Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Hi! I've been waiting to write this one and I love my country so yes, a thing will happen here. It's all fluffy…too fluffy. ;] It's also a holiday chapter. Super unbeta'd, I'm so so so so so sorry. My internet sucks like…beyond hell right now and it's going to be a four-day weekend and all the important stuff won't work so I'm hoping you all enjoy it and I'm a bit sad for some reason. It'll really make me feel better if you leave a review. Thank you to readers and reviewers! And to new followers [talkstoangels77 and SiSi4]! I know there are times where I changed POVs, to be clear, they're like memories.
Kamarooka: Haha! It wasn't good to write either since I was craving for it and once I finished typing it down, my friend told me she had pizza! Thank you, I'm so happy you liked it! Don't worry, we'll get to that VERY soon ;] I'm glad I made you excited and I really hope it's worth it! I hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
Neverlandspirit: Thank you! I was going to make him an everything on top man but I thought of Eames and this popped in my head, haha. I'm kinda ready for that, thank you for your input :3 I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: They definitely will! I can't wait until Ariadne and Arthur take things to the next level, Eames and Val will, too ;] I think I needed to show some Val, too, and I want to show their friendship, too. I hope I did it justice since I'll be focusing on Arthur and Ariadne for the next two or three more chapters. D: I hope you get to watch it, soon! I think the part where I put TDKR was kinda funny (and also because it's a nice movie). I'm enjoying writing Arthur as the one who's giving hints, there'll be one very big hint down there ;] I hope you enjoy this one!
Carameltootsieroll: HAHAHA! The nuns will be disappointed that a graduate is not saying pure words, hehehe. You don't have to be sorry about anything! I sometimes ask you last minute anyways :] But omg, thank you! Eh, that part was kinda...eh... YES! THEY'RE HERE!
Step Ten: Superheroes — Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
(A week after the last chapter.)
Arthur left a week ago, too early for Ariadne's taste but he had to leave again for her safety, too.
It's Christmas break, with the day being a week from now, and Ariadne feels like she's not particularly fond of it. Valeria is visiting some relatives in California with her family. Usually, she and her grandparents would go back to Brooklyn or her parents and brother would come to Paris to celebrate. This year, her brother was invited to spend the holidays with his girlfriend's family in Chicago while her parents would be in Africa to celebrate the holidays with the children—her father is an engineer while her mother is a teacher, although they did promise to spend it with them the next year—and her grandparents, being downhearted about the fact that they won't be complete, advised their granddaughter to spend it with some friends because they'll spoil her mood. The problem is, most of her friends are spending it with their families and those who aren't…she isn't very fond of them.
Arthur had e-mailed her yesterday saying he had a job offer that would take up the holidays. She reads the message twice before replying and asking if they need an Architect. He must have been checking his e-mail, too, because there's an immediate response asking why she's interested during the holidays. Ariadne frowns but tells her story. He doesn't reply after that.
"Well, maybe he's negotiating with the Extractor about me," she murmurs to herself and shuts down the laptop. 'He'll give me a call…I hope.' With a yawn, she settles on the couch and flicks the lamp on the side off and turns on the television. Ten minutes into NCIS, she falls asleep.
She's awakened by hearing gunshots. Sitting up immediately, she scans the room, although a bit blurry and dizzy, and starts to think of a plan. 'I should have a gun with me.' There's a blanket on her lap and she doesn't remember how she got it.
"I'm sorry, I should have lowered down the volume."
Ariadne whips her head towards the voice and sighs in relief. "I'm not even going to ask how you got in here."
He chuckles and lowers down the volume of the television. "I think you fell asleep because you were watching NCIS."
She shakes her head. "I didn't miss Criminal Minds, did I?"
Arthur shifts the channel and checks the time. "Nope, NCIS still has another episode to go before it comes out."
"Good." She sits up properly turns on the lamp. "How'd you get here?"
"I was in Madrid, hopped on a plane ride to get here faster. I brought some take-out in case you might be hungry."
"That's nice of you," she says. "So, about the job…is an Architect needed?"
"Turned it down."
"So they already have one?" she sighs.
"No, I turned the job down."
She tilts her head. "Why?"
"I told you before, didn't I? You're special to me. I'm not letting you spend the holidays on a job or alone," he says like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"Oh," is all she can say. "So…"
"Go start packing, we're leaving tomorrow. We're not spending it here, either."
She stands up and begins to walk to her room. Halfway there, she turns around and asks, "Where are we going?"
"To the country where the holidays are celebrated with much gusto."
(Metropolitan Manila, Philippines)
"They hang up decorations as early as September," Arthur tells her when they pass by stores and stopovers. He's driving the rental car while she stares in awe at the many Christmas ornaments that are hanging around. "They don't have snow but I think this is one of the countries where Christmas and New Year are really alive."
