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 Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:04 pm
Takes place after There was a moment
Then again, Riker had a lot of feelings about a lot of things, and this was just the easiest to navigate at the moment. He just hoped he wasn’t setting himself, or anyone he cared about, for disappointment or worse down the line.
“It’s not, like… weird, right? Like, I’m allowed to like other boys-- I mean I know it’s fine. I just-- until you and, you know, my friends now, it’s kind of been-- uh, I mean, I wouldn’t have been surprised if that woman kicked me out sooner than she did if she found out I was going around kissing boys or crying all the time. Oh--! Don’t tell Zac! I don’t want him to tease me about it. Or anyone. I mean, I guess it doesn’t really matter, but--”
Oh, he was rambling. Evan had barely gotten in the car by the time the words started falling haphazardly from Riker’s mouth. He fidgeted anxiously in his seat, checking his phone once again to see if he could get a signal and give Cassidy a heads up. Nothing… It was fine. It would be fine. He was just freaking out over nothing.
“Are you okay??” he blurted then, whipping around to stare at Evan with horror. He’d been so distracted that he hadn’t made absolutely certain that Evan was okay. “And-- I mean, I’m assuming Zac is okay, right? He’s like a cockroach. Don’t tell him I said that. About him being okay, I mean. I don’t care if you tell him I think he’s like a cockroach. The others are okay too, yeah? That you were with? I’m okay! I promise. I think I have some bruises, but it’s nothing. Nothing like what I’ve been through before.”
Evan had already said that he believed him, but he wanted to make sure!
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:06 pm
Evan had taken Zac’s car again, and adjusted the seat so he could fit more comfortably. He’d put it back later, he knew how sour Zac got. He hadn’t even asked to borrow his car but it wasn’t like Zac was going out anywhere tonight. If he went fast enough, they might even be back before Zac noticed.
…But maybe not, with the way this conversation was going.
“What–Riker, I’m fine. I’m sore, that’s it. I’m gonna sleep in tomorrow morning, probably–well, maybe not, I think I’ll probably wake up to make sure you boys have breakfast, but–yes, I’m fine,” he assured. “And Zac is, too. Everyone made it out okay. Promise. I won’t tell him you said anything. But thank you for asking.”
He made a mental note to make sure Riker had medicine and ice packs, or cold packs, or whatever he needed for those bruises. Before he pulled out of the driveway, he gave his shoulder a little squeeze, and then just leaned over to give him a brief hug before he started driving.
“Zac will tease you about anything he can think of, don’t let him get to you. But he’s kissed boys before. Zac and I were dating for a while in high school, I never told you that?” No, he didn’t; Riker always got a little squeamish about those things, but Evan had the context for it to all make sense now. It wasn’t Riker’s fault, obviously. And he was able to be more of who he wanted to be now that he wasn’t trapped by his family. It wasn’t that Evan was hiding it from Riker, just that it didn’t seem like a topic he’d care for at the time. “He’s actually a pretty good kisser, when he wants to be. Hm.”
Evan looked thoughtful for a moment and then shrugged. “You kiss whoever you want to kiss, Riker. I mean, as long as it’s legal. I’ve kissed more boys than girls, I’m not going to give you a hard time about who you lock lips with as long as they treat you right.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:07 pm
“You dated Zac??” Riker recoiled somewhat dramatically and unnecessarily. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Zac -- not that he would ever admit that out loud -- it was just that… this was Evan!
He knew Evan and Zac were close. He knew things about them that Evan had revealed to him in subtle ways that wasn’t outright admitted, but Riker wasn’t stupid and could read between the lines. He saw how Zac was around Evan because he wasn’t blind either.
“I guess I really should be calling him ‘dad,’ Riker scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he slunk down a little in his seat. Not that he could go very far since his legs were too long and his knees hit the dashboard. He sat up again and lowered his hands to his lap, fussing with the hem of his shirt instead.
“And I know that,” he grumbled, his ears burning as he looked out the window at the dark neighborhood around them. “I know you won’t be upset about it. I just-- you know. I’m a hypocrite. I deserve to be harassed about these things.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:07 pm
“What? No, the only thing you deserve to be harassed about is not adjusting the seat so you’re comfortable. If we get into an accident, the airbag is going to break your knees.”
Evan was driving carefully; there was hardly anyone out on the road, and he was sticking to the back roads, anyway. Occasionally, he checked the sky. The Calamitous Hollow probably wasn’t going to come tearing through the clouds but he kept checking anyway.
