[ he isn't sure what other word to use, because it is nice. he knows that they technically can't consider themselves in the clear until they're both further away and more time has passed, but this is the first time in who knows how long that neither of them have had any actual responsibilities other than taking care of themselves.
is that actually a good thing? maybe, maybe not. but he isn't going to consider morality at the moment. ]
[ in the previous timeline thorns had gone through, he was so sure that elysium was going to change his mind about joining his crew. until he had physically handed in his resignation papers, thorns was waiting for him to say that he couldn't actually just suddenly leave rhodes like that.
he wonders how he didn't realize sooner. then again, elysium didn't want him to. ]
[ everyone has their part to play. elysium isn't expendable, but neither is he irreplaceable the way amiya or the doctor are to rhodes' very identity. their presence defines the organisation; he's always known his journey with rhodes would end one way or another, and when its history is written, his name won't be there and that's how it's meant to be. ]
I gave you that backpack and you're still asking?
[ he draws the last of the fish from the fire, planting their skewers into the earth in front of them. ]
… Funny thing is, it didn't feel all that bad to be wrong.
[ elysium saying this now when at the time he was panicking over how everything was now ruined and he had to get thorns back to sea.
it's strange, since he technically wasn't wrong. the only reason thorns didn't stay with the pirates is because he didn't think doing so would keep elysium alive. ]
[ it's too bad elysium doesn't share the same frame of reference thorns does. and, even if he did, it isn't hard to imagine that with all the baggage he carries now, between his impatience and his craving for instant gratification, it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't take to the route half as well.
but what-ifs are only what-ifs: the present is all they have, and this is their current reality. ]
What else am I allowed to be good at besides being hot? Warming your bed?
[ ah, his bragging... some things will forever just be annoying, no matter how obsessed you are. unfortunately, thorns just finds elysium being annoying a charm point now though. ]
... I realize a problem with this scenario. You can just hide things you're actually bad at.
[ thorns goes silent at this. it may seem like he has realized how stupid this conversation is, but in actuality it's much worse. he is in deep thought trying to recall any information he may know about the mating habits of slugs.
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is that actually a good thing? maybe, maybe not. but he isn't going to consider morality at the moment. ]
How long have you wanted to?
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Since Iberia.
[ he gauges thorns for his reaction. ]
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he wonders how he didn't realize sooner. then again, elysium didn't want him to. ]
Were you expecting me to go with them?
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I gave you that backpack and you're still asking?
[ he draws the last of the fish from the fire, planting their skewers into the earth in front of them. ]
… Funny thing is, it didn't feel all that bad to be wrong.
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it's strange, since he technically wasn't wrong. the only reason thorns didn't stay with the pirates is because he didn't think doing so would keep elysium alive. ]
Mm? Is that so?
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[ it's his turn to kiss all of thorns—pressing soft kisses to his forehead, then trailing down to his eyelid, his cheek, and finally his mouth. ]
The answer is nothing.
[ which is rather chilling if you think about it for more than two seconds, but this is their life now. ]
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thorns just wraps his arms around him and nuzzles against his cheek. ]
You would have made a hot pirate.
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but what-ifs are only what-ifs: the present is all they have, and this is their current reality. ]
What else am I allowed to be good at besides being hot? Warming your bed?
[ alright ]
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he picks up one of the skewers and holds it out for elysium to eat from. ]
What do you want to be good at?
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Distracting you from work, holding your attention… and receiving your love?
[ this does not make the scenario any better. in fact, it makes it worse. ]
I can be good at whatever you want me to be good at. I'm just that talented.
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... I realize a problem with this scenario. You can just hide things you're actually bad at.
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and what do you mean, 'now'? they've been besties for so much longer before this? 🥹 ]
Only because my pirate captain fiancé is so talented and can make up for any of my shortcomings, if there are.
[ he steals a kiss. ]
Is that really a problem?
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also help, he is a pirate for this larp now. thorns kisses him back. he thinks this fantasy is turning into him getting played. ]
You're lucky you're cute.
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they still have two fish left and he can't let it go cold, so he feeds thorns the next one. ]
Oh? So what would happen if I wasn't? Is this a confession that you're just keeping me around for my appearance?
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You could turn into a slug and I'll still love you.
[ elysium would be the most cared for slug to ever exist... thorns would build him a habitat? it would be so romantic. ]
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except ]
You can't make out with a slug, though…? You'd have to turn yourself into one, too.
[ which says a lot that the response wasn't 'aren't you going to figure out how to turn me back' but
yes ]
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he doesn't know enough... ]
I'll make sure we're the happiest slugs.
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Their life expectancy, Thorns…
[ they are getting so deep into this. ]
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[ he says this so gravely, as if this will ever be an actual scenario they'd have to contend with.
they're so stupid. ]
Every life I give you has to be a good one.
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Stop right there. So long as you're by my side, any life you're a part of is automatically a good one. Don't overthink it.
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[ why settle for only good when it can be great?
this is his insanity speaking. ]
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Be there from start to finish and fall in love at first sight. That's what matters the most.
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thorns holds out more fish for him. ]
Did you fall in love at first sight?
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[ people would not think they get along because they're both such weirdos, but that is exactly why. he chomps into the fish. ]
You really surprised me when you handed me that saltshaker.
[ he couldn't pick a better moment than this ]
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in the end, they still made a connection, which is something that neither of them really did that deeply. ]
So, was it me or the salt?
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