Chapter 15
First Date
"Oh blessed, blessed night! I am afeard, Being in night, all this is but a dream, Too flatteringly-sweet to be substantial."
William Shakespeare
I awoke a few minutes before my alarm. Was it all a dream? It did seem to good to be true, oh but it felt so real. I bit my lip as I thought of how Ariston held me and kissed me, of what his perfect marble-like body felt like. I felt dizzy at the thought. I shook my head, trying to clear it, trying being the word. I got up and walked into my bathroom and went to the sink to brush my teeth. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I saw the proof on my neck and shoulder that last night was not a dream.
I examined the many love bites on my neck and shoulder, heat filling my cheeks and the rest of me as I thought back to how each and every one was made. My knees almost gave out at the thought and I laughed breathlessly. They seemed almost completely healed, bruises of any kind have never lasted long on me, it must be a 'Descendant' thing. I brushed my teeth and got into a shower. When I was finished I went into my closet. I smiled at the new clothing. I put on a simple skirt and luckily found a white lace, V-neck, button down shirt with cap sleeves that covered up most of the love bites. My hair would most likely cover the ones on my neck, but I did not want to take the chance that I might forget and put my hair up.
I knew I needed to put concealer on so nobody would see, but I had none of my own. I put my hand on my neck, trying to be casual about it as I walked into the living room.
"Margret?" I called. "Could I borrow some concealer?"
"Sure, what for?" Margret asked from her bedroom. She sounded confused, I never wear make up.
"I have a zit." I lied. She walked into the living room from her bedroom carrying the concealer.
"You don't get zit's." Margret said, smiling at me in a knowing way. "Move your hand." She said. I lifted my left hand and she rolled her eyes. "The other hand." I sighed and blushed when I did. She smiled as she looked at my neck.
"Hmm, it appears I was not the only one who had a good night." She said, I blushed deeply.
"It did not get that far." I told her.
"These hickeys would suggest other wise. Ariston?" Margret asked. I nodded. She came up to me and looked at the love bites. "Wow, these seem pretty healed, they usually take days to go away on me." She said. "Details?" She asked as we walked into my bathroom. She started applying the make up and looked at me to begin the story.
"I told Ariston that I love him." I told her with a great smile.
"And?" She asked.
"In short, he told me that he is in love with me and has been since the day we met." I told her. "Then he kissed me… things progressed from there. The passion was…" I shook my head and took a deep breath while biting my lip, not being able to find the right word.
"And?" She prodded with her smile, my smile grew.
"We came back here and talked more, and kissed more." I told her, purposefully leaving out the battle I watched and the knowledge I gained last night. "Things were intense, wonderfully so. I thought that it was going to be it. I would not have regretted it if he had let himself continue… but he stopped, even though I begged him not to. He told me again that he loves me and that he wants to build a relationship and a future for us before we take that step."
"He really does love you." Margret said with sincerity in her voice and a smile.
"I know." I replied with a smile when something occurred to me. "Margret? Why does this makeup match my skin tone?" I asked her. Her skin is lighter than mine, her makeup should not match my skin, unless...
"I bought it for you while we were in New York, I knew something like this was bound to happen sooner or later." She said with a smile.
"Thank you." I said.
"Did you hear that storm last night?" Margret asked. "How weird was that? There was not a cloud in the sky when we went inside, remember? I leapt into Jack's arms when the first of the thunder came, luckily it did not last long."
"It was quite a storm." I said, my voice sounding as far away as my mind was.
In my mind I saw the storm last night. I saw Ariston fighting those beasts, the Shadows, with glowing eyes and swords as he moved like the wind and struck like the lighting that was around him. I saw the bolts of lightning turn those Shadows into nothing.
"There, done." Margret smiled, bringing me out of my reverie.
"Thank you." I kissed her cheek.
I quickly brushed my hair out and grabbed my bag. I hurried out the door with a quick goodbye to Margret and reached the History Classroom ten minutes later due to my quick walking. I was hoping that perhaps I would be able to talk to Ariston alone before class starts. I longed to kiss him again.
Much to my disappointment, he was not in the classroom when I arrived. I sighed as I walked in. A moment later I heard the door click closed behind me. I turned to see Ariston standing there looking at me with such a smile, wearing gray dress pants and a dark blue dress shirt with a few of the buttons undone. My heart lurched in my chest at the sight of him and I smiled back breathlessly.
I was about to run to him when in a moment's time, he stood before me, inches away. My mind could hardly process how quickly he had moved, I was staring at his chest. Ariston gently took hold of my chin and tilted my head up until our eyes met. After a moment of gazing into my eyes, he leaned down and brushed his lips across mine in a tender kiss that set the storm raging throughout my body once again.
My arms wound around his neck as he wrapped his arm around my waist, his hand that had been holding my chin, brushed across my cheekbone before tangling in my hair. We kissed passionately, to the point where there was almost no air left in my lungs.
When our lips parted my whole body was tingling as we held each other. I savored his warmth as I held him as close as I could, our lips only centimeters apart and our foreheads touching, all the while thanking god or the Fates or whomever that last night was real.
"Thank god." I breathed. "I worried that last night was all a dream when I woke up this morning." I told him breathlessly.
"You have dreams like that?" Ariston asked, sounding just as breathless. I chuckled and blushed.
