He was shaken awake by Saphira the next morning, the girl wearing an upset and apologetic expression.
"Hey, Arya's already headed to work. She told me to wake you up and make sure you had the day off because she hadn't gotten to asking."
He groaned, standing and rubbing his hands across his tired eyes. Glancing at his watch he saw it was almost seven. Saphira watched him quietly as he stared into space, as if waiting for him to say something. He gave her a small smile.
"You heard us didn't you?"
The girl shrugged nonchalantly.
"Doesn't take more than a closing door or a shout to wake me. And there was a lot of shouting."
He grimaced.
"Sorry about that."
She gave him a pondering look.
"Soooo. . . you guys kissed?"
Eragon dropped his head on the back cushion of the couch.
"Under the guise of the cover."
Saphira chuckled.
"I bet it didn't feel like it."
He didn't look at her.
"I don't know what you mean."
The blonde snorted.
"I heard the entire conversation, Eragon. I know you well enough to understand what 'I hate you' really means." He continued to stare at the ceiling, not comfortable with where the conversation was heading. Saphira went on. "Two separate lies? You basically threw it out there for the world to see. And then whatever you said about feelings as you passed my room kind of confirmed it all in my mind."
He groaned, rolled to the side and flopping down face-first on the couch. When he spoke his voice was mumbled.
"I didn't even mean to say it, alright? I just got so mad and I didn't know what to do. My entire being is against this. Most of what I said last night was true. I do what I want to and I live how want to. This desire to be with her and nobody else is against the rules that I've lived by. I move on, don't get truly attached. Foster care kind of prepares you for any kind of disappointment. It also teaches you to expect nothing and trust nothing. So I know the reason I let that slip out last night was purely out of rage. Me, as I am and always have been, would've kept that to myself until it destroyed me. But she just makes me so aggravated and confused that I can't think straight."
Saphira chuckled.
"You got it bad, man."
He shook his head suddenly, standing and beginning to pace back and forth.
"No. I will not allow this to control me. I don't like the changes that have occurred because of her. The sexy chick in my office is always sending signals, every day, but I can't be bothered! That isn't normal, Saphira!"
The girl rolled her eyes, taking on an annoyed tone.
"Just because you don't get horny whenever a hot girl walks in a room doesn't mean you're changing for the worse. You just have more self control."
He shook his head, desperate to get across to her what he meant.
"But that isn't even the problem. I don't find her attractive! Like, I do, but no part of me wants to even flirt. No part of me wants to prove to myself that I could get her if I tried."
Saphira made an exasperated tone.
"Son of a bitch. You and Arya are seriously the most emotionally disconnected people I've ever met! You don't want to flirt with that ho because you like Arya! Maybe more than like from the sounds of it!" He opened his mouth to retort but she held up her hand. "I don't want to hear your denial of the truth. You said it yourself last night. Two lies. The lie of this cover, and the other is obviously the lie that you both feel for each other. Think it over and figure it out because I will punch you with a keyboard if you don't."
With that she walked to the steps and disappeared. He sighed, dropping heavily onto the couch again. He knew he should be productive but games so easily let him get lost in the worlds that didn't hold his fears and stress.
After playing for over two hours, having waved a goodbye at Saphira when she left for school, he finally flipped off the Xbox. At this point he wished he hadn't taken any time off. There was nothing to do. Looking about he frowned. The kitchen was a mess dishes were overflowing in the sink. He didn't think they'd done them more than twice this entire time. Trudging over, he set himself to work, scrubbing away the grime and loading everything in the dishwasher. The dishes that didn't fit he washed by hand, not caring how long it took because at the moment he wanted nothing more than to keep his mind off Arya.
And now he was thinking of her. Just great, Eragon. Way to go dumb ass.He chucked the pan he was washing into the orangey-clear water, pissed as he imagined her lips on his, her hands searching as if eager for him. Gripping the counter tightly, he forced it all from his mind and finished the task at hand. Afterward he moved to the clutter, putting up boxes and bags of food back into the cupboard. The counters he wiped down and the floor he swept and mopped, making the room shine with that newly cleaned look. He took in his handy work and grinned, glad he could accomplish something that day. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out, immediately wanting to throw it across the room.
