The screen on Tom's TV shined through the living room that was slowly growing dim with the sun setting. The screen only showed the option to continue playing the next episode of Lost but your head was pressed against Tom's chest and your arm draped around his waist while Tom's held you close to him and soft snores fell from his mouth. The two of you had fallen asleep two episodes ago. You were first to fall asleep, leaving Tom to chuckle to himself and pull the blanket up higher just to be sure you'd be warm enough but he was soon falling asleep after.

But, now the doorknob is jigging and Harrison is strolling through the door with a backpack thrown over his shoulder. He sees the TV on when he walks in and heads to the living room. His mouth opens to say something until he finds you and Tom sound asleep on the couch. He smiles at his friends and he wants to thank whoever is up there looking after Tom for this moment. Harrison shrugs and pulls his out his phone, taking a quick picture of the two of you. Tom's a cliche even if he won't admit it right now and Harrison knows he'd kill for the picture later.

"Aye," Harrison taps Tom's leg. "Tom, wake up."

"Huh?" Tom mumbles, squinting his eyes and meeting Harrison's.

"Wake up." Harrison chuckles.

"Right." Tom's voice is groggy as he lightly shakes you to wake up.

"Hmm?" You hum.

"Haz is here." Tom's voice is so groggy that you smile against him and instead of looking to the end of the couch where Harrison stood, you looked up to Tom. "What?" He quirked a brow but there's a tired, uncontrollable smile on his face.

"Nothing." You look to Harrison and stretch. "Hi."

"Hey." Harrison looks at the two of you with confusion, the two of you seeming far more acquainted than he thought. "You guys...?" Harrison asks, waiting for you to fill in the blanks.

Both of you shake your heads quickly. "No, no." Tom says. "Friends." He says.

"Just friends." You affirm.

"You look pretty comfortable." Harrison gives you a knowing smirk.

"If ya want help for your date, you'd better fuck off." Tom threatens.

"Alright, alright." Harrison puts his hands up in defense. "I just don't know what to wear." Harrison's attention goes to you.

"You always seem to be dressed fine when I see you. How is this different?" You sit up and Tom follows your lead.

Harrison rolls his shoulders. "Just is, it's a date. Different."

"Well, what do you have and what are you doing?"

"Okay," Harrison takes in a deep breath and goes to the front of the couch, waiting for Tom to move his legs so he can sit. "I have these shirts and trousers. We're going to the cinema and dinner."

"What's wrong with what you're wearing?" Tom chimes in, questioning Harrison in a slick navy jacket and a grey t-shirt underneath, and black jeans covering his legs.

"Feels too casual and I'm not taking advice from you. You've terrible fashion sense."

You giggle, nodding in agreement as Tom crosses his arms over his chest. "Dress fine."

You roll your eyes at Harrison, Tom not being able to see your expression. "But, he isn't wrong. There really isn't anything wrong with what you're wearing."

"I gotta impress her." Harrison urges.

You look to Tom who shakes his head but gestures his hand out, telling you to help his friend. "Okay." You say. "Go put this shirt and these pants on and then come out here." You point to a maroon turtleneck and nice black pants that weren't quite slacks.

Harrison grabs his clothes and rushes to the bathroom to change.

"So, he really likes this girl." You state.

"Never seen him like this with anyone else." Tom shrugs a shoulder. "She just better treat 'im well."

"He really doesn't date? I mean, he's cute and really nice."

Tom's brows raise and his face drops. "You think he's cute?"

You laugh and crawls over to Tom. "Yes." You give him a smile, watching his jaw clench in response. Your hands cup his face, taking in how dark his brown eyes have gotten. "But you're so much cuter."

Tom licks his lips, his eyes looking to the ceiling and back to you, a smile fighting to tug at his lips. "Hope so." Tom says, closing the distance and kissing you softly.

