|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:01 pm
Takes place late October 2024. Riker felt like garbage. It had only been a few days since he’d been impaled with Yvoire’s broken parasol, among other injuries he’d sustained. And while Ephesus had used all of his magic on him a handful of times by now, and Riker had sat in the springs of Sessrumnir so long that he doubted he would never not be a prune again, he still felt like he was hit with a truck.
He was paler than his normal complexion, and looked like he could use several more days of sleep. There was a part of him that wanted to take Devyn up on his offer for a little touch up makeup, but he didn’t want to have to wash it off, or have it come off on a borrowed pillow.
He’d already seen Elliot and Atticus when he returned from Sessrumnir, and Atticus used his magic one more time on him, just to be safe. They’d offered to help him get settled in, and although he didn’t want to burden Evan and Julian, especially with helping him get up the stairs, he’d also missed them immensely and really just wanted to see them and reassure them that he was okay.
Riker knew he would have to contact Cassidy at some point, so he wouldn’t think he’d been abandoned, but he would do that once he was sure Evan and Julian wouldn’t have heart attacks over him.
He also hated that Mr. Gallo called ahead to let Evan and Julian know he was on his way over, if only because now he was going to have to get out of the car while they were watching, or even make their way over to help. He was fine! He could walk! Mostly.
As soon as the car had parked in the driveway, Riker was already taking off his seatbelt and pushing the door open. He had one leg out before having to stop to take a breath. His chest was still sore, and it was difficult to turn, but he was going to prove that he was okay, one way or another. “Will you wait?” Michael sighed in disbelief as Riker was practically trying to jump out of a moving car. He was quick to throw off his own seatbelt and push the door open, but Riker was on the passenger side of the car and would take more time for him to get around than Devyn.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:03 pm
Devyn had recovered well at Sessrumnir, and even more just at the sight of Michael. He was dressed nicely, in an outfit he had stashed away at Michael’s Wonder that passed well enough for something he could reasonably be seen wearing on Earth. His hair was tied up and out of his face, like he often did when he was getting ready to work on a project.
Expectedly, Riker was his project.
He slid out of the car and met Riker just outside his door. “Slow,” he advised, not with any ounce of reprimand, even if Riker did already need a reminder. “You don’t want to be out of breath, they’ll just worry more.”
He held out an arm expectantly to offer support. “You got stabbed, Riker. You can’t act like it’s a broken bone or a bad bruise. You might have healed some but not enough that you can’t still hurt yourself. Everyone inside knows you got stabbed, none of them are going to think you’re weak when they see you walking inside. It’s only been a few days, most people would still be laid up in bed. All you have to do is walk in with your head held high and your shoulders squared. No one’s going to see if you’re walking slow or holding onto my arm, all right? Trust me, I’ve done this a hundred times.”
He might not have been exaggerating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:05 pm
Riker frowned at the offered arm from Devyn. Just because they’d spent a few days together (of Devyn babysitting him and making sure he was fed and, oh yeah, didn’t die), and just because Riker had asked Devyn to teach him how to fight, it didn’t mean they were friends or anything. Riker still wasn’t sure if he could trust this strange alien.
Not that he didn’t look pretty strange himself, right now. He couldn’t exactly wear his bloody clothes -- especially not after his shirt had been hacked apart, so he was borrowing one of the tunics and pants from Sessrumnir.
It wasn’t anything he’d ever think of wearing before, but it kind of reminded him of Link, and he happened to like those video games, so he decided not to grumble about it too much. The tunic was even green!
After another moment of hesitation, Riker finally took hold of Devyn’s arm and eased out of the car.
“You’ve been stabbed a hundred times? Maybe you shouldn’t teach me how to fight. I want to win, not get beat up all the time,” he huffed, but took careful steps and kept his head high as directed.
Another exasperated sigh from Michael, who had his hands on his hips with agitated impatience. Not necessarily impatient in that Riker was being too slow, but because he was going too fast.
It was fine. He would be with a capable group of people who could handle his antics. Or at least not be out causing trouble.
“If you want to win, there’s no one better to teach you,” Michael frowned, but his shoulders eased a bit of their tension. “Maybe you could come to one of Devyn’s fights, if you’re still unsure.”
