kayakking | (no subject)

I just thought-! In future [that unfortunate future], if you ever get in trouble, you can blow the whistle - you can wear it around your neck or attach it to your keys - even though I don't. I'm not going to leave your side, unless you tell me to. A-and the bracelet could be like...a signal to me if you're ever uncomfortable or something, and just a reminder, so you know... [the nervous rush stops, and Martin's voice gets very soft and uncertain.] I'm here. I'll always be here.

[What did he ever do to deserve this kind hearted, loving idiot next to him? Literally nothing. This is too thoughtful.]

I ... This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me.

It's not...too much?

No. It's just enough.

[He leans up to kiss Martin's cheek.]

If that's the nicest thing, then I'm going to have to outdo myself for your birthday.

You don't have to do that, Martin, I'm-

[He holds the little pile of thoughtfulness close to himself, like he's afraid it'll get taken.]

I'm happy with this.

That's...what I want. F-for you to be happy. So I'll figure something out. How to do it every time.

You do it so well already.

I do?

[Martin's everything is so soft.]

I. I hope so.

[a wistful sigh, and Martin's mirroring Jon in holding his set of warm things close.]

No one's ever said...anything that nice to me before. Or given me a gift this nice.

[but it's not about the gifts.]

And, you should know... You should know that- That if it wasn't for everything...else. I've never been....happier. Than these last few months. With you.

...I'm so glad, Martin. You deserve that. And to have people think of you.

So do you.

...Not sure about that when I'm a right prick a lot of the time. Then again, if I wasn't, what would you and Tim have to make fun of?

Like I'm not an easy target, sometimes.

Only that one time you were trying to mime an ostrich.

I-! Look! I was doing my best!

I know. It was... endearing.

[Martin is NOT pouting. he's not.]

W-well. It'd better have been. Otherwise I made an arse of myself for nothing.

I wouldn't have remembered it if it wasn't, Martin.

Glad I'm so endearing at my own expense, I guess.

[Shit.]

That isn't what I meant-

[sigh.]

I know, I know... Sorry.

[He's quiet. Then slowly, reaches for Martin's hand. Just taking his fingers loosely.]

I'm sorry.

No, no, it's just me being stupid. You didn't do anything wrong.

[Martin takes Jon's hand and scooches close, his warm things still held gently in his lap.]

I'm stupid like that.

[He smiles nervously up to him, fiddling with that bracelet in his fingers.]

I am too, Martin.

[a fond smile.]

True.

[Martin lets go of Jon's hand, only to wrap his arm around Jon and pull him closer, taking Jon's hand with his other. he stage whispers in Jon's ear:]

And I love it.