A/N: Thanks for the reviews guys, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. :)
~
Chris unlocked the door to the house and walked inside a little bit, it was pretty quiet. He wondered where his parents could be. Their cars were in the driveway, so they had to be home, or at least in the neighborhood. Perhaps they had gone next door or something. He dumped his bag in the hallway near the door.
"Snooks, you know you can't leave it there."
"Oh come on, do you see them anywhere?"
"No, but they'll see it and you'll get in trouble," Stephanie said with a teasing lilt in her voice.
"Oh, what are they going to do, send me to my room?"
"Yup, and you won't get any dessert at dinner," she said, sticking her tongue out, "And then I'll eat it."
"I still don't know where you put all the food you consume," he told her, looking at her, "I mean, you eat like a horse and yet, you're still beautiful."
"Oh, the compliments, they're so wonderful and sincere, I'm falling over the weight of them."
"I didn't even get that," Chris told her.
"What's to get?" she said, trying to confuse him even more.
"I thought I heard voices!" Chris's father peeked his head around the corner and saw them.
Stephanie's face lit up as she ran across the room, where Chris's father embraced her tighter than tight, "Dad!"
"How's my Stephanie?" Ted asked, pulling her away and holding her at arm's length, "Is it possible that you get more beautiful every time I see you?"
"No Dad, I think you're just going blind," Chris said, "Stephers definitely gets uglier as time wears on."
"Don't talk about my girl like that," Ted chastised him lightly, wrapping an arm around Stephanie, "You know she's my favorite girl."
"See Snooks, his favorite girl," she said with a smirk, "So where's Mom?"
"Next door, sharing recipes with the neighbor lady. I'm sure she'll cook up something great tonight."
Stephanie was about as part of the family as one could get without them actually having adopted her. At first, when her and Chris had just become friends, Chris's parents were a little shocked by Stephanie's boisterous and outgoing nature. But over time, they began to love her like a daughter, and she loved them like the parents she had always wanted. They were never cold or harsh towards her and were always affectionate. She started calling them Mom and Dad because it just felt so natural to do so. They regarded her as if they were really her parents.
"Awesome, I'm starved," Stephanie said with a grin.
"When aren't you starved Stephers?"
"Let the girl alone," Ted said, "She's too skinny anyways, you eat up while you're here."
"Oh Dad," Stephanie said, "You will NOT believe what happened to me this week."
"Come into the kitchen and tell me all about it over a cup of hot chocolate, you look so cold, and this will warm you up," he said, starting to walk Stephanie into the kitchen, "And Chris, get your bag and put it in a more appropriate place."
"Ha Snooks, I told you that you'd get caught," Stephanie threw over her shoulder.
"Daddy's girl," he shot back.
Stephanie just laughed as Ted walked Stephanie into the kitchen. Chris got his bag from the foyer and took his and Stephanie's bags up to their rooms. When he came back down again, he could hear the faint traces of laughter wafting in from the kitchen. Walking through the entryway, he saw Stephanie excitedly recounting Randy's phone call and subsequent asking out as she sipped her hot chocolate.
"Snooks, there's a glass for you," she said, pointing to a glass sitting at the place next to her, where he usually sat when they ate dinner.
"Thanks," he said, walking over and sitting down.
"I was just telling Dad about how Randy asked me out, and I know I'm gushing, but I can't help it, he's gush-worthy!" she exclaimed.
Chris laughed, "I wouldn't know about that."
"But Chris has news too, don't you Snooks?" Stephanie said, nudging him with her elbow, "He's got the hots for this girl."
"What girl would that be?" Ted asked.
"Thanks Stephers, why don't you just blab it around?"
"Fine, if you want me to," she said coyly, "You know that girl that he's in the storyline with? Trish?"
"Yep."
"Chris has a major crush on her, and he asked her out and they're going on a date too," Stephanie said, "You should see him around her Dad, it's like he's lost all his use of body function and has no knowledge of the English language."
"Ahh," Ted said, "I know the feeling."
"I'm glad you two are getting a kick out of this," Chris said, making a face.
