WHEN DESIRES COLLIDE

"She hurt you, not me," Angel said, as she buried her head deeper into his body. "I want to heal you, not cause you more pain."

"Well you can't do that now that you're leaving, can you?" He replied in an almost annoyed tone.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay here with you. I've been waiting to comfort you for the last two weeks. I understand what she meant to you, despite her shortcomings. I understand you'd want to mourn the bond you shared with her. I also understand you have some resentment in your heart because of her betrayal. That's why I want to stay by your side, and help you navigate this difficult time."

"But why?" He asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"Because I care about you, Ares. Is that what you want to hear?"

He scoffed. "I never asked you to care about me. What have I done to inspire that care? I assume nothing. So forgive me for not buying that response."

"He's trying to hurt you," she said to herself. "Don't get mad."