[center][h2]Leiren Collab Part 2 Home Alone[/h2][/center] The end of Leith’s shift couldn’t come soon enough, work took agonisingly longer than usual with Ceren sitting there, innocently enough, but so darn tempting. Finally the shift ended and Ben and Nick waved Leith off, Leith didn’t take a moment's pause to drag Ceren over to the pick-up truck, pulling him up into the cab section of the car. Heated kissing erupted, the shyness in their relationship long since forgotten, they’d been together long enough that hesitancy had melted away, plus, living with Leith’s family had really put a damper on things, when they finally got a moment to themselves, it was more often than not very physical and tactile. Hands and lips exploring each other quite liberally before breaking for a moment to catch their breaths. [b]”We should get back”[/b] Leith admitted reluctantly. Aunt May might have started on the dinner, and he didn’t like to make things difficult to her by showing up late. Little did he know there was no one home for dinner, they’d all gone to be with Richard. [b]”Twenty minutes,”[/b] Ceren panted softly, tugging Leith back into him. Their lips collided once more, Ceren tugging the other into the cabin of the truck. Lips moved expertly along a scruffy jaw, thoroughly enjoying the burning of short hairs scraping against his lips and tongue. He nipped along his lovers neck, smirking when he got to [i]just[/i] the right place. Teeth sank into the curve of warm flesh, knowing he’d get Leith to agree now. [b]”Twenty minutes and we’ll go,”[/b] he swore in a breathy whisper. [b]”Uhuh- twenty-”[/b] Leith agreed, or rather, he had no choice [i]but[/i] to agree, Ceren had located the spot that made Leith’s knees weak and he was powerless to resist and yet to build up an immunity to this damned trick. Of course, still parked out the back of the garage,the “staff only” parking, meant they wouldn’t be disturbed or get ticketed for public indecency, Leith didn’t park out on the street where they’d get into trouble. The back of the truck wasn’t necessarily … romantic … Heck, Leith would likely never have proposed sex in his truck if there wasn’t any other alternative. Before moving in with his mom, they had comfy, clean areas … His truck was not one of those areas, it was cramped littered with tools and parts from time to time. He kept it clean enough but it was hard to keep a fresh valet feel when he was working most of the time. Granted, it had enough space to do the deed, and relative privacy compared to his home at least. A little over twenty minutes later, as Ceren had guestimated, they were done … Having fuck all time for fucking had made them surprisingly quick at getting off given the chance, though Leith missed being able to take his time, any time they could have was blessing enough. He was surprised to find the house quiet when they pulled into the driveway at home. [b]“Mom? Aunt May? Bails? Tar?” [/b] No responses. He looked around the silent, darkened house, flicking on lights as he went. Sure enough, on the fridge was a note from mom. Leith was half annoyed, half ecstatic. [indent][indent][indent]Richard invited us to dinner this afternoon, feel free to stop by if you can make it. Some cash for you and Ceren to have dinner together. ❤ Mom.[/indent][/indent][/indent] [b]“Cer, no one’s home. They went out for dinner.” [/b] [center][h2]Dinner Prt 2 Grey, Si & Spud[/h2][/center] [b]“Do they have pizza and chips?”[/b] Bailey asked, high-end cuisine didn’t quite cater to her young, fast-food-loving palette. Potato chips and whatever was on top of her pizza was pretty much the majority of the vegetables that Bailey ate. [b]“I don’t think so sweetie” [/b]May said gently, scanning the menu. There wasn’t a snowballs chance in hell Bailey would dare eat sushi or squid, maybe she’d settle for chicken katsu … at the very least it was sort of like regular western chicken … maybe she’d be convinced to have some noodles too, but she was incredibly fussy. Japanese cuisine wasn’t exactly the most popular for kids Bailey’s age in the US!! They lived on pizza, McDonalds and burritos. Pizza and chips? At a place like this? Oh poor dear, your social class is showing. Richard smiled, looking down at the options, wedged over to one tiny corner was a more westernized flare which surely Meri was eye for her kids. Not a whole lot of choices, either something from the kitchen at best, maybe some sort of fried rice or teppanyaki’d chicken. But certainly no pizza or chips, at least to the best of Richard’s concern yet if Bailey really wanted it he was sure he could get the kitchen to prepare something special for her with a bit of pushing. Taron's eyes were