Author's Note: I decided to post this chapter in the middle of the week, mostly because of the review from someone who was in their happy place.

'WHE!

does the happy dance (Aka Xander's "Scooby" Dance)

I'm in a happy place! I'm in a happy place!'

That said, I should let you know that this fic has been finished and will only be 5 chapters in length. But Long chapters!

NG:D2 and this will be posted on alternate weekends (so you're all stuck waiting long for the next chapter)

Currently the others are as follows:

Goddess of the Moon: 10

NG:G: Fowled Fates: 60

NG:D2: 90

NG:A2: 100

Harry Potter and the Demonic Fate: 10

Guess you weren't expecting that last one, but I can at least guaranty Zero Asakura will wet themselves in glee.

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Baby slow down

The end is not as fun as the start

Please stay a child somewhere in your heart

I'll give you everything you want

Except the thing that you want

You are the first one of your kind

And you feel like no-one before

You steal right under my door

And I kneel 'cause I want you some more

I want the lot of what you got

And I want nothing that you're not

Everywhere you go you shout it

You don't have to be shy about it

Some things you shouldn't get too good at

Like smiling, crying and celebrity

Some people got way too much confidence baby

I'll give you everything you want

Except the thing that you want

You are the first one of your kind

And you feel like no-one before

You steal right under my door

I kneel 'cause I want you some more

I want the lot of what you got

And I want nothing that you're not

Everywhere you go you shout it

You don't have to be shy about it, no

And you'll never be alone

Come on now show your soul

You've been keeping your love under control

Everywhere you go you shout it

You don't have to be shy about it

Everywhere you go you shout it

Oh my my

And you feel like no-one before

You steal right under my door

I kneel 'cause I want you some more

I want you some more, I want you some more...

U2 – Original of the Species

Chapter 2

Keima let out a yawn as he exited his room the next morning. Having to open the restaurant meant starting early. Keima was typically the first one up, followed by Cherry and then Lime.

Bloodberry slept like a rock and wouldn't be up until at least nine.

Arael varied in her wake up times. Most days, she was up just after breakfast had begun to cook. Other times, especially if she'd been out with Sentaro the night before, she'd be up after Bloodberry.

Thus Keima was shocked when he found the door to Arael's room open. A quick glance inside showed that the bed had not been slept in. Keima stared at the bed.

"Where could she…..?" His eyes drifted to the shelf of Angel figurines. His eyes then went wide in understanding.

"That son of a bitch." He growled.

Keima started out of the room and down the hall, thinking dangerous thoughts regarding his nephew.

Those thoughts ended when he reached the living room.

There on the couch, still asleep, were Arael and Sentaro. Sentaro had a slight smile on his face. Arael…….well, Keima couldn't see the expression on her face, for it was buried in his nephew's chest. But her arms were firmly wrapped around him.

Keima stared blankly at the two. He never could quite understand what Arael saw in his nephew. He himself found Sentaro annoying and quite unbearable at times. Keima supposed it had something to do with the fact that Sentaro had cut himself off from his mother for a number of years. Sayoko had been miserable without contact with her son, and had wasted away. Mother and child had patch things up, but Keima himself was still full of anger at his nephew. He just hid it.

Now though……..

Keima sat down in a chair across from the couch and stared. Minutes ticked by. The God knew it was only a matter of time now.

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Sentaro slowly began to wake up. He felt a weight on his chest, not too heavy, but enough to know something was definitely there. There was also something else. He could blame the feeling on his recently discovered powers, but he knew this feeling from long ago.

Someone was giving him the Glare.

The Glare. It apparently ran down the deity side of the family, starting with the Almighty himself. Growing up, he'd never experienced a glare from him. No, his first experience with the glare had been by his Grandmother Belldandy. Once was more then enough from her.

The other two people who had given him the Glare were his mother, and uncle. He knew his mother was off hunting down the Renegade God Loki with Mana.

That left his Uncle as the Glare giver, and he wasn't about to give Keima the satisfaction of knowing he'd gotten to him.

Instead, he remained motionless, and waited. More time passed, and the glare didn't lessen. Sentaro would normally have let it continue, testing his Uncle's patience, but biology would call soon, and he would have to heed the call.

Sentaro opened his eyes. The first thing that met his gaze was gray hair. He smiled and moved his finger through it. Arael let out a contented sigh. Sentaro smiled, then turned his gaze towards his Uncle.

Keima's face was frozen in a look of annoyance.

"Yes?" Sentaro asked.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Keima asked, his voice neutral.

"Well I was sleeping."

"I don't want the smart ass answer." Keima growled.

