Hi friends, I just came back from vacation, so I'm sorry about the wait on this chapter.

Thanks for the great response to the story, and I hope that you like this chapter! Thanks for the alerts/faves/reviews. Specifically thanks to Luckylily, iZzY LOV3s, Miss Caitie Jo, and LithiumGahan for reviewing.

Also, some interest has been expressed to do a story about the beginning of Eames and Ariadne's relationship, would you read it if I wrote it?

…Inception isn't mine.

Eames POV

"Wow Dad, you really messed that one up." Luke's voice rang out.

"Exactly how much of that did you hear Lucas?" I didn't bother reminding him that his mother had told him to go to the playroom with the full expectation that he would be there for awhile. Hell, I would have done the same thing when I was his age as soon as I heard the door slam.

"Just Mom yelling and then the door slamming." He said all too cheerfully.

Not even able to work up more than a cursory feeling of irritation, I looked at his seemingly innocent face and turned my gaze down to my other girl, my sweet Olivia.

Ari is fond of saying that Luke is a miniaturized version of me, in looks and personality; well our daughter is the picture of her mother. Even at 3, her hair was dark and wavy, skin translucent yet the happy glow of a healthy child present on her chubby cheeks, and damn if she wasn't giving me a look that I knew all too well from my other half. Lips pursed and eyes turned in a slightly accusing stare, almost as if she could see right through me.

I swear these children would be the death of me, and one that I would happily accept, "Try not to sound too happy about that darling. I have to do something to make it up so your Mum doesn't think that ole' Arthur is right. We wouldn't want that right?" I wasn't above manipulating my children if it meant that Ariadne would no longer be upset. However, things didn't always go according to my plan.

"Daddy, Mommy said be NICE!" Livy punctuated that with a wave of her hand that was something that she had picked up from my wife.

I rubbed my whisker roughened face against her soft cheek and had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of her sweet smile. "Okay Livy I solemnly swear to be nice, now let's think of plan so Mummy is no longer mad at us!"

Luke rolled his blue-grey eyes, "Us Dad? I think Mom is only mad at you and Uncle Arthur."

"Right, well I still need your help my darlings. Luke, take Livy, and go get your jackets please. I have something to clear up with dear Uncle Artie." I could see the beginnings of mutiny on their little faces as the slightest sneer was detected when I mentioned Arthur's name. "We have to go pick up a few things, but first I'm going to say sorry." My face took up the innocent air that did nothing to ever convince Ari that I was in the clear, but it still worked wonders with the kids.

"Remember, be nice Daddy." Or not, as Livy stared at me, censure clear in her gaze, yet mixed with love and adoration that had remained unknown until Ariadne entered my life. Only my little 3 year old would be able to tie me up with one look and specially placed pout. I could only shake my head, just like her mother, I thought to myself.

I shook out my arms so I wouldn't be tempted to strangle Arthur when I came in grabbing distance, no I was going to take a page out of Ari's book and put Daniel Eames, mature adult into effect. I smirked at the thought of being a mature adult, but I've always been a fantastic actor, best in the business.

I didn't bother knocking on the door to Arthur's office; I simply pushed the door open with slightly more force than necessary. How was I supposed to know that the door would hit the wall hard enough to dent the drywall and drive Arthur mad? Honestly, I hadn't a clue.

I didn't let the immediate protest sway me as I jumped in before he could work up a full head of steam, "Arthur, this has to stop. The kids are beginning to be affected, and furthermore I have been with Ariadne for 8 years. You had your chance and you completely blew it in a way that I won't bother recounting. That's the past, and now you need to back the fuck off and stop with the taunts on my wife and my family. Say whatever you want to me, but if you bring them into it again I swear I will knock you into next week. Understood?" I was forceful throughout, hands clenched so I wouldn't be tempted to do something that would make Ari madder, like punch him across his smug face.

Arthur looked like he wanted to say something besides the simple yes that I wanted to hear, however he thought better of it and acquiesced. With a shake of hands, I took my leave from his office, calling back over my shoulder, "If Ariadne asks, can you please tell her I took the kids on an errand?"

"Sure Eames, anything for you. Darling." Arthur's dulcet tones rang out.

I didn't even care at this point, "Thanks pet." I walked over to see that as old as my children sometimes acted, they still needed help putting on their jackets.

After that task was taken care of, we went out and bought my wife the clichéd gifts of chocolate and wine, but who am I to complain if they make her happy and by default me happy as well? One item was left on my mental list, "How about we go and pick out a scarf for Mummy?"

