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Angelica kept her eyes on the ground through her wedding service. The priests voice was uniform and smooth, reading words he had recited hundreds of times. She knew Aaron was looking at her, through her veil, trying to find some sort of sign of how she felt besides her cold hands clasped in his.
Peggy was grinning, almost in relief (This can end your moping She had teased, to which Angelica replied with dignity that she had never moped in her life. But both knew that Angelica had, in fact, been taking the so called 'situation' regarding Hamilton well despite everything). Eliza was crying, but through the misted layer of her viel it was hard to tell if she was happy or not. Her parents were more bemused than anything else. And him? Alexander? His eyes bored into her as they always did. She turned minimally to look at him. He gave her a nearly imperceptible nod.
Angelica would not look at him, at her poor husband. She couldn't. She couldn't face that much… Empty space. That was it. Aaron Burr was a nonentity. An emptiness. A void. He couldn't exist. He was just… Blank. She didn't accept a man could tread so light as to leave nothing behind yet he managed it. And now she was marrying him. Shit. In the least proper and ladylike way possible shit shit shiiiit-
The priests words somehow entered her brain. She wasn't sure on what level she just felt a mental prod, an internal voice yelling 'get it together, stupid'. She blurted "I do.". Aaron gave her a smile but she couldn't see if it was genuine because she couldn't see his eyes. She couldn't look there. She wouldn't for as long as permissible, even if it was petulant and a little pathetic.
The lilt of a grin to his voice the priest announced "You may now kiss the bride.".
Tenderly, more than she expected, he lifted her veil and took her jaw in his free hand. She let him kiss her, and she closed her eyes dutifully but she shut off all feelings and let no sensation reach her at all. She was to live a cold life. Maybe to be married to a void she must become separate to it. Build a wall between herself and it lest she fall headfirst in… Although even Angelica had to admit she hadn't any idea what she meant by that.
***
The new house was cold.
Since it bothered her she ought to get a servant to light a fire but she couldn't face the trial of standing up. There was so many 'couldnts' and 'wouldnts' lately. And if that didn't summarise her life she didn't know what would.
After the guests disappeared and the house was emptied Angelica set off to explore. There were endless empty rooms. One she liked was this smaller one facing the East. The sun would rise here. It was bare of furniture save a wicker chair. She pulled it towards the window and sat. It may have been five minutes like it may have been fifty. An hour felt like a day, and both were indistinguishable from the featureless months she saw ahead. "There you go." She said to herself. "Moping. For the first time. Its…" She gave a tired chuckle. "Worryingly addictive.".
In a while she would be expected to go see her new husband. In a short time they would -she thought with a slight shudder- consummate. And that would be that. It wasnt she hated Aaron. He was a pleasant man. Slightly bland, gave nothing away. Everything reeked of falseness. Everything was a mask. Well she couldnt stand it. She wanted to at least know who she married. And right now as she tried to summon up the courage to go back there and let him… Take her, she is coming up short of even one personality trait for Aaron Burr.
Besides the fact he likes to hide himself away.
Was it wrong to stay with Aaron when she didnt love him? It was as if he barely existed at all. She wanted fire and heat and oh dear God she knew who she wanted.
She sighed. The room was cold. This place was lifeless and empty. She resolved to get this over with. If worst came to worst she could see Alexander's beautiful eyes how she had every night for months and just pretend it wasnt with Aaron but that wasnt fair. To Eliza, or to Aaron, or Alex, who made his decision. Sort of. Or did she make it? Could they have been something if it wasnt for her sister? Would she be eager for them to have sex, would it make her burn alive like those filthy penny romance books promised her? Would she be satisfied?
The room was cold. This internal debate was pointless. Just go back and deal with it. Most other women marry for money and not love, shes lucky he isnt a raging drunk and is at least somewhat close to her age. It could be worse. Then again, she still wished it could be better.
She wished it was Alex. He was anything but cold.
***
When she entered he was in his nightshirt, glancing up and smiling blandly. "Mrs Burr." He greeted.
"Aaron." She breathed deeply. Told herself to get it over with. Every atom of her screamed not to because she wasnt… Ready. But no. She knew her duty. "I- Uh-". Despite the resolve she floundered for something to say.
