FAMILY DINNER

[falsify]

[Having Nancy over isn't as common as it used to be, life is busy and whatnot, but Eames sometimes makes an effort. He's even gone so far as to make something to eat that he knows Nancy loves, and he is well stocked with wine for the two of them.]

[Arthur's off visiting a friend or something, so it's just the two of them for tonight. The two of them and a dog who is always happy for familiar company and spends a good chunk of time sat by Nancy's feet, only slightly hoping maybe she'll share some food even if it's against the rules.]

Comments

[falsify]

Just making sure. Can't let him get a big head, you know.

[says the hypocrite hypocritically]

[stauncherhearted]

Oh, no. God forbid it compete with yours.

[Nancy giggles behind her hand. It's so lovely, just sitting and shooting the shit with Eames. When things are alright and nothing terrible is happening.]

You're a good couple. You complete each other well.

[falsify]

[All things considered, it's strange to be described as a "good" couple-- of course Nancy's never been witness to the way they argue over the stupidest things, but it gets a rare, bashful smile out of Eames anyway. One that makes him duck his head and take a sip of his drink to hide it.]

Well, it's rare to find someone attractive enough I'm willing to look at them every day for years.

[Saved it.]

[stauncherhearted]

[He's absolutely adorable, Nancy decides. Eames in love. And that's what it is, she can recognize it anywhere. She knows what it is, to have that stupid surge of pure warmth come through you, making your toes crinkle up in your shoes.

Then he goes and ruins it.]

You are awful, has anyone told you that before?

[But it's said with such fondness]

[falsify]

Oh yes, frequently.

[Eames grins broadly and finishes his drink.]

Plenty more colourful names too, at that.

[stauncherhearted]

And I'm sure you've been called worse'n I've ever heard.

[She'd heard an awful lot. But Eames was old]