joshua williamson will be like "should i take this villain/hero arch nemesis duo with a famously homoerotic and obsessive dynamic and make them even more extraordinarily homoerotic and obsessive?" and then not even wait for an answer
joshua williamson will be like "should i take this villain/hero arch nemesis duo with a famously homoerotic and obsessive dynamic and make them even more extraordinarily homoerotic and obsessive?" and then not even wait for an answer
Inception is funny because the final heist is a wildly different experience for everyone involved.
Yusuf drives across town under gunfire and voluntarily drives off the edge of a bridge. He probably has a resting heart rate of 180 for the duration and it’s over in, say, 15 minutes.
Arthur finally gets to snap at his boss, something we get the sense he’s been wanting to do for a solid year now. He vents the rest of his frustrations on unsuspecting goons, then spends the rest of the heist quietly problem solving around his unconscious and therefore uncomplaining teammates. This is probably his preferred way of dealing with people.
Saito gets shot and dies an agonizing death for anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour. Instead of being allowed to peacefully suffer, he volunteers to lead his business rival on a mountain expedition that involves driving pitons into rock, then survives a free fall down the same mountain before holding off enemy fire with his dying breath. His reward for finally kicking the bucket is aging fifty fucking years.
Cobb literally goes through every stage of grief and dies twice. I mean he’s not my favourite but he’s certainly suffering for his art.
Ariadne is on the steepest learning curve of her life: by the end of this learning abroad experience, she’s a certified psychiatrist and also she’s shot someone.
Eames is going through every single one of his employable skills like an intern hoping to be promoted at the end of term. This includes hitting on two billionaires and firing a grenade launcher to impress a coworker. By far having the most fun.
Robert Fischer has been the CEO of a Fortune 500 company for a week. He’s been sedated, kidnapped, conned, betrayed, led mountain-climbing, shot, resuscitated, and resolves an adult life time worth of daddy issues in the time it takes to order coffee. Possibly fires his uncle when he lands for reasons he can’t explain even to himself.
Just thinking about how JL thought Lex Luthor kidnapped Superman, had him tie naked in a secret facilities to humilate him with kryptonite and want to examine Superman on lab, but then they all realise Clex is just doing some kinky bondage D/S scene or some medical/scientist fetish they both had.
Today I've been hit once again by the realization that, for all his charm and cockiness and flirtatiousness, Eames is actually kind of aloof.
He doesn't really interact much with his teammates unless it's necessary for the job itself, like to illustrate the steps they're going to take. But all that is actually rather impersonal.
(And that's part of what makes Eames so fascinating and yet so difficult to understand, for me at least, and it makes me wonder about his past, what might have happened to make him so distant.)
But then there's Arthur. Arthur is the exception to his usual behaviour. He's the one with whom Eames interacts the most casually with, even though the topic is always only the job. He actually throws out little comments to Arthur that have no other purpose but tease him a bit (speci-what?).
More than that, he actually seeks these little moments. He seeks Arthur's company just for the mere enjoyment of it. He stays around during Arthur's trials with the Somnacin even if it's not really necessary, and he finds a way to capture Arthur's attention while explaining Ariadne about the kick. And both times he smiles and chuckles genuinely! Which is actually bloody rare! And Arthur seems so used to it, he's kind of annoyed but never really gets angry at Eames. Also Eames genuinely cares about Arthur's opinion (though he tries to hide it as it would show too much vulnerability). It all speaks to me of deep, if reluctantly built, familiarity and trust between them.
And yes, we all talk, and rightly so, about their 'dream a little bigger darling' and security's gonna run you down hard' interactions. They show how much they care for each other, how much Eames is concerned about Arthur, adding to how different and important Arthur is to him. But it's in their smaller gestures that you can see the bond and history between them.
as described by @mister-eames you have to draw arthur being a sweet tooth and eames indulging it!! (Either that or eames stumbling across an Arthur who is covered with chocolate wrappers) Pretty pleaseeeee
ohgreatblackbunny replied to your post:scrollgirl replied to your post “Starkquill Fic:…
why would you do that? I just have so many peter and tony feels and you just gotta dump my in a pile of heartbreak. does peter ever find his star. because I want him to find it and hold it and never let go and i;m going to cry now look what you did
I like to think he finds Tony in time, and everything will be all right. But I honestly don’t know.