He raised an eyebrow, which she only focussed on to avoid looking him in the eyes. "Tired?". He grinned and loosed the laces of his nightshirt so the top hung open
He better not have been trying to seduce her, good God. She could handle the duty of it, without adding to her guilt and torment by acting as if she ought to enjoy it. She knew that was petty, knew Aaron probably did want this. No. Of course not. Not really. He didnt feel love for her, didnt burn for her like she did for Alexander. She was trapped in a loveless marriage, and now she had to pretend she wanted him. Still. It could be worse. It was pretty warm in here, she thought wryly.
As Aaron took a step towards her she instinctively took one back. Her eyes widened and his face fell simultaneously. "Wait, Aaron, Im sorry-"
"Do you not want this? The… Do you not want to have sex?".
He didnt sound betrayed, more concerned. As he ought to be really. What kind of idiot woman refuses her husband what he rightfully now had due to her marriage? What he owned? How dare she deny him her?
"Of course, yes! Of course I do. Im so so sorry.". Angelica mentally chided herself for sounding so nervous.
She noticed his eyes narrow out of her peripheral as she zoomed in on his hands, which ran over his arms uncomfortably. "Angelica. Dont lie. Please. If nothing else we must be honest with each other.".
That swould have made her laugh if it hadnt made her want to scream.
"Well it doesnt matter really. Im sorry for upsetting you. I know my duty.".
This made him scowl. "Angelica… We arent doing anything you dont want."
"You must have lost your mind! We have to otherwise the marriage doesnt count as binding!"
At this, Aaron did something dcidely un-Aaron-like and winked at her. It was a strangely endearing expression for someone she was trying hard to not like. Still though she only half saw it. For some reason Angelica was still trying to not look him in the eyes. "I wont tell if you dont."
She gave a sigh. "Deal. And thank you."
"You have nothing to thank me for. Goodnight."
***
Their marriage was a strange one to her but only becauseshe'd never been a part of one before. She woke up to him every morning hogging the blankets with a smile, because when he was asleep his mask slippd a little.
Since she now had little to do and he spent his time on his work, Angelica began a project of sorts. She took the little red book she had bought intending on making it a diary and titled the first page THE REAL AARON BURR.
She then wrote under it polite.
empty
nice
Three words? All she knew of her husband was three bloody words? She frowned at the pages and set the book aside. She had dinner with Peggy to get to.
But over the upcoming weeks she added so much more.
Thoughtful because he bought her the books she admired instead of the jewlery she was expected to covet. Actually he encouraged her reading how her parents never had and frequently recommended books for her. This was the limit of their conversation for a while. He didnt talk a lot and Angelica had nothing to say. They would sit quietly together until one went to bed and the other would soon follow, her reading while he worked. This switched as they got into bed, where he would read by candlelight and she would catch up any correspondance.
He was intelligent. That took her a while to realise. She found an essay, published under his name which she found fascinating. It was an odd sort of disembodied experience to read Aaronnhow the rest of the country saw him. Smiling, silent Mr Burr.
And she never could have predicted how it would maked her rethink her list, rethink him. The essay was genius but it wasnt an outpouring of fire straight from his heart, like Alexanders were (she read them all and yes there were many of them but she kept each one in a box when she finished them), tucked away in that cold room from her first night, which she had claimed for her own space. She had curtains put up and shelves. It now housed her growing collection of novels and books that she would add to with increasing confidence, buying the sort of things young women ought to not read- Murder stories, philosophies that she had been banned from, old texts written by women like Catherine Parr or Emilie Pankhurst. A silly rebellion. One she revelled in.
Angelica wasnt just writing things about Aaron. She somehow ended up writing about Hamilton too, but God knows how. Every thought she had started off independent but soon trailed off towards the one man she was banned from. Her forbidden fruit, her temptation. She felt like Tantalus but it meant nothing in the face of Elizas happiness. Or so she told herself. In short, Alexander Hamilton was a difficulty she struggled with overcoming. He started out as a brilliant opportunity, a handsome young man with gorgeous eyes and a wit that made her world tilt on an axis. And now he was a coy smile across a crowded room making her heart leap against her ribs like it too wanted to be with him. She wanted him so much it was humiltiating. It was pathetic. It wasnt love, was it? She thought of how Eliza described it. Being helpless. Yes, that was the effect Alexander had on people.
But he also made her burn. She felt it, all over flames, her throat sulfur, her skin stained with soot. And if that was love she was glad she would never feel it for Aaron because she couldnt take that again. She just wanted to find out why she felt like this. So she followed her temptations example. She wrote.
As Aarons list grew so too did Alexanders. His was far more crowded actually.
