(MILES)

Miles arrived at the Matlin house bearing gifts. And by gifts, they might have been very nice things from his own home that he wrapped up nicely, but...They weren't technically used. A soccer ball signed by David Beckham for Katie, the soccer lover, a nice crystal bowl for Mrs. Matlin, a rare apple cider flavored wine for both Matlin parents, and for Maya? A cello bow that had been in Miles' family for centuries. There were many different instruments and such that were really beautiful, but Miles figured the cello bow would be most appropriate for Maya. Also, Miles always thought it was most beautiful. There were engravings on it that had always enchanted Miles, even as a little kid.

He gave the gifts to the Matlins and watched them be amazed. He didn't give the gifts to butter them up, he just wanted to thank them for making Maya who she was...

After the gifts were over, Maya said what both Matlin parents were thinking. "Miles is my boyfriend. We're very happy together..."

Mrs. Matlin mumbled something to Katie about 'readiness', but Katie just whispered back, "Trust me." Miles liked Katie in the least creepy way. She was a really nice sister. Mr. Matlin shook Miles' hand in that annoying way that was in every movie. When the dad basically breaks the boyfriend's hand..But, Miles didn't care. He was just happy to be with Maya.

The dinner was nice. The conversation was light. Miles made many jokes that made the Matlins laugh, but one in particular about a cow made Maya spit her water out on her mashed potatoes. Most people would be disgusted, but it made Miles fall for Maya more. One joke about an owl saying 'hoo' made Maya look at her plate quietly. He'd expected that to be a big hit with her, since she was very owl-like in the cutest way possible, but she didn't laugh. She just gave a half-hearted smile and looked down. Miles wondered if owls were a sore subject or something. He envisioned an owl attacking her at the zoo and felt bad. Even if it didn't happen.

Katie left shortly after dinner to go to a movie with someone, she didn't say who. Maya poked Katie and said something like 'Garden boy!'.

After Katie left and dinner dishes were cleaned up, Maya and Miles gave each other a knowing look. Even if they hadn't discussed it, they both knew it needed to be asked.

"Listen, Mom, Dad, can me and Miles talk to you?"

"Miles and I" Mr. Matlin corrected, and then nodded.

"I hope it's nothing bad!" Mrs. Matlin said, getting up out of her wheelchair and using the arm supports to get to the couch next to Mr. Matlin.

"Not exactly.." Miles spoke up, and Maya seemed shocked that he was actually going to talk. Maya had probably assumed that Miles would just sit quietly.

"Um, so..My dad got attacked a few weeks ago and I've been living with my best friend...But, something happened between me and my friend, just a personal spat, and uh, I need some advice." Miles spoke, without a shake in his voice. "I need to find somewhere to live and I was wondering if you could help me figure that out."

"Where's your mother...If you don't mind the question..." Mr. Matlin asked quizzically.

"She um, left a while back. When I was younger."

"I see, well I'm sorry to hear about all of this. You seem like a lovely young man, and..."

Mr. Matlin paused, and the two parents looked at each other. It was as if they were talking telepathically. After about a minute, Mrs. Matlin turned to Miles and Maya.

"If you'd like, you can live here for the time being. We have a guest room. But there will be conditions."

The two teenagers nodded, interlocking their fingers together and squeezing each others' hands. They needed to stay calm and not smile too much. Even if they weren't going to do anything sexual or anything, living together was still...exciting.

"You two will not sleep in the same room. If we catch you guys in each other's rooms, consequences. If you are in the same room during the day, doors stay open. We will be keeping our eyes on you, and so will Katie."

Miles and Maya nodded.

"Now, Miles, if you need to get your things, I can take you to get them. Maya, you should go take a shower while we're gone." Mr. Matlin said. Miles guessed Mrs. Matlin was probably very tired. Either that or she had to have some type of girl talk with Maya.

Maya nodded and Miles went with Mr. Matlin, first to Chewy's to get the things that were already on the front steps, then to his house to get a few more things.

Mr. Matlin were amazed by Miles' home. It really was a nice place, and Miles forgot that. He was glad to see that in the few hours that Miles was gone, Madeline had not returned, but the car she'd taken had. Either she somehow got some kind of good bone in her body and returned it or she got pulled over. Either way, there was no evidence of the whore.

Miles packed quickly as Mr. Matlin examined the house a bit. "Your home is truly beautiful. Now, will you move back when your father is better?"

Ah, the question Miles was hoping they wouldn't ask.

"Not if I don't have to..." Miles replied, putting his shampoo and hair products in his bag.

"Why is that?" Mr. Matlin asked, staring at the woodwork on Miles' dresser.

"My dad...He abused me. A lot. Verbally and physically. When I went to see him in the hospital I told him off and now even if I somehow stopped hating him, if I were to live with him again, I'd literally fear for my life. We really don't get along."

Mr. Matlin's jaw all but slammed into the floor. "Oh, Miles."

"Yeah, so...I'll find a place to live soon. I won't burden you guys too long." That statement came out a lot more pathetic than Miles had intended, but Miles could honestly probably say any cheesy thing and Mr. Matlin would totally be fine with it. He'd probably just offer Miles a hug.

"You're not a burden. You're a very nice young man and you're welcome as long as you need. As long as you don't hurt my daughter." Miles felt like Mr. Matlin was a very nice man.

Once Miles had his things packed up, they headed back to the Matlin house. Mrs. Matlin was asleep apparently, and Maya was passed out on the couch. "Want me to grab her?" Miles asked, and Mr. Matlin sympathetically nodded. "Sure, just drop her off in her bed and go on to bed, Miles. Goodnight. Get good sleep." Miles nodded, scooping his girlfriend up. Her hair was wet and she was in . His guess was that she'd taken a shower, gotten in and tried to wait on the couch for Miles and her father to get home. She was so cute.

She was awoken a little when Miles was carrying her, and she just looked up and smiled. God, she was pretty.

"Goodnight, beautiful." Miles whispered, setting Maya on her bed. He remembered this bed from their first kiss.

"Hey, don't leave." Maya mumbled sleepily as Miles started to walk away.

"I have to, May. I can't stay in here or I'll be kicked out."

"Okay, fine. Just...a kiss. Please?"

Miles smiled and leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. The magic was sure as hell still there...

"Goodnight now." Miles said, kissing her forehead and making his way out.

"Miles wait."

"Yes?"

"I love you..."

"I love you too, Maya."