Hey Everyone! Sorry for the really long delay on this one. But to make up for it, it is a pretty long chapter, in my opinion. And it is a happy one! So yay for that! Anyways, I wanted to get this one up before Christmas.

Also, because I can and I couldn't help it. There is a small reference to Once Upon A Time. I just couldn't resist, especially since I am doing Beauty and the Beast.

Anyways, hope you all enjoy!

I don't own Inception, or its characters, or Beauty and the Beast, or that teacup (although I just call it a cup, it is a teacup)

Chapter 8: Smiles & Kisses

4 Months Later:

Eames pulled up to Arthur's house and parked his car in his normal spot. He turned off the car and let out a small breath and smiled. Eames had been coming over here every day for the past four months and things were going perfectly. He and Arthur had some very interesting conversations about their lives and jobs and people in general. Eames told him about his family, and his troubled times and getting the job for Saito and how annoying Gabriella was. That she still was. Eames also brought in pictures of Yusuf's baby girl, Matilda, for Arthur to see.

And Arthur, in return, told Eames about his family and how he inherited the house. He even told Eames more about his friendships with Ariadne and Dom. And with Dom came mentions of Mal.

Arthur told him a little about the curse. How Mal had been the one to do it. That he was in pain all the time and it got worse every day. One day he even told Eames about what the scars meant. That they were a symbol of every person he ever hurt.

And Eames realized that his newest scar was because of him.

Eames had asked when the curse will wear off, but Arthur never answered that. And Eames didn't push it. He figured Arthur would tell him if he wanted to.

During his visits with Arthur, Eames got to know Dom and Ariadne a little better. Even James and Phillipa came around and talked with him and accepted him into their little family.

After these past four months, Eames cannot see how anyone could hate Arthur. He knows that Arthur sort of acts like a recluse and like he better than everyone else, but he seems like a great person. You just have to get to know him, like Eames did.

For example, Arthur had a beautiful smile. When he smiled it lit up the entire room and made you smile instantly. And his laugh was just perfect. Eames didn't know what Arthur looked like before the curse, but he didn't care. He really liked what Arthur looked like now. No, he was not a fan of beastiality, but Arthur almost seemed more content like this. Like Arthur had accepted his curse and what he was like now and was okay with it. He seemed at peace. And maybe that was what Eames liked about him. Eames liked Arthur the person, not what he looked like.

Arthur was beautiful. Sure there were some parts that were a little weird, like his feet, and his hands, and even the extra hair. But his eyes were this amazing light brown that just drew Eames in every time he looked at him.

And his ears….Eames would never admit it out loud to Arthur, but they were the cutest thing he had ever seen. He just wanted to touch them, but he knew that would probably result in the lost of his fingers and he did not need that. If the opportune moment came, then he would take the chance, but he highly doubted it would happen anytime soon.

Eames walked up to the front door and walked in. Dom had insisted that he just walk in and make himself feel at home. So that's exactly what Eames did. He set his things down and went straight to the kitchen to make him and Arthur some tea.

Arthur was probably resting, like he usually always was at this time. The pain bothered him so much some times that he just slept most of the day. The medicine helped, but he didn't like to Eames when he said he was still in pain, even with the medicine. Some days were better than others, but those good days came very rarely.

Eames pulled out two cups and smiled when he saw the small chip in one of them.

About a month ago, Eames had been in the kitchen preparing tea, like he did most days he was there. Arthur had come down without him knowing and walked into the kitchen. Eames couldn't even remember what Arthur said, but he scared him enough that he dropped the cup.

Eames had felt so bad for causing a small chip in one Arthur's heirlooms, but Arthur had just shrugged it off like it was no big deal. From then on, that cup became Eames'. Eames always used it and washed it to make sure it was there for the next day. He never used another cup.

"You and that cup." Eames jumped and turned around. Arthur was leaning against the doorway with a small smile on his face. He was in a pair of sweatpants and a plaid button up shirt that was buttoned up, but just barely. It was like Arthur tried but gave up.

But at least it was on.

Eames just smiled as he poured the tea into the cups.

"Well, I did chip it."

"You should just take it home with you."

"Why Arthur, whatever would I drink out of if I did that?"

"The other hundred cups we have around the house." Eames just smiled as he handed Arthur his cup.

"I think I prefer my cup." Arthur gave him a small smile before walking out of the kitchen. Eames followed after him, grabbing the briefcase on the way up.

