(A/N) This is the continuation of their date. Review.
LINE BREAK
Issei smiled at the comfortable weight pressing on his shoulders. He looked at his snoring angel, chuckling lightly at her funny yet beautiful sleeping face. She still looked breathtaking despite having a bit of drool on the side of her mouth. Sleeping beauty was literally sleeping on his shoulders. Two hours has passed ever since they started to ride to their destination. Issei carefully opened the curtains, taking care not to give even the slightest disturbance to his princess in opening the curtains. Issei smiled as he succeeded on his task, admiring the beautiful full moon.
His eyes widened when the moonbeam shined upon Gabriel's face, making her look even more beautiful. Even after over a million times of seeing Gabriel's face get shined upon by moon light, he still can't get used to her beauty. He shook his head before leaning his face on the top of Gabriel's head. Taking in the pleasant smelling hair of his date.
He opened his eyes, admiring the beautiful view of the elven fields. Gabriel explained to him that they were going to go on a date in the elven realm where it is safe and secure. Azazel would be coming with them, acting like a bodyguard. The angels were surprised when Azazel offered this but Issei knew why, he just wanted to amend his sins with these little actions, slowly but surely.
"Damn, Michael-sama wasn't kidding when he described this place when I was a kid." The fields were perfectly perpendicular with each other; they were like perfectly aligned strips. The place was so green. The mountain ranges were lush and covered by extraordinarily tall trees. Its forest was on the foot of the mountain ranges; it was dark yet it only added to the mysterious beauty of the whole place. There were huts scattered right in the middle of the forest and the crops, their windows open and light was shining. Not a single elf could be seen in the whole place. It truly was a very beautiful and serene place.
They entered a dark tunnel made of trees. There were magical orbs of light attached to the tunnel of trees serving as light, of course. Issei watched as the tunnel of trees slowly turned to a tunnel of rocks. Silver gray rocks that had leafy green vines crawling through the whole place. Issei wasn't sure if the vines were there on purpose or they just crawled in their naturally but it sure added to the elven atmosphere.
Issei decided he going to go to sleep when the tunnel ended, and boy did his tiredness suddenly left his entire systems. Issei got a view of the entire elven kingdom. They were currently going through a wooden bridge that was built on top of a large lake. The lake was very blue and was adored by beautiful, bizarre looking water lilies. Fireflies were flying on top of the lake, the lake reflecting the light creating an even more beautiful view. Just at the edges of the lake were houses that looked like they were from the medieval times. The whole kingdom served as the beacon throughout the dark world of the elves.
Issei read the large board on top of the gates of the kingdom, Welcome To The Kingdom Of The Whispering Willows. The road was made of stone, it wasn't entirely smooth, actually it wasn't smooth at all. But the ride wasn't bumpy, the carriage was just shaking a little. They passed with other carriages carrying elves. Looks like the carriage is the main vehicle for transportation in the kingdom. Issei finally, for the first time ever since they entered the realm of the elves, saw an elf. Unlike the mythologies which depicted them to be small, they were the total opposite. They were tall, their average height is probably 5'11. Some exceeded that and some below but nevertheless, all of them were tall compared to the average human height. Most of them had pale skin, pink lips and slightly upturned noses. All of them looked attractive. Some elves were dressed in armor and roaming the streets. But they weren't walking like stiff and strict warriors, they had smiles on their faces, greeting their fellow elves.
Now Issei doesn't know much about architecture and engineering but he knows a good infrastructure when he sees one. Every house looked elegant, brightly lit, and had pleasant music coming out of its windows. From time to time, they will come across an armory or an inn. These shops and stores looked like the ordinary houses but a but taller and they had signs on top of the door, for example, an armory's symbol is a sword across a shield. They also passed through the castle, which looked magnificent. With elves entering it, probably on tour.
They exited the kingdom and went through the dark forest. But this time, the trees were different from the trees Issei had seen on the way. These kind of looked like willows but without the creepy effect. The leaves were covered with pink flowers, some of the flowers fell down near the tree. Issei felt the carriage stop. Azazel softly knocked the top of the carriage, "Ok, love birds. We have arrived to our destination."
Issei looked at Gabriel who was still lightly snoring, a bit of drool on the side of her mouth. Resisting the urge to laugh he tapped her shoulder lightly, "Gabby? We're here."
Gabriel suddenly rose up, alarmed, "What?" She asked sleepily.
Issei shook his head while chuckling before sweeping Gabriel of her feet, "Come on, let's go sleeping beauty."
"If she's sleeping beauty then you should give her a kiss." Azazel suddenly blurted out, leaning on the carriage.
