empathicfault | IC Inbox

At home, I was always going to be alone when it came down to it. That day… the Bad Day… when Francis came to see me, he said I got so worked up because I’m afraid people will leave and of ending up alone, but I don’t think he understood how much that was… reality before.

And then he left.

Yeah.

[ Will closes his eyes and doesn't hide a sniffle, instead just leaning a chin on Malcolm's head. Trying to cover as much of Malcolm's pain as possible. ]

But...not the way other people left. He wants you to visit. He still holds you in his heart. This is why I want to have our traveling home. Because we're not really destined to be...adopted by anyone, not truly- I'm still amazed I've connected with you and Hark so close.

But we still have people we'll care for. I doubt we'll find a world to stay in forever. We have to make our own way...but I'll be with you for that. All of it.

That matters so much to me. I don’t think most of the people that day… could understand why I was such a mess and they… didn’t really want to. I think they were well-meaning but also all they wanted was for me to just… stop it. But I can’t… I can’t lose you. I cannot. I just can’t. Not even a whisper of it, not even a joke about it.

You won't. You won't, and I know that's hard to believe. It's just going to be time and experience that'll sink that in.

[ He leans back a bit, but only so he can give Malcolm a soft kiss. Hopefully his determination and love will come through it. ]

Unfortunately, this place isn't particularly great for that. No one who's here lives here for long, except for a couple of people. And we may well be that couple of people in a few years. But it means we'll have to get used to saying goodbye. [ He tilts his head to the side. ] Maybe it'll be more like 'see you later,' once we can both take vacations.

[Malcolm smiles, a small tentative smile, but a smile nonetheless.]

They've all said we can visit. I asked.

[He looks up at Will.]

I won't leave without you, either. No matter what. I don't care if that means staying here forever. I won't go without you.

[ It's at this point that Will realizes he has tears welling up in his eyes. He smiles, even if he looks away from Malcolm's eyes in slight embarrassment. ]

Okay. Thank you. I don't...I know you wouldn't. And if you ever were pulled away, I'd graduate out of spite and come find you.

[Malcolm nods and cuddles up against him, eyes closing as he rests his cheek on Will's shoulder.]

Can you stay here with me tonight?

Already planning on it. And I'm happy to read or watch movies- anything, if you can't sleep. I'll be here.

[Malcolm slides his arms around him.]

You make me happy. I want you to know. So happy.

Same here, and I'm so glad I do. You deserve all the happiness I can give you.

[ He hums thoughtfully. Performatively. ] ...probably more.

[He breathes out a laugh towards Will's chest, then shifts to look up at his face, reaching up with the fingertips of one hand to gently touch his cheek.]

We'll be okay. [It's not a question. That's a Big Deal.]

We will.

[ He sounds exceptionally certain about that, as he smiles down at Malcolm. And it is a Big Deal, but Will has believed it for some time now. ]

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