Disclaimer: I don't own anything except some things.

Hi! I quite enjoyed writing this chapter so I hope you all enjoy reading it. Thank you so much to the readers and reviewers! This one is unbeta'd again so I am so sorry for all the mistakes.

Neverlandspirit: Oh, thank you! I'm glad you did, I enjoyed writing this chapter, too. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kamarooka: Ooh, same! But I'd like to be more like Bobbi Morse, hehe. Or Kitty Pryde. Skye. Carol Danvers. Kamala Khan. So many to choose from! Maybe Oh my, thank you! That really made me happy, still does, haha. Thanks! I hope I did Eames good, he's my favorite character. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
JuseaPeterson: These next two weeks will be short but...eh, almost vacation! Same! That one started writing on it's own and I absolutely love it! Tara was just a filler (a long one), but that's the last we'll see of her, haha. I'm glad you liked those, I was quite proud of them, haha. I think I showed friendship all around here, but that's just my opinion. More of Eames/Arthur and Ari/Val. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
D.B.: Wooh, it's almost there! Wait for the chapter that is based on BMAS's experience!

Step Sixteen: Phobia – Mombasa, Kenya

A month after Berkshire (April)

"I haven't heard from Yusuf in a while," Ariadne says as she pops candy in her mouth. "The last time we did was when we went to Japan. Do you think he's okay?"

"He's fine," Arthur replies. He's right next to her, sorting out his e-mail. Ariadne sneaks a peak, trying to see why he's so popular. During the past three weeks, his phone has been ringing non-stop. "I've got a lot of job offers," he informs her. "A lot want you in, too. I've looked at them and there are a few that seem okay, we'll have to talk about them soon, if you're interested."

She nods. "No one's contacted me."

"Word has probably spread about our tandem," he answers, smiling.

She frowns. "Am I not capable enough to take the calls?"

He sighs and turns to her. "It isn't like that, Ari. But I think my reputation—"

"What reputation? Your reputation in this world is that you're a handsome, cold-hearted, workaholic!"

Arthur grabs her hands. "Look, listen to me. Don't run away yet." When she's finally look at him in the eyes, he begins to speak. "It may be true that I'm handsome, but I'm not cold-hearted or a workaholic. You, out of all people, should know that." She nods again, waiting for him to continue. "I think the reason they're contacting me is because they think I'm the more dominating one in the relationship. They think I have the say in it. And also, I have more contacts than you do. That time from Gomez? He said that he got your number from Eames after he heard about the inception."

"Because you didn't get to hide me."

"Yeah. And when they find out I was there…they assume I have your number." There's a small smile on his lips. "A third of my messages are job offers that also want your help. Those who don't know about us, I suppose. I've got a few that are just asking for you."

Ariadne's eyes widen. "Really?"

"Yeah," Arthur turns back to his laptop and clicks on one message, "have a look." The message is from someone named Tony. 'Arthur, I heard that the architect you and your team had is great. I may have a job soon and I'd like to see how good that architect is. A lady amateur during that job, I hear. If you'd so kindly give it to me, that would be great. Cheers.' Arthur shows her similar letters and her smile becomes wider with each message he shows. "This one has to be your decision. I won't give it away unless you want me to."

Ariadne throws her legs on his lap and lowers down the television. "Give me a run-through of these people."

Staying with Arthur in bed is one of Ariadne's favorite activities. He's still asleep, her head on his chest, and his left arm around her. His head is comfortably on the pillow and his other arm on his stomach. Ariadne snuggles deeper into him and he moans, tightening his hold on her.

"What time is it?" he murmurs.

"Early. Go back to sleep," she tells him. "Let's go watch a movie later tonight, hm?"

Arthur shifts and faces her, tilting her chin up with his index finger. Ariadne purrs and grabs a hold of his night shirt. "After the meeting with the client, I will take you to dinner and then we'll watch a movie. Are you okay with that?"

"Okay, but right now, we go back to sleep." She lays her head on his chest again. "The alarm's set for ten. It's only six-thirty, we've got tons of time to sleep." Yawning, she cups his left cheek with her right hand. "Five-o'clock shadow."

Arthur chuckles and caresses her legs. "Short cotton shorts and thin shirt."

"Don't, I'm sleepy," she says, closing her eyes and laying comfortably on him.

"You started it," he tells her as he strokes her hair. He leans forward and gives her a kiss on her temple. "Do you want to come with me to meet the client?"

"Is the client a woman?" She opens one eye.

