A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, WAFF, FLUFF, LEMON
Chapter 10: Fate
Argilla crossed her arms nervously as she walked with her team. They were to oversee the battle. It was half past 0600 hours and the battle had already commenced.
She was glad though.
The battle had gone the way Gale had predicted. Only half of the Brutes' army remained. The ground assault had practically been annihilated and only few remained. Their artillery had also been all but decimated.
But it was of little concern for the Embryon. Their artillery from outside Muladhara would finish it off…
But still, there had been the aerial assault.
Gale had told them that it was Varin's last trump card. Ground artillery was practically at the mercy of aerial bombardment.
That was why the jets, planes and apaches had been deployed. It had been a stalemate though. The Brutes lost their air force and so did they. Their battle was a tie.
But now…
That was why they were walking out of Muladhara. Serph had decided to offer them the terms of surrender. He wasn't a complete warlord. No. And the destruction of Ajna and all of its citizens weren't his objective.
Argilla's eyes blinked; it was still drizzling outside and the sun was hidden behind ominous clouds with its golden rays peeking through them shyly…
She wanted to smile a bit, 'A rainbow will come soon!' she beamed, 'That prat Heat! He didn't get to see the last…' she suddenly froze her thoughts as she realized that she had been thinking of Heat again.
She frowned, 'Get over it…He's gone.'
Listening to her desires though, she stole a glance at him and saw how resolute and serious he was. He didn't even look at her. She sighed; she really lost him…Didn't she?
Heat could feel her gaze on him; but what did it matter to him? She had already acquired Serph's heart.
'What the fuck does she want from me?' he growled inwardly, 'Does she want to fucking rub it in my face?! Or wait; maybe she feels sympathy for me…' he thought bitterly.
"Bitch." he muttered under his breath as he continued to move forward.
Argilla kept her focus onward; now wasn't the time to worry about Heat. They made their way out of Muladhara and there…a few feet away stood Varin and his team.
Serph regarded them evenly and stopped a few feet from them, "I offer you the chance of surrender."
Varin narrowed his eyes and laughed, "Are you serious boy? Did you really think that the leader of the Brutes would ever capitulate with the likes of you?
Serph's eyes became steely, "You haven't a choice; leader of the Brutes. Your army had been defeated. There is nothing left and should you continue this foolishness, you shall die here."
Varin laughed again, "I will never surrender boy." he drawled at the word "boy."
Serph eyed him casually, his countenance still as calm as before, "Then state your purpose."
Varin frowned at him and met his casual gaze with an intense one, "I've come to put an end to the bloodshed for the remainder of my troops. I came here for a proposition."
A proposition without bloodshed?
This piqued Serph's interest, "Go on."
Varin nodded, "For the absolute control of the Junkyard, I will relinquish the control of Ajna and all of the survivors of the war…provided that you defeat me in a sudden-death match."
Argilla's heart suddenly got caught up in her throat…Was Varin saying that…?
"It is so young leader. I come here to challenge you to a duel. Just you and me, right here and right now."
Gale narrowed his eyes and immediately came to Serph's side, keeping his voice low, "He's luring you out Serph. Should he defeat you…the whole war is over…Refuse him!"
Heat gritted his teeth; Varin was playing his cards well…He may have lost his army but it wouldn't matter should he defeat Serph.
'That old goat probably knows that Serph wouldn't refuse him…'
He stole a glance at Argilla; he read her eyes. She was worried stiff; there was much apprehension within her eyes. There was so much grief that he wanted to go over to her and wrap his arms around her…and tell her that all would be fine…
But he remained where he was…She didn't love him. It wouldn't be right if he did that anyway…Serph was still present after all…
Serph walked away from Gale, ignoring his suggestions, "I accept your challenge. But…I do have an addendum to your challenge."
"State it."
"Should I be defeated, treat the citizens and my men humanely."
Varin nodded, "Done. I swear it upon my pride as a warrior."
"Wait!"
All heads turned to the source of the voice. Serph blinked in surprise, "Argilla…what…?"
Argilla stepped forward, "I challenge your team to a sudden-death match! All of you for all of us!"
Serph narrowed his eyes and grabbed her arm, yanking her away from the front. He dragged her away from the front and stood there a few meters behind Gale and the others. Glaring, he whispered sharply to her, "What are you doing?!"
Gale came in, "She's trying to diversify the risks of defeat. If we all fight them simultaneously, the chances of us winning are greater."
Serph ignored him and stared at Argilla, angry, "I can't protect you…!"
Argilla snatched her arms from him and narrowed her eyes, "I'm a soldier Serph! I can protect myself! I…" she paused as she saw the sadness in his eyes, "I'm grown up now…"
Serph sighed as he heard her words pass through her lips…She was right; she was grown up now. She was free to make her own choices.
She touched his face, "This time, it's my turn to protect you…"
The others then joined them.
Heat was impressed…She was truly…strong. No longer the childish woman he was wondering about a few days ago but a woman; a soldier.
Despite the fact that she was doing all of this for Serph, he felt proud of her. Argilla looked at Cielo, Gale and finally, him, "Guys…I…"
The three of them nodded.
Gale touched his forehead, "I concur. Argilla's plan is sound."
