ameluz: Well I always smile also when I read your review :) It was perfect moment and I don't hate the child also, it was cute interrupt. I am happy that I made you happy :) It really means a lot to me. You're welcome and I hope you will enjoy this one :)

Another chapter...YAY! I am really excited of this chapter, I think you will love it.

The Unexpected Visit

Arthur stayed with Ariadne at home. He decided to go to work at the afternoon. It had been surprise for her when she had walked out the door and had seen him sitting on the couch. Her confusion had been obvious. After breakfast, she decided to draw him, she was in no mood for her project at all. She missed drawing. Capture a moment in her life and the beauty of the outside world to pass on a piece of paper. She didn't think about it, drawing purified her head from thoughts, which she didn't want to deal with. She loved all those colors, which she could express nature. Of course that she will never equal the original, but it was nice to have a piece of the outside world at home. Yesterday in the park, she hadn't managed to capture it. She hadn't had the opportunity because had been with him. However, the day was again clouded and they stayed together at home. Arthur was a amazing theme for a drawing. His face was an exceptional and because she was scared he might leave (she hoped for the opposite), she will have his hazel eyes forever. She will look at them when she will feel bad. She will look at them when she will miss him. She will look at them when she will want to smile. His eyes could do all these things and much more.

He wanted to fulfill her wish, but it was important to capture him relaxed. As she suggested, he had to work. "When you're working, you are as a fish in water," she said.

He sat on one couch and was working on a case where hackers had gotten into the networks of insurance companies. It was his first big case. Arthur saw it as a challenge, which he adored. However, he was careful so that Ariadne saw nothing. But when he looked at her, he could be calm. She was literally immersed in painting. Her expression was focused, she wanted to have perfect portrait. She drew slowly, but the time passed quickly. She had his hair, eyes and nose. Now came another important part.

"Smile at me," she said suddenly.

Arthur stopped working. She wanted him to be in a happy mood and so he did. His grin wasn't wide or significant, but honest. Ariadne smiled also, because she couldn't resist. Then she started to draw the shape of his lips. While she was focused again, suddenly there was a knock. Both they looked toward the door and then at one another.

"Are you expecting someone?" He asked curiously.

She shook head. "No."

His smile disappeared from lips. Maybe somebody wanted solve something from the past. They knew that he was here? They came for him? He quickly closed laptop and stood up. Her expression changed to uncertainty and fear. Comfort and peace was gone. She put his unfinished portrait beside her and he took her in his arms.

"What are you doing?" She asked worriedly.

"I want you to be safe," and he carried her into the bedroom.

He wasn't sure, it could be anyone and he wanted to be ready for everything. There was only one place in her apartment, where he could hide her. He put her down on the ground next to the wardrobe and opened it quickly. She just watched him while he took her suitcase out. There was enough space now, just for one person. For her. Arthur took her hand and she carefully sat inwards. He wanted to close the door, but she didn't let him.

"And what about you?" She looked at him.

He knelt down next to her. "I take care of myself." Suddenly there was a pounding, which was so loud that was heard in the bedroom. Someone was impatient. "Wait here until I come," and he shut the door.

Ariadne was in the darkness. She was curled up and pulled her knees closer. She could only hope that everything will be fine. She was scared. It could be someone who longed for blood. The only thing, that remained her, was to believe him. Pounding was more frequent and louder. Arthur swore because he didn't have a gun. That was one of the disadvantages of his new beginning. Learn to live without it. It had been difficult to give it to Eames, but he had managed it. Now he said to himself that maybe it wasn't the best idea. Again, there was a pounding. He could handle it. In the worst case, he will use his hands, which they also once had saved his life. He walked carefully out of the bedroom and went quietly to the door. He peered through the peephole. His concerns were replaced by a feeling of calm. The man who was standing behind the door wasn't a danger. But who was it? Arthur decided to open the door.

"Can I help you?" And he looked at him.

The man had short brown hair and blue eyes. He was skinny and was wearing a gray shirt and jeans. Arthur saw a bag over his shoulder. Could it be Ariadne's classmate? According to his estimate, he was the same age as she. The man at the door was surprised when he had seen Arthur. He didn't expect male company in her apartment. That would make sense, why it took so long before someone opened the door.

