He was a little disappointed at her eye roll. Why didn't she answer? Did she not want to hurt his feelings and spare him the total rejection of even the slightest possibility? Or was she trying to hide something else? He had said it in a playful teasing manner, but sometimes that didn't always mean he was fully teasing. He tried to hide a lot of his feelings behind a smile or joke, because he wasn't totally comfortable leaving himself open quite yet. This would change of course, especially when in the presence of Kai, but as a freshman in high school he was fairly guarded.

He told her who his slight crushes were, and for the most part she seemed attentive. He grinned at her reaction to his compliments, and felt himself blush slightly as she returned them. He was confused with his emotions. He'd spoken the truth to her. He had always found her attractive but there was something else inside now, some other sort of feeling that he wasn't quite sure of. The strange bubbling feeling in his chest when she smiled at him, the weird anticipation whenever she looked or headed his way.

A part of him was desperately searching for an explanation, although he basically had a sense of what the reasoning was. But he was determined to push it aside until he had some sort of verification. That verification he was searching for was within Kailey herself. He was subconsciously digging around and trying to find some sort of confirmation that she had a crush on him, because once he knew, he could let his feelings take him where they wanted. But if he knew for sure that she didn't like him...well then...he'd have to suppress his emotions. Right now they were on standby, listening in to every conversation in hopes of hearing something valid.

Her comment about him staying on a horse sent him into a bout of chuckles, picturing himself falling off mid-proposal. "That's a good question," he told her. "I've only ridden a horse once in my life, and it was a miniature one and I was like seven." he admitted, shaking his head. "A fully grown white stallion is a bit of a leap from that." He shrugged. "But who knows? Maybe I'd be able to pull it off."

He nodded as she told him her parents were fine as long as they didn't go anywhere, and was glad to hear that she wasn't going to push him to pick out the game. He didn't like having any sort of pressure on him to make a decision for a group, for fear that they would dislike his taste or make fun of what he chose. He knew her family wasn't like that, but the fear still controlled him. He also was glad to hear that Kai had the same preference he did when it came to cookies. He hadn't wanted to seem completely strange.

When Kai's mother told her to wash her hands, he followed suit. He was their guest, sure, but he still followed their rules. He waited for her to get done washing before he did, and nodded when she asked him if he wanted ice in his water. "Please," he said quietly. Once he had a glass of ice water, he waited for Kai to grab her cookies and then grabbed a couple of his own. "Thank you," he told Lisa politely as he started to follow Kai.

He listened as she answered his question and nodded along. She asked him what movie he wanted to watch, and he shrugged. "I like almost anything," he commented. But he assumed that she'd want him to actually pick one, especially since he was passing on picking out the game tonight.

He hated decisions.

"Do you like superhero movies?" he asked a bit tentatively. He quite enjoyed Marvel, and some DC movies were okay as well. But he wasn't sure how much she enjoyed those kinds of movies. "Dr. Strange is pretty good." He paused, thinking for a second. "I don't mind Disney, either." he said. "If you'd like a Disney movie better, I'd be okay with that, too. But you can pick which one of those." He thought for a second, slightly embarrassed that he was going to admit to this. But she was his best friend, and a girl, and so he supposed she wouldn't really care all that much. He would never in a million years admit it to Kyle, though.

"Although Moana's pretty good if I'm being honest," he gave her a hesitant but still reasing smile, as if he was waiting to be laughed at or made fun of. He watched as she grabbed a plate and dumped some cookies on it, hollering a thanks to her mother. He stepped aside and let her lead him back into the game room. He sat slowly and carefully down on the couch, taking a drink of water. He waited for her to put the movie in, and looked at her as she sat down next to him.

She told him to help himself to the cookies and he nodded. He'd already eaten his two, and he kept hearing whispers of his mother's teachings in his ear.

Don't eat too much sugar before dinner, be polite, let girls go first, look after your friends and protect them, be smart, make good choices...

"Thank you," he told her. "I'll eat some more in a little bit." It was odd, how he still felt the need to keep pleasing his mother even though she was gone. It wasn't like he could be scolded by her anymore or feel her disappointment in him. He guessed it was sort of a way to keep her close, and to make him feel like she was still alive. He reached up subconsciously, his fingers dipping briefly inside the collar of his t-shirt to grab a light hold of the thin chain that hung around his neck.

