Jason's Angel

by Mortal Anonymous

Why doesn't Jason believe that someone could like him? When he almost believes it, why doesn't he want to open up? When he starts to, why does he seem convinced that he's just a waste of space that doesn't deserve Angel's interest? With each new layer, Angel is only compelled to heal the lonely scout further. [JASON/ANGEL]

With a hearty salute, a pasty blonde boy with a prominent overbite passed forward a chunky box of assorted colored markers, a proud and dutiful smile in place. Behind him, two fellow uniformed scouts mirrored his gestures.

"Here you go!" the leader of this trio announced heroically through the braces that did not help his thick lisp, "Three bulk-sized packs of Mega Markers, traded for on your behalf! No interest charge for the delivery fee." With a wink, his salute turned into a cheesy trigger finger pointed at his client.

Cheeks tinting slightly, the surprisingly pale-skinned Latino collecting the markers chuckled in response. Gaze on the boy speaking from behind their colorful square-rimmed glasses, they placed a palm to one cheek and coyly let their eyelids fall slightly as they gushed, "Oh, you scouts are a life saver. Especially you, Jason~. Gosh, I knew I should have double-checked inventory before Arty Hour, but these little rascals have kept me so busy, I was just not feeling it after closing yesterday. You know how it is." Their wrist flipped with a hint of guilt now while they put the markers on a toybox inside the gate.

Wrists boldly on his hips, the blonde boy recited, "A Forest Scout always helps out!" Pausing thoughtfully, he looked up at the little sibling daycare archway the small cluster was standing under. It was constructed entirely of markers, linked end to end. Pointing up at it, he just had to ask, "Um. Just wondering, though...if you were really so desperate for markers, why couldn't you have used some of those ones?"

Fingertips going to the collar of their striped shirt dress, the one in charge of the daycare let out a breezy laugh. "Oh, Jason..." Suddenly their eyes went dark as they dipped their head and stared intently. "You do not mess with the rainbow marker archway." Suddenly bright again, they chirped, "It's too iconic~! Most Creek kids don't even know how to find the place without it."

Blinking in stun at the randomly-flipped tone, Jason just responded, "Okaaaay..?" Then opting to brush it off, he raised a hand in farewell. "Welp! Enjoy the markers, Angel!"

Hurrying to raise a finger as the scouts moved to turn away, Angel interjected, "Oo! Actually!" Seeing they had Jason's attention again, the black-haired attendant shyly withdrew their hand back to curl at their collar, gaze shifting to the side. "Um. I know we don't really get a chance to talk much, what with my being busy running the daycare all afternoon and your...important patrol work, Officer~..." A bashful chuckle. "But would you maybe like to stick around? Do some big kid drawing and keep me company while I watch the little ones~..?"

Behind Jason, the faces of the other two boys lit up. The tallest, largest one clapped in delight. "Oh, yes! Boris loves to color! I can make very pretty picture for Mama's fridge!"

Face falling flat, the corner of their lips tugging unimpressed, Angel's eyes flicked to this boy for the first time during the exchange. "Um, actually, I was really only talking to Jason...sorry." They didn't actually sound all that sorry.

Sagging in defeat, Boris just went, "Oh." Beside him, the shortest, squattest boy quirked a brow.

Clasping their hands hopefully in front of them, Angel's eyes slid kindly back for Jason, who didn't appear to know how to take the offer.

"O-Oh. Me? Really?" Pointing to himself, he hardly even believed it. Nobody asked to hang out with him. Nobody thought he was cool enough to ask. Everyone always thought he was way too hung up on rules and regulations, and called him bossy, or made fun of him for showing off his proudly-earned badges.

Hearing himself singled out like this, in front of the only two he could really call friends, Jason was suddenly overwhelmed. He always loved the idea of being invited to hang out with others, being shown respect, but being confronted with that very prospect out of nowhere, he froze up. He didn't want to leave his friends out, but he was also incredibly flattered that Angel was asking. But he was also being asked to look after a bunch of littler kids, which was a huge responsibility. Come to think, maybe Angel was just looking for some free extra labor, and saw Jason as an easy mark.

Unsure, Jason shrugged and fumbled through replying, "Sorry, Angel, but I don't want to sit around and watch a bunch of...I mean, duty comes first! You're right! Heavy weighs the sash of a scout, and we have other areas to patrol."

Angel sagged in their own spot of defeat. Maybe it had been too much to ask for such a public activity. "Oh, poo. Well...at least take a snack for the road?" Taking a bag out of their pocket, they tried to pass it over. "Just a little tip from me. Cheezy Chipz. I know they're your favorite. Mine too." A short chuckle ending in a small snort. "Not that I've been eavesdropping around or anything. I just...see you. At the Trading Tree a lot. Y'know. Trading. Just sorta put two and two together..! See, I have what I call a 'Snack Knack'. Dealing with a lot of kids, I've learned to pick up on the fussiest of tastes. Not that I'm saying you're fussy..! Just it comes in handy for snacktime! Uh, not that I'm saying you need monitored snacktimes either..! You know what? I don't even know why I'm telling you all this. Please just take the chips."

Blushing more heavily than before as they couldn't stop themselves from rambling, Angel pushed their treat forward more aggressively. Behind Jason, his troops passed each other a more understanding, almost surprised look.

Feeling his own cheeks warming in flatter that someone would even bother to have learned his snacking habits, Jason's shoulders hunched and he leaned back slightly as the bag was shoved in his face. Almost like voicing a reminder in response to the option of fresh munchies, the blonde's stomach chose to speak up and gurgle as Jason stared at those chips. A palm slipped loosely over his gut as his other hand reached on autopilot to take them, but then froze, forming a hesitating fist instead as he grit his teeth and looked to the side.

"Actually, I...um. Sorry, but I've already had my allotted snack for the evening. I did actually forget my lunch today, but if my parents...that is to say, I still shouldn't spoil my dinner. It's the rules. And just responsible. But thank you."

Blinking as their shoulders relaxed in curious stun, Angel didn't know what to make of this refusal. Before they knew it, Jason had lifted a hand and sharply jutted it out in front of him as he turned. "Forest Scouts, let's move out!" And he marched off stiffly.

Brow furrowing, Angel could sense something was off. Wanting to secure a proper conversation with that boy, as well as now find out why he would refuse a perfectly good tip, as to any empathetic ear that excuse had been dodgy, they halted the remaining two scouts and requested with a daintily-posed hand, "Can you please at least tell him how breath-taking I find a kid in uniform~?" Hands coming together, they clasped them to their cheek and fawned after Jason's departing back.

Looking down at themselves, the others then thumbed their sashes in unison and looked back up at Angel as if to remind him they were, in fact, also in uniform, and held their hands out expectantly.

Face falling flat as they sensed this, Angel didn't even look at the other two as they said, "No. You can't have my chips. Jason, okay? Jason is breath-taking."

First frowning to hear they would be getting no bonus snacks, the others then shared another glance and placed their hands to their chins as they giggled. Some-one liked Ja-son~..! Impishly excited to hear it confirmed aloud, they both quickly scampered off after their troop leader.

Watching them go, Angel then turned back to scan their place of work and placed their chin thoughtfully into the crook of their thumb and forefinger. With this first contact made, perhaps it was time to consider a larger step in establishing a connection.

...

The next day, Angel found themselves on a path to the part of the Creek hosting a kid-run restaurant, all the way in what had once been a foreign land ruled by a cruel despot. They'd been searching everywhere, but here was where their face lit up to find the Junior Forest Scouts coming from the opposite direction.

"Keep those paper plates regulation, Tien!" Jason was calling as he departed, "I dunno how the king used to run things, but I'd hate to have to report you on a count of non-biodegradable waste!"

While a boy with only one lens in his glasses grumbled behind him, Jason then commented to his friends, holding up a soda bottle, "Ahh, nothing like the satisfaction of an inspection well done, eh, fellas? I think we've earned these cold ones."

All three boys stopped and saluted one another with their sodas of choice, then reaching for the caps. Only two came off, however. Jason continued to struggle with his, cheeks soon puffing and his face reddening with effort.

The other two took sips from their bottles before staring at Jason and feeling awkward.

The short one offered, "Are you sure you're turning it the right-"

"Shut up, Tony! Of course I'm turning it right! Ow!" Having to release his grip, he grit his teeth and looked at his open palm, red and throbbing from the friction against the cap.

"Pardon me, Officer. May I~?" Angel took the opportunity to approach and cut in, offering their palm forward. They found Jason looking at that hand, and then up at them with a surprised blink.

Thrown off by this calm, soothing address, Jason found himself passing his drink over. "Um...sure? Psh. But if I can't open it, I highly doubt-"

Calmly, Angel fisted the hem of their shirt dress and wrapped it around the cap, cracking the seal with a soft hiss of carbonation. Then letting this fizzle into silence, Angel undid the lid the rest of the way and passed it back over.

"The secret to tough caps is a good cloth barrier," they informed, "And to not open them in a hurry. But don't worry, you loosened it for me." An assuring wink went Jason's way. "Also, here. I always carry around a little squeezer of aloe in case of boo-boos. For the cap rash." From their pocket, Angel produced a small bottle of green goop and squirted a small dab into Jason's inflamed palm. Using two of their own fingers, they spread the soothing lotion, cupping the back of Jason's hand in their other palm. A kind smile was offered, and behind their leader, Boris and Tony stared at the connection between the other two, slack-jawed and feeling incredibly tender vibes.

Taken aback by this charity, the blonde boy quickly brushed it off to save face. "Um, thanks? But I knew that. I was just about to do the same thing myself." Behind him, Boris and Tony exchanged doubtful expressions. Taking a swig of his drink, Jason then pointed at Angel and noted, "Say, fancy running into you again anyway, Angel. What are you doing in this part of the Creek? I've never seen you this far from the daycare."

Lips having spread a certain degree in dismay as Jason was the only one not picking up on the flirtatious mood they were going for, Angel decided to regroup and press onward. "Actually," they admitted, "I was looking for you, Jason."

"Oh?" A fist formed in determination. "More trouble?"

Waving passively, Angel denied, "No, no. Nothing like that. I just want to talk to you. Alone, if I could?" Their gaze slid for Tony and Boris. The two perked at attention, understanding but not wanting to miss the gossip. And see themselves proven right to Jason.

Blinking again, Jason then shrugged. "Um, sure. I guess so." To his friends he ordered, "You guys can scram. Take some R and R while I handle this citizen's concerns."

With some disappointment, still wanting to hear what Angel was going to say, the others groaned at the dismissive hand flapped their way. "Fine. Boris was thinking teeter totter sounded nice today anyway. Tony?"

