~ One day your life flashes before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.

- Gerard Way.

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Faith:

"Let's drink up, everyone!"

The cheers and the sound of glasses clashing together was heard in the village's known bar.

"I have to admit it has been a long and hard jorney, and I bet it everyone agrees as much as I that it has taken quite a few adjustments to the task."

I took a gulp of my red and strawberry flavoured drink, looking up at the Demon Slayer speaking at the head of the table. His outpost was the same as ever, his loose long cloak barely hid his muscular abs and arms as his blades rested on his waistband. Yet there was something about him and this moment, it made me look at him different.

"-- However I think we've grown much along the way. Hell, remember all the times we've almost kicked the bucket but somehow managed to survive through all that? I call that luck and fate, it's meant to be." Chris took a huge gulp of the beer glass resting in his hand, chugging down the brown liquid almost at ease. Well, he was experienced drinker, nothing new. "This time, we're going to make it. I can bet my life on it."

Chris grinned and slammed his hands to the table, looking at each of our group members' sitting at the table. As if on cue we all clapped... kind of surprised and wonder. His toast of a speech was remarkable I give you that and gave a good start to our beginning night. Never heard one before, but it was impressive.

The night had fallen again and we all decided to have a small break from everything again. We had traveled to the closest village near the Dwarf Kingdom, resting for the night. The boys suggested the bar and left us girls wondering a little, but it has been a while since everyone got to wind off a little. It would seem alcohol was the best resolution for it, and by the look of Chris' speed in drinking it was a lot needed.

"Talk about hidden talent." Praxina nudged Chris' side beside him, almost teasing look played on her face. She grabbed the mug resting on the table in front of her and took a sip, everyone almost down three drinks already. "Although it had a few misteps, we've almost met our end a couple hundred of times."

"Agreed." Armen downed his drink in one go, standing up. The Beast had transformed into his human form as well and was enjoying the evening with us, in an attempt to get drunk. Hell, everyone were trying to. After all the time was almost upon us. "Anyone else need a refill?"

"Me." Ben chugged his beer down, I kept eyeing everyone at this point. Playing with the straw resting in my drink.

"Oh, can I have another soda?" Bella asked innocent sitting before me, sipping the rest of her black liquid. Soda. She was still underaged but allowed to accompany us to the bar, as long as she didn't drink alcohol that is. Mona sitting beside her on the table eyed her habit of fast drinking, almost disappointed.

"Bring some booze. I need something stronger to die down all this noice." Dagon said at the other end of the table, his arms lazily crossed to rest on it. Before him rested five mugs of beer glasses, the Demon wasn't even slightly affected of them by his frustration still on everyone. I sighed in defense, still not coping with us that great?

Armen nodded and left the table, going over to the bartender to put in the others' orders. I could notice Praxina and Chris pick up another fighting matter and Mona and Bella looking at them confused, still haven't gotten used to it? Never mind, it must have been odd and new to the newcomers. We weren't exactly the easiest group to get along with, everyone had strong personalities and opinions. You just... had to fit in somehow.

I slurped down the red liquid, hitting the bottom of the glass. Four down. I wiped the substance from my lips and felt the burning sensation down my throat, it was affecting. It made me confident. Finally.

I stood up from the chair and elegantly slid past Armen with his drinks, noticing two familiar pair of eyes on me. I met his eye contact and nodded, all the while my destination was to walk out the bar's front door. My Demon partner's look stern as ever as he noticed my uneasiness all night.

'We need to talk.'

"Where are you going?" Praxina shot a confused look after me, standing up a little from her spot.

"Bathroom." I didn't look back, pointing a finger to the air as I pushed the door open and exited the bar. Enough good of a reason, and it almost granted me the peace I wanted.

"And you?" Chris' voice was questioning, almost in disbelief.

"... Bathroom?"

It almost made me smile. Yet the sudden feeling that had taken over me during the night still resting very much in my chest, it was ruining our night. My night.

I walked up the long path we had taken before to get there, noticing the small building resting in the distance. I thought before, what a beautiful place. And I really wanted to try it out and sit in peace and quietness, wanting answers.

