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 Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:01 pm
Quote: The Fairies (8 ) : The City has been lit up for the Star Festival with banners and twinkling decorations strewn off the windowsills of shop fronts and windows. The gardeners at one particular park have put their heart and soul into creating a fairy's paradise: Fairy lights have been carefully dangled from trees to make strings of stars, little beaded jewels have been hidden among the hedges, and even the old cobwebs have been sprayed with just a touch of glitter. The park is open to everyone and the citizens of Destiny City have been invited to respectfully explore the hidden wonders that have been placed throughout. The park is magical enough on its own but there have also been reports of a strange, ethereal and shimmering stranger in the park. The glimmer of a beautiful costumed figure fluttering through the park has been passed around as rumor, and no matter what anyone claims to see, no one can take a picture of it. As if simply seeing some magical figure isn't mysterious enough, there are also reports of mischief and small pranks being played at the same time this figure seems to appear.
He’d already tucked one of the little star charms that were being handed out into his pocket. It was a beautiful blue that reminded him of Elliot’s eyes. Maybe he would attach it to his art bag, or maybe add an extra bead or two.
The younger kids had run off to the bouncy house near the garden’s edge with Paris and Chris, and with the chaos temporarily under control, Atticus found himself sitting across from one of the children’s older brothers.
Cary hadn’t been introduced with much fanfare. Just a quiet mention that he was Teddy’s brother. Chris and Paris had been vague at first, but now that Atticus had met him, he kind of understood why. Cary looked like someone who would rather melt into the shade of the trees than be noticed under the glow of fairy lights. It made Atticus want to be extra gentle, just in case.
“You go to Meadowview?” he asked with a soft, welcoming smile as he sat on the bench across from him. He had his legs crossed loosely at his ankles and his hair was pulled back into a ponytail, high and a little messy, with a few curls bouncing free. He wore a lightweight blouse tucked into high-waisted shorts that showed off all his freckled legs. He sat close to Elliot, always comforted by his presence.
“Is it going to be your senior year, too?” he continued just as gently, as if not wanting to spook Cary away from the conversation. “Elliot and I go to Azure. Our dads teach there.” He hesitated for a moment before adding, “We have a friend on the cheer team. Her name’s Dawn. I’m not sure if you know her. She’s really friendly and nice to everyone.” And if she could be friends with Riker before he chilled when he became a Knight, then she could be friends with anyone.
“Your brother’s really sweet,” he added softly, glancing toward the bouncy house where Teddy was laughing with the others. He was trying to give Cary a chance to speak if he wanted. Teddy was sweet, of course, but he could see the way Cary watched him. He looked like he was desperate to stay close to his brother, but to also give him space to have fun.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:11 pm
Elliot was rolling the opal star charm he’d picked up between his fingers. He liked the way the light caught it and reflected all of the colors. It made him think of Atticus, but he’d kept the thought to himself because poor Cary already looked like he was a bit withdrawn. Atticus and Elliot were capable of a great deal of PDA and it was only polite to show some restraint when with company.
Still, Elliot’s hand was wrapped around Atticus’ waist, resting on his hip as he held him close.
Cary had given them their privacy for most of the evening so far. He drifted like a shadow after the group, present but distant, like he didn’t want to intrude. Just because he’d been invited didn’t mean he was wanted so he respected the space he was given. It wasn’t that the Gallos weren’t friendly, but Cary just kept to himself. He was polite and made just barely enough effort to guarantee that he was neither rude nor an imposition. He didn’t need more than permission to be present.
He’d gotten a star charm for Teddy–a pretty red one, that he’d chosen for luck–but found himself running his fingers over it absentmindedly while he kept his gaze fixed in a far-off direction. He’d strategically chosen empty space between where Teddy was playing and where Elliot and Atticus were sitting so he’d be aware of what was going on in both areas if he chose to acknowledge his peripheral vision.
When Atticus spoke, he sat up a little straighter and redirected his gaze to the two teenagers.
“I don’t know Dawn, sorry.” It’s not like he went to school to make friends; he didn’t travel in groups that had that kind of overlap. Cary did his best to disappear. He knew the kids in his class but hardly even all of them in his grade. He wasn’t even sure if she was.
