It was Christmas day. Lash and his father were invited to the Grey's house for a late lunch. With Molly still being in the hospital, it was going to be just them two. Before they went to the Grey's for lunch, they were going to the hospital to visit Molly. There was a bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table for her.
Lash was getting ready in his room. He was wearing a band shirt with stripped sleeves and nice jeans. He ran a hand through his hair, putting a little gel in it with a few loose strands framing his face. He grabbed his cell phone, stuffing it in his pocket.
Mr. Langford was in the kitchen, taking the wine bottles out of the fridge that he was going to give Sophie and James. He wore a blue suit, white dress shirt and Christmas tie. "Wow Laurence." He said, as he saw his son. "You look great. You should wear your hair like that more often."
Lash looked at his father. "You're the second person to tell me that." He thought back to Katie saying it.
He laughed. "Who was the first?"
Lash avoided answering. "What time do we have to be there for lunch?"
Charles put the wine bottles in some gift bags and grabbed the flowers. "James said to come after our visit." With his other hand, he grabbed his keys. "Are you ready?"
Lash nodded.
"Ok, let's go."
Lash put on a coat and followed his father out the door.
XX
Upon arriving at the hospital, Charles spoke to the doctors about how Molly was doing. They said she was stable but no changes. Then Charles replaced the wilted flowers with the fresh ones he brought from home and threw the other flowers out.
Lash was standing next to his mother, frown etched upon his face. He watched as his father was by her bedside, holding her hand and talking to her. As he spoke, tears rolled down his face. Lash wiped some tears that fell without him realizing.
Charles kissed his wife's cheek, gave her hand a gentile squeeze and went over to his son. "Go ahead, Laurence." He said softly, wiping his tears away. "You can speak to her."
"Can I talk to her in private?" Lash asked.
"Of course, I'll be outside the room when you're ready." Charles left the room.
Lash sat on her bed, holding her hand softly. "Mom, I hope you wake up soon. Dad misses you. I miss you." He paused. "I just wish you would wake up soon. I…" He looked down at his lap and then back to his mom. Those words were sincere but repeated. He took a deep breath. "Mom…there is this girl…and I wish I could talk to you about it. I know Dad is there but you were the first person I thought of." He paused. "Technically, I am talking to you now…" He let out a chuckle then his expression softened. "I don't know what it is about her. I feel the need to be around her. I even failed the test on purpose so she could keep tutoring me and that we can see each other still." What did this mean? Why did he do that? "Then what happened at the dance…" He sighed. "I am also seeing her after visiting you."
Charles sat on a chair outside the room, waiting for Lash.
"She makes me happy, Mom. I'm so happy around her. Dad and I were invited to Mr. and Mrs. Grey's house to spend Christmas with them. It's the first one where you won't be there. It won't be the same." Lash sighed again, wiping away his tears. He gave his mom's hand a little squeeze. "I hope you wake up soon, Mom. So you can finally meet her."
XX
After leaving the hospital, Lash and Charles entered the Grey house. They were greeted by Sophie and James. Charles gave the wine bottles to Sophie and gave his coat to James, who hung it up in his closet. Lash also gave his coat to James, who put it in the same place. Shortly after, they were greeted by the other guests. Steve, Josie and Will came from the kitchen.
Lash's face showed seething hatred when he saw Will. He politely greeted Will's parents with a smile.
Will went over to Lash. He was wearing a buttoned up shirt with black pants. "Laurence." Will knew how much Lash hated being called by his real name. He smirked, holding out his hand for Lash to shake. His parents were also in the room. As much as Will wanted to ignore him, he had to be respectful.
Lash's face kept its expression from before. He looked over at Will's smug expression then at his hand. He then let out a sigh. "Look, it's Christmas today. Mr. Grey invited us both to his home. Let's keep the fighting and arguing for school." He held out his hand, shaking Will's. "I don't want us to use our powers because we're fighting and wreck the house."
Will's smirk faltered and was replaced with confusion and shock. He expected Lash to say something rude and not something sincere. "Right." He paused. "And Lash?" He added.
Lash didn't really want to speak to Will but he also didn't want to do the opposite of what he just said. He didn't want to fight in Mr. Grey's house. Or in front of Katie. The thought of her made his cheeks turn rosy and it was unexpected. The fact that Will was in front of him to possibly see this was annoying him. "What?" His tone was filled with annoyance.
Will didn't let what he had to say effect how Lash responded to him. "I heard about your mom from my parents. I'm sorry that happened." He looked sincere and not at all like he was mocking the senior in front of him.
