Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Hi there! It's Wednesday evening a.k.a. update time! This chapter actually focuses a lot on Arthur and Eames's friendship, it's fun. Thank you so much to the readers and reviewers and to the new follower [kata tolar]! Unbeta'd so I apologize for all the mistakes made.

Kellouka2: Oh, thank you so much! We both love Inception and these two characters, haha. There are quite a few and I am so so so happy you decided to give this a chance! That is one of the best compliments...ever! I sometimes think I'm bending the characters a little, thank you for telling me that they're still them. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have a two-shot planned soon and if people like it enough I'll make it into a whole story (which I plan to do as well but not sure yet when) and after that I'm starting a new one. I'd really appreciate it if you voted in my poll :" Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Shewillgoplaces: Hahaha, thank you! I kinda got the inspiration from Whip It! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
SiSi4: Thank you! I thought giving them phobias like that would give them some sort of "I'm-still-a-person" effect, like they aren't as invincible as we see them in the movie (Arthur, especially). Yup! This chapter has all five of them! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Carameltootsieroll: I think it evolved to No Matter What? HAHAHA. Ooh, Mrs. E is teaching those, huh. Luff ya, too! And I can only say "them in veils", oh God, that's too much. HAHA! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Them in veils won't be chasing me…okay, maybe the ending.
JuseaPeterson: I'm really hoping that I'm showing Ariadne's independence in a way. I don't want her to always rely on Arthur and I know that she isn't that type. I missed focusing on them, too! The next (last…sad) three chapters will be focused on them, definitely. Omg, yay! I thought I was the only one with both perspectives. The two of them are back here so it's one happy family again, haha. I'm glad you did, I really wanted something different for them, nothing too dramatic but not too unexpected, something every day. Aww, thank you so much! I'm so happy you're looking forward to seeing what's next, really, you have no idea how you're making me feel now :" I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kamarooka: Haha, it doesn't! That's what I thought, too! No worries :] Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
D.B: Yehmen! And that chapter is next and not much sexual references here, it's clean. Haha! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Step Seventeen: Teammate — Berlin, Germany

(A month after Mombasa, May)

"How about…stuck in an elevator with…Eames?"

Playing 'Stuck in an Elevator' is new to Arthur. There have been people attempting to make him join but not once have they succeeded. When Ariadne came back to their hotel room, flushed and short of breath, Arthur rushed to her side at once. She explained that the elevator had a bit of a maintenance problem and she was stuck inside it, alone, for about five minutes in between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth floors. When she's calmed down, she asked him if he's ever been stuck in an elevator. He replied with a 'no' and thus started the game.

"No. Absolutely not!"

"Why? He isn't boring. You'll definitely not mind that you're in there."

"I will definitely mind," Arthur says with his foot on the ground. "I cannot stand to be alone with Eames in an enclosed space unless I have someone I like—like you—because it's Eames. He's an annoying bastard who will torment me to no end."

"You don't have to admit that you care for him," Ariadne teases. "Eames is a great guy, just give him a chance."

"I've given him plenty." Arthur crosses his arms in front of him. "I don't even have to ask if you want to be stuck in an elevator with Eames."

"I would love to be stuck in an elevator with Eames!" Ariadne exclaims. "Everything will be so fun. Our talks will be personal, and then I can ask him about him and Valeria." She shrugs. "Okay, stuck in an elevator with Norman."

"He'd be dead in a few minutes."

"You can't do that, the elevator has security cameras."

"I can accidentally put it out."

Ariadne rolls her eyes. "You're hopeless. Okay, stuck in an elevator with…Cindy."

"It'll be awkward. I wouldn't kill her but it'll be awkward."

"I want to be stuck in an elevator with Dom. I'd get more ideas from him. I mean, I've got a lot but I've always looked up to him. His works are always displayed in the college and I admired them. And those were the non-paradoxical ones."

"Would you be stuck in an elevator with…my parents?" Arthur smirks.

"No!" Ariadne yells, horrified. "I would rather be stuck with Edward but not your parents, ever! You'd have to be with me. I can't do that alone. What girlfriend would like to stay with their boyfriend's parents alone? Have any of your past girlfriends done that?"

He shakes his head. "No, not yet. You'd be the first."

