[IC] So he's a bit of a Fixer Upper [Silver Fox]

[Silver Fox]

The albino had been too busy thinking back through memories, including the ones that left him terrified that had his hands shaking ever so slightly, to notice Micah in time. Alver's eyes blinked in surprise as he found himself trapped by the blonde and by instinct Alver tensed and wanted to try and flee, but he just ended up freezing up instead. His slender frame ever so shaking a little as his pale lavender eyes watched the blonde.

Listening to the words, Alver gave a slight sad smile. He did appreciate the words, it had seemed... Miky had forgiven him to some extent to the little event in middle school. But Alver truly believed that none of what Miky said was true. Alver was a problem, a problem that just needed to disappear. His parents didn't do it, but they should have. They payed the price for it. So he took initiative and left his friends before the same happened. He knew Miky understood to some extent... But not like this. He cared too much to let the same happen to Miky. It was fine to be alone. He was fine. It be fine.

"...I can't.... Dad..." Alver murmured mostly to himself but stopped himself before he said too much and shook his head and gave a smile. Giving a chuckle and running his fingers through the blonde hair, giving the shorter boy a pat on the head.

"Thought you didn't want me to baby you?" he teased.

[AimeChambers]

It wasn't that Micah hadn't noticed his shaking, it was that he couldn't understand its source of reason. Alver had always been the strong one in their relationship, the strong mother that seemed to have years of experience over him even if he was so much older... "I haven't been able to hear much about your life since we- we..." Micah took the chair and moved it so that he sat next to the Albino, finally not rambling because he didn't have anything to say.

"Parted. I have my own problems, but as Emily always said, 'communication goes both ways'. If you have any problems, I'm here and if you need to talk about your past, that's what I'm here for too. It's the least I can do, because after you took care of Luke and I'm sure you two got along fine and I'm still going to impose on you and... yeah." The blonde slipped his hand over Alver's, "Just gimme a heads up so I don't ramble too much."

"But that and this are separate matters! I can't have my older standing thrown out the window! Luke's going to start thinking that you're the better parent!" He pouted with a huff, shaking his head again and letting his damp bangs spread around every which way.

[Silver Fox]

Alver flushed a little as for a change Miky was acting a bit his age. Jumping at the contact with his hand but didn't pull away from the touch. The tall pale man listened and gave a soft smile in response, turning his hand to gently return the hand holding. Thinking over the words for a moment, Alver chuckled a bit.

"It's alright, you're rambling is endearing." he hummed before turning his lavender gaze to look into the mismatched eyes. "How about this then? I'll share something if you share something." he mused before giving another sing song like laugh.

"Oh Luke quite adores you. He was worried I might steal you away from him. Promised him I wouldn't." he grinned.

[AimeChambers]

While Micah did want to hear about any problems Alver had been having, he felt a bit of relief as Alver changed the subject. The idea of sharing everything that had happened while they had been apart seemed too hard and too shameful. The man who had abused him and tainted the childhood friend that Alver knew... Micah couldn't tell the Albino about him. How could Micah bring himself to talk about the effort he put in everyday to seem happy and smile, to ignore the different delusions that started to plague his mind as he got more and more stressed with each coming day? The insecurities he felt over taking care of Luke when he couldn't even properly take care of himself?

Mikaela gave an only half fake smile, but then lit up when the topic switched over to Luke. But... A blush slipped over, "You guys talked about that? Luke must be defending his own territory! The Blonde laughed, imagining what it must have looked like. Luke had always been protective of his father, making sure he didn't run into poles walking down the street, pulling Micah away from the counter whenever he thought he saw a suspicious person. "I also assume that you've already worked your charms on him, otherwise he wouldn't be able to sleep."

[Silver Fox]

Alver was a both a little relieved and disappointed that the blonde had decided not to hard anything. Although Alver wouldn't know what bothered Miky, he at least didn't have to tell the mismatched eye boy how pathetic the albino was. For now, until Luke and Miky were in a better position, Alver would let his door open a little before shutting himself in again. Should be okay if it's just for a little bit.

