![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ few know his name in this community. he's gone by too many to count. eames is one of these few (three, peter thinks, now. a small, sweet, perfect little number. the next person who finds out, he's going to have to kill. just to keep it so.) it doesn't take much convincing on eames' part to get peter to agree. he's bored, looking for the next adventure, lounging on a beach somewhere nameless and hot, so really. what else is there to do that's any better than giving your heart a little rush of adrenaline? the thrill of the kill, as it might be.
peter sees him at the bar, a very blurred image having been all that was given to him and a cheerful little "you'll know him when you see him" before eames had clicked the line dead.
it's one of his "regular" locals in this part of town, the one that knows his favorite way to have a manhattan (a remnant from too long ago, a long ago peter likes to wave away into thin air whenever it creeps back up over his shoulders.) as he walks up, the bartender spies him, already setting to work on his drink as he takes a seat up beside the man, waiting for his drink. he smooths the lean, dark trousers over his legs ending in a pair of heels that look as though they should be impossible to walk in. his shirt is cut perfectly over a narrow silhouette, a material that shimmers like an oil slick in this particular lighting. ]
Have I kept you waiting long?
peter sees him at the bar, a very blurred image having been all that was given to him and a cheerful little "you'll know him when you see him" before eames had clicked the line dead.
it's one of his "regular" locals in this part of town, the one that knows his favorite way to have a manhattan (a remnant from too long ago, a long ago peter likes to wave away into thin air whenever it creeps back up over his shoulders.) as he walks up, the bartender spies him, already setting to work on his drink as he takes a seat up beside the man, waiting for his drink. he smooths the lean, dark trousers over his legs ending in a pair of heels that look as though they should be impossible to walk in. his shirt is cut perfectly over a narrow silhouette, a material that shimmers like an oil slick in this particular lighting. ]
Have I kept you waiting long?
[ Already in a fair state of undress, Arthur just tugs his pants down and off, kicking them away inelegantly. He does take a moment to watch Eames pull his shirt off, appreciating the view even if things aren't going in that direction. Because hey, he can do that now. Without the expectation that it's going to lead to them fucking.
He finds he likes this new facet immensely. Not because he tires of their sexual relationship—not at all, because despite his complaints otherwise, Eames is very good when he puts his mind to things. But more that this is something else for them both. The ability to be vulnerable without worry.
Stepping over to the bed, he folds the blankets down and slides under them on one side, sinking into the pillows. ]
Don't worry, you might've hit your head and scrambled some things, but this is real.
[ Arthur grins boyishly with the teasing; their banter has always been one of his favorite things. ]
He finds he likes this new facet immensely. Not because he tires of their sexual relationship—not at all, because despite his complaints otherwise, Eames is very good when he puts his mind to things. But more that this is something else for them both. The ability to be vulnerable without worry.
Stepping over to the bed, he folds the blankets down and slides under them on one side, sinking into the pillows. ]
Don't worry, you might've hit your head and scrambled some things, but this is real.
[ Arthur grins boyishly with the teasing; their banter has always been one of his favorite things. ]
[ Truthfully, he hadn't known what to expect. Eames had been their go-between and Arthur had been willing to let him handle it. For one, it was unusual for Eames to volunteer to do any kind of footwork. And two, he had a mountain of research to get through at the time.
The tall, slim figure had caught his eye when he'd come in, height alone marking him out. But he'd dutifully kept his gaze at a neutral limit. So it'd been surprising and unsurprising in turn when that stranger came over, all clean, lush lines and a soft click of well-made heels. Arthur doesn't stare but he does take Peter's appearance in, matching it to what he'd been described. Well. Eames had been right; he definitely liked him already. ]
No, not at all.
[ That was the truth. He'd gotten here early, a habit he'd never shaken. The bartender comes over then, sets a drink down in front of Peter. A manhattan, probably perfectly made, judging from the reputation of this place. And what's more, the regularity— Peter comes here often and he doesn't look the type to settle for mediocrity. ]
I suppose we can skip the pleasantries, unless you'd like them.
