There'll be no strings to bind your hands
Not if my love can find your heart
And there's no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no need to take me home
I'm old enough to face the dawn

Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away from me

Maybe the sun's light will be dim
It won't matter anyhow
If morning's echo says we've sinned
Well, it was what I wanted now
And if we're victims of the night
I won't be blinded by the light

Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away from me

I won't beg you to stay with me
Through the tears of the day
Of the years, baby

Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away from me
Oh baby, I love you baby, oh baby

Olivia Newton-John (or whoever) - Angel of the Morning

Chapter 1

Two weeks later.

Arael slowly woke to the sound of banging pots and pans. She blinked her eyes, trying to clear the sleep from them. The first thing that met her eyes was a small Angel figurine. It wasn't an Angel in her sense, but more like the tradition Mortal version.

Arael smiled.

This was the fourth such figurine he had left for her, since they had begun dating. He had left the first one as an apology after laughing at a comment she had made. Each of the following figurines had been left by her bedside after Sentaro did, or believed he had done something wrong. Apparently he felt he'd done something wrong last night. Arael ran through her past nights memories, but other then a slightly awkward moment on her part, Sentaro hadn't done anything to cause her grief nor anger.

Maybe Yui would know……..

Arael got out of bed and headed towards her closet.

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Sentaro Aida opened his mouth and let out an almost quiet yawn.

"Rough night last night?"

Sentaro glanced over at Megami for a moment, before returning his gaze to the Professor.

"I was out rather late with Arael." He replied softly.

"Did you get lucky?" she asked without turning her head from the front of the room.

Sentaro's head snapped towards her so quickly, she could hear his neck joints pop.

"Nothing." He said very clearly, "Happened."

"Poor Arael." Megami murmured, her gaze still forward, "Two weeks and no action."

"It's not like that." Sentaro grumbled, "We've just been taking it……slow."

Megami glanced over at Sentaro from the corner of her eye.

"I mean after all," he continued, "It's the first relationship either of us has been in. Baby steps are expected………"

"What did you do wrong now?" Megami asked.

"What makes you think I did something?"

"Because Arael has seen more then enough romance movies not to fuck things up."

Sentaro sighed.

"She seemed…… distant last night." He said, "The last time she was like that, one of my 'groupies' jumped out of nowhere and wrapped me in a hug."

"That wasn't your fault." Megami pointed out.

"I know that." Sentaro replied, "But this is Arael we're talking about. She….."

"…..doesn't understand certain things." Megami finished. "So last night when she seemed distant…….."

"I thought I'd upset her." Sentaro finished.

"Ah." Megami listened to the professor for a few moments. "We still meeting for lunch?"

"Of course." Sentaro replied.

"You're not worried about what Arael might think?"

Sentaro turned his head towards her.

"She knows we meet for lunch." He replied, "She hasn't any problem with….."

"Why doesn't she join us?" Megami interrupted.

Sentaro frowned.

"She's perfectly fine waiting for me at the restaurant." He replied, "And she doesn't really want to take college classes."

"That isn't what I asked." Megami replied, "Why doesn't she join us for lunch?"

Sentaro remained silent, staring ahead at the professor.

"What is it?" Megami asked.

"There is a reason why we go out late in the evening." Sentaro murmured, "The last time we went out…….. people mistook her for a marionette."

Megami frowned. "Why would they….?"

"Her eyes Megami. They're red. It's unnatural for a human to have red eyes. Even cloned ones."

"But Celes….."

"Is a vampire." Sentaro pointed out. "Besides, she's scary enough no one bothers her. Arael on the other hand…… "

"Did she tell you she was uncomfortable with the attention?"

"Well…..no."

Megami crossed her arms.

"Sounds like you are the one with the problem."

"I do not…." Sentaro began, then cut himself off as he realized his voice was getting loud. "I'm just trying to protect her."

"She's a big girl." Megami said, "I think she can take care of herself."

"I'm not having this discussion with you." Sentaro growled.

"But……"

"No buts!" Sentaro snapped. He looked back towards the class, noticing the other students were rising from their seats.

"Crap." He muttered. He turned back to Megami. "Now I'll really have to run if I want to avoid the 'groupies'."

"But if Arael….." Megami began.

"Enough." Sentaro cut her off. "No more. I'll see you at lunch."

