"Nice of you to invite us to stay," his mother said stiffly while she scurried around the kitchen, two days had passed and the situation was still awkward.
"'Thank you for making dinner," Arthur replied, not sure how to act around her at all.
"I can teach you a few things," she chopped vegetables.
"Eames likes my cooking skills, even though he's by far more skilled than I am," he confessed.
"When did you learn to cook?" His mother seemed surprised.
"After I left the army, it was either cook or starve."
"I still don't understand why you joined the army," she focused on the vegetables. "I know it makes a good impression to have served with the armed force but it's dangerous."
"I had to get away," he said honest, "I couldn't stand it any longer. It's not my world. There is more than money and being the perfect person. Nobody is perfect, no one should have to be perfect. Our quirks and flaws are what defines us. Wouldn't it be boring when anybody would be alike?"
"Most probably," she sighed and put the knife away. "Is this," she spread her arms to emphasize her words, "really what you want?"
"Yes," Arthur nodded. "It was a long and rocky way to get where I am but it was worth it, even to break with the family."
"I've missed you," she confessed.
"Missed you too," he mumbled.
"So," she returned to her task to avoid her boy's expression. "He wasn't always like this?"
Arthur was relieved about the topic change, "No, he was struck by a car. The driver was drunk and ignored a red light."
She almost dropped the bowl she was holding, "I hope the driver got the punishment he deserves."
"Twenty, because it wasn't his first accident," Arthur took a deep breath, "but it's nothing compared to what Eames has to endure. You know, he used to be broad and very intelligent. The accident slowed down his way of thinking. He hates it and works really hard on his affected skills. He still is very intelligent, I love his wit and genius way of thinking things through. It's my fault."
"What makes you think that?"
"No offence but your upbringing left a few marks. I have commitment issues and I had a real hard time to believe that a relationship between someone like me and someone like Eames could work," he explained, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"I still can't see why you think it is your fault," it wasn't easy to behave like a mother, they were apart for so long.
"He begged me to stay but I couldn't and took the next opportunity to run. I left him. I needed months to get my head around that I loved him, deeply. He was in a coma for many weeks and I wasn't there, I didn't even know. I wasn't there when he needed me most," he tried to keep as much emotion out of his voice as possible.
"I don't understand..."
"As I found him it was already too late. He was alone, all alone, while he learned to speak and move... He was bitter and not able to trust. I had to work hard to make him believe that I would not run again, that from now on we're in it together," unshed tears stung in his eyes.
"You're not making much sense but I think I know what you want to say," she was not able to offer the comfort Arthur needed. It wasn't her strong point to show that she cared.
"I just want you to understand us a little better," he shoved her gently aside to take over her task. "Don't use too much olive oil, he doesn't like the taste," he reached for the spatula.
She observed her son while he cooked, his expression, his body language and behavior.
:::::::::::::
" So you are married to my brother? When did that happen?" Ileen didn't dare to ask her brother.
"On my birthday. Our friends shared the opinion that we needed a little push in the right direction. They organized a party with a priest and all the trimmings."
"You married out of the blue... at home... during your birthday party?!" She wasn't sure if he wasn't kidding.
"Exactly," Eames set the table.
"Who would have thought that. My brother Mr. uptight extraordinaire married his boyfriend without planning years in advance," she laughed.
"Our friends are very persuasive."
"I wish I had been there," she wiped a tear away as a thought crossed her mind, a sly smile graced her lips. "Do you have a video from the ceremony?"
Eames's smile was even more sly, if that was even possible, "Of course."
"Ganging up on me already?" Arthur entered the room to serve their meal, his sister blushed the moment she saw her mother.
"Nah, just corrupting your baby sister," Eames said nonchalantly, holding Mrs. A's gaze.
"You should rather be careful not to be corrupted by her," Arthur's mother said, placing a bowl on the table. Ileen's eyes widened, "Don't look so surprised child, I know exactly what you're doing."
"What am I doing?" She let out a little cough.
"Sneaking out of your bedroom window to meet with friends. Taking economy classes behind my back," she summarized.
"How do you..."
"I'm your mother, and I think it's rather awkward to crawl down the tree in front of your window instead of taking the door. I mean you're 29 years old," a small smile appeared on her lips.