Lash looked over at Will, expecting to see some sort of expression but…nothing. The way Will was looking at him was almost like pity. He hated that. But he promised himself he wouldn't fight in this house. He just nodded. What was he supposed to say? Thank you?
"Katie! Come on! The guests are here!" Mr. Grey called from the bottom of the stairs. "Layla and her parents are outside!"
"Coming!" Came her voice.
Lash's eyes widened in realization. He didn't see Katie as he came in. Was he supposed to react to her presence in front of Will?
Luckily, Will walked off when Layla had come through the door. He went to greet her.
Katie came downstairs. She was wearing a burgundy sweetheart neckline sequined dress that hugged her figure with heels. Her hair was in a half up, half down style. "Hey Lash! Merry Christmas!" She gave him a big smile and a quick hug.
Lash just stared at her and accepted the hug. She looked so beautiful. Her hair was pinned back, showing the little makeup she wore. His heart fluttered in his chest. "M-Merry Christmas..."
"You wore your hair again slicked back. Like at the dance." Katie noticed. "It looks really good like that."
Lash's hand went over to his hair. "Uh…yeah. I like it too."
Charles overheard the comment Katie made, looked over his shoulder and saw his son embarrassed. He smiled to himself before continuing speaking to Mr. Grey.
Katie smiled one more time at him before going to greet Layla and her parents.
Lash let out a deep breath and plopped down on the love seat sofa. He absentmindedly touched his hair. He had styled it like this again. Mostly because Katie had liked it.
"Your living room is gorgeous, Katie." Layla smiled, looking around. She was wearing a forest green flowy dress.
The living room was beautifully decorated. Garlands were on top of the grey sofas. The table had chips in bowls, with burgundy place mats and a little porcelain Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was decorated with colourful lights, ornaments and a star on top. Garlands were draped along the walls.
"Isn't it?" Katie smiled back at her. "The first weekend of every December, we decorate the house and make it all Christmassy. It's so much fun; we made it a tradition to do it every year. We wear Christmas pyjamas and make hot chocolate."
Lash was listening to the story, quietly.
"Even with powers, we make everything fun. Mom lights all the candles with her finger, Dad teleports everywhere to hang decorations and I recently used my barrier to float the star on the top of the tree." Katie smiled to herself.
Layla looked at the Christmas tree. "It's beautiful."
"Do you guys want something to drink?" Katie asked. "I can get some hot chocolate or tea…coffee?"
"Hot chocolate." Came a voice from the sofa.
Layla nearly jumped then looked over at him. "Oh…hi."
"…Hi."
Silence.
"One hot chocolate and...?"
"Tea." Layla replied.
"I'll have some coffee." Will said, joining the teens in the living room.
Katie nodded and walked off to the kitchen.
Layla looked back at Lash. "I guess your Dad knows Mr. Grey? I've seen them talking when I walked in." She sat on the other sofa.
Lash nodded. "Mr. Grey is my Godfather."
"No way." Will sat down next to Layla. "Are you serious?"
Lash pointed to the framed photo in the living room of his father, Mr. Grey and Barron Battle when they were at Sky High. "That's my Dad on the left, Mr. Grey is in the middle and Barron Battle is on the right." He said. "They went to Sky High together."
"So you grew up with Katie?"
"Is that why she's so nice to you?"
Lash let out a sigh. "…Long story."
"…We have all day, Laurence." Will smirked. "Or at least, until we eat lunch. I heard Mr. Grey is making something delicious."
"Is that all you care about? To eat lunch?" Lash sneered.
"Guys…"
"At least I was invited. You probably were because Mr. and Mrs. Grey felt sorry for you about your mom being in the hospital." Will snapped back.
Lash took a deep breath from his nostrils, jaw clenched. "No. I'm here because Mr. Grey is my godfather and is friends with my Dad." He took a pause. "Like I FUCKING TOLD YOU." His voice rose.
"You could be LYING."
"Guys…"
"Ahh!"
Lash was about to respond to Will, anger etched upon his face when he heard a yelp from the kitchen. He knew who it came from. He rose so quickly that it surprised Layla and Will.
"Guys guys! Look!" Katie walked into the living room, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. The tea and coffee were surrounded by a barrier.
Two!
Katie had a small barrier floating on both sides, holding a drink. "I didn't think this would work but I tried and it did!" She was beaming.
Lash smiled softly to himself.
Layla noticed Lash's expression but Will didn't. He had been looking at Katie. "Wow! Awesome!"
Katie kept walking, controlling the barriers. "I don't know how long I can control them though! I don't want to practice with hot drinks in mugs. Come get your coffee and tea!"
Layla and Will quickly went to get their drinks, going back to sit on the sofa next to each other.