glued to his phone. He was awaiting a text from his girlfriend, barely paying attention to his family. With the new addition to his gaming devices, the idea of telling Ceren popped into his mind. Taron was sure Ceren and his brother were far too busy with each other to get a reply but he figured he may as well tell him. Ceren was his best friend after all. Quick fingers tapped against his screen, text spelling itself out word by word. It wouldn't be a secret that they went out to dinner with Richard so Taron felt no need to keep the gift a secret. He and Ceren would just share snarky jokes about it anyways. Although, Taron would admit it was nice to be showered with gifts, shown that someone thought about him. [b] “Who are you texting? Is it your giiirrrllllffffrrrriiiieeennndddd?”[/b] Bailey teased, leaning over to try and see her brothers phone. She made kissy-face noises and May shot her a serious look. [b]“Bailey, please behave, we are at the dinner table” “No, It’s Cer,”[/b] Taron shrugged his sister away, glaring at her from the corner of his eye. His gaze flickered to his mother for a moment, curious about her reaction before he returned it to his phone, message sent. [b]“Fine” [/b]he sighed. It was going to be a long dinner. Bailey and Taron were, well a handful at times. Taron with his girl, Bailey, well she was the youngest. But thank gods for May or else Meredith would have to handle all three children tonight. Still Taron seemed to be too busy with his phone to even begin to think about dinner, Bailey was all too busy bothering her brother and quite possibly there was nothing that would seem appetizing for her. [b]“Taron, put it away. Please.”[/b] A stern motherly voice disapproved of texting at the table. Although Richard had his phone out and set on the countertop. Only adults evidently got to play with their phones at dinner time. Eyes returned to his mother, rolling around in annoyance. Honestly, Taron wondered if she could get any more hypocritical. He didn’t exactly listen, putting the phone in his lap where she couldn’t see, but he didn’t openly not listen either. He could practically hear Leith scolding him now. [b] “How about we split something Bailey sweetie? Uh I think the Chicken Katsu or the Teriyaki Chicken? Oh there’s a Chicken Katsu and Tempura Shrimp Bento combo, you get fried rice, Tempura Shrimp, Chicken Katsu, Tempura veggies, uh sweet potato salad or kombu salad, not sure what kombu salad is, and California or Philadelphia rolls, I think those are not raw fish ones right May? Richard? And house salad with ginger dressing and miso soup. Oh and look Bailey you get uh… A choice of Yuzu Sorbert or Green tea Ice cream. Wow, that’s a lot of food. How does sound sweetie? How about you Taron? Or did you want to split something with Aunt May?” “Oh Meri, Taron’s big enough to get his own meal, and so can Bailey. What they don’t finish you can take home I’m sure. If not don’t worry about it, let the kids order themselves, May any particular champagne you prefer? Meri? We can always get two bottles and compare which if you ladies has better taste.”[/b] A light-hearted chuckle, as Meri uncomfortable laughed along with Richard as her eyes darted quickly to her sister, can you believe this guy? [b]“I”ll take the Surf and Turf with fried rice please. Oh and a platter of Gyoza for the table, and some fatty tuna Nigiri, let’s say eight? Maybe the kids want to try, and a Kirin for me please. Ask the ladies what sort of bubbly for the table. Do you kids want anything else? Don’t be shy, just ask Uncle Richard and he’ll get it for you. Especially you princess. That Tiara looks perfect on you, make you never let mommy borrow it okay? She might want one for herself...”[/b] Taron….wanted to puke. Uncle Richard? Seriously? Sure, he didn’t hate the guy like Ceren did, but he wasn’t his number one fan. The Uncle Richard bit was over the top, a small smile gracing Taron’s lips as he thought of what his friend would say. His eyes glanced to the gaming console ‘Uncle Richard’ had gotten him, his smile faltering a moment. He couldn’t be that bad but, his gaze turned to the man with too much money and a smooth tongue, the things he said about his brother…. [b]“Oh Rick, you really shouldn’t spoil them so much. All the gifts and the dinner, we’re just a simple family really…”[/b] There was nothing simple about their family. The Meyer’s, still somehow sticking with the last name, probably since it was such a hassle to go through a legal name change, that Meredith kept her husband’s name, plus the kids all had his name. There was Leith, and Ceren, Taron and Bailey, May, Meredith all living in a house meant for five. It would all