Carol does. Carol knows Earth better than Peter does, she knows Tony better than he does, much as he hates to admit it. As soon as they land on Earth, she’s off and all the rest of them can do is wait.
The sky looks like it’s on fire. And there’s no one walking the streets. No rubble, no debris - whatever happened here, the damage is elsewhere. But the smell of ozone is so thick that it burns the back of Peter’s throat.
Gamora and Angela want to go out and search for him. Rocket doesn’t say so, but as the second day drags on he gets twitchier, his tail bristly and quivering. He’s fondling his gun in a way that Peter has learned to be wary of.
Carol comes back on the third day. Her uniform is torn, and her face is bruised. There’s something grim in the back of her eyes, and her mouth is a thin line of cold determination.
She has Tony with her.
“Guardians, meet War Machine and Rescue.” She jerks her thumb at the two armor-clad soldiers that land behind her. Their armor is obviously inspired by Tony’s, likely built by the same hand. “They’re friends. No one shoot them.”
Tony is pale and painfully thin. His nose is broken, and his lip is split. His arm is broken and beneath the thin top he’s wearing - a prison tunic, Peter has worn enough to recognize one when he sees it - his chest and shoulder are obviously bandaged.
“You ass,” he says, and his throat is so tight it comes out as a whisper. But Tony hears him anyway.
“You weren’t supposed to get mixed up in this,” Tony says. He plants one hand on his hip but he’s shaking a little and looks like Peter could knock him over with one heavy exhale. “Damnit, Peter, I told you-”
He doesn’t get to finish. Peter wraps his arms around Tony’s waist and pulls him close, holds the man against his chest and just breathes for a long moment. Taking in the knowledge that Tony is alive. Safe. In his arms.
“I thought you were dead,” Peter says. He presses his cheek against Tony’s hair. “I thought you were dead and you didn’t call me for help.”
“He didn’t call anyone,” War Machine says, and even through the speakers he sounds irritated.
“I wanted you to stay out of it.” Tony covers Peter’s hands with his own. “I wanted you to have the chance to find that star.”
“Idiot.” Peter turns so he can kiss the shell of Tony’s ear. “I found it already, you jackass. I was trying to tell you that, you know. I just couldn’t find the words.” He can feel Tony’s heartbeat against his chest and he starts to shake. “I already found you. I just had to get you back.”
Just discovered Starkquill pairing, now I can't help but imagine them sliding along the planet with their gadget as a date and the planet glow behide them (with Milano in the background with Rocket maintaining the ship and annoy by the fact that Tony gets to go for a date but Rocket has to work).
Arthur/Eames: Eames is a manager of a private hotel (idk owned by Saito? Fisher?). It's an old English countryside stately manor home that's been changed into a privately owned hotel.
Arthur needs a place to stay over Christmas. He works for Saito or Fisher (who ever you choose) and they set him up at … idk Edgeriver Hall or something like that.
Eames is not all that happy, generally the Hall is closed over Christmas. But he ends up happily accepting Arthur over the holidays.
YEAH HE ACCEPTED ARTHUR OVER THE HOLIDAYS 😏😏😏
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“Uh….Robert...Bobby, love this is a bit of an inconvenience.”
Eames followed his friend and partner across the hotel lobby and as they did, Eames made a mental note of lobby flowers, he had to call the florist after the holidays.
“I know and I’m really sorry but I don’t really have much of a say in this. Saito and I are still on iffy terms since my dad died and I’m trying to prove myself and this client is big. If he didn’t stay here, he would have stayed in Tokyo and Saito would have another one up on me.”
“And I appreciate that, but there’s a skeleton crew here as is over the holidays. I was supposed to be going home only being contacted by emergency only.”
“Consider this an emergency.”
“Bobby...I’m a manager, I’m not a bloody bellhop.”
Robert sighed as he turned to face Eames.
“I know. I’m really, really sorry. Look he’ll be here for the Christmas week but we’ll be in meetings and I’ll be wooing him with dinners and shows and the like so he’ll be here as little as possible. I really, really need this and I need your help. Please.”
Eames sighed, hating the puppy dog eyes only Robert Fischer was capable of giving. They had been mates for years and even though their careers took them down different paths, they had somehow come across each other again. Eames ran a hotel that was famous for being picturesque and still luxurious; once a stately manor now turned into a hotel for the rich and powerful to take breathers. When Robert succeeded his father’s company, he discovered that Eames ran the hotel and they ended up merging their businesses. It gave Eames plenty of business and in turn, Robert’s clients and friends were more susceptible and relaxed. It worked out well for them over the years but now Robert was asking a big ask and Eames was none too happy about it.
