Chapter 7: Who Is It?

"Hey daddy! Are you up yet?" Gasey didn't wait for an answer as she threw the door open and bounced in. "Daddy wake up!" She continued bouncing, all the way to the bed, not muffling the noise she made. It was past morning and her dad really should have been up. As she got closer she saw that the head that peaked out from under the blanket at her didn't belong to her father. "Eragon? What are you doing in daddy's bed?"

At her voice, the still sleeping brunet snapped awake. Eragon sat up quickly, pulling the blanket up around him to cover his bare chest. "Uh… sleepover?" He said without thinking.

"A sleepover?" Gasey tilted her head to the side. "Oh! Did you have fun?"

Eragon nodded really slowly. "Yes…"

"What did you do?"

Murtagh slowly became aware of the voices and forced his mind to wake. "Gasey?" He glanced over his shoulder at the brunet in his bed. "Shit…"

Gasey stepped closer to the bed and peered at her dad. "So what'd you do at your sleepover?"

"Sleep." He said sternly, in a drop-it tone. "Now go away."

"Daddy!"

Murtagh's arm shot out from under the blanket, pointing at the door. "Out Gasey."

She hesitated and bit her lip. "Mom called."

Murtagh bolted upright in the bed, fully awake at that piece of news. "Fuck…" He clapped a hand over his mouth. "… is a bad word. Don't say it." He wagged a finger in her direction.

She smiled and let out a soft giggle.

After stealing a quick glance at Eragon, Murtagh asked, "What'd mom say?"

Gasey stepped closer to the bed, rocking back and forth on her heels as she moved. "She was mad you were still asleep and didn't answer your phone." She stuck out her tongue. "She called you lazy. And other words I'm not allowed to say."

Murtagh rolled his eyes. "Anything else?"

"She says she's coming home tomorrow and you have to pick her up at the airport."

He sighed. "When?"

"Plane lands at 4:30."

Murtagh rubbed at his eyes and nodded. "Thanks for telling me. Now out."

"Daddy!" She whined. "You guys can't go back to sleep!"

"We're not." He reached out to her and spun her around. "Give us a few minutes to get dressed and we'll all… do… something. Okay?"

"Okay!" She turned back around for a second to wave and then bounced towards the door.

"Gasey…" Murtagh stopped her before she went through the door. "Don't mention this to mom. The… uh… sleepover."

She smiled. "I'm like Uncle Thorn. I don't see anything… whatever that means..."

"Good."

She pulled the door shut behind her.

Murtagh immediately sunk back down on the bed and pulled the covers over his head.

Eragon let out a laugh and placed on hand on Murtagh's covered shoulder. "Oh come on. It wasn't that bad. I don't think she's THAT observant."

"Not her." Murtagh said with a groan. "Arya."

"Ah." He pulled the covers back. "How long has she been gone?"

Murtagh rolled over and wrapped his arms around Eragon's waist, pulling the man back down under the blankets with him. He snuggled against the slightly smaller chest and let out a long sigh. "A month maybe?"

Eragon smiled as he ran his fingers though Murtagh's hair. "Is she usually gone this long?"

"It's not the first time and won't be the last." Murtagh said, his breath grazing Eragon's stomach as he spoke. "Sometimes shorter… sometimes longer. She'll probably come home and leave again."

"Hopefully." Eragon said it without thinking and clapped a hand over his mouth, much like Murtagh had done a few minutes ago when his daughter was in the room.

Murtagh smiled but just as soon as it appeared, it vanished. He grew serious fast. "I shouldn't be doing this, you know."

"What?" Eragon asked as his fingers continued their ministrations. "Falling back asleep?"

"Cheating on my wife." Blunt. "With a man. In our bed." He laughed sharply and tightened his arms about Eragon.

That was the first time Murtagh said that. Cheating. It wasn't a situation Eragon ever imagined himself in but… "Well… I… I'm glad you are."

Murtagh was silent for a moment. His lips curled into a smile. "I bet you are. You've only been trying to get into my pants since you met me."

Eragon's mouth dropped open. After the serious tone Murtagh had taken, that was the last thing Eragon expected him to say. "I have not."

"You have too."

