A/N: Slowly getting to the moment where Pride would have to fight against Leviathan. He's in a very good mood because he finally forged the god-killer sword he so needed to have. He came back to the safe house only to find the Asma he's always known. She is aware of what would come next and feels conflicted about moving on. It has to happen anyway and she knows it, but the last moments together are going to be a little bittersweet. Here's part 1.
xxxxxxx
After a couple of days spent in the Underworld, Pride decided to return to Earth and visit the faithful and very dependent Asma. He had left her alone for quite some time now and was wondering how she would behave when he would see her. Last time he discovered that she had been disobeying him, endangering herself foolishly because she sought companionship. Of course, it had to be expected, she was human after all but that still didn't sit well with Pride. He could have lost her in the blink of an eye, especially since she actually met Envy and Elpis sibling Khrön the messenger of the gods. He had noticed how unhinged and unusual she behaved and it became clear that she was under the influence of someone else than him.
Fortunately, telling him somehow helped Asma return to what she used to be before. A bubbly, loving, forgiving and worshipping human devoted to /his/ well-being. He couldn't enjoy her presence that much because urgent matters brought him back to the Underworld, but Pride was satisfied. He was in a good mood, to say the least because finally, he had a god-killing weapon with him and a matching armor. On top of it, he finally knew where the Dagger of Fate was and how he could undo the curse Elpis was under. The only minor issue was that he had to fight and kill Leviathan but that was on his bucket list so to speak. He had a personal issue with the God since the moment he laid his hands on Elpis millennia ago.
Of course, for Elpis sake, he didn't attack Leviathan when she begged him not to, but the thought never left his mind. Revenge was patient, revenge was sweet and the anger he felt towards Leviathan only fueled his desire to avenge himself and Elpis as well. After all, it traumatized her, even though she pretended the opposite. He still remembered the distress in her face and body language. He still remembered how scared she felt afterward and how he had to be extra protective of her when they met on Earth. It was a trait he kept since he remembered her and he protected her vessel to the best of his abilities. Asma saw the biggest picture now, she remembered every day spent in the presence of the sin and a warm fuzzy feeling overwhelmed her. It was soon to be over. He informed her already, that he would be fighting Leviathan and retrieve the dagger. So her time was up and she had to make the most of it.
He found her in the living room, wearing a large t-shirt of hers and sockets. She was sketching as usual and tried to remember the time she spent with Pride so she could document it for him. It went well as he saw several sketches piling up next to her. She was just about to finish with the most important memory she had of them when he pretended to be her jealous boyfriend for a day and took her to an art festival where she met one of her idols. It made her smile because Pride was very possessive with her and she had never seen him treat her this way. It made her chuckle at the thought of the poor photographer who had no clue about who and what Pride really was. Pride kisses felt good, they were genuine and did send shivers down her spine. Pride's hold on her hips felt organic as well, authentic and she didn't even need to know if he was acting or if this was genuine for to her it felt genuine. She also remembered her own jealousy -that coincided with the arrival of Envy in her life and the fact he was starting to work his magic on her- It felt strange to be this territorial with Pride but she learned how to appreciate it over time. She remembered the Neighbour, Nancy, redhead, beautiful and perfect. So perfect that Asma wanted to gauge her eyes out and burn her hair. Such violence was unusual and definitely a product of her encounter with the sin's sibling.
« I have returned. » Pride announced himself, quietly so, in order not to spook the human who returned to her normal self. She put her canvas and pencils aside and invited him to sit in his favorite chair while she would fetch him a glass of bourbon. He looked good, in a good mood, which pleased Asma who returned with a glass and sat on Pride's lap.