Gabriel who was on Issei's arms blushed and so did Issei, "Uhm…should I?"
Gabriel didn't answer and instead giggled, "Isn't that what couples are supposed to do after the date?"
She didn't let Issei to answer and skipped towards the inn while laughing playfully. Now Issei got to take a good look on where they were going, and it was magical. Ever since they entered the realm of the elves, every view was magical. But the place was just, more magical? It looked like the houses in the kingdom, medieval, but the walls were glass, like the human world's typical restaurant. Its roof was covered by the vines in the tunnel and some flowers that belonged to the willow-looking trees that were probably put there because of the wind.
"Kid," Issei turned to Azazel, "Go get your princess." He said with a smile before twisting his hand. A force suddenly pushed Issei into the tavern, right in front of the glass door. Issei waved at a smiling Azazel before he entered the resto.
There were these huge, eccentric looking chandeliers hanged on the wall. Plain wooden floor, elegant tables and exquisite chairs. The elves dining there were wearing expensive looking clothes to. Issei looked around, getting distracted by the crowd and the music when someone whistled at him. He saw a laughing Gabriel at the other side of the room, standing close another glass door. Issei smiled back, she didn't notice that she had drool on the side of her face.
Issei, now that he knows where to go, maneuvered himself skillfully through the crowd of dancing elves. It wasn't long before he reached his princess. "Well, someone got lost." She teased, opening the glass door.
There was a pathway from the glass door to a small gazebo, with a golden roof and wooden base. It had a table in the very middle and two chairs. It was in the middle of a medium sized spring. "Come on!" Gabriel screamed, waiting for Issei. She was standing in the very beginning of a wooden bridge with lights on its side. Issei hurried up and stopped beside Gabriel.
Gabriel was itching to start crossing the wooden bridge. She was about to start walking when Issei held her by the arm. She looked at him when he caught her chin, she struggled but his hold was firm, although not rough. "Stop squirming." He said. She blew a strand of her hair up. How was she not going to squirm when a fun looking wooden bridge was just in front of her.
"What?" She asked, wanting to walk the wooden bridge now.
"This." Issei simply answered. Issei started taking something out of his pocket. She instantly blushed. 'Protection?', She expected this after the dinner. "You want to start it now?"
Issei looked confused, "Start what?" He asked, before he took out wet wipes and wiped the side of her mouth. Gabriel blushed, scolding herself, 'What the hell is wrong with you Gabriel!?'
Issei smiled at her, "You looked funny back there. You still had drool on your face." Gabriel instantly went red in embarrassment.
"Don't worry, my princess. You still looked beautiful even if you had it." Issei informed, Gabriel was filled with warmth, "Although you looked funny being smug and all when you had drool on your face." Issei remarked devilishly which made her want to push him to the water.
Issei smiled at Gabriel who huffed, "Now, now. I told you that you still looked beautiful now, haven't I? Now stop being grumpy. I'm hungry." Gabriel rolled her eyes, a small smile forming on her lips and a slight tinge of ping on her cheeks as she hugged the arms of Issei. They started walking the wooden bridge, slowly as they wanted to make the moment last.
Now that Issei got a good look at the spring, he saw plenty of koi swimming the water. He relished the feeling of Gabriel's warmth that enveloped his arm. A comfortable silence filled the air. Both of them just took in the surroundings while relishing the company of the other.
Finally, they reached the gazebo. A table was set for them. Two chairs on the opposite sides. Each side has a golden plate, a wine glass, multiple spoon and forks, and there was wine in the very middle, right beside the lantern. Issei pulled Gabriel's chair for her, Gabriel thanking him. Elves were waiting for them at the Gazebo and started serving them.
Issei suddenly went nervous. He didn't know what elves like to eat. Gabriel noticed this and raised her eyebrow, smiling, "Is my brave knight nervous?" She asked smugly.
Issei forced a smile on his face. He can't lose. "Of course not." He answered nervously.
Giggling, Gabriel rolled her eyes, "Don't worry, elven food is the best."
"So, Azazel is our chauffeur for then night, huh?"
Gabriel laughed at this, "Yep. Apparently, after he helped in saving you, Michael has allowed Uriel to hang out with Azazel. Uriel and Azazel used to be the best of friends before Azazel fell."
Issei opened the wine and started pouring both of them wine, "So that explains why Uriel and Azazel are so much alike."
Gabriel laughed at this, nodding her head, "You have no idea. The both of them used to vandalize the heavens when father was still alive."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. They said that it's part of their training. To be stealthy and quick. Too bad Father knew everything so no matter how stealthy they become, they get sensed by father."
"I noticed that Albion and Draig aren't that annoying when you go with me."
