A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, WAFF, FLUFF, LIME

Chapter 4: Transgressing the Threshold

Argilla walked the streets of Muladhara feeling nothing but warm and fuzzy feelings within her chest. She smiled as she walked along the tall buildings. She had just finished her training exercises and was now walking to meet Heat at the lounge.

That was right.

After their revelation about each other's problems a month passed, the two had opened their friendship for all to see. No longer confined within the dark embrace of darkness or within the gloom of night's twilight, the two braved the world, together.

She remembered though, the strange pact that they had made a few weeks prior.

*Flashback*

"You should stop acting like a damn woman!" Heat growled impatiently, placing a hand on his hip as he loomed over her seated body condescendingly.

She growled in return and looked at him with blazing eyes, "What do you know of it?! I am a woman!"

He rolled his eyes, "Do you really think that by crying that you would get him to swoon over you?"

She narrowed her eyes at him and stood, "Well, what about you huh?! Mister High and Mighty! Do you really think that by sitting here, drowning yourself in stupid self-pity would get your woman to switch sides and get on your lap?!" she half-yelled, angry.

Heat's eyes narrowed into slits and he leaned closer to her, whispering dangerously, "Don't you ever…ever talk to me about her in that way…"

She tilted her chin up defiantly, her pink orbs taunting him, "Well then, I suggest that you don't give me your shit for advice. Got that?" she finished, searching his eyes.

She could see that he was taken aback by her outburst that he remained momentarily stupefied before returning to his usual cold posture and took a step back, "Don't worry ma'am. You won't hear it again."

He turned his back from her and started to walk out on her. She panicked; she had gone too far…

With lightning speed, she ran to him and grabbed onto his arm, hugging his limb to her chest, "Please don't go…" she pleaded; her voice shaky.

He stopped, much to her glee, and sighed, saying nothing.

"Please…" she whispered again.

"All I'm saying is that you have your whole life and your career to look forward to Argilla. Don't waste it. Don't be like me." he told her truthfully.

Argilla blinked and held onto the arm for a bit longer before walking in front of him, his hand in hers. She looked at him with empathic eyes while he, in turn, looked at her bemusedly. She smiled weakly and nodded, "You and I are the same Heat…Didn't you say that you didn't want to be alone anymore…? Well…I don't want to be alone anymore either…You're a comrade; but more importantly, you're my friend."

She then looked at both of his hands and took them in hers, giving them a firm and warm squeeze, before returning her gaze to his, "Friends help each other Heat…That's what friendship is; we help each other to get over problems…And right now…you and I are within that same problem."

Her hand traveled from his hand to his face, cupping his cheek affectionately, "I don't want to fight it alone…"

He looked within her eyes and there, he leaned in, whispering, "You won't have to…I'm here."

She smiled at him and said nothing more.

*End Flashback*

It was shortly after that they had told one another the details of their troubled relationships with Sera and Serph…

Argilla smiled again.

And that was also the time that they had vowed to support one another in order to get over their turmoil. They both agreed that they would always continue to love both Serph and Sera…Nothing would ever change that…

But…in the midst of that, they also agreed that they would stop wallowing in self-pity and move on. There was no other way than forward…

Argilla was glad; she may not have been able to decide that on her own. It was all thanks to Heat.

*Flashback*

"No more of that crying shit; alright?" he asked her, smirking.

Argilla grinned at him, "Nope. None of that. And as for you, I don't want to hear anymore of your 'Love Sucks' phrases!"

He rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

*End Flashback*

That was why she had been so happy. This was a new chapter in their lives; and they were glad that along the way, they found one another.

Argilla repressed the sudden urge to add another skip to her walk as she neared the lounge. It had been a surprise to her when she had received his call, asking her to meet him there. Well, of course, she had said yes without hesitation.

She arrived at the lounge a few minutes later. Standing by the door, she looked for the familiar plop of red hair. Narrowing her eyes a bit so that her eyes could focus, she turned left and right, "Ah…there he is." she muttered happily.

She found him seated on a chair by the wall, sipping his drink. She raised an eyebrow; being a sharpshooter, she was well known for her extraordinary eyesight. Yup. No doubt about it; he was having an alcoholic beverage.

She walked over to him and plopped down comfortably on the chair across from him and gave him a scolding look, "Alcohol in the afternoon?"

He shrugged, "So? I'm off duty."

Argilla rolled her eyes, "Did you forget? We're on sentry duty at midnight."

