Here ya'll are. Enjoy!
He raced onto the plane, thrilled to be taking an actual break that didn't involve much thought. He didn't have to worry that at any second he might have to become a different person. Diving into a plush leather seat he looked up to find Arya smirking at him.
"You are such a child."
He grinned at her, knowing she was amused.
"I know. And I always will be. Get used to it."
She sat across from him, shaking her head.
"I already have. Doesn't mean I'll stop giving you crap for it."
He rested his head back against his seat.
"I would hope not. Life would become rather dull."
Arya chuckled, pulling out her laptop and scrolling her fingers quickly along the keys. He got up and dropped into the chair next to her.
"What're you doing?"
She glanced at him as he peered over her shoulder.
"I'm checking your stats from our training before we stopped. I'll run them against the times and numbers that you get after we land and create a training regimen."
He looked at her with a grimace before pushing the computer closed.
"That is the grossest thing I've ever heard you say. We are on VACATION. At least wait a couple days before you destroy it with sweat and pain."
She tried to open the computer but he slapped his palm over it, making that impossible. She shoved at his arm.
"Eragon."
Her tone was a warning but he only grinned to himself, proud of his achievement. She looked at him, her eyes suddenly burning into his own. It was then that all playfulness was removed and replaced by a sudden tension that took over his entire being. Only then did he realize the heat coming from her arm where his rested on top of it, trying to keep the computer closed. Arya's lips were just inches from him and all he had to do was lean. . . . She jerked back, standing and moving to the other side with her computer. He sighed. It was expected but it still hurt. Instead of following her he dropped the back rest as far as it could go and closed his eyes.
"Wake me up when we land." A thought hit him and he frowned. "Am I allowed to know where we're stationed now? Have I earned that?"
She answered without doubt in her voice, at least letting him know he was trusted.
"Arkansas. So it'll be a pretty quick flight to Colorado."
"Thank you."
He knew his voice conveyed more than what he was saying and he also knew that she hadn't missed that subtle fact by the way she answered.
"Of course."
He was startled awake by her calling for him to get up. He opened his eyes and shook the weariness from his head, noticing that she was already headed for the exit. He grabbed his luggage and hurried out behind her, excited to see the gorgeous mountain ranges and scenery the place had to offer. They were taken to a white Chevy Malibu and he was about to get in when Arya placed a hand on his arm.
"Hold on."
He turned around and waited for her explanation. She only nodded her head towards a further space, causing his heart to leap in his chest. She hadn't. There, sitting in the lot, was a beautiful red and black Triumph Daytona 675R. Beside it was another, only this one was pure black. He couldn't help the huge smile that spread across his face. He hadn't ridden his bike since just after Garrow's funeral. It was a Triumph Thruxton and the love of his life before all the shit went down. He'd truly been pained to know it had been destroyed in the explosion and had even kept it out of the stories he'd told Arya because it was no joking matter. While this one wasn't his classic, sexy bike, it was powerful and incredible. Something he'd definitely enjoy taking out for a spin. He questioned her.
"How far to the hotel?"
She shrugged.
"Forty-five minutes to an hour."
He nodded.
"Good. Won't get too uncomfortable then."
She tossed him the keys to his and grinned.
"Let's get a move on."
He chuckled.
"You know, I shouldn't be at all surprised to know that you can ride."
Her eyes met his with a challenge in them.
"You really shouldn't. I'm sure I'll wipe the road with you. Oh and I will judge your skill harshly. Be prepared."
He snorted.
"Whatever. Just wait to see my awesomeness."
She popped the trunk and he found two helmets lying there along with two pairs of riding gloves. One was bigger than the other and he chuckled.
"I do have a big head don't I?"
She nodded, picking up hers.
"Yeah what's with that? I know it isn't brains taking up all that space."
He smiled cheekily, already walking towards the bike while the driver of the Malibu loaded their luggage.
"Whatever. You know I'm smarter than you, don't try to deny it."
She laughed quietly and followed him.
He stopped when he was in range of the Triumph, grinning like an idiot as he took in the new 2013 model. He'd researched it when it came out, thinking about buying it. This new version had slightly higher handle bars and they obviously had clip ons to fit him personally. He had no idea how she knew his adjustments but he was appreciative anyway. He'd actually driven the previous model and remembered it rather vividly so he was eager to compare the two. He took in the picturesque vision that Arya was at that moment. Her hair in a loose pony tail, a pair of black jeans, and a white, baggy t-shirt that just made her look adorable.