It was obvious that Michael was proud of his husband, but was also trying not to sound too braggy. He cast a brief glance up at Devyn before relaxing his hands to his sides and leading the way to the front door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:06 pm
“Oh, come to one of my fights. Cheer the other guy on, they need someone rooting for them.” Devyn walked at Riker’s pace. “I always win, they’re starting to catch on to me.”
He was beaming, not just from his own legacy but from Michael’s praise as well.
While Michael was ahead of them he whispered–as if Michael probably couldn’t hear, or at least assume what he was saying, “I’ll teach you how to walk off a stab, too.”
Devyn stood up straight again but he was still beaming. Just because he was teasing didn’t mean it wasn’t a real offer.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you get hurt, as long as you’re the last one standing. I’ll teach you to be less reckless than I am. I’m able to be riskier because I’ve always had good healers to look after me. I knew they’d be able to patch me up.”
Atticus was a good healer, on his way to being a great one, too. He’d already worked miracles for Riker. If he and Elliot kept getting hurt they might need to find a few more healers for their group.
“It’s good to be strong but you don’t have to be good at everything. Having a well-rounded team is important, all the right pieces compliment each other. So don’t ever think you have to go into things alone, either.”
They were nearly at the front door; Maxim’s nose was pressed against the glass window. Evan must have known they were there but was working very hard to stay calm and not make a big deal out of it.
He didn’t want to give Riker time to think too much or worry; he probably could have talked about anything on the way to the door. They were almost there.
He knew how badly Riker wanted to be here. He knew how badly he was wanted here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:06 pm
Riker scowled. He didn’t really think being less reckless had anything to do with it. He wasn’t that reckless to begin with. Well, maybe a little.
“Do you have a well-rounded team?” he scoffed, because he kept hearing talk about everyone working together and other bullshit, but when it came down to it, there were very few people who actually seemed like they were acting as a group. It seemed more like a free-for-all.
Whatever, it wasn’t like it really mattered. Adults did what they wanted and tried to push their ideals on the younger generation because they failed to follow through for themselves. He also wasn’t convinced, by experience of observing everyone else, especially adults, that going into things alone was a lot safer for everyone else. If there was only one casualty, it was better than a whole group, right?
“We have people we can count on, and who call us when they need help. Like taking someone to the springs,” Michael hummed thoughtfully. It earned another scowl from Riker, but Michael wasn’t looking.
He would have also been a hypocrite to chastise Devyn for suggesting to teach Riker how to walk off a stab. It was a good skill to have.
Michael took his time getting to the front door. He made sure to keep a few steps ahead, both to stay out of the way and to lend a hand if it was needed. He doubted he needed to announce their arrival, but he used the back of his hand to knock on the door regardless. He could see Maxim there, which likely meant Evan wasn’t far behind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:07 pm
Devyn seemed amused with Riker’s needling but he didn’t really seem to mind how defensive he was about things. In his own way, he reminded him a bit of Marius. A little gruff, very independent, ready to take on the world. Marius was a bit more slick with his judgment and criticism but Riker wasn’t malicious enough to earn Devyn’s ire.
“I’m still working on my well-rounded team. So don’t miss an opportunity to recruit early, Riker. Someone else might snatch them up if you’re not quick. But it doesn’t hurt to make friends everywhere you go. You never know when you might need someone to watch your back.”
They were at the door. Either Michael was going to knock or someone was going to open the door before they had the chance. So, while they still had a second, Devyn leaned in towards Riker and quietly said, “You look good. Just remember to breathe.”
Maxim disappeared from the window; his tail thumped against the door a second later. Evan’s muffled voice said something to him, and Devyn heard a distinctly sharp inhale from the other side.
Evan wasn’t convincing anyone when he opened the door. He was gripping the doorknob so tightly that his knuckles were white, and his brows were knit tightly but also frozen on his face like everything would fall apart if he so much as twitched.
“Michael,” he greeted. “And Devyn? Hi.” He tried to pretend like his attention wasn’t solely on Riker, and once his eyes landed on him he smiled. He was being cool about this! Really normal! He wasn’t crying, or trying to gather Riker up in his arms, or checking him over like he expected they hadn’t done a good job putting him back together.
Instead, he held out an arm like he wanted to pull Riker from Devyn’s. It was obvious that he wanted to hug Riker but he was doing a good job of holding himself back.
“Riker,” he said softly, relief heavy in his voice. “I missed you. Come in, are you hungry?”
