A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
Warning: MILD LANGUAGE, LEMON
Chapter 2: Hurt Me
Serph sat on his bed thinking. It had been two days since Argilla had made her request. He sat there, staring at the wall blankly. He didn't know what to feel right now. A part of him wanted to be happy, saying that he would finally have her…no matter what the circumstances were. Voices in his head were telling him how good an opportunity it was for him that she had chosen him and only him to be her first. He wanted to be her first…He always had…but on the other hand, he wanted to be her first provided that she loved him the way he loved her.
But…it was clear where her affections lay. It was with Heat and wasn't with him. Another part of him shouted at him, telling him that he should be insulted at her proposal. It told him that he should be appalled and outraged at the fact that she had chosen him and only him to use and abuse in this kind of situation. What did she think he was? Some lowly lapdog ready to leap and jump about at his master's beck and call?
But he felt neither. He felt neither happy nor angry. He just felt…dead. He stared at the moon out the window. It was night time already? It was a Saturday night and it was the perfect time for them to…bond.
He sighed.
He then heard a knock on his door. His heart thumped. Was it she? Was she ready? He stood from his bed and walked over to the door. He turned the knob slowly and opened it to reveal his best friend. He stood from the door and held it open for her, "Argilla…"
He looked at her and saw that she was wearing her silky black robe. His blood rushed to his system. Her hair was undone and flowed carelessly on her shoulders and back. She looked at him with hopeful eyes. Yes…she really did trust him this much.
He saw the numerous emotions in her eyes; hope, happiness and…fear. She was afraid. Was she afraid of the repercussions that their act might impact on their relationship as a whole? He could only hope so. He hoped so because he wanted her to realize that it was not too late. It wasn't too late to back out from all this madness.
"Argilla…" he said slowly, rousing her from whatever thoughts she may be having. She tilted her face slightly to get a look at his face. It was just then that she had realized that the room was not illuminated; the lights were turned off and only the moon served as light within the room. But even then, his face was clearly visible to her and she could see his eyes. His eyes were filled with strife as if he were having some internal turmoil within him.
"Serph…"
"Argilla, it's not too late." he said cryptically.
She cast her face down, "I know…but…"
"But?"
"I want to do this…Serph…I want…I want you…"
Now, it was he who cast his face down. She didn't want him. She wanted Heat. She only wanted him so that she may get the preparations she needed. She didn't want him…She wanted what she could get out of him.
'Stop it!' he scolded himself, 'Argilla's not like that…She did this because there wasn't any other choice.'
"Argilla…are you absolutely sure?" he asked again.
She smiled weakly, taking a bold step so that she was an inch away from him, cupping his face in her hand, "Yes…I'm sure." She tiptoed and kissed full in his lips. He closed his eyes and snaked his arms around her tiny waist. Their kiss was innocent. But soon, he licked her lower lips, craving to taste her. She moaned and shivered in his arms. He broke away from her and looked at her slightly trembling form, "Argilla…ssshhh…just relax…"
"Serph I…I'm sorry…I can't…I don't know…"
"Ssshhh…" he assured her, "Just…follow my lead…" he instructed gently. He cupped her face in his hands once more and guided her lips to his. She put her hands on his chest, still quite unsure of how this was to go. Serph lightly chuckled at her inexperience. Argilla had been feisty yes, but she was never the intimate type. She was, at most times, tomboyish. His hands left her face and encircled her waist. He ran his tongue over her lips; a silent persuasion to let him in. She still didn't let him.
He spoke against her lips, muttering, "Please…let me in…"
She shivered again but then did as she was told. She shyly parted her lips. Serph slowly entered her cavern, careful and gentle enough so that he would not scare her. He slanted his face closer against hers, as he held the back of her neck.
She moaned.
Serph's tongue crept within her mouth slowly, as if memorizing every contour that it had within. He chuckled as he found what he had been looking for; her shy tongue. He let his tongue dance with hers, coaxing her to do the same; to reciprocate his actions. She understood and slowly moved her tongue, letting it dance with his.