He shrugged again, "So? It's 1600 hours. I have enough time to get drunk, have a hangover and then get sober." he finished, grinning at her.

Argilla leaned back as she made a face, "Oooookay…But the regulations state that there should be at least an interval of twelve hours…"

Heat grinned at her again, "You worry too much mum." he said, interrupting her.

Argilla's eyes widened, "Don't ever call…me…mum…!" she said, shivering.

Heat chuckled, "Sure thing mum…" She glared at him and he sweat-dropped, "I meant, ma'am."

xxxxx

Argilla crossed her arms and tapped her fingers and her foot impatiently as she waited for Heat. She growled and rolled her eyes in irritation. If only the idiot had listened to her…

Not long after her arrival at the lounge, did he continue his "drink"; which ended up as a contest for who was best at withstanding alcohol. A contest that he waged against himself. He lost of course.

Needless to say, Heat had gotten himself very, very drunk.

That was why she had ordered him to have glass after glass of water; to dilute the alcohol from his system. She grinned though how he futilely fought against her nosy hands, trying to swat them away from him as she forced water down his throat.

She laughed lightly at the memory; he had been so drunk that nothing coherent passed through his lips save for slurs and curses.

She had repressed the strong urge to slap him at that moment.

That was why she had dragged him all the way to his bedroom. He had already drunk too many glasses of water that Argilla was confident that he would be sober in no time.

She had lain him on his bed gently; well, as gently as she could and was about to leave when he called out to her, telling her that he needed to relieve himself. She could remember herself blushing at that moment at not understanding his request.

Did he mean for her to assist him in the lavatory itself or merely just to assist him in getting to his feet?

Thankfully, it had been the latter, rather than the former.

That was why she stood there, with her back leaning on the wall, tapping her fingers and foot impatiently.

He came out a minute later, slightly stumbling on his feet. Argilla growled as she immediately flew to his side and had an arm around his waist, the other hand grabbing his arm and putting it around her shoulders as support.

She growled at him, "That's the last time that I'm ever going to let you drink that much ever!"

He said nothing but groaned.

She huffed and puffed vexingly as she staggered with him to get over his bed. Reaching their destination, she let his body drop on the mattress like a rock, not caring in the least if he were uncomfortable.

She sneered, 'I don't freaking care if he's uncomfortable! Lousy creep…!'

"Thanks…" she heard him mutter.

She rolled her eyes, "You're welcome."

"Listen, it's 1800 hours. You have six hours to get sober; and god damn it, I'll kill you if you're still drunk by then! I'll come back for you at around 2200 hours. Alright…?" she stopped as she saw that he was no longer responding and was deathly quiet.

Tiptoeing towards him, she leaned down and inspected him closely; she made a sour face. He was fast asleep.

She snorted and turned to leave when she stopped and looked back at him. He was lying on his stomach and had his arm folded right on his chest while the other one dangled helplessly.

She frowned; his arms would be stiff and numb and sore…if she let him sleep this way…Giving in to the annoying, albeit persuasive voices in her head, she walked up to him again and flipped him on his back, straightened his arms on his sides. When she was done, she looked at his overall appearance and again, shook her head.

He was still in his uniform.

Sighing, she made to remove it from him, slowly, piece by piece leaving him in only his boxers. Doing away with his uniform, she set the gray apparel on his chair and looked back at him.

Her pink eyes widened and blood rushed to her cheeks as she saw his bare chest.

'When did that happen?' she thought nervously.

'It happened when you undressed him dumb bitch!' her inner self yelled.

"I'm hanging around Heat too much…" she said, sweat-dropping, noting closely the potty mouth that her inner self had conveniently learnt through her conversations with Heat.

Focusing on her half naked friend once more, she felt a lump within her throat as she beheld his hard muscled chest…

'I…'

'Looks tasty ne?'

Argilla stiffened; "Okay…that's enough…!"

Wanting to distract herself from his inviting body, she looked at his face next. She didn't have much luck either…His fiery red hair were tousled and covered parts of his eyes…Entranced, she sat on his bed and unconsciously ran her hands on his face, and then, letting her fingers travel upwards, towards his forehead, brushing the renegade locks of crimson hair aside to reveal to her his whole face.

The lump in her throat became bigger as she now had a good look over his features.

"He is so…handsome." she told herself, whispering.

She immediately slapped her palm over her mouth as her words left her lips. Stupefied at what she had just said, she immediately stood up when suddenly, she heard him speak, "Don't go…" he whispered.