Chuckling a little, Alver gently ruffled the blonde hair with his free hand. "I suppose I'm just good with kids. He tries to act like a mature adult. But I did get him to let me feed him and spoil him a bit. He's a good kid, you really lucked out to have a adorable son like him. I also let him pick out a present then read him Little Red Riding Hood until he fell fast asleep." the tall pale man said, smiling at the thought of the cute child before turning his lavender gaze to Miky and teasingly poked his nose.

"Which by the way you should get some sleep too. I'll be awake and handle things while your resting." he hummed.

[AimeChambers]

It felt nice for Alver to ruffle his hair. While Hank- who was also younger than him, but not by much- acted like he was the younger brother, he only bumped elbows or gave him 'manly' forms of affection. Micah leaned into Alver direction for a second longer than necessary before listening what the Albino had to say.

Micah smiled gratefully hearing how Alver had treated his son so well, "Luke's a little ball of sunshine just like his mother was. I'd like to think he has a little piece of her soul passed down inside him. And plus, I get to spend time with such a cutie every day! He has been wanting to act manly later, though I haven't let him stop calling me papa yet. I wish he'd let me still hold his hand wanna walking across the street though..." A small look of surprise crossed the Blonde's face, before realization set in, "Luke usually tries to hide that Little Red Riding Hood is his favorite, though Goldilocks is a close second, he thinks it's too girly."

Images played through his head of Zac and him sprawled on their stomachs as Alver read from a big book of fairy tales. Even though it had been sunny outside, the two boys ended up snoozing by the time the Albino boy had finished thanks to his soft and melodic voice.

Micah looked over at his watch, before realizing it was in his bag... which was still in the bathroom. Whatever, he would get it later. It had to be at least around midnight with all the talking they had been doing. "I guess you're right... You sure I can sleep in your bed?" He still looked a bit sheepish, waiting for a reply.

[Silver Fox]

Smiling as Micah seems to lean closer to the touch, Alver's slender fingers gingerly brushing the blonde hair as he patted the head like a caring parent. The older boy would do something like this whenever Alver did it, even in the middle of a spell. There were points even Alver couldn't snap out Micah out of it, that the albino would just sit beside him and pat his head while watching the others play. He wasn't the healthiest of kids so he couldn't run as much, but it was nice to sit next to Miky.

"Mhm is that so? What are you gonna do when he's a teenager I wonder?" Alver chuckled but gave a teasing smile. "I guess I just have a talent when it comes to kids. He's a good boy trying to be a grownup for his papa. Reminds me of myself a little since I felt I had to be the mature one when we were kids. But hey, I quite like Little Red and Goldilocks. Good morals." the tall man hummed thoughtfully.

Standing up, Alver gently squeezed the blonde's hand and gave a reassuring smile. "It really is quite alright. You need the rest and I'm not using it." he said before releasing the blonde's hand before heading upstairs to lead his childhood friend to the Master Bedroom. His steps quiet and ghostly, to make little sound as to not to wake Luke. Opening the door for Micah, Alver turned his lavender gaze to the blonde and gave a teasing grin.

"Do you want a bedtime story too?" The tall alibno asked.

[AimeChambers]

"There's no way I'm going to let him go through a rebellious phase, I don't think either of us could go through something like that I mean I don't exactly have the best intervention skills and I mean maybe with you in the picture but I've never been good at disciplining him because he has these adorable puppy dog eyes and you know he looks so much like his mother and-" Micah only stopped rambling when he needed to take a breath, usually that was the only way he could stop by himself anyway.

Memories flashed behind Micah's eyes of when Alver wasn't supposed to go outside much and would normally stay inside their little hideaway with him instead of going outside to play. He was the one who read the story, gave them head pats and did all the parenting things when they weren't at home. There was even a time that Mikaela had come down with a fever and wouldn't tell anyone, but the Albino had quickly seen through him.

Micah reluctantly nodded to the idea of taking Alver's bed. Honestly he hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in five ever and he really needed to take a load off before his hallucinations got the better of him. His parents had never taken him to any mental health professionals as a kid, as to not tarnish the family name, and Micah had adopted that way of avoiding his problems. The boy stood up along with Alver and walked to the bedroom.