"He's just mad," Stephanie said, pinching his cheek.
"I saw a car in the driveway! And I only know two people who would want to come visit us randomly, so when I get in the kitchen they better be ready for a big hug!" Chris's mother yelled out.
Stephanie and Chris stood up as Loretta walked into the room. She looked at Stephanie and Stephanie grinned as she rushed over to hug Loretta tightly. Chris hung back a little, letting the women have their moment before hugging his mother.
"Stephanie, look at you! What is that shirt you're wearing, it barely covers anything," Loretta said as she tried to pull Stephanie's shirt down to cover her up more.
"Mom," she said sweetly, "It's the style."
"What have I told you about giving away the whole farm before they've bought it."
"You know, I'm starting to see where Stephers gets her weird analogies," Chris interjected.
"Oh, you go be with your father for a while, Stephanie and I have a lot of catching up to do."
"They're going to go talk about which stores they're going to hit tomorrow," Ted said as he stood up, "I'm sure every store in the tri-city area will be hit with the whirlwind shopping duo."
"Yup," Stephanie said as they walked out of the room, "Watch out world!"
As soon as they were alone, Ted turned to Chris, "Ok, now let's get the truth."
Chris turned to his father, and looked at him curiously, "The truth?"
"About this Randy fellow, what's he like, is he on drugs or anything, in the mafia?"
"Dad, geez, I know that you're protective of Steph, I am too, but don't you think I would've checked the guy out before I ever let him touch Stephanie?"
"Yeah, but you're you, and I'm the one who's like her father, and I want to know everything there is to know about this boy."
"I don't know what to say, he's not Stephanie's type, I don't know why I say that, but it's true, he's this preppy guy who always gels his hair so it spikes up and stuff."
"You know, I always wanted you and Stephanie to become an item," Ted said, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Not you too Dad," Chris said, "Look, I don't know enough about Randy to say he's a bad guy. I just don't think he's Steph's type, but who am I to question what she does?"
"You're her best friend."
"Yeah, and I'm like her older brother, but I'm not going to spy on a guy. If he's a good enough guy, you know she'll bring him here to meet you guys. Then you can see for yourself how he is."
"And how long is that going to be, what about that last boy of hers?"
Chris's eyes turned dark and he stared off into space for a moment. He hated thinking about the time that Stephanie was with Hunter. He had always had bad feelings about that guy, and he definitely lived up to his expectations. And the man had even been invited to his parent's house. He wanted to rip his head off when he found out what he had been doing to Stephanie, but Stephanie had insisted that he didn't, for his job's sake.
"Dad, what did I tell you about that guy?"
"You never did tell me what happened there?" Ted said, folding his arms, "So here your mother and I are left to assume the worst."
"It was the worst," Chris said, shaking his head, "And that's the end of the discussion. Randy can't ever be as bad as Hunter was. So she's already taking a step in the right direction."
"Step in what direction?" Stephanie said as she and Chris's mother descended down the steps.
"Of actually being a functional cog in society."
"Shut up," Stephanie said with a sneer, "Dad, tell him to shut up."
"Chris, shut up," Ted said good-naturedly.
"Why do you always take her side?" Chris whined.
"Don't you?" Ted asked. Chris glared at his father and then at Stephanie who was just batting her eyes innocently. He always took Stephanie's side too. He just couldn't resist her most of the time. Damn having a girl best friend.
"Got me there," he conceded reluctantly.
"Ok you three, get out of the way while I go make dinner, we'll have Mexican tonight," Loretta said, pushing them out of the way on her way to the kitchen.
"Need help dear?" Ted asked.
"Sure," she told him.
"We'll be out back," Chris said as he started to pull Stephanie out in the back. They walked out to the middle of his backyard, and found their usual spots. They laid back on the grass and looked up at the sky, hands behind their heads. This was their spot, where they came to think and talk with each other, without much of the comedy they usually did.
"Do you think you'd marry the blonde bombshell?" Stephanie asked as she watched a cloud roll by.
"Depends on if I fell in love with her," Chris told her, "I don't know, I haven't even been out with her."
