ameluz: Well, it is over, but I enjoyed it to the maximum :) I am glad you want read another stories from me. I have a lot of ideas, but I am going to think about writing. I love their new home, good thought with her plastic surgery, but it depends only on her how she will decide. As you said, it can be good scar (Ronny's rescue) or bad scar (reminder of Daniel). I think every man has his sensitive side, including Eames. I have to admit that I cried also, when I was writing it. I hate such intense sad moments, but good story can't be without them. I hope you will love this ending also. You're welcome and I believe you are ready for termination of this story.

Sad news (or maybe good news for somebody :)... last chapter is here. You will find more of my thoughts at the end.

What The Future Holds?

She was alone with Ronny at home. Arthur hadn't wanted to leave her in the morning, the fire was too fresh also in his mind. However, she had promised that the door stays shut. She didn't want to risk anything, but it hadn't reassured him. Arthur will return in the evening and it was too much time for the next incident, despite the fact that Daniel was unpredictable. But her persuasion powers had won. Ariadne put left hand on the kitchen counter. She had the odd feeling. Intuition had talked to her, saying that her foot was healed. It was her wish, but even so she wasn't sure. Nonetheless, why not try it? Both feet were on the ground and ready to walking, she was looking at them.

"Do you think I will handle it?" She said to herself, but Ronny heard it also.

He was sitting near the table, watching her. This time he was quiet and Ariadne looked at him. His expression was uncertain, and she swore that labrador now looked like Arthur. He wouldn't believe her as much as the dog. She sighed.

"Great," she said with a sarcastic tone.

Her determination almost vanished, but not quite. Intuition was heard again. Go ahead. Ariadne believed in it, hoping that she won't limp. Arthur would definitely notice that, and it could be even worse. Anyway, the voice in her head was relentless. She could do nothing but listen. Left hand helped her with part of her weight, but it was right foot which had to bear more weight than before. However, Ariadne couldn't believe that it went so smoothly. It was possible that it was true? Her foot did it. Ariadne had moved forward with greater ease. Huge joy erupted in her and Ronny's bark followed. She looked at him and saw his support. She smiled and took another step. And another step. And another step. Walking was almost seamless. Ariadne removed hand from the kitchen counter, but when she put whole weight on the foot, the sharp pain hit her. Ariadne stopped and reflex lifted the foot. That was too much. Her face full of discomfort and worries. She hoped that nothing terrible had happened. She gently put foot back on the ground, but this position didn't make problems. Anyway, it was enough for today. Better next time.

Suddenly, she heard ringing. Her cell phone, which was on the grey sofa. Who could it be? Ariadne didn't want to make premature conclusions, she could start to panic later. Now it was important to get to it. Quickly toward the couch, she was hoping to pick up the phone before the caller decides to end the attempt. Ronny followed her with curiosity as always. It lasted only a moment, and phone was in her hand. Ariadne saw the display, but at that moment the uncertainty engulfed her body. Unknown number. It was neither Arthur nor Eames, phone would have showed their names. Who wanted to contact her? Maybe Arthur lost his phone and was calling her now, because he wanted to check her. Or it could be some woman who was angry at forger, who wasn't beside her in bed in the morning. Forger and forgotten phone hadn't been exception. But wait. Could Daniel call from another phone? Could it be him? Thoughts on fire again appeared in her head, but she didn't to be intimidated. It was time to fight it. She couldn't be scared all life. She couldn't let herself affect. It was the same as she had fallen into the river. Fear of water had also been overcome and now the situation was here again. Courage gave her the strength to take the call.

"Hello?" With this greeting was nothing wrong.

"Good morning Ariadne, this is Paul Kenton." That could mean only one thing. "I want you to arrive at the police station and testify against Daniel. He was arrested a few moments ago at Charles de Gaulle airport. Can you come now please?"

She almost fainted. Daniel had tried to flee the country, but it didn't work out. Apparently he wasn't as experienced as Arthur and Eames. However, Ariadne couldn't think more and had to concentrate on the conversation.

"My boyfriend isn't at home and I have no other way to get there."

"I'll send a car for you." It wasn't so easy to get rid of him. She didn't want to go there at all, but then remembered that someone else was in town. There was a person who could take her there and also be helpful.

