District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Nov 2, 2017 23:15:19 GMT -7
Tonight was the night. It was his first date with Aria, at least he hoped it would be the first so that there would be many more dates after. He'd been on dates, well sort of. Whatever date that could be dates during a war. There were three dates to be exact and he remembered each of them as if they had only happened yesterday. He looked at himself in the mirror. It was the nicest he'd dressed since he accepted the President's medal which he now kept in a box in a drawer. Eli's beard was trimmed neatly, his hair slicked back. He tried a smile, but decided he was now just trying too hard. Emilia was sitting down in the living room reading and eating an early dinner. When she looked up, she had the most surprised look on her face and her jaw dropped so that the food she was chewing nearly fell out of her mouth. "You look... Dashing, dad!" she smiled. Eli looked down at his clothes, "really? That's what I was going for. It's not too much?" Emilia shook her head. "So when are you going to tell me her name?" He smiled and kissed her forehead, "when I know that she'll be staying." Emilia gave him a sad smile, clearly remembering her mother. She played with the corner of her book. When she looked back up at Eli, she forced a smile and her eyes beamed brightly. Eli took transport, telling the driver the street address and number. He had remembered the way to her house, he made sure to remember every detail of the route so that if the driver happened to get lost, he'd at least know the way. He'd memorized the street signs and buildings and even some odd details about the buildings that he passed by. His hands were sweating by the time he reached her house. The sun was just about to dip below the horizon when he got out of the transport. Slightly nervous, but excited, he walked up to her door and hesitated for just a moment so that he could breathe and calm himself. He ringed the bell once and waited, holding the single red rose in front of him for when she opened the door. WC: 382 TAG: Aria Mercent
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Nov 8, 2017 9:20:40 GMT -7
"Mom, have you seen that green dress of mine, with the one shoulder?" Aria called from her bedroom, hurriedly taking off her work clothes. Elias hadn't exactly given her a time for when he'd be there to pick her up - a vagueness she really should have clarified last night, but was too busy being coy - so she had no idea how much time she had. She'd just gotten off of work, which had been horrible for three reasons: her late night last night, the huge amount of work she had to do, and the impatience of getting through until her date tonight. "The one Tony liked?" came her mother's response from somewhere else in the house. "I thought you got rid of that along with everything else."Aria froze, knowing immediately that her mother was right and it would have been stupid to wear something Antony had loved to a date with Elias. She'd been in a mood one day, not long after leaving Antony, and had decided to get rid of anything that was either his or that he'd once mentioned liking. She'd wanted to get him out of her mind, and somehow had decided that getting rid of her own things would somehow do that. It hadn't worked, of course, but the green dress had been one of those casualties. She'd worn the short, low-cut, delicately frilled dress several times with him over the years, and almost every time had resulted in him taking it off her. When she'd made the decision to wear it in her mind on the way home from work, she'd only associated it with a kind of good luck - which was the opposite of the case if Antony had liked it. Instead, Aria choose a blue dress that fell to her knees and moved with her in a way she loved. Her foot was still in a decent amount of pain from last night, although she was pretty sure she'd gotten all the glass out with the help of her mother. Still, she chose flats instead of heels, hoping that maybe she'd be able to walk a little more gracefully - though if the entire day of work was any indicator, she doubted it. She did her make-up easily, then started fiddling with her hair, unable to decide on what to do with it. She tried first one style, then another, hating all of them in turn. "You're nervous, aren't you?" said a voice behind her. Aria turned to see her mother, leaning against her doorframe. She looked so fragile there, and Aria had to bite back the request that her mother go sit again. Rhea Mercent was smiling though, and there was a little hope in her eyes too. All Aria had been able to tell her so far about tonight was that she had a date, since the flurry of work and getting ready had taken up the rest of her time, but her mother seemed to sense something more. It both made Aria happy and sad, afraid to damage that fragile hope her mother had for her. "Yes," she admitted. "I don't even know if it's a good idea, after everything, but... I really like him. I don't want to mess it up."Rhea stepped closer, moving carefully, then sat down on Aria's bed. "He'd be a fool not to see how wonderful you are," she said. It was probably the things mothers are supposed to say to their daughters, but it was nice to hear