Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Hello! I know it isn't Wednesday but I decided to update "part 1" on that day, however, when I looked at it yesterday it didn't feel right so, have a special non-Wednesday update! And I plan to update next week because my initial plan was to post "part 2" and chapter 13. This is unbeta'd again, I'm so sorry.

Thank you to new favoriters [Bon Iver and flimpsyflipflops09] and followers [got penguins and flimpsyflipflops09]! Unbeta'd, so sorry.

SiSi4: I have done my job well! Yup! I'm going to miss their "just friends" stage but I've also been waiting until they can finally do all those "couple-y" stuff. Ooh, that was a whole new level for me, haha. But I'm glad you did, it boosts my confidence. I love older brother-baby sister relationships and I'm so glad I got to incorporate it here. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kamarooka: Hihihi, looks like that chapter has magic. I imagined Ari's family to be a bit quirky, I'm glad you like them! Omg, so true! I've never had a boyfriend and my mom would never say something like that but it's still scary, haha! There's not much yet of Eames and Val but I think we're getting there. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Neverlandspirit: Thank you! I'm glad you do. They were fun to write. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: I agree. Even if Eames is Eames, I don't think he'd pursue quickly if the relationship is for the long run. It's so fun to write their friendship! And then we have Arthur and Eames's, oh, I'm so excited! I didn't think it'd be right to say Arthur's perfect because he isn't, but we needed some honeymoon fluffiness, especially after seeing them as just friend for...two years? I'm excited for them to make a come back, maybe with Arthur's family, too ;] Thank you for telling me! My friend was overjoyed! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Flimpsyflipflops09: Oh my, thank you! I'm so happy you're enjoying this! There'll be a lot more nakakakilig moments, ugh, I think there's a lot in this chapter. I feel you, I feel you. It's also midterms time and I realized there's much to do but...this needs my love, too, hahaha! Good luck! Omg, your last line made me so happy! Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Step Twelve: Family — Las Vegas, NV & Seattle, WA

(Two weeks after Brooklyn)

Las Vegas, NV

It was all Eames' idea. And it's not surprising.

He had wanted to give her an early Christmas gift. "Let's celebrate! You're officially an adult!"

Ariadne rolls her eyes. "I became legal when I turned eighteen, Eames. That was six years ago."

"Yes, but now you're officially out of school, Love. No more rules to follow."

So that's how they ended up in the City of Sin. Ariadne, Arthur, Eames and Valeria are in a casino, drinking cocktails and cheering on Eames as he gambles and (surprisingly) wins. The Forger teases that all his luck comes from both his lady friends and he kisses their cheeks before he rolls the dice.

Arthur, Ariadne notices, has been tense. She tries her best to make him lighten up, drink some more, cheer and encourages him to tease Eames. "Worry about it later. Have some fun."

He smiles warily and wraps an arm around her waist. "Okay."

She doesn't believe him but she smiles back. When she looks at Eames, he gives her a wink before he collects the chips that he's won. Valeria claps in delight and congratulates Eames in French. Ariadne chuckles. "If Eames gets any luckier, he'll be earning more than an extraction job."

Arthur snorts. "Yeah, he'll lose it in less than a week's time."

"I heard that," Eames says. "Don't you have any faith in my, Darling?"

Ariadne wraps her arms around his waist. "You wanna go out for a walk?"

"I don't know who to put in charge," he replies, nodding his head towards Eames and Valeria. They're both shouting happily again, must've won this round, too. "I don't really know who I trust more."

"They'll be fine," she assures him. She grabs his glass and sets it on the tray of one of the servers who passed by. "Then talk to me about what's been bothering you." She drags him outside and they take in the bright city lights taking over the dark sky of that late Saturday night. "I wonder if there's a murder happening right now."

Arthur whips his head. "What?"

"City of Sin…CSI has two new cases every week. Is there a murder happening right now or are they solving it or are they still going to get the call?"

