Duty & Pleasure

“Come on Ava, you can do better than that.” 

“It’s easy for you to say Bea, you’re not the one who just got a fucking rock thrown at your nose !”

Ava managed to speak, and hopefully her voice didn’t sound like a cartoon. This particular rock really hurt, and the halo was still in the process of healing her. The Warrior Nun was covering her bloody nose with her hand.

“The purpose of that exercise is to phase quick enough for you to dodge them, Ava.”

“Yeah, Yeah, I know-” before she could think of another quirky reply, Ava saw yet another rock flying dangerously fast toward her direction. She barely had time to concentrate but this time, she phased on time, and the rock passed through her without an ounce of pain.

“Hey! I thought you said you’d yell “Phase” everytime !”

“Adriel and his goons won’t give you a heads up” the Sister Warrior said, crossing her arm. She looked so serious and if you asked Ava, so hot. She had a stack of rock directly on her left, and was about 5 meters away from the Warrior Nun. So far, it was the closest she put herself for that specific training.

They were back on their chosen training ground, a medium size lake high in the mountain, surrounded by fields and a forest, a place far enough for them to fully display their abilities without the fear of being caught. The sight alone was breathtaking, and the silence there was soothing.

And as Beatrice would always happily remind Ava, it was a 40 minutes long run to come here, “perfect” for warming up and for cardio. 

They would come there at least once a day, whenever it was morning, afternoon or night training. 

Their training schedule was heavy for the first couple of weeks, before they reached Switzerland, everytime Beatrice was able to find some quiet piece of countryside for them to stay for 10 hours straight of intense training. It was tough really, but Ava knew they were in a rush, and she had years of skill to learn, without knowing how much time they had. 

She wasn’t the fastest learner, but she was diligent. 

But ever since they reached that small and peaceful Swiss Town, it almost seemed like time had stopped. They hadn’t heard about Adriel in a month, and their job at the bar forced them to have a routine during most of the daylight. 

So Beatrice adapted their Schedule, no more 10 hours of sweat and blood but smaller and more frequent training, multiple times a day.

But shorter didn’t mean easier. At some point the Sister Warrior decided to level up the training, and Ava had a hard time to keep up. they would spare with their bare hands and weapons, and for sure Beatrice wasn’t holding back. 

But instead of feeling discouraged or even angry at her sparring partner, Ava would always bounce back, each time more determined than the last time. Beatrice teached her basic aikido and other martial arts, how to protect her vital organs and, to block an enemy’s attack and give a deadly counter attack. 

It was exhausting, Ava would loudly complain how tired she’d get every time. But truth to be told, she was also loving it. If she was still moved to the sole fact she could walk again, Ava couldn’t believe all the things she could do with her body. She dreamt for so long to just run or swim, yet alone dance or climb. She could do it all now, and she would do it all. So training was a blessing, something she would treasure and take so fucking seriously, most importantly because some days in a near future she’ll need every crumbs of martial art skill she had to kick Adriel’s ass. 

And if she’d allow her hormone to speak, training was a blessing because she could be around Beatrice and her fucking training gear. Did she mention how hot Bea was looking in that outfit ? Also during training ? Beatrice would have her arms all over her, she would pin her down and would be all sweaty and out of breath ? She would alway be down for some training, Ava had many horny dreams about this, in a very different situation needing less clothes. 

And ever since they made out in their apartment, those dreams were even wilder. Fucking hell, she had her tongue in Bea’s mouth! And if it had happened only once she’d just believe it was a vivid dream. But no, after that night it happened again, like the very next morning, as Ava managed to ditch their morning run she kissed Bea goodbye and it took yet another wild turn. They slipped again a few hours later when, after an afternoon of halo training Ava suggested they should monitor how it would react to a kiss when on low battery. 

Things were getting more and more heated between them, neither of them were able to stop the other and as much as Ava was enjoying it, she was worried about Beatrice, and how she was dealing with it. It had to mean something right ? Could Beatrice be into her like this too ? Or was she just too deep into that training ? 

It took her a lot of courage to bring the kissing mess to the table in the first place, so Ava wasn’t sure she could do it again. 

“Ava, Phase !”

