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

WARNING: WAFF, LEMON CONTENT, MODERATE LANGUAGE.

Chapter 9: Tsuki Wo Nusumu

Argilla jogged towards their rendezvous point and stopped as she saw Serph, with his back turned from her, waiting.

She hadn't even needed to utter a word for he knew that she had been behind him, "Well, let's get going!"

She smiled and walked towards him.

"Serph, what's the mission all about?" she asked curiously.

Serph, who was walking towards the jeep, didn't stop his walk, "Get on the jeep and I'll brief you there."

Argilla nodded and ran to catch up to him.

xxxxx

Heat sat at the mess hall, grasping his coffee-filled mug in his hand tightly. His brow was creased in fierce concentration that he failed to notice a figure walking towards him.

'I wonder if she would ever love me like…him…Can't she see what she's doing to me?' he asked himself with so much desperation as if he were a man who longed for death.

He sighed and closed his eyes. Right now, she was with the bastard. He hated this. He hated their whole setup. Originally, this was what he had planned. He had planned to have her in his bed willingly or by force; she chose the latter.

It was his inner voice that told him that taking her by force would only work for so long before its effects wear off and it backfired on him. But, knowing his stubborn self, he didn't listen and pursued his forceful tactic. And so, his inner voice's premonition had begun to take into fruition. She had been resisting him more and more lately. And when she wouldn't resist, she would give herself completely to him; complete and lifeless, like a doll.

He gritted his teeth. This was not what he wanted. He had originally planned to break her; to make her want and need him as desperately he wanted and needed her. He had thought that it would be enough. How wrong he was.

Now that he had reached that stage, he discovered that it wasn't enough. It wasn't all that he desired. Somewhere through the execution of his plan, his motives and desires had evolved. He no longer just craved for her body…he craved for her heart, her soul…her whole being. He had begun to want to be a part of her life. And he was, for once in his life, afraid.

He was afraid that no matter what he did, no matter what he said, she would never allow him to enter her heart.

And to add insult to the injury, he will lose her to his most hated rival.

'Fuckin' bitch!' he thought angrily.

"Heat."

"What the hell do you want?" he turned his head to look at the son of a bitch who dared interrupt him.

"You have been too emotional these past few days. May I ask as to the cause of this phenomenon?"

"None of your fucking business Gale…" he growled, grasping the mug tighter.

"You're right. It isn't any of my business, but it does become my business when your emotional disturbance will serve as a hindrance to your battle performance. The siege of Anahata will commence in two days. I cannot have a liability standing in the way of our victory."

Heat said nothing, staring at the mug disgustedly.

"Yours and Argilla's problems can wait. You can sort it out with her after the battles have been fought."

Heat's eyes widened at the sound of her name, his heart skipping a beat. He knew? Well, Gale was the smartest of them anyway.

He wondered if Serph knew. Of course he did…he'd be stupider than Cielo if he didn't. He inwardly laughed.

"If your problems persist, I will be forced to remove you or Argilla from the team."

He growled, "Remove her. She doesn't need to be there."

Gale blinked; surprised, "Your concern for her is illogical. She is a soldier and as such is destined to face battles and fights. Your means to protect her is but a postponement of the inevitable."

Heat crushed the mug in his grasp; it shattered into millions of pieces, the hot liquid burning his skin. He looked at his blood-stained hand and fingers, not caring about the stinging pain, "The inevitable what? That she'd die? Not if I can help it."

He stood up to leave but Gale snapped out of his confusion and said, "Remember what I said Heat. Under no circumstances can this mission fail."

Heat slammed his fist on the table, earning him a few shocked and startled and some intrigued stares from the other Embryon members, "I understand damn it. Just stay out of my business chicken shit."

With that, he bolted from the mess hall. Gale only looked on after him, "His emotional distress is worse than I thought…"

He didn't really want to remove either Argilla or Heat, or even, both of them, but he would have no choice if Heat continued to be emotionally charged. They cannot afford to fail. He would give them one more day to show signs of improvement otherwise, they'd go in this mission, without them.