"Hrm," the smaller boy grumbled, "I guess." Still looking over their shoulders as long as they could, they took their leave.

Folding his arms casually, Jason began, "Actually, it really is kinda funny running into you again, Angel. Ugh. You wouldn't believe the weird stuff Tony and Boris were saying yesterday."

"Oh?" Perking, Angel thought perhaps their message had been delivered after all. Fanning one set of fingers by their cheek, they pressed, "Do tell."

Chugging some more soda, Jason then shrugged and gestured loosely with the bottle. "Well like...after we left your place, they started saying something about how handsome I look in my uniform? And like...I know that. But then they were like no, handsome as in really handsome. And then I was like woah, okay guys, let's not get weird here. But they were like no, it was you who was saying it? And they started doing this stupid chant about you and me and a tree. Haha. Like I think they actually think you like me or something just 'cause you offered me a tip. How dumb is that?"

Well, it seemed like the boys had tried to deliver Angel's message. Along with some teasing. But it appeared Jason hadn't believed it for some reason. Deciding they wanted to eliminate that doubt, Angel met Jason's gaze steadily and insisted, "Oh. But I do."

Pausing, Jason's face went slack and his eyes blinked wider. "Huh?"

"Yeah no, I definitely like you." One of Angel's palms came bashfully to their cheek as their eyelids fell some. "I like-like you so much, Jason."

Cheeks reddening in turn, Jason could barely even process the words being spoken to him. Tony and Boris...had been right?! How did that make any sense? How did it make sense that someone in the Creek actually thought Jason was cool? Was it a trick? A dare? Dare he imagine the possibility of something akin to the admiration he'd always dreamt of?

Puzzlement trumping all else, Jason found his brow furrowing as he stared back at Angel, the one and only word coming to the forefront being, "...WHY."

Brow going up in their own spot of puzzle, Angel lifted their head and then tilted it, one eyebrow quirking. "Well, that's...not usually the first reaction I think people expect," they noted, "Or in that...tone." Jason honestly sounded like he was perplexed at the very idea someone could like him.

Realizing this, and that he'd just been far too honest about his emotions, Jason hurried to correct himself. "I mean...obviously I'm great! I'm sure I have hundreds of fans who are just...too shy to admit they love me..!" The puffed posture he'd adopted deflated some as he faltered, knowing this was far from the truth and genuinely being curious. Letting his eyes drop to the side, he held his soda meekly in both hands and ventured, "But like...um. Just in case you felt like sharing...yeah. Why? Exactly?"

This much softer, almost imploring question held so much doubt, Angel couldn't help their heart going out to the blonde. Smiling sympathetically, they gripped one hand to their chest.

"Well, I mean...I do love a put-together look, and your whole vibe is one of a very put-together kid," they started, "But does there really need to be a specific reason? I just kind of...admire you."

Shoulders relaxing some as he processed this, Jason could hardly believe he was even hearing it. "Really..?" he ventured, then bristling some as he doubted, "Did somebody put you up to this? I swear, if Boris or Tony or anyone else is trying to get my hopes up again..." His hands clenched around his bottle tensely.

Angel's brow furrowed. "Again?" they echoed, "Have you been falsely confessed to..?"

"Hmph." Glowering off to the side, Jason's aura became guarded. "Only try every Valentine's Day," he groused bitterly, "Every year, some clown's always thought it was a good idea to be the one person in class to say they liked me. The first couple years, I might've bought it just 'cause nobody gave me a card, but I've long since wised up, so don't think I'm gonna fall for it just 'cause you're out of season! Big Red started it, but after her it's been mostly jerky guys who've tried it on me anyway. Er. Well."

A glance up and down of the other.

"Genetic ones who also happened to use male pronouns, but still." One hand came up to swirl as he attempted to remain considerate of Angel's non-binary status, but his guardedness remained.

Endeared by this consideration and sympathetic to Jason's defensiveness, Angel let their fingertips grace their collar as they sent the boy a pained look. "Auh, Jason...I'm so sorry that's happened to you." A soft smile graced their lips. "But I mean it. I think you're sweet." A pause. "But um...do you not like guys or non-binaries then..? Because that's totally fine." They didn't expect every confession in the Creek to go smoothly on that front. One couldn't help what they were attracted to.

"Huh? Oh, no!" Raising his hands in placation, Jason was distracted in insisting, "I didn't mean it like that! I don't care about guys, girls or whatever. I'll like anybody. I just meant...I guess I didn't think you were a jerk. Is all." So far as kids of the Creek went, he'd have classified Angel as one of the gentlest and most caring.

Hearing Jason was not opposed to their attraction as a concept, Angel's eyelids drooped lazily as a fresh beam found their lips. Stepping forward, they aimed for the soda-free hand Jason held up and laced their own fingers through the blonde boy's.

"I'm not being a jerk," they insisted, their cheeks saturating as butterflies erupted in their stomach. Eyes shimmering at Jason's face, Angel curled their other hand to their lips as they pressed with determination, "I love your confidence, and your smile, and your drive to help out...I think you're a hero, Jason. For what you did during the war especially. Playing a spy so close to the king like that..? So brave..."

"Er." His own cheeks shining brightly as soon as Angel slipped their fingers together, Jason's wide eyes flicked between that contact and Angel's earnest, bashful face. Okay, so maybe Angel was telling the truth. It was hard to think anything else when they were wearing that kind of expression. It was intimidating. But their words were also so flattering. And Jason had to maintain an air of professionalism.

"O-Of course!" The boy in braces straightened his spine in projected confidence now. "Just doing my part as the most illustrious member of the Creek council..! Craig thinks he deserves to be called the war's big hero, but where was he out there risking his neck, huh? It wasn't just a one-kid effort. And he spent most of the king's reign at home!"

Face turning a bit sour, Angel glanced to the side with a slight eye roll. "Uck. Craig..."

Blinking, Jason was distracted again with a small gasp. "You don't get along with Craig either..?"

"Mmmm..." Angel had to think of a kind way to word that relationship, distaste curled on their lip while they did so. Looking back to Jason, they informed, "Let's say we have a strained but mutual respect for one another's practices. He and his friends keep their rambunctious, irresponsible adventures away from my daycare, and I don't mind letting them help out if I need it. And it in no way involves looking after actual children, because again, wildly irresponsible~."

"I know, right?!" Jason agreed instantly, "Just the other day, I caught him and his friends trying to make stilts out of bunches of free chopsticks they got from a Chinese takeout place! Do you know how many safety code violations they were breaking?!" The hand with his soda clutched tightly against his forehead in emphasis.

A smirking tut. "Too many to want them anywhere near you?"

"Exactly! Like I know Craig and I have sort of become friends lately? Kinda? 'cause he's still kinda insensitive about like...everything? But he just – ooo!" Shoulders hunching, Jason crushed his eyes shut and failed to find the words to express how that kid managed to get under his skin sometimes. 'Strained but mutual respect' was the perfect phrase for it, he'd say. Angel had found it.

Highly endeared once more, Angel let out a short giggle of appreciation, glad to find a natural topic to connect with Jason over. They didn't even mind that it was regarding distaste toward a fellow kid. In fact, that was kind of tasty. Angel couldn't help it. They had a catty streak.

Opening his eyes again to find Angel looking at him with such unfiltered adoration, yet not responding with words, Jason found his eyes dropping to their hands once more, which had fallen to hang between them casually while the two were distracted with gossip. Mouth stretching wider in fluster, not even knowing if he should address this or not, Jason just turned his focus to his soda and began chugging it with great investment.

A short, amused note left Angel's nose, and they let their thumb stroke gently over the back of Jason's hand. "So...is that your whole snack? Or are you able to join me for some Cheezy Chips today?"

A prickle of stun raced its way up Jason's spine as he felt that gentle, suggestive touch run over his skin. Out of soda, he had little else to do but turn his owlish gaze back towards Angel, blushing at the very suggestion being made, just because, well...he guessed Angel really liked him!

"Um...a-actually..." he stammered to inform, "The boys and I had our snacks at Tien's today. These were to go." He held up the empty bottle sheepishly. Seeing Angel's lips shift in disappointment, the blonde hurried to continue, "Not that I'm saying I wouldn't want-! Uh, I mean I'd love to pop a bag with you if I could but..."

Brow pinching, Angel understood, "But your parents would be mad..?"

The sides of his lips tugging again, Jason glanced away in clear discomfort.

In concern, Angel pried, "Jason, are you okay..? I mean I can understand if you're full now, but you wouldn't even take an extra snack after you skipped lunch. Call it caretaker's intuition, but you had me a little worried yesterday."

"Huh?" Eyes darting around again, Jason insisted, "N-No, it's fine. It's just the rules. They're there for a reason. It was my fault for forgetting my lunch in the first place. It's nothing."

A scoff. "Nothing? Sweetie, I do not let a kid go hungry at snacktime. It's not even because I like you, but if you need it, there's always plenty to go around at my place."

Feeling a mix of shame and gratitude, Jason's cheeks burned anew. "Th-Thanks...really, though. Don't worry about it. You barely know me. A scout is tough. Why, I bet I could go weeks without food and still be fine..!"

A short 'hm' noise drifted from Angel's nose as their lips tugged in uncertainty. They sensed a natural wall coming up around a clearly vulnerable issue. Feeling their own natural nurturing urge to help and console a troubled soul, especially one they had emotional investment in, Angel opted to keep gently coaxing the other to open up.

"I'd like to know you, though," they offered with a small smile, finding the way Jason's eyes widened slightly and glanced away in fluster to be adorable. "That includes the not-so-great stuff. Would it help if I shared first? Like, my mom can be a real space case sometimes. She really means well, and is super unconditionally supportive, but like, sometimes she doesn't even know what she's supporting. It can get awkward." A lightly embarrassed chuckle as Angel reminisced on their mother. "She can forget to make dinner too, but it's not her fault. Just like it's not your fault for forgetting something. Is...that what your mom thinks..?" Another soft expression painted with wary sympathy went Jason's way.

Lower eyelids pinching, Jason looked down, the edges of his mouth pulling again. Even if Angel was giving a less than ideal quality about their own mother, it still sounded so much better than what Jason would have to say.

"Step-mom. And...kinda..." he turned his head to barely admit, "Dad too. But it is my fault. And sticking to the rules even if I'm hungry just helps me remember better next time. I'll learn not to forget stuff eventually."

Blinking in stun, Angel could hardly believe what they were hearing. "Wait...what..?! Jason, what goes on at your house..?!" That wasn't how remembering things worked at all..! And besides that, parents were supposed to provide for their kids! What kind of parent let their kid go hungry as a lesson?!