"How about stuck in an elevator with an ex-girlfriend?"

"That depends on which one. There are ones I can't stand and ones that would be fine…I suppose. I've got some ex-girlfriends who I am still in friendly terms with."

"I'd like to meet them," she says. "How about with my parents? Would you do that?"

"Better than Theo," Arthur replies. "He doesn't like me."

"He doesn't not like you, he's just wary. He thinks you're dangerous." She shrugs nonchalantly. "I may have said some things but I promise it won't jeopardize you."

"What did you tell him?" Arthur raises an eyebrow.

"Some thing or two about you being a badass. Nothing big, really," she answers. "Maybe I said something about you being able to handle a handful, or two, of people all by yourself."

Arthur sighs. "Ari, you can't just tell that to someone who doesn't like me."

"I told you! It isn't that he doesn't like you. It's just his brotherly instincts. Trust me; he's glad I'm with you and not someone else. Honest."

There's a knock on the door, followed by the ring of the doorbell. A loud "Arthur" is called and they both know that Eames has a case of beer with him. Arthur sighs and gets up, aware that Eames will not quit until he's let in.

The job for Mr. Harrington would be starting soon. Their base is a conference room in a hotel in Berlin, where the Harrington heir would be spending during the duration of the job, saying that he needed a vacation, as to not draw suspicion from the people who regularly visits him. Their luxury rooms and room service are paid by the generous employer.

"Darling, you know it's me. Be more accommodating," Eames says as he enters. Arthur glares at him and shuts then shuts the door. "Why are we drinking the night before we start the job, you ask?" Eames laughs. "It's for good luck!" The Forger sits beside the Architect and hands her a beer.

"That's just an excuse," Arthur says, crossing his arms in front of him. "Move away from Ariadne."

Eames raises his hands and moves to the armchair beside her. "Now I would invite Yusuf and Cobb but we'll celebrate with them after the job. Yusuf is fast asleep but his brain is already thinking about all those chemical what-nots. Cobb is probably calling Los Angeles. Did you know he's thinking about seeing one of Philippa's instructors?"

Arthur nods. "He's talked about it. He pointed her out to us when we watched Philippa's taekwondo program. But it looks like he's forcing himself."

"Oh he is," Eames agrees, "which is why I advised him not to do it."

"Thank you for being a good teammate."

"Friend," Eames corrects, "friend. "

"Friend," Arthur repeats as he sits beside Ariadne, "right."

Ariadne grins at him before looking at Eames. "Arthur and I were playing a game. I was stuck in the elevator a while ago for about five minutes."

Eames gaps. "What? Are you okay?" He leans forward and cups her face. "Did anyone try anything? Do you remember how he looks like? I'll find him, I will."

She pats his cheek. "There's no need to worry, Adam. I was alone inside. It was scary but I survived."

"This does call for a drink. You need to let that incident pass you." He grabs the still unopened bottle from her hand and takes off the cap. "Now, did you let your knight in a three-piece Tom Ford suit save you?"

"He calmed me down." Ariadne nods. "Then we played 'Stuck in an Elevator'. Did you know that it's his first time playing?"

Eames shakes his head. "No, but I'm really not surprised. Did you ask him about me?" A smirk is on his face. "I bet he's dying to be stuck in one with me."

"I wouldn't hesitate to kill you if I can't take it anymore." Arthur drinks from his beer and shoots Eames a look. "You know I'm not bluffing."

Eames chuckles. "I love you, too, Darling."

Ariadne knows that Arthur is, in fact, bluffing.

"Arthur, it's very nice to see you again," Mr. Harrington says as he shakes hands with the Point Man. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Arthur nods firmly. "I'm sorry for the delay. Mr. Sullivan and I had problems and would not allow me to discuss it with you."

"He was fired a day later."

"Oh," Arthur frowns, "I hope he doesn't blame me."

Mr. Harrington shakes his head. "No, he brought it upon himself. He may be my consultant but what he did was uncalled for. He, out of all people, knows that I like to make deals personally and that I should talk to the one I am hiring; he just has to stand beside me. I had to take some measures to make sure that he wouldn't talk about this."

