Instead of Sasha. He'd wondered at the promotion, even back then. Had half-believed it was for a job well done in Research. For being more dedicated than the rest. Once he'd seen the state of the Archives, he'd genuinely believed he was the only person with a thorough enough investment in organization to handle the state of the place. He'd thought Elias was showing faith in him.
Now? Now he doesn't know. Especially after July, and seeing Ultimate Archivist printed neatly on Sasha's Fluid, identical to his own. After their fight.
He's wondered more than once, in July, how she would have done in his place. Would she have this many scars to show for it? This many losses?
Didn't step up makes him properly flinch, mouth and shoulders drawn tight. He is too busy aching at the thought of Martin in that office— flat-eyed and distant, with a cold little laugh— to put up an argument.
It's only when Tim returns with a new drink that he's rallied the explanation, flat and level as he can manage: "Once Elias was gone, the Institute went to Peter Lukas. An avatar of the Lonely. He made Martin his assistant."
no subject
Now? Now he doesn't know. Especially after July, and seeing Ultimate Archivist printed neatly on Sasha's Fluid, identical to his own. After their fight.
He's wondered more than once, in July, how she would have done in his place. Would she have this many scars to show for it? This many losses?
Didn't step up makes him properly flinch, mouth and shoulders drawn tight. He is too busy aching at the thought of Martin in that office— flat-eyed and distant, with a cold little laugh— to put up an argument.
It's only when Tim returns with a new drink that he's rallied the explanation, flat and level as he can manage: "Once Elias was gone, the Institute went to Peter Lukas. An avatar of the Lonely. He made Martin his assistant."