driftsintobuffetline

[If Hermann hadn't, Newt would have. The memory link fades and Newt is left with their chalkboard walls and their comfortable couch, and Hermann's feelings filling him up to the brim, colliding with his own overwhelming sense of love and respect and admiration and he pulls his hand from Hermann's to touch his face as they kiss, and to hold him there when they stop and he rests his forehead against Hermann's.

I'm sorry, he thinks. I'm sorry I doubted. Even with the proof, it's still so hard to believe he really has something THAT good, someone who loves him that much, but here's the proof, in his arms, in his head, and here's Hermann who hasn't left him yet, despite the many reasons to.

He looks down at Hermann's wrist, at the watch, and smiles softly.]

I'm...sorry I doubted you might feel the same.

We're gonna have trouble topping Hong Kong. Obviously this was not even an idea at the time, but sometimes I think now that I should have married you there.

[It will always be astounding to feel that rush of emotion compounded between the two of them. Everything is so much more evocative on the same wavelength as another human being, to the point of feeling like it might be too much for his own limited capacity. But there is absolutely no doubt that it's Newton that brings out many aspects of himself that he'd never properly appreciated.

He waits for his breaths to even out before responding; forgiving yet firm]

Just never doubt my sincerity again. And I fully intend to find a way to 'top' Hong Kong once we begin the planning.

You are such a nerd.

[There is always something almost orgasmic about the afterglow of a Drift, of the combined euphoria, and he will never understand how it is Hermann who keeps him grounded and Hermann who also gives him wings.

He loves it. He loves Hermann more than he ever thought loving another human being was possible.]

And no, I never plan to doubt that again, but...speaking of this, uh, whole thing, you should apologize to Joaquin. Because, he sort of does have a pretty big crush on you. He even kind of threatened to marry you if I didn't.

[Hermann's more amorous thoughts halt, and he draws back a bit with a puzzled frown. Just coming to terms with Joaquin's apparent crush is already a slow process, but to have threatened to try and marry him?]

Well this is all very much news to me. Care to elaborate on what all happened precisely?

[Newt scoots back, feeling like maybe he should have NOT brought this up because this is a terrible thing to bring up, can they go back to kissing? But it's out now, so..]

Uh... This was a while ago. Before we had that talk. Before Valentine's? I don't really remember what started it. I think I called him because he hadn't called me in a while?

I know! It was after the sub, and he said he'd been avoiding me because, you know, I just got home, you and me were spending time together--

I teased him. I think I joked that he was implying we were having sex the whole time, and Joaquin being the old-fashioned dude he is gets really up about the "you're not even married!" thing and then says we should get married. And I don't know what he said, or I said, but the next thing I know, he's implying that I didn't want to marry you, and that if I'm not interested...then...people who ARE shouldn't have to hold back from trying.

[Hermann stares, shocked into sudden silence. It takes several moments to translate his incredulity into verbal terms, and all that comes out is an indignant squawk.]

What?

[It's just so difficult to believe. Sure the man had been his friend and flirted with him at the start, but he'd never actually thought he could honestly be interested. Hadn't they established that after their conversation at the dance? Or did he really grow to cherish him in such a way? Granted his outdated sensibilities were very much out of alignment with his own. He wouldn't even consider marrying Newton within the year if not for their substantial history.]

You're certain Joaquin said that?

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