I don't own anyone in this chapter. They both belong to Sara Shepard and ABC Family.
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed! And to those reading, but haven't, don't be shy! I'd love to hear what you have to say :D Also, thanks to everyone who's given me ideas for the next couple of chapters! They've given me a few ideas for the next chapter. If you have an idea, please do share :)
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Chapter 16:
Ezra POV:
Some may say that rain only ruins things, but in my case, it only makes it better. At the moment, Aria and I were walking down the street back to my apartment. Her small hand was grasped in mine. It felt so good to finally be out, walking in the middle of the street, with her hand in mine. Our day together was amazing. It made me feel as if there wasn't any separation between us for those 6 years.
The city streets were covered with water, causing heavy traffic. As the light turned green, a large truck zoomed past Aria and I, causing a wave of water to saturate Aria's hair and dress. I looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to explode, but she only laughed. Her giggles were infectious, causing me to chuckle along with her. I stopped short, with caused her to spin and collide into my chest. I pulled her face up to mine, and met her lips with a deep kiss.
After we pulled away, it dawned on me that this amazing and strong, yet fragile being was standing in the middle of a rainstorm, soaked to the bone. I immediately went into protective mode, and took off my sweater which left me in a thin white tee shirt. I handed it to her, and she shimmed it over her head and onto her body. I picked her up into my arms and carried her all the way back to my townhouse.
"Let's get you into something warm and dry," I said, racing off down the street, with a laughing Aria in my arms.
"I'm sure you have an outfit let to change into," I said as we entered into the hallway.
"Actually," she said coyly. "Maybe I could borrow some of yours? I have one outfit left, but I'd rather be warm and comfy in a pair of sweats than in one of my elaborate ensembles."
"Sure no problem," I said leading her up into the bedroom. I rifled through my closet and threw her a pair of too small gray sweat pants, a white tee shirt, and a gray and red "Boston University" sweatshirt.
"Boston University," Aria questioned running her hands over the embossed lettering on the front.
"It's where I worked before Columbia. I had a teaching stint there until you went to NYU."
"I didn't know that's where you taught before New York."
"Well," I said, coming over sit beside her. "You know how I was in contact with Hanna?"
Aria gave a nod, and I continued. "She told me that was were you were all going, and I couldn't stand to be away from you any longer, so I jumped at the teaching offer I got from Columbia. I had such high hopes that I would run into you on the street somewhere by chance," I said sheepishly.
"Don't be embarrassed," she said noticing the impending blush rising to my cheeks. "It's cute. I'm going to change," she finished slipping into the bathroom.
I slipped into a pair of navy sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt before Aria could come out. When she did, I couldn't help but notice that she looked adorable in my oversized sweatshirt. She had also pulled her hair up into a high ponytail.
"You wanna pack a few things to store in my apartment," Aria said, coming over and wrapping her arms around my torso.
"Sure," I said giving her a kiss on the nose.
15 minutes and a duffel bag full of clothes later, Aria and I were back on the streets on the way to her apartment. I suggested hailing a cab so she wouldn't get soaked again, but she protested, simply saying, "You can stand on the outside this time."
Luckily, we made it there without becoming completely drenched. Aria shed off the sweatshirt when we walked inside and set it on the back of a chair.
"There's space in this drawer for your stuff," she said taking my duffel bag and placing all my folded items into a dresser drawer. She then threw the bag carelessly into her closet, giving me a huge smile. "What do you want to do now," she asked winding her arms around me.
"I was thinking about order in some Chinese? Are there any good places around here?
"So, you never really told me about Clara's actual mother," said Aria about a half an hour later. We were sitting on the ground at the foot of her bed, each of us with a carton of lo-mein and chopsticks in hand.
"There's not much to say."
"There's always something. Go ahead. I won't get jealous," she reassured.
"Well, I was here for about a month, and I went into a bar for a drink after work. That's were I met Audrey. She was the barista, of whatever you call a female bartender. I don't remember what it was about her, but we hit it off and started to date. After a few months she found out she was pregnant. I was thrilled, but she was a little weary about the matter. Clara was born, and I thought things would get better with Clara around. But Clara looked too much like you for me to really focus on Audrey. I kept thinking about you, always constantly checking my phone for news from Hanna or trying to find you on the streets. Audrey started to grow distant, and when Clara was 4 months, she left. It turned out she had met someone else at the bar. They ran off together and are now somewhere in California."
"I'm so sorry," Aria said.
"Please, don't be. I never loved. Had an attraction, yes. She was just, and this is going to make me sounds like a jerk, but she was just someone to pass the time with. It always has been, and always will be you though. I love you Aria," I said brushing a few stray hairs away from her face.
"I love you too," she said, leaning in to brush her lips with mine. I didn't let her get away so easily though, and brought my arms around her to create a more passionate kiss. Suddenly, all thoughts of the Chinese food beside us vanished.
Aria had lit a few vanilla scented candles around the apartment and was now fishing through a small cabinet to find something.
"Are you sure we'll be ok with candles lit in here. You are a bit of a klutz," I said laughing.
"Just for that, Mr. Fitz, I'm going to beat your ass at Scrabble," she said producing a box from behind her back.
"Oh, you're on."
About an hour later, we were sitting on her bed almost at the end of an exhausting game. I had just put down a word, giving me 10 points plus a double letter on "W" which in all gave me 18 points, pulling ahead of Aria.
"What? Miaows isn't a word," whined Aria.
"Don't mess with the English professor, Baby. It is a word, a noun for Meow," I said triumphantly, putting my hands behind my head. (i'm serious...it is a word. my friend used it on "words with friends" and i looked it up).
"So," I continued. "Could we call it a night, and maybe start a movie?"
"No! I have to win! You just want to stop because you're ahead and you'll win!"
"Aria, I'm at 330 points, and you're at 280. I think it's time to stop," I said.
"Ugh, fine," she said, pouting, and started to put the game away. When she was finished she cuddled up next to me.
"Oh, Aria?"
"Yes?"
"You're right. I only wanted to stop so I could win. I could've gone on all night," I said, kissing her nose.
"Ezra Fitz! Get out of my apartment," she exclaimed.
"You wouldn't want to send me out in all that rain, now would you," I asked giving her a pout.
"Damn it. That pout is just too adorable. I know see where Clara gets it from," she said. "So, what movie do you want to watch? I was thinking..." She went to go through her collection if DVD'S. "Ah! Here it is. Breakfast at Tiffany's.What do you think?"
"If you're happy with it, so am I," I replied.
The evening wore on as we watched the movie and eventually, Aria fell asleep, missing the huge kiss in the rain between Holly and Paul, which is the only reason why I think she picked the movie out. I silently got up, making sure not to stir her awake and turned off the TV and blowing out the candles.
I got back into bed, and I felt Aria move in closer. I pulled her in, wrapping my arms tightly around her waist. I heard her murmur, "I love you" into my chest to which I responded by kissing the top of her hair. I quickly fell asleep thinking to myself how I ended up with my dream girl.
If you haven't seen Breakfast at Tiffany's, I suggest you do! It's fantastic!
Next chapter will have the arrival of someone you've all been waiting for. Have a good Easter weekend!
Review!
.soprano.