[b]Joel and Salamon[/b]

Joel didn’t say anything at first. Just glanced down at Andrew, a bit startled by the weight against his side. He hadn’t expected the guy to lean on him. But he didn’t pull away either. “…You can stay,” Joel said quietly. “If that helps.”

He didn’t move away. Just sat there, letting Andrew rest against him. The warmth of another person was unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. Joel wasn’t sure why Andrew picked him of all people to lean on, but he didn’t question it out loud. For a moment, Joel stared ahead, then said, “You okay?”

Salamon tilted her head up at him. “You’re not used to people leaning on you like that… are you?”

Joel didn’t respond.

“But you didn’t push him away.” Salamon continued with a small smile. “That’s nice.” Then she curled up beside them, as if signaling she approved of the arrangement.

[@Letter Bee]