kayakking | (no subject)

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.

[ Algric soothes the back of his head. ]

It's true. You're my future husband, Jonah.

What did I do to deserve you?

[This tiny broken man being healed by everyone here. It's enough to drive an Archiveist to tears.]

It's not about deserving, I don't think.

You think? What would you call it?

I - well, I don't know. Some sort of luck, maybe.

Hm. I'd take you being my good luck paying off after everything.

[The most unattractive sniff before he pulls away, kisses his cheek.]

I - well - that wasn't entirely what I meant, but I'll take it.

[ He's very red now!! ]

[GOOD!!]

Good, because you are a true prize after all of that.

[ GOD. Redder now, somehow. ]

Oh come on. That's stretching it a bit far.

I disagree. But I'll stop.

[It's soft, leaning up to give a quick kiss.]

I do love you, Martin.

[ He returns it shyly. ]

I - I love you too. Jon. Desperately.

[For a moment, Jonah simply watches him. Taking in the sight of a happy, alive Martin. Pale and chilly, sure, but still undeniably him.]

Did you still want to get an eye etching on the inside of your ring?