He could hear Teddy’s laughter so even without seeing him, he knew he was fine. He was trying not to be overbearing. Even if he was a bundle of nerves, Teddy was having fun. That was all that mattered.
“Teddy’s great,” he agreed, but even as the words left his lips he knew how insufficient they were. Atticus seemed like a kind person, with his soft smile and worrying eyes. Cary didn’t want to treat him coldly, he just didn’t understand why Atticus wouldn’t want to take the time to whisper quietly with Elliot. Those two could run off and do their own thing without having to waste time on him.
…Man, he didn’t have anything else to say. All conversation hooks evaporated from his mind. His face felt warm, mostly from embarrassment. On one hand, if he said nothing, maybe they’d get bored and go off to do their own thing. On the other hand, he didn’t want to be rude. Both Atticus and Elliot had seemed nice. Cary just didn’t have time to be making friends. He felt bad that he wasn’t studying right now but he’d wanted to make sure Teddy got to go out and have fun with his friends.
Cary was trying. He knew he sounded awkward, and that made his shoulders tighten. He adjusted his sleeves unnecessarily, smoothing out a wrinkle that wasn’t there. Picking at dust that had never stuck.
He scraped the corners of his mind for anything he could say to continue the conversation and in the end only settled on, “What’s Azure like? …Is it weird to be there with your parents?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:11 pm
If Atticus was being entirely honest, he would have loved to sneak off with Elliot. Maybe just far enough to kiss behind some bushes, to hold hands beneath the lights and whisper things too sweet to say out loud in front of strangers. But Cary wasn’t a stranger. Not really.
He’d seen that kind of quiet before, recognized it from within himself. He knew what it looked like when someone believed they were only there because someone else let them -- not because they wanted. Not because they actually belonged there. Maybe Cary thought that sitting off to the side would keep him from getting noticed.
Atticus had felt that same way before he was saved from a life that didn’t want him, so he couldn’t help but notice when others did the same. Those who tried to take up as little space as possible, because then they could just survive in peace.
“It’s not too weird,” he said with a warm smile. His voice stayed gentle, grateful that Cary gave him something to talk to him about. “It’s kind of nice. Having people there we know. Makes it easier to ask for help if we ever need anything. Or sneak snacks from the faculty lounge.”
He leaned slightly into Elliot as he spoke. The sun had gone down, and with it came a bit of a chill in the air, so Elliot’s warmth was a little difficult to ignore.
“I think I like that it’s not too big, too. Azure, I mean. It makes it harder to disappear.”
He watched Cary out of the corner of his eye as he spoke, trying to determine his reaction. He didn’t want to force anything on Cary… He just wanted him to know that there were others who once thought it was easier to stay hidden.
“I’m glad Teddy has you,” he said after a moment, his fingers brushing against Elliot’s hand against his hip. “I don’t have any siblings. But I can imagine it would be nice to have someone there for you, no matter what. Oh, and if you ever want help with art stuff for school, I would be happy to help,” he quickly added as he felt the flush rise in his cheeks. He didn’t mean to start getting too deep into a past that he wanted to forget.
“I’m not really that good at math or science. Um… or English… or history,” he kept adding to the list, wincing a bit sheepishly as he did so. “But I can help paint, or design a cover, or, um… glitter bomb a project. Elliot has turned me very pro-glitter bombing.”
This time he tilted his head back to grin up at Elliot, feeling a little silly, but grateful for everything they had together. He just hoped Cary would let them give him some space to open up if he wanted.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:12 pm
Elliot cracked a grin and leaned into Atticus, shamelessly kissing atop his head. He wasn’t shy about lavishing Atticus with kisses but he was tempering himself quite well given how kissable he looked under these lights. “I’m very pro-glitter bomb,” he confirmed. “I love a piece that just screams ‘Somebody loved me enough to make me sparkle,’” he laughed.
There was something warm about it, like both Atticus and Elliot were old friends. It made it easy to want to talk to them, but that just made it harder. Cary couldn’t afford distractions right now. As soon as they were done with tonight, Cary had to take a shower, make it through three chapters, and be ready for work in the morning. When was he supposed to squeeze in time for socializing? He didn’t have the mental or emotional fortitude to politely decline offers to hang out. It was already hard enough to juggle finding time to spend with Ethan and that was a luxury that felt like it was slipping through his fingers.
