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 Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:27 am
It was dark when they arrived back in Destiny City. It was the first time Devyn had powered down in a while, and he immediately felt the weight of everything again when the three of them returned to the park a few blocks from the house. Devyn didn’t put Lucien down, but he did fish out his cell phone. With one hand, he texted Atticus ‘Home in five’ and then a second message, ‘With a friend’. He dropped his phone back into his pocket, but paid attention to make sure he didn’t miss any messages.
He didn’t know if Lucien had caught Michael’s word or understood what our son meant with regards to everything, or if it was just another thing he’d have to struggle to process. He didn’t remember Percy. Or Marius. The family that Devyn had, the family that Lucien knew. Or, had known.
Devyn felt like he would have been content to keep quiet and sort through his own thoughts and emotions about all of this, but he was deeply familiar with how overwhelming Earth could be. But then, maybe it was only such an extreme for him because he’d been on Alastor for so long.
“The general population doesn’t know about Senshi or Knights or Chaos. They live in ignorance. But the Chaos here has no honor, their organizations will track you down when you’re at your weakest, so you have to conceal identities here,” he explained as they walked. He stayed close to Michael and bumped elbows with him often since he couldn’t hold his hand.
“We are fortunate to have many powerful friends. Michael mentioned it before, most of them were born here. Few have migrated. So our experiences have been very different. But I’ll make sure you have all of the information you need. I know you’re a fast learner, you’ll probably catch up far quicker than I did. We’ll be home in a moment and we’ll get you comfortable and settled in. Don’t push yourself too hard.” He looked at Michael, too, because the message was as much for Lucien as it was for him. “Atticus will be there, or he’ll be home soon. He’s a Knight, too. He’s dating another one, I’m not sure if they’ll arrive together or if you’ll meet him later. But you’ll have good company while you’re here.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:04 am
There was nothing for Lucien to expect, just as much as there was nothing for him not to expect. His memories were jumbled and he relied on his knowledge that Devyn was trustworthy. Maybe he didn’t even know that beyond the strength of the bond he felt with him.
Just as he could sense there was some kind of bond between the Knight of Jupiter named Michael and Devyn.
Lucien peered at the man from around Devyn’s arms, which he was happy to lounge in. Learning about the Senshi and Knights of Earth, and the Chaos that was there was concerning. As a Mauvian he knew how Senshi worked, at least. For them to be born outside of their own World was a rarity, but for them to all be born and awakened on Earth, aside from the few that survived their Chaos infested Worlds sounded impossible.
And dangerous, with such a shift in power. But if Earth was all that was left…
No, his head hurt too much when he thought about it. Instead he tried to focus on meeting another Knight or two.
“It smells, here,” he finally said after wrinkling up his nose. There were too many smells. Too many noises. He felt as though his ears kept twitching this way and that as he picked up different sounds. “Probably the car exhaust,” Michael surmised as he walked beeside Devyn. He’d raised his eyebrows in response to Devyn’s message, because surely he couldn’t think Michael pushed himself too hard!
It had been a while since they’d been back to Earth, and Michael was already trying to figure out what he would need to take care of first. Probably groceries, especially if there was another mouth to feed. And laundry. And the yard probably needed to be mowed. Ah, except it seemed as though Asher probably took it upon himself to do the work. Or had Elliot do it. Atticus would have probably tried and then struggled too much to be very effective.
“Be careful while you’re out. We have cars, which are big machines that move people from one destination to the other very quickly. There are a lot of a*****e drivers that don’t care if an animal crosses their path. Some even purposefully try to hit them.”
Michael didn’t hear exactly what Lucien sniffed about, but he could have sworn he heard a mumble about how he was a Mauvian, not an animal.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:19 am
Devyn stroked Lucien’s fur like he was a child that needed soothing, because he seemed to anticipate some sort of indignance to the warning.
“It’s something to get used to. Maybe we can go into town so you can smell some of the better places. They have some nice gardens. I’m quite partial to the food vendors.”
Devyn didn’t sound very enthusiastic, but he forced himself to speak in a light, friendly tone. He managed to sound much better than he felt, even if he was genuinely excited to see Atticus and make sure he and the Reids were doing okay.
He knew the house would be in good condition. Even from down the road as they approached, he could see the grass was taken care of. The lights were on. Atticus must be home, but he figured that Elliot at least wouldn’t have let him wait alone.
