When it was time to pick up Saphira, Eragon volunteered immediately.
"You just stay and read those files."
He'd been gone before she could even respond. Rubbing her eyes, she reorganized everything and set the folder on top of Eragon's. She'd had enough reading. Flipping on the television, she found that the show Eragon had been watching for the past couple hours was called Doctor Who. Curiosity getting the better of her, she settled into the cushions and watched the episode although it was already halfway through. For some reason it was seriously entertaining. The special effects were sub par which usually annoyed her, but she figured that the humor and enjoyment quality just outweighed the graphics. She had just completed the episode when she heard the garage door. Immediately she changed the channel before realizing she was being childish. Who cares if he knew she was watching the show.
Still, she left it on the channel she'd switched it to which happened to be the news. Saphira walked in and looked at the folders.
"Predictable. Arya spent the entire day with the folder didn't she?"
Eragon set his keys down.
"Yep."
"And you spent none."
Ye- wait no I sort of read it."
Saphira just chuckled and dropped on the couch beside her.
"The news? Really now? You couldn't watch anything more interesting?"
Eragon sat in the chair beside the couch.
"There's a Doctor Who marathon on right now if you want to watch that."
Saphira leaned across Arya and snatched the remote. She immediately surfed the channels until she found it. Arya, feigned annoyance but truthfully she was just glad the commercial hadn't ended yet. She hadn't missed anything.
They watched two more episodes before Eragon stood up and walked to the kitchen. He was in the process of setting ingredients on the counter when he questioned them.
"You guys like chicken?"
Saphira glanced over.
"You cook?"
Eragon looked at them exasperated.
"What is it with everyone doubting my prowess? I am an excellent chef."
Saphira lifted her feet onto the coffee table.
"Maybe it's because you have the maturity of a nine year old boy."
Eragon guffawed.
"I'm obviously eleven. Give me some credit."
Saphira laughed outright.
"And there you go again. But yeah, I love chicken. Arya?"
She glanced at Eragon and saw he was smirking at her, a twinkle in his eye like he had a secret. She just shrugged.
"Yeah, chicken's fine."
He winked and went to work, slicing, stirring, and scraping away. Saphira looked at her shrewdly.
"What was that?"
Arya returned her attention to the television.
"What?"
Saphira smacked her arm.
"Come on now. What was that wink?"
Arya just shrugged.
"Didn't see it."
Letting it go, Saphira just slumped back into the cushion. An hour later Eragon called for them. Both stood and entered the kitchen to find three steaming plates set out on the table. He was standing by his seat proudly and she immediately wanted to smack him. Saphira raised her eyebrows.
"Damn, it looks incredible."
Eragon sat down.
"It is. Try it."
Several moments when by as Saphira ate a bite. Finally she just laughed.
"I was trying so hard not to like it so I could give you crap but it's amazing."
Arya sat down across from her and started to eat, wanting to devour it but remaining completely neutral. Saphira was staring at her.
"So what do you think?"
She shrugged and Eragon laughed.
"Awe, you don't have to pretend for us. We're you're family. You know it's delicious."
Arya bit back a smile. This was too easy. Just sliding into this role she had been given. It worried her but she didn't pay attention to her fears. She was enjoying herself.
"So what did you find out about Firnen?"
Saphira groaned.
"Nothing. He's got his little group of friends and he sticks with them. If I go up to him now it'll be strange. I have to let him come to me."
Eragon chuckled.
"How do you know he will?"
Saphira took a bite, a smug look on her face.
"I said I didn't learn anything about him, not that I didn't make any progress. That boy couldn't keep his eyes off of me."
Eragon snorted.
"Don't get all egotistical now."
Arya continued her questions.
"Do you think there's any of Galbatorix's men here looking?"
Eragon shot a worried look to her.
"He knows about Firnen?"
Arya nodded.
"He has access to the same information as us. More so, even. I'm almost positive he'll be scoping out the situation."
Saphira agreed.
"That's why we need to move quickly. If this kid is really as smart as it seems, we need to get him out of Galbatorix's reach immediately."
