Immortals (ON HOLD)

Chapter 34

Dimitri

I sat up abruptly as my head rolled painfully to the side. I blinked the sleep from my eyes, and sighed as I looked at the clock in my car; a little over an hour had passed since I dropped Ariel off. I started up my engine, figuring she was asleep by now. I left the parking lot of the local grocery store, making my way back to her house. All of the lights were off, and I grabbed my gun from the backseat before quickly making my way up onto her roof. I briefly looked her over before making myself as comfortable as possible on her windowsill, tucking my gun back into my pants. I couldn’t help thinking about dinner tomorrow. Kat was gonna’ go overboard and make Ariel look like a million bucks…what the hell was I wearing?! I didn’t really have many nice clothes... The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Kat probably had an outfit out for me already. I rolled my eyes, scanning the clearing quickly. I did a perimeter check not long after that, finding my place outside of her window again. I heard Ariel stir every once in a while, and I would watch her for a few seconds before turning back around. I still couldn’t believe she was letting this whole “boyfriend” thing get to her.

She pretty much has an internal episode every time the subject was brought up. The sound of her heart at those times…it was like an intense marching band. It almost sounded like one continuous beat, since the pauses were barely audible. I chuckled to myself, unable to imagine her around her parents with me there. As weird as it was, I was kind of looking forward to it. Sure, I’d have to actually eat food, but I’d get to see Ariel get all nervous, and there was something kinda’ cute about that. I liked being able to calm her down…it reminded me of the vision I saw with Madeline and Nathan. I was dozing again before I knew it, and once I saw the pinks and oranges of a new day, I sluggishly walked back to my car. It was hard to keep my eyes open while driving, but I was able to make it home safely. I made my way inside, going right to my room when I heard someone clear their throat. I jumped, startled since I hadn’t sensed anyone. I was too tired to really care, so I hadn’t been paying attention, but Emrick sat with his hands folded in the living room. He looked me over for a brief moment before he said anything, and I wondered what he thought I was doing wrong this time.

“Can I have a word with you in my study, Dimitri?” He murmured, the familiar smooth, inquisitive tone back in his voice. I really wasn’t in the mood, but I sighed and followed him as he made his way to his quarters. He closed the door slowly after me, walking to his desk. He leaned on it with the back of his hands, facing me. “I know where you’ve been going, Dimitri. I know you don’t agree with my decision of not telling Ariel about the Dark Elves, but I appreciate your dedication more than you know.” “I’m not doing it because of you,” I spat, folding my arms across my chest. He smiled weakly, nodding like it was obvious. “I know you aren’t…” He paused, meeting my gaze steadily as he spoke. “Dimitri, I’m sorry. I said some things I shouldn’t have the other day, and I apologize. It was wrong of me to bring up your past, not to mention how petty and immature I’ve been. I don’t want us to hate each other; you’re my son. I never want to fight with you or have you angry with me. I…I would love it if we could forgive one another…” He said quietly, looking me over. As much as I longed to be mad at him, I couldn’t. Sure, I still thought it was extremely creepy that he felt something for Ariel, considering his age, and I didn’t always agree with his plans, but he was my father. The only one I ever really had, at least. And he did his best. He was always there for me, and trained me to be what I am today. Who knows where I would’ve ended up if Filtiarn hadn’t found me and brought me here?

I closed my eyes for a moment, fighting to stay awake. I nodded, looking up at him. He grinned, clasping his hands together. “That’s fantastic! I’m so relieved!” He sang, eyes bright. I managed a small smile, clearing my throat a moment later. “But you do like her, don’t you?” I asked quietly, looking him over expectantly. His smiled dwindled slightly, but he nodded a moment later. “I do care for Ariel more than I should, yes. I see so much of Madeline in her…” he whispered, staring off into space for a moment. “But I also love her for who she is. Yes, her resemblance to her mother was my initial attraction, but I’m able to see past that, and love her for who she is.” I was wide awake now. He loved her?!! I couldn’t help but to ball my hands into fists and clench my teeth. He didn’t spend nearly enough time with her to be “in love “ with her. “I also know that you feel the same,” he murmured, watching me closely. I jerked my head back, furrowing my eyebrows. “No one said I lovedher,” I snarled, jamming my hands into my pockets. Emrick chuckled as he watched me, not believing it for a second. “And you just watch over her at night for fun?” “She’s like my partner- we’re close. I…I admit that I like her, but-” “-Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” He interrupted, and I wanted to rip the smug yet warm smirk off of his face. I didn’t say anything, just stood there swimming in my emotions until he spoke. “Are you afraid that she doesn’t feel the same?” I rolled my eyes and snorted, but my heart skipped a beat, and Emrick nodded once to himself.

“We all have to take risks, Dimitri. Even if that risk is that she doesn’t love you back. Even if you have to work with her every day, and see her be happy with someone else. If you sit back and never tell her, you’ll just wonder what might have happened for the rest of your life…” I could see him lost in his own memories, and a wave of sadness and despair washed through me. It was horrible to see him like this, but I knew this was his weird way of giving advice. I didn’t meet his eyes as I replied, picking at a loose pant string anxiously. “But if I never say anything, things can just go on the way they are now. It’s easy, simple. I like it better this way.” “You’ve never known the pleasure and bliss of love…how can you say that?! Besides, how long do you think you can keep pretending to be her boyfriend before she’s had enough?” I sighed, shaking my head. Emrick didn’t give me the chance to answer before he interjected. “Don’t be like me, Dimitri. It might be too late when you finally muster up the courage,” he murmured wisely, staring at me hard. I swallowed, cracking a joke to ease the tension. “If you’re in love with her, what’s with all the pointers?” He smiled, though his eyes filled with sadness. “I want her to be happy, and I know you do that for her.” “I…No. Not like that. She doesn’t…” I trailed off, quickly grabbing the door handle. “Good night,” I muttered, running down the stairs. I brushed my teeth and got undressed, falling into my bed. I set my alarm to pick Ariel up from school, my mind racing. Even through sleep, my thoughts tormented me, and I tried to think about anything other than her with no success.