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 Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 2:20 pm
Atticus sat down on the edge of his bed. His bed with bedding that had been picked out by Elliot and Michael. And a closet of new clothes just for him. And stuffed animals to make him feel less lonely. And a nightlight to chase away the shadows.
He was happy. He felt safe. And he couldn’t stop smiling, especially as he watched as Elliot went through the things he’d brought over with him so they could finish getting ready for bed. The bed itself was small compared to Michael’s, but big enough that he and Elliot didn’t worry about needing another place for one of them to sleep.
“I’m really happy that your parents believe me,” he confessed as he twisted the necklace around his fingers. Soleiyu told him the chain was strong, but he knew he probably shouldn’t mess with it too much. “I’m happy you believe me. Thank you, El. I could probably take this off and show you I’m telling the truth but… I really don’t want to.
What if it didn’t work when he was putting it back on? What if he ended up breaking it, or maybe he would look different again and Elliot would have to get used to a new him. What if he didn’t look--
Oh… Atticus stopped his train of thought because he realized he really did want to look cute for Elliot. Maybe Elliot didn’t like him looking cute. Maybe he should try to look more handsome like Michael or elegant and strong like Devyn.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 2:32 pm
“I knew they would. I was waiting to turn on the waterworks, just to seal the deal, but I’m glad I didn’t have to. I know it’s you, Atticus, you don’t have to worry! I mean, if you really wanted to prove it for me, I guess you could draw me an octopus, but I promise, I trust you.”
He leaned over to give him a quick hug, because he could see him twisting the necklace and looking so worried about all of it.
“You’re one of a kind. No matter how you look. Honest. Keep the necklace on and stay safe, okay? That’s the most important thing. Anyway, I’m starting to get used to you looking like this! Is it weird for you? I think it’s neat, but I want to make sure you’re okay with it before I say anything about it. I think you still look nice. You have the same smile though, I think. Or maybe I just keep seeing it because I like it so much.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 2:41 pm
The hug, no matter how quick it was, made Atticus’ heart flutter excitedly. He adored Elliot. Adored his parents. Adored Devyn. Even Michael wasn’t so bad. He was happy and excited about the chance at a new life, basically. He had nothing he wanted to go back to. The only friend he had was Elliot. Maybe now he could meet Elliot’s friends without being so worried that they assumed things about him. He knew he didn’t have the best reputation at school. He was weird and quiet and usually wasn’t the most hygienic. Not by choice! He cleaned up when he could in the bathrooms, but as much as he hated to admit it, he was realizing the situation he was in he never wanted anyone else to experience.
“I can’t really tell the difference,” he admitted, looking down at himself. “I mean… I know I’m different from what I looked like before, but I can’t explain how I’m different now, if that makes sense? I don’t know, maybe that sounds silly.”
He didn’t know how the magic necklace worked, but he was grateful to Soleiyu for making it for him.
Oh, but Elliot was saying such nice things about him that he couldn’t help but nervously kick his feet against the edge of the bed and look away to smile shyly to himself.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 2:50 pm
Elliot shook his head. “No, I agree completely. I wonder if it’s easier for people you like to recognize you, and harder for people you don’t. Maybe it’s just because I know how you move and how you talk and the way your face changes when you’re speaking? Like, I don’t know. It’s weird. But you’re still you to me. This is so cool, I’m so happy you get to live here. I love Michael’s house. Michael’s great. Now I’ll get to spend the night more often.”
He looked around the room proudly, visibly pleased with how it was decorated, but mostly just because Atticus had seemed so happy about all of it.
“Now you can paint all you want, and do all the crafts. And eat all you want! And we can text and call each other. I’m really happy that you’re here, Atticus. I feel much better, I know you’ll be safe here. And happy. You don’t have to hide anything from anyone anymore.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:03 pm
Oh no, Elliot was so sweet. Atticus wanted to cry just thinking about how kind he was. He didn’t have to say those nice things, but he did, and Atticus didn’t know what to say in response other than wiggle with excitement.
Elliot was right. If he wanted to paint or do crafts or anything, he didn’t have to worry about hiding it. He could draw all he wanted without worrying about his art being thrown away. He didn’t have to hide things under the mattress to keep his father from finding them.
