Alright so there's a time skip in this but not too large of a jump. And I apologize in advance for not going into detail about their jobs and exactly what they do. I don't know much about either so I'm barely skirting by as is with their covers.

It was Monday. Five-thirty in the morning and the sun hadn't yet risen above the clouds to pierce his tired eyes with their light. Arya was in the bathroom, preparing, and he was sprawled across the entire bed, his gray slacks on while his shirt was laying next to him on the sheets, just waiting for him to ready himself. Arya appeared in the doorway, rolling her eyes at his laziness.

"Eragon you have to be at work in an hour."

He sighed, stretching his arms back and tensing his muscles, trying to relax. Her eyes flickered to his toned abs before she ran her hand through her hair and sat on the edge of the bed, sliding her heels on. Eragon grinned.

"See, I don't take nearly as long to get dressed in the morning as you. It's ridiculous."

She motioned to the bathroom.

"You still need to do your hair. That'll take some time."

He grimaced at her choice of words.

"Couldn't you use a more manly expression?"

He watched as she headed towards the hall.

"You better be down in ten."

He nodded, his eyes already closing. I won't sleep. I'm getting up. I'm getti...His eyes drifted closed. Fifteen minutes later he was forced awake by firm hands pulling him into a sitting position. Her scent was intoxicating, causing his mind fuddle as her fingers scorched deliciously across his flesh. His eyes shot open and he shook the fog from his brain.

"I'm up! I'm up!"

Arya didn't remove her fingers, believing that he would only return to the comfort of the bed as soon as she let go.

"Well lets see it. Get dressed."

He groaned as he pushed himself to his feet, drowsiness still overwhelming him. He pulled on a white undershirt, yawning deeply. After he snatched the black dress shirt, he slid it over his shoulders. Arya gripped his arm and pulled him to the large bathroom, settling him on a chair that sat before a long mirror. With quick precision she began to mold his hair to whatever style she desired. Five minutes later she was finished, leaving him seated while she fished through the closet, retrieving a black belt and a tie with slanted black and white stripes.

She dropped the belt into his lap, wrapping the tie around his neck. She stepped around to his front, all business as she tied the fabric around him. But unlike her, he was waking up with every moment that she was this close and it made his heart beat much faster. She finished it and he instinctively reached up to straighten it, accidentally brushing her hand and making her freeze.

She caught his eye, staring for a second before shutting down her expression and moving away. He sucked in a breath as he blinked rapidly, forcing himself to stand and enter the bedroom. Arya had already disappeared from the room and returned downstairs. He grabbed the briefcase and the gray suit jacket that she'd placed on the bed. He jogged down the steps to find Arya eating a bowl of cereal. He chuckled.

"You actually put milk in it? You're learning!"

She let slip a small grin.

"Not at all. I'm just keeping you on your toes."

Saphira dropped exhaustedly down the steps. He smirked in amusement.

"Up and at em'."

She made a face at him.

"Shut up. All I have to do today is go to school, you guys have actual work that will require effort."

Arya looked up from her cereal.

"You have school work to do."

Saphira looked smug.

"Yes, but I have the IQ of Terrence Tao. Its not work, its a way to pass the time. You two are more average in intelligence."

Eragon scoffed at her teasing.

"Ill have you know, I am above average, and I assume with Arya's sly and brilliant mind, she is too."

Saphira stuck her tongue out.

"Whatever. Good luck anyway."

He smiled and watched as she flipped on the Xbox, flopping on the couch.

"What are you doing up so early, anyway?"

"I'm a very light sleeper. Doesn't take much at all to wake me."

She had chosen to play Assassin's Creed:III and he motioned for Arya to look.

"You can play this as well. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

She nodded, setting her bowl in the sink and plucking her keys from their hook.

"I'll check that out. See you guys tonight."

She closed the garage door behind her and Saphira frowned.

"What's with her?"

Eragon shrugged.

"No clue. He palmed his own keys, watching Saphira play for a couple more minutes before heading out himself.

-A-R-Y-A-

She started the engine, letting herself sink into the leather seats of the car. She was trying to block out the thoughts from just ten minutes ago as Eragon's fingers brushed her own. It had caused a reaction in her she didn't like. The flutter of her heart and the raising of heat in her cheeks. Obviously she'd been able to hide it, but she didn't want to accept that it had happened. It wasn't like her to feel that kind of emotion.