The tall, slim figure had caught his eye when he'd come in, height alone marking him out. But he'd dutifully kept his gaze at a neutral limit. So it'd been surprising and unsurprising in turn when that stranger came over, all clean, lush lines and a soft click of well-made heels. Arthur doesn't stare but he does take Peter's appearance in, matching it to what he'd been described. Well. Eames had been right; he definitely liked him already. ]
No, not at all.
[ That was the truth. He'd gotten here early, a habit he'd never shaken. The bartender comes over then, sets a drink down in front of Peter. A manhattan, probably perfectly made, judging from the reputation of this place. And what's more, the regularity— Peter comes here often and he doesn't look the type to settle for mediocrity. ]
I suppose we can skip the pleasantries, unless you'd like them.
Darling, I'm always here for pleasantries.
[ peter takes the glass gently and slides a tip over immediately to the bartender, cash, turning around to face arthur in his seat, though admiring his drink first before his gaze shifts to the man himself. there's a smile curling on the edges of his lips, something that reveals the softest peaking of slightly sharper teeth than usual, fitting of a man who (in whatever notes eames has on him) is referred to affectionately as "a fox in both figurative and literal senses."
arthur himself isn't hard on the eyes either, and peter quite enjoys the cut of his brow, the slope of his shoulders, the way he looks in such a perfectly tailored suit. you want to grab a man by the lapels of that kind of suit and pull him in a corner for something more than paltry chatter.
he takes a sip of his drink and then places it gently on the napkin beside his wrist. ]
No one says we can't enjoy ourselves with a touch of polite conversation. Though I do beg one favor of you, if you wouldn't mind leaning in closely.
[ peter takes the glass gently and slides a tip over immediately to the bartender, cash, turning around to face arthur in his seat, though admiring his drink first before his gaze shifts to the man himself. there's a smile curling on the edges of his lips, something that reveals the softest peaking of slightly sharper teeth than usual, fitting of a man who (in whatever notes eames has on him) is referred to affectionately as "a fox in both figurative and literal senses."
arthur himself isn't hard on the eyes either, and peter quite enjoys the cut of his brow, the slope of his shoulders, the way he looks in such a perfectly tailored suit. you want to grab a man by the lapels of that kind of suit and pull him in a corner for something more than paltry chatter.
he takes a sip of his drink and then places it gently on the napkin beside his wrist. ]
No one says we can't enjoy ourselves with a touch of polite conversation. Though I do beg one favor of you, if you wouldn't mind leaning in closely.
[ Here's the moment where it clicks or doesn't. Arthur believes wholeheartedly in first impressions, but not necessarily the "hello". It's in the space afterwards, when they've sized each other up. Like now, with the glint of sharp teeth, as though the internal traits have manifested into reality.
And yet, the placement of the napkin is dainty, a play at polite company. There's something under Peter's skin just like anyone in dreamshare worth their salt– a hunger, wrapped up in charming smiles and perfect tailoring. He's a spark, a lit match, and while Arthur's always been careful, all he wants to do it stick his hand straight in, nevermind the burns. Because then he'll know.
Tilting his head quizzically, he leans in with an air of wariness, the hem of his suit shifting across his thighs with the motion. ]
What kind of favor?
And yet, the placement of the napkin is dainty, a play at polite company. There's something under Peter's skin just like anyone in dreamshare worth their salt– a hunger, wrapped up in charming smiles and perfect tailoring. He's a spark, a lit match, and while Arthur's always been careful, all he wants to do it stick his hand straight in, nevermind the burns. Because then he'll know.
Tilting his head quizzically, he leans in with an air of wariness, the hem of his suit shifting across his thighs with the motion. ]
What kind of favor?
[ the wariness brings peter to smile just a little more, reaching over to glance fingers along the line of arthur's collared shirt. the touch acts as if to straighten a line that's bent out of shape, but it guides so that soft lips can just barely hover over the shell of arthur's ear. ]
I do hope that Mr. Eames has informed you that, for all intents and purposes, you will not call me by the name he's given you under any circumstances while we work with one another.