She was the reason he was getting to do this and it touched his heart that she'd thought of him at all. She'd actually gone out of her way to get this for him and he was too thankful not to show it. Without warning, he wrapped her in a hug and picked her off the ground, spinning them in a circle. Not even bothering that her entire body froze up, he set her back down and gripped her shoulders.
"Thank you, Arya."
Her eyes were still somewhat shocked but she nodded.
"It was not problem."
He chuckled, sliding on his Icon Airframe Solid matte black helmet and inhaling the new smell. He waited for her to do the same and then straddled the Triumph, adjusting to the feel and taking note of the changes. Obviously she'd put in for a more comfortable seat because he sank into it slightly. The mirrors on this one were also somewhat better than the latest version. Arya stepped over hers while he looked down at the wheels and noted that they weren't new, making him grin. She had most likely worn em' down a bit so they wouldn't be slippery. Starting the engine he looked over.
"You ready?"
"Yes."
He grinned, kicking up the stand. He clutched and shifted, shooting out of the space and into the street. The wheel lifted slightly and he heard her next to him as she followed. They reached the stop sign that led into the actual road and she glanced over.
"Do you know where we're going?"
He shook his head.
"No clue. You lead?"
She shrugged and pulled out in front. Eragon couldn't help himself as he checked out her lithe form snugged tightly to the motorcycle. Holy hell was she hot. He trailed her, letting the roar of the motor fill his ears and soul. He'd severely missed this. They rode for a bit on back roads and he let himself fall into a casual pace, waiting for the chance to actually open it up. It came when they hit a straightaway road, surrounded by nothing but fence and trees. Arya glanced back at him and flipped up her face mask. She gave him a smirk and motioned her head for him to go. It was basically a 'show me what you got' thing. He shook out his arms and body dramatically and saw her smile before she turned back to the road.
Steeling himself, he shifted and exploded forward, feeling the wind whip across his v-neck blue shirt and raise it in the back. That was one thing he'd forgotten. Wearing these kind of shirts was basically a show for anyone who drove next to him when he went fast. Each shift up filled him with more adrenaline and he was enthralled in the bliss of power. Glancing down he saw he'd gotten up to 120 and to his surprise, Arya was just behind him, easily keeping pace. As they approached a bend he slowed to 85 and leaned, his knee inching it's way to the ground as they carved their way through the twists.
It was at this point that she passed him, going slightly faster and leaning just a bit more. He had to force himself to focus as he righted the bike and leaned the opposite way, rounding the next. They went through about fifteen twists before the road finally straightened out again. She hammered down, lifting the front wheel of her bike as she sped forward. He did the same, catching up and surpassing her for barely a second before she was back next to him. They were approaching a town in the next mile or so by the look of a sign on the side of the road and he sighed. As much fun as he was having, riding like a psycho through populated areas was the reason bikes had such a bad rep. He slowed when they passed the first house as did she.
By the time they entered the town, they were going the speed limit. They stopped at a light and he flipped up his mask, letting out a loud whoop. She smiled and shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips. A truck pulled up behind them and honked, two men yelling excitedly from inside. Arya glanced back before rolling her eyes and facing him again. He ignored the anger from their obvious and brash compliments of Arya and instead smashed his face mask down and glared in annoyance at the light. Beside him Arya revved her engine, successfully getting his attention.
"You wanna give them a little show?"
He shrugged, happy that she was trying to comfort him in some way.
"Sure. Let's kick rocks on their windshields."
She shoved his shoulder and pushed her mask down as well. The light turned green and both of them shot forward, neck in neck as they took advantage of the 0-60 in 3.50 seconds that this bike was capable of. Honking was still heard as they rounded a curve, ignoring the angry glare from the drivers they passed. Screw driving safely in towns if the people there were going to be douches. He knew he had no right to be mad, really. Most girls didn't ride and she looked damn fine on the bike, but still, it irked him. They flew past two cars by going to the other side of the road swiftly before gliding back in front of them with ease. A curve came and neither changed speeds, easily taking it and the next four.
