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[ The door behind Arthur opens and Eames steps out, sitting down on the stone step smoothly. He doesn't speak for a moment before he's plucking the cigarette from Arthur's fingertips and taking a drag with the slightest of smiles.

Handing it back. ] Something the matter?

[ Looking down at the cigarette in hand and watching as it slowly burns down, Arthur quietly sighs and rolls his shoulders. ] No, not really. [ Lifting the cigarette to his lips, he takes a deep pull from it and hands it over willingly this time, head dropping back as he blows out the smoke that carries off on the slight breeze. ] But that's the problem.

[ He can't quite drag his gaze away from Arthur long enough, still watching him from the corner of his eye. Something seems wrong with him, and the fact that Eames can't quite put his finger on it is worrying. He takes the smoke offered to him, inhaling deeply.

On his exhale there's just smoke and a rough voice. ] Do you want to talk about it?

[ He leans forward and rests his elbows to his knees, a hand held around his own wrist as they otherwise hang loosely, and he avoids looking at Eames, not sure what he might find there or what he might be putting on show. ]

There's not much to talk about. It just... I can't shake the feeling that something should be wrong. Something is always wrong. It hit me today like a ton of bricks and I'm not sure how to deal with it. [ He sighs and hangs his head, knows he isn't making much sense and feels stupid, but he can't help worrying that something's going to come along and ruin everything. ]

[ He listens quietly to the side, reaching inside his pocket when Arthur's cigarette burns down to the edge. He lights one up quickly, hands it over, and then shifts his entire body just slightly, looping an arm over the other man's shoulders. He tucks Arthur in tight against his body without asking, just holding on to him. ]

Darling, if anything did happen, I'd always be here. You know that, right? But you're allowed to be happy, Arthur. There's no unwritten rule in the universe that states you shouldn't

[ Arthur holds the newly lit cigarette absently, taking several long hits from it and feeling as the nicotine rushes through his veins, slightly disorientating as he's not smoked much for a while. He sits stiffly in Eames' arm, not really aware that he's being held, but when he registers it he shuffles closer along the step, laying his head on his shoulder. ]

I know. [ It's quiet, close to a whisper, and he closes his eyes, slides his own arm around Eames' back. ] I know. And I am. Happy, I mean. With you. But it's just there, hanging over me, and I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know? [ Unaware that he's even doing it, he tightens his hold and drapes the other arm over Eames' knee. ] The last time things felt this good were after we moved from New York to LA and then my mom got sick.

Oh sweetheart. [ Pressing a kiss to the top of his head and breathing in the scent of his shampoo, holding Arthur as close as he can. ] I'm sorry, Arthur. But there's nothing - nothing - that can take me away from you. I promise. I will be here, right here for you.

[ He automatically snuggles up closer to Eames' side, nuzzling his face against the side of his neck, and the smallest of smiles presses against warm skin. He sighs with relief, only now realising how much it's been bothering him. ] If anyone ever tries to come between us, I'll kill them myself.

[ He laughs out loud, a random and unexpected sound that startles him, and he groans at how stupid he's being. ] Fuck, why do you encourage me to be an idiot? Just because it happened once doesn't mean it's gonna happen again, and god help me, Eames, if I lost you...

Hey -. [ Taking Arthur's face in his hands, Eames strokes a thumb over his cheekbone, tilting him so their eyes can meet. ] You're not being an idiot, you're just frightened. That doesn't mean you should hide it from me, I'm supposed to help, so use me, mm?

You should've said before. I hate to think you've been worrying yourself sick. [ He leans in, ghosts a kiss over his forehead. ] You're not losing me, I don't care who the fuck thinks they can take me away from you, you're not. I will be here.