all the same. "Let me," she added, patting the side of the bed. Aria obeyed gratefully, sitting on the floor while her mother gently pulled, pinned, and braided her hair. She closed her eyes, relishing the familiar feel of this. There were a lot of things her mother couldn't do anymore since the cancer had taken hold of her, but this wasn't one of them. Rhea had always loved doing her girls' hair, but Aria was usually the only one who would let her. When her mother was finished, the result was, of course, perfect. Most of Aria's hair was still down, but her mother had worked in several braids and twists. It looked elegant, but easy, although it would take someone with only her mother's skill to make it work. Aria kissed her mother on the cheek and thanked her, then got back to nervous waiting. She was ready with time to spare, so she finished up her mother's dinner. The doorbell rang just as she was setting it down on the table, and Aria couldn't stop the smile on her face. "You better eat all of it, and don't even think about doing dishes," she told her mother. "I owe you that much at least, after the past few nights." She'd been staying out late, and a part of her hoped that tonight would be no exception. She took in a deep breath to calm herself and made her way to the front door. She pulled it open like ripping off a bandage, not giving herself time to overthink it, and there he was. He wasn't dressed like he normally was, but instead in nice clothes, neatly trimmed. She hadn't known what she expected him to look like, but she was pleasantly surprised all the same. Of course she liked how he looked at the bar, but tonight, he'd put in a little more effort - for her. "You clean up pretty nice," she greeted with a smile that came to her face easily. She glanced down at the rose he was holding in front of him. It was a simple and perfect gesture that she accepted from him. "Thank you," she said, gently turning the delicate stem. "It's beautiful. I'll go put it in some water and we can head off. I'll be right back" The polite thing would be to invite him in, but she'd have to go into the kitchen where her mother was. Rhea had her dignity, and Aria knew she would not want to be seen by anyone without having time to get ready. She was dressed in house clothes, her head wrapped in a scarf, and she was eating - all things she would think were private. So, Aria hoped Elias would simply wait at the door a minute or so until she got back, but didn't say so in case it came out wrong. WC: 1066 Tag: Elias R. Jagger
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Nov 10, 2017 15:43:16 GMT -7
Eli didn't know what to expect. Would she answer the door? Was she even home? These things didn't occur to him until he'd already rung the bell. He was too busy about what he would say to her and things that they could think about. He thought perhaps that he would stick with some safe topics. Topics that couldn't possibly lead back to Emilia or him being a soldier or... He had to stop himself though because in his mind, everything lead back to those things. Thankfully, he didn't have to stand too long with all of his anxieties. When she opened the door, his mind cleared like a wind blowing in and taking all of his thoughts with it, leaving only a clear breathlessness. He nodded at her compliment, his mind completely blank after seeing her. "You look lovely," he managed to say despite his brain appearing not to work. Aria always looked beautiful and sexy, but the dress she wore tonight was different from the ones she'd worn other nights when she went to the bar. The blue dress seemed to bring out the color of her eyes. When she turned away from him, the dress swayed with her, accentuating her figure. He noticed the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders and realized for the first time that she seemed shorter tonight. The shoes she wore was different from what he usually saw. He smiled, watching her walk away from him. She looked elegant, lovely, and absolutely breath taking. Eli stood at the door and waited patiently, glad that he'd taken the time to pick out a flower because she seemed to have liked it. He looked inside the house, though he was only able see such a small part of it, studying the things that made it a home. There were decorations and items that looked to have been picked out with care, personalizing the home to make it their own. It was something that Eli had never done. Emilia bought random items here and there, hanging them on the wall or setting them on tables and desks. But it was just now, seeing a small glimpse of what Aria's life looked like, that he felt his own life, not just home, very bare. They took the transport to the upper east to the restaurant Emerald's. It was the highest rated and most popular restaurant in the district. Reservations for it was booked until for 7 months, but when he called them that morning to make the reservation, they were more than happy to accommodate him. They didn't know him of course and even when he gave his name, it wasn't recognized. It was only when he told them he was a war hero and a manager researched his name in old news articles from The Capitol available to the public did he realize exactly who Elias was. There were many