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 Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:35 pm
As expected, during the night Atticus woke up in a panic. Despite Elliot trying to reassure him that everyone was okay, they ended up making their way to Michael and Devyn’s room, where they took up the center of the bed.
The rest of the night wasn’t terrible, but Michael already missed the closeness with Devyn.
Also as expected, both he and Devyn seemed to wake up around the same time, since their schedules were usually relatively matched up with each other.
It was still early when they snuck out of the room and left the boys to sleep longer, but not so early that Michael felt guilty for texting Oliver and Asher to see if they wanted to come over for coffee, and then breakfast once the boys woke up.
With an affirmative reply text, Michael left Devyn to tend to the coffee pot while he went to the back door to open it for their backyard neighbors.
“It doesn’t hurt,” Michael insisted before either of them could comment about the bandage over his eyebrow. He was achy and sore, but the gash on his forehead was mild in comparison to the other wounds he’d received over the years.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:44 pm
Asher and Oliver had gotten dressed and ready for the day, which wasn’t uncommon given their schedule or Elliot’s. It wasn’t surprising that Elliot had wanted to spend the night; while his parents knew that he was going to be away doing important Knight business, they couldn’t help but worry. Michael had assured them that everything was fine, that they’d be looked after, and despite all of the anxiety they’d felt about letting him go, they trusted Michael.
Except, Oilver was giving him a look right now, and Asher just seemed a bit exasperated.
“It looks like it hurts,” Oliver pointed out. He hadn’t noticed Devyn’s bandaged hand yet, but Asher might have moved to obstruct his view a bit.
“I’m glad it doesn’t hurt,” Asher said, and smiled a bit. “I know you texted that it went well, did you get everything done that you needed to?”
They’d only needed to know that the boys were fine; it wasn’t safe to text too many details over the phone so as long as they knew that everyone was okay that was enough to get them through tonight so they could ask questions now.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:53 pm
“I have a thick skull,” Michael insisted in a noncommittal way, but held out his arms to welcome Oliver into a hug if he wanted one. He was also focusing on getting the door shut behind them so they could talk in private.
“Everything went well. We had a lot more help than we anticipated, so that worked out in our favor. The boys aren’t hurt. Elliot bumped his head, but Atticus had healing magic and took care of him,” Michael explained as he led back over to where Devyn was.
He wasn’t entirely sure what happened while he and Devyn were gone into the forest and then the cave, but maybe they could convince the boys to talk to them at some point about anything that was bothering them. And what was keeping Atticus up at night, although he’d blubbered through explaining to Devyn, who seemed to be able to translate. It had seemed personal, so Michael didn’t stick around to eavesdrop.
“Coffee? Tea? Honey, milk, cream, sugar… whatever you want, we’ve probably got,” Michael gestured to their little section of the kitchen that was devoted to coffee.
“How are you two? Did you sleep at all?”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 6:01 pm
While Oliver had another look to give him, he allowed himself to be bribed by the hug. “Mostly,” he finally answered. “Elliot texted us when you got in, he said he was okay but that Atticus was a little shaken up. He said they were fine, just asked if he could spend the night. I knew you’d send him home if you thought he needed us. And, we could see your kitchen light on, so we knew you were back.”
Not that they were peeking!
Asher seemed to be on the same wavelength and clarified, “There were a lot of shooting stars last night, you could see them really well.
Oliver released Michael from the hug and went to go make himself some coffee, probably to keep his hands busy more than because he needed any. When he started putting together his mug it was almost entirely cream and sugar. He started fixing Asher’s as well, but his was simply black.
“What about you two?” Asher asked, watching as Oliver fussed over the coffee.
Devyn was leaning against the counter by the toaster as he waited for it to finish; he had a half finished cup of coffee but was far more interested in something to eat.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 6:33 pm
Michael didn’t seem to mind that Asher and Oliver might have been looking out the window to see what they were doing, or at least make sure they were home. Elliot was there, so of course Michael would expect them to want to know what was going on with their son.
It was just one of the many reasons why he insisted on the Reids living so close to him. And it made coming over for coffee or dinner or just to chat so much easier.
“We’re fine,” he answered for both himself and Devyn. “A little bruised, but nothing that won’t heal in a week.” After all, that was what Devyn insisted.
“Ready to get back and start cleaning up,” he admitted, because even if it was Devyn’s world, Michael wanted to help get everything sorted out and back to its former glory -- as it should be.
“I think you’d both really like Alastor. It’s got a kind of creepy, gothic vibe, but it’s also half underwater. I’m kidding,” he added, glancing over at Devyn to make sure he knew he was just teasing. “It’s not underwater, but we were worried for a while that the flooding would cause more problems than it did. You’d like all the stained glass and architecture, though.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 6:42 pm
While Oliver seemed a bit doubtful, Asher nodded and seemed content with the reassurance that they’d heal in just a week.
Devyn snorted but seemed amused when Michael accused his world of being half underwater. “You just haven’t seen enough of it yet. With those clouds gone, the water might sort itself out before we even have to get back to cleaning.”
Naturally, Asher looked interested. “You’ll have to take pictures for us next time,” he insisted.
