Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Hello, there! As promised, a new chapter! Thank you so much for all your support, it really helps me get through these ugh school weeks. Thank you to CholeStone for favoriting and following! I'm so happy you're enjoying it! Unbeta'd, I'm so sorry. No French for Val, either. Warning: So many sexual references. It builds up the question, I guess.

SiSi4: Thank you! I hope so, too. Let's give him years and then we'll see him with little (*insert name I made for their daughter*), hehehe. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Flimpsyflipflops09: I'm excited to write them! I think there's quite a lot here so I hope you enjoy it, haha. Arthur's was kinda hard to write but I think i liked it, I'm glad you did, too! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Carameltootsieroll: The kissing scene was me in my awkward stage...I've never kissed anyone before, I don't know how to do the kiss! HAHAHA! It's like us looking at google. Hehehehe.
Neverlandspirit: Oh my gosh, thank you! I'm so happy you liked them. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kamarooka: It's alright :] I'm still very happy you left a review. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Step Thirteen: Past Lovers — Shibuya, Japan

Paris, France

The continuous ringing of her phone pulls her away from Arthur's arms wrapped around her. She had told him that they'll eventually stop calling but he told her to pick it up in case of emergencies. "Hello?" she greets without any sign of happiness.

"You came back yesterday!"

"I left you a voice mail," Ariadne tells her.

"One! I need to know what happened with you and your boyfriend's parents!"

"And brother."

Valeria squeals. "When are you free?"

Ariadne looks over at Arthur just as he's loosening his tie. She glares a little, that's her job. "Not for a while."

"Call me once you're free, I have to know everything."

"Sure," she replies. "Talk to you soon."

"See you. Oh, and Ari? Make sure you tell me how good Arthur is in bed."

Valeria drops the frappé she's drinking and stares at her best friend intently. "You've just had sex."

Ariadne shrugs and sips from her own frappé. "No use denying it from you."

The blonde shakes her head. "Oh, God, Ari. You were never sexually active."

"I'm not! It just so happens that we've been at it lately. Anyways, we're not here to talk about my sex life. How was your holiday after Vegas?"

"Same old. We didn't travel this year. Just stayed at home and lounged around. Adam asked me to spend it with him but I can't just leave my family around."

Ariadne narrows her eyes. "Adam?"

"Yes, Adam."

After a thoughtful few seconds, Ariadne's eyes widen. "You're in first name basis with Eames?"

Valeria nods. "He doesn't like it when I call him monsieur Eames. He suggested just Eames but I'm not fond of calling him by his last name."

Ariadne nods slowly. She's never asked this before but this is both for Eames and Valeria. "What about Marí?"

Valeria sighs. "You know that when we broke up we were too far apart that it didn't really feel like anything. I don't like to dwell on that. We didn't really part in good terms but there was closure."

"So now there's you and Eames?"

"It's not really us...we're still...getting there. I like to think that we're starting off slow. We're allowed to see other people."

"Kind of like an open relationship?"

"I guess you can call it that but it's not really like that."

"You'll tell me when things become serious, won't you? I really doubt Eames will until last minute."

"Mon ami, what kind of friend will I be?" she chuckles. "Now, how was it being in their home?"

"Surprisingly normal," she answers and then takes a sip of her drink. "I expected something like a wicked mother and a stoic father even if the way Arthur describes him sounds like he's a genuine sweetheart. Maybe because their son's been gone for a long time. His brother took it the hardest but he's really nice."

"Oh, right, Arthur has a brother."

Ariadne smirks a little. "Aren't you with Adam?"

Valeria laughs. "Keeping them to yourself, huh?"

"No!" Ariadne flushes. "You know what I mean! Anyway, they're all really nice. They invited me to their annual spring dinner."

"Are you going?"

"Depends. Arthur and I haven't accepted a job in a while. If it doesn't coincide with the dinner we'll probably go."

"So he's decided to start going back to his family, huh? That's a good thing?"

"Arthur may seem like he doesn't need anyone but I really think that going back to his family is a good thing. His parents know about his job and his brother is starting to accept it. It's dangerous, yes, but at least they know what he's up to."

"Do they know about...the hardships they face sometimes?"

"I'm sure Mr. Brandon has experienced it at some point in his life. I doubt they're telling Mrs. Brandon, she'd probably lock Arthur in the house. Edward's iffy about it but he and Arthur talked it through."

Valeria nods. "So...does Adam also have hard times?"

"I'm sure he has, Val," she replies quietly.

The blonde doesn't speak for a few minutes, only sipping from her drink from time to time. "Do you think he's in danger now?" she asks. "He recently got back from a job, didn't he?"

"No," Ariadne assures, "the job was successful. You'll be seeing him soon, I promise."

"Saito just called," Arthur informs her when she gets back. He kisses her cheek and proceeds, "He just made a very good deal and he wants to celebrate."

"What kind of celebration?" They move to the kitchen where she starts boiling water. "I hope we don't have to travel all the way to Japan."

"I hate to disappoint but we will be travelling."