Turning his wary gaze tentatively back towards Angel, Jason granted, "If I tell you, you won't think I'm so 'put-together' anymore..." It had felt kind of good to know Angel respected him, even admired him. He hadn't even really fully processed that, so as much as he appreciated another kid wanting to get to know him and understand his home life, it was a much larger can of worms than Angel was likely prepared for. Jason didn't want to scare them off with all that baggage, nor did he want to destroy a positive, capable image of himself before he even got to enjoy it.

"Jason...walk with me." Unable to really voice what they were feeling after saying Jason's name, Angel simply reached to take the blonde's empty bottle, giving a tug to the hand they'd been holding before letting it go. This way, Jason had his own space and was free to emote fully if he so chose.

Not really knowing what to think, Jason followed on autopilot as he was tugged, remaining silent as he fell into step beside Angel, the kid in the striped shirt dress only pausing to discard the bottle they'd taken into a recycle bin at the end of the path before guiding Jason down a right turn.

While Jason merely kept his head dipped in uncertainty and stared at the dirt, roots and grass, Angel managed to find some words to reason, "Sometimes it helps me think to get moving a little. Shake those thoughts loose. And well...you don't have to say anything if you don't want to, but...I'd like you to think about it. I'm sorry if I'm overwhelming you. I just...I really do want to know about you. There's only so much I can learn by watching you from the sidelines, but...I've been doing that for a while. Now that I've gotten the chance to tell you how I feel, though, I'm also ready to listen. I'm a very good listener." They couldn't help a spot of pride there. "Listening is just something friends do, though, and even if I like you, I really wanna be your friend. It's okay if you need to talk about hard stuff right away. I can see you're hurting and I can handle it. I swear. But if you don't want to...again, that's okay too. We can just have a nice walk."

Pleasantly, they placed their hands neatly behind their back and took their gaze away from Jason's face so as not to make him feel pressured, turning their demure smile upward to the leafy canopy the pair strolled casually under. It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon. Angel could enjoy just getting the chance to spend it walking in silence beside a boy they'd long since wished to approach.

Appreciating the space to process to himself, Jason also couldn't get over the fact that Angel was so kindly insisting on giving him this attention. So immediately, too. A readily available ear free of judgement. A distinct lack of pressure to share more than he was willing. To be more than he was willing. Jason in fact tended to long for someone to vent to, and Angel's presence was just naturally soothing. But Jason would also feel bad for burdening such a kind soul with his stupid problems. And there remained the problem of looking like a wuss in front of the only kid to have sincerely ever said they liked him. If Jason really opened up about himself, he was sure he would only make himself look like a total mess, and Angel had said they liked him for being a hero. A well-adjusted kid who knew what was what. Did Jason really want to throw away that interpretation of himself before it got the chance to truly exist?

Despite the atmosphere being without threat, the silence mounted in Jason's own head. He felt pressured to make a decision by his own thoughts. He should say something. Something to be polite at the very least.

"...sorry, but...can we just walk? This is actually a little...overwhelming." As much as he was dying for an ear that would actually listen to him, he didn't think it should be someone who had just admitted they had a crush on him. He'd like to work through his thoughts on that first. Or at least give it a few minutes.

A patient smile. "Of course. No need to apologize. So, do you like Ninja Dogs..?"

Gratefully, Jason gave a small smile back. "Kinda. Yeah. I actually thought about taking martial arts classes, but it was either that or scouting and well...scouting has a lot more to offer. But since that's the case, I'm hoping we'll cover ninja-ing once I reach Sycamore rank anyway. Hey, did you see the episode where the one guy had that thing that let him control Ninja Dog Sparky like a video game? That was cool. I wish they'd make a Ninja Dogs video game."

Angel gave an amiable chuckle. "Well, I don't really play a whole lot of video games, but I did see that episode, and it was pretty cool. Maybe if they do ever make a game, you can show me how to play it."

"If you want. I am basically a master at video games. If there was a badge for it, I'd have earned it ages ago." Smugly, Jason's nails rubbed the front of his uniform as he boasted a bit inaccurately.

Another chuckle. "Oh, I'm sure. Well, I have a rope swing in my backyard that's pretty much perfect for doing flying ninja kicks off of. I find it kind of more exciting to live the thrill of cartoon action once in a while." Timidly, one set of fingertips touched their jaw as they blushed some and glanced away.

Noting this, Jason tutted and folded his arms. "Oh, really. And here I thought you were happy to be a homebody," he teased.

Taking the tease in stride, Angel blushed harder and hunched. "Not all the time..! I can play too..!" An almost nervous giggle. "Auh, like the cart race you were in? So exciting. Oh, my pulse was racing right along with you to watch..!" Fists forming, Angel's blush was mainly from reminiscing over the thrill of adrenaline now.

"H-Hey..! That wasn't me..! That was...oh, never mind." Like it even mattered anymore.

"Oops. Sorry. Racer J~..." Realizing the faux pas, Angel offered a wink to show they still respected the facade, as flimsy and long ago as it had been. "Well, whoever was in that car, I'm pretty sure that's what cemented my liking them. So bold, mysterious and stylish~."

Blushing, Jason's eyes went for the dirt again. Wistfully, to himself, he smiled a little though. "I knew he was a lovable persona..."

"Hm?"

"Nothing. So uh, swings huh? You like swings?"

"Sure do~. Actually, don't arrest me for saying this, but I've even figured out how to get to the top of the swingset." Coyly, Angel had disclosed this information from behind the back of their hand.

Jason gasped. "The top of the swingset..? But that bar's not meant to be touched by kid hands..! No one's ever gotten more than three feet up in the history of ever..!"

Tilting their head to dramatically hide their eyes with a shine across their lenses, Angel gave a haughty chuckle. "Tell that to the burns of regret on my thighs after realizing the top bar is the one baking in the sun all day~..!" Giving a flip of their wrist as they grimaced, they added, "Yeah, hot metal and a mid-hemline dress? They don't mix."

"Hmmm." Squinting, Jason couldn't detect a bluff. "You know what? I won't arrest you for dangerous misuse of playground equipment...if you can prove you even can do the impossible you claim." He couldn't help it. He was curious. Besides, he doubted the validity, assuming Angel was just trying to impress.

Meeting Jason's challenging grin with an accepting one, Angel's face steeled in resolution before suddenly shifting into pleasant. "Sounds fun~!" they agreed, and reached to grab Jason's hand in excitement to pull him off towards the playground on their home side of the Creek. Jason hardly got to let out a short exclamation at the yank.

Soon enough, Jason stood with his arms folded again, hovering between doubt and curiosity as he watched Angel crouched in the dirt several feet away by the chainlink fence perimeter. They then rose and came to the swingset Jason waited in front of.

Holding up their smeared palms, Angel informed, "First thing's first? A little bit of the right grit." Unable to help wanting to share, they expanded, one hand drifting to their collar, "See, I'm actually a little into gymnastics on the side..? So I've already got a headstart on most kids."

"Oh?" Another somewhat unexpected surprise. "Well that's cool, I guess." It really was. Angel was a lot more than just the daycare kid, huh? "But is it enough to really pull this off?"

A confident tut. "Actually, there's a couple ways to do this. But the easiest way is like so." Stepping breezily between the poles at the end of the swingset, Angel then opened their eyes sharply and shot their arms upward as they crouched, summoning an aura of great determination before leaping. Jason's brow went up as he watched Angel clasp their fists firmly around the side bars, their purple sneakers now dangling above the earth. This was usually as far as any kid got before slipping, but Angel was already smarter than the kids who simply tried to shimmy up one pole and had to slide down on their butts. And Jason found his lips parting in surprise as rather than losing their grip trying to reach beyond their means, Angel began swinging their weight side to side. With the momentum, they let physics do the work for them and loosened one hand only to let it push up with the direction of their swing, followed by the next hand.

From seemingly nowhere behind Jason, a dark girl in an oversized suit jacket and thick bottle glasses ran up pointing excitedly at Angel's ascent.

"Oh my stars!" she shrieked in a grating voice, "That kid is perfectly demonstrating pendulum kinematics to scale an unscaleable height! Why did I never think of this?!"

Startled, Jason stared at the loudest member of the Alliance of Science. "H-Huh?"

"It's physics!" the girl, Wren, burst with excitement, "Physics so simple I can't believe I've overlooked them in my countless attempts to calculate a successful scale of the swingset..! In short, this rules!"

Beside her, another, taller girl with fair skin and a dusty demeanor skidded to a halt. "Hey, Wren, why'd you—woah..!" Her eyes widened as well to see Angel so close to the top of the swingset.

"I'm sorry, Handlebarb," Wren lamented, "I'd hoped one day to crack this code so that you would be the first to make playground history with this feat, but it appears I've been defeated by a much simpler mind..." Dramatically, the back of one hand came to her forehead while the other choked up under her bow tie.

Angel scoffed. "I can hear you, you know..."

Wren chuckled in guilt. "Sorry."

With a relaxed shrug, Handlebarb let a hand fall to Wren's shoulder as she smiled, "No hard feelings, bro. You help me with tons of tricks. A sick stunt is a sick stunt. This totally does rule." Turning toward Angel she called, "You too, bro! Respect! Conquer that beast!" Pinky and forefinger up, she sent Angel an encouraging rock hand.

"Excuse me!" Jason barged back in to disrupt the girls, "We were kind of in the middle of something here!" He hadn't had a whole lot of time with Angel, but he had to admit he'd been liking what there was, and he didn't want that ruined by having the thing Angel was supposed to be showing him turned into some circus.

Leaning back, Wren and Handlebarb wore matching grimaces. Handlebarb put her palms up in defense. "Woaaah, chill, bro..! We're not looking to harsh any vibes..!"

"Well, they've been harshed!" Jason nodded firmly, "This is, um, official scout business!"

Both girls quirked a brow, clearly wondering how.

Seeing Jason getting defensive, and honestly preferring to keep this moment between the pair of them, Angel's lips shifted.

"Yeah, um, actually," they cut in to support, "You can keep this trick if you want. I really don't want a crowd gathering right now. I'm just helping Jason here out by showing him some of the more obscure ways kids can hurt themselves. Like what if I somehow got up here and didn't know what I was doing? I could crack my head on the ground like an egg..! Brains splattered and frying everywhere in the sun like a really gross breakfast..!"

Silence from the others at this unexpected degree of visceral detail.

"Gnarly," Handlebarb noted dumbly, effectively distracted by imagining the scene described.

"Agreed," Wren said in a similar tone.

Jason had nothing, face silently slack as he absorbed that thought.

