Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Especially not Inception or the movies they're watching.
Hello there! This chapter is kind of a parody. Sort of. Not really. But it might be humorous. You'll see it somewhere there. Thank you to readers and reviewers! And thank you to new followers [Darthtraytus, KingfisherWill and WindMistress70]! I'm so happy you all like it :]
Lauraa-x: Thank you! That part suddenly typed itself, haha, but I love it, too. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Neverlandspirit: True : I'm hoping to make up for it here. I would really appreciate it if you left a review with which AU story you'd like to see first :3 If that's okay (details down below)? I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: Agreed! She has this aura that just fits Valeria, I think there's a certain picture I saw that just told me "Valeria", haha. They shall be co-captains! I'm loving the whole "you guys like each other, as in like like", haha! I'm so glad you will! I have some details down below :D This chapter will be quite fluffy, I hope you enjoy!
Kamarooka: Thank you! That is so cute! I'd also love to see him in that! I'll definitey cite you if I ever get to think of scenario where I can put it, but I probably will be able to in a way ;] I really hope you enjoy this chapter! I think I've got some fluff and humour in there, haha.
D.B: Hahahaha! This one is cheesy! I hope you like it!
Unbeta-d, I'm so sorry. I used a translator, too. Sorry for the mistakes!
Step Nine: Food (Pizza Toppings) – Rome, Italy
A month and a week after Auckland (first week of December)
"Our next design is made by another Parisian student, Valeria Normandeau!"
The fashion show that Valeria's college had signed up for is being held in Rome. Valeria had been ecstatic when she found out that she's a finalist for the show. Bringing Ariadne with her isn't even a thank you for bringing her to Danilov and Auckland, she simply wanted to celebrate with her best friend, and Ariadne gladly accepted the invitation—well, demand was more like it.
"Vous devez venir avec moi!" Valeria told her once her tickets had been mailed to her. "I don't know who else to bring but you!" ("You have to come with me!")
"That doesn't sound reassuring, Val." Ariadne laughed.
"You know what I mean."
"I don't know, Val," Ariadne sighed, "I've been missing classes..."
"Everything is paid for! All you need is allowance!"
"You're not bringing Marí?"
There's silence between them. Ariadne had known for a while that Valeria and Marí's relationship is getting rocky but the trip might have been a good opportunity to patch things up. "She was a finalist, too. Out of the ten of us, I got the last spot. It wouldn't go well," Valeria said softly. "And anyway, I'd have way more fun with you! You know that!"
Ariadne frowned for a moment before letting a small smile appear. "When's the flight?"
Now, while watching models strut down the runway, Ariadne feels like she's part of the elite crowd. With blinding lights, cameras flashing and pretty girls walking down the aisle, it's almost a dream come true for young ladies like her.
She also can't help but feel absolutely ecstatic for her best friend. Her design is now being shown to the world, or at least by people attending the show, by a brunette model—personally requested by the blonde Parisian. It's a dazzling, emerald evening gown that reaches the ankles with flowing strides and a slit that reached the knee on the right side and thick, elegant straps hanging off the shoulder with a sweetheart cut. There are some shiny diamonds that are stuck to the front, and a little belt hanging by the waist to show off the curves. The dress is paired off with simple, strappy heels and some jewelry.
Valeria grabs her hands and squeals in delight. "Il semble même mieux quand il est là-haut!" ("It looks even better when it's up there!")
"I told you, you should have been up there modeling as well!" Ariadne laughs.
"If I was, I wouldn't be allowed to be acting this way!"
"What a lovely evening gown!" the host says.
"He called it lovely!" Valeria exclaims.
The Architect can't help but laugh.
The after party isn't all what Ariadne expected. There's music and dancing, the models are now in more comfortable but still designer clothes and people are actually mingling. She had expected it to be a quiet gathering, maybe salad for dinner and a few glasses of wine. There aren't any tables, just tall, thin, tables without any stools. A lot of people have mistaken her for being a designer herself but she giggles and tells them that the emerald dress they saw is the work of her best friend.
Many had congratulated Valeria for her work, some have even teased that they wanted her to design for them. Being humble, she simply laughed and thanked them. These people probably told every designer that anyway.
