The Way Back Home

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels


The breeze danced through the open window, bringing the smell of salt and a dampness with it. Jaison's hands shook with nervousness as he pulled his cream turtle neck jumper over his head, at first when Gran had told him.. he didn't know how to feel. Not just about Alex coming over but her inviting him in, the only question he had was why? Why did she invite him and why did he accept? He closed the window and wandered to the mirror, gelling up his hair and checking over his face. Jaison felt paranoid, looking at each flaw he could find, this and this. Never had he been so nervous..


Sitting down on his bed, he breathed deeply. Jaison knew what he had to say, what he was going to say. Alex wouldn't get off easy, not after everything.. the leaving, never getting in touch after. He pushed this confidence of confronting Alex, it was what he wanted.. needed.. right?


Harley Thompson


She stopped outside the front door of the Daniels house to fix her laces on her boots. Standing back up she looked to Alex, this was big for him.. for them both. Harley couldn't remember the last time she was at this house, and for Alex that feeling was likely doubled. He'd spent so much time here when he was young coming back must have been scary to say the least.


"Ready?" she asked looking back to the cottage. It was painted blue, with a thatched roof and white door surrounded by beautfiul bushes and flowers. Light poured from the windows even through the curtains, Harley took a deep breath.. she wondered how Amanda would be. They had become close before Alex left..


Cynthia Daniels


In the kitchen alone, she continued on with the meal. This was right, she knew that for certain, in all her years on this plain, she knew. Cynthia stirred the large pot of stew glancing at the clock, five minutes. Moving around the dining table started to put out places, it was a good feeling putting out so many places.. this house hadn't been this full in years.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


"I feel like I'm about to vomit," Alex said. Why had he agreed to come? This must be the stupidest idea he's ever had. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and try to will his nervousness away. Alex took in the appearance of the house to try and distract his racing mind, but it only made things worse. The house was filled with memories, even on the outside. The dent in the wall, caused by the time he and Jaison had been playing baseball. The bat had flown out of Alex's hands and hit the wall. Other memories like that time kept pouring in, and he finally turned his attention back to the front door.


What would he say? That was the one question Alex had been asking himself all night. What would Jaison say. Not just about they way they left things, but about everyone. Alex's physical appearance for example. He had changed so much since he had first left, he wondered what Jaison would think of it all. If it were up to him, he'd stand outside that door forever, never going in. But he knew he had to. With a deep breath, he reached out and knocked.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda stood in the kitchen, helping her grandmother with last minute preparations for dinner, a scowl on her face. "I still say this was a bad idea," she muttered. To invite Alex to dinner was one thing, but on the very day he came back? What on earth had her grandmother been thinking. Amanda didn't see this night ending in any way but disaster. Some might call her a pessimist. Amanda preferred to call it realism. Not to mention Harley was coming too, which only made Amanda more nervous. They had been pretty good friends before Alex left. When the two friends cut off ties, Amanda and Harley's friendship had faded. Amanda was certain things would just be awkward for the entire dinner, and she hated awkward things.

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Daniels


"Sweet girl, once you've lived as long as me you'll see how wrong you are" she stated, placing out the last of the cutlery. Cynthia smiled at the sound of the knock on the door, she would never admit it out loud, but part of her worried Alex and Harley would never show up. But her faith in family kept those thoughts at bay, mostly. She glanced at Amanda, "check on the stew for me, and then come and say hello" she said. Cynthia walked from the dining room to the small hallway, she opened the front door with a cheerful smile.


"Come in, sweets, come on in" she beamed, stepping aside to let Harley and Alex inside. She gave Harley a gentle squeeze and a peck on the cheek, gesturing to the living room where the log fire was burning, "go sit down". Her eyes moved to Alex, as she opened her free arm for an embrace.


(Shall we have Jaison and Alex meet in the hallway, as Jaison comes downstairs or in the living room? What're you thinking?)


