After Fischer and the complete joyride that was the inception job, Arthur decided a break from dreamshare would probably be the best idea. The team split ways; Ariadne to Paris, Cobb to his kids, Saito in Japan, Eames... well, he was somewhere. Maybe in Vegas, spending his money gambling. Arthur tries to keep tabs on him, but he's being magnanimous and giving Eames a head start.
So he's in Mombasa. Normally he wouldn't go to the same place as another person on the team, since that's asking for trouble, but he'd done a lot of legwork to make sure he couldn't be traced here direct. Several looped flights, switched passports, and reservations at different hotels should be enough to keep anyone off of him that may be looking.
It's working thus far and no one has stumbled into his web of alerts, so he's going to kick back and enjoy. He'd contacted Yusuf with a burner phone ahead of time, asking to see his set up again– there was something wonderful about the dream den, as much as it gave him the absolute chills.
Which is what brings him here, to Yusuf's doorstep, waiting for the chemist to answer. The sun is hot out today, beating down on the front stoop– Arthur's glad he wore exclusively linen, despite the wrinkling. Though if Yusuf doesn't answer soon he's going to open the iced tea in his bag and not share. ]
[ Yusuf had honestly expected the entire team to write him off. He's not used to actually being in the dream, after all, and that's ignoring the whole 'take cobb's whole share to fuck the team over' aspect of the mission.
He did feel bad - just a little - but it had all worked out in the end. Enough to soothe his conscious and work his way to forgetting the whole thing. The science was brilliant, the financial opportunity to grow and share and chase things he could never do was an opportunity he'll never forget, but the van driving and Cobb going off the rails? Not so much.
When he gets the phone call from Arthur, of all people, he agrees without really thinking about it. He was fairly certain Arthur hated him the most.
Americans are weird. ]
Arthur. Hello--come in.
[ The reason for his tardiness in opening the door is currently trying to make its way out of the small shop - one of his cats is desperately trying to be free of its home, and Yusuf doesn't even look down before gently moving his foot back, making enough room to widen the door. ]
I can't say I was expecting this. [ Despite the fact that Arthur had called ahead. He smiles sheepishly, removing his glasses and letting them hang around his neck. ]
Yusuf had sold them out to Cobb, hadn't told any of them about the repercussions of the sedative he'd put in the somnacin blend. And Arthur had taken that a little personally in the moment, because he was the damn point man, that kind of crap was his job. The smallest details were important on a job.
But then, he'd been busy with handling all the other shit that Dom involved himself in. That small bit– he'd meant to circle back around and question Yusuf on it, he had it noted down on his to do list– had nearly fucked them all over.
(So had the freight train. And Mal.
And the militarization).
Ok so the Fischer job had been a spectacular array of screw ups. He'd decided to come here as something like an olive branch. Because if there's one thing that pains Arthur more than anything, it's a waste of talent. Yusuf is talented, extremely so. His somnacin blends are top notch, creative, powerful. With a pang, he realizes the clarity reminds him of Mal in her peak. Professionalism runs in his blood, so he can't ignore someone like Yusuf.
He knows Eames will take a little longer coming around, so he may as well be the friendly face.
As the chemist opens the door, he stands and brushes himself off one-handed, nodding politely. ]
No judgment if you need to check a totem. [ Arthur breezes in, careful to watch for little paws of the very curious cat who'd stuck its head out before. ]
Trying to make a break for it, little guy? [ Safely inside, he leans to scratch behind the cat's ear; he's always been a little soft for animals. ]
[ Goodness. Here it is, actual proof that Arthur last-name-unknown is a human being and not a robot from those old scifi movies he used to watch by sneaking into the theatre when he was small and still living in India.
He's not entirely convinced the other isn't just toying with him, though. That's just Yusuf's cautious nature, even if Arthur is scratching one of his cats ears. ]
No totem needed, but I assume you're here for a reason?
[ It's bad to assume, sure, but Arthur never struck him as a chatty type. Not to someone like him, and--oh, he's just been awkwardly standing in front of him the whole time, hasn't he? With an apologetic smile, Yusuf quickly scoots over and gestures to the shopfront. Please, sit, pretend I know how to entertain people. ]
[ He spends a few more seconds scratching the cat, a small smile curling the end of his mouth. Yusuf looks a bit paranoid around the edges; his cat is lapping up the attention it feels it deserves.
