|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2023 10:05 pm
 |
|
|
 |
Devyn wasn’t really a fan of driving. He could do it, and he had gotten proficient enough that Michael trusted him to be behind the wheel. He preferred traveling in some way that expended a bit of energy–running, biking, walking–but it was impractical today. And, it was hot.
And, it was important that they looked good.
The past few days of adjusting to Lucien’s presence had been interesting. Not bad, just interesting. He was glad to have his old friend there, even if it felt like a new friend who already liked you. Michael was being such a good sport about everything, but Devyn knew it was a strain on him. Lucien was adjusting. Things were improving. He hoped.
Devyn had to make an effort to remember that he had the same face as his friend, but he didn’t have the memories. Too many times had Devyn started to say something only to remember that he’d have to tell Lucien the whole story. It wasn’t that it didn’t seem worth it, he just didn’t want to give him a headache thinking about it. He did his best not to sulk, but it was easy with Atticus’ birthday coming up.
There were plenty of ways to keep himself distracted.
He’d taken him out today and they’d gone around and done a few things. It wasn’t uncommon for Devyn to steal him for a few hours, though it was far more common that Michael and Elliot were there with them. Not today; today, they started setting up for a birthday party as soon as Devyn had taken Atticus out.
They’d gotten sorbet. Had paninis. Gone to a gallery, bought some paint supplies, tried on clothes in a cute little boutique. Elliot had texted Atticus often and Devyn had known he would, so he never minded giving his son a moment here or there to respond, and he’d even offered to take a few pictures of Atticus to send to Elliot.
It hadn’t been a long day but they’d gotten a lot done, and Devyn had enjoyed hearing what Atticus was working on, or what he was getting up to, or what he wanted to do. He’d made sure not to do too much; he didn’t want Atticus tired.
They were a few minutes from the house when he decided to tell him that there was a birthday party waiting for him back at the house. It wasn’t a surprise party; he and Michael had talked about wanting to do something special for Atticus. Devyn supposed he’d worry if he had too much time to think about it, and neither of them wanted to shock him when he walked right into it.
He turned the corner–carefully, because he knew Atticus was going to be driving soon and he had to set a good example.
“The Reids are going to come over after we get home. Elliot might be there already. The Fischers might drop by too, in a bit.”
Neither of these things were surprising on their own. In the past few weeks, everyone had come by a bit more often, slipping innocent little questions into their conversations. What was his favorite cake flavor? His favorite colors? His favorite flowers? What meals were his favorite? What treats did he enjoy? Little things.
So they could throw him a very nice birthday party.
“They were over decorating while we were gone, but we didn’t want to surprise you with a house full of people. I know you’re having another party with your friends, but we wanted to do something special, too.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 5:36 pm
|
|
|
|
Atticus was having a very good day. He missed Elliot, of course, but he always enjoyed spending time with Devyn. And he was taking very good care to pay attention to the way Devyn was driving so he could learn how to do it once he and Elliot started taking driving lessons once school started up again.
He felt a little silly being so happy about a pretty outfit he saw in the window of a store and Devyn insisted that he go and try it on. It wasn’t anything too much. It didn’t have any of Devyn’s special embroidery on it yet, but he was already thinking about asking for a little bee and flower to be added here and there. They were denim shorts, but with frilly white lace on the sides, and a bright blue silk blouse that looked like the color of Elliot’s eyes.
He’d changed at the store after buying it, and it was perfect with the shoes he was already wearing. He just hoped that Elliot would like it as much as he did. Not that Elliot had to like it, but Atticus hoped he would.
When Devyn told him that the Reids would be over, that wasn’t surprising. Neither was the Fischers coming over to visit. But he did freeze for a moment when told they were doing something special for him.
“Are you sure?” he gaped at Devyn in surprise, but quickly tried to shut his mouth because that wasn’t really what he meant to say. “I mean… that’s too much, do you really-- I mean… I’m grateful-- thank you I just…”
The idea of one party was overwhelming. But to have two?
