Cobb -
Dom didn't know Arthur's last name for a very long time. They had met when Dom was 28, and Arthur was 22. After he had worked several jobs with the younger man, he had of course asked, but Arthur had just shrugged, took a sip of his coffee, and told him that it was unimportant. It soon became apparent, however, that none of Arthur's past was important. When they shared a dream space, it was always a place not based on anything in the real world. Everything about Arthur was a mystery except his age and first name. It wasn't until Mal had brought Eames in four years later that they gleaned a bit of his backstory.
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From the moment Eames walked into the small office, there was a shift in the Cobb's Point Man. He became quieter (if that was even possible); the tap, tap, tapping on his keyboard slowed to a halt. Because of this, Eames didn't seem to register Arthur's presence as he strutted up to Cobb.
"I hope you don't mind that I let myself in. I thought it would be a good presentation of the multitudes of skills I possess. I'm the Forger Mal invited along on this merry trip," Eames stated, sticking out a large calloused hand. "Mr. Eames. No first name,"
"Dom Cobb," the Extractor said, hesitantly reaching out his own hand.
"And just where, Dom, is your lovely wife?"
"She should be along any minu—there she is! Mal, look who made it," Dom greeted his wife while indicating Eames. She kissed her husband and then turned to look the broad British man up and down.
"Eames; it's so good to see you and your appropriately hideous clothing," she said fondly, waltzing over to hug the Forger.
"Mal, always a joy to see you," the Forger replied with a smile and hug of his own. "Last I heard you now have not only the best Extractor but also the best Point Man in the business now. Lucky you, darling."
Mal laughed, hitting the Forger lightly on the arm before Dom moved forward. "Yes, this is our partner and Point Man, Arthur."
Eames turned, finally noticing that there was a fourth person in the room, and stopped dead. His wide grin vanished. The colored drained from his face, and all mirth left his eyes. Mal and Dom confusedly looked to see what had upset the cheerful man, only to find Arthur standing at military attention, a faraway look on his face. Eames spun back to face the couple. The thinly veiled worry lining the Forger's face spoke of more sincerity than Cobb had previously thought this Mr. Eames capable of.
"You failed to mention that your new Point was Arthur Darling, Mal."
Mal looked taken aback at the harsh tone in the normally easy going British man's voice. Realizing that his wife had no response, Dom immediately came to her defense.
"We didn't exactly have a last name; we also didn't know that you two knew each other," he admitted as Mal left his side. She walked up to the youngest, who still stood rigid, seemingly oblivious to the present situation.
Eames sighed as he watched Mal try to get through to the Point Man. Arthur has clocked out completely, he thought somewhat worriedly. He hadn't seen Arthur this bad in a very long time, since far before they had parted ways four years ago.
"Yes, we do know each other, very well in fact." Eames moved away from Dom. "Mal, darling, just leave him to me. You're never going to be able to get him out of this."
"And you do?" Dom asked skeptically. He gestured agitatedly to Arthur. "What even is this?"
"Of course I know how to handle this. It's called conditioning." Eames nodded to Arthur. "I take it this has never happened around you before?"
Dom looked at Eames in surprise. "No. You mean this is a recurring thing?"
"Yes," Eames replied simply. "Now, please, Mal, dear, take your husband, and go. I can take care of Arthur." Eames was eager to get them out; the longer Arthur sat, the farther he would check out of reality.
After assuring Mal and Dom that he could indeed handle their young Point Man, Eames all but threw the very confused and worried couple out of the room. He then made sure the door was shut tightly; he was positive Arthur would be embarrassed that he had exposed this weakness to what were apparently his long-standing coworkers. And wasn't that a surprise, thought Eames cynically, Arthur found people he trusted for more than a year. As much as Eames was honestly a bit hurt that Arthur had stuck with the couple longer than he had stuck with Eames, who had bloody saved his skinny ass, he could tell that Mal and Cobb were truly concerned for the younger man. In fact, he had no doubt about their care for what was essentially his kid brother. He would put money on the fact that they were most likely listening on the other side of the closed door right now.
Sighing, he turned back to face the practically catatonic Arthur, wondering where to start. He had used different methods in the past. He wasn't sure how bad the attack would be until he actually started to help Arthur. Any way one cut it, this would be difficult. Dredging up memories of the most painful times in one's life often was. He had an advantage though. He knew exactly where Arthur was right now. Walking up to the Point Man slowly, he tried to gather his own emotions before he stopped in front of the younger man. He guessed he would start soft.
"Arthur can you hear me? It's Eames. You're not there anymore; do you remember?" Getting no reaction, Eames tried tapping the Point Man's pale cheek. "C'mon, luv, I know you're in there."
Eames kept trying to cajole Arthur out of his memories for a few moments. Seeing it wasn't working, however, Eames paced away to think. He had hoped that Arthur would come back with less effort, but it looked like luck would not be on his side today. And while he really, really didn't want to revisit his own military time, he supposed to only be there for a few minutes would be the only way to bring the Point Man back to reality. Sighing again, he squared his own shoulders and paced back over to Arthur.
"At ease, Darling." His voice came out hard and demanding. Surprising, wasn't it, how easy it was to slip into his old rank once again.
Hello, everyone!
This will be a six part story, and obviously I own nothing.
Let me know about any comments/criticisms/suggestions you may have. I would love to hear whatever you have to say.
Thanks for reading!
