kayakking | (no subject)

[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.]

A teardis, perhaps.

[ It's definitely for Martin, okay. Inside ... is a spiral notebook. A nice one, though not expensive. The pages are already filled with recipes, mostly their mother's. ]

That's awful-

[but before he can chide Algric more, the wrapping falls away. Martin's eyes widen.

it's his turn to choke up and get teary-eyed, and he looks up at Algric with wonder.]

You... You found it. I thought-

Y-yeah. I mean, I knew where it was. I just ... didn't find it in time. Back home. Ended up with the estate.

I--

[blinking back tears, Martin holds it close.]

You shouldn't just give it to me; we should share it.

Martin, we live together. Of course we're going to share it.

I'm just! I don't know, I'm making sure!

All right, all right. It's a gift for you, but we'll share. All right?

Yeah, that's. Perfect. Like...like brothers should.

Y - yes. Brothers.

[ His gaze drifts again to those papers. ]

...You should show Jonah. It's for both of you, really.

I - I will. Of course. I -

Thank you, Martin.

My pleasure.

[it's said so casually, like acquiring forgeries is the easiest thing in the world.]

In an ideal world...what do you want to do? After finishing off Elias?

[ God, what a thought that is. Algric rubs at his face. ]

Get married? Find a job I don't hate? Move out eventually, but - but not too far. Maybe a little garden.

Yeah... Not too far. Tim'd be lonely and would hound you.

Among other people, surely.

I- Well. Y-yeah. Jon'd miss you.

[okay, fine]

And me.

So I'll stay close.

Yes. Well. Good.

[Martin rubs his arm, fidgeting and eyes darting around.]

Look, can I just-?

[he huffs, frustrated and embarrassed. finally:]

Oh...sod it.

[is he going to do it? yeah, he's going to do it. Algric's getting pulled in for a hug.]