Re: [In-person: PJ and Atticus and Matt]
[Atticus was grateful when PJ said she would start later. Later, he could handle. He nodded thankfully when Matt said he would stay, as if ensuring PJ's safety was his responsibility alone. In that moment, it was his responsibility. Atticus wasn't accustomed to feeling responsible for anyone. He ran from responsibility. He hid from responsibility. He didn't like how it made his skin feel, like it was too tight.]
She'll go back to the B&B once she can. You can come too. [Atticus was feeling bossy. That wasn't letting up with time away from the altercation on the wrong side of the tracks.] Plenty of room. Better than her being alone out here. [Would make him feel better. Simple.
Atticus listened when Matt explained. Wasn't sure if the man with the metal hand? Arm? Knew what he was talking about, but he had to know more than Atticus did. Atticus knew nothing. Wasn't ashamed to admit that. Was new at this. Wasn't ever expecting to be in a situation like this.] Do we have everything we need? [Because bleeding sounded more than a little dangerous. Wanted to make sure they had everything they needed, covered every eventuality.]
Tell me what I can get. [If there was nothing, Atticus would go sit at the far end of the space. Wasn't scared of PJ, but he knew it was safer for everyone if his haunts thought he was safe. Safety was, unfortunately, distance from threats. For now, he stood there, looking uncomfortable.]