soldiers in the war, all heroes in their rights. But not many, who were still alive, that held such high esteem with the President of Panem. Eli was glad that he'd dressed up, he knew the restaurant was fancy, but when a man opened their transport door and helped them out of the car and they stepped on carpet that lead to the glass double doors held open by two other men, he knew this was more than he'd anticipated. He'd only ever heard Emerald's being the best and most posh restaurant in the District, he'd never actually seen it. Finally seated, Eli smiled across the table at Aria. Even with the crystal chandeliers, glass walls and dividers, and lights that seemed to twinkle like stars in the ceiling, Aria was still the most beautiful thing in his eyes. "If there was a restaurant that served your food with diamonds and gold, I have a feeling this would be it," he joked. He wasn't used to going to to a place as fancy as this. "I wouldn't be surprised if the President himself is eating here tonight." WC: 673 TAG: Aria Mercent
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Jan 3, 2018 8:44:41 GMT -7
"Thank you," Aria said at the returned compliment. It was a small thing he'd said, but it gave her a rush of warmth all the same. She took the flower back into the house, where her mother glanced up in the kitchen. She said nothing, probably wanting not to be noticed by the man standing at their front door, but Rhea smiled. Her eyes followed her daughter as Aria pulled down a vase, put some water in it, and set the flower inside. Aria set the vase in front of her mother - she might as well get some enjoyment out of it while Aria was gone. Flowers were a rarity in the house now, a frivolity that money spent on treatments didn't allow, and it was nice to have one again. After rejoining Elias at the front door, Aria went with him to the transport. They made small talk as they went, but her thoughts were mostly consumed with wanting to be closer to him, wanting to hold his hand or lean against him. After spending so long in his arms last night, the polite distance between them now was almost too much to bear. She wouldn't go so far as to step on some more broken glass again, but that wasn't to say the thought didn't cross her mind for the briefest of moments. She didn't want to be the damsel in distress, but it did have its perks from time to time. The transport door opened and Aria was filled with the wonder of the entrance. Emerald's was definitely the kind of place that made a large impression - but of course, she'd already known that, and not just by reputation. Antony had taken her here for their two year anniversary. It had been a surprise, one he'd arranged six months out, and it had originally been perfect. He was a gentleman, and she'd gotten drunk off the atmosphere and champagne. He, on the other hand, had gotten a bit testier as the night went on. At dessert, she'd held out a forkful of the cake they were sharing, meaning for it just to be a sweet, cute gesture. "I'm not some invalid for you to take care of anymore, Aria," he'd said, and to her, that had seemed to come out of nowhere. "I'm not a child, I'm a man. I'm supposed to take care of you, not the other way around. Come on, we're leaving." Then he'd stood up, thrown the money for the meal on the table, and headed out. His raised voice had drawn attention from several nearby tables. She'd slowly set the fork back down and, after swallowing a tickle of fear at what might happen when they got home, followed him out. Retrospectively, Antony was probably already sleeping with other women by then. That, or he was close to. But he was supposed to have nothing to do with tonight. Tonight was about her and Elias. Tonight was something totally different, even if it was at this place. This beautiful place, with its elegant glass and superior service. Still, as they walked in, she linked her arm through his, needing to feel the solidity of this very different man beside her. Antony shouldn't even be a blip on her radar tonight. Once they were seated with Elias across from her, Aria felt sure she could forget about her ex-boyfriend. Thankfully, the two men looked nothing alike, and she could easily get lost in those blue eyes. She planned to do just that. Aria laughed at his joke. "I wouldn't be surprised," she returned to the first comment. They didn't of course, but might as well have. As he continued her eye caught on a familiar face a few tables over from them. Of course, of course her boss would be here. He was sitting with his wife and their two boys. He was facing in her direction, and it was really only a matter of time before he noticed her - but maybe he'd stay over there anyway. "I don't know about the president," she said, shifting her eyes back to Elias, "but the mayor's here. My boss. Seems like I can't leave work behind." She glanced in the mayor's direction only to tell Elias where he was, then looked quickly back. Perhaps it was a bad idea to share this, though she knew through watching others that it was generally good to be prepared before the Mayor of District 1 stepped up to talk to you - on the off chance he would tonight. WC: 760 Tag: Elias R. JaggerNotes: Either you're welcome to play the mayor or I can next post!
