A little late, but, hey, who's counting? :P
Also, IAN HARDING TWEETED ME AGAIINNNN :D We're practically married now.
I haven't read over this, so forgive me for any mistakes.
"Well, I guess I'm ready
For settling down
And fooling around is over.
And I swear that it's true,
No buts or maybes.
When I'm falling down
There's always someone who saves me,
And girl it's you."
Saturday could not have come fast enough. My Thursday and Friday consisted mostly of me trying to get the flat ready for Aria's arrival, moving bits of furniture around only to put them back where I'd gotten them and then move them again.
The apartment was very similar in décor to my flat back in Rosewood. When I moved to Augusta, most of my stuff had gone into storage, so the furniture was much the same with a few more things that I had added with Aria in mind. My mother donated her old desk do that we'd both have somewhere to work when Aria starts college and I'd rescued an easel for her from a garage sale I'd passed on my way to Philly. There were spaces on the walls for whatever masterpieces I was sure she'd create.
The walls of the main living area, hall and kitchen were a lightish brown and our bedroom (I liked the sound of that – our bedroom) was painted a deep burgundy colour. The entire apartment was hardwood but I'd put down a few rugs so as not to annoy the neighbours with the clacking of Aria's heels.
Originally, it had two bedrooms but I converted one into a study, which was painted blue. The bathroom was, admittedly, tiny but the walk-in-wardrobe I'd renovated for her made up for it.
The balcony was much bigger than the one in Rosewood, meaning that people could actually stand on it without fear of being blown over the edge. I'd placed a sunbed and deck chair on it, even though I doubt we'd be getting much sun.
I knew Aria would love the apartment, but that didn't stop me from scrubbing every surface and fluffing every pillow.
On top of my preparations, I also had to deal with all my Best Man duties. Noah and Candice decided that they wanted a joint bachelorette party on Saturday night, meaning that Aria would have to fake I.D her way into the club we'd organised.
A part of me was worried about bringing Aria into the city at night, especially when the only people she'd know would be myself, Hardy and Noah. But I knew that she'd kill me if I treated her as anything less than an adult. That didn't change how uncomfortable the idea made me, though.
At one o'clock, I was sat in my car around the corner from where Aria's hotel was. Memories of returning to this same parking spot after the first night we'd spent together were flooding my mind.
I'd driven back to my Mom's that morning with the biggest grin on my face. Noah had teased me about it but for that whole day I was on cloud nine. Well, until I realised that I wouldn't be able to see Aria for weeks. Then my could sank right down to the ground.
"'Cuz it's a beautiful day, don't let it get away…"
My cell started to ring and I sang along with the tone as I picked it up and saw Aria's face flashing on the screen.
"Hey, are they gone?" I said, answering it.
"Yep. Just you and me, bucko," came Aria's angelic voice.
"Bucko?" I asked.
"Would you prefer me to call you 'my darling Sugarplum'?"
"Ha-ha," I fake laughed, "Very funny. I'll be in in a sec." I hung up and hopped out of the car, heading in the direction of the hotel. I couldn't believe that I had the whole week to spend with her!
Aria was waiting in the hotel lobby with two suitcases by her side. She looked stunning in a pair of patterned leggings, cons and Hollis hoodie. I loved seeing her dressed down as much as I loved seeing her dressed up. And I adored seeing her not dressed at all.
"There's my sugarplum!" She called when she saw me, taking to skips closer and wrapping her arms around me in a hug.
"Cool it, pipsqueak," I teased, pressing a swift kiss to the top of her hair. She took my hand as we each took a suitcase and headed out of the hotel.
We made it back to the car and piled everything in. I felt so free as I held her hand in mine. For the next six days we were free to be the couple we'd always wanted to be. For the next six days, we could be whoever we wanted to be – and it felt awesome.
Aria pulled open the passenger door but I stopped her before she could get in. She looked at me quizzically and I waggled my eyebrows before pressing my lips to hers. Aria laughed against my lips and I slipped my tongue into her mouth.
Her fingers found their way into my hair, which I'd only gotten cut the day before as, according to my mother, it would offend the laypeople at the wedding. Aria gripped the considerably shorter strands as I pressed her against the car.
"Dude, there's a hotel right there."
Aria and I pulled apart and turned to face a boy of around thirteen who was watching us make-out. Aria and I burst out laughing before climbing into the car and pulling out onto the street.