He broke away soon after, gasping for air, "Hey…you okay?" he asked.
She panted and looked into his eyes. "I'm fine…"
"Good…"
His lips now found her neck. She leaned back and tilted her neck to the side, giving him further access to her flesh. He nodded in approval. His hands, which grasped her arms, slid downwards and held the knot of her robe, twisting it within his fingers.
She could feel excitement build up within her and her breathing quickened. Serph backed her to the wall, his hands massaging her shoulders, as he felt her tense up as she touched the wall. "Just relax…" he whispered against her flesh.
She nodded.
From her shoulders, his hands resumed their task on her robe. After fiddling with the knot for a few more moments, he slowly undid it, leaving the robe open. She moaned; but it wasn't out of pleasure…She was worried.
"Ssshhh…" he cooed again. His lips left her neck and went back to her lips. His hands went for the edge of the robe on her shoulders and slowly slid them off. Argilla shivered again as she felt the cool air on her skin and pressed herself closer to him.
He broke away again and looked into her eyes. She blushed; she had never seen Serph look at her this way.
Serph put his arms around her back and pushed her towards his waiting arm. She felt startled for a moment; what was he doing? He put another arm under her legs, behind her knees. He scooped her off her feet effortlessly and walked towards his bed. She nuzzled her face in his chest, relishing in his scent. He smelled like sandalwood.
He set her down slowly and carefully on his bed. She shivered again. He looked into her eyes, and saw slight fright in them. He straddled her carefully and lowered himself down on her, his eyes never breaking away from hers.
He put his hands on either side of her face, "Don't worry…"
She nodded again.
He nodded as well and kissed her again, his hands reaching for the edge of her night gown. He slowly pulled it up, lightly touching the skin beneath. She moaned, "S…er…h…"
She arched her back, assisting him as he pulled her garment from her body. He pulled it over her head and flung it across the room. She let out a strangled breath. He pulled back to look at her. She was only in her panties; pink. He smiled.
She blushed as she followed her gaze. She put her hands on her eyes and turned her body sideways, "Serph please…"
"Argilla…why?" he asked, breathless, "Why do you turn away?"
"I don't want you to see me…"
He put a firm hand on her shoulder and turned her back, "But I want to see you…"
"I'm cold…" she whimpered.
He pressed himself against her again, his hands massaging her plump breasts. His lips attached themselves onto her neck. He wanted so badly to bite the skin and pierce it, but he decided not to. He might scare her. He needed to take it slow.
Her breathing was becoming ragged as she felt his hands on her chest. No one had ever touched her in those areas in her life. She gasped as she felt his lips on her breast. "Ah! Serph…!" He nuzzled his face on her breast and then gently took her pink nipple in his mouth again, suckling it gently. She gasped again, running her fingers through his hair.
Serph let his free hand roam her body. He stroked her legs and thighs gently. He reached up and felt at the lace of her pink panties. He fiddled with it for a moment and then pulled it down. She lifted her hips off the bed as he pulled her panties from her completely.
His lips soon left her breasts and trailed wet kisses down on her abdomen. His hands, from her legs, traveled upward, towards her heated core. He let his fingers lightly touch her sex, playing with her pink soft curls. She blushed, "Serph! What…are you…doing?" she asked in between her breaths.
He rose from his position and kissed her again, silencing her. In the mean while, his hand cupped her sex which caused her to buck her hips against his hand. He lightly chuckled.
Argilla gasped in his mouth as she felt two of his fingers within her slick folds. She let out a cry, "It…it hurts!!"
He broke away from her and cooed into her ear, "Just relax…It doesn't hurt…You're just not used to it…"
"Just relax…"
She nodded and pressed her head back onto his pillows, closing her eyes shut. His fingers began to move within her and she pressed her legs together on instinct. He touched her shoulder, "Lie back down…Just enjoy it."
Argilla didn't know how she was to enjoy it. She had never had anything foreign within her inner folds and here he was, moving his fingers within her expertly.