"Nous obtenons donc une pizza plus tard," Valeria mumbles as she eats her salad. ("We are so getting pizza later.")
Ariadne nods and picks on the lettuce. "Certainement."
"That was exhausting," Valeria comments as she drives the rented car around the ancient city. "If I become—"
"When," Ariadne corrects.
Valeria smirks before continuing. "When I become famous, I'll be the so-called 'concepteur mystérieuse'." (..."'mysterious designer'.")
Ariadne smiles. "Because you don't want to mingle with people?"
"Did you see all the fake smiles and fake praises? If that already happens while we're still in school," she pouts, "then I don't want to be there. I'd rather know that they're talking while I'm not there than pretending to like what I've made."
"Maybe that's why they're being plastic," Ariadne says, leaning back on the seat, "because your designs are amazing and their aren't."
Valeria laughs. "Oh, Ari. You really know how to make me feel good."
"C'est la vérité!" Ariadne defends herself, a smile forming in her lips. "That's how the real world works. You make sure that you're the best of the best...because everyone wants the best." ("It's the truth!")
"Why do I have the feeling you're not talking about me anymore, mon ami?" Valeria raises an eyebrow.
She flushes. "You know you're in there."
Giggling, Valeria says, "Quelque part." ("Somewhere.")
After going back to their hotel for a change of more comfortable clothes, the two best friends had gone to a pizza parlour. Luckily, there are a few near their hotel that are open for twenty-four hours. After all, you can't go to Rome without eating pizza. The cheesiest one, especially.
"Mm," Valeria hums once she gets her first bite, "this is real pizza."
"Pizza isn't actually originally from Italy," Ariadne starts to say but Valeria gives her a glare. "What?"
"Don't. You're starting to become like Arthur."
"I'm not." She pouts. Ariadne remembers telling Valeria about her time with Arthur, where at some point, he'll correct her initial thoughts about origins or anything at all. "I'm just...clarifying." She bites a piece from her slice to stray away from the conversation. "Oh, this is so good."
"I won't be surprised if he shows up again."
Ariadne shushes her. "He might actually appear!"
"And you don't want that?"
'I want to see Arthur again. It's been a while since I've seen him personally...but I don't really want to see him here. I'd rather he be in Paris...maybe surprise me by showing up in my doorstep with a box of pizza and drinks, then we'll watch movies all night long.' She grins. 'Since when have you been romantic?'
"What's so funny?"
"I just thought about Arthur appearing in my doorstep with a box of pizza and drinks, and then we'll have a movie marathon that'll last the whole night."
"Another daydream, I see. I'm sure you put that in your little notebook filled with how you two will suddenly meet up again or get together after a job...maybe even during? Or do you have a document for it in your music folder, hm?" Valeria tucks her hand under her chin, her other hand still holding a slice of pizza. "Dreaming about him, too?"
Ariadne blinks. "What?"
"You dream about him, too, right?"
"Oh," she breathes a sigh of relief. She doesn't dare look at the blonde in fear that she'll start interrogating her about a simple question. "Well...yeah, I do," she admits. 'Like about how we spent those days in Yusuf's dream...that kiss...our moments together...and some please-come-true dreams. But mostly memories now...it's kind of getting harder to dream.'
"Have you tried to tell him how you feel?"
"I can't, Val. And I kinda wanna enjoy the pizza," Ariadne says a bit more forcefully than she intends. Biting her bottom lip, she murmurs an apology. "I'm just a little...tense."
"Don't hide anything from me, Ariadne," Valeria starts to say as they walk back to their hotel. "Je vous connais trop bien." ("I know you too well.")
'Oh no,' Ariadne thinks a bit nervously, 'I'm in trouble.'
"When I said 'dreaming' I meant it in a way where you're starting to see him in your sleep, not in a way where you become nervous all of a sudden."
"I know," is all she says. 'I just thought you knew about my job and you're waiting for me to tell you.'
"I'm sure you do," Valeria mutters. "Look, I'm not forcing you to tell me anything but the way you looked at me when I mentioned that word...you looked afraid."
"I...it's been a while since I've had a dream, they're mostly just a blur."
"Then why are you afraid? Are you afraid you'll never be able to dream again?"
"Naturally, yes," she says honestly.
Valeria turns to her. "Naturally?"