"So, what's the plan?" Aria asked as we drove along the streets, heading to the flat.
"Well, first I want to show you the flat," I said with a smile, "And then I figured we could go grab an early dinner before getting ready to go to the club." My fingers clenched on the wheel as I once again thought about taking Aria out.
Aria nodded and smiled, "Cool. I can't wait to dance with you." Her voice was laced with innuendo.
I laughed, "Yeah, and I'm the insatiable one."
"There's a lobby?" Aria asked excitedly as we climbed the steps up to the apartment building after parking the car across the street. I didn't want to park it in the lot, preferring to bring Aria in the main entrance. I nodded in confirmation, and grabbed her hand, her two bags in my other hand.
"Good day, Mr Fitz," called Sandra from behind the lobby counter as Aria and I walked in.
"Hello, Sandra!" I chirped, pressing the button on the elevator. "This is Aria, she's going to be moving in with me in a few months."
"Welcome to the building," Sandra greeted, eyeing Aria in a way that made me a tad bit mad. Sandra was no older than thirty and flirted with me every time I walked by her, no many how many time's I'd mention the fact that I had a girlfriend. Aria must have noticed it to because I felt her shift uncomfortably beside me.
The elevator binged and opened before anybody could say anything. Aria pulled me inside and I pressed the button for the 6th floor. However, before the doors shut fully, I glanced out at Sandra and pulled Aria closer, pressing our lips together in a sweet kiss. That would show her.
"What was that for?" Aria asked when I pulled away.
I licked my lips and smiled, "Do I need a reason?"
She eyes me suspiciously but I only continued to grin. She was forced to drop the subject, however, when the lift binged, signalling our arrival on the sixth floor. I grabbed her hand and lead her down the carpeted hallway.
"This is us," I said to her as we stopped outside the brown door of apartment 6F. We stood there for a moment; me with what I'm sure was a stupid grin on my face and Aria with an expectant smile.
"Are we going to go in?" She asked, her eyes quizzical.
In response, I dropped the bags and reached inside the pocket of my dark jeans, pulling out a small key and brandishing it to her.
"Por toi," I told her, calling upon my very dodgy High School French, praying that I'd said 'for you' as intended.
Aria took it from me and weighed it in her palm. I wanted her to feel like it was our apartment, even though she didn't exactly live there yet.
"This is mine?" She asked, joy evident in her voice as she studied the bronze Yale key.
"It's yours," I agreed, watching as Aria's eyes filled with happiness. She pulled her keys out of her bag and looped it on. My brow creased when I saw six other keys on the set. "What are all those for?"
Aria looked up at me, "Huh? Oh, this is for Spencer's house, Emily's, Hanna's, mine, my dorm and this-" She cut herself off as she held up the last key, "Well, this is…"
I waited, wondering why there was now a red flush on her cheeks.
"It's for your old flat in Rosewood, okay?" She rushed out the words.
My eyebrows shot p and I felt a smile pulling at the corner of my lips. She'd kept my key?
"I just…" Aria continued, "When I got sent away, I felt like it was a small piece of home, my real home. With you." For some unfathomable reason, she looked down seeming embarrassed for saying the words that warmed my heart.
"It's stupid, I know," she said quietly.
"Aria," I scolded, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me, "It's not stupid. Look." I dropped my hand from her face and pulled out my own set of keys. There, amongst the key to the flat, the key to my Mom's, the key to my classroom and the key to my car was the luminous green Esther band that Aria had left in my apartment on our last day together in Rosewood. "You're with me wherever I go."
Aria eyes widened and a huge dorky grin adorned her features. Suddenly, her lips were on mine. Her arms wrapped around my neck as she held me tightly in place – not that I was going anywhere in a hurry.
I grabbed her slender waist and turned us so that her back was pressed against the door, our fronts flush against each other. Her gasp allowed me entrance into her warm cavern of her mouth and I took full advantage.
"Mommy, what's Ezwa doing to that girl's face?"
Aria and I jumped apart at the notification that we were no longer alone.
Fay and Tom, a mother and son from across the hall, were standing in their open doorway, clearly on their way out. Fay had a slightly amused expression on her face as she took in Aria and my bright red faces.
"F-Fay, hi," I stuttered, "And, hey, little man."
