip around her waist tightened.

"Serph? Is there something wrong?" she asked, genuinely worried.

Serph snapped from his daze and gazed into her worried eyes, "No honey. Nothing's wrong. Come on. Let's get that lunch, I'm starving!" he beamed with feigned enthusiasm.

She smiled warmly at him, "Let's!"

xxxxx

"I need to know everything about her. I need you to find out her schedule and I need to know her entire itinerary. Is that understood?"

"Yes."

xxxxx

Serph's eyes remained unclosed throughout the night. He held his wife close to him and no matter how comfortable his position was, peaceful slumber refused to come. His thoughts were constantly of Argilla and Heat. He lay there, motionlessly, unable to decipher his own feelings on the matter. He was hurt. Actually, the word hurt was an understatement. He was devastated. He sighed, tightening his hold on her. He wanted to hurt her right now. How easy it would be for him to hurt her right then and there. But he couldn't do it. Even as he wanted it so badly, he couldn't hurt a strand of hair on her body, unlike before. Why?

Because he was to blame. He was the very reason why she ran to someone else's arms. It was only natural for one being to protect oneself. She was just protecting herself from the constant onslaught that he brought her. He demeaned her and made her feel like trash. He constantly ignored her, leaving her to ponder on possibilities that may or may not exist. He abused her as if she were a toy, a possession to be played with anytime he deemed it.

She was trying to run from all that. But she couldn't run from him. He knew that she loved him; she loved him deeply. She had stayed and tried to make their relationship work. She had given him so many chances to make up for his mistakes and shortcomings; it was just natural to believe that she deserved to be treated in the same courtesy that she did him.

Serph sighed again. He would talk to her soon. But first, he must deal with Heat. He needed to know how close the two had become. After all, it was possible that he had misunderstood the two.

He'd find out.

He looked at Argilla once more and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

xxxxx

Serph had found it excruciatingly difficult to maintain his happy façade. At times, he would totally forget his part and lose perspective of reality, taking off in a fantasy land where he would think of different ways in which to torture and kill Heat.

What nerve of him! He even had the audacity to befriend him in all the while, he was only interested in humping his wife. The thought made Serph grit his teeth and slam his fists on the dining table, startling his wife.

"Serph? What's wrong?" Her voice vocalized what her eyes only could reflect; fear.

"Nothing. I'm just tired." He was quite aware that he wasn't convincing, but right at that moment, he just didn't give a damn.

"Serph…please…tell me what's wrong…"

Serph looked intently into her eyes but said nothing. He got up from his chair and pulled her to her feet gently, embracing her and stroking her hair, "I believe in you Argilla."

Argilla's eyes widened, 'What does he mean?' Argilla couldn't put her finger on it, but she knew that something was off; something felt awry. And it involved Serph.

He pulled himself away from her to gaze into her eyes before closing them and pulling her into a tender kiss. He broke away soon after and started for the door, stopping just at the threshold, "I'll be back later this evening."

With those words, he slowly closed the door.

Argilla's eyes watered and she sat on the chair, burying her face in her hands. He knew. She just knew it. Serph knew about her and Heat, but he didn't react the way she imagined he would. He was calm and collected.

She knew what he meant. Serph wanted her to settle the affair. He wanted her to decide. But, she had already decided. She chose Serph. But, now that she thought more about it; the more confusing it was for her. She couldn't believe it herself. To an outsider, it would seem that the choice was very clear to make; to stay with the husband who generously provided for you. But, Heat wasn't an outsider or a stranger. He was a friend. She just couldn't pick one of them as if they were prize stuffed animals won from a carnival. But Serph had made himself clear; she was to decide.

Was she ready? She would have to be; just as Heat said, she would have to choose sooner or later. The time had finally come.

xxxxx

Argilla knew that she had to choose. She had to choose now. But she still couldn't do it. She cursed herself for being so weak. It was easy to choose Serph, but it was difficult to give up Heat. Heat was a part of her life. He was the closest thing she had to a best friend. And now, their history had been erased. Their history of friendship, camaraderie and bonding was decimated the very day they committed their sin. The two had succumbed to the temptation of the flesh.