“Earth has a lot of pollution, though. It’s not as charming as Alastor, but I do think it has its appeal. It’ll be better once we get inside, though. It’s safe and clean there. You’ll be able to rest, and if you need anything we can get it for you. Or I can introduce you to their internet. It’s a digital library and media resource.”
Maybe he was just talking to talk. They were almost at the driveway.
He supposed the tension in his shoulders might ease once they are safe and inside.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:24 pm
There was a lot that Lucien just had to trust. He didn’t like not knowing things. He felt as though he used to know a lot, but now he knew very little. And it bothered him greatly.
But he didn’t want to worry Devyn, so he tried to keep it to himself.
He was grateful that he was no longer stuck in his stasis pod, but he also couldn’t help but wonder what things could have been like if he had been awakened before. Maybe he could have helped Alastor more.
“Any source for research would be appreciated,” he said, once again appreciative of Devyn’s thoughtfulness, even if he could tell he was unsettled by something.
“Thank you,” Lucien said before they could reach the house. “For releasing me and giving me another chance. I am sorry I do not remember things, but I hope I will be able to make up for any disappointment I’ve caused.” Michael could see the yard had been cut and couldn’t help but smile because of course he was in good hands with the Reids. And he knew Atticus was being well looked after.
“We weren’t going to leave you there,” Michael insisted before Devyn could answer Lucien’s thanks. “You meant a lot to people. I hope one day you’ll remember enough to know. Even if it’s painful, I think you deserve the chance to know.”
He’d seen enough memories, and seen how Devyn was when he talked about Lucien. It was unfortunate that he couldn’t remember, but maybe he would get bits and pieces back. Atticus was peeking anxiously through the window by the time Devyn and Michael got home. Devyn told him he’d have a friend, but… he couldn’t mean a cat, could he?
“Welcome home,” he greeted as he opened the door for them, with more enthusiasm now that he didn’t have to hide from anyone.
He couldn’t help but move closer to wrap his arms around Michael, and then Devyn.
“Oh, they’re beautiful,” Atticus gushed over the gorgeous cat Devyn was carrying. “Elliot and I brought over pizza. We were going to have some at the Reids before you texted but…” Well, he was expecting someone to be with them, not a cat.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:49 pm
Devyn nodded at Lucien’s thanks, because really–it wasn't necessary, but he offered a kind little smile to Micahel when he answered instead.
He was trying to give Lucien hope that he’d remember. Probably trying to give Devyn that hope, too. It worked, to some degree, but Devyn just couldn’t quite muster the same energy to have such hope. In the morning, probably. When he was rested and refreshed.
Atticus’ smile helped, though, and his enthusiastic welcoming made Devyn smile again. With his free arm, he returned the hug.
He didn’t want to let Atticus go, so he gave him an extra squeeze.
“I thought something smelled good. Pizza sounds delicious, thank you.” He was glad Elliot was here, though he knew that the Reids would have taken good care of Atticus in their absence. “Atticus, this is Lucien. Lucien, my son.” He always said it with pride, whether Atticus was there or not. “Lucien is from Alastor. Well, Mau. But we found him on Alastor. He was sealed in stasis, so he’s going to need a little time to adjust. He’s very important to me.” An old friend to Devyn, even if Lucien couldn’t remember what he did.
He rubbed down Atticus’ back and squeezed him once more. “I know I don’t have to tell you to be gentle. Lucien has been through a lot and will need to adjust to Earth.” He paused briefly, just to hold his son, and then drew in a breath so he could continue. “Atticus is sweet,” he explained to Lucien. “One of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known a person to have.”
Elliot’s voice piped up from deeper in the house. “Come in! The bugs are all out, you’ll get eaten up. We missed you both! My parents are coming over in a little bit with dessert so eat now while it’s fresh so you can make room!”
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:55 pm
Michael was in obvious agreement to get everyone inside, and had his arms out to usher them into the house, although he’d made sure to give Atticus a good hug when it was given.
He could feel something prickling his senses, but didn’t want to cause any alarm. It wasn’t close, but he didn’t like that it was anywhere near their neighborhood. He would have to text Jeremy to keep himself and his brother inside for a bit, if they could help it.
Luckily, it didn’t take much for everyone to finally shuffle inside, and he shut and locked the door behind him. Not that it would stop anyone from teleporting in, but maybe it would work as a deterrent.
