Hello everyone! I'm back again. I know this topic is huge cliche, but I couldn't resist also. I really apologize in advance for any mistakes which are in the story... :) I'm not perfect but I hope you'll like it. And one more thing. Disclaimer: I don't own Inception.
Tears
Arthur couldn't understand why tying neckties was so much fun for her. It was true that her hands were skilled (not only for creating mazes), but even so it was a big mystery for him. Anyway, he had to admit that she was creating a perfect knot. In addition, her company in the morning in the bathroom was more than pleasant.
"Are you sure that you don't want to go with me?" He asked her again. Ariadne was focused on her hands, but still she was able to answer.
"I already told you. Audrey will come to visit. We have to plan that trip to the mountains."
"It can wait until the afternoon." She stopped and looked at him with a curious look.
"Are you afraid to be alone with them? I thought that men are happy when they can be without woman," and she continued on his tie.
Arthur didn't mind to work with Eames, Yusuf and Cobb. However Ariadne after his side was the best buddy in dreams. Whether they were light touches during the preparations and Forger's disgusting face. Or when she had been smarter than Chemist so he had felt slightly embarrassed. Not to mention Extractor, who often admired her creativity and guile. Her complex mazes were probably the best in the world. Even Architect grown up in fighting. Sometimes Point Man had a problem to defeat her. Eames attributed it to his inability, but when he had tried it himself, it hadn't paid off. For several days, he had to stay home with sore back. However, the past few weeks, she behaved strangely. She couldn't concentrate due to fatigue, she didn't like her favorite breakfast (pancakes with huge amount of nutella and whipped cream) or everybody had experienced her unfathomable and irrational mood swings. According to her, it was stress and he thought the same.
"No, I'm not."
Immediately after this sentence, the tie was completed. Perfect, as always, and Arthur saw it in the mirror also. He smiled and his hands were around her waist. Instinctively, her hands found themselves around his neck. Known position leading to only result.
"But I will miss you," he told passionately into her eyes and her face broke into a smile. Whenever he had this voice, memories of their time together appeared. Everytime he proved how much he loved her. And everytime, she was very grateful.
"I will miss you too."
What followed, was no surprise. Her sweet lips were irresistible, so Arthur started kissing her. She joined him and their bodies fell into a symphony of love. Harmony during this moment was magical. Together they were a star shining in the darkness which surrounded them. Together they had force against all evil. Ariadne realized that he got carried away and now there was no turning back. But the time wasn't too kind for them. Arthur had delay (according to his morning schedule) and even though he knew it, he still wanted to be with her. For Point Man, it was always hard to say goodbye. A few days ago, they had made a record when their 'goodbye' had stretched for over an hour and a quarter. Arthur then had had to listen to comments from Forger. Even though his body had worked with him, his mind, heart and soul had been still with her. Maybe it was something invisible, what linked them at big distances, but finding the name was too difficult. His lips couldn't tear off and so passionate kissing continued. However, when he didn't want to stop, the complicated step was up to her.
"Arthur..."
It wasn't even an inch, but it was the first and last word that she managed to say. Point Man didn't want to hear anything. Whatever it was the reason to end this... or actually it didn't matter and he was kissing her still. She was losing control over her body and wasn't the only one.
"Arthur, you have t-"
Neither the second attempt was good. And when he pressed her to the cabinet with a sink, she realized that only a few seconds remained, and tying the tie would be a waste of time. Ariadne finally put her hands on his chest, pushing with all the strength. Their lips pulled away from each other.
"Arthur, you have to go. They will be pissed again."
"I don't care," and he wanted to kiss her, but her hands pushed on his chest.
"No. You HAVE to go."
He looked at her, realizing she was right. Why was such a punishment to leave? Why he had to be somewhere else? Even though it was only for a few hours, suddenly entire separation seemed even worse. However, he had to meet with them. Not just because of dreamshare, but above all because of her. Ariadne had to find out something important. She still stared into his eyes, convincing him about leaving. After a while, Arthur sighed.
"Okay... but only on one condition."
Architect smiled. The condition was always the same. They kissed again. Slowly, gently, passionately. Maybe it was strange, but this kiss was her most favorite. All emotions, which they felt to each other, were there. Short moment wordlessly saying everything essential.