The invitation was for everyone but he just needed to see Riker, just for a minute. Julian stood in the background, close to the entrance of the garage. He didn’t know if Riker could see him but he waved enthusiastically. Julian’s worried expression matched Evan but he was keeping his distance only because he was afraid of crowding Riker.
He knew it would be his turn soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:07 pm
Remembering to breathe was easier said than done, but Riker begrudgingly appreciated the words from Devyn.
He felt more anxious than he had any right to. This was Evan. And Julian, who he knew must have known about things by now. He made an attempt to breathe normally, but his chest tightened at the first sight of Evan in the doorway.
“I missed you too,” he said quietly in response, immediately reaching for Evan’s arm in exchange for Devyn’s.
Not that there was anything wrong with Devyn. Not really. He’d kept him alive and made sure he was fed and his bandages changed. And he was a lot less emotional than Evan, so Riker didn’t have to worry about Devyn getting upset about him being hurt.
And since Evan seemed to be holding back on giving him a hug, Riker reached around with his other arm to gently wrap around him. He wanted to give him a tight squeeze, but his ribs would hate him for it.
He hadn’t missed Julian, having seen him out of the corner of his eye. It was only after Evan seemed to release the hug that he reached out to beckon Julian over as well.
“Very hungry. I’m sorry for worrying you both. I’m okay, I promise,” he insisted, still holding out his arm to hopefully coax Julian into a hug as well. He already knew they would both be gentle with him.
Michael didn’t want to crowd them, but he also wanted to make sure they could help get Riker settled. Evan and Julian were both shorter than Riker, and not as athletic, so if he collapsed it would probably be more difficult to get him back up. Not that he expected Riker to collapse, but he wouldn’t pretend that there couldn’t be unforeseen complications.
He stood close to Devyn, and reached out to place a hand on his lower back as he ushered him inside. He didn’t pull his hand away with the door shut behind him, grateful for the closeness after being away from him for a few days.
“We won’t stay long, unless you need the extra help,” he said, wanting to make sure they knew they wouldn’t just abandon them. “It’s good to see you too, Julian,” he nodded with a small smile.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:08 pm
Evan all but melted into the hug, and though some of his movements were still done with an overabundance of caution, his care and worry for Riker still easily spilled out, too.
Evan had not wanted to release the hug but neither did he want to accidentally hurt Riker, and he recognized that Julian was waiting for his chance to greet Riker, too. When beckoned, Julian immediately hurried over and slipped into the hug. He managed to be gentle and enthusiastic, resting his head on Riker’s shoulder.
“Hello Mr. Gallo,” he greeted, and if he wasn’t in the midst of a semi-air hug with Riker he might have been tempted to straighten up and smooth out his clothes.
Devyn’s lip twitched at Mr. Gallo but he was glad to see Riker with the people he cared about. It had been a long few days, and Devyn at least had his own special way of being with Michael. With Michael’s hand near the base of his spine, Devyn crossed his arm behind Michael’s to rub his back.
“We’ll be okay,” Evan said, “But you’re still welcome to stay. Soleiyu and Lucien have–well their project, they say it’s all complete.” Michael had been involved with enough of it to know but the Mauvians had been doing the finishing touches. “And Zac’s here. But I made a lot of food so you’re more than welcome to help yourself. There’s a buffet in the kitchen, plates are on the table. Actually, there are to-go boxes on the counter, you can just take one of those if you’ve got places to be. I was cooking all day. Oh–for the food truck. That I own,” he explained, unconvincingly.
For a second, Devyn stood in place. It wasn’t difficult to convince him to help himself to a buffet of food, especially if it meant Riker could have a moment with his friends. Briefly, Devyn caught his eye, and then nodded. “All right, thanks. That sounds good.” He patted Michael’s back encouragingly, half-knelt to scratch behind Maxim’s ear, and then made his way to the kitchen.
As Julian hugged Riker, Evan just gently cupped Riker’s face because he could at least see what he was touching. “I googled what you’re allowed to eat if you get stabbed but the internet was useless. So I looked up what you can eat after you’ve had abdominal surgery. I figured you’ve been eating soup and–I’m sorry Riker, there’s probably going to be a lot of soup in your future, too–but I made as many things as I could. I made too many things,” he admitted, “But I just wanted you to be able to have your pick. And whatever you don’t want won’t go to waste. Julian helped me cook. And he made up his room for you. I’m sorry, I know I’m all over the place. I’m just so happy to have you here.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:08 pm
Michael nodded to Evan, glad that he mentioned the project Zac and the Mauvians had been working on. Well, he’d been working on it too, but he didn’t live there.
