How Green Becomes Wood

"I'm pretty sure I could stab it," Alec said with a gleam in his eye.

Xander double checked. "Yep, that's everything. Thanks, guys, this was way more than I expected."

"Really, Thanks," Alec said sincerely. "Hugs all around!" He hopped up and hugged Becky, who joined willingly, pulling Peter in with them.
 
Sloan of course hugged them, Milo was much more hesitant. He didn't hate physical touch, but if it was a group hug... He didn't know... There were girls in that hug, and that was very embarrassing and awkward for him.
 
Austin very awkwardly joined at the outside edge of the hug, patting random backs tentatively. He was very happy to back out of the hug the moment he felt it wouldn't be rude.

Xander caught Milo's eye. He held up a fist in a silent fist bump across the space separating them.
 
Milo returned the fist-bump, glad Xander understood. Meanwhile, Dark and Daizi stood on the periphery, absolutely not joining in. Daizi would hug any one of those children individually if they needed it, but would not be the adult joining in a teenage group hug. And Dark was holding a sleeping baby. So. There. And there definitely weren't any other reasons why he, being the man he was, would give this group-hug thing a wide berth.
 
Peter glanced at his watch. "I should probably be heading home now."

"Alright," Alec agreed. "Everyone, Peter's breaking up the party!"

Peter threw a wad of wrapping paper at Alec, not really offended, and set Alec off laughing. He then helped them clean up the assorted mess of wrapping paper, string, and bags, and then he told the others goodbye before heading out.
 
Sloan and Milo helped clean up too, and Daizi encouraged everyone to take some of the food home with them. Dark carefully passed Ivy to Daizi so he could help bring pack the easels and other non-rented items into the car.
 
"Yeah, they always come up with some strange, fun ideas!" Becky giggled. She walked with Sloan out to the parking lot.

Once they were out and away from the front door, Austin came up behind them, cautiously clearing his throat and trying not to scare them.

Becky turned and frowned. "Are you okay, dude?"

"Yeah, yeah, fine," he said, nodding awkwardly. "Um I just wanted to talk, uh, to you." He was facing Sloan more than Becky as he said it. "Sorry, I don't want to be weird, but, um, I'm not good at this. I was just wondering, um, if you wanted to maybe go out sometime."

Becky grinned broadly, pleased for her friend that she was getting asked out. Then realized Sloan was going to say no for good reason, and her expression turned awkward. Oops.
 
Sloan blinked awkwardly at Austin, dimly recalling last year Tom had asked her out on the twins' birthday. Clearing her throat, she said, "That's really sweet, but I don't really date. Um, if I did, I'd totally say yes, it's just not a good idea for me right now."
 
"Oh, um." Austin blushed brightly. "I, um, I was actually asking Becky."

It took Becky a split second to realize what was happening. "What, who, me?" she squeaked. "Really?"

"Sorry. Um. Sorry." Austin was turning shades of red hitherto though unrealistic for a human.

"I mean, sure!" Becky said brightly. "I'll give you my phone number. Maybe," she grinned, "next time, you should try looking at the person you're trying to ask out? Or at least saying their name?"

"Right, yes, right," Austin said, nodding quickly.
 
Austin and Becky quickly exchanged numbers and sorted things out. Then Becky rejoined Sloan while Austin went to his battered old pickup truck.

"Wow, that was awkward," Becky giggled.
 
"Yep! There's my car over there," Becky said, pointing toward a tiny, clearly pre-owned car. "I don't think me and Austin really click, but, hey, it can be fun to go out, and maybe I'm wrong! See you at school?"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top