"No, that's good. I'll think of something," she said with a slightly unsteady voice.

"Okay. Goodbye," and he ended the call.

Whether she tried everything, the fear was still in her body. There was the possibility that she will meet with him again. Worst case scenario at all. However, she then realized the better side of the coin. Opportunity to end it forever. Opportunity to erase him completely from her life, thoughts of him would be helpless. That's what she wanted. Ariadne dialed the number, believing that the man wasn't busy. Ringing didn't last long.

"Hi Ariadne, did you miss me?" Apparently forger had cheery mood again.

"Hi Eames. Are you free?"

"Always for my love."

"I need a favor." She asked sincerely, but he understood it differently.

"Oh my god Ariadne I was waiting so long for this." How typical of him. She knew that his head was full of only one thing.

"No, I didn't mean that. I want you to take me to the police station. Daniel was arrested and they need me to testify." It wasn't a long explanation, but she felt over the phone that his smile vanished. His mood was in the same state as hers. Eames spoke after a moment of silence.

"Give me 15 minutes," and he ended the call.

Another short conversation. It was obvious that men didn't like talking. Suddenly, ordinary Thursday became a very important day. Now she had to dress up and wait for him. She started jumping into the bedroom and Ronny went with her. The right wardrobe was hers. It had been a difficult decision, but Arthur had retreated. The shower had lasted more than an hour. Ronny almost had knocked them to the ground with joy when he had seen them again, but moving things had been also fun. The first night in new home had been wonderful.

Choice of clothing wasn't hard. Eames didn't need to see the best pieces, which she had only for Arthur. Denim short red shorts, white sleeveless shirt and red sneakers. It was decent. Ariadne was sitting in the living room when after 15 minutes later she heard the doorbell. Strange that Eames was so precise, it wasn't his habit. Ronny had to wait this time at home. She decided that it wasn't best to take him to the police station. Maybe Ronny would recognize Daniel and she didn't want to risk another incident. It will be enough to take care of forger, who was also pissed at him. Even though, there was no guarantee, she could meet with him. She had to reckon with everything, but she didn't hope in this possibility. Eames didn't take her in his arms, according to him, only one man had this privilege and Ariadne agreed with a smile. However, since she was unable to walk alone, he helped her into the car. Soon they were on the way.

Silence was inside of the car. Eames was concentrating on the road and had topics about which wanted to talk. But when he looked at her, he realized that it was best to say nothing. Ariadne was in no mood and was looking out the window, preparing for testimony. What will she say? Everything? But what everything? Maybe how they had met. Or their common walks with architecture. Or...

"Oh no," and Ariadne was searching more. It wasn't possible, she couldn't have such bad luck. Daniel looked at her.

"What happened?" She sighed, her eyes lifted to him.

"I don't have my wallet. I will be starving until the evening."

Her face had no signs of anger, but her voice wasn't cheerful. The last half hour her stomach was making weird noises and she had been looking forward to have lunch. But the situation was different. Where she lost it? Or she left it at home? Dinner was still far away and so she began to search again, even though it was already the fifth time. However, this situation was favorable for someone.

"What do you want?" Daniel asked with a smile. She looked at him again.

"What?" Nervous laugh followed.

"What do you want? I'll buy it." Ariadne started to think. Was he really such a gentleman, who didn't want to let a woman in distress? On the one hand, it was nice, but still it wasn't such a big problem. She smiled slightly.

"It's okay Daniel. I will stand it." She didn't want to be owed, but he didn't see it that way. Friend wanted to help a friend.

"So you are actually saying that the choice is on me?"

She laughed. Daniel had unique sense of humor which she liked. Even though he was the only one with whom she talked at the school, she didn't mind. She could talk with him basically about everything. Sport, architecture, animals, but also the latest fashion. Ariadne initially had had doubts about his sexual orientation, but when Daniel had wanted to kiss her, she had believed him. That day she also had realized his feelings which were more than friendship. It was hard to stay with him in this relationship (mainly he wanted more), but she was happy like this, and it seemed that he was also satisfied. However lunch was the main topic now.

"No. I'm saying that I want nothing," she told him with kind voice. He looked again at the board with meals.

"OK, so I'll have a hamburger with fries and you wish..." and he focused eyes on another offer. Smile couldn't disappear from her face.

