curriculum_fictae | [PSL-Adjacent] time travel side story

[It was over.

Jon had gone to the Lonely looking for Martin, for answers. Destroyed Peter Lukas but for what? Martin's whispers faded in the air to nothing. He was gone.

In the end, Elias had won, hadn't he? The man, Jonah, always knew he would win. He had held almost every card and only showed them when Jon was at the lowest and had nothing else. Everyone was either dead or scattered and Jon had nothing. The modified ritual worked, of course. The only time he could do something right was to effectively destroy the world.

He knew everything now. And he knew there was nothing left for him here. So Jon wandered. He wandered the domains, ignoring Helen the few times she said hello. Spoke out the horror into words as he experienced them from place to place. Even the petty revenge of destroying Jude Perry hadn't done much to ease the pang of loss and regret he felt. It was empty.

Maybe that's how his feet found him at Hilltop Road. How or why this particular place was still standing was beyond even him; the Web was always harder for him to see somehow. The steps creaked under his weight. He couldn't tell if he was carrying himself through the door or if he was being controlled. At this point did it even matter? The basement was... as horrifying as he expected. The cobwebs sent his age old phobia spiking, as did the faint whispers of long legs skittering around behind him. Maybe that's why he didn't notice his body moving. Too preoccupied with the mental image of a giant eight legged monstrosity possibly behind him to make sense of falling through the world.

It's dark when he opens his eyes again. His body aches in a soreness of someone who's been laying still and uncomfortable for many hours.]

Okay... still Hilltop. That's... still here.

[It feels off, though. Jon starts sitting up to his knees on the basement floor and rubs at his head like waking up from a very long nap. And something about the eorld shifts for him. It's 2016. Late fall of 2016, to be precise. Lord.]

[ [ Late fall of 2016, and someone is moving around upstairs. Very cautiously, very uncertainly - frankly terrified of every tiny creak and noise the old house gives off. If Algric manages to ruin everything by dint of his own damned curiosity, he isn't sure what he'll do? Disappear, probably.

(But is that so different from his original plan? No. The thing that's changed is him, he realises. He ... wants to be here. He wants to be happy, with Jon and Tim and Martin.)

As he shuffles around upstairs, he thinks he hears something. A voice? Too quiet to determine an owner, but loud enough that Algric is certain it's someone and not something. He freezes for a moment before calling out: ]

H-hello? Is someone there?

[He manages to get himself to a seat leaning against the wall. He needs to sort his own head out before doing anything else. The first big question being why did he end up here? That Anya statement comes back to his mind. He had originally dismissed it but it seems to have real merit. Which makes him question if he himself existed in whatever universe this is.

He doesn't want to think too much about it.

But someone Is H e r e.

He cranes his neck upward at the floor above him.]

Hello?

[ That's definitely a voice. It ... seems almost familiar? Still too faint to be sure, but pronounced enough that Algric's heart leaps into his throat. It sounds like - almost like -

Against his better judgment, Algric slowly heads down the stairs into the basement. More fog clings to him the more nervous he gets, and he is powerfully afraid the further down he gets. What will he find at the bottom? Something good? Something terrible? Will he fall back through and into the Lonely somehow--

For Jon, a blurred familiar steps slowly into view. He's foggy, translucent in spots. But the greyed-out hi tops are familiar, as is that bluish grey jumper, and the smudge of roan curls at the top of his head.

He freezes as he looks down at the floor, realising who's lying prone on it. He knows that face. He knows that face specifically. Similar to the Jon that's here, but also not the same, more scarred, more hollowed out.

For a moment, he can barely breathe. He just stares down at Jon with wide eyes, not sure if he should hope or flee. ]

J - Jon?

[Jon had to force himself to steady his breathing when he hears the steps creaking. Whoever it is is coming down and he has no idea what to expect. And after traveling through that rift, he knows he isn't in any condition to try and fight (and when did tat happen? When did he start to become sure of himself enough that he can take care of himself like that?).

The fog has him on edge. Until he starts looking closer. Its too familiar, too heart-achingly hopeful an idea. But rhe voice has his heart stopping and his great catches in his chest. His dark eyes are wide looking up from where he'd sat on the floor, knees drawn up and elbows resting on them.]

M.. M-martin?

[ It is Jon. A different Jon? Surely a trick, but -

But in the moment Algric doesn't care. He looks so much like the Jon that Alcric left behind, except sadder and more miserable somehow. He considers the thought that this might be some horrible monster trick for about two seconds before he leans down for him, drawing him into a bruisingly tight hug. It's Jon. It's Jon and Algric doesn't know what that means, or what he's supposed to do, just -

He just sobs a little, his arms cool but warming fast as he clings to Jon. ]

Mart-oof.

[He gets pulled into the hug and he Knows then its Martin. There's no doubt in him. Jon trembles a moment before moving to return the embrace, face burying into his jumper.]

I searched everywhere. I-i looked... everywhere for you.

[ It's his Martin, which is perhaps the most important. The Martin that suffered in the Lonely, who vanished inside of it without Jon ever finding him. The Martin who saw Jon's conflict with Peter from a distance and assumed the worst.

More tears stream down his face helplessly as he just keeps clinging, determined to - what? To make this real? Because this can't be real, it's impossible. If he'd thought there was even a remote chance that Jon was still alive, then he'd have to have gone back. To find him, or - or something. He'll deal with that guilt later. ]

I - I found a door. You were - you were dead, Jon, so I. I took it.

[ A few more sobbing breaths. ]

Peter Lukas - he - I thought I saw him kill you --

[A door?

Helen.

Jon squeezes him, clutching at his jumper with a shaky exhale.]

No. I... other way around, that. I was there, and I confronted him, but. [Somehow, the words "I killed Peter Lukas," can't seem to properly form on his tongue.] He's gone. For good.

[ If that's true - and it must be - then that means -

Algric makes a strangled, miserable noise. ]

I ... I left you. I left you behind, I - oh god, Jon, I'm so sorry. I didn't know.

You didn't know, it... it's all right.

[The world there isn't though.

Jon pulls away, just to look at his face, carefully placing both hands to his cheeks. Martin is here. Martin is real. Thats what matters here. Though there is a prickling at the back of his neck. He doesn't want yo move so soon, but..]

We.. we shouldn't linger here.

[ Right. They're, you know, in Hilltop Road. Algric nods and rises quickly, offering a hand down to Jon. ]

Come - come on then. We can sit somewhere else and talk.

[Yeah the spiderwebs around this basement are becoming more prominent in his vision the longer he sits. The Web and Annabelle aside, he still doesn't... like it.

He takes Martin's hand andhefts himself to his feet. If nothing else, something in how he holds himself feels more sure than the last time Martin saw him.]

So. 2016, there should be a few places still safe, right?

Edited 2020-08-23 18:03 (UTC)

[ How strange that is. Algric isn't sure what to think when he looks down at Jon. Is it a good thing that he's more confident? But the way that power sits on him ... it makes Algric worry, too. ]

There's - there's plenty of places. I thought we'd just. Just go to a park or something.

[God... when is the last time he saw a proper park? Jon realizes he has no idea. Time in that hell scape was... it wasn't entirely right.]

That sounds perfect. [He squeezes Martin's hand before heading up the stairs, carefully listening for anything he should worry about.]

What were you doing here anyway?

[ God. How does he even begin to explain? He focuses on getting them back out into the sunlight first, away from this horrible place. ]

Trying - trying to change the future, mostly. Figuring out how to keep you and Tim alive without the Unknowing ending the world.

Tim?

[The same strangled sound Martin had in his voice when he first arrived worms its way into Jon's at that.

Christ. That early into 2016...

He scrunches his eyes when they get outside. One might think its been ages since Jon has seen daylight. They wouldn't be far off.]

That's... quite an undertaking.

[God. There's so much even Martin didn't know there in the end.]

How much time?

Y-yes. Tim - Tim is alive. And other you only stalked him a little? It - it took some time, but we're all working together. Trying to figure things out, get everyone free of. Of the Institute.

[ How, he still doesn't know, but. He looks down at Jon when he squints at the sunlight, worried. Not even sure how to ask what happened to Jon. ]

Months still, I - I think. If nothing's changed.

Good. I think that's doable.

[Jon takes a deep breath of the fresh air. But at the glance, he looks up a Martin and... well. Its clear it wasn't the darkness of Hilltop that was making his eyes so dark.

He squeezes his hand again trying to be reassuring.]

It's.. I'm fine. I'll explain everything when we're somewhere else.

O-of course, we'll just. We'll find a nice shady tree and...

[ And Algric looks down, getting a good look at Jon for the first time since coming out into the sunlight. He stares for a moment, his own eyes going wide as he sees how black Jon's sclera are.

Deep breaths. At least it's worry that makes him pause, not horror. ]

We can talk. I'll tell you everything if - if you do the same.

[He smiles gently at that. He would apologize if he had any control over it, but he still doesnt like making him worry.]

Deal. I think... [Jon pauses for a moment like he's listening for something, the faintest green going over his eyes before it's gone in a blink.]

Should be an empty park about four blocks from here.

[ Ah. That's. Not unexpected, and yet. It's so strange watching Jon use that casually. He's already adjusted to a Jon who only Knows by accident.

But he nods, squeezing Jon's hand as he starts walking. ]

Right then. We'll go there.

[ And then, after a pause: ]

I'm so glad you're alive, Jon. I thought I'd lost you again.

[Jon walks easily with him. There's palpable relief in his face at just. Having Martin here, where he can see and touch him.]

I was really ...sure you were gone too. I wish I could've let you know at the time what was happening.

[ Algric manages a soft, brittle laugh. But the park is coming up quickly enough, and there's a sunny little bench with no people around that seems to be waiting for them. ]

Suppose that - that is what the Lonely does. Isolates us, right?

...Yes. Yes, I suppose it is.

[He sounds more quiet about it than anything. He wandered there for... so long. If he hadn't been marked by it already, that surely would have done it.

As brittle as it sounds, Jon is still enamored by Martin's laugh. Like it's the best sound in the world. He sits on the bench, gently tugging him down to sit with him.]

I'm... [God.] Where... should we start? [Jon's being especially careful of his questions. Even if he can just. Do it, he doesn't want to do it. Not to Martin.]

[ Algric gladly follows him down, sitting as close as he dares. Does this Jon know Algric's feelings? He had confessed ... but the Lonely had been such a mess. He can only flush a bit, not looking at him directly. ]

W-well - if it's okay - could you tell me what's happened on your end?

[If it helps him any, Jon still hasn't let go of his hand. In fact, he's holding onto it pretty tightly while he thinks of how to start explaining the... mess.]

It's... It's not very... pretty. [He exhales softly, casting his eyes out over the park. He's not really looking at anything.]

I couldn't find you. I... I wandered the Lonely for... A long time. I don't know how long exactly. But eventually I ended up back at the Institute. I don't even know how or... what route I took. Elias got me. He... I. You were gone. Tim and Sasha, dead. Daisy and Basira missing. Melanie and Georgie didn't want anything to do with any of it. Better of them, really.

[He sounds... miserable. And the longer he talks, the worse it sounds, his voice dipping into something heartbreaking.]

I didn't... Have anything else. Elias... could tell how weak I was. I'd been wandering around Peter's domain so long and was so far from the Institute the whole time. Took me back in. Handed me some. Some statements to help. I didn't know what else to do.

[He only lets go of Mart-.... Algric's hand to pull out a folded piece of Institute paper from his pocket.]

The second one I read was... This one. It. He... tricked me. Here. Don't. [Gulp.] Don't read it out loud. I don't... really know what would happen at this stage.

Edited 2020-08-23 21:44 (UTC)

[ Oh. Oh god. Algric's heart is already breaking from the very beginning, when Jon says that he wandered the Lonely looking for him. searching for someone that could not be found, because he'd taken a door out and wound up in the past ... Algric shivers unhappily, guilt making his whole body feel like lead.

But there was no room for an apology. Jon continued, and pulled out a - statement? A seemingly normal one, from the looks of it. Algric took the piece of entirely normal paper from Jon and began to read it, silently.

Even if he reads it aloud, it would not be enough, of course. He had perhaps half the marks required, at most, and might very well burn himself out trying. But dying in Jon's arms after the man had just found him again would be very cruel. He skims through the open section, and then -

And then he stares at the last ritual in horror, not fully comprehending, but seeing enough of the shape of it to realise. ]

What - what happened when you read it?

[ He's already thinking back over the marks that Elias mentioned, comparing them with his own knowledge of Jon's history. Yes, they're all there. And this world's Jon is rapidly acquiring a set of his own. ]

...The world changed.

[He laughs but it's such a sad, broken laugh as he covers his face with one hand. He really... fucked it all up. Just as well.]

It summoned the Watcher. And... every other Entity with it. Together in one... horrible world.

[ Oh god. Oh god. Algric nearly drops the statement, his fingers going utterly nerveless. ]

You - you brought on the end of the world?

[He nods, still not able to bring himself to look at Algric.]

All under the watchful Eye.

[For what amounts to a god-like being with no more consequences, he sure sounds miserable about it.]

[ He's a bit glad that you sound miserable about it, sorry Jon. The alternative is awful to contemplate.

He stares ahead at nothing for a moment, another shiver of horror going through him. ]

This - this is my fault, then. If you'd found me, we could have - could have escaped together. Gotten away from Jonah Magnus.

[He huffs out a single laugh.]

And run where? Scotland, maybe? See some good cows?

[He looks down at his hands with a sigh.]

I don't know what good it would've done. He would've found a way to make me do it.

[A slow breath.] But... after that, I... kept wandering. He was in the Panopticon and I wasn't... really sure where I was. But all the entities, they. They had their own...domains. I wandered through most of them. Until I found myself at Hilltop Road.

[ Maybe. Algric is too willing to blame himself, though, especially when the result of his action is sitting here next to him. ]

And. And now you're here. I -

[ He leaned over to hug Jon again, hard and tight. ]

[Jon instinctively tenses at the movement, but relaxes the moment he knows it's just Algric. Jon all but melts into him, face pressing into his shoulder.]

Yes, I... I am here.

[ Good. He clings again, then, his hands clasping around Jon's back. ]

You don't know how much I've missed you, Jon. I - I mourned you again.

I... I'm sorry.

[There's trembling going on in Algric's arms. But he's trying to keep himself composed. God, that Algric felt he had to go to the past. To get away, to run. Because he thought Jon was dead.]

And I'm sorry it took so long to get here.

[ Algric trembles against him in turn, more tears shivering down his face. He hadn't intended to go to the past, specifically, but here he was - and even with Jon here, he wasn't sure he could stomach going back.

They would just have to find another way here. Somehow. God help him. ]

You're going to stay now. Here, with me. I - I won't let you out of my sight.

[ He risks a kiss to Jon's forehead. ]

I... Would that work?

[He's unfazed by that forehead kiss, at least outwardly. Something does flips in his insides, something he didn't think he was even capable of anymore.]

There's.. I mean, there's already a you here, and. I assume I'm. Still around?

[ Algric draws back a bit at that, still gazing down at Jon. ]

Yes, there is. I'm - I'm staying with both of them. And Tim. All of us together in Martin's flat.

...And Tim hasn't killed me yet?

[His last memories of Tim aren't the pleasant ones.]

No, we're from prior to the point where he really started hating you. Though it was a near thing.

Small miracles, I guess.

[He's trying to actively not Know anything about them. Not right now, anyway. But all four of them staying in Martin's flat... That can't be a comfortable arrangement.]

I... guess while you're all there, I can stay at my own for now. Until... I don't know.

No.

[ Algric grabs Jon's hands and holds them tightly. ]

Not - not alone. I'm not letting you stay there alone.

[Jon blinks once.

Then smiles gently at him.]

You'd leave a. A whole flat full of us, to stay with me until we figure things out?

[Honestly? Jon's got half a mind to go destroying the other rituals. He knows when and where they are now, so why not?]

Yes, Jon. Without - without hesitation.

[ A pause. ]

W-well maybe a little hesitation. I'd at least want to explain, and. And you really should meet them. See Tim again.

[I loved you flits back into his mind. The last words he remembered Martin saying, he carried with him all this time. All the regret of being... a complete asshole to him for years and... Look at him now.]

I... Really don't know that it'd be a good idea. [He wants to.] I mean, it's- It feels like a lifetime ago since I saw Tim and... [And he's a monster now. Tim will probably hate him on sight.]

Let's. Start small? This is really the longest I've sat anywhere and haven't heard an endless choir of screaming and pain.

[ Oh god. Algric tightens his grip on the poor harbinger of the apocalypse. ]

R-right, of. Of course. Why don't we both head back to your old flat and - and I'll make you some tea.

[ And they can discuss meeting Tim later. ]

[Well he didn't really need to breathe right that second. And he's glad for it, all the same.]

Tea. That... That'd be nice.

[How novel. Tea.]

Yes. I - I have all your favourites there. We'll get it with a little cream and sugar, and some leftover scones.

[ It's so silly talking about something that small, but... ]

[Something that small is exactly what he needs. He wants to do something, but won't dare do it out here in the open. It's too public, too visible.]

..I don't think I have my key anymore. Do.. Did the me here give you one?

Oh, yes. I can get us inside.

... How you tiptoed around a yes or no question has me worried.

[ Algric flushes a bit. ]

I, ah. I usually don't bother with a key.

...Oh.

[Oh. That's what he does.]

...Do you think that works with me in tow?

Jon.

[ Exasperated. Fond. ]

I can unlock it from the inside.

......................................

Right.

[ That gets an actual laugh out of Algric. ]

Come on. Let's - let's go, Jon.

[Will Jon ever get tired of hearing that laugh?

Probably not in a million years now.

He stands up with Algric, watching him a little lovestruck and tinged with a little sadness himself.]

Over tea, would you tell-- [He shakes his head, like getting a fly off his nose or something.] Do you want to tell me what happened on your side?

[ Algric catches that look and seems vaguely gobsmacked in return. He flushes to the tips of his ears.

And - then stiffens, as that compulsion nearly catches him. Fortunately, he relaxes equally quickly once Jon softens his command into a possibility instead. ]

Oh, of course. It's - it's not a great story, but ...

[ He starts walking back towards the tube. ]

[He'll have to keep a better watch on his words.

Instead, for now, he squeezes Algric's hand while they walk.]

I'd still like to hear it...

Then - then I'll tell you. Of course. But I feel as though I've made a mess of things.

[Jon levels a look at him.]

Destroyed the world.

Yes, okay, we weren't competing in the mess olympics, Jon.

[God he really did take this whole world for granted huh? He's practically beaming when the tube rushes past to a stop, reveling in the rush of wind.]

I'm just saying, no mess you've made here could be as bad as mine. Cheer up.

[ All the casual clamour of the world around them, taken for granted. Algric steps in, making sure Jon does too. ]

I - I am cheering up. I am very glad to see you.

Well-- I'm very glad to [He steps in with Algric's tug] see-- [And loses sense of his own weight for a second, finding himself right... in front of him. Nose almost touching Algric's.]

... You.

[Is it possible for an eldritch Avatar to blush?]

Edited 2020-08-23 23:53 (UTC)

[ Oh. Oh. Whether Jon can blush or not, Algric is red enough for the both of them. He blinks down at Jon, automatically reaching out a hand to steady him. ]

C - careful there. Nearly. Fell onto me.

[ A nervous laugh. ]

[Jon holds his breath for a moment as the tube door closes behind him.

This isn't the place.]

R-right. I.. Wouldn't do to. Hurt you right after finding each other again.

[God, Jon would do anything not to hurt him.]

[ Nope, not so much. Though - given Algric's aura, absolutely no one is looking at them. ]

You weren't going to hurt me, Jon.

[Normally he'd make a face at even indirect jokes of his stature but honestly? It's fine.]

...Should we... I mean, it's a few stops... [Sit. Please sit. He needs to sit, knees weak.]

-- oh, right. Just. Here.

[ He finds a spot, then, tugging Jon into place next to him. ]

Sure. [Oh thank god. Jon heaves a sigh and. Kind of leans against him. Just how long was he in that space between timelines? And how long was he unconscious in that basement? He has no idea. But he's draining bit by bit.]