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 12, 2018 15:27:42 GMT -7
He wondered if taking Aria to this restaurant was a smart decision, perhaps it was too bold or too cocky. Eli had gone back and forth on where to take her and settled for Emerald's. He wanted to impress her. Really impress her. But sitting there now amidst women and women practically dripping in diamonds and gold, he felt like a charlatan. He was't like these people, he didn't even like these people. Eli stuck his index finger into the front of his collar and pulled it slightly. It felt as if it was only getting tighter, the room much too large and crowded. Eli immediately reached for the cold water that the waiter brought before once again leaving. He cleared his throat and smiled, trying his best to not give off the wrong impression. Turning slightly towards where Aria was looking, he raised his brows. The mayor. He'd met the mayor once, maybe twice. He wasn't sure since he'd met so many people when he first came here. The entire week was a blur of meetings, celebrations, and parties. Meeting the mayor again wasn't something that Eli wanted to do, especially with Aria around. The subject of him being a 'war hero' was purposefully avoided, there were too many complications that came with the title. "Your boss," Eli tried to smile, "what a nice surprise. Maybe we can just pretend we didn't see him and then you won't have to think about work. I won't even ask you how work was, I think that's something people tend to lean towards in conversations, isn't it?" WC: 266 TAG: Aria Mercent
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 12, 2018 20:14:26 GMT -7
Aria smiled at Elias, relief washing over her when he suggested they pretend that they didn't see the mayor. That was very much what she wanted to do. Some of her friends had tried to slip casually into conversations that she should put in a good word with the mayor for them, or wouldn't the mayor think this thing or that was important? She could think of several people that, if they were having dinner here with her instead, would say that it's only the polite thing to say hello and could she mention what an excellent person they/their significant other/their brother/etc were? It was tiresome. Leaning toward him as if they were conspirators, Aria nodded. "Sounds good to me. Maybe the subject of work should just be off the table for both of us. I'm sure we can find something better to talk about." A part of her was curious about some of his life as a bartender, but at the same time wanted to avoid the topic too. He was constantly around women who drank, and some of them probably flirted with him too, and some of them he probably... no. No work talk was better. She folded her hands on the table, resisting the urge to reach over and grab one of his hands. "You told me that you live with other tiny creatures, like Hamlet the hamster." She grinned again at the name. "What else do you live with? What's life at home like for you?"She wanted to, but Aria stopped herself from envisioning his living area before he got a chance to respond. Did he have a home that was completely functional and bare bones, or were there little touches of personality in the blanket on the couch and the knick knacks next to the sink? Was it clearly a bachelor pad, or was there something about it that really called for another presence? He hadn't said one way or the other about having a girl, but since he was taking her on what he called a date, she felt that she could safely exclude a woman living with him. His other tiny creatures - did he have fish? Lizards? One of those funny genetically-made creatures she'd heard come out of the Capitol? The last one seemed pretty unlikely, but she was endlessly curious about this, more so than she had thought she would be. "Oh Aria, my dear, lovely to see you," came a voice nearby, followed by a hand on her back. Aria froze for a minute, both from total shock and from forcing down the desire she always had to shrink away from the mayor's touch. He didn't touch her often, really, just when he was nervous or a bit tipsy. That did happen a bit more often than she felt it should, but the mayor wasn't a bad guy, really. Swallowing, she pulled a smile onto her face and pretended like she was so glad to see him - a skill she was pretty good at. "Hello, Mr. Warten," she greeted, turning in a way that his hand slid off her back casually. "I didn't expect to see you here. What a pleasant surprise." Her eyes flicked back to his wife and kids, still seated at their table. The wife was watching the exchange with a bit of a glower. Aria had met the woman at several of the big events, and while Aria herself was always friendly, Melita Warten was always a bit cold. "Oh come now," the mayor said, shaking his head in mock rebuke, "We're not at work. Call me Edsel." Aria had no intention of doing that, just as she never did when he brought it up. Edsel Warten turned to extend both arms in the direction of Elias. "I had no idea you knew the great Elias Jagger. Wonderful man. Pleasure to see you again, sir." He extended a hand toward Elias. WC: 658 Tag: Elias R. JaggerNotes: You're welcome to take on Edsel whenever you'd like
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 26, 2018 12:24:59 GMT -7
