Part III, Chapter Thirteen: Aurius Steps Aside

Part III: Zhian

"Perhaps there is such a thing as caring too much." --Zhi novelist, c. 1100 AE

April 27, 1112 AE
River's Gate Farm, Shouchuen, Zhian

"No, you should definitely go see what all the fuss is about," Covius insisted yet again, the smile on his face growing annoyingly fervent. "I swear, Takamari hired this girl just for you--she's young, available, and absolutely stunning. Seriously, drop by the flower shop this afternoon."

Aurius sighed. He knew that his brother-in-law's heart was in the right place, but couldn't Covius see that he just wasn't interested? There were plenty of women around in the event of him wanting a one-night stand, but as for an actual relationship, he still wasn't ready. He wished Covius and Danitia would just let him be until he was.

Fortunately, though, excuses were never in short supply. "I don't know. Visiting a woman I've never met while she's working with the sole intention of picking her up seems a little rude."

"She won't mind; with her body, I'm sure she gets men there all the time," the other man tried to assure him. "She's probably used to it by now."

"Then I see no reason why I shouldn't give the poor girl a break from that sort of nuisance."

Silence. Covius fiddled with his wedding band, then cast a sidelong glance his way. "Danitia's really worried about you, you know. She doesn't want you to die alone."

Aurius shrugged. "I won't. I have my son, and all of you."

"And what if something were to happen to us?" Aurius cringed; the question stung with the sudden gravity of an arrow to the heart. He had already lost most of whom he had loved, and did not care to consider the possibility that he may lose even more--especially Athayos.

Not again.

But he just couldn't say that to Covius's sad face. He put on a false smile and did his best to appear more confident than he felt. "Chances are that I'll be the first to go; I'll be fine."

His brother-in-law clasped his hands together and bit his lip. "Aurius, just humor me. I'm not saying that you have to marry her or anything--just go up and introduce yourself. For all you know, you might really like her."

"Look, Covius!" Aurius snapped at last, leaping to his feet and stepping in front of his brother-in-law. "I'm not looking for a relationship right now, all right? Can you just get off my back about finding somebody? I'm not ready!"

"It's been two years!" groaned Covius. "Stop being so selfish! Think of Athayos--he needs a mother!"

"Don't bring my son into--Covius! What the hell are you doing?"

He'd stood, suddenly wrapping his arms around him; Aurius rolled his eyes, then gave the younger man a quick pat on the back. "Covius..."

"I'm just giving you a hug, you moron," his brother-in-law told him. "You need one. You also need a slap in the face, but I'll leave that to your sister. Anyway, could you just swallow your pride and go to the flower shop? I think you're more ready than you think you are; for all you know, you're standing in the way of your own happiness."

Clearly, the man had no idea what he was talking about, but if Aurius was honest with himself, it wasn't as if he had anything better to do that day. Maybe he would go to the flower shop; if nothing else, perhaps he could pick out a nice bouquet for his largely pregnant sister. "Fine, I'll go--but don't start picking out wedding colors or anything."

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