"Yes. I came to visit Ariadne. She wasn't two days at school, so I came to check her," was his answer. It wasn't enough to call? Maybe he didn't have number, but Arthur knew he wasn't lying and let strange man inside.

"Wait here," he said and went into the bedroom.

Unknown nodded, but when he saw where Arthur went, it annoyed him. It raised his suspicion. In the bedroom, Arthur carefully knelt down and opened the wardrobe. She was curled up and on her face was fear, but when she saw him, was relieved. He grabbed her hands and helped her to stand up.

"I think you have a visitor," he told her.

She glanced at him, puzzled. She didn't expect anybody, but whoever it was, had to be close to her. She began jumping into the living room, where then she saw the man. Her face lit up.

"Daniel." So that was his name. She jumped to him and hugged him. He hugged her also and Arthur began to hate him in the depths of the soul.

"What are you doing here?"

"You weren't at school two days, so I was worried."

"But if I know, I didn't tell you, where I live." Because of this sentence Arthur was on alert.

"I said to Professor Miles. He gladly gave your address to me." Ariadne was ok with it, but for Arthur, Daniel became more and more suspicious. His senses and mind were working at full blast. "What happened?" He stepped back from her so that he could see how she was standing on one leg and the other one was bandaged.

"I fell on the stairs at school and it turned out that I have torn ligaments. But it is only slightly. Arthur is now taking care of me," and she smiled. Suddenly she realized that the two men didn't know each other.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Daniel, this is Arthur. Arthur, this is Daniel."

Arthur went closer to him and offered him a hand. Daniel accepted it and the two men shook hands. Although in their heads was the same idea. They hated each other and for the same reason. The reason was standing near them. When they released, Arthur was still standing beside her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked again.

"I brought the books, which you wanted to lend on project."

She completely forgot. The last two days she had completely different thoughts. She thought on only one thing, or rather person. Daniel pulled them out of his school bag. He was holding three thick books. One of them was about the history of the greatest monuments in France, the other one was about the most famous architects of France and the last was 'The old and new architecture of Paris'.

"Thank you," and she took them from him.

They were pretty heavy but she managed it. Almost. When she saw how huge book were, she knew that she will need help. Week was almost at the end and she had to finish it. One more day was tomorrow and Arthur will leave soon because of meeting with Eames (as he had told her).

"Would you help me with them? I can't search in them fast enough," and she looked at Daniel.

Arthur didn't like, that this man, who he knew only few minutes and who was unlovable and suspicious, will stay here with Ariadne alone. For the first time ever he experienced jealousy. It wasn't pleasant feeling. Daniel smiled at her.

"I'll help you." That meant only one thing for Arthur. Go to work. He didn't want to be here with him. His blood was boiling from jealousy and even Daniel didn't love Arthur at all.

"I'll go," and she looked at him. Daniel, meanwhile, removed the bag from his shoulder and sat on the couch. He took out his laptop and put it on his knees.

"Really?" She asked in surprise.

"You have to finish project and work is waiting for me," he smiled and went for his jacket and tie, which were lying on the couch next to Daniel.

The more two men were closer to each other, the more tension was between them. Arthur got dressed, packed his laptop and took his black briefcase. Ariadne was still in the middle of the living room with heavy books and was looking at him. As Arthur noticed, Daniel didn't bother to take them from her. And therefore, Arthur took them and placed them on an empty table in front of him. This caused that he caught his attention. Arthur went back to her say goodbye.

"If you will need anything or would something happen, call me."

"Definitely."

