Author's note: 1st ever fanfic! I've seen Inception 3 times now- and am officially obsessed... especially with Arthur. I'm just begging God for a 2nd Inception so we get a chance to see Arthur/Ariadne relationship blossom... I know this chapter is short... please review if you think i should bother writing more... ;)

CHAPTER 1

They were being shot at. Several windows of the old warehouse smashed around him, as Arthur crouched- back against the wall-a machine gun in his hands.

He glanced across at Ariadne and felt a tug at his heart strings. Despite being only a few years his junior- he felt entirely responsible for her safety. After all- Cobb had specifically told him to watch out for her as he had slipped under into the dream. Now she was protecting her head with her arms, wincing as the broken glass hit her.

Arthur felt a strong desire to pull her over and into his arms- whisper in her ear that she was safe- and protect her from the militarised projections. This was not the position he had wanted her to be in- she looked so frail and young.

With a sigh- he swung round, rested the machine gun on the window ledge and fired a stream of bullets. Two or so silhouettes on the opposite building fell to the floor. Answering shots rang out- and more windows shattered around them.

"It's no use", he shouted across at Eames, who was crouched behind some empty crates. "There are too many of them".

"I see you're deciding to retain a negative attitude towards the situation, then?" Eames replied- grinning slightly.

Arthur scowled and glanced across at Ariadne. She caught his eye and gave him a weak smile- reminding him she was still OK. He wasn't convinced. Cobb, Yusaf and Saito were all in the basement- down on the next level- safe. And they weren't.

The plan was to go in one by one- arrive at the right moment. Eames was due to go next- and Ariadne last. He, as the point-man, had been assigned to remain on this level and protect them while they slept.

A particularly large rocket launched at the floor below shook the entire building with astonishing force. Ariadne couldn't help but let out a small cry. She was terrified. More scared now than ever before.

Arthur glanced across at her- concern mingled with frustration on his usually composed features. He noticed Eames looking at her too- worried.

Ariadne caught them staring at her- deliberating what to do. They shouldn't be worrying about her like this. Her head suddenly snapped up.

"Eames. Pass me your gun". Her voice was surprisingly calm and authoritive.

Arthur stared at her- shocked. Eames shared his surprise- and didn't move.

"Ariadne..." Arthur began quietly.

" Goddammit Arthur! I'm not a child! I have a far better view of the projections than Eames, and he needs to get to the basement soon anyway." She snapped.

Eames grinned at Arthur, and casually flung the sniper rifle at her. She caught it deftly- swung round and crouched over the scope- looking highly professional.

Arthur raised an eyebrow and glared disapprovingly at the still grinning Eames.

4 shots rang out and as he turned Arthur saw 4 figures fall.

"Way to go girl!" Eames crowed, "Now that is what I'm talking about"

Ariadne glanced across at them and smiled shyly at their surprised faces.

"Where did you learn to do that?" Arthur muttered- having quickly regained his calm composure after covering his shocked expression.

Ariadne shrugged. And shot 2 more projections.

"I was a girl-guide," she murmured, grinning.