A/N: Warning: There is a LEMON posted below. For Disclaimer, refer back to PROLOGUE
Chapter 10: Omega
It had been three months since her break up with Heat. It had been three months since she and Serph had patched things up. All was what was supposed to be. But for some reason, some elusive reason, Argilla found herself to be discontented.
She lay there, within her husband's arms; her eyes wide awake, in the dead of the night. She felt happy and warm just to be with him. But she knew that something was missing.
As a vision came to mind, all became clear. Heat. She missed him; he left without a word, as he had done so before. And as of before, he had run because of her. She wanted to set things right with Heat. She, as well as he, knew that they would and could never be together; at least, not in this lifetime. But, Argilla firmly believed that if they were to be forever apart, they must do so with peaceful hearts.
Heat was her best friend; it mattered greatly to Argilla. In all of the times that she had known him, this was Heat's most distressing problem. He ran from problems, never solving them.
What did she expect him to say? Practically nothing; but if he had something to say, he should. She would listen. If he wanted to scream at her and then say goodbye, then so be it.
She was going to find out where he had gone.
She was going to go to him.
She was going to tell Serph and ask for his permission to go. She trusted him. After all that had happened, keepings secrets and engaging in secret meetings would only destroy whatever relationship they had been having for the prior quarter of a year.
xxxxx
Heat hummed to himself as he walked through Sahasrara Memorial Hospital. The busy hallways provided a weird sense of comfort; comfort from a sense of familiarity.
He had been awfully busy from the last few months. Busy but still had a lot of fun. May had just started her semester break and was spending a lot of time with him. She had been taking him to the beautiful sights and sceneries of Sahasrara.
May wasn't just a sister to Heat. She was much more. She was his savior and redeemer. Without her, his life, he mused, would be deemed useless and futile.
It was then that his mind began to wander once more.
'I wonder how's she's doing…' he thought for a moment, pausing his stride for but a moment, only to resume it once more, 'She's probably the happiest woman in the world. I'm happy for her.'
As he thought the words, an unpleasant feeling began to poke through his chest. He didn't like it.
'What now?' he thought irritably.
He finally reached his office and sat down, taking a sip of the boiling hot cup of coffee that his assistant had made for him. He thought about Argilla once more, and then, he felt it again.
That feeling.
What was it?
He frowned as he remembered. He left without informing her. He just disappeared. If she felt anything for him, he would imagine that she would be hurt by his actions.
Who wouldn't? It was an insult.
He ran his hand through his fiery red hair and growled; he didn't mean to insult her. It was an instinctive reaction from him.
'If she knew me at all, she would have expected that.' he self-justified.
It was then that he caught sight of the phone on his desk. He desperately craved to touch it. He wanted to reach out and call her. He frowned once more. He couldn't. He shouldn't. She was happy now, and the last thing she needed was for him to ruin her life, not once but twice!
No, he wouldn't do that.
Then, would this feeling ever go away?
He scowled, 'Fat chance. Probably my karma for ruining relationships. Well, as long as she's happy. I can manage.'
xxxxx
Argilla prepared the breakfast table with outmost enthusiasm. She glanced at her watch; it was six forty five AM. Serph would be leaving in twenty minutes.
"Serph!" she called out cheerfully, "Breakfast is ready!"
She waited for a moment when she heard his reply.
"I'll be there in a sec!"
She smiled; it sounded that he was in a good mood. That was a good sign. It would mean that Serph had a good night's sleep. Serph could be such a baby when he hadn't had a nice sleep. He would brood all morning and just be plain unmanageable.
"So," she heard him say, "what's for breakfast? No poison I hope."
She chuckled, her back towards him, "Well, I'm not so sure about that. There's only one way to find out, is there?"
Her hands were arranging the slices of bread when another pair of hands wrapped themselves on her own. His body pressed against hers, his lips near her ears, "Hey…let's eat hm? I'm hungry."
The hair at the back of her neck stood. He was using that tone again. She hated that tone. Whenever he would talk like that, she would stand frozen on the spot. It sent tingles down her spine and through all of her veins.
She began to feel a burning sensation throughout her body as he pressed himself tighter against her, pressing her harder against the kitchen counter.
Hungry?
It was a rather peculiar choice of words, considering what she was feeling at the moment.
"Serph…" she moaned.
"What?" he whispered huskily.
"You're going…to…ahhh…" she closed her eyes involuntarily as he bit a jugular at her neck.
"Did you say something?"
"Serph…please…"
"Please what…?"
Argilla held his hands and pried his fingers from her body, turning to face him only to see a boyish grin on his face, "You're going to get late! Come on, let's eat."
She attempted to get past him, but he blocked her with both his arms, trapping her in between him and the counter, "Will you promise me a rematch later?"
She blushed, "I…"
"Well?" his silver eyes dove in her pink ones and she fell into its steely abyss.
"I…maybe." she said regaining her composure as she turned her gaze away.
"Hmph." She stomped her foot, "No fair. You always get to do that!"
"Do what?"
"That!!" she yelled, "You always do that; seduce me with those eyes and that voice of yours!"
Her tantrum was adorable to Serph. Argilla always had that air around her; that innocent and childish air. That was one of the reasons, among the obvious ones, why he enjoyed riling her up-why he enjoyed seducing her.
He broke into laughter, "You admit it! Ah! There is a God after all! I told you I was irresistible."
She pushed her way passed him, setting the tray she carried on the table, "Hmph. You hungry or not?"
Serph smiled and sat down, "I'm only kidding you know?"
Her antics never cease to amuse or amaze him. In his eyes, she was perfect in every way.
She smiled in return, "I know."
xxxxx
Argilla walked through the hospital hallway with a smile on her face. But, still, even with all her happiness, she felt as if something was off.
It was the walls themselves. They reminded her of him.
