Thanks for the great reviews! Here's a much quicker update:
"Ow.. sonofa.." Eames muttered, as she sat up, rubbing her neck. It was still, surprisingly, dark out, but only just.
"Alex?" His voice was soft, "I didn't mean to wake you up."
"Hmm?" She squinted in the gloom. Bobby was peeking out from the kitchen at her.
"Nevermind. Go back to sleep."
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
"And... I'm awake. What are you doing?" Her eyes adjusted to the light, and her curiosity had her fully alert.
"Jesus christ. I'm getting a glass of water."
"Oh really."
"Yes, really."
"And the bathroom tap wouldn't suffice?"
"Okay.. fine. You got me. I left my cellphone in my coat pocket and came to get it because it's low on battery and I wanted to charge it."
"You woke up.. for that?"
"Well, I wasn't actually asleep."
"Jesus."
"What! I have an overactive mind." He said it in the way a child would defend itself by quoting a parent.
"I'll say."
"I'm sorry I woke you up."
"It's fine. I'm glad you did. If I spend another minute on this couch, my chiropractor will never forgive me."
"Is it that bad?"
"I can only hope mine isn't so awful."
"Actually.. well it is, but for different reasons, I'm sure."
"Hmm?"
"It's not really big enough."
"Oh. Right. Yeah, this one's just.. painful."
"There's probably stuff under the cushions."
"Turn a light on so you can fully appreciate the look on my face."
He laughed softly. "No way, we'll both go blind."
"Look, it's not like I'm going back to sleep, Bobby. I think I'm gonna head home. I appreciate the couch, though. ... In that I didn't drive into a firehydrant, and am sufficiently rested to get myself the two and a half blocks distance from your place to mine."
"Oh, you sound very grateful."
"A hydrant sounds a little bit softer than this couch."
"I fireman carried you, Eames. Does that count for nothing in this partnership?"
"Turn on the damn light."
"You're an impossible woman."
"Mm. And tired, too. I can't believe you never slept on this couch."
"Why would I?"
"No particular reason, granted, but I don't think you appreciate quite how unbearably painful it is."
"My wager sense is tingling. Are you suggesting I spend the night on my own couch?"
"Yes, sir, I am."
"That's absurd."
"I'll bet you don't last an hour."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"How much?"
"Three drinks at McGuff's."
He sighed. "Alright. You're on."
"Tonight."
"Eames.."
"Come on, Bobby, you'll never do it, otherwise."
"Sure I will."
"Look, you're so tired anyway, you might just pass out and not realize your terrible mistake until morning."
"It IS morning."
"You know what I mean."
"Alright. You sure you're okay to drive?"
"Absolutely. I'll see you Monday. Enjoy your couch of agony."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll love it. It probably feels like feathers. Or a pleasant massage, Miss-Everything-in-your-apartment-has-frosted-over."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. You'll probably just go right back to bed and pretend you spent an hour on the couch. And for cheating, you'll even buy me three drinks. No dice, buddy."
"Look, you won't know the difference either way."
Eames' eyes glinted mischeviously in the half-light. "Unless I stay."
"It's not gonna be too cold for you?"
"I have a sweater."
"Thank god for that." She couldn't see, but she sensed him rolling his eyes.
Okay kids, you know the drill. R&R, and make it good. ;D