His eyes were on the tv screen, the images flashing a reflection on them and casting flashes of light on his face. But his mind was elsewhere, toning out the sounds of the movie. His fingers messed softly with the necklace, his thumb running up and down the chain. His jaw tightened unknowingly to him, and he ran one hand through his hair.

After a moment, his mind snapped back into reality and he realized that he was playing with the chain. He cleared his throat softly and tucked it back in its place, lowering his hand into his lap. He suddenly felt his phone buzz in his pocket, and he jumped slightly, having not been expecting any notifications of any kind. He gave Kai a brief apologetic look, but made no move to check his phone. It was rude to be on your phone when spending time with a friend, and he didn't think it was too important.

About ten minutes passed, and his phone started buzzing with a call. Worry shot through him, and he slowly pulled it out from his pocket. He let out a soft breath, and he felt tears stinging his eyes as he looked at the caller ID. Swallowing back his fear, he answered.

"Hello?"

"Where the fuck are you?" A harsh voice answered loudly. Eric flinched at the tone, and shot a sideways glance over at Kai, standing up and walking a couple of feet.

"Dad, I-"

"You tell me when you're leaving and where, you understand me boy?" David's voice was loud enough to be heard by Kai, even though he wasn't on speaker. Eric knew he'd texted his father before he'd come, but it was very likely that the message didn't go through, or that his father just hadn't seen it. Instead of protesting or arguing, Eric simply nodded.

"Yes sir." he said quietly.

"Speak up."

"Yes sir." he said louder, swallowing back any arguments or protests.

"Now tell me where you are, and when should I expect you home?"

"At the Adair's, sir." he answered, his hand trembling softly. He was standing, but it would be fairly easy to see that it wasn't just his hand that was trembling, either. His entire body was shaking with nerves. Eric hadn't told Kai anything about what was going on at home, and he flinched knowing that she would now be able to piece things together. "I...I won't be back until this evening, they...they've invited me for dinner." There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Eric bit his lower lip, hard enough out of worry to draw blood.

"Alright." David spat. "If you're not home by eight sharp, you know where you're sleeping." Giving him no time to respond, David hung up, leaving Eric standing with the phone to his ear and shaking in fear. He swallowed a couple of times, lowering his phone and putting it into his pocket. He looked over at Kai, letting out a shaky breath and walking back to his spot on the couch.

"It would be expensive," he agreed quietly, taking a moment to imagine the scene. "If I was proposing the woman I was positive I wanted to marry...I wouldn't be worrying too much about falling off." he giggled. "It'd make quite a moment to look back on and laugh at for years after so I think I'd be pretty okay with it." He paused briefly again, feeling himself tingle a little with excitement at something that was so far away. "I probably wouldn't propose that way, even if I did have enough money anyway though," he commented. "That of course depends on the woman though. If she liked horses or if it was an inside joke or something then I might. For me though, any proposal should be well thought out and planned, and money shouldn't be the biggest worry. I would save up for years if I had to if I knew she wanted something big."

He liked the feeling of making someone happy, especially someone he loved. Would she judge him, for acting so giddy and into the thought of a proposal so young? Or would she find it to be a good trait that he was already thinking so much about it?

When it came down to deciding the movie, Eric grinned shyly as she spoke. By the way she was acting, and the little ornery giggle she gave, he knew right away what direction this was going in. They would be watching a Disney movie. Would he complain? Of course not. If she was happy...he didn't care what movie they were watching or what they were doing. She told him he'd just stepped into a trap and he glanced at the floor, biting his lip and nodding.

"I know," he said quietly, trying to hold back his grin but failing to do so. "I know I did." He reached up, running his fingers briefly through his hair. She asked him why Moana, and he shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "Just one of the first ones that came to mind." He wouldn't admit it, but he was sure she would be able to figure out why. It had been first to pop into his head of course because of her. She looked quite similar to the titular character, and the voice actress herself.

She asked him which it would be, and he gave her a shy and teasing grin. "You know Kai, I'd be fine with Moana." he told her kindly, not able to keep his grin at bay. He wondered if any other guy besides her father or family member had willingly chosen to watch something like this with her, or if he was the first one.