Arthur shakes his head. "It's not as bad as Basin City."

"But it's based from here, right?"

"I'm not sure. I guess so." Arthur shrugs. "And don't think about those." He draws her closer. "It'll ruin the night."

"You're ruining the night," she says. "What's on your mind, come on, you can tell me." He doesn't reply, instead, he starts to walk and she has no choice but to follow. "Arthur…don't hide it from me. I know you're good at masking your emotions but this one can be seen by even the most oblivious person on Earth!"

"You're one of them," he says teasingly. Ariadne frowns and he kisses her temple. "I'm just playing with you."

There's a moment of silence as they take their stroll. When Ariadne thinks that she's had enough, she asks, "What's wrong? Is this about visiting your family?"

Arthur's hands clench a little but Ariadne doesn't flinch. "I haven't seen them in a really long time. Edward and I haven't spoken since I left, not even an e-mail. Dad won't let me know how he's doing and I can't research about him because it'll hurt. Unlike Mom and Dad, I can still communicate with them."

"Because your dad knows all the tricks."

He sighs. "Yeah. I'm just really scared."

Ariadne ponders for a moment. It was her idea to go to Arthur's home for Christmas. "We don't have to go if you don't want to."

They find themselves in a park right next to a tree. He turns to her, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "No, we'll go. I need to settle this, too. I'm sure Edward would be coming home, too. I don't want a rift between us."

"Have you planned on what you're going to say to him?"

He smirks. "What kind of Point Man would I be if I didn't?"

Seattle, WA

They've been driving for only a few hours but it's already seven in the evening. It's because Arthur was stalling the trip, always passing by nice shops and cafés. When she finally talked him into driving straight to his house—"we've got enough food and drinks for a two-day road trip!"— she debates whether this was a good idea.

With all the money Arthur makes and knowing that he would've been the heir of his grandfather's company, Ariadne is surprised to see that Arthur's childhood home is just a two story building. However, she isn't surprised that it's a stylish, two story building. It's similar to the house Eddie Murphy lived in in One Thousand Words, only more heavily guarded.

"I'm their son," Arthur explains to the guard he's talking to. There are more guards by the gate and they all look like they're ready to strike if necessary.

The guard chuckles. "Sorry, their son isn't coming back until next week."

"I'm their other son, the older one."

"They never mentioned you."

"They aren't supposed to."

"I'm sorry, son, but you're not in the family list."

Arthur puts up his sunglasses and looks at the man in charge. "May I have your name?"

"If you were a son of the Brandons, you'd know. I've been here for almost five years."

"I left seven years ago. You can call me a runaway."

"Listen, we can play this game all day, I wouldn't mind, but Mr. and Mrs. Brandon would be coming home soon and I don't want them to see some honker trying to meddle their way inside their house and—" he's cut by a honk from a much bigger car behind, "They're here. I advise you to leave."

Instead, Arthur turns to Ariadne and says, "Wait here." Unbuckling his seat belt and unlocking the car, he steps out and stands beside the middle-aged security guard. "I'm not a threat so you can put your gun down."

"Arthur!" Ariadne calls once she sees the men advancing towards him, unbuckling her own seat belt and getting out of the car. They don't move and she thinks it's safe to follow Arthur's gaze. An older man with graying hair and beautiful woman with dark, crisp locks are in a standstill with the man who was just inside the car. She can tell that the woman is carrying the beautiful genes that Arthur has. The man, she notes, is the one Arthur looks up to. Fashion style included. "Um…hello."

Arthur walks over to them and he signals for her to follow. "Hello," he greets them.

The older couple continues to stare at him. When Ariadne begins to think that this really is a bad idea, the man suddenly smiles broadly. "Seven years and that's how you're going to greet us?"

Arthur smiles and gives his father a hug. "Dad."

"Artie," Ariadne hears the woman say. Arthur lets go of his dad and hugs his mother. "Mom."

