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 Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:33 pm
Julian and Riker had checked in with each other often over the summer, but it wasn’t always easy to carve out time to see each other. They’d managed a few times, but Julian worried about being greedy with Riker’s time. It had been a bit lonely at school–not that he minded!–but he did miss the convenience of always having a friend there to talk to.
Everyone had their own things going on, but he didn’t feel neglected or left behind. Summer was busy! And he’d had a lot of changes he was navigating, too.
He and Riker had planned to meet at the fountain so Julian had arrived early. He seemed in good spirits now, albeit a little nervous. He was wearing newer clothes and seemed like he was still trying to get used to them. He had a long sleeved white button down shirt, untucked, and wore a dark blue knit vest over it.
As he sat at the fountain, he stretched out his legs like he was trying to get used to the black pants, but as soon as he spotted Riker he brightened and jumped up.
“Riker!” he greeted. He tucked his hair behind his ear quickly and then seemed torn between crossing the distance between them or waiting for Riker to make his way to the fountain. He was overthinking things, probably. There was a lot that they couldn’t say over texts, and communication was still somewhat limited when they powered up. They could still meet up to talk! It just felt like there was always so much to go over when they did. Things were just always moving so fast.
“I’m glad you could make it,” he said, despite never having any doubt that he would have. “It’s good to see you again!”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:34 pm
Riker definitely wasn’t going to run across the park to the fountain once he saw Julian there waiting for him. No, he was going to be cool and collected and walk calmly and patiently so he didn’t seem desperate or too needy or anything that Julian might think him weird for. If Julian could be patient and wait for him, then he could do the same!
Still, he couldn’t stop himself from grinning down at his friend once they were close enough to hear each other without yelling. Although, he rubbed his nose to try and hide how stupidly delighted he probably looked to see him.
“It’s good to see you too, Jules,” he said, and trying not to seem too teasing about the gesture, he reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind Julian’s hair that he’d missed. He’d seen him do it right before he got close enough to talk, but Julian also often did that with his hair when he was being anxious about things. Riker hoped Julian took it as a cue that everything was okay, and not that he was making fun of him. But he made sure to keep an eye on his expression, just in case.
“You look good. I mean--” he paused and cringed at himself. “You always have, but, I mean, the new clothes. Uh. I can tell they’re new. They look-- crisp? I don’t know. Sorry, that was weird.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:37 pm
Though Julian briefly paused, the confusion on his face evaporated rapidly once he understood Riker was just helping his hair.
“Oh, thank you.”
He smoothed out his vest and shirt and then stood upright as if to properly put the outfit on display. “Talia and I went shopping, she said I needed to get some new clothes. I picked some that I could grow into a little bit, so they don’t quite fit right. I mean, they do, but–well, you know. I’ve got room to grow, too.”
He didn’t need to explain it in such great detail. He wasn’t nervous about Riker, he was just anxious in general. Well, not so much right now, he was just excited.
“You look good, too! And you don’t even need new clothes! How are things going for you?” Riker looked like he was bustling with energy, and Julian couldn’t help but feel a bit the same just by being in close proximity to him.
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:41 pm
“Thanks,” he laughed softly in amusement at the compliments he received. There wasn’t anything special about the clothes Riker wore. It was the same jeans and tee-shirt, under a lightweight jacket he was usually seen in. All dark colors, of course. It was less stressful to think about things like fashion and what matches and what doesn’t when everything was dark and neutral.
“That’s probably a smart idea. These pants are getting a little short for me,” he admitted, holding out his foot to show how the leg rode up his ankle a bit.
“I’m okay. I was feeling a bit nervous about school starting back up, but since you’ll be there too--”
He was excited that Julian would be going to Azure. But he also knew it could cause some trouble for Julian, especially if he was seen around him.
“I’m, uh… still working on figuring out how to tell Énna about-- you know. Who I also am. He doesn’t like me and hasn’t accepted my apology for being mean to him, which I understand! It just, uh. Might mean we shouldn’t be around each other. I mean, I’d like to! But I’m worried about what others might think about you.”
