Thread: More Than Blood [Saria & Banter]

Kai neatly stacked his presents to one side as he opened them, glad at least that the clothes his mother bought him this time were black or dark green even if they weren't t-shirts. He could use the new hoodie if the rain was an indication of cooler weather on the way. He picked up the card from their grandmother, smiling faintly and hoping she was doing well. He'd call her later and make sure. He picked up the present and opened the box, nearly dropping it as he stared at the watch, hardly believing she'd given it to him. He'd always loved it and had always tried to sneak it away when they'd visited. He swallowed hard and lightly ran a finger over it, surprised beyond words it had gone to him over their father or Dietrich. He blinked up at Dietrich, glaring and not bothering to respond to that. He learned just fine, thanks. He closed the box and set it in his lap, unwilling to let go of it right then, as he eyed the last present. If it was from his brother, he wasn't sure he really wanted to open it, though it couldn't get any worse than condoms. He twitched at the words, wondering if this was Dietrich's unsubtle way of coaxing him into college, though his brother always seemed to have some deeper, ulterior motives when it came to the books he gave. Lauren nudged his arm when he didn't reach for the last present, though he still made no move to open it. He was only seventeen. Why did he have to figure out where he was going or what he'd do with himself now? Maybe in another year, after he'd graduated, taken a break, gotten a taste of the world. He rubbed his fingers over the box in his lap and waited for the room to clear before taking the presents up to his room with Lauren's help. He tucked the box onto the top shelf of his bookcase and dumped the rest on his desk to organize later. He glanced back as Lauren hooked her arms around him. Do you want your preseeent? We could put those condoms to use, she said with a seductive lilt to her voice. Kai flushed again and glanced towards the door. They'll come looking for us, he murmured, heart skipping a few beats at the thought of his wish coming true so soon, though he knew it was only asking for trouble if they tried. Maybe tomorrow? he suggested, pressing a kiss to her pouting lips before pulling away to head back downstairs. He grabbed his bag and they settled into the oversized chair together, only half paying attention to the books and notebooks they spread across their laps. He couldn't help but glance at his brother as he talked, unwilling to admit it really was a fascinating topic. How long had it been since they'd all just... sat and talked like a normal family? His brother was pretty much the only one who could make that happen. With Dietrich gone, he spent most of his time in his room or playing his video games when his parents weren't using the TV. They didn't like his decisions lately and if he gave them a chance, they'd more than take the opportunity to lecture him, so he made a point not to be stuck alone with them longer than necessary. He hardly even noticed how late it was getting until he noticed Lauren's head on his shoulder, tilting his head to rest his cheek against her hair before shifting his shoulder. She sat up with a start. I'm awake, she mumbled before yawning. Uh huh. Come on I'll walk you home, Kai murmured, stacking the books beside the chair before standing and stretching with a yawn of his own.