Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not even the part at the end.

Hi! This chapter is based on a true story. My friend had this experience a few months ago, just when this story was being conceived and I just HAD to put it. With her permission of course. If you're reading this, Bubba, you see that box at the bottom. Yeah. You do that :D. Hey, D.B, it's here! I tweaked it a little but that one part is a need in here. Hehe. Thank you so much to readers and reviewers! Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine and I apologize for it. Also, just used a translator for the French parts so there are mistakes somewhere there. Sorry about that.

Kellouka2: Hihi, thank you :3 Agreed! I love fics that really show their relationship and I decided "Hey, I can make my headcanons come to life." Haha, I'm glad. He is my ultimate favorite character in Inception so I'm really happy that you think so! Omg, thank you! You've really helped brighten up my day, especially since your review is the first thing I saw. There are no words to describe this great feeling. Ooh, I hope you do! I already look forward to it! This fandom is barely alive and seeing new stuff would be great! Aww :( I hope you can vote, I really need help thinking of which one to write next. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kamarooka: Ooh, yay! It's one the chapters I'm quite proud of so I'm glad :"D I love exploring their relationship, I'm so happy you like it! Omg, thank you, thank you, thank you! I know at some parts it can be "eh" but your review really really helped brighten my day. No words can describe my feeling. I love the thought of them interacting in the past in Dreamshare since I'm focusing on their relationship now, mostly without Dreamshare. I'm sad it's ending, it's my baby, hehe, but it will soon have a sibling! I'm so happy you're looking forward to what I have in store next, that really means a lot to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
ZENtrio: I'm so happy you're back! I'm glad you enjoy the last chapter. I really think the friendship between Eames and Arthur has to be expanded because you can totally see that they best frenemies (well, in Arthur's side, haha). Thank you so so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Carameltootsieroll: HAHAHA! I know them in veils will be coming after me in this chapter. I'm ready to hide! Oh, that born to write thing...! LOVE THAT COMMENT. Which is why I never want to ride an elevator alone or with someone I don't know, eh. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: I totally understand. And I see it, too! : Yes, two more chapters. Aww! Thank you! You've really helped make my day, hehe. Arthur doesn't seem like the type to give one-answered words when he's talking to someone he's close to and I didn't want to bore people by just giving answers. Yes! Same! I'm really trying to show some bro/sis relationship for them, maybe in my next stories I can emphasize it some more. Ugh, same. But don't worry, he's much better here! Deep deep down, Eames is Arthur's best friend :3 Thank you! I'm so glad you did! Thank you for suggestion, I also asked for the opinions of people around me. :] I hope you also enjoy this chapter!
D.B: HAHAHA! Well there's a lot in this one and I hope you enjoy it! ;]

Step Eighteen: Underwear – Athens, Greece

(A few months after Berlin, October)

"Remind me why we went to Argentina with Eames again?" Arthur asks, groaning.

Ariadne smiles and fixes his sunglasses as he refused to allow her to carry any of the bags except for her own satchel. "Because he wants to get back to Valeria as soon as he can."

"Then why with us? He could go back to London and hide for a week before going back to Paris!"

The job for James Harrington was successful. Both Arthur and Dom had posed as part of the security while Eames continued his job as a consultant. Their plan of action was to do it during their stop in a cheap motel from New York to the resort. Dennis Kingsley wanted to lay low since it's his 'business-off' week and big hotels were too 'business-like' for him. "He's a very mellow man when he's on vacation," Eames observed.

The team was able to corner Kingsley in his motel room. Eames had given him a glass of water with a sedative. Dom and Arthur were already in the room so they called for Yusuf and Ariadne. The Chemist would be staying up to watch while the rest enter Kingsley's dream. Everything went by smoothly and according to plan. Yusuf's chemicals allowed Mr. Kingsley to sleep like a baby.

When Dennis woke up, Yusuf and Ariadne had already gone. Dom, Arthur and Eames had feigned innocence and their mark didn't notice anything unusual. The two undercover members of the team resigned within a week while Eames stayed until Dennis thanked him for his services a month later.

