13

Suspended

Atticus took several trips throughout the week to the Grunge Hall, figuring out how to set up his equipment and stream the Glass Oceans once Wednesday night rolls around. Dakota met him there once to explain the layout, but he otherwise didn’t run into anyone else he knew.
Currently, the gray skies hide the fact that it’s mid-afternoon as Atticus takes his time loading the last of his gear to the venue. He watches several gondolas pass by in the canal until he recognizes Trevor, flagging him down for a ride. Trevor helps him carefully place an awkwardly sized radio transmitter into the center of the boat and then they each find their respective places within the gondola and coast downstream.
Trevor sparks a conversation while he steers them through the water, “The Glass Oceans tonight, right?”
“Yessir,” Atticus is lounging comfortably at the bow of the boat, “Unfortunately they don’t have all the gear I need at the venue, so I’ve spent the past few days moving some of my equipment over and trying not to fuck up my own station’s streaming.”
“Glad I could help with that!” Trevor has sandy hair and a five o’clock shadow, but appears surprisingly healthy and in good spirits.
“And I appreciate the help.” Atticus, on the other hand, tries his best to match Trevor’s attitude, “You a fan of the band?”
“I won’t say they’re my favorite, but I definitely enjoy them regardless. I always got good vibes from the band members from their music and the interviews that Lenny did with them.”
“They are good people, some of the best. Better than me, that’s for sure!”
“You’re just one of us, Atticus, that’s how we all see it.”
“I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or not.”
“Depends on your perspective. You grew up on the low end, you know how it goes, you understand what it takes to survive.”
“Ah, all too well I suppose.”
“You should know how much the people of Seatac look up to you, Atticus.”
“Look up to me?” he scoffs in disbelief, “Why? I don’t care about this city, I just press the buttons to protect my own neck.”
“Maybe that’s why.” Trevor glances down at him from the stern as he slows the boat and steers it up to the dock.
Atticus laughs out loud, “Fucking stupid. Do me a favor, Trev, and don’t look up to me, I’m not doing shit for anyone, not even myself at this point.” He stands and hefts the gear onto the dock on his own, Trevor keeping the boat steady.
“Exactly, whether you realize it or not, you’ve embraced what most are unwilling to and made it work.”
“And what’s that?” Atticus stands on the dock, facing Trevor in the boat, and waiting for a response.
He shrugs and uses the long paddle to push off the dock, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out by the next time I’m in town.”
Atticus turns to enter the Grunge Hall but pauses, caught off guard by that last statement, “Next time you’re in town? Don’t you have a family here?”
Trevor chuckles, “Oh yeah, I forgot about that. No need to pay me, Atti, I’ll catch you next time.” He finally allows the current to pull him away.
Atticus is left standing outside the venue with his gear, confused and unsettled, but brushes the feelings away when he hears the familiar tapping of a single crutch on the wood behind him.
“You just gonna stare at the water like a madman or…?” Sunny arrives next to him and stares in the same direction as Atticus, “Are you trying to burn a hole in that poor gondo’s head downstream?”
Atticus pivots to face Sunny and positions himself so they’re both facing the venue entrance, “Who?”
Sunny blinks a couple times and furrows his brows for a moment, “Wait, what? Why are you just standing out here? Let’s head inside.”
Atticus sighs deeply, taking the moment to accept the situation. He decides it’s not worth the stress and forces a smile before Sunny can comment on the long pause. “Sunny, brother, I love you, but you are completely useless in helping me get this junk into the Hall, where are the others? I could use a hand… and probably two legs.”
Sunny looks down at the large console on the boardwalk next to them, “You got it out of the boat, didn’t you?”
“Doesn’t mean it was comfortable. Hang out here for a sec? I’m gonna go grab someone.” Atticus leaves Sunny and jogs inside, skipping steps as he goes up the balcony entrance.
Inside, Noah and Callum are setting up most of the equipment while Dakota and Eli stand off to the side, chatting about something. “Hey! Eli!” Atticus calls across the room, not bothering to cross.