After the joyous reunion, Arthur clears his throat and begins to introduce Ariadne, but his mother cuts him off and tells him that it's improper to introduce people outside. "Why don't we all go in and we'll have a chat in the living room?"

Arthur nods and leads Ariadne back inside the car. With another awkward smile to the parents, she gets back in and sighs once she sits. Arthur pats her thigh. "I haven't even spoken to them yet."

"They're nice people," he tells her as they get in. "They're not traditional either, they'll allow us in one room, too." She flushes at the memory of her family insisting that the two of them share a room. Her grandmother wanted great-grandchildren. "They're not in a hurry to have grandchildren, don't worry."

"Arthur!"

"Now, who is this young lady you've brought with you?" Mrs. Brandon asks. Ariadne can feel her eyes on her, but it's not judging, almost accepting.

"This is Ariadne Belaire, my girlfriend," he tells them. "Ariadne, my parents, Stephanie and Zobedja."

"It's very lovely to meet you, Ariadne." Mrs. Brandon steps forward and gives her a squeeze. "You're such a small, young thing. Are you still in college?" There's a bit of worry in her voice.

"I just graduated from grad-school," she replies. "I'm an architect."

"Oh!" Mr. Brandon exclaims. "I see. You're the one Arthur e-mailed me about. To put you in our records. So you must have met through—"

"A job, yes." Arthur smiles.

"I'm honestly surprised to know that our son has a girlfriend. A lot of women are attracted to him. Some have been gone as far as coming over here. Arthur, of course, shoos them away." Mrs. Brandon laughs. "He hasn't shooed you away, has he?"

"He tricked me into kissing him during our first job together," she says.

Mr. Brandon laughs and pats his son's back. Mrs. Brandon shushes him but can't help giggling. "Oh, stop it. I'm sorry, Ariadne, that wasn't a very…proper thing to do."

"Oh, it's alright," Ariadne says, "I don't mind. It's something memorable for me."

Arthur's father laughs harder and Ariadne's realizes what she had just said and flushes. "Stop it, Zob!" Mrs. Brandon scolds. "You're embarrassing Ariadne! Why don't we talk some more over dinner? Teresa and Martha will help you bring your bags upstairs. Arthur, you should've told us that you'd be coming. You'll be sleeping in the guest room tonight. We'll have them clean your room, you can move in tomorrow." She pauses. "You are...still staying tomorrow, aren't you?"

Arthur grabs Ariadne's hand and gives it a squeeze. "We'll be staying for quite a while."

Arthur gives Ariadne a tour of the house before dinner time. She admires the family pictures and squeals at the baby photos of Arthur and Edward. "You two are adorable!" she exclaims as she sees their pictures. "Is this you?" she asks, holding up a framed photo of a young, dark haired boy in swimming trunks. "I think it's you, this other boy," she points to the one beside him, "looks like he's actually having fun building a sand castle."

"I wanted to build a city of skyscrapers. Sand castles were boring."

"You just need the right architect," she says, laughing.

"When we go to the beach maybe you could teach me to build a fortress."

"Oh please, you need to make a proper sand castle first."

"You wanna see the dogs?"

She nods happily. "Yes!"

Arthur brings her to the back garden and two dogs, a St. Bernard and a Golden Retriever, come bouncing at him. "They really are loyal," he says as the two lick and bark at him. "Beethoven, Tommy, how are you two? Have you met my girlfriend?" He looks at her. "Wanna join in on the fun?"

She grins and kneels down. "Hello. Which one is Beethoven and which one is Tommy?"

"The St. Bernard is Beethoven. Edward loves that movie. The Golden Retriever is Tommy. Edward says that some character with the same name looks like a dorkier version of me. I don't really know how it connects."

Ariadne laughs as the dogs enjoy her affections. "They are the cutest!"

