"Anything.", he replied, answering immediately. Rhea’s cheeks turned a bright pink and she felt suddenly hot. So she decided to take off her jacket and tell him her plans and she was definitely glad to have him here. Letting him know she needed to go pick up her car and get everything settled, before they had to leave. Then she leaned back a bit with a grin she had no control of.
Riding with Adam to the docks was thrilling and she drove her car back home with him following her. She got out of the car and Adam met her beside her car. "So are y'all still going on the trip then?” he asked.
'Crap', she forgot to tell him.
"Yeah, she wants to leave tomorrow." She waited as he was obviously thinking about something.
"Aaron's going and his cousin Eric and possibly two other people too. I rented a Suburban.” she explained.
"And I even got a turtle for the top for the luggage.” she informed him, he had yet to speak and she was starting to worry. "Umm Adam.” she said.
"So… I'm thinking I should quit at the docks and go along for the ride. I mean after that scene today. How could I possibly work for him?” he asked. Then quickly added, "They could get a temp you know."
Rhea thought for a moment and she immediately wanted to jump for joy but what if things got bad, she was the only 'normal' one going on the trip. And then there's the fact that Nia was worried about her safety already. But she couldn't call her to see what she thought about it either. 'Dang.'
So she took a deep breath, "Okay I'm cool with it but I have to warn you if Nia freaks you may have to stay. She's the one I'm worried about right now, okay?” she said then waited for him to respond.
He abruptly wrapped his arms around her waist hugging her and lifting her off the ground spinning in a circle and she laughed. "Awesome! I got to go pack!” he said setting her down and she smiled as he nearly ran out the door, 'Yeah, it would be okay. Right?' she thought, at least she hoped it would be anyway.
###
Eric was getting confusing signals through his protector bond, it seemed Nia was broken and hurt yet she was happy and euphoric. He'd have to wait till he got back to Darragh to call her or perhaps he should summon her to a dream. He couldn't decide with her sporadic emotional state. All he knew was that he needed to hurry this up so he could figure it out.
Avery sat across from him at a restaurant trying to decide if he was ignoring her or just deep in thought. He did have a whole other life she had no concept of. He said he was still connected to the dreamscape and he could be consciously summoned there at any time.
"Everything okay?” she asked quietly, but got no response, "Hey, hello.” she said waving a hand in his face. That snapped him out of his distracted state.
"Sorry, Ave I'm getting crazy signals from Nia I don't know if she needs me or not.” Eric said with a frustrated look on his face.
Avery huffed out a breath, she was getting tired of the twangs of jealousy that plagued her whenever he talked about Nia. Even though he knew he was devoted to her and his heart was hers. Their fate and promise was serious business for him but so was his oath to Nia. She just wondered if he had to choose between her and Nia what his choice would be. To speculate the answer was too frightening. Though she knew she didn't need him to protect her she has been taking care of herself and hunting down bad guys for a while now all on her own.
"Oh, well maybe we should go to her job or something. Fake lunch delivery to the wrong address always works.” she suggested with a shrug.
"I don't know maybe I should text her, we just need to get back soon. Okay?” he answered. Avery just nodded and was determined to find a way to get over this ridiculous feeling.
###
Nia was beside herself the feeling pressing in on her felt a lot like grief. Perhaps it was because she trusted her dad and had such a special relationship with him. Thinking that he didn't keep anything from her may have been a stretch, even if it had been for her own good. Why didn't he at least tell her something on her birthday? The past two years she was certain he should have said something! It was certainly going to drive her crazy trying to figure him out. She was grateful for the earlier distraction but everything had caught up to her again.
Aaron just held her patiently as the tears flowed once more, he was amazing, she thought as he held her like she was precious. That alone meant everything to her.
Having no doubt those arms were where she belonged Nia didn't care what anyone thought or how long they'd actually known each other. Obviously their souls recognized that this was fate. She needed him now, things were changing and they would go through it together, that she could handle. While it didn't make the pain any less it definitely made it more bearable.
"You thirsty?” Aaron asked as her sobbing slowed and he stroked her back gently. Nodding Nia sighed and he got up then headed to the kitchen.
Nia sat up on the side of the bed slowly and took a deep breath feeling dizzy and her eyes stung, she stood slow and made her way to the bathroom at a steady pace. Aaron passed her on the way with two waters and a plate of green grapes. He gave her a small smile and she touched his arm trying to assure him that she could manage the bathroom on her own.
Her cheeks reddened because she was sure he'd help with that too if she needed him to. After using the bathroom Nia washed her hands and face being careful to avoid the mirror. Deciding she'd save it for last because she already knew her eyes were puffy and her lips were swollen. She leaned on the sink and chanced a look. Sure enough her red rimmed eyes burned and her nose was pink around the edges where she had been blowing it. Pink seemed to be the general hue because her cheeks were pink too and her eyes were definitely puffy though not as puffy as she thought they’d be. If nothing else she knew she didn't want to think about her dad for a while and her crumbling mind definitely needed another break.