His thoughts then wandered over to Argilla. He had not been blind to her distress as well. He knew that something was bothering her but could never really put his finger on it. But, as he saw that Heat seemed to be bothered as well, his suspicions grew. It wasn't until their dinner a few nights ago that he was able to put the pieces together. He had seen the way they looked at each other.

Of course, Gale could not understand what the connection was, but whatever it was, it was disturbing them both. He noticed it again during their trip to Vishudha. Heat had been angry at seeing Argilla being stared at by a group of young Wolves.

'Why is that so? To look at one's potential adversary or possible ally is no offense. After all, they could be merely estimating her fighting ability and skills. Why was Heat so bothered?'

He shook his head. They had a war to win. There was no time for idle banter. Whatever the reason was, it would have to wait until it was discovered. Besides, it was none of his business anyway. Heat had made that perfectly clear.

xxxxx

"Serph?" Argilla asked, bewildered.

They had been on the road for five minutes now, but he had not said a word.

"Hn?" he muttered.

"Where are we going?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, "You said that I'd be briefed here, but you haven't said a word since we left. What's going on?"

He smiled, but did not look at her, "Just wait a bit more."

She smiled, closing her eyes and shaking her head, "Whatever you say boss."

Fatigue had set its toll on Argilla's body. Losing her initial adrenaline rush from the anticipation of a mission, she closed her eyes slowly, leaning back onto the jeep's seat, her shoulders slumping slightly, dozing off.

Well, whatever Boss had to say can wait. He could just scream Bloody Murder to get her attention or whatever.

She awoke an hour later, it was pitch-dark and the flashlights and luminescent rods were the only source of light. She had awoken to the feeling of a warm hand on her shoulder. She blinked rapidly and murmured, "Where are we? Oh my gosh!" she said, bolting, "Sir, what is our mission? What is our itinerary?"

Serph chuckled at her behavior; she was so damn cute. One instant, she had been like a vulnerable child; she was huddled in the seat like a fetus, her soft voice, innocent and disoriented asking where they were…and then suddenly, all of her vulnerability and innocence to be replaced by emotions and actuations that were matured, professional and deadly serious.

He chuckled; it was just funny to watch.

"Well…I must confess; there is no mission."

Argilla could have sworn he said there was no mission, but then she figured that her hearing had been mistaken. So, she asked again, "I'm sorry, what?"

Serph smiled, "There is no mission."

Okay, so her hearing had been right. "No mission? Then, Serph…"

"Where are we?" he cut her off. He got off the jeep and walked over to her side, holding out his hand to her, motioning for her to get down. She took the hint and his hand, getting off the jeep as well.

"Our troops from Manipura had been doing a little scouting and they stumbled across this ruin. I inspected this place yesterday while I was at Manipura preparing for the siege. I decided to investigate the ruin before I returned to Muladhara last night. It was the afternoon…so, it looked better than it does right now. But you know…"

She stopped looking at the horizon and looked at him, "That because of the upcoming offensive…this was the only time to show me this place…"

He nodded.

Argilla stepped forward and as the clouds gave way for the moon; its gentle rays gleamed over the horizon, illuminating all in its path. Argilla's eyes widened with delight as she let her gaze fall upon what it was before her. There stood a tall castle; it was beautiful. She looked to her right and saw a carrousel. Her eyes softened; being in the army, things like these were considered as impractical frivolities. She had never herself experienced a ride in a carrousel and had not even seen one herself.

She looked back at Serph, "This is…I don't know what to say…it's all so…beautiful."

Serph said nothing but gently took her hand, leading her towards the carrousel. He led her through the path and through the gate. He then got on the carrousel platform and pulled her in.

"Serph…? What are you doing?" she asked, her voice unsure, as Serph had his hands on her waist.