Cielo grinned, "Yeah mon! Dere's no way I'd just hand Serph over!"
Heat grinned, "Bring it."
Argilla's heart was overwhelmed with happiness. She looked back at Serph.
Seeing him understanding, she smiled and walked forward, meeting Varin's eyes, "We challenge your team."
Varin raised an eyebrow, "What is your leader's decision woman?"
Serph walked from behind Argilla, "At this moment, I declare the control of Muladhara to be in the name of each of my teammates. Should I die, the control of Muladhara and all of our colonies would befall my teammate and should he die, it will be passed on to the next one in position. The control of Muladhara stays with Embryon up to the last of member of my team left alive. In the event of our deaths, Muladhara is yours. These are our terms. Do you accept?"
It was done so that the control of Muladhara would not fall to the event of Serph's fall. Muladhara and all of their colonies would be lost should all five of them die.
Varin crossed his arms, "We do. But the same terms apply to us. Should you defeat all of us, that is the only time when we can relinquish Ajna and all of our colonies."
Serph nodded, "So be it."
And so…
The battle commenced.
xxxxx
The grueling battle ensued…and the victors were in sight…Gale and Cielo had defeated their adversaries…
Heat gritted his teeth; he needed to finish this! He needed to watch how Argilla was doing. Evading his opponent's blow, he ducked and bypassed the other's defenses, a dagger in hand. A second later, his battle was won. He thrust the dagger upwards, hitting the young man's heart and twisted it.
A second later, he pulled the dagger out and let the body fall…
His eyes immediately went to Argilla. She too had defeated her adversary…The last was Serph…
Heat walked over to Argilla and saw that her eyes were fixed on Serph as he continued to fight Varin. Her countenance was that of a frightened child. He put a hand on her shoulder and she looked at him.
"He'll be fine…" he told her, reassuringly.
Argilla smiled, "H-he will…won't he?"
Heat repressed the desire to wince; at that moment as she said those words, he felt the stab of a dull knife within his heart. She really did love Serph…
He merely nodded, "Yes. Have faith in him."
Argilla's heart leapt as she saw Varin get too close to Serph only for Serph to dodge his attacks.
She didn't know how long she could keep watching…She turned her body and buried her face in her hands. Heat looked at her sympathetically. He wanted to help Serph…but…their laws had already been written. They cannot interfere…
Suddenly, he saw a red dot on Argilla's chest. His eyes widened; that wasn't a mere red mark…
"Snipers!!" he yelled as he pushed Argilla on the muddy ground, his body on top of hers. Immediately, bullets rained down…
"Snipers at six o'clock! Take them down!!" Gale yelled at the com link. Immediately, his own troops retaliated; their heavy artillery bombarding the Brutes' remaining vehicles…
Argilla looked at Heat, "You…you saved my life…"
He looked at her with narrowed eyes, "I'd save your ass any day…"
He paused for a moment then continued, "I love you…"
Argilla's world froze; at that moment, she forgot that she was on the ground in mud under enemy fire…She opened her mouth to speak when she heard an intense battle cry. She turned and saw that Serph had Varin on his knees.
They were victorious!
She was about to smile when she suddenly saw a red dot on Serph's forehead. Her heart stopped; she immediately pushed Heat off of her and dashed as fast as she could, "Serph!!"
Heat stood and ran after her, "Argilla…! No!!"
xxxxx
It had been two days now since the battle. Needless to say, Embryon had won the war. He narrowed his eyes; the fight was coming along well between Serph and Varin…until the snipers came that is. Heat had no doubt that Varin kept his word; but he wasn't so sure about his other followers. They seemed to have taken matters into their own hands…
They probably thought that they couldn't win anyway and so, broke the agreement.
'That's enough.' he told himself, 'That battle is over.'
He was right of course. It was time to look onward.
Heat walked along the walls of the infirmary. Almost every member of their team had been injured.
Well, except him and Serph.
He laughed at that.
The others could use more training. Can't they?
His heart felt lighter. Granted, he had been worried sick the moment the victor of the war had been named. He was worried because…
Flashback
"Argilla…! No!!"
She had thrown herself in between Serph and Varin…She had received Varin's stab on the back and the sniper's bullet on the arm.
He rammed himself against Varin at that moment as he lunged himself at Argilla and Serph…Seeing Varin land a few feet away, he ran back to Argilla and cradled her in his arms, "Hey…! You stupid woman!"
Serph stood, "Take care of her." he said firmly.
Heat nodded and watched him dash for where Varin was.
Argilla smiled, "Hahaha…Hey…! Look…!" she said, pointing behind him, her voice a mere whisper.
"What?" he turned around sharply. His heart softened; it was a rainbow…She had been right; rainbows were indeed beautiful…
He turned to her, "It's a…"
His words died in his lips as the woman within his arms fell limp, her eyes closed. Panic gripped his heart, "Hey! Wake up! Don't die on me you…you…bitch! Argilla!"
End Flashback
Well…he was glad though. She was alive. But she had still to wake up. That was why he made it a point to visit her every chance he got.
Serph was busy enlisting the surviving the Brutes into the tribe and then…there was the damage that the battle had done to their city.