James Harrington thanked them profusely and wired their money to their accounts as soon as he got the secrets. He had also given them extra personally after apologizing for his disbelief in them. "I am very sorry," he said to them when he dropped in for a surprise visit in their new hideaway in New York. "My faith in you was misplaced." He had brought a suitcase with him and when he opened it there was another million. "An extra two-hundred-thousand is in here for each of you."

They were in no position to decline. Their job needs the money for running and hiding. Dom and Arthur had thanked him while Eames and Yusuf fawned over the briefcase. Ariadne was stunned; sometimes big money can still shock her. Saito's money was too much for a grad student, and as the jobs go by, she wonders what she'll tell people—and her family—about all the money she's earned without having an actual job.

Arthur had collected their money and wired it to their joint account. "We misjudged him," he said.

"He was the one who didn't have faith in us." She shrugged. "But…wow."

Eames walked over to them and said, "I think I'll take Valeria on a tour. Something like what you did with Ariadne, Arthur. I haven't seen her in a while, I miss her."

Ariadne nodded. "She'd enjoy that. She really misses you. Talking on the phone isn't enough for her."

Eames sighed. "Then it looks like I'll book a plane with you two to Argentina first."

"How'd you know we were going to lay low there?" Arthur asked.

"Darling, your little moleskin notebook is lying everywhere after sex. You should really learn how to hide your diary more."

Now, the three have recently landed in Paris and they're waiting for Eames to come out of the restroom. She shakes her head. "You had fun, don't deny. I had fun, too. And he and Val will be touring so once they're on that plane…the two of us will be alone for a while."

He smiles. "I like it when you remind me about that. And since there hasn't been any job offers lately—"

"Nor are we getting any unless we're very interested in," Ariadne interrupts.

Arthur nods in agreement. "That, too. We're free to lounge around or have an outing. I'm in the mood to be a tourist once we're relaxed. Would you like that?"

She nods. "Let's have picnics and dinners and we'll go to the national museum."

"Candlelit dinner in the tower."

"I'd like that," she says, smiling.

Eames comes out of the bathroom and announces that he now knows how Yusuf felt when they did their Fischer job. "I shouldn't have made fun of him." This earns an eyebrow raise from the Point Man. "I'm just kidding. This will help me joke around with more people, now that I know how it really feels."

Ariadne flops down on her bed, throws her satchel to the side and sighs. "Home sweet home."

Arthur smiles and sits down beside her. "Are you planning on sleeping early tonight?"

The Architect opens up one eye and says, "Do you have other plans?"

"Not unless you do," he replies. He lies down beside her and wraps his left arm around her waist. "Do you wanna eat out or shall I buy some dinner?"

"We can try ordering online, try something new," she chuckles. "Or is that too radical?"

Arthur laughs. "Okay, we'll order some pizza and ask the delivery man to call housekeeping."

"You're too lazy?" Ariadne asks, surprised.

"My limbs are surprisingly tired of packing and then unpacking."

Ariadne raises an eyebrow. "We won't be leaving for a while."

He purses his lips. "Not exactly."

She shifts. "What? Why? Did you take another job?"

"My parents e-mailed me a few days ago," he says, "inviting us to go on a tour of Greece with them. They'll be leaving in two weeks and I kind of want to go…do you want to go? I can decline if you don't want to, I understand. It's just that, Edward's coming with them and I think I've missed a lot of family reunions. And Crete is one of my favorite places, Princess Ariadne."

She rolls her eyes at the nickname he gives her when he rarely asks for something he wants and is trying to persuade her. "You don't have to persuade me, King Arthur. I would love to go."

He smiles and gives her chaste kiss. "Thank you. Let's try that online delivery, we still have to see Eames and Val off tomorrow morning."

As he gets up to reach for his laptop, Ariadne asks, "Where's their first stop?"