After that, things went slightly. It took only a few minutes and Arthur closed entry door. Ariadne waited another minute before the real hell started. With lightning speed, she ran into the bedroom and opened her nightstand. A cruel thing was there. How horrible was just thinking about it. However the reality and more regular indications told her that something was happening. She knew it in her heart also, but first she wanted to make sure if it was true. The word intuition, which she still couldn't explain or describe, always wrote those same lines. Sixth sense shouted the information into her ears, but next minutes will be the answer to all questions and doubts. Ariadne gingerly reached for a small box, whose name frightened her. Pregnancy Test.
xxxxxXxxxxx
Five minutes just started. Five minutes and she will know it. The clock on her cell phone was accurate. The revelation was closer with every second. Ariadne was sitting on the ground leaning against the bathtub, waiting and thinking. What if one line will be there? What if two lines? Ariadne realized that her life was now at stake. In particular, how it will unfold. Her future was uncertain and scary. But how could this be real? Could the pills stop working? Or was it she who had made a mistake? Probably she had forgotten and so protection was insufficient. It was painful, but no other reason existed. Unfortunately, it was the only explanation which made sense. Ariadne had failed and the result could be disastrous. At that moment, her eyes were filled with tears. Her fear and despair were justified. And then it happened again. Mild but sensitive pain in the lower abdomen. Another irrefutable evidence.
It was more than a week, and her 'days' still didn't come. At first, Ariadne had thought that the problem was only a stress or rather, according to her, her body went crazy from long nights, sometimes even without sleep. But seven days were more suspicious, plus other changes which she felt. Perhaps the pregnancy test was unnecessary. Her body knew very well the origin of it all, but her mind didn't want to accept it. That's why she had lied to Arthur. Therefore, she had used her best friend Audrey. No trip to the mountains, everything was just a false story. Or rather, for her peace of mind, an excuse. However it was still unknown and how Architect found out, even seconds in the real world could run slowly.
"Oh my God, look at him," she gushed over little boy crawling on grass, discovering the world.
It wasn't the fastest movement forward, but certainly it was the loveliest sight of all. Mother next to him was so proud and full of joy due of his success. Ariadne knew why. She would be same. She would encourage him also. How she wished that she could be on her spot. They were sitting together on a bench in the park, enjoying the afternoon. It was peaceful and restful day off without dreamshare. Recently, such beautiful moments were rare and so every moment, just in two, was a blessing. Arthur looked at the toddler in front of them. On his face was a faint smile, while her face literally glowed with happiness.
"Isn't he cute?" Point Man had to admit she was right.
"Yes, he is."
Why he had a feeling that the theme 'Family' was close? Why he had a feeling that his past will soon come out to the surface? He wasn't prepared for this. Telling his story won't be easy but one day, she will find out anyway. Although it wouldn't mind, if she didn't know. However Ariadne looked down at their joined hands and fingers laced. It was perhaps something more but after a moment of silence, she spoke.
"You know Arthur..." she started slowly and he knew it was here. "I know that we have never talked about it, but..." her distrust to herself acted cautiously, "...but I want to have kids with you. I want to have a family with you and... I think that we should start trying. We have been together for more than two and a half year, we have enough money... what do you say?"
Finally her wish got real form. Long time and a lot of thinking, nonetheless she said it aloud. Ariadne looked at him with hope, and maybe it seemed to her but Arthur wasn't too excited. His gaze didn't meet with hers, but still she could see the pain in his eyes. He looked as if he'd experienced something terrible. Although nothing had happened in surroundings during her talk. So what was it? Some memory? Or his past about which she had no clue? Arthur sighed after a while with heavy heart.
"I... I can't Ariadne." The words sank into her skin like a razor. It then penetrated inside, continuing through blood to her heart. Suddenly every beat was cruel and bitter. Ariadne felt as if something died in her.
"What?" Her voice implied tears. "What do you mean?"
Arthur knew it, and so their eyes met. It was hard to see her in such state. Her tears always meant sadness but now their future was in jeopardy. Everything, what they had together, suddenly seemed pointless. However, this thought caused that his mouth opened.
"Look Ariadne. I really want to tell you why... but not here in public. I promise we will talk about it tonight. Okay?"