It wasn't a lot but it couldn't be ignored. So, reconstruction had begun immediately. He himself was busy…But…nonetheless, he wanted to visit her.
He reached her room and slowly opened the door. He didn't want to disturb her…
He opened it and froze on his tracks. She was still asleep but she wasn't alone. Serph sat by her bedside, holding her hand, stroking it gently…
His breath got caught within his throat and suddenly, he just wanted to leave…Turning around, he started to walk away.
'She wouldn't need me to inspire her to wake up.' he thought sourly, 'Serph's there.'
xxxxx
Another two days had passed. Although there had been no change in Argilla's condition, he had found another reason why he should be happy. Sera had been unharmed during the fight.
He had spoken to her and she had been a bit disappointed at the battle.
Flashback
"I didn't even get to leave the gates…My platoon was put on reserve…" she pouted childishly at him.
Heat raised an eyebrow, "You really didn't miss much…"
Sera stuck her tongue out at him, "You liar! I saw you! I saw Serph and your team fight the Brutes! You guys were so cool…" she said, her eyes beaming in pure astonishment.
Heat rolled his eyes, "It wasn't a walk in the park you know."
Sera pouted, "But still…Oh! Argilla…! I…" she stopped when she saw Heat's face. His face fell as grief overcame his soul once more.
"How is she…?"
Heat looked at her nonchalantly, concealing his concern, "She's still sleeping…"
"Oh…"
Heat wanted to be alone. He looked at Sera and embraced her tightly, "I'm glad that you're unharmed. Remember, you shouldn't kill needless…I didn't lie Sera…You really didn't miss anything out there…Bloodshed and killing is nothing to be excited over…"
He pulled away from her and peered within her innocent sparkling silver eyes, "Yeah. You know…I still can't believe that you're all grown up…" he said, chuckling.
She pouted, "I am grown up."
Heat sighed and hugged her tightly once more. Yes. She was…When he looked into her eyes only moments before, he just didn't want to accept it…People lose their innocence when they age…
He didn't want that for Sera…
But still, she was doing very well…It was now that he could truly say that he wasn't a complete failure of a guardian for her. Because within her eyes, her innocence remained unadulterated.
End Flashback
He was on his way to the infirmary. He walked along the halls when he suddenly saw Sera. He blinked, "Hey Sera. What are you doing here?"
She blushed and Heat raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Uh huh…you're visiting someone." he deadpanned nonchalantly.
She blushed harder and nodded.
Heat made a face, "Your boyfriend."
Sera swallowed the lump in her throat, "Well…sort of…But he's not my boyfriend…"
Heat raised an eyebrow; why not?
Sensing his question, Sera nodded, "I didn't want to commit into a relationship without telling you first…"
Heat only had one question for her.
"Who is it? Let me see him." he told her seriously.
Sera sweat-dropped, "Please don't hurt him! Er…he's a nice guy…"
Heat looked at her innocently, "I won't hurt him. What makes you think I would?"
Sera made a sour face. Heat had beaten up all of her suitors when she was in her early teens. He growled and snarled at all the boys that would look at her.
"Forget it…" Sera replied, and then continued, "Well, would you like to meet him now?"
"Why not? I've got time to kill." he told her, smiling.
Sera sweat-dropped; there was just something in the way Heat said that that disturbed her. Nodding, she took his hand and led him through the hall and stopped in front of the door. Heat could feel his hair stand on one end.
This door.
He knew to whom it belonged to.
He looked back from the door to Sera and then back to the door again, 'Impossible…' he thought, shocked.
He couldn't believe it.
Sera, seeing the tense and frozen look of her big brother, opened the door and dragged him inside.
"Ey! Back already?" a convivial voice said.
Heat blinked, feeling his blood rush back to his veins furiously waking him from his cryogenically-frozen-like state and glared at the man within the bed, "You!" he yelled pointing an accusing finger on him.
"You!" the young man yelled back, fear etched within his eyes.
Sera got in between them, "You guys…know each other huh…?"
Heat turned his death-glare from the man to Sera, "Know him?! How could I not?! This is the team's idiot!" he said as he turned to his little Sera's boyfriend, who happened to be none other than Cielo.
Sera sweat-dropped, "That's mean…"
Heat turned to Cielo and stomped over to him furiously. He grabbed the injured man by his hospital gown and pulled him upwards. Sera bit her bottom lip nervously, "Heat! You promised you wouldn't hurt him!"
Heat, still hanging onto Cielo, turned to her and blinked, "I haven't laid a finger on him."
"Sera…! Help!" Cielo said in a strangled voice.
Sera held Heat's arm, "Please put him down!"
Hearing her plead, Heat rolled his eyes and dropped the young man. He crossed his arms and winced as he saw how his little Sera doted on the idiot, inspecting him for wounds. He shivered as he heard her whisper affectionate "Are you okay?" and "Where does it hurt?" questions.
Clearly he was surprised. No. That wasn't the word. He was shocked.
He knew that his little sister had fallen for someone…Who would've thought that it had been the idiot? Out of all people!
He sighed as he saw Sera move out of the way. She smiled at him, "Heat…big brother…this is my boyfriend, Cielo."