"Madrid, I think," he answers. "They'll be spending about two days there then to Portugal." He leans on the headboard and continues. "Italy is next, they'll be staying for quite a while later. Eames said something about climbing Mount Everest." Ariadne's eyes widen and she sits up. "But I think he's joking," he continues, calming her. "Even Eames wouldn't want to tire himself. He doesn't even like stairs."

Ariadne laughs. "Makes me wonder how he continues to stay fit."

"You check him out?" Arthur narrows his eyes. "Why?"

"He's hot, Arthur," she replies as she begins to type in the website of the pizza restaurant, "I am not afraid to admit that."

Arthur frowns and wraps his arms around her waist to pull her closer to him. "And I thought I could trust you with him."

She rolls her eyes. "Hm, too bad I'm such a good friend to Valeria. I would've gotten him when I get the chance."

His hold on her tightens. "I hope you're joking."

Ariadne giggles. "You're cute when you're jealous," she says , turning to look at him and kissing his cheek. "And we've been putting our order of for a while already, I'm starving. Maybe we should ask them to bring drinks. You can't have wine with pizza, Arthur, no matter how many times you've done that."

"I haven't. You know the only time I eat pizza is with you, and the Cobbs when Mal still cooked them." He begins to massage her shoulders. "You're a little tense."

"I'm just nervous about the thing with your family," she says, shrugging.

"It won't be until two weeks."

She looks at him. "You really haven't met any of your ex-girlfriends' parents, have you?"

"Just yours," he replies. "I must say that I've done well."

At the airport with Eames and Valeria, Ariadne's talking to the Forger about the blonde's safety. Valeria sighs and rolls her eyes at the brunette's attempt to threaten the muscle-y man. "I have the right to talk to Eames this way, Val. Don't deny that you've done this to Arthur a couple of times." This earns a small smirk from the Parisian. "Make sure she's safe. Don't make her run. If you think you're in trouble...well, just make sure you aren't and she comes back here alive and in one piece. That goes for you, too, Eames."

"I was beginning to think you've forgotten about me, Love."

She smiles. "Of course not."

"Has Arthur found my hotdog?" Eames asks, looking around. "He might be escaping and eating my hotdog in the car. Wait. No. Arthur doesn't eat hotdog unless it's for breakfast." Ariadne turns around and spots the suited man carrying two hotdogs in one hand with a plastic bag of drinks hanging by his wrist and a box of cake on the other hand. "He went shopping for us, how nice."

When Arthur reaches them, Eames heads straight for the cake but Arthur pulls it away from reach. "For Ariadne."

"I've been a good friend to you, Darling," Eames says as he reaches for the box again.

"I know that, but I bought this for Ariadne only."

Ariadne and Valeria watch from the sidelines as the two men bicker. "Let's give them half the cake for their trip," Ariadne finally says after fits of giggling.

"Bless you, Love," says Eames as he finally snatches the white box Arthur is carrying. "We've still got an hour before the flight, let's find something we can cut it with and place it on. Let's go back to the bakeshop, shall we?"

Ariadne and Valeria wait until the men are out of sight before sitting down on the bench. "I have something to tell you," the blonde whispers.

"Oh? What is it?" Ariadne ducks her head down.

"I brought some clothes for Adam."

Ariadne blinks. "You went shopping for him?"

Valeria nods. "I hope he'll enjoy it."

"He'll love anything from you," Ariadne encourages.

The blonde giggles and shakes her head. "Oh, Ari. I bought the clothes for me to wear to show to Adam. I'm hoping he'll enjoy it."

Ariadne blinks and begins to think. When she finally does understand what Valeria's saying, her mouth turns into an 'O'. "You bought new lingerie!"

Valeria nods. "I've got some extra money and decided to spend for myself. When Adam called me and told me we'll be going on a tour I thought it'd be fun to repay him with some surprises. What do you think? I've got a purple one, a red one, a black one, white...lacy, two piece. See-through."

The brunette laughs loudly, earning curious looks from people near her. "Eames has woken a lot in you."

