driftsintobuffetline

[He leans into Newton's side with a brief glance]

I wouldn't say that. We're only inviting our friends, really. Joaquin, Manolo, Qubit, Miles' family.. your friend Jo? And of course whomever they invite. Gregor and...... Ms. Jones, yes. I don't really expect Qubit to bring anyone, but he might. I'd estimate roughly twenty people altogether.

Twenty's a good number. I'll start working on convincing Jo she's got to bring a date.

[He scoops out a cherry and looks up at Hermann "slyly."]

Speaking of dates--of dating--I think there was talk of a kiss or something? I've been home a whole minute, Hermann, and not a single kiss.

[And now he's trying not to smile. Really, Newton is awful, he shouldn't be charmed. He sets his spoon on the lid and turns more fully to face him]

Well that's a terrible shame and I suppose I should remedy that.

[Even if the 'resisting the urge to smile' wasn't all over Hermann's face, it was all over their Drift, a fun, tingly feeling that reminded Newt of butterflies and blushing and the sound of Hermann's voice when he playfully scolded.

He ate the cherry and then toyed with the spoon between his lips.]

Yeah, you really should.

[Suffice to say all of his attention is focused on Newton's mouth and the spoon teasing those lips. His fingers alight on Newton's scruffy chin, tipping up just as he steps forward and leans in.

He tastes like ice cream because of course he does, and Hermann's tongue seeks out the cherry hiding behind those lips]

[Newt plays keep-away only about as long as he can resist, which isn't long. The cherry is Hermann's, but Hermann's lips are now on Newt and his tongue is in Newt's mouth and vice versa, so the cherry is a fair sacrifice. The spoon clatters somewhere on the counter where Newt discards it and his hand moves to Hermann's hip as he steps him back against the counter.]

[Hermann only draws back a moment to chew and swallow his well-earned treat, but he's back just as quickly to share the flavor on his tongue.

His cane goes the way of Newton's spoon once he loses his need for it, and there's something deeply thrilling about this exchange. That they can do this, share this, so easily now. It's not the first time he's had the thought and it certainly won't be the last. For now he's content to wrap his arm about Newton's waist and draw them closer together.]

[Hermann's tongue has always been absolutely wicked and brilliant. But Newt finally breaks from the kiss, leaning against his chest, keeping Hermann pinned to the counter. They're lucky to have reached this point--lucky and daring enough to have made it happen. Fortune favors the brave, and opening oneself to someone is easily one of the bravest things. When did we become these people? How? Their path here is as tangential as their discussions.

He grins, picks up Hermann's spoon from the lid and picks out a cherry and chunk of chocolate with it before holding it up to Hermann. Newt makes no effort to stop the ice cream from dripping.]

You think Miles and Greg will let us test this aspect of the connect?

[The countertop digs into his back a bit, but with Newton pressed against him, Hermann can hardly summon a complaint. He does however, eye the ice cream threatening to drop onto his clothes with a bit of distaste]

Which aspect? [Like he doesn't know, then really thinks about it] Er no, let's not do that.

[He's a bit too late to save his sweatervest, but he makes a valiant effort. One drop falls just before he dips his mouth to take the bit of cherry and chocolate]

[He raises a brow when Hermann questions what he means, then smiles slyly when he clearly gets it.]

Purely for scientific reasons, though. Aren't you curious? I mean, when you get turned on, doesn't matter where you are, it's like everything lights up inside me--and when we touch, it's like standing next to the bass at a club, everything is intense, I am so aware of you, everything else is drowned out. I'm curious if it's that insane for them. Moreover, I'm curious if Greg gets impressions and feelings off Miles or if he ever feels like he IS Miles, or sees himself as if being seen... Just empathy or full sensory/memory reverb, you know?

Like tasting chocolate and cherry that you're eating.

[Of course it's the same on both ends, but hearing it aloud and described in such a way, like it's something wonderful and intoxicating.. Hermann stares, swallowing belatedly. While he does share a degree of that curiosity, he's not focused on it so much as his own wonder.

And it sounds fanciful, but they are soulmates. There's no part of himself that isn't matched or influenced by Newton, much as he's left his own impressions on Newton himself. They share everything, and it's not ideal at points, but there's the eternal comfort that neither of them are ever truly alone. Half-formed thoughts and ideas flow between them like water. If they're not always directly heard, then at the least understood and shared on a deep, basic level.

He rarely needs to ask Newton for anything anymore. The man knows precisely when to assist him and when not to, and unconsciously compensates for his vulnerabilities in public. And he'll similarly protect Newton when the man's brain takes an inopportune dive, take on whatever social engagements himself and get them somewhere private to recuperate.

It's a truly beautiful symbiosis and the deepest, most intensive emotional connection he's ever had with another human being. It's daunting at times, but there's truly nothing else in the world that he wants than this man in front of him, with green eyes and a brilliant mind and embodying everything he wants and needs, has agreed to marry him.

He's so overwhelmed with love and affection that his eyes sting with it and his throat locks up. The desire to kiss him again is there, but he also doesn't want to stop looking at Newton. Much like the moment he realized he'd fallen in love with him, it's a moment he wants to immortalize in his memory for as long as possible.]

Edited 2016-07-02 06:12 (UTC)

[The reaction is so intense, Newt is still in awe it comes from Hermann...but of course it does. Because they do match, and where Newt is outward and exploding, Hermann is inward and ready to burst, emotions a deep undercurrent until times like these when Newt is struck by the sheer depth of what his partner feels for him and that he ever could have doubted it.

They aren't alone. They never can be fully again. It is a beautiful and daunting piece of knowledge that, as long as they both shall live in this world, there was always going to be someone who would have a piece of him, know him on a level only Newt was otherwise known by himself...and that with that knowledge, Hermann has chosen to love him and learn him, compensate for his shortcomings, raise him up...instead of tear him down from his most vulnerable points.

