Chapter Text
There was someone new sitting by the oak tree, Amelia had never seen him before. In fact, she has never seen anyone here other than a cat or two. She thought no one knew this spot. Guess not. He seemed nice, or at least he looked nice. He had blue fluffy hair, a white baggy shirt that had a crossed-out symbol on it, presumably a black long sleeve undershirt with red stripes going up the sleeves or it could’ve been part of the shirt, she couldn't tell, baggy blue jean pants with small tears here and there, suspenders that are hanging down from his pants, resting loosely at his thighs, and finally his red shoes that match well with the red stripes on his sleeves. He was also adorable.
Amelia wanted so badly to meet him, he seemed so sweet. She could hear him sing, she immediately recognized the song. It just made her want to meet him even more. He was holding something in his hand as well, but she couldn't quite tell what it was. Her anxiety level started to rise just thinking about walking over and meeting him. So many what-if questions popped in her head. No, she can do this! There’s no reason to worry. She slowly started to walk over, stopping every now and then to reassure herself. She finally got next to him, waving her hand next to his face. He stopped singing. Maybe he didn't see? She tapped on his shoulder softly, which made him look over at her.
“Beep!?” He seemed surprised that someone was there, maybe he thought no one knew this spot either? He looked in her direction. Amelia could see his face now, his jawline, soft sideburns that were also dyed blue, a bandaid on his nose, and his eyes. His eyes looked clouded and dull? Maybe his eyes are just naturally dull? Amelia smiled softly and waved. Which he didn't seem to respond to. She frowned, was he ignoring her?
Suddenly he spoke. “Is someone there…? If someone is there, I can't see you, I’m blind.”
Oh. Well, that explains why he didn't respond to her the first time! She quickly pulled out her phone and started to type quickly. The blue-haired boy could hear the sound of tapping. He was confused once again. “I said blind, not deaf. I can hear just fine.”
Amelia quickened her typing. She finished and pressed a button, a feminine, semi-robotic voice started to play.
“I’m mute. I can’t talk or make any noise. I wanted to say hi and meet you!”
“Oh, Hello! I’m sorry if I came off rude at all!” He smiled.
Amelia typed again “You didn't come off rude at all. I didn't know anyone knew this spot!” For some reason, it was easier for her to talk to someone when she doesn’t have to talk to them herself.
“I didn't know either! That’s why when I heard walking I got a bit nervous, I thought maybe it was a cat but when I felt something tap on my shoulder it really scared me.” he giggled.
“Can I sit next to you?”
“Yeah!” he scooted, not knowing if she needed more room.
She sat next to him. Looking out into the distance, she loved the view here. She looked over at him, he was looking at the ground, humming softly.
There was a sound of an alarm going off, it startled them both. Keith grabbed his phone and pressed the power button, making it stop. He looked confused. “Sorry about that, sometimes I have random alarms go off.”
Amelia started to type something again. “It’s fine! I heard you singing earlier, you have a very nice voice! You were singing Satin Panties right?”
He smiled and blushed at the compliment “Aw thanks, and yeah I was singing that. Her music is the best! I would listen to her songs while I was in high school. Do you like her music too?”
“She’s my mom!”
“REALLY?? Oh wow, that’s so cool!! I didn't know she had a kid! Wait, so does that mean Daddy Dearest is your dad?!”
Amelia loved his excitement, it was so cute. She silently giggled, typing some more “Yep! Isn't it weird how two singers have a daughter who can’t even talk?”
“I don’t think it’s weird, maybe ironic but nothing is weird about being mute.”
Amelia blushed, thank god he was as sweet as he looked. “You’re so sweet! When did you find this spot?”
The boy blushed “Heh, thanks and I found this place when my roommate took me to have a picnic. We walked around for a bit and we found this place. I’ve always come back here because it’s so relaxing. The shade feels nice and the sound of the leaves brings me some sort of comfort. When did you find this spot?”
Amelia had to type for a bit. “I went for a walk one day and saw a little path that led me to here. I come here to relax too, sometimes I like feeding the critters that live around here.”
The boy was about to speak before his phone started to ring. “Oh hold,” he clicked the volume up button on his phone, which made it answer the call. Probably a setting on his phone since he can’t really see the answer or decline button.
“Hello?” He held the phone next to his ear.
Amelia could barely hear the person on the other line, she could maybe make out a few words but it didn't make any sense.
“I didn't know it was that late, usually, the winds are colder at this time.”
…
The boy’s face seemed to be ridden with guilt “I did set an alarm.” Maybe that’s what the alarm was? He probably forgot.
There were a few more minutes of silence, the person on the other line was probably lecturing him.
“Okay, I’ll be home soon. Bye.” the other person hung up. He sighed, “I’m sorry, I didn't realize it was so late. My roommate wants to come home before it gets too dark.” He stood up and started to dust himself off.
Amelia stood up quickly and grabbed his arm before he could walk away
“Hm?”