"Only about you." I told him, looking into his eyes, surrounded by the sky blue from our proximity.
"What made you know it was real?" Ariston asked, I blushed deeply.
"My neck and shoulder." I told him.
"Ah," He smiled and leaned back to get a better look at me. He brushed my hair over my shoulder and moved my shirt over a bit, examining the marks he made. "I can take care of those for you if you wish." He offered.
"That would be wonderful." I smiled.
My heart pounded as he undid a few buttons on my blouse and moved it off my shoulder, my lace bra was just barely exposed, which I saw him make note of. Ariston leaned down and his warm, granite-like lips gently bushed against my shoulder, I closed my eyes while melting into his embrace at the feeling. I could feel his warmth and essence seeping into me and healing the marks he made. It was an overwhelming, overpowering feeling, I gasped. He continued kissing up my shoulder slowly, kissing away each of the love bites he made. By the time he reached my neck I was clutching onto him, my heart pounding in my chest and my breathing ragged. I could feel his hot breath on my neck, I had no idea if he had finished healing me or not.
"I am trying to heal these for you my love. However, if you keep holding me like that, I might end up making them darker." Ariston's voice was deeper with desire as his nose traced my neck.
"I would not mind." I said breathlessly as my fingers went into his warm, soft curls.
In one of his quick movements, he moved away and sat at his desk. I realized that my shirt was back in place, and not a moment later students came pouring through the door and I smiled as I took my seat. My heart was still pounding. I noticed that Ariston's cheeks were faintly glowing a golden hue, I wonder if that is how he blushes.
I watched Ariston as I always do when he teaches. His eyes met mine for an immeasurable moment every now and then, and each time I saw deep emotions playing within his sky blue eyes. He was smiling, a secret smile that was meant only for me. My heart skipped a beat and heat filled my cheeks each time our eyes met. I wonder if everyone else can see the change in him today, his happiness.
When the class ended I waited for everyone else to leave the classroom, not caring what anyone would say about my staying behind yet again. Ariston walked over to the door and shut it. When he did, he turned to me and smiled that crooked grin.
"Mera." He sighed my name and we ran to each other.
I leapt into his waiting arms and we kissed. It felt like a year had passed since I had last tasted his lips. I thought I might burst from all the happiness within me. When the kiss ended we gazed into each other's eyes.
"I am sorry about last night," Ariston said. "As much as I would have loved to stay with you, it would not have been right."
"I understand." I said. If he feels even half as much desire for me as I do for him, then it will not be long before he is pleading with me. That thought made me smile and blush further.
"May I take you out to dinner tonight?" Ariston asked.
"Why Ariston, are you asking me out on a date?" I asked in a playful tone, he chuckled.
"I believe I am." He said as he caressed my cheek.
"I would love to, what time?" I asked.
"I will pick you up at your apartment at 6pm" He said.
"Ariston, if you pick me up at my apartment, everyone will know." I said, hoping he would understand what was worrying me, he did.
"Mera, in case you have forgotten, I am a god, the laws do not exactly apply to me." Ariston said with a smile.
"Still, you could lose your job for dating a student." I said.
"You think my job could be more important than you?" Ariston asked with that smile of his. The answer was easy to see in his eyes. "I took this job because of you, and now I keep it to be with you. I am only here because you are."
"I do not want to make things complicated for you." I said, Ariston laughed.
"It is a little late for that," He said, shaking his head with a big smile. "Mera, you have turned my whole world upside down, and in turn you have brought me a joy I thought I would never know again." I was once again breathless at his words as I smiled to him.
"People will talk." I said, he smiled.
"Let them; I love you and I am not ashamed of that." He replied tenderly, I smiled, amazed by this great god once again.
"What should I wear?" I asked.
"I will send something for you." He said, then shook his head as he looked at me. "You are so beautiful, Mera." He said in a tender voice.
I looked into his eyes, embraced by liquid sky blue, and saw such deep emotion playing within them. He leaned down and kissed me, my arms quickly went around him to deepen the kiss, his hand went into my hair and his arm wound around my waist, holding my body to his. Things were getting intense when he pulled away. I looked up into his eyes, they were hungry but he seemed to be in control of it. I could see his smile in his eyes.
"There is no rush, we have time. This is only the beginning, my Mera." Ariston said, his voice loving and tender.
'My Mera' I love how that sounds on his lips. I felt so blissful, my heart soaring at the truth he had spoken. He is right, this is only the beginning for us. He kissed my forehead gently then held me close for a moment, I relished it.
"You should go. You would not want to be late for your next class, would you?" Ariston asked just before the bell rang.
I sighed. We reluctantly let go of each other and I was walking to the door when I heard his voice.
"Mera?" Ariston said, I turned to look at him, and he smiled to me. "I love you." I was breathless at the profound truth in his words.
"I love you, my Ariston." I said, the same truth in my voice. His smile grew at that.
We stood there smiling to each other for a moment before I found the will to turn and walk away.
The school day seemed to drag on and on, I felt like I was floating on a cloud the whole time. Ariston was all I could think about, but that was nothing new. I was grateful when my last class ended. Margret and I walked back to our dorm together.
"What is that scent?" Margret asked when we walked into our apartment. "It smells like roses."
"I am not sure." I said.