Harley Thompson


After greeting Cynthia she moved into the living room, eyes scanning the somewhat familiar decorations and set up. There were two couches, a television, some bookcase and the beautiful fireplace. Everything about this home.. was homely, Harley realized just how much she missed it.


Jaison Daniels


Gran's voice rang out as she opened the front door, Jaison moved to his door and froze in place. His hand shook as he took hold of the door handle, all he had to do was take the leap. Already he knew what he wanted to say, Gran wouldn't forgive him for being rude.. but he didn't care, he had to say it, all of it. Turning the handle he took slow steps onto the landing and lingered, he gazed over the banister watching Harley move into the living room. She looked different, not by much, he could still see that little girl that use to sing any song that was playing, or leap around at the sight of bugs. Jaison couldn't help but smile at the memories, his eyes moved to the staircase and back to the the floor below. His Gran opened her arms, ready for a second embrace. It was time, he was finally going to get to let it all out.. let Alex really have it, show him that he made a mistake.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda rolled her eyes at her grandmother's words, but still did as she said. She checked on the stew, stirring it a few times before turning the stove off. She took a deep breath, then made her way silently into the living room. Harley was already there, looking around. Amanda examined her for a few minutes, and then hesitantly said, "Hey."





Alex Thompson


Alex smiled and gave Cynthia a hug, but it did nothing to help his nerves. "Thank you again, for inviting us. I've missed your cooking," he said with a small laugh. He had never been much of a cook and during his time living in New York, his meals has consisted mostly of take out and microwave meals. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and spoke again. "Um, do you think I could have a few minutes here, by myself? To try and calm down?" He asked. He hated how childish he sounded, but if he took another step into the house, he was certain he was going to have a meltdown.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


The voice startled her, but she turned with a smile. "Hi" she answered, her eyes flicked over Amanda. She'd seen her around school but they never spoke, they avoided each other like the plague after everything happened. Seeing her felt.. strange. Harley took a seat on the couch, her eyes moved to the fire and back to Amanda, "how have you been?" she asked trying to fill the awkward silence.


Cynthia Daniels


Giving Alex a gentle squeeze, she pecked his cheek. "Thank you for coming" she said closing the front door, Cynthia turned and looked him over. She had known Alex was nervous when he hugged her, his hands clammy and his body shook lightly. "Of course, sweet boy" she smiled, placing a hand on his cheek. "Take it at your pace.. whenever you're ready" she continued before heading into the living room to join the girls. Cynthia took her seat on the couch, whenever the children had been around she sat there, everyone had designated seats it seemed. Cynthia's eyes moved to Harley, sitting exactly where she use to sit, a good view of the fire and the window. A tear came to her eye, finally she thought. Finally.





Jaison Daniels


At first he struggled to look, his eyes shut tightly then he heard Alex's voice. It was so familiar to his ears, there was no confusion to whose voice it could be.. he knew that voice. Jaison looked down from the banister seeing only the back of Alex, his pastel coloured hair. A change.. a lot had changed. Taking in a steady breath he moved to the stairs as Gran headed to the living room, now or never. Jaison moved down the steps one by one and lingered halfway, he prepared what he would say.. he knew every word. What he had to say, this was it.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


"Fine," she said with a shrug. She wasn't being rude, she just despised small talk of any kind, most of all awkward small talk. Seeing Harley again sparked a twinge of sadness in Amanda. She sighed in relief as her grandmother entered the room, hoping she could ease some of the awkwardness in the air. Unconsciously, she took her designated seat on the floor next to the fire. It was her favorite spot because she stayed warm and toasty the entire time she was sitting down.





Alex Thompson


He nodded thanks to Cynthia, glad she understood. He closed his eyes and tried to compose himself, when he heard the stairs. The fifth stair from the top always squeaked, alerting everyone in the house that someone was on them. Alex whirled around in panic, and he locked eyes with Jaison. His breath hitched and any composure he had flew out the window. For the millionth time that day, he struggled to keep tears down. He didn't know what to say so he just said the first thing that popped into his head. "Hey."