She was going to find him.
"Good morning Argilla!" a bright and cheerful voice rippled through the hospital walls.
She turned around to see Sam, "Sam! Just the person I wanted to see!"
Sam raised an eyebrow skeptically, "Really now? And why is that?"
"I need a favor."
Sam grinned, "I had a feeling you would. Lemme guess, you wanna know where Dr. O'Brien went."
Argilla put the edges of her fingers from both hands on both her cheeks, "Am I that transparent?"
"Nah. Just to me. Besides, it's only natural."
"What is?" Argilla asked, slightly annoyed.
"Closure. You wanna fix things with him permanently. Like I said, it's natural."
"Oh," Argilla agreed, "then, you'll do it?"
"I'm way ahead of you. I found out his address days ago."
"And?" Argilla asked, albeit too eagerly, "Well?"
"He's stationed at Sahasrara Memorial Hospital."
Argilla began to walk away, dazed, "Thanks Sam."
xxxxx
The evening fell upon Argilla quickly as she found herself by her porch, the sun setting in the horizon.
"Dinner's at seven."
Serph would be home soon.
She set her keys by the table at the foyer and hung her coat at the coat rack. It was five past six. She had better started.
xxxxx
"Argilla?" Serph called out to her from the foyer.
"Serph?"
Argilla came walking through the kitchen, "You're home early."
"Well," he gave her a mischievous grin, "you owe me."
She blushed and he walked over to her, putting both hands on her hips, "Or have you forgotten?"
"Really Serph." she shook her head, wriggling herself out from his arms, "Come on, dinner's ready."
He sighed. "Alright honey, I'll be there in five minutes."
"Okay then."
Serph proceeded to change; he was happy. He was glad that they were able to put all that awful memory where it belonged; in the past. Argilla seemed to be really happy as well.
He walked down, clad in black slacks, and a grey turtleneck top. He walked into the dinner table to find her already seated.
She smiled at him, "So, how's work?"
"It's fine. Well, as dandy as it could be with Beck breathing down my neck."
"Poor baby." she pouted.
"I know what can make me feel better though…" he winked suggestively.
She rolled her eyes in response, "Is that all you ever think about?"
Serph said noting but widened his grin instead, sending shivers down Argilla's spine, "Let's just eat."
"Whatever you want…"
xxxxx
Serph slept soundly that night, but Argilla lay awake. She kept thinking of Heat. Throughout the day, she had found leads that could tell her Heat's number. It was confidential information after all.
She turned to face Serph, shifting her weight and limbs. He looked so peaceful. Her smile disappeared and turned into a feigned look of displeasure as she recalled the last few hours' activities.
He had gotten what he wanted. And now, as he slept, she could finally admit it. Well, at least, to herself. She could finally admit that he simply was irresistible.
Flashback
Argilla sat in front of her vanity mirror, removing the hairpins that supported the two buns of hair on her head. She wore a black lacy gown that was cut above her knees. She was so preoccupied in untangling her disobedient hair that she hardly noticed Serph come in the room.
Only when she felt his warm hands on her shoulders did she notice him, "Serph!"
He chuckled and breathed her scent. Sakura Blossoms. Argilla always had an affinity for anything Japanese.
He gently massaged her shoulders and she involuntarily moaned, leaning further into his touch.
Suddenly, Argilla found herself being hauled by the waist, off the chair. She adjusted herself accordingly so that she faced him. They stood in the middle of the room, engaging in a warm caress and a passionate kiss.
Argilla felt herself being pushed towards their bed, and she obliged. She felt the edge of the mattress hit the back of her knees and she tumbled on the bed, with Serph on top of her.
Neither of them broke the kiss and Serph adjusted himself so as to straddle her hips. She moaned against his kiss. Serph's hand touched her knee and from there caressed the flesh of her hot creamy leg. He then traveled upwards under her nightgown, touching the flesh underneath, earning him a pleasurable grunt from his wife.
Argilla clutched Serph's polo as he cupped her plump breast. Running out of breath, she broke the kiss, whispering his name with her now hoarse voice, "Serph…"
As she broke the kiss, his lips sought her neck and collarbone. She moaned as he bit her. His hands now fiddled with the straps of her nightgown, setting it sliding off her shoulders. It fell from her skin and he gently removed it from her, freeing her flesh. There, she lay, with only her underwear. She blushed at the thought and she quickly plopped the buttons of his polo, granting her a view of his well toned chest. Serph pressed himself harder against her, her firm nipples against his chest.
Serph felt himself grow hard from their foreplay. He felt Argilla's hands wander under his pants. He groaned as she touched his flesh.
"Argilla…w-what…?"
She said nothing and continued to gently stroke his throbbing manhood. He abruptly stopped his kissing raids in her chest and relished on the pleasure that she gave.
Argilla hastened the pace of her strokes and she grinned in satisfaction as she felt him grow hard and stiff in her hand.
Serph, seeing as he will lose himself if she kept going, grasped her hand from his flesh and pinned both of her wrists above her head.
"That's enough…" he whispered.
She opened her mouth to say something but he didn't let her respond and he ravaged her lips once more. His lips were no longer tender as they were before, but now were demanding and rough. She gasped in his mouth. His hands were now charged with a new sense of urgency as he carelessly ripped her panties.
Soon, the two lay bare against each other. Serph parted her legs and plunged his stiff manhood in her tight passage. She screamed into his mouth and held on to his shoulders. Serph commanded a furious pace within her. Argilla could feel a primal need, a more primordial being within her husband.
He pounded in and out of her, roughly grabbing her hips. The floor creaked and the headboard slammed noisily on the wall. Argilla moaned uncontrollably as he continued his relentless assault.
Beads of sweat fell on Argilla's chest and she saw that they came from Serph's skin. She panted heavily; she didn't know how much more she could endure. The pleasure seemed to last for eternity, and yet, it never seemed to be enough. Serph felt the same.
