Assassin

Family

I gently placed Ariella on her bed and tried to get her some water and tissues but she pulled me down into bed. We each kicked off our shoes as she curled into me and I tried to comfort her as much as she needed but all I could think about was how I shouldn't have left her alone in such a state. I had been such a fool. I was so concerned about me and knowing the truth that I never stopped to think how she would feel. That wasn't how I wanted to find out, but after what happened, after hearing what those horrible girls said, I understood.

Soon, she ran out of tears and she just shuddered and whimpered. I managed to pull back from her just enough to tilt her face up to me and bring my lips to hers in a salty, tear-filled kiss. She calmed down and simply held me in a tight, but not crushing, hug.

"I'm so sorry." I whispered. "I'm so so sorry. I was such an idiot. I'm sorry."

"No. I'm sorry. I should've said something. Anything. I should've said that I love you before I got dressed last night or before I left. I should've thanked you for staying when I woke up because you should've run off in disgust or fear but you didn't! I should've just answered you when you asked me why this morning because you deserve to know! But I couldn't. I couldn't do any of that because I was afraid. I was afraid of what the agency would say. They took me in when my parents died--by my hand--and I didn't know what else to do. Even though it's been such a short time, they became closer family than my horrible parents ever were. They gave me my own two feet to stand on and they're always gonna be there if I ever need help. They're all I have." I stroked her soft hair.

"It's okay. I understand."

"...Even the killing my own parents part?"

"Hey, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about killing my own. And they weren't half as bad as yours. At least they pretended to care." Ariella snorted which made the both of us laugh. She released me from her grasp and laid on her back. I watched her relieved, yet in deep thought expression. I noticed that one side of her face was a little scratched up from the concrete, but at least there were no bruises. As for the rest of her body, she probably several bruises in several places. However, she wasn't complaining so I figured that they weren't too bad.

"How about- How about we go talk to the agency together?" She turned her head to look at me and I smiled.

"I'd love to go meet my soulmate's family." She matched my smile and turned to kiss me.

"Let's go then." She pulled me off the bed, to the shoes, out the door, and onto her motorcycle.

The ride to the agency was quick but just enough time for me to get really nervous.

"Oh gosh. What if they don't like me?"

"They'll like you."

"What if I say something wrong?"

"You'll be fine."

"What if they threaten to kill me?!"

"They're all assassins. Of course they're going to threaten to kill you."

"Oh. Yeah. Right. But, what if-" Ariella spun around, making her hair fly out, and placed one of her fingers on my lips which I promptly puckered.

"Ssshhhh. All of your worrying is going to make me worry. Stop it!"

"...Fine."

"Good boy." She pat my head twice and gave me a kiss. I matched her smile and we walked into the lobby area where about ten people were lounging. A couple of them immediately noticed her banged up appearance. They ran up to her and pulled her close.

"Oh, my dear Ariella!"

"What happened to you?!"

"And who is this fellow?" This grabbed everyone's attention and they gathered around to either comfort Ariella or inspect me.

"Oh, I just had another run in with the bullies, BUT, Brandon here rescued me from them." She managed to escape her family's clutches and wrap her arms around one of mine. I managed to give my best smile, but nothing else. "He also happens to be my soulmate!" Most cheered but a couple remained skeptical. Those two asked me questions upon questions. Things like 'What is your hobby?' and 'How do you feel about assassins?' and 'Would you be willing to die or go to jail for Ariella?' I satisfied them while another three people pulled cake, ice cream, and champagne out of nowhere!

More people joined the party and before long, there was a toast that was short and sweet. It was simply, 'to family.'