"Heat…" she said, her voice uncertain. She was uncertain of what to make of things…One moment her feet were firmly on the ground, and the next thing she knew, she was being sucked within a vortex of endless sensation and unknown emotion.

"Don't go…" he repeated, this time, taking her by complete surprise as his hand grabbed hers in a tight grip.

Argilla wanted to slap him to get him to come to his senses! He was still asleep, for Christ's sake!

But…on the other hand, she wanted to do what he asked of her…She wanted to sit by his bedside and continue to ponder over him.

It was strange though…that as she continued to stand there, by him, she hadn't even thought about Serph. No. There was no Serph there. Just her…

'And my oaf of a partner.' she finished, with a sneer.

'That's right. Heat's a friend. Nothing more.' she told herself decidedly.

"Don't leave…" he whispered again.

Argilla stiffened; should she go…? Or stay?

Her answer was revealed to her as she heard what passed through his lips next.

"Don't…Sera…"

She stood there, completely stupefied…and hurt. She blinked; she didn't even know why she felt hurt! Heat was not her boyfriend! Or her lover! He was just a friend! Damn it! It wasn't supposed to hurt!

Her face crumbled and her eyes became dull for but a moment, before she shrugged off the feeling and grinned at him, "I'll be back at 2200 hours Heat. Don't do anything stupid like falling off the bed until then!" she teased him, although she full well knew that he would not respond due to his state of severe intoxication.

xxxxx

Heat snapped awake and groaned; there was a slight throbbing in his head…but it was slight. He supposed that he ought to thank Argilla for that. If it weren't for her and her consistent nagging, he wouldn't have gotten away from his severe intoxication with a mere slap on the hand but a mind-blowing hangover.

He slowly sat up and looked at the clock on his nightstand. It was half passed 2100 hours. He sighed; she should be there soon. Wait…did she say that she was coming back for him at 2200 hours? Or was it 2300 hours?

He shrugged, "Who cares? I'll be ready when she gets here." he said aloud, yawning a bit.

Stretching and cracking his muscles and knuckles, he hopped out of the bed and proceeded to the showers.

He wrinkled his nose as the stench of alcohol attacked his olfactory nerves.

He stripped himself of his…Wait…

He looked at himself and saw that he was clad only in his black boxers. He grinned, 'She must've changed me. Who would've thought that ma'am was a pervert?'

He stripped himself completely bare and turned the faucet, letting the hot water run through his skin freely. He grunted at the soothing feeling when a thought suddenly ran through his mind, 'I wonder if she liked what she saw…'

He mentally slapped himself, 'Damn bitch.' he cursed internally; where had that come from? Shrugging, he focused himself on the bath once more…when he suddenly recalled something else…Ah, his dream.

He couldn't really recall it properly…All that he could remember was feeling absolute bliss…With that encouraging thought, he willed his mind to remember.

He kissed the woman in his arms arduously, passionately. She giggled within his mouth and tried to speak but he wouldn't let her…After what felt like an eternity, he left her full and luscious lips, trailing wet kisses on her throat and then, on her neck. She grunted against him and grabbed a fistful of his cape…

Taking him by surprise, she slipped past him, his cloak in her hands. She took steps away from him, prancing away like an elusive fawn.

"Hey…Don't go." he said to her gently.

She smirked at him and he ran after her. He finally reached her and there, he grabbed her wrist, "Don't go." he repeated.

She shook her head and pulled at her wrist again to which he held on tighter and again spoke, "Don't leave…"

This time, she nodded, conceding to what it was he wanted. He smiled and there, cupped her face within his hands…and there, kissed her once more…He laid her down on the floor as he continued to kiss her passionately…

Feeling himself a bit impatient…he grabbed her uniform and began to peel it from her body…His manhood throbbed as he beheld her nude form…

He looked at himself and saw in surprise, that he too had suddenly become naked…He smiled as he looked within her eyes…

"Don't…" he repeated.

"Sera…" he breathed out.

The woman beneath him chuckled, "Sera…? I'm not Sera…"

He stiffened, "You…you're not?"

She shook her head. And there, he realized who it had been all along. Her luscious lips had set themselves on a naughty grin while her pink eyes dazzled and sparkled mischievously, "No…I'm not…"

Heat immediately opened his eyes, widening them beyond normal proportions. He couldn't have dreamed about her…

No. It couldn't be with Argilla…

He couldn't have dreamt those naughty dreams about his friend, comrade…and…C.O.

Could he?

