Oh look, an update on this one! Yah! Anyways, sorry, I have seriously not been feeling it lately and then I keep getting ideas for other stories and such and it is such a mess. But I will not forget about this, I promise.

And this chapter, like honestly, I don't even know sometimes. But anyways, I hope you enjoy it and like before I own nothing except for Gabriella. She is mine.

Chapter 9: Parties & Misunderstandings

After Eames had left, Arthur made sure he was presentable before he grabbed Philippa's Barbie and James' truck and slowly made his way to Dom's side of the house. He figured Dom would want to talk to him. He usually always did most days, even if it was about a burnt out light bulb. There was always something to discuss.

He found the children in their playroom, like they usually always were, unless they were running around the house like wild animals. Arthur always wondered if the school supplied them with extra energy right before letting them go because every day after school, the children had way more energy than they needed. He walked in and set the toys down. The children just smiled at him and quickly took the toys away and continued playing. Well, that was easy.

"There you are." Arthur looked over and saw Dom leaning against the doorframe. His face was neutral so Arthur couldn't really tell if what Dom's mood was.

"Yes. They left their toys in my room. I figured I should bring them back."

"Of course." Dom replied, staying silent for a bit. "They said Eames was there with you." Arthur turned fully to look at Dom.

"Yes. He was there. Like he is every day."

"They mentioned that he was IN bed with you." Arthur let out a small sigh and walked out of the room. He had known this was coming, but still, Dom made it seem like it was a bad thing.

"Your children came in at a very bad time Dom."

"Please tell me you were fully clothed." Dom said as he walked behind him. "I really don't want to explain that to my children this early."

"Of course. I can hear your children before they even enter the house." Honestly, what type of person does Dom think he is?

"So, what does this all mean Arthur?"

"What does what mean?" Arthur asked, turning around. Dom was so vague when he always wanted to know answers. He needed to learn that was not the way to get answers. Ever.

"You and Eames?"

"Does it have to mean something?" Arthur replied as he continued walking.

"It might in two months." Arthur stopped walking. Of course he would bring that up.

"Dom…don't bring this up…not now."

"He deserves to know Arthur. You can't just toy him along and expect everything to be fine after it happens." Arthur sighed.

"Look, I don't even know if there is anything between Eames and me, okay? We just kissed. That is it. If it develops into something more, then I will tell him."

"You better. He deserves to hear it from you." Dom replied shortly before walking back to where his kids were. Arthur just let out a small sigh. He had some thinking he needed to do.

The next day Arthur was nervous. Arthur was never nervous about things like this. Never.

He was happy to see Eames again. But he was afraid of how Eames would act. Would Eames regret kissing him and say it was all a mistake? Arthur would remain calm and cold if that was the case. If it wasn't, well, Arthur would act appropriately.

That being said, Arthur spent most of the day in his room trying not to think about Eames or anything that pertained to Eames or the curse. But usually something brought his attention back to Eames. Eames had been in his room countless times and everywhere he looked was a memory of Eames.

Arthur was pacing in his room when the door opened. He looked over and saw Eames walk in. Arthur paused and just looked at him, trying to get an idea of how this conversation was going to go.

Eames looked tired. His shirt was un-tucked and his hair was all messed up. He looked good when he shouldn't. You aren't supposed to look like a sex god when you are tired.

"Mr. Eames." Arthur said quietly. Eames looked up at him and smiled. Arthur felt his heart beat a bit faster. That stupid smile.

"Arthur." Arthur just stood where he was. He didn't want to be the first one to move. Eames looked like he didn't either, but he walked towards the bed and set the briefcase down.

As Arthur watched him set everything up he realized that Dom was right. If anything did happen between them, what would Eames do when Arthur died? He couldn't do that to Eames. He didn't want to be responsible for that kind of pain.

"Are you coming?" Arthur looked up and saw that Eames was ready for him. Arthur took a deep breath and walked over to the bed, removing his shirt. This all felt awkward, just like on the first day.

"How was your night?" Arthur asked.

"Pleasant." Eames replied, sticking the needle into his arm. The tension around them was as thick as fog. It just didn't feel right. This was not how they acted around each other.

"Oh. Um, about yesterday…"

"I don't regret it, Arthur, if that is what you are asking."

"You don't?" Arthur turned and looked at him. Eames just smiled at him.

"Of course not. I wouldn't have done it if I was going to regret it later on."

"I just, you know. I look like this and everything."

"Arthur. You are perfect just the way you are. I wouldn't change anything about you." Arthur raised an eyebrow in his direction. "Well, except for your nails." Arthur just laughed as Eames put everything away.

"You know, Dom and Ariadne won't be back till later."

"Really now?" Eames replied, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Yes. If you want, we can continue right where we left off yesterday." Eames laughed.

"You are quite smooth Mr. Callahan. It's no wonder you are so notorious around the office." Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Fine."