"Hiya!" Cielo chirped cheerfully.
Heat winced, "I thought you said he wasn't your boyfriend?"
Sera smiled, "He wasn't…but now, since you already know him, he is."
Heat could feel his head throbbing in pain. He closed his eyes and sat down; it was all too much to take in too soon.
"Heat…?" Sera asked, "You okay?"
Heat opened his eyes and nodded feebly, "I'm fine."
"See Sera? He's fine! And I thought you said dat he was…"
At hearing his pestering voice, Heat leapt to his feet and grabbed Cielo again, "If I hear you as little as yell at Sera I will personally skin you alive…! You understand?!"
Cielo gulped and nodded his head vigorously, "O-of course…! Hehehehe…"
Sera winced again and yanked Heat's arm from Cielo. Heat sighed and calmed himself. He looked at Sera, "As long as you're happy, I'm fine with it." he said in an exhausted voice.
Sera smiled and hugged him, "Thanks Heat."
He returned her embrace, "Not a problem. Anything for you Sera."
He released her and looked at Cielo, glaring at him, "Remember what I said."
Gulping, Cielo nodded and said nothing. Heat looked at Sera once more, "Okay Sera. I have to go. I came here to-"
"Visit Argilla!" piped in Cielo cheerfully.
Heat looked at him venomously and nodded, "That's right. Want to make something out of it?"
"No! He doesn't…" Sera answered quickly, grabbing Heat's face so that he looked at her instead of her precious Cielo.
"Go on Heat. I'm sure you're late already." she said, urging him on. Heat nodded, "Yeah. I am." He then pecked Sera on the cheek, "Alright. I'll see you later." He looked at Cielo, and glared, "Take care of her."
Cielo smiled and nodded.
Heat growled and left the room. Closing the door behind him, he released a long breath.
'So that's the guy she fell for?!'
He shuddered; he never would've guessed.
His mind then recalled a memory.
"Strength isn't everything Heat…"
That was what she said to him a long time ago…That was probably the reason she fell in love with Cielo.
Heat made a sour face, 'She may have said that but she didn't say anything about the lack of intelligence which…is obviously what Cielo lacks.'
He could feel his heart rate climb. So, he departed for the lavatory. Once there, he splashed cold water on his face as he calmed himself. He allowed himself a few more serene moments before leaving.
He was walking towards Argilla's room, all thoughts of Sera and Cielo out of his head when he was suddenly met with Serph. Again, he felt awkward.
"Serph." he acknowledged the silver-haired man curtly.
Serph nodded, "Heat. I have news."
This piqued Heat's interest, "What news?"
Serph suddenly smiled, "Argilla…she…"
Heat suddenly wanted to punch his leader at that moment; what was he saying to him? She was what? Was he going to say that Argilla had said that she loved Serph and not him? Was that it?
"…has asked for you." he finished.
Heat wanted to push the rewind button. What?
"What?" he asked, skeptic.
Serph smiled again, "She's awake…She has asked to see you." With a nod and a friendly hit on the arm, Serph walked passed him.
Heat could only look on after him. He arched an eyebrow though when Serph stopped and turned back to look at him, a mischievous look on his face, "Oh and…"
Serph walked back to him and looked at him straight in the eyes, "Treat her right."
Heat didn't understand what it was he meant. Wait; did he even hear him right?
Heat looked at him questioningly and Serph's smiling face became an evil grin, "Because if you don't…" he leaned and whispered darkly, "I'll break your legs. I'll then castrate you and feed your balls to the dogs. Got that?"
Heat sweat-dropped and nodded.
"Good." Serph said cheerfully, and leaned back.
"Well, I have my duties to attend to. Inform me when something happens." With that, he was gone.
Heat smirked; Serph was the typical father. He had never seen Serph that serious before. Not even when they were fighting the Brutes!
He then turned and walked briskly towards her room. He reached it a moment later and opened the door, walking in, "Argilla…?"
He found her, sitting up. He walked over to her and she looked at him with a small smile on her face, "Hey you."
He grinned as he sat by her bedside, "Hey there yourself ma'am."
Argilla chuckled and rolled her eyes, "Stop calling me that. I'm not on duty…Besides, it makes me sound old…"
He nodded, "Deal."
He looked at her and noticed that her hair was down…She looked beautiful. His hand suddenly reached out to touch her face and she didn't object. Heat lightly touched her face, memorizing its contour and stopped on her lips. He stared her in the eyes, "You acted like a hero out there." he said, frowning a bit.
It was a common saying for them there in the marine corp. No one was to act like a hero. It was because heroes seldom lived. It was usually an act of foolishness.
She stared back at him, her pink eyes searching his, "I did it for someone I love…"
Again, the soul-stirring pain returned and once more held his spirit prisoner. But nonetheless he tried his best to conceal it from her. Instead of showing her his weakness, he averted his gaze from hers and focused on her blanket instead, "Aa…Serph. You really love him."
She nodded, "Yeah. I do."
"Oh." he paused, "I saw him just outside. He said that you asked for me."
She chuckled, "Of course! I miss my partner in crime!"
'Partner in crime…partner in bed…What's the difference? Is that all I am to you?' he asked her internally, bitter.
