Having something resembling a friend once again is a startling experience.
It's strange to wake up and realize that there is a fixture in your day – in your life – that is undeniably present.
For Hariel after the war things fell apart. Expectations dogged her footsteps relentlessly, and her role had already been decided on by the people.
The Chosen One.
Every time she went out, inquisitive stares followed her every move, unable to accept that she wanted to move on with her life, and not be reminded of the war every waking moment.
Her friends were understanding, but even they – loyal as they were – suffered under the constant reminders.
Ron did not want to be reminded of the death of his elder brother, and Hermione longed to forget Malfoy Manor, words carved into skin and the missing presence of her parents.
She still writes them. They were still in contact, but their teenage years were long over, and all were eager and desperate to just forget.
Hariel misses them, but it has become a detached sort of pain, thought of every once in a while when a Shakespeare book catches her eye, or a chess board reflects the sunlight on a hot summer day.
Her by now daily meetings with Sei are the most contact she's had with one particular person in several years.
It's pathetic, she knows.
And Hariel enjoys them. Enjoys how he avidly listens to her, eyes bright and mischievously curious, injecting his own interesting experiences and comments, yet never making her feel like less.
Sei – and she does not know why this fake name is utterly irrelevant to her, does not hurt or deter her – somehow seems as detached from society as she is.
They do not talk about something as inane like jobs, politics or the stock market. Instead they talk about the wonders of the world and philosophies of life – and it's already become something to look forward to every single day.
She is lonely and has not even realized the extent of it until she finds herself craving this kind of contact.
It's the same kind of confused torn feeling that has settled itself into her heart, and refuses to leave. It's only made worse by the sea-green eyes boring into her emerald ones – penetrating and seemingly able to see through her with one look.
It's ridiculous she knows. Still she cannot quite help herself.
Sei is an enigma after all, and she has always been too curious for her own good.
Yet nothing happens, but their daily meeting for days that slowly turn into one week then two.
Until one day Sei changes the previous status quo.
''It's a beautiful day outside.'' He states languidly, face propped on one open palm as he smiles at her softly.
It's a Thursday, two weeks after first meeting in Rome again, and the sun still does seems not tired of basking the city in its unrelenting warmth.
Hariel tilts her head to the right thoughtfully, entirely unaware how adorable Poseidon find this simple motion, before conceding with a simple nod.
It is strikingly beautiful outside.
''So would you allow me the honours of escorting you outside?'' He continues, voice that low smooth velvet Hariel is entirely too enamoured with.
It should be forbidden to have a voice that captivating. Unfortunately for her frazzled nerves it's not.
She hesitates, because what he's asking for is a deviation from their usual routine, and it won't be the only one if she agrees.
The she looks at him – as detached and lonely and searching as she is; and somehow it translates into her answer, even though she has sworn to never linger.
''Yes.'' She replies, firmer than she actually feels. ''Yes, I think that's fine.''
Somehow it feels like more, when he takes her hand – his larger and warmer than hers, entirely too suited to holding her small one – and she follows him.
Still she cannot bring herself to regret, when in that moment everything feels entirely too right.
A/N Some have asked me for longer chapters, and I just wanted to tell you guys that this will stay as a drabble like story. I have too many open stories already, and if I do long chapters for this story too, I'll never manage to update, so it's actually better for you guys if the chapters will stay this length.
Thank you for your support though.
C'ya soon,
AriesOrion