Zobedja appears. "I hope you two bathe...dinner's ready but we'll put it on hold. Ariadne, I hope you like chicken." As they leave the dogs and go back in, Ariadne can't help but think of the fact that this man had once been a part of the dreamshare world. This man is as dangerous as Arthur is, yet, here he is in a more than family friendly house living with his wife and is constantly visited by his unassuming son. 'Would Arthur quit dream sharing to have a family?'

"So, Ariadne," Mrs. Brandon starts, "tell us more about yourself."

"Oh." Ariadne blushes. "I was born and raised in Brooklyn until I was about ten, then we had to move to Paris because my grandmother was sick."

"She's all better now?"

Ariadne nods happily. "Much, thank you."

"So you and your family are living in Paris?" Mr. Brandon asks.

"They moved back to Brooklyn by the time I started college. My brother Theo had just finished his studies and he wanted to start working before attending grad school. I wasn't finished so I stayed with my grandparents until I found an apartment for myself."

"Which college is this?" Mrs. Brandon questions.

"Ecole D'Architecture," she replies.

Mr. Brandon looks up. "So you must know Stephen Miles!"

"He's my mentor," she answers, smiling.

"So this Belaire student of his...it must be you."

"Who else would it be?" Arthur answers for her. "She's the best architect there is. Better than Dom, better than Miles himself."

Mr. Brandon chuckles. "Not to put you down or anything, Ariadne, but Stephen Miles is the best architect out there. Dream and reality."

"I know," Ariadne shrugs, "they're really just—"

Arthur cuts her off. "Well wouldn't you want to see."

Arthur's grin wouldn't leave his face for almost a day.

Right after the four had woken up from the dream filled with Ariadne's designs, Mr. Brandon apologized to the young lady. "Looks like I've been mistaken. You are the best architect there is."

"Edward's coming home later," Mrs. Brandon tells her son a week after they first arrived.

"I know," he says. "I've been expecting him."

Ariadne places her hand on his thigh. "He's a different story."

"Adaptation is a specialty of mine," he says, lacing his fingers with his.

Mr. Brandon chuckles. "Wonder where you got that from."

Ariadne tightens her hold onto his fingers. She leans closer and whispers, "Whatever happens...I'm sure he doesn't hate you. Mad, maybe. But he doesn't hate you."

"How can you know that? I just suddenly up and left," he tells her, frowning.

"The way you talk about him. You sound like you were really close. He'll probably need some time to get over the shock that you're...here."

"Listen to your lady friend, Artie," Mrs. Brandon advises as she sits next to her husband. "You're a sensitive boy and Edward is a spoiled one. You know he'll probably give you the cold shoulder for a while."

"Sensitive," Ariadne repeats quietly. Arthur gives her a pointed look but a playful smirk is tugging at the side of his lips. "That's not hard to believe."

"Mom! Dad! I'm here!"

Mrs. Brandon grins and stands. "Edward, dear? Guess who's here!" Mr. Brandon quickly follows, but not before he gives Arthur a pat.

Ariadne smiles at him. "Ready?"

Without an answer, he grabs her hand and they both stand to walk to the hallway. They both hear three pairs of voices, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon, and a deep voice that's new to the guest. "That's him."

Ariadne takes in the Edward that she's been hearing about. Tall, dark haired and carefree. Physically similar to Arthur, but definitely not personality wise—or at least, externally. "Your ears..."

"His are smaller, if you're wondering."

"You just don't want me to give my attention to other people's ears."

They watch the small interaction of the family reunion. Edward is telling them exciting stories while his parents listen intently. "I know Grandfather doesn't want me to go out in the field but I can't help it! There's so much to be seen in Africa!"

"You found artifacts, I presume?" Mrs. Brandon smiles.

"A lot. I've brought most of them to the lab already but there are some that are pretty simple and they gave them back within a day or two. I was told that I could keep it if I wanted to. Let's go to the living room," he says as he picks up some bags.

"Um...Edward," Mr. Brandon stops him, "we have guests."

