Ari signaled to Max to land in front of the fancy looking but small house in the middle of no where they were approaching. She nodded and they both landed with a thud.

Max had let go of his hand after a little while of flying, but Ari wasn't really upset, he was thankful for the time he got.

Ari unlocked and opened the front door of his house and beckoned for Max to enter. Hesitantly, she did.

She let out a low whistle and dropped her bag by the door. She headed for the couch and slipped off her Vans on the way. "Geez Ari, fancy much?" She smirked.

Ari smiled "It's not my style exactly, it's my dad's summer place but he never uses it any more. I've been 'hiding' here for a while. But I'm pretty sure he knows I'm here..." Ari explained nonchalantly.

"Cool…I guess." Max mumbled and fell not so gracefully onto the couch. It was huge and leather and pretty comfortable.

"So…" Ari began, but thought better of talking at this particular moment. Things were going to be very delicate. Very delicate indeed.

"I'm really tired." Max said calmly.

"Yeah, me too. You um...you want me to get you set up in the guest room or in mine?" Ari said very cautiously.

"I would like my own room please." She said, almost as if he were stupid.

"Of course, the only thing is there isn't a TV in there...but you can watch in the living room or in my room if you'd like.

"Um, I kinda would like to relax and watch some television..." She paused, seemingly deciding something. She then put on a small smile and she looked determined about something "We can watch some TV in your room." She said calmly. So was she determined to be nice to him? Or, civil at least? Hmmm...

"Ok Maxxy- I mean Max. I'm Tivo-ing Lost right now; it's the best show ever. Some people think it's too confusing, but I get it fine." Ari said with a friendly grin that probably came out a little evil. Old habits die hard.

Max looked at him open mouthed. She was clearly stunned that that sentence had just come from his mouth. He imagined her thinking...

Tivo? Lost? He understands a complicated show? He can speak more then monosyllable words? He has a brain?

Ari could understand he didn't exactly share his normal non Eraser ish side a whole lot. Or ever. But now things were gonna change.

"Uuuuh...That sounds fine. I think I'm gonna shower first if that's ok..." Max said still clearly a little in awe.

"Ok, come on." Ari walked down the short hallway to his room and gestured to the bathroom "This ones way nice then yours." He chuckled "And I have some shorts and shirts in there you can change into for sleeping in if you'd like." Ari smiled again.

Max looked at him suspiciously, talking about TV shows was one thing, being incredibly nice and smart was probably starting to make her think he wasn't actually even Ari.

Ari motioned to the bathroom and she headed in. A few moments later, as he watched some college basketball game, he heard the shower turn on and stay on for a good 25 minutes. He couldn't help but smile to himself. Maybe this will work out...

So in the next chapter, I'm gonna give you some Max POV, because its necessary and it will be every once and a while. But not too terribly often, I mainly want this to be about Ari. I know he seems OOC, but I've just always thought...what if under this jerky, erasery, evil facade, he was actually a smart guy? What if he has been forced into everything by Jeb and the white coats? What if he got away and changed himself for the better? Ok now I'm basically writing a friggin summary here LOL REVIEW PLEASE!