"Thank you.” she said as he closed the door.
"Anything for you, Nia.” he said through the door and she couldn't help but chuckle at that.
The warm water was steaming up the bathroom as Nia gingerly removed the tank top. Her skin was sticky with the residue of her own blood. She got into the shower with her shorts on and her tank top in hand. She rinsed her top first then took the shorts off and rinsed them out under the warm stream of water.
She did her underwear next, happy they were white and would bleach out fine. She let the water run over her hair and closed her eyes, she didn't like the rusty hue the water was turning. It made her wonder how much blood she had lost if that much was in her hair. She scrubbed every inch of herself careful to keep her salve covered wound dry. Washing her hair and letting the conditioner set a few minutes while she shaved her legs, after all it may be her last opportunity for a good shower.
'Nia?’ she heard Aaron's worried voice in her mind. She smiled, she was probably taking a long time. 'Come in and have a seat. I'm almost done.’ she sent back biting her lip.
She knew she was being braver than usual, maybe it was the meds Savannah injected or the liquid in the bottle Darragh gave her. She had drank a third of it already.
'Okay.', Aaron sent back softly. She heard the creak of the door and the click of it shutting. Aaron cleared his throat. "Umm, I was just making sure you were okay.” he explained with his voice cracking.
"I'm just taking advantage of a good shower, we really have no idea how crazy things are going to get after we leave here.” she said slowly.
Aaron thought about it and Nia was right. He would be sure to enjoy a shower too. "Good idea.” he replied as Nia was almost done she moved to rinse her hair.
"Do you think I can trust Savannah?” she asked him.
"With what exactly?” he asked staring at the silhouette that had him mesmerized.
"She says she can help me unlock what happened. Even if someone is trying to suppress the memory.” she explained.
"I don't know yet, maybe we should wait a little while. Reliving it may not be the best thing and we have no idea if we can trust her really.” he said carefully. "Yeah, I think you're right. I'll think about it more and then decide. She did save my life after all. I'm a little scared though, what if I was attacked or something like that? I mean was I hurt in a dreamscape? Is that even possible?” she asked turning off the water.
Aaron got up and quickly grabbed a towel, "Here." he said putting it over the top of the curtain.
"Thanks.", Nia said with a wry smile.
"I don't know if you were attacked or if it happened in a dreamscape. But Eric and Darragh will figure it out, they said not to worry.” he said heading towards the door.
"I'll be waiting outside.” he told her as she reached for the curtain. She stepped out of the shower not giving him a chance to make his exit, with the towel wrapped around her and Aaron froze. She strolled up to him seemingly calm but shaking on the inside and leaned up and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"I'll be out in a minute.” she said grabbing another towel beginning to dry her hair.
"Okay.", Aaron said with bright red cheeks, he was trying desperately to be smooth but Nia threw him for a loop, yet again. She loved the affect that she had on him and soon she felt less woozy too, she'd have to remember to ask Darragh what exactly was in that bottle.
She put on the clothes Aaron brought her and laughed when she pulled on the t-shirt. It was black with a Nintendo NES controller on it. It was at least four sizes too big and hung like a dress to mid-thigh, but it smelled like Aaron and she loved that. She found him flipping through infomercials on the couch. "Nice shirt.” she said tugging at the hem.
"Yeah I've had that for a while and it's my favorite shirt too. I was embarrassed to wear it around you.” he said motioning to the pajama pants he was wearing and wincing at his admission. They had small NES controllers all over them with a black background.
Nia let out a giggle, "I like those too. Thanks for trusting me with it.." she said going over to him and sitting across his lap.
Burying her face in his neck he just held her with a hand across her back and the other on her knee.
"What's that?” he asked taking the brown bottle from her hand.
"Darragh gave it to me. He said to drink the whole thing within a half hour to replenish my blood supply.” she said.
"Well you need to finish it soon, you took a little while in there.” he told her. She uncapped it and gave him a sniff of the thick sugary liquid. It had a golden hue and looked like she was drinking gold shimmering paint. "Weird", was all Aaron said about it.
"I don't know what I would do if I lost you, Nia. I really don't think I could bare it.", he said in a whisper. "Drink this, it will help too.” he ordered, grabbing a bottle of Orange Juice he's snagged from a vending machine while he was walking with Eric. Her hands still shook a little bit but she managed fine. She drank almost the whole thing at once and snuggled back up to him.
Nia took a deep breath, "My arm is good, it's just sore.” she said into his neck giving him goose bumps.
"I'm glad that it's healing. When I saw all of the blood I panicked. I dropped the ball Nia. I was just concerned with applying pressure and trying to wake you.” he said sadly. "I should have protected you somehow.” he told her, ashamed.
Nia sat up and lifted his chin forcing him to meet her eyes. "Hey, this is not your fault. You had no idea something like this could even happen.” she assured him.
"Please don't feel that way. You did what you could.” she said trying not to seem patronizing.