The first time his phone buzzed, it had shocked him, but he'd ignored it. When it began vibrating for a call, he regreted not checking the text heavily. Once off the phone, he felt for a moment as if he was in a daze, walking back over to the couch and sitting down. He felt Kai slide up next to him, and after a moment he felt her arm around his back. He didn't react much to it, other than scoot a little bit closer to her naturally, as if his mind and body knew she was safe and she was a source of gentle comfort.

He shook his head at her question. "No, it isn't your fault. I...I texted him after school before I came but...maybe it didn't go through. Or...or maybe he didn't see it, I don't know." He swallowed, his trembling coming to a stop. She asked him if he wanted to talk or finish the movie, and he knew that she had questions. He didn't want to close her off like he had over the summer, but he didn't exactly want to dwell on this either. He didn't like talking about it, mostly because it made him feel weak, small, and insignificant, but also because it made him miss his mother's gentle kindess all the more.

He just kind of shrugged, a neutral reaction. If she asked questions, he would answer them, but he didn't want to stay on the topic for too long. It didn't take her long to ask one, and he glanced at her.

"Well...my dad makes me sleep out in the open downstairs if I don't do something his way. Or he makes me sleep outside, if it's not too cold. He knows my room is my comfort zone, where I go when I feel insecure, so he throws me out in the open where I'm exposed." He swallowed, looking at the floor. "He says it'll toughen me up a little, make me stronger." He sighed. "So I do it." She started mentioning the school's involvement, and he started shaking his head right away.

"No, no, it's okay." he protested. "He's just...he's just strict, is all. Can be scary sometimes. I'm just not...not used to it." He was used to his mother's teaching, parenting. He was used to her gentle touch, her loving arms. He wasn't used to his father's harsh ways and stern hand. She apologized again, and he shook his head, his leg bouncing up and down nervously.

"It's fine Kai, really." He tried to reassure. "It'll be okay. Thank you, though." he told her quietly. "For being here. I'm sorry I didn't let you over the summer." He looked over at her, his heart fluttering with guilt. He shouldn't have pushed her away. It would have been so much easier to deal with if he had just let his friends in. But he hadn't.

"You could have probably knocked some sense into me," he let out a quiet breath that could be interpreted as a laugh. "I probably wasn't being the best friend."

Eric tilted his head slightly at the fact she spit out. He'd heard it before, but it made almost no sense in his mind. He would think that normally someone who was willing to spend that much money on a proposal had to be devoted and sure enough to his woman that she would say yes and that he wanted to spend his life with her. Especially if plenty of thought was put into the proposal, and not just to flaunt money.

Especially especially if the man wasn't rich, and so he'd spent who knows how long saving up for the special moment. He could understand her statement about feeling guilty, but he couldn't understand the fact. It may be true, but he didn't understand the logistics of it at all. Amount of money spent on a proposal shouldn't affect the affection and relationship between the couple. But who knows? Maybe he was just blind to it all.

"I mean...a proposal is kind of a big deal," he said to her disapproving comment. "I wouldn't hold it against a woman to want something big for her proposal and wedding. I definitely wouldn't want to be lazy or minimalist about it. Kind of reflects your attitude towards the marriage, if you ask me." He shrugged. "I could be wrong, but a lazy proposal kind of seems like it would set the mood for a lazy marriage. It shows a guy wouldn't work hard for his wife or their relationship. Especially if he knew she valued it and decided against doing so."

She asked him if he ever imagined being married to a certain someone, like one of his crushes. He chuckled a little, feeling his cheeks turn a bit rosy. "I mean...I've never really thought about that too much." he said quietly. "I've thought a lot about the concept of marriage and stuff because I really want to be married someday." he admitted shyly, ducking his head a little and shifting on his feet. "But...I haven't really applied any of my crushes to that."

Although out of everyone I can see you as her. he thought, biting his lip a bit nervously. Out of everyone you're the only girl I can really see being anything with and being happy. Even if it's not marriage. He felt like a bit of a mush, thinking about it. What boy his age daydreamed so much about the future? What boy his age dared thinking about marriage? He kept his thoughts about Kai private. He wasn't sure how she'd take it, even if he said it in a joking manner. They'd only been friends for a year, and he wasn't exactly planning on making any sort of romantic advance on her. Even though it was a bit pleasing to think about, he had to admit. Simply because she was the only girl he really got along with. He could talk with her and laugh with her about almost anything, and something always ended up happening whenever they hung out together. Either something fun, funny, or emotional. It was refreshing, to have her near.