“Hey El,” Michael greeted as he made his way into the house, kicking off his shoes in the process. “Thanks for keeping an eye on things. Sorry about being away for so long,” he said as he reached over to give Elliot a hug too once he was in arms’ reach.
“How are you so tall? I swear you were a couple inches shorter when we left,” Michael frowned in amused exasperation as he looked between Elliot and Atticus, as though making sure they hadn’t actually grown several inches in their absence. Although, Elliot was looking a bit taller to him. Atticus didn’t seem to want to let go of Devyn either, so when they were ushered into the house, he kept his arms around as much of Devyn’s waist as he could manage while also not tripping either of them.
“A Mauvian?” Atticus perked up, and stood up a bit more so he could see the cat better. Oh, now that he was looking, he could see the star on Lucien’s forehead. Oh, that made more sense, and was still a friend of Devyn’s. But somehow a Mauvian was less intimidating than a person.
Of course, he had to hide his face when Devyn said such nice things about him so he wasn’t so obviously blushing. But he was really relieved to have his dads home, even if he also thought the Reids were wonderful.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he greeted when he could lift his head up again. Lucien, however, wasn’t paying attention to the sweet child that was speaking to him. He paid attention enough to listen to what Devyn was saying, but he’d perked up in Devyn’s arms, ears alert for any strange(r) sounds.
Did no one else feel that? What was that?
The hair on the back of Lucien’s neck raised instinctively, and he struggled to stand on the potentially unsteady surface of Devyn’s forearm, before climbing up with his front paws onto his shoulder to stare at the space between where they were and whatever he was feeling far away. His majestically bushy tail swished and flicked with agitation.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:00 pm
Elliot laughed as he returned the hug. “My dad said the same thing too. We have to go shopping before school starts. I hope you guys got to enjoy being gone?” He leaned over a bit, peering at the Mauvian that now seemed on high alert. He tilted his head just slightly in question, but he knew that Mauvians were more in tune to some things than he was.
He knew Michael was more in tune to things, too.
Devyn did not have the same abilities his husband did, but he had suspicions when Michael went through certain motions. Locking the door was a perfectly normal activity, but between Michael and Lucien both seeming a bit alert, he supposed there must be something out there.
“Do you feel something?” he asked, figuring he’d get it off the table. He didn’t want Atticus to worry that he’d done something wrong. He kept an arm around him
“There is Chaos everywhere. It’s not like on Alastor,” he explained. “It exists in people, not the world itself. You’ll find little monsters, or people who have made deals for dark power. They’re manageable, but they cause havoc. They’re out mostly at night. Michael has a lot of protections in place, here. There’s some Mauvain technology to help, if that’s any reassurance.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:05 am
Michael glanced over to Devyn when Lucien seemed to tense up, and heard him explain the Chaos that he would be likely to come across.
“It’s a youma, this time,” Michael confirmed. “I can feel them too, but I think I’m an oddity.” Michael wasn’t so arrogant to assume that he was the only one who somehow had the ability to feel auras while he wasn’t powered up, but he hadn’t met anyone else who could. Or at least no one else who advertised it.
“They feed on energy and starseeds. And those who are corrupted by Chaos also collect energy and starseeds. It’s best to avoid them when you can.”
But after making sure Lucien wasn’t going to jump at the window or anything crazy, Michael offered Elliot a warm smile.
“Yeah, it was a nice vacation, but I’m glad we’re back.” He was glad they weren’t sick any more too. And glad that they’d found Lucien. Atticus stared up at the Mauvian as he perched with his paws on Devyn’s shoulder, looking like he would jump up on his shoulder completely -- if he could fit.
But that was okay. In a way, Atticus appreciated Lucien being alert. It meant that maybe his dad could relax a little.
“Would you like come pizza with us, Lucien? It’s, um… it’s bread and tomato sauce and cheese. And I think we have some um… it’s like sausage slices that are a little spicy but not too much,” he said, hoping it was enough to tempt a Mauvian that had never been on Earth. Or at least not present day.Lucien continued staring at the space between him and whatever was out there, growling lowly by instinct, but when the feeling was explained, and the others seemed like they weren’t very concerned, he carefully lowered himself back down. Although he draped over Devyn’s shoulder. Just in case he needed to jump up again.
But he realized that he was being spoken to, and maybe purposefully swished his tail far enough in Atticus’s direction that he got a squeak and giggle when it tickled the boy’s face.
