Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me.
"Come on," Arthur said, encouragingly. He opened his hand, and hesitantly, she slipped her fingers into his. He wrapped his own around them, and gave a reassuring squeeze.
As they walked, she fell silent. He swallowed, trying not to let it bother him. The sidewalk was full of people - shoppers, dog walkers, strollers - and he concentrated on guiding her through the crowds, not trying to fall prey to the projections that were eyeing them.
Some, he noticed, almost distastefully.
He continued. As they walked round a corner, they arrived at a restaurant. As they entered, a polished looking maitre d' approached. "Sir?"
"Table for two," Arthur said, casually. He had noticed other diners turning to look at him. The maitre d' nodded, and they began to walk forward, towards a small table.
As they sat down, Arthur noticed that Ariadne was flushed. He reached over, and placed his hand on hers. "Its ok," he said, softly. "It is ok."
"Arthur," she whispered, "everyone's looking."
He turned, and frowned. Two or three couples were turning their heads, looking at them. He shook his head, and picked up a menu. "Ignore them."
"They're looking at me!"
He sighed, and looked. None of them were even gazing at the table. He shook his head. "Ariadne, please, believe me." He looked down at the menu. "OK, what shall we order?"
"Um, chicken. Salad."
He sighed, and closed the menu. "That's not substantial enough."
"Arthur."
"No, please, listen to me. Its not enough for you. You need to eat." He swallowed, and noticed that her face was flushing. He took a deep breath and continued, more gently: "How about a sauce on the chicken?"
She shook her head. "Um, no thanks."
"Why?"
"Because I don't have the metabolism of a hummingbird."
He gritted his teeth. "Ariadne, please. You're too thin."
"So? You trying to fatten me up?!"
"No!" He slumped back in his seat, slightly stung. "No, I'm not! But I do think you need to take better care of yourself than at present." He swallowed, and rubbed his face. "You need to-"
"Walk away from her."
He blinked, stunned. A woman - a very attractive woman - was standing in front of him. She leaned over, and gently tickled Arthur's ear with her lips. "Leave her. She's no use to you."
Arthur glared, and continued as though she had not spoken. "Ari, come on, you know I-"
He blinked again. A man was caressing Ariadne's back, and her eyes were closed. Arthur glared. "Hey, stop that!"
"Just telling her that she better not eat anything," the man whispered, lowering his face. "She's too heavy already."
Arthur glared. "Leave her alone."
"Then stop lying to her," the woman whispered. "Why don't you accept that she is a-"
Arthur got up, and walked over to Ariadne. Ignoring the projections, he pulled her towards him in a deep kiss. She looked at him, slightly stunned. He nodded.
"Now, will you please order something you like? Please?"
"Yes," she said, hesitantly. "I think I will."
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