“Oh,” he gasped suddenly, and pushed himself up from the bed so he could go over to the side table and unplug the phone. “Michael got this for me. You’ll have to show me how to set it up. Not now, I would rather just talk to you right now but. It was really nice for him to get one for me.”
Especially since he could text and call Elliot all he wanted.
He set the phone back down and then reached out to take hold of Elliot’s hands. He couldn’t look him in the eye without blushing, so he just swung their hands outward and then in again -- it was all he could do to stand in place.
Elliot said he didn’t have to hide anything -- well, except the stuff about Devyn. And Michael. He was pretty sure that was supposed to be a secret still. But he’d already told Elliot how he felt. And he felt so happy right now and a hug just wasn’t enough to express how he felt, so he quickly leaned in to plant a kiss on Elliot’s cheek.
“Thank you for staying over. I got scared last night, but I’m not scared with you around.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:06 pm
Elliot’s eyes lit up, because of course Michael already got him a phone. He was so cool and prepared. “We can set it up tomorrow,” he promised, already smiling because Atticus just swinging their hands made him feel all light and fluttery. The kiss on his cheek made his stomach do–well, something. The closest sensation he could think of was just warmth, but it felt like a rainbow tying itself into a knot, or clouds building up and raining sunshine and. It was the stomach flop he got right before it was his turn to get a question in debate and the way it settled back into place when he felt like he’d given a really good answer.
It didn’t feel bad. It just felt.
He felt warm. All over. In a good way.
The more he thought about it, the warmer he felt.
“I’m happy I get to stay over. If you do get scared tonight, just wake me up. I’ll find us some videos to watch on my phone. Oh, I brought over one of my stuffed animals. I mean, you know. You saw me pack it.” He’d managed to shove one of the whales on his bed into his bag, but he didn’t try to get it right now.
…Mostly because he liked how his and Atticus’ hands fit together so nicely.
“I was thinking I could leave it here. You know, so when I do have to go home, you’ve still got something important to me here. In case you miss me and need some company. I mean, you can also call, but, you know. It’ll be here next to you when I can’t be.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:28 pm
Atticus nodded, because he was happy just to be with him. And he felt even better knowing that Elliot would leave his stuffed whale with him. It was so cute, just like Elliot, so of course Atticus was looking forward to it being next to him whenever Elliot couldn’t be.
“I would really like that,” he agreed, even if he was having trouble getting the words to come out. His heart was fluttering and he didn’t want to let go of Elliot’s hands. And Elliot didn’t seem to want to let go either, which made Atticus feel even better about holding them.
“I’ll take good care of it, I promise. I know I can’t always be with you… you’ve got things you need to do, too. But yeah I’ll call you whenever I can, if that’s okay.” He didn’t want to seem too clingy! Even if he was pretty much clinging to him right now.
“I was worried that I might not get to see you again,” he admitted after a few moments. He gave Elliot’s hands a gentle squeeze as he looked at him in earnest. Maybe it was silly of him to think that, but he just didn’t know. “It was a lot of blood… and it hurt a lot… I think Devyn had to give me some of his blood since we couldn’t go to a hospital. Oh! But I’m okay now, I promise. I rested a lot.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:44 pm
Briefly, alarm crossed Elliot’s features again, but he just squeezed Atticus’ hands. “I’m sorry, all of that sounds really scary. I’m glad you and Devyn have the same blood type. Maybe that’s a good sign, if he’s adopting you. We’ll rest extra now, just in case. Come on, let me tuck you into bed. I’ll take care of you a little bit extra. You can get comfortable and then I’ll slide in, too.”
He was going to make the best of the time they had together tonight; they had a lot to make up for. “You’ll never have to worry about not seeing me again. Maybe we should take some pictures together and get them printed out. Oh, or make it your phone background. You’ll be able to call me whenever, or text. I’ll never get tired of hearing from you. And you can send me updates of all the art you’re working on, and I can send you pictures of my dirty shoes when I’m at practice. It’ll be fun. I’ll send you all the funny pictures I find on the internet, too. Just in case you need something to smile at. I want to make sure you get a lot of smiles now. I know I keep saying it, but I’m so excited. I keep thinking of all the things I want to go do with you. We’re going to have so much fun. Oh, but–you know, we’ll spend a lot of time inside, too.”