Arya: Dinner tonight with the Henders. Come to Dinner at seven. Don't be late.
By the time he finished reading the text his heart was already beating rapidly at just the simple outreach by her. He exhaled loudly to himself, trying to think of something else to do for the next four hours. No more games. He's played for seven hours the night before and three today. Enough was enough. Running through the programs on the television, he found nothing interesting on. A bleep rang out, signaling another message. Hoping that it was Arya even though the punishment after would be terrible. It was Saphira.
Saphira: You get her message?
Eragon: Yup. But what the hell am I supposed to do until then?!
Saphira: Video games? Television?
Eragon: Been there, done that.
Saphira: Lol you are so high maintenance. Have you tried reading a book?
Eragon: We have books here?
Saphira: *Sigh* Yes go look in my room. I have a lot.
Eragon: Chick flick books?
Saphira: Some. But others not so much. Try some classics maybe. The Great Gatsby or maybe Of Mice and Men. Possibly 1984. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. All really beautiful stories and they aren't chick flicks. Islands in the Stream. Keep in mind, these are all rather sad. I have several fantasy books as well. You interested in those?
Having no clue what he did or didn't like in books, he just decided to read one of the ones she'd suggested. They couldn't really be that sad.
Eragon: Naw I'll just try one of these. Thanks Iz.
Saphira: No problem.
He took the stairs two at a time, opening the door to her room and finding her bookshelf filled to the brim so much that there were also several stacked neatly on the ground. He crouched down, looking for the titles Saphira told him about. The first one he saw was "Of Mice and Men." Noticing it's rather thin size, he grabbed it, not even bothering to look for the others. Instead of going back down the steps, he laid out on his bed and opened the book, letting himself relax into the comforter and open to the first page of the book.
He was already halfway through when he heard Saphira come in two hours later. She glanced into the room and chuckled.
"Enjoying it?" He nodded, not really paying attention to her at all. "Don't forget dinner tonight. We should start getting ready in an hour."
He waved his hand at her, trying to get her to leave. At that she laughed out loud and walked to her own room.
He sat staring for over five minutes, his mouth hanging open and his heart clenching. A strange kind of depression filled him and he just leaned heavily against the headboard. He wanted to tear the last pages out of the book and burn them in a fire. Why the hell had Saphira told him to read this!? Wanting to ask him herself, he yelled for her. She came in wincing seconds later as if knowing why he was mad. He waved the book at her.
"What the hell kind of an ending was that?!"
She smirked.
"Eragon I told you they were sad."
He made a face.
"Well I didn't think they'd make me sad! This just ruined my life!"
She grinned at his over-exaggeration.
"You'll get over it."
He seriously felt terrible at the moment. Like, beyond awful.
"No I wont! I'll never forget that! He shot his best friend! Come on!"
"That's the whole point! You wont forget. And there was no other way it could've ended with the events that took place. He did what he had to."
Eragon rolled to his feet, shoving the book into her hands and pouting to the closet. He heard Saphira's laugh behind him making him even more upset than he already was. Not cool. He was just about to grab what he thought would work fine for a fancier setting when Saphira strutted in. She immediately grabbed a white dress shirt and held it out for him. Afterward she handed him a pair of black dress pants.
"Go change."
He was still annoyed and just stuck his tongue out at her before disappearing into the bathroom. When he came back out she was holding a black leather jacket.
"Here. A Temple of Jawnz Black Lamb MDR jacket. Enjoy."
He frowned.
"Isn't it a pretty classy place?"
She nodded, throwing the jacket so he had no other option but to take it.
"But this will look good. Trust me."
He grimaced.
"Yeah. Like I trusted you to tell me a book to read that wouldn't make me hate the world."
She went back to the closet and brought him out a black skinny tie.
"Well maybe you'll listen for this. Some reason Arya likes you in the more rugged and underdressed fashions."
His curiosity piqued.
"What? Really? How do you know?"
Somewhat amused she continued.
"You don't remember the barbecue? You came down in the jeans and shirt with those Chucks and she was basically drooling."
"She was not."
