Yusuf (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
diastereomer) wrote2015-05-15 01:12 pm
diastereomer) wrote2015-05-15 01:12 pm
Entry tags:
he became crystalized
I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works
[ He's had this photo ever since the day they rained from the sky in vast amounts - though it seemed the focus of the day was mostly on rather unflattering pictures of himself that kept cropping up. It's not that Eames particularly minded them for the subject matter, but rather than they were old things - ten, twenty years ago that had no business being in other people's hands, even if they weren't of any particular scenes or important events. They were still, however, of himself; things he didn't want others to see, though with the way they'd come up on the network several times, there was nothing to be helped. He'd kept some for himself for a few days before throwing them all out, except for this particular one that Yusuf hasn't been home from the lab long enough to bring up, or when he is here he's resting, and Eames doesn't want to disturb the man when he seems to have found some sort of rhythm to his work.
But Yusuf appears to be taking the day off for one reason or another and so it's as good of a time as any, creaking his way down the stairs with heavy footfalls to announce his presence. Yusuf doesn't seem to be in the lab area or in his bedroom, though, and it's only afterward that he sees the light coming from underneath the bathroom door. The shower isn't running and the ventilation isn't on, so Eames tries the knob and, finding it unlocked, twists it and opens the door wide. ]
Yusuf isn't there some sort of ethical code of not snogging with your coworkers?
[ Hello!! ]
But Yusuf appears to be taking the day off for one reason or another and so it's as good of a time as any, creaking his way down the stairs with heavy footfalls to announce his presence. Yusuf doesn't seem to be in the lab area or in his bedroom, though, and it's only afterward that he sees the light coming from underneath the bathroom door. The shower isn't running and the ventilation isn't on, so Eames tries the knob and, finding it unlocked, twists it and opens the door wide. ]
Yusuf isn't there some sort of ethical code of not snogging with your coworkers?
[ Hello!! ]
[ A man gets only so many moments in the day truly to himself, and one would suspect that being rather obviously indisposed would fall strictly in the category of Alone Time.
There is a new addition, or so the network would have him believe. While he's got the sense to not touch that particular post with a ten foot pole, he's taken the day off mostly to make himself available for... whatever may happen. Cobb didn't exactly leave a good taste in most people's mouths before he went and disappeared, save perhaps Arthur's-- but that is another issue that strikes Yusuf as far, far too complicated even if he had a handful of poles. There's no telling what will happen in the coming days, and he figures work will hold- tempers, never do.
(Ariadne's had a difficult month, and adding Cobb back into the mix seems like the last thing even remotely appropriate. And yet, here he is. Funny how the City works like that.)
Of course, this is all background noise as he's relieving himself of so many cups of tea, shaking off the last drops, when the door swings open-- officially ending Alone Time. The flinch is automatic, an accusing look shot over his shoulder until he realizes it's just Eames. ]
Is this the kind of guidance you need with my prick in my hand?? [ Which he will be tucking away, tyvm!!
Also, le flush~ ]
There is a new addition, or so the network would have him believe. While he's got the sense to not touch that particular post with a ten foot pole, he's taken the day off mostly to make himself available for... whatever may happen. Cobb didn't exactly leave a good taste in most people's mouths before he went and disappeared, save perhaps Arthur's-- but that is another issue that strikes Yusuf as far, far too complicated even if he had a handful of poles. There's no telling what will happen in the coming days, and he figures work will hold- tempers, never do.
(Ariadne's had a difficult month, and adding Cobb back into the mix seems like the last thing even remotely appropriate. And yet, here he is. Funny how the City works like that.)
Of course, this is all background noise as he's relieving himself of so many cups of tea, shaking off the last drops, when the door swings open-- officially ending Alone Time. The flinch is automatic, an accusing look shot over his shoulder until he realizes it's just Eames. ]
Is this the kind of guidance you need with my prick in my hand?? [ Which he will be tucking away, tyvm!!
Also, le flush~ ]
[ Cobb's arrival is admittedly not something he wants to linger too long on - it's in Arthur's jurisdiction, after all, and it's easy enough instead to roll back a few days into previous intentions, like the photo in his hand. He quirks a brow at Yusuf's state, leaning against the doorframe casually enough as his fingers work the edges of the photograph idly. ]
Don't keep me from washing your hands, [ he comments, giving a pointed glance from Yusuf to the sink. He has, at least, enough remnants of politeness to not stare at Yusuf's prick - but really, it's hardly his first time seeing any cock, least of all Yusuf's.
