for isnt_the_same

[chesstotem]

True to her word, Ariadne showed up at Arthur's hotel room the next afternoon, a bag of Thai takeout in her arms and an anticipatory smile on her face as she knocked on his door.

Comments

[isnt_the_same]

Arthur laughed and shook his head.

[chesstotem]

"Let me guess - she has really long legs, and big boobs. And she's... a redhead."

[isnt_the_same]

"No date. Trust me, I don't date."

[chesstotem]

"What, not at all?"

[isnt_the_same]

"Not at all," he repeated.

[chesstotem]

"Why not? I mean, I can understand why you would be hesitant to get involved in anything serious..." She knew better than probably anyone, given what she knew about Dom and Mal. "But not even casually?"

[isnt_the_same]

"No, not even casually. I just don't...I don't want anything like that."

[chesstotem]

"Oh." She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed at that.

Not that she had any expectations, or anything. Still.

"So, that kiss, it was just..."

[isnt_the_same]

He shrugged. "A distraction."

[chesstotem]

She gave him a wry smile. "That's not very nice, you know. Might've given me ideas."

[isnt_the_same]

"Well, then, I'm sorry," he said.

[chesstotem]

"It's okay," she murmured. "Sometimes, I'm too naive for my own good." She waved it off with a little scowl. "We're still on for that movie, right?"

[isnt_the_same]

"Of course," he replied.

[chesstotem]

"Oh, good." She smiled and squeezed his hand again, ignoring his cold skin.

[isnt_the_same]

He looked down at their hands and fought the need to snatch his away.

[chesstotem]

Her touch didn't linger long, and she offered him a smile. "I suppose I'll take my food and get out of your hair. I don't want to impose."

[isnt_the_same]

"You can stay if you'd like, but ive got some work to do so I won't be very good company."

[chesstotem]

She nodded, standing to gather her things. "Oh, by the way - I decided to take that job offer. I'll give it a shot, see how things go."

[isnt_the_same]

"Good, let me know if you need anything." Arthur got up as well with th intention of showing her to the door.

[chesstotem]

"If you don't mind, I'll also be contacting you with where I'll be and when, just in case something goes wrong and I'm not where I'm supposed to be - someone will know."

[isnt_the_same]

"Of course, I don't mind at all," he told her.

[chesstotem]

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "I appreciate it. I mean, you helping me out and being there for me."

[isnt_the_same]

"You're new to the business. I don't want to just leave you to the wolves," he said with a smile.

[chesstotem]

"Still. You wouldn't have to look out for me. It means you're a nice guy." She winked at him.

[isnt_the_same]

"Thanks, I guess."