Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me. Thank you for reading and reviewing the previous chapter!

"Ari!" Adam hurried into the kitchen, hoping to talk to her in private. "Ari, what's going on?" His tone was urgent, and she could see tension in his face.

"Adam, I'm not sure your mother likes me." The minute the words left her lips, she regretted it. They sounded weak, silly. She looked at the floor, not sure she could meet his eyes.

Adam quickly grasped her hands. "She does." He looked at her, and their eyes met. "She just...remembers how Rachel behaved towards me, and she's-"

Ariadne nodded. "OK," she managed. "Let's go back in."

They re-entered the living room. His mother was still sitting on the couch, looking confused. Her expression lightened as she saw them both.

"Sweetie, is everything ok?" Ariadne realised that the comment was directed at him, not her, and felt invisible. She relocated to the couch, and took a seat.

"Everything's fine," Adam said, his voice sounding slightly curt. "I'll just order the pizza."

Ariadne bit her lip, and looked at the floor. His mother was smiling at her, and she tried to return it.

"I worry about him," she said. Ariadne nodded, feeling that she had no option but to support this. "So do I."

Relieved to have made an ally, the older woman beamed in her direction. Ariadne swallowed, feeling as though she were betraying herself.

A few hours later, his mother having left, Adam glanced at her. "Coming to bed?"

She nodded. "Of course."

She waited until he had gone into the bedroom to change, then hurried into the bathroom. Leaning over the sink, she splashed cold water on her face.

"Its over," she told herself. "She's gone." Willing herself to breathe normally, she walked back into the bedroom.

Adam was already in bed. She smiled as she entered. "Hey."

"Hey," he responded. He held his arms out, and she sat on the bed. She pulled her scarf and t-shirt off, and then quickly removed her jeans. Peeling back the covers, she got in, and curled up next to him.

"Oh, I'm sorry." His voice was regretful, and she pulled closer. "What's wrong?"

"My mother. She smothers me." She felt his arm tighten around her. "I'm pretty sure Arthur doesn't have to put up with something like this."

Ariadne stiffened. Arthur had rarely mentioned his parents, and it had become a subject that was tactfully avoided. "I don't know," she admitted. She looked at him. "Why do you mention him?"

Adam sat up in bed, and sighed. "Because...you must think I'm a wimp," he said, struggling to articulate the words. "Some loser whose tied to his Mom's apron strings."

Ariadne felt herself flush slightly in the darkness. The thought had not entirely crossed her mind - but she hadn't refused to think of it, either. "I think she just worries about you," she said, quietly. "That's all."

"Its embarrassing." Adam leaned back down. "So embarrassing. I have cancer, but I'm not fading away like a shadow! I'm still here, damnit!"

Ariadne swallowed. An idea was beginning to form - one that she knew would have serious consequences. "Adam," she whispered. "Do you ever feel you want to prove yourself?"

"Prove myself?" He turned his head, and raised one hairless eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Well, if you had the chance to be in a-" She stopped. Turning, she looked at him, and realised his eyes were closed, and he was sliding into sleep. Relieved she hadn't betrayed the team, and their secret, she kissed him on the lips, and settled next to him.

Tomorrow, she thought as her eyes began to close, I'll talk to Arthur.

All reviews appreciated, thank you! I like to know who is following this!