It didn't take much time at all until Aria and Ezra ran into each other again. The first time it happened, Aria was at the Brew with Spencer, so she couldn't discuss things then. The other couple times, usually when one of them scouted the other, they just went the opposite way. They both knew the avoiding had to end, considering that Aria would be graduating soon they couldn't just brush off a farewell and hope to see each other after he next four years. It just wasn't possible.
Sitting in his confusion, even after three days, Ezra decided to call her. When she didn't pick up, he considered going to her house. He thought about the possibility that her friends might be there, and I mean, how awkward would it be running into one of them at her house? He finally came down to the decision that he would go, he needed to talk to her before she was gone.
Aria sat, fresh from the shower, on the couch in her old tee shirt and yoga pants. After her last coat of nail polish dried on her toes, she walked across the house into the kitchen to grab a spare piece of pie that sat in the fridge. On her walk back to the living room, she heard a knock on her door. Not expecting company, she but the pie on the kitchen table and went to answer.
"Ezra? What are you doing here?" She stepped onto the deck, only a few feet away from Ezra.
"We need to talk about what happened, and we should do that before you leave." He looked her straight in the eye.
She sighed, and moved toward the bench. Ezra followed.
Ezra took her hands, and rubbed his thumb across her hand, being the dominant one in the conversation. Just as he was about to speak, Aria began.
"Look, that kiss was... unexpected. I didn't know I was going to kiss you. But I don't, I don't regret doing it. I know how I feel, and I think I know how you feel, too. But I don't think this is us. It wouldn't be fair that I take you with me to California, you've invested so much into the Brew. I need to find out who I am. And maybe, maybe in four years.." She laughed in disbelief, a tear rolling town her face.
Ezra's throat tightened, trying his hardest not to cry. They were doing the right thing. As much as it hurt both of them at the moment, they both knew deep down that this would never work. They both had strong personalities, and yes, they did compliment each other well, but they both needed an opportunity to stretch out into the real world, which out each other, to see what the universe had to offer. Ezra didn't question their fate, he knew that he would never love any one as much as he loved Aria. They are soulmates. Two people who truly love each other will eventually find their way back.
He wiped the salty tears that came down her face, pushing her hair behind her right ear, letting the short tendrils curl around his fingers.
"I love you, Aria. And I always will. I'm so proud of you, and I want what's best for you. So go, go to California, and make new friends, take lots of pictures and, maybe don't write," they both laughed at the inside joke they shared, "but most importantly, be happy. Don't sit around waiting for me, okay? I'll be okay. Let things happen as they come. Just promise me that." He finished.
"Oh Ezra, I love you too." She cried as she pulled him into her embrace. She sniffles against his chest. "And I promise."
Several minutes later, they released. "At least come to my graduation." She sniffled, giving him a sweet smile as they both stood.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." He kissed her forehead. "I'll see you then."
She gave him a half hearted smile, and went inside for the night.
Ezra went back to his apartment, and wrote for what felt like hours. He threw everything he loved about Aria on paper, pouring his heart out, while he was pouring alchohol into his system. At one point, tears started splattering on the paper, but he dismissed them, wiping them away. His fingers cramped and his eyes burned.
He wrote until the scotch he'd been drinking clouded his judgement and he transed into a deep and sound slumber.
YOU ARE READING
Catch Me When I Land
FanfictionAfter the Liars are rescued from the silo they were kept in for three weeks, Aria is clinging onto Ezra for moral support. With all of the time they have spent together, will it lead to being more than friends again? (Includes four year time jump)