"If you fell in love with her, and then she said that you had to choose between you and me, what would you do?"
Chris thought for a moment, "Why would she ask that?"
"Because she felt we were too close," she replied, "And because of that, she wanted you to choose, her or me, and you couldn't take it back."
"And there would be no changing her mind?"
"Nope, she would be very firm about it, and possibly using her seductive nature to persuade you to choose her?"
"What would you do to try and persuade me?"
"Nothing, because I'd try to make it fair on you."
Chris paused, "I'd choose you."
Stephanie turned her head to look at him, surprise on her face, "You would?"
"Of course, there are very few people in this world that you can count on forever, and know that they will always support you. When you find those people, you don't let them go so easily, no matter what happens. And since you came along first, the edge would go to you."
"Wow, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Stephanie said, "Maybe, in all honesty I don't remember a lot of things you tell me."
"Good, because I'm sure a lot of it is really stupid."
"I'd do the same for you," she said, "I mean, yeah, I'd do the same."
"I know," he said back, "Because come on, Randy Dreamboat has nothing on me. It's not even a competition."
"Yes, I know, I mean who would be the one to annoy the hell out of me all the time. And wake me up at six o'clock in the morning to watch Winnie the Pooh on the Disney Channel."
"I only do that to annoy you," he laughed, "Since you went through that whole, 'Oh my God, I love Winnie the Pooh, everything I own has to be Tigger related' phase. Pathetic...especially because everyone knows Eeyore is the best character."
"I am NOT getting into another Tigger vs. Eeyore debate with you," she said firmly, "We will never agree."
"Oh please, you know you lost," he said, "Just like you lose every time we fight."
"Only because you're the most persistent bastard on the planet."
"You're calling ME persistent?" he asked incredulously.
"Get your ears checked Snooks."
"Oh, and you're not? You...who followed me around, begging for my forgiveness until I finally had to tell you to leave me the hell alone. You were like the most annoying person on the planet. I couldn't even eat without you finding me. I felt like that episode of "I Love Lucy" you know, where she watched that guy, in Hollywood. Oh my God, you just made me recall an "I Love Lucy" episode...it is time for me to break off this friendship."
"Ha! I KNEW making you watch those episodes would enrich your life," Stephanie said smugly.
"I don't know how I let you talk me into things," Chris said, "It's not like you flash your tits at me."
"Would that get you to do what I want?"
"Hell yeah."
"Note to self: Snooks is easily distracted by boobs," Stephanie said to herself, "Use that to your advantage next time you need your gutters cleaned."
"Stephers, you know I already do all your manual labor jobs," Chris told her, "But if you really want your gutters cleaned, I could help you out with that."
"Gutters are not a euphemism for sex Snooks."
"Damn it, the ONE time that it isn't," he said, grimacing, "Note to self: Stephers really DID want me to clean her gutters. Do not be easily swayed by her flashing you."
"Like I'd flash you," Stephanie said, "In your dreams."
"I've already seen you naked, so it doesn't even matter," Chris responded.
"Only cause you're a pervert."
"Hey! Nobody told me that you were not out of the shower yet, alright! It's not like I wanted to walk in there and see you in the nude. It was an accident."
"Accident my ass..."
"Yes Stephers, your ass was nice, I do remember that much."
Stephanie reached over to give him a swift slap to the chest, "Stop talking about my ass."
"Stop hitting me and I'll stop talking about your ass, and the way it's nicely shaped."
"Fine, fine, fine! Ugh, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut."
"Why? Because flies will fly in it, yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way."
"You know what I was just thinking?"
"If it was how they fill the Hostess cupcakes with crème, then we were so thinking the same thing!"
"No! That's not what I was thinking, besides, I saw on television that they stick the thing up the bottom and spray it, and nobody is the wiser," Stephanie told him.
"Sick!"
"Oh my God, let it go Snooks!"
"Well excuse me then, Miss I'm the Expert on Delicious Snack Cakes. What were you thinking all mighty beautiful Queen Empress of All Things?"
"Heaven help the blonde bombshell and the Dreamboat if they think we'll be easy to date."