She sped down the street, letting the GPS lead her to her destination. By the time she arrived it was almost six forty-five. She searched for a parking space, finding one after circling several times. Walking into the building, she flashed the security badge that had been forged for her. The security guards nodded and she made her way to the elevator. In the free days before today, she'd spent her time learning the floor plan of her building. Where everyone was located and all the escape routes.

She'd forced Eragon to do the same despite his constant grumblings that so much study wasn't necessary. Pushing the up button she waited patiently. The whirring of machinery alerted her to the coming lift and it dinged as the doors slid open. Several sharply dressed men and women exited, giving her quick glances before looking away. She stepped inside, waiting for the doors to close. Just as they did, a woman's hand blocked them. She grinned at Arya before slipping inside and pressing the floor just above her own. Arya let out a quiet breath. She'd studied Mary Henders', Firnen's mother, schedule to make sure she arrived at the same time. She'd almost thought the woman had already gone up. From her peripheral vision she studied her target. She seemed kind, a wizened look in her eyes like she knew more than she cared to share. It was intriguing. When Mary spoke she was startled, although she hid it well.

"Are you an intern?"

Arya smiled, holding out her hand."

"Taylor Drummond. Yes I am."

Mary grinned sweetly.

"Mary Henders."

Arya feigned surprise.

"You're a partner up in the big floor aren't you?"

A chuckle left the woman's lips.

"That I am. It's good to know at least some of our interns are familiar with the whole of the company. Are you at University right now?"

Arya allowed a look of embarrassment to cross her cheeks.

"I graduated already. But I haven't taken the BAR quite yet. It always seemed so daunting and as much as my husband reassures me that I'll pass, I just can't seem to find the nerve."

Mary looked at her with understanding.

"It is a very nerve-racking experience, let me tell you. It's good that your husband is so supportive of you. And if you don't mind me saying, you look rather young to be married."

Arya grinned, leaning casually against the wall as if she was lost in thought of her man.

"I am. We were pretty young I mean. But, when you meet that person that just turns your world on end with a single smile, there's no point in fighting it."

Mary nodded in agreement.

"I know what you mean."

Just then the elevator slowed and the doors opened. Arya nodded at her.

"It was so very nice to meet you, Mary."

The woman smiled.

"You as well. Have a nice day."

Arya walked out and swiftly found her desk, sitting and finding a pile of work to do stacked high on her desk. She raised her eyebrow. Saphira really knew how to build a cover. She discovered the stacks of papers were legal documents from a case that was being covered. She sighed, knowing that reviewing them was going to be a long ass and arduous procedure.

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

He pulled up to Richard Henders' business, Sparrow Print, which was a major publisher of books in the UK. He was going to be part of a team working to boost employee work and morale. It was going to be interesting, entering into this world and pretending he knew everything about it. Of course he'd studied and was clear on what he was required to accomplish. He knew he could. But it was still going to be a challenge. What he, Saphira, and Arya were doing was risky. All three of them being planted in the target's life? That was a rare move for dire situations.

While this one wasn't a frantic race, it was still a race and the more people connected to Firnen's life would make success that much more attainable. He parked, sliding a hand into his pocket and walking casually into the building. Immediately he was ushered to a meeting room already filled with the people he knew to be his team. The first was his boss, Lana Parelan, a woman in her late forties with a no-nonsense attitude and a look that made him think she had a stick up her butt.

Next was Max Allen: tall, dark, and handsome. At least according to Saphira. He was going to be studying the leadership in the company. Kate Wells, short and red-headed, was going to be working statistics, trying to find new revenues for Richard to take advantage of. And Jessica Billington. The woman who he'd be working side by side with, studying employee interaction. She was gorgeous. Not his type, but still, it was hard not to admire. Her long blonde locks wound gracefully down her back and stunning hazel eyes easily captured attention. But he'd found something out recently that bothered him. Every woman he saw he immediately compared to Arya. And without fail, none met up to her perfect curves, searching, cunning, emerald eyes, and angled features that gave her an exotic air. It was troublesome, but he'd grown used to it.

They all looked at him, their practiced eyes studying him while his boss held out her hand.