She heard Beatrice yelled and quickly focused again, seeing yet another dagger shaped rock flying to her direction. She phased again when it reached her, looking like she was starting to get the hang of it.

Mental high five to you, halo from another realm!

“Hell yeah ! “ she exclaimed after successfully materializing again. She patted her chest in a proud way.

“I fucking nailed it, did you see that Bea?!” She yelled for the other woman, like she was a hundred meters away.

“I did, you keep on getting faster.”

“We should start the other part of the training like you told me, but first, water break!” Ava was trotting back to Beatrice, aiming for their bags behind her. 

“Ava, before I start throwing thing at you while you have you eyes covered, I want you to be able to feel when something is thrown at you”

“Well I guess it means I'll have a few more rocks on my face then” She said, opening her bottle of water and taking a few sips from it. 

It was noon already, and almost time for their lunch break. The sun was at its peak and was definitely getting her sweating. She spreaded water from her bottle to a small towel from her bag and used it on her face. The coolness from it was very much welcome, but she was mostly using it to clean the remaining blood from her nose injury.

“It’s possible it will happen again, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, I’m learning the hard way.” she says while stroking Beatrice’s arm. “Okay boss, what do you have in store for me now ?”

“We don’t have much time until I have to leave for my shift but since we had a prolific morning, I’ll go easy on you Ava. Just some more stretching before we wrap it up for the time being okay ?”

“Oh thank you ! it’s starting to be so hot I don’t think I'd be able to handle more running or fighting!” Ava said in an exaggerated sighed. She was about to put the towel near her bag when Beatrice took it from her hand.

“Wait, you missed a spot.” she said softly, her hand already on the back of Ava’s head.

Okay calm down, halo don’t panic, Ava, stay fucking calm.

With her right hand, Beatrice went to the side of Ava’s nose and gently tapped the fabric on her skin, cleaning whatever was left from her bloody mess.

“T..thanks” she said, suddenly feeling shy.

Not really shy, but really overwhelmed. Beatrice did that to her a lot lately. Like at one moment she was the person Ava knew, the calm and kind Beatrice and a second later, like something shift in her, an overload with confidence Beatrice would take over, still being the calm and kind one, but with an irresistible and slightly bossy twist, something so attractive Ava would let her take the wheel anytime. By the look of it Beatrice was not aware of this, yet. Ava was both eager and scared to see how things would evolve once the Sister Warrior realized the power she had over her.

She was almost certain her face was the cleanest it could be that morning, yet Beatrice was still holding her, her hand now on the side of her face, her thumb stroking the apple of her cheek. She was staring at her lips and soon she saw her swallow and Ava froze.

Are we about to kiss right now ??

She could feel Beatrice pulling her closer and so Ava took a small step forward, needing the proximity with the Sister Warrior. When she could feel her breath on her skin, she closed her eyes, expecting to feel those wonderful lips on hers again.

But when after a couple of seconds nothing came, Ava opened her eyes again and saw Beatrice took a few steps back and was blushing. It was at that moment Ava heard it, Beatrice’s phone was ringing.

“S..sorry” Beatrice said, still flushed. By the look of it she didn’t plan to let things escalate either. She took her phone from her pocket before looking at Ava again.

“It’s Mother Superion” she said, quickly composing herself. 

Like she did every time before, Ava nodded and walked back to Beatrice’s side. It became a habit for them to videocall, like a way to show they were safe. At the same time Beatrice unlocked her phone to take the call.

“Hello Mother” Beatrice said, the gravity in her voice almost felt odd to Ava, but she knew how tense the Sister Warrior could be during those calls. Ava knew it was she was always fearing for the worse and frankly, Ava felt the same.

“Hello Beatrice, Ava” 

“Hey girls!” 

Oh, Camila’s voice. The other woman had the power of putting a smile on Ava’s face every time.

“Hey Cam!”

“Sister Camila is joining us for that short meeting,” said Mother Superion, her voice would sound cold and almost annoyed for most people, but Ava knew it was fondness and love hidden behind it, Beatrice too.

“It’s always a pleasure to have you both, safe and sound” 

“So Beatrice, do you have anything to report up to today.”

