“I supposed I understand the theory behind the decision, Miss Elliot, but I think it’s being made recklessly and without regard to student safety.” Jason and Em had both come to approach the counselor about Trevor’s assignment to DI.

“It’s the only place we have for him to learn tolerance. A lot of these kids come in with their parents’ ways of thinking, and exposure is one of the few ways we have to combat that. To make diversity normal.” Miss Elliot was a bottomless pit of patience as the two teens tried to reason with her.

“At the very least let Em take over as secretary when I go on leave,” Jason was trying to get some kind of consideration for what was going on.

“I only hit him because of what he said to Noa, I really don’t think he should be near them,” Em cut in. “Are we prioritizing the rehabilitation of a bully over the mental health of his victim?”

Jason elbowed Em, “Good words, man.” Em nodded.

“Your leave isn’t until November, let’s make that decision a little closer to that time.” Miss Elliot conceded.

“Thank you for thinking about it, Miss Elliot.” Jason got up and shook her hand.

“Uh, before I go, I need a pass for Ciel for Saturday?” Em asked quietly. “I don’t know who the freshman counselor is…”

“Oh she’s out today! Let me help you,” Miss Elliot shuffled her papers so she could reach her keyboard. “Ok, will you be the one taking Ciel off campus?”

“Uh, no, Noa’s mom? Coral Altwater will be picking them up.”

“Ok, and do you have her number?”

“Yeh it’s,” Em pulled out his phone and read it off to Miss Elliot. Once everything was filled out and the pass was printed, Em and Jason took their leave.

Jason couldn’t help but be curious, “You’re Ciel’s guardian?”

Em looked away briefly, “Yeh it’s complicated. I’d really rather not discuss it, and if you could not tell anyone?”

“No problem. Thanks for coming with, I know having Trevor around is going to cause problems for you too.” Jason patted Em on the shoulder as they walked side by side. “Oh, and if you need good doctors for Ciel, the medical group I see for my transition has openings for students. Everything from personal and family therapy to hormone and surgical therapies. Some of the staff are enby specialists.”

“Actually, yeh, if you could text me the number. They’d really appreciate it now that we can settle down here.” Em smiled and they waved as they parted ways. Em was already late for tutoring, but thought perhaps Noa would understand when explained.

After explaining why he was late, Noa surprised him by giving their phone number. Next time he could message them they said. He was puzzling over their recent shift in attitude as they went over the calculus notes for the first half of the week. They weren’t calling him a friend, but they were letting some things slip past their defenses. He reveled in it while watching them puzzle out the homework problems.

Saturday rolled around again and this time it was Noa and Ciel sliding into Coral’s car. First stop was the barber again, this time to fix up Ciel. They fussed over the money Coral was spending on them, but Noa eventually told them they’d never win the argument and should just enjoy it. Kim managed to fit them in and worked his usual magic, turning Ciel’s unkempt bleached curls into an edgy style befitting an angsty teen.

Afterward they popped by Em’s place of work for lunch, surprising him. While Noa and Ciel worked on their subs, Coral asked to talk to Em alone. He was given the chance of a small break and they stepped outside.

“Can you tell me a little about your and Ciel’s situation?” Coral asked directly.

“Eh? It’s kind of a lot, but boiled down, I was already emancipated when the accident happened. My grandparents tried to fight me for custody of Ciel, but when they came out as non-binary, they pushed us both away. This really isn’t easy to talk about…” Em was very uncomfortable.

Coral sighed, “I imagine not. I’m just trying to picture what your plan is? A 16 or 17 year old raising their sibling…”

“No offense,” he interrupted her, “but the courts did grant me custody over the foster care system. That was a lot of work for me to achieve, but protecting Ciel is worth it. I don’t need or want anyone sticking their nose in our business.” He tried to walk back into the pizzeria, but she held the door shut.

“You misunderstand me, Marceau. I’m not trying to tell you what’s best for you or Ciel. I’m offering help if and when you need it.” She took a deep breath and looked away from him for a moment. “Little things, like if you or Ciel need rides to doctor appointments, or a place to stay on long weekends and breaks. I’m not judging you or the work you’ve put into being independent with your sibling. But Noa loves Ciel,” she turned to watch them through the glass door, “and if there’s anything I can do to help you, don’t hesitate to tell me, and don’t hold back.”

Em nodded grimly. “It’s been hard, a lot of adults assume they know better what to do for us.”

Coral looked him in the eyes again, “Well a lot of adults walk around thinking themselves more important than they are. You do what you need to do for you and Ciel. I won’t say anything to Noa about your situation, I do ask, though, if they ask about it, please don’t lie to my child.”

“Ok, I can do that. Thank you. Uh I should probably get back to work.” Em gestured to the door and she opened it for him. Following after she took a seat with Ciel and Noa and caught up with the conversation they had going.

Much later, past midnight, Noa and Ciel met Em just past the campus gates on his way home. He had another bag of sandwiches and drinks for Ciel swinging from his hand.

He noticed that both seemed to be wearing brand new outfits. Ciel maintained their almost masculine look with some new skinny jeans, new converse hightops, a plain v-neck tee and off their shoulders a light green and black flannel with the sleeves rolled up. Noa was in a one piece floral spaghetti strap skater dress with strappy platform sandals, and also an open light flannel with the sleeves rolled up, in a dusty blue and black pattern.

He tried to hide his jealousy behind laughter as he watched the two laughing and singing and holding onto each other as they walked. He could almost feel Noa’s nails running up and down his own arm enough that he shivered for real. They carried on with their banter and haphazard dancing along the path for a bit. Em lagged behind watching it quietly, hoping this would happen frequently in their future. He was so lost in thought he didn’t notice them stop.

“Marceau!” He stopped and looked at Noa who was now only just over a foot away, “Awwe you’re so tired you’re spacing out. C’mon Ciel, let’s take him to his dorm.”

Noa slid their arm into Em’s on the right and Ciel on the left. They continued singing as they escorted him to his dorm building, but it was quieter, peaceful. Em couldn’t hold back the blush that stayed with him even as he fell asleep.