“Fine. But you owe me big.”
“I’ll be sure your commission for this is big.”
“It’ll be a start.”
“How about a nice bottle of Scotch too?”
“That might be enough.”
Robert laughed as he walked side by side with Eames now as they approached the check in desk. Eames sighed again, now resigned to the fact that his holiday week of rest was now gone as he asked,
“So where are we keeping this big shot?”
“Edgeriver Hall?”
“Oh he is important.”
“I want to make him feel that way. It’ll just be you, him and the crew here so the least I can do is put him in the nicest room.”
“The staff leaves at night. So I guess I’m playing concierge as well?”
“He’s not demanding. I’m sure you’ll barely even see him.”
“For your sake, I hope so.”
The next day after the last guest of the afternoon checked out and the staff began filing out little by little, headed home for well deserved rest, Eames stayed at the front desk. He knew Robert would be there with their holiday guest soon and he wasn’t too happy about it but he had become more acceptable to it now. He knew this was good for business; both his and Robert’s, so he would suck it up and put on his business front and give the guest an excellent stay.
He heard Robert talking a few minutes later and Eames looked up from his paperwork and saw him and the guest coming in. Eames was suddenly a lot less upset about the guest staying there now...he was...cute. Well cute was an understatement. He looked about Robert’s age, the same babyface that was trying so desperately to look grown up. He was all length and finely tailored bespoke suit under a very refined Burberry trench coat. His eyes were the color of caramel flecked with amber, his lips a dusted pink cupid bow and when he accepted a pen that Eames handed him, Eames noticed the well manicured nails and tapered fingers. Oh he was stunning...so stunning Eames almost missed the start of the introduction. He stood up then as Robert continued.
“Arthur, this is Eames. He’s the manager here but since the staff is mostly gone for the holidays, he’ll be your go-to should you need anything. Eames, this is Arthur Cohen, our guest for the week. Would you be so kind and show him to Edgeriver Hall?”
“Of course.”
Eames picked up the key, already having it set aside for Arthur’s arrival and he went around the desk, ready to assist Arthur with any luggage he may have had but was surprised to see none, except a bag Arthur was holding.
“Traveling light, are we?”
Arthur smiled a bit, amused by the idea.
“No, the last bellhop took everything up already. Your staff is very good.”
“Glad to hear it. This way, please.”
Arthur followed Eames to his room, listening as Eames spoke of the history of the manor turned hotel and the importance of the room. Arthur nodded and said,
“You’ve been here a long time.”
“I have.”
“I’m sure I upset whatever holiday plans you may have had.”
“Honestly, they weren’t much to begin with. So it’s not the worse. But you, working through the holidays as well?”
Arthur shrugged a bit.
“I’m by myself. This company is all I have so what else was I going to do?”
“At least Robert will his do his best to not make it all work.”
Arthur nodded.
“And from what Robert tells me, you’ll be here more than the staff.”
“I will. Should you need anything.”
Once they arrived at the room Arthur was staying at, he opened the door and brought him inside before handing him the key. He showed him around and then said,
“I’ll be in the lobby should you need anything, so you can always ring for me.”
prompt: eames works as a gas station clerk, arthur comes in a few times and they flirt, one night at some ungodly hour, arthur comes in drunk and horny and eames has to put up the ‘back in 10 minutes’ sign as they go in the back and have a fuck
Ah sorry for the delay on this! I was really thinking on it.
I tweaked it just the tiniest bit, I hope you enjoy!
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Eames looked up when he heard the door chime, indicating a patron was coming in. He was pleased when he saw it was his regular, Arthur.
Every few days, Arthur came in. Almost like clockwork. It was usually on his way back from work, he’d stop and get a couple of bucks worth of gas and maybe a drink or a snack. Eames didn’t know who he pleased in this life or the past but he was deliriously happy to see Arthur every time. He was cute, so cute with a dimpled smile and an ass that looked great in his jeans. He usually had his work shirt on, untucked and hanging right above his waist. He did have a larger size that sometimes hung lower and Eames hated that shirt the most. Over the course of a year, Arthur had been coming in steadily and of course because Eames was usually the one who took the night shift, they had gotten to know each other a little bit.
