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 Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:10 pm
Atticus really hoped it wasn’t too forward of him to want a couple minutes alone with Elliot to let him know how much he appreciated him. And how much he loved him. Adored him. Would do anything for him.
He still felt silly for all that time he spent hiding and being too shy to say hello to Elliot. But at the same time, he was glad to see what Elliot was like around his friends. Atticus just hoped the time he spent with him didn’t mean he was neglecting his other friends.
But Elliot wasn’t like that. Atticus knew that he was an amazing friend and took time for everyone. Besides, they didn’t have to be together all the time. He just really, really enjoyed the time he was with Elliot.
The idea had been to quietly shut themselves in Atticus’s room for a couple minutes. Mostly so he didn’t have to make his dads feel weird about him kissing his boyfriend. But that plan changed the moment Atticus stepped into his room.
The smile on his face fell as he stared at the large, beautiful bookshelf. And the wrapped presents that were there as well.
“What is this?” he choked on the words. He knew it was a stupid thing to ask. He knew what it was, but he hadn’t expected it.
“Did you do this?”
Hadn’t Elliot been talking to him just a few weeks before about how nice it would be to have a bookshelf there, and all the things they could display on it, and Atticus had been so enthusiastic about the idea, but couldn’t bring himself to ask for it.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 1:26 pm
“Only some of it.”
Elliot stayed a step behind Atticus but held onto his hand tightly so he couldn’t forget that he was there. He just wanted to make sure that his boyfriend had a chance to really take it all in.
There were several presents–more than there were people to give them, but that wasn’t surprising. It was easy to pick out who had wrapped a few of them; Oliver and Asher probably worked as a team, like always, and their presents were wrapped in a colorful, patterned print. There were obviously a few books on the shelf, but whatever text the Reids shared with Atticus came not only in book form but also with an audio file. Sometimes, it was just a reading of the audio book they’d found online (and, they both scrutinized the speaker to make sure they chose the best one to share). Sometimes, there was no audio version of their books online.
So they recorded their own, chapter by chapter, so Atticus could read along with their voices if he needed any help.
Devyn’s presents were easy to find; they were the ones wrapped in fine fabrics with elaborate bows, or with hand painted wrapping paper. He had a few on the shelf, some small and some large. His gifts were predictable as well, but each one was given with thought and care. He’d sewn or altered a few garments for Atticus; some were from Earth, and some from Alastor, but each were tended to with love. He brought him collections of sorted beads and gemstones he’d polished and carved out for his use, and a sketchbook he’d put together and bound, himself. He made a set of small paint pots, the way they did on Alastor, and a set of high quality brushes to try them with. A jewelry box he’d fixed up. Music boxes were special to him, and this one was made with a tune he found to be very pleasant. Inside, a few pieces to start Atticus’ new collection.
Elliot’s gifts were equally easy to spot, because though he’d wrapped them with diligence and determination, they were in the same paper as his parents but with a bit less finesse.
His shelf was the big gift, of course, but he’d picked out a charm bracelet he thought suited Atticus very well–little moons and flowers and stars and bees. An ugly stuffed bear that he’d sewn himself. It was weighted with beads, and constructed with soft, plush fabric. It was crooked and lopsided and had sewn. His ears were different sizes, and the eyes were uneven, but he’d been sewn with a smile and it was easy to tell that Elliot was probably laughing the whole time he’d made it. He was never ashamed that he wasn’t as creatively talented as those around him, he just wanted Atticus to have something he’d made, something with love, to squeeze on the nights when he wasn’t allowed to sleep over.
There were a few other gifts–a little pink box with a sticker of Soleiyu’s face on the cover–inside, a little handheld game he’d programmed himself. It was specifically designed to be calming and a good distraction; it had an array of mini games, all designed to incorporate Soleiyu in some way. Sometimes the little pixel cat would share fun or interesting facts, and soothing midi-style background music could be turned on to play in the background. It was low commitment, but a nice distraction.
Just in case Atticus didn’t want to be left alone with his thoughts.
Myles’ gifts were obvious, because they were in a bag with his shop’s logo stamped on the front. He’d sent over some nice candles and soaps and perfumes.
Jeremy hadn’t wrapped his present, but there was a card next to a very pretty little orchid that looked like someone had probably been doing their best to keep it alive and healthy before handing it over. Also, Jeremy’s favorite beef jerky and gum were in a shiny blue gift bag, along with a few other treats. And some pepper spray and a self defense keychain. Just in case.
“You don’t have to open any of them now, they’re in here so you can do it in your own time.” He rocked on his heels a bit, though; he liked the bookcase, and he hoped they’d done something Atticus would like, too.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 5:45 pm
Michael’s gift was sitting on the shelf as well. It wasn’t wrapped but it did have a bow around it.
A photo album seemed relatively simple in comparison to other things he could have gotten, but it was filled with pictures of everyone who was important to Atticus, along with little poems, both from Earth and Alastor. There were candid pictures of Atticus with Elliot and their other friends, and a few cheesy pictures from when Michael was showing Devyn and Atticus how to use their phone cameras.