"He has that effect. Makes you want to take care of him and...just be really good to him. He's amazing, he is."

Ariadne smiles. "Yeah, he's great." Her head tilts from one direction to another and then back to her best friend. "You really bought new lingerie for him?"

"Haven't you done that for Arthur? Showing off that raunchy side of yours."

Before Ariadne can reply, the two men come back, now each carrying a box of cake. Eames' grin is contagious and the two girls find themselves grinning, too. Arthur, on the other hand has his usual poker face on. The Forger struts faster than the other man and waves his free arm. "I got us our own cake!" he exclaims. "I charmed the saleslady—without knowing, Dear—and she offered to give me a cake of my choice for free, can you believe that?"

"Oui," Valeria says a little sourly.

Eames chuckles. "I couldn't just get it, of course. I'm a good citizen of the world. I paid for it."

For the rest of the time, the group chatted about Valeria's workplace during the past few months. Her new boss is a "she-devil" and wouldn't accept anyone's designs until she found the "perfect one". "I've given her hundreds of designs! She's a bitch! Her designs aren't any better! And she told a lot of us need to throw our designs because they are, as she says, useless!"

"Please tell me you did no such thing," Eames says.

"I did not," Valeria deadpans, "I would die before I throw out any of my designs! The nerve of her refusing my own thesis!"

"You showed her your thesis design and she still said no?" Eames gasps.

Ariadne, who had heard this story before, nods. "She was crying when she told me on the phone! And Val rarely cries."

"I say quit and find another job, one that respects you and your designs," suggests Eames.

"I don't want to look like a coward," Valeria tells him. "But I have started looking for other firms and updating my resume. Perhaps when we come back I will start sending it out."

"And I'll help you look for more firms." Eames smirks. "I've got great references."

Valeria giggles. "That's cheating!"

"You are dating a man who does illegal business" He chuckles. "Perks, my dear!"

With Eames and Valeria now on a plane, Arthur and Ariadne decided to have some breakfast at a diner. Arthur is too overdressed and their server asked if he was going to work. "Yes," he replies without hesitation. For breakfast are waffles for Ariadne and toast for Arthur.

"Valeria bought new lingerie for Eames," she tells him. "I think he'll enjoy their time together."

Arthur chuckles. "I'm sure he will. And he'll probably try to convince her about moving to another firm. Eames hates it when people are treated badly—save for me."

Ariadne pushes her waffles from side to side, trying to get the syrup that she poured around it. "I was planning on going shopping later."

"Mm?" Arthur looks at her as he chews.

"I think I might go shopping later, you know, for new clothes." She shrugs.

He nods. "Okay. Do you want me to accompany you? I'll be a good boyfriend."

Ariadne laughs. "No, it's all right. I can go alone. But you can pick me up and we can have dinner somewhere."

Arthur nods. "Okay."

Their schedule was good. After dinner, they both head home to rest awhile. Ariadne left after they enjoyed a small late lunch of spaghetti. Arthur had made her promise to call anytime she needed him. She rolled her eyes at that; whenever they go their separate ways, he never fails to say it, but she won't admit that she still enjoys hearing it. "I will, I will." She kisses him and says, "I'll be done in about three hours."

The new, small shopping center near her old college is quiet and filled with boutiques that she could not get enough of. It's been a few months so she's certain there are new clothes that have recently been out. Berlin was a great place to shop, too, but nothing will beat the fashion sense of her beloved country.

Within an hour and a half, her shopping bags were loaded with scarves, blouses, cardigans, bottoms and some new shoes. Cute sundresses were also bought. And she would never admit it to Arthur—although she's pretty sure he'll figure it out eventually—but this shopping trip was mainly to impress his parents. She's aware that her fashion sense is not as great or chic as Valeria's or as elegant as Mrs. Brandon, albeit it isn't a disaster, she wants to show them that their classy son is dating someone who can be as classy as he is.

"Can let them see I wear his t-shirts or home and sleeping boxers around the house," she murmurs to herself. 'His boxer briefs are comfortable, too,' she thinks, giggling to herself.