Eli's shoulders lowered slightly, his body beginning to relax a bit more as they slipped into conversation. Talking to Aria here was different from talking to her at the bar. At the bar, she flirted with him and he couldn't help but flirt back although he never believed that he would be taking her out on a date now. Flirting at a bar as the bartender was much different than flirting elsewhere. At the bar, he didn't have any obligations. No one held him to any promise and that's what he liked about it. Here, with her now, they were both contrasts of who they were, and he liked that even more. When she asked her question, he smiled, already have formed an answer a few hours ago in case she asked more about his living situation. "Well, we have some fish in a large fish tank. Five clown fish- Henry, Hogarth, Helen, Harry, and Harmony. And five black Mollies- Hazel, Hattie, Hugo, Haley, and Horatio the Third. The Horatios keep dying, so we've had to replace him a couple of times."He gave her a smile, "I have a thing with the letter H, I guess." The brief pause gave him time to admire her. In the dim lights of the bar, she was sexy and enticing. But in the lights of the restaurant with its bright chandeliers, he saw for the first time that she was stunning. Beautiful. He cleared his throat, "I hope this isn't too forward, but--"Their conversation was interrupted by a man who suddenly appeared behind Aria. His stomach dropped at the sight of the mayor. Of all the places and time they could meet, it had to be now, here. Eli's mouth went dry. When the mayor thrust his hand out towards him, he stood and clasped it firmly, barely able to stop himself from squeezing tight. He didn't hate the man, but he wasn't ready to be outed and now Aria would find out who he was. He forced a smile, "Likewise." He looked at Aria and then back up at the mayor, unsure of what to say next. Should he tell her how they know each other? Would it make him look like he was lying if he avoided the subject all together? "I hope you and your wife have a nice dinner," he said, hoping the mayor would take the hint. WC: 402 TAG: Aria Mercent
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Sept 26, 2019 20:55:02 GMT -7
Aria couldn't help but laugh when Elias said he had a thing for the letter H. "Yeah, I guess you do," she replied. "I'd be tempted to change my name to Haria if it wasn't such an awful name." A blush crept into her cheeks when she realize what she had implied with that, but she resisted the urge to take it back. He knew that she had feelings for him. She wanted him to have a thing for her, for this to be a thing. She didn't want to dive headfirst into a committed, achingly-long relationship, but she wanted to dive into him. She couldn't help it. His home sounded blissfully uncomplicated, even though she knew that there was certainly a lot more under the surface. But a man who could tend bar with all kinds of people and go home to his named ten fish and one hamster sounded refreshing. Maybe he, like her, could dip easily back and forth into both worlds - the wildly social and the comfortable homebody. Maybe he could be someone she talked to about her mom's cancer, really talk to, and he would listen and understand. Maybe he could even confide in her. Her thoughts were spiraling far ahead of where they should, but it was hard to help. She hadn't had this kind of optimism and felt this good in a long time. Elias spoke again, and Aria could feel her heart beat a little faster at those few words - before it immediately dropped again. Her boss had chosen the absolute worst time to decide to make an appearance at their table. She'd already spent all day making his appointments and ensuring he didn't drink too much at lunch and editing his upcoming speech. It seemed like she should be owed this one break, at this one crucial moment. Of course she knew that Emerald was the kind of place the mayor and his family came; many a deal or negotiation had been made at one of these tables. But the chances of him choosing tonight to remember his family and take them out was so small, she hadn't even let the thought enter her mind. Perhaps she really should have considered it. "I-I didn't know you knew each other," Aria sputtered, another surprise for the evening. Edsel Warton knew a lot of people, but District 1 was not small. Her gaze slipped to Elias. The looseness of his body from a moment ago was gone, replaced by this stiff, formal man. She tried to stifle her urge to run through a list of possibilities for how they knew each other. She knew next to nothing about Elias' past, so she wouldn't even know where to start. Besides, people knew mayors for a variety of good and bad reasons, although Mr. Warten seemed to think pretty well of Elias. That, at least, sounded positive. "Thank you, we will, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the company of our girl here," Edsel returned with his classic smile. He did not, however, take the hint as he clasped Elias on the shoulder. "Of course I know this man," he explained to Aria. "Anyone who did their time in the Great War around here knows the name Elias Jagger." He released Elias' shoulder with a firm pat so that his hands could talk along with him, and didn't notice how Aria's smile started to falter at the mention of that. "Not only did this man take out more than his share of those rebel b*stards, but he's the reason we won the Battle of Old Trenton. Wish I'd been there to see the force this man must have been, but ah, you know, I had my part behind the scenes." He chuckled. Where once Aria had felt the fire running through her veins, she now felt only ice. So many people had fought in the war, but so many more had been devastated by it. She had seen the evidence in the sad faces that passed through her home, in the broken families that would never be fixed. But, more than anywhere else, she'd seen it in Tony. "It's just us now, McKully. They got Jameson, Kentucky, and most of the east unit. They won't get the rest of us. We won't let them."