"I am kidding Arthur." Eames said, crawling up on the bed and crowding Arthur so that he was forced to lie down. "I would very much like to continue where we left off." Arthur just smiled and pulled him down for a kiss. "But." Eames said, pulling away.

"What now?"

"I am serious about your nails. Don't scratch too much. I don't want to have to try and explain that one."

"But you are a terrific liar Mr. Eames. I am sure you could come up with something. Maybe a dog attacked you." Arthur replied, smirking up at him.

"You are such a cheeky bastard." Eames said before bending down to kiss Arthur senseless.

Arthur turned and looked at Eames' sleeping form. He looked so much younger when he was sleeping, and almost like a completely different person. When awake, Eames always looked so confident and very in control. When he was asleep, Eames looked like a child and very vulnerable.

Arthur reached out and slowly placed his fingertips on Eames' lips. (His too good to be real lips, in Arthur's opinion) But, they were still amazing lips. Thank goodness Eames was a heavy sleeper otherwise this would look very weird.

Arthur glanced down at Eames' bare chest. Arthur about died when he found out that Eames had tattoos. And it wasn't just a few. It was a shit ton of tattoos. Normally Arthur would be put off by that, but Eames' tattoos seemed to add more character to him and suited him perfectly. So Arthur could easily look past it.

Arthur pulled his hand back and just looked at his fingernails. Eames had said they were the one thing he would change if he could. Arthur's fingernails were all bent up and crooked from them getting caught in everything they touched. But they were too thick to trim so he just left them the way they were. His arms looked like bear arms from all the hair that was on them. He felt like a monster.

So the small fact that this beautiful man was in his bed at the moment was still a complete shock to him. If people knew, they wouldn't believe it. Of course, if people knew, they would assume that Arthur had somehow forced Eames into his bed.

Arthur reached out again and ran his fingers through Eames' hair. This time, Eames stirred and looked up at Arthur. And he smiled. Arthur couldn't help but smile back as he bent down and pressed a small kiss to his lips.

"Hello." Eames whispered, voice gruffy from sleep.

"I'm glad you are still here." Arthur whispered, lying back down so that he was level with Eames again.

"Were you expecting me to leave?"

"Most people would. You just slept with a monster."

"I slept with Arthur Callahan." Eames said, running his fingers over Arthur's face. "And I don't regret it." Arthur smiled.

All he could think about was how he wanted to do this every day. He wanted to wake up to Eames' beautiful face every morning and go to sleep knowing that was the last thing he sees each night. He could see himself having a life with Eames. Forever. That was a new feeling.

And, Arthur thinks that he may even be in love with Eames.

"Is everything alright?" Arthur looks and sees Eames just staring at him.

"Yes. Of course." Arthur said, snuggling closer to him and letting Eames pull him closer and run his fingers over his ears. It was an odd feeling, but it felt nice that Eames was doing it. It was very comforting. And Arthur needed all the comfort he can get at the moment.

Arthur didn't love anyone. That was one of his rules. He used people for his own pleasure. That was what he had wanted from Eames. Eames was a conquest for him. That was the whole idea.

He didn't want these feelings. But then he did. He always knew he would fall in love someday. But not now. Not when he only had two months left to live.

Eames was the last person Arthur ever expected to fall for. He was everything Arthur wasn't. He was too good for Arthur. Arthur didn't deserve someone like him. Eames deserved someone amazing and someone who could give Eames everything he wanted. Arthur couldn't do that. Not now. Not like this.

He needed to talk to Dom and Ariadne about this, but he already knew what they would say. They would tell Arthur to tell Eames the truth and confess his feelings for him. He knew that was the right thing to do.

Arthur couldn't tell him now. That would be too awkward and just cheesy.

Ariadne's party.

Arthur would tell Eames then. And maybe, just maybe, Eames would feel the same way.

Arthur walked along the balcony that overlooked the ballroom that Ariadne and Robert's party was being held at. The party had started an hour ago and guests were still showing up.

Arthur had spent hours trying to fit himself into one of his suits. He figured he might as well look nice, even though no one would be seeing him. Well, that was a lie. Ariadne and Dom would see him.

And Eames. Eames would be seeing him too. That was the main reason for the suit.

Arthur had been rehearsing all day on what he was going to say to Eames. How he was going to lay it all out. All or nothing. If Eames refused him, well, Arthur only had two months left. He could die knowing that he tried to be happy. No one could say he didn't try.

"Arthur?" He turned around and saw Ariadne standing by the stairway. She looked beautiful. Her hair was curled and loose around her face and she was wearing a knee length lace white gown. She looked like a bride.

"You look beautiful." Arthur said as he walked towards her.

"You look quite dapper yourself." She replied, pulling him into a hug.

"My hair didn't cooperate, but, I guess that is normal." Ariadne pulled away and smiled. She reached up and ran her fingers over his face.

"You always say that you look like a monster, but I still see the same old you in there. You will always be the Arthur I know and love."

"Well, I am glad you think that."