He smiled but said nothing, instead, pointing the horse behind her. She blushed, "Serph! Aren't I a little too old for this…?" Clearly she was embarrassed. She had always wanted to know how being in rides felt like. But then, she also knew that it was a dream that would never come to pass.

But being there now…with Serph…made her see how wrong her previous assumptions were. Her dream did come true; well, up to a certain extent. The carrousel had been a childhood dream of hers…and now, she was there.

She sighed. Serph smiled and gripped her waist firmly, lifting her off the ground and setting her gently onto the wooden horse. Argilla let her hands latch onto the pole and she looked at the horse again with a smile on her face, it had many different colors… 'Like a rainbow…' she thought dreamily.

Her eyes snapped back to reality to realize that her light source was gone.

"Serph?" she called out.

Nothing.

She called again.

Still nothing.

Fear gripped her heart but was quickly extinguished as the lights were restored. She gave a surprised expression as she found that the light that she had now neither came from a flashlight nor a luminescent rod, but from the carrousel itself.

"I had the power restored here yesterday." a voice said behind her.

She turned her waist and torso to see Serph. He walked over to her side with a genuine smile on his face. She was about to say something but was interrupted as the carrousel began to move. She gasped and grasped the pole tighter as her inertia propelled her to lean backward.

"The horses are moving!" she said excitedly.

He said nothing but continued to smile. She fingered the wooden horse's hair noticing with delight the intricate carving designs that it had. 'It probably took a lot of effort to make this…'

The ride went on for a few more minutes before it stopped. Argilla jumped off the horse and walked back to Serph, locking him in her intense gaze, "Serph…thank you…"

He smiled tightly, "It's nothing."

She reached for his hand and grasped it tight, "I mean it."

He nodded in understanding.

She smiled again and dragged him off the carrousel and towards the entrance of the castle.

"Come on Serph! We have another one hour until we leave for Muladhara! We have to get to the top!"

xxxxx

Argilla and Serph leaned over the balcony from the princess' bedroom atop the castle. Argilla sighed contentedly. She was having the time of her life. The gentle breeze swept through her hair, caressing her body in a cool embrace.

She looked up and saw the silver moon above. She smiled. The silver moon reminded her of his eyes…his steely yet loving and gentle eyes.

"Serph…" she breathed out, not realizing that she had said his name aloud.

"What is it?" the said person responded.

She stiffened slightly at the surprise of his response, before blushing, realizing her folly.

"Nothing. I was just thinking…how the moon reminds me of you." she said honestly.

She turned her gaze away, not trusting herself at seeing his eyes. Man, she was getting too lame too damn fast.

Her fears of shame and doubt were laid to rest as she felt a hand on her own. She looked at their hands and then at Serph, who had a serious look in his face. Now it was her turn to ask, "Serph? What's wrong?"

"Nothing…I was just thinking…how beautiful you are…but…there's nothing in the Junkland that I could compare you to…"

"Serph…"

"You said…my eyes were like the moon…but you…you are like nothing I've ever seen before…You are…special."

She felt heat burning her cheeks but nonetheless, said nothing, and continued to smile, placing another hand over his.

"Come on, let's get inside," he said, finally breaking the silence, "it's getting…cold."

She followed his lead and walked back into the princess' bedroom. She easily walked over the bed, lightly touching the sheets and the posts.

"You know, I always wished I become a princess, when I was a kid. My mom and my grandmother used to tell me about them…you know…from legends and stories. But…my favorite was Sleeping Beauty. Do you know that one Serph?"

Serph, who had just been staring at her as she spoke, now looked at her as if she grew two heads. He shook his head.

"No? Well, Sleeping Beauty is about a beautiful princess who was locked away at the tallest tower in the castle by an evil witch. She was there, guarded by a fierce fire-breathing dragon. And there, she slept on her bed, waiting, until the time when her prince would come, slay the dragon and wake her with true love's first kiss…"

Serph continued to look at her with interest and at the same time, he looked at her, dumbfounded.