There was a note on my bedroom door written in beautiful script, I knew the handwriting. It read:
For you my love…
I walked into my bedroom and gasped, my hand flying to my heart. It was filled with hundreds of vases of red roses, their heavenly fragrance hung heavily in the air. They were everywhere, I smiled and shook my head in amazement.
"Oh Ariston." I said in a breath.
"What is it Mera?" Margret asked, she walked in and gasped. "Oh my."
There was a large blue box on my bed with a single red rose next to it, I walked over to it. There was another note on top with my name written on it. I opened it up and read it.
My Dearest Mera...
I hope you find the gown to your liking.
All my love, Your Ariston
P.S. Enjoy the roses
I smiled and shook my head. I opened up the box and gasped at the soft pink silk in there. Inside was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. I took it out, it was cool to the touch and felt like silk, just like the material Ariston's clothing is made out of. Cloud silk he had called it. I knew the gown would be just my size.
"Wow." Margret said.
"You took the word right out of my mouth." I said.
Of course Ariston did not stop at just a dress, he gave me shoes and a clutch, both of which were white and beautifully detailed.
"He has great taste." Margret commented, all I could do was nod.
I took a shower and wrapped my hair up in a towel and read Ariston's notes once again. I took out my phone and dialed his number.
"Hello Mera." He answered on the first ring. His very voice made me swoon, I had to sit down on my bed.
"You are far too generous, did you know that?" I asked, a smile in my voice. He chuckled.
"How is the dress?" He asked.
"It is perfect, I cannot wait to put it on. I love the clutch and shoes as well. Thank you." I told him.
"You are very welcome." Ariston said.
"I should be going, I need to get ready." I said.
"As do I." He replied.
We ended up doing the same thing we did last time we talked on the phone, both waiting for the other person to hang up the phone because we could not bring ourselves to. After about ten minutes of this, we finally said goodbye and I put my dress on.
I looked at myself in the full-length mirror, the dress was, of course, a perfect fit. It was a soft pink layered dress with a large jeweled detail on my waist. The draped bustier with soft pleating gave it a flowing look. The deep V-neck in the front was sexy but still somewhat modest while the thick straps crisscrossed over the open back of the gown. What really amazed me was how comfortable it was.
The white shoes were hidden underneath the floor length gown and the purse brought out the light color in the dress. I spun in the gown, delighting in the way the cool silky fabric moved with my movements. Margret gasped when she saw me.
"That dress is perfect on you." She said as she looked at it.
"Would you do my hair?" I asked her, she smiled and nodded.
Margret brought me into her room and pinned my hair up softly. It looked perfect. I heard a knock on the door and smiled to Margret as I hurried out to open it.
Ariston looked into my eyes and smiled then looked me over in the dress. I twirled with a smile, the silk dancing around me. His face was priceless, his jaw unhinged. I am going to have to draw that next time I have a chance. I was just as amazed by what he wore, a black silk suit with a white dress shirt and a blue tie that brought out his eyes. He looked like the god he is.
"What do you think?" I asked him.
"You are stunning, beautiful beyond all words," Ariston said looking into my eyes. "The dress is not bad either." He added in and I laughed and blushed.
"You flatter me." I said.
"No, I am simply stating the obvious, my love." He said, his voice so gentle and genuine.
"You look so very handsome." I told him, Ariston smiled.
He caressed my cheek then leaned down and kissed my lips, a sweet kiss that left me breathless.
"I have missed you my Mera." He whispered.
"You just saw me this morning." I said.
"A life time ago you mean." He said, I chuckled and we kissed again.
"Hi, Mr. Crete." Margret said.
Ariston stopped kissing me and looked at Margret. His face was glowing golden again from our kissing, he had such a smile upon his lips. I do love his smile.
"Hello, Miss Petrova. You are welcome to call me Ariston outside of the classroom." He said.
"Alright, Ariston." She smiled then looked to me. "I will get your coat." With that she walked out of the room.
"I do have one more thing to complete the outfit." Ariston said to me.
He pulled a large red velvet jewelry box out from behind his back, and opened it up before me. I gasped.
"It was you! You bought it?" I asked in amazement. The smile on his face because of my excitement was even more beautiful than the gift.
"I saw you admiring it in New York and could not help myself, I saw how much you wanted it." Ariston told me.
I admired the beautiful pink pearls in the jewelry box, the same double strand I tried on and loved so much in Saks Fifth Avenue when I was in New York.
"I knew you were there." I said, looking up into his sky blue eyes.
"You were not supposed to see me." Ariston said with that smirk, his voice low. "May I?"
I nodded. He took the pearls out and I turned around, he lowered the necklace over my head then fastened it around my neck, his warm fingers lingering on my neck in a way that made my heart skip a beat. I turned around to look at him, into those eyes that are far more beautiful than any jewel could hope to be.
"Perfect." He said.
I stroked the pearls with my fingers and smiled, knowing he was speaking of me and not the necklace. My heart has not beat at a normal pace since we met, it is always either fluttering or pounding, even when I am not with him. This god is that much a part of me.
"Thank you." I smiled then closed my eyes as I realized something. Irritation slipped into me but when I opened my eyes to see him watching me with fascination, my irritation evaporated in an instant. "You are going to be just as bad as Margret, aren't you?"
