Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.

Ariadne sighed as she took a sip of water. The food had been delicious, and so had the wine. She swallowed, feeling slightly light headed.

"You ok?" Arthur asked, concern flitting across his face. She nodded. "Just...a little warm."

"Probably the wine," he said, softly. "But it is warm in here. Do you want to go for a walk, afterwards?"

She smiled, and consented. He reciprocated, and gestured to the waiter. "The bill, please."

"So, we could take the long way, or the short way back to my place," Arthur commented. "Which one do you want?"

Ariadne blinked. "Um, I don't mind. You choose."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Ari. I asked you. You decide."

"Oh," she said, flustered. "Well, the short way?"

He smiled. "Well, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

She bit her lip. "I guess not."

"Come on." He nodded, and the two of them began to walk through the city streets, given a slightly eerie quality by the street lamps. She swallowed. Her hands were in her pockets, whilst his were swinging by his side.

Ariadne studied his profile. He looked serious, and deep in thought. She looked at his hands, and suddenly felt a powerful urge to wrap her fingers round his. To make a connection.

She blushed. He's seen you in your underwear. He's seen you-

"Ariadne. Are you allright?"

"Oh." She mentally paused, and blinked. "Yes, I'm fine." She looked at him. "I just-"

"Its not far. But if you're tired, we can get a cab." He walked to the street, and hailed one. She paused, watching as he opened the door.

"In you get," he said, smiling. Nodding, she entered the car, and he climbed in after her. She stared at her hands in her lap, suddenly growing increasingly ashamed of her ill fitting outfit. Arthur looked straight ahead, not making eye contact. She shifted in her seat.

The silence was uncomfortable. Several times, she tried to look up and catch his eye, but lack of anything coherent to say prevented her. His hands were in his lap, perfectly calm. She bit her lip, wishing she could try and hold one.

"Right, we're here," he said, quietly. After handing the cab driver the fare, he opened the door, and began to get out. She swallowed. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." He looked at her. "My apartment is on the sixth floor. Are you ok with stairs? The elevator doesn't work properly."

She nodded. "Of course."

The walk up the stairs seemed to take an eternity. She followed him, noting the easy, athletic grace with which he hurried up the stairwell. After a few more minutes, he reached a corridor, and after hurrying down it, unlocked a door.

"Here we are."

She blinked.

The apartment was not what she expected. Instead of sterile lines, it was warm, decorated with art deco style furniture, and, she noted, a lot of books. She swallowed, and realised he'd gone into the kitchen.

"Coffee?"

"Um, no thanks," she said quietly. "I'm just-"

He walked over, and began to place his arms around her. "Tired?" he whispered, leaning into nuzzle her neck with his lips. She nodded, feeling a thrilling rush of warmth.

"Yes."

He pulled back, and smiled. "Shall we go to bed?"

Reviews are always welcome and appreciated, thank you!