"Well, in that case," Handlebarb carried on, giving a shrug with one shoulder, "I guess safety is important, so sorry for interrupting. We'll try to make sure nobody else circles up." Looking back up at Angel, she thumped her chest twice and sent up a peace sign. "Still though, bro, respect! Even moreso for not glory hounding it!"

Angel granted her a gracious smile. It was hard to be upset with such a reasonable, breezy kid like Handlebarb. The next second, however, their face fell into dismay as Wren called, "Say, Angel, if you're out here, does that by any chance mean the little test subjects – I mean siblings, are available for-?"

"No." A quiet rage was firmly in place without hesitation. "You know you aren't welcome within three backyards of the daycare, Wren. Don't even try. I'll know if you do. I've called in Sparkle Cadet to cover for me."

Having already been thinking about ways to sneak past her ban, Wren sagged hearing the best do-gooding hero of positivity was in charge of protecting the younger children. "Fooey."

Hand coming to the shorter girl's shoulder again, Handlebarb consoled, "Aw, don't worry about it. You know I'm still game for any mad science mayhem, right~?" Her other hand formed a trigger finger as she clicked her tongue Wren's way.

Appreciatively, Wren looked up at the other girl, her own hand lighting on the one on her shoulder. True. Handlebarb not only enjoyed her willingness to use her more dangerous mathematics on helping her perform wilder and wilder stunts, but her daredevil attitude meant she was also more than willing to go along with some of Wren's less-than-ethical experiments.

"Hee hee! Right! In that case, let us return to the idea of converting the jungle gym into a lightning-powered vert ramp!" Her free hand jutted upward in an enthusiastic point.

Now just holding hands out of excitement, like wanting to pull each other but too matched in their running, the two darted off back across the playground with twin grins.

Watching them go, Jason then turned his gaze back to Angel, unsure what emotion to display.

Angel's smile turned kind once more. "Now then. Where were we?" With a few more short swings, they'd hoisted themselves to the poles' apex and gotten hold of the top bar. From here it was only a couple of well-executed lateral bar gymnastic moves before the black-haired kid was seated atop the entire swingset. Legs kicking minutely, Angel turned their head and gave a coy, "Ta-daaa~..!"

Endeared, Jason smiled back just a little. Yeah. This felt a bit more special when it was just for him. Was that what he wanted? To keep Angel's attention for himself? At the very least, giving them a chance didn't seem like such a bad idea.

"Hey. Thanks for...backing me up back there. I don't know why I lied like that."

"Psh. Not the first time I've covered for a kid. I ask for other kids' recommended cover stories on my paperwork. But really? Happy to do it. That was kind of annoying. And I did say I was trying to get to know you." A small scoff as Angel looked to the side. "Trust me, I already know more than enough about Wren..."

Jason reached to hold one arm awkwardly. "Heh heh...yeah. It sounded like you've got some history there..." Face pinching in some concern, the blonde then noted, "Are you sure that's really safe, though..? I mean you are breaking every regulation in the swingset code section of the playground safety manual...and that stuff you said about cracking your head open..."

Gasping in fake shock, a hand flew to Angel's chest. "Me? Fall? You mean like...w-woah..!" Wobbling, they rocked back and forth. "This~?" All at once, they swung backwards fully.

"Aaaaagh!" Eyes bulging, Jason tensed immediately and dove forward in preparation to catch a falling body. However, he only found himself faceplanting in the dirt. Lifting his head confused, he stared between his empty hands and then behind him, sure he must have missed and let the unthinkable happen. His breath quickened in a fresh sting of panic, and his brow furrowed in further confusion when there were no splattered brains behind him. Only having one option left, he looked up to find Angel still overhead, hands poised daintily under their chin as they smiled down at him and dangled from their knees.

Rolling over and pushing up on his hands, Jason was cross in an instant. "Not funny!" he shouted.

Blinking, Angel hadn't realized the other would take the joke so seriously.

Unable to help emotional tears forming at the corners of his eyes, Jason bit sharply, "I mean it! Do you have any idea what it would mean if I let a kid get hurt on my watch?! A kid I let do something so dangerous?!" Hands clawed, he looked at them as he could only picture them covered in stray bits of gore.

Brow pinched in regret, Angel held their palms forward in consolation. "Jason. Jason, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I'd given you second thoughts like that. I thought you were still having fun with this. Jason, look at me. Look at my eyes. Breathe. Breeeaaaathe..!"

Indeed looking up when he was called, Jason met Angel's soft, concerned gaze and obeyed automatically, matching the motions when the caretaker motioned long, steady breaths. They were shaky from the boy on the ground, but he weirdly felt himself coming back from the edge of a nervous breakdown. He was still upset with the other, but the calming techniques were effective.

Wiping his eyes gruffly with the back of his hand, Jason then pouted up at the dangling party. He felt stupid for trying to call Angel's bluff, and even letting them get all the way up there. For feeling like this was anything worth sharing. Angel just continued to assure, "I'm fine. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry. Everything is fine. You're not letting me get hurt. Just keep breathing."

Another moment of sniffs and regaining control before Jason felt recovered enough. Sensing the boy was returning to normal, Angel offered, "I really mean it, Jason. I'm super sorry. I should have known how important stuff like that was to you. Of course thinking about it would be scary."

Having drawn his knees up and placed his arms on top of them, Jason's eyes were lowered off to the side. "Yeah, well..." he sulked, but still wondering, "How are you supposed to really get down from there anyway..? Am I supposed to call the fire department for you..?"

Forgiving the bitter sarcasm, Angel hemmed and supposed it was better for the both of them if they returned to the ground. "No, that's not necessary. Move back a bit, please. I'll be down in a jiffy. Safely. I promise."

Holding onto his pout, refusing to show outwardly that the words were a welcome comfort, Jason stood, dusted his shorts and moved out of the way as requested. Arms folded anew, he watched warily as Angel realigned themselves and reached for the plastic-coated chains of one swing. Perfectly between them, they released the bar from their knees and performed a neat flip with the chains in their fists, pausing poised with their arms out sideways and one knee drawn up. Unable to help it, Jason's brow went up a degree in impress. The kid really did know a thing or two about gymnastics. And they looked...pretty cool.

Beaming softly, Angel let themselves slide down the fisted chains until they sat neatly on the swing below. "And there we go. Ta-da." Fanning their fingers around the chains, they waved them in minute jazz hands of shame.

Looking away again, the corner of his lips tugging, Jason just went, "Mm."

Angel let a breath out their nose. "Sorry if I ruined things. I was just excited to be having fun with you, and I guess I didn't think. I promise I'd never want to scare you on purpose, and I'll never do something like that again, but I'll also understand if you don't want to talk to me now." Shifting in a spot of discomfort, they rolled onto one hip and pulled the hem of their shirt dress up a bit to try and inspect the back of their thigh. "Aaaand there's the other big regret." Reaching into their pocket, they pulled out the little bottle of aloe. "I swear, this thing trades for itself."

Watching Angel awkwardly trying to lift themselves enough to apply ointment to their burns and keep their hem out of the way, Jason sighed, his duty to help out prevailing.

"Here," he offered, "Just stand up. I'll hold your dress for you."

Pausing, Angel then modestly clasped their hands around the small bottle and stood graciously, smiling in gratitude. "Really? Auh. Such a gentleman...thank you."

"Yeah, yeah..." As Angel came to him and turned around, Jason just reached to pull the loose hem back away from the spectacled kid's legs. Standing there holding it like a short wedding train, he let his gaze hold off into the distance at nothing, just wondering himself if he was mad enough to let a misstep like this ruin everything like had been suggested. Angel was clearly sorry. And they'd been so quick to actually help Jason through his emotional spike when they recognized there was a problem. In a way, that in itself was nice. Everyone else Jason knew tended to let him spiral through his emotions alone. And he guessed he was still curious about this whole 'liking him' thing. Did Jason's outburst effect that at all..? He was pretty sure he was burnt out on new experiences for today, but maybe he could still go for another chance. He understood being excited and getting a little careless. He did that all the time. It had probably effected his decision to be so loose with Angel in the first place.

"Okay, all done," Angel notified, and Jason let their hem go at the signal. Turning around, Angel rubbed the back of their neck and admitted, "For what it's worth, you haven't done a thing that makes me like you less. That trick was my fault anyway. I still...wanna get to know you more. If you want to let me?"

Jason looked at them, holding their hands clasped hopefully, their face so apologetic and equally hopeful, and couldn't help caving. It was a messy start, but he could tell Angel was well-intentioned. And if he hadn't scared Angel off by being emotionally explosive, then he supposed it was only fair to say Angel shouldn't scare him away with a minor slip of consideration. He wanted to see if this could really work out.

"Alright. No acrobatics more than three feet off the ground, and you got yourself a deal," he proposed sternly, then offering forward a professional handshake.

Giving a small gasp of delight, Angel's entire face lit up. "Oooo, you got it~!" they agreed readily, and rather than take the handshake, came forward for a full-on hug, one foot popped out behind them. They were just too happy to hear they were being forgiven! They were going to be so extra careful not to scare Jason away with poor taste. They just felt like they could help this boy, and were so drawn to him. It would be a shame to finally make contact and have to stop after one afternoon.

Face flushed, Jason stared at the back of Angel's head, his hand still outstretched after being ignored. Glancing off in the other direction somewhere, he cleared his throat and moved that hand to pat Angel's back awkwardly a couple times. Honestly, he wasn't really sure what the protocol for hugs was.

Pulling back, Angel's face was also aglow as they held Jason by the shoulders. "Before we decide anything else, I'm going to ask you one more time. Tomorrow. Before you have plans. Have snacktime with me~?"

Face still slack, not used to such forward affection, or...affection at all, really, Jason was a bit overwhelmed again. Processing the question, however, he had to give a small tut at being asked this for a third time.

"Uh. Okay?" he granted, "Tomorrow for sure."

…

True to his word, the next day Jason found Angel waiting for him in the central hub of the Creek, the Trading Tree clearing, waiting for him with a degree of doubtful apprehension, but lighting up when Jason approached with a somewhat bashful wave of his own. Gladly, Angel offered palm toward the rock next to theirs, not minding at all when Jason wasted no time in complaining about how his fellow scouts had been teasing him again about coming to meet up with Angel. Angel chuckled, letting him vent, and said his friends were probably just trying to be supportive in their own way. Jason pouted, but admitted yeah, he didn't exactly have a tight friend circle outside his troop, so he was pretty lonely. Brushing past the comment as though it were simply matter-of-fact, Jason then asked about what Angel brought for a snack.

