champagne, cocaine, gasoline; and most things in between
Mateo listens with a smile that easily wants to run away with itself, and he's at risk of overflowing with all the things he wants to do and say. "She was your first time," he gushes, all but whispering the words in case he ends up screaming them instead. For a man with zero interest in romantic partnerships, Mateo is nonetheless ecstatic for his friend, even if it necessarily means he will see him less.
Their original plan was with the Everest of old, after all. This one deserves all the happiness he can get (which, so did the old one, but a sex tour was never on the cards for that version of the aviator). Happily stepping back from the other man's embrace, he doesn't so much care about going with Ever on any future trips as he does his questions, and at least he gets the answer - in the form of one word. Isla.
"I am sorry, what," he blurts, jaw dropping as if trying to decide if Ever is serious. Which, of course he would be. "I... you are what." Blinking and trying to catch up with the conversation, the botanist rushes forward to get his tin of tea and a couple of mugs (just in case Ever likes this kind).
"I mean... good for you," he says eventually. "And you... have you told her that yet? About the love thing?" The only time Mateo has sounded even remotely tentative, and it's absolutely because he doesn't want the Remedy to run for the hills if Ever is too keen.
Their original plan was with the Everest of old, after all. This one deserves all the happiness he can get (which, so did the old one, but a sex tour was never on the cards for that version of the aviator). Happily stepping back from the other man's embrace, he doesn't so much care about going with Ever on any future trips as he does his questions, and at least he gets the answer - in the form of one word. Isla.
"I am sorry, what," he blurts, jaw dropping as if trying to decide if Ever is serious. Which, of course he would be. "I... you are what." Blinking and trying to catch up with the conversation, the botanist rushes forward to get his tin of tea and a couple of mugs (just in case Ever likes this kind).
"I mean... good for you," he says eventually. "And you... have you told her that yet? About the love thing?" The only time Mateo has sounded even remotely tentative, and it's absolutely because he doesn't want the Remedy to run for the hills if Ever is too keen.