Atticus fidgeted anxiously in his seat, but he also couldn’t help the smile that tried pulling at his lips. Nor could he stop the tears from heating his eyes. So he quickly hid his face behind his hands.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:15 pm
|
|
|
|
Devyn had expected tears, while they were out, or when Atticus found out, or at the party. Waterproof makeup was his favorite thing, though, and they’d found a brand that worked so well that Atticus hadn’t smudged it once.
“Well, in a way it’s a little bit like a trial birthday. You’ll have time to get used to the idea of it before we’ve got all your friends over. This will be a bit calmer. But everyone wanted to make sure you had something special. And we didn’t want you to have to worry about entertaining us when you’re with your friends.”
He kept his eyes on the road, but reached out a hand to rest gently on Atticus’ shoulder.
“We all want to celebrate having you with us. That’s not too much.”
Was he worried about two parties? Devyn would have had sixteen. Maybe not all at the same time, just so Atticus didn’t get tired of cake.
But, he’d have more parties for him. Even if he disguised them as something else.
“We’re happy to have you with us. And, I don’t think anyone could wait much longer to give you their presents.”
He could see Atticus squirming, so he was glad they were nearly in the driveway so he couldn't worry too much before they pulled in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:22 pm
|
|
|
|
“Presents?” he squeaked behind his hands. He was certain his face was red, and not just from the light dusting of blush he’d experimented with. He didn’t want to go too heavy with his makeup and hide all his freckles, but he liked how it made him feel pretty, and he liked that his dads and Elliot and his dads said he was pretty too.
“I didn’t get anything for anyone,” he said when he suddenly realized this, his mind already racing to try and figure out what kind of gifts he could give in return for their generosity. Maybe they would like one of the bracelets he made? Another? How many had he given everyone now? Probably too much. No one really needed a ton of bracelets or necklaces. He didn’t have time to paint anything for everyone, either. At least for his friends he’d drawn them little pictures on postcards that they could keep if they wanted, but even that wasn’t much.
“Are you sure?” he asked again. “What if I disappoint everyone?”
He knew he was in panic mode. He knew he was asking ridiculous questions. He knew he should just say thank you and accept the kindness of others. But it was so weird to have a party for him. The last time he’d had a party was last year, but it was just as strange. He was celebrating a lot of things then. Being Atticus. Being away from people who wanted to hurt him. Being with his friends and new family. It didn’t feel like a birthday party last year.
But as he had time to settle in, it was easy to be comfortable and appreciate everyone.
“Sorry,” he quickly tried to correct himself. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. Thank you. I just…”
He just didn’t think he deserved all the love and care he’d been given. Not when there was so little he’d given back in return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:56 pm
|
|
|
|
He knew he was overreacting to everything. He just didn’t want to mess anything up. He knew, realistically, that he wouldn’t. That everyone in his life that was special to him would love and care for him even if he made a mistake or didn’t do something that he should have. Being the center of attention was a big deal, and Atticus was trying desperately to shake off the anxiety.
Especially if people were waiting for him.
Oh… if they were waiting, then he definitely shouldn’t make them wait any longer.
“Is-- I mean,” he started then stopped, feeling a little vain that what he could ask Devyn for help with was --
“Is my eyeliner still okay?”
He felt like his eyes were a bit bloodshot, but as long as he didn’t mess up his makeup too much, then he figured it would be okay.
Carefully, Atticus unbuckled his seatbelt and brushed his hands over any wrinkles that he might be able to get out of his blouse. But after that, he reached over to be able to give Devyn a hug and maybe hide against him for a little bit.
“Thank you, daddy. I’m okay,” he promised. He just needed to take a breath or two. Oh, and not ruin his makeup, even if it wasn’t a lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:21 pm
|
|
|
|
Devyn stretched to wrap an arm around Atticus’ shoulder and pull him close. He was careful to rub his arm, seemingly just as mindful not to add any wrinkles now that Atticus had just smoothed the shirt down. “Your eyeliner is perfect.”