You pull him closer to you, deepening the kiss, happiness and adrenaline running through your veins. Your mouths move in sync as Tom almost instinctively, pushes you back on the couch, a firm hand on your hip. And he's so addicted to the taste of July that he doesn't hear the bathroom door and you want to live in winter forever so much that you're convinced it's just you again. Until Harrison clears his throat.

"Sorry to interrupt." Harrison chuckles.

You and Tom pull away but Tom doesn't make any efforts to actually move away from you.

"The bloody hell are you wearing?" Tom groans, sitting up, offering you a hand to help you up.

"Yeah that was a bad idea. You look ridiculous." You state.

"That bad?"

"Yes." Tom and you say at the same time.

"I mean, for a date. You look like you're going to like, a fancy Christmas party or something. And you cannot wear that blue polo."

"You're not helping, much." Harrison sighs.

"That's the jacket you have? The dark blue one?" You ask, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Uh, yeah, why?" Harrison furrows his brows.

"Can I go through your clothes?" You turn to look at Tom.

"Uh, sure?" Tom quirks a brow and before he can say anything else, you're moving to Tom's room.

Harrison and Tom look at each other with questioning looks but both just shake their heads. While they wait for you to come back, Harrison takes your seat and just stares at Tom.

"So, care to explain what I walked in on?"

A smile as wide as Tom's face forms. "She likes me."

Harrison laughs. "Yeah?" There's happiness in the word.

"Yeah." Tom nods.

"Good for you, mate. She's a good one."

"Think so?" Tom asks, the smile falling slightly

"Ever steered you wrong?" Harrison asks.

"There was that one time-"

"About a girl." Harrison quickly corrects.

"Nah," Tom shakes his head, a chuckle escaping his lips as he runs a hand through his hair. "Meeting her family tomorrow."

"No shit." Harrison says, shock consuming his face. "Not gonna back out, are you?"

"Asked her to stay." Tom states. "Won't back out if she's here."

Harrison nods understandingly. "You two together then or?"

"No." Tom says quickly, eyes wide.

"You tell her that?" Harrison raises a knowing brow.

"No..." Tom admits. "I will though, after you leave."

"Long as you're honest with her. Just not ready, aye?"

"Don't." Tom warns.

"I'm not, just asking." Harrison puts his hands up in defense just as you come back.

"Wear those black pants, this white shirt, your boots, and then your jacket." You hand Harrison one of Tom's shirts.

"That's it?" Harrison asks.

"Yeah, casual but not too casual. White looks better than grey and you need to fix your hair. It looks like you've run your hand through it all day."

"Alright?" Harrison says and rushes back to the bathroom to change.

You take your seat once more. "Heard you guys, by the way." You say softly, fiddling with your fingers before looking back to Tom.

"Oh?" He says, waiting to see exactly what you had heard.

"It's okay. I don't want a label anyway. They're a lot and stuff." You admit with absolute honesty.

"Really?" Complete and utter relief fills Tom's entire face with your words.

"Yeah," You laugh. "It doesn't bother me not slap some label on this. We like each other and that's that. It's none of anyone's else's business what we decide or what we're doing."

"You're bloody incredible." Tom gives you a lopsided smile before moving closer you and cupping your face, kissing you again.

"You're incredible at that."

"Could do this all night." Tom mumbles against your lips.

"Not opposed." You giggle, deepening the kiss just as Harrison rushes back to you.

"Okay, really?" Harrison says, shifting his weight to one side.

"Like you're not gonna be doing the same all night." Tom quips, pulling away as your face heats up.

"There! You look great!" You exclaim as you takes in the sight of Harrison. "Now fix your hair."

Harrison gives you a cheesy smile and you sigh before looking to Tom. "Go ahead." He says.

You follow Harrison to Tom's bathroom. Harrison takes a seat on the toilet seat while directing you to where Tom keeps an excessive amount of hair gel. You put some of the gel on your hands and start working with Harrison's hair, remembering how you've seen it the times you've hung out with him.

