Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Hi! I'm so sorry for not posting last week, had so much stuff to do. : But everyone's reviews helped get me through them. :] And in the bright side, break officially started yesterday and my friends and I went karaoke, really fun. Also, I got drunk for the very first time last week...I don't remember like 95% of what happened, haha...good thing I was with my coursemates, very good people. They said I was nicer than I already am. Cool.
Woo! 99 reviews! Thank you so much everyone! Also, this is unbeta'd so I'm very sorry and I'll probably have mistakes here and there.
Kellouka2: Hihi :3 I know I didn't get to show Greece off so much, and I'm sorry ( Greece is also one of my favorite countries! I'm glad you thought so :D Sexy and fluffy was really what I was aiming for there, I needed something like that here, haha. You're making me so happy again! Thank you! Ugh, yes. Arthur. We need men like Arthur. They do! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know it's not the best but you make me feel like I'm the queen (I'm not though, HAHA). I would notice! I still constantly search for new videos of them, especially (after I thought of At the Beginning as their theme song, haha) and new stories always excite me :] They'll never let you leave. I was in this fandom since 2010 and I never realized that it never made me leave til May (I watched it once a month and didn't realize it…). You make me feel like a queen again :3 Me, too! This is my baby, I will never let it go! Thank you so much and for your patience and I hope this chapter was worth waiting for! It isn't the best but I will make the next and last chapter the best!
Kamarooka: HAHA! I'm glad I made you laugh! Aww :") I like making these personal because I think it will help me connect with you guys better. I enjoy seeing your reviews! They really make me feel happy during times of doubt in my writing :") You are very wonderful, too! And totally agree with you on the embarassment part but it actually happened and I saw it as something that could happen to Ariadne, the experience even led me to making Stephanie that way. I also really think that these two get physical a lot but not too much. They're young and fresh. I try not to get them too physical but I think I waited too long (10 chapters…) for them to finally get together that I just sometimes have to, haha! The sexual tension between them sometimes, haha. Omg, that last line really really really made me grin from ear to ear. It just made me so happy! Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Shubabu: Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
D.B: HAHA! Yeahp, it was that person's experience but I altered it to make it more AriArthur, hehe. Thank you for reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: Mmhm. The Arthur/Eames thing is just great for me. They're almost complete opposites yet their friendship just shows a strong bond. I honestly think that although Arthur is annoyed by Eames and his schemes, he allows it because of their relationship. I love their nicknames and it'll probably stick now, haha. I loved writing the cake part, that was my favorite! I love seeing and writing caring Eames, he's my favorite character and I get really frustrated when people think he's insensitive when he obviously isn't. Haha! Agreed! It's embarrassing yet quite amusing if it doesn't happen to you. Yup, the other one is being made as we speak! Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Carameltoostieroll: Oh, god no. No experience whatsoever, HAHA! I've never even been to stores like those! Tempting but there's no one to buy for :P Them in veils ain't coming after me in this one, haha! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Also, Attorney.
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Step Nineteen: Love — San Francisco, CA & Sitka AK
A break in San Francisco is all that she needs. Even though she's here for a meet-up with her elementary school friend, Sara Newman, she's glad she's with Arthur. After the vacation with the Brandon family in Greece, and the embarrassing secret scene that happened between her and Stephanie, Arthur had surprised her by bringing her to California to visit the sunny state once more, this time, in San Francisco.
While walking on one of the sidewalks during the sunset, Ariadne leans her head on Arthur's shoulder and murmurs a thank you before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I need this," she tells him, "a relaxing vacation with you."
Arthur squeezes her hand. "I'm glad you're having fun. But have you thought about what Saito's offering?"
She nods. "I'm interested. I haven't done real ones in a while—I mean, ones that will actually be built and not just in dreams or as sketches. Will you be there?"
"Of course. I was asked to supervise everything."
Ariadne raises an eyebrow, amused. "Really? So you'll be...what? The head of the whole operation, I suppose?"
"Saito and I seem to have the same taste in buildings." He chuckles. "He applauded the hotel that was used during the Fischer job. Of course I told him that it was all your idea and work. I just designed it with some interior decorations."