She sighed, "You don't understand what I'm saying do you? Well, don't worry about it. It's just a silly dream."

Hearing no response from him, she took it as a sign of non-congruence. She glanced at her watch, "Well, we still have a quarter of an hour, but then, maybe we should head back…"

She began to walk towards the door when she felt a pair of hands on her hips, stilling her movements.

"Serph?"

She was spun around and she met his eyes. No longer confused, his eyes now held fierce determination. Towards what? She could only wonder.

His hands tugged at her body in a persuading manner, and she, mesmerized by his eyes, followed his movements. His hands left her hips and she wondered briefly as to what that was all about when she felt herself lifted off the ground.

Serph rested her back on his arm, his other arm slipping behind her legs. He carried her.

"Serph, what are you doing?" she asked, blood gushing to her head. He said nothing but walked over the bed. He set her down gently on it and gently rested her head onto the pillows.

Argilla's heart raced, her pink eyes widening.

"Ser-"

"Ssshhh…" he said, cutting her off, placing a finger on her lips.

She remained quiet. He put his hand on her forehead letting it slide towards her eyes, asking her to close them. She did.

He looked at her for a moment, astounded as to how this woman affected him. He may not know of the tales and legends and stories of the days of old or what beautiful colors were…but…all he knew was that, he loved her. He didn't know how it happened, it just did.

By being with her like this…holding her…seeing her happy as she was now…she had fulfilled his dream. He was happy. She fulfilled his dream. And now, he wanted to return the favor…even if it was just a fraction of her happiness, it meant the world to him for her to realize it.

Supporting his weight by his palms, on both the sides of her head, he leaned down towards her.

Argilla did not know what to expect. What was he doing anyway? Was he looking at her? Was there something on her face that made her look funny? What?

Her curiosity and self-consciousness faded into the next world as she felt warm and moist lips on her own.

She heard him moan and speak against her closed lips, "Argilla…" he breathed out.

Her heart-rate climbed. His lips nibbled on her lower lip, sucking on it gently. His warm tongue flicked playfully on her lips. It ran painfully slow on her lips and she couldn't help but part her lips. He entered her mouth, his tongue caressing her own. She moaned and so did he.

Soon, their kiss transcended gentleness. It became a duel; a duel of fire and passion. Her hands flew to his shoulders and pulled him closer. He slanted his face on hers and met her passion with a force of his own…defeating her…She succumbed to his will.

Their kiss then returned to the gentle field where it began. And soon, it ended.

Serph pulled away slowly, his eyes remained closed. Argilla was the first to open her eyes and saw that Serph's face was mere inches away from her own, his eyes still closed, but had a goofy grin on his face.

He opened his eyes and drew back slowly, his smile still intact. He got off the bed and held out his hand to her. She fluttered her eyelashes and took his hand.

No words were exchanged between the two as they headed down the castle. Silence reigned over them like a tyrant and they neither spoke nor made any sort of noise. As Argilla got on the jeep, she saw the carrousel once more; a smile crept up to her face. This was a night…that she would never forget.

This time, she broke the silence, "Thank you…"

This time, she was met with a fiery kiss.

xxxxx

Throughout the trip back to Muladhara, neither spoke. Argilla focused on the road ahead of her; not once sparing a glance at her prince charming. Prince Charming? Since when did he become her Prince Charming? She frowned; he became her Prince since he kissed her atop that castle. He became her Prince Charming ever since he had awoken her from her slumber.

He had become her Prince Charming when he had saved her from herself. She sighed. It was all so difficult yet so simple. The answer was staring her at the face. Serph loved her with all the love any man could muster towards a woman. And yet, she sat there, ignoring him, taking him for granted.

Many would brand her as a squanderer or someone not worthy of his affections. But she didn't care. Her business was her own. But still, he was her Prince Charming. He was everything that any and every woman could hope for…and much more. He was her protector and her leader. Her teacher and friend. And if she had wanted it…he could be her lover…her better half. He could be her soul mate…her true mate.

