Percy nods. A bit like that's not quite something he understands.

'Chelle smiles. "You're welcome as long as you want to be here. That's not going to change."

"What would that mean... on the long run?"

"Dad feeds you, probably figures out what to do with regards to your education, we spend an afternoon redecorating the guest room so it's less impersonal. It's funny movies on a Saturday night, and poker games, sneaking out to the swings with me in the small hours of the morning. It's knowing that even if you leave, we're just a phonecall away if you need us." She shrugs. "Alternatively: it's whatever you want it to be."

"That sounds great. Much better than what I am used to."

"Then I'm doubly glad you're here now." There's genuine warmth and truth there, and a flash of righteous fury at whoever Percy had been around before.

He ignores the fury, and smiles. "Thank you. ...things weren't bad to me ...so far."

"Well now they get better."

'Chelle smiles, leans down to set her empty mug on the ground and starts swinging herself, humming absently.

Percy finishes his own mug and offers to push her.

"Hey, why not? Lan won't."

Giggle. He starts pushing her.

She smiles, and laughs.

Eventually though, dawn starts to actually break. 'Chelle sighs. "We should possibly head back."

"Yeah." He collects the mugs. "I can see why you would do this though. It's peaceful."

"Yeah," 'Chelle agrees. "It is. Thanks for coming with me."

"Anytime you want."

"Dad might complain if it turns out he has more than one insomniac to deal with," 'Chelle teases lightly as she leads the way back to the house.

Shrug. "I won't actually become an insomniac even if I accompany you every time you take a walk at night."

"Good to know. Maybe let Dad know that when he starts giving me a hard time?" She doesn't seem too concerned about the idea.

Smirk. "Of course."

There's an older woman on the doorstep of the house 'Chelle's house is attached to. She tuts and shakes her head.

"What time is this to be gallivanting around with men, young lady?"

'Chelle rolls her eyes at Percy and mouths an apology. "Mrs Ashby, I continue to be unrepentantly ace," she says cheerfully. "And Dad knew exactly where I was!"

She's opening their front door as she speaks and pushes it open ushering Percy hurriedly inside.

Percy does not dignify the neighbor with a response. He just shrugs at 'Chelle and walks inside very quietly.

Aaren sticks his head out of the kitchen. "You two okay?"