Eragon had waved goodbye to the Henders and retreated up the steps before she could stop him. Saphira stepped in front of her before she could follow.

"You sure seemed to enjoy that."

Arya glared at the girl.

"Saphira why the hell did you egg it on?"

The blonde smirked.

"Dude, you need to chill out. I am just able to see what you aren't. You like him. I know you do because you would've shut him down completely when he was fighting with you. You wouldn't allow him to get to know you and you wouldn't look at him like you do. Stop fighting it and enjoy the feeling, girl."

Arya rolled her eyes.

"I know he's your friend and you want him to be happy, but it doesn't give you allowance to see things that aren't there."

Saphira frowned, actually becoming annoyed.

"Are you really going to insinuate that I'm making this up? I've never seen you so ignorant in anything before in my life. Figure it out Arya. And if you really don't like him, stop leading him on."

She ran her hand through her hair in frustration.

"I'm not leading him on! And I did shut him down in that fight. I told him that we weren't together."

Saphira crossed her arms.

"Yeah you sure did. While you were shouting at him. Everyone knows little miss perfect doesn't get emotional. So why the hell does he aggravate you so much? Why does he get under your skin? Think about it. I'm going to sleep. We'll talk about the dude who broke in earlier tomorrow morning. I checked for bugs as soon as we stepped inside which is why I gave you the all-clear earlier. Night, Arya."

Arya sighed, following her up the steps at a slower pace and going into her room. She heard him rummaging around in the bathroom and without thinking, her anger returning to take over, she stormed to the door and shoved it open.

"Why did you do that, Eragon?"

He glanced over at her, his eyes dancing.

"Because I wanted to. Can you get out? I need to pee."

Her annoyance heightened.

"Seriously? This isn't funny and this isn't a game. Stop acting like it."

He turned towards her, getting into her personal space while a stern look took over his expression.

"Oh I know this isn't a game. It's serious and I will act accordingly."

She searched his eyes.

"Then why did you do that earlier? Why kiss me? What was the reason for that?"

He grinned.

"That? Oh I just wanted to." Arya was completely at a loss for what to say. Why the hell was he suddenly being so bipolar about everything? She frowned but before she could speak he leaned forward, his mouth just next to her ear. "You wanted to as well. I thought I'd help you out."

She pushed his chest but it only succeeded in him moving his head so he was directly in front of her, his eyes sparkling with mirth and an undertone of desire that made her stomach flutter.

"Eragon back off."

He didn't move.

"You're the one who came in here. I still have to go to the bathroom so unless you want to watch. . . ."

She felt herself become flustered but refused to let him see it. Instead she crossed her arms. Shrugging, he walked over to the toilet.

"Alright, if you insist."

Realizing what he was doing, she whirled around just in time to avoid seeing anything. His laughter followed her as she went to the closet and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. Without a word she got into bed. She would brush her teeth in the morning.

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

He sighed out in relief as she slammed the door to the bathroom. That had been almost impossible. To act like he was just toying with her? Like he didn't want to fall to a puddle at her feet? He'd decided that night, as he was driving home, that he had to take every opportunity that he had to get closer to her. And the guy breaking into their house had put into stark view the reality that they wouldn't be here forever. Then it would be all too easy for her to pull back and escape. There would be no cover that forced her to get close to him.

It seemed to be working if the way she'd gotten so awkward just moments before gave any indication. Still, if she was going to ignore her feelings, he was going to make her regret it. Starting now, well, starting when he kissed her earlier, every chance he got to make her uncomfortable he was going to take. He should at least get some fun out of it if she was going to break him every time he tried to move forward with her. As he walked to the bed, the perfect opportunity presented itself to him.

Waiting for almost thirty minutes to make sure she was asleep, he slowly began to inch closer. As soon as he reached her, he threw his arm over her body and set it down softly to avoid waking her. He also rested part of his body on her so she would be pinned below him when she woke up. It was almost impossible to keep from laughing at how much she would try to kill him when she realized their current position. He was such an idiot. But it was totally worth it.

