kayakking | (no subject)

... Maybe just a few minutes to make sure it sticks.

[God.]

You're SURE?

If I'm going to try to get out, I want to be certain it'll last.

Right. Right.

God, that answer if you're sure about all of it, right and clear.

...I'm sorry, Tim. It's... probably going to be a mess.

You don't need to apologize. Just..

I promise. As little as possible is going to change, okay?

...Big promise.

[He takes a deep breath, looking to the others again, the lights and decorations.]

I'll do my best to make it as easy as I can.

There is the 'as possible' in there.

[Some parts were going to change no matter how much anyone tried... But others.]

You just work on adjusting.

[Right.

They're all planning on how to stop Elias and these rituals, how to keep everyone safe and he just. Has to settle for adjusting to a new way of living. He knows he's helping by no longer being a piece on the board, but he can't help the sting of feeling useless.]

Right. I'll focus on that.

[Tim can hardly see the fine points of what's scrolling through Jon's head, but he can see The Look. Those little deflations before Jon sharpens back up into an Idea.

A little lean.]

And soaking up so much attention I'm going to be jealous.

And you know how much I would hate that.

Completely loathe it, I'm sure.

Absolutely. Hate having all eyes on me.

[... Yeah, he might actually.]

Just... let us know what you need. More space. Less. Just don't shut me out after... [That], okay?

... I won't. Have my word on that.

Good. Good.

You know you're like, my best friend, right?

[And he does not want to lose anyone else, desperately so.]

[That... Gives Jon a bit of pause. Looking at Tim surprised, a little confused, and... Hopeful.]

No, I... I didn't know that.

Jon, we've been through hell and back together? Yeah, it got rough in there? But I could rely on you.

[Jonah may remember a time, a way that that breaks, shattering into so many pieces it would never come back together the same.

.. But Algric interrupted all of that.]

You've always been a good friend. [A shrug.]

I just... Thought you had other people outside all this.

[He ducks his head down. If Tim is quick enough he may catch the way his cheeks are dark.]

You're mine too.

I mean, your social circle narrows when you're looking for revenge.

[It's odd, isn't it? To both simply assume it was a reciprocated thing, but also feel as good at hearing it. Jon's shoulder gets a friendly clasp.]

But even so...

Even so.

[It is odd. But a relief, in a way.]

Just be prepared for when I inevitably give you bad fashion advice.

Already prepared to unilaterally ignore it, don't you even worry.

Good.

[A slow breath.]

By the by. I wanted to ask. What are your thoughts on dogs? Possibly one being here?

... Like a big dog?

[Is that hope in his tone? SURELY a big dog is only practical for the possibility Jon must be suggesting.

AND YET.

AND YET. The power of a dog person is glowing all around him.]

Edited 2020-12-30 03:51 (UTC)

[Jon keeps eyes on him for a few seconds. Then resigned:] I knew you were a dog person.

It's. Something I was considering.