An Overdue Reunion It had been the better part of a decade since Liam had left Sonora. It wasn't his idea to go, but shortly after the start of his third year, his mother decided to marry her then boyfriend, Scott. Scott worked in the oil industry and was assigned to a new post up in Canada and Liam’s mother couldn't very well leave her minor son in another country--even if he was going to school. It had taken him a while to adjust to the magical world of Sonora, only to be ripped from it.
Thankfully there were magic academies in Canada, and Liam was able to complete the first leg of his magical education. He missed Sonora though, and more importantly he missed the first friend he'd made at “magic school", Aria Yale. The two of them owled back and forth, but admittedly, Liam didn't keep in touch as well as he'd have liked. Between adjusting to a new country, studying for aptitude tests, moving back to the United States, applying to universities, and starting a successful business as a magician for children's parties, student teaching, things got a little hectic.
He never forgot about Aria though. How could you? She was, in his opinion, the very definition of a free spirit and the most interesting person he'd met. Now they were 22, and he'd finally worked up the nerve to invite her to visit. She'd accepted, and once they'd set a date, he began preparing for her arrival.
His apartment wasn't the fanciest, but he was pretty proud of it. The one bedroom one bath was in a good part of town. It was modernly furnished with hints of his love for comic books appearing every now and again,and had a balcony with a view of the Columbia river.
Since he was a full fledged wizard now, cleaning was almost literally a snap. The only real difficulty was when it came to stocking up on food. He remembered that Aria was a vegan, but there were so many dietary options these days: gluten free, dairy free, non gmo, msg, hsn…he was overwhelmed. Liam had never been so glad that he lived in a part of the country where vegans reigned supreme. As long as he stuck to fruits, veggies, and legumes, the lady at the health food store assured him that he'd be fine.
When the day for Aria’s arrival finally came, Liam felt 12 all over again. It was like he was back in Cascade hall, anxiously awaiting a glimpse of his friend after a break. He tried to keep himself occupied while he waited so that he wasn't creepily staring out the window when she arrived, but nothing seemed to be working.
And finally, after what felt like another 10 years, there was a knock on the door.
Aria stood outside the door to the apartment where her longtime friend currently lived. So much had happened since he had left her at Sonora that she wondered if they would click the same way they had all those years ago. In a lot of ways, Aria had changed. Physically, she was still basically the same. Her wild curls were far more tame than they once were and her makeup had grown more subtle rather than the harsh black liner that she once wore. But these were only subtle changes and since Liam had missed out on all of her teenage experimenting, she didn’t think he’d really notice this much. Appearance-wise, she was still the same flower child she had always been. Her outfits consisted of flowy skirts, loose tops, never a bra and sandals. She was simple and it had taken her a very long time to love herself and all of her weird quirks. Her changes were with her self acceptance and maturity, but like with her physical appearance, Liam probably wouldn’t be aware of these changes.
When Liam had reached out to her to see if she would be interested in seeing him again, Aria had jumped at the chance. She had missed him and their letters back and forth just weren't the same as seeing him in person. Her life was school for Healing and helping her mother out back home with the ill. She never really had time for herself and a few days in a different state with an old friend was something that she needed. She was so excited to see him! It had been too long. Aria smiled brightly when the door opened and without waiting for any sort of greeting, Aria threw her arms around his shoulders for a tight hug, kissing him quickly on the lips as a hello. “Liam!” She exclaimed, pulling back to see him properly. “It’s so good to see you!”
Liam laughed, and hugged her back, trying not to let the look of surprise brought on by her kiss linger for too long. He knew people in Europe often kissed each other on the cheek in salutation, and he definitely didn't claim to know everything about her community, so maybe it was common practice for her. Either way, it's not like the thought hadn't crossed his mind before, he just wasn't expecting it. That was part of her appeal though, she always kept him on his toes.