His eyes had in them the same passion, the same fury that they had when they fought about Heat.
'It's not enough…' his thoughts screamed. He couldn't get enough of her.
As she lay there, beneath him, Serph felt a surge of power. He could feel her submissiveness and subservience. He owned her; she was his. He wanted to hear it. He wanted her to say it. He wanted her to scream it. He wanted her to believe it.
He was close now, and so was she.
"You're mine Argilla! Say it!" he commanded.
Argilla felt lost in the pyramids of emotions and pleasure as he thrust deep into her, and in her desperate will to comply, her words had come out choked, "I'm yours…!"
She was gone.
She let out a cry as she lost herself.
Serph gritted his teeth at the sound of her voice. Should he had not controlled himself there it was enough to make him ejaculate. But he couldn't just yet. But, he could only delay it for so long.
Serph knew the end was at hand, and with one final thrust, he let himself go within her. He collapsed unceremoniously on her.
The two panted and lay there, unspeaking. Their arms and bodies communicated what they both felt what words could not; absolute bliss.
Serph, lifted himself off her and looked into her eyes, "You belong to me…" he whispered darkly as he caressed her cheek, "Mine…"
Argilla didn't get the chance to respond as he locked his lips with her own. She held Serph to her and he tightly held her waist. Still in between her legs, she pressed herself against him, aware of the growing bulge of his manhood.
And so, the two began their love anew.
End Flashback
xxxxx
Argilla paced back and forth, waiting for Serph to come home. She had found out Heat's number, thanks to Sam. Now, she had everything she needed to see Heat; all but Serph's permission.
She wasn't going to leave without it. Argilla believed that Serph would understand. And she will respect whatever decision it may be. If he told her to not go, then she won't. She would then just try to block Heat from her mind. But, she just had to try. His refusal would be the worst case scenario. But she believed in him.
"Are you alright?"
His voice startled her, "Serph! You scared me!"
Serph raised an eyebrow, "You seem awfully jumpy the last few days. Is there something wrong?"
"Serph," she began, then paused, looking at the floor, "I have to tell you something."
Argilla could feel cold sweat building up within her. She knew exactly what to say; she just didn't know how to say it. Her Hands began to shake, but she dismissed it with all the strength she could muster.
She could see his face harden and she took his hand and led him into the living room.
"What's going on?" he asked firmly. Serph had a suspicion that he wasn't going to like whatever she had to say. He had a gut-wrenching feeling at the pit of his stomach. He frowned as he allowed himself to be led by the hand of his wife.
"Serph…it's about Heat." There. She said it. She anticipated that he would be upset. But, there was no other way around this. This was the only way.
Serph sneered, "What about him? Have you suddenly decided to leave me for him?" He didn't know where that came from; it was as if his mouth had just spoken without his mind's consent. He knew that he was being childish. He was being spiteful, but he couldn't help it. He had forgotten and forgiven whatever had transpired in the past, and here was his wife attempting to bring it back.
To say the least, Serph was confused. He was confused and he was insulted. The name of that repugnant oaf was enough to enrage him.
"No!"
Her immediate response caught him off guard. And in that moment, the childish part of him felt somewhat relieved; relieved that she indeed hadn't decided to leave him.
"Then?" he asked impatiently. If this wasn't about that, what was this about then? He felt confused and irritably curious. He wanted to just drop this seemingly stupid and useless conversation, but at the same time, there was a nagging voice inside of his head urging him to get to the bottom of what his wife had to say.
"I want to see him." she deadpanned. Her eyes were blank, her face expressionless. Serph just had to understand that she needed this. She didn't want it; she needed it.
She could see his eyes widen slightly before narrowing, "Preposterous." Serph could feel his blood boil at hearing her audacious words. The nerve of her to ask his permission to see her ex-lover. Serph was too tired at the moment to address this issue. He didn't want to make another mistake. He didn't want to end up doing or saying something to her that he will regret later on. So, he did what he had been doing for years.
He waved his hand off and started to stand. That was his classic pose for dismissal. Argilla wouldn't hear of it. She stood up after him, "I have to see him!"
He, who had begun to walk, stopped in his tracks and glared at her, "Why? So you could frolic around some more?"
"No! Would you just listen?" she pleaded. His cold silver eyes met her soft pink ones and he saw the look of desperation in them. They seemed to call out to him; to his soul. They seemed to shout out a hidden verse of pain. Her previous look of indifference had suddenly dissipated to be replaced by a facial expression with overwhelming emotions.
He sighed; her face had woken his own emotions as well; sympathy. She had won. He will hear her out.
Argilla saw the look in her husband's eyes and she inwardly smiled, "I want us to have closure. Every night that I sleep, I see his face."
He frowned, "I don't understand. What is there to have closure on? You told him that it was over. That is all that is needed. He told you that you are free to make your own choice and you made that choice!" Clearly, he was confused. Didn't that all settle what they had together? Why did she want to contact him again? Serph gritted his teeth in anger. There; he had heard her out. But, as before, he didn't like what he heard. And now, she must display him the same courtesy; she must hear him out.
He glared at her and walked back to her and grasped her arms, "I don't understand why you have to make this complicated! If you feel nothing for him, then why do you still think of him? Of what had happened?"
Argilla snatched her arms from his grip, "It's not what you think!"
"Damn it Argilla! What the hell do you want me to think? Do you really expect me to sit here quietly, twiddling my thumbs while thinking 'Oh! My wife's gone over to her ex-lover! I do hope she patches things up with him!' Well?!" he thundered and grabbed her arms once more, backing her towards the wall, "Is that what you want to hear? Don't toy with me woman!"