"And this is a third world country, right?"
Arthur nods. "Also the place where no matter what calamity, they're still smiling. Good for them, really."
"Huh." Ariadne looks at the business district of the country. "This place is so much better than I thought it would be," she comments. "I mean, these buildings are really nice! I heard the beaches here are really nice, too."
"They are. I've been to quite a few and they're enjoyable. I'd take you to one but they're surely full so we'll mostly be spending it here in the city. I'll take you to some country sides for a day or two, though, but that's where people usually spend their days. I hope you don't mind."
"No, not at all." She shakes her head and turns to him. "I'm excited to be spending the holidays with you, Arthur."
The fountain outside the hotel isn't very extravagant, but it's probably the nicest she's seen so far in the country. The place is big, taking up half a block with a mall in front and three more just over a minute or two away.
"Will we be staying here during our time here?" she asks as they enter the building.
"It's a good place. If you don't like it then we can move away but it's convenient. Security's good, too." Arthur places a hand at the small of her back and leads her in. There are two grand staircases in the lobby, probably leading to bars and restaurants. "It's lovely, really."
"I really don't understand how you can carry the PASIV anywhere you go," she says as she watches their bags wheeled away for security purposes. "Don't you ever get nervous that it'll be seen?" Her own satchel was checked in the entrance. The security guards were nice, they apologized for the inconvenience but she shook her head and understood why they had to do it.
He smirks. "I'll show you when we get it back." When they reach the front desk, he leans forward. "I have reservations under Drew."
The man behind the counter checks his computer before confirming, "Harrison Drew?" Arthur nods and he continues to look at the screen. "You have one room reserved with two beds?"
"That's right."
"Room seventeen-o-five." He hands him a key and another to Ariadne. "You will be paying per night, correct?" Arthur nods again. "Your bags will be brought up to your room as soon as possible. There's a brochure in your room for all the schedules of the buffets and other offers. Feel free to call room service any time. Thank you and enjoy your stay in Shangri La."
"Thank you," Ariadne says, smiling at him. She and Arthur fall in step as they make their way to the elevators. The man manning the lift welcomes them in and asks presses floor they'll be staying in. When they reach their room, she smiles and shakes her head. "I'm not even surprised anymore."
The room is similar to the hotel room in Auckland, only a bit darker. It's a one-bedroom suite but with a big living room and kitchenette on the side. There's another door that leads to the bathroom.
Ariadne walks to the big window and realizes that the view is of the front, facing the mall. She admires the shiny decorations and watches the people pass by, most kids and employees are wearing Santa Clause hats. 'Come to think of it, even the employees here are wearing hats.'
Arthur stands beside her and glances down. "Do you want the window side?"
"I'd like that," she says. "You're right about their holiday spirits here."
"For Christmas Eve, I made reservations in Mary Grace in Greenbelt, it's a mall two blocks away, and I specifically told them to get us a good seat. And then during New Year's Eve," he swallows down hard, "we'll spend it in the quadrangle. Their fountain display and fireworks are amazing."
"And what will we do in between?" she asks, looking up at him.
He smiles. "We'll be travelling." The doorbell rings and Arthur goes to get it. "Bags are here." When everything is laid by the entrance and the bellboys leave, Arthur brings up the PASIV case and opens it. "This is why we never get caught." The silver case is filled with books, old books. "There's a small opening over here," he points, and Ariadne can see the little space, "you open that, and guess what's inside?"
"The PASIV," she replies. "Smart."
After resting for a day, Arthur brought her to Vigan. It's a clean place with houses and buildings that aren't very modern. "This could be a good historical spot," she told him.
Their next stop was Baguio, which is up north and took them almost one whole day to go to. They passed by a highway called Marcos Highway. Arthur drove slowly, holding her hand all the way. "It's a scary highway," he said, "in case anything happens at least we won't be separated." She didn't exactly argue. Fortunately, nothing bad happened.
"It's so cold!" Ariadne commented as she pulled her jacket closer to her. "And it doesn't even snow here!" They were in a strawberry farm and they had just picked some fresh strawberries. She was a little embarrassed that Arthur had to be the translator for them when the farmer in charge of them couldn't find the right English words.
Arthur held up a strawberry and directed it towards her. She put it in her mouth and took a bite, sucking the juices. He smiled when she grinned, liking the taste. "It's sweet!"
They stayed there for about three more days before heading back to Metro Manila in time for Christmas Eve.
Almost everyone she passes by had greeted her with "Maligayang Pasko". It's a good thing that Arthur taught her that it means "Merry Christmas" and she practiced while in the shower. "Everyone's so…nice."
