"We'll cue it up for when Dad's finished cooking," 'Chelle says. "S'one of his favourites."

"Y'can if you want, but I'm okay without."

Decisions. Deep down all he "wants" is to stay. He doesn't know these people well enough to figure that out, but he is sure they are going to keep him for a few days. So he makes his shoulder shrug. "Likewise."

"-Y'know what, you can help chop things, that way I don't slice my own fingers off and cause a need for an impromptu trip to hospital."

Percy beams. "Of course."

Kitchen! Aaren gives Percy some vegetables to cut, and a few instruction on how they should be cut.

Percy pays attention and follows the instructions. When he makes a mistake that Aaren catches (never something too terrible), he pauses for a moment and follows the instructions more precisely. He does that without Aaren need to speak.

Aaren notices, but doesn't actually mention anything. And in short order: stir fry!

He hands two bowls to Percy. "Let's go join Lan and 'Chelle. There's plenty more if you're still hungry afterwards, help yourself."

Percy beams and obeys

(If Percy noticed the noticing, he doesn't visibly react to it.)

'Chelle has Lan pinned on the sofa and is trying to get the remote off him.

"We interrupting?" Apparently this is a fairly common occurrence.

"Nah, now you're here we can begin. 'Chelle, food."

"Ooh," 'Chelle abandons pinning Lan. "Food, gimme."

Percy chuckles at the sight and offers the most appetizing food bowl to 'Chelle.

She grins at him, "Thank you, kind sir."

Aaren chuckles and gives Lan the other bowl he's carrying as he passes and settles into the chair on the far side of the room, leaving the one near the door for Percy.

He takes the cue and seats himself, positioning so he can look at everyone else in the room. He starts eating mechanically, but pays attention to everyone's taking bites of their bowls like they are eating a vastly different and superior meal.

(Unless someone catches him and feels uncomfortable, then he will stop.)

'Chelle flashes him another grin as Lan hits play, and kicks her legs over Lan's lap as she eats.

Lan winks at him, and pokes 'Chelle's leg before eating himself.

Percy grins at her. He will divide his attention and also watch the movie, of course.

'Chelle finishes first. "Should we get the spare bed cleared?" she asks, tilting her head back to look at her Dad.

"I don't mind sleeping on the couch or clearing the bed myself. I don't mind house chores."

"This might just be the start of a beautiful friendship," 'Chelle teases lightly. "But really, you're a guest. It's the least I can do on your first night. C'mon, Lan."

"Why am I being volunteered for this right after dinner?" Lan complains, but his tone is amused.

Oh, good. Gratitude is always so hard, but he can do amused. "I don't think she is giving you a choice."