Oh boy, he wasn’t trying to sour the mood so quickly, so he tried to flash Julian an awkward smile, as if that would help.
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:42 pm
Julian returned the smile, with a bit of disappointment. He’d wanted very badly for things to magically, easily work out. He’d been told he was too forgiving before but it wasn’t something he had the capacity, or willingness, to change. “I’m sorry,” he said earnestly. “I hope things will work out soon.”
He knew how important it was to Riker. Of course, Julian understood Énna’s stance! He wouldn’t want him to be in any position he was uncomfortable with, and his emotions were valid and understandable.
Julian just hoped there was some sort of happy ground that worked for everyone.
“He’s gotten to know the true you, though,” Julian said optimistically. “I hope he’ll take that into consideration when you do tell him. Why were you nervous about school?” Even if he’d been a bit cruel to others–according to him–Riker seemed like he had things under control.
“Um, but I’m not worried about what people think of me. I think everyone has their own problems going on. I don’t think it’ll hurt my feelings if they don’t understand. But! I’d understand if you didn’t want me around! That’s different. And it wouldn’t hurt my feelings! I’m worried a bit about intruding. I’m very excited to go to Azure! But I know everyone’s already sort of settled into school. I’m worried about being new. Oh, but I suppose it won’t be so unlike Hillworth, people are always coming and going. It’ll be okay,” he insisted, for himself and Riker. Even if he was now a little more worried about what he should keep in mind about socializing while there.
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:42 pm
”What? No way! Of course I want you around. I really like being able to hang out with you,” he quickly sputtered. Even though he was saying weird things, he was still excited about Julian going to school at Azure. He hoped that things would work out with Énna, otherwise going to his Wonder might just end up being really awkward, since he could see Yvoire’s Wonder from his.
Awkwardly, and feeling silly for making things awkward, Riker quickly shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and pulled out two wrapped corn dogs.
“Oh, I was going to come up with a reason to surprise you with these later, but uh… well, I guess it’s kind of weird to be carrying them around.” Wow, cringe.
“Are you hungry? Ah, I guess I should have asked that, too. Um,” he glanced down at the corn dogs -- they were still warm! -- and held one out for Julian. “Just in case you only get healthy food where you live now. Are they treating you well? Other than the new clothes. Like, are they feeding you enough? Don’t worry about Azure, you’ll be great. You know Elliot and Atticus, and their parents are teachers there, so you’re like… part of the elite just by association.”
As for him being nervous about school.
“Oh, uh… I’ll probably have to figure out when stores are having sales. Mom isn’t big on back to school stuff, so I usually have to get it all myself. But that’s fine! And I’ve got a job -- kinda. It’s under the table. But I help out at my friend’s food truck so I make a little bit of money, so I can buy stuff, but… I know I should also be saving. Oh, and people know I’ve been a jerk so there’s that.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:45 pm
Julian blinked. “You were hiding corn dogs in your pockets?”
He wasn’t upset. After a single second of confusion, his face lit up with delight. “That explains why you smelled so good!” He held out a hand and accepted one, and then quickly thanked Riker. “I get fed a lot. Um! One of Talia’s roommates really likes to cook. He has a food truck, too. He brings home extras a lot. It’s good! But it’s a lot of cheese.”
Julian took a bite of the corn dog and nodded approvingly, but he spoke quickly around his mouthful, “Which I like! It’s all very good. I just, um.” He shrugged and shook his head. “I haven’t told them that it doesn’t always agree with my stomach. I mean, I haven’t really told anyone, but I don’t want to make a big deal out of it–it’s like a minor discomfort, you know? I can eat it just fine. I don’t like to bother anyone, though. I’m not a picky eater.”
The corndog was good, how far away had Riker been to still have it be so warm?
