3 5
Z w e i s a m k e i t
(n.) the harmonious, often romantic togetherness of two people; a feeling of closeness and affection from being together with someone.
♡♡♡
You'll stay with me?
Until the very end.
♡♡♡
N o t e
Next chapter before the epilogue I'm crying.
This chapter was a bit hard to write, but I hope I gave it what it deserved and I hope you guys enjoy it!
Now excuse me while I go sob.
xoxo
♡♡♡
"What the actual fuck?"
"Aaron! James is here!"
James merely shrugged, clutching Rose's hand tighter. "It's alright," he told her, "I'm used to it."
Damien just grinned. "I didn't know we were going to get a welcoming party." George chuckled at that.
Aaron clutched the straps of the bags tighter in his hands. "Luke,"
The hazel eyed boy smiled sheepishly. "Welcome back?"
"You mean all this time while I was away you were –"
"Not all the time," Luke reasoned, and Rose could hear Aiden's yells of Yes! Beat that Motherfucker! in the living room. "Most of the time," he clarified, an eyebrow quirked. "There's a difference."
"Luke –"
"James!" Luke grinned at the little boy, ruffling his hair. He picked him up and balanced him against his hip. "How are you doing little man?"
James smiled big. "I'm fine, Luke. It's been a while."
"Wait, so you know him?"
It was Damien, and Luke stared at him for a few seconds before asking, "I'm sorry, but you are...?"
"Damien, Damien DeGarner," he answered, offering his hand, "I'm Aaron's elder brother."
Luke's stare turned almost hostile. "So I've heard."
Aaron just patted Luke's shoulder and smiled.
"Rose," Luke gave her a hug, smiling. "I missed you."
"Me too," she replied, grinning. "Aaron's been so lonely without you it's getting clingy."
Aaron snorted but said nothing.
"The rest are in there," Luke said, glancing at the living room. He then noticed the multiple bags on George's arm. "Hey George, let me help you with that. You all get nice and comfortable."
"Comfortable my ass, you probably wrecked my house."
"Our house Aaron," Luke corrected.
Aaron let out an annoyed sigh as he took Rose's hand and led them to the living room. James was so excited; taking in Aaron's apartment with sparkling eyes and a bright smile. Damien was flat out bored, his eyes roaming around the apartment with pursed lips.
Inside the living room was even messier, with half eaten pizza boxes, empty juice boxes and coke bottles lying around. Rose could've sworn she saw Aaron's ears release steam.
"Oh hey," Rose felt like it has been ages since she has seen Aiden's signature smirk. "Didn't see you there."
The room became silent; Andrew obviously pausing his video game as they took in the new guests. Aaron's cheeks were a light pink.
"I'll go unpack and tuck James to bed," Aaron told Rose, leaving her a quick kiss to the forehead, "so if anyone bothers you, tell them that telly is cable and that you know how to unplug it." Rose actually laughed at that.
Damien shrugged. "I'll go with my brother," he said. "I have a few questions for him, so if you'll excuse me."
Rose watched as the three brothers moved away hand in hand, and she could feel her heart soften at the sight.
"I didn't know we were receiving guests," Aiden said, glancing at James, "if I did, I would've left some juice."
"And maybe cleaned this place up a bit. Goddammit I knew this was a bad idea,"
It was Andrew and Rose was already wrapped in his arms as she giggled. "Andrew!" she said, smiling. "I missed you!"
Even Tristan went ahead and gave her a hug, but there was a huge patch of magenta on his cheeks and it was only then that Rose realized that there was a girl next to him.
The girl was so tiny next to Tristan, but she was a couple inches taller than Rose. Her black hair was so luscious that it cascaded down her shoulders and reached her waist. Her brown eyes were so sparkly that Rose wondered if her eyes could ever be that pretty.
No.
Her eyes were enough; they always were.
Rose smiled at the Asian girl, clearly intrigued. "Hi," she chirped, noticing how the jeans she was wearing made her legs look adorable. Even her sweater had SpongeBob on it. "I don't think we've met."
Her pale cheeks glowed with specks of pink. She smiled bashfully before shaking Rose's hand. "I'm Aura," the girl said, and even her voice sounded so shy and adorable that Rose wanted to kill her with teddy bears, "Aura Mae." the girl continued, smiling. "You must be Rose," she said.
Rose nodded, looking at Aura in question. "You know me?"
Aura nodded, her rosy lips stretched into a delicate smile. "Tristan told me all about you."
"Tristan...?" Rose glanced at the blonde haired boy and internally grinned at his pink kissed cheeks and embarrassed eyes. "Oh," Rose said, smiling, "silly me." She looked closely at Aura. "You're the girl that got first place in the Bitterne High University Program aren't you?"
Aura's cheeks flushed again. "Yeah," she mumbled, shrugging, "it was luck really."
Tristan shook his head. "She's practically Einstein," he said.
"Stop it," Aura muttered, and it was hard for Rose to not grin, "I don't even know how I got it. The judges were probably stoned or something."
Rose laughed.
"You got third place," Aura said, smiling. "That's how I got to know your name. Tristan was the one who told me all about you then – you know, with him being second place and all."
"Okay Rose everything is packed and Damien is taking a shower and – oh." Aaron's voice quieted down as he noticed Aura. "So you fuckers decided to have a guest with my house looking like this?"
Our house! Luke shouted from somewhere, probably the kitchen.
Rose snorted. "Why do you sound so surprised?" She then noticed Aura's questioning gaze and said, "Oh and that's Aaron, my boyfriend." It was always hard saying it out loud and not feeling her face go warm.