Soon, as Serph gained his pace, she was proven wrong. Her mouth hung agape as she felt pleasure wave over her. His fingers were moving within her rapidly.
"Aaahh!! Serph…!" she choked. She involuntarily bucked her hips upwards in one final thrust as she came. Serph withdrew his fingers from her, letting her see her fluids. She blushed, "Is that…?"
He nodded and brought his wet fingers to his mouth, sucking it dry. She blushed wildly, "Serph…"
He chuckled, "Ssshhh…"
He pulled her arms to make her sit up. She blinked as she noticed that he was still fully clothed. Her fingers went to his pajama top and began to slowly undo the buttons. When she was done, she slid it off of him and dropped it on the floor. He groaned as she touched him. She let her fingers glaze over his well-toned chest. She had seen what he had looked like naked, but she had no idea that it felt like this to touch him…
Soon he too was bare. The two sat up, embracing each other, their lips locked in a duel. Serph broke away soon after and held her hand. She followed his lead as he led her hand. Soon, she touched something hard. She looked and saw that it was his member. She blushed like mad. His hand guided hers and had it stroke his length. He groaned at the contact. With her other hand, she removed his guiding hand from her inexperienced one. Serph looked at her confusedly, and she smiled, "May I?"
He nodded and she stroked his length, slowly and gently. He grunted as she sped up her pace. "Argilla…ahh…" he moaned.
Soon, her hand was replaced by something else. He opened his eyes to see that she had him in her mouth. His eyes widened; how did she know? Her mouth moved up and down his shaft, her teeth lightly grazing it but not hitting it. Her tongue massaged his member nicely. He was getting closer, and so he grasped her shoulders and pulled her from him.
"What's wrong?" she asked, worried that she may have done something wrong to displease him. He smiled at her and pulled her to him, letting their bodies fall back on his bed, "Nothing's wrong…I just…didn't want to do it that way…"
"Oh…" she said, smiling.
Slowly, he spread her legs apart. She tensed again. He looked into her eyes as he positioned himself in between her legs, "Argilla…this is it…are you sure about this?" he asked.
She nodded.
In that instant, he entered her. He felt her barrier and broke it. She cried out as she felt something stiff, thick and big within her. She could feel her muscles ache and stretch in a futile attempt to expel this intruder. She let out another cry; it was painful, to say the least. It was as if she were being torn apart from all directions. She shut her eyes tightly.
Serph kissed her cheeks and then her eyelids, "Ssshh…be still…"
He knew it would hurt her, and so he did the only thing he could. He held her to him, close, letting her cry on him. And cry she did. Serph could feel something warm and wet trailing down his thighs and saw that it was her blood. He felt guilty all of a sudden; he was causing her this pain. He had taken her innocence.
He heard her crying and felt bad for it. But there was no turning back now; he had already come too far to quit.
Feeling her calm down in his arms, he slowly moved within her. Argilla hugged him tight as he did her. Soon, the entire bed rocked as his thrusts became frenzied. Argilla bucked her hips instinctively to match his speed and strokes. He smiled inwardly, she learned quickly.
Serph was going to come and he was about to pull out when she stopped him, "What?" she breathed out, her confused eyes telling him what her question was.
Serph looked at her and through gritted teeth, spoke, "I…need to pull out…I'm going…to…"
She kissed him and pulled her to him, "No…you are my first…Please complete it."
"You don't…know…what you're saying!" he said, breathless as his self control dwindled. She smiled, "I do know and I do understand…Please Serph…"
He looked at her for but a moment more and then nodded. He thrust into her one last time and came within her. She came at the same time he did. So that was what she meant by completing the task. She wanted them to come together.
He collapsed on her, exhausted. She held him close to her, smiling with tears in her eyes. She held him tight and whispered into his ear, "Thank you…"
He panted, "Anything…to make you happy…"
His words had taken her aback but…in this current circumstance, she let it slide, not giving it any more thought.