Megami frowned as Sentaro hurried off to his next class. She remained in her seat for several minutes. The class was empty for the next few hours, and Megami's next class wasn't till after lunch. Thus she had plenty of time to think.

A smile appeared on her face as a thought occurred to her. She quickly leaped to her feet and raced off towards the student union.

Yeah, Sentaro would probably end up rather pissed at her……

But it was for his own good.

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Arael hummed to herself as she moved around the kitchen in jeans and a t-shirt, assembling her favorite breakfast food:

Waffles.

She'd tried to explain to Sentaro exactly why she liked them so much, but she just couldn't finds the words. In the end, Sentaro's Great Aunt had supplied a word, much to everyone's embarrassment.

'Orgasmic.' Urd had said with a grin.

'Actually,' Arael paused to think for a moment, 'Bloodberry hadn't been all that embarrassed. She'd just laughed and agreed with Urd.'

She moved out into the dinning area, grabbing a container of maple syrup as she left the kitchen, and sat down at a booth. She then proceeded to drown her waffles in the syrup. Still humming, she cut into her waffles, forked a bit into her mouth.

"WILL YOU KNOCK THAT OFF!"

Arael jumped and turned her head. Keima was standing over her, glaring.

"What?" she asked.

Keima took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Look," he began, "I know you're happy, and I don't mind you humming. But you hum the same damn song every morning! It's driving me nuts!"

Arael gave a slight smirk, something Keima was sure she'd learned from Asuka.

"I was told I had a wonderful singing voice." She replied.

"I'm sure even Sentaro would go crazy hearing 'Angel of the Morning' every single damn morning." Keima growled.

"I suppose you are right." Arael replied, cocking her head slightly, "What should I hum then?"

Keima ran his hands through his hair.

"I don't care if you hum zippidy-do-da, so long as 'Angel of the Morning' ends."

"Very well." Arael replied, "Zippidy-do-da it is."

Keima smiled and started to walk away. He then froze in place. Arael started to hum the first few bars of 'Zippidy-do-da' when Keima whirled about.

"You did that on purpose!" he shouted.

A large toothy grin appeared on Arael's face. Keima let out a moan.

"Sentaro's getting back at me through you isn't he?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Arael replied, before she resumed eating her waffles.

Keima walked over to the bar and sat down in a stool. He then proceeded to pound his forehead into the bar top. Lime came down the stairs a moment later and slowed down as she saw her husband slamming his head into the bar top. She then glanced over at the very amused Arael.

"Why is Keima pounding his head into the bar?" she asked the Angel.

"He has discovered that the world is indeed out to get him." Arael replied.

"Right." Lime held out a cordless phone. "Megami wishes to speak to you."

Arael frowned. Megami never called her. The only time she might call is if Sentaro……..

Arael quickly grabbed the phone.

"Is Sentaro alright?" the Angel asked quickly.

"He's fine." Megami replied.

"Then why are you telephoning me?"

"How would you like to meet for Lunch?"

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Sentaro sat down at the cafeteria table with a sigh. He'd spent the last several classes dodging his groupies. One had almost gotten a grip on him while he had been diving out of a classroom window.

Maybe Aunt Lime could help fix his jacket………

He looked across the table at Megami. She was looking at a book, trying very hard not to meet his face. He didn't blame her. He'd said some things to her earlier that had probably upset her, given his tone of voice.

"Megami." He said. She glanced over from her book. "I'm sorry about this morning. I'm just very protective of her ok?"

"She's been around forever." Megami replied, "If she can't take care of herself now, how did she get by in the past?"

"I know she can take care of herself." Sentaro replied, "She's taken on Gods, Demons, Vampires, crazed priests." He shrugged, "Course she hasn't always come out on top…….. But this is different."

"How so?" Megami asked. She seemed slightly distracted by something behind Sentaro.

"It's her emotions." Sentaro said, "She's only really been experiencing them for a short time. Auntie Rei said I should be careful with Arael, she may not always understand the feelings she's having. I don't want to see her hurt."

Sentaro then felt arms going around him, hugging him tightly. His eyes went wide as he looked at Megami. His eyes went even wider as he spotted his groupies, staring at him from their table with what looked like tears in their eyes. He still wasn't quite sure who was hugging him until a few strands of grey hair floated past his eyes.