He smiles and greets an elderly couple. "They really get you in the spirit."
The mall is big with different buildings and taking up three blocks. Arthur had promised to bring her around here on a regular day. They reach the restaurant, which is in building two, and Arthur talks the woman by the door about their reservation. The Mary Grace, compared to the one in Danilov, isn't too big but it's still homey. They're taken to the closest seat, but it has comfy chairs and a table big enough for the two of them.
"Would you like to change tables?"
"No, we're good here," Arthur replies. "It's a nice spot to people watch."
They're given their menus but they both order the same slices of cakes and hot chocolates they had ordered in Danilov.
Ariadne checks the time. "We're advance at the moment, right?"
"About twelve hours, give or take."
"It'll be Christmas in a few minutes, I'm really excited. I actually got you a gift," she says as she digs through her brown bag.
"You didn't have to. Spending time with you is enough, really," he tells her.
Ariadne brings out a small box wrapped in green paper and a red bow tie. "I hope you like it."
He smiles. "Thank you. I have something for you, too." From inside his jacket pocket, he reveals a box a bit bigger than her gift but flatter.
"Shit, Arthur, this better not be something expensive."
"You're worth spending for," is all he says.
A server arrives with a tray. "Maligayang Pasko," he greets as he places plates on the table. "They're on the house, a Christmas gift from us to you. Your cakes and hot chocolate will be served after twelve, I hope you don't mind."
"Oh, thank you!" Ariadne cries when she sees the hotdogs, spaghetti, cheese, some bread and ham. "That's really nice of you." Two glasses of water are also placed on the table.
Arthur nods at him and he leaves. "Let's dig in?"
"Wait, wait, wait!" Ariadne stops him as she looks at her watch. "It's almost time." She grins as the clock ticks. Everyone around her is quiet, also waiting for the clock to strike twelve. When it does, she, and everyone else in the restaurant, even outside, shout "Merry Christmas". She bounds up from her chair and hugs Arthur. "Maligayang Pasko, Arthur."
She feels his arms tighten around her. "Maligayang Pasko, Ari."
While her gift is a homemade picture frame with the picture of the two of them in Charlottetown, his is expensive. He reasoned with her that it isn't expensive for him. "Yeah, for you." It's a light blue pendant with the name 'Ariadne' engraved inside it. She's been wearing it ever since.
Their next stop was in the south, Tagaytay. He had brought her to a place called Nature's Discovery where there's a mini-forest. Arthur had teased her when she got tired while he wasn't sweating at all. He also brought her to the park beside it and they rode a horse together.
Back in Manila, he brought her to Fort Santiago, the country's national hero's prison. They toured the old building and rode the kalesa. They even had a picnic there. Despite it being a recognized area, there aren't much people.
"Are you enjoying?" he asked while they rode around the park.
"Yes!"
After that, they went to the Power Plant mall where she shopped for anything she wanted, Arthur helped her carry the bags. All the shops are designer and the restaurants are pretty expensive but knowing that there are Filipinos who aren't as…unfortunate…as she's seen in the movies, she isn't surprised that people go to this mall frequently.
"You know, I don't normally enjoy this," he said.
"So you've done this before? Carry bags for girls?" She raised her eyebrows. She's not going to admit to him that she's jealous.
He nodded. "A few times yes. They were all horrible experiences."
"And this isn't horrible?"
"Not for me," he answered, shifting the bags, "I'm quite enjoying this. Anything for you, Ari."
"So why the quadrangle?" she asks as they walk. It's a chilly night and some fireworks have been lit up already.
"I've seen it a few times. It's really nice," he says.
"You go here alone?" She frowns.
He shrugs. "You know me."
She shakes her head. "I don't like knowing that you're spending time alone, Arthur."
"Well, you're with me now, aren't you? And I don't think I'd like anyone else with me, I'm really happy that you're spending time with me." He clears his throat. "I know I told you that last Christmas and…I've told you that you're special," he says, "and I mean it."
"I wonder why I'm special to you, Arthur. I'm just a grad student."
He shakes his head. "No, you're more than that, Ari. I know you're more than that. Valeria knows you're more than that. Eames does, too. Cobb. Miles. Philippa and James, too. You're amazing, Ari."
Ariadne's mouth opens slightly. 'Don't overthink,' she warns herself. She becomes silent as Arthur places a hand at the small of her back and leads her forward. "You're amazing, too, Arthur."
He smiles. "Thanks."
"You know," she starts, "now that I've seen this place properly, I really think that movies and even documentaries made here shouldn't just emphasize the other areas. Look at this place! This business district should be featured! The hotels are great! The native food here is good. The people are so nice. I know other people would agree with me."