"We just slept." Sentaro snapped back, "We didn't do anything." He then smirked. "Although we wouldn't be opposed to."

Keima's eyes flashed white.

"Why you little……" He began before he was cut off.

An orange hexagonal shield flared between Uncle and Nephew. Keima blinked back in surprise, while Sentaro turned his gaze down to his chest. Arael hadn't even shifted.

"You know." She finally said, "I was having a very pleasant dream. I was with the people that I loved and loved me back." She then lifted her head and glanced at Sentaro before turning to Keima. "And then I was rudely awakened by yelling."

"I'm sorry." Sentaro said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Arael said, glancing back Sentaro. Her gaze then fell on Keima. "He however…….."

"What!" Keima shouted, "I have your best interests……."

"I am not some child!" Arael replied, rising to her feet, "I am the Fifteenth Messenger! I have existed since before the Dawn of Man! Who are you to decide what is in my best interest!"

Keima rose to his feet.

"I am a God First class!" he shouted back, "I have power of the Past, Present, and Future! I am also this mortal's Uncle! He is not someone you should associate with!"

"You have no power over the Past, Present, or Future." Arael said softly, "His Mother IS the Present, as is his Grandmother, YOUR mother!" Arael reached back and took Sentaro's hand, pulling him off of the couch to stand beside her. "Sayoko had no problems with us together, why must you?"

Keima's mouth moved, but no words came out. Finally, in a huff, he turned and walked down the stairs into the restaurant.

Sentaro looked nervously at Arael. Her eyes were glowing softly, allowing her to follow Keima's path into the kitchen through the floor. When Keima had finally reached the kitchen, Arael watched him a moment longer, then her eyes ceased glowing as she turned her gaze back to Sentaro.

"I suppose 'good morning' is out of the question at this point?" Sentaro asked.

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"I can't believe she stood up for him!" Keima shouted.

Lime let out a long sigh as she watched her husband pace in the kitchen. He begun almost as soon as Sentaro and Arael had left that morning. She'd thought Keima and Sentaro had finally started to get along. Apparently the old grudge was still present and strong.

"She did have a point though." Lime said softly.

"What?" Keima whirled about, eyes wide.

"Arael." Lime replied, "If Sentaro's mother doesn't have a problem with them together, why do you?" Her eyes narrowed. "This better not be because of what she is."

"No!" Keima said, "This isn't about Arael. It's about him! He's……."

"Your nephew." Lime said, "He and his mother have patched up everything between them. Why haven't you?"

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"I do not wish to stay there anymore." Arael said.

Yui blinked. Arael had come up to Heaven earlier that morning rather upset. At first Yui had thought Sentaro had done something, but she was wrong.

"What?" Yui asked.

"Keima is still bitter over the fight between Sayoko and Sentaro."

"But they made up." Yui said, "And I thought Keima had gotten over it?"

"Apparently he has not." Arael replied.

"So if you aren't going to stay there, where will you go?"

Arael sighed.

"I don't know." The Angel said glumly, "Sentaro doesn't graduate for several more months, so we can't live together yet."

Yui leaned forward. "What did you say?"

Arael winced. She didn't mean to mention that.

"Are you two planning on living together?" Yui asked slowly.

Arael hesitated for a moment, before nodding. She couldn't lie to Yui.

Yui sat back stunned.

"When did this happen?"

"Sentaro asked me last night." Arael replied, looking at the floor, "I……. agreed to it."

"Arael," Yui said, "You'll be living in sin!"

Arael's eyes narrowed at Yui.

"I'm not that kind of Angel." She pointed out, "Besides, we both agreed. We'll take things one step at a time."

"Well, I guess that's good." Yui agreed, "So what was Keima pissed about?"

Arael looked back at the floor, hiding her face with her hair. This wouldn't good.

"He found Sentaro and I sleeping together."

"He WHAT?" Yui shouted.

Arael winced. Asuka, Yui's mother, came running into the room, followed by Yoko.

"What's all the shouting for?" Asuka asked.

Yui pointed at Arael.

"SHE SLEPT WITH SENTARO!"

"SHE WHAT!"

Arael set her head down in her hands. No, she thought, this isn't good at all.

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Later.

Lunch time.

"YOU WHAT!"

Sentaro slammed his head into the cafeteria table. He let it sit there a moment, allowing the pain from the impact to dull a moment before looking back at Megami.

"I said we slept together." He raised his hand, cutting off her response. "Slept only. No sex."

"No sex?" Megami repeated.

"Scouts honor."

"You were never a scout."

Sentaro sighed.

"I swear to my Great-Grandfather that we didn't do anything." Sentaro said, "She pushed me down on the couch and then laid on top of me. She fell asleep, and then I did. We stayed like that till morning when my Uncle yelled at us."