"You give me too much credit," Ariadne says, nudging him a little. "Tell Saito I'm interested. I'll be working with Kristian Mordeu and Frances Gavroche, I think I'll enjoy my time." The two architects she mentioned are middle-aged men who are famous for their designs and clients. She's seen them in the college a few times. They had done seminars and workshops but she's never had the courage to talk to them.
Arthur smiles. "I'll call Saito right away."
"Did he tell you what kind of building he wants us to make? A summer home? A hotel? An expansion of his main office?"
"His son is inheriting the company in a few years, Saito wants to retire early. Kouru doesn't want to live in Japan since he's grown to love the States. He wants a business building in Wall Street. You remember that big building that's almost run-down?" Ariadne nods. "Saito bought it a few weeks ago just in case he needed it." The brunette shakes her head and chuckles. "But we'll be basing ourselves in Sitka because they also want a summer home there."
"Summer homes are more important." She smiles.
"They think it'd be harder to create a summer home since it's a house and it's personalized, whereas their building is easier to do even with just the pictures and details. He has a lot of faith in you, he knows you can do it because he's seen you do it."
"His faith in me is very flattering," she says. "But he's already got two of the world's best architects and he still wants me? I don't even have a real and legal job."
"But you've got a license." Arthur smiles. "You are the best. I'm not surprised he asked for you."
She rolls her eyes. "Then it's a good thing I'm with the best Point Man, huh?"
"I think it's meant to be," he says. "We work really well together. Maybe not in the way Dom and I work together—"
"Or how you and Eames work."
He grunts. "Okay, sure. But I think it's better. We're more careful because we have something to look forward to. We aren't reckless. We don't just take jobs because of what they offer or because it was right there." The latter one was clearly him before. She knows he sometimes takes jobs just because. "There's a real future ahead of us."
She smiles and tucks her hair behind her ears, allowing the wind to blow her face with ease. "And what's that?"
He looks at her and kisses her temple. "I'm pretty sure you know what."
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Arthur had rented a convertible during their stay in the state. Ariadne had loved the view from the plane and had wanted to see the view up-close. "I haven't seen San Francisco since I was in high school," she told him. Arthur smiled and put 'convertible' in his to-do list.
The classic blue, 2006 mustang is now cruising along San Francisco bridge. Arthur's shades are shielding his eyes from the sunny and cloudless sky but it doesn't stop him from sneaking glances at the young lady in the passenger seat beside him. Ariadne knows that he's reading her, so she continues to smile and tell him how much she loves the view of the bridge. "You shouldn't be nervous," he finally tells her.
She sighs. "Sara is a successful stock owner of one of the world's leading banks."
"So?"
"Her co-owner is Heather Branch."
"And?"
"Heather was the Queen Bee during our days. I heard she still was in high school and college. Prom queen. Head of the cheerleading squad. Always got in the hottest clubs just by looking like…her."
"She didn't go to grad school, she probably isn't as hard-working as you. Or as smart. And beautiful."
"Her dad owns the bank."
"Whenever I hear a company's new owner is an offspring, I research to make sure they actually deserve to be up there or they have it because they already had it since it's suspicious and might be foul play. Experience told me to do so. And my job.
Ariadne smiles, a real one this time. "Everything is suspicious behavior to you."
He smirks and gives her one quick look. "You're successful, you're beautiful, you're a genius, you're a brilliant architect, you've got a great boyfriend—"
"A supportive one at that."
"And very supportive, yes," he adds with a chuckle, "a rising-star fashion designer best friend, a protective best friend, a complete and loving family, all the rich businessmen and women want to hire you, all the good dream workers want you in their team, you have money that can reach your whole life—and counting—and you're amazing. I think everyone envies and admires you."
"Yeah, but they don't know that and I'm getting all these benefits out of something illegal."
"Everyone knows Saito, if the opportunity comes up, tell him he personally called you because he wanted you to design his newest building and summer home. Oh, and that you work for Avalanche Corporation."
"Show-off, aren't you," Ariadne teases but can't help giggling. "Okay, thank you for the pep talk." She places her hand on top of his that is on the gear shift. "I'm really happy that you're the one with me."
