Lady Calamity's Delights

She-Wolf in Heat (ALT BERS Chapter 36 Ending)

Velvet looked away, breaking their shared gaze. "There's another reason why I'm here..." Her eyes felt calmer than before. "While I prefer not making a habit out of getting help, I do have to say... Thank you, Avernus."

Avernus flashed a smile, "Laphicet did most of the work. You just needed a slight nudge."

She gasped momentary, drawing back a little, "No, it's not just that. I mean, for everything..."

The Shepherd's face turned neutral, "Oh...", then molded into a curious expression.

"I was blinded by vengeance. Without you and Phi, I wouldn't have made it past the Empyrean's Throne. You two threw your lives away for me countless times, yet I regarded Phi as a tool and broke your heart..."

Avernus smiled broadly, "The things we did were because we wanted to do them for ourselves. My feelings for you... and Laphicet's emotions are there because we love you, and you can't do anything about it. You're not at fault here."

Something unexpected surged up inside Velvet, a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation rose in her eyes. "What will you do when it's all over?"

Avernus was taken back. He looked at Velvet, pained echoes of inner turmoil etched in his face. Then he cleared his throat, "I... I think I'll go back to the far continent."

Velvet's expression didn't change. She patiently waited. Avernus' face became distant. A vague, subtle sadness tugged at the corners of his mouth. He remembered Velvet's words clearly, like a sharp knife stabbing him again in the chest. "...There is nothing for me here. I'll do what I can to be together... and then I'll move on...", he gasped, "...I always move on."

A bright, hot burst of anger rippled through Velvet. She whirled on her hills and paced to the door. Avernus dropped his head, face all somber.

"Goodnight, Velvet."

The moment of sadness was interrupted by the sounds of metal clicking against one another. Avernus whirled his head questioningly at the door.

Velvet fumbled with the lock and fastened the bolt.

He stood as Velvet strolled back to him.

"Back in the earthpulse, Innominat showed me the memories of Arthur and Celica together, living happily."

She stopped a few inches from his chest, her face looking up at his dimmed face. Avernus shivered as their breaths mingled in close space.

"Ever since I met you, despite everything, it turned into an adventure. I hated the world for that, and I've done and experienced things I would never have dreamed of."

Avernus swallowed, "I'm sorry..."

Suddenly, Velvet reached up to cup his cheeks. "Never apologize to me. What I'm trying to say is... I don't know what Celica had, but in her eyes, I could see joy, longing... I never really wanted to talk about this before, but now, I do...

She leaned closer, eyes digging deep inside his soul.

"Stay by my side..."

Avernus pressed his lips slightly, stealing a doubtful glance, "Are you finally asking me to be your boyfriend now?"

His suspicious tone didn't help with his choice of words. Velvet narrowed her eyes, "I'm not sure I agree with such a horrendously basic term... I don't know what the future holds. Frankly, I don't care, but I want you to be with me... Now, till all ends."

Velvet didn't wait for an answer. She cupped both sides of his face and kissed him. He melted into the kiss as she deepened it, her thumb brushing gently over his cheeks. Velvet pushed his body to the back until they stumbled on his bed. As they broke apart, she nipped at his lower lip. He panted for breath, his whole body feeling flushed.