Saphira noted that he was already sliding the jacket over his shoulders.
"Not so you could see. Here."
She gave him the tie and left to ready herself. On the way there his mind made its way back to the book.
"Why did George have to kill him though? Like couldn't he have helped him sneak away?"
Saphira sighed.
"Eragon he couldn't."
"But why!?"
She opened her window slightly and turned up the music, a smile on her face.
"You need to get over it, man."
He kept silent the rest of the way, still mulling over different endings. In truth, she was right. It ended how it was always going to. Still, it didn't make it any less depressing. They found parking but he didn't get out of the car just yet.
"So I'm just going to act incredibly surprised to see Richard and hope he buys it. This will seriously be hard to pull off."
She nodded, a little bit of worry covering her features.
"I think that's the best way to go."
He nodded and they exited his Corvette, crossing the street and walking into the gorgeous and fancy restaurant. It was six forty-nine but already Arya, Mary, Richard, and Firnen were sitting around a large table, menus in their hands. Arya glanced up as they reached them and her eyes clouded before she smiled sweetly.
"Hey baby. Izzie."
He ignored the leaping thrill of his heart as the others looked. That's when Eragon's eyes widened.
"Richard?"
"Chase?"
Mary and Arya both had intrigued looks on their faces but he knew Arya's was just for show. He reached out and shook the man's hand.
"This is crazy. Arya works with Mary and I worked with you just a short time back."
Richard chuckled as both Saphira and he took a seat. He caught up with Richard while Firnen and Saphira huddled their heads together and started giggling almost immediately. A waiter brought him a menu and he paused the conversation to look for something he wanted. During the time he searched, a bottle of wine was brought to them. His eyebrows raised and he smiled.
"1990 Chateau Latour Premier Cru Classe?"
Richard chuckled appreciatively.
"You know your wines."
He shrugged, gazing hungrily at it. Saphira interrupted with a grin.
"So Chase, care to share your adventures today?"
Arya's eyes flashed to his and he forced himself to avoid contact with them. He narrowed his gaze at Saphira.
"I couldn't possibly know what you mean."
She tilted her head.
"Oh no? I mean after you'd cleaned the entire downstairs in your boredom, you had to fall back to reading one of my extensive collection. Such a wonderful book, wasn't it?"
He crossed his arms, already noticing the sadness he'd felt earlier return.
"No. Well, it was awesome until the end. Can't believe you made me read that. . . "
Mary smiled at him.
"What book was it?"
He folded his fingers.
"Of Mice and Men."
Richard chuckled while Mary's face made a disgusted look. She nodded.
"I completely agree. That ending was just awful. How do you get somebody so attached to the characters and then just kill one of them? It's terrible."
Richard shook his head, picking up the wine.
"No, no. That ending was masterful. It sums everything up while still being beautiful. You feel deeply for the characters and it's easy to appreciate the mercy that George showed in his last act to Lenny. That was his true test of friendship. If he'd let Lenny live then Lenny would've been hunted and strung up."
Mary bumped his arm with a smile and looked at Saphira.
"Do you read many classics?"
Saphira nodded.
"I've basically read them all. I go through them pretty quickly so it's easy for me."
Firnen grinned at her.
"I bet I can read faster."
Eragon noted the quick look of worry on both Richard and Marys' faces before they wiped them clean. Saphira leaned back in her chair.
"Oh yeah? You can beat reading a nine-hundred page book in three hours?"
He smirked.
"Oh, I definitely could."
Saphira stuck out her hand.
"You're so on."
Mary returned her attention to the adults as the two lovebirds got lost in conversation.
"Taylor what do you think of the ending?"
Finally, Eragon allowed himself to look at her. She was wearing a gorgeous green dress that only heightened the vibrance of her eyes. It was stunning to see and hard to look away, even for a moment. When she answered, he was surprised with what she said.
"I agree with both of the arguments to an extent. While I dislike sad endings and wish there had been a different one, I also know that it was necessary." She glanced at him as she continued. "The ending is also a good representation of life. We don't always get what we want, and there isn't always a happy ending."
He tensed, knowing she was aiming this at him, and tried to counter what she was saying.
