kayakking | (no subject)

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?

[ Alive and here, physical as anything. He smiles happily. ]

Oh, yes. I'd like that.

All right. Adding that to the to-do list, then.

Getting a bit long, isn't it?

Only because a few things were written in larger size.

['Kill Elias' being the biggest on his mind.]

I mean. Yes, true. Also, as many times as possible.

[ Kill Elias as many times as necessary. ]

[Definitely kill Elias as many times as necessary. Agreed.]

So really when you consolidate it down, it's only a few things.

Fair enough. I - ah. I mean, I'm terrified, but I'm ready too. I think.

...I think I am too. Just have to make sure they're ready.

Right. No pressure, huh.

Right. If this goes badly, we aren't the only ones who'll pay the price.

[And not just Jon, Martin, and Tim either. All the other Institute staff...]

I know. I know, but ... what else can we do?

Nothing but go through with it.

[He leans against Algric, head to his shoulder.]

...You and Tim will. Will do it.

[ Algric leans back. ]

Yes. We'll be fine, Jon.

[A moment. Then he reaches for Algric's hand with his ringed left hand. Staring down at them.]

I really hope so, Martin.

[ Algric looks down at that too. At the ring. ]

I - I swear it. No matter what happens. I'll crawl my way back to you.

....If anything happens, if I have to go looking for you or Tim, I will, just...

[He squeezes that hand.]

I'll do whatever I have to, if I have to. But I'm. [God this is hard.] I'm putting my trust in both of you.

... I know. I know, I ...

I'll try not to betray that.