"I would have done that, had I known...," she muttered under her breath.
Arthur and Eames couldn't help but laugh at her.
Dinner was silent and awkward and they were happy to settle down in front of the T.V.
Arthur held Eames close while they watched a movie, oblivious to his mother's glances. Eames learned during their meal that her name was Martha.
It was strange to watch her son with a man in his arms but at the same time it seemed so right, even when it went against her believes. A CFO who worked with her ex-husband announced that his daughter was a lesbian. Most families ignored the fact and invited them nonetheless but a few high ranking families began to despise them. Martha feared a familiar fate so she kept Arthur's sexuality a secret, making up girlfriends or agreeing to arrange dates between Arthur and someone's daughter. It all seemed so wrong now.
The way Arthur stroke the other man's head, the way Eames held Arthur's hand in his own, all that showed their love. For the first time since she gave birth to Arthur she saw that kind of smile on his face, loving, caring with a hint of devotion. His husband wore the same expression and that made her heard cheer in joy. All she ever wanted was her son to be happy, truly happy.
"You promised to show your wedding," Ileen reminded him after the movie came to an end.
"I'm not sure mom wants to see it, maybe another time," Arthur's smile faltered.
"I'd like to see your wedding," his mother said, hiding how much she was interested to see it.
"Okay," a smile she could not define graced his lips.
"Our wedding was kind of awkward," Eames tried to prepare her for their unconventional wedding.
"Sounds interesting," she tried not to grin like a naughty teenager.
"I can't believe my brother is married. I always thought he'd rather marry one of his books if he could than a human being," Ileen tried to divert her mother's attention in case she planned something mean.
"Believe me I needed a long, looong time to get his full attention," the forger smiled. "He ignored me during our time in the army, he ignored me after we met during a meeting, years later. I was extremely persistent it's a wonder he didn't ask for an injunction."
"There you're mistaken Mr. Eames. I was well aware of your intentions but you were quite a heartthrob. I had to make sure you meant what you said."
"Dreamer," Eames replied with a laugh.
"Wedding," his sister clapped her hands to remind Arthur that they wanted to see the ceremony.
"Okay, oaky," he put the disc into the player and hit the play button, "Here we go."
Ileen laughed and squealed during the whole time, tears slid down her face as they put their rings on.
Arthur's mother had a little smile on her lips. It was the most chaotic and improper wedding she ever saw but at the same time it was the most honest wedding she ever witnessed. Their friends seemed to be special, not greedy or smug. Everything they did they did for their friends. It was the prettiest wedding ever, she thought.
"I wish I had been there," Ileen squealed, "I want that too."
"Look for someone outside of our circles," Martha understood what was going on within her daughter. She dreamed of true love and happily ever after too, but it wasn't meant to be. Martha married the man her mother chose, she loved her husband but not deeply.
"Can I?" Ileen asked surprised.
"Of course," Martha nodded, surprising them all.
"Come with me tomorrow. I have physical therapy and I'm sure you'll like Jamie," Eames offered.
"I'd love to," she beamed.
"Come Ileen I show you your room," Arthur needed to get away for a few minutes. She nodded and followed him.
"So Mr. Eames, I have to say I'm shocked."
"Why so?"
"The wedding was rather improper for someone like Arthur."
Eames tiled his head a little, "But you love it," he grinned.
He was a little slow but he was still the best forger.
Finding the meaning behind words and expression were his profession.
She was highly surprised and chided herself for not being careful enough but then she realized that Arthur's husband was just great at reading people, "I do."
"I will not hurt him, if it is that what you worry about," the forger assured.
"It's rather the other way around, as far as I know."
"He told you?"
"Yes he did. I can't deny that it is partly my fault. I raised him after all."
"We all make mistakes," Eames remembered his father.
"How was your mother Mr. Eames, if you don't mind the question."
"She was a hardworking woman, money was rare but she pulled us through. She did her best to make a honest man out of me. We had never much money but therefore plenty of love."
"I could have learned from her," Martha mused, "Where is your father?"
"I don't know," Eames shook his head.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Eames sighed, "I was actually glad he left us."
"Why?"
"He drank a lot and it's not funny to have a drunk at home. He drank away all our money and he vent his anger on us," he still had scars.