He didn’t like to dwell on himself very much, and looked visibly embarrassed for even sharing any concerns with cheese. He moved on quickly. “I think they’re nice at Talia’s house. It’s a little complicated, there are a lot of people there. I’m not really sure how I fit in, but everyone’s been kind to me. You should come over some time, they said I can invite my friends. Do you want to go shopping with me before school starts? I still have half a check to spend and I ran out of things I needed. Um–it’s, you know. I’m still in foster care, so they help cover some costs. I know you’ll probably say that you can handle it yourself and you don’t need help, but also, um. You know, I think friends should look after each other. And you’re supposed to be saving.”
He was still going to worry about Azure, even with Elliot and Atticus and the Reids and Michael. He knew the parents loosely but he wasn’t very good around them and tended to stay in the background. Julian himself was by no means part of the elite, and the thought was more comical than reassuring. He had friends at school, he just wasn’t sure if him being there was going to embarrass them. He was okay taking a back seat or pretending like they didn’t know him if that was easier! Although, he didn’t really think that sounded much like them. It wouldn’t be malicious, anyway. He’d have to figure out what worked best for Riker, not because he thought Riker was embarrassed of him but because Riker was still so concerned with looking out for him.
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:47 pm
Riker listened to Julian as they both took a few bites out of theirs, although a few things Julian said gave him pause. Like how competitive cheese themed food trucks apparently were, and how bad things must be for so many people to have a bunch of roommates, probably trying to keep the cost of things low.
Part of him wanted to ask if Julian and maybe Énna and of course Elliot and Atticus and Rose and he supposed Maisie could all get a place together…
But he recalled how awkward it had been at the fair. Sure, things were a little different now. He and Julian had talked and gotten to know each other more, and now Elliot and Atticus knew who he was, although he was certain Elliot was teasing him every time he suggested things like hanging out. Énna certainly didn’t want anything to do with him.
But it didn’t take long for him to focus on what was clearly more important than his fantasies.
“Are you lactose intolerant?” he blinked at Julian in surprise, and then frowned with concern. He knew it wasn’t uncommon, and he knew there was medicine for it, but it seemed like such a hassle to have to avoid dairy. Especially cheese.
Of course, his mind cycled back to every time they all hung out together, and how picky of an eater Julian was. Riker could feel his ears burning with guilt.
“I can’t touch coconut,” he blurted out. “Ah, I mean. I can usually avoid it. But, like, even lotions or scents -- like perfume or candles -- that use coconut oil make my eyes burn. I mean, obviously I can’t eat the stuff, but I usually get itchy before it gets close to my mouth.”
He felt like he was oversharing, but he felt weird for not telling Julian before. Even with Elliot saying embarrassing things like ‘don’t worry, there’s no coconut in this’ when offering him food.
But Julian was so sweet. How could he not agree to go shopping with him? Especially when he was right in that friends should look after each other.
“I mean… if you’re not too busy. I wouldn’t mind the company. It’s stupid, but I get overwhelmed trying to decide what pencils and things to buy.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:49 pm
Julian’s mouth was full when Riker asked if he was lactose intolerant, and it was clear that for a split second he was thinking about denying it. He could have lied and just said he didn’t like cheese or something, but he chewed his food quickly and swallowed so he could give a real answer.
“It’s not that bad,” he insisted. “I used to have medicine but it started to get too expensive so um, well they told me to just not eat dairy or I could deal with it, so that’s what I did! I guess I should, um. I should budget for that a little. I mean, it’s okay. It’s not that bad,” he justified.
It wasn’t like he was allergic!
“I didn’t know that people could be allergic to coconut. I’ll make sure I don’t bring any around you. Um, I didn’t know that they actually put it in lotions or scents? I don’t think anything I use has that in it. But I’ll check.”
Just in case! He didn’t want to give Riker an allergic reaction just because they were standing too close or something. Oh, but they could probably sit down. He gestured for Riker to move with him and plopped down atop the fountain wall.
