"Everybody wants something," Joey sang into his spoon which was doubling as a microphone. "Why aren't you singing, Snake?"

"Because I just ate and I don't want to throw up the wonderful dinner Spike made," Snake said as he put an arm around the back of Spike's chair.

"Yeah, it was great, Mrs. McKay. It was nice of you to invite me again." Sean said. This was his second dinner with Emma's mom. The first dinner had gone off without a hitch. He and Spike had actually bonded over a love of eighties' music. Tonight he'd just planned on dropping Emma off after school and then heading home to study but Mrs. McKay had insisted he stay. He like Mrs. McKay and he always wanted to spend more time with Emma so he wasn't going to say no.

"We're glad to have you. I'm just really sorry you got stuck listening to Mr. Zit Remedy over here."

"Oh come on, Sean's never heard me before and Emma always loves to hear about our high school days," Joey said with his trademark Jeremiah grin.

"I'm sorry Mom, but it's true, I do like hearing about those days. I especially love hearing about your hair. In fact, I think there's a picture around here someplace that I'm sure Sean wants to see." Emma scooted back her chair and ran out of the room. Drawers could be heard slamming as Emma looked for the picture.

"So how is it that your students have never heard about your wild and crazy band days, Mr. Simpson? You went to Degrassi so how come no one has ever said anything?"

"You can think Joey for that one. His reign of terror is something that the current administration doesn't want to remember," Snake said with a smile as he punched Joey lightly on the arm.

Joey shrugged his shoulders. "I could protest but it's true."

"Found it," Emma said as she came running back into the room. "Here it is, Sean."

Sean's eyes widened at he looked at the picture. It was obvious Mrs. McKay got her nickname. He couldn't believe the bleached-blond teenager with the massive hair was the same person sitting across from him. "Wow, you look different."

"Thank goodness. You can burn that picture now," Spike told Sean as she got up to gather the plates.

"I like the picture, Sean, so don't burn it," Mr. Simpson said. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to help Spike with the dishes."

"Can I do anything," Sean asked.

"Oh no, Snake and I can handle this. You and Emma go study."

"And she means study, kids, not make out," Joey said.

"Joey," Spike scolded, "I trust them. You I don't trust so you can help with the dishes too."

"Damn it," Joey hissed before scooting his chair back and following Spike and Snake into the kitchen.

Emma looked over at Sean and saw that he was laughing. "What's so funny?"

"You do realize that your mom makes Mr. Simpson horppy, right?"

"No way, that's so gross. We're not talking about this." Emma stood up and headed into her bedroom. She grabbed her bag and began to rummage around inside.

"It's not a big deal," Sean said as he stood in to doorway. "You make me horppy too."

Emma felt her face get hot. "I'm flattered but I'm just not ready for that part of a relationship yet."

"I just said you make me horppy, I'm not asking you to have sex with me. I get that you're not ready yet. I just wanted you to know."

"Okay. Are you ready to study?"

"I can't stay. I promised my parents I would be home early tonight. I did want to ask you something, though."

"What?"

"I'd like you to come to my basketball game on Saturday afternoon."

Emma swore inside of her head. How was she going to get out of this one? Of course Sean would want her to come to his games. As his girlfriend it was practically a requirement. "I want to but my mom might need my help at the shop."

"Come on, Emma, please."

"I'll try," Emma said and then began to chew on her lip.

"You have nothing to be nervous about," Sean said as he reached out to rub his thumb along Emma's lower lip that Emma was chewing.

"I'm not nervous," Emma said, immediately stopping her chewing.

"Okay," Sean didn't push the matter because he realized he was treading into the secret territory and it was someplace that Emma wasn't ready to go yet. "I'd better go." He leaned in and placed a brief kiss on Emma's lips. He wanted it to last longer but he was very well aware of the fact that this was her mother's house and that sort of behavior just wasn't appropriate.

"You make me horppy, too," Emma whispered when the kiss ended.

A grin lit up Sean's face. He knew he had to get out of Emma's room before he did something that he really wanted to do but didn't want Emma's mom killing him for. "Thank you," he said and ran out.

Emma's smile at Sean's reaction quickly turned into a frown when she realized what she'd agreed to do. A basketball game was someplace that she had no desire to be. But at least Paige and Manny would be cheering and Sean would be playing basketball so she wouldn't be forced to try and make conversation, which would be impossible for her to do at a basketball game.

Horppy is a new word that was made up for Eman over at Fan Forum and I was inspired to write a chapter using it. The angst is coming soon. Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing.