She opened her eyes to the air, momentarily blinded the flurries of falling snow. She blinked again, watching her breath come out in white puffs, her hands almost freezing in her incompetent attire. No matter. She's been through worse. Still, her arm trembles a little as she lifts the gun, aimed, and shot. Immediately, the man fell to the ground, crimson staining the snow covering the ground.

It's during these times that she feels like she's sinking, in horrible realization of the life she had taken. Then, she remembers all the lives that had preceded that one, and she sinks a little further.

But it's what she's been trained for.

"That's the last one, kora." Lal felt a hand rest on her shoulder. Nodding icily, she turned and stalked away, with Colonello hot on her heels.

Nobody can see it, but her fists were clenched so tight, her nails dug into her palms, leaving small half moon imprints.

Although she is an experienced killer, the aftermath is something she will never get used to.

She awoke to find herself comfortably warm, arms encircled protectively around her waist and her head resting against his chest. Dawn is approaching, dusty sunlight peeking out from behind the crudely drawn curtains, but the rhythmic, melodic breathing next to her told her that Colonello was still asleep. Good.

Sometimes, she just wanted to stay forever trapped in his arms, the security enveloping her, ensuring that she would be alright, that she wouldn't have to fight anymore.

But it's what she's been trained for.

It's become almost a ritual, the wordless agreement that they would sleep together the night after a kill, or multiple kills. Colonello claimed that he would have nightmares if else, but Lal strongly suspects that he's doing it for her sake as well. Pulling up the clean cotton covers, she permits herself to let loose the tears she had been containing since the day before. The hand at her waist rises to stroke her hair, as Colonello kissed her forehead in comfort.

Although she is an experienced killer, the aftermath is something she will never get used to.

She had looked back and waited when her name was called. Spotting the sandy haired man, she felt her heart rise in a flutter, her cheeks heating up unwillingly. Colonello seemed to possess a strange charm, the way it disarmed her was almost uncanny. At first, Lal regarded him with a curious atmosphere. There was just something about him that seemed different, that always caught her off guard. Perhaps it was his smile, or just his little mannerisms, but that curiosity morphed into something so much more real, so much more intense.

It's not what she's been trained for, but he makes her life so much more bearable.

Eventually, Lal found herself waiting for him, worrying for him, and always chided herself for it. Nevertheless, she could not stop, not that she wanted to. It was him who soothed her mind on restless nights full of flashing memories; it was him who quieted her muffle cries with soothing words and gentle motions. It was him to whisper I love you into her ear on a dark and stormy night. Eventually, Lal found herself falling in love; gradually, then all at once.

Although she is an inexperienced lover, the surprises it holds will never cease to amaze her.

Hey guys, it sure has been a while hasn't it! Sorry for all the lagging, but I was quite busy! So now figuring the school year's almost over, I thought I should start writing again. Checked the Cololal fanbase, and great works you guys have! Good job! Anyway, so here's something new for you guys to kick off my summer writeathon. Oh yes, I would also appreciate it if any of you guys have any ideas? I'm seriously running on dry here. If you guys have any ideas, or requests, or whatev, do post! I'll see what I can do!

Nice talking to you guys again!

~Carolily