Megami tapped her fingers.

"If it was as innocent as you say it was, why didn't he believe you?"

"Probably because I smarted off at him when he asked what we were doing." Sentaro said with a sigh.

"That probably wasn't smart."

"No. It wasn't. He got annoyed and his eyes flared." Sentaro said, "And then Arael through up her AT-Field between us and snapped back at him."

"Arael snapped at him?" Megami repeated, slightly shocked. "But she's such a sweet person."

"Yeah well, she's changing." Sentaro replied, "She's becoming more emotional."

"That a good thing or bad?"

"Depends on how well she understands the emotions she's feeling. So far, I think she's doing fine."

"I can tell." Megami said, looking over Sentaro's shoulder.

Sentaro frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"She's behind you."

Sentaro whirled about to see Arael walking towards him, her face a mixture of emotions. She sat down beside Sentaro and placed her head on her arms on the tabletop. Sentaro rubbed her back gently.

"Dare I ask?" he said softly.

"Better try and avoid Yui and Asuka for a bit." Arael's voice came muffled by her arms.

"They know?"

"They know."

Sentaro sighed. "And Mom and Mana aren't around to run interference."

"What about Kristine?" Megami asked.

"She's out numbered." Sentaro pointed out.

"What if she talks to Shinji?"

Sentaro shrugged. "Could work."

"You are forgetting the other problem." Arael said, raising her head.

"Keima?"

"Keima." Arael confirmed, "I don't want to go back there. Regardless if he's calmed down or not."

"I wished you could come to my place." Sentaro said, "But there's a strict 'no girls' rule."

"You could come to my dorm." Megami said, "I have the room to myself. You can sleep on the second bunk."

"You sure?" Arael asked, hopefully.

"It'll be fun!" Megami said with a smile, "We can gossip and talk all about Sentaro."

Sentaro went pale.

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That night

The restaurant had closed hours before. Most of the household had gone to bed. Only one remained awake.

Keima sat at the only lit booth in the darkened dining room, facing the main door. He'd had most of the day to think about what had happened, as well as what Lime had said to him. Only two thoughts floated in his head now.

What would Sayoko do to him when she found out? And, How could he mend things between himself, Arael, and Sentaro?

He was brought out of these thoughts by the sound of footsteps. He looked up to see his mother stepping out of the darkness.

"Mom?" he asked as she sat across the table from him. "What are you doing here?"

"Arael and Sentaro." Belldandy replied, her face neutral.

Keima sagged in his seat.

"What did they say?" he asked.

"'They' said nothing." His mother replied with a slight glare. "Asuka and Yui have been bubbling over about it since they spoke with Arael."

"Arael told them?" Keima squeaked.

"Yes." Belldandy replied, "Arael was trying to figure out where to stay as she felt unwelcome here." Her eyes narrowed. "Now why would she feel that way?"

Keima adjusted his collar nervously.

"You ah…..you already know don't you?"

"I want to hear it from you." His Mother replied, "Directly. Not second hand."

"I found them sleeping together on the couch and yelled at Sentaro." Keima said.

"Understandable." Belldandy said, her face remaining frozen, "But that alone would not cause Arael to feel uncomfortable. What else?"

"I may have," Keima began nervously, "indicated that she was unable to make her own decisions."

Belldandy sighed.

"She may be emotionally immature," Belldandy said slowly, "but she isn't a child."

"She mentioned that." Keima replied, "Before I yelled."

"I see." Belldandy said, "So….. having had time to think, were your actions correct?"

"I don't know." Keima whispered, "I don't know how to act around Sentaro. When the demons threatened the family, I didn't even give a second thought to defending him. But now……"

"You still hold anger for what happened between him and Sayoko." Belldandy said, understanding. "That is why you acted the way you did."

"Yes." Keima answered.

Belldandy only nodded. She then rose to her feet and started towards the door.

"Is that it?" Keima asked, "Don't you want me to apologize to Sentaro and Arael? To make amends?"

Belldandy paused at the doorway, but did not turn.

"You are a grown God now." She said, "I can't punish you or make you do anything. I expect you to take responsibility for your actions, and to act accordingly." Belldandy turned finally to face Keima. "She won't be coming back here willingly. I understand she's at Megami's dorm. Yui plans on talking to Celes in the morning to arrange for something more permanent."

"I really screwed up didn't I?" Keima asked.

"Yes." Belldandy replied, "You did."

She then turned and left the restaurant.

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Sentaro entered his dorm with a sigh. He'd just left Megami's dorm after making sure Arael was settled for the night. It was slightly cramped, but the two women were getting along well.