"Oh my," she put a hand over her mouth, they guy should sit behind bars. The sudden determination in her eyes took Eames by surprise. "I know how that feels," she said, "I will keep an eye on you from now on."
"I won't hurt Arthur," he said shocked.
"It's not about Arthur. He can care for himself, I accidently raised him that way. No, I will keep harm away from you."
Eames blinked, he wasn't sure his brain wasn't playing tricks on him, "My daddy, was a drunk too, the only difference is that we had more money than he could drink away."
No tricks, he realized, "I'm gay and far, faaaar away to be a part of your circle."
"Sooner or later I have to cope with the fact that my boy is a fairy. I don't say I will invite you to a gala but I will support you. I lost him so many years ago and I can't let him go again. It might be our last chance."
"True."
"Ileen said it was your idea to invite us. Why?" She had to know.
"Because Arthur gave everything he loved up for me. He is there when I need him, he cares for me, cries because of me... I owe him so much and I know he loves you, even though he tries to hide his real pain. The least I can do is to give him his family back, to give him the chance to reconnect with his mommy."
Martha felt like crying, her son-in-law was such a jewel. He was the one, the right choice for her boy. Both deserved happiness after all they had to endure. "Could you possibly call me ma too. Not like your real ma but Martha sounds so passive and I kind of like you," she mumbled the last part and brought a smile on Eames lips. "Gladly ma," she was his mother-in-law after all, there was no harm in calling her ma. His own mother had called his father's father dad too, because she never met her father. And he was sure his mother was laughing her ass off right now, half falling off the cloud she occupied. Ma could even pass as short term for Martha.
"Thank you Mr. Eames for giving us a second chance."
"I think your problems are a result of your own upbringing. It's not easy to leave the role our family urges us into. Your family and society has a big influence on your way of thinking and behaving."
"That's true. My mother taught me how a lady has to behave and homosexuality was a deadly sin back then. It was something people tended to hide. Out of fear or shame, I don't know. Maybe both," she remembered her childhood.
"Not much different today but society comes around. Successful homosexual actors and politicians all over the world, I think there's still hope," he smiled.
"I have to confess I gathered a lot of information after my phone call a few days back. I stumbled over a few movies, too, and one of them made me think. I couldn't stop watching it. It reminded me so much of Arthur and I. She was a politician and fought against homosexuals until her boy killed himself. She lost the person she loved most just because she was too bigoted to see what was right in front of her. Since then she fought for them and not against them but it was too late for her boy nonetheless. I think it was called Prayers for Bobby, with Sigourney Weaver. I don't want that. I don't want to lose him because I was too much of a coward to show the world how wonderful he is," a lonely tear ran down her cheek.
"You are here, talking to me. Trying to get along with Arthur. Believe me you are not a coward, everything you need is a little more time," Eames walked over to her as best he could.
"You are a beautiful man Mr. Eames, not just your looks but your soul, too," she accepted his touch as he wiped the tear away.
"We can fix the mess," he smiled at her. "I'll do anything to make it all right."
"I know," that was the truth.
"Let me show you your room," it was time to end the conversation. She seemed emotionally drained.
"Yeah," she sighed and got up, following him with a gentle smile on her lips.
::::::::::::
"What are you doing?" Arthur entered the kitchen, the next morning.
"Breakfast," his mother said. "Pancakes."
"You don't have to do that, you're not my maid," he felt uncomfortable.
"I'm your mother," she said simply.
A smile tucked on his lip, "That you are."
"I was thinking," she began slowly. "I'd like to invite you to the summer Gala."
Arthur's eyes widened. "What?", it was one of the biggest events his family had to attend. All the rich and mighty families came to celebrate, collect donations while they're at it and mainly they tried to marry off their children. "We talked about it," he began but she silenced him with a glare.
"I-," she wasn't sure how to put it, "It's not my intention to set you up with a girl."
"No?" He couldn't help it.
"I want to show you off," that sounded anything but motherly, she sighed.
"What do you mean?"
"I," she took a deep breath. "Geez, it can't be that difficult," she swore, surprising Arthur even more. "I want you AND Mr. Eames to attend, as the couple you are. I want to..."
"You want to tell them?" He never loved his mother more than in this moment.