“It's good to see you too! You look amazing!” He said, as he stepped back to let her inside. It was true too. Sure, he kind of missed her hair being crazy, but he thought Aria’s adult look suited her too. Liam was glad that her style hadn't really changed all that much. Then again, it was clear pretty early on that Aria knew exactly who she was. He, on the other hand, went through some super awkward stages during puberty and had to do a lot of soul searching when it came to choosing a major. He felt like he made it through alright though.
While chubby as a child, Liam’s height finally caught up with his weight, and Scott's Canada job allowed his family to be able to afford braces. His hair actually had a style that wasn't formed by a bowl, and he'd just recently decided to give facial hair a try. After all, you can't be a good magician without a mustache.
His style had largely remained the same as well; he would forever be a jeans and a t-shirt kind of guy, though occasionally he'd through a button up or hoodie over the top.
“Oh, thank you!” Aria stated, still smiling. “You look quite handsome, especially with this.” She reached up and scratched beneath his chin where his facial hair was coming in so nicely.
Liam bit his lip as she scratched him, it was sort of an odd sensation, but he had to admit that he kind of enjoyed having her touch him. Plus, there was something about it that he couldn't help but find...adorable? He wasn't sure how to describe it, but it made him feel things, and he liked it. Liam let his gaze settle on Aria for a moment before turning back to face his home.
“Welcome to my crib!” He said as he made a grand sweeping motion with his arm. “Everything the light touches, is mine.” Liam knew Aria likely wouldn't get those references, but he couldn't help himself. He still often found himself terribly amusing.
“This is pretty much the grand tour.” He added, looking around the small apartment. The dining area was immediately to the right of the entry way and connected to the kitchen. To the left was the living room which contained a futon, larger than necessary t.v., recliner, and coffee table made out of his old school trunk.
“Bathroom is down the hall to the left, linen closet on the right, and straight through the double doors at the end of the hall…is where the magic happens.” He finished with a playful wink. “Who am I kidding, the magic happens all over this place, I'm a great and powerful wizard now!”
She stepped inside and looked around the apartment as he gave her a ‘tour’. It was small, but simple and quaint. Aria lived in a small house back in the community (all individuals after the age of 21 are provided their own home should they want it) but it wasn’t much bigger than his apartment. As she lived a rather minimalistic lifestyle, she really only needed a bed, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a place to eat. Besides, she was hardly home as it was so anything more than that would have been wasted on her.
Having finished his mtv cribs tour, Liam turned his full attention back to his friend.
“How was the trip? Can I get you a drink or anything? Would you care to sit?” He asked, pointing toward the couch over his left shoulder with his thumb. “I don't usually have guests, so I'm not the best host.” He admitted. “I'm just happy you're here!”
“My trip went smoothly.” Aria answered, she had apparating to a local spot in town and then walked the remaining way to his place of residence. Since she spent most of her days on her feet, it really hadn’t been all that bad. She laughed at his excitement and rush of questions. “I am wonderful, I do not need anything, I promise.” She stated, walking further into the apartment to have a better look around.“What is this?” She asked, pointing to the television. She was rather surprised by the look of apartment considering the location of his building as it seemed more Muggle than Magical.
“I'm glad to hear that. Also glad you found the place. This is kind of a, muggle friendly area. So my family can visit, you know? It doesn't have the usual wards and all that.” He explained. It had been an important feature when choosing a place to live. There were obviously still rules to protect the secrets of the magical world, but this allowed him a sense of balance. Liam couldn't help but smile when Aria laughed, even if it was at him. “I agree, you are pretty wonderful. If you change your mind though, just say the word.”
Aria felt a sort of hiccup in her chest when he gave her the offhand compliment. She wasn’t sure if he was just teasing her or not, but the butterflies in her stomach were real. She didn’t often get compliments for the sake of compliments and she rather liked hearing them, especially from someone she hadn’t seen in a long time. They felt more genuine that way.