It wasn't until they rounded the next bend that they both actually came to a stop again at a red light. Beside him Arya rolled her neck and glanced at him. He could definitely get used to this. He'd never actually ridden with anyone and it was a pretty epic feeling. The light switched green and they accelerated, hitting the fifty point before Arya pulled in front and signaled that they were turning right. He followed, letting her stay in lead for another few minutes as she found her way out of the town. They hit deserted windy roads again and had been riding and enjoying themselves for over twenty minutes when they came to a super slab that seemed to lead on for at least three miles. Arya motioned for him to slow down and they came to a stop on the side of the road. She took her helmet off and he saw that her cheeks were flushed with excitement and her eyes bright.
"You want to make a little wager?"
He removed his own helmet, smiling evilly.
"Of course. What kind of wager?"
She motioned to the stretch of road ahead of them.
"First to get to that billboard in the distance wins. The loser has to do laundry throughout the trip."
Eragon laughed.
"You couldn't come up with something better?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Can you?"
He had one but it wouldn't be something she was willing to do. He shrugged.
"No training"
She shook her head.
"Not optional. Think of something else in the next three seconds or we go with mine. 3. 2. lose. Now come on."
He laughed at the fact that her three seconds would probably only equal one if you actually timed it as they both put on their helmets. Rolling into the road, they came to a stop and he frowned, talking over the engines.
"How do we count off?"
She glanced at the car coming up behind them and grinned, kicking her stand down and dismounting. They pulled to a stop next to her and Eragon noticed two guys and two girls in a red jeep. Arya was talking to them and the girl driving nodded with a grin. Arya gave him a thumbs up and remounted her bike. He was going to ask her what the deal was when she spoke.
"On the third."
He frowned in confusion until he heard a horn behind him. Oh, the third horn. The second blare sounded and he prepped, leaning low and steadying his feet. Three came and he flew forward, the wheel of his bike matched evenly with Arya's. He continued to shift up, glancing in intervals at the speedometer. They'd just reached 157 when the dreadful sound of a cop's siren screeched loudly behind them. Arya almost seemed to hesitate as they hit the two-thirds mark on the straightaway, but finally she slowed her bike and pulled it to the side.
He followed suit, sitting back in annoyance and kicking the stand down. They'd be here for quite a while so it would do no good to waste gas. He stepped off, taking his helmet and settling it on the handlebar. Arya did the same, running her hands through somehow still gorgeous hair. She was opening her seat at the moment, pulling out a wallet. He did the same, surprised to find one in his as well. He smirked when he found that they were Secret Service badges. She'd truly planned ahead for this. The cop, in an unmarked Dodge Charger, got out of his car and walked over, his hands on his hips. Eragon pulled off his gloves and set them down on the seat as the cop spoke.
"Do you know how fast you two were going?"
Eragon wanted to snort. What a stupid question. Instead he nodded.
"About 157, sir."
Arya glared at him for his smart ass tone. The officer crossed his arms.
"Is there some emergency you need to get to that has you flying through these streets like that?"
Before he could make another quip Arya took over. She sighed.
"Just letting off a little steam. It's been a rough few months."
The man didn't really seem affected.
"It doesn't mean you can go all willy nilly on these roads."
Arya nodded.
"You're completely right. It wont happen again."
The cop frowned.
"Do you know the speed limit here?"
She stripped off her own gloves.
"It's fifty isn't it?"
He nodded.
"Which means you were going one-hundred miles per hour over the limit."
Eragon groaned.
"Look at that, he can count."
Without warning Arya's glove smacked him dead across the face.
"Will you can it, Eragon?"
He shoved his hands in his pockets, looking away so he could grin. She obviously had a plan and it's not like anything could happen to them that they couldn't get out of. The officer stepped towards him.
"You have a problem with police, boy?"
Eragon shook his head.
"Not at all."
The man held out his hands.
"Licenses please."
As he opened his wallet he made sure that the badge was evident to him. This brought on another round of questions.
"Hold up. Let me see that." Eragon handed him his wallet and glanced at Arya who was smirking. "You're Secret Service?"
Arya nodded, having just sent off a text.
"Go ahead and call into your boss and he'll tell you to let us off."
The cop sighed.
"You swanks and your egotistical attitudes really piss me off. Sit tight, I will be checking up on this."
As he walked away Arya smirked at him and walked to his side. He just shook his head.
"You were ready for this, weren't you?"
"Of course. I had a feeling at some point we'd get pulled over."