Intelligent
Handsome
brilliant
obsessive
romantic
She almost added some allusion to fire but thought better of it. She couldnt think so much of him. After all, she saw how helpless Eliza was. How everyone fell like ninepins for him. Angelica refused to be just another stick on his burning pile.
What had she been talking about? Aaron Burr. Ah yes. She couldnt decide before if she wanted to love him but that wasnt really true. She couldnt take the flames again. It was safer not to. But she certainly wanted to study him. Desperately. Peel back the mask until she knew the man she woke up to in the mornings.
Materialistic. Angelica couldnt blame him for trying to buy her but he was so constant and almost obsessive over ensuring her luxury it was hard not to be exasperated to the point were she almost wanted to cross out that 'intelligent' in her book. The gifts were overwhelming at first, the jewels and the clothes. She would never have bought them for herself and her parents allowed her to choose such things at home so it was a bit… Unusual.
"Aaron, please, stop. You dont need to buy me half a continent of silk to keep me content."
"I dont want you kept content." If she knew no better she would call him petulant. "I want you to be happy.".
Angelica nearly said 'I want to be happy too.". She thought better though. (Stubborn went on the list)
They slowly began to talk more though she realised soon she learnt more about Aaron from listening and observing rather than talking. At parties she hovered by his side, no longer dazzling, just the dutiful Mrs Burr. He flashed her concerned looks. She ignored them.
These parties were strange glimpses into him. Through them she added more words, like eloquent because he when prompted could expertly avoid giving real answers to any question. Kind as he danced with the wallflower daughter of a statesman, a shy and awkward girl beaming from the attention.
Kindness from a man of masks still confused her. (Contradicting was scrawled with unsuppressable frustration, soon followed by frustrating)
Yes, she still rather childishly avoided eye contact with him where she could. Maybe it was her own infatuation with Hamiltons eyes. Maybe she was scared that she would love again. Or maybe she figured they were windows into her chasm of a husband and she feared falling. Whether in love or anything else.
What changed her mind? Oh she knew what really threw her. That divorce case. They had been married nearly a year. She was… Comfortable. Well provided. Her feelings towards her husband were growing too convoluted to focus on, her feelings regarding Hamilton more so.
Was it normal for a smile from him to set her stomach shifting like a tide, fluttering like a butterfly? Yet Alexs made her blaze? She dismissed her recent feelings towards Aaron in favour of completing her list.
Feminist?
She attended his hearing- Not his realy. Some poor girls. She visible trembled in the dock, her ex husband leering from across the room. Aaron gave him a glare of unfiltered rage so strong he turned away. Angelica had never seen that. Throughout the hearing not only did Aaron successfully establish how this young lady was being used by her husband, beaten, cheated on, generally mistreated. He also more widely revealed the hypocrisy and idiocy of the position of women as property.
As he walked out he saw her, stopped with an expression cauht between happiness and nervousness. "You were exceptional." She told him, kissing his cheek. He had the grace to go red at that.
"Glad you thought so.". He took her arm and they began the walk from the courthouse back home.
She hesitated. "You never told me your opinions regarding the suffrage movement."
"You never asked for my opinions." He said shortly.
Angelica frowned at him. "Thats rather harsh."
"Angelica, Ive had a long day." He sighed, and as she peered at him she noticed the bags under his eyes, the way he moved sluggishly. "I dont have time for you pretending you are the only person in this marriage.".
She stopped walking. He was forced to stop too. "You believe that of me?".
Aaron had the good grace to at least look sorry. "That was blunt. I apologise."
"Dont. Makes a nice change.". He cocked his head to one side, waiting for an explanation. "We should be honest with each other, remember?"
"Angeli-"
"I want to go home now." She announced. "And since I rather think its going to rain I think we ought to hail a cab.".
He stood as the rain began to fall, hands buried in pockets. "Of course.".
They didnt speak once they got home but she did cross out the part that said empty on her list. Angelica liked to think she was closer to the real Aaron Burr. But then she wasnt. With the alarming discovery that there was more to this man than she guessed after eleven months of marriage she found yet another mask below the first. Still, it was in spite of this she knew she was in the wrong. She found herself regretting her haste to judge, her childish insistance on disliking the man who kept his cards close to his chest. She found herself considering if she had any right to claim she loved him. It didnt feel like love, at least, it wasnt Alex. It wasnt heat and fire and blazing sunlight, it wasnt lightning striking her body, making her fall into the most sinful thoughts. Aaron was… Aaron…
Well that was the thing really. She just didnt really know anymore.
