Arizona sprinted through the dimly lit streets, her breath coming in sharp bursts. The city's usual noise faded into a blur as she focused solely on reaching Ethan's home. The cold air stung her skin, but the rush of adrenaline and urgency pushed her forward. Each step felt like a victory, her heartbeat quickening with anticipation.

Finally, Ethan's home loomed ahead. She sprinted up the porch, nearly stumbling as she knocked. The door swung open, and Diana appeared, her face lighting up with pure joy. Before Arizona could catch her breath, Diana had enveloped her in an exuberant hug, her excitement palpable..

"Oh my God, I missed you so much!" Diana exclaimed, pulling back just enough to plant a kiss on Arizona's cheek, her grin never faltering.

Diana's laughter filled the room as she kissed Arizona's cheek, the joy between them contagious. Arizona's own laughter bubbled up in response, her arms tightening around Diana. "I missed you too," she breathed out between gasps, her voice light with affection. The weight of the night, of her long run and the urgency that had carried her, seemed to lift in that moment. The warmth of Diana's embrace seeped into her bones, dissolving the tension and replacing it with an ease that felt like home.

But as her gaze flicked beyond Diana's shoulder, it found Ethan standing in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the dim light. He watched them both, the two women who meant everything to him, and for a moment, Arizona's heart swelled with a different kind of warmth. There was a look in Ethan's eyes—quiet, unspoken, but powerful. His admiration for her was palpable, and in that brief second of connection, Arizona felt it.

Ethan didn't say a word as she broke free from Diana's embrace, turning towards him, her breath catching with excitement. "I finished," she declared, her voice bright, pulling the crumpled papers from her coat like a trophy, their edges smudged with dust from her hurried journey.

Ethan's eyes flicked from the papers to her face, a quiet awe settling in. She was incredible. Stronger than she even knew. She had faced things most people would have buckled under—danger, secrecy, the weight of responsibilities that had threatened to drown her—and yet, here she stood, unbowed, her spirit blazing with determination. He marveled at her courage, at the fierce dedication she carried like a second skin, the way she moved through every obstacle with an almost unstoppable force. There was something undeniably magnetic about her, not just because of her resilience, but because of the empathy that fueled it. She didn't do these things out of duty; she did them because she cared so deeply for the people in her life.

He couldn't take his eyes off her, this woman who stood before him, radiating both strength and vulnerability. She had thrown herself into this task, risking so much, and still found room in her heart for laughter, for joy, for Diana's embrace. His chest tightened with a rush of love, deep and abiding, and he felt a profound sense of gratitude just to have her in his life.

Without a word, Ethan reached for his coat, his movements deliberate. He crossed the room with quiet grace, pausing by Diana to place a tender kiss on her head. "Take your meds, alright? I'll be back soon," he murmured, his voice low but filled with warmth. Diana gave a small nod, her eyes gleaming with love.

Ethan's gaze lingered on Arizona, his eyes searching hers, heavy with all the unspoken emotions neither of them had voiced. The connection between them buzzed in the silence, a warmth that passed without the need for words. "Just a quick stop at Lidia's," he murmured, his voice softer than before. Then, without another word, he slipped out the door, leaving the room charged with the quiet intensity of everything they had left unsaid.

Minutes later, they stood in the alley, the soft glow from a distant streetlamp casting long shadows as their eyes met again. The weight of the night clung to the air between them, thick with anticipation. Arizona's heart thrummed in her chest, but she masked it with a light grin, determined to stay focused. "Let's go. Chop chop. No more time to waste," she said, a playful urgency in her voice as she took his arm, tugging him forward.

But after a few hurried steps, she faltered, her confidence slipping for just a second. She glanced at him, her tone dropping to something softer, almost embarrassed. "Wait, where does Lidia live?" she asked, her cheeks warming as she realized she didn't know the way.

Ethan chuckled, the sound low and comforting in the cool night air. Without a word, he took her hand, lifting it to his lips with an affectionate smile. His kiss was soft, lingering just long enough to send a flutter through her chest. "This way, my fair lady," he whispered, his voice deep and warm as he wrapped his fingers around hers, guiding her through the winding, darkened streets.

They walked in silence for a moment, the quiet punctuated only by their footsteps echoing off the cobblestones. The narrow alleys stretched out in front of them, barely lit by the distant glow of lanterns. As they moved deeper into the shadows, Arizona laughed softly, her nerves dissolving into humor. "Do you intend to kill me, Ethan? Dragging me down these streets?" Her tone was light, teasing, though she couldn't shake the thrill of how close they were, of the secrets they shared.

