Knowing Is Everything

The Hunger

The car glided to a stop outside Eli's tall home. Steven removed himself from the before opening the passenger door for Aria and holding out his hand for her. She took it and he helped her pull herself up and out of the car.

Aria hadn't ventured out very far from where she lived so she couldn't help but try and see as much of everything as she possibly could in the short time she had.

Steven closed the car, locked out and then held his arm out for Aria, who slid her arm through so they were intertwined. Steven then led her to the front door.
"It's my pleasure to be the one welcoming you here, make yourself comfortable," whispered Steven, as he pushed the front door open.

Inside, the house smelled strongly of a mixture of aromas ranging from steak to vegetables to vanilla to chocolate and beyond. 
"Thank you," replied Aria, looking around the long hall.

In front of her was, what she assumed to be, the living room. To her right was a length of hall and to her left, she could make out a staircase at the end. The wooden floor had an embroidered carpet running down it, the floor reflected off a chandelier hanging high above her head. Everything was polished to perfection.
Steven led Aria down the right hallway and turned left at the end, before pushing two mahogany doors open, revealing a wide and expanse dining room with an archway leading to the living area. From there, she could see there was another arch leading elsewhere at the other side of the living room. Sitting on top of the dining table was a variety of coloured orchids with some lit candles.
"Would you like anything to drink?" asked Steven, letting go of her arm as she looked at the art on the walls and took in the room, "Tea, coffee...Something stronger?"
Aria blushed slightly as she looked at Steven, still in awe from the house, "Can I get a glass of water?"

"Of course," he smiled, turning to leave, "I'll be right back,"
He was slightly amused at her awe of the dining room, just wait until she saw the patio.

Soon enough, Steven returned with a glass of iced water in hand as Aria stared up at the chandelier, "Here you are, dear,"

She thanked him as she took it and continued to admire the room.

"Eli shall be down shortly, if you need anything, give me a call," smiled Steven as Aria delicately sipped her water.
Then he was gone. Aria could live in this room, there were so many things about she loved from the muted colours to the flowers to the candles. She placed her glass down as she admired a painting hanging on the wall behind the chair at the end of the table. She didn't even hear anyone enter as she stood, entranced.
Eli stood, he knew he could die but he would just wake up again. But no amount of death would be as painful as not having her. She stood with her back to him, her denim jacket clutching her delicate frame as she looked up at the art. Her vast curls fell down her back as she tilted her head. All the art in this house was nothing compared to the beauty standing in front of him. She could have been created by Michelangelo. Eli cleared his throat, alerting Aria of his presence.

She turned at the sound and felt her stomach flip as the sight of Eli met her eyes, he had a small smile on his lips as he elegantly walked over to her.
"Hi," she squeaked, as Eli lifted her warm hand with his cool one and pecked it gently.
"I'm glad you're here," he admitted, as Aria slid her hand back.
"You have a beautiful home," said Aria, as Eli held his arm out.

"You're beautiful," replied Eli as Aria took his arm.
She giggled quietly as he led her away from the dining room but not to the hallway, he took her to a door at the opposite end of the dining room which turned out to be another long hall. He led her down and then at the end, turned to his left and revealed to her the dining area for them tonight.

It was like a conservatory which had a thousand little lights dangling from the glass ceiling above them. There were vases of roses and other flowers lining the walls and in the centre was a round, iron dinner table with iron chairs fitted with dark red cushions. There was expensive-looking china sitting on the table and a rose sitting on one of the seats

"Wow," mumbled Aria, looking all around the room.

"If you're okay with it, we can dine here," said Eli, watching Aria wander around and gently touch a few flower heads, "If you're not okay, we can go out if you like,"

Eli followed Aria around, not too closely but he could feel himself being pulled towards her, as though she were a magnet of some sort.
"We can stay here," cooed Aria, turning to face him slowly as she reached out and took his hand.
"Make yourself comfortable, I need to tell Steven something," said Eli, rubbing her hand with his other before letting go and turning to leave.
Aria lifted the rose and sat down, clutching it between her fingers as she continued to look around. She certainly did not feel like a child here. She sat for a few moments before sliding her chair out as Steven entered the room.

"Here is something for you," he smiled, placing a tray in the centre of the table.

"Uh, thank you," said Aria, looking back at the door to see if Eli was there, "These look great,"
"Help yourself," said Steven, raising an eyebrow, "Is everything okay? You looked like you were getting ready to stand up a moment ago,"
Aria blushed, "I was going to look for Eli,"
"Is something wrong?" asked Steven, looking concerned.
"Oh, no," exclaimed Aria, her eyes widening, "No, no, God no. Everything is perfect...Just...I am sitting alone..."

Her voice trailed off as she spoke while Steven watched her turn red.

Aria knew that she had some kind of feeling for Eli, he brought out something in her that she didn't know existed. It was like he did all this effort for her to sit herself. She also knew that anyone would kill to trade places with her but it was strange that he wanted her here and now she was and he wasn't around.
"He won't be too long, my dear," said Steven, delicately as Eli appeared at the doorway, "Here he is now,"
Steven nodded at Eli as he exited while Eli entered and came and sat opposite Aria.

Aria felt smaller than usual as Eli sat down.

"Steven is my everything-man," announced Eli, "Looks after me, I guess,"
"It must be quite a job," said Aria, smirking a little.

Eli puckered his lips as he nodded, "It'll be harder for him if you're here often,"
"Is that an invitation?" asked Aria, smiling slightly as she lifted the napkin out her champagne flute.

Eli chuckled quietly as he watched Aria pick something from the tray.

She didn't look hungry. He wasn't hungry either, in food aspects. He had a hunger so strong for something else. Something more alive.

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Video On Top; 'Crazy In Love' by Beyonce