"Daniel." But he was like every stubborn man.

"...Toasted sandwich with chicken?" And he looked at her for permission. It seemed that this time he won. She sighed.

"What is in there next?" Her eyes watched him. He smiled and quickly turned for detailed informations.

"Mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion." She was quiet for a while, but her stomach had heard this combination and made that horrible sound again. Her hunger was bigger than before, she had no choice.

"It sounds good." Daniel as if he recognized her expression.

"Don't worry, I do not want anything in return. Take it as a gift from me."

And he went to buy it. Ariadne was looking at him. He was a friend whom she loved, but in certain way. He was a man who was exceptional, but she felt that he wasn't the one. Her heart whispered that someone was waiting for her. As if she knew the man was somewhere else. The man who will love her more than himself.

Was it possible that this had happened a year ago? When he had been someone else? Ariadne thought that thing like this will never happen, but her friend changed into enemy. Love had its victims, and he was one of them.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Ariadne and Eames were sitting in a gray room. Table was in front of them plus another chair for police officer. The environment was very depressing and it affected mostly her. Her hands were on the table, her fingers were nervously playing. Forger was stronger, but even so it was a special feeling for him. If the police would know what he had done, he would have probably sat here also. It didn't take long and the door opened. Paul appeared and sat in front of them. Her terrible feelings worsened.

"So Ariadne. You know why you're here. I want you to testify against Daniel. Everything you know about him, in details. Speak the truth, because everything will be recorded and then used in court. Take your time, you have all day."

The policeman said with kind voice which helped calm down her mind a little bit. Ariadne took a deep breath and exhaled. The moment was here, and she couldn't escape. Forger knew her feelings and grabbed her hand. That was maybe the thing she needed most. Although he said nothing, she knew she wasn't alone. It was actually the best option he could do. Thanks to him, Ariadne started to tell the story. Slowly, from the beginning and in details. She was staring on the table, not wanting anyone to bother with sad eyes. The first meeting, their time together. All this she said only with regret, which meant that these moments will never return. She had lost this friendship forever.

However, after an hour and a half, the worst came. The attack. Tears started to appear in her eyes, she couldn't stop it. The words of their last meeting were hard to say. But she will never know what exactly had happened after the moment when she had fallen into unconsciousness. And maybe she didn't want to know. Her heart wouldn't stand it. The female voice stopped, memories were depleted. She didn't know anything else. Now it was best to leave, go home and forget all, but Paul didn't let her.

"Why do you think that Daniel did it?" Ariadne looked at him. The answer existed. Cruel truth which was deep inside her. Her eyes refocused on the table.

"He could not accept the fact that I love someone else. Apparently, he wanted me just for himself and..." next words were even more painful, "...and because that wasn't the option, he wanted to kill me."

Everything came out in a quiet tone which she used only for herself. However, both men heard it. A tear ran down her cheek and she sniffed. Her body was experiencing a terrible feeling at the moment. Daniel died in her heart. Bridges were burned, feelings didn't exist. Nowhere and never. Daniel became a stranger, a pariah. The policeman knew the reason, he met with it frequently in the criminal world, and sometimes the consequences were much worse. Cases where he wasn't able to hear out attacked person. But his intention was different. It wasn't just a statement. Paul knew that this thought expressed aloud will help her to faster and easier recovery. The truth was on surface and it was impossible to hide it again. It was for her good, even though she didn't think so. The policeman recognized her expression, and it was time to let her go.

"That will be all Ariadne. You can go home." Her eyes looked on him again, but Eames had questions.

"And what about the court? She will go there too?" Ariadne listened carefully, as well as forger. Paul smiled slightly.

"No. Everything is recorded and therefore her presence is not required in court."

It was the good news, which was drowned in all painful emotions. Eames wasted no time and stood up first. She did the same. Paul was also rapid and opened the door for them. However, when he saw the situation outside, he decided to go first. Best to solve it now, even before it will be too late. She again grabbed him around the neck and they soon left the room. But she wasn't ready for the following moments. Ariadne spotted him and stopped walking. Eyes full of horror, the body started to panic, faster heart rate because of fear. If forger hadn't been with her, she would have definitely passed out. Eames felt a change of pace and stopped also. When he looked at her face, it was clear that something happened. His head turned and...