"Chase. It's very nice to meet you. When I heard you were transferring to my team I wasn't exactly thrilled. But a look at your records made me change my mind. We're happy to have you aboard."

He shook her hand.

"Thank you, ma'am. I'm happy to be here."

The woman smiled tightly.

"Good. Let's get started. You'll be traversing the lower floors, watching out for anything worth mentioning. Jessica will be with you. On your way."

The blonde gave him a grin, her bright teeth flashing their perfection. His player side winced slightly, wanting nothing more than to shed his cover just so he could play the game he always did. But the other side, the one that seemed to be enveloping most of his time now-a-days, the side that was focused on a very single person, quickly stole that thought from his mind and trashed it. He sighed. This was going to be interesting.

Two weeks later

He collapsed on the couch, the weariness from the day making it hard to stay upright any longer. He'd been in three consecutive meetings that day listening to the reports about different enforcement techniques that could be instituted, employ motivational proposals, and leadership faults. Jessica had luckily volunteered to give their presentation, allowing him to sit back and listen.

Minutes later Arya entered as well, her face tired and tense. She glanced at him and nodded in hello. He smiled.

"How was your day, sweetie?"

She rolled her eyes at his pet name, knowing it was just a way to relieve the stress in the room. She sat beside him, grabbing two controllers and passing one to him.

"I hate work. I'd rather get shot through the lung and have my femur snapped then ever legitimately work for a law firm."

Eragon laughed turning on his controller.

"Agreed. Who'd of thought getting fired at and chased was less stressful than working desk jobs."

She maneuvered her way easily to the Wargames and clicked SWAT. Just as they did, Kreissinator joined their party. Eragon smiled.

"Devon. How are ya' buddy?"

The man on the other end chuckled.

"Swamped. I was given a deadline to meet by the end of this week and so I decided that since I had a shit ton of work to accomplish, I'd play some halo."

Even Arya grinned at the man's humor. The countdown began as soon as the game started, all three of them moved into a well known rhythm. They called out shots, staying together and working as a unit through the game. They won the first three rounds easily, each averaging a kill count of around fifteen. They were about to start their fourth game when Saphira burst into the house, her laughter ringing through the room. Behind her, much too close to be friendly, was Firnen. He saw them watching from the couch and moved several feet back, the smile on his face lessening a little as he looked down in embarrassment. Arya gave Saphira very parental look but turned back to the game, not in the mood to scold her even under the cover as her sister.

Eragon chuckled beside her, scooting closer until his shoulder was leaning against hers. She allowed her body to relax against his, going into marriage mode. The game began and Devon called out first when his character died.

"Two behind you."

Eragon spun, taking out one of the enemies before the other shot him. Arya finished the remaining one, running without either of them as they respawned somewhere else. She kept her weapon level, firing at the heads of any blue she saw. Three kills later both Devon and Eragon were at her side again. In the background, he could hear Saphira giggling and she glanced back to see Firnen's lips at her ear, whispering something quietly. Worry filled her. There was a problem with undercover work like this. Growing attached was very easy. Especially for somebody at Saphira's age. Over the past two weeks, she'd noticed several looks and glances the former blonde gave their target, one's that had the potential to ruin this entire mission.

But whenever she brought it up, Saphira managed to brush it off, quickly moving to the topic of her and Eragon. With that, the conversation would reach a stalemate. Neither wanted to talk about their personal feelings enough to push further. Finally, Firnen sat in the chair beside the couch, Saphira perching on the armrest as they watched the VICTORY banner flash on the screen. Firnen whistled.

"You guys are good. It still shocks me that all three of you enjoy video games so much."

Saphira bumped his arm.

"Why? Because we're girls?"

Eragon sputtered in surprise.

"Hey now."

Saphira chuckled.

"You know I didn't mean you, Chase." She looked back to Firnen, waiting for him to answer her question. The jade eyed boy just shook his head.

"Of course not. I just mean that it's pretty rare for all members of a family to enjoy and excel at gaming. I mean, not that rare, but I don't see it often."

Eragon rolled his shoulders, tossing him the remote.

"Well, I'm actually going to make dinner but you should play." He looked to Arya. "Wanna help, Tay?"

She seemed surprised at his question but masked it quickly.

"Sure."

Eragon grinned and spoke into the headset.

"Hey man, I'm going to hand over the set to Izzie. You don't have to keep playing if you don't want."

