Yellow.

Like Father, Like Son.

BSL - bold. Speech - normal text.

It's been some months since Ryan said his first word to Myra and Eloise. It technically wasn't his first word ever but nobody really needed to know that. He also didn't want them telling everyone about his little secret.

The whole thing is a little tricky for him as he's learning to adjust to his new reality. He's technically no longer non-verbal, but he isn't exactly verbal right now. The words come easy to him and he's starting to realise that he doesn't struggle to say them.

Harry has a stutter and mild aphasia that's related to his Autism but Ryan has nothing like that. His Uncle Aidan has severe aphasia that's also related to his Autism. It's like he's the odd one out and that should be relieving.

It's still weird either way.

Right now, he's in his girlfriend's flat. The weather is gloomy and perfect for an indoor date. Maya has been consistently open about wanting to spend more time with him and he's enjoying all of that.

This is his first relationship and it feels weird because all his mates got their first partners at younger ages. He doesn't care though because the wait was clearly worth it. The flat is dimly lit and the view is a calm one of the high street.

Maya and Ryan are cuddled up on the sofa. The level of touch is accepted and his senses are really calm this evening. They're sharing a bowl of pasta and she notices he's quieter than usual. Not like he has been verbal with her yet.

Maya uses her thumb to clean off the little tomato sauce in the corner of his mouth and he flushes pink at the action.

"You eat like a baby sometimes," she teases with a smile.

Ryan frowns with a pout and signs. "I don't like being compared to a baby."

"Not even as a joke?" she asks to be sure.

"Jokes are supposed to be funny, right?" He raises an eyebrow.

"You are so annoying," Maya groans and rolls her eyes.

"What? Aren't they supposed to be funny? It's a serious question," Ryan presses.

"I don't know Ryan, why don't you answer the question?" she stares at him.

"But the question is for Maya not Ryan," he shrugs.

"Next time you're covered in pasta sauce, I'll just take a picture and share it with your mates," she smiles.

"Why would you do that?" he frowns, a little confused.

"It's how threats work. Do you know what those are, babe?" she chuckles.

It dawns on him and he giggles a little bit. Maya leans closer and kisses the corner of his mouth. She notices that he stiffens just a little bit and she pushes his curls away from his face, staring at his beautiful eyes.

Such a beautiful lad. Maya notices the freckles stained across his face and touches the light stubble around his chin. It's so interesting watching his late puberty hit him like a truck.

Every single thing about Ryan is changing in a beautiful way and she's happy to be a part of that change.

"Why are you staring into my eyes?" Ryan frowns.

"I want to suck out your soul, what other reason is there?" she replies.

"Back off, creep," he groans.

"No, give me your eyeballs," Maya leans closer into his eyes.

"Stop it right now," he tries to warn her.