bursts into tears

[oversea]

Comments

[transmit]

It's nothing super serious. Relax.

[ but, well, he'll never say no to affection and even when they find a space to themselves, he's pulling thorns' into his arms to kiss him back and keeping him close well after. for a moment, he seems to look at him—as if he's still deciding what to say exactly, before he just sighs and rests his forehead against thorns'. ]

… They wanted to offer me a contract. Both for security reasons and to ensure their communication lines remain stable. Apparently it's been an ongoing issue since the disappearances started happening. If I take it, we won't have to worry about expenses for a while.

[ the way he'd say no but he knows thorns feels differently cutting corners on elysium's health

his baby isn't allowed to take sketchy black market jobs……… he's still of mind, like. they escaped employment for a reason? but then it really would be moot (and even worse) if thorns went off and did his own thing. ]

[oversea]

[ he is conflicted over this.

on one hand, yes, they do need money. traveling builds up expenses that are difficult to predict simply because you can never be fully certain what you might run into. and as much as elysium likes to act as if his oripathy isn't an issue, it will be something they'd have to contend with sooner or later... and more likely sooner if elysium continues to push his treatment as a low priority. ]

Did they give a time frame?

[transmit]

Three months.

[ his grip tightens, and he decides it isn't enough to just touch foreheads. he buries himself into thorns' shoulder. ]

They said I could think about it. They're willing to house us, too. I guess I really managed to impress them.

[oversea]

We really were supposed to be here for a day at most...

[ he sighs, kissing the side of elysium's face. ]

Fine. Do it.

[transmit]

[ just drapes his entire weight over thorns like the one art. ]

What are you going to do in the meantime?

[oversea]

I can pick up a job somewhere.

[ it might not be the best job, depending on what's available, but as long as he's keeping busy then it should be fine... ]

[transmit]

[ they are… being taken away from each other… (they are getting employed.)

it isn't that simple but that's essentially it. he just buries his face into thorns' shoulder like a baby. what if he gets injured on the job where he can't see? what if he gets news of of thorns' death like he has time and time again?

this is… not okay! ]

[oversea]

[ it's funny, since they were very employed at the village they were staying at, but they did each job together to the point that townspeople would comment if they ever did something solo.

perhaps they need to... be less codependent? no. no that can't be the answer.

he rubs his back. ]

We'll check in with each other.

[transmit]

[ quitting things cold turkey has always gone so well historically. elysium doesn't answer at first, he just accepts the gesture, lips set tight, his hand finding purchase on thorns' sleeve.

there's a beat. then— ]

Will you answer when I leave you messages?

[ they're

going to be one of those couples ]

[oversea]

... Yes.

[ tears up he is so bad at that but he will give an attempt ]

[transmit]

[ if this insane codependent relationship doesn't fix thorns' allergy to checking his communicator, nothing will ]

You paused.

[oversea]

No I didn't.

[ he did. ]

[transmit]

I'll find you work here.

[ nepotism speed run. ]

[oversea]

[ help

he leans in to give him a kiss... trying to soothe the nerves... ]

They already seem to not like us that much.

[ because they have been annoying and pda ]

[transmit]

What are you going to do if I need an assistant?

[ this is said in same way someone would say

this is cheating? you would allow this?? ]

[oversea]

Will you need an assistant?

[ he feels like elysium will somehow know the answer regardless of already starting the job or not... for some reason... ]

[transmit]

I could…




I could be your boss.

[ wait. he's starting to like the idea of this. ]

[oversea]

[ HELP ]

Isn't this what they call a power imbalance?

[transmit]

It's not a power imbalance when we're in a lab?

[ gently

starts backing thorns against a wall ]

I distinctly remember someone enjoying being called capitan.

[oversea]

[ they are the most annoying people alive

thorns looks away. the ceiling is interesting... ]

I don't recall that.

[ okay ]

[transmit]

I can remind you.

[ kabedons… and leans in close. ]

Are you embarrassed? ¿Mi capitan?

[ thorns still has that in him?? ]

[oversea]

[ he is... annoying.

unfortunately thorns is attractive to that. he glances back at him. ]

Shouldn't I be calling you something now?

[transmit]

[ hehe…

well. isn't that up to thorns? elysium gazes back at thorns, and then—captures his mouth.

his. ]

[oversea]

[ the way the people who work here are likely wondering where they went off to.

thorns is not thinking about anything like that though. he kisses back eagerly, showing that they once again do not respect power inbalances. ]

[transmit]

[ elysium is both hr and his boss good luck filing any complaints

there is the sound of a door opening and rapidly closing… they are doing wonders for their reputation here, as all that does is encourage him to press against thorns more insistently. ]