The hardest thing I had ever learned in my life was that I wasn't a perfect soul. Through the years I had struggled to get away from my parents, to become independent and flourish on my own without a coven to guard my back or hold my down. When they had unceremoniously died (been killed, semantics), it had struck me hard to realize that after all my time trying to grow apart from them that I never wanted to truly lose them. What was that saying about be careful what you wish for? It seemed time and again I had learned hard life lessons. It was among the things that made me so finicky and flighty around those that I might very well develop deeper connections with.
But with Dareios here, standing in my shop, I resolved to clear the air between us. It was time to evolve and I was in the awkward stage of metamorphosis. What would I become? Hopefully a better friend, because I had been a pretty piss poor one as of the last few years.
Dareios has always had a sleek charm to him. Maybe it was the fine cut of his clothes after who-knew-how-many-centuries of living to develop such taste or maybe it was the way he could so flawlessly adapt to any situation. It made him a wonderful mayor, I think, though I really shouldn't have any say in anything. Our banter is fresh, my voice blithe as I taunt him, and despite the undercurrent of tension, I feel happy. Happy to finally be here in this spot where I had always wanted, successful, and happy because I would once again clear the air of my past.
I forgive you. I breath out a long breath, tension ebbing from my shoulders even as he places one hand on it, and my cheeks pinken. Happy - yes, I was happy. I lift a slender hand, placing it atop his own on my shoulder, my emerald eyes wide and genuine. "Thank you, Dareios," I say quietly, heartfelt. "I think I finally am." We both knew that the last time I had seen him, I hadn't been in the best of places mentally. I had been battling the darkness in me and it was still there. It would always be there, but I had conquered it for now.
Letting my hand drop, I grin bashfully at him at his piquant statement. "Well, you know me, mostly... I had already looked you up and you have been doing quite well for yourself. I just wasn't sure how I might be received if I just flounced in on you once again." It was honest at least. "I shouldn't have feared since you are here anyways. Have you come to endorse my shop?" I tilt my head slightly, teasing, pride limning my eyes. "How have you been? I have heard politics takes a toll an a body and mind. Do you still enjoy being Mayor?"
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