Yay! Another update. I decided to write another short chapter. I haven't decided if the next chapter should be the last or the one after it. It's still a debate. But I do hope this is an enjoyable chapter. Let me know what you think!
It saddens me to admit that I don't own Inception...
Ariadne woke up to bright lights in a white room. She blinked a few times and looked around, finding Arthur asleep in a chair next to her. His head was resting on the bed, and he had one of her hands wrapped in both of his. She grunted and shifted, her free hand coming up to her stomach, afraid of what might not be there.
To her relief her stomach was still expanded. The evidence of a little life in her. She let out a relieved sigh and looked around. She was obviously in a hospital. The small beeps telling her that her heart is beating. She looked around the room and Cobb and Miles were also asleep in chairs.
She frowned, wondering where Eames was. Remembering the events of the previous night she blinked and sat up quickly, causing Arthur to jump and look around urgently. He noticed Ariadne awake and sitting up and immediately focused on her.
"Hey. How are you feeling?" He asked, his voice gentle and scratchy.
"Mmm. Better." Ariadne replied. "Where's Eames?" She asked quietly, not wanting to wake the others.
"He's in another room. Had to go into surgery to remove the bullet, he'll be fine though." Arthur informed her. Ariadne nodded and leaned back into her pillows.
"The baby's ok?" She asked, remembering her hand on her stomach. Arthur nodded.
"You had some poison in your system, but not enough to cause you or the baby too much harm. They're draining it out with fluids, soon you'll be back to full health."
"Thank goodness." She closed her eyes, relieved.
"Would you like to know if we're having a son or daughter?" Arthur asked. Ariadne looked up, shocked.
"Do you know?" She asked. Arthur nodded sheepishly.
"The doctors told me while they were checking on you and the baby. I won't tell you if you don't want to." Arthur replied, serious.
Ariadne bit her lip and looked at her stomach, running her hand over it. If she decided to know, they both could discuss names, the baby's room, and shopping. If she decided she wanted to wait, she'd be curious to find out from Arthur.
"I want to know." Ariadne replied, nodding. Arthur grinned and squeezed her hand.
"Well our…"
"Hey, you're awake!" Cobb suddenly said, cutting Arthur off. Arthur frowned and pulled back, still keeping his grip on her hand.
"Hi Cobb. Thanks for going in there and getting me out." She smiled.
"We're just glad that you're ok." Miles voice came from behind Cobb.
"Professor Miles? What are you doing here?" She asked, not remembering that he also went in to save her.
"Well I came to rescue you too. You don't think I could just sit by and twiddle my fingers while they went in to get my best student?" Miles asked.
"I guess not. But isn't it hard for you?" She asked, implying that he was old.
"Believe it or not, this old man can still handle himself pretty well. Besides, they needed someone who's familiar with that particular Cobol location." Miles gravely said.
"How…"
"I was held there for a few weeks many years ago. I must say, it hasn't changed much. A flaw on their part that's for sure." Miles added.
Ariadne stared at Miles, her eyes wide. "I didn't know."
"It's all in the past love. Now I believe a congratulations is in order." Miles motioned to her stomach and Ariadne blushed.
"Thanks."
"We were worried there for a bit." Cobb nodded. "When Arthur told us, we didn't know whether or not we should continue to wait or go right in and get you."
"I'm just glad Eames was there to watch over you." Arthur added.
"Yes, he was great, despite his snoring and hogging the bed." Ariadne rolled her eyes.
"You shared a bed?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, teasing her.
"We had no choice! It's not like I wanted to!" Ariadne defended herself, not noticing the small grin he was shooting her.
"I'm kidding." Arthur chuckled and kissed her. "Just don't share a bed with anyone else ever again ok? Just me."
Ariadne giggled. "Deal. Although, we might be sharing a bed with this little one here when they get older." Ariadne pointed out.
"Technically you are already sharing a bed." Eames' voice came from the doorway.