"Have not!" Eragon insisted.

"You're a horrible liar."

Eragon shook his head slowly but his lips curled into a smile. The silly bickering felt nice but it was time to get up. With a sigh, he attempted to pry Murtagh's death grip off and sit up.

He loosened his grip and peered up at Eragon. "Oh I'm only teasing."

Eragon smiled down at him. "I'm not upset about it."

"Good then… less movey, more sleepy." The grip returned.

"No!" Eragon pried Murtagh's arms off again. "Your daughter is waiting for us."

"Oh yeah. My daughter."

"Could be our last day of freedom for a while."

He groaned. "Don't remind me."

Eragon laughed. "I just mean we should go do something."

"You're going to spoil my daughter, you know."

"Eh. Everyone deserves a little spoiling every now and then. Plus I have the feeling no matter how much I spoil her, she'll never be spoiled."

"Probably not. Little weirdo that she is."

That made Eragon laughed. "Get up!"

"Oh I am very up."

"Get off pervert."

"Don't wanna."

"If we don't get up, your daughter will come looking for us again."

"Fine! Fine, fine, fine." He let out a groan as he detached himself from Eragon and sat up.

-X-X-X-X-X-

"Would it be weird and clingy to say I already miss you?"

Murtagh laughed as he took a seat in the airport terminal. Arya's flight was running behind schedule and they had already been there over an hour waiting. He knew he couldn't really blame the turbulence on Arya but he was really tired of waiting. "Yes. But you're already a stalker so I guess it doesn't surprise me."

"Heeeey!" Eragon whined over the phone. "I can give you space if you need it. Just say it. You're probably dying to spend time with your wife anyway."

"Fuck that."

Gasey stifled a giggle as she plopped down in the seat beside him. She flipped to a page in her sketch book and held it out towards him. "Look."

Murtagh glanced at the drawing and tilted his head to the side. "What is it?"

"You and Eragon at your sleepover."

"Gasey!"

Eragon laughed through the phone. "What are we doing?"

Murtagh rubbed at his forehead and studied the scribbled lines. "Pillow fight?"

Gasey nodded, beaming, as Eragon roared.

"Not funny."

"It's very funny." Eragon said between fits of laughter. "Tell her to frame it and hang it…"

"I'm hanging up now."

Gasey shut her sketchbook and frowned. "I'm sorry. It was a joke."

He reached out to ruffle her hair. "I'm not mad." He smiled. "Eragon's right. It's funny. Just… don't tell anyone else it's us."

She nodded. "Promise." She opened her sketchbook to a blank page and grabbed her pencil.

"I should get going." Eragon said, a touch of regret in her voice. "Saph's on her way over and she'll have my ass if I don't pretend I'm working."

"Listen to her." Murtagh said, leaning back. "Don't go getting yourself in trouble. I better see you tomorrow."

"We." Gasey said without lifting her eyes from her drawing.

"We." He corrected with a smile.

"I'll be there." Eragon promised. "She won't… will she?" He asked slowly.

Murtagh laughed. "Arya has no clue where I work. She'd have to pay attention to know that. And she doesn't."

"Good. Tomorrow."

"Yeah. Tomorrow." Murtagh was still smiling as he pulled the phone from his ear and shut it.

Gasey shifted in her seat. She paused in her sketching and looked up at her dad. "You like Eragon a lot, don't you?"

Murtagh was silent a moment, thinking about how to answer. He wondered just how observant she really was. "Yes I do. Is that okay with you?"

She nodded quickly. "He's nice. We have fun together."

"Yeah, we do."

"Mommy won't like him though, right?"

She's defiantly too observant for her age. Murtagh shook his head. "No. Mom wouldn't like Eragon."

Gasey tilted her head to the side. "So we shouldn't tell her?"

"Shouldn't tell her what?"

Gasey turned around as her mother came walking towards them. "Daddy has to work late tomorrow."

Murtagh's momentary shock dissipated quickly. He wasn't so sure he liked the ease in which his daughter lied to her mother. But he wouldn't bring it up with Arya around. "Yeah… Nas just called. She needs me."

Arya ran a hand through her hair, straightening the flyaways. "Airplane hair." She scowled. "Who's Nas?"