Tom watches from the doorway, you concentrating to make sure you don't mess up Harrison's hair. Harrison's knee bounces with nerves with every passing second. A smile comes to Tom's face with the sight of the girl he likes and his best friend. You even look like you're just close friends hanging out. It's nice and warms Tom's heart. There's only been one other girl that Harrison has been this acquainted with before and she meant the world to Tom. So, to see Harrison like this with you, it was a huge relief and nothing but heartwarming. It's further proof that Harrison likes you and has full faith that you have potential. That you're not out to break his heart. You're just there because you like him.

You finish Harrison's hair and you give him a pep talk as well as do's and don't's, still a little confused why he even needs any of your help. But, you help anyway with the occasional quip and joke from Tom. The time finally came and it was time for Harrison to head out, leaving you and Tom alone again.

"Care to change and we can order in?" Tom asks, the two of you standing in the kitchen.

"I'd like that, yeah." You give him a wide smile.

"You get the clothes and I'll ring up the Chinese place down the block?"

"Okay." You agree before giving him your order.

You make your way to his bedroom and go in the drawers you'd gone into nearly a week prior. You grab pajama pants and shirts, as well as the one blue and orange hoodie Tom said you could borrow. You dropped the clothes off in the kitchen for Tom while he was still placing the order and you went to the bathroom to change. By the time you reemerged, Tom was off the phone and slipping his pajama pants on, shirtless.

"I'm sorry." Your face heats up as you turn away quickly.

Tom laughs as he finishes pulling his pants up. "'S okay." He grabs his pants from the floor and walks to you, stopping right before you. "Not like I'm naked." He whispers in your ear, goosebumps forming on the back of your neck with his warm breath.

You turn around, only to be met with a playful smirk and Tom still shirtless. "You're funny." You remark.

"Hilarious." Tom corrects, and snakes an arm around your waist. "Food should be here in about fifteen." His lips press a soft kiss to your forehead while his chest is pressed against yours.

"Good, I'm starving." You say.

"Making out does that." Tom remarks, earning him a narrowed eyed stare. "It does." Tom tosses his head back laughing before kissing your forehead again.

"Yeah," You shake your head, bringing your hands up to his sides, making Tom jump in response. You burst into a fit of laughter. "If you wore a shirt, you wouldn't have that problem."

"Oh? So you have a problem with me not wearing a shirt?" Tom jokes, crossing his arms over his chest. His biceps flex and his abs become more defined with every breath he takes. A smirk comes across his lips, seeing how you stare.

"No, actually." You say shyly. "No problem."

"Eyes up here, darling." Tom quips, pointing to his big brown eyes.

"Shut up." You groan and move past him, back to the couch.

Tom smiles to himself as he walks back to his room to put his clothes in his laundry basket. He grabs the shirt from the table on his way back into the living room, tossing it over his head. Tom moves and sits right next to you; you had your legs hugged into your chest. Tom wraps an arm around your shoulder and brings you into his side, pressing a gentle kiss to your temple.

"What was that for?" You ask, looking to him.

"Just because." Tom says quietly, shrugging his shoulders.

You lean forward and press a kiss to his cheek. "Just because." You smile sweetly and put your attention back on the TV playing the episode of Lost you'd fallen asleep during.

The two of you remain like that until the food comes. Tom gets the food from the delivery man and you and Tom take separate sides of the couch, each of you leaning on either arm of the couch, your legs outstretched against each other's. You ate your food in a comfortable silence, watching as the group of plane crash victims ran into a polar bear.

Tom kept stealing glances every now and then. You usually had your fork in hand, barely sticking out of the takeout container and your full attention on the TV. The blue hoodie complimented you well but maybe that was just because it was his and Tom's sure anything of his would look perfect on you. But, there's more. It's domestic, like you'd been doing this for months. Sitting down, eating, and watching TV together, no talking, just watching and eating. Tom doesn't feel the need to fill the air with words and you don't either. You're content with each other and comfortable. You're already comfortable enough to just be together. There's still some fear ticking in the back of Tom's head but it's nothing compared to how sure he is about you.