But…no.

It wasn't to be.

'Why?'

Because someone else needed her more than Serph ever could.

A tear rolled down her cheek and she turned her face onto her right side, preventing Serph from seeing her. Serph loved her…but he didn't need her. Whereas, someone else did. Her thoughts drifted to a certain redheaded man…

A man that she once swore she would hate…

"I want the whole of you! You've been nothing but a machine! I want you to…love me."

He wanted her to love him…She then thought about all the nights that they had spent together; how gentle he had been as he held her. How soothing his voice had been when he told her not to worry. How warm he had been as he lay there on his bed beside her. No matter how many times she told herself that she would hate him, she found herself unable.

She continued to come to him. At first…it was because of blackmail. But, like him, along the way, her motives had changed. She had not been consciously aware of the gradual change, but now, sitting there in that jeep with Serph, she realized her own self; her own feelings.

Another tear escaped her eyes. It was just hard to say goodbye. It was damn hard to say goodbye to someone you had always and will always love. But, as she stated before, he didn't need her.

But Heat did…

The only question now was…whom did she need?

'This is ridiculous…I can't choose between them…I…love them…both…'

She saw flashes of Serph's gentle face and then, Heat's seductive grin. She closed her eyes hoping the visions would fade, but to no avail. Try as she might to justify her feelings and lack of decision, her heart had already made a decision on its own.

'Aaargghh…I know damn it…It's just that…I'm afraid…I'm afraid to do it…'

Argilla was afraid of making the wrong choice. But then, love was like war; most of the times, it was a gamble.

She clenched her hands into fists and furrowed her eyebrows, mentally telling herself to stand up for her decision. It was done. Leave it.

The jeep rolled on to a gentle stop, and as becoming of her Prince, he hopped off the jeep and assisted her off of it. She blushed; for a moment there, he made her forget that she was in the army.

She took his hand and got off slowly. She continued to look at their intertwined hands, fighting the tears that were welling inside her eyes. This was probably the last time she would allow herself to feel this way about him…

They stood there, at the parking garage without a word. Then, mustering her courage, "Serph…I…don't know what to say…"

"…Anything…" he whispered, stepping closer to her.

"What…?"

"Say anything…" he said.

She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, "I…can't…"

He couldn't hold it any longer. He encompassed her in his arms, stilling her trembling body. He caressed her back and her arms, rubbing them gently with his hands, "Argilla…"

"I…just can't…I can't…" she continued to chant.

Serph nodded and smiled sadly, "You don't have to say anything more…You've said…whatever you have to say…"

She broke down in his arms, gripping his suit tighter, "Serph I…"

He understood. And even as he stood there, holding the woman he loved in his arms, his heart ached. He stifled a groan in pain. He had never felt this way before. He had no injury, but this pain was more annoying than it was painful. It kept poking his heart…It sent painful pulses through his nerves. He didn't want to feel this way…but it was the woman in his arms that had sealed his fate.

But because he loved her, he understood.

"I'm sorry…"

"…No…don't be. You love him."

She raised her head from his chest, slightly surprised at what she heard. So, he knew all along. She smiled inwardly; of course he knew. There was no one else who knew her better than he did.

Serph removed his hand from her arm and went to her face, removing the stray hair that almost blocked her eyes, "You'll be happy with him…"

Not wanting for him to see her cry once more, she buried her face on his chest. It was sad really. She had chosen a different ending for this. She had always wanted to live in a fairytale. A tale where the beautiful princess imprisoned atop the highest tower in an enchanted castle was to be woken up by a handsome prince with the true love's first kiss…They would then get married and live happily ever after.

But no…

This was not to be for this princess. She had not chosen her Prince Charming; rather, she had chosen to love the hideous and fearsome dragon that imprisoned her. She would not live at a castle nor would she live happily ever after. Her life was beginning its new chapter, and it would be anything but happy. It would be harsh, difficult and dangerous. How ironic was that? But, like everyone else, she was a slave to fate and her heart. Her heart had betrayed her.

