The city was never not busy.
But Ever had been out in the world before. He said he’d run errands for Jennika but always came back. Not that he’d had much choice with the chip under his skin. But still, how had he managed to find his way around? What experiences had he had? Had he experienced any joy in his life up until then?
Arsen felt a bit bad about ditching work and Jericho for Ever, but not bad enough to stay. Besides, if it got too busy, he could call Nico to come help him. He was good with cars; he just didn’t like to get dirty unless he had to.
Arsen stopped next door, waving to the few people in the main room as he walked to the back where they kept clean clothes and gently worn shoes in all shapes and sizes. He grabbed what he thought would fit Ever then jogged back up the stairs to the apartment, giving Jericho a little wave as he passed.
Arsen tried to stay quiet so he didn’t sneak up on a sleeping Ever and scare him, but he found him sitting on Arsen’s bed just…staring. For a moment, he thought he was sleeping with his eyes open, but his head snapped to Arsen as soon as he sensed his presence.
Ever pulled his legs to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, dropping his chin to his knees, puffing out his cheeks in the world’s most devastating pout. He was still upset.
Arsen approached him slowly, sitting on the corner of the mattress. “I’m sorry about last night. I…shouldn’t have raised my voice. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Ever gave him another quick glance that was over before it began. Ever’s sulking face didn’t change. He just turned his head so Arsen could no longer see his expression.
It was a good sign that Ever wasn’t trying to placate Arsen, right? If he truly feared him, he would be doing everything he could to keep Arsen from punishing him. It seemed like the world’s shittiest victory, but it sent Arsen’s heart cartwheeling in his chest. Ever wasn’t afraid of him.
He reached out and grabbed one of Ever’s hands, not missing the sharp inhalation when their skin met. Ever’s hands were just as small and delicate as he was. Arsen forced himself to concentrate.
“I mean it. I’m sorry I upset you. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me. Okay?” Ever continued to ignore him, body stiff. “Please,besenok?”
For a moment, Arsen thought he might have to save their outing for another time, but then Ever was turning to look at him, his cheek pressed to his knees, hair falling over his pretty brown eyes. “Okay.”
Arsen couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face. “Okay? You forgive me?”
Ever didn’t smile back but he nodded, uncurling himself from his impossible position. “Yes.”
Arsen fought back the excitement churning inside. “Can I take you somewhere?”
Ever’s guarded expression returned, the tiniest hint of panic creeping into his voice as he asked, “Where?”
“It’s a surprise. But a good one. I think you’ll like it. Will you come?”
Ever eyed him warily. “But you’ll bring me back, right? You’re not…leaving me there, right?”
Arsen blinked at him. Bring him back? Why wouldn’t he… The answer dawned on him then, and his heart felt like it had been put through a shredder. Ever thought he was trying to get rid of him.
Arsen caught Ever’s gaze, looking him in the eyes. “I’ll always bring you back. As long as that’s what you want.”
Ever caught his bottom lip between his bunny teeth, worrying the already abused skin until it was raw. Arsen fought the urge to free it.
Finally, Ever nodded. “Okay.”
Arsen let out the breath he’d been holding. “Okay, good. Do you want to shower and get changed? I brought you some clothes to wear.” It wasn’t much. Just jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. It wasn’t freezing outside but there was a bite to the air. “Then we’ll go get breakfast.”
Ever’s brows went up as he said, “Breakfast?”
Arsen nodded. “It’s still kind of early. But if you don’t like breakfast food, the diner is open twenty-four hours a day, so their menu has many other things.”
If Ever wanted a burger at eight in the morning, Arsen would give it to him. Hell, if he wanted to order the entire right side of the menu, he’d give it to him. He was almost giddy at the idea of being all of Ever’s firsts. His brain short-circuited at some of the other firsts he could be for him.
No. That was a slippery slope.
“…devirginized the little gumdrop…”
Fucking Felix. He was putting thoughts in Arsen’s head. Thoughts that he’d been trying to stomp on for hours.
“I’ve never had breakfast,” Ever said, scooting to the edge of the bed and standing, then taking the clothes from Arsen.
