𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬.

cheerleader for the bigfoots. ( tw: british. )

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ be that someone for you. if you wanted.”

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

atticus is quiet as he listens, nodding thoughtfully as nico shares his concerns. not everyone could just do that with a stranger and that’s understandable to him; even he, despite what rumours might suggest, is more picky than he first appears.

“i get it. and if you’re +

[⋆˚࿔ 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚘 𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚛. @ofhismusings]

nico glances down at what he's wearing - surprisingly more muted than what he's generally known for. maybe, no definitely, if his friends had been around - he'd have dressed up differently. he wonders if it's still the lingering negativity from the masquerade.

"that does sound -

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ pretty enough and a good enough kisser to be a suitable testing ground. besides, his emotions aren’t easily stirred by a casual kiss. mulling over whether or not he should offer, his expression softens into a more gentle smile, shoulder lifting in a delicate shrug.

“i could +

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ kiss who you want. to make no apology about any of it. and - impulsively grab those moments of joy with a stranger, just like any straight person would.”

a beat.

“do you know what i mean ?”

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

him . . . wise ? well, he didn’t feel it lately. jumping back into something that hurt him before, left him burned. what did they say was a sign of madness again ? trying the same thing and expecting different results ?

still, he’s not here to unload onto nico in turn - only +

[⋆˚࿔ 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚘 𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚛. @ofhismusings]

atticus' understanding smile tugs at something in nico, offering a bit of comfort. he nods in agreement to it being 'overwhelming'; the candid words following it painting a picture of what he's been feeling, articulating it better than he himself can.

should he chip in? -

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ to appear as unburdened as ever in an attempt to ease his. as nico expresses his wants, atticus nods slowly, pondering on what that could entail for nico.

“a big part of what makes this all so joyful, as you say, is the freedom in it - to be who you want. wear what you want, +

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ looking out for me.”

perhaps he can be that for nico - a ‘pay it forward’ type deal.

“maybe i can help. tell me, nico. what is it you want to do ? name just one experience you want out of this.”

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

“the first time doing something like this can be overwhelming,” atticus admits freely, offering an understanding smile.

usually, he wouldn’t be so candid with someone he isn’t close to, but the nature of the subject and the afternoon spent celebrating has softened him - opened +

[⋆˚࿔ 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚘 𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚛. @ofhismusings]

"good, good. glad you're having fun."

a thumbs-up follows - nico's naturally friendly nature coming through. he doesn't seem to realize what atticus has worked out. . . that is, until that question is asked. maybe it's how gentle the other's voice is. . . or how nico's been -

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ figured out, or battled with, is right on display for everyone to see . . .”

a pause as a thoughtful hum leaves his lips.

“you know, it took me a long time to come here, myself. my first ever pride was in america, not the uk. i think it helped having . . . someone actually +

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ asks, voice surprisingly gentle.

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

“things are great. it's been fun out there . . .” he says it lightly, moving on swiftly from himself.

nico seems oblivious, almost - to what atticus has worked out. nerve that has been lost, perhaps an awkwardness around the concept of pride.

“didn't feel like going ?” he +

[⋆˚࿔ 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚘 𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚛. @ofhismusings]

atticus? one of the last people he'd ever expect to approach him, considering.

but still, he aims a friendly look his way, rainbow still smudged on his cheek. maybe he doesn't realize.

"hey, atticus. how are things?"

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

+ smudging once vibrant paint.

he wishes his small group of friends goodbye, heading over and dropping down beside him.

“nico, fancy seeing you here.”

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

it's a while before atticus returns from the festivities, but he finds nico back where the stalls selling merch stand - where people had gathered before venturing out further into the celebrations.

there's something sad and dejected about the sight of nico sitting alone, +

[⋆˚࿔ 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚘 𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚛. @ofhismusings]

generally so bright and open with his feelings, nico had ended up only observing. maybe he should have went with his friends but. . .

sitting down at a table in the courtyard, rainbow still painted on his cheek, he rubs at it, thoughtful.

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

and why should i ? it suits me.

[𝑨𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒍 ♡ @scionstarlet]

take that halo off.

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

😇

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

i love living in a democracy.

[𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬. @ofgravegrace]

i propose we all ignore that post.