Straightening, he follows the gesture to sit, my wanting to make the chemist any more nervous than he already has. In some way, it's nice to know he has this effect still. Eames never takes him completely seriously and Dom started ignoring any warning signs early. Sprawled in a chair, he automatically tilts it back onto two legs. There's not anyone here who'll kick them out from him for a laugh. ]
A couple reasons, really. I was curious about your dream den— and no, I don't have any plans on blowing it to the authorities.
[ He's been in this sort of crime long enough that some things just aren't worth it. If some people want to spend their money on living out their lives in dreams, that's on them. ]
Secondly, I know this might be shocking, I don't hold grudges. You're a talented chemist, Yusuf. I haven't had that kind of clarity with a somnacin mix in a while. Ideally, I'd like to keep you on as a supplier, if you're interested.
[ Yusuf isn't exactly a flightly person, but he sure as hell isn't one of the refined hitmen/military types. It helps and hinders -- he has an easier time talking to normal people, he feels, then maybe Arthur does (or that's another silly assumption), but he couldn't look around the room and find several ways to stab someone to death.
When he shuts his eyes for a fraction of a second longer than a blink, it's because he's trying to compose himself. Arthur is coming at him as a -- what, not friend, but as something, an acquaintance, and--
--there, right there. There it is. As soon as the subject shifts from him and to his work, it clicks. Yusuf's smile is his usual, humble but immensely proud, and he sits behind his desk. Old habit. ]
I would be more than honoured. [ With work from people like Arthur comes more money, and even with Dom's share, he's still wanting. The smile hasn't left, and his head sways to and fro for a brief second. ]
People are afraid to push the limits. I'm very glad you're not that type.
[ One of the downsides with the Fischer job is that he hadn't gotten to talk to everyone as much as he wanted. The person who'd gotten the most attention had been Ariadne– something he'd enjoyed, no doubt– mostly out of necessity. Cobb had fucked off to get Eames and that had left him in charge of making sure their architect knew what she was doing.
And then when Eames had come back with Cobb, it'd just been ideas and ideas and frustrating pulls of data. He hadn't spoken to Yusuf much aside from being a guinea pig for the different somnacin mixes. Well, it hadn't been much of "talk" and had been more of "here's a list of things that need adjustment for next time".
Yikes.
But there is one thing that sticks out and that's the fact that generally, Yusuf had been a positive personality. Good humor, low stress. Here he shows that in spades, smile wide and genuine, a little sing song lilt to his voice. It puts him at ease. ]
People are afraid of what they don't know. Though there is something to be said about caution.
[ The Cobbs are one giant warning sign. ]
At any rate, Dom is out of the field and I don't plan on retiring soon.
[ Basically, he fully expects his retirement to be death. ] Dreamshare people are a bit flighty, but I'd like to build a more permanent team. I've got a feeling it's about a year or so away from being less corporate.
[ The inevitable drop to average consumers. It doesn't bother him, since it just brings new territory, different jobs. ]
[ Ah, Dom. Yusuf looks up expectantly, and while his smile is there, he can't say it's one of good cheer. Relief is closer to it, and he nods. He's glad Dom is out of the field, from a survival stand point, yes, but also because it takes a very specific type of person to do what he did: a madman, or someone with nothing left to lose. Yusuf isn't a betting man, but he'd bank on it being a combination. ]
Less corporate means more competition. [ It's not a warning, merely a point in conversation. That's one thing he's not worried about in the least - Yusuf may be humble, but he's aware of how good he is. He's also aware of how many customers of his are loyal. ]
If I do agree -- [ they both know he probably will, it's too good to pass up for someone as much of a drive for curiosity ] --I'd have to ask for a few things. Simple, really, but you understand.
[ Yusuf's smile takes on a bit of an edge when Dom is mentioned and honestly, Arthur can't blame him. He's got his own set of issues with Dominick fucking Cobb and he plans to just ignore them until they're so far in the past it's dust and not open wounds. Right now they're fresh and he wants to set one thing absolutely straight: ]
You can speak your mind, I'm not gonna fly off the handle.
