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 Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:35 pm
Elliot rested his hand over Atticus’, lacing fingers with him. Before he could chime in, Cary had sat up straighter and relaxed his shoulders with such ease that it almost even looked natural.
“I didn’t think you would,” Cary reassured, quick again to offer a smile. “Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.”
He held Atticus’ gaze now, not because of any great need for connection but because he realized he’d let himself slip up and it seemed like the fastest way to reclaim some credence.
“You’re more than welcome to come visit. There are a lot of shops nearby so it’s really easy to make a day trip to the area. There’s even an art gallery a few blocks away,” he suggested, only because it wasn’t the first time he recalled that Atticus liked art.
There were also probably better pretzels down that way too but he didn’t mention that.
“But if you do stop by, I hope you’ll try skating. I can’t really myself, but it seems like a lot of fun. You two would probably have a good time.” But then, they were having a good time on a bench so obviously they didn’t need to have an excuse to hang all over each other. He’d seen plenty of couples use it as an excuse to bump into each other or stay close.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:35 pm
Atticus felt the shift in Cary almost immediately. The way his posture relaxed, the way he offered a smile. It wasn’t guarded, but it looked tired. Maybe it might not have looked like much to anyone else, but to Atticus, it felt like a little flower trying to break through a crack in the pavement. It was quiet and brave, and maybe Atticus was looking into it a little more than he should, but he felt a little relieved.
He returned the smile. It was small and not too much, not wanting to scare Cary away now that he seemed to be easing up a little.
“It didn’t come out wrong,” he said gently. “But thank you.” Their eyes met and Atticus didn’t look away, wanting more than anything for Cary to know that he was listening and paying attention. That he didn’t have to hide every part of himself.
The mention of the gallery made him perk up a little, and his eyes widened just slightly in visible surprise. Not because he didn’t think Cary noticed things, but because it was such a thoughtful and kind suggestion.
“Oh… I’d really like that,” he said, his voice warm with a hint of excitement. “I didn’t know there was one so close. We could make a whole afternoon of it.”
He shifted a little closer to Elliot. Not for attention, just to be near. He gave Elliot’s hand a little squeeze, their fingers still laced together.
“I usually like skating. It was fun the last time we went. And I won’t fall because Elliot is good with holding my hand,” he said with a small grin up at his boyfriend, looking at him with love and adoration.
“Thank you for telling us about it. I’m really glad we talked tonight,” he glanced back at Cary with a smile. He meant it, too. Maybe next time, they could talk a little longer.
Fin!
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