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Thank you to lilywhitesw for following!

Well. This is it. This is really it. I can't believe it's done. I don't even know what to say. I can't believe it. My baby is now independent. Oh God. I'm making this emotional for myself. :( But I've posted two more stories, too. One is a crossover with The Hunger Games (mostly focused on Arthur/Ariadne, though) and another is the re-telling of Red Riding Hood. I hope you guys get to check it out! I posted it before updating this so that you could all see it.

Unless I'm considered a beta, this is unbeta'd. All mistakes are mine! Eight more days until I turn 19...

I just want to thank each and every single one of you for the support and the reviews and all the love you have given. This story would not reach this point if you didn't go through this journey with me. I cannot thank you enough. I really can't. But thank you, thank you, thank you! I love all of you so much!

Kellouka2: 100th reviewer! Oh my :3 I can totally relate to how you feel with people's stories but knowing that someone feels that way about mine...I am so overwhelmed. I did put a lot of fluffy scenes in the last chapter, it's break from all the sexy ones HAHA. That's even worse (in my part)! :( I'm sorry I didn't get to put much about your country :( I definitely will! Checking for new works about them is a habit, hehe. :] Ooh, really? I never intended Arthur to be hot but now that you mention it...I love supportive Arthur, they never put it in the movies but I think that he was the most supportive (and Eames). We should have an Arthur fangirling session together! :D *insert evil laugh* You'll see what I have in store ;) I've always wanted the last chapter to kill the people with fluff and I really hope I get to achieve it! The last time I did this was chapter 4 (I think) and it was my proudest chapter [so far]. THANK YOU SO MUCH! But expect two or three updates from me this break, I've got so much time. :3 Aww :) You're making me a queen again : Last chapter : Sad...but this will open me up to my next project(s) that I also hope you will enjoy! :D Thank you so much for your continued support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: Thank you, everything is very good right now. :) Sadly, I have seen some stuff where they make Eames insensitive and I've talked to some people and they think he's mean. Sad. :( I miss these two being alone and I just had to make it one more time. Agreed! That part started typing by itself but I found it so perfect that I couldn't not put it. Protective Ariadne is something I love seeing since I've noticed Arthur has done it countless of times already and I really wanted to focus on Ariadne's strength in the last chapter so it was fun to write :D It was, right? Haha. Even I had a hard time not writing about it. It just wasn't complete! But I'm making up for it in this chapter. ;) Here's the last chapter! It's so bittersweet for me! But I am so thankful for your continued support. I really CANNOT tell you how GRATEFUL I am. I love seeing your reviews, they really make my day :"3 I've posted my two latest stories already and I hope they interest you (they're both AUs). I don't want to say goodbye to you so here's me saying "I hope to see you soon!" Thank you again so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
Kamarooka: Oh! Thank you very much! I really wanted to put more in this chapter but it just didn't want more :( Ugh, agreed! I remember thinking they were real friends until like...college. Even one of my HS friends like, I realized just how much...UGH. Sorry, I kinda ranted. Agreed! But I just had to put in Arthur, HAHA, and show them how Ariadne has him while they don't. Yeah :( I wanted to show this side of Ariadne, one where, beneath her tough appearance, she can actually get hurt but can overcome it. Agreed :( And here we think that once you start becoming a student in college, people will start growing up...sadly, it's not :\ Yup, this is the end :( This makes me so sad! And yes! I have posted two new stories, just recently, too (although one is a crossover) so I really hope they interest you and you'll like it, too! I always love hearing from you, you really help me get through those kinds of days :3 THANK YOU! I do, haha! Here's to an ending but new beginnings! Ooh, January babies! Yup, Jan is an awesome month. You're only one age the rest of the year hehe. Same to you! Enjoy your holiday season! P.S. I'm already thinking of what I can make for you ;) Thanks so much for your continued support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
D.B: Merry Christmas, D.B! I know :( This makes me sad. This is the last chapter. *cries* I hope it's worth the intrigue-ness, haha! Thank you so much for your continued support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Carameltootsieroll: I just had to incorporate the princess thing, haha! Yup, it is the last :( Thank you so much for your support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!