Hermann loves him and loving Hermann is as natural and necessary as breathing. Helping him is second nature in the way the eternally thoughtless and selfish Newt has never before known.

And while he can sense Hermann's desire to snapshot this moment forever, he has never been able to keep thoughts to himself.

Habit dictates running his mouth, but the usual cool comments cling in his throat as it tightens with emotion. Hermann. A little warning, man. You can't just pull those feelings out like that. He blinks back tears and pulls a hand away from Hermann to wipe his own eyes, then touches Hermann's cheek, eyes shining with hope and adoration. He wants to fall into the warm richness of Hermann's eyes, be part of his skin. S-soulmates? That's the kind of dumb stuff I think.

Some shaky breathes, then quietly, the thought unfiltered.] Told you you were everything.

[Hermann smiles a bit, returning the gesture with a brush of his thumb against the corner of Newton's eye where it's just a bit damp and the sheen is nearly visible through his glasses.

It's also moments like these that he thinks he doesn't deserve any of this, that it's too good to be true and that surely something awful will happen, but those are the fears of a child accustomed to isolation.

Everything.

On a word, he's transported to Hong Kong, in the back of a cab and frozen, staring at Newton in a wordless shock. He then proceeds to break down in a terribly embarrassing fashion and deliver one of the worst love confessions in human history, but it's a fond memory now.

In the present, he dips his head down and kisses Newton with all the sweetness he can possibly manage]

If I hadn't proposed in Hawaii, I certainly would have been moved to it now.

Edited 2016-07-02 07:30 (UTC)

[Hong Kong and the lights of the city in Hermann's eyes, like stars, and his tears, and dancing in their hotel room... Hermann is the universe. He is everything.

And though they will always have their picturesque rockstar landmarks: Alaska, Hawaii, that destroyed corner of Hong Kong and its bright beautiful counterpart, Hermann is four walls and a line of tape down the center. He is two different world's divided lab spaces, one apartment. He is the spaces that are theirs, domestic and personal and secure.

The kiss is soft and sweet and tastes of cherry and he's so overcome by the suggestion of Hermann's statement. If Hermann had proposed at home, Newt is pretty sure their brains would have short circuited. The kitchen, their apartment, the epitome of their domestic life together...and in it, the symbol of spending forever like this, forever as partners, lovers, friends, husbands...it would have been too overwhelming. And Hermann could never have properly recorded it--after all, Hawaii was public. A proposal, a marriage, that was public. This was their space...the personal space of quiet promises and intimate vows between the two of them and no one else.

Like their Drift.]

Good thing you picked Hawaii. The sand's a hell of a lot softer on your knees than this tile.

[Smiling against Newton's mouth, Hermann kisses him again. Everything feels soft and intimate and he strokes his fingers through Newton's hair]

Well much as I'd love to stay here, this counter is getting a fair bit uncomfortable. Perhaps we should put the ice cream away and relax. Get ready for bed and all that.

Right. I should let you go. [He pulls back reluctantly after another kiss and puts the lid on the ice cream.]

You know, even if we could, I wouldn't want to be permanently attached to Greg and Miles' brains. I mean, I still want to experiment, but I couldn't share this full time.

[Hermann fetches his cane from where he'd discarded it and straightens, stepping away from the counter and rubbing at his back. There's probably a red line of pressure indenting his skin there, but it's been worth it.]

Yes, I know. Hence the temporary condition. I wouldn't even consider agreeing to it otherwise.

[He lets Newton put the ice cream away and carries their spoons to rinse in the sink. Toweling his hands off, Hermann heads toward the living room and turns]

Coming to bed, or will you stay up awhile?

[Ice cream safely put in the freezer, he follows Hermann.]

I was going to brush my teeth and turn in, but I can be persuaded to stay up longer. You know I'm always down for discussions til 3am.

[He carries on through the living room and down the hall, pausing between their bedroom and the bathroom doors]

No, that's alright. Unless of course there is something you want to discuss. I'd only wondered.

[He gestures Newt toward the bathroom with the butt of his cane and nudges their bedroom open] Join me when you've finished then.

I can always find things to discuss.

[He feels like a teenager every time Hermann invites him into the bedroom that is now, for all intents and purposes theirs.

Newt makes quick work of his bathroom routine, ditches his socks, shirt and pants into the hamper, leaves his shoes by the door, and then makes his way to the bedroom in just his boxers.]

When we get that house? A Master Bathroom is a MUST.

[Hermann's just settling in when Newton returns and naturally, his eyes wander a bit. There are times he still doesn't expect the color of tattoos when the man undresses.

He gives the bed an inviting pat and slides under the blankets]

Oh yes, that would be wonderful. One that attaches to our room in particular. Another point in favor of a custom house plan, I suppose.

[He smirks and enjoys the attention as he makes his way over to the bed. As soon as he climbs in, he scoots over, drawing Hermann in against him.]

There was no way we were going for anything BUT custom. We're both way too good for cookie cutter.

[Hermann curls his body around him in a hold that's familiar to them both by now]

Hm.. too particular, you mean. I dread the overall cost. Well worth it I'm sure, but we have several other expenses to cover as well. My car should be finished within the next few weeks and we've got our wedding and honeymoon to consider..

Everything's always numbers. [grumble grumble. He buries his face against Hermann's neck. But Newt doesn't have a solution, because he wants a nice honeymoon, too, and Hermann's car is kind of important.]

Let's just elope in Anchorage, bring Qubit as a witness, and call it done? Then it's just the cost of the license.

[He breathes a sigh into Newton's hair, eyes closing and content. His voice lowers a bit]

You deserve a nice ceremony, Newton.. We both do. And you've given me so much to work with.

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