Okay, first off… you all are just AMAZING! You all are being so kind and supportive of me and this fanfic project of mine. Between work and life, I have been trying my best to continue to find time to write and I am so grateful to you all for staying patient on these updates. So... thank you, seriously. :) To reward you all for your patience, I have made a slightly longer chapter, but… this has a bit of a twist. It's a flashback! :D This chapter will begin the morning after Owen brought Kitty back to his parent's house when she passed out from 'overdoing it' at the club after she kissed him. Hope you all enjoy it!

3 months ago, Suburban Toronto

(Kitty's POV)

"Dude, Gavin, get over here." A faint, hushed voice called out.

Ugh, my head. How hard did I go last night?

"Johnny, what? Mom and dad are making pancakes."

"Gav, I'm tellin' you. There's a total babe sleeping on our couch right now."

"Pssh, yeah, right? And I'm the King of… Whoa, dude, there's a hot chick on our couch."

"That's what I said, doofus!"

"Wait, isn't she that girl that hung out with Owen and Noah on the race?"

Owen? Who's talking? And are they talking about me?

Where am I?

I managed to open my eyes and at first all I saw was a TV set on a credenza with a framed Canadian Flag right above it and then saw a bunch of pictures of what looked like Owen and his family members on outdoor excursions and holidays.

Wait, am I in Owen's parent's house?

I partially sat up only to see two teenage guys just staring at me from a nearby doorway. They both froze up as they kept looking at me.

I just guessed they were probably Owen's brothers as I started with a smile despite feeling like my head was splitting apart from probably the worst hangover I've ever had, trying to make the situation less awkward, "Umm, hey guys. What's up?"

Then one of them just shouted in blind panic, "Abort!"

"Scatter!" The other guy shouted as they both immediately ran away, making me scrunch my eyes and grit my teeth as my head throbbed.

Ow… Yeah, shouting is SO not good right now.

Seriously, I have NEVER had a hangover this bad.

Honestly, I've never really been that drunk before. But last night, past dancing and drinking with Owen, I literally remember nothing.

I was still trying to figure everything out as I tried to continue to sit up as slowly as possible, mainly to keep my brain from feeling like it was being shaken around in a jar.

Well, until I heard a woman's voice say, "Boys, shhh! Don't wake up Owen's friend in the living room. She had a hard night and she's trying to sleep."

Yup, I'm definitely at Owen's place. Is that his mom?

I've never been to Owen's parent's house before or met his family, but I guess Owen must have brought me back here so I could sleep it off.

I smiled a little and let out a sigh of relief that Owen brought me back here and not to my parents' house. They would have flipped if I came home black out drunk last night, well mostly dad probably.

But still, it was really cool of Owen to do this. He's such a good guy for doing me a HUGE solid like this.

Honestly it's crazy to think I've practically become fast best friends with this guy I've been watching on TV since I was 15, but Owen really is a nice and REALLY fun guy to hang out with.

I just think it's funny we lived only 15 minutes away from each other this whole time.

I kept smiling until I heard (who I'm now guessing was one of his little brothers again) say, "But, mom, she's already up."

Then I heard the other one (Gavin) immediately cut in, "Told you she was from the show with Owen."

But it seemed like Owen's mom wasn't listening to them anymore as she said, "Oh! She is!"

Almost immediately, I heard footsteps as I saw a cheerful, plump woman with blonde hair and a sweet smile walk into the doorway and said enthusiastically, but still sounding like she was trying to keep her voice low (which I SO appreciated right now), "Good morning honey! You're Kitty, right? Oh, you poor thing. Your head probably hurts so I'm trying to talk quietly. I'm Owen's mom, Cathy. But you can just call me Mrs. K. All my boys' friends do when they come over. Would you like some coffee? That always helps."

Wow, she seems so sweet... and completely cool with everything.

I tried to smile and be as nice as possible despite still feeling like I got hit by a train, "Thanks, Mrs. K. I really appreciate it. And yeah, I'll have a cup if that's okay?"

She gave me a wink and smile again as she said, "Absolutely sweetie. Take your time. We'll get that for you."