Step 20: Secret — Glasgow, Scotland

Dominic Cobb used to say that Arthur Brandon would one day find the woman he would want to be with. "I don't know when that will be but I'm counting on it." When he found out that his Point Man and latest Architect were dating, he said, "I told you, didn't I?" Arthur just wasn't sure whether it was Ariadne he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

And now he knows that it was the most stupid thing he thought of his whole life.

"Will you marry me, Ariadne?"

Ariadne has just fallen asleep in his arms. He likes it when that happens. It usually happens when they're up talking and she suddenly falls asleep. Tonight, however, he has been laying awake, just staring at the ceiling, and Ariadne, being the sensitive girl she is, had curled next to him and closed her eyes.

Back when they first met, he couldn't deny the attraction he felt when he saw her come into the warehouse behind Dom. It was a strange feeling. At first he thought it was all because she was new, female and looked as if she's a college freshman. He was nervous around her. Dom even gave him a look before they went under a second time. Ariadne wouldn't have known, yet, that he was a nervous wreck around her. The way he talked a little too fast, when he didn't turn around but answered her question about the time in the dream world. It was scary.

When he heard her gasp when she woke up after Mal 'killed' her, he rushed to her side immediately. He didn't even think about it. He touched her and let it linger there for quite some time. He liked it. Her honesty and frankness made him very curious about the girl in front of him. After she stood up and left, although disappointed, he still found her admirable and fierce; the petite girl was sexy.

He still hasn't told anyone—save for Eames who got it out of him—that he spent the rest of the day, from Dom's disappearance to Mombasa until...four in the morning, researching about her. The Point Man had a crush.

The next day, when she returned, there was a swell of happiness in him. His heart leapt for joy and the grin on his face couldn't be erased. But he had to act professional. So he put on his best professional but still sexy look for her and went straight to business. "...there's nothing quite like it," he finished the sentence. 'More like, there's nothing quite like you.' He's becoming sillier and sillier.

Aside from his family, only Dom and Eames—naturally—know his family name. Yes, Arthur is his real name. He never really found a reason to change it. He's done it a few times but only as a cover. Dom never found a reason to not tell anyone his full name. Eames thought his last name was catchier than his first. But him? It just stuck. And even though he wasn't sure yet if the two would continue to work together or even if Ariadne would stay in dream sharing, and his selfish side wished he would, he wanted her to know who he is. "Brandon. Arthur Blake Brandon."

Whispering that to her made him feel...what was the word that Eames used? Tingly, was it? And it made him long to lean in closer and actually touch her. His little stunt during the Fischer job is probably one of the best plans and tricks he's ever done his whole life. And he got more than a touch, he got a kiss. He just wished he could do it again and in real life.

When he saw her taking a stroll in L.A., he was contemplating whether to visit her or not. What would he say? Would she even want him there? What if she left already? He should have called first. He wanted to check up on her. But why? If she's okay and if nothing is wrong? How vague. Maybe he should just leave. But then he saw her and everything just fell into place. Damn him and his heart when she suggested they go out to have dinner.

During dinner, he had to keep reminding himself that it wasn't a date. It's just something between friends...or colleagues. What did she think of them as? He'd like to think of them as friends already. They did touch a subject that he's only ever told a handful of people. Despite not talking about him a lot, he thinks they've made progress in their relationship. The story just came out of his mouth. He was afraid that she'd think of him as someone who didn't like nosy people. Okay, maybe he didn't. But she isn't nosy, she's curious. Knowing about her totem didn't hurt either.

He also found out that she's stubborn. Oh sure, he's realized that during their first job, but he never really saw it with him. It was always just directed at Dom. He had to admit that it was something he admired about her. But it can also be frustrating when it was directed at him. In the end, she won—no thanks to Eames—and he's glad she did. Touring around Dublin was great. He wasn't surprised that she asked him about why he joined dream sharing, it's bound to happen soon.

When they went to Charlottetown...God when they were there. Everything was perfect. When he appeared outside of her door and she just jumped in and said yes. He could relive that moment every second of his life. It was when he realized that he liked her more than he would care to admit. He wasn't interested in any of the job offers and he decided he needed a break and all he could think of was spending it with Ariadne. He was reading the newspaper when he found out about the skating rentals and he jumped at the first opportunity to go to Paris and bring her to Canada. He wore shorts for her. Eames would've laughed. And he wouldn't have cared. Doing something Ariadne loves with her was heaven.