“Thank you for the invitation,” he said after a few more moments, turning so he could at least make eye contact with Devyn’s son. “I believe I would like to partake in this delicacy you call pizza. I apologize for any rudeness in my behavior. I am… not used to this world yet.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:43 am
Though Devyn didn’t say anything, he was glad that Lucien put in the effort to comfort Atticus, in his own way. He knew it was easy for his son to be hurt, or to worry, and hearing his laugh eased some of the weight he was carrying in his heart. He smiled, and while he was certain that he could have moved about in such a way that Lucien wouldn’t have had any issue keeping himself comfortably perched, he knew that he was still recovering from stasis. He imagined it like a long, uncomfortable sleep, so he didn’t want to push him beyond his comfort zone. Or accidentally knock him off.
Elliot watched Lucien for a moment, probably because he’d been enamored with Atticus’ laugh.
“Lucien?” It wasn’t really a question, he seemed like he was just trying out the name. “Hi, I’m Elliot. It’s nice to meet you. I’ll go get you a plate. Do you want one too? You can go sit down and I can bring it to you,” he offered, looking between Michael and Devyn and Atticus. He was already up and close to the food, so he didn’t really wait for an answer before he started plating the food for everyone.
The best way to make sure they ate was to make sure the food was in their hands, anyway. And who knows what they got into! After being gone for so long, he could only imagine that it probably felt nice to sit down and rest.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 11:20 am
Atticus immediately perked up when Elliot suggested he bring his dads and Lucien plates with pizza.
“I can help,” he offered, because Elliot was amazing, but he only had two hands. Besides, Atticus liked any excuse to be around him and help. He gave Devyn one more squeeze and shook his head to make sure Lucien knew he wasn’t being rude.
“It’s okay. We’ll try to make things easy for you,” he promised as he shuffled off to help Elliot with the pizza. Lucien had turned to stare curiously at Elliot. Something was incredibly familiar about him, but he couldn’t place his paw on what. He’d obviously never met the boy before, but there was something…
“That one is not your offspring?” Lucien tilted his head to watch Elliot and Atticus move away from them so they could collect food. He tilted his head the other way as if getting a different angle would help him remember something… or at least try to figure things out. “Elliot is a family friend,” Michael shared after thanking Elliot. He moved back over to gently guide Devyn over to the couch so he could sit down. Not just because he wanted to make sure Devyn had a moment to rest, but because he wanted to sit next to him, which he did.
“We should have Soleiyu come over at some point. Maybe Lucasta too, if she’s up for it. They’re both Mauvians,” he explained to Lucien, offering his hand to be sniffed before reaching up to scratch under his chin.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 1:23 pm
The couch was nice. It had always been nice, but as Devyn sank into it, he leaned back and for the umpteenth time that day he felt the fatigue wash over him. It was more energy and effort to conceal it, but he did his best. “We should,” Devyn agreed, tilting his head to watch the boys make plates and fetch drinks from the refrigerator. “They’d be better able to make sure you’re okay and get you settled in here, I think. They’ve been on Earth for a while.” He thought they might have been born here, but he didn’t really know.
“Elliot is close enough to a son, though,” he mused. “Michael’s known him his whole life. And Atticus is enamored with him. They’re young, but they’re happy. If they get married then he’ll be a son.”
Devyn didn’t know what shadows of memories Lucien might have had, and for the sake of ensuring he didn’t have to think too hard about anything, he explained quietly, “I adopted Atticus. About a year ago, now. His birthday’s coming up so I hope you’re looking forward to a celebration.”
He wasn’t worried about Atticus hearing, not when he was over there giggling with Elliot, but it was still something they were thinking about and planning for.
“I don’t want to make decisions or force you to do anything you don’t want to do.” Devyn smoothed his hand over Lucien’s fur and thought that he would very much like to give him a good brushing. “So if you want some more time to settle in and relax before we call anyone over, please let us know. I know this is a lot to take in. We’ll do everything we can to help, though.”
Lucien was important to Devyn, even if the Mauvian couldn’t remember all the reasons why. It wasn’t going to deter Devyn from doing everything in his power to make sure he was comfortable and happy. Devyn didn’t know this Lucien–he knew the one in his memories. It would take time to figure out what was the same and what was different, and if their relationship was something he could recognize or if it was going to have to be something new.
A hot shower sounded nice, tonight. It might ease the ache he felt all over.
