Chapter Seven - Presents
"We should get back inside." Jeff whispers after a while, and Nick shakes his head.
"Don't wanna. I'm comfy here."
"Someone's going to come looking for us, you know."
"But I-"
"Nick, Jeff, come back inside! Katie's waiting for you to open her presents!"
Jeff chuckles and Nick groans loudly. Jeff stands up, holding out his hand to Nick. "Come on sleepy head. Let's not keep your little sister waiting."
Nick sighs but takes his hand, standing up and walking inside with him. They enter the living room to find Katie sitting on her hands, waiting. "Finally!" she throws her hands up dramatically, and grabs the closest present to her, ripping off the paper.
The adults all laugh, while the kids jump up and down from their seats on the floor. Nick and Jeff move further into the room, and find only one more seat on the couch, next to the arm. "You take it." Nick whispers, and Jeff shakes his head.
"It's your house."
"Exactly. Sit." He says more forcefully, pressing a hand into the small of his back, pushing him to the couch.
Jeff reluctantly sits down, but is distracted seconds later by Nick sitting on the arm next to him. He grins and leans his head against Nick's back, not missing when he tenses up. Jeff starts to wonder if he should sit up, but smiles when he feels Nick relax.
Jeff watches the procession of present opening lazily, only half awake.
After all the presents are opened, the mothers all tell their kids it's time to go home, but after much whining and arguing, they agree to let the kids play outside for ten more minutes. Luckily, Nick and Jeff are relieved from chaperoning duty.