A/N: Welcome back to the story. Mind you if there are spelling mistakes in this, it's because I didn't have time to re-read the story before updating. I'll probably get back to it if there is anything major. Please enjoy as usual! ^^

Chapter 24: Meeting

Lucy couldn't have been happier waking up from her sleep, cuddled next to Nathaniel on the couch. She peered up at his tranquil face and couldn't help but plant a soft kiss on his lips. He stirred and a small smile appeared on his lips before he was still again. Slowly, Lucy got off him, stretching and making her way to the kitchen. The place was still a mess because of the party so she got to cleaning it up, throwing plastic utensils, cups and plates in a rubbish bag and wiping the countertops.

When the kitchen was cleared up, Lucy decided to make pancakes, thinking it would be nice for Nathaniel to wake up to find breakfast ready on the table. Just as she was getting started, her phone rang and she ran to answer it before it woke Nathaniel up, missing the caller ID. "Hello?" She said. "Hello Lucy." Her mother's voice answered back.

Now there was a voice Lucy hadn't heart in a while.

"How've you been?" Her mother asked. Lucy leaned against the counter in the kitchen. She honestly didn't know what to say. So many things had happened since she had spoken to her family. From what they knew they still thought that Lucy was a trouble-making teenager who was jobless and failing school. "Um, fine." She replied. Her parents also didn't know that she had a boy living with her, or that said boy was now her boyfriend. Lucy smiled. Boyfriend. Had a nice ring to it.

"That's good." Her mother replied before falling silent. Guess she doesn't know what to say either. Lucy thought. If I want her to see how I've changed, I should say something now. "Mum…" Lucy began. "I, er, got a job." She said lamely. "Really? Where?" Her mother's voice suddenly became interested. "At the bank. I've also been passing my exams and assignments at school."

"Lucy, I'm impressed! That's great to hear!"

There was a hint of pride in her mother's voice that made Lucy's heart fill with happiness. It had been too long since she had heard that tone and it surprised her that she missed it, she missed being loved by her parents. "Yeah, it's been going great." Lucy said. Here it comes. "And I… I've got a boyfriend now. Who's living with me."

Lucy didn't know what reaction her mother was going to give but she suspected that it wasn't going to be a good one. She had already told her Auntie Agatha, who nearly burst into tears and commented repeatedly how adorable Lucy and Nathaniel were as a couple. Then when Lucy told her they were living together conversion with Agatha turned to embarrassing as she commented to "make sure they use protection". Nathaniel's eyes went wide and he turned a lovely shade of red while Lucy yelled "It's not like that!" at a chuckling Agatha.

"What do you mean 'boyfriend'? When did this happen?" Her mother asked in shock. "Yesterday, actually." Lucy replied, biting her lip, bracing herself. "Your father and I sent you to Sweet Amoris to learn some responsibility! Not to get a boyfriend! And you're living with him? Oh lord, what has become of the youth of today! You haven't learnt anything, have you Lucy? You're probably lying to me about all these improvements you're telling me about! Oh lord!"

Lucy clenched her fists. "Don't you accuse me of lying! I've worked hard all these months, and you know what? If it wasn't for Nathaniel tutoring me and pushing me to do my best, there was no way I would've gotten those marks! There was no way I would've got my job either, because he looked over my resume and gave me tips for my interview! And the only reason he's living with me is so he can be away from his abusive father who doesn't appreciate having such an amazing son! I'm being a good friend to him because he's helped me in more ways than one. You want someone to thank for my improvement? Then thank Nathaniel, because without him here, I'd still be the girl you sent away!"

Lucy's mother was silent on the line. The silence was terrible and Lucy's heart was beating. Would her mother just hang up in her face? Denounce her as her daughter? Take her away from Sweet Amoris? Lucy anxiously waited and finally her mother spoke. "Lucy… has he really done all that?" She asked. Lucy nodded. "Yeah. He has." Another pause. "When you said boyfriend I was expecting… something else. Like those boys who you used to hang around with, the ones who were always drunk and disrespectful." Lucy sighed. "I've come to realise the people I once called friends were the complete. I'm different now mum. I'm growing up." Lucy paused. "And I want you to see that. Come by this weekend, before school starts. I want to show you my report card and where I work. And I want you to meet Nathaniel. You'll love him, believe me."

Her mother sighed. "Alright. We'll drive up tomorrow and be there by midday." She finally said. She and Lucy ended the conversation and Lucy stared at her phone. She sighed irritably and scratched her head, wondering what her father was going to make of her living with a boy.