Respectfully, Angel took note of the comment, but didn't pry as they instead pulled out their snack to compare. They grinned as they'd both brought chips, but today Angel's choice of flavor was an incredibly spicy one. After some light chatter about taste and some goading, they ended up swapping a few chips, and in no time, Jason was rushing to the Trading Tree counter, pounding it in desperation as he flopped over it and begged Kit for an emergency milk trade. Quite evidently, Angel had a far greater tolerance for hot foods. They knew it was maybe a little rude, but they hid their smile behind a hand as they couldn't help finding the dramatic reaction endearing.

Luckily, Jason lived. He returned chugging a milk carton messily and ready to complain again, claiming Angel had set him up on purpose. Angel let him whine again, not minding, then when it was their turn to speak, simply apologized, said they really didn't think it would be that bad, and complimented Jason on knowing milk would be the most effective remedy. Most kids assumed it was water.

Caught off-guard by the complimentary response, Jason's cheeks tinted and the wind left his sails in a hurry. Now he felt kind of bad for accusing. Flustering, he just insisted, "O-Of course! I learn all sorts of stuff as a scout!"

From here they talked a bit more about their interests, Angel learning that Jason liked scouting because of all the things he was taught, especially regarding self care, which was another nugget Angel tucked away for later. On the other end, Jason learned that Angel's mother worked in a maternity ward and they'd learned a lot about caregiving from her, though also doing their own research because they'd formed a natural interest on their own. They just liked helping out, something Jason easily related to. Both could agree it just made them feel good to do good.

Days passed, and Jason and Angel continued to meet up now and again. For the blonde boy, it became something he looked forward to as a break from the routine of scout patrol. It was nice to have someone outside the troop to talk to. Someone who he would consider a friend. For Angel, they were just happy to see Jason appeared to be as invested in their meet-ups as they were. There had hardly been a quiet moment in conversation when they were together, and their companionship had fast become comfortable. The pair would discuss anything from their opinions on fellow Creek kids, to their favorite shows and animals, to who would win in a war against aliens.

Along the way, Angel had picked up some clues about why Jason was the way he was. Most kids thought he was arrogant, pushy, and just a bit of an overall rump, but Angel wasn't seeing it. They continued to see an excitable boy trying his best, and a lot of it was obvious from throwaway lines the boy dropped casually. He didn't seem to mind sharing about himself as they became more familiar, but some of the things he deemed to be normal, or even deemed unusual, continued to be worrying. It made Angel wonder what the stuff he hadn't wanted to "put Angel out" with could be.

As such, Angel chose to step in and use some of their caretaking knowledge when they could. If anything, it seemed what Jason lacked most in his life besides validation was help.

It was almost inevitable, but another day came where Jason had forgotten his lunch. He was actually hanging out with Angel at the daycare, not minding so much when he knew his presence wasn't being extorted. In fact, he discovered he even kind of liked hanging around younger kids because he had something to offer them. They liked hearing his trivia knowledge, mostly about nature, and he liked having an audience. At present, he was crouched in front of a girl named Kadesha with a bulbous, pink and white flower. He explained, "See? This is the kind of flower that a four leaf clover can make. It's not lucky, but you know what is cool about it?"

"What? What?!" the dark-skinned girl with poofy pigtails gasped, pressing both palms to her cheeks.

"You can actually eat them..!"

A longer, sharper intake of breath from Kadesha. "No waaaay..! You can eat flowers?!"

"Some flowers," Jason corrected, holding up a knowing finger. Then pinching some of the pitcher-shaped petals on the clover, he plucked them off and held them up for the girl to inspect. "Clovers are actually pretty tasty though. They mostly have a pretty good zing, but see these pouches at the bottom of the petal? Those have nectar, which make them have a sweet aftertaste."

"Oooo!" Excitedly, Kadesha clenched her fists. "I'm gonna find and eat all the clovers! Thanks, Uncle Jason! You're so smart!"

Blushing, Jason bristled some and insisted, "I'm not your uncle..!"

"No," Kadesha reasoned, "Not my uncle. But you come to Angel's place and help out sometimes, so that means they're like the daycare dad, and you're like the uncle..! Duh." Putting her arms out like a plane, she mimicked a motor as she darted off without warning.

Jason barely got a sound of indignation out of his throat before he was abandoned. Blushing as he was unable to argue, he just grumbled vaguely before letting his eyes slide back to the clover he held. His stomach growled. Lips wavering, he then poked his tongue out to collect the loose petals pinched between his fingers, chewing them for a few seconds before giving in and popping the entire flower in his mouth, the stem dangling from between his lips like a sad lollipop as he sulked.

Behind him, Angel approached the crouching boy. "Okay, as sweet as that was to watch, I know I just heard a tummy growl."

Blushing indignantly, Jason twisted his head sharply. "H-Hey! Who are you calling sweet?"

Crouching next to him, Angel reached an index forward to gently poke Jason's nose. "You, sweetie. Obviously. You have such a way with the little ones~." Enjoying the further frazzle on Jason's face as he clearly had mixed feelings about the accusation, Angel pressed, "But seriously, neat little trivia bits aside, I don't think you're eating wild plants by choice. You know you've got to take care of yourself before you can take care of others."

"Ha! Shows what you know!" Jason defended smugly, "As a scout, I know all about living off the land! I'm just...making use of my expert skills so they don't get rusty!" Like proving a point, he put his hands in the grass and began shuffling them around, pretending he was foraging despite there clearly being nothing worth it there.

Face flat, Angel tipped their head a degree and bluntly challenged, "Mmm, more like...you forgot your lunch again. Didn't you."

Frowning, Jason's hands paused and one came to his gut in guilt.

With a light, knowing sigh, Angel grabbed Jason's wrist and stood with him. "Come on..."

Shortly, Jason had been led to the plastic pink playhouse acting as Angel's office, the black-haired kid coming out of it with a bagged sandwich and a Thermos in hand. "Here," they said matter-of-factly to the boy tentatively holding one wrist. As Jason stared in continued guilt at the offered items, Angel insisted, "I knew this was going to happen eventually. I've been packing extra for when it did."

A sudden thought came and they did pull the food back a minor degree. "Oh..! You don't have any allergies though, right? Because I can totally adjust if you do."

"N-No," Jason admitted, "I'm not allergic to anything."

"Okay, good," Angel smiled with relief, shoving the items back forward, "They are emergency rations, so I did go super basic, but I hope you like peanut butter and homemade banana spread with a mango-carrot smoothie."

Blushing more at how that did not sound entirely super basic, but unable to deny the hunger when his stomach voiced its complaints in the face of these offerings, Jason reached to accept the food. "It's fine. I'm not that picky. But it actually sounds really good. Th...thank you. You really don't have to worry about me, though."

With another light hem, Angel reminded, "I told you, Jason, there is plenty to go around. And I want to worry about you..!" Seeing Jason's cheeks darken further as he looked down, Angel smiled softly, "It's what you do when you care about someone."

That comment stung a little for Jason. Eyes still groundward, he lamented, "Gee. I wish my dad thought like you. Or step-mom..."

"Me too," Angel nodded. They'd certainly felt that Jason came from a decidedly inattentive home, and there had been bits and pieces shared as the two became familiar, but this was the first time Jason had openly admitted something amiss about his folks. It showed that Jason felt comfortable enough around Angel to consider them more than strangers and open up. For that, Angel was glad.

Opening the sandwich bag and ravenously tearing in, Jason spoke with his cheeks full. "I mean it. Sometimes I don't think either of them care at all..! If my dad's not treating me like a trophy to his coworkers, I might as well be tucked away in the closet..! And I don't think I even exist to my step-mom most of the time. Maybe as a maid. She's always off doing dog show stuff anyway. Neither one is home most of the time, actually, but when they are, the most I hear Step-Mom say about me is if I missed a chore or something. They tend to argue about me a lot. And their own chores. Like if Dad said he'd shovel the walk for Step-Mom's car but he doesn't do it quick enough, she gets mad. I find it easier to just do it instead of listen to the yelling. For everything, really." Having wolfed down half the sandwich, he opened the Thermos and gulped heavily from the contents. "Wow, these are good."

Far more invested in the way the boy had been opening up, Angel could hardly believe they were brushing off a compliment, but did. "I'm glad. Eat up. Jason, you do all the chores at your house..?" It sounded like out of intimidation, Jason had ended up just taking over all of the housekeeping.

"Sure, why? How many do you have?"

Once again, the neutral tone as though this was completely normal threw Angel off. Warily, they admitted, "Well...aside from keeping my room clean..? Like...one."

Jason blinked.

Cheeks pinching, Angel grabbed their upper arm in a tense shrug as they reluctantly revealed, "I do the laundry before Mom gets home. Then we usually cook together. Unless I have to remind her we need to eat. Then we usually have takeout."

"Oh. You cook with her, too..?" Jason noted, "That sounds...nice."

Feeling very bad about having such a drastically better relationship with a parental figure, Angel rubbed the back of their neck. "Oh. It is. You could...come over and cook with us sometime, if you wanted." It only felt right to offer.

Brow raising, cheeks full again, Jason blinked. "Really? You'd want me at your house? Like to hang out?"

Wondering why it sounded like an alien concept to the other, Angel confirmed, "Yeah. I think it'd be fun. You could probably even stay over if you wanted. We don't usually have guests, but my mom is a very enthusiastic host."

Face lighting up, Jason then glanced to the side as a fresh thought came to mind, and his lips slanted a bit awkwardly as he ventured, "Um...I know it's probably really awkward to ask...but if your mom likes letting kids stay over...do you think she'd mind sometimes if I made you an emergency contact..?"

It was Angel's turn to raise their brow. This was a sudden ask indeed.

"Yeah..." Jason recognized that, eyes sliding away once more. "See, it's not just my lunch I forget sometimes...sometimes it's also my keys. And well, usually I'm set thanks to Boris and Tony if I get locked out, but well, it's already happened once that I've had to ask Craig when they were unavailable so..." He twiddled his fingers some. "I just thought it'd be maybe better if I could have a backup that I actually liked." Then hurrying to pave that over, he crushed his eyes shut and insisted sharply, "But obviously I don't want to impose! I know that'd be a big thing to ask, so of course even if it's not even a guarantee I'd need it, I won't ask you to accept any unnecessary conditional responsibilities!"

Putting their palms up at how hard Jason retracted the question when Angel hadn't even said anything, Angel consoled, "Woah, woah, Jason..! Backpedal a scooch. Breathe, please." Their hands shifted to form illustrative points.

Opening his eyes, Jason watched the spreading index fingers, and inhaled along with them, then glancing up to Angel's eyes, which were soft to match their kind smile. Seeing the blonde relax, Angel then reached forward and put a hand on the taller boy's shoulder.

"I'll ask my mom if it's okay. Okay?" Angel reasoned, "It's really not that big a deal. I mean she already knows who you are."

