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 Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 9:33 am
When Atticus caught his eyes, Elliot smiled, ever reassuring. “We can stay for as long as you want. And you can spend the night with me tonight. Or I can sleep over.”
Elliot, good boy that he was, looked at Michael with hopeful eyes, but he already knew the answer was yes. What was Michael going to do, let Atticus be alone all night, left with loneliness and tears? No, of course not.
“That sounds good,” Devyn said, and he’d even do his best to sit through a movie if that’s what would have made Atticus happiest. His eyes lingered on his son, who was still pressed so tightly against Elliot. Devyn didn’t want to overwhelm him; they did best when they had quiet talks, where it could just be the two of them.
Devyn didn’t need–nor expect–answers, but he was always available to talk, and he hoped the smile he offered Atticus was a reminder of that. He rose, not because he wanted any distance between himself and Michael, but because they’d need to make space if they were all going to fit on the couch.
He had the distinct impression that it would benefit Atticus the most to be crowded by the three of them, simply surrounded by people who loved him.
“You two get comfortable. I’ll grab an extra blanket.” And snacks, but he didn’t have to say that. He just wanted to make sure Atticus was as settled as possible.
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Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 10:09 am
Atticus felt like he was going to cry all over again, but he sucked in a breath and pressed his face against Elliot’s shoulder for a moment to whisper how much he loved him, before pulling back again.
Devyn offering to sit with them to watch a movie seemed cruel. Not because he didn’t think Devyn would, but because he knew how restless he got. Still, he looked forward to being able to snuggle close, squished between the three of them.
“Thank you,” he sniffled and nodded, letting Elliot get comfortable first, before joining him on the couch. Michael was on Elliot’s side, leaving plenty of room for Devyn to rejoin them once he grabbed the blankets and probably snacks.
He didn’t know what the future would hold, or how much time he would need to come to terms with things, but he was grateful that he would at least get a chance to take the next step only when he was ready.
Fin!
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