...This still doesn't feel real.

[ Algric loops an arm around him gently, leaning his head down. ]

I know. But - but it is, truly. I've been here for a while now.

[He swallows thickly. Not wanting to scare him, but-]

I keep- Keep waiting to see Helen open a door and.... I dunno, tell me this wasn't real.

I - I thought that too. But she's been here, and I haven't disappeared.

....She's much more powerful in my time. So, I...

[God. He needs to trust him. Jon has to trust.]

All right.

After the world's ended. Right. I can - I can only imagine.

If she hasn't taken you back, then... She has no reason to try to take me.

[First stop. Two more. Jon settles in against Algric a little easier.]

I'm sure it'll be fine.

[ It's ... nice. Sitting like this on the tube, with Jon's head against his shoulder. Mercifully uncomplicated. Even with past Jon, he always has to consider Martin's feelings. ]

It - it has to be. I won't let you go back to an apocalypse, Jon.

[He could get used to this. A quiet, semi-normal life with Algric. If he could get some other identity or something, it could work. Maybe.]

And I am willfully choosing not to go back, so. That works out.

[ Wandering monsters, maybe? Algric and ... well, they could find another name for him, yes.

Algric clings a little more. ]

D'you think you can control that? You're - you're a full avatar, right?

[ No fear, only concern. ]

[His metaphorical hackles go up at that question. He's been seen.]

Y-yes. I...am. I think I could? I still don't really know how I ended up at Hilltop. [He suspects... Well, the Web and Annabelle but... No proof.]

... mm, well. We can figure that out later, I guess.

[ The tube slows; this is their stop. ]

Agreed.

[It feels like the worst thing ever, standing up and pulling away from Algric. But after everything that's happened, coming out of the tube and looking around his block feels... nearly nostalgic. Sure, he doesn't need to eat or drink anymore, but god he's half tempted to pick up some pastries or something on the way up.]

....I don't know why you were there at Hilltop, but. I'm glad you were, Martin.

[ Martin.

Martin. He is - that's who he is, isn't he? The name reverberates and echoes inside of him, rewriting him. He has to stagger for a moment, still clinging to Jon's hand as they step off the tube. ]

I - I go by Algric here. Since. There's two of us.

[ Two Martins. Two, including himself. ]

[When he staggers, Jon stops, holding one hand to steady him and all concern on his face.]

Oh... I. Yes, that makes sense... I'm sorry.

...'s a cute name.

No, it's fine, it's just - I think whatever you call me is. Is true.

[ Dizzying, a little unpleasant, but not harmful. He doesn't seem hurt at all. Just embarrassed. ]

It's the name of. Ah. An old character of mine.

An old--

Oh. [Oh that is cute. He smirks and steps up to his building door, putting in the number code.]

You don't have to tell me.

[ Algric heads in once the door is open. ]

N-no, but - look, it was a long time ago. The web archives imploded in 2017 sometime, so there's no evidence of them anywhere on the net anymore.

I wasn't going to ask.

Oh don't give me that. You still wanted to know.

[ When they get to Jon's door, Algric lets go of his hand. For a brief, terrible moment, Jon is alone in the hall. ]

[Jon blinks because... Really, even all those months with Peter as the head of the Institute, he never actually saw anyone do this. Did he see anything at all? For a brief moment, he knows he came here alone.

Eyes are on him. Passing over with a curiosity, peeling that first layer of obscurity off. His heart is racing.

Stop looking. Stop looking stop looking stop lookin--

It passes, and he's breathless when he hears the lock click on the other side.]

P-please... Open the door.

[ Jon has always been alone, hasn't he? Hallucinated up an image of Martin to keep him company on the long walk back to his flat, maybe, but definitely alone. He must be losing it. He must be --

(Behind the door, Algric flinches as that top layer of fog burns away. That's - that's not pleasant, but it's fine, because a second later he's back in existence, opening the door wide.) ]

S - sorry Jon, I - I had to do that to get through. I'm here again.

[ And so he was, if slightly blurry around the edges. He never left. ]

[Jon stumbles in quickly, clutching at Algric's arm like a vice and shaking.]

... He was looking. [Jon's... scared. He forgot he could even feel fear like this. But if they want to fix this timeline, Elias can't know he's here, or who he is. Not this soon.]

What? Who -

[ And then he knows. He'd felt it too, searching, burning at his own layers of fog. Gone now, mercifully, now that he has Jon back under that blanket, but the realisation is enough to make his heart drop. ]

Oh. Oh god. I didn't even think -

[ Wait. Another thought jostles its way in. ]

Am I protecting you?

...I think so.

The... The Lonely fog was... hard when I was wandering through it. Even before you left it, it was hard to see you.

[ The pieces abruptly fall into place. ]

Elias can't see you. When - when you're with me.

[ And he couldn't see this timeline's Jon either. That explains so much. ]

...So that's something in our favor, then.

[And a bit of a problem. It means that Jon literally can't be alone.

He'll deal with that thought after he looks around his old flat. He'd missed this. He sets his shoulder bag down by the door and takes a deep breath, taking in the old smells. Paper and books and... cooking? Someone's been baking in here. Jon doesn't bake. He whirls around to Algric.]

Did... Were you baking?

[ Tim and Jon are probably safe enough with Martin's aura, but the Archivist? Likely needs Algric's full Lonely cloak to stay safe. That's ... fine, he can work with that.

After he blushes hard, anyway. ]

W-well - yes. Past you was. Was letting me stay, so I cooked and cleaned for him.

...Please tell me he did literally anything for you besides let you stay.

[He will beat the crap out of past-him if he didn't do anything else.]

What? O-of course he did. Jon was very kind of me.

[ He looks a bit lovesick. ]

Good.

[He sees it and... God, he's glad this current timeline version of himself has been good to Algric... But.

But.

He can't hide how that look mirrors itself on his own face watching Algric.]

I, um. I'm. I'm glad.

[ No, no he can't. And this time Algric sees it. He stares for a moment, recognising it, and then blushes deeply. ]

I - I'm going to put the kettle on, all right?

Right. Y-yes.

[Totally fine! He watches Algric go to do that, leaning a bit before toddling to his room. Some of his clothes are missing, but whatever. He'll grab literally anything that's clean and toss it on.

...But truth be told, he does. Actually like the jacket he found in Daisy's safehouse, so he keeps that where he can grab it.]

[ In the meantime, Algric gets the tea going, and heats up some of the scones he made previously. Does Jon need any of that? Maybe not. But it's soothing, and warm, and ...

And when Jon comes back out, Martin is seated at the table as if it's the most natural thing in the world, waiting for him. ]

[He sees it when he comes back, and his heart almost skips a beat. God. It's like Algric just belongs here. In his home.

He takes a deep breath and sits at the table with him.]

...Smells good.

[ The very picture of gentle domesticity. He pushes the plate and the mug towards Jon. ]

Good. I - I know you don't really need it, but...

Ah.

[No, he... really doesn't. It's for appearances, or just the feeling of... still being human, for himself. At least he can still enjoy taste as he takes the mug and sips at it.]

...Thank you.

[ Algric sips at his own, too, letting the warmth sink into him. ]

Of - of course, Jon. I'm glad to do this small thing.

[Is it the tea, or is it Jon's feelings heating his face up? Could be either, but survey leans more to his feelings with that soft smile creeping on his face.]

...I'm sorry, I'm not- Not quite ready to see them all yet.

[God, he's so afraid to see Tim. He has so much to apologize for.]

That's - that's okay. you can start with me, and. And when you're ready, the rest will be there.

Right...

[Slow breathing and.. God, it's so quiet. He grabs for a scone to munch on quietly.]

...I missed you.

[ Algric hesitates. Then - reaches out for Jon's hand. ]

Me too. More than - more than anything.

[He doesn't hesitate a second taking it, squeezing Algric's hand.]

Even... Even before you were taken to the Lonely. When... You were still just. Working with Peter, I-- [A shudder because... Those months of Martin being isolated, of refusing to even be near him... It hurt in so many ways. and he can only imagine how bad it got for Martin.]

I won't leave you alone. Not again.

[ Very, very, bad. Yes. He squeezes back. ]

You're here now. We're - we're relatively safe. M-maybe we can just leave?

[He sighs, thumbing along Algric's knuckles.]

I don't think I can stay very far from the Institute for very long.

[Yeah, he may be an Avatar, but he still.. has to eat.] I don't think I have to go in, but. Just stay in the area. I don't know.

[ Oh. Dammit, of course. How could Algric forget? ]

Right. Right, we'll - we'll figure that out.

[Jon squeezes his hand again. He'll have to figure out food at some point too. And probably soon. He doesn't want to just... Take it from strangers, but what else can he do? Maybe the both of them sneak into the Archives or something.]

We will. It'll work out. For now. [He holds up that scone, taking another small bite.] This works.

[ It might be possible with Martin's invisibility cloak. Just, you know, disastrous if they get it wrong. ]

Yeah? How does it taste?

Like the best thing I've had in ages.

[Everything about this moment is soft. He'd missed him so.... so much.]

...I heard you. B-back then. In the Lonely.

[ He - heard? What is Jon -

Oh. Immediately, all of Martin has gone red, completely overwriting any blurriness. ]

You - you did?

I did.

...The last thing I heard was... you loved me.

[Past tense. He doesn't know if that's still true now.]

[ Well, the way that Algric's face is currently on fire might give you a hint, Jon. He gulps for air for a moment, trying to centre himself. ]

Yes. Yes, I - I did? I do.

[ Then, all in a rush: ]

You don't - you don't have to return that. If you don't want to.

I do.

[Jon gets it out before Algric even finishes the last thing he says. His eyes are focused so intently on Algric's face, but he's... soft. He spent so long alone in the Archives wishing Martin was there. And then countless days in the Lonely and the Domains regretting having never gotten to express himself.]

I do... Love you.

[ Jon loves him. Jon - loves him, and is saying it out loud, and. Algric turns back towards Jon, awe and absolute besotted lovesickness shining in his eyes. He might cry? He is crying, a little. ]

I - I love you too, Jon. God, I love you so much --

[ His voice cracks. ]

[Oh-- Oh no. Oh no, he's crying and voice cracking and Jon is on the other side of the table. He only lets go of his hand enough to get up and come around, kneeling to cup his cheeks.]

I-- Hey. [He thumbs some of the tears away.] I'm here, all right?

[ He's so close, and touching Algric's cheeks, and ...

He laughs a little, crying even harder. ]

You are here. You're - you're here, finally, Jon, I've missed you--

[ And he leans forward to kiss him. ]

[Crap crapcrap he didn't want to make him cry harder! Mission abo-Oh.

His eyes go a little wide but. That's fine. After the initial surprise, Jon wraps arms around him and leans into it.

This is all right.]

[ It sure is all right. Algric is perhaps not an amazing kisser, but he is sincere, and warm, and - and he holds Jon's face tenderly with one hand while the other loops around his back, pulling him in closer. ]

[It's all right because Jon's not very skilled at it either. But he does have to break away to get his breath, leaving him to just press his forehead to Algric's.]

...I'm not leaving you.

[ This is just heavenly. All he'd ever dreamed of having those long months with Peter, hoping to find Jon on the other side of his hell. Now he finally has it. ]

You - you promise, Jon?

I do. I promise that.

[He clings to Algric, settling for kissing his cheek before resting his chin on Algric's shoulder.]

After I... When I couldn't hear you anymore, I... gave up. I'm not giving you up here.

[ Wherever Jon has made skin contact, colour blooms on Algric's face. It's like Jon is painting with his lips.

He still shivers at that comment though, guilt painfully apparent. ]

I - I'm sorry. I thought ... that Peter must have killed you. That you were gone.

No, I-- I understand. That was... his place.

[He sighs, the breath coming out right by Algric's ear.]

...I was really angry. [Really, Peter didn't stand much chance at that point.]

On - on my behalf?

[ He seems dimly awed. ]

...He'd spent months hurting you. And... And then took you.

[Jon sighs, one hand curling up into the curls on the back of Algric's head. Almost protectively.]

[ Algric leans into that. ]

Yes. Yes, he. He did.

So... Yes. I was. Really angry on your behalf.

[And then Peter didn't have much more to say on the matter.]

I'm not leaving you again.

I'm - I'm not going anywhere. I mean, I'd sort of planned to after everything was done but ...

[ This is clearly different. ]

[He pulls back to look Algric in the eyes, thumbing along his jaw.]

But... This is different now. I don't... Want to go back.

[Sure he was well fed and all, but. It didn't matter. The world was over.]

[ Algric nods at that, leaning into Jon's hand. ]

Then you won't. We'll - we'll figure out a new life here. You and me.

We will.

[He keeps up the gentle affection, watching Algric's face warmly.]

....I guess one way to stop everything repeating is. Keep the current timeline me from the rituals. Could go stop them ourselves?

[ Algric pales a bit at that. ]

A-are we strong enough for that?

[There's a long, thoughtful pause.]

... I might be.

[He doesn't... Want to go over the details of his... almost-sort-of-murder-spree of the other Avatars while he wandered. But he's fairly certain.]

[ Algric leans back just enough to really look at Jon for a moment. ]

It's - it's better than risking the others. But only if you're sure.

[ His voice cracks again. ]

I can't lose you again.

You won't.

[Said quick and with the sureness of someone who has. Definitely run and/or fought for his life already. And won.]

[ What a strange thought that is. He can sense that confidence, but it's so different. ]

... You're really strong now, huh.

[Oh. He...sort of withdraws into himself just a hair, looking down a little.]

I... Yes. I'm. An Avatar.

Of the Eye, yeah. I - I figured as much.

[ There's no surprise, only quiet sadness. He reaches out for Jon's face gently. ]

I - I guess I'm more monster than human myself.

[He leans into the touch, closes his eyes.]

...I'm sorry. You-- don't.. Deserve that. [Martin shouldn't have had this foisted on him.]

No. I don't. But neither do you, Jon.

[ He smooths Jon's cheek with his thumb. ]

... I chose it though. I can't... explain it, but when Oliver Banks spoke to me. I made the choice.

[ Algric blinks at that slowly, confused. ]

What do you mean?

[He literally just said he can't explain it dang.]

When... [hm.] There's a point where... you reach the crossroads. And you.. i think you have to be on the verge of death. That plays some part, but you have to choose. To become a full Avatar or... stay more human. And... somewhere in that, I.. chose it. Before I woke up. Oliver is the... Avatar of Death. So ....

I may be entirely wrong. I'm not sure how it works exactly. I just know I unconsciously made the choice. I thought it'd be better than dying.

[ Oh. Oh. That sends a chill through Algric for multiple reasons. It all makes sense? It matches with what he'd known already, and with Jon being actually powerful once he'd returned from being dead.

But it means something rather dire for himself, doesn't he? He'd turned down Peter's choice, but made a different one when actually faced with his own death. ]

And now you're - you're fully aligned with the Eye. I thought so.

[Somehow, hearing it from Algric makes it... worse than he'd gone on thinking about it on his own all these months. He feels a little ashamed about it, ducking his head further from his touch.]

Yes. I-i am.

[ Oh, Jon. That's not what he meant at all. He leans forward again, cupping one hand under Jon's chin. ]

I'm so glad, Jon. I - I'm so glad you're alive, and that Peter didn't kill you, and. And that you found me again.

[He doesn't move his head or lean into the touch. Just his eyes shifying to look up at him.]

... And we're here now. We can... try to change things a bit. Make sure they don't go through the same things.

[ Algric nods at that, managing a small smile. ]

Yes. I - I think that will be easier with you here. I have some power, but it hasn't been terribly useful.

I'm sure that isn't true. You've likely been keeping them protected and warned them of some things.

W-well - yes, I've been trying, but. I also got them attacked by Not-Sasha, and. And this version of Jon is becoming an avatar much faster than you did. And Martin's been hurt by the Lonely already, plus I make him jealous with everything I do.

Edited 2020-08-24 12:15 (UTC)

Oh.

[That's... not great. Salvageable, probably, but not great. And eugh Not-Sasha. That was one being he had no problem being happy he killed.]

Which... means he'll probably be sought out a lot faster by the others. Elias will probably push faster if he knows.

Y-yes. So - so I don't know how much I've helped as much as I've accelerated.

The current plan is to blow up the Institute and run.

Hm. It was Gertrude's plan. Might work.

[Its bugging him though, just this little thought.]

What are you even doing to make this timelines's Martin jeal-

Edited 2020-08-24 12:35 (UTC)

[OH. Oh my god.]

He kissed you?

[ JON. Jon please. Algric immediately goes bright red, ashamed of himself? Look, this is a weird situation, he has no reason for it, and yet he feels guilty. ]

Y-yes! Yes he. He did kiss me. We're, ah. Sort of on our way to a. Relationship ... shaped ... thing?

[ And then, with another flicker of guilt: ]

Y-you were dead, and I didn't even know if you'd heard me, or returned it, and - and I am weak to every version of you, Jon.

[There's a strange sound of laughter from him, warm and full and soft. Jon leans up to press his forehead to Algric's, hand cupping the back of his head.]

It's all right. Wish I knew what you did to get through to me, though.

[ Algric groans a little, but slumps against Jon in relief. That's - okay, that's good, he's not angry. Or jealous. ]

Honestly? I have no idea. I suspect Tim had something to do with it.

[How can he be jealous that his past self has something so good? Jon is glad, more than anything. Algric deserves the attention and affection, an dhe remembers how he was at this stage in time. He needs someone too.

When Algric slumps, Jon wraps arms around him again, holding him close.]

I could- could always go. Let you have him and I take care of the rituals and Elias. [He's still laughing a little, clearly joking.]

[ God. He's glad Jon finds it funny, at least. He makes a strangled noise that turns into a laugh eventually. (And clings back to Jon with all his strength.) ]

Absolutely not. If you do that, I'll - I'll come after you and ruin all your plans.

[He's in good spirits about it now, but it'll be a different story when he sees them all together.

He rubs Algric's back, trying to soothe.]

I wouldn't do that.. not to you. Though, pretty kind to think I have plans.

Edited 2020-08-24 15:05 (UTC)

[ Oh yes, that might be quite painful. But for now it's just the two of them.

He sighs a bit, leaning into that. ]

Hope springs eternal, yeah?

[ Though it begs the question-- ]

What - what were you doing at the end of the world?

[Jon sighs through his nose at that. His tone takes a more sombre tone.]

Aimlessly wandering? Nowhere to go, no one to look for. Going through each of the domains and.. [He sort of grimaces to himself.] I... sort of. Took out some residual anger on some of the other Avatars that were still left.

[ Oh. That's ... sad? Revenge doesn't sound like it's healthy either, and yet. ]

Did you - kill them?

[ He's not judging, just curious. ]

... It isn't as satisfying as you'd think.

[Yeah he killed a few of them.]

I mean. A few of them had to be.

[ He's thinking of Not-Sasha. But, mostly he just leans in a little closer, hand on Jon's head. ]

But ... you didn't have anyone to protect, did you.

[Jon sits quietly, soaking up the feeling of Algric's touch for a few, selfish moments.

When he speaks again, his voice is quiet.]

After Not-Sasha, I thought... Thought maybe taking them out would. Would help the victims of their domains. Make it easier or-or not... as bad. [And when had he even mentioned anyone else still alive? That everyone in the world was suffering for the rest of their lives because of him?]

After Jude Perry, I... I realized it. Didn't matter. I wasn't changing anything. [More to himself:] Pointless.

[He still has all his recordings from those places. He makes a mental note to make sure no one here ever hears them.]

[ Algric is happy to give that to him. Not feeling like he's selfish in the slightest. ]

Oh. Oh, I didn't realise --

[ That there were other people still suffering? God, they must all be like he was in the Lonely, tormented -- ]

You're - you're here now. That means that you can change things.

[Jon, for his part, presses his face into Algric's shoulder, clinging to him. He scrunches his eyes closed tight trying to will whatever wetness was starting to form back where it came from.]

I hope so. I hope we can.

