Ethan Holden

“Wait you’re not? Could have fooled me,” Sage teased, “We live in the 21st century, there’s alternatives for everything now. They even have cauliflower base pizza now. I’ve never had it but I saw it on Buzzfeed once.”

Ethan just gave Sage a look though it looked more amused than anything. “There is that. Maybe i’ll try that myself when I’m cooking at home.” He did attempt to be healthy where possible but he had his slips every now and then. 

“You know there’s such thing as gluten free pizza right? They just make the dough differently.”

“I am aware Sage, I’m not an idiot. Surprising I know.” Ethan answered with a good natured laugh. “There isn’t always as much options with that though so that was my point more than anything.”

“That should be illegal really. You can put whatever you want on pizza, it’s literally built to be for everyone.”

“I mean, it’s pretty carb heavy and not great for someone who has a gluten or wheat intolerance I suppose.” Ethan reasoned, though he knew there were ways around that. “But yes, I do enjoy it a little too much.”

“Me too,” Sage said, “I mean who doesn’t have good memories with pizza?”

“Someone who doesn’t like it I’d suspect.” That’s the only good reason he could imagine someone wouldn’t want pizza. 

“I mean it’s a comfort food right?” Sage pointed out, “You never tire of comfort food. Doesn’t mean you can’t overdo it but it doesn’t feel like overdoing it.”

“I suppose there is that. It’s just an easy and delicious go to. It reminds me of good nights in with people who I care about too.”

“Pizza for lunch is always a good suggestion. If I could, I would eat it for breakfast.”

“I would say there is such a thing as overdoing it but I’ve yet to become tired of this.” He confessed with a little laugh. “It’s perhaps one of my weaknesses.”

“I have honestly been craving this for ages.” Ethan confessed as he picked up a slice of the delicious smelling pizza. “So your suggestion came at the perfect time.”

“How does forever sound?” Aiden asked with a smile, “Unless you start getting sick of me that is,” He paused, “I don’t but I want to know. I know it’s gotta be bad, she just doesn’t wanna get hurt or abandoned again but neither do I. She’s not the only one who has felt pain but she didn’t have anyone like you to help me. I just want to be there for her in that way, help her with her pain,” He paused, “I’m trying. No matter how much she pushes me away, I’m not going anywhere.”

“It’s sounds like an awfully big commitment.” He teased, humming a little at the others words. “I think I can safely say that I will not get sick of you.” Falling silent again as Aiden continued to talk, Ethan nodded his head in understanding. “You’re doing the right thing Aiden. It’s not going to be easy for you but I have every faith that it won’t always be like this.”

“You know I’ve always got time for you, Ethan. You’re my family too,” Aiden said, smiling warmly but then sighing, “Yeah, almost. I just wish I could get through to Sloane. I just don’t know how to convince her that I won’t leave again or hurt her.”

“Of course I am, and I will always be for as long as you want that.” He assured the man, unable to resist ruffling his hair like he’d done when he was younger. He did it occasionally these days but a lot less frequently than he had. “Ah... it may just take time Aiden. You don’t know what she’s been through and frustration will always find a way to come out. It looks like you’re the recipient of it for now. I guess you just have to prove you won’t leave and that you’re there if you need her.”

“Probably a little bit of both. You know I have work and I hang out with my friends and Juliet. Plus there’s the stuff with my sister’s. Darcy showed up the other day. Apparently she has powers too so she came here. She was happy to see me, at least one of my sisters was.”

“Ah yes... you have become quite hard to get time with, what with everything that has been going on. Still, I’m glad things seem to be working out for you Aiden. You have your family back. Not many people can say that happens for them.”

“The sun makes me feel better honestly. Do I like when it starts to burn my skin? Nope. But it definitely is worth it.”

“That’s what you have sun cream for.” He pointed out, motioning to the bag they’d brought. “It’s good to see you looking happier though. You can be quite serious in the office.” Not that he didn’t understand that it was work but it didn’t mean he couldn’t be at least a little concerned sometimes.

“Oh please, we both know I don’t have time to join a team,” Aiden said, laughing.

“Don’t have the time or won’t make the time.” Ethan knew which one of the two he felt it was.

“I honestly never imagined when you said we should make the most of the weather, that this’d be what you chose to do.” Ethan admitted with a little laugh. “I learn new things about you every day.”

“Oh good,” Sage said, smiling, “I’m grateful you said yes. I didn’t think anyone would and I thought this was a great idea.”

“I fail to see how anyone could turn down a picnic in the gorgeous weather we have right now with even better company. Who is it you talk to who would actually say no?”