“Or tell Elliot to, he’s going back, isn’t he? He was so excited last night when he got home,” Oliver said; he held his mug in both hands and sipped at it; when he was finished, he put his mug down and then delivered Asher’s with both hands wrapped around it. Asher accepted it with a kiss to his temple in quiet thanks, but he was visibly curious to hear more about this other world their son was running off to.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 6:56 pm
“One day, we’ll have to bring you both,” Michael decided, although he paused and frowned a little at himself as he settled against the counter next to Devyn. He made sure he wasn’t blocking the toaster.
“If that’s okay with you. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to let them see Sessrumnir. Maybe when the boys are on the Moon,” he suggested, but still looked a bit skeptical about what he was proposing.
“I know they’d want to take you both to their Wonders. They’re really proud of what they’ve done so far. I look forward to seeing it. Maybe one day they’ll let us help,” he sighed, but he was also trying not to be too controlling over what Elliot and Atticus were doing. They were capable of doing amazing things! But they were also so young, and could maybe use some experience. Michael just didn’t want to make them feel like he or Devyn were imposing.
“We’ll bring Elliot back with us,” Michael said, although made another face at himself. He was once again offering Alastor’s world as if it was his own. “Sorry,” he mumbled, leaning close enough to brush his arm against Devyn’s. “Only if you’re okay with it. We’ll make sure they wear life vests.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 7:16 pm
Devyn laughed again. “They’re more than welcome. You can offer trips to my world, I don’t mind. There’s nothing to apologize for, I want to show it off to anyone I can. Especially if they’re willing to help.”
Or just appreciate his world. He was eager to show it off; he didn’t want to be the only one around who knew how wonderful it was.
“I still can’t wrap my head around it,” Oliver said; he’d gotten his drink and was leaning against Asher, who had observed how close Michael and Devyn were. He said nothing of it and met Michael’s gaze again. He agreed with his husband, though; he nodded. “It’s strange to think that there are other worlds out there that you can visit just by thinking about it. Good strange,” he clarified.
He sipped at his coffee as he contemplated. “Oliver and I always said we wanted to travel. We could save a bit if we just let the boys take us on tours of their Wonders. And Alastor, that’s a whole world. I suppose there’s a lot worth visiting up there?”
“Everything’s worth visiting,” Devyn answered quickly. He seemed to be in sync with the toaster–or, he’d just used it enough that it was predictable, because he was reaching for the bread a second before it popped out and he plated it quickly so he could smear a bit of butter and jelly on it. “Right now it’s a bit rough, but I’m going to work at it and get it fixed up. I’d love for you two to come visit. It should be safe now, but I’ll make sure of it, I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
He glanced at Michael, just to make sure he had a chance to weigh in on it too.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 7:57 pm
Michael didn’t miss Asher’s gaze, and he felt his face warming a little as he lifted his mug to sip. It wasn’t as though they didn’t know he was fond of Devyn. He’d talked to them about Devyn before, after all. But he supposed there was still the question on whether or not Devyn felt the same way.
Or at least it had been a question.
“We’ll make sure it’s safe. I want you both to experience as much as possible with us. You’re my family, too,” he reminded them with a small, but warm smile.
He took a breath, because he wasn’t really sure how to be casual about something that didn’t feel casual to him. He didn’t want to upset Devyn by downplaying things, but he also didn’t want to blow things out of proportion.
“Devyn and I decided to start dating,” Michael finally forced himself to blurt out, paused, made another face and added, “Each other. Not other people.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:09 pm
Oliver’s brows raised but Asher managed to hide his smile behind another sip of coffee.
“Oh, good. That’s a good clarification, thank you,” Oliver said quickly. “Well, congratulations, that’s wonderful.” He was enthusiastic, obviously, but Asher just lowered his cup and politely nodded. “Well, you know the boys can come stay with us any time you two want to go out. I mean, I know they’re old enough to be left on their own, but. I know I feel better when there’s someone around.”
He shrugged, because he knew Michael would understand. With how the Negaverse had targeted Chad, and with how one of them seemed to be tailing Oliver, of course he’d have felt better just knowing they were all being looked after.
“You’re so sweet, Michael. Come here,” Oliver said; he put his cup down again and walked over to Michael to give him another hug. “You know you’re family, too.” He gave him a quick, gentle little squeeze. “We’re happy for you. I’m guessing the boys don’t know, I don’t think Elli could have kept that a secret.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:20 pm
“We haven’t told them yet, no,” Michael said, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit as Oliver walked over to hug him. He hugged him back, squeezing him tightly, although not so tight that he was hurting him.
“But… no, I would feel better with someone around too,” he agreed, but he knew both Asher and Oliver would understand. “I don’t think Atticus is ready to be alone for a little while at least,” he admitted, and glanced over to Devyn to make sure he was okay with everything.
“Sorry, Dev… I told them I liked you a lot, too,” he said with a small, sheepish smile. He was still hugging Oliver, but his arms were loose enough that if he wanted to pull free he could.
He felt a little guilty about it, now. He’d told people that he had feelings for Devyn, but not Devyn himself. But he’d been so worried about doing the wrong thing.