Amelia tried to type quickly, not wanting to keep him long. She finished shorty “Do you want to exchange numbers so we can keep in contact?”
“Sure! Here, put yourself as a contact. I’m able to text in case you were wondering.” He held his phone out and she took it, putting her number as a new contact. She quickly sent a ‘Hi’ text to make sure she typed her number right. Her phone dinged, signifying she put her number in right. She grabbed his arm softly and placed his phone in his hand, to which he put it in his back pocket.
“Well, thanks for talking to me! It’s nice to meet new people!” The thing he was holding in his hand suddenly expanded, it was a white cane. That makes sense. “Well, I should get going now, bye!” he was about to walk off before she grabbed his arm again. He looked over at his arm. He could hear the typing again, so he waited.
“I never asked for your name.”
“Oh! My name is Keith, what’s your name?”
“Amelia.”
“That’s such a pretty name! Well, I’ll see you around, Amelia.”
Amelia couldn't help but blush more at the compliment. She held onto his arm though she didn't want him to leave quite yet.
“Do you want to walk down together? It’s pretty steep.” She just wanted to spend as much time as she could with him.
“Sure! Lead the way.” He folded up his cane and let her lead him.
She held onto his wrist softly and led him down. They had to shuffle down slightly but it wasn’t a big deal. She led him to the sidewalk, outside of the park. She let go of his wrist.
“Thanks for walking me out! That hill scares me sometimes,” he chuckled, thinking about a time he almost fell.
“No problem!” She wanted to type more but she didn't want to hold him up too much longer. “Bye-bye!”
“Bye!” Keith pulled out his white cane for the second time. And with that, they walked their separate ways home.
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As soon as Amelia got home, her parents were there to greet her. She was out a bit later than usual so of course, they were worried.
Her dad was the first to speak “Where were you?” his arms were crossed, he seemed mad and worried.
Amelia rolled her eyes and signed ‘I was at the park where that tree is’ She walked in fully, squeezing between her parents. She started to walk to the kitchen to get something to eat. Her parents followed her.
“Why didn't you text us that you were going to be home late? What if something happened??” Her mom was more worried than mad.
Amelia grabbed a bag of pepperoni and grabbed a few slices out. She put them in her mouth and put the pepperoni bag down ‘It’s only ten minutes after I usually get home’ she pulled out some more pepperoni, grabbing her phone.
“So much can happen in ten minutes! You- Are you even listening to us?!” Louis looked over and saw she was texting someone. “Who are you texting??”
Amelia ignored him until she was done texting. She put her phone down and looked at him annoyed. ‘A friend’
“You don’t have any friends though-” her mom’s voice was soft now, not so worried anymore.
Amelia scrunched her face up ‘wow thanks mom,’ she took some more pepperoni before almost throwing the bag back in the fridge.
“Calm down! You’re getting mad over nothing!” Her dad grabbed her arm before she could storm away.
‘Oh, you’re one to talk!’ She tried to yank her arm away but her dad’s grip was strong. Not enough to hurt her of course but enough to keep her from running off.
“Don’t give me attitude, young lady!”
Amelia only rolled her eyes. ‘Sorry’ she really wasn’t though.
“When did you meet your new friend?” Rita asked.
Louis let go of Amelia, to which Amelia turned around to look at her mom. ‘At the park, he was by the tree and I said hi to him. He’s actually a huge fan of your music mom! He also has the cutest singing voice and just a cute voice in general. He also has a really cute sense of style! And his hair is blue, bright blue!’ she didn't know how much she started to blush.
Her parents watched her go on about how cute and nice he was. Her dad coughed a bit, which made Amelia realize she was ranting on about him ‘sorry, he’s just really cool.’
“Someone seems to have a crush.” Her mom teased, which made Amelia’s face an even brighter red.
“Don’t say that! My baby girl isn't allowed to date anyone yet!” Her dad scoffed, he was always so protective over her.
“Oh hush, she’s 19 now, you can't tell her what to do.” Rita glared at him, Amelia nodded in agreement.
“Whatever, but if he ever tried to hurt you, he’s dead”
Amelia only chuckled silently, knowing Keith could never hurt her ‘whatever dad’ she walked off to her room, closing the door quietly. She flipped the little card on her door to signify that no one could come in right now. She changed her clothes and got into something comfier. It was a silk nightgown that went down to her knees. She flipped the card on her door again to show that people can come in now. The card was something she put on her door one day. She was tired of her parents walking in when she didn't want them to. They knocked and all that it's just, she can’t really answer them so sometimes they’d walk in while she’s changing or doing other stuff.
Her parents were in the living room now, watching whatever they could find on the TV.
“Do you really think that she has a crush on him? We don’t even know his name.” Louis grumbled.
“Did you see the way she was blushing while talking about him? She looked like a cherry.” Rita was channel surfing. “Besides, he can’t be that bad if he actually talked to her. You know most people leave when they find out she can’t talk.”