"I begged them not to. They decided that they could give the two of us some privacy."
The elves returned and laid in the middle a dish covered by a metal food dome. Issei gulped. "Our specialty, the elven salad." The waiter removed the metal dome. Issei went green as leaves and vegetables were mixed. On the very top was sesame seeds and spring garlic. "Yum." Gabriel exclaimed as she put a whole leaf in her mouth. Issei resisted the urge to puke.
Issei stared at the abomination right in front of him. "Eat." Gabriel said firmly.
Issei bit his lips and shook his head, Gabriel glared at him. "Eat." Issei pouted, which made Gabriel blush, but she shook her head and glared. "Eat."
"No." Issei whimpered. He didn't want to vomit in the middle of the date.
Issei glared at Gabriel, "I don't want to eat. This is disgusting. I hat-"
Gabriel shoved a spoonful of salad to Issei's mouth. Laughing at the first disgusted face of Issei that eventually morphed to a delighted one. "You look adorable." She said.
Issei blushed, before glaring halfheartedly while smiling, "Hey. That's my line." Both laughed.
Issei tried to eat more salad but Gabriel stopped him. He looked at her like she has lost her mind. First she wants him to eat then she doesn't? Issei raised his right eyebrow cutely at Gabriel, expecting an explanation. Gabriel couldn't help but smile at the handsome man in front of him.
"It won't taste the same if you were the one to feed yourself. Believe me, I know." She said slyly.
Issei caught what she was hinting and leaned on the table, smiling. "I'll be the one to feed you." Gabriel announced, shoving another lettuce to Issei's mouth.
After the dinner, Gabriel led Issei to a spot. There was a secret, invisible bridge that can only be seen by the one who ate inside the gazebo. Gabriel held Issei by the hand and dragged him. There was a broken pavement, with mosses and little flowers growing on them. "Where are we going, Gabriel?"
Gabriel looked at him, giggling, "Just follow me."
Issei was glad he followed Gabriel. The broken road eventually led to a hill, with a beautiful tree on the very top. Gabriel skillfully climbed the hill, laughing at Issei who struggled and complained. "Can't I use my wings instead? I don't get it? What are wings for if we won't use it?"
Gabriel laughed at him. He was sweating badly and his hair disheveled. For a warrior and a trump card of heaven, climbing the hill shouldn't be a problem. "Come on now, big boy. You'll let a girl beat you in a race?"
Issei panted, looking at her, "Who said this is a race? This isn't a race."
"It is now!" She said, climbing a bit faster than before. Issei sighed. He started going a bit faster and failed.
Eventually, with hard work and determination, he finally reached the top of the hill. Issei fell face first, but he wasn't complaining. "Finally, I thought I was about to fall asleep waiting for you." Issei groaned, his voice muffled.
He looked up to see his beautiful Gabriel, leaning on the tree, smiling at him scornfully, her brows furrowed cutely. He looked at her with a flat expression, before sitting beside her. He was feeling annoyed. But it didn't last when Gabriel fixed her position, hugging his arm and leaning her head on his shoulders. Issei felt his annoyance disappear and be replaced by happiness and comfort. He leaned his own head on top of Gabriel's.
Gabriel blushed as she felt Issei lean. She secretly enjoyed hugging the firm shoulders of her Issei. "So what are we doing here?" Issei asked her. His breath hit the back of her neck and she shivered, closing her eyes.
"We're here to have a picnic." She untangled herself from Issei and materialized a basket she left in the carriage. She prepared some food before she went to pick Issei up. She made some sandwiches, she knew her sandwiches were Issei favorite. She also took the finest wine of Uriel's collection. She picked up some fruits with Griselda on the market.
Issei groaned, "Please don't be vegetables."
Issei patiently waited what Gabriel was going to take out. Wine, grapes, apples, and his favorite sandwiches. Issei smiled at this, "You're the best, Gabby!" He said as went and grabbed a sandwich. Gabriel pouted, "No thank you?"
"But I already told you you're the best?"
"That's a complement, not a thank you."
Issei rolled his eyes, "Fine~, thank you." He said sweetly.
Gabriel took her own sandwich and sat beside her Issei. "How is it?"
"It's the most delicious thing I have ever tasted." He said, it wasn't clear since he talked while chewing the bread.
Gabriel's heart was filled with warmth when he saw the handsome man that belongs to her eat and enjoy her sandwich. If you actually see them, you'll think they are just an extra attractive but normal couple having a picninc, but there is nothing normal about them.
