The Weekend Arrangement

It's What Brings Us Together Today

Martin checks his tie, unties it and attempts to re-tie it; again . Bow ties are terribly difficult for him to get right and of all the things he's worried about, his tie falling apart should be the lowest on the list; but it happens to be the worry occupying him right now. Martin can't even bring himself to consider the problem of his hair; this day of all days and his hair still will not cooperate in any form or fashion.

He hears a soft knock at the door, and yanks his waistcoat down for what must be the hundredth time this hour. The tux fits well but the waistcoat keeps wanting to ride up, ruining the whole effect. The hair, the tie, the naked finger, the uncooperative waistcoat; and Martin feels completely unprepared for today.

When Sasha comes in smiling, Martin takes a deep, calming breath and tries to relax some.

"Oh, wow- Martin!" He blushes when she wolf whistles at him from the doorway. "You look fantastic! Is that a tuxedo?"

"Yes- obviously; it IS an important day. A tuxedo is only appropriate. I do wish the waistcoat would stay down, though."

"Come here, let's see. Oh, you just needed to adjust the cinch; easy!" Martin feels her fiddling with the clasp at the back of the waistcoat, and when she tugs it back down it miraculously stays put. "There you are, now you're looking downright striking. And the jacket- you HAVE tried that on, yes?"

"Yes, of course." Martin rolls his eyes fondly; as if he wouldn't have tried on his jacket before now . He won't ever admit it out loud, but he was rather chuffed at how well it fit, and how it made him feel incredibly urbane. He had found himself trying it on in front of mirrors at every possible opportunity.

"And I heard you practising last night- got all your lines down?"

Martin makes a slightly stricken face. "I- I memorised it, but Sasha, what if I forget?"

"Honestly? I don't think that's going to happen. If it does, you just grab Jon and run out of there and Tim and I will provide cover. I'll pull the fire alarm or something."

"He's the best thing that's ever happened to me- what if I screw this up? Right there in front of everybody, just blank out on the most important thing I'll ever say?"

"Take a breath, Martin. You know I love Jon- but the man is absolutely useless at taking care of himself. Now, though! He's eating and sleeping and interacting with people almost like he's normal- I'd say you were a pretty amazing thing to happen to him. Okay? Take another breath for me and let's have a final look at you." Sasha grins at him, and Martin takes another deep breath to steady himself as she appraises him thoroughly, brushing off a piece of lint that had settled on his shoulder, and attempting to fix some of his curls that had gone astray. "Looking pretty good. Now let's talk about your tie."

Martin collapses a bit. "I just knew I had this thing knotted wrong."

"No, no, the knot looks fine- it's just, I brought you some things for today." Sasha smiles even wider, and pulls a small box out of her bag, pressing it into Martin's hands.

"What is this? Oh- Sasha, just you being here is enough."

"Martin, come on, of course I got you something."

Martin's fingers tremble so hard that he can't quite manage the ribbon.

"Oh my god- are you shaking? Give it here." He hands it back and Sasha unboxes an old coin, worn almost smooth and a sky blue bow tie.

"I, I... what?" Martin stands there confused.

"Look. my dad collects coins- this is a sixpence from 1841. That's your something old, and something borrowed. I spent three days sorting through his collection to find one from the same year the Institute opened. It just seemed fitting for you two. And well, a brand new, blue tie, that should be pretty self explanatory."