This Ain't A Scene ~ Sequel to Can You Hear Me? (COMPLETED)

American Made

The crumbling stairs were suddenly occupied by a teenager, "Would you guys mind helping me pack? I haven't been able to start yet." 

Andy placed a hand on my back, "You two can go. Meredith and I need to finish some paperwork down here."

I looked up at Sam to see that they looked a little worried, but I nodded anyway. "Yeah, I'll go help." Ana began to translate as I walked up to Sam. 

"Wait, do you have two other daughters?" Tom asked, looking between Ana and me.

"No, they're my friend's kid and her girlfriend. I figured I would bring them to help," Andy explained. I could see a disgusted look come across Tom's face, and I internally cringed. Ana came over and took my hand, leading Sam and me away before he could continue.

"Thank you, babe," I kissed Ana's cheek as we approached Sam's room.

"Of course. Sam, I'm Ana and this is my girlfriend Eve," Ana introduced us as Sam opened their door.

"Nice to meet you," Sam looked between us, face bright red. As Sam walked into their room, I tilted my head at Ana.

"Probably just... worried. C'mon, let's help them pack, yeah?" Ana led me in and shut the door behind us.

Sam directed us around the room, helping us as we packed things up. By the end, we had finished packing a suitcase and two boxes. Not a ton, but Sam was finishing up on their book bag when a knock resounded on the door. Sam called out a quick "Come in" and Andy walked in with Meredith. 

"Are you ready to go?" Andy asked. Sam nodded, and we all grabbed a box to carry out.

Sam didn't have much, but seeing as I was in their position a matter of weeks ago I didn't blame them.

Once we got the boxes into the back of Andy's car, I tapped Ana's arm and turned to Sam. Once Sam noticed I was looking, they paid full attention to me. "Is it okay if I ask you a few questions? I don't want to be rude."

Sam smiled, "Sure. And as long as you aren't asking me why I'm a different skin tone, it isn't rude."

I smiled, "Andy said that you were gender fluid, is that right?"

Sam's grin quickly turned to a straight line, "Yeah, I switch a lot between boy, girl and non-binary."

"Okay! I just wanted to know what your pronouns are today? I don't wanna mess up your signs." I thought the explanation was sufficient, and when Ana finished translating Sam looked relieved.

"Right now? I would prefer he or him." Sam climbed into the car after I nodded at him. Once Ana and I got in and settled as well, I took a good look over Sam.

Sam's skin was, as he mentioned earlier, a beautiful African-American with shaved hair (I think they call the cut a hipster cut). He had a nose piercing, along with a few ear piercings. He definitely looked like he could fill the definition of punk. He had on a black t-shirt with ripped skinny jeans. Bracelets covered his wrists, and he had on a pair of tattered black high tops. His nails were painted black as well.

"Where do you wanna go to eat Sam? I figured that we would eat, go to the house and then unpack, and then go get you some things for your room?" Andy looked back in the rearview mirror. 

Sam looked up from his lap, "I-I'm good with anywhere, thanks."

I looked at Ana, giving her a knowing look. It's gonna be a while before they're comfortable with each other, isn't it?

We had just finished unpacking and were on our way to Ikea. Meredith had to go into work, so Sam was upfront with Andy. They were talking quietly when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

From Dad: How's it going, honey? How does your ear feel?

To Dad: Good! We just finished unpacking Sam's stuff in his room and we're heading to Ikea to get some more things, and then probably to the mall. Sam said he wanted to swing by Hot Topic. My ear feels fine.

From Dad: Okay, is Ana staying with us again tonight?

To Dad: If it's okay with you and her parents 🤷

From Dad: Of course it is, as long as you two don't do anything stupid. What about Sam?

I looked up at Sam to see him talking to Andy about CrossFit, which is something the teen was interested in. They seemed comfortable. 

To Dad: I think he'll stay with Andy tonight, and we can hang out tomorrow

After a quick reply from Dad, I put my phone away. Ana smiled and kissed my cheek as the two men up front continued to talk.

"How am I gonna know what signs to use for Sam?" I asked Ana, looking into her eyes. My face began to itch, so I reached up and scratched the bandage for a second.

"I think it'll be okay to ask. I know I wouldn't want someone misgendering me, even if it was on accident," Ana smiled back at me. 

I nodded, continuing to think. As I did, I found my eyes tracing Sam's body. Not in a perverted way, just out of curiosity and boredom. I noticed that his wrists were adorned in bracelets, and suddenly an idea popped into my head. I turned to Ana quickly, "What if we got him bracelets? One for when he is he, one for when he is she, and one for when he is they?"

"That's a wonderful idea. What about we get those as an adoption gift?"

I nodded, kissing her cheek. Ana smiled, wrapping her hands around one of mine. I heard gagging from upfront and saw that Sam had watched the whole thing.

"What were you two talking about anyway?" Sam asked.

"Something special," Ana explained, smirking.