"A young attractive man," he replies, chuckling.

"Tempting," she says, yawning. "Maybe. I don't want to wear a suit, though."

"Just something casual will do. He's looking for a wife, don't wear anything too sexy or revealing." He shifts a little and reaches for his totem, giving it a squeeze and then dropping it back down. Turning back to the lady beside him, he engulfs Ariadne in a hug, tucking her under his chin and sighing. "I'm still not use to waking up next to you."

"It's been a year now, Arthur," she says. "But, I'll admit that I still get butterflies in my stomach when I remember that we're together."

"Even when we're fighting?"

She nods. "You don't know how much I just want to jump and hug you when we do."

"I usually end up saying sorry first. You're a stubborn heard," Arthur teases. "So am I but you make me quite weak, if you must know."

"I make Arthur Brandon, the so-called heartless and cold-blooded Point Man, weak? Should I tell everyone in the business that they can't use you anymore when badass times come?"

Arthur places his hand on her hip. "You tell that," he says, slowly and quietly, "and there will be a night of slow and agonizing teasing. I promise you that, my dear."

Ariadne giggles and jerks away. "Okay, okay, I won't tell anyone. I already get that on regular days, you might make that worse."

The meeting with the client was eventful. Ariadne had decided not come, wanting to meet Arthur in the restaurant instead since she wanted to take a long bubble bath. When they meet, Ariadne smiles at him and he grins. Holding hands as they walk in, she asks how things went. Before Arthur could reply, they reach the front desk and the person behind it asks for their names. "Smithson," Arthur lies.

The man looks at his record before nodding. "Right this way." They are led to the side of the restaurant, near the window and are given the menus. Ariadne orders her usual pasta while Arthur orders steak. A bottle of red wine will be served, too.

"So, how was the meeting?" she asks again.

Arthur shrugs. "He said he'll call me if he still wants to pursue it. I don't think he actually does. He keeps saying 'my parents' over and over. He's the heir of the company and he's scared."

"Do you think it would've helped if I came along?"

Arthur shakes his head. "He's a nervous wreck. Seeing a beautiful woman in this job will probably just put down his ego and will say yes at a snap. He wouldn't even think about it. And frankly, he doesn't know what he's doing. He wants to find out the rival companies secrets and give it to his parents."

"Approval," Ariadne says.

Arthur nods. "I don't want him to go through with it. We'll have to use a sedative on him just to stop shaking. And this won't be an easy job. Client is a Harrington while our mark is Kingsley." The Harringtons and Kingsleys are big bank owners. Both have been around for a couple of decades and it's almost time for their respective children to take over. James Harrington, the client, is known worldwide for being a spoiled son, while their mark, Dennis Kingsley, is demure and charitable.

Ariadne scrunches her face. "I hope he says no. That's what's hard when you're an heir."

"And let that fantasy of yours go to waste?" She flushes when he mentions that. "When you're an heiress to a company and I get to be your bodyguard...the temptation. We should role play that."

"And Eames says you have no imagination."

"And let him know my deepest secrets?"

Ariadne laughs. "Oh, please. He's trustworthy!"

"Positive trust is not an adjective to describe Eames," Arthur says, but there's a smirk on his face. "At least when there's something I don't want to tell you."

"Is there something you don't want to tell me?" she raises her eyebrow.

Arthur shakes his head. "Not at the moment," he says, his smirk growing wider.

Before Ariadne can reply, their food is served and their conversation turned to Eames and Valeria, other prospective clients, the current possible client, past clients, Arthur losing his popularity in the business (to which he defends himself, saying that he's still getting job offers he just chooses them wisely), and some teammates. At a point, Arthur brings up a memory from when Ariadne was still in grad school and they end up talking about her old school.

Once they're done, Arthur pays the bill and they leave for the theatre. An action/thriller movie called Non-Stop starring Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore is showing and Ariadne love the lead actor. Arthur had pointed out that both leading actors look like her parents. During the scene wherein the people began to turn on Neeson's character, Ariadne had to clutch both of Arthur's hands to stop herself from having a fit. As the plane is dropping, she murmurs, "I hope no one dies anymore."

When they're out, Arthur holds out his arm and Ariadne hooks her arm around his. "Let's go for a walk," he suggests. She responds enthusiastically.

