Kisses and Confessions

She reached out and switched on the bedside lamp.

When Aria saw Alaric looking totally wiped out, his eyes red and tired, she couldn't stay mad at him anymore.

She got out of bed, walked over, and gently tugged at him. "Come on, get up."

But Alaric stayed put, looking up at her with a gentle, apologetic smile, meeting Aria's tender, concerned eyes. "If you won't forgive me, I'm not allowed to get