A/N: Again, I wrote this a long time ago. I just wanted to have all my FF in one place online.

Chapter 2

Kayla was nervous on the way to pick up Max and Frankie. She and Steve had walked in silence since leaving her loft. When she went to change, Kayla realized she had no real idea on what to wear. She had chosen a simple dress, knowing it would work with just about any restaurant. She was slightly disappointed she didn't get a compliment from him, but at least there wasn't a sleazy one either. Glancing towards him, she noticed Steve was acting quite different. If she didn't know any better, she would think he was downright shy.

By now they had made it to her parents' house and Steve rang the doorbell. Kayla couldn't help but laugh. Hearing her, Steve asked her what was so funny.

"It's just I'm not used to ringing the bell at my parent's door. I simply go in." With that she opened the door and breezed past Steve. Frankie was just about to answer it. He looked less than thrilled at their plans for tonight.

"What took you so long?"

Steve shrugged and gestured towards Kayla, "The woman wasn't ready."

Not letting Steve's comment bother her, Kayla said hello to Frankie who just grunted back. Max came in carrying his patch bear and Kayla walked over to him. "Hi Max, how are you?"

The boy's face was unreadable but judging by how he was ready to go she guessed he was excited about the evening. Steve walked over to him and began playing his harmonica in the silly way that would make Max smile. It worked again this time.

"That's what we were looking for, little dude," Steve said. "I take it you two are ready."

"Yeah, Patch, we've been ready for over half an hour."

Kayla flinched at Frankie calling Steve that nickname. Steve had done so much for them; the least he could do was say his name. Ignoring it for now, Kayla decided to apologize for keeping them waiting, "Sorry, Frankie. I wasn't ready when Steve got to my door."

Steve glanced at Kayla surprised she didn't add that he hadn't told her about the dinner. Feeling guilty that she was taking the blame, he told Frankie to quit complaining, tonight was a celebration. They locked up the house and left.

—–

At Shenanigan's, the hostess seated them fairly quickly. Steve tried to concentrate on the menu and what to order, but he was so distracted by how beautiful Kayla looked that night. He wondered if the boys knew how lucky they were that Kayla helped them out and arranged for her parents to take them in.

Clearing his throat, Steve said, "Now you guys order whatever you want. Don't worry about price, it's on me."

He felt Kayla's gaze on him and the look on her face was unreadable but for some reason his face grew very hot. He was grateful he could hide behind the menu.

After they ordered, Frankie slumped down in his chair and began playing with this napkin. Kayla wondered if the boy would ever learn to trust his feelings or others again. She couldn't blame him for his behavior. She could only imagine what he had experienced in his life living on the streets and trying to protect his little brother.

"Oh, I forgot! I'll be right back." Steve said, jumping out of his chair and leaving them alone.

Frankie rolled his eyes, "Where is he going?"

"I have no idea," Kayla said, but realized she had a moment to talk to Frankie about his comment earlier. "You know Frankie, it would be nice if you…" the look he gave her stopped her.

"It would be nice if I what?" he said.

Her patience wearing thin, Kayla replied, "It would be nice if you stopped calling Steve, Patch. His name is Steve."

"Everybody calls him Patch. He even calls himself Patch."

"It doesn't matter. His name is Steve and Patch is a horrible nickname."

Frankie was about to answer her when Steve showed up with a paper bag. He had meant to stop at his place with Kayla but had forgotten. He was lucky though he lived only a few steps from the restaurant. Reaching into the bag, he pulled out party hats and whistles.

"Oh, man, we don't have to wear that do we?"

Kayla caught Steve's face falling for a split second before he put on his tough guy facade again. It amazed her that sleazy act he put on was more show than anything else. Smacking Frankie on the back of the head, Steve said, "Shut up and put it on. Max likes it."

Max did like it though the only way to tell was because he quickly put it on and wanted one for his bear. Steve blew the party whistle so it would shoot out and hit the bear in the face. Kayla smiled at how Max fought back smiling. If anyone could get Max to smile, it would be Steve.

Her eyes wandered over to Steve who was laughing at Max. The waiter arrived with the food. As the kids were scarfing what was on their plate down, Kayla said, "I didn't realize how hungry I was until now."

"Neither did I, baby," Steve answered. Kayla's eyes met his look and for some reason she couldn't stop looking at Steve. Hearing Frankie ask for the ketchup helped bring her mind to who else was around, but she kept sneaking sideways glances at him during the meal.