"Great, stuck with you. Where's the booze to survive this shit?"
EtherealSunsets
I don't drink.
"Well, at least you have some self-control. That's more than I can say for the rest of the family."
EtherealSunsets
……..you gonna just stand there or come sit?
"I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than sit next to you."
EtherealSunsets
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
EtherealSunsets
Two hours later
"So, how's your day been?"
EtherealSunsets
Good. What about yours?
"Honestly, it's been kind of dull without you around. You're surprisingly entertaining, even if you are a pain in the ass."
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
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?"
EtherealSunsets
No.
"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."
EtherealSunsets
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.
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.
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
That's completely okay Chris.
smirks "So, now that you know my secret, what are you going to do about it?"
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
Well…I'll see what I can do
leans back, crossing his arms "Oh really? We'll see about that, EtherealSunsets. Bring it on."
EtherealSunsets
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?"
EtherealSunsets
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?"
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
Sure.
rips open the present, revealing a set of poker chips "Poker chips? Seriously? I thought you were more creative than that, EtherealSunsets."
EtherealSunsets
They're…..special…poker…chips
narrows his eyes, intrigued "Special poker chips, huh? Alright, let's see what you got."
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
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.
EtherealSunsets
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?"
EtherealSunsets
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."
EtherealSunsets
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.