Guess what: I am not Christopher Nolan.

….

The boys were on a mission. According to the GPS, Ariadne was in a building just down the block. The plan was that Arthur and Eames would sneak in, find Ariadne, and meet up with Dom, who would be driving the getaway car. They would immediately go to the airport and fly to Fiji, where they would lie low until a deal could be made with Cobol. As far as Arthur could see, it was flawless. Dom had mentioned some concern that Arthur's judgment could be flawed when it came to his architect, but the Point Man assured him otherwise.

They would strike at midnight.

…

Ariadne was in pain. After Liam found the phone, she was tied up and beat. The dried blood on her face made it difficult to keep her eyes open, so she slept often. After all, it made the time go faster. Liam had yet to put her into another dream; it seemed as though he found it unnecessary. The thought worried her- had he found what he needed? Was the extraction successful, despite her best efforts?

She hated to admit that she was losing hope. The thought of nobody being able to find her made Ariadne's heartache in her chest. She had honestly never felt so alone. Where is Arthur?

Although it was petty, Ariadne still felt anger burn behind her cheekbones at the thought of Arthur. He had hurt her; he made her feel weak, insignificant, and unwanted. After everything that they went through together, he could not return the same attachment that she felt towards him. She missed Eames, Cobb, and Yusuf as well. Hell, she even missed Saito. Talking to Arthur, even for a moment, brought those feelings back at full force. She preferred numbness to this, this unbearable pain.

The Architect was losing track of time. With no windows, she couldn't be sure of when it was day or night. Her only concept of time was measured by the cheese sandwich and water that they gave her twice a day. Judging from her hipbones, Ariadne knew she had lost too much weight. She needed to be found, and soon.

CRASH! Ariadne started awake. What the hell was that? She tried to look around, but everything was dark.

"Who's there-" She was cut off when a hand forcefully covered her mouth. She panicked, kicking and screaming as loud as her muffled mouth could handle. Ariadne felt her foot connect with something solid, followed by a grunt.

"Ariadne, it's me. Calm down, it's Arthur. I came to get you out of here," Arthur whispered urgently.

"Arthur? Is this real?" Arthur chuckled quietly.

"It's really me, Ariadne. Eames is outside the door, keeping lookout. We've got to go quickly." He gently helped Ariadne to her feet. Ariadne whimpered as her broken ribs stung against her sides, and her wrist jostled in the hand restraints.

"I'm not sure where you think you're going, Mr. Robinson. You just got here, why not take a load off, have a seat." Arthur froze at the sound of Liam's voice combined with the sound of a gun cocking. A light flicked on. The sight of Arthur was overwhelming for Ariadne, but she forced herself to remain quiet.

"Where's Eames?"

"He's otherwise occupied. You can't honestly think we don't have surveillance down here… I'm a bit insulted. You'd think you were dealing with amateurs. Now hand me your weapons. Slowly."

Arthur reached into his coat, and slowly placed his gun on the ground. Liam stepped forward, cracking Arthur over the head with the butt of his gun. Ariadne cried out as Arthur crumpled. Ariadne saw Liam approaching her, like a cat stalking his pray, and felt a sharp pain blossom over her forehead before the world around her went black.

When she awoke, everything was foggy. Her head felt as if someone had set fire to her brain. Ariadne's back was against something that seemed to be radiating heat, and her hands were behind her. It took her a moment before realizing that it was Arthur. Her last hope for safety was handcuffed to her back. A sob escaped from her throat as panic consumed her.

"I'm sorry." Ariadne jumped at the sound of Arthur's smooth voice.

"Arthur, it's not your fault that you got caught. At least you tried." Ariadne's voice was rusty from disuse.

"Ariadne… Ari. That's not what I'm sorry for. I- I mean the hotel. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't-" Ariadne cut him off quickly. She honestly didn't want to hear what he had to say.

"Arthur, it's fine. I get it. You didn't want to work with me."

"Please, just let me say this. I lied. You are a brilliant, irreplaceable architect, and we were damn lucky to have you on our team."

"Arthur, you don't have to-"

"I do. I want to. I said it because I felt that I had to get you away from that job. It's too dangerous, and I had to protect you," He scoffed bitterly. "A lot of good that did you."

"But… why?"

"I've formed some sort of… attachment. I-I'm fond…" Arthur struggled for the right words. Ariadne was puzzled. Arthur never stumbled over words.

"I think he's trying to say that he'd very much like to get into your knickers, Darling." Eames! Ariadne felt joy and fear crash down upon her simultaneously. They got him too. His voice came from the corner.

"I- that's not- no," Arthur continued to struggle. He took a deep breath, ending the moment. "Eames, are you alright?"

"My head hurts like a bitch, that's for sure. But I've felt worse, love, no need to worry." He chuckled, and then moaned in pain. "I think my shoulder is dislocated."

"How are we going to get out of here?" Concern was evident in Ariadne's tear-filled voice.

"I'm hoping to come up with something. I just need time." Just the thought of Ariadne crying made Arthurs stomach knot. Their talk hadn't quite gone how he'd hoped. Thanks a lot, Eames. The trio was silent for a moment, when they heard Eames grunt again. The light buzzed and then flickered on. Eames was bruised, and his lip was busted, but he didn't look too bad. Arthur couldn't see Ariadne, although he ached to.

"Ha! I'd thought that switch was over here." Eames smiled tightly, and then looked at Ariadne. The smile melted off of his face. "Oh, Ariadne."

"What? What's wrong with her, Eames?" Arthur struggled against his restraints.

"It's nothing, I'm fine. Just a couple of bruises." Eames snorted.

Arthur had to get out of his restraints. As he struggled, he realized that he was not actually attached to Ariadne. He struggled to turn and face her; he then saw her back.

"Turn around, Ariadne. Let me see you." Ariadne winced. She knew that he would not react to her injuries well.

"You know, I'm pretty comfortable like-" Arthur interrupted.

"Turn. Around." With that, and a lot of effort, she scooted so that she was facing him. His eyes widened as he took in her appearance. "Ari…" he whispered gently. Her swollen eyes met his.

"Stop. We can't focus on me. We need to find a way out." Arthur sighed, his eyes never leaving hers. The tenderness that was present in his deep brown eyes unnerved and confused her.

"Ari, I… I think you're a great architect. We need you." Ariadne's eyes clouded with disappointment. She nodded, and then looked away.

"Smooth, Arthur."

"Shut the hell up, Eames."

The door burst open with a bang, a dark shadow appearing in the opening.

…

A/N: Cliffhangerrrrr! This chapter was fun, and intense. I love Eames and his smart-ass comments. :D Anyways, thank you SO MUCH for the reviews! I reached 40, which is way more than I'd ever expected. I love you all. Please, please, review. Tell me what you think!