***
Angelica hadnt wanted to speak to Alexander Hamilton but he was her sisters husband so she couldnt avoid him forever. She had made a truly concious effort to stay away since the wedding, not only for her sake but for Aarons, because she didnt know how much she could trust herself. Or Alex for that matter.
Another damn party that night. She wore a dress he bought her, perfume he liked. He said it smelled like her daddy had money. She reminded him that was true and thank God or he wouldnt have come near her. She laughed; He didnt. That was before, back when they were cautious and awkward but friendly and this was now. It wasnt even a fight, it was a reevaluation. It was her seeing his list grow, her frustration at whatever it was she felt for him. And yet they said not even two words to each other that night, Aaron retreating to a group of old friends he knew from Quebec, while Angelica sought out her sisters.
A hand clamped on her arm and steered her out of the throng and into a deserted corridor. "Alexander." She said slowly as the hand removed itself. Those eyes found hers like they always would.
"Hey, Angelica. Long time no see." He chuckled. "I thought you might be avoiding me."
"Ive been busy."
"With the wedding? And… Him? Ah yes. Congratulations."
"Thank you.". She made to leave but was thrown back against the wall.
"Are you satisfied?".
She took a deep breath. "Yes. Are you?".
He had the gall to laugh at her. "No. And unlike you I'll be honest about it.".
Angelica was relieved that her overriding feeling at that was fury. Mostly for Eliza, a bit for her too because really, after all she had sacrificed? He was not satisfied? What did he want, her head on a fucking spike?
Sacrificed at a fucking altar?
She probably shouldnt swear. Even internally. But she was just… Pissed off. No one could hear it anyway. Although the look those eyes held she swore he heard everything.
Angelica tried to move away but his arm was somehow around her back. "I am perfectly satisfied.". You know the funny part was it was somewhat true. She didnt want him- Not as she did at the start of her marriage. She loved him, painfully, like her skin was scalded raw. But she had been conditioned now. You kick a dog enough times and it will run at the sight of you. Angelica had been kicked so many times. And by God there was nothing that made her happier than knowing she would choose Aaron over Alex.
Not because she loved Aaron. She didnt think. Her thoughts seemed to constantly double back to him nowadays in a way she once assumed impossible. He felt like nothing else. All the metaphors made her head spin but that was the only way to desribe him: He was like drowning. Aaron Burr wasnt a void. He was a goddamn ocean. Angelica knew that now. He was not empty. He was dark and inviting but you never knew exactly what was there. She didnt want to. Eliza was helpless. She had been too once.
Still was. A little. "Unhand me.".
He smirked. "You dont mean that."
"I bloody well do.".
This at least earnt her a pause. "Unattractive language from a young lady."
"Get fucked."
"Angelica, Jesus, what happened to 'my dearest Alexander'? 'Consuming my waking days'?". Alexs grip tightened, she felt it through the fabric. And truly, how dare he? He uses her private correspondence against her? Her childish infatuation? His own affect on her?
"What happened to Eliza? Your wife? Should we ask her about those lett-". She went to go but was slammed, with more force than needed, back into the wall.
"You cant do that." He sneered.
A voice from nearby made them both turn around. "My wife can do whatever she wants.".
Honestly she could have sobbed with relief. Alexs increasing show in strength was more than a little concerning but she still couldnt guess why she was that happy to see Aaron. There was also fear that he would draw conclusions. Reasonable ones. Her, pinned against a wall by her sisters husband? Scandalous.
Aarpn approached with his usual grace, reserved where Alex was ragged and unkempt. The two came face to face. "As, if I may add, can I." said the lawyer, which was all the warning granted before Aaron clocked him in the face.
Angelica saw Alex go down but made no move towards him. Just took her husbands hand. An accident that they looked at each other then. Really quite stupid. A whole year Angelica had been gaurded and careful and now she just forgot to keep her usual defences up.
His eyes were beautiful. Aarons. They were dark, not as pretty and as obviously beautiful as Hamiltons. But they were brown, deep brown, romantic almost. They were perfect in a way only she would know and she likexd that. Then…
She waited for it. The moment she would know she fell. After all Angelica had spent a year almost telling herself that to look too close at Aaron Burr would be to fall in love with him. But to her surprise there was no swoon and no sensation of falling. She had fallen a long time ago. Angelica didnt know when or care when but she knew she had. And it wasnt painful. Complicated but not painful. Not as much as before.
"This party is boring me," She said softly, feeling his surprise as she pulled herself close to him, both arms wrapped around one of his. "Want to go home?"
