"I wonder if Nathaniel sent you. Or you can just sense people in trouble." Connor murmured. Nathaniel smiled, so Rockie was helping. At least he had some hand in that. Nathaniel walked away, moving inside. He walked into the kitchen, opening the drawer that held the pencils. Beside the box of writing utensils there was a pad of paper along with a roll of tape.
Nathaniel ripped out a page of paper, sticking out his tongue as he thought of what to write. What would he want to hear? He looked around, then nodded, starting to write.
Nathaniel walked into the front room, Jordyn and Kiara still sat with Christin, searching birth records. Cole lay on the couch, reading a book. Gene lay on the floor, asleep. Nathaniel looked up, the chandelier was swinging as Ollie read his chapter book. He read a lot for someone his age. He'd grow up to be a smart kid. Nathaniel took a breath, then approached Cole, Cole looked up from his book. He smiled and sat up.
"What's up?" He asked, looking at the paper in his hand. The girls glanced up, making eye contact with Nathaniel before burying themselves back in the records.
Nathaniel smiled, "I was wondering which room was Connor's." He didn't know if Connor would come inside using the back door, so he wanted to put the note somewhere he was sure to see it.
Cole looked at the paper in Nathaniel's hands before nodding, "Connor shares a room with Gene, it's the third door to the right upstairs. Connor's bed is under the window."
Nathaniel nodded, starting to walk away, "Thanks Cole." He smiled at Cole before turning and walking up the stairs. He passed by the first two rooms, glancing, they were nondescript, tidy with beds and closets. Then he arrived at the third room. He turned into it, stopping short.
Connor looked back at him, one leg in the window, the other out. One hand held the window, the other held Rockie. Connor's eyes were red and his knuckles scabbed. Nathaniel's eyes were drawn to his bandaged hand, gut dropping as he wished he hadn't bit him. Connor gave Nathaniel a sheepish grin before coming in fully, closing the door behind him.
"Hey Nate," He greeted, his voice softer than it usually was. He put Rockie down, the cat laid down on Connor's bed, burrowing into his blankets.
Connor sat down, he angled to hide his eyes under his shaggy black hair. Nathanie's stomach curled in on itself, he really wished he hadn't caught Connor. Nathaniel walked to the bed, sitting next to Connor. He didn't mention his eyes, it was better to pretend he hadn't noticed he had been crying.
"I just, just wanted to thank you for today." Nathnaniel watched Connor, he looked calm. The only sign of his breakdown was his red eyes. Connor must have experience hiding his emotions. Nathaniel didn't want to think about why he needed this.
Nathaniel bit his lip, "You're really strong. I look up to that." He took a breath, placing the paper by Connor, "This family has helped me so much, and it's only been a day. I hope someday I can help you too." Nathaniel smiled at Connor, glad Connor had relaxed a little. Then he stood up, walking to the door. Nathaniel turned, "Thanks Connor."
Then Nathaniel left, closing Connor's door behind him, he probably wanted some more space. That's what Nathaniel would need.
Nathaniel walked down the hall, his bare feet liking the carpet that was under him. This was his first house with carpet. Nathaniel paused, his house, he had already started to feel like he belonged here. He shook his head, now wasn't the time to settle in. He had Manticore to deal with. Maybe when that was over, maybe then he could let himself be here. Be part of a family. That would be nice.
Nathaniel tucked his shaking hands into his pockets. Something flew through the air, hitting Nathaniel in the face. Nathaniel jumped, letting out a small screech. There was a thump, then Cole stuck his head over the rail.
"You good Nathan?" He asked.
Nathaniel nodded, looking around for what hit him. He looked down, picking up a granola bar, then he looked up. Ollie was watching him. Nathaniel groaned, he had screamed when Ollie threw a granola bar at him. Cole looked at the granola bar, then at Ollie, understanding dawned and he began to laugh. Ollie started to laugh with him, bending in half on the chandelier. As he did he dropped his book. It fell, Nathaniel heard it hit something.
"Ollie!" A young girl yelled. Cole looked down, letting go of the rail as he laughed harder. Nathaniel walked to the rail looking down just in time to see Kiara chuck the book at Jordyn, who had her eyes closed while she laughed.
Jordyn tensed as the book hit her, her hands flying in front of her face seconds before it hit. The book fell down, hitting the records Jordyn had been looking at. The records teetered on the table. Jordyn grabbed the book, throwing it to Christin, then steadied the records, watching Kiara as she did so. Christin smiled and threw the book straight up, Ollie reached down and caught it. He opened it and began reading again. The girls began looking in the records, and Cole sat back on the couch.
Nathaniel chuckled, everything was back to normal. Gene hadn't even woken up. Nathaniel walked to join them, wondering how a family could have such chaos just disappear. He walked past the girls, settling in on an open futon. He opened Mr. Rachet's book, determined to start reading.
"I found us!" Jorndyn yelled, jumping up in excitement. Kiara ran to her side, staring at the page.
"Sissanas?" Kiara read, she smiled, "Cool, now I have two last names." She turned to Jordyn, giving her a bow, "How are you this fine day Ms. Sissanas?"
Jordyn rolled her eyes before bowing back, "Quite well, Ms. Rachet." She stood up, grinning at her, "Now we're ready for school."
Kiara grinned, "Sissanas!" She yelled, lifting her head and closing her eyes as she yelled. Jordyn laughed, giving a whoop before laughing harder. She snorted, laughing harder and snorting again.
Christin laughed, "Watch out world, the twins are coming for you." She gathered up the books, placing them under the table. She glanced over at Gene, "All the twins are coming for you."