Requested by Hyena_Cub
Cole x male reader
It was different, the change from seeing my family every day to never seeing them again. If I had the chance I would probably take it but the same wouldn't be said for them. But I liked it here, Aunt Josephine always made sure I was comfortable. Even before I knew her, and that was a long time ago.
And with time I had adjusted to everything, a room of my own, Rollings, going to a prestigious school. It was all going my way. In a good way, because it was always bad before.
As I was heading downstairs I noticed the decorations up wondering when that happened. I would have noticed but as Aunt Josephine has said I was oblivious to most everything around me. I supposed this included that, it was only yesterday she mentioned it again. Then I remembered the party she was hosting.
Getting out of the way of the people roaming around the house I searched everywhere for her. Catching sight of her I sauntered over as she talked with people I'd never seen before. As they smiled and waved goodbye they passed me and I stood there waiting to catch her attention. "I was beginning to wonder when you would wake up."
"When were you going to tell me when the party was?" I asked as she turned around to look at the decorations. "I would have packed my things–"
"And where would you have gone? I know you don't like these gatherings but I have a feeling you'll like this one."
"Why?" I asked following her around. Because if I didn't y like her previous ones I couldn't think how this one would be any different. But she muttered an answer I couldn't hear. But I didn't ask her to repeat herself.
I stopped as we reached the stairs. She looked behind to see me at the bottom of the steps. Smiling down at me I returned it. She began walking down until we were at eye level with each other. "When have I ever been wrong?"
I could make a list and say them but I had a feeling it was a rhetorical question. As I hung my head low she placed her hand on my cheek and was walking away. Walking to my room to make up my mind on what I should do.
And it had been hours with no thought on my decision.
I had enough time to pack. And even more time to catch a train to go anywhere. Or even walk out of the house and let my feet take me where they wanted. But I didn't, because I trusted her feeling. When she said tomorrow might not be the worst time of my life.
But as I heard new voices in the house I didn't go down. Confining myself in my room for hours was no good. And Aunt Josephine must have thought the same because the next thing I knew Rollings was calling me for supper. And then I knew it was inevitable that I go and greet the guests.
So as I followed behind Rollings I had hoped he would lead me to the kitchen until I could prepare myself to meet these people. But he stepped aside to reveal me. Eyes turned to us as Josephine said my name. She waved me over to an empty seat beside her.
I recognized Diana and smiled at her. Before I looked at the other two. Diana must have seen my confusion and said, "This is Anne and Cole."
My eyes lingered on the boy. His hands fidgeted holding his spoon and I was the only who noticed as he dropped it. He held it tightly with his other hand, hiding it beneath the table. Almost as if forcing himself to. Bringing my eyes from it I looked at him and smiled.
Then to Anne and I allowed myself to listen as their voices filled the room. I hadn't wanted to intervene but Anne brought me up in the conversation asking me questions about my life. I hadn't expected someone to have so many, even those beyond my knowledge.
Personal even.
But Cole seemed to notice my discomfort when she brought up my past and guided the conversation. Usually, no one noticed.