Gabriel saw a butterfly flutter a few inches away from her face. Her eyes widened. It was a strange yet lovely. The designs on its wings were different from what you will always see. It was golden and blue in color. In the back of its wings were small circles the made its way across the wings, and they were glowing. The butterfly was also a few inches larger than the usual butterfly. Gabriel stared at it as it landed near them, just above a flower. She was about to touch it when it flew away, to her disappointment. She watched as the balls of light that were behind its wing slowly fade away as it went further away from them.
Gabriel groaned, before she shrieked when someone breathed behind her ear. She turned around to see Issei whistling, acting innocent. She narrowed her eyes. "Did anybody ever told you how beautiful you look?"
Gabriel blushed at this, taken aback by the sudden question. Issei suddenly smirked smugly at her, "You have something on your face. Again."
She mumbled and glared at him, blindly rubbing her face in hopes of removing whatever that was on her face.
"Let me do that for you." She blushed, about to protest when Issei closed the space in between them and cupped her face. Their eyes were staring at the other, clear blue to clear blue. She felt his thumb wipe something at the side of her mouth. Her face was red, very red. And she blushed even more when she saw Issei blushing. She could have been happy to stare at her Issei forever, his messy white blonde hair, his clear blue eyes, his ridiculously gorgeous smile, and his….body, of course.
Gabriel felt relieved when he got back his place. Another second in that close position and she would have done something to him, something an angel shouldn't do, and shouldn't think of either! She scolded herself. She looked at Issei to sigh and roll her eyes as he ate the sandwich. She was being pulled in half, should she go with her feelings, or should she do the exact opposite. Whatever her choice was, she leaned on Issei shoulder regardless.
Issei felt Gabriel go back and lean on his shoulders. She took his arm and wrapped it around her neck, using it like a scarf. "You won't eat that sandwich?" He asked, pointing at the sandwich Gabriel was holding. It only had two small bite marks on it.
"Of course I will." She said before laying down the sandwich on the small plate she brought with her.
Issei smiled in delight. He was with Gabriel, under the moonlight, alone. They were having a picnic, a harmless fight from time to time. He couldn't think anything better. He felt the wind blow softly, making the tree they were leaning on make peaceful and relaxing rustling sounds. He felt his hair dance with the wind, he also saw Gabriel's long, beautiful, white blonde hair wave as the wind passed through them.
He looked up, noticing that the elven realm didn't have any stars. The sky was clear, not a single cloud could be seen. Only the full moon was on the sky, giving the whole realm a serene illumination. On top of the hill, you could see the lights in the kingdom. It truly was a mystical, mysterious, and beautiful sight.
He closed his eyes, leaning on Gabriel. Enjoying the cold wind that blew. Then he felt Gabriel tap him and shake him. He frowned, reluctantly opening his eyes. "What is it?" He asked softly. She looked at him and pointed somewhere.
He slowly followed the direction of where she was pointing at and he was awed. In the dark night sky that was barely illuminated by the moon, bright yellow balls of light suddenly came in swarms, dancing around the dark place. Both the angels were looking intently as the balls of light slowly spread around them. "Fireflies." He said as one landed near them, making a silent buzzing noise you can only hear when its close.
Gabriel slowly nodded her head, holding her hand up. The butterfly that flew away has returned, and has brought a friend. Another butterfly that was like it. Gabriel smiled as the butterfly landed on her palms, she slowly studied it. She looked to Issei who had the other butterfly land on top of his head. He pouted as Gabriel laughed at him softly.
Gabriel pressed her head to Issei's chest. Issei laughed. The fireflies completely illuminated the whole hilltop this time. Gabriel looked at the fireflies, enjoying the beautiful light show they were showing. Issei stroked her long blonde hair, also enjoying the light show. The butterflies suddenly left them. Gabriel and Issei frowned at this.
Issei sighed, "It's OK, Ga-"
He felt his chest suddenly tighten. His heart felt like it was being squeezed roughly. His ribs felt like they were going to be ripped open. He can't feel his body; he can't move his legs. He can barely feel his arms. His eyes widened, 'No, not this. Not now.'
Gabriel noticed Issei suddenly straighten up. She looked at him, he had a panicking expression on his face. He was sweating buckets, fear evident in his eyes. She laid her hands on top of his chest, "What's wrong?"
Issei forced a smile on his face, "No, nothing's wrong." He said in a strained voice before he suddenly jumped when the tightening of his chest signified. He coughed up blood. 'No, this never happened before.' He said to himself, looking at his blood covered hand, surprised at the amount of blood.
Gabriel's eyes widened at the sight of Issei's blood. Then she remembered what Albion said to her, But it doesn't end there…soon it will also affect his emotional and even physical health, killing him slowly and painfully. Gabriel looked around to see the fireflies flash their lights, like in distress. It was turning off and on. They were reacting to what's happening to Issei. 'The spell. Oh no. What do I do? Issei may possibly go crazy in the third one.'