"Arael?" he asked.

"I'm glad you want to protect me." He heard her say. "I still remember what you did for me after Father…… Adam attacked." She then released him and sat in the chair beside him, her red eyes staring deeply into his. "But you can't protect me from everything. I know I don't understand completely what I feel. But I need to experience it all, the positive and negative." She then smiled and set her hand on his. "I don't suppose it would be too much to ask that you help me when the negative overwhelms me?"

Sentaro smiled and squeezed her hand.

"I'll always be there for you." He said, before kissing her gently on the lips.

A wailing noise then reached their ears.

"What is that?" Arael asked, looking around curiously.

"Sentaro's groupies." Megami said, nodding her head towards the other table. "They've just found out Sentaro's taken."

Arael glanced over at the table of crying girls.

"They are upset that I have Sentaro and they do not?" she asked.

"Yes." Megami and Sentaro replied.

Arael thought that over for a moment, then smiled.

"Good." She replied, before resting her head against Sentaro's shoulder.

The wailing grew louder.

Sentaro shook his head.

"I don't know what's worse, them chasing me, or them crying." He muttered.

"They just want what they can't have." Megami replied.

Arael's smile grew bigger. She then frowned and raised her head from Sentaro's shoulder.

"What is it?" Sentaro asked.

"The figurine." Arael replied, "Why did you leave it for me?"

Sentaro paled.

"Oh…I….uh…you see…well…."

Arael set her hand on his.

"Please just tell me." She said softly.

"Well last night you seemed really distant." Sentaro said, "And I thought maybe I'd said something wrong so……"

"Ah." Arael said. She was quiet for a moment. "It wasn't you."

"Well what was it?"

"As I said, it wasn't you."

Sentaro looked dejected.

"You're not going to tell me?" he asked.

"No." Arael replied, "I'm not."

"Why?"

"Because this is something you cannot help me with." The Angel replied.

"Oh." Sentaro looked dejectedly at the table. Arael felt her heart drop at the sight.

"Don't pout." Arael said placing her head back on his shoulder. She moved an arm around his back and pulled him closer to her. "If it was anything else I would tell you."

"Meaning it's probably about me." Sentaro said.

Arael held on to Sentaro tighter.

"It is, isn't it?"

"Yes." Arael's voice was barely a whisper.

Sentaro leaned his head against hers.

"Have I done something wrong?" he asked softly.

"No." she replied, "I would tell you if it was that."

"Then?"

Arael shifted slightly.

"It's something that your mother might have been able to help with, if she was available."

"Why not ask Megami?" Megami looked over at hearing her name.

"Megami would tease you." Arael replied.

"I would?" Megami asked.

"Yes." Arael looked over at Megami, her eyes narrowing. "You would."

Sentaro looked down at Arael curiously, then over at Megami. Megami had a frown on her face and seemed to be thinking about what Arael had said. Suddenly she stood up straighter, her eyes wide.

"Oh…Oh!"

"What?" Sentaro asked, "You figured it out?"

"I…..yes." Megami said, staring at Arael. The Angel was glaring at her, daring her to say something.

Sentaro once again stared Arael, then looked at Megami.

"I take it you won't tell me?"

Megami looked down at the table top. Sentaro sighed.

"Well since no one is going to tell me anything," he rose from his chair, "I guess I'll go to class." He started to walk away.

Arael's hand flew out and grabbed his wrist, holding him in place. He paused and looked at Arael. She looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Don't be mad." She said softly, "If I was……normal……I wouldn't be able to tell you either."

Sentaro nodded, then leaned over and kissed Arael before heading out of the cafeteria. Megami watched silently as Arael turned her gaze to the table. Both were silent for several minutes.

"So…." Megami said, causing Arael to look up.

"Just how long have you wanted to sleep with Sentaro?"

Arael's eyes widened, then her gaze fell back to the table.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of." Megami said, "It's only natural, you are his girlfriend and….."

Arael's head snapped up.

"There's more then me just being his girlfriend." Arael said, "You know what I am?"

"A several thousand year old deity." Megami replied.

"I'm not a deity." Arael replied, "And I'm a bit older then several thousand years."

"I still don't understand the problem."

"I'm nervous." Arael said, "There have been very few God/mortal relationships. There have been no Angel/mortal ones." Arael sighed. "I'm in unknown territory."