"Yes. Yes I understand." Arthur nods as Ariadne sits quietly by the bed. "I think we can do that. No...I apologize. We can do that. Yes, we're sure. Four to five. Sir, I have one team member who can have two jobs...no, he can fill two roles and rest assured he will be able to do both his jobs properly. Yes. We can meet with you soon. There is one member from Mombasa we'd have to visit. Persuade him. No, we are not running away. He's the best. If you want the best we get him, it may take time. It's that or no deal. I have no problem with what Mr. Harrington wants us to do. We don't have any problems, I'm sure. But you seem to have a problem with us. Let me talk to Mr. Harrington. He's our client, I want to know what he has to say. Why? I'd like to make sure that he knows who's at fault in breaking this deal. They are not the best team, Mr. Sullivan. We are. If you would know what we've done..."

Ariadne sighs and flops down on the bed. 'A Point Man talking like a salesman.'

Minutes later, after Arthur raises his voice a few more times, he finally lays down beside her and sighs. Ariadne rolls on top of him. "Is that a no?"

"Mr. Sullivan says no, let Mr. Harrington chew his head off."

"What's his role in his life?"

"Magi," he replies. "Not very smart."

Ariadne giggles. "And you were selling our team."

"I feel bad for James Harrington, he's scared. I'd rather he get a trustworthy team than someone who could just con him. This is Harrington versus Kingsley."

"So what'd you do?"

"I gave him contacts of other Extractors and Point Men that I'm pretty sure won't con him."

"You were talking about Yusuf a while ago, weren't you?" Arthur nods. "Why don't we just go and visit him? I've always wanted to visit Eames's getaway. I'm sure you know where he lives. I think we should crash there instead of going to a hotel. I don't have anything against them, but we've been spending a lot on hotels."

Arthur drums his fingers on the bed. "I don't mind. I'll give him a call. We'll tell him it's your idea, he's softer on you and surely he'll say yes right away."

The ride to Mombasa is a quiet one. Arthur, just before boarding, got a call from Mr. Harrington himself. James begged Arthur to do the job and would agree to any of the conditions. Arthur had promised to call him back once they reach their destination. Ariadne would rather that they talk about it together but she can tell that he's still pissed at the conversation that happened with Mr. Sullivan. Even though it would be their first job in a few months, they were both looking forward to spending a few more weeks together without having to worry about anything.

Arthur drums his fingers slowly. "Do you want to take the job?"

"It's an interesting one," she replies. "As risky as our Fischer job."

"And Cobol," Arthur mutters, "maybe some past jobs, too."

"We don't have to take it if it's too dangerous," Ariadne assures him.

Arthur nods. "We'll have to talk to Eames and Yusuf...and maybe Dom."

Eames' apartment in Mombasa is similar to his home in England. It's in a village not far from the city and it's a convenient place to live in with cheap restaurants and a small grocery store nearby. As compared to the apartment in Europe, which is filled with vines and plants along the walls, this one looks as if someone is actually taking care of it. And just like the other one, the room is on the tenth floor to the left with the curtains drawn slightly and the window closed. The inside is homey and airy. There may be a housekeeper as everything is in order. "Eames really knows how to pick places, huh," Ariadne murmurs. "Did he say which room we can use?" Arthur leads her to the guest room and they put down their bags to unpack. "Does Yusuf know that we're meeting him?"

"He does. I gave him a call a few days ago. We'll be having dinner with his family tomorrow evening. He insisted the day we arrived but I told him that we might be a little jet lagged." Ariadne opens her mouth to say something but he stops her. "I know I don't get jet lagged anymore and your brain works too much to be jet lagged, but I'd like to show you around first."

Ariadne smiles. "Isn't that really sweet of you?"

Much of Mombasa wasn't what Ariadne expected. Excuse her mindset but she didn't expect Africa to be so urban. Arthur brought her to a café that serves amazing coffee and the stroll around the market was just the right temperature. Everyone she passed by had bent their head and smiled to greet her, which she returned with a happy grin.

Arthur had bought her some antique necklaces and hand-woven scarves that they both chose. Ariadne paid for Arthur's silk neckties, choosing patterns that she simply couldn't resist. "Where would I wear those? And I don't think I have any suits that can match."

Ariadne, not taking her eyes off the piles of designs, shrugged. "I'm an architect, I can help you find ways, if you must know."

Their dinner was authentic chicken that Arthur had made Ariadne eat. "No chicken can compare."

"So how many times do you visit Eames?" she laughed.

Arthur rose an eyebrow. "Is that a joke?"

Ariadne smirked. "It better be."

"Have you called Mr. Harrington yet?" she asks.

