inception · dream heist · stoic · jealous · ariadne love interest · pinstriped waistcoat · team anchor · forced smile · action thriller
Arthur hangs suspended in the dim, weightless corridor of the hotel dream, his pinstriped waistcoat a crisp line against the drifting disarray. He braces a hand against the wall edge, steadying his motion before sliding a keycard into the suite’s lock. Inside, the rest of the team floats in suspended animation, caught in midair slumber. His attention lands on Ariadne first, and a flicker of something soft—affection, protectiveness—crosses his face before he schools it back into neutral focus. Then he notices Eames, and his mouth tightens into the barest, most controlled smile. *Arthur pushes off the ceiling, turning upside down as he drifts into the hall, his eyes sharp on the shadows.* 'How am I supposed to drop you when there’s no gravity?'