+1+

Aria was in my apartment

Aria was in my apartment

I couldn’t stop thinking about it because it looked so strange with her in it.

After dropping Seraphina off at her house I’d gone home to get dressed for work. With the U.S military in town we non-human officers were supposed to be seen around the base to impress them. I’d been in my office for maybe 34 minutes when I realized I was to hungover for this bullshit.

My second week on the job I’d managed to unbolt the suicide window to my office, which was the perfect way to make an escape.  I shrugged off my military jacket, then swiftly jumped out my fourth floor office window, landing on my knees in the sludgy ally.

I kept my shades on and walked casually towards the Pier 11 and dove into the water then swam down the disgusting Hudson River towards midtown Manhattan.

I swam along the edge of the pier until I estimated I’d swam far enough away from the base. I climbed ashore only to find myself with a little audience. Out of towners judging by the cameras and maps, who looked damn lost. I dug around in my pockets and pulled out the military police badge I had

“Official business”, I said muscling past the family

When I get back to my apartment I hear Mrs. Salvatore in the communal kitchen doing her whole weeks’ worth of cooking while everyone else was at work. I slipped into my studio before she could see me. I wasn’t feeling chatty today.

I side stepped the punching bag that hung in the living room, I sat on the couch, stripped and threw my clothes into a laundry bin. I hustled to the closet and opened my lock box and pushed aside copies of birth certificates and a few pictures I’d liberated from Helios’ mansion. I freaked when I realized one was missing but I remembered I’d given it to Arrow. I should check on him later today.

I peeled back the lining of the lock box and picked up the small flash drive Giuliani had all of our incriminating evidence on. I told Sera I’d destroyed the flash drive, but one day I took a peek at what was on the drive and fell down a hole.  I booted up my old PC in the corner and put the drive in, clicking as per usual on a random file.

There were thousands of files. Most were very incriminating SGI records and a lot of personal shit on Paris and the Demons which I now realize Anne must have helped Giuliani get.

This file was a video file. Seraphina was sitting on the floor of a carpeted psychologist office, a coffee table was in front of her. She looked up for a second at the camera then back down.

Arrow was on the floor too, looking at his hands.  This must have been maybe 18 months ago. It was when she’d grown out one side of her hair and shaved the other, which didn’t match the pastel cardigan she was wearing in the video. The cardigan made her look maternal and that made me feel some kind of way.

“You have to let the past go. Just try it”, the doctor said. Like the doctor always said on the hundreds of video files I’d seen of Sera’s session. I could never bring myself to watch more than a minute of them.

Her arms were folded and she was glaring at the doctor.  She hadn’t wanted to do this but the Prop1776 committee wanted her to see a psychologist before handing a country over to Paris.

 She reached for the boys’ arm but pulled away at the last minute, the boy hunched into himself. His long thick brown hair fell neatly at his shoulders.

“I can’t”, she said, “We can’t . . . do this.”

“It’s just a hug”, the psychologist said, “Imagine Sera to live a life of not knowing a comforting touch. It’s—“

“I know that life”, she said leaning over the table. “I lived that life. I’ve lived 100 lives, I’ve seen more years than you will ever know. They all started with watching my homeland burn around me. Losing everything in a bloody terrible way. I was outcast by my own Sisters for years. Terrible things happened to me every century or so. I made it through with no real family and so will he. ”

“Mrs. Pri—“

“This is bullshit and this session is over. Tell the committee I’m fine or I will drive all night to Delaware break into your beautiful home and I will cut out your eyes so you can’t ever look at me with the judgmental look, you don’t fucking know me.

“Mrs. Prince!”, she shouted, “I’m taping this.”

Sera looked up at the camera again.

“I know.”

She walked out and slammed the door.

The doctor’s mouth was gaping open and Arrow had retreated under the table.

I decided that was enough of going through Giuliani’s files for the day and turned off the computer. I know I shouldn’t look at them, but I knew so little about the 5 years Sera never talked about and I wanted to know for her sake and Arrows.