"What's wrong?" she asked, sensing his distress.
His eyes immediately flew to hers, "Do you remember anything before you passed out?"
She blinked and thought hard. Then, she shook her head, "No…I don't."
The feeling of fragile hope that was growing within his chest suddenly withered and died, "Aa…I see."
"Why? Is there something that happened that's important?" she asked.
'Important…? No; nothing…Just me making a complete idiot of myself…'
He was brought back to reality as he felt a hand on his face, "Hey…What's wrong?"
Heat felt annoyed; he didn't want to pretend anymore, "Argilla. I love you." he deadpanned.
Argilla wasn't quite sure if she heard him correctly, "What?"
"I love you." he growled, irritated that she didn't seem to have heard him. Either that or she didn't understand him, in which both cases irritated him.
As the second ticked by in complete silence, Heat's heart imploded and exploded simultaneously. Cold sweat trickled down his temple. What was she going to tell him now?
Would she tell him to get lost or to…get out…or that she didn't love him?
Well, he had taken the chance.
He jumped.
At that moment, he was totally afraid…He had just thrown himself in the abyss of uncertainty…in the claws of fate…
The words that she would speak next would either save him…or damn him.
The second that came and went was replaced by another and then another. Realizing that she wasn't going to answer him, he stood. He wanted to leave; he had just made another fool of himself.
"Wait!" she said, grabbing his arm, "Where are you going?"
He looked at her dryly, "Gonna get some air." he said sourly.
Argilla smiled; she felt so happy…So she hadn't been imagining things…He did say that he did love her…She sighed and tugged at him to sit. He did as she persuaded and there, she tugged at him to sit on her bed, beside her.
Heat was still unsure of what she was doing. He was unsure and…scared.
He just didn't want to be led on. She wasn't telling him anything. Again, he was kept in the dark. He didn't want to be though.
"Listen, Argilla. Just tell me alright?"
"What?"
Heat rolled his eyes, "Just tell me what you're thinking. Let's make this quick. I have duties to attend to."
Argilla said nothing; he was just being his usual crude self. Being his friend for months…she knew him. She knew how to read him…Well, up to a certain extent of course.
She suddenly embraced him, "Heat…"
Heat wanted to return her embrace, but if this was an embrace for consolation, she could just forget it.
'I don't need pity.' he thought arrogantly.
"Heat…Thank you…"
"For what?"
"For loving me…" she whispered.
Heat looked at her; he could hear her. She was sobbing. He pulled her away from his chest and looked at her, his red eyes softening, "What's wrong?"
She looked at him with eyes that sparkled. Her eyes were brimming with tears, "Heat…I love you…"
Heat's eyes wanted to pop out of their sockets, "What?"
She laughed as she heard him repeat her question only moments before, "You dope!"
Heat's heart fluttered and held her again, tightly this time, "You're not pulling my leg…are you?"
She giggled as she buried her face in his chest, "No…I'm not…"
He pulled away, "What about Serph?" he asked, his eyes peering into her very soul.
Argilla smiled reassuringly and caressed his face, "I love you…Not him…Just you…"
Seeing the doubt linger within his red orbs, Argilla drew his face towards hers and there, leaned in for a kiss. Heat sighed in contentment as he felt her soft lips on his…She nibbled on his lower lip…shyly asking for entrance.
He slowly parted his lips and there, their kiss deepened. His hands cupped her face and caressed it gently.
Their kiss was slow…gentle…and tender…
Heat kissed her with all of the gentleness that he could muster, treating her as if she were a porcelain doll that could easily break…
His tongue flicked hers gently yet passionately…Never lashing out…Just dancing with hers. She moaned within his mouth and he felt himself swell in pride…and happiness.
She suddenly pulled away. Heat looked at her and saw her pouting. He resisted the urge to kiss her right there.
"What's up?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
She made a face, "What about Sera?"
Heat laughed, "I love Sera…as a sister." he finished seriously; his eyes penetrating hers as a sign of utter sincerity.
Argilla's eyelashes batted rapidly; really? When did that happen?
Heat, seeing the question in her eyes, tried his best to answer it, "I don't know exactly. I just realized it when we were at the depot. I didn't even think much of her then." He shrugged his shoulders, "Oh, and did you know that she's actually dating Cielo?"
Argilla's eyes dilated at such an extreme percentage that Heat actually thought that they would drop from their sockets.
He sweat-dropped, "I had that reaction too."
Heat suddenly frowned; and now, it was Argilla's turn to ask, "What's with the face?"
Heat looked at her, "Just before the invasion, I came by your room…and I saw Serph leaving and…well…aah…"
Argilla was laughing within her mind as she saw Heat grapple for words. Just what was it that he was trying to say anyway?
"I saw you and…" he furrowed his eyebrows; this was getting nowhere. He was just going to have to face it. There was no going around it.
Screw being polite.
"Did you have sex with him that night?" he asked her in an unrefined and brutish manner.
Argilla froze as she felt something within her snap.
"What?!" she yelled, "Me? Sleep with Serph?" she asked incredulously.
Heat blushed but used it as a leverage to feign anger instead, "What?! You were the one in nothing but a blanket hugging him in the middle of the hallway!" he accused.