“Nothing out of the ordinary really. It’s really quiet here Mother.” 

“In any other situation I’ll tell you two to come here and have a drink!“

“Ava..”

“Sorry…gotta finish training for the day !” Ava said with a grin before taking a few steps away from Beatrice. She knew her coping mechanism against stress would only annoy the sisters.

Taking one deep breath, she started her screeching routine. After literally discovering some moves a few weeks back, Beatrice and her carefully build several ones, with exercises that would fit what type of training they had for the day.

“How’s training going?” Ava was close enough to still hear Mother Superion and Camila on the phone.

“Fine” Beatrice said, letting her voice pending as she looked at Ava

“Better than fine actually, Ava’s progress is ahead of schedule” she continued, and Ava felt goosebumps running on her skin at the praise. 

Beatrice would often congratulate her while training, but hearing her saying it to someone else ? A whole new feeling. Like, it wasn’t just to cheer her up, Beatrice really meant it.

“Oh really ?” 

“Yes, her stamina is really good and as her fighting skill, she’s developing her own style using what I’m teaching her and the halo abilities. She’s learning fast and have good reflexes” 

“I’m glad to hear it, then maybe we can go on with the assessment ?” 

“What Assessment ?!” Ava suddenly exclaimed. She finished screeching her biceps and went back next to Beatrice, curious about all this conversation.

“Oh, Sorry Ava, I had yet to inform you but I guess Mother Superion is right.” Beatrice said, looking at the Warrior Nun. 

“Training with Beatrice is essential and I’m glad it’s a fast process but there is a limit of how you can use your abilities without damage.”  Mother Superion started.

“We need Lilith to assess your Halo related abilities.” continued Beatrice.

“But we’re already training them ?” said Ava, a bit confused.

“Yes, on inanimate objects and how the halo power affects you. But we need to know how you can use them on an opponent Ava.” 

“So you want me to fight Lilith ?”

“Yes, as the both of you can heal. And frankly, it will also help us to understand Lilith’s power better.” said Mother Superion. 

It made sense really, and Ava was confident with her abilities. She knew having the Halo was the main reason for her fast pace, as it gave her quick reflex and worked as a safety belt for anything dangerous she already tried. Ava even thought that the Halo somehow transferred some of the previous Halo bearer's skills to her, but she had yet to speak about that theory.

But a fight with Lilith ? Was she ready for that ? Even without her new power Lilith was a fucking strong fighter, and the only time they fought she literally kick Ava’s ass. But yeah, it made sense because now she thought about that, there was no way she’ll use her halo power on Beatrice, never.

“Okay then” she replied, earning a nod from Beatrice.

“I’ll reach out to Lilith and let you know when she can meet with you, the sooner the better.” concluded Mother Superion.

The emergency also made sense, as they couldn’t predict when they’ll need to fight again. This whole phone call felt like a punch in the gut to Ava, their life in Switzerland suddenly felt like it was in jeopardy, like reality was finally catching up with them. If anything, Ava had to enjoy every minute left in their bubble to the fullest.

—-

“I’ve been investigating that sudden epidemic, it’s hard to find real information but I’m sure of one thing, it’s not natural.”

“What are you saying Camila ?”

“I need more evidence but..Bea, I think Adriel’s on the move”

The end of their phone call was running around Beatrice’s head. When she heard about that non fatal yet serious disease running across Europe a few days ago, she found it odd but did not try to research more. 

Needless to say, Beatrice felt extremely guilty about it. Being away from the OCS, getting so close to Ava, she became sloppy. How could she miss something like this ? Instead of indulging herself with her selfish needs, she should have been more vigilant, she should have done something. Now because of her negligence, thousands of people were suffering, because she wasn’t good enough to stop their enemy. She felt like a fraud, a pretender, how could anyone trust an incompetent fighter like her ?! How could she do something to save mankind when she couldn’t pinpoint the obvious!

“Bea ? You there ?”

She turned her head toward the direction of the voice. 

 "Bea it's me, it's Ava" 

Yes, Beatrice would recognize her voice anywhere, the bathroom of La Vasseur wasn't an exception. 

