That night, Eli fell asleep earlier than anyone because of tiredness. He was given the guest room that Gray and Lily decorated a little to suit Eli and his likes.
Eli looked so peaceful in his sleep, and Gray was happy to see that. Gray gently adjusted the blanket that was covering Eli and turned off the lamp on the side so he could sleep properly.
Though he still opened one of the side lights, so it wasn’t fully dark. He didn’t want the young boy to be scared if he ever woke up in the middle of the night.
"Goodnight, Eli," he whispered, even though Eli was already asleep.
"Goodnight, Eli," Lily also whispered from the side.
When Gray stepped out, Selina was already waiting in the hallway. She didn’t bother to go inside.
"Brother, I’ll go to my room now! I have sothing to do!" Lily quickly bid them goodbye before running off to her room, leaving Gray and Selina alone.
Gray just shook his head. For sure, Lily was just going to play online. He rembered that she had been talking about this Boblox ga everyti.
"Is he asleep?" Selina asked softly as she greeted the two.
"Yeah." Gray nodded.
"That’s good," She chuckled lightly. "He did really well today. I’m happy that he has gotten used to the place quickly."
"Yeah. I know, right?" Gray chuckled. He sighed. It has been a long day, and they experienced a lot to get through this day. However, despite those, he could say that it was worth it.
Selina reached out to him and gave him a sweet smile. Afterward, she pulled his hand and gently guided her to the living room.
In there, they were greeted by Mara, who was sitting on the sofa. Mara quickly stood up when she noticed the two. She swallowed and put on a forced smile on her face, especially when she saw them hand-to-hand with one another.
"Hi..." she greeted the two with a low voice. She kept the smile on her face when Selina and Gray stopped just in front of her.
"It’s getting late. I should be going now." She muttered. "But don’t worry. I’ll co by tomorrow. Just in case you need help."
"Right. We held you up so late. Sorry."
"No, it’s fine," Mara chuckled.
"But thank you for your ti. I really appreciate it." Gray replied to her sincerely.
"No worries."
Selina also stepped up. She suddenly hugged Mara, which made Mara’s eyes widen. But after a few seconds, she hugged her back.
"Thank you for today, Mara."
"It’s fine, Selina." That was all she could say.
After a few more talks here and there, Mara also left them.
- - -
The next morning, Eli woke up before everyone else.
"Yawn~" He sat up slowly and rubbed both of his eyes. He looked around, and his eyes imdiately widened when he realized that his surroundings were unfamiliar to him.
"Where am I?" He panicked. However, after a few seconds, it hit him.
"Right..."
He was in his new ho.
With that thought, a small smile rose to his lips. He still couldn’t believe that he got a new ho now! And it’s also with Gray! He really likes the man. He felt as if he really had a family now!
Eli slowly slid off the bed quietly and peeked out of the room. The hallway lights were already turned off since it was already morning. When he heard so sounds from the kitchen, he quickly walked towards there.
And when he arrived in the kitchen, he saw that Gray was there. He was already awake and even making breakfast.
Gray was there, already awake, making breakfast.
Eli stood awkwardly at the entrance, unsure whether he should speak or go back to his room. However, before he could even do the 2nd choice, Gray already noticed him. He stopped what he was doing and turned to Eli.
"Good morning, Eli," he said gently.
"G-Good morning," Eli replied.
"Did I wake you up with the noises?" Gray asked.
Eli shook his head quickly. "No. I just woke up."
"Oh, I see," Gray nodded and smiled. "Do you want to help?"
Eli hesitated for a mont, but when he realized that it wasn’t actually that bad, he nodded, "Alright."
That morning, Eli sat at the counter. He helped Gray in mixing the eggs. He was surprised that it was actually fun. Lily joined them shortly after, yawning loudly.
"You woke up early?" she said to Eli.
"So did you," Eli replied shyly.
"Yeah, but I always do!" Lily grinned before also joining them... not to help, but to taste everything.
- - -
Over the next few days, their daily routines were slowly ford.
Eli learned where everything was, and he slowly beca familiar to the place. Now, he felt more at ho. He followed Lily around the condo like a shadow.
However, whenever Gray left for work, Eli would stand by the door, watching until it closed. And whenever he arrived, he would notice that Eli was at the sa spot.
After a week, Gray wasn’t able to take it.
"You don’t have to wait there," he told Eli gently.
Eli looked up at him. "I just want to see when you co back."
Gray knelt down and t his eyes. "I’ll always co back," he said. "You don’t have to worry about that."
Eli nodded, though the habit took ti to fade.
Throughout, Selina visited often. She brought small things for Eli. Coloring books. Pencils. Simple toys. She never overwheld him. She always spoke gently and would always ask for his opinions on things.
Mara also ca by to check in once or twice. She brought so clothes for Eli and also asked how he was doing.
They made sure that Eli was all comfortable and fine before they started doing what was necessary. And when they were sure that Eli was already safe in the place, it was finally ti for Gray to make a move.
====
A/N:
Sorry for the lack of updates! I went to a family vacation for a few days!
Anyways, belated rry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
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