« You seem to be in a very good mood, do you have a good new? »
« We could say so. I have finally forged a weapon capable of permanently killing gods and sin alike. I can finally squash the rebellion against me and get rid of my enemies... and Elpis' » He said, chugging his glass down in one gulp before he pressed a light kiss on top of Asma's head. « How was your day? »
« This is an excellent new! No wonder you're so happy! I am very happy for you Pride. Very. » She said, her smile quickly fading away. « If you have your weapon.. that means you will fight against Leviathan very soon then ?... »
« It seems so. I'm not going to rush into this battle because soon enough he would challenge me. I know he has the dagger, I am ready but I want to spend some time with you before anything else. I promised you. » She bit her bottom lip and looked at his chest to avoid eye contact. Truth be told, as excited as Asma was about seeing Elpis and setting her free, she also simultaneously felt sad because that meant the end was near and she couldn't avoid it. Pride would get Elpis back and would make her forget about him. All those memories she held dear now seemed to beg to be remembered and if she couldn't, then she would need Pride to remember her. He noticed she was sad and gently cupped her cheek. « Don't be sad Asma. You know it's for the best. »
« That doesn't make it easier, Pride. I wish.... I wish I didn't have to do it. »
« I know. » He said, his thumb stroking over her soft unmarred skin. She gave him a tight smile and gently wrapped her hand around his wrist. « But I want you to be happy and to be happy, you need to be away from me. I am a sin and we've seen how easily sins can influence you. I am Pride, the worst of them all...the longer you stay with me, the worse your life would become and I don't want that for you. » He said kissing the back of the fingers wrapped around his wrist.
« I know....it still feels unfair but you're right. It has to be this way. » Her voice broke at her words and she shut her eyes tight, unwilling to look at his face. Pride sighed and cupped her cheek with his larger hand and gently pulled it up so he could look at her face. « You still were the best thing to ever happen to me, Pride. If I could choose, I would still choose you. »
« I know, Asma, I know. »
His voice was softer than usual, there was no need for Pride to be angry anyway. He could feel her emotions since she was projecting so much in the living room. He felt her regret, her sorrow, her anguish and worries about the unknown. She had spent so many months, more than a year actually, by his sides and had gained new habits. Her life went from bland to exciting in a matter of hours and she didn't want to look back to a life that wasn't exciting. Of course, Elpis (and Hope in general) would be back and would restore what was stolen from this world. Fate wouldn't govern anymore and Asma would have a fresh start, but it was still too much for the human who simply didn't want to let him go without at least a beautiful night spent together.
« I have a present for you. Something I have been painting when you were away. » She began as she straightened on him. « It's in your room. Can you teleport us there? » Pride chuckled, his curiosity tickled by her words as he snapped his fingers and teleported them to his bedroom. Indeed, there was a present for him. A HUGE painting of him sitting on a throne made of bones.
It was a work of beauty and it caught Pride's attention long enough for him to take a closer look at the details. It was indeed very detailed. He, himself was portrayed at the perfection. His blue eyes were brighter than ever and the first thing to catch his attention. His hair felt lifelike, he was wearing a black armor with a very interesting design. Sharp and spiked just like his crown was. He never discussed anything with Asma but the fact she was so observant pleased him. He was going to miss that. As his eyes progressed on the canvas, he noticed she gave a very gothic vibe to her painting. All those skulls and bones intertwined to form his throne looked amazing. They were part of the decoration, almost as embellishment like gargoyles on top of gothic churches. He loved to see him smirk on his painting, looking triumphant in front of a crowd made of demons and lost souls and servants who bowed down in front of him. The midnight blue and purple colors were the dominant colors, but touches of white (especially from the lighting that was focused on him) and red (mostly from the floor and the demons) balanced the painting.
« Do you like it? » She asked, her arms wrapping around his waist as her head leaned against his back.
« Very much so. Thank you. It must have taken you so long. »
« Almost two days to complete the sketches and the rest of the weeks to paint it the way I wanted it to be. It is you in all your glory as I imagine you to be. I don't know about Hades, the Underworld or even how the demons and souls look like, but I wanted to pay homage anyway. You are a king... you are my king. »
He turned around and cupped both of her cheeks. Asma chewed at her bottom lip, her hands still holding his waist as her hazel eyes seemed to glow intensely. She always tried to please him and he was well aware of that fact. She never said what she wanted, except for when she was under Envy's influence and his as well but he knew that she needed more than just a thank you. She had painted her best art so far and he could feel the passion she projected onto her canvas. He could feel the dedication and love she felt for him, as well as that pride of having rendered him speechless. He could see how pleased she was by his reaction and how worried she felt at the same time about tomorrow. So many conflicted feelings were crossing her mind at this moment, but Pride knew better than just remain silent. He wanted to give her back. He wanted to give her a night to remember so he pressed his lips against hers. For a starter.
(TBC)
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