originallutece | (no subject)

Knowing people, I'd be leaning towards the latter.

[ Physicality goes a long way to making things feel important. Feel as if they matter.

Maybe he's just jaded. ]

Not exactly into the psychology field, then? The Freudians would have much to say, though I doubt any of it would be particularly valid.

He was the basis of a great deal of psychology, Eames. Regardless of whether his theories were later disproved or not, he had a great deal to say. Especially on sex.

. . . mostly on sex.

I'm familiar with him. They were still disproved, is the point.

[ Because they were nonsense. ] Besides, I don't want to listen to what a dusty quack has to say about sex. Why listen when you can get a hands on experience?

[She glances over at him, her eyes cool. Not repulsed, not at all, but she doesn't impress easily.]

Is that an offer?

Only if you want it to be. Personal philosophy, otherwise.

[ He's fine leaving it at that. But if she's interested– well, he can't claim that he'd ignore it. She's got a fiery personality, something he's always had a difficult time staying away from. ]

[She looks up at him for a few seconds, searching his face, contemplative.]

. . . yes, I think I'd be amiable to that. After dinner, though, don't stray from the more important task.

Darling, I'm not going to let the fish burn.

[ Please, he went through all this effort, the least they can do is actually eat it. ] Go on, relax, this'll be done in a few.

I'm not your darling.

[She says it tartly, going to take a seat, crossing one leg over the other. Her eyes are a little darker now, taking him in as a prospective partner, not just as a friend.]

So? Anything I ought to know before I lead you to my bed?

No, I suppose you aren't.

[ Oh, that's an odd realization. He's been using it as a part of speech, an affectation for so long; now he attributes a person to the pet name.

(And it isn't Rosalind). ]

Mm, I'm very good with my hands. [ After all, that's part of what being a thief is all about. The timer goes off and he sets off taking the food out of the oven, turning off burners, and pulling down the plates once he figures out which cabinet they're in. Within a few moments, it's set out on the table. Nothing too fancy, but certainly a step up from the usual fare. ]

Anything I should know?

If you hit me, I'll throw you off the building.

[It's said cheerfully, but she's absolutely serious.]

Beyond that . . . I'll be certain to tell you if you do something I don't like.

[With that said: she settles in, smiling faintly at the dinner. It's well done, she has to admit, and she nods in thanks.]

. . . I appreciate this, though. It was kind of you.

The only reason I've hit women is if they were trying to kill me.

[ Then all bets are off, honestly. At that point, he doesn't care who's holding the gun, just the fact that they're holding a gun. ]

Although, there was this broad who liked to get spanked. [ Ah, memories. ] At any rate, I'm sure you'd be righteous if you felt the need to throw me physically off a building.

[ Really, he'd deserve it. ] It's no matter. We both get something out of it, yeah?

I wasn't-- that wasn't the type of hitting I mean.

[Spanking, she means, but moving on. Except there's really nowhere to go beyond thank you again, so--]

I assume things are going well you and your Submissive?

Not into spanking?

[ It's not for everyone. And of course this is the kind of conversation he's perfectly okay having at the dinner table. Naturally. ]

Depends on what you consider "well". I doubt the city would look on our particular arrangement as the peak. [ They're both too willful for that. Arthur because he's stubborn and doesn't take anything lying down. Eames because, well, he's perfectly fine with that type of chaos. With someone who can't and won't be controlled. ]

[She is, actually, into it, and she is also into not discussing such things at dinner, no matter how red her ears have turned.]

What color is his mark?

[ Oh, maybe he's hit a mark. Or perhaps she's easily embarrassed. ]

Pale pink. [ Clearly not ideal. He takes a steady sip of his tea, trying to keep his frustration with the matter under wraps. ]

Good lord. I'm surprised you could afford the fish. That's a bit more than middling.

I've never believed in keeping all my funds in one spot. And we're ah, working on it. As much as I'm loathe to curtail his behavior in any way.

[ Those headstrong qualities are one of the reasons he liked him to begin with. ] It's a bit of a process. Though thankfully, we've had quite the experience in dodging authorities in the past, so this is just testing some slightly rusty skills.

For a thief, you're really quite upfront about it. Aren't you supposed to be secretive? Or is that just in the films?

I know you aren't stupid enough to think that telling me is harmless.

Depends on the film, on the person.

If we're to be caught, we're to be caught. What is it you gain from saying anything? You're already in the Up, it's not as though you'd need the status boost. And if you do decide to say something, I suppose I'll know where it came from.

As if I care about status. No, I was more thinking along the lines of blackmail. I suspect I'll have need of a thief soon-- but I'd just as soon employ you honestly rather than force you into helping me.

Well then, you only need to ask; my skills are at your disposal. My partner's skills, however, you'd have to take up with him, though I could certainly pass an idea along.

Is that really your only price? That I ask?

I suppose monetary details can be negotiated. If this nonsense with the stripes lasts overlong, money may be more of a pressing issue.

It also depends on what you're asking me to take.

Chemicals. Chemicals and drugs, more specifically. I'm going to run out soon; I need them in more quantities than people are comfortable selling them to me.

I'll need a list; I'm familiar with most chemicals and their non-public facing names. Get me the type and quantities, I'll do the research on where.

Depending on the risk, the cost will be more than just being asked nicely.