[ For all that he had a short temper with certain things on the inception job, it had really been the compound stress that drove him to snap. ]
A little healthy competition will be good for dreamshare. It's been in the hands of the ultra rich and the military for too long.
[ And just like any good American citizen, he hates a monopoly. ]
[ This is something he can do. Yusuf is not a businessman, no, he's not all sharp suits and accounting, but while he's humble he is aware that he's very good at what he does. If not, Arthur wouldn't seek him out.
Plus, if he wasn't used to this sort of stuff, how the hell would he have a dream den like this and have actually managed to keep it?/ ]
The majority of training and prepping, if I'm needed, will be done here. I'll take 20% plus cost, and should anything here or myself are somehow threatened, it will be your responsibility to deal with that.
[ It's fairly simple, and a pretty good deal from his standpoint, and the next moment is brought up with only a slight hesitation. ] If... you are interested in financing some actual compound research as well, I wouldn't turn you down.
[ While Yusuf lists his terms, Arthur is silent, listening intently. He tips his chair back onto all four legs, leaning in and head tilted. Everything listed so far is fair and while he could potentially haggle the percentage down, 20% for the talent the chemist is offering really isn't bad. Not to mention that most chemists, unless absolutely needed, tend to do their prep work remotely and have their stock couriered or picked up.
Mal, in her heyday, had gone into the field with them. She'd been a special case though, and it'd been the early days of dreamshare when things were being discovered every time they went under. In her infinite curiosity, she hadn't wanted to miss anything. ]
I'll take care of it. Might need to go over some security protocols with you, as a heads up.
[ The usual: where to go in case of emergency, setting up a safe house, getting that extra key made. Arthur knows he'll have to make some calls as well, out in for at least one alias to be forged for Yusuf, in the event a crisis happens. He won't be able to babysit completely while he's away, but he can make sure there's backups and that their bases are covered. ]
Hold onto that thought. I'm interested, but I'll put us through a trial run of a job or two first.
[ He's not hurting for money, not after that job. More he's curious how this partnership will go now that Dom Cobb isn't here to bungle it all. ]
[ There it is--Yusuf is officially back to being comfortable with Arthur, because he's finally made a joke. It's a sarcastic quip and technically not a joke despite his slight grin, but he figures sarcastic quips are pretty much all the rage in that little dream team.
He'd be hurt, honestly, if he didn't understand--his compound and his skills were essential to the team, even if his driving lead something to be desired. Can't win them all. ]
[ Yusuf makes the quip and Arthur has to laugh, because really. It's just the truth of the matter.
Inception had changed all of them. Not just from the difficulty of the task itself, which was honestly momentous in their little world. He knows he'll be hearing rumors through the grapevine that it'd been accomplished. Eventually, someone will figure out who was on the team. Arthur isn't exactly looking forward to fielding calls about it. ]
It was. Though I'd like to see how we operate without certain members of the team throwing up roadblocks.
[ He's sure it's going to go smoothly. But he's absolutely a man of facts and numbers and concrete proof. Arthur wants to be able to acknowledge it in real time, with his own eyes. ]
[ The smile is back, cautious, wary, weary, but good natured nonetheless. It had been an absolute mess from start to finish, but Yusuf wouldn't trade it for the world. He doesn't think any of them would.
That's the problem with this trade, this job -- be it physically in the dreams or balancing the correct compounds -- they're all addicted. Some more than others. ]
Can I ask you--it's a bit personal, but--would you ever stop?
[ He already knows the answer. As it is, he's moving around his storefront, disappearing for a brief moment only to poke his head back in. ] Tea?
[ He returns the smile, because they both went through that mess. Because he can look back on it now and think what a clusterfuck. There are still things he's sorting through, like his relationship with Dom after it all, but for the most part, he has positive feelings towards the job.
It taught him more than a few things, which is what he can always be down for. ]
No, I wouldn't. Maybe that makes me as bad as the people who dream full time, but– I'm pretty sure I'm in this for life.
[ It isn't a personal question he wants to avoid. Because while there are plenty in their career who do this for the money, it's never been about that for him. Arthur chases the possibilities, the creation, the adrenaline. Money is secondary. ]
Would you?
[ Stop, he means. Somehow he thinks Yusuf is in the same boat. ]
Shit, I forgot, I brought some. Iced, if that doesn't make me some kind of heathen here.