I knew he would know I was speaking about his buying things for me. I tried to be irritated with him, but it was impossible. Ariston laughed and shook his head.
"Oh no my love, I am going to be far worse." He said with a devilish grin. I shook my head and I could not help the chuckle that escaped my lips. "Is there something wrong with my wanting to lavish the woman I love with beautiful gifts?" He asked.
"No, I suppose not." I said with a sigh. "As long as you know that that is not why I am with you. I do not care about diamonds or fancy things. I love you and I would want to be with you even if you were poor. Money means nothing to me."
"I know my Mera." He said with knowing eyes that saw into my soul. I smiled. "And I hope you know that I am not trying to buy you with these gifts." My smile grew.
"I know that my love." I told him. "And besides, you cannot buy what is already yours." He sighed and shook his head, that same smile on his face and within his eyes. I placed my hand on his chest and leaned up and kissed him, then lingered with my forehead resting against his.
"Here you are." Margret said a moment later. I turned around and took my jacket. "Sorry to interrupt." She added.
"It is alright, I will see you later." I kissed Margret's cheek then turned back to Ariston.
"Allow me." Ariston said, taking my jacket and holding it out for me.
I smiled, no one has ever done that for me. I slipped my arms through the sleeves and turned to him. He held his arm out to me and I wrapped my arm through his and smiled to him. We walked out of my apartment and through the halls towards the stairs. The students that were walking the halls watched us with gaping expressions, and I realized that it made no matter to me what they might think. I love Ariston and I am going to be with him, always, and that is that. We got the same expressions as we walked down the grand staircase and out the stained glass double doors. A limo was waiting outside for us. The driver opened the door and Ariston helped me in then slid in beside me.
"Where are we going tonight?" I asked him.
"It is a surprise." He smiled and my smile grew. I do love surprises.
We sat in a comfortable silence holding hands for the short ride, before we arrived at the airport and pulled up in front of a jet that was the size of a Boeing 747. The plane was painted in a pearlescent pure white, with the logo being a gold Omega symbol with the ID numbers next to it. The most amazing thing about the aircraft was that the middle of it was made of an arch of glass.
"Is that yours?" I asked.
"It is." Ariston said.
"If you are trying to impress me, it is working." I told him, he laughed as the limo came to a stop.
Even with how we are with each other, Ariston's hand did not stray below the middle of my back as he guided me towards the plane. Very respectful, I thought with a smile. We climbed on board and were greeted by the captain. The interior was amazing! It was like a house. Ariston led me through different cabins to the glass room, it had a brown leather couch with a matching love seat and four chairs with stunning décor and white carpets.
"Wow." I said in amazement.
"I am glad you like it. May I take your coat?" Ariston asked.
I smiled and nodded and he helped me out of my coat and laid it over a chair, then took his blazer off and placed it over the chair so he was just wearing his white silk button down shirt with the blue tie. I noticed that he was wearing pale pink cuff links that were the same color as my dress, I liked that we matched. I placed my clutch on the chair.
"Do you mind if I take my shoes off?" I asked with a smile.
"Of course not, make yourself at home." Ariston's voice was kind and genuine. I took off my shoes and placed them at the foot of the chair. "Would you like to have a seat?" He asked. I nodded and we sat on the plush leather couch next to each other.
"Why do you have an airplane when you can just teleport wherever you need to go?" I wondered.
"It is nice to travel in style from time to time." Ariston said with a smile.
"I suppose I can understand that, if I had a plane like this I would want to fly in it as well." I said, looking around again.
"My Mera, anything that is mine is yours to use at your leisure." Ariston said, I looked back into his eyes.
"Truly?" I asked.
"Of course, there is nothing I would deny you." He said, I blushed and smiled.
"Nothing?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Have we not been over this?" Ariston asked, then he chuckled. "You know, it is hard enough trying to keep my hands off of you as it is. You do not make things easier." I smiled and he chuckled. We sat there, and my mind started racing with questions, so many things I want to know.
"You look about ready to burst with questions." Ariston laughed.
"I am." I admitted.
"By all means, ask away." Ariston said.
"Can you read my mind?" I asked. He chuckled.
"No, not yours. Any mortals mind is open to me and others who have earned the title of god or goddess. However, we are unable to listen into the minds of Gods, Demigods and Descendants." He explained. "Next question." I smiled.
"What about mind control?" I asked. "I noticed what you did to that officer after I fought off the mugger."
"It is not so much that I was controlling her," Ariston said. "I simply planted the thought in her mind and made it irresistible for her to say yes. I could not do that to anyone with divine ichor within them, such as you. I have no power over you." Ariston assured me.
"I would not say that." I told him, our smiles grew.
"Next?" He asked.
"What of the other gods? Your family?" I asked.
"They are your family as well Mera, you are descended from them. They are your grandmothers and grandfathers." He said.
"Can I meet them?" I asked.
"Of course you may, they can hardly wait to meet you." Ariston paused. "However, I would like to ask you if you would consider waiting a few weeks to do so." I saw something in his eyes, he hid it well enough that I could not make it out.
"For what reason?" I asked.
"I just got you. I am not ready to share you yet. I want you for my own for a while." He said.
"But my Ariston, I am your own." I told him. He smiled.
"I realize that. However, when you go to Olympus everyone is going to want to become acquainted with you. I am going to hardly get to see you and I cannot bare the thought of being parted from you just yet." Ariston said.
