Cicada days test

Context: This and ‘red flags fade to white (give up)’ are the same actually. Basically the usual ‘time travel to season one’ AU with only Jon going back and Jon does. Nothing. He doesn’t do a damn thing :)

It was a bit funny, truth be told, how he did not expect this intervention.

He had maybe three interventions in as many years, was constantly being scrutinized for any perceived misstep, and his change in how he ran the archives was practically overnight. Even with his carefully laid out plan. It should not have been surprising, that the three of them all but cornered him in his office to lay out all the ways he was fucking everything up. Again.

“You’ve not been yourself,” Sasha – the real Sasha, he can hardly believe it – says amicably.

“We’re just concerned is all,” Martin says. It is a familiar phrase said in a familiar cadence.

Tim says nothing, but the look on his face is nothing but genuine compassion.

For a moment Jon contemplates thinking about everything he had put under lock and key from the moment he realized his situation. He thinks about the act of having a discussion, not any specific one, with the three of them. Then he thinks about Elias. Elias thinking him incompetent, nothing else. With those thoughts carefully examined, he draws up his walls.

“Is this supposed change affecting your jobs?” He asks, as void of emotions as possible.

They exchange what he expects are looks of displeasure. He is purposefully not looking at them.

“Not… really…” Tim says. “I mean, to be honest, it’s been less stressful… for us,” he admits, the implication that it has only been less stressful for them because it has been more stressful for Jon.

While not an untrue or true examination of the situation, it still rankles something in Jon. He purposefully ignores that reaction, even as he lets is color his next words.

“I do not see the issue then,” Jon says flatly. “If there are any issues regarding how I am professionally, please let Elias or HR know. Otherwise, I think you three should go back to whatever you were working on.” He is still not looking at them, nor whatever reactions they may have to his words. He can guess, however, that they are all some form of disgust and annoyance.

After a moment, Jon can hear them start to leave. It is only then, when they have turned their backs, that he looks at them. It is only then that he allows one single stupid choice.

“Martin, wait,” he says evenly, and they all stop to look at him. Of course. He only addresses Martin, though. “I appreciate your organizational efforts on that one section of statements. Excellent work.” He does not smile or even make eye contact and he does not receive one in return. “That is all.”

Martin, in fact, looks as though he’s fighting off a grimace of irritation. Its not the first time Jon had made that same stupid choice. To complement Martin. He’s allowed to try and make amends over all the awful things he’d said and done. Maybe this was one too many, if it was starting to grate on Martin. He resolves to stop but knows he won’t.

He never did have a good grasp of moderation.