Chilla stared at him, looking slightly stunned. Then his mouth curved and a hint of pink touched his pale cheeks. He stroked Kim's hair, smoothing down the wild strands. "You're welcome."
"Don't encourage him, honey." Cassius pulled out a chair and picked up his sandwich, winking at Kim. "He'll organise your entire life, if you let him. Have you seen my sock drawer? He color co-ordinated it."
"You didn't own matching socks when we first met." Chilla countered, pouring water into their glasses. "You lose everything."
"Everyone loses socks! That's normal." Cassius grinned and took a big bite of sandwich, talking with his mouth full. "You need to learn to relax. Make a mess once in while."
"I've already got my hands full of your messes." Chilla gave Cassius a pointed look and the blonde laughed.
If anyone at this table made a mess of things, it was Kim. But he knew Chilla would never direct a comment like that at him. The headboy would never say anything intentionally hurtful. He could be stern, but only if he felt Kim was neglecting himself.
The redhead didn't mind Chilla's need for control in the slightest, in fact, it took the responsibility off his shoulders and made him feel safer. He would gladly allow the headboy to organise everything in his life. He only hoped Chilla would stay with him for that long.
Their conversation moved to Cassius' night out and the latest gossip from his friends. The topic was lighthearted and fun and none of them mentioned Yas' isolation or what had happened to Kim. He knew they would talk about it eventually, but he was relieved it wasn't now.
Cassius chatted effortlessly, enjoying being the center of attention, and Kim brushed his foot lightly against Chilla's ankle and smiled shyly. Chilla's expressive eyes warmed and he leaned in to kiss Kim's cheek.
After lunch, Cassius fetched a boardgame and they all sat on the floor to play. Kim sat beside the albino, pressed hip to hip. He couldn't seem to stop touching Yas or staring at him. It was so good to have him back.
The boy had such a lovely profile; with his straight nose, white lashes and full red mouth. His skin was so fair, you could see the delicate veins in his temple and neck. And his brows were as white as his hair, winging above his pink eyes.
His colors were startling and Kim knew not everyone appreciated them. But he flat out couldn't understand how anyone could look at Yas and see anything to dislike.
Their eyes met several times and they exchanged smiles. After awhile the albino shifted to sit with his legs on either side of Kim, hugging the smaller boy firmly to his chest. Kim felt his face, his hands and his whole body relax at the contact.
"I spoke to my mom," Cassius said as Chilla rolled the dice, "she's expecting us in a week."
Yas tensed, arms tightening around Kim. Kim felt a flutter of nerves at the thought of visiting Cassius' family too and he moved closer to Yas.
What if they didn't like him? What if he made a fool of himself? What if he ruined what he had with Cassius?
"I'll book us a car." Chilla said as he moved his pawn.
"It'll be cheaper to take the train." Cassius observed, reaching for the dice.
"For a four hour trip? A car is cheaper and it's not like my father minds." Chilla said shortly and stood, moving towards the door. "I'm getting tea. Does everyone want some?"
"Yes please." Yas husked and Kim nodded enthusiastically.
"It'll be fun! I'll pack lunch and we can visit a café. Maybe see Archie on the way?" Cassius beamed hopefully.
Kim felt Yas flinch behind him and he touched the albino's cool hand, threading their fingers. The prospect of a loud train station and hoardes of busy people made his stomach ice over too.
"No." Chilla paled, hand poised on the doorhandle. "Not Archie."
"Why not? He loves you!" Cassius exclaimed.
"No." Chilla repeated firmly and shut the door.
Cassius pouted and passed the dice to Yas.
"Who's Archie?" Kim asked curiously.
"He's my older brother." Cassius' dark eyes lit up and he leaned back on his elbows comfortably. "We used to camp out every summer and he took me to my first club. You'll like him, everyone does!" Cassius winced, as if he just heard himself. "Well...almost everyone."
Kim frowned, letting his expression speak for itself. Yas' chin rested on the redhead's shoulder and his body still felt tense.
Cassius was so observant, he picked up non-verbal cues easily. It was a relief to have someone as outgoing and talkative as him around, when both Yas and Kim were naturally quiet people.
