Hear, Israel, by angelofcaffeine, G

[bookshop.livejournal.com]

Fandom: INCEPTION
Title: Hear, Israel
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Length: 1,800
Author on LJ: angelofcaffeine
Author Website: masterlist of fics on author's journal
Why this must be read: This beautiful fic sees Eames and Arthur in a longterm relationship that allows Arthur to practice his Jewish faith in synagogues across the world with Eames by his side. At first, Eames acommodates Arthur's religious traditions out of courtesy and love, then gradually begins adopting more of them on his own. The genius of this little story is how it shows you the bare edges of Arthur and Eames settling into a life together, and how you can see such intimacy and love between them through all of the ways in which Eames grows to love Judaism--first, because it's a part of Arthur, and secondly, entirely for himself. Rarely have acts born of true love been this simple and eloquent and clear. This fic will clutch your heart and not let go for a long time.

When the evening came, and they realised what day it was, Arthur looked so honestly distressed that Eames wasn’t sure how to handle it.

“But surely it doesn’t matter what day it is, Arthur,” he’d insisted, finally settling onto the bed. This job had been difficult, and he was in great need of some real sleep.

Arthur had glanced sharply at him from across the room, pausing in his attempts to remove his cufflinks. “Of course the day is important.”

Eames raised his eyebrows. “And why’s that, darling?”

His partner looked thoughtful for a moment, and then replied: “Because it’s the day we’ve been celebrating for thousands of years. It’s the day that Jews all across the world try to keep it in some way – and, fine, I’m not the most observant person, but I still mark out the day every week, because that’s who we are. We’re the people who celebrate Shabbat.”

“I celebrate Shabbat with you, and I’m not of the tribe,” Eames pointed out. At Arthur’s brief glance, he felt himself softening. “Okay, so I probably can’t get it. Is there anything we can do now? Isn’t there something you do at the end of Shabbat, with candles and spices?”

“Havdalah,” Arthur replied, surprise evident in his voice. “You want to make havdalah with me?”

Eames was actually surprised himself, when his answer was completely honest. “I do.”

Hear, Israel