Dedication

[Nox]

The morning was usual, he and Aria were starting to mesh, she still glared at him in the morning. But the warehouse was quiet, there was little around in terms of buildings with lots of people unlike where Aria lived, but she still glared at him as he had finished the last swallow of his coffee. She'd been kind enough to bring him one. He hadn't even had to ask. Coffee was something he and Aurora would never be without. It was a way of life.

They had a short time today, as they had business elsewhere, Aria had left promptly to get her things together, and shower at her place. Which meant he had plenty of time for a shower and the stupid trip on the metro. Living where Aria did was nice for this sort of thing, but truly he didn't want to be anywhere near the Atharim Headquarters on a daily basis, he wasn't sure how Aria could stand it. But then again, now the Regus already knew her secret, there was no telling who else he'd told. It made him slightly doubt their friendship, but he hoped to persuade her to come down here. One big happy family. But he'd yet to have the time to do what he was planning. So many things to do, and so little time. He could ask for Aurora's help, but he wasn't about to do that.

The metro was busy, everything was busy. HQ was busy, Nox had only seen the place a few times, but it was busting with people now. He recognized no one. The guards nodded as he entered, he at least remembered them, and they clearly him. The man before him had been asked for his identity. He was glad he wasn't a guard.

Nox wound his way through the throng of people congregating. The noise was loud and it echoed into the library where they sat. The large room they were meeting in was sprawling with people in seats, Nox looked up in awe, he hadn't seen a place this big ever. The ceilings were high and vaulted and it was a nice looking ball room. Might be fun to take a waltz on the floor one day. But Nox laughed to himself, he doubted the floor had seen the likes of ball in years upon years.

Nox saw Aria sitting in the corner, how could he think otherwise. She looked paler than usual. Was the mass throng already getting to her. Nox grinned as he sat down and put his arm on the back of Aria's chair. "You don't look so good."


Aria continued to watch in front of her and didn't say anything she just put her hand on his on her shoulder. Nox saw her visibly relax. He was glad to help. He put his arm on the chair on the other side, Aurora had asked for him to save her a seat.