[ With that, he hooks the carafe of tea out of his bag, leaning to set it on the counter. Coming empty-handed would've chafed at him. Maybe it's a holdover from his mother, who never went to anyone's house without something to share. ]
A chance to create and a chance to learn? I've never turned anything down yet. [ He doesn't think he ever will. Yusuf's smile is back, pleasant, happy, pleased as he reappears from the backroom. ]
It does, but it's so hot here that at the moment it's something I'm willing to overlook.
[ Yes, he grew up in India and moved here of his own free will, but he thinks he can still complain all the same. ]
[ He's curious– jobs are jobs and some people have less scruples than others. Arthur doesn't have any moral high ground to stand on, he's a fucking criminal like everyone else in this business, but he has his own set of rules. Things he won't do or jobs he'll turn down flat out.
No judgment if Yusuf is willing to do what he isn't. Just if he wants insurance of safety when they're working together, that could prove an obstacle. ]
Magnanimous of you. Eames called me a bloody horrible American. Though I had just described southern sweet tea.
I maintain what some people would call a drug den.
[ He doesn't like the way it's phrased-ooh, that term, drug den, like he isn't extremely careful about health, but it gets the point across--Yusuf, too, isn't exactly the pinnacle of moral wellness. ]
Far be it to pry, but it seems if you said water was wet, Eames would suddenly insist it was dry.
More people would call it that, Yusuf, I hate to burst your bubble.
[ Anyone outside of dreamshare, that is. Those who wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a run of the mill chemist and someone who excels in their field. Someone who adds to it, like Yusuf does with his experimental mixes, his precise measurements. ]
At least they aren't calling it a drug nest, which would probably be worse.
[ A nest. Ugh. ]
How is that prying? You've just gotten to the foundation of 95% of our interactions. He goes out of his way to piss me off.
[ Yusuf blinks owlishly the moment Arthur points out the nature of his craft--yes, it's the truth, but no, he doesn't want to hear it--and before he can rebuke, Arthur moves on.
Well then. He'll take that tea and drink most of it, just for that assault to his career. ]
Unlike him or you, I like to at least pretend I'm polite.
[ He's grinning, though, and one of his cats leaps up on the table and right to Arthur, seemingly hellbent on shedding all over the other's neat linen. ]
[ As Yusuf downs the tea in lieu of a verbal response, Arthur forces down a grin. Seems like he didn't exactly want someone to acknowledge that yeah, it could be seen as a drug den. So unscrupulous and horrible and whatever other words people liked to attach to places like this. What matters though, is that he knows better. He wouldn't be here otherwise. ]
I've never pretended to be polite. [ He sees the cat aiming to jump, so he leans back and a moment later has a lap full of curious fur and whiskers. Undeterred by the natural bucketload of shedding, Arthur pets the cat from head to tail, a slow repeated motion. Eventually the cat settles, loafing with its feet tucked under and eyes closed into happy slits. ]
Eames makes an attempt but we both know he's a liar. You're more genuinely polite than at least 75% of the people we work with, honestly.
[ 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. ]
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. ]
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Date: 2018-04-30 05:59 am (UTC)After Fischer and the complete joyride that was the inception job, Arthur decided a break from dreamshare would probably be the best idea. The team split ways; Ariadne to Paris, Cobb to his kids, Saito in Japan, Eames... well, he was somewhere. Maybe in Vegas, spending his money gambling. Arthur tries to keep tabs on him, but he's being magnanimous and giving Eames a head start.
So he's in Mombasa. Normally he wouldn't go to the same place as another person on the team, since that's asking for trouble, but he'd done a lot of legwork to make sure he couldn't be traced here direct. Several looped flights, switched passports, and reservations at different hotels should be enough to keep anyone off of him that may be looking.
It's working thus far and no one has stumbled into his web of alerts, so he's going to kick back and enjoy. He'd contacted Yusuf with a burner phone ahead of time, asking to see his set up again– there was something wonderful about the dream den, as much as it gave him the absolute chills.