Louis knew she was being honest, but it still hurt to see people treat her that way because of something she can’t help. “I know, I know. I’m still skeptical though.”
“That’s fine. If it’d make you feel better just ask for him to come over.”
“That’s not a bad idea… I’ll ask her tomorrow to invite him over. I think she’s mad at me right now.”
Rita chuckled and found a channel to watch. She put the remote on the armrest and laid down on Louis’ chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. Louis put his arm around her. They cuddled together while watching a show.
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Keith found his key to their apartment door and unlocked it. He walked in, only to hear an irritated foot tapping on the floor. Most likely an upset Pico. Keith closed the door and locked it, putting his white cane away, and hung it by the door.
“You seriously didn't realize how late it was?” Pico seemed mad.
Keith turned to the sound of his voice. “I didn't know, I probably set the alarm wrong. Can you help me with it later?”
Pico wasn’t buying it, he made sure it was set before he left. “I made sure the alarm was set before you left, Keith. Don’t lie to me.” He walked over and put his hands on his shoulders.
Keith hung his head low, he felt bad for lying. “Sorry… I was talking to someone and didn't want to leave in the middle of our conversation.”
Pico loosened his grip. “Who were you talking to?”
“This girl named Amelia! She’s super nice! I guess she knew about the tree and goes there to relax too. We started talking - well it wasn’t actually talking, she's mute so she uses this text-to-speech app to talk. But it was super fun talking to her! She seemed super nice! Oh-oh! Get this, her parents are Mommy Must Murder and Daddy Dearest! I didn't even know they had a kid! Isn't that cool?!” Keith didn't seem to realize how much he was blushing.
Pico smiled, he loved seeing Keith so happy. “That’s really cool, Keith. I guess I can’t get mad at you huh?” he hugged him. Keith hugged back. Pico let him go “Did you eat before you left?”
“Yeah, I had a bagel with cream cheese.”
“Alrighty, well we should start to lay down. It’s almost 9 pm” He grabbed Keith’s hand and took him to their shared room. Once in their room, they started to change. Pico changed into a shirt and sweatpants. Keith was in his boxers, rummaging through the draws. He was trying to find something specific and he couldn't find it. “Pico?”
“Hm?” Pico looked over, only to see he was basically naked except for his boxers. He looked away almost immediately.
“Where is my onesie?” He was trying to feel for the zipper in his drawer of clothes but he couldn't find it.
“Oh, It’s in the wash right now. Can you wear something else?” Pico walked over.
Keith didn't like that answer “I wanted to wear the onesie…”
“It’ll be ready tomorrow, okay? Here, let me get an outfit for you.” Pico reached into his drawer and pulled out a shirt and some shorts. He handed them to Keith. He felt the fabric, rubbing it slowly. He nodded and gave them back to Pico. Pico knew what he wanted. Keith held his arms up and Pico put the shirt on him. Keith adjusted it a bit while Pico put the pants on him. It was weirdly comforting to Keith to be dressed, it made him feel more loved in a way. It had to do with his childhood.
“How’s that?” Pico rubbed his arm.
“It’s comfy, thank you.” Keith smiled.
“Alright, let’s lay down now.” Pico got onto the bed and moved the blanket for Keith. Keith laid down in his normal spot, instantly curling up and getting comfy. Before Pico could tuck him in, Keith’s phone buzzed. An automated voice read the text and who it was by. “Pico, can you hand me my phone? I’m so comfy and I don’t wanna move.”
“Sure,” he sat up and grabbed his phone. “Do you want me to reply?”
“It’s from Amelia, right? What’d she say again?” He didn't have the best memory.
“She texted good night with a heart symbol”
“A heart symbol? Oh, uh, just respond and say good night sleep well” Keith could hear Pico typing.
“Want me to add a heart too?” he was mainly teasing him.
“Yeah, go ahead” Keith was blushing again.
Pico added a quick <3 to the end of the message. He sent it and put his phone down. He took Keith’s weighted blanket and tucked him in, making sure he was happy. “How’s that?”
“Can I have a stuffed animal?”
“Which one?” Pico got up and walked to their closet. The whole floor was littered with stuffed animals.
“Uhm… The big bee one!”
Pico picked it up, knowing exactly what he was talking about. He loved bees, it was one of his favorite animals. He slept with it almost every night. He tossed it to Keith and it accidentally hit him in the face, making him flinch and let out an audible “beep!”
“Sorry,” Pico walked over to the bed again.
“It’s okay,” He took the bee and snuggled it, he was so relaxed right now.
Pico took a bottle off of the nightstand, putting two tablets in his hand “Do you need melatonin?”
“No, not tonight. I’m already really sleepy” Keith yawned.
“Alright,” Pico took his water bottle and took a big sip, popping the pills in his mouth and swallowing them. He put the lid back on the water bottle and finally laid down. He covered himself in his blanket and sighed.
“Good night, Keith.”
“Night, Pico.”