13

~ Another rule was broken. Cobb had stayed overnight in her room. Ariadne woke to the Extractor kissing her sweetly on the lips. His warm breath tickling her and she couldn't stop a giggle coming out.

"What time is it?" She whispered as her hands played tentatively over his chest.

"About 5 in the morning." Cobb said pulling the covers over them. He looked so much younger right now. Ariadne could see what he must have looked like as a young man in his early 20s. His light colored locks, normally smoothed back, were falling down over his brow. His face was free of the normal worry lines.

She felt her heart swell at the sight of him. This handsome man who shared his life with her. Who had welcomed her into his heart and into the lives of his children. The knowledge that he would be just as loving and caring to her unborn child as he was to his own, was obvious.

Arthur was wrong. She wasn't just a substitute for Mal. Not a nanny for James and Phillipa. Not just a once a week plaything.

"Cobb?" She asked "Do you think we could make it work? If I had the... the baby, I mean?"

"Of course." Cobb said quickly. His sharp blue eyes catching hers and holding her there with him. "I think you should have it. I think any child would be lucky to have you for a mother." The Extractor sighed and moved over her. Cradling her small body in his as if she were the infant.

"There is no one I trust more with my own children then you. I know for a fact you'll be a wonderful mother. The birth father doesn't matter. I'll always be here."

~ In Cobb's naturally pleasing manner, he made everything feel better. She went for a brisk walk and thought over things. The Extractor would make a wonderful partner. Caring and easy to be around. He would be a loving father to this child and help her be a better mother. He wanted her to stay with him. In this house. Become a stronger family. They had briefly spoke of marriage, but she had shaken the idea off. Not ready to think about that.

Cobb had taken the kids to school already and Arthur was still at the house when she got back.
"Arthur, won't you be late for work?" She asked breathlessly coming in from a walk that had turned into a run. She suddenly wanted to run. The feeling her body would not let her run for a long time and she should enjoy it while she still could.

"I called in sick. I wanted to talk to you." He said.

"About?" She asked reaching into the fridge for some orange juice and mentally preparing a shopping list.
"You know what I want to talk to you about." He said gravely.

"Arthur, I haven't changed my mind." She said stubbornly.

"Ariadne, we both know this is my baby." He said with a self satisfied smile.

"We don't know that."She said not looking at him.
"Please. I was with you more times then any of the others. You said so yourself that Cobb would always-"

"Stop it!" She hissed. Glaring daggers at him. "I'm not talking to you about what happens with Cobb and I."

"I'm not upset. But that's my baby, you know it, I know it. I don't want you to have an abortion." He said moving closer to her. "It's not your call. Not all yours anyway."

"Excuse me? Are you the one who is going to play land lord to a fetus for nine months? Are you going to have to go through labor and delivery and are you going to be the primary caregiver?" She said heat rushing to her face.
"Ariadne, I know you don't want to terminate." He said. "I've seen how you look at James and Phillipa. But, if you decide to get rid of it, get rid of our child, I'll leave."

She felt herself stop breathing. Her head starting to hurt.
"I love you." he said. "I want to marry you and have children with you. This whole arrangement we had was wrong. But we can move past it, I promise we can."

Ariadne felt sick. Arthur leaving her, just like Eames had left her.

"Arthur, if you want to leave, that's fine. Cobb will still be with me. No matter what I decide." She said coldly. Her eyes flicking to the Point Man. Showing brash hostility.

"Ariadne, please don't do this." Arthur said as she walked away from him.

~ It was later in the afternoon that she found herself in front of his door. Her small hands daring to knock.

"Arthur?" She called out softly.

"Come in." His voice said over the closed door.

He was sitting at his small desk. His ever ready laptop in front of him. He looked almost casual today in camel colored slacks and his dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves and no tie. She always marveled at how put together he always was. The others in the house seemed to prefer comfort over style. Arthur was always dressed perfectly. Even when he was at home.

"How are you?" He asked politely as she sat down on his bed.
"I'm alright." She said conversationally. "Listen, I've been doing some thinking, and I've decided not to terminate. I want you to know this is not because of what you threatened, or how you feel. This was my choice. As far as I'm concerned, this is my child alone. I won't ask you for child support if the baby is yours and Cobb is going to help me raise it." She told him. Her voice steady and formal. She didn't look at him as she spoke.
"Cobb and I had a long talk last night and he wants me to stay. He wants to be there for me and help me. I don't expect you to stay with us. Cobb and I will raise this baby like it's ours." He concluded.

"The hell you will." Arthur spat as he stood. His sudden height as well has his change in temperament was intimidating. The Point Man's face was now an angry scowl. She stood up. Trying feebly to meet him height wise and not cower away.

"I know this is my baby and I'm not going anywhere. If you don't want to be with me, that's fine. But, I will not allow my child to think Cobb is it's father." He said. His voice cold and venomous.

"Arthur-" She stared to say.

Words failed her as the Point Man crossed the distance between them and took her in his arms. Suddenly he was kind and passionate. His anger appeased as his hands were gentle and skillful on her face and body. His lips were on hers as she easily gave into him.

Arthur was helping her shed her clothing as she tried to fumble off his shirt. His kisses leaving her breathless and confused.

"It's my baby." He whispered. "It's mine." He breathed into her neck.

All Ariadne could no was whisper 'yes' over and over again as he took her.