Sentaro flipped on a lamp and jumped in shock.

Shinji Ikari was sitting at his desk, watching his every move with a serious expression on his face.

"This isn't going to be good, is it?" Sentaro asked.

"Would you rather have Asuka sitting here waiting for you?" Shinji asked.

"No."

"Then it's probably not that bad." Shinji stared at Sentaro for a moment, "Arael at Megami's?"

Sentaro nodded.

"Good. At least she'll be alright there for tonight." Shinji sat back in the chair, "You two have had an interesting twenty-four hours."

Sentaro shifted nervously.

"Oh you have nothing to worry about from me." Shinji said, "I overheard exactly what Arael said to Asuka and Yui. You didn't do anything wrong, and I think deep down, Yui agrees."

"What about Asuka?"

"She wants to string you up by your testicles."

Sentaro winced. "Ouch."

Shinji shrugged. "It'll pass."

"So besides warning me about Asuka," Sentaro said as he sat on his bed, facing Shinji, "What else brings you here?"

"Arael."

"What about her?"

Shinji stood up and paced a moment.

"Yui talked to Celes." He said, "Arael can stay with her."

"But……"

"It's less crowded then your friends dorm." Shinji pointed out, "It also gives you a place to be together with out being under Keima's eye."

"What about Keima?" Sentaro asked.

"Don't worry about him. Your Grandmother is doing that."

"Ouch."

"Indeed." Shinji sat back down. "You really love her?"

Sentaro blinked. "Grandma?"

"No, Arael."

"Yes." Sentaro replied, without hesitation.

Shinji raised an eyebrow.

"Look," Sentaro began, "I know she's an all powerful being. I also know that there is an age difference of several millennia. But I don't care. When I see her, I see the woman I love and care for. I just want her to be happy."

"You do at that." Shinji replied, "Until recently, Arael rarely if ever displayed emotion. We knew she had them, she just…… it wasn't unless she was truly upset that they showed." Shinji stood up. "She's had a difficult life, much more then Rei ever had. I just want to you to know, I've never seen her happier then she is with you."

"Uhh thanks." Sentaro replied.

"I know you have her best interests at heart and that you would never hurt her intentionally." Shinji continued, "But please remember she is still new to her emotions. She doesn't understand them that well and can't very well ask Rei or any of us for an explanation. Be patient with her." Shinji then smirked, "Otherwise even I won't be able to save you from Asuka, or Yui."

Sentaro gulped.

"Yes sir."

"Have a good night." Shinji said, "And good luck." He then vanished with a pop.

Sentaro sighed and fell back on his bed.

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One month later.

Celes Victoria, Vampire and head of the Shogun's Security, slept soundly in her bed. The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the city, which itself was just beginning to wake up. All was peaceful.

This peace was shattered by loud music and sudden cursing.

Celes' eyes snapped open, just as the music became quieter, and the cursing ended. The vampire remained in that position for a moment. Her sensitive vampire ears could just barely make out the music, as well as someone singing.

Celes rose from her bed and walked out of her bedroom, still clad in her nightclothes, a t-shirt and boxer shorts. Entering the kitchen, her sleep filled eyes widened. There by the stove, making waffles (of course!) was Arael, singing along with the radio while swaying her hips to the music.

"Nobody gonna love me better, I must stick with you forever." The Angel sang, oblivious to Celes' presence. "Nobody gonna take me higher, I must stick with you. You know how to appreciate me, I must stick with you, my baby. Nobody ever made me feel this way, I must stick with……..."

"You know," Celes said, causing Arael to jump in the air and spin about. "I had thought I was done with singing deities when Sayoko went back up to Heaven."

Arael blushed. Celes smirked at the sight.

"I will say you are a better dancer then her." The vampire continued as Arael's face turned and even deeper shade of red. "Sentaro must be very happy to be dating someone so…… flexible."

The Angel was now blushing so hard, Celes wondered if she would explode.

The Vampire chuckled as she walked past the Angel and opened the fridge. She pulled out a blood pack and popped the tip off the straw. She quickly sucked down a mouthful of blood, and swallowed with a sigh. Celes then glanced back at Arael. The Angel had turned back to her waffles, but refused to meet Celes' face.

Celes sighed and patted Arael on the shoulder, causing the Angel to jump again.

"Don't worry about it Arael." She said, "You aren't the first person to get caught doing something embarrassing, and you bloody well won't be the last."

"I had thought you to be asleep." Arael murmured, still not looking at Celes.

"I was." Celes replied, "Check the volume before you turn the radio on next time."

"Sorry."

