kayakking | (no subject)

[He sees Algric's state. Moves to sit next to him, knees pressed against his.]

Something got to you a bit?

Martin wins Christmas, I think.

[ He holds out the documents. Two sets, only missing names... ]

What?

[He looks at Algric confused, then takes the papers and starts looking them over. It's clear when he realizes what they are - his eyes going wide and hands a little shaky.]

....Martin got these?

I know, right? I'm frankly impressed. Most of these are incredibly illegal.

Almost all of them are incredibly illegal.

I.... Yeah, he. Won Christmas, and none of us even knew there was a competition.

[ He laughs quietly. ]

I feel like I get partial credit.

You got a solid A plus.

[He can't even pretend to hide his good mood. And that's weird? Being in a good mood with no weird bitter-sweetness to it is weird. And after this, Jon will- oh right. Jon. There's the bitter part.

He leans over to kiss Algric's cheek.]

I.. Suppose we really do have to decide on names.

[ It is the bitter part. But at least for now, it seems far away.

Algric pinks at that, leaning in. ]

Yes. And - ah, well.

[ Pinker. ]

Is it worth putting down my name only to change it soon?

[Jonah stares at him, still the same wide eyes. Hold on, he has to get his brain working.]

....It's, um. We'll likely need an official account for that paperwork.

I suppose that is true. And I would like to be very official when we make that official.

I do too.

[He looks back down at the paperwork, blank and ready for them. Then turns to hug Algric's neck, squeezing him tight.]

We're staying. Really... Really staying.

[ Algric clings back. ]

Yes. We are, Jonah. I want - ah. I like living with Tim, but I want to find a place to live on our own too.

It's- God. Yes. I mean, jobs and ... Basically starting from nothing? But. Yes, we'll find a place.

[He has a couple ideas. Especially knowing Jon is likely going to be staying with Tim long-term. He'll wait until plans are a bit more solid before presenting the idea.]

Exactly. Our own little place. With - with a little garden. And jobs that aren't terrible.

A garden? What kinds of things do you want to plant?

Flowers? Oh, and herbs. For cooking.

Two small plots then. Or medium.

Good to know.

Yes.

... What are you taking for your last name? Are you going to be Jonah Sims?

[He pulls back, thinking for a second and glancing back at the papers on his lap.]

I... think so. I'm... I don't know who else I would be. Not that I'm entirely sold on the name 'Jonah', but I can't be 'Jon' so.

[He's a little too attached to his name.]

[ Algric nudges him lightly. ]

You don't have to be, you know. There's a million versions of Jon, too.

Maybe. I'll think about it.

[He nudges right back though.]

What about you?

Ah. Algric Blackwood, I think. At least until I become Algric Sims.

Oh, like brothe-

[Record scratch.

Oh his whole face goes so deep red at that.]

You- You... decided you want to do that?

Yes. Yes, we did. We've ...

[ A little laugh. ]

It's funny, but Martin really put it best. We hate ourselves, sure but it's hard to hate each other.

[Oh good Martin isn't looking too hard at that.]

I- Suppose that's true, yes. A good way to put it. I'm glad, Algric.