Feather

Nineteen

Michael and Ashton were in what would be the building's large games room, trying to figure out what would be appropriate for everyone, and making sure that none of them would leave anybody out. They could hear Peyton in the TV room across the hall, talking to the electricians, who had just given them the all clear on continuing with the interior decorations. Every once in a while they would hear something drop upstairs as the builders worked on installing all the new bathrooms.

Peyton said goodbye to the electricians, and accompanied them to the door, before going to the guys, "well, we can start deciding on how to decorate everything now. I'm thinking neutral, then whoever stays can make it their own." She wrapped her arms around Michael from behind, resting her head on his shoulder, and closing her eyes.

"Tired?" He asked with a small laugh. Peyton only nodded.

"Why don't you guys get going then? I'll stay here," Ashton shrugged, looking down at his watch, "it's getting kind of late, so I'll probably tell the builders they can go soon."

"No, it's okay. We'll stay with you." Peyton told him, a small smile on her face as she snuggled closer to Michael.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, making both Ashton and Peyton furrow their eyebrows, Michael asking if they were expecting anyone. Both shook their heads, Ashton going to open the front door, and Peyton moved in front of Michael with a light giggle as she gave him an Eskimo kiss, making him smile from their noses rubbing together. It wasn't long until they heard a set of footsteps coming into the room, as another went up the stairs. They pulled away from each other, and Peyton's eyes widened.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Um, no. No, of course not," Peyton smiled going over, giving the usual two kisses, "so, what are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd come see my daughter at work." Peyton's father smiled.

She nodded slowly, "and?"

"And I'm very proud of you, Pumpkin," he gave her a warm hug, and she smiled happily, "so... are you going to introduce me to your friend?" He motioned to the other person in the room.

Peyton took her father's hand, leading him towards Michael. To be honest, she was a bit nervous, Michael wasn't exactly the type of guy her father was used to being around. His dyed black hair, tattoos, and piercings weren't exactly seen in the circles in which her father ran, the circles in which Peyton had grown up in but she loved Michael, all of him, and she hoped her father would see what she saw. Someone beautiful.

"Daddy, this is Michael Clifford, my boyfriend. Michael, this is my father, Gregory Lanson." She smiled.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Michael." Her father held his hand out.

"You too, Mr. Lanson." Michael said nervously, shaking his hand.

Mr. Lanson looked at Michael for a moment, taking in the sight in front of him. Of course he was expecting someone a little different, and he had nothing against Michael at all. So what if he didn't come from money, or wasn't as highly educated as some of the boys Peyton had grown up with.

He'd seen the guys she had been with before, and none of them made her smile the way this one had. She had never wanted to leave a dinner for one of them, she had never gone out of her way to spend more time with them, never had she spoken of living with one of them, not even when all her friends were moving in with their partners. Michael, just the mention of his name made her light up, and that was enough for him.

"I'm sure Peyton mentioned how much I wanted to meet you in person. I've heard a lot about you since her birthday dinner." He smiled knowingly at her.

"Yeah. I mean, yes, she did. We just haven't really had a lot of time." Michael told him apologetically.

"It's okay, baby. He's not going to bite," Peyton whispered to Michael, taking his hand his hers, and entwining their fingers, "it's just been difficult, with trying to get everything here sorted, and Michael trying to find a new job." She said to her father.

"You're unemployed?" Mr. Lanson asked Michael casually.

"Oh, no, I have a job. I'm just looking for something better. I want to make sure Peyton has everything she needs, and that I can give it to her." He smiles brightly at her.

"I already have everything I need." She giggles, kissing his cheek sweetly.

All of a sudden, several people were heard coming down the stairs. Ashton's laughter being heard as they echo through the empty corridors, he spoke to the builders a while, saying a goodbye for the evening, and accompanying them to the door. Ashton then walked into the room with a big grin on his face, obviously happy with the work he's just seen, "so... did I manage to miss all the awkwardness?"

Well, if there was any awkwardness, then Ashton definitely cleared it. They all laughed at his question, and slowly began to get everything packed up for the night so they could go home. Mr. Lanson offered to give them all a ride home, which they all accepted, even though Michael and Peyton were used to walking when he went to visit her, it would be rude to refuse him, even Michael knew that, especially since he was trying to impress him.

On the drive home, Peyton's father invited them to come for dinner at the house. Michael was a little hesitant, remembering how Peyton's mother had sounded at the Christmas party but he agreed, and they set a date. Peyton just smiled as she saw how much her father had taken to Michael, and she would spare a few glances at Ashton, who just nodded in understanding.

When they arrived home, they both quickly got changed, and got into bed. Michael had work in the morning, and Peyton just really wanted to hold him, so they didn't bother with dinner. They sighed contentedly in each others arms before Michael spoke up, "I like your dad. He's seems kind of cool ."

"Yeah, he is," She grinned up at him, "and he likes you."

"How do you know that?" He furrowed his eyebrows, looking at her.

"Call it a daughter's intuition."