The Test, for Love and for Life

Chapter 11

Leah quickly threw on a hoodie to cover herself. Then she scooped up Blade and flew her back to her condo. Blade managed to somewhat calm herself by the time they got there. Leah brought her inside and put her down on the couch. Then she got her some water from the kitchen and brought it to her. "Are you feeling any better?" Leah asked, handing her the water. Blade took the cup and slowly took a sip. Leah sat in front of her on the floor, waiting patiently. Blade took a deep breath and looked down at the cup in her hands. "Yes. Thank you." She said. Leah placed her hand down beside Blades and opened her palm for Blade to take. Blade looked down at it and then at Leah. Leah smiled up at her and Blade slowly slid her hand into Leahs. She gently rubbed her thumb over Blades hand. "You know you dont have to tell me anything if you dont want to? Im ok waiting until your comfortable." Leah said. Blade put the cup down on the table beside her. "I want to talk to you." She said. "Ok?" Leah raised an eyebrow. Blade nudged her head to the side, gesturing to the couch, and Leah got up to sit next to her.

"Im sorry. I didnt mean to ruin our date." Blade looked away. "You havent ruined anything. If something is wrong then I need to know Blade. I want to help you." Leah said. Blade took a deep breath and slowly looked over at her. She kept her head down though. "Im not... ugh-" she sighed. Leah put her other hand over their intertwined hands. "Im not... the person... I led you to believe I was." Blade admitted. "What do you mean?" Leah asked. "I wanted to live up to the demonic standard when we did that test. I wanted all the girls to see me as some tough demon... but Im not. What happened with Ember was just a glimpse of the real me... Im a pushover Leah. Im not some badass demon who thinks we should kill people, or fight, or who thinks stripping is cool. I dont think its cool. I just... wanted you think I was cool." Blade said. Leah stared at her for a moment. "Blade, I dont need you to be that demon. I didnt fall in love with the demon scum I met on the first day. I fell in love with you Blade. The little glimpses of you that shined through during the test. I know that part of the cockiness and rudeness is also a part of you, but I like it, and I can handle it. Especially because I know you're more than that. You dont have to try and impress me. You already have." Leah said. "With what? My lack of powers? My crazy ex that I couldn't even fight? My money? My demon form that I still cant get to go away right now?" Blade asked. Leah smiled softly. "I like your demon form. The spines are a nice touch." She complimented. Blade got red. "Oh..." she was stunned. "I dont care that you're powerless. I dont care about your money. And I surely dont care about your ex." Leah assured her.

Blade smiled softly and looked back down. "Ember... she used to manipulate me. She uh- would sometimes seduce me as a way of doing it... and tonight, when you were dancing on me... it brought back some memories." Blade admitted. Leahs eyes widened. "Is that why you ran out? Why you panicked?" She asked. Blade nodded. "I just got scared that... that you would-" she started to cry again and looked down. Leah hugged her immediately. "Never. I would never do that to you. I promise." Leah said. Blade hugged her back. "I wont ever make you come to my work again ok?" Leah asked. Blade nodded into her shoulder. She pulled back and sniffled. "Please dont tell the girls about this." Blade begged. "I wont, but youll have to tell them at some point." Leah said. "I know." Blade shrugged. She smiled at Leah. "You're really good at your job Leah. Like, really good." Blade said. Leah smiled. "Thank you... just let me know when you want a private show." Leah smirked. She leaned into Blades ear. "Its free for you baby." She whispered. All the hair on Blades body stood up quick and she was stunned. Leah giggled as she saw Blades face. "Im only kidding Blade. Id never wanna pressure you into-" Blade cut her off by connecting their lips. She kissed her and pushed her back on the couch so they were laying down. Blade moved her hand to the side of Leahs face and Leah wrapped her wings around them. "Woah." Leah exhaled. "Did I scratch you with my claws? Im sorry. Should I put them away?" Blade asked. "No! Please dont. I love seeing you this way." Leah cupped her face. "You do?" Blade asked, stunned. "I really really do." Leah replied. She pulled Blade closer and kissed her again.

"Stay." Leah begged. "You dont want me to go? Im sure youll get shit for being seen with me." Blade said. "I dont care! You're my girlfriend Blade. Just stay." Leah begged. Blade hesitated but smiled. "Ok. Ill stay." She agreed. Leah squealed and quickly jumped up. "I cant wait to show you around! Oh and still wanna know what you actually like! Since you dont like all that other stuff. Ah! This is gonna be great!" She cheered. Blade smiled and chuckled. "Ok ok! Where would you like to start, white wings?" She asked.