driftsintobuffetline

"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?

[Mumbled with embarrassment, even though he can feel the warmth and love from Hermann through their connection.]

I don't know, man. I'm thinking now I'll just go hide in the freezer aisle until you forget this conversation entirely and think I'm semi-cool again...uh, pun unintended.

[He chuckles, and Newton is nearing adorable territory.]

Well I'd very much like to kiss you at the moment, and it's a shame it's late or I'd port to you instead. But really, I don't think it's possible to forget this conversation. It's all very touching.

[His smile shows in his voice. Hermann might be able to sense his blush.] Now you're just picking on me, Doctor Gottlieb. "All very touching." Maybe I'll stay here, leave you for Ben and Jerry.

[It takes a bit of a Newton database reference check to get that one, but the important thing is he gets it before the conversation can turn an entirely different direction]

Yes, drown your woes in ice cream. How awful that your fiance finds it sweet to hear how you fell in love with him.

You mean how I was so ridiculous and didn't realize I was in love with you even though a kid told us that on Day 1?

What do you want? Cherry Garcia? Chunky Monkey? Chubby Hubby, hubby-dear? I'll be home in five to ten [minutes, he means] once you decide.

It's a process, of course you didn't see it right away. It took even longer for me to realize that.

But seeing as I don't have any idea what those last flavors are, Cherry perhaps? Or really, whatever appeals to you. I'm sure it's all ice cream.

You're terrible and I hate you for not knowing what Ben and Jerry's even is.

[Muffled hellos and whatnot to the cashier. Newt gives them the basic thanks them as they finish the transaction.]

Looking back, it feels so obvious. Of course I was in love with you. But when you like and admire someone and want to verbally punch their lights out, feelings kind of get confused.

I'm not American, Newton.

[Now maybe he was, technically, but this world's special circumstances hardly counted]

Yes, that particular feeling has been mutual for some time. I didn't know what I wanted with you at first, but dating proved to be nice, and then Hong Kong of course..

Excuses.

Dating WAS nice. Almost miss it, almost. And what do you mean you didn't know what you wanted with me? Come on, man. I put out the first night. Obviously you were into it for some hot Kaiju-Groupie action.

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