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Daniels


Her eyes flickered between the two girls and she stood moving to the bookcase, pulling out two large photo albums she took a seat beside Harley. Without another word Cynthia flicked open the album, she smiled at the youthful faces, her thumbs caressing each picture. "Remember this?" she said to Harley and Amanda, her eyes moved between the two. "When we all went camping.. never has it taken us that long to put up the tent" she chuckled, "your grandfather fell into it so many times whilst putting it up.. knocking the whole thing down again" the older woman's joy was genuine, overwhelmingly so. A tear trickled down her cheek and she brushed it away.


Harley Thompson


The movement of her hand was involuntary as she placed it on top of Cynthia's. Her eyes danced across the photos, memories flooding back to her like a ferocious wave crashing onto the shore. She chuckled with Cynthia, pointing out a second picture. "And when Jaison fell into the berry bush with all of his stuff.. we were finding them everywhere the whole week" she smiled.


Jaison Daniels


It was as if everything stopped and restarted. The words he had planned in his mind disintegrated and floated away like dust in the wind, there had always been something about Alex's eyes. Something that made Jaison always want to look at them, always try and catch them to make them look toward him. Jaison breathed in through his mouth and practically stumbled down the last steps, before he knew it his arms were wrapped around Alex's shoulders, his head buried in his chest. He smelt like he remembered, that deodorant with the space type name.. then there was the other smell, his smell. Sweet like summer fruits, he tried to get his mind to focus to remember what he was suppose to say.. what did he need to say? Why did he need to say it? Jaison closed his eyes, his mind raced with a thousand thoughts.. but right now only one was prominent. Don't let go.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda looked over at the photos and smiled. She and Alex both hated camping, but that trip remained one of her favorite memories. "Do you guys remember Alex going hiking by himself? Without telling any of us? We were looking for him for hours only. And when he finally did turn up, he was covered with scratches and bruises and an idiotic grin on his face," She laughed, shaking her head. "Jaison was so angry. He looked like he was about to hit him."





Alex Thompson


He didn't know what he had been expecting. But it certainly wasn't this. He had expected angry words, shouts, insults. He had expected the silent treatment, being ignored all night. Hell, a punch to the face would make more sense. What Alex hadn't expected was to feel Jaison's arms around him, pulling him in close. Alex felt like the world stopped around him, he didn't know what to do. Slowly, cautiously, he brought his arms up and wrapped them around Jaison's waist. And once he did, he knew it was going to be hard to get him to let go. As soon as he did, every emotion that he had been trying to bury came rushing to the surface. Tears started spilling over, slowly at first then more rapidly. In the back of his mind, he wondered if Jaison would mind that his shirt was getting so wet.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


"It was hilarious" she laughed watching Cynthia as she turned the page. It was Jaison's sixteenth birthday, she remembered it so well. The memories she had thought she had forgotten were fresh within seconds, she could remember the dancing, the disco at the cafe. "I remember this" she said, "you baked that cake.. with the racing cars on it" Harley continued looking at Cynthia. "Me and.. me and Amanda ate it under the table when no one was looking... you were so angry" she chuckled glancing to Amanda.


Cynthia Daniels


"You two were a nightmare that day" she smiled looking between the two girls. Cynthia glanced over shoulder seeing the re-flexion of Alex and Jaison in the hallway, she knew she was right. Handing the photo album to Harley, she smiled, "I'm going to check the stew" Cynthia said getting up and heading to the kitchen.