Argilla twisted and churned the handkerchief in her hand as she waited nervously at the Maribel Café. She had asked Heat to meet her. It was a good opportunity for her to see him again as Serph had called in, busy, and was unable to fetch her. It was too good of an opportunity.

"Hey there…" a soft voice spoke near to her ear. She turned to see Heat, smirking behind her chair.

She smiled, "Hey…"

Heat took his seat across from her and immediately grasped her nervous hand, "I missed you…"

"Heat…" She breathed out his name; as a way to silence him. She knew what he felt about her, but she didn't need to be reminded of it. This had to stop.

"I know…I shouldn't…but…if…I mean…"

"Are you always this eloquent Dr. O'Brien?" Argilla chuckled, hoping to break the tense moment with humor.

Heat grumbled, "No fair!"

The two softly laughed and as quick as it came, as quick it had left, leaving the two in awkward silence.

"So…what's up?" Heat asked.

"I called you here…to talk…I didn't want to come to your condo; people might get ideas."

"And this isn't any less conspicuous?" Heat snorted.

"It's a public place; many interpretations, mainly innocent ones, can be drawn. You know what I mean!"

'Of course,' Heat thought, 'I mean, in public places, people come to rendezvous with friends, family, they simply relax and enjoy the view. No foul play. No hanky-panky. But, in condominiums, it could smell like sex.'

"That's an insult to my intelligence." Heat smirked.

"Heat…!" Argilla spoke in a desperate tone, "Why did you lie to Serph? Why did you bother to meet him?"

Heat's eyes widened at her impending accusation of lying to her husband square in the face, "What? No! Our meeting at the ball was purely incidental."

Her hopeful gaze told him that she demanded an accurate explanation. He sighed, "We bumped into each other at the bar…when he was getting you a drink. He apologized and I didn't know that he was your husband. I mean, I didn't want to make a fool out of myself by assuming that all people with silver hair were Dr. Serph Sheffield, renowned scientist.

"What was I supposed to say when he asked for my name?" Heat defended himself, "Hi! My name is Heat O'Brien! I'm your wife's lover!"

"Could you keep it down? You're close to making a scene!" Argilla whispered darkly.

Heat sighed and shrugged his shoulders, "I'm sorry Argi…maybe I should have come up with a more original name. But I didn't think I'd see him at the hospital. Why? Does he…suspect something?"

"I don't know…" Argilla shook her head sadly, "But, I do know that something is wrong. He's been acting irritable and melancholy for the last two days. He wouldn't tell me about it."

Heat shook his head, laughing softly. Argilla narrowed her eyes, "Is there something funny?"

"I'll say…This is what I'm talking to you about Argilla." he said seriously, his eyes fixed intensely at hers, "You can't have both of us. He probably suspects by now."

He cast his eyes on the table, "Do you know how much I want you right now? You can't imagine it Argilla. I want to feel you…I want to kiss you…but I can't. And here you are, keeping me hanging. Argilla…I…I don't know how much more of this I can take. Do you know what I felt when I saw you leave with him when he came to the hospital? I need to know where I stand Argilla. It isn't fair to me."

"Heat…" she trailed of sympathetically. She knew that he felt hurt, but it felt different when you were thinking about it as to when you actually saw it. Heat's face had a vulnerable look about him that made Argilla want to cradle him in her arms. She wanted to…she wanted to feel him and she wanted to touch him.

She loved him; that was clear. But, she needed to settle herself first before she did anything. The problem was that neither she nor Heat had time to ascertain these issues. Time was a luxury they cannot afford.

"I think that you better think it through soon Argilla…for all our sakes."

Heat rose from his seat and sauntered over to Argilla, giving her a peck on the cheek before turning to leave the café. Argilla sat there, motionless, not blinking, even after minutes of Heat's departure.

He was right.

xxxxx