And of course heaven would crumble for him. Fucking Norman and his love for Cindy and her love for her best friend who didn't think logically and went straight to conclusions. He hopes their marriage crumbles, too. Ariadne would kill me if she hears me say that. It had its good points. When she asked him what his favorite color was, he didn't even think about it. He's finds that he does that a lot with her. It's not because of his die. He never cared much about the color of the die he found and constantly uses.

He never even had a favorite color. When people would ask him that he'd automatically say "blue" because that's what people expect. But now he has her red jacket. The flush of her cheeks. The red lipstick she wears when they go out. That was before. Now he has the red tie that she bought for him. The red lingerie that she wore during the first time she wanted to live "on the edge". He likes the color red. It's a lovely color.

Their trip to Rio was surprisingly fun. If it were up to Arthur then Eames would never have gone with them. But Ariadne didn't mind and so they "bonded". Ariadne was obviously glad to be back in Paris and to be in her personal home. They should have booked a hotel right away but he knows Ariadne would have insisted they stay anyway. As embarrassing as Eames was, he hoped Ariadne would notice that he can satisfy her in bed.

And it happened in Danilov when he realized that he would fly anywhere just to be near her. He had the money, why couldn't he see how his friend was doing during a boring trip? Eames called him a stalker. But it was worth it, she wasn't angry. Maybe he was a stalker. It was also there that he realized maybe Ariadne wouldn't like to see him everywhere. So he stayed away a little. He didn't like it but he gave her some space.

It didn't stop him from checking up on her and find out what's happening in her life. So Gomez had hired her and she accepted. And maybe he had a little chat with him and the team but going with the Cobbs to New Zealand was just a coincidence. He had tried to stay away from the country but when the kids asked him, he just couldn't resist. But maybe it was also a good thing, even if Ariadne was mad at him for a while and he had a Freudian Slip, which he immediately covered, he had a great time with both her and the Cobbs...oh yeah, and Valeria.

The movie marathon in her apartment had really opened up his feelings for her. He loves her. Her loves her and he's not sure how to feel about it. They're unspoken best friends. He will never compete with Valeria or the friendship she has with Eames but they are best friends. Watching movies with her and eating pizza, that's the first time in a long time he's actually felt like a regular human being. One that doesn't have to lay low or die several times. One who's hanging out with his best friend whom he's secretly in love with...sounds like a romantic-comedy. Good thing Ariadne isn't into those.

Did he go too far by turning down a job to extract information from a rising politician that he was so sure he could get all the details about and he would be paid about three jobs worth, in cash, to spend Christmas with her? No. Definitely not. He couldn't allow her to spend the feastful and happy holiday alone, it just wasn't right. So he turned down the job and headed straight for Paris. He didn't even think of which country he'd like to spend it in this time and purchased tickets to Manila during his travel time. Telling her "I love you" wasn't part of the plan either.

To his surprise, or not, he's not sure, she confesses to him without a hello. And she was cute when she thought he didn't know how she felt about him. He didn't want to ruin anything they had and maybe that's why a part of him wished she didn't know what he had told her in Manila. But hey, he gets to officially move in with her. He'll have to be honest and say it isn't his first choice of an apartment. He knows some more places in Paris with better security, but she couldn't let go and he wouldn't let her leave the place if she didn't want to.

Meeting her family during her graduation was not what he expected. They expected them to be more protective of their baby, after all, she was alone in a different continent and her friends are all (dangerous) men in suits. He was slightly shocked by their very warm welcoming. It was Theo he was a little worried about. Going to the Thanksgiving dinner, even if he had to deal with some relatives, was a good decision. At least he and Theo are now in good terms.

It must have been his lucky year, too. Seeing his parents again after years of just checking up on them and not physically being there. They didn't shun him out, nor did they despise Ariadne. The relationship with Edward was rocky at first but it became better and he's glad Ariadne was able to talk him into visiting. What he told her was true. He has thought about having a family but he's never found the right person yet...until she came along.