"She does..?"

A tut. "Of course. I'm a gossip. You think I haven't told her about the cute boy I'm hanging out with~?"

On cue, Jason's face saturated. Angel chuckled, glad to steer Jason's mind away from any dark places.

Glancing to look at the younger kids, Angel beamed to find them all playing with toys in a sluggish sort of state, clearly ready for naptime. Right on schedule.

"Give me ooone moment," they indicated with an index finger before slipping away from Jason. Stepping over to the cluster of kids, Angel clapped their hands twice to get their attention.

"Alright, everyone~!" they announced, "It's time to wrap up Free Play and get ready for our naps. Mr. Toybox is getting hungry for his toys back, so what time does that make it..?"

Three of five children lifted their toys aloft. "Time to feed Mr. Toybox!" They cheered, and darted to deposit their playthings back into storage. One remaining child, Kadesha, was sleepily clinging to a toy truck loaded up with plucked clovers. Beside her was a quiet girl who was seemingly always sleeping, Capri.

"Nooooo..!" Kadesha whined, trying to keep rolling the truck despite her fluttering eyelids, "Capri and me aren't done..! I hit her and I gotta get her to a hop-sital..."

Chuckling slightly at the less-than-cute scenario, finding it endearing, Angel pressed their palms together by their cheek. "Well, maybe you can play hospital after your nap..! Look, the others are already lining their mats up, just like an emergency ward." Offering a palm behind them, Angel showcased the other children obediently getting prepared for naptime. "And you know, the faster you get through naptime, the faster you get to have a juicebox~..!"

Only partially enticed, Kadesha kept nudging her truck into the limp Capri's stomach. "Hmmmm...maybe..."

"Would it help if I was the ambulance driver?" Angel offered, crouching in preparation to carry Capri.

"Yes," Kadesha granted, "But then what about me? Capri's a giant and she smashed up my truck so I need a tow truck for my truck if I'm not going to a hop-sital, and I don't wanna go to a hop-sital if a am-boo-lance is already going there. Pthhhh."

In the moment of silence where Angel pondered on an ideal scenario to get both girls to their sleeping mats, Jason stepped up swiftly with an air of urgency.

"Oh, no, you definitely have to go to the hospital!" he informed, causing Kadesha to gasp.

"I do?"

Jason nodded. "It's a well-known fact that anyone driving a truck also gets injured if they hit something. Especially a giant something! And thanks to this first aid badge..." Here he pointedly pulled at his sash and indicated a patch with a smiling bandage on it. "I can clearly tell you're suffering from major internal...uh...contortionisms! So you gotta get checked out too. This is clearly a two ambulance job!"

Bowing, he picked up the small girl in a single swoop. Giggling as she was held aloft, Kadesha then grabbed at her throat in mock chocking as Jason lowered her to hold her in a carry.

"Oh no..! It's true..! I've got...the contorbulisms..!" She went limp in the blonde boy's arms as he carried her over to the sleeping area and kicked out a mat for her with his foot.

Laying her down, he informed, "Yup. And no moving while you're in surgery. It's the rules. You don't wanna break the rules and end up with your insides even more scrambled, do ya?"

"Nuh-uh!" Kadesha shook her head vigorously. "I don't even like scrambled eggs." Gasping to notice she just moved, she quickly grabbed the blanket Jason was giving her and pulled it up over her head, going totally still. "Shhhh! I'm in a operation..!"

Carrying Capri behind him, Angel couldn't stop smiling at Jason. So helpful...and no matter what he said, truly, he was so, so sweet.

With all of the children successfully down for their naps, Angel pranced swiftly to Jason's side and grabbed his shoulders, coming in for a cheek to cheek hug of sorts. "Auh. Jason. You are a babe! I swear you just saved me like five whole minutes of negotiation."

Eyes refusing to look anywhere near Angel, heavily frazzled by the affectionate words and gesture, Jason responded modestly, "Yeah, well...it's the least I could do. I was already helping you out and like...I owe you for the lunch."

Stepping back, Angel scoffed. "No way, you do not owe me..! If anything, I owe you for being such a perfect, helpful...well, angel..!" A soft snicker. "So did you finish..?" A glance up and down of the other, wondering where the bag and Thermos were.

Having given a soft tut at the quip, Jason then perked and informed, "Oh. Yeah. I took the liberty of putting the stuff back in your lunchbox." He pointed toward the plastic playhouse. "Also I tidied up your desk while I was in there."

Fanned fingers to their collar, surprised Jason had even found the time in the couple of minutes he'd been to himself, Angel was again wowed by Jason's very nature. He was either overly emotional and volatile, or he was bending over backwards to please. What a curious, complex boy.

"Jason, stop," Angel ordered, causing a confused blink from the blonde, "We're friends. You aren't imposing in any way. You can treat me just like you would Tony or Boris. Unless...you are like this around them..?"

Fingers twiddling again, Jason admitted, "Well...yeah. If I'm staying at their places. A scout always honors their host. But also I...kinda want to be nicer to you than those guys...and I don't really know any other way to be nice...you know, because a scout always helps out..." Scratching behind one ear, the boy in uniform turned his head and looked off into nowhere with this admission.

Simultaneously, Angel was flattered and felt a pang of sorrow for the boy. Palm pressed over their heart, Angel was so touched to hear that they could inspire tenderness in Jason. Jason really must have been enjoying their hangouts. Maybe he even felt Angel was a little special to want to give him special treatment..? It was true, regarding his scout friends, he tended to be more on the curt side, letting those emotional bursts happen more frequently. Angel was glad that it appeared their own presence had a soothing effect on the blonde, but they hoped Jason wasn't bottling for their sake. The sorrow came from that the only way Jason claimed to know how to be nice was to basically do all of Angel's work for them. Helping out seemed to translate to placation as much as it did seeking validation. For Jason, if he wanted to prove himself, he did work, wanted or not. There was a fight? He did chores. He wanted kids' attention? He did chores. He wanted to apologize? He did chores. He wanted to be nice? He did chores.

"Jason, I say this with kindness, but...I think you need to get out more."

Eyes widening, Jason just gave a short, "Huh..?"

Slanting their hips, Angel raised a hand and confirmed, "Forget all those rules for a bit..! Live a little. You know..? It sounds like you've been so strangled by rules your whole life you're using them as your emotions. That can't be healthy."

Unexpectedly, Jason bristled quite strongly at this. "Hey! Rules are great! They're reliable, and always have the answer when you don't have anyone to ask! Maybe I don't always agree with them, but it's still better to follow them than face the consequences. Rules keep you safe!" Faltering a little, thinking back on how that mindset had left him so alone, however, he had to admit, "But okay, I don't think other kids really appreciate me trying to share that too much. I try to be fair, but it still just feels like they all think I'm a tattletale, or I'm trying to be their moms. All I ever wanted was some respect. Just a little recognition for trying to do the right thing. I'm always trying, but nobody cares about the things I do. It feels like my parents are right when they don't care either."

Crossing his arms defensively, Jason glared off to the side and ignored the tears beading in his eyes. Stupid emotions. There they went bubbling up again. He wished he could keep them under control. The angry ones and the sad ones especially. At the very least, he shouldn't be making a scene in front of someone he wanted to like him.

He twitched when he felt two hands land gingerly on his shoulder and atop his head, and his gaze flicked to register Angel sending him a very sorrowful look. Biting back the tears harder, Jason just shuddered, "I'm...sorry."

"Don't be," Angel insisted evenly, "Jason, nobody is right to make you feel that way. Oh my gosh, I see it now. You spend all this time following scout stuff so closely because the scouts are the only guidance you ever found to teach you, but then the kids all don't care, your own parents don't care...of course it gets to you. Of course you act out and explode sometimes. I know you show off your badges all the time because you just want someone to be proud and share in your excitement, but jeez, this goes way deeper than badges."

Tears streaming openly down his face as he failed to keep them even close to at bay, Jason resonated with each and every single word at his core. Hearing someone put into words everything he'd ever been feeling and was unable to figure out for himself, feeling those tender soothing touches and seeing such a sincere wish to help him...he broke.

"It dooooes!" Jason wailed, throwing himself forward and clutching at Angel's shoulders, he openly started to sob against their chest. "And badges are all I have! I'm so lonely! Why won't anyone ever tell me they're proud?! Why doesn't anyone love me?!"

With a glance across the yard to the sleeping kids, Angel wrapped one arm around Jason's back and stepped backwards as they guided the sobbing boy towards the playhouse. With their free hand, they pulled out their phone.

"Yeah, hey, Sparkles. Do you mind covering the second half of my shift? I've got an emergency situation that needs some immediate TLC..."

With Sparkle Cadet taking Angel's place, Angel escorted Jason from the playhouse they'd simply been sitting with him in, holding him and letting him cry. Exchanging grim expressions with the magical girl, and motioning that her bubble wand of positivity would likely not be helpful here, Angel then did their best to shelter Jason from any path that would lead them through the public. Jason didn't seem to care that he was walking, just following blindly as he clung to Angel.

As it was a rather secluded and serene spot, Angel chose the Ninja Waterfall as their destination. The three ninja kids stood in arms to see intruders to their domicile, but immediately backed down upon registering Angel's sharp glare and the still-sobbing boy they held protectively.

Not heartless, and feeling incredibly awkward, Yustice, the head ninja, ordered her fellow warriors to grant the pair their meditation space and quickly fled.

Jason felt himself sat down once more, having only vaguely registered that he'd been transported to the falls. Looking up, sniffling, he confirmed that the scenery was now lush and tranquil, cherry trees whispering softly as far as he could see, and the creek calmly pouring itself over the edge of the short cliff he now sat atop, Angel still holding him. One arm was around his back, rubbing soothingly as Angel held one of his hands in their lap and let him feel what he needed to.

With the hand Angel was not holding, Jason was fisting the other kid's collar. He let his head bow back down to burrow against the spectacled kid's shoulder. He didn't deserve this. Why was Angel doing this? How did Angel always seem to know just what to do? Jason wanted to wallow in his misery alone, like he was used to, and stop bothering such a kind soul with his stupid tears, but as ever, something about Angel's simple presence was inviting and made him not want to leave their side. That presence invited Jason to cry as much as he needed, assured him this was a safe space to do so, and even calmed him to the point where he didn't feel like crying so much in the first place. Angel had picked such a calm, isolated, pressure-free spot, too, matching their very demeanor. Jason was surrounded by a bubble of peace, and couldn't help wanting to match it.

Patiently, Angel weathered the emotional storm. Slowly, as the minutes passed, he felt Jason shudder less and less, his sobs becoming breathy hitches, and then slowing to resemble something of a normal pattern of inhales.