"Shit," he said quietly.

The policeman was holding Daniel, who was in handcuffs. The worst part was that he was close to the entrance, and because forger knew there was no other option, they had to go around him. Anyway Eames wanted to run after him with the intention which could ensure his arrest. It was enormously difficult to hold back anger and fury. His heart was beating faster because of the adrenaline rush, his eyes were focused only on him. A hunter watched prey. His most deadly state and usually somebody got hit, Arthur had been also close once. Daniel had lucky that he was at the police station, but she was the reason which forced forger stay put. Ariadne couldn't see other side of his personality which had no boundaries. But the situation worsened.

Daniel felt stares and turned. Ariadne froze completely. Eames had to do something. If Arthur wouldn't find her at home, he could be the first person who Arthur will look for. And the result he didn't want to know. Therefore, he decided to go again. She joined him even though she had no idea that her legs were listening, but the distance between them started to dwindle. It was like in slow motion, where every second meant eternity. She didn't want to approach him, but there was no other option. It was good that Eames's body was on the right side. The guardian was protecting her before sudden attack, at least small sense of security. Her eyes focused on the ground, she didn't need to see him. The greatest wish was to get out of here at any price, but first they had to go around him.

Paul was ignoring approaching couple and was talking to the policeman who was holding the offender. Daniel now had eyes only for her. He couldn't believe she was alive. Was this possible? Bandaged forearm didn't give him an answer. He couldn't understand it, but a different feeling appeared. He had believed that he had said goodbye to her. He was wrong. His love lived on, but he will go to prison. Now it was the last opportunity to speak with her. How? Being in handcuffs was a disadvantage, and police officers were close. Not to mention the angry man, whom he saw for the first time. Strong body was helping her, and his expression almost killed Daniel. He had to get her attention, it was obvious that she was ignoring him. They were closer and closer, and suddenly it happened.

"Ariadne forgive me," he blurted.

The sentence caught everyone's attention who was near. It was quiet and every pair of eyes focused on him. Ariadne stopped. It wasn't a good sign for Eames, but if it was her intention, he could do nothing. Daniel succeeded. She looked at him and it was clear what she felt. Her eyes were filled with tears. However, he couldn't get closer, policeman was still holding him. It didn't matter, even so only a few seconds existed.

"I couldn't live with the thought that you will be with somebody else. I knew you would never leave him because of me. I had to do something. I love you. Forgive me, please," he begged her with desperate voice, his eyes full of regret.

Eames wanted to hit him. The distance was short and he could only stretch out arm. That monster had hurt her and was standing right next to him. It was a miracle that he didn't do it. He was stopped by an unknown force again. But the woman next to him had similar feelings. Feelings which couldn't be sustained any longer.

"So that was the best idea?!" Ariadne screamed. "Kill me?! Am I a piece of wood to flames?!"

Her voice was heard in every corner of the police station, forger almost lost his hearing, lungs ached from the exertion. The words struck Daniel deep into the heart. It was worse than any fire in the world. It was worse than death. With these words he had to live now? Tears ran down her cheeks, the rest of her body was experiencing painful sadness.

"If you really loved me, you'd let me go. But you could not do it."

Her voice shook. Eames experienced one thing for the first time. It was unbearable to see and hear her crying. His better side now was suffering also. He suddenly remembered on all those women with whom he had been on one night. Why he had the eerie feeling that he was the same? Daniel knew she was right.

"Time will tell if I am willing to forgive you, but do not count on it."

This time it was Ariadne who started to move forward and Eames quickly joined. She said everything to him, there was no reason being more in his presence. Forger now had a chance to get her out. Paul nodded at the policeman and he began to drag Daniel away. The distance was getting bigger between them, but he didn't like it.

"Ariadne! ARIADNEEEEEE!"