~
Chris unlocked the door to the house and walked inside a little bit, it was pretty quiet. He wondered where his parents could be. Their cars were in the driveway, so they had to be home, or at least in the neighborhood. Perhaps they had gone next door or something. He dumped his bag in the hallway near the door.
"Snooks, you know you can't leave it there."
"Oh come on, do you see them anywhere?"
"No, but they'll see it and you'll get in trouble," Stephanie said with a teasing lilt in her voice.
"Oh, what are they going to do, send me to my room?"
"Yup, and you won't get any dessert at dinner," she said, sticking her tongue out, "And then I'll eat it."
"I still don't know where you put all the food you consume," he told her, looking at her, "I mean, you eat like a horse and yet, you're still beautiful."
"Oh, the compliments, they're so wonderful and sincere, I'm falling over the weight of them."
"I didn't even get that," Chris told her.
"What's to get?" she said, trying to confuse him even more.
"I thought I heard voices!" Chris's father peeked his head around the corner and saw them.
Stephanie's face lit up as she ran across the room, where Chris's father embraced her tighter than tight, "Dad!"
"How's my Stephanie?" Ted asked, pulling her away and holding her at arm's length, "Is it possible that you get more beautiful every time I see you?"
"No Dad, I think you're just going blind," Chris said, "Stephers definitely gets uglier as time wears on."
"Don't talk about my girl like that," Ted chastised him lightly, wrapping an arm around Stephanie, "You know she's my favorite girl."
"See Snooks, his favorite girl," she said with a smirk, "So where's Mom?"
"Next door, sharing recipes with the neighbor lady. I'm sure she'll cook up something great tonight."
Stephanie was about as part of the family as one could get without them actually having adopted her. At first, when her and Chris had just become friends, Chris's parents were a little shocked by Stephanie's boisterous and outgoing nature. But over time, they began to love her like a daughter, and she loved them like the parents she had always wanted. They were never cold or harsh towards her and were always affectionate. She started calling them Mom and Dad because it just felt so natural to do so. They regarded her as if they were really her parents.
"Awesome, I'm starved," Stephanie said with a grin.
"When aren't you starved Stephers?"
"Let the girl alone," Ted said, "She's too skinny anyways, you eat up while you're here."
"Oh Dad," Stephanie said, "You will NOT believe what happened to me this week."
"Come into the kitchen and tell me all about it over a cup of hot chocolate, you look so cold, and this will warm you up," he said, starting to walk Stephanie into the kitchen, "And Chris, get your bag and put it in a more appropriate place."
"Ha Snooks, I told you that you'd get caught," Stephanie threw over her shoulder.
"Daddy's girl," he shot back.
Stephanie just laughed as Ted walked Stephanie into the kitchen. Chris got his bag from the foyer and took his and Stephanie's bags up to their rooms. When he came back down again, he could hear the faint traces of laughter wafting in from the kitchen. Walking through the entryway, he saw Stephanie excitedly recounting Randy's phone call and subsequent asking out as she sipped her hot chocolate.
"Snooks, there's a glass for you," she said, pointing to a glass sitting at the place next to her, where he usually sat when they ate dinner.
"Thanks," he said, walking over and sitting down.
"I was just telling Dad about how Randy asked me out, and I know I'm gushing, but I can't help it, he's gush-worthy!" she exclaimed.
Chris laughed, "I wouldn't know about that."
"But Chris has news too, don't you Snooks?" Stephanie said, nudging him with her elbow, "He's got the hots for this girl."
"What girl would that be?" Ted asked.
"Thanks Stephers, why don't you just blab it around?"
"Fine, if you want me to," she said coyly, "You know that girl that he's in the storyline with? Trish?"
"Yep."
"Chris has a major crush on her, and he asked her out and they're going on a date too," Stephanie said, "You should see him around her Dad, it's like he's lost all his use of body function and has no knowledge of the English language."
"Ahh," Ted said, "I know the feeling."
"I'm glad you two are getting a kick out of this," Chris said, making a face.
"He's just mad," Stephanie said, pinching his cheek.