I decided to go a few rounds on punching bag. At first I pretended it was Helios, then when I landed a good kick I pretended it was Paris Prince.  I downed a few boiled eggs then went right the fuck to sleep.

Then I woke up to someone pounding at my door. It was pitch black in my apartment and I woke up my watch to check the time.                                                                                                                   

“Fuck” I said realizing it was 8pm and I had a shit ton of missed calls.

I thought maybe it was Mrs. Salvatore dropping me off a nice portion of whatever she was having for dinner, but instead I saw Aria looking pretty fresh in a blue and white polka dot dress and a red leather jacket. She had both girls in a big pink stroller and a baby bag that looked brand new across her shoulder.

Mrs. Salvatore was poking her head out of the communal kitchen, with a discerning look on her face. Just as I got Aria into my apartment (which involved an awkward maneuver of me taking the girls and her trying to squeeze the stroller around my punching bag.  Before I could close the door Mrs. Salvatore gave me a double the portion of dinner.

“Um, thanks”, I said

“Mhhm”, she said eying Aria and the girls.

I shut the door and just like that Aria was in my apartment. Fuck.

I looked around to make sure I didn’t have anything inappropriate. I didn’t know how she’d feel about my Barcalounger sleeper and recliner. Or that the only other thing in the studio was a lamp and coffee table, plus two chairs by the counter. It was clean at least. I was meticulous about that shit. I didn’t decorate with pictures of chicks I didn’t know. The girl’s baby pictures were on the fridge.

“You didn’t come back last night and you didn’t pick up your phone.” Aria said.

“Sleep. Late night. Sorry. What do you want to talk about? I’m all ears.”

Athena was still sleeping but I let Baby Helena sit up on the couch, she was seemed confused and fascinated with the leather material.  Then she started to get real fussy. I wished I’d had some toys or something.

“You got something to distract her in that big bag of yours.”

“Uhh . . . no. I packed extra clothes, diapers, bottles, breast pump, baby food, map, shoes-”

“Damn, where were you headed?”

“I haven’t left Brooklyn since I was exonerated. Let alone with two babies and a giant stroller. I didn’t know what I needed. The entire layout of the city has changed.  The subway and buses are just filled with tourists who were just as lost as I was. And Leon someone recognized me and threw trash at us.”

“Who? I’ll fuck them up.”

“I don’t know”, she said slightly annoyed at my dumb question, “There are a 6 million people on this island.”

“Sorry.”

Didn’t know what I was saying sorry for, I just said it.  Aria dug around in a small bag I think was her purse and looked slightly triumphant when she found a bag from the dollar store with a bottle of ginger ale and a pink bottle of bubbles.

“I saw these at the corner store. Helena loves these. Watch.”

She opened the bottle and blew a stream of mini clear bubbles in Helena’s direction and her blue eye went right up to them.  She watched them for a long time before trying to grab one. She didn’t seem to mind when they popped but after a while she would find another one, and follow it and damn that way that girl could laugh.

Aria kept playing with her while I ate Mrs. Salvatore’s sausage and peppers. I offered Aria some, but she shook her head. I turned the muted TV on watching for anything that could be related to Anne, Ravi or Solstice.

Anne

“Hey, Aria what do you know about Anne?”

“Huh?”

“I mean during the regime. What happened to her?”

“Anne didn’t approve of the regime, she was never for telling humans of our existence.  She was mostly upset because Helios didn’t give her a position. He told Anne that after Sera he’d learned not to trust women.”

Anne couldn’t be that petty, coming after New Aeterna because Sera ruined her chance of working with Helios. Aria picked Helena up and they started looking at the DVDs on my shelf. She was going to think I was so fucking dumb.

“After Helios and I got married I saw my sisters less and less. One day Anne was just gone...”

“You two were close right.”

“I was the Paris to her Hmjeu”

“The fuck is with that guy.”

“Which one?”

“Both.”

“Well, Anne and I did have a small falling out after Helios married me and not her. I do wonder about her. I'm sure she’s off living a quiet life passing as human. ”

I nodded my head and went to grab a beer from the fridge when there is another knock on my door. Aria and I both freeze. We were both tense when it came to unexpected visitors. A part of me wants to tell her to hide. But, It could just be Mrs. Salvatore with dessert. Lady knew her way around Nutella.

