AN: Sorry for the wait but hopefully this chapter will make up for it. Only three more chapters to go before the split ending!

"You know, they have museums for a reason," sighed Alastair with a shake of his head. "And the internet. You can't forget that."

"Oh will you stop being such a party pooper," James muttered fondly. He laughed and nudged the other. "Besides, you can't really experience something until you're physically there. And don't even try to counter with virtual reality because that is nothing like it!"

"I've had enough experiences to last a life time and I really don't fancy the idea of adding a volcano to that list."

James rolled his eye. "Just be happy I didn't force you down to Hawaii. I know how you hate the heat."

"Of course you do. So it would only make sense to go to a volcano."

"Hey, we spent time in the National Museum of Iceland and we even went to Perlan. Now it's my turn and we are going to go hiking."

"Hiking is fine. Volcano is just asking for trouble."

"My god Alastair it's not like it's going to erupt while we're there! Stop being so bitter."

"Me? Bitter? Maybe so but it's honestly not about the idea about it 'erupting'. Which is stupid to begin with. The chances are practically zero."

"Ha, of course you would look up the statistics," replied James with a grin. "But if it's not that, please enlighten me. Why are you so bitter?"

"Because I know this whole thing is because of that god damn movie."

"Oh don't be silly it's not—"

"James, you forced me to Kings Crossing just so you could be at the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ and you were more excited about that blasted bridge in Paris simply because it was in the Inception movie!"

"Hey, that scene was amazing and there is no denying it!"

"The Eiffel tower was right behind you!"

"Eiffel smiffel. I still don't know what you're talking about. I mean, what movie is even set in Iceland?"

"Journey to the Center of the Earth."

James groaned. "Okay, so maybe it's a little because of that—"

"See! I knew it!" cried out Alastair. "I knew it! I knew it!"

"Alright alright, stop gloating about it," grumbled James.

"Oh believe me, I will because now it's time to shame. That movie was crap!"

"Urgh! Will you stop it with that? Instead of simply copying a book and risking the chance of butchering it, they used the original book like a map! I mean, how cool and inventive was that?"

"It was nothing like the book."

"It wasn't meant to be!"

"There was to much comedy and silliness throughout the entire thing. And I don't care how obsessed that man was, you get out of the way when you're on top of a tall mountain with a long metal rod while it's lightening!"

"It was his life's work! Can you blame?" James cried out.

"Of course I can! It's Brendan Fraser!"

James scoffed. "How dare you. That man is a wonderful actor. Besides, the movie was targeted for kids. What did you expect?"

"At least something that made logical sense! Besides, he's a crap actor and he does crap movies."

"Hey! You laughed at the Mummy."

"Only because of John Hannah. The rest of it was an utter bore."

"Says the man who watched Waterworld in one sitting."

"Excuse you but that was a cinematic masterpiece. And if it was to long for you, how the hell did you get done with War and Peace in a day?"

"It was a good book!" cried James.

"It was worst than some of Earnest Hemingway's dribble! I don't understand how you got through it."

"Don't you dare compare it to Hemingway!"

Alastair sighed. "I suppose you're right. Nobody is worst than Hemingway."

"Now that I can agree on!" cried out James, laughter ringing in his voice. "Besides, no matter what my reasons, I'm simply happy you're here with me. And anyways, no matter where we went I'm sure I could have found some landmark or scene from a movie that I'd want to go to."

"I'm sure you could," Alastair replied.

Moving from movies, they concentrated on their argument over what books were good and what was utter crap. When that started to go dry, they moved to food and when they still had ten minutes before they reached their destination, James started doing silly impressions of their colleagues that had Alastair doubling over (particularly the Arthur one).

To any outsider, the way their voices seemed to heat up so quickly and how vocally they got with each other would appear that they had a very dysfunctional relationship. However, there words were never truly meant to be harsh and the other always knew this. They also knew how far they could take things, getting enjoyment over the situation instead of stirring up anger.

Thus their arguments weren't truly that, but more so jokes and acts of teasing the other. It was surprisingly intimate when this was realized, particularly considering the rocky road that had occurred before they had made it to that particular place in time and space.

For Alastair, he doubted he could ever be so comfortable with anyone like he was with James.

For James, he didn't want to be more comfortable with anyone other than Alastair.

The two eventually made it to their starting point and they gathered up their supplies. It was early, the sun only just now rising, and if they stayed on track, they'd make it back by sunset. The weather was pleasant and mostly clear for the moment as they headed off over Iceland's environment.

Hiking was not something that Alastair would immediately choose. It simply wasn't his thing. But he enjoyed walking side by side with James. The delight look in his face when he recognized a type of flower or some obscure plant always had him dancing with excitement.

Judging from the position of the sun, they stopped a little after noon to eat what they had packed. They would come across one of the waterfalls of Iceland soon if they were on the right path.

"So, you really are enjoying this?"

Alastair gave James a small smile in response. "Of course. No need to worry. I only fuss at you to keep things interesting."

"Because our lives aren't interesting enough as is," laughed James.

"Exactly."

"So, now that we're actually out here, would you say that it's better than looking it up on the internet?"

"I don't know. Some of those pictures are pretty high quality."

"Alastair."

"I'm joking James. Of course it's wonderful. Though honestly I wouldn't be enjoying it as much if you weren't as enthusiastic about it."

"Wait, so what you're saying is that I need to be more hyped up about this?"

"What? No—"

"Oh how the grass glistens like glittery gems! Oh the sky's soft silky blanket as the wind whistles behind—"

"Will you stop it you ass!" laughed Alastair. "And since when did 'hype' become code for alliteration?"

"Who knows? It was the first thing that came to mind," James responded as he relaxed and leaned against Alastair. "You know, we could make a bet. See who can make the most alliterations within a set amount of time or space. Or maybe rhyming!"

"Hmm, seeing that waterfall about…right this second is sounding more and more like a great idea."

"Ha! Then my plan succeeded!"

Alastair gave him a curious look.

"I annoyed you enough that you're now looking forward to seeing the rest of this hike," James replied with a smirk.

"How could I not see it before? Your logic is flawless," responded Alastair with a chuckle. "But I wouldn't mind staying here a few moments longer. As long as you don't attempt to use a literary device over and over."

James leaned in and gave him a kiss. "Sounds like a deal to me."