He seemed thoughtful and then just smiled, “Don’t feel like we always have to go out and do things. We can relax and take it easy at home, too. I know I run around a lot, but it doesn’t always have to be go-go-go. Just so you don’t have to worry about me pushing too hard, just let me know if we need a cool down day. There’s a lot of movies I want to show you, too.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:51 pm
For a moment, Atticus didn’t want to get into bed. Not if it meant letting go of Elliot’s hands. Oh, but maybe that was a silly thing for him to get worked up about, especially if Elliot was just going to get into bed after him.
Reluctantly he let go of Elliot’s hands and turned to climb under the covers, but watched and waited expectantly for Elliot to join him. He was excited that Elliot was there. Happy. It was probably why he couldn’t seem to stop smiling so much. And it wasn’t even his fake smiles! Oh, but he didn’t usually have to fake smile around Elliot. Not since the first few days that they hung out together and Elliot told him he didn’t have to keep secrets.
“I would like that a lot. Devyn has so many cool portraits… maybe we should get a portrait done. Oh, I’m not good enough to paint them, but if we get pictures, that’s good too! And… yes, if it’s okay… I would really like to have your picture for my phone background. You’ll have to show me.” He felt completely out of the loop when it came to normal technology. He was still trying to process that it was okay for him to get food whenever he wanted.
“I don’t mind as long as I’m with you,” he promised, making sure he scooted far enough over so Elliot had room to climb in as well. “But I would like to watch a lot of movies with you. And if you want to show me anything or go outside, then I want to be with you. Oh… but you can spend time with your other friends too. I don’t want you to think you have to always spend time with me.” Even if Atticus really wanted to spend all of his time with Elliot.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:37 pm
Elliot, good natured as always, just laughed. He turned the night light on and then flipped off the other lights before hurrying over to the bed. He slid in easily, careful to not to bump or squish Atticus. It was easy to get comfortable, to curl up next to him under the blankets. To take his hand again.
“All of that sounds good,” he said, nuzzling into the pillow. The lights were bright enough that he could still make out Atticus’ features but not so bright that he thought he’d have any issues sleeping.
“I think you’d be good enough to paint our portraits. Or we can just practice together. I mean, I won’t be any good at it, but I bet you’ll get better and better the more you practice. And we’ll take lots of pictures, everywhere we go. In case there are other things there that you want to paint. I’ll show you how to do all of that, don’t worry. We’ll–ah,” he exhaled, and the smile was in his voice as much as it was on his face.
“We’ll do a little bit of everything, we’ll mix it up so you can relax some days and go have fun others. My friends and I hang out in groups, so I’ll bring you along and you can meet them. I mean, sometimes I have sports meet ups, those will probably be boring unless you’re running or practicing with us. And debate meetings, but–we’ll figure it out. I like dreaming about these things, though. And planning all the things we can do together. I’m just really excited. I’m really happy. It’s like the night before Christmas or my birthday or something. Oh! Atticus! You’re going to get to have real holidays! Michael has such a big family. Or maybe you can come over to our place! I don’t know. It’s too early to be thinking about those things, I guess. But I’m just really, really excited, Atticus. I know we haven’t known each other for that long, but I really think you’re my best friend. You’re the only one I get so excited to hang out with.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:47 pm
Atticus was certain that his heart was going to just escape from his chest with how quickly it was beating. He couldn’t stop smiling. He felt light and giddy and he clasped Elliot’s hand when he found his again.
“I’m excited too. Really, really excited. I haven’t felt like this before. You make everything so much better, Elliot. You’re absolutely my best friend,” he said a bit breathlessly. Oh, but was that really fair of him to say since Elliot was pretty much his only friend? He just couldn’t imagine anyone else really caring about him the way Elliot did.
He did seem a little nervous about the thought of Michael’s big family. “Maybe I’d be better off with you and your family,” he mumbled quietly, even though he was still smiling.
Now that Elliot was curled up next to him, Atticus couldn’t help but inch a little closer. Not to crowd him! But he was warm and made him feel safe, so of course he wanted to be close.