Issei was filled with dread when his eyes suddenly felt so heavy and he was feeling very sleepy. He was scared, he felt Gabriel intertwine her hands to his. "Issei?" She asked in concern.
He knew he was scaring Gabriel, with his ragged breathing and the blood on his hands, the pained expression on his face and the gritting of his teeth, he was doing the opposite of what he wanted to do.
Gabriel was frantically looking at him. She was scared, for Issei. "Issei?"
"Gabriel, calm down. I'm okay." He said with a pain smile.
Gabriel wanted to scream in frustration, "Issei, damn it. You are NOT OK! You don't need to hide it! I'm here for you."
"Sorry I ruined our date again."
Gabriel felt tears blur her vision, "I don't care about the date. It's you I care about, you."
Issei coughed again, blood slowly trickled down his mouth. "This never happened before." He said, finding the situation amusing.
"Issei." She sobbed on his chest. Issei patted the back of her head.
"Don't worry. I'm just going to sleep."
Gabriel sobbed louder, Issei chuckled, "No, I'm going to sleep literally, I'm not going to die, silly."
Then Gabriel felt a wave wash over her. This was a very cold wave. She felt her eyes drop and she landed on top of Issei's chest. She wanted to fight the sudden sleepiness, but she can't.
"Gabriel?" Issei pained and concerned voice was the last thing she heard before she drifted off to sleep.
LINE BREAK
Darkness. That is what Gabriel saw when she opened her eyes. She slowly stood up, waiting for her blurry vision to clear. She felt like she wanted to vomit, her eyes felt like they were spinning even though they weren't. "Issei?" She asked, about to cry. She still can't get used to seeing Issei's blood. Every time she sees it, she wanted to hug her Issei and cry. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know where she was. She didn't know where Issei is. She didn't know what just happened to her or what happened to Issei. She wanted to curl to a ball and cry, fearing the worst for her Issei.
Then out of nowhere, a bright light suddenly blinded her. She shrieked, covering her eyes and falling down. She expected to land on a hard ground. A concrete, hard ground. But no, she landed on something soft. Not like a pillow, more of a grass? She still kept her eyes closed since even though her eyes were closed, it was still bright. She racked her mind, trying to remember where she felt this soft ground.
She patted the ground, feeling it. Trying to find clues or hints. She felt something hard, like a wood or stem or something. To her relief, the light faded. She opened her eyes to see her beloved Eden. She was seating under her favorite tree where Issei always visits her. She found out what she laid her hands upon was a stem of the tree. She saw the golden and green grass of Eden, the waterfall near the tree, the chirping of birds never seen by the humans, even the bushes where Uriel and Raphael always hides in were there.
But instead of feeling relieved at the sight of Eden, she was alarmed. The last thing she remembered was falling asleep on the chest of Issei and hearing Issei calling her. If she is in heaven, then Azazel must have found Issei and she. Then he probably called the other angels and they took the both of them to heaven. But somehow, that wasn't what she thinks that happened. She wanted to believe that, yes. But somehow, she has a feeling it is far from that.
She stood up, surveying the surroundings. She knew this wasn't Eden. Because even if Azazel has found them, he won't be able to call the others since angels or any other beings are not allowed to enter their realm by teleporting or coming down. They will only be able to enter the realm of the elves by going through the portal.
"Issei?" She asked, hoping Issei will respond.
Nobody answered. She panicked. She turned around quickly to see Issei's body lying just beside where she was. She wanted to cry in joy, or laugh at herself. She ran towards Issei with a big smile, "Issei!" She said. But Issei remainde still.
Then he slowly sat up, rubbing his head. His hands were no longer covered in blood. "Eden?" He asked himself.
Gabriel laughed, "Yeah, this is Eden. We're in Eden Issei."
Issei slowly nodded, "Yep, this is Eden."
Then he stood up and held his hands together, "Gabriel! Where are you?"
Gabriel felt fear suddenly grip her heart. "Issei? I'm here." She said, waving her arms up frantically in front of Issei.
Issei's expression turned to fear, for her, "Gabriel? Where are you?" He said, slowly falling to his butt. Holding his face in frustration.
Gabriel kneeled in front of him, "Very funny, Issei. I'm right here." She waited for Issei to suddenly laugh at her or smirk at her, hoping. Issei never did those things and instead started sobbing.
"Oh, God. Please help Gabriel. I don't care about me, please keep her safe." He said in a muffled, cracked, and scared voice. Gabriel frowned, "What are you talking about? I'm right here, Issei. I'm right here." She said, pointing her index on her.
