Chapter Text
Billy Butcher really didn’t like Soldier Boy. However, it’s not like he could just hire a babysitter or something. But he could call in a favor. Little Red answered, “The hell you want, Butcher? Last time we talked you said some things you ain’t apologized for yet.” Butcher sighs and mumbled a half-hearted apology and Little Red scoffed. He explains the situation and its thought upon and Little Red tells him how long it will take for them to get there. Three days later, Little Red shows up at the motel they are holding Soldier Boy at. The others look confused and Billy introduces Little Red.
“This is Kellan, they are a supe, technically. Got magic or whatever.”
“You could’ve explained that better but okay.” Kellan (Little Red) said. They are short with red curly hair, that’s why they are called that. Pretty simple. They set down their bag of knitting and crochet projects and supplies as well as clothes. “Let me make myself clear. I’m here as a favor. I reserve the right to use my powers to keep him where he’s supposed to as long as I don’t hurt him too badly. I’ll be knitting and crocheting while I’m here because I’ll be bored out of my mind.” Hughie shrugs thinking that’s fair. “Also, I need money to order a grocery delivery. It will be cheaper than constantly getting takeout.” Butcher grumbles but hands over a wad of cash. I stuff it into my bag assuming I’ll be able to put it into my bank account soon. MM, Hughie, and Butcher all leave the motel room. Soldier Boy and I remain and he looks at me weirdly.
“Are you a queer?”
“And what if I am, old timer?” Soldier Boy narrows his eyes but doesn’t say anything. “I know people up in age struggle with they/them pronouns, so you can call me he. I’m not your mama, or your wife. We aren’t gonna have sex. I’m a glorified babysitter." Soldier boy plops onto the couch, finishing up the burger that was brought to him by Hughie a little bit ago.
Kellan sat on the other side of the couch, the space between them comfortable as they got out the tablet with the pattern on it and the shawl they've been working on. Soldier Boy looks over surprised mumbling something about that being women's work and Kellan sighs. "Historically, it was. Now anyone can do it." Soldier Boy—Ben grunts as he flicks through the channels on the tv.
"It's a waste of time."
"Last I checked weaving, knitting and crochet and all the things similar have kept people alive and warm a long damn time. Craftsmanship is never a waste." Ben really seems to pause after that, then continues searching for a show in silence. "I think Walker Texas Ranger is gonna start soon. Think you might like that one. I grew up on it." Then Kellan tells him the channel name. Sure enough, in ten minutes it'll start, so they watch the show currently airing until then. Kellan still working on their shawl, occasionally highlighting parts of the digital pattern to keep track and using the stitch counter just in case.
When Kellan uses the bathroom later that evening, Benjamin looks at the progress of the crochet shawl. No doubt Kellan had been crocheting for years. And even looking at the pattern on the tablet makes his eyes nearly cross, reading that a skill of its own. He still has some old-school views but he can admit there is some merit in being somewhat self sufficient by making your own clothes, blankets and other items. He remembers having to learn to sew back during the war so he can make some basic mends to his clothes at the time and thought it was overkill until it came in handy. Now, thinking on such things…maybe this isn't so different. Still unsure of Kellan—he…they…Ben doesn't even understand how someone can have more than one set of pronouns yet, but he's trying in his own way.