othersdie | IC Contact Post [audio/text]

[Well, he's half right, on the news front, and unpleasantness is in the eye of the beholder. Which is why Neil's a little jumpy; there are things one doesn't talk about, and from time to time things come to pass that necessitate... well, talking about them.]

If you want to say no... it's okay, but. [He takes a breath. Starts again. Manages somehow not to look at his feet.] This is in strictest confidence, all right?

[Or not. Not talking about things can be excellent. Really.]

Of course.

[Not talking about things is, in general, infinitely preferable. But there comes a time, Justin. There comes a time.]

For Christmas-- I had this idea, for Todd, and I was talking to Rosella about it and.

[Here his composure fails a bit. Neil grins with simple, embarrassed brilliance, coloring noticeably. It's a pleasant kind of embarrassment, as much as any embarrassment can be. Out loud it all sounds ridiculous, like little kids playing house.]

On Christmas morning-- if you're not busy, if you want to come-- I'm asking Todd to marry me. Not in a church or anything-- nothing big, [or legal, but what is legal here?] it'll be me and Todd and Rosella, is all. And I'd like you to come, too.

[No. No, there never comes a time.

And Justin listens very seriously, repeating Neil's words once or twice to make sure he hadn't misheard. Not that he's opposed to same-sex marriage (totally not a thing in California circa 2004), but... wedding.]

That's... I'd never be too busy for that. Thank you.

[Here, have an almost-smile. Justin's happy for Neil! Really!]

[If you'd told Neil that he'd be doing this... Well, ever, really, up until the moment it occurred to him, he'd have laughed it off. But honestly they might as well be married, in all the ways that matter; the idea of making it official, in some unofficial way, is not necessary, but it's nice. He thinks. He hopes.]

Good. Great, [he amends, a laugh and a grin spilling into the words because well this is a joyous moment, if an awkward one.] Now I just have to hope he'll have me.

[Because even Neil, king of the unwisely dramatic romantic gesture, realizes that a surprise wedding might be a bit much to handle.]

Rosella's going to meet us by the cave on Christmas morning, maybe you can wait with her? So we don't tip Todd off. She's going to do it. You can be our witness, and our best man.

[Marriage in the City, to Justin, is generally a foolish idea; why become bound to someone who will leave? It makes sense with Neil and Todd, though. They're a set. He can't imagine one without the other, or the City without them.

And Neil wants him to involved in something so small and meaningful. That's worth something.]

Sure, I can meet her there. [He moves over to pat Neil's shoulder in what is meant to be a reassuring gesture.] He'll say yes.

[It feels ridiculous to him, still. But in the best of ways. And now, a little relieved that Justin is willing to be part of this, no matter how strange and sudden, he can't stop his smiling. He'd planned, originally, for none of this-- just the rings, and nothing more-- but as awkward as it is (will they have to kiss in front of other people? That might be a problem), it feels right, including their two closest friends.]

Perfect. [It really will be, he's sure of it now.] Thank you, Justin. Really.

[Strange and sudden? Sounds like another day in the City, and Neil and Todd are practically married as it is. And Neil looks... happy. Beyond happy, even, and it's good to see him with a wholly authentic smile on his face. Hopefully, Todd's reaction will be much the same (but more subdued).]

Mmhm. If I can help...

[Neil's fairly sure it will work out in the end. Chances are Todd will be mortified for a moment or three-- or a bit more-- but certainly the romance of the gesture, the perfect loveliness of the occasion, will win him back over. As always, he has high hopes; he can visualize it, grandiose and lovely. As long as nothing goes awry.]

All I really need is... Well, just don't let on that anything's happening. I think the rest is taken care of.

[What can possibly go awry?

Oh, right. Everything.]

I won't say a word.

[Nothing can go wrong. You'd think Neil might learn, but so far, he remains convinced.]

You're the best.

[Bless you, Neil. Never become bitter and cynical.]

Third best, maybe.

[He has his dark moments. Blessedly few, these days. Still grinning, he claps Justin on the shoulder and stands.]

Absolutely the best.

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