Eli looks up and grins, “Yo! Atti! What’s good?” He breaks away from Dakota, who also smiles and waves, but stays back to help the other band members.
“Wanna give me a hand real quick? Sunny isn’t much help in carrying heavy equipment.”
“Oh for sure!” He meets up with Atticus and they head back out to bring the transmitter in, with Sunny tailing behind.
They make it to the corner of the room, not far from the power generator in the wall, and the three of them finish setting up Atticus’ equipment. Sunny does what he can to make sure cords are plugged in and organized while the other two move the equipment into place. The other three band members also continue to get the stage set up, everyone chatting and making jokes as they work. There’s still an hour or so before anything starts by the time they all finish.
As the sun dips into the clear space between the ocean horizon and the layer of gloom that blankets the city, it casts a warm glow across the boardwalks, providing the most sunlight the city has seen all day. It doesn’t last for long, however, as dusk sets in and people begin to materialize in the Grunge Hall. At most, maybe a third of the amount of people that go to the Century City shows will come to this one, but that makes it a much more comfortable place to be. Atticus is reasonably relaxed as he sits with Sunny amidst his gear. It’s their first time together since Atticus left the house in a hurry and they’ve avoided the subject since reuniting at the venue; Atticus counts on it staying that way.
The two of them are discussing George’s and Atticus’ birthdays in the next month when Eli approaches, this time with Anita’s company. “Hey boys, glad to see you here!” Anita greets them as they arrive, “I was working, but y’all mind if I hang with ya while the band plays?”
“Of course not!” Sunny is quick to comply and Atticus follows his lead, pulling up an extra chair and shifting some of the clutter around to make space.
As she takes her seat, Anita thanks them and turns to Atticus, “I’m especially glad to see you here, Atti! We were worried about you, but it’s nice to see your face.”
“Yeah, we hear plenty of your voice though, so no need to make up for anything in that area.” Eli is grinning as he cuts in, standing behind Anita with his hands on her shoulders.
Atticus chuckles, “Well, if you were sick of it, you’d turn the radio off, but it sounds like you don’t do that, so I think it’s safe to say you’re into it.”
Eli narrows his eyes, “I guess you got me there, but it’s mostly to make sure you’re still alive.” He glances at all the people rolling in and then at his band off to the side of the stage, “Looks like I should get up there, you all good here? Atti, are you ready to do your thing?”
Atticus leans over to check a couple of lights and switches and gives him a thumbs up, “All good here, go get ‘em, big boy.”
Sunny and Anita wish him luck and Eli trots over to his band, preparing to perform. As they move up to the stage, the crowd cheers and Atticus slides his headset on to announce their performance to the city as well. “Another gloomy day in Seatac, but hopefully we can raise your spirits with some music from the Glass Oceans,” Atticus’ eyes scan the room as he speaks until they land on more familiar faces entering the venue; George and his usual companion. He realizes he’s drifted a bit while speaking and quickly finishes, “I’ll let you hear Dakota’s introduction tonight.” He mutes and switches inputs to that of the stage speakers, where Dakota is introducing the band and greeting the audience.
It doesn’t take long for George to identify where his brothers are and march over. Atticus tenses up a bit, worried about their previous interaction, but nobody notices.
“George! Jeremy! Glad you guys found it in you to join us!” Sunny welcomes them cheerfully.
George briefly makes eye contact with Atticus, a nervous glint in his eyes, but quickly breaks it and smiles at everyone else, “Yeah! It’s about time we come and see the Glass Oceans with how often we see Eli and Anita these days. The least we can do is support our friends.” He glances at Atticus once again with the final remark.
“Georgie!” Atticus realizes that George likely didn’t recount everything that happened the other day and takes advantage of the deceit, “I didn’t realize you’d come as well! This is great, makes me feel better about not having the time to come around the house. Are you gonna be an edgelord all night, though?”
He rolls his eyes, “It’s your asshole personality that brings out the worst in the rest of us, so maybe it’s you that needs to lay off on being emo.”