He kissed her on the cheek, mainly because he wanted. If Daniel was curious and was looking at him, it didn't bother him at all. He only knew that he will miss her again. Daniel was really watching him. How he hated to see him near her. How much he wished he could be in his place. All cells in his body were full of jealousy and Daniel had hard times to keep his anger. Where showed such man in her life? Who was he? And why he was better? These questions will be answered until they will be alone. After a moment, Ariadne joined him on the couch and opened the first book: The most famous architects of France.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Daniel was friend of Ariadne, one of the closest at the school and actually the only one. It had been one of those random meeting on the corridor, even though Daniel didn't believe in coincidences. They had been studying the same school for two years. They both had learned architecture together, sometimes they had gone for ice cream or had gone for a long walk in Paris together. After some time, he had fallen in love with her, but she always saw him as a friend. She respected him, liked him, but never the way he wished. When she had said to him that she had gotten a job, he had been proud of her. He had known that she had deserved it, but when she had returned after four months back to school, she had been different. She hadn't wanted to spend with him as much time as before. Sometimes he had seen that she had drawn staircase, but it wasn't ordinary. It had been a side view and an optical illusion. Penrose Steps. He also had noticed the chess piece, which she had had. He never hadn't seen something like this before, it had been an exceptional piece. The Golden Bishop. It had stood, she had nudged into it and it had fallen. And again. It had stood, she had nudged into it and it had fallen. She had been doing this a whole hour of architecture. It didn't make sense. The chess piece won't do anything else, right? He last had seen her on Monday in class, but because he had needed to do something important in the bank, had left earlier. He had seen Arthur, how he had stood before the class. At that time he didn't know him and so he had looked at him only briefly. However, he understood now, that he had waited there for her. And he had been living in her apartment. Daniel had to know more. He was the reason why Ariadne changed? Probably yes, but it wasn't enough. He had to know what she felt for him.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Because of Daniel's help, her project was quickly coming to an end. Books, that he had brought, were really helpful and saved her a lot of work. Both focused on the project and talked only about it. But inside Daniel's head other thoughts were running. Thoughts about him and her. He had seen very well that he had given her a kiss on the cheek. The scene literally carved into his memory. It was ten minutes past eleven and he couldn't stand it any longer. He had to ask.

"Ariadne?"

"What?" and she looked at him.

"Who is this Arthur? You never said anything about him and suddenly he is living in the apartment with you," and he glanced at the bag, which was lying in the corner. Ariadne looked at it also and was silent. She couldn't say too much about their meeting, but she had to say something. When she thought about it, few things could tell him.

"You know how I got that job and I was four months away? I met him there. The first time I saw him, I wasn't very nice to him (she remembered the moment when Mal killed her in a dream), but he was nice. Very (he was the first who had comforted her after such a rude awakening). He taught me, showed me how the job worked and what was my role... "

Ariadne was talkative. His worst fears were confirmed. He was no ordinary man. He was deep enough in her heart and as Daniel was listening, this Arthur meant a lot to her. He wasn't a friend, he was something more. The whole story she was smiling and every time, when she said his name, her smile widened. Daniel was more and more jealous. After few minutes, she ended her story. It took thirty minutes. He learned also that Arthur had bought her box of chocolates and had taken her to picnic. Daniel always wanted to do similar things with her, but as it turned out, there was someone else.

"You love him." It wasn't a question but a statement. He looked directly into her eyes and wanted her answer.

She was silent. It was the first time that the word 'love' someone connected with him. But deep inside, it made her happy. Deep inside she felt that it was true. She loved him. However, she didn't know what to say to Daniel. She knew he loved her secretly. There were hints. His good behavior, he was caring, "random" touches. However, she never felt more than friendship. Therefore, it was hard for her to say something, she didn't want to hurt him, but her silence was even worse. Her silence was the final answer.

"Daniel, I'm sorry, but..." she began her speech, but he didn't want to give up so quickly. He couldn't let her go so easily.

He quickly leaned over to her and started kissing her. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her closer to him. It happened so fast, she didn't have time to react. She had wide open eyes and couldn't believe what was happening. She had to get out of his grip, she had to get her lips from his. Her hands pushed full force on his chest and she managed to break away from him.

"What are you doing?"

She said into his eyes, but he tried to kiss her again. This time she was ready and she pushed him away again. She quickly grabbed his hands, which were still around her waist and finally she was free again. Then she pulled away from him as far away as she could. She couldn't run, because of her injured foot but luckily she was at the end of the couch. At that moment, she wished there was Arthur. She was afraid of him.

"Ariadne I love you. You are the world to me, please give me... "

"Go away," she said with frightened voice.

"Ariadne, please..."

"Go away now!" She yelled at him. In her eyes, tears began to appear.

Daniel looked at her, but after a while he realized that he had to leave. So he stood up packed up his laptop and everything he brought. He left her only books. She stared ahead, her hands were folded and she was holding back her crying. When he put the bag on his shoulder, once more he looked at her. In his eyes, the desperation and the desire to be with her, but she didn't want him. He had to accept it, no matter how difficult it was. She ignored him, wanting him to leave. After a while she heard the sound of the door, which caused that she hid her face in hands and started to cry. Finally he was gone.