"That is true, so why would people write books with depressing endings? Why not let us enjoy a good ending since our own lives are so hectic. I don't want to enter a new stroy only to be left empty by the ending."
Mary nodded vehemently.
"See, my argument exactly."
Richard snorted in amusement and was about to reply when their waiter came over.
"Have you all decided?"
Everyone at the table looked a bit awkwardly at him and then slowly picked up their menus. Well, everyone but Firnen and Saphira. The blonde just shook her head.
"He and I are prepared but it seems the adults are distracted easily."
The waiter gave a smile and nod before turning and heading back for the kitchen. The four of them began chuckling while they searched and, after a couple more minutes, were ready to order. Their waiter returned another five minutes later and they placed their orders. Saphira looked with interest at Arya.
"You know, I am constantly surprised by your husband, Taylor. He cooks, and now he's ordered spiced pigeon."
He watched Arya's hand tense on her lap but the rest of her body remained relaxed. She gave him an adoring smile, almost causing him to pass out, and shrugged.
"What can I say? He's an interesting man."
He grinned, playing along, and took her hand in his, reveling in her touch and wanting to move closer. Mary watched them with an intrigued smile but she remained quiet. Arya slid her hand from his seconds later under the guise of taking a sip of her wine.
As soon as their food arrived Eragon looked at it appreciatively. Arya had gotten the powdered duck breast and Mary had ordered the black foot pork chop. The only truly surprising choice had been from Richard, who'd gotten braised celery. As if noticing Eragon's question he just smiled.
"I'm a vegetarian."
He nodded not sure what to say. He was saved by immense laughter on the far end of the table. Saphira and Firnens' face were red as they tried to contain themselves. Several snorts were heard from both, causing him to smile. He glanced around and found the others, even Arya, grinning as well. It was then that the guilt from what they were doing hit him. Here they were, allowing these two to basically fall in love, and Firnen's parents were so happy for their son. If they left, they wouldn't even be able to apologize. And if Firnen was of DRAGON IQ, they'd all feel betrayed.
He wasn't looking forward to either ending because neither would be happy. At least not at first.
-A-R-Y-A-
Saphira had offered to ride with her afterword as they drove back to the house. It was only nine and so Eragon had invited the Henders for a drink and tour. Beside her Saphira was silent and she wondered at it's reason. She soon found out.
"So. . . last night. . ."
Arya swore silently to herself.
"How much did you here?"
"All of it." She made herself keep her eyes on the road, not wanting to talk about this. Saphira pursued anyway. "Do you like him?"
"No."
It came out too quickly, too sharply. Arya cringed, not liking that just the mention of her feelings made her somewhat short with Saphira. The blonde seemed amused, however.
"Sure. I bet you didn't like kissing him either."
Arya clenched her jaw, not allowing herself to think back.
"It's part of the job, Saphira. Nothing else."
Saphira chuckled.
"Uh huh."
They were quiet the rest of the trip back, the blonde grinning like she knew some secret that nobody else did. Arya rolled her eyes, arriving just after Eragon with the Henders right behind her. She'd parked in the driveway, knowing it wouldn't rain that night and wanting to air out her car. It smelled like the food she hadn't been able to eat. Eragon followed her example and they led the rest to the door. She froze as she realized that door was unlocked. Beside her Eragon tensed and gave her a warning look before he turned around, letting his worry show on his face. Mary and Richard stopped and the woman instinctively stopped Saphira and Firnen with hands on their shoulders.
Eragon put a finger to his lips and slid inside. She motioned for the others to wait outside and followed behind him. He was ready, his body in proper form for a quick reaction. He signaled for her to check the basement as he headed for the steps to the upstairs. She shook her head, knowing he was just trying to send her out of harms way. Whoever was here was would've searched the basement first. Nobody wants to get caught with no escape if the residents of the house got back early.
At least if they were smart. And she had feeling that whoever had broken in wasn't some petty thief. He glared at her but relented as she joined him as they slid quietly up to the top floor. It would've been safer if they'd gotten weapons, but if by chance the person was still there, they didn't want to seal their suspicions. As they reached the top, they heard a window slam and reacted rapidly, opening the door to their room and catching glimpse of a black-clad figure dropping out. Arya sprinted there just in time to see the man drop and roll perfectly to his feet before disappearing into the dark. She turned to Eragon, a worried frown on her face.