[ the touch strays, one perfectly manicured nail finding the line of arthur's throat and pressing softly.
"peter" is an incredibly common name, but he's spent two decades protecting it, and he won't let it slip now just because mr. eames has seen it fit to give it to one of his colleagues. ]
I do hope that Mr. Eames has informed you that, for all intents and purposes, you will not call me by the name he's given you under any circumstances while we work with one another.
[ the touch strays, one perfectly manicured nail finding the line of arthur's throat and pressing softly.
"peter" is an incredibly common name, but he's spent two decades protecting it, and he won't let it slip now just because mr. eames has seen it fit to give it to one of his colleagues. ]
[ At the touch to his collar, he stays perfectly still. It's not a flinch– he's trained himself out of it, after all, but it's as close to one as he'll get. The intimacy is needful right now, a useful guise in the middle of a public space. ]
Of course.
[ He's a professional first and foremost. Information is something he guards closely, keeps it like a second skin that he's unwilling to shed. So he can understand Peter, can understand driving a point home like the press of his nail to the soft part of his throat.
Voice low, he turns his head minutely, the motion of his mouth hidden by the line of Peter's jaw. ]
Who are you today?
Of course.
[ He's a professional first and foremost. Information is something he guards closely, keeps it like a second skin that he's unwilling to shed. So he can understand Peter, can understand driving a point home like the press of his nail to the soft part of his throat.
Voice low, he turns his head minutely, the motion of his mouth hidden by the line of Peter's jaw. ]
Who are you today?
[ arthur seems to get it right away, which is good because peter doesn't have time to suffer argumentative fools who want to laugh at their business. the little turn of his head is cute, hell, it's tempting to press his mouth right there to the rise of his cheek and leave a bright stain there on his skin. instead he presses his lips together and hums. ]
Morrigan.
[ the phantom queen. the flat of his finger smooths over the pulse in arthur's neck briefly, not an apology but like sealing a contract slowly over the line he's drawn, thin and red with the pressure of his nail. ]
For the remainder of our partnership. Just Morrigan.
Morrigan.
[ the phantom queen. the flat of his finger smooths over the pulse in arthur's neck briefly, not an apology but like sealing a contract slowly over the line he's drawn, thin and red with the pressure of his nail. ]
For the remainder of our partnership. Just Morrigan.
[ They're close enough that Peter– no, Morrigan– might be able to feel the curve of his smile. Brief, but amused at the choice. He isn't laughing at him, he likes the choice. It's fitting of this person, so sharp underneath his skin. ]
A goddess.
[ Maybe some would find it off-putting, the potential ego. But just like dreaming, there's always layers. He's using this alias because he wants to protect something important to him. Names have power, sometimes enough to ruin, especially in this industry where knowledge is key.
He can't really judge, either, because his moniker is Arthur, a name steeped in so much mythos it may as well be on the same level as Morrigan. What a funny pair they make.
Carefully, he pulls away, knows the tap of his finger is an agreement. A contract, without the blood or ink, but the promise of the former if it's broken. ]
I look forward to working with you, Morrigan. [ At that, he picks up his drink and tips the edge of the glass towards him, an air of honesty between them. ]
A goddess.
[ Maybe some would find it off-putting, the potential ego. But just like dreaming, there's always layers. He's using this alias because he wants to protect something important to him. Names have power, sometimes enough to ruin, especially in this industry where knowledge is key.
He can't really judge, either, because his moniker is Arthur, a name steeped in so much mythos it may as well be on the same level as Morrigan. What a funny pair they make.
Carefully, he pulls away, knows the tap of his finger is an agreement. A contract, without the blood or ink, but the promise of the former if it's broken. ]
I look forward to working with you, Morrigan. [ At that, he picks up his drink and tips the edge of the glass towards him, an air of honesty between them. ]
[ inspiration from a previous associate that peter doesn't find the need to go into. there's a quiet sense of binding here, the way arthur pulls away, how he reaches for his glass and tips it towards him. he's got a good face, boyish in its shape, in the play of his eyes. peter picks up his own drink and holds it out softly until the very rims of their glasses touch. ]
And I, you, Arthur.