She hadn't planned on loving him. But she did anyway.

Serph gave her a final squeeze and then let her go, taking a step back, "Be happy Argilla…I love you."

Before she could respond, she found herself in his arms once more, her lips attached to his. He kissed her gently and soon after, he broke away. He didn't say anything, not trusting his own voice. And with a sad smile, he turned and left her alone.

xxxxx

She walked back to her room. She stood there, in front of her door but as it slid open, she changed her mind and ran from it. She ran through the halls. She found the room that she was seeking and stood outside. She gulped but then, gathered her nerves and went inside.

She found him, sitting on his chair, facing the window with his heels atop the windowsill. He didn't shift from his position but she knew that he knew she was there.

His words confirmed her suspicion.

"How was your mission with the bastard?" His tone was bitter and cold. But then, given his position, would anyone else have said anything otherwise in another tone?

"There was no mission." she said flatly.

He merely nodded, still refusing to budge from his sitting position.

"So, did he confess his undying love for you? Did you swoon over him like some bitch in heat?" he drawled, his words laced with malice.

She winced as she felt his words sting her heart. But nonetheless, she held her ground and ignored it.

"…" she remained quiet.

Here, Heat got his feet down from the windowsill. Getting up from his chair, he walked slowly towards her.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you a bit tired from screwing both of us in one night?"

Here, she drew the line. Heat didn't get the time to react before he felt the burning sensation on his cheek.

"How dare you…?" she asked, her voice, as well as her hands, shaking.

"How dare I what? Speak the truth?" he growled; his fury building up.

She glowered at him, "I didn't do anything with Serph. I came here…for you."

It was her last two words that had extinguished the feelings of agony and anger within him. What was she saying…? She came back…for him?

Reading his shock and disbelief as encouragement, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling his chest, "I came for you…"

"Argilla…" he whispered, not believing that this was happening. What had happened between her and Serph? What transpired during their "mission"?

"Heat…" she began, before raising her head to look him in the eyes, "I came for you…and only you…"

Heat's mouth hung slightly open, his ruby eyes still shocked. She smiled, "I'm yours…and only yours…"

She cupped his face with a gentle hand and pulled his face down to hers in a searing kiss.

xxxxx

She cradled his face which was nestled comfortably in between her naked breasts. She kissed his forehead gently and sighed. This was the best night of her life. Ever since that they had been together, not once did she feel the way she did now.

Then, after their union, there was only the feeling of intoxicating euphoria, only to be followed by fear. But now…there was only the optimistic feeling of having a future…together.

She wrapped the blanket around their bare flesh as the night became even chillier. There were no bruises or cuts that would adore her silky skin; there was no soreness anywhere in her body. There was no swelling on any part of her body. He had been gentle that night.

She was grateful.

Flashback

Soon after her kiss, did he respond. At first, he had been timid, but as the seconds ticked by, he regained some of his usual confident self and kissed her passionately. He steered her towards his bed and they tumbled down as her legs hit the mattress.

No longer the only active participant in their act of lovemaking, he was mildly surprised at her eagerness to discard his uniform. Not that he was complaining either.

His hands roamed her hair and removed the pins that held it together in its buns. His hands then traveled to her jacket, and with her turning to her side, he removed it from her arms and threw it carelessly on the floor. He then reached for the zipper of her corset and slid it down. He peeled it off her and it joined the jacket on the floor.

His next task was to remove her cumbersome yet seductive skirt. It was an illness soon remedied. Her clothes soon pooled onto the floor in a messy heap.

He removed his lips from hers and looked at her with a boyish grin in his face, "Hey…" he whispered seductively.

"Hey there yourself…" she replied, before frowning, "You're still clothed."

"So?" he mocked.

She grinned and grabbed his cloak, pulling him closer, "Then I'll just have to get even won't I?"