Arya set down her fork, having finished.
"What's your plan?"
The girl chuckled.
"You'll see in the morning."
Eragon narrowed his eyes.
"I feel like I wont like this."
Saphira winked and stood, taking her plate to the sink.
"Oh I'm sure you wont." She was almost out of the room when she paused. "Oh, and have fun staying in the same room. Ajihad says that in case there is surveillance from Galbitorix, you must look the part at all times."
Arya's eyes widened.
"Wait what?"
Even Eragon didn't seem very pleased.
"Hold up, you're saying I have to stay in the same room with her for this whole semester?"
By this time Saphira had disappeared but she called from the steps.
"Yepp. Night!"
They looked at each other awkwardly for a moment before she decided to end it. Rising, she followed Saphira's lead and headed for their room. With the door closed to the closet, she slipped off her jeans and shirt and decided to wear sweatpants and a tank top to sleep. This was going to be an interesting few months.
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
He cleaned the dishes by hand, wanting to take as long as possible before having to go upstairs. He didn't know what to expect from her. She was so guarded, yet at times, it was as if she enjoyed being with them, like she didn't want to punch him in the face. He dried the last plate and plodded up the steps, pulling off his shirt as he did so. One thing she wasn't going to do was make him sleep uncomfortably. If she had a problem with how he was dressed, she could just keep it to herself. He pulled off his belt as he walked into the room, throwing both things on the floor and dropping onto the bed.
The water in the bathroom was running and he waited until she was finished. As she opened the door, he caught his breath. She was wearing baggy sweatpants that hung loosely on her hips and the small tank top did nothing to cover the skin along the hem. She seemed uncomfortable with him just lying there topless, so he shook himself out of his trance and stood up, walking into the bathroom. Outside, crickets were singing their songs and the infrequent sound of a car engine was all he heard. The rustle of sheets led him to believe Arya had gotten in the bed. He brushed his teeth and shrugged his shoulders a couple times, prepared for what was about to come.
It was ridiculous that this frayed at his nerves so weren't even doing anything. Pushing open the door, he kept his eyes off of her and climbed in on his side. Everything was going fine until she scoffed.
"Are you seriously wearing jeans to sleep?"
He rolled onto his back, turning his head towards her.
"Yeah. Is that a problem?"
Now he was just annoyed. She rolled her eyes.
"Men."
Eragon frowned.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
She just turned her back to him and pulled the covers up to her shoulders. Making a face at the back of her head, he folded his hands behind his head and closed his eyes, hoping sleep would come rather soon.
He was hit in the face the next morning by a pair of white shorts and a light blue, short-sleave, dress shirt.
"Get up."
He groaned, pushing the fabric off his face to find Arya in a pair of jean shorts that he wished would cover more leg. He was having an extremely difficult time not staring. Her shirt was black with white horizontal stripes and the sleeves were half-length. He pushed himself up, his stomach still killing him, and held up the shorts. He made a gagging noise and could've sworn he saw Arya smile before she looked away.
"Do I look like I would wear something like this?"
Saphira strutted in, sporting insanely short jean shorts and bright pink and blue flannel shirt that almost reached the hem of her shorts.. He shook his head.
"Nope. No way. You aren't going dressed like that. You look like a streetwalker."
Arya glanced at him.
"Eragon she looks fine."
Saphira just chuckled.
"I think he has the wrong cover idea. You're my brother-in-law, not my father, get it right. I look awesome."
He made a face standing up, which received one from Saphira in return.
"You slept in your jeans?"
Arya chuckled and he just shot her a glare before answering.
"They're more comfortable than I thought, alright."
Arya grabbed a brown leather purse and slung it over her shoulder.
"I think you were just too lazy to change."
He pulled the shirt on she'd tossed him and buttoned up the front. Giving them both a pointed look, he warned them.