"That's why you wanted to talk to Sayoko. She's been through this before."

"To a point, yes."

"What about his Aunt Rei? Or even his Grandmother?"

"Rei is possible." Arael replied, "She is…….was the closest to being an Angel. Belldandy though……" Arael stared at the table top. "I don't know……."

"From what I know from Sentaro, she was the first deity to fall for a mortal in several hundred years."

"Yes. But there still had been those before her." Arael replied, "I have nothing."

"No," Megami said, "You still have Sentaro's love. He cares for you and will no matter what. You have to remember that."

"I will." Arael said as she stood up. "I will think on what you've said. Please tell Sentaro I will see him back at the restaurant."

Megami nodded as Arael left the cafeteria.

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Arael wondered about the campus for a bit, letting the discussion she had had with Megami drift about in her head. The mortal had said several things that had made sense. Sadly, the one person Arael would really liked to have talked to was unavailable.

Sayoko Aida, Sentaro's mother and one of the few people Arael considered a close friend, was off with Mana Kirishima searching for the renegade God Loki. Sentaro had been able to talk to his mother a few times since she'd left via communicators, but the connections had been less then ideal.

Though she and Yui were the best of friends, the Guardian didn't have much experience in this area. She'd had a crush on Keima, and had been crushed when he had gotten together with the mortal Lime. Yui was also rather busy at the moment with Yoko Ikari, her 'little sister' from a possible future that was, now, no longer possible. Yui's mother, Asuka, was also with Yoko, so she too was unavailable.

That left the two people Megami had mentioned.

Arael stopped her wondering and glanced around. The campus grounds were still crowded, it still being lunch for most of the student body. She quickly left the main areas and found a secluded spot alongside the science building. After another quick glance around, she waved her hand over herself. T-shirt and jeans vanished, making way for her usual gray robes. While she didn't mind the normal mortal attire, they did tend to stand out in the Heavens. She then crossed her arms and vanished from Terra 2.

She reappeared in the garden beside the Yggdrasil building. She walked quickly towards the building, crossing a bridge and entering the main entry hall. Gods, Goddesses, Demons, and a few mortals moved about in the hall. Arael took no notice of them as she walked through the hall. She did however, nod in greeting to one of the Valkyries stationed in the hall.

Her journey ended at the entrance to a hallway. This hall was lined on either side by, now, six paintings. The first four she had become used to seeing. They contained the four Goddess/Norns: Urd, Belldandy, Skuld, and Sayoko. The fifth painting had been added several years before. It was of Keima. The new painting had gone up within the last two weeks. It was of Verdandi, Belldandy's mother and the original Norn of the Present.

Arael walked slowly past these paintings. They had always bothered her, no matter how many times she'd walked past them. To her, they always seemed to be following her with their eyes. That was either a complement to the painter, or Belldandy was rather sneaky.

Arael decided it had to be the former. Belldandy didn't have a sneaky bone in her body.

The Angel paused at Cayla's desk. To her surprise, Cayla's face was buried in her arms, on her desk, snoring slightly. With every exhale, some of Cayla's purple hair lifted up. Arael smirked at the sight. She then turned and cleared her throat. A rustling behind her told her that Cayla was waking up. After a minute, Arael turned back to see Cayla sitting wide awake and looking very attentive.

"Arael!" Cayla said, looking nervous, "I was….."

"You were very busy." Arael interrupted, "And that is all I will say."

Cayla smiled in thanks.

"Is Lady Belldandy in?"

Cayla nodded.

"You can go right in." the Assistant said.

Arael nodded and walked to the doors to Belldandy's office. She entered and moved to stand before the desk. Belldandy was busy looking over reports of some kind, writing comments in the margins. She glanced up at Arael as the Angel stopped before her desk.

"Arael!" Belldandy said with a smile. "What brings you up here? I thought you would be staying with Sentaro on Terra 2."

"It is because of your grandson that I am here." Arael said.

Belldandy frowned slightly, and indicated a chair. Arael sat down in it while Belldandy leaned forward, resting her head on her hands.

"What has he done now?" the Goddess asked.

"It isn't him." Arael replied. She shifted slightly in the chair.

Belldandy raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" she said.

"I have…… questions." Arael continued.