[ he takes a sip of his drink, and when he pulls away there is a rich stain of color, but his lips look untarnished. ]
You certainly are much easier on the eyes than I'd thought you'd be. You're already full of surprises, looking as good as you do in that suit.
And I, you, Arthur.
[ he takes a sip of his drink, and when he pulls away there is a rich stain of color, but his lips look untarnished. ]
You certainly are much easier on the eyes than I'd thought you'd be. You're already full of surprises, looking as good as you do in that suit.
[ Morrigan picks up where he leaves off, the rims of their glasses clinking softly. After, he takes a sip of his drink, a mirrored image to the man sitting across from him.
At the comment, he raises an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile pulling his mouth up at the corner. ]
And you're different than what I expected. Not in a bad way, of course. [ He lets his gaze drop on purpose, this time really looking. His legs really do look great in those trousers; Arthur has half a mind to ask after his tailor to thank him. ]
Trial and error. [ It's taken him painstaking time to perfect his look. ] What do you say to taking this somewhere else?
[ Private, because job details were best given behind a closed door. ]
At the comment, he raises an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile pulling his mouth up at the corner. ]
And you're different than what I expected. Not in a bad way, of course. [ He lets his gaze drop on purpose, this time really looking. His legs really do look great in those trousers; Arthur has half a mind to ask after his tailor to thank him. ]
Trial and error. [ It's taken him painstaking time to perfect his look. ] What do you say to taking this somewhere else?
[ Private, because job details were best given behind a closed door. ]
[ peter lets arthur have his fill of a look, after all, it's only fair. and he's had less kind eyes on him before - if anything this sort of gaze is quite refreshing, and more than desired. he enjoys his drink with a little smile on his painted lips as he waits for arthur to decide what it is they'll do next.
and he certainly does. ]
I thought you'd never ask.
[ as though they've been here dallying for hours instead of simply minutes. there's a brightness in his eyes lighting up, like a cat that's spotted precisely what little shiny bauble it wants and is already preparing to go after it. he takes his napkin briefly and presses his mouth to it, leaving a bleeding red kiss on it before setting the glass down after and holding out his hand. ]
Take me away.
and he certainly does. ]
I thought you'd never ask.
[ as though they've been here dallying for hours instead of simply minutes. there's a brightness in his eyes lighting up, like a cat that's spotted precisely what little shiny bauble it wants and is already preparing to go after it. he takes his napkin briefly and presses his mouth to it, leaving a bleeding red kiss on it before setting the glass down after and holding out his hand. ]
Take me away.
[ And while they've only known each other for a few minutes, he gets the feeling this is going to work out well. Years in dreamshare have gotten him used to reading people. Or maybe he's always had it, even when he wanted to deny certain facts (like how he'd known he would work well with Eames in the beginning, despite the forger's aggravating attitude).
So he takes Morrigan's hand after sliding off the stool, other arm slanted in a "go ahead" gesture. ]
Ladies first.
[ Once they're properly out of the lounge, he might even offer an elbow, the two of them surely looking beautiful (and lethal) on the short walk to the hotel he has just for this occasion. ]
So he takes Morrigan's hand after sliding off the stool, other arm slanted in a "go ahead" gesture. ]
Ladies first.
[ Once they're properly out of the lounge, he might even offer an elbow, the two of them surely looking beautiful (and lethal) on the short walk to the hotel he has just for this occasion. ]
[ peter immediately smiles at the gesture, slipping away from the bar and waiting for arthur to come to his side. they walk arm in arm, an easy pace that looks like it's languid and meant for something more. he really couldn't ask for a better partner to put on that kind of a convincing show. it's clear to patrons around that they're likely not to be doing any sort of wholesome business in the confines of a room.
that's the best part of the game really. wide eyes or jealous ones, ones that can't help but peek over their magazines or periodicals.
peter leans in gently as they close in on the hotel, as if to place a kiss softly on his cheek. ]
Do you treat all your dates this nicely, Arthur?
that's the best part of the game really. wide eyes or jealous ones, ones that can't help but peek over their magazines or periodicals.
peter leans in gently as they close in on the hotel, as if to place a kiss softly on his cheek. ]
Do you treat all your dates this nicely, Arthur?
