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Aria nodded in agreement. Life did used to be better. Life with Sage... Aria sat down next to Sage. She didn't want this to be awkward by any means, but she gently laid her head on his shoulder. The girl just closed her eyes in a relaxing way and smiled to herself. She wanted him back... really badly.
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Sage was rather surprised when the girl sat down next to him and rested her head on her shoulder, but he felt a smile cross his face once she did, and he sort of just...melted into her. Life the past few weeks had been hard. He was hurt, and hungry, and his mind was an exhausting place to be in. And she just...made everything seem so much better. He was keenly aware of how thin he seemed next to her now...but he half hoped she wouldn't notice. He didn't want her to remember him as this...dirty, starving, hurt. After a moment, he spoke up. "I've been working at taking down the new queen's closest and most important guards. Then I'm going for her," he told her. "But it's a secret...they all think I'm dead. But I'm going to reclaim and save my kingdom." He raised his head to look over at her. "And when I do...I'm going to need a queen," he finished softly. "If you'll take me back." She didn't have to say yes to his offer....but he desperately wished she would.
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Aria listened to Sage's plan. She nodded her head along with what he said, then paused at his last comment. She was sort of shocked. Why would he ask her, after what she did? The girl just looked over at him and nodded her head, tears filled her eyes. "Yes..." She said quietly with a smile. Aria looked at Sage. He still looked the same... his bright amber eyes, and wavy black hair. She grinned happily. "Do you want to stay with me and the kids? They would love having you back." She offered, hoping he would agree.
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Sage couldn't help but slump with relief, and let out the breath he'd been holding. He'd been expecting her to say hi, part of him, but part of him also thought she'd say yes. But she looked happy with her decision....and he had a wide grin on his face as well. He heasitated when she invited him over though. "people are still hunting me," he warned her. "And...if I come to your house I'd be putting you and the kids in potential danger....I don't want you getting hurt," he explained. "I just got you back...I can't loose you again," he whispered. A house, especially her house, would be lovely. He wanted to go more than anything....but he was scared of it getting them hurt. But if she didn't mind, he'd follow her.
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Aria listened carefully. "Yeah but... You said they think you're dead. So they won't come looking for you, unless you start the attack." Aria said with a shrug. "Just saying..." The girl chuckled softly. Aria grabbed Sage's hand gently. "I promise you won't loose us again. You'll always have me." She said with a smile, looking over at the boy.
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Sage hummed in thought, and then realized she was probably right. "Alright, I'll come stay at your place," he agreed, definitely happy about it all. "But I'll have to stay inside and somewhat hidden, and I'll leave at night sometimes to continue the plan....I'll be back by morning, though," he told her with a shrug. He smiled back at her and squeezed her hand happily. He supposed he'd get worried about her leaving again, since she'd left once, but he'd do his best to trust her again. Then he wrinkled his nose. "Oh ...but I'll need clothes, and I don't have any money," he admitted with a sheepish grin. "Sorry," he chuckled. "I don't want to get your house dirty....I'll shower first thing, but I'll need clothes when I get out," he mused lightly.
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Aria nodded. "Alright, I'll go grab you some clothes." She said with a light chuckle. The girl got up and headed home with Sage. Aria walked into the house and went to grab Henry. She cradled him in her arms and laid him in a pile of pillows, as she went to grab some clothes for Sage in town. "I'll be back!" She chirped with a smile, as she headed out. Caroline was still pouting on the couch, but grinned happily when she noticed both of them together again.
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Sage chuckled again and patted her shoulder in a way that thanked her and then followed her back to the house. He greeted Caroline and then nodded in response to Aria. "I'll shower while you shop so I don't ruin your house in the meantime," he noted with slight amusement before slipping into the bathroom and undressing and slipping into the tub. It felt nice to get clean after so long...though untangling his hair was going to be quite a chore.
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Aria was back in a hurry, setting all his shirts and pants on the bed. The girl waited for him to get out of the shower. She had missed him so much, it was great to have him back. Aria sat on the bed, against the pillows with a huff of air and looked out the window. Caroline walked in, and hugged her mother. "I'm sorry for being mean earlier..." She said quietly. Aria smiled at the young girl. "It's okay honey. I love you." She said. "I love you too!" Caroline chirped with a grin.
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Sage enjoyed the shower, so once he'd scrubbed himself down and washed his hair, he worked at untangling it as best he could with some conditioner and whatnot while still in the shower, since it would hopefully be easier, and besides, the water was warm and comfortable. Eventually though, he wanted to get back to his family, so he got out and dried off before going to get his clothes off of the bed and putting a comfortable outfit on. They were a bit big since he was so skinny, but he'd grow once he got food again, and besides, it was nice to wear something clean.
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