Belldandy's gazed remained fixed on Arael. The Angel shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with that gaze.

Suddenly this all didn't seem to be that great an idea.

Belldandy seemed to realize how uncomfortable Arael was getting and softened her gaze.

"What are your questions?" The Goddess asked.

"How long were you and Keiichi together before you……" Arael hesitated, "When did you……… At some point you….." Arael let out a sigh and finally spat it out. "When did you and Keiichi consummate your relationship?"

Belldandy's eyes widened.

"You want to know about Keiichi and mine's first time having sex?"

Arael nodded her head as she shifted again in her chair and looked at the floor, her face beet red.

Belldandy leaned back in her chair.

"Of all the things I thought we'd talk about," Belldandy said, "I never thought I'd be teaching you about the 'birds and the bees'."

Arael's head snapped up.

"Oh no no no no!" she said, "I know about that!"

Belldandy seemed disappointed.

"Oh." The Goddess murmured, "And here I thought I could use the speech I'd originally planned for Sayoko." She straightened up a bit. "So what exactly do you want to know?"

"When did you know?" Arael asked, "When did you know it was time for you and Keiichi to……..you know."

Belldandy smiled.

"If he'd asked," she said, "I would have given myself to him within moments of his wish. But Keiichi isn't like that. He had several chances to do so, but he never took them." Belldandy sighed and closed her eyes, lost in the memories. "Our first time was on our wedding night. It was………… wonderful." She opened one eye and looked at Arael. "But it is different for everyone. I know that Sayoko and Kensuke got together after meeting again at a wedding, five hundred years before they did get married. Urd…….. well… is Urd. Skuld has never disclosed if she and her Sentaro did or didn't." Belldandy stood up and walked around her desk, sitting down on the edge just in front of Arael. "Now what brought this question up? Has Sentaro…….?"

"No." Arael said, "He hasn't brought it up. I was…….. Last night, I thought about asking him to join me. But I did not know how he would react, nor……… did I know if I could."

"You may be an Angel," Belldandy said, "But you were made in the image of Kami-sama, much like the mortals. I think that answers the question of 'can you'. Now the question becomes 'why do you want to'? Just having sex for the sake of having sex is no reason. You must ask yourself 'is this what I really want?', for the act, once done, cannot be un-done."

"How will I know when the time is right?" Arael asked.

"You'll know." Belldandy replied.

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Arael left Belldandy's office soon after and headed out of the Yggdrasil building towards the garden. As she walked, a pair of eyes followed her, right up until she vanished from the Heavens. The figure then turned and vanished amongst the others in the building.

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Sentaro and Megami walked along the streets of the capitol after their final classes had let out, heading towards the restaurant.

"I wish I knew what she was thinking about." Sentaro muttered. He glanced at Megami. "I know she told you."

"It's not for me to tell." Megami replied, keeping her gaze straight ahead. "She'll tell you when it's appropriate."

Sentaro grumbled something that Megami couldn't quite hear. Megami leaned a bit closer.

"I'm sorry." She said, "I didn't quite catch that."

"Let me be." Sentaro grumbled as they rounded the corner, bringing the restaurant into view. A smile appeared on his face as he spotted a figure, sitting calmly on the rooftop, waiting for him. He watched as the figure's face brightened with a smile and then stood up. He stopped and waited as the figure floated down to him and wrapped him in a hug.

"I guess you missed me." Sentaro said, wrapping Arael in a hug.

"Of course." The Angel replied, "Why wouldn't I?"

"He's still irked about what you won't tell him." Megami said as she walked past the couple.

Arael looked at Sentaro with worry. Sentaro sighed and held her tighter.

"Yes I am still annoyed, but not at you." He looked her in the eyes. "Not at you. Ok?"

Arael gave a small smile.

"Ok." She replied.

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Keima glanced up as Megami walked in.

"Hello Megami." He called out politely, " Sentaro with you?"

"Yeah, he is." Megami replied, "Arael's just showing him how much she missed him."

Keima scowled.

"I still can't believe she chose him." He grumbled.

Megami blinked.

"I thought he chose her?"

"Doesn't matter." Keima grumbled, "She's far from what he deserves."

Megami frowned.

"I don't mean to offend you." Keima said, "but Arael is far too old for Sentaro, and a relationship with her would be very complicated."

