The Last Architects

Chapter Forty-One.

Here I was again, getting ready for a dinner with Skyler's family, now, not as the kid who tried to kill himself and needed their money, but as their son's boyfriend.

"What if they think I'm only dating you for the money?" I frowned, knowing it would be a completely fair assumption. "And they still don't know about- that, do they?"

"No, not yet. I mean- my mother assumed. And they won't. Don't worry. At least not my mom. Maybe my brother." Skyler remained at the door as I pulled on a turtleneck, a bit self conscious at how big the sleeves were.

"Your brother sounds intimidating... Also, is this sweater fine? I feel like it's too big... Like it slips off..." I groaned, trying to tuck it into my pants.

"That's cute that it does that... I like that..." He looked surprised and I knew of course he would like it, "but if it makes you uncomfortable put on that embroidered one on. Same effect on the waist but doesn't slip off."

"Aw, you sound gayer by the day." I laughed, pulling off the sweater and taking up the red one he mentioned as I walked to the door. "I always take too long with the shirt only to cover it with my jacket... Can you just wear two?" I grinned, taking Skyler's hand.

"Hmph! You can take a change of clothes, though both of them would clash if worn together." He chuckled, and I closed my eyes for the moment his kiss landed on my head, stepping out as the door opened.

"I suppose this one's fine... the collar is just kinda cold, but I guess you could just put your hands around it, no-?" I couldn't stop laughing as his expression grew more and more surprised and quickly a blush ran across his cheeks. "I'm sorry! I- I couldn't help it!" I choked, stumbling against him to try and breathe.

"Ema, I-" He looked away with a breathless laugh, and I was starting to realize how I'd never been happier... "Yes, I'll warm your neck. But I think kisses would do that better."

"Either, it's not like I'll complain." I winked, going on my toes to kiss him softly, still unable to stop smiling. "I should apologize, that was really inappropriate."

"Very. How will you ever make it up to me?" He kissed me back and as he continued to laugh, so did I.

"Mmmm, just saying sex sounds kinda vulgar... So how about I let you do the dishes for a week?" I nodded, moving to jump onto his back, "what d'ya think?"

"Let me~ hmmm, deal." He adjusted my weight before holding my legs in place, "and you owe me a home cooked meal."

"I'm not a very good chef, just to warn you ahead of time." I leaned forward, letting my lips graze his ear. "Though, I suppose if we're going to live together I should learn... but shhh." Smiling, I moved a hand over his mouth. I didn't want to hurt him...

. . .

It was the same house... even the same time at night. Yet, now I had a new anxiousness towards the whole ordeal.

I'd never known parents to be accepting of things like Skyler and I's relationship, and admittedly, I was terrified. He would know his mother better than me, but regardless, it was still in the back of my head that she might be opposed. And as we came closer to the door, I took Skyler's hand to keep him from knocking.

I'd insisted on bringing flowers this time, but I was nervous if she'd even like the color. I didn't remember what color she preferred in her house... I mean, most of it was generally white, but not a single item of furniture or art was... so I figured orange was a safe bet. "I should've brought more than twelve... And you better not have had her cook food that only I like again, that was so embarrassing!" I hit Skyler with the stems.