for isnt_the_same

[chesstotem]

Arthur had been in London for the past two weeks, and Ariadne had been hiding out in Paris, dodging her friends and her handler. But Miles was CIA, too, and he'd been at this a lot longer than she - she'd never be able to keep everything from him.

"That you're sleeping with him isn't what has me concerned," he said, his voice low and gruff-sounding over the phone. "If that's what you needed to do to gain his complete trust, then that's your job. But I know you. You have feelings for him."

"No, it's not like that," she said, frustrated. "He's not the big fish here, Miles. There's something else going on. I think we should extend him an offer of immunity - I think he'd be willing to help."

"There is no evidence of any grand dreamshare conspiracies, despite your unpleasant experience at the hands of this... Quentin's goons. He's probably just a rival. Keep your eye on Arthur, that's your job. And be careful. You're already in this up to your neck. Remember who you are and why you're there. You know how charming he can be."

Ariadne frowned. "I know. I'll be okay. Don't worry."

Comments

[isnt_the_same]

He raised his brow as he looked over at her. "I think we were getting lunch together."

[chesstotem]

"Oh! Well, then. Am I dressed appropriately?"

[isnt_the_same]

"It's a little more upscale," he replied, grinning.

[chesstotem]

"Oh." She frowned down at herself, then went to her closet. "Um..." She finally pulled out a sun dress, with red flowers printed on it. "Would something like this work?"

[isnt_the_same]

"That'll be fine," he said and then went to put on his shoes out in the living room.

[chesstotem]

She laughed. "You should give me better heads-up next time. Not very nice to spring that on me." She quickly slipped out of her jeans and blouse and into the dress.

[isnt_the_same]

"You could do with a little spontaneity," he told her as he leaned against the door frame, watching her change.

[chesstotem]

"You're telling me I need to be spontaneous?" She raised her eyebrows at him.

[isnt_the_same]

He huffed out a laugh but didn't answer her question.

[chesstotem]

She finished putting on the dress, then stood and twirled in front of him. "What do you think?"

[isnt_the_same]

"Gorgeous as always," he replied with a smile.

[chesstotem]

"Thanks." She gave him a quick kiss. "I'm ready to go when you are."

[isnt_the_same]

"Come on," he held out his elbow for her to take before leading her out to hail a cab.

[chesstotem]

She settled into the cab, unconsciously smoothing her skirt every couple of minutes - she wasn't very used to wearing skirts.

[isnt_the_same]

She might not have been use to it, but she looked amazing none the less.

The cab ride only lasted for about ten minutes before it pulled up into a posh looking restaurant. Arthur paid the driver before getting up and then holding his hand out to her.

[chesstotem]

She had to smile as he helped her out of the cab. It was just like him. "How romantic."

[isnt_the_same]

He grinned and led her inside. They were seated promptly when Arthur gave the name for the reservation. It was a table for two in a quiet part of the restaurant. He pulled out his chair for her before going around and sitting down in the chair opposite her.

[chesstotem]

"I'm starting to wonder what the occasion is," she teased, glancing around at the restaurant.

[isnt_the_same]

"It's just lunch," he assured her as he opened his menu.

[chesstotem]

"A romantic lunch date," she corrected with a smile, reaching across to give his hand a squeeze.

[isnt_the_same]

"How is it romantic?" He asked, smiling and squeezing her hand in return.

[chesstotem]

"Because it was a surprise, and it's just the two of us, and we're dressed up."

[isnt_the_same]

He huffed out a laugh. "You're delightful."

[chesstotem]

"What's that supposed to mean?"

[isnt_the_same]

"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head.