"Oh. I'll bring them up to my room first, then—"

"No, Eddie," Mrs. Brandon sighs.

Arthur clears his throat and his family looks back at him. His grip on Ariadne's hand tightens when Edward looks at him. She can see that the younger brother is taking in the shock of his missing brother right in front of him. "Edward," Arthur says slowly.

"Arthur..." he breathes. Walking right up to them, Edward searches his face before glancing down at the brunette. "Hello."

"Hi," she greets him. "I'm Ariadne."

He doesn't reply, instead he looks back at his brother. "Seven years."

"I tried to come back."

Edward scoffs and moves past him to go up the stairs. "I'm sure you did," he mutters. "Welcome home, big brother."

"I expected a punch in the face," he tells her once they're back in his bedroom.

Ariadne sits on the bed, cuddling her penguin, Mr. Chip, and watches him loosening his tie. "He didn't even shout."

"Brandons don't raise their voices," he says, chuckling a little. "We'll be seeing him during dinner. He just needs to cool off."

"Is your mother right? Will he be giving you the cold shoulder?"

"Maybe, but he won't be able to resist."

Ariadne nods and lies on the bed. "He was out in the field, must be for you family's company."

"We specialize in research, artifacts, architecture and chemicals. It's nothing big but we're very good in our jobs. Clients come from all around the globe to learn about a certain thing and to ask us to build something for them. The architecture one is fairly new so I'm not very familiar with their work, as for the chemicals, we were never really allowed to get into it when we were younger, I suppose Edward is now. Research was what brought my parents together," he shakes his head, a smile on his lips, "they heard about Dad and hired him for one job. Research was the job that started this company. We've got some of the best computer geniuses, too. As for the artifacts, it just became a hobby."

"You come from a line of researchers then."

"It's not just a skill and specialty, it's in the blood."

"What's the company called?"

"...Avalanche Corporation."

Ariadne's mouth drops. "The Avalanche Corporation? The richest and most successful research corporation?"

He shrugs and presses his shirt. "Edward could be a great Point Man if he wanted to be one...and if he knew about my job."

"Are you ever going to tell him?"

"He's a stubborn hard-head," he says, "I doubt he'll believe me."

"Maybe we can show him."

"He'll love it too much. Mom and Dad can't lose another son to a dangerous job. They weren't supposed to lose me. You know that."

"But there's nothing quite like it."

"It's pure creation. His imagination is similar to yours. He'll want more. I'm trying to protect him."

"But what about your relationship with him?"

"I can still make it work without having to tell him about the dream world. Look at you and Theo!"

"Theo and I never lost contact, Arthur," she points out. "Edward is hurt by you leaving and not even giving him a single message about you being safe."

"I'm never safe, Ariadne, you know that. And if I do tell Edward, what's he going to do? He'll figure out about the dangers of my life and he'll tell me to quit. Or he'll follow my every step. I can't let him do that. He isn't experienced like me. Dad never trained him the way he trained me. We both attended martial arts and weaponry classes but Dad took me aside while Mom taught him all he needs to learn about music, arts and all those high class manners."

"Your mother knew you'd be sucked in."

"Dad never left dreams, he couldn't let go. He can't let go. Soon enough, Dom would come back and begin extracting again."

"Your dad never did."

"Mom and Edward just never knew."

Ariadne stays quiet knowing fully well she shouldn't really interfere with something like this. She knows fully well that Arthur's personal relationships shouldn't be meddled with. "Okay, you do it your way."

She hears Arthur sigh and he lies down beside her. "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for," she says. "He's your brother and you want to keep him away from it."

He rolls over and kisses her cheek, throwing his arms over her hips. "I'll work things out with him, I promise."

Dinner wasn't any better. Edward only talked to his parents and Ariadne. He acknowledged his brother but did nothing except ask him to pass the salad.

"Thank you," Edward said after.

Arthur frowned. "Can we talk later?"

