Re: Carriage House: Atticus & Billy
"Not sure your body counts as wares." Wasn't the nicest way to counter what Billy said, but Atticus didn't own kid gloves. Wasn't embarrassed by it. Didn't mind talking about it. But Atticus wasn't good at holding hands and making someone feel better. Maybe he'd never experienced it himself, or never experienced it in a way that actually made him feel better. Whatever the reason, his statement was plain and direct.
Also explained why Atticus wasn't good at being direct himself. Didn't mind it in other people, but he wasn't a sharer. Had learned that young, because no one believed him. Now, his privacy was old habit and comfort. Atticus liked it that way. Didn't make it easy for people to get to know him, but Atticus figured everyone was better off that way, including himself. "Dangerous people everywhere. Could argue that everyone's dangerous in some capacity. Something uncontrolled, that could be trouble." His own experience talking. "But time helps." Because Atticus was lazy, not stupid, and he was starting to see the forest for the trees. "Not very proactive, I know. Aren't worried about hurting people here?"
Wasn't that Atticus wanted the kid to go, but this was the longest Atticus had spent with another person since he was young. Wasn't used to it, and the noises upstairs indicated why. Atticus was careful. He'd learned care over the years, and he wasn't going to fuck that up now. "Don't work too much." Not eloquent, but the sentiment held.
He watched the kid awkwardly straighten and look around and slip on boots. Watched him hover. Billy said he was fine to walk, and Atticus nodded. "Sure." He paused. "Hey. Had a nice time too. Thanks for coming." It was genuine. He meant it, and he walked to the door and held it open. Hand on the frame and ready to close it once Billy stepped outside.