( Commitments )
Thank goodness for libreoffice automatic saves. I’m good at physically saving but sometimes I try to open too many things on this computer. I got the same vibe in the last paragraph, but no idea if it’s better or worse than the original because that’s gone.
( Revelations )
“How did you know I was in trouble?” He hadn’t even managed to get off an emergency signal.
Galen concentrates on getting through the door, so thoroughly that for a full minute Gideon thinks he hasn’t been heard, but the technomage airily announces, “I have my ways,” just as he finally gets through the door.
It’s just like Galen to be mysterious. Gideon knows this. But something was off about that response…
“I assure you, my face holds no answers.” Amused, like he often is, and he’s back to—
Back to his usual pace. The first response was just a little too quick. Like he’s embarrassed.
What, does the technomage have him bugged, or something? Sure, he’d suspected that there’s some sort of recording spell in his quarters (he’s been trying not to think about that one, mostly because he’s been trying not to think about Galen seeing him naked because he’s half certain this questions project is backfiring on him) and maybe other places of importance on the Excalibur, but this complicates things. But as privacy invasive as that is, and Matthew’s getting used to that part, why would the man be embarrassed about something Gideon already considers routine?
( Presence )
The point where you start going on Not-Dates…
returning to your regular programming tomorrow
“Would you join me for dinner? I’m told Avalon is pretty good, and I’ve been wanting to try it.”
“I would be happy to join you, Matthew.”
“Was that the right question?”
“No, but it was delightful all the same.”
The next time, he’s sitting in his cabin, uniform unbuttoned and reading a book for once, when he feels he’s suddenly no longer alone. The breeze is also kind of a clear indication of who exactly has joined him. This time, though, he definitely knows the technomage hasn’t landed, so this is some type of hologram, which makes him feel oddly bold. That, and maybe the alcohol—he is off duty, after all. “What do you feel about me?”
Galen’s smile is amused but fond, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, that’s an easy one. I like you, Matthew.” He promptly disappears in a cloud of smoke that likewise is quickly blown away by the wind. That theatrical bastard. Gideon is nearly certain of what that means, because there’s no need for the technomage to be cagey and give a non-answer (or an obvious one) if all he felt is friendship, and that also putting up with all the questions is probably some bizarre courting ritual. But he’s definitely not going to call Galen back and ask him to clarify if it’s “like-like” as if he was a young schoolboy with a crush. He has some sense of dignity and pride.
( Regret )
( how will you survive? )
( Curiosity )
( Solution )
( Gambles )
( Loyalty )
( a sense of displacement )
It’s too easy to convince himself he’s just dreaming when he goes about his morning routine, making himself a cup of coffee, Galen hovering in the edge of his vision watching the whole process like he’s some kind of wildlife observer. Gideon would be annoyed by the implications he’s a wild animal, but he’s far too used to the treatment by this point. It’s what prompts him to brainstorm out loud about another question he could (but won’t) ask. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Galen shakes his head, taking the cup out of Gideon’s hands. He takes a sip and gives another thumbs-up which Matthew is beginning to suspect just might be sarcastic. Maybe. “Wrong question. Answering it would take far too long, and you don’t have the time.” He nods at the clock, and then the alarm wakes Matthew. He pauses briefly to wonder if Galen isn’t using some kind of spell to invade his dreams, again, before he realizes that, real or not, Dream-Galen was right. He doesn’t have the time to be thinking about this right now.
( Danger )
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