"Hi," said Tom, waving his stubby little arm rapidly, moving his hand like he was trying to turn something.
"Hello, Ezra," Fay greeted, "It's Aria, right?" Aria nodded, her face still tinged with pink. "It's nice to meet you, I'm Fay and this is my son, Tom. Ezra's told me a lot about you."
My eyes widened and suddenly I felt very uncomfortable. What did Fay think she was doing? Her blue eyes met mine and she seemed to realise how awkward I looked because she picked up Tom and placed him on her hip, shutting her apartment door behind her.
"Good things I hope?" Aria asked, oblivious to my panic stricken face.
"Of course," Fay said with a stiff smile. "See you guys around." Aria took my hand and we watched as the mother and son made their way to the elevator at the end of the hall. Only when the doors had shut on them, did I relax.
Aria did not need to know about that. As far as I was concerned, that never happened - only, it did. I pushed it to the back of my mind, not letting it cloud my senses. Right now, this was all about Aria.
I smiled down at her radiant face, "Ready to go in?"
"Of course."
Aria placed her key in the lock and giggled as it clicked, allowing her to push inside. The door swung open to reveal the living area. She stepped inside, a huge grin on her face as she took in the various items of furniture. She saw the easel and let out a small squeal.
"You got me an easel?" She asked, excitement in her voice. My heart swelled at her enthusiasm. I loved making her happy.
"Mmhmm," I hummed in agreement, "Do you like it? I figured we could decorate the walls with your paintings."
"Maybe I'll do some still life…" She trailed off, eyeing me seductively and making my throat constrict. She giggled at my tongue-tiedness and continued to look about the room. She moved over to the French doors leading out to the small balcony. I set her bags inside the door and shut it behind me, watching her as she took in the room.
The main room was spacious and open-plan with a short corridor leading off on the right side to the bedroom, bathroom and study. The kitchen was cut off from the room by a wall that partly surrounded it. The wall had a semi-circular window looking in from where the dining table was in front of the balcony.
I watched Aria with eager eyes as she took in her future apartment. She turned around from the glass doors and smiled at me, her eyes alight with joy.
My heart soared – she loved it!
As if to emphasise my thought, Aria raced towards me, her hair flying out behind her, and jumped into my arms. Her legs wrapped around my waist as she crushed our lips together.
I laughed against her lips and she pulled away.
"It's perfect!" She exclaimed, pressing her lips to mine again before I let her down.
"And you haven't even seen the rest!" I told her as I grabbed her hand and towed her down the hall. We went to the room farther down on the right.
"The bathroom," I announced, throwing open the door and revealing the spotless tiles and neat row of lotions and potions. "Complete with a Shakespearean shower curtain because there's never a time when Shakespeare isn't appropriate." Aria laughed and went inside, poking around at the various products. "My Mom bought you all the, eh, girly stuff so you're, ahem, fully stocked." My face flushed and I rubbed the back of my neck in embarrassment.
Aria threw her head back in laughter.
"You're so cute," she giggled, making my blush more. I reached out my hand, which she gladly took, and led her to the room next door.
"The study," I declared, brandishing to the room with my free arm.
Aria looked up at me with a cocked eyebrow.
"We have a study?" She asked.
"What sort of writers would we be if we didn't have a study?" I asked her, incredulously making her laugh as she made her way into the cosy room.
"There's two desks," she noted.
I pointed to my Mom's old oak desk on the left between two bookshelves, "This one is yours."
She ran her hand along it, a small, disbelieving smile upon her face.
"No offence, hon, but how did you afford all of this? A sixth floor apartment with a study and balcony?" Her eyebrows were knit in confusion as she gestured to her surroundings with an outstretched arm.
"My new job is in a private school in New York, Aria," I explained, "And I'm deputy head of English. I have enough to be comfortable but I don't go insane. A lot of this stuff is thrift and my Mom donated some old stuff that she doesn't need. I'm not in debt, if that's what you mean."
"But when I move here I won't be able to contribute much," she added, "I'm going to be busy with my degree and I'll probably end up being a burden."
I reached forward and grabbed her shoulders gently, "Aria, don't ever say that. You are not now, nor will you ever be, a burden. Kapish?"
Aria reached up a hand and saluted me, "Yes, sir!"