[ Algric just holds Jon tightly, gently. Squeezing his own eyes shut. ]

It's - it's okay to cry. If you want.

It's-- All right. I'm fine.

[He may cry. He'll probably cry later.]

No, Jon. You're - you're not. You've been through something so terrible I can barely imagine it.

....If I start, I might never stop.

Then I'll be here for you until the flat fills up, and then we'll have to open a window.

[Where he'd been kneeling in front of Algric, Jon shifts to more properly settle and sit there. On the floor.]

I'd... Algric, I'd really. Rather not right now. Please.

[ Oh, Jon. Algric gentles then, moving to sit next to him. ]

Of course. We can - we can pretend to be normal? Watch a movie and - and cuddle?

[ His cheeks burn a bit at that last part. ]

'Normal'.

Just two universe displaced monsters trying to pretend to be human.

[He doesn't.. mean any insult or anything. It's just been so long since he's had to care about anyone else's feelings, he lost that filter a while back.]

Why not.

[ Yeah, uh. That hurt, Jon? You can't just say that, even if it's true.

But he has no arguments, only quiet sadness. ]

Yes. Two - two monsters.

[ One past hope, the other slowly regaining his. But as he looks at Jon, he realises that ... he kind of has to be monstrous, doesn't he? Or rather - he's going to have a choice. And choosing his humanity likely means not choosing Jon. ]

[He can hear it in his voice. That was the wrong thing. Jon looks up at him, all apologies in his eyes, already starting to get a little glassy-eyed with how close he was to breaking just a moment ago.]

...I'm sorry, I-- didn't. Mean that.

[He chances reaching for Algric's hand, taking it easy if he doesn't... want that.]

[ Oh no, don't start. Algric instantly grabs Jon's hand tightly, clinging to it. He shakes his head. ]

No. No, it's - the truth, isn't it? You'd have to Know by now.

[ It's sort of a question? And sort of not a question. ]

I'm already a monster, aren't I?

[ He is sitting on the very edge of that particular cliff. But he hasn't decided to jump yet. ]

[Jon watches him carefully, letting him take his hand. He sounds ...almost afraid.]

Do... Do you want me to Know?

[ Does he? Does he really? Some part of him doesn't want to know, but the other ...

The other has to be sure, lest he risk everyone else. In the end, he nods slightly. ]

Yes. Yes, I do.

[Jon watches him, just to... be sure. No second guesses. He squeezes Algric's hand and shifts to look at him properly, the green going over his eyes.

He sees the fog there. The all-encompassing fog surrounding him, covering like a blanket. Where Elias would rip through it with no remorse or care, Jon carefully peels back a small corner. Just to peek. There are other threads: a snaking, swirling spiral of curls; the ice cold core of the Lonely; and of course that green, ever present Eye on the lookout, wanting to not be seen. It works in perfect tandem with the Lonely's fog, really. He sees.... some slapdash work on his mind, a healing wound with a softer bandage over it. His past-self's handiwork, looks like. He wonders what happened there.

But.

He blinks, the green gone and swallows.]

You're... close. On the edge. I think... If we could find the right counter to the Lonely, you'd have one shot at going back. But just the one.

[ Algric watches, morbidly fascinated, as Jon's eyes go green and terrible for a moment. Even that gentle pressure on his mind makes him wince; Elias's wound is mercifully bandaged, but it's still sore. And, as glad as he is for past Jon's help, it was his first attempt. Such things are clumsy.

Then it's over and - oh. Oh, that gives him hope. Not much hope, but that just means it's realistic, right? ]

B-but it's - it's possible. I could be human. If. If I found a way back.

[ Relief and uncertainty in equal measure. ]

...If you found a way back, yes.

[He... If Algric went back to being human, Jon doesn't know what that means for them, together.

The care he took in that was a little more exertion than he'd intended to use. He squeezes Algric's hand again.]

There's still a chance for you.

[ It's ... a choice. It may be the choice that defines what he is, in fact. Does he stay with the past trio, accepting friendship and companionship that he never had in this timeline? Or does he leave it to stay with his Jon?

Is there a way to do both? He doesn't know. ]

I - I'm glad to know. That I still have a choice.

[ He grips Jon's hand hard. ]

But I'm not making any choices tonight. Other than - than to decide which episode of the Great British Bakeoff we're watching.

[Jon wasn't expecting any big decision to be made tonight.

But he does smile at that.]

...A Nadiya episode is the only correct answer.

You really do Know everything.

[ Algric gently reaches a hand out for Jon's face. ]

[His everything softens, leaning into his touch.]

Only because you asked. Come on.

[He turns his head to his palm before pushing himself to his feet, one hand to Algric's elbow to help ease him up.

Doesn't take but a few minutes to get set up on the couch, one Algric-chosen episode up and going. Jon... finally feels like he can relax. He'd been wire-tension anxiety and on edge since he woke up in Hilltop, but now... feels like the time he can let it go a little.]

[ It is very cozy here, isn't it? With their mugs of tea, the blankets and pillows that already piled on the couch for some reason, and the television ready and waiting for them. Algric himself is warm and soft, especially wherever Jon makes contact.

Despite saying he wants to watch the programme, Algric can't possibly have a good view with his face turned into Jon's shoulder. But somehow, he still seems utterly content. ]

[Even with him sitting like that, Jon keeps an arm around Algric's shoulders. He didn't think he'd get to have this in... Ever. Since everything started going so, so horribly wrong at the Institute those years ago. For a while, Jon has his cheek resting against the top of Algric's head. But at some point around the end of a technical challenge, his head is up straight.

He's not making any sound, his face straight ahead at the tv. But the slowest flow of tears down his face. He forces his breath steady, thumbing circles into Algric's shoulder.

He's fairly certain he won't stop.]

[ It takes Algric a moment to realise what's happening. He's so soft and warm and content that he's nearly asleep, and definitely dozing against Jon's shoulder. Then something wet splashes close to his face, and he blinks awake again. What... is there a leak? Is it the upstairs neighbor again?

Then he looks up, and. Oh. He watches for a moment, unsure of how to interrupt. If he should interrupt. He doesn't move, but instead only speaks softly: ]

Jon?

[He's so caught up in his own head, his own horrors, he almost doesn't register the voice right next to him.

His eyes flutter quickly, a sharp breath but the tears don't stop.]

S-sorry. Was- Should I move? Are you uncomfortable?

N-no, no I - I'm not. It's all right, Jon.

[ He straightens a little, moving to get behind him properly. And leaning up to smooth tears away with one cheek. ]

[He closes his eye on that side, a few more tears squeezing out because... Really, he did warn that he probably wouldn't stop.]

I'm--... You don't have to.

I don't have to. No. But I want to, Jon.

[ He keeps brushing them away, gently, using his sleeve if he needs to. Not urging Jon to stop, not at all. ]

[Something in his throat catches, leaving his breathing shuddered. He turns his face into Algric's hands, ducking his head down. He didn't think he had any human left in him to cry. But it figures, doesn't it? Algric brings it out of him.

He doesn't deserve this. He destroyed the world in their timeline. Saw the worst possible things that can happen to humans, and even worse, he fed off of it. He's the worst kind of monster.]

[ Oh Jon. Oh Jon.

He just reaches over to him now, pulling him in for a desperate hug. It's okay, you won't hurt his jumper by getting it wet. Won't hurt Algric by needing him. If anything, the opposite is true. ]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't there, I'm sorry it's all happened, I'm sorry --

[ He clings to Jon, fingers fisting in his hair, another hand clutching at his back. He's here, Jon, he's here now. ]

You did nothing wrong. [It's whispered into his jumper, Jon trembling against him.]

Please don't apologize.

[It's about all he can manage to get out before a wet gasp, trying to get his breath steady again. And instead, he turns more into Algric, clutching at his back. He can't tell him. Jon can't ever bring himself to tell him the things he saw, the things he Knew happening. It was overflowing and...

There's a tape recorder here somewhere.

He'll deal with that. At some point. Probably if Algric falls asleep.]

It's okay, Jon. It's okay. I'm here.

[ He just holds Jon closer, soothing his hands over his back. He doesn't want to be anywhere else right now; even with Jon weeping, this is all he's ever wanted. He can only guess at what Jon's seen, but if he can provide even a scrap of comfort ...

Yes. Yes, he can do that. He curls around Jon protectively, murmuring every soft thing he can think of. ]

[He stays like that for a long while. Jon hasn't had any sense of time progression since the confrontation at the Panopticon, and he certainly doesn't have it here either. He only knows it's been a solid half hour before his breath finally starts to steady. He visibly relaxes, going slack in Algric's arms.]

I... [Sighs.] I made a mess of your jumper.

[ That's fine. Algric is here to hold him as long as necessary. The only concession to time he's made is to lay them both down on the couch, so Algric can cuddle him better. ]

That's - that's all right. I'll wash this one.

[Between Knowing Algric earlier, the trip through the dimension, and letting himself break for a while, Jon knows he's going to need to eat soon. He thinks he still has a couple statements in his bag from... Before the. World breaking. That should hold him over for a little while, until they figure out something more permanent.

He keeps his face pressed against him.]

...I never deserved you, you know.

[ Something they can figure out later. Soon. Algric will help, of course.

For now, though, he just pets Jon's head. ]

What, me? I was - I was never worth anything, Jon.

[Christ.

Maybe he's not in a good place to have this conversation, mentally or emotionally.]

...I don't think I ever said it be-before but. I'm.. I'm sorry. For all the times I was.... An arse to you. You were just. Trying to help and take care of us any way you could.

[ Algric manages a small, weak laugh. Those times seem nearly nostalgic, now. ]

Only took the end of the world to see it?

...Took losing you.

[He's not laughing.]

[ Oh.

That ... dries up his laugh pretty fast. He quiets instead, not hurt, just thinking. ]

How can I prove that - that you have me back now?

You don't have to prove anything.

[If it's real? He'll happily soak up the attention, the affection. He'll pay Algric back for everything tenfold.

And if it's not real... If he wakes up in Helen's domain, having been dreaming... Well. It's just more of the same.]

But - but I want to, Jon. You're hurting and ... and I want to make this better for you. Any way that I can.

Wanting to help isn't the same as feeling like you have to prove anything to me, Algric.

I-i promise, I. I believe you that you're here.

[He shifts only so he can turn his head up to look at him.]

I... I don't know that I'll ever stop hurting. But you just... Being here makes it better.

Less hurting, then.

[ He hesitates a moment, looking down at Jon with utter fondness. Then, being careful not to break contact with him, he stands. ]

Come with me?

[Well. That's odd. Jon watches him move, keeps one hand on Algric's arm trailing down to his hand when the man stands. He pointedly doesn't let himself Know what Algric's doing and stands with him.]

All right... [It's clear on his face he'd go anywhere Algric asked him to, even if it was right to the Institute to Elias himself.]

[ And that trust is lovely, isn't it. Algric takes a moment to drink it in before slowly leading Jon back towards his own bedroom. ]

I'd - I'd like to lie down next to you for a while. If that's all right. Bit too cramped on the couch.

[He sees his room and - god. It's a punch to the gut, seeing it all again. He was in here a little while ago to change, but he didn't linger. Jon squeezes Algric's hand, an affirmative response.]

Of course.

[But a thought occurs. Like a dark twisted little thorn in the back of his mind.]

...Do they need to know where you've run off to?

[ Sorry, Jon. He's hoping it will be normal? Pleasant. To just - lie in bed next to each other, curled around each other. ]

Oh, I'll send them a text. It'll be fine.

All right... [He doesn't sound entirely convinced, but he's trying that new thing where he tries to trust the people around him.

He sits on the foot of the bed. Bounces once with a short, half-hearted laugh. Then carefully tugs Algric to stand in front of him, looking up at his face.]

...Thank you.

[ He will indeed quickly send a text to the group. Just something simple, letting him know he's sleeping in Jon's flat and will be back tomorrow. And then he sets it aside on the bedside table.

And then he's all Jon's again. He stands in front of the smaller man, smiling shyly down at him. ]

Of course, Jon. I - I love you.

[ How good it felt to say those words so simply. ]

[Jon watches his face, eyes shining back up at him. All affection and trust.]

I love you too.

[It feels so easy to say, after everything that's happened. A few seconds of that before he tugs on Algric's hand, shifting to get where they can both lay down. A bed - his bed - is softer than he ever remembered.]

[ Algric settles in next to him, the mattress dipping gently as he eases his full weight onto it. Then he tugs Jon in close to him, his large, soft arms surrounding him easily. ]

Then - then believe me. I'm here, Jon, and I'm not leaving.

[He follows easily enough, tucking his head under Algric's chin.]

...I-i know. I...Thank you.

[ Good. Algric curls around him further, then, and closes his eyes. ]

Of course, Jon.

[As they settle in together, Jon... listens. He listens to the sound of Algric's heartbeat, easy and rhythmic. The sound of his breathing, the soft sounds of the neighbors existing upstairs. A dog barking outside, people laughing. It's so different from the hell he left. He's fairly certain he wouldn't trade this for anything.

He doesn't sleep, simply because he can't anymore. Whether it's because he's an Avatar, or because every time he closes his eyes, he sees the unspeakable horrors playing behind his eyelids again and again. But laying here, curled up with Algric and holding him is just as nice.]

....I.. [A slow, unsure breath.] Do you.. want me to. To Stop Peter i-in this time? Before he can... do anything else?

[ Algric does still need sleep, even if his is disturbed in different ways; he especially needs it when he's curled up in Jon's arms like this, profoundly un-Lonely. (How strange being simultaneously more and less human.)

As such, he's dozing lightly when the question gently tugs him back towards wakefulness. He doesn't jolt, though, only shifting gently as he realises Jon's asked a question. ]

You - you mean kill him?

[Jon is finding he really doesn't like thinking about it in that way soecifically... but it isn't incorrect ]

Yes.

[ God. What does he think of that? A roiling mess passes through Algric. Some part of him desperately wants the man dead for everything he's done - for what he's done to Martin - for what he might yet do to both of them. Months of low key torment, interrupted by brief moments of horror. Or, in Martin's case, all horror. He would relish Peter's death, and that scares him a little.

But Peter is tangled with Elias somehow, he's sure of it. And that danger makes him pause, despite the quiet agony pouring through him. ]

Yes. I - I want you to. More than - well, a lot of things. He's hurt me, a-and he's hurt this timeline's version of Martin too ...

[ A deep breath. ]

B-but if you kill him, Elias will know.

[Jon is at least patient while Algric sorts through his thoughts. But.. ah. That is the problem, isn't it?

He sort of nods, face against Algric with a soft exhale.]

All right. I'll leave it be for now.

Thank you.

[ His voice softens a little. ]

I'm - grateful. Desperately. That man has ... has caused so much pain.

[ It bubbles beneath the surface of Algric, a festering wound still unlanced even by his positive experiences. ]

I know...

[No Eye assisted knowledge needed there. He remembers how the Institute was when Peter was running it. He remembers Martin's voice in the Lonely before he disappeared. That was all he needed to know about how much damage Peter had done to everyone around him.

Jon rubs his back softly, as if trying to bring him back down from that.]

I'm sorry. Go.. go back to sleep.

[ He appreciates it, Jon. And he relaxes obediently, eyes drifting shut again.

But he doesn't sleep just yet. The ache is too profound now that his attention has been drawn to it. ]

No, don't be. I ... avoid it with them. Talking about it, I mean. I'm afraid to hurt them.

... You don't have to with me. If it would help you, I mean.

[There's the thread there, the hint of a meal. Jon holds his breath, fighting it down. He won't try to pull it out of him or influence him that way. But it's an open offer if Algric ever does want to talk about it.

He lowers his voice, clearly fighting himself.] Not... right now though. I wouldn't recommend it.

[ It would be delicious. Fresh and ripe, fragrant with misery. All the more pleasant for being familiar.

Algric looks at him, questioning.]

Why not?

[Jon, meanwhile, keeps his eyes down. He can't bring himself to look at Algric.]

The trip to this timeline.. took lot out of me. And Looking at you earlier. I... don't want to feed off you.

[ Oh. Oh. Algric's eyes go wide for a moment as he realises what Jon must be going through. He immediately opens his mouth to offer, to insist --

But Jon's downcast expression makes him pause, at least. ]

And ... and if offer anyway? If I want to? Knowing what the effect will be?

[The hunger is pulling at him. An outright offer. It would be better than letting it go on until he tracks down some random on the street.

But he doesn't want to do that to Algric.]

I.. i really would rather not... [It isn't a hard 'no'.]

[ No, it isn't. Algric can sense that, but he can sense Jon's hesitation too. It's not an easy choice to make. ]

What if - what if I tried just one small thing? One encounter, not - not my whole life story. Just enough to. To take the edge off.

[His hands tighten their clutch against Algrc's back, holding him tighter. There's clearly something he's fighting.]

Are you sure?

Completely sure, Jon.

[ He sees that fighting, though, and he hesitates. ]

If - if you're comfortable with it. I don't want to talk you into something you don't want.

[Some of the tension releases, giving way to that need. But he's still holding on.]

I, um. I-i have. [Deep, shaky exhale.] Some old statements. In my bag still, I can use those. For now.

[It's like gnawing on stale bread with a filet mignon in front of him.]

O-oh. Well that's - that's good. I'm glad you have something.

[ A pause. ]

Will it be enough?

It will be, for now.

[That decided, he relaxes again in his arms.]

I can figure out something more permanent after some rest.

[Something that is not Algric and making him relive whatever story he gives in his nightmares.]

All right, all right ...

[ Just don't go too long or else he'll force feed you, damn it. ]

I just - I wish I could do more for you.

[He'll probably need it. He won't admit it.

At the words, he finally lifts his head to look Algric in the eyes.]

You already are doing so much.

[ That gets a watery smile. ]

By - by just existing?

...Yes. By existing and.. being here. W-with me.

[There had been so many factors and he wasn't sure if he'd be accepted or qander alone again.]

Versus not. Right.

[ A deep breath. ]

I'm not going anywhere now. And neither are you.

Couldn't make me go anywhere else.

[He shifts, only so much so he can touch the back of his fingers to Algric's cheek.]

You should rest some more.

[ Algric leans into that gently. ]

I - I will. I am. The rest know I'm safe, so. We can stay here all night.

Good. [That they won't worry about him, he means.

He shifts up a little more for a... hesitant soft kiss.]

I'll be right here.

[ He returns it, shy and gentle. ]

Will you sleep?

I... don't know that I can anymore. But I can still rest here with you.

All right.

[ He leans his head down. ]

Just - if I do anything strange in my sleep, don't be alarmed? It's. Harmless, honest.

... All right.

[Consider his curiosity piqued.]

I will not be alarmed by anything strange that happens while you are... asleep.

Thank you, Jon.

[ He smiles, then, and closes his eyes. Breath slowing. ]

...Of course, Martin.

[Algric, Martin... It's all the same as he watches him slowly drift off.]

[ Another small smile at that. Call him what you like, he supposes.

He drifts off relatively quickly, at least. Quiet. Shifting a bit as he falls into a dream or two. So far so good ... ]

[So far so good... Maybe his being here is good. Help him sleep a little better, a little easier. Jon settles where he is, head on the pillow where he can watch him. It's surreal.]

[ Good. He gets a good look, then, when Algric stops breathing. His body goes still and cold, and his body slowly begins to turn to ice. Literally. All colour fades from him, and frost spreads out along the bed around him. ]

[ . . .

He takes that back.

This is more surreal. His eyes go wide seeing it happening. And he Knows it's safe. Algric has gone through this before, and there's no real danger to him. But maybe some danger to himself. A little.

Jon watches the frost spreading and hesitates before shifting enough to get under the big heavy duvet. Not that it would stop this, but it's... something for himself. God, it's cold.]

[ All the time. Nearly every night. The worst nights are when he wakes up partway through, finding his body dead and unmoving, but awake through it all. Mercifully, being next to Jon has pushed him much more deeply into sleep.