"And how sure are you that he won't talk?" Dom asks as he appears behind Arthur. "The risks are high. Both you and your family plus our jobs and a whole lot of other people will be affected."

Mr. Harrington looks at him and then narrows his eyes. "I can assure you, Mister…"

"Cobb," he supplies, holding out his hand.

"Cobb," the heir repeats and shakes his hand, "that he won't. Precautions. You must be the extractor, the one who can make or break this."

Dom's face becomes grim. "My team will be assembled soon. Have a seat, Mr. Harrington, and we'll start discussing once everyone is here. Can we get you anything?"

Mr. Harrington says he will be ordering some breakfast and to write down what they wanted. Ariadne, who had been peeking from the door, comes in and greets the gentlemen. "Good morning," she says.

Arthur gives her a smile and Dom, a nod. Mr. Harrington, on the other hand, tilts his head sideways and asks, "Are you lost?"

Before Ariadne can respond, Eames and Yusuf burst in through the door and give everyone huge smiles. Dom instructs them to sit by the board and their discussion will begin. Arthur walks over to the Architect and gives her a kiss on her cheek. "Good morning."

"You left without me again," she says, frowning.

"I know, I'm sorry. I was supposed to wake you up but Mr. Harrington messaged me. You came down with Eames and Yusuf, didn't you?"

"I was in the same elevator as Eames, Yusuf came down just a few seconds ago."

Arthur nods. Last night, he instructed Ariadne to never go down the elevators alone. "I don't trust it anymore," he told her, to which Eames laughed and said, "You paranoid bastard." Arthur nearly splashed beer on the Forger's pants.

He sits nearest to Dom with Ariadne on his other side. Yusuf is in the middle and Eames beside Mr. Harrington. Dom clears his throat. "Everyone, this is Mr. Harrington. He's asking us to steal the secrets of Dennis Kingsley, heir to King Banks. Mr. Harrington, as you know, I will be the Extractor in this job and you've met our Point Man, Arthur. Next to you is our Forger, Eames. He'll be able to manipulate our subject's mind by becoming other people."

"And how exactly would you do that?" Harrington asks the man skeptically.

"I can become other people, Mr. Harrington. I can make myself look and act and even think like your wife or any of your lovers. Of course I've got to study them. But with enough time, I promise you won't know the difference. Perhaps if you'd like to come and drop by in one of our dreams you'll see what I'm talking about."

Harrington nods and narrows his eyes. "I see."

"Don't be so skeptical," Eames says, smirking. "I am the best at that."

Dom steers away their conversation by introducing Yusuf. "He's our Chemist."

"What do you need a chemist for?"

"With this kind of job—for someone so powerful—we'll need chemicals that will knock him out and once he's up again, he won't remember much of what happened," Dom replies. Before Harrington can ask another question, he introduces the lone female of the group. "Ariadne is our Architect. Now before you wonder why, she's been in a few jobs and we can't deny that she's one of the best."

"She is the best," Arthur corrects.

Harrington purses his lips. "I'll take your word for it."

"He's too skeptical of the team," Arthur says as they have their lunch break in the café in the hotel. His salad is untouched and he's in deep thought. "He doesn't think it can be done."

"Why'd he want hire an extraction in the first place?" Ariadne asks. "Aside from to steal secrets from the rival company's mind."

"Desperation," Arthur replies, shrugging. "We can break the deal anytime. I can tour you around Berlin."

Ariadne smiles. "That's really nice of you. But I think we'll wait until he breaks the deal."

Arthur nods. "Do you have ideas for the…um…game levels?"

She nods. "I was thinking a bistro for the first, let him relax."

"Because Eames will be acting as his wife, the jazz singer," Arthur agrees. "And for the second?"

"None yet, we'll have to wait until we know what Dom's plans are." Ariadne takes a sip of her hot chocolate. "You're really taking Mr. Harrington to heart."

"I hate how he doesn't trust you—or anyone, really. And he's the one who's desperate for the job to be done." Arthur sighs.

"Give him some time, maybe Eames can use his magic on him." Arthur scoffs and rolls his eyes. Ariadne shakes her head. "You should have some faith in him, too."

"Eames, we need you to fly back to New York and infiltrate. See if you can study his right-hand man enough. We need him for the first level, too."