Lash took his hot chocolate and sat back down in the loveseat. Katie sat next to him.
Awkward silence.
Sip.
"So…"
"So…"
Sip.
"Wow, this is good!"
"Thank you. Mom made it."
Silence.
"Is it true?"
"What?"
Will sat up from the sofa and looked at Lash. "Is it true that Mr. Grey is your godfather?"
"Like I already told you. Yes."
Will seemed not to be convinced so he looked over at Katie, waiting for confirmation.
Katie nodded. "Did he say how our Dads were friends in high school?"
"Yes." Will responded.
"Well then, it's true." Katie told Will.
"I told you." Lash sneered.
"Well sorry, if I don't trust you!" Will spat back.
"Kids! The appetizers are ready if you want some!" A voice called from the kitchen.
"Katie, could I have more tea?" Layla wanted to change the subject and avoid having the boys fight.
"Sure." Katie stood up, placing her mug on a coaster on the table. She went and took Layla's from her hand. "I'll get some appetizers as well."
Lash stood as well. "I'll help you, Katie." He needed an excuse to get away from Will. "Do you guys want some appetizers?"
"Sure, anything vegetarian." Layla responded.
Both teens walked into the kitchen and Sophie walked out, offering her guests some appetizers.
Katie refilled Layla's mug with tea, set it aside and went to grab plates when something caught her eye. She inhaled sharply.
Lash had been munching on some pigs in a blanket. He heard her and went over to her. "What's wrong?"
"There's…" Katie said softly, redness to her cheeks. She lifted a finger, indicating for Lash to look up.
Confused, Lash looked up and his expression changed.
Mistletoe.
Mistletoe was above their heads.
Katie and Lash looked at each other, faces red.
"I guess…we have to kiss?"
"We are under the mistletoe."
"Is this okay with you?"
"Yeah…you?"
"Yeah…"
Lash gulped as she leaned in to kiss him.
The kiss was sweet and full of passion like electricity vibing through their whole bodies. Katie began to pull away from Lash, but he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her to him. Her hands fell on his chest and went for a deeper and longer kiss.
They then heard clacking of heels but reluctantly broke away. Sophie walked in the kitchen and noticed the teens. "You two okay? Is it too hot in here?" She asked. When they didn't answer, she looked at the thermostat. "Everything seems okay…" She glanced at the mistletoe. She then laughed. "Is this still here? Your Dad put this here for us yesterday." She took it down, left it on the counter and packed the plate with more appetizers. "If you need to make more Katie, we have in the freezer." She told her daughter before leaving the kitchen.
Lash let out a little laugh when she left. They were alone again. But for how long?
Katie was blushing and looked at Lash who had a smile.
God. That smile.
Lash wanted to kiss her again. He went over to her, picked up the mistletoe and held it over their heads.
Katie giggled and leaned in for another kiss.
Layla appeared out of nowhere at the doorway and was about to shout when Lash extended his arm and placed his hand gently on her mouth.
"T-There was mistletoe…and…" Katie stammered, face red. She can't believe she was caught kissing Lash.
Lash held a finger to his mouth. "Shhhhh, no one has to know about this." He removed his hand from her mouth and his arm retracted slowly back to his body.
"Oh my god!" Layla finally blurted out in shock and what she just saw. "Katie?" She paused. "Lash?"
Footsteps were heard again. "Katie? Is everything okay?" Will asked.
Lash rolled his eyes as Will came into the kitchen. "What do you want?"
Unfortunately, Katie bumped into the counter. Some things were knocked over, including Layla's mug. Katie yelped as it crashed to the floor. Luckily, she avoided it.
"You okay?!" Lash rushed over to her. "Did it spill on you?"
"No, I'm okay." Katie responded. "I avoided it." They way he worried about her made her heart flutter.
Layla saw how Lash was concerned for her and how Katie was blushing. This confirmed her suspicions that something was there between them.
Lash was by her side. "Good."
"Katie, are you okay?" Layla repeated.
"Yeah. The mug fell and broke. I'm sorry, I'll get another one." Katie told her.
Layla smiled. "Thank you." She grabbed a plate and piled it with appetizers and left the kitchen. She was going to leave them alone. Will left with Layla.
Katie bent down, going to grab the big shards of ceramic, collecting them in her hand and putting them in the garbage.
"What are you doing? You'll cut yourself." Lash told her. "Let me help." He bent down and went to grab a piece but their fingers brushed against each other.
They looked at each other and locked eyes. There were sparks.
James teleported in the kitchen. "Did I hear a mug fall to the floor?" He asked.
Katie stumbled and fell forwards.
Lash caught her. He fell backwards on his back and held onto her.
