[ There's a blowjob joke on the tip of Arthur's tongue when that happens and just like that, his attention is gained.
His already straight posture gets a little stiffer and there's a small tension to his face now. That technology isn't something he's seen, which can only mean a few things, none of them heartening. ]
[ James isn't shy about saying so, either. He very specifically brought Arthur into the room to question him and he doesn't intend to let the man out until he completes his task.
Straightening his jacket, Bond stands in the center of the space, the mirrors in front of him offering plenty of perspective on the world around him. ]
[ He crosses his arms over his chest, posture shifting to something a little more defensive. CIA. He can't even decide if it's an insult or a compliment. He could have wound up in the CIA, too. The offer had been there when he'd left the service. ]
I thought you were going to offer me a job, but you have no idea who I am, do you? Why did you drag me back here?
[ Don't make him hurt you... ] Not at all because you stand out. [ Bond says as much dryly as he crosses his arms over his chest. ]
If you're not CIA, then you're in over your head. [ A thoughtful pause and then he scratches his eyebrow. ] Come to think of it, even if you are CIA, you're in over your head.
[ And now it's time to reassess his plan. Just how can he use Arthur is the question. ]
[ Arthur sighs, shifting on his feet and running his fingers through his hair. As it gets a little messier, it drastically changes his presence, but he doesn't pay it any mind. ]
Look, I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing. It sounds like you're the one who's lost here.
[ James has a mission to carry out, and that's by any means necessary. The fact that he's angling to bring in a third party is arguably one of his stranger moves, but that doesn't mean it's not a well-planned maneuver. ]
You're mistaken if you think I'm asking. At this point, we have no choice.
[ Their previous display had set this string of events into motion. Backing out now would likely bring the whole house down on Arthur.
Bond could live with that if he didn't have his eyes on the objective. ]
[ There's a minute change in his face, curiosity coming through just a little. He doesn't feel threatened exactly, even if he knows that he's about to be forced to roll with something big, but he does know that he needs to be smart about this--whatever this is. He's pretty sure he's about to be in a world of trouble, but running with Cobb's left him used to the idea of it at this point. Even with Cobb gone, it feels natural to have to deal with it. ]
[ James reaches into his pocket and retrieves a business card, which he offers over to Arthur. It's thick and arguably artisan in design, which would not be Bond's aesthetic, but how would Arthur ever know?
When he's relieved of the card, Bond takes off his jacket and sets it aside. ]
Put that in your pocket. You'll need it. [ James moved on to his cuffs, rolling his sleeves as he goes. ] It's a key card I... liberated. And you're going to return it.
[ Arthur studies the card. This whole thing is so weird that he takes a moment to recall how he got here just to make sure that he's not dreaming.
As he slips the card into his pocket, he fingers his loaded die. If he pulls it out now, he might have to explain it, but as soon as he gets an unwatched moment, he's going to make sure that his memory isn't just filling in blanks. ]
So you stole this and you want me to return it for you? What are you offering me to do you that mighty big favor?
[ James finishes his ritualistic near-undressing and pushes a hand through his hair to muss it up. He knows he won't be able to get close without significant suspicion, but perhaps Arthur could. ]
Hit me. Make it good. Prove you've got something to offer— [ James, specifically. ] —and then hand over the card to him.
[ Arthur's not opposed to hitting the man. He's certainly annoying enough, but Arthur isn't violent by nature. He can more than hold his own, but he doesn't usually choose that path unless it really is his best option. ]
So you want me to hit you and then hand you over to him and pretend that I knew he'd want you? How do I know you're not setting me up here? You haven't even told me why you're doing this.
[ Bond very nearly rolls his eyes. He would prefer, at this point, to be the one placing blows, but as it stands, that doesn't suit his needs nearly as well. ]
I guessed you might be clever enough to figure out that on your own, but if you need me to hold your hand... [ At this point he might need Bond to hold his dick the way he's waffling on this decision. ]
When I say it's a matter of international security, I hope that inspires enough interest in you.
[ There's an edge to his words as Bond paces like a dangerous animal. ]
[ Arthur tries not to laugh, but this is too ridiculous. He's usually more likely to be violating international security than helping it along. ]
If I help you, I walk away from this when it's done. Immunity.