"Of course, Mrs Burr." He replied a little stiffly.
***
The house was quiet. A little cold but she had grown to like it. All she wanted, and it was such a strong desire it almost made her stop, was for him to hold her. She didnt care if he picked her up or held her hand. Hell, Aaron could pin her against a wall the way Alex had if he really wanted. She just craved it. Better than his confused silence all the way home. The only sound in the carriage had been her foot tapping nervously on the floor.
He walked straight past her as they got in and went for the stairs. "Aaron!". No reply.
She watched him as he went into his study and stared at the closed door forever. Now this, she admitted, was ironic. Because it hurt. Like Alexander.
She left him for a moment, went back to the bedroom and quickly changed into her nightgown. When she got there again the door was open just a crack, enough for her to see him. Tie undone. Jacket abandoned. Sat at his desk writing. Slowly, calmly. Precisely.
She pushed it open and Aaron glanced up.
Instead of apologising Angelica did the first thing in her head and asked "What are you working on?"
"Doesnt matter.". Answer he always gave. Angelica only now figured she was the on e to make him feel it didnt matter.
"If its important to you of course it matters.". And yes, she made sure she looked him dead in the eye this time. Let her breathing and heart slow because he was the most unpredictable yet predictable person, and above all else he was safe. Add that the the list. Angelica could honestly drown in his eyes. She regretted never looking before.
Aaron sighed, leaning back as she approached. "Its an essay Im sure I will never publish discussing the inequalities in womens legal positions compared to mens. Obvious stuff but oh well.".
She couldnt keep the genuine excitement from her voice. "May I read it?". When he hesitated she added far more gently than normal "I have no doubts it will be excellent."
"If you want. Just know its only a first draft. And incomplete."
"Thank you!". While she sat down in his seat and read it happily he got up and went back to the bedroom, to change.
Maybe an hour later she came in, handing him his work back. "Well?" Aaron asked.
She gave him her best smile, one that made him grin inreturn. "I love it.".
His smile was fixed in place as he said "No you dont."
Angelica nervously laughed. "What?"
"You dont love it. It isnt done and if it was you might but its not. Youre saying that to be nice. I just want honesty."
"Its not- Its just-". She pointed behind her as she spoke and he must have seen the ink all over hands because he stopped.
"Angelica?"
"Yes?"
"Did you write notes about my essay? As in, edits and critiques and things?".
Trying not to cringe, she replied "Yes.". She just got excited. She had never read anything unpublished before. And it good. It was more to do with vague phrasing and a few spelling errors.
"Go get them, please.". He kissed her forehead. "Thank you.".
***
When she told him what she wanted to do Angelica expected several reactions. The one she got was not one.
"Youre sure?"
"Yes, please. Fuck. I just want you, Aaron.". Her own voice reprimanded her. "Language, sorry.".
Aarons normally bland smile gave her chills. "I like it. Its hot."
"Hot?"
"You know. Like you.". His hands traced constellations all over her, along her body through her night dress. After some gentle shifting around she straddled his waist while he lay back and touched her like he had been half starved all his life. She contented herself with running her fingers through his hair.
"Sweet of you to say." She told him absently.
"You okay? More or…"
"Oh my God more. Please.".
It wasnt like the writing or like his time in court. Aaron did not take his time with her at all. He clearly was done waiting. His lips crashed into hers as his hands lifted her skirt and she tugged at his shirt. "Can I take this off?" She asked.
Aaron frowned. "I have scars. From the war. Theyre…"
She could have said so much but took a leaf from his book and said nothing. Angelica lifted his night shirt up, pulled it gently over his head and he took it from her, tossing it aside. She rewarded him with a kiss on the jaw. Angelica looked down. At his strength. Not as skinny as she assumed he was. Muscles only just defined enough to be visible. She dragged her hands over his chest, his shoulders, trying to believe he was real. The scars were stark white and formed three distinct criss crosses along his chest, as well as a long curved line up from his naval to the bottom of his ribs. "You are a brilliant man." She told him sincerely.
His confidence was back. "I can think of better uses for your pretty little mouth than talking.".
Fucking hell.
He raised an eyebrow. "More?"
"More.".
Angelica let him flip them, let him bury his face in the crook of her neck and mumble indistinctly about how he loved her perfume. She pulled her dress off, closed her eyes and thanked whatever ran the universe when he called her beautiful part in wonder, and then more feverishly "Youre beautiful." as he raked his mouth down her throat, over the rise of her breasts and down to her abdomen.