It was still the first name, hey how are you, how was work, how’s your shift questions, but it was still a nice back and forth. Now and then there was a little more of an exchange, especially on slow nights and Arthur would pay for his gas and his drink or snack and then wave to Eames as he left.
That night, Arthur came in and looked exhausted and he walked around the shop for a moment as Eames watched him from the register. When he finally came to the till, he had an energy drink and he yawned as he said,
“Hey Eames. Ten on five.”
“Hey Arthur. Long night?”
Arthur nodded as he rubbed his eye and said,
“I feel like shit. I slept awfully last night.”
“Who was keeping you up?” Eames teased.
“Tallulah.”
For a moment, Eames felt crushed. A girl keeping Arthur up at night? Of course. As Eames felt sorry for himself, Arthur dug into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone as he scrolled through it for a moment and pulled up a picture, turning it to face Eames.
“Oh...she’s beautiful!”
Much to Eames’ relief, Tallulah was a baby golden retriever. She was looking up at the camera, very much showing she was a trouble maker. Arthur smiled and said,
“Yeah, she’s a good girl but last night she got spooked from the storm and she cried and wouldn’t be still...kept me up for a good part of the night. Now I’m exhausted and I still have to get home and take her out. Hence the drink.”
He gestured to the canned energy drink as Eames laughed a bit and rang Arthur up quickly.
“Well, I won’t keep you then. I’m sure she’d never forgive me for depriving her of time with you.”
Arthur smiled and took his drink.
“Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”
He waved as he left and Eames waved back as he sighed to himself. Once Arthur was back outside, Eames said,
“Not soon enough.”
It was Friday night, a few days later and Eames was settling in for another long boring night. He had already had a few customers, but not Arthur, at least not yet. He sat behind the counter, scrolling through his phone and waiting for the minutes to fall off the clock when he heard someone coming in. He hadn’t heard the arrivals of any cars so he was surprised when he looked up and saw Arthur coming in.
He was drunk. He was completely bombed, his footing slow and cautious but his face flush with color, his balance wobbly at best. He took a few steps, then stopped as he held onto a near by display case, knocking off a couple of rows of chips.
“Whoa…”
Eames got up and walked around to help him as he said,
“Arthur, are you drunk?”
“Who’s drunk?”
As soon as he spoke, there was a heavy scent of liquor rolling off him.
“Yeah you’re sauced to the gills...did you drive here?!”
Eames looked past him to the pumps where there was not a single soul and not a single vehicle.
“Nah...I wal..wa-walk...one foot in front of the other…”
“Where did you come from?”
“Up the street! Company party at the bar!”
“That’s a bit of a walk…”
“Nah! S’not so bad.”
Eames guided him to the side of the register and got him some water.
“Please have some.”
Arthur did, taking slow, careful sips but still spilling some down his shirt. He scoffed and tried to wipe the excess water off and Eames said,
“No one noticed you leave?”
“Mmm...nope!”
“And you came here?”
“Wanted to see you!”
“Me?”
“Mmm...listen...shhhh…”
Arthur lowered his voice as he looked around to make sure they were alone.
“I got a crush on you! I don’t even need gas half the time!”
He burst into a fit of giggles and Eames felt a little happy about it. He was sure that wasn’t how Arthur wanted to confess his feelings, but they were out now. Suddenly, Arthur stood up and threw his arms around him and said,
“I was havin drinks and all I could think was...damn I wanna see Eames. Maybe I can get laid.”
He leaned closer, briefly kissing Eames and Eames instantly came to his senses as he said,
“Oh...darling as flattering as this is, you’ll regret it in the morning.”
“Mm doubtful. I’m drunk and I still had enough sense to come straight here to see if you’ll get in my pants.”
He tried again and Eames weakened a little more before he pulled away once more and said,
“You’re not exactly in your right mind…”
“Ok so how about you just kiss me a whole bunch...then maybe you’ll change your mind.”
“I don’t have it in me to take advantage of you like that so I won’t change my mind.”
Arthur pouted.
“If you sobered up a bit, I’ll kiss you a whole bunch.”
That was incentive enough for Arthur and he immediately took another swig of water. He sat where Eames left him as another customer came in and he had another bottle of water, determined to sober up enough to make Eames kiss him. After about half an hour, Arthur said,
“I’m sober enough!”