“I hope you’re just eating that to tide you over for when the boys are up. I was thinking pancakes. Ah, I don’t think we have any bacon though. We have eggs,” he hummed thoughtfully and rubbed Oliver’s back.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:29 pm
Deyvn glanced up from his toast and gave Michael a curious look, as if he were surprised to hear that everyone else knew. He didn’t take any offense; he lifted a piece of toast and took a quick bite. He didn’t speak with his mouth full, so he wound up swallowing quickly. “Just to tide me over,” he promised, “I’m famished.”
“We have bacon, do you want me to go grab it?” Oliver suggested, drawing away just so he could smooth out Michael’s shirt and look up at him. He was comfortable in Michael’s hugs, but now they were talking about breakfast and he knew how hungry Elliot was going to be if he’d had a busy day yesterday.
“I’ll eat anything,” Devyn said, but this was not anything the three of them didn’t already know. He pushed the plate of toast over to Michael, just in case he needed something to tide himself over; Devyn could always make more to snack on. Or just get started with breakfast, now that his stomach couldn’t start roaring loudly enough to wake the boys. He agreed with Michael’s concerns for Atticus; even if Elliot was looking after him, it was a big responsibility for a teenager and he didn’t want anything to happen that might accidentally push the two apart. So far, everything had been working out well. Elliot was patient and liked to be around Atticus so he wasn’t worried. He just didn’t want to have be, ever.
It was better if they were all available for Atticus if he needed them, just in case. He wanted to make sure he was safe and comfortable; even if he didn’t know exactly what had happened on Alastor, he was always going to do his best to support Atticus and make sure he had the resources to be okay–especially if those resources were people who loved and cared about him.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:37 pm
“If you don’t mind,” Michael sighed and let Oliver fuss over his shirt. He glanced up at Asher as well. “Thank you. I’ll pay you back. Anything you think you could spare for breakfast, I want to make sure we have enough for the boys.”
And enough variety that Atticus would be able to stomach something if he wasn’t feeling well after such an emotional night.
Since it was offered, Michael picked up a piece of the toast Devyn pushed closer to him and took a bite.
He’d noticed the curious look Devyn gave him, and Michael reached over to place his hand on Devyn’s arm for a moment, just to try and give him a little reassurance and maybe a bit of apology that he told everyone but Devyn. Well, not everyone, but it felt like that.
“Want to try your hand at pancakes, or want me to make them?” he asked Devyn, since he wanted to make sure he could function on Earth without him, and that included testing him to make sure he was good with reading directions and knew how to work the stove. He could obviously supervise, but he planned on making sure Elliot and Atticus knew how to take care of themselves too.
Just in case.
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:50 pm
Asher looked at Michael, obviously amused that he’d pay them back. For bacon. After he bought them a house.
“You’re going to make me work? After yesterday? I could have died,” Devyn answered, but he was smiling and squeezed Michael’s hand so he’d know he was teasing. And, so Oliver couldn’t worry so much. “I’ll try. I know you won’t let me fail.”
Oliver took a step back but smiled at the two. “I’ll be back in a minute. We probably have some Pop Tarts, too. I’ll see what I can carry.” He was particularly animated this morning and slipped back outside in a hurry before Asher could offer to help, but–
He seemed content to stay where he was. He sipped at his coffee and watched as Oliver made his way back into their house before he turned to Michael. “I’m surprised he has that much energy. He hasn’t been sleeping very well. He’s had more nightmares than usual. I know getting settled after everything’s been a bit difficult for him, but.”
He wasn’t gossiping about Oliver, he’d never talk about things like this without a good reason. He cared very much for his husband, and the nature of this conversation was easy to pinpoint when he just came out and said it: “He’s had this Negaverse Agent, he’s run into her a few times now. He’s worried she’s either been keeping an eye on him or knows where we live and is stalking him. So I just want to make sure you’re all being safe about everything. So far we haven’t had anything weird at the house. And she, I guess, tried to save him from some of those spiders that are around town? So we’re getting kind of mixed messages right now.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 9:03 pm
Michael snorted in amusement at Devyn’s antics, as if he would actually make Devyn do all of the work on his own. Michael would be there to assist wherever he was needed, but he thought it would also keep Devyn occupied and not just wanting to eat everything while he waited for the food to be done.
As long as he didn’t decide to just eat the batter…
He’d watched Oliver hurry off and was still smiling for a few moments longer.
Until Asher mentioned a Negaverse Agent.
“He’s okay? She didn’t hurt him, did she?” Michael asked, obviously alarmed by the news. He and Devyn had been so caught up in making sure everything was ready for taking back Alastor that --
Had he missed any auras coming close to their home? Usually they set off immediate alarms in his head, but if he was so distracted that he didn’t…
The sudden dread at the thought of losing Oliver -- or Asher or Elliot or anyone -- was a heavy weight and Michael stood unnerved against the counter.
The wheels were already turning in his head. He liked where they were living now, but they could move. They could find a place out in the middle of nowhere like Paris and Chris. They could move away from the city where people were more likely to show up and attack them.
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