Sound startled her and so memory was gone. Ariadne quickly grabbed the phone and turned off the alarm. Waiting was over, time passed. This realization caused a few things. Her breathing was deep, her heart was beating faster and her body was preparing for receiving the verdict. Now she had to stand up and look into a basin. Ariadne was moving slowly. Maybe she was afraid of the truth. Maybe it needed some extra time. Hard to say what forced her, but after a while, her eyes looked at the white thing. Her mouth opened in disbelief, but her right hand cover it. Tears ran down her cheeks immediately. Ariadne took the pregnancy test with second trembling hand. As if she still couldn't (or rather didn't want to) believe what she saw. Stupid... significant... red... two lines. Positive. Pregnancy. She was... pregnant.
Ariadne's sadness burst forth fully, and now her crying was heard throughout the house. She couldn't stop it. Her knees buckled, the speed of the fall was frightening. It was lucky she wasn't hurt. Although the truth was clear from the beginning, her mind didn't want to accept it even now. Why? Why did this had to happen? Why the reality couldn't be different? Time passed much faster and her crying continued. Her eyes started to hurt, as well as the heart. Her head throbbed, threatening to explode at any moment into two halves. The body was quickly weakening, losing strength. But no. Still there was a chance that it was a big mistake. Pregnancy test wasn't foolproof, it could only be a premature alarm. The thought gave her hope and so she quickly grabbed the cell phone from the ground. Certainty was someone else, Dr. Tyler Brecken.
He was the best doctor, who a woman could ask for. Any concern, any problem, he had explained everything so well that Ariadne always had understood. He had helped her many times, but now it was more important than ever. She knew him even longer than Arthur, more than six years. His number wasn't hard to find, and soon followed a ringing tone. Pregnancy test was still in her left hand.
"Good morning, Dr. Tyler Brecken on the phone." His calm and gentle voice helped her with speaking.
"Good morning, this is Ariadne Bourgeois."
"Ariadne." Cheerful tone conjured up a small smile on her lips. Exactly what she needed right now. "Why are you calling? Is something wrong?" Sometimes it seemed that the doctor was her good friend.
"Yes. I want to make an appointment for a medical examination. It is about a confirmation of the pregnancy." Although she said it with the pain and sadness in voice, something else was heard on the other side.
"Really?" The doctor was excited, perhaps more than was healthy. "Of course, it will be great to see you. When?"
It was as if father hadn't seen his daughter for a long time and couldn't wait for her arrival. Exactly how she felt. But it was nice to have someone who was enthusiastic about this news. She knew that Arthur would definitely not. Actually, she had a feeling of joy and happiness inside. Having a family was her great desire and dream, but someone had ruined all. Ariadne again realized the cruel truth and in her eyes, new tears began to appear.
"Ariadne, are you there?"
The doctor broke her thoughts. Her entire body was focused again on the phone and next steps. She had to remember the question from him. Ariadne returned to the status of planning and thinking. After all, more time would provide more conclusive evidence. Pregnancy test could be premature, this thing could be wrong. Why all of a sudden there were two feelings? The first one told her how it was great. New life could begin for her. The one which she always wanted. However, the second one shouted at her that it was a mistake. Surely she couldn't have child, otherwise it would mean the end. For both. Damn it, she was silent again. Ariadne had to quickly say something. An answer.
"Yes... yes I'm here... what about next week?... Friday?"
Her head had a problem with speaking, because just one thing was inside. Positive pregnancy test. This time the doctor was quiet, but she could hear the rustle of papers. Apparently he was looking for a free appointment. Ariadne waited, thinking what she will say to Arthur. However, there was no time.
"That would work. Is 10 am good for you?" That was straight perfect. The ideal time because Arthur will be gone again and won't even know about her leaving. Everything would be done in secret, without any explanation.
"Yes. Thank you so much Dr. Brecken."
"No reason to thank me Ariadne, but I am looking forward to you." Maybe it was his ordinary joy that a young woman decided to add another life into this world. Maybe he was happy that she will become a mother. Why he was more excited than Architect?
"Goodbye and have a nice day."
"Thanks and take care of yourself Ariadne."
