Thank you for your review, RunYouCleverBoyAndRemember33. I'm glad you're enjoying my story!
I also wanted to use the opportunity to tell you all that I am open for any suggestions. If there is anything you always wanted to read about Helen and Aline please let me know and I will do my best to add it to my story! You can also PM me.
Aline kicked up some dried leaves with her boot. Autumn had reached Alicante and turned its trees into a play of colors - green, brown, yellow, orange. Aline loved this season of the year, the sound of leaves crushing under her shoes and the soft breeze blowing through the streets. She needed to get outside for a while and take a walk after what had happened at home. Aline had always suspected that her mother's priority lay within the Council, but it was only proved to her today when Jia had approached her at dinner.
"Aline, I need to tell you something that has been on my mind for long," Jia had said. "I am thinking about applying for the position of the Consul."
Aline had wanted to object, but it would've been pointless. Her mother had confessed that the issue had already been discussed with Aline's father and he agreed. Ever since the former Consul Malachi Dieudonne had died during the Mortal War they had looked for replacement, but no one seemed to be eager to take his place except Aline's mother. The thought of it made her sick. If her mother became Consul she would be the leader of all Nephilim and this is a lot of responsibility to take on. Jia was a strong and confident person who would probably make a wonderful leader, but Aline still feared that all the pressure would crush her. Realizing that there was nothing Aline could do to prevent her mother for applying she had promised her discretion and hugged her.
After finishing her meal she had excused herself and had rushed outside. Aline needed the fresh air to clear her mind not only about her mother but also about Helen. The days after her return from L.A. had been torture. She had tormented herself for not telling Helen how she felt, for not saying the words she knew deep down were true. Helen was more than a friend to her she had realized during her stay and she should have told her upon leaving, but she was too afraid. Aline had been a coward and she hated herself for that. Helen deserved to know, needed to know, but Aline wouldn't see her anytime soon. There was no way to fix this.
Her desperation increased when she heard about the current events taking place in New York City - former Circle members found dead and riots beneath Downworlders. Something was clearly off, but again there was nothing Aline could have done to help her friends. She had tried reaching Isabelle yesterday, but no one picked up the phone at the mother had mentioned to her that Alec and Magnus had returned from their journey which let Aline think that Magnus' help was required. This made her even more suspicious. Jia had dismissed it, telling Aline that as long as they didn't call upon the Council it was something the New York Conclave could solve on its own.
Aline hunched her shoulders against the cold wind and tugged her hands deep into the pockets of her black pants. She crossed Angel Square, her favorite spot in the city, and continued through a small passageway. After the date with Helen she had ruined badly she had asked her mother if she knew about a pastry shop in Alicante, the one Helen had wanted to take her to, and Jia had given her the direction. It was hidden between two houses; a tiny shop with only two tables and a large window that stretched almost over the whole front. Aline admired the artfully decorated cupcakes that were displayed in the window, smiled and entered. She was greeted by a girl with red hair and freckles who instantly reminded her of Clary. Aline approached the counter, glancing at all the different pastries that were offered - cones, cupcakes, muffins, cakes, pies and other kinds of sweets.
Aline leaned forward to take a closer look at the Key Lime Pie when someone to her right she hadn't even noticed spoke.
"I would like a piece of the strawberry cake."
Aline lifted her head hesitantly, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. It couldn't be who she thought it was. Blue-green eyes were staring at her.
Aline let out a sigh. "Helen!"
The other girl smirked. Aline's heart leaped and she felt her legs starting to shake. What happened next was only a blur to Aline. She threw her arms around Helen, pressing her tightly to her body as if afraid she might vanish otherwise and started to laugh. Helen joined the laughter and for a few moments they just remained hugging and laughing.
Aline let go of Helen, but grabbed one of her hands instead. She turned quickly to the girl behind the counter to order a piece of pie and then dragged Helen to one of the two tables. Aline didn't even bother that they could be seen by any passer-by; the joy about seeing Helen again made everything else seem unimportant.
Aline was still holding on to Helen's hand when the shop girl dropped of their orders.
"What are you doing here? Did something happen?" Aline asked, her voice shaky.
"Oh, no please don't worry. I am here on the behalf of a Council issue. I didn't tell you about it when you left L.A. because I thought my father would go, but he sent me instead," Helen explained.
"I'm glad he changed his mind," Aline admitted shyly. "How is your family?"
"Good. They miss you, especially Dru," Helen answered picking up the fork to taste the strawberry cake. Aline took a bite off hers, the taste of lemons exploding in her mouth. "I don't think that Ty and Mark were particularly fond of me."
"It requires years of practice to handle Ty and the only person he truly likes and trusts is Livvy. Mark, well, he likes to show off and act cool and mature, but sometimes he just gets it wrong. We both care deeply about our siblings and we would to anything to protect them. That's why he is so overly cautious and suspicious of everyone," Helen said.
Aline nodded. "I can live with that. You have four other siblings who seemed to like me."
"Yes, that's true. So how is everything with you?"
"There isn't much going on around here since the Mortal War. They are still debating over the new Consul and Inquisitor, but apart from that it's quiet," Aline answered casually not realizing that Helen hadn't been asking about on-goings in Alicante but more about Aline herself.
Helen cleared her throat. "And how are you?"