He glanced to the cop and chuckled at the angry red blotches covering his face as he yelled into the phone. When he chucked it into his seat and bumbled out of the car he glared at the two bikers in contempt.
"You disgust me. You can't even follow the laws put in place by the type of people you protect."
Eragon shook his head, noticing the jeep that had sent them off coming up in the distance.
"There is literally nobody on this road right now that would get hurt by our driving but us. And we know what we're doing. Have a nice day."
They straddled their bikes again just as the jeep went by, boldly honking their horn. Eragon beeped back, revving his engine and shoving on the helmet. In spite of the cop, he took off, easily hitting 60 and above and passing the four teens. They seemed to be laughing and he was somewhat amused as well until Arya flew past, one hand up in the air as she flipped him off. It was then that he realized they weren't at the billboard yet. He cursed silently and sped up, trying to reach her but not being able to in time. She crossed the finish line and pumped a fist in the air, downshifting to second and waiting for his approach.
They rode the limit until they reached the next light and that's when Arya snapped up her helmet and grinned at him.
"Have fun doing laundry this whole trip. I expect my clothes to be folded as well."
He frowned at her.
"That was totally cheap."
She shook her head.
"Was not. It was never proclaimed that the race was over. Just delayed. You just couldn't catch on quick enough. So basically your training is so lackluster it's even affecting your mind. We really need to get you to a gym."
He stuck his tongue out and looked toward the light.
"I guess I'll just have fun going through your undergarments then."
Without even looking at her reaction, he took off as the light turned green, a huge smile on his face. At least he'd gotten in the last word. Ahead he could see their hotel and he decided to keep the speed limit, not wanting to risk another stop by racing through town. Behind him Arya was at his heels and he had a troubled time not looking back to see her face. Obviously his comment had to have gotten to her. It might even make her change her mind about him doing her laundry. Pulling into the parking lot, he stopped sideways in a spot. Arya came to a halt in the same one, shutting off her bike and removing her helmet. There was no sign of worry or annoyance and he pursed his lips. So she was going to pretend it hadn't been said. Damn her maturity. Instead she glanced around.
"Our stuff wont be here for another twenty minutes or so. Let's check in and go get lunch. The driver will take our bags up to the room."
He looked around, noting several restaurants within walking distance. None of them looked very appetizing. Remembering one he'd seen a few minutes back he spoke up.
"Olive Garden?"
She shrugged, starting her bike again and pulling out. Obviously she remembered it as well. They drove until they saw it on the left and parked. A grin split his face as he recognized the red Jeep. He nudged her arm, pointing to it and starting towards the door with helmet in hand. He'd learned the hard way that leaving your gear out unlocked was never a safe bet. Even if there were other bikes around. Oh, and he always liked the attention he got from bringing the helmet into places. Arya was at his side moments later, a knowing smirk on her face like she could tell he was bringing it on purpose. He didn't give her the satisfaction of an explanation, settling for winking and pushing inside. They'd only been standing there a few seconds when a man came up to them smiling brightly.
"Will it just be the two of you?"
Eragon couldn't help but notice the guy's eyes linger on Arya for longer than necessary and he narrowed his eyes, his voice somewhat cold when he spoke.
"Yes. Just us."
Seeming to take the hint, he nodded and motioned for them nervously to follow. They sat down in a booth and the man handed them menus before leaving, telling them a waiter would be there shortly. Arya was frowning at him and he acted nonchalant.
"What?"
She sat back, an eyebrow raised.
"You're seriously going to play dumb? You can't get like that to people, Eragon."
He opened his menu, browsing the selection.
"Get like what?"
She snatched his menu from him and placed it on the table.
"All territorial."
He crossed his arms.
"Why not?"
"Because you don't have that right."
He snorted.
"Do too. It's not like you'd go for him anyway."
"Excuse me? What makes you think you do? And even so, it doesn't give you permission to be a tool."
Eragon leaned on his elbows, steepling his fingers.
"Because whether you like it or not, this isn't going away for me. So you learn to deal or just flirt shamelessly beside me. I don't give a rats ass. But if some loser comes up and starts ogling you like a prize I'm going to put him in his place."
She rolled her eyes and was about to respond when somebody walked up to their table. Looking over he recognized one of the guys from the car. The kid was grinning ear to ear and holding out his hand.
"Jason Tekker. I just wanted to give you two major props for somehow getting out of that ticket."
Eragon shook his hand as well as Arya.