"I thought Sentaro's parents had a five hundred year gap between them?" Megami asked.

"That's different." Keima pointed out, "Technically if you go by their date of birth, they are the same age. Arael though, her soul is far older."

"And yet she doesn't look a day over twenty." Sentaro said as he and Arael entered the restaurant. He glared at his Uncle. "Don't you know it's not polite to talk about someone behind their back?"

"What do you know about being polite?" Keima snapped, "You don't even respect your elders!"

"Perhaps if they showed in respect in return?" Arael asked softly.

Keima paused and looked at Arael as if she had betrayed him. He then glared at Sentaro before walking off in a huff. Arael watched Keima leave, then looked at Sentaro curiously.

"He's still angry at me regarding Mom." Sentaro replied to her unspoken question.

"He also doesn't think you're good enough for Arael." Megami added.

"Not good enough for me?" Arael said, frowning. "Isn't that my decision?"

"Apparently Keima has parental feelings regarding you." Megami said with a smirk.

Arael's frown grew deeper.

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Two Months later

"So what are your plans after graduation?" Megami asked as she and Sentaro walked along the city streets. Both were bundled up against the cold as winter had moved into Japoness barely a week before. Smalls clouds trailed behind them as they breathed in and out.

"Celes asked me if I was interested in working for her at the Castle." Sentaro replied.

"The Castle?" Megami repeated, a stunned look on her face. "Doing what!"

"Computer work." Sentaro replied with a slight smirk, "She figured with all my 'illegal' computer activities, I should be able to help her police the net."

"I assume you've found a place to live in then?" Megami asked, "Somehow I don't see you moving in with your Uncle."

"Definitely not." Sentaro grumbled, "Uncle Keima and I still have a few issues, besides the fact his 'parental feelings' regarding Arael are becoming stronger." They walked in silence for a moment.

"I found a place over on the west side of the Castle." Sentaro continued finally, "Still close enough to swing by for food, but far enough away that I won't have him looking over my shoulder."

"What about Arael?"

"What about her?"

"Well, she lives at the Restaurant doesn't she?"

Sentaro was quiet for a bit. Megami's eyes widened.

"Are you breaking up with her?"

"What!" Sentaro snapped his head to the side and stared at Megami. "Hell no!"

"Then what's wrong?"

Sentaro sighed. "Well, the place I got is big enough, I was hoping she'd be interested in moving in with me."

Megami raised an eyebrow.

"You plan on living in sin? What would your parents say?"

"Considering how and when they experienced their first time," Sentaro replied, "They really don't have a say in it. If anything, I'm more worried about my Grandmother and the Ikaris."

"I can understand Belldandy." Megami said, "But what about the Ikaris?"

"They see Arael as family. Before Yoko, Arael was the closest that Yui had to a sister. Now can you picture their reaction when they find out what I'm about to ask Arael? Regardless if she agree or not?"

"I think Asuka would castrate you." Megami stated.

"Exactly." Sentaro said, "Thus, the place I found has two bedrooms. That way Arael has a room all to herself."

"As well as covering your ass."

"Damn right I am!"

The two walked in silence for a bit.

"When are you going to ask her?" Megami asked.

"Not sure." Sentaro replied, "We still have time before graduation."

"Well you'd better ask her soon. It'll give her time to get ready."

"What does she need to get ready for?" Sentaro asked curiously, "I mean, she doesn't have that much clothing. She has a few pictures, and those angel figurines I've given her."

"Think of it like this." Megami said, "You ask her now, and if she says yes, both of you will have something to look forward to. As the day to move in draws closer, I think she'll burst in excitement."

"Somehow I find Arael bursting in excitement to be a scary thought." Sentaro walked a bit straighter. "I cannot wait any longer to begin our mutual cohabitation." He began, mimicking his girlfriend. "Let us proceed to the domicile, now."

Megami chuckled. "She doesn't talk like that anymore. But I see what you mean."

Sentaro smiled back.

"I suppose I'll ask her tonight when we go out." He said, "She spends all day stuck…….." He stopped dead in his tracks, staring up the street.

Megami stopped as well and followed Sentaro's gaze. Standing just outside the restaurant was a figure wearing an overstuffed blue winter jacket. A knit cap was on the figure's head and the jacket's hood pulled over that. A scarf was wrapped around the figures neck and covered the lower portion of the person's face. With gloves and boots, the figure's identity was totally obscured, though the jeans the person wore identified them as a female.