It doesn't do much for Jon, though, no. The cold seeps in from all angles, frost coating the outside of the duvet and reaching icy tendrils for his skin. He is too strong to be hurt, really, but ... it's cold. ]

[Jon keeps watching him, fo any sign of stirring (and there won't be, he Knows) before curling into himself a bit under the duvet. Tucking his hands to his chest and shivering.]

Right... Okay. That's new. [He'll have to figure this out. Because he doesn't want to give up sharing a bed with him, but...]

[ But it's unpleasant, isn't it? The cold, the dead lack of movement in bed nest to him. Don't you want to leave him here alone, Archivist? It's so unpleasant being here next to him. ]

[The cold is down in his veins. Jon lifts his head back up to Algric, seeing that iced over face. Nods once, like he's made a decision.]

I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere.

[A half-hearted joke as he climbs out from under the duvet. There's the sound of a door opening, and cloth rustling before he comes back, a couple more heavy winter blankets in his arms. He spreads them over the bed. Nods. Then climbs back in, fully intent on keeping his promise.]

[ For a split second when Jon comes back, it seems like he's alone there, that there's nobody in the bed and never was --

And then Algric is simply there again, still frozen to the spot while Jon piles on the blankets. They will help, at least. Maybe an electric blanket next time would be better. ]

Need an electric blanket next time.

[That's what he decides. Can he even get one? His current timeline self would definitely notice such a large purchase. He cozies up into his little next, hearing the way the bits of frost on the first duvet crack as he moves it. It is better. And it'll do for now. He intense to keep his promise one way or another.]

[ Very much so. Fortunately, after that initial wave of cold, Algric begins to thaw slowly, until he's breathing again, and the horrible frost recedes slowly. Still cold, but not terrible. ]

[If he were able to sleep like people, he'd be well on his way now. Jon sort of wishes he could. But the Eye is always watching and he can't no matter how hard he tries.

Once the frost starts withdrawing, Jon moves his hand (still under the pile of blankets) over to Algric to take his hand. After a few minutes of watching, he'll close his eyes. Just to... pretend.]

[ Algric instinctively clutches his hand in turn. The closer Jon gets, the more he thaws, until it's simply rather damp in the bed, and Algric breathes easily again.

He sleeps through until morning without incident. ]

[By morning, Jon's... as close to 'asleep' as he can get. A sort of restful trance with his eyes closed. He scoot closer gradually over the night, being right next to him again, but still under the different blankets. But his head is tucked up close to Algric's now, breathing easily.]

[ Algric opens his eyes to see Jon, then, and the last of the ice falls away as he warms. He just ... stares for a long moment, happy beyond words, taking in the sight of him. ]

[The thawing out leaves the bits of blanket and sheet they share damp. It's enough to rouse him out of that trance, shivering uncomfortably. And then looks up at Algric.]

...Morning. [A little nervous smile.]

[ He blinks at that, noticing the dampness and the extra blankets. ]

... I froze, didn't I.

...A bit.

[He's smiling though.]

[ Well, that's good at least. Algric relaxes. ]

Sorry. Glad you - you stayed anyway.

Iiiii did not. I stayed right here.

[Well. Except to go get blankets but.]

You - you must have, yes. Or else I'd be digging myself out.

....How often does that happen? Every night?

Most. Most nights. Yeah.

I see.

[He looks thoughtful for a moment.]

Definitely an electric blanket, then.

[ Algric blinks? Then laughs. ]

You - you don't have to stay and freeze.

I told you, I wasn't going anywhere. And don't plan to. [He squeezes his hand softly again.]

[ Algric flushes at that. ]

Then - then we can get one. Somehow.

Somehow. Right.

[That elicits a sigh from him.]

If the me here knew, then I could just use my own card...

... I can text him and tell him?

[Don't mind him jumping to the worst possible way to do anything. He doesn't know any other way.]

Tell past-timeline me that a future timeline. two and a half years his future, who is also the Avatar and a monster that feeds off the fear of people's paranoia and their own life horror stories, is here and wants to use the account past-him owned to buy himself an electric blanket to sleep next to his-- [What is Algric to him?] his other monster partner who turns into an ice sculpture?

[ Wow, Jon. Good to know your foot can still go directly in your mouth. Martin opens his mouth - then abruptly crumples in on himself. ]

Yes. That's basically exactly the conversation I had with Martin. Minus the electric blanket part.

[ But definitely including the monster part. ]

[.... He just said something wrong there. The problem is, what.

He looks properly ashamed though.]

R-right... You... Of course you did.

Of course I did. What else could I do.

[ He turns away a bit, still smarting. Monster partner, eh. Is that all he is? ]

I think if I texted this Jon all of that, he would come over here with two electric blankets in hand.

[Shit.

Jon watches him carefully, brows knot. He wants to figure this out properly, but the temptation to just Know what he did in an instant...]

Maybe... I-i don't know.

[ Well. At least the anger drains out of him quickly. He's still just so glad to see Jon, even now. He sighs, softly. ]

Sorry. I - I'd gotten used to feeling human here, I guess.

[Oh.

Oh. That... doesn't look great for his future.

Jon chances reaching for his cheek, easy to shove off.]

I...I'm sorry.

[ Algric doesn't shove him off, though. Instead he leans into it, looking over at Jon. ]

It's - it's all right. I just. I need to adjust again.

[Jon's eyes never leave him. But he's thoughtful, like trying to piece together a puzzle. Trying to put the right words in the right place.]

Is... I mean, you. Is th-that what you want?

[If he doesn't want it, Jon will backpedal so fast. Let Algric be a human as long as he can. Let him have that happiness.]

[ Is it what he wants? To fall into being monsters with Jon? Or does he want to go back to the trio he's become such friends with, whom he also loves? It's ... god. That's a decision he doesn't want to make.

He closes his eyes for a moment. ]

Let's - let's not talk about that right now. I'll make us pancakes, okay? And then we can - we can take a day. Just the two of us.

[Something in him starts to close up slowly. It hadn't been open very wide or very long to begin with, but he can feel it. Preparing himself for that inevitable ending.

Jon squeezes his hand once, then lets go to get up and out of bed.]

Pancakes.. That sounds good.

[ Algric follows him, but ... pauses too. He's always been rather attuned to Jon, and now is no different. After a moment, he moves to stand in front of him, just hovering in his way. ]

I won't leave you. Either way.

[It's easy enough to block Jon. Avatar or not, he didn't get any taller. What a rip off, really.

He blinks up at Algric.]

What? I-it's just pancakes, really. If I know me, the ingredients should all be there, you don't even have to go to the market-

That's - that's not what I meant.

[ He reaches up for Jon's face. ]

Monster or - or not, I'll stay with you.

[Oh.

He blinks rapidly at that, looking up at him still. Somehow, the bottom of his stomach fell out taking his breath with it.]

You... sure? You wouldn't.. Want to stay with them? Be human as long as you could?

I'd - I'd still like to stay human, all thing considered.

[ That's simple enough. Yes, he would prefer to be human. But. ]

But I'm not going to leave you alone, god. If there's a way to stay human and stay with you, I'll try that first.

[At that, he tilts his face into Algric's hand.]

...Then I'll work on figuring out a counter to the Lonely.

If anyone can, it's you.

[ And if he can't ... then Jon will have a monster partner. ]

Only because it's for you.

[He'd heard the others in the Lonely, faint whispers just close by his ear before they were gone again. He didn't care about them.]

[ Algric flushes, then, and leans forward to kiss Jon's forehead. ]

W-well - well we can start with the pancakes, at least.

R-right.

[Is this what happens when people get to be sincere? He should try it more often.]

Don't think I've ever had your pancakes...

Never? I hope I don't disappoint then.

[They're nice pancakes. Good for the taste, at least. Nothing for nourishment. Even after, settling in for a day just for themselves, Jon finds himself feeling more and more weak. He's trying not to show it, but it gets hard by early afternoon, the way he's slumped up against Algric, almost dead-weight.]

[ He'd chalked up the early morning lethargy to the pancakes and the cold. Noon? Probably just in need of a nap. But as afternoon rolls in and Jon just seems downright weak and not just tired, alarm bells begin to sound in Algric's head. Something ... something is wrong, isn't it? They've done absolutely nothing tiring today, and yet ...

He nudges Jon gently, smoothing his hair. ]

Jon?

Hm?

[It's soft when he makes any noise. He lifts his head to look at him.]

Yes, Algric?

[ That's not a good sign either. Algric looks down at him, searching his face. ]

You seem a bit - tired? Are you feeling okay?

[His eyes looking back are a faint green, like a thin film held over a bright light. Searching.

He doesn't even realize it.]

Yes, I-i am. This is..nice.

[ The green is new, but ... he's seen it. Heard it described.

God, how desperate must Jon be? Will paper statements even be enough? ]

Mm, and I'm. I'm glad to have you here. Desperately, Jon.

Are you? I-i'm not... going anywhere.

[ The words tumble out before he's even aware of the compulsion. ]

You've complicated everything right when I thought I knew what I was doing. But - but the thought of you traversing the apocalypse alone because I abandoned you makes me want to die again.

Edited 2020-08-26 11:15 (UTC)

[ And then his eyes widen when he realises what's just happened. He looks horrified, though perhaps not for the reason Jon thinks. Does - does Jon even have enough power to spare a compulsion at this point? ]

[The words alone are enough to surprise him. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist for him to realize what he just did. In an instant, Jon's sitting back, covering his mouth. As if that would stop it.]

I-i'm sorry.

It's -

[ It's not fine, not Jon seems too weak to do much more than lie there next to him. Algric takes in a gulp of air. ]

You didn't mean it. I'm just - worried about you.

It's not fine. [Just knowing what he was about to initially say. Jon pulls himself up, making for his bag that he left by the door and dig through it.]

I-i just, I need something to tide me over

[ He can hear how badly Jon's slipping now. It terrifies him a little, even as he moves to help get the bag for Jon. Will that really be enough? ]

Jon ... please. Let me help you. You - you're so weak.

[There are some papers he pulls out - not statements - and tapes, some marked with dates just before Jon took the Archivist position, some dated from after. Institute keys that were borderline useless but could probably be useful now. But he finally gets a handful of statements and stares down at them.

It's like staring down at crumbs, barely enough to taste anything at this point. His shoulders sag holding them.]

...You're really sure?

[ Yeah. That's not a happy expression on Jon's face. The man is starving, and Algric can tell just by looking that those statements won't do a damn thing. Not when Jon's this hungry. ]

Yes, Jon. Let me - let me help you. Please.

[ He reaches out to cup Jon's face. ]

[He turns his face into the touch, closes his eyes.]

Then... please tell me.

[Whatever Algric wants to tell. Anything.]

[ Algric takes a deep breath, then. Letting the compulsion settle in him willingly, guiding it to the story he wants to tell. Something smaller - something he can endure in his nightmares, hopefully. ]

It was - it was shortly after I'd agreed to Peter's deal. You were still dead. He'd convinced me to stop going to see you, but ... but I still tried to keep up with everyone, yeah? If I didn't, I - I might not even know if he'd kept up his end of the bargain. He could have still been solving HR disputes by eating the employees involved.

[ He draws Jon in closer, smoothing his fingers over Jon's hair. ]

S-so I. I'd stopped by Rosie's desk this morning. Just saying hullo, catching up on gossip. She had a little trouble focusing on me, but it was a nice chat. Pleasant. No one was missing, except you, of course, but. Ah. Library's never cared much about the weirdos in Archives, I guess...

[ That had been him once upon a time. God. ]

When I got back to the office, Peter wasn't there. Or - or at least I thought he wasn't there, until I got up to make coffee a few minutes later and the door was frozen shut. A-and I turned and ... ah, you know Peter. He never says anything nasty, does he? Just sort of - implies that you're the worst, and lets you take over from there. Like. Like an acid drip in your brain.

[ Now he's gulping for air, the words burning as they leave his throat. ]

He said he was disappointed in me. Asked if I really wanted to - to put the Institute in danger like that? So soon after we'd made the deal too. But it was all right, he could f-f-fix it. For me.

[ The details aren't important. Jon's seen them: the frigid beach, the grey waters. ]

I ... stopped talking to Rosie, after. Or anyone else. Not that it. Really mattered. No one even noticed me any more.

[The pain imbued in every word, the self-realized horror Algric describes... It's a nice hot bowl of soup on a cold day for him. His eyes are bright while Algric pours the words out, mouth hanging open for the first part before closing and lips pressed tightly together by the end. The image of the cold, uncaring waters like the nicest drink on his throat.

Jon takes a deep breath. Coming back to himself, the green fading as he keeps watching Algric's face. But there isnt any joy or satisfaction in his expression, not like usual from a small ...brunch? Would that be this?

He's more sorry than anything.]

I... i had no idea at the time...

[ A delicious soup and sandwich combo, maybe. Not the full steak dinner - that still looms, fragrant and tempting - but perhaps an appetizer is enough for now. Far better than those miserable crumbs.

Algric, meanwhile, watches Jon, to see if he looks like he feels any better. Happiness isn't necessary, but if he at least looks less weak ... ]

You were dead at the time, Jon.

I-- still.

[As if he had any control over being dead. As if he could have stopped Peter at the time. He sighs but doesn't look like he's about to collapse like just a few minutes before.

He sounds almost miserable about it.]

Thank you.

Edited 2020-08-26 12:16 (UTC)

[ Algric moves to draw him in for a hug. It hadn't felt like much, at least? He will pay for it later, though, when he falls asleep. ]

Of course. I'll - I'll feed you as much as I can. As much as you want, anyway.

I... really wish you wouldn't. We'll find something more permanent.

[He does go in for the hug though. He would never deny him or himself that.]

[ Shut up and take his hug, Jon. Algric just holds him for a moment. ]

I know. But - having an emergency supply is good, right?

I..

[Sighs, leaning into him.]

I suppose.

[ He presses a kiss to the top of Jon's head. ]

Do you feel any better?

[Jon takes in a deep breeath, visibly relaxing then.]

I think so, yes. Quite a bit.

[Enough that he can think more clearly. Jon looks up to Algric thoughtful. Something occurring to him like this.]

What about you?

[ Algric blinks down at him. ]

Me? I'm fine. I don't feel any different, honestly.

... So, you. I mean, you... still just. Can eat regular food and that's all you need?

[ Oh. That question, huh. He ... turns away, faintly miserable. ]

No. I need - I need to feed too. I just ... had a really good meal recently.

... Ah.

[God, he's such an asshole.]

Sorry.

No, it's. It's a good question.

[ He takes a deep breath. ]

My past self is ... miserable having me here.

Ah.

[His voice is Tired.]

He's feeling replaced by a newer, better version with all the answers to fix everything and you feel like you're making things worse because things are happening differently.

... I guess that... would be a meal.

Edited 2020-08-26 19:17 (UTC)

[ Algric winces at that, but - well, he suspected already. He would feel the same, after all. ]

Y-yes. It's - I hate it, but - what am I supposed to do? Let it go to waste?

No, I... suppose not.

[Jon's still watching him before carefully reaching for his cheek.]

At least you have something. [And that small, immediate pang of panic that he was going to be alone in his monster-dom... lessens just a small amount. It's not good for Algric, really; if he wants to go back to being a human, then this must be something causing some mild distress, however minute. But there's some relief for Jon that he isn't completely alone in this.]

Yeah. I - I'm not knocking it. If I didn't, I'd be. Wandering about, probably.

[ Eating people. Which is - awful, of course, but. It's true that Jon is not alone. This version of his ... partner is absolutely a monster. ]

Probably. Until you wouldn't be.

[He doesn't fully understand the Lonely, can't just by nature of his patron, but he can guess at a few things based on what he saw.]

I think I'm... good.

Right.

[ He hugs Jon a little closer. ]

I'm glad, Jon. Truly. I don't want you to suffer.

You don't have to either.

[And he means that.]

...I don't know when you'll. Make your decision. But make sure you make it for you. Don't worry about me.

Jon. Of course I'm going to worry about you.

[HE'S TRYING TO BE SELFLESS HERE. He lifts his head to stare upward, like he can see his neighbors, and sighs.]

I know. I-it's why I'm telling you not to. Not about that.

[ He just laughs a little and shakes his head. ]

I'd rather drop dead than stop worrying about you.

I'd rather you not.

Then I suppose I'll just have to keep worrying, hm?

[Jon sighs heavily, leaning forward to put his forehead to Martin's and close his eyes tight. He wants Algric making that decision solely for himself. Not with any worry of what it means for Jon, or for the trio waiting back at Martin's flat. Everything else can be worked out after, but that decision.... It's so.. Big and final. Algric has to make it for himself and not for the sake of others.]

I suppose so, then. Like asking your scones not to be delicious.

[ Good luck with that. Martin will always be profoundly affected by what he thinks other people want from him. All he can do is get sort of close to deciding on his own.

He laughs a bit at that. ]

Right, exactly. I could burn them on purpose, but ... why?

It would be a waste...

[Speaking of burning.

Jon pulls back to get that ritual statement out of his pocket. He's careful not to get it where he can read it but stares at it for a minute.]

...Should take care of this. [No sense risking destroying some other timeline's world again.]

Is my metal bin still around?

Edited 2020-08-26 22:07 (UTC)

[ Algric blinks at that, then moves to go fetch it. ]

O-oh, yes. Over here. Let me just get it for you.

Oh - [Jon watches for a moment, then starts digging through his bag for that damned lighter.

Once the bin is close by, Jon looks at the statement. Exhales heavily and carefully lights it before dropping it into the bin.]

Can't keep that here.

[ Algric watches it burn with grim satisfaction. ]

No. No, I'd - I'd rather you not end this world.

I think most everyone in the world would appreciate that too.

I mean, yes. I do generally assume that.

[ He hesitates. ]

Did ... Elias force you, then?

...Back there? He... [Hm.]

It's hard to explain. I think Annabelle Cane actually understood it better than I could until she told me. When I... read statements. It was true when we started in the Archives, and it's even more true now. But when I start reading a statement, I can't... stop. I think at this point if I tried to stop reading one partway through, it might do very real damage to me.

Elias knew that. And forced me through a false beginning statement, knowing I wouldn't be able to stop.

[ Algric's eyes widen. ]

... You came back to the Institute starving. And - and then Elias tricked you into it.

...Yes.

[He merely watches the tips of the flames from the top of the bin.]

As barely functioning as I was, I knew whatever he gave to 'help' me wouldn't be help... I just had no idea it would... be the apocalypse.

R-right. It's still - still a long way from what he'd done so far.

[ A pause. ]

... We could kill him.

We could.

But I think the others are still tied to him. It might kill them.

-- Oh. Right, that's - god. That might kill me too, come to think of it.

I think...

[Wait hold on. He thinks for a second, really focusing.]

I think I might be stronger than he is right now.

...

What - what does that mean?

I..

[Phew boy, let him. Get the scope of this in his mind before he puts it to words.]

You're all tied to him, through the Institute, he said if we kill him it kills all of you. But-- But if, and I cannot stress it is a big if, but if it's possible... I... might be able to... shift it.

[ Algric's eyes go wide. ]

If - if we're tied to the Eye more than anything, and you displace him - i-it could work. Yeah.

And we know that I'm not actively, consciously evil.

I don't know, though. It's... Still a big risk. I-i don't even know how to go about it.

Not. Not really a way to test it, I suppose.

Not without just doing it and messing it up.

[Such faith in himself.]

The real question is would any of you want to be bound to me instead.

[ Quietly: ]

I would.

[Jon stills and... shifts his eyes to watch him.

Just... So quiet.]

You're sure?

[ He's earnest, if cautious. Nervous. But - certain. ]

Of course I'm sure, Jon. I -

[ His voice cracks just a little. ]

I've missed you. You specifically.

[All the knowledge in the world at his fingertips, and Jon can't possibly conceive that someone would actually miss him.]

You... You've literally been living with the me of this time.

Well, yes, and I'm very fond of him too. But he isn't you.

....I would say more than fond.

[He kissed you.]

[ Algric flushes a bit at that, somehow not expecting Jon to Know? But of course he does. ]

F-fine, okay. He - he is you on some level. That doesn't mean I miss you any less.

[Nothing he even had to Know. Just ...knowing Martin-slash-Algric at all for longer than five minutes.]