Pushing the thoughts out of her head, she resumed to making the pancakes, burning the first few before getting the hang of it. Nathaniel woke up and wandered into the kitchen. "G'morning Luce." He said, rubbing his eyes. "Morning sleepy head." Lucy replied, precisely flipping a pancake over. Nathaniel moved up to her and wrapped his hands awkwardly around her waist. Lucy leaned back, gesturing that whatever he was doing was fine. He relaxed a little and pulled her in a hug, resting his chin on her neck. "G'morning Luce." Nathaniel said again. Lucy laughed. "Yes Nathan, good morning. I heard you the first time. Jeez, you really aren't a morning person." She and Nathaniel stayed like that for a while before he released her and wandered away, Lucy rolling her eyes and finishing up the batch. When Nathaniel returned to the kitchen he had changed and was looking like the usual Nathaniel he was. They both sat down to eat.

"My mother called." Lucy said, pouring honey all over her plate. "She flipped out when I told her we were living together." Nathaniel frowned. "We've been living together for months. Haven't you told her yet?" He asked. Lucy shook her head. "Nope. I haven't spoken to my parents in a long time. I know you told me to call them but I never got around to it and it's not like they made an effort to check up on me. You know my mother didn't even wish me a happy birthday? I don't even think she remembered." Lucy said, stabbing her food with her fork. "If I had known you were going to get in trouble over letting me stay then I would've found someplace else." Nathaniel said.

Lucy shook her head. "I'm glad you're here, even if my parents and your father aren't." She said, taking a bite of her breakfast. "My father? Did he say something to you?" Nathaniel asked. Lucy was quiet before answering. "He came into the bank yesterday. He tried to bribe me to kick you out." Lucy said slowly. Nathaniel placed a hand on his forehead. "I'm sorry Lucy. I'm actually not surprised he'd stoop that low. But if he's approaching you with money that means he's desperate. He'll give up soon, I'm sure." He told her. Lucy shrugged. "Don't worry about it. If he shows up again at work Megan told me to ignore him. Hey Nathan, why aren't you eating your pancakes with honey? Aren't they dry like that?"
"You know how I don't like sweet things."
"Weirdo."
"At least I didn't make a mess. The entire surface of your plate is covered in honey."
"I'm enjoying my food so it's okay."
"You say that now, but you're going to start complaining when you have to do the dishes."
"Hey, I made brekkie1, you're gonna be the one doing the dishes Nathan!"
"I've got work this morning."
"…Asshole."
"Language, Lucy."
"Yeah, yeah whatever."

Later that night, when the house had been cleaned from the party and Nathaniel had come back from work, Lucy told him that her parents would be visiting the next day at noon. "Be prepared. They're going to freak out." Lucy warned. "If they're coming over, I guess we should cook something nice. I want to impress them and show them that I can take care of their daughter." Nathaniel said. "Believe me, you won't need to do anything to impress them. They'll approve as soon as they see how much of a goody-two-shoes you are. They think I still hang out with idiots." Lucy joked. Nathaniel chuckled. "In that case, let's sleep early tonight." He said. Lucy nodded. "Okay."

The two got dressed for bed and Nathaniel headed towards the couch until Lucy pulled his hand. "Where are you going? You're sleeping in my bed from now on." She said. Nathaniel went red and Lucy smirked. "Come on, we're a couple now." She said. "A-are you sure?" Nathaniel stammered. Lucy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, of course. I can't have you crashing alone on the couch. And…" Lucy froze on her way to her bedroom and small blush appeared on her face. "What?" Nathaniel asked curiously. Lucy frowned and turned away. "Nothing…" She muttered. "What is it?" Nathaniel asked with a smile. Lucy crossed her arms and muttered something under her breath, hurrying into her room and falling onto her bed. An amused Nathaniel followed her. "I didn't hear you Lucy; you're going to have to speak up." He said. "Get in here first." Lucy commented. After hesitating, Nathaniel hopped into the bed next to her. When he was settled Lucy nestled her head on his chest and hugged him. "… I like snuggling with you." She admitted. Nathaniel laughed. "Stop laughing at me!" Lucy shouted, burying her face deeper into his chest. "I never figured you for such a romantic type." He said, hugging her back.