"I saw a car in the driveway! And I only know two people who would want to come visit us randomly, so when I get in the kitchen they better be ready for a big hug!" Chris's mother yelled out.
Stephanie and Chris stood up as Loretta walked into the room. She looked at Stephanie and Stephanie grinned as she rushed over to hug Loretta tightly. Chris hung back a little, letting the women have their moment before hugging his mother.
"Stephanie, look at you! What is that shirt you're wearing, it barely covers anything," Loretta said as she tried to pull Stephanie's shirt down to cover her up more.
"Mom," she said sweetly, "It's the style."
"What have I told you about giving away the whole farm before they've bought it."
"You know, I'm starting to see where Stephers gets her weird analogies," Chris interjected.
"Oh, you go be with your father for a while, Stephanie and I have a lot of catching up to do."
"They're going to go talk about which stores they're going to hit tomorrow," Ted said as he stood up, "I'm sure every store in the tri-city area will be hit with the whirlwind shopping duo."
"Yup," Stephanie said as they walked out of the room, "Watch out world!"
As soon as they were alone, Ted turned to Chris, "Ok, now let's get the truth."
Chris turned to his father, and looked at him curiously, "The truth?"
"About this Randy fellow, what's he like, is he on drugs or anything, in the mafia?"
"Dad, geez, I know that you're protective of Steph, I am too, but don't you think I would've checked the guy out before I ever let him touch Stephanie?"
"Yeah, but you're you, and I'm the one who's like her father, and I want to know everything there is to know about this boy."
"I don't know what to say, he's not Stephanie's type, I don't know why I say that, but it's true, he's this preppy guy who always gels his hair so it spikes up and stuff."
"You know, I always wanted you and Stephanie to become an item," Ted said, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Not you too Dad," Chris said, "Look, I don't know enough about Randy to say he's a bad guy. I just don't think he's Steph's type, but who am I to question what she does?"
"You're her best friend."
"Yeah, and I'm like her older brother, but I'm not going to spy on a guy. If he's a good enough guy, you know she'll bring him here to meet you guys. Then you can see for yourself how he is."
"And how long is that going to be, what about that last boy of hers?"
Chris's eyes turned dark and he stared off into space for a moment. He hated thinking about the time that Stephanie was with Hunter. He had always had bad feelings about that guy, and he definitely lived up to his expectations. And the man had even been invited to his parent's house. He wanted to rip his head off when he found out what he had been doing to Stephanie, but Stephanie had insisted that he didn't, for his job's sake.
"Dad, what did I tell you about that guy?"
"You never did tell me what happened there?" Ted said, folding his arms, "So here your mother and I are left to assume the worst."
"It was the worst," Chris said, shaking his head, "And that's the end of the discussion. Randy can't ever be as bad as Hunter was. So she's already taking a step in the right direction."
"Step in what direction?" Stephanie said as she and Chris's mother descended down the steps.
"Of actually being a functional cog in society."
"Shut up," Stephanie said with a sneer, "Dad, tell him to shut up."
"Chris, shut up," Ted said good-naturedly.
"Why do you always take her side?" Chris whined.
"Don't you?" Ted asked. Chris glared at his father and then at Stephanie who was just batting her eyes innocently. He always took Stephanie's side too. He just couldn't resist her most of the time. Damn having a girl best friend.
"Got me there," he conceded reluctantly.
"Ok you three, get out of the way while I go make dinner, we'll have Mexican tonight," Loretta said, pushing them out of the way on her way to the kitchen.
"Need help dear?" Ted asked.
"Sure," she told him.
"We'll be out back," Chris said as he started to pull Stephanie out in the back. They walked out to the middle of his backyard, and found their usual spots. They laid back on the grass and looked up at the sky, hands behind their heads. This was their spot, where they came to think and talk with each other, without much of the comedy they usually did.
"Do you think you'd marry the blonde bombshell?" Stephanie asked as she watched a cloud roll by.
"Depends on if I fell in love with her," Chris told her, "I don't know, I haven't even been out with her."