She realized it was maybe a mistake to come here for her shift after Mother Superion and Camila's call, but she didn't want to draw attention by calling in sick. 

She was already lacking in her job. 

"I'm here, I'm okay" she said, trying to sound convincing. 

Both of her hands were tightly gripping the sink, using like a crutch to hold her and not break in the bathroom of her undercover job. 

She felt like a failure, maybe her parents were right after all. 

"No you're not" she heard Ava's voice 

"I'm fine Ava." She tried one more time. 

"Can you just let me in Bea? I'm looking like a weirdo talking through a door." 

Unable to deny her request, Beatrice briefly went to unlock the door to the bathroom before resuming her position by the sink, sighing as she started washing her hands. She could see in her peripheral vision Ava entering the small space and taking a few steps before leaning on the wall next to the mirror by the sink. It was silent between them for a few seconds, Beatrice couldn’t hold the strong yet tender gaze of her friend.

“Talk to me Beatrice.” she heard the Warrior Nun said softly, almost in a whisper.

“There is nothing to worry about Ava, I’m..fine.” she replied, still avoiding her gaze.

“Bullshit” 

The sudden fuss finally made Beatrice look at the girl near her.

“I know you’re not okay with what Camila told us Bea, I know it because I’m also shitting myself because of it.”

“Ava…”

“I feel like I just got punched a thousand times in the gut, you know ?  All these people are suffering, because of me.”

“it’s not-”

“Adriel's free because of me, I'm responsible for everything. "

"Please Ava, it's not your fault and you know it. "

Ava, for a few seconds, said nothing. Her beautiful dark eyes bored into Beatrice’s, and the Sister Warrior saw so much fondness and acceptance, she refrained from just going for a hug.

"If I can't feel guilty, why are you acting like you spread the virus yourself then? "The Warrior Nun resumed, her voice still low, trying to give her point to the Sister Warrior.

Beatrice was out of words. Ava was right. The news from Camila had her spiraling once again. Somehow the Warrior Nun realized it before her and came to stop her brain from beating herself about it.

“Ava…”

“As skilled as you are Bea, you’re just one person and you can’t control everything.”

“I should have anticipated it.”

“How could you ? The OCS never faced something like that.” she paused, only to move closer to the taller girl. As she was in front of her, she put both hands on her shoulders.

“And even if you did? It’s not like you can just go to see every sick folks and cure them with the power of your will. We can’t do shit at the moment besides sticking to our current mission Bea, overthinking won’t do you any good.”

Beatrice felt like an open book. It was like Ava sensed her despair. Dropping her guard to her friend, the Sister Warrior spread her arms around her waist, engulfing her to that hug she could no longer hold. She felt both Ava’s hands going behind her neck as she was hugging her back. 

Holding Ava and being held by her, Beatrice loudly exhaled, trying to get rid of all her stress and anxiety. Ava was right, she couldn’t control everything. So blaming herself for something beyond her power was futile. She had to focus on the thing she could control, on her mission.

“The situation sucks, I think I’m the one always pestering you about it but I remember one wise woman who told me to trust my team.” she heard Ava say. 

Beatrice remembered her word to the Warrior Nun right before the situation escalated. It was one of the pillars in her life, and now more than ever she had to embrace it. 

She trusted her team, spread all over the world and ready to jump back in the fight at the first call of Mother Superion. 

And she trusted Ava, their leader more than anything. She was a privileged witness of the growth of the Warrior Nun and was driven by it. They had all the right cards to win the final battle, Beatrice was sure of it.

• Keep the unnecessary guilt away.

• Stop overthinking.
• Trust the team, trust Ava.

That was easy enough, Beatrice could stick to that plan. 

“Thank you Ava” she finally said, feeling a weight being lifted. The smaller woman broke their hug only to look at her, a comforting smile on her lips.

“Anytime Bea,” she said and took a small pause, aimed for the Sister Warrior cheek and quickly kissed it. “Now you just need to make you the English folks magic beverage and you’ll be really fine.” she said, a guilty smile on her lips.

She went out first, leaving the bathroom with a stunned Beatrice in it. Ava’s showing signs of affection like a kiss on the cheek or any other part of her face, except for her lips, was something fairly new. She did not see it coming, but knowing Ava and her affection for physical touch, that was one of the logical evolution. 