Serph was quite aware of what he was saying and doing. He was hurting her again, but this time, all feelings of sympathy and understanding had vanished out the window. She had hurt him with her proposal, and that deserved retribution.
Argilla sobbed at his words, her back sore from being slammed on the wall, "It's not what you think Serph…please…"
His grip tightened, "Then, what is it?" he whispered darkly.
Argilla swallowed a lump in her throat, "It's just that, Heat and I have been friends for years. I know that fate destined us to be apart, and I accept that. But, I just want that…if we're going to be apart, I want us to be on good terms. I don't want people to hold grudges against me. Please Serph…"
"…"
He said nothing, backing away from her and started walking once more. He understood what she had just said. She wasn't free of Heat. She was doing this to set things right. Why was it so hard to believe? Serph felt his chest slightly constrict at the thought. It was difficult to trust when you had been betrayed. But all the same, he understood her feelings. Argilla had always been like that. She always wanted to please everyone around her. She herself knew that that wasn't possible; after all, you can't please everyone. But she tried and still continued to do so.
If what she had said was true, then this issue was probably eating her up for a while now.
Argilla's eyes began to water, seeing her fear materialize. She watched him walk away from her, her sight slightly blurry from her unshed tears.
He stopped once more just before the staircase and muttered, "I'll go with you."
She smiled, wiping her tear away, "Thank you Serph."
xxxxx
Heat and May walked through the aisles of the grocery store. Heat felt awkward doing the shopping with May and protested from going with her. She, on the other hand, insisted that he be there, in the guise of having "Brother-Sister Bonding".
In Heat's opinion, the fact that they lived together, ate together, and talked were all enough bonding for him.
"May, do we really need all this stuff?" he asked, holding up buckets of different flavors of ice cream.
"Of course! I love those flavors!" Heat, pushing the trolley cart, walked behind May who was flailing her grocery list happily, 'Like a kid let loose in a candy store.' Heat thought, drawling and utterly not amused.
"May," he drawled, "these aren't healthy. Too much and you'll become a blimp."
May stopped in her tracks and turned to him, teary-eyed, "Are you saying I'm fat?"
Her voice had managed to grab the attention of nearby shoppers, who happened to be women. They glared at Heat's direction and he scratched his head innocently, "I never said she was fat."
They all glared at him before turning away.
He crossed his arms and feigned an angry pout, "Hey, would you stop that? You almost got me clobbered."
"Hmph," she stomped her foot, "serves you right for calling a pretty lady like me 'fat'!"
He slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand, "I never called you fat. I just pointed out that too much ice cream isn't healthy."
She smiled and stuck her tongue out, "You got to live a little Heat. It can't be just all work and no play. You're only young once. Besides, I don't want to end up like you; sure you look fine and all, but you're boring."
"Boring?" he asked, "Hey, I party a lot! It's just that I'm careful about what I eat!"
"Uh huh," she said, bored, "sure you do. But, you gotta admit, you're too uptight."
"I suppose so."
"I win."
"I suppose you do."
"Stop that!"
"Stop what?"
"That!!"
"What, pray tell are you talking about?"
"THAT!! You sound like a boring old English coot!"
He chuckled and she snorted, "I win May."
"Shut up Heat!"
They remained silent and then burst out laughing, "Let's get outta here May."
xxxxx
"Heat?" May knocked.
"What is it May?"
"Heat, someone was calling you at your cell phone."
"Did they say who they were?" Clearly, he wasn't really all that interested. The call was probably work-related or from cheap sluts who wanted his company.
"No. When I picked up the phone, they already disconnected."
"Thanks May. I'll check it out."
Heat didn't feel like doing anything at the moment. It was his day off and he just wanted to loaf around. He lay there, on his bed, thinking of her.
'I wonder if she's okay?'
His mind began to wander to the time when Serph had punched him. He frowned. It just meant that he knew about them. Would she be alright?
'Nah. Serph adores her. I'm sure she's fine.'
Then, his mind began to think of the time that they kissed in his condo, 'I wonder if she still thinks about me. Fat chance buddy.'
He groaned in frustration, 'I need a life.'
He got up abruptly, 'I'm tired of this self-pity crap.'
He walked out of his room and looked to find May glued on the TV. He smiled; she was the only one that kept him going.
Heat's eyes then wandered over to his cell phone that laid on the table. He walked towards it and picked it up. There was a missed call. He raised an eyebrow at what he saw; it was her number.
'Argilla was calling? But why?'
He debated over himself on whether or not he should return her call.
'I probably shouldn't. Besides, if it's important, she'd call again.'
With those thoughts settled, he walked over to May, "Hey booger. What's on?"
May rolled her eyes; booger was what he used to call her when they were little, "It's Dark Angel."
"Is it any good?"
May rolled her eyes again, "Stop trying to pretend to be interested Heat. Go bother someone else. Why don't you go to a bar or something?"
"I don't feel like it."
"Well, then, shut up and don't bother me. I like this show."
He chuckled, "Okay, okay! No need to be nasty on me."
He got off the couch and walked back to his room. She was right. He came back fifteen minutes later, "May, I'm going out for a while. I'll be home by ten ok?"
"Okay! Take care Heat!"
xxxxx
Heat pressed the woman up against the wall in her apartment. May had been right. He needed some air and the bar was the best place. It didn't take long, however, for him to pick up someone from there. Or rather, for him to be picked up.
The woman was attractive. She had long black hair up to her chest, had pale skin and dark blue eyes. She also had curves at all the right places. The woman giggled in his arms, 'So she likes it rough eh?'
Heat left her lips and traveled down on her neck. The woman moaned and suddenly, all became clear to him. This scenario was familiar somehow. He thought for a moment; he remembered now. It was an identical scene with Argilla at his condo months before. He sighed; what he wouldn't give to feel that once more. It was then that he realized something else. What was he doing there? What was he doing with this woman?