But Aura smiled, but there was a bit of uneasiness on the corner of her lips. "He's seriously tall."
Tristan shrugged. "You'll get used to it," he said.
"Yeah," Aura muttered, "especially if I am sticking around you for long." Rose wanted to squeal over the red that flamed Tristan's ears.
"Nice to meet you," Aaron gave her a small smile and nod. "Now if you fuckers don't get this mess cleaned up, I will change the locks to my house, I swear it."
"Our house!" Luke yelled, flinging the door open with frustration. "For God's sake, after all this time I still am not concerned a partial owner?"
Rose was the one that answered. "Always," she replied, and Aaron laughed.
Aiden looked quizzically at Aaron. "What's so funny? Luke's practically sobbing now."
Aaron's smile still shone from his lips as he tried to hide it. "Nothing that concerns you," he said simply, shrugging.
Filthy muggle, Aaron whispered so quietly that only Rose could pick it up. It was her turn to giggle.
"But where's Lana?" Rose asked, her lips settled in a thin line.
"She's coming in a bit," Aiden was the one who replied, the pink of his ears a clear enough answer to Rose. "She said she wanted to come when the house would be somewhat decent."
"Oh for fuck's sake," Aaron muttered, rubbing his hand over his eyes. "You mutations made guests aware of the diabolical mess you make in my house."
"Our house!"
♡♡♡
"I'm sorry, but who are you again?"
Damien's hair was dripping small droplets of water into his eyes, which he had to rub away, but his eyes were still looking in question at all of Aaron's friends.
"For the eighth time," Aiden said exasperated, "I am Aiden and he is Andrew." he said pointing at Andrew. "It's really not that hard."
"It is when you have Andrew, Aiden, Aaron," Damien replied, shrugging. "Forgive me if I have offended you."
Lana was here and she was looking at Damien like he was a God that just visited the human world. "Hot damn," she whispered to Rose, her eyes still trained on Aaron's elder brother, "Aaron's got himself a good looking elder brother." Rose could see Aiden give them dirty looks every now and then.
Damien nodded at them all. "I wasn't aware that my little brother had this much company," he said, taking a sip of his tea (He was still being very British about everything.)
"Stop calling me little," Aaron muttered, pursing his lips, "you're only two years elder than me."
"Three," Damien corrected, his eyes gleaming in amusement. "You're not eighteen yet."
"He will be," Rose answered, "in a few weeks."
"Until then," Damien said, grinning. "Three years." he said to Aaron.
"It's hard to believe you both are related," Aura said, and Rose could see her hands interlocked with Tristan's, "I mean you both look so alike but like you're both so different."
Aaron shrugged. "We have another little brother, he looks nothing like us."
Damien nodded in approval. "He took after our Mother; Aaron and I took after dear Father."
"Must be a genetically perfect family," Lana muttered beside Rose, to which they both giggled to. Aiden's hard stare was on them again.
"I never knew Aaron had an elder brother," Andrew said.
"Well to be fair, I never knew Aaron had friends," Damien replied.
Andrew grinned. "Fair enough," he replied.
"Interesting apartment Aaron," Damien said nonchalantly, sipping on his tea.
"Aaron and Luke," Luke insisted with a tight smile on his lips. "But thanks anyway, it took a long time to perfect."
Aaron cringed, and Rose could see in tinge of insecurity that managed to slip into his eyes. "It's what I can afford," he managed to say.
"Understandable," Damien replied, his eyes focused on the shattered ceiling.
Rose squeezed Aaron's hand. It's okay, she mouthed smiling.
He smiled back the smile that Rose had lingering in her daydreams.
"In all honesty," Damien said, "I thought this place would be much worse."
Aaron sighed. "It would be better if Luke didn't trash it."
"I do have a partial right to, being part owner and everything."
"It's my house Luke,"
"Our house," he repeated in a painful voice.
♡♡♡
"No – no, no, no, no!"
Andrew's voice was a roar as his eyes widened in disbelief at the screen; his hands clutching his controller so hard Rose thought he was going to break it.
"Jesus what...no...I – how – ugh."
Andrew was a mess of groaning and inaudible swearing as Rose grinned; watching as the dark haired boy buried himself in the little cushions Aaron's sofa had.
Aura was grinning as she battled Andrew in another game of Unearthly Part 2 (Which he did manage to get his hands on.) "Well, that's that."
"No..." Andrew said, putting his face in his hands. "My heart...my pride..."
Rose was the first one that laughed.
"Better luck next time," Aura shrugged, offering Andrew a cheery smile. But there was a triumph in her voice that made Rose grin. "I'll go easy on you, I promise."
Andrew shot her a dirty look. "If you think I will accept any form of game pity, then you are wrong." His shoulders slumped again. "No..."
Aura was all smiles. "I tried letting you win," she admitted, "you're just an idiot."
"I introduced you to this game!"
"Honestly, who hasn't heard of it?"
"Wait," Aiden said, "you played this before?"
"Of course," Aura replied, "trials are all over the internet. I was even planning on buying it."
Andrew looked at her dumbfounded. "You know what," he muttered, "kindness can be a pain in the ass."
Aura laughed. "You're only upset because you underestimated me."
He gave her an innocent shrug. "Can you blame me? You got first place in that University shit. In my offense, that meant you knew nothing about video gaming."
Aura smiled, and there was mischief laced in it. "I even know some cheats in this game."
Andrew's mouth dropped open. "Shut. Up."