He caught the sentiment behind her words and nodded. "I would follow you to hell and back to make sure you were safe.” he told her in a husky voice, not lacking in intensity.
Oh how she got lost in his bright blue eyes and remembered why she was happy. He was her promised. She didn't care how long they had or hadn't known each other. One look and she knew, or she was reminded rather.
"You need to lay down until they call us, okay?” Aaron said. He stood still holding her, cradling her like a child. He walked to the bed and pulled back the fresh sheets. Nia was thankful they had been changed during her shower. He set her down gently and she scooted to the middle of the bed. Aaron removed his shirt and climbed in after her.
He laid on his side and Nia laid next to him on her back. He took a deep breath and she reached for his neck, 'Help me take my mind off of all of this. At least for a little bit.’ she pleaded silently, too embarrassed to ask out loud. 'It may be our last time alone for a while.’ she reasoned. She could feel through the bond just how much he wanted to be closer to her too.
She opened up her emotions making sure he felt the desire for him to be closer. She wanted him to kiss her until her mind could think of nothing else. Aaron moved onto his elbow and looked her in the eyes as she melted under his gaze.
Nia was biting her lip so shy and irresistible to him when he leaned in over her careful not to put any weight on her at all. Looking deeper in her eyes and kissed her full on, closing his eyes and opening up his emotions as well. That kiss was without any of the shyness or uncertainty that they usually carried. Nia's body shuddered as he skimmed her bottom lip with his. She was lost in him just as much as he was lost in her, the fire burning in his eyes told her so.
She pulled him closer and his hand rested on her stomach. She had a flurry of butterflies break free in her belly and he traced flaming hot circles on her abdomen. This could be the last moments of relative calmness they would see for a while and they had no intention of wasting them. Aaron kissed her neck and a small breathy moan escaped her lips, clearly out of her control. He ran his lips across her jawline dotting kisses as he went along. She pressed herself against him as if she couldn't get close enough.
Aaron was mesmerized, every part of him that touched her was alive with an electrical hum. She had a very intense effect on him, but when that moan escaped her lips it
took every ounce of willpower not to deepen his kiss. She was healing, after all and he had a feeling if it got too intense, it may very well hurt her. He rested his forehead against hers breathing heavily and looked in her beautiful golden amber eyes. The flecks of green looked bright in her heady gaze. He slowed his breathing as she caught hers too. Taking in a deep breath he rolled onto his back and Nia turned and rested her head on his chest over his heart and placed her wounded arm across his midsection.
He stroked her hair and kissed her head gently. "I love you, Nia. No matter what is ahead of us, okay?” he spoke softly.
"I love you too Aaron.” she said looking up at him and giving him a brilliant smile. He closed his eyes as she yawned. So he guided her head back to his chest and they slipped into a comfortable sleep together.
###
Savannah went back to Darragh's room and sat on the couch. She propped up her feet and relaxed her mind. She could help Darragh and Eric from where she sat, they couldn't risk Isabel seeing her. So she concentrated on Darragh's bond and linked up with them that way. They had a lot of work to do to break down the old glamour and reconstruct an unflawed version. She was glad she had the help, she was so used to doing things like this on her own.
Darragh nodded at Eric as they got into the suburban. The glamour on the vehicles needed to be especially strong since they would be spending the rest of their trip on the road. Next would be to see everyone physically, by morning they would get them all in one room and do just that.
Avery tossed and turned in her bed, she was dying to go check on Nia herself. She could have healed her too, of course not the same way as her sister, but still. She couldn't believe she was stuck babysitting Isabel, she had to keep a dang shield around her mind in her presence and it was aggravating. Avery couldn't wait for morning, at the first sliver of sunlight she was going to see Eric.
'I miss you too.’ Avery jumped, then let out a heavy sigh. Eric had surprised her.
'Are you eavesdropping?’ she teased. 'Absolutely. I miss you.’ he whispered into her mind.
Her cheeks heated and she couldn't stop the warmth that flooded her insides at his words. 'I miss you more.’ she responded.
'I'll see you soon, come see me in the lobby in a hour.’ he said with his voice fading. Avery smiled, one hour and she was saved.
Chapter 19
Nia left sleep behind, slow and happy, she was warm and snuggled up to Aaron's chest and he was laying on his side with his arm under her pillow. She was curled into him with their legs intertwined. Nia was fully aware of the fact that it wasn't odd or awkward to share Aaron's bed anymore. It was comfortable, she stared at him in the small amount of sunlight that was trickling in from between the curtains. His dark hair fell in his eyes begging to be brushed away. She didn't want to wake him just yet, she was certain that much like the other guardians he wouldn't be getting much rest from here on out.
His skin glowed with the sunrise and she fought the urge as best as she could not to trail kisses down his cheek. She unwound herself slowly and got out of bed quietly as he turned onto his stomach, but the dull snore never missed a beat. She stretched making her back pop and decided to go brush her teeth and take care of her wound. The thin pink line was puckered and tender, there was a lot of soreness.