He wasn’t going to think about taking care of himself until after he knew everyone else was taken care of.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 1:40 pm
Michael smiled at Devyn’s correction, because Elliot was close enough to a son, but he always felt like he was stealing him from Asher and Oliver by saying how much he felt like a son to him. That wasn’t fair to them, even if he adored the boy.
“They’ve got a little while before marriage. And if they decide it’s not for them, then that’s fine too,” Michael said, if only to make sure he had all his bases covered. He didn’t want to make Atticus or Elliot feel like they were being pressured to get married, or even stay together but…
Just listening to them, and knowing how much they cared for each other, it was difficult to think of them not being by each other’s side for the rest of their lives. Lucien’s tail flicked this way and that as he watched the boys over Devyn’s shoulder. There was still something he couldn’t piece together. Something that was resonating with him.
“I would like to orient myself with this world as quickly as possible, I think. I can work and then rest as needed, if that is acceptable,” he said and then nuzzled against Devyn’s face before flopping over into his lap once more. He couldn’t deny enjoying the attention he was receiving. A celebration seemed like a good opportunity to observe the people of Earth and how they interact with each other. “Does Lucien have a bed to sleep in?” Atticus chirped as he came back over to the couch with his arms full of drinks. He carefully crouched down so he could place them all on the coffee table.
“Oh, I mean. I guess there’s Peter’s room. But if you think he won’t want cat fur in his bed. I mean. Lucien can stay in my bed,” Atticus offered, since it was a nice bed and he wouldn’t mind the company. When Elliot wasn’t there, of course. But as much as he would like to spend every night with his boyfriend, he knew that was probably a little much.
Even if he couldn’t help but beam happily at Elliot when he saw him coming with the plates, and quickly moved to try and help him.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 1:53 pm
“It’s a really nice bed,” Elliot chimed in as he started passing out the plates. “But the couch is nice, too. Actually, everything here is nice. I’m pretty sure even the floor is nice.” He had a plate of pizza for everyone there, with two slices each–even for Lucien.
Devyn seemed content with having Lucien in his lap, and he continued to pet him. With his free hand, he lifted a piece of pizza and held it up for Lucien to taste instead of having any himself.
He understood the desire to know everything about this world immediately, especially if Lucien wanted to thrive here. He didn’t speak, but he hoped that the gentle pat on the Mauvian’s back would have been a quiet indication that he approved of this plan and supported him.
“We’ll figure it out. If you want your own room, we can set you up with that for tonight.” He could do laundry if they were worried about cat fur. He doubted Peter would be coming back tonight, anyway. “If you want company, Michael and I stay in the same room, but Atticus is very good company.”
He was also fairly sure that Atticus would have a night light on, too, but he wasn’t sure if Lucien was too prideful to ask for something of the sort. Maybe he didn’t need it. Devyn had slept–if you could call it that–with the lights on for most of the time he’d had his own room. Sometimes, even now, he still distrusted the shadows.
His experience was different from Lucien’s so he tried not to assume what he might like, and he tried not to rely too heavily on his memories now. If he had to get to know Lucien all over again, he would.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 2:41 pm
Perhaps for the first time since knowing Devyn, Michael felt something that he absolutely hated about himself -- jealousy. He knew it was absolutely ridiculous for him to feel that way, because it wasn’t even as though he disagreed with Devyn. Of course Lucien could stay in their room with them if that was what he wanted to do.
But it was also the second time since discovering Lucien that Devyn had assumed (correctly, which was why Michael was frustrated with himself) that Michael would be okay with whatever Devyn offered the Mauvian.
Staying at their house? Of course. Where else would he have to go? Staying in their room? Well… he did know Devyn more than Atticus, who was sweet for offering. Of course Lucien could stay in their room.
Thankfully, Devyn seemed preoccupied with making sure Lucien was pampered and fed, which gave Michael the opportunity to thank the boys for his drink and plate, and hide any subtle change in his expression behind a large bite of pizza.
Even Devyn offering a bite to Lucien first seemed to rub him the wrong way, which he knew was absurd to think. He was a cat who had never had pizza before. Of course he would make sure he knew it was okay to eat.
But maybe Michael was looking forward to a night in a comfortable bed with his husband. Not that the beds on Alastor weren’t comfortable, but he was used to his bed. And he knew it was selfish of him to get hung up on Devyn just trying to make sure his old friend was comfortable. Lucien sniffed at the pizza when it was held up to him. He made a face at first because there were so many smells, but eventually leaned close to take a bite. Then made a surprised ‘mmph’ when a large portion of cheese slid off with the bite, causing him to back up on Devyn’s lap to avoid getting it on his fur.