Screams fell on their ears. She didn't look back and started to cry hard, wanting to be far away from him. When Eames heard it, he decided to act. He stopped and took her in his arms. Maybe Arthur wouldn't like it, but that wasn't important. The sooner they leave the better. Ariadne didn't notice that he had done it. Her feelings and emotions caused that she was unaware of surroundings. Forger was rushing out of the building, heading for the car. Daniel lost her out of sight and realized that she was gone. A new life began for him, where she wasn't.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Sweet food. According to Eames, it was amazing cure against any bad mood, and especially for women, it was a pleasure. But why Ariadne was different? Chocolate cupcake with strawberry icing and raspberry on top was delicious. His most favorite. However, she didn't even touch it. As if her face still saw Daniel. Forger didn't hear a single word from her for a long time. It lasted since the police station and when he looked on the watch, it was more than an hour. He again had to intervene because the thoughts would surely devour her brain.

"Ariadne be happy that it's all behind you."

Even though it was a short sentence, she didn't hear it. Actually, the whole cafe and people weren't part of her world at the moment. There was one thing about which he didn't know. She stared at her bandaged forearm, understanding that the bite from Ronny never disappear. Injury which he had caused. She will always remember the loss of her home. Fire which had destroyed it. The man who had done it. What was his name? Didn't start with D? Of course yes. A... N... No, she could not continue. I...

"You know, when I saw your common home, I started to get jealous," forger said suddenly.

Eames tried a different topic and this time it worked, but in a different way than he expected. She looked at him with wide eyes. Jealous? How much? As if her head couldn't find anything positive, or maybe it refused all positive things. Ariadne started to worry. Again?

"Please don't Eames," she said in a tired voice. He looked at her quizzically.

"What?"

"I can't stand another crazy friend," and she shook head. Lose a friend like him would be too much, but luckily he realized the direction of the conversation.

"I didn't mean that. Just... when I saw the apartment, I realized that Arthur has lucky." Ariadne sensed he was serious again. The present moment caught her, the terrifying thoughts were gone and interest woke up. Eames felt that he was on the right track.

"He has legal work, home, the woman of his life. It occurred to me that I would want something like this. At first I deluded myself that I am crazy, but when I thought about it then..." he shrugged and... what about another cupcake? A strange mood was opportunity to eat again. Ariadne smiled slightly.

"Do you want same things as Arthur, don't you?"

"Yeah," he replied simply. As if she saw into his head, her cupcake suddenly appeared before him. Apparently conversation was better cure for her than sweet pleasure.

"I'm sure that someone is out there for you also Eames." Maybe her smile was truly better than chocolate delicacy. Actually, he wanted to say one more thing and it was perhaps more important.

"Today I'm leaving Ariadne. I'm going back to America." Her eyes opened wide.

"Really? Why so soon? You're here just a few days." She did something wrong? Or was it Arthur? However, the biggest smile ever appeared on his lips.

"My mom wants to see me. She and her husband invited me to dinner." The amazement was immediately on her face. Enthusiasm, joy, happiness. She lacked such feelings.

"You called her."

"Yeah. Even before I wanted to go to the bar, I thought about you both. As I said, the apartment fascinated me, I fell in love with Arthur's life style, and then I remembered on you and my promise. I found her again, and I saw her wedding photos. I realized that I wanted to be a part of her life again and I decided to do it. First seconds, when she picked up the phone, I couldn't speak. She said at least six times who it was, but when I greeted her, she immediately recognized my voice. We started to talk and conversation lasted for more than two hours. I was so happy Ariadne." She liked to hear this. Eames was again a little closer to her soul. "And you were right. She was afraid to call me. Together we laughed about it then," and he smiled.

This time, even she couldn't resist and joyous sound went out of her mouth. Why waste time on the past, when the present was better? Memories were one part of her personality. She couldn't change them, and it was the same with him. The only one solution existed. Forget.

"When are you leaving?" She asked suddenly.

"Tonight I have a flight, but there is also a possibility fly earlier in the afternoon. Anyway, I want you to be okay, so I stay here with you till evening." But she didn't like this plan.

"That was horrible excuse," and she stood up. Eames gave her a puzzled look.

"What are you doing Ariadne?"

"I do not want you to stay here longer because of me." First reason.

"It's fi-..."

"I do not want to be the obstacle in reunion." Second reason.

"Aria-..."

"And I do not want you regret it. Because if something happens to her, you will not see her again. It would be my fault and I don't want to lose another best friend." She said with a raised voice.

The third reason, but actually the one which convinced him. He said nothing, still looking at her. Her eyes were convincing and deadly serious. It was like a stare competition or battle. She didn't want to give up and probably he had no choice. Eames wasn't used to the woman who was stronger than him.