-A-R-Y-A-

Saphira snatched the headset, familiar with the Ad Exec from times playing before.

"Hell no. You better not back out. I need to beat the crap out of you in kills again."

Arya handed her headset to Firnen and he smiled his thanks, moving to the couch with Saphira and sitting much too close as Devon laughed at Saphira's insult. Arya bit her bottom lip and frowned. Suddenly, she felt Eragon's fingers slip into hers and pull her toward the kitchen. She ignored the shivers that went through her at his touch and allowed him to pull her away. She frowned at him.

"Don't tell me this doesn't worry you."

He sighed, removing steaks from the fridge that he'd marinated that morning.

"Of course it does. But what are we supposed to do? Saphira isn't spilling. Even to me."

Arya rolled her neck, trying to force the kinks out. His strong hands settled on her shoulders, pressing the muscles. This time she wasn't able to shove him away as she had before. And she was glad. It felt amazing. His fingers seemed to know exactly where she was hurting, massaging away the coiled knots. She placed the steaks on a plate after a minute and grabbed his hand, pulling him outside to the back deck. He left the door open and she knew because of that that he was just as nervous about Saphira becoming too attached to their mark. He wanted to listen in and make sure nothing was happening. Eragon turned the grill on and glanced across the fence to find their next door neighbors waving at them.

They returned the gesture, making it seem like they were in deep conversation afterward so that they wouldn't be bothered. He placed the steaks on the grill, walking inside to grab the spices. She allowed herself to grin. Not that she would admit it, but having somebody who could cook like was pro was an incredible perk. They hadn't eaten a burnt or fast food meal the entire time they were there. The dinner they'd been invited to by Devon had been rescheduled to the coming Wednesday because it turned out his girlfriend couldn't make the last one. Still, that didn't stop Eragon and the man from hanging out. Every other day, the two went out for beers at a local pub just down the street. They'd become fast friends, also somewhat troubling but she also knew that Eragon could detach himself from the situation when it was necessary. He would move on. Saphira. . . . she might be able to so easily.

She looked up just as Eragon returned, several things in hand. While they waited, Eragon leaned against the railing and she rested against him, his chest at her back, her head on his shoulder, making it seem like just an ordinary thing. But she could feel his body tense at her proximity before his arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly. The past two weeks had been like this. One of them instigating the cover while the other one adjusted to it as quickly as was possible.

She was glad that his attitude since she met him had changed dramatically. He still teased and acted immaturely, but his all around actions proved that he was truly focused on the mission. Well, that's what she told herself. The other alternative scared her too much to allow her to ponder. The fact that maybe he'd found a reason to change. That maybe he just cared. . . about her. She clenched her jaw, letting his warm arms encompass her.

The next morning as she arrived at work, she waited a little longer to enter. It was important that her bump-ins with Mary were scattered and random. She'd been sitting at her desk for an hour before a pest that had been bugging her entire time working showed his face.

"Hey, Tay."

She winced, not liking how it sounded coming from him. Not liking how it sounded coming from anyone but Eragon and Saphira. She glanced up.

"Hey."

"So would you like to get lunch with me later?"

She didn't respond, only held up her left hand, showing the intern her wedding ring. He smirked.

"I didn't say anything about it being a date."

She sighed, having been through this with him before.

"But it is all the same. Go ask somebody whose single to go to lunch."

The dark haired man grinned, leaning too closely.

"But nobody here is as damned gorgeous as you."

She rolled her eyes.

"I'm working, Asher."

He sat on her desk, folding his arms.

"You could take a break."

She frowned.

"I just got here."

He opened his mouth to speak again but was interrupted.

"Taylor."

Arya turned around and found Mary Henders standing just behind Asher. The man blanched and slipped away. Arya gave the woman a thankful smile and turned in her chair.

"Can I help you?"

Mary nodded, motioning for Arya to stand up.

"You've done considerably well here and I'd like to have you assist me with something. There's a case I think I could use you on."

Arya bit back a sigh of relief. This is what she had been waiting for.

"Of course, ma'am."

The woman chuckled.

"Oh my dear it's Mary to you."

