"Great, stuck with you. Where's the booze to survive this shit?"
"Well, at least you have some self-control. That's more than I can say for the rest of the family."
……..you gonna just stand there or come sit?
"I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than sit next to you."
she sits on the couch anyway, putting her headphones in
sighs and rolls his eyes Fine, whatever. sits down on the other end of the couch, a safe distance away from EtherealSunsets
"So, how's your day been?"
"Honestly, it's been kind of dull without you around. You're surprisingly entertaining, even if you are a pain in the ass."
How am I a pain in the ass?
"Well, let's see. You're always so serious and uptight, it's like trying to have a conversation with a brick wall. And those damn headphones of yours, always blocking you off from the world. But hey, at least you're consistent in being annoying."
I don't block the world off, just unnecessary noises.
"Oh really? So you think you're better than everyone else, huh? Too good for the rest of us common folk?"
"Well, I guess it's better to be aloof and judgmental than to actually have any redeeming qualities. At least you're consistent in being an asshole."
Say somethings that doesn't trigger a filter will ya.
"Fine, fine. I'll behave myself. But just know that I secretly think you're fascinating, EtherealSunsets.
Really? But why would you think that? She says curiously
"Because despite your serious and stoic exterior, I've seen glimpses of vulnerability and kindness in you. And it intrigues me.
Oh. She smiles softly Well thank you Chris.
"No problem, EtherealSunsets. It's not often I get to see behind that tough facade of yours. Just remember, I'm not used to this 'being nice' thing, so don't get too used to it."
That's completely okay Chris.
smirks "So, now that you know my secret, what are you going to do about it?"
leans in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes "I don't know, maybe I expect you to try and bring out my softer side? Or maybe I'm hoping you'll challenge me and push me to be better."
Well…I'll see what I can do
leans back, crossing his arms "Oh really? We'll see about that, EtherealSunsets. Bring it on."
she shrugs Okay then. She gets up and does a little shopping while she was gone for over two months.
sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine "Oh, look who finally decided to show up. Missed me that much, huh?"
Hey Chris. Welcome back. She walks into the room, putting the presents she bought for him in her hands.
raises an eyebrow, smirking "What's the occasion? Did you miss me? Or are these presents for someone else?"
Both….no….just a present…..here.
takes the present from EtherealSunsets, teasingly "Hmm, well, aren't you just full of surprises? Guess I should open it then."
rips open the present, revealing a set of poker chips "Poker chips? Seriously? I thought you were more creative than that, EtherealSunsets."
They're…..special…poker…chips
narrows his eyes, intrigued "Special poker chips, huh? Alright, let's see what you got."
Just you wait. A few minutes later they arrive to see her parents, John and Linda arrive.
looks at John and Linda, raising an eyebrow "Your parents just showed up out of nowhere? This day just keeps getting better and better."
Ha ha ha very funny. Mom! Dad! Come meet Chris!
stands up and extends his hand to John and Linda "Nice to meet you both. EtherealSunsets has told me so much about you." As they exchange pleasantries, Chris notices the uneasy glances between John and Linda, sensing that there is something they're not telling him.
Chris. She turns to her parents What did you tell him?
narrows his eyes, suspicion evident in his voice "What did you two hide from me? Is there something you're not telling me?"
Hey! Don't interrogate my parents!
crosses his arms, his expression growing serious "I have every right to know what's going on. If there's something fishy happening here, I want answers."
Mom! Dad! What’s going on?!
steps forward, placing himself between EtherealSunsets and her parents "Listen, if you're hiding something, I deserve to know.