Ariadne knocked on the door of the Cobb residence. The door was opened a second later by a small, four year old boy.
"Auntie Ari, Uncle Arthur!"
He yelled happily.
"Hi, baby. Happy birthday."
Ariadne smiled and ruffled his hair.
"James, I told you never open the door- Hey guys."
Cobb interrupted himself, looking at the young fiancés.
"We have a surprise for James."
Ariadne said, practically bouncing with giddiness. She was very proud of the present they had chosen for her godson. She took the big wrapped box in her arms and carried it carefully inside.
"Is that for me? For birthday?"
James asked, eyeing the box.
"Yeah, it is, buddy."
Arthur confirmed. James clapped his hands together in excitement and Cobb called Phillipa in the living room. Once the were all sat down, Ariadne handed the massive box to James. He eagerly ripped the paper until a rich leather case was revealed. He opened this one too and found an instrument.
"What is it?"
He asked, clearly confused.
"It's a violin. My violin, my great-aunt bought it for me when I was your age and now, I want to give it to you so you can learn to play."
Ariadne explained.
"How do you play with this?"
"You don't play with it, you play it. Here, I'll show you."
She grabbed the tiny instrument by the neck, leaving the bow in the case.
"You put it on your shoulder like this and then put your thumb on the corner there and pluck at the chords like that."
Ariadne beamed as he plucked the chords to her indication of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the first song she learned herself.
"Do you like it James?"
Arthur asked. The little boy nodded eagerly, not even taking his eyes off of the wooden marvel in his hands.
"You have to be very careful with it, it's very fragile."
Cobb told him.
"Thank you Ari."
James said, carefully putting the instrument back in its case and running over to his godmother. It was later at night when she was tucking him in that she decided to tell him more about his new violin.
"You know, violins are great listeners, you can tell this one all your secrets and he'll never tell anyone in words."
"In words?"
"He'll only tell them in music, so only the real musicians like you can understand what your secrets are."
"Really?"
James asked, wonder filling his bright eyes.
"Yeah, I told him many secrets when I was little, maybe you can talk about your maman..."
She suggested. James nodded and let his head fall against his pillow, tiredness taking over.
"Goodnight, baby."
Ariadne whispered, kissing his forehead and leaving, closing the door softly behind her.
"That was such a great gift, Ariadne."
"In truth, it was a gift for me too, to pass down such an important part of my life."
"I'll get him on classes right now, so he can play at your wedding."
Ariadne laughed, secretly hoping he can really do that.
"Are you ready Ariadne?"
Cobb asked as they stood before the massive wooden doors that lead to her future.
"Yes, I am."
She said, having never been more sure of anything in her life. Cobb smiled and Phillipa arrived,
"Auntie Ari, your dress is so beautiful!"
"Yours too!"
Ariadne smiled down at the young flower girl as she twirled. Cobb opened the door for his daughter and Phillipa went through, dropping petals here and there. Then James came through with a small pillow that held two rings, Ariadne hadn't thought it necessary to have a flower girl and a ring barer but she wanted Cobb's kids in the wedding.
"It's go time, Ariadne."
Cobb declared. She exhaled and nodded, hooking her arm through his as he served for her substitute dad at the moment. She smiled as she glided down the aisle. Arthur had never seen her smile so brightly, she was glowing in her white gown. They didn't cry as they read their vows, finding nothing but happiness in them.
"Ariadne, I never thought I would love anyone. I had lost all hope in life, I lived only for my job. When I found you, I saw that there's more to life than work and a number in the bank. With you, I live my best life. I love you, more than yesterday, less than tomorrow, for the rest of my life."
He said, not even blinking.
"Arthur, I always imagined I would fall in love, I did not imagine, however, that it would be with a man 8 years older than me, not that it matters in the slightest. You teach me new things everyday, which is lucky for you because I love learning. And I hope that I can continue to grow as a person with you right next to me. I love you, to the end of limbo and back, a million times if that's what it takes."
They kissed and were declared man and wife and as they looked around the room at the smiling faces of their entourage, Eames, Cobb and his kids, Miles, Maria, Arthur's professor, and Yusuf, they saw the future unfold. Ariadne dances with Cobb for the father-daughter dance to the soft music of My girl, one of her favourite movies from when she was little. Arthur danced with his Professor, Maria for the mother-son dance to the sound of The way you look tonight. And Arthur and Ariadne did their first dance to the music of Put you head on my shoulder. As promised, James played his violin for everyone, doing a wonderful job for his year of classes.
Then the party started and everyone danced the night away, by nighttime, Ariadne's shoes were long gone, as was Arthur's vest, the children were sleeping on makeshift beds but the adults were still dancing like there was no tomorrow.
"We're married."
Arthur smiled giddily once they were back in their hotel room. They had both had a little much to drink.
"I know."
Ariadne laughed as they kissed hungrily. Arthur pushed the door closed and the rest was history. They went on their honeymoon in Florida, Ariadne insisting that they fulfill her childhood dream of having her honeymoon in Disney world. When they explained the circumstances to the receptionist, they were even offered the suite at the top of cinderella's castle. Needless to say, it was two weeks in paradise. It was a year later when they had a discussion that would change everything.