"Ah don't worry about it." Celes said, taking another sip from her blood pack. "Worry what I'll say to Sentaro."

Arael's head snapped up, her eyes wide in terror.

"Please don't." Arael pleaded, "It will be mortifying. He mustn't know……"

"Arael." Celes interrupted, "I'm kidding."

Arael smiled slightly before turning back to her waffles. Celes sat down at the kitchen table and slurped on her blood pack.

"I talked to Lime the other day." Celes said.

Arael lifted her head slightly, but did not turn to face the Vampire. Noticing this, Celes continued.

"She said Otaru misses his Auntie Arael."

Arael sighed.

"I miss them as well."

"Them?" Celes repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Arael glanced at Celes through the corner of her eye.

"Everyone but Keima." She replied.

"Keima misses you too." Celes said, "It's been a month since either you, Sentaro, and Megami have been there."

"And it will be longer still." Arael replied, scooping her waffles onto a plate. Grabbing syrup, she sat down across from Celes. She poured the syrup over her waffles and then took a bite. She closed her eyes, enjoying the taste, before turning her gaze back to Celes.

"I will not go to him, seeking an apology." Arael said, "If he is truly sorry, he shall have to seek us out."

"What about Lime, Otaru, and the others?" Celes asked.

Arael sighed and stared at her plate.

"If I could be sure he wouldn't be there, I would visit them at the restaurant." The Angel said softly, "But you and I both know he rarely leaves there. Thus, either I will see the others at large family gatherings, or they could come here." Arael paused for a moment. "Or Sentaro and mine's apartment once we move in."

Celes chuckled.

"You can't wait can you?"

Arael blushed.

"I have never been this excited." She replied, "not ever in my entire existence."

"You were asleep for most of your 'existence'." Celes pointed out.

Arael glared at the vampire.

"I have not forgotten that." She grumbled.

"Sorry." Celes said softly, "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

The two were quiet for several moments.

"Have you talked to Verdandi since she's returned?" Celes asked softly.

"We've have talked." Arael said with a nod, "For the most part, past sins have been…… forgiven."

"Time heals all wounds."

"Not…. exactly." Arael replied, "We will never have the relationship that I enjoy between Asuka, Sayoko, and myself, but she no longer seeks my…… destruction."

"I suppose that's better then Anderson and myself." Celes muttered, "He still tries to take my head off when I'm visiting Heaven." The Vampire noticed Arael was no longer eating her waffles. Instead, the Angel was staring at her plate, pushing the waffles around with her fork.

Celes felt bad. Arael had been in such a cheery and happy mood when the Vampire had awaken. Now, she was clearly depressed and unhappy.

'Sentaro is going to hate me.' Celes thought.

"You going to meet Sentaro at school today?" she finally asked.

"He has tests." Areal murmured, "He doesn't need to be distracted."

Celes smirked at that. When Arael was around Sentaro DID seem to have problems concentrating. Though the same could be said of Arael as well.

"So what do you do during the day?" Celes asked.

Arael glanced up at Celes quizzically.

"Oh come on!" Celes said, "You can't just be cleaning. This place is already spotless! I know you don't watch TV, unless Sentaro's here. Just what do you do?"

"Read." Arael stated, "Yui and Asuka have sent me a few books. Rei also has provided some books…… but they tend to be more risqué." Arael blushed at that. "I also travel to Heaven and meditate in the chamber below the GRO."

"Still sounds rather dull." Celes replied, tapping the table. "You ever thought about working with me? Or even Sentaro when he starts?"

"Thank you, but no." Arael replied with a slight smile, "I've decided I prefer the quiet peaceful life of sitting around the house, rather then the chaotic life of hunting down Demons and fighting them constantly."

"Oh?" Celes asked, raising an eyebrow, "And if Sayoko and Mana came and requested your help."

The smile on Arael's face vanished, replaced by a look that sent chills down the vampires spine.

"They would receive it." The Angel replied in no uncertain terms, "As would the Morisatos, Ikaris, or anyone else I consider 'family'." A slight smile reappeared on her face. "Even you."

Celes returned the small smile.

"I pity those who would oppose our 'family' then." The Vampire said.

"As you should."

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Two weeks later.

Arael, wearing a blue low cut dress, stood beside Celes and Kristine, who were equally well dressed, watching as the graduate class of the University walked into the auditorium.

All three cheered as Sentaro, and then later Megami, entered with their classmates.

"Tell me again," Celes said to Kristine as the audience continued to cheer, "where are the others?"

"Grandma wanted to come." Kristine replied, "She even had Cayla mark it on a calendar and list her as unavailable. Then Saturn messed it all up, requiring some kind of meeting. That tied everyone up."