"These pants are dropping in five seconds. I suggest you make yourselves scarce. Saphira mimicked somebody retching while Arya just be-lined out the door. He smirked and changed into the shorts only to realize they just barely reached his knees and their were only two pockets. He sighed and grabbed the moccasins sitting by the bed. This really sucked. Moving swiftly down the steps, he stopped when he found a couple with their backs to him, speaking animatedly to Arya and Saphira.
"So I just thought we'd come and tell you that tonight is the neighborhood barbecue. I think it would be a wonderful place for you to meet the rest of this little community. Eragon slowly started backing up the steps when Arya caught sight of him and narrowed her eyes. Please no, please no.
"Babe come here. These are our next door neighbors."
He wanted to strangle her. Instead, he put on a smile as the couple turned around. They were dressed similarly in preppy clothing and expensive accessories. He held out his hand.
"Chase. And you?"
The woman grinned and held out her hand.
"Rebecca Thompson. This is my husband George."
Eragon nodded.
"It is so nice to meet both of you. Sorry to rush out, but I'm supposed to be meeting my boss for breakfast in fifteen." He walked past them towards Arya who was watching him with curiosity. He shot her a mischievous grin before pecking her on the lips. She tensed but couldn't react because they were both watching. But he could and he gave her a wide grin.
"By hon, see you for lunch. Have a good day at school Izzie."
With that he was out the door and climbing in his Corvette. He really had nothing at all to do but he didn't exactly want to have to deal with the neighbors yet. So for the next hour he drove around the area, familiarizing himself with the streets and landmarks. He also stopped to buy himself a little gift, knowing he'd probably be in loads of trouble when he returned. As soon as he arrived back at the house and went inside, Arya chucked a pillow from the couch at his head. He ducked instinctively, picking it off the floor and whipping it back at her. Catching it, she looked at him.
"I had to talk to them for over thirty minutes about lawn care and kids I should watch out for. Oh, and I also had to make plans with Rebecca to go shopping for garden supplies. Apparently it's totally in to have a garden."
He laughed, crossing into room and sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Well I am sure you will have so much fun."
She shook her head.
"Oh don't worry. It wont just be me. I explained to her that you were the imaginative one. Said that you loved gardening and that you would be joining us."
He winced, not happy with this outcome.
"Way to go. I don't know anything about flowers or whatever she's insisting you plant."
Arya grinned.
"I know. Have fun learning."
He stuck his tongue out at her before setting his package on the table. She frowned.
"What is that?" Sliding it out carefully, Eragon revealed an X-Box 360 and three controllers. There was also three games. "Eragon what the hell?!"
He went to work, plugging in the chords and setting everything up in the correct place. As soon as he was finished, he turned it on along with two controllers. One he handed to Arya who proceeded to set it back on the table. He frowned at her.
"Come on. Live a little. We don't get to assume our covers until next monday so I think we need to do something in that time."
"Yeah, memorize our covers and job necessities! Not play video games."
He picked up the controller again and took her hand, placing it there. She rolled her eyes and sat back into the cushions, bringing her knees to her chest.
"Thirty minutes."
He grinned cheekily and opened a case, setting the disc in the console.
"We'll play some Halo 4: SWAT. I'd rather play an RPG but they're only one player. See, I'm sacrificing awesome fun for you." She just waited as he entered in everything needed in creating an account with the name SaberDragon. Finally, after it was set up, he started the game. "Do you even know how to play?"
Arya looked skeptically at the controller.
"I'm not really a gamer. And what's with the name?"
"Saber Tooth tigers are the coolest things ever. And who doesn't like dragons? Now for the controls." He began pointing out the different buttons. "Move, turn, crouch, sprint, shoot, and aim. That's all you really need for this. Oh and the left bumper is pummel. Holding it down allows you to assassinate." The game started and she started to walk forward only to turn into a wall. He snickered. "You have to keep the view with the way your moving."
Arya frowned and spun in a circle, causing another burst of amusement from him.
"Shut up."
She glanced at his screen to see him take out two guys with headshots. As she looked back, somebody grabbed her and stabbed her, causing Eragon to tsssk.
"Damn, assassination. That's hurts man."
