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 Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 3:18 pm
While Oliver and Asher were very excited to see Atticus, they at least managed to text Michael before they were coming over. They’d driven. Safely. Somehow, Oliver was still out of breath by the time he wound up on the front door. Asher had a hand resting on his back and seemed much more composed.
They looked a mixture of excited, and hopeful, and worried.
They texted when they were in the parking lot, and didn’t even bother to knock; they knew Michael’s security system would keep him informed of their presence. Oliver texted that they were at the door, anyway. He’d almost knocked. Wanted to knock. Didn’t want to spook Atticus, though.
Elliot was sitting on the couch next to Atticus; they were still talking eagerly–about things they could do over the summer, about spending the night, about the future. Devyn and Michael had given them some space, busying themselves with pretending to clean the kitchen–although, Devyn was already making more snacks.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 4:18 pm
“Are your shoes at least on the right feet?” Michael couldn’t help but ask when he opened the door to let Oliver and Asher in. They weren’t in direct view of where Elliot and Atticus were sitting, so it gave them a little bit of time to talk. He was grateful that they knew him well enough not to ring the bell or knock, and he hoped he was fast enough for their understandable impatience.
“They’re both okay,” he reassured them, because of course they would be worried about Elliot, although Michael had made sure to text them that Elliot was there safely already. “But Atticus looks different than what you’re used to seeing, so just keep that in mind. We used some state of the art technology to help disguise him. It’s the best way we can protect him.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 4:58 pm
Asher’s lip twitched into something of a smile, like he suspected that Elliot must have run off so quickly he hadn’t even gotten properly dressed. Oliver looked down at his shoes to make sure before he shook his head and brought his attention back to Michael.
“That sounds fancy,” Oliver said quickly; he seemed a little jittery, but Asher just rubbed his back again. He still seemed to be the more relaxed of the two and said, “We were worried. But, we figured they’d be fine if they were both over here. Elliot was excited, I don’t think we would have even known he was gone if the front door didn’t slam.”
Oliver flashed a quick smile and fixed his hair again, though it wasn’t any messier than usual. “And this is all legal?” he asked in a hasty, hushed voice. “I mean, it just seems so complicated–I know with his father involved, I mean–I was sure there would be loopholes and extra hardships and more hoops to jump through and all, but I can’t believe they’re taking this so seriously. I had absolutely no faith, I thought they’d just find some way to brush this under the rug. State of the art technology–I really hope you’re not teasing me. I don’t want to walk in there and see a funny nose and some fake glasses, is it a convincing disguise, really? It’s going to keep him safe?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:00 pm
Michael made sure the door was closed behind Oliver and Asher as they entered the house, and then glanced to the living room where he knew Elliot and Atticus were.
“You’ve known me for… how long now? Nearly eleven years?” Michael hummed thoughtfully as he listened for the boys a little longer before turning back to the Reids. His expression was almost pleading, knowing that this was a lot for anyone to take in, especially people he was pretty sure knew nothing about the mysteries of Destiny City.
“Please. Asher. Oliver. I need you to trust me with this,” he said, and then drew in a deep breath, before letting it out slowly to settle himself. “The last time you saw Chad Richardson was the last time you’ll ever see him. You know nothing about where he went, or what happened to him if anyone asks. He doesn’t exist any more, but I suspect the man who called himself his father will still be looking for him. But not for Chad’s safety, but for whatever he’d gain by making sure Chad was completely out of the picture. From what I understand -- from what Atticus has told us and we’ve witnessed ourselves -- his father was trying to have him killed. Atticus DeLunne moved with his dad, Devyn DeLunne, to Destiny City earlier this year. He was homeschooled through the rest of middle school, since it would be too stressful to have him start school at the end of the year. He’ll be going to Azure in the fall.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:15 pm
There was a brief moment where neither said anything. Michael might tease, might joke, but not like this. Not about this.