Lightly tapping on the door Aaron’s voice came through slightly muffled. "You okay in there?” he asked.
"Yeah.", she assured him, "Could you bring me my purse?” she asked.
It took him a few seconds and she cracked the door and took it from him and closed it, "Thank you.” she said through the once again closed door.
Aaron had always thought that love at first sight was borderline psychotic, but not now. No now he thought about how it was undeniably possible. Even though he had never understood it before but now he didn't need to, he felt it. In her kiss and every spot where they touched. There was no denying he needed to comfort her, there was just no question about it.
Nia looked at her reflection and pulled out her makeup bag, she wouldn't go all out but she would definitely give herself a fresh look, she wasn't crazy about all the redness. She applied her makeup lightly and added some waterproof mascara and a little peach blush to combat the pinks. She added some clear lip gloss and figured that's as good as it could be for now. Considering she may indeed shed more tears.
"Feeling a little better beautiful?” he asked when she was back by his side and she beamed. How could she not love that?
"Yeah a little, I think I need you to distract me for a bit. If that's okay?” she asked shyly.
He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and shook a small bottle at her that she recognized as eye drops so she laid back on the bed and let him put them in. He was so thoughtful and her eyes started to feel better quickly, she hoped they were starting to look better too.
"That's better.” Aaron said with a smile placing the little bottle in the bedside table. “I have a secret.” He said as her eyes widened. “Oh, it's not bad or anything. I just know how it feels when you have been crying for a while.” he said passing her some grapes.
Gratefully Nia took a plump orb and popped one in her mouth savoring the sweetness as Aaron continued.
"Every year on my mom's birthday I can't help but cry, I really try not to. I miss her everyday but on her birthday I just think of what I would get for her. I mean I try to smile a lot because I know that's what she would want. But really my heart's being tor
n apart all over again.” he said quietly as a single tear slid down his cheek stilling Nia’s movement.
"I mean, I know your eyes were probably burning.” he added quickly feeling a bit odd that he’d just admitted a weakness to a girl. Something he would have never done before.
Nia got up and sat on his lap moving the plate of grapes from his hands and kissed his tear stained cheek.
"Thank you so much for taking care of me Aaron, it really means a lot to me."
Nia was content with her head on his shoulder it felt natural so she grabbed the sweet grapes and they shared them. Enjoying a little piece of heaven.
"So distractions huh?” he asked finally as they were washing the stickiness of the fruit from their fingers.
"Yup. At least for a few hours.” she replied.
"Movie and pizza?” he asked.
"Oh, Aaron, you had me at pizza.” she told him dramatically.
Laughing Aaron went to get his phone as Nia searched through the new releases on his cable box.
Having had three missed calls and two texts he decided to check it out. The calls were Eric and one text from him too. The other text was Rhea.
Eric: What is going on? Nia's emotions are off the charts and her phone is off? Call me or text I don't care just let me know something if you have any info.
Aaron: She's with me & physically fine but her dad knows something about her abilities I think. He broke her heart and she's pretty crushed. I'm trying to give her whatever she needs and tomorrow is a go. She wants to leave in the morning.
Eric: Let me know if anything changes, I'll check in later. We will be ready, meet there. Let u know time later.
That was taken care of so now onto Rhea. With a sigh he read her message about giving her a call but it would wait.
Aaron: Ok we are eating and watching a movie call when I can.
They called to order the pizza as soon as he walked back into the living room.
Nia stood up. "So I'm thinking a scary movie. That okay with you?” she asked as he hugged her to him wrapping an arm around her he kissed the top of her head. He kissed her cheek as he was asking for extra cheese. Hanging up Aaron placed his other arm around her and bent to bury his face in her neck.
"Anything for you. We have twenty minutes to pizza.” he said taking in her perfume and shampoo mixed with a tangy scent he couldn’t place but he really liked it.
Aaron pulled back to look at her. "I guess you need to distract me, until then.” she said as innocently as possible taking his hand and sitting on the couch.
"I'm sure I can manage that.” he said huskily.
Nia liked getting lost in his kisses it was something she didn't see herself ever getting tired of. This, she decided, was the perfect distraction. She was focused on him with every ounce of her being, like he demanded it with each kiss and again with each gentle touch.
Thinking she'd need at least twenty five hours in a day with Aaron she smiled behind the next kiss, letting what she supposed was, the feeling of love flow between his soul and hers. If there was ever a best way to get lost, she'd definitely found it.
