Thank You, Dear
Prompt: Established relationship or recent hookup - but the Team doesn't really know about Arthur/Eames. During working hours Arthur absentmindedly calls Eames by a pet-name (something he calls Eames during sexytimes or private domestic time) and doesn't realize it. Cue the Team going -wah? but not calling him out on it, smiling behind their hands while Eames is delighted.
The tedious research begins to make Arthur weary. After the incident with the Fischer case, he vowed never to overlook any detail. This means researching constantly and having little time for life's simple pleasures, namely sleep and food. Absentmindedly loosening his tie, Arthur hunches over his work. The vicious movements of his pen cue to Eames both frustration and exhaustion.
The forger observes Arthur's behavior from his own desk. He either needs sleep or coffee and knowing the pointman, the idea of sleep renders preposterous. This rule applies even when work ends for the day. When they were nestled away in their hotel room the previous night, Arthur hadn't stopped researching until Eames stole his computer battery and charger and refused to relay their location. It was the only way to assure rest for Arthur.
Standing up, Eames announces his departure and promise for a quick return. They all acknowledge him, except for Arthur, whose face is a mere three inches from his desk. Heading out of the building, Eames walks the ten blocks to the nearest coffee shop Arthur has deemed worthy. There is, of course, a closer coffee shop, but darling Arthur would never drink coffee from Starbucks. Every time the younger man mutters that word, it sounds like the dirtiest of all curses. Ordering the largest cup of Arthur's preferred roast, he makes the trip back to the abandoned warehouse.
Eames enters the building and returns to the work area, finding Arthur in the same position as when he left. 'No wonder his back always hurts,' Eames thinks, rolling his eyes. Walking to Arthur's desk, he places the cup of coffee down and startles his lover. Arthur grabs the cup and removes the lid. The aromatics bring a pleasure-driven smile to his face, which doubles in size after the first sip. "Thank you, dear." Arthur leans back in his chair, enjoying his coffee.
Ariadne's eyes shift between the two before landing on Cobb, who simply shakes his head and half-smiles. Yusuf gets up and walks into another room, laughing silently at the pleased look on the forger's face.
Eames does not notice the activity around him as his eyes never leave Arthur as he murmurs, "You're welcome, darling."