The night came and went and soon, it was the morning. You were waking up in the same spot you'd fallen asleep, closest to the back of the couch while Tom was at the opposite end. After you had finished eating, you continued to watch the show and laughed, joked around and stole private smiles but you were first to fall asleep. Tom didn't want to wake you so he didn't move you or move beside you, he just stayed put and you couldn't be happier. He was determined not to overstep but not leave you alone. And, he looks so peaceful as he sleeps, his mouth slightly open and soft snores leave his mouth. His hair is all of over the place and he just looks like a beautiful disaster.

You readjust and carefully crawl up to Tom, nuzzling your way into the side of the couch and between Tom's chest. He groans and shakes his head further into the arm of the couch as you get comfortable, his warmth radiating to you. You place a kiss to his nose and his eyes flutter open. A tired smile immediately falls onto his face.

"Morning, darlin'." Tom's groggy morning voice falls onto your ears and it's so perfect, just like it was the last time.

"Morning." You smile.

Tom presses a kiss to your forehead, shutting his eyes again. "Been up long?"

"No, just woke up." Your voice is far too chirper for just waking up.

"Why are you so awake?" Tom gives you a quiet chuckle, peaking an eye open.

"I'm always this awake when I get good sleep." You say nonchalantly and Tom's heart flutters.

"You sleep well here?"

You shake your head, burying it into Tom's chest as his arm pulls you into him. "Yeah, yeah I do." You whisper into his clothing, the soft sent of his fabric softener clouding your senses.

Tom places a kiss on top of your head and you pray to the universe that he never stops with the gentle kisses. "I'm glad." He whispers as you pick your head back up.

"You're meeting my mom, today." You smile sweetly.

"Yep." Tom says and the fluttering stops and is replaced with anxiety.

"I think she'll like you." You say, noticing the sudden change on Tom's face.

"Hope so." He says.

"Well, we should get up and eat, get ready." You state quickly.

"What time is it?" Tom quirks a brow.

"Uh," You start, searching for your phone, realizing it's probably fallen on the floor. So, Tom reaches into his pocket and pulls it out, realizing he needs to charge it before you go. He shows you the phone and buries his head into your shoulder. "It's after eight, up." You say.

"You're bloody insane." Tom groans, burying his head further into your shoulder.

"You're insane." You retort, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "C'mon, Tommy get up. We gotta get ready." A smile pulls at his lips with the nickname and he hates how you just say it and it makes his head spin.

He looks up to you and shakes his head but kisses your lips softly. "Okay." He nods and stretches before getting up from the couch, offering his hand for you to get up.

The two of you walk around Tom's kitchen, you preparing coffee and Tom looking through the fridge and cabinets for something for the two of you to eat. He finds pancake mix and settles on that. You move around the kitchen, not bumping into each other but instead like you do this every morning. You smile at each other, getting each other things as the other needs them and it's so nice. The two of you are used to doing your morning routines alone but it's nice to do them with someone, with each other.

By the time you were done eating breakfast, you were going back to your place to shower and get ready, leaving Tom to do the same. You promised you'd be back just before two so you could leave. And you did. Your fist knocked lightly on the door and Tom opened it, his hair gelled nicely, a curl falling onto his forehead. A nicer tan jacket hangs around his shoulders, a black t-shirt underneath, and black jeans decorated his legs. A silver chain with a ring and a small emblem hangs down the center of his chest.

Tom looks you up and down. You're wearing dark blue jeans and his blue and orange hoodie under your pink winter coat. Your hair is in a loose ponytail that just falls over your shoulder and you have minimal makeup on. It's so casual but it makes Tom's heart skip a beat anyway.

"You look nice." Tom says, allowing you inside.

"I'm wearing your hoodie." You tease.

"Yeah," Tom chuckles. "Fair."

"You look nice, though." You says, proud smile on display. "I like the jacket."

"So, this is okay?" He asks, tugging at the sleeves.

"Perfect."

"Cool." Tom takes in a sigh of relief as he puts his hands in his pockets.

