Head Down

Chapter 36

A/N: Go to my profile for fun facts on this story. Thanks for the support and sorry for the wait. About three or four chapters left! This makes me so sad I cant even tell you. This story is my favorite thing on earth -save for puns- and I really hope you guys will read the spinoff. More info on that later.

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Katie's POV

Two hours and four boxes of cookies later, I've discovered that Thin Mints are the only ones I enjoy, that ten cookies is my limit, and that sugar does wacky things to me -for example I'm hilariously relaxed. Maybe I really am diabetic.

The four of us are sitting on the couch watching a cartoon known as Adventure Time -which I hadn't gotten at all, and assuming there was one asked Chris for the back story -to which he responded with a curious expression, "What do you mean BACKstory?"

He is 'home' 'sick' from school, but Nate had told me that this happens annually on Cookie Day. Apparently, his obsessive behavior over the treats is seen as odd by everyone else as well, which was comforting.

Lucy is currently on the other end of the couch as me, the boys seeing easily how uncomfortable she makes me though I tried very hard to speak with her. As it turns out I'm not only awkward around children but incapable of making conversation with them. My knowledge of Disney princesses, cartoon trivia, and love for the color pink are stunted at best, and shutting off my vocabulary was difficult. She still seems to like me though, but in the way someone would like an interesting pet. I'm no stranger to condescension, so it's not a big deal to me.

Nate has kept me close all day, a heart warming and heart braking fact. He currently sits as close as humanly possible on my right. My back is propped up against his side, my knees to my chin with both of our right arms tucked around them. I feel ridiculously safe, a smile stuck on my lips. All due to the sweet, handsome boy next to me.

Even though it's lunch time none of us move from the couch, too stuffed full of Thin Mints to even think about eating. As if on cue, Chris lets out a groan.

"Stop making whale noises," Nate says lightly, running his thumb absently over my arm.

"'tisn't a whale noise. 'tis an unhappy tummy noise," says Lucy in a random British accent, straightening the princess crown that ended up on her head at some point along the way in place of the cape.

"Indeed. My apologies ma'am," says Nate, adding an accent of his own.

"It's all good man," says Chris, not joining in the charade. This makes Lucy giggle, causing soft, brotherly smiles to light Nate and Chris's features. It makes me feel a little hollow on the inside, like I'm missing something for not being able to see her charm.

"Hey guys," says Xavier, walking into the room. With Nate so securely next to me, I feel more comfortable around him than usual. He's wearing a dress shirt and khakis, and looks very tired. This seems to be the usual appearance for him.

"Hi Mr.A," replies Chris casually, receiving a pointed look from Xavier. Our laid back friend only shrugs.

"Hello Alpha!" pipes Lucy.

"Hello Lucy, Christopher. How are you all?" he asks, approaching one of the half eaten boxes of cookies with a hungry eye.

It occurs to me that the only times he comes out of his office is for food, sleep, and Eleanor. The thought scares me -I don't think Nate would do well in an office for the rest of his life. He's a relatively calm person, but based on his actions last night previous to my....episode, he might not enjoy it much. I think he'd like seeing his family more often.