kayakking | (no subject)

[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.

...

[ Well. Now that you're awkward about it. ]

Why, what were you thinking just now?

[Even better, confirmation he's still bad at this.]

I just- You. Said you want to take my last name?

[He sounds a little hopeful, a lot terrified.]

[ Oh. Of course. Somehow he thought it was so obvious he glazed right over it. ]

Of course I do, Jonah.

[He watches Algric, then rests a hand on his. Has to be a dream. The weight of the ring, and being close like this, and Martin wanting to love him and Tim and all of it. It's a dream. It's a dream it's a dream it's a dream he's going to wake up any minute now in one of Helen's corridors and-]

I didn't realize. [Squeezes his hand, takes a breath.] I mean. Jonah Blackwood doesn't sound so bad either.

[ He doesn't wake up. Algric is real and physical next to him, leaning his forehead against Jonah's. ]

Well, no. It doesn't. But I want this.

[He watches Algric's eyes, sniffs.]

Not very monstery of me to feel like I need a cry, is it?

Mm, maybe not. But it seems just right for my future husband.

[OH Algric is tugging at those heartstrings. He sniffles a little harder, buries his face into Algric's jumper.]

You should be careful with those words.