She stirs herself away from the clothes and enters the lingerie store. She has to admit that Valeria's actions gave her this idea. The only time she's bought new lingerie for Arthur was during their anniversaries and that wasn't very spontaneous of her. So today, she decided to spend a lot on sexy underwear.

A blonde, tall, French lady heads towards her with a huge grin. "Avez-vous besoin d'aide?" ("Do you need help?")

Ariadne nods. "Oui, se il vous plaît. Je pense que je ai aussi besoin d'aide pour trouver les bons. " ("Yes, please. I think I also need help finding the right ones.")

Trisha, the saleslady, grins widely. "Anniversaire?" ("Anniversary?")

The Architect shakes her head. "No, no. Je veux juste être spontanée. Nous allons sur un voyage et je aimerais lui faire une surprise pendant les nuits." ("I just want to be spontaneous. We're going on a trip and I'd like to surprise him during the nights.")

Trisha smiles slyly. "Oh, je vois." ("Oh, I see.") Another saleslady takes Ariadne's bags away from her and tells her they'll put it for safekeeping. "Avez-vous des idées sur ce que vous voulez?" ("Do you have any ideas as to what you want?")

"Something…" she takes a deep breath, ".. quelques modestes mais plus ... ceux qui sont dangereux." ("...a few modest ones but more…dangerous ones.")

"Mm," Trisha nods, "okay. Please follow me. I think I've got what you need."

They first looked at the modest ones. Most of them were one pieces that covered the parts that need to be covered. Silk and lacy, sweet and light. The dangerous ones made Ariadne flush. Some of them are one pieces but with all the revealing corners it can hardly even be considered as clothes. "These are a little over the edge," she said. But Trisha would have none of it and persuaded her to get it, telling her all how her man would feel when he sees her. "Oh," she took a deep breath, smiling, "okay, I suppose he would like it." The saleslady smiled, "Oh, he'll love it." Trisha really does know know what Ariadne needs.

To be able to journey together, Arthur and Ariadne had gone on a flight to Seattle. Arthur had asked her if it would be a hassle but she shook her head and said, "No. That way, it'll be like a real family trip." He smiled and agreed. "They practically see you as their daughter." Now, they're by the doorstep of his home waiting for someone to open the door.

"I have a key," Arthur says suddenly.

Ariadne blinks. "Has it been so long since you used it?"

He looks at her. "Kind of, yeah."

Frowning, she's about to answer but she's cut off by the door opening and a lady in a summer dress grins and welcomes them. "Ariadne, how lovely to see you again!" Stephanie Brandon exclaims, hugging her. "How have you been?"

The Architect smiles. "I've been good. I saw my parents last minute a few months ago so plus points for the year." She laughs. "How have you been?"

"I'm not getting any younger," the older woman sighs, "and Edward's been so busy lately. I'd like to spend my time with some new people, Ari. I'm tired of seeing my husband everyday," she jokes. "Please tell me some good news."

Arthur rolls his eyes as they walk in. "She's not pregnant if that's what you're asking, Mom."

Mrs. Brandon turns away and walks quickly to the living room. "Hmph. Well, you've been together for about two years! Have you been that safe?"

Ariadne blushes while Arthur groans. "Mom."

Ezekiel Brandon chuckles. "Oh, don't mind your mother. She just needs people to take care of. She'd rather someone with her blood." He winks. Arthur groans again. "Don't worry, there's no rush. Although we wouldn't mind. Youngsters these days, when you kids have your own they can be part of the ceremony!"

"I've already planned your wedding," Mrs. Brandon tells them as they sit on the respective couches .

'I don't know who's parents are more embarrassing now,' Ariadne thinks. 'Better ask Arthur later why they're different.'

Arthur, who seems to have read her mind, asks, "Did Edward put you up to this?."

Mr. Brandon nods. "Since he's coming over tomorrow he can't do it at once and he just had to tease you and Ari about it. He asked us to go first."

