Streetlight- Part 2

“Everything is so pretty!” He said, twirling happily.

Malakai watched him in amusement walking into the well lit restaurant, a woman eagerly coming and seating them. Devon blinked at her and around the building, gazing fondly at the lights and beaming wider.

“Pretty!” He cooed. “You’re pretty.” He told the waitress. The waitress blinked and flushed shyly.

“Thank you... is there anything I could get you right away, sir?” She asked in a soft voice. Devon cocked his head to one side, before motioning for Malakai to come closer. He raised himself onto his tip-toes to be closer to him. Malakai rose an eyebrow and sat down at the table instead. Devon hopped into the booth, scooting as close to Malakai as he dared. He leaned over and whispered into his ear.

“What does she mean? What kind of things?”

“A drink.” Malakai said softly, amusement glittering in his yellow eyes.

“A drink.” Devon repeated to the woman, looking to the taller boy for approval. Malakai blinked and smiled, shaking his head. “Just water, for both of us.” Malakai said to waitress who smiled and ran off after setting down two menus.

“Did I get the answer wrong?” Devon blinked, looking up into the taller boy’s shiny golden eyes.

“No, here. Pick something that you think looks good.” Malakai said sliding his menu closer to Devon to avoid the question. Devon blinked and nodded opening the plastic menu and staring in awe at all the choices.

“Whoa! There’s so much!” he stared in disbelief. “I’ll have to…” He looked up at Malakai the lights catching the boy’s eyes. Devon stopped mid-sentence and stared at him. Malakai glanced at him from his own menu, raising a single eyebrow.

“Yes?” He asked softly.

“Y...your eyes are… they remind me of light… I like them a lot.” He smiled, staring up at him, watching the boy’s eyes intently. Malakai tilted his head to the side slightly.

“Thank you.” He said softly, unsure how quite to respond.

“Don’t thank me silly, they’re your eyes!” Devon laughed lightly, flushing slightly. “I like lights.” He said looking around the restaurant. He finally tore his gaze away to look at the menu his eyes finding the first picture of a large pasta bowl.

“Ooooo that! That!” He pointed, looking upward eagerly. Malakai tilted his head to the side and nodded.

“Tell the waitress when she returns.” He said softly.

“Okay!” Devon grinned. “I’ll get it right this time, I promise.” He leaned forward and chewed on the straw to his water playfully, accidently sipping some and leaning back coughing slightly. He blinked at the water and leaned down to be eye level with it.

“Bad.” He pointed at it, poking it gently. “No.” Malakai rose an eyebrow, silently folding up his menu as the waitress came back, smiling at them.

“Are you two ready?”

“I’ll have the parmesan pasta with a side of potato.” Malakai said simply, handing the menu back to the girl. The small brunette shifted, sliding the menu towards the woman and pointing.

“Can I have that?” he said eagerly.

“Of course.” The woman smiled and wrote it down in her little booklet. “And what would you like as a side? We have mashed potatoes, salad and soup. Our soup for the day is homemade chicken noodle soup.” Devon froze, his eyes shifted slowly up to her.

“T...the soup… please.” He said slowly, forcing a smile, trying his best to refold the menu the way it had been.

“Alright.” She said cheerfully taking the menu. “Your food will be with you in about fifteen to twenty minutes.” She said cheerfully, leaving the table and pausing at another. Devon watched her go.

“Malakai! Look, she’s cheating on us!” He said sadly, watching her wait another table. Malakai rose his other eyebrow and shook his head.

“Its her job, not cheating.” He said smoothly.

“She is supposed to do more than one?” Devon watched her curiously.

“Yes.” Malakai answered softly, picking up his water and sipping it. Devon watched him intently, copying his movements.

“Hey...um, Malakai?”

“Devon.” Malakai replied evenly.

“Um... thank you for picking me...” the brunette looked up sheepishly. “I’m having a lot of fun, I hope you are too!” He bounced.

Malakai shifted and nodded once, “yes.”