He smirks again. "Maybe bringing Valeria and Eames wouldn't be such a bad idea when we go meet with past acquaintances."
She grins at the memory of getting Arthur to attend his high school reunion just a few weeks ago. An invitation was sent to his parents' home and he had just read one line before announcing that he would be throwing it in the trash. Ariadne, who had been with him as he (almost) read it, snatched it away from him and began to read it.
"This might be fun," she told him. "Why don't you go?"
"I hated high school. Everyone was a piss."
"It said that you can bring friends, especially for people who felt like outcasts during your time."
"A perfect example of how my batchmates never grew up," he snapped.
Ariadne lowered her eyes and skimmed the invitation. Arthur sighed and apologized. "How about we bring Eames?" The only answer she got was a "we'll see".
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The two find the café that Sara had wanted to meet in. Ariadne easily spots the dark haired lady she remembers from pictures she found online. She waves at her and then turns to Arthur. "Well, there she is. Looks like I can't bail anymore."
"We're you planning on doing that?" he asks with an amused smile.
She nods. "Since she sent me that message." Pursing her lips, she sighs. "I better go. Do I call you when I'm done?"
Arthur looks around the dim lit café. "No, I think I'll stay here. It seems like a good place to take my time in. I even brought a book with me." Ariadne's not worried that he'll finish it even before she's done with her meeting, he likes to re-read and analyze the pages twice before moving on to the next. "You go and have some fun now."
Ariadne takes in a breath and starts to move away but Arthur grabs her arm and stops her. "Wait." He kisses her cheek and whispers, "Good luck." She turns to look at him with a smile, he returns it and let's go of her and they separate ways.
Ariadne continues on her way to the seat that Sara had reserved for them. "Hi."
Sara stands and Ariadne takes in her attire. Pumps, pencil skirt and a blouse; professional. She's in her casual blouse, cardigan and floral scarf, a skirt and her brown boots. She somehow feels like a fresh out of college student in an interview with a professional and she's underdressed. "Ariadne, hi!" She initiates a hug.
"Did you wait long?" the architect asks once they've sat down.
"No, no. I arrived just a few minutes ago. I hope you don't mind, I ordered white wine." She gestures towards the ready glass in front of her.
"It's not a problem." She shakes her head. "So, how are you?"
"I'm good, I'm good. The company's busy right now but we're doing really well. Have you heard that we're the leading business bank?" she asks excitedly. Branches Banks has been named best bank for the past three years. "The people are amazing."
"That's great," Ariadne says.
"Heather and I have been making so much money lately we don't know what to do!" she giggles. "Oh, speak of the devil." Ariadne turns around and sees a blonde woman strutting towards them. Heads turn to watch her, and her designer clothes are definitely helping her stay in center of attention. "I hope you don't mind. She found out that I was meeting you and she wanted to come."
'Oh, I do.' But she shakes her head and smiles. "No, not at all."
Heather Branch sits beside her and gives her a once over look. "Ardie. It's been awhile."
"It's Ariadne. And hi to you, too, Heather," she says politely. "How have you been?"
"Good, I'm sure you'd know. I'm all over the papers. And you?"
"Great," she replies. 'Still a Queen Bee, I see.' She looks back at Sara. "Any families?"
Sara shakes her head. "No time. I'm seeing a physicist right now. He's a great guy but we're both not ready to settle down yet. Heather's engaged to Gregory McNaire, the heir to the transportation lines."
"I went on a cruise and he just couldn't take his eyes off of me."
"That's nice." Ariadne sighs inwardly. 'No wonder Arthur doesn't want to go to reunions.' She drinks some of her wine. "I was really surprised to get a letter from you," she tells Sara.
"I was in Brooklyn once and I saw your brother, Theo. We chatted a little and he told me you were in Paris. I looked for your residence but I couldn't find you. I sent the letter to your parents in hopes that they'll send it to you. I found an e-mail but it bounced back. It's like, you aren't here on earth anymore. I was surprised to even hear from you."
She laughs nervously. "I tend to move a lot, I have a permanent residence in Paris but I'm usually not at home." Not a lie. "And I've got two e-mail addresses, they're both protected. One has to go through the company that I work for the other I have to register in before I receive them." Avalanche Corporation developed that.