He does, at least, waggle the face of the photo about so that the other man might catch a glimpse. ]
I want to talk about this, though.
Don't keep me from washing your hands, [ he comments, giving a pointed glance from Yusuf to the sink. He has, at least, enough remnants of politeness to not stare at Yusuf's prick - but really, it's hardly his first time seeing any cock, least of all Yusuf's.
He does, at least, waggle the face of the photo about so that the other man might catch a glimpse. ]
I want to talk about this, though.
[ What modesty he might have had as a boy has, by this point, spent many a moon out of Yusuf's company- not a single one in Eames', as it happens. He doesn't have anything extraordinary to hide nor show off, not to Eames at least, and so he doesn't hold Eames' intrusion against him. At the prodding, Yusuf holds up his hand and altogether fails to seem menacing. ] Ought to give you a love tap before I wash them.
[ He goes for the sink instead, making quick work of it. The way he hangs about in the doorway reminds Yusuf of his brothers, infinitely less intrusive yet similar in motive. Catching a glimpse of the image Eames is waving about has Yusuf turning around, hands still dripping.
Theres no way... ]
What is that?? [ Blotting his hands on the nearest hand towel, he reaches for the image. ]
[ He goes for the sink instead, making quick work of it. The way he hangs about in the doorway reminds Yusuf of his brothers, infinitely less intrusive yet similar in motive. Catching a glimpse of the image Eames is waving about has Yusuf turning around, hands still dripping.
Theres no way... ]
What is that?? [ Blotting his hands on the nearest hand towel, he reaches for the image. ]
Edited 2012-05-02 02:58 (UTC)
[ Eames lets him have it, straightening up and now free hands curling at the top of the door where the molding sits, anchoring his fingers into the divots. Experimentally, he pulls himself up with it, peering at Yusuf all the while before he lets his feet touch the ground again, not wanting to, you know, break the doorframe or whatever. ]
I used to think I was so observant.
I used to think I was so observant.
[ The faint circular burn mark on the kitchen floor seems substantially less incriminating in light of pictorial evidence. Yusuf tries to orient himself where the photographer would have been standing-- they were preoccupied at the time, but surely one of them would have noticed someone squatting by the island to blatantly take a picture of them-- before he realizes what an exercise in futility this is. Trying to figure out the City's methods implies the City has limitations, which it obviously doesn't.
The wisps of smoke and curling mistletoe almost look picturesque.
Not content to be corralled in the toilet for this conversation, Yusuf moves past Eames. ] And then you got old.
The wisps of smoke and curling mistletoe almost look picturesque.
Not content to be corralled in the toilet for this conversation, Yusuf moves past Eames. ] And then you got old.
[ Old. Eames lets Yusuf shoulder past him, following along just as well after cutting out the light int he bathroom and shutting the door. He plops down onto one of the couches present in the basement, continuing with what he'd come down here in the first place - to clean the PASIV while teasing Yusuf to make the task far less tedious. He opens up the silver casing, setting it down on the small table in front of him as he quirks his brows up at the other man. ]
Does that mean you can look to me as a mirror into the future?
[ But back to the photo - ]
I'd heard of the kissing curse.
Does that mean you can look to me as a mirror into the future?
[ But back to the photo - ]
I'd heard of the kissing curse.
We are two very different people, my friend. [ Not so different that they don't get along like gum left in a pair of trousers after they've been once through the wash- but I digress. Sinking into most recent find, Yusuf sets the photo on his knee where they can both see it. If Yusuf were anyone else, he might be at risk of a double floating around, but when Eames brings up the kissing curse Yusuf has to grin. ]
Had you? [ Glancing idly at the image and then back to Eames. ] How did that come up?
Had you? [ Glancing idly at the image and then back to Eames. ] How did that come up?
[ Building the PASIV on their owns meant that some things had to be left out in favor of others - including the self-cleaning system. For safety's sake, Eames chooses to replace the lines and needles after each use; it means more work, certainly, but less of a chance of spreading disease between the lot of them. Eames pops the coils from their fastenings, humming lightly in thought as his eyes move from Yusuf's smile to what his fingers are doing. ]
A girl filled me in on what I'd missed, apparently, including something involving mistletoe that crops up during the winter.
A girl filled me in on what I'd missed, apparently, including something involving mistletoe that crops up during the winter.