"I have ignored the fact for years and now that you're married I can't do that any longer," she got defensive.
"So you tell them before they get a chance to find out by themselves?" He stated sourly.
"Probably," she messed it up again.
"I don't think we're coming," Arthur left the kitchen.
"He will change his mind," Eames eavesdropped outside the kitchen.
"We don't get along," she rubbed her forehead.
"Years of ignorance and hurt feelings stands between you, it will take some time."
"I know."
"You can accompany me, I have a few therapy sessions but afterwards I can show you our beautiful town," he offered, it might be a good idea to get her out of the house, Eames thought.
"I'd love to," she needed some air and a trip to town couldn't hurt. "Pancakes?" She offered.
He accepted the plate with a huge smile.
Operation Jamie was a full success, Eames could practically see the sparks in the air the time their eyes met.
Arthur's mother gave him a approving nod before they snuck out after his training to grant them some time to bond.
"Reminds me of the time I first laid eyes on Arthur," he chuckled, "the only difference is that he hated my guts."
"He did?"
"He did," he smiled. "My personality is rather demanding and I drove him crazy whenever I opened my mouth, sometimes I didn't even have to do that to wind him up."
"Love-hate," she raised a brow.
"I had to work hard for his affection," and it was worth it.
"How did you manage that?"
"I was persistent, asking him out, joining him during breaks, bringing coffee and food. He never wanted any of that but one day he stopped pushing me away and I could see in his eyes that he liked it. I think he missed me sometimes when I wasn't around. There was a job in Tokyo. I was too busy to look for him and one evening... he was there. In front of my door, nagging about my lack of neatness and the fact that his teammate made the world's worst coffee," it was the first time Arthur showed any interest in him. Just when Eames thought he was pushing too far, that Arthur tolerated him because it was easier as to continue his struggle against Eames's presence. "Don't tell him I told you that he sought me out that night. It's his well hidden secret."
"I will be as silent as a grave," she motioned to lock her mouth shut.
"Good or he'll kick my sorry arse," he sighed happily.
"I always wanted what you two have," she confessed while they walked along the street.
"Didn't you love him?"
"Our marriage was expected," she licked her lip. "I loved him but I wasn't in love with him. He was more like a friend than a husband. We got children because we had to, I'm not saying I never wanted my children but I wish I had loved their daddy. We got divorced after he cheated on me, more than once. He was fed up with the rules we had to follow. He had enough of me. I was raised to be the perfect housewife and that got on his nerves more and more. I haven't dated since, I don't find the right person. My ex has remarried and adopted her two children."
"You will find Mr. Right too," he assured, "one day he will appear right in front of you and you don't know what hit you. The eyes, the smile, his looks, his voice, anything will send butterflies through your body. It's like a dream and when you feel that way you can be sure that he's the one."
"One day," she hoped.
"Sure," he flashed her an encouraging smile. "So do you want to shop for clothes?"
"Always," she grinned.
:::::::::::
"Where have you been?" Arthur waited for them at home, it was passed 8 p.m.
"Shopping," his mother raised a shopping bag, "and your sister bonded with Jamie."
"She did? I thought it was a joke," the younger man glared.
"No, and they are more than compatible," Eames stated proudly.
"Your husband is a great matchmaker," his mother took him by surprise.
He snorted, "He's cocky because he has more luck than judgment."
"Watch your mouth," his mother chided, surprising him even more. "Don't vent our problems on him. He has nothing to do with our unfortunate history."
"Why do you protect him? He's just a street rat and fairy," that was originally not planned as an insult, at least not for Eames.
The forger frowned, hurt visible in his eyes, "That's what you think?"
"No," Arthur frowned at him.
"So you think I describe him as such?" His mother glared angrily.
"Yes," he was confused, "He's everything you never wanted for us."
"Can't you drop it?" Eames interfered, "Maybe she wants to change, ever thought of that?"
"It's too late to change, children can change, youths maybe but not full grown adults."
"Does that mean the changes you made for me are lies?" Eames held Arthur's gaze. "Come on say it! I'm a big boy. I can take the truth," he dared.
Arthur remained silent, the muscles in his face worked slightly while he worked out what Eames had thrown at him.