Gabriel had an idea. "Issei, stay right here. I will get Michael-oniisama to fix all this, OK?" She hastily ran towards the elevator when it dinged. The person who came out of the elevator shocked her to the core. It was her.
"Gabriel!" Issei suddenly screamed. The real Gabriel stepped in front of the fake Gabriel, "Issei, stop! That is not me!"
But Issei just when past her like she was just air. (I'll write the fake Gabriel's voice in italics so the others won't be confused) She held her chest, wide eyed at what happened. She slowly walked to the side, observing what happens.
Issei hugged the fake Gabriel, "Gabriel, you have no idea how much I worried about you." He said, smiling.
The fake Gabriel smiled back, Gabriel glared at her. "I don't smile like a slut." The real Gabriel whispered to the fake Gabriel who remained unfazed.
Issei noticed the difference in Gabriel's smile, "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Oh, nothing." The fake Gabriel said.
Issei smiled at him, "Come here." He said, holding his arms out. The real Gabriel pouted as she wanted to be the one hugged.
The real Gabriel walked at Issei's back. Then she stopped when a blade protruded out of Issei's back. She was wide-eyed. She suddenly ran to the fake Gabriel. "You get your hands away from him!" She said in anger as she saw the fake Gabriel hold a light sword and impale it to Issei.
The real Gabriel stared at Issei face, and her heart broke to pieces. Ever since she saw Issei hallucinating in the morning, she felt her heart start to break, but she managed to keep it together. But when she saw Issei's face, his heartbroken face, her heart broke with his. He looked so shocked and confused, his mouth was wide-open and his eyes were staring at the fake Gabriel with so much pain.
But to the real Gabriel's surprise, Issei smiled sadly at the fake Gabriel. He let the blade run through and forced himself to it just to get to hug the fake Gabriel, thinking it was really her.
"Although it hurts, it's OK. I love you too much to get angry at you." He said, closing his eyes. Tears were falling down his cheeks, "But at least. I get to die hugging my sweet princess." The real Gabriel's mouth were open, she felt her tears fall down the golden grass of Eden.
She tried desperately to cup Issei's face but she can't. Her hand only passes through like air. "Issei." She muttered painfully.
Then to the real Gabriel's surprise, the fake Gabriel suddenly shoved a vial down Issei's throat and pulled the sword out roughly. She kicked her, sending Issei flying to the tree. "Who said I'm gonna kill you? That's too sweet." The fake Gabriel said with so much malice, Gabriel wanted to puke.
Issei stood up and smiled sadly, "As long as I am with you, I will be able to take anything."
"Perfect." The fake Gabriel answered.
Gabriel watched in horror as the fake Gabriel did unspeakable things to her Issei. She fumed in anger, she wanted to choke the bit** to death. She wanted to slap Issei in the head also, he should have known that the real Gabriel wouldn't, her. Wouldn't be able to do such a thing. What is more hurting is that Issei kept smiling sadly, forgiving every act her stupid, doppelganger did.
She walked near them. She decided she won't protest or anything since she can't do anything. If she did, this bi*** wouldn't be alive right now. She was going to walk away when the fake Gabriel did something she would never in her life do.
The fake Gabriel grabbed Issei by the hair and pulled it roughly, "I never loved you, and I never will. You a worthless piece of garbage not worthy to walk with the angels. You're just a stupid boy not worthy to possess the Two Heavenly Dragons. Keep forgiving me all you want, I don't care. I am just using you. I don't love you. How can I possibly love a freak like you?"
At this, Gabriel gritted her teeth and sent the strongest ball of light she could muster. But it was helpless, It didn't do anything. "I would never do this." She said frantically. The she got in the middle of Fake Gabriel and Issei, "Issei, I will never do this. You are not a freak, OK?"
Issei remained staring at the ground. Then he looked up, his eyes were watery. Yet he smiled.
Gabriel felt like a dagger was stabbed to her chest. Because she was standing in front of him, it felt like the look was sent to her. But she can't cry, she can't scream. She already did that a while back, she even exhausted her voice and her eyes already. "Issei…", She croaked, her voice breaking as she tried to let her pain out.
She noticed the fake Gabriel wasn't moving. She turned around to see the fake Gabriel crying, "Oh, no. Issei! What have I done?! I'm so sorry."
Issei stood up and walked towards the fake Gabriel. HE kneeled down and put his arms around the fake Gabriel. "Now, now. I'll always forgive you."
Then another blade run through Issei. The real Gabriel saw the fake smile. "Oh, you really are just dumb. You never learn. You got betrayed by the same girl, on the same spot, on the same day, and just after the torture I gave you."