“We’ll see if we can lend a hand. To the food and Zac,” he clarified, because he wouldn’t deny Devyn a chance to have something to eat, especially after living on probably just soup for the last few days. It was better than dirt, at least.
He gave Julian another smile and small nod, letting Devyn pet Maxim, before going with Devyn to the kitchen.
Riker kept his arm around Julian and rubbed at his arm and shoulder and back in silent apology and comfort, and closed his eyes for just a couple moments while Evan had his face in his hands.
He was grateful that Devyn and Michael seemed like they were content with giving them some time together, even if it was just to say hello and reassure Evan and Julian that he wasn’t going to suddenly start bleeding everywhere or something.
“I figured as much,” Riker sighed when he was warned there would probably be a lot of soup, but it wasn’t like he could even be upset. He liked Evan’s cooking a lot, so he knew he would like whatever was given to him.
“You helped?” he grinned as he glanced down at Julian. “Then it’ll be the best soup I’ve ever had, I’m sure.”
He could tell that his voice was sounding as fatigued as he was feeling. He was remembering to breathe of course, but he was trying to figure out the best way to casually suggest sitting down without sounding like a baby. Maybe if his knees would stop trembling from standing for too long.
“What’ve Sol and Lucy been up to?” he couldn’t help but ask, curious since he hadn’t heard about any project, and if they’d been working on anything before he got hurt, Julian would have told him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:13 pm
Riker was good at hiding it but Julian could feel the way Riker trembled just enough for it to be obvious. “I just helped Evan by moving things around in the kitchen for him,” he said softly, unwilling to take too much credit.
Evan gave Riker a look as if to indicate this was not true but he didn’t say anything because Julian was quick to volunteer an explanation for ‘the project’. “It’s so cool, Riker. You can’t think it’s silly, they worked so hard! It’s fun,” he insisted. Julian was a little bit of a fibber but there was at least some traceable honesty in his words. Of course he was going to try and sugar coat this, he didn’t want Riker to be embarrassed or try to make an excuse not to use it.
“It’s a chair that goes up the stairs so you don’t have to walk. But it’s a video game, too. You have to shoot the stars. Soleiyu says if we can get a thousand points in a single game he’ll make us anything we want, he’s got a whole catalog to pick from. You have to try it.”
“You have to try it,” Evan agreed, brushing his thumbs over Riker’s cheek bones. It was as close to a hug as he could give him. “I’m not good at the game so I’ll have to find other ways to bring Soleiyu for appliance upgrades.”
“I’ve only gotten three hundred and seventy points, that’s my high score. I’m not good yet. Zac got eight hundred points his first game.”
“I think he cheated,” Evan protested. “They were still working out bugs. Riker, do you want to go try it out? I can bring you up a plate of food. I won’t skimp.”
“I want to show you my room,” Julian said softly, still resting his chin on Riker’s shoulder. “I moved the furniture around so it’s more open. And I changed a few things. I hope you like it.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:15 pm
Sometimes, Riker forgot what it was like to not be wanted. Moments like this washed away every negative moment until there was only fondness and good feelings left. Even after almost dying, instead of being a burden to take care of, Evan and Julian were trying so hard to make him feel comfortable and welcome.
It was a bit overwhelming.
Not that it was anything bad. He just didn’t know how to react to everything. His heart felt overfilled, but his chest ached, reminding him that he needed to take it easy.
Riker rubbed Julian’s back as he held him in a gentle embrace. Evan’s hands kept him steady as well. He could have melted into both of them and knew he would be taken care of. He didn’t want them to regret anything, so he hoped he didn’t mess things up.
“I’m sure it’s perfect,” he promised, rubbing Julian’s back again. “You didn’t have to move stuff around for me. I’m sorry I volunteered you both for this. I didn’t want to go home…” he confessed, feeling guilty about it because he knew it was an extra strain on them.
And he dreaded finding out how long it would take for his mother to try and figure out where he was. Would she make him go home? Probably… Would she care that he was hurt? No…
But here were Evan and Julian, and even Zac and the Mauvians making accommodations for him? Riker swallowed back any emotion trying to work its way up his throat, and blinked away any that threatened to fill his eyes. He didn’t even question what would happen if they just needed to get up or down the stairs and didn’t want to play the game. It didn’t matter. He would do it for them.