He narrowed his eyes, "I love Sera. Nothing would ever change that."

xxxxx

Argilla sat by the lounge, having a drink when a person sat beside her, "You shouldn't be drinking a few hours before being on duty."

She turned and saw Serph. Her heart leapt at seeing his face…It had been months since her confession. One would think that it had been enough time for her to get over the things that had happened and moved on…

But for Argilla, her feelings for the man changed not. It had been the same. She still loved him as much as she did back then.

But, knowing how he felt towards her, she fought her emotions back and stared back at her drink, "It's nothing heavy sir."

She then grinned, "It's not even alcoholic. It's just juice."

He nodded, "Where's your partner?"

She snorted, "Heat? He's fast asleep sir. He was here a few hours ago and…aa…got drunk and ah…well, I sent him back to get some rest." She then looked at her watch; it was five minutes to 2200 hours. She had promised to return for him at that time!

Sipping her juice one last time, she turned to Serph with concealed saddened eyes, "I have to go now sir."

She got down from the bar stool when he grabbed her wrist. She looked at him questioningly, "Sir?"

He shook his head, "It's Serph."

She blushed as she looked at where his hand touched her and forced herself to look back at him, nodding shakily, "Serph." Avoiding his eyes, "I'll see you later."

He let her go and watched as she walked out of the lounge. Serph looked on after her. She was getting better; he just knew it. Although he stopped following her and Heat around, he knew that they were getting along just fine.

From the time that he had been watching them, which was a few months ago, he would say that they had a good thing going on…

Although both of them may not realize it…

He frowned at that.

She had also blushed just a few moments before too. He sighed; she was still in love with him. Although she was getting better at accepting his rejection, the fact was undeniable. She still loved him and had not moved on.

Perhaps it was time to use his authority as leader to his advantage…

xxxxx

Argilla had knocked at Heat's door; no response. She knocked again; still no response. Not caring about issues of privacy or whatnot, she entered his room. She told him to be ready by 2200 hours didn't she?

It was now 2200 hours!

And where was he?

Nowhere to be found.

She frowned, 'That man could be so annoying!'

She walked to find his bed empty. Before she could react, the doors to the lavatory opened to reveal naked Heat with a towel wrapped around his waist. Argilla felt a lump in her throat and she couldn't speak; she was drawn to him…

His red hair was wet and dripped with water…and his chest had drops of water that only accentuated his physique.

Her eyes traveled to his and were met by a look of surprise. Seeing how awkward things were, she immediately turned around, blushing furiously, "What the hell do you think you're doing showing up like that?!" she thundered, balling her hands into fists.

Heat rolled his eyes, "Hey! Don't give me that crap woman! You're the one who conveniently waltzed in here without my permission!"

She growled and turned around, completely forgetting her partner's state of undress, "Don't 'hey' me! I told you I'd come back at 2200 hours!" She looked at her watch and then looked back at him, "And it's now five passed 2200 hours!"

Heat sweat-dropped, but didn't let her outburst affect him, "You said 2300 hours!"

She gritted her teeth, "I said twenty-two-hundred-hours…Heat!" she hissed menacingly.

Heat rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Just get out and let me dress."

Her countenance immediately changed from being outraged to being mortified and she immediately turned around, "Er…right…Hehehehe…I forgot…"

She immediately walked towards his door and turned around with her palms covering her eyes, preventing her from seeing his exposed flesh, "I'll be back in ten minutes."

Heat grinned at seeing how silly she looked, "Make it five. I'll be done by then."

She wanted to question as to how males, and not just Heat, in general could prepare themselves at such a small amount of time! She herself took a lot of time and effort just to appear "presentable".

She really wanted to ask, but she doubted that he would tell her. And what was more pressing was that…She really had to get out of his room…! Turning around again, she left altogether, letting the doors slide behind her firmly.

Heat grinned, "Maybe she liked what she saw after all…"

He cursed himself; he was doing it again! He growled; he loved Sera. Sera! No one else! He really shouldn't be looking at other women! Besides, if Sera saw how dedicated and how persevering he was, she would come to love him eventually. He just knew it.

'But Argilla isn't just any other woman…' a voice popped within his head.

'What?'

'Yeah…she's beautiful, smart…a great soldier…and did you get a look at those killer legs of hers…? I'll bet she could crush anything that would come in between them…'

'Ouch…' he and his inner voice said simultaneously. He allowed his mind to become lax and his thoughts suddenly drifted to his partner…He frowned; the voice was right though…She really was very beautiful; she was smart…funny…silly…fun to tease…

A great soldier…responsible…dedicated to her job…

And so in love with Serph…

Wait.