He wondered if she would try and use this advantage against him at all, since she now knew that he didn't mind watching Disney movies with her. Or if she would be kind of neutral about it. He didn't want her to abuse the power she now had, and he didn't want her to go telling people. But he also didn't want her to not use this knowledge at all. He was more than happy to watch Disney movies with her, as long as it wasn't every single time he came over.

That's surely bound to change. he thought, with a small smile. Especially if I grow any fonder of her. He didn't want this liking towards her to turn into a fancy, but he was aware that it could very well end up as one. He was very easily swayed, and now more than ever he was more vunerable to affection and kindness of females.

After the incident with his father on the phone, he was more than ready to move past it. He didn't like talking about it, because it made him feel more small and insignificant than he knew he already was. She asked him if his father's punishments worked as he said. He shrugged. "I mean to a certain degree I guess. But...it makes me scared of him more than anything else." He paused, thinking. "I suppose there's no bravery without any fear first, or any strength without weakness." He traced his finger lightly over his jeans, another small but nervous habit. She apologized quickly for her implying about his home life, and he shook his head, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, you...you didn't know." His voice fell softly as she began to talk again, and he nodded. She was right, he knew she was. But he was scared to speak against his father, even though he knew he wasn't here to overhear it. She finally dropped the subject of his father, and he was glad he didn't have to tell her. Maybe his nervous ticks were enough of a sign to stop.

She asked him if he wanted to just finish the movie, and he gave her a smile. He was becoming more relaxed again, and his nervous ticks had ceased. The subject of his father had been passed, so he wasn't stressed or scared anymore. "We can go ahead and finish it," he answered her. "I've seen it before, and I'm sure you have too." He noticed her face blanch a bit, and he tilted his head.

"I'm...I'm sure it's fine." he said after thinking a bit. "Dad said I could be here until eight. As long as I'm back by eight I should be fine." he told her. "I don't want to go home." he told her softly, a small but still somehow cute grin on his face. She started the movie up again, and after a few moments of watching he felt the urge to lay down. It was natural, and he didn't think too much about it before doing it. He often used to do this with his sister and mother, so it was sort of a habit already in place. He slid into a laying position on his back, resting his head onto Kai's lap.

It took him a second or two to fully process that this was Kai he was doing it to, and she probably hadn't been expecting it. He sat up a little bit, lifting his head and glancing up at her, a shy grin on his face. He felt his cheeks start to flush a little, and he cursed himself for being such an open book. He was embarrassed far too easily, and his body did him no favors to try and conceal the fact either.

"Sorry," he apologized quietly. "I didn't think...I just..." he trailed off for a second before giving up with a sigh and boyish grin. "Do you care?" He wanted to explain that he did this with his sister and mother so often, but he was a little too embarrassed at the moment to try and explain himself. She could think whatever she wanted, as long as she didn't think he was completely mental and off the walls crazy.

He felt his body jerk slightly in surprise upon hearing Lisa's voice, and his heart shot a huge electric pulse through him. Man, he was jumpy. For what reason? He didn't know. Maybe because he was still a bit embarrassed about his action, and for some reason feeling some sort of guilt about it, as if it was wrong or as if her parents would look down on him for it.

He finally was able to fully relax and calm down after Lisa left the room, his mind spacing off into the plot of the movie. So relaxed in fact, that he found himself fighting sleep. Her body heat was comforting and secure, and he hadn't been getting a great amount of sleep as is anyway. He never fully fell asleep or fully dozed off, but he did once or twice find himself closing his eyes. His breathing had slowed significantly, and his attention to the movie had definitely gone off course.

He once again found himself daydreaming, and thanking God that Kailey was in his life. She wasn't even really doing anything, and yet her warmth and company was all he needed right now. He felt safe with her and her family, he felt loved, and that's all he wanted to feel. Loved.

Finally, the movie ended, and Lisa's voice rang out to say that dinner was ready. Kai had asked if he was okay with going in there, and he looked up at her, the tiredness obvious in his eyes but there was still a spark there.

"Yeah, I am." he said quietly, grinning a little. His body felt like it weighed way more than it actually did, and his tiredness was becoming evident, because his deleriousness started to kick in. He started to giggle a little softly, the sound cute and pleasing to the ear like a child's laugh. "I don't wanna get up though."

You're really comfortable. He finished in his mind. Warm and safe, and comfortable. I don't want to move. I don't want to break this.