Eames wasn’t sure but Arthur was still insisting after half an hour. So he decided, ten minutes wouldn’t be so bad and Arthur was a lot more sober than he was before. He ended up locking the store’s door and hanging up the ‘back in 10 minutes’ sign as he took Arthur to the back room, noticing he was a lot more steady on his feet.
“I’m not going to do anything else to you. But I will kiss you.”
Arthur looked delighted as he put his arms around him and said,
Arthur/Eames: since Valentines day is coming up lets go with some mushy romantic prompts!! Totally based on how Alan Alda met his wife. Arthur and Eames meet at a dinner party thrown by friends. Eames falls in love with Arthur instantly. Arthur is a little more cautious until, towards the end of the meal a rum cake gets dropped on the floor. Neither of them are going to let it go to waste! Love blossoms over a floor cake!
One of the great meet-cutes of all time!!
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Eames had been looking forward to attending Yusuf’s house warming party. His best friend for years had just bought his new home and recruited Eames to help out with some repairs and now that everything was finished came the best part, the house warming.
Eames showed up first, a bottle of wine in hand and helped Yusuf prepare as guests soon showed up.
The night was going very well, everyone complimenting Yusuf’s new home, everyone getting to know each other and saying hello to familiar faces. Eames was talking with Ariadne, a mutual friend of his and Yusuf’s and as she spoke, Eames looked up and caught the sight of someone he had never seen before, someone beautiful and lovely. His hair was short but he had some fringe around his face, wavy and a chocolate brown hue. He was slender and wore jeans and a shirt with something on it, Eames couldn’t really see but he was so perfect.
The stranger smiled when he made eye contact with Eames and Eames smiled back but he quickly returned to his conversation when he heard Ariadne ask something. He didn’t want to be rude and answered but when he looked up again, the stranger was gone. Eames didn’t lament too much, after all, Yusuf’s house wasn’t that big.
He saw him periodically throughout the night, even managed to overhear his name, being Arthur. The print on his shirt was a band that Eames also loved and he really wanted to talk to him, but he didn’t know anyone Arthur was talking to so he couldn’t just join up and any time he was talking to someone Eames did know, he was usually engaged in another conversation himself. It was almost frustrating but Eames was determined not to let the entire night go without speaking directly to Arthur.
When Yusuf began to bring some food out for his guests, Eames popped into the kitchen with him, mostly to ask him about Arthur.
“Oh yeah, that’s Dom’s friend. Dom’s my coworker. I thought he was bringing his wife but I guess something happened, I don’t know I didn’t really get a chance to talk to him too long. Hosting and all.”
“It’s okay, at least I know you sort know him.”
“You making eyes at him?”
“I’m trying! I haven’t had a chance to get close to him yet.”
Yusuf laughed and shook his head as he said,
“Grab the tray will you?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
The food was a hit and the plates were cleared off almost immediately. Yusuf refilled drinks and grabbed more napkins and brought out more food, Eames helping out when he could. As they started to bring out the last of the desserts, Eames noticed a tasty looking cake.
“What kind of cake is that?”
“Rum, I think. Someone brought it.”
“I love rum cake.”
“I’m excited to try it.”
As Eames gathered up the silverware, Dom and Arthur came into the kitchen as Dom said,
“You guys looked like you had your hands full, can we help?”
Eames froze for a moment, excited to see Arthur a lot closer than he had been all night. He came back to his senses quickly as Yusuf gave the plates he was holding to Dom before he turned to get the cake himself. However, when he went to gesture to Arthur what to grab next, the platter the cake was on tipped over to the side and the cake fell right off, smashing onto the floor.
“Ah fuck!” Shouted Yusuf.
Eames looked disappointed as Yusuf took the empty platter with him as he said,
“I’m gonna grab a trash bag. What a waste!”
Eames wasn’t about to let that entire cake go to waste. While still holding the silverware, he carefully knelt down close to the cake and took a fork as he began to eat the portion of cake that wasn’t near the floor. He nodded in approval, enjoying the ruined dessert when he looked up and saw Arthur still there.
For a moment, he had forgotten that Arthur was there. It was one of those impulsive thoughts that crossed his mind and he didn’t think too much on it. He thought for sure, Arthur would be disgusted but instead, he watched him kneel down on the other side of the cake as he held his hand out and asked,
“What kind of cake is it?”
Eames realized he was asking for a fork and Eames held out the silverware he was still holding and let Arthur pick his own utensil.
“It’s rum. It’s really good.”
He was all the more astonished when Arthur began picking around the same side Eames had taken a forkful from and ate some too.
