Thea

I was a little nervous about having Will over since he's the first guy that I've brought home but jeez I really had nothing to worry about. My family loves him.

He's currently sitting on the couch in between my Dad and Uncle chatting about football and whatever is going on, on the screen in front of them. I really expected my Dad to be somewhat cold to him but turns out they have a lot in common. They both like to go fishing, watch a bunch of sports and are both very handy around the house.

Huh. Who would of thought that Will would be handy. The guy has grown up with people working around his house 24/7 so I didn't think he would have the chance to even find out that he's handy. Guess I know who to go to if I have any problems in my future apartment during junior and senior year.

"Soo, Will is really cute and your Dad seems to like him" one of my Aunts whispers next to me with an arch of an eyebrow

"We're just friends" I say back to her with a shake of my head then stuff my mouth with some mashed potatoes to end the subject

I know she's trying to get some information out of me and our "relationship". I can see the stars in her eyes in hopes of some gossip she can share to her friends about her niece and her new "cute boyfriend".

A roar of laughter from the men makes me look over again at Will and I can see him explaining something, clearly passionate by whatever the subject is by the way his hands are moving.

Sometimes my family worries about me being far away at school by myself even though they know all my roommates. Since they now know Will is up there too they seem to feel more at ease just because he's a guy. Kinda sexist, I know, but I'm sure they think he can protect me from whatever dangers are out there in the world. But the thing is, I know he would protect me so they're not wrong.

Vivian and I are sitting in another room watching a Christmas movie, away from all the men and they're yelling over the game when I feel a big body plop next me. My senses are automatically attacked by his scent and I immediately know who it is.

"Hey guys, whatcha watching?" Will asks while draping his arm over the back of the sofa behind me

I like how he feels comfortable enough to roam my house without me. He's also not afraid to start up a conversation with any of my family members. I can tell that he genuinely wants to get to know them.

"Some trashy Christmas Hallmark movie, that I'm enjoying. This guy already proposed to her and they've known each other for like a month. I hate and love these movies at the same time." Vivian says while munching on some chips. I don't know how she's still eating but I'm completely stuffed from dinner.

Vivian has been acting very nonchalant around Will but as soon as he's not in the room, she gushes about how he's great boyfriend material. Even if I did view him in that way, he's definitely not ready for a relationship. He seems to enjoy his countless strings of hookups without having to deal with a clingy girlfriend.

"Hmm, the trashier the better. I like to make fun of these movies with my sister. They're terrible but make for good commentary." Will, says

I laugh, "I didn't think you would bother subjecting yourself to one of these. Even for your sister."

He puts his hands on his chest with a fake hurt look on his face. "Hey, I'm multidimensional. I can be a manly man and still watch these romancy movies."

"Manly men don't tear up at slightly spicy foods like you do" I mention

"I'm white and my family ate minimal spicy foods so don't blame me for that" he says, putting his hands up like he's surrendering

Vivian and I snicker in response.

A few hours pass with my family gone to their respective homes and my parents are sleeping. Convincing my parents for Will to stay wasn't even necessary. They liked him so much they offered, probably excited for him to visit again. My mom was ready to give up her special egg roll recipe to him when Will mentioned how much he loved them. She hasn't even offered to give it to me yet.

We're sitting in the living room with the fire place going and the tv volume on low. I haven't felt this content since before I started stressing about school. I'm wrapped up nice and warm in a fuzzy throw blanket with my legs in Will's lap.

"So, what did you think of today?" I ask

Will leans back settling himself into the couch more.

"Your family is amazing, T. I'm happy you're surrounded by people who really love you. Your grandma kept filling my plate up with food too."

"Yeah, they're the best." I say with a smile on my face

"So, have any guys in this town that chased after you?"

"Definitely not. Guys weren't interested in me around here." I snicker

"What?" He asks in disbelief

"I've always been a little insecure. It doesn't help that I don't look like the girls around here which kinda just made me more insecure. Things are definitely better now but I'm not always confident in myself, especially around guys."

"What about me? I'm a guy and you don't seem to hold yourself back around me."

"You're different. You're like the least judgemental person I know so I just feel- I don't know? More comfortable around you?"

He taps one of my knees.

"I'm happy you feel comfortable around me. You can always come to me for anything."

The following morning, my mom packed some leftovers for Will and I to take back to school. Classes don't start until Monday and even though it's only Thursday and although I could stay longer, I don't want to make Will drive back to school by himself and I don't want to push it with my parents for him to stay another night or so.

We chat the whole way back. He tells me about how disconnected he is from his family and I tell him more about the way I grew up. I feel like he knows me better than anyone and I can't help but think he's become one of my best friends. My roommates don't even know how deep my insecurities run and how awkward I can feel in my own body at times. It's kind of hard to tell them everything when they're so confident themselves. They know but they don't know all of it.

I can't help but hope that our friendship lasts forever. I'm not sure what I would do without him.