Tristan looked amazed the whole time he was there; green eyes glimmering with sincere awe as he watched Aura. It was hard not freaking out over how adorable the whole situation was.
"Well I have to get going," Aura said, getting up and offering them all a smile, "I'll see you all later."
"Let me drop you off," Tristan said almost immediately, grabbing his jacket from the sofa before he waved a feeble smile to them and hurried after Aura.
Rose quickly darted to the window, and it only took a few more seconds before she could see Tristan and Aura together; huddled warmly against each other.
There was an innocent air around both of them, and Rose let out a quiet squeal. Lana was beside her in moments, and they both squealed together. Even in the dark of the night Rose could see Aura's ebony hair.
It became clutching onto Lana's shoulder when Tristan leaned down and kissed Aura right on the mouth – Oh my God are you seeing this Lana I can't handle it right now – and Lana did have her fair share of squeals and shoulder clutching.
"She's been around for a while," Lana told Rose, smiling, "Tristan introduced her to us three days after the results for the whole University thing came out."
Rose smiled. "Really?"
Lana nodded. "He seemed to really like her," she continued, smiling big. "It's actually really adorable."
"Speaking of adorable," Rose grinned, "how are things with you and Aiden?"
Scarlet scattered across Lana's cheeks, and there was a sort of bewilderment in her eyes. "H-How did you know about that?"
"It was kinda obvious," Rose shrugged.
Lana let out a nervous laugh. "I was going to tell you about it I swear –"
Rose shook her head, smiling. "It's fine Lana, really. I respect your privacy as much as you respect mine."
Tears sprung to Lana's eyes. "You mean that?" she asked quietly. "You're not mad at me?"
"Why would I be?" Rose said, and Lana engulfed her in a big hug.
"I'll tell you everything, I promise," she said, sniffling.
"Can't wait to hear it," Rose smiled.
♡♡♡
"You've been awfully quiet," Aaron said, adjusting his shoulder so Rose's head could curve seamlessly into it. "Something wrong?"
"No," Rose said, snuggling to Aaron's side, "just listening to you read."
Aaron quirked a questioning eyebrow. "I have grown accustomed to your snide comments and unnecessary sarcasm," he admitted, "hence why I feel awfully weird right now with you being all quiet."
Andrew, Aidan and Luke eventually left and Damien was fast asleep with James in Aaron's bedroom, while George took the couch.
Rose thought it was lovely seeing Damien claim James to be with him, reasoning that James should be as comfortable as he can while he was here.
The subtle light of the moon glittered the yellow in Aaron's eyes. Rose thought that every time she went to his bookroom, the more she fell in love with it. Same thing with Aaron. "It's your favourite book," Rose reasoned, yawning, "I want you to read it without any distractions."
Aaron smiled a smile that indented his right dimple. "How very chivalrous of you."
Rose laughed. "And I am also a bit tired."
Aaron bookmarked their page and gave Rose a small kiss to her temple. "I am tired too," Rose knew he was lying, but her eyes were already so close to sealing shut. "We'll continue tomorrow."
"Okay," Rose yawned again, giving Aaron a sleepy smile.
"I'm glad we came on time," Aaron wrapped Rose with one more blanket. With the windows open, cold gushes of midnight wind was breezing through the room. He then settled down on the mattress and propped himself on one of the pillows. "Graduation is in two days I think, so it's great being back early. I promised Andrew we'd be here by then." He smiled lightly. "And they announce the winners of the Bitterne High University Program," he told Rose, the grin in his voice tickling her ears. "Care to be my date for my graduation Rose?"
Rose let out a lazy laugh. "Jesus Aaron," she said smiling. "you're so corny."
He let out an amused laugh. "Is that a yes?"
"Of course it is you moron."
"Good," Aaron said, making himself comfortable, "I wouldn't know what to do if you said no."
"Probably ask me again just to double check," Rose said.
Aaron's laugh shook Rose's bones so beautifully she almost gasped. "Probably," he admitted, and even in the dimness of the room, she could make out the pink of his cheeks.
Rose felt more awake from how fast her heart was beating. But she laughed. "You're such a dork," she said.
"But you love this dork," Aaron said, and instantly Rose could see his smile falter away. "Sorry," he apologized, "I would never mean imply that you love me, like I would never intentionally say it in your face because I mean sometimes it seems hard to believe. God I'm rambling but –"
Rose kissed him. Long.
She laughed quietly after. "You think too much," she told him, her eyes trained on Aaron. "I do love you, and there's nothing wrong with admitting something that's true."
Aaron's eyes gleamed turquoise; like they always do when he's embarrassed. Rose was brushing hair off his eyes. But his gaze was so focused on her it took every bit of self control to not look away.
"I don't know what's the matter with me Rose," Aaron told her, the quietness of his voice enlightening the British in his tone. "I guess when it comes to you, I'm always trying not to jinx it."
Rose laughed. "Why? I might go away?"
Aaron shrugged. "Who knows? I know I'm not going anywhere," he told her, smiling a sleepy grin. "Maybe you'll find a Harry and leave me for him."
"Well if he had a wand I will," Rose admitted sheepishly, making a chuckle rumble in Aaron's chest. "I love you Aaron," she whispered, kissing his forehead. "I mean it."
He smiled, eyes closed. "I know you do Rose," he whispered back, "I know you do." he repeated. There was such gentleness in his voice that Rose couldn't help but pull him closer. "It's just sometimes it still amazes me that you do."
