Chapter Two: A Long Goodbye
Hours later, the clock chimed six o'clock. Sirius sat up in bed and looked down at Arielle. She was gazing up at him with her large, grey eyes that so easily mesmerized him, the bed sheets draped over her bare body. He sighed heavily and began to get out of bed but felt two slender arms wrap around him from behind.
"And where do you think you're going?" Arielle whispered seductively in his ear. "I'm not finished with you yet, Mr. Black." A shiver shot down Sirius' spine as he felt Arielle's warm breath on his ear and her body pressed against his from behind. Sirius closed his eyes and tried to ignore the excitement that was growing within him. Arielle's hands began to move south down his body, making his breath quicken.
"Arie," he gasped, pulling himself from her grasp. "You know I have to go to Lily and James' house. Please don't make this any harder than it already is."
A pout formed on Arielle's lips and she sat up. "I hate having to share you," she said, crossing her arms childishly. Sirius looked over at her and sighed. He closed his eyes and slowly buried his face in his hands. The uneasy feeling was returning, stronger and more foreboding than it had been before.
"Sirius?" Arielle said softly, concern in her gently voice, "I'm sorry, honey, I was just kidding with you…"
Sirius' heart nearly broke when he looked up to see Arielle, her grey eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. "It's not you, Arie," he replied, taking her into his arms. She nestled against his muscular chest and wrapped her arms around his waist, trying her best to comfort him. "I love you so much," Sirius whispered, squeezing her tightly for emphasis. "Never ever forget that."
"I won't," Arielle replied, looking up into his deep blue eyes. "How could I forget when I love you so much?" Sirius smiled and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
They stayed like that for a few moments until Sirius finally stirred. "I have to get over to Lily and James' pretty soon," he said with a reluctant sigh. "They're performing the spell at nightfall."
Arielle nodded and climbed out of bed without speaking. She quietly began to pull her clothes on and Sirius did the same. An awkward silence had formed between them when at last Sirius spoke. "I don't think you should stay here tonight, Arie," he said, looking at her. "It probably won't be safe and I don't want anything to happen to you while I'm gone."
"I was already planning on staying with Vicky and Remus," Arielle replied, the fear not entirely gone from her eyes. "I didn't want to be alone tonight…" She trailed off and began fumbling with her belt buckle. Sirius felt a pang of guilt as he watched Arielle avoid his eyes and a thought suddenly popped into his head.
"Wait a minute," he said abruptly, looking at Arielle with concerned eyes. "Isn't tonight a full moon?"
Arielle nodded. "Yeah," she answered. "It's no big deal, though. Remus licks himself in the cellar to transform so everyone's safe. I've been at their house before when he's changed."
Sirius bit his lip nervously and walked to the closet to get a shirt. He didn't like the idea of Arielle staying the night with only a wild werewolf and a pregnant witch for protection if she should need it. He bit his tongue though, for he'd rather have her there than be at home alone.
When the two of them were both dressed and ready, they exited though the front door and went into the garage. Sirius' enchanted motorcycle stood in the dimly lit building, but before the mounted it, Sirius turned to face Arielle. She looked up into his eyes and Sirius wished more than anything he could make the fear in them disappear. He pulled her close to him and buried his face in her long hair, breathing in her comforting scent. He felt her whole body begin to shake, and a soft sob escaped from her throat, only to be muffled in Sirius' chest. Sirius closed his eyes when he felt them start to burn, threatening to spill tears. He refused to let himself cry in front of Arielle, he would stay strong for her sake.
When Arielle had stopped crying, she looked up at Sirius, her eyes red and bloodshot. "Promise me," she said, her voice raspy and quivering, "Promise me you'll come back to me."
"I promise, Arie," Sirius said gently, pressing his forehead against her. "And you promise me you'll stay safe."
Arielle smiled through her tears. "I'll do my best," she answered. Sirius returned her smile and scooped her up into his arms, squeezing her tightly. He walked over to his bike and plopped her down on the seat, then climbed on himself. He turned the key and the motorcycle roared to life. He felt Arielle's arms wrap themselves securely around his waist and he stepped on the gas.
The bike peeled out of the garage and out onto the street. Sirius checked to make sure the coast was clear of muggles then he shifted into flight mode. Arielle squealed as she always did when the motorcycle gave a sudden jerk and lifted off the ground. Sirius laid on the gas and he and Arielle shot through the air toward Remus and Victoria's house.
After about ten minutes of flying, Sirius landed the bike in front of a small but comfortable looking house. He hopped off his motorcycle then helped Arielle climb off as well. The two of them walked hand in hand to the front door and were greeted by a dark-haired, extremely pregnant woman.
"Arie!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Arielle in an embrace. "Sirius!" she shouted, hugging him, too. "Come in, come in, Remus is around here somewhere…"
Arielle and Sirius entered the house, both smiling. "Shouldn't you be resting, Vicky?" Arielle asked in a critical voice.
"I keep telling her that but you know how she is," said a voice coming from the next room. Victoria rolled her eyes as her husband entered the room. Remus looked slightly pale and sickly but he still hugged Arielle enthusiastically and slapped Sirius heartily on the back. "So how are the two lovebirds getting along?" Remus asked with a grin. "Sick of each other yet?"
Arielle smiled as Sirius put an arm around her. "I am happy to say that Arie and I are as much in love now as we've ever been," Sirius said dramatically, finishing with a cheesy grin. Arielle rolled her eyes and Victoria laughed.
"We'll see how long that lasts," Remus replied and Victoria smacked him. "I was just joking, dear," he said, kissing his wife on the cheek. "If they're lucky, their love will be like ours and only grow stronger over time." Victoria smiled and kissed Remus softly as Sirius smirked.
"Wow, that was a good one, Mooney," he said with a laugh. "I'll have to remember that one." The four of them continued to talk for a while until Sirius sighed and made for the door.
"I'm sorry guys, but I really have to get over to Lily and James'," he said grimly. He turned to Arielle and she threw her arms around him.
"I love you, baby," she whispered, her eyes tightly shut to hold back more tears.
"I love you too, Arie," Sirius replied softly. "I'll be back for you tomorrow." They broke apart after a couple minutes and Sirius opened the door.
"Good luck, Padfoot," Remus called.
"Yes, be careful, Sirius," Victoria added. Sirius smiled at them all then closed the door behind him and was gone.
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