This was all a way to escape. He cursed himself. This wasn't fair. It wasn't right. He loved Argilla and longed for only her. Heat was using this woman. She was probably using him as well. But that wasn't what he should concern himself with. If she was indeed using him, he would not be party to it. But neither would he use her as a mere reliever.
No. He was better than that.
The woman felt him stiffen in her arms and she whispered, "What's wrong?"
Her dark blue eyes shone with curiosity and he shook his head, backing away from her, "I'm sorry. I can't…We can't do this."
"Ssshh…" she cooed, "Yes we can…just pretend that I'm her." Heat's eyes widened; so the woman had some amount of intuition. Heat closed his eyes once more and kissed her. He did what she told him and pictured Argilla in her stead. But then, in the end, he still couldn't do it. The woman kissed and touched him perfectly. That was the final blow that made Heat decide that this was all wrong.
It was all wrong because Argilla wouldn't do that. She would never kiss him or touch him the way this woman did.
"I'm sorry. I'm leaving."
The woman opened her mouth to protest but Heat wouldn't hear anything of it. He was sick of this. He wanted to leave, and so, he walked out the door, deafening himself from her retorts and foul language.
'Have some fun huh?' he snorted, 'That didn't feel like fun at all…'
When Heat had arrived home, May was already fast asleep. He glanced at her wall clock. It was twenty minutes past midnight. He smiled. May may be a young adult, but she still regained that small tinge of innocence. He walked over to her and bended, giving her his nightly forehead kiss.
He then retired to his own room. He lay there on his bed, thinking of the past. He really missed Argilla. He just hoped that she was finally happy.
xxxxx
"Well?" Serph asked irritably, "Did you manage to contact him?"
"No, he wasn't picking up. I'll try again tomorrow."
Serph scowled, walking towards their bed, "I don't even know why I consented to this."
Argilla remained silent and watched as he buried himself under their sheets. He was probably tired. She understood his moods better now.
"Aren't you getting to bed?" he asked impatiently.
"I'll be there in a minute." she responded, walking towards their closet.
She rejoined him a minute later and she noticed that he kept to himself. He occupied his half of the bed and made no move to move closer to her. In fact, it was as if he was trying to keep away from her. She bit her bottom lip; she knew he was hurt and probably insulted. But he would have been even more insulted should she had not sought his counsel in her plan.
Argilla scooted over to him and embraced his back. He remained silent and unmoving. But, even still, she felt him relax in her arms. She smiled, "Thank you for everything Serph…I love you…" she whispered before closing her eyes.
Serph felt her sigh; he felt her breathing slow. She was asleep. A shadow of doubt continued to linger in the back of his mind. Why was she doing this? Why now? Why when everything was perfect?
He knew that she loved him. He sighed. This was what she had decided. He had no choice but to support her. She deserved his trust.
xxxxx
The day had worn itself out quicker than Argilla had previously anticipated. She had hoped of being utterly busy at work that she wouldn't have time to call Heat. Fat chance. She now sat at home, looking at her cell phone. A part of her wanted to quickly scoot over to it and dial his number while the other part procrastinated. It was that half that was afraid of what she might hear from him. What if he refused? Her other half rose to reason out; if he refused, then she could walk away happy. No regrets and no grudges. She held her piece and that was all there was to it. She had done what she was obliged to; it wasn't her fault if he couldn't accept even that.
Then, she bit her bottom lip in worry; it was her fault to begin with why he became like that (should he refuse). Did that mean that she had to exert more effort in the restoration of their friendship?
She shook her head. Why was she even contemplating on such scenarios? Her imagination had run away with her again. She hadn't even called him yet!
"That's it. This is getting really annoying. I'm calling him now."
She grabbed the phone without further words, blocking out the two conflicting voices in her head and dialed his number.
"Heat…?" she whispered.
"Argilla? Is that you…?"
"Yes, it's me…"
"…What is it? Is there something wrong?"
Argilla gathered her thoughts for a second; so far so good. He hadn't disconnected as yet. But, there was something in his voice that she caught. It was as if he hesitated. But that was only natural right? Seeing as this was one of the most awkward things to do.
"No…it's just that…Heat…we need to talk."
Her voice sounded serious and for a while he didn't respond. Argilla could feel the very fiber of her confidence dwindling away as she laid her proposal. Her heart began to race as the voice in her head began to shout "I told you so!" mantras in her head.
Her fear was laid to rest when he finally spoke, "About what? We…discussed all that there is to discuss Argilla. You made your choice and I'm fine with that. I don't really want to cause any more complications in your life and mine."
Argilla felt her tears roll down her cheek at hearing his words, "I see."
She neither cried nor sobbed, but remained in her unfazed composure.
"Heat. You know that it's not me not to settle things completely right?"
"…"
His lack of response told her to continue, "You know that you left without even a goodbye. I want to settle things with us permanently. I can't sleep at night thinking of what I should or could have done…please Heat. I need to see you."
"…" She sat there, literally at the edge of her seat, waiting for his reply. Argilla resisted the strong urge to bite her fingernails.
"You win Argi."
She automatically let out the breath that she was unaware even holding, "Thanks Heat. I promise I won't take up anymore of your time than necessary."
He chuckled, and hearing his chuckle made her smile.
"You don't have to be so formal Argi. Besides, you know you're always welcome with me."
"Thanks Heat."
"Very well, I'll fly over to Karma City in two days. We can talk then."
"Heat…thank you. But, where in Karma City?"
He chuckled once more, "Where else? At Maribel Café."
She smiled, "Alright. I'll see you there. Bye."
The phone went dead. She felt mixed emotions at the moment. She felt happy that she had succeeded in the first part of her plan, but now, seeing him face to face once more…That was a different case. They both knew that things would never be the same and seeing him would be most inappropriate. But it had to be done.
