(Untitled)

[having_lost]

"Matt!"

He sits bolt upright in bed. It's four, five in the morning. But it's important.

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[final_letter]

Matt sleeps better in their house than... anywhere ever, really, but he can still snap awake at a moment's notice. He feels around for Near in the dark, hand finding his knee.

"What, what's wrong?"

[having_lost]

"Nate River."

[final_letter]

"...what?"

If his last name sounded more like a name, or if Matt could remember that they've talked about this, he'd get it.

[having_lost]

"And I think it's my birthday tomorrow."

He yawns, and lies back down.

"Go back to sleep."

[final_letter]

"I'm awake."

Mostly, still fighting down the adrenaline surge, but he settles one arm around Near.

"Happy birthday?"

[having_lost]

"I'm twenty eight."

That's old.

[final_letter]

"I'll get you a really nice walker." He yawns out most of the last words.

"What'd you say, when I first woke up?"

[having_lost]

"Nate River."

[final_letter]

"Is that- Near. That's your name."

He's definitely awake now.

[having_lost]

"I said I'd tell you. I did."

He closes his eyes, though his heart is pounding far too hard for him to fall back to sleep.

[final_letter]

Matt's heart is pounding too, because it's time, probably past time. It's still a moment before he trusts his voice not to shake. "Mail Jeevas."

[having_lost]

"-you know you didn't have to."

He whispers immediately, reaching out for him in the dark.

"But thank you."

[final_letter]

"I know. I wanted to."

He moves closer, and aims a kiss in the vicinity of Near's mouth, and as it happens manages to hit the corner.

[having_lost]

He pulls Matt close, tucking him protectively against his chest.

[final_letter]

"It really couldn't wait, huh?" Not that he minds being awake at the moment.

[having_lost]

"It didn't occur to me."

He yawns- honestly, now.

"I'm sorry."