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[anewshade]

After Arthur left her apartment, Ari took a quick shower and threw on jeans and a blouse before putting on a small amount of makeup and her favorite scarf to top it off.  She grabbed her shoulder bag and metro card before heading out. It looked like she'd be right on time if the train cooperated.

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[point_forgotten]

When Arthur got back to his hotel room, he changed out of his running clothes and into a black and white striped shirt with dark blue jeans. He donned a grey blazer and scrunched up the sleeves to his elbows before walking out and hailing a cab to their meeting place.

[point_forgotten]

He smiled bashfully at her and turned towards the mirror as he tugged on the bottom of the jacket to straighten it out. “Weird,” he muttered as he examined himself in the mirror. His line of sight refocused on Ariadne’s face in the mirror.

[anewshade]

She was still smiling, but there was a slight hint of sadness creeping in, not aware that he was watching her. When her eyes met his, her smile grew again.

"Weird like 'maybe a different cut would be better' or weird like 'you just have to get used to it?'" she asked.

[point_forgotten]

“Weird like ‘I just have to get used to it,’” he replied. There was something in her eyes that troubled him slightly. “Everything okay?”

[anewshade]

"Good, because I think you look dashing in it," she said with a smile before it faltered a bit at his question. She just waved it off.

"Everything's fine. Do you want to try another couple on just to see?"

She didn't need to bring up old Arthur. The feeling would pass she was sure. Not need to trouble him about it. She went to the rack and looked at the other choices. A stunning black one and the three piece catching her eye.

[point_forgotten]

“Yeah, sure.” He turned back to her and walked over. Looking over the two she was focusing on, he took the three piece even though he asked for two piece suits and went to the changing room. Arthur emerged a few minutes later.

[anewshade]

She smiled and shook her head.

"Seriously, Arthur, I've never seen anyone wear a suit like you," she said. "What do you think of this one?"

[point_forgotten]

He huffed out a laugh. “I like this one. I didn’t think I’d like the waistcoat, but I do.” Arthur turned a little to look himself over in the mirror before completely facing Ariadne. “I should slick back my hair, go for that real gangster look.”

[anewshade]

She swallowed around a lump forming in her throat.

"Yeah, maybe," she said, forcing a smile. "It looks really good on you, Arthur."

[point_forgotten]

There was something off about her smile. It just didn’t reach her eyes. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” He took a few cautious steps forward and stood a few inches away from her as he griped her shoulders.

[anewshade]

She looked up at him, eyes a bit glassy.

"I'm sorry," she said, sounding frustrated at herself. "You just look like old you right now and it's, well, causing me to freak a little."

[point_forgotten]

“Oh,” he knitted his brows together. “Is it the suit?”

[anewshade]

She nodded.and looked.down at her hands.

"And uh, you used to slick your hair back. Every day."

[point_forgotten]

He closed his mouth before kissing her forehead gently. "Okay. No more remarks about slicking back my hair." He gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

[anewshade]

"I'm sorry," she shook her head slightly. "You should do whatever you want. I'll get over it.

I just didn't realize how seeing you like this would affect me."

It felt ridiculous to her to mourn someone who was right there, but old Arthur really wasn't right there. He was gone, and the truth was she did miss him.

[point_forgotten]

"Hey, there's no need to be sorry." He looked at her with concern as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Is it okay if I get this suit? I kind of like it."