"Ready to go then?" You ask.

"Yeah, yeah." Tom nods nervously, grabbing his red coat from the chair.

The two of you make your way out to your car. Tom offered to drive but seeing as he doesn't know where your house is, you find it easier for you to just drive. The short drive to your parents' house was fairly quiet. You had your own music playing but Tom was just staring out the window, fidgeting with his sleeves and staying quiet. It was weird for him to be quiet. Tom always had something to say but not now. Your guess is that he's simply that nervous and while, two weeks ago, you would have said he would have every reason to be nervous, now is a different story. Your dad doesn't like him based on his first impression and rightfully so but he also doesn't like Tom for the simple fact that he doesn't want you hurt and Tom's a flight risk. But, no one else knows that and no one else is that protective. They'll look at Tom for how he shows up today and who he is today, is good, really good.

When you arrive at your parents' house, you park on the street and Tom eyes the house. It's a typical two-story house you'd expect just outside of the city. Brick, nice sized, two car garage. It's nice and reminds Tom a little bit of his childhood home. Tom gets out of the car first and rushes to your side to open your door.

"Thanks, Tom." You giggle, taking his hand as he helps you out.

Tom just offers you a smile in response. You lock the car and the two of you head up the driveway and into the house. There's eighties music playing throughout the house and laughter is being heard from the kitchen. You discard your shoes before following the sound of the laughter. When you enter the kitchen, your mom is first to spot you.

"Y/n!" She chimes, rushing to bring you into a hug.

"Mom." You smile, wrapping your arms around her.

"You look lovely." She pulls away and cups your face. "How are you?"

"Good, good." You nod quickly. "You?"

"Perfect, now." She hugs you once more, her eyes falling on Tom who's standing just behind you. "Is this Tom?" She asks as she pulls away.

"Oh, yeah. Tom, this is is my mom, mom this is Tom." You gesture between them, your mom looking him up and down as she sticks her hand out.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. y/l/n." Tom says kindly.

"You, too, Tom." Your mom says. "What on earth happened to your face though?" She asks, taking in his bruises and cuts, the rest of the room paying close attention.

"Uh, I was mugged 'bout a week ago." Tom sucks in a breath and looks to the floor.

"Are you okay?" Your mom asks quickly.

"Yeah, yeah, fine." He nods quickly.

"I made sure he was okay, Mom." You reassure.

"As long as you're okay." She says and Tom nods, reassuring her. "He's cute." She whispers into your ear as she goes to make her way back to the oven.

"Mom." Your eyes widen as you speak through gritted teeth.

"Y/n." Your mom mocks.

"Sorry." You apologize to Tom who's smiling wide with pink tinted cheeks.

"It's okay." Tom chuckles.

"Uh, okay. So, this is the family and family friends." You gesture to the large table with ten people seated. "It's not everyone yet, but it's enough." You say before going around the table and introducing him to everyone.

"Y/n!" A soft voice pulls your attention behind you where a young child with dark hair runs towards you.

"Sophie!" You chime in the same voice, squatting down to pick up the little girl. "How're you?"

"Good." Sophie smiles, holding up her stuffed Flounder. "Look what Daddy got me."

"Yeah? That for your birthday?" You ask, taking the stuffed toy, showing Sophie your interest.

"Yes." She says, taking the toy back.

"So cool. Ya know, Flounder was always one of my favorites."

"Really?" Sophie asks with excitement.

"Yeah! He's a talking fish! How cool is that!" You beam and Sophie giggles.

Tom watches the interaction and he never even asked if you had any cousins or anything. But now he wishes he had. You beam looking at the little girl and you know how to keep a conversation and keep her entertained. It reminds him of spending time with his youngest brother and his heart just swells in his chest. He's solely convinced there's not a single thing wrong with you.

"Who's that?" Sophie tries to whisper as she looks to Tom and point her finger.

"This is my best friend, Tom." You smile.

