A quick idea that popped into my head; right now there's only four small chapters. I may add more later - in fact, I'm sure I will. Enjoy! Reviews appreciated.
"But, projections, they're... essentially human influence, aren't they?"
Arthur nodded slowly, once or twice. "Excellent point. But, human influence, that wasn't originally a projection in your dream. Seeing how pow-"
"How powerful and aware the body is during dream state." Ariadne finished, leaning back into the table where sketches and mazes were sprawled out in front of her. She was an unmistakably quick learner, and when someone began to explain something, it wasn't rare for Ariadne to be able to finish, putting it better than they could themselves.
Even though Saito's job was long since finished, the team had stuck mostly together, training and perfecting skills. When the time came, to get Cobb back from tarrying in limbo, they'd be more than ready. Though Ariadne didn't see all the points of this exercise, Arthur rarely insisted they do something unless it was important. With Cobb gone, he was more or less the leader of the pack.
With the only rein on her subconscious not being allowed to use memories, Ariadne was letting it roam free for the experiment. Like she had during her first meeting with Cobb, buildings turned upon themselves and sprouted quicker than anyone would have thought possible. And now, now she was doing the same thing.
Ariadne and Arthur both concluded that different people had a different resistance to human contact, so successfully, they'd have all members of the team participate. For now, it was Ariadne. "Assuming that Eames isn't going to be the one stroking my arm while I'm sleeping, you'll be here?" Her eyes met Arthur's, with the same depth that they had met on so many occasions before. The corners of her mouth twitched upward, unnoticeable to Arthur.
"I'll be here." He nodded in confirmation. Ariadne adjusted the scarf around her neck, and laid back in the white pool-like chair, while Arthur knelt beside her, attaching the IV to her skin. A piece of medical tape was wrapped around her wrist and she laughed. "I've been doing this so many times, but I still get that feeling, every time."
"I know."
"You know? Oh, right. Your sleuthing skills enable you to know everything."
"Exactly. What kind of Point Man would be if I didn't?" In one forceful prod, Arthur pushed his finger down into the bubble, a delicate blue light illuminating from within. Ariadne sucked in a deep breath and dropped her eyes to consider her wrist. Her eyelids fluttered close.