They could stay like that for as long as Atticus needed. He knew Michael would be aware of their arrival, so he didn’t text.
There was no rush to get inside; the Reids would come over when Michael sent them a message, and Elliot spent half his time at Michael’s house, anyway, so it was practically a second home. He’d been there since before Atticus, before Devyn. He knew Elliot could talk Michael’s ear off and was comfortable doing so, so there wasn’t any reason for he or Atticus to worry that those two wouldn’t be just fine on their own.
“You look great, Atticus,” he reassured, in the same, gentle tone he’d once used for Percy a very long time ago. He kissed atop the boy’s head, careful not to mess up his hair in the process. He knew he was self conscious of his appearance and was always so quick to criticize or question or doubt his own tastes.
So, that just meant that Devyn would be as loud and enthusiastic as he could to combat that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:26 pm
|
|
|
|
Atticus wasn’t sure how long he held onto Devyn and just took comfort in being there with him. He believed him when he said his eyeliner was perfect and he looked great, because why would Devyn lie to him? Especially about something like that?
“Okay, I think I’m ready,” he said finally and slowly pulled back so he could show Devyn a determined look, took a deep breath, and then turned so he could climb out of the car.
The path to the house was a lot longer than he remembered. He rubbed his hands on his pants a few times because they suddenly felt sweaty, and he glanced over his shoulder to make sure that Devyn was still walking with him. He didn’t know why he was feeling nervous. This was his house. He lived there with his dads who cared about him very much. And he was going to see his boyfriend who was perfect, and his dads who were supportive and wonderful, and their friends who had helped them out on so many occasions.
Michael was waiting at the door. He didn’t want to rush Atticus, so he waited until he was about to open the door himself, before pulling it open to greet him. He gave his son a smile, and then cast a quick glance to Devyn as if silently asking if everything was okay. He could tell that there might have been a few tears, but Atticus’s cheeks weren’t streaked so he must have not cried for long.
“Sorry for the secrets, but we thought you would feel more anxious about everything if you knew,” Michael explained, taking a step back so they could come inside.
There were decorations hung up everywhere. In blues and purples and teals and gold. Tiny flowers had been strung together into a gradient and hung up to block the view to the kitchen, where all of the food was waiting. There were balloons as well, and a banner saying “Happy Birthday Atticus!” strung up above the television.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:41 pm
|
|
|
|
Devyn walked behind Atticus, offering smiles for support and ready to walk in front of him in case he decided he actually didn’t want to go first. He smiled again when he made eye contact with Michael. He hoped to convey that everything was fine and had gone well, but he didn’t think he needed to speak to say as much.
“Atticus! That shirt looks even better on you than it did in the pictures! I’m glad you got that one, it was my favorite,” Elliot said, because he was definitely over and immediately lit up as soon as Atticus got inside. He was never too loud around Atticus, even if it was in his nature to be a little boisterous, and even though he was careful not to crowd him too much or overwhelm him, he knew that Atticus liked hugs so he made his way over so he could give him a ‘welcome home’ squeeze.
“Surprise! Happy Birthday! My parents are going to come over when I text. But I wanted to be here while you looked around. Michael really outdid himself, I think. I should have asked him to decorate for my birthday, too. I hope you’re hungry, wait until you see the kitchen.”
He didn’t need to talk so much, he knew that, but he didn’t want Atticus to think that anyone expected anything of him except to just be here, so he was glad to run his mouth while he let him look around and take it all in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 5:20 am
|
|
|
|
“I had a lot of help,” Michael quickly corrected Elliot’s praise to include more than just himself. It had been a group effort. Trying to find out what Atticus liked most, and then getting the right decorations to fit the space. He thought he might have overdone it a little, but it wasn’t every day someone turned fifteen.
Besides, they had a lot of birthdays to make up for. Atticus deserved more than what Michael knew he had before.
He waited until Devyn was inside to shut the door behind him, and while he didn’t say anything to him, he did gently nudge him with his elbow as he crossed his arms over his chest.