Finally, he forced himself to sit up, running a hand through his dark hair before forcing himself to stand. He followed her quietly into the kitchen. "Smells really good," he told Kai quietly, feeling his shyness start to kick in. He knew these people, but that didn't stop his shyness from happening when in a group of people, big or small.

Eric let a shy and slightly embarrassed grin spread across his face as she teasingly mocked him for putting his head on her lap. She told him it was okay, and patted her lap, so he rested his head back onto her thighs. She asked him a bit randomly if she could mess with his hair, and he looked at her, giving her a cute grin. His eyes glimmered with a teasing flare, but whatever ornery comment he was thinking of making he kept it quietly to himself.

"I don't mind," he told her quietly, trying to keep himself from blushing. The longer he laid there, the more comfortable he got. The feel of her fingers running softly through his hair sent involuntary tingles down his arms and spine, making him shiver a little bit the first time she did it. He knew she would probably feel the shiver and wonder why, and the thought of it alone made his tired mind rush with thoughts. He started to giggle a little bit, thinking about how confused she must be and how weird he must have looked in the moment.

When his short fit of giggles ended, he felt his muscles relaxing into her and his body feeling heavier. He let one arm hang off of the couch as he watched the movie with her. He didn't know why exactly he'd jumped when her mother came in, but more than likely because he was so relaxed and focused on the movie that he hadn't been expecting it and it had startled him.

As soon as Lisa left the room, his arm dropped once again to hang off the couch. He let out a relaxed breath, and without realizing he was doing so, his fingers brushed lightly against her leg in a soothing tickling motion. It was something that came somewhat naturally, especially since he could feel her running her own fingers through his hair. The feeling of that reminded him of his mother's motion, and so in return he'd reacted in a similar way.

Something was different, though. Not just because they were friends, either. He felt a stronger connection with Kailey than anyone else, and it was in a different way than the connection he'd felt from his mother. Sure, they both gave him an overwhelming sense of peace, safety, and comfort, but Kai differed slightly in the manner that she was closer to his own age. He felt a more kindred spirit in her, and he was attracted to her in a way he couldn't be to a family member.

He drifted off a little a couple of times, subconsciously wrapping his arm a little tighter around her calf, as if he was clinging to the only source of comfort and shelter he had. Through on and off moments of sleep, short and sparse dreams slipped through his mind. At one moment, he was awake but he kept his eyes shut. A thought entered his brain, and he felt the corner of his mouth turn up into a very slight smirk.

Could we ever nap on the couch together without being reprimanded by her parents? Highly unlikely. Although he had to admit to himself that he wished they could. He liked being close, and even this small amount of contact was comforting enough. Would they ever be comfortable enough around each other to cuddle? He knew that he would be pretty nervous to make such a bold move like that unless she had hinted at some sort of fact that she wouldn't mind. He didn't think she would care, but her parents might.

When Lisa called in that dinner was ready, he felt the overwhelming urge to stay put. He didn't want to get up and he didn't want to move away from this warmth and contact. She said she might get cold in there without him, and her giggle made him smile.

Why is she so cute to me?

He sat up, his shirt riding a bit up his back for a brief second before falling back into place when he was in a complete upright position. She told him that his hair was pretty messed up by her own hand, and he gave her a tired smile. He ran a hand through it, kind of combing it over to the side a little to straighten it back out, although his waves were still very much apparant. She apologized, and there was a gleam in her eyes that he couldn't quite figure out.

Instead of standing up straight away, he fell back onto her lap, wrapping his arms around her in a playful hug. His body felt the urge to instinctively curl close into her, but he rejected it. "I don't want to get up, Kai..." he pouted playfully, looking up at her. Finally though, he forced himself to get to his feet.

He tilted his head inquisitively at her as she seemed a bit distant, patting herself and turning in a slow circle, as if she was looking for something. Finally, it was made clear as she asked him if he'd seen her glasses anywhere. He shook his head, glancing around the room briefly. His eyes landed on the glasses a split second before she exclaimed that she'd found them and walked over, briskly grabbing them and placing them on her face.

He followed her quietly to the kitchen, and felt his shyness kick in as he saw everyone was already at the table. He stuck close to Kai and sat down gently into the chair she pointed for him to go to. With little to no warning, Kai's father began to pray, and Eric stiffened a little, having not prayed at the dinner table since his mother's death. Even then, when she was still alive, it was rare for the family to hold hands while doing so, mostly because Eric's father was not religious.

