Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.
"So, let's talk about this." Arthur stretched himself out, and looked at the Architect. "You don't seem very comfortable."
Ariadne bit her lip. "Arthur, I'm not...inexperienced," she managed to get out, "but I'm not-" she blushed. "I haven't been with anyone since I started working with the team."
Arthur nodded. "Well, its time consuming. I haven't dated in a while." He looked at his hands. "I've had other lovers, but not for the last year or so."
Ariadne blinked. "Well, Eames always seems to have...someone."
"Well, that's Eames." Arthur was smiling. "But, Ariadne, you were putting yourself into dreams. Dreams with me as a projection."
She blushed. "I-" she stopped, trying to think of a coherent answer. "I thought you..." the words were dying in her throat, and Arthur, noticing her difficulty, began to assist her.
"Was attached?" He shook his head. "No. There was someone, though. A couple of years ago."
Ariadne blinked. "Who?" she blurted out, then bit her lip. He looked at her. "Its ok. She was...she was a mark." He paused, and continued. "College student, postgraduate. Her father approached us, wanted to know whether she'd made a will. There were family difficulties. Her parents were divorced, her mother's parents had passed away, and left a considerable sum of money. Her father wanted to know who she'd left it to."
"And...you got close?"
Arthur nodded. "Part of the set up. I was meant to pose as a student, in her class, and meet her. I caught her just before she left, and asked her for coffee. We met up a couple of times, but nothing happened."
"How come?"
"Cobb refused to continue with the job," Arthur paused. "He felt it was too immoral. His attitude was it was a family matter, and not for us to interfere with."
Ariadne swallowed. "But...did you see her again?"
"Alicia? No." Arthur shook his head. "After Cobb pulled out of the job, I never saw her again." He bit his lip. "But, she was like you. Thoughtful, intelligent, academic..." he turned to her. "I think you could say you're my type."
Ariadne felt a slight flush. "Thank you."
"But after her...no-one. Until I met you." He turned his head. "I don't see people casually. Life's too precious. It has to be someone I know I'm going to want to spend time with."
She bit her lip. "I didn't think you were attached. I just thought...you wouldn't be interested. I think I've led you on. And-"
"How have you done that?"
She blushed, furiously. "I used the PASIV, and those dreams. You came round my apartment, and found me in my underwear. Now, you're with me, and I told you I had fantasies, but when it comes to it-" She blinked, shocked to find tears forming in her eyes. "I think I'd better not continue with this."
Arthur blinked, his eyes wide. "Ariadne, you don't mean-"
"Yes, I do!" She rubbed her face. "I wanted those fantasies to happen, but when you're in front of me, I think that you're too attractive, too-"
He reached out, his hands took her shoulders, and he pulled her to him, silencing her protests with a kiss.
Shocked, she stiffened, but then responded, letting her body melt into his. After a few seconds, they began to pull apart.
"Now, listen to me," Arthur said, his tone warm, but firm. "You haven't led me on. I'm not a naive little virgin myself, and you have the right to decide if you don't want to take things further. But, if that is the case, I can wait. Sex is not the only reason I'm here with you. And, you are my type. Didn't you just hear me say it? If I didn't think you were attractive, do you think I'd be here, now?"
She nodded. "Arthur I-" She bit her lip. "Kiss me again?"
He complied, leaning forward, and she sighed. He took a step back. "Now, do you want to go to bed? Or would you prefer it if we didn't spend the night together?"
Swallowing, she pulled him closer. "Maybe it would be better if we just went to bed."
He smiled and pulled her closer. "I agree."
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