"If you fell in love with her, and then she said that you had to choose between you and me, what would you do?"
Chris thought for a moment, "Why would she ask that?"
"Because she felt we were too close," she replied, "And because of that, she wanted you to choose, her or me, and you couldn't take it back."
"And there would be no changing her mind?"
"Nope, she would be very firm about it, and possibly using her seductive nature to persuade you to choose her?"
"What would you do to try and persuade me?"
"Nothing, because I'd try to make it fair on you."
Chris paused, "I'd choose you."
Stephanie turned her head to look at him, surprise on her face, "You would?"
"Of course, there are very few people in this world that you can count on forever, and know that they will always support you. When you find those people, you don't let them go so easily, no matter what happens. And since you came along first, the edge would go to you."
"Wow, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Stephanie said, "Maybe, in all honesty I don't remember a lot of things you tell me."
"Good, because I'm sure a lot of it is really stupid."
"I'd do the same for you," she said, "I mean, yeah, I'd do the same."
"I know," he said back, "Because come on, Randy Dreamboat has nothing on me. It's not even a competition."
"Yes, I know, I mean who would be the one to annoy the hell out of me all the time. And wake me up at six o'clock in the morning to watch Winnie the Pooh on the Disney Channel."
"I only do that to annoy you," he laughed, "Since you went through that whole, 'Oh my God, I love Winnie the Pooh, everything I own has to be Tigger related' phase. Pathetic...especially because everyone knows Eeyore is the best character."
"I am NOT getting into another Tigger vs. Eeyore debate with you," she said firmly, "We will never agree."
"Oh please, you know you lost," he said, "Just like you lose every time we fight."
"Only because you're the most persistent bastard on the planet."
"You're calling ME persistent?" he asked incredulously.
"Get your ears checked Snooks."
"Oh, and you're not? You...who followed me around, begging for my forgiveness until I finally had to tell you to leave me the hell alone. You were like the most annoying person on the planet. I couldn't even eat without you finding me. I felt like that episode of "I Love Lucy" you know, where she watched that guy, in Hollywood. Oh my God, you just made me recall an "I Love Lucy" episode...it is time for me to break off this friendship."
"Ha! I KNEW making you watch those episodes would enrich your life," Stephanie said smugly.
"I don't know how I let you talk me into things," Chris said, "It's not like you flash your tits at me."
"Would that get you to do what I want?"
"Hell yeah."
"Note to self: Snooks is easily distracted by boobs," Stephanie said to herself, "Use that to your advantage next time you need your gutters cleaned."
"Stephers, you know I already do all your manual labor jobs," Chris told her, "But if you really want your gutters cleaned, I could help you out with that."
"Gutters are not a euphemism for sex Snooks."
"Damn it, the ONE time that it isn't," he said, grimacing, "Note to self: Stephers really DID want me to clean her gutters. Do not be easily swayed by her flashing you."
"Like I'd flash you," Stephanie said, "In your dreams."
"I've already seen you naked, so it doesn't even matter," Chris responded.
"Only cause you're a pervert."
"Hey! Nobody told me that you were not out of the shower yet, alright! It's not like I wanted to walk in there and see you in the nude. It was an accident."
"Accident my ass..."
"Yes Stephers, your ass was nice, I do remember that much."
Stephanie reached over to give him a swift slap to the chest, "Stop talking about my ass."
"Stop hitting me and I'll stop talking about your ass, and the way it's nicely shaped."
"Fine, fine, fine! Ugh, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut."
"Why? Because flies will fly in it, yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way."
"You know what I was just thinking?"
"If it was how they fill the Hostess cupcakes with crème, then we were so thinking the same thing!"
"No! That's not what I was thinking, besides, I saw on television that they stick the thing up the bottom and spray it, and nobody is the wiser," Stephanie told him.
"Sick!"
"Oh my God, let it go Snooks!"
"Well excuse me then, Miss I'm the Expert on Delicious Snack Cakes. What were you thinking all mighty beautiful Queen Empress of All Things?"
"Heaven help the blonde bombshell and the Dreamboat if they think we'll be easy to date."