"So how are you here?"

Kristine smirked. "I'm playing hooky."

"And your Mother?"

Kristine rolled her eyes toward a corner of the auditorium. Celes followed her gaze to the corner. There, sitting in the rafters with their legs dangling were Sayoko and Mana.

"What are they doing up there?" Celes asked.

"Mom hasn't been seen on Terra 2 for a number of years." Kristine replied, "So the public belief is she passed away."

"Oh."

"Hush!" Arael hissed, "They're starting."

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"So how does it feel?" Celes asked a smiling Sentaro.

"Excellent." Sentaro replied, "Feels good to be the only Adia of my generation to have a college degree."

"Yeah I bet it.,….." Kristine began, "HEY! That's not fair! I was busy!"

"Yes I know. I was only teasing." Sentaro said with a smile. Kristine fumed while everyone else chuckled. Suddenly arms wrapped around him from behind.

"I knew you could do it!" came his mother's voice. He turned around and returned his mother's hug. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks Mom." Sentaro had barely been released when he was grabbed by someone else.

"I guess this means you'll no longer sit in my lap for stories." Mana said as she hugged Sentaro. Nearby, Arael got a dark look on her face.

"No Auntie." Sentaro said, "I won't be sitting in your lap. I'm a little old for that."

Mana just smirked. "Compared to me, you're still a kid."

"Yes but I think Arael would prefer to be on MY lap."

Everyone turned towards the now blushing Angel, who suddenly found the sky very interesting.

"Aww… so cute." Mana snickered.

Sayoko wrapped an arm around Sentaro and Arael and pulled them close to her, her grey eyes twinkling.

"So what's this I hear about you two moving in together?" she asked.

Both captives turned beet red.

"Ohhh!" Sayoko squeezed them closer, "My kids are growing up!"

"Mom!" Sentaro protested.

"I'm hardly a kid." Arael muttered.

"Jeez Mom." Kristine said, "Since when did you become sappy?"

"I've had a rough couple of months." Sayoko replied, "Between Loki, Draco, and Cloned Demons, it's been rather stressful!"

Sentaro noticed that Arael and Mana both paled at the mention of Loki. He knew his mother had been attacked by Loki, and thought dead for a time. The Healers had been unable to explain how she'd survived. The only evidence of the attack had been the change of Sayoko's eye color, from blue to grey. No one talked about it, but Sentaro was observant enough to notice a slight change in his mother since the attack. She seemed more…. 'clingy' as of late.

"So when are you moving in together?"

Sentaro blinked and looked back at his mother.

"Hmm?"

"I asked, when are you're moving in together?" Sayoko repeated.

Sentaro looked at Arael who was smiling.

"Well I'm supposed to be out of the dorm within a week or two." He said, "The apartment is ready, I just have to get the keys."

Sayoko nodded. "Mana and I will be here for a bit so if you need any help……."

"Thanks Mom."

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One months later.

Arael couldn't stop smiling.

She finally had a home, a place she could say was hers.

And Sentaro's.

No matter what she looked at or what room she entered, she couldn't keep a grin off her face. She and Sentaro had moved in but a few days before. With the help of Celes, Lime, Otaru Jr., Megami, the Marionette Lime, Asuka, Yui, and even Shinji, they'd finished unpacking and setting up the apartment. Though there were two bedrooms in the apartment, the first night at the apartment was also Arael and Sentaro's first night sleeping together.

Arael's smile grew larger as she remembered that first night.

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The first night.

"You WHAT?"

"I want to sleep with you." Arael repeated.

"But the other bedroom!" Sentaro sputtered, "It's all set up and……"

"Don't you want to sleep with me?" Arael asked, her eyes becoming watery.

"Ye…yes of course I want to sleep with you!" Sentaro said, "But isn't this a bit sudden? I mean….. we've only just got this place and there's the possibility of you getting pregnant and….."

Arael chuckled slightly.

"No." she said, "I said sleep, not sex." She looked at her feet and shuffled them. "I'm…. not yet ready for that step yet." She looked back up at Sentaro. "I just…." She began, "when we slept on the couch, it was the most peaceful rest I ever had." She looked up at Sentaro. "I had no nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Sentaro asked.

Arael sat in a chair and nervously held her hands together. She kept her gaze to the floor.

"You know my history." She said softly, "What I did to Asuka and your mother."

"Yes." Sentaro replied softly. He moved closer to her.

"Before I was brought back," she continued, "I was plagued by the memories I had pulled from them. After my….. return….. the memories continued to haunt my dreams." She looked up at Sentaro, tears running down her cheeks.