This was met with enthusiasm from both kids, as they loved to play with or rub their faces on Ari's scarves. They took simple pleasure in running their hands over the scarves once we stepped place in the shop that sold a variety of accessories, but most importantly, the scarves.

In the end, we picked out a purple scarf with silver threads that reminded me of one that she used to wear when we first got together. The scarf was boxed and in my pocket, as I scooped up Liv and grabbed Luke's hand as we begin our trek back to the warehouse.

"Dad can we come with you to give Mom the stuff?" Luke asked.

"Not this time love, I messed up, so I need to face the wrath of your mother, as scary as that might be." I shuddered a bit, as Ariadne could be frightening when she chose to.

I saw the children safely out of their coats and into their playroom, both content to play with the other. I took a deep breath and smoothed down my hair, even though I knew there wouldn't be a strand out of place. God, what an Arthur comment or mannerism, or both. Note to self: burn this habit from brain later.

I tapped lightly on the closed door of Ariadne's office, "Ari, it's me, will you please let me in?" I said with a cajoling tone in my voice. I played up the fact that Ariadne was affected by my voice when it was slightly deeper, like last night, even though she wouldn't admit it.

I couldn't hear anything, but I waited patiently, although one would think I was lacking in this quality, I was the epitome of the phrase 'patience is a virtue', another smirk grace my lips with that thought.

I shook my head, "Ari, please. I just want to say that I'm sorry, I was a complete jackass to Arthur and you. I want you to know that I sincerely apologized this time." Arthur wouldn't say anything about my little threat if he knew what's good for him, and like I said, Ari is frightening when she wants to be, so I don't think he will be butting in any time soon. "We kissed and made up like you wanted us to, and I truly wanted to put it behind us, as I have an example to set for the kids." As fun as Arthur is to needle, trust me, my wife brings fun to a whole new level. "I shouldn't have stooped so low, love, please forgive me?"

The door cracked open and I locked eyes with Ari's slightly remorseful ones. I couldn't say a word as she pulled me through the door that had been thrown open. I was unprepared as she launched herself into my arms, gripping me tightly about the middle. I didn't want to drop the wine or scarf box, so I was content to let her continue hugging me.

"I'm so sorry Danny. I don't know what the problem is," She trailed off looking slightly guilty.

"What is it Ari? You know you can barely keep a secret, it's always there, written on your face, clear as day. Whatever it is, we'll work through it together." I was still speaking in a soft tone designed to keep her hugging me.

She released me from the hug that had begun to feel a tad bit desperate. "I don't know how to say this Daniel," She again trailed off, this time nervousness replacing the guilt.

"Ar. It will be fine, just tell me love." I said pleadingly, for I hated when she was upset.

"Forgive the abruptness of this statement Daniel, but I'm pregnant again." She looked up at me, her beautiful brown eyes apprehensive, like she hadn't just made me the happiest man in the world, for a third time.

I picked her up and swung her into a hug, pressing my lips enthusiastically to hers. "I can't believe this Ari! Another one! I can't believe you didn't want to tell me."

"Well there's more, we're having twins." She paused, but I could feel myself falling. Falling?

"Oh my god Daniel!" She shrieked, unable to grab me before I hit the floor, the floor? "Arthur! Dom! Anyone! Come help!" Why was she calling everyone else in for help? Could it have anything to do with the fact that he was now staring up at the ceiling? Possibly, even probable.

I could hear the sound of feet pounding into the ground, followed by the inevitable laughter once they realized concern wasn't necessary.

"Eames what the hell did she say to make you take a dive?" Dom's curious voice rang out.

I was sitting with my ass firmly planted in a chair, reassuring both Luke and Livy that I didn't die, relishing in the fact that Ari was running her hands through my hair.

"Well boys, it's about to get crowded in here. Ari's pregnant, with twins." I took in Arthur and Dom's shocked faces at the announcement, and the shriek of excitement from Livy and Luke. "Babies!"

I had the last laugh as Arthur made his way fall down to the floor, much less gracefully than mine, I assure you.

"I love you Ari, so much." I said after the news had settled with everyone and we were left alone. I brushed my lips over hers. "You don't even know how happy you make me, and this just about sent me over the moon."

"I love you too Daniel, so much." Ari's sweet voice rang in my ear, the two of us content to bask in the moment our love had created.

...…

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