I chuckled lightly and took her hand once more, dragging her out into the hall and across to the final room.
"And this," I said, turning to her with a wink, "Is where the magic happens." Aria scoffed as I opened the door to our bedroom. The burgundy walls and hardwood floors went well with my worn duvet colour, giving the room a bohemian feel, which I knew Aria loved.
She smiled and skipped into the room, looking around with interest. I watched her eyebrows shoot up as she noticed the door on the right side of the room.
"What's in there?" She asked in wonder.
"Take a look," I said cryptically, loving the grin that spread across her face. She made her way to the door and glanced back at me before pushing it open and stepping inside the walk-in wardrobe – complete with two huge shoe racks and jewellery stands.
Her squeal of delight alerted me to her approval and this time when she bounded towards me and leapt into my arms, my lips were waiting. And so was the bed.
"I'm starting to wonder how we ever lived without that," Aria breathed with a laugh when I rolled off her some time later. I laughed in agreement before glancing at my watch.
"Crap! It's nearly five pm and the limo is picking us up at eight thirty. Do you just want to order in?"
"Seems appropriate," Aria said, snuggling into my side. "But can we lie here a little bit longer?"
It was impossible to say no to Aria, especially a naked Aria, "Sure."
At half six, Aria was in the shower and I was waiting in the living room for our Chinese to arrive. It felt surreal to be ordering Chinese food with her once again as it had been over a year since we had last eaten the ethnicity together.
There was a knock at the door and I hopped up from the armchair, grabbing my wallet.
However, when I swung the door open, it was not a delivery man who greeted me, but Fay.
"What are you doing here?" I hissed, stepping outside and pulling the door so that it was nearly shut.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier," she said, looking genuinely sorry. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"Yeah, well, that was always going to be the case, wasn't it?" I bit out, not in the mood for Fay's mind games.
"Are you going to tell her?" Fay asked, nodding towards the door.
"I don't think that's really any of your business."
Fay was about to reply when the elevator binged and a man carrying what I deemed to be Aria and my food arrived. She smiled briefly at me before heading back into her apartment.
Taking a deep, uneasy breath, I paid the man and went back inside. Guilt wracked my brain. Do I tell Aria, do I not tell Aria? The same question that had been circling my head for the past two months made it's way around my mind.
*Flashback*
I was sitting at the dining table, working through the mid-term papers I'd been given to grade. The last teacher had a lot to answer for judging by the low-standard answers I'd read through so far.
Glancing at my watch, I noted that it was 7pm and that it'd be time to call Aria soon. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, did my phone buzz with a new message from the girl in question. She explained that she had a meeting about Prom and that we'd talk tomorrow.
With a disappointed sigh I went back to my grading. D, D, B-, C…
A knock at the door broke me away from the furious scribblings of red pen on a page. I couldn't say that I wasn't thankful.
The woman from across the hall was standing there dressed in a short, pink dress and with her make-up done up.
"Can I help you?" I asked, wondering why she was calling when I'd only been here a week.
"Hi, Ezra," she said with a smile, "I know this is probably really intrusive, but would you mind watching Tommy for me for a few hours? I have a date and my babysitter just cancelled."
"Uhh…" I drawled, reluctantly.
"Please? I wouldn't ask normally but this is my first date in months."
"Sure," I agreed, with a small smile. "Just let me grab my work."
She let me gather a few things before leading me into her apartment which smaller than mine but still big enough for her and her son.
"He's already down," she explained, "So if he wakes just let him sit with you and maybe put on a video? He usually nods off a few minutes later. My number is on the fridge and there's some juice for him in the fridge. We have soda, if you want. I'd prefer if you didn't drink with him here."
"Of course." I nodded, "Don't worry. I used to mind my cousins all the time. He'll be fine, you go have fun."
"Thanks!" Fay exclaimed before grabbing her coat and clutch and dashing out the room.
I sat down and went back to grading. C, C, D, F, B, B, A (oh, thank GOD), C, C…
Two hours later, there was a turn of a key and a slightly distressed Fay returned.
"You're back early, did something happen?" I asked, standing up from my place at her desk.
"I told him about Tommy," she said sadly, her voice shaking. "That's the usual length of a date for a single mom in the city."
"I'm sorry," I said, unsure of what to do if she cried.