A private school appealed to Cary only in the sense that he felt like it might have more structure. Public school was fine, it was all he’d ever known, but it was loud and busy and designed to get as many kids in and out. There was plenty he didn’t like about it, but being able to disappear was certainly one of the positives.
Cary managed a polite smile, though it wasn’t clear which comment specifically had summoned it. He held it in place while the two of them spoke.
“Thank you,” he said, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Do you play any sports?” Elliot asked brightly, because he was always looking for someone to bring into his games. Especially now that it was summer, his neighborhood baseball team was a few members short for a full game. No shade to his friends who were helping fill the slots! But Myles was all legs and no coordination and zoned out half the time, and Cassidy was getting that look in his eye like he was going to wind up on the field instead of the sidelines if somebody good didn’t show up soon.
“Um, no.”
“Oh, really? Too bad,” Elliot sighed, dipping his head backwards. He perked up immediately afterwards. “Wanna learn?”
“Um,” Cary paused, brain scrambling to come up with a polite refusal. “I’m working a lot this summer so I don’t know if I’ll have a lot of free time…”
“Oh, too bad,” Elliot sighed again, dramatically resting his head on Atticus’ shoulder. “Well, if you change your mind, hit me up. My baseball team is flailing! I can’t get anyone new.”
Cary was quiet for a moment and then cleared his throat. “I’m sorry.”
Elliot, forever in a good mood, just smiled. “It’s all good. I can’t get Atticus to play either.” Since he was already so close to Atticus’ face, he planted a smattering of kisses on his cheek and neck.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:12 pm
Atticus giggled with delight at the kisses, tilting his head toward Elliot to give him more access to wherever he wanted. He felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the lingering summer heat, especially when Elliot dramatically flopped his head onto his shoulder like the most loveable weight in the world.
“You know I don’t run very well!” he laughed, resting his cheek briefly against Elliot’s soft black waves of hair as he squeezed his own arm around Elliot’s back to hold him in return. “Besides, someone has to sit in the grass and make victory flower bracelets for the winners.”
He turned his head a little, just enough to peek at Cary again. He wasn’t staring at him! Just watching carefully, like sketching a scene that was always on the edge of moving.
Cary had said thank you. And he smiled, sort of. Atticus knew what it looked like when someone tried to smile through too much stress. Or too many secrets -- an invisible weight they couldn’t, or didn’t want to, say out loud. And when Cary apologized (for nothing, really), Atticus felt his heart ache in a very recognizable way. The way someone could quietly shrink away so you didn’t notice they were disappearing.
He didn’t want to say anything that would make Cary retreat further, so instead he let his fingers curl over Elliot’s hand on his hip, weaving their fingers together in a way that felt like it was second nature at that point. He could be soft with Elliot. Show Cary that he and Elliot weren’t a threat and hope it might help.
“You don’t have to say sorry,” he said gently, looking toward Cary but not in a way that was demanding. “You really don’t.”
He knew more than most what it was like to try to get over apologizing for every little inconvenience. It was a defense mechanism. If he apologized, maybe he would keep the wrath of someone else to a minimum. Maybe he wouldn’t get hurt. Not just emotionally.
Atticus chewed thoughtfully on the inside of his cheek for a moment, but then perked up a little. He reached into the little bag he wore over his shoulder and pulled out a tiny piece of paper that had been folded in half. Something he tucked away after visiting a festival booth. It wasn’t anything special. Just a doodled star, drawn in shimmery ink. A spare. He held it out to Cary, almost like one would when passing notes in class, not making a big deal about it.
“For your journal,” he offered with a small smile. “Or your pocket. Or to fold into a paper airplane and set free. Oh, it’s biodegradable. It’s one of those seed infused papers, but it won’t start growing unless it’s watered, so it’s not going to be littering.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:13 pm
Elliot laughed warmly with each of Atticus’ antics. Of course someone needed to sit in the grass and make flower bracelets for the winners. It was a very valiant and necessary job! He saw no reason to interrupt Atticus while he was speaking, especially because he was being so warm and friendly. Socializing didn’t always come easily to Atticus; Elliot was more than happy to give him the space to speak for as long as he had the motivation to.