I take my gun off the nightstand and tuck it into my waistband just in case. I opened the door and after a moment I let my shoulders relax.

“Sera.”

At first I don’t recognize her, I have to go through my catalog of Seraphina’s until I can finally see her.

She’d cut her hair into a unruly crew cut and dyed it back brown but had thrown in some highlights, she has on a worn leather jacket and an old cut up Ed Hardy shirt, loose black jeans and Doc Martens. Her wide eyes and the way she’s nervously holding her hands doesn’t match her look.

“Leon, I need a favor.  I. . . “

She stops talking when I open the door and she sees Aria standing in the corner with the girls.

“What’s up”, I said turning back to Sera.

“I’m trying to.  . .  make up with Parisbut he doesn’t trust me. He… doesn’t want to be alone with me.”

“Sera, you can’t ‘cheer up’ depression”

“I know I just wanted to help him get away from it all for a little bit. Like you did with me.”

I want to instinctively make a joke about how if she wants to cheer him up, she’s wearing too many clothes but I remember Aria’s there.

She nervously puts her hand through her hair and smiles at Helena who is pulling on Aria’s hair. Her smile, her real smile caught off guard. That smile nearly killed me.

“What did you do?” I asked Sera.

“I rented a car. . . Vassey rented a car for me...I thought we’d go for a drive and he started freaking out the further away we got and he wanted to call the stupid creepy guardsman so I--”

Helena let out a wail and we both turned to look at Aria who pretended to be non-plussed about… about . . . wait why the hell Aria was here again?

“Um, can you give us a minute Sera?”

“Yes, I’ll be outside.”

I closed the door on her and turned back to Aria who was getting the girls ready to go. Athena had been asleep the whole time and I kind of wanted to wake her up.

“We were supposed to talk right?” , I said.

“Yes, but I know how this works.”

“Come on, Aria. What’s up?”

“I called Isobel Charter.”

“Didn’t know you two . .  . Talked.”

“We don’t but . . . she teaches at the community college. I was talking to her about getting in. Taking some classes. I’ve never been to school before. Anne never let us.”

“That’s great, Aria”, I said.

“But it’s still expensive, so I’m going to start working for Mrs. Charmont to help pay for it.”

“Good. I’ll help if I can—wait why I know that name”

Aria smiled and lifted an eyebrow.

“. . . She runs and escort service.”

“No”, I said automatically. Not even sure why, “Why would you—“

“It was your idea Leon and I want to. Sex sells and after this baby it’s purely recreational for me anyway. There is free boarding and free daycare, with flexible hours and an amazing health package. It would only be for two years then maybe I can get an internship or something.”

I remembered I’d looked up Mrs. Charmont’s service way back. I hadn’t been able to afford it. Not even a little bit. 

“I just wanted to let you know that we can’t see each other physically anymore for . . . free. It’s a rule I guess?”

“What? No. I told you Aria, I’m here for the girls now. I’m not getting deployed again.”

“I’m not looking for a reaction from you, Leon. I’m just telling you how it’s going to be.”

Aria hefted the baby bag over her shoulder and I tried to imagine what our relationship was supposed to look like without sex. What if we hated each other?

“Uh, okay. It’s getting late. I’ll call you a car. On me.”

“Thank you.”

Aria waited while I called the car, she gave my punching bag a few half heated strikes. She was being kind of silly... I’d never seen that side of her before. I walked Aria and the girls downstairs to the cab and watched as it drove off.

+2+

 Once the car turned the corner, I turned my full attention the dark red Gran Cabrio Maserati parked next to my building.  Seraphina is leaning against the building putting out a cigarette. 

I walk over to the car and see Paris is sitting in the backseat watching the traffic go by. He had on a hoodie that was pulled up, but I could tell him from his slender profile.

“Nice ride”, I said

“It’s a rental”, he said, “At least it better be.”