Arya grinned and followed her up the to her office, immediately being set to work on researching for a case the lady was working on. Arya had offered to return to her desk with the files but Mary had just shook her head saying,

"Sometimes it's just better to work with somebody. Talking the case through opens more doors than thinking quietly in your head."

They had been chatting and working for almost three hours when Arya's phone rang. She looked at the woman apologetically but Mary told her to answer it.

"This is Taylor."

"Ah yes, Mrs. Drummond. This is Rosa. We've had a small situation with your sister."

Fear shot through Arya but she tamped it down.

"What kind of situation?"

"She skipped her first two classes."

Her fear alleviated.

"Oh. Is that all?"

Rosa stuttered.

"Well, yes. But it's already happened twice before so she's in the my office right now. I called your husband but he wasn't able to come down. Are you available?"

Arya swore silently in her head. She'd finally gotten in with the mother and now she was going to have to bail.

"Rosa, I'm currently at work. Is there any way we could have this meeting after school ends?"

The woman huffed.

"Mrs. Drummond, your sister is facing serious punishment. I need one of her guardians here with her."

Arya winced but caught sight of Mary's nod. The woman chuckled to her and Arya smiled her thanks.

"Alright, Rosa, I'll be there in twenty."

When she hung up Mary gave her a pondering look.

"Rosa? Rosa Teliki?"

Arya nodded, acting surprised that she knew the name.

"Yes, my sister is currently going to that school."

Interest flitted across the the woman's face.

"My son, Firnen, goes there. He-"

She was cut off by the ringing of her phone. Frowning at the caller I.D., she answered.

"Rosa?"

Arya's breath caught in her throat. If Saphira was in trouble, and so was Firnen, they were probably in it together. This could either be a very bad thing or a very good thing.

"What do you mean he's been skipping classes?"

Arya couldn't hear the other side of the conversation but she knew what Rosa was saying. Mary gave Arya a look that said 'wait a moment' as she spoke to the principle for several more seconds. When she hung up, she stood.

"You can ride with me." Arya's eyes widened and Mary continued. "Well it turns out we're both heading to the same place."

Arya nodded, acting slightly flustered.

"Of course. Yes, thank you."

Mary chuckled.

"Relax, Taylor. I don't bite."

They arrived at the school seventeen minutes later, having talked about why Izzie was staying with her and what their mother did. Mary seemed to ponder what she had said.

"Is Elizabeth upset that she isn't staying with your mother?"

Arya sighed.

"I think she's alright. My mother. . . well" She took a breath. She was going to have to reveal things she'd rather keep quiet in order to establish her cover. "as good of a person as she is, she isn't the best mother. Always working to help others while her kids are left to nannies. Not to say that she was never there, but she wasn't there often."

Mary gave her an understanding smile.

"I can relate. That's why I make sure that my family comes first now. That's also why I'm leaving work to deal with this problem. It's also why I let you leave. Family is the most important thing. And no matter what people say, they doesn't always forgive."

Something in the woman's tone made Arya think there was probably more to the story but she kept her musings to herself. Both walked inside the building, students brushing past them and talking. They made their way to the office and Cordelia waved them into the principle's office. There, in the seats, were Saphira and Firnen, annoyed looks covering their faces. Arya shot Saphira a perturbed glare before facing Rosa who was opening her mouth to speak.

"So, the first few times this happened we let it slide. Both of their grades are phenomenal and they are respectful of the teachers. But, this is the third time its happened and I cannot allow the behavior to continue. Instead of replying, Arya raised her eyebrows at Firnen.

"Wait, how did I not know that I worked for your mother?"

The boy shrugged, looking sneakily at Saphira.

"I guess it never came up in conversation."

Saphira's cheeks reddened and Arya wanted to yank her out of the office at that moment. She restrained herself. Mary crossed her arms, a small smile finding its way to her face.

"This is the girl you've been talking about, Firnen?"

The kid grinned cheekily.

"Yeah. Mom, this is Izzie. Well, Elizabeth. But she prefers Izzie."

Mary's smile widened.

"Well, isn't this a crazy coincidence! My goodness it's good to meet the girl that Firnen just goes on and on about."

She reached out to shake Saphira's hand and Arya let out a bated breath. All was good so far. Rosa cleared her throat, seemingly uncomfortable. Mary nodded.

