How Green Becomes Wood

Daizi's eyes widened and she turned to Alec in shock, "She said that? And did you?"

"She did, and I did," Alec said, hugging himself, his heart soaring and fluttering. "I can't believe it! I can't believe I actually... but I did. And I think it was not an awful kiss."

"I'm very glad it was not awful, but you should probably not describe it to her like that," Daizi laughed, "I'm happy for you, it sounds like an unexpectedly magical night."

"True enough," Alec chuckled. "I think it was her first kiss, and for me... well, it's the first kiss I feel counts. My first real kiss." He smiled blissfully. "I don't know how anything anywhere at any time can possibly eclipse this as the best night ever."

Xander finally spoke up. "I can think of a few. Engagement moment if she says yes, wedding, first baby..."

Alec blanched. "Aren't I supposed to be the one getting ahead of myself? That's fast even for me!"

"I didn't say it was with Claire," Xander drawled.

Alec rolled his eyes. "Never mind him. Anyway, she also asked me another very important question."

Daizi listened to them both, resting her chin on her palm with a large, proud smile on her face, "You've grown up so much. What did she ask you?"

"If we could be official. Official boyfriend and girlfriend! She asked if she could be my girlfriend. I am so honored," he sighed happily.

"Did she really?!" Daizi gasped, "That's amazing, I'm so happy for you! That's a really big deal, especially with how long you've liked her!"

Alec nodded enthusiastically. "It's wonderful! I can't believe it. It's a dream come true!" He checked his time. "Oh, I gotta get to work. Is Uncle Tristan's dinner in the freezer?"

"It sounds like it, I think you'll remember last night for a long time," Daizi said, squeezing his hand, "It is, I hope he likes it."

Alec hopped out of his chair and went around to hug Daizi. "Thanks, Mama! I love you." He turned and kissed Ivy's cheek, giving her a raspberry. "Love you, too, Mini! Be good today!"

Xander stood and stretched while Alec got the frozen meal from the freezer. "I'll be back later."

"I love you too, habibi," Daizi said, returning the hug, "Have a good day at work!" Ivy meanwhile laughed and also leaned in to hug Alec when he kissed her cheek. After also saying goodbye to Xander, Daizi picked Ivy up to get her dressed and bring her outside.

On the way to work, Alec texted Claire. He was a little awkward at first. What did one say to their new girlfriend? Then he realized it didn't have to be weird, and he tried to sound natural in his texts. It was hard to believe last night was real, but it was! And it was awesome. He did put his phone on vibrate and resolved to not use it at work.

Xander watched Alec disappear into the store, but he did not immediately pull away from the curb. A quiet, intrusive thought snuck into his mind. How long until he disappears from your life completely? There's little enough time together already. He'll want to spend time with his girlfriend. Then a wife. Then kids. Days will go by and you'll never talk. Then weeks. Then months. Years. Xander shook his head as if to physically dislodge the thoughts. That was part of growing up. Siblings did not stay in each other's pockets for life. That was unhealthy and weird. They could stay connected. It was up to both of them to keep it going, but he could not imagine a logical world where they actually did go years without some sort of connection. Maybe not seeing each other in person all the time, depending on where life took them, but technology existed. They'd stay in touch somehow, some way. Xander could make sure of that much, at least. He had to be there when - if - Alec's heart got broken again.

Finally, he pulled away from the curb and headed back home, arriving in a timely manner and kicking off his shoes, trying not to dwell in the melancholy mood that had followed him home.

Ignoring all the rules she had been taught about how best to respond to a boyfriend, Claire texted him back right away. She, too, tried to be normal about it, but her excitement was unmistakable through her texts.

By the time Xander returned home, Dark was awake and was out in the yard with Ivy to keep her occupied while Daizi tended to her plants. After checking her berries, she went inside for a basket just as she heard Xander get home. "The strawberries are ripe," She told him, "It smells like it was a good year."

"Yeah?" Xander came in and went to Daizi and her basket, leaning over to give it a sniff. "Those do smell good. Could maybe make some jam out of some of them and do, like cookies with jam. I don't know what they're called, but they always looked good."

"That would taste good," She agreed, setting the basket down, "There are many more to pick if you'd like to help. Then I need to get to washing them all."

Xander hesitated and then shrugged and nodded. "Sure. I can help out with that if you need it. My stuff can wait."

"It'll save me some time," Daizi said, going into the kitchen to switch the strawberries into another container so she could reuse her basket, "We have another one on the shelf in back of the pantry, it might be easier if you have your own."

Xander went to grab the basket and made sure it was clean enough before following his mother. "What plans do you have for them? Jams? Soups? Candies?"

"I've never made candy before, but I'll probably make some jam. Some will go to Cooger, some to my friends... Maybe I'll give some to Ciara, too. We have no shortage of them this year." Daizi answered, walking back outside with Xander, "...Strawberry soup?"

"I came across it once. I think it's a cold soup, but I've never really looked at what would go into making it," Xander said. He knelt down and started searching for berries to pick.