[ It's not a question. Arthur's not doing anything if he might get arrested when it's all said and done, but he'll play ball as long as he knows he's safe. ]
[ James is only partially authorized to make deals, and when it comes to something like immunity, it's policy to run it by M. Too bad James never cared much for policy.
He doesn't mind making promises he can't necessarily keep — there's always a way to make another deal later. ]
[ Punching this guy? Really not a problem. With less hesitation than a more moral man might have, Arthur shifts his stance, pulls his arm back and aims a sharp punch to the man's jaw. He's not about breaking any noses here, just leaving a few good bruises.
He pauses to make sure he hasn't done too much damage before aiming a second blow. ]
no subject
His already straight posture gets a little stiffer and there's a small tension to his face now. That technology isn't something he's seen, which can only mean a few things, none of them heartening. ]
Who sent you here?
no subject
[ James isn't shy about saying so, either. He very specifically brought Arthur into the room to question him and he doesn't intend to let the man out until he completes his task.
Straightening his jacket, Bond stands in the center of the space, the mirrors in front of him offering plenty of perspective on the world around him. ]
CIA?
no subject
Are you asking me if I'm CIA?
[ He crosses his arms over his chest, posture shifting to something a little more defensive. CIA. He can't even decide if it's an insult or a compliment. He could have wound up in the CIA, too. The offer had been there when he'd left the service. ]
I thought you were going to offer me a job, but you have no idea who I am, do you? Why did you drag me back here?
no subject
If you're not CIA, then you're in over your head. [ A thoughtful pause and then he scratches his eyebrow. ] Come to think of it, even if you are CIA, you're in over your head.
[ And now it's time to reassess his plan. Just how can he use Arthur is the question. ]
no subject
Look, I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing. It sounds like you're the one who's lost here.
no subject
You're mistaken if you think I'm asking. At this point, we have no choice.
[ Their previous display had set this string of events into motion. Backing out now would likely bring the whole house down on Arthur.
Bond could live with that if he didn't have his eyes on the objective. ]
no subject
[ There's a minute change in his face, curiosity coming through just a little. He doesn't feel threatened exactly, even if he knows that he's about to be forced to roll with something big, but he does know that he needs to be smart about this--whatever this is. He's pretty sure he's about to be in a world of trouble, but running with Cobb's left him used to the idea of it at this point. Even with Cobb gone, it feels natural to have to deal with it. ]
You're going to have to start talking.
no subject
When he's relieved of the card, Bond takes off his jacket and sets it aside. ]
Put that in your pocket. You'll need it. [ James moved on to his cuffs, rolling his sleeves as he goes. ] It's a key card I... liberated. And you're going to return it.
no subject
As he slips the card into his pocket, he fingers his loaded die. If he pulls it out now, he might have to explain it, but as soon as he gets an unwatched moment, he's going to make sure that his memory isn't just filling in blanks. ]
So you stole this and you want me to return it for you? What are you offering me to do you that mighty big favor?
no subject
[ James finishes his ritualistic near-undressing and pushes a hand through his hair to muss it up. He knows he won't be able to get close without significant suspicion, but perhaps Arthur could. ]
Hit me. Make it good. Prove you've got something to offer— [ James, specifically. ] —and then hand over the card to him.
no subject
So you want me to hit you and then hand you over to him and pretend that I knew he'd want you? How do I know you're not setting me up here? You haven't even told me why you're doing this.
no subject
I guessed you might be clever enough to figure out that on your own, but if you need me to hold your hand... [ At this point he might need Bond to hold his dick the way he's waffling on this decision. ]
When I say it's a matter of international security, I hope that inspires enough interest in you.
[ There's an edge to his words as Bond paces like a dangerous animal. ]
no subject
If I help you, I walk away from this when it's done. Immunity.
[ It's not a question. Arthur's not doing anything if he might get arrested when it's all said and done, but he'll play ball as long as he knows he's safe. ]
no subject
[ James is only partially authorized to make deals, and when it comes to something like immunity, it's policy to run it by M. Too bad James never cared much for policy.
He doesn't mind making promises he can't necessarily keep — there's always a way to make another deal later. ]
Let's make this convincing.
no subject
[ Punching this guy? Really not a problem. With less hesitation than a more moral man might have, Arthur shifts his stance, pulls his arm back and aims a sharp punch to the man's jaw. He's not about breaking any noses here, just leaving a few good bruises.
He pauses to make sure he hasn't done too much damage before aiming a second blow. ]