[ When the message comes through, he just gives it a passing glance, confirming something he already knew. As well as something he hadn't quite expected. They were friendly– well, more than that, sometimes– but generally they held some pretense of boundaries.
In their line of work, it was easier to build walls. Safer.
But Dom is letting him waltz on in. He'd like to say he doesn't hesitate before he slides the keycard in, but he does. Once it's done though, there's no turning back. So he breezes in with his neutral nonchalance as usual, sets the bottle of gin on the small table that holds the complimentary coffee and tea packets. Two glasses sit, upside down and untouched. Arthur flips them both, uncaps the gin, and pours a generous measure in one, regular for the other. His day hasn't been nearly as shitty.
The first sip burns a little and he takes another as he hears Dom rattling around in the bathroom. ]
If you're going to make me drink alone, Cobb, I'm leaving.
[It’s been a long time since he’s done this with anyone. Longer still, with Arthur. They were friends first and they had their boundaries. Lines drawn to keep them safe.
He considers backing out. Sending a message telling Arthur that he’s changed his mind.
This will break down some of those walls. Exposure and vulnerability were a deterrent for something like this. He could already see all of Cobb’s weak points, could read him better than anyone else. But he needed it. The contact and distraction. Intimacy with another person who was real. That he could feel beneath his fingertips.
He turns the shower off and wraps a towel around his waist.]
Empty threats, Arthur?
[Cobb asks, as he closes the bathroom door behind him.]
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no subject
Date: 2018-07-21 02:19 am (UTC)In their line of work, it was easier to build walls. Safer.
But Dom is letting him waltz on in. He'd like to say he doesn't hesitate before he slides the keycard in, but he does. Once it's done though, there's no turning back. So he breezes in with his neutral nonchalance as usual, sets the bottle of gin on the small table that holds the complimentary coffee and tea packets. Two glasses sit, upside down and untouched. Arthur flips them both, uncaps the gin, and pours a generous measure in one, regular for the other. His day hasn't been nearly as shitty.
The first sip burns a little and he takes another as he hears Dom rattling around in the bathroom. ]
If you're going to make me drink alone, Cobb, I'm leaving.
[ Not really, but it's the thought that counts. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-07-21 02:21 pm (UTC)He considers backing out. Sending a message telling Arthur that he’s changed his mind.
This will break down some of those walls. Exposure and vulnerability were a deterrent for something like this. He could already see all of Cobb’s weak points, could read him better than anyone else. But he needed it. The contact and distraction. Intimacy with another person who was real. That he could feel beneath his fingertips.
He turns the shower off and wraps a towel around his waist.]
Empty threats, Arthur?
[Cobb asks, as he closes the bathroom door behind him.]