Aria (a psych fanfiction)

Chapter 3: Imtroductions and Explonations

Hello, my lovely people! Thanks to EmmaBrass and zendog for the reviews! *big hugs* I'm glad you guys think Shawn and Gus are in character, I'm trying my best to keep them that way. The cover for the story is a rough sketch of what Aria looks like - tan skin, big brown eyes, brown hair, full lips. I'll probably change it as I draw her in different poses and such, I'm working on a cover that includes Shawn and Gus as well.

"What do you think?" Aria smiled broadly as she skipped out of the bathroom, holding up Shawn's shorts around her waist. She looked down. "I'm gonna need a belt, though..."

As she went back in to adjust the ensemble, Gus whispered, "Shawn, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I don't know, man, I just feel kind of bad for her. What would you have done if I came to you, weak and jobless and homeless, asking for help?"

"I would help you. You know that, Shawn." Gus gave Shawn a look. "I already practically support you as it is." He looked up as the girl entered the room again.

"I like it! It's kind of Audrey Hepburn-esque." With her big, dark eyes, delicate, exotic features, and prominent eyebrows, the girl did look a bit like a younger version of the actress, in a red button down shirt, which she had tucked into the waist of the denim shorts. Both were too big, but it was nice to have "new" clothes; she hadn't had any in a while. She definitely looked much more presentable now that she was completely clean, and her hair brushed. "Thanks for lending me your clothes, Shawn."

Gus's eyes widened in recognition. "Shawn! Is that my shirt? And my belt?"

Shawn gained a sudden interest in his watch. "Uh...no time to talk, we're late! To the Blueberry!" Gus clicked his tongue in annoyance as the three of them went out to the car, Aria rolling up her sleeves as she walked.

When they arrived at the house, her face lit up with a mix of fear and anticipation. "I've never seen a real crime scene before," she said excitedly. "But I used to watch old episodes of Criminal Minds and Law and Order and stuff on the computer sometimes, whenever we'd stop at a library."

Shawn looked at the girl as they approached the house on foot, interested in this new insight. So they were homeless, but she's obviously not dumb...they stopped at libraries. Did her mother homeschool her? "Library? Do you like to read?"

"Yes!" she replied enthusiastically. "I love books! My mom practically raised me in libraries!"

"Oh, yeah? Any favorites?" Gus inquired.

"Oh, God, there are so many! Gone With The Wind, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Silence of the Lambs..."

"Shawn! Gus! So glad you're here," Juliet called out, walking to meet them on the sidewalk in front of the house. She slowed down when she saw the teenager walking between them. "And you are..."

"Meet Aria...Starling. She's my cousin, visiting from New York. Aria, this is Detective Juliet O'Hara."

"Oh my God, like Scarlett O'Hara? That's so cool! Nice to meet you, Detective." She extended her hand.

They shook. Juliet smiled back warmly, hiding her surprise. "Nice to meet you." She turned back to Shawn. "Your...cousin?"

Aria spoke before Shawn had a chance. "Yeah, we're related on my dad's side. My mom was West Indian, I got more of my genes from her," she said, gesturing to her dark hair and eyes and caramel colored skin. She cleared her throat uncomfortably. "But, um...yeah. Cousins."

"Oh, I see." Juliet nodded. "Um, Shawn, maybe one of you could wait in the car with her? It's kind of gruesome in there..."

"I volunteer as tribute!" Gus raised his hand, turning to grin at Aria. She smiled at the reference.