You don't know that, he wanted to argue- would have argued if he had the voice for it. We're only living on borrowed time.

But that was this reality, not theirs. They had time, they did. He just hoped it wouldn't take them too much longer to sort themselves out there. They'd live in this reality until then, where his disease was at least temporarily halted and their happiness could stretch for longer.

And he'd marry him.

Yes, he would marry Newton Geiszler in this reality if no other, because he simply had every reason to. Hermann smiled against Newton's shoulder and let him ramble, felt the sting in his eyes lessen and his breaths come more easily. Yes, they'd date more first, and while it wasn't a proposal, it all came so close that it may as well be a promise of engagement.

Then what if this war ended? What if Lachesis volunteered to send them back? His decision on the matter was settled. His fingers tangled into Newton's hair and rubbed his scalp.

"I'll stay," he whispered, voice rough, and cleared his throat. "I'll stay, Newton."