Arthur sighs. "I know. I'd one day like to see a movie where they show all the nice places. There are other parts of this country I'd like to bring you to. Ilocos Norte, Palawan and Boracay are some. That resort Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie go to, I forget the name. Maybe some other time, yeah? I still have to bring you back to Paris. You'll be graduating in a few months."
"You'll come to my graduation, won't you?" she turns to him. "Please?"
He smiles. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Bring Eames, will you? And Yusuf. Do you think Dom and the kids will come? I'd like them there, too. Maybe you can meet my family! I'd really like that."
"Won't they be suspicious that all your friends are good looking men?" He smirks.
She rolls her eyes. "I don't mind. You guys are my best friends. And you're all nice people. You wouldn't harm me. And what I think matters."
"You're a determined girl, aren't you? Letting your family meet the best men in your life not knowing that they're the most dangerous."
"You don't want to meet my parents?" She frowns. 'Well, I've been stupid.'
He frowns, too. "Did it come out that way? I'm sorry. I was only joking."
"Oh." 'Now I can't take a joke?' "Dangerous is sexy. So I've got sexy men with me."
"Eames is not sexy. Take that back."
"No. Eames is one of the sexiest."
"I'm sexier than him."
"Hm," she pretends to think, "really?"
"Ari, I'm sexier than Eames. Admit that."
"I don't know…Eames is British, he's got an accent, he's always on the run…"
"That isn't sexy."
"Do you see his eyes? He's hilarious, too. No, I think he's sexier."
"He is not!"
Ariadne begins to laugh. "I'm just messing with you. Yes, Arthur, you are sexier than him."
Arthur tries to keep his face straight but the smile on his lips continues to grow. "I'm glad you know so."
"You conceited man."
"We're nearing the fountain." He tells her. They walk a little faster and she can see the fountain. They're big and she can see fancy lights around it. There are already a lot of people but she can still see the view clearly. "It starts at exactly twelve."
They stand side by side together as she looks around. She sees a little kid dressed up as Spider-Man. "Hey, Arthur. Who's your favorite superhero?"
"What?" He raises his eyebrows. "My favorite superhero?" She nods. "Um…that guy from that Batman movie. John Blake. He's going to be Nightwing, right? He's a superhero."
"Why?"
"I guess…I can see myself in him. Physically, yeah. And," he lowers his voice, "my middle name." He clears his throat. "And I like determined people. Determined, a believer…loyal. He'll do anything for justice. Next to him would be Dick Grayson. He's a bit of the opposite of John Blake, I know. I guess I just find him…cool. When he loves, he loves. Even if he wants to be his own man, he won't forget who helped him."
She smiles and gives his hand a squeeze. "I never got to tell you before but my favorite is Kitty Pryde. I love that nothing stops her. She's also determined, hardheaded…stubborn. But still believes in herself. Believes in her creativity and originality. She's amazing, she really is."
He looks at her. "Yeah…"
Suddenly, a countdown happens and she grins excitedly. Fireworks appear and people begin to shout and jump, hugging the people with them and greeting everyone a happy new year. The fountain begins to flow rapidly and fast. Pink, blue, green and red lights dance around it. Happy music fills the air and the sounds of the New Year can be heard.
"Happy New Year, Arthur!" she shouts. "This has been the best year of my life!"
He pulls her into a hug and kisses her cheek. "Happy New Year, Ari," he whispers. "Thank you so much for being here with me. You don't know how happy you make me."
She giggles and hugs him tighter. "I'm so happy that I'm here with you, too."
It takes a few minutes before they let go. She laughs nervously and gives him a shy smile, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. Arthur grins, eyes crinkling and dimples showing. Their hands are entwined and she doesn't want to let go. They turn their heads and greet everyone else around them.
As they continue to watch the display of fountains and fireworks, Arthur suddenly asks—more like clarifies, "Ariadne, you don't understand Filipino, right?"
"No," she shakes her head, "why?"
He looks at her and sighs. He cups her face and rubs her cheek with his thumb. "Mahal na mahal kita."
So I was in Greenbelt two nights ago and well…I could feel Arthur and Ariadne walking around, hahaha. And nope, I'm not gonna translate that because it's suspenseful, hehe. I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKED IT!
Guys, from now on, I'll be apologizing in every chapter in case I don't get to update the next week. I was so surprised to be able to finish this on time. The courses I'm taking up now are kind of…ugh…so if I don't update next week, I'm so sorry. I will try of course because it's already getting to the best parts.
And if you haven't checked out the summaries for the AU fics I'm planning on doing, please do, it's in my profile. Hehe. Until next week (I hope)!
Step Eleven: Holiday — Chicago, IL & Brooklyn NY