Without taking his eyes off the road, he blindly sought out Riker’s arm and gave it a little squeeze.
“Zac wasn’t even the worst guy I ever dated,” he snorted. “I told you, I was bad in high school. I got around. He’s really mellowed out. And he helped me mellow out, too. He’s taken care of me for a long time.” In many ways, he still was. “He’s so silly. Don’t tell him I said that, he’ll try to be all macho and it’s so annoying. I think he likes when you call him dad, even if he gets all huffy about it. Before you moved in, he’d say things like,” Evan did his best Zac impression, which included a sour face and a deep voice, “‘When is Riker coming over? I need to do the lawn and he’s the only one who knows how to use the weed whacker. Tell Riker to come over, I need him to help me with the grout so I can teach him. This window needs to be sealed, I’m waiting for Riker so I can show him. I need to put air in my tire, tell Riker to come over so he can learn.’”
Evan’s face relaxed and he gave Riker’s arm another gentle squeeze. “I’m so happy you live with me. Zac’s so much less annoying with you around. He likes Julian, but he’s so afraid of hurting his feelings. Don’t tell him I said that, either. I don’t think he knows how to have anything in common with him so he treads on eggshells. You, you’re fun for him. But if he’s ever too much for you, you tell me. I’ll get him to back off. He won’t care if you’re kissing boys. He’ll probably be relieved that he doesn’t have to worry about you coming home with a baby any time soon.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:08 pm
“God, I hope not,” Riker scoffed, his face twisting into that of horror. He was definitely too young to take care of a baby.
“He really said all that?” he asked, glancing curiously over at Evan as he reached down to adjust the seat, sliding it back so he wouldn’t hit his knees any more. “I thought he was just trying to keep me busy. Or that he actually needed help. And I was just trying to stay out of the way. I didn’t know he was trying to teach me on purpose. I mean, I was trying to learn, but only so he wouldn’t look at me so judgy the next time I did anything.”
Zac was… rough. Riker wasn’t sure what to make of him. He did things contrary to what he said, and vice versa. Although, Riker supposed he did that as well, although he didn’t think he was as good at hiding his thoughts and feelings as Zac was.
“I mean…” he started, and then frowned. He made a face at himself for even thinking about it, but continued anyway. “It’s not like I’ve ever had a dad. I saw how my brother’s dad was with him, but… you know… they went on fancy vacations and had camping trips and played catch out in the backyard. That’s why I joined the baseball team. I just wanted to show that I could catch a ball and maybe they’d--”
Riker paused and scoffed at himself, and then shrugged for good measure.
“I know it’s stupid. I feel like I wasted my life trying to make people happy who would never want--... ah, it’s fine. It doesn’t matter any more. I’m glad I’m with you. And Zac. And Julian. I don’t dread coming home any more, so I guess that’s a good thing.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:08 pm
“It’s not stupid. Sometimes it just takes a while to figure out who are the people that you want to keep in your life. Who’s worth the trouble they give you, you know? You’re not any trouble, I just want to clarify.” He knew how easy it was for Riker to overthink things. “You’ve still got your whole life ahead of you, you have plenty of time to find the people who want to make you as happy as you want to make them. I mean, I love having you over. And Julian does. And Maxim definitely does. And even Zac. Who really said all that. I think he’s happy to have someone he can share things with.”
Evan took a careful turn; there were two people walking around in the darkness so he squinted at them, but they weren’t wearing Negaverse uniforms, they might have just been curious about the strangeness of the evening.
Cassidy’s house wasn’t so far away but he still wasn’t rushing it. He might even ‘get lost’ to buy Riker a little more time to talk before picking up his friend.
“Not that he’d admit it if he were. He could do all those things on his own. Or pay someone else to do them, but he’s pretty independent. It’s definitely a choice to have you help. But if you ever feel like he’s just trying to get free labor out of you, you don’t have to help. But, you know. Zac lost his family when he purified. He hasn’t seen his parents in years. He’s talked to them on the phone, but it’s not the same. They wouldn’t even recognize him if they saw him on the street. And Adria only knows–Malcolm, his brother–because he was involved in the whole thing. Zac lost all his friends,” not that he had any good ones, anyway. “The girl he wanted to marry. I don’t know, he’d be mad if he knew I was talking about this stuff. The point is, he’ll always look at you judgy, any time you do anything. He looks judgy when I’m cooking. Like he isn’t going to eat anything I make. He can’t help it. Do you want to go on fancy vacations or camping trips? I guess it’s not really a vacation but they have that arcade–it’s got bumper cars and batting cages. Do you play air hockey? Zac is so competitive. We should go sometime, I bet you could give him a run for his money. And we could play mini-golf, I like that. I don’t know, maybe we could do a boys trip or something, you and me and Zac and Julian?”
