Dawn Of A New Tomorrow

“How long have we known each other, Ari?” Arkonel asked as he tossed a small rock into the pond.

“About three weeks. Help me?” Ari was looking down at a book on non-profit organizations and how to go about starting and running them.

“Do you…enjoy spending time with me?” Arkonel asked her as he leaned over her shoulder to help her. He had fought the urge to use the l-word, hoping that it might still come out of her lips of her own volition.

“You know I do. What does this freaking thing say? Its so hard to read.” Ari bit her lip in frustration as Arkonel watched in amusement.

“I know what it says.” He said, not bothering to look at the text. He was about to score major cute points, as Ari would say.

“Oh, really? What does it say, smart ass?” Ari looked up at him and he bent down closer to her ear.

“It says, ‘kiss me’.” Arkonel whispered, then moved back an inch, an impish grin spreading inexorably across his face.

“You win.” Ari agreed, grabbing shirt and pulling him back down to meet her lips. “Now tell me what it really says, Einstein.”

“Why don’t you just hire a lawyer?” Arkonel asked her. “They’ll do the paperwork for you.”

“I’ve always been a do it yourself girl.” Ari said wryly, turning her attention back to the text. “Don’t worry. If you don’t get it either, I’ll just look at it for a little longer and then take a break. I feel bad, I’ve barely paid attention to you.”

“I’m here to keep you company, remember?” Arkonel asked her. “You don’t have to worry about my amusement. I could spend days, years, even centuries just watching you.”

“If you were a human, and not a god, that would be sweet. Coming from you, it is adorable, but again slightly odd as there is a great deal of truth in it.”

“Baby, you really need to get away from that book. You’re starting to talk in legalese.”

“I am doing no such thing!” Ari said, then realized the way she had phrased that statement. “Oh. Wow. I’m a nerd.”

“Aren’t we all?”

“Somehow, as much as I know you are a god, I can’t see you pouring over books just to learn.”

“Well, see, there’s lots you have to learn about me.” Arkonel said indignantly.

“You already told me about how you were a troublemaker!” Ari argued with him, shutting the book finally.

“One can be a trouble maker and a scholar. The trick is in the balance between the two.” Arkonel said, wagging a finger at her. “An immortal can be many things.”

“Yes, but you’re like…the youngest.” Ari said. “I thought it took time.”

“Oh, it does.” Arkonel said. “What would you like to do today?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Can I suggest another mini-vacation, assuming you’re up for a longer flight?” Arkonel’s eyes were sparkling. He had everything he needed and was ready for the launching of his campaign to declare his undying love. He just needed to get her ready.