She looked back in the direction she came from and called out, "Honey, could you please pour a cup of coffee for Owen's friend?"

Slowly, I stood up and tried to keep myself balanced to keep my brain from throbbing.

I walked into the kitchen and immediately heard, "Oh, are you cold? Would you like me to get you a sweater, honey?"

I didn't even realize until that moment that I walked in still wrapped in the knitted afghan blanket that I was sleeping under on the couch.

But honestly… I was just really comfortable. Also, this blanket weirdly felt like it was holding me together right now. I just smiled and said, "That's okay, Mrs. K. I'm fine. Actually this blanket is really comfortable."

Right after I said that, she smiled and said, "Oh, thank you, sweetie. I have to agree. My grandmother gave that to my husband and I as a wedding present. It's the perfect thing for a cold morning or evening on the couch. I hope the couch was okay for you last night?"

I just smiled through my internal agony as I said, still not believing how nice his parents were despite not even knowing me at all, "Oh no, I was really comfortable, thanks! I'm sorry about just butting in. I hope I didn't totally just ruin your Saturday morning or anything."

His mom just waved her hand casually at me with a smile as she said, "Don't even worry about it. We love guests! Now, please, sit. Are you hungry? Would you like something mild? Like some toast?"

As I was sitting, I was about to answer when I saw a cup of black coffee set in front of me in a mug that looked like it was a souvenir from Banff National Park as I heard, "There you go, hun. A good cup of black coffee always helped me after a wild party back in the day. I would know. And that's also how I met the missus."

I looked next to me to see a middle aged, balding brunette man with the same build as Owen and smiling at me as he held out his hand, "Hey there. Jerry Koch, Owen's dad. Nice to meet you."

I just smiled back and responded as politely as possible, just rolling with the situation but also appreciating how cool his parents were being with the whole thing with me, "Kitty Park, nice to meet you Mr. Koch. That's funny, I didn't know you pronounced it 'Cook'."

I've seen Owen's last name a couple times but I didn't know that's how it was pronounced.

Owen's dad just kept smiling as he explained, "Oh yeah! My great-great grandparents were German and could have changed their name to be the English version 'Cook' when they came to Canada, but they decided to keep the German spelling. I like it though! It's always a good conversation starter since no one knows how to say it."

He chuckled a little at the end and before I could even respond, a plate with two pieces of golden brown toast was set in front of me with butter on the side as Owen's mom said, "I'll give you the toast just in case you feel like eating. Or we even have pancakes if you want some?"

Honestly, and even though the pancakes smelled amazing, I don't think my stomach could handle it right now… and that's coming from me!

I've always had a pretty strong stomach and Emma always thought I was crazy growing up and always accused me of 'eating almost anything in front of me'.

But, hey, that's what got us through the deep fried street food challenge during the race!

But, right now… yeah, hangover stomach is not my normal stomach.

I just smiled and politely declined, "Thanks so much, but… I think my stomach would be 'happier' with me if I stuck with the toast. But, the pancakes smell awesome though."

(Owen's POV)

I was just barely waking up until it wafted right under my nose.

Pancakes.

Woohoo! I LOVE Saturday mornings!

Wait… Saturday… CRAP!

I immediately hopped out of bed and ran down the stairs until I was practically out of breath to see if Kitty was still on the couch, but she was gone.

Did she leave already?

Mmm… maybe I should text her and see if she's okay.

I was about to run upstairs and get my phone until I heard from the kitchen, "So, did you guys go to all the Canadian national parks?"

Kitty?

Then I heard my mom respond, "Not all of them, but getting there! We've seen about 30 so far. When Jerry and I got married, we made a goal to visit all the national parks at least once. Banff was my favorite though so far! It was so pretty! We even went back again with the boys. Jerry and I will probably visit more during retirement."

I immediately went to the kitchen, but it wasn't just because I wanted pancakes… not this time.

By the time I got there, I saw Kitty sitting at the kitchen table with my parents and my brothers.

I didn't even say anything as she looked at me and smiled as she said in her usual friendly way, even though I could tell she didn't seem like herself, "Oh, hey Owen!"

I couldn't stop myself from smiling back and asking, "Hey, how are you?"