"No."

"I'm already frustrated," Arthur says, dropping himself on the bed.

Ariadne shakes her head and removes the scarf around her neck. "It'll take some time."

"It's nearing Christmas, Ari. It's in a few days and I'd like to celebrate it with a happy family. I know I was calm about this earlier but my patience is wearing off."

"Families really make a difference in someone's life." She sighs and crawls on top of him. "You need to relax right now. Tomorrow's another day, try again."

Arthur holds onto her hips. "And I won't give up."

"Not like how you did with me."

"I never gave you up," he says at once.

"When we were in Chicago it sounded like you did."

He sighs and uses his thumbs by rubbing her hips. "I'm sorry it sounded that way. I had no intention of giving you up. I just wanted to wait for the right time, I suppose."

She smiles and rubs his cheek with her thumb. "Then you won't give up your brother."

He shakes his head and pulls her down to him. With his lips grazing hers, he says, "No."

Ariadne kisses him, her hands gripping onto his shoulders tightly. Arthur runs his tongue over her bottom lip and she responds eagerly. Her hands find his hair and she runs through it, ruining the perfect look. Arthur gets the upper hand, rolling them over and using his elbows for support as to not crush her.

"Arthur," she murmurs.

He groans and begins to kiss down her jaw. "Mm?"

"Would you quit dream sharing if it means having a family?"

Arthur stops what he's doing and lifts himself up. "What?"

"You heard me."

He looks at her intently. "What makes you ask that?"

"I remembered your dad's story."

He lays beside her and looks up at the ceiling. "This is all too fast."

"Surely you've thought of it."

"Yeah, sometimes but...no one's ever asked. I mean, Dom, yeah...but that's Dom. He's the only one who ever mixed personal and work lives."

"You must've thought of something by now."

Running his hand through his arms. "Yeah, I guess. But I never really found anyone to spend it with...until you came."

"That doesn't really answer the question."

"Yes. Yes I would. For now, no...but maybe in a few years time." He rolls over and cups one cheek with his hand. "And you?"

"Maybe...yeah. I'm still in too deep but maybe in due time."

He leans forward and nuzzles her. "Okay then. Where were we?"

The day before Christmas is when Edward finally allows Arthur to talk to him. They're both in the garden and Ariadne doesn't want to admit that she's eavesdropping. It isn't her fault that Arthur's room's balcony faces the garden. The dogs are surprisingly quiet.

"Seven fucking years, Arthur," Edward says.

"I was supposed to come back after that job," Arthur tells him.

"But you didn't."

"Things became complicated."

"Enlighten me."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"It's also complicated."

Edward scoffs. "You were always so secretive. I'm not surprised even your job is a secret. You think I'll fall for your job as an international researcher? And that your girlfriend is the head architecture consultant? Why haven't I seen her in the main building then? Why haven't I seen her work up to her position when she's just a recent graduate? And where are you researching? Antarctica?"

"My job requires me to travel a lot."

"Obviously, you're the international researcher."

"And I do a lot of research."

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't believe you," Edward says dryly, "maybe you are telling the truth."

"Edward..."

"I don't get how Mom and Dad can just suddenly welcome you back into their lives after you ran away!"

"I didn't run away."

"It sure looked liked it. I don't even want to know why Mom and Dad are covering for you! Grandfather was always asking for your reports, when it was clear that you really aren't working for us, he gave up but didn't make you disappear because Mom wouldn't allow it. I can hear some of my co-workers wondering where you are."

"It's none of their business."

"Damn right it isn't, but it's mine!"

Ariadne wonders if Arthur's planning on telling his brother now. They're quiet but she doesn't take the risk of peeking out.

"My job is illegal," she finally hears him say. "And it's dangerous. I've been telling the truth about me having to go around the world and my job in the...team...is to research."

"I don't know what to believe in anymore. And even if you're job is illegal then why the fuck would you rather be there when you can have a perfect, stable and legal job right here."