"I suppose a few weeks would not hurt." I told him, he smiled and sighed.
"Thank you my love." He leaned down and kissed my lips. "Next question." He almost whispered. When I could think somewhat clearly again, I chose another question from my arsenal.
"You said that you are not human. What exactly are gods? How do you work?" I asked.
"Souls are immortal," Ariston began. "Or, better said, souls live until they are destroyed. That is only done in worse case scenarios, when a soul is so corrupted by evil that it will do nothing but harm to the Worlds."
"The Worlds?" I asked, not understanding the term.
"The Earth consists of four worlds; the Ocean; the Earth itself, where mortals reside; the Underworld, where souls go after they leave their bodies until they are reborn, and the High Heavens where most gods reside.
"Back to your other question." Ariston said. "The souls that reside within human bodies, which we refer to as vessels, each have a drop of the Divine within them, it is how their souls are immortal. Gods have two drops of the Divine, or so the stories say. We do not need a vessel to exist outside the Underworld. You saw me when I teleported you, that is my most basic form, one of light. That golden light is called ichor, it is the golden essence gods are made of. Our form resembles a mortal's body on the outside but we are different within. You did not hear my heart beat, because I have no heart within me, I have no need for one or any other organs." Ariston explained.
"What of children? Is the... process the same?" I asked, he smiled and almost laughed at how I asked.
"Yes, that is how we are able to mate with humans." He said. "The child that is brought forth though the union of a mortal and a god will always be the same, a soul with the potential of being a god within a mortal vessel. The mortals very soul is made stronger from their divine parent. They are known as Demigods. Because of the divinity within them, Demigods are stronger, faster and smarter than even the greatest mortals. They are born and destined for greatness. When their bodies die they become immortal if the divinity is strong enough within them. If it is not, then the soul is reborn into another body when the time comes."
I placed my hand on Ariston's chest, feeling his warmth through his cloud silk shirt, the material of which was quite thin.
"So that is what you are." I said with a smile. "What about the warmth? Is that another divine attribute?" I asked, looking into his eyes.
"It is." He answered.
"Do you get overheated?" I asked him. Ariston shook his head.
"Heat and cold do not affect me the same way it does a mortal." Ariston told me. "I feel the changes in temperature but it does not affect me. I could stand naked during a blizzard in the south poll and be perfectly warm." I blushed at the image my mind created and averted my eyes.
I looked out the window and was amazed to see that we were in the air, I could not remember taking off. It was quiet, I could not hear the engines. I rose from the couch and walked towards the wall of glass. The clouds, painted in the hues of the sunset, were so beautiful below me. I felt Ariston's arm around my shoulders a moment later, I rested my head on his shoulder.
"How is the pressure not shattering the glass?" I asked him.
"It is because that is not glass." He told me. "It is made of pure diamond, that was melted and formed into this singular piece." I was shocked and shook my head, knowing I would have to get used to such information, seeing as how I am dating a wonderful god I am completely in love with. My focus shifted to the stunning view.
"I have always felt at home up here. I feel as if I belong among the clouds." I told him.
"That is because you do, my Mera." Ariston said softly into my ear. "Olympus is above the clouds. It is a view much like this."
"I saw that in a dream, the first dream I have ever had on Friday night." I told him. "I was on a mountain above the clouds, looking down on water far below. There were pillars of white marble veined with gold, like the marble in your home."
"That is Olympus." Ariston said.
"Do you think you will return? Will you live there once again?" I asked.
"Of course, it is my home. I will be leaving within a month if all goes as planned." He said.
Sadness gripped me at his words and I found myself fighting back tears. I could not breathe. He is leaving. Will I ever see him again after that? I laid my head on his chest and wrapped my arms around his body, all the while not being able to imagine how I would or even could ever live without him.
"What is it?" Ariston asked, stroking my hair as he held me.
"You're leaving." I said, looking up at him. Understanding came into his eyes.
"Not without you." He stated. My sadness went away then and there. I held onto him closer, sighing in relief. "Mera, how could you ever possibly believe for one moment that I could live without you?" Ariston asked.
"I suppose I was being foolish." I admitted. "The idea of not having you in my life is inconceivable… I cannot go back to the way things were before you. I love you and I need you, more than I could ever hope to put into words." Ariston pulled back to look into my eyes as he shook his head in disbelief.
"You say how you need me, but what you do not seem to understand is that I am the one who needs you." Ariston paused for a moment. "I do not know how to explain what my life was like, what I was like, before you. I was fragmented, lifeless. I did my duties and went through all the motions of life but felt nothing. I made myself numb, it was easier than dealing with the pain.
"I would bed women I cared nothing for, just so that for a few hours I could forget what my life had become since my wife and sons died." He smiled then, his eyes holding so much love and gratitude as he laid his hand upon my cheek. "Then you walk into my life and with that first smile you gave me, you ignited a fire within me that I thought was long gone. You make me feel passion and love and need, things I thought were gone, lost to the pain and sorrow that plagued my days. You give me hope, my Mera, hope for a life filled with such joys. You bring me a peace and a love that I could never hope to repay you for." I smiled and placed my hand on his cheek, my heart filled with love.