It was a quiet gesture of gratitude and appreciation, and one that would be voiced later once they were alone. But for now, he wanted to make sure Atticus wasn’t too overwhelmed.
Atticus was grateful for the hug, because it helped with centering himself as he looked around. He might have held onto Elliot a little longer than necessary, but he always enjoyed being around him.
And he knew how kind and considerate he was. He’d watched Elliot for a long time before they finally spoke, so Atticus knew that Elliot was usually louder and liked to run around. Sometimes he wondered if he was keeping Elliot from having fun and being himself, since he was so careful to be gentle around him.
“Thank you,” he showed Elliot a wobbly smile, but he was doing his best to not start crying! He just felt so touched and loved. Everything looked so perfect. He tried saying more, but all he managed to do was open his mouth. So instead of trying, he just hugged Elliot again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 7:20 am
|
|
|
|
Realistically, Elliot knew how much had gone into this. He’d schemed with the group through most of it, and been eager to share what information he’d collected along the way, but Michael never took as much praise as he should and he knew it would have meant a lot to Atticus to hear that his emotionally discrete father actually cared very much and was doing his best to show it.
While Elliot embraced Atticus and smoothed down his back, Devyn took the opportunity to wrap his arm around Michael and draw him close. He didn’t speak, he didn’t need to. He gave him a kiss in greeting and looked around with great pride.
“It looks wonderful. You’ve done a great job,” he praised, because even if Michael hadn’t done it alone, they’d still managed to make everything look spectacular while he was out with Atticus.
Elliot placed a little kiss on Atticus’ cheek and kept his arms loosely around him. He had no intention of pulling away first. “I’m excited for you to open your presents,” he whispered. “Michael helped me make mine. It’s so big that we didn’t wrap it, so I got you some small things, too.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:04 am
|
|
|
|
Atticus would have been content to just stay in Elliot’s arms for hours, but he knew that wasn’t reasonable, so he held on a little longer before making himself pull back to look at him with surprise and awe.
“You didn’t have to get me anything!” he quietly gasped, his cheeks a little more flushed than the blush he already wore. “Thank you. You’re so sweet,” he said with a kiss on Elliot’s cheek in return, before taking a step back so he could move over to hug Michael as well.
He knew Michael tended to keep to himself about things, but Atticus never once felt as though he was unwanted. Anything he could have asked for or needed, Michael was there with it. Even if it was under the guise of someone else picking it up for him and they just happened to have it.
Michael let out a somewhat incredulous breath when Atticus moved over to hug him as well, and he gave both Elliot and Devyn a look that was both appreciative for their compliments and support, but also a little exasperated because being in the spotlight for anything wasn’t really his cup of tea.
But he rubbed a hand down Atticus’s back as he kept his other arm around Devyn.
He tried not to let it hit him as hard as it did that this was his family. Devyn. Atticus. Even Elliot, who he’d watched over since he could barely walk. He didn’t expect any of this. He couldn’t have planned for it if he’d even known it was possible to exist.
“Shall I escort the Reids over?” Lucien spoke up from where he’d been sitting silently, watching and observing, from the hall that led to the back door. His tail twitched every so often, but he definitely wasn’t looking at the way some of the strings of flowers shifted in the slight breeze. He was more dignified than his desire to maybe bat at the flowers as he passed them.
He wasn’t sure of anyone’s expectations of his ability to adapt to his life with very few memories and a new place to live, but Lucien thought he’d been getting used to Earth. He made an effort to learn a little more each day. Learning the language wasn’t difficult. If it was treated like simple mathematical equations, applying phonetics and a simple alphabet of singular letters to make up words, it meant applying the roots of other languages was only natural.
But he would keep all of that to himself, since he seemed to confuse Devyn’s son when he made an attempt to explain how he could learn how to read so quickly. Really, he was lucky he had a basis for knowing how to speak it. It was surprisingly natural, for as little sense as it made.