Then, unbelievably, Jason was the first to speak, and his first words were, "S-Sorry...I've never cried like that. And not on anyone, either. I got boogers all over your dress. I...I can wash it for you."

Closing their eyes briefly, Angel let out a short 'mh' in frustration, but collected themselves in reminder that this boy clearly needed a different approach. Most notably, he needed it thoroughly hammered in that he wasn't worthless.

"You've seen what Nathan can do," Angel informed calmly, referring to the child they watched that was famous for constantly leaking snot, "The dress has seen worse. It can deal. And you...you clearly needed to cry like that."

Looking down, lips spreading grimly, Jason mumbled, "My dad always says to suck stuff like that up..."

Brow firming, Angel reached for the other's chin and forced him to face them. "You are an emotional boy, Jason, and emotions are necessary, helpful things. Do not let anyone tell you how to feel."

Stunned, Jason felt a light swell he'd never had before come in behind his ribs. He felt...supported? Never had anyone given him such a firm affirmation. On anything.

Seeing no argument, Angel gave a single curt nod. Then their expression softened and they let Jason's face go. "So, I'm not going to tell you how to feel, but I am going to ask how you're feeling." Once more, they let the hand behind Jason run up and down his slumped back, the blonde boy slouching and putting both hands on crossed legs as he took a hesitant turn away from the other. His eyes scanned the grass, the creek, the petals dancing through each, not even sure.

Once he'd taken a moment to analyze, thankfully not feeling pressured by Angel, Jason supposed, "I guess I'm feeling...better..?"

"That's a good start," Angel beamed, "Anything else?"

"I feel...like you're too nice. And no one else wants to hear my problems, so I shouldn't bother you with them. Because I want you to like me."

"Hm. Well too bad for you, I already like you," Angel hummed with a tiny hint of playfulness, but honestly informed, "And if you find someone who likes you, that's exactly who you should bother. I told you, I can handle it. I'm built for baggage, sweetie. Lay it on me."

Unable to prevent a minuscule tut at the rather blunt insist, Jason fidgeted, still feeling so unnatural to have someone so attentive when he spoke. Even when he'd poured his heart out to Craig, having felt he needed to explain something about his situation after burdening his family by needing to stay over, that boy had been dismissive at best for most of it.

"Okay..? Well. All that stuff you said..? I think you're right. All I want is someone to be proud of me. To just smile and be happy for me when I earn a badge or something. Maybe give me a little salute as thanks when I'm out patrolling. But if my parents don't care about me, and no one else cares about me, then my parents must be right, right? And Craig must be right when he yells at me like them. I must be doing something wrong. I must just not be able to do anything right. I guess there's a reason I'm so alone, huh..?"

Annoyed by the way the blonde spoke about himself, Angel held up a palm to stop him. "Alright," they informed curtly, "I'm going to squash those nasty thoughts right now. Jason, every kid has value. And if your parents can't see it in you, then I'm sorry, that sucks, but they are wrong."

With a small sniffle, Jason looked up to meet Angel's eyes, wondering how the other could sound so...adamant. The way every other kid seemed to echo what his parents thought, including the rival he was supposedly on better terms with now, it seemed impossible that anyone could grant Jason such a basic thing as validating his existence. Did Angel really believe that he was worth the space he took..?

Firmly, Angel nodded. "I know it's crazy, but adults aren't always right. Especially not for making you feel like this! You're not a grade machine..! Or a chore robot..! You're a kid, for Creek's sake! And clearly Craig's idea of helping you with more yelling is only making things worse, so I'm not sure he's the healthiest choice to listen to either..!"

Jason glanced at the grass again, absorbing this and feeling strangely lighter inside his chest. The things Angel said were so simple, and yet they felt so good. Was this really all he needed to hear..? That he was more than he felt boxed into being..?

"As great as it is that you're putting things aside with him," Angel pressed forward, "I just don't think he's qualified. You're not alone otherwise, either. What about Boris and Tony? Aren't they your friends?"

Gaze drifting heavily sideways, Jason twirled a clump of grass blades around his index finger and admitted, "Kinda...I mean they are, but like...they're not friend-friends or anything. They don't 'get' me. We aren't close enough to share stuff like this, and well...if we weren't all Forest Scouts together, I dunno if we ever would've started talking...y'know?"

Offering a tender smile, Angel continued their soothing rubs and noted, "They're still friends. And they are there for you. I've seen it. And you said yourself, they've got you if you need to spend the night. As for this stuff...I guess I should point out the obvious and mention that you have me too..?"

Having to suppose that yes, the two friends he had still counted as friends, even if the condition of their relationship had been circumstantial, Jason then perked and stiffened a bit to hear Angel mention themselves. This was Jason's freshest relationship, but it was also the most ill-defined.

"Um...also kinda...but I don't know what to call you," he mumbled, "A groupie? I know you said you liked me, and I've kinda been liking hanging out with you, but like...you said you liked me for being put-together and stuff. I didn't wanna tell you my problems because I liked that. But you're also like...really comfy and you keep asking, so it feels nice to tell you..? But now you know I'm not what you thought. You sure all this doesn't make you think I'm a loser now?" It only seemed reasonable, that with the facade shattered, Angel would no longer harbor interest in the perfect image they'd had of him, and drift away. Jason had been holding off on any real thoughts about being liked in anticipation of this inevitability.

Eyes closing briefly as they smiled in a spot of disbelief, Angel let out a cross between a scoff and a tut. They felt perhaps a touch rude for doing so, but couldn't help a hint of amusement over the notion. Wanting nothing more than to dash Jason's insecurities, they reached their free hand forward again to light on Jason's nearest butterflied knee.

"What? Of course not! Every kid has their issues, Jason. I'm not going to judge you for yours. If anything, I'm excited that I can help you!"

Blinking, Jason felt a fresh stir of butterflies in his belly, something he'd had increasing experience with around this kid, but still these ones were different. They were unfiltered, like weights of worry had been lifted from their wings, and felt so pure.

Earnestly, Angel's brow creased upward and they reasoned, "Look, the thing I like most about you..? It's that you always try your best. Maybe more than any kid I've ever seen. Maybe you go overboard sometimes, but it's because you really care about your goals. And trying your best, well...that's all anyone can ask. I'm sorry if I made you think any different."

Staring at the other, Jason felt his cheeks heat heavily now, and his eyes threatening to mist up all over. Angel really didn't mind about all this ugly stuff..? They still liked him? They liked him so long as he held onto his fighting spirit, and they admired him for it...

Taking a deep, bracing inhale to prevent himself from getting snivelly again, Jason re-opened his eyes boldly and gave a matching smile. He felt so inspired. Flattered and encouraged to keep moving forward. He had no idea how Angel could be this perfect, but whether he deserved the attention or not, he had it and he appreciated it. He didn't want to let the investment go to waste.

"Pshh!" the blonde brushed off smugly, arms folding, "Like you could destroy my feelings with something like that anyway..! I knew you were always into me. I was just testing you. And well, congratulations! You passed."

Fingertips gracing their lips, Angel chuckled. That was the Jason brand bravado they knew. "Why, thank you," they played along coyly, "I knew I had it in me." The two shared a short giggle, a bit more awkward on Jason's end, before Angel tipped their head and offered, "You know, I really mean it about being able to help you, though. Like, where do you keep your keys?"

Their smile was bright and genuine, and as ever, Jason had a hard time resisting when such sincerity was sent his way. On autopilot, he obeyed to reveal the location by placing a hand to his collar and gripping lightly to indicate he carried his house key around his neck.

"Okay," Angel nodded, "So let me teach you a really simple trick to remember them." Mimicking Jason, they clutched their collar and recited, "Keysie keysie? Squeezie squeezie." Before the other had a chance to respond, they'd already leaned forward and poised their hands in excitement. "Or hey, it doesn't even need to rhyme. Before you leave your house, just repeat any old rhythmic mantra. Liiiike, lunch, keys, bag, phone. Lunch, keys, bag, phone. You won't forget anything. Guaranteed to work once you pick up the habit." Patting themselves down in another demonstration, they then pressed their palms together at a fay angle, Angel beaming brightly at the other and clearly hoping these tips would be useful.

Hands floating to give himself a pat-down in Angel's shadow, Jason's brow raised some to note that...yeah! If he made sure to do something like this before he left, something so simple and akin to playing a quick round of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, then getting locked out or going hungry should be all but impossible!

"That...actually sounds great! I can't believe I never thought of something like that..! Auh, thank you, Angel..! You're a lifesaver!"

With a short chuckle, Angel was glad to see Jason already practicing, repeating his little mantra under his breath as the advice was indeed deemed worthy. "I do my best~."

"Are you sure you haven't been a mom before? Because you always seem to have an answer for everything." That was something moms were supposed to have, or so the boy in braces had heard.

A snort. "I just like passing on the wisdom I pick up from my own," Angel breezed modestly, though secretly enjoying the praise. "Speaking of mom wisdom, though, I feel like I was right about one other thing." Seeing Jason's gaze flick to meet theirs curiously, Angel confirmed, "I still think you need a load off. You spend too much time worrying about pressure and your image and stuff...do something spontaneous for once..!" Glancing to the water, they then glanced back and smirked, "You wanna swim..?"

Fists floating to the kerchief around his neck, Jason fidgeted. "Um...well, having fun sounds nice and all, but I didn't bring any swim trunks, and without them that would be getting way too wet to dry by dinnertime..." In the aftermath of such an emotional outlet, the proposal of a good time was in fact very appealing, and Jason liked to swim. But the thought of his father seeing the state of him, sopping wet and tracking it onto the nice wooden flooring for no other reason than indulgence was intimidating.

Angel's brow creased, sensing some of the reasoning had to be rules related. They could have offered another form of fun, but in their opinion, Jason should not have to feel punished for wanting to spend a moment for himself. For being a kid and letting go for once in his life.

"Your parents..?" they checked with some distaste obvious in their voice.

"Dad, mostly." Jason rubbed the back of his neck. "He loves his mahogany paneling. We can still do something else, though..!" Not wanting to seem unenthusiastic, he shrugged sheepishly at the other.

Face stoic, really starting to resent the way Jason's strict parents had a hold over the blonde boy, Angel stood. "Oh. No. I think you really look like you could use a swim."

Face shifting in uncertainty, Jason wasn't sure what to make of this stern aura. "Erm...but like I said, my dad wouldn't be happy about..."

"Oho, Jason, sweetie..." Angel dismissed with a passive-aggressive chuckle, "I am amazing at excuses. Come here, give me your phone." Their palm extended expectantly, strangely dark smile not wavering.