Beatrice knew she shouldn’t enjoy it, that even if she could try to bend her vow in any direction, she shouldn’t feel these butterflies in her stomach and embrace it. But when her religion and her order seemed to be built on deception, maybe it was okay to break the rule, as long as she remained loyal to her sisterhood, to the people she believed in.

She left the bathroom a few minutes after Ava, and found the shorter woman already behind the bar counter, preparing her an earl gray tea. She looked happy to be making something for her, Beatrice did not have the heart to tell her it was too early for it.

“Sit here and relax Bea, I’m taking your shift” she said, putting the cup of fuming liquid in front of her.

“You don’t have to do that Ava”

“Yeah, but isn’t some peace and quiet time appealing to you right now ?”

Surely enough, Beatrice would rather be somewhere quiet at that moment. 

“I guess I can start the inventory upstairs a little bit in advance.”

“I got you Bea.” replied Ava, a grin on her face. She quickly wink at her before turning to greet the new customer on the other side of the bar.

“Hey there, what can I get you ?” She started, her voice a little bit higher. No one could notice really, but Beatrice recognized it. Ava would always speak to new customers this way, with a cute and charming voice.

She once described it to Beatrice as a way to catch the customer but really, She didn’t have to go that far. The Sister Warrior was often a victim of that tone, she realized quick enough it had a powerful result, as Ava would usually achieve or be granted whatever request she had.

Beatrice quickly glanced at the customer, a blond man she never saw before and judging from the look on his face, the special tone did the trick. But unlike other men who would ogled at Ava and try their best to get past the bartender and customer relationship (it was the worst kind of customer, it would take every bit of her self control to not punch them) this man, who looked a bit cocky, was obviously flirting back like he knew the Warrior Nun from somewhere. They were exchanging small talk and one could see Ava was enjoying it as well. 

As a result, Beatrice felt uncomfortable looking at these two somehow getting along. Yes, she knew Ava had a friendly nature but something about this man bothered her. 

So after taking the last sip of her tea, the Sister Warrior waved at Ava before taking her leave toward the attic. She could fight a dozen assassins with an arm behind her back, but the sight of her best friend whom she had feeling for she could no longer contain getting along with a man on a mission felt, at that moment, like a challenge she could not take.

—--

Ava left the bar counter by the end of the afternoon pretty much content. The new customer she met, Miguel, seemed like an okay dude. Somehow speaking to him felt like speaking with Diego, it was a feeling Ava missed, as she was missing her friend dearly. Miguel wasn’t Diego, but he sparked a bit of a sisterly fondness within Ava.. 

When her shift ended, she decided to wait for Beatrice, she wanted to make sure the Sister Warrior was okay. Superion’s call certainly was a hard reality check to swallow for the both of them.

She was sitting on the table by the end of the stairs, swinging her feet because she could do so. That position was giving her a good view of whoever might come up, and more importantly of Beatrice. The Sister Warrior was finishing the inventory of drinks in the attic, being meticulous as always. Despite being undercover, Beatrice was not kidding when it came to labor. She was giving her best at that task, and was taking it very seriously.

Beatrice is just like that , thought Ava. When her mind is set on something, she’ll get it done.

Ava? She was just sitting there, gawking at her. For a moment she tried to do some drawing as she wished to train that skill but it was useless. Whenever she tried to focus on the doodle sketch on the notepad she stole from Hans, her mind would go back to the woman before her, and how the afternoon sun made her freckle more visible, and how Ava wished she could just count them all, and how she-

“If it's to do nothing, you should go home and try the meditation technique we talked about.“

Beatrice said, eyes still focused on the bottles in front of her. The tone was a little bossy but ever since their dance in the apartment, Ava came to the realization that she liked Bossy Beatrice.

“Nah I'm good Bea, to be honest I think I'm getting better at controlling the Halo.“ Ava said, her voice dripping with smugness 

“Oh really ?”

Beatrice stopped her inventory to look at Ava and her daring grin. She stood up from her kneeling position and approached the Warrior Nun, who had left her notepad beside her on the table. That sudden move got the younger woman by surprise, yet she could sense a playful vibe showing between the two of them.