After brushing her teeth she washed the salve away with warm water and the soap Savannah had left on the dresser with an after care note. Washing her hands after applying a small amount of salve she was thankful it smelled of jasmine and not menthol.
She really did feel great otherwise, she was sure it was thanks to whatever that was Darragh had given her. Nia decided to text Rhea receiving an immediate reply.
Nia: Morning! I need breakfast and definitely coffee. See u down there in twenty?
Rhea: Ok definitely, we'll be there! See u soon.
Nia: Have stuff to tell you but need to do in a bubble ASAP, ok? Strange happenings last night.
Rhea: -_- Uh oh. Okay. Miss u, see u soon. P.S. Now I'm worried. Thx. LOL
Rhea: U will SPILL!
Nia: LOL of course!
She went and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at him a few minutes more. She was really living a totally different life from just last week. Unable to imagine life without Aaron, it was crazy and scary but it was how it was supposed to be, she reasoned.
Deciding to give him a few more minutes she had no problems figuring out what to wear. Her dark stretch skinny jeans with her black 'mad hatter' shirt and for shoes she thought her combat boots would be best for the road. She applied little makeup, just bottom liner, mascara and lip gloss. Her hair was fine after her shower last night, she just ran a brush through her long locks. It hung in long semi wavy strands, her bangs were starting to get too long to wear on her forehead so she pinned them back in a bump. Making sure to put a ponytail holder in her pocket just in case she needed to put it all the way up.
When she came out of the bathroom Aaron was picking out his clothes for the day. He smiled at her in passing and said "Good morning.” in a sleepy voice closing the restroom door behind him. "Morning! I'm going to pack us up and then we need food and caffeine!” she said loud enough for him to hear through the thick door. "We can pack after breakfast. I'm starving.” he said as he exited the bathroom. He wrapped his arms around her from behind as she was folding her pajamas. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "Come on.” he said as she turned.
She looked him over, "You're not even wearing shoes yet!” she said laughing and then leaning up to kiss his cheek. He in turn looked at her feet questioningly, “Boots?” he asked.
"Yeah, I figured we should be prepared for anything. If we have to run, anyway. I won't get very far in my Converse.” she explained.
Seeming to mull it over for a second Aaron nodded, "Good idea.” he said finally. He grabbed his socks and boots and put them on while Nia was strapping her daggers to her waist and thighs. She had her sword slung across her back and put on her ruby ring making them all disappear. Aaron grabbed his weapons and followed suit then they made their way downstairs hand in hand.
Breakfast proved to be pretty uneventful, light conversation and getting to know likes about music and trivial questions like that passed between everyone in the group.
Darragh came down and fixed a large plate for himself grabbing two milks and orange juices and returned to his room. Claiming his mother's bad health for his isolated demeanor, when in reality he was taking breakfast to Savannah.
It had taken the majority of the night and morning for Eric and Darragh to complete the glamour needed for their trip and the fatigue was evident. But Eric was certain it would hold. He told everyone to meet in Nia's room after breakfast and went with Avery to "check on" Darragh. They said they were going to make sure he was really okay.
Nia noticed Avery putting two bagels in a napkin and putting them in her jacket pocket along with butter and cream cheese packets. She grabbed a butter knife and they were off. She was supposing the bagels and cream cheese were for Savannah. Nia was going with Aaron back to the room after breakfast, they were mostly packed up. Isabel had her bag already in the car and escorted Rhea and Adam to get their stuff together and after that they'd go to Nia's room too.
Eric and Avery had exchanged kisses in the elevator on the way up. She was not about to waste their alone time with words. They went to Darragh's room and Avery gave the bagels and cream cheese to Savannah, "Thanks sis. He has no idea how to feed a lady.” she said motioning towards Darragh jokingly.
He graced her with a thousand watt smile which she returned and then turned her attention to Eric. "Eric, let me help you with a little 'pick me up'.", she said.
"Like what?” he asked squinting at her but definitely curious.
Darragh interrupted, "I feel like I'm well rested and we both know that's untrue and it only takes a minute.” he told Eric.
"Okay I’m in.” he answered her with a smile.
"Of course.” she replied.
Avery
busied herself with packing up equipment and Darragh helped her. Savannah instructed Eric to lay down and clear his mind and he did so easily. She told him to place himself in a serene atmosphere mentally and summon a good night’s rest like a wish. He laughed but did as she said and just like that. Good. Nights. Sleep.
He sat up with the shock clear on his face. "I had no idea we could do that.” he said with a surprised tone.
Savannah spoke out loud now, "We have many powers that none know of but the ones who keep the knowledge from us. I have much to share with all of you, but all in due time.” she responded.
"Thanks.", Eric said.
"I'll be in Nia's room glamoured into a corner.” Savannah informed both he and Avery.
"What? Why?” Avery asked protectively.
"I need to read Isabel and the best way for me to do that is in the same room.” she explained.
True Fate Page 29