Sleeping in Archie's spare room felt daunting, but it was nice of him to offer. She would have been just as pleased is she was offered the couch. The room was small but suited its purpose it was pleasantly furnished and decorated. There was a book stand under the window containing hundreds of books. Most, if not all, books she had never heard of.
She'd noticed he had left her bag on the bed, with a little note, possibly because she hadn't said two words to him since they met up.

"Just treat the place as it was your own, I know it may not feel like the best situation right now but I'm sure you'll benefit from having a little company. I'll see you in the morning "

He'd put a smiley face in his note?! Amber chuckled slightly. But it was no good, it felt wrong being here, she was sure he was just putting her up to show there were no hard feelings between them. "Hmmm" not the most comforting thought making her only feel worse. Sitting on the bed, she searched her bag everything she'd need was there.

She listened carefully to the outside sounds, it was eerily quiet. Archie had taken Pongo out for a walk, leaving her unsure and alone. She had decided now was the best time to go freshen up, mainly so she could almost guarantee that she would avoid Archie until the following morning. Grabbing a few essentials from her bag, toothbrush and paste, pyjamas and towel, she made her was to the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

It wasn't long when Archie returned from his walk with Pongo. He had to admit he enjoyed the walk just as much, walking the streets of the quiet little town, no one around to distract you from your thoughts. After locking up he placed his keys on the coffee table, then took the lead off Pongo.

Looking around he seemed a little put out, at, not finding his new guest around to greet him. Thinking in her shoes he understood, there were still some issues that needed resolving. Pongo ran upstairs tired from his long walk he jumped onto his spot of the bed. Archie followed him to keep an eye on him.

On passing the bathroom, he could hear singing, only slight in volume. The song was from an old classic, Cyndi Lauper he believed -

"If you're lost, you can look and you will find me. Time after time, if you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting, time after time."

Archie smiled to himself, she had such a sweet voice. After checking on Pongo, he headed back down stairs. He sat down in his favourite chair in front of the warm fire looking at his lucky umbrella hanging near the door. He began thinking about the memory. Amber had revisited with him a few days earlier.

He had remembered that time very well. Mr Gold was not too impressed, with them dripping on his shop floor. But it was one of the few times he had heard her laugh, a laugh that brought some warmth to his heart, as he laughed with her.

He moved the wet hair from her face; he remembered how the action just came naturally with no thought behind it. Amber looked at him and smiled, pulling Archie's coat further closed.

"Your glasses are becoming a little steamed up" she whispered gently to him and as if by magic Mr Gold appeared behind him presenting him a tissue. Archie thanked him and began cleaning his glasses. He watched as Amber, although the view was hazy, as she looked at Mr Gold with some confusion. "Weren't you just ..."
Gold began mirroring her confused image "yes dearie?" watching her become lost for words. Archie couldn't help but feel protective as Amber looked away; almost dismissing the fact she had spoken at all. Gold's glare was daunting, it was an image that most suited him, making people look up to him and maybe even fear his presence. Replacing his glasses, Archie could see more clearly, the admiration, in the face of the young woman looking up at him.

"That's better" she wiped a rain drop from the side of his face. Archie could feel his face burning red. Turning back towards Mr Gold he thanked him again.

"Not a problem Mr Hopper, anything to help; speaking of help is there, in, any way I can assist you further or are you just hanging around till the rain finishes?"

His concentration was broken by hearing the bathroom door unlock and slowly open. He knew it best not to say anything. She was timid as it was, around him, and he had no intention of making matters worse.

Time past quickly, and it was getting late. Archie could feel his eyes getting heavy, "time for bed I think" standing up from his chair. He quickly stretched before heading upstairs to his room.
It had been a while since Amber had called in. Approaching her room, Archie gently tapped on her door while entering, Amber was sound asleep her body all curled up, cuddling up the corner of the blanket. He could just make out her quiet breathing.

Smiling to himself he quietly closed the door and returned to his room. Pongo looked up to greet him. Stroking him gently on the head, Archie got himself ready for bed. He hoped Amber would feel more up for chatting in the morning, as dinner had been an uncomfortable silence.

Thinking of her once again warmed his heart; he fought back to what it felt like holding her, the warmth if her body within his arms, the feeling of her lips pressed tightly against his own. Feeling out faced by emotion Archie wondered what it all meant, was he falling for her or was he just craving this new attention? Pongo let out a slight groan "I think your right boy I think I'm reading too much into things" removing his glasses Archie readied himself for sleep.