Page 65 of Carver

He didn't know what he expected. The fact that Fury had said ‘them’ made him expect a group of people.

When one individual came through the door, Gideon relaxed. That feeling quickly changed when he took in their appearance.

Long brown hair sat atop their thin frame. They had tattoos down their arms and even some on their legs. Gideon knew this because a lot of skin was exposed. They wore short shorts and a tank top that was so bright pink, Gideon had to blink a few times to focus.

They also had on a pair of heels high enough Gideon wasn't quite sure how they were able to walk.

The sunglasses on their face got pushed up into their hair and their bright eyes met his.

“You must be Gideon. I'm Royce. Nice to meet you.”

Gideon dipped his head, unsure what to say.

Royce did a twirl holding their arms out to the side. “Do you like my outfit? I wore it especially for you.”

Gideon's cheeks went pink, and Fury chuckled.

“Cut the boy some slack, Royce. He has no idea how you tease. Plus we just sprung the surprise on him.”

Royce pressed a hand to their chest. “You didn’t tell him I was coming? That is very rude. My mother would roll over in her kitchen.”

“In her kitchen?” Gideon asked.

Royce smirked. “Well, yeah. The phrase is roll over in your grave, but Mama's not dead yet, and she won't be for a long time.”

There was an accent in Royce's voice that interested Gideon. He'd heard one similar before and that person had been kind enough. It cracked a bit of the ice he felt layering him at Royce's arrival.

“You got somewhere for me to sit, or am I going to have to cuddle up here with Gideon? I'm not sure he's going to be okay with it.”

Gideon blinked, then shifted over on the couch and motioned for Royce to sit. “I’m okay. Confused, but okay.”

Royce laughed, then dropped into the corner of the couch as if they wanted to stay far away from Gideon.

It wasn't that, though. Gideon gave an air that demanded space from other people. He knew it. He'd seen the way people reacted to him.

But Royce wasinteresting.

Gideon wanted to be closer. Wanted to observe, but he didn't want to make Royce feel like a spectacle.

There was a twinkle in their eye that said they understood.

Royce spoke first in the silence. “As I said, my name is Royce. I'm what's called non-binary, meaning I don't stick to gender like male or female. My pronouns are they/them. When Fury told you about my arrival, you probably heard him use them or they to say I was coming. These are my preferences because it makes me feel more like myself. Not everyone understands it, and I often get confused looks, especially when I dress like this.”

Royce kicked a leg up, wiggling their foot to show the massive heel again.

Gideon laughed and nodded along.

Royce continued saying, “I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. It confused a lot of people in my small hometown. They're used to it now, though. I'm here because Carver said he thought you might do well seeing someone who might be considered masculine looking more feminine. My androgyny was welcomed and wanted. I'm just sorry it took me so long to get here. There was some stuff going on at home. It's complicated.”

Royce rubbed their temples, closing their eyes for a moment before popping them back open.

Gideon tilted his head. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Royce's lips tipped up. “I thought Fury was the head doctor here. The shrink, as Hex might say. Handsome devil.”

Fury shook his head. “Don't let him hear you say that. He and Silver have a bet going on who can pull the most people. I fear one day they're going to choose the wrong person to bed and then we'll all be in hot water.”

Royce waved a hand as if to shoo the notion away. “Hex is a big boy. Silver too. Let them have their fun. Besides, we're not here to talk about them. What questions do you have for me, Gideon? And tell me, does my appearance bother you in any way?”