Gehenna's Gate

Purgatory

Surely that was a joke. A angel, an all powerful being with super strength, agility, their own type of magic, and limitless lifespan was not so easily susceptible to primitive emotions like inferiority and insecurity.

"Oh yeah! So you know how the end of the school year is soon and we always celebrate, right? I was thinking this year we could expand our usual party and invite some extra guests? Like Childe, Xiao, Kaz and you guys other friends we met at the bar- Vena? Are you listening? Hey!"

Right. The end of the school year. That also meant that soon it would be-

A sharp flick to her forehead snapped her from her thoughts, causing her to flinch and her eyes to widen as she was brought back to the conversation.

"Sorry- yeah. I think that would be a great idea." Vena forced down the lump that had begun to form in her throat, hoping neither friend noticed the strain in her voice as she quickly plastered on a smile.

"Just tell me the date and I'll let them all know, I'm sure they'd love to come along." The girl quietly cleared her throat before speaking again.

The weight of Kaz's gaze was heavy on her form, yet she refused to pay him any mind, preferring to act as if nothing was wrong as usual and keep playing pretend.

It was easier that way.

"Awesome! Me and Childe were thinking a return trip to the boardwalk? It's kinda sentimental to both of us and I know you love the place too, we could go swimming, eat at any of the fancy restaurants on the water, watch the wildlife, shop at all the stores-" Rae was clearly excited, talking quickly now as she named as much as she could, almost as if she thought she'd have to sell Vena the idea.

It was also where Vena had her mind manipulated by Xiao on the Archangel. He definitely owed her a debt for that one, but it wouldn't be hard to repay.

"I think that's a great idea, I'm in." Vena's smile was a bit more genuine this time, realizing it would have some sentimental value both her and Xiao too.

They'd all been chatting happily and eating their meals once Rae had gotten back from her phone call.

"You know I'm always down for anything." Kazuha agreed, never one to turn down an adventure in the great outdoors, being an avid lover of all things nature.

"OH- we could go bathing suit shopping today while we're here!"

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It was later in the night now, the sun having set already and the temperature dropping even lower than normal.

Body shivering a bit, Vena got up from her chair, deciding it was time for either some hot chocolate or warm tea to help dull the ache in her bones.

She'd spent a lot of energy earlier in the day with Rae and Kaz, keeping good on her promise of replacing the makeup of Rae's that she'd technically ruined, along with the usual amount of walking and browsing of stores they'd always do any time Rae was in the mood to go shopping. It was a hobby Rae took incredibly seriously, practically never skipping even one store regardless of what it was. Vena was happy to follow along, always content just being in the presence of her dearest friends and getting to spend time with them regardless.

Life was short- a fact she'd learned very early on in life, and even a tragic way, it had encouraged her to appreciate every moment she still had with the ones she loved considering time was never guaranteed. Someone could be taken from you in an instant and there wasn't a thing you could do to stop it.

The girl hopped down the stairs with her feline familiar following happily behind her, always the protector and watcher regardless of where his owner planned to go.