She ignored him, annoyance filling her as she ran out only to be shot again. She didn't enjoy being bad at anything, least of all something Eragon excelled at. She learned quickly, her reflexes and strategic mind aiding in her mastery. She took down three people as the game ended with a red DEFEAT sign on their screens. Eragon started the next round and she immediately sprinted out, following behind her teammates. With no knowledge of the map, she relied on Eragon, trailing behind him. Just as he turned a corned she watched his guy get shot down.
"Crouching on the right."
Arya scanned the tv, deciding to wait it out. Seconds later, the guy who shot Eragon ran out and before he could do anything, she was behind him, pulling him down and jamming a blade into him. Eragon whooped as he ran up the stairs next to her, just as she finished the assassination.
"Nice one!"
She couldn't help the grin that split her face as they continued on, slowly slipping into a groove with him. They called out information to each other and it became a partnership, always keeping together.
"He's going up the elevator."
He flicked the controller, turning in time to fire at the head of the Spartan that came up behind him. Arya's was right behind him and they stood on either side of an opening, backs against the wall that led to a ramp, keeping watch on the stairs and two other ramps while also waiting for any enemies to walk past. Two came up the stairs that Eragon easily dispatched just as one entered to the right. Arya fired, taking him out and turning to find somebody grab Eragon from behind as they began to assassinate. Before he could, she took him down. The game called out a warning.
"Five kills to win."
Both Eragon and Arya smirked and whirled about, looking to take out the remaining five before the other. She didn't know where their teammates were but all that mattered was that she beat him. In the next seconds she go one while he got another. A warning came up, now saying that one kill remained. She started at a sprint, looking for an opponent. Just then she saw one up ahead and ran at him, tackling him to the ground for the kill. Just as she did, a shot blew through and the game ended.
"YOINK!"
She glared at Eragon as the blue VICTORY sign covered their screen. Eragon looked smug as he got up to turn off the xbox. She realized before he did and stopped him.
"Wait, what are you doing?"
He frowned.
"You said thirty minutes."
She bit her cheek, annoyed that he remembered.
"Whatever, lets just play."
He gave her a toothy smile and sat back down as the scores came up. She had eighteen kills to his twenty-two. She shook her head.
"Just wait. I'm going to kick your ass."
He rolled his eyes and started the next game. A note popped up, saying somebody wanted private chat. Eragon rapidly stood and grabbed the sack, pulling two wireless headsets out of the bag.
"I opened them already, you ready?"
She took one and turned it on.
"Why are we going to join the chat?"
He shrugged.
"Why not. Some of the people you end up talking to are awesome."
With that he accepted the request. the person who spoke sounded like they were around nineteen or so.
"What up SD?"
Eragon grinned.
"Not much. You ready to kick some ass?"
"Totally."
They continued to chat while Arya remained silent. It wasn't until the game started that she spoke. Eragon ran into a room and Arya caught a glimpse of a blue Spartan behind him.
"At your six."
Eragon whirled and shot before the man could. He warned her to an enemy at her left. She fired and then joined him, both running forward. All four of the other team sprinted into the room. Both jumped their characters to made it harder to shoot them. Arya looked to her left.
"I got left."
They killed each member, constantly jumping to avoid fire. When the team was dead Arya grinned and Eragon chuckled. Suddenly the kid they were speaking to let out an excited yell.
"Holy hell you got a girl there playing with ya?"
Sticking to his cover, Eragon continued to play.
"Yeah, my wife."
"DUDE! That's fricken' awesome. Lucky bastard. The fact that she's beast at this makes it even better."
Arya rolled her eyes, taking down two reds while the conversation went on. The game ended and the guy they were playing with sighed.
"Damn, well I'm being summoned. My non-gamer girl wants me to join the world of the living for a bit. Peace out. I'll send a friend request."
He did as he said just before signing off. Eragon accepted and then stood, opening the tray. She frowned.
"Why are you stopping it now?"
He put the disc in it's case and grabbed another. Get ready for a game of pure awesomeness!"