Hey, I'm no stranger to partying and Kitty REALLY knows how to party, but she really went pretty hard last night. And that's saying A LOT coming from me.

Last night was such BLAST though! Kitty really knows how to let loose and have fun!

And then… I shook my head to keep myself from thinking about it as she let out a laugh and scrunched her eyes before saying, "Eh, honestly… could be better."

I smiled back and didn't realize I kept looking at her until I heard a plate hit the table as mom said, "Owen, do you want any fruit with your pancakes?"

Food… YES! Perfect distraction!

I just sat down next to Kitty and looked at my mom and said, really amped for big breakfast Saturday like usual, "Yes, please!"

2 hours later

After breakfast, we walked out front to wait for Kitty's ride home.

AGH, WHY DID I SLACK ON GETTING MY DRIVER'S LICENSE?!

Then I could have given her a ride home… You know, cuz we're friends!

Just… friends...

Oh boy…

Fortunately Kitty ripped me out of my freak out as she said, "Hey, thanks again for helping me out last night Owen. You really didn't have to cover for me being a total hot mess last night, but I really appreciate it more than you know. You're SO lucky to have a family that was so cool with the whole thing."

I quirked up an eyebrow as I tilted my head and replied, "Why? Would your parents've been THAT mad about it?"

She shrugged and smirked as she said with a laugh, "Well, they definitely wouldn't have been 'happy' about me going SO out of control last night. Mom and dad are a lot more like Emma. They're a little more reserved, serious, and uptight with a lot of things, especially dad. But, no worries, I'm used to being the wild child of the family. I always have been."

I smiled a little at her as I said, trying to be normal as possible despite what I was feeling, "Not a problem!"

She smiled back before biting her lip a little and rubbed the back of her neck before saying, "Sorry, I'm so embarrassed. I never get that drunk, but I think I know my limit now since I seriously don't remember anything. I just hope I didn't do anything that weird or embarrassing… wait, oh god, I didn't, right?"

Kitty gave me an almost embarrassingly mortified look, looking like she really wanted to make sure she didn't do anything embarrassing without her knowing it last night.

But, I didn't want to make her feel bad but I also didn't want to lie to her… mostly because I'm a bad liar.

So I just smiled and said, trying to keep it light to not make her feel bad, "Well, other than trying to jump into a fountain at the park in old downtown, you were okay!"

She immediately laughed before grinning and saying, putting her hand on her forehead, "Yeah, drunk or not, that sounds like me."

She has such a cute laugh… wait, what? But, as I tried to clear my head, I thought of something else as I started, "But, you really don't remember, like anything?" S

he glanced upwards, looking like she was really thinking, "Honestly… I hardly remember anything. The last thing I remember was taking that last shot of flavored vodka before we went back out to dance at the club and… I don't know? It's almost like I literally 'blacked out'. I seriously remember nothing."

She looked like she kept thinking as I kept looking at her, feeling my chest tighten slightly.

So… she really doesn't remember. She doesn't remember that she kissed me or anything?

Why does it have to work out that she can't remember anything but all I've done is think about it every single minute since it happened? WHY?! WHY CAN'T I STOP?!

Then I was pulled out of my thoughts as her ride pulled up and she looked at me and smiled as she said, giving me a hug like she usually does, "Well, seriously, thanks again so much, Owen. You are such an awesome friend!"

Friend...

I don't get it? Up until last night we were just 'friends'. And it was fine!

So… why does that word 'sting' so much now?

UGH, WHY DID I HAVE TO JUST LET HER KISS ME?! AGH! And why did it have to feel THAT good and right with her?!

But, I was digging deep and tried to keep my cool as I hugged her back and replied as normal as I could, "Yeah, Kitty. No problem."

After that she got in the car and gave me a smile and wave as I did the same back as she drove off.

But, all I kept doing was standing there and watching the car until it disappeared. I rubbed the back of my neck as I tried to figure out what the heck was happening to me?!

Well, until I got back in and immediately saw my mom.

I was so confused until she said, making my stomach drop, "So, is she 'a friend' or is she 'more than a friend'?"

Oh no…

I rubbed the back of my neck as my chest tightened.

