A/N: As always big smile for everybody! And fresh, Arthur-centric chapter; I hope I'll enjoy it!
It was snowing. Huge, soft snowflakes covered world, altered it alike big white pillow.
Arthur sighted shifting in armchair. Ariadne was out, working and he simply sat, curled comfortably. He didn't read, he didn't watch movies, he didn't listen music, or did anything at all.
He just sat there, entire days, almost without breaks.
He knew it drove Ariadne crazy, but it was something stronger than him. It felt like there, within solid arms rest of the chair, nothing wrong could happen.
Like he couldn't wake up, while he sat there.
Arthur rested his head and closed eyes. sometimes he wondered vaguely what happened, why he gave up and let himself to sink in this fake safety of one place.
But mostly he sat, his mind spinning somewhere beyond borders of his consciousness.
Sharp knock tore him out of his reverie. He blinked, utterly surprised; Ariadne gave in about week ago and started opening door with her keys. It had to be someone else.
Arthur stood up reluctantly and draggled himself to the door and opened it.
"Hello, darling.", cheerful voice and flashing smile greeted him.
"Eames?", Arthur stammered, shocked.
"Nope, it's just Ariadne in camouflage. Will you let me in?", Eames pushed through, not waiting for answer.
Arthur slowly closed the door behind him and watched him with narrowed eyes.
"It's been two months since I saw you last time", Arthur articulated carefully. "And suddenly you're here, with no visible reason.". He reached his armchair and sank into its comfortable seat.
"As always a warmth welcome.", Eames teased but only half-heartedly. "I'm hurt."
Arthur didn't answered, watching him skeptically.
Eames sighed. "Ok, you're right. I have a job offer to you."
"What?" , Arthur frozen utterly shocked. "You mean a job in dreams?"
"Yes.", Eames seemed impassive at Arthur's emotions. He tilted his head and eyed Arthur curiously. "I've no idea why it happened, but I don't know what your formation is."
"I degreed at Psychology.", Arthur answered automatically, still completely shocked by Eames's proposition.
"Really?", Eames grinned cheerfully. "Great."
"You chose time when Ariadne isn't home purposely, didn't you?"
Eames brushed his hair and nodded slowly. "Yeah. She wouldn't let you even think about it."
Arthur frowned. "And what exactly make you think that I'd think about it?"
"Darling.", Eames leaned to Arthur, looking intently into his eyes. "Tell me that you won't consider it and I'll go."
Arthur stayed motionless, mesmerized by Eames eyes. "I can't", he admitted eventually, his voice hoarse.
"Wonderful.", Eames straightened and wore his usually mischievous smirk. "Call me when you decide. And no need in escorting me, I won't get lost."
With this he came out, leaving Arthur utterly bewildered.
He couldn't sit thoughtlessly anymore, Eames tore him from his strange state of numbness.
It wasn't Eames who bothered him. It was this magnetic possibility of Dreaming again.
Arthur knew it was stupid; he wasn't even sure if he's not dreaming right now. Yet, the chance of conscious sinking into Dreams made Arthur feeling more alive than he felt for a long time. No matter how lost he could feel Dreaming was still tempting. Arthur loved it from the very first experience and even the most horrible things couldn't eradicate this love.
He knew what his decision would be, before he made it.
Ariadne opened door, trying desperately not to drop anything she hold. When door suddenly opened she screamed and froze.
"Arthur?", she asked astonished. She almost used to that everything Arthur gave her last times was short glance or weak smile from his favorite armchair. With hint of anxiety she noticed that he was wearing a coat and gloves.
"Where… You're going somewhere?", she asked hurriedly, grasping his arm.
Arthur smiled, not this weak smile he gave her last days, but his genuine smile, which he gave only her. Ariadne exhilarated heavily. His smile still had a hypnotizing influence on her.
"I'll need to do something, ok? I'll be back soon.", he kissed her softly on cheek and turned away. Ariadne stayed motionless for a couple of minutes, torn between relief and anxiety. As soon as Arthur reached the corner of street she decided, locked the door and went after him.
Arthur went in his usual quick pace. Being outside and alone felt somehow strange for him, yet he was filled with satisfaction and happiness.
He made decision.
He used his abilities and found Eames's actual address within a half of hour.
He was still lost and confused, but also very much alive.
Even noticing Ariadne couldn't change his mood. In fact, he wasn't surprised; she always wanted to know everything, especially about ones, she loved.
He glanced shortly at her and almost froze. He saw her like that, with red cheeks and slightly messed hair sticking out from her hat.
It couldn't be memories, could it be?
"Any problems?", a familiar voice suddenly asked. Arthur turned rapidly. "Eames. What are you doing here?"
"Well, it should be me asking.", Eames observed lazily. "I'm living right there."
"Oh, yes. I know.", Arthur answered absently, his mind still busied with unwanted thoughts and fake memories. He shook his head. "Eames, I'm here because I wanted to tell you my decision. In person."
"And?", Eames still looked as he was bored, but his look was sharp and focused now.
"I'm in, under one condition."
"What condition?"
"Ariadne won't be the Architect."