Everyone turned to him and smiled, glad to see that he was ok. Clarissa was standing with him, supporting his weight.
"Aren't you supposed to be in a bed? Recovering." Arthur asked.
Eames waved his hand dismissively. "Recovery. I don't need it. I came to check up on Ariadne and the little one. How are you?"
"Fine. Better. A lot better." Ariadne replied. "The baby's fine too."
"Good. Good." Eames smiled. "Oh, and now we can formally introduce you to each other." He turned to Clarissa.
"Guys, this is Clarissa. She was on the inside for us. She's going to be sticking with us for a while. She's been wanting to get out of Cobol for a while now, and I promised her we'd help."
"Hi Clarissa." Ariadne smiled, knowing that if it weren't for her, she may not have made it out.
"Nice to meet you all." She smiled, guiding Eames to a chair and helping him sit down.
"So did you find out what the little slugger is?" Eames asked, causing the whole room to turn to Ariadne, curious.
"Well Arthur knows. He was just about to tell me before we got interrupted." Ariadne replied.
Everyone turned to Arthur and waited for him to announce the sex of their baby. He grinned and turned back to Ariadne.
"We're going to have a healthy baby girl." He announced, his grin growing as he looked at Ariadne and her reaction.
"Really? A girl?" She smiled. Arthur nodded and placed his hand on her stomach.
"She's going to be beautiful."
"It's what you wanted right?" She asked.
"I just wanted a healthy baby. Whether it was a boy or girl didn't matter to me. But knowing that she's going to be healthy and fine is perfect for me." Arthur replied.
"Good, maybe she'll look like Ariadne." Eames piped up.
Arthur turned to Eames and glared. Ariadne shook her head, knowing Eames was messing with Arthur for the fun of it.
"Congratulations." Cobb quickly broke in, not wanting Arthur and Eames to start arguing.
"Thanks Cobb." Ariadne blushed.
Miles walked up to Arthur and Ariadne and smiled. "You'll be fine parents. Congratulations you two."
"Thank you." Arthur nodded his head, his smile growing wider by the second.
"Now let's leave these two alone. They deserve some privacy don't you think?" Miles asked, ushering everyone out.
"Fine." Eames grunted and stood up, with Clarissa's help.
After the room was cleared out and silent, Ariadne cleared her throat and caught Arthur's gaze.
"So do you have any names in mind? She'll be here in two months."
"I have a couple." Arthur admitted.
"Really? What are they?" Ariadne asked eagerly, sitting up and looking at him expectantly.
"Well, there's Amadora. It's different, unique, but I've always liked it. I also really like Adara and Alethea. Unique enough for you?" Arthur winked.
Ariadne smiled. "I like Amadora." Ariadne replied.
"Alright, Amadora it is." He grinned. "You pick the middle name."
"I was thinking we could name her after Mal. It would be nice for Cobb. Amadora Mallory Giordano."
Arthur smiled sadly. "It's beautiful."
"Plus I know you were good friends with her too. It would be nice to have her memory in our daughter, even though I've never met her."
"Thank you." Arthur smiled and kissed her. "Now I think you should get some rest. You need to get your strength back so we can head home and fix up the baby's, Amadora's, room." Arthur grinned and Ariadne nodded.
"I love you Arthur."
"I love you too Ari." He whispered, stroking her hair. She shifted and patted the bed.
"Sleep with me?" She asked groggily.
Arthur hesitated for a moment but swiftly climbed into bed. He missed being able to wrap his arms around her and keep her safe. She snuggled into him, her IV's pulling slightly and her stomach pushing against Arthur's.
The silent room was enough to take them into a peaceful sleep.
I hope that eased all of your nerves. I didn't want Ariadne to lose the baby, and I thought a girl would be nice because my other fic has her having a boy first. So I thought I'd change it up a bit. I haven't seen anything where they name their baby after Mal, I think it would be a nice gesture...so I did it here. Anyways, let me know what you think! And I will be ending this story within the next chapter or two. But keep a look out for my other fics! :D