"Arthur..." Her voice trembled and tears ran down her face. Only he could reassure her. Only he could comfort her. She wished he was with her at home.

She looked down at the table with her project. That was the last thing about which she was interested. She could call Arthur, but no. Not in this state. He would immediately packed up and would come home. This thought caused her smile. It was better when she was thinking of him. Then it occurred to her that there was a way he could calm her down. She got up and started jumping into the bedroom. She carefully sat on the bed. When she opened the nightstand, she saw the box of chocolates which he had given her. She grabbed it and opened it. As she counted, there were 25 candies. She wanted to eat up some but also wanted to share with him. She lay down on the bed and started slowly eating one candy after another. In each of them hazelnut was, which reminded his hazel eyes. Every bit of it was delicious. She returned to her memories from yesterday, when they had been on picnic. One of her favorite memories calmed her more and more. After a moment, she felt tired, but she knew that soon it will be time for lunch. She wasn't in the mood for cooking, yet she could write him. It was nice when he surprised her. Therefore, she pulled a phone out of her pocket and wrote him.

'Hi, Arthur. I'm very hungry. Please bring me something. It depends on you,' then she thought that could write a little something extra. 'I miss you, Ari.' Sent.

Then she put her phone on the nightstand and because her tiredness was bigger and bigger, she fell asleep.

xxxxxXxxxxx

When Arthur came home, the silence scared him off. His mind told him that something was wrong. He removed his shoes and went with lunch and suitcase into the living room. On the table he saw an open book and her laptop. It surprised him. Ariadne was always organized, everything had its place and how she had written him, she was hungry and wanted something to eat. Why was everything on table? She wasn't at home? He had to calm down. He wasn't still in the bedroom, maybe she was resting there. He put suitcase and a bag with food on the ground and decided to go to the bedroom. For the case that she was sleeping, he quietly opened the door. When he saw her as she was lying on her left side with bent legs on the bed, he was relieved. Her hands were close to her face and at the other side was an open box of chocolates. Half of candies missed. Apparently they tasted good. He smiled and walked quietly to her. On the bed was a space so he sat down. She seemed calm, he didn't have the heart to wake her up. She was like Sleeping Beauty, who waited for rescue. But for few minutes was two o'clock in the afternoon and lunch was ready. Prince came and it was time for a kiss. He carefully leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. However, she slept hard and it seemed that one kiss wasn't enough. Arthur tried it again. Another kiss. Ariadne didn't want to wake up, he had to think of something else. After a moment, he had another idea. Gently, he removed her hair from the ear and he said into it with low voice.

"Ariadne." Nothing. Sleeping Beauty slept on.

"Ari," he whispered again, but louder.

It worked. Her head slightly moved and she slowly opened eyes. Arthur pulled away from her, he wanted to see her better. It took her a while to get used to the light that was in the room, but then she turned head toward him. She smiled.

"Hi," she said sleepily. Her voice was so adorable.

"Hi."

"I'm glad you're back." That sentence made him happy and he smiled gently.

"Me too."

"Where's the food?" She asked eagerly.

Arthur's smile widened. "In the living room. I brought Chinese food." As if he had read her thoughts from a distance. She wanted exactly this.

"I see that the chocolate tasted good," and he looked beside her.

She looked there too. "Yeah, it was delicious. I left you some candies."

"Thanks."

She started to lift herself slowly. She was still sleepy, so Arthur took her in his arms. Her head immediately fell on his shoulder. He walked with her gently into the living room, where he put her on the couch. It wouldn't be good put her on the floor in this state. But when he did it, she noticed things which were on the table. Suddenly she remembered why. Daniel. But before she could do something, Arthur everything moved on the other couch and now it was a clean place for their lunch. He put the boxes with food on the table. She took one and he handed her a plastic fork, which had brought with it. He sat beside her and they started to eat together. But in his head one thought was, which he couldn't get rid of. It was there since he had walked into the apartment. He hated to ask, but wanted to know what happened here in his absence.

"What about your project? Daniel helped you?"

He asked and ate. He believed that she didn't recognize the jealousy which he choked in himself when said his name. She was silent. Fear was in her as she remembered what he had done. She hesitated. Could she tell the truth? However, Arthur sensed that something happened and turned his eyes away from lunch to her.