"Val—I...you know I...it's just that..." She groans. "You see...I..."
"I'm not forcing you anything, Ariadne," Valeria says quietly.
Ariadne turns to her and weighs the pros and cons. In the end, her love and trust for her won out. "When we get back to the hotel room...I'll tell you everything."
And Ariadne Belaire kept her word.
Paris, France (a few days later)
A few days after they returned to Paris, Ariadne mused that she and Valeria had grown closer, if it is possible. Maybe because now, she can freely talk about her kind-of-pretty-much-illegal job. Valeria took it well, partly because she had a feeling the job is dangerous and partly because it's exciting.
"So you get to make the world?" she clarified. "And to your heart's desire?"
"During a job, no, I have to make what they need, but I can bend the laws of physics and build it in a not-so natural way. It's a maze. We need a maze. And lots of secret places. Penrose steps. Paradoxical architecture."
"But when you aren't on a job...?"
"Then I can make the world to my heart's desire." She smiled and remembered one of her training sessions with Arthur.
"Will you bring me into one of your dreams, please?" Valeria asked.
"I can't, it's too dangerous."
"When you're not in a job," Valeria persisted.
Ariadne thought about it before agreeing. "Though probably when we're with Arthur. I don't have my own PASIV and I haven't really gone under by myself. I mean, I did once but I was entering Dom's dream so it's not exactly by myself."
Now in the kitchen of her apartment, with the four o'clock sun shining through her windows, making some popcorn and waiting for the soda to freeze, Ariadne wants nothing more than to have a movie marathon and maybe even fall asleep on the couch. When the doorbell rings, she thinks it's really bad timing.
The security measures have gotten tighter during the past few months. Strangers and not too frequent visitors, even delivery people, have to be screened and security would have to have a video call with the resident. So far, only Valeria, Arthur, Eames and her family have been allowed inside without the screening. Technology is good.
'Maybe it's Val.' When she opens the door, she's surprised to see an immaculate suit clad man in a coat with two boxes of pizza, carrying a brown paper bag, a suitcase, a satchel and the familiar silver case. Suddenly, she doesn't mind the interruption and hopes she doesn't fall asleep while watching the movies. 'The movies aren't that important now, anyway.'
"How can you even carry them?"
"It's a skill," he answers with a smile. "I'm guessing you're free tonight, given you're only wearing an over-sized shirt and I do hope you're wearing shorts."
"You're as sharp as you dress," Ariadne says with a giggle although she's slightly embarrassed about her clothing. "Get in here, will you?"
She opens the door wider and he comes in, rushing to the living room to drop of the boxes and the paper bag. "Is that popcorn I smell?" he asks, sniffing the air and dropping the PASIV and suitcase. His satchel is still around him.
"Yeah, I was planning on having a movie night," she shrugs, "ever watched White Chicks?"
"I don't think I have," he says, unhooking his satchel and placing it by the table.
"You haven't lived," Ariadne states. "Now why don't you go and place your stuff in the guest room while I fix up?"
"Are you going to put up a fight when I say I'll check in a hotel?"
"If you really didn't plan on staying here then you would've booked a hotel before you arrived, Arthur." She walks off to the kitchen. "And while you're at it, think of other movies you want to watch!"
He grins. "Well then, when I return I hope I'll start living."
White Chicks
Kevin mentions about starting the car while Marcus cleans the mess.
"That brother is the jerk, I can tell."
xOxOx
The Copelands come out of the car.
"That's ridiculous! They don't look anything like them!"
"Just enjoy the comedy, Arthur."
xOxOx
Heath waves to Mr. Vandergeld.
"Heath is working for Mr. Vandergeld."
"Stop spoiling yourself!"
xOxOx
Copelands mention their attraction to the Vanddergelds.
"I don't find the Vandergeld sisters hot at all."
"Good."
xOxOx
The three other girls being much nicer and quieter than the Wilson sisters.
"I don't understand how the Wilson sisters are friends with those three, they seem pretty nice as compared to those two."
xOxOx
Kevin's date with Denise.
"Is their date really necessary?"
xOxOx
Nightclub scene
"That club scene was entertaining."
xOxOx
Gina finds Marcus with "Brittany"
"Why couldn't he just take off the mask?"
xOxOx
Mr. Vandergeld is revealed to be the bad guy and working with Heath.
