Beep bop like that))

Chapter 6 «Point of no return»

By chance, Pico and Escanor arrived more or less according to schedule, even though no one was keeping track of time. They climbed to the third floor and began to wait.

Escanor: 'Not a bad place, I'd say. A bit empty, though.'

Pico: 'The kids are having lunch around this time.'

Escanor: 'By any chance, have you been noticed by anyone else?'

Pico: 'I'll pretend I didn't hear that silly question. You of all people should know...'

Escanor: 'That you don't like kids... Yet, your priorities seem to have shifted.'

Pico: 'Not true. I still find it challenging with them, but he's a special case, and at the same time, so similar.'

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by Jessica. She was, to put it mildly, perplexed. Strangers inside the building without her knowledge. And on the upper floors, no less.

Jessica: 'I apologize profusely, but who are you?'

Pico: 'Allow me to explain. This is Escanor. My psychologist. He wanted to meet the kid, so he came.'

Jessica: 'I see. Next time, please give me a heads-up in advance. By the way, since you're his psychologist, could you tell me about Pico?'

Escanor: 'I share information only in certain appropriate places, so no.'

Pico: 'There's a choice of tea here.'

Escanor: 'Then listen up.'

Pico: 'Hey, I didn't give my word.'

Escanor: 'Don't postpone the inevitable.'

Jessica: 'Um, are you really a psychologist?'

Escanor: 'The license will prove it. I have a copy with me. The original is busy at home; I'm too lazy to buy a coaster for hot drinks.'

Jessica: 'Let's assume you can speak as a professional. What can you tell me?'

Escanor: 'I won't lie. Pico had issues that remained unresolved for years. However, that's all in the past. At present, he doesn't have any serious deviations; he just needs some fine-tuning. You can entrust someone's life to him.'

Pico: 'Really? Just a month ago, you said another word's.'

Escanor: 'Back then, he wasn't in your life. For you to understand, Miss Jessica, this child has had a bigger impact on him than all the psychologists before me combined. That's why I wanted to meet him."

"Jessica: 'I understand.'

The atmosphere in the air suddenly shifted as the children began to fill the space. Wherever you looked, something was happening. One group of kids shared jokes, another played games, while the rest watched YouTube or anime. But only for our blue-haired boy, all that mattered was that Pico was here. He didn't care who stood next to him; what mattered was Pico's presence. The boy ran up to him, hugged him, and mumbled something.

Pico: 'Glad to see you, how are you?'

Boyfriend: 'Bep bo boo.' (As always.)

Pico: 'Great. Meet Escanor.'

Escanor: 'So, you're that child? Nice to meet you, Boyfriend.'

Escanor extended his hand towards him. The boy shook it quite confidently.

Escanor: 'Could you tell me how you live with him?'

Boyfriend: 'Skebep bo pebop bee?'