“Damn, that is good.”
Eames nodded and took another bite and smiled at Arthur as they both partook of the floor cake.
“Are you guys eating the cake from the floor?”
Yusuf returned with a garbage bag in hand as Arthur looked over his shoulder and Eames looked up at him.
“Waste not, want not, mate.”
Arthur nodded in agreement as Yusuf sighed and said,
“Well...whenever you’re done, be sure to clean up.”
He left the bag on the counter and resumed taking out the rest of the desserts to the other guests as Eames looked at Arthur and said,
“I’m Eames, by the way.”
“Arthur. I never met anyone who’d like rum cake enough to eat it off the floor.”
“It’s my favorite. Be a shame to let the whole thing go in the rubbish without at least getting a taste.”
Arthur nodded as licked his lips from the glaze and said,
“I agree. Honestly, when I saw the cake fall, I thought to myself, I’m still gonna try a bit.”
Eames smiled and laughed a little.
“They say great minds think alike.”
“Yeah great minds that love cake and have no shame.”
He had already been smitten since the moment he saw Arthur, but this only cinched it for him. When Arthur smiled at him in between bites of floor cake, he knew he was really in love.
“Can I take you out some time? You know...for a meal not on the floor?”
Arthur laughed as he put the fork in his mouth as he reached for his back pocket and retrieved his cell phone. He took the fork out of his mouth before he spoke again.
Hey hey ❤️ I’m still trying to think of a good third part to the bad date/good date series. Nothing concrete yet, but it’ll happen. So instead, for now, how about something inspired by my own recent trip to the blood donation center?
Eames goes to donate blood. It’s a good cause, and he’s willing to help. Problem is: he’s afraid of needles. He tries to put on his usual confidence but still - he’s nervous as hell. The person that helps him (a cutie with the name tag “Arthur”) can easily tell that Eames is scared, and is completely cool and kind and gentle with him. He talks him through the whole process, step by step, putting Eames so at ease that he doesn’t even feel the needle go in (or come out at the end). Eames, for his part, is flirty but respectful (Arthur is working, so nothing too funny there mister!). Afterwards, Eames is only too happy to schedule a second donation in a few months, despite his phobia, hoping that he’ll see Arthur again. And after he leaves (with one last flirty remark, of course), a blushing Arthur makes sure to adjust his schedule, ensuring that, yes, they’ll definitely be seeing each other again.
It'll be worth the wait when you do come up with something! 😁
Omg this is so cute! I know a little about the whole blood donating process too! I hope you enjoy!
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As they walked towards the doors of the community center where the blood drive was being held, Eames began having second thoughts. He swallowed hard and he paused for a moment, covering it by taking his phone out. Mal saw of course, and she sighed and said,
“What?”
“What? Nothing, I’m just checking my mobile…”
“Eames, I know you’re nervous, but it’s nothing to be nervous about!”
“I’m not nervous!”
She made a face at him and hooked her arm with his and walked with him the rest of the way, also making sure he didn’t run. Once inside, he looked around and saw the community center space was taken over by people giving blood. There were many chairs with people waiting, others at a table where they were having snacks and of course, the lounge like chairs where people were laying back and giving blood. Mal had talked him into doing this, saying it was for a good cause, that there was a dire need or something like that...Eames was already saying no in his head a million times over until Mal pointed out that he was practically covered in tattoos.
“It’s not the same thing.” He explained.
“No, you’re right. With a tattoo you’re just sitting there getting repeatedly stabbed at with a needle but a quick prick of a needle giving blood is sooo much worse.”
He couldn’t really argue with that logic without looking like a coward. So he agreed and Mal took them both to the community center. Maybe he would be turned away, his blood pressure would be too high...or too low, which ever would get him dismissed from donating blood. He filled out the required paperwork and then he and Mal went to sit and wait so they could get their vitals taken. Eames worried the inside of his cheek as Mal looked through her phone when she said,
“Oh wonderful, Dom said he’d be here too.”
“I don’t know why you just didn’t take your boyfriend with you.”
“It’s for a good cause, I'm pulling everyone in.”
Eames sighed, knowing that but it still wasn’t calming her nerves. When the tech stepped out to call in the next person, Eames noticed him right away. He was cute, wearing dark blue colored scrubs, his hair a dark chocolate mop of waves.
“Next?”
