#mutinycore

They'd both vowed to never come back to Chicago but here they were walking down the street, Aiden had a scarf on that was covering half of his face due to the cold and due to his identity, Mutiny had decided that wearing what was about three hoodies was a good idea, he was certainly warm. the two had decided that Christmas shopping was what they were going to do today.

The streets were full of people buying presents when flakes of snow started to drop down, Mutiny stood there for a second, "oh holy... hey dad look it's snowing" Mutiny held his hands out to try and catch a snowflake or two in his gloved hands; Aiden's jaw tensed as he looked at Mutiny's (frankly pathetic) attempts at catching a snowflake or two, that guilt crawled up his spine as Mutiny looked at him, "yoooo... dad? Aiden? you good?" he tilted his head.

Aiden sighed, shaking his head, he knew Mutiny would see through his lies, "you reminded me of her for a second, I'm okay now" he caught up to Mutiny and placed his hand on the kid's shoulder for stability and to show that he is okay. Mutiny smiled and nodded, understanding.

The two kept walking through the streets and shops, the ground was icy and eventually Mutiny slipped over and crashed into Aiden who caught him, "careful now, can't have you getting hurt" He helped Mutiny back onto his feet who laughed slightly as if used to this.

"yeah I'll be careful" Mutiny stayed at Aiden's side for the rest of the shopping trip, possibly due to the slip hazard or he was getting too overwhelmed by all the people. Aiden however had noticed Mutiny's sudden clinginess and avoided crowded areas.

Eventually he stopped walking, "do you want to go home?" he asked, looking at Mutiny who nodded whilst fiddling with the straps on his backpack. Aiden pat him on the shoulder before cocking his head to the side to say 'let's go' which caused Mutiny to nod and start to follow Aiden.

They'd both had a long day at this rate after all. The car ride was quiet apart from a few songs playing on the radio in the car and both of them tapping along occasionally if it was something they both liked.

Aiden looked over at Mutiny once they reached a red light, "are you okay?" he sounded and looked concerned as Mutiny nodded, Aiden soon realised that he was mute by choice due to being overwhelmed.

At least they were almost home. Aiden unlocked the door to their current hideyhole within the industrial area of the city, an old abandoned mechanics shop. two of the offices within had been converted into rooms and the main area was used for a variety of things, it was truely home for both of them.