[ The system they've derived is actually pretty clever. With her place as Head of Engineering, Ariadne supervises all work orders and inventory. How she managed to get a 400 meter spool of plastic tubing back to the flat apparently all by herself is still a mystery to all of them- but the important part is it's still a mystery to Stark Industries that it's even gone missing. The next day a bag of sharps was on Yusuf's work desk, Eames reclined in the only chair Yusuf had at the time, crunching away at an apple with his socked feet propped up on a footstool. And of course, Yusuf brings in the chemicals-- he has half of his work for Stark Industries set up here anyway, so when a little ether goes missing, no one asks any questions. ]
Strange place, this. [ Yusuf shrugs. ] Managed to make introductions both easier and more complicated.
Strange place, this. [ Yusuf shrugs. ] Managed to make introductions both easier and more complicated.
Is that what you call it?
[ It's a bit of a ruthless tease, but there's the peek of teeth behind his smile as he unrolls the lines, needles safely tucked away inside their canullas. Easier and more complicated indeed - as well as relationships, if one only has to look at Ariadne and her old boy George. At any moment someone can be snogging someone else, or believing they're someone else, or living a life that doesn't involve who they might want. The City is trying only at the worst of times, Eames thinks, aside from being far from where he'd like to be at all, the consistent heat of Kenya with its seasonal humidity, the winding streets or the beaches. ]
[ It's a bit of a ruthless tease, but there's the peek of teeth behind his smile as he unrolls the lines, needles safely tucked away inside their canullas. Easier and more complicated indeed - as well as relationships, if one only has to look at Ariadne and her old boy George. At any moment someone can be snogging someone else, or believing they're someone else, or living a life that doesn't involve who they might want. The City is trying only at the worst of times, Eames thinks, aside from being far from where he'd like to be at all, the consistent heat of Kenya with its seasonal humidity, the winding streets or the beaches. ]
Well, I'm not saying it got me this job, [ Teasing? Yes, Yusuf is well accustomed to that. ] but...
[ He doesn't have to mention that he hasn't been wanting for much lately-- much that the city can't provide him with, anyway. Upstairs there is the click of Pancake's claws against the tile, a pause at the door that leads down to the basement, and then the sound of something else drawing the little round dog's attention away. A fat cat slinks down the stairs, tail flicking in greeting.
At least she isn't carrying another sock... ]
[ He doesn't have to mention that he hasn't been wanting for much lately-- much that the city can't provide him with, anyway. Upstairs there is the click of Pancake's claws against the tile, a pause at the door that leads down to the basement, and then the sound of something else drawing the little round dog's attention away. A fat cat slinks down the stairs, tail flicking in greeting.
At least she isn't carrying another sock... ]
[ There's a very specific eyebrow in Yusuf's direction, but the rumbling tap of paws distracts him as he turns his head to peer at Rhada and her curiously empty mouth. Eames isn't much sure about the nature of gravity with cats, other than Rhada as a kitten seemed to make much more noise when bounding around than she does now, overweight and oversatisfied with herself. He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth at her, fully expecting to be ignored, cords held nimbly in his fingers as not to dangle and catch her attention. Kitties and biohazard waste products is a no go. ]
Did you lock lips with Tony Stark?
Did you lock lips with Tony Stark?
[ Making a face at the implication, Yusuf is caught by the very important realization that Tony Stark is, above all, his employer of employers. There's good money to be made by locking lips with the Stark Industries CEO-- or whatever he called himself.
But no. ] Not quite. You know me, I fancy myself the one with the best groomed facial hair in the relationship. Stark would awaken heretofore unknown beard image issues.
[ Rhada at least acknowledges the tongue clicks, in that she stares at Eames for a good twenty-five seconds without moving a hair or seemingly taking a breath. However, it fails to translate into something urgent (usually either RUN, RUN NOW or I have treats hidden somewhere on me, come see if you can nuzzle them out of me) so she slinks down the stairs, resolutely ignoring the man cleaning the PASIV. ]
But no. ] Not quite. You know me, I fancy myself the one with the best groomed facial hair in the relationship. Stark would awaken heretofore unknown beard image issues.
[ Rhada at least acknowledges the tongue clicks, in that she stares at Eames for a good twenty-five seconds without moving a hair or seemingly taking a breath. However, it fails to translate into something urgent (usually either RUN, RUN NOW or I have treats hidden somewhere on me, come see if you can nuzzle them out of me) so she slinks down the stairs, resolutely ignoring the man cleaning the PASIV. ]
[ Yusuf is incredibly not bothered by the fact that there is a hoodlum- i mean boy- crawling in his window at ungodly o'clock. He pops a cheeto in his mouth. ]
Welcome back Zāl, dearest.
Welcome back Zāl, dearest.
Hullo, darling.
