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 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.

[chesstotem]

"Nu-uh, you'd better tell me."

[isnt_the_same]

"Just that I like being around you," he replied.

[chesstotem]

She glanced down at the menu for a moment. "I like being around you, too," she admitted.

[isnt_the_same]

"I know," he said as he too looked down at his menu.

[chesstotem]

"Well, I'd better just order a salad so I can keep wearing this dress for the foreseeable future, since you like it so much," she joked.

[isnt_the_same]

He grinned. "You shouldn't worry about your weight."

[chesstotem]

"No? Hm." She glanced down at herself, then shrugged.

[isnt_the_same]

"Seriously," he said.

[chesstotem]

She smiled at him. "In that case, maybe I'll get the chicken instead."

[isnt_the_same]

"Get whatever you want," he told her.

[chesstotem]

"I will, don't worry," she said with a laugh. "I always get what I want."

[isnt_the_same]

He raised his brow. "I see."

[chesstotem]

"I've been called a spoiled brat before, don't worry, I'm used to it," she teased.

[isnt_the_same]

"You? Spoiled?" He smirked.

[chesstotem]

"I know, shocking, isn't it? I'm just too angelic."

[isnt_the_same]

He laughed. "Angelic..."