driftsintobuffetline

I suppose.. It would be nice to experience it without the influence of the Kaiju. Not enough to do so without extenuating circumstances however.

We'll keep it as an idea, just in case, then.

...You're not threatened by the idea of Drifting with someone else, are you--?

Threatened?

[He has a long storied history of not letting anyone threaten him, thank you. But he does pause]

I wouldn't say I'm threatened by the idea. Dislike it sure, but since we got our suppressors, we've proven that even after weeks without an active drift, we didn't manage to drive one another away, and that was significant.

It was VERY significant, yeah.

[His voice gets hushed, as if mindful that he's somewhere semi-public on his phone.] Look. For the record,I just want you to know, yours is still the only mind for me.

I appreciate that Newton.

[Another brief pause, then a sigh]

I suppose I'll let Miles know that you're interested.

I think it's worth exploring. But you have veto power, Hermann.

[Wait what]

..Are you saying you wouldn't go ahead with it anyway if I refused?

...

I mean, I'd still try to convince you, probably...I wouldn't just roll over and give up because, well, that's not me.

But.

Yeah.

Well, I could hardly expect anything different, of course. But good to know we're making progress in that regard.

"Making progress." Don't be an asshole. And don't think I'll kowtow because you're my husband. I just...the Drift--OUR Drift is the most important thing and I don't think scientific curiosity is reason enough to throw that out of alignment.

You're important to me, you piece of shit. And you still owe me a wedding.

[Husband. He's truly beginning to love the sound of that]

Yes, yes, I know. You'll have to forgive me for being cautious.

Is there anything in particular you'd like for the ceremony then?

One of us has to be cautious.

As for the ceremony, I told you I was demanding a dance.

Yes, that's practically a given. I meant in terms of features, decor, services.. We could do most anything if we plan it far enough in advance, and we've got plenty of time.

Open bar. GOOD music, a live band/musician if possible. Officiated by someone we respect and NOT someone from the government here. No church. Lots of candids, few stiff, posed photos. GOOD food and a lot of it. Potted plants, not cut flowers--or at least something still very much alive. Bright, lots of color, nothing really somber. Snow. Maybe I'll give you a letter as part of the ceremony. You in coattails.

...That's more detailed than I was expecting, but alright, I will take note of all of that for reference. Coattails aren't exactly traditional, but if you enjoyed them that much.

But where in the ceremony do you think you could smoothly offer me a letter to read?

I like them because they make me look at your ass. And do not question my smoothness, okay. I'll make it work. Anyway. It was just an idea, since letters were what got us here.

Ah.

[Doesn't sound embarrassed there at all nope. Just clearing his throat for funsies]

Well it's a nice idea, but it would be rather boring for everyone to watch me read a letter. I suppose you could read it aloud if you wanted.. while we exchange vows perhaps?

Before... Well, I thought about having Hiro deliver one to you, before the ceremony, but I thought it might scare the crap out of you and you'd think I was getting cold feet, but a letter in there somewhere... Vows work.

Yes, a letter before the ceremony would not have been well-received. ..It's unfortunate that Hiro has gone. He was very keen on our relationship, I'm sure he would have loved to attend.

He was the first person I told once we started--well, not dating, but--after November. At least he got to see his ship become canon.

I know by "unfortunate he's gone" you mean "it's a shame we never got to steal him and adopt him as our own small science child." I miss him, too.

He's a brilliant child. All the sensibilities of an engineer with your bad influences. I was very fond of him.

...And please tell me you didn't tell him too much about that night.

DUDE. He's 15. I told him I kissed you, that's it! And that we were dating! Or going to be!! Actually, I think he called me on my "coffee and lunches" dates not being dates, but in any case-- Don't accuse me of corrupting minors except into the ways of experimental science, okay? Not funny! YOU try being a kid in a grown-up world. Seriously, not funny to have people oversharing like you're their frat bro.

Alright, fair enough, just making making sure.

But come to think of it, you were dating me for awhile there without my knowledge, weren't you? I did think your generosity a bit odd, but thought you simply wanted to get out of the house without having to deal with the separation.

It wasn't... dating--we were...Like I told Qubit, it was FriendDates. And you were my exclusive FriendDate and. ALRIGHT. I was starting to think of it as kind of dating you. I liked you. I was attracted to you. You were NOT attracted to people like me. And taking you out for coffee and lunch and stuff meant we got to spend time together PLATONICALLY and argue--our favorite past-time--and hang out and be friends--still a revolutionary concept for us then, you may recall!--and sometimes you'd just... [Deep inhale, exhale.] ...smile, or get this look in your eyes that was better than a smile? like you were excited to talk to me even if I was pissing you off a little...like the debate was fun, the sport of it was fun. It was like our letters, before we fell out.

And maybe I tried to make myself your exclusive coffee and lunch date. I wanted you to notice me more than anyone else, you know? And so, yeah, I kind of did date you. I didn't expect anything of it. Just--wanted to call dibs on all of your time and attention.

[He gives a breathy sort of laugh into the receiver.] I had it bad for you--Hiro knew before I did. It's kind of embarrassing. REALLY embarrassing.

[Hermann's smiling across the line, endeared by the way Newton describes falling in love with him. It's like a window of insight for a matter he'd considered unfathomable. But now he can understand it a little, and it warms his heart.]

Newton. [His name is all warm affection and tenderness] How very sweet.

When did you say you'd be home?

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