She could believe it. Only from him, only when he told her again, laughing as he did, that she was perfect and she told him that he wasnt done and to "Fuck me or you'll never see just what my pretty little mouth can do.".
"Yes ma'am.".
Angelica let herself be swept away on a tide. The belief that she was beautiful.
And he was beautiful.
And they were beautiful.
***
This was not how Angelica meant for it to happen. It was just them fooling around maybe a week later, her on his lap in the dark of the very early morning. He sleepily had woken her with fond kisses and when that failed, a soft nip to her neck. Now they snuggled up under the duvet, his hands on her thighs, hiking up her dress. Somehow her commenting on how she liked his scars turned into a game of 'What I Like About Your Body'. A game she found herself powerless to not enjoy.
"Arms.".
"Mouth."
"You said that one."
"Ah, fuck."
"Language!". She swatted him.
"Well I like it when you swear. Does that count? Its just… I dont know, its hot, leave me be."
"Fine. My turn. Hands."
"Really?".
She sighed. "Yes. I swear to God, I want you touching me forever.".
He smiled brightly but made no comment on that.
"Your legs." He said blearily.
"Yes, you cant seem to stop touching them." She remarked, before cursing him three different ways as he dared try to remove his hands from her. "My turn. Um… Eyes. Your eyes."
"Really?".
"Theyre beautiful." She had thought it so much it felt odd saying it aloud.
He wrinkled his nose in disbelief. "Theyre just brown.".
"I know that. I just think theyre pretty and kind and I love them and theyre yours so…". Angelica trailed off. Aaron reached up to brush a hair from her face.
"Well look at this. You can be sweet after all."
"Excuse you. Only fools rush into this anyway.". Absently she lay down, head on his chest, his fingers playing with her hair.
"Rush into what?"
This was it, the answer she couldnt give. Angelica froze up, panicked. She thought she could just lie there until he said "Rush into what exactly?". Crap.
She got up.
"What are you doing?"
"I want to show you something. Wait here," She said as she left. "I can be back soon.".
Down the corridor, to the left then the right. Her room. She dug out her book, pressed it to her heart and ran back to were he had lit a lamp, now very much awake and frowning. Angelica went to speak but he cut her off. "I just wanted to say Im sorry."
That certainly halted her. "Excuse me?!"
"Look I get it. I just forget sometimes. Its okay and I understand."
"I dont think you do." Angelica frowned deeply.
"You dont love me.".
Yeah, that wasnt what she expected. Too stunned to talk she let him go on.
"You married me because you felt you had to, while you have feelings for Alexander Hamilton. That is of course your business but I cant pretend I dont know it.".
"Aaron, no… You… Look…"
"No you look. Do you have any idea what its like to love someone like this? You burn me. When I call you hot I mean it.".
Angelica ruffled his hair and let her hand rest on his cheek, taking in how tired he looked. His folded arms. His wry smirk. "Do you know what its like to be married to a blind moron?"
"Uh… No?" He tried.
Instead of replying directly to that she flicked open the book. "Kind… Frustrating… Materialistic… Feminist... Thoughtful... I havent written it but handsome, Jesus.".
Aarons brow creased. "Do those words… Mean something to me?"
"Theyre words I wrote about you. So yes. They do.". She snapped the book shut. "I started trying to figure you out sincde day one. Then I wasnt sure how I felt. I just wanted to know who I had married. See beyond the mask."
"No one else notices it." He said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No one else is your wife. Just me.".
"And if there is more masks?".
Angelica threw the book aside. "What?".
"If all I have is masks and," He gestured to his torso "Scar tissue. You want to love me anyway?".
She doubted that there was nothing but masks. Angelica didnt know everything about him but she knew he was nothing like her first impression. He was not empty. So she closed the gap between them and slipped her hands around him, relieved at not having to fully explain how deeply she felt between her water and fire obsessions. Because obviously, stupidly and a little pathetically she knew that she would love him even if she never got to see the full, real Aaron Burr. "Is it bad, do you think?"
His hands found their place on her waist, holding her to him the way she had wanted the night of that party. "Go on. I'll bite. What exactly is bad?"
"That I cant help it."
Aaron seemed a little exasperate. "Cant help what?"
But Angelica just kissed him. Sometimes she really figured he had taught her a good lesson. Sometimes you can just talk less. Whatever you want more of, you can do that too. Oh and she knew exactly what she was going to beg him for this morning.