I... Guess I don't see much of the difference? Except I made horrible mistakes we're going to try to prevent him from making?

[You gotta spell it out for him, he's dumb when it comes to himself.]

[ Rude, Jon. Just rude. ]

Jon. I just - imagine for a moment that you woke up in Hilltop Road, except it wasn't me standing over you. It was Martin.

I.... would have asked him a lot sooner what he was doing there.

[The thought exercise isn't really welcome, but Algric has been... unnecessarily kind since finding him, so.]

And... I'd want to protect him any way I could. [Okay he's starting to get it.]

[ Yes, Jon. That's exactly what he's getting at. ]

And if it turned out he loved you, even if he wasn't quite on the same page as you? Of course you'd have returned his affections.

I guess I would ye-

Wait, are you-- I-i'm not mad or, or jealous.

[WHY IS ALGRIC DOING THIS TO HIM.]

Not mad, maybe. But you do seem a bit jealous.

This is so far from the original question of "what did you mean when you said you missed me specifically".

[He is. A Little.]

[ Oh, oh Jon. Algric has a point, he swears. His expression softens, and he reaches out for Jon's face. ]

I mean - that as much as I do love this Jon, it's not the same. As comforted as I was to have him, I still desperately missed you.

[ Quieter: ]

I - I had dreams where you did find me in the Lonely. W-where we got out, and. And ran off. To Scotland or something. And it was quiet, with nice cows, and ... and then I'd wake up on Jon's couch.

...Guess there is some difference.

[Algric said before he was only 'fond' of this timeline's Jon, but hearing it outright... still stings a bit. Maybe Algric would do better... staying human. Staying here. That idea of being alone again starts to settle in.]

I'm sorry.

[ Oh, poor Jon. This time, the sadness goes unnoticed; he's too lost in his own thoughts. What ... will he tell past Jon? That he's leaving? He has to, or else he'd just disappear.

Or is there away to keep both Jons in his life? What a greedy thought that is. ]

You're here now. I - I thought I'd never see you again, but. Here you are.

Against all odds...

[He's already preparing for the worst. Get them all aligned to him. Kill Elias. Let them go and ...they all get to live happily while he disappears. There's no way back for him, but there's still time for all of them.

There's no reason to get attached.

Except he desperately missed Martin - this Martin - and doesn't want to let go.]

[ Funny, that was more or less Algric's plan too. He looks up now, moving to take Jon's hand. ]

Anyway. I'm sure.

[He swallows thickly, taking his land loose.]

Then... I-if I find a way to do it that I know won't hurt any of you, I'll do it. That'll... Get all of you free.

That sounds wonderful, Jon.

...Will you hold out until I can?

Y-yes. I think - we'll be okay? I think we'll figure it out.

[He holds Algric's hands tenderly in both of his, looking down at his fingers. ...Minus one. Did Jon even know that happened? He doesn't linger on it.]

Then I'll do my best.

[ Probably not, given he was dead at the time and had barely gotten a good look at Martin. Now, though, it's probably bright in his vision from the mark of the Flesh. ]

You don't have to figure it out right away.

[The Flesh... The bodybuilders. He thumbs softly at one knuckle.]

No, but. The sooner I do it, the better for all of you.

W-well yes, of course. I'm not saying to - to just wander around and hope it turns out all right. But we're stable, too.

[Jon had wandered the Lonely for months. It had settled around him, and went with him even through the end of the world.

Stable. Working together, staying in one flat together. Until Jon came and made things more complicated.

The faint trace of Loneliness around him thickens into a murky mist.]

I-i'm glad. That'll make it easier for everything that has to be done.

Edited 2020-08-27 00:46 (UTC)

[ Indeed. Algric still loves him, but ... he'd adjusted. And adjusting again is painful. ]

I - I think so, yes. Whatever we figure out. Sort of a long list.

...I'll help with what I can. I can.. Let you know where they are, when.

Could probably guide through the Unknowing..

Oh. That - that would help a lot then, yes. Actually. As long as it doesn't drain you too much?

[He thinks about that for a second. Then huffs out a laugh; he can always just get Hope's statement. That would probably feed him well.]

I don't think it'll be an issue.

Jon, I literally just fed you because you looked like you were going to pass out.

So? I'll... eat before we go in. And.. maybe. Grab a snack while I'm there. [He kind of hates himself for this conversation. But he really has given in to analogies long before he ever became an Avatar.]

[ Oh. Oh. Algric abruptly understands. ]

W-well if they're. You know. Terrible, then. That's not so bad?

I have Breekon's statement already. May as well while I'm there.

Right, since. Hope is dead in our timeline...

[Jon squeezes his fingers.]

Iiiii've made you uncomfortable.

A little, but it's fine. I'm just adjusting.

[Just. This face.]

You shouldn't. [He carefully, one hand at a time, let's go of Algric's, shifting so he has one knee drawn up and can rest both his hands on it.]

I.... made things more complicated for you than they should've been.

[ Algric turns at that, alarmed. ]

Well - yes, but if complication means I get you back, there's no question!

But you have it better here. Y-yes, there's. Still everything that has to be stopped. But once you do? You could... go back.

W-well yes, of course. I will. And you're coming with me.

[Something in his chest goes tight and painful at that. The want is heartwrenching.]

And make things even more complicated for you.

Yes, complicated. But we'll figure it out.

...You do remember one of my most charming points is that I generally ruin everything I come into contact with?

[He's had a lot of time to look at his mistakes.]

Yes. Yes, I remember. But somehow I still love you.

Don't see why.

[It's said with all the endearing tone of someone who genuinely loves this man in front of him.]

[ Oh, Jon. Algric smiles softly. ]

Not even with those eyes of yours?

As tempting as it is to just Know what you're thinking without any issue or guesswork, I get the feeling it'd be rude.

A little bit, yes. I'd rather have some semblance of privacy.

[He learned a little!

But that does still leave the issue of feeling like a fifth wheel on their happy ever after.]

Of course. I will not intentionally probe.

... Thank you, Jon. I'm really grateful for that.

[ He leans down to kiss Jon's forehead. ]

[God, he's soft for this soft Lonely man. He ducks his head at that show of affection.]

Yo-you're welcome.

Now. Why don't we sit for a bit? And - maybe plan, I guess. What to do next. Probably starting with texting past you some details.

...Yes. Good idea.

[Oh he doesn't want to do this.]

[ Too bad, Algric does. He sits on the couch, holding a hand out for Jon. ]

[He takes one last look at the metal bin, what ashes left are smoldering. Then at the stack of statements he left on the side table by his door. Then back at Algric before coming to sit down and take his hand.]

[ Algric tugs him down close then, cool but not unpleasant next to him.

Then he takes out the little burner flip phone. ]

Right. Texting a message on this is kind of a pain.

Lord... I don't have my own phone or I'd let you text... myself.

[Man how weird would that have been.]

Did you want some tea or... Something in the meantime?

Do you want to make me some?

[ He seems delighted by the thought. ]

I... can, yes.

[If it means he gets to not sit here and get anxious while Algric types that message out on the slowest phone imaginable.]

What kind?

[ Probably for the best all around, yes. ]

There's - there's a nice rooibos in there.

Then. A nice rooibos it is.

[He hops right up to work on that.

But the problem is, he wants to know what Algric tells them too. How will they react? Gah. Damn his paranoia.]

I'll - Let you do you own milk and sugar. [That's polite, right?]

Or you could Know what I like. I'll give you permission for that one.

[ Milk and a little honey. ]

[Milk and a little honey it is. But he smiles.]

So, soy milk and a little cinnamon? My.

[ That surprises a laugh out of Algric. ]

Jon, please.

I know, I Know. I'm fairly sure I still have fresh honey here.

[And he'll get to work on that.]

Thank you.

[ He beams after Jon for a moment, utterly lovesick. And then turns to his phone to text ... well. Jon. ]

Are you awake?

[It's still daylight.]

Yes? Something wrong?

No, no. Nothing wrong at all. It's a good thing.

[ How to explain this ... ]

The you from my timeline found me.

[ .

.

. ]

What?

Through Hilltop Road somehow. He found his way back from his point in my timeline.

[There are SO many things here.]

From before he died?

... No.

You said he died.

Well - yes. But I was wrong about the second death. He killed Peter Lukas.

Should I come back? Would this be easier in person?

[ Would it be? Algric ... abruptly doesn't want them to be in the same room together, and yet. ]

I don't want you to get hurt. Like I hurt Martin.

[Oh. That's a real fear.]

Then he's further along than I am.

All right. You said he came through Hilltop Road? Case 0092204?

Yes. Yes he is.

[ So, so much further, Jon. You have no idea. ]

That's right. That awful house. I found him lying on the floor of the basement.

I see.

What now?

I. I don't know.

[ His expression goes utterly soft as he looks down at his phone. ]

I think I'm going to stay with him for a while, though.

[O-oh. Something tugs a bit. Jon didn't mind sharing himself, but the thought of sharing Algric...]

Of course. He probably needs the anchor. Get settled in.

[ Oh how the turns have tabled, eh Jon? ]

Right, that's what I thought. I won't stay away for long, I just ... need to make sure he's okay.

All right.

So
he killed Peter Lukas.
He's from further ahead in your timeline then?

... yes.
it's
worse.

he searched the Lonely for me, but I'd already gone.

Oh god

Only going from what you've told me and what I've seen, he definitely needs someone there.

Yes. And - you see why you probably shouldn't just pop round. Martin and I were jealous enough over you.

You both would be jealous over him too?

[ The slowest blink down at his phone. Huh. That stings a little? It's so selfish, but he had sort of hoped past Jon would be jealous. Clearly not. ]

that's not
look, I'm just saying. If you show up here, I think he'll be upset.

[He's stupid okay. There's a long, long few minutes before there's any response. Is Jon having to suss out what he thinks Algric means and didn't say? Is he trying to write the best response to smooth it over? Is he just fighting with Tim to give his phone back?

The response finally does come though.]

All right. I won't come.

[ Algric breathes a sigh of relief. ]

Thank you.
I promise, I'll be back soon. After he's anchored.

Keep me updated?

[Please don't forget me.]

Of course, Jon.
I'll text you every day with all the details you could want.

Take care, Algric.

[There's just something stopping him from saying 'I love you' outright. That something carrying a mug in a green cozy and a mug with honey and milk to the coffee table for Algric.]

[ And Algric, of course, looks up and sets his phone down. ]

-- Oh. Thank you, Jon.

You're welcome.

[He did say he'd make it. Once the mug is down, he'll pour the tea.]

[ He waits for Jon to pour, then, and takes a grateful sip. ]

Other Jon's informed now.

[He hesitates at that before sitting. He didn't bring a mug for himself.]

How... did he take it?

Pretty well, I think? Remember they've been dealing with me for the last couple weeks.

Good point.

[His hands fidget for a minute.]

He's not coming here, is he?

No, no. God. I - I don't think that's a good idea just yet.

[Absolutely relieved:] Good.

Don't think I'm-I'm quite ready for that.

[Not ready to share Algric.]

[ Jon pls. Algric smiles, though, as he sips his tea. ]

That's - what's what I thought. You've barely been here twenty-four hours.

Just a little more time.

[Jon sits back into the couch a bit.]

Don't think he'd be ready either.

No, probably not. So - you know, get the idea in his head, then. See what happens after that.

[ Hesitantly, he puts an arm around Jon. ]

[Jon is so weak to this soft man. He leans into him a bit.]

Give him some time to really think about it. He isn't used to sharing. [Did he even need to Know for that? Probably not, but it's nice to have a read on his past self.] Probably never even occurred to him that he might have to, only child.

[ Algric... reddens a little. Yeah, he already poked at Jon for this exact reason, but hearing it in that tone is a little different. ]

W-well - okay, true. And past me didn't exactly react well either. To, ah. Sharing.

[Now that he's said it out loud, he hears it himself and oh.

Oooooh that conversation bit earlier- yeah. Yeah okay he gets it, he fucked that up.

He looks down, reaching for Algric's free hand softly.]

Don't know that I'm ready to share either. [Not when there's the real possibility of being left.]

[ Good job, Jon, you finally caught up. Algric squeezes Jon's hand gently. ]

N-no, I understand. It's natural, it's just -

[ A soft sigh. ]

I've done nothing but share, so turnabout seems rather fair to me.

No, that's... Completely fair.

[Jon sighs, then sandwiches Algric's hand between both of his.]

You don't have to share me, at least. I'm... all yours.

[ Gosh. He pinks at that, selfishly very pleased by that little statement. ]

Just mine?

Just yours. As long as you'll have me.

[ He pulls Jon closer, then, wrapping his arms tightly around the Archivist. ]

[MADE IT BACK AROUND, good work, self. Jon wraps arms around him.]

I love you.

[ Algric clings even more tightly at that. ]

I - I love you too, Jon. God, I -

[ He leans forward to kiss him. ]

[Oh-

He cups Algric's cheeks and smiles into that kiss. Yeah, he's not ready to share this.]

[ Well for now he doesn't have to. Unless he already sort of is? But it's just them here, and they don't have to worry about anyone else right now.

He keeps it simple and sweet, very gentle. His cool face warms quickly, pink flushing his cheeks. ]

[He thumbs along Algric's cheeks before he has to pull away, just to take a deep breath and rest foreheads together.]

Definitely not ready to share.

[ That's - nice. No, it's all he's ever wanted. Too bad it took an apocalypse and time travel to get here. ]

I - I guess I can allow it then.

Oh-- oh you'll allow that?

[He's laughing brightly against him. It really is too bad it took the end of the world and a whole other timeline for him to feel this open.]

[ God, Jon. That gets a small laugh from Algric too. ]

Just this once.

Then I'll make sure it's worth it.

[Martin could be out there having the affection of two Jons, after all.]

[ Look. He'll try not to be too greedy. ]

You usually are, you know.

[His immediate gut instinct is to disagree. Say no he isn't, does Algric remember all the horrible things Jon had done? Instead:]

Not sure destroying the world is what some would consider 'boyfriend material'.

[ Algric considers that for a moment. ]

True, it isn't.

Think you might be the only one who'd consider it...

[He doesn't want to assume Algric would give him that label, but...]

[ Algric stares forward for a moment, just a bit nervous. ]

I mean. It's not boyfriend material, no.

[ A beat. ]

Maybe husband material?

[He can feel that nervousness starting to grip around them like a wisteria vine, slow and gentle and wrapping around them both.

Jon turns his eyes to look at him. He's still holding his cheeks. Still in close, breathing him in. But that...]

Are... Are you sure?

[ He is sort of joking? In a way where he's totally not joking, and red, and. Good lord, that was probably a mistake. Jon seems so earnest. ]

W-well maybe. Engagement first, you know.

[There's a giddy sort of energy to his nervousness here. He's... God, Jon's never considered himself in a position like this?

And Algric may just... be overwhelmed by a lot of other factors here.]

P-probably. There's, uh. A lot to consider too.

R-right, we are. You know. Still stranded in the past? And not going home any time soon.

Right. E-exactly. And how would- any of it even work? Can.. Can anything like me even get married?

[He's not human, does it even fucking count?]

And names and... [Even if Algric was just... saying it for the sake of saying something, it still means the world to him. He knows nothing will likely come of a wish. Best not to pin any hopes on it.]

[ There's ... a lot of questions there, really. but Algric decides to focus on just one. ]

I mean, I. Rather like the sound of Algric Sims?

...Not, uh. Not Jon Diggly?

[A fond smile worms its way across his face.]

[ That's -

Oh my god Jon. Algric goes beet red. ]

N-no - how - no!

[It's a soft tease, really. He knows nothing is going to happen, not like what he wants.

He kisses the corner of Algric's mouth once and simply... Watches his face.

God, he wishes. It's plain in his eyes.]

You don't have to do that.

[ Algric looks back at him with a strange sort of longing in his eyes. He really does want that? It's just - you know, fast. They only really confessed to each other yesterday.

(But Jon has wandered the apocalypse pining for god knows how long, and Algric has had a couple weeks to sort through his feelings.) ]

Do what, take your last name?

[Thank god he didn't look too deeply into that question.]

Yeah. It's... I mean, a lot of people consider it kind of old fashioned? It's.. I dunno.

Old fashioned for your husband to take your name?

[Your husband stalls his thoughts for a few seconds.]

I-i just... I remember hearing Georgie talk about it some back in Uni and. I always... Not that I ever really thought I'd get married at this point, but I never set my heart on someone taking my last name because, really, it's a big expectation to put on someone and--

[Well now he can't stop.]

But it's something you always wanted, I bet.

[ Algric is utterly charmed. ]

[And the thought train stops.]

...Yes. I-i have.

[But even without the no sex thing he has going for him, Jon never thought anyone would want to marry this disaster of a human being. And now he's not even human.]

Edited (phrases have MEANINGS get it right, fingers) 2020-08-27 23:01 (UTC)

[ Gosh. He's the cutest and Algric is desperately in love. ]

W-well - we should. You know, maybe date first? But, eventually. Ah. If things turn out all right.

Right. Yes. Agreed.

["If". Always the chance he fucks it up somehow. Jon doesn't know if he'd ever forgive himself if he hurt Algric.]

Good. I'm glad you've agreed to our first date, then.

Our what?

[THIS HAPPENED SO FAST.]

You agreed to date first.

Well- Yes. Yes?

[The missing article in that statement makes such a huge difference in meaning.]

Yes. So - ah. You'll have to order for both of us, probably.

[Oh. OH. He sees what's happening now.

He doesn't like that idea though. Jon thinks about it, his face going through a couple different expressions of thought before he smiles. It's all hopeful that Algric doesn't take this the wrong way.]

Maybe, but. I may have a different idea?

[ Algric straightens up a bit. ]

Of course.

Do you trust me?

........

Y - yes. All right, yes.

What do you want to eat?

[That part's important here. He'll get to the rest after he knows, but he doesn't want to Know.]

Ah - well - I could really go for some Thai, I think...?

[Hm. That's not something he can cook here with these ingredients. But if the Jon in this time knows he's here, then he won't mind him using his charge card.

Jon nods to himself and goes to his bedroom to dig out his spare card and comes back with his jacket.]

We'll make a couple stops on the way, then. Just think about what you want and let me know.

[ Algric moves to get his own then. ]

O-oh, right. Okay. I'll follow your lead?

[He's having some doubts of his own idea here, but he hopes it...works. And since it's him, he grabs his own key from his bag - wandered the apocalypse alone and he still carried it with him. An idiot.

But he walks them down the block, to a couple thrift stops. Picks up a larger heavy throw blanket, and a nicer reusable box. Another shop has some old plates and flatware.

The Thai place he gets them to is familiar. The staff behind the counter recognize him from late nights ordering when he couldn't sleep.]

Whatever you want.

Edited 2020-08-27 23:55 (UTC)

[ Algric hovers behind Jon as they go, invisible to anyone except for him. He ... thinks he might know where this is going? And the thought makes him blush furiously. ]

Ah - pad thai? And some of those summer rolls, the ones that come with the peanut sauce.

[He nods and adds it to his usual order. For their credit, the staff don't make a show of how surprised they are that he's changing anything on his usual order.

It takes a few minutes but the food comes. And Jon carefully places it all in the box he bought and starts walking Algric a different direction.]

Pretty sure we can find a nice place out.

[ He follows still, pink all over. ]

Are you - are you taking us on a picnic, Jon?

I-- thought it might be nicer than dealing with sitting in a restaurant where staff can't see you the whole time we're there.

[Yes, yes he is.]

Well yes. I agree completely.

[ He seems enamoured of the idea. ]

[That has his confidence boosting up nicely. A little more confident in his steps to an empty park, no one going through it and has a nice flat space by a tree they can get a good skyline view.

Once there, he sets the box down and spreads the blanket out and gets everything else started.]

Should be fine. A less popular part of this park.

[ Algric ... hesitates there for a moment. Not because he doesn't want this - he does. It's just that his delirious joy over having a picnic date with Jon chokes him for a moment, making him just. Stop and be overwhelmed for a moment. ]

Y-yes, I. I think so. We'll have privacy.