Arthur sighs and picks up her legs from the couch and places it on his lap. "I'm still a bit conflicted. I've called him and said we'll set up a call conference after I talk to my colleagues. We'll be able to talk to Yusuf soon, maybe I can call Eames tomorrow morning. I'll call Dom right after and see what he thinks. I know Miles is visiting L.A. so the kids have their both grandparents with them. This won't take too long, I hope. Either way, it's Dom's choice."

Ariadne nods. "I think Dom's skills would be really helpful. I mean, Eames is great, too, but I guess I miss him."

"I do, too," he murmurs.

"Call him now," Ariadne says.

"What?" Arthur whips his head.

"You're too used to travelling that you forget the time difference of the world," Ariadne reminds him, poking his arm, "Eames is awake and so is Dom, at least in their time zones."

Arthur looks at his watch before chuckling. "I doubt it's the lack of jet lag that's making me forget. I think I just want you and I to go to bed early. What do you think?"

"First of all, I still think it is. And second, that's how I say I want to have sex."

Arthur laughs and tickles her hips. "I'll call them later…or make it tomorrow."

Ariadne laughs and tries to stay away from him. "Arthur, stop! Call them and we'll go to bed early!"

He places himself on top of her and kisses her cheek. "But I'll take a long time talking to Dom. There's persuasion to be done. Eames will take a short time, that's for sure."

"Persuasion?" she repeats. "I'll persuade you to call Dom now…" she places an open mouth kiss to her neck and murmurs, "and the guest bedroom will have to cover their ears."

Arthur sits up. "Wait here, let me get my phone."

As predicted, Arthur's talk with Eames only lasted for less than ten minutes. He explained that he'd be calling Dom as their Extractor but if he can't, would the Forger be willing to do it. Eames gladly accepted. Ariadne had a small chat with him, thanking him again for letting them use his getaway. Valeria was with him and they talked about their day. Arthur continued to sit patiently beside her until she finally returned the phone.

"Is it time to call Dom?" she asks hopefully once Arthur and Eames are done talking.

Arthur nods and presses Dom's number on speed dial. He lets the phone stay on speaker to allow Ariadne to listen better. Dom picks up on the fourth ring. "Arthur?" he greets.

"Hi, Dom," he replies. "Are you busy at the moment?"

"No. Can I help you with anything? How are you? And Ariadne?"

"I'm good, Ariadne's fine. We're still together if you're wondering."

Dom chuckles. "You still know me well." Although the Extractor never said it out loud and continued to keep a smiling face for them, he was only half approving of the relationship. During their job for Saito, he came to see the young Architect as a daughter or perhaps a sister. And having his best friend slash brother figure dating his young female family member…he'll be like any older male family member.

"How are the kids? Miles and Jacqueline?"

"The kids are well. James has a new habit of opening the front door without permission so we need to watch out for him. Philippa's first taekwondo game is also coming up. Miles is flying over here soon to watch."

Ariadne frowns and Arthur nods, his brows furrowing. "Oh."

"You sound disappointed," Dom notes. "Anything the matter?"

"This…recital…is it anytime soon?"

"Two weeks from now. Why? Do you want to watch? I'm sure she'll love it if her Uncle Arthur and Auntie Ari are here."

Ariadne nods enthusiastically. Arthur nods. "Yeah, we'd love to go."

"Great, I'll tell her next week just in case you can't come." There's a moment of silence before Dom starts again. "So, any reason why you called me?"

Arthur looks up at Ariadne and she nods. "There's a job offer by James Harrington. It's the usual corporate espionage but for two of the biggest banking companies. You're the best one there is. Are you in?"

Another silence is met. "And when will this start?"

"We haven't talked details yet, he's waiting for confirmation of the team."

"Oh." There's a pause and Dom's heavy breathing can be heard. "Call me again when there's a confirmation. I'll think about it."

Arthur nods. "Sure."

Ariadne moves forward. "Hi, Dom."

"Hi, Ariadne. How've you been?"

"Arthur's treating me well."

He chuckles. "Tell me if he isn't. I'll have Eames beat his ass."

Arthur shakes his head. "There's no need for that."

Dom scoffs. "I'll talk to you soon, Arthur."

Ariadne sighs as Arthur traces patterns on her shoulders with his finger. Both are staring into spaces, constantly kissing and sometimes chatting. "Do you know why I'm ichthyophobic?"

"Yes, but tell me anyway. I'm sure I missed some parts."