That grin definitely meant he was up to no good but... "Um... Yes. Like old times?" He gave a little sheepish nod before staring at his feet, a blush tickling his cheeks.

[Silver Fox]

Giving a smile as he listened to Micah ramble, Alver gave a thoughtful hum. He could see Luke getting away with quite a bit if he so desired. The deadly puppy dog eyes was quite fierce, including he time when Micah was just a child as well. Alver couldn't help but be weak to cute adorable boys. Even if Alver himself was considered a cute little boy since he was small and girlish back then. Who just had a major growth spurt on the path to adulthood.

"I guess I'll have to be careful of that technique as well from Cute Little Luke." he chuckled before blinking in mild surprise as the blushing blonde did want a bedtime story, but Alver just internally 'aaawwwwed' at that. Too cute. Just too cute.

"Oh? Do you also want me to cuddle with you like old times?" Alver chuckled teasingly as he brushed a thumb against Micah's cheek, before his index finger twirled a lock of blonde hair.

"Alright, what story would you like to hear tonight Miky?" The tall man hummed, brushing some of his long white locks behind his ear as his lavender gaze warmly watched his childhood friend. He partly knew he was getting a little carried away and he should probably be more reclusive, but honestly it really felt nice to be with a friend. It had been a long time.

[AimeChambers]

All of this touching was causing Micah's heart to hurt but in a good way. Micah gave Alver a little-annoyed glare at his chuckle, but the look instantly melted when he felt the Albino's touch on his face. His blush depended as he pondered the question. Thinking about it, at the very least the taller man might get some sleep. Mikaela didn't have any work until noon since he was still supposed to be watching Luke, but there was no way he was going to get up before 10 without help.

The feeling was mutual between the two of them. While the Blonde might have had Hank, the guy didn't know about his past and he wasn't the type of guy to be touchy-feely except with girls. He knew that Alver was gay and he knew that the Albino had crushed on him before but... It wasn't like he still felt that way now after all these years... right?

"W-Well um... I really don't want to impose and you won't let me sleep on the couch so you maybe you should... I mean, you need sleep too! Take a break from work... Please?" His feelings felt conflicted and confused and he didn't want to embarrass himself anymore than he already had.

Micah thought back to the party where they had finally been reunited. He hadn't been able to see much in the way of Alver besides his face in that armor costume of his. Now, while his head was still down, he glanced up and down Alver's body before he felt the need to slap himself. What was he doing?! And thinking that way about a friend?!

"Could I hear something like... the Hobbit? Or is that problematic?"

[Silver Fox]

Listening to Micah stammer a little, Alver blinked more in surprise as the blonde just seem to be okay with such a offer. The elegant looking man blushed a bit, trying his best to stay cool and not totally turn into a bubbling mess. Attempting to calm his thumping hard with cold hard fact and reasoning. For one, Micah wasn't gay, he probably wasn't think too much other than friendship. Something Alver had realized when he was secluded alone and had time to think back on the whole situation, the albino gave himself some sort of insight. Or at least gave some reasoning of why he was rejected. One, Micah didn't feel the same as he had put it in a more... shocked sense. Two, Alver honestly probably shouldn't of said anything, but he was a romantic idiotic young teen who didn't think it through. Miky always seemed to enjoy Alver's more parental habits. Maybe because Micah's birth parents didn't quite give the same kind of attention. Even if Miky was attracted to men, when Alver thought about it, he should of concluded that Miky probably wouldn't ever see him like that. It hurt a little, but it also gave Alver a bit more understanding and managed to dim any bitterness he felt back then.

If he could guess, Miky probably still didn't have a close relationship with his parents. Alver shouldn't really think too hard about this situation like this was some manga and this was one of those 'oooo such a cute moment between a possible couple' like a dork. Plus, his wounds from his childhood love had healed and he had accepted it. Plus, it wasn't like he could get into such a relationship. He wasn't going to be selfish now, even if he did have any lingering feelings. If he really cared for Miky, he'd just support him like a good friend and keep him a safe distance so he wasn't in danger of.... the chaos Alver seemed to cause.

