Steve’s brows rose at his friend’s mild teasing. “No, man, I didn’t - “ He cut himself off with a sigh. That was exactly how it sounded, didn’t it. Like her staying overnight meant things happened. “I didn’t mean it like that. She’s a friend that’s a girl, and we were just watching movies and stuff. She crashed on the couch.” Why he felt the need to explain, he wasn’t sure. Things had the chance of getting physical with her, both seemed to acknowledge it in their own, unspoken, way. The problem was that he wasn’t sure he wanted that. That usually ruined friendships, and Marissa had been part of his life for the past few years. [i]But...[/i]
 
Things were changing. Not necessarily between him and her, but definitely in his world. It wasn’t just him and Ethan renting this apartment together. It was Ethan’s sister too. There was adjustments to be made. Things that were both familiar - living with a younger girl - but it was still change. Maybe changing two things at once might be good. 
 
“Don’t worry so much about Olivia. It’s good to get your mind back on track with work, but when you’re not here - I can help. I don’t have to travel for work, and it’ll be easy enough for me to check in with her. Maybe - like - if there’s weekends you’ll be away, or during school breaks if you gotta go, I can try to arrange with my parents to let my sis come out.” He shrugged. “That’d be easy enough to help if she doesn’t connect with school.” 
 
He chuckled at the mention of trying to avoid having Olivia leech onto him. “One sister is enough for me, thanks.” Giving Ethan a solid pat on his arm, Steve smiled a bit more. “That’s my guy. I’m sure things will settle and everyone will adapt. These things just take time.” 
 
Even with the cheerful mood they were taking, he couldn’t help but yawn. A quick scrub of his face as he glanced at the clock, and a tired smile stuck around as he dropped his hand. “I don’t mean to cut the reunion short, but if I don’t head to bed now, I might not make it there.” He gave his friend another pat on the arm as he walked past. “It’s great that you’re back, though. Even with Marissa here a few nights, it’s been pretty empty and I’m sure as hell not used to having a place all to myself for so long.” 

After offering Ethan another soft smile, Steve headed for his own room to get ready for bed.