Eames gently closed the door to Arthur's room and made his way back downstairs, briefcase in hand. Arthur had fallen asleep on him, again. Not that Eames minded. Yusuf had changed his medicine a bit that made Arthur drowsy so he could sleep through most of the pain. Arthur always tried to fight off sleep but he always lost. When Eames got downstairs, he found Dom and Ariadne waiting for him.

"Hey." He said with a small smile.

"Is Arthur asleep?" Dom asked.

"Yeah, pretty sure he passed out mid-sentence. It was almost comical." Eames said with a little laugh.

"You know, Arthur would never admit it, but he has really improved with you coming here." Ariadne said, stepping forward.

"What do you mean? Yusuf said the medicine doesn't really cure him. It just sort of numbs him."

"No that way. I mean, you have helped Arthur, personally. He has changed and it is all thanks to you."

"Changed?" Eames asked, looking down at the ground. He could not take credit for Arthur's change of character. "I just treated him like a human being. I don't think I did anything too special."

"Well, I know it means a lot to him that you are here and come every day, even though he won't ever say it."

"Well, I am not going to let him die." Eames said with a small chuckle but stopped when he saw Ariadne's face fall. "Um…" He stuttered out, thinking he had somehow missed something.

"Arthur didn't tell you?" Ariadne blurted out.

"Tell me what?" Eames was getting a little bit nervous about this. Dom even looked a bit uneasy. Whatever it was, it was not going to be good.

"Eames…Arthur is dying." Eames didn't respond to that. He just took a step back and fell into the wall. The room was spinning around him. Arthur was dying?

How can that be?

"Um, what?" Dom let out a small sigh.

"That was part of the curse. He had a year to live with his curse. So, he has roughly two months left." Eames was silent for a few minutes, taking all of this in.

"There has to be a way to stop it." Eames said, gaining back his composure.

"There is." Ariadne said quietly. "But he has given up on that part. I think he is ready to die."

"No one is ready to die Ariadne." Eames spits out. "No matter if they say it not. Dying is dying. No one is prepared for that." Eames took a deep breath before picking up the briefcase that he had dropped sometime. He didn't remember, but it must have been when he hit the wall. "I have to go. Clear my head out and all that."

"Eames…" Dom started but Eames stopped him.

"No. I will be back tomorrow. I just need to think a few things over. Good night." Eames then ran out the door and to his car. He needed to get away. He needed to clear his head and he needed to talk to someone.

And he knew exactly who he was going to talk to.

"He's what?" Yusuf exclaimed, spilling coffee everywhere. Eames nodded his head as he grabbed a wash rag to clean up the mess. Yusuf has been a little bit sleep deprived since the baby arrived, so anything startled him. It was almost amusing. But Eames decided not to tease him about it.

"Yeah, my thoughts exactly."

"Did he tell you this?"

"Who? Arthur? No, Ariadne and Dom told me. Like it was everyday news…the bastards."

"Well, I do trust them so they are probably telling the truth. But I wouldn't bring this up with Arthur directly."

"Why not?" Eames had thought about confronting Arthur about it. He figured he had the right to know this kind of information.

"Because he didn't tell you himself. If he didn't tell you or me, then he doesn't want people to know. Wait for him to tell you."

"What if he doesn't?"

"Then he doesn't. But how do you think he feels Eames? He knows exactly how long he has to live. Let him enjoy it while he can. Okay?"

"Okay. But I want to help him. He doesn't deserve to die."

"Well, I don't know what to tell you. I don't know about the curse and its stipulations." Eames just let out a small sigh as he looked out the window.

What was he supposed to do now?

"So, you and Arthur huh?" Yusuf asked with a small smirk on his face.

"What?"

"You like Arthur?"

"I guess. He is really not what I thought he was. I mean, I have heard all these things about him, but, they just don't fit with what I know.

"People change."

"I know." Eames was silent for a few moments. "I just wish I would have gotten to know him sooner."

"But things happen for a reason Eames. Maybe you were supposed to meet Arthur when you did."

"What? Like fate?"

"Or coincidence? You never know. The world works in mysterious ways."

"I don't rely on things like fate, Yusuf. Or coincidence." Eames said, straightening up. "I make my own decisions. I am in control."

"Except with Arthur." Eames gave him a small glare.

"I have to go. It is late." Yusuf just gave a little laugh.