"I'm not the only one." Ariadne leaned up and pressed a small kiss to his cheek. "Thank you for this. I really do appreciate it. Both Robert and I appreciate it."

"You know I would do anything for you." It was true. Arthur may not act like he would, but if she asked, he would.

"I know." She gave him one last smile before turning and making her way back down to the party.

"Wow." Arthur froze as he recognized that voice. He turned and saw Eames standing at the top of the staircase. And he looked perfect. He was in a well fitted black three piece suit. The only color accent was on his tie, which was red. Eames always had to add a little bit of flash when it came to his wardrobe. Eames didn't shave that day so he had a small bit of scruff, which Arthur loved. And his hair was left a little bit messy, just the way Arthur liked it. Arthur couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face.

"You look good."

"You look better." Eames replied, walking up to him. Arthur just laughed.

"I highly doubt that."

"I am being serious. You are the best dressed man here." Arthur just smiled as he reached over and grabbed Eames' hand.

"Eames, I have to tell you something." Eames looked like he was about to talk when his phone went off.

"Shit. Saito is here." Eames said, looking at his phone. "I have to go. We can talk later, alright?"

"Alright." Arthur said quietly. Eames just smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his lips before going back downstairs. Arthur just sighed.

Later. He would tell him later.

Arthur was about ready to kill someone. More specifically, Gabriella. She had shown up, and really, Arthur didn't know who invited her. But she was there. And once she spotted Eames, she didn't leave him out of her sight.

And what made Arthur even more upset was that Eames didn't really push her away. Arthur had kept his eye on Eames the entire time. Eames went and spoke with Ariadne and Dom. He even played with the children for a bit. But Saito and Gabriella found him and he hasn't left their side since.

Saito would occasionally leave, but Gabriella always stayed. People would come up to them and she would wrap her arm through his and just smile and laugh and Eames would laugh too. She would lean up and whisper something in his ear and he would smile and go along with it. From a bystander, they would look like a couple.

It made Arthur want to rip his hair out.

Eames had come here day after day telling him, no, complaining about how Gabriella made his life hell and how much he hated her and how much he regretted their one night stand. Yet here he was, flirting with her. This was Arthur's house and he was not going to stand for this.

He was about to go down there when some slow music started playing. He glanced around and saw couples slowly making their way to the dance floor. Ariadne and Robert were in the middle. He even saw Dom dancing with Philippa. James was, well, Arthur had no idea where he was, but he was probably safe with his grandfather Miles. But then he saw Gabriella dragging Eames onto the dance floor.

Eames looked like he was trying to refuse but he still danced with her. He pulled her close and seriously, they looked like a goddamn couple. Arthur was thinking about all the things that Eames could do to avoid her and to refuse her but he was doing nothing. He was dancing with Gabriella and smiling and being all friendly and enjoying it.

Eames knew how much Arthur hated Gabriella. So why on earth would he be all nice and flirty with her in Arthur's own house.

Arthur had had enough of this. He was going to have some words with Mr. Eames. He would have to choose, either Gabriella or him. He could not have both.

Arthur was about to the stairs when the music stopped. He glanced over and saw Gabriella lean up and kiss Eames. And it wasn't just a small peck either. It was a full blown kiss.

And Eames didn't even shove her off. Eames was kissing her back. The bastard.

Arthur saw red. He had had enough of being friendly for one night. He turned around and went straight for the lights and flipped them off, sending the ballroom into complete darkness besides the light from the moon reflecting through the windows. He heard some screams and everyone talking and wanting to know what happened. He then jumped over the balcony into the middle of the dance floor.

He was positive he may have even cracked the tile a bit. He heard everyone's gasps and screams as he surveyed the crowd. The moonlight hit him just right so that everyone could see him.

Arthur saw Ariadne and Robert looking at him and Ariadne just looked worried.

"The party is over. Please, get the hell out of my house." Arthur growled. But no one moved. Really. "Get out!" He shouted, loud enough that he was sure someone on the other side of the house would heard him.

"Arthur…" He turned abruptly and saw Eames walking towards him with Gabriella right behind him. Arthur walked forward and shoved Eames out of the way before he walked right up to Gabriella and glared down at her. She looked up at him in total fear and if Arthur could, he would bask in this moment but now was not the time. He could bask later.

"You, get the fuck out of my house. I never want you anywhere near my property ever again."

"Arthur…" Eames butted in but Arthur just growled at him. Eames took an immediate step back and Arthur saw a look of fear come across his face.

"Get out." Arthur hissed and Gabriella didn't say another word. She slowly backed away and left along with all the other people who were still standing about. Arthur turned and started walking away.

"Arthur…" Eames added again and Arthur turned and glared at him as well.

"That goes for you too. Get out." Arthur didn't wait for his answer. He wanted to get away from everyone and fast. He needed to get away before he really started hurting people.

But most of all, he just needed to be alone.

Sorry for the somewhat cliffhanger, but I needed the next part to be in Eames' POV so yeah. Anyways, I will try and update as soon as I can. =)