Jaison Daniels


It was as though he was melting, and Alex's arms wrapping around him made the feeling worse. He sunk into the embrace, every hair on his body stood on end. It reminded him of the kiss.. he was eighteen and still he hadn't been kissed. Alex joked about it at first, playing up how he could do it and they'd still be friends.. And then it happened. Then Alex left. He left. The words span around Jaison's mind and he released his arms from around Alex's neck, moving to Alex's arms and taking them from around his waist. Still he couldn't breath, words caught in his throat he swallowed deeply. "I need some air" he said, pulling the front door open and rushing out into the cold. Jaison ran a shaky hand through his hair, tears pouring down his cheeks like rain water. He pressed both his hands to his forehead covering his eyes, his breaths heavy and quick. What was he doing? Alex left him.. he tried to think about why he hugged him, but he knew why. He just ignored it, he couldn't think about it.. he didn't know what to think. Jaison leaned against the stone wall that surrounded the house and stared at the blue building before him, words were lost on him.. his mind a blur of memories and thoughts, of anger and pain, happiness and.. love.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda nodded and stood to take her place on the couch next to Amanda. She continued flipping the pages. She had never realized just how much time she and Harley had spent together, but it was a lot. Their pictures together showed just that.





Alex Thompson


Those few seconds seemed to last forever. Everything felt like it was going to be okay. As long as he didn't let go. But Jaison did. He let go. Alex hurriedly reached up to wipe the tears from his face, wanting to say something, anything. All too quickly he heard Jaison open the front door. The only thought on his mind was Wait. He realized he wasn't just thinking it, but he had said it out loud. He turned around and grabbed the door before it could close fully and said, louder this time, "Wait!" He rushed out after Jaison, unsure of what he would say, but knowing he had to say something.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


She turned toward the shouting, eyes wide, but she didn't intervene. "They need this" she muttered, remembering she was sat beside Amanda, she turned her attention back to the photo album. Harley suddenly felt uncomfortable and out of place, this was her brother's fight.. this was his family, not hers. Cynthia didn't see it that way but Harley had never been here as much as Alex had.. never. She looked at Amanda, "I think I should go".


Jaison Daniels


The heavy breaths caused his head to ache and feel light, his eyes unable to focus at first. Jaison looked up to see Alex, "why did you come back?" he asked, the question was sharp and full of sadness. He stood away from the fence and turned his back to Alex, "what made you come back?" he said. He knew what he wanted to hear, he knew that he wanted to shout, he knew what he wanted to ask.. and he dared himself to. Jaison turned slightly to look at Alex, "why did you leave?!" his voice cracked at the question, his shouting made it worse, more tears flowed down his cheeks. He knelt down, trying to calm his breathing. Jaison rubbed his hand against his forehead and through his hair, a single thought came to mind... you shouldn't have let go.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda sighed when she heard the shouts and the door. She knew this was a bad idea. But she also knew she couldn't intervene. And she also knew that Harley couldn't leave. "You can't. They're in the front yard, it'd be hella awkward for you to walk out. Besides, gram would be devastated," She said. And I don't want you to, she added silently in her mind.





Alex Thompson


Jaison was firing question after question at him and with each one, Alex winced. They felt like physical blows, ones that he couldn't defend himself from. And he didn't want to. He deserved it. He didn't know whether Jaison wanted actual answers or if he just wanted to yell. Whatever he wanted, Alex would do. Alex was sure, in that moment, that he could never make it up to Jaison. He had done something too awful. His cheeks felt wet and with a jolt, he realized he had started crying again. He reached up to wipe them away once again. He took a hesitant step towards Jaison and shakily answered his first question. "Our...our parents moved. But Harley didn't want to. So...so I came back to watch her while she finished school. And after she does..." He trailed off, leaving it hanging in the air, what they both knew he was going to say. After that, he would most likely be leaving again. Selling the house, and then he'd be gone.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


"You're right" she agreed, staring down at the photo album. "I just.." she paused, considering her words. "I just want everything to be.. how it was. How it still should be" Harley continued tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I know that' stupid but.." not knowing how to continue she stopped talking all together. Placing the photo album on the floor, she stared at the fire, lost in her thoughts.