"So we know Galbatorix's men are here."
Eragon pondered for a moment.
"It couldn't have just been a burglar?"
She shook her head, returning to the steps and plodding down.
"No. Nothing's been taken or even ransacked. And that guy jumped from a two story window and easily rolled out of the drop. He is trained."
Eragon sighed as they reached the door.
"We'll need to talk about this with Saphira as soon as the Henders leave. If Firnen's a DRAGON she needs to get it out of him soon." Arya nodded and he reached for the door. "Leave the cover to me. Hopefully Saphira will catch on."
He opened the door and gave an amused smile.
"Izzie did you not lock the door when you left?"
She seemed confused before realizing what he was doing and wincing.
"Crap, um, yeah. I ran if because I'd forgotten something. In my rush I must've totally forgotten."
Eragon let out a breath of relief.
"That explains it. Sorry we jumped so quickly to conclusions. All of our lap tops and work files are inside and I'm working on some important business employee records. But everything is still there so no worries. Come on in."
Mary and Richard seemed somewhat shaken but after several minutes into their exploration of the house, they relaxed. Around eleven-thirty, Eragon had challenged Firnen and Saphira to game of SWAT. Arya sat in the kitchen with the other two adults and spoke about her mother's made up company and her and Saphira's life growing up. Having come up with a very solid story already, the tales were easy to relay. After another thirty minutes Eragon growled in annoyance, standing and glaring at two laughing teenagers.
"You guys are terrible! How do you keep stealing my kills? That entire round I got ten kills and you guys are both at twenty! You're obviously cheating."
Saphira kicked at him, pushing him off of the couch and taking up his space with her feet, her head on Firnen's shoulder.
"No, we're just better than you. Go be an adult and let the pros play."
Arya couldn't help but smile at his pouting face, her insides fluttering at his playfulness and her mind immediately rebuking her. Eragon caught her eyes and the amusement still there mixed with uncertainty and want. It was making it hard for her to breathe. What the hell is wrong with me. He reached her side and wrapped his arm around her, his forehead on her shoulder.
"They're bullying me, Taylor. I need my backup so we can take them out together."
She fought the shiver as his warm breath penetrated the thin layer of clothing on her arm. Saphira glanced back and laughed while Arya tried to get him to step away.
"Your pride is wounded, babe. Man up."
Her plan had been to get him to feign amused hurt and back off but it failed miserably. Suddenly he was looking in her eyes, their brown depths searching her soul.
"Or you could just kiss it better."
She caught her breath quietly, her heartbeat speeding up as she stared at him. After a terrifying moment, her brain regained it's common sense and she shoved at his arm.
"Considering that it's a metaphorical wound, I don't really think it would help."
He grinned at her before turning back to the couple chuckling at their antics.
"I think a kiss would help heal a metaphorical wound, don't you two?"
Richard laughed knowingly while Mary's gaze remained on Arya's. Her face held a devilish smile. When the woman spoke Arya's heart thudded in worry.
"Oh I think it would help immensely. Don't you, Rich?"
The man shrugged.
"I mean, I think it would help me if I were in the same situation."
Eragon titled his head as he stared at her.
"See. They think it will help."
Arya kept her uncomfortableness off her face as he moved closer, waiting for her to react. She knew that he'd made this impossible to escape. If she did, Mary and Richard would both wonder why and doubts might take root in their heads. She was definitely going to ream the hell out of him later. How dare he? She grinned at him, shaking her head as if giving in.
"Fine."
She leaned forward, giving him a quick peck on the lips before backing away. Behind Eragon, Saphira scoffed.
"What the hell was that? You guys might as well be twelve years olds for all the kiss that was."
