Andia: The Revolution

[Eltee]

"I know. That's why I feel guilty. Just... Just, pure rage, when I looked in your eyes, and I tried not to be scared, but..."

[King Acunasti]

Valentin sat down and held her hand. "Let me explain myself." he said softly, running his fingers through her hair. "My dad was a mad genius. He had the Fairfax brains. When I was a kid, I used to talk to people that knew my parents. They used to go on and on about how smart my dad was. He could've solved any problem. The guy was doing f*cking math at age three. He was literally a genius. But then, he slept with my mom because of her good looks, and I was made. My mom, bless her soul, was like me. Kind, gentle, and dumb. She probably couldn't count to twenty. And I got her intelligence. God, I could've been so damn smart. But I got my mom's genes. So I get frustrated sometimes. I get p*ssed that I'm not like my dad. None of it involves you."

[Eltee]

"Well." Aarys said softly. "Your mom must have been the kindest person in Empire City, because you are the most caring, kindest person. Don't worry, Val... Don't worry."

[King Acunasti]

"I hope you never have to see that again." Valentin said. "But do you know that I would never hurt you?"

[Eltee]

"I.." Aarys hesitated. "I know."

[King Acunasti]

Valentin grinned. "You know?" he said, beginning to kiss her on the lips.

[Eltee]

Aarys abruptly broke away. "I... Um. We should go apologize to Peter."

[King Acunasti]

"You're not afraid of me now, are you?" Valentin asked.

[Eltee]

"...No." Aarys said eventually. She clenched and unclenched her fist.

[King Acunasti]

Valentin sighed. "Aarys," Tears were building up in his eyes, but he kept them held back. "I wasn't...God, please don't be afraid of me. Please."

[Eltee]

"I..." Aarys wrapped her arms around him. "You... When you get that look in your eye, Val, you're not you. I know you wouldn't ever hit me. But, when you get that look in your eye... And you're so strong..."

[King Acunasti]

"Look at me." Valentin said, kissing Aarys on the cheek. "I would never, ever hit you. I don't care how angry I am or what kind of look I have in my eyes. I swear to God, I would never lay a harmful hand on you. Do you understand how much I love you? Do you understand?"

[Eltee]

"I understand." Aarys whispered. She grasped Valentin's hand. "Never. Ever."

[King Acunasti]

"You feel safe around me again?"

[Eltee]

"Yeah." Aarys murmured. "Please... Please, don't ever do that again."

[King Acunasti]

"Just know that whatever happens, you're safe. I would never hurt you." Valentin squeezed her hand. "You're gonna be my wife."

[Eltee]

"That's not good enough." Aarys said, a spark of anger entering her voice. "If... When we have a child, you can never, ever lose your temper like that."

[King Acunasti]

"I don't ever get mad at other people, Rys." Valentin reassured. "I get mad at myself. I don't know how to control it."

[Eltee]

"You almost knocked the godd*mn table over. Just..." Aarys sighed. "Please. Try. For me."

[King Acunasti]

Valentin nodded. "I'd do anything for you." he said. "I promise I'll try. You love me?"

[Eltee]

"Of course. I'll love you forever, Valentin."

[King Acunasti]

"Thank God." Valentin let out a sigh of relief.

[Eltee]

Aarys sighed. "Let's just... Take a walk. Both of us can calm down a little."

[King Acunasti]

Valentin slipped his gloves back on and stood, offering to help Aarys to her feet. "Let's go, gorgeous."

[Eltee]

Aarys grasped Valentin's hand, and pulled herself up. "Ugh. Let's just start this morning over again." She said vehemently.