"This would set things right."
xxxxx
"I contacted him today."
Her statement had frozen Serph on his tracks.
"And?"
"He…is coming over in two days. We're to talk at the Maribel Café."
She pouted at his lack of response. He merely walked over to their bed and got under the covers. She looked at him and saw him wearing his reading glasses and reading a book. She could tell that he wasn't in a conversational mood. She slowly and cautiously moved towards the bed. She carefully got on it, as to not disturb him. She debated on herself whether or not she would say anything at all.
"Goodnight Serph."
"Hn…"
'Well, at least he said something rather than another insult.'
She let out a deep breath; for a while there, it seemed that their relationship had diminished once more. She shut her eyes tightly; 'No. Every marriage has these sorts of problems. We'll work them out after my business with Heat is done.'
xxxxx
Argilla walked nervously through the hallways of the building. She hadn't been here in a while. She frowned at that thought. It was very negligent of her; negligent and ungrateful. She stopped walking in front of a white door.
She held her breath for a few moments and released it slowly, grasping the doorknob in her hand, while bringing her other hand, balled in a fist and knocking softly on the door.
"Who is it?" a coarse and low voice asked from the other side.
Argilla bit her bottom lip and answered, "It's me…mama…"
She waited for a few seconds and no reply came. Her heart pounded in nervousness when the voice spoke once more, "Come in…"
Argilla at once released the breath that she herself did not know she was holding and turned the knob gently. She opened the door timidly and poked her head inside to see her mother, sitting on her armchair, staring at the warm fire of her fireplace.
"Argilla, what's wrong?" she asked without turning to face her daughter.
Argilla's eyes became glazed with unshed tears as she beheld her mother. The woman's eyes were dull and relinquished any vibrancy that they once held. Her shoulders were slouched slightly, and her arms, thin and bony, like a defeated being who awaited death as her final repose. Her face was drained of color and was deathly pale with pointy cheekbones protruding impetuously from her face. Her hair was thin, no longer silky and fiery like her daughter's and was in the hue of a dull pink.
But, nonetheless, her warm smile illuminated her ashen face, giving her the maternal and ethereal glow that one would think of not being possible at one's age and state of being.
"Ma…I…I'm sorry…" Argilla stated, her voice quivering.
"For what?"
"For not being here…" she choked, bringing her hand to over her lips.
"For not being here…?" her mother asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
Argilla nodded and dared to walk towards her. She stopped right behind her and put a hand on her shoulders, "I'm here now mom…"
Her mother said nothing but laid a palm on her daughter's hand, "I understand Argilla…you have your life now. Your priority is there."
Slowly, Argilla's mother rose from her chair to fully look at her daughter, "Come now Argilla, why the tears?" She smiled warmly at her daughter and opened her arms towards her. Argilla smiled, amidst her tears and embraced her mother, "Mom…thank you…"
"For what?"
"For being the best mom…"
She smiled, running her wrinkly old hands through her daughter's soft and silky pink locks, "What's the matter Argilla?"
"Mom…I came to tell you something…"
She broke from her daughter's embrace and motioned for her to take the armchair while she lay on the bed.
"Mom…I have a problem…"
She nodded in Argilla's direction. She had always known when Argilla was struggling with something, may it be something physical or emotional.
"Serph and I…hadn't been getting along well the past few months…"
She said nothing and nodded, urging her daughter to continue.
After a good half an hour, Argilla had told her everything.
"Mom…I…I'm sorry. I never meant to bring dishonor…"
Argilla's mother looked at her with nothing but love and understanding in her eyes. None of the contempt that she had previously imagined her giving her was present. Argilla was greatly relieved.
"Argilla," she began, "no one has the ability to undo what has been done in the past. Whatever faults or crimes you may have committed will so remain in the past. But, the only thing you can do now, is to correct them. I know that you have decided to do what you have done without the intention of harming anyone. Now, your life as well as Serph's is fine. I also understand your need to speak with Heat."
She paused for a while and took a sip of her cup of tea by her bedside, before continuing, "Serph has every right to be angry and upset. But, once everything has been set right, he will see that it was for the best."
"Mom…"
"Come here sweetie…" she gently beckoned Argilla to her side, "Everything's going to be alright…"
"Thanks mom…"
xxxxx
Heat walked somberly through Karma City's streets. He was currently headed towards Maribel Café. He was going to see her once last time. Well, it was for the best, so that these feelings of guilt and whatnot would leave them alone. He saw only her smiling face. She truly was beautiful to his eyes. But then, May's pestering voice pierced through his mind like a nail being mercilessly hammered through an unfortunate piece of wood.
He remembered her words.
Flashback
"You're going to Karma City? For how long?"
"Just for a day and a night. Don't worry oneechan. I'll be back soon. This is something that I have to do."
"It's about Argilla isn't it?" she asked knowingly.
Heat stopped his packing for a while and looked at her in the eyes, "Yeah it is."
"Heat…why are you…?"
"It's not what you think May. We're to talk to…let go and get back to our separate lives. It's…goodbye basically."
"I see…I understand."
Heat resumed his packing and she spoke again, "Heat? Whatever you do…don't fall in love with her a third time. Just accept this…and let it go."
"…"
End Flashback
He walked into the café and looked around. It brought many fond memories. Memories that he did not wish to remember. He didn't want to stay there. His feet wanted to just turn around and run. But, he promised himself that after this, everything would be as they were. All he had to do was sit through this.
He scowled inwardly. How ironic. How could a place filled with so much fond memories be a place of suffering?
"May I help you?"
The voice of a waitress broke him from his trance, "Yes, I would like a table…for three."
Three? Heat had decided that perhaps Serph would join them. He sneered; that would be a sight to see. The picture that his mind was providing him was so wrong that he couldn't find the words to begin describing it. It would be just like during the inauguration ball, only now, there was no more room for pretend. No more masks, no more pseudo names.