"Hey, Sophie." Tom smiles and offers the little girl his hand. She takes it and shakes it softly before pulling it back quickly and hugging the toy. "You like the Little Mermaid, aye?"

"Mhm." She hums and you watch Tom interact with Sophie in your arms.

"Mermaids," Tom leans in and whispers. "Are the coolest of the ocean."

Sophie beams with Tom's words. "Are they real?"

Tom looks to you while you look all too amused. "You can't tell anyone, can you keep a secret?" Tom asks. Sophie nods quickly. "They're so real."

Sophie gasps and looks to you. "I knew it."

"Yeah, you did." You can't help but laugh.

"Why does he sound funny?" Sophie changes subject quickly.

"You wanna take this, Tom?" You ask as you notice the older adults have ceased their conversation to watch Tom, you, and Sophie interact. You don't bring anyone around family, ever. So, this is all new and the fact you're allowing Tom to communicate with Sophie like this, they're all floored and in awe.

"I'm from a place called London." Tom says. "This is how we talk there."

"Why?" Sophie asks, her voice more a demand.

"I dunno." He shakes his head but the smile doesn't even dare to budge. "I do sound pretty weird, huh?" Sophie nods quickly.

"But it's cool, right?" You chime in and Sophie nods again.

"Like Brave." She says.

"Yeah, like kind of Merida and her family, that's right. They sound different." You say, just going with what she says understanding what she meant. "Hey, do you wanna watch one of your movies after dinner? I wanna show Tom around."

"Yes, please." Sophie hugs around your neck.

"Okay, make sure you know what movie you want to watch when we're ready?"

"When?" Sophie asks.

"Mmm," You hum and look to your mom. She nods to you. "After you eat all of your food and Tom and me are done. We have to clean our plates and then we'll watch it."

"Okay." Sophie smiles and you put your down, allowing her to run off to wherever she was playing last.

"Well," You take in a deep breathe, your family and friends shif in their seats to go back to their conversations. "I'm gonna show Tom around, dinner in fifteen?"

"You got it," Your mom nods and sends you a thumbs up.

"C'mon," You jerk your head. "Show you upstairs first."

The group watches you lead Tom up the stairs and out of their view which just means they'll be discussing you not only bringing home someone, but some British boy none of them have ever heard of. You're well aware that they'll be discussing it but you push it out of your head as you scale the stairs, Tom right on your heels.

As you get up the stairs, Tom feels like he can breathe. The initial meeting is the second hardest part. The first would be the dinner but he made it through meeting everyone, including two of your favorite people so it's going quite well already. At least, Tom is convincing himself it is so he doesn't freak out and make himself look like an idiot or look like what your dad views him as.

"So," You start as you grip the handle to a white wooden door. "There really isn't much to show you." You give him a nervous laugh and he quirks a brow. "I just know they all want to talk about you and me downstairs." You giggle and open the door, revealing a room.

You walk inside and Tom follows you. There's a full sized bed in the middle of a large wall and window seat with a soft pink cushion. White shelving holds tons and tons of books while there's a desk on the opposite side of your bed, books, pens, and pencils with a notebook sit uptop of it. The rug is an off grey and it's all around visually appealing. Even the pictures that hang around the walls in tan frames compliment the room just enough to give it a little more life. It's nice.

"This your old room?" Tom asks.

"Yep." You say.

"I like it." Tom says softly.

"Thanks." You go to push a strand of hair behind your ear, only remembering you have her hair tied to the side. You look away and move to the seat by the window, pulling your knees up to your chest. Tom takes a seat on the opposite side, making himself comfortable by taking his coat off, you following suit.

"Were you someone who sat on their roof?" Tom jokes as he looks at how easy it would be for you climb out of the window and sit on the shingles.

"I was, actually." You admit with a soft laugh.

"Of course." Tom nudges your leg.

"Hey, it's nice." You defend.

"Yeah." Tom smiles softly. "So," Tom starts. "Who's Sophie?"

You laugh. "She's a joy, isn't she?"