Which is what brings him here, to Yusuf's doorstep, waiting for the chemist to answer. The sun is hot out today, beating down on the front stoop– Arthur's glad he wore exclusively linen, despite the wrinkling. Though if Yusuf doesn't answer soon he's going to open the iced tea in his bag and not share. ]
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Date: 2018-05-21 05:25 pm (UTC)He did feel bad - just a little - but it had all worked out in the end. Enough to soothe his conscious and work his way to forgetting the whole thing. The science was brilliant, the financial opportunity to grow and share and chase things he could never do was an opportunity he'll never forget, but the van driving and Cobb going off the rails? Not so much.
When he gets the phone call from Arthur, of all people, he agrees without really thinking about it. He was fairly certain Arthur hated him the most.
Americans are weird. ]
Arthur. Hello--come in.
[ The reason for his tardiness in opening the door is currently trying to make its way out of the small shop - one of his cats is desperately trying to be free of its home, and Yusuf doesn't even look down before gently moving his foot back, making enough room to widen the door. ]
I can't say I was expecting this. [ Despite the fact that Arthur had called ahead. He smiles sheepishly, removing his glasses and letting them hang around his neck. ]
I thought it was a dream.
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Date: 2018-05-21 10:47 pm (UTC)Yusuf had sold them out to Cobb, hadn't told any of them about the repercussions of the sedative he'd put in the somnacin blend. And Arthur had taken that a little personally in the moment, because he was the damn point man, that kind of crap was his job. The smallest details were important on a job.
But then, he'd been busy with handling all the other shit that Dom involved himself in. That small bit– he'd meant to circle back around and question Yusuf on it, he had it noted down on his to do list– had nearly fucked them all over.
(So had the freight train. And Mal.
And the militarization).
Ok so the Fischer job had been a spectacular array of screw ups. He'd decided to come here as something like an olive branch. Because if there's one thing that pains Arthur more than anything, it's a waste of talent. Yusuf is talented, extremely so. His somnacin blends are top notch, creative, powerful. With a pang, he realizes the clarity reminds him of Mal in her peak. Professionalism runs in his blood, so he can't ignore someone like Yusuf.
He knows Eames will take a little longer coming around, so he may as well be the friendly face.
As the chemist opens the door, he stands and brushes himself off one-handed, nodding politely. ]
No judgment if you need to check a totem. [ Arthur breezes in, careful to watch for little paws of the very curious cat who'd stuck its head out before. ]
Trying to make a break for it, little guy? [ Safely inside, he leans to scratch behind the cat's ear; he's always been a little soft for animals. ]
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Date: 2018-05-29 06:53 pm (UTC)He's not entirely convinced the other isn't just toying with him, though. That's just Yusuf's cautious nature, even if Arthur is scratching one of his cats ears. ]
No totem needed, but I assume you're here for a reason?
[ It's bad to assume, sure, but Arthur never struck him as a chatty type. Not to someone like him, and--oh, he's just been awkwardly standing in front of him the whole time, hasn't he? With an apologetic smile, Yusuf quickly scoots over and gestures to the shopfront. Please, sit, pretend I know how to entertain people. ]
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Date: 2018-05-29 07:34 pm (UTC)Straightening, he follows the gesture to sit, my wanting to make the chemist any more nervous than he already has. In some way, it's nice to know he has this effect still. Eames never takes him completely seriously and Dom started ignoring any warning signs early. Sprawled in a chair, he automatically tilts it back onto two legs. There's not anyone here who'll kick them out from him for a laugh. ]
A couple reasons, really. I was curious about your dream den— and no, I don't have any plans on blowing it to the authorities.
[ He's been in this sort of crime long enough that some things just aren't worth it. If some people want to spend their money on living out their lives in dreams, that's on them. ]
Secondly, I know this might be shocking, I don't hold grudges. You're a talented chemist, Yusuf. I haven't had that kind of clarity with a somnacin mix in a while. Ideally, I'd like to keep you on as a supplier, if you're interested.
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Date: 2018-05-30 05:09 am (UTC)When he shuts his eyes for a fraction of a second longer than a blink, it's because he's trying to compose himself. Arthur is coming at him as a -- what, not friend, but as something, an acquaintance, and--
--there, right there. There it is. As soon as the subject shifts from him and to his work, it clicks. Yusuf's smile is his usual, humble but immensely proud, and he sits behind his desk. Old habit. ]
I would be more than honoured. [ With work from people like Arthur comes more money, and even with Dom's share, he's still wanting. The smile hasn't left, and his head sways to and fro for a brief second. ]
People are afraid to push the limits. I'm very glad you're not that type.
