kayakking | (no subject)

[Martin approaches his older self with a small smile, a glass of mulled wine, and an envelope present.]

Your turn.

[ Algric blinks at that, somehow startled? He gapes at the envelope present for a moment. ]

F-for - for me? Really?

[a small laugh.]

Yeah, of course. Why not you?

I - well - isn't it a bit self serving, getting gifts for each other?

[ As if he doesn't also have a small box tucked away for Martin under the tree. ]

Well- I mean, sure, I thought about that, but it wouldn't feel fair to not do it, either.

[ He laughs a little. ]

I suppose so. And I got you something as well, so.

[ He opens the present, mindful not to tear anything unnecessarily. ]

[it might not be the most fun gift, but it's a bunch of very official-looking forms for identification papers: birth certificates, NHS numbers, passports, bank accounts, the lot. two sets, no less.

the blueprints for Algric and Jonah to properly exist here.]

[ Oh. Oh. Algric lifts a hand to his mouth, tears abruptly blurring his vision. ]

You - how -

[Martin just beams, genuinely pleased with a hint of conspiratorial amusement.]

It wasn't easy. And it's completely illegal. But I found...people. There are perks to The Institute, sometimes.

Edited 2020-12-30 04:00 (UTC)

Please don't have yourself arrested on my account.

[ But he's pleased and touched and - he unfolds the fake birth certificate, looking down at the blank page where his name ought to go. ]

Is ... is Algric Blackwood all right?

Like. Like a cousin? Or a brother?

[ He goes rather red. ]

I - I thought brother, if that's not too much of a stretch to explain. Half-brother, maybe.

You know...? I think I'd like that.

I - I really would too. We've never had siblings.

Or anyone else.

Or - or anyone else.

[ He takes in a deep breath. ]

Well my gift isn't going to measure up to that.

I don't- It's fine. Feels good just to be thought of.

Still. I'd like it to?

[ He offers a pair of brightly wrapped packages. The one on the top is a small box, while the one on the bottom is larger but flatter. ]

[he'll go for the smaller box first, opening it carefully.]

Oh, and- Until you find work, you can have the extra from. From...not having to pay for Mum anymore. Something for yourself, you know?

[ Inside is a small selection of tea packets. It's a mix of items: some that Algric knows Martin loves now, some teas that are new (but which he himself has tried, so he knows Martin WILL like), and some teas that are clearly intended to be shared with Jon. Also, NO OOLONG.

Algric can't hide the wince at the mention of their mother, but. Well. It is practical, isn't it? They are both exceedingly practical, and the gesture is touching, if also a touch morbid. Such is their life. ]

R-right. That's - I'll get a job soon now, with these.

[ He indicates the paperwork. ]

[Martin, being Martin, is genuinely delighted.]

Wow, thank you! I haven't had this one in ages- Oh, haven't heard of this one-

[he peers at many of the different kinds in turn, investigating and warming at the thought of trying them and sharing. and Algric's thoughtfulness. maybe tea is an obvious gift to get him, but it's greatly appreciated nonetheless.]

Let's try this white peach later, yeah?

[ Martin brightens a bit at that. ]

Yes - I'm certain you'll like it. I mean, I do, so you will.

[Martin laughs a little.]

Are we going to start trying to new teas on our own and then trading them back and forth?

Why not? Might as well use this to our advantage.

[ He nudges Martin with the second package, gently. ]

[Martin snickers to him.]

"The Time Travel Tea Club", maybe?

[but then!!! he's reminded that there's a second(!!!) gift.]

Oh, right-

[setting the teas down on the coffee table, Martin tentatively reaches out (TWO presents!!! gosh), eyes darting up to Algric's face to check if this is really his, then opening it with as much care as the first.]