The call ended and her mood improved a bit, but only for a short while. Pregnancy test in her hand had to disappear. Immediately. Trash can in the kitchen was insufficient, so she decided to throw it in a garbage bin standing in front of their house. Point Man was indeed a perfectionist and details were his hobby, but even so there were ways to defeat him. And mainly, the stupid thing won't be in front of her eyes.
xxxxxXxxxxx
Ariadne was lying on the bed, her hands were on the lower abdomen. As if she was trying to sense what was inside. Her head and mind were trying to accept the fact that she was pregnant. It was a miracle of nature but for her, it was rather a curse. Although happiness and joy were deep inside her heart, pain and sadness were more powerful. She still had a few hours to his arrival, but it was important to stay calm. Stress was now her greatest enemy, also harmful for a child. However, there were another problems which needed to be solved. Above all, not just he, but no one could know about it.
Her parents would probably be enthusiastic as Dr. Brecken. They always wanted to take care of a grandchild and questions such as 'when will it happen' could end. This was the opportunity on which they were waiting. A lot of gifts, attention, advice and other things. According to their words, taking care of the child wasn't easy walk in the rose garden and every assistance was beneficial. Hard to say what would be help and what would be prattling into her life. Although such thoughts were pointless. These speculations were for the case, if she would have a baby, and that was not a possibility...
Best friend Audrey... It was difficult to estimate. But there were things that were against Architect. Above all, it was persuasion. Audrey was an expert at manipulating with consciousness. According to Ariadne, an excellent candidate for work in dreamshare, but she couldn't pull her into a world of danger and risk. It was the person whom she had known since kindergarten, and it wouldn't be right. Besides, her boyfriend Ramsey was her everything. In dreamshare, there were a lot of tactics for getting information and torture was just cup of coffee. However, she had no desire having a child and that could be an advantage for her. Reasons for not going into jail named 'Motherhood' (sometimes her expressions knew no bounds). Maybe they were true and meaningful. "You will lose your independence, you will dedicate your life to someone else and what if that child will be someone whom you will hate?" Her main 'truths' for life without a family. It was a miracle that she had found like-minded man. However, as the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. But the less people will know about it, the better. Despite the fact that Audrey's mouth wasn't under control, mostly telling things how they were. Therefore it had to remain as a secret, even in front of this person.
Cobb... Eames... Yusuf... and what about professor Miles? Another good friends who deserved to know it. Extractor would be full of support. After all, he knew what it was having children. They already had visited Arthur and Ariadne several times. Unforgettable moments of fun and joy. Their curiosity, ideas and occasional pranks had been hilarious. But it was true that she had experienced most of it. Arthur had been rather with Cobb or he had done another activity. It now made sense why... Maybe the biggest 'problem' would be Forger. It was clear that his stupid comments about children, which Point Man heard from him quite often, would be worse. Hard to tell in what direction, but even so it would be stressful for him. And actually for her also. Yusuf and professor Miles were very similar. Understanding and caring men, ready to be here in the hardest moments. Both of them respected her and they could be even closer to her due to a child.
Why was it getting worse and worse? Why she had to enforce silence, even though it was the dumbest idea in the world? Everything was better than secrecy. Everything was better than lies. So why she had to suffer like this and disappoint everyone? And the biggest shard into her heart, she had to lie to the dearest person of all.
It wasn't hard to make a decision. It was clear that Arthur couldn't know. Maybe that would be the end of their love, and she didn't want to think about it. Point Man was her everything and so it wasn't the option. He was sun, giving her the energy. He was water which was in her body. He was air, thanks to which she could live. Even though they weren't married, they loved each other deeply. And every day the feeling was stronger. The two soul mates couldn't break away. However Arthur was a reason for everything. Her despair, fear, sadness... His past had become his truth. And it was impossible for him to overcome. Ariadne understood why. She would probably never forget it also, but the mother inside had desires. And child was the biggest one.
Ariadne couldn't believe that her life had turned upside down within couple minutes. Choosing between him and her baby was impossible. Any result didn't have a happy ending. She didn't want to lose anybody, but she couldn't have both. One person will soon disappear from her life, but who? After a while, tears ran down her cheeks. It was clear that this will be the hardest decision in her life.
Slow beginning, but I think it's good :) How do you like it? Any comments, I will accept with open arms :)