"Goodbye Eames."

"Bye Yusuf." Eames said as he walked out of Yusuf's house. He had a lot to think about tonight.

Eames was not in a good mood. Today has to have been the worst day ever in the history of his time at Saito Industries.

He had forgotten to set his alarm the night before so he was an hour late into work. Luckily Saito didn't say anything about it and let it slide. Saito has been very lenient when it came to Eames ever since he started taking over for Yusuf and giving Arthur his medicine.

Everything was fine for a bit until Gabriella decided to come in and give her opinion on why they should be dating and all that and Eames just wanted to fall into the floor. He has told her over and over again that he didn't like her that way, but she never took the hint.

And then she had the nerve to tell him that is new project was a dud and that he should use more imagination when it came to his projects. No one had more imagination that Eames. He had more imagination than every single person who worked here combined. He really loved his job but sometimes he just wanted to quit and go back to easy life of a thief.

Luckily, he was going over to Arthur's. That would improve his day tenfold. Hopefully. Although the small fact that Arthur was dying put a small damper on things. But Arthur seemed happy and that made Eames happy.

It had been a week since Eames learned that little bit of information and he had decided he would act like Arthur wasn't dying. Because, in all honesty. Some of the curses had turned out okay in the past. Like one. But maybe Arthur could be that lucky number two.

Eames pulled up to Arthur's house just as Dom walked out with the children.

"Hello Eames." He said with a smile.

"Where are you guys going?" He asked, walking up to the door.

"Taking them to go get ice cream and a new toy. Both got good grades this week, so might as well reward them." Eames just laughed.

"Well, eat an extra scoop for me." Eames said with a smile as he walked into the house. The house was quiet and he wondered if Arthur was sleeping. He set the briefcase down and made his usual routine of going to the kitchen to make that amazing tea Arthur had.

When he walked in he saw Arthur leaning against the counter, drinking from a small cup. Eames' cup, to be precise.

"Well." Eames said with a smile. "That is my cup, did you know?" Arthur smirked and set the cup down.

"I did. That is why I am drinking from it. I wanted to see what you would do with no cup." Eames just stared at him, a smirk of his own gracing his face. Arthur then reached behind him and handed Eames a piece of paper. "Ariadne is out and she wanted me to give you this."

"What is it?"

"She and Robert are having a small wedding/engagement party here next week. She wants you to come."

"Will you be there?" Eames asked, trying to keep his voice even.

"Yes. It is my house. Of course I will be there."

"Well, I will definitely come then." Eames said, putting the paper in his back pocket, giving Arthur his best smile. Arthur just rolled his eyes.

"Come on, let's take a walk around the gardens. It is a beautiful day out. We should enjoy it." Arthur said as he walked passed him and went out the back door. Eames just smiled and followed him out.

They ended up spending the next hour out there. Eames vented about work and Arthur just listened and told Eames not to worry about it. In return Arthur told Eames about his day and a new book he had finished. It was times like this that made Eames think he had known Arthur for his whole life. It seems so odd that he hasn't.

When Arthur couldn't handle the pain anymore, he took Eames back inside. Eames just followed him slowly up to his room. As Arthur walked in, he slowly pulled off his shirt and walked over to the bed. This was normal. Arthur did this every day while Eames was here. But Eames couldn't help but feel a little lightheaded as Arthur walked away from him. He just watched as his back muscles moved and how the scars on his back traveled down his back and disappeared into the back of Arthur's pants.

Eames wanted to know exactly how far those scars went.

"You coming?" Arthur asked. Eames looked up and saw that Arthur was just staring at him.

"Yes." Eames said quietly, walking towards the bed. He let out a small sigh as he set everything up. He had done this for the past four months. Today was no different. Eames could act normal. He was trained in it.

Eames calmed himself down for the time it took him to give Arthur his medicine. After that, things sort of went downhill.

"Eames? Are you okay?" Arthur asked, sitting up.

"Why were you so happy to see me that first day?" Eames blurted out before he could stop himself.

"What?" Arthur asked and Eames could have sworn that he saw some color on Arthur's cheeks.

"That first day. When you opened the door, you looked so happy to see me. But we have never met. I want to know why."

"Eames…"

"I want to know. Please." Arthur was silent for a bit.

"Because when I opened the door, I saw the man I have been crushing on for the past few months. A man who had no idea who I was. So I was a little bit happy that he was about to come into my bedroom." Eames just looked at him, meeting his eyes.