"Of course. I'm sorry Ms. Teliki." She turned to Firnen. "Just because you two really enjoy hanging out doesn't mean you can skip classes to do so. Both Taylor and I pay for you to take them and the teachers take time to prepare for them. You should respect them enough to show up."

Arya raised her eyebrows, a little uncomfortable with the situation. Here Mary was, disciplining her son, and Arya had no clue whatsoever how to be a parent. But luckily they didn't seem to need her input because both Saphira and Firnen looked guiltily at Rosa. He gave her an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry."

Saphira nodded.

"Me as well. And if we swear not to do it again, is it really necessary to give us detention?"
Rosa seemed to debate for a moment. Finally she relented.

"Fine. But if I catch you two skipping out again, the punishment will be much worse. Go to class."

The two stood, Firnen smiling sheepishly at his mother while Saphira shrugged her apology to Arya. They slipped by, exiting the office and beginning to laugh as the door closed. She said her goodbye to Rosa, apologizing for her sister's behavior as her and Mary exited the office, a small smile on her face.

"I have a question. How have you met Firnen but I hadn't met Izzie until now?"

Arya shrugged, getting as close to the truth as she could allow.

"Izzie, well she finds it hard to trust. I'm sure this whole situation is rather hard for her as she's not used to letting people in. I feel that being on home turf is easier for her. She was probably nervous to meet you."

Mary nodded.

"Well I'm very glad she's trusting Firnen. I've never seen him this excited about anything before."

Arya chuckled.

"Izzie is very happy right now too."

Mary unlocked her car, a light blue 911 Porsche.

"You want to grab lunch?"

Arya grinned,

"Sure."

She sat down, glad that they had gotten lucky. This had been a good turn of events, but it easily could've ruined the entire operation. She would definitely be having words with the girl when she saw her next.

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

"Chase, Richard wants you in his office."

He nodded, subsequently reading the message Arya just sent him, annoyed that he'd made her go and also pissed as hell at Saphira. Her text went:

Arya: Ok, first of all, I am working as well. I'm sure you could've gotten off for a bit. I rode with Mary to the school and all of that went down. Izzie is acting out and if she keeps it up, she's going to get in trouble.

He cursed quietly. If she'd had to ride with Mary, that meant that she and Firnen would both have to believe that it really was just coincidence that they all were cnnected. It put their mission in peril. He also knew that Arya was worried about Saphira. He could read between the lines. She didn't give a rats ass if Saphira skipped class, but if she skipped with Firnen, it proved just how much Saphira was attached to him. Responding with an apology, he tried to emphasize that it would be fine even though his fears were eating at him as well.

Eragon: Babe I'm sorry. I was just getting somewhere with the employees. I'll make it up to you when I get home. I promise. And we'll talk to her.

She didn't respond so he knocked twice on Richard's office door.

"Come on in, Chase."

The man was sitting behind a polished wooden desk.

"You wanted to speak to me about the employees I assume?"

Richard nodded.

"Are there any noticeable problems?"

Eragon sat down, arms resting on the armrests.

"One or two. They aren't major but I think they need to be addressed."

"Go on."

Eragon nodded, moving into his analysis of the people who he'd studied. By the time he was done Richard seemed somewhat relieved.

"It's such a relief when you truly have a way to fix your problems instead of knowing they're there but having no idea what they are or what to do. You've been immensely helpful."

"Thank you sir."

Richard smiled and stuck out his hand out. Eragon took it with a firm grasp, nodding, before turning and leaving the office. Any way it went, he didn't think his company would be needed for much longer and that would lessen the contact they had with Firnen's life. Saphira needed to find out how smart this kid really was so they could take action and get out of suburban UK.

He pulled up, noting Firnen's car parked on the street. Arya and Rebecca were talking in the front yard, both wearing gardening gloves. Arya had on jean shorts and a blue flannel shirt with a white tank top under it. She glanced at him, her eyes turning from smiling to annoyed as soon as Rebecca couldn't see. He sighed, pulling into the garage and walking out with an apologetic look on his face. He needed to get her worried about something else. Particularly, get her pissed at him instead of Saphira. He wanted to grin, knowing exactly how he would do it. As soon as he reached her, her slid his arms around her waist, pulling her against him and pressing his lips to her cheek. He spoke against her ear.

"I'm sorry baby." Her breath caught and he knew she was forcing herself to keep her body relaxed. She tried to pull away but he kept her close, chuckling against her cheek.