Heat had told the waitress to arrange a place where it had privacy. The waitress led him into the corner of the café which was meant for families. Heat looked around his surroundings; it was perfect. It was large enough for five people, had a warm and elegant ambience thanks to the dark wood furniture spiced up with Japanese ornaments and Japanese shoji doors.
Heat smiled; Argilla was the one who introduced him to this café. She always liked Japanese designs. No wonder she liked this place. Heat seated himself on the chair and glanced at his watch. It was exactly six PM. He was right on time. All he had to do was wait for them.
xxxxx
Argilla sat in the car nervously. Serph wasn't ignorant to her silent yet poorly-hidden behavior. It was irritating him.
"Would you stop that?"
The tone of his voice shot through her barrier of fantasy and she immediately looked at him, stopping her fidgeting.
"I'm sorry."
Serph sneered, "Don't bother. Just get in there, do what you came to do and get out."
Argilla tilted her head in confusion, "Aren't you…going to join us?"
"…No." he replied, unfazed yet his voice sounded irritated.
"Why not?" Was he angry at her? She thought that they had already decided to go together.
"I have no business with Heat. I never told you but, we met up at Sahasrara three months ago."
Argilla's eyes widened. This happened? When? She thought back for a moment and then remembered the time that Serph had given a speech at Sahasrara University. That must have been the time.
"I told him whatever I wanted to say, and he did the same. There's no need for me to be there."
"But…"
"I trust you."
Serph's words had brought a smile on Argilla's face. For the past two days, she had only experienced worry and apprehension from thinking of Heat and a sense of fear and awkwardness. But now, she felt renewed hope. He still trusted her. And because of that, she fell in love with him all over again.
The car came to a gentle stop in front of the café. Argilla held her hands together in anxiousness. This was it.
"I'll pick you up in two hours."
His voice snapped her out of her daze.
"It won't take that long Serph."
"Then, give me a call and I'll come and get you."
She smiled and pecked him on the cheek, "Thank you Serph."
"I'll see you later." His blank and expressionless response, however, did little to deter her from her renewed vigor.
"Where will you go Serph?"
Genuinely, she was curious.
"I think I'll stop by the lab for a while. I have to check upon one of the subjects anyway."
Serph gazed at her and saw that she had unsure and worried eyes. He held her hand, "Don't worry about me. Just do what you came to do. I'll be fine."
"Alright."
xxxxx
When Serph had finally given his consent and support to Argilla's meeting with Heat, it was suffice to say that he had done so with the outmost amount of resistance and reluctance.
No matter how Argilla had reasoned to him that it was for the best, it still didn't sit quite right with Serph; after all, it was highly awkward for the husband to escort his wife to meet her ex-lover.
Serph cursed.
Was that the real reason why he was displeased with this arrangement? Because he felt awkward?
Or was it because he once again felt threatened by Heat?
He frowned; he agreed with the latter rather than the former.
But then, he took several deep breaths as he sped through the streets and tried to relax himself. He was here, en route to his lab while she was there; with him.
Serph was never going to know what will have transpired between them truly. All he had to count on would be her word; her honest word. He really had to think; it was the lack of communication and the lack of trust that have torn them apart before. And now, with this situation with Heat, it was threatening to do the same as he felt emotions of distrust towards her float freely on his mind.
No.
He mustn't repeat the same mistake.
He had to trust her. She deserved that much at least.
xxxxx
Heat's eyes glued themselves on Argilla as she seated herself in front him. She wore a sunny white dress with spaghetti straps adorned with yellow patterns. The dress was simple enough but it hugged her figure quite perfectly. Her hair wasn't in its usual two Chinese buns, but was in one messy bun. Heat felt blood rush into his face.
She always had this effect on him.
He shook his head, remembering May's words, 'Don't fall in love with her a third time.'
"Hey Argi; it's been a long time." He flashed a cocky grin. He missed her so much. Her warm smile brought fuzzy feelings in his chest. Suddenly, he remembered that she was here in behalf of her marriage, and so his head whipped around surveying the area.
"Are you looking for someone?" Argilla asked.
"Erm, where's your husband?" Heat asked, confused.
"He… He told me that he doesn't have any business with you…so…he'll just pick me up when we're done."
"I see…"
"Heat…I love this spot that you picked out." Argilla said truthfully, appreciating the ornaments around her.
Heat scratched his head and grinned sheepishly, "Well, it's not me so much. The waitress suggested this place. I wanted to have a private place to talk…so, I asked whether they had something like this and voila!"
"Heat…?" The sound of her voice erased any fuzzy feelings within Heat as he remembered and was clearly reminded of their business here.
"…?"
"Serph told me that you two met up months ago; at Sahasrara…What happened at Sahasrara? Did Serph say something to you?"
Heat raised an eyebrow, "You didn't know about that? I thought he told you; well, I assumed he told you."
"Told me what?"
"Well, it's no biggie really. We just had a man to man talk."
The expression on Argilla's face told Heat that she wasn't convinced. His hands were flying up in all sorts of gestures and yet no coherent words came from him.
"…And?" Argilla asked, egging him on.
"Well, let's just say that his fist was a more effective talker than his mouth."
Argilla's hand flew to her mouth, "He hit you?" she whispered.
"Well, it couldn't be avoided Argi. So, well, yeah he did."
"I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. Believe me when I say that I understand why de did it and I understand how he was feeling…"
The air between them grew silent once more, "Argilla." he began in a serious tone, his red eyes pouring into hers, "Why am I here?"
"Heat…" She looked uncomfortable to him. She kept fidgeting with the table napkins, her eyes averting his gaze.
Heat looked at Argilla with eager eyes.
"So, what's this about?"