It just meant that he got to sit next to him and periodically pepper butterfly kisses across Atticus’ cheek and neck while he spoke. It was a freedom Elliot made sure to take full advantage of.
As Atticus and Elliot exchanged affection, Cary found himself redirecting his gaze to the bouncy house. He could hear Teddy’s laugh again and that alone eased some of the stress in his shoulders. He could have kept his attention far away from the two teenagers across from him for a while longer but with Atticus talking to him, gifting him–
Oh, what was that?
A piece of paper? “Um, thanks,” he said, reaching out to accept the gift even before he really understood what he was supposed to be doing with it. He held the paper uncertainly and had to repeat what Atticus had said about it, but–biodegradable?
“I don’t know what seed infused paper means,” he admitted. Sure, he could logic it–a paper made with seeds–but paper could grow something? Atticus was looking at Cary with a kind gaze but there was too much scrutiny in it, so Cary hunched forward a little to put his elbows on his knees as he examined the paper with unnecessary vigor. “Are you supposed to plant them, or…?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:13 pm
Oh, the kisses were so distracting. Atticus wasn’t complaining! Of course he wasn’t! He’d never complain about Elliot giving him attention. But he was trying to talk to Cary, and Elliot was over here brushing butterfly kisses across his neck and cheek like he didn’t know exactly what that did to him.
He didn’t want to resist it. He didn’t even want him to stop. So instead, Atticus quietly slid his hand up and down Elliot’s back where Cary wouldn’t notice, a silent show of affection returned. And when Elliot kissed that spot just beneath his jaw, Atticus tilted his head back just a little more to give him better access, his heart fluttering.
Oh, but then Cary asked a real question, and Atticus had to quickly remember how words worked.
“Oh-- it’s, uh…” he stumbled, caught between a giggle and a breath, his cheeks flushed.
“If you look really close,” he continued, voice soft and a little breathless. “You can see the seeds in the paper fibers. They’re really tiny. Mostly wildflowers, I think. At least that’s what they were when we planted some last year. One of the booths hands them out, usually with the lanterns.”
Elliot really wasn’t helping.
Atticus gave up trying to play it cool. He slipped his hand into Elliot’s dark hair, tucking a strand behind his ear before gently scratching his nails along his scalp. The gesture certainly wasn’t meant to stop him. He was just trying very hard not to turn and kiss his boyfriend silly right there on the bench in front of Cary.
Still… He smiled softly at Cary, watching him examine the paper with that same seriousness people used when they pretended like they were busy. There was something kind of sweet about it.
“You don’t have to do anything with it,” he offered gently. “I just thought…. Maybe you’d want to keep something from tonight. Even if it’s small. Maybe something to plant with Teddy. Whenever it feels like the right time.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:23 pm
Grateful that the sky had darkened somewhat since they’d first arrived, Cary hoped it was enough to hide how pink his face had gotten. Elliot wasn’t in any way subtle, and poor Atticus was doing his best to maintain a conversation he didn’t need to carry.
“Right,” Cary said quickly, eyes boring into the paper as he continued to closely analyze it, as if he looked closely enough he’d be able to identify the exact individual seeds woven into the grain.
It wasn’t that Elliot was trying to ignore Cary, or even to distract him. Atticus’ perfume just did things to him. And he was so close. And his neck was so pretty. And he had bad influences! As if he hadn’t just seen Devyn walk into the living room for no other reason than to bury himself against Michael’s neck for nearly two minutes before walking out again without a word, like he’d come to have a conversation exclusively with his neck. As if his own father hadn’t just left bruising kisses over Oliver’s shoulder while trying to distract him from the long list of worries he’d accrued before breakfast was over.
He’d learned that necks were very needy and required a great deal of attention, and while Atticus was working so hard to have a conversation, it would have been unfair to demand his mouth. If Elliot was a little bit of a troll, who could blame him? Atticus was too cute to neglect. Sorry, Cary!!! Really, he was!! He just needed a minute more with Atticus before the kids came back!