But there were other photos that he’d included, such as some photos that he’d had taken of Elliot and the Reids when they were younger -- photos he’d also given to the Reids to help rebuild any collection that got destroyed when they lost their house.
There were pictures of people from his new family. Atticus’s uncles and aunts and cousins and a photo of Claire and Beau, whom Atticus never got to meet, but Michael was certain Beau would have loved and been proud of his grandson.
Michael had even made sure proper photos of Percy’s paintings had been taken, so a younger Devyn and Percy were included.
Others in the family sent over presents as well, although they seemed to understand that the intention of it being a small party was to not overwhelm Atticus. Peter had sent a fancy looking book on high resolution paper of the latest archeological discoveries. But he also sent over a board game for Atticus to play with his family and friends. Chris and Paris sent over professional graphite pencils for sketching and technical drawings, and a bunch of Paris’s clothes that they clearly noticed was Atticus’s style. Claire sent over a record player with a dozen or so vinyl records, because Atticus deserved to explore his new life in a way that was fun (but also because they don’t record music like they used to).
Atticus kept hold of Elliot’s hand as he stared at the wrapped presents, at the shelves, at everything he could see and everything he could imagine.
And then had to carefully slump to the ground because it was too much for him to continue standing. He’d been trying not to cry, but the tears came anyway. Which was such a pain because he hadn’t wanted to mess up the little bit of makeup he was wearing, but Devyn also said it was very good and held up against tears, so… he would have to see.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:24 pm
“Oh,” Elliot said, and instinctively sank to the floor with him. He settled himself cross-legged and wrapped one arm around Atticus so he could pull him closer. “Too much? We have a lot of birthdays to make up for.”
And a lot of time to make up for it, but he supposed they were all rather excited for this one.
He didn’t mind sitting on the ground, not for as long as Atticus wanted to be there. He could have gotten a pillow and blanket for him, too. He might still.
For now, he just pulled him close and held him.
“It’s okay, Atticus. Sorry, I should have warned you. I knew it was going to be a lot.”
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:32 pm
“No, I’m sorry,” Atticus sniffled as he quickly tried to reassure Elliot, even as he leaned into him, happy to wrap his arms around him and just hold on for a little while. So much for trying to make sure Elliot knew how much he appreciated him. Instead, he ended up getting overwhelmed by how cared for he felt.
But leaning over Elliot wasn’t very comfortable, so it didn’t take long for Atticus to wiggle around a little until he could sit in Elliot’s lap. This way he could hug him just as easily as Elliot could hug him back.
“I really, really like the shelf. And I know I’ll like everything else. I’m sorry I’m like this. I’ll do better. And I’ll be okay soon,” he promised as he held back a sob, but wasn’t quite successful.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized again, and tried to use his hand to rub at his nose so he wouldn’t get his blouse dirty with makeup. “I just wanted to give you a kiss, you know… not in front of anyone,” he admitted, feeling a little silly for saying as much. And now he was all drippy and gross and would have to make sure he didn’t look horrible before trying again.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 7:10 pm
“What? Don’t be sorry for anything, Atticus. Look, I’ve got a secret present, too. Devyn gave it to me.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cream colored handkerchief; it was silk, and the corners were stitched with gold threads that shaped small, beautiful flowers. “He said, ‘for emergencies,’ and ‘You have to dab, not wipe. Otherwise it will smear your makeup.’”
His impression of Devyn was not perfect, but he’d captured his tone well enough–and began to gently dab at Atticus’ eyes. “And it goes right in the washing machine afterwards, so get it as dirty as you like. Devyn said it won’t stain but I don’t believe him.”
He kept one arm around Atticus and rubbed his thumb over his back so he could hold him.
“Anyway, a few tears are nothing to apologize for, there’s no ‘doing better’. I like you just how you are, Atticus. And I’m going to kiss you as soon as I know you’ve got breath to take away.”
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:09 pm
Oh… oh, Elliot was perfect in every way. Even his impression of Devyn was perfect in that it brought a smile to Atticus’s face, and he couldn’t help but laugh softly in gratitude. For both of them. It was just like Devyn to be thoughtful like that, and to stitch such pretty flowers.
He held still as Elliot dabbed away his tears, but took the opportunity to show his appreciation and affection by using his nails to scratch up and down the back of Elliot’s neck.
“I love you,” he said quietly, almost a whisper. He could feel his cheeks flush a little, but he was pretty sure they were already red and blotchy from crying.
Sometimes he didn’t quite understand how he ended up so lucky, and maybe that was why it was so hard for him to easily accept how much others cared for him. He’d spent so long being a burden and unwanted and wrong in a way that others tried to fix him, so it seemed only natural to fall back to trying to be ‘better’.
“Thank you for always being so wonderful to me.” He only hoped that he could somehow make sure Elliot felt the same way.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:45 pm
Elliot, of course, loved any and all attention from Atticus. The touches made him shiver, but he liked it even more than the scalp massager he had back home.