Jaison Daniels


He felt pathetic. On the ground, sobbing, he wanted to stand and yell. But he couldn't find the anger.. something inside didn't want to be angry with Alex, it just wanted him back. "You're just gonna leave again" he said, the words sounding harsher than he had meant. Jaison stood, with shaky breaths, he brushed down his trousers and rubbed his eyes roughly on the back of his sleeve. "If you came here to get forgiven, done" he started. "You can leave, walk away and don't come near me whilst you here. If that's the only reason you came.. then go" Jaison swallowed deeply, wrapping his arms around himself. He turned away from Alex, shaking his head, "I need... I needed you, but you needed more" he walked toward the stone wall, by the gate. "I get that now, and I can forgive you.. you were young but" he stopped, "there was more there.. after the party, I just.. I thought". Jaison closed his eyes, using his hands to cover them. Don't leave he thought, just don't leave.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda nodded. "I know. Me too. But too much has changed. Even if they," she said, jerking her thumb towards the door, "manage to patch things up, it still won't be the same. Things will be different. I guess we'll just have to wait and see whether it's good." She concluded with a shrug.





Alex Thompson


"Wait!" Alex said, rushing forward and grabbing Jaison's shoulder. He was panicking now, seeing Jaison turn his back like that was too much, the tears started up again and his breath was shaky. "That's not why I came! I mean, it was, but it wasn't the only reason," He struggled to find words. Why had he come? Why had he agreed to this? He knew the answer but he knew it would sound stupid, he couldn't say it out loud. He loved Jaison, always had. And when he realized it, at the party, he had gotten scared. He had gotten scared so he tried to ignore it, but he couldn't. "After the party...There was more but, I couldn't...I didn't..." He couldn't find the right words to express what he was feeling. "I was scared," he finally said. It was the truth, and maybe Jaison would understand.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


"I hope they do.. I want Alex to be happy" she said with a deep breath, "he was always happy around Jaison". Harley rubbed her forehead with her hand, trying to hold back the tears. "Fuck" she whispered, "I just.. I want us all to.." Harley stood up quickly and paced across the room. She stayed silent and stared out of the window. I want us all to be happy.





Jaison Daniels


They stood face to face, and he waited, letting Alex speak. "I was scared too" he whispered, staring down at the ground. A brief silence fell between them, "you were my.. my first kiss. I..." he couldn't find the words, Jaison continued to stare at the grass beneath their feet. He knew where he was going with it.. he knew what he wanted to say, but even now, after all this time he was scared. Alex made him so nervous, he made it hard to breath, he made everything.. perfect. Ever since the day he met him and one night, it was all gone. Jaison could forgive him for going, he got it now, he understood.. but he wouldn't be able to forgive him again. Alex had stayed, he was still here.. but Jaison wondered for how long. "I had liked you for.. a while before that night. You kept.. joking about kissing me, like it was a game, you said you could help me get the dreaded first kiss out the way and that would be it" he smiled at the memory, "but it was more to me... and I want to think.. hope, I just.. that it was more for you" he took a deep breath. "That I was more to you" still, Jaison did not look up, fearful of what expression lay on Alex's face. "I still do".

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex took a shaky breath. It had been more for him, it had been so much more. He knew that in this moment he had to make a decision. About leaving again. Could he do that again? Do that to himself, to Jaison? Alex looked at Jaison and he realized he wouldn't be able to. He wouldn't be able to leave, at least not without Jaison by his side. He wouldn't be giving up on his career, his dream of music. But maybe there was a way for him to do that here. He would make a way. How could he show Jaison that he was genuine? He could only think of one way to show that he was serious. Like most of what he did, he acted before his mind could tell him how bad an idea it was. He was still holding steadily onto Jaison's shoulder and he pulled him closer and planted a kiss square on his lips. Inside, he was freaking out, wondering how Jaison would react. But as soon as their lips connected, Alex stopped thinking all together, his mind taken over.