Still, he appreciated the hospitality he received. He knew it was not easy to have someone new around -- well, actually he didn’t. But he could see the concessions being made for him, and the way Devyn frequently looked at him as though he was quietly mourning someone he used to know.
Lucien wished things could have been different, of course. If he had the chance to remember everything, he would have. He didn’t like this strange state of understanding but not knowing. Of wanting to learn more, with the knowledge that he’d likely already learned the same thing before.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:05 am
|
|
|
|
“They can come over now if they’d like,” Atticus tried not to sniffle as he buried his face between his dads as he hugged them both. He hoped Elliot didn’t mind, but he would make it up to him by hugging him the rest of the time, probably.
Besides, he liked Elliot’s dads. A lot. And if he didn’t, um, well, want Elliot as a boyfriend, and if he hadn’t met Devyn and Michael, he would have absolutely wanted them to be his dads too. They’d helped him figure out his name, and helped keep him safe when he had no one else.
“Is there anything I can do to help? I mean…” he paused and looked around again. Everything was perfect, and definitely didn’t need him to start messing with things.
Michael rubbed Atticus’s back and shook his head as he offered him a smile.
“No, you should just relax and do whatever you want,” he gently suggested. He didn’t make any movement that would indicate to Atticus that he should pull away, letting him decide when to end the hug, since he, like the others, seemed to understand that Atticus needed the physical affection to help tame his emotions.
When Atticus indicated that he was okay with more guests, Lucien turned to trott towards the back door and shimmied his way out, pausing only to make sure it was shut behind him.
He liked the Reids, anyway. They knew how to treat a Mauvian, and Lucien wouldn’t reject any offers for pampering.
Although he was still uncertain how he felt about the creature they insisted it was just a vacuum. It made horrible noises and had some kind of electric charge that made the air around it feel like it was overheated and uncomfortable. Oliver seemed thrilled to have it, so Lucien tried not to critique the object too much. And after conferring with Soleiyu, verified that it was just an instrument used to clean with.
He would have to make sure to find a way into the Reid’s house anyway. To check in on Elliot, whom he felt a strange pull towards, despite him being a Knight. He tried to keep his distance for now, knowing that it was probably strange to claim a connection without proof of why there should be one. But he appreciated everyone’s willingness to help him adapt and go at his own pace.
“Thank you,” he said again, hoping his dads knew how much he appreciated them and loved them for everything. They didn’t even have to do all this for him, and he would have loved them.
“It’s so pretty. We should do this for every party or holiday,” Atticus suggested.
To which Michael laughed and made a face of resigned endearment. “Your grandmother would be thrilled,” he forced a sigh, then paused. “Sorry. Mumsy.” Since his mother whined about the idea of being called grandma.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:13 am
|
|
|
|
Elliot could never mind Atticus seeking comfort from his parents, and while he shared a hug between the two of them, he stood back with a little smile on his face. Mumsy was the closest thing he had to a grandmother, too; he had no family on either of his fathers’ sides, and though he’d met his mother, she was an old family friend who lived across the country.
Her family wasn’t his.
But, Michael was, so it was okay to borrow his extended family. Especially since he had so many.
“We should make up our own events so we can host parties just to have her over. We could make our own rules and choose whatever we want to celebrate. Oh, we could go up to the Moon for some of them. Devyn, you had lots of festivals. We should celebrate some of yours, too.”
“Oh, I like that idea,” Devyn said, still smoothing down Atticus’ back. “Though, I’m afraid I couldn’t give you the full experience. I helped set up for plenty of them, but it won’t be quite the same.” He’d pined for the smell of food stalls and street music and traveling merchants, and he’d been vocal about it in the past enough that Elliot could predict what he was sighing about, even when he didn’t say as much.
Devyn rubbed down Atticus’ back again. “But today is about Atticus. And I shall think of no other festival or celebration than this one. Today is your day, Atticus, and we are all here to tell you how much we love and appreciate you. So the only thing we need you to do is have a good time. And, of course, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you do.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
