Project Hail Mary x Iron lung fluff
Simon was enjoying the peace and quiet of the living room, sat comfotably sprawled across Graces couch reading one of the many biology textbooks the blond had. Grace always commented about Simon reading mostly non-fiction instead of 'enjoying himself' and reading one of his fantasy books- Simon was still recovering from Where The Red Fern Grows, he couldn't do more fantasy at the moment.
Speaking of the hyperactive man, he had been working in his lab, but was now racing into the room yelling about some discovery, shattering Simons quiet. He didn't mind really, he just took joy from teasing Grace about being so excitable. Simon didn't look up from the page "Ryland, I can't understand you when you are talking that fast, take a breath and start again" Grace spluttered indignantly for half a second before relenting, realising Simon wouldn't give him the attention he wanted till he did as he was told.
Grace plonked himself down by Simon, taking a deep breath before speaking "I was reading back through your file from the C.O.I and the reports, I noticed something weird, not once did any of them use your last name! And then I got thinking and I realised... I never asked you your name... like properly" his face was dusted pink when Simon glanced up at him "thats what you were freaking out about? My last name?" Before Simon could continue Grace cut in "yeah! It's important Si... I-I want to know y-your name..." Grace wasn't sure why the way Simon was looking at him made him nervous but he persevered.
Grace straightened up and stuck his hand out "lets introduce ourselves properly! Hi my name is Dr Ryland Grace, what is your name?" Simon didn't move, just staring blankly at Grace wondering if he was being serious. When the blond didn't cave, he sighed and put his book down sitting up properly and shaking Graces hand "hi... My name is Simon of Eden, it's nice to meet you" Grace frowned. This was not what he had wanted, why wasn't Simon telling him? Was it an embarrassing name? Grace whined "Siii.... no you are ment to tell me your whole name..." Simon just blinked at him "Ryland... I don't have a last name, I thought you would be smart enough to gather that..." Grace pouted at the insult, mumbling a 'bully' under his breath "how can you NOT have a last name?.." Simon simply shrugged "not important when theres hardly anyone left".
They sat in silence for a moment while Grace sulked mauling over the depressing reason, before suddenly erupting in excited flailing, making Simon raise an eyebrow at him. Grace clapped his hands together once, as if Simons attention wasn't entirely on him already "you not having a last name simply wont do! So how about we come up with one together? You can pick anything you like" he smiled lovingly at Simon, gaining a small smile back. Grace could be a lot sometimes but he loved Simon dearly and thats all that mattered to him, Simon put some genuine thought into it for a few minutes, Grace doing the same.
Simon was the first to speak up "I- um.... I would like something to do with maybe plants or nature... maybe something like Forrest?" Grace hummed "Simon Forrest... what about Simon Flower? Sounds nice" Simon sat back thinking. He had never thought it was odd to not have a last name, no one really did, it was your first name and what station you came from, didn't need more then that, but now as Grace offered ideas, adding lovely sounding words to his name Simon found himself wanting one, wanting to hear Graces say it, over and over.
Grace snapped his fingers "oh! Its so obvious, I cant believe I didnt think of it" with that he pushed himself off the couch and on to the floor in front of Simon, kneeling so they were eye level "what about" he paused to take a breath "Simon Grace?" Simons face heated up at the offer of something so very special "b-but th-thats your name.... if we, but that would mean-" Grace pressed a kiss to Simons lips to stop the stammering "It would mean we would share a last name, would you like that? Or would you prefer I propose to you properly?" Grace had a coy little smile as he watched Simons face turn dark red right up to the tips of his ears. What Grace hadn't predicted was for Simon to start crying, a sob broke free as the floodgates opened, making Grace panic "I-I'm so sorry! Y-you don't- we don't have to i-if you don't-" Simon silenced him with a teary kiss before speaking softly against Graces skin "I want nothing more then to be yours, I just never thought someone would want me like that" now it was Graces turn to start bawling. Soon enough they were both sobbing and exchanging 'I love you's long into the evening, their love for each other ever growing, an unbreakable, unapologetic love that spans eternity—surviving even death itself and until their souls reunite.
Just a cute little short thing.
Apologies if the writing is trash XD I had this swimming in my head while on the train to an optometry appointment and had to get it out😂