"So you want me to be his wife and then his consultant?"

"Yes, can you do it?"

"I see everyone is losing faith in me," Eames teases. "Alright. I'll send a letter of recommendation and then fly out as soon as I can. Perhaps I should bring Ariadne with me. See the sites he frequently visits."

Ariadne perks up. "I think that'd be a good idea. I can't rely on pictures alone."

Arthur raises an eyebrow. "Maybe I should go, too."

"So everyone is losing their faith in me."

"I think it's the perfect opportunity to do more research on him." Arthur glares at the Forger. "Access will be much better there."

Dom nods slowly. "That's true. I suppose you should go. But you'll have to be back earlier than Eames. Once both yours and Ariadne's jobs are done, fly back here."

"I can start making the blueprints there. Once I come back, the dream blueprints and models itself," Ariadne says. "That way, in case we need modifications, it'll be much easier."

"The formulas will be done by the time Arthur gets here," Yusuf says.

"Guinea pig without even asking," Eames laughs as Arthur grinds his teeth. "Oh, Darling, you know we love you."

Yusuf laughs along. "I'm sorry, Arthur. I assumed you'd want to be the one to test it out."

Arthur's face softens as Ariadne giggles. "It's fine. I don't mind."

Dom puts his hands in his pocket. "So it's settled. Arthur look up people Kinglsey would trust as a reference. You and Eames have to work together. Ariadne, let's talk about the necessities in the dream levels."

Arthur groans once Eames starts walking to him. "Just like the good ol' days, eh, Darling?" Ariadne whirls her head towards them. "Oh you haven't told her?" Eames asks when he notices her expression. "Darling, don't allow your girlfriend to be envious of our relationship. Please, tell her."

Ariadne smirks. "Yes, Arthur, please, tell me."

"There's nothing proud to be said," Arthur replies. "I'd rather not. Really."

"Then I will tell her," Eames declares.

"No!" Arthur exclaims. "I'll do it!"

"Great!" Eames cheers. "We'll have storytelling tonight. I'll bring the beer to your suite. Yusuf, Cobb, you're invited, too."

Yusuf declines. "This formula is tricky, it'll take me awhile to figure it out. And I can hear you all the way to my room, Mr. Eames."

Dom shakes his head. "I've got a dinner with Harrington in his suite, we've got some matters to discuss."

"Let me guess," Eames starts, "he needs more convincing."

"He's scared stiff," Arthur cuts in, "probably wants to know what we're up to."

"We saw him, like, two days ago. We haven't made much progress yet," Ariadne says.

In the little time they spent together, Ariadne cannot stand their employer. He's nice and generous, skeptical but encouraging and praising. But his actions towards her are much different than we he acts towards the men. Arthur suggested that it's his ego, to which she scoffs at and said, "That's a stupid thing to do." Her boyfriend chuckled and told her, "Beautiful women have an effect on men."

"There was a time when Eames, Dom and I had worked together in about six consecutive jobs. Don't ask me why, it was hell. Especially with Eames as my teammate."

"You wound me, Darling," Eames says, frowning, but immediately chuckles, "you really wound me. There's a whole in my heart right now, the one that's reserved for you."

Ariadne stares at the man who's had too much to drink but is still in his right mind. Arthur brings the lady closer to him. "We had to team up a lot of times, we needed to research our mark for people that we think he could forge as. We'd work late nights because he refused to work in the morning and thought that the afternoon was the most boring time of the day."

"Please tell me you agree with me, Love."

"I have to say that I do agree," Ariadne admits.

"One point for me," Eames chuckles.

"He'd come early in the morning and eat his breakfast slowly, then during the afternoon he'd take a nap. Once it's evening, he eats again. We start at around nine and there's not once that we don't bicker which makes us end at around two. It got really frustrating to the point that I did my job in my hotel room for about a week."

"But you learned your lesson, didn't you, Darling?" Eames says. "You remember what happened when you did that?"

"The computer that everyone used in the base—all the files were deleted! Dom tried so hard to contact me but I didn't answer because I knew it would be about Eames! It was a good thing I had a hardware installed to make backup copies of every file that would be made. It was chaos when I got there."