"I do want grandchildren already," Mrs. Brandon admits. "But okay, it's too early for you two. Perhaps I'll wait another year."

"I'm going to have a talk with Edward," Arthur murmurs.

Mrs. Brandon laughs. "Oh, there's no need. Your brother is just having fun with you. You two haven't done that in a while. Let it go."

Ariadne looks at the dark haired man beside her. He has a smirk on his face. "Why don't we play him, too?"

"What do you have in mind?" Mr. Brandon asks.

Ariadne punches him playfully. "That's mean. He might actually fall for it and believe that he'll be an uncle! I don't want him to expect."

"He won't!" Arthur laughs. "He'll know we're just playing." She frowns. "Fine. Let's just welcome him with open arms."

"You've already got Eames to be mean to," Ariadne says.

"Adam Eames?" Mrs. Brandon perks up. "Oh, that charming young man."

Arthur scrunches his nose for a moment. "He's a bas—" He's cut off by Ariadne nudging him. "They've heard me curse before. Especially with Eames."

"Oh," is all Ariadne can say.

"We would have loved for him to come with us but Arthur said he's on a tour with his girlfriend," Mrs. Brandon says, pouting.

"Yes," Ariadne nods, "his girlfriend is my best friend, actually."

"Oh! Lovely! We'd love to have them offer one day. I'm sure a small gathering wouldn't hurt. I miss Adam dearly and I would love to meet...um…"

"Valeria," Ariadne supplies for her.

Mrs. Brandon smiles. "I'm sure she is just as lovely as your are. Do tell them that our guest rooms are always welcome for them."

"I'd rather not tell Eames," Arthur mutters.

Edward arrived the next day. His first words to Arthur and Ariadne were "Am I going to be an uncle soon?" Arthur rolls his eyes and shook his head. "No, not anytime soon. I hope you didn't buy gifts yet. It'll be a waste."

"Shit, what am I going to do with the pony now?"

Ariadne missed the younger brother's light-heartedness. Completely different from Arthur. But as she continues to stay with him, she sees how much the two are alike deep down. Arthur cracks jokes and acts silly when he feels it and she can definitely see him putting down his Point-Man-always-looking-behind-him life and living life as a regular guy. It scares her sometimes. Would she be willing to live her life always looking behind her? And what about Arthur?

She shakes her head. 'Now is not the time to think about this.'

Their trip in Greece was much better than Ariadne expected. She bonded with Mrs. Brandon on several occasions, she and Edward had talked a lot about business and their personal lives, and she and Mr. Brandon talked about anything and everything, but mostly about the dreamshare world.

"During my time, females in this job were unheard of! That's when Stephen Miles said that he trained his own daughter, oh, I thought it was trouble. Not in the sense that she wouldn't do a good job, Dear, nothing like that. But I was scared no one would take her seriously!"

"But Professor didn't train her to become an extractor," Ariadne says.

"He didn't," Mr. Brandon agrees, "but there's the inevitable that it'll be heard of and Mallorie's name would appear as one of the best."

Ariadne smiles. "I've heard that she is."

"She was the one who taught Dominic the ones her father refused to teach them. She taught them herself. She was amazing."

"I regret never meeting her," the Architect says wistfully. "I've met her evil counterpart."

"Dominic's dreams." Mr. Brandon nods. "Yes, I've heard. But think of it this way, I regret it, truly I do, that Mallorie had died, but if she didn't, would you've met Arthur?"

Before Ariadne could respond, the rest of the group calls them over from their shady bench and to the ice cream stand.

At night though, that's when things become exciting for the Point Man and Architect. Ariadne's bought enough new lingerie to last the whole trip, however, she doesn't want Arthur to think of her as a sex fiend so she tames it down and lets him see her in new ones...on occasion (every other day). Once, when she wasn't particularly in the mood, as she was coming out of the bathroom dressed in her regular night clothes consisting of her cotton shorts and one of his shirts, Arthur was waiting up expectantly. As he eyed her, he said, "Oh, no surprise today?"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "What?"

