A/N: The writing style in this chapter may seem slightly different and that's because this is a contribution chapter from Jordon (littleoblivion)! Jordon has helped me so much with this story and has made many contributions of her own to the universe which I'm so happy to be able to share with you guys. So enjoy, and big thanks to Jordon for the chapter!

JJ knew objectively that this was nothing to be nervous about. How many times had Will eaten dinner at their house? How many times had he cheerfully tagged along with her parents to a local meet? The fact that they were dating didn't change anything.

Except it did.

Ever since her mom had suggested Will coming over for a proper dinner, JJ had been trying to stall. It all just felt like too much, too soon. She didn't want to jinx anything.

But there was no more delaying it. Will was coming over for a nice dinner, and everything was going to be just fine. At least, she hoped so.

The doorbell rang and she hurried to answer it. She took a moment in the mirror to smooth down her hair. She had even traded out her sweatpants for a nice dress in honor of the occasion. She pulled open the door to reveal her boyfriend, as handsome as ever. He grinned at her as he stepped across the threshold.

"You look beautiful," he said, his eyes travelling up and down her petite frame.

"Thanks," she said quietly.

"You okay?"

She shrugged her shoulders and he took one of her hands. "I'm weirdly nervous for this"

Will chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly so am I, and I can't figure out why"

"I know! It's gonna be fine… right?"

"Right! Yeah." He bent down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, followed by a kiss on the lips. They were startled apart by Michael entering the little foyer and clearing his throat.

"Dinners ready," he said with bemused smile as the teenagers jumped apart, their cheeks pink.

"Okay! Thanks." JJ took a deep breath and led Will through to the dining room table.

They had been right of course. Sandy and Michael had known Will since he was a kid, and liked him immensely. The fact that he and JJ were dating didn't change anything. Well, almost anything.

"So how long have you two been dating now?" Sandy asked.

"Um... two months?" JJ glanced at Will.

"Yeah, that sounds right."

"Very nice. Well, I hope you guys are being safe." Michael began to cough, choking on his bite of chicken fried steak as Will turned paper white.

"Oh no ma'am, we're... I don't... we-"

Sandy began to laugh. "Relax, I know, I'm just kidding." She caught a look from her husband and she rubbed his arm. "It was a joke, Michael."

Michael mumbled something under his breath, the words 'not funny' being audible several times.

"Would you like some cake, Will? It's German chocolate."

"That would be great. Thank you, Sandy."

"Ooh I want a piece too," JJ added in.

"Well then hop up and come get one, lazy bones. I'm not your maid."

JJ grinned and followed her mom into the kitchen, leaving Michael and Will in an uncomfortable silence

"Y'know, I think it's important-"

"We're not! We're really not, I promise." Michael raised an eyebrow and Will pressed on in a nervous rattle. "We're taking everything slow because Jayje's never had a boyfriend before. Not that I would ever pressure her into anything, no matter how many boyfriends she'd had. And I mean, not that I'm telling her what she can and can't do, she's so stubborn, no one tells her to do anything, I don't need to tell you that. Not that that's a bad thing! If anything it's one of the things I like best, I love her personality. Did I say love? I didn't mean to say love, I don't love... but that's a lie. I do love her, and I don't want to lie to you about that. I want us to have an honest understanding, about why I'm here and what I'm doing, and that's definitely JJ. I'm not doing JJ! I'm here for her, because I love her and I..." he finally petered out as Michael smiled and crossed his arms.

"I'm not worried about you, Will. You're a good guy, and I know you love JJ. Hell you've been following her around since you were kids, anyone with eyes can see how you feel about her. I know that you'll do right by her." He slowly leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "But if you don't, it's not me that you'll need to worry about. It's Sandy."

"Alright, here we go!" Sandy bustled back in and slid a plate of cake in front of the teen. She smiled at him and he weakly returned it. "What's wrong, honey? Are you not feeling well?" She rested a hand on his shoulder.

"No, I'm alright!" He turned back and made eye contact with Michael as JJ came in with her cake. "I'm just fine."

"If you say so. Dig in!"