“Yeah, since the last few days I don’t feel like a flashlight so I guess I don’t need it.” continued Ava, proudly lying.

Ever since Beatrice made her dance with her, Ava wasn’t really sure they could still call what they were doing “training”. Every peck turned into tongue related, heavy yet not enough make out sessions. And every time, Ava would turn into a glowstick, but Beatrice, unlike when they started their deal, wouldn’t comment on it. No she would just stare at her until something switched off in her brain and she would turn into a blushing mess and leave the scene. Ava was too much of a chicken to bring it up afterward, and she didn’t want to embarrass the Sister Warrior.

Beatrice was at arm's reach of Ava and the Warrior Nun, craving for physical contact with the older woman, went to the collar of her shirt and mechanically started adjusting it. The latter didn’t move, as she got used to that kind of move.

“Would it be that you became a fast learner overnight ?” Beatrice replied, going with her lie, clearly into that weird flirting.

Her voice dropped, it was barely noticeable but Ava knew, Beatrice was flirting back and Ava was about to combust on the spot. 

Her hand on Beatrice’s collar never left, instead it slid to the back of her neck, stroking the small of her hair. She could feel the goosebump on Beatrice’s skin, and it made her shiver as well.

Beatrice walked closer to Ava, entering her personal space.

“Well, I still need practice.” Ava said softly, a way to check with Beatrice if it was still okay.

The Sister Warrior drew closer as a response, placing one hand on the table, the other on Ava’s waist. She felt electricity when they touched.

Ava closed the gap between them and kissed Beatrice, breathing her in.

She smiled into it, kinda amused about how kissing Beatrice became her favorite activity after one try. Compared to their history for the past few days, it felt very innocent. As they separate, Ava harbored yet another cocky smile.

“See? No light.”

“Hmm, maybe you just got too used to it.”

“Nah, maybe it’s just because we’re just too gentle.”

“How so?”

“Bea you just kissed me like I’ll just break apart, where’s that ‘lesbian thirst trapped in an all female boarding school’ energy?”

“What?”

“Come on Bea, we both know you can do better than that.”

Was challenging Beatrice that way a smart move?  Ava was well aware of what she could do unprovoked, so really maybe the Warrior Nun was doing something dumb. But She recognized the stare of the Sister Warrior, she was looking at her with such hunger, like a beast ready to jump on her. Ava was sure Beatrice wasn’t aware of it, yet it made the Warrior Nun so weak she was almost sure she’d drop to her knees if she wasn’t seated on that table. That stare was rather new, and Ava was already addicted to it, how it made her feel special and wanted, as her own attraction to Beatrice was reaching a critical level.

"I know what you're trying to do Ava." 

“But is it working?”

Dumb or not, Ava was feeling mischievous and wanted to push the Sister Warrior.

“I’m doing this for the mission, you know? We have to push me to the edge right?”

When Beatrice took her chin with her hand, Ava softly gasped. She knew she was playing with fire. But the warmth was so inviting and was making her all roused up, she didn't mind getting burned at this point. 

“you're misbehaving, I should just ignore you.“

“But you won’t.”

“I can't, it seems.” Beatrice replied, the beast within her gaze kept on switching between Ava’s eyes and her lips. 

Her thumb was slowly stroking Ava’s chin and the Warrior Nun realized how it was her way to distract herself. Beatrice wanted to kiss her but somehow was stopping herself. so she took the initiative and brought their lips together. 

She felt a spark again, at this point Ava should just get used to it really, but deep down being able to be this intimate to the older woman still felt like a fever dream.

The kiss started with a gentle exploration, a hesitant probing of boundaries, but it quickly evolved into a fervent exchange of passion. Ava's hands, initially resting on Beatrice's shoulders, moved of their own accord, finding refuge in the soft tendrils of Beatrice's hair. The texture was silky under her touch, and Ava couldn't resist the urge to pull Beatrice even closer, intensifying the magnetic pull between them.

Beatrice responded with a boldness that surprised Ava. Her tongue traced the outline of Ava's lips, seeking entrance, and the moment Ava granted it, their mouths melded together in a dance as old as time. The kiss turned into this intense melody of desire driven gasps, echoing through the attic, like it was trying to drown out everything else.