Aline's eyes met Helen's and her heart stuttered. This was the chance to make things right. Only minutes ago she was praying to see Helen again and confess to her, but now her chest was tightened. Her mind drifted off back to the nights in her guest room in Los Angeles that she had spent with Helen and that one particular image she kept seeing every time she closed her eyes - Helen, head placed in Aline's lap, curls spread around her face, eyelids closed. She had looked like an angel that night and Aline had watched her sleep. Every now and then she had touched Helen's face lightly, brushing away a strand of hair. This had been the moment when realization had finally hit in.
Helen's eyes were still fixed on her. Aline swallowed against the lump in her throat, reached for Helen's hand and said "I'd like to show you something."
Aline rose, putting money down for both and led her out of the café. She twined her fingers with Helen's and they strolled along. With the sun set the wind blew through the city causing Aline goose bumps. She could feel Helen shiver next to her and wrapped one arm around the half-faerie.
"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"Up to the Gard," Aline replied which made Helen frown. "Why? There is nothing up there tonight."
"I know," Aline said, "but I heard of a hidden spot from where you get the best view over Alicante."
Helen eyed her sidelong, but she didn't question it. Instead she nuzzled at Aline's shoulder, humming contentedly.
In the end she had to admit that Aline had been right. After they had climbed up to the Gard Aline had led Helen up another hill where they settled down on the grass next to an old oak tree. Aline placed an arm around Helen's shoulder and they fell silent, taking in the scene before them.
Alicante was eerily quiet; the streets nearly empty. Light poured only from a few houses out on the street and the demon towers glowed in the distance the way they had before Sebastian's attack.
"This is breathtaking," Helen said. Several minutes of silence passed where they just sat and stared. Aline enjoyed the feeling of Helen against her body and the smell of her in her nose. She buried her face halfway in Helen's golden curls, blowing a soft kiss on her hair.
"You still haven't answered my question, " Helen said casually.
Aline flinched. Do it! she scolded herself. She pushed away slightly so she could face the other girl and placed one of her hands on Helen's to keep it from trembling. She inhaled deeply.
"The other night, when you fell asleep in my bed," Aline said, her pulse fastened, "I finally realized what I should have seen long time ago. I was too stupid and afraid of my own feelings."
She stopped, her heart pounding achingly in her chest. When she looked at Helen she saw she was smiling, as always, and Aline couldn't stand it any longer.
"My feelings for you." She almost spat out the words, but there they were. Dizziness overwhelmed her and she thought she might faint. This was not the time to get sick. Aline squeezed her eyes shut instinctively.
Helen had fallen silent and Aline started to panic, breathing harshly. A moment later she could feel Helen shift, but she was too afraid to open her eyes, and then lips were placed upon hers. Helen kissed her gently, but Aline was unable to move.
Helen retreated, touching her nose to Aline's and Aline slowly opened her eyes. Helen was still smiling.
"I thought you'd never say it," Helen said, pressing her lips on Aline's again and this time she responded to it.
"So you'll be my girlfriend?" Aline mumbled, lips still on Helen's.
"Of course I will," Helen chuckled against Aline's mouth and Aline wrapped her arms around her, pulling the half-faerie into a tight hug.
"Do you want to come in?" Helen asked, unlocking the door at the Blackthorn House. Aline had insisted on walking Helen home but not with the intention of sleeping over. She hesitated.
"I don't like to stay in such a big house all by myself," Helen pleaded. "We can just talk like we did in Los Angeles. We don't have to…"
Aline nodded. "Sounds great. I wouldn't mind some kissing though."
Helen grinned, grabbed Aline by the hand and dragged her up into her bedroom. They collapsed on Helen's bed, kissing. Aline pulled Helen closer to her, her hands raking through the blond curls and she started a trace of kisses down Helen's neck. The half-faerie shivered at the touch of Aline's lips and clasped at Aline's shoulder. Helen ran her hands up and down Aline's spine, stroked her hair gently while Aline continued kissing Helen's neck and collarbone.
Aline sighed. "I could get used to kissing you."
Helen cast one of her smiles, pulling Aline back down and pressing her hot lips on hers. "I am already used to it."
And again their mouths collided, the kiss became more demanding. Helen rolled on top of Aline, pressing her body against hers. Aline reached for the hem of Helen's shirt, pulled it up a bit and let her fingertips touch the smooth, bare skin underneath it. Helen shuttered, biting down slightly on Aline's lower lip.
Aline opened her mouth instinctively allowing Helen to run her tongue over the spot she had just bitten. Aline winced and Helen wanted to retreat, but Aline's hand was firm on the back of her head. Aline licked her tongue over Helen's lower lip, kissed her. Helen stirred.
Aline ended the kiss abruptly, pushing Helen softly off her. Helen propped herself on her elbow, eyeing Aline skeptically.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Did I push you?"
Aline shook her head vigorously. "No, but another thought came to my mind."
"That is?" Helen asked, her eyes fixed on Aline.
Aline touched one hand to Helen's cheek and smiled. "I want my parents to meet my beautiful girlfriend."
"Are you sure about that?" Helen asked worriedly. "It might not be as easy as it was for me."
Aline traced a pattern on Helen's cheek with one of her fingers, staring at her in a daze.
"We've lost so much time already, I don't want to waste another second," Aline said. "They need to know. They are my parents."
Helen nodded. "Okay."
She sank down next to Aline, placed her head on the other girl's shoulder and kissed her.
"Will you stay?" Helen asked.
As a response Aline placed her lips on Helen's and wrapped her arms tightly around her.