Even more uncertain, wondering why Angel was so adamant about swimming, Jason hesitated.

Face dropping suddenly into a firm, commanding, quiet rage, Angel ordered, "Phone." They hated to do it, but they felt this last-resort daycare tactic of intimidation would be beneficial for Jason's interest.

Eyes widening, lips thinning, Jason flinched to feel a very familiar sting of authority. Complying, he reached swiftly to grab his phone and hand it over.

"Sorry, sweetie...thank you~..!" Angel beamed apologetically as they tapped into Jason's contact list.

Jason didn't seem entirely consoled, rather confused, and in fact scrambled forward in panic to try and take his phone back when Angel held the phone to their ear and greeted, "Hi, hello, yes. Is this Jason's dad..? Yes, I'm calling because I just want you to know..."

Side-stepping Jason's mad scramble, Angel took a deep readying breath, eyes closed, as they summoned an award-winning performance. Then, all at once, they clutched the phone desperately to their cheek, eyes streaming, hunched with projected emotion as they burst, "Your son is a hero, sir! He just saved my puppy from drowning in practically raging rapids! I couldn't even tell you how many times they both went under! Sir, I have never seen a boy risk his life so readily for another kid's happiness like that! So selfless! I never thought I would see little Scruffles again! Yes. Yes, you should be very proud, sir. I just had to say something on his behalf. Auh, he is so humble to boot. I'll never forget this!"

Pulling their head back from the phone just a bit, they masterfully mimicked a small terrier's bark. Then, fanning their face emotionally, they leaned back in to hold the phone properly and insisted, "Uhn, Scruffles won't forget him, either. Oh, come on, leave the brave hero boy alone...anyway, sir, yes, that was all. Your son is amazing~."

They poked the phone one last time with a flourish to hang up. "Aaaand boop~!" Their voice and demeanor easily switching back to normal just like that. Palming away fake tears, their expression broke into a coy smile as they glanced back at Jason, who was frozen in slack-jawed awe at what he'd just witnessed.

Passing the phone over, Angel quipped, "Well. I think Daddy Bragsalot's going to have plenty to say about it now, but I don't think you're going to be in trouble~. In fact, I'd say it was suspicious if you didn't show up wet. By the way, let me know if you need receipts. I know a girl whose dog I can borrow. I already have some pics pre-saved for the occasion, but I can also do an in-person if needed." Their hand swished conversationally as they explained, tone sounding as though they were discussing their paperwork. Then again, this service was something they provided as part of their work. Jason had just never seen it in action and well...wow!

Taking his phone back on autopilot, Jason was still stunned at how intense that show had been, and the fact that Angel had just used their powers to give him a free pass to mess himself up. In fact, now it was more like Jason had better mess himself up or his father would be suspicious. This was a free ticket to romp as wildly in the water as he wanted. Angel...was so capable...and well and truly had Jason's back.

"I...th-thank you..." was all he managed to stammer dumbly. Hunching, smiling, blushing, not knowing where to look, he professed, "That was...y-you're amazing..."

Smiling bright enough that it reached their eyes, Angel blushed a good bit themselves. Their hands clasped downward in front of them as they experienced a hearty swelling of flutters behind their ribs. It finally seemed like Jason was accepting that he deserved the same as any other kid, and being able to provide that experience just made Angel feel good. As did hearing Jason compliment them so sweetly.

Impishly inspired in the next moment, Angel decided that as a kid, playful was the right mood to adopt themselves. Assuming a tackling pose, they informed, "Well, don't just stand there. You're supposed to be getting wet!"

Rushing forward, they crashed into the boy standing between them and the bank, both kids toppling grandly into the water with a hearty splash. The water here was shallow, but it was plenty enough to wash over them as they landed.

Lying there, pinned to the creek bed and far more soaked as the entire back half of his body was now embedded in water, Jason looked up at the one who had sent him here. Angel was grinning with a distinctly un-angelic aura, and only slightly damp from the landing. After a brief moment absorbing the shock of what had happened to him, Jason felt a rush of boyish energy inspiring him to retaliate.

"You call that soaking someone? I'll show you how to soak someone!" he barked, and grabbed Angel's arms, sitting up and pushing them so that they were the one taking a backwards tumble now. Despite Angel landing practically no differently than he had, Jason declared, "You should really do it like this..!" However, in an added bit of flair, he shook his head wildly, his sopping hair flinging rain down everywhere and mussing heavily in the process.

Arms up in defense, Angel called out in delighted dismay as the droplets pelted them. Then they reached their hands to scoop into the water and desperately fling handfuls of it up at their attacker. This caused Jason to back off, but within the moment, he too was thrashing his arms, using the blades of his hands to drum up sweeping arcs of water to repel and further soak the kid in glasses.

Laughter swelled readily in the air as the game continued. It wasn't long before the two were jumping off the four-foot waterfall into the equally shallow creek below, trying to see who could make the bigger splash landing. Jason hoisted Angel up on his shoulders so the two of them could be taller than the waterfall, and the pair pretended they were one of the Ninja Kids' kaiju monsters attacking the peaceful domain. They did some of their own aquatic fighting moves, mimicking the cartoons they enjoyed and pretending to be able to manipulate the water itself. They moved downstream to where the water became deep enough to swim properly and showed off their best moves to one another. They held a contest over who could hold their breath longest. Jason took hold of Angel once more, by the legs, and swirled them around as they floated on their back.

All in all, it was safe to say the latter half of the afternoon was spent thoroughly drenched in fun. Angel couldn't speak for Jason, but particularly whenever Jason got close to them, it even felt magical.

Eventually, breathless, coming in from the deeper part of the creek and still weakly splashing at one another, the pair paused at about waist-deep as Angel draped their wrists over Jason's shoulders to signal a ceasefire. Jason took it, simply resting his hands on Angel's sides while the two could not stop grinning as they recovered their breath.

Here, in this moment, Angel looked up to meet the taller boy's eyes, face aglow. They were so happy...Jason looked so happy...he looked gorgeous. Disheveled and sopping, a few random cherry blossom petals clinging to him in odd places, but oh so gorgeous.

Without even realizing, Angel was tipping forward a micro degree at a time. Likewise, compelled like a magnet, Jason was finding himself mirroring the other.

Before either of them knew it, their lips had met. Angel's, plump, pouty and soft, Jason's, thin, salty and chapped. Not even fully comprehending why this had happened, the pair stood there frozen under closed eyelids, still feeling their faces heat in tandem now that it had. Something about this tranquil atmosphere, their shared laughter, their exuberance and the company they were keeping just led them to this action. It was instinctual. And it felt...right. Though there was a complete lack of motion or experience in the action, just standing there with their lips pressed against one another's was the sweetest thing either could imagine tasting.

Cautiously, they both blinked their eyes open, peeking at one another like unsure if the other would be scared, feeling a little guilty for the way their lips appeared to have met without asking. Both felt their hearts racing, their faces flush further, and their gazes darted everywhere but at each other when they met and realized they were doing the same thing.

Taking a half-step back in unison, they each took their arms back to themselves and recoiled bashfully. Angel began twisting a wrist in one clutched hand while Jason tucked his own hands firmly underneath his armpits. Mutual throat clearing awkwardly filled the air.

Angel was the first to find their voice properly, certain it was their fault that it had happened in the first place and unable to take not knowing Jason's feelings any longer.

"Sorry," they started graciously, "I don't know about you, but I was really feeling the moment there..."

Feeling as though his face couldn't burn any brighter, Jason meekly acknowledged, "Y-Yeah..."

Blinking, Angel felt a fresh spark jumping in their heart at this feeble agreement. Did that mean Jason..?

"By the way, um. You never did give me an answer...so? Will you be my boyfriend?" Their one hand fisted and the other clenched around their wrist as their shoulders hunched tensely. It felt a little late to be asking the question that had been plaguing their mind practically since they'd met Jason, but it was better to ask after kissing the boy than not to ask at all.

Lips pressing tightly together, Jason felt a fresh eruption of flutters throughout his torso to hear it asked officially. On some level, he'd known it was always there. It was always coming. But he doubted there was a way to prepare for such a question out loud. Nor was it any less nerve-wracking to answer it, though he was sure he'd known his answer for nearly as long as the question had lingered unspoken.

"Yeah. If you'll be my...um. What do you wanna be called? Theyfriend..? Themfriend..?" He did not know any non-binary words for a romantic partner.

Brow raising, Angel managed to find the courage to meet Jason's face. So easy. Just like that. It seemed the two really had been feeling the same pull in that moment. And Jason had said yes!

A relieved and very happy chuckle slipped from Angel's throat, and they moved back in with a rising confidence to throw their arms back around Jason's neck. "Just call me your boo."

Flustered but trying to maintain his cool, Jason accepted the affectionate approach as tensely as always, though trying to match Angel's casual relax by putting his own hands back where they'd been a moment ago. "Haha. Okay...boo."

Then, in a flash of boldness, he became determined to prove his seriousness about the arrangement and leaned forward to peck a firm kiss to Angel's cheek. After everything Angel had done for him, it was the least he could do to accept the proposal right. "I mean it. I like-like you too. I was just...afraid to say it before." Once more his eyes shyly sought anywhere else to look but at the kid in front of him.

Angel's face exhibited stun, but it quickly fell away into a fond, coy smirk. "You really are the sweetest...auh, you are going to make all my teeth hurt..!" Giddy, they pressed their forehead up to nuzzle against the taller boy's, to which Jason obliged and the pair shared a spell of giggles. "And by the way? I'm proud of you. For everything."

Freezing, Jason then found his eyes sliding to meet Angel's properly, the shimmering truth in them undeniable. Melting, Jason smiled back in in his own shimmering swell of appreciation.

Through the moment, the distant, sharp sound of a single sousaphone note tore through the Creek, signaling to all that it was dinnertime.

Sadly, wistfully, the two drenched parties sent each other one more look. It would be nice to stick together and bask in their newfound relationship status, but they were also both pretty tuckered, and since they'd stopped moving so much, they were starting to get cold.

Reaching down to hold one of Jason's hands, Angel asked, "Visit me at snacktime tomorrow~?"

Jason beamed. "The usual. It's a date."

All aflutter, Angel gave one last giggle and darted in to give Jason their own short, vocal peck, theirs more daringly on the lips, before letting go of Jason's hand and turning to wade gracelessly for the shore.

Spending his own moment watching Angel for a second, Jason smiled, so many mixed emotions on his face, but all of them positive. He was in no way going to be that lonely, isolated boy fearing to be wrong and waste space any longer. As he turned his back and headed to the opposite bank to head home, Jason was almost sure that Angel had to have been one of his namesake, sent by the universe to save him from himself.