“You’ll have to teach me everything, if you don’t mind. I don’t know how holidays are supposed to work. And I guess I can try drawing portraits of us,” he hummed. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to fall asleep when I just want to stay up and talk to you.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:04 pm
“We don’t have to go to sleep. It’s not like Michael said we had a bedtime. And what’s he going to do, march in here and tell us we have to go to bed? I told you, we’ll just have to sniffle and look at him with big eyes. He won’t stand a chance.”
Elliot laughed and just rolled his head slightly so he could better see Atticus.
“We can have practice holidays. And if you still want to have small holidays, we’ll always have space for you. You’ll love Christmas. If you thought my dad’s baking was intense now, wait until December rolls around,” he laughed. “But we’ll have Thanksgiving before then. And Halloween before then. Those are the good ones, I think. We should go trick or treating this year. I don’t know what age you’re supposed to stop, so we’d better make good use of this year. But don’t worry about anything, Atticus. We’ll take it one day at a time. But everything’s going to be okay from now on. So if you ever want to do something, or want help, ask me, okay? And I mean–for anything! No matter how silly you think it might be. I like spending time with you, so I’ll always be happy. No matter what we’re doing.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:16 pm
Atticus loved Elliot’s laugh. It was bright and full of life. It made Atticus feel hopeful for the future in a way he hadn’t felt before. Like maybe there really was a future for him.
And he sincerely, desperately, wanted that future to always have Elliot in it. He didn’t know what he would do without him. Which he knew was insane for him to even think about because they hadn’t known each other for more than a couple months. But just as Elliot said Atticus was his best friend, Atticus really couldn’t imagine anyone else being more perfect than Elliot.
“I don’t know if I’ll be very good running around with you for your practices, but I would like to watch, if that’s okay? I can keep your water bottle handy. And I can draw while you play. I don’t think I have as much energy as you do, but that’s okay! I know you have a lot of fun, so I want to support you. Maybe I’ll figure out things that I’m good at doing, too. Oh, but I’ll need your help. There are a lot of things I haven’t done. And, um…”
He paused, because Elliot said he would do anything with him even if he thought it was silly.
“Would it be okay if we went to a grocery store and you can tell me what all the different foods are? I mean, I know the basic ones but I feel like there’s so many I don’t know about.”
Was that weird, hanging out at a grocery store? Probably… But he was already looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas and everything, especially if Elliot would be there.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:39 pm
Atticus was already more than invited to his practices, and the sun would probably be good for him, and the fresh air, and the freedom of just being able to do what he wanted. That was already a given, Elliot figured.
The grocery store was a bit of a surprise, if only because he definitely would not have expected that to be one of Atticus’ requests.
“We can go hang out at the grocery store.” Was it probably going to look odd? Sure. But he’d just bring some papers and say they were doing a school project or something. He had the face of an angel and Atticus was so sweet that he didn’t think anyone could think he was there to cause trouble. And, Elliot was pretty good at talking his way out of problems.
“I’ll tell you everything I know. And if you want to try something, we’ll make a list! My parents know lots of recipes, so they’ll be able to cook. And Michael is good at cooking, too. And we can go out to restaurants, too! But it sounds really nice. Grocery stores are usually really calm, and I bet there’s a lot of food that I’ve never tried, too. It sounds fun, I’d love to go with you.”
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:42 pm
He relaxed a little when Elliot said he would go with him. Not that he didn’t think Elliot would agree after just telling him he would! But he knew it probably sounded weird to request something like that.
“Okay! I mean, I’ve been in grocery stores, but usually it’s just in and out. I never get a chance to really look at everything. Oh. Devyn wanted to go to the zoo and aquarium. He said he assumed you would be coming too, but I wanted to ask and make sure you’re okay with it? I don’t think Devyn has ever been to one, so it should be fun for him too.”
In many ways, he and Devyn were a lot alike. They had things they might have been expected to experience but hadn’t before.
Maybe when Elliot was at a practice, he could take Devyn to a grocery store too and teach him everything Elliot taught him. Unless Michael already taught him everything, which was possible since they were both very smart.
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