“I’m glad!” Devon cheered, “you don't even have to pay me. You already did in lots of fun and being really nice.” He wrapped his arms around the taller boy, hugging him closer before pulling away shyly. “Sorry, I just got excited.” He shifted. “Don’t tell my boss that I broke the rules... kay?” The blond and black haired boy shifted and eyed Devon blankly.

“I will still pay.” He said dryly, taking another sip of water.

The brunette blinked, “but, you’ve already spent more time with me than anyone else ever has.... I've never been past the alley back home before...” Devon smiled, embarrassed. “You’re supposed to call me Allycat... but i’m not a very good whore...” He trailed off with a nervous laugh.

“I’ll pay you overtime than.” Malakai said, ignoring the rest of Devon’s words. The boy made a small sound, “no you don't have to. What's overtime?” Devon cocked his head to one side curiously.

“Double pay for keeping you out so late.” Malakai explained simply.

“Oh, you don't have too, I don't have a time limit or anything. After two hours i’m free anyway.” He shrugged.

“I see.” Malakai said softly, leaning an elbow on the table and propping his head up with his hand.

Devon nodded slowly, smiling sheepishly. The brunette looked around the building at all the people and lights, he grinned up at the large chandelier. I flicker caught his eye and he shifted his attention. The boy flinched as one of the overhead lights flickered again and went out. The darkness left over from the light kept his attention, his eyes widening.

“There... there’s dark there....” He said softly, his usually loud voice falling back into a more calm tense tone. Malakai followed Devon’s line of sight and shrugged slightly.

“Its bright here, its darker in that alley where I found you.” Malakai pointed out.

“Y-yeah...” Devon smiled nervously, “I-I’ve never been outside at night.” He mumbled softly, “I usually work the ally in the day.” He whispered.

“I see... I’m sure someone will replace the light in a bit, don't worry about it.” Malakai said, leaning straight and purposely blocking the boy’s line of sight, his golden eyes peering into Devon’s without any visible emotion in them. Devon nodded.

“Okay…” He said biting his lip. “As long as the rest of them don’t go out.” He said, nervously looking around. He looked back into Malakai’s eyes shyly.

“If they do, I have a flashlight.” Malakai said softly, eyes glittering with curiosity.

“Really?!” Devon’s eyes grew big as he searched Malakai’s person for any sign of the device. “I love those!” Malakai smiled softly and shifted pulling out his little ring of keys. He pulled off a small little panda bear and held it out to Devon, clicking its nose, its butt lighting up.

“Here.” Devon took it carefully, examining the little light in awe.

“Oh my, Panda! It’s so cute! It’s booty lights up!” He said excitedly, staring at it. “It’s wonderful!” He bounced. “And this will save us… if the lights go out?”

“Yes.” Malakai said, reaching over and pushing the nose button again, the light clicking off.

“Emergencies only. The battery is small.” Malakai said simply. Devon watched the light go out, still eyeing the panda for a moment before handing it back to the taller boy.

“Good idea! You’re so smart.” He purred happily.

“Keep it.” Malakai said softly, turning away sipping at his drink.

“Really?! But… it’s yours…” He said, pulling the light up to his face and examining the panda more closely.

“You need it more than me.” Malakai said simply, “ and if the lights go out i’ll rely on you with the flashlight.” He said softly.

“You can count on me!” Devon cheered. “I can do it!” He yelled. “I will win!” Malakai’s eyes twinkled with amusement and he nodded slightly.

“I trust you will.” He said simply, watching him. Devon grinned back at him and quickly worked the small keychain to hook onto the belt loop of his jeans.

“I got this.” He nodded. He sipped at his water, eyes never leaving Malakai’s until someone caught his eye.

“Hey look! There she is! She’s coming back!” Malakai blinked and glanced over, shifting his water out of the way as the waitress came baring their plates of food.

“Here you two go, is there anything else I can get for you?”

“A new light bulb?” Devon chimed in eagerly.

“Uh... what?” The woman blinked smiling awkwardly at Devon.