work out if Ceren.. May could take Meredith’s room, Meredith could sleep with Bailey, Taron had his room and Leith had his room. Ceren and Leith, thinking of them even at a place they weren’t at, how did they manage to always be on her mind? Nevermind them for now, tonight maybe, just maybe through the magic of Richard’s bank accounts, they’d be able to enjoy some semblance of a normal family life, even if it was the good life. [b]“I think that selection sounds lovely Richard” [/b]May said sweetly, the sooner they stuffed themselves, the sooner Meredith could get home and put her feet up and relax for just a little while. She more than deserved that. [b]“Fatty tuna?” [/b]Bailey mumbled, wrinkling her nose in distaste. [b]“Just give it a try dear, you might like it” [/b]May suggested, trying to placate the fussy young one. [b]“I’ll have Leith order some take out and if you don’t like anything you can have that when you get back”[/b] she whispered, Bailey perked up a little at the suggestion. At least that was one less thing for Meredith to fret about. May tapped out a message on her phone beneath the table, quickly, discretely. [indent][i]”Order take-out for Bailey, and enough for Taron too in case, we’ll be back later. May x”[/i][/indent] Leith would obviously find the request strange since Meredith left a note saying they went out for dinner, but he’d oblige regardless … if he wasn’t otherwise ‘occupied’ and didn’t check his phone … [b] “One champagne ought to do us Richard”[/b] she smiled sweetly, gliding smoothly as ever, for Meredith’s sake. [b]“I’m sure the whole wine menu is delightful, but anything will go down a treat. How about number seven? Perrier? Sounds like it’ll go well with the gyoza”[/b] May scanned the wine list and picked a mid-range wine that wasn’t too strong, Meredith had already had a drink this morning at the house and there was no need for them to get too tipsy now. Meredith liked to keep her wits about her around Richard. Her sister nodded in agreement to Richard’s glance at his girl. [b] “Can I try some?” [/b]Bailey asked perkily. [b] “Sur-” “No Sweetie, it’s for adults, you wouldn’t like it.” [/b]A gentle but firm no, as Meredith gave Richard a look. Really? Really Richard? She’s not even old enough to drive! Maybe if Taron ask for some Meredith might, MIGHT, let him have a sip just to see how it tastes, but Bailey? She was just a little girl, [b]“That’s that Bailey, and I’m sure Richard wants to keep us both happy tonight doesn’t he?”[/b] [b] “Of course, maybe we can see if there’s some sparkling juices for you princess. Or would you like some fizzy sodas? Tell the waitress what you want to order Princess. And if you want any desserts you tell Uncle Richard, I’m sure I can convince your Mom she doesn’t have to worry about it since I’m buying after all.”[/b] Beaten and cut off at this turn, but how the tables were turned. Reading between the lines, Meredith was put back in her place by Richards slightly snarky comment which would probably go over Bailey’s head, maybe Taron might catch it, but certainly May and Meredith would understand Richard was throwing his wallet around. [b]“May, I’m going for the Shrimp and Salmon combo. Looks pretty nice. And not too overwhelming. Everything on the menu seems to have at least half a dozen things. Plus Rick’s got us appetizers and sushi. We might even have enough to take home…”[/b] For Leith to try. He deserved it just as much as her other kids, working hard to keep them afloat somehow, him and May both deserved this dinner more than she did. Finally, the complicated order was made, the awkward dinner could commence. As awkward as family dinners could be at home, May thought that this one took the cake. It wasn’t right with two faces absent from the table that simply should have been there. Even though dinners at home could be filled with awkward silences, at least everyone was there (some of the time at least, Meredith didn’t make it to every family dinner but she damn well tried). Ceren was never rude at the dinner table, even though May had her reservations about the young gay couple, she couldn’t fault Ceren for his manners, she’d take dinner with him over Richard’s toxic attitude any day. Champagne arrived and May politely toasted, what else could she do. Bailey knew things got worse with Richard and Leith when one or the other was around each other … It was almost an unwritten rule that you simply didn’t mention Leith wherever possible if Richard was in a mood. Still, she knew her brother ought to have been with them and she also knew he was old enough to drink. [b]“You’d probably let Leith have some” [/b]Bailey quipped as May set down her champagne flute.