After he pulled out of her slowly, he grabbed his blanket and draped it over their sweaty and nude bodies. Argilla cuddled to him, seeking his body's warmth as she felt exhaustion creep within her system. Very soon, she fell asleep. Serph took one last look at her and kissed her forehead. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
xxxxx
Serph opened his eyes groggily, the events of the previous night still a blurred memory to him. He blinked and concentrated on that part of the ceiling as he organized his thoughts. He later realized that it was useless as his memory came flooding back to him as he felt a body nuzzle itself closer to him, relishing in his warmth. He turned his head and saw that there was a plop of pink hair lying down on his bare chest. It was Argilla. So last night wasn't a dream. It had all been real. He looked further down and saw that her arm was draped on his waist.
He reached for the blanket and removed it from his body, but found it difficult as her body was on top of his. He cursed. He gently slipped away from her, careful not to disturb her. He swung his legs on the side of the bed and buried his face in his hands. It had been done; the deed had been done and there was no going back. He was nervous. He had already thought about how this would affect their relationship and he just wished that it wouldn't change their view of one another.
The last thing that he needed was to feel alienated towards someone whom he had known forever. He didn't want her to feel awkward towards him either.
'This was just…something that we had to do…No more no less…Just like watching a movie together. Yup. That's it.' He knew he was speaking of a lie…but, this was the only thing that would make him feel better. He couldn't just lock himself up in his room or avoid her because he felt guilty.
He sighed. He needed to get up. He stood up and looked for his discarded clothes. He picked them up from the floor and folded them neatly, before setting them carefully on his chair. He grabbed a towel and put it around his waist. He was about to head for the lavatory but stopped. He looked back and saw his best friend, sleeping soundly. He had done what she had asked of him. He had made her happy.
And even if he knew the painful truth, that she was using him to fulfill her own desires, even if he knew that he was hurting himself, it didn't matter; as long as she was happy, that was enough for him.
And so, with a sad smile, he left the room.
xxxxx
Argilla felt around the bed for her best friend, but found the bed empty. Her hands failed to feel him. She slowly opened her eyes and found that she was indeed alone. She sat up slowly, clutching the sheets around her. She sighed; these were his sheets…she was in his bed…in his room. She smiled ruefully; he had fulfilled his promise to her. She was glad…but…if she knew Serph…she'd know that…he had hidden his true feelings about this matter.
'I guess I was just too selfish to notice…'
She wanted to know what he felt…but…at the same time, she dreaded it. What if he told her that he hated her for using him?
'Using him…? No I…' she slumped forward; of course she was using him.
She was about to think deeper into it when she turned her attention to the opening door. There, on the threshold stood her best friend, clad in only a towel. He had taken a shower. She smiled inwardly; at least there was something that didn't change about him. He still woke up earlier than she did; no matter how exhausted he was the previous night.
She suddenly blushed as she remembered that she was still unclothed beneath his sheets and that he standing there in a towel meant that he was going to use his room to change. She quickly turned her gaze down and clutched the sheets around her tighter and prepared to stand. As she did so, she felt a searing pain in her core that she couldn't keep her balance. As quick as lightning, Serph was immediately at her side, supported her wobbling form, "Are you alright?" he asked, worry in his eyes.
She blushed, "Y-yeah…it just…hurt…" she said truthfully.
"Where?" he asked.
She blushed again, "T-there…in my…"
He nodded, his face stoic, "Right. That's natural. That's because of the torn vaginal tissue. You should get some rest; you should be okay in a day or two."
His eyes left hers and went on the sheets. She followed his gaze and saw the bloodied sheets. He looked back at her, "You bled quite a bit last night…but that's natural too. Is there anywhere else where you're hurting?"
She shook her head; Serph was doing it again. Every time he felt uncomfortable, he would go to extreme lengths just to mask his awkwardness. Now, he was telling her rudimentary human anatomy as if she were a high school student. Serph just had to blab and blab away to hide his aloofness.
"Serph…" she said, cutting him off, "I'm fine. It does hurt…but it's nothing major. There isn't anywhere else I hurt. I already know that stuff."