The two of them shared a stillness; Asher was more unreadable but Oliver’s brows knit closer together the more Michael spoke. And then, he looked mad. Then hurt, then mad, then confused.
They trusted Michael. Trusted that he was telling the truth. Trusted that he was doing the right thing, but…
Oliver leaned forward and whispered, “Michael.” A pause, and another range of emotions crossed his face before he just looked up at him, as straight faced as his worry would allow. “Is this legal or have you two done something?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:21 pm
Michael frowned, and although there was frustration in his expression, it wasn’t directed at either Oliver or Asher. There were a lot of things he could say. Things that might have been more acceptable to them to hear, or maybe they would believe him even less. He was angry at the situation as well. And yet, he was convinced that this was their best option if they wanted to protect Atticus.
“Certainly nothing as illegal as attempted murder,” he grunted, arms crossed defensively over his chest. He gripped at the orb around his neck, the steady pulse enough to keep him from getting too overwhelmed by his own thoughts.
“We’ve only done what was necessary to make sure Atticus is safe. The less you know, the better.”
He didn’t blame them if they didn’t trust him, but the sudden fear that they’d decide he couldn’t be trusted with Elliot seemed to seize his heart, and he gripped the orb tighter. If they decided that he and Devyn were free to do whatever they wanted, but didn’t want Elliot to be around him any more… Michael wasn’t sure what he would do. He’d known the kid since before he started kindergarten.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:44 pm
There was a brief second where Oliver looked nervous, and even if he knew Michael wasn’t mad at him–probably–well, no, now he was worried that he’d upset him because he did seem angry, and now he was talking about telling them less, and–
Asher rubbed at his back again but Oliver didn’t seem to relax. He looked like he was on high alert and looked away briefly, towards the living room and the boys, and when he looked back at Michael it was with fading certainty. Not at Michael! He trusted Michael! He was just worried. He was just worked up. He didn’t understand. Michael looked annoyed, and it was very important that Michael not dislike Oliver so he fell quiet and pursed his lips together.
Asher understood that Michael’s frustration wasn’t directed at either of them, but he also knew how easy it was for Oliver to get worked up with worry, too. “It’s okay,” he said, voice quiet so he didn’t have to worry about it carrying to the boys. “Sounded too good to be true, otherwise. I don’t know if I agree with the less we know the better, though, so you’ll have to fill us in at least a little bit more. Doesn’t have to be right now, but you know El’s smart. He’s going to ask questions. But he’ll be distracted by Atticus for a little while so that buys us some time. If anyone comes snooping around, we should probably know a little more about Devyn and Atticus, so I figure we’ll have to have some get-togethers to work that out. Dinner, or something. We still have to have Atticus’ birthday party. You can’t get in trouble for any of this, Michael, right? That’s all we’re worried about.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 6:04 pm
Oliver’s nervousness immediately made Michael feel guilty, but he didn’t know how to make things better, or explain himself, or express his own concerns that were suddenly weighing heavily on him.
He glanced off to the side so he didn’t have to meet Oliver’s eye. He knew Oliver worried, but maybe that was why Michael didn’t want to tell him everything. How was he supposed to explain things without telling them about the Negaverse and potentially getting them in more danger?
“No, we won’t get into trouble,” he said quietly. “Others have helped get things set up for Atticus. I can’t tell you who. Plausible deniability and all. But… he’ll be safe with us. And I think he’ll be happy. Happier than whatever he had to live through already.”
Michael sighed softly, but still didn’t look up.
“I don’t want either of you or Elliot getting hurt.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 6:44 pm
Oliver nodded again, and though he crossed his arms over his chest it seemed maybe a bit more out of habit than anything else. It wasn’t quite defensive, but he leaned a little closer to Asher and tucked his chin to his shoulder as he looked off to the side. He pressed his lips together and found a nice spot on the wall to look at while he let everything settle.
