82. Return (4)
The place was the nearest port from the current position of Crimson Eagle's moving island.
There two people stood beside the bridge to board Crimson Eagle's ship. Those two were none other than Lex Spifer and Aria Tearlake.
"it's my turn to go," said Lex. Lex's time in Crimson Eagle has ended. It's his turn to go back home.
"Un" Aria nodded, and she stretched out her hand for a handshake. It's the same way when she sent away Cleos, Arthur, and Mio last year.
Lex stared at her face. There's a slight warm smile that rarely appears on her face. He shakes her hand "it's a pleasure partying up with you. I'm having a fun time."
"Un," Aria gave another nod. "me too."
"This wouldn't be the last time. I'll see you again later."
"Un"
"…." Lex stared at her eyes. At the same time, Aria stared back at Lex's eyes too. There's confusion in her eyes (haa~) Lex sighed inwardly (I can't help but get worried whenever I see you). Then, Lex suddenly pulled her hands.
Shocked by the sudden pull, Aria can't do anything against it. Her body, pulled by force, fell toward Lex. At the same time, Lex gave her a warm hug.
As their heads on each other shoulders. Aria struggled for a moment before she ceased it when Lex softly said in her ears. "we're friends, we're families, don't be shy to ask for help, depend on others more…."
Aria's calm eyes were a bit shaken. She doesn't know how to react "I…."
Lex softly caressed the back of her head "you don't need to say anything. I wasn't trying to force you to let go of that anger, and you don't have to be reluctant to involve me with your private matters. I won't overstep my line."
"I'll help find their information where Crimson Eagle can't reach. Isn't it quicker like this? You want to obliterate them as soon as possible, right?" Lex separated from her a bit and stared straight into her eyes.
"Lex…"
"Well, then, it's time" Lex entirely separated for Aria. He gave her one last head pat "you're not alone."
"goodby-" Lex shook his head when he realized he had chosen the wrong words, "I'll see you again" Lex then walked away from there.
After a while, Aria snapped out from a dazed state. "See you again!" she shouted as she waved her hand.
Lex turned back a bit shocked before he waved his hand.
Lex saw a silver ring on his left middle finger on his way to the airport. There is a reason why only Aria sent him away. Mashiro, Neo, and Elena entered the Hidden world, too. But Lex didn't know how to face them after Max died, So he had never met them till now. While Livia Lacrimosa The Silent Witch has had her fill the day before.
***
Livia snuggled to Lex for almost the entire day. And Lex can't do anything about that too. He can only do his best to restrain himself not pushing her down. (for a better future! for a better future!) he chanted inwardly again and again to calm himself.
"I have a gift for you," Livia suddenly said, "give me your left hand and close your eyes" with an 'I won't accept any denial' expression on her face.
Lex had no choice but to follow her words. As he closed his eyes the next second, he felt something on his left-hand finger.
"you can open it now" following her words, Lex opened his eyes and saw the silver ring on his left hand.
"what is-" before he can finish his question Livia already answered him
"Wedding Ring," she said with a grin on her face
"…." Lex's brain had just malfunctioned (ahaha. I've just heard it wrong)
"can you-" like before Livia cut his word
"Wedding Ring!"
(ahaha! I must be too tired these days to hallucination like this)
"It-"
"Wed~ding~ Ring!!"
"…."
"!@#$!!??" (a FUCKIING WEDDING RING!!??)
"I'm joking…you don't have to make that kind of face. You don't want to have me that much?" Livia pouted like a hamster
(ack!) seeing her dejected reaction. Lex realized just how rude his response was just now. "I'm-" Lex stopped himself to apologize (instead of apologizing, it's better too) "thank you for the gift," he said as Lex gave her another hug.
"do you think I would be okay as long as you hug me? Then you're making a big mistake!!"
Still, she didn't reject Lex even hugged him back with a happy face (your words and body contradicting itself!) Lex thought. (Still, aren't you changing too much!? This kind of mood swings was like a small child) "So, what is this Ring?" Lex changed the topic
After a few more bear hugs from her, Livia finally answered him, "Magic Item."
"it had Perception Inhibition on it."
"Perception Inhibition?" Lex tilted his head (why would you give me something like this?)
She nodded, "to make others not aware and recognize you."
With Her explanation, Lex became even more confused. "Why would I need this?"
Livia stared at Lex's handsome face "remember! You must always wear this ring, except in front of your family, understand!?"
"Um..." Lex thought (why is she so worked up like this?)
"No Question!! Understand!?"
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"Good!" it took a while before Lex understood her reason.
***
Lex was walking alone on the buzzing shopping street. It's a tropical place with only two seasons a year, dry and rainy seasons. He still had something he needed to do in this place. He didn't directly go back to Valentine City.
This wasn't the first time he came and passed this shopping street, whenever he had enough free time. He always went to this place… and the reason for it was…
Lex saw a girl with a heavy shopping bag in hand. The girl had brown hair and worn-out clothes. Because of that, She looked dull and lush But, if you carefully looked at her, you could see she was a diamond in the rough. Her base was beautiful and cute.
Lex immediately went toward her and took the shopping bag from her hand. "Let me help you."
The girl was shocked when the shopping bag suddenly became weightless lifted by others. She was afraid robbed by others till she heard a familiar voice. "Mr. Lex!" she exclaimed, "long time no see, and thank you."
"Yea, it's been a month since I last came, sorry I was busy."
The girl was a conservative person; usually, she won't accept external help, especially from outsiders. But this wasn't the first time Lex helped her, so she didn't mind Lex's actions and was even happy being supported. "No! what are you sorry for, Mr.Lex? We're already glad to have you frequently visited us."
"Is that so? I'm glad then. But why are you here? Alone with a heavy bag like this, where are the others? What about school?" Lex asked
"they had school today. And I'm graduating this I only needy need to wait for the certificate from school."
"whoa! Congratulations!" then Lex patted her head with his other free hands.
"…." the girl didn't reply but still had a blissful look on her face
"do you still need other things to buy?"
"No, that's all."
"Okay, Let's go then, Maya" then both of them walk side by side into the orphanage. The girl's name was Maya… Maya Azela or Maya Quintonella.