Where did that come from? Serph?

He pouted childishly; yes. How could he forget? She was head over heels in love with their leader.

'Then she'd probably never consider being with anyone else…'

He suddenly felt a slight prick at his heart and he straightened up, blinking, "Who cares?"

Yes. He wasn't supposed to feel anything. What she decided to do about her love-life was none of his concern.

But then, why did he feel the way he did?

He then shook his head, "What the fuck…?"

He sighed; he really should focus at the task at hand. What task? Getting ready in three minutes. He sweat-dropped; it had been two whole minutes already?

Damn…

xxxxx

Argilla yawned as she stood atop the tower of their tribe's walls. Sentry duty was never a good job assignment…They had been standing there, keeping an eye-peeled watch for over four hours.

And so far, nothing had happened; not even a silly excuse for a flight of fancy. Nope. She sighed and looked at her watch.

It was nearly half past 0400 hours.

The sun would be rising in about an hour and a half.

She stole a glance over at Heat who was as hard as a statue and as alert as a mother eagle. She chuckled; he was too serious.

"What the hell is so damn funny woman?" he growled in annoyance, not even turning in her direction.

She sweat-dropped; he could hear her light and low chuckle from a few feet away? Well, she was right; he really was that alert.

"Nothing." she replied coyly.

She saw Heat roll his eyes, "A sane person does not laugh without a logical reason."

She made a face, "And you're starting to sound like Gale."

Here, Heat faced her; anger evident in his face, "What?"

She giggled again and pointed to the horizon, nodding, "Hey! Don't let me get in the way of your duty Heat!" she said, feigning disappointment in a mock scolding voice.

He did not heed her words and glared at her, "I'm nothing like that faggot."

Argilla laughed at that, "Faggot? Gale? No! He's much as a man as you are!" She leaned forward, exposing to him from where he stood her partially seen breasts and said coyly, yet challengingly, "Maybe even more."

Heat could feel the surge of blood flow furiously through his veins at hearing her innuendo. Wait a minute. Was she coming onto him?

'Of course not you dumb fuck! She's just messing with you damn it!' he thought.

'Then why don't you mess with her eh…?' his inner voice challenged him.

He grinned inwardly and walked towards her. Removing that smug grin on her face, she straightened up her body and looked at him with puzzled eyes.

Heat sneered, "He's more of a man than me, is he?"

Argilla didn't know what he was talking about but there was no way that she'd let him win an argument. Oh no. She tilted her chin up and looked at him defiantly, "Yes. He is. Why? What of it?"

Heat stopped when he was right in front of her, their bodies almost touching. Both felt quite uncomfortable at the almost nonexistent space in between them. But, still, with the both of them being the proud people that they were, neither yielded.

He leaned in closer to her, drinking in her heavenly scent and stared deep into her pink eyes, "Had he ever thought of doing something that he had never done before…?" he whispered seductively, his voice husky.

Argilla, not letting herself crumble upon his pathetic and lame attempt to knock her off her high horse, stared back at his fiery red orbs and answered, just as seductively, her voice just as husky, "Never…"

Heat was getting annoyed; when will this woman break and back off? Wasn't she considering his conduct to be inappropriate yet? Wasn't she the one who was so prissy about military conduct? Then why in the world was she allowing all this…?

'Maybe because she likes it…' a voice said silkily within his brain, 'Just look at her!' the voice instructed.

Heat did as the voice instructed and there…he felt himself being pulled into a universe of varied emotion as he peered and passed through the doors of her soul; her eyes.

And so, being drawn to her, he slowly leaned in, leaving his fate up to the gods…

"Even this…?" he asked, whispering still.

Argilla's heartbeat raced as she saw him leaning down. She screamed within her mind to stop him; to stop herself, but she found herself unable. And so, the painful second that decided their fates had passed and she immediately felt a pair of warm lips on her own.

A second later, a pair of hands went around her waist and pulled at her body. She moaned within his mouth and parted her lips, granting him entry within her mouth. Heat gladly accepted the invitation and there, a moment later, he found himself plundering and pillaging her mouth, sucking and biting without hesitation or reluctance.

To his glee, she had not resisted him either and had only returned his efforts with equal, if not more, prowess and ardor.

Heat didn't know what it was he was doing…It was a whirlwind for him. Nothing made sense. It was just him and her. And the rest of the world just suddenly did not matter.