"Now, pay the cupcakes and take me home. Ronny is waiting for me and I miss him." That was true, she was worried about him, because he was worried about her. Eames sighed with resignation and pulled out wallet from pocket. Ten dollars appeared on the table.

"I thought you miss Arthur." Eames stood up and she again grabbed him around the neck. The next journey with him will be more fun.

"Of course I miss him, but in a different way," she said commonly.

He had uncomfortable feeling again. That was the last image which he needed now. Though after a while she laughed and he knew she was back to normal. This time it was he who remembered on Daniel. Maybe now he was already in prison or maybe he was interrogated. In each case, he had lost a special woman. Ariadne was the best friend whom man could have. However, he knew his limits, and because Daniel wasn't the same person, he had to pay for it. It was probably Ariadne, who had changed him, it happened to him also. Or not? Although now it didn't matter.

xxxxxXxxxxx

When Arthur arrived home in the evening, a wonderful scent greeted him. It was obvious that Ariadne couldn't withstand it and had to cook something. As always Ronny was the first who welcomed him and after a while they both appeared in the living room. She saw him and her smile lit up the room. He missed her and also taste of her lips. How he learned, lasagna with minced chicken were prepared, his arrival was again punctual.

Dinner was interesting because she told him everything what had happened during that day. Arthur was listening intently every word, especially the moments with Daniel. It was nice to see that his name didn't have so much power as before. Even though it wasn't easy for her to talk about him, her eyes and face stayed dry. Her memories were now only memories. Eames was also a broad topic. Perhaps more than he expected.

"I'm glad he was able to solve it," she said at the end of his whole story. Their plates were empty and Arthur nodded.

"I never thought he wants same things as I have," he marveled.

"Strange I know." The silence between them was unusual. Apparently they both were thinking about something. Or maybe she didn't know what to say next, and he decided it was time to do it.

"Will you go with me and Ronny out?"

His eyes looked into hers. This question surprised her, he asked for the first time. Ariadne looked at labrador who was lying nearby. He was watching them, listening to every word, but he didn't understand. Maybe it was just an expression which was normal after dog dinner. Anyways, Ronny didn't know that they talked about him.

"No, it's alright. I will stay home."

Ariadne wasn't in the mood for some reason. He heard weary tone, perhaps she was exhausted from today's events. However, Arthur didn't believe her, her face and body showed no signs of fatigue. Spending time with forger and his basic lessons about women finally paid off. It was probably an excuse. But why? She loved being with them both. Arthur didn't want to give up and therefore asked for the opinion of someone else. His eyes looked at the dog.

"What do you think Ronny?" As soon as he heard his name, he stood up and came to Arthur. He patted his head. She watched with curiosity.

"Do you want Ariadne to go out with us tonight?" Why it suddenly seemed that she was at a disadvantage? However, when labrador barked three times, it was clear. Arthur looked at her with a winning smile.

"It's two against one."

A logical reason which she couldn't overlook. Was it important for them? Maybe they didn't want to leave her alone. Although such danger had been averted. Whatever it was, she was smiling, nodding in agreement. He was smiling also, his plan was working well.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Night Paris was shining with all lights and he suggested to go to the river Seine. Luckily it was a short walk, but her slow pace delayed the entire journey. However, Arthur and Ronny didn't mind. He adored, when she was close and labrador could explore more of the surroundings. It was amazing to be out in the fresh air with them. And moreover, other topics were discussed.

New apartment where Arthur wanted to start arrange the office. What table, chair, maybe even some paintings would fit on the white walls. According to her, flower was needed, and he wondered what computer was the best. Vacation. She told him about her dream to look to Australia. She wanted to see everything what this wonderful country was offering. It wasn't surprise for her that he had visited it, even though everytime with dreamshare intentions. Eventually, he liked this idea and he promised that this year they will go there. Happy Ariadne nearly knocked him to the ground.