"Do you mean that?" He asked his mother, "Do you really want to change?" No tricks?
"Yes," it was easier to say it than she thought. "I mean it."
Eames left to give them some space. Their long overdue talk was badly needed.
::::::::::::::
"What are you doing here, all alone?" Ileen joined him in the kitchen.
"They finally talk," he offered her a sandwich.
"Is that good?"
"I think so," he granted her a smile. "She admitted to care and he starts to believe her."
"That's good," she cheered, "She has missed him terribly, not as if she would ever say so." oblivious to the fact that her mother actually had the gut to speak it out loud.
"That's the problem with relationships. We can tell any stranger what we think but not our loved ones."
"True," she agreed. "Eames?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. Jamie and I went out for a drink after work and he's... you were right."
"Good," everyone deserved happiness, "but your brother is not happy with me right now."
"Why?" She wanted to shake him until he saw stars.
"I trapped him, I should have considered it earlier. He struggles with his issues concerning your mother and I have nothing better to do as drag her along," he sipped on his beer.
"No reason to be angry at you. You just want to help."
"Yeah, and that made me a street rat fairy," he mocked, not really angry.
She chuckled, imagine a rat in a dress with wings and glitter dust, "Sorry."
"No problem," he sighed deeply, "he's really good at it to dig his own grave."
"He's socially awkward," she agreed. "Does that mean he didn't mean what he said?"
"I hope not," he clicked his tongue, "or he'll sleep on the couch until further notice."
"You're playing the wounded lover cart, do you?" She smirked.
"Nooooo," what clearly meant oh yes, but he was a bit hurt nonetheless.
"You're the devil," she had to say it.
"Your brother is by far more devilish than I could ever be," he remembered jobs where Arthur showed his less generous side.
And as far as he knew Arthur toyed with Sarah's papers. She tried to request a new divers license after she lost the old one, accidently.
Eames had no idea how Arthur got her driver's license.
They told her that they couldn't do that because Ms. Sarah Riley died two months ago in a car crash. They didn't believe her as she told them that she was the real one so she went to the police. The police took her into custody because she was a wanted criminal, financial fraud and forging documents, they said. She spent two weeks in jail until lawyers resolved the problem.
Resolving it was just possible because Arthur dropped some hints along the way.
Sarah was too scared of Arthur to even consider to press charge, not as if she had any evidences to do that.
"I don't think so," she shook her head, her brother was cold but not mean.
Eames just grinned, it was cute how she protected her brothers honour. "Good night Ileen," he was tired but he was almost able to walk completely on his own, a few more months and he could walk like nothing ever happened.
His concentration was improving too, that made him even more proud and took some of his sadness away. He wouldn't be his old self but he was damn close to it.
"Good night Eames," she waved before she filched his beer.
:::::::::::::
Eames was already asleep as Arthur came to bed. He tried not to wake the forger but the older man didn't lose his ability to sense his presence.
"How did it go?" He asked sleepily.
"Surprisingly well," he had to admit.
"Good," Eames closed his eyes again.
Arthur slipped into bed, putting an arm around his lover ,"You know I didn't mean it, do you?"
"Sure," he mumbled.
"I love you," Arthur rested his head on Eames chest, closing his eyes. "I never meant to hurt you."
"It stung just a little."
"Bad enough," he sighed deeply, "I didn't aim to hurt you."
"No you tried to hurt her," he wasn't happy about it but he understood.
"It's not easy."
"I know it isn't but I'm glad you tried," he knew how hard it was to lose his family and he would do everything possible to spare Arthur the pain.
Unfinished business was the worst. You thought you have time but in the end you realize that it wasn't true. All you got was the here and now.
"I think we can do it," Arthur sounded relieved. "I've got my mom back and in addition to that I got her approval."
"So, does that mean we will attend her party next summer?"
"Yes, if you want to," he was looking forward to it.
"I can't wait to see their faces," Eames chuckled.
"My dad will be there too with his family. I didn't see him since he left us," his mother was against any contact and his father wasn't interested enough to fight for his right to see them.
He saw him from afar sometimes but that didn't count.
"I will be there, every step of the way," Eames promised. "Now get some sleep."
Arthur gave him a peck on the lips before he closed his eyes, feeling content.