Saito's out-of-the-blue offer for a trip to Tokyo was a little depressing. The excitement of going there was foiled by surprising her with Valeria and it ended up with the two of them staying together most of the time. When he tried to seduce her, she starts it by telling him that he isn't her first boyfriend. Sure, he expected that, but a part of him was still disappointed. He wanted to be the one to teacher her about...well, a relationship (like he knows how). And she never said it but she has obviously had more than one before him. Maybe they weren't as serious but it's still a little uneasy for him. He thinks it isn't fair since he's had past girlfriends, too. But they're different. And he wants her to know that they were all just meaningless sex and relationships that was usually one-sided or just fun. Nothing compared to what he has with her.

Their fight about her not being on record again surfaced during their job in Oslo. He just couldn't put her on record. He put a name similar to hers, like when he usually does when they're on a job "Belinda" or beautiful, because she is and he wants everyone to know that. And that is the only argument she can never see his side of. So kissing her was the only thing that could help. Watching the fashion show with her, Eames and Valeria made him feel like a regular Joe, again. He never had many friends during his school days, or at least, ones as fun as them. He wishes days were like that again.

Also, he still hasn't figured out why Ariadne made him wear a bunny suit during her birthday.

When Eames suggested they go to his homeland, Ariadne didn't think twice about going. The thought of going with Valeria was also a plus. And Arthur would admit that he had a great time. And he got to teach Ariadne how to use a gun, he got to be her mentor again. Of course Eames has a fantasy say in this.

And how could he forget the early stages of working for James Harrington? They went through some shitty thoughts about that. And it was also one of the first times he showed vulnerability. Yusuf is his friend, but damn his love for cats. His trip to Mombasa was a great, memorable one, though.

Maybe the moment they were stuck in the elevator together in Berlin was the sign. He had never admitted to anyone about him and Eames's relationship. He wasn't ashamed, he was just...well...he doesn't really know. But it made him realize that...who cares? Ariadne and Val never kept the status of their friendship a secret, and Eames really is a great guy...he can't damn Ariadne for letting his feelings become more...open, for lack of a better word right now.

And good God. His family trip to Athens with her? Can he never forget the feeling of seeing Ariadne in a lingerie almost every night? He can't help it, it's a natural, human phenomenon. When a guy sees his lady friend whom he has special feelings for in very revealing outfits just for him, his heart would beat faster and his male body part would begin to stir. But seeing her in his clothes will never get old, either.

Finally, the moment when she asked him why he loved her. It was a good question. One he was always ready to answer. But when he finally heard her say it, it's like his mind just stopped operating and he envisioned himself in a beautiful garden filled with lights and smiling at her like there's no tomorrow.

The Point Man, the one who's always in control of himself and has many scenarios planned out, always ready and always sure, was wrapped around the petite architect's finger ever since she came in through the door behind Dominic in the warehouse in Paris in July 2010.

And so, over the course of his thoughts during the past three years, Arthur decides that it's time. It's time for him to call her parents, to call his parents, to call Dom, to go the pet store, to Valeria, to the jewelry store...and to Eames.

Once Ariadne leaves for a day out with Valeria, Arthur doesn't hesitate to call her parents. It's 4 PM in Paris so it's around 10 in the morning in Brooklyn. 'Maybe I should have taken a breather first,' he thinks to himself as he hears the phone being picked up. "Hi...Dad." Calling his parents and Dom, fortunately, was much easier.

His next call was for Valeria. "Val, I need your help."

"Bien sûr. De quoi avez-vous besoin?" she asks. ("Of course. What do you need?")

"Can we meet up somewhere? And can you call Eames, too? And don't tell Ari."

"Je sens quelque chose de louche." She giggles. "Mais bon, créer une diversion et nous rencontrons dans Mary Grace. Êtes-vous d'accord avec cela?" ("I smell something fishy." "But okay, create a diversion and we'll meet in Mary Grace. Are you okay with that?")

The world probably wants this. Arthur didn't have to create a diversion. Some of Ariadne's high school friends had wanted to meet up. Valeria was invited, too, but she refused and called in sick. Arthur felt bad but Val had said, "I have my suspicions, I'd rather much do this."

The jewelry studied the design and promised he'd have it ready as soon as possible. Their venue has been booked for a family reunion for them alone. The guests have been confirmed. Arthur thinks this will work. Eames and Valeria correct him.

