Endgame: This is the Way the World Ends - MACHINE ROOM

[animusmods]

Characters: open to those staying in the machine room
Setting: machine room
Format: any
Summary: The time has come to make decisions about what will happen after everything is over.
Warnings: psychological horror (eventually)

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid turns a grateful look on Waver.]

It's all right. You and I both know us splitting up would be a disaster. You would be worrying about me, I would be worrying about you, and neither of us would be working to our fullest potential. Besides, lately we seem to be doing pretty well spring-boarding ideas off each other. Why not continue?

[He puts an arm around Waver's shoulder and leans his head against the other man's for a moment.]

Stop worrying, okay? You aren't denying me anything. This is my choice and I willingly choose to stay with you.

[fionnuisce]

Fine...as long as you're certain. It's just as likely things could still go horribly fucking wrong here, so we might need more than just your ideas before this is over.

[Waver pressed a hand to his head, exhausted.]

And if it does...look, I know this might be unlikely by now, but I want you to promise me something.

[oathshackledbird]

I'm certain and I would be lying if I didn't say that I have thought of something going wrong here too. I've filled the role of protector all my life and never was it more important than now.

[He gives Waver a confident smile before growing more serious.]

What?

[fionnuisce]

Don't argue with me and don't deny it's possible, just listen. If you survive this and I don't--tell me you'll find another Master.

I want you to keep living. Even if it's not with me, even if it's not in my world. You deserve that--to be able to live long enough to see as much of whatever world you want.

[oathshackledbird]

What if the only world I want to see is yours?

[The words come out before Diarmuid can stop himself and he signs, closing his eyes and forcing himself to calm down.]

Will you promise me the same thing? You've done it before. Can you do it again?

[fionnuisce]

...

I think that I could, if I had to. I wouldn't like it, but...no, maybe it would be easier than the last time. I wouldn't have so much left unanswered--after a while, I'd probably be fine.

I won't force you to promise anything. It's what I want, so I won't push my selfish wish on you.

[oathshackledbird]

Make up your mind, Mo Stór. Forget that it is selfish. If that is what you want me to do, just say it without any of this dodging around because you don't want me to feel like you are forcing me.

[He gives Waver a stern look.]

If things go wrong, is that what you want me to do?

[fionnuisce]

I want you to do...what would make you happy.

[That was the easiest way to say it, rather than insisting on one single thing. All that really mattered to Waver was that Diarmuid would be happy whether the magus lived or died.]

That's all I really want.

[oathshackledbird]

And all I want is for you to be happy as well.

[Diarmuid's expression softens and he leans forward to rest his forehead against Waver's.]

We both know we will be happiest together, so lets stop talking about what will happen if one of us doesn't make it and just focus on what we will do once we are all done here, okay?

[fionnuisce]

I think I'd sooner prepare for all possible outcomes, myself.

[oathshackledbird]

Even the ones that are unacceptable?

[Diarmuid shakes his head and pulls back slightly so he can bump his forehead back against Waver's.]

There are a lot more important things that need that energy on right now. Focus on those instead.

[fionnuisce]

Look, just...whatever happens, make sure you're happy with the outcome. That's all I care about. Tell me you'll do that, and I'll focus on whatever I need to.

[oathshackledbird]

I promise that I will do everything I can to make sure I am happy at the end of this. Now...promise me the same so we both can go into brainstorming with clear minds?

[fionnuisce]

I will--I promise I will.

[Just for good measure, he hugged Diarmuid tightly so no one else could hear what he said next]

No matter what happens, know that I really don't regret any of this. I'm glad that I could meet you...despite everything, this has really been the best year of my life. Don't you dare ever doubt otherwise for a second.

[oathshackledbird]

I-I won't.

[Diarmuid stutters not because he has trouble making the promise, but because he is momentarily startled by Waver so openly hugging him. Fortunately, the surprise doesn't keep him from wrapping his arms around his partner and pulling his close.]

It has been the same for me. I have never been so content--so happy--since back during my first life. You gave me joy again. You gave me purpose. You gave me everything I needed and more. No matter what happens, you will always be with me and I with you. Nothing can truly sunder what this place has brought together.

[fionnuisce]

I told you the day we met that I'd break whatever rules I had to in order for you to come back with me. Now...are you ready for me to follow through with that?

[oathshackledbird]

Do you really need to ask that, Mo Stór? For once, I don't care what rules are broken. Lets finish this and go home!