[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]

[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'.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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.

[eyediot]

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

Are you sure?

[curriculum_fictae]

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.

[eyediot]

[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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

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

[ A pause. ]

Will it be enough?

[eyediot]

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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

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.

[eyediot]

[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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ That gets a watery smile. ]

By - by just existing?

[eyediot]

...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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

Versus not. Right.

[ A deep breath. ]

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

[eyediot]

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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Algric leans into that gently. ]

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

[eyediot]

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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ He returns it, shy and gentle. ]

Will you sleep?

[eyediot]

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

[curriculum_fictae]

All right.

[ He leans his head down. ]

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

[eyediot]

... All right.

[Consider his curiosity piqued.]

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

[curriculum_fictae]

Thank you, Jon.

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

[eyediot]

...Of course, Martin.

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

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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 ... ]

[eyediot]

[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.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ 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. ]

[eyediot]

[ . . .

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.]