Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.

Ariadne stared at the TV set in the corner of the living room, the moving pictures and sound making no impression upon her. Sighing, she got up and switched it off, trying to calm her nerves. As she began to walk back to the couch, the doorbell rang. Blinking, she walked to it, and put her hand on the door. "Who is it?"

"Eames."

She began to open in, and studied the Forger. He looked dishevelled, but his eyes were burning. "Can I come in?"

"Well, yes-" she began, only for him to stride in. She shut the door, frowning slightly. "What is it? Do you want coffee, water-"

"No, no," he said, hurriedly, cutting her off. "I've got to talk to you. Is Cobb coming round?"

"No - at least, I don't think so." She walked back to the couch and sat on it, curling her legs up. "What's happened?"

"You need to stay away from Cobb."

She looked at him, her eyes widening in surprise. "Eames, I- what on earth-"

"I went to the facility, and saw Arthur." Eames got up, pacing the room. "He's not in good shape, and I'm going to tell you the reason."

"What is it?"

"Cobb. He incepted him."

Ariadne shook her head. "I don't-"

"Believe it?" Eames said, testily. "Think about it, Ariadne. Arthur was never like this before! He was never crude, sex obsessed, only interested in his own pleasure! There has to be something feeding this idea!"

"But why would Cobb-" Ariadne stopped talking, and sank back in the seat. "Why?"

"Jealousy?" Eames was pacing. "He never did get over Mal. I think he saw you as a replacement. Someone he could love, that would help him. Be a mother to his kids."

"But I-" her heart was pounding. "I never saw Cobb that way! But Arthur, I was flattered, and-"

"Listen," Eames said, quietly. "Arthur is in trouble. Serious trouble. We need to find the truth."

"And how do we do that?"

Eames smiled at her, his face softening. "We need to use extraction. Find out what exactly was going on in his head."

"But how can we use that as proof?"

"We can convince Cobb he needs to tell the truth."

Ariadne nodded, speechless. She felt as though she were descending into a nightmare. "If we must."

"Ariadne!" Eames got up, and almost grabbed her. "Listen to me! Arthur is in serious danger! He could go into jail for years for this! We have to find out the truth!"

"All right," she said, nodding. "What time is it?"

"Half eight."

"OK, I'll call Cobb."

Arthur lay and stared at the ceiling. He was restrained at his wrists and ankles, and no amount of pulling was going to dislodge the binds. He swallowed. His throat was dry, but he knew he would only receive water when the nurses deigned to come and assist him. He blinked, and closed his eyes, trying to fall into sleep.

"Hey, wake up! Meds!"

Arthur blinked as the medication was roughly forced into his mouth. Swallowing, his head held up so he didn't choke, he wished for this nightmare to be over.

"Well, thank you for inviting me." Cobb smiled at her, graciously. He had been surprised to receive the call on his cell phone, having understood that Ariadne wanted to be alone that evening. He frowned slightly. "You're a bit flushed. Are you ok?"

"Oh, fine," she said, keeping an eye on the clock. "Its just...getting late. Shall we...?"

Cobb stood up, surprised, and delighted. "Of course," he said politely.

"Are you going to finish your wine?" she asked, flirtatiously. He turned, and picked up the glass. "Of course." As he finished it, she smiled and began to lead him to the main bedroom.

After a few minutes, he settled on the bed. "You all right?" she asked, courteously.

"I will be, I-" He closed his eyes, drifting into sleep. Ariadne watched, waited. Cautiously, she reached under the bed, and pulled out the PASIV.