"Are you okay? Did you slip?!" James asked, going over to them.
"I'm fine." Katie told him, arms on his chest.
Lash grunted in response.
James quickly cleaned the mess and threw out the rest of the broken ceramic. "Do you need help getting up?"
"No." Lash told him quickly.
Katie got up carefully so she was sitting on her knees. "We're okay, Dad."
James nodded and walked out of the kitchen.
Katie turned to Lash and grabbed his hand, helping him sit up. "Yet again you caught me as I fell, getting hurt in the process. Are you okay?" She remembered the time in the library.
Lash groaned. "My back hurts a little but it was worth it."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm okay with getting hurt if that means I protect you." He responded. "Are you okay?"
That made her heart flutter and she cupped his cheek with her hand. "Thank you, Lash." She said softly.
"Katie…I…" He started.
Katie leaned in and kissed him again. It was a sweet small almost intoxicating kiss, she nipped his lip slightly and he smiled against her lips.
"Everyone! Lunch is ready!"
XX
After a delicious lunch and opening presents, the adults were at the kitchen table talking while the teenagers were in the living room.
Will and Layla were sitting on the couch, comfortably. Lash and Katie were sitting on the love seat. Lash was sitting back, relaxed and had his hands on the back of his head. Katie was sitting and her legs were crossed.
"So…"
"So…"
"…" Lash did NOT want to be here. He thought everything would be done after lunch and opening gifts. He did NOT want to be in the same room with Stronghold for any longer. But the fact that his Dad was enjoying himself with his friends, he could deal. Being in the room with Katie made it worth it.
"…Um…what do you guys want to do? The adults are talking and...well some of us got board games so we could play?" Katie suggested.
"I'm fine with whatever."
Laughter was heard coming from the kitchen.
"I'm glad all our parents know each other from school. Except your Dad, Layla…"
Layla smiled. "Dad is fine with everything now. It took some time for him to get used to my mom having superpowers and when I got mine but everything is okay."
"How does he feel about Colin being out there?" Will asked.
"He's… concerned for sure and even wanted me to stop going to school." Layla replied.
Katie sat up, looking at Layla. "What?! No!"
Layla held her hands up in defense. "But I talked to him about all your powers and he believes I'll be safe with everyone though he still is concerned."
"You bet."
Katie nodded and sighed of relief. "Oh thank goodness, I understand your Dad being worried but I wouldn't know what to do if you left the school!" She sat back into the sofa.
"It would only be for the time Colin is out of jail but…" Layla smiled. "We talked him out of it."
Will put his hand on hers. "Thankfully. I don't know what I'd do either if you left the school."
Layla blushed and looked at Will. "I know I'd miss you."
"Aw." Katie gushed.
Lash sat there in silence. In a way, he was glad Layla was staying so he didn't have to see Katie upset.
Will gave Layla a quick kiss on the lips before standing up. "I'll go get a board game to play. Any preferences?"
"How about one I could beat you in?" Lash smirked.
"Then you should team up with Katie, since she's much smarter than you." Will fired back, walking off to get a game.
Lash grunted.
XX
"No way! Really, Andrew?"
"Yes, I was considering Layla changing schools but I know you all will protect her if there was any danger. The kids did when there was the school dance." Layla's Dad said. "I know you will as well."
"Don't you worry, Andy. Layla is in good hands." Layla's mom assured her husband. "Her friends will protect her. We will too."
"Honey, I know that. But as her father, I worry about some crazy super powered villain out there. I don't have powers, Jennifer. How could I protect her?" Andrew said.
Jennifer smiled. "You've been protecting her her whole life. Even when she didn't have her powers."
Andrew sighed. "You're right, Jen. I just…"
James slammed his hand on the table. "I'd like to speak." He said, a little too loud.
"James, I think you had too much wine."
"It's Christmas, Charles."
Charles sighed. "And?"
"Andrew, we are also scared shitless and as a Dad, I understand you. We will all protect the kids and each other." James assured him.
Andrew sighed and smiled. "You're right, James."
"Now, with that out of the way, who wants to play games?"
XX
The rest of the evening went amazing. Everyone had fun playing games and now we're getting ready to leave. As their guests left, the Grey's made sure they left with everything they came with, their presents and extra food. James, Sophie and Katie tidied the house; made sure everything was clean and then went to bed.
Katie sat in bed, reading the book Lash gave her. When she finished the chapter, she bookmarked it and placed it on her nightstand. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Lash.
'The book u gave me is great!'
'Glad u like it'
Katie smiled at his quick reply, put her phone on her nightstand and tucked herself in, smiling as she fell asleep.