"My boss."

Arya was silent for a second as that bit of news sunk in. Then she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "So that means I have the squirt tomorrow? I was hoping for a day off." Her voice turned into a pout quickly. "These past couple days have really been hard."

Gasey wasn't fazed by her mother's lack of parental calling. She was used to it. "I can go to the coffee shop with daddy if you want."

Arya straightened up and looked at Murtagh. "Well… you don't mind?"

"Not at all." Murtagh said, shaking his head.

"Oh great!" She exclaimed, suddenly happy. "But don't worry Gasey! We can go shopping later this week. Or this weekend."

"Yes mom." Gasey nodded. "That'll be fun."

Murtagh fought back a laugh as he heard the sarcasm in her voice.

"Fantastic!" Arya missed the sarcasm completely. "Now… can we get out of here? Murtagh my bags."

"I'll get them." He took the luggage slip from her outstretched hand and headed towards the luggage terminal.

Arya turned towards her daughter, sporting a fake smile. "You look… nice." She studied her for a moment. "Is that a new outfit?"

Gasey suppressed a sigh. Her mother paid more attention to her wardrobe than to her. "Yes. Grandma gave it to me for my birthday."

"Oh yes." Arya nodded. "That was last week, right?"

"Three weeks ago."

"Right. We'll turn our shopping trip into a girl's day. Go to the spa and get our hair done."

Gasey smiled and nodded. If her mother was anyone but her mother, she might enjoy that. Hopefully she would either forget or decide to go by herself.

"Arya! There's like six suitcases over here. You left with two."

She waved him off. "It was a very productive shoot. Most of it are gifts and bribes."

Gasey jumped up and hurried over. "I'll carry one."

-X-X-X-X-X-

"So come on! Tell me!" Arya pulled a chair out and sat down beside Murtagh and Gasey. "What have you two been up to while I was gone?"

Murtagh shrugged. He had to admit that she sounded interested. She hadn't said much on the ride home, except complain about the flight. "Nothing. Work and school, school and work, right?" He glanced across the table.

Gasey nodded vigorously. "Yes sir."

"Oh… well… I was so busy!" Arya leaned heavily on the kitchen table for emphasis. "Sorry I couldn't call more. But you know… busy schedule."

Murtagh smiled. She clearly wanted them to ask her about it, dangling her hook and waiting for them to bite. Instead, Murtagh asked about something else on his mind. "How long will you be here?"

She lifted herself off the table and peered at him. "Huh?"

"Your next job." He tried to keep his voice casual but he feared maybe he sounded too hopeful. "Has your agent booked you to do anything yet?"

"Oh… no…" She shook her head. "I don't think so yet. But that would be so great, wouldn't it?" Her voice took on a wistful tone. "Thought I'd love a couple weeks off."

"Weeks?" Disappointment.

"I'm going to bed." Gasey announced with a yawn as she rose form he chair. "Night!" She bounced over to Murtagh and kissed him goodnight.

"Night sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow."

Arya watched her disappear down the hall and then turned her attention to Murtagh. She smiled coyly as she leaned on the table. "How about mommy and daddy spend some time getting reacquainted?"

Murtagh forced a yawn as he stood up. "I'm sorry. I'm exhausted and I think I might be coming down with something." He forced out a cough and rubbed at his throat. "I'm hoping I can just sleep it off."

Arya looked disappointed as she leaned back. "Well… fine. I guess I can watch a movie or something by myself."

"Night Arya." He hurried down the hall before she could stop him. He peeked into Gasey's room as he passed. "Goodnight."

She peaked over at him from under her blanket. "Night daddy. If you… talk to someone… say goodnight for me."

He put a finger to his lips. "Go to sleep Gasey."

She smiled and pulled the blanket over her head.

He closed her door and turned for his. The sound of the television drifted down the hallway. He slipped inside and pulled out his phone. His fingers flew over the buttons and he pressed it to his ear.

"Hey."

"Hey." Murtagh whispered, stripping of his shirt.

"Where are you?"

"Bed." Murtagh said as he fell backwards against it. At least his lie to Arya wasn't a complete lie. He was exhausted. A few hours with her always had that effect on him. But hearing Eragon's voice was oddly relaxing.

