[There is the strongest disconnect there. The Tim he knew, said last goodbyes to before that horrible night, who hated monsters, went out of his way to avoid everyone because he couldn't trust they weren't monsters.
And the Tim here, telling him it's... all right. That he loves the monster in front of him, who's been open and honest about how inhuman he is.
The confusion is clear on his face.]
After I. I just- explained the whole. Being a monster thing.
[And this Tim had, even when the wavering form of Algric shuddered in and out of his perception and memory that first day. He still did when Jonah stumbled out of Hilltop. He still did when arms desperately went around him and a forehead pressed into his chest, despite the smell of burning protein and fiber overwhelmed the choking concrete dust and boiling wax.
He still does now.
There's just a specificity now he didn't have before. Was it a double standard? Was it wriggling on the line he, himself was caught on? Probably. But it was THERE now, sharp and stark.]
... You know, there's not been one moment since that narrative ended, that you haven't been there for me. I'm not-
[He tries again.] I don't hate you. There's only one person that story made me all out hate and that is not you.
[There's continents of emotion between 'I don't hate you' and 'I love you.' But at Jonah's declaration, Tim's expression goes on a journey, taking in that proclaimed sentiment greedily and wrapping around it.]
God, I'm so glad. [His fingers slide along Jonah's cheek, a little too warm, a little too smooth.] Because I really love you too, Jon.
[All this feeling he could've had before if he'd trusted, or had a bit more confidence in himself at the moment. Make up for lost time now, he supposes. Jonah leans his cheek into that hand, desperate for touch; he loves Algric, is going to marry Algric, but he's understanding he's selfish for wanting this too.]
You know once I fill out the papers Martin gave us, that won't be my name anymore? So. Use it while you can.
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Are you really.
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And the Tim here, telling him it's... all right. That he loves the monster in front of him, who's been open and honest about how inhuman he is.
The confusion is clear on his face.]
After I. I just- explained the whole. Being a monster thing.
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He still does now.
There's just a specificity now he didn't have before. Was it a double standard? Was it wriggling on the line he, himself was caught on? Probably. But it was THERE now, sharp and stark.]
... You know, there's not been one moment since that narrative ended, that you haven't been there for me. I'm not-
[He tries again.] I don't hate you. There's only one person that story made me all out hate and that is not you.
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It feels strange to say 'thank you' but. I. Am coming to accept I'm ...capable of loving more than one person? But I. I do. Love you, Tim.
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God, I'm so glad. [His fingers slide along Jonah's cheek, a little too warm, a little too smooth.] Because I really love you too, Jon.
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You know once I fill out the papers Martin gave us, that won't be my name anymore? So. Use it while you can.
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[He leans into Tim's side a bit more, ignoring how uncomfortable it is in these chairs at the kitchen island. It's just... Nice.]
Either way, I'm. Not leaving. So. You... have me here.
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... We should get a last drink and take it to the couch, because it is gonna be real awkward to kiss you here.
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Last call, then?
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[It's unseen, but the edges of that ice scar do recede a small bit under his shirt.]
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[His hand slips down from where it had settled, and he hops down to the fridge, grabbing two more out of it.]
Onwards, to comfort.
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Gets up to follow after him from the kitchen as they leave.]
You know, that couch belongs in the London Museum? Most comfortable couch in the world.
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[With a grin he flops against one of the armrests, setting his drink down on the coffee table, unopened still.]
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I don't think I need to point out the irony of you having 'cold' hands.
[And then flops onto the couch proper next to him.]
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[And an arm hooks around Jonah, pulling him close.]
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You say that and yet...
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Goodness me. The sass on this one.
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