"I told you Heath is with that guy."
"Yes, Arthur, I know."
xOxOx
The girls finally taking their revenge
"See, the Wilson sisters aren't supposed to be in their group."
xOxOx
"That's a happy ending."
As Ariadne pops in their next movie, she grumbles when she sees Arthur read the summary at the back of the case. "I don't even know how I can handle watching a movie with Eames if you are like that."
"Would you rather that he comment on every single scene?"
"No," she answers as she joins him on the couch. 'And I'd rather spend my time with you.'
The Sixth Sense
First scene of Crowe after he gets shot.
"Bruce Willis is dead."
"Arthur!"
xOxOx
Crowe listens to the tape recording.
"Okay, Arthur, I need your help here. I never figured it out. Why is there some guy in Spanish?"
"I believe Vincent, you know, the guy that killed him in the beginning of the movie, also has a sixth sense."
xOxOx
"That was kind of sad."
"Let's watch something more fun."
"No comedies please."
"What about a superhero movie? The Dark Knight Rises!"
The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is being framed.
"Why is Batman being framed?"
"You haven't watched the trilogy!?"
"Never had the time."
"Oh, Arthur..."
xOxOx
Alfred and Miranda are in the scene together.
"That woman looks like Mal...and he looks like Miles!"
"What?"
xOxOx
John Blake appears.
"John Blake looks like you, you know. Even talks like you. Actually, his actor looks like you...he can be your twin."
"I don't know this actor."
"Well, now you know who Joseph Gordon-Levitt is."
xOxOx
John Blake talks to Bruce Wayne.
"He's Robin...one of the Robins at least. Maybe Dick Grayson."
"So you do know this!"
"I know the basics, haven't watched the films."
xOxOx
Selina Kyle scene.
"Can you believe Anne Hathaway was once a conservative princess?"
"Who?"
xOxOx
Bruce and Miranda after they have sex.
"Miranda's keeping a secret."
"Arthur."
xOxOx
Batman fights Bane.
"Batman is actually crazy, you know that?"
xOxOx
"This is quite long."
"We still have food. Complain when we're out."
xOxOx
Blake appears wearing a suit.
"Now I can definitely see you and John Blake as twins. Suits!"
xOxOx
Bruce finds out about the young child, thinking it is Bane.
"The child is Miranda, isn't it?"
"Arthur!"
xOxOx
Bane releases the prisoners.
"Bane talks too much. Kind of reminds me of Eames."
xOxOx
Jonathan comes out.
"That guy looks like Fischer."
"Does he?"
xOxOx
"I feel bad for Gotham Police."
xOxOx
Miranda is revealed to be the child.
"I told you."
"Yes, Arthur."
xOxOx
Blake talks to the people in the bridge.
"I fell in love with John Blake because of this scene."
xOxOx
Bruce drops the bomb.
"He's alive."
"Arthur."
xOxOx
Alfred sees Bruce with Selina.
"Don't even say it, Arthur."
"...I told you."
xOxOx
Blake reveals his legal name and finds the Batcave.
"Mm."
"Yes."
"Two more movies, please?" Ariadne pleads.
"It's eleven in the evening, Ari. Aren't you sleepy yet?"
"No," she replies quickly. 'And I kind of have this fantasy that's coming true right now.'
"We're out of pizza."
"I have a telephone, you know. Delivery? Ring any bells? A lot of fast food places are open twenty-four hours. Any flavor you prefer?"
"It's late, it's an inconvenience..."
Ariadne frowns, a bit hurt. "Fine. I'm going to call for delivery and watch two more movies while you spend the rest of the night sleeping." She picks up the telephone and dials the number of Sbarro. After a few rings, the other line picks up. "Bonjour." There are a few exchanges of basic details. "Comme d'habitude, oui. Non, make it two boxes. And two whole baked ziti. Tomato sauce, oui. Two of those drinks, please upsize. Oui...bien...I can give the exact amount. All right, okay, merci." When she puts down the phone, she tells her guest, "It's just so that I don't have to cook for the coming days."
"You know I can cook for you."
"Then when you aren't in the mood to hangout," Ariadne grunts and folds her arms in front of her. "You can go to sleep now, Arthur. I'll take care of it. I hope you don't mind if the volume is loud."