She watched as the beginning recognition started before a black screen with a silver dragon appeared. He clicked new game and handed her the player one control, taking a moment to shut the other off. She waited while a scene played out in the back of a wagon, taking in the story. The graphics were impressive and the level of detail that filled the expanse was spectacular. Eragon sighed in frustration as it continued and she glanced at him.
"What?"
He steepled his fingers on his chest.
"This intro is so unbelievably long and monotonous."
She turned back as the cart pulled to a stop.
"I don't think it's so bad."
"Well you haven't had to watch it eighty times. Hand that to me." Obliging, she watched as he paused the game and saved. "There, now we'll at least be able to start at this point.
He handed back the control and she waited as the guard spoke. "Who are you?"
While she made her character, Eragon stood up and went to the kitchen, pulling out a bag of tortilla chips and popping them open. He busied himself for over twenty minutes until she was finally finished with her creation. He chuckled.
"Leave it to you to make the most brutal looking female character I've ever seen."
She smirked and settled into the cushions, following the directions the opening gave.
-A-R-Y-A-
It was almost time for Saphira to be getting back. She'd driven herself today, not feeling the need to be taken by them again. Eragon had fallen asleep an hour or so before and she was left with the game. He stirred as the garage door opened, blinking several times while Saphira joined them on the couch.
"What's this?"
Arya stretched her arms.
"A game."
"No? Really? I could never have guessed. I mean, how the hell did Eragon get you to play video games. And where did this come from?"
Eragon sat up completely, his hair pressed awkwardly from being smashed on the pillow for so long.
"I went and got it earlier and now she wont get off. She's been playing for hours." He looked at the screen and his eyes widened. "Level nineteen, nice."
Saphira snatched the controller, sheathing the character's daggers and flipping the camera around to see her race.
"Interesting choice as well." She glanced down at her watch and stood. "Barbecue in thirty, time to get ready."
Eragon frowned.
"Why can't we go like this?"
Arya snorted and saved her game.
"We're trying to make good first impressions. Go throw on something nicer."
He groaned unnecessarily loud and slid off the couch, trudging up the steps. She didn't realize she was smiling until Saphira nudged her.
"What's with you?"
Arya blinked once, regaining her composure.
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't been a bitch as much as normal. Usually you two are shooting insults at each other no matter where you are."
"I still do that." She said, not sure why she was defending her attitude.
Saphira gave her an unbelieving look.
"Not as much."
Rolling her eyes, Arya resumed playing.
"Go change. I'll go when Eragon's done."
Twenty minutes later Arya returned to the kitchen wearing dark blue skinny jeans, a white shirt with gray stripes, a peach blazer, and black, ankle-height, boots. She'd pulled her hair into a messy bun and was sitting at the table as Saphira entered, dressed similarly with pale yellow jeans and long, navy blouse with large white polka-dots.
"Where's Eragon?"
Arya looked towards the steps.
"I'm making him change again. He came down looking ridiculous." She heard footfalls and returned her attention to the stairs. "Speak of the devil."
She fought the urge to grin as he stepped into view. Without warning, she felt her heart beat faster and her breath caught. He was clothed in baggier jeans than he'd worn the day before, but they were a faded, grayish-dark blue color and several, tasteful tears were on the fabric. He wore a gray shirt with a light blue dress shirt over it, the buttons left unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled to his elbows. On his feet were brand new black, high-top Chucks. Saphira rolled her eyes.
"Dude, you're supposed to dress up."
He stopped where he was and wilted, pouting as he turned to go back upstairs. Before he could, Arya's brain forced her mouth to speak.
"I think it's fine."
Both looked at her curiously but Saphira's piercing stare was slightly nerve racking. Suddenly the former blonde smirked wryly and turned back to Eragon.
"Fine. Wear it. But please do something about that hair."
He walked into the kitchen.
"I tried! It's mean to me and refuses to cooperate."
Saphira pushed him in the direction of the bathroom.
"Arya go help him."
She frowned.
"Why don't you?"