She crashed her lips onto his and quickly did away with his uniform. With a sense of urgency she had never known before, she kissed him with much fervor. Heat's tongue battled hers for supremacy. She was losing; but then, she would still fight. Grabbing him by the shoulders with her hands, and wrapping her legs around his waist, she rolled him onto his back, surprising him.

She drew back and smirked, "I win this round…"

Heat blushed but then gritted his teeth, "You haven't won yet woman!" He grabbed her by her waist and rolled her on her back, pinning her wrists above her head. He smirked as she groaned.

"Well…it looks like I win this round…"

Argilla let one of her legs slip from his waist, intentionally letting it hit his erect manhood. He groaned in pleasure as her leg touched him and he loosened his grip. Seizing this as an opportunity, she snatched her wrists away and pushed him on his back. She then took him in her hand, earning her a strangled breath from her dragon.

"Argilla…what are…you…doing…?" he asked through gritted teeth as she stroked his length. He grunted as she sped up her strokes.

"Oh God…" he moaned.

She grinned as she saw him being lost in sensation. She then took a bold step. Heat, who had closed his eyes as Argilla continued to touch him suddenly felt the stinging slap of the cold air on his manhood. He quickly opened his eyes to discover that she had stopped her ministrations.

He was about to ask her why she stopped when the warmth returned on his manhood. It wasn't just warmth; it was warm and wet. He looked at her again and saw that she had taken him into her mouth. He could only see her head bob up and down. He groaned again. Her mouth just felt too damn good. He had no idea that she knew how to do this!

Sweet merciful heaven!

His manhood passed through her mouth effortlessly, her tongue and lips sucking him. He was close now. Fighting the urge to come into her mouth, he sat up immediately and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her away from his manhood.

"What's wrong?" Argilla asked worriedly.

He shook his head, "Not like that…"

He then kissed her and rolled her on her back. He squeezed her breasts and earned a low moan from her. He left her lips and kissed her neck. His hands parted her legs and without hesitation, he plunged himself in her.

She moaned beneath him, wrapping her legs around his waist. He grunted at the contact. Her legs were adding pressure to their act and it was driving him crazy. He grabbed her hips and slammed into her like a mad man.

She matched his pace with thrusts of her own.

Heat could feel himself drawing ever closer toward the inevitable. She was close as well. Tonight, he wanted to walk into Nirvana with her…together. And so, they came together.

"Heat…!" she gasped as the wave of pleasure came through her.

"Argilla…" he whispered her name in desperation.

He held her close not long after their union was sealed. Heat held her close, burying himself on the crook of her neck, "Did you mean what you said?"

She smiled, "Of course I do…"

He pulled away to look at her, "Then, you're really mine…?" he asked with a hint of doubt behind his words.

She pecked him on his lips, "I'm really yours…"

He said nothing but pulled her back towards him. Then he spoke, "I'm sorry…"

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry," he repeated, tightening his hold on her, "I'm sorry for everything…I just…wanted you so bad…I was willing to do anything." He lightly touched the carved wound on his lover's chest. She stiffened slightly before relaxing, "It's alright Heat…It's the past…"

"How could you forgive me that fast?" he asked, growling. Argilla smiled ruefully, still nuzzling his chest, "That is what love is Heat…You forgive the one you love…"

"Thank you…" he murmured. Silence reigned over them once more. Argilla lightly kissed Heat's chest, assuring him that all would be alright; and that he was forgiven. He then fell asleep soon after. And for the first time, he didn't have bad dreams. There were no visions, no flashbacks…nothing…just the feeling of bliss…

End Flashback

This was what she chose. Before she had come in his room, she had been afraid that she may have made the wrong decision. Argilla was pleased to know that she didn't feel that way at all. She felt safe and secure within his arms.

The hands and arms that used to hurt her and imprison her were now her source of warmth and protection.

'I love you Heat…'

She had chosen him…

xxxxx