"ERAGON!"

His eyes shot open, totally confused for a moment before realizing that why she was yelling at him. He bit his cheek and didn't move, acting like he was still asleep. She shoved at his shoulder but nothing was making him get off. He'd positioned himself perfectly and there was no way she was getting out without him shifting. He hadn't expected her to go for a pressure point though. Bad mistake. As she dug her nail into his wrist, he jolted and yanked it away.

"Eragon get off of me."

He chuckled, his lips at her neck.

"But that's just no fun."

Eragon."

Her voice was seething with warning and he sighed, lifting himself up and rolling away. She shot off the bed and stormed to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. He let his smile widen and he stretched out on the bed. When she exited the bathroom he was still there, hands behind his head and eyes staring directly at her. She crossed her arms, looking somewhat ridiculous as she glared him down in her pajamas.

"Are you kidding me?"

He shrugged.

"Sorry, I toss in my sleep."

She shook her head.

"You've never done that before."

He let his conceited smile out and watched as her eyes darkened. He was walking on eggshells right now. One wrong step too far could ruin everything. But the alternative was much worse.

"I guess my subconscious is telling me something."

"And what might that be?"

He sat up, pushing to his feet and and walked towards her. She tensed as if waiting for him to try something, but he casually brushed past, closing the bathroom door behind him. Even from here he could almost feel her confusion seeping out. He looked in the mirror and sighed, part of him feeling guilty for doing this. He knew that she didn't like not knowing things and here he was teasing the hell out of her. But then a memory shot through his mind, making him tremble at it's power. Her lips, her hands, her body, all pressed tightly to him. It was too much to let go of. Too much to lose. So he would play his games. He would goad her into revealing her feelings.

She had dressed and gone downstairs by the time he exited the bathroom. But she wasn't going anywhere. It was Saturday and she had it off. Not even bothering to do anything but pull on a shirt, he joined her in the kitchen and gave her an apologetic look. He wanted to get her guard down again.

"I'm sorry."

She seemed surprised but masked it quickly.

"It's fine. You want to get Saphira?"

He looked at the stairs and pondered for a moment before cupping his hands around his mouth.

"Saphira get down here!"

Arya rolled her eyes.

"I could've done that."

He smiled.

"Then why didn't you?"

Just then the blonde bounded down the steps and into the kitchen.

"What up?"

Arya sat down at the table with a bowl and a box of Cheerios. Eragon grimaced and walked over, taking both and ignoring her when she tried to grab it back.

"No dry cereal. We have time for an actual meal so calm yourself and be patient."

Saphira chuckled and joined Arya at the table as he opened the fridge and pulled out eggs and bacon.

-A-R-Y-A-

She watched him, trying to figure out his game. He was doing something but she couldn't understand what. As he worked expertly at the stove, she forced herself to look away and to Saphira who was grinning knowingly at her. She ignored it.

"So we need to go over the files of the neighbors again. It had to be somebody close or they wouldn't have known we were gone."

Saphira frowned.

"Somebody could just be following us and keeping tabs."

Arya shook her head.

"I've been watching out. We aren't being followed and there's not vantage points in this subdivision except for the houses."

Eragon nodded.
"I haven't noticed anybody either. But how do we know there is anyone in this neighborhood at all? Like, why would they set up shop here?"

Saphira went and grabbed the files before returning and laying out a map in front of him. She pointed to three locations.

"Mary's firm, Richard's business, and Firnen's school. They create a triangle around this neighborhood with easy and quick access to each. It's perfect. Which is why we chose it and why any of Gabatorix's men would as well."

Eragon sighed.

"Fine. I still don't think it's Devon, though. He doesn't seem the type."

Arya responded, looking up.

"He could be acting just as we are."

She put slight emphasis on the "we" and watched his body tense before he continued his meal. She knew it. He wasn't just being all nonchalant. He was pretending like it, but she still had major effect on him. Part of her was annoyed and yet part of her was excited that he was going through such efforts. When she'd woken up with his chest at her back, she'd had trouble breathing. His body was warm and encompassing and it felt amazing. So she had laid there for over five minutes before snapping herself out of it and getting him off. Her mind was fighting with her desires and it was a brutal war. She was being torn in all different directions.