Amanda Daniels


"Hey, don't worry," Amanda said, standing up and striding over to Harley. She placed an arm on her shoulder and gave her an encouraging smile. "It'll be okay," She said with confidence. Even if she didn't believe it, she had always prided herself on being a strong person. She would be strong for everyone else.

 

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels


The silence returned, nothing but their steady breaths filled the chilled night air. At first, he thought he'd imagined it, until he realized it was really happening. Alex's lips were warm and gentle, the bristles of facial hair brushed against his lip, and suddenly.. there was nothing else important. Jaison leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Alex's neck once more, his hand running through the back of the young man's pastel hair. The anger was gone.. the pain didn't matter, this mattered, Jaison knew Alex had made a choice to stay. Jaison didn't need to ask him not to leave, didn't need to think about it.. this was enough. More than enough. Part of him wondered if he read into the kiss too deeply, maybe it was a goodbye.. maybe it he would leave some time.. but for now, Jaison didn't care. He just wanted to hold onto this moment and never let it go.


Harley Thompson


Resting her head on Amanda's shoulder, she smiled. "Thank you" she whispered, wiping her eyes. Harley lifted her head up as the door opened from the kitchen, Cynthia stood smiling cheerfully. "Dinners ready, sweets. Will you grab the boys, Amanda?" moving away from Amanda, Harley smiled at the other girl and passed Cynthia to head to the dining table.


Cynthia Daniels


"I told you this was right, sweet girl" she said, with a cheeky smile. Cynthia took a deep breath and let it out, she smiled to herself before moving back into the kitchen.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


When Alex felt Jaison's arms around his neck, when he felt his hand in his hair, everything he was worried about disappeared. He wrapped his arms around Jaison's waist, all the tension he had went away. He knew Jaison understood, knew without having to say anything. Alex was amazed what they were able to communicate through a simple kiss. But it was so much more than just a simple kiss. It was a promise between the two of them. Alex completely forgot about the world around them and just focused on how happy he felt in that moment.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda sighed and made her way towards the front door. She didn't know what to expect so she decided to just barge outside and interrupt. She forced the door open and shouted, "Hey, Gram says dinner is ready..." She trailed off when she saw the sight outside. "Oh shit, uh, sorry," she said quickly. She shut the door quickly and shook her head. "Well that didn't take long," she muttered.

 

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels


Slowly opening his eyes and releasing Alex's lips from his own, he caught sight of the front door slamming closed. Still dazed in the passionate moment, he thought nothing of it at first, "I think we just got caught making out" he whispered to Alex, trying to hold in his laughter. The tension from the air seemed to have disintegrated and disappeared with the breeze.. all that was left was what Jaison had felt before. Safe. Alex always made him feel safe.. and happy. Jaison met Alex's eyes, his arms still wrapped around the slightly shorter man's neck. He asked the million dollar question, his hand still messing with the back of Alex's hair. "What now?"


Harley Thompson


Offering Cynthia help with getting everything to the table, she placed the tray of bread onto the table. The door slammed with a thud, "everything alright, Mandy?" she called. Harley looked across at Cynthia beside her with a trolley, the broth and other delicious food on top.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex made no effort to hide his laughter. "I'm sure Amanda enjoyed seeing that," He said still chuckling. He unwrapped his arms from Jaison's waist. He stayed close though, grabbing a hold of his hand and tangling their fingers together. "Well..." Alex didn't know how to answer his question. What now? Alex always improvised, lived in the moment. Planning was never his strong suite. "I guess...we go in and eat dinner," he said with a smile.





Amanda Daniels


"Yeah, I'm fine just trying not to vomit," Amanda said with a shudder. There would never be enough eye bleach in the world to erase what she just saw. She didn't even want to think about it. She walked into the dining room and helped them set things up. "They'll be in here in a sec," She said.