“George, c’mon, you know a lot has been happening and I’m sure we don’t know his whole story, you gotta give him a break. And Atti-” Sunny tries to de-escalate, but Atticus cuts him off.
“Naw, that’s fair.” Atticus chuckles a bit, “Frankly, I’m glad someone will be honest with me these days. Just remember, I’m only an asshole to hide the fact that I’m deeply insecure, I’m sure you understand.” It’s self-deprecating, but he knows it’s also targeted enough to strike a chord in George and get him to lay off.
Anita nervously laughs and tries to change the subject, “Music is starting, anyone want to go join the crowd with me?”
George’s friend, Jeremy, who looks just as uncomfortable with the family disputes, is quick to agree and nudges George to follow, the three of them moving into the crowd as Eli counts off the first song and the band begins their set. Atticus and Sunny stay seated in somewhat awkward silence as Atticus double checks that the system is running smoothly.
“I can keep an eye on things if you want to go party with everyone, Atti.” Sunny is watching Atticus nervously fumble around, but he stops when Sunny speaks and looks up at him.
“Why would I want to do that? No, I’d rather stay here with you, I haven’t joined the crowds in weeks. Do you wanna go out, though? I’m really not worried about the stream if you want me to go out there with you.”
Sunny doesn’t respond immediately, shifting in his seat as he thinks.
“Alright bro, let’s go.” Atticus pushes himself out of his seat and offers his hand in pulling Sunny up, “If there’s any party for you to enjoy, it’s this one.”
Sunny’s face lights up as he stands, but he argues anyway, “You don’t have to come, George and Anita are out there and you know I’m pretty good on my-”
“Singular foot? Right, and I know that’s not always true, especially if there’s the chance that someone will bump into you. No, I miss hanging out with you all, let’s uhhhh, break a leg as they say. ”
“Preferably one of yours.” Sunny is grinning as they leave the radio equipment and move into the crowd, staying near the outskirts in case they need a quick escape. The other three notice their presence and move towards the edge to join the guys. Without having to communicate, Atticus and George sandwich Sunny between them and the group of five proceed to dance and enjoy the music being performed by the rest of their friends on stage.
Atticus tries to stay acutely aware of everyone and everything happening around him, scanning the room as he parties with the others. The people at this show are drastically different from the ones that go to the Moonlight Serenade. These are people who can’t afford to frequent Century City, either because they don’t have the money to travel inland or out of fear for their own safety against those who disdain them. They aren’t dressed up in any way and look far more exhausted than those inland. The one thing, however, that everyone has in common, is a dependence on substances and entertainment as a distraction from the real world. Through observation at all the parties, Atticus has come to find that everyone is equally miserable in this city, it’s just that the wealthy ones living in Century City have the privilege of being able to hide it better. They may not be struggling to survive the same way that the lowlives do, but they still hate their jobs, they still get sick and depressed from that endless gloom blanketing the city, and they still struggle to uphold the strict standards placed on them by Jackson and the false glamour of the entertainment industry. Atticus almost wishes he were also intoxicated tonight, so he could join in forgetting how fucked up it all is, but for once, he’s glad to be sober as he dances with his brothers and friends.
On occasion, a stranger comes over to him, having recognized who he is while he was with his equipment. They never say much, merely acknowledging him and saying a brief ‘thank you’ or ‘good job.’ He’s glad his face isn’t well known, as it prevents the majority of people from knowing who he is in public. However, he can’t help but to think about what the gondo had said to him earlier in the day, about being looked up to despite his indifference towards the city. Maybe Trevor was right, the people like having another faceless person to relate to. Trying to admire someone respectable and find the inspiration to change takes a lot of energy. So when there’s someone just like them, gaining the success they’ll never have and still being complacent in the filth that is their lives, it makes them feel justified in not trying to change, because obviously they don’t have to.
“Atticus, you look like you’re waiting for someone to come stab you, lighten up a bit.” Anita has moved closer to him so he can hear. “Quit looking around like a wanted man and enjoy yourself!”
He startles when she speaks, but realizes she’s right and releases some of the tension in his shoulders. “Maybe I am expecting to be killed on sight, you don’t know what I do in my free time.”
