Lion (manxboy)

Chapter 20

Lion stood innocently outside of the bathroom with rosy cheeks and a smile on his lips. He felt less tense after Elijah took care of him. Even though it was in a stranger's bathroom, Lion felt oddly satisfied. Elijah stumbled out of the bathroom and finished placing his belt before walking Lion to the living room, where Natalia sat on the floor, playing with her toys.

"Lia!" Lion grinned and rushed towards Natalia, sitting with her and hugging her tightly, "I missed you. How've you been?" Lion asked, gazing around the room to find Joshua and Shawn sitting on each side of the couch. Lion giggled once Joshua winked at him, knowing full well what went down.

"Lion!" Natalia wrapped her small arms around Lion's neck and hugged him back, "I'm doing good. Uncle Shawn tells me you got hurt, though, so are you okay?" Her giddy voice reminded Lion of the first day they met.

Lion nodded and played with Natalia, aligning her toys together, "I'm okay. I have a few scars, but they only remind me of how strong I am." Natalia grinned and stood to her feet, stretching her arms out with her feet parted.

"Yay!" Natalia squealed and turned around to run away.

Lion shook his head and laughed before he stood to his feet and walked towards Elijah. Lion was happy he got to see Natalia again. The boy often worried for Natalia, even though he isn't very good with the children.

"So Shawn, have you heard from Shel yet? It's rough down at the station tonight." Elijah chuckled and wrapped his arm over Lion's shoulders.

Shawn grumbled and looked over to Elijah, his legs parted, and his hair splayed messily on his head, "Shel called me and told me the only wreck there is, is the loss of the donut deliverer. That's the only thing he told me." Shawn chuckled.

Elijah shook his head. A grin stretched upon his lips, "typical Sheldon." Elijah mumbled.

"Have you thought of moving out of that small apartment your living in, Elijah?" Shawn jumped to a different subject, curiosity boiling inside of him, "if your thinking of moving, I could ask my sister to find you a nice bachelor."

Lion painted a confused expression on his face as he looked up at Elijah and fiddled with the man's hand.

"Where would Natalia sleep?" Elijah retorted and rubbed the inside of Lion's hand, reassuring Lion.

Shawn chuckled and looked back at Natalia's door, "she'd be sleeping here. Mostly living here. She needs an adult to raise her, and I think you and Lion should have as much alone time as you can." Shawn smiled.

Elijah slowly nodded and intertwined Lion's fingers with his. The man locked eyes with Lion's, almost seeing the anxiety inside of the boy.

"I don't mind Natalia staying here. Ask your sister to come over someday. We'll talk it through and see how we feel about it." Elijah frowned as he watched Shawn's expression contort.

"We?" Shawn questioned.

"Lion and me. Lion has a say in this as much as I do, Shawn." Lion kept himself focused on Elijah. A soft smile played on his lips, admiring Elijah's thoughtful personality.

Lion didn't know what to think at the moment. Lion felt resentment from Shawn, oddly, he didn't mind it, but it still tugged at his heartstrings that Shawn could think less of him.

"Right. Sorry, I forgot." Shawn sputtered and looked down to his lap. Shawn seemed as confused as everyone else, lost in his little world of thoughts.

All of a sudden, Shawn abruptly stood off the couch and rushed downstairs. Elijah glared at Joshua, but even Joshua didn't understand why Shawn was acting this way. Joshua thought Shawn liked the kiss and would want more eventually. Lion still looked as confused as the beginning of the conversations, staying silent.