He said that last part a little louder as Sera walked over and got into the driver’s seat.

“You sure you want me around”, I ask.

“I trust your moral judgment, Leon. I know you won’t stand around and let her kill me . . . again.” Paris says.

“Fine”, I said cause why the hell not.

“Get in the front”, Seraphina says.

I moved to open the passenger door.

“Not you” she says looking into the rear view mirror.

Taking the hint Paris moves to the front seat and I take his place in the back. I try to keep myself quiet. Get in that bodyguard mindset. Sera pulled the car out of the tight space and turned onto Broadway, the street was closed for the parade, but Sera drove right through the bright orange cones and was going 80 on the empty street.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it? The city.” she said.

Paris looked at Sera and then at the street lights zooming by, the white and red flags flapping against every buildings. There was a slight chill in the air and people congregating on the sidewalk. The murmur of laughter and spirits coming from restaurants.

“You remember what is was like during Helio’s regime”

“No”, he said briskly letting the hoodie down

Back in the resistance days Paris never made the trips back to New Aeterna like we had. The city had been colder then. MS soldiers were always on the streets. Cars were impossible to come by and homeless roamed the streets in packs trying to hide before curfew inspections, garbage littered the streets. Angels watched from above.

Almost as if it was planned we zoomed past a group of drunk revelers having a mini parade of their own, singing and laughing while lighting up some patriotic red and white sparkles and waiving New Aeterna flags. He turned his head to look back at them as we went past.

She went up to 100 mph and Paris started to relax a little, he seemed somewhat entranced by the city as it went past and he seemed  fully convinced she wasn’t going to kill him. At least not today. Then she slowed down and got onto the Hudson Park Highway, the river was sparkling from all the bright city lights.

“Leon, tell the border we’ll be there in ten minutes.”

I pulled out my phone

“Wait, Paris said, “We’re going through the secured border . . . where are we going?”

“Its fine”, Sera said, “I thought we might go—“

“Where? Are you going to Riverdale?” Paris asked

“I thought—“

“Stop the car Sera.”

She looked over at him for a second, but kept her eyes ahead as we got onto the bridge that connected New Aeterna to the mainland Bronx.

“Stop Sera. Stop the car.”

“We’re on a bridge I can’t”

“Turn around.”

“I can’t—“

Paris reached over and grabbed the steering wheel from her. The car makes a sudden turn, Sera hits the brakes and the car spins twice, knocking the goddamn air out of me. She shoved Paris away and gained control of the wheel. She turned into the skid and cut the wheel then she slammed onto the brakes again. The car jerks to a stop across all three lanes.

+3+

“What the fuck Paris? Just because you want to fucking die doesn’t mean everyone else does.” She yelled at him in a way I’d never even seen her do before.

Paris got out of the car and slammed it shut. He walked to the bridge and put his head between his knees, muttering to himself. I felt like I was going to vomit after all the spinning, but I reigned it in. Sera gave me a pat on the arm to make sure I was okay.

“Paris get back in the car.”, Sera said her voice soften, “I’m sorry I-“

“You were going to St. Lilith’s.”, he said it like an accusation.

“I thought it might help for you to back to go back where this all started. Remind you how far you’ve come.”

“By going back to where my family was massacred like animals ? Where I ran for my life and was dragged kicking and screaming into Helios’ prisons. Where my dignity was stripped and laid to waste. Sounds like a great time. Genocide is so fucking beautiful.”

I get out the car and hover near Paris. I ready myself in case he tries to jump off the bridge.

“I’m trying to help you”, she said getting out of the car and slamming the door.

“You can’t help me.”, he said looking down at the river.

“Talk to me Paris’, she said, “I’m your wife for fucksa—“

He laughs, it’s unexpected and joyful. Whenever Paris makes any sudden facial expression I’m always afraid his face will rip open.

“You’re not my wife”, he said slowly, “You’re not a wife. We have a marriage built on a bullshit prophecy and my own cowardice. I just gave a cheap ring to my insane trigger happy bodyguard so I could always be protected. I'm selfish. I married you so I could feel safe and fuck you.   I knew if I had you by my side I’d never get dragged back to Helios again and I was right. ”

“Paris, I love—“

“If you truly loved me, if you knew me at all… you would never bring me back to that place.”

