For makesudothings

[so_far_fallen]

Aria was exhausted - he had a full shelter and had even given up his own bedroom to guests. He was currently catching any sleep he could on the sofa in the small room he'd turned into his office to do his accounts in. He'd been cooking and cleaning and supporting those staying with him since he'd taken in his first few people almost a year ago, but since then his little charity had grown and he'd even bought another property. He recieved donations from those who could afford to give, those who knew of people who had been left with nothing due to the Priest laws.

It was late when Aria was heading back from the town, he'd gone to buy food for his guests. The air was chilly and he was tired and a little down hearted. He decided to stop for a while to catch his breath, settling himself under a tree he closed his eyes a moment and rested his aching limbs.

Comments

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

"Hello, pet." His voice is smooth, undeterred and betrays nothing. But he doesn't approach. Letting him become used to this, that he was here.

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

Aria wasn't sure how to react - the old nickname Damon used to call him sent the memories of those wonderful times they spent together flooding back. But Aria couldn't completely banish a little suspicion, a little uncertainty.
...Damon was not human.

Aria stood slowly, supporting himself with the tree behind him.
"You came back?"

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

"Did you not wish to see me?" he enquired softly, knowingly. His dark eyes watchfully slid over his face.

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

Aria looked anxious.
"I've been thinking about you recently... I just never expected to... to see you again."

He sighed. "A lot has changed since you left."

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

"As I have gathered." He smiled. "I have some.. business to settle here and that is why I have returned. I shall be discrete, my love. You won't be ostracised by association."

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

"No," Aria said immediately. "We need to talk. We have a lot to discuss, I can't go on living this way without any answers, without any closure. It's tortured me since you left and I can stand it no longer."

Aria gathered his shopping and took a step closer to Damon. "Whatever business it is you have here I'd appreciate it if you could make some time for me in your schedule."

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

Damon remained still, though he wanted to approach him once more, inclining his head slightly. "Very well. Sunset, I shall visit you if it is conveniant."

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

"Yes, that will be fine. I'm living in the house we lived in together - it's now a shelter. Mariana will show you in, she'll no doubt be pleased to see you."

Aria bowed his head politely to Damon. "Sunset then."

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

"I shall see you, then." Damon half-desires to send a servant or two after Aria to aid him.

But it is not his place anymore.. and he loves that he is like this now. What he has always wanted and seen of him. Independance and strength.

*

"Master Aria!" Marriana is excited as he returns, taking more bags than she has strength to hold in her delight. "Welcome back!"

She seems buzzing with excitement and yes - he need not tell her that her former, dear Master has returned. "I did not give away confidence! Have you..."

Her voice does trail a little, in case it is not welcome news.

"Master Damon.. did you meet him?"

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

"I did," Aria nodded, relieving her of two of the bags with a fond smile. "He's coming here at sunset to speak with me. Have you talked with him already?"

Aria took the bags into the kitchen as he spoke and began to unload food and put it away.

[makesudothings.livejournal.com]

"Yes.. is that - oh!" Tripping a little on her own feet, she concentrated on walking first, eyes large and nervous. "Is that alright? I hear he is coming here?"

[so-far-fallen.livejournal.com]

"Well... I suppose it's alright, I just wish I'd known." Aria sighed, "A little warning would have been nice."

He couldn't bring himself to be irritated with Mariana though, she always did try her best and he adored her. "And yes, he's coming here, I thought it best."