Eames laughed. "I remember Cobb was so mad at me that he threatened to throw me out of the job. He got so mad at Arthur, too! Serves him right for leaving us during our times of need. We were both so lucky that Cobb needed the best of the best. And that's us!"

Arthur takes a swig of his beer. "And one time, we had to share a room in Czechoslovakia. He brought in two girls that he met at the bar. I retired early so I didn't notice until he barges in at three in the morning calling out 'Another! Another!'. And he offered to share!"

Ariadne laughs. "Sounds fun."

"It was not! I had to go down to the front desk in my pajamas and a very bad mood and get him another room. Unfortunately, he was given the room next to mine."

"Ah, yes. I remember that. I opened the adjoining door to show Arthur what he's missing."

"I locked it up. I woke up with a migraine a few hours later."

"I woke up with two pretty girls in each arm and another round of fun! Would Valeria like to join me?"

Ariadne laughs. "Maybe. But she can also be very selfish when she's attached to you."

"I can be selfish, too, we're compatible!"

Ariadne scrunches her nose. "Um, no, not really."

"I'm a witness to that," Arthur grumbles. "Dom brought donuts for us once, he was feeling generous. He hogged the cream-filled, and you know that it also happens to be my favorite."

"You were too slow, Darling! The world is evolving! It's survival of the fittest! Think of Charles Darwin!" Eames exclaims.

"I'm surprised you know him," the Point Man mumbles.

"I went to college, dear boy. Why do you think I'm such a good Forger? Psychology! You studied that, didn't you? You and your people-reading."

"Just a reminder Eames, you cannot sleep on the couch or even on the floor," Arthur reminds him. "You're sleeping in your room. Alone. With no one except you in your bed. Lonely. Cold."

Eames narrows his eyes and points his index finger at him. "Are you mocking me, Darling?"

"Always."

"Just because you've got our little Ariadne to comfort you whenever you need, and you get to bed her whenever you want, and she would come running to you when she knows you're sad or hurt or in trouble even if you haven't told or have any plans on telling her—it does not give you any right to mock me when my Valeria isn't here." There's a pause before he bursts out laughing. "Nah, we're old chums, Darling. It's a trade-off. I make fun of you, you make fun of me. That's what friends do."

Ariadne smiles as she sees Arthur smirk. "You love Eames."

"I do not!" Arthur denies.

"Don't hold it back, Darling, you know you love me."

"I hate you."

"You do not! You've proven it many times."

Arthur chuckles a little. "We've got a long day of researching tomorrow. Go back to your room and sleep, Mr. Eames. I don't want to deal with your migraine."

"My intake of alcohol is amazing. I bet you a kiss from Ariadne that I will not have a migraine."

"No deal," Arthur replies without hesitation.

"Fine, you owe me and Ariadne and yourself dinner when we go to New York at the most expensive restaurant in town. I promise to be in my best behavior."

Arthur purses his lips. "Deal."

Eames gets up and shoots them a sly glance. "Alright, I'm going, I'm going. Have fun fucking. I know that Arthur just wants to unleash his manhood. I can see you, Darling."

Eames was right twice that night of drinking. One, Arthur really was in the mood. And two, he didn't have a migraine when he came in the conference room and Arthur already knew his wallet was in danger—although Ariadne rolled her eyes and said that he would get her anything she wants and not worry about money, and Eames reminded him that his job offers a lot of money and his last name is rich. His first words were "I can hear you from inside my room, Darlings. Arthur is noisier and rougher when he drinks! I heard Ariadne squeal! It's a good thing we got good rooms!"

Yusuf stopped what he was doing and began to laugh like a madman. "Eames! Shut up!" Arthur barked. Ariadne giggled a little and then ran to her workspace. Harrington, who had been conversing with Dom, immediately asked what Eames was talking about.

In New York, three of them stayed in an upscale hotel. Eames had forged Jamie Ramirez, a popular former consultant who has helped more than a hundred business men succeed. Thanks to Arthur's connections, during his stay as Kingsley's consult, he was a man named Hugo Morrison. Arthur and Ariadne had gone to the places that the mark frequents and even found time to have dinner with her parents in Brooklyn; he even wore the tie that his girlfriend has bought for him from Danilov. Eames crashed in just before they had appetizers. "It's a good thing Arthur has a sixth-sense," Eames said when Mrs. Belaire had prepared another plate. "He knew I would come crashing in."