He blushed, "Right."
She lightly pushed him off her and tried to stand on her own only to find the stinging pain return.
Serph caught her in his arms again, lifting her off the ground, "I'm taking you to your room. You should freshen up for the day. Just holler if you need anything."
"Thanks."
"No problem." he replied.
He gingerly carried her to her room and deposited her on her bed. He nodded curtly and left, closing the door behind him slowly.
"Serph…you're so sweet…" she breathed out.
xxxxx
The two sat deathly quiet during their breakfast. It was an easy and lazy Sunday morning but Serph wanted nothing more than to run out of their apartment. He didn't care where he was to go, as long as it wasn't there.
'Anywhere but here…' he said to himself.
He stole a peek at his best friend. She seemed to be focusing on cutting her food; too focused. Her eyes suddenly found his and he quickly looked elsewhere. Too late; she already saw him.
"Serph?"
"Hm?"
"Um, I just want to say…thank you." She smiled tightly.
He resisted the urge to wince, and smiled tightly as well, "It's fine Argilla. As long as you know what you're doing."
She smiled and got off her chair, walking over to him. She hugged him from his chair, "Thanks…again, for everything." She pecked him on his cheek and walked over to her plates again, picking it up and dropping it in the dishwasher, "Well, I'm off."
"Where to?" he asked.
"Heat and I are going to the park."
He felt his insides burn, "Oh."
"Serph? Anything wrong?"
"No. Have fun." he said smiling painfully, although she would never guess that that was how he really felt.
"Don't wait up for me tonight. Bye!" She rushed through the door, leaving him with his thoughts.
"Bye…" he said talking to no one.
xxxxx
It was a month now since their deed and things were getting better between them. But, behind this guise, Serph suffered. He hurt when she wasn't with him. She now spent a lot of time with Heat, leaving him alone. The only time he ever got to spend any time with her was during classes or during their busy shifts at the hospital. That was all. They no longer visited their old haunts. Well, he did…but…they never went together.
So, he stopped going there altogether. He sighed. He missed her. Had she forgotten about him?
He shook his head and focused at his task at hand. He looked at his file; well, it looked like he was all done for the night. He walked into the men's locker room and changed.
Soon, he reached home. It was dark and cold. He shivered and then turned on the heater. Argilla was gone; again. She had told him that he shouldn't wait up for her. But, like the other times before, it was advice that had fallen on deaf ears. He still worried about her and still waited for her. Of course, she never showed up.
He gazed at the window sadly; he could only wonder what she was doing at that moment. Was she having fun with Heat? Was she having her supper? Was she watching a good movie? Or, was she watching the stars thinking of him?
Fat chance on that one.
xxxxx
Argilla walked out of her room the next morning, and into the kitchen. Serph was already there, sipping his cup of coffee, "Hey there!"
He smiled at hearing her voice, "Hey there yourself. Had fun last night?" He cursed; crap! Wrong question! It was none of his business!
She smiled, "Yeah. It was a blast. We just went to a party; that's all. It got over pretty late so…you know, I got home pretty late."
Here, he was surprised; she came home? He must've fallen asleep.
"I saw you; you fell asleep on the couch. You're really stupid. I told you not to wait up." She smiled and bounced up to him, "But you know something, I'm really glad that you're stupid. You really do care about me. Thanks Serph."
"It's nothing." He smiled, "Say, would you like to go out tonight? That is…if you're not busy or anything…"
She thought for a moment, "Ohh! I'd really love to Serph…"
"But…?"
"But…I promised Heat that we'd have dinner tonight…I'm really sorry…maybe some other time?" she asked hopefully.
He smiled tightly, "It's okay…"
She pecked him on the cheek, "Thanks Serph! You're the best!"
xxxxx
And that was how it had been going on for the next three months. 'Thanks Serph! You're the best!' was her new mantra.
A month prior, it was their special day. It was the day when Argilla and he had sworn that they would become best friends. Of course, it was a promise that they had had ever since they were little, but silly as it may look to other people, to them it was special.