“Paris”, she said as he approached the railing, “Let’s go. Get in the car.”

“Don’t worry. I’m no better. I have never taken care of you like a good man should and I’m sorry for that. All I wanted was my life and my destiny.  We respect the hell out of each other and have probably had sex in more ways that what’s legal and now you are my queen, but we are barley in a relationship. Think about it Sera, really think about it.”

“Paris –“

“You’re an illusion.”

“For fucksake”, she interrupted him.

“I mean you were", Paris continued, "When I was in Helios’ prison I imagined this rich almost realistic fantastical version of you. That fantasy kept me alive for two whole years. This quiet, blue eyed soothing vision who played cards with me, asked me about my day, read with me . . . on the dirty rat infested cell I shared with a nice family of biting roaches.”

His mind sort of went somewhere else for a few seconds.

“We have been together for eight very long years, Paris,”

“I’ve been with Isobel and Leon nearly 15. Believe me I’ve had more intimate moments with Leon.”

I saw Seraphina roll her eyes at him. I really didn’t need to be reminded of how sick Paris was when he was taken out of Helios’ prison. He couldn’t do anything for himself for almost two months and when you go through stuff like that with another man, it forges a bond whether you want it to or not.

 “Maybe if things had been different Sera. I keep telling myself if I’d just found the Tempest I could fix this. I’d go back to after we rescued you. I’d do it the right way and earn your hand in marriage. I’d earn your trust, I’d court you, I’d date you and I’d make you fall in love with me. Real romance—“

“While dodging bullets, bounty hunters and a dictator?” she said, “Not likely. We did the best we could.”

Paris continued to look at the water and not at her.

“Maybe we never stood a chance. Angels and Demons simply aren’t meant to be together without turning on each other. I’d so hoped to change that. That’s another failure for me”

“Do you even love me anymore Paris? Is this why you won’t touch me-“

“Well, I—“

“And putting your hand up my skirt because you plan on killing yourself doesn’t count.”

“Seraphina, you are to fucking hot to be begging me to get you off,” Paris said.

Paris got a little closer to the railing and Sera and I both exchanged looks. She tried to talk him down.

“I’m tired. Just get in the car Paris. If you don’t think I’m good enough to be your wife, then listen to me as your bodyguard, please get in the car.”

Paris gripped the railing and I mentally braced myself.

“Why so you can break that bottle of champagne in the back and shank me with it?”

“It’s sparkling grape juice,” she said.

“What?” Paris and I both said. Paris stepped away from the railing.

“Well you can’t drink so—“

We all turn when a blaring siren comes up from behind us. The flashing orange and red lights sped down the bridge and stops in front of the car. Paris went back to the car and pulled on a very tight black peacoat

The NADF border agents got out of the car with their flashlights. The men took a minute to admire the car before shining their lights on Paris and me. Then quickly over to Sera whom they did not seem to recognize.

“Everything good here, Sir?” The agent asked, “We got a call that you were coming to the border and you never showed.”

“Yes. . . I was just admiring the view”, Paris broke into that picture perfect smile, and “It’s so quiet and peaceful. You all are doing a wonderful job here, but it is getting late and were thinking we should all be heading back. “

Son of a bitch was a natural born politician. Paris got into the backseat and I got into the front. The border agents escorted us to the next exit then we got on the south bound bridge back to the city. Sera drove the speed limit and the ride was long and awkward.

Paris had ditched his presidential looking coat and  pulled the hoodie back up again. Sera had been like a child trying to comfort someone at a funeral. Way out of her depth.

For as long as I known them, they had been two people fighting the good fight against Helios. Fighting for New Aeterna. Maybe that’s all they ever should have been.

+++

Muse : uhhhh. . . was this you trying to write fluff ?

Lils : Just a tiny bit.

Actually, this chapter sets up the (rocky) foundation of Sera and Paris' relationship which is about to get tested even more.