"He can be a bit much, if you don't know him. Chilla was overwhelmed when they first met and Yas actually took off. I found him by the pond outside." Cassius leaned over to kiss the tip of Yas' nose, soft curls brushing Kim's cheek. "Sorry about that, sweetheart."
Chilla returned with a tray of steaming cups and placed it on the table. "I ran into doctor Fowler. She'll be up in about five minutes."
Cassius' eyes shot to Kim and the blonde moved quickly to the dresser, opening a drawer and pulling out a dark green sweater.
"It's hot outside." Chilla protested.
"Five minutes!" Cassius retorted and turned to Kim. "Take your shirt off, honey."
Yas hastily moved back as Kim pulled off his t-shirt and Cassius slid the sweater over his head. It was a soft turtleneck that neatly covered the bandage on his neck.
Chilla picked up the discarded t-shirt and threw it in the laundry basket. An instant later a light knock sounded on the door. Cassius opened it with a bright smile and opened his arms. "Millyyy!"
Milly laughed and hugged Cassius warmly. Her greying blonde hair was piled up on her head and she wore a simple white blouse and pale beige trousers. Her shoes stood out in a vibrant blue with yellow flowers and a small heel.
"I wanted a quick chat with Yas and Kim. How are you feeling, sweetie?" Her last question was directed at Yas.
The albino smiled thinly. "Better, thanks." He rasped.
Milly's dark eyes were kind, but searching. After a moment, she nodded and shifted her attention to Kim. "And you darling?"
"Good." Kim said honestly and smiled at Yas. The urge to reach out and smooth the hair out of the boy's eyes made him fidget with his long sleeves.
"I'm very glad to hear it. I have a suggestion." Milly offered. "I thought you might reconsider private lessons with Yas. And when you feel ready, you can try regular classes again. What do you think?"
"I-I...don't know if that's..." Kim stammered when Yas' expression closed, like a gate slamming shut. The albino ducked his head and wrapped his arms around his legs. Kim's heart caught painfully and his nails dug into his palm.
"You seemed to like the idea when I first mentioned it. Is it because you feel you have to prove yourself, sweetie?" Milly asked gently, toeing off her shoes and sitting unselfconsciously on the floor. Like Cassius, she preferred to be barefoot whenever possible.
"It's just..." Kim squeaked, confused and hurt by Yas' reaction. He tried to articulate his feelings, but it was difficult when he barely knew what they were. "I'm not h-helping with a-anything...a-and I'm h-holding everyone back...I s-should be able to h-handle a normal day..." His voice trailed off and his chin quivered.
The albino peered up through his hair, surprise flickering over his face.
"You're not holding us back, honey." Cassius said softly and reached for Kim's hand. "You've been through a lot and you need to be gentle with yourself for a while. Everyone here understands that and we don't mind. We love spending time with you."
Kim's eyes filled and he squeezed Cassius' palm. The blonde pulled Kim into his arms and kissed him. Kim returned the hug fiercely, turning his face into the boy's shoulder. Cassius was warm and solid, body directly against him, and it was deeply comforting to be held.
"There's no shame in taking care of yourself, Kim. And it's important to pay attention to how you feel and to test your fears slowly. There's no need to rush." Milly said gently. "Can I sign you up for private lessons?"
"Yes please." Kim said, words muffled against Cassius' shoulder.
"And can I just have a quick look at your back, dear?"
The redhead froze and then Chilla was beside him, pulling up the hem of Kim's sweater to just below his neck.
"Thank you, Charles." Kim felt Milly lean closer and tug lightly on his bandages. The sweet scent of rabbits surrounded him. Damp grass and freshly turned earth. "It's healing nicely, but your skins a bit bruised. Try not to lie on your back for a few days, dear."
Kim flushed hot and Chilla gently tucked his sweater back into place.
"Come by my office at noon tomorrow for your new schedule. Yas, we can do your follow-up appointment then too. Goodnight boys."
"Goodnight."
"Nighty night!" "G'night." "Nn."
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