"Looks like a Moon man from those old Earth movies." Sentaro said as they approached.

Megami laughed and when they were close enough, she called out.

"Take me to your leader!"

The figured crossed her arms as much as she could. The jacket seemed to fight her effort.

"That is not very funny!" came a muffled voice.

Sentaro blinked and walked up to the figure. Red eyes peered out from between the bottom of the knit cap and the top of the scarf.

"Arael?" he asked.

"Who else would it be?" came her muffled reply.

"An insane Demon who likes snow?"

Arael's eyes narrowed.

"I see." Came the muffled voice, "Since you'd rather have a Demon I guess I'll go."

She started to turn towards the restaurant. Sentaro quickly wrapped his arms around her and held her back tightly against his chest.

"Wait." He said, "I was kidding."

Arael turned around and stared at him. She then wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest.

"So I guess you missed me." Sentaro said with a smile.

"Your Uncle has been driving me nuts." Arael replied, her voice even more muffled by Sentaro's chest. "Plus it is very cold."

"Meaning you want to cuddle a bit?" Sentaro asked, knowing his words would cause Arael to blush. He felt her press her face even more into his chest, and he knew she was.

"You two just going to stand out here or are you going to come in?" Megami asked as she went into the restaurant.

"First chance I get," Sentaro muttered, "I'm tossing Megami into a snow bank."

"You will not." Arael said.

"Ok." Sentaro then smirked and lifted Arael up into his arms, "Guess I'll toss you instead."

"WHAT!" Arael shrieked, her eyes wide, "No!"

"Fine." Sentaro leaned in and kissed Arael on her nose. "Guess I'll just have to sit you on the couch and cuddle you."

Even though he couldn't see it, he knew Arael was smiling, as well as blushing.

"That I have no problem with." She said.

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Keima glanced up at the entering couple, frowned, then vanished into the kitchen. Lime looked at her husband curiously, before turning her attention back to the couple.

"Well it's about time you got here." She said, "Poor Arael has been waiting out there for over an hour for you."

Sentaro looked down curiously at the Angel in his arms. Arael seemed to have pulled her hat lower over her face.

"An hour?" he asked, "Out in that cold?"

"Yes." Came Arael's muffled reply.

"Why?"

"It was preferable to await you outside in the cold," Arael began, before turning her gaze towards the kitchen, "then the colder climate that was in here."

Sentaro frowned and looked at Lime. His Aunt had a shocked look on her face.

"Keima?" Sentaro asked softly, looking back at Arael.

Arael nodded.

"What has he done now?" Lime asked.

"More of the same." Arael replied, "I'm too good for Sentaro. Sentaro is too young for me. It will never work." She let out a sigh. "I grow tired of it."

"Well." Lime said, tossing a towel down on the counter. "You two don't worry about Keima. I will deal with him. You just have a good time tonight alright?"

"Yes Auntie." Sentaro replied.

Lime vanished into the kitchen. Moments later the hushed sounds of arguing could be heard.

"I feel sorry for your Uncle." Megami said, walking up to Sentaro.

"I don't." he replied.

Megami smiled, then looked at the person still in his arms.

"You going to carry her around all night?"

"Maybe."

"It is comfortable." Arael added.

"I could think of quite a few more things that could be considered 'comfortable'." Megami replied with a smile.

Sentaro blushed a deep red. Arael frowned for a moment, then her eyes went wide in understanding. Soon the Angel was matching Sentaro's blush.

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Later that evening.

Megami had left hours before. Lime and Keima had gone to bed, but not before Keima gave the two a glare.

Sentaro stared blankly at the TV as he sat on the couch. He wasn't sure exactly what was on, the movie he and Arael had been watching had gone off…….. Sentaro glanced at his watch…… almost two hours ago. He would have changed the channel, or even turned the TV off, but the remote had vanished. Getting up was out of the question because a certain Angel was using his lap as a pillow. He glanced down at her.

She'd drifted off to sleep at some point in the movie. Her body was wrapped up in a fluffy blanket, tucked in tightly, her hair streaming down her back. One arm was wrapped around him, the other was wrapped around her, holding his hand. Any movement caused her to tighten her hold on him.