[ Naturally, he notices the stares. The people's eyes that linger or the ones that try hard to be indiscreet, gazes flicking up from their phones. Of course, he also knows what this looks like. Their pace isn't hurried, borders on sensual, like they have a lot of time on their hands. Or they're drawing something out, a slow simmer underneath the skin.
No one would assume business, only pleasure.
Morrigan's lips are nearly pressed to his cheek, the words a hum he feels more than hears. The corner of his mouth quirks up as they pass the doorman. ]
My mom raised me right.
[ Is that too personal a detail? Or just an answer to fill the space of "yes"? Up to the other to decide.
He reaches for the door then, holding it open for Morrigan before following and heading for the elevators. From there it's a quick trip, up twelve floors and down a hall, soft carpeting muffling their steps. Arthur keys open the hotel room, lets Morrigan in first; when the door shuts with a mechanically softened click, he doesn't drop the act, not really. It's the first time in a while he's felt this comfortable playing up the side that likes people. ]
Where'd you like to start?
No one would assume business, only pleasure.
Morrigan's lips are nearly pressed to his cheek, the words a hum he feels more than hears. The corner of his mouth quirks up as they pass the doorman. ]
My mom raised me right.
[ Is that too personal a detail? Or just an answer to fill the space of "yes"? Up to the other to decide.
He reaches for the door then, holding it open for Morrigan before following and heading for the elevators. From there it's a quick trip, up twelve floors and down a hall, soft carpeting muffling their steps. Arthur keys open the hotel room, lets Morrigan in first; when the door shuts with a mechanically softened click, he doesn't drop the act, not really. It's the first time in a while he's felt this comfortable playing up the side that likes people. ]
Where'd you like to start?
( Oh, but that smile. Eames would raze cities and burn down monuments to keep that smile on Arthur's face. He quickly forgoes being even the slightest bit demure and strips the rest of his clothes off, slipping into bed beside the other man. When he turns on his side to look at him, head pillowed against his arm, he's sure he has the stupidest look on his face.
But he doesn't try to hide it, not anymore. This is important. )
Do you know how lovely you look when you smile, Arthur?
( He lifts a hand, thumb tracing the outline of his bottom lip before his palm cups Arthur's jaw. It's gentle, and soft, and he feels a little exposed with it, but it has to be said. )
The first time I saw it I knew there'd never be anything prettier.
But he doesn't try to hide it, not anymore. This is important. )
Do you know how lovely you look when you smile, Arthur?
( He lifts a hand, thumb tracing the outline of his bottom lip before his palm cups Arthur's jaw. It's gentle, and soft, and he feels a little exposed with it, but it has to be said. )
The first time I saw it I knew there'd never be anything prettier.
[ peter enjoys the walk they take up the stairs, through the finer wings of the hotel and into a rather neat and intimate room. he makes himself comfortable here almost immediately, leaning down in one graceful arc to remove one heel and then the other. they dangle carelessly at their backs by his fingers as he makes his way slowly towards the bed and has a seat without much prompting.
this will do.
he glances at arthur and tilts his head. ]
Well, I suppose more than just the basics would be fair, don't you agree? Mr. Eames was kind enough to give me the gist of what we're dealing with - a wealthy heiress and her just newly attained surveillance corporation. They're hired by some of the most cagey, mean billionaires around these days.