“What free time?” Sunny has overheard and butts in. “A year ago I worried about what you did in your free time, now I have to listen to your voice for like 15 hours a day.”
Atticus snorts out a laugh, “Too true, Sunny Boy, but you don’t know the half of it.”
“You mean that half of it?” Sunny nods towards the radio equipment, where Dimitri has suddenly made her appearance. “I could use a break anyway, you want to go over there?”
“Fuck, I can’t believe I actually thought she’d leave me be tonight…” Atticus curses under his breath several more times as he rudely pushes through the remainder of the crowd, making space for Sunny to follow on his crutch. He notices that Anita, George, and Jeremy stay behind, much to his relief. He can only handle so much from everyone.
As they break through the crowd, however, Atticus releases another string of curses, this time no longer under his breath. Moony is accompanying Dimitri, surprisingly dressed down for the occasion. He finds himself now wishing that one of the others had come so that he could send Sunny away with them.
Dimitri notices his approach and smirks, Moony maintaining the same smug look as always. Atticus glares at them, stopping himself and Sunny before they get too close. He’s already grinding his teeth as he tries to keep it together.
“What’s wrong, Att-”
“Sunny,” Atticus turns his back to Dimitri and Moony as he faces his brother, “I’ve briefly introduced you to Di, but the man with her goes by Moony.”
“What man?”
“You’ll know when you see him. Do not, and I mean seriously, do not engage with him unless he speaks directly to you. Do not even look at him if you can help it. I can’t explain any more than that, but I don’t need you getting wrapped up in all of this too…”
“Wrapped up in all of what?” Shivers run down Atticus’ spine as he turns to face the voice behind him. Dimitri shows her teeth in what Atticus considers less of a smile every time he sees it. “Have something you’d like to share with the class? I sure hope you’re not trying to avoid me. I’m already hurt by you having Steve over the other day to keep me away.”
“Having Steve over?” Atticus takes a moment to recall, “You think I invited him over to keep you out? No, he came over on his own and it’s not like you tell me when you’ll be around, you just fucking show up whenever you want.”
“Oh well, I’ll forgive you for now, as long as you boys join us back over by your radio equipment.” She puts her arm around his shoulders and pulls Atticus around, looking over her shoulder to wink at Sunny as she speaks. Atticus is tense under her arms but doesn’t pull away as she leads them the remainder of the distance to where Moony is waiting, arms crossed.
“Atticus, you really need to learn how to enjoy yourself more, you reek of a lack of pleasure.” Moony looks visibly entertained by the whole situation as he speaks.
“I was enjoying myself, until you showed up. Isn’t this place too dirty for you or something?” Atticus finally manages to slip out from under Dimitri’s arm and takes a subtle step back, where he can keep Sunny in his peripheral vision. Sunny is several seconds behind, but focusing his eyes on the ground as he catches up and stops just behind Atticus.
“I get out far more than you think, kid, and we aren’t-, “He glances at Dimitri, “well, I’m not here to terrorize you, really doesn’t benefit me like it does her.”
“Right, of course, makes sense.” Atticus rolls his eyes and looks at Dimitri, “And I assume you are here to terrorize me, as per usual?”
Dimitri is twirling a strand of hair, “My life doesn’t revolve around you, Atti, but I do find great pleasure in annoying you with my presence. Now, don’t be shy, aren’t you going to finally introduce us to your brother? Or are we too embarrassing?”
He glares into Dimitri’s eyes, “I thought I wasn’t allowed?”
She laughs, “If you actually believed that, you wouldn’t have already introduced us. May as well do it formally, now.”
Atticus sighs and makes space for Sunny to be in clear view of the gods, “Sunny, this is Dimitri and Moony. Di and Moony, this is my brother, Sunny.”
Dimitri puts a hand out expectantly to shake and Sunny has to awkwardly lean into his crutch to sheepishly raise his own, but Atticus gently pushes it down before any contact can be made. He’s still maintaining eye contact with Di, “There is no place for him within our relationship, so don’t even try.”
