TPQ (Aru Shah) One Shots

Aiden's P.O.V - Aru's Birthday

Aru's birthday party had begun in full swing, and Aiden had to admit, the decorations—everything—looked amazing.

The lighting was just right in this part of the museum and as the photographer (as always), he was determined to get the best photos ever.

"Okay, I think we're set," said Mini, adding the final touches on the decorations. "Why don't you call Aru?"

Brynne set her fabulous cake down on the cake stand so that Aiden could get pictures. "Are you sure you're done?"

"Yup," said Mini as she dusted off her hands.

"I hope she didn't put the top on backwards or something," said Nikita, a vine of light pink roses growing up her arm.

Brynne snorted, "Please. She's not that dumb."

"She can be," muttered the younger girl.

"Everyone can be dumb if they want to, Nikki," said Kara.

Nikita rose an eyebrow at Kara in response. It didn't seem like she liked the other girl very much.

"Right." said Brynne. "I'll call Aru down."

It seemed like she sent the message mentally because Mini shook her head in agreement as soon as Brynne came back to focus.

"Everyone to the stairs!" she announced.

Aiden was nervous. He didn't really know why, but he felt like he wasn't going to be prepared by...

Aiden swore he forgot how to breathe.

Aru had descended the stairs and she looked ethereal.

Like a literal goddess.

Her hair, that had gotten longer over the past few months, was tied in an elaborate braid, hanging over her right shoulder. She was wearing a stunning golden skirt that stretched just above her knees and a black blouse studded with pearls to top it off. Her skin glowed and a slight golden sheen of electricity pulled her look together.

"Are you going to ogle or do your job?" Brynne asked, smirking.

Aiden rolled his eyes and snapped a few pictures.

She looked gorgeous.

Mini squealed as Aru got to the end of the stairs, giving her a quick hug. "Happy birthday, Aru! You look so pretty!"

Aru smiled, "Thanks Mini."

"There's our girl," said Brynne, leaving Aiden's side. She gave Aru a clap on the back, which almost made her fall face first, but Bee caught her and pulled into a hug. "Happy birthday, Shah."

Sheela ran up to her and gave her a big hug, "Happy birthday, Aru!"

"I outdid myself," said Nikita, swiping a fake tear away from her eye.

Aru glared at her.

"But seriously," said Nikita, her haughty persona vanishing, replaced with a loving smile. "You look really good. And happy birthday."

"Thanks you two," said Aru, smiling at the twins.

"You look so pretty, Aru!" exclaimed Kara, giving Aru a side hug. "Happy birthday!"

Aiden snapped a photo of the moment.

Rudy approached her, his gang of nagas along with him. "Happy birthday, Aru."

"Thanks," said Aru simply.

She looked around, until she spotted him, almost like asking "Are you not going to wish me?"