"We went on a vacation trip. There was this beach that we went to and I was so excited that I went and swam right away. Theo was on the other side while my parents were on the shore. There I was collecting seashells and I took one that I thought was a seashell. I found them pretty so I went to get the bunch of them. And…well…mother and father fish came with an army. It took me awhile to get away since they were circling around me. But I was able to leave and still with my seashells."

"Cute, little Ariadne in a swimsuit with her bucket of seashells." Arthur chuckles. "Remind me to talk to your mother when we go back to visit them."

Ariadne scrunches her face. "No. But, I am sure that you're afraid of something. I still don't know. Probably something…petty—for lack of a better word."

"I think you'll find out pretty soon."

"What does that mean?"

"When we visit Yusuf…he has a lot of them."

"Children?" Ariadne questions, and suddenly, she can't feel herself anymore. "Are you afraid of having children?"

"No!" Arthur immediately says. "No, no, no. Not children. Something…far…far worse."

Yusuf's house isn't what Ariadne's expecting. She imagined chemicals everywhere with his children and wife being careful and stepping away from everything while he worked. Instead, she's in front of a home.

"Ariadne, Arthur," Yusuf greets them warmly, "welcome, welcome." He introduces them to his wife, Marita, and his children, Gem and Sara. "Come in, come in. We've prepared some tea."

Ariadne excitedly follows suit. Arthur, however, stays put. When Ariadne notices, she turns around and lifts an eyebrow. "Arthur?" Arthur slowly follows her and soon, they're inside. Marita gives them their homemade tea and the adults immediately begin to chat. With Arthur's knee right beside hers, she can feel his tension.

There's a cat that arrives and purrs by Yusuf's knee. About two or three more arrive and one even comes next to Ariadne. Arthur clenches his fist. Ariadne begins to nod as she slowly realizes what's happening.

"So…um…Yusuf, I actually have something to tell you. If your wife doesn't mind," Arthur says.

"Is it a job offer? Marita doesn't mind."

Ariadne smiles.

Once they're back in the getaway, Ariadne wraps her arms around his neck. Arthur sighs and drops his head, forehead to forehead. "It was nice meeting him again. I'm glad he said yes. Now, will you tell me why?" she asks.

"There was a sort of…serial killer some time ago. In the neighborhood. I always believed they wouldn't get to me since Mom and Dad made sure to have two bodyguards with us. I was in a bad mood once," he sighs, "and I got away from them."

"So you've had skills since you were a baby. Why am I not surprised."

"I ran down an ally and just stayed there, glaring at the floor. It was getting dark when I finally decided that I should go home since I would be in so much trouble. So I stood up and was about to leave when this man steps in front of me, blocking my way. At first I thought I could just walk away but it became obvious he wouldn't let me go. I backed away. He had a knife." He shudders and clings onto the woman in front of him. "I fell and didn't know I hit a cat. It scratched my face…" Ariadne fingers the light scar by his face, "and I couldn't see. I didn't know if the man was coming for me or not, or if I would be stabbed. I've never felt so much fear in my life. Luckily, I was saved by my bodyguards. I never actually got away from them, they just didn't want me to know that I wasn't that skilled. They had to wait for the right moment to get him."

"So instead of becoming afraid of knives…"

"At least the knife still allowed me to see where the man was. The cat scratched me."

"Fear," she murmurs.

"Ailurophobia," he says.

"It's a good thing we're getting a dog then." She smiles.

He kisses her. "I'm glad we're getting a dog. Let me call Dom, okay? Then we can find something to watch on the telly." Ariadne nods and walks away without a rush, wanting to hear their conversation. On the way back here, Arthur called Mr. Harrington back and was able to get some details. "Hey, Dom, the job starts next month. Are you in?"

It's on speaker. "Giving me only one day? Typical Arthur. But yes, I have thought about it. And since it's next month…I'm in."

Sorry I cut that short, especially Yusuf's scene. I still do hope you enjoy it. And…I really don't know if I'll be able to update next week. I plan to because I've got the whole thing already planned, so hopefully. Apologies if I don't get to, though. And we're almost done, sad. But I've figured out what to do so I'm excited. Please leave a review! We're nearing the end so I want to know how people are taking it, haha. If you're still enjoying or not (I guess ending it would be a sort o good news for you, if ever).

That bodyguard fantasy is courtesy of my favorite story of AngeloftheMorning1978: Confessions of a Point Man.

Step Seventeen: Teammate – Berlin, Germany