Cary cleared his throat and finished with a curt, “Teddy would probably like that, thanks.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:23 pm
Atticus didn’t scold Elliot. Didn’t swat him away or whisper for him to behave. How could he? He enjoyed every bit of attention he was getting, and Elliot seemed to need to give it just as much. And if he was being honest, Atticus really didn’t mind being the recipient of such gentle affection. Of being kissed like he was something worthy and good.
But he was aware of Cary.
And the way Cary’s shoulders tensed every time Elliot pressed another kiss to his skin didn’t go unnoticed. Atticus didn’t think it was jealousy -- Cary didn’t give off that vibe -- but it felt more like someone who wasn’t used to having a place to sit at the table. Like someone who’s learned to hold their breath during dinner just in case it made things easier for everyone else.
So Atticus tried. He tried to stay warm and open and safe to be around. His voice was soft and hopeful.
“Maybe we should meet up again sometime?” he offered gently, his head tilted as he looked at Cary. And if that gave more for Elliot to kiss then… that was okay with him. “You work at the ice rink, don’t you?” he asked with a small smile. “That’s a lot. School and a job. It’s really impressive.”
The compliment wasn’t meant as flattery, just something that he meant with sincerity. But he didn’t press further, just kept stroking his hand lightly through Elliot’s hair and up and down his back while he waited to see if Cary might open up to them a little more. And if he didn’t, that was okay, too. Atticus was good with being patient.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:29 pm
Cary couldn’t remember who had mentioned where he worked but he nodded quickly. It wasn’t really clear if he was agreeing to meet up again or just answering the question but he was happy to keep it vague.
His eyes raised to Atticus’ only briefly but he still felt like he was interrupting the two of them. “It’s fine,” he said, quick to dismiss it as anything impressive. Some people went out to the movies after school, some played sports, some went home to video games. He just went to work, instead. It didn’t feel like it was much different. It wasn’t like he was going to go out and socialize, anyway.
With great effort, Elliot finally pried his lips from Atticus’ skin and picked his head up. Not because he wanted to, but he was pretty sure he’d seen Chris in the distance and he didn’t want Michael to decide he couldn’t actually let Elliot take Atticus out in public without a chaperone.
“You want to go to the ice rink?” he asked Atticus, and then glanced at Cary. “Would that be cool if we showed up sometime?”
“Um, that’s fine,” Cary answered. He was still hunched over, examining the paper, but his eyes raised briefly to find their faces again. “Lots of people come in the summer, though. Tuesdays are calmest. In the morning.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:31 pm
Atticus lit up, even if it was subtle. It was more like his smile getting a bit brighter than anything.
“Tuesday morning,” he repeated, as though committing it to memory. “That sounds nice.”
He didn’t point out that Cary hadn’t really agreed to hang out, only that it was “fine” if they came. That was okay. Atticus knew what a ‘soft yes’ looked like. And if he was being honest, that was more than enough. He could work with that.
He leaned into Elliot again, happy to press their sides together as Cary bent back over the seed paper. Something about the way Cary kept examining it, like it might bloom if he looked hard enough, made Atticus’ heart ache a little.
“You don’t have to think it’s impressive,” he added, not to argue! Just to offer his thoughts. “But I think it is. I know it’s hard, sometimes. Having to be more than just a teenager.” He made sure there was no accusation in his voice. No pity. He just wanted to share something honest -- something that reflected himself a little. Although he knew he and Cary had much different experiences.
“And it’s okay if you don’t want company,” he continued with a small smile. “But I hope it helps to know that we’d like to come. We don’t have to stay long. Just a hello. Maybe a warm pretzel if they have those. I can be very food motivated at times,” he admitted, grinning as he looked up at Elliot again, because Elliot knew him better than anyone and could absolutely confirm.
“You like skating, don’t you, Elliot?” he softly teased, just to give Cary a little room to breathe while still letting him know they weren’t going anywhere he didn’t want them to be.
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:32 pm
“I like skating,” he agreed. “We haven’t gone in a few months, since winter. I didn’t really think of it as a summer hobby but it’d be nice to do something cool. I’d like to go. We promise we won’t bother you!” he assured Cary, who he was only pretending not to watch closely.
Cary nodded, turning the seed-paper over in his hands once more, as if it would be so different from one side to another. “You won’t bother me if you come. You might not even find me if I’m working.”