Rose could see each and every single one of Aaron's eyelashes. They almost looked like fine brush strokes that beautifully framed his ethereal eyes. "You never give yourself credit," she said quietly.
And she was kissing him; eyes closed and hearts open, Rose was kissing Aaron so earnestly that she felt she was exposing herself to him raw and full. And she meant it. She wanted to tell Aaron that anybody would be lucky enough to love him – that loving him was a blessing that came only in whispered prayers.
"I love you," she whispered to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Now and always."
He smiled at her. "I love you too."
They sealed it with a kiss like they always did.
♡♡♡
"Wait Lana, what in the world are you doing?" Rose almost screamed, her eyes wide in fright. "It's – it's that thing again!"
Aura looked at Lana, and grinned. "You mean an eyelash curler?"
The three girls were currently in Rose's bedroom, getting ready for the boy's graduation. Turns out Aura was a year elder than Rose and Lana, but nevertheless, Tristan did ask her to be his date for their graduation shortly after she left Aaron's place.
Even Aiden already asked Lana as his date, and it seemed like the three girls were going on a triple date.
"It looks scary," Rose admitted, cringing when Lana did her own eyelashes first to prove a point.
"But it makes a difference," Lana said, moving to her next eye; grinning when Rose cringed again. "Stop being a big baby and let me do it for you."
Rose reluctantly gave in, Aura laughing as Lana curled Rose's eyelashes. She was almost done for the most part – all she had to do was put on some mascara and lipstick and put on her shoes. She already had her dress on; which was a flowy royal blue dress that reached Rose's calf. She didn't even know she had a dress like that until her Helen strolled into the room and gave it to her; claiming that they got it as a gift for her when they found out she got third place in the Bitterne High University Program.
Lana even curled Rose's hair, and Rose honestly felt like a princess. She slipped on her nude heels (Much to Lana's dismay, she didn't allow anything that was less than three inches) and waited patiently for the other two on the bed.
Aura and Lana were already pretty good friends to start with, and it made Rose really happy when she accepted to come and get ready at her place.
Aura actually turned out to know Tristan from the University Program at school, and it was cute seeing her talk about the blonde haired boy with pink on her cheeks; such a contrast on her pale skin. She also said that she would've never thought she would meet Rose and Lana before she graduated.
She opted for a baby blue dress that went passed her knees and made her long black hair stand out; finishing it off with matching shoes and a simple black clutch.
Lana went for navy blue; cinched at the waist and flowed down to her ankles. Lana wore of course, midnight blue heels that Rose could only dream to walk in. Her lips were painted a scarlet red.
The boys did say they couldn't bother changing their ties, and since they were all blue, the girls wore simple blue gowns as well.
They did complain about how immature the boys were, and how unromantic it was to not get their own specific matched colour, but there were gentle smiles the whole time; sunlit eyes that could only ever be seen in girls in love.
It was beautiful really; and it was something that even drawing it seemed futile.
"Okay I'm done," Aura said, smacking her lips one last time. "Now we wait." she said.
"I bet you ten bucks those morons will come in their bikes," Lana laughed, her blonde locks cascading down her shoulders in loose curls.
"I bet you twenty it's a delivery truck," Aura grinned, giggling.
But they were both wrong. The boys rang the doorbell and escorted them outside; Aaron's eyes glimmering with wonder. He was wearing the suit Damien got him, and it warmed Rose's entire body. And then they went into a limo.
A 120' limo.
"You look beautiful," he whispered to her, interlacing their fingers as they seated down after Andrew got his usual hug. Everyone looked nice: Aiden in his black suit and tie that surprisingly matched Lana's dress perfectly, Tristan with his dark grey suit and baby blue tie. Even Andrew and Luke cleaned up nicely in a suit; freshly shaved and with bright smiles, Rose thought everyone looked absolutely amazing.
"Thank you," she whispered back to him, smiling. "You look nice too."
Rose could feel his sapphire eyes linger on her, and she found herself flushing. He gave her a smile, before slipping her royal blue corsage on her wrist (Rose did wonder how he managed to matched the colour of the corsage to her dress, but was too enchanted by his eyes to care.)
"Where are James, Damien and George?" Rose asked, noticing how the limo didn't have the little blonde haired boy.
"They went to school with Aiden's car," Aaron told her, and it was only then that she noticed how tense his eyes were.
"Really?" Rose asked, smiling. "That's great."
"And nerve wrecking," Aaron told her, chuckling nervously.
"You'll do wonderful," Rose murmured, kissing his jaw, "trust me."
He smiled like he did believe her.
And they made small talk in limo; full of laughs and smiles and absolute happiness that Rose wished the night would never end.
♡♡♡
"And finally, for our third place in this year's Bittern High University Program," Mr. Kale's light green twinkled underneath his glasses, "Miss Rose McLean!"
Rose could hear Aaron's cheer the loudest as she walked up to Mr. Kale, the bubbling excitement and joy swirling around her body in crazy neurotic impulses as a bright smile shone from her lips. She stood next to Tristan, her eyes sparkling at the sight of her parents (Helen was hysterically sobbing while Peter held her), Aaron, Damien, James, George and the rest of them clapping for her; their eyes sprinkled with stars and their smiles tapped with sunlight. She could feel tears swell her eyes, but from where she stood, she could see Lana's stern eyes and pursed lips saying Don't cry. Your makeup isn't waterproof for God's sake.
"Congratulations Rose," Mr. Kale smiled at her, handing her a certificate with her name on it. "Job well done."