Heather raises an eyebrow. "You live a private life?"
"Yeah, it's quiet."
Sara smiles. "You've always been the quiet one. Whenever we've had high school reunions we always still add your name but remember that you weren't with us anymore then."
'And I'm glad I moved.' She shrugs. "Better remove my name then. Due to me travelling a lot, I probably wouldn't be able to go. I find it lucky that I was able to meet with you since I'll be going to Alaska soon." 'That's an opportunity, right?'
"I see," Sara says, nodding. "I'm glad, too. We haven't seen you at all since elementary. Theo showed me a picture. I couldn't even find you online anymore. I found you in someone named Valerie Normans account. "
Ariadne doesn't like the way she says Theo's name. It's not that she doesn't like Sara, she just doesn't like Sara for her brother. And she's glad that Sara just made a mistake with Val's name…it didn't sound like she was making fun of her, at least. "It's Valiera Normandeu. And I've got just a few circles of friends after I graduated and we're always in touch."
"A loner." Heather states.
"No," she says. Just then, a tap on her shoulder makes her look up. Arthur is standing next to her and holding her phone up. "Oh, hey."
"I'm sorry to disturb you. You left your phone with me," he says, smiling as he hands it back to her. "I'll just be by one of the booths. I had the last cream-filled croissant reserved for you, it's ready to be brought to the table with your peppermint hot chocolate when you come back." He kisses her cheek. "See you in a bit." He nods his head in acknowledgement. "Ladies."
All three of them watch Arthur move away from their table and to the other side of the room. He looks up and smiles at the architect before looking back down at his book. "Where did you get him?" Heather asks, dubious.
"We met at work," she says.
"Does he have a name?" Sara squeals.
"Arthur," Ariadne replies.
Heather licks her lips. "Mm, I'd dump Greg anytime for him."
'Oh no you don't.' Ariadne smirks a little. "You won't be dumping Greg anytime soon. I can promise you that." Heather glares at her but she simply smiles and returns to looking at Sara. "I'm sorry, where were we?"
Sara grins. "Your life is so mysterious, All I know is that you're an architect and in a relationship with a fine man. I hope you don't mind if I pry in."
'Great, now I get to test my story out.' She's never told her made-up life story to anyone before, usually just where she and Arthur had met. "After graduating college I went to grad school in Ecole D'Architecture. That's where I met Arthur. He's an international researcher for their company and I was chosen to help design one of the buildings for their client. We were friends at first and then things just went on from there. Right after graduating I was hired. I'm now working in the same company." 'Oh, it's nearly the same.'
"And who was that client?" Heather asks.
"Otaru Saito. The reason we're going to Alaska soon is actually because he wants us to design for him again. This time his summer home and a new building that he recently bought in Wall Street."
Heather's eyes widen. "And that company you both work for?"
"Avalanche Corporation, Arthur's family owns it."
Ariadne had returned to Arthur much earlier than expected. After she told her story, the three girls had already finished their white wine and Sara had told them that she has to go soon. Heather told her that she'd have to go as well.
"It was nice seeing you again, Ariadne," Sara said while giving her a hug.
"You, too. See you, Heather." Heather gives her a nod and leaves. Arthur had a smirk on his face when she was coming back. "You."
"I helped, didn't I? I could see that you were getting uncomfortable and they were all interested in themselves. I'm glad I stole your phone."
Ariadne smiles. "You've been hanging out with Eames more than you want to admit."
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Sitka, Alaska
"Arthur, Ariadne, welcome," Saito greets them. He shakes both of their hands. "I have reserved the best room for the two of you in my hotel. This is my son, Kouru."
"It's very nice to meet you," the younger one says in clear English. "I've heard great things about your works, Ariadne."
Ariadne smiles. "Oh, how flattering."
"Why don't you two freshen up before we meet with the others? We'll all have dinner together in the Japanese restaurant in the lobby in two hours, yes?" Saito says.
"Sure." Arthur gets the keys from their host and hands one to Ariadne. "We really appreciate you accommodating us, Saito."
"I am the one who should be thank you, Arthur. Your schedule must be really busy."
"Not at the moment, no," he answers. "We'll see you in the restaurant."