 

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels


He chuckled along with Alex, before moving his arms from around his neck. They stood on the lawn together, holding hands. Jaison nodded in agreement, smiling back at Alex, "that sounds like a plan" he said. Jaison didn't make a move, he stood thinking for a minute. "About.. this" he started, gesturing between them "let's not rush.. you've just got back and we've both changed, maybe not by a lot but.. I just don't want us to" he paused looking down at his feet. "I don't want to mess this up" he said, truthfully.


Harley Thompson


"Does that mean things went well.. or?" she questioned, eyes narrowed curiously. "Or really well?" Harley smirked nudging Cynthia cheekily, before taking a seat at the table.


Cynthia Daniels


Moving the pot of stew, ladle and condiments onto the table she took her seat. "I am sure all is well" she smiled, brightly, "I said it would be.. you all need to realize that I am usually always right" Cynthia chuckled, spooning some stew into her bowl. "Tuck in sweets, the boys won't mind".

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex nodded. "I couldn't agree more. We have changed a lot. Me more than you probably," he said, touching his hair and piercings self consciously. He tugged on Jaison's hand and started walking towards the door. "Don't want to keep them waiting," he said smiling.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda shuddered. "Don't even joke about that," she said dramatically. "And I've noticed gram," she said, sitting down at the table. "Frankly, it gets kind of annoying," she teased before digging into her food hungrily. She could be a bit of a pig. What can she say? She really likes food.

 

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels


"I like it though" he said, "the changes" following after Alex, hand in hand, he wondered if everything was going well inside. Opening the front door, he stepped inside first, Alex following. Jaison released Alex's hand and closed the door, he took a deep breath, the smell of the stew filled the air. "This is going to be delicious" he said with a satisfied smile. He moved to the doorway of the dining room, lingering for a second before taking his seat. "Smells great, Gran, like always" he tried to act casual, but he knew by now, they all knew.


Harley Thompson


She smirked as Alex and Jaison appeared, "welcome chaps, tuck in. Unless you're full already" she chuckled. "Eating each others face is tiring work you know" Harley laughed, hysterically, until Cynthia slapped her hand gently.


Cynthia Daniels


"Sweet girl, don't tease" she chuckled, eyeing the two men. Her eyes fell on Alex, giving him a looking of understanding.. Cynthia loved being right. "So, sweet boy, how have you been doing with your music? I can't wait to hear some" she said taking a piece of chunky homemade bread to dip into her stew.

 

[NothingNothing]

Amanda Daniels


Amanda laughed alongside Harley, snorting slightly as she did so. She was about to add her own retort when Cynthia shushed them. She went back to eating her dinner silently.





Alex Thompson


Alex's face blushed deeply at Harley's comment. Leave it to her to embarrass Alex beyond belief. Most of the time he was cool, calm, and collected. It was rare to see him so embarrassed. He sat down and started to eat quietly, turning his attention to Cynthia when she asked him about his music. His face instantly lit up as he began to talk. "It's going well! I've written a lot of stuff and I was part of a band, nothing serious. I was actually hoping to start one up here, if I can find people to join." He knew Lexi would be down, she used to play drums when they were in high school. He didn't know who else though.

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Daniels


"That's wonderful to hear" she said, smiling as she ate a piece of the bread. "Doesn't Otto play an instrument?" she said, trying to rack her brain for what it was. Cynthia's eyes moved to Jaison for help.


Jaison Daniels


"He's played all sorts, Gran" he answered grabbing a piece of bread for himself, and one for Alex. "I think he played the violin for a little bit.. I think he's been learning the piano recently" Jaison looked to Alex, "you should ask him, I'm sure Otto would be down.. and I bet he wants to see you" he handed Alex the second piece of bread in his hand with a soft smile. Jaison glanced around the table, it was just like old times. Amanda wolfing down her meal as though she was worried someone would take it from her, Harley texting.. again. Alex, him and Gran carrying the conversation. He loved it, every second of it.


"Infact, we could go to the pub later.. you can ask him then?" he suggested.