Ethan glanced at her, a playful glint in his eyes. "No," he replied with a smile, his grip on her hand tightening slightly, his voice softening with a touch of sincerity beneath the joke. "Actually, I intend to kidnap you and keep you next to me. So no one can ever take you away."

The way he said it, half-joking, half-serious, sent a warmth through her. She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head at him. "You wouldn't even have to ask," she whispered, her voice barely audible as they continued walking, the night wrapping around them like a secret only they were in on.

With each step, the bond between them deepened, unspoken but undeniable, threading through the darkness as they moved forward together.

Ethan grinned at her words, his eyes twinkling under the faint light filtering through the alley. "Oh, no? You'd come willingly?" His voice was teasing, but there was something deeper beneath it, something warm and steady. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, drawing her a little closer as they walked.

Arizona shot him a playful glance, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Obviously. You'd have to be a fool to think I'd resist a kidnapping from you." She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head toward him. "Although, if I'm being kidnapped, I'd expect a bit more effort. Where's the dark carriage and the mysterious cloak? I want the full experience."

Ethan chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. "Oh, don't worry, my lady. I'll upgrade my methods next time. Dark carriage, a cloak, maybe even a ransom letter if you're lucky."

She laughed, her steps lightening as they turned another corner, still hand in hand. "You've thought this through, haven't you? A real professional."

Ethan gave a mock serious nod. "Years of planning, all for you. The best part is, I'm keeping you, no negotiations, no ransom. Just you and me, forever."

"Forever, huh?" Arizona said, her voice softening slightly as she looked at him from the corner of her eye. The playful tone remained, but there was something unspoken between them, a quiet undercurrent of truth in the banter.

"Forever," he repeated with a smile, but there was no jest in his voice this time.

She nudged him gently with her shoulder, breaking the moment before it could get too heavy. "You're terrible at kidnapping, though. Isn't the point to keep me unaware? You're giving away the whole plan."

Ethan laughed, his hand sliding down to her waist, pulling her just a bit closer as they walked. "Fine. Next time, I'll be sneakier. You'll never see it coming."

"Next time," Arizona echoed with a grin, leaning into him as they continued through the dim streets. "I'll be ready."

They walked in silence for a beat, the easy banter fading into the comfortable quiet that had always existed between them. The streets grew narrower, darker, but neither of them seemed to mind the path they were taking.

They walked in silence, the playful banter that had danced between them now replaced by a quiet understanding. The darkness of the narrowing streets didn't bother them; they moved with a sense of shared purpose, the quiet moments as comforting as their words. As they made their way deeper into the city, they came upon a small, weathered apartment building. The walls were chipped, battered by years of harsh winds and rain, their once-vibrant color faded into a dull grey. The iron railing on the stairs groaned under their weight as they ascended, the creaks echoing in the quiet.

At the top of the staircase, they stopped in front of a small door, its paint peeling at the edges. Ethan knocked, his knuckles rapping against the wood in a rhythm that felt too loud for the stillness of the night. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Lidia.

She looked like she'd just woken up—her hair loose and tousled, falling in soft waves around her face. There was no trace of makeup on her skin, and her eyes, though tired, held a quiet sharpness. She wore a simple, oversized shirt that hung loosely over her frame, and her bare feet peeked out from beneath the hem of worn, comfortable pants. Despite her disheveled appearance, there was a natural beauty to her, an effortless grace that came through in the simplicity of how she stood, one hand on the doorframe as she squinted slightly at the pair in front of her.

"Evening," Lidia greeted, her voice hoarse from sleep but steady.

"We came to bring you the names," Arizona said, stepping forward, her voice filled with a quiet determination. "I promised I'd find a way, and I did."

Lidia's eyes flicked between the two of them, curiosity mingling with a hint of caution. "Do you want to come in?" she asked, though there was an edge to her tone, as if the invitation was more out of obligation than desire.

Ethan hesitated, the memory of their last encounter flashing in his mind. He could still feel the weight of Lidia's gaze, the subtle, unspoken plea that had lingered between them. He didn't want to give her any more false hope, didn't want to tread back into those murky waters. "No need," he said gently, his voice firm but kind.

Lidia nodded, almost relieved, and stepped aside just enough to reach for the papers. "The names?"

Arizona pulled the crumpled list from her coat, her fingers brushing over the worn edges before she handed it to Lidia. The paper unfolded in her hands, revealing a sprawling web of names, connections scribbled hastily across the page.

Lidia's eyes widened as she scanned the list, her face paling as the full scope of what she was holding hit her. "That's... that's an enormous web of names," she murmured, her voice wavering with a mix of awe and fear. The sheer magnitude of it seemed to weigh heavily in the air between them.