"You know I sleep during the day right Miky?" Alver gave a amused smile as he collected his thumping heart and mentally scold it away from the beam of moe that was in front of him.

Pondering for a moment, the tall man gave a smile. "But alright, it won't hurt to take a little nap. I have quite a bit of it done anyways." he said, pulling his slender hand away and nodded at the request. "Of course not, it's a good book. Go ahead and get in bed, I'll be back soon okay?" Alver said before turning and leaving his childhood friend in the large neatly cleaned bedroom. Obviously, oblivious to any glances his friend might or might not have made.

The white haired man did take a moment to open the guest bedroom's door as quiet as he could and peek in just to check on Luke. Smiling pleasantly before closing it and getting the book on a shelf in the upstairs living room. Happy to see his copy of the Hobbit, he returned to his room and shut the door behind him. Raising the book up a bit to show his successfulness in his fetch quest, he turned off the lights. Alver unbuttoned a few buttons from the top of his shirt as he walked over to the bed before he crawled into bed and under the soft warm blankets. Reaching a hand to turn on a lamp on the night stand so he could read properly, Alver adjusted the glasses on his face by gingerly pushing them up with his middle and index finger.

Glancing to Miky for confirmation he was ready, Alver opened the book and started to read the fascinating tale, mimicking his gestures with Luke and petting Miky on the head while he read the story. Despite his heart fluttering with a slight familiar sensation, Alver also couldn't help but smile as nostalgia fluttered along with it. Remembering all the times he did the same with Miky as children.

[AimeChambers]

His face fell slightly. Oh... Yeah, Alver might have said something about being nocturnal at the party. The whole urgency to find someone to watch Luke had made Micah completely forget. That meant they wouldn't be able to... His shoulders slumped a little before the Albino spoke again.

It was times like these that Mikaela's heart was worn on his face. His eyes lit up with joy and he stood up straight as a whistle. He gave a quick nod before taking a seat on the bed, but he grew antsy about Luke. He quickly and quietly left the room, moving to the first door he saw. Micah peeked into the room quietly and saw Luke sleeping peacefully. The Blonde stepped closer and played with his son's bangs for a moment before kissing his head and going back into the master bedroom. Luke was just like him when it came to sleeping, it was hard to wake him up when he was cozy enough.

A smile spread on Micah's face when Alver held up his prize and he got under the covers of the ginormous bed. The Blonde cuddled close to Alver, making sure he could see the book too, it would be nice to read along with the Albino until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore.

It didn't take long for the Blonde to sleep, he hadn't gotten enough at all lately and he was exhausted. His strawberry blonde hair was laid out on the pillow, his breaths even and slow. It seemed like he was having a nice dream, which one could only hope he had more often.

[Silver Fox]

Alver tried to refrain from blushing as Micah cuddled up close, focusing on the words instead. Once he heard the soft breathing of Miky, the tall man glanced out of the corner of his lavender gaze and smiled warmly. Closing the book and placing it on the nightstand and turned off the light. Getting comfortable with a slight shift, the albino brushed his slender fingers against the blonde hair. The father hadn't changed too much even after all these years. Some things were different, but Alver couldn't help but notice how cute he was. Such a cute and kind young man little Miky had turned into. A responsible hardworking loving father who's still a sweetheart. If only Miky could see that too.

The night ticked on and Alver layed awake there for a little bit, watching as Micah got some well earned rest, remembering their childhood. Remembering his first love... Alver took a deep sigh and closed his eyes, allowing sleep to take hold of his mind.

Dreams started to form, and he found himself as a young child, sitting at the edge of their little hideout and watching his childhoods friends go out and play. Looking up, he saw he was safe from the sun thanks to the shade, and when he looked to his side, he saw Miky sit there looking like he was staring off into space. The small albino blinked a little, his hair shorter and his body tiny and frail. Raising a hand, he reached to touch Micah by the shoulder, but then the world melted away and his eyes adjusted to see a older Miky who looked just as he did in middle school. But this time, he wasn't looking at peace. Surprise, confusion, perhaps even fear was etched on that pretty face.