Rose gave him a bright smile; one that matched the nebulas in her eyes. "Thank you for the honor," she replied quietly, to which Mr. Kale just grinned to.
"As promised, we will be handing a letter of recommendation to Steiner's University all the way in England," Mr. Kale said into the microphone, the crowd clapping once more for the three winners. "Congratulations once more, and remember, there will always be another one next year," he continued, "and it would be an honor to recommend more of my students."
Aura, Tristan and Rose posed for yearbook photos, and once it was done, Rose was scooped in Aaron's arms before she could even blink.
"Congrats," he smiled down at her, the planets orbiting around his iris. There was always something in Aaron's eyes whenever he wore a suit, and Rose never really figured it out. "You deserved it."
Rose gave him a quick peck on the cheek (Since she was able to reach there now) and smiled. "Thanks," she told him, giggling as James latched himself onto her.
"Rose!" he grinned, hugging her tighter. "You were amazing up there!" His green gaze became almost pastel. "And you look beautiful."
Aaron stuck his tongue out at him. "Too bad I told her first."
"Well, we all know who she actually takes it from."
"James,"
Aaron then took James for some juice that they served at the refreshments bar, giving Rose a quick kiss on the lips and saying he would be back soon.
Damien's smile was charming; quirked with a tad of mischief. "Well," he said to Rose, "that was unexpected."
Rose raised an eyebrow at him. "Underestimated me once more?"
"No," Damien shook his head, adjusting his red tie. "Just fascinated, I believe."
"By what? Woman empowerment?"
Damien's eyes twinkled sapphire blue. "Unquestionable determination," he told her, smiling. His left dimple was deeper than his right; Aaron's complete opposite. "That's always something to admire."
Rose smiled at him, and gave him a grateful nod. "Thank you," she said.
Damien shook his head. "I should've thanked you a long time ago," he said, and his voice was quiet; almost hushed. "For bringing me back my brother."
"He was never lost Damien," Rose told him, "he just needed some time to think it through."
"And a compass," Damien replied, sunshine sprinkled on his lips, "and he got that when he found you."
Rose could feel her face flush, and Aaron returned with James, looking at Rose in perplex. "Why are you all red?" he asked. He glanced at Damien. "What did you do?"
"Nothing," he shrugged. "I was just telling her the truth."
"Damien I swear if you offended her in any way I will personally –"
"I have to tell George I found you," he said, making his way. "He's been looking for you for ages."
James was sipping on some apple juice while the rest of them came and congratulated her; Andrew giving her an extra tight hug while Luke ruffled her hair like he always did. Aiden and Luke tackled her in a bear hug and even lifted her up and sang a congratulating song.
"Hip hip, horaaaayyy!" Aiden grinned as Luke balanced Rose's right arm behind his neck.
"Okay that's enough," Rose laughed as Aaron took her down, smoothing out her dress.
Tristan also gave Rose a small hug, along with Aura; his green eyes blooming to an almost ashy yellow. "Mr. Kale wants to see us now," he said, "in his office. You know, for the paper work and stuff."
Aura's eyes were still so bright in the slight dimness of the room. "He also said to bring whomever you want, and the letter also needs your signature."
Rose smiled. "Sure, I'll be right there."
Aaron was staring intently at her, his eyes glowing. "You go ahead," he told her quietly, and Rose could make out the specks of green lingering randomly in his iris. "I'll be with James."
But Rose shook her head. "I want you both with me," she said, and her heart was beating so ferociously against her chest that she could feel the blood pumping behind her ears.
Aaron's eyes rimmed in surprise. "But Rose –"
"It's important," she told him simply, "so you two should be there."
A smile that blasted Rose's insides with butterflies sparkled Aaron's lips. "As you wish," he told her, and his eyes were so sincere.
James eagerly took Rose's hand as they made their way to Mr. Kale's office; Aaron's fingers resting on the small of Rose's back, electrifying her spine with neurotic impulse she never felt before.
Just as they were about to knock on Mr. Kale's office, Tristan and Aura opened the door to exit. Tristan gave Rose a stunning smile and kissed her cheek. "You did well Rose," he told her, interlocking his fingers tighter against Aura's.
Rose smiled softly. "You did well too, Tris,"
Aura gave Rose a hug before the pair turned to leave, not before Aura flashed Rose an encouraging thumbs up.
"Ah Rose," Mr. Kale said as Aaron closed the door behind them. "And who is this?"
"This is James," Rose smiled, "Aaron's brother."
"Aaron," Mr. Kale gave him a nod in acknowledgement. "A pleasure." He gave him a small smile. "Such a shame you didn't attend the program Aaron," he said, frowning a bit now. "You would've had a spot no doubt."
Aaron smiled lightly. "Please," he said, "don't let James and I interrupt."
"Of course," Mr. Kale said, looking at Rose again. "Ready?"
Excitement was racing through her veins. "What exactly is happening?"
"Well, I will write your name right here" – his pointer finger laid against the recommendation letter – "and you sign. Simple as that."
Rose bottled the courage she had in her. "C-Can I give this to someone else?"
Mr. Kale looked taken aback, and Rose could even feel Aaron's fingers fidget. "Such a request is very difficult to fulfill," Mr. Kale told her, his light hazel eyes confused.
"How is it difficult when all you have to do is write another name on that blank and let another person sign?"
Mr. Kale was opening and closing his mouth, but then he eventually nodded his head and said, "I believe we can do that," His eyebrows furrowed. "But are you willing to throw away all your hard efforts and give it away last minute?"