Ava felt the heat rising within her, a gradual awakening of desire that mingled with the intensity of the kiss. Beatrice's fingers, warm and skilled, traced patterns on Ava's back, leaving trails of warmth that lingered long after they moved on. At one point she felt the Sister Warrior stroking the outer line of the Halo nested on her back and she couldn’t suppress a moan to express how Beatrice was doing such a great job at ruining her.

The sound made Beatrice withdraw her lips, but before she could mourn the loss of their delightful pressure on her own lips, she felt the older woman leaving a trail of kisses on her neck.

“Oh fuck” she exclaimed, already giving more space for Beatrice to leave kisses and nips. She felt each of them and the goosebumps it gave her traveling all the way down her lower abdomen. So her neck was a rather sensitive spot ? Beatrice working to give her hickey was the best way to discover that fact.

The heat between them only intensified as Beatrice, driven by that insatiable beast dictating her actions, returned to Ava's lips. Long gone were the shy and tentative first pecks, the Sister Warrior softly nibbled on her lower lips before leaning in, her lips capturing Ava's in a passionate kiss. As the intensity grew, Beatrice dared to explore further, indulging in a French kiss that sent yet another shiver down Ava's spine.

The exchange of heated breaths and entwined tongues ignited a fire within Ava, a sensation she had never truly experienced before. It left her breathless, a mix of anticipation and desire coursing through her veins, awakening a newfound yearning she couldn't deny.

After they pulled away, both panting and blushing, Ava couldn't help but be stunned by what just happened. The attic, at first another training ground for that specific exercise, now bore witness to a different kind of exploration, a journey that left Ava yearning for more.

Eventually, they reluctantly broke apart, breathless and flushed. Ava's lips were tingling, her face was so flushed she felt her cheek on fire and she couldn't quite find the words to articulate the intensity of what just transpired. Beatrice, her eyes darkened with desire, flashed a mischievous smile.

“Well Ava, it appears to me that you still need practice afterall.” Beatrice said, teasing evident in her voice, even though she clearly took a few moments to regain composure. The beast was still hidden behind her eyes but it let Beatrice take control again.

As the Warrior Nun was gradually aware of her surroundings again, she realized the attic was illuminated by the golden glow of the Halo. 

“Easy to say” Ava responded, suddenly feeling shy. 

Looking everywhere but in Direction of her friend, Ava's gaze fell to her reflection in a nearby mirror. That's when she noticed it,a prominent hickey on her neck, a mark of their heated exchange. Astonished, Ava touched the love bite and smiled. Beatrice's eyes widened with realization.

“Ava..Sorry I”

But before she could finish her sentence, the red mark on Ava’s neck vanished, like any wound she ever had, the Halo healed her.

“What? Really? Come ooooon !” complained Ava, actually mad at the angel artifact. 

Because yes, harboring hickeys and gloating about it was definitely high on her life to do list.

Beatrice, still stunned by her own actions, moved away from her and Ava chose that moment to jump away from the table. 

“Don’t.” interrupted Beatrice. She put her hand on Ava’s shoulder and the latter couldn’t help the shiver, still high on Beatrice’s kisses.

“Don’t move until the Halo is not glowing anymore Ava, we don’t take any chances at being discovered”. She continued, stricter than before. 

Ava sighed and closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing as they did during training. She tried to let any thought of Beatrice away, which was more difficult when she could still smell her perfume, still feeling her lingering taste on her lips.

But eventually she managed to regain control of the chunk of metal, and the glow slowly disappeared. She opened her eyes and scanned the room, before looking at Beatrice with pride.That feeling was reflected on the sister warrior’s eyes, and as she walked back into Ava’s personal space, her smile grew.

“Good” Beatrice said and Ava had to concentrate harder for not glowing again because of the praise 

She felt the hand on her shoulder tighten its grip as Beatrice leaned forward and quickly kissed her cheek “You did good” she said before leaving the attic.

Maybe Ava’s back wasn’t glowing anymore, but her face felt brighter than any angel Halo could.