"It would seem to me my Ariston, that we are both rather helpless without each other." I said, he smiled and nodded his agreement.
What we have discovered, our weakness, which is also our strength, is for us alone to truly know of. Besides, it was not as if we could ever hope to explain this love we share. I leaned up and kissed him, a sweet, long, lingering kiss.
"I love you, my Ariston." I said, breathlessly.
"I love you, my Mera." He said.
I laid my head against his chest and enjoyed the peace I always find while within his embrace. I found that I liked the quiet in place of the noise of a beating heart, it is peaceful.
"Mera, look." Ariston said a few minutes later. I turned my head and looked out the window and my smile grew.
"New York?" I asked, looking out over the city lights.
"There is a restaurant here I thought you would enjoy." Ariston said. I smiled to him. "We may want to sit down for the descent."
He led me to the couch and we sat down, my head on his shoulder and his arm wrapped around me. I looked out the window, watching the tall, lit buildings go by in the distance. Minutes later we landed at LaGuardia International Airport. We did not pull up to a gate, the plane stopped by a huge aircraft hanger instead.
I got up and put on my shoes, then Ariston helped me with my coat and I grabbed my clutch while he put his black blazer back on. We held hands as he led me from the plane. The same white Rolls Royce I rode in with Kallisto was waiting for us. It is hard to believe that was only yesterday, it feels almost another lifetime ago. After getting in the car, I looked over at Ariston to see that his eyes were on me. I smiled to him and he gave my hand the gentlest of squeezes. It is amazing how much can change in a day. My whole world changed in one day.
We arrived at a beautiful restaurant twenty minutes later, its architecture was French, with white stucco and blue shutters and flower boxes. A valet helped me out of the car, and when Ariston got out a moment later I took his arm. He led me into the restaurant, the place was packed, people were talking to the hostess while many people were sitting on couches and chairs as they waited for tables.
On a huge blackboard was a sentence written in French, then again in English.
Ce soir, Le Château est l'honneur de présenter la magnifique Rebecca Corriea.
Tonight, The Chateau is honored to present the wonderful Rebecca Corriea.
We checked my coat then Ariston and I walked up to the hostess. I could see her reaction to him, her eyes widening and her jaw becoming unhinged for a moment before she reined in her expression, or tried to at least. I could not blame her, remembering the first time I had seen the god next to me.
"Réservations pour Crète?" Ariston said in fluent French. The woman smiled.
"Votre table est prête. Redressez de cette façon." She replied in beautiful French, it was obviously her first language.
She picked up two menus and led us through a portion of the restaurant and outside. A grid of wires wrapped in strands of glittering gold hung above the flagstone dance floor, they provided a perfect ambient lighting without removing the view of the stars and moon. Beyond the dance floor, a string quartet in white topcoats played upon the stage. In front of them was a mic on a stand, waiting for tonight's singer.
Around the dance floor, tables were set underneath rod iron trellises with climbing roses and candles hanging from them, each trellis had silk curtains that were pulled back. It was a stunning and romantic set up. There were ten trellis covered tables outlining the dance floor and ten more beyond them.
I looked up and smiled at the stars and constellations as the sweet music and the sounds of night floated around Ariston and I.
Our table was simple, with a white silk tablecloth, gold utensils and plates with red napkins with large gold rings around them. In the center of the table the head of a open white rose floating in a bowl of water, with red rose petals floating around it. Ariston held my chair out for me and I took the seat he offered.
After Ariston took his seat, the hostess spoke more words in French and I believe Ariston thanked her, she blushed and walked away. I looked at him, smiling.
"What?" He asked.
"So I take it you are used to women falling all over you?" I asked.
"I take it you are used to men falling all over you?" He asked, I chuckled.
I looked at the menu and sighed, it is in French, of course it is in French.
"Ariston?" I said, slightly embarrassed.
"Yes my love." He looked up at me from his menu.
"I cannot speak or read French." I admitted.
"Not to worry, I can do both. What would you like?" He asked.
"Anything that is good, I have never been picky. No snails though." I said.
"Are you certain? They actually are not that bad." He teased.
"Quite certain." I said. Ariston chuckled and I smiled.
The waiter came and began speaking in French, I gathered that he was telling us the specials. When he would glance at me I would smile as if I knew what he was talking about.
Ariston replied in perfect French, it almost seemed as if Ariston spoke the language better than our waiter did. He and the waiter conversed for a few minutes before the waiter took our menus and walked away. Ariston looked back to me and laughed.
"That man speaks in French and thinks in Spanish, it is very distracting." Ariston said and I chuckled.
"Why am I not surprised you speak French as well?" I asked. He smiled.
"I can speak every language that has ever been spoken." Ariston said as if it were nothing.
"How is that?" I asked.
"It is a talent of my kind, we can speak any language so that we can communicate with anyone, anywhere. It comes in quite handy." He said.
I rested my elbows on the table and rested my chin upon my hands, looking at the beautiful god before me.
"So what other talents do you have other than being a great kisser, great dancer, an amazing horse rider and speaking every language known to man and gods?" I asked, he chuckled.
"There are many things we can do." He said.
"Such as?" I asked.
Ariston glanced around then touched one of the petals of the full white rose floating in the bowl with a glowing finger. The rose closed, twirling in on itself, becoming a bud again. I was amazed, my eyes wide as saucers. He touched the rose bud with his golden glowing finger again, and it unfurled to its full beauty once again. What Ariston had done was beautiful and stunning in its simplicity.