"She's cute, yeah." Tom chuckles.

"She's my cousin. My uncle had a tour in the Philippines about five years ago and my aunt was working with some missionary people or something so she helped at an orphanage and that's how she met Sophie, was only a month old I think. They were able to adopt her at six months." You explain.

"That's cool they adopted." Tom says, sincerity in his words.

"Yeah, they always wanted kids but my aunt had ovarian cancer so," You shrug. "Adoption was kind of their only choice but Sophie's great. Everything happens for a reason, ya know?"

"I'm sorry, 'bout your aunt."

"It's okay, she's been in remission for like six or seven years I think. She's good." You smile. "But thanks." You fall silent for a few minutes. "So, you're really good with Sophie. It's nice."

Tom chuckles. "Grow up with three younger brothers and a bunch of cousins, you get good with kids."

"It's adorable." You state and a smile splits your face.

"You're adorable." Tom states with the lick of his lips. "Which, by the way." Tom starts. "Best friend, aye?"

Your cheeks burn with the wiggle of Tom's brows. "Yeah." You shrug a shoulder. "Kind of like you and sleep with you and make out with you now, so."

Tom has a shit-eating grin as he overlooks your backyard. "Not complaining." Tom says.

His eyes are soft and gentle as he looks back to you and he feels like home. Tom moves closer to you and his hand find your cheek. You release your knees and allow your legs to go to the floor, closing the distance. Your nose brushes against Tom's as your lips press against his. Tom lets out a breath through his nose like he'd been holding it since you walked in through the front door. You're just like novacaine.

"We," You just barely pull away to speak. "Should head back downstairs." You say before going back for another kiss.

"Okay." Tom grins, pulling you closer to deepening the kiss, only to bite at your bottom lip and pull away, a smirk on display.

"Jerk." You roll your eyes as you get up.

"But you like me." Tom states, earning him a soft nudge once he gets to his feet.

"Yeah." You say and shake your head, looking up to him. "Yeah." She say softly as if setting it in stone.

The two of you make your way back downstairs, your coats in hand to rest them on the coatrack by the front door. By the time you get back to the kitchen, your mom is pulling out a pasta dish, there about ten more people spread out across the kitchen, and your dad is coming back from outside, holding a plate of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. You laugh at the sight. Rain, sleet, snow, or hail will never stop your dad from grilling.

"Hey, y/n." Your dad greets when he sees you.

"Hey, Dad. Happy birthday." You walk up to him and offer him a hug.

"Thank you." He smiles as he releases you. "Tom." Your dad states as a greeting.

"Hi, Mr. y/n. Happy birthday, sir." Tom says, swallowing his nerves.

"Thank you." Your dad says and offers a forced smile.

The air grows a little awkward until your mom breaks the silence, telling everyone to come get the food. You wave Tom over, grabbing him a plate and you a plate. You both get whatever food you want and makeyour way over to a second table that was set up in a dining area connected to the kitchen. Sophie came in with her mom, her mom asking if Sophie could eat with you and as luck would have it, Sophie specifically wanted to sit with Tom. Tom just chuckled and offered the seat next to him.

The three of you were joined by a few other family friends of your parents. They had plenty of questions for Tom but they mostly were about where he was from and how he had met you. None of them wanted to really approach the topic of his face and only one asked if you were actually dating, which you appreciated them backing off when you restated you were just friends.

Tom's cheeks were flushed but he didn't seem to even skip a beat with the conversations and he really seemed to click with your Uncle Teddy, who happens to be Sophie's dad. He had joined you about halfway through dinner. It warmed your heart that everyone seemed to really like Tom and take to him. You couldn't' be happier with how this was going. So, you took a risk to excuse yourself and rid your plate, leaving Tom alone.

When you got into the kitchen, your dad was rinsing his plate.

"Hey." You say, dumping the little scraps of leftover food into the trash.

"How is it going?" Your dad asks, skipping the small talk.

"Everyone seems to like him." You say, resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

He shakes his head. "Bad news, y/n."