###
Eric was relieved to know she was safe and not alone though his mind was jumbled now with thoughts of how her father could possibly know anything. As far as he knew he was full mortal, at least that's what Lilith had told him. He tapped his phone to his hand then shoved it back in his jeans as he started down the long hallway.
"I'm going to go lay down for a bit.” Avery said interrupting his thoughts as she was passing.
"Hey.", he said catching her by the waist and pinning her to the wall, he stretched his hands onto either side of her so she couldn’t get away easily. Avery was only mildly startled but more relieved it was taking all of her resolve trying not to let on that she was affected by his worry over Nia. She gave him a small smile and tensed pressing her back harder into the cool sheetrock.
Eric came closer to her mouth staring at her lips like they held the key to heaven and he was a fallen angel. "I'm sorry I've been bad company today Avery. I know it was rude of me to be so distracted. It's just this bond.” he said capturing her bottom lip between his teeth as she gasped. Standing frozen she relaxed her lips until he released the bottom one. She tried desperately to slow her treacherous breathing giving away her excitement at the contact. He leaned in closer a millimeter from her lips “Am I forgiven?” he asked letting his warm breath caress her face. Avery shuddered from the inside out annoyed at how her body betrayed her.
He went in to close the distance and Avery slipped under his arms spinning him in the process and pinned him to the opposite wall. Her breath came in huffs as she tortured his lips with her own barely skimming his. His expression was a smirk mixed with the shock in his cerulean eyes letting her know that she was on the right track. She pressed herself against him and kissed his neck trailing her way to his lips. He couldn’t take anymore as he took her lips consuming them with his own.
They were as pressed together as two people could be and the kiss made her insides ignite. Rather than combust Avery freed her mouth from his and grinned. “I don’t know about forgiven, but you’re on the right track.” She said as she summoned her strength and stepped away from him heading towards the room.
Eric laughed and followed close behind, "How about that nap?” he asked and she laughed. She was sure they would be laying down but she didn't think they'd sleep very much.
###
Rhea was annoyed with Aaron's taking so long to answer, she needed to find a way to let them know who exactly was riding where. And as if her vibes got through to him her phone rang, and sure enough it was Aaron.
"Hello", she said almost overeager.
"What's up Rhea?” he asked warily.
"How's Nia?”
"She's going to be sad for a while and she's definitely not ready to face him. She's been crying off and on. We watched a movie and ordered pizza. I'm just glad she's eating.” he told her smiling at Nia who was sitting there listening in.
"Good I'm just glad she's safe with you. I need to get a message to all the 'extra' people that will be following us around on our road trip. I rented a vehicle and I have a guest coming with me. I think we should all ride together. Safety in numbers and all that.” she blurted before she second guessed it.
"Oh-kay. Well I'll let them know and get back to you. I take it you aren't taking no for an answer?” he inquired stifling a laugh.
"Wow what a great guess!” she said sarcastically.
Aaron laughed then. "Okay well tell Nia to call me when she's ready.” she said.
Understanding that Nia and Rhea were close Aaron was pretty much prepared for this but he wasn't sure how Eric would take it. "Okay will do, bye.” he said then hit end.
Nia sat on the couch looking at him and trying not to laugh at her pushy best friend. When he'd showed her the text she'd told him to call but said that she wasn't ready to talk. Certain she'd fall apart again and she just wasn't in the mood to go to pieces. She'd been on speaker phone and heard it all and figured Rhea would take charge she just wasn't sure when. They grabbed another piece of pizza and started the previews side by side in his over-sized recliner.
Nia pulled her phone out of her pocket and sent a quick text to Eric.
Nia: Can you, Avery and Darragh come by later tonight?
Eric: Glad to hear from you, and yes. We're staying close by anyway be there around seven.
Nia: Thank you.
Eric: Of course.
She turned off her phone again and stuffed it back in her pocket determined to enjoy the movie, food and especially the company without interruption.
###
Eric went to tell Darragh while Avery waited for him to come back. They'd been trying to figure out how to keep him from going back to the dreamscape when this was all over. They just had to, she wouldn't survive the death of her heart again she’d kill Lilith first.
###
Rhea was satisfied with the answer s
he'd been given but wasn't sure she could handle the go between stuff. She needed to hear Nia tell her she would be alright. It had been the two of them for so long, all of this change was coming on quick and it was pretty scary. Her phone rang bringing her out of her musing.
"Hello?” Rhea said answering quickly hoping it was Nia.
"Hey.", Adam said a bit shyly.
"Hey! You all packed?” she asked.
"Yeah, ready as I can be. I may have to shop if it gets too cold though.” he told her.
"Oh that's fine. We’re all going to have to.” Rhea said laughing.
"What time should I be there?” Adam asked.
"Early, the sooner the better then we'll go to Aaron's. Okay?” Rhea asked biting her nail.
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