Argilla's widened eyes widened still as she took a second to piece together what her response would be.
She took a deep breath and slowly released it, "I did not sleep with him. I was only in my nightie at the moment. I had something to tell him so I ran after him. That was all."
Heat looked unconvinced.
She sighed, "He came into my room and well, our conversation ended in him leaving and me not saying anything. When I finally felt like talking, he was gone, so I ran after him."
Now, Heat looked satisfied. Her answer would suffice, "Oh okay." he said, feeling relieved.
Suddenly, Argilla wrinkled her nose, "My God! Me? Sleep with Serph?! It's like…" she paused and her eyes widened once more, "It's like sleeping with your father! Eww…"
Heat blanched at that. Yes…that was a freaky thought.
xxxxx
It had been a month now since Argilla's confinement from the infirmary. Her wounds had long since healed. She had been released a few days ago…And now, she had lived with Heat.
Serph and Argilla found themselves upon the railing once more…It was a cool night with the breeze blowing gently at them.
Argilla hugged Serph's arm and leaned her head on his shoulder, "Serph…?"
"What is it?" he asked; cheerfulness evident in his voice.
"Why did you send Heat and I at that depot?"
"I thought Gale already explained that." he said, chuckling.
She snorted and raised her head from his shoulder and playfully slapped his arm, "Yeah right. I remember your face at the strategy room Serph. Now spill it!"
He sweat-dropped, and touched his chin in thought as he looked up at the stars, "Hm…Well, to tell you the truth, it was for you and Heat."
"Me and Heat? What does that mean?" she asked in confusion.
Serph looked at her with a playful expression, "It just seemed to me that you and Heat…were interested in one another. But, knowing you and your stubborn personality, you'd never realize it. And he was the same way; he liked you. So…I just thought that I should give you a little push…and see what happens."
Argilla looked at him with a lazy expression and slapped his arm again, "It was you?! You knew?! You sent us there…so that…we might…you know?!"
He raised an eyebrow, "Hey! I never sent you two there for anything but safe and clean reasons. Why…? Have you been naughty?" he asked her playfully.
She blushed but sneered, "No." she lied.
Serph laughed, "Whatever you say."
Argilla gritted her teeth as she wrestled with her inner self to stop the blush on her face, "So I suppose you proved yourself right eh?"
Serph chuckled, "I suppose so pink bunny rabbit."
"Shut up cute silver fox…"
The two laughed and again, wrapping one another in each other's arms…
"Say…Serph." she said again.
"Hm?" he asked back, unmoving from his current position, as he continued to smell her hair, his hands tight around her.
"What happened to the whole 'fraternizing with you CO thing'?" she asked curiously, "I mean, aren't Heat and I breaking the rules?" she asked.
He chuckled, "You know me best Argilla. You should be able to know when I'm lying."
She pulled away at that moment and looked at him with widened eyes, her voice faltering, "W-what?"
His silver eyes twinkled, "It's just a technicality Argilla. Technically, you're not allowed to do it. But…in these times, with having no firm government, rules change. Sure, we've defeated the other tribes…but there would be others. The world is in shambles…No one would really be noticing technicalities anyway…"
He paused and then chuckled again, "Well if you really want to follow the rules by the book…you could always retire from the army, marry Heat and be his wife."
Argilla shot him a dirty look and slapped him playfully, "Me? Be a…a…a housewife?!" she asked, aghast.
He chuckled and looked at her with feigned seriousness, "Well…nothing much has to change. You'd still live in the barrack. The only thing is…you won't have to participate in missions and would have to wait on Heat day and night…"
Argilla couldn't bear to hear any more and squealed in extreme irritation, pounding on his chest, "Stop it! Stop it!! Shut up!"
Serph chuckled and hugged her again, effectively disarming her and her pesky hands, "I'm just kidding…I'm just kidding…"
She growled, "You better be!"
Serph hugged her tight and laughed. A moment later, Argilla joined him in his laugh…
'Mission Accomplished…' Serph thought with a sigh of triumph and relief. He had succeeded; his Argilla was happy. That was all that mattered to him anyway.
Finally, he could delete the "Operation: Get Heat and Argilla Together" mission from his personal log and journal.
He chuckled at that thought. It was a tricky and messy sort of mission and he never want to have anything to do with a mission of that sort ever again.
xxxxx
Argilla entered the room that she had shared with Heat. She had just been with Serph and he was the one who had dropped her off only moments before. She repressed a chuckle; she could see how uncomfortable Serph was as he was dropping off his "daughter" to her lover's room.
Well, when she thought about it, it was pretty freaky.
"Hey. How was it?" a male voice asked from within the room.
Argilla smiled and saw him seated on the chair, reading.
She raised an eyebrow, "It's fine. Hey, what are you reading? Porn?" she snorted.
Heat rolled his eyes, "No. It's the new catalogue for our artillery vehicles; including the latest modifications on the tanks and-" Argilla put up her palm, telling him to be quiet.
And be quiet he did.
She sighed and sat on the bed, removing her boots, "I'm tired…"
Heat grinned and turned off the lights.
"Hey!"
