Chapter Text
Elliot grabbed and held Tedd’s hand, a slight blush coating his cheeks as he did so.
He could feel Tedd tense slightly, then relax. Hand-holding certainly wasn’t the most intimate thing they’d done these last couple weeks (or even today), but.
Elliot’s face grew hotter, and his cheeks redder, as he tried to shake those memories out of his head for the time being.
He saw Tedd glance away. A moment later, he quietly said “You’re, uhh... really handsome today, El.”
His heart stopped, for just a moment, as did his brain, struggling to process in that instant what exactly Tedd had just told him. Amidst his struggle to form words, he heard Tedd chuckle.
“I- uhh... thanks, Tedd.” He was staring at the ground, his cheeks somehow hotter than before.
He squeezed Tedd’s hand tighter, taking a side step closer to him.
The sounds of the mall surrounded them: footsteps, people talking, different types of music coming out of specific shops. It was their first time out in public together, ever since things... opened up in their relationships.
Elliot took a deep breath, doing his best to release the nerves that had built up. After a moment, he noticed Tedd looking around, and joined in.
A minute went by, before he said “Hmm, I don’t see them anywhere...”
“See who?” Tedd asked.
The two stared at each other a moment, confused, before Tedd opened his mouth in revelation. “Ahh- right, Grace and Ashley, yeah- that makes sense.”
Head tilted, he asked “What were you looking for then?”
Shoulders tensed slightly, Tedd squeezed his hand for a moment as he glanced about some more. “Well, it’s just... Grace and I sometimes go out both as girls, but... rarely both as guys, and- I’m just...”
Of course he’s also nervous. He had figured Tedd would be more prepared for this than himself. I should have known...
He spent a moment considering what to do, eventually deciding to bend down slightly, before planting a kiss on Tedd’s forehead.
“Uhhh...” Tedd stared at him, eyes wide, voice stunned, mouth agape in shock, and his face turning a brilliant shade of crimson.
Elliot, still holding Tedd’s hand, planted his other hand on Tedd’s shoulder, reassuring him “Tedd, if anyone tries to give us any trouble, I’ll make sure they back off, okay?” He gave him a soft smile.
Tedd returned the smile, though the tension still held. “Thanks. But it’s not just that...” He let out a wistful sigh.
He nodded; it wasn’t just a practical concern, but getting over years of social conditioning. “I know, I know. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of, alright?” He let go of Tedd’s hand and shoulder, now pulling him into a hug.
He could feel Tedd’s breath against his neck. He felt deep breath pass through, and Tedd sink into him, the physical tension within him dissipating. Near his ear, Tedd quietly told him “You’re right, I know. I just have to get used to this, that’s all.”
“Both of us do. But we can do it together, okay?” He couldn’t help but laugh. “Just remember, you’re the one who stood up to and talked to a magical space whale, you convinced magic that it changing was a bad idea, and you are the person brave enough to walk around in public as a girl whenever the hell you feel like! After everything you’ve done, nothing can stop you!”
He stared back at Elliot, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. A soft smile slowly graced his lips. “Yeah, you’re right.” He sniffled, blinking hard and working back the tears, all while pulling Elliot back into a full embrace. “Thanks.”
Elliot closed his eyes, hugging back tightly, appreciating the moment and letting Tedd know he was there for him.