He was rambling a little now, he knew it, but Riker had missed out on so much–and, worse, he knew what he’d missed out on because he had his brother to compare everything to. Evan wasn’t sure he could compete with that, but–he was going to try. And Zac was competitive! He’d want to win any competition! Evan could definitely trick him into taking Riker on vacations and trips, and probably even playing catch in the backyard.
…Although, honestly, he wasn’t sure it wouldn’t devolve into them just trying to hit each other with the baseball.
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:08 pm
“Could we?” he perked up a little, letting the suggestions and offers filter through his thoughts. “I know Julian’s missed out on a lot too. Not that he’d ever say it. We might have to go and practice before I try taking on Zac. I don’t want to think I’m so bad that he wouldn’t want to bother trying again,” Riker grimaced.
“I mean, I’ve played air hockey at Maisie’s house. Her dad collects a bunch of arcade stuff. I bet she’d let me practice at her place if I bribe her with food or something,” he frowned thoughtfully. Maybe he could get Julian to distract her. Or Dawn. She was Atticus’ cousin or something, wasn’t she?
“So that’s why he was harassing that other guy. I mean, I know I’ve heard his name before, but, like… that was really his brother? Huh…”
Not that Zac wasn’t allowed to have a brother, but it was weird thinking of him as someone with a family. Well, if he purified from the Negaverse, of course he didn’t have a family any more.
“And that was for you, right? The whole youma thing. I know you told me, but it was a while ago,” he shrugged. He didn’t want to dig into old wounds if they should be left alone. “I’m glad he did it. I don’t know what I’d do without you. And Zac, I guess.”
He was glad for Julian, too. It was definitely better than being alone at Hillworth. And as long as he wasn’t any trouble, like Evan promised…
“I could definitely beat him at baseball though. I bet I could win a spar against him, too.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:09 pm
Sometimes, Riker’s mood was very easy to read, and Evan appreciated how honest he seemed when he was excited.
“Malcolm’s a good guy. Maybe we’ll have a real introduction sometime. He visits occasionally, but I guess it’s been a while. He probably has a deadline coming up. He and Zac don’t have a lot in common, but he and Talia and I are in a Court together so we’ve been through some stuff. I’ll tell you more stories about that sometime. He’s kind of introverted, though. Easy to spook. But really kind, and gentle. Very different from Zac. Who can be kind and gentle, he just works extra hard so you don’t know that. You really think you could beat him in a spar?”
Evan gave Riker an exasperated look but he seemed like he was considering it.
He couldn’t imagine Zac losing, but then–Riker hadn’t really seen Michel fight. Maybe some, earlier, but fighting against a giant snake and a person were very different.
“You could probably beat him at baseball, I’ve seen you play. Sparring, hm, I don’t know. But you might be able to learn some things from him. You both fight with big…I don’t know, sword-y things? But no fighting until I know all your bruises have healed. I’d much rather take you all out to do something fun. If Julian ever mentions wanting to do anything, will you let me know? He’s so quiet, he never asks for anything. You, too. I know you’re both used to taking care of yourselves, but. It would make me really happy if you gave me some ideas for things we could do together. Or if you ever need anything, don’t talk yourself out of asking me, okay? We can do all sorts of field trips. Let me see, the zoo? Oh, the aquarium. Planetarium. Are these too science-y? Laser tag. What music do you listen to? We could go to concerts. Oh! And a pumpkin patch. In the fall, though. I’m getting ahead of myself. I think that’s all I’ve got for now but I’ll come up with more later. And you should give me your ideas, too. I want to give you and Julian the chance to make good memories. You’ve both been through a lot, huh?”
And Evan couldn’t take that hurt away, he couldn’t undo what they’d been through.
They were good kids who had been dealt bad hands.