His attention turned to her question about the t.v., and he paused for a moment as he tried to figure out the best way to explain it to her. “That, is a television. A muggle creation that allows you to watch different shows or movies. It's sort of like magical photos, only with sound, and the shows change. I use it to keep track of muggle news, and sometimes when I need a break from studying. I grew up with one, so it felt a little weird without it.” He said with a shrug. “If you want, I can show you later.” Aria nodded after he explained the block square thing to her. She didn’t quite get it being as Muggle things just weren’t something she completely understood (although, being honest, there were many things in this world, Muggle or Magical that she had a hard time understanding). But he was willing to show her how it worked, so she would just figure it out then.
Aria looked closely at the pictures on the wall. She did not understand what most of the prints were representing, but she felt that it fit him somehow. The photos on the wall of his family reminded her of something. “Oh, I have something for you!” She exclaimed, turning to him and pulling an item from her purse. The item happened to be a homemade grass doll, reminiscence of her Christmas gifts to him many years ago. “I thought you might miss having one.” She teased.
Liam caught himself watching her as Aria examined his artwork. He really was happy to see her, but there was something else there as well. Liam raised an eyebrow in curiosity when Aria announced she'd brought him something, and a bright smile crossed his face as she presented him with the doll.
“Little do you know, I still have the other. Though admittedly he's not as fresh as he once was. He could use a friend though, so we both thank you.” He remembered feeling special when he'd received the first one. It meant something to him that she would take the time and effort to make something with him in mind. He carefully took the doll from her and looked it over before wrapping Aria in their second hug of the day.
Her eyebrows went up in surprise when he admitted that he still had the previous doll she had made. She had honestly thought that it would have been lost long ago. She was impressed and rather pleased to hear that he had kept it all this time.
When he pulled her into a hug, Aria did not hesitate to return the gesture. She was a touch person. It was her way of connecting with people. Hugs, kisses, small touches, hand holding, massages were gestures that she appreciated. And, of course, there was the more physical connection one received in a non-platonic relationship that she often craved. Connection for her was a Spiritual thing, but physical connection was just as important to her. Anyway, who could blame her? She felt safe in the arms of her friends and Liam was no different. He felt strong and he was warm and comfortable to her.
“I'm afraid I didn't get you anything.” He said as he pulled back from her, somewhat reluctantly. “Unless you count the fancy toilet paper my sister recommended.”
“Fancy toilet paper?” She asked, clearly confused by the item in question. “Is it lace? Why is it fancy?” She couldn’t think of toilet paper as being fancy; what purpose would that be?
Liam couldn't help but chuckle at the prospect of lace toilet paper. That would be truly horrific.
“I just mean it's more expensive. Softer, stronger, more ply. I usually just get what's on sale, but Ramona insisted. She also reminded me to wash the sheets.” Sisters were useful when it came to having female company. Not that he did frequently, but there were things that Liam didn't consider. Like the function of throw pillows. Apparently they made things feel homey, but he thought they usually just got in the way. She nodded as he explained. She wasn’t sure why expensive toilet paper was necessary, but she appreciated the gesture.
“Anyway,” He started as he crossed the room to the couch and promptly slid the pillows to one side with his free hand before plopping down on it and sliding his shoes off. Liam leaned forward and popped open the latch of his trunk coffee table. Once unlatched, the lid lifted and a series of shelves the length of the trunk unfolded from the lid. One held various bits of his childhood including mementos from his father, and another pictures and odd things he'd collected from his time in Canada.
The last shelf contained remnants of his short time at Sonora, including his Pecari patch from his robes,yearbooks, the original grass doll, and a picture of them from the holiday party their second year.
Aria watched him closely as he pulled the shelves into view. It was a rather handy trunk to have. She grinned at his final shelf filled with his and their life together at Sonora. She also had a copy of that photo of them that she kept in a frame back home.
“Do you remember when we won that yearbook award for being best friends?” Liam asked as he placed the grass doll next to the other carefully. As he flipped the lid of the trunk back up the shelves disappeared back into the bottom of the trunk, allowing him to close and latch it.
“Yes, of course.” She answered. “Remind me to bring my yearbooks the next time we are together and I can show you how our classmates aged.” Aria did not have the fondest memories of her classmates, except for the occasional few, but Liam might appreciate having a look at them just for pure curiosity.
“I think they are going to be very happy together.” He said with a smile as he patted the cushion beside him. “And I'll be very happy if you'd come sit with me.” Liam let himself sink back into his ultra comfy couch and put his feet up on the edge of the coffee table.
Aria gave a small laugh, “Alright.” She answered, taking her sandals off and placing them neatly by the door along with her satchel before joining him on his sofa. She plopped down directly next to him so that they were touching despite there being plenty of room for there to have been space between them. “It is alright that you do not have a gift for me. You have invited me to stay with you and that is a wonderful enough gift to be given.” She smiled happily to him. Linking her arm through his and taking his hand to hold, Aria kissed his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder, “I have missed you so very much, Liam.”
Liam felt his pulse quicken as Aria settled in beside him. He wasn't quite sure what to say in response to her statement about his gift, or lack thereof, but before his brain could string together a sentence she'd kissed him again and took his hand. Somehow it felt oddly normal and comfortable to be this close to her. He knew how important touch was to her, so even though he couldn't quite reconcile his feelings, he decided to just go with it.
“I've missed you too.” He said before kissing the top of her head as it rested on his shoulder. “I'm sorry I didn't invite you sooner. I...I really like this.” Liam let his gaze settle on their hands, Aria’s felt so small in his. The again, he had an entire foot on her. “I could always come visit you, if the community works like that. You could show me your yearbooks and I could see where you live. During school breaks and stuff.”
Liam let go of her hand briefly so he could lace his fingers between hers. “I just...I can't let another 10 years go by without seeing you.” Maybe it was weird to start planning their next visit so soon after she'd arrived, but as they sat there, the thought of being without her made his stomach hurt.
Aria smiled into his shoulder, happy that she was with him and he seemed happy that she was there too. It was such a relief to find that they still connected so well even though they hadn’t seen one another since they were about thirteen. She mulled over his comment about coming to her community before she really said anything. He was the first person to ever offer the suggestion and she felt that he truly meant it. He would visit her if she asked him too. The thought that he wanted to see her home, her place of safety, it meant the world to her. She was trying to not let her excitement of it bubble over but it was very difficult.
She shifted slightly so that her chin was resting on his shoulder and she was facing him and was only inches from his own face. “I would never allow another decade to pass between us.” Aria said firmly, though there was a smile playing her lips so that he knew she believed it wouldn’t be an issue and she gave his hand a squeeze. She couldn’t help but notice how sweet his eyes looked or how perfect her hand fit into his. She still had the butterflies in her stomach and bubbles in her chest, feelings that she hadn't felt for a long time were becoming more apparent to her the longer she was in his company.
Liam was relieved when it appeared that Aria felt the same way, about seeing each other more frequently anyway. He wasn't the most observant of beings, but he couldn't help but feel like maybe she was sharing other feelings with him as well. Liam had always had a certain level of fondness for her. She'd been there for him when he needed someone to talk to, and always knew just what to say. He always thought she was wise beyond her years, not to mention kind, accepting of his quirks, and he'd always maintained that she was the most interesting person he'd met.
All of that, plus she was beautiful, and incredibly adorable when she got excited about something. He didn't really feel like she held back, she was just kind of who she was, unapologetically, and he loved that about her. No one else had ever compared to her, and he was quickly realizing that no one ever would.
“Now, do you really mean that you’ll come visit me?” Aria asked, sitting up onto her knees and facing him on the sofa, her hand still entwined with his. “I would love for you to see it! You should come when we are having one of our festivals because everyone is in great spirits and there’s dancing and a feast!” Her excitement had finally broken as she thought about all the things they could do while he visited. She felt that people had a misconstrued idea of her community but no one seemed really interested to finding out the truth of it. Her community sat in the valley between two mountains. There was a lake separating their community with the nearest magical city where only boats could pass between them, and a wall on the other end to keep the Muggles out. They were self-sufficient. They grew their own fruits and vegetables, their own potion ingredients, and wheat. They each had a job and they each helped one another. They ate together, played together, made decisions together, and they celebrated together.
The only thing that was really different about her community and the rest of the world was that they played by their own rules and found Spirituality as a source of peace and healing. “Will you come?” She asked again, a hopeful look on her face.
“Of course I will!” He said beaming. “I'm a terrible dancer, but I do love food.” And you. He thought, but managed to hold back. That wasn't something he probably should just blurt out, and definitely not second to food. “I've always been interested to see where you came from, but now I actually have the means to, seeing as we're adults and all.” He wasn't sure if her community allowed outsiders to visit, but was glad to discover otherwise. It had always been a bit of a mystery to him, so he was looking forward to visiting. “I'm really excited about seeing you in your element, you know? And just seeing you in general.”
Aria grinned happily back at him when he confirmed that he would come visit her. She was so excited to have him see her home and meet her family. She knew that her community wasn’t anything like he was used to, mainly because he was Muggleborn, but also because they enjoyed a simple life and most people were used to luxuries. But she thought he could have fun there with her. Or, she really hoped he could enjoy himself. She was sure she’d feel heartbroken if he couldn’t. “I do hope you’ll have fun.” Aria stated, her smile faltering slightly as her second guessing plagued her mind.
“I don't see how I couldn't have fun. Particularly during a festival. Like I said, I’m a horrible dancer, but I'll do it if it makes you smile.” He said, raising his eyebrows up and down quickly. “Besides, I'm low maintenance. I just want to be with you.”
Aria’s heart raced slightly when he made his last comment. What did he mean by that? Was it simply because they had been apart for so long and he wanted to make sure that she knew he would be at her side or was it something… more? Either way, Aria could feel herself smiling more brightly at the idea of him being with her.
“Remind me again about how companions work in your community…?” He finished, trying to act as casually as possible about what he felt and where he was planning on taking the conversation.
“Companions?” Aria repeated, her brows furrowing as she tried to work out why the question had come up. “Two people who feel a connection to one another consent to begin courting. It can be a completely casual agreement or one that has more…” She paused as she thought about the correct term to use, “more of a possibility for a future together.” She finally settled on. “I believe you call them girlfriend and boyfriend?” Aria added, smiling a little proudly that she could recall the term.
“Anyway, Companions are formed based on a bond that is felt between them. For instance, I feel connected to you in many ways. Mentally, emotionally, physically, as well as Spiritually. But, you might not feel the same connections or bonds, so a companionship may not be something you would want with me.” Although she had used herself as an example, the way she felt about him had been true. “Does that make sense?”
“Yeah, that's right! I'm surprised you remembered. That was such an awkward conversation back then.” Liam laughed, recalling some of the things he'd said back in the day. If only relationships were as easy as he'd imagined. “I understand what you mean though.” He paused for a moment, thinking about how to say what he was going to say next. His heart was pounding and he'd never been so excited and nervous before.
“So, Aria...what happens if I do want a companionship, a relationship, with you?” He asked as he looked into her eyes. He felt like he was holding his breath while he waited for her to reply. He'd been nervous about asking girls out before, but this just seemed to have more weight to it. Maybe it was because of the companionship thing, or maybe it was because he actually loved her.
“Hm?” She sounded, her mind reeling with his question. She blue eyes stared at him for a long moment as she tried to work out if he was just throwing a hypothetical question or if he was actually asking because he wanted to know for a more personal reason. The idea that he would want to be with her caused a rush of heat to run through her body and to her cheeks. “Are you asking out of curiosity or are you asking because you are interested?” Aria finally said, before quickly adding, “But, the end result is the same in either scenario because I would be very happy to be in a companionship with you.” She knew that if he was simply curious than he would now know she had feelings for him, but considering the look he was giving her, she believed that it was the latter situation they were currently in.
“I'm asking because…” He paused and took a breath because he had, actually been holding his breath. Or all of the feelings were making him dizzy and it had nothing to do with actual oxygen. Either way, this was happening. She had feelings for him too, and Liam was over the moon. He thought about all the different ways he'd heard people declaring their love for eachother. They were basically fair game since he imagined Aria wouldn't catch the reference. He then realized that he'd been in his head for too long and was going to jeopardize their moment if he didn't come out and say it.
“I'm asking because…I love you.” He let his words hang there for a moment. Relishing in the feeling of relief in his chest and anxiously waiting for whatever Aria’s reply would be.
Aria thought she had gone deaf after he had made his statement. She couldn’t hear anything or that’s how it felt and she realized it was because her blood was rushing to her head with…she didn’t know with what. An emotion that felt like everything all at once and she couldn’t decipher it in her current state. He was waiting for her to say something and Aria panicked because she couldn’t think about anything other than what he had just said to her. And then realization of what the feeling was came to her. She was giddy. She was so giddy that she needed to move and so she did.
Aria pulled her hand from his so that she could put both hands on either side of his face and then brought her lips to his for a kiss. A real kiss. Not a smooch of hello or a peck on the check. An excitedly passionate kiss. He had told her he loved her. No one had ever really said that to her. She knew that people did, like her parents and her best female friend, Luna, but it wasn’t the same as being told by someone she had had feelings for since she was twelve years old.
When she pulled away from him, she was breathless, but her eyes were bright and happy. She rested her forehead to his for further contact to him, “And I love you, Liam Ammon.”
He was going to kiss her, but instead he was the one being kissed. He was surprised, pleasantly so, and hoped that it didn't translate into what his lips were currently doing. Of all the times he'd thought about it, he never thought it would actually happen--but here they were. He wrapped his arms around her as best as he could on the couch and kissed her gently on the forehead.
“I love you too.” He furrowed his brow when he realized that he'd just repeated himself. He couldn't help the fact that his brain was a little foggy at the moment, kissing Aria had temporarily diverted some blood flow. “Wait, I already said that...” He laughed as he gently brushed a few stray blonde curls back from her face. “Still true though. You have no idea how long I've wanted to say that, and do that.”
Aria giggled, amused that he seemed a little flustered after their kiss. “I do not, but I would be happy to hear you say as often as you'd like and I shall do the same.” She commented, her fingers tracing along his jaw as she spoke.
He shifted slightly in his seat to make himself a little more comfortable as other things he wanted to do came to mind. He was doing his best to control himself. They'd just shared two firsts in fairly short succession, so he wasn't going to push his luck.
“This is probably a weird time to mention it, but I figured you could sleep in my bed while you're here. I can take the couch.”
“Oh, can I?” Aria stated sitting up and looking a little wicked. “The room where the magic happens?” She teased and stood up, reaching her hand out for him to take. “Would you like to show me just how it happens?” Maybe to some such a move would be considered drastic, but to Aria, her feelings for him dictated her and this was simply a natural step to take.
He'd been joking when he'd made the comment about his room earlier, but now he was kind of glad that he did and couldn't help but laugh as she repeated what he'd said. He took her hand and stood as well, still finding it a little hard to believe that this was all happening.
When he'd initially invited her, he was hoping that they would reconnect, and things would feel like they had in the past. He was glad that it didn't feel that different, and in many ways just felt more intense. She was his best friend turned girlfriend, and though he didn't want to think too far ahead, their future together was really exciting to him.
“Uh, yeah...yes. I do.” He said with a smirk. He dropped her hand briefly and swept her off her feet and into his arms. “I should warn you though, what you're about to be part of is going to be life changing.” Liam carried Aria down the hall to his bedroom. As they approached, the doors slowly opened to greet them.