“We know,” Asher said, in a soft voice. He didn’t seem to have any doubts whatsoever and continued to rub Oliver’s back in slow, predictable motions. “You’ve always looked after us. And you have been for as long as we’ve known you. We do our best to stay out of trouble, and we’ve done everything we could to make sure Elliot does, too. He’s a good kid.” Michael knew that, he didn’t have to try and convince him.
He knew Michael cared about him.
And, that probably meant that he’d already done everything in his power to make sure Elliot couldn’t get hurt from any of this.
If there were others involved, they were probably good. Michael had money, he probably had good lawyers, too. Just in case.
“And so is Atticus. Of course he’ll be happy with you, you’re wonderful. I have no doubt that he’ll be safe with you two. Are you okay? Is there anything we can do to help?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 8:44 pm
“Hmm?” Michael looked up then. He’d been distracted by how people seemed to have more confidence in him than he had in himself. Devyn thought he would be a good dad. Asher said he was wonderful.
Michael wasn’t so sure, but he appreciated their kind words.
“Yeah, I’m okay,” he said and nodded to them. “Before you see Atticus, he and Elliot thought it would be a good idea to close your eyes first. Would you mind?”
He didn’t want to burden them with what they could do to help. Whether or not he was okay didn’t matter. As long as Elliot and Atticus were okay. And as long as Oliver and Asher were. And Devyn. And his family and few he called his friends.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:50 pm
“I don’t like to be surprised,” Oliver said apologetically, drawing his attention back to Michael. He trusted him, and even if he was still visibly a bit worried, he seemed like he was prepared to be obliging. “Please just don’t let Elliot jump out or anything. I’m already all, you know.” He uncrossed his arms and shook his hands out a little, and then scrubbed at his cheeks. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I’m sorry.”
Asher rubbed his back and said, “We can close our eyes, that’s not a problem. Will you have them come over here so we don’t trip anything? We’ll stay put and close our eyes, that’s no trouble.”
“That’s no trouble, I can do that,” Oliver promised, and after scrubbing at his eyes once more he sucked in a breath, held it, and slowly released it before he leaned against Asher and closed his eyes.
Asher kissed his temple, maybe instinctively, or maybe just because he was comfortable enough around Michael not to feel like he had to hide anything from him. He nodded, and as he stood next to Oliver he seemed to relax. His husband had already closed his eyes, so Asher gave Michael his best, most encouraging smile. “We’ll have to catch up a little more after this. Just so we’re on the same page. But I think we’ll both feel better if we just get to give him a quick squeeze at least. We’ll wait here, I’ll close my eyes, too. Thank you, Michael.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:57 pm
Michael appreciated the encouraging smile. He appreciated their willingness to oblige his request. It hadn’t been his idea, but the boys had a point that it would be easier to convince them that Atticus really was who he said he was with a hug.
He nodded to Asher gratefully and finally released the orb he’d been clutching to so he could head out into the living room.
“Your parents are here, El. They have their eyes closed for Atticus. No scaring your dad,” he warned Elliot, but it was gentle. Already he could see that Atticus was getting emotional, so he made sure to take a step back and clear a space for him to get by. Atticus had been sitting comfortably on the couch with Elliot. At some point he’d taken hold of his hand as he leaned against him and just held it. There was comfort in his closeness to Elliot that he didn’t want to give up. Just being around him calmed him down.
He’d been so focused on everything he and Elliot were talking about -- the coming school year, what Elliot usually did during the summer, the different art supplies Atticus wanted the most -- that he hadn’t realized anyone else arrived.
Despite being injured, he was quick to get up onto his feet, but he didn’t let Elliot’s hand go. Not until he’d shuffled his way out to the foyer, and only so he could wrap his arms around both Asher and Oliver and-- okay he hadn’t meant to start crying, but he’d really missed them.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 11:01 pm
Devyn had heard the voices from the kitchen. He’d been doing his best to stay out of the way, to give them some time to talk. He didn’t need to be everywhere with Michael. And yet, as soon as he heard Atticus’ sniffling little cries he figured it wouldn’t hurt to just make sure everyone was okay.