Rose nodded. "I'm sure," she told him. "Now, please write Aaron DeGarner."
"Rose," It was Aaron, and his voice had an edge to it. She knew he wouldn't allow it without a fight. "Don't do this."
But Mr. Kale obliged, as though Rose was performing an Imperious Curse, and scribbled down Aaron's name in full. He glanced at the two. "All I need is a signature," he said. "Or do you two need to discuss?"
"There's no need for that," Rose said, smiling. "Aaron, please sign."
His jaw was clenched. "I am not taking this away from you –"
"Who said you were?" Rose said, noticing how James' eyes have gone teary.
"Mr. Kale," A secretary knocked on the door, looking at Mr. Kale through the half opened door. "There are some parents that have questions and insist on an answer," There was a subtle hint of annoyance in her eyes.
"I'll be right there," Mr. Kale said, closing his pen with the cap. He then got up. "That leaves you both with some time to discuss." And without another word, he left the room.
"Aaron –"
"No Rose," Aaron said. "You earned that fair and square, I don't deserve this,"
James hugged Rose, whispering Thank you so much over and over in her belly. Rose looked at Aaron as her fingers soothed James' hair. "I want to do this," she told him, "you always deserved it more than me."
"I left you that week," Aaron's voice cracked.
"You left me for James," she said, and the little boy clang to her tighter. "Unchangeable circumstances," she whispered, and Aaron's eyes filled with tears.
"I won't let you," Aaron said, trying to steady his voice. "You deserve this, not me."
Rose smiled lightly, the blue of Aaron's eyes almost unreal. "You always deserved it," she told him, "you just never got the chance to make it on time."
Aaron took a glance at James, smiling crookedly.
"It fits Aaron," Rose whispered, smiling. "England and you."
And Aaron let out a chuckle, but Rose could see him wipe away some leaky tears.
"Rose," Aaron said quietly, "why?"
She grinned. "Happy early birthday."
And Aaron kissed her like he never kissed her before.
In front of James.
♡♡♡
"Wait," Luke said, "so Aaron got it?"
Rose nodded. "I exchanged with him."
"Awwww," Lana chimed in, gushing in pink. "That's so sweet!"
Rose laughed, shrugging. "I wouldn't have lasted in England anyway," she reasoned.
Aaron didn't speak a word ever since Mr. Kale took his signature and attached Aaron's student files to the recommendation letter. He then said it will arrive in England in the next few days.
"He looks just like Aaron!" Helen gushed, pinching James' cheeks as he chuckled. "You're adorable!"
Rose could hear James mutter Of course I am, which made Rose giggle. He then grinned at her.
"You okay?" Rose nudged Aaron. "You've been awfully quiet."
"I can't believe you just did that,"
"Did what?"
"Give me the best birthday gift ever,"
Rose smiled. "It wasn't much really," she reasoned casually, "but if you think I did it for free, you're wrong."
He smiled, waiting for her answer; the whole universe settling in his eyes and in the spaces of his eyelashes.
"You're going to have to buy me the twenty fifth special edition of Harry Potter," she said, grinning.
Aaron nodded, kissing her temple. "I think I will do more than that."
"Really now?" Rose half raised her eyebrows. "What's that supposed to mean?"
His smile was crooked and lazy, almost as though he didn't want to tell Rose anything. "I did ask Damien a favor," he said, "and he agreed to it."
Rose nodded slowly. "And that favor is...?"
"A secret," Aaron grinned, "I can't tell you."
James chuckled, laughing. "It's a good one Rose, you'll like it."
"Even James knows?"
"He's my brother, my genetics are in him."
Just then Mr. Kale started talking on the microphone; giving everyone the signal to sit down. Aaron and Rose sat beside each other, and Rose could see how Aaron was clutching her hand tightly. They were all seated separately in alphabetical order, but Rose eventually convinced the girl next to Aaron (Alice) to switch places with her. Aiden was only a few seats away, along with Andrew and Aura. Luke and Lana were probably a few rows away, but even Rose could see Tristan's blonde hair.
"Aaron DeGarner," Mr. Kale called out, "congratulations Aaron. Come up here and take your diploma."
Cheers and claps erupted the room; enlivening Rose's eardrums with excitement. Aaron was smiling; his left dimple indented as he stood up and kissed Rose's forehead before moving along the crowd and up the stairs to the stage.
There, he took his diploma and shook Mr. Kale's hand before he walked to the microphone, his graduation gown too short for him. He gave the audience a small smile first before saying, "Good afternoon everyone," he said, his blue eyes searching the crowd. When his eyes met Rose, his smile widened. "I am truly honored to be here today, and being able to finally graduate is something I never really thought would happen. I had a rough couple of years, and back then, I thought standing up here wouldn't be possible." Tear sprung to Aaron's eyes, nourishing the soft smile on his lips. "To be able to graduate in honors in front of my little brother and loved ones was something that only seemed fathomable in my imagination." His eyes lingered on Rose, and she could feel tears drip down her face. Lana's face blazed in her brain. "I truly am grateful. That's why never stop dreaming just because things seem rough and unfair." His smile was like a cloud; alluring and so gentle. ❝Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. ❞
People cheered and yelled Dumbledore forever! And Potterheads unite! as Aaron chuckled, before he lifted his diploma in the air and said, "Raise your wands!"
And Rose was on her feet, clapping for Aaron until her palms got blistered and cheering for him until her vocal cords became dry. When he came back to his seat, she engulfed him in a hug.