Dimitri pouts, “No fun…”
“Now, we did return so that I can do my job and Sunny can sit down, so if you wouldn’t mind, respectfully, letting us pass so we can do so.” Atticus pushes past Dimitri and Moony, lightly tugging on Sunny to follow, and helps navigate him around the cords and into a chair. After taking his own seat, Atticus looks up at the gods still standing there, “There’s only one more chair, so if you both intend to hang out, I’d suggest going to find a fourth.”
“Is that an invitation? Even if it felt forced, I’m truly honored. However, I’m actually gonna go party for a bit.” Dimitri turns dramatically and struts into the crowd to find others to harass.
Moony is left standing there and hesitantly takes the remaining seat, looking more disgusted by the act than anything else. “I have no need to actually partake in all this,” He waves to the room, “I just like observing. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“You could say so…” Atticus shakes his leg nervously as he watches Moony, “I guess I should thank you for our agreement.”
“Well, it’s just that, an agreement, both sides should be benefiting.” His voice comes off as somewhat casual for once, instead of his usual grating insults, “I’m surprised by you tonight, Atticus. I said you weren’t enjoying yourself earlier but truthfully, that was the first time you actually seemed entertained in a while.”
“Believe it or not, life is much more comfortable without your two massive cocks up my ass at all times.”
“I can’t speak for Dimitri, but I personally have done nothing but provide you with life changing opportunities, so I’d show a little more gratitude if I were you.”
“Provide me with opportunities? You mean by ki-” he glances at Sunny and holds his tongue. “You’re a leech, that’s it. If you were actually helping me, I wouldn’t be miserable and feel like shit all the time and my family wouldn’t hate me.”
“While you’re not far off on your comparison, I can’t take blame for any of that. If you really feel the need, cast your stones at Dimitri. I mean, she is the one that’s actually feeding off of you.”
Sunny looks at Atticus, confused, but notices that he seems just as concerned.
Moony finally nods towards Sunny, “Are you going to acknowledge my presence or just look dumbfounded?”
Sunny turns to him, surprised, but reads the situation well enough, “I, uh, well, obviously I’m not sure what this whole situation is, so I wasn’t going to impose. It sounds like maybe I should thank you for helping Atti out, though. Or maybe apologize for you having to deal with his attitude.” He laughs nervously, trying to break the tension.
Moony responds with a much more confident laugh, “Atticus, you should’ve learned some manners from him, he’s much more likable than you. I’ll accept your apology and gratitude only because he’s been quite useful to me.”
Atticus tries to laugh, but is sinking into his chair and fumbling for something in his pocket.
Moony notices Atticus and comments, “Don’t bother, I’ve been here long enough. I’ll be taking my leave to continue making my rounds in the inner city.” He stands and flags down Dimitri in the crowd.
Atticus is already holding the joint and match that he was digging out of his pocket, but doesn’t do anything with them as he watches the two gods chat by the exit before Moony departs and Dimitri heads in their direction.
Sunny breaks his attention, “You have a fuck ton of explaining to do.”
“More than you know.”
“No shit.”
Dimitri makes it to them and promptly takes the now-empty seat, “Hey boys! Scare away poor old Glitter Boy?”
“I guess we’re just not worth his precious time.” Atticus continues to hold the joint, not ready to replace it into his pocket.
“He talks a lot of shit for not being able to loosen up himself, huh?”
Atticus chuckles, but doesn’t relax at all, “You got that right.” He pauses for a moment, deciding whether or not to ask, but finally takes the chance while he has it, “Dimitri, would you like to explain our relationship to Sunny while we’re all here?”
She laughs for an uncomfortable amount of time before answering, “Oh, you just want me to explain so you don’t have to.” She turns to Sunny, “You see, Alec, you could say Moony and I are like gods to you and this city. Your brother, Atticus, decided to make a contract with me, without even asking for the fine print, mind you. A desperate man, if I do say so. And for what? A bit of success? Well, just because he’s reached his goal, doesn’t mean I’ve reached mine, so the contract holds strong. You keeping up?”
