When the Leaves Fall [bxp] ✔

7

Tiny Lanterns and Tape Measures

It had taken five days for Felix to be ready to meet Jupiter's dad. And it wasn't a big deal, they were friends. Why did it feel like such a big deal? Felix would be the first person to meet their dad. Jupiter had said something about wanting their dad to meet Felix first, because Felix was the first person they'd met. But then why was Felix so terrified? He'd changed about seven times, and he still didn't know if he was dressed right. He had settled for asking for his mama for help, and her outfit is what he had on then. He half tucked the shirt she'd chosen into the jeans and scrunched his eyes close. This would have to do, if nothing else, the cuffed bottom of the jeans were on point. He grabbed his wallet, jamming it into one of his back pockets, keeping his phone in his hand. He ignored the notifications coming from the old group chat in which he'd texted saying he was going to Jupiter's house for dinner, and meeting their dad. He did not want to think about his friends' reaction right then. Which was exactly why he hadn't asked them what to wear.

Felix rushed down the stairs, giving his sister a fleeting hug, and waving goodbye to his moms. He walked out of the door, ignoring the flush of cold air that made the hair on his arms stand up. It was only September, and it was already starting to get cold. October was just around the corner, and soon the leaves would start to turn red and yellow and orange. The pumpkin would soon be filled with people and the pumpkins would start to disappear, and the wind would blow through town as people tugged their scarves tighter. Soon autumn would be in full swing.

He walked towards his car, turning the keys on in the ignition. Before he pulled out, he turned on his favorite playlist. The soothing sound of Alec Benjamin's voice came through the speakers, making his racing heartbeat slow slightly. He forced himself to take a few deep breaths, leaning against the steering wheel, before finally putting the car in reverse and pulling out. He followed the GPS that he'd turned on his phone, the sound of the voice constantly interrupting the music.

It didn't take long for him to show up in front of a small house, a single car parked in the driveway, and a warm light coming through the glass around the front door. There was something welcoming about the green bushes at the front of the house, and tiny lanterns hung on each side of the door. As Felix got closer to the door, he noticed that there were small flags hanging on the lanterns, on the right the nonbinary one, and on the left the pan and ace ones. Felix smiled, biting his lip, and pushed his hand forward to ring the doorbell. He heard the faint chime of the doorbell ringing inside the house, and saw someone walking towards the door. While the glass around the door blurred the shapes, Felix immediately recognized the shoulder length black hair and knew it was Jupiter.

"Hey," they said, their lips pulled up in a slight smile.

"Hi," Felix hummed back, rocking on his ankles.

"Come in," they laughed, pulling the door open, and Felix smiled walking in after them. Felix felt a warm buzz fill his head, as Jupiter's face was bright with a smile as they led him towards the living room. Felix took a seat in one of the four armchairs in the living room. The lack of couch was replaced with a wooden table on which pillows had been placed. The fireplace wasn't lit. but there were candles on top of it, no pictures anywhere in the room. Even without the personal touch of pictures, the room still felt homely and warm.

The quiet sound of clatter came from the kitchen as who Felix assumed was Jupiter's dad walked into the living room.

"Hi, umm, I'm Jupiter's dad," he said awkwardly, extending a hand in greeting, his dark blue button down littered with a bit of flour and the bottom of his jeans covering half of his foot.

"I'm Felix," Felix said quickly, "He/him." Jupiter's dad nodded, and Jupiter leaned over, whispering something in his ear, making him suddenly turn towards the kitchen.