Gabriel felt her eyes glow in power, "You sick, twisted…" She weakly muttered as she gave up and collapsed to her knees. The emotional trauma is too much for her, how about for Issei? He endured two of these twisted dreams and he still managed to smile? Acting all happy and all just so he doesn't worry them.
"An amazing sight, no?" A male voice spoke behind Gabriel.
Gabriel turned around to see the man that disappeared in the fight. His face was still covered by a mask. Gabriel felt her senses explode as the man neared her. "I have worked days on this spell, and it was definitely worth it. The different nightmares are just so interesting. Each nightmare is a new one, and I think this is the worst he has ever had…yet."
Gabriel growled, "This is all you're doing?" She asked in a dangerous tone.
"Why yes. No one else is powerful and skilled enough to cast a spell in this caliber." He answered smugly.
"Why?" She asked, looking down. "Why him? He didn't do anything wrong!" She had tears in her eyes.
"That's exactly why I casted it to him. He is too kind. I want to corrupt him, to break him. I want to crush him and make his life a miserable mess." His tone was like that of a mad scientist explaining a theory.
Gabriel growled. She launched a powerful blast of light that could easily destroy a mountain. The man simply absorbed the light. "That is one tasty magic you have." He nodded in approval.
She was going to launch another attack when out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a red and silver light. 'Draig and Albion!' She concluded. She quickly sprinted towards the light to see two orbs, red and silver, trapped in a dome of magic circles.
"Gabriel! Wake Issei up!" Albion screamed at her.
"That bastard man trapped us here. Gabriel! If you don't get yourself together, Issei might possibly lose his mind!"
Gabriel started hyperventilating, "What do I do? Please."
"Whisper to him. Whisper him all of the things you want him to know. Even if it seemed like he can't hear you, keep talking to him."
Gabriel nodded at this. She didn't want to risk Issei going crazy and sprinted as fast as she can to Issei.
She neared Issei's ear. She saw the man looking at her curiously, "Issei, I want you to know that I will never do this to you."
"You are probably the most important person to me, even if it isn't obvious." She noticed that Issei's breath became ragged.
"Every time I am with you, all my worries, all my sorrows, they are suddenly gone. I don't know why but every time I see you, I feel euphoric."
The world started breaking. The man nodded, impressed. "I'm not going to stop you. You have found a solution to this problem and I'm not that kind of a bastard that will add another problem. Well played, seraph.
"Issei, thank you for everything that you have done for me. From the smallest to the biggest, they all mattered to me. Thank you for cherishing me and considering me as your princess." She wasn't aware but there were tears falling down her cheeks.
"Issei, I think I lov-"
The dream broke completely.
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Gabriel woke up to a familiar feeling. She was wrapped by Issei's arms. She noticed that his hand was no longer covered in blood and he was happily munching on her sandwich.
"Issei!" She said in relief.
"What?" He asked.
Gabriel was delighted. 'It was all a bad dream.' She said to herself. But the happiness vanished when she noticed a bit of dried blood at the side of Issei's mouth. She looked down in disappointment, 'Issei is trying to hide it again.'
"I saw you dreams. Stop pretending." She said sternly.
Issei looked at her like she was some kind of fool, "What? What are you talking about?"
"Issei I am serious. You can tell me if you're not OK."
"Gabriel, I am ok. I am fine, very fine actually. Being with you is the most pleasant feeling ever."
"No, being with me is hard. You want to run right now. You want to hide, to cry. You're afraid of me, Issei. Because of the dreams, you fear me." Gabriel said sadly.
"Don't be stupid, Gabriel. I love being with you."
Gabriel neared him and to her expectation, he backtracked, "See? I know, Issei."
"No, I thought you were going to do…something. I'm fine, really."
"You are not."
"I said I'm fine!" Gabriel's eyes grew wide. Issei never raised his voice to her before. It must be the effect of the nightmares and the spell.
Gabriel slapped him. Hard. "That's enough. You try to keep it in Issei! You are so stubborn. You think I am a fool? I know what you are going through, damn it! Issei, do you think you're sparing me of suffering?"
"You are just torturing me as much as you're torturing yourself! Stop holding it in, Issei. I am here for you, damn it! I don't want to lose you! I can't lose you!" She said, her eyes teary.
Issei remained looking at the ground. Gabriel suddenly felt bad hitting Issei. She waited for him to speak, wince, or scream. He never did. She instead noticed that tears started dropping down the ground, in front of Issei.
He lunged at her. She felt Issei press her face at her neck, crying. He wrapped her arms around her torso. Gabriel was wide-eyed. She was relieved. Finally, she has broken into Issei. She placed her hand on top of Issei's head and the other rubbing her back.