Arthur sighs. "Ariadne, I was just hoping we could talk and catch up without distractions."
Ariadne drops her arms. "Oh. Well...why'd you ask if I was sleepy."
"I just wanted to make sure."
"Oh...but I want to watch the movies, it's still...kinda early."
Arthur gives her a small smile. "Well, let's compromise. We can continue to watch the movies but we'll talk and not just focus on it."
"Okay," she says. "Is an X-Men movie okay?"
X-Men: The Last Stand
"Are you mad that I told Valeria the truth?"
Arthur shakes his head. "No, of course not. I did a background check on her. She must've suspected something illegal, right?"
"Kind of. Her initial guess was me being part of a mob. Which I can see why," she says, eyeing the man beside her. "Suit and all."
"She's your best friend, and you've known her since you were what? Eleven?"
"Ten," she corrects. "We were classmates and she was the only one who befriended me during the first day of school. We've been inseparable."
He nods. "That girl looks like you."
"Who?"
"That girl. The one who can walk through walls."
"Kitty? Well...Ellen Page." She looks at the screen and tilts her head. "Really?"
"Your hair is different from hers, I think that's why you can't see it."
The doorbell rings before she can comment any further. "Pizza's here!" She jumps up and Arthur pauses the movie to a scene with Kitty Pryde being focused. When Ariadne returns, she's holding two boxes of pizza, two containers of baked ziti and large plastic cups of drinks. "Is four cheese okay with you?"
"It's my favorite actually," Arthur replies, smiling.
"Really? I see you more as everything on top." Ariadne giggles as she puts it down. "And I'm sure Eames commented about that."
"A boring flavor for a boring man."
"Why am I not surprised?" She laughs. "Don't listen to him, you know you aren't boring, Arthur."
He grins happily at her. "You think so?"
"Of course I know so. I wouldn't be hanging out with you, would I?"
His smile doesn't leave his face. "I take it cheese is your favorite, too?"
"You bet it is. Pepperoni is a close second. I guess there's just something about being selfish with the cheese."
He takes a piece and bites from it as Ariadne fixes the table. "Mal liked to cook and bake. She was amazing. Pizza was the worst for her, for some reason and she only knew how to make cheese. Whenever toppings were added they always burned. When I became close to her and Cobb, she'd be my only source of a home cooked meal and pizza was our celebratory dinner when we'd meet again after the month of silence. I grew to love it, I guess. Because I knew that it's a job well-done."
"Month of silence? You talked to me the day after the Fischer job!"
He shrugs. "You're special to me."
Her heart begins to beat faster. She knows that she is special to him, she can feel it. But she's surprised to hear it come out of his mouth. It echoedsin her ears as he continues to watch the movie.
"What kind of drink is this?" he asks after sipping, as if nothing's wrong.
She doesn't answer, she only stares at him numbly.
"Ari?"
"Yeah?"
"What kind of drink is this?" he repeats.
"It's a mix of lemonade and iced tea. Why?"
"First time I've drank it. It's really good."
"Yeah." She nods and leans back on the couch, nibbling her slice. "Hey, Arthur, are you a fan of parodies?"
"Not really, sometimes I find them pointless. Most of the time actually. Though they are a very good laugh."
She smiles sweetly. "Then you'll love Scary Movie 3."
I remember getting so upset when they only revealed Blake's name to be Robin and not Richard since I was so convinced that Blake is actually Dick Grayson but I gave in and said, "Oh well, he's an original character..." And, some sort of teaser for the next chapter, if you guys saw it. Haha.
It's been a while since these two have gotten their alone time. Next week's chapter is the one I've been waiting to write since forever. And yes, we're almost getting to the point where...you'll see ;] I was also thinking of the Eames/Valeria pairing...I mean, I ship Eames with someone else (I will be honest and say Robert) but I'm not sure if you guys would like that. Thoughts on this chapter and the pairing, please?
Also, I've posted summaries of the future AU stories I'd like to write in my profile and I'd like you guys to vote in my poll which one you'd like to see after this, if you're interested. I'd really appreciate it if you do! See you next week!
Step Nine: Superhero — Metropolitan Manila, Philippines