From her spot on the floor, Aria watched Antony pace, talking to the dead or gone. There was blood on her lip already, and her hip and right ankle ached where she'd fallen. Slowly, trying not to attract his attention, she'd been sliding along the floor toward the door. Once he was in it like this, there was no telling when he'd pull out of it.
She must have made some sound, because suddenly his green eyes lit on her, full of fire. In three steps, he had crossed the distance between them. He pulled her roughly up by the shoulders, shaking her. "You're not turning coward on me, are you McKully?"
"Tony, please, it's-"
"Don't say it," Antony spat, pushing Aria backward. She stumbled back, knocking into an ottoman. It nearly took her down, but she was able to right herself. She continued for the door, hastily and awkwardly as she couldn't take her eyes off him for a minute. "They need us. We've got to be men. We'll kill them all."
Aria fell back into a chair. Feeling trapped, she slid down onto her knees as Antony kept advancing. "Tony, baby, please," she pleaded. "It's Aria. I love you. Please, it's Aria. Come back. Please." She grabbed his hands, kissing one of them as she pleaded with him. Antony suddenly jerked away and his whole face changed. Confusion replaced anger, which was replaced by a tremendous pain. He sank down onto his knees and put his hands on either side of her face, eyes searching hers.
"Aria," he almost whispered. "Aria, my love, I'm... Please, forgive me."Always, he'd ask her forgiveness, and she'd give it to him. How could she not? The war had taken his father, his best friend, and his mind. She'd been there for him, and it had almost destroyed both of them. Killing did something to a person. Being in a war, really living it, did something to them. It tore out a piece of them, twisted it into something horrible, and thrust it back deep inside. She'd seen it, over and over again. Once, she'd thought that perhaps she could help heal that broken piece, but now she knew she couldn't. Now, she knew that the only thing she could do when she faced it was to run far, far away. "I didn't... I..." Aria tried to form words, to say anything to Elias and Mr. Warten that didn't result in her bursting into tears or bolting. Fear pounded in her chest and through her blood. She couldn't wrap her head around it. This sweet man who'd carried her all the way from the bar to her house, who'd saved her from an attacker, who been her oasis in the middle of her mother's sickness - he'd been a soldier just like Tony. She couldn't reconcile her broken ex-boyfriend with this sturdy man in front of her, but what if that broken boy was inside? What if she opened herself to him and his inner pain lashed out at her? She knew how strong a soldier's hands could be, how much damage they could do. She couldn't be a punching bag again. She couldn't love so deeply and hurt so badly that she felt she was breaking in two. She couldn't let herself get close to anything like that ever again. "Excuse me," she was finally able to say. She tried to smile at the men, tried to take her time standing, but she felt how she shook. She needed to get out of here. She needed air. Breath. "I just need... Excuse me a moment." Again the attempt at a smile, trying to play this off as nothing more than being lightheaded or just a silly girl. She knew she couldn't be that successful, but she had to try. Mr. Warten was her boss, and she needed that job. But right now, she needed air. She wished she could just go into the bathroom where no one could follow her, but the restaurant was so hot and stuffy. She needed to feel the night. It would clear her head, or at least stop the walls from closing in any further. Aria walked toward Emerald's front door, putting as much focus as she could on walking naturally and evenly. She even managed a small smile at the smooth host who'd sat them before pushing through the front doors. Of course, the street outside wasn't empty as people passed between shops or other restaurants. Hugging her arms to her chest against the blast of chilly air, she turned left and walked, her pace starting to speed a little now that she was at least clear of the restaurant. WC: 1502 Tag: Elias R. JaggerNotes: Goodness
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