Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me. All readers and reviews appreciated, thank you!
Ariadne swallowed nervously as she surveyed her blueprints. Arthur had told her he'd be downstairs shortly after she arrived, but she'd been there over an hour, and he still hadn't shown.
She noticed her hand was shaking slightly. "Get a grip," she muttered.
She felt a powerful need to try and impress him. He was clever, confident, in control. She tugged at her neck scarf. He wasn't the type of man who'd be interested in her. He'd be interested in a gorgeous model-type, or some high powered careerist. Not an Architectural student who couldn't afford designer labels.
Suddenly, the door was thrown open. She looked up, and her smile returned.
"Hey," Arthur said, casually. "Sorry about that, Cobb wanted me to run an errand".
"Its ok," she said, swallowing her anxiety. "Its ok, really. I thought you might be busy."
"When I make a promise, I like to keep it," he assured her. He smiled kindly, and she felt herself blushing. "Ok. So what progress is there on the maze?"
She pointed to the blueprint. "Well, for the first layer, I thought we could be in a cityscape-"
"Whoa," he cautioned her. "You think? You're the Architect. Its your decision. What you mean is, 'we will be in a cityscape.'"
She blushed. He noted, and felt an inner smirk of satisfaction. Make her think that she's the most important person on the team, Eames had told him. Get her to think she's right!
"OK, we will be in a cityscape," she corrected herself. "The idea I have is that we split into two groups from the beginning, and head to a hide out."
Arthur nodded. "Good thinking." This will be a disaster. I guarantee. Especially if I put something in the layer...like a train...
"And, we make sure that Fischer doesn't realise its a dream. I was thinking you could get him into a cab?"
"Of course." Because if it gets ambushed, I can take the blame, make you feel sorry for me.
He stopped, and shook his head slightly. What am I doing? He thought, with a slight feeling of panic. This young woman was trying to craft their dreamscapes, and all he was thinking was how he could make things progressively worse for her. You have to. Then you get to play the hero.
He swallowed, and smiled at her.
"This is great," he said, deciding to leave. "I have to go into a meeting with Cobb, but I'll be back later, I promise."
"Thanks, Arthur."
He turned, and walked towards the door, conscious that her eyes were still on him. He straightened his shoulders, almost feeling he were taunting her.
"Well?"
"She lapped it up." Arthur tried to speak casually, but his mind was racing. "Took it all on board."
Eames nodded. "She would do. She looks desperate for approval, that one."
Arthur tapped a pencil on the side of the desk. "I think so."
"Next step?"
Arthur smiled. "Let's see how it goes. I need to engineer that kiss."
Eames nodded. "Do. She won't get over that." He checked his watch. "My turn."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What are you up to?"
"Oh, I offered to show her the sights." The Forger spoke casually. "Go into a dream with her."
Arthur grinned. "Have fun."
The Forger winked. "Trust me, Artie. I will."