"Heat…why did you run? You didn't even say goodbye…"
Her eyes were filled with sadness and he couldn't bear to look into them, "Argi…you know me…I…I'm not good with words. I figured that when you said what you said and made your choice, I…I thought that there was nothing more to talk about. I figured that you wanted me out of your life…so I bailed."
"Heat…I would never…"
"Never what…?" his voice sounded hopeful and Argilla didn't wish to drive him through the same road of false hope.
"I would never tell you to…do anything you wouldn't want to. If you wanted to leave, then do so…but at least, let me know."
"I just didn't think that it would affect you this way."
"Well, it did Heat! You're a special friend…"
"I'm sorry…"
"I think I understand Heat." she whispered sorrowfully, closing her eyes and balling her hand into a fist. She opened her eyes once more after a few moments and took a sip of her tea and he noticed that her hands shook as she held her cup.
"Argi…what's up? What am I doing here again? I can't…I mean…this is really aloof for me."
"Heat…I just want to settle things with us. I know that we could never be…but at least I want to know that there are no hard feelings. You're right; I do know you and I should have expected that…but you should also know me. With what you've done, I felt awful; more awful than what I felt when we…"
He nodded in understanding and she continued, "I wasn't able to sleep at all since you left. It's my fault I know…but I wanted to talk to you before you left."
"Well, forget all that. I'm here now. So, what did you want to say?"
"I wanted to tell you so many things that day…but…I just couldn't. I don't know why I was so afraid to tell you. It was just that, maybe I was afraid that it might all seem so fake to you; that it might sound as if I was just trying to make you feel better or worse, that it sounded as if I was rubbing salt in your wound."
She shook her head and closed her eyes, "That's why I didn't…I couldn't…"
Argilla opened her eyes at the feeling of someone holding her hand; she looked at her hand and saw Heat grasping it tightly. Her eyes met his and she saw one of his most endearing smiles. She returned his smile.
"Go on Argi."
She nodded, "I want to say…thank you, for everything. You are a very special person to me Heat. You're one of my closest friends, if not, my best friend. It just pained me to no end that we have to be separated like this. I also wanted to tell you that…I don't regret what happened to us. Maybe it was just destiny. But…I also want you to be happy Heat. And if being apart is the best solution for us to be happy, then so be it. But…" She let out a feigned laugh, "I don't want you to depart without letting you know of how much I care for you.
"I don't want you to think that I was using you to spite Serph. I wasn't. If things were different…perhaps…then…"
She let out a heavy sigh, "Well, you can imagine how much could have changed between us if I weren't married right? Heat…I just don't want you to hold any grudges against me…"
"Argilla I would never do that to you…"
She held his hand tighter, "I know…because you told me now…but if you weren't here to tell me that…then, I'd never really know for sure. The guilt would eat me up and I wouldn't know what to do or where to find you. I had just been lucky that I was able to find you."
Heat flashed a toothy grin, "What did I tell you before Argi?"
Argilla gave him a confused look and he chuckled, "You'd never lose me Argi. Never. Like you said, we weren't meant to be and that we deserve some time apart, maybe we'd meet up someday or maybe we won't but…the important thing is that…you know that I would never hold anything against you. I love you remember? That's why I'm letting you go; because you're happiest with Serph. You are one of my inspirations in life Argi. I'll be forever thankful of that. And I'll be honest; I love you so much, that it hurts. But," he grinned once more, "this is the way it's supposed to be right? So, then…let's live our lives."
"Heat…thank you."
"Anytime Argilla. Anytime."
Heat gazed at Argilla, seeing her face filled with hope and relief, her eyes sparkling, made him feel contented as well.
"Well, Argi," he started, standing up, "I have to get going. I have a plane to catch. May is waiting for me after all."
Argilla stood up as well, "Your sister?"
He nodded, "The little booger's graduating next semester from Sahasrara Karma University."
"I'm so happy for her. Give her my regards won't you…?" she whispered, letting a tear roll down her cheek. Heat wiped it away with his finger, feeling her soft skin, "Don't do that Argi…" he whispered, "don't cry."
"I'm sorry. I just can't help it."
"When you need me, you know where to find me." Heat tore his gaze from hers and put the payment on the table, "This is really it huh?"
Argilla nodded.
Heat smiled a bittersweet smile, "Goodbye Argilla."
"Goodbye Heat."
He then walked over to her and embraced her tightly. Neither spoke and after a few moments, he broke away from her arms and wordlessly walked out of the café, without looking back.
Argilla felt a part of her break but at the same time, she felt a part of her restored. She smiled at his retreating figure and as she did, she heard her phone ring. Serph was outside.
She quickly gathered her things and motioned for the waiter to take the bill.
xxxxx
"How did it go?" Serph asked, his voice calm, as he walked into their home. Argilla quirked an eyebrow, slightly surprised that he had suddenly decided to speak. Serph, whilst in their car had said not a word to her, and she, knowing full well as to his displeasure of her rendezvous with Heat had not questioned him about it.
And now, feeling as if his discomfort had lessened, if not dissipated, Argilla felt confident to answer his question.
"It went…" she looked at the window and into the clouds, "fine."
"Argilla…"
"Serph…I love you…" Argilla replied hastily, and spontaneously, cutting off whatever it was her husband had wanted to say.
Serph was surprised at her sudden declaration of affection and not the slightest offended in her interruption of his speech. He smiled. The three words she spoke laid all of his fears and doubts in his mind and heart to rest. She walked over to him and embraced him. He said nothing but just returned her token of affection.
She looked up at him, "I choose you…"
Her words were carefully breathed out as Serph was transfixed on her luscious lips as she did so.
He looked longingly in to her eyes, his lithe fingers lightly tracing the lines of her jaw before leaning down towards her and capturing her lips in a tender kiss.
xxxxx