"Wow." I said in a breath. I realized then how beautiful his hands are, they are large like most men's, with long fingers. There was something about them that made me smile, they, like everything else about him, were perfect, beautiful. I looked up into his eyes with amazement. "That is amazing." I told him, speaking of what he had done with the rose.
Ariston smiled at my wonder. The food came shortly after, a three-course meal. The scents were as beautiful as the food itself. Our first course was a wonderful mushroom soup. The second was our main course, Ariston ordered the duck for me and steak for himself. The meat was juicy and tender and tasted as delicious as it looked and smelled.
The waiter brought out a bottle of wine with the second course and poured some into Ariston's glass. Ariston swirled the red wine in the glass, sniffed it, then took a sip.
"Très bon." Ariston said to the waiter with a smile.
The waiter poured more into Ariston's glass once he saw that Ariston liked the vintage. I was surprised when he also poured me a glass. I have always looked older than my age. The waiter smiled to Ariston and I then walked away, leaving the bottle with us.
"Have you had wine before?" Ariston asked me.
"A sip at my uncle's wedding just to see what it tasted like." I admitted. "I did not like it, it was bitter."
"It was most likely a cheap wine," Ariston said, swirling the red liquid in his glass. "A wine like this is smoother and more flavorful since it has been aged and has a nice body to it. I have always preferred sweeter wines, anyways."
"I am too young." I said. Ariston smiled and shook his head.
"Mera, I am not trying to get you drunk, I just thought that perhaps you would enjoy some wine with dinner. Father let me have a glass of wine with dinner by the time I was ten. It is not a strong wine, I do not drink anything with too much alcohol in it, it takes away from the taste of the fruit." Ariston stated.
"I suppose a sip would not hurt." I gave in. I was curious what it would taste like.
I picked the glass up and sniffed it, it smelled nice. I took a small sip, it tasted sweet, I even tasted a hint of cinnamon. I enjoyed it.
"What do you think?" Ariston asked.
"I like it, thank you." I said, he smiled and took a sip of his wine then raised his glass in a toast.
"To the blessing of finding you and your love, I am forever grateful." Ariston toasted. "To the first of many beautiful nights to come."
"Cheers." I said with a smile and clinked my glass with his then took a sip of the delicious wine.
The wine went perfectly with dinner. After we ate the second course it was time for dessert. The waiter brought us a plate with two thick slices of rich chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream with raspberry, chocolate and caramel sauces drizzled over the top and red and white rose petals around the plate. It was delicious.
I took my napkin off my lap and wiped the corners of my mouth after we finished.
"That was… divine." I said, Ariston and I both chuckled. "I am happy you enjoyed it." He said.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ariston and I turned to see a man in a tux on the stage. "I am honored to present the wonderfully talented Rebecca Corriea." He announced. Ariston and I clapped along with everyone else as a beautiful woman with dark brown hair walked onto the stage in a sleek black dress. Rebecca's guitar hung from a red strap around her shoulder.
"This song is called Bring On The Rain." Rebecca said. Ariston stood and came over to me with his hand held out.
"May I have this dance?" He asked.
"You may." I said taking his hand.
He led me to the middle of the dance floor and gently pulled me in close. He wrapped his arm around my waist, his hand resting on my bare back. I placed my hand on his shoulder as he took my other hand in his and held it against his chest as we began slow dancing. Everyone else in restaurant faded away, there was only Ariston, myself and the music as we glided in a slow circle, cheek to cheek. I would be more than content to spend the rest of forever right here, dancing in his arms.
As I listened to the lyrics of the song my smile grew, they made me think of Ariston.
"I love you." Ariston whispered in my ear placing a lingering kiss on my right temple.
"I love you." I said breathlessly.
He stepped back and spun me, I laughed and then was back in his arms dancing as we were before, only now we were looking into each other's eyes. There was no pain in his eyes, only joy and love. His hand left mine on his chest, reaching up and caressing my cheek so tenderly before he leaned in and kissed my lips, a slow sweet kiss that made me feel like we were flying. It felt like everything was spinning around us, as if Ariston and I were the only things in the world that were real and substantial. It was all I could do to remember that we were not alone. We kissed and danced and kissed for the next hour to Rebecca's beautiful music.
We walked back to our table and I finished the other half of my first glass of wine and Ariston drank another glass, it did not seem to have an affect on him. Ariston offered me another glass and I accepted. However, the wine was beginning to take hold of me as I began to drink a few sips of my second glass. I started giggling.
"I believe the wine has gone to your head my love." Ariston said.
"I think you are right." I said in between giggles. He smiled and shook his head. I did not even finish a quarter of the second glass. "I seem to be a real light weight." I said, giggling again.
"We should be going." Ariston said.
"Alright," I could not seem to stop giggling.
After he paid the bill, we went and got my coat and with Ariston's arm wrapped around my waist I managed to get to the Rolls Royce without stumbling over my own feet. As we sat there in the back seat Ariston looked over to me.
I could feel the wine, tipsy I believe they call it. I felt warm and wonderful, almost glowing. I could smell the same wine on Ariston's breath, mixed with his mint and vanilla scent it was all to tempting. I smiled and leaned up to kiss him.