[ Give him a moment to take in this moment. He needs to remember it forever. ]

[Jon only stalls setting things out because... Is it too much? Should he have done something different? He isn't used to this at all and he wants so badly to ....to make Algric not regret spending any time with him when he could be with the trio. He has to make the time worth it. So if it's a little out of his comfort zone? Sure.]

...Algric?

[ He shakes his head a little, trembling as tears start to stream down his face. Good tears! Happy tears. ]

It's - it's just the first time anyone's. Ever done something like this for me.

[ Past Jon surely would have if their relationship had progressed past their disastrous "date" in the café prior to Martin being involved. But it hadn't, and now feelings for past Jon are complicated, and ...

And this is simple. Just for him, Algric, specifically, with no intent to share it with anyone else. There's ... something special about that, however Algric may feel about being poly on an intellectual level. ]

[As soon as he sees tears, Jon's going over to him. No nononono no tears, no crying, he was trying to do this right--]

I... Oh.

[Jon watches him before taking one hand, and reaching with his other to wipe some of those tears.]

You. You deserve much more than this, if I'm honest.

[ Algric leans into that, laughing a little through his tears. ]

M-maybe, but. But I wouldn't be able to handle it. You don't - you don't understand how long it's been. How hard it's been.

[He settles for cupping Algric's cheek, watching him carefully.]

...No. I-i don't. You're right.

[ He just rocks for a moment, eyes closed. ]

Don't - don't let me ruin this. Let's eat, okay?

[Jon thumbs along his cheek one more time before nodding and tugging him to sit.

The open skyline in front of them with nothing in the way is so open... Jon catches a glimpse of a dark sky with countless eyes watching, an enormous being made of screaming people walking. The ground rumbling under its foot as it takes a step. Junior, as he's so affectionately called by Simon Fairchild, doesn't know nor care about what it's stepping on before Jon blinks and it's gone.

Just a flash. Nothing...actually happening here. He swallows thickly before moving to start divvying up the meals.]

You couldn't ruin this if you tried, I think.

[ Algric ... sees Jon's expression change? But he can't tell what he's thinking. So all he can really do is give him a concerned look before slowly sinking down onto the picnic blanket, setting out the plates for him. ]

I mean. I'm rather good at it. C-crying isn't the best start.

[ But he's cheering quickly, at least. ]

Depends on why you're crying, I suppose. It's not for anything wrong, is it?

[He sets Algric's plate of food over closer to him.]

You're fine, Algric.

It - it is happy crying. I swear.

[ He takes the food gladly. And starts to eat. ]

[He smiles softly before settling down to eat with him. He didn't get glasses or anything, so they still have dinky to-go cups but... It's nice. They're a bit on their own, between the park being empty and Algric's blanket-of-forget around them.

It's nice.]

You've... really never had anyone do something like this for you? O-or with you?

[ Certainly no one is approaching them now. It's just them and the trees and the grass, with Algric gladly tucking into his meal. ]

I think ... once? When I was five or six. My dad took me to the zoo.

Hm.

[Jon listens, distinctly doesn't let himself Know anything else about it. Martin - Algric - has never spoken of his dad, so he doesn't want to ruin that here.]

Zoo's nice. ...Like the carousel there.

[ That's probably a good idea. Algric brightens a bit. ]

You know it?

Iiii do, yes. Spent a fair amount of time there when I was... It was before the Institute.

[It was a weird time.]

At the. Zoo?

[Well now he just sounds embarrassed.]

I was in a weird place.

I wasn't judging, it was just - odd to hear from you.

Hm.

[Is it that odd? He takes a bite of his korma and thinks on that.]

But... Yes, the zoo would be a nice place to do this too.

We - we could go, if you like. After this. Ride the carousel together?

[Lord. He stops and just. Looks at Algric, an unsure half-smile on his face.]

You'd want to do that?

If it's with you, then yes.

[That catches him off guard. It keeps happening, Algric making these direct statements about his feelings for Jon. He's not used to positive attention.]

Th-then. Perhaps after this.

[Ignoring how warm his face feels or how dark his cheeks are as he goes back to his food.]

[ Aww, Jon. Algric just ... watches him for a moment, pinking in turn. ]

Thank you, Jon. I - I needed this.

...Of course.

[And he means that.]

I'd... I would be happy to do this with you. Any time.

Yeah? As many times as I want?

As many times as you want.

That could get dangerous, you know. We'll be out here every night.

[Jon makes a show of looking around them - the empty park and empty sky.]

Besides stopping the other rituals, I don't have anywhere else to be.

I mean, I do want you to meet the trio at some point.

[ Food finished, he moves to sit closer to Jon. ]

[Jon's not quite as fast an eater, but he'll set his aside to enjoy simply... sitting. With him.]

Right, I.. That'll happen.

[And probably make a mess of things with Tim.]

...Algric, did you really call me an 'unrepentant romantic'?

[ And Martin will be strange, and other Jon, but --

He flushes at that, going quite pink. ]

Y - yes. I did. Because it's true.

Y-you can't just say that to people.

[His reputation!]

Well. Why not?

Because I--

[Oh god.]

I-it's just... A little embarrassing...

Why?

You have seen me, right?

Yes, well, it adds to the charm.

[Algric said he has charm.

That's a first he's heard in a long time.]

You should tell the others that.

I'll text them right now.

[JFLKASJDF SPUTTERS.]

Don't.

[What did he do to deserve this punishment.]

[ Algric just laughs. ]

Okay, okay. I won't. This time.

Thank you.

[He sighs, all relief, resting a hand by Algric. There if he wants it.]

So... The zoo after this. Anything else?

[ Of course he wants it. He takes Jon's hand, then, and lightly leans against his shoulder. ]

Back to the flat, I suppose. Maybe a film or something.

[He leans with Algric's weight. This is nice. He can't get over that.]

Then that's what we'll do. It's your day, so you're picking the film too.

[ He's warming the more that Jon touches him. Colour and heat returning to him. ]

If this is my day, then what are we going to do on yours?

We already had mine. Yesterday.

[ Algric blinks slowly at that. ]

Yesterday? When you ... woke up in the Hilltop Road basement?

Annnnd you took me home, took care of me.

[Let him cry.]

So we already did mine.

[ Oh. Well - okay, yes, point, but-- ]

We can do better, Jon. Let me - let me do better for you.

I don't... really know what we would do.

There isn't much I really much want to do.

We could go somewhere? A holiday.

Yeah? Like where?

I-I don't know. Scotland, maybe?

Hm. I know Daisy's got an old safe house there we could use. What's in Scotland?

Um - well it's nice, and quiet and. They've got. Cows?

They do have... Very good cows, yes.

[He's laughing to himself though.]

Y-yes, well! Let's. Try the zoo first, anyway.

[Jon squeezes his hand before letting go so he can finish his lunch.]

Agreed. Hopefully we can get there before any crowd. [Algric may be able to disappear, but Jon can't, not completely.]

[ Hmm. Algric considers that. ]

Maybe not before ... how d'you feel about after?

After's nice too. Usually when I went.

[He bumps shoulders against him. It's an easy, simple show of affection without feeling uncomfortable.]

[ Good. Good. Algric smiles. ]

A little later then. And if I have to get us in, I can probably do that.

[Jon leans a little to look at him, smiling.]

Mr. Blackwood, are you suggesting we possibly break in after hours?

[It's all joke.]

I would never.

Noooo. Of course, not.

How dare you accuse me of that.

... But we probably should go at least early enough to get in normally, or else the carousel won't work.

I'm sorry for impugning your honor.

And that is an excellent point. [He finishes his lunch and starts packing everything up.] The lights on it after sun down are nice.

[ Oh. Oh. That seems beautifully romantic. ]

I would like that very much.

Then that's the plan.

[He hasn't thought about it that far yet. He gets it all packed up and the blanket folded over the food as a kind of lid.]

Ready?

[ Algric helps pack up too, still beaming down at Jon. ]

Yes. I am, Jon.

[Its just a little smile, more to himself as they pack up and start walking. The box and leftovers and blanket are a little heftier than he'd like but its all right.]

I know we've talked about broad strokes, but... what do we do? A-after everything with the Institute, if we succeed?

I ... I guess I'm not sure. We're not going back to our timeline.

[ That's firm. He won't, he won't, dammit. ]

But - but we should probably leave London. Give our past selves some space.

Might not be a bad idea.

[Where would they go? Jon still doesnt know what will happen if they destroy the Institute itself, or the panopticon.]

Maybe the country?

[Jon would hate it.]

Mm, maybe, but. I feel like that wouldn't actually work out.

[ Yeah, he can't picture it. ]

Then we'll figure it out. Look at some places together.

[ Algric abruptly goes rather red. ]

What, like - just move in together somewhere?

[ It sounds terribly nice. ]

[OH. He immediately looks apologetic.]

W-was that not what you were thinking?

N-no, but - but it's not bad Jon, I'm just. Thinking about how we pay for something like that, and. And all of that.

Logistics, right.

[He isn't about to suggest being squatters or grifters. Still, it is something that has to be worked out.]

Maybe a goal for after we save the rest.

... Yeah. Yeah, I - I like that.

[ He reddens again, leaning closer. ]

A little place just for us. After we're done saving this timeline.

[Algric leaning in close and words like that get to him. His face goes dark and hebturns his head away, seeing the entrance of ths zoo in front of them.]

R-right. For us.

[ Aww, Jon. Algric will take a moment to just look at him then. ]

That's - that's for later, though. Carousel?

Right. Yes, carousel, then the.. rest of the zoo.

[What's the point of coming if they don't see all of it? The line getting in isn't so bad, and there are some small crowds leaving with the sun starting to go down.]

... What is your favorite animal? And don't say spiders.

I mean. I do really like spiders, but I understand why you don't want to see those.

[ He thinks for a moment. ]

Birds, maybe?

[He looks a little surprised by that.]

Would nnnnot have guessed birds. Huh.

W-what's wrong with birds? They're colorful and - feathery.

Nothing wrong! Just not what I would have guessed.

[Dogs.

The music of the carousel is carrying over the small groups of people in front of them now.]

[ Obviously Algric likes dogs (and cats) better, but those aren't in a zoo, now are they.

He sighs a bit, then brightens at the sound of the music. ]

That must be it.

It is.

[He sounds relieved? Quietly happy, seeing it. Something familiar, and really a bit personal, that hr can share. But he stills in front of the carousel, watching it run and whirl before them. And then it happens. Like in the park before, but somehow worse. It flashes for those initial few seconds, Jon blinking like something's in his eyes. But he sees it. That horrible, dark, screaming carousel of victims. Spinning even faster the longer he looks at it, yet he can't tear his eyes away. It's not really there, he tries to remind himself. But he can even hear Not!Sasha's lilting, strange laugh in the back of his memory. Reminding him that she saw what he is before he became the Archivist. She knows he's alone, that he got them all killed. His limbs go rigid in the evening air, the lights of the innocent carousel shining over the green of his own eyes. The screams in his memory almost drown out his mumblings- ]

Your face is not your face is not your face around the curling carousel it twists in place to take from you and all the tattered stolen souls who sense of me is swollen and distended into nothing.

[The mumbling continue, like an archive of words being spilled out from memory but quietly, just a whisper. He can't tear his eyes away.]

[ Algric doesn't immediately realise something's wrong. He sees Jon stop and stare, but it seems like regular awe until -

Until those words come spilling out. Algric whirls at that, eyes going wide and hands going to Jon's shoulders. He shakes them gently. ]

Jon? Jon! Jon, don't - wherever you've gone, it's not here, come back, god -

[He's still staring up at it, the colored lights leaving trails in his eyes. He almost doesn't hear his own name or Algric's worry.

It isn't as difficult here. It's only a memory, and the shaking jostles him back abruptly. Staring up at Algric haunted and breathless.]

I... I-i, um. [He starts to glance back at the innocent, fun carousel behind Algric before clenching his eyes shut, pressing both palms to them and taking a deep breath.]

I'm... sorry.

[ Algric steps forward, then, taking Jon's head between both of his hands. And pressing his forehead down against Jon's. ]

It's all right, Jon. I'm - I'm here.

[With Algric so close, it blocks out any chance he might catch a glimpse of the thing. Jon's trembling trying to bring himself back down.]

Maybe... Maybe the, um. The day time would. Be better for this. Ear-early morning, maybe.

R-right, yes, I. I think so.

[ Algric holds Jon close. ]

Let's go back for now.

... Right. A-all right.

[He sighs, like a pressure valve released before carefully kneeling to pick up the box and blanket.] Can't even enjoy a bloody merry go round now.

Edited (phone lets use real words please) 2020-08-30 19:01 (UTC)

I'm angry at the apocalypse on your behalf.

[ He starts guiding Jon back away from it. ]

That's very thoughtful of you. Should we speak to management?

[He's joking but his voice is still on edge. His legs are shaking but he walks leaning a bit on him easily enough.]

Does the apocalypse have management...?

[ Algric gladly lets him lean. In fact ... after a moment, he stops. ]

D'you mind if I pick you up?

...He may not be management here.

[Even if he were, Elisa would probably still be ineffectual. But that question, he blinks up at Algric.]

I-i... No? [It's not like anyone will see them anyway.] Are you sure?

[ Well. That's permission enough. Algric stoops, then, and moves to carry Jon bridal-style. He's surprisingly strong, despite being so soft. ]

There. That's better.

Ah--

[He scrabbles to keep hold of the box and blanket and lets them rest on his middle now. Jon can feel his face heating up.]

Is it necessary?

[ Algric's smile is just a bit wicked. ]

It's my day, isn't it?

...Yes.

Well. This is what I want.

..And I would never deny you that.

[You destroy one world and you can't ever say 'no' to the man you love ever again.]

Good, glad we're agreed.

[ He's just going to carry Jon out of the zoo, then. ]

[Truth be told, Jon can't remember the last time he was good and properly taken care of before he woke up here again. He'd already been dressing his own wounds when he ran from the Institute after Leitner's murder... So probably before then.

It's probably too soon to thank him for not asking what that was about.]

I do want to come back. Earlier in the day. I just... Didn't realize it'd-- I'd do that. Sorry.

[ It probably helps that Algric is very soft, and reasonably warm. He'll get them all the way to the tube station, at least. ]

Can I - can I ask what it was you saw?

[Mm yep. Murphy's law. He sighs quietly, tucking his face into Algric's jumper while he... tries to think of the best way to put this.]

I said that... All the other Entities were summoned through the Water's Crown. They each had their own ...domain. They had their own power there, it was made to their liking. [A slow inhale and he just rests his head against Algric's shoulder, watching and picking at a thread of the blanket.] The Stranger's domain was.... Loud. Screaming, but it was hard to tell if it was from joy or pain in some places. And in the center was... a large... brightly lit carousel.

[ Oh. Oh god. Stranger is enough to give him an unpleasant picture; the details are ... even worse. ]

I - I can only imagine - god, I hate the Stranger.

[As much as Jon wishes Martin had been with him during his trek through the end of the world... He's massively glad he wasn't. Martin finding out about what lurked in the Dark would've been bad. Best not to go into detail about what the carousel was made of.]

It wasn't the worst, but... Still...very bad up front. [Ahem.] Anyway, I just-- I saw. Flashes of it, with the lights and all, and I. I definitely. Hate the Stranger as well.

[ Yes, best not to do that. He can't handle all of it for you, Jon. ]

... I'm sorry, Jon. I - if I'd known, I wouldn't have suggested it.

No, it's fine. I didn't know either. Can't hide from everything forever.

Still. If - if there's something like that, tell me?

[Jon looks up at Algric trying to gauge that. He really does love this big soft man.]

I will.

[ He's just concerned, honestly. And paranoid now. What if he sets off Jon? He generates that ice at night, maybe it will be unpleasant. ]

Good. Thank you. I - I just want to help.

I know. And it's taking everything in me to let you.

[He just wants to do it himselffffff]

Think we could grab that electric blanket?

Of course. There's a shop on the way that we can step into.

Brilliant.

And since we had to cancel one of the agendas on Your Day, did you have an alternate?

... Does cuddling under an electric blanket count?

Of course. As long as you like.

Then - then let's do that. I'm tired anyway, and I'm sure you are too.

Oh, if you're tired then I can- [He starts shifting, one leg up and going to the ground. They're almost at the tube anyway.]

Don't want you to overexert yourself.

Now hold on a minute --

[ But it's true, he can't very well carry Jon onto the tube. He reluctantly lets the man down. ]

You can't very well carry me onto the tube.

[His smile is all fondness up at him. As they wait for it, his mind goes back over a conversation from before.]

....I'm going to run out of statements sooner than later. It might be best if I sneak into the Institute.

[ God, Jon. Algric twitches bodily at that. ]

Are - are you sure you can do that without Elias finding you?

[Jon takes stepping through the doors as a chance to think for a moment.]

You said you have to report to him? I could go then. Once he has eyes on you, it won't matter where I am in there.

That --

[ Might work, actually? Elias won't think to search for a second Jon, and Algric is already planning to make sure the man's full attention is on him. Still, he darkens. ]

That's still terribly dangerous.

....I know.

[He's a little too aware of how dangerous it is; he isn't worried about himself, but he would walk right back through the rift and to the apocalypse if anything happened to Algric or the others.

He takes a seat, mindful that he... isn't facing the glass anywhere.]

But it still might be worth a shot. Especially if I can get any information from there. A-about freeing you all.

[ Fortunately, when Algric sits down, the window frosts over. Problem solved, maybe. ]

Right, and I don't disagree with that, just ... isn't there another way?

Unless you or the other me want to risk spending more time there digging yourselves. Or making Tim and Martin do it.

[ A full body shudder. ]

No - no. That's. Worse.

[O-oh. At the shudder, Jon reaches to rub Algric's arm.]

I could walk in and Know in a few minutes.

[ Algric looks rather grateful at that. And then, y'know, profoundly worried. ]

And Elias won't Know that you're doing that?

I'm not sure. But he may assume it's this timeline's Jon testing himself.

That - that actually might work. Especially if you're not in the room ...

Considering I always preferred to record in my office...

[There is the beginningsbof a plan there. He's fairly certain it'll work.]

R-right, then - then we can try it. Yes.

[Even he doesn't have to have the Eye to sense that apprehension. He squuezes Algric'sarm before stepping up to get off the tube.]

We'll talk to the others first.

[ Algric nods at that. ]

... Tomorrow, then. You can come meet them.

... Tomorrow. All right.

[Well now he's the apprehensive one.]

Is - is that too soon? We don't have much time before Elias's compulsion drags me back...

No, no it's. We don't have the luxury of time. The sooner the better.

Right. Right. I'm - sure it will go fine. Jon has warning, and he might have told the others.

I'm... pretty sure he did, yes.

[He'll have to talk about almost all of it. But he look up at Algric, too intense for just a quick glance, but not so much that it looks like he's Knowing anything.]

How... How are you? Holding up in all this?

[ That. Sure is a question. Algric instinctively moves to deflect and downplay, as he always does. ]

What, me? Nothing's happened to me, really. It's Tim and Jon that got sliced up terribly by Not-Sasha. She might still be on the loose somewhere.

[Unfortunately, Jon's not having much of it. He moves to take Algric's hand sandwiched between both of his own.]

THat-- That's not good, but. I asked about you.

[ Dammit, Jon. He seems to stutter a little, still valiantly trying to deflect. It's much harder when Jon's holding his hand like this. ]

W-well - I - you're here now. That means things are better.

[He may be broken to hell and back, but it's still Jon deep down. The Jon who stubbornly pushes on.]

Then does that mean you're holding up all right? Do-do you need anything? From me?

You're - you're giving me everything I need. I'm so glad, Jon, I was planning to disappear before you came --

[ Ah. There it is. He winces at that little admission. ]

[Didn't even compel for it.

Jon finds himself unable to look away, a small pang of hurt behind his eyes. But it isn't hurt for himself.]

...You might've broken him, if you had.

[There it is, really. Algric... can't go with him.]