“Nothing, thank you.” Malakai butted in smiling slightly as the woman nodded and scurried off to her other tables. Devon watched her scurry away and looked down at the steaming plate.

“Oooo it looks just like the picture!”

“Mmh,” Malakai agreed, pulling out his fork and slowly picking at the noodle dish he had ordered. Devon watched him and did the same, sniffing at the food before stabbing it with a fork and taking a huge forkful and shoving it in his mouth. He swallowed the food nearly whole and stared at it for a long time.

“It’s so good!” He yelled bouncing even higher. Malakai snorted softly, shaking his head.

“I’m glad.” He said calmly, taking a bite of his own.

“Me too!” Devon smiled, taking in more of the food. It had been a long time since he’d eaten more than once in a day. He wiggled happily wishing that work would never be over. He liked Malakai. He was kind. He glanced over, unaware that he was staring. Malakai silently ate his food, small quick bites with the occasional sip of water. His golden eyes boredly staring at the table. Devon bit at his lip and contemplated asking a question he had been thinking on for a little while.

“Malakai?” he asked softly.

“Yes?” He asked, his golden eyes flickering to Devon.

“Can you come visit me sometimes… like after to today?”  

Malakai shrugged, “Maybe... why?”

“Cause I like you!” Devon said happily. “I’ve never really had friends before.” Malakai blinked at Devon in amusement.

“Okay.” He agreed smoothly.

“Yay! I’d miss you if you left.” Devon grinned, taking another large bite of food.

“Mmh. I’m sure you’d forget after a while.” Malakai said softly returning to his own plate.

“No I wouldn’t!” Devon spoke up, his tone a little upset. “I wouldn’t forget you! You were nice to me.” Malakai shrugged slightly.
         “I’m not.” He said simply.

“You are too.” Devon persisted. “Really nice.” He nodded, bounced, finishing off the rest of his food.

“If you say so.” Malakai said simply, finishing his own meal. The waitress came back setting down the bill for their food.

“You can pay up front.” She said cheerfully.

“If you pay her, you shouldn’t pay me.” He whispered. “I want to help.”

“Its fine.” Malakai said taking the bill and glancing at it before placing it back on the table upside down and picking up his water.

“Are you sure? I could help… maybe…”

“My treat.” Malakai insisted softly.

“Thank you.” Devon said softly. “I’m happy…” He looked away shyly, flushing a deep pink.

“Good.” Malakai nodded slightly.

“Are you happy?” He asked, looking up with big curious blue eyes.

“I... am not bored.” He offered.

“Not bored…? That’s good! Being bored is no fun.” He huffed. “It’s so….boring.” He blinked. Malakai smiled slightly.

“Yes, it is, isn’t it.” He murmured. “Anyway, are you ready to go?”

“Yus sir!” Devon slid out of the booth, waiting for Malakai to follow. The golden eyed boy nodded and crawled out, grabbing the bill on his way. They walked up to the counter and Malakai handed it to the man up there.

“Fifty-seven eighty-three.” The man said boredly. Malakai pulled out his wallet. Devon’s eyes widened uneasily and he reached into his pocket, pulling out a dirty faded dollar bill and handing it to the man pridefully. Malakai blinked and his expression turned to amusement as the man hesitantly took it, glancing at Malakai unsurly. The boy pulled out his card and handed it to him.

“Take a twenty dollar tip for our waitress.” He said softly. Devon bounced happily, glad he helped. He looked out the window and froze, feeling uneasy as the sun had disappeared while they were inside. The man handed Malakai his card and the golden eyed boy nodded turning and walking out. Devon moved to follow, pausing at the door and looking down at the line to the threshold, not making anymore moves to follow. He looked up at the taller boy with fearful eyes.

“I can’t leave here…” Malakai rose an eyebrow and held out his hand. “They’ll turn off the lights eventually. Let me take you home.” He said softly.

“But… it’s dark…” He whispered, his whole body stiffening as he took in the darkening outside world. “I… I can’t…” He whimpered.