Looking up at him again she found his eyes searching her expression and she gazed back, hoping he'd let slip what he was thinking. After a moment he seemed to realize what he was doing and looked back towards the food he was preparing. She twisted her fingers together and took a deep, quiet breath to clear her head. It was traveling places she didn't want it to go. Eragon finished ten minutes later and set down three omelets on the table, a proud smile on his face.

"Boom. There ya are. Saphira you need to get Firnen to admit his abilities or I have a feeling Galbatorix is going to act."

The blonde nodded digging into the eggs with a grin.

"These are amazing, Eragon. And I know. I might have to put myself at risk to do that, though."

Arya narrowed her eyes.

"That doesn't sound like a solid plan, Saphira."

Eragon agreed but Saphira just looked at them.

"Better ideas? Anyone? No? Alright. Well I'm going to show him my skills in hopes he'll return the favor."

Arya sighed.

"Fine. But make sure that you're safe, alright? I don't want anyone to catch on that there could be two DRAGON's roaming the UK."

A phone buzzed and Saphira looked down, a smile on her face.

"Speaking of, I'm off to Firnen's house. I'll show him today and keep you updated." She had just reached the garage door when she smiled mischievously, waving her hand. "Have fun you two."

The door closed and Eragon looked at Saphira's empty seat.

"She didn't take her plate to the sink."

A smile forced its way onto her face before she could do anything and he grinned back somewhat victoriously. She rolled her eyes, finishing off the last of her food and standing, taking both cleared plates to the sink. With that she went into the living room, turning on the XBox and putting in Skyrim. Eragon cleared his throat from the kitchen.

"Hey now. Not cool."

She didn't look at him, a small grin on her face as she responded.

"Sorry. Not in the mood for Halo right now."

He set his plate in the sink and joined her on the couch.

"What am I supposed to do?"

She shrugged, already focused on the game.

"Watch."

"Ok."

She heard the undertone of his words and kept herself from looking at him. She knew his eyes were on her. After a few minutes he sighed and got up, disappearing up the steps. Unwanted disappointment filled her and if it wouldn't be so ridiculous, she would've smacked herself. She'd allowed him too close to her if he affected her this much. But within a minute he was back, a book in his hand and a small grin on his face.

"If you aren't going to share the XBox, I will just have to entertain myself in other ways."

She glanced at the book he'd chosen.

"I wouldn't read that if you don't like sad endings."

He grimaced. He was holding 'The Great Gatsby.'

"I don't know, it's small and one of the ones Saphira told me about."

She shrugged and returned her attention to the game as he settled in and flipped to the first page.

Three hours later he was tossing the book down on the table and pouting in frustration.

"This is so stupid! What is with authors and their sad endings?!"

She paused her game and chuckled.

"Eragon I told you it had a sad ending. You're reading the wrong books if your looking for happy endings. Most classics end badly."

He crossed his arms.

"Well it's dumb!" She bit the inside of her cheek, a smirk displaying itself on her face. He noticed and frowned. "This isn't funny."

She shrugged.

"Kinda' is."

He watched her for a moment before suddenly snatching the remote from her hands. She lunged for it, only to realize too late that it basically put her on his lap. They both froze and she found herself gazing into his eyes, her air completely stolen from her lungs. His jaw muscles clenched as he waited, watching, confused. She wanted to kiss him. She needed to. And the perfect excuse walked through the door.

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

She wasn't moving. She wasn't trying to get away. His chest was collapsing on itself at her proximity and it was impossible to think straight. He faintly heard a door open as she leaned down, her mouth pressing softly to his. His heart soared and his body responded with ease, his arms encircling her and tugging her fully onto his lap. She went without a fight, her hands curling around his jaw and her body pressing closer. He heard somebody clear their throat but when Arya tried to pull away, he locked his arms, stretching up to close the distance again and keep her with him.