Sunny is wide-eyed and glances towards Atticus, looking for confirmation. Atticus shrugs in response and he turns back to Dimitri. “Are you guys part of the mob or something, then?”
Dimitri snorts, “We’re above the mob, kid, Mr. Mondo himself answers to Moony and me.” She changes her tone, suddenly much less serious, “However! Don’t let Atti make you think I’m some kind of villain, I just saw potential in him as a comedian and decided to help him out! And obviously I was right, the city adores him!
Atticus widens his eyes for a moment in realization, “Oh shit, I’m on air right now.” He turns and grabs his headset, sighing in relief as the stream still seems to be transmitting without issue. He doesn’t remove the headset, however, enjoying not having to hear the conversation or cheering crowds. For a moment, Atticus catches Sunny’s eyes and mouths a half-hearted ‘sorry.’ It’s at this point that he puts the joint to his mouth, strikes the match across the floor, and lights it. He takes a long drag and accepts his fate for the night.
Sunny watches him, his face down-turned, his eyes full of pity, and then responds to Dimitri, “Sometimes I think he sees everyone as the villain, including himself…”
Dimitri studies Sunny and doesn’t say anything. They sit in silence for several more songs before Anita and George return from the crowd. Anita gets Atticus’ attention and he slides the headset off to hear her, “This is their last song, just a heads up!”
Atticus gives her a thumbs up before shifting in his seat and preparing to switch the transmission input again. George scans the situation; Atticus ignoring everyone as Sunny and the woman -Di, as he remembers- sit in silence. He taps Sunny on the shoulder, “You wanna start walking home before the crowds pour out? Jeremy left earlier, had to get home, so it’s just us.”
Sunny sighs and starts to stand, but Atticus notices and speaks up, “Wait! You guys mind waiting so I can go with you? I know the crowds are ass, but I really want to join you, I just need to wrap things up.”
Sunny smiles and slaps George on the shoulder before plopping back down into his seat, “Gladly.” George grumbles and turns to leave on his own, but Sunny grabs his wrist, “No, you can wait too, even if I can’t do much, I don’t love the idea of you walking home alone either.”
Dimitri chimes in, “My boat is nearby, you all can take it home instead of walking.”
The song comes to an end and Atticus is already flipping switches and unmuting his mic to conclude the stream and wish the city a good night. Once he’s finished, he turns to Dimitri, “Doesn’t your boat not have paddles for… reasons?”
“No, I still keep some in there, they’re all yours.” Dimitri stands, “I’ll be around in the morning, so don’t lock me out, please.” She takes her leave, disappearing like smoke dispersed by the wind.
They end up waiting for the crowd to stream out of the venue, allowing Eli and the band to come over once it’s mostly clear. Atticus discusses with Dakota when he’ll pick up his equipment in the following days and everyone chats for a bit before bidding their farewells and separating for the night. There’s a familiar gondola in the canal, waiting for the three of them when the group exits the Grunge Hall.
During the show, the skies had finally split open and now a steady rain is falling. The docks are slick and they still have to yell over the sounds of music, like during the show, but this time the tempo is made by raindrops pummeling water in the canal. Atticus helps Sunny get into the boat, followed by George hopping into the front end with ease. As Atticus seats himself in the back, across from Sunny, he finds two sets of paddles under the seats and tosses the second set to George. George grimaces a bit but complies, and the two of them steer the small boat into the current until it’s doing most of the work in carrying them downstream.
Atticus breaks the silence once they’re comfortably moving through the water, “Well, the secret’s out, and it’s NOT that I have a hot girl boss as a girlfriend, unfortunately. I’m in a completely different type of toxic relationship. And no, I am not taking criticism, nothing you say to me can compare to what I’ve already told myself.”
“I could go for a challenge-” George pipes up from the other side of Sunny.
“Wasn’t an invitation.” Atticus is quick to cut him off, but George doesn’t quit speaking, resulting in the two of them bickering for several moments, drowning each other out.
Stuck between them, Sunny grows more impatient, trying to get their attention. “George! Atticus! For fucks sake, shut up!”