Elliot had gone with Atticus to see his parents, and though he’d held his hand the whole way there, he’d let go only when Atticus initiated it and went to go hug his parents. He was waiting, nearby–only a few feet from Atticus–but it already looked like he wanted to hurry over and join in.
It was a good excuse to go check on Michael, because he had the distinct sensation that there was a change in the air pressure in the house and he suspected it was the weight of all Michael’s worrying.
He’d just finished making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and even if it wasn’t much, he offered one half to Michael as he came to stand next to him. He didn’t have to say anything, but the expression on his face was clearly asking if he was okay.
Again, Elliot glanced over at Michael, but Devyn was there again, so he didn’t go over to fuss over him. Yet. Even if there was a part of him that kept sneaking glances when he wasn’t keeping an eye on Atticus.
Not that there was much to see; between Oliver and Asher, they’d both enveloped him nearly completely in his arms.
Oliver looked like he might cry, but his eyes were closed so it held back whatever emotions he might be trying to keep down. “Atticus!” he greeted, smoothing down his hair. “Such a good name for you, I love it. Did you finish reading the book, yet? –Are you doing okay?”
Asher didn’t ask, but his hand was steady and reassuring, and just as he’d rubbed Oliver’s back, he rubbed Atticus’, too. He knew he’d been hurt, so he was gentle, but after as long as it had been and with how things had gone, he couldn’t help but want to squeeze a little extra comfort into it.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:38 am
Michael glanced up when Devyn offered him half of his sandwich. At first he wasn’t going to accept it, but eventually took it after a few moments of hesitation and mumbled his thanks.
He’d caught Devyn’s look and responded with a tense smile. Even if he wasn’t okay, there was nothing that anyone could do at the moment. There were too many things to consider. All of the risks, all of the benefits. All of the consequences of knowing things that are probably better kept secret.
Still, he took comfort in Devyn’s closeness. Even as he focused more on carefully chewing each bite of his sandwich than the emotional exchange between his friends and Atticus. “I missed you both so much,” he cried, holding onto them tightly, although he might have taken the opportunity to press his face against Oliver’s chest since Asher seemed to be doing a good job of hugging them.
“I did finish it. I brought it back!” he blubbered. He was nervous. He knew he looked different. Did he sound different, too? Would they believe him?
“I’m okay. I’m sorry I worried you,” he sniffled, but then turned to see where Elliot went, already missing him but -- was that too clingy? Still, he gave him an anxious look, and wasn’t going to argue if Elliot wanted to join them.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:56 am
The weight in the air definitely came from Michael’s worrying, and maybe Devyn understood that there wasn’t anything to do right now, he was sure it was only a matter of time. He suspected this all stemmed from Atticus and the Reids in the hallway; Elliot had taken this disguise well but he seemed ready to believe anything if it meant his friend was safe. His parents were older, probably a little less gullible.
Of course Michael would worry. He had every reason to.
So, Devyn didn’t.
He wasn’t going to add to that, wasn’t going to let the necklace pick up on anything and let it carry over and built off of Michael’s stress.
He eavesdropped, sure. And ate his sandwich. And stood next to Michael in case he did need anything.
Elliot smiled and waved from just behind Atticus, and he knew what the look meant, so he hurried over so he could hug Atticus from behind.
“It’s not your fault we worried,” Oliver said, smoothing Atticus’ hair. His eyes were visibly squeezed shut, probably because he needed to force himself not to open them. “We missed you, too! We’re so proud of you. I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that, but you’re safe now. And if you ever need anything, you know we’re all here for you. It’s okay.”
When Oliver’s voice warbled just a bit, Asher picked up on it and drew them all a little closer. “Atticus,” he said gently, “We’re just happy you’re here. You mean a lot to us. Do you still want us to keep our eyes closed?”
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