A moment later, she felt his weight sink in the bed and there, he pressed himself against her. She immediately sat up and so did he…
Argilla reached for the lampshade and switched it on. Their eyes met. No more games…no more jokes.
The smiles slowly faded from their faces and they both leaned in. Their lips met in a gentle kiss…
Heat slowly unclothed her, gently unwrapping her body from her apparel, slowly, deliberately…He wanted to do this right this time…Their first time had been messy…and totally meaningless…
But now, he wanted to make amends for it…
Argilla shivered as Heat removed her corset from her awaiting body…The chilly air pricked her skin like needles. Heat looked at her and smiled, then, leaning in, he kissed her…
From their sitting positions, he slowly pushed her on his bed…to which she complied. She lay on his bed and moaned as she kissed him deeply. She could feel his hands wandering to her knees…And there, he slowly removed her skirt from her…She lifted her hips a bit as she aided him…
A moment later, it was completely off of her and she heard nothing but the cloth's flap in the air as Heat hurled it…landing somewhere randomly.
His lips left hers and kissed her cheeks tenderly…then her nose…and then her eyelids…and her forehead…and finally, her chin. His lips then traveled to her neck where it settled on her throat, nipping on the skin lightly. She groaned, "Heat…" as she felt his lips on her throat…and then, on her neck…by her jugular…
Argilla opened her eyes lazily and smiled; her lover was still fully clothed…That wasn't fair…Her meek little hands slowly went to his neck and there, she unclasped his cloak from him, letting it drop. Heat pulled away and grin, "First thing's first…"
She looked at him questioningly.
He chuckled and kissed her again…and soon, again, his lips left and resumed is kissing raids along her skin…on her shoulder. From there, he nuzzled the straps of her bra teasingly and slowly slid them off with his nose and then his kisses…
His other hand went for the other strap and slid it off…Then, he embraced her…While his arms encased her body protectively, his hands reached for the hook of her black lacy bra and there, unhooked it, freeing her ample breasts…
His tongue flicked the skin on her neck naughtily…and there as his hands retreated from her back and returned to her chest, massaging her breasts gently. Feeling his arousal grow as he touched her, his felt his frustration rise and there, he bit her jugular, sinking his teeth in, drawing blood.
"Aa…!" she yelped as he bit her…It was a mixed feeling; the mixture of pain and pleasure…molding together, bringing her the culmination of such a sensation that she deemed…unfathomable…
His hands then meandered to other parts of her body, trailing feather-light touches on her flat stomach and then over to her shapely thighs…earning him another moan from her.
"Heat…"
He chuckled as he could practically hear her heart beating even faster…She was getting restless.
His fingers went to the edge of her black panties and played with the fabric tauntingly…She grunted, "Heat…!" she protested.
"What?" he asked innocently; halting his kisses.
She pouted at him, her full and luscious lips enlarging themselves at him. He found that too cute…
"Stop teasing…!" she squealed.
He chuckled, "Who's teasing?"
She growled at him, "Hurry up already…!"
Heat didn't say anything and chuckled instead, kissing her again, silencing her. His fingers once more set their naughty work on her panties…This time, he heeded her words and slowly pulled her underwear down…He slipped them down her thighs and down her legs completely.
His slender fingers slowly touched her bare legs, leaving electrifying sensations in its wake. He could feel her shivering beneath him and he chuckled once more.
He broke the kiss and there dove for her ample chest, suckling her right breast eagerly. Argilla was seeing stars as she opened her eyes; her pink orbs dilating in sheer pleasure. His hands touched her knees and urged them to part.
His lips left her breast and from there, a faint line of saliva trailed from his lips to her breast. He then nestled himself comfortably in between her legs. His hands massaged her legs appreciatively as he looked at her bare body.
His eyes became foggy with lust as his manhood jolted awake at the mere sight of her. She grinned at him and raised her torso to look at him properly, supporting her weight by being on her elbows, "What…? You're looking at me funny…"
He snapped out of his daze and smirked, "Must be your imagination…"
He tackled her and kissed her once more, letting the words that were planning to spill die within her lips. His fingers touched her thighs again and from there, his slender fingers made their way to her soft pink rose in between her legs.
Argilla growled within his mouth and grabbed hold of his shoulders, pulling him closer to her, wanting to share in his body heat. She squealed suddenly as she felt him cupping her womanhood in his palm.
She groaned; he was teasing her again!
Heat could feel her apprehension and so, he slipped two slender fingers within. She squealed within his mouth and dug her fingers into his skin at the sudden intrusion. His fingers moved fluidly within her tight port…
He wanted to chuckle at her reaction. Her body was shaking and her hips bucking, to match his fingers' thrusts. He then entered the third finger within her tight and wet core and thrust within…
His lips left hers and he sat up in between her parted legs as he continued to thrust his fingers.
Argilla moaned and grabbed the sheets instead as Heat moved away. She shut her eyes tightly, "Heat…!" she yelled as she reached her oblivion.
She opened her eyes and stared dully at the ceiling. Her mouth hung agape from the bliss that she had just experienced.
She didn't know how long she had spaced out but the next thing she knew, his hands were on her face and his eyes piercing hers, "Hey…You okay?"