Eames looked around and seeing Mal on her phone and other people already taken care of and gesturing that he was next, he quickly stood up and said,
“I’m next.”
The tech smiled and waved him over past the curtain where two chairs awaited. Eames sat down in one and the tech in the other and when he smiled, Eames forgot why he was ever nervous in the first place.
“Hi, I’m Arthur. I’m going to take your vitals and make sure you’re good to go to donate, okay?”
“Okay.”
Eames felt himself smile stupidly at him and Arthur held his hand out and asked for his paperwork. Eames handed it over and after giving it a quick read and Arthur said,
“Okay, let’s start with your blood pressure.”
“I’m uh...I’m a little nervous.”
Arthur smiled as he put the stethoscope in his ears and listened for something under the cuff and then said,
“Is it the needle?”
“Yes.”
“I won’t tell you to be nervous, but maybe it would help if I explained the process. Usually the not knowing is what makes people so nervous.”
“I don’t see the harm in that.”
“Well after I take your vitals and ask you a few questions about your form, you’ll pass and go to our blood donating area and you’ll lay down. They’ll swab your arm clean, wrap a band around your arm and the tech will find a vein and, now this is the worse part, put the needle in. But that’s it. The actual blood donating process will take less than five minutes. Then when you’re done, you’ll be bandaged up and you’ll be escorted to the snack table where you’ll sit down for a few minutes and then you’ll be all done. Sounds easy right?”
“Yes...but you said they. Someone else will take my blood?”
“What do you mean?”
“I thought you would be doing it.”
“If you’d like, I can.”
“I would very much like you to. You’ve been so comforting, I feel anyone else would undo all your work.”
Arthur smiled.
“Sure, I can do your donation.”
Eames had never hoped he passed a test more in his life.
He felt like celebrating when Arthur told him he was good and they both left the private area as Eames grinned at Mal and gave her the thumbs up. She looked confused for a moment, before she noticed Arthur and then it all made sense.
When he got to the lounge, Eames found himself a little nervous again and once he laid back, Arthur gently took his arm to place it onto position.
“Still alright?”
“Yeah. You’re very good at this, how long have you been doing this?”
“A few years. Is this your first time donating?”
“Yes. I’ve avoided it for a while...but now I’m sensing I shouldn’t have.”
He smiled at Arthur and Arthur smiled back. He prepared everything, telling Eames what he was doing and when he was about to place the needle in his arm, he looked at Eames and asked,
“Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Okay, take a deep breath in.”
As Eames started to, he felt the pinch of the needle go in and while it hurt, it was over pretty quick. Arthur looked back at him as he asked,
“Still with me?”
“Where else would I be?”
Arthur let out a little laugh as he said,
“Okay, now just relax, give your fist a pump every now and then and let your veins do all the work.”
Eames nodded as he watched Arthur write something down, checked his arm now and then and then checked the bag that was gradually filling up with his blood.
“Do you always do this blood drive?”
“I go all over but I do like coming here. The management here is very good to us and we always get a great turn out.”
“I can see why.”
He was subtly flirting with Arthur, seeing if he’d bite. He didn’t want to come on too strong, Arthur was after all, working. But he did want to let him know he was interested and he would be very interested in taking him out. He didn’t want to be too forward though...he would hate to be that guy. He was thrilled when Arthur smiled softly, just a hint of color in his face.
When Eames was all done, as promised, Arthur bandages him up and then walked him over to the snack table.
“How do you feel?”
“Great. Wonderful even.”
Arthur laughed.
“I’m delighted to hear it.”
“So...when can I donate again?”
“In three months.”
“Will there be another drive here?”
Arthur smiled a bit, guiding him to the snack table.
“Yes.”
“Will you be here?”
“I should be. It’s my usual drive.”
“Wonderful. I’ll be here in three months then.”
Arthur blushed as he said,
“The volunteer will be watching over you now. It was nice to meet you.”
“Lovely to have met you as well.”
Arthur left, returning back to work and Eames sighed to himself. When Mal joined him a moment later, she looked at her friend and asked,
“How was it? Terrifying?”
“No, it was the best experience of my life.”
Mal shook her head. A moment later, Dom was seated next to her, feeling fine. After Mal checked on him, she turned back to Eames and asked,
“Got a cute tech huh?”
“Oh he’s more than cute. I’m going to marry him.”
Mal laughed.
“Maybe a date first would be helpful.”
“He said he’ll be here in three months for the next drive. I’m coming back.”
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