He’d do anything for them.
“Yeah, okay. If that’s okay with you,” he said to Evan and Julian, not wanting them to go further out of their way for him. But he was looking forward to sitting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:16 pm
“This can be home too,” Julian whispered, only now drawing away just barely enough to make space for Riker to join him. He kept an arm out for Riker but it wasn’t as if he was treating Riker like an invalid; they had walked with their arms linked often so even if he hadn’t been hurt this might have still just been second nature for him.
“Of course it’s okay,” Evan insisted, and though he was equally reluctant to part with Riker he still trusted that he was in good hands with Julian. “You two get settled in, I’ll get a big platter for you to share. I won’t be long, I’ll make sure Michael and Devyn have everything they need, too. Riker, when you get up there start thinking of anything else we can get to make you comfortable. We want you here, just so you know. Honestly. I’m so happy you made sure we knew what was going on. I’ll feel much better with you being here. I’d just be up all night worrying if I didn’t know I could just go upstairs and check on you.”
Evan sighed heavily, very animated, but he was genuine in that this seemed to be a huge relief for him. All the work that went into preparing things for him felt like nothing just to know he was here now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:31 pm
Maybe it was a bit silly feeling so emotional about something that probably made sense, but Riker couldn’t help but suck in a quiet breath of air to settle himself.
Julian was right, of course. He’d also come from a place that wasn’t really a home, but here…? Julian was accepted here. Wanted. Loved, even. Not that Riker really knew how to process all of that or understand how he really felt.
Especially when he was being told he was wanted there, and that Evan felt better that he was there.
“Thanks, Evan,” he said quietly, trying not to let his fatigue slip through. He was grateful for the arm Julian offered. He didn’t want to worry either of them, but knew it was only because they cared so much.
“Ready?” he turned to Julian, carefully taking a step towards the garage, making sure he wouldn’t lose his balance and freak Evan out more than he already was.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:33 pm
Evan wanted to hover around Riker, to ask him a million questions and give him twice as many reassurances, but he looked so tired. Even if he was being strong and stubborn about it. Evan could visit when he was in bed resting, it didn’t have to be down here.
It was just hard to wave goodbye after just saying hello.
Evan put on a smile and stood up straight before he left. He could probably fake it around Michael and Devyn, too.
Julian nodded and mimicked Riker’s step towards the garage. He didn’t walk too quickly but he was also mindful not to be too slow, either. He knew how sensitive Riker could be about what people thought of him and he didn’t want to give any impression that he didn’t think very highly of Riker, no matter what condition he was in.
“I hope you like lunch,” he said, leaning in close like they were having some secret conversation. “It smelled so good but I was so excited about you coming over that I couldn’t really eat anything. I don’t know how you and Evan manage a whole food truck, it’s so much work. Um, I missed you a lot. I know you probably didn’t want anyone to worry, but I know you’re strong. I knew you’d be okay. But I’m still really happy that you’re going to stay here. Are you okay with people visiting? It doesn’t have to be right away, I just know you have a few friends who want to check in. But Zac can say no one is allowed over if you need some time to rest!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:34 pm
Riker already missed Evan as they parted ways, but knew he would see him again soon. And probably very frequently. He felt a little guilty for looking forward to people wanting to make sure he was okay. Not that Devyn or his friends didn’t make sure as well, but this was different.
He was grateful for Julian’s support, too. He gripped a little tighter to his arm as they made their way to the garage, allowing himself to breathe a little heavier now that Evan was out of sight.
“I’m sure lunch will be great, but I don’t know how many friends you think I have, Jules,” he let out a quiet, tired laugh. He’d already seen a handful of them. Did Énna count as a friend? He was going to count him as a friend. The only ones he thought might want to know were Dawn and Maisie and Cassidy.
And he didn’t know how to explain what happened to Cassidy, who knew nothing about him being Reims.
“I don’t mind if people visit if they really want to,” he said with a grimace, but he really wasn’t in any shape to argue. “You’re not going to leave me if they do come, are you?” he teased, reaching to push the garage door open, but also so he could stabilize himself for a moment without pulling Julian down.
He saw the chair in question at the stairs, but eyed it skeptically. He felt guilty that everyone seemed to have rushed to put this together for him, but also incredibly grateful and not knowing how to process it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