[ This chav wannabe has a mild grin to the set of his mouth as he tumbles from the window and to the floor, plopping himself near Rhada - though the cat doesn't seem to appreciate his affection by means of belly scritches. ]
Late night snack?
[ This chav wannabe has a mild grin to the set of his mouth as he tumbles from the window and to the floor, plopping himself near Rhada - though the cat doesn't seem to appreciate his affection by means of belly scritches. ]
Late night snack?
It might be breakfast if you've got studying to do. [ Meaning, he'll help with what he can, if Eames knows where to start. He holds out the bag for Eames, in case he wants one (or a handful, lets be real here). ]
Here's to another year of SparkNotes carrying my ass through English. [ He tips the bag like its a champagne flute, saluting the fine ladies and gentlemen of SparkNotes. Leisure reading to Yusuf isn't The Great Gatsby or Catcher in the Rye- no matter how well intended and "racy" its language is. He'd rather stick his nose in his chem book or loaf around on the internet. ]
You got lucky, you know. She's the only teacher that doesn't go into excessive detail because she still has faith in the youth with reading.
[ It's only a mild remark as Eames exchanges the floor for the edge of Yusuf's bed instead, resting his back. A strange thing to think about, Yusuf successfully completing his junior year, on to his last one in high school. Soon he'll be applying to universities, making new friends there, people who share his specific interests and stimulate him intellectually on a chemical level, something Eames can't even pretend to keep up with. ]
[ It's only a mild remark as Eames exchanges the floor for the edge of Yusuf's bed instead, resting his back. A strange thing to think about, Yusuf successfully completing his junior year, on to his last one in high school. Soon he'll be applying to universities, making new friends there, people who share his specific interests and stimulate him intellectually on a chemical level, something Eames can't even pretend to keep up with. ]
[ Yusuf would argue that so long as you know who the characters are in the story, you can largely bullshit your way through a term paper with enough talk of existentialism (his go-to reason for anything in any story..... ever) but he knows better. ] Sweet, but misplaced.
[ When the crinkling of his hand in the bag is louder than Eames' inevitable reply, Yusuf pops the puffed snack in his mouth and glances at the other. Eames is looking at the last cheeto in his hand like its important, and Yusuf is about to offer him the bag if it really makes him that depressed when something less associated with teenaged bravado and more related to brotherly camaraderie stops him. ]
You, [ Lacking the finess of someone who doesn't know Eames as well as Yusuf does, he nudges the other teen with his foot. ] Whats the face for? I've got my old sophomore final, if you need it.
[ Not that he should since he's been in this class twice... ]
[ When the crinkling of his hand in the bag is louder than Eames' inevitable reply, Yusuf pops the puffed snack in his mouth and glances at the other. Eames is looking at the last cheeto in his hand like its important, and Yusuf is about to offer him the bag if it really makes him that depressed when something less associated with teenaged bravado and more related to brotherly camaraderie stops him. ]
You, [ Lacking the finess of someone who doesn't know Eames as well as Yusuf does, he nudges the other teen with his foot. ] Whats the face for? I've got my old sophomore final, if you need it.
[ Not that he should since he's been in this class twice... ]
[ Said cheeto is more like a cheeto log at this point, the two ends being snapped off from jumbling in the bag or Rhada laying on it, whichever may be the case. He pops it into his mouth before rolling onto his side, propping a head up on a hand as he stares at Yusuf's socks - clean for the most part except for a nudge of everyday house dirt on the left heel, cat hair dispersed thoroughly besides. ]
Have you thought about uni, yet?
Have you thought about uni, yet?
Sometimes the best people for you are the ones that make you realise things about yourself, [ Eames quips sagely, though his mouth is twitching all the same, betraying his own teasing. Rhada ultimately ignoring him, on the other hand, is nothing new, so he returns to his duty all the same. ]
But yes, I do know you. And I would get very jealous were you to rub beards with Tony Stark, regardless.
But yes, I do know you. And I would get very jealous were you to rub beards with Tony Stark, regardless.
[ Oh, University.
This is a conversation he usually has to endure with his parents, the both of them advising him on such and such's son awarded this grant or so and so's son accepted at such a young age and how they're so proud. Yusuf chews the cheese off his thumb, shrugging in a less respectful manner than he'd use with his parents. ]
Sure, kind of have to.
This is a conversation he usually has to endure with his parents, the both of them advising him on such and such's son awarded this grant or so and so's son accepted at such a young age and how they're so proud. Yusuf chews the cheese off his thumb, shrugging in a less respectful manner than he'd use with his parents. ]
Sure, kind of have to.
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