He backed her towards the edge as his hands gripped her waist and hips tightly, his tongue, lips and teeth devouring hers…

He moaned within her lips, feeling nothing but pleasure and want…Yes…there was nothing but intense longing…And now, as he kissed her, he felt his frustration slowly dissipate…He himself could feel the intense longing that she had; if she didn't feel the way he did…then she would've pushed him away.

But she didn't.

She was kissing him just as urgently as he was kissing her.

And then suddenly, he was met with a visage.

"Heat…"

His heart stopped and he immediately pulled away; it was Sera's face that he saw within his mind. It was Sera's voice that he had just heard within his mind.

No. This was wrong…

He opened his eyes and saw the shock within Argilla's eyes and face, mirroring his. Argilla didn't know what to think. She had just kissed her close friend! She slowly backed away from him, her eyes staring at his with sheer uncertainty.

Heat's heart raced and his mind reeled. No…

It was…

"Argilla…I'm sorry about that." he said truthfully, breaking the tense air.

Argilla broke from her trance and shook her head, "It's okay. No biggie." she said as she turned around, waving her hand dismissively.

"Our shift is over. The next batch will be coming to relieve us soon. You should go and get some rest soldier. You need it." she said in a firm tone, emotionless.

Heat felt lousy at that moment; but nonetheless, she was right. They were still on duty…Well, they were still on duty, at least until the next sentries came that is. He too then turned and started to walk back to his post, still thinking and pondering about their kiss…

'Damn! What…what was that?' Argilla asked herself, ashamed.

That kiss…was supposed to be for Serph. She sighed; she had poured all of emotions and passion within that kiss…She had wanted to kiss Serph that way…

She shut her eyes and gritted her teeth, "Serph…"

But instead, she had given it to someone else; her friend and comrade…Heat. He must feel like garbage right then. That was because she knew that he himself had wanted to give that kiss to someone else…

'That girl…Sera…'

She suddenly choked as she said the girl's name within her mind. But…why was that so? Heat was just a friend…

Right?

xxxxx

Heat snarled as he placed a hand on his hip, 'Fuck…! What the hell just happened?'

He let out a strangled breath; he hated himself at that moment. It had been his entire fault why that whole thing had happened. If only he had been stronger…He narrowed his eyes. That was a mistake…

A mistake; nothing more.

He stole a glance at his partner and comrade and there, he saw her fight with her inner demons as well.

He frowned as he looked away; she would probably treat him differently now.

He stiffened as he heard her speak, "Serph…" she whispered.

He frowned again as he heard it, "She's still thinking about that guy?" he asked under his breath.

Heat blinked uncertainly as he felt a prick of pain within his heart; it hurt. Again. But he didn't understand. Why was that so? He had always known that it was for Serph's affections that she had always vied for. What changed now?

"Nothing's changed." he told himself firmly, "Nothing."

'I love Sera.' he swore to himself, 'I won't betray her trust…'

"At ease. We're here to relieve you." he heard a firm male voice said from a few feet away. Heat snapped out of his daze and turned to the source of the voice to see two males speaking with Argilla.

Yup.

Their shift was over.

'Good. I can't wait to get out of this chicken-shit outfit.' he told himself truthfully.

A moment later, the males and Argilla broke their contact and turned to look at him. Argilla spoke, "Come on Heat! Let's get outta here."

Heat just nodded at her and walked towards her.

The two walked along the streets in aloof silence. Well, what was there to say anyway?

'There's nothing to say…All that was to be 'done' had already been 'done'.' his inner self poked him annoyingly. Heat gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes; must that pesky and nagging voice pester him and remind him of that crap?

Apparently so.

He stole a glance at Argilla and saw that she was deep in thought as well.

Heat found himself arching a curious eyebrow, 'Probably has a nagging inner voice too.'

His silly thoughts were roused as she stopped. He turned to her and she nodded, casting her eyes elsewhere…Scratch that; she was darting her eyes everywhere and nowhere. Anywhere except in his direction.

He found himself frowning at that but let it be.

Argilla licked her lips and then spoke, "Well, here's my stop. I'll see you around Heat."

Heat opened his mouth to speak but Argilla had already turned and entered her room, leaving him to stand there in front of her room, dumbfounded. He sighed and walked away; well, what did he expect anyway?

'A goodbye kiss?' the nagging voice asked.

'…'

'A dirty and sloppy snogging session perhaps?' the voice prodded vexingly.

'…'

'No wait! Or maybe a sex-invite?'

'…shut up.'

xxxxx