Yes, Eisen was still scared. Of course he was. Was there any reason for him not to be? There were dozens of people who were undoubtedly out to kill him and the worst part was that he deserved it. But that day, he was done being afraid, at least outwardly. He needed to be brave for Rory, and needed to prove to him that despite what was happening, he was happy to be with him, because he was. He really was. They’d skipped class that day (by the suggestion of Rory, which shocked Eisen out of existence, and warmed his heart… though he figured that it was only partially out of the sake of romance, and partially out of fear of what would happen to them) and opted to stay home and spend a romantic Valentine’s Day together. And it was amazing.
Really, the best part about it was that aside from kisses and cuddling and hand holds? Nothing had changed. When they’d finally gotten out of bed (which was very hesitant on both of their behalves), they’d moved to the couch and were laying there watching a movie, having their usual witty banter. Battlefield: Earth was on the menu that day.
“You’d think they’d have realized by 2000 that casting John Travolta in anything is just… really not a good idea. He lost his relevance after Grease, I think,” he pointed out as he slid his fingers affectionately through Rory’s hair. Really, he couldn’t touch him enough. It was one of those ‘don’t know what you’re missing until it’s there’ things.
The knock on the door jumped him, and he looked suspiciously at the door, his hand moving from Rory’s hair and hesitating before finally sliding off the couch and heading in the direction of the front door. Who was there? Swallowing thickly, he turned to look back at Rory before he peered through the spy hole and looked out. Usually, he didn’t use it. He’d had nothing to be afraid of until recently. He visibly relaxed when he saw that it was Aren.
Turning his head to look at Rory again, he smiled weakly. “Aren,” he said simply as he unlocked the door and pulled it open. “Hey Aren,” he called out, his smile becoming a little more genuine in the face of his sister. But she could undoubtedly see the fear still in his eyes, and Rory’d be able to, too, when he turned back around.