He reached out with his free hand and gently brushed her bangs out of her face.

"I just don't understand you sometimes." He said softly, running his hands through her hair. "You been in space, an absolute zero environment, with no problems, but a little snow comes and you're cold. Why is that?"

"……Mortal clothes…." Arael murmured, shifting slightly.

Sentaro froze and stared at Arael.

"Don't stop." She said softly, "I like that."

"How long have you been awake?" he asked as he resumed running his hands through her hair.

"Mmmmm for a bit." She replied, "I'm cold because I'm wearing mortal clothes. The robes I wear in Heaven are special. You're comfortable no matter what the temperature."

"Didn't seem to bother Grandma or Mom." Sentaro replied.

"No offense intended towards them," Arael began, "But they are a bit….. heavier then me."

Sentaro let out a cough.

"That is something you should probably never mention to either of them." He said, "Ever."

"I am well aware of that."

Sentaro looked back at the TV, continuing to run his hand through her hair. He thought back to his discussion with Megami.

'Well,' he thought, 'It's as good a time as any.'

"So," he began, "you know I'm graduating in a few months…….."

"Yes." Arael replied.

"Celes offered me a job, working for the Government."

"That is good."

"Since I obviously won't be able to stay in the dorms, I've been looking for a place." He paused, "Actually, I found a place."

Arael was silent.

"It's nice." Sentaro continued, "Near the castle, as well as here. It has two bedrooms and……." His voice trailed off. "Ah…well….heck with it. I was kinda hoping you might be interested in moving in with me, when I graduate."

Arael remained quiet. For a moment, Sentaro thought she'd drifted back to sleep. Then she slowly turned bringing her face towards Sentaro's. Her eyes were wide in shock.

"You…… want me….. to live with you?" she asked, stunned.

"Well……. Yeah." Sentaro replied.

Arael continued to stare at him. Sentaro began to get nervous.

"It was just a thought." He said, "I mean if you don't OMMPH!" He was cut off as Arael leaped onto his lap and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"I guess that's a yes?" he gasped.

Arael loosened her grip and brought her face back to his. Tears were streaking down her cheeks.

"Yes." She replied, "That is a yes." She leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed. "It's about time you asked too." She added.

"It is?"

"Yes."

"Well, I didn't know how you would take it." Sentaro said, "I mean, it's a big step, living together."

"Yes. It is." Arael replied, "Does this mean you want to sleep with me?"

Sentaro's eyes went wide.

"I….I….uh…."

Arael lifted her head from Sentaro's shoulder and touched her forehead to his, looking into his eyes.

"It's alright." She whispered, "Please, talk to me."

"I want to." He finally said, "But I don't want to force you into anything you don't want. That's why the apartment has two bedrooms."

"You've never forced me into anything I didn't want." The Angel replied, "And I think it's wonderful you've given me a choice." She kissed him. "Know that I do want you as well, but that we should continue in small steps."

Sentaro nodded.

"I understand."

Arael then gently pushed him on to his side, so that his head was against the armrest. She then laid down on top of him, pulling the blanket the two of them.

"Uhh…" Sentaro began. Arael placed both of her hands on his chest and rested her chin on them, staring at Sentaro's face. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"Small steps." Arael replied with a slight smile. "I simply wish to find out if you snore." Her smile got bigger, then she placed her arms on either side of Sentaro, hugging him slightly, and rested her head on his chest.

"If I snore?" Sentaro asked.

"Yes." Arael replied. She shifted again, trying to get comfortable.

"But…" Sentaro began.

"We can sleep together," Arael stated, "without doing that." She then reached up and moved Sentaro's arms around her, then settled down with a soft sigh.

Sentaro stared at the Angel for a moment, then lifted one hand from her back and ran it through her hair. Arael let out a quiet coo and leaned into the hand.

"You know you've probably made my life very difficult."

"How so?" came Arael's quiet murmur.

"The Ikari's will probably want me dead." He said, "Probably think I defiled you somehow."

"No, they won't." she murmured, her voice becoming very sleep laden. "They'll understand, as will your mother. She's new age after all."

"Yeah." Sentaro replied. Moments later Arael's breathing slowed into a steady rhythm as she fell asleep. Sentaro himself followed moments later.