"Well then." Eames said, reaching forward to cup Arthur's face. This certainly changed things. Arthur closed his eyes as Eames ran his fingers over the scars on his face before moving down to the scars on his chest.

"Eames…" Arthur whispered. Eames couldn't hold back any longer. He lunged forward and crashed his lips to Arthur's, pushing him back against the bed. Arthur didn't respond at first. Eames assumed that it was shock. But after a few seconds, Arthur wrapped his arms around Eames' neck and pulled him closer.

Eames moved them a little bit so that they were fully on the bed and not hanging off. Eames did not want to take the chance of them falling off the bed. That tends to kill the mood a bit.

And that was the last thing that Eames wanted to happen.

Kissing Arthur was perfect. There were no other words to describe it. Arthur may have looked like a monster but his kisses nothing like that. They were soft and gentle, almost like he was afraid he might break Eames. Which, giving Arthur's appearance right now, he just might. Eames could feel Arthur's nails digging into his skin, and it hurt, but not enough for him to pull away. There was no way he was doing that.

After a few minutes Eames reluctantly pulled away for air and just looked down at Arthur. Arthur just smiled and ran his fingers over Eames' face. Eames then bent down and pressed a small kiss to the side of Arthur's face before trailing down, pressing small kisses along his neck before planting small kisses along the scars on Arthur's chest.

Eames smiled against Arthur's chest as Arthur wrapped his legs around Eames and yanked him back up to him by the hair to kiss him again. Eames had no complaints there. He could kiss Arthur forever if he could.

"Eames…" Arthur moaned after he pulled away again. Eames just smiled at him. In fact, Eames was about to make a wonderful suggestion of what they could move on to when they heard it.

"Uncle Arthur!" Arthur let out a small sigh at the sound of Philippa's voice echoing throughout the house. Eames could hear the footsteps coming closer and closer as she accelerated up the stairs.

"She's going to burst right in here." Arthur said quietly. Eames nodded and reluctantly pulled himself away from Arthur just in time. Philippa burst into Arthur's room carrying a new Barbie.

"Look what daddy got me!" She said, running over to the bed and shoving the Barbie in Arthur's face.

"Wow. That is wonderful." Eames glanced up when James came running in, looking a little bit out of breath, holding a small fire truck. "What do you have there, James?" Arthur asked.

"A fire truck." James replied as he crawled into bed and shoved the fire truck at Arthur. Eames just sat back and smiled. Good thing about kids is that they wouldn't really question why Eames was in bed with Arthur and how both of them were a bit red-faced.

"Why don't you both go downstairs? I will be down in a second. I need to finish discussing something with Mr. Eames here." The two children nodded and ran out of the room, leaving their newly bought toys behind.

"Well, that could have ended better." Eames said with a small laugh as he lay down on the bed. Arthur let out a small sigh and turned and looked down at him. Eames smiled when he saw Arthur's ears twitch a bit.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting them to run up here."

"It is quite alright Arthur. I think I need to get going anyways. I do have to work tomorrow." Arthur just smiled before he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Eames' lips.

"My papers are on the dresser, like always." He whispered against Eames' lips.

"Like always." Eames repeated back, pulling him down for another kiss. He intended for it to keep Arthur closer, but Arthur was already pulling away from him.

"I have to go to them."

"Right." Eames leaned up and ran his fingers along Arthur face before going up and touching Arthur's ears. Arthur gave him a small glare. "Sorry, had to do it once. In my opinion, they are quite adorable." Arthur shoved him a bit before hopping off the bed.

"I don't want to be adorable. I find that quite impossible when I look like a monster."

"Arthur…" Eames crawled off the bed and walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. "You are perfect."

"I don't feel perfect." Arthur whispered. Eames turned him around and made him look him straight in the eyes.

"Trust me on this." Eames smiled and leaned forward and pressed one last kiss on Arthur's lips. "See you tomorrow darling. Try not the think of me too much!"

"Just leave." Arthur said, a small smile gracing his beautiful face. Eames just smiled back as he left Arthur's room.

Eames had that smile stuck on his face for the whole drive home. Hell, for all he knew, he could have slept with that smile still stuck on his face.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed it. Next chapter things get a bit complicated, so enjoy the happy while you can. =)

And if I am lucky, I will have the next chapter up before New Years. Hopefully.