"He's not so bad, dad. He isn't." You sigh as your dad offers to take your plate.

"I don't like him." His voice is stern and steady.

"You don't have to." You say softly.

"He's gonna break your heart." Your dad says, keeping the water running and his voice low so only you can hear him.

"Dad, we're not doing this. This is something Mom should be saying."

"I'm looking out for you."

"I don't need you to look out for me all the time. I'm okay. How many times do I have to tell you that?" You cross your arms, trying your best to keep your voice steady.

"You're my daughter."

"And you're my dad and I'm just," You pause for a moment. "Give him another chance."

"No." He says without hesitation.

"Fine." You mumble and push yourself away from the counter, making your back into the dining room.

When you get back, your mom has taken over your seat and is making conversation with Tom. Your eyes widen but Tom is laughing and your mom is smiling. Your mom loves or hates people and she makes it known. You walk over and sit on the edge of your mom's chair.

"Hello?" Your mom looks at you in confusion. "Can I help you?"

"You stole my seat." You laugh.

"Well, here then." Your mom laughs and moves over so you can share the seat.

"Movie?" Sophie pipes up, taking notice in Tom's empty plate.

"Go put it in." You smile. "I should help her." You sigh.

"I can." Tom offers, getting the idea you wanted a few minutes with your mom. "I don't mind."

"You sure?" You ask.

"Yeah," Tom shrugs, getting up from his seat with his plate in hand. Sophie starts tugging at Tom's sleeve, trying to pull him with her. "See, all good." Tom smiles. "Nice talkin' to you." He gives your mom a sweet smile before following Sophie out of the dining room.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?" Your mom whispers, other conversations being had around the table.

"We're not." You say, moving to Tom's seat.

"Really?" Your mom raises her brows and you nod. "That boy looks at you like you are the sun and he is just a planet revolving around you."

"He does not." Your cheeks heat up with your mom's words.

"Yes, he does." Your mom says, emphasis on every word. "And you look at him like he puts every damn star in the sky."

You bite the inside of your cheek, trying to keep your smile from showing. "We're not together. We're just, ya know? Seeing where things go, I guess. I don't want the thing and he doesn't want the thing."

Your mom nods. "I get it. You haven't told him, have you?"

"No..." You look away.

"Nothing? None of it?"

"Hasn't really come up." You admit.

Your mom sighs. "I like him. Don't go breaking that boy's heart."

Your eyes widen. "You like him?"

"I think he's a little rough around the edges and there's more going on, but yes."

You sigh in relief. "Dad hates him."

"I know." Your mom laughs. "I know but he said it's only because Tom wasn't very polite the first time he met him and he knows you're interested in each other."

"Of course he does," You mumble, rolling your eyes. "But what he doesn't know for sure, can't hurt him." You state, silently asking her mom not to say anything.

"I'm not telling him, don't worry."

"Thanks, Mom." You chuckle softly. "I'm not gonna break his heart." You shift in your seat with your words. Your mom gives you a knowing smile making you raise a brow in suspicion. "What?"

"He's your one."

"What?" You ask again.

"You remind me of me when I first met your father. He's your one."

"Okay, I'm gonna go watch a Disney movie before you get all rom-com on me." You shake your head, a joking smile on your lips.

"You love 13 Going On 30." Your mom states.

"Who doesn't?" You retort, pushing in your chair before leaving your mom with the rest of the family and family friends.

You make your way into the living room where Tom was seated leaning against the couch on the floor with Sophie sitting beside him. Moana played on the screen and you just chuckled as you took your seat beside the small child.

"Moana, huh?" You ask.

"Yep!" Sophie chimes, her attention fully on the screen.

You look to Tom and he gives you the sweetest smile and you sees it. He really does look at you like you're the sun and he's just a planet lucky enough to orbit around you but she can feel yourself looking at him like he puts the stars in the sky.You're still in the same galaxy, same solar system, you're one of the same. You feel the same and there's nothing that could change that.