"Yeah," she said tiredly, running her fingers through her hair. "Thanks for driving with me." * * * "Bet. As we've determined, I would never tell a lie." * * * Her flush was immediate and widespread. "Sorry." * * * "I'm not going to fight you, fool."
"You're welcome. You should go get some sleep." *** "I don't believe you. If you can't lie, what's your opinion of me?" *** He sighed, shaking his head. "It's alright. You should get some rest." *** "..Coward."
"Yes, well..." she said, her hand on the fence, "that's one of the advantages of living alone, I suppose; there's no one around to wake you up." * * * "I think you're wonderful," he said as he pulled into the parking lot of his house. "Duh." * * * "...yeah. Sorry." She opened the door and got out, taking the handle of her bag as she got out. "Thanks for the ride. Sorry, again, about..." She hesitated before flushing again. "You know." * * * "I'm really getting tired of you."
"You live alone?" *** She grinned. "Ah. I knew it." *** "It's okay. Sleep well." *** "Admit it, you enjoy my company."
"I do," she said with a small nod. "Valkyrie's live on their own once they reach 9. Their parents pay for their first month of rent, and then they have to manage on their own." * * * He grinned playfully, getting out of the car and opening the door for her. "You coming in?" * * * She nodded, her face still a bright pink as she started to close the door. A tall, rather good-looking boy came out onto the sagging front porch. He squinted in their direction, frowning. "Fina? Who's your friend?" Fina's flush deepened and she cleared her throat. "Uh... this... this is Cassian, Tess." * * * "I cannot tell a lie."
He squinted. "Huh.. Weird." *** She got out, her expression warm. "I get to see your room." *** He leaned to look. "Nice to meet you." *** "Then my feelings are hurt."
"Weird? Humans live with their parents until their 30s." * * * "No promises." * * * The boy squinted. "Hi." Fina looked mortified. "Cass, this is my brother, Terrence." "Right," Tess said with a frown. "Fina, I need help moving the drumset. Can you lend me a hand?" "Oh... right. Sure. See you tomorrow, Cass. Thanks again." * * * "They should be."
"That's not true. We move out soon after 18." *** "Too late." *** He nodded. "Yeah, see you tomorrow." *** "You're too much of a weenie to fight back."
"Sure," she said flatly, yawning again. "That's what happens." * * * "How is it too late? You're not even inside." * * * She nodded before Tess led her back inside, closing the door behind them. * * * "God, why are you doing this?"
He rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna head home." *** She laughed. "Shush." *** He drove off, returning home. *** She grinned at him.
"Alright," she said tiredly. "Thanks for driving me." * * * "No, you," he said with a small grin, draping an arm over her shoulder playfully. * * * "I'm so furious."
She moved past him, heading into the house and closing the door behind her. * * * He squinted at her, dropping his arm as the door opened. * * * "Hush."
His mother looked up from feeding one of the babies at the table, her eyes wide. "Oh. Hi, you two." * * * "I didn't confirm it either."
She wiped the baby's mouth and the baby cackled, patting her hands against the chair. "What are you guys up to?" she asked. Monty glanced over at Theo. "We're going to go on a hike, I think." * * * "I'll never tell."
"Oh, good," she said with a small smile. She looked over at Monty. "Sweetie, your dad is going to be home soon. I have a lasagna in the fridge; could you put it in the oven?" * * * "I have that affect on people."