She flopped down on her couch and I took a seat on the other end, not wanting to leave her alone but carefully constructing a boundary.
"It's just so hard sometimes," she continued, "I wouldn't trade Tom for the world but sometimes I just want to scream. I'm still a human, being a Mom at twenty-three shouldn't change that."
"I'm sorry," I said again. "You shouldn't let it get to you. I bet you'll find a great guy willing to accept you both. You just have to give it time."
Fay looked up at me and scooted closer to me. I tried to move away but suddenly her lips were on mine. I tried to open my mouth to tell her to stop but she just shoved her tongue inside to meet mine, her hands going to the back of my head as she held me in place.
My hands reached for her shoulders and, after a moments struggle, I pushed her off.
"Fay, I have a girlfriend," I told her, standing up and beginning to pace. Was that cheating? Did I instigate this? Had I sent off lonely signals?
"Where is she?" Fay asked, standing up and moving closer to me once more. I backed away.
"She lives in West Virginia. She'll be moving here in a few months."
"Tommy's Dad told me that, too. He said he'd join me in a few months, help me raise our son. A year later and still no sign," Fay trailed off and moved closer to me still. "Sometimes I wonder if it's because I'm not attractive enough. What do you think?"
I knew I had to tread carefully, so I backed away more before answering, "Aria will be here. And, Fay, you're a very attractive woman. You just need to meet someone who's worth it."
"But until then…" She trailed off and moved closer to me again. I tried to back away but found myself against the wall. She reached behind her and unzipped her dress, letting it fall to her feet, revealing lacy red underwear.
My eyes roamed her body for a second (I'm was only human) before I looked away, "I should go." I went to walk to the door when Fay stepped in front of me.
"Tell me how I look," she demanded.
"Fay, stop. I'm in love Aria." I tried to step around her but she moved with me. With a frustrated sigh, I looked her squarely in the eyes, "You look fine. Now can I go?"
"But you didn't look properly," she said with a smile, "I don't see why you can't look. Aria's there and you're here." She moved so that her body was pressed up against mine. "I'm here." I stared ahead, not moving, not giving her the opportunity to make me do something I'd regret.
"Goodbye, Fay," I said, "Tommy was fine. I checked on him a few times and he didn't stir." I moved quickly and grabbed my work from the desk, "You're welcome, but next time don't bother asking."
I headed to the door and was about to step through it when Fay's voice called me back.
"You can't tell her, you know," she said, "Long distance relationships are hard enough without infidelity. If she loves you as much as you love her, then this will kill her."
"Then why did you make me do it?" I asked, not turning around.
"I'm lonely," she said, simply, "It's just nice to feel noticed sometimes and I guess I had a little too much wine. I'm sorry, Ezra. I really am."
"Yeah, well, you should be." And with that I stepped out the door and shut it behind me.
Don't kill me. And reviewwwww.
Ezriamuser: thanks :D And you're welcome!
Mlollylucy: Awwh, that's sweet :D Welcome to the story!
ashley-dekok: He is that!
.heart: Haha, sorry for the wait then! Hope you haven't aged too much ;)
HarryLovesGinny09: Thanks!
CheyeM1287: BEST COMPLIMENT EVERRR. Thanks darlin' xx
.dreamers: Oh, I don't know about that. But I try, that's for sure! Thanks x
Madam Thalia: I just had to split the next chapter because it was nearing 6000 words. I think you'll be pleased ;)
NataliaRosePLL: Thanks :D And kudos on the St Paddy's trivia.
Sal: Thanks! And sorry, I kind of failed on that request.
Caligirl28: Awhhh, thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
PrettyLittleFan: He said "indeed!" when I said "You're alive!" and the second time I wished him a Happy St Patrick's Day and he said "Happy St Patty's to you! And to the rest of the world!" I would just like to clear this up, however, and take it from an irish person when I say IT'S ST PADDY'S DAY not St Patty. Rant over. Thanks for the review :D
Notinyourlifetimehoney: I'm glad you had to google Robsten. Respect. Haha :P And read above for the Ian tweets :P And as far as Hardy goes, I'm thinking of making him a new character to get with because he's not really that important in this story... He's gonna be at the wedding so probably will end up with a bridesmaid (or two).
PrincessJasmine12: Thanks :D
HaleyJamesScottNathanScott: Almost finished a new chapter...