"You know I'm sorry, don't you?"

He could almost feel her anger through her voice as she spoke to him sweetly.

"I know, Chase. Just, I was finally getting a chance to move up and I might not get another for some time. But it's alright."

He still didn't let her go as he leaned back and looked in her eyes.

"You sure we're good?"

She glared daggers at him but nodded, allowing a short laugh to leave her lips.

"Yes! Now go change. You need to help us out."

He grinned, looking at her mouth, just waiting to be kissed. She dug her fingers into his spine, her eyes telling him all he needed to know. With one last look, he released her and stepped away, nodding his hello at Rebecca who had a huge smile plastered across her face. As he walked into the garage he hear the woman giggle.

"Oh my gosh you two are just too cute!"

A smug grin crossed his face and he was glad Arya wasn't able to see it.

He joined them almost twenty minutes later in the only sports shorts he'd been able to find and a t-shirt. For the next hour, all three of them worked relentlessly, pulling weeds, making plans, and chatting about the most random things. Rebecca was pretty entertaining company to say the least and he burst into laughter several times when she poked fun at some of their other neighbors. Halfway through digging up a weed, Devon pushed out of his door three house away and on the opposite side. He crossed the street, an amused grin taking up his expression.

"They got you out here doing manual labor?"

Eragon stood, clapping his gloves together to remove the mud.

"Yes. Wanna dirty up those manicured fingers and help us out?"

Devon laughed, shaking his head.

"Nope. These hands have plans later."

Eragon snorted and found Arya's lips twitch in amusement. Rebecca however, was not happy with his choice of words.

"Mr. Kriess you keep your private business to yourself. Nobody needs to know what you do when your girlfriend isn't around."

Eragon's jaw dropped in shock as Devon's eyes widened. The man stuttered several times, not capable of speech. Beside him, Arya let out a surprised laugh and Eragon let go as well, crouching down and trying to control his hysterics as he gasped for air. He gave up, falling sideways into the grass and letting his intense merriment out in loud laughter. Rebecca looked at them in confusion while Devon's face turned beet red.

"That is not what I meant! I'm taking a pottery class with my girl and I don't want to get dirt in the clay!"

Eragon was having trouble breathing as he tried to sit up, only to fall back when it turned out to be too much effort. Arya continued to chuckle, although much quieter than his loud guffaws. Finally, he was able to calm down to a snicker, tears in his eyes as he reached for her hand. She tugged him to his feet, smiling, while Eragon looked at his still embarrassed friend.

"Oh that was so good!"

Devon frowned at him.

"No it wasn't, douche!"

Eragon nodded, wrapping his arm around Arya and leaning on her.

"It so was and you know it."

Finally Devon cracked a smirk, shaking his head.

"Whatever man. I just wanted to say hi and make sure we were still on for dinner Wednesday."

He bobbed his head.

"Of course. Oh, and I'll make sure to let your girlfriend know about your secret habits."

Devon glared at him, a smile still on his face.

"I'll see you guys later. See ya, Rebecca."

The woman nodded, somewhat red from making the wrong assumption. Eragon gave her a huge grin.

"That was perfect."

She chuckled.

"I really got my wires crossed on that one."

Arya waved away her concern.

"It was hilarious, Becca, don't worry about it."

They returned to their work, the mood much lighter between him and Arya. That all disappeared when they went inside.

burning book: Lol that's a good idea. I might try to slide that in a future chapter.

Guest: Maybe ;)

A Dark Noon: Lol I put in AC now lol. One of the best series of games :D

CorLeonis92: I think my fave parts of ExA ff that I read is the scenes where Arya's wall begins to break down.

funnelwebs: :D Yeah if you didn't grow up with it it's very difficult for people to get a handle on it.

Renaissancebooklover108: Hehe thanks!

Elemental Dragon Slayer: I WILL CUT YOU. Jk, I think I'm just choosing American style.

fughp: lol I like it

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Oh how could I forget that! It's one of my fave eps!

HelpI'mLostInCorn: Can I just say I laughed for several minutes at your name. It's epic. Thank you so much!

eragonfan117: Thank you much! :D

Gazamidori: Lol well thank you and yeah Arya has issues letting people be better at anything. She's a brat haha.