Mary snorted in response and Eragon glanced at Arya's lips once more. She wanted to tell him to back away but had no chance as he gripped her shirt with his fingers and pulled her in again. As his lips parted against hers she conceded to his whims, her breath coming quicker and his taste consuming her. She leaned against his chest, letting him take her weight, her arms wrapping around his back. After several seconds she pulled away and found his eyes boring darkly into hers. She wanted to be upset at the desire in his eyes but she knew it was mirrored in her own.
Krokodyl: I actually just found them and have only heard a couple. I went and listened to Dead Bite and it's awesome!
Microbat98: Dude Rose is awesome and I LOVE Clara. And I liked eleven but ten will always be my all-time favorite. He's incredible But yeah, Firefly is soooo good! I love it. Have you watched Serenity? And I'm really sorry to hear that :/ Nobody should have to go through that. Really though, self-harm isn't going to help get rid of the pain. Everything gets so much better when you get out of high school. I know that's cliche and whatever but dude I've been through it. You wont have to deal with people like her in College, and if you do, you'll have the amazing friends you've met there to back you up. I haven't seen "The World's End" but it looks pretty funny. Life's been good, man. Just working a lot and getting ready for school to start in three weeks. Bleh. I'll start updating FtP more as soon as I get Arya and Eragon together in this one :P
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Somebody's sexually frustrated ;P Lmao I use Xbox to solve my problems sometimes. Or television, or books.
pie6013: Haha for now. Hopefully this inspiration lasts!
Elrond Half-Elven Bjartskular: Oh hell no. It's Haytham Kenway's father, Edward Kenway. No sparkly vampires here. :D
Age of Rock: Thanks!
funnelwebs: Lol. Haha wow that's epic. Kind of crappy for you, but it's a really good story lol. Your friend must be fricken strong. See I only make situations awk when I with my friends. That way nobody is judging :D I think Asher deserved it. But yeah of course Eragon was also somewhat in the wrong. But it's Arya and he'll do what he thinks is necessary. Haha there's so many ways to overcome it! You'll just have to see though.
Renaissancebooklover108: I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!
Oprahwindfury: I know you can just sit down and start beasting out with whatever character you are haha.
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: :D
Anonymous: Your a completely right. I actually think I'm guilty of that in some aspects with Eragon's character. I mean, I try to give his character growth as well but I do focus on Arya much more in many instances. From now on I'm going to focus on both so thank you! Yeah the AC games can be a tiny bit repetitive but I'm still pretty stoked for Black Flag. And yeah Watch Dogs looks beast. So does Thief and then there's Dark Souls II. Plus like, ten others. This year will be awesome.
reggy8420: Your welcome! But just so you know I'll never actually leave the story :P And I will try to keep up the fast updates as best I can :D
Heyy: I'm glad because I actually really like making them argue as well. It makes the whole story more dynamic and fun because then I have to think of ways to get them back together haha.
hooo: Oh ok yeah the 1911 is so awesome! I am going to get one at some point in the future :)
Gazamidori: Nothing too bad but it's coming haha. Lol I kind of want to hear the quote now :P Lol it'll be happening kind of like that. And yeah, the book Arya was such a tool. She was still one of my favorite characters though. It's all good, how was your vacation?
My Generation: It's all good :) I hope your vacation is/ was epic! Where did you go? Thank you so much XD
A Dark Noon: Yeah Arya had it comin' haha. Right! And the sailing and stuff is much cooler in this one since you're able to board enemy ships and take crew members. There's a bunch of uncharted islands as well and I'm like, flipping out! Thanks :)
Guest: I'm glad you liked it! I will do my best haha :D Thanks!
Xylux: Thank you :)
Thaimex: Thanks! And I've actually only listened to a few songs by them but I will definitely check those songs out. I'm listening to "This Love This Hate" as I write this actually. Really like it!
Guest: Ha here you go!
HelpI'mLostInCorn: Yeah haha you know Arya. She's slow to accept things :P I agree with you that it's lame when stories get the characters together too quickly without a lot of strife. It's not as fun either.
Guest: Well I think I'll just make them go for runs or something. Or I'll use the excuse that they were both rather injured and so that's why they couldn't work out so much. I've actually just decided in a direction the next two chapters are going to go and so I'm not sure I'll have time to get it in there. If not, I'll whip their asses into shape when they return to Varden :D