I Can't Escape This Now (2/4)

[darlinghoots]

Arthur walked through the cemetery the same way he always did. He usually tried to not come here too often, otherwise it would just get too depressing. But he made sure he came at least once a year. He felt that he owed it to them.

He walked up to the silver stone and knelt down on the ground, setting the flowers he had brought down on the ground. He looked up and took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry Dom. I was a horrible friend after Eames got hurt. And then I just disappeared after he died. But I couldn’t come see you. Not after what I had become. I was a coward and couldn’t deal with what I had done. I was afraid that you would judge me. I hope that you were able to forgive me for what I did to you.”

“He forgave you.” Arthur didn’t jump, but he was startled. He looked over and saw Eames leaning against the nearest tree. He was dressed in light clothes today with simple khaki pants and light blue shirt.

“You don’t know that. You are just saying that to make me feel better.” Arthur turned back and looked at the stone.

“I am telling you the truth Arthur. I was the one that came to him when he died, to help him pass on. He did. He understood what you were going through.”

“Eames…”

“He doesn’t know about the deal, he just thinks you went off on your own.” Arthur nodded.

“Right.”

“I also helped Philippa and James when they went.”

“They’re dead?” Arthur asked, standing up. That seemed so odd. Of course, time didn’t matter anymore. Arthur had lost track of time ages ago.

“Yep. Philippa was a mini Cobb, believe it or not. And James, his hair changed when he grew up. He was just like Mal. He even lived in Paris.”

“Wow.”

“I know.”

“And I missed being a part of their life.”

“Arthur…”

“There is nothing you can say that can make me feel better about myself. I abandoned them. All of them. Dom, the children. Hell even Ariadne was counting on me to help her get jobs. I just left them all and nothing can change that.”

“What would you have done differently?” Eames asked, moving closer.

“Nothing.” Arthur whispered. “I don’t regret what I did, but that doesn’t mean I can’t feel a bit guilty about it.”

“Well then.” Eames said as he wrapped an arm around Arthur, pulling him close. “Why don’t I buy you some lunch, yeah?” Arthur gave him a small smile and walked with him out of the cemetery.

“I know the perfect place.”

+++

Arthur walked into the best café in town. The main waitress, Deb, smiled at him. He gave her a small nod and made his way to his favorite booth. He sat down and watched as Eames walked in.

Eames of course had to smile at everybody and send their hearts a flutter. But Arthur didn’t really object, his heart was fluttering right now too. But Eames had always had that affect on him. It didn’t help that now since he was angel, he was even more beautiful than before.

Eames smiled at him as he sat down across from him.

“Nice place. Not what I was expecting from you.” Arthur smiled.

“Well, you see, Deb over there, sold her soul to get this café up and running. So, of course, it is going to be the best damn café in the city.” Eames just laughed and boy did he miss Eames’ laugh.

“She looked like such a nice lady.” Eames said as Deb walked over. Arthur’s smile fell a bit.

“What can I get you two?” She asked with a smile.

“Um, I want my usual.” Arthur said, sliding the menu over.

“Alright, and for you sir?”

“Just hot tea would be nice.”

“Alright. I will have it out in a bit.” She said with another big smile before walking away.

“She really does seem like a nice lady.”

“Yeah. Such a shame she is going to Hell.”

“You know as well as I do that she can be saved, Arthur.’ Arthur just laughed.

“Not her. She was pretty much selling her body to try and get this place off the ground. You should have seen what she offered me first before her soul.”

“Does that mean she deserves to go to Hell?”

“No. But Eames, she may look nice, but she does have a record. One that is well hidden, but it is there. She is not as perfect as you think she is. Besides, he wants her and there is nothing you can do about it.”

“Alright.” Deb then made her way over, giving Arthur his cup of coffee and Eames his tea. “Thank you, love.” Eames replied. Deb gave Eames a big smile and walked away.

“Don’t flirt.” Arthur said sternly as he took a drink of his coffee. Eames had always done that when they were alive and it drove Arthur crazy. He knew that Eames flirted without even realizing it, it was in his personality. But other people didn’t know that.

“I wasn’t flirting. I haven’t been interested in anyone since you. You know that.”

“And you know the same goes for me as well.” Arthur added.

“Of course.” Arthur set his cup down. Eames didn’t sound very convinced.

“Eames. There hasn’t been anyone else.”

“I know Arthur.”

“You don’t sound convinced. Do you think I am lying?”

“Arthur, I have been watching you since I died, okay. I know that you havn’t fucked anyone else, but what about what you have been thinking Arthur? Have you thought about anyone else? Thoughts can be just as bad as actions.”

“I don’t want to fight Eames.” Arthur said, running a hand over his face. He was tired of this.

“I am just making a point.”

“No, you are assuming because of my job that I fuck around with everyone that I make a deal with. I haven’t. Sure I have thought people were attractive, and sure I get propositions from people, but that is it. I don’t do anything with them. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“That’s all I wanted. I just wanted the truth.”