"Ariadne?"

She wasn't looking at him. She thought that if she didn't see his eyes, she would resist him to answer. But it wasn't worth to hide something. She didn't want to lie.

"He kissed me," she said quietly.

Even though it was on the edge of hearing, those words reached him as scream. Arthur was solid as a rock. That was the last thing he expected to come out from her lips. He put his fork down. This was serious. He lost all appetite and was watching only her but her eyes didn't move from her food.

"He told me that..." she took a deep breath, "...he loves me. I am everything for him and he wanted me to gave him a chance."

It was getting worse to listen to this. He cursed himself. He should have stayed at home. He should have stayed with her. At first glance, Daniel wasn't likeable and then he heard such things from her. His rage was boiling in him, but he managed to hold it back. He took a deep breath and exhaled. It was immediately better. Meanwhile Ariadne lifted head and continued.

"I told him to go away and he left. But I was afraid of him that..." She didn't want to think what could have happened. Arthur moved closer to her and grabbed her hand. He believed that it could soothe her.

"Ariadne, it's ok. It's a past. Don't think about it," and he looked her straight in the eyes. However, she said nothing, but then he realized how stupid this sentence was. So stupid like 'Don't think about elephants'.

"Listen. If he will bother you again, I will deal with him," he said. Finally there was that smile, which he adored, even though it was only slight. He was so protectionist and she loved it.

"Okay."

She believed that this will never happen, but she was no longer sure of anything. Besides herself and Arthur. His plan worked. She felt much better and even his mood improved. Then they began to eat again. She was glad that she could tell him everything.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Evening in bed, she waited for him to come out of the bathroom. Meanwhile, she was finishing his portrait, which had begun in the morning. It was the most important task of the day, much more important than her project. When the drawing was finished, she smiled at it. Beautiful. Phenomenal. Actually, they weren't the words for naming it, but the important thing was that he was with her forever now. Just at that moment he came out from the bathroom. Ariadne noticed him immediately.

"Look," and she showed it to him.

Arthur smiled and walked closer to her. He sat down on the bed and stared at the picture. After a moment he said, "It is like I am looking in the mirror."

She gave picture away from him. "That's right, you can tell that you don't like it." She was so critical to herself.

"Ariadne. It is amazing," he said sincerely. She looked at him.

"Really?"

"Really. Just I don't know where I will hang now," and he looked around. She smiled.

"Nowhere. I'll put him in a bag and he will always be with me." He smiled. That was nice to hear. Be with her everywhere. Then she put the picture down on the bed.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Tomorrow I have to hand my project and I can't go there because of my foot." She didn't have to say anything more. His answer was yes, but he didn't want to interrupt her. "Will you take me there? Please?"

"Gladly," and he smiled. She smiled also. Suddenly silence was between them. None of them knew what to say. However, after a while it was he who ended it.

"I'm going to sleep." It was the only sentence he could say, but he felt a little tired after today.

"Okay," and she gently lay on her pillow.

It was habit that he always switched off the lamp and it was so even today. He stood up and walked around her bed. However, even before he did it, he leaned toward her and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Goodnight, Ari," he said quietly. Another habit, but every time it made her happy. Only three letters, which featured her name plus his voice equaled a lullaby for her mind.

"Goodnight," she said in the same quiet tone.

When he switched off the lamp and it was completely dark, she heard his footsteps. After a moment she saw him standing in the doorway. The light from the living room caused that they both saw each other. He wished that he could be closer to her eyes, but he had to sleep somewhere else (or he thought so). After a while (however reluctantly), he left and closed the door. She suddenly felt alone. Even though he was just in the next room, she missed him. She wanted to see him again. His portrait. She remembered that it was still on her bed. It was still lying there. She smiled. So tonight she wasn't alone, but she will sleep with him.

'You love him.' Said a voice in her head. Daniel had recognized it immediately and now it was her turn. It was time to admit the truth.

"Yes," she said to herself. "I love him," and with this thought, she closed eyes.

This chapter was so easy to write and I am very proud of it (I know mistakes, but I am doing everything to make it better). What do you think of Daniel? He brought some drama into story :) Thanks for reading this chapter :3 and like always every feedback is greatly appreciated.

Next chapter: Arthur takes Ariadne to school = things will happen :)