Arizona's gaze hardened, a flicker of empathy crossing her face, but there was no room for sugarcoating the truth. "Yes, unfortunately."Arizona said as she lowered her gaze in dissapointment
"But I can do it" Lidia continued" I'll track down each of these people, figure out what Conrad has on them."

Lidia's hand trembled slightly as she folded the paper back, tucking it against her chest.
"Thank you." Arizona's voice, though soft, held a quiet gratitude.

"When will we know this stage of the plan is done?" Arizona asked, her tone steady, though the weight of the question hung between them like a tether.

Lidia's eyes met Arizona's, searching her face before she nodded. "I'll let you know. It might take a few days, but I'll try to hurry."

"The faster, the better," Arizona replied, her voice gaining a sharp edge. "I want this charade done. These people deserve to be free from this legal enslavement." Her eyes flashed with determination, the fire that had driven her to this moment burning brightly.

Lidia gave a solemn nod, her hand still clutching the list as if it were a lifeline. "I'll do everything I can."

With a final glance, Arizona offered Lidia a brief, tight-lipped smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and resolve. Ethan, his expression thoughtful and reserved, reached out to gently take Arizona's arm. Together, they turned away, their footsteps echoing off the dimly lit stairwell as they descended. Lidia stood in the doorway, her gaze locked on the pair's retreating figures. Her chest tightened, a sharp thud of emotion resonating in her ribcage, making her pulse throb loudly in her ears. Tears welled up, blurring her vision as she slowly closed the door, her hand lingering on the handle.

As the door clicked shut, Ethan looked at Arizona, his voice gentle yet probing. "Can I walk you home?"

Arizona nodded, and they continued down the dimly lit street, the cool air brushing against their faces. The city hummed softly around them, a muted backdrop to their conversation. Arizona's breath came in short bursts, still tinged with the adrenaline of her earlier haste. She glanced at Ethan, her eyes wide with a mixture of exhilaration and relief.

"You know," Arizona began, her voice carrying a hint of wonder, "today was extraordinary. I've never felt anything like that rush of adrenaline." Her smile widened, her eyes alight with the thrill of the day's events. "Racing to finish the list, almost getting caught by my father... it was as if I was truly alive for the first time." She paused, searching for the right words. "It was the best birthday ever."

Ethan's eyes softened as he processed her words. "Birthday? I... I didn't know," he said, halting his steps.

Arizona waved off his concern, her tone light but edged with resignation. "Oh, it's no big deal. I don't really celebrate. Birthdays just remind me of another year spent in this cage I live in."

Ethan's expression shifted, a new determination in his gaze as he gently took her hands in his, holding them with a childlike eagerness. "Let me change that."

Arizona's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Let me plan a birthday for you," Ethan said, his voice earnest. "Just you and me. Tomorrow evening. Please."

Arizona shook her head with a faint smile. "No birthdays, Ethan. I'd rather skip that."

"How about a real date, then?" Ethan suggested, his eyes twinkling with hope. "No more secret meetings or sneaking around. We'll spend time together without any of the usual rush. The plan is still pending with Lidia, so we have some time."

Arizona's gaze lingered on Ethan, her eyes reflecting a mix of contemplation and intrigue as she mulled over his offer. The street lights above them flickered intermittently, casting fleeting shadows that danced around their feet. After a moment's pause, she finally nodded, a soft smile breaking through her uncertainty. "Alright, a date it is."

Ethan's face brightened, his smile widening with a touch of genuine relief. "Great. I'll make sure it's something special."

They continued down the dimly lit street, the promise of a new kind of evening adding a subtle warmth to the cool night air. Their conversation flowed easily, their laughter mingling with the occasional creak of the old buildings around them. The night seemed to embrace them with its quiet promise of something new and pleasant.

As they walked, the warmth of their conversation seemed to waver, disturbed by an unsettling feeling. A shadowy figure trailed silently behind them, barely perceptible except for the occasional, almost imperceptible rustle in the night. The figure's eyes, obscured by darkness, tracked their every step with a disquieting precision.

The street lights above flickered erratically, their light casting brief, fragmented illuminations that flickered over the figure's shifting silhouette. Each burst of illumination revealed fleeting glimpses of the figure's presence, only for it to vanish back into the shadows. The air grew denser with a subtle tension, and the reassuring warmth of their dialogue felt increasingly distant.In the shifting light and encroaching darkness, the figure's gaze remained fixed, its intense scrutiny betraying an unsettling wickidness.