“Really? What type of job do you do there?” Elliot asked. He’d swapped out kissing Atticus’ neck for brushing his thumb over his hip while they spoke.
A question Cary obviously was not delighted to answer, because he sat up a little straighter and presented a brief, forced smile. It almost looked natural, if not for the slight tension in his jaw. “I’m a janitor. So you might not want to stick around me much anyway, there are better places to be than around whatever mess I’m cleaning up. But we do have pretzels,” he added, a bit warmer. “They’re just the frozen kind but I think they’re good. Hot dogs, fries, pizza, nachos, popcorn, ice cream,” he rattled off. “We’ve got an arcade, too. If you get tired of skating. Um, it’s a nice place. Affordable. Clean.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:33 pm
Atticus’ smile didn’t fade, not even when Cary said “janitor,” and definitely not when he tried to brush it off like it didn’t matter. Atticus could see how that admission hadn’t come easily to Cary. The way Cary sat up a little straighter, the tension in his jaw. It was something he recognized -- the instinct to explain yourself before anyone could judge you.
But Atticus wasn’t going to judge him, not even a little. If anything, he looked a little more impressed.
“I think that’s a really important job,” he said softly with sincerity. There was no pity in his voice. “Places only feel safe and welcoming because someone makes sure they stay that way. It’s not always easy work, but it matters. Even if most people forget to say thank you.”
He leaned lightly against Elliot again, his shoulder brushing against his boyfriend’s. The gentle pressure helped keep him steady.
“I like frozen pretzels,” he added with a smaller smile. It wasn’t quite shy, just softer. “Especially the kind where the salt doesn’t fall off right away.”
He gave a small nod, like he’d already made up his mind. “We’ll come visit sometime. Even just for a little while.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:34 pm
Cary flashed another brief smile, if only to acknowledge that he’d heard. He expected no thanks for the work he did, and he assigned no value to the job he did outside of what it meant to him. Yes, it was a paycheck, and that was the most important part. And it meant he didn’t have to talk to people–mostly. And he didn’t mind cleaning. Felt better about it, really. He could do it right and he wasn’t going to just show up, mess around, and leave. He took pride in his work, even if there were bad days.
But someone had to do it, so it might as well be someone who was going to show up and try to do a good job. Cary liked to think he was good at cleaning. And keeping to himself.
It was a good match.
And, the rink was a great place for Teddy to hang out. Between the wifi and the arcade and the food, it had just about everything it needed to be a comfortable place to disappear to. And, if he needed some time, Cary could even sneak him into the back rooms to give him some quiet.
It was a good arrangement. Cary was grateful.
“They’re good pretzels,” he promised, but hesitated to correct, “Well, they’re okay.”
They were good in his opinion, but Atticus and Elliot went to Azure, and were part of the Gallo family. They could have afforded to fly in fresh, gourmet German pretzels, probably. The pretzels at the rink might taste like cardboard to them.
“Sounds fun,” Elliot said warmly. “Thanks, Cary. Do you usually work Tuesday mornings?”
“My schedule changes. I usually work later in the day. But I’ve been getting longer hours.” He didn’t want to sound excited about getting overtime, that was probably weird. “So maybe. Probably.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:34 pm
Atticus noticed the way Cary phrased it.
The way “Tuesday morning” became “my schedule changes,” then “maybe,” then “probably.”
It wasn’t rejection, exactly. But he could tell that Cary was still holding them, and likely everyone else, at arm’s length. Careful and distant. That was okay. He understood that, he really did. He didn’t want to step over that line in the sand, and he didn’t point it out. He just let it be what it was.
“Maybe we’ll stop by anyway,” he said softly, as if they were already going to be in the neighborhood. “Even if it’s just for a snack. I’ve never said no to a pretzel.”
The ice rink was probably a strange place to stop by for a snack, but they could figure out what to do once they got there. Maybe skate. Or maybe leave if Cary didn’t seem to want them there.
His hand slipped back into Elliot’s at his hip, fingers curling gently around his. Always, but especially in times where he felt uncertain, Elliot was his anchor. Even as they navigated how to gently include Cary, Elliot made him feel safe.
“We won’t get in the way,” he promised, a little hesitation in his voice, as though he wasn’t sure if they were pushing Cary too much when they should just let him be.
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