"I do have one more place I would like to take you if you are up for it." Ariston said softly when our kiss ended.
"I am most definitely up for it." I said, my words slurring slightly, at least I was not giggling quite as much.
A few minutes later the car came to a stop and we got out, it was some kind of park lit only with moonlight. I hurried out and took off my shoes to run barefoot through the grass. I laughed and spun around, I felt like a child again. Ariston watched me with a smile and a shake of his head. Well, almost like a child. A child would never have the thoughts on her mind that I do when I look at him.
"Dance with me, my love." I said, spinning again.
Suddenly I lost my balance, but before I could fall an inch Ariston was there, holding me in his arms. I smiled, a moment later I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaning up on my tiptoes I kissed him deeply. I held him close, my already hazy mind was dizzied further as he kissed me back.
"Let's make love," I said to him. "Right here, right now. I do not want to wait a moment longer." I kissed him again. Ariston shook his head and laughed a breathless laugh.
"Mera, that is the wine talking." Ariston said, I could hear how breathless he was. "I will not have you when you are like this. It would be taking advantage of you, and that is something I will not do." I pouted.
"You are no fun." I said, feeling oddly irritated.
"Oh my love, you have never been drunk before, have you?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Drunk? I most certainly am not," I started to say when I hiccupped loudly, I covered my mouth. "Am I drunk?"
"Quite." Ariston said, laughing again. "It seems that next time I am going to have to be sure to limit you to one glass with dinner."
"Why aren't you drunk?" I asked, it was annoying me. "You drank more than I did."
"My love, I grew up among the gods. My sister's first husband was a Norse God, they do love their mead. Let's just say that I learned early on how to hold my alcohol." Ariston laughed, clearly reliving a memory. "And besides, mortal alcohol is not potent enough to intoxicate a god."
"That is hardly fair." I said. I leaned up and kissed him, hoping I could persuade him.
"Mera," He said softly while shaking his head. "We should not be doing this."
"And why not?" I asked him. "We are in love, I want you and you cannot tell me that you do not desire me."
"Need I remind you again that you are inebriated?" Ariston asked me.
"And when I am sober?" I asked. "Will you make love to me then?" He smiled softly and caressed my cheek.
"When you are sober, we will talk." Ariston promised. "For now however, the plane awaits us, my Mera." I pouted.
Ariston carefully helped me into the back of the car and we made our way to the airport. When we got out of the car, I stumbled into Ariston when I tried to walk and so he picked me up and carried me onto the plane and laid me down on the couch. Ariston sat on the floor in front of me as he poured a liquid into a cup.
"Drink this or else you are not going to have a pleasant morning tomorrow." Ariston said as he lifted my head gently.
I felt the cup at my lips and I took a sip. The liquid was sweet and felt like silk running down my throat, it warmed me in a comforting way. Ariston caressed my hair as he watched me, I was feeling more sober already.
"What did you give me?" I asked him.
"It is a healing nectar of my brother's brew, it is cleansing your liver and therefore taking you out of your intoxicated state." He explained. "I am sorry that happened, it was not my intention." I smiled to him, placing my hand upon his warm cheek.
"I know it was not." I told him softly. "I know you are a man of honor, and besides, you could have me anytime you want when I am sober, so there is no need to get me drunk." To my surprise, Ariston rolled his eyes and I laughed. Seeing a five thousand year old god roll his eyes is not a sight you see everyday.
"I am glad I found out my limit with you and not someone else." I told him. "Will you hold me my love?" I asked him.
He nodded and I scooted over so that he could lay down on the couch, with me on his chest. He kissed my hair and I sighed in contentment.
"Ariston?" I asked.
"Yes my love?" He replied.
"What happened to Epimetheus and Alexis?" I asked him. "You never finished their story." He was quiet and he held me closer.
"Alexis followed in her mother's footsteps and worked tirelessly to rid the world of evil." Ariston said. "She married, it is from the son she bore that you are alive today. Alexis found out the hard way that she was not immune to the Shadows like her mother was. She was killed three hundred years to the day after her mother and sister, on January 15th.
"As for Epimetheus, long after everyone else gave up and pronounced Pandora dead, he would not end his search. It was only after thousands of years of fruitless searching for his wife, that he finally let her go. Epimetheus remarried a few centuries after that. He truly loves his wife Jasmina, she is his soul mate." Ariston finished as I began to drift off. "Sleep, my Mera." He said softly then kissed my hair with such tenderness.
I drifted off a moment later into a peaceful sleep.
"Mera," I smiled at the deep silken voice. I opened my eyes and was greeted by sky blue.
"My love." I greeted him.
"We are at your dorm." He said.
I sat up and stretched, realizing that we were in the white limo again. The wine was no longer in my head and to my great relief, I did not have so much as a headache or any of the other unpleasant symptoms of being drunk.
Ariston walked me to my dorm with his arm around me, my head rested on his marble-like shoulder with my arm around his waist. He opened the door to my apartment and we went inside. I turned to Ariston, looking into his eyes.
"Good night my Mera, I love you." Ariston said in a low, tender voice.
"I love you, my Ariston." I told him in the same tone.
He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against mine and held me close in his warm embrace before letting me go. He smiled to me then sighed and walked out the door.