She frowns. "I love travelling, I love Saito, but—"

"He's paying for everything, including your shopping spree."

Her feminine senses tingled. "Shopping spree?"

"He told me that he'd like it if you enjoyed a buy-all-you-can in his homeland. Did he think wrong?"

She grins. "No, not at all! When do we leave?"

"Two days from now."

She turns around and turns off the stove. "I think we should go and pack." Grabbing his hand, she drags him to their bedroom. "How long will we be staying?"

"About two weeks. Dom and the kids will be coming, too. A bit late, though. Yusuf and his wife and children, too. He's still trying to convince his wife to get out and travel somewhere new. His children are ready."

"Well I hope he convinces her. I'd like to meet her." She throws open the door and walks to the closet. "I'll have to make sure to ask Val what she wants and—"

"Don't tell Valeria."

She tilts her head and turns to look back at him. "What?"

"Don't tell Valeria," he repeats.

"Why not? I'll suddenly disappear on her?"

He shrugs. "You can't tell Valeria."

"Why not!?"

"Ariadne, trust me on this."

Ariadne shakes her head. "No, I have to know why I can't tell Valeria! She knows about our job and she can't know about a trip to Tokyo?"

Arthur sighs and says again, "Ariadne, trust me on this."

The remaining nights in Paris is cold. She doesn't tell her best friend about her disappearing act but she's angry at him. He hasn't done anything to make things right which only infuriates her more.

The airline they're getting on is the Boeing 747 and they've both got first class seats. Ariadne tries to march off ahead of him, as far as she can, but he's always just a step away from her. "You aren't making things better, Arthur."

"That's because I'm not trying."

That hits a nerve. "I'm not talking to you," is all she can say. Actually, she wants to say a lot but she can't do it in the airport. "Don't even talk to me when we're on board."

"That's not possible."

When they're both inside, Ariadne takes her seat on the left. Unlike her seat during the Fischer job, she's in the front row with Arthur sitting right behind her. He leans forward and says, "You know Eames is going to be in this flight, too. His seat is across from me."

"And how is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"It's not. But you love Eames, you'll be happy to see him."

"I'm angry, I'm not happy to see anyone."

"Not even Valeria?"

She turns to look at him. "The reason I'm—Valeria!"

The blonde she spotted whips her head to face her. A huge grin appears in her face and she squeals in delight. Dropping the carry-on bag she has, she heads straight for her tiny best friend. "Ariadne!"

Ariadne stands and hugs her her. "You're on this plane! To Tokyo! What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" the grin doesn't leave her face and it infects Ariadne. "You weren't going to tell me about this trip?"

"Arthur told me not to! Aren't you going to tell me what you're doing here?"

"Adam told me not to tell you!"

And it hits her like a block of bricks. "Arthur!" She jumps on him and gives him a kiss. "You planned this."

"Eames and I planned it. We both wanted Valeria to join us but for different reasons. I wanted her with you so that you could have some fun and Eames...well, I think you know why." He smiles. "You're not mad at me anymore? I don't like it when you're mad even if you're cute when you huff and pout."

Ariadne leans forward and whispers. "You get a special treat."

Arthur smiles wider. "I hold onto that."

"My God, I didn't think you two would actually be so lovey dovey in public."

Ariadne looks up just as Arthur groans. "Eames! You're in this, too!"

"Of course, I am, Love. I haven't forgotten about how much you and your best friend are close."

Ariadne snorts. "Like you're not thinking about your own reasons."

"Oh, Love. I'm not selfish," Eames laughs.

Shibuya, Japan

The first thing that's given to them once they arrive in the hotel that Saito owns is a golden card. The man in black tells them it contains enough money to buy whatever they want. When Eames asks him to clarify how much enough is, all the man answers is, "Enough."

When Arthur does his research about the given card, all he says is "Enough."

"Darling, don't act like you're one of them."

He glares. "It's enough. You can buy whatever you want without worry about the cost. Really, I'm not exaggerating."

"Oh, I believe you. Saito is too rich," Eames comments. "Belle, shall we unpack?"

Valeria nods in a daze, trying to comprehend the golden card she has. "We'll meet in the lobby then?"

"You're sharing a room?" Ariadne gasps. "I thought you're taking it slow!"

"Love, don't fret. There are two beds. You and Arthur should be the one taking precautions. Although, I suppose you're both well protected. You aren't pregnant, are you, Love?"

"I am so ready to mix and match all these outfits, Ari!" Valeria exclaims happily. "And the others that I don't think are too nice, well, I'll just use my magic to fix them. Do you have any you're not particularly fond of?"

"None that I can remember," she replies. "And of course I know where to go."

"Mm, I still haven't fixed that coat of yours. I'll do it when we get back." She trots along the sidewalk and smiles at the clothes she sees. "This place is more of a…cute."

"Sophisticated cute."

"Yes! Exactly what I was thinking. Don't get me wrong, I love their clothes. But that's why I'm going to have to use my skills when we get back to Paris. I would wear them but they're not exactly my style. They aren't yours either."

"We'll figure something out. I'm just happy we're not paying for anything."