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Date: 2018-05-30 05:45 am (UTC)And then when Eames had come back with Cobb, it'd just been ideas and ideas and frustrating pulls of data. He hadn't spoken to Yusuf much aside from being a guinea pig for the different somnacin mixes. Well, it hadn't been much of "talk" and had been more of "here's a list of things that need adjustment for next time".
Yikes.
But there is one thing that sticks out and that's the fact that generally, Yusuf had been a positive personality. Good humor, low stress. Here he shows that in spades, smile wide and genuine, a little sing song lilt to his voice. It puts him at ease. ]
People are afraid of what they don't know. Though there is something to be said about caution.
[ The Cobbs are one giant warning sign. ]
At any rate, Dom is out of the field and I don't plan on retiring soon.
[ Basically, he fully expects his retirement to be death. ] Dreamshare people are a bit flighty, but I'd like to build a more permanent team. I've got a feeling it's about a year or so away from being less corporate.
[ The inevitable drop to average consumers. It doesn't bother him, since it just brings new territory, different jobs. ]
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Date: 2018-05-30 06:04 am (UTC)Less corporate means more competition. [ It's not a warning, merely a point in conversation. That's one thing he's not worried about in the least - Yusuf may be humble, but he's aware of how good he is. He's also aware of how many customers of his are loyal. ]
If I do agree -- [ they both know he probably will, it's too good to pass up for someone as much of a drive for curiosity ] --I'd have to ask for a few things. Simple, really, but you understand.
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Date: 2018-05-30 06:33 am (UTC)You can speak your mind, I'm not gonna fly off the handle.
[ For all that he had a short temper with certain things on the inception job, it had really been the compound stress that drove him to snap. ]
A little healthy competition will be good for dreamshare. It's been in the hands of the ultra rich and the military for too long.
[ And just like any good American citizen, he hates a monopoly. ]
Name your terms.
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Date: 2018-05-31 08:40 pm (UTC)Plus, if he wasn't used to this sort of stuff, how the hell would he have a dream den like this and have actually managed to keep it?/ ]
The majority of training and prepping, if I'm needed, will be done here. I'll take 20% plus cost, and should anything here or myself are somehow threatened, it will be your responsibility to deal with that.
[ It's fairly simple, and a pretty good deal from his standpoint, and the next moment is brought up with only a slight hesitation. ] If... you are interested in financing some actual compound research as well, I wouldn't turn you down.
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Date: 2018-05-31 09:00 pm (UTC)Mal, in her heyday, had gone into the field with them. She'd been a special case though, and it'd been the early days of dreamshare when things were being discovered every time they went under. In her infinite curiosity, she hadn't wanted to miss anything. ]
I'll take care of it. Might need to go over some security protocols with you, as a heads up.
[ The usual: where to go in case of emergency, setting up a safe house, getting that extra key made. Arthur knows he'll have to make some calls as well, out in for at least one alias to be forged for Yusuf, in the event a crisis happens. He won't be able to babysit completely while he's away, but he can make sure there's backups and that their bases are covered. ]
Hold onto that thought. I'm interested, but I'll put us through a trial run of a job or two first.
[ He's not hurting for money, not after that job. More he's curious how this partnership will go now that Dom Cobb isn't here to bungle it all. ]
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Date: 2018-06-10 07:49 pm (UTC)[ There it is--Yusuf is officially back to being comfortable with Arthur, because he's finally made a joke. It's a sarcastic quip and technically not a joke despite his slight grin, but he figures sarcastic quips are pretty much all the rage in that little dream team.
He'd be hurt, honestly, if he didn't understand--his compound and his skills were essential to the team, even if his driving lead something to be desired. Can't win them all. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-06-16 05:17 am (UTC)Inception had changed all of them. Not just from the difficulty of the task itself, which was honestly momentous in their little world. He knows he'll be hearing rumors through the grapevine that it'd been accomplished. Eventually, someone will figure out who was on the team. Arthur isn't exactly looking forward to fielding calls about it. ]
It was. Though I'd like to see how we operate without certain members of the team throwing up roadblocks.