"Alone?"

"Yep."

"Really?" He sounded surprised.

Murtagh laughed as he stretched out on the bed. "Told her I wasn't feeling well."

"Aw. Baby doesn't feel well?" Eragon's octave rose a bit as he said it. "Uh… wait… was that weird?"

Murtagh laughed. "Nah. My little stalker can call me baby."

"Damn. I'm never going to live that down, am I?"

"Not as long as you stick around."

Eragon let out a soft, almost nervous laugh. "Guess I better get used to it, then."

"You better." Murtagh said seriously. "Because now that I've gotten a taste, I don't think I can give you up."

Eragon didn't say anything.

"Was that weird?" Murtagh asked slowly.

"No." He answered softly. "It was really sweet… and… romantic."

"Damn…" Murtagh glanced at the clock. "I really should get off here."

"I know. Don't want to get caught."

"Sorry."

Eragon was silent for a moment. "You could tell her the truth."

"Goodnight."

"Really… what can she do? She obviously doesn't want Gasey or you. So you…"

"Goodnight." Murtagh said more firmly.

"Night baby." Eragon let out a sigh as he pulled the phone away from his ear. He wasn't exactly fond of being the "other woman" so to speak. But if that was all Murtagh could give him right now, he'd take it. One day he'd want Arya gone.

He dropped his phone onto the counter and reached for his laptop.

-X-X-X-X-X-

She yawned and rolled over, expecting something to block her way. When she found the space empty, she opened her eyes and blinked at the light streaming in from the window. Someone left the damn curtains open. She blinked again and looked at the clock. Eight in the morning. She yawned and eyed Murtagh's empty side of the bed. He had said he had to be at work early, didn't he? Didn't he always have to? He was always either working or with the brat. He never had any time for her when she was home.

Oh well. She was certain she could entice him to spend time with her. Possibly after the spa day. He always seemed extra happy with her when she spent time with her daughter… which reminded her.

"Gasey?" She called out loudly. "You up?" She got out of bed and slipped her robe on. "Gasey?" She peeked into her bedroom but the ten year old wasn't there. "Gasey!" She called louder as she walked down the hall. Said daughter was not in the living room or the kitchen.

Most parents would probably be at least a bit concerned finding their child missing. But Arya simply smiled as she turned for the bathroom. Gasey was forgotten as soon as she decided she needed a bubble bath.

-X-X-X-X-X-

"So your wife's back in town."

Thorn jumped on him the moment he clocked in. He wasn't exactly in the mood to talk about it but he turned towards his larger co-worker and nodded. "Yes."

Thorn smirked as he leaned back against the counter. "Does she know you have a new wife?"

Murtagh rolled his eyes and turned back towards the kitchen. "Eragon is not a girl."

Thorn was a step behind him. "Dude… seriously?"

Murtagh spun around and glared at him. "Are you trying to drive me crazy today Thorn?"

Still smirking, Thorn shrugged. "Maybe a little bit."

Murtagh smiled and shook his head. "Am I a horrible person?"

"No."

"Honestly?"

"Honestly…" Thorn shrugged. "Cheating on someone is wrong in my book. A spouse is worse. But… I like you guys and you seem to be happier. And your daughter adores him. Saph is convinced you two are made for each other. Plus your wife's a bitch and a shitty mother. But… the bitch still deserves to hear the truth. Or a version of the truth at least."

"Oh yeah. That'll go over well." The fashion industry was littered with homosexuals. Designers, hair and make-up artists, models… it was a very gay-friendly and expected business. And yet Arya had shared her great disdain for 'fashion faeries' several times over the years. "Let's just say Arya's extremely close minded."

Thorn shrugged. "Then tell her you want a divorce but not why."

Murtagh shook his head. "She's got this perfect family image in her head. Her agent says it helps book jobs or some shit."

"But she doesn't even know her daughter's birthday or where her husband works! How's that a family image?"

Murtagh sighed and shook his head again. He pushed past Thorn and headed back towards the counter. "All I know is that Arya won't give up without a fight. And I'm not sure I'd win."