"We had some fun two nights ago so I didn't expect last night. I was kind of expecting tonight."

It took Ariadne a while to get what he was trying to say before it finally clicked. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't expect that you'd notice."

Arthur smirks. "Really?"

She giggles a little nervously. "I mean, I'm sure you did but...I kind of...we did a lot of walking today and—"

Arthur stretches out his arms and beckons her to come closer. When she does, he wraps his arms around her and says, "I understand."

"Do you want me to, though? I can go and put one on right now. I don't mind."

He shakes his head. "No, it's alright. It's fine. You put it on for me when you want to, okay?"

"Won't it help your sore body?"

"It won't help you, and believe it or, but you're my first priority."

"I think I can believe it," she says, laughing.

He kisses her temple. "I don't mind if you put it on right now but I do mind that you're tired and I want you to be fully rested. It's our last day in your hometown, Princess Ariadne. Mind you, we're spending it in the labyrinth. I'll need all your help finding my way out."

"I'll wear my red jacket for you, King Arthur Just don't pick out a string and use it as a way to look for me. I can't have you ruining my favorite jacket."

Arthur laughs and shifts to allow them to lie comfortably on the bed together. He pulls up the quilt and Ariadne snuggles into him, stifling a yawn. "Of course not, it's my favorite jacket, too."

"Good. And I don't plan on letting you loose, I can't have you getting lost."

"You don't? And how do you plan on making sure we'll never part."

Ariadne raises her right hand. Arthur smiles and raises his left, entwining his fingers with hers. "Like this."

"Better than a red string," he says.

Arthur gaps at the woman in front of him. It's the first night of living dangerously. Take note, first, and he's already drooling. "I...is this the last night of surprises?" he asks, choking a little.

"Not unless you want it to."

Arthur shakes his head profusely. "No."

Ariadne giggles. "No. There's actually a lot more. I didn't even bring all of them. I left some back at home. Some aren't as dangerous as these but some are even more dangerous than these." It's black, lacy two piece. The cups are nearly see-through, save for some black laces, and there's a big bow in the middle, her stomach could be seen but her sides and back are covered by a sheer, black cloth. Her underwear is thin and has the same cloth as her cups. "It's actually kind of Eames's style."

Arthur frowns. "How do you know that?"

"We talked about it," she answers nonchalantly. "It's nothing big. We were just starting to date and I didn't know what you were into and I couldn't just ask. So I went to Eames since he is your best friend. And yes, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on the two of you together."

"And you trusted Eames's judgement?"

"Don't you like the stuff I buy for you?"

Arthur shakes his head. "Nevermind, let's not think about Eames."

She smiles. "Then what do you want to think about?" She moves closer and lies on top of him. "I'd really rather that we don't think much tonight."

He smirks and traces her spine with his index finger. "I agree. I'd actually like to admire you first in this outfit, I hope you don't mind." "

After a night of passionate frenzy in Athens, the two are laying in bed exhausted but glowing. They're silent until Ariadne speaks up. "I counted that my last surprise for you would be when we're back in your room in Seattle."

"Uh-huh."

"You're not worried your parents will walk in on us or something?"

"No."

"Hear us from their room?"

"They're down the hall. If anyone is going to hear us, it's Edward. And I doubt he'll wonder what we're up to. He's the one who wants to be an uncle so bad."

"So you don't mind fucking on your childhood bed? Where little you was crying after nightmares, or drooling while in la la land, or even where you smuggled in dirty magazines and took matters into your own hands?" She teases. "I'd really rather you keep it your safe haven."

Arthur pinches her cheek. "My safe haven needs its princess."

Ariadne rolls her eyes and shifts a little. "Well, if my prediction comes true, that night will probably be the loudest."

"Oh, really?" Arthur raises an eyebrow. "What have you got in store for me?"

"Why do you think we've been calling it surprises lately?" she asks him.

"It's the last one, might as well let me know right now, right? I mean you've still got a few more for me, don't you?"

