[ scien has understood for a while that lucas is dishonest. he always had a tendency toward contradictory behavior, where his words and actions don't align. it's just that these shared feelings reveal exactly how much.

he sees that impossibly thin thread, and lets it run through his fingers. an idea crystallizes in his mind. he pursues it without fear.

for one brief moment, his hold on lucas's hand tightens just enough to keep him from being able to pull away easily. just long enough for scien to say, without any hesitation or irony: ]

I have said it already—it is not about need, it is about choice. If this is all the time we get, I would spend it next to you.

There is no version of events in which I do not choose you. If you want me, I am already yours.

[ and then his hold relaxes again, slowly, as if wondering if lucas will still try to pull away ]