But he didn't hesitate too much, reaching instinctively and firstly out to Kai. His hand slipped gently inside hers, and even as everyone else shut their eyes his stayed opened for a few moments longer. Kai's father's prayers met his ears, and he listened with a solemn heart. He felt...strange. It wasn't a bad feeling, but he felt as if he was partially here and partially elsewhere. He could see his mother's eyes and the outline of her body shrouded in light, the image in his mind's eye. Memories swirled through his mind, remembering the feeling of being curled up against her on the couch as a young boy, listening as she read him stories. Or laying all cozy in his bed, his eyes squeezed shut and listening as she prayed with him before he fell asleep for the night.

He didn't realize that he had entwined his fingers with Kai's as well, instead of just holding her hand like most would in a prayer. His gaze was to the floor, and he felt the sting of tears in his eyes, even though he wasn't really too sad. He was just overcome with emotion, and listening to Michael's prayers gave him a sense of peace that he couldn't explain.

If Kai were to look at him now, she would be able to see his set jaw, his chest rising and falling in a manner that was a bit nervous, and the far away look in his eyes. It was obvious that he was searching for some sort of familiar feeling....like a gentle hand to hold. It was obvious that he was lost in memories, and that he was feeling a mix of emotions.

But even though some of those emotions were negative, overall he was happy to be here. Happy to be surrounded by good people who cared about him, happy to be with a good friend. Despite all the emotion roiling through Eric, he couldn't stop a small amused smile split his face as he heard Kai's stomach protesting. As soon as the prayer was ended, he glanced in her direction, a teasing glimmer in his blue eyes but also a hint of love and gratitude towards her.

The first time Lisa asked him if he'd gotten enough of what he wanted, he nodded towards her and thanked her for the meal, telling her it was delicious. As the course of dinner went on, she asked him a couple more times, continuing to offer him more. By her third time of asking, he was happy and comfortable enough to let out a giggle.

"No, it's fine." he told her, his grin contagious. "Really, it's great. I had plenty." Through the meal, Kai and Rebecca talked in hushed voices to each other, but Eric didn't try and engage in conversation with the elder sibling. She reminded him far too much of his own sister, which of whom he wasn't on the best of terms with at the moment. He answered any questions Kai's parents asked, and talked to the people who spoke to him. He didn't really start any conversation however with anyone but Kai, obviously more comfortable around her than anyone else.

Out of everyone though, he was least comfortable around her father. It had always been that Eric felt more safe and comfortable around females, mostly because he grew up a momma's boy. He liked the feeling of being in a female's company, it just felt different when in a man's. He wasn't scared of her father, and he liked him just fine, but he was more wary around men in general than he was around women.

Lisa started talking about the move, and saying how much she didn't want to go through it again. It was odd, hearing those words come from her mouth. A swell of relief and happiness rose in his chest upon hearing them, knowing that more than likely he wouldn't be losing Kai as a friend due to her moving away.

"I've never had to move," he said to Lisa. He glanced at Kai before shifting his gaze back to the table and lifting his glass of water to his lips. "My mother used to live in London, when she was my age. She lived there until she was twenty, but moved here to America after a couple years of college. She met my dad here, and she never left." Talking about her and where she was born brought forth the accent he'd picked up from her. It had gone away for a little while after her death, but it had never fully vanished. There were certain words where it could be heard just slightly, the vowels pronounced a bit differently.

By the time everyone was done with eating, Eric checked the time. He had roughly and hour or so left before he had to be home, and it saddened him. He didn't want to leave this happy environment. He glanced at Kai once more, showing her the time briefly before putting his phone back into his pocket.

I wish I could just stay here for tonight. he thought, taking another drink and listening to the conversation happening around him. He was observant, picking up certain things about each person sitting at the table. How each person spoke in a different way, the facial expressions they would make, the gestures they used. And yet...all were similar enough that anyone could guess they were a tight-knitted family who all picked up mannerisms from one another.

He kicked himself for thinking so, but in that moment he felt as if time had slowed down and that he was the only one here able to move. It seemed so surreal, being here with everyone. How happy he was just being in their company. How happy one person in this very room could make him by simply just being herself. He thought just briefly....