Thorn followed, throwing Murtagh's apron at him. "That sucks man. But how long do you think Eragon will stick around being your dirty little secret?"

Murtagh didn't answer as he slipped his apron on. He didn't have one because he didn't want to think about it. It just sounded so weird to him but he honestly felt like he couldn't live without the brunet. The realization scared him a bit. He had always prided himself on being self-reliant.

"Speaking of your new wife…"

Murtagh punched the larger redhead in the arm before turning around. "Hey."

"Hey." Eragon slid onto a stool and leaned against the counter. "I'd ask for a hello kiss… but…"

Murtagh leaned forward and quickly pressed his lips against Eragon's.

The brunet's eyes widened and he glanced around quickly. "I wasn't being serious."

"What? You don't want me to kiss you?"

Thorn laughed and Murtagh flipped him off. "I'm leaving. Got work to do, you know."

Murtagh waited until the redhead was out of earshot before turning back to Eragon and leaning on the counter.

Eragon leaned towards him and planted a quick kiss on his lips. "I'd take those lips with me everywhere if I could… wait… that sounds weird." He laughed and leaned back slightly. "Damn. What's wrong with me? I get around you and I can't think straight."

Murtagh laughed and dipped his head a bit. "Well that's good. Because you're not."

"Neither are you." Eragon countered with a smile.

Murtagh was silent for a long moment. He leaned forward on the counter, dropping his eyes to it. Eragon worried about his choice of words and leaned forward to but Murtagh finally opened his mouth. "You know what?" He said softly. "I don't think I ever was. Arya was the only girl I was ever really with… like dated-dated. And she got pregnant right off the bat. I'm pretty sure I never really loved her. I don't think I knew what love was…" As if just realizing what he was rambling on about, Murtagh stopped. He pushed off from the counter and straightened up. "Anyways… what I meant to say was you worry too much." He fished his pen out of his apron. "Can I get you something? Off the menu?" He added quickly.

Eragon smiled and shook his head. "I'm meeting Saph here shortly. She's been on me about this stupid book. I'll wait for her."

Murtagh shrugged. "Suit yourself. According to Thorn, I got work to do. Holler at one of us when she gets here."

Eragon watched him walk away before getting up and walking towards the table in the far corner. He took a seat and pulled his phone out.

"Hey!"

"Hey Saph." He set his computer bag on the table. "Where are you?"

"Running a few minutes behind. Had a meeting with another client."

He unzipped his bag and pulled out a notebook. "So you don't only harass me, huh?"

"Sweetie… I only harass because I care. Plus you're the only one I have to harass, you lazy ass. Because you're lazy."

He rolled his eyes. "Saph…"

"You know… you wanted to research a coffee shop. I found you one and you've gone there pretty much every day for a month. Are you any closer to working on your book?"

He stared down at the blank pages of his notebook. "Not really."

"You're going to lose your contract." She warned.

"So what?" He pushed the notebook away and leaned back in his seat. "I made enough money off my last book to keep me going for a couple years."

"You'll lose your publisher though."

"So?" He repeated in the same flippant tone. "I'll find another one. Or I'll find a random job or go to school or something. I'm twenty-four, Saph. I've got plenty of time."

"But your career! This is everything you've ever wanted."

"No Saph." Eragon's eyes followed Murtagh as he moved from one table to the next. "They are everything I've ever wanted."

-X-X-X-X-X-

"Murtagh?"

"Shhh!" Murtagh shifted Gasey in his arms as he pulled the front door shut.

Arya crossed her arms but stepped back in the kitchen to wait. She leaned against the counter, glaring out into what she could see of the hallway. When Murtgah finally came back out, she pushed off from the counter and strode towards him with a smile. "Gasey get to sleep alright?"

"Yeah." He said, sounding tired. "She was pretty much out as soon as I put her in the car."

"Oh! Poor thing!" Arya frowned, feigning concern. "Perhaps next week she can come home with me."

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Mom loves having her in the mornings and everyone at work adores her. So don't worry about it. Just concentrate on landing your next job."

"Oh…" She wasn't exactly… disappointed… but…

"Have you talked to your agent? Any leads?"

She heard the eagerness in his voice and stared at him. "Uh… maybe… are you… trying to… get rid of me?"