"You were absolutely amazing," she told him, holding him tighter. Some of her tears were dripping on his graduation gown, "and I am so proud of you."
He kissed the top of her head. "I take that from you,"
And Rose was crying lightly but she still managed to laugh. "Of course you did," she said, smiling through her tears.
♡♡♡
"Thank you," Aaron mumbled, Rose resting her cheek in the space of his shoulder, "for being here with me today."
"Well I couldn't really escape it, I mean you asked me to be your date."
Rose could feel him grin. "You're welcome you moron. I got you out of the house."
"Hey, I get out of the house. Enough..."
He chuckled, and Rose didn't know whether she was even dancing right. Glancing at Aiden and Lana to her left and Aura and Tristan to her right, it looked like she was doing everything wrong.
"Are you sure I'm dancing right?" she asked Aaron, feeling his fingertips drum against her waist. "I mean, I don't know the first thing about it."
"I promised you I would teach you," Aaron whispered, "and you're not doing bad actually."
"Then why are people staring?"
"Because you're beautiful."
"Staring at me like I'm a runaway murderer with a criminal record worse than a drug addicted sociopath?"
"..."
"..."
"I'm not going to exactly disagree –"
Rose giggled, playfully smacking Aaron's shoulder with her palm. "Very reassuring," she said.
"And conflict avoiding," Aaron added, his right dimple now dinting his cheeks.
"If you ask me, I think your speech was very wonderful," Rose said. "I Siriusly couldn't get enough of it."
An eye roll. "Rose –"
"Because there was absolutely nothing Ron with it."
"For fuck's sake," But Aaron was smiling big; his eyes almost a transparent blue. "You will never stop will you?"
She grinned. "Neville,"
And while Helen and Peter were busy taking pictures of everyone and while George was following James around as he explored every bit of the prom and as Damien looked for future investors, Rose pulled Aaron into a kiss.
She was crying too; for basically no apparent reason other than the fact that she was happy, and that she could feel he was happy too. That the weight on his shoulders was now hers to bear too; half the pain and endurance taken by her and now Aaron was – was free.
And Rose has always accepted him; him with his uncontrollable temper and a much too big brain for himself, him with his constant mood swings and hurtful snide remarks. Him for his liking towards sarcasm and him towards pushing people away to protect them.
Aaron who was a boy with chips in his marble pale skin, a boy who used silence as a way of not telling people the way he felt. Aaron, a boy who had insecurity gush out of wounds that haven't healed properly; a boy who swallowed up his fear and pride for the sake of his brother.
Aaron, who loved with the entirety of his soul, and protected the people he loved most with delicate fingers and warm whispers; almost unnoticeable, but it was there.
And Rose loved him for that.
She loved him for what he was and what he will be, and she loved him for all his shadows that glimmered in the moonlight; that managed to ensure her that no nightmares will ever come near her.
He was the boy from her dreams; with the adorable half boyish smile and arms that always fitted perfectly into Rose's frame, as though the cracks and dents of his skin was made for her own crooked edges and uneven corners.
She loved Aaron, with all her being, and stopping never crossed her mind.
♡♡♡
"Rose, your room is beautiful!" James exclaimed, smiling with his teeth as he entered Rose's room. "There are books too like – is that Prisoner of Azkaban?"
James' excited yelp made Rose giggle as she watched him drag a chair in front of the bookshelf – I'm going to grow a few more inches artificially if you don't mind – and went on his highest tippy toes to grab her copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
"James," Aaron's face was annoyed, but Rose could sense the smile in his voice, "behave."
James gave Aaron a sour look. "Do I look like a bloody dog to you?"
"No swearing!"
"Fine, then stop being a tosser all the time!"
"No slang either!"
"But we're in a different country!"
"We're still in Canada you moron, just a different place!"
"Well this is technically Rose's house, so I shall only listen to her when it comes to practicality," James said, shrugging.
"James,"
Rose was laughing though, giggling almost. "James you can use slang while you're here," she said, smiling, "but just no swearing because my parents probably heard some of those words on the TV or something."
James nodded. "As you wish, my lady."
George knocked thrice before he entered Rose's room, his smile as glittery as his eyes. "What a beautiful home Rose," he said to her, "and your parents are such interesting people."
Aaron let out a loud laugh while Rose's cheeks flamed red. Helen and Peter always tend to overdo it when it came to first time guests, and it seemed that George wasn't any different.
"I love you Mum," James said, beaming. "She's absolutely lovely."
Aaron continued on laughing at the pink of Rose's cheeks. "Yeah that's Mom alright," Rose replied. "Hope you guys enjoy your stay."
George nodded. "We've already settled in the master bedroom Rose, thank you again."
She brushed him off. "It was nothing George, no need to thank me."
Damien joined them in later as George went (And insisted) on helping with dinner. It was weird seeing Damien with fluffy hair and loose pajama bottoms with a black shirt, but he looked so much like Aaron that Rose was actually getting confused.
He did stay while Rose read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from where they stopped, and it was absolutely enlivening seeing all of the DeGarner brothers listen keenly to her; devouring her words like irresistible pieces of candy.
As she read, Rose could see Hogwarts gleam through their eyes and magic sprinkle itself on their lips. It seemed almost too comely to see them all so quiet and so enhanced by something so ordinary that Rose found herself re-reading sentences by mistake – which they didn't mind anyway – and she wished she could capture a picture.
In about an hour and fifty seven minutes, Rose closed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with a delicate quirk on her lips, and it took James about forty five seconds to realize it was over. "Wait – it's over?" he voice was so quiet, so hollow.