"Darling, it will work."

"Have faith, Arthur."

He's glad Eames and Valeria are with him.

His last stop is the pet store. They both like dogs and the condominium allowed dogs, so why not? However, he can't find the perfect one. He loves them all, he could get them all if he wanted, but even the building has its limits. So he goes to another pet shop. And another. And another. But he can't find the perfect one.

Just as he was about to call it a day, he hears a little whimper from the distance. Normally, he would walk past it, but curiosity got the better of him—and it sounded like an injured animal—so he goes to check it out. There, in the alleyway, is a puppy whose paw had gotten stuck under a pile of wood. Without thinking, Arthur swoops down to release it.

"Hi there, girl," he says as he carries it. Looking down, he realizes that it's a boy. "Oh, boy. How'd you get stuck in there?"

His response is another whimper and a few sniffs. 'Lab-husky,' he thinks. 'And a very obvious one.' One side of his face is soft, eyes that look like it just wants to play with you and floppy ears, like a Labrador, while the other is sharp, eyes that look dangerous and pointed ears, like a Siberian Husky.

"Let's go to the vet, we need to see if you're okay."

"He's fine," the veterinarian says. "His paw is broken but it will be healed soon. He's been stuck for about two days, so he's a little dehydrated and hungry. I'm surprised he still has some energy left in him. It's best if he stays with us first. I hope you don't mind."

"I found him in an alleyway, I don't think he has an owner."

"We could put him up for adoption, or if you'd like, he's yours."

Arthur looks at the white puppy on the table. He looks much happier and is eyeing Arthur like he's expecting something. He walks forward and the stray raises his good paw as if he's calling out for him. 'You're perfect.' Arthur scratches the back of it's neck and it sticks out its tongue. "Yeah, I'll take him."

The vet smiles. "Okay, we'll just need you to sign some papers and we'll give you a call."

While paper signing, Arthur didn't hesitate to put 'Coulson' as the name of the dog and although he wanted to put Ariadne's name as the owner, he had to put his just in case the surprise would be ruined.

"It will take some time before he can go back to you. He looks as if he's been wandering around, underfed, too. We'll have to run some tests. But we assure you that he'll be well taken cared for here."

Arthur nods, understanding. "That's fine. That's okay." The event won't be happening for about another month. "May I ask how long, though?"

"We want him to regain enough strength and to be in pet-shop condition before we give him back to you. Our patients have a soft spot in us," the vet chuckles. "So it will take about three weeks at most since he isn't totally injured. Are you okay with that?"

God really does exist. "Perfect."

"We're having a reunion," Arthur tells her.

She looks up at him. "What for?"

He shrugs. "Dom's bringing the kids for a vacation and we decided why not have dinner together? Eames would say yes if we asked him to come with us, we can even bring Valeria. Yusuf has this new science seminar that he'd like to attend and so we invited him. Saito, can you believe it, is going to be there, looking at his new business. I think this calls for a reunion."

"Who's next? Robert Fischer?" She laughs. "But sure, why not? When's it going to be? But more importantly, where, since I doubt it's here in France."

He takes a deep breath. "Next week. We're having it in the Mary Grace gardens. In Scotland."

"Oh, really?" She smiles and settles beside him. "That's nice. I've always wanted to try it there. I mean, same food yeah, but the garden feel, you know?"

He nods and kisses her temple. "It's a beautiful place. They allow pets, too. So we'll probably see some dogs around there."

"Maybe some cats, too?" she teases.

"How about fishes?" he smirks.

She laughs. "Okay, okay. No more teasing. I'll be a good girl."

Arthur's smirk widens and his hand wraps around her neck. "Will you be a good girl?"

"I will," she says, leaning in to kiss him.

Glasgow, Scotland

"Are you ready for this, Arthur?" Eames asks while they're on the phone. "This is a life-changing event. You can't back out of it anymore. Do you know how heartbroken she'll be?"

"Coulson is a boy, Eames. And yes, I am very ready to have my own dog. Now will you please wash and feed him so you can go to the venue on time?"

