Make it up to me

"I spoilt your birthday." Aria said hanging her face. The next instant, she was very surprised and looked up to see Joseph chuckling.

He finally managed to control his laughter after a few seconds and spoke, "Don't be sorry. This was literally the best birthday I've ever had."

Aria made a confused face upon seeing which Joseph started laughing even louder.

He finally spoke, wiping away tears from his eyes, "My birthday is the same every year. The same ball, the same pretencious people, talking about the same things. And I absolutely hate it. I would rather spend my birthday having a fighting session. But this year. . . ." Joseph continued, his face turning serious, "this year I actually enjoyed the ball and didn't have to go through the most horrible experience of the night, dinner. And it was all because of you!!!!!" Joseph finished, looking genuinely happy.

"So. . . .that means you're not mad at me?" Aria asked with a frown.

Joseph laughed, "Of course not!!"

Aria still had an uncertain expression and she opened her mouth to speak, but Joseph beat her to it. "You're still feeling sorry?" he asked.

Aria quietly nodded.

Joseph's face turned mischievous as he said, "Do you want to make it up to me?"

Aria frowned and a small smile formed on her lips, "I'm not sure I do now."

Joseph whined as he took Aria's hand, "Oh come on!!!! I'm so hungry. I'm feeling it now that all the excitement is over. I'm sure you're quite hungry too. You didn't even have the cake!!" he finished, his eyes shining.

Aria sighed, gently took her hand out of Joseph's and began, "I'm not really hungry Joseph. I. . . . ." She abruptly stopped and blushed as her stomach made a loud churning noise, accented by the silence of the hall.

Joseph laughed till he was red in the face and said, "Your own body is selling you out now. Come on! Haha!!" He was still laughing as he grabbed Aria's hand pulled her along with him.

Aria wanted to stop Joseph, she really was tired and had promised Helen that she would keep an eye out for her. But seeing Joseph so happy Aria couldn't bear to say no. It was his birthday after all, it wasn't right to deny him something he really wanted.

Aria at least wanted to pull her hand from Joseph's, but surprisingly, she didn't feel weird. It wasn't like most of the times, when Joseph was trying to be romantic, this was just like kids held hands, just because. . . .

Aria sighed as she let herself be led along.

Joseph first led her to the kitchens where he left Aria at the entrance and went in.

He came back after a few minutes with big bags of something. He shook his head as Aria raised an eyebrow and then the two went to his room.

Once inside, Joseph turned towards Aria and spoke, "Hey, do you mind if I go change real quick? I'm quite positive I'll suffocate it I stay in this suit a second longer." Aria chuckled and nodded for him to go ahead.

As soon as Joseph disappeared behind a door, Aria went to the window in the room and opened it.