One day I'd like to be a part of this family for real. Directly after thinking it he told himself he was silly and that he needed to keep his head on straight. He would not let this tiny little flares of admiration turn into a full blown crush.

Unbeknownst to Eric however....he was far too late for that.

Feelings had already manifested, and little did he know how strong they would become.

Even though she wasn't really watching it anymore, as long as it was on, she felt like she was supposed to pay attention to it. Kai wasn't sure what her parents would think of her cuddling with a boy. It wasn't the kind of question you asked, and she wasn't willing to risk that they would come in and break them a part without any efforts of subtleness. Even though Kai was hungry, she found that she was comfortable, and almost too lazy to get up. She sort of hugged him, when he fell back into her. Part of her was antsy, because she knew her mother was waiting for her. Kai got tired of wearing glasses.

Her ears would hurt, and they often slid down her nose, or became smudged. Whenever she could, she tried to get a break from them, which is how they got stranded in so many places. She unconsiously put them down, and then she couldn't remember where hse had placed them. She felt a bit silly turning in circles, but it had worked. At first it had bothered her that Eric became quieter around her family, even though she understood why. She wanted her family and Eric to get along and treat each other like family. Even though most of the time the family was waiting on her dad to pray, or get his food, instead of making his prayers shorter, he shaved off time by not warning them, when he was going to pray.

They could be in the middle of what felt like an important conversation, and he would interrupt without any consideration. It was annoying and rude sometimes, bu they had become accustomed to it. Eric was sat in such a way, he only had to really hold onto Kai's hand. If he wanted to stretch across the table, he could, but she doubted. She snuck a glance at Eric, wondering what he thought about their family customs. She found her father staring at her. His facial expression was one of thought, but it became a little disapproving, when he saw that Kai had opened her eyes. They were allowed to of course, but it was obvious that it was frowned upon.

She let their fingers entwined together, hoping her father wouldn't make a big deal out of this. Her lips turned downwards, because something seemed to be going on with Eric. When the prayer ended, he smiled at her. Warmth spread through her, so she sent a smile back at him. The smiles kept on spreading. Lisa was happy to hear him giggle. It told him that he had actually enjoyed himself and wasn't a sham. She knew how rough it was grieving, and she also knew that laughter helped break up the dark moments. Kai knew that most of her friends were uncomfortable around her father.

Even though no one ever said it to him, Kai was a stout believer that he was very social awkward, and he had no sense of pursuasion. He could be sort or rude while not meaning to, causing social gaffes that a child would make without noticing. At the same time, he didn't have a super loving father, so she wanted Eric to get the full package, and know what it felt like. "That's cool," she nodded. "It's hard and really boring. I don't know why you want want to. Kai wondered what had drawn Eric's mother to Mr. Godfrey. What had he done to charm her? She hadn't noticed any herself to tel l the truth. Kai began to check the time, knowing that she would probably ride in the car with her mother to drop him off, even though it was not far at all. She wanted to make sure he was cared for. She didn't have a reason to have a reason. Perhaps they could do something really quick and easy right? If you are confronted by someone it's much harder. She wished he could stay, but her parents would only do it as a last resort.

The table was moving with conversation, even though there was only three of them. "We could play go fish. That should go fairly quickly, and there is enough of us, where it'll be slightly challenging." Since Eric said he wanted someone else to pick, it might as well as be herself. She dashed off to go look for cards without asking for permission, or if Eric wanted to go to her. She soon arrived with the cards. She knew how to the the bow bridge shuffling thing that was considered so fancy. It settled the cards nicely on the plane, but somehow they went first. She quickly began to deal, even though not everything was comforatble and ready to open the game.

Not everyone was finished eating. "Want dessert?" she asked remembering the last serving of the day. "We might have icecream or cookies." They were both rare, and a special treat. She darted off to the freezer and pantry to take inventory of what they had. She came back not sure if Eric wanted anything. If he did she might want to wait a while and make sure he had digested his food. Later after two games, her mother said it was time to go. Kai piled into the car with him, and her face was a little melancholy.

(Sorry, if I get time I will expand and you haven't posted, but I am sleepy, and I can't think straight to write. Like, I'm sure some part of this sounds like I am drunk or something. Watch me wake up now that I have typed this)

Eric couldn't imagine packing up and moving an entire family, and he respected Kai's parents and everyone else who had ever done it. It seemed like a stressful and time consuming situation. It still sort of mind boggled him how quickly he and Kai's paths had fallen into place, and how easily they became friends. One conversation on the bus and a quick confrontation with a bully and that seemed to be all it took. He smiled slightly to himself upon remembering the quick kiss on the cheek she'd given him that very day.