The younger girl just looked at her.
"Seriously? Just go fix his hair." Eragon had entered the bathroom and Saphira continued tongue in cheek. "Oh, and try not to drool too much while you're doing it."
With a glare, Arya crossed the room and entered the bathroom to find him leaning on the sink, the shirt pulled tight across his lithe and muscled back. She dug her nails into her palm, not exactly sure why she was having such a reaction. He looked fine in anything, but for some reason, this half casual, half slacker look just fit him perfectly. He glanced at her in the mirror, catching her eye and smiling his most charming smile, his white teeth perfectly straight.
"I really did try to do it by myself."
She waited while he stood up straight and then motioned for him to sit. He complied, settling on the edge of the bathtub and folding his hands together. She opened the drawer to find a comb and turned on the water. Wetting her hand, she pushed her fingers through his hair, immediately surprised by how soft it was. She saw his eyes shut and wondered at his reaction while she continued to wet his hair down. As soon as it was flat, she called for Saphira to grab a blow-dryer, a straightener, wax hair product, clippers, and hair spray. Eragon grimaced as Saphira piled them on the counter in the bathroom. She grabbed the clippers and Eragon about fell into the tub in his effort to get away.
"Woah, hey now. Nobody is cutting my hair."
Arya plugged it in and crossed her arms.
"Eragon, it'll grow back. This will just make it easier for you to style while we're undercover. I wont change much, alright?"
He frowned and leaned forward.
"Fine. But if it looks awful I will make this assignment hell for you."
She went to work, trimming the sides until they were a long buzz, but she left the top longer, almost an inch and a half closer to the sides while the very middle remained around two inches. She fought the random urge to run her fingers through it and grabbed the comb. After spritzing in heat protectant, she brushed it all towards the middle. Grabbing the straightener, she continued on until finally putting in the product and pushing the hair to the side. It was in a style called the Frank and he looked damn good with it. She sprayed the hairspray in and stepped back while Saphira giggled.
"You look awesome!"
Eragon took a breath, watching Arya warily before he looked in the mirror. She watched him smugly when he smiled. He liked it as well. Saphira grabbed both their arms and towed them towards the door.
"Alright you two, time for some fun mingling."
Eragon stepped out into the still bright sun and was glad that weather in England was so unpredictable. While it was still warm, there was a heavy breeze that made what they were wearing perfectly comfortable. They were in a large culdisac and cones had been set out to keep cars from trying to slide through. Fold out chairs were placed in circles and two grills were out with people surrounding them. A couple tables held loads of food and desserts that she knew Eragon would go for as soon as he was able.
Rebecca saw them and waved excitedly causing several of their neighbors to look over. Saphira remembered something suddenly and looked at her.
"Oh, by the way, there's a possibility that Firnen and some of his friends will show up so I'll keep you updated."
Arya wanted to scold her lapse but she didn't want to make a scene. Quietly, as they kept walking, she whispered.
"Why are you just now telling us this, Saphira?"
She waved her phone in her face.
"He just told me. Calm down, Arya."
"You didn't share with us the fact that you made progress though."
Saphira shrugged.
"I wasn't expecting him to actually text me today. He asked for my number and I figured he'd play it cool. Apparently I made a bigger impression than I thought."
They reached the circle Rebecca and her husband were in and switched into cover mode as the lady stepped forward and hugged Arya, making her cringe inwardly.
"It's so good to see you here. You look wonderful."
Arya smiled.
"You as well."
They were introduced to the rest of those gathered and Arya just nodded. She had already memorized their faces and backstories, making it easier to maneuver through the crowd. Eragon on the other hand was having to try to remember everything on the fly. She hid a grin every time he had to ask her a question about one of them. She was currently in a conversation with a man who was a lawyer at a different firm. He questioned her strategy in climbing to the top, giving her tips on how to impress her bosses. She glanced over to find Eragon talking to a man with dark brown, almost black hair and gray eyes. He was slightly taller than Eragon and he was in an animated conversation about something.