The two grow quiet when he finally yells.
“Can either of you be mature and take this shit seriously for one second?” Sunny addresses Atticus, “It’s your turn to explain what’s going on, now that you can’t deflect it onto someone else. And c’mon, you can’t actually believe that we hate you, like you said to that creep back there?”
Atticus laughs, “Well I wouldn’t fucking blame you if you did. Listen, it didn’t feel like I had anything to lose, so I made a deal with Dimitri. Probably should’ve asked about the details, but it’s too late now, isn’t it? What’s done is done, I’m sorry you two had to get dragged into it tonight. I was told that as long as I continue to comply, you should all be left unbothered, so…”
George chuckles and shakes his head in disbelief, but Sunny gives him a side eye as a warning not to say anything.
“So what, you’re just gonna disconnect yourself from everyone and everything? Give up?” Sunny continues the conversation.
“Ha! Yep! What else do I do? Moon already killed Lenny to tie me down. Can’t have him doing anything to you guys, too.” He realizes what he said and quickly adds, “You don’t know that, though, Lenny died of natural causes if anyone asks.”
“Right, of course. That’s just the problem with this whole damn city, everybody just accepts their fate.” Sunny shakes his head.
“Because otherwise we’re killed, Sunny, that’s how it goes.” Atticus notices their swift approach to the house and starts using the paddles more deliberately again as he tries to wrap up the conversation. “Please don’t worry too much, though, I do enjoy running the station for the most part. I respect Lenny enough to want to make sure his work is continued, too.”
George follows Atticus’ lead and helps in docking the boat right outside of their house, where Sienna is seated, nervously awaiting their return. She jumps out of her chair when she sees the boys.
None of them move to get out of the boat right away as Atticus adds to their conversation, “Don’t tell Mom any of this, you guys know she’ll have a heart attack.”
“No way,” George is the one to reply, “But I suggest you get your shit together before she has a heart attack from general worry anyway.” He tosses the paddles back under the seats and hops onto the dock, where Sienna is now standing. He greets their mother and heads inside without saying anything else. Sienna is waiting patiently for the other two to follow George’s lead.
Sunny keeps his voice low to prevent Sienna from overhearing, “You know we worry regardless and you know he just misses having you around, even if he shows it in a shitty way, but I’m gonna continue to be optimistic that you’re telling the truth about enjoying the station.”
“I know, I’m doing my best, Sunny.” Atticus stands and gives Sunny a hand in departing from the boat and then follows him onto the dock.
Sienna looks ecstatic at their arrival and brings them both in for cold, wet hugs before turning to Atticus directly, “Atti! I’m so happy to see you! Are you coming in?”
“I shouldn’t, sorry, I need to get home before it gets too much later and this rain comes down any harder. Unfortunately, I do have lots of work to do early in the morning.”
She looks disappointed but nods, “Well get home safe, okay? Glad to know I can just turn on the radio in the morning to know you’re okay.” She smiles warmly and then turns to go inside.
Sunny waves Sienna on to go inside without him and stays out for a moment longer with Atticus. “You’re not going to find the time to come visit us, are you?”
“Probably not, but you should come up to the station sometime. I can pay a gondo to come pick you and George up so you’re not traveling alone.”
“That… actually sounds great. You can do that?”
“I don’t see why not, I’ll still be doing my job. This weekend? I unfortunately have to open for Jackson’s show on Saturday night, but I’ll have time most of the day if you guys want to come around. Might help my own nerves to have you around before the show anyway.”
“Wait hold up, opening for Jackson?”
“Yeah…” Atticus snarls, “I’d rather not, but the gods want what they want.”
“Interesting, still not sure I understand any of this.”
“Neither do I. Regardless, Saturday, I’ll see you around?”
“Yeah, let’s plan on it.”
The two of them finally say goodbye and part ways, Atticus hopping back into the boat and painfully beginning to paddle upstream. It’s inconceivably dark as he pushes onward into the night, but the boat seems to do all the work for him, carrying him inland to his building with unnaturally minimal effort.