Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.

"Are you going to be allright?"

Ariadne nodded, and took a sip of water. Cobb's gaze was kind, and she felt, not reproachful. She reached out and placed the glass on the table.

"Oh, I'll be fine," she commented, smiling. The smile was stretched and forced, and she felt Cobb could see right through it. She began to get up, slightly unsteadily. "I should get going."

"How about dinner?"

She blinked. "What?"

"Dinner," Cobb repeated, his tone pleasant. "I mean it. You've had a difficult few days...and well, Arthur is an adult, but I expect more of him. So, shall I pick you up, or meet you there?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Ariadne said, softly, shaking her head. "I think I need to spend some time alone, by myself."

Cobb blinked, his features falling slightly. "Oh."

"No, I don't mean to snub you," she said, quickly. "But I think I-"

He nodded, frowning slightly, his eyes clouding. "Of course," he said, his tone kind. "But remember, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. I mean it."

"Thank you." She felt there was nothing else she could say, and began to leave. As she started to walk out, she noticed Arthur, sitting by his desk. She decided she had to ignore him.

"Good night."

His voice startled her. "Well, good night."

"Ariadne." He turned and looked at her. "I know it didn't work out, but we should try and be civil, ok?"

She nodded. His words earlier still throbbed and reverberated in her mind. "OK."

"I mean, you didn't mean anything to me, but it was fun." He nodded. "Just remember that - you were a good time."

Startled, she could only stare at him. This was not Arthur - this crude, unfeeling caricature who sat grinning in the seat. A surge of fury swept through her. "And what about this girl you picked up in the coffee shop? Is she just a good time, too?"

"No," Arthur said, mildly. "She's someone whow I can probably have a relationship with." He looked at her. "Just don't get too jealous, ok?"

Words failing her, Ariadne turned and began to walk through the doors. Hurrying onto the street, she flagged down a cab, desperate to get back to her apartment.

Arthur began to shut down his computer, stood up, and stretched. He`checked his watch, and began to head for the door. Cobb suddenly blocked his way.

"You're going somewhere?"

Arthur shrugged. "I have a date."

"I know." Cobb looked at him, frowning slightly. "Arthur, please don't be hurtful to Ariadne."

"I'm not. I'm being honest." His dark brown eyes bored into Cobb's. "It was never going to be the great relationship of my life, Cobb. She never meant that much."

"Well, in that case-" Cobb paused, and swallowed. "You won't mind if I ask her out."

Arthur smiled, cruelly. "Of course not. And when you're down with her, pass her onto Eames."

The Extractor blinked. This had gone further than he had hoped. And better.

"I won't pass her on," he said, firmly. "Ariadne's a lovely young woman, who deserves better than how you treated her."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "If you say so." Grabbing his jacket, he turned and left.

The hot shower helped soothe her. As she turned off the faucet and grabbed a towel, she began to step out, wrapping it around her body. Determinedly, she began to walk through her small apartment, into the kitchen. Leaning down, she opened the fridge door, and pulled out a pot of yoghurt.

Picking up a spoon, she pulled off the top, and began to eat. Suddenly, she heard the door bell. Not bothering she was in a towel, she went to the door.

"Cobb!" she greeted him, opening the door. She blinked. His expression was determined, and he stepped forward.

"Ariadne." Before she could move, or protest, he pulled her forward, into a deep kiss.

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