“Well now you have it.” Arthur said as he leaned back in the booth. Eames always did this. Make him out to be the bad guy. Just then Arthur’s phone went off. It was M. What did he want? “Hello?”

“Arthur. We have a job for you.”

“A job?”

“Yes. A job. Also known as you last soul.” Arthur paused.

“Oh. Who is it?”

“You know the rules. I don’t do names until their souls are for sure his. But, it is at your crossing point so, get to it.”

“Right.” Arthur hung up and looked up at Eames.

“Job?”

“Yes. Last soul.” Eames just smiled.

“Well, duty calls.” Arthur reached over and grabbed Eames’ hand.

“After this, I am free.”

“I know.” Arthur nodded.

“See you soon.” Arthur added before getting up and leaving the café.

+++

Arthur walked up the road that he knew by heart. It was an abandoned country road that was long forgotten and couldn’t really be found, that is, unless you were looking for it.

Every demon in the business had a crossroads like this. They each had their own spot designated to them so when someone in their area summoned them, they could be there. It just made things much simpler.

As Arthur got a bit closer, he saw that it was a young man standing under the lamp.

How about that?

Arthur put on his devilish smile and walked towards the man.

“You called?” Arthur asked as he stepped into the light. The man jumped and turned and looked at him. Arthur was a little taken back. This man was gorgeous. He reminded Arthur of a young Eames. He had light brown hair, tan skin, bright blue eyes, and even had lips that were similar to Eames’ (although Eames’ were much better, but that was his opinion).

“Are you…” The man took a deep breath. “The demon?” Arthur chuckled. This town didn’t even know his name to actually summon him correctly. Thank goodness this was his last soul otherwise he would be very offended.

“I am. My name is Arthur. You have summoned me here so I hope you understand the risks of this request.”

“I do.”

“Good. Now that we have that out of the way, what is your problem?”

“My sister. She is deathly ill and my parents can’t afford to take her to the hospital. She is only five years old. She deserves to live her life.”

“Alright, so, you want her to live and have your soul taken, is that correct?”

“Um…” The man replied nervously. Arthur took a deep breath. Of course his last soul would be some idiot who doesn’t really know what he wants.

“Look, um, sorry, didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Will Matthews.” The man stuttered out.

“Ah, well, Will. Did you even know what this meeting would actually entail?”

“I just heard you could help.”

“Ah.” Arthur replied, smiling at him, letting his eyes turn black for just a second. Will jumped back. “I take souls, Will. That is my job.”

“What?”

“Yes. That is the price. In order to save something, you must give something in return.”

“But, I don’t want too.” Arthur rolled his eyes at that. Of course. No one really wants to sell their soul. Why would they?

“Look, I know, it sucks selling your soul, alright. I have been there, done that. But, you would be saving your sisters life. And with this type of deal, He decides when he wants you. I don’t have a say in it. You will know when the time comes.”

“Wait, you have done this before?” That was all he got from it.

“Yes. All demons were human once, you know.” The man looked at him again.

“I don’t want to go to Hell.”

“Of course you don’t. But, do you want your sister to die now, to not be able to experience all the wonderful and amazing things this world has to offer.”

“I want her too. I really do.”

“Then are you willing to sell your soul? Are you willing to give up something so precious to you in order to let her live?” The man was silent for a bit and Arthur was growing rather impatient. Of course his last soul couldn’t be an easy one.

“Who did you do it for?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your soul. Who did you sell your soul for?” Arthur knew he shouldn’t tell the man anything about him. It was against the rules. You weren’t supposed to make it personal. But this was his last soul so he didn’t really care.

“I sold my soul to save the man I love. But it turns out that he ended up dying anyways a few years later.”

“Oh.”

“There are always consequences with everything you do.”

“Was it worth it?”

“Yes. It was worth it.” The man was silent for a bit, and Arthur understood. This was a big deal and one had to really make sure they knew what they were asking for. Because once the deal was made, there was no going back.

“Alright then. I’ll do it.”

“You will sell your soul?”

“Yes, to save my sister.”

“Alright then. A deal is a deal.” Arthur then stuck out his hand. He didn’t do kisses like Eames’ did. It was an option, but he preferred to stay professional in all of this and just stick with a handshake. The man took a deep breath and stepped forward, grabbing Arthur by the hand.

Arthur smiled when the red light appeared around them, sealing the deal.

“You are free to go Will. Enjoy your new life.” Arthur said, turning to leave.

“Wait. So, what exactly happens now?” Arthur stopped and turned around.

“Now you go home and see that your sister is all better. And you forgot about tonight. He will come to you when he is ready for you.”

“But…”

“Just forget about it. Enjoy life while you can.” The man just nodded and ran off. Arthur just watched him run with a small smile on his face.
Part 3