Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.

Arthur bit his lip. The envelope was lying on the floor of his apartment, just waiting to be picked up. Swallowing, he leaned down, aware that its contents contained the power to change his life forever.

He exhaled slowly, and opened the envelope. Pulling out the letter, he forced himself to focus upon it.

Dear Mr Ogilvie,

This is to inform you that you have been tested, and your results prove that you are a positive match for Adam Lerner. Please contact the Oncology Department to discuss a potential time to perform the transplant procedure.

Arthur swallowed. He was a positive match. He only had to ring the hospital, and then he would be on his way to helping to save the other man's life. He turned, and walked into the kitchen of his apartment.

He carefully studied the letter. Selfish, Adam had thrown at him. Selfish for what he did, for abandoning Ariadne, and everybody else. He crumpled the letter in his fist. Adam was right, he realised, with a sinking feeling. He'd used dream extraction as a job, and a lifestyle - transient nature, no ties, able to come and go as he chose. He rubbed his forehead. His relationship with the Architect had been sunk before it had even started.

He looked at the crumpled page. For once in his life, he thought grimly, he had the power to do something to benefit somebody else. Nodding, he reached for his cell phone.

"And here we go."

Adam swallowed, allowing Kyle to help him up the steps. Whilst waiting for the results of Arthur's tests, the hospital had agreed to release him to return home. To his relief, Kyle had volunteered to step in and stay for a few days. He winced slightly as the larger man took his arm.

"Oh, jeez." Kyle's face crumpled in concern. "Did I just hurt you?"

Adam shook his head. "No, don't worry. I'm just a little...over-sensitive right now." He looked at his best friend. "My body really does not like me."

Kyle nodded, and helped the frailer man up the steps. As they entered the apartment, Adam breathed deeply. Home. It was good to be home. Skeletor padded up, and licked his master's hand. "Hey," he said, gently.

"Want a joint?"

Adam laughed, ignoring the ache it triggered in his back. "Why not?"

"Dr McKay?"

The young woman looked up from her bagel. "Hello, yes?"

Arthur swallowed, his eyebrows slightly raised. "I have an appointment? Arthur Ogilvie?"

"Oh, God, sorry!" Flustered, she put the bagel down, and got up. "Please come in, you're the patient who is getting ready to assist with a transplant?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes." He quickly sat down in the seat she offered and smiled at her. "I am."

Kathy swallowed and picked up her clipboard. Arthur noticed she had a paged of notes attached to it.

"Now, what we're going to talk about are motivations." Arthur nodded. "You've offered to help Adam Lerner - why?"

Arthur blinked. "Because he needs a transplant. I'm young, healthy, perfect match. Its the best idea."

"Any other reason?"

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Meaning?"

"Meaning, is this motivated purely to help Adam, or is it for another reason? Transplants are complicated, and they carry risks. Are there any reasons aside from wanting to help him survive cancer that you have for this?"

Arthur leaned forward, and rubbed his face. "I just want him to live." His voice was solemn. "Adam is in a relationship, he's happy. He's too young to see his life end."

She nodded, and scribbled down a note. "And you're pleased he's in a relationship?"

Arthur nodded. "Absolutely. He's with my ex-girlfriend - they're a good match." He swallowed.

"That's very noble of you."

Arthur smiled. "Sooner or later, you have to put other people before yourself." He leaned back. "I've learned that, trust me."

"So, when is the operation?"

Adam exhaled a lungful of smoke. "In a few days."

"How do you feel?"

Adam shrugged. "Nervous." He looked at Kyle. "I've been thinking - what if I don't survive? What if I-"

"Adam, you can't think like that." Kyle's voice was stern. "You will survive, you know it. You have a match?"

"Yeah. Arthur."

"Arthur?" Kyle looked flabbergasted. "That dickhead? That guy with his rolex and James Bond outfits, who always acts superior? He's your transplant?!"!

Adam nodded. "Yes, he is."

"Jesus man, why?!"

Adam looked at him. "Because he wants to be. He wants me to live." He swallowed. "And I trust him." Ignoring Kyle's outraged look, he turned his attention back to the joint.

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