“I’ll get some medicine while we go shopping. It’s over the counter, I think. Do you want to split some school supplies? I got a whole pack of lead pencils. And mechanical pencils. I won’t need all of them. Oh, but you don’t have to use them if you don’t like mine, that’s okay. It’ll be nice to go out and spend some time with you. I get overwhelmed by all the choices they have. But maybe it won’t be so overwhelming if we’re hanging out? I don’t know if we could make shopping fun, but we could try.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:51 pm
“It’s not that bad,” Riker parroted, but in a way that it wasn’t teasing, but rather spoken in a way that could have been his actual response, had Julian not just said the same thing.
“I get the whole… too expensive thing,” he said while making a disapproving face at the thought of how easy it was for someone to be forced to suffer just because they couldn’t afford paying for the medication.
“But don’t worry. You don’t wear anything with coconut. I’d probably feel itchy around you if I did,” Riker grinned and followed Julian over to the wall to sit. He took another bite of his corn dog while contemplating Julian’s offer.
“I’m not picky. Seriously. Uh, this probably sounds really lame, but if I find a pencil that was dropped in the hallway -- I mean, as long as it’s a standard pencil, not something that is easy to say ‘hey, that’s mine’ I, uh… just use those,” he mumbled sheepishly. “I think getting your opinion on things will really help me, though. So… yeah, we can figure out when and where to meet up if you’d like? Probably sooner than later since making sure you get medicine is important.”
And after a pause he sighed, and reached into his pants pocket to pull out a rectangular looking device and held it up for Julian to see, just in case he wanted to, but Riker didn’t seem too keen about actually showing it off.
“It’s probably gonna expire soon. They only last about a year, uh… yeah I’ve had this for almost two -- but that’s a good thing! I haven’t had to use it. But, uh. Just in case. It actually has instructions it’ll say out loud. Not that I plan on using it, but, it’s there.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:53 pm
Though Julian gave Riker a doubtful look when he said it’s not that bad, it was hard for him to look like he was in any state to reprimand someone while his mouth was full of food.
As if Julian could ever scold someone, anyway. He already made a mental note to check with Talia about the laundry detergent they used, and checking to make sure she didn’t have anything coconut-aligned close enough to rub off on him.
He didn’t immediately understand what Riker pulled out, but he’d seen enough kids in foster care to understand that it must be some sort of epi-pen. He raised a hand to cover his mouth. “It can talk?”
Maybe it was a silly question. He tilted his head as if it would let him examine it in greater detail, but he took the opportunity to chew and swallow his food. He’d finished about three quarters of the corn dog and despite how good it was, Riker had his full attention again.
“I bet mine isn’t as expensive as that. It can still work after that long?” Julian was doubtful but he wasn’t an expert. He trusted Riker but he also doubted he’d get an honest answer. “I hope you don’t ever have to use it.” He scrutinized it from a distance, like he was afraid he might accidentally set it off if he got too close. Thinking about sharing pencils was much easier, but…
If there was ever an emergency, he didn’t want to be useless.
“Have you ever had to use one before?”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:55 pm
Riker made a face. One that was a mix between cringing and attempting to force a smile. It probably wasn’t very attractive so he awkwardly twisted the cartridge between his fingers, and took a quick nibble at what was left of the corn dog.
“Ah, I mean… it probably wouldn’t be as effective.”
Sure, there was a chance for it not to work at all, but there was only so much he could do when he didn’t have enough money to his name. And it wasn’t as though his mother was going to go out of her way to get it for him.
“I’ll get a new one as soon as I save up enough, I promise. That’s uh… kind of what I’ve been saving up for,” he admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed that he would have to worry about something like that in the first place.
“Oh, yeah. It basically just reads out the instructions so you don’t have to waste time trying to follow the diagram,” he explained, showing Julian where it had directions for how to use it.
