This one jumps perspective a lot because I couldn't decide which one was better.
I had to change the order of three chapters (this one included) so I highly recommend re-reading chapter 11 as its contents have drastically changed (ie moved to chapter 13, which will come later on)
12. Εξηγήσεις
It was one thing to know Evan had told his mom about Connor, but not about Tera, and actually he hadn't wanted to tell on Connor, but it was the only way to explain why Evan had transformed in the first place and therefore tell her about Jared; it was another completely to know that he had to go to the Hansen household after class if he wanted this sorted with.
It wouldn't be the first time he took a long while to get to Tera, detention could take a bit, so that wasn't the problem; the problem was not making Heidi Hansen immediately hate him.
See, if Kleinman opened his mouth Evan would be taken away, and that would wreck Tera, so Connor couldn't let that happen, not if there was something he could do about it; and Heidi Hansen had a plan, a plan that would make it so Kleinman wouldn't open his stupid mouth, so Connor needed her to like him enough to tell him what it was. So maybe he's a bit nervous, but he thinks it's understandable, as he doesn't have the best track record with adults.
Evan tries to be comforting, keyword being try; Connor appreciated the feeling and all, it's just that this is sort of a big deal. So he takes the hand offered to him on his own, and steels himself
.-. - ...- / -.-. ... .- -. -. .
Is it wrong that Evan feels surprised when his mom is actually there like she said she would be? It's not that Evan's complaining, not really, he knows his mom tries really hard for the both of them, and that having to do that on top of classes, without the addition of having to pay for Evan's unstable mind, was hard enough; the therapy and pills didn't help, but she was hardly ever there, and Evan couldn't count the amount of times she made a promise to make time for him and failed to deliver, and- and he needs to stop himself least he wants to find another tree.
It probably says a lot about him that he's only still here because of a child that isn't related to him in any way shape or form, and an alpha that probably wouldn't have even known of his existence if he hadn't stumbled into the orchard. Evan doesn't know what Connor thinks of him, but at least he's here, and willing to help, which was kind of a huge deal.
Speaking of, the alpha stood tense beside him as Evan closed the door, eyes never leaving his mother, who was sitting in the living like she'd been waiting for them. Evan, unsure of what else to do, lets instinct take over and grabs Connor's hand, he's a bit surprised with himself, but Connor quickly takes the hand and grips onto it for dear life; Evan is sure it's sweaty by now, but he doesn't have the heart to pull away.
.- -. - - ... . .-./.-. - ...- / -.-. ... .- -. -. .
Mrs. Hansen looks a lot like her son, only her features seem to stand out less, Connor blames that on the second nature. It is easy though to imagine dragon blood running through this woman's veins, as she levels him with tired blue eyes - the only startling difference as Evan's lingered more towards green -.
Nerve-wracking was a good word for how Connor felt right that second, half of him wanting to run away before she gutted him, half of him wanting to fight her. Connor squeezed Evan's hand, prompting the omega to talk first.
"Mom, this is Connor"
The woman smiled then, a soft curve of her lips, as her eyes skimmed over their joined hands, if she thought anything of it she kept it to herself.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Evan talks very fondly of you"
Connor decides to ignore the way that comment makes him feel to instead acknowledge the elephant in the room.
"I think the situation could be better Mrs. Hansen"
He doesn't exactly mean it to sound as rude as it does, but she doesn't seem to mind, instead her smile turns just the slightest bit amused.
"You can call me Heidi honey, but you are right, why don't you two take a seat?"
.-.. .- ... -/.-. - ...- / -.-. ... .- -. -. .
Evan follows Connor as he takes the offer and sits down, his hand still in the alpha's grasp. He looks back to his mom, who sighs and joins her hands together.
"Well, Evan tells me Jared and you found out about him"
Connor nods, using his free hand to pick at the polish on the other one.
"It was my fault Kleinman found out, I should've noticed him following us"
Heidi waves her hand dismissively.
"Alphas are very stubborn when they want something"
Evan moves the thumb of his trapped hand against Connor's knuckles, which made him stop. Evan watched him frown at the words, like they offended him.
"Yeah well, I'm not gonna let him do as he pleases"
Heidi smiles warmly at that, nodding in agreement.
"There are plenty of ways to keep an alpha quiet, especially those your age, but considering what Evan has told me, I think we can use that stubbornness"
Evan and Connor exchange a look, Heidi raises her hands.
"It's not ideal, but if you play it on him being jealous, no one will believe him"
Evan bit his lip, in his head he could see that working on Jared, but-
"People already have their eyes on us, so it'd be easy"
Evan's eyes fly to Connor, and sees a resolve in his expression that surprises him; why is he going so far for Evan?