Her hands slid into his hair, tightening and sliding through. It wasn't until a pillow hit them in the face that they separated. What he saw in her eyes pierced him though, as he knew even though she had instigated the kiss, she still didn't accept and understand why. But he would wait as long as it took. He allowed his sadness to show for a split second in his eyes and she took a breath, pushing off of him and looking awkwardly at Saphira and Firnen who were watching uncomfortably. Well Firnen was. Saphira looked rather ecstatic. Eragon got up as well, taking his book and sliding his fingers into Arya's, squeezing them gently.

"I'm going to find a less depressing book. Sorry for that, Firnen."

The boy shrugged and gave a nervous grin.

"It's all good."

He'd began a book called 'Alanna: The First Adventure.' It sounded rather girly in the title, but it sounded pretty cool and it said it was one of four. Which meant even if the ending was sad there would be more to it. He'd gotten almost a quarter of the way in, thoroughly enjoying himself, when his phone rang. He saw it was Devon and smiled.

"Hey man, what's up?"

Devon's voice was rather melancholy when he spoke.

"Hey man. You want to come over for a drink?"

Eragon's suspicion piqued and he frowned.

"What's going on?"

Devon sighed.

"I'm moving house for business in a few days but I have to leave today to get everything situated. Shows what you get for being the best. A transfer to America, dammit."

Relief shot through him. Devon wasn't an agent.

"Alright, yeah of course. I'll be over in a few minutes. Let me change."

He hung up and walked to the closet, sliding on a pair of dark worn jeans and and a black v-neck. Eragon picked up his black Chucks and slid them on as he walked toward the steps, not bothering to tie them. Firnen, Saphira, and Arya were sitting on the couch, watching a movie he knew well. He grinned.

"Ip Man? Good choice. That movie's brilliant."

Arya tensed at his voice but she smiled sweetly.

"Where are you heading, babe?"

Eragon paused.

"Getting a drink with Devon. He's moving tomorrow."

Arya's eyebrows pinched together, immediately calculating the possibilities. He hoped she would be able to figure out that Devon was obviously not their guy.

He knocked four times before shoving his hands in his pockets and waiting for the door to be opened. Devon smiled and stuck out his hand, pulling Eragon in for a thug hug before starting back towards the bar in his kitchen. All around Eragon saw boxes taped up and half packed. Devon grabbed two glasses and a bottle of Douglass 1967. A Lowland single malt whiskey. Pouring an inch in each glass, he passed one to Eragon.

"Cheers."

Eragon bumped his glass and drank, savoring the taste as it burned down his throat.

"Damn good stuff."

Devon chuckled, his eyes still somewhat upset.

"That it is."

Eragon bumped his arm.

"Don't worry man. I can still kick your ass at XBox whenever you're free."

The man snorted.

"Whatever. I own you."

With that they went off on a game of insults, claiming that they were obviously better than the other. It was Eragon's way of getting his friend's mind off of leaving. He waved off another glass, knowing that he didn't want to go back to the house wasted. There was no telling what he would reveal to Arya if he didn't have full control of his extremities. They chatted about nothing in particular until suddenly Devon checked his watch.

"Ah, I have the movers coming to get my main items. It was good meeting you, man."

Eragon stood, taking the hint that it was time for excuse himself. He bear hugged Devon and laughed.

"Don't injure your delicate little hands moving the boxes around."

Devon chortled, remembering Rebecca's misinterpretation.

"Aww, no worries bro. That's why I got muscle men to do all the heavy lifting."

He walked Eragon to the door and waved him out.

"See ya Chase."

As Eragon turned around he noticed a car parking in Devon's driveway. These movers sure ride in style. They were in a black Chrysler 300 but dressed in jeans and a cargo jacket.The driver's forearm tattoo caught Eragon's attention and he studied it as he passed. It was two black crescents lined up next to each other with a large slash striking through them. Deja vu filled him, carrying a memory. Images flashed through his mind as he crossed the street. They were jumbled and blurry like he hadn't looked directly at them, just his sub-conscious mind had seen them. As he reached the front door of his house it hit him like a brick. The camp. Durza. His opponents. Several of them had that ink on their bodies. Betrayal, anger, and sadness weighed down on him as he pushed through the door. He also felt like an idiot. Had he missed something? Was he blinded by the friendship he had with Devon that he ignored obvious signs?

