[PSL-Adjacent] time travel side story

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Is this part of the other PSL? MAYBE ... tbd.

But - this is the Martin who went back in time to the second season, before everything really started going to hell. It hasn't been the most pleasant ride - seeing himself, accidentally triggering Not-Sasha's attack, the confrontation with Elias - but it's been better. He'd begged Michaelen not to take him back for multiple reasons. Yes, he thinks help more here, but ... he also doesn't want to go home to die. Not when there's a Jon here who's willing to love him, when Tim is blossoming into a new best friend, and even Martin is slowly moving towards self-acceptance in a literal sense.

For the first time in months, Martin - no, Algric - sees the shape of what a peaceful life could be. This could be a world where he lives in Jon's flat for the rest of his life, where he doesn't only have to be a helpful ghost. The Lonely is still too strong in him, but he feels it weakening in spots, where Tim and Jon and Martin have all helped him remember what it's like to have human connection.

That's why he's here at Hilltop Road. He dares to hope now; he dares to consider the possibility that he might get to keep all of this. And if he wants to keep this, he has to make sure there's no way back to the hell he left. Michaelen's appearance had scared him more deeply than he wants to let on.

As he mounts the steps to the rickety old house, Algric takes in a shivering breath. It's fine. It's fine, this is fine, he's just - just going to look. And if there's a creepy basement with a crack in the world, he's not going to go through it! He's just going to. See if it's there or not. If he thinks his timeline is on the other side or not. ]

Comments

[eyediot]

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.

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[eyediot]

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

And make things even more complicated for you.

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[eyediot]

...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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[eyediot]

Don't see why.

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

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Oh, Jon. Algric smiles softly. ]

Not even with those eyes of yours?

[eyediot]

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.

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[eyediot]

[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.

[curriculum_fictae]

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

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

[eyediot]

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

Yo-you're welcome.

[curriculum_fictae]

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.

[eyediot]

...Yes. Good idea.

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

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[eyediot]

[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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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.

[eyediot]

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?

[curriculum_fictae]

Do you want to make me some?

[ He seems delighted by the thought. ]

[eyediot]

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?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Probably for the best all around, yes. ]

There's - there's a nice rooibos in there.

[eyediot]

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?]

[curriculum_fictae]

Or you could Know what I like. I'll give you permission for that one.

[ Milk and a little honey. ]

[eyediot]

[Milk and a little honey it is. But he smiles.]

So, soy milk and a little cinnamon? My.