Okay, so sleeping in the same bed with a girl wasn't as bad as Nathaniel thought although he had woken up a few times in the middle of the night because he was still quiet anxious about it. He noticed Lucy was a heavy sleeper and moved around a lot. Nathaniel smiled to himself when Lucy turned to face his side. Her sleeping face was so peaceful and her expression was so soft and Nathaniel loved seeing her like this. He was awake early enough to stop Lucy's alarm from going off and instead tried to wake her up himself. Nathaniel brought a hand to her hair and pushed it away before putting a hand on her face and rubbing his thumb against her cheek. It took a while but soon Lucy's eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw Nathaniel. "Good morning." Nathaniel said softly. "Hi." Lucy replied, shifting her position to stretch. "Big day today." She said through a yawn. Nathaniel nodded. "Yeah. Let's hope it goes well."

Needless to say, Lucy's parents were utterly shocked when they laid eyes on Nathaniel. Despite what Lucy had told her, her mother did not expect to see a charming and handsome young man wearing a suit shirt and tie politely telling her that it was an honour to meet her. Lucy's father briskly shook the hand Nathaniel offered him before sharing a quizzical look with his wife – how on Earth did their daughter manage to win over someone like Nathaniel.

In addition, Lucy's parents and younger brother Tyler immediately noticed how different Lucy looked after all these months of being apart. They weren't used to seeing her in such modest clothing – a shirt sleeve dress that covered her cleavage and was longer than the shorts she used to wear, the dress cutting off underneath her knees. Her face wasn't caked with make-up, just a light brush of mascara, some eyeliner and a touch of shiny lip gloss. The bags under her eyes had disappeared and she didn't reek of alcohol. Tyler was happy when he saw his sister like that – he was so used to seeing her drunk or angry and she would take out her frustrations by shouting at him. It was a nice change to see her look so cleaned up.

And happy too.

"The place is a lot cleaner than I expected…" Mrs Brown muttered, scanning the apartment. Mr Brown nodded, not taking his narrowed eyes off Nathaniel, as if deliberating whether he liked him or not. "Wow Lucy. You look good." Tyler said with a smile. A small blush appeared on Lucy's cheek as she muttered a "thank you" before leading her family to the kitchen for lunch, where she and Nathaniel had cooked up a storm. "You made this?" Mrs Brown asked in shock, looking at her daughter. "Nathaniel made most of it. I just helped with the little stuff." Lucy admitted, placing a plate each in front of her parents and Tyler.

When they were seated, Lucy's parents began their interrogation. They were expecting to find a small flaw in his answers, something that implied his professional and polite front was all a lie and that he was secretly a criminal. Instead they found themselves liking him more and more. Nathaniel and Mrs Brown had similar interests in novels and films and Mr Brown was impressed when Nathaniel told him he aspired to be a lawyer in the future. Lucy sighed in relief, watching her parents and Nathaniel get along well. Her father occasionally glanced; she knew he was to ask Nathaniel about why he was living in her apartment.

"Lucy, you told me your test scores were improving." Her mother said, wiping her face with a napkin. "Yeah… I've got my papers inside. I'll show you." Lucy guessed that her father wanted to be alone when talking to Nathaniel about the details of his stay. She supportively squeezed Nathaniel's hand under the table before getting up and leading Tyler and her mother out of the kitchen.

Mr Brown waited until the three had left before speaking. "So Nathaniel. I'd like to know why you're living with my daughter." He asked. "There were some complications at home and I couldn't stay. Lucy was kind enough to take me in when I had no place to go." Nathaniel replied politely. "You're clearly a successful and talented student. What complications would someone like you be facing at home?" Mr Brown asked.

Nathaniel paused. Lucy admitted that she told her mother that Nathaniel's father was abusive so there was no reason to hide this from Mr Brown. "Everybody has problems Mr Brown. Mine consisted of living in an abusive household that became too much to handle. Lucy was just being a good friend in taking me in." Nathaniel said." Lucy's father was silent. "I see…" He said slowly. "And how long have you been living here?" He asked quietly. "About three months, I believe. Mr Brown I promise you that I haven't done anything to your daughter. I've been sleeping on the couch." Nathaniel left out that he had slept next to Lucy in her bed last night. No reason to add to the fire. "And when did you become a couple?" Mr Brown asked. "I've known Lucy since she moved to Sweet Amoris but it was only yesterday I asked her to be my girlfriend." Nathaniel replied.