"Yes, I'm wondering about that. Who is this Mr. Saito?"

"During my first job, he was the client. Even if it was a dangerous one I'm still thankful to him. Remember the box of scarves I got for graduation?" Valeria nods. "That was his gift, he couldn't come. That man's too rich. He probably saw how much money he had and decided that it's too much, he has to spend," she jokes.

"Is this the same Saito who owns the airline?"

"Same one."

"He is rich." Valeria holds up her shopping bags and glances at her best friend. "And he just wanted to spend on us?"

"Arthur said that he just scored another business deal, now there's a celebration. Dom and the kids will be coming in a few days. I think Yusuf finally convinced his wife and children to come, too...I hope. I'm excited to meet them."

"I'd love to see Philippa and James again! They're adorable!"

"I haven't seen them since before Thanksgiving. I sent them gifts for Christmas and we Skyped with them and Arthur's family."

"This is really like one big happy family, isn't it?"

"I think it is."

Valeria hums. "By the way, mon ami, I've been meaning to ask you. This Mr. Saito is probably being courted by girls everywhere."

"Oh, he is. And he doesn't stop. He's got too much."

"Wonder if he's good in bed."

Ariadne shudders. "Oh, God, no. Val. No. Just think of Eames. I'm sure he's good in bed."

"He's got experience. Is Arthur experienced?"

Ariadne stops in her tracks. She's sure that he's got many. Maybe some that he's paid so that he wouldn't be lonely for the night. She's never thought much of it, but hearing someone else ask makes her wonder. "I'm sure he is," she replies softly.

Valeria loops her arm around hers. "Let's not think about that. We're here to have fun, aren't we?"

Ariadne watches Arthur as he slips in beside her on their bed. The way he moves as he gets under the covers. Did he get in like that while another woman waited for him? She's not sure what approach she's getting at but she blurts out, "You're not my first boyfriend."

He blinks and turns to her. "What?"

"I had a boyfriend before you. It didn't last long. I didn't want anyone to know except Val."

His jaw locks. "When was this?"

"During undergraduate school," she replies. "Junior year. I wasn't sure if I was ready so I told him not tell anyone yet. I didn't want any word to get around just in case we break up after a week."

"What's his name?"

"Jimmy Granger."

"What happened?"

"Turns out he got another girlfriend after I refused to have sex with him."

"Doesn't he sound like a douche."

She shrugs. "He was. Still is. I don't know where he is now but I know he's still a playboy."

"Why'd you like him?" She can detect sourness in his voice. "Didn't word get around about his playboy ways?"

"I was naive. I didn't listen. That's what I got." She shifts around and lies down on the soft bed. "How many lovers have you gotten?"

It takes him a while before he replies, "None that was serious."

"How long were these non-serious relationships?"

"The longest one I had was about a year."

Something strange rises in her throat. She doesn't like it. "How'd that work out for you?"

"I never loved them, Ariadne."

"I didn't ask if you loved them, Arthur. I asked how those relationships worked out."

"They didn't mean anything."

"I'm sure it didn't."

"Where's this all coming from anyway?"

She frowns and looks away. "I'm sorry, it's stupid."

"It's not stupid. In these kinds of relationships we're supposed to talk about past relationships, it helps couples bond and—"

"And where the hell did you get all of these, Arthur?" Ariadne yells. "You're the one who's never been in a stable relationship!"

He purses his lips. "I asked Dom for help."

"Help for what?"

"I don't know how to do these relationships, Ari. And...I didn't...I want us to have something...and I don't trust the internet for tips so I went to Dom and...Ari."

She sighs and wishes they started this conversation out nicely. "I'm sorry, I was...insecure."

"Don't be," he tells her. "Whatever I had with them is nothing compared to what I have with you. I now know what making love really feels like. Everything else was meaningless sex."

"Good sex?" she says, a teasing smile on her lips.

He leans forward and brushes his lips with hers. "There's was good, but yours is great."

Ariadne laughs. "Don't start there, Arthur."

He kisses along her jaw. "Who started talking about sex then?"

"You did!" she accuses.

He hums. "You're right, I think I did."

"Did you want this since you came out without a shirt on?"

"Damn, you are smart, my plans of seducing you are ruined," he says, chuckling and leaving kisses by the hollow of her throat. "You did promise me a special treat."

"I did and I gave it to you yesterday!"

"What?" he asks with fake shock. "So it's not a daily thing?"

Ariadne rolls her eyes. "Uh...no."

"Damn," he sighs. "But I'm already about to turn off the lamp."

She hits him playfully. "You're lucky I love you."

He clicks the lamp off and whispers, "I love you, too."

Carameltootsieroll please do not make me sumbong to the nuns.

Yeah...yeah...I don't know what to say now. Guys, I've never been in a relationship so I don't know how all this kissing works, haha! I hope it's okay? I'd love to know what you think of this chapter! The first sort of drama, haha. It isn't my best but I think...yeah...haha.

So here comes my apologies. I'm sorry if I won't be able to update next week!

Step Fourteen: Body Structure — Oslo, Norway