"I'm sorry. Gabriel! I'm scared. I'm scared. It's horrible. Gabriel!" He said weakly while crying.
Gabriel felt her eyes sore. "I'm here, Issei. I'll always be by your side. Let it all out, Issei. Cry. I'll be with you; I'll always be with you. Cry as much as you want, I'll be here."
Issei eventually stopped crying and sat beside Gabriel. He laid his head on top of her lap. She was stoking his hair. "Why didn't you tell us? Or at least me?"
"I'm sorry, Gabby. I didn't want to bother you."
"What did I say, baka? I'll be fine to be bothered as long as it is about you."
"Thank you, Gabriel." He smiled at her before his eyes widened when Gabriel popped a grape to his mouth. Sweet. Both the grapes and the couple.
"Don't hold it in, Issei. Next time, I will be there to listen, OK? I will always be there for you. Just promise me not to hide it." She said smiling, before blushing, "I don't know what I'll do in a world without you." Issei also blushed at the statement.
Issei was going to respond when Gabriel neared him. Oddly enough. Her face was inches from his. "Gabrie-" He froze. Gabriel pressed her forehead to his.
To their surprise, a magic circle appeared on Issei's chest. It rose to the air before it broke in half. Issei smiled at this.
It felt like a heavy weight was lifted from his whole body.
They made their way to the wooden bridge. They held each other's hands. Feeling comfortable with the presence of the other.
"Issei?" Gabriel asked sweetly.
"Yes?"
"Don't ever do that again, ok? I don't want to lose MY sweet and charming knight."
"Well for the sake of MY princess, I will do just that."
"Perfect." She said as she looked at the clear blue water. A playful smile appeared on her face.
Issei gulped as he saw the smile. "Issei?" She asked with a very soft and loving voice.
"Yes?"
Gabriel pushed him. But he anticipated this and sidestepped. She was the one that fell.
"Ahh!"
Issei chuckled. Gabriel pouted at him as her clothes got all wet and a lily was on top of her head. Isse kept laughing at her when she pulled him down.
He narrowed his eyes as Gabriel laughed at him. He started laughing with Gabriel.
Issei picked Gabriel up and casted a drying spell. "Wow. You're getting good at magic, Issei."
Issei grinned devilishly when the waiter elves looked at them, "She peed herself do we had to take a bath."
Gabriel blushed in embarrassment, "Issei!" She scolded cutely while slapping Issei's chest.
"Well, the love birds have returned." Azazel's voice greeted them. He snapped his fingers and poof, they are in Issei's room. Almost naked.
Gabriel screamed, "Issei! You pervert! Why are you looking!" She screamed cutely, a blush on her face. Issei also panicked and turned away, "Sorry!"
"Pervert!"
"I said I'm sorry! It was Azazel-sama."
Issei handed Gabriel a white shirt that belonged to him. She huffed, taking it away from Issei who sweatdropped. The shirt was too big on her, reaching her upper knees. But she still looked great.
"So…I'll escort you too heaven." Issei said.
"Why?" She raised one of her brows cutely, "Are you concerned of me, Issei?"
"When was I NEVER concerned of you, Gabriel?"
Gabriel was going to retort when Issei picked her up and flew off. "Gabby, stop squirming."
"Well, I can fly on my own you know!"
"I know. But I don't care, at least let me drop you off like what a man would do to his date."
Gabriel shrugged at this. Issei entered Gabriel's room by the window. Issei tossed her to her bed. She glared at him, but her laughed at her.
She rolled her eyes and approached him.
Issei went quiet. Gabriel's walk was an odd one. Like she was lacking confidence or something. She neared Issei, he noticed a light blush was present on Gabriel's cheeks. She was smiling shyly. "Issei?"
"Yes?"
His eyes grew wide. Gabriel gave him a quick peck to the cheek before running to the bed and hiding behind the blankets. Issei froze.
He can't belive it. He got a kiss from Gabriel. He slowly touched his cheek. He still can't believe it. He was gaping.
"Haha, very funny, Issei. " She said, blushing lightly, rolling her eyes. She waved her hands and he was transported to Issei's living room.
Dulio, a white skin lotion on his face, walked to him and screamed a girly scream as he saw Issei frozen. "Issei! You didn't tell me you're here." He said, fixing his collar.
"G-Gabriel…" Issei stuttered.
Dulio raised his eyebrows, "Gabriel?"
"Gabriel k-kissed.."
"Kissed who?"
"Gabriel kissed me on the cheek."
Dulio fainted.
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(A/N) Review please.