“I think it was designed specifically for kids to carry around. The normal ones are huge, comparatively. Ah, anyway, I like these because I don’t want to have to deal with figuring out how to hide something so big. But, uh, yeah I have. Mostly when I was younger. I mean, it’s been as long as I’ve had this one since the last time. Maybe that’s why mom won’t get me a replacement. I should just use it, but she gets so mad when I ’waste’ money,” he said with a forced laugh and then cleared his throat.
“Uh… if I do use it, I’ll still have to go to the hospital. It’s only a temporary fix. But don’t worry, I’m careful. It’s been easier since my brother has been mostly away at college.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:56 pm
Julian wasn’t used to that expression on Riker so it was an immediate cause for alarm. He watched with furrowed brows but he kept his face tempered so as not to worry Riker into silence. He shuffled closer and peered at the instructions closely but they didn’t make much sense to him. No wonder it had audible instructions, too.
“Can I take a picture of it? I want to go watch a video online. Just in case.”
He was quick to assure, “I know it’s silly! But if you did get sick or were in danger, I would want to help. I don’t want to panic or something.”
It was probably silly but if something happened to Riker–something magic or medicine couldn’t fix…
Julian was visibly determined. He was so focused that he hadn’t taken a bite in nearly a minute, now. He knew Riker didn’t really get along with his family back home but he was putting all of his energy and focus into trying to make sure he didn’t ask an awkward question poorly.
“How much would a replacement cost? For one like this? I don’t think it’s a waste of money, it’s important. You’re important.” That was common sense, though. “Sorry, um. I think I’m a little all over the place. But, um. Before I forget. Did you mean–does your brother try to do things to set off your allergy or something?”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:57 pm
Julian was sweet. He didn’t have to worry about him, but Riker didn’t think that was possible for someone like Julian to even consider. And while he didn’t immediately answer any of Julian’s questions, when Julian shuffled closer Riker leaned over to press a quick kiss on his forehead.
“Your eyebrows are doing that thing,” he gestured to his own with a smile, but then held out the cartridge for Julian to take a picture, or inspect, or anything he wanted with it.
“These are pretty pricey. A few hundred. But. I’m probably going to just switch to the generic. It’ll be in pen form, and won’t give instructions but it’s maybe a third of the cost.”
As for everything else Julian said, Riker just shrugged.
“It’s fine. Beckett -- uh, my brother… he just has a lot of stress, and me being around doesn’t help. But it’s fine. Boys being boys or whatever. But don’t worry about it. It’s fine, I promise. I’m careful.”
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2024 7:01 pm
“Oh! Sorry,” Julian said; he smiled, but his brows had moved only slightly to relax after the kiss. It seemed to perplex him very briefly, but it was unclear if it was really the kiss or hearing about Beckett.
Julian pulled out a phone–something that also looked new and very different from his previous old phone. “A Mauvian made this for me,” he whispered in explanation, quickly taking a picture of the device as well as the instructions. “Do you think a Mauvian could make something like this less expensive? That’s so much! I bet we could ask a Mauvian to make something that can give instructions. The one I know, um–I thought the phone was too much but he said I should go to him about everything. Like, I saw the price of the graphing calculator we needed for this year and it was so expensive! But he had one made by lunch time! Oh–you can use mine, I bet we can share. If you don’t have one already. But he could probably make you one too if you wanted. He said all I have to do is bring him any old tech I find. And he says he’ll give me money to buy it if I stop at thrift stores, too. So I could get everything he needed to do it. But, um.”
He was stalling for time, and once he’d captured enough photographs of the pen, he stood up and looked Riker in the eyes. It wasn’t always easy for Julian to do such a thing, and was reserved only for when he was either very comfortable or trying to muster up the courage to talk about something important. With Riker, it was both.
“Do you really think the whole thing with your brother is ‘boys being boys’? I mean, you and I are boys. And I think we’ve been under a lot of stress. I don’t know, I can’t imagine ever wanting to do something to put anyone in the hospital. Especially my brother. Um, I’m sorry. Maybe that’s overstepping. Do you think maybe the Negaverse got to him or has he always been like that?”
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