Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.

"I do," Ariadne repeated, her tone insistent. "Will you let me explain?"

Arthur looked at her, and reaching out, gently touched her cheek. "OK." He swallowed, and began to take off his jacket. "But do you mind if I sit down?"

She shook her head, and he settled down, next to her. As they adjusted themselves, she realised that his fingers had reached out, and gently began to lace themselves into hers. She exhaled slowly.

"All right." Arthur's voice was gentle. "What is it?"

"Those dreams..." she spoke hesitantly. "My dreams." She turned to him. "You...saw them."

Arthur nodded, his own face flushing slightly. "I did."

"I..." she blinked, and looked down. "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For...making you think I only feel that way, that I-" she broke off, feeling unable to articulate her feelings. Arthur leaned over, and gently squeezed her fingers.

"All I saw," he said softly, "were the thoughts of a young woman who seemed to have very deep feelings." He looked at her, directly. "Why are you so ashamed?"

"Because what I wanted you to do," she mumbled, aware that tears were beginning to flow down her face. "Wanting you to-"

"Dominate?" Arthur spoke gently, and she nodded.

"Yes."

"Why do you want that?"

"Because-" she bit her lip. "Because in work, I always have to be in control. I have to make sure my designs are correct, or you all can't use them. I have to ensure that they're ok. Whereas, together-"

"You can give over control," Arthur finished.

"But there's something else," Ariadne said, turning and looking at him, directly.

"What is that?"

"I trust you." She swallowed, aware of how quickly her heart was beginning to beat. "I trust you, Arthur. And I thought that you would-"

"I would make you feel...safe?"

She nodded. "Yes. But..."

"What?"

"I don't think I'm good enough for you," she faltered. "I think there are other women out there, other girls, who are more suitable to you."

He raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain?"

"Well, you..." she stopped. She couldn't tell him, not completely, how inadequate she felt. "You're-"

"And you're you," Arthur interrupted. "And, Ariadne, the fact you think this about me- its incredibly flattering."

She nodded. This was what she had dreaded. He was flattered - but not excited. She felt her heart sink.

"Would you be flattered," Arthur said, slowly, "If I told you I feel the same way about you?" She blinked. "There's more to attraction than clothes."

She felt her breath catch, slightly. "Arthur..."

He leaned forward and kissed her. She reciprocated. Entangling, they fell down together, onto the bed.

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