In the last year, as Everett settled into his interactions with Julien, there were small instances when he stumbled. There were times when he caught himself sitting too close or staring too long; when he came close to reaching up to brush back a soft, brown lock that strayed from Julien’s hair clip; or when he absent-mindedly swung his hand forward, signaling intent to take hold of the artist only to catch himself and bring that hand up to his own face to feign an itch.  Preoccupied with his own missteps, he’d missed the signals exchanged between his friends. Right then, it seemed blatantly obvious. Maddison smoothed Case’s shirt. Case wrapped an arm around Maddison and they were off to the art room.<br/><br/>Everett walked a pace behind them, hoping to provide meager privacy. The two shared a sense of humor. If they were serious, they would have been a good pair. Then again, the two shared a sense of humor. If it was a joke, it was a decidedly unfunny one. Everett chose to take the optimistic route, reassured as they reached the art room and Case promised an explanation. He chose to focus on the glimmer of innocence in that small smile and returned his own wide grin. Everett brought his hand to Case’s shoulder, giving a pair of firm pats as he light-heartedly assured, “That’s an understatement. You’re a massive dick, Case.”<br/><br/>Stepping back, his smile unwavering and eyes alight with relief and devious delight, Everett disappeared toward the art room with a final chuckle, “Pretty sure that’s what we like about you.”<br/><br/>He found Julien waiting for him at the doorway. Everett’s initial approach, eyes cast down at his feet and posture slightly slouched in preparation for the scolding he deserved even if Julien wouldn’t follow through, was offset by the grin he failed to suppress. He bit his bottom lip hard, hoping to keep a straight and solemn face. He would make it up to Julien when their friends weren’t so close and tensely waiting to divulge the secret of Case’s outburst and their—whatever they intended to share. What mattered the most then was that their friendship held firm. Everyone came around and Everett couldn’t quite help looking at Julien with an eager expression as he reached for one of the artist’s hands.<br/><br/>“Mads and Case are coming over,” he explained, beaming. “I told you they’d come around – they’re our friends. And now we can finally—”