This is a story about the boy who my universe revolves around.
The part about my universe revolving around him is completely coincidental- I didn't choose that, and he didn't actually intend to have this effect on me. It just happened when he start...
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"He agreed," I inform Thaniel's friends, all of whom look immeasurably relieved to hear of this.
"Thank goodness," Leah murmurs, as Lloyd says, "Maybe now he'll actually get some sleep."
Cael is saying something about how he knew Thaniel would listen to me, but I'm not entirely listening. Instead, I'm looking at Rigel. His gaze fixed on the open door to the classroom where Thaniel is gathering his school belongings, and a deeply relieved sort of smile is gracing his face.
The sudden realization strikes me like a brick to the face: he's beautiful.
No elaborate wording. No additional adverbs. It comes as a simple fact. One that causes a subtle twinge in my chest.
Oh.
I admire him for a moment longer before Cael attracts my attention. He puts his arm over my shoulder in a more aggressive manner than necessary, though I'm beginning to understand that every action Cael performs is as such. He turns me and begins to guide me down the hallway, away from the others. "You know, Exander, I don't really like you."
"I gathered as much."
"But your brother is one of the closest friends I've got. So..." he clears his throat awkwardly. "Thank you. For helping us help him."
I contemplate commenting on the wording of his statement, given that I seem to be providing most of the help in this situation, but choose to leave it alone. "I care for my brother and want the best for him."
"Yeah, I wasn't trying to get into a big emotional conversation. I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad Thaniel will be... better off, now."
"Alright."
"And for Thaniel's sake, I'll try not to be too mean to you. Within reason."
"Okay."
"But I'll still never forgive you for stealing my role."
"I haven't done anything to 'steal' your casting as Jefferson."
He scowls. "You know what I'm talking about. The lead."
I smirk. "I stole no such role from you. I earned it fairly. But I nevertheless did expect such petty spite from you, and will gladly inform you that I don't honestly desire your forgiveness."
"Good. Glad we worked that out." He drops his arm from my shoulder. "Oh, but you piss me off again and I'll bury you."
I don't honestly know what sort of response he expects, so I say nothing. Fortunately, he seems to be satisfied with this, and departs from my company, returning to his friends.
-
It takes a little longer than I would have preferred for my mom to check through the many legal implications and find counterarguments for them. I assure her that it's very unlikely my father will actually make any attempts to get Thaniel back. He's decidedly too lazy and negligent- though, I do wonder how he plans to support his drinking habits without Thaniel's income. Or even how he plans to support himself at all.