And so, in the upcoming years, they had always celebrated it. From sharing popcorn while watching a good horror film or having a quiet dinner at a restaurant, they always celebrated it. They had never broken that promise; until now.
He had planned it meticulously. He had planned to take her to a fanciest restaurant in town, and then, he planned to take her on a dhow ride by the ocean.
Flashback
She rushed into her room. He smiled as he watched her; she was probably rushing to get ready for their friendly date. He went up to his room as well and got into his clothes. He walked out of his room a half an hour later and knocked on her door. Wasn't she ready yet?
"Argilla?"
"Yeah?" she asked, a bit impatiently.
"You alright?" he asked, concerned.
"Yeah! I'll be out in a minute."
He nodded, "Alright. Just making sure."
He walked back down into their living room and sat at the sofa. She arrived ten minutes later. He stood up, amazed at the way she looked. She was wearing an elegant Chinese sleeveless black dress. He looked down; her dress had slits on both sides and showed off her mid-thigh. He felt a bit warm. She held a small purse in her hands. His eyes looked back to her face and saw that she still had her hair in their buns, and she wore light make up.
"Hey…" he said dreamily.
She descended the stairs, "Hey. How do I look?"
He was speechless, and his mouth hung agape. She chuckled, "Okay. I take it I'm fine right?"
He could only nod.
She walked over to him and he smiled, "So, ready to go?"
Here, she looked at him as if he grew two heads, "Go?"
"Yeah," he said, "it's our special day remember? Let's go!" he said excitedly.
However, his high spirits plummeted down as he saw cast her face down only to look back up to his face with a pained expression.
"Serph…I…"
He nodded sadly, "You…can't…right?"
She bit her lip, "I'm sorry…I just totally forgot…I…"
"…" he didn't reply.
"Heat…was…he was…I'm going to meet Heat's parents tonight…so…I really…couldn't…" she said.
"I…I understand."
'No! I don't understand! I don't want to understand! Why can't she be with me; even if just for a while?!' he thought painfully.
She kissed him on his cheek, "Thanks Serph! You're the best! I'll make this up to you; I promise!"
End Flashback
She never did.
He remembered how hurt he had been that night. He went back up to his room and instead spent it working on his thesis. There was nothing better to do anyway. But, he also remembered how useless it was working on his thesis. He couldn't concentrate. He kept thinking of her and how much it hurt that she was beginning to forget all about him. The small times that they used to spend together that they no longer did, he understood that and let it slide. But this, this was…this was too much.
The way she had told him that she wouldn't be able to go…the way she refused him…it felt like his heart had been ripped out from his chest. Didn't he matter to her anymore?
He gritted his teeth in anger and of pain.
He loved her so much; 'Is this what it's like to love?'
Yes; love was always accompanied by pain and sacrifice.
He wanted so much to tell her how he felt, but he couldn't. She was with someone now and had the chance to be happy. He couldn't be selfish and ruin it by confusing her and being deadweight for her. No; he'd just have to drag his burden by himself. Whenever he would see her, he felt happy and sad at the same time. He wanted her so much…Ever since their first and last night together, his desire for her had reached a new level and it just pained him to know that she would never be his.
He felt happy at seeing her; felt happy that she was happy…but…deep inside…he was dying.
But still, even after all of this, he still didn't want to give up on her. Even if she wouldn't love him back, he'd be there for her.
'I just wonder how long I can last…'
Her birthday was coming up in two days. He felt a knot in his stomach, 'She'd probably spend it with Heat…but still, I've got to try.'
xxxxx
The next day came and went. It was already in the afternoon and their classes had just ended. He gathered his books and looked her, "Hey. What're your plans tomorrow?"
"Huh?" she asked, distractedly.
He chuckled, "It's your birthday tomorrow. And you're getting older. Has age really crept up on you like that that it affected your memory?"
She smacked him on his head playfully, "Shut up! Hmph! So it is my birthday! And to think that you could be a bit nicer to me!" she whined.