“You don’t have to answer that, I think you might just try to downplay it, anyway. I want to go on family trips with you so you have to help me make that happen.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:09 pm
“You know I’m just going to have to come up with something absolutely ridiculous for us to do, and then you’ll have to convince Zac it would be really meaningful to us if he did whatever stupid thing with us. Oh, like you know those matching pajama sets families get for, like Christmas? We should definitely do that. Or get dressed up and go to a Renaissance Faire or something. Zac has to dress up, otherwise it would ruin the experience.”
Oh, he was going to amuse himself trying to think of ways to convince Zac to potentially do something embarrassing or risk upsetting him and Julian. Except he would probably be able to call their bluff and just not go. Although that would be disappointing, too.
“I think it’s going to be strawberry season soon? Or maybe it already is,” he shrugged, looking out the window at the sky every time Evan did. Just in case Evan saw something that Riker missed.
“Oh, but I can definitely beat him in a spar. Devyn -- you know, Atticus’ dad or whatever he is -- taught me some things. I mean, I was also recovering when he promised he would teach me, so maybe he was just being nice but I bet I could at least give Zac a run for his money.”
He and Julian had been through a lot. Even though Julian didn’t outright say what he’d experienced, Riker was patient and would be there for him whenever he felt like talking. Even if it was whispers in the middle of the night, as a few things were.
“I think it would be fun to do all of those things, though. Other than field trips in, like, elementary school, I haven’t really had time to go to any of those.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:09 pm
“Did Julian do a lot of field trips? Maybe we should do some of the elementary school field trips for him, too. Farm visits, and orchard tours, and gem mining?”
Maybe it was a little self serving, because now that he was thinking about it, those things did sound fun. And he could definitely convince Zac to come along.
“If we’re working this hard to save the world, we might as well enjoy it! I want to go to a strawberry field.” And if they got matching pajamas, they could get a pair for Maxim, too. “He might like a Renaissance Faire. He might think it’s goofy, but he might have fun. Where would we get costumes? I’ll do it,” he said quickly, because he didn’t want Riker to think he was saying no. He wanted to go. “I bet he’d like a turkey leg. And playing with swords. And–sorry, yes, we have to do that now. I’ll find out when they’re in town next. Maybe we can get Julian a lute. He hurt his hands tonight but I think he was just stressed. He’s embarrassed about it. He didn’t specifically ask me not to tell you but I know you’ll worry. He has a couple of bruises but I think he’s okay, too. Does Devyn know much about defense? I’d like for Julian to find someone who can maybe help him a little. He did a great job up there but he’s just so afraid that he’s going to mess up and get everyone hurt. I don’t really know that many people with magic like that, or who focus on defense. I was hoping he might be able to talk to someone who could help him but I don’t know where to start. I’m glad Devyn was able to teach you some things. I’ve talked to Michael more than Devyn but they seem like good people. And if they’re willing to help, go for it. That’s awesome. Sounds like you’re going to have a really busy summer?”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:09 pm
“I don’t think Julian did many field trips, but all of that sounds like it could be fun. I have no idea where to get costumes,” he frowned, but in better spirits than he had been in earlier. Just talking about all of this was helping him relax, and he was already looking forward to getting back to Julian so they could start planning family trips or whatever they wanted to call them.
“I would hope Devyn knows about defense, given how much he likes to talk about fighting,” Riker said, making a face at the question. He didn’t know for sure, but if the guy survived for so long, then it would make sense if he knew something. Maybe.
“Julian did so good tonight. I wish he could see how helpful he was. I know he struggles. I don’t know. Maybe some of those alien people-- uh… Vanguard? I don’t remember what people called them. I mean, they made that big shield, right? Julian thinks it did a better job than he did, so maybe he should just talk to them about it. Oh, but I think there’s bad blood or something?”
That was all before his time as a Knight. He hadn’t really asked about the aliens before, but Devyn was an alien, so maybe he knew more about it.
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:10 pm
“Bad blood? I don’t know,” Evan mused. “I guess for some. I really don’t know them well enough to think poorly of them. I know of them, but the only alien I’ve got much of a relationship with is Soleiyu, and he doesn’t much count. But they did go out of their way to help us tonight.”
He pressed his lips together shortly afterwards. “I mean, I guess the Negaverse was there, too. I’ll have to ask around and see if anyone knows them. They are–I think they’re from Velencya? And their group is called the Vanguard, that’s right. After seeing what they’re capable of, I guess I’d like to talk to some of them. I know, you can probably take care of yourself, and Julian, but…let me worry about you a bit. Let me look into it some before you two start seeking any of them out, okay? I mean, I guess you can always go behind my back,” he sighed. “And it’s not like you can help who you run into. But let me be a little overbearing and at least try to get some information first?”