After a few tens of minutes they reached the river bank. The view was breathtaking, and when she looked around, she saw the Eiffel Tower in the distance, which was shining star of Paris. Arthur looked at it also. As if someone knew it, the entire tower started to blink. Every second lights were alternating and small dots appeared on different places. The whole performance was perfect. Although she had seen it many times in her life, she still loved it. However, today it was the first time when she saw it with him, with the man of her dreams. Her next wish was fulfilled. The only one who wasn't interested was Ronny, who was searching in the surroundings even more than before. Maybe labrador was enjoying the freedom because no one was checking him in searching of something. He didn't know what he was looking for, but always found something. Whether it was unknown odor or package of potato chips.

Ariadne was deeper in this romantic moment, and she wrapped arms around his waist. He didn't wait and hugged her too. Her ears were listening heart which was beating in his chest. Wonderful melody. Arthur was quiet, didn't want to spoil the experience. Night city was suddenly much more beautiful.

"What will be next?" She asked and according to him it sounded worried.

"What do you mean?" Ariadne was silent for a while, but eventually answered.

"Daniel will go to jail, my foot is basically okay and... we're together."

Another thoughts filled her head. Arthur knew that this was the right moment. Therefore he pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. She knew they weren't normal. Such tender and loving eyes were exceptional. Apparently he wanted to say something important.

"I know what will happen," and his right hand reached into pants pocket.

Even though it was dark, she saw well thanks to lights from nearby. But she didn't have time to predict, when suddenly a small red object appeared on his palm. It was his loaded die. His totem. Ariadne couldn't look away, was amazed but then he spoke.

"I had two totems in my pocket every day and now it's time to give you mine."

She had seen the die for the first time when he had begun to teach her about dreams. When she had wanted to touch it, he hadn't let her. Totem belonged only to him, he couldn't risk losing in a dream. Now the situation was different. Now they were together and the red loaded die was offered her. Her brain didn't hesitate and Ariadne slowly took it into her right hand. There was still the possibility that he will flinch again. Every moment he could change his mind but in the end it didn't happen. The very first seconds she recognized its balance and weight, and as soon as it rolled in her hand, it stopped at a certain number.

"Two?" Dots which were on top. She looked at him and he nodded several times.

"Two dots on one side, like two hearts and one feeling." She smiled slightly. It was clear what he meant. She already knew his romantic soul.

"So... now I'm also your totem?" Arthur smiled, grabbed her again around the waist and stepped closer.

"You're much more than that." He whispered.

It was less than a second and he began to kissing her. Ariadne closed hand with the die and grabbed him around the neck. He didn't love only her smile, eyes or lips. It was her whole personality, her whole existence, which had once charmed him. Just as she loved his character, his presence. The last few days were proof that they were created for themselves. Together, they overcame everything what had stood in the way. And now they promised that it will be so forever.

The exceptional moment like last time someone messed up. This time it was Ronny who began barking in the distance. They broke the contact and looked in that direction. He was still barking, apparently he found something what was worth admiration. They both smiled.

"What do you think it is?" She asked with interest and looked at him. His gaze turned to her.

"Do you want to know?" Ariadne nodded several times. He was also curious, but when she put left arm around his neck, he took her out of nowhere into his arms. She cried out in surprise.

"Arthur! Put me down!"

"No."

"But I can walk."

"Well, the problem is that I missed it."

"But you carried me yesterday." Did he forget?

"Yeah, that was really long time for me." Ariadne laughed first and he joined her.

Ronny was still barking in the distance, as if the matter couldn't wait. It was probably chest full of gold for labrador. He focused on the way and therefore didn't notice, that she gave the die into her pants pocket. It was strange, it had always been her golden bishop. But it was a nice feeling. It was actually the last thing, connecting him with dreamshare (besides the memories, skills and Eames) and now it belonged to her. The past which he didn't want. Thanks to this, she thought back to her question. What will be next? But why think about the future when the present was now? Plans or speculations were pointless. Life always had its own way. Whether she liked it or not. The solution was simple. The surprise.

THE END

If you are reading these final thoughts, it means you know the whole story. Thanks to everyone who endured it :)

I have tons of ideas now, my mind is crazy :) but I am aware of my weaknesses. This story (and also "Without Love") was a bit of a test, which I am not sure if I passed. In short, I am going to think about my plans, don't know how it will end.

And also I want to say that this story was pleasure to write and I hope you liked it.

Love,

SilverSiren4

PS: I will tell you my decision in couple of days (or maybe weeks). And once again, THANK YOU ALL :)