[ Algric just stands there for a moment, head bowed. He knows what Jon says is true. He knows it, and yet. He'd planned to disappear anyway. Hoped that present Jon would manage a way through it, despite the pain. That Tim and Martin would be enough, and that he can simply fade out of their happy ending.

He sucks in a breath. ]

I - I know, but I - I don't belong here, Jon. And every amount of - of affection I get from him is stolen from Martin. How could I have stayed?

[He carefully, so so gently reaches to cup Algric's cheek.]

You say you don't belong, but... They made a place for you. And if you left, just disappeared? He'd always leave that space empty. I-in case you came back.

[ He leans into that, suddenly forced to choke back tears. ]

I don't deserve it.

Yes, you do. After everything... You deserve to be loved.

[Hey, no... Jon shifts so he can pull Algric in, on arm around his shoulders protectively.]

[ He leans in, then, clinging to Jon a little as tears start to roll down his cheeks. ]

B-but I'd - I'd hurt them eventually, i-it would have been better to leave them to - to be happy. Martin would be happier.

Everyone gets hurt, Algric. Whether we... mean it to happen or not.

[He pets through Algric's hair softly, keeping him there.]

Have you told Jon you intend to disappear?

[ He slumps a little at that. ]

No. Of course not.

[Jon holds him. Keeps his voice a whisper.] ...They want you here, Algric. They love you here.

I - d-do you know that, Jon?

Yes. I do, Martin.

[ Algric - Martin - sucks in a sharp little breath. ]

That's - that's not my name. I'm Algric now. I don't belong here.

[That bit of wall that started to close before is closing even more now.

He doesn't even have his own Martin anymore.] Right...

[Jon pulls away to wipe Algric's tears from his cheeks.]

You do. Algric's your name and... You belong here. With them.

[ Algric just leans into Jon's touch gently, unaware of the reaction he's causing. ]

Jon ...

You all still have a chance. [Thumbing his cheek softly.] You can all still make it.

... You're not including yourself in that.

...Little late for me to unmake that choice.

That - that doesn't mean you can't have a place too. E-everything you just said about me applies to you too.

Algric... [His voice cracks saying that name. He wants, so badly, to call Martin.... Martin.]

You can all still be human. If I stayed, I... You'd all. I-it wouldn't work.

[ Algric falls silent for a moment then, looking down at his feet. A decision is slowly forming in his head. ]

I'm not going to lose you again.

[Softly:] Don't.

[He sees the decision forming into a concrete thought.]

[ Indeed. It slowly crystallises inside his head, becoming more solid as the moments pass. ]

No. No, I won't. You - you wandered in the Lonely searching for someone who wasn't there. Who'd already abandoned you.

[It's not intentional. The words likely aren't intended to cause that thin mist he carried with him to suddenly frost at the edges. Nothing solid, nothing hard, but just enough that he can hear its crack when he moves again.]

That doesn't mean you have to give up what you have here.

I -

[ That thaws him a little, makes him waver. ]

Why is it an or? Why can't it be and?

...I'm not sure how well they would take to one of their... Housemates living by feeding off people's fear.

It's you. Martin will love you immediately, and Tim and Jon will - will figure it out.

I would be Jon's worst nightmare of him ghost-of-Christmas-future, and Tim... Would probably hate a monstrous know-it-all me more than the slightly irritating human know-it-all me.

[ That's. Depressingly true, and Martin can't really argue with it.

So he tries again. ]

Martin will want to meet you. He'll want to hold you, and - and help you.

[He hesitates at that.]

There's... Nothing to really help, but.

[The chance to apologize to a Martin two years in the past for all his bullheaded asshole attitudes is tempting. How often would he get this opportunity?]

[ See? See, there is a reason for Jon to stick around. ]

Just talk to him. You - you owe us both that much.

[THE GUILT CARD.

It's effective.]

...I-i didn't say I wouldn't meet them.

So meet them. It'll - it'll be good.

I already said I would...

Good. You can't back out of it now.

I-i wasn't going to!

[ Just this look. ]

I really wasn't.

[This look right back.]

Good. Tomorrow then, bright and early.

Right. We'll talk to them, answer anything, help plan, make sure you're settled in.

[Like it's always been the plan.]

Make sure I'm settled in?

Yes. Make sure you're settled in.

To. To what, Jon. What do you think I still need settling on.

Them? An ID, a job, somethijg more secure.

[ That's basically what he thought. Algric's expression cools. ]

And then? What about you?

[Jon watches him, knowing he can't lie to him.]

There's a Panopticon that could use destroying... Other groups that. Really shouldn't be left alone to grow again.

You mean you're going to leave. Go off to kill monsters and put yourself in danger while - while, what. Leaving me behind?

Algric [god he still... wants to call him Martin even now. But he's perilously close to not knowing what to do or say here.] I...

I want you to be safe. T-to be happy, and not... messed up in all this all over again. After we deal with Elias you have a chance to be free of it. All of it. Me dragging you with me, it... I-i don't know.

[ Algric considers all that for a moment. Leaving future Jon behind, settling into his new life. Living with past Jon, letting his Lonely self drift away ...

Well. The Lonely part isn't necessary, but. ]

Fuck that.

[He's ready to argue something else, has it on the tip of his tongue.

So he's caught off guard by the bluntness of it.]

Wh... what?

I - I said fuck that. Fuck off with - with disappearing sadly into the distance like you're not a part of my life. I'm staying with you, Jon. I'm -

[ He swallows rather thickly. ]

I'm Algric. That - that means I'm your Martin.

[That tiny speck of warmth was still buried deep in him, smothered under the wreckage of his life these last six or so months was dangerously close to catching fire again. Something goes tight in Jon's chest at the words. And he's left staring up at Algric, ignoring that they've definitely missed their stop ten minutes ago.

His voice is nearly broken when he does speak.]

.. Even.. with everything that means?

[ They totally missed their stop, but. Well. This is happening. That decision forms into hard crystal inside him; he's determined, now, to manage this one way or another. If he manages to stay human, then great. If not ...

Well. This is worth it, he thinks. ]

Yes, Jon.

[Jon watches him. Eyes carefully fixed, trying and failing to mask the hope and possible hurt behind them. Like he'sready for this to be wrong, fall through somehow. He can't trust himself.]

You... Know that I can't. Ask you to do this.

I know you can't. That'd be pretty - pretty evil, probably.

[ He reaches to take Jon's hand. ]

But it doesn't matter. I'm - choosing this.

[For his part, Jon just lets his hand sit where Algric can take it.]

Even... Wh-what happens when... You get tired of having to watch me eat? Of knowing what I have to do? O-or, when you get tired of running? What happens when you want to stop?

[ He clings to it then, his hand warming slowly. ]

I'll take a rest, maybe, but I'll keep going. I'll - I'll stay with you, Jon.

[Jon leans over their hands, bending so Algric can't see the wetness pricking at his eyes.]

Even if I start to get weak and sick? I-i don't know what will happen after we destroy the Institute and... that device. What if we start being hunted? Wh-what then? [He thinks of Trevor and Julia, hunting down anything that wasn't human. Of Daisy in this point of time and her actions.]

If - if you get sick, then I'll find a way to take care of you. And i-if you're hunted, I'll protect you.

[ As laughable as the latter promise might be, his expression is nothing but stubborn. ]

[His exhale is shaky, giving away how he's breaking, piece by piece.]

I-i can't... I can't lose you. If anything were to happen, I'd...

[ Oh, Jon. Algric leans in close, then, forehead against Jon's. ]

I'll stay with you. No matter what. You - you won't be alone, Jon.

[He finally squeezes Algric's hand, eyes closing tight.]

It's not about that. It's... I couldn't forgive myself if you got hurt, or.. Or worse.

You'll - you'll protect me from everything you can. And I imagine that's rather a lot right now.

I would certain try to. Just... [Sigh.] After everything, you... deserve an easy life, Algric. And I don't think staying with me will provide that. But. [Lord. This is hard, even with the half-joking conversation before about- About engagement and "husband material". Things Jon had given up for himself for some years now.]

But if that's what you choose, then. We'll... Make it work. Talk to the others.

[ He just leans in a little closer, framing Jon's face with one hand. ]

Yes, Jon. I'm - I'm choosing this. No matter how you try to convince me otherwise.

I just-- I just wanted to be. Up front, what you're getting into.

[He was trying to convince him to change his mind. Give Algric the chance to not be part of this, so Jon doesn't have to mourn him when he eventually leaves, or gets killed. Hurt himself now so he doesn't hurt worse later.]

Well - well now I do, know. And I still choose it, Jon.

...All right.

[He sounds a perfect mixture of resigned and relieved. After a breath, he tilts his head to lean against Algric's.]

All right, Algric.

[ And Algric pulls him in close, holding him gently. ]

You can - you can call me Martin. If you want.

[He returns it, shifting closer to him and practically sitting on his lap. Who cares, no one can see them anyway.]

I don't know. You've made it very clear that your name is Algric. And it's a, a cute name.

[ Algric reddens at. Well. All of that. ]

It's - I mean - it's a bit silly --

[Who cares about personal space when Jon can bring a small space heater right to Algric.]

...I would like to call you Martin, again. E-even.. Just between us.

[ Oh, Algric does like that. He smiles softly, beaming down at Jon. ]

Just. Just between us, then.

Thank you, Martin.

[It's been a lifetime since he's said that familiar name, to a familiar face.]

[ Ah. That does feel right, as much as Algric has settled into his new name. He laughs quietly, leaning his forehead against Jon's.

Something ... thaws deep inside him. The ice shifting and receding, warming. And the fog that surrounds them lessens. Someone else on the tube glares at these two engaging in such ridiculous PDA and moves off to another car. ]

Yeah. Yeah. Martin ...

[Something just shifted, Jon seeing a distinct difference, but can't put a finger on it. The plexiglass windows aren't fogged and frosted over, and he feels almost too warm.

Oh no.

At least they're underground. It's not the Buried directly, but it's better than the open air.

Maybe it's paranoia. Maybe he shouldn't worry so much when things are working out better for him than they ever have. But that is the problem isn't it? Things never work out well for the Archivist. Something is Wrong.]

Should... Probably get off at the next stop and go back.

[ Algric doesn't have quite Jon's paranoia, of course, but - well, he can sense Jon's alarm at least. He withdraws just a bit, and the windows frost up a little. (But not as much as before. No, the ice has started to melt, and now it won't stop.) ]

R-right, let's. Let's get back. Grab that electric blanket, yeah?

Yes... That may be the best idea. [He squeezes Algric's hand again. He's going to be found. He knows it now.

It figures. As soon as he says he'll protect Algric, all their actual protection is gone and he has to make good on it. The next stop comes easily enough, another rider on the other side of the car relieved to see them leaving. And another tube coming back the other way doesn't take but a minute.]

We need to be careful.

[ Algric, meanwhile, hasn't quite noticed that his invisibility has thawed. He's gotten so used to no one caring that he doesn't notice when people do look in his direction. ]

... Why? What's going on?

[Jon keeps his eyes forward as the door opens.]

Invisibility cloak is gone.

Wh-what? That's not possible, I'm -

[ He'd agreed to be a monster, hadn't he? So why are the people on the street glancing at them normally? Why does he have to weave around people instead of them instinctively avoiding him?

And ... why is the colour returning to him? Slowly, yes, but that glassy, fuzzy texture is evaporating like an ice lolly on a hot day. ]

The ... the Lonely. It's leaving me.

[If that's true, will they even need the electric blanket? Jon keeps one hand on Algric, keeping him close and keeping all eyes out.]

I still haven't known what the counter to the Lonely is but- whatever you just decided, I guess is it.

[ Algric remains silent as they walk for a moment, thinking deeply. ]

I ... I decided to stay with you. Even if it cost me my humanity. I was - I was definitely ready to go full monster.

[A beat.

Huh.]

I suppose choosing to stay with someone would be the antithesis of the Lonely.

And ... and that means that by choosing to become a monster, I stop turning into one?

[ And start backsliding towards humanity, apparently. Which - is actively dangerous now. He clings close to Jon, powerfully nervous. ]

Iiiiiiii am not sure on that one? The Lonely is... still hard. And I'm not about to knock on the Lukas' door.

[ Algric shivers. ]

Let's. Let's not.

Right. So we will... Go home. And rest. And prep for meeting tomorrow morning.

[Normal! They're having a totally, completely normal conversation!]

[ Totally, completely normal. Algric picks up the pace at least. ]

At - at least you won't freeze now?

No, I-i won't.

...Do you think we even need the blanket?

[Hey-- Mr Tall Man, excuse you! Jon may be the Archivist, but he's still much shorter with a shorter walk-span than you, sir.]

I - I don't know. Maybe?

[ He reluctantly slows again, but he's nervous. ]

[It's fine, Jon's keeping an eye out. He can feel the pressure, though. That Eye getting closer. Not that his flat is any safer than anywhere else, but there's a sense of childish security in being Home, and Home Equals Safe.]

We'll test it tonight. If we need it still we can grab one after the meeting.

[ There might be some of the Lonely's fog still clinging there, after all. It's certainly less exposed than being out on a random London street. ]

As long as you'll be warm enough, Jon.

[Might be. At least his street is crowded so they're less obvious to anyone without the Eye. But he still ushers Algric into his building quickly.]

I'm sure I will be. I was fine last night, right?

I ... I guess so. I just don't want to hurt you.

[ Even though it's growing less likely by the second. Algric shivers a little as they go inside, feeling dimly feverish. ]

You won't. [Of that, he's confident in. He gets the flat open, gently getting Algric inside.]

Go - sit, all right? [Even through just these small touches, Algric is too warm.]

[ Too warm compared to what he was before, and rapidly approaching "too warm even by human standards." No such thing as a clean escape, after all.

He nods a bit, moving to sit down on the couch. ]

R-right. I - I feel a bit tired, I think.

[He's worried. All the concern in the world is etched on his face as he watches Algric sit. Jon swallows thickly, nods, then moves.

Hot cup of tea (no, he's already too warm, but if its a fever he'll come back to that), maybe just some ice water.

The weight of a gaze has his hands trembling and he can feel it driving into his back. Nothing he can do about it now.

Jon takes a steadying breath and comes back to Algric, a glass of iced water and a small ice pack for him.]

Here. Take your time.

[ There's hardly any fog protecting him now. Only thin scraps leftover from Algric having lived here for so long - not enough to keep Elias from Seeing them, if he wants to.

He may be drifting back towards humanity now, but that just makes this all the more dangerous. In more ways than one.

He takes the glass of water gratefully, sipping at it. Then he grabs a blanket from the back of the couch and huddles in it. The shivering is worse now, as his face blazes with unhealthy heat. ]

Th-thank you. I don't - I don't know what's happening. I felt fine on the tube...

I'm... I-i don't know how the Lonely works or. What happens if you manage to break off from it. This is new to me.

[He's still watching closely. Where Algric just huddles in the blanket, Jon maneuvers it so it's properly around his shoulders and neck. God, if he's killed Algric somehow...]

I'm staying with you, until... Until it's figured out.

You can't just Know it?

[ He manages a small laugh at that. Even if that's a tiny gesture, he appreciates it coming from Jon. Which is good, because otherwise he's just ... so tired, all of a sudden. He leans his feverish face against the back of the couch and closes his eyes.

(He's not dying, no, but the Lonely is taking a parting shot here.) ]

I... I mean, I could try, but...

[The most he's ever tried to Know about the Lonely was trying to find Martin and... Pulling Peter's story from him before killing him. It's not ideal.

He cups Algric's cheek, tucking some of the hair away, all worry.]

Wh-what else do you need?

[ His hair is dull copper again, plastered to his scalp by a thin sheen of sweat. But he doesn't move when Jon touches him, only breathes a little easier. ]

Stay - stay with me? I think I just ... just need a nice lie down ...

I think that was the plan, wasn't it? Set up with a film and. Cuddle?

[That sounds so off coming out of his own mouth, but he's trying to help. He's still watching carefully before he shifts to sit next to him. Then so, so gently guide Algric to lay down and rest his head on the cushion Jon puts on his own lap.]

Rest.

[ Better. Definitely better. Algric huddles in his blanket, a furnace against Jon as he settles in next to him. Cuddling, yes. Watching ... maybe not. He's already drifting. ]

Mm. A documentary maybe. Or ... that baking show with all the failure in it, if it exists yet ...

[He smiles gently, reaching for the remote with one hand and stroking through Algric's curls with the other. He's not intending to get up any time soon.]

I think it exists, yes.

[ Good, because Algric isn't moving. He mumbles something dimly affirmative before dropping off to sleep.

The good news is, he doesn't freeze over. The bad news is, he's going to be shivering and feverish all night. ]

[Algric had not been happy about being asked to stay behind. But Jon wasn't sure he could guide two people through it safely, and he felt it would be good to have someone else who knew the timeline staying with Martin and Jon. Who knew what would happen with them changing things this much, or what Elias might do?

But they'd pulled it off. Unknowing stopped, Jon and Tim both alive, more or less, and grabbed a taxi back to Tim's place where the others were still waiting. He looks tired, more than anything, but relieved when he looks at Tim. Even moreso when he sees Algric and goes straight to him. Yeah, his clothes are burnt and messed from the explosion, and there's the odd pattern of wax and burns together on the back of his shirt in the shape of hands gripping. Jon himself is covered head to toe in ash and dust. But so, so relieved.]

It went well.

[ More than just not happy, more like low-key furious, desperately worried. He sees the logic in staying with Jon and Martin, but he doesn't like it. He spends the entire time nervous and anxious, to the point where he nearly gave away the fact that Tim and Jonah had been off saving the world.

(He'd wanted to go - of course he did - but what could he have done? The Lonely is letting him go, slowly, but it's no simple process. Some days he's as frigid as ice; other days, he's burning up with fever. It's rare to get one where he feels mostly normal, like now.)

But he didn't. And the first instant that door opens, he pulls Jon into a tight hug and refuses to let him go. They can both cling to each other for a while, even if ... even if those burns and wax are concerning.

He drags in a deep, shuddering breath. ]

Tim? Is Tim okay--?

[God, and how good that hug feels after all that. Mercifully, there aren't any burns on him, just the clothes.]

Yes, he's-- He's fine. Made it back just as well.

[He squeezes Algric, reassuring and warm, and lowers his voice just for him.]

We made it. It's all right.

[ God. That - doesn't make him relax as much as it just means he slumps, letting out a watery noise. ]

Jon, I swear to god, if you do anything like that ever again--

I-i know. [One hand curls up into Algric's hair to help ground them both a bit.]

Won't happen again.

[Said by the man who absolutely will do something like this again.]

[ Yeah. He doesn't believe you, Jonathan Sims.

But he just clings instead of arguing, breathing him in. ]

Come on. I've made tea. And - and you're a mess.

[The thought of tea is the most perfect thing to him right now.]

Right. I-- Explosion and all. I still have some other clothes here, right? [He doesn't know how many sets they brought to Tim's. Even with the statement Tim gave him, as much as it gave him enough energy to get up and come back, his eyes still sting a bit. Probably just need to rinse them out. Probably.]

Y-yes, of course. And if not, I'm sure Jon will share with you.

[ He reluctantly detaches to go fetch a mug. ]

[Oh... Jon watches him go, feeling a little colder suddenly. Algric's having a Normal day, it seems. He rubs at his face, looks at the dust and ash smeared on his hand, then goes to wash himself up a bit. At least Tim's house is bigger so there's more than one bathroom.

Coming out, he's got on clean house clothes and his face and hair look like they got a quick rinse, but not near enough a proper shower would give.]

Everything went well here?

[ Better Normal than either extreme, though Algric doesn't yet seem to have found his footing yet. It will be a long process.

He's waiting at the kotatsu with the teapot and the mugs; he looks up at Jonah searchingly. ]

Yes. I - ah, well. I got them to have a bit of a date? Just the two of them,

[Long process or not, Jon's determined to be right here with him through it. Jon, at least, looks all right, if a bit tired. But fed.]

That-- Huh. [A wry smile.] Might be the best thing for them right now.

[ Fed, huh. Fed is a different kind of concerning. He'll take it for now, though, and nudge over the tea. ]

I thought so, yeah. Good distraction either way.

