for isnt_the_same

[chesstotem]

The only good thing about being in Paris, and away from Arthur for a while, was the easy ability Ariadne had to report back to her bosses with what information she had so far.

It was also a bit of a relief to know that they didn't really have any intention of prosecuting Arthur, or anyone else from the Fischer job - at this point, her bosses were sniffing out something much bigger, and just wanted her to use them to get closer to whatever the bigger operation was, to figure out who was behind it.

She suspected it was something much worse than anything Arthur would be willing to do.

Still, aside from the regular calls to her bosses, it was exactly as boring and depressing as she'd known it would be, having to pretend to be a student again, attend classes without even the hope of Arthur on the phone in the evenings. She walked to the college most days, went to a couple of classes, walked back to her messy little apartment in the late afternoon or evening. Ate takeout for dinner, because she could barely cook for herself. At night, she would touch herself, remembering how Arthur felt on top of her, inside her.

The next day, she did it all again.

Comments

[isnt_the_same]

Arthur had spent the time away from her keeping up with contacts and putting his ear to the ground of the dreamshare business, listening for anything-news, rumors, what not while he was in NYC.

After two weeks, Arthur landed in Paris and took a cab straight to her apartment.

[chesstotem]

Ariadne was flipping through an old sketch book from her school days - one she'd prepared for college admissions portfolios, back when she'd still had that dream, before everything had fallen apart. When her buzzer rang, she jumped up and took the stairs two at a time. She wasn't expecting anyone, so her first thought was Arthur.

Sure enough, there he was, standing outside the door of her building. She tried not to look too happy to see him as she opened the door for him. "Fancy seeing you here. Come on in."

[isnt_the_same]

"Hello, Ariadne." He shouldered his duffel bag on one shoulder. His other shoulder was carrying his messenger bag with his laptop. "How have you been?" He asked as he followed her up the stairs to her apartment.

[chesstotem]

"Nothing earth-shattering to report," she said with a little smile, letting him into her tiny apartment. "How about you? I hope you didn't have any trouble."

[isnt_the_same]

"No trouble," he replied as he walked into her apartment. He took a look around before walking over and sitting down on the couch.

[chesstotem]

"Good." Her apartment was small, and cluttered. The drafting table took up one whole corner, nearest the window. The kitchen was tiny, and every surface was covered with sketches, blueprints and bits of models. She perched next to him on the couch, a little hesitant, but wanting to be close to him. "I missed you."

[isnt_the_same]

"I missed you, too," he said with a smile before leaning over to kiss the side of her neck. He definitely missed the feel of her skin under his lips.

[chesstotem]

"Oh. Good." Her smile widened and she leaned closer to Arthur, to give him better access. It was really nice, having him back. Having him do this again. She'd never felt this way before, casual or not.

[isnt_the_same]

He trailed his lips down her neck, pressing one final kiss to her shoulder before yawning and leaning away. "Sorry."

[chesstotem]

"Did you just get off the plane?" she asked, a little surprised.

[isnt_the_same]

"Hm? Oh, yes, I did. I'm a little jetlagged," he admitted.

[chesstotem]

"So you came directly here, to see me, right from the airport," she said with a little smile. "You'd better get some rest."

[isnt_the_same]

"Just wanted to show you that I'm okay," he said with a small smile.

[chesstotem]

"I'm glad you did. Thank you," she murmured, leaning in to kiss him.

[isnt_the_same]

He returned the kiss in kind before he started taking off his jacket and undoing his tie.

[chesstotem]

"And I'm glad you know that I want you to stay here," she pointed out, standing and taking his hand to lead him to her bedroom. "Even though it's not as nice as those hotels you usually stay in."

[isnt_the_same]

"Good. I wasn't sure if I should ask or not," he admitted.

[chesstotem]

"You never have to ask," she replied, reaching up to undo the buttons of his shirt.

[isnt_the_same]

He smiled down at her. "And I get undressed by you, as well? What did I ever do to deserve such a nice thing?"

[chesstotem]

She laughed. "You kept your promise."

[isnt_the_same]

"I have, haven't I?" He smiled wider before yawning.

[chesstotem]

"Yes, good boy," she teased, tugging his shirt off and undoing his belt quickly. "Now, lie down. Time for you to sleep."

[isnt_the_same]

"You're coming to bed, too, right?" He asked as he helped her with pants and folded them along with his shirt.

[chesstotem]

"Yes," she said, nudging him towards the bed. Then she went to her dresser and changed into her pajamas.

[isnt_the_same]

Arthur got under the covers and waited for her, watching her undress.