Eames laughs. "Okay, okay. I'm playing with that rotten but very adorable thing right now. I'm having a very fun time with him. This dog is only three months old, did you know that? And don't worry, it's still too early. Fuck you and your earliness."

Arthur rolls his eyes. "This has to be perfect."

"You worry too much, you know that? The Arthur I knew never worried about a thing because he always had plans A to Z."

He checks his coat suit pocket one more, and patting it for security.

"I bet you just checked your pocket for...perhaps the tenth time since you got ready."

"Ninth," he corrects him then instinctively checks again. "Okay, tenth."

"Why don't you just adjust your tie or something?"

Arthur does just that. He fixes the knot and straightens it. It's his good luck tie, the one that Ariadne has gotten for him from Danilov. "Okay, done."

"Busy your hands with yourself now."

"Can you go through one day without any innuendos?"

"Oh, Darling. You know how boring life can be without them. Innuendos are meant for everyone. Not just you and the lovely girl you sleep with every night. I'll head straight there once I'm done playing with this ball of fun. I promise. Are you leaving yet?"

"Soon. Ariadne's just putting on her dress now."

"Oh. Did you tell her to wear something you can easily take off?"

"I will see you soon." He hangs up the phone and puts it in his pocket. Coulson is coming home with them tonight and it excites him. He misses that puppy already. "Eames better take care of him."

"Arthur, I'm ready to go!"

His heart beat wildly and he finds himself wishing that she'd take a little longer. She comes out wearing the dress she had worn during their night out in Los Angeles. She still looks very pretty. "Okay, let's go then."

Ariadne takes in a breath as she looks around the garden. Led lights are hanging by the trees, lamp posts in the corners, freshly mowed grass, beautiful flower beds and cozy tables and seats. "Wow, this is very nice," she comments.

Arthur smiles. "Yeah, it is. It's beautiful."

"It sure is. I'm glad the reunion is here. I really love the intimate feeling of it. The fact that Scotland has a beautiful view really adds to the atmosphere."

"I'm glad you do," he murmurs and check his pocket again. And then his other pocket where his totem is.

"Are you okay?" she asks.

He blinks. "Yes, of course I am. Why?"

She shrugs. "No reason. But you keep reaching for your pocket, is there something there? A gift, maybe?"

"For Dom, yes. Sort of like a letter," he lies.

She nods. "Okay. Which seat are we getting?"

"That big one, over there." He points at a round table with about twenty seats.

"I thought we were having a reunion. How many of Saito's bodyguards are eating with us?" she asks. "And there's no one else in here. Is this some sort of business room? If it is, that's really cool. Although there should be more," she looks back towards the main restaurant, "since this place is very popular."

He doesn't reply and instead, leads her towards the table. 'Please let this work. Please let this work.' He chants to himself. 'It's too late to back out now, anyway.'

The meet and greet with everyone was welcoming. Arthur saw the shock in Ariadne's face when both her parents, grandparents and brother, and his parents and Edward arrived. Despite her happiness to see them, she gave him a look saying 'We have to talk.'

He chuckles a little before discreetly handing the velvet box to Eames.

It was never his idea to start a dance party. But Valeria insisted that it'd be more romantic. Eames then suggested that the dog should run to him while they dance. Arthur had to admit that it's a great idea. "And then you do it there," they both said.

So here they are slow dancing to an old Disney tune that's starting to play. Ariadne recognizes it and wraps her arms around his neck. "Val knows this is our song." It was sort of unspoken. At some point, they began to sing it together and Eames pointed out that it sounded just like how they met—save for the title itself since the Forger never understood what it meant. "Where is the beginning?" he would ask.

She begins to sing softly. "I'll be there when the world stops turning/I'll be there when the storm is through/In the end I wanna be standing at the beginning with you."

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Arthur asks her.

Ariadne turns to him and smiles. "Aside from us needing to talk about how other people are suddenly here. Yeah, I'm enjoying myself. You got any more surprises up your sleeve, King Arthur?" she asks with one raised eyebrow.

Arthur rubs the back of his neck. "Well…"

As if on cue, a bark of a small dog could be heard. Ariadne tilts her head and asks "what is it". Arthur lets go of her waist and bends down to pick up the animal that had latched itself onto his leg. Ariadne squeals in delight.

