This Love Only Brings You Pain (COMPLETED) ✓

Twenty Three

The six of them gathered around the kitchen table, jotting down their battle plans. They'd filled Otto in on the events of the past weeks since they'd met Ava, beginning with Sister Shannon's passing up to the events at the Vatican and their banishment from the OCS. He seemed particularly invested in comforting Mary, offering her tissues and saying his blessings in his native tongue.

Beatrice, on the other hand, seemed to blame herself. Ava had been able to read the other woman better since they'd ran away from Spain, deciphering what every little twitch of her nose or lips meant. But she knew that it was nobody's fault, not really. If anything, it was hers for not finishing the fallen angel off.

"Stop blaming yourself," she murmured as she followed the injured nun to the closet of art supplies, watching Bea bend down to fetch a new set of pencils. "Lilith and Camila knew the risks. Besides, he won't kill them. They're his bargaining chip."

Beatrice straightened up, giving Ava a toothy grin. "Since when were you so wise?"

"Well, I'm trying not to make a joke out of everything," she replied, quoting something the nun had said to her when they first met. "And....it really upset me when you got stabbed."

Beatrice's heart jolted. "W-why?"

Ava stepped closer to her, reaching up to undo her bun, combing her fingers through the silky strands of hair. For a long time, she didn't say anything, leaving Beatrice's heart hammering from the occasional scrape of nails against her scalp. It was a refreshing touch, like feeling the crisp taste of water on one's tongue after so long without an ounce of the pure liquid. She needed the closeness, but was so afraid of drowning in it's ocean that she strayed away, sticking to the odd tingle of sand between her toes. But right now, she'd give anything to dive head first into the salty depths. Into Ava's love.

"Ava...." She whispered, her hands trembling like a vibrating phone. "What are we?"

The other girl faltered. "I don't know. I've never really been with anyone, aside from JC. But we didn't really talk about a relationship, we just did it."

"Would you...." Beatrice took a deep breath, blushing. "Would you like to be more with me?"

"Lovebirds!" Rylan suddenly shouted, startling them both. Pencils cascaded from the nun's arms, tumbling onto the worn carpet. Both women bent to pick them up, the shapeshifter watching in amusement. "I'm sorry, was I interrupting your smooching session?"

Ava glared at them, tossing a pencil at the demon's face. They ducked, the object missing their eye by inches. It was a good throw in the halo bearer's opinion. "Fuck off, Rylan. Go drink from your sippy cup."

The demon snarled. "Don't talk down to me!"

"Or what? You'll throw sippy cups at me? Boo hoo!"

They both lunged at one another, the halo blasting the creature back before they hurtled at Ava, biting her shoulder viciously with their fangs. The brunette screeched, the demon cackling as they licked their bloody lips, swallowing the clump of flesh in their mouth. Rylan's eyes were a blazing red, volcanic fumes evaporating off their skin from the bronze scaly armour that defended them from death. Somehow during the exchange of heavenly firepower and fangs, they'd shifted into the form of a male with greasy black bangs and a wispy beard. Wings fluttered from the base of their shoulder blades, startling Beatrice. She'd never see a demon with wings.

She'd watched the dispute with a mix of horror and anger. How dare Rylan strike Ava in such a gruesome manner. And why now of all times, when their friends were in grave danger? She approached the sobbing brunette, almost gagging at the deep teeth indentations and blood soaking the woman's torso.

Dylan, Mary and Otto had arrived at the first sign of chaos, the medic rushing forward to examine his newest patient. Beatrice prayed that the halo had enough strength to heal her wound, as well as to save their friends. Or all hell would break loose.

Literally.

••••

Breaking free would be a lot easier now that they weren't tied up. Despite her hellish abilities though, the sedatives Vincent had injected into their systems were still slowling down the demoness's brain activity. She'd had a larger dose compared to Camila, to stem her teleporting perks.

The smaller girl was shivering on the top bunk, barely able to stomach the uncooked lamb soup they'd been served. It was dog poop compared to Otto's meals and the ones at the convent back home. But those days were over, and unless they figured out an escape plan, they'd both be lamb soup.

"Do you want me to come up there and cuddle you?" Lilith said shyly as she tossed the remainder of her soup down the drainage system.

Camila almost groaned in relief. "Yes please. If you don't mind, of course. I know you're still getting used to physical contact."

Lilith hoisted herself up the ladder, spooning her girlfriend from behind. "I don't mind. Besides, when I'm with you, I can almost understand why romance movies are so sappy."

Camila giggled, before she turned to face the senior nun with terrified eyes. "Do you think we'll get out of here?"

"I don't know," she whispered, feeling fear for the first time since being captured. "Kind of makes me miss that bathroom stall, even though that other couple were way too loud."

The younger girl grinned. "I could tell it was bothering you. At first I thought it was me."

"You? Why would you think that?"

Camila flushed. "I've never done this kind of thing before. If I'm being honest, I had to do a quick Google search."

"You were perfect," Lilith cooed, pecking her lips. "But not because of a Google search. Everything about you just makes me feel warm and giddy."

"Same," the smaller woman whispered, snuggling further into her chest. "I'm glad I have you."

"So am I, Cami. So am I."

*Some fluff and drama in the group! Do you think Rylan is a secret mole who's blown their cover, or just a friend in anguish? Tune in tomorrow to find out!*