The long and powerful footsteps behind me only meant that Alchadar was following after me, keeping his distance. Odd, I do say. But he has always been the one to give me space if I felt bad or insecure. This really was the last of the two options and I wanted to hit myself for it. For being insecure and wanting reassurance. Gosh, what an idiot I am.

I slid to sit on the long white chair, the table strapped so close to it that I had to creative. I noticed the glass walls surrounding the tiny building, this was a work of art. I noticed the tiny cup of cigarettes in it, knowing this must be a cigarette booth of some sort of. Although it didn't smell as bad, it was quite nice actually.

My eyes traveled to watch Alchadar enter the tiny glass shelter, his whole demeanor tense yet soft. Did I sound too serious? It wasn't my intention to have him be on guard of my sudden need to talk. Yelp, it might've sounded too firm.

"What'd you want to talk about, Faith?" Alchadar asked, his body sitting down to the chair opposite of mine. It would seem he wanted to keep his distance just in case I might lashe out. Funny that it's not my slightest intention. I noticed the way he rested his hands on the table, calm and collected. It was as if we were in a meeting. Yet his face was telling otherwise.

"Nothing serious really, it's just my mind playing tricks on me." I admitted, offering him a small smile to loosen himself up a bit. It wasn't that serious, damn I should practice to be a lot softer. If he was a Demon able to do kind things, I think I as an Angel should start learning from him. I rested my head on my arm leaning to the table, my mind wondering back into the woods of the fallen soldier. The cursed hunted place. And back to me and him forced to fight against each other, I think we hadn't really came forward to either of us. And it made me feel uneasy all of a sudden.

"Do mean about the incident back in the woods?" Alchadar suddenly spoke out, his hands grasping tight against each other. I noticed the tension in his body, my eyes lingered in his hands. The one which held me pinned down. And then at his face, imagining the black eyes instead of his amber ones. Yeah, it had left a scar. His murderous need to kill sent a shiver down my spine. Alchadar nodded, noticing me staring. "It has never been my attention to harm you, Faith. But I can't feel anything but anger when recalling the events of your almost imminent demise back then. Camilla was able to gain full control, and I couldn't do anything."

My eyes narrowed as his hands were squeezed tight together, the table below him almost gave in. Alchadar was angry. Very angry. To himself?

"I know, Al. It's okay." My hands flew out to his much bigger ones, I wasn't even able to cover the top. Beside the point. I slowly rubbed his hands and noticed it slowly have an affect, the Demon's aura of discomfort and anger radiating off. His amber eyes met mine, I offered a small smile to him. "I know you wouldn't hurt a fly if it didn't deserve it. Even though it was almost my darkest hour, I have to admit. It was scary to have you come at me... so murderously." I sighed, closing my eyes. Get it together. "But I'm glad I was able to get you back... the thing is, I'm really interested in the fact what did I bring you out of? Deep in your mind?"

My deep blue eyes concentrated in his sudden shocked state. Alchadar took in my side question. No, my main question. Perhaps a little petty of me, but I had soon realized these were very new feelings to me. Doubt, fear and jealousy. Pathetic, I knew it. But I had never felt them as strong of someone I truly cared about, this Demon sitting in front of me the only reason I was who I was today. He was my sole rock through hard times. I needed to know for sure... if I ever dared to go along this with him.

He's taking an awful long to answer...

Alchadar's hands untangled, my hands fell into his palms. He ran his thumb along the lines on my palms, trying to come up with an answer. It almost made me hesitate, uncertain.

"I was in a dream. It felt so real." Alchadar begun, his amber eyes examined the traces on my hands. He didn't meet my gaze. "Elizabeth was in it. We were back in the old Australia where we first met, the memory still vacant." He continued, his words trailed as he turned my hands so the back of my hands were up towards him. Then his amber eyes looked in mine, stern and strong. "It was twisted in Camilla's favour... however, I didn't fight it. Even if I knew it was not true, I still did it."

Alchadar slowly let go of my hands, leaving them resting on the table. My eyes narrowed deep as I stood up, looking at him clueless. Sudden doubt and shame was covered on his face as he kept looking down at his lap, at his hands.

What didn't he fight?

Wait.

Does it mean he did something he didn't do when she was alive?

