ameluz: I agree. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH :) I know that I am a little bit late but happy new year to you as well. I am so grateful for you, literally you are a blessing :)

I am so happy to see you here again. I hope you celebrated year 2016 in style. Or if it wasn't according to your plans, don't worry. Maybe next time it will be better... which could mean next weekend... I don't know what I am talking about :) Anyway, I am so excited to continue. A lot of ideas, love and tears and other things ;) Please, enjoy this first chapter of the new year :)... oh, I almost forgot. Thank you all for reading. There is no way how to avoid this. Just accept it :)

Gift

It was snowing outside. Third day in a row. This of course caught her attention. How nice it would be to go out making snowmen or snowball fight with Point Man like every Christmas, but lately Ariadne was glad that she was able to move around the house. The twins continued to grow, as well as her belly. Most of the day, she rested in bed or on the couch, sometimes with her eyes closed, desiring to prolong night's sleep. Sometimes it was already annoying and boring. Especially she didn't like too much 'doing nothing'. But the words of doctor Brecken were clear. Her body had to expend a lot of energy, basically doubly than in other cases of pregnancy. And she also felt some indications. When she stood somewhere, her legs started to hurt soon. Or when she went up the stairs into their bedroom, Ariadne felt that her heart was beating faster than usual. Arthur had suggested (maybe it was more like a request) that it would be good to sleep downstairs in the guest room. However, she had rejected the idea because she didn't want to give up their comfortable, large bed. Although sometimes she thought about this option. Maybe one day, but certainly not today.

This time also the gifts under the Christmas tree were missing. Their tradition actually got minor adjustments. Arthur didn't want anything, because according to him, she had two most beautiful and cutest gifts in her belly, and waiting wasn't a problem for him. Her reason was similar, plus she wouldn't have energy for frantic tearing paper. It was one of her favorite Christmas disciplines. Attacking to surprises wrapped in decorative packaging made her very happy. It was primarily a desire to see what was the secret. This habit didn't disappear even in adulthood, but now she wasn't in mood. She was a little upset but obviously, it had to wait. At least until next year.

However, Arthur was a big help. Due to her condition, all the important activities were on him. And to her surprise, he had managed it perfectly. Choosing and decorating a Christmas tree or baking Christmas cookies. Ariadne felt like a sick princess and rescuer took care of her. Although she had protested, wanting to be useful, but it had caused a strong and convincing rejection from his side. The result was another lying on the couch or in bed. The routine which unpleasantly penetrated into her skin. Even her favorite movie Polar Express wasn't as fun as usual. The scene with hot chocolate and dancing or arrival at the North Pole didn't have the right magic. Hard to say what it was.

"I look like a whale," she said sadly, looking at her big belly.

Not only that, but her weight had increased as well. The number, which the doctor had told her, she rather had forgotten. Point Man lying beside her on the back heard her complaint. That's why his head turned at her.

"What are you talking about? You look lovely." But her eyes, which looked at him, were serious.

"Admit it Arthur. I'm fat. And I'm not as pretty as I used to be."

Was it possible that she had depression? Or was she afraid that he could run away with another woman? It was strange that these thoughts overpowered her on Christmas Eve, which was one of the most calm days of the year. Although it was true that pregnancy had affect on her still. And it seemed she had problems with it.

"Come on, Ariadne. Maybe you're a little bigger than before, but this is a natural process, when a woman has twins." Great, now he confirmed her worst fears. "And I don't agree with your statement that you're not pretty." Her face softened slightly due to this compliment. "Because for me, you're the most beautiful woman in the world." How did he do that? How was it possible that he had always managed to cheer her up? Her face broke into a smile, but then she started confiding.

"I'm just worried."

This sentence was a surprise for him. Maybe there was different reason. Deeper and more important. When he looked attentively, her eyes were saying that something was happening. It was time to find out.

"Why?" Ariadne sighed and looked down at her belly again, where she put her left hand.

"I still don't feel anything. No kicking or something else."

Point Man didn't realize this. The fifth month was already a long time. Even doctor Brecken had pointed out on their activity and movements as a result. However it wasn't their plan and it just increased her concerns. He began to think about it and unpleasant feeling engulfed him too. Could something really happen to them? However he then got the idea for their common distraction. Her favorite movie didn't help, and so it was time for another try. Suddenly, Arthur rose up from the bed, turned off the TV and went to the window, where was white radio on the table.