He stood and offered her his hand, "Well, let's go."
She took it. They walked through the halls quietly and Serph spoke, "So, what do you want to do tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? Well…it's just that…"
He felt that pricking feeling again. He already knew what she was going to say, and so, he deemed it useless to let her continue. So, he cut her off, "It's okay. Just have a good time okay?"
She smiled, "Thanks Serph! You're the best!"
"Anyway, I'll catch you later okay? Heat will be here any minute now."
Serph didn't know how it all began, but now, he didn't like Heat. Granted, he didn't have any justifiable excuse to dislike the man…but he just did. He gritted his teeth; he took her away.
'No! He didn't…She made her choice…and I must respect that.'
"Nah," he said with feigned cheerfulness, "I'll wait with you until he comes."
"That's sweet Serph! Thanks!"
She dragged him out of the building and into the gardens where they sat on the grass, waiting. After talking of silly things, her knight in shining armor finally arrived. Serph stood and held his hand out for her. She took it and he pulled her gently to her feet.
She jogged up to Heat and kissed him. Serph's smile vanished as he looked at the two of them. It had hurt. He forced himself to look away. He looked back as he heard her chuckle; were they through?
"Serph is just like that. He's too polite." he heard her say to Heat.
"Well, he's a nice guy Argilla. You should be thankful for having someone like that." Heat replied.
Serph smiled weakly but said nothing. Heat looked at him and held out his hand, "Well, it's nice to see you again Serph."
Serph took it and shook his hand, still quite impressed with Heat's firm grip, "Likewise. Well, I'm off. Take care of her." he said.
Heat smiled back, "You bet. Hey, why don't you join us? We're just going to grab a bite to eat."
Argilla clung to Heat's arm and looked at Serph, "Yeah Serph. Come with us!"
Serph closed his eyes and smiled, "I'd love to but I've got tons of work at the hospital. Maybe next time though."
Argilla pouted, "Oooohhhh…please Serph!!"
Serph shook his head, "Can't do man. Well, I'll see you guys. I'm getting late as it is."
Heat looked at his watch, "If your shift's at five, then, you're right."
Serph nodded, "See yah."
Heat smiled, "If you change your mind, just give us a ring."
"I will."
Serph ran from them with a sudden burst of enthusiasm. Well, his enthusiasm was two-faced. He wasn't all that eager to get to work and yet he was. He just wanted to get out of there. He couldn't stand being with the two of them. Seeing her with him was hurting him even if he knew that what he was feeling was wrong. But…be that as it may, he still felt that way and didn't know what to do about it.
And on the other side, he did enjoy his work. It was just that, whenever he was there, he would get to think of her again and he'd feel depressed again.
He sighed.
xxxxx
It was her birthday today. Serph sat there in the dining room. He had wanted to be with her that night but he knew he couldn't and so, he'd better make the best of it and spend what little time he had with her now.
He fiddled with a small box in his pocket. It was her present. He still hadn't given it to her. But, he'd better give it to her soon. Because if his hunch was right, then, as the sun sets, she wouldn't have any time for him. So, he waited for her to come down.
He sat up attentively as he heard light footsteps. He turned his head and saw her by the doorway. She smiled and he smiled back, "Happy Birthday dork."
She snorted, "Thanks but you're the only dork around here."
He got up from his seat and enveloped her in a tight hug, "Happy Birthday Argilla. I hope that you'll be happy now…and always."
She held him closer to her, "Thank you…"
He let go of her but she didn't relinquish her hold of him. He raised an eyebrow, "Argilla?"
"Serph…I just wanted to tell you how thankful I am of having a friend like you. You've always been there for me…You've stuck with me through thick and thin. And…you never asked for anything in return either…Sometimes I think that…that I don't deserve you."
She nuzzled her face in his chest, "I am truly grateful."
He held her back, "As long as you're happy Argilla…I don't care…as long as you're happy."
They enjoyed a few more seconds of contentment before breaking apart.
