Duet [Kiara]

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It was quite amazing how they could go from awkward tension to lighthearted joking and less serious replies. Perhaps Kiara managed to do so effortlessly because it was her way of dealing with feeling a bit off. So when Gabriel expressed his relief and mentioned the effect it could have had on his question, she had to keep herself from blurting something out. Luckily, however, the blonde managed to keep the statement to herself (for now) and instead listened to what was on Gabe’s mind. And that quite honestly took her by surprise. It was quite a serious suggestion after all… One that flattered Ki, sure, but one that stirred internal questions as well.

“I…” With an almost dumbfound look on her face, the college student gazed at him. Quite honestly, she did not need reasons nor excuses why that offer was made. Her answer would still have been the same. “I would love that.” Kiara decided with a small nod and a soft smile gracing her lips. “If your family won’t think that’s strange though. I don’t want to cause any tension…” The fact that Everett might find this weird or might disapprove didn’t occur to her yet. Her mind was starting to overwork itself on other things.

“For a second I thought you were going to propose to me.” With a joking chuckle, she recalled how nervous he had been to ask that. Of course Kiara wasn’t serious, but once more this was her habit of making such statements to get rid of her own nerves. Not that making such remark made it any less awkward in her head though. “But yes, that sounds fun. And like a privilege to get to meet the girl in your life.” While saying that, Ki took the bowl from next to him and placed it in the sink as well, just pouring some water in it, but not planning on doing the dishes till the morning after.

[Gabriel James]

"I thought we agreed I'm no proposing for another 10 years!" Gabe said with a laugh, referencing the letters they wrote and the agreement they had settled on earlier. He was glad they had so quickly gone back to joking around and lighthearted conversation. He was even more happy that Kiara accepted his offer. A smile crossed his face as the blonde took his bowl and set it in the sink.

"I wouldn't worry too much about my family," Gabe said honestly, waving off the notion that they'd find it strange. They would find it strange, that wasn't even a question. But their opinions meant little to nothing to Gabriel anymore. "Jen likes you, and she's just happy when McKenna's happy and that's all that really matters," Gabe said as he slipped off the counter.

"It's... really late," Gabe noted with a chuckle, looking over at the clock once more. It was baffling to him, really, how the time flew while he was here. He wasn't tired yet, either, but he already felt like he'd overstayed his welcome. "Maybe I should get going..." he said, gesturing over his shoulder even though the door was in the complete other direction.

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Kiara had chuckled. Gabriel did have a point and she was glad that he didn’t take her too serious or that it hadn’t made things even more awkward than intended. As for his family… Well, the words did soothe her concern some, but at the same time she was still worried that other family members would be there as well. Perhaps the timing would be inconvenient or something would upset McKenna… Doom scenarios effortlessly snuck into her head.

At least until Gabe made the indication of leaving. While the blonde’s initial reaction (which she managed to keep to herself) would have been to object, the current time might have made it creepy. But at the same time agreeing also felt like she was eager to make him go. “I figure it’s quite late…” The girl smiled sheepishly before pushing herself away from the counter again and into the bathroom where Gabe had left his shirt. In the kitchen, she neatly folded it and placed it in a small plastic bag, even though that might not have necessary.

“Otherwise I might end up claiming it,” Ki had laughed before handing it over. And then accompanied him to the door. There she held onto the side of the flat surface while Gabe stepped out and the smallest of waves was given as he slowly distanced himself. “Night. Let me know when you’re home, okay?” That would set her at ease again. Especially at this hour at night.

--- Finito ---