She nods and removes locks of her hair away from her face. "Are you still enjoying them?"

"Of course I am!" he exclaims. "I look forward to the days that you dress up for me."

"You don't think it's too much?"

"Recurring wise or the way you dress wise?"

"Both."

Arthur shakes his head. "No, not at all. Maybe others would think so but I certainly don't. I'd like to think of this as a reward of some sort."

"What kind of reward?" she asks, curious.

"I'm not sure, honestly," he says, shrugging.

"Well," she begins to say, "what do you like seeing me in more? My own clothes, your clothes or in these? Well…" she looks around her, "those on the floor."

"If I don't answer those will you stop wearing them?"

"Not unless you want me to."

He's quiet for awhile, probably pondering. "As much as I love seeing you in all these sexy outfits, nothing beats seeing you in my clothes. It looks like you're so comfortable in them. And cute. You make my clothes look cute. But it doesn't mean I want you stop surprising me, it's really nice."

Ariadne laughs and turns away from him. "You've been getting laid quite a lot, King Arthur."

"King Arthur never got his Guinevere, and maybe that's a good thing," he says as he follow suit, "he gets to have Princess Ariadne."

"You've been using that nickname lately," she observes, "what do you want?"

Arthur chuckles. "It's just really sticking lately. I think that'll be my nickname for you from now on."

"Oh, so I get to call you King Arthur in front of everyone? Including Eames?"

"No!" he exclaims at once.

"Thought so," she says, laughing.

He grunts. "Well, what kind of underwear do you like seeing me in?"

"Boxer briefs," she answers without hesitation. "It really outlines you."

"I should buy more of those then."

Their night back in Seattle was loud. They tried to muffle their groans and moans but Edward continued to knock on their door. So they took it in the walk-in closet and resumed to ravish each other. Arthur blamed it on Ariadne's clothes—"It doesn't even deserve to have a name!"—while she blamed it on getting himself too worked.

Later that morning, as they were packing, Ariadne had been looking around the room for a few minutes, wondering where the bottom piece is. "Arthur, you were the one who threw it, where is it?"

"I didn't have a pocket last night," he tells her distractedly as he folds her lingerie, "so I couldn't have kept it."

"Yes, I know that," she sighs, "and I saw you throwing it behind you and now I can't find it."

"I'm sure it's somewhere in here." He looks around.

"I don't want your parents to find it." Her face flushes at the thought. "I'm corrupting their innocent son."

"I've never been innocent," Arthur says, kissing her, "in fact, you know it's us who corrupted you."

She squirms. "It's embarrassing if they find it."

"They won't. Mom stopped cleaning my room after a while. She was trying to play good housewife once. Failed." He shrugs. "Mom and Dad are still asleep. Edward's working. Let's have lunch out before our flight? If the helpers find it, I'm sure they'll wash it and probably just leave it here in my room."

She nods hesitantly.

"We'll ask them to clean the room while we're out so that when we come back you can pack it in and you won't be worried that it's lost, okay? Even I'll be disappointed if it's lost."

"Okay."

They left their bags by the doorway and Arthur announced that they'll be going out for awhile. While on their date, Ariadne forgot all about her underwear problem. Until she got a text message.

'Oh, Ariadne, Dear. I heard you two were going out for lunch. I felt nostalgic and decided to clean Arthur's room. I believe you left your panty in here. I'll have it washed and packed inside your suitcase.

P.S. I know what you two have been up to. I hope to have grandchildren soon!'

"Oh shit."

I hope you enjoyed! Please let me know what you think! And that last part was half based on my friend's experience, hehe.

It's kind of...bold of me (yes, this is bold for me already) but I tried. Ugh. Well next chapter might be the most dramatic I will make, thought of it long ago. I doubt I'll be able to update next week since I've got a lot of requirements due and two finals on Wednesday (update day...sad).

Last two chapters! I'm both happy and sad this is ending but I've already figured out how to do my next stories so yay!

Step Nineteen: Love - California, CA & Sitka, AK