Mr Brown was silent before a smile played on his lips. "You slept on the couch for three months without making any advances to my daughter?" He asked. Nathaniel nodded. Then he chuckled. "Well Nathaniel, you're definitely not like the boys Lucy used to hang around with. I'm glad she met someone like you." He commented happily. Nathaniel relaxed slightly. "I'm still sketchy as to the whole living together bit, but I do like you Nathaniel. You are a respectable young man. And I can tell that Lucy likes you a lot. This is the happiest I've seen her in a long time." Mr Brown leaned forward. "However, I will warn you now. If you do anything to take away that happiness from her, I will take away yours." He said sternly. "You don't have to worry about that Mr Brown. I don't plan on being with anyone else but Lucy. I'll be there to make sure her happiness continues to grow." Nathaniel replied. Mr Brown smiled and nodded his head in satisfaction.

At that moment, Mrs Brown walked in with a bunch of papers in her hand and a large smile on her face. "Dear, look." She said, holding out the papers. Mr Brown scanned them, his eyes growing wide. "She really has improved." He mumbled. "Look at these results. I knew she had it in her." Mrs Brown said with a smile. Then she glanced at Nathaniel. "Thank you. Lucy told me you helped her with her studies." She said. "No thanks are needed Mrs Brown." Nathaniel replied with a chuckle, standing up and beginning to clear the table. He looked outside to the living room and gave Lucy a thumbs up. Lucy smiled and then turned to her brother, who had called for her attention.

The rest of the day went smoothly, Lucy's parents satisfied with how their daughter had improved in many ways since they last saw her. They had taken a walk around Sweet Amoris and Lucy showed them the bank where she worked. Tyler had taken a liking to Nathaniel, considering him an older brother. He had told Lucy that he liked her boyfriend a lot and he was so happy for her. Needless to say, Lucy's family approved of her relationship (that still didn't stop her mother from taking her aside and reminding her to retain her chastity until marriage to which Lucy assured her she would). Before the family left they wished Lucy a late happy birthday and promised to take her out sometime in the next holiday.

"I'm so proud of you Lucy." Mrs Brown said, giving her daughter a hug. Nathaniel smiled at the smirking girl who loved to be complimented. "It was a good idea to send you here." Mr Brown said happily. "Yeah. Thank you, by the way. If you hadn't done so I'd still be that annoying brat of a girl." Lucy said. Her parents and Tyler laughed, happy with how their daughter had become. Soon after, they said their goodbyes and driving off.

"Well," Lucy said turning to Nathaniel. "I told you they'd like you." Nathaniel chuckled. "Yes you did. And I like them." He replied. "All that's left is to sort things out with your family and then everything should be smoothed over." Lucy said, yawning. Nathaniel frowned. "I suppose we should do that." He commented. "We will. Tomorrow." Lucy said firmly. "Wait, tomorrow? What are you going to do Lucy?" Nathaniel asked. Lucy turned to him.

"Pay your father a little visit and try to talk some sense into him…"

A/N: Another chapter down, another few to go. This is the longest I've ever stuck to a story, haha!

Thank you's!:
Guest: Thanks for the review! Yesh, they kissed and it was very cheesey xD
Gossip Girl: I love you more with every review GG xD
Pseudonymous Soul: We have similar tastes then :D Glad you liked it! X
The Writers Dilemma: /revives/ Don't die on me! xD I want to finish the story up so I doubt there will be more dramas from Mr Gold, however as much as he hates it he's going to have to accept his son's relationship. I'll find a way to write it out properly when I get there ^^
Guest: I hope your questions were answered in this chapter :3
Owldistraction: Yay! I'm glad! ^^ Haha yeah, I cannot forget Dake. That chapter will come up a little later though, when Summer rolls around (in December, cause that's how we roll in the land of Oz xD)
MyMoonMaiden: /revives/ I cannot have you dying as well xD yeah, the MelodyxKentin came from completely out of no-where. I bashed them so much T-T They deserve to have a happy ending :3 Yeah, Mr Gold is a trouble maker. And yesh Dake's coming soon ^^ Sorry for the fluff overload :D
ZorraVixen: Haha I really should've added something in Thanks for sticking this far and I hope you like the chapter xD
Destiny Xavier16: I heart you! Yay! :3

1) 'Brekkie' is Aussie slang for breakfast. Hope the way I speak/write doesn't confuse you all xD

May or may not be an update this Friday. There should be, but if there isn't, don't freak out cause I'll just update Monday. See you soon!