Impetuous...he thought, glancing her way briefly. If she looked back at him and caught him smiling she would have no clue what he was smiling about. And if she asked...he probably wouldn't even tell her. At least...not in front of her family. He would certainly tease her about the memory later if she asked, but he wasn't sure if her parents even knew about the small harmless incident or not. He assumed not, since it was such a quick impulsive act performed by a young middle school girl who surely thought that somehow it was wrong and that her parents would dissaprove.

After checking the time, Kai suggested playing Go Fish, and he nodded, not opposed to it. It was a simple game that could be fun, and it wasn't a long game either. They could easily play at least two rounds. Kai got up quickly to go get the cards, and Eric's first impulse was to follow her. But he resisted the urge and stayed sitting, not wanting to seem obsessed or weird her parents out. Sure, they were close friends, but he was afraid her father or mother would start becoming suspicious if he followed her just to grab a small game.

He wasn't aware that her parents could become just as suspicious with him doing what he was doing. His gaze followed Kai, even as she rounded the corner and couldn't be seen any longer. When a boy was looking a lot...it's a pretty tell tale sign of what's going on. Any observant parent would take notice of this. Whether they found it cutely suspicious or something to be worried about didn't really matter at the moment. They were both young, and Lisa should know Eric well enough by now to have a pretty good understanding of his intentions.

If he was any older than he was, she would probably have a good reason to keep a closer watch on him around her daughter. But as of now, his intentions were almost more than pure, and he hadn't even fully come to realize his crush yet. When Kai returned, he watched her shuffle with curious interest. He'd never been able to do the bridge, but he always found it kind of fun to watch other people do it. He remembered sitting around the table with his own family to play various card games, and watching his father in awe every time he shuffled.

The man knew so many cool ways to shuffle, and he'd often teased and gloated about it during game nights. Eric missed seeing the smile on his father's face. Before his mother had been diagnosed with cancer, both his parents had been lively and loving. His mother had always been far more affectionate, but his father had done his decent share of parenting. He wasn't the best father on earth by any means, but he loved his wife and he cared for the kids when she needed him to.

After her cancer had been proven terminal though, the light had seemed to fade, and he angered easier. He didn't take them on long and fun trips after that, and his drinking increased. He still did his job as a father, but he was far more stern and lost his patience quicker.

Kai asked if he wanted dessert, and he shook his head. "No thanks," he told her. He'd already had cookies earlier, and he didn't think he should have any more. They played two rounds of the game, and Kai's mother finally said the words he had been dreading all evening. It was time for him to go home. He helped Kai gather the cards and put them back, thanked her parents for letting him come over and thanked them for the meal.

He grabbed his jacket and slipped on his shoes, following Lisa out the door. He stayed close to Kai's side as she came too, and piled into the backseat with her. He was quiet, and he noticed the slightly saddened look on her face. He wondered if his looked the same way, because he felt it. It was dark in the car since it was dark outside, and something about that added to the sort of melancholy vibe.

"Tonight was fun," he told Kai quietly in the back seat. "I should probably start spending more time with friends now. It was nice to be out of the house." He glanced out the window and watched as they drove past the houses, each one leading closer and closer to his own. He was truly getting tired, but he didn't want to leave her side. He didn't want to leave the warmth of her and her family.

When the arrived at his house, he thanked Lisa for the ride home. He glanced over at Kai once more, an ornery thought passing quickly through his mind. It was dark, and the light from his house wasn't bright enough to peer into the car. The streetlights were far between, so it provided some light, but not enough for Lisa to see clearly what he was doing. At least...he hoped not. It was just a joke regardless, even if she did see. He didn't think it would get Kai in trouble. Besides, it may make her blush and give her something to smile about in secret on her own time. It would also give her a reason to playfully bash him for it later.

As a callback to their first day of meeting, he quickly leaned over and gave her a very quick and very light peck on the cheek. He gave her a teasing grin and opened his door, saying only one word to her before shutting it.

"Impetuous." He flashed her another grin and shut the car door, turning and walking up the sidewalk to his porch.