strengthofhisart | Empatheias Inbox

[Markus coughs a little in surprise when the dust spreads and blows into his fans.]

What? Of course not, Simon. What gave you that idea?

[There's no way to avoid this conversation now, is there? Even though Simon wasn't planning on talking about it with Markus, he wants to be sure that he isn't causing him any extra grief or guilt than he already feels. If that's true, Simon is willing to find somewhere else-- he can make it, even though the thought of minimizing contact with Markus makes his insides clench for some reason.

So, with an open, but saddened look, he places a hand over Markus'.]

Because I know that I'm dead in your timeline.

[Announcing that out loud doesn't make accepting it any easier, even though Simon knows that he won't share the same fate as his other self. But he is confident that he'll process everything eventually; he's been a deviant for over two years now. And usually, dealing with his emotions doesn't involve anyone else other than himself.]

[Markus' insides twist hard, his gaze falling to Simon's hand on top of his.

So Simon knows. Markus has two guesses who told him, and he knows neither one would have done so without reason.

He lets the skin slide back on his hand underneath Simon's, lets him feel some of the heavy grief that had hung like a yoke around his shoulders, knowing that he was the reason why one of Jericho's leaders was dead.

Reminds him of the joy and relief that had poured off of him when he saw Simon in the visitor's center.]

You're still my friend. I'm happy that you're here. Have I ever made you feel like I was uncomfortable?

[Simon's eyes close as he's hit by the grief, almost overwhelming him from its depth. In a selfish way, he's... glad that Markus feels this way over his other self's demise, but he doesn't want it to weigh down upon him either. Perhaps Markus has found a balance on his own, considering he moved on enough to lead a successful android revolution, but it's obvious that his death still has an impact on him.

...Come to think of it, there are probably a lot of deaths weighing on top of his shoulders. Simon knows that he won't be the last casualty in all this-- some androids died at capitol park for one thing.

Simon lets his own skin retract, responding to the grief with his own, along with reassurance. And joy at being called a friend.]

Not at all, Markus. You welcomed me to your home. [Some of the dust begins to disappear from the couch.] I just wanted to be sure.

...You already carry enough guilt.

[When Markus realizes what the joy is for, he brings his other hand up to cover Simon's, turning his hand to grip Simon's hand between his, and lets sink through his gratitude to Simon, for his support, for his loyalty, for his friendship.]

I didn't invite you to stay with me out of guilt.

[Only partially a lie. It's not guilt about the fact that the Simon he left behind is never coming home. It might be a little bit of guilt that Simon was left behind at all.

But none of that comes through their link, and he pulls back his own guilt, drowns it out with how glad he is that Simon is here at all. He smiles, a little.]

I'm glad I've gotten the chance to spend time with you and get to know you better.

[The words and touch go a long way to reassure Simon, even though he's not entirely sure if Markus is being completely honest with him. Their hands are connected, so he's inclined to believe him, but he still believes that in some way, he's making things a little hard on Markus. However, he also knows that just leaving him now will only make things worse, for both Markus and him.

As long as Markus is overall happy that Simon is here with him, he's not going anywhere. He's truly relieved that emotion is the most prevalent of the feelings Markus has for him being here.

Because Simon doesn't want to go.

Before asking his next question, he emphasizes his trust and support in Markus, trying to show that he doesn't blame him for anything that's happened to him. He's not about to say he's willing to die for him again, because while that is true, he doesn't think it's appropriate right now.]

Does it bother you I'm not the same Simon from your timeline? ...Because I'm not dead, I won't die on Stratford Tower like your Simon did.

[Markus keeps Simon's hand pinned between his, but he looks down at their joined hands, even at the surge of trust and support. His thumb rubs over the back of Simon's knuckles, bone-white plastic against bone-white plastic.]

It makes me a little sad, [he admits truthfully, because there have been times when it feels like he hasn't done a good job of hiding that.] Knowing what I'm going to miss, when I go home.

But even knowing that, I wouldn't trade having you here for anything. You're the Simon that I've known the longest, even if you're not the same one I knew back home. Does it...bother you? That I'm not the same Markus you know?

[Simon keeps his focus on their hands, feeling it easier to talk about all of this when he sees how physically close they are. They never shared this sort of contact back home, so it's nice to be reminded how much they've grown closer in just a couple of weeks.]

No, it doesn't bother me.

[Because Simon knows that he'll return home to Markus and the others. The future that's awaiting for them is a little more unclear, but everyone that Simon is close to is alive. When Markus returns home, he's going to be dead and nothing can change that. While he's sad for his other self, Simon is mostly upset that Markus has to deal with all that.

He's certain that thought won't be easy to forget.]

Every day I spend with you means a lot to me. Even if I won't remember this city, it still makes me more determined to survive back home just so I can get to know that Markus this same way.

[Markus looks up at Simon and smiles.]

That Markus had better know how lucky he is.

[Reluctantly, he lets go of Simon's hand and lets his skin come back over his hand in a shimmer of light. He stands back up.]

I found something while I was out today, it made me think of you.

Maybe, but I'm fairly certain that I'm the luckiest android overall. Who else can say they get to know you twice?

[Or maybe it's a curse!! But joking aside, Simon does feel lucky. More than just surviving Stratford Tower, but seeing Markus' smiles and helping him get through any guilt he's been harboring about his death or maybe even other androids. Josh and North and the others will support this Markus back home, but since Simon is the only one from Jericho right now, being here for the deviant leader is important to him.

His own skin returns and he looks at Markus with a curious expression.]

Really? What's that?

[Markus smiles, tilting his head.]

Close your eyes and hold out your hand.

[Simon squints at Markus for a moment, but he closes his eyes soon thereafter and holds his hand out as instructed. He's not sure what Markus is planning, but he's really curious!! He wants to know what Markus found that made him think of Simon.

~~Better not be something weird.~~

Honestly, he's just kinda pleased that Markus is thinking of Simon in this sort of capacity.]

[Markus hums in approval once Simon's eyes are closed, a small noise just to let the other android know where he is.

Once he's content that Simon isn't watching, he goes back over to the door to pick up the little succulent he'd brought home. He brings the tiny turtle-shaped planter over and places it in Simon's outstretched hand.]

Alright, you can look.

[The anticipation...! It's the most excited Simon has been and it's honestly taking a lot of restraint to stop himself from bouncing where he's currently standing. But can you blame him? It's not often he receives gift...

Once he feels the weight of the object in his hand and Markus' go ahead, he slowly opens his eyes to see the cute planter with the succulent on top. It's not what he was expecting, but he finds himself smiling without restraint at it.]

Calling me slow and steady, huh Markus?

[Simon teases lightly, but it's obvious that the android cherishes the gift, with the slight blush to his face and the general warming of the air around him. The plant seems to become just a bit livelier as Simon smiles down at it.]

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