"Thanks. We have connections."
Arya's foot slammed into his shin under the table and he grimaced. It wasn't like he'd given away anything important. The teen motioned to a different table where his three friends were watching them.
"Would you like to join us? Your meals are on us."
Arya had started to shake her head but he shrugged.
"What the hell. But we got our own tabs."
They stood, Arya kicking him one more time for good measure, and followed Jason to his friends. One by one he introduced them.
"This beautiful lady is my girlfriend, Bethany. This is Jonathan-"
He was interrupted by the guy.
"Hey, where's my flattering adjective. We could go with sexy or witty. Incorrigibly charming."
The last girl with long black hair, the one that seemed to radiate peace and mystery all at once, smacked the kid's arm.
"Shut up, Johnny." She held out her hand, her violet eyes flashing brightly. "I'm Elva. It's nice to meet both of you."
Hey so first off I want to thank Walter Peterson for reminding me of Elva (I think I've forgotten her in every single story I've written). So I'm putting her in this one as you can see!
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: I think I have a cool idea for her actually! I stuck her in at the end here so she's now in the story :D
Elrond Half-Elven Bjartskular: Thanks! And it's all good :) Also, this may be a dumb question, but what's PAX?
TheeRoyalJester: Lol I'm glad you thought so. I was trying to make it kind of funny. That's kind of how it is when people hug me. I go like, stiff and look at them with this horrified expression on my face lol. I have some fun things planned for them haha.
burning book: Oh yeah I could totes do that. Or maybe in a later chapter she'll be unconscious and they'll get pulled over and it'll be epic as well.
FanBoyNinja: Yay! I was a bit worried people would get annoyed so I'm happy you're excited for it. Thanks :)
Ocadioan: Sweet. Because the way it's looking, I might keep them in Colorado for like, four or so chapters. And yeah I'm planning on sticking with this one for now. Yeah I can see why although I promise I'd never quit a story. Yeah I noticed that because I tried it for this chapter! I caught so much more lol.
A Dark Noon: Lol what's with the 'ugh?' And as soon as I get a break I'll definitely check it out. (may take some time because I'm lazy though haha). True that. And yes! Like, I'm just sitting watching all these eps and I'm like, "Yo, where the cute moments at!?" It's dumb. Their only really awesome kisses were when they first got together! Either works and thanks! Ah Saphira. . . hehe. . .
CorLeonis92: Thank you!
Taeyeon: I'm thinking I'll stick with the vacation for maybe three or four chapters because I got a few interesting ideas I want to play out. Why do I feel like I've seen that name somewhere? Is your story super popular? Well thank you a million for reading reviewing :D It's because I somehow have it set so that I have to moderate any Guest reviews that come in. Or it automatically goes through in five days or something.
Gazamidori: Lol thanks! I just smash out a chapter in a few hours give or take. It all depends on how much time I have and stuff. Well I think assholes are funny so I'll probs like the main character, I just haven't ever been a fan of medical dramas. Or any dramas. I was thinking I could do that and just put a few on layaway. Problem is, whenever I write a chapter I want to post it immediately haha.
HelpI'mLostInCorn: :) And what are you majoring in?
funnelwebs: Lol yeah you can be my friend. And yeah he's pretty bad ass. Yeah I come up with really insane and violent threats that would frighten people if they didn't know me. Everyone who does just laughs and moves on. Well I'm making their relationship how normal relationships go when people aren't so damn damaged. Like, Arya and Eragon are both super emotionally screwed up. Saphira and Firnen are teenagers and don't have that reason to be so cautious. Lol well when he throws in a chapter involving a shotgun I'll totes study it closely. Haha basically. Well Orik is his friend so he needed to talk to somebody. Dude the best is being a Senior is High school and everyone is too afraid of you to say no. Thanks!
Mahavia: I'm sorry I have to go with what feels right and it isn't time yet. Soon though. Pretty soon. Yeah I'm sticking to this one for quite a while. You changed your name back haha.
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Lmao you are full of shit. Like, dinosaur shit. Eh, I doubt it. You're pretty lazy. I mean, I think if my head was airtight I'd die so I'm glad for that. Come on now, at least make your insults applicable.
N-Six: Thanks! And will do.
Walter Peterson: Good!
Microbat98: Hmm?
Renaissancebooklover108: Yeah that sounds like a bitch of a course. Ah Saphira will be all good!