"Whoa! I almost forgot that I had this thing." He pulled out a small box from his pocket and held it out in front of her.
She beamed, "You got me something!! Thanks!!" she hugged him again.
He grasped her arms and put them on her sides, "Go on, open it."
She grinned and sat down on the chair, ripping the wrapper in shreds. Serph held his breath as she opened it; would she like it? Was it too much? Was it too little?
His worry vanished as her face lighted up, her eyes twinkling, "Serph…" she said breathing his name out as she looked from the content of the box to his eyes.
He sat down across from her, "You like it…?"
Argilla felt her eyes water, "Serph…you…Isn't this…a bit expensive?"
Serph got off his chair and walked over to her, pulling her to her feet, "Don't think like that. I got this for you…and that's all." He took the box from her hands and picked up the simple necklace. It was a simple platinum chain; it was thin and had a small pendant at the center in the shape of a cherry blossom with a diamond as its cornerstone.
He got behind her and put it on her. As soon as he was done, she stood up and flung herself in his arms, "Oh Serph…"
"What?" he asked, grinning sheepishly.
She looked up at him and saw his eyes gleam with happiness. She felt herself get lost in them and before she knew what she was doing, she tiptoed and kissed him on his lips. She pulled away and looked at him; a shocked expression on his face. She blushed and got off him, "Sorry."
"It's okay."
'She does care…Well, that's more than enough for me.'
She looked at her watch, "Holy smokes! Come on! We'll be late!"
She grabbed his hands and rushed through the front door.
xxxxx
Night came too soon and as if on cue, Argilla walked towards him cautiously, "Serph, Heat and I are going for a quiet dinner."
He felt his heart ache once more, but, like all of the other times, he pasted his happy and cheerful façade, "Ah; well have fun alright?"
"You bet! Thanks Serph! You're the best."
There was that sentence again. He was getting sick of it. Every time she said that a little piece of him dies. 'The best huh?'
xxxxx
Heat held her hand as they sat on their table; they had finished their dinner and were now having champagne when Heat spoke, "How is Serph?"
"Serph?" Argilla was taken aback; Heat hardly ever asked about him. Why did he want to know about him now?
"Yeah. How is the dude?"
"Oh, well, he's the same as always I suppose. But, why do you ask?"
Heat thought for a moment and looked at her, "Well, it's just that, I'm just worried that you know, you're not spending enough time with him. Not that I'm complaining that we spend too much time together. Not at all; it's just that, like I said before, you're very lucky to have someone like that as a best friend. It's not everyday that you'd find a friend who's as devoted to you as he."
"I know…I've been neglecting him lately." she confessed guiltily.
He held her hand tighter, "Well, you can make up for it you know. I won't get mad." he chuckled.
"You won't?"
"No. It would take more than the 'best friend' modus operandi to get me jealous. I trust the two of you."
She smiled, "I'm glad."
"Anything to make you happy…" he said trailing off. He pulled out something from his pocket. It was a small box; she blushed.
"This is for you." he said.
He pushed it towards her and she held it in her hands, opening it, "Oh Heat!"
"Ahaha…I hope you don't think it's too much…"
"Heat…I can't take this…" she whispered.
"Nonsense. Now, let me put it on you."
He walked over to her and took the necklace. He got behind her and took off the necklace that she was wearing. "Here," he said handing her the necklace. She stared at it and felt bad. It was the necklace that Serph had given her that morning. And now, she was taking it off. She didn't know what to do; she felt trapped. If she didn't wear what Heat gave her, it would be an insult and if she didn't wear what Serph gave her, she'd hurt his feelings beyond repair. She crumpled in her chair but before she could ponder over it any further, Heat was done, "There."
She felt the necklace on her neck. It was beautiful. It was a choker; turquoise in color with a crucifix at the center. The crucifix was made of platinum with diamonds adorning it.
"Thank you Heat."
He grinned, "I love you."
"I love you too." she said forgetting all about Serph's necklace.
xxxxx