"He's only about three months old. I named him Coulson because he's just like Phil. Fierce and tough but is a real soft and lovable thing."

"That's my quote," she says, laughing.

He chuckles. "Princess Ariadne, meet Coulson. Coulson, meet your new mommy."

"Oh my god, where did you get him?" She begins to pet him. "Oh my god, you're so cute! Are we keeping him, Arthur? Please say we will."

"He's ours," he tells her. "I found him in an alleyway. Poor thing was stuck under some wood. Rescued him, brought him to the vet, had Eames get him earlier and now he's ours. Look, he even as a collar around him with your name already."

Ariadne feels the red collar around him and tries to look for the tag. "Where is it?"

Arthur takes a deep breath when she pauses. "Have you seen it?"

"Arthur…"

Valeria helped design it. Arthur had wanted a red one but Val disagreed at once. "Oh, Arthur, leave it to me." The ring is a princess cut with a 14k two-tone rhodolite garnet as it's main gem, a small pink sapphire on each side of it, with even smaller diamonds that wrap around in the middle of the band.

He smiles a little. "Now you know why there are so many people. Why my family is here, why your family is here. Why Phillipa kept squirming and giggling in her seat."

"Oh, Arthur."

He gets the ring from the collar and puts Coulson down. By now, everyone had stopped to look at them and the music in the background is low.

"I love you, Ariadne. Remember when you asked me why I love you? I love you because you're you. You're the smartest, most thoughtful and the most beautiful person I have ever seen. I love that you make me smile for no reason. I love that you would wear sexy lingerie to please me when I should really just please you. You make my heart beat fast for no reason. You make me feel like a school boy with his crush. You're a wonderful woman. You're a goddess. Even if you're a stubborn hot-head. Even if all you want to do is watch movies and eat pizza in the living room and never get up because you just don't want to do anything during the whole day.

"I've thought about this. I've seen the transition of myself. Eames has seen it. Dom has seen. My parents and my brother have seen it. And it's a good change. If you weren't in my life I'd still be taking jobs that already have half my life on the line just by considering it. But you...with you I...I actually want to live. I want to make sure that I have you have someone to come home to. I want to make sure that...that you and I have a future together."

He gets down on one knee and presents the ring to her. "So, Princess Ariadne...would you let this King Arthur be the luckiest man alive and be his Queen?"

Dominic Cobb used to say that Arthur Brandon would one day find the woman he would want to be with. "I don't know when that will be but I'm counting on it." When he found out that his Point Man and latest Architect are dating, he said, "I told you, didn't I?" Arthur just wasn't sure whether it was Ariadne he wanted to spend his the rest of his life with.

And now he knows that it was the most stupid thing he thought of his whole life.

"Will you marry me, Ariadne?"

Ariadne, though very teary eyed, manages a smile and says, "I was wondering when you'd stop talking."

Arthur grins.

"I get to be princess until we have a daughter."

"Whatever you wish," he says, his heart beating a mile a second.

She nods and holds out her hand. "Yes, King Arthur. I will marry you."

Arthur's grin widens as he slips the custom-made ring in her finger. The people around them begin to shout and cheer as he stands again and gives her a kiss. Coulson must also sense the happiness because he barks and tries to catch Ariadne's attention. Eames swoops down to pick him up. Valeria, Mrs. Belaire and Mrs. Brandon begin to cry.

"Was it ever your secret to want to marry me, Princess?" Arthur whispers.

Ariadne giggles. "I'm not like that!"

He kisses her again. "Damn, I thought it was reciprocated." Ariadne laughs harder and he joins as well. "I love you." He doesn't even have to check his totem again.

She leans her head against his chest. "I love you, too."

And there it is, folks. There is it. Wait, this is so sad. I'm so...omg, let me just take this in. Wow. Just...wow.

The story of Coulson is somewhat similar to what happened to the dog with adopted some months ago. Pictures of him (Coulson, not my dog, haha) and Ariadne's engagement ring are in my profile!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Leave me your thoughts, please! And don't forget to check out my newest stories if you're interested! :D

Thank you again so so so much for all the support you have given and there is really nothing more I can ask for during the holiday. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! (Psst...still no gift for me under the tree *tears*.)