“I appreciate your hospitality, young one,” he said after he’d managed to gobble up the bite he’d taken, his tail swishing as he determined if he liked it or not -- his tail swishing into Michael’s plate, which he had to move away to avoid losing the pizza slice entirely.
“I would like to stay with Devyn as he is my Senshi, if that is acceptable. I am unsure I will be able to wake from rest and not be greeted with confusion. A familiar face would be beneficial.” Atticus wasn’t upset that Lucien preferred to stay with Devyn. He definitely understood how that felt, because Devyn was wonderful and very comfortable to sleep against. He felt bad for Lucien, especially if he’d been stuck alone for a thousand years. He was really glad they managed to save him.
He waited until Elliot was done passing out the plates to bother with picking up anything for himself. He wanted to curl up next to wherever Elliot was sitting, but that wasn’t really surprising. If he didn’t have to leave Elliot’s side for anything, he would have preferred that. He knew it was a little bit much, so he tried to give him some space. The last thing he wanted to do was annoy Elliot.
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2023 3:05 pm
Uncharacteristic of Devyn, he missed any signs of dissatisfaction Michael might have had. Usually, his attention never strayed far from Michael, and more often than not he sought approval before making offerings. He had known Michael would agree. He hadn’t asked. He hadn’t even thought of it right now. There were a thousand little thoughts shifting in the back of his mind and he was having a hard time keeping up with them, more so because he was putting so much effort into maintaining a convincing facade.
Maybe, if he’d been thinking about things a little clearer, he would have realized that he still had his fair share of bad habits, so deeply ingrained in him that it was just second nature.
Hiding how he felt was among them. Most of the time it wasn’t anything to worry about. He was used to putting on a strong front even when he had his doubts; showing weakness on Alastor was frowned upon and the last thing he needed was for someone to strike while he was distracted and weak.
But that was a long time ago. Most of his masking now was to keep Atticus or Michael from worrying.
He was upset now, but he could hide that under fatigue. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, no one had done anything wrong. He had thoughts and feelings on everything, and some of them conflicted, and some of them were more shameful than others.
He didn’t speak of any of them. He didn’t even know what he’d have said if prompted.
That he was disappointed to see a face that he knew, someone he had a history with, but who could remember next to nothing of it? Was it better that Lucien had been in stasis for so long, or would he have been better off being reborn here on Earth? Was he healthy from that or were there underlying complications they’d have to deal with? If they gave it time, would he remember? Would he still be him? Devyn wouldn’t have rejected him if he’d been completely different, it was just a strange sensation to look at the Mauvian and have to remind himself that he was–and wasn’t–the one he knew.
He hadn’t known Percy, or Marius. Of them, maybe, but…
Devyn reached a hand behind Lucien to guard against further tail swishing, and used the weight of his arm to keep it down. He stretched a pinky out to rest against Michael’s leg, because even if he wasn’t thinking about it as he did so, he always felt better when there was a little bit of contact.
Elliot must have thought something similar, though; he looked at his plate and Atticus’, and then moved his slices onto Atticus’ plate and left his empty one on the table. Oh no! Now they had to sit close together so they should share the plate. He scooted closer to Atticus and spoke after he took a large bite. “Are you excited to be on Earth? Atticus and I haven’t gotten to go up to Alastor much but we like hearing stories about it. Oh! But we can go to the Moon. Earth’s Moon, I mean. If you need a break from Earth, you should come with us some time. Oh, but we haven’t actually been very good with bringing people up. Sorry Michael, sorry Devyn. We want you there, we just want to surprise you with how good it looks. We’ve got big plans. Oh, sorry. I’m getting way off topic. A million questions just popped into my head when you guys came back. You didn’t miss much while you were gone, though. We spent a day up on the Moon but that was the day we were texting you so much. And we helped Myles for a few hours at a craft fair and he sent us home with some candles again. Atticus sold a few things, too. Dad broke the old vacuum cleaner so we got a new one. He’s like, weirdly excited about it so he’ll probably want to show it off. They’re worried about you two, but what’s new. They’ll be excited to meet you too, Lucien. If you guys need some quiet time, I can make an excuse for us to get back home early so you can rest, though.”
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