love in the mix - a tayvis au <3

09 - crossing new boundaries

The summer sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the neighborhood as Liam paced back and forth in the living room. Tonight was his first official date with Emma, and despite the hours he'd spent trying to play it cool, his nerves were getting the better of him. He'd chosen a nice, casual restaurant by the lake—a perfect spot for a first date, he thought. Not too fancy, but with a great view and a cozy atmosphere.

He glanced at the clock, feeling his heart race a little faster with each passing second. As he tugged at his collar for the umpteenth time, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind.

"Liam," Travis called, his voice echoing through the room. Liam turned to find Emma's dad standing there, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. His face was serious, but there was a glint of humor in his eyes that suggested he was both amused and concerned. "Got a minute?"

Liam nodded, swallowing hard. "Uh, sure. What's up, Mr. Kelce?"

Travis raised an eyebrow, walking over to stand next to him. "You know, it's funny. I never thought I'd be having this conversation with you of all people."

Liam blinked, his anxiety spiking. "Conversation? About what?"

"About dating my daughter." Travis crossed his arms over his chest, giving Liam a look that was equal parts protective father and teasing friend. "I'm going to give you the talk."

"The... talk?" Liam's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, no, Mr. Kelce, I—"

"Look, you're a good kid, Liam," Travis said, cutting him off. "And I know you're not going to intentionally do anything to hurt Emma. But you're going out with my daughter tonight, and that means I need to make sure you understand a few things. You're not just friends anymore; there are new boundaries, new things to consider."

Liam nodded, feeling his face grow hot with embarrassment. "Of course, sir. I get it."

"And I know you're both teenagers, and teenagers do what teenagers do." Travis's voice was stern but not unkind. "I just need you to be smart about it. If things get... intimate, you've got to be safe. No accidents. Understand?"

At that moment, Emma came down the stairs, her eyes widening as she caught the end of her dad's words. "Oh my God, Dad!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with horror. "Please, stop! This is already embarrassing enough!"

Liam's face turned beet red, and he glanced away, utterly mortified. "I think we've got it covered, sir."

Travis chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "All right, all right. I just had to say my piece. But seriously, Liam... take care of her."

"I will," Liam promised, his voice earnest. "I really like her, Mr. Kelce. I won't mess this up."

"Good." Travis clapped him on the shoulder, his expression softening. "Go on, then. And Emma—" He turned to his daughter, who was glaring at him with a mix of embarrassment and affection. "Have fun, but not too much fun."

"Ugh, Dad, stop," Emma groaned, grabbing Liam's hand and pulling him toward the door. "Come on, Liam. Let's get out of here before he says something else embarrassing."

As they left the house, Emma and Liam's nerves began to settle into a more comfortable rhythm. They walked hand in hand to Liam's car, a beat-up but well-loved sedan that he'd saved up for and bought himself. The drive to the restaurant was filled with light chatter and laughter, both of them trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness from the "talk."

When they arrived at the restaurant, they were led to a small table by the window, overlooking the lake. The sunset painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, and the water reflected the colors like a shimmering canvas.