"What? Don't be stupid." He waved her off and turned towards the cabinet.

"I've been home for less than a week… and I've barely seen either of you… and now you're…"

"I'm not doing anything, Arya." He grabbed a glass and moved to the sink. "I'm just… showing curiosity about your job. Do you not want me to be interested?"

"No… it just feels like you're pushing me away." She watched him fill the glass and take a sip. It certainly felt like he was.

He waved her off again. "It's all in your head."

"Really?"

He offered her a smile and nodded. "We're happy you're home." He turned and lifted his hand in a wave. "I'll see you tomorrow. Going to bed now."

Arya watched him disappear down the hall and crossed her arms. "You do seem happier." She said softly, leaning against the counter. "That's the problem." After a few silent minutes, she pushed away from the counter. "You're hiding something from me. And I will find out what."

With quiet steps, she glided down the hallway. As she neared the closed door to their bedroom, she stopped. Murtagh's whispering voice leaked through the door.

"… said we were happy she's home."

Arya pressed her ear to the door silently to hear better.

"I know… I can't wait for her to leave." His voice paused for a second and then laughed. "Damn. I knew it. You just want me for my body. And you call me a pervert." He laughed softly again. "Yeah, I told mom you have her tomorrow again. Gasey's pretty excited about it." He paused again. "Yeah, just come on over when you guys are done. I'll be there."

Arya didn't dare breathe as she pressed against the door.

"God I love it when you call me that." He laughed softly. "It's cute." Pause. "Is too." He sighed. "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

The room fell silent after that. Arya slowly backed away until she was once again in the kitchen. So that's the reason, she thought, slamming her fists down on the counter. He's cheating on me! And shit! His mother's in on it too! Bitch never liked me. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about her mother-in-law. And they've all turned my own daughter against me! Damn him! Who? Who?

She considered confronting him. But he'd probably deny it. What proof did you have? She hadn't been home in a month. She'd have to catch him in the act somehow. "Fine." She said out loud to herself. "I'll find out myself. I'll just follow him to work… shit… where does he work?"

-X-X-X-X-X-

Arya sat in her car, thoroughly and utterly bored. She yawned for the millionth time and switched on the radio. Three hours she had been sitting there, waiting. She had seen no one and was pretty sure no one had seen her. She was parked across the street from the glass factory, in front of an old, abandoned building. It wasn't exactly her kind of neighborhood. But at least it was early enough that no one bothered her.

She yawned again as she leaned her seat back. Yet another yawn slipped past her lips as she closed her eyes. She could just rest for a moment. She soon lost count of the minutes that ticked by and when she opened her eyes again, it was a lot brighter out. "Fuck!" She straightened up and turned to look out the window. Murtagh's car was gone. She had missed him. "Well… there's my whole morning wasted and I still don't' know who the whore is."

She let out a sign and leaned back. "He has a second job… but where…" She closed her eyes. "Think Arya… think." She chanted it to herself. "He must have said something to her at some point. It had to be in town... and it had to be close to the school… right? Or did Gasey ride a bus?

"Coffee!" She exclaimed loudly, bolting up in her seat. "It has something to do with coffee." With a smug smile, she pulled out her phone and typed 'coffee' into the GPS. It promptly told her there were 143 places that sold coffee within a 30 mile radius. "Oh… that can't be right."

-X-X-X-X-X-

"Hey Tag."

Murtagh turned to see Thorn walking towards the front counter where he stood, greeting Eragon and Gasey after they arrived. "Yeah?"

"You got a call."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"Don't know." Thorn shrugged as he closed the distance. "Hung up after I said you were here."

"Huh. Bad connection?" Eragon suggested.

"Maybe." Murtagh said with a shrug. "If it's important, they'll call back." He turned back around and smiled down at his daughter. "So… did you have a fun time with Eragon?"

Gasey nodded. "We stayed at his place and played video games. And then we…"

-X-X-X-X-X-

Author's Notes: Yeah. This took 9 months to write. Last one took 6. I'm on a roll. See you with the next chapter in 2 years at this rate. Basically life sucks and I have no time/will to write. So… yeah. Love to those who read, new and old. Chas out.