Ariadne and Arthur walk hand-in-hand to the elevator. Saito wouldn't allow them to carry any of their bags and had bellboys bring them up to the room. "Why am I not surprised that Saito has a hotel in Alaska?" she asks.
"Are we ever surprised with what Saito owns?" Arthur chuckles.
"Not after he told us that bought an airline just because it seemed neat."
Arthur smiles.
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Ariadne stops in her tracks. Arthur looks at her worriedly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm going to meet Kristian Mordeu and Frances Gavroche," she says.
Arthur nods. "Yes, you are. But you're much better than them."
"But they're two of my idols."
"And then they'll idolize you because you're young and brilliant." He says his words as if he's so sure and so certain. Like it's a normal day-to-day conversation with everyone. "They'll be quite envious of you, Ariadne."
She smiles warily. "I hope you aren't just being nice, Arthur."
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"It's not about you lying to me, it's about you getting my hopes up, which you have done before and you know it."
Arthur sighs. "Ariadne—"
But he's interrupted by Saito who had just come down with his son. "Ah, Arthur, Ariadne, there you are. Come."
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In terms of Kristian Moreu, everything went according to Arthur's positive words. He praised Ariadne for her amazing perspective and her knowledge. Frances Gavroche, however, was very hostile to her. He judged her right away and Ariadne felt small when he would talk. Both Saito and Arthur defended her but she was still upset. Arthur can tell that she's ready to burst into tears but she continues to keep a smile on her face and waves away the compliments that are given to her.
"I don't understand why you love me, Arthur," she says. They're in their room, on the bed, her curled against Arthur, her back to him, hiding her tear-stained face as he holds her close to him and strokes her hair.
"What kind of statement is that. There are so many reasons why I love you, Princess Ariadne."
"When we were in San Francisco and met up with Sara and Heather I realized that I've always been such a loser."
"Ari—" he begins to warn her.
"Why do people have to make others small." She frowns.
"I don't know," he says, "that's just the way the world works. Heather always feels more powerful than others so she took advantage of it. Gavroche also feels more powerful than others so when he sees a threat he uses his power to make others feel small. They're just people who are insecure and think the world is their own."
"Homo Sapiens."
"Homo Sapiens," he repeats.
There's a silence between them. Arthur continues to stroke her hair and she continues to cry from time to time. Suddenly, she asks, "Why do you love me, Arthur?"
He smiles. "That's a question that will probably need a few days to answer."
"What?" She doesn't understand.
"I have answers," he immediately says, "I have a lot of answers. It won't fit just tonight. It'll take days because I want you to know how much I love you and why."
"You just don't have an answer, do you?" she teases.
He frowns. "I do have an answer. I have answers."
She giggles. "Do you know why I love you?"
"I'd like to know."
"It's cheesy but I love you because you're you. You're perfect but imperfect. Amazing and flawed. All your little quirks annoy me to no end but I live with it because I can't live without you."
"You know that that's not true." He holds onto one of her hands and raises it up to his lips. "I'm the one who can't live without you, Princess Ariadne."
She curls in deeper to him. "I still want to know why you love me."
"You'll know, I promise."
Little did she know that her question sparked something inside the Point Man.
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"I'm very sorry about the way I acted, Miss Belaire," Gavroche says to her the next day. "I judged you because of how you look and you're age."
Ariadne doesn't say anything.
Gavroche nods. "I've seen some of your designs and I'm very impressed. I hope our time together will produce amazing results." And with that, he leaves.
Arthur smiles and places his hand at the middle of her back. "I'm glad he apologized."
"I'm still a little bit in shock."
"Ariadne, Arthur," Saito calls them, "we're ready to begin."
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Arthur didn't answer her question here for once. It feels weird. I also feel like the ending was kinda abrupt. Ugh. It was. It was. I am so sorry. Heather is a representation of one of my old "friends". Sara was me during second year high school: tactless.
It's my birthday in about 16 days (Jan. 2)...turning 19. I might post my newest story during the time I post the last chapter of this (which is next week, wow) or sometime during the break. But I kinda wanna do it by next week.
Not gonna put the title of the next chapter, it's a secret. :3