From her list of neighbors she recognized him as Devon Kreiss, an Ad Executive that had moved in two months before. Along with several others, this was on her list of possible enemy agents. A more promising candidate though, was the woman she'd spotted working one of the grills. Her name was Elaine Greger and she'd moved in less than a month before. Her history while, fully in tact, was limited and simple. A shotty job for somebody as skilled as Shruikan, but then again, maybe it was another who'd created her cover because the DRAGON was fully involved in another project. Everything was too filled with questions and uncertainties for her to come to any conclusion yet.
Eragon waved her over and she smiled to Chris, the man who was talking with her.
"Excuse me a moment."
She made her way to them and took Devon's outstretched hand while Eragon introduced them.
"Devon, Taylor, Taylor, this is Devon."
The dark haired man grinned profusely.
"I've heard a lot about your x-box skills. We'll have to play sometime."
She fought the urge to punch Eragon in the face. Was that seriously what they had been talking about for twenty minutes? She took Eragon's arm, letting her nails dig into the skin slightly.
"I'm sure it was greatly exaggerated."
Eragon smiled.
"Not at all. You own, babe."
Saphira appeared next to her, a teen following closely behind.
"Taylor, I'd like you to meet my friend Firnen. He goes to my school. Firnen, this is my sister Taylor and her husband Chase."
The kid stepped forward, nervousness written all over his face, and shook both of their hands.
"It's so nice to meet both of you."
Arya smiled sweetly.
"Izzie said she'd be having a few friends over. I was under the impression there would be more."
She let her older sister tone slide in, basically warning the kid to watch himself. Saphira rolled her eyes.
"Don't get all uptight, Tay. The others couldn't make it."
She let it go, and Saphira led Firnen to the food. Eragon wrapped his arms around her waist, his chest flush against her back.
"Don't worry, he's seems like a good kid."
She played along, ignoring the desire to throw him over her and onto the ground. She rested her head back into the crook of his neck and shoulder.
"Maybe. We'll see."
He kissed her cheek and she felt her insides flutter. Ignoring it they turned back to find Devon smiling at them.
"How long have you guys been together?"
Eragon kept in place.
"Four years. Well I met her five years ago but we've been married four."
Arya was relieved he at least knew their cover. Devon leaned against the streetlight behind him.
"Where did you meet?"
She grinned, looking down as if remembering.
"I was working as a barista, well, barrister, and he came in one day with his buddies." Now was when it got tricky. It was up to them to decide many of the details of their cover and she was planning on making Eragon look like a douche. She didn't know exactly why, but it amused her when he became flustered. She felt his arms tense as he realized she was going offbook. "I took their order and when I got to him, he was rather charming even though he was rowdy and obnoxious."
Seeming to catch on to what she was doing, Eragon interrupted.
"I couldn't help it. She was insanely beautiful. I could tell she was amused and a little bit annoyed, but I knew I had to ask her out when she came back and spilled coffee all over me."
She elbowed his side playfully.
"I did not. You were being an idiot and accidentally tripped me. After, you used the excuse that I had hurt you to try to coerce me into going out on a date with you."
He chuckled.
"And she said no. So I came back the next day and asked again. And again. Until finally, out of desperation to get rid of me or my boyish charms, she still hasn't spilled which, she agreed."
Arya shook her head.
"Oh I've definitely told you. It was my desperation to rid myself of your harrowing visits."
He turned her in his arms, still keeping her close. His eyes were narrowed and mischievous as he looked into hers. His tone was amused when he spoke.
"Sure didn't take much to get you to go out with me again, though."
She allowed herself to lean closer.
"Well you pouted profusely until I agreed."
He tilted his head.
"Are you sure it wasn't the fact that I'm an amazing kisser."
Arya snorted.
"Ha. Yeah. Noooo."
He moved closer, his face just an inch from hers.
"Are you sure. I could've sworn you were basically begging for a second date."
She slipped her fingers into his belt loops, pulling his hips against hers.
"I think that was all in your head, baby."
Devon laughed outright and they separated.
