What's Going On Here!? -my0own0perspective and me only-

He nodded, pulling his clothes on and did as she said.

Maria tossed to him one of her bigger football jerseys, intending for him to put it on. She slid then into the living room and started to tidy up as much as possible as her mom reopened the door. "Hi sweety." "Hey mom..."

Alex put it on, smiling at the scent of her on it, and ran a hand through his hair. He stayed out of the front room, wondering when Maria wanted her mother to see him.

Maria took her mom's hand, leading her out to the deck while her dad went down to his office. "Mom... I want you to meet my boyfriend. We've been together for a while, but he hasn't really been keen on meeting you and dad just yet." Her mother arched an eyebrow. "How old is he?" "He's my age, relax." "Well then, when can he be here." Maria chuckled uncomfortably, looking quickly down then up. "He's already here?" "Well, uh.. Yeah." "What did he do?!" "Nothing! Shut up mom, please! He hasn't done anything. He's a sweet guy, and you need to accept that. Let me go get him..." She disappeared back into the house, leaving her mother a bumbling mess on the patio.

Alex stood, listening and waiting patiently for Maria to come get him.

Maria walked in, took Alex's hand, and led him out to her mom. "Mom, this is Alex. Now no harrassing him about stuff okay?"

Alex nodded politely to his mother. "It's nice to meet you," he said.

Maria sighed, smiling at her mom, who suddenly snapped out of her blasted trance. "Well, it's.. It's, uh, certainly nice to meet you too. I hope that I can trust you with my daughter..."

"Of course. I'll protect her with my life," he said, meaning it wholeheartedly.

Maria's mom smiled some, realizing that this young man was very much like her husband in more ways than a few. She nodded, relaxing for the first time in a few weeks. "Then I more than happily welcome you into our home. You may stay as long as you wish, but don't overstep your guidelines."

He smiled. "I won't, I promise."

Maria smiled, sliding effortlessly into Alex's arms. "Thanks mommy!"

Alex kissed her cheek softly, smiling happily.

Maria's mom sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Your welcome, now let me go talk to you father..."

Alex held Maria and nuzzled her gently. "Can I still sleep in your bed," he whispered once her mom walked off.

Maria smiled, turning in his arms to kiss him happily. "Mhm..."

He chuckled and kissed her happily, nuzzling her. "Good," he smiled.

"They'll be watching like hawks though..."

"I promised your mother I wouldn't step out of line. I won't break my promise," he smiled. "Not until they're gone, at least," he added in the quietest of whispers.

Maria smiled and kissed his neck gently. "I trust you..."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "And I trust you, my dearest."

Maria smiled, hugging him tightly. "I do so love you..."

He chuckled and nuzzled her, holding her close. "I love you, too."

Maria smiled, kissing him gently. "My mom triusts you. That's a huge step."

He smiled and kissed her softly. "I'm glad," he held her close.