What's going on? Do I have heartburn? WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?! AND HOW DOES EVERYONE KNOW?!

"Uh… I… I don't know?" I stammered, not knowing what to do.

But, then my mom put a hand on my shoulder as she said, "Well, if she is, then I think she is sweet as pie and cute as a button."

Then she kissed me on the cheek before going back to the kitchen. I was almost in shock until I heard Johnny call out, "Hey, Owe! If you don't want her, I'll date 'er!"

I immediately snapped out of it as I walked back into the kitchen while calling back, "Pfft! Yeah, right? Pretty sure you're a little too young for her since she's 20 and you're 16."

"SO?!" He called back right as I walked in.

Present day

(Noah's POV)

"Kit! Can you please not weave in and out of traffic on the highway?! We're out of the airport and I'd kind of like to live to see the new year. Slow down!"

Emma started gripping her hands into the back seat of Kitty's car.

"Em, just chill! I've never been in an accident and I got you through the dune buggy challenge during the race. Pretty sure I have good enough reflexes to drive through city holiday traffic." Kitty responded, me seeing her roll her eyes in the rear view mirror.

"Hey, it could be worse? You want Owen driving us?" I cut in, trying to make her laugh.

And it worked when I heard her snort out a laugh before saying, "Eh, considering he almost accidentally killed me with that truck in Alberta… good point."

Kitty gave us both a look for a second as she said, "C'mon guys, be nice. I've been helping Owen get the last of his permit hours in and he's gotten better. He even got his license last week."

Well… that's terrifying.

Then again, considering my last memory of Owen driving was him driving us off the path in that gator and us crashing into the woods in Yellow Knife… Yeah, the big guy's my friend but I'm still remaining skeptical as all get out on his 'driving abilities'.

We kept driving until we eventually got into their town limits and on the way in as I was looking out the window and saw a dentist office that had written on the front sign:

Dennis Park D.D.S.

Lisa Park D.D.S.

I looked over and commented to Emma while motioning back with my thumb, "Are those Park's any relation?"

But, before Emma even said anything Kitty just said casually, "Oh yeah, that's our parent's office. Both mom and dad are dentists. Believe me, teeth brushing and flossing were always mandatory growing up in our house."

"Even though someone always tried to skip out on flossing?" Emma jabbed with a smirk.

"Only whenever mom got the mint flavored floss! Eww, the artificial mint they put on it is SO nasty."

Hmm…

I don't know why but… why am I nervous?

Emma already met my insane '3 ring circus' that I call a family and got humped by my dog in front of everyone.

So… yeah, just her parents and Kitty? Piece of cake!

I mean, seriously, what's the worst that can happen?

Oh Noah, I know you're an all knowing 'know-it-all', but we'll see about what ends up happening. Lol. Next chapter will begin the 'Noah meeting Emma's family' saga and more will be explained about Emma and Kitty's parents later. For now, I hope you enjoyed the flashback chapter at the beginning and the introduction of Owen and Kitty's POV's. Just to make the flow of the story more seamless, I really wanted to establish more of Kitty and Owen's dynamic together in their current 'friendship' and also give some background about what happened when Kitty woke up the morning after she got black out drunk, kissed Owen, and had zero memory of it… even though Owen remembered it clear as day and was trying to figure out where he currently stood in how felt about Kitty (mainly he was just realizing after they kissed that he now formed an attraction and MAJOR crush toward her). I've said it once and I'll say it again, I always felt like Owen was always unfortunately relegated to being a 'punch-line' and 'fart/gross jokes' in the show when Owen really does have a very endearing characterization. When shown, Owen really is a funny, sensitive, sweet (yet sometimes dramatic), and fun-loving guy. He likes to get along with everyone and is a genuinely great friend and I really wanted to showcase that more in this fanfic. Hope so far I am managing to pull that off! But, either way, I hope you enjoyed seeing Kitty interact with Owen's openmindedly wholesome parents and awkward teenage brothers. What will happen next? Just you wait and see! Haha. ;) As always, thanks to each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart for reading and supporting this fic and constructive reviews are always appreciated.

Hope you all are continuing to stay classy, safe, and well!

Dexter1995