Aaron

[poison_isley]

This little life was actually kind of nice. Restorative. She had her estate and its sprawling gardens. She had anything she wanted- because she took it. And from time o time there were the strangest industrial accidents. That put a smile on her face.

Every other day Ivy went to Klaus's little church. He was losing interest, she could tell, but the church fed the needy and Ivy had opinions about nutrition. The least she could do was coax the church garden to grow.

She didn't think anyone was here as she worked. Dressed in a pair of denim overalls and a plaid flannel shirt, she looked every bit the part of a farmer. She was encouraging the tomatoes to ripen when she heard a noise and whipped her head around, a dozen thick vines springing from her hair to protect her.

What she had to be nervous about in London of all places was was a mystery, but a girl didn't just let her guard down.

When she saw it was Aaron, the vines slowly, slowly retreated.

"Oh. Hey."

Comments

[quitollis]

Small kindness wasn't hard, in Aaron's opinion, and this was the simplest of examples. "That would be lovely. You don't have to bring anything; it's supposed to be a gift, but I won't stop you if you want to. Especially not dessert."

[poison_isley]

"I make this amazing vegan cheesecake," she beamed. "I'll be there with bells on."

[quitollis]

"Good," Aaron nodded and smiled kindly. He meant it. In the greater scheme of things he might not rank much higher than the eco-terrorist, so both if them could use small kindness. "I cant wait to try it."

[poison_isley]

"Why'd you become a preacher?" Ivy asked curiously. Mostly because he was kind of giving her hot priest fantasy vibes.

[quitollis]

"Vocation," Aaron admitted. "I heard the call and I followed. All the way to Italy. I studied for priest first, and planned to become Cardinal later in life. Life took me down a different path, but I've always wanted to appeal to the good in man. This allows me to do so."

[poison_isley]

"Well, you're pretty fucking good at it. Made me feel all glowy and warm," she said dryly, barely restraining her smile.

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled at her. "Then I should stop before it spreads," he teased a little.

[poison_isley]

"Hey. I have a reputation to protect," she said, quite seriously, then burst out a braying laugh. It was real and completely broke her facade of being a tough as nails bitch. Deep down, acceptance was...nice.

[quitollis]

She was very pretty when she laughed. Aaron wasn't going to mention that, though. "Your secret is safe here."

[poison_isley]

Ivy calmed a little and bit her lip as she thought a moment.

"You really believe you were, like, divinely picked for this?" she asked. "Why? Like, how do you believe it?"

[quitollis]

"For this? No," Aaron answered, foregoing the explanation of an angel literally summoning him to go to Italy. "No, this is what I made for myself. What I believe I must do for myself." Also foregoing mentioning he was kicked out of his former Church.

[poison_isley]

"Wild. Well, good for you. Follow your dreams," she smiled.

[quitollis]

Not so much dreams as redemption, but he appreciated the sentiment. "I hope you do too."

[poison_isley]

"A good Christian man probably shouldn't support my work," she noted.

[quitollis]

"What work?" Aaron asked. "Surely you're not speakimg of the garden? "

[poison_isley]

Ivy bit her lip and gave him a quizzical look.

"You don't read the news?" Ivy asked skeptically. It wasn't as if she was subtle.

[quitollis]

"I read the news," Aaron supplied. He knew who she was and what she was accused of. "But I hope to appeal to the side that wishes to cohabit with mankind, not the side that wishes to destroy it."

[poison_isley]

"Mankind sucks," she replied, then tilted her head and gave a little shrug. "Some people are okay, though."

[quitollis]

"To put it very plainly; you could have chosen not to come here, every week, and help out the humans that come here to this church, but you do. I see before me someone who wants to contribute and someone who is not used to be included. I'm not here to judge or accuse you. I appreciate what you do here, for the people of this church. I'm perfectly fine leaving it at that," Aaron explained.

[poison_isley]

Ivy was quiet for a long moment.

"I guess you don't suck," she conceded. "...And I like coming here. The garden is happy."

[quitollis]

"I can see that she is," Aaron agreed.

[poison_isley]

She. Ivy's smile was slow, but warm. Yeah, he didn't suck at all.

"You want to see how I do it?" she offered.

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled a little, as though he was admitted into some great secret. She had, after all, always worked when no one was around. "I'd love to," he said, genuinely.

[poison_isley]

Ivy polished off her tea and left the cup when she rose.

"Canon. You'll love this."

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled again and conceded with a nod that he probably would, yes.

He opened the door for her and joined her outside in the garden. It was a truly astonishing place, with his wood-shed in the back, now covered in vines beautifully.