Alver blinked, looking over himself to see he had grown a little, still short but he was a teenager with longer hair that reached to his shoulders. He felt tears growing in his eyes, but he managed to give a reassuring smile toward the blonde before turning and quickly walking away. The familiar feeling of his heart feeling crushed and heavy against his chest was there, and he remembered this event. Then he was in the school, and he watched as boys with no faces except for their grinning smiles, tower over him. Before pouring a bucket full of red paint onto him. The albino didn't react, only just coldly looked at them before looking over himself. Red staining his clothes, hair and hands... it dripped to the ground and formed a puddle of scarlet. It was then he noticed, the floor was black, making the red pop out. Looking around, everything was dark besides the red. Slowly he followed the puddle, to see a familiar body. Lavender gaze widening as the color red stained the body and when he reached out, something roughly grabbed his arms and pinned them together. His heart thundered as fear started shiver through his body.

Eyes snapping open to meet the darkness of the room, Alver's breathing was a bit rougher as he felt a sense of terror grip him. It only got worse as he noticed he was unable to move. He tried to move his arms, his head, his legs... Lavender eyes trembling as he glanced out of the corner of his eyes to see a sleeping Micah, he quickly shut them and tried to take deep calming breaths, trying to settle the panic. Focusing on trying to curl his toes and fingers.

It's not real... stay calm.... stay calm... move a little.

After a few moments, Alver could move his body and he opened his eyes and looked to Miky and sighed in relief as everything was back to normal. Just a nightmare. Gazing at Micah for a few moments, he patted the top of the blonde hair, more for himself than anything before quietly slipping out of bed and tucking the blankets over Micah. Smiling he quietly left the room.

For a little time he went back to his work room and just sorta ended up pulling open a drawer from his desk and pulled out one of the personal manga's he's created. It wasn't something he released, as it was more of a diary then anything. Opening the first volume, he looked over the drawings of children. Smiling a little as he read over the books before putting them away once more when morning came.

Deciding to give Luke and Micah some breakfast, Alver in the morning around 7 am was making some pancakes and scrambled eggs and bacon.

[AimeChambers]

Micah didn't dream of anything. It was such a relief for the Blonde since all his recent dreams had ripped him apart and stabbed his heart. All Micah could tell in his unconscious state was that he was comfortable and safe, which did wonders for his psyche. Micah took his time to wake up, not even gaining a sense of self until around nine. Mikaela opened his eyes and felt the empty spot next to him. It was rather cold and the Blonde frowned, but it wasn't that strange for Alver to not be next to him. The Blonde did sleep in a lot more than he probably should.

An hour or two earlier, Luke had woken up bright and early and had peeked into the master bedroom. After finding his Papa fast asleep, he had decided to go downstairs and look for Alver. Once downstairs, he swiftly moved to the kitchen as his stomach announced his arrival. Luke hurried to take a seat, seeing the food sitting on the table, "Good morning!"

[Silver Fox]

Alver was thinking to himself, trying to clear his mind from his unsettling nightmare, keeping his focus on cooking. Perhaps humming a little tune to settle his nerves. As he a pile of pumpkin pancakes on a plate, something to fit the season, he heard someone come down the stairs and smiled a little as he turned his head to see Luke. The albino chuckled a bit and poured some milk in a glass before walking over and setting the plate and glass on the table in front of Luke.

"Well good morning Luke! Did you sleep well? Ready for some breakfast I hear." Alver said with amusement at the sound of rumbling tummies. His lavender eyes glanced toward the stairs and gave a soft sigh, taking a seat across from Luke, wearing a white apron.

"Your dad must still be asleep. Glad he's getting some rest." Alver chuckled a little.

[AimeChambers]

The boy happily went to work cutting his pancakes into tiny bite-sized pieces. Breakfast was the most important meal of the day after all! And no one wanted to choke on such fluffy goodness... "Pancakes are one of my favorite foods!" He smiled, slipping a piece into his mouth and giving a gasp of delight.

After taking a sip of milk, he commented back, "Papa never gets up on time, it might be because he's always working, but he goes out of his way to tuck me in whenever he can. ...I didn't hear anything last night, was Papa having bad dreams?"