He flashed Riker a half smile but didn’t take his eyes off the road.
“I don’t really know how they did that big shield though, but…well, if they’ve got any tips…”
He sighed. “Julian did a great job. I think he’s just so afraid for the one time something goes wrong. And then he’s going to trick himself into thinking that’s the only time things mattered. He’s so hard to get to open up, but I’m not complaining. I still think he’s a great kid. He’ll get there. And you’re such a good friend to him, Riker. Sorry, I hope this doesn’t sound like gossip. I’m feeling a little scrambled, I still have a lot to think about. But I’m just so proud of the both of you. You both amaze me every day. Especially today.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:10 pm
It was very difficult for Riker to not just sigh or roll his eyes at Evan fussing over him and Julian. He managed! He didn’t want Evan to think he wasn’t grateful! But… Evan did worry a lot. It wasn’t as though Riker and Julian couldn’t take care of themselves -- as Evan even admitted. But it was also kind of nice to know how much Evan wanted to look out for them.
“We won’t go looking for them. Not yet,” he agreed, because he did want to get Dering some helpful pointers from people who knew about shields.
And it was sweet that Evan was proud of them. Riker couldn’t quite hide the little grin that tugged at his lips, but he did his best to clear his throat and sit up a little straighter in his seat.
“I don’t think it’s gossiping,” he shrugged. “I mean, I hope it’s not gossiping.” He just liked talking about Julian. It didn’t matter if Julian didn’t feel comfortable opening up to them. As long as he was supported and cared for, that was all that mattered.
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:10 pm
“I don’t think it’s gossiping, but, you know. I worry about everything. I’d be sick if I ever said the wrong thing and hurt you. Or Julian. It’s so hard to work up any trust with him. I know he’d forgive me, but I don’t want him to have to. You, either. I’m only human. I know I’m going to make mistakes. And I’m already worrying about mistakes I haven’t made yet. I just really want to do right by you. Oh, you know–don’t worry about it,” he said, and when he stopped at a sign, he leaned over to give Riker a quick half-hug.
“I’m just rambling and I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, too. Especially after tonight. I’m okay, I just feel like a bundle of frayed wires. I’ll try not to be too embarrassing while Cassidy’s here, but I am going to give you a very long hug before bed tonight. So if you don’t want me to come up and tuck you in, you’d better come down and give me a hug. Is there anything you wanted to talk about while it’s just us? I can drive a little slower. Or we can talk whenever you feel like it. It’s no rush. And it’s no pressure. A long time ago, when I was very little, my mom used to sit me down and try to force me to talk about my feelings, and I wasn’t ready, and I’d panic, and she’d get upset, and dad would get upset, and then he’d yell, and I’d cry more, and–well, the whole point is, I’m not going to be like that. But I want you to know that I am going to be here if you ever do want to talk. So don’t do that teenager thing where you bottle things up until it makes you sick and you explode, okay? I did that, bad time. I love you, so I want better for you.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:10 pm
“Julian forgave me, so I think you’ll be fine,” Riker quietly reassured as he looked up at the sky again through the windshield. There was still nothing that could be seen, but he was waiting for something.
The half-hug was enough of a distraction to pull him from his sinking thoughts, and he flashed Evan a small smile.
“You don’t embarrass me. I mean, given everything I’ve done, I’d be worried about embarrassing you,” he cringed, shifting in his seat so he could look at Evan easier. He frowned a little, thinking about how difficult it must have been for Evan. Especially if he only had people like Zac to talk to about things. Not that Riker had many people to talk to.
Subconsciously, Riker rubbed his palm over his thigh. Reminders of a time when he had no one tended to darken his thoughts, but with Evan being so sweet, it was easy to shift his arm to the armrest instead.
“You can talk to me too, if you want. I mean, I know I don’t really have a lot of life experience, but I can listen,” he shrugged, but reached over to place his hand on Evan’s arm to give it a little squeeze. “I love you, too. I’ll come to you if I need anything, okay? I promise. I’m just thinking about how I’m going to make this seem normal and not like I knew Cassidy would be home alone,” he grimaced and sighed.
“I don’t know when I want to tell him I’m, you know, not just Riker. But… I mean, he likes me as Reims too. Maybe I’m overthinking it. I don’t want him disappointed.”
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