"I can count on one hand the number of nights I've had a peaceful nights sleep." She looked at Sentaro pleadingly. "One of those times was with you. Please, allow me to be with you."

Sentaro couldn't say no after that.

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Sentaro paced about the bedroom in boxer shorts and a t-shirt. Tonight was his first night in a new place.

It was also his first night sleeping in a bed with a girl, a woman actually.

And he was petrified.

Arael had gone into the bedroom, then moved off into the bathroom to change. Sentaro had used the time to change in the bedroom.

The door to the bedroom opened and Sentaro looked over. Arael entered wearing her pink '100 Angel' t-shirt and shorts. Her hair was hanging loose and free. She looked at him a moment, and then gave him a large grin.

"Like what you see?" she asked.

Sentaro realized that his mouth was hanging open. He quickly closed it. Arael let out a chuckle as she moved to the closet. Sentaro rubbed the bridge of his nose and turned down the bed. He then sat down on one side of the bed and laid down, staring at the ceiling. The bed shifted slightly as Arael joined him and pulled the covers over them. He then felt an arm move over his stomach and Arael's face moved over his.

"Don't I get a kiss goodnight?" she asked.

"Of course." Sentaro replied as he lifted his head towards hers. They held the kiss for several seconds, then released it. Arael stared into his face a moment longer, then rolled onto her side, facing away from him.

Sentaro reached over and flipped off the light. In the darkness, both shifted around, trying to get comfortable. Sentaro finally lay silent, staring at the ceiling. A glance to the side only showed a grey hair spread across the pillow and sheets. He then looked back up at the ceiling and slowly let out a sigh as he closed his eyes.

Within a few minutes, his eyes were back open again and focused on the ceiling. He turned his head to the side again. The grey hair had not moved. Another sigh. Sentaro rolled carefully onto his side, facing away from the other occupant. He stared at the alarm clock for moment before once again shutting his eyes. Sleep would still not claim him.

Then he felt the bed shift slightly. Arms moved around him, from underneath and above and pulled him back slightly. Sentaro's eyes widened as he felt two soft warm objects press into his back. Then a voice whispered in his ear.

"I'm here." Arael whispered, "And I'm not going anywhere. You'll just have to get used to this."

Sentaro place his free hand over Arael's. Soon all he could hear were her soft snores.

His followed thereafter.

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The second night had been similar to the first. Both shifted uncomfortably in the bed on their own. Yet, when they held each other, both fell asleep easily. Arael doubted she'd ever fall asleep alone ever again.

'Of course,' she thought, 'there still is something else to experience. But that will come when we are both ready. For now, I am satisfied.'

She walked across the living room, to a box that still remained sealed. She lifted it and carried it over to an empty shelf. She then opened the box and carefully removed several wrapped objects. She unwrapped each one gently, revealing the angel figurines that Sentaro had been getting her. She placed each one in a spot on the shelf. From the bottom of the box, she pulled out several framed pictures. One was of the entire Ikari family, as well as herself from years ago. Another was the picture of herself and Yui, asleep after the now infamous pajama party. A third picture showed the entire Morisato family, Belldandy, Keiichi, Sayoko, Keima, Kensuke, Lime, Kristine, Otaru Jr, Sentaro, as well as Urd, Skuld, Cherry, Bloodberry, and the Marionette Lime. The final picture was of Mana Kirishima, flanked on either side by Dawn and Yoko.

'One day,' Arael thought to herself, 'A wedding picture will be here.'

A smile came to her face at that thought, and soon she was off preparing dinner, thinking about a wedding that might take place in the future.

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Sentaro stared blankly at the screen before him as he had for……. well he'd lost track of time, but it was definitely a long time. Information flashed on it, giving him the status of the entire Japoness computer network, as well as any other information he deemed necessary. From here, he could keep an eye out for any hacking attempts, as well as anything else that might threaten computers in Japoness.

"Pretty boring, isn't it?"

Sentaro turned his head to see Celes standing behind him. She sat down at the empty terminal next to him.

"It used to be more exciting from what I understand." She said, "Back when Japoness and Gartlant were at each other's throats. Then of course when contact was reestablished with Earth, a few people there tried to hack in." An evil smirk then appeared on her face. "Of course then there was this college kid that was able to routinely get into the castle system."

Sentaro paled.

"Yeah," he said, his throat suddenly dry, "I wonder what happened to him?"

Celes' smirk grew bigger.

"I hear he found a great girl, sweet as an angel. Course she has this dark side to her……. especially when she's being stood up."

Sentaro sat up.

"What?" he asked.

Celes pointed at the clock. It was now pushing 9pm. Sentaro paled.