"You... did you kiss her?" I asked, hesitant. The conversation was odd as ever, I knew it. Just a dream and with a person who was no longer with us, but it was the fact when and how. The nod I received left me paralyzed as I shuddered to speak, shocked. Even if it was her and him, and I knew they were close. It was the timing. Alchadar had my heart, and he knew it. He had told me he felt the same way. So why is he kissing Elizabeth in their memories- forgetting all about me. There was only one conclusion. "Do you still love her?"

"... Yes."

The words left him in shame and disgusted, I saw it on him. I took in a deep inhale, letting his answer settle deep in my brain. It made me slightly hesitant as I looked elsewhere, trying to get a hold of my thoughts. Of course he did, she was his first lover. Or not lover really... they never got that far. But in this dream of his, he finally managed to do his only regret.

At least he's being honest...

"Do you love her more than me?" I asked then, this feeling was eating away my core. It made me feel angry and not me. I hadn't really gotten used to it yet. And I couldn't meet his eyes to hear the truth.

Of course he does...

"... No."

Alchadar stood up, the action made my head snap in his direction. The Demon didn't move, not daring to scare me away. Believe me, I might have of. It was a delicate subject, important of how we would move from now on. And it would seem he really wanted to deem himself.

I narrowed my eyes, searching any hint of lies.

... There is none.

Alchadar was slow to move, taking precautious steps to get in my personal space. I only flinched once, and he immediately stopped. But continued as I allowed, stepping to stand in front of me, towering over me tall. My heart seemed to win this battle against my brain as I crossed my arms and lent to the table, allowing him to approach. Why did I allow it? It hurt me to deep end, even if it was just a dream. It wasn't exactly counted as cheating, but it sure felt like it.

My eyes were staring at an armoured chest before me, a familiar Insignia imbedded to the silver. Slowly, I looked up to meet his amber eyes. Hurt and regret bored deep in them. Alchadar stood strong in front of me, not shuddering once. It was a pleasant sight usually, this time it felt odd and unfamiliar.

What's he trying to do?

"What I've done brings my mind to shame, and I do hope you understand it was simply to atone for my mistakes."

I listened, staring at his chest arms still tightly crossed. Typical, heroic words. Then, the fact Alchadar slowly moved down was what really caught my attention. My body slightly froze as I saw Alchadar get on his one knee, the other resting against his chest. His head bowed in my direction.

"-- However it doesn't mean I think of you lesser. In fact when thinking about it, it makes me feel stronger for you." Alchadar continued, his head directed to the ground. I could slightly feel the tension erupt from within my chest, as my arms loosened up. What? "I've deeply fallen for you, Faith. And the kiss between Elizabeth and me only made me realize it meant nothing as much as between us. I'm sorry I've hurt you once again. But I love you, Faith. I've only realized it now. And I understand if you don't wish to have anything to do with me. I would accept it, without a doubt."

The wind blew through my hair, directing it as almost dramatic. The tension built up again in my chest, as I could feel slowly starting to give in to the feeling. My mind was screaming, my heart was aching. Such a complex war inside of me, it made me anxious and nervous.

He's trying something, isn't he?

But it was the complete opposite, wasn't it? The Demon in front of me was bowing- something which was out of character for their kind. It was shown as a sign of weakness, something they never did. And somehow my partner had fell down and done it just to prove a point, talking these things to me. It meant he was serious, adamant of his point. It made me even more angry- it made me confused and sad.

Why're you so weak?

I could feel the tears slide down my face, my mind was made. And I truly hoped it is the right one.

I don't want to be wrong twice.

My hand clenched to a fist, I hesitated. I opened my palm and swung forward, striking a slap across his cheek. My face was screaming of doubt and regret, the tears evident of the distress in my body. I was hurting. But I was twice as bad convinced this Demon wasn't lying.

Alchadar took it well, not shaken once by it. He understood the reason behind it.

