maze_builder | (no subject)

Ariadne had arranged a peaceful, quiet life she for herself after the Fischer job. And then he showed up. All smiles and charm that sent her head in a frenzy. It seemed like every time he was in town, he would visit her and she would be conveniently available. She knew the kind of work he was still involved in and the risks that came with it. But she didn't think that he would be under surveillance or that anyone would notice his infrequent visits to Paris.

But someone had found out about her. Someone had been in her apartment and was looking for something other than money. They even went to the trouble of leaving her a note. A friendly enough note to try and inspire her to come out of retirement. That sickeningly sweet kind of note that felt like it was laced with cobra venom. They wanted an Architect.

She called the only person she could think of.

"Hey..."

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Arthur couldn't help but chuckle as she spoke of her students. "I see, well, that's to be expected," he teased, but she really did look younger than her age which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but she went into teaching where being intimidating would be a good thing.

"Yes, I suppose it is." She sighed and nuzzled against him more, feeling herself relax a little more in his arms. "I guess I just have my grandfather to blame for my early found love for masonry and structure. Everyone else in my position has about 20 years under their belt."

"But it was Miles who got you that job, right?" As he understood it, architecture was similar to teaching writing in the respect that you needed experience, for writing it was being published, for architecture it was having designs actually made.

"Yes, he did." Closing her eyes again, she continued to rub her thumb along his ribs. When she had been hired on, she had asked Miles every morning for a week if she had read the letter correctly. "I'm still surprised the Board accepted my application."

He nodded when his computer made a sound, signaling a new email. Arthur reluctantly untangled himself from her and roll over looking at the screen. He clicked on the email and read it. "Harris...I think I've heard the name before, but I've never worked with him," he murmured out aloud after reading his contact's message.

The chirping noise from his laptop made her sit up, the weight of worry returning. "Harris...? That doesn't sound like anyone I've ever met. Is these anything more about him?" she blurted out.

His contact had also included Harris's email address. Arthur shook his head. "Harris could very well be a fake name," he said as he typed a short reply. "Do you want me to contact him for you?"

She nodded, hesitantly. "Yes, you know more about these... negotiations, than I do."

He nodded in turn and typed a message to Harris.

Please refrain from taking further action in regards to Ariadne. She is not involved in the business whatsoever and I would like to keep it that way. If you know who I am, then you know my reputation.

Arthur sent the message.

Ariadne let out a sigh, for relief or consternation, she wasn't quite sure. "I hope that works." Looking down, she debated how to ask him for a favor. "Arthur- would it be okay if I asked you to stay with me? At least... until this blows over?"

He turned to her. "In your apartment?" The last time he had come to Paris, she suggested just staying with her instead of a hotel, but he didn't want to impose. And maybe because he didn't want things to get...complicated more than they already were.

She shook her head. "Not there. Not right now. Here. Or somewhere more to your liking. I-I don't want to impose on you though. Or get in the way of your work. I just don't want to be alone for the time being. At least not right away." Lifting her chin she looked up at him.

"Well luckily I'm inbetween jobs right now," he told her, smiling a little. "But I would like to change hotels, at least one with more security." God, how could he ever say no to that face?

Nodding, she moved to crawl out from under the covers. "Thank you Arthur." It felt like she was burdening him, but she was glad he had agreed to stay. She smiled at him gratefully.

"Of course." He reached over and pulled her in so he could kiss her.

The moment their lips met, she felt like her whole body warmed. Arthur always seemed to have that affect on her, like the whole world was a spinning and he was standing still. She rested on hand on his chest as the other supported her weight as she leaned into his kiss.

He laid back, bringing her down on top of him. He sucked at her bottom lip. "Can we order room service or go out for food?" He asked after he broke the kiss. He hadn't eaten since London.

She leaned over him, biting his lower lip softly when he finally released hers. "Lets go out. Room service is a bit... questionable around here."

"I guess I'll get dressed again." He smiled and bit her bottom lip before getting out from under her and going to the closet.

After getting dressed, he checked his laptop for a new message but there was none.

She relaced her boots around her ankles as she waited for him to get dressed. When they finally left the hotel, she took his arm as they walked down the street. She was trying not to look around her.

They happened upon a small restaurant and Arthur walked in. They sat down at a table and a waitress came over with menus and to take their drinks order.

Ordering a heavier drink, she skimmed the menu. Her appetite hadn't returned yet. After picking the first thing that she saw, the waitress left them to place their order. "So, where'd you fly in from? You got here very quickly."

"I took the train from London," he replied. "Just finished a job there this afternoon when you called."

"Lucky for me you were so close." She twirled a fork between her fingers as she tried to think on something else. "Must not have been an intense corporate espionage job. You left Paris less than a month ago."