Disclaimer: Inception does not belong to me. Apologies for shortness, this is really to move the story along.
"Arthur?"
He blinked, raising his head. He could feel Ariadne's fingers on the back of his neck, gently stroking the nape. He sighed- it was a relaxing feeling, one he had not had for a long time. He swallowed, letting his head continue to rest on her thighs. He shuddered slightly, the tears finally drying.
Ariadne stroked the back of his neck. "Its all right," she whispered, soothingly. "Its all right."
After a short while, he began to sit up, and faced her. "Thank you," he whispered, leaning over and kissing her gently, on the lips. As she did not pull away, he cupped her face in his hand, pulled her close, and kissed her more thoroughly.
She began to twine her arms around his torso. As he pulled her closer, she felt his warmth, and nestled into it. His lips began to move down her neck, reaching her collarbone. As he left a kiss, he felt her sigh, and cuddle closer. He smiled.
"Thank you."
"Arthur-" she paused, trying to find the words. "What we saw in that dream-"
"I was trying to help you," he said, quietly, running his hand down her back, "but all it did was show me I should help myself." He swallowed, and leaned back in the seat.
"Help yourself from-"
He stretched, and sighed. He turned his head, and looked at her. "Come on."
Taking his hand, they walked together into the bedroom. He went into the bathroom, and she undressed. Biting her lip, she stripped to her underwear, then climbed into the bed. Pulling the covers over herself, she waited.
Arthur rubbed his face, and looked at himself in the mirror. It was him, he decided - but why had his appearance altered so drastically in the dream? He shook his head, puzzled, and slightly scared. It was as though in trying to help Ariadne, his subconscious had turned on him, melding and melting realities, both past and present. He ran his hands down his face, then over his body. Closing his eyes, he tried to banish the dark, swirling thoughts that were threatening to consume him.
He swallowed, and wiped his face. Squaring his shoulders, he walked into the bedroom. Ariadne was under the covers, and smiled at him. He lifted up the duvet, and climbed in next to her.
She read the cue, and began to cuddle against his chest. He pulled her close, And stroked her back.
"Arthur?"
"Yes?"
"Do you want to talk about it?"
He swallowed. As she pulled closer, he realised he had to stop lying.
"Yes."
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