I think so too.

[He did say he'd get something from the ritual, didn't he? Jon smiles seeing the scene in front of him before moving to take his spot next to Algric and reach for the mug.]

What'd you set up?

[ Algric instinctively leans in closer. He hasn't forgiven you yet, but he's accepting this peace offering. ]

A - a picnic. At the zoo.

[He stops with the mug halfway to his lips to look at him. Then a bit of sadness creeps into that smile as he takes a sip. What he couldn't do, huh.]

They'll like that.

[ Well, yes. But. That wasn't quite the point he was trying to make.

Algric sighs, shoulders slumping. ]

Yes, I think so. Which is good because what on earth were you thinking.

[Oh boy. His thoughts stop dead in their tracks at that tone.]

I-i was-- I was destroying Nikola, and keeping my promise to Tim!

And also throwing the two of you into mortal danger to stop a rite that was going to collapse on its own!

Again, keeping my promise to Tim.

[He's quickly losing this.]

And potentially leaving me - what, alone with Jon and Martin? With both of you dead, again?

[He sputters a bit, setting his mug down.]

We weren't going to die--

[Wait does Algric know he can't really die? Tim, sure, that was his concern, but - Jon can't.]

[ Clearly, he missed that part. ]

You could have! You could have, Jon! And I couldn't even help you!

But I wouldn't have because I literally can't--

[Breath. Breathing and. He doesn't want to yell or fight with him about this. It was the right thing to do for Tim.]

You remember, Nikola took Tim's brother? He would never have forgiven me if I hadn't taken him.

[ Algric's mouth drops open. Hang on - that first part - ]

What - what d'you mean, you can't die?

[Blink.

A beat.]

It's... Um. Well... Kind of. The whole.. Having done the ritual as an avatar thing? A-as far as I Know, I... can't really?

Oh. Oh, I didn't - I didn't know.

...Right. Right!

Yes, that's. Something I should've mentioned sooner. Sorry.

Y-yes, Jon! I- I would have worried less. A little bit less.

I am sorry. [Genuinely. Truly.] I thought I had told you.

No, it's - it's fine. I just.

[ He puts his head in his hands. ]

I just. I had visions of having to go to that wretched place after. O-or worse, back to the hospital.

I wouldn't have let it get to that.

[How could he possibly have avoided it beyond sheer stubbornness? Another sip of his tea.]

Something did happen with Tim, though. Right at the end.

[ Yeah, Jon, he doesn't believe you. ]

What - what happened to Tim?

[His gaze is focused on the wall other side of them, like he can see Tim through it talking to Martin.]

I think the Desolation.

[ Oh.

Oh god. He's not - surprised? Not really, just ... horrified. He'd seen the hints, sure but Tim had always been so human-- ]

No.

Unless I imagined the scorched hand prints on the back of my shirt...

I-i don't know if he. Chose, but. It got to him right in the end.

......

[ God. Algric grips the table a little too hard; it generates a thin, weak layer of frost there. ]

How - how many of us are monsters now?

I... think all of us.

[He still isn't sure what entirely is happening to Algric. But for now? He's counting him. Jon does... reach over to put one hand over Algric's.]

As far as I can tell, we're still ourselves at least.

[ Ironic; Algric had arguably started this the least human, but between Jon showing up and his rejection of the Lonely, he might be the most human.

He turns his hand up, squeezing Jon's hand. ]

R-right. Right. Traumatised, of course, but.

Don't think any of us were getting out without that.

[He squeezes that hand back.]

...I'll be honest, I'm not sure what the next step should be here. Obviously stop Elias but...

But after that, then what? We're just four monsters living in a house together?

[ He says it rather wistfully, honestly. ]

...

[He leans in a little close, whispering just for Algric.]

Is that what you want? A-after everything?

[ Damn, Jon. He shivers a little. ]

Y-yes? All four of us together. And if we're all - you know, monsters, that's - that's okay.

[He smiles, squeezes his hand again.]

With the occasional holiday? Stop some other ritual as it comes round?

I mean - that actually does sound really nice?

[After endless months of wandering alone, staying in one place with people he loves and cares about sounds... nice. Jon smiles, almost warm at him.]

Then. Then let's do that.

[ Good. Okay. That's enough to make him relax, finally.

Mostly. ]

You need a shower, Jon. A real one.

[He leans away.]

Wow, thank you, Martin.

[It's just the two of them, he's allowed. But no, he knew, he was just. Wanting to smooth things over first.]

[ Algric seems officially smoothed, at least. He manages a small smile. ]

Look. I'm just being honest here.

No, no, you're right. [He lets go of his hand and moves his mug closer to the center of the table so he can get up.]

Iiii will see you in a little while.

Right. I'll - ah, I'll get dinner out.

[ Human dinner, he means. ]

[He lingers for just a second, but decides no he won't get close in smelling like this or getting ash or anything on Algric. The shower is nice though. A soothing warm, better than the explosive heat from before. But even with the eye rinse Tim provided and the shower, his eyes still sting when he steps out and dries off. Like a layer of angry, low grade sandpaper is over them. It's probably just the lingering remains of the smoke from before.

Coming back, he's got a set of pyjamas on and sits again.]

Martin, can I ask something?

Edited 2020-09-04 12:23 (UTC)

[ Algric's set out dinner, as promised. It's a pleasant little casserole, nothing too special. Probably he's the only one who needs it? And even that is, well. A bit questionable.

He notices that Jon's eyes seem a bit red? Which is weird, considering his sclera are black. ]

Sure, Jon. Of course.

[ He warms a bit at being called Martin. ]

[He tucks himself under the kotatsu blanket, completely, mostly relaxed.]

Did it take you a while to adjust to Tim and the me here not fighting? Because it's... I'm still on guard for it, you know?

[ Good. Algric settles in next to him. ]

Oh god, yes. I kept expecting a fight to break out.

I'm not so sure it will here.

[Mm cold tea.]

I think you managed to salvage that friendship.

[ Look, he'll get you hot tea if you ask him. He blinks at that. ]

I did?

Yeah, you did. You got them all talking. I never did that in our turn.

W-well - no, but. I had an unfair advantage.

Unfair or not. You still helped them.

[He looks SO proud.]

I - well, maybe, but --

No but. You did that. [He nudges shoulders with him.]

You should be proud.

[ He blushes profoundly at that. ]

I - I don't know about that. It's been such a mess, Jon.

I do know. Believe me, then. You saved them.

[ Algric drags in a deep breath. Then reaches a hand out for Jon's face. ]

As long as I save you too.

[Oh... His face warms under Algric's hand.]

L-little late for that.

What, because you're a monster?

[it's true but you shouldn't say it.]

Yes. And destroyed a world. Literally made the worst mistakes possible.

And now you're here, with the world not-ended. Surrounded by friends and two of your boyfriend.

And I'm only dating one of them. [As far as he knows.]

But. Yeah, I'm here and world not-ended. So ....You don't have to save me.

As long as you don't go running off into danger again.

[ He leans a bit closer, peering at Jon's eyes. ]

[Well now it's his turn to blush, right to his ears. He is Looking Back.]

Y-you do... remember who you fell in love with?

Of course I do. And it's sort of part of the charm, just.

Thennnnn you can't be mad when I do it again, because you know I'll probably do it again.

[It's not like he takes pride or tries to do it. It just happens.]

Oh no, I'm going to get mad every single time, Jon. I'll get mad as many times as it takes to blunt this impulse of yours.

...This impulse.

[He isn't sure.... how that sits with him. It's borderline insult.]

It'll be a long time to work, then.

[ He means it affectionately, truly. Even if it didn't come out that way. ]

Well, then I suppose I'll have to stay with you for a long time, yeah?

I suppose you will. A long, long time.

You all keep reminding me, I'm very stubborn.

Exceedingly stubborn, Jon.

[ He leans forward to kiss his forehead. ]

[Oh. Before he can pull away, Jon goes the extra bit to kiss him softly.]

What did you want to do? A-after this casserole of course.

[ Ah, that's. Just perfect, isn't it? Algric blushes prettily at that. ]

I - I think you need to rest, Jon. So I thought I'd join you on the couch.

...Wouldn't mind, but there's... [He wants to suggest the guest room, but this timeline Martin and Jon pair have laid claim to that one. He nods.]

The couch, then. How are you feeling?

Right, I'd hate to intrude.

[ So, couch for both of them. ]

Me? I'm fine. Today was - was good. Mostly.

I think I can tell. [He smiles, still close and in his bubble.] Not freezing and not hot, so. That's a good sign.

Y-yeah. A - a Goldilocks day, I suppose.

You say that like it's a bad thing. [One hand to the back of Algric's head to keep him close, forehead to forehead.]

You deserve that much. Just as much as we deserve some time to ourselves.

[ Good. Good, that's nice. Algric breathes in the clean scent of a freshly showered Jon. ]

I don't know about deserve, but...

I do. So.

[Jon lets go just so he can pull Algric's plate closer.]

You eat. I'll get the couch set up.

Fine, fine. I - might be the only one who needs to now, ironically.

[ But he has no argument, so he'll tuck in. ]

Hmp. [Just a small show of affection, leaning to kiss his forehead before he goes to do that. Blankets, the softer pillows he could find. Goes the extra couple of miles to make it look like a nice little nook with the extra blanket set up.

It's too nerdy isn't it. This is too nerdy. Even for him. Christ.]

[ It might be a little too nerdy. But perhaps it's worth it when Algric finishes eating and ... ah. That soft joy on his face is very pleasant. ]

This is - this is so much better than what I thought might happen tonight.

[Jon's half-reaching to start pulling it down but-- He looks over his shoulder like a deer in headlights.]

What... were you thinking might happen tonight?

[Wait did he ever have that conversation with Algric in his time? Did it ever come up? He can't remember.]

[ Jon, please. He doesn't mean anything like what you're thinking. ]

I was thinking I'd have to mourn you again. And Tim.

[Oh thank god.]

Right. ...Yes, I would say this is. Better than that.

...

What. What were you thinking?

Iiiiii don't know. I-i don't, um. Remember if we had any... conversations? About us.

[God.]

It doesn't matter, it's not what it's about anyway.

[ Oh. OH. Algric flushes rather brightly about that. ]

N-no, no I - I found out from. Someone else at work. Actually.

[Wait waitwaitwaitwait. All other conversations are set aside, who the fuck has been gossiping about that about him at work, the one place he never brings his personal life to - at least before the Archives.]

Who from?

Does it matter, Jon?

I-it's my business.

[Of course it matters to him.]

But fine. Not. Relevant to this right now.

..........

It was Tim, okay.

I'll kill him.

[HE WON'T BUT. GOD. TIM.]

L-look, it wasn't - it just came up, he didn't mean to - isn't it easier that I know already?

[He covers his face with both hands and inhales slowly. God. He'd wanted to tackle that himself and he'd already been mentally scripting out what he was going to say and it throws him off so fast. God. There are still other parts of it they should definitely discuss and when the others aren't around is the best time to do it.]

I don't know.

[ It's true, and Algric feels bad about it. But. ]

S. Sorry. I -

[ A deep breath. ]

A-at least it means that. That I know it already, and still fell in love with you.

[That feels great to hear. It's like a sharp pinprick to his center that twists.]

...Yes, it does mean that. I still would've liked to have told you and had that conversation myself.

[ Ah, he's failing hard at this, isn't he. Damn it. ]

We can. We can have it now, if you like.

No, it-- It's fine.

[He blinks back Something and reaches for, motions for Algric to come on to sit with him.]

You already know, that's the end of that.

[ Algric sits, of course. Reaching gently for Jon's hand. ]

It's - it's not quite the end. I think - if you don't mind - I'd like to discuss. Ah. What you want out of this.

[Well now he's on the spot with half his script gone.]

I. Mm. I-it's been... Years since I've. Dated anyone, so I'm sorry if I'm not especially good at this. But. Right now, I want to make sure you're happy? How...ever that looks for you.

I mean, I'm happy now? Truly, Jon. With - whatever you're comfortable with.

[Jon watches him, waiting for some other part to be said. He knows who he is, but knows Algric isn't the same there. And that's as far as he wants to look into that; it's Algric's personal history and not entirely his own business. Even if he does want to know, just a bit.

He looks down at their hands, thumbing along Algric's knuckles softly.]

All right. Just... tell me, if that changes.

[ No. He's not the same. But he's also not lying here, or hiding some expectation that Jon will change his mind if Algric tolerates him long enough. He's genuinely happy for the relationship, period.

He just blushes, instead, and radiates fondness. ]

I - I will. I really don't - I mean, obviously I've had sex, and it was all right, but it's not what I'm after in a relationship, you know?

[This conversation is now veering into uncomfortabke but necessary.]

No, you never... seemed the type to, to do that. Just. Wanted you to know that... [know what? It isn't as if Jon is going to be able to change that for himself.] It isn't an entirely closed discussion. Th-that's all.

[Oooooh he's bad at this.]

[ Look. He'd rather have it out? And given the crowded house, this might be his only real opportunity to have an uninterrupted discussion.

Even he kind of hates this as much as Jon does. ]

Jon, I - I appreciate that, I really do. But I'm fine, honestly. As - as long as you don't mind me being a complete sap in every other way?

Edited 2020-09-05 12:05 (UTC)

I..

[Deep breath. Shut up, Jon, and take the win given. He squeezes Algric's hand softly.]

All right. I don't think there's anything that could stop that anyway.

Edited 2020-09-05 12:09 (UTC)

Well. No. S-so - so if that's a problem, best to cover that first.

[ He says it lightly, like it's a joke, but that terror goes deep. All his previous relationships started off well enough, but ended with his partners mocking how pathetically affectionate he was. ]

It isn't.

[He says it so fast and so sure. Then the thoughts come through and something in him ached for Algric. Where he'd been mocked for being overly affectionate, Jon was sneered at for not being affectionate enough and no one knowing how to initiate with him.

Really it's perfect.]

It isn't a problem at all.

[ They might actually manage to balance each other out, it seems.

Something uncoils in Algric at that. ]

Well - well good. Just. Promise you'll tell me if it becomes one?

I will. I doubt it'll happen, but I will.

[That's... that was a good conversation? It feels like it was. He knows he'll always have that worry of if he's doing enough or isn't enough, but he'll have to trust Algric to let Jon know himself.]

Thank you.

[ Something like boundaries, huh? Seems fake.

But Algric seems like he's been put at ease too. ]

D'you - d'you mind if I kiss you?

I never mind that.

[He is so soft for this big man that would have followed him through hell.]

[ Arguably, you did follow him through hell.

He pulls Jon in close, then, and presses a gentle kiss to his lips. ]

[Hm. Nope, not good enough. No gentle kiss from Jon Sims here, he holds Algric's face close.

He's simply happy he's accepted like this.]

[ Oh well okay, that's nice, as long as you're insisting then -

Algric returns it just as hard. A little desperate, a lot needy. ]

[He hums into that, having done that same thing he did on the tube and almost climbs onto his lap. When Jon pulls away, he rests his head against Algric's.]

Thank you.

[ Algric rests there too for a moment, letting out a laugh. ]

You're - you're thanking me?

You asked so politely if you could kiss your boyfriend after a boundary conversation. Yes, I'm thanking you.

[Hey. He called you something.]

I - look, yes, okay, but even still --

[ You sure did, Jon. Boyfriend. He flushes pink at that, joy radiating in his face. And fear too. Fear that all this affection will be too much, that eventually Jon will find it miserably pathetic, like all the others had-- ]

It won't be too much, Martin.

[He thinks for a minute, then smiles almost a little too smugly.]

If you have to keep reminding me that you're staying with me, then I guess I'll have to keep reminding you that I don't mind the affection.

[ That first statement sinks into him gently. Yes. That seems right. ]

That - that seems like a fair trade to me?

[The downside of having not gotten that second statement at the mid-point. He couldn't control that one if he tried, he doesn't even realize he did it. Woops.

Instead, he leans against Algric, all fondness and soft.]

It may surprise you to know, I. Did nnnot grow up in a very affectionate home. And it might have had an affect on my relationships.

[ Oops. Fortunately, Algric doesn't seem to have noticed it either. Unlike Tim, he didn't get a promise from Jon tom ake sure all his compulsions hurt.

He loops an arm around Jon, cradling him close. ]

What - what was your childhood like? I don't actually know.

What, mine?

[Oh. Yeah Algric probably never did hear that recording huh. Jon clicks his tongue once, thinking about it. Then shrugs.]

Never knew my parents, died when I was too young to remember them. Was raised by my grandmother who... wasn't entirely thrilled by having to raise me. Did everything she could to keep me occupied on my own because I was. Overly curious and very annoying.

... Oh. Jon, I. I'm so sorry.

[Oh that surprises him]

Fo-for what? She did what she could considering she didn't want to.

[He shrugs. Really none of it truly bothered him. Hindsight and all.]

Between me wandering off all the time, police bringing me back, and my generally being a menace, I rather think she did all right.

That's still - you ought to have parents who love you. That care for you. Even - even I have memories of that.

[That statement of open sincerity and... kindness catches him off guard. He knows what he was like as a child, and looking back he knows how hard it was for her to raise him; attitude notwithstanding, she was older and hadn't been prepared to raise another child.

Jon watches him before swallowing thickly and tucking his head down.]

A-all the same. That's... what it was like, m-more or less. Found the. The Leitner when I was eight, and... [Sigh.] Felt... fairly alone and kept to myself throughout school.

[ Algric just holds him closer, smiling softly. ]

I'm - I'm sorry for that to. I know how miserable it can be. At least, it was for me.

...It shouldn't have been. You're- Martin, you're an actual good person.

[ Gently: ]

Does it matter?

...I think good people should be surrounded by other good people. Good things, good feelings. Not to. To be left alone, or. Thinking they don't matter.

Oh, sure. I agree in principle.

But the world doesn't care about that.

No, it doesn't.

But I do.

Jon ...

[ So, so fond. ]

[Jon settles his weight against Algric now, good and completely relaxed like this. When has Algric gotten to see that?]

You know, in. All the statements I've read in all these years... most of them were. Good people. That had... the worst possible luck of. These things being drawn to them. They didn't deserve it.

['Most', anyway. Not all of them. But enough that Jon felt horrible for it.]

[ It's been so long. Maybe he's never seen it? That seems likely too. ]

Mm. I guess that just proves my point.

...That just means I have my work cut out for me, then.

[ Algric winces a little at that. It's not the wrong thing to say, exactly, but he hates the thought of being work for Jon. ]

... Yes. I - I am rather pathetic like that.

[ The word rings with a full lifetime of misery and issues. ]

You're not.

[He can feel that misery, that self-hate after years of it. He doesn't tug at it.]

You've just... had experiences with people who don't... think.

I-I mean, yes, but. After a while the pattern is your own fault, right?

[Jon sighs, resting his forehead against Algric's shoulder.]

No.

Jon ...

Martin.

W-well - well I won't get over it in one conversation, so. I guess you do have your work cut out for you.

[He pulls back to just... Look at him. Fondness and love there.]

I will gladly do it if it helps.

[ That softens him instantly. ]

If. If you're sure, Jon ...

I am nothing if not stubbornly sure.

... Yes. Yes, that is. Quite true.

And I already said I'm not leaving. So. You're quite stuck with my stupidity.

You are very stupid.

[ He says that as fondly as possible. ]

Right. I need someone who knows me well that can point out when I'm being especially stupid.

I can certainly do that for you.

So... we help each other. You stop me from being especially stupid, I stop you from thinking negative about yourself.

Deal?

Deal, Jon.

[ That deserves a kiss! ]

[Oh shit. If he keeps being rewarded for little things like this, he may actually start to think about what he says before he says them.

He blinks up at him, then smiles all nervous.]

R-right. Good.

[ See, there you go. Two purposes at once.

Algric smiles. ]

Can I get you anything?

Uh. Nope. No, I'm. I'm good. Right here.

[Half crawled on him and in his arms. It's not a bad place for Jon Feral Cat Sims.]

[PSL-Adjacent] time travel side story

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