spamalot } { of growing up and new cities

[littlebitscary]

Liam: [looking at the apartment listing, and then his mom] It's half a house.

Fiona: You're complaining?

Liam: I don't know if I can take care of a whole house. I mean, I won't have you to help.

Fiona: Guess you're going to have to grow up.

Liam: You wish.

Fiona: Hey this is already too grown up for me.

Liam: [looks up at her] It was going to happen eventually.

Fiona: I know. But it's still a little surreal.

Liam: I know.

Fiona: Don't worry. I'll get used to it.

Liam: I'm sure I will too. [leans into her a bit]

Fiona: [turns and presses a kiss to his temple] Come on. Let's get you unpacked.

Liam: [nods] Remind me to complain later at Landon for taking a dancing show this weekend.

Fiona: Will do.

Liam: [and he will open the door and... it's a mess. Obviously last year's renter didn't believe in cleaning]

Fiona: [makes a face] Guess we have some work to do.

Liam: [nose wrinkles] Do I really have to? I can call for a maid service.

Fiona: Nope. Builds character.

Liam: I'm already a character.

Fiona: Be a better one.

Liam: [sighs] Fine. Did we bring cleaning supplies?

Fiona: Of course we did.

Liam: Then I guess we may as well do it before we go look for furniture and stuff. Too bad Dad isn't here to paint.

Fiona: Maybe you can talk him into coming out here for Christmas break.

Liam: I'm sure I can get Lucy tickets for the nutcracker and he won't be able to not come.

Fiona: [she laughs] I'm sure that would work.

Liam: You okay with spending Christmas out here?

Fiona: It's not like we don't usually anyway.

Liam: And I'll come home for Thanksgiving still.

Fiona: Good.

Liam: [and he will go to find the gloves and start cleaning]

Fiona: [and she will do the same, making sure she can clean up as much as she can before she absolutely needs to take a break]

Liam: [and he will go and get some water at the bodega across the street and hold one out to her]

Fiona: [which she will take with a sigh] I'm feeling pizza. How about you?

Liam: Oh, I could eat a pie or two. Do you know a place around here?

Fiona: Yep. I'll order, you keep cleaning.

Liam: Yes Mom.

Fiona: [smiles as she picks up her phone to order the pizza]

Liam: [and he's on his knees scrubbing the floor]

Fiona: [and once the order is placed, she'll get to helping him and forty minutes later there's a knock on the door] That's the food.

Liam: I got it! [and he will be off and running to the door]

Billy: [and the door will open and his face will brighten] Liam! Hey!

Liam: Oh hey, Billy! What's happening?

Billy: Not much. [holds up the pizzas] At work.

Liam: Oh, well then I apologize on how busy I'm going to be keeping you. [waves him in] Come in, meet my mom.

Billy: Sure. [and he'll wander in, glancing at his watch] Can't stay long though, they'll want me back soon.

Liam: Yeah, yeah no I get it. Hey Mom, come meet Billy.

Fiona: [glances up with a nod] Hey, Billy.

Billy: [polite, corn-fed Iowa smile] Hey, Mrs. Hale.

Liam: Billy's a friend of Marianna's. I met him back when Landon and I were out here looking at colleges.

Fiona: Oh. Nice to meet you, then. You going to school out here too?

Billy: [nods] NYU, ma'am.

Fiona: Oh, please don't ma'am me. I'm barely managing Mrs. Hale.

Liam: She's helping me move in since Landon's off dancing.

Billy: Oh, I know. I was supposed to go to the competition before I wound up having to switch shifts with someone and I am never going to hear the end of it.

Liam: Well how about when you're off shift, you come down here and help?

Billy: I'm closing up tonight, so it won't be until around ten, ten thirty?

Liam: I don't know if we'll be back at my uncle's then. [isn't wanting to stay here by himself]

Billy: I'll text you then, and see where you're at. If you are, I can bring a really late dinner.

Liam: Awesome. [and he will pay for the food and give him a big tip too]

Billy: Thanks, man. [and off he goes to get back to work]

Fiona: He seems nice.

Liam: Yeah. Landon's got a good group of friends out here. I hit it off okay with them.

Fiona: Good. You'll have people to call if you need it, then.

Liam: Yeah. And I'll make more friends at school so it'll be fine, right?

Fiona: Yeah, you will. And you know your uncle and aunt are always going to be happy to have you.

Liam: Yeah. And Gabe's staying there while he's up at NYU so thing's be good.

Fiona: Good.

Liam: I just... it's a big thing. Not being at home.

Fiona: Yeah it is. And it's scary, at first. But you'll be okay. And we're only a phone call away.

Liam: A very long distance phone call away.

Fiona: Well, we do own a jet.

Liam: I know. Uncle Victor says I don't need to buy another.

Fiona: No, you don't.

Liam: Even if it would be cool.

Fiona: It would. But no.

Liam: Fine.

Fiona: And even if the jet's not available, all you have to do is ask and we'll buy you a plane ticket.

Liam: I know. And you don't have to buy it for me, mom. I can handle myself.

Fiona: I'm just saying.

Liam: I know. And I love you too, Mom.

Fiona: [smiles as she reaches for a slice of pizza] Let's eat.

Liam: [and he will dig in.]

Fiona: [and so will she]

Liam: [and he is going to yawn when he's done.]

Fiona: [smirks a bit] Worn out, huh?

Liam: A bit. I just need a nap.