"Y-you idiot!" I yelled out loud, all the pain and the hurt. He had to hear it, he had to understand it hurt me to the deep end. But I knelt down, tears streaming down my face as I reached forward. I grabbed a hold of his face and pulled it towards me, sealing our lips together. It caught him surprised as he tried to pull back, yet I didn't allow it and pulled him more in. He didn't get to pull away, this was my choice. It was my goddamn decision. It made my heart melt but my body was still resistant, it was mixed. But I could see the truthness and hurt, his actions had failed him and hurt him as well.

I cried out loud and finally let go, wrapping my arms around his throat to hide my face. Was this the real decision? Was I doing the right thing?

"Faith...?" Alchadar managed to rasp out, slowly supporting my body against his. It was evident he didn't expect any of this, the slap perhaps but me forgiving him not. For the truth I didn't understand it either. But it was my heart that I decided to listen, it was hardly wrong.

"Don't you ever do anything like this again." I cried to his shoulder, my eyes narrowed deep. I had to have reassurance if he wanted to keep doing this. The relationship goes both ways, I couldn't have room to start doubting him. I needed to trust him. I needed him to be honest. "I forgive it... it's Elizabeth, and it happened in a memory Camilla made you see. Even though you kissed her... I do hope you still love me more than her."

Alchadar pulled me closer, a tight grip on my much smaller body on him. It almost made me a part of him. The action calmed me.

"I promise. You're the only woman for me." Alchadar said in calm manner, which made another sob leave me. The Demon placed a soft kiss on my shoulder, reassuring my shaking body of all the crying. "I'm sorry."

"You better be!" I called out, a groan leaving me. A comfortable silence fell on us as I shuddered, finally managing to calm down. We had held each other there, trying to grasp our minds. Almost a sealed promise made silently between both of us. As fucked up as it was, Alchadar's presence seemed to be the only thing calming me down... even if it was him causing all of this. "Okay, I've calmed down. Damn, it felt good to get all that out." I took in a deep sigh, trying to find my footing.

"... Are you certain everything's all right between us?" Alchadar let me take support of him until he pushed himself up, earning my attention. His hands slowly asked for my hands, I slid mine in them. A small sad smile on my face.

"I trust you with my life. Hell, I'd take a bullet for you, Al. And you've told me all about your past, I feel like you trust me too." I begun, Alchadar nodded intently. More or so he wanted to agree to the first sentence as if he'd allow it, it made my head shake a little bit in defense. "It was a good wake up call for the both of us. If we want to keep doing whatever's between us, I need to know what's going on in that head of yours. From now on, everything. Is that understood?"

I grabbed a hold of my hips and looked up at him stern and powerful. I didn't let him have his independence again as much- I had to know everything. I tried to imitate him as much as I could while being tiny and puny... no demonic aura radiating but I proved out a point. And by a look alone I tried to be intimidating.

Alchadar's lips tugged a sad smile as he leant down, putting our foreheads together. The gesture innocent and gentle, it made me relax. All the doubt fading my unsure body.

"Asqeyng-- okfght-- åghit-- ghunjlt." Alchadar said, using his Demon voice. I smiled as my brain translated 'Your wish is my command, my lady.' Then our foreheads came apart as I noticed his face have softness in them, this was the Alchadar I had fallen in love with. My heart was beating out to him. He didn't hurt me on purpose and I finally managed to grasp that.

"Cheeky." I grimaced my nose but smiled twice as bad, looking at his lips almost lustful. Alchadar noticed it and returned the favour, slowly leaning in. With this we sealed the unbroken promise, it would to last for a life-time.

"-- WHAT!?"

Our bodies tensed as bad as ever. The realization dawned to us as we finally came back to reality-- our senses ticked of pairs of eyes on us.

Alchadar and I quickly turned our heads to see our group standing there in the distance, everyone had wide eyes on their faces. Oh, fuck. They had seen it all- and it was evident as they picked up their pace, gaining the distance between us.

"Was that a kiss!?"

"-- I bet a 100 bucks it was!"

"It would seem I wasn't wrong about the honeymoon after all!"

I sighed loudly, turning to see an annoyed yet surprised Alchadar looking at their arriving figures. Then his amber eyes met mine, the same defeat hidden in them. It would no longer be a secret, and it didn't have to. It was just annoying to start explaining everything to them...

They rarely seem to listen...!

"For the love of God..."

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~ Keep reading.