"Oh no……"

"See I'm used to late hours and everything." Celes said, "So imagine my surprise when I notice you're still here."

"I got distracted." Sentaro said softly. Celes glanced at the screen.

"Yeah I can see where that might happen." She replied, "The last guy to have this job was a mindless slob when he retired."

"That isn't very reassuring Auntie." Sentaro muttered, "What am I going to do about Arael?"

"Well, I really don't have much experience with relationships." Celes said, "Me being a vampire and all. However, I suggest a lot of groveling and begging."

Sentaro blinked.

"You've got to be kidding."

"I'm serious." The vampire replied, "Remember, she's new to emotions. So she's going to be very unhappy with you. Groveling is the least you could do."

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Sentaro opened the front door of the apartment quietly and peered inside. Everything was quiet and dark.

With a sigh, he walked inside, carrying a small package, and closed the door. He walked slowly through the living room, a feeling of impending doom in his gut. This feeling only increased when he looking into the kitchen and found the dinner table still set for two. Several pots sat on the counter as well as in the sink.

"Oh man." Sentaro muttered softly.

He walked back out into the living room and headed towards the hall. He paused in front of the shelves, noticing the pictures and the angel figurines. He looked down at the package.

At the rate he was buying the things he might as well buy stock in the company.

He moved down the hall and paused at the bedroom door. Part of him debated wither to enter or go and sleep in the second bedroom.

'I have to face her sometime.' He finally decided as he entered the room.

He walked to his dresser, taking a glance at the bed as he moved past it. Arael was in it, facing away from him. He quickly changed into his nightclothes, then moved to the side of the bed Arael was facing. Her eyes were closed, but even in the low light, he could tell she'd been crying.

He opened the package and pulled out the newest angel figurine for her collection, and set it on the nightstand, facing her. He then moved around to the opposite side of the bed and climbed in. He lay there for a moment, wondering if Arael would wake up.

She didn't.

He let out a sigh and closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep.

He succeeded, but only barely.

He awoke sometime later, finding it difficult to breathe. The reason for this difficulty was that at some point Arael had realized he was there. She now had her head on his chest, and her arms in a death grip around his body.

He struggled for a moment, and then finally succeeded in releasing one arm from captivity. He then reached out and slowly slid his fingers through Arael's hair, remembering how much she liked it.

His effort was rewarded by a kind of cooing noise from Arael, followed by her relaxing her grip. Sentaro quickly freed his other hand and placed it on Arael's back, holding her close to him.

Sleep returned to him moments after.

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The alarm clock rang at the usual time the next morning. Sentaro started to reach out for it, but found his hand was caught up in something……………

"OW!" a female cry echoed through the room.

…….Arael's hair.

'I'm screwed.' Sentaro thought, trying very hard not to open his eyes.

Within seconds there was a bright orange flash, and the alarm clock now lay in several pieces on the floor.

Sentaro remained motionless, eyes closed, hoping Arael wouldn't notice.

'I don't think it's working.' He thought.

"It's not working." Arael confirmed a second later.

Sentaro opened his eyes and found Arael's staring right back at him.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"It's alright." Arael replied, "I think I can get your hand untangled…….."

"….not that." Sentaro interrupted. Seeing the look on Arael's face he quickly continued. "Well yes, I am sorry about your hair, but I mean about last night. I lost track of time at work and……."

"Is it that interesting?" Arael asked as she reached up and began to untangle Sentaro's hand.

"I think my mind turned to goo for a few hours there." Sentaro replied, "If it wasn't for Auntie Celes, I think I might still be there."

Arael freed Sentaro's hand from her hair and held it in front of her, holding on to it with both hands.

"I guess I'll have to thank her then." Arael said, "After I yell at her for not sending you home sooner."

Sentaro placed his other hand on hers.

"I'm sorry." He repeated, "If I had known you had something planned……"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise." Arael replied. She started to get up, but Sentaro held on to her hands.

"I didn't mean to make you cry." He said softly.

Arael's eyes widened. She then looked away.

"I don't know why I was crying." She said.

"You were probably upset." Sentaro said, "I was late, you'd gone through the effort to make a nice dinner……. It's a normal reaction."

"I'll take your word for it." Arael replied, "Now you had better get up or you'll be late."

Sentaro looked at the broken clock.

"Damn." He flew to his feet and grabbed his clothes.

"See you downstairs." He said, pausing to kiss Arael on the cheek.

She smiled at him as he ran to the bathroom. As soon as the door closed and the shower started, her smile vanished. She sat back down on the bed, and pulled her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. She then set her head on her knees and sighed.