He could have been distracted by that alone. He was, in his own way.
So much so that he wasn’t even sure that he’d heard Atticus properly.
His heart skipped a few beats when he replayed it in his mind and understood.
“Well,” he said, and a silence fell across the room. One second passed, two.
Elliot forgot how to speak, so he just dabbed the handkerchief across Atticus’ face and kissed the tip of his nose. “Good. Because.”
HIs voice was quiet–just a whisper. A secret between the two that everyone around them probably already knew, anyway.
“I love you, too. And I think you’re rather wonderful, yourself.”
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:48 pm
Atticus didn’t know how he did it, but Elliot always seemed to make his fears and worries melt away. He smiled at the kiss to the tip of his nose, and then when he was sure he wouldn’t interrupt Elliot taking care of his tears, he leaned close to press his face against Elliot’s neck.
He felt light and fluttery and happy, despite the tears. The tears weren’t because he was upset! He was just overwhelmed and so very happy.
They were young. Atticus knew this. They were only getting ready to go into their second year of high school. They hadn’t even figured out what they wanted to do with their lives yet.
Except… they kind of had already. They were Knights. And they had each other. And Atticus couldn’t imagine his life without Elliot, just as much as he couldn’t imagine his life without his dads or Elliot’s dads.
Atticus might not know what he was doing. Not really. But he knew he loved Elliot and wanted to spend forever with him. He was sure some would call them foolish and naive, but he didn’t care.
Which was why when he pulled his head back enough to be able to look up at Elliot again, to submerge himself in his ocean blue eyes, he didn’t feel shy at all about kissing him.
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 10:18 pm
There was no hesitation in this kiss. Atticus had initiated it, so Elliot didn’t worry that he was pushing too hard or that Atticus was outside of his comfort zone.
He was exactly where he wanted to be. And, Elliot was, too.
He had a long way to go before he was good at kissing; he found that he liked handholding, and peppering Atticus’ cheeks with kissing, but there was always something electric about kissing him on the lips and it always made his heart go wild. Sometimes, it beat so quickly that he felt like he forgot what he was doing.
A kiss like this had chased away thoughts before, and now was no different. He pulled Atticus closer, because he wished that he could just hug all of his love and affection into him, and chase away every bad thought and insecurity.
He couldn’t imagine Atticus not in his life. He didn’t want to imagine it.
This was perfect.
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Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 7:39 am
He knew they weren’t really good with kissing. They were new at it! But he liked the way Elliot always seemed a bit dazed after, and he liked how everything felt tingly and light.
He knew Elliot was being gentle with him, and making sure he didn’t push him too much, which just meant Atticus would have to take a deep breath and initiate things more often. It wasn’t as though Elliot was scary! He was just afraid of doing too much, or not doing it right, or any number of things that he wasn’t sure he could ask his dads about!
The kiss was light and sweet and over too soon, but Atticus knew they couldn’t just stay in his room for the rest of the day when so much had gone into the party for him.
Still, he couldn’t help but giggle from the giddiness he felt when he pulled away. He combed his fingers though Elliot’s hair to make sure he hadn’t messed it up too much, and adjusted the fabric of Elliot’s shirt so it didn’t look so wrinkled.
“Ready to go back…?” he asked quietly, and with a little grin as though they were just doing something they weren’t supposed to but didn’t get caught. “Before someone comes looking.”
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Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 7:52 am
Elliot was ready to go back whenever Atticus was, though he wasn’t in any rush, himself. Atticus’ grin was contagious, and he leaned forward to steal another quick kiss. If it was going to be their secret, he was going to make sure it was a good one.
“I bet they’re already wondering how much longer they should wait before knocking to make sure everything is all right,” he snickered. He couldn’t blame them, though; he’d have worried about Atticus just the same.
“I’m ready when you are. We’ve got some really good snacks if you need to sneak away for a minute. But you look good. What type of makeup is that? You look a little pink and your eyes are shiny but none of your makeup smeared. If I wasn’t looking really close, I don’t think I’d be able to tell at all. I don’t know how you manage it, but you always look good.”
He dabbed just under his eyes again, to catch any last moisture.
The smile never left his face, and he seemed like he enjoyed any excuse for this closeness.
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Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:22 am
The extra little kiss was sweet, and everything Elliot said about him and his makeup and looking good made his heart flutter wildly.
He wasn’t sure if Elliot really wanted to know what kind of makeup he was wearing, but if he did, he would show him everything he had.
But for now, he was just happy and excited to be there with him.
Oh, except they should head back down.
Carefully, Atticus climbed out of Elliot’s lap and held out his hands so he could help him up. But before Elliot could pull away again once he was standing, Atticus stole another quick kiss.
“I think you always look good, too. I kind of like when your hair is a little messy. I think it’s cute,” he shared, squeezing both of Elliot’s hands before letting go of one so he could head to the door.
Sure, it would probably be overwhelming to be around so many people, but he knew he was loved, and he wanted to celebrate with the people that cared about him as much as he cared about them.
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