[ his fingers drum lightly on the bed sheets as he lingers on the words. ]
Which means there's quite a lot there to gain access too if we obtain the right parameters from her. She's apparently quite the dealer in secrets.
this will do.
he glances at arthur and tilts his head. ]
Well, I suppose more than just the basics would be fair, don't you agree? Mr. Eames was kind enough to give me the gist of what we're dealing with - a wealthy heiress and her just newly attained surveillance corporation. They're hired by some of the most cagey, mean billionaires around these days.
[ his fingers drum lightly on the bed sheets as he lingers on the words. ]
Which means there's quite a lot there to gain access too if we obtain the right parameters from her. She's apparently quite the dealer in secrets.
[ It's odd, to have the bed dipping on the other side, without there being the expectation this will lead elsewhere. He's thought it before and he knows he'll keep circling back to it until he's used to it. And isn't that something on its own? That they could last for this to be a habit? It makes something warm bloom in his chest. ]
What?
[ Well, he has some idea. Arthur's always considered himself to be self-aware, knows the effect he has on people with his personality, with the way he dresses. Knows he looks particularly boyish and young when he smiles, so he does it rarely– youth was seen as inexperience, and that's the last thing he wants people to see in this field.
He leans into the touch though, head tilted just so, soaking up the warmth of Eames' palm, the softness of his regard. ]
You– you're such a sap, you know that, right?
[ But ok, maybe he's blushing. Because when has he ever been called lovely or pretty? He has half a mind to shove Eames out of the bed so he can deal with his embarrassment by sticking his head under a pillow. ]
What?
[ Well, he has some idea. Arthur's always considered himself to be self-aware, knows the effect he has on people with his personality, with the way he dresses. Knows he looks particularly boyish and young when he smiles, so he does it rarely– youth was seen as inexperience, and that's the last thing he wants people to see in this field.
He leans into the touch though, head tilted just so, soaking up the warmth of Eames' palm, the softness of his regard. ]
You– you're such a sap, you know that, right?
[ But ok, maybe he's blushing. Because when has he ever been called lovely or pretty? He has half a mind to shove Eames out of the bed so he can deal with his embarrassment by sticking his head under a pillow. ]
You don't know me.
[ He returns the smile, though less of a grin and more of a smirk. So what if he wouldn't swoon normally? Anything was possible.
In fact, thinking of Eames lifting heavier things and helping with housework, he feels like he actually could. It'd been a tease to a point, even if the forger doesn't quite believe him.
For a moment, he seems to consider the request, eyes dark on Eames' face, lips parted as though he wants to say something else. ]
Yeah, sure.
[ He returns the smile, though less of a grin and more of a smirk. So what if he wouldn't swoon normally? Anything was possible.
In fact, thinking of Eames lifting heavier things and helping with housework, he feels like he actually could. It'd been a tease to a point, even if the forger doesn't quite believe him.
For a moment, he seems to consider the request, eyes dark on Eames' face, lips parted as though he wants to say something else. ]
Yeah, sure.
[ It's a damn pleasing sight, seeing one of his cats lovingly drape along the table, perfectly at home with Arthur. Yusuf's cats are friendly, yes, but he's found over the years that animals are far better judges of people than the people themselves.
Plus, anyone who can appreciate how cute she is is good in Yusuf's eyes. ]
Well--Americans. [ Not that Eames is American, no, but he half shrugs again, more amused than anything, and tries not to be too warmed by the compliment. There's staying humble and then never receiving compliments at all, and Yusuf is falling between the two quite nicely. ]
I suppose, then, I should--ehm--apologize.
Plus, anyone who can appreciate how cute she is is good in Yusuf's eyes. ]
Well--Americans. [ Not that Eames is American, no, but he half shrugs again, more amused than anything, and tries not to be too warmed by the compliment. There's staying humble and then never receiving compliments at all, and Yusuf is falling between the two quite nicely. ]
I suppose, then, I should--ehm--apologize.