Now, on the second to the last night before Ariadne and Arthur's flight back to Berlin, Eames barges in unannounced and says, "Oh, Darling! I made reservations for us in Fridays!"

Arthur raises an eyebrow. "I thought we were going to somewhere more expensive? That's part of our deal, isn't it?"

"Well, I'm being a good boy and thought about your wallet. I know it's reserved for Ariadne. And I felt like having some American dish. It's a shame, I want to bring Valeria but I might be watched."

Ariadne sighs. "I talked to her a while ago. She's having a hard time at work."

"Is she?" Eames gasps. "Does she need me there?"

"She's a big girl," Ariadne says, "she can handle it. I'll check in on her tomorrow. So what time is our reservation?"

"In two hours so get ready and wear something casual and fun." He pauses. "That's meant for you, Arthur. Do you have anything aside from suits?"

"I have a sweater," he offers lamely.

"Are you wearing it with a tie?"

"Yes."

"You're hopeless, Darling. Hopeless." Eames shakes his head. "Why don't you untuck your dress shirt, too? Or is that too wild for you?"

Ariadne can't help but laugh out loud as Eames struts out and into the adjoined room. Arthur frowns and says, "It doesn't look good if I untuck my dress shirt."

No, Arthur did not untuck his dress shirt, and yes, he is wearing a tie. Ariadne wears a scarf that she bought from Mombasa with her blouse and jeans while Eames wears his casual button-up and slacks. "Do you feel like the light of the party now, Arthur?" Eames snickers.

Ariadne looks around her but finds nothing unusual from the regular folks that don't dress like Arthur. She's used to some stares that he gets when he's dressed in his suit and he goes out to eat a burger from Burger King but Fridays is a place where you somehow need to dress-up. She entwines her hands with his as they are brought to their booth.

"The deal is we can order anything we want but you have to pay for everything," Eames tells him.

"I'm aware of what we bet on," Arthur replies as he scans the menu. "Ari, would you like to share the Tostado Nachos?"

"I don't mind," she answers as she puts her menu down. "And I'll get my usual."

"Can I share some Tostado Nachos?" Eames asks.

"Of course," Arthur answers. "I'll be getting my usual as well. Are you ready to order?"

When Eames nods, Arthur calls for a server and they order. Mozzarella Sticks and Strawberry Milkshake, Eames with Baby Back Ribs, Arthur and his Classic Cheeseburger, their Tostado Nachos and two beers. "You're becoming more and more like me, Arthur."

"I'm having out with you too much."

While waiting for their food, Ariadne asks how his job is doing. "Surprisingly well," Eames replies. "He isn't like our Jay, which partly makes me guilty that we're using him. The King doesn't seem to be fazed about his competition."

"What do you think will happen when Jay uses his secrets?" Arthur asks.

"That's when he'll probably lose it. He's too calm for a man," Eames tells them, "too calm. The only man I know who's like that is you, my emotionless Darling. But even I know that it's because you're...well you're you, and he's not you."

"Do I take that as a compliment?" Arthur raises an eyebrow.

"You should!" Eames exclaims. "When I see you do the 'k', I've never seen anyone do it and not worry because you know you won't be killed."

Ariadne smiles. "He's really sexy when he does that."

"If I were gay—or at least bi—I'd bed him," Eames says, nodding. "I'll share him with you and Valeria, Love. Don't worry."

Ariadne scoffs. "Eames, I'm the one who does the sharing."

"No one is sharing me," Arthur interrupts them. "I belong to Ariadne."

Eames snickers. "Someone's becoming a cheesy bastard."

"I think he spends too much of his time with me," Ariadne giggles.

"That I don't mind," says Arthur. "I rather like spending all my time with you. It's much nicer than spending it with Eames on nights where I would rather sleep."

"And you would rather not sleep when you're with Ariadne," says Eames, "admit that won't you?"

"I'm not denying it," Arthur tells him but looks at Ariadne, "I like spending as much time with her as I can."

"Save it for your marriage day, Darling. I think the Tostado Nachos are coming."

"How was New York?" Yusuf asks them during their second day back.