She blinked and looked at him; she blushed as she saw that he was completely bare in front of her.
"I'm okay…" she whispered, caressing his face.
He nodded and there, he positioned himself right by her entrance. He looked at her once more…as if it were their first time together.
Heat knew that there wouldn't be any pain…It was just that he didn't want to surprise her. No; he had done that the last time and he didn't even know that it was her first time. He didn't want to be selfish just as he had been at that time.
This time, he wanted to go slow.
She nodded, giving him her confirmation.
Heat nodded and slowly pushed in. He leaned in and hugged her tightly as his manhood remained wedged within her tight passage. Argilla buried her face in the crook of his neck as she tightly held him close to her, her smooth yet strong legs encasing his waist protectively.
She smiled; this was how she imagined her first time would be…Slow and gentle…
Her lips neared his ear and she blew him a gentle whisper, "Go on…"
He nodded and slowly moved. And that was how they continued for the next few minutes after which Heat picked up his pace and moved within her expertly…but never roughly…No, never again.
He didn't want to be rough with her again. He wanted to show her his gentle side…He wanted her to feel how protective he could be; letting her taste nothing but pleasure and warmth…
Heat's eyes burned in concentration as he continued to move within her. He gritted his teeth; she was still as tight as when he first took her…
Argilla closed her eyes and bit her lip to prevent herself from openly moaning as Heat's pace quickened still. She bucked her hips as fast as she could to match his…
Argilla's heart raced; they were nearing the end…She could feel it.
Heat could hear it now…the call of nirvana, as it rung freshly in his ears…He thrust within her as hard and as fast as he could and there, relinquished all control to fate…
The two cried out each other's names as they arrived at nirvana together…
Heat let his essence enter her body…surging furiously.
They had reached nirvana hand in hand. He was happy…He raised his head and looked at her; her eyes were closed but there played a quaint little smile lingering on her lips. She sighed and whispered, "Heat…"
He pecked her on the lips and slowly got off her, pulling out of her completely.
Then, he rolled onto his side of the bed and pulled her to him for a tight embrace, "Hey…"
Finally, she opened her eyes and smiled at him, "Thanks…I enjoyed that."
He chuckled, "Me too."
She sighed again and buried her face in his chest and from there, whispered, "I love you Heat…"
Heat held the woman in his arms tighter, "I love you too." he whispered back, kissing the top of her head.
"Say, Heat…you never did tell me my most awaited bedtime story." Argilla stated as a matter-of-factly.
Heat nodded, "Oh yeah. Totally forgot man. Sorry." he said sheepishly.
She snorted.
He sweat-dropped, "Aa…that night…That was the night that Sera told me that she would never want to see me again…Well, knowing me, I got myself drunk…"
Argilla frowned, "I'm sorry Heat…I shouldn't have brought that up…"
"Nah…it's okay man. It's the past. Besides," he pulled away from her and peered within her pink orbs, caressing her face, "there are so secrets between us Argilla. No secrets. I'll hide nothing from you. Nothing."
She smiled, "Yeah…No secrets…" she concurred, embracing him once more. She suddenly batted her eyelashes and licked her lips as she remembered something, "Heat…?" she asked, uncertain, as she hugged him.
"What?"
"Er…do you remember the time that you woke up with a bruise on your face?" she asked gently, trying to make her voice as meek and innocent as possible.
Heat raised an eyebrow and pulled away from her, peering within her pink pools, "Yeah. I hit my face on your vanity table."
Argilla sweat-dropped; he still bought that flimsy reason?
She sighed; "Actually…I hit you." she finished in a low tone.
"Huh?"
Argilla blushed, "You were drunk and you…you were coming onto me so…I knocked you out." she winced, smiling at him sheepishly.
Heat stared at her, dumbfounded and then chuckled, "I knew there was something not quite right about that story…" He grinned, "Well, it's okay though. I mean, I was coming on too strong eh?"
She coughed, "Uh…yeah."
Heat sweat-dropped, "Hey, just promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't do that when I try to seduce you."
She sneered, "And why not?"
He scratched his head and smiled lazily, "It's for a good cause."
She laughed at that and then, a moment later, so did he. Then, again, the two found themselves within each other's arms.
Heat sighed in contentment as he breathed in her sweet scent of lavender. He had been right; she really was made for him. Her hand was made for him to hold, her lips were made for him to kiss…
She was meant for him to protect…to cherish and to love…
Now, he really was her whole world. Now, there were no doubts, no second thoughts and most of all, no regrets.
Argilla was happy; she had finally become something more to him…No longer did she think that she was mere tool for him. She was still his friend, his comrade…but she had also become his soul mate…
This time, they didn't just join their bodies as a flight of fancy or as a way to escape the harsh realities of life or to elude the clutches of the future's agonies or the past's tragedies…
No.
This time, they had joined their bodies as one as a man and woman with nothing but love reigning within their hearts; there were no feelings of insecurity, no malice…no envy…no desire to forget.
A moment later, they departed for the realm of slumber with nothing but feelings of bliss…
They both had been victims of fate…but it was also through fate that they were able to find one another…It was because of fate that they had been able to find love amongst the ruins.
xxxxx
FIN