"If I I tell you, you wouldn't believe it. If I show you then you'll understand why I love it."

"Then show me. I'd like to know what my brother is doing."

"I'm afraid you'll be stuck in it like me."

"Then I don't know what to do with you."

Edward must have begun walking away because Arthur shouts, "Dream sharing!"

There's a pause before she hears Edward say, "What?"

"Have you heard about dream sharing?"

"Yeah, it's a myth in the corporate world. Why? Don't tell me it's true."

"Well it is."

Edward laughs. "Really, Arthur. You, out of all people would believe in such bullshit."

"It isn't," Arthur says, deadpan. "I'm the Point Man, I do all the research on the mark and client and I make sure that everything goes according to plan. We move from different countries, so yes, I do travel around the world. Ariadne's not just an architect, she's a dream architect. I met her through one of my jobs with Dominic Cobb."

"So even she's in danger?"

"I make sure she isn't."

"Why do you have to hide?"

"Of course, in case we're recognized by an unsatisfied client because the job went downhill or the mark realizes that something's wrong...everything's notorious, Edward. All our clients are high class people with people, money and connections. If they don't like what we did then we can be hunted down and killed. If we're found, they can do a background check on us and people we love could be in danger. Before Ariadne, our own Architect turned on us! We were lucky that the mark was...well...nice."

Silence. "What happened to your other Architect?"

"Nash? I don't know. Last time we saw him, he was drugged and dragged away. Conscious but drugged. Our mark turned to become our client and he said he wouldn't do anything to him. But...we're not sure if our initial client found him and..."

"Stop, I don't want to hear anymore about him. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Have you even been captured?"

"A few times. Tortured, too." Ariadne squeezes her eyes shut. She knows that the scars Arthur has is because of the jobs but she isn't ready to ask him what happened. "Shot a few times. Beaten up. Still living."

"And Ariadne?"

"Thankfully, she hasn't witnessed or experienced anything that has put her in danger. If Limbo isn't counted, that is."

"Limbo?"

"In simpler terms, it's where people go to when they're in a coma."

There's another silence. Ariadne can feel that it's more comfortable. "How do I know you're telling the truth."

"Well wake up soon. Oh, and Edward, just so you know, this whole place was designed by Ariadne. Every single detail is perfect, isn't?"

Ariadne blinks as she takes in the brightness of the room. She can feel the needle being taken out. "Arthur, you know I can do that myself."

"I like taking care of you."

She smiles and gives him a kiss. "Is Edward awake yet?"

"Yeah. Dad's talking to him, calming him down.

"Did you scare him off?"

"He can't stand torture on television, what more in real life. He wouldn't be joining our world. He presses his forehead to hers. "Did I scare you off?"

"Not when you said that you make sure I'm safe. I know you can't always take care of the both of us..."

"But now that I've got you, I want to take care of myself, too. We're a package. We go over job offers together, how are we doing so far?"

"Great." She kisses him. "Good luck with Edward."

Arthur turns around and Ariadne follows his gaze. Edward has a small smile on his lips.

And there you have it! Arthur's family! I'm not sure if I did it justice, I couldn't make them mean because...I just can't. Initially, I wasn't supposed to let Edward know about dream sharing but my hands started typing by itself. Also, I said that I'd be giving the faceclaims of Ariadne's family here but I realized that I'm having second thoughts, so I'll put theirs with Arthur's when I've finalized it. And Avalanche Corporation came from my (500) Days of Summer fanfic (Infinity) Days of Snow [wooh, Ellen Page as Snow!].

Yay, no apologies this week because I know I will be updating on Wednesday (my apologies will appear again soon, though). I hope to see your thoughts on this chapter! Also, I took a look at my poll, it seems that the World War Z!AU is the one leading by just one vote. Everyone okay with that? See you next week!

Step Thirteen: Past Lovers — Shibuya, Japan