Dom had allowed them to rest the day they arrived after Arthur complained about jet lag. Although Ariadne knows that Dom knows about Arthur never getting jet lag anymore, he still agreed. They literally spent the whole day in bed. Arthur said to take advantage of it while Eames isn't behind the next door listening to them...and probably more.

Yusuf continues, "I heard Eames is doing a good job in his part."

Arthur nods. "Yeah. Hugo is actually a really good consultant. We've seen him acting as Mrs. Kingsley and Vincent Prym, Dennis's top consultant and confidante."

"Ariadne," Dom calls out, "let's discuss the levels."

Ariadne walks over to him and sits on the chair he prepared. "Let's continue with the bistro as the first level. The second level should be a resort. Arthur e-mailed me about Eames' findings, that he hides all his business documents in a safe because he doesn't want to think about them unless it's very important."

"Arthur and I spent two days there, I think I've got enough pictures and a good memory of how it looks like."

"Can I see your blueprints?"

The rest of the day and the next two days were dedicated to work. Ariadne even waddled out of Arthur that he missed the Forger's bright disposition. "Only because it's gloomy!" he defended. "I'd rather that someone actually tries to make it better."

Ariadne nods with a smirk on her face. "Okay, Arthur, whatever you say."

"Did anyone miss me?"

"No," Arthur immediately answers.

"Don't lie, Darling. Everyone knows you did. And my Love does not lie."

Arthur looks at Ariadne. "What did you tell him?"

"I just told him that you miss the sun that he brings," Ariadne answers, laughing.

"In other words," Eames smirks, "you missed me, Darling. You miss me all the time. You wish I could visit you and Ariadne in Paris every day. Well you're in luck. If Valeria moved with me back to England, you wouldn't be seeing me as much."

"He's taking this to a whole new level," Arthur groans and shakes his head.

"I've got a lot of information, Darling. All you have to do in confirm them. So yes, not only did I do my job, but I helped make yours a bit easier. Thank me."

"Just admit it," Ariadne says. "Go on, I won't tell."

Unfortunately—or fortunately—Ariadne's stuck in the elevator again. Arthur is with her this time, however, and she isn't so scared anymore. They're both sitting at the farthest corner, her head on his as his minds reels and thinks of plans.

"Admit what?"

"That you love Eames."

"I do not love Eames."

"You know what I mean."

"He's a bastard."

"He's your best friend."

"You're my best friend."

"He's your other best friend. Just like Valeria is my other best friend. It doesn't mean she's any less, though. I know you and Dom have been together for some time but you have to admit that yours and Eames's relationship is much stronger than that. Why would you keep up with him if you claim to hate him so much?"

Arthur shrugs. "I don't know. He's just...he's Eames."

"Okay, let's put this in another context. Aside from me, who is your favorite teammate?"

"I've worked with countless of teams, Ari."

"Arthur," Ariadne says in a warning tone.

He sighs. "Okay, fine. I admit, it's Eames. I care way too much for him, more than I'd like to admit. And yes, he's great. He really is. He and I probably work the best, that counts Dom. And yes, he is my best friend, next to you. He's just really an annoying bastard most of the time."

"Can I tell Eames that?"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Did you see the level he took it to when you just messaged him that I missed him? He'll be way out of line when you tell him this one."

"You know who my favorite teammate is. Without a doubt." Ariadne laughs as Arthur groans and nods. "And for admitting something, you get a prize."

Arthur kisses her cheek. "Will I like this prize?"

"That depends, do you like ice cream sundaes?"

His eyes grow wide. "Really?" She nods. "I've thought of some ways on how we can leave this damn elevator right now."

I hope you enjoyed it! Please share with me your thoughts!

Three more chapters…I really can't choose which one to do next, guys. I'm even so tempted to write all three at the same time but I know it'll make me lose interest but at the time, that means I won't have to choose. So...you see, I've got this fantasy story that I'll be making for my friend as a Christmas/Birthday gift and I plan on making it a two-shot for now but I think it deserves so much more than that. Ugh. I'll think about this more tomorrow, perhaps. I hope you'll also enjoy them (haha, endorsing this early)!

I apologize if i don't get to update next week.

Step Eighteen: Underwear — Rome, Italy