[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

[curriculum_fictae]

Through Hilltop Road somehow. He found his way back from his point in my timeline.

[eyediot]

[There are SO many things here.]

From before he died?

[curriculum_fictae]

... No.

[eyediot]

You said he died.

[curriculum_fictae]

Well - yes. But I was wrong about the second death. He killed Peter Lukas.

[eyediot]

Should I come back? Would this be easier in person?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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.

[eyediot]

[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?

[curriculum_fictae]

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.

[eyediot]

I see.

What now?

[curriculum_fictae]

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.

[eyediot]

[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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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.

[eyediot]

All right.

So
he killed Peter Lukas.
He's from further ahead in your timeline then?

[curriculum_fictae]

... yes.
it's
worse.

he searched the Lonely for me, but I'd already gone.

[eyediot]

Oh god

Only going from what you've told me and what I've seen, he definitely needs someone there.

[curriculum_fictae]

Yes. And - you see why you probably shouldn't just pop round. Martin and I were jealous enough over you.

[eyediot]

You both would be jealous over him too?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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.

[eyediot]

[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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Algric breathes a sigh of relief. ]

Thank you.
I promise, I'll be back soon. After he's anchored.

[eyediot]

Keep me updated?

[Please don't forget me.]

[curriculum_fictae]

Of course, Jon.
I'll text you every day with all the details you could want.

[eyediot]

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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ And Algric, of course, looks up and sets his phone down. ]

-- Oh. Thank you, Jon.