kayakking | (no subject)

[ Algric stops at that, sucking in a breath. ]

Like ... having a brother.

I... Yes, that is a way to look at it. A good way, I think.

We did comfort each other after. As best we could.

Good. I'm relieved to hear that.

[He settles to rubbing Algric's back, careful of the bad spots, his fingers lightly dancing around each scar without touching.]

Would you feel better with some tea in your hands?

[ Thanks Jon. He tenses a bit, then relaxes as Jon avoids the scarred spots. ]

Only if you let me make tea for both of us.

...All right, Algric. Both of us, then.

R-right. Right, let me just -

[ He gets up to go get the water heated up. ]

[Jon will follow, a little worried and wanting to stick close by.]

Do you need any help?

Oh, ah. Fetch me some teabags?

On it.

[Teabags it is!! He'll dig out the looseleaf bags, a nice mint tea for the season.]

[ And by then, the water is warm, so ... ]

Thank you, Jon.

You're more than welcome, Algric.

[Teabags handed over, and he's getting a little sugar and cream for his own.]

You and Martin are going to work on some Polish traditions?

[ Algric settles in with his mug, then. ]

Y-yes. For Christmas Eve.

I've never seen the tradition before. I'm looking forward to it.

I mean, it's nothing crazy. Just different foods, a couple of weird things.

But it's still your tradition. So, I'm excited to see it.

... I'm happy to share it with you.

Thank you.

[He just.. Sort of smiles watching Algric. Definitely improvement from when he first saw him.]

So... Something good happen? I mean, besides all the. Holiday cheer.

Oh. W-well -

[ He blushes. ]

I gave Jonah his ring.

His... ring.

[. . .

Oh.]

That's wonderful, Algric.

Y-yes. I'm - I'm very happy.

You should be.

[He settles for touching a hand to Algric's shoulder while the tea steeps.]

That's... Huge.

[ He leans into that. ]

Y-yes. I mean - we're still a bit open? Tim and Jonah are involved, and when I'm not ferociously jealous, I'm happy for them.

[Something about that hits oddly, and it's clear in his eyes.]

...Tim and Jonah? Huh.

[That's......hm. A seed planted, a thought that will grow later.]

A-at least you've all talked about it, I assume.

Y-yes, of course.

[ He shifts a little closer. ]

And ... well. I'd be a hypocrite to refuse.