"Yup, that it for Prisoner of Azkaban," Rose said, "Goblet of Fire is next."
Damien had a pillow soft smile on his lips. "It's been a while since I've read about Potter," he said, his eyes almost glazed with magic.
"It's Harry Potter," James said defensively. "Malfoy calls him Potter, and Malfoy is a moron."
Damien let out a laugh that Rose hasn't heard in a long time.
"My apologies," Damien said, his eyes a sheer pastel blue in the lighting of Rose's room.
"I need Goblet of Fire," James whined, sprawled across the bed facedown as he groaned incoherent phrases.
"What?" Aaron asked James, his eyebrows pinched as he tried to comprehend his little brother.
"Goblet...Potter...need...more...dead...can't function..." James' voice was muffled, and Aaron weirdly at James.
"Sorry," Damien apologized, smiling sheepishly. "Our Mother's genes tend to be detective."
Aaron snorted, and started laughing along with Damien.
James eventually joined in laughing; his eyes crinkled around the corners as heartfelt giggles escaped his lips. He leaped off the bed and climbed up the chair again, and reached out to get Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but he was just an inch short.
Aaron's chest was still rumbling, but he was smiling as he took the book from the shelf; allowing James to get on his shoulders while Aaron opened up the book and had a grin lazily hanging from his lips before he said, "I guess it's time to start your favourite one again right?"
♡♡♡
"towards the sunlit street, with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Dudley hurrying along in his wake." Aaron read, while Rose sniffled away her final tears. It was always hard getting through The Order of the Phoenix without bloodshot eyes and splotchy cheeks – even Aaron had tears dripping down his cheeks and his nose was red.
He closed the book and wiped his eyes with the pad of his thumb; as though he wanted to secure the rest of the tears inside, but Rose was a trembling mess against Aaron.
"Hey," Aaron's voice was quiet, but there was a slight wobble in them. "It's okay."
Rose nodded, tears still streaming down her face. Aaron wiped them away with gentle fingers; smiling a sad smile as he kissed her forehead. He huddled her in his chest and allowed her to cry for a bit; mourning over a character that grew attached to the strings of her heart and the depths of her soul. He let her sobs rattle through his chest and her tears soak his shirt; tucked the messy wisps of gold hair away from her blotchy cheeks and chapped lips while he wrote Always on the bottom of her spine with his scarred fingers.
For a while Aaron held Rose.
Her sobbing eventually subsided to small sniffles; her small shoulders still trembling. "Sorry," she said, her voice scratchy. "I know I'm a cry baby, but this book always gets to me."
Aaron smiled, wiping her tears away. "Crying over characters that don't even exist just shows how delicate your soul is," he whispered, "you don't ever need to apologise for that."
Rose nodded, cuddling to Aaron's chest. She never really knew how to act after she finished this book, and it usually took at least a few hours before she actually calmed down. But with Aaron, it only took a couple of minutes.
And they laid like that; Rose's random sniffles and Aaron's understanding blue gaze they talked about Harry Potter with enchantment in their voices and fascination in their eyes.
Rose's fingers talked with such wonder that it looked like sparks of magic were passing her finger nails and glistening through Aaron's smile.
And they spoke of these characters like they were old friends rather than fictional people; spoke of them with love and care in their voices because that's exactly what they gave those characters.
And each other.
"What was the favor that you asked Damien?" Rose asked persistently, groaning when Aaron shook his head. "But why noooooot?"
Aaron laughed. "It's still early for it," he reasoned, "when the time comes, you'll see."
"Oh, so it has visual relevance," Rose grinned.
"Go to sleep Rose."
"But Aaron –"
"Good night Rose,"
She let out a small laugh. "Good night you moron."
"I love you," he told her, kissing her forehead.
"I love you too." she replied.
❝Always? ❞
Rose smiled like a candle lit a room. ❝Until the very end.❞
N o t e
Hey loves! THE NEXT CHAPTER IS THE FREAKING EPILOGUE OH MY GOODNESS IT IS OVER FJSDNKFSDF! I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and do tell me your thoughts! It was difficult writing this chapter, because I was trying to string everything back together (I suck at these I am sorry like fml.)
Vote - I fell in love with the way you voted, slowly and then all at once.
Comment - That's the thing about euphoria, it demands to be felt.
Share - Everything is unstable to Nadia.
And this chapter is dedicated to etherway for being such a sweetheart and comment such lovely things! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for the support darling! xoxo
And I will be making a list of honorable mentions in the next chapter, so be ready for a huge A/N full of usernames and me hysterically sobbing.
And you guys, Hers is at 528+K OH MY FLIPPING GOD SOMEBODY HOLD ME BECAUSE I AM TOO EMOTIONAL FOR THIS.
Thank you for the continuous support, and it is absolutely phenomenal on how dedicated some of you are; leaving me lovely comments and showing amazing support, I will forever be grateful about this.
With that being said, the epilogue is next chapter, and I am completely not ready; emotionally and spiritually.
I will be hosting a one shot competition, so that is always exciting! I can't wait to see you guys' input!
And I also have very special news. My boo (Sweetfozi) and I are actually collaborating in a book together! FINALLY DNFDSNFJ! The story is actually posted on our joint account WillandJemBruh so if you are interested, check it out! The story is called P.S. Forever, and it is touching new concepts that I am not accustomed too, which is very excited and scary!
That's all for now loves, get the tears and tissues ready for the final chapter.
I love you beautiful, remember that.
-Nadia xoxo