"You two are great. How would you like to come to dinner with me and my girlfriend this coming Friday?"
Arya let Eragon answer as she was trying to figure out what on earth had just gotten into her. Eragon nodded.
"I'm almost positive that we'll be free. I'll let you know soon though." Saphira returned with Firnen, taking a seat on the curb and smiling while they talked. Eragon grinned. "I think I'm going to excuse myself to grab something to eat. You want anything, Tay?"
She glanced at Saphira who was sitting right up against Firnen and laughing at something he said.
"Nah, I'm good."
He nodded and turned away. For the rest of the night they stuck with Devon, talking and enjoying themselves as much as possible. She kept an eye on Saphira and Firnen, noticing that they were always in deep conversation along with always smiling. She chuckled. Saphira was good at this. They might not be here for too much longer after all.
funnelwebs: Well damn ;) Lol exactly it's pretty awesome. Shhhhhhhh, don't bring logic into my world of fun. They are just special and can regain the ability to walk. Well she's opening up partially because she understands him now, she can trust him more now because he didn't break the whole time undercover, and lets be honest, who can resist the charms of Eragon?
Renaissancebooklover108: Those two names are actually the names from my book that I'm writing. They're my favorite boy and girl name lol
Microbat98: Dude that sounds like the worst night ever! I would have broken shit.
Guest: I know and I will definitely get working on An Unwanted Bond as soon as I get some inspiration to write it. I've just been super into these ones at the moment.
Pearly1: Thanks! And you can blame Elemental Dragon Slayer for that. He is my go to guy for all things England so it's totes his fault for not pointing that out! Jk it's my bad. Oh yeah the OCR was totes EDS. So props to him :D
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Ok so I know a lot of quotes that involve that and so I can't figure out which one! If you tell me though I'm sure I've seen it. I feel like I've failed!
Anonymous: ;) Just wait. All will be revealed in time. But you're right, they would've gotten him if he was alive. So. . . yeah I have a plan for that but it wont be revealed till later chapters. And they dressed up to blend in. It wasn't like they were trying to find anything at the hotel. And Eragon thinks he's killed the dude. It's a sticky situation because his orders were to keep him alive so he needs to not bring it up or he might get in trouble. On the other hand, he's glad that he got to kill him so why would he question anything? But I do agree with the fact that I focus too much on current situations. Like, I actually do know that and I would like to fix it, but that would require a much higher level of effort. While I sound lazy saying that, I am also being realistic with what I am able to do right now. I'm just now trying to put more description into my stories because before I didn't have any. I feel that if I add anything else to my plate of improvements, I'll just lose the joy I feel from writing. But I'm not saying in any way that I wont work on it later, just for now, I think I need to stick to what I'm good at. I have to build up to these things if that makes any sense. But you're constructive criticism is actually very helpful so thank you :)
pie6013: I have failed! But yeah it's an amazing game! And thank ya!
predatorform: Thank you! Haha I am smiling so much reading this review! I might throw that in but it'll have to be believable so it wont happen while they're in England. Lol he isn't like, hugely muscled. It's like that awesome, buff but controlled muscle. Like, for example, Trevor Donovan's body type. So he's not all huge and gross buff, he's sexy, slim, and awesome buff.
My Generation: Well they're kind of benched until the mole is discovered so yeah, they're jst focusing on Firnen. No I think I leave him unscathed in this.
Engr99: Well it's very helpful actually. Too bad you don't have an account or I'd totes be asking more questions about law and stuff. And thank you :) Although I bet you have a crazy epic imagination.
Guest: YES I DID :D I do apologize because I knew going in that it would be horrible. I also put an apology at the end for it. I don't know shit about Spanish or any other language besides English so you'll have to excuse my ignorance.
Gazamidori: :D and I promise I don't get writers block. Although sometimes I go periods of time without updating. . . whoops. But thank you for the review and overview. And I def agree with the vocab because while it is very high, I don't use it as much in my writing as I should.
Gasp. 714 words to answer reviews! It's awesome!