[ He's sure it's going to go smoothly. But he's absolutely a man of facts and numbers and concrete proof. Arthur wants to be able to acknowledge it in real time, with his own eyes. ]
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Date: 2018-06-27 11:17 pm (UTC)[ The smile is back, cautious, wary, weary, but good natured nonetheless. It had been an absolute mess from start to finish, but Yusuf wouldn't trade it for the world. He doesn't think any of them would.
That's the problem with this trade, this job -- be it physically in the dreams or balancing the correct compounds -- they're all addicted. Some more than others. ]
Can I ask you--it's a bit personal, but--would you ever stop?
[ He already knows the answer. As it is, he's moving around his storefront, disappearing for a brief moment only to poke his head back in. ] Tea?
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Date: 2018-07-01 04:40 am (UTC)[ He returns the smile, because they both went through that mess. Because he can look back on it now and think what a clusterfuck. There are still things he's sorting through, like his relationship with Dom after it all, but for the most part, he has positive feelings towards the job.
It taught him more than a few things, which is what he can always be down for. ]
No, I wouldn't. Maybe that makes me as bad as the people who dream full time, but– I'm pretty sure I'm in this for life.
[ It isn't a personal question he wants to avoid. Because while there are plenty in their career who do this for the money, it's never been about that for him. Arthur chases the possibilities, the creation, the adrenaline. Money is secondary. ]
Would you?
[ Stop, he means. Somehow he thinks Yusuf is in the same boat. ]
Shit, I forgot, I brought some. Iced, if that doesn't make me some kind of heathen here.
[ With that, he hooks the carafe of tea out of his bag, leaning to set it on the counter. Coming empty-handed would've chafed at him. Maybe it's a holdover from his mother, who never went to anyone's house without something to share. ]
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Date: 2018-07-03 07:44 pm (UTC)It does, but it's so hot here that at the moment it's something I'm willing to overlook.
[ Yes, he grew up in India and moved here of his own free will, but he thinks he can still complain all the same. ]
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Date: 2018-07-06 07:32 am (UTC)[ He's curious– jobs are jobs and some people have less scruples than others. Arthur doesn't have any moral high ground to stand on, he's a fucking criminal like everyone else in this business, but he has his own set of rules. Things he won't do or jobs he'll turn down flat out.
No judgment if Yusuf is willing to do what he isn't. Just if he wants insurance of safety when they're working together, that could prove an obstacle. ]
Magnanimous of you. Eames called me a bloody horrible American. Though I had just described southern sweet tea.
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Date: 2018-07-08 01:38 am (UTC)[ He doesn't like the way it's phrased-ooh, that term, drug den, like he isn't extremely careful about health, but it gets the point across--Yusuf, too, isn't exactly the pinnacle of moral wellness. ]
Far be it to pry, but it seems if you said water was wet, Eames would suddenly insist it was dry.
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Date: 2018-07-08 03:10 am (UTC)[ Anyone outside of dreamshare, that is. Those who wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a run of the mill chemist and someone who excels in their field. Someone who adds to it, like Yusuf does with his experimental mixes, his precise measurements. ]
At least they aren't calling it a drug nest, which would probably be worse.
[ A nest. Ugh. ]
How is that prying? You've just gotten to the foundation of 95% of our interactions. He goes out of his way to piss me off.
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Date: 2018-07-08 07:46 pm (UTC)Well then. He'll take that tea and drink most of it, just for that assault to his career. ]
Unlike him or you, I like to at least pretend I'm polite.
[ He's grinning, though, and one of his cats leaps up on the table and right to Arthur, seemingly hellbent on shedding all over the other's neat linen. ]
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Date: 2018-07-08 07:57 pm (UTC)I've never pretended to be polite. [ He sees the cat aiming to jump, so he leans back and a moment later has a lap full of curious fur and whiskers. Undeterred by the natural bucketload of shedding, Arthur pets the cat from head to tail, a slow repeated motion. Eventually the cat settles, loafing with its feet tucked under and eyes closed into happy slits. ]
Eames makes an attempt but we both know he's a liar. You're more genuinely polite than at least 75% of the people we work with, honestly.
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Date: 2018-09-01 07:30 pm (UTC)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.
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Date: 2018-09-22 02:33 am (UTC)[ 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. ]