He closed the door quietly, not wanting to alert anyone to his presence. Drastic measures had to be taken now as Devon was on the move. It either meant he was leaving the mission, the more optimistic option. Or that he'd gathered all the evidence that he needed to strike. He glanced through the blinds and swore. It was definitely the latter of the two. The men from the Chrysler were bringing gear into Devon's house inside black bags. They weren't leaving. They were preparing for extraction.

Eragon made his way to where he heard voices. Glancing inside, he saw Firnen's back to him, leaning casually on the counter and laughing at something Saphira had said. The blonde was crouched down, rifling through something in the pantry and unable to see him. The only one who saw him immediately was Arya, her eyes narrowing before he shook his head slowly, any emotion but stark focus gone from his expression. He glided silently across the tiled kitchen just as Saphira stood. She opened her mouth to greet him but before she could, he'd put Firnen in a choke-hold and locked himself in position.

The boy writhed relentlessly as Saphira's face turned to horror. Arya stood up, intense worry on her face. As Firnen struggled in vain against Eragon's powerful arms, he gave Saphira an apologetic look. Finally the boy stopped fighting as he fell into unconsciousness.

Sorry for mistakes I was tired by the end haha. It's 4 in the morning here.

Elrond Half-Elven Bjartskular: Yeah that book is amazing! And AC: 4 look wonderful! SOOOO EXCITED! Thanks :)

Microbat98: Never! I must disagree. But whatevs. I actually kind of have to disagree on all of those because I loved ten's regeneration. And while Smith is awesome, I don't think he's as good as Tennant in switching from goofy to serious. Which is very important. Not saying that I dislike him in any way, but Eleven is definitely not near the level of Ten.

Myranor: Here ya go! Update haha. Ah I got ya :P

Prince Xylux: Not just yet! Don't pelt me with rocks! I swear it's not too far off! :D

A Dark Noon: Thanks! I hope the dual wielding is cool because that's something I've been waiting for.

Richard E: Yay! And thank you!

My Generation: Yeah I know the last one was sort of fillerish but like ya said, it was needed. Dude that sounds sweet. I'm so jelly!

Elemental Dragon Slayer: What is with your obsession with the work crackpot you white noodle lmao

funnelwebs: Haha :P Yeah the ending killed me and Arya's perspective is mine as well. I needed to slide it in there somehow lol. :D Not so much bored as the story just taking itself in a different direction. I was planning on having them stay longer.

Coolio: I'm not sure yet. Maybe. Actually, I might have a cool idea for her so probably haha.

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Whoops. I sometimes forget that kind of stuff in the moment. She was wearing a dress. . . .awk. Lol

burning book: ;) Yes, you will see hehehehe.

predatorform: Dangit! I was almost able to get through without messing that up! Oh well, I knew it'd happen at some point. Yeah it was supposed to be Taylor.

pie6013: :D I'm glad

Renaissancebooklover108: It will all be alright in the end. Promise :)

Gazamidori: I want to go on vacation again :( haha mine was so short. And I was thinking about it but then it would've given them away. I hope you feel better soon :P It's alright I was able to understand what you were saying lol.

Guest: DUDE YES. Lol I'm totes trying to get one up every day at the moment haha. Here's one for you now. WHERE'S MY DOLLAR? Lmao I joke.

Blueasice24: It wont be another twenty chapters but I'm not gonna lie, it will be a few more at least. I'm glad I was able to change your mind on the story :D And I will update An Unwanted Bond at some point in the future. I haven't abandoned it or anything haha. Yeah another reviewer has mentioned that too and I am starting to realize that I sometimes forget to make Eragon as dynamic as Arya.