“There are lights on the side walk. If you hold my hand you won't get lost.” Malakai said softly, watching him curiously. Devon let out a soft, sad sound.

“Y...you won’t let it eat me…? Promise? I don’t want it to get me.” He stood, shaking now as he watched Malakai’s hand, deciding whether to go for it or not.

“I promise.” Malakai said simply.

“Really?? Promise promise?” he said shakily, mostly trying to stall.

“If it eats you, you won't be alone.” Malakai said softly, his golden eyes watching the boy’s blue ones. Devon’s eyes darted all around him, anxiety eating at him. He took a deep, shaky breath and stepped over the line, glomping into Malakai and burying his face in the other boy’s shirt, whimpering as he felt the presence of the night surround him. Malakai hesitantly wrapped his arms around him.

“If it would make you feel better, I live close to here... you're welcome to stay the night.” Malakai said softly. Devon let out a soft cry, nodding against Malakai, trying to calm his fears as he felt the shadows reach for him.

“I don’t want to get eaten!” He cried loudly.

“You won't.” Malakai reached down, clicking the nose of the panda on Devon’s pants. “come on.” he said. Devon looked down fearfully and unhooked the light with shaky hands, holding it closer to his face as he stole Malakai’s arm and clung to him, looking around with paranoia in his eyes. Malakai confidently started walking, sticking to the most lit parts of the sidewalks, entering an even more brightly lit neighborhood the houses getting large and lawns starting to look fancy. Devon kept unnaturally close to Malakai, looking up at each streetlight and thanking it for being there, out loud. He held the little keychain up to his face, letting the little light illuminate his face.

“It’s scary.” He said softly.

“If we keep to the light, it won't be so bad.:” Malakai murmured, walking up to a dark house, only two lights were on and he walked up pulling out a key and unlocking the door, pulling Devon inside the lit entry way. Devon blinked, looking back at the dark ground they’d covered then shifting his eyes around to look inside the house.

“You live here…?” He asked in awe.

“Yes.” Malakai said softly, kicking off his shoes.

“Malakai!” A cheerful voice and footsteps sounded through the house and a small brown haired boy stumbled down the stairs launching itself at the taller golden eyed one. Devon yelped and backed up against the wall out of the boy’s way, blinking at him fearfully. The boy launched himself at Malakai, the golden eyed boy hardly twitching and catching him with ease.

“I missed you! I fixed the fridge! Whos this? A friend? So cool. Hi! I’m Dahvi! I like fixing things and playing games! Who are you?” The brunette asked getting out of Malakai’s hold and standing in front of Devon, holding out his hand.” Devon flinched, stumbling backwards and looking up at Malakai for direction, confusion flickering through his gaze.

“H...Hi…” Malakai watched them in amusement as Dahvi stared at him, waiting for him to answer the rest of his questions.

“I’m Allycat.” Devon said automatically. “I don’t know what I like, Malakai is my friend and I think he’s really pretty!” the brunette said, flushing slightly.

“Allycat! I like that name! And yeah, Malakai’s wonderful!” Dahvi reached forward hugging Devon. Devon tensed, closing his eyes and remaining rigid, unsure of how to react. He let out a small whimper. Dahvi let go and smiled brightly.

“Guys I made muffins!” He said brightly, clapping his hands together. Devon looked up at Malakai waiting for him to give any kind of orders.

“Sounds good.” Malakai said softly walking into the open kitchen area. Dahvi nodded following the tall boy excitedly. Devon stayed in the doorway watching the two, becoming a little butthurt. Dahvi grabbed Devon’s wrist and pulled him after malakai.

“Yeah! Vanilla!” Devon blinked, looking down at Dahvi’s hand and up to Malakai. He flushed uneasily as he looked around the rather nice house.

“They smell good.” Malakai said softly taking one of the burnt muffins from the counter.

“Yay!” Dahvi jumped in place watching Malakai in jubilation. Devon sniffed at them, blinking for looking at Malakai for approval. Dahvi grabbed one and sh