[ It was only a matter of time, he supposes, though there's a semi detached part of his mind that's surprised Arthur seems to find him attractive. He'd pegged Arthur for the type of guy to like a more muscled look, more inherently masculine, but those nails tell him otherwise. It's enough to spur him on, hair falling to curtain his face as he kisses down the other's chest. Arthur is impatient, needing, and Meliorn wants nothing more than to drag this out as long as possible because of this. ]
[ A wealthy heiress is an understatement. She's loaded and widowed, ambitiously building a security corporation that would cater to a specific clientele.
Arthur comes further into the room, taking a seat in the chair by the desk, one leg primly crossed over the other. ]
Yes, she's hired us on to do some snooping. Ms. Vicenzo is somewhat of a paranoid type, though she divulged she has reason to believe there's employees in her payroll that are leaking information. Namely, the ones in charge of keeping files on her clients.
[ It goes without saying that could be a complete disaster. ] Which means our directive is to figure out who. Moreover, she has a suspicion that someone on the outside is paying for the info to begin with, so this'll be a double pronged ousting.
Arthur comes further into the room, taking a seat in the chair by the desk, one leg primly crossed over the other. ]
Yes, she's hired us on to do some snooping. Ms. Vicenzo is somewhat of a paranoid type, though she divulged she has reason to believe there's employees in her payroll that are leaking information. Namely, the ones in charge of keeping files on her clients.
[ It goes without saying that could be a complete disaster. ] Which means our directive is to figure out who. Moreover, she has a suspicion that someone on the outside is paying for the info to begin with, so this'll be a double pronged ousting.
[ It's a bit of an odd angle to watch Meliorn from, but he tips his chin down anyway, gaze intent as the other works his way down his chest, the waves of his hair skimming across his skin. Arthur squirms under the contact, letting out a moan that's more of a content sigh. Taking it slow is– well, it's not what he usually does, but if this is what the fae wants, he'll allow it.
Reaching out, he traces the shell of Mel's ear, following the line of it to the scar on the one side of his face. His fingertips linger there, just on the crest of his cheekbone, memorizing the feel. ]
Reaching out, he traces the shell of Mel's ear, following the line of it to the scar on the one side of his face. His fingertips linger there, just on the crest of his cheekbone, memorizing the feel. ]
The day Eames admits he's more yankee is the day both of us quit our jobs.
[ Okay maybe not, but it would be like hell freezing over. While the forger likes to rag on his mother country, he's also immensely proud of England. Despite all of her transgressions. There's a reason he has a flat there; he would never keep a place somewhere he dislikes that intensely.
Glancing up from petting the cat, Arthur cocks his head to the side, curious to hear what Yusuf has to say. ]
For? [ Well, he has an idea of what. But he wants to hear it. ]
[ Okay maybe not, but it would be like hell freezing over. While the forger likes to rag on his mother country, he's also immensely proud of England. Despite all of her transgressions. There's a reason he has a flat there; he would never keep a place somewhere he dislikes that intensely.
Glancing up from petting the cat, Arthur cocks his head to the side, curious to hear what Yusuf has to say. ]
For? [ Well, he has an idea of what. But he wants to hear it. ]
I do.
( He's always been a helpless romantic, really. No amount of burying it deep has ever cured him of the reality. And something about Arthur brings that out in him. He wonders if the other man knows quite the effect he had, or quite how much of it he resuscitated.
But the thing between them is new, and delicate, and Eames may have gone about this all wrong but he wants to do it right now. He smiles a little, at the blushing, leans over to press his lips to Arthur's hot cheek before he settles back. The bed is soft, the sheets just the nice side of newly cool, and he can already feel himself losing the remainder of his tension. )
Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.
( He's always been a helpless romantic, really. No amount of burying it deep has ever cured him of the reality. And something about Arthur brings that out in him. He wonders if the other man knows quite the effect he had, or quite how much of it he resuscitated.
But the thing between them is new, and delicate, and Eames may have gone about this all wrong but he wants to do it right now. He smiles a little, at the blushing, leans over to press his lips to Arthur's hot cheek before he settles back. The bed is soft, the sheets just the nice side of newly cool, and he can already feel himself losing the remainder of his tension. )
Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.
Page 17 of 19