"What are you doing?"

She sounded confused and surprised. Bed without him was empty and deserted, but mainly she didn't know the cause of his actions. Right then, a Christmas carol started to play. As she recognized, it was Silent night. One of the songs which she loved, comforting her body and erasing bad thoughts. Apparently it was a CD which he used. Was this prepared for her? Although it wouldn't be surprise because thinking ahead was one of his abilities. Point Man returned to her, but not into the same position as before. His head was near her belly and before she could ask why, he carefully rolled up her pink maternity T-shirt. It was an extraordinary sight. He had never been so close to them and had to admit that it was absolutely amazing. Being with them like this was so wonderful and magical.

"Annette? Adam? Are you awake?" Ariadne had to smile while her right hand stroked his hair, encouraging him. Cuteness flooded her whole body. He took it as a good sign and decided to continue.

"I will tell you a story and pay attention, because it's very important." It sounded interestingly and therefore her ears focused only on him. Of course the music in the background was a nice complement, creating an atmosphere of dreams.

"Once upon a time, there was a little boy. He was eleven years old and lived with his grandmother. His mother had died in an accident and his father had disappeared."

Arthur stopped, and she realized something. Could this be a real story? Although different question was far more important. Could this be his story? Point Man took a deep breath and exhaled, fighting with this feeling inside.

"He didn't know anyone in the new neighborhood. Every time, when he looked out the window, he silently wanted to be out there with other children. But he had no friends. Snow battles between boys were forbidden. He was alone, and it bothered him very much, but when he confided with his feelings to grandmother, she answered with only one sentence."

"If you want to get love, you have to give it first."

"And so he decided to make a gift. But not ordinary. It was a box covered by gold paper with red ribbon and he put a piece of paper with his name and with the sentence inwards. But then he realized one thing. Who could be happy from this gift?"

Arthur paused again, as if he was waiting for their response. Ariadne stroked his hair again. Not just because he was the right father now, but also because she loved him more than ever. It was incredible how the twins were able to change him.

"It occurred to him that he could give it to neighbor Frederick. He was nice, helpful and polite man, but he was also lonely. Nobody loved him and he had no children. And so the little boy dressed and ran with this surprise to him. But bell was high for him, and so he loudly banged on the door. After a moment, the neighbor appeared in front of him and he was very surprised when he saw the small boy from the next door.

"Good evening," he said with his child's voice. The neighbor smiled warmly at him and noticed the gift, which he held in his hands.

"Good evening boy. May I ask why you're here at my door?" But the boy suddenly felt uneasy. It looked as if he was afraid. But of what?

"I... I brought you something," and he looked at the gift in his hands. Frederick knelt down to him, and the boy looked into his eyes again. Although he was uncertain, neighbor was kind to him.

"Is this present for me?" He nodded, and after a while he gave it to him with a little note.

"But you have to open it up inside the house. There is a big secret." The neighbor smiled and the boy smiled back.

"Okay. Thank you very much." However, the boy started to be cold and so it was time to go.

"You're welcome. Merry Christmas." Frederick was looking at him for a moment, then he replied, too.

"Merry Christmas." The little boy turned and ran back home with the feeling that now somebody was happy thanks to him.

After a week, he noticed that his neighbor didn't return home alone. Beside him walked a woman, a very beautiful woman. Blond hair, kind and smiley face. When the little boy asked his grandmother, who she was, she replied that he found love. Apparently he secretly loved her for a very long time and some mysterious golden gift with red ribbon helped him to act. He began to smile, because he realized that grandma was right. But he was also convinced that his gift was able to do great things. Miracles. However, the third day after New Year, someone knocked on the door and the boy went to open. It was a big surprise when he saw a boy from the neighborhood with his gift. It was exactly the same, which he had made.

"Hi." The visitor began to speak first.

"Hi." The boy replied.

"I know you're new here and... I want to give you this," and he gave him the gift.

Although he knew it very well, remained silent. It wasn't necessary to mention this little detail. But how was it possible that this message returned back to him? Maybe it had traveled from person to person till the golden gift appeared again in his hands.

"And I wanted to ask you if you want to go to play with me. I have gotten toy soldiers for Christmas, but no one likes them," and he bowed his head sadly. The little boy smiled, understanding that this was his opportunity.

"Yes, I want. I have never seen toy soldiers with my own eyes." The other boy lifted his head and smiled.

"Really?" The little boy nodded several times. "Let's go. They'll be happy to meet you." Then they ran to his house, where he met not only his toys, but also his parents.

For him, it was one of the most important days of his life. It happened many years ago, but the two boys are friends even today. As adults experienced a lot of adventures. Sometimes, hard moments full of pain and suffering wanted to split them up, but their bond was stronger than anything else, and together they managed to overcome all this."

Arthur silenced his voice and Ariadne knew that storytelling was over. The story was very interesting and beautiful, but she felt that it was another piece of his past. It seemed that she still didn't know all about him. However, there was one important question.

"And what is his name?" Point Man looked at her. It was obvious that her curiosity wasn't satisfied.

"Who do you mean? The boy who made the gift or his friend?"

Her theory was that Arthur was the mysterious boy and... hard to tell if the friend with the toy soldiers was Cobb. It could be even Eames or Yusuf, but it was less likely. Surely he wouldn't tell his children about the meeting with Forger. Either alcohol or women definitely had had to play the role in this introduction, and she liked neither of these topics. In addition, Chemist wasn't as close person as Extractor. When she thought about it, this version had to be correct. But was story based on real events? Or was it mere fiction? However, so much details had been impossible to invent in a few seconds and lying wasn't his rule or habit. Although she also had done it a few months ago... Maybe he had done the same thing. Maybe her head was lost in the forest of thoughts and now there was no way out. But Ariadne couldn't keep it in herself. His eyes? The desire to know the truth?

"You're the boy..." she said with gentle voice and her hand moved on his face. This time the touch was much nicer and more loving. Arthur realized that it was her new way of expression. "You made the gift, right?"

Did he really give her enough proofs? However, as he knew, she was a woman of extraordinary abilities. Her cleverness, mindfulness and charm weren't the only qualities which he adored. It was probably her sixth sense which told her the answer. Although it didn't matter. Ariadne was right, and he knew that the twins will be the same. Therefore, Point Man looked again on her belly, wanting to give them the same message which his grandmother had once said. But in a different way. Arthur gave two light and slow kisses on her skin, one for each baby. She had to smile and small tears appeared in her eyes. This was better than a dream.

"I wish you Merry Christmas. I love you both," he said sincerely. But suddenly she felt something. It was so big surprise that she gasped aloud. His head immediately turned at her, his eyes filled with terror and fear.

"Are you okay?"

Point Man took her right hand, as if he was able to find out more about her health. However, she realized what it was and therefore put both their hands on the belly. The place was now extremely important.

"Can you feel it?"

Her smile was wide, her face full of joy and her voice was more excited than ever. It seemed to him or she won the lottery? Ariadne pressed his hand more on her skin and in that moment, he felt it also. Small, light movements. It was more like tapping or touch of butterfly's wings, but even so it was irrefutable proof and confirmation that the two children lived. Until now, they only knew it from pictures or through listening to their hearts. However, this moment was amazing. His face looked now like hers.

"That's them." In fact, it was stupid to say something, but he couldn't help himself.

"Apparently they liked your story," she added a little note.

His glowing eyes looked back at her, and now he again rose from his position. This time he approached her, and he began kissing her. Another unexpected and pleasant declaration of love. Their bodies were connected, but even so she grabbed him around the neck, trying to pull him closer. However, he was careful and didn't want to lie on them. That would be a horrible mistake. Just his absence in the first few months was enough reason for the execution. Fortunately, these times were gone and he was with them, in her arms and with her lips. She tasted so sweet. The flavor couldn't be compared to anything. It was said that chocolate was the best sweetness in the world, but nothing was as wonderful as her lips. She thought the same thing because he was the most amazing kisser ever. So passionate, so lovingly. It didn't matter how much time passed, but eventually they pulled away from each other. But then their foreheads touched. Apparently, their faces couldn't be separated.

"The best Christmas present ever."

Arthur didn't say exactly what but it was clear to her. It was huge milestone in her life also. Motherhood was physically